THE WENDY HUT OUR CHILDREN’S CORNER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 14 (Supplement)

THE WENDY HUT OUR CHILDREN’S CORNER

My

Dear Children

Gracious, goodness! But here ive arc in the month of Apnl, the fourln month of tvhat seemed only a brief few weeks ago, the New Year, 1933. How swiftly the time has flown and should it continue in its headlong flight. aril has seemed to do, it will not be long before it will soon be Chiistmas again; Speaking of the passage of time brings us to a realisation that winter is close at hand, and I notice that Master Jack Frost has already paid several visits to some of our clan who live in the highlands. Ugh! even to mention Jack Frost sends shivers through me, but winter must come before we can welcome the sunny days of summer, and so, even although dark clouds hide the sunshine, remember that on the other side of those same gloomy clouds King Sol holds high court, and is just waiting to send his fondly rays to greet and cheer you when summer-time comes again. Such splendid news Ive received to-day! Further paiticulars nave been forwarded by our "H’hite Forget-me-not” re the function our lie's dear mother is sponsoring in honour of our Old Brigade. The gathering, tier “While Forget-me-not’s” letter, is, as near as can be, at the moment contemplated, set down to take place sometime in the month of May, and judging from a hint or two our lie gives everyone is going to have the time of their lives. In the meantime 1 would like all those of the Old Brigade who will be attending to send me their names in order that the number expected may be known and also provided for. Taler, I Will be able to publish more definite information as it comes to hand. So, Iles of our Old Btigadc, please send in your names as soon as you can. 1 have abeady received some, i.e„ “Grandaddy.” “Lady Elf" and "Desert Song" (probable). A matter brought before my notice last Letterland Day is placed at the head of the list of notices for me to discuss with you to-day. You will by now, of course, have read last week s issue and taken note of the hint ow worthy “Clementina" has set out in her letter re the war we are waging upon the while butterfly pest. Our Its points out that we might pay attention to the grub of the butterfly, which is to be found on plants. An excellent suggestion, “Clementina,’* and one which we will put into practice immediately our hour of Make-beheve is over. So, will you, children, when catching the butterflies, devote attention to the grubs as well? If the grubs arc destroyed there can be no butterflies, and that would, of course, eradicate the pest more rapidly than the destroying of the butterfly itself. You see, once the butterfly has taken wing it cannot be prevented, until it is caught, from laying many hundreds of eggs, which eventually become the grubs responsible for so much damage to our crops and gardens. Let me see, the next matter I want to bring before your notice ere I pass fo others is to congratulate the large number of you who have taken such a keen interest in the Children's Carden Circle of which “Carnatio” is the leader. This activity is one that should receive everyone's support and cooperation. for, apart from the interest there is in growing flowers, and the excellent pastime it provides, I think there is really nothing more beautiful than the cultivation of flowers. All flowers are beautiful, and even the most 'nsignifii ant possess marvels of beauty, if one cares to look closely and study the miracle Danic Nature performs, even among her lesser subjects. With such thoughts and examples of beauty and purity, one's life and character cannot but be moulded accordingly, and when one is young, one s mind is much more easily influenced by these same beautiful lessons to be learned from a study of our friends, the flowers What a Wonderful world Would be ours were it peopled by nations who taught their children to live to be citizens whose lives were governed by the purity, beauty and love to be found in the Kingdom of Flowers. Just think! A world of people governed by fondly thoughts and actions, together with an abiding love and consideration for all their fellow-. No misery, no strife, no unhappiness, no sorron —only happiness and joy! Thinking as I do, cherubs, and well knowing the value and Worth of the Influence of flowers for all that is good and noble, I commend “Carnatio’s' Garden Circle to you. and I hope “Carnatio" map also have your parents assistance m his splendid work- A Work such as Carnatio s requires much time and expense, too, dears, and Vou would really be surprised at the number of public-spirited citizens, of not only the city of Wanganui. but also the suburbs and rural districts, who have come forward with offers of assistance to aid “Carnatio" and make it possible for those who care to participate in such a beautiful and Wondrous sphere of activity. I hope all children who are “Carnatio’s” band of followers, are as attentive and considerate for “Carnatio’s" wishes and desires as you, my children, are for mine. Now, I wonder how many of you were the victims of jokers on April I ? Usually there are not many who are always on their guard against the foolery that for many, many years has always been practised upon All Fools Day, and provided this fun is accepted in the right spirit much laughter is usually the result of harmless pranks played among one’s immediate circle of acquaintances. Lately, however, the honouring of many old customs is fast passing away, which is. after all, rather a pity, 1 think, because after all if is these same time-worn customs lhai arc so vital and necessary if a nation wishes to presave its traditional characteristics and individuality. I, for one, woulc like to see them revived, and I do not think I am alone when I express that wish, either. Some time ago 1 made an appeal io you for assistance for oui Just Derry,’* who was 'he victim of Dame Fortune’s wiles, and our Worthy “Well Wisher,” of Marlon, responded by offering "Just Derry a situation in her household. This fondly offer of “Well Wisher’s" temporarily solved “Just Derry's" difficulties and again our merry lie and her dear mother ask us to help them in the matter of securing a situation somewhere nearer the city they love so well. 1 assured them that if anyone of us could help them we Would. Would you please read our “Jus! Derry’s' letter in this issue, dears, and if you can assist, or know of a situation the like of which “Just Derry” md her mother seefo Would you send word to me? 1 should be most grateful jideed. And now. our hour of Make-believe is al an end and I must be off to the Land of Reality. 11l my warmest love and kisses to you from your ever affectionate —