“COWS” AS NURSEMAID

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

“COWS” AS NURSEMAID

Dear Wendy,—While it is on my mind I may’ as well continue my’ account of adventures as nursemaid. When I took him in charge, Bubs had just turned two years ofd, just the age for mischievousness and playfulness. His day started by his awaking, and finding no-one by his bedside, stood up and rocked ancr rocked, so that his nursemaid would come and fetch him. When she did arrive he would not bo lifted out until his playmates “Teddy” (bear) and “Bow Wow” (dog) had been kissed, “Hullo ‘Teddy’ or ‘Bow Wow,’ how are you?” That was a very important duty both with arising and retiring, too, when they had to be bidden good-night and tucked in with him. After his wash and breakfast, he persisted in helping to wash t 1 dishes. He bought me the bowl and tray, set them ready and then if ne had a chance he would put the utensils in the bowl. He was rather rough at this, as he was too tiny to roach and just threw them in. Not to be beaten the dear little chappie investigated into the bottom of his mummy’s cupboard and found a biscuit’ tin to stand on, thus solving his difficulty. He tlien stood up and watched until the spoons were washed as he learnt they were the only things he could wipe. Of course, behind his back they were wiped, prior to his getting them, but on dear! it would never do to let him know that. That was where he made himself so lovable (and also where he mostly always got into trouble) it was his wonderful little heart always wanting to help, so unusual for a child so young. Washing-up finished he helped to collect the mats ready- for sweeping. The little mats and very- big ones were thrown outside and dusted, but there was one he simply’ sat down on each day’ and waited to be pulled outside on it. Didn’t he love that little vide, too. He usually’ amused himself then for the rest of the morning collecting chips in his wheelbarrow (which in his imagination was a motorcar that spluttered, backfired, jerked, had a horn, and did everything cars did, even to being parked. He took “Teddy” and “Bow Wow” for a daily- outing, too. Often they had to be wrapped in shawls and blankets to be kept warm. Another daily performance his nurse had to go through was to dance with him to gramophone music. He was also a great help at bringing in the cows. Wc had no dogs and human voices played a great part in their bailing up. Bubs picked up a stick, ran behind them, also lending his voice to coax them along. He played horses by riding a stick round the yard and when lie tired of that, perched himself down beside the milker and took great interest in all proceedings. He always carted in the kindling wood, and helped to cart the bigger lots. But, goodness, Wendy-, he wasn’t the angel he has appeared so far in my letter. I have only written his good points, a few of them. They are nice little things, too, aren’t they 7 for a two-year old? Now, to bring in his more mischievous doings and make him appear a really normal child. For a start one morning he picked a handful of mother’s choicest flowers, some she had been taking groat care of and also all were picked with no stem at all and could not be pur In a vase. I cleaned out the stove another day, ami I returned after emptying out the ashes and soot and there was Bubs squatted in front of the stove, rake in hand, scraping out some ashes that had lodged behind the pan r.nd oh! I couldn’t describe the mess, ho, the floor and hearth were in! My birthday 7 came and went while I was thus employed in child-minding, and I was the recipient: of a box of chocolates. Bubs knew I had them and he was given as many as was thought wise. Feeling tired after washing, I sprawled out on the couch with a book and endeavoured to read, giving my companion another book to play with. Ho didn’t settle down with that, though, but wanted me to play with him. Seeing I wouldn’t

“TENNIS RACQUETS SUFFER IN WAR ON WHITE BUTTERFLIES,” VIDE “DADDY’S SWEETHEART'S” ACTIVITY. Dear Wendy,—l just had a little thought. I do believe something queer is happening to tne. Ares, it’s true, this sleeping sickness is leaving me. Well, let’s rub my eyes, have a stretch, — oh yes!—and a yawn, too. I think I had better pinch myself to see if it is really- true. “Montana Moon” has set about to cure us of this nasty disease She has set things going alright—why —a new Ite already. Welcome “Wangachu Beauty,” wc are pleased to meet you. In fact, I believe I met you recently at the 5.30 train, if I am not mistaken. However, I am afraid your age is a trifle ahead of your years.— Your “beauty,” I do not doubt, ahem* Although do leave the “beast” out of the picture until you are a little older. Well, Wendy, “‘Montana Moon” remarked that she often sees me gazing wistfully after the 5.30 train. She is well off the mark there. Cheerfully, she should have said. The smiles I get whilst at the station keep me smiling all the while. Now, “V” of Ratana, I don’t want you to suffer from a swelled head. The emilcs I get are mostly from our dear old “Jolly Jumbo.” (?) “Sparkling Eyes.” I know you are more than sparkling, just about bubbling over, these days. “Wangaehu Beauty” is evidently not very observant. “M.M.” a willing big brother is always on hand to take “His” place on Sunday afternoons, so there’s no need for “S.E.” to be downhearted. In fact, I think you would rather like to be in her place sometimes. Well- Wendy, you should sec our tennis racquets, both have suffered during the war against white butterflies. Afost of the little boys around Wangaehu seem to be doing their part in helping to exterminate this pest. It is quite a fascinating pastime. As I don’t wish to take too much of your valuable space, I will say ‘cheerio’ for the present. Kind regards to all.— From ‘ ‘ DADDY’S SWEETHEART, ’ ’ Wendywillows.

Goodness, gracious mo, but can it really be you, dear. I began to despair of ever hearing from you again. What surprises your letter holds for. many of our clan. I am glad you have taken up the cudgels against the white butterfly pest also. —Wendy.

he promptly sat on my feet, then, moved up a bit, then again aud so on, every time he moved ho rose and sat down as hard as possible in a higher position. I became too doubled up with laughter to help myself, especially when he sat on my chest, finally sitting on my face. Seeing he couldn’t go any further he continued bumping up and down until he was tired. ’’ o couch being narrow it was a very dangerous thing to attempt pushing him off, as he would most probably fall to the floor. I did get him off finally and he went away, t became engrossed in my story and did not trouble him, but after about an hour of perfect peace I decided it was time I investigated. I found him in my room. There was an empty chocolate box and a very sticky choeolatey boy to tell a sad tale. He wasn’t as near as ill as I thought he’d be. They were good chocs, thank goodness! But there, I should have told you about washing day. The whites were attended to alright, aud then I picked out the heavier coloureds and put them in a tub (one of these galvanised hand baths, really). I decided it would be a good idea to treadle them and so save a little scrubbing. All went well until Bubs appeared. Seeing me having what appeared to be a good splash he showed that nothing would he right again unless he was in the tub. too. Seeing no harm in it 1 lifted him in. He splashed for a while and then there was a yell—Ahem! Need I say more He was just soaking and had to be changed immediately. Y’cs, he slipped and fell in. Prior to this, when I was lighting the copper fire he had attempted to help there wonderfully. It was a slow drawing fire and needed a groat deal of coaxing (also countless numbers of matches, paper, and kerosene). Bubs soon learnt how to use the kerosene pump and inado a nuisance of himself by running along with some just as he wasn’t wanted. As he spilt and wasted such a lot I put the tin high up out of his reach. The lire at last went and .1 sailed away feeling that all was well. Imagine those same feelings when 1 arrived on the scene again to find my charge pouring water on to my lire! 1 almost cried with surprise one morning when that young man came from his father’s bedroom with a cigarette butt, in his mouth and a cheeky grin on his face It was an awful puzzle to the little chap. His daddy had false teeth, his mummy and so did I (top set) and Bubs, after seeing us cleaning ours daily, couldn’t make out why his teeth wouldn’t come out, too. lie had a craze for clocks. While in my charge, he got hold of his daddy’s alarm clock that had been carelessly left within reach and broke a hand off it. I came across him at the side-board one day with a door open and playing with the crockery. Hearing me behind him he slammed the door shut quickly. There was a crash—! It was his mother’s prized chrystal basin. 1 sometimes •wore a pair of tennis shoes that had the tread worn practically off and thus because of that they were somewhat slippery. 1 was hurrying across my nowly-washcd floor which was still wet, when L slipped and landed with a hard thump in a sitting position and couldn’t help giving vent to a painful “O-o-h!” Just as I realised where 1 was the little witness had purposely sat down beside me and with a laugh also said “O-o-h!” in a painful voice. After that I had to slip down and say “O-o-h!” practically every day on purpose to amuse him. I hope I. haven’t bored you. Wendy, and made you as tired and dreary as J’ve made myself. Best wishes and fond love from an amateur nurse-maid.—“COWS.” C.W.K., Wcndydell. Many thanks, dear, for your letter this Lcttcrland Day. What a cherub I Bubs must have been, and how you , must have loved him, too. There will 1 be many a laugh for our clan when they read of your experiences as nursemaid to His Majestv. Bubs.—Wcndv.

‘‘STRONGHEART THE TRACKER” RETURNS AFTER LONG ABSENCE. Dear ‘Wendy.—Here 1 am again. I have picked up my pen to write a few lines, as J have not written since my birthday. In Mangaweka we have had one frost already and also plenty of heavy dews. I am in standard 111 now. ami i am good at the work. Yesterday 1 had great tun catching out April fools. 1 am in the Mangaweka Scour, troop, which started on Guy Fawke’s Day. Nearly everybody knows “P.iD.” now. Yesterday the Scouts went to the recreation ground-, and all those who wanted to run were late.—Yours truly. ‘• STRONGHEARE THE TRACKER.” Wendyville. So pleased to haxe your welcome letter, dear. I though you had. forgotten all about our clan. Goodness, fancy Jack Frost already. He is a rascal isn’t he? I am glad you have become a Scout. A splendid idea, I think.— Wendy. “QUEEN MADGE” MAKES SOME DISCOVERIES Dear Wendy,—So pleased to see n;y letter in print this week. Well. V> endy. could you believe it. but T have discovered two more of your Ites. Their pennames arc ‘‘AVhitc Forget-me-not” ami “Miss McGinty.” Arc not. your initials S.M. and V.M. and haven’t you a sister whose initials are N.M.? If not, I have made a great mistake. I do not know you, but someone I know well told m<? your initials nad pen-names. I don't know if you will be able, to find out my initials, but I suppose you will find out from the same person who whispered yours to me. What a surprise 1 received when I was going to town on Wednesday. 1 was going past Calver’s Corner when I caught sight of “Desert Song” and a few minutes after I saw N.M. walking along the street, but all the same I don’t think either of them know me, but I know “Desert Song.” The other day w r e had to take three of our calves up to the top paddock. I had them started off all right and my sister went ahead at the corner to turn them, but the silly obstinate animals ran all the way up about two miles, so I had to keep up to them by running, too, so wasn’t I tired. I wasn’t sorry when we arrived there, either, but I was lucky when we turned to come home because my sister “to;vcd” me on the bicycle. I must certainly thank you very much for asking “Flashing Thunder” to correspond with me, and will you please send my address. Well, Wendy, dear, I will have w say goodnight for now. With best wishes.— From “QUEEN MADGE,” Wendyline. I am ever so pleased to have your welcome letter this week, too, dear. Goodness, so you have made some more discoveries, that’s splendid. I wonder if the Ites whom you mention will discover your identity? “Flashing Thunder” will supply the address when writing, or you can send your letter to me and I will forward on.—Wendy.

“DESERT SONG” APPEALS FOR HUT PAGES TO FORWARD TO HOMELAND. Dearest Wendy,— ’Tis only your truant Ite, “Desert Song,” seeking ad- • mittance to the Hut once again, and many thanks for the birthday greet- . ings. 1 was in town on my birthday and had a lovely time. T went out to , “Twinkle Eye’s” for tea, and oh, ; Wendy, she has such a darling baby sister; she is such a bright wee soul. - I adore nice babies. “The Rose of Trallee, ” my oldest and dearest pen i pal, sent me a lovely apron to work and a box of stationery, and a little Ite from Kai Iwi sent me a lovely , table centre already worked; it was very good of these two Ite-friends to , send presents, as I don’t expect them. ; because I’m getting too old for that now. When in town I took “Hawcra ’s Bright Star” out for the first time since he’s been living oack in Wan- : ganui. and my word didn’t he enjoy it. but we were late in going home, and he nearly went to sleep. 1 had to act-the-goat with him to keep him awake. : If there is going to be a Re-union of ‘ old members of the Hut I am going to try and go. but I’m not sure yet; ■ I’d love to. Wendy, would you ask if . any of the Ites can supply me with the Hut’s Page containing an account of the Hut’s picnic, and also the one with “Just Myrtle’s” last letter in, as I have mislayed the ones I had for “Just Myrtle” and our English Ite would like to see them, and I’d be very grateful to the Ito who could supply me with them. On March 18 the Makirikiri sports were held and it i was a glorious (lay, a little too hot if ■ anything, but all the same it was nice. Did you go, ’’Lady Mabel?” If so I > did you see me there and why didn’t you come and speak? [ think the . horses are lovely, don’t you, Wendy? Some weeks back was the school picnic i and we went to the South beach, which . ; was really lovely. 1 had a swim in the dear old sea. There were two boats out at sea. and I looked and longed to be able to go on them, for it’s years since I’ve been on a home-liner, but i I must say I’ve been on a good many i in my time. I expect there is many a ' boy and girl to-day who have never ‘ been on a boat, but as we once lived ' in a town near the sea wc also had a 1 boat of our own. I’ve been on many a warship, and I like the warships best, they’re by far the most interesting to i go over. It takes quite awhile to see how the guns work, and to hoar all about them takes an afternoon, lot alone the other parts. 1 would tell you ; how the Diomede received its name ] only it would take too long, but if you • care to hear it. Wendy, I’ll tell you : next time. Well, f must close now. i Best love to you and all the Ites and : booing you and your merry clan are all 1 well.—l remain, vour loving Ite, ■ “DESERT SONG,” v C.W.K., Wendy- i ridges. i So pleased, dear, to have your wcl- ] come letter this Make-believe IDay. I am glad you spent sucti a happy time : on your birthday. How lovely of the ( “Rose of Trallee” and your little co- f Ite to send you such gifts. I hope you . will be able to atteid the Reunion, j I’ll ask for the pages for you. Yes, _ tell us about the warship next ”'mc t you write.—Wendy.

“I FEEL ALL SHRIVELLED UPI H EXCLAIMS OUR ‘ ‘ SUNNY LITTLE WONDER CHILD.” Dear Wendy,—Well, here we are again! My, but isn’t it hot! 1 feel all shrivelled up. But never mini, it can’t be helped. If I’ve tried once I must have tried a dozen times to get to rhe baths this last week, but it has beeu quite hopeless for every time I’ve failed, and so as a last resource I’m going to have a bath. My poor bones are simply aching, and aching. Too much dancing practice, you ree. The other day our Guides went on a hike, and during our rest hour, a girl, who had her back to me. was eating peanuts and as she shelled them she threw th.a shells at me. Oh. my, T was a living target for her. At last, a.< no more shells came. 1 gingerly turned over ♦.'» sec if she had finished, and practically at the same moment she threw a fairsized brown paper bag. and it promptly settled on my head. As bad luck had ■L we had a visitor to see us (wo didn’t know it. though), and she happened to turn to sec me struggling with the bag. I Pip! It came apart, and in my excitebient, I rolled it in a ball, and carelessly threw it over my shoulder, at tho same time giving my companion a lecture on throwing things over h-r shoulder. That bag, as it happened, hit the visitor and instead of laughing it off, as a true—ahem.'—Guide would have done, she turned and practically ran down the road. No need to repeat what Captain .'-aid. but as a result I’ve had my -Tenderfoot Badge taken away from me for two months; but never mind, 1 can’t help that. Well, as news is short and scarce, I must close. With love to you and all the Ites. From your “SUNNV LITTLE WONDER CHILD,’ Auckland. P.S.—Give my thanks to “A Wearv Wanderer” and “White Forget-me not,” for all the trouble they have taken to send me the Hut’s ’pace. “S.L.W.C.” The weather here, dear, has been very warm, too. However. L suppose the cold days of winter will be here nil too soon. The swimming season is almost over, too, much to everyone’s disappointment. Dear me. but T am sorry to learn that you lost your badge, as a punishment, for what was only anparontly quite a harmless piece of fun. —Wendy. • WINTER IS NEARLY HERE ” SAYS “BLACK HUNTSMAN.’’ It D ? ttl u Wendy,-Hello, Wendy and H .°"' ara -™ u a" keeping these , am , keeping well at present and that s the main thing. The Hut has grown since the last time I wrote th/f U r’n ? Vln -n r iS "° ur!y " cre ,lOW the frosts will soon be here, too. I saw in the paper a while before Christ- " Pnk'L Mi 1", Uf Pen-name of 1. ukc Mist wanted to know if r would write to her. Yes 1 will writn to her if she likes. Well. Wendy, J must Close now. Cheerio to vou ’and Hnv™ l ”^Tv? ilnt It0 > “BLACK HUNJSMAN, Nukuniaru. Goodness but is it really you, dear! 1 an > »° pleased - Vou havo us a call this Letterland Day. Yes, the Hut •is grown indeed. I wonder who the Mi'r A 1 w'-? 11 I,c? . 1 "I" “'ll “Duke * again Boon, won’t vou! Wendy. PRINCESS OF THE STARS” PAYS WELCOME CALL AT LETTERLAND.

Lear Wendy,—1 ain writing again to make up f or the weeks T missed. We had our photo taken last wook and I hope mother will ] ct us buy onc . Mother has a lovely garden with all kinds ol beautiful flowers in it Have w U "'’"‘y ?»«•"» « your garden Uendy Dtd you eatch anyone on Apnl Fool’s Day? Well. I must close now. Heaps of love to you and all the J tea.—from “PRINCESS OF THE SPARS,’’ Wendydell. -I. am pleased, dear, you have returned to our ranks onee again. I began to wonder if the old Witch had run oft with you. No, I have very few Howers in ray garden at present. ] did not catch anyone on April Fool’s Dav, and no one caught me out either Write’ again soon, won’t you?— “BLISTERS'' SPENDS EXCITING TIME GOAT-HUNTING. Dear Wendy,— I am writing a few lines to thank you for putting mv letter in the paper. I was eleven vear’s old on Friday. April 7. I went, goat--lunting with my brothers the Sunday before last, and we eaught a big blue one with long horns. Laurence and I have been carting clay to put on the tracks. We are using a heavy cart and when it has a load on it 'is very heavy. I have no more news to tell ani ’ • vo,lrs faithfully. BLISTERS,’’ Ngutuwera. ■So splendid to have yon with us this week, dear. I hope you spent a happy time on your birthday and received lots ot' lovely gifts. How exciting the hunting must have been. Carting elay would be very heavy work, indeed.— Wend v.

“WAKE UP TAIHAPE!” EXCLAIMS OUR ‘BROWN WALLFLO’”ER.” Dear Wendy,—l am sure I have disgraced myself by not writing regularly to our merry page, and once more 1 ask your forgiveness. On Friday night mother, daddy, some friends and 1 went to ‘‘Old Gumboot ’s” home to spend the evening. “Old Gumboot” had “Old Bootlace.” who is his best friend, visiting him. e were discussing various plants, picking out the unes we had and so on. We had a very pleasant time that night and did not get home till nearly half-past one Saturday morning. f was made an April fool of twice on April 1. We are practising for the school ball now. 1 think it is to be held on the 20th of this month. All the school is looking forward to it. 1 hope it will be a success. Marbles are the rage up here now. All the children you see have marbles. The Wendy Page is very interesting to me now, as I do not see my old mates very often and 1 like to know the news, and my only way is through the page, but as none of the Ites I know write I do not get much news. Wake up! Taihape and surrounding distict Ites. I like school very much. I take Latin nnrr French, and it is amusing to me when I read >ver a French exercise and find 1 have used Latin words in it. As time is flying and I have some more letters to write I shall close. Fondest love to you and all mv co-ltes.—From ••BROWN WALLFLOWER.” M.W.L., Taihape. p.S.—l have discovered another He’s name.— ■“ 8.W.” I am pleased you have written, dear. [ wondered if perhaps old Mr. Germ had paid you a visit. Mhat a pleasant evening you spent at “Old Gumboot’s” home. Vou must tell me all about the ball. I am sure it will be verv jolly. I notice the children p»axing marbles here also. How remarkably well you are progressing w >th your studies, dear. Write again soon, won’t you?—Wendy. “DEWDROPPY’’ WONDERS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ABSENT ITE. Dear Wendy, —Oh, it is hard to write when “Eddie’ Cantor” is around. He really does want to know a lot, Wendy. I said a few things to-night, ami he became reallv annoyed. 1 see there is at last a “Miss” and “Mr-. Arrow smith.” Oh. aren’t you thrilled “Dr.” ? I thought “Misty Moonite had drifted into space, Wendy, but 1 see she has turned up like a bad penny again. Do you know if anything has happened to “Lady Godiva s Buddy ? He has not written since he joined. There is really no news here. A\ endy. 1 must close now. as I will have to hurrv ami catch the mail. With love. —From “DEWDROPPY.” Ractihi. One cannot write very well when someone is talking ran one.’ No. L do not know what has happened to “Lady Godiva’s Buddy.” I have not hoard from our Ite for some time. W riro ! again soon, and i am sorry but I cannot supply you with a list of the name.- of ! all the Ites who have joined in the last twelve months. —Wendy. “MOTHER OF FOUR” STILL MAN AGES TO EVADE DISCOVERY BY CO ITES. Dear Wendy,—We arc still having glorious weather, but aren’t the days drawing in, especially so since the clocks went back.’ I hope the weather keeps fine for Easter as the holidays are rather spoilt if the Weather Clerk is unkind. Our little village is looking i forward tu its annual encampment. There are generally about ?ix hundred camped here for Easter, and it makes ■ the place quite lively. Did anybody make an April fool of you. Wendy’ J wasn’t caught, but I succeeded in catching one friend. Hr had forgotten all about April’- foolery, ami he “bit” beautifully. Well, “Laughing Lizzie.” have you found your clue yet? I thought you would have discovered me before this “J IB Warn tab” and 1 am getting just a wee bit afraid of you. You are getting too close to be comfortable. Did you whisper that v rd ro “Laughing) Lizzie?” I am anxiously awaiting your next letter to Fancy you going off to the races. My! I was stir prised. Did y.»u got your tip there.’ Well. Wendy, it is nearly tea tin,, for my hungry tigers, so 1 must go ami g* * the table set. With ?ovr to all tin Ites.—From “MOTHER OF FOUR,” Hunterville. Yes. I, too. hope for a tine Easter. It is a pity when it is wet. isn’t it? No. I was able to avoid April I jokers. What fun you must he naving with discovery but a little distance away. No, wonder you feel anxious.—Wendv.

; “THE WHITE BUTTERFLIES ARE A PEST,” OBSERVES “LITTLE CURLYLOCKS. ’ ’ Dear Wendy,—l suppose it is time to write to you again. I do not write L very often now. We have a pup and c it is a dear little thing. There are • a lot of flowers out. We are going to J have a lady teacher In the other room for a head mistress. Daylight saving is 1 over and it gets dark quickly at night- ' time. It is very cool in the mornings - now, too. Our pup’s name is “Spot.” 1 It is a good name for it because it is 1 always barking and after my legs. Wo have two kittens also. We used to 1 have one kitten, but the cat took it over tu the next-door neighbour’s. Last • Saturday my sister and 1 went to our ! next-door neighbour’s to play with ! Maisic. Aren’t the white butterflies a pest Wendy?” We have caught quite a number. The other day we went for a -'picnic at the Margaret Watt Home. I ' j went in a race, but I did not win any- ' ? thing. L had a good time, though. It '■was half-past five when we came home. ' One of the girls, when she was run- - : ning backwards, broke her wrist. I 1 i must close now as I have written (enough. Love.—From “LITTLE ’1 CURLYLOCKS,” C.W.K., Kaitoke. 1 : The puppies are playful little chaps. r aren't they? Have you named it yet? i Yes it verv soon becomes dark of an ! evening now that Daylight Saving has ‘ been put aside until next year. Oh, 1 1 =ce vou have called your puppy ’ “Spot.” It is a nice name. Dear me, » a pest, and I am lg ht s me. I hope jthe injury to your school chum’s wrist • (will be soon mended.—Wendy. 1 1 .“JENNY WREN” HAS RETURNED. I Dear W»-n4v. —I have come back s l aga to th Id ch nto seek my corner ? again. We have had some very hot ’ weather lately, haven’t we, Wendy? We have : pig now and it is very 1 funnv. The other day mother let it out ’ for a run in the paddock, ami the cows were frightened of it when it was over the cow-bail, so we had to shut it up I again. Before long it came trotting i over again to the shed, and daddy shut ! it up and went over to the house to get : -ome plums to see if that would keep ; it in, for. as you know’, pigs like plums, i Well, when daddy came back it was lout again. It was driven back uni I daddy gave it some plums and after that it seemed quite contented. Well. I have no more news so will close. (With best love. —From “JENNY ! WR EN, ’ ’ Wendy view. ’ Goodness, gracious me. but this is a surprise. Where have you been hiding lai! this time? lam so pleased to nave I your welcome letter. What a raseni | that piggie must be. I suppose it thought that if it stayed at home in its sty it would have more plums. Do | write again soon, won’t you?—Wendy. “ROSE OF TEALLEE” SUPPLIES SOURCE OF OVERSEAS PEN-PALS. Dear Wendy,—Here 1 am once again, as ca ■ be. How is every- ‘ one? 1 have often noticed Ites enIquiring for pen-pals abroad, so I am C. 1.. Bowle, Sussex Rd., Southsea, ■ England. Mrs. Bowling is, 1 think, : secretary of the Links of Empire ' League, and will -get you a pen-pal in any British PosVssion. I have had quite a number of English pen-pals : from her, and they are all so joll; She is ahvays pleased to receive letters. I know quite a few Ites know about Airs. Bowling, but there will be a few who don’t, so I advise them to write right j away. Last Monday evening, I went Ito what i> called a “pound” night. This “pound” night was held at our Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Training Institute; where young women are trained for missionaries, leaeonesses and social workers. It is. I believe, the only one of its kind in : New Zealand. There were all Bible . class embers there, and we spent a i very jolly time with games, etc. Each I delegate‘from each class brought the I class’s gift, which consisted of a “pound” of anything, such as sugar, ■ butter, fruit or anything like that. It • was very nice and we were shown all ovei the Institute. It won't be long i until Easter, will it Wendy? Camp is ■ looked forward to for so long, then it •is over in a few days. The sun has - ... jt s best to* shine down here : • it is a change. Well, dear Wendy, ■ ••ROSE OF . TRALLEE,” Dunedin. Manx thanks, dear, for the address. . - sc who lesi • overseas pen-pals wil’ a - bp able to secure them. AX hat ’I a novel i lea the “pound” night is. Ea>tcr will soon be with us now. J ■ can p. JWe have had such lovely days, too. lately.—Wendy.

“LAUGHING WATERLADY” ALTHOUGH IN SICK BAY, HELPS TO DESTROY BUTTERFLY PEST. Dear Wendy.— Here I am again. Popping in the door, A rather lonely Ite. But happy as before. I have the craze for writing again, and as I have answered all my othe! letters J thought I would write you again. I hope you will excuse the pen cil, but as it is a fairly dark pencil, I thought you would not mind. 1 like to write in pencil, because it is easier than ink. < could write in ink if I chose to, but I prefer to write in pencil. Now t-» get on with my nows. I am up again, and very glad f am, too. I have bee*, getting up for a week now. I get up every day at ten o’clock and go to beu at seven o’clock at night. I eaten twelve white butterflies every day. One day I caught twenty. I am not allowed to run after them, so I wilt ex plain how T catch them. (You had better listen to this. “Madcap.”). When the white butterflies settle on a plan?, or leaf, or flower. I put my hand forth and make a grab at them. My hand closes over the flower and butterfly and I walk away triumphant, with a white butterfly fluttering about in my hand. It is then a simple matter to open your hand a little, put in two fingers, get hold of one of the butterfly’s wings (or all of them if you can) and take it out of your hand. If you get hold of only one of its wings it wil! flutter. Then you get hold of the other wing, and tread on its head. Then you may march inside to add the butterfly to your collection. I do not say that yoa will always catch them that way, but I suppose you will catch a good many like that. I did, at any rate. I have caught four diamond moths. They arc said to do more damage than the white butterflies. They are much harder to catch, though, for they will not stop still. They are always fluttering about the flowers, but they hardly ever settie. It is very seldom you do catch them. They have a diamond-shaped square on their backs. Daddy has two diamond grubs in a bottle. They are both in their cacoons now, but will soon be hatching out into moths. We have a new cat. and it is a black ono. Wo call her “Blackic.” She is a good inouscr; nearly every night she catches a mouse. She caught one last night, and two yesterday. Sometimes she catches a rat, but not very often Mother and daddy are going for a fortnight’s holiday. They are going to travel round. The doctor will not let me go, for he says I might become ill. I was disappointed, for I was looking forward to it. No. “Mystery Maiden.” my initials are not J.M. Nor are my “Sweetheart’s.” You are mistaking us for other girls. She is also an Ite, but I will not tell you her pen-name. I will give you a clue now. I went into Palmerston on Friday to see a specialist at the hospital. We took Airs. King Hon (our Chinese neighbour) with us. Wo dropped her and Miss Hall (a lady staying with us) at a street corner, and they went up town to do their shopping. Then mother and daddy and I went to the hospital. When we arrived I was as frightened as anything, but as' soon as I saw the doctor I fell in love with him at once. (Don’t get jealous at this, “Laughing Waterlady’s Sweetheart. ”) lie put his arm around mo, and drew me inside. Mother came with me, but daddy stayed outside. Thr doctor then pricked my finger with a needle with a cork on the end of it. He then drew blood up through a tube. I did not feel the prick at all. It is called a blood test. Not a x ? ery nice name, is it After we went to see my cousins in Palmerston (perhaps that will surprise you, “Mystery Maiden”). After that we went to do some shopping, and then we all w’ent home. We have a yellow car and it is a Dodge. Will that help you. “Mystery Maiden”? I caught a red admiral butterfly the other day. It is a pretty one. It is bigger than the white butterflies. I show it to everyone, and they think it is lovely. 1 also caught another pretty little butterfly, but 1 do not know its name. It is much smaller than the white butterflies. I always like reading your letters. ‘‘Happy Harry,” they are always such cheerful ones. Yes. I quite agree with you about suffering. I suppose xvhen I get bigger [ will understand. Wendy. .1 have six film stars’ photos. Do you think any Ite would like them? Their names are Lilian Bond, Charles Chaplin. Dickie Moore, Genevieve Tobin. Anna May Wong. Greta Nissen. “Captain Nighthawk,” you have mo puzzled. Your sur name begins with B. though, does it not? If it does not, I don’t think I will have any idea as T.e who you are. I was very pleased to see “Cows’” letter in the paper. It was very interesting, too. I have not seen her for a good while now. My word, AVendy, does not the time fly? It is April already . It will soon be Christmas again. Do the Raetihi Ites always put after their letters Wendyhihi in stead of AVendyihi? I think Wcndyihi is the best name. As time is flying and the butterflies are, too, I will close. Best, love to vou and all the Ites.— Fr<>m “ LA VGHING AYA TE R LA D Y ? ’ ’Bulls. So pleased to have your welcome letter, dear. What a wonderful method you adopt to help catch the white butterflies. Gracious, but I hope the diamond moth is not going to become u pest as well as the butterflies. It is nice to have a good mouser in rhe house, isn’t it? Yes. I expect you must have felt a little nervous when .you went to the hospital to sec the specialist. I will ask our Ites if they would like the photos. Wendyhihi is'corrc?:, hut typographical errors always appear, and sometimes Wcndyihi appears instead. .Many thanks for tho little calendar, dear.—AA’cndy. “SILVER MOONRAY” NOTICES THE ADVANCE OF WINTER. Dear AA endy,—How are you g’etting on? It has been cold in the mornings lately out here. My cousin from Nelson is staying with us, but I think ho is going back at Easter time. It gets dark very early, doesn’t it, Wendy? I go to the Fordell School now. and I have to go in the train, which I enjoy very much. Aly lamb is growing very big and knows its name when I call it. I still have my little dog. “Joey,” and he runs about ray legs whenever I go anywhere. AVe have some kittens—three little grey ones, and two black ones—and the mother cat is very proud of her babies. Now. I must close. Love.—From “SILA’ER MOONRAY,” AYangaehu. I am keeping quite well, thank you dear. The mornings are a little chilly, now, indeed. How lovely to have your cousin staying with you. Oh. . o you go to school in the train each day? How exciting. I am pleased to hear “Joey” is such a fine doggie. Write again soon, von’t you?—Wendy. tl