The Re-union of our Old Brigade

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 83, 8 April 1933, Page 15 (Supplement)

The Re-union of our Old Brigade

Meeting Sometime in May Reception to Old Timers

ITES OR FRIENDS. CAN YOU GIVE SOME ASSISTANCE TO OUR “JUST DERRY ’ AND HER MOTHER? Dear Wendy and All Shamrocks.— Profuse apologies for not having written before, but I am sorry to say I hav- had my author very ill in bed. and also two others, who are both quite recovered now, but my mother is still in bed. though she is much better, but is still very weak. Into the bargain, I had a bad attack of asthma, and it was as much as I could do to stagger round, so you can see I had my hands full! Faith, but it’s sorry I am if I gave you .nil such a shock at my sudden appearance, after being absent from the Hut so many months. I trust none of you needed “IDr. Arrowsmith ’’ to give you any stimulants! Heavens, but I do wish that the good doctor had been here to "ivn me a hand with my patients! I guess I could have given him a very busy time, indeed! “Guide of Happiness” very kindly sends me the Hut Pago, now and again, and I am thrilled to bits meeting all you dear people once more. We have had quite a lot of excitement in Wellington these last few weeks. Our one and only “Smithy” arrived about 5 p.m. on Friday, March 17 (also St. Patrick’s Day, begorra!), and what a welcome the people gave him. In the evening “Smithy” made a personal appearance at St. Jarno’s Theatre, where the film “Air Mail” was shown, ami after that our hero went to a magnificent ball at the Mayfair Cabaret, where he was guest of honour. What a day for him, and I’m sure he must have been glad when it was all over. On Saturlay (18th) “Smithy” took up passengers in the afternoon, and there were thousands at the aerodrome. On Sunday the weather was beastly, nasty rain and wind, and no good for flying, which was a shame. In the evening of the 19th Sir Charles Kingsford Smith gave a lecture, broadcasted by 2YA, about some of his exciting experiences, and believe me, Ites, it sure was ex- ; citing. I have a great admiration for “Smithy,” and there is no doubt from the wonderful welcomes he has received from all over New Zealand that he is the hero of one and all. Doesn’t it make you proud t'> bp British when you think of all the wom'i-'-fnl men and women we have in our British Empire? I think flying is marvellous, and one of my ambitions is to be able to fly: funny if 1 was air-sick when ' started off. eh what? And now “Smithy” is in Australia, what a triumph for him. Three cheers for the men who crossed the Tasman, hip, hip hurrah! On Saturday evening, March IS, the second half of John Brownlee’s concert was broadcasted by 2YA and I had the good fortune of listening-in. Mr. Brownlee has a marvellous voice, and I loved all the songs he sang, especially the duets sung by Miss Ruth Miller. The pianist, Mr. Raymond Lambert was superb; he' made the piano positively speak; it held one enthralled, and then when the last note was played, one r.ort of 1 gasped and awakened as from a dream. How the audience clapped and begged 1 for encores; it was glorious, Wendy, and I could have listened for ever. I see that; John Brownlee gave a concert in Wanganui, Wendy; were you fortunate enough to hoar him? Our last excitement happened when the English cricketers arrived on March 20. The first day, as you know, was teeming wet, and they were unable to play, but the second day was glorious, and mater and I were down for two hours in the afternoon, and were both thrilled to little bits. I am glad they are doing so well in New Zealand. By the way, have you many Ites in Wellington, Wendy? Faith, but what a lot of Ttes have joined up since I last wrote. You will have to have some kind of a celebration when you have 1000 Ites, won’t you? Could you please tell me under what pen-name my South African chum joined? She did not toll me the name she had. chosen last time 1 heard from her. Remembering how you helped me to obtain a position Tor n. little while with “Well-wisher” before, Wendy, mater has been wondering if you could kindly help us again. Wellington does , not seem to agree with our health, and we are not very happy hero, being so far away from our frif>m> in Wanganui. We arc going to do our best to get back to the River City, or somewhere closer than we are just now. If any Ite knows of a position where a mother and daughter are reouired, would they let you know, Wendy? Wo have enough furniture for a verv small house, and would like of course to go out daily, if possible. Mater is a trained nurse, experienced housekeeper. good cook and a groat, manager; in fact we would both be. glad to tackle any kind of jog available. Mater asks me to say, too, that she has had a lot of experience in hotel work. What a lot a person can put into their lives, when they are up against it, don’t you think, Wendv? We would b r th be very grateful if you could help us at all. What a. lifo it Is, if it isn’t one thing its another, all the time. But it’s still a great if you don’t weaken! Well, my shnmr'l must bid you all “an rovoir” for th ■ time being. honing you’re al! Tn good health.— T remain, with best wishes and lots of love to all. vour nt*I’—•' 1 ’—•' -fn Irishman, “JUST DERRY.” Wellington. I am sorry dear, to ’near that your mother has been ill. and T hone she will soon be quite well again. It is wretched to be ill, isn’t it? Dear mo. but do you suffer from asthma? Dreadful, isn’t it? Sir (T'-’-'Us was given a splendid reception here too. I' listened , to Mr. Brownlee also. A marvellous voice Indeed. I did not hear him here. We. have a few Ites in the capital city. Will you ask me your chum’s pen-name a little later? I have not the details at hand at t--e moment. Perhaps when some of our clan read your letter they may know of someone who could help both you and mother to find a situation similar to the ones you describe. Cheerio, and a stiff lower lip. Wendy.

“MR. JACK FROST PAID US TWO VISITS,” SAYS “BROWN OWLY,” (Dear Wendy,—Hero t am once again trying to fill up the Hut Pages. My word time does fly, and it is over three weeks since I last wrote, but as 1 have geen studying hard at my school lessons I have’nt had time. Swimming will soon bo finished now, and won’t I bo sorry. Recently our school held a swimming carnival. Wendy, we have three kittens and two are Persian. The Weather Clerk has been nasty to us lately. Mr. Jack Frost has also paid us two visits. The astors up here arc simply perfect. (Don’t I like picking them.) I went to the show and had a lovely time. 1 went six times on the Tilt-a-whirl and three times on the Chairo-plane. Well, Wendy, as there is no more news I will close. Tons of love to yourself and Ites. —From “BROWN OWLY,” Taihape. Well, well, and so here you are, dear. I began to imagine you had been carried off by the old Wltcn. That’s splendid, study hard always and you will pass without a doubt when examination day comes along. What. Jack Frost proving troublesome already? Goodness. Asters make a fine‘show, indeed. I am pleased you spent such a lovely time at the show.—Wendy. “DR. ARROWSMITH” CONTINUES THE JOLLY GAME OF MAKEBELIEVE. Dear Wendy,—Before continuing with this letter, I wish to state that I consider “Phantom’s” letters as purely make-believe and good-natured humour. I myself, enjoy the fun immensely and I hope that ho takes my letters*as Ido his. Now, “Phantom,” as I said before to you and “Occident” I write my own letters, but of course, I sometimes find it necessary to look up a quotation or two. perhaps on eloquence. You know. “Phantom.” we live to learn long before we learn to live. With regards to blushing it’s a fault common to many people, but why should I worry? A blind man would be only too pleased to see it. And search me, what ho! “Phantom” still thinks himself a girl. You must try to throw dust in our eyes. Maybe you are a girl and maybe you are not, but. it doesn’t really matter. Now, “Phantom,” to give’anyone sympathy, and especially presents, is something not exercised by me as a general rule, hut on Monday morning next, receive from me, per post, one pair of men's worsted workin" socks as a gift. I see by the paper, that you dropped a spot or two of ink on your silk stockings, and to my knowledge those are worn by the fair sex only. If ' then I can only conclude yours are worn out and you have, as a last resort, commenced to wear “Mrs. Phantom s.” Of course, “Phantom.” I am “one up” on you now. I have-er-well, you probably* see I-er-have a-er-yes, a daughter bv name, “Miss Arrowsmith.” Still, it "nvc me a shock to find that 1 have one who commences life at 15 years old, -nd a friend rushed up to mo, at half-time at the pictures last Satnrd-'v night, and said to me, “By joves, Dr. your daughter is the surprise of the town already.” “Ah hem,” I replied immediately. “I must see into this.” “Occident” is glad that his mother is back from In - holidays, and didn’t he breathe a sigh of relief. Ho found a bachelor’s life lonesome. One morning (a Sunday morning) I visited “Occident’s” residence just in time to sec o.ur worthy Ito teari" r up and down the garden, pulling out all the sv” n -—ors he could see and lay his hands on. Before .1 could get a word in edgeways he stood up from his labours and said. “Just a confounded nuisance that this ragwort is getting into the gardens, isn’t, it!” “Yes,” I replied sympathet: illy. “Phantom” and I have decided to swim down the Wanganui River for our next hike and call in and see you “Lady Mabel.” Make sure that you arc home. No need for us to wire you. you will hear us coming, “for our heads will be bending low.” As the time is getting late I shall have to call it a day, and so Wendy, with kindest regards to you and all the other Ites. — I remain, yours sincerely, “DR. ARROWSMITH, ’’ Wendyihi. That’s splendid, dear, you see I feared that pc « the spirit of make-believe was not always present, but lamat my ease now. I expect, our “Occident” was glad indeed to have mother home again. There is no one like one’s mother is there! —Wendy. JACKO DIRECTS THE TRAFFIC Father Jacko gave a snort one morning as he read the paper. “Another motoring accident!” he exclaimed. “There really ought to be somebody at every cross roads to signal to drivers.” Jacko, thinking there might be something in it, decided to have a look at the cross roads at tho top of the city. It really did seem a dangerous place, and no policeman was stationed there to signal to tho traffic. Jacko decided he had found his mission in life. H ■ took up his position well in the middle of the road. It was really rather fun: Jacko fei: quite proud of himself. He beckoned to some of the traffic ami held up a warning hand to other cars, just as lie had seen policemen do. And very often motorists saluted him, while one kind man actually threw him a sixpence. “This is fine.” said Jacko, and he was just going to leave his post to buy some bullseyes when he saw something very curious coming along the road. “My hat! What on earth is that?” he exclaimed. It was an extraordinary-looking affair and when it got a bit nearer Jacko saw it was an elderly gentleman riding one of the old-fashioned bicycles. “A bone-shaker!” exclaimed Jacko. “Well, I’m jiggered!” He was so fascinated he simply couldn’t take his eyes off it. “Come on, sir, come on,” he called out to the elderly gentleman, signalling him across. But unfortunately, in his excitement, Jacko had forgotten to look the other way before he gave his signal. Two men were approaching with a barrow laden with eggs and farm produce. Th? bone-shaker and its rider -went straight, into the barrow. Crash! Bang? The bone-shaker fell I to pieces, and the road was littered | with broken eggs. Fortunately nobody was hurt—ox- j cent Jacko. and ho had sninothinfr to I

Crash! Bang? The bone-shaker fell to pieces, and the road was littered with broken eggs. Fortunately nobody was hurt—except Jacko, and he had something to show for it when he got home.

Hello, Wendy!—Only a word Or two about this rc-union mother is sponsoring. Seeing that the “Hut’s Optician” informed you of the idea you would, of course, send the names of the Ites to him, but Wendy, as he it leaving Wanganui for a week or so mother has asked me to see if you would send tho names of the Itos to the above address, as we would like to have an idea of how mr.ny we expect to entertain that, night. We have so far 13 names. Seme Ites arc asking what mother terms, “The Old Brigade.” Well. Wendy, we thought those that joined the first .12 months that our Pago was published, and thwi some are asking ’when we expect to have tthe Rc-union. It is impossible for us to have it before May. but just what date L am unable to tell. Latei on in the year mother suggests she’ll give an evening for all Itos, whethei they are of the Old Brigade or not, that’s if our Ites who attend the reunion think another evening will be a success. Wendy, when I saw that, our “Grandaddy” had sent his name in f couldn’t help jumping with joy. ( have often thought I’d like to meet him and “Lady Elf.” as I have .several photos of them both. “ Grandaddy. ’■ mother says you’ll not be admitted t< the re union unless you bring “Ladi Elf’ with you. Wendy, don’t yoi think it a miracle that mother has kept her pen name a secret for so long! We’ve had great fun over it, too. Your Wendyites know that “Whits Forget-me-not’s Darling” and myself wore aware of mother’s pen- name, and when we were least expecting it some Ite would say. “By tho. way is your mother so and so?” “Big Brother’s Pal” is the only Ite who has not given up hope of discovering her pen-name. I. hoard a whisper that mother is giving a prize to any Ite wno guesses her pen-name. I’m sure it ’ll cause great amusement this guessing competition, but mother doesn’t promise to reveal her identity. Would you, Wendy, if you can, tell me. the pen-name of the first Ite to join and where she hails from. Well, this is all this week. Cheerio. Bost wishes and kindest re. gards to all.—From “WHITE FOR-GET-ME-NOT,” c.W.K.. Z.S.W.M., Wanganui. I will send all the names 1 recent io you, dear. I rather think to confine the Old Brigade to the first 1! months of the Hut’s existence a little too long ago. I had thought of say the first two years. Do you think that would be bettor? “G randaddy ’’ would not be able to attend otherwise, and he has, according to his letter in last week’s issue, sot his heart on attending. Yes, it is truly wonderful the way in which mottier has preserved her identity. How jolly of mother to provide the competition. There wore five to join in the first week, dear, neither one being first. They all were. Cheerio for now. and just let mo know of particulars you need publishing, and please give mv kindest regards to mother, whom I hope is well.—Wendy. “THE ELOPER” RETURNS TO THB RANKS. Dear Wendy.—“ The Eloper” has decided that eloping is not good for him, so he has returned again, but from a different locality. It is nearly four months since I wrote to the Hut last, an<T during that time 1 h von’t seen, the Hut Pages, let atone read them. I have exchanged a number of letters with my pen-pal “Marama,” and I am inclined to think that my request picked up just what I wante’d, namely, a splendid pen-pal. By jove. imagine my surprise one morning to receive a letter from her three months after 1 had written to the Hut. How many “sweethearts” have you now, “Thistledown!” J hope there hasn’t been war among them yet. Halloa, “The Seer.’’ has your ctirystal cracked yet? 1 hope it has because you are a danger to the Ites. myself especially. Well. Wendy, it is high time J. rang off, or I will bo taking up tho whole of the two pages, so cheerio.—Yours, etc., “THE ELOPER,” Oruaiwi. Oh, so our “Eloper’’ returns! Well, well! 1 am ever so pleased you have returned to the ranks this Letterland Day. 1 had wondered whatever could have become of you. “The Seer’s” chrystal is still intact, but our He has been busily occupied of late. Perhaps we shall soon have word from his pen.—Wendy.