THE WENDY HUT OUR CHILDREN’S CORNER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 204, 31 August 1935, Page 12

THE WENDY HUT OUR CHILDREN’S CORNER

My dear Children, — In view vf the dreadful tragedy ot August 22, whereby a little girlie, 7 years old, met her death under such terrible, circumstances, 1 have been asked to address a warning to you children, particularly those who live in rural and country districts. Everyone knows that power lines are dangerous, and no one would touch a fallen wire, but the great danger lies in power lines which have become broken and fallen upon a fence at a point where it is not seen to have made connection. This could happen at some considerable distance from where one might attempt to either get through or over a fence, and when no one knows of the lurking danger, the accident is so simple. To demonstrate, I remember an accident that ended fatally for a relative of my own who owned a farm in the Taranaki district. In the course of his duties on his farm he had occasion to get through a dividing fence upon his own land, when the moment he came in contact with, the fence lie was struck lifeless! His doggie, not understanding what could have happened to his master, ran to his side, only to fall dead also. Two cows that came in contact a little distance along the fence also died from the shock they received. You see, dears, there was nothing to wain of the danger until too late. The wire which had fallen, charging the fence with a high voltage, was found nearly half a mile away, so you can see how very dangerous it is to even touch a fence! To minimise the great danger it would lie well never to even touch a fence, and if a broken line is noticed, never touch it, but as swiftly as possible, let some grown-up know, so that they could send word to t*e proper quarter to have the power cut off and the damage repaired. Another source of danger lies in power poles. I expect all of you have seen a little notice attached to them, warning people against touching them, but often 1 have seen children playing in such a way as to swing round the posts, innocent or forgetful of the danger that may lurk there. I could go on writing a great deal more, cherubs, but I feel sure it is not necessary for me to further enlarge upon a tragedy which has thrown a shadow over the Huntcrville district, and I would ask those near and dear to that little girlie to accept our deepest sympathy in their sad loss. Do you know, dears, but I received a wonderful surprise this morning when I opened my study door. Can anyone guess what I saw upon my desk? There were two great vases of flowers! One was filled with gorgeous violets, the other with wallflowers, and their fragrance was delightful. Who could have sent them? .1 thought for a moment and then I had an idea. Wallflowers, and they were brown, such a velvety brown! I knew! “Brown Wallflower.” What a dear you are to think of me, but then you knew of my love for them, didn’t you? Many thanks for your thought, dear. You know one can never look at wallflowers without a vision of oldfashioned English gardens. Ah, me, holidays are here and nothing but blustering winds every day, with every now and again huge masses of storm, clouds appearing upon the horizon of one’s holiday vision. This is such a pity, for we did want nice days for the respite from studies in order that one’s vitality might be built up by fresh air and sunshine for the coming final term of this year. I notice many favourable reports of successes gained during last term and I wish to encourage you to even greater efforts. Well, dears, as time is passing quickly and our Mr. Printerman is ready to send our page to press I must conclude. Until next Letterland Day dawns, all my Jove and kisses, from your ever affectionate,—

“TKUE BLUE LN ALL THINGS

Enter FAITHFUL” .. 12 years. Dear Wendy.—Please may I join the merry band of Itos* My age is twelve and I am in standard live. Please wav I have “Old Faithful” for my pen-name? It has been very cold lately and we have had two falls of snow Our holidays are here now, so we will be able to’have some fun. It is bedtime now, so I will close. Hoping you arc well. I remain your true-blue Ite. —“OLD FAITHFUL.” Taihape. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. I am ever so pleased to have you in our merry clan. Yes, you may have the pen-name you have asked for. Oh, fancy having snowballs. How cold it must have been. Did you build a snowman? It is lovely to have holidays, isn’t it? —Wendy. “YELLOW BOSE OF TEXAS” OPINES ’TIS WISEST TO POSTPONE WHEELBARROW derby. Dear Wendy—Well, here I am again and none the worse for having been at a edming-of-age birthday party, although we had rather an exciting time getting there. The big Oldsmobile car that we were going in jibbed at our gate and refused to- take us so we had to get an old Ford lorry to tow us. Oh, Wendy, I must thank you for bestowing the honour of C.WJx. on me. ‘ ‘ Hairy Goat, ” if you eat my rimu tree you will have to travel faster when 1 get after you than you would with “Madcap.” Don’t you think I would look sweet in hiking shorts wheeling “Veiled Princess” in a wheel-barrow, Wendy? But all the same I don’t think I’ll take it on because “V.P.” would want about a cwt. of peanuts to chew and half a dozen or so books to read on the way and that would be too heavy, anyhow a ‘rose s place is in the garden not on the handles of a barrow. No, “Veiled Princess,” the trees and such like up this way do not suffer from. dry rot. The weather here has been lovely lately, in fact. I have taken to wearing summer frocks again. It is nice to be able to see the bright faces of the pansies, violets and primroses, also the golden daffodils nodding their heads in the breeze, again, is it not? I always feel disappointed when. I walk round the garden if there are no flowers out. Some of the uncultivated hillsides round this district look gorgeous with wild heath in bloom. Well, Hairy Goat,” I hope we see you amongst’ us soon, it is ages since we heard from you. Love to Wendy and tire Ites from true-blue Ite —“YELLOW ROSE OF TEXAS,” C.W.K., Arapae. Oh, dear, but how stubborn that car was and just when it was needed for so important an occasion, too. W ell, perhaps it would be best after all if the wheelbarrow derby is Oh, but we have had dreadful weather here. Such cold days with wind, rain and hail. —Wendy. “QUEENITE OF THE FLOWERS’’ POPS IN TO SAY HELLO! Dear Wendy.—We have a cat which has a sore leg. Its name is “Wussy,” that is what I call it. It is called “Wussy” because we had a mother cat with that name. At night when it is hungry “Wussy” asks for its food. “Wussy” is grey with black stripes on its back. Love —From “QUEENETTE OF THE FLOWERS,” Taihape. What a pity the poor cat has a sore leg. I hope it is soon better as no one likes to see an animal suffer. I suppose “Wussy” knows how to beg for its tea. Some eats become very knowing don’t they ? —We ndy. <‘l AM SURE THE OLD WITCH HAS BEEN PE YING ABOUND,” SAYS “LOVER OF FLOWERS.” Dear Wendy.— lam writing this letter to you at school in my spare lime, so I hope you’ll excuse the writing material I am using. How is the weather down your way ? The Weather Clerk hasn’t been extra kind lately and it is raining outside at present. I hope you are quite free from colds, as I have one at present and it is the third I have had this year. We will he having our term holidays at school soon and I am having iny two cousins up from Wellington. I saw the “Hut’s Matron of Honour” in town to-day. She was staying in Aramoho for gome time. I am reading a book at present called. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame?* Have you read it, Wendy? It is fair, but I don’t like it over much. I haven’t seen “Daddy’s Poppet” in town for quite a while now, and she hasn’t written in for some lime, either. I wonder if the old Witch hag her in her clutches? Wc will certainly have to go to the rescue if .she has, I am sure she has been prying around the district lately. My uncle came up last week and he brought up tt. lovely cyclamen. He said that it was just a new kind out. It was a prety pale pink and the petals had frilly edges instead of straight and the leaves are much larger than the ordinary cyclamen. As I haven’t anymore news I will close. I remain your ever true-blue Ite—“LOVER OF FLOWERS,” M.W.L., Bulls. 'Che weather has ben really dreadful, dear, but I suppose Ihe sunny •lays will soon come again now that Hadame Spring is on the way. I do ,iope your cold is soon better, wretched things aren’t they? I’ve read the ■»ook. Yes, I think the old Witch must Save our “Daddy’s Poppet.” What a •eautifui flower the cyclamen must be. Wendy.

‘■RED TERROR” PAYS TRIBUTE TO GREAT FULLBACK, NEPIA. Dear Wendy—Unfortunately we have no radio, but wo can get the news, whether the 1935 All Blacks are muniug or losing, from the daily ‘ fne Wanganui Chronicle.” Otherwise we would not have been able to secure results re the scores of the winners. Having won eight games out of ten, we hope that Mr. Wallace, the manager of the 1935 Maori All Blacks, will not forget the presence of that great fullback, G. Nepia. Had it not been for the severe attack of influenza, the Maoris might have won all the ten games they had played. Had they been without the presence of Nepia, it is my opinion that they would not have won a single game. Well, Wendy, as news is very scarce, I think I will close. Yours truly—”RED TERROR,” Mangaweka. I am pleased to know, dear, that the “Chronicle” serves its readers so well and that you were able to follow the team’s progress. I am sure also, that Nepia’s presence gave the team a greater confidence. —Wendy. “OUR PAGE IS LIKE OLD TIMES AGAIN,” SAYS “JUST A BOY.” Dear Wendy.—l must write in protest. I’ve just read (.over his shoulder) “Jolly Happy Jack’s” letter to you where he says bis only pals are Hut s Humbug, ” ‘ ‘ Hut’s Dreamer, ’ ' and “Pippa. ” Why I am so frequently at his abode that the mater oten asks where I spend most c-f my tune. Wei>dv, please forgive this frightful scrawl but as you see this pen is dreadful and it being the only available one at present, I therefore must use it. However, I’ll take pity on you, and make this visit to Letterland short for your .eyes’ sake. I spied “White Forget-me-not” and her friend, C.H. in town Friday afternoon. I’ve heard much of her better-half, but have not been lucky enough to meet him. Our page is beginning to look like old times again with the rereturn of the Old Brigade, isn’t it? Cheerio, Wendy—“JUST A BOY, Aromoho. I am so pleased to have a visit from you, dear, and I forgive your penship. 1 have made peace with Mr. Printerman as well. He, it is who usually grumbles when the writing is not good or the pencil too light. Yes, it is splendid indeed to see our Old Timers trooping back to the ranks.—Wendy. “MOTHER HEN” RE-VISITS HUT UPON RETURN HOME FROM SCHOOL. Dear Wendy.—l am verry sorry I have not written before. To-day I returned home from school. The school 1 go to is “ Queen swoed. ” Please would you tell me the rules for joining the birthday book? I would like to join. My birthday is December 21 and when it comes this year I’ll be IL When I arrived home to-day my brother’s and my own dog, Tim, came jumping up and licked my face all over. Daddy has given me a lovely egg-cabinet and some eggs. One egg is that of an albatross. On Monday I am going to fetch my brother home. —From “MOTHER HEN,” Bulls. How delightful to hear from you, dear. I wondered whatever could have become of you. Your birthday will be recorded in our birthday book when the date arrives. How pleased the doggies were to see you again. I do think that splendid of daddy to give you that cabinet. —Wendy. “DAD’S DELIGHT” ENJOYS FREEDOM AND DELIGHTS IN COUNTRYSIDE. Dear Wendy—Just a few lines hoping that you and all the co-Ites are quite well as this letter leaves me at present. Hasn’t the weather been dreadful? Nothing but rain and wind which makes one feel blue. How much nicer the sunshine is which everyone likes and fresh air instead of staying in stuffy rooms all day. Last week I went to a concert and there was a dance afterwards. It was held in the Brunswick hall. It was lovely but both going and coming back we had to slip our shoes off and slip our feet into gumboots and walk in mud which was ankle-deep. We had to hold a lamp to see by and it was fun holding on to each other to keep from slipping over. Dear Wendy, 1 am going to learn how to ride a horse as I have been very anxious to learn for ages. I prefer the country to the town atmosphere for it is fresher. In town one often finds the air is stuffy and smoky. In the country there are nice scenes, shrubs and green-covered paddocks and the birds chirping in the trees. It is lovely and quiet to what it is in the busy streets of the city. I was very interested in “Weary Wanderer’s” story about hh'j 'beautiful scenes and what he saw. I hope some day I will be able to see the beautiful sights of Rotorua. Would you find me a pen-friend to write to about 16-17 years of age? It’s great fun going down to the cow-bail to washup in gumboots after always wearing shoes and walking on pavements. Here there is only hills, soil and mud! Well, Wendy, as there is no more news at present I will close till next Letterland Dav. Love —From “DAD’S DELIGHT,’’ C.W.K., Brunswick. How nice to attend the concert and dance. I am sure you would enjoy every moment or these affairs are always so jolly. I prefer the countryside also for its beauty and freshness. I hope you will be able to realise your ambitinn to seo some of Geyserland’s wonders. I will see if I can find a pen-pal for you.—Wendy.

“HOW’S THAT FOR HELPING THE SHEEP FARMER?” ASKS “BIG SISTER.” Dear Wendy.—Good evening everyone! Goodness, don’t look al me with such, surprise, as it makes me blush with shame for not visiting you before this. Yes, it’t actually “Big Sister” come to have a friendly chat with members of our clan. “Laughing Lizzie” and “The Veiled Princess” have me guessing, as obviously by their letters they Jive very near (if not in) Huntcrville and so I, also, live there I’m wondering if I’ve met them or not. “The Veiled Princess mentions in her letter the wheelbarrow race held here and I’m wondering if she knows either of the performers in it, as I’m closely related to both parlies and may have met her in their company. Anyway, Wendy, I’ll just keep my eyes and ears open and see if 1 can’t identify tihe.se two lies. How are you keeping. We,ndy? Well, ] hope. I’ve been knitting all the winter and when I finish the garment I’m knitting now I’ll have used 45 ozs. of wool. How’s that for helping the sheep farmer? Well, J must say good-night and depart for home. No, Wendy. I’ll find my way out and save you leaving the warmth of that lovely fire. Goodnight everyone! Hope 1" see you all again in the near future. I am your wayward Ite—“BlG SESTER,” C.W. K., Hunterville. Why, can you wonder that surprised looks greet you, dear? Remember, we haven’t seen you for many a day. Hew pleased I am to have your welcome letter. Yes, try to discover your coItes’ identities. It will be groat fun if you do find them out. What a tie meudous amout of wool you have used. Do pop in again soon. won’t yon* Wendy.

“I LIKE ‘GRANDADDY’S’ SERIAL STORY,” SAYS LOYAL “TARZANITE.” Dear Wendy.—My word hasn’t the weather been wet and cold? There arc, quite a lot of children home with the whooping-cough. The school closed because there were only 22 at school out of 60. J like “ Gran daddy’s’’ serial story and 1 hope he is quite well and is out of the cold winds and rain. News is very scarce these days, isn’t it? Well, I had better close now. Your ufiiM-t ionite He —“TARZANITE,” Utiku. Yc| dear., the weather has been dreadful, indeed. .However, we may soon look forward to some nice sunny days now that Madame Spring is on the way. Goodness, 1 hope the whoop-ing-cough does not prove severe. .1 think “ Grandaddy’s ” story a splendid one , too. —Wendy. “RAY OF SUNSHINE” ATTENDS BALL AS “COLUMBINE.” Dear Wendy- ! go to the Marton Junction school and J am in sld. J. Our fancy dress ball was held on the Utli of this month and I went as columbine. We have four cats and their names are: Tortie, Black Lady, Ginnio Jane and Mu IT. I have a cycle to lide to school on. I have no sisters or brothers. I have commenced to learn music, J. will write a nice big letter next time.—From ‘VRAY OF SUNSHINE,” .Marton Junction. Many thanks,' dear, for sending me the particulars I asked for. How lovely to attend (he ball. Joly affairs, aren’t they? Your costume must have been prett.v. What a lot of pets yon have. I ho|H- you will study hard at. your 'Hii.-ii . - Wvnily,

"LITTLE .ELF” PROUT) OF GOOD UONxiUCT MzuiKt., Bvar XV eii ly. —am very sjrry J u i not writing i u you. • ■ GrauUuUily „au been doing a lot of painung, ue nuj I'iuntod i,re suleboaru, ,-uiu an rue eiian's, also the mauterjpiece and pictures. We have had our exauun..i.ou and 1 camo liGtir and received good loi conduct. 1 gaineu 361 total murks, i went to a mney dress ball as “j.iit.u Boy Blue,” but my two otner friends di<i uot wear fancy costumes. “Goiueu Beil” went in a prety liock. Un, scuool holidays are coming soon. ~ Wcudy, 1 must close now. v» > ( . , , , From “LIULE ELF,’- \. „ How pleased I anf to 1.v..,. .. .om you, dear, alter your long i.u. ? c..ue. 1 itiougm. the old Wuca i.mnc nave you in uer cluichcs. u.i, ( ,uar, but 1 wonder t.i.ri, ‘ Grumi.ruoj mis time to paint wm n nc is busy writing a serial story lor our page. Bravo! 1 am proud ot you. What a time you must have had at*U-.‘. ball.—Wendy. “BEETLE BILLY” DRIVES LOCOMOTIVE AT TIMBER MlLiu. Bear Wendy.—l ;Ull g!aJ tbu peu name I asked for was not taken. 1 like trains so 1 often drive tile levo motive in the shed for mv father. One day 1 asked it I could go down to the bush. Aiy father sain “yes ’ so .1. went lor lire longest ride 1. have ever had. There are live bridges altogether. The highest is sixty feet f'/e other day a slip occurred in a cutting. About a month ago the io- s toil olf the tiueks. Due truck turned around aud bent the rail. One | O g u q, oil into the river, also breaking a g.eat log which just about made tne ...rd . tall. Aly father tried to get. the locomotive across before it tell, too. One .Sunday 1 went down with my father and some other men to put tine trucks on the line. 1 don’t like being i u tge locomotive when it is pulling the trucks up. one day the fireman nearly had a truck wheel run over his leg. A new hauler is coming to pull tue logs. I ■lave only been once down the new line where it is going to work. ]. w ih fell you about tne mill next time.— Irom “BEETLE BILLY, Taihape. What a wonderful time you must nave at the mill. Fancy being able to drive the locomotive, too. If the bridge and collapsed it would have been dreadful, wouldn't it I Have a care always, dear, when you are iu or about the mill, won’t you? Yes, you must tel' me more in your next letter about the mill.—Wendy.

“THE HOLIDAYS WILL SOON BE HERE!” EXCLAIMS “SKALLYWAG KID.” Dear Wendy.—l will come and see you some time when J get a chance. Aunty 8 Pal” was in Wanganui a while ago. She went to the dentist to get a tooth out. The weather is teirible here, it. has been raining all night, the daffodils are cue uj) here and they are pretty. The August holidays will soon be here, and I will be glad. How are you these days 7 1 hope you are quite well. We have just finisher our examination at school, but I do not know my marks yet. I remain, yours sincerely—“ SHALLYWAG KJ D, ’ ’ Wendytown. Wo have had dreadful weather here, too, dear, and 1 hope the Weather Clerk will soon send us some sunny days instead of the cold, windy ones. We have had several falls of hail here, also. You will let me know how you succeed, won’t you?—Wendy. ’ I WILL BE EXCITED WHEN THE CHICKS ABE OUT,” SAYS “KOEKE KOROMIKO.” Dear Wendy. 1 am glad 1 saw my pen-name m the paper on Saturday. We have a hen at home and she is going to hatch some chickens sc-on. 1 will write and tell you when the chickens are matched. 1 will be very excited when the chicks arc out because they are lovely little things when they walk. Dear Wendy this weather is rather bad because the trains and ears cannot get past for the slips are coming down. W e have had a little snow here, but it has melted. The hilltops were white when we got to school on Monday morning. The birds are not very interesting because it is so very very cold, i feel sorry lor the little lambs ana the cows, don’t you, Wendy? 1 must close now. J. remain yours truly “KOEKO.E KOROMJLKO,” Taihape.’ Yes, dear, do tel] me how the brood | hatches out. 1 hope the mother hen brings out a fu]i uumbei of chic Ks. The ( hicks are darlings, in iced. 1 think the weather has been di jadful. 1 expect wc will, have some lovely sunny days soon though for Madame Spring is on. the way. How the animals and birds must suffer in the winter, especially when it is so bitter ami stormy.—Wendy. “QUEEN OF THE BUNNIES” MAKES STUDY OF THE KINGFISHERS. Dear Wendy.-—1 aiu writing to vou telling all about fom kingfishers. Their colours are bHue, and uo-eam. They have J mg sharp beaks. One morn ing I saw them on a tree. One hail the sun shining on it ami its colours weic lovely to see. The kingfishers Jiva by our school and they are ven timid. Or, Wendy, ( must not forget tu lell }on about our pet lambs. We have two and llirir names tire: “.Billy” and “Mull.\?’ My father brought them liome to-da\. It is very cold to day and the animals do not like the cold weather. I must, go now. Love—From “(2 i;j:j:n or the bi xmeh,” Tai hape. Many thanks for the little letter you have written about the Ikingtlslhers. ’They are indeed pretty birds and their colours n.vagnilicient when the sun shines upon them. How lucky you are to have the pet lambs am] I see you haw nice names for them. too. The wcat’her i< dreadful here, too.— Wendv.

“AND THE TURNIP ESCAPED!” EXCLAIME ‘ * SLAPDAS 1 SALLY.” D..ir \\ >-ii(ly. - isii 'l the weatliO' s I'ni ui running i«iio.i,.i the <dhcri ran o\ ci I i«- lop as >. • i uu, a in i i inter iht'iv was n<. .-ie>i oi u ••'.(•••pi | mud. In liic p;;d<b-*rix Im- iUiiiip> ill •■ I -ere I. i:ig i.o-.u •„ > w.u- a t y. I b. 'i - r i. i me .'ixpciirr i m.l ,i I cviildn l (U.cii a turnip .» was be mg w.t>hed a\.vy. I ~,n am.” p.> I it and then gut down an i wai, d io. it and wii ui it cam.; along I put mj iuoL jii bm ala>! it »a> iu . d j.’p a- d i 'iv waici ran intu my gumboi l. i.h tuiiiip c.-caped! .'• ;> ' iu<.h . a<d J made a bunt w.lli san> and Lnen san is now ma..i.ig an inkstand wiiich m na> nuai ij J.ii. lie I. The diai.i i.- m.». deep cnuug.i jusi al pres, in fur l.m. i’uat Io sail in. the Les i.i i .ie (j,, ii,-. must think wet weather dull but nd the country Ite.-. My brother ami i used tu run aiurig barefooted on t-n--slope oi tin drain witliuui hang.ng on tu the fence. Yesterday tire water was very swift and d' ‘p. Weil. Wendy, a week a gu I had inilueiizi but am quite well now. Well, 1 must close. 1 remain --" ISLAJ’DAISH bAL LY? C.W.K., Wcndyrye. There has been very heavy rainfuLs and th.' • ounirysidc luks drummed, j hope w, will suon have some reull.. n''‘‘ ii.. -.- soon. W iiut a lime you bad s; ii.ag juur boats. Yes. nv suon tire oi. ruiuy days. I am pleased you have recovered from your visit by Mr. ’Flu Germ.— Wendy. “WELL. I DON’T THINK MUCH OF TILE WEATHER CLEP.K," SAYS BETTY CO-ED’S SWEETHEART.’ • Dear Wendy, -i saw a lelt.r from one V, uverley lie iu the ‘page, .u i thought it was high time i° puuieu you a few lines or you will be crossing my pen-name oil your roll. Wed, L don i t-aiuk much of the WTather Cleric so he had butler iieup u-ut or my way. 1 expect there a.c a fe., more farmers w**o would like to i-aa>. hold of him. it is no good lor me little laiuijs with weatii. r like this. \\e have a number at home warming them up and it is no use taiiing t-ue... L>ack tu their muthersu ntil the storm is over as they only sit on t .e wet ground. 1 listened in tu the \» . i.uig lon-Canterbury Rugby malcli, aud i. was \ery exciting. Barry played a great ga.ac lor cningroii, so was one g'u . man the ..css urda l haw to pmy against, as he was supposed tu pla ? in \iaaganui, wasn’t he / “Brown '-■yo” is captain of the Old Girls basketball team and they played the school the other day, a aa were beaten 1-2. «h 0 didn’t half get teased lor Ivtting the school children win. «hc said they had plenty of chances to throw a, goal, but the hoop wasn’t big enough for her, and the other girl in h-er team would stand on the other side of the goal post aud they would have a game of ping-pong. Never mind, the se.aool team went to the lalea tournament two days later and won the cup! “Brown Eyes” reckuns next huh. .she plays she is going tu have a car tyre to throw a goal through. I was pleased with Wanganui s win. A big score, wasn’t it, (3431). I hope Campbell and Patterson played alright. Wvll. Wendy, 1 ain informed it is dinner-time now, so J will close. Au revoir.—From “BETTY CO-ED ’8 SWEETHEART. c.W K We ndy dale. What a pleasant surprise, dear. I have often wondered how you fared these wintry days. What ‘a change after the promise of spring that lurK cd in the air. It is dreadful weather for the poor lambs, too. Yes, Wanganui combined Police-Press team, gained a victory. “Brown Eyes” is a gem isn’t she?—Wendy.

‘ ’ SUNNY DAYS MAKE US FEEL AS THOUGH WE CAN FORGIVE THE WEATHER CLERK,” SAYS ’ JOLLY HAPPY JACK.” Dear Wendy.—lt’s such an age since I. last wrote tu you, isn’t it? But, the many others 1 am awakening tu the fact that our ilut still continues to progress and that I am still an Old Timer shirking my duty, so hero gees' We don’t see much of the old clan these days as we seem tu have drifted apart gradually. Occasionally, “Hut’s Dreamer,” Hut’s Humbug.” ami “Pippa” visit us and on very rare occasions we are highly honoured by our “ White’Forget-me-not ” springing a surprise call on us. Wc jrever know when it will be but we have discovered that it’s when it’s least expected. Sometimes we are here to welcome her, sometimes she comes and finds that there’s “Tibby” (the cat named after her) to talk to, but she generally leaves some little thing to indicate her presence. For instance, quite recently we all decided to go to the football, so locked all doors and made sure “Tibby” was outside. On our return we discovered mistress “Tibby” soundly sleeping on the kit cihen sofa quite unconcerned regarding the bow of pink, silk adorning her nock. We scratched our heads and thought and thought but the mystery remained unsolved. Somewhere iu the vicinity of two hours after our return 1 “Hut’s Happy Go Lucky” dashed inside exclaiming. “ T ?ve got it! ‘Tibbs’ has been here,” “How do you know?” demanded mother. “Pink ribbon, of course-” Sounded a bit like “White Forget-me-not” because she’s so very fond of the colour, pink. Anyway, I ’phoned her and she laughingly informed nid that sirs had left lu r handbag at home and had no pencil to scribble a note with, nor had she the energy to push the window far enough open to get through, so she took off her lie and put it round Tibby’s neck and pushed her through the opening in the window and closed her in, ending with, “My pink decoration would give me away.” A. novel way to let one know that another had been and ‘found them out.' What a glorious spring day it has been. When wc have days like to-day and yesterday wc feel that we can forgive the Weather Clerk all his shortcomings and terribly wet and cold d.iy-. don’t we? Lvt’s hope though, we don’t h.ive too many more mis r able days. Well. Wendy, mine, 1 must close as it’s tea-time and J’ve never yet needed to Im told a second time that the lea is ready, so cheerio. Your erring-" JOLLY HAPPY JACK,” .Aramoho. It is wonderful, indeed tu have you ; n our ranks to-day, dear. I have long began tu think \ou bad forgotten your nay tu our Hut. What a surprise our W r .l ’ sprang upua you whvu she bestowed the pink ribbon upon pussv. The first glorious day we have S oun puts all records of vows upon the Weather Clerk’s head in the bu-k ground, doesn’t it?—"Wendy.

“I LIKE SCHOOL BETTER THAN HOLIDAYS,” SAYS “CORAL DAWN.** Dear Wendy—l have not written ll you for a long time, as I have bees busy with my school work. My gistei and I are going to a concert on the 26th of this mouth. We broke up on Friday and I was sorry because 1 like school better than holidays. We are going away at Christmas and we might take a house at the beach, which will be nice. It i s my bed-time now, so I had better say good-night. Love.— From “CORAL DAWN.” Taihape. How lovely to have your welcome letter, dear. Yes, one must not neglect their homework and studies, must they? I hope you enjoy your visit tc the concert. Sometimes 1 liked schuo? iar better than holidays. However, all work and no play, it is said, makes Jack or Jill a, dull boy or girl. It will be lovely to have a house at the beach in the summer. I hope you do for 1 know how you will enjoy the seaside —Wendy. “IT IS NOT NICE TO SEE THE MUD LYING ROUND,” SAYS “FATTY.” Dear Wendy.—Here 1 am back again in your cosy Hut. 1 hope you are ii the best of health. The weather u startiug to clear up now alter havmj snow. Spring is nearly in full swiiq new, isn’t it, Wendy? “Wee Jeat from Aberdeen” and myself have beet busy in the garden getting it reads for Spring. “Kate Kelly'* has nut written for months. 1 think we wid have to have a search party and go and find her. She owes me a letter too. “Golden Bell” is also hiding. ” Grandaddy ’ ’ is very good at writing stories, isn’t he, Wendy? The othei day our old canary died. She was blind in one eye. The thrushes pechcd it out for her. Our young one is the greatest whistler I've heard. He does all kinds of silly things when one watches him. It is not nice to see the mud lying round, it it? J hope we have a lot more line days. The trees are all in bud and the plum trees in bloom. On breaking up day we played rounders from 1 o’clock to 3 and had good fun. We have about 12 baby lambs now. Our oldest being about two months old. “Taletit” and I tried to save two but they died. They were frozen stiff. We tried 1o warm and bring them to life, but cuuld not. Wendy, I am sending iu two stories fiom “Wee Snookums,” and myself. She is busy with correspondence work and has not had time to write. We have 36 cows milking and no calves to feed. I have a vase of violets near me and they smell lovely. Well, Wendy, as news is scarce I will bring this note to a close. A\ itk lo\o and best wishes.—“FATTY,” C.W.K., Wendytown. We have had some dreadful weat'her here, too, but with Madame Spring upon the way, the sunny days will soou be here. What wretches the thrushes w'ere to injure the poor canary so cruelly. Toor birdie! How wonderful of “Talctit” and yourself to work >o hard tu save the poor lambs. Many thanks for the stories. I will publish rb space permits.—Wendy.