"WHILE ROEOS, HITLERS, MUSSOLINIS AND EVERY SORT OF PERSON RAN ROUND WITH COLLECTION TINS.”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 138, 12 June 1937, Page 12

"WHILE ROEOS, HITLERS, MUSSOLINIS AND EVERY SORT OF PERSON RAN ROUND WITH COLLECTION TINS.”

WATERLADY’S” IMPRESSIONS OF QUEEN CITY. Dear Wendy,—l have recently returned from a holiday at Auckland and have quite a lot to tell about it, so had better get right on with the “story.” We left home on a Tuesday afternoon in the month of April, and we stopped the night at Inglewood. The next day we reached Taumarunui. and spent the night there. That night I had a sore throat. Next day I had a cold, and it certainly was the actual thing! Nevertheless, we went on to Hamilton, where I spent two and a-half days in bed. Daddy took me to play golf on Friday morning, and although my cold was no better, I had a good time. I must confess I Hung round more turf than the ball, but nobody took any notice, so why worry? The young man who looked after the links happened to know my father, because he went to school with his father, so they had quite a “powwow.” Then the young man, who had been studying my face intently while talking to daddy showed me how to hold my stick correctly and lots of other hints, but as it was raining slightly and my cold was not improving we left. Later, I found that my outing > dn’t agreed with me. for I spent the next few days in bed. Well, we reached Auckland on the Monday, and on Tuesday morning a knock came at my bedroom door, and in came the proprietress to tell me to stop in bed that day as I had a wretched cough, so in bed I did stay, and had the waitress fussing round with the menu card and my dinner. In the afternoon I heard a crowd yelling outside in the street (we were stopping in Queen St.J and in conies Daddy with what I (nought were a couple oi wild in dians, with black faces and two tin cans. These they held out to me with a most beseeching smile, and they turned out to be two young University students from the parade outside wishing me well, they tore out, wild Indians on the war-path once more. I immediately donned my dressim*. gown and went out on to the Iron* balcony, where I had a perfect view of the humorous proceedings. Lorr'after lorry .full of decoration went by. while Romeos. Hitlers, Mussolinis and every sort of person ran round with the collection tins. I could fill pages on the decorated carts alone, but I’m sure that wouldn’t do. as the procession was not allowed to go down Queen Street again. We went over to Devonport and looked over the Pirate Ship Cabaret- It’s certainly a great ship and although it’s “high and dry” looks very realistic, cutlasses and ship’s lanterns hanging from the walls and ceilings. VISIT TO “SAIL ON SUNSHINE” Then I went to see “Sail on shine” and I can honestly say that I don’t think I enjoyed anything better than the few moments I spent with him. I think he’s just wonderful. I only wish I lived near him that I could go there oftener.” “Sai! on Sunshine” has two tame budgies called Paul and Pop-eye. His sister and his mother got them and they sat by my friend’s hands and were quite at home. Then I sa v lots of the things Paul Boesch sends him and what a 10l they wen*. “Sail on Sunshine” rang me up several times, and we had a good chat. VISIT TO ZOO I went to the zoo. and saw the baby hippo. It’s a darling little fellow, and so small beside it’s mother. Bella. As soon as it’s big enough to leave its mother it will be sold for £2OO. Quite a large sum of money, isn’t it? I went to the films and saw “We W’ho Are About to Die.” That’s a grand picture and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Also saw “Rose Marie.” Beautiful Jeanette MacDonald was in it, and she’s a great actress. We went in the morning as the show was booked up for night and afternoon, and when we came out there was a crowd down to the next block waiting to get in for them next session! That’ll give you an idea of how Auckland people like Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The Coronation decorations were pretty, especially the Town Hall at night. We wandered down Grey Street in the dark, ano quite a thrill with Chinamen creeping round us. and slinking away into the little alleys. I saw the alley where Robin Hyde’s “Starlie” lives, but didn’t venture down it. We ar-

rived home safely, and I had a great time, although the weather wasn’t much. I saw your letter, “Wind,” and was pleased to see you’ll be writing more for the pages. I must thank you again, too, my dear, for all those nice compliments. You couldn't have said anything nicer about me than you did in that letter. You write charmingly, and I’ll always be reading your letters and descriptions. Well, Wendy, I must close. This letter is really too long, and I’m forgetting the other Ites who have written also. Lots of love.- From your sincere "LAUGHING WATERLADY," M.W.L., Bulls. What a wonderful holiday you spent, dear, and I am sure it is one you will not easily forget. How lovely of you to call and see our “Sail on Sunshine.” How pleased he would be to meet and talk with you. Isn’t he lucky to have such a great friend as Paul Boesch? I hope I may meet him some day, too. It would be a great honour to be able to thank him for the wonderful acts of kindness he has performed for a member of our I clan. —Wendy.