THE WENDY HUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 246, 16 October 1937, Page 12

THE WENDY HUT

OUR CHILDREN'S CORNER

“TRUE BLUE IN ALL THINGS”

Enter . 1511 and be run over, or something even more terrible might happen to him. 1 received a letter the other day from a friend informing me that she had been looking for a dog for some time, but was unable to get one. I’m thinking of lending her Bruin. That's an idea! No! On second thoughts, I don t think Bruin would like that very much for he does not know her yet, and he hates strangers, Also it’s too far from home. So X must think hard again. Perhaps I can ask Mrs. ——, who had Bruin’s brother, who just the other day took ill, and had to be shot, poor thing. Mrs. ■ was beside herself with grief,—you don’t know how attached they were to one another! I’m sure Bruin will help to comfort her right nobly. On being asked, Mrs. agreed to look after him, also suggesting that it would be better to send him over a few days earlier to see if he would settle down all right, though I’m sure he will.

Now begins the packing of Bruin’s many little comforts. First his basket, which is an old clothes basket, lined and padded with rags, next his rug, one of those worn woolly ones witn blue stripes, then come his toilet articles, which consist of a brush, soap, towel, and bath-tub, much disliked by Bruin. Last, but not least, his enamel bowl for feeding from. Everything is ready now—even Bruin himself, who seems to know that I’m going to leave him, for he follows me everywhere, watching everything I do. When I was packing his things, his objection was great. Once when 1 went outside for awhile, on returning what do you think I found, Why, all the things I had packed were scattered about the room, and Bruin with his basket in his mouth was struggling to drag it to its proper place by the stove.

Now the day has arrived on which I must leave Bruin. As I look into his big doggy eyes staring at me, as if his heart would break, it makes me love him all the more, and I cannot resist the temptation of putting my arms round him. hugging him tightly, which he returns by licking my face. I never knew until this day how a four-footed beast could mean practically everything in the whole world to me, also show such feeling as Bruin did on our parting.

ELSIE ALLOWAY, Mosston School, Wanganui. 15 Years (Std. 6.) “I CAN’T HELP SMILING OVER THAT FUNNY SCENE,” SAYS “PRINCESS OF THE STARS.” Dear Wendy,—How are you getting along these clays? Quite well and free from all harm I hope. Our weather is rather unsettled, isn’t it, Wendy? But I hope we have better weather soon. I must tell you of an amusing incident that occurred in our milking shed. We have a new cow in now and we have taken her calf away and were just about to put her into the bail to milk her when she decided not Io go in, so started to caper round the yard. Daddy had her in the corner and seeing that she couldn’t escape again took a notion to jump the fence. She got half-way over when daddy caught hold of her tail and tried to pull her back. Seeing what was happening, mother called out: “Hold her I’ll help you. So there they were both hauling on poor moo-cow's tail while she was vainly trying to drag herself over the fence. After two or three hefty tugs the cow pulled herself right over and mother and daddy just had to let go of the tail. All the time this was happening I was turning the separator handle, but as soon as 1 saw the t.ug-o-war going on I just lot go of the handle and by the time the cow had won the milk had just about run over. Even while I’m writing this 1 can’t help smiling over that funny scene. It was funny, Wendy! You remember, Wendy, your namesake my successful calfie is over a year old now and she has been out in a paddock keeping another cow company till lately and when I went up to her the other day she was a bit uncertain, but she quickly calmed down to the dear callie she is and let me pat her like I used to. She loves being stroked under the neck. I must close now, with love to you.—From “PRINCESS OF THE STARS,” C.W.K., Bulls.

I do not think we need worry about the weather for I believe we will have a very good summer this year. Oh, dear, but how humorous the incident was. I hope the poor cow did not suffer any injury through scrambling over the fence. How you must have laughed.—Wendy.

lly Bear Children, 1 know our columns will be of special interest this morning because of the results in connection with the recent S.P.C.A. Essay Competition which proved so immensely successful and popular, too. 1 am sure the competition has accomplished a great deal in helping to make our young folk animal conscious. Some day our friends, the S.P.C.A., may consider another competition when the columns of our page will be open to them in furtherance of their good work. Now, at the moment, another movement which concerns all the young people of our country and which I would like to bring before your notice is the “Huy Health Stamps Campaign.” In connection with this most worthy work 1 would like to refer to our Governor-General’s recent speech when inaugurating this year’s efforts. His Excellency said during the course of his address: — “Some may ask, ‘What is the origin of this Health Stamp idea?’ In 1903, Einar Holbocli, a young mail clerk in a small post office in Denmark, was working late on Christmas Eve distributing letters, greeting messages and parcels. He noticed that, as a rule, they went to comfortable homes—to happy, vigorous and healthy families. But lie also knew that where kindly words and good deeds were most needed there was unfortunately the least likelihood of their being received. An inspiration seized him. He visualised a scheme to encourage the practice of giving something for the sick when sending a present to the healthy. It was this jjoung man’s idea, which later was responsible for the inauguration of the Christmas Seal. “New Zealand adopted this excellent idea as one of the means of bringing health and happiness to thousands of her children. As most of you know, each, year for a few months prior to Christinas the Post and Telegraph Department conducts a Health Stamp campaign, and lias special Health Stamps on sale. This year the design of the .‘.tamp depicts a youthful tramper standing on a rock promonotory, and suggests, very aptly, the value of health. ‘‘The Health Stamp, representing as it docs Id for postage and Id for the children, provides the bulk of the funds which will make it possible for under-nourished children to enjoy holidays in the health camps. It is the worthy aim of the many children’s health camp associations at present functioning throughout the Dominion to ensure that every under-nourished child shall spend several weeks in a wellorganised health camp, in an ideally situated spot, with plenty of fresh air, sunshine, wholesome food, and regular routine of health-building exercises. Experience has proved that these exercises, with regular rest periods and correct diet, have the effect of increasing the weight of the average child by approximately 31b. a week. But the camps do more than that, for they are conducted so that the children, while enjoying tire holiday, shall have instilled into them the elements of sportsmanship, good fellowship, and a sense of responsibility. “The stamps are on sale at Post Offices throughout the Dominion. Giving to a deserving cause by the act of purchasing health stamps is very easy and is within the reach of all. Each gift, small though it is, can be made to synchronise with Hie posting of a letter or the sending of a present to a friend. And I think you will agree that the use of the health stamp enhances the pleasure of making a Christmas gift, for it is something for the friend and something also for the less fortunate children. “The plans for the coming summer outline an attractive and well-tlioughtout programme. Provision is being made for 4000 under-nourished children, who will be selected by school medical officers and other responsible authorities, to be given the benefit of several weeks’ care and attention in camp. The limitations placed on last year’s camp efforts by the epidemic will be fully made up this year by extended camp programmes. The significant value of preventive treatment is strongly urged by the medical profession. Greater attention is now being paid in most countries of the world to the care of the young, and it is fitting and essential that our own country should not be behindhand in this respect. The idea underlying the movement is well illustrated by the expression, familiar to many of us, that “It is better to have a fence at the top of the cliff than an ambulance at the bottom.’ ’ And that observation of His Excellency’s is a very wise one indeed, and I hope all our clan will avail themselves of the opportunity to help other whose health needs the little extra you may be able to give by purchasing Health Stamps. I wonder who will be the first to use one n a letter to me. Now, dear children, I really must conclude. Until next Saturday I send you my warmest love and kisses from your affectionate —

“EVEN OUR ‘MADCAP’ REMARKS UPON HOW Illi. TIME FLIES,” SAYS “WAYBACK LIZ.”

Dear Wendy,—Here I am again. The time Hies so last, it is such a time since I wrote to our page. Even our "Madcap" remarks upon how the time flies, too. It’s quite clear to me that 6st. would be tossed about like a leather by 16st or 17st even. What an unequal contest! "Madcap," dear, don’t get rash as we can’t do without you. You ask me do I live in the River City? Well, yes Ido and like it ever so much. 1 have lived about the River City lor some few years now; in fact, all the time I have been writing to our page. Every place I live in has its beauty spots. Auckland 1 love lor I was brought up there, and 1 have also spent some time in Canterbury. I shall be taking a long holiday in Canterbury and other parts of the South Island in the summer and I am looking forward to my trip. 1 do not know you personally; you are just "Madcap.” You might be very disappointed in me if you did get to know me, who knows? But bless you, I'd just love to get behind the intrigue of our little covers of mystery. It’s awfully interesting, isn't it? I, too, am certainly braver behind the scenes or on paper. And if you did ever find me out 1 really don’t think you would have anything to fear at all. Wouldn't it be great if ive could take tea together. I suppose we oflen pass each other. Sometimes I just love sitting in the Avenue, wondering how many of our clan may be passing, but I never seem to strike any of them. Just betwixt you and me 1 d just love to. Perhaps I’m not too quick, it might be that. There, “Madcap,” I've had quite a chat to you. I know our Wendy will excuse us. I’ll leave you now until next Letterland Day. Best wishes and love to all our clan.—From “WAYBACK LIZ,” Letterland. This is really wonderful, dear, to have your letter. I think it would be simply lovely for you and “Madcap" to meet each other for you would , both have a tremendous amount in common, if 1 am any of character. You already l ave one and that is your admission of braveness upon paper. I wonder, too, when 1 watch the passers-by how many of our clan may be among them Wcnay. “Latham’s Seige” SENT IN BY "SHIRLEY TEMPLE HI.” Chapter 111 A minute later Betty was conscious of something else taking up her mind. Peter Paul and Grip were howling at full pitch of their by no means small voices and must be soothed into silence. Later the girls decided to try and get past the men-at-arms and creep home. They made their way througn many passages and halls without being noticed. Betty and Molly, hiding in a far corner of the great hall, were witnesses of a grand sight. Sir Thomas Fairfax, on the part of the beseigers, had sent a flag of truce with a messenger, calling on the defenders of Latnom House to give in and for a private interview with the Countess of Derby, to whom he had, a special errand. Betty and Molly, who were in the rear of the spot by accident, had plenty of time to look at the gentleman entrusted with this important piece of work. The countess, who had granted him what he sought, did not trouble to hurry herself but kept him kicking his heels and fretting while he wasted a good half-hour till my lady came down and gave him an interview. Lady Derby sailed forth into the hall in full state, but with a spirit of carelessness in her pomp, as if it was she who, as a great lady, was granting a favour in giving audience to an enemy, and not as a lonely dame hard pressed in a beseiged house, who was receiving an oiler of mercy. None could have guessed that she had passed half the night by the bed of an ailing, wailing child or that she had just been torn from the reading of a despairing letter from her husband. He tola her that he durst not leave Man lest the island should rise in arms against the Royalists and warned her that Lathom House was singled out for a seige by the Parliamentary troops, while he could not come to her rescue.

Lady Derby barely acknowledged the respectful bow of the younger Fairfax's cousin and gave no token of remembering him. Was she to recall old friendships in order to treat on equal terms with traitors? She listened with formal civility, strongly dashed with scorn when lie repeated in a lower tone his call for the giving up of the castle. He then raised his voice to show the kind terms offered lo herself—liberty and permission to go when and where she would, to take with her whom and what she would, free pardon to the garrison and her followers if she would submit to the will of Parliament.

It was never Betty's fortune to see a queen, but when she thought of one she always recalled that lovely, stately little figure straightening herself up, folding her hands and telling Fairfax’s kingdom to carry back her answer to his master. “I am under a double trust of faith to my Lord and of loyalty to my King, and I am resolved to preserve my honour and obedience though it should be to my ruin. “Though a woman and a stranger, divided from my friends and robbed of my estate. I am ready to receive your utmost violence, trusting in God for protection and safety.”

“FAIRY OF THE LAURELS” PAYS SURPRISE RETURN

Dear Wendy,—Here is another ot your Hunterville Ites come to visit you. Now that I'm writing 1 think “Blink Boney Bill” should, too. I don't thinK he saw his name in the birthday column when you put it in. During August I spent a week-end at Wendy Cove with “Jumping Jackaroe” and her sister, whose pen-name I can’t find out. She might give me a clue next time she writes. I spent the last week of the recent holidays going riding. “Queen of the Hunters” is ending her second year at college this year. 1 entered the junior S.P.C.a. essay competition. We attended the Rewa fancy dress ball this year but I didn’t know any of the Ites, though I have an idea who some of them are. At present I am one of the many victims of a cold. Best of luck.—From

“FAIRY OF THE LAURELS,” C.W.L., Hunterville.

How pleased I am to have your welcome letter, dear. I began to wonder when I would hear of you again. I am glad to hear, also, that you entered in the essay competition. I think a great amount of good has been accomplished by the Animal Week campaign among all young people. I hope your cold is now quite better.—W endy.

“IT ALMOST MAKES ME WEEP WHEN I SEE *T IS RAINING, ’ SAYS “ROSEMARY.”

Dear Wendy.—Rat! tat! tat! Can I come in after such a long absence from your happy band? 1 feel quite ashamed to ask for admittance again after such a long time. Well, Wend;., I expect you and your band are ail I well and happy. What dreadful weather we are having here at present. It almost makes me weep when I see it is raining and I.can’t go out into my garden. It is looking very nice at present with all the spring flowers out. Thank goodness the nice summer days will soon be here, and then we will be out-of-doors nearly all the time. As I hear my pet lamb calling for my attention I had better go. With lots of love to you all.— From "ROSEMARY,” Tutaenui. Yes, dear, do please come in. I have long awaited your return to our ranks, just wondering whether the old Witch had captured you and carried you off to her care. The pring is marvellous with its balmy air and golden blooms. It makes one wish it could b spering all the year round. Do pop in again soon, won’t you?— Wendy.

“I RESPONDED TO THE LEPER APPEAL,” SAYS “NANCET GAYNOR.”

Dear Wendy.—l suppose you’ll get a big surprise to hear from me. It is a long time since I wrote. I still have correspondence school work, but next year I hope to go to the Wanganui College with “Green Butterfly.” “Green Butterfly” and I went over to Hawke’s Bay for our holidays and had a iovely time. We saw the “Parker” foundation all lit up in rainbow hues, at night, on the Marine Parade, Napier. With all the trees lit up, it looked just as if one had suddenly entered the Land of Make-believe. I also saw Janet Gaynor in “A Star is Born.” It was lovely, too. “Chinook” is now 17, while “Byrd” is 16. Quit J grown men or at least they think they are. “Chinook” is working at Taihape. Every day two great silver ’planes roar overhead. I never tire of watching them. I have six pet lambs called Nel (the Springbok captain), Yvonne, David, (Dora died), Benno and Dorothy and Judy. I responded to the leper appeal, Wendy. Now I must away to help dad milk. Every day I watch the ’planes go by, Silver shining against the agure sky, Oh! how I’d like to fly Like a birdie in the sky. With love from “NANCET GAYNOR,” Kai Iwi. Oh, but what a surprise, indeed you have given me, dear. I had almost given you up for lost. I hope you will be able to indulge in your wish to attend college. 1 am glad you spent such a happy time on your holiday. I watch the ’planes fly on their way, too. How lovely of you to answer my appeal for the leper children’s Xmas appeal.—Wendy. A WONDERFUL SURPRISE VISIT BY “SCOTCH CASSIE”

Dear Wendy,—Here I am again ! after a long absence from your ranks. “Brave Heart” and I have been home from school sick. This term we have [a new cooking teacher and she is mice, too. Christmas will soon be here, won’t it? In our school examination last term I came fifth out of 28. They have just finished painting our school, making it like a new one, A few months ago 1 won a prize in the “New Zealand Farmer” competition and received a pencil case. Well, Wendy, this is all for now as it is tea time. Love to you and all Ites.— "SCOTCH CASSIE,” Gonville. How pleased 1 am to have your long-looked-for letter, dear, after your | absence. I couldn't help but worry .about you, especially our “Brave Heart.” I hope you are quite well | now. I know you will like your cookpng lessons. How well you did during the examination. I am so pleased. Oh. and a prize in a competition, too. —Wendy.