THE WENDY HUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 252, 23 October 1937, Page 12

THE WENDY HUT

OUR CHILDREN’S CORNER

My Dear Children, —- To open my letter to you this morning J am favoured with an account of last Saturday’s S.P.C.A. Special Benefit -Matinee which is contained in the following:— The Special Matinee held on the ninth of October was a great success, and everyone who went thoroughly enjoyed the programme from all accounts. Our thanks are due to the Management of the Regent Theatre, who did so much to make the afternoon a success. Altogether we made about £5 which meant that about three hundred and fifty children attended on our special tickets, benefiting the Society by being willing to pay an extra threepence for them. Next time we have the opportunity to put on a similar entertainment, I hope that every child that goes will see that he or she comes in with our tickets, and so helps the cause of all animals, the friends of whom gave us such enjoyable and exciting entertainment for the benefit of their less fortunate comrades. Our thanks are due to all the grown-ups particularly those who enabled the boys and girls from the schools to attend, and to all who sold tickets, designed posters, and helped in the various ways they did to make the Matinee the undoubted success it was. One Junior Member did very good, and not altogether easy work, in selling tickets at the last moment. You will, therefore, see from the foregoing that the effort was not without the success it deserved to be, and I need hardly say how pleased I am. I think our Dumb Friends’ future is in capable hands, and the fact that about three hundred and fifty children gave their support speaks well for the work already commenced among- the junior folk of our district.

A matter of great moment and a near-future event will be the school breaking-up functions, which, I notice, are receiving consideration, and from various sources I learn that they will be particularly jolly this year. I hope, when the time does really come, you, who are attending school, will thoroughly enjoy the many delights to be had from the functions prepared, especially for young people’s enjoyment. J low well I remember my own prize-giving days, break-up concerts, fancy dress balls and garden parties. They were such happy times, and when I read accounts of them to-day how I wish I could only persuade old Father Time that he is mistaken and that I really ought not to be . Oh, but that's a secret, isn’t it? I know you are aware of my birthday, but not my age, and while you neither know whether 1 am young or old, 1 am able to be as “make-believe” as I choose, may I not? However, dear cherubs, enjoy yourselves while you may, for the responsibilities of life, when you are required to assume them, do not always rest lightly upon one’s shoulders.

Now, let’s have a word or two about the weather. How wonderful the days have been! Such sunshine makes one want to hunt out bathing “togs” and pop off to the nearest bathing pool or baths or, maybe, if one is lucky enough, the seaside. With this idea in mind, I hurried off to the beach during last week-end, but, oh! when I tested the foamy waves that swirled merrily over the sand I found that water as freezing as I imagine it to be right down at the South Pole. Still, there is always the thought that ere long old Sol’s kindly rays will temper the frigid waves and then .... I’ll leave you to imagine the rest, dears. Well, I rather fancy my space limit is reached, but ere I conclude let me say “thank you” to our dear “Zionite” for her cheery “cheerio” she sent me from Auckland. All my love and kisses to you all, from your ever affectionate,

*l’M SURE I DIDN’T THINK ‘.MADCAP’ A ‘MADCAP,’” SAYS "CUDDLE’S CHUM.” Dear Wendy,—Just a few minutes i spare, Wendy, so 1 though I’d drop In for a little chat with you and the Ites. Fancy you not knowing me, “Madcap,” and I’m sure I didn't think you a ‘madcap,’ when we met. 1 was very much like one myself because it took me an age to think who you were. Never mind, we won’t let it happen again. “Mother of Four,” I’m glad I didn’t look so very bad on a horse the other day, because I'm sure I didn't feel too game on a new horse for the first time. The compliment was worth having, I must say. No, “Laughing Lizzie,” my surname doesn t begin with a “C,” so you’ll just have to have another try and maybe you’ll get me right. Well, “Onga Lap,” aren’t 1 right by saying I saw you working in the garden the other day, when i rode past? (At least trying to). That poor spade had a very decided bend in it you know. “Nelson Eddy,” did 1 see you on the same day (17 th.), or am 1 in error? Didn't you have a broad grin on your face when you saw me? Please tell me if I’m wrong. “Jacko II,” are you sure you have my initials right, and if you have I still can't place you because I only know a very few people in Marton. Are you by any chance a friend of our “Paul Daring F.D.” or am I wrong? By the way, “P.D.F.D.,” how are you? I believe you had a good time at the celebrations and ball. I very much wanted to go but somehow didn’t manage to. How are you, “Hairy Goat,” that grass still keeping you alive? Did your cycle last out all right,” “One of the Big Sisters?” 1 hope so. Well, Wendy, 1 won’t take up any more room in our page but will pop in again soon. Love to all the Ites, and yourself. From “CUDDLE'S CHUM,” Hunterville.

How jolly of you to pop in like this, dear. Fancy you meeting our “Madcap.” What a great chat you ■lust have had together. Gracious me, but what a flutter our Hunterville Ites will be in when they read i you budget.—Wendy. “BRAVE HEART” ORGANISES SUC- ! CESSFUL HUNT FOR GARDEN PESTS Dear Wendy.—Here I am after a long absence from your page. We are busy making a vegetable garden some of the things in it are up and ready to use. One evening I took a torch and bucket to gather snails. My hunt came off very successfully with a bucket of snails. I will close now. Love—From “BRAVE HEART,” Wanganui. How jolly of you, dear, to relieve my anxiety regarding your safety. I could not help but wonder how you fared. It is splendid to have nice fresh vegetables, but, oh, dear, what a task it sometimes is to preserve them against the pests that attack them.—Wendy.

“WE ARE VERY ASTONISHED NOT TO SEE “MADCAP’S” LETTERS,” SAYS "BRAINY GUY.” Dear Wendy,—l suppose you think I have been locked up by the Old Witch. We are very astonished because we have not seen “Madcap’s” letters in the page for a few times. Well, if you want to know who this is from you’ll soon lind out. It is your true-blue Ite, “Brainy Guy,” of Hunterville. At school we have a good many pupils. “Broadway Scandies,” “Hinemoa” and a few more of you Ites of Hunterville, why don’t you wake up? “Laughing Lizzie,” how are the lambs? Well, Wendy, how can we wake up the Ites from here? “Onga Lad,” how are you? Well, Wendy, good-bye. From—“BRAINY GUY,” Hunterville. Yes, dear, I did think that perhaps you had been captured by the Old Witch, and 1 am so glad to see that such is not the case. Our “Madcap’s” letters are always eagerly awaited, aren’t they?—Wendy. “WHENEVER I SEE ‘0.L.8.’ HE CRASHES INTO SOMETHING,” SAYS “THE BIG SISTER.” Dear Wendy,—Another bad penny rolling up, but such a lot of Ites I know here have written, I had to be in fashion, too. “Cuddle’s Chum,” called on me last Sunday, and “Hairy Goat” was feeding “C.C.” on grass, Wendy. But it was very funny watching “C.C.” try to ride a cycle. “Mother of Four,” you have disappointed me. .Where were you Saturday evening? And ‘Our Little Boy” wasn’t in view. Wendy whenever I see him he crashes into something. First time it was a powerful motorcar. “Jack the Second” has me puzzled. Are you “male” or “female?” Are your initials B.C. “Wild Princess” did you get that birthday present you* were asking for? I didn’t think you liked sugar. Well, Wendy, cheerio. From—“THE BIG SISTER,” Hunterville.

How pleased I am to have your letter to-day, dear, and there are quite a lot of questions and answers our Ites will have to ask and answer. I do hope “0.L.8.” does not often meet you under such circumstances. —Wendy. “LITTLE MAID OF THE BUSH” PAYS CALL AT LETTERLAND. Dear Wendy.—l am sorry I didn’t write before. I am lazy, am I not? Peter and I go to school in the car now. How is “Lavender Lady” keeping these days. Mother is in Dannevirke. I am writing this letter a* school. Recently there was a tangi held across the river. Yours truly “LITTLE MAID OF THE BUSH” Raetihi. How pleased I am to have your welcome letter, dear. I hope mother enjoys her holiday at Dannevirke. The tangi is a great occasion, isn’t it?— Wendy.

“TRUE BLUE IN ALL THINGS”

Enter . 4512 “SNAPDRAGON.” 4513 “SHIRLEY TEMPLE IV.”

Dear Wendy.—Please may I join your band of merry Xtes? Could my pen-name be “Shirley Temple? I have *een reading the Wendy Hut Page for some time and now 1 nave decided to join. With much love--From “SHIRLEY TEMPLE IV," WanS& Welcome to the Wendy Hut my dear. I am sorry but the pen-name you have chosen is already m use, but I have given you “Shirley Temple IV which I hope you will like. I am so pleased to have your brother join our ranks also. —Wendy. w

Dear Wendy—May I join your merry ranks like my sister. I.would like to have “Snapdragon for my pen-name if it is not already in use. I am eight years old and my birth day is on August 21. Loye-From “SNAPDRAGON,” Wanganui. Welcome to the Wendy Hut, my dear. Yes you may have the penname you have asked for. White again soon, won’t you?— Wendy.

“MY VOTE GOES TO THE ANTS,’ SAYS “5.8. G.

Dear Wendy,—l promised in a former letter that I would send in a companion story to “Sparkies," but in looking over my papers I was re minded that I had sent it long ago So I am sending in a little more about ants You often wonder which insect is the busiest of the two—the bee or the ant. My vote goes to the ant. 1 herewith enclose an addition to my last talk about these wonderful workers. Ants are abundant in Palestine, and though they feed on flesh, insects and saccharine from trees, they store up corn, chaff, seeds, etc., to protect their nests from damp. They surpass most insects in instincts and industry. (My note does not say that bees are included in the remark re most insects.) The bee is a great fighter. Bees allow so drones (lazy people) m their industry. (What a lesson is here taught.) If we would take the Divine advice given in Proverbs, Chapt. VI, verses 6,7, 8 —“ Go to the ant, thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise” —there would be less trouble in the world to-day. I have an article ready for you concerning eagles. Per-, haps I had better hold it back until; next week. It is so far notes only and I arn too tired to write it up just now. So with love to all, I stay my pen.— “5.8. G. Palmerston North.

Yes, dear, your companion story to “Sparkles” appeared some time ago. I am pleased to have your further interesting notes upon members of Lie insect world. I will be glad to have the article upon eagles.—Wendy. “UNLUCKY LOVE” PAYS HAPPY CALL AT LETTERLAND Dear Wendy,—Well, here I am again to cheer up your Ites. Yes, “Laughing Lizzy,” I saw you in the cowbail the other day trying to milk the cows and I also saw “Veiled Princess,” too. Well, “Hairy Goat,” I was told you weren’t keeping the grass down at Pukeroa. You will have to wake up “Hairy Goat’s Sister.” How did you like chasing horses, “Cuddle’s Chum”? You had a very long ride that day. “Shepherd’s Bride” is keeping very quiet these days, isn’t she, Wendy? The weather we are having is not very good lately, but I hope it will soon be line. They tell me, Wendy, that one of the “Big Sisters” have a cycle and she can hardly get up a hill, but I suppose she will be flying along one of these days. “Mother of Four,” I have not seen you in town for a long time now. Are you hieing from your fellow-Ites? How is “0.L.8.” doing these times. Good, I hope.—“UNLUCKY LOVE,” C.W.K., Hunterville. So pleased to have your cheery letter, dear. I am sure a number of your fellow-Ites will find much to interest them in your merry make-be-lieve. The weather will soon become reliable now that the summer days are here.—Wendy.

NOTICE BOARD Many thanks, dear “My Chatterbox" for your little gift. lam afraid it will have to be placed in our Xmas Comfort Ship's Cargo as it was just a little late.—Wendy.

“MOTHER’S HELPER” IS A HELPER IN SPIRIT AS IN MAKEBELIEVE

Dear Wendy.—Knock! Knock! May I come in for a little while? From the window I can see our garden and it does look nice, such a lot of flowers out, so different to when we came here, as there wasn't any garden. “Sweet Sultan” is getting tea ready, as mother is not well, and I have been helping her. Hallo “Kingfisher J.” Yes, I remember you, too, when arc you coming to see us again, also your sister, will it be in the Christmas holidays? We were talking to your aunty the other day, she is very interested in your page, Wendy. Well, Wendy dear, I will close now. With love to all the Ites and yourself.— From your true Ite “MOTHER'S HELPER," Putararu.

Oh, yes, do come in, dear, for I am ever so pleased to have your letter after your absence. The flowers are so very beautiful and I do not know what we would ever do without them. Oh, lam so sorry to hear of your mother’s illness. I hope she is soon well, and I think you are wonderful to help her.—Wendy.

“I SUPPOSE OUR SWIMMING SEASON WILL SOON OPEN,” SAYS “FLOWER LOVER.”

Dear Wendy,—lt is about time I woke up and wrote to you again. We have started playing tennis at school. I like tennis and basket-ball for they are my favourite games. I suppose our swimming season will soon be starting Wendy. Little Angelaine” is my best friend at school. Did you see the picture, “Rose Marie?” I did and I thought it was wonderful. Wendy are the Ites allowed to send in short stories and pieces of poetry? If so I would send in some. Well, news soon gets scarce, so I think I will have to come to a stop. I will write soon again. Give my love to the Ites and yourself. From—“FLOWER LOVER," C.W.K., Kakariki.

Tennis is a wonderful game, isn’t it? Swimming is marvellous, too, and although many have taken their first dip of the season I have felt the water to be too cold as yet. I think I’ll wait a little longer. I saw the picture. Yes, you may send in stories and poems as you suggest.—Wendy.

“Latham’s Seige”

SENT IN BY “SHIRLEY TEMPLE III.” Chapter IV'. HOW THE DAYS PASSED As weeks passed and the temper of both sides rose, it grew less easy to dismiss the two girls who were non-combatants. They had ceased to fret, and had become wonderfully resigned to their house of bondage. The girls grew at home among the din and the dust, the trials and horrors of a seige which lasted not for weeks but months. Though the Countess, with the great burden on her slight shoulders, overlooked them, the girls made other friends among the remaining women in the house, all in the same peril. Even the Countess’ lady companion found comfort in pouring out her woes and terrors into such kind ears as young Yetty’s —a rude touch of danger made all dwellers in the house of Lathom kin. The portly housekeeper remembered Master Miles as a boy, and knew friends of his and his Flemish wife in Bolton. She was daily thankful to big Jack Grubb, who, when he was not otherwise engaged, brought from the storeroom the food which she doled out to the cooks. He made raids at her request to the poultry yard, the great dairy, and the herb garden, all of which were in a somewhat exposed position, not able to be got at by women, unless they happened to be made in the heroic mould of my lady the Countess. It afforded a respite of good Mistress Clay to call in the girls to her room, give them a gingerbread nut or two —which would not be of much avail to ward off famine. She could then indulge in a gossip about the Baldwins and their circle in Bolton.

The most quarrelsome, if not the most frightened person in Lathom House was little Lord Stanley, who had the misfortune to cut his back teeth in the middle of the seige. As he was borne about in his old nurse's arms he had come across Peter, Paul and Grip, and had taken a great liking for the old dog, and a sneaking fondness for lhe other. His keeper was thankful when their owners brought them to pay him a visit in his nursery. Molly was used to nursing her own little brothers and sisters. Betty, the youngest of her family, had endless clever ways of keeping a baby amused.

The couple were in great joy at the honour of being allowed to wait upon and nurse the future earl in his dainty cambric and lace. Further, to Betty’s delight, the retainer, who directed her life to her charge, abounded in family legends and stories of the former earls and their Countesses.

“MRS. PADRE,” DO HAVE A SPRING-CLEAN IN “PADRE’S” DESK AND FIND MAGIC PEN,” SAYS "WAYBACK LIZ.

Dear Wendy—l must send on my little message to the other Ites as well. Do you know, fellow Ites, its just great to be back again in the Hut. “Padre” dear, what about a comeback now? It would be splendid. I know you are such a busy one, but one little message now and then would be so appreciated, wouldn’t it, Wendy? “Sh!I” says ‘Madcap, “don’t frighten him away.” Mrs. “Padre” do have a spring clean in his writing desk and lind his magic pen. I’m sure it must be in some dark corner; do lind it. I must write a little word on fretting. “Fret Not.” We find this command in the Book of Books. To me this is as much a command as, “Thou shalt not steal. A good definition of fretting is this: Made rough on the surface or worn away, and a peevish fretful person not only wears himself away, but is very wearing to others. To fret and worry is to be in a state of vexation. We are told not to fret because of evil-doers and to fret not in anywise. It is injurious to health and character and God does not want us to hurt ourselves. Only in Him can we get help to keep from fretting and worrying. Half or even most of the worries people worry about and fret over never come to pass. So why keep fretting . Our doctors will tell us that lits of anger and so forth injure the system and are more injurious than fevers. A fretful disposition is not conducive to a healthy body. Rules are apt to work both ways and the next step down from fretting or worrying is crossness and that simply amounts to anger. Let us settle this matter, put our trust in the Heavenly Father and obey his words. ‘Fret not!!” Overheard in an Orchard. Said the robin to the sparrow: “I should really like to know Why these anxious human being Rush about and worry so?” Said the sparrow to the robin: “Friend, I think that it must be, That they have no Heavenly Father Such as cares for you and me. Best wishes and love to all our clan. From --“WAYBACK LIZ,” Letterland. Oh, but how wonderful it would be if “Mrs. Padre” could but discover our “Padre's pen. Our page is the poorer by his absence and we greatly miss his kindly counsel. Many, many thanks also for your helpful suggestion to preserve one's mental comfort. I send you my warmest regards. — Wendy.

“SWEET SULTAN” HOPES TO GAIN PRIZE IN CALE CLUB COMPETITION. Dear Wendy,—Rat, tat, tat, may I come in? I am going to care for some wee lambs soon. Do you like lambs, Wendy? I do. I think they are lovely. I am putting my call in the “calf club" and I hope I win a prize. I received a nice badge last year:. I had a surprise yesterday and what do you think it was, a letter from “Diamond Dewdrop." “Mother's Helper” walks to school with me. Often we have a ride with Daddy to the factory. Well, dear Wendy, I will close. With heaps of love.—From “SWEET SULTAN,” Tokoroa. Oh, yes, I think the lambs are lovely. Of course, one cannot keep such pets very well in the city, but when I was young I had many to care tor. I hope you gain an award. Do let me know, won’t you? What a surprise to receive the letter from “D.D.”—Wendy.

“WELL HUNTERVILLE ITES HOW DID YOU ENJOY THE JUBILEE DANCE,” SAYS “BROADWAY SCANDLES.” Dear Wendy,—Once again I pop in too see you. Well, Wendy, Hunterville excitement is all over now, but I’m very sorry to say, that the weather was not quite promising enough. The crowd was innumerable. I wonder if “Our Little Boy," etc., have guessed my identity yet? Well, all Hunterville Ites, how did you enjoy the Jubilee Dance? I expect you all enjoyed it very much. Well “Digger,” have you died away altogether? Why don’t you write to our page, and let us know that you are still surviving? I think you had better write soon. Well, Wendy, I had better bid you farewell for now. Love to one and all. From—“BROADWAY SCANDLES,” Hunterville. What a pleasure it is to have your cheery letter to-day. Oh, I am quite sure all the Hunterville Ites spent a really wonderful time at the Jubilee Ball. I do wish our “Digger” would pop in again soon.—Wendy. “I LIKE TO SIT BACK AND WATCH THE FUN,” SAYS “TEA CADDY." Dear Wendy,—Just another longlost Ite who has decided to write again after many long months of absence, but like “Mother of Four," 1 like to sit back and watch the fun. I enjoy reading “Madcap's" letters very much as they are very interesting. How lovely lhe spring flowers are, Wendy. Our bulbs are in full bloom and they look so sweet. “Mother of Four" I have a faint clue as to the identity of “Kelly the Great.” I will whisper in your ear one day, when quite sure. “Yellow Rose of Texas," have you still got the golden rod, mine died out. Well, dear Wendy, I must close. Lots of love. From—“TEA CADDY,” Hunterville. How delighted I am to have your welcome letter, dear. I really imagined the Old Witch had you in her clutches. The flowers are very beautiful indeed. I have some in my garden that are a real joy. I wonder if you have really discovered our “M.O.F.'s identity. Time will tell, eh? —Wendy.

Do You Know These Facts About the Panama Canal? That is starts in Limon Bay and finishes in the Bay of Panama? That the total length is fifty-one miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific? That the minimum width is three hundred feet and the minimum depth 1 forty-one feet? That the whole of the canal is lit by arc-lamps?