Peter Pan's Post Box

Waikato Times, Volume 102, Issue 17242, 29 October 1927, Page 16 (Supplement)

Peter Pan's Post Box

THIS WEEK’S MOTTO. a i “He liveth best who loveth best l AH things both great and small.”

Molly Stapleton, CvaudelancJs. —So pleased to bear rrom you a train, Molly. Ttie cards are just the thing- because all children lov-e. them. Thank you for sending the verse. I will put it in the page.— l’cter Pan.

“Marigold,” Pukeatua.—Tho bonnet is very nice, “Marigold.” You appear to have taken a lot of trouble with it. The train journey broke the stem of the rose, but could not destroy its fragrance. Thank you so much.—Peter Pan.

Iris Aiken, Horsham Downs.—Thank you for your little letter a,nd for your halfcrown, Iris. Because it caino out of the money-box I appreciate it all the more. It will help so much. I hope there are heaps of things, too, and I believe there will be.—Peter Pan.

Molly Barron, Manawaru,—ah, but Freda wants you to write to her, Molly. Do so very soon, because she Is probably disappointed. Ten sums every morning! And do you have ten sums right, my Molly? Yes, the clocks will soon be put on. But I am glad to think I shall receive my little friends’ letters earlier. Thank you Tor tl»3 gift for the Cheer Campaign.—Peter Pan.

Keith Horne, Frankton.—lt was kind of you to help the poor little duck out of its shell, Keith. I hope it is still well and is having lots to eat and growing and growing. I wanted you to write because I missed your letters. —Peter Pan.

“Faithful,” Horsham Downs.—So many measles that there is no school? Well, I suppose it is rather a good time, “’Faithful” —except for those who have the measles—-but when you go hack there will he lots of lessons because examination time is coining as quickly, as ever it can, isn’t it? It was splendid to save all those cards and then put them in a book for our Christmas Cheer Campaign.—Peter Pan.

“Buttercup,” Horsham Downs.—l om glad you like the pen-name, “Buttercup.” Did you know that 33 of tho children at

“The .Nest” had measles all at once not long ago? Yes, I have had measles—horrid things. You know that it is in tho paper only that 1 will write, don’t you? I’d like to properly, but except on very, very special occasions there would not .be time.—Peter Pan.

Don MacKenzie, Aotea. —Fishing, long walks on* the sand, rambles among the rocks and almost always a breeze with a touch of salt in it. With those things it must be a great place to live. Don. Wasn't- the climb steep near the summit of Karioi? What hard luck that the day was not clear! Perhaps you will go again and tell us what you see. A big welcome to our Circle. I will try to Ilnd you a pen-friend.—Peter Pan.

“John Bull,” Horsham Downs. —Why, the first lot or chicks has come by this! How many? 1 expect you enjoyed the singing or the Maoris. I did. Will you tell us all about it, please, “John Bull”? Do the cows ever play u-p? Thanks for riddles.—Peter Pan.

“Shamrock,” Pukeatua. —lt was Indeed great l’un that you had whirling round in tho -car and looking at all those places, little “Shamrock.” Didn't it sometimes seem as-if the trees and -the fences and the paddocks were flying along while you were quite still? —Peter Pan.

“Morning Glory,” Motumacho. —I knew you would write again soon, “Morning Glory.” Only nine weeks until Christmas? I had not counted. We must hurry with our Christmas .Cheer Campaign. Your remarks about the canaries will do for ,the Nature Notes Column. Those are the kind of tilings we like to hear. Thank you for the riddles.—Peter Pan.

Gladys Barlow, Morrinsvillo. —I expect your brother persuaded you to join. We are glad you did. Thanks for good wishes. The riddles are good. Write again soon. —Peter Pan.

Margaret Johnston, Hamilton. —I am so g-lacl you have joined our Circle, Margaret, and lam looking for a loug letter. Have you any pels? What do you like doing most? We want to hear all about you, you know. —Peter Pan.

Hazel and Alma Cleary, Karapiro.—The thing’s are just right. You didn’t mean the mac for the Cheer Campaign, did you? 1 guessed that was for me. it was beautiful. Thank you, my little friends. — Peter Pan.

Dave Barlow, Rlorrinsvilie.—l think I will go a long train journey and then in a boat and then to the sea-beach, Dave, l will not tell you any more until I come back. But I don’t think I will go just yet. Yes, you can write a neater letter, but anvway 'everybody couldn’t be on the Honours Board every week. Our Honours Board seems very popular, by the way. what a bad cat to kill pet rabbits! —Peter Pan.

“Lobelia,” Hamilton East, —Thank you for the presents, “Lobelia.” The wee verse was a bright thought. lam sure the tots will like it. Glad you will write next'.week.—Peter Pan.

Eossie Itflinchin, Te Rapa.—Thank you for the big parcel, Bessie. The things' will deliglii the children, i. know. flow some little girl will love, those dolls sleeping so sweetly in the little bed! Write to me again very soon, Bessie. Thanks for good wishes. —Peter Pan,

Bessie Fraser, Claudolands. —Thank you so much for the tiling’s, Bessie. The dolls’ dresses are very pretty. Did you make them yourself?—Peter Pan.

fi/lavis Wallace, Tamahere.—We arc pleased you want to join in our fun, Mavis. 1 wnat a long” letter soon.— Peter Pan.

LETTERS to bo Addressed ; PETER PAN, Care i/tfalkato Times Box 155, HAMILTON.

Ronnie Enright, Frankton. —We are so glad you have joined our Circle, Ronnie. Write and tell us all about yourself, what .you like, and what you do. When is your birthday?—Peter Pan. Eileen Gordon, Tamaharo—Well, I sincerely hope the children who do not belong look forward to reading our page, Eileen, hut it certainly is far more fun to join in, and we arc so glad to have you. There is a “Violet.” Would yon like “Viola”? Would “Trick” do for ,t.he goat’s name? Me evidently is one! —Peter Pan.

A GOOD SUGGESTION. Dear -Peter Pan, —I am sending you fouT hooks from Trevor and me for the Christmas Cheer Campaign, and I do hope some poor child will get as much pleasure out of them as I did. Trevor Is only nine, so I am posting his books with mine. Don’t you think it would be nice to give half the gifts to the Mayor to distribute among the poor children? They do not have any Christmas at all; it is like an ordinary day to them, for - they have no presents to look forward to like we do. I will be sending another parcel later, Peter Pan.—-Audrey Andrews, Frankton. Your suggestion is good, Audrey, but we should want a great many gifts to give half away and still have enough for the Sunshine Ward and “The Nest.” -But I think we must try. I saw you dance on the stage not long ago—yon were very dainty. Will you be 13 next birthday?— Peter Pan. THE ADVENT OF SIOTIKSR. Dear Peter Pan, —By this time I suppose you have quite forgotten me, bnt although I have often Intended to write, something has prevented me each time, so wDI you please Torglve me, Peter Pan? Thanks very much for my pen-friend. I have received quite a number of letters from Mary. Summer is now gradually creeping upon us. The birds are now pouring forth their melodious songs, while the cool summer breeze gbntly sways the trees t-o and fro and dips their branches in the slow-flowing pond. It Is quite a pleasure for one to sit In a garden and spend the summer hours watching the beautiful flowers slowly open their petals for the brilliant sun to shine on them, and the bees to creep in and. steal their nectar. We would not have many coloured flowers If we did not have the busy little bees. I suppose yon orten go to the Hamilton Lake, Peter Pan? We often spend days up there, for It is so hot one does not know what to do. Well, Peter Pan, I

will say good-night, as it Is 7 o’clock and I have not washed my dishes yet. Do you like doing dishes Peter Pan? Kind regards to all Circle members, not forgetting yonrseir.—Mabel Bowers, Eureka. You are forgiven, Mabel. Of course you were not forgotten. Glad you enjoy the letters from your -pen-friend. Yes, we are delighted to think of summer coming—summer,' which means picnics, happy days on the beach, and rambles in the hay-scented fields. Yes, I often go to the Lake. I cannot say that I love doing dishes. Who does? —Peter Pan.

A CHICK’S NARROW ESCAPE. Dear Peter Pan, —A terrible thing happened to one of our chicks.. One morning the cat had one of our chicks. It cried aloud. 'Mother ran and took it from puss. The chick nearly died of fright. But after being warmed and fed it got better. lam busy because lam at school all day. We have some dear little pigs now. They are tan ones. The apple tree 3 are beautiful and so are the shrubs and other flowers. The birds are singing and building their nests. Uncle has been down helping Dad to build a shed. Good-bye, Peter Pan.—Alfred Turner (S), Frankton. A narrow escape for poor chiclde! What a frightened little 'thing it would be! Watch puss carefully now that you have found her out, I’m glad you had time to write to me, little busy hoy.—-Peter Pan. A VISIT TO THE ZOO. Dear Peter Pan,' —I am going to tell you about a visit I bad to the zoo. The sun was shining brightly as we entered the zoo gates. After looking at the fishpond and .Jumuna’s bathing pond, we made our way to the monkey cage. Several of the monkeys were busy climbing the trees, and one very vain monkey was making g-rimaces in the glass, which he was holding. The rest of the monkeys were chewing peanuts which were being generously given by the people looking on. Suddenly one of the monkeys snatched at two strings of ribbon from a small girl’s hat which were blowing furiously in the wind. The hat and the ribbons were almost through the cage bars when a keeper came along and managed to get back the torn remnants from mischievous “Jacko.” We then turned our attention to the Polar bears, who were being fed by a keeper. lie threw one fish into the water, and there was a great splash as ttie hungry beasts dived in to get the catch. When they reached the surface again a fight’began. But the keeper did not let; them light for long, for he stopped them by throwing another llsli into the water. One of them let go and dived arter the fish. Presently the two were sitting on the ice eating their “lea.” The brown bears were also - having their tea when avo arrived at their den. The lions wore growling as they ate the meat, which was given them by the fork which the keeper held. By this time the bell had mug to signal the people lo depart. With tired and aching- feet avo reached the gate and were only too glad to arrive home where we could rest our feet. —“Woodland Elf” (13), Hamilton. Why, Jacko wan Led to try the pretty bat on in front of the mirror, “Woodland Elf”! Yours was a big parcel of good things. Thanks for gifts for the C.C.C. and for the items. The drawing is splendid. You have two in my Art Gallery now.—Peter Pan.

THOUGHTS OF HOLIDAY TUVIE. Dear Peter Pan,—After a long time I am writing you a few lines to let you know that I am sending you a small pareel for the Christmas Cheer Campaign, and hope the things will amuse some of Hie children in the hospitaL Well, the summer is coming fast now, and we will soon be going to the Rotokauri Lake'picnic grounds again. Have you been to bake Rotokauri yet. Peter Pan? The buses started running out there last-Sun-nay i have put some sunflower seeds,. I in the garden, and hope to beat the tallest V we had last year, which was over eleven ' i eet. i SQe by ollr page that a lot of S the members have had -the mumps and measles, but I have escaped -them so far. L™ .looking forward to the Christmas nonaays, as I ain going to my, sister’s. ■- o=l Green Bay, and I hope" to catch more fish tnan I caught last year.—Teddy Stephens. Frankton. ... The parcel was splendid, Teddy. 'NoPrf! I have not visited Lake Rotokauri yet dsn t that silly of me?. What fun you will have making that seed grow into aa eleven-foot sunflower; Do send me pro* gress reports!—Peter Pan. >

OFF FOR THE DAY. Dear Peter Pan, —I have quite grot-ore*-"-my cold, and am feeling very much better - this week, so L will write you a long letter describing , a trip we had to Arapuni a short time ago. After a very? early breakfast I helped mother to pack the hamper with plenty of lunch, as we intended to spend a long day, as we bad never seen Arapuni before. My father put the hampers on the side of the car and started off. After we had gone some miles along the road we -turned in at Ilora flora to see the wonderful, electric; works. It is a lovely sight to see the water rushing and foaming over the dam. We all entered our names in the visitors’: book. We then left for Arapuni. on arriving there: we were all very hungry, so we decided to have lunch first. T&4 men soon had a Are going. We had two billies with green peas and potatoes, which were soon cooked. By this time we hari, the cloth spread and lunch ready, and we had cold corned beef with the vegetables -F and, my word, Peter Pan, I can tell ypa there wasn’t even a crumb left ror the birds when we were finished! :. We had a look all round the works, went across tho ? suspension bridge, and took several snaps: We then went on through Putaruru and ' Tirau. and stopped there for a while at my auntie’s place. we arrived -home at six o’clock. We were very tired but very happy.—“lrish Eyes,” Karapiro. That was a wonderful trip, “Irish Eyes. 1 * I can imagine how delicious that dinner would taste and what keen appetites yon would have after -that long car-trip. Didn’t you love the rushing waters and the steep ' cliffs at Arapuni? Isn’t it fun walking up all those steps and steep places at Hor» Ilora? —Peter Pan.

RIR FROG INTRODUCES HIMSELF. Dear Peter Pan, —I ana going -to tell yea about a funny little thing that happened the other evening. I was sitting on the verandah reading a story-book when I heard a very funny soond coming from the garden, and I noticed our cat jumping around and very excited, so I went to have a look and I saw the funniest little creature I had ever seen. M-othor told mo it was a frog. It was sitting on the top of a head of cabbage, and every time the cat went near, it would squeal for its dear life. So puss left it -to hop away. She evidently did not like the dreadrul noise it was malting any more than I did. Good wishes from your little pen-friend,— “Freesia” (9), Karapiro. So you made the acquaintance of Mr Frog, “Freesia.” I notice yon did not Taney him for a pet. People hardly ever do. Have you ever heard a frog chorus? You should have a -good chance in tha country after rain.—Peter Pan, ' - >• A DELIGHTFUL TOUR. : / ? Dear Peter Pan,- —Three or Tour years ago my father, mother and I went down through Taranaki to Wellington, across to Lyttelton, and down the South Islahd. It was glorious! Just toy to imagine, it; We jumped into the car, and -off we round the corners, now to the right, 'mow to the left, and then to the right again. TUo wind whipped In our faces, carrying away our hats! There was a wild? scramble then to get them -till we thoughtwe would not wear them at aIL Then

the wind blew our hair all over our faces, making them red and rosy. We did not know what would be round the next corner. The thriU of expectancy Avas in us all! This part of the roadside is beautiful, with delicate ferns nestling under giant pungas, and taU verdant native trees towering over . the luxuriant undergrowth—yes, it is beautiful, but around tbe next comer perhaps there would be sweet*little wild white . violets growing all over the sido or tb-5 road. Of course we would havo to stop and pick them, and for the rest of the day their fragrango would cling to the A car, as we Avent on. Then a little further on we Avould come over the broAV of a hill, whence the lovely hush had long since departed, and we would see the surrounding countryside for miles on end, It was all hare, horribly bare, but what of that? Miles upon miles of green pasture land, rising, hill behind hill, is as picturespue as the beautiful forest. On, on we “flew,” through sleepy-eyed, lazy villages, and husy, bustling, panting towns, occasionally stopping to stretch our stiff .

limbs or snatch a hurried meal at some wayside hotel, and of course we had to stop and sleep when night came on. One lady at Paekakariki said she oould see the Bluff from her house. We have laughed about it ever since. (On fine davs one can sec the northern coastline of Nelson and Marlborough from there.) Wo spent two hours in Wellington, then we crossed over in the Mararoa to Lyttelton, arriving there the next morning. It was lovely to watch the tAvinkling lights or Wellington grow dim and nnaliy Tado away. Jam not going to attempt to describe the South Island now. We saw everything we could, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. It only rained once while avc Avere down there. On Christmas Eve we regretfully sailed from Lyttelton in the Maori, reaching Wellington on Christmas morning. But in the night SiMfa Claus had visited the boat and left ine a tin of toffee de luxe! We came hack through Napier and Taupo. The huge lake looked like a sea, Avith its waves lap-lapping on the shore, for we could notl~. see the oilier side. The lake passed, avo struck out t-OAvards the Main Trunk line, passing the Wanganui River where it is only three, or Tour yards Avide, and through the National Park, reaching the line at Yvaiinarimo. Following the railway, we came homewards, on—on!. —“Skyscraper Nan’’ (13), Frankton. Surely that old lady must have second sight! Wo are all awaiting the next mslalment “Sknscraper Nan.” Your beginning Avas particularly good. "I could easily imagine f Avas in the car rushing round the bends and losing my hat! Of course 1 will excuse the Avriting. Considering you Avere sick I think you did remarkably well.—l’eter Pan.