Peter pan's post box

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17691, 20 April 1929, Page 16 (Supplement)

Peter pan's post box

■•Little Elf,” Kaipakl. —We were so glad to hear from you once moro. Little Eir. _ What jolly work you do at school. are the sachet and mat progressing? Write again soon, Jessie. —Peter Pan.

Ruby Moore, Te Rapa. —What a busy Sunday Ruby! And the drive sounds such a jolly one—what a pity that you rnlssed seeing both your guests and your aunt. —Peter Pan.

Desmond Thomas, Frankton. —Hard luck on “Ivanhoe.” We hope the ’flu has left him by now. Thanks for explaining the card trick. —Peter Pan.

“May Flower,” Frankton. —Peter can’t understand the riddle at all, Mary. P er " haps one day he will see it, thougrh, and he will be sure to tell you when he does. — Peter Pan.

Gordon Thomas, Frankton. —Such a quaint quotation, Gordon, but very true, though put so absurdly.—Peter Pan.

Lorraine Pardington, Forest Lake.— Thanks for the jokes, Lorraine. Where do you get them all from?—Peter Pan.

Desmond Pratt, Frankton. —How did the day’s shooting, go, Desmond/? We hope you had a good day. Was it, far to go on your cycles?—Peter Pan.

Bobby and Eddy Pascoe, Frankton.— You are starting goir early, Bobby and Eddy! How are the rounds going? What excitement there will be when mother returns! —Peter Pan.

MANY HAPPY RETURNS a BIRTHDAY GREETINGS to Bernice Mole (9), April 20. Warren Lentfer (16), April 20. Violet Shennan (17), April 23. Muriel McKenzie (9), April 23. Gladys Creighton (15), April 24. fif}ary Carroll (9), April ,25. Mabel Green (9), April 25. Hugh Klrton (13), April 26. Allan Fisher, Frankton. —Do hurry up and send us the rest of the story, Allan. Wo were getting so interested when all of a sudden it ended! Don t rorget.—Peter Pan. “Titanla,” Melville.— lt seems a long time since you last wrote to us, Joan, ana we were so glad to get your letter. The aeroplane is lovely, isn’t it?—Peter Pan. jossle Forguson, Frankton. —Thank you for the joke, Jessie. Aren’t tho mornings cold now? Some or the days have been lovely for this time of the year.—Peter Pan. Owon Elliott, To Rapa. —What a jolly little farm you live on, Owen! We loved hearing all about it. How is your mother? We hope she is getting.better. You must have a busy time with the milking to do. —Peter Pan. ' Poggy Kennedy, Frankton. —The jokes were good, Peggy. The poor woman whose hat was sold so cheaply would be annoyed, wouldn’t she?—Peter Pan. Joan Fisher, Frankton. —W T e are so glad that you like your Honours Board Card, Joan, and thank you Tor the jokes and riddles. How Is your garden?—Peter Pan. Bryson Davison, Newstead. —What good luck you had at the races, Bryson! You certainly won some lovely prizes. Arapunl is a wonderful sight, and you seem to have enjoyed your trip there.—Peter Pan. “Pogles,” Okorolro. —Yes, I like the name -you have given your puss, Elsa. What excitement there must have been when the aeroplane appeared! Write again soon, Pogles.”—Peter Pan. “Fairy Queen,” Frankton.—We were ever so glad to get a letter from you once more, Mabel, and hope you will write a Jot to us now. We entered your name In the Birthday Book, and hope you have a very happy birthday.—Peter Pan. FUN AT SCHOOL. Dear Peter Pan, —To-day our teacher gave some boys permission to dress up and act the Treaty of Waitangi. Many flag-s were hung about, and one boy was dressed as Governor Hobson, another as Bod Williams, and various boys acted as Maori chiefs. ' There was also an interpreter. It was also acted very well and was great l'un for the rest or the class. — Dorothea de Montalk (10), Frankton You must have enjoyed the little’scene Immensely, Dorothea. It’s a topping way to learn history, isn’t It?—Peter Pan.

END OF TERM COMES NEAR. Dear Peter Pan, —It is getting so near the end or the term, I suppose ?°°" will be havi;*g our exams. I did hot go away for my Easter holidays, but Dad went out to Raglan to get some oL our cranes. We are having our Sunday School prize-giving on Friday, so I will tell you about it in my next letter. I am corresponding with Mary Gallagher and think it is very interesting. How many marks have I to get ror an Honours Board Card’’ The weather is now quite tine but It is colder In the mornings. Our (lower garden is looking ve JY the cosmos are out. —“■Bluebell, FranlvtonYou have six points towards an Honours Board' Card, Alma. It is ever so long since we have heard from you, but we are -looking forward to . hearing about your pripe-giving and hope soon to be sending you a Card. —Peter Pan. RALLY DAY. Dear Peter Pan; —Thank you very much for remembering that my birthday was on the IC*th. On the 10th I went to the Hally and enjoyed myself so much. ine llrst thing I did was to see how many ol my schoolmates had received a prize. After dinner I went round to sec all the cattle in the paddock. There were bulls, cows, pigs, and many calves, hut Dad did not take anything. Mum and pad went to the concert that night.—lris Aiken, Horsham Downs. We were so glad to get another letter front you, Iris. Was there a big gathering or cattle on the Rally Day? It a pity your father’s took no prizes.—Peter Pan. AT ROTORUA. Dear Peter Pan, —It Is ages since I last wrote to you, but I am working now and I have a terrible lot to do and such a lot of cousins who are always writing to me. I only manage to scribble them hair a sheet as an answer. 1 went to Rotorua last Sunday and I had a glorious time. We went by car and the scenery was heautirul We visited all the springs, geysers, mild pools and the model pa at Waka. Then we drove round the Blue Lake and stopped Tor lunch In the Children’s Area. Arter we had had lunch we went and explored the Sanatorium and its grounds, \Ve then looked round the town, bought some sweets, and hoarded the car for home, where we arrived about 7.30 p.m. We left at 0.30 a.in, in the morning and arrived at 8.4 5 am.; that was not bad going, was it? Well, I must close now. —“Desert Gold,” Cambridge. We really thought we were quite forgotten, “Desert Gold,” so were very pleased to get your Such a jolly day you had at Rotorua! Please write and tell us some more about your doings. —Peter Pan. AT DEVONPORT. Dear Peter Pan, —I said I would tell you about a day In Auckland, but I will leave that until another time. Instead I will tell you about a moonlight scene on the esplanade at Devonport. It was Friday night and wo hurried to catch the Devonport bus. When we arrived we hurried about the gaily decorated shops buying provisions and admiring the stores. After wandering about we went on to tho esplanade to admire the moonlight scene and to drink in all the beauties of the calm summer night. It was full moon and spring tide. As the great silver ball rose it cast glistening reflections into the placid transparent water. Slowly it rose until ti reached Its zenith. The dark sky was studded with myriads or stars which resembled an amethyst brooch or tiny natural lights. Stars twinkled, seagulls cooed and called. All was quiet. A gentle breeze teased the water, rufTling its calm surface The unceasing lull and roiling water was delightful. One by one the city lights went out, hut not so the gleaming stars above.—“ Dancing Daylight” (13), Frankton. The lights across the harbour are delightful, aren’t they, Phyllis? Peter has watched the place you tell or Just in the same way.—Peter Pjn. '•rarer A TRIP TO AUCKLAND. Dear Peter Pan, —I would like to tell you about my Christmas holidays, which l spent at Auckland. 1 went by car, and while there I stayed with my Auntie. My cousin and I had a lovely time together. We went to Kohlmararriara and had a swim; we also went to a beach through the Titirangl Ranges. On each sid? or the road were lovely ferns, right down to the beach. We visited tho zoo, and saw all Hie different kinds or animals and birds. 1 saw the baby bippo. in the water with its mother. My sister took us to a play, and wlille we were waiting Tor the doors 10 open we looked at the shops. Uncle look us Tor a drive through the Domain and round by the waters’ edge, where we could see a great number or sailing boats and steamers. We also went to see Queen Street and went up In a lift to i'he top of a building, which was seven stories high. On arriving at Hamilton by train, I proceeded to Raglan by motor ear, where the rest or my: holidays were spent. I ride a horse 4J miles to Fairfield School. I am very sorry that our headmaster has gone away. I spent my Easter holidays at Raglan.—Miriam Blackmore, Rototuna. Do you like riding to school, Miriam? It must be fun. - You had a Joljy time In Auckland, didn’t you,? Peter Pan loves the noise of the city and the lovely shops. —Peter Pan.

THE EASTER HOLIDAYS. Dear Peter Pan, —I -went home for my holidays and spent most of my time out in the paddocks with my pony and dog:. When I arrived home pussy was stretched out In front of the Are, and when I sat down she rose and cltmhed on to my knee, so I knew she had not rorgotten me. Nest day when I went to catch my pony he threw up his head and walked u to my side and rubbed his nose on my shoulder. Puppy, too, had not forgotten me, and leaped about so that I had to get out of tbe way of his dirty paws. Nanny, the naughty fat lamb, was too busy among the long grass, and took no notice of me but only dodged out or reach. Arter seeing my pets I went out for a gallop across the country and explored the hills that I loved and was wont to roam among berore I had to leavo home and go to High school—“ Wild Rose” (14), Hamilton. A jolly week-end you had, Nellie, but how the time must have flown! You had so much to do and not very, much time to do it in, had you?—Peter Pan. FROM A NEW MEMBER. Dear Peter Pan, —I have not written to you berore, but I have often read the Children’s Page. I will tell you about our school picnic, which was held at the Walhi Beach. At 8 o’clock one flue morning we assembled at the school, where two buses conveyed us to the beach. The trip there was lovely. Towards the town of Waihi the road became very dangerous. Tor on one side great mountains of rock rose sheer and majestic, while on the other side a drop of some feet led to a stonybeded river. Around this stream quite beautiful bush grew. Soon we reached the beach. We all Jumped out and ran oil to the long stretches of sandy beach. The sea was blue near the beach, hut farther out to sea it was green. It. was lovely in bathing, for great big breakers rolled and splashed. We had lunch on the side or a hill, under the shade or some trees. After lunch fruit was handed round and ice-creams given out, and the children had a lolly scramble. At four o’clock we returned home, tired, but happy after our day’s outing.—Margaret Mears (12), Ngarua. ' Welcome to the Circle, Margaret. We were very glad to hear from you and hope that you will write to us often now.— Peter Pan. ALL ABOUT BETTY \ Dear Peter Pan, —I am very, glad about winning .the Honours Board Card. I received it this morning, and I thank you very much for it. To-day I am going to tell you about Betty. She can crawl now, and can stand up by the wail. It is funny to watch her crawl; she puts one leg under her and crawls on it. Betty has had croup but she is getting better now. She knows Daddy so well that when he puts his hat on to go to work she cries and wants to go with him. She also makes a funny little noise when you want to kiss her. I have been sick and I could not go to school to-day. Peter Pan, have you seen “Tarzen the Mighty”? It is a serial at the Strand and l'rankton Theatres. It is a lovely picture about, animals In the jungle. 1 missed twice because I was sick. —Joycelyn Mole (12), Frankton. We are glad to hear that Betty is quite better now. What a lovable little thing she must he, and how she is growing up! You must send Teter a snapshot or her soon.—Peter Pan. A RACING JERSEY:Dear Peter Pan, —Mona Is not home yet but is coming on Saturday. I don’t think she ought, to go away, again because when she does Dad gets laid up.. He has a bad arm at present. It came up In nasty pimples, and I think it is poisoned. I think 1 will try this week’s competition. Pony gave her leg a nasty tear, and I do hope it is better before Mona comes back. I don’t know what she will say ir It isn’t. One of our Jersey heifers went steeplechasing the other day. On Friday it was raining nearly all the time and I was out washing carrots and beetroot. It is nice, clean work picking the duck eggs up out of the mud on rainy mornings! Dad bought a trio or ducks for five guineas. It Is a lot of money, for three birds, isn’t it?—Lorna Stockley 12), Elstow. Quite a chapter of accidents you have had since -Mona’s departure, -Lorna. Peter Pan would have loved to have - seen the Jersey hurdling. well done on gaining another Card!—Peter Pan. A DAY AT THE ZOO. Dear Peter Pan, —While I was staying at Henderson for the Easter holidays, Mother, my rrlend and I paid a visit to me Zoo. After waiting a lew minutes we boarded ;be bus to Surrey Crescent and from* there to the Zoo in a tram. My i'ri.tnd and I bought lour-pennyworth of peanuts between us, and having paid our admission wo walked down a long winding path the sides of which were beautiful lawns and pretty green trees. Having walked down some concrete steps we found ourselves standing in front of a fair-sized cage in which was a little pond surrounded by Barns and two weeping willows. Alter looking closely for a few seconds a beautiful bird came from out of the foliage. it. had lovely curling reathors at the back and a beak about an inch long, while the rest of its body was all the colours ol' the rainbow. On arriving at one of the monkey, cages we found they were rock monkeys. A pile of rocks was In the middle of the cage, and most of the monkeys were climbing up them like lightning, uhile others were lying stretched out on the rocks pretending to he asleep. Suddenly we were startled by some curious noiises coming from the other direction,' and on following the sound, we saw Jainuna, the elephant, nosing round his bath. We were informed by the keeper that he would not go into the bath. The keeper got on the elephant’s back and tried to force him in, but still he would not budge. After feeding Jamuna with bread and peanuts we made our wuy to the rest of the monkey cages. There was a spider on the outside of a glass window ol' one of the cages, and a monkey inside was trying to catch it. First h-3 put his hand over the place whero he thought it was, and finding that it was still running round he rubbed an empty; passion fruit shell over it, but seeing that it made no improvement he put his arm through the wire and caught it. At a quarter to four we went to the refreshment house and had arternoon tea. Beroro we went home we watched the bears being fed and it was very interesting to watch the Polar bears beg and dive for the lumps of raw meat that were thrown to them. At half-past live we caught tho bus to Henderson and arrived home glad to have spent such a nice afternoon. —“Kewpie” (10), Whitiora. What an interesting day you had, Doris! The zdo grounds are very beautiful, aten’t they?—Peter Pan.

ABOUT MANY THINGS. Dear Peter Pan, —It seems a«:s since you received a letter from me, but every time I sit down to begin my iener something happens to prevent my continuing it. I have not much news to tell you this time, as nothing exciting has been happening lately. Daddy ana I went mil mushrooming this morning, and arter havin ghunted everywhere we returned home with half a basketful. A rew days ago I went for a swim in the river, and although ir. was cold I enjoyed it very much. I was counting my cigarette cards just now and found I had 1370. Our cat had a little kitten a short while ago, but it caught cold through its mother carrying it outside and it had to be destroyed.—" Scribbler,” Hamilton. It seems ages since we heard from you too, “Scribbler,” and we hope to hear from you orten now. Well done on winning your Honours Board Card! You must try fo-r a second one now.—Peter Pan.

FROM SWITZERLAND TO NEW ZEALAND. Pert 3. Dear Peter Pan, —Well, I shall flrst of all tell you about the Te Hana School picnic, which was held at the Lake. Although a rather bitter wind was blowing across the water, we had a very enjoyable time. Tbs morning was spent in playing games. A most delicious lunch was served under the trees. During the arternoon the races were held, but I was not very successful, as I secured only a third prize. We did whatever we liked until we were each given an apple and an Ice-cream. When afternoon tea was served at 3.30 we were given free bags of sweets, while the younger, children also received their prizes. At 4.45 tho bus came to take us home, w’here we arrived tired, but very happy. We also held a school concert on March 21. I was acting as a Brownie in a fairy tale play called “Tho Splc and Span Stone.” The concert, which was a great success, lasted from 8 p.m. till 10 p.m. The hall was' crowded with adults and children, many or the former being rrom Hamilton. Now I shall come back again to the steamer. The coast of Italy, was only u faint streak in the distance. The ship ploughed her way' through the rippling bine waves-of the Mediterranean Sea to Port Said. The water was still very calm, but the weather became warmer every day, Tor we were sailing further south each hour. On the morning that we arrived at Port Said everybody was up very early, for It was a glorious day. The weather being hot, everybody was attired In light summer clothes, but berore dinner they had to change them. Coal was being loaded on to the ship, and tli-e dust made the people very black Indeed. We looked nearly ns black as the men who were loading the coal! Most people went ashore, but I stayed on the steamer with my rather and mother. A great number or small rowing boats soon surrounded the Ormuz. Their occupants were brown men who wore very queer clothing. It consisted or a tight, large checked skirt and the top was like a shirt or singlet. They were all, of course, barefooted, while a turban In black, white or red served as headgear. I was Tightened or these men when they came on board to sell their wares, some or which were very beaptlful. Among the things sold were necklaces of lovely coloured beads, bracelets, handbags, rings, cigarettes, fans which proved to be very userul later on, qnd white sun-heimets, besides beautifully embroidered shawls. All these things could be purchased very cheaply. Very, interesting was the way those men dived for pennies and other coins which tho people threw into the water for them. Some had so many pennies and sixpences in their mouths that they looked as if they had the toothache very badly! A passenger offered a boy a shilling to jump from the upper deck into the sea below. Down into the water went the shilling, with the boy after it. In a few moments he came smilingly to tho surface again, the coin safe In his mouth. It seemed as If the water were their home.

Well, I think that Is all I shall write to-day, for you right become tired or reading.—“ Bookworm” (ii), Te Rapa. We were very glad to hear rrom you once more, Germaine, especially to hear more or your topping trip out to New Zealand. What a gorgeous Journey it must have been. Do hurry up and tell us more.—l’eter Pan.