Kiddies Sunshine Circle

Ladies' Mirror, Volume 5, Issue 3, 1 September 1926, Page 73

Kiddies Sunshine Circle

“The Mirror,” Customs Street, Auckland. My Dear Kiddies,- — I am thinking of you all hard at work with your exams—with furrowed brows and inky fingers. I do hope you will all get on well and get nearer the top of your class. Then will come your holidays. They are always great fun, aren’t they? I think the weather clerk is going to be kind and give us some really nice sunny days and all the joys of an early Spring. I want each of my little Sunshiners to try and do something good and kind each day to bring sunshine into the lives of others, and you will all enjoy your holidays much more. iltle deeds of kindness, little zvords of love. Help to make earth happy, like the heaven above.” Then remember the wise old saying of the great philosopher, Cicero, who said ages ago that “Nothing is so popular as kindness.” I suppose you have wonderful plans for your holidays, and I shall hope to hear all about your doings next month. What do you think of this, kiddies? The Editor says we are taking up too many of his pagesspreading ourselves too much—-but I have told him we could not possibly be cramped, because the Sunshine Circle is the most important section in the whole journal! I love to get your letters, and would like others to read the nice things you write and see the sketches you do but space is valuable in The Mirror, so you must try and be brief and not make your stories too long. Even if only a very few of the extracts from your monthly budget of letters can be printed, we must keep our pages bright and interesting. Wouldn’t it be dreadful if we had to do with less space? I should feel quite lonely without my kiddies’ cheery letters that come by every mail like rays of bright sunshine. I must tell you that I was especially delighted with the very clever sketches some of you made of last month’s cross-word puzzle. I am so glad you all appear to have taken notice of what I said last month about neatness. Our “Main Trunk Stations” competition last month was a puzzler, wasn’t it? When it was set it was not realised how few letters could be formed to make up station names. However, many of you tried hard, and will get marks, even though you thought you had failed. Well, dear kiddies, I must leave you for this month with every good wish for your success in your exams, and the hope that you will have lots of fun during your holidays. Cheerio. Your Big Sister, “ Sunshine.”

FVly Loves When I sit down to think of all the things I love, I think of all the pleasant things below, beside, above. In the vase the bulb stalks curling, Pussy, after sleeping, his little paws unfurling. The barber shaving hair neglected, An “R” on all my sums corrected. I love to watch them shearing sheep And watch the frogs and tadpoles leap To sec the golden sun go down, While silence reigns in the little town; Then moonlight stealing o’er the ocean, While wavelets ripple in gentle motion. When I’m in bed and there’s a storm, I like to feel so cosy and warm; I like to feel, when I run, The wind come and toss my hair in the sun. On the beach I love to hear The great green breakers rise and rear Their foaming crests, then fall with a “crash” As up the flat grey shore they dash. All my “likes” would take ages to write; But when to rest I retire at night Of all the enjoyable things I said, Not one can compare with my little porch bed. —Meg Merrilies (13 years).

SVly Favourite Pastime WC ould the day never pass ? I * * thought, as I lay on the grass, with nothing particular to do. I entered the house in search of a book, but as none suited my strange mood I ran across the road to my friend’s house to see if she had one. “How do you do. dear?” came a pleasant voice from the verandah. “But what is the cause of that long face?” “Oh,” I answered, carelessly. “Can’t find anything interesting to do. What is the book you are reading?” “It’s the Mirror,” answered my friend. “But the part that I enjoy most is this”—and so saying she turned to a page entitled “The Sunshine Circle.” At last my interest was roused. I took the book, in my hand and eagerly searched Jthe pages. But I lingered long over the “Sunshine Circle,” and then exclaimed: “Oh, I would like to join.” And, sure enough, I did. Now the days never drag by, for when I feel weary, I find much amusement in the Mirror. In fact, it has become my favourite pastime to read it. You enjoy it too, don’t you ? —“Puei.ea. ”

September Gompetitioiis.

The 'Broken Dial Puzzle (Open to All) T et us suppose we had a watch ■*— or a clock with Roman figures on the dial, and that we had the misfortune to drop it and break' the face into four pieces. Now I want you clever. Sunbeamcrs to tell me how such a dial could be broken so that each of the four sections numbers 20 when added together. Take a pencil and draw a dial and show how the face must have been broken. Marks will be given both for the drawing and also for a correct solution of the puzzle. Square-word ‘Puzzle (For Kiddies under 10 years). 1. What rivers do. 2. Another word for affection. 3. A place to bake in. 4. To travel to a destination. Square Puzzle (For Kiddies of 10, 11 and 12 years) 1. Material left over. 2. A performer. 3. A building material. 4. Medicine to buck one up. 5. To build a house. Cross-word Puzzle (Open to All).

Clues Across. 1. Highest in price. 2. Greasy liquid. 8. Extinct bird. 9. Poem. 10. Hostel. 11. Personal pronoun. 12. Unit of work. 14. Male sheep, 15. Male descendant. Dozen. 1. To condemn. 2. Kind of duck. 3. Beverage. 4. Eastern title. 5. Vocal music. 6. Colour. 12. Printer’s measure. 13. Not off.

Riddlemeree A/Ty Ist is in maize, but not in LVA corn. My 2nd is in prickle, but not in thorn. My 3rd is in brook, and also in stream. My 4th is in shriek, and also in scream. My Sth is in rooster, but not in gull. My 6th is in bright, but not in dull. My whole is a book, most interesting and gay, If only to puzzle me out, you will stay. —“Boxzo.”

Results of August Competitions 7 owns in Neia Z calami. —W anganui, Masterton, Port Chalmers, Blenheim, Dannevirke, and Whangarei. Main. Trunk Stations —Dunedin and Hinds. Cross-word Puzzle. —Across: 1 In, 3 Acts. 4 Tale, 8 Ales, 9 Pat, 10 Ah. 11 Ma. 12 Eat. 15 On, 17 Bumper, 18 Hope, 22 Sec, 21 Ate. Down: 2 Not, 4 Ta, 5 Alphabet, 6 Lea, 7 Esteems, 10 Am, 13 Ape, 14 Tec, 15 On, 16 No, 19 Pa. any Happy Returns A number of our more enthusias- -*■ tic sunshine members will be celebrating their birthdays this month. Let us all in spirit wish them joy in adding another year to their score, and hope that Dame Fortune will be good to them in the future. I give you some of their pennames:—“Little River” (Sept. 2), “Springtime” (Sept. 11), “Echo” (Sept. 13), “Bonny” (Sept. 21), “Tom Brown” and “Humpty Dumpty (Sept. 25), “Snow’ White” (Sept. 26), “Bluebell” and “Shepherd” (Sept. 30). •JVly Favourite Fastime AXTith towels slung over our v y shoulders, and bathing suits in our hands, we eagerly made our way to the river. Donning our bathing suits, we sprang into the water, and began splashing each other with the greatest glee. Gradually making our way into the deeper part, we chased each other, floated and ducked. Com-

petitions were then held, to sec who could float the longest, the prize being a biscuit from the lunch basket. Somebody then brought a spring diving board, and fresh fun began. After staying in the water for half an hour we dressed, to boil the billy. Lunch was very jolly under the shady willow trees, with the leaves whispering overhead as though they would have liked to enter into conversation with us. More swimming followed, while the boys caught crayfish. Then we wended our way homewards, as happy as sandboys. —“Pixie” (aged 9). tin iniiii in m ii i in ii i mini ilium mii:i iiiiiiiiiitiiiiiiiii

“JOY BELL” A Sunshincr zvho also scans lo be a Mermaid, as she started swim in;/ in Mannkan Harbour on the first of August. Uh! Doesn’t it sound cold and wet!!

Though papers come in great array. The Ladies’ Mirror wins the clay. For boys and girls of good school age All look forward to the Sunshine Circle page. —“Fluffy" (aged 12). <tj%irrorgrams (The numbers in brackets represent the marks awarded) Bev l hope you are better, dear. It is nice to know you like our Circle. Puck (Masterton) — Yes, try the competitions. Send in another pen-name, as this one has been taken long ago. Bubbles —Fill in the coupon on page 72 or you cannot be entered in the Sunshine Register. John Fabian — is nice to get parcels. I am glad you liked yours. I hope my little sister is quite well now. (5). Hymen — Certainly you may join, but you must send in a coupon. Rosebud sketch is very good. Is that you I spy in the back of the car? (15). Dawn —So sorry to hear this little sister has been ill. Hope she is now quite well. (5). Matilda Day—clever girls to make up that cross-word puzzle. I love boating, too. (10). Colin — Hurray! Glad to hear from you again. (10). ' Bonzo — pretty notepaper, dear. Your riddlemeree was excellent. Buck up, because after exams come holidays. (25). Stingaree Your crosswordpuzzle is correct and the sketch good. (10). Casabianca — are a little explorer! No, I have escaped ’flu so far, and I really have no time to be ill with so big a family. Is this “Casabianca” on the pony’s back? It is very good. (20). Tiger Tim Yes, I am very happy with all my “Sunshiners” —they are very good children. Try some of our puzzles. (10). War Trail —We had not thought of birthdays in June — Sunshine Circle has only started lately. Better luck next time. (5). Mary Ann You write a nice little story. “Bets” is about your age. I will ask her if she would care to correspond. (20). Wendy —Your crossword puzzle is correct, dear. (10). Nancy You did not read my instructions carefully. They refer to new subscribers, and not to circle members. (10). Daphne— A very pretty name, too. So glad you like the crossword puzzles. (10). Hiawatha —l like printing; it is so neat. You will soon be having holidays, too. Cherry Blossom — Hello, dear, I like your letters. Who do you fancy you would like to write to? (20). Wicobe Thanks for coupon. Have entered your name in the register. _ (10). Peanut —l shall use some of your jokes. (15). Star —Your entries are very neat. (IS). Tess —The story is too long to publish, but will award marks for it. (20). Sunny Boy Mother must ‘be proud of your lovely writing, dear. I am so glad you are better. (10). Trooper —l shall wish hard that you will be first this time. I once knew a boy whose Father gave him a “Daisy” rifle, and a. policeman took it from him because he had it in the street. Hard luck, wasn’t it? (15),

irrorgrams

Gnome. —What a nice letter! Brownie' comes from Dunedin, so probably she belongs to the company you mention. (15). Laughing Water. —You must have extra marks for that pretty sketch. Yes, 1 liked arithmetic, and loved algebra, but geometry was always a horror to me. (15). Powder Puff. —What a dear pussy that must be. I liked your letter, and your work was good. (15). Buzz. — was disappointed not to get “Midget’s” photo. Better luck next month. You have done well. (20). Tabby Cat l wish I could have seen you dancing. You must be fond of dressing up. (10). Meg MerriliesWell done; but too many mistakes in your letter. (20). Till — glad to hear from you again; you ought to be espcciinterested in “The Mirror” then (10). Joan — What fun you will have after the 20th. I hope your father is better, dear. (10). Kitten — l am sure Mother would enjoy the party you made for her. It does make you happy doing things for others, doesn't it? (10). Periwinkle You are a very ambitious young lady, so I am sorry to have to tell you that your verses are not so good as previously. Your metre is rather faulty. Yes, I am glad you like our name. (25). Portobello —Your story of the “Bad Boy” did make me laugh— is really good. (10). Penelope —What a nice sunny photo. I shall add it to my “Sunshine Gallery,” and try to publish it later. (10). Coppertop —Splendid work, old boy. Your sketches are good. (20). Puella —lt is so nice to get your nice letters and to know you like your Circle. I hope Mother and Daddy will enjoy their visit to Sydney. It is a lovely place. (15). Ray — No, dear; do just what you like best; don’t bother about the drawing. (15). Tinkerbell (Martinboro’) • Your jokes were not nice at all —too vulgar to publish. I want all my Sunshiners to have bright and clean thoughts. Primrose—hope you are quite better, dear. Your puzzles are well done. (15). Fluffy lt would be nice for you and “Primrose” to correspond. You are about the same age. I.et me know if you would like to, and I will send addresses through our pagenext month. (20). Rahiri l love your penname. What a nice name for a home, too. I know a lovely all-white cat which has one beautiful blue eye and the other one is green. Its name is Topsy; how would it suit your pussy. (15). Banner— You print beautifully, dear, and I am sure you have done well at school. June l think the cross-word puzzle was too easy, or my Sunshiners arc very smart; nearly all of them got it right. (20). Pixie— You have done a lot of work, dear, and very well done, too! You certainly would need extra sleep after such a late night. (50). Hinie Snitchel — What fun you would have at Brown’s Bay. I love holidays, don't you? Don’t tell “Banner,” because she likes school best! (10). Snow White— Look out for a “Sunshiner's” address next month somewhere on our page. It was sweet of you to send the pansy. (10). Bev l will ask “Fluffy” to write to you. Look out for her address. I send out Merit Cards every two or three months. Yenadizzie You have not written for some time. Have you been ill? (111). Busy—Pleased to hear from you. The puzzles are correct. (15). Spark Your letter is most interesting. What a great distance you have to go to school. I suppose it takes over an hour each way. (10). Bunnie Your neat letter was a joy to me. Yes; 1 am still “Merry and Bright” and no ’flu, thanks! I am so sorry you have toothache, dear. The “Sunshiner” you mention is fifteen; she is a dear, and I am glad you think so. (20). John Fabian Little tinker, tearing your puzzle up; but I am glad you wrote. (5). Bets Never mind, dear; your lessons must come first, and as you have tried I shall award some marks. (15). Domic— lt is always a pleasure to see your beautiful writing, but I like to get a little letter too, please, as I want to know lots and lots about my “Sunshiners.” (25). Nairobi—Yes, dear; try some puzzles and win marks. So pleased you have joined. Red Queen —Welcome. Hope you will enjoy the Sunshine Circle. (5). Tom Brown • —Hurray! Do some puzzles next month. Dawn East l am sorry somebody else chose this name last month. Try again! No; we only require the form once for the purpose of entering in the Sunshine Register. —Clever little girl to be able to work out the puzzle. (5). Poppy —Do some puzzles next time, dear. Springtime — l like your pen-name very much. Spring is a delightful time—seaside cottages are nice, too. You are a lucky girl to have one. Moonbeam You must be a clever girl to he in Standard IV. You put “Tinker Bell” on your coupon. Is it a mistake? Sunny Boy Welcome to the Sunshine Circle. White Queen — glad you enjoy the puzzles. Yes; we are now a very big family. (15). Will o’ the Wisp— No; you arc not too old. There are several members your age. Send some stories and try our competi-

tions. Heather — glad to welcome you. Next month try some competitions and gain marks. Shepherd— Welcome! Write to me next month. Happy Jack am pleased you have joined us. Kitten this name is not taken. Hope you will soon gain marks. Echo —l like—your neatly written letter. What-a pity you cannot do the puzzles. You, will have to persuade Mother to take another “Mirror.” Firefly Welcome, new Sunshiner. Love to baby sister. Sunflower —We have such a lot of members from your part of the world. Humpty Dumpty Your sister has made a mistake about the fountain pen —they are for those children who get a new subscriber to “The Mirror.” Puck Poor girlie; so sorry to hear you have been ill. My favourite animals are dogs and birds (not caged ones). Sunbeam (Clevedon) —I hope your interest in the Circle will continue. You are 100 late for this name. Choose another, please. Snowflake—Hope you will enjoy being one of us. Have entered your name in the Sunshine Register. Riro Welcome, dear. Your writing is very much like Pixie’s; she lives in you town, too. Snowball Try some of our puzzles. Beany l have entered your name in the Sunshine Register. Kewpie (Dunedin) —Too late for this name, dear. Choose some other, please. Tin Lizzy— name has been added to the register. (5). Radio Ray How nice of you to think of me. It has been very wet up here, but no frosts. (5). Bumble Bee — l should love to have a peep at your roses in the summer. I have to make the puzzles more difficult— you kiddies as so clever. (10). Bobbie—correct. (10). Okahau —Very good, dear! Write and tell me something about yourself. (15). Cupid Our gardens are full of spring flowers. Your story is pretty; shall publish it next time. I hope you are quite strong again. (10). Brownie Your nice, chatty letter was very welcome, and I love the photo. Are these grey-blue eyes I am looking at? How neatly you did the puzzle. (15). Marguerite—Try some of our puzzles, and you will gain more marks. (5). Rambling Rose — is indeed a nice name you have chosen. I hope you will have a jolly party. P.S. —There are dozens of letters that have come to hand since the closingday, August 15, and space will not now permit of their being answered this month. I want you all to try to send your letters and contributions in as early as possible each month. “ SUNSHINE.”