CHILDREN’S CORRESPONDENCE COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XV, Issue XXII, 30 November 1895, Page 695

CHILDREN’S CORRESPONDENCE COLUMN.

Any boy or girl who likes to become a cousin can do so, and write letters to * COUSIN Kate, care of the Lady Editor, Graphic Office, Auckland.’ Write on one side of the paper only. All purely correspondence letters with envelope ends turned in are carried through the Post office as follows :—Not exceeding ioz, id; not exceeding <\oz, Id; for emery additional 2oz or fractional part thereof, id- It is well for correspondence to be marked ‘ Commercial papers only ’ Dear Cousin Kate.—‘Better late than never’ being my motto, or rather one of my mottoes, of which I keep a convenient stock on band to suit occasion, I must take this opportunity of renewing my correspondence with you. Did you visit the Agricultural Show ' I went on Saturday, and in spite of the unfavourable weather, spent a very enjoyable afternoon, though henceforth I shall always associate an agricultural show with mud in unlimited quantities. About two o’clock heavy rain fell, and the ground, unpleasantly soft and spongy before, then became a veritable sea of mud, with here and there a miniature lake to vary the monotony. Between the frequent showers people ventured into the open, bnt on rain descending, each person evinced a sudden and unaccountable interest in the nearest tent, and rushed towards it as if its contents were the sole attraction of the Show. I must not describe the show, however.for my space is limited, and after all, Shows are very much alike everywhere. lam very glad Cousin Thelma has become one of your numerous relations. I knew her well at school, and you may imagine wbat a delightful companion she was when I assure yon that her letters are just herself in piint. I went to * The Second Mrs Tanqueray ’ some time ago, and thought it lovely, bnt very sad. I never felt so sorry for anyone as for Mrs Tanqueray. Have you read 1 Montezuma’s Daughter,’ Cousin Kate? I have it *on hand* at present, but I much prefer • David Copperfield ’ or ‘ In the Heart of the Storm,’ which lam reading also. lam thinking of joining the Lending Library, for I have been so reduced lately that I had to fall back upon Mrs Hungerford, whose books I specially dislike. Yesterday I was taken to the top of the Arcade, whence a magnificent view of the city is obtainable. It is my ambition to reach the summit of Mount Rangitoto, view the city from that exalted position, but at present there seems small hope of my doing so. Isn’t this weather miserable ? 1 The day is cold, and dark, and dreary; It rains, and the wind is never weary ;’ until I feel inclined to wonder if winter has not come back by mistake. By the way, I think Cousin Muriel’s suggestion splendid, and heartily wish the plan all success, and I will help to the best of my ability. Do you think the cot could be established by Christmas ?—Lilla. [I quite appreciate a letter from you again, Cousin Lilla. How did you discover Cousin Thelma’s identity ? She must have * given herself away,’ as the boys say. When you do ascend Rangitoto, be sure and send me a minute description of the enterprise. I knew some people who went up. They had to wait for the grateful shades of night e’er putting in an appearance at home, and their first visit was to a bootshop to undergo sole and heel and other repairs. No, lam not a duck, and I didn’t go to the Show, nor yet to the Athletic Sports. Instead, I went with two cousins (real relations) to the matinee, and saw that wonderful little Ruby Faust. I hope to send you a cot card soon. It is a week since I got it ready, and I hope to have it printed directly. Thank you for taking one. I have read • Montezuma’s Daughter ’ quite lately.—Cousin Kate. ] Dear Cousin Kate.—Will you send a collecting card for the • Cot ’to Cousin Ethel and myself please. I think it is a very good idea of Cousin Muriel’s.—With love from Cousin Dot. P.S.—I don’t mean one card between us, but a card each. [You are good cousins to each offer to take one. I am having them printed with spaces for ten shillings, as some said they could collect more than five. But do not feel bound to fill them, any of yon. Send as much as you can. The fund will always be open now. I will bank all I receive, and as soon as it amounts to £l2 will buy the cot and pay the first quarter's money to the Board.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate —l’ve received your kind letter, and I have to thank you very much for awarding the prize to me. When will it be published ? Please excuse me for not writing lately, but I have beeu so busy working up for our examination that I bad forgotten to look at the Graphic. We have a pony, and I had such a grand ride the other day. I am so glad that the summer is coming in, are you not,

Cousin Kate ? I must now close with many thanks, from Cousin Winnie. [I do not like very hot weather, though I do like the sun better than the rain ; still, summer has such lovely promise of fruit, has it not ’ Tell me how you get on with your examination, also what you are going to do at Christmas ? What is the pony called ? I hope to put your story in the ordinary Christmas number of the Graphic.—Cousin Kate ] Dear Cousin Kate —Thank you very much for the kind letter you sent me. It and the badge arrived safely on Iris’ birthday. We were all admiring it, and she put it on at the party. She sends many thanks for it. I was very pleased at winning the prize. I am going to buy a book with the money. Ido not object a tall to my name being put at the end of the story. We are all very pleased at your kind offer to put Iris’ photograph in the Graphic. I think the children’s cot is a very good idea, and we will take collecting cards and do all we can towards it. — With kind love, yours truly, Sylvia Rose. [Thank you for the loan of the photograph. I have asked them to take great care of it. I hope they will be able to enlarge it. You did send it promptly. Thank Cousin Fergus for the nice little description; it was so thoughtful of him to send it. Tell me what book you buy. lam so glad you will help with the cot. Yon shall have cards as soon as possible.—Cousin Kate.]