THE ‘GRAPHIC’ COUSINS’ COT FUND.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XXIV, 10 December 1898, Page 771

THE ‘GRAPHIC ’ COUSINS’ COT FUND.

Thia fund is for the purpose of maintain ing a poor, sick child in the Auckland Hospital, and is contributed to by the ‘ Graphic ’ cousins—readers of the children’s page. The cot has been already bought by their kind collection of money, and now £25 a year is needed to pay for the nursing, food and medical attendance of the child in it. Any contributions will be gladly received by Cousin Kate, care of the Lady Editor, ‘ New Zealand Graphic,' Shortland street, or collecting cards will be sent on application.

Pear Cousin Kate, —At last 1 am sending our long promised photograph. It was taken in the Recreation Grounds on the day of <.ie Floral Fete. The weather was perfect, and the procession a large one; very pretty were the many exhibits, and Tommy obtained 2nd prize. There were two bands in attendance, so there was no lack of music, and the scene from the lawn was one of bright animation. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Our flower garden is lookingnice, but the weather is so changeable at present that it has spoilt many of the choice roses, etc. We have a lot of new chickens out; they are getting on very well; and another new foal is added to our list of horses, numbering eleven all told. 1 noticed that some of the old cousins are rather backward in writing to our page. I wonder what can be the matter. Most of them were capital correspondents. 1 am afraid our photo will be too large for the page: if so we. shall have to get it taken on a smaller card; and will you kindly forward it to the enclosed address. Christmas is very near now, and it seems no time since Christinas 1897. T suppose the Auckland Exhibition will draw crowds of people from all parts of New Zealand. Nearly every one T speak to say they are off to Auckland. T have three large pots of ferns; the leaves of them must be quite two feet long. They are so lovely and graceful looking. I also have the punga pots and other small vessels of ferns; they are growing beautifully. My Prince of Wales' feather fern came to grief: a chicken roosted on it one night and trampled it out of recognition. T tried to restore it to life, but my efforts were in vain. Hoping yourself, the little child in the cot, and all the cousins are enjoying perfect health. I close with love from Cousin Maud. (Many thanks, dear Cousin Maud, for the pretty photograph. I will see about getting it done at onefor the Children's Page, and will return it to you afterwards to the ml drtss yoi give so sensibly on the c ver. How lovely your ferns must be! You are a 'first-rate gard»m >• evidently. Are you, too. coming tn the Exhibit ion Cousir. Kate.]

Hear Cousin Kate,—Our photo is going nt last. I hope vou will like it. The Floral Fete is all over. T enjoyed myself so much, nnd my dear

little pony, does he not look nice? I have just given him half a loaf, and he is bunting me in my back for more. We had such fun trimming him up for the Fete. His hair was in tags for two days, ami it looked just the same when it was taken out. I hope you are well, and all the cousins. We have such dreadfullywet weather, now, ami so close and warm. Maud is writing by this mail. She is away to keep house for my brother down the coast. I must < icse now, dear Cousin Kate.—i am. vour affectionate Cousin Nellie

|T am so glad to have the nice oeoti - graph, and to hear from y< u Loth again. We are not having a Floral Fete th-s itsr but some tour'iament affair i>i teats. Cousin Maud is an important personage. Are you a , alone r.t home now.-—Cousin Kate 1