Cousins’ Badges.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XXI, 24 May 1902, Page 1047

Cousins’ Badges.

Cousins requiring badges are requested to send an addressed envelope, when the badge will be forwarded by return mail.

COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE.

Dear Cousin Kate, —We are having our holidays now, and so I have plenty of time to write to you. Miss Amy Castles has had two concerts, and she sings beautifully. I have had my photo taken, and I’m going to get th m this morning, much against my will, however, as it is raining. We broke up just a week ago, and you may be sure we enjoyed the last day. I got my report on Tuesday; it was rather good for me. I had seven goods, three fairs, two bads, end two not goods. 1 should very much like to read “Major and Minor,” if I could get it. 1 have just read “The Scarlet Woman,” by Joseph Hocking. It is awfully exciting—about nuns and priests running away. Have you. ever read “Sam’s Sweetheart ? It is so interesting, about a half-caste. There is nothing very exciting happening in Wellington, as most of the girls have gone away. Hast night there was a big earthquake, but for once I was not frightened. I do think they are horrid things, because you never know when they are coming to an end. Are you fond of music. Cousin Kate ? 1 think that there is nothing so nice. I am just going to learn one of Greig s. Do you like Mendelssohn’s? I do, because most of them are so sad *hey sound like funeral marches. 1 am sorry, dear Cousin Kate, but 1 have no more news to tell you, so I must say go cibye, with love to the qpusins and yourself.—Cousin Zaidee.

[Dear Cousin Zaidee. —I went to Amy Castles’ second concert in Auckland, and very greatly enjoyed it. The tenor, Dani, I thought magnificent. His sustained notes were splendid. I share your dislike to earthquakes. Is it not terrible about the poor folks at St. Pierre?—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —It is a most miserable day to-day, and we did not go to school, so I thought I would take the opportunity of writing to you. Ever since Monday it has been blowing, and now and then raining, as hard as possible. We did not go to the school on Monday, because it was too wet, but on Tuesday, being a little finer, my two younger sisters and myself rode to school on the some horse, and we got there quite dry. I have just finished reading a very interesting book called “The Warner’s Chase,” by Annie 8. Swan, and am now reading another book called "The Wide, Wide World,”

by Elizabeth Wetherell. They are both very interesting books. Have you read either of them, Cousin Kate? I am very fond of reading. There is going to be a dance held in our school next Friday evening. I do not know whether 1 am going, but I think my two elder sisters and my father are going. 1 hope it will be a fine evening for the dance. I must now close this les'tir. —■ From yours very truly. Cousin B r.ha. [Dear Cousin Bertha, —The weather here has been just as atrocious as y. urs seems to have been. Thunder and lightning, and the most awful squalls of rain. I have not read the book by Annie Swan, but am sure it must be nice; all hers are. “The Wide. Wde World” I read when I was your age.— Cousin Kate.] + + + Dear Cousin Kate,—This time I have a little more news to tell you than I generally have. We have been having such bad weather. On May the Ist we experienced the heaviest downfall of rain for as long as people can remember. It came down in torrents for three or four hours. The water ran off the hills like a waterfall, bringing down numerous landslips. We did not suffer badly, as the only damage we had was our wall at the baek of outhouse carried After the rain cleared off a bit we went out on the verandah, and saw that on the other side of the harbour there were s ips in all directions. There was one very large one at- the back of a house that was built on the side of a very steep hill, and while looking at it, with tie glass, we saw another slip come dovn. and bury the house out of sight. My father rang up a telephone ofiiee, about a mile from this house, and told them about it, A messenger was sent to see if they were in danger; but when he arrived there was no house to be seen—it had been completely covered up. The people had only time to run out brio e it came down. If it had happened in the night I am sure they would h ve been killed, as everything in the house was erushed up completely, except the piano, and that is so soaked wi.h wet slushy mud that it is quite useless. They are the worst sufferers we have heard of yet, for they did not save a thing. There was another house, which had a dam not far from it. The dam burst, and brought down part of the side of the hill with.it. and the water rushed into th? bouse, and filled the whole of it with five feet of muddy water. Everything in the lower rooms are ruined, and a very nice piano and organ too. Other people have suffered badly, too, from land-slips. Most of the bridges are washed away, and the roads are blocked up, and will take some time to clear them. Well, 1 think this will be long enough, wilhoui saying any more. Did it rain very hard in Auckland? Good-bye. With love from your loving cousin Ha.

[Dem- Cousin Ba, —You will have seen the photos and re 3d in last week's “Graphic” the account we had of the awful floods up your way. How brave and uncomplaining people are about their dreadful troubles. It must be dreadful to lose all like that—worse than a fire, for there is no insurance. — Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate.—Really how quickly time does fly. Why, I only teemed to be writing to you yesterday, and it was almost two weeks ago. We’ve just finished our exam., and my word it was a hard one. We

-had such long papers, and all were hard, too, except the Da tin paper; but then I think Datin is ever so much easier than French, or any other language, don’t you? Have you ever read, “In the Grip of tha Algerine,” by R. Leighton, it is all about the Algerines and slave trading. A young English boy, setting out for Queen Elizabeth’s court is captured by Corsairs. He is taken to Algiers and made a slave. He tries many times to escape, but each time meets with failure. However at last, by the help of one of the men who has been his friend, he manages to return home. I daresay you have, read “The Eternal City,” isn't it lovely? I saw in one number of the “Graphic” you asked the cousins to tell you what they would like to be when they grow up. Well. I don’t know whether I would rather be a doctor or a lawyer. A doctor can do such a lot to help the poor suffering people, he can soothe them when no one else can, and then it must be such interesting work- Again, a lawyer is indispensable. At home ■my brother always says I should be a lady lawyer when I grow up, because I’m so fond of arguing, and always will have the last word, not a very complimentary way of speaking to me, is it? Oh, Cousin Kate. I forgot to ask you are we to write once in two weeks or twice? Here is a riddle for the cousins: “How do we know that Jacob's table was too small for all his sons?” I will give the answer next week. Now. as

there is no news I will say “an revoir” not good-bye. as I am going to write next week again.—Your loving Cousin Alyce.

[Dear Cousin Alyce.—l did not so very much care for The Eternal City.” I thought it spun out too long. Years ago I used to know Hall Caine very well. He is a very hard worker and very serious. lie scarcely ever smiled, and I never beard him laugh.—Cousin Kate. |

Dear Cousin Kate.—l am going to begin another letter to you nowOur exam- came off very bad. there were nineteen altogether in the Standards, and there were only eight passed. I do not know whether it is the same in Auckland, but down here if we don’t pass in reading we fail altogether. I think it is a very cruel law. I failed, and my two sisters tailed, and my brother passed. Our teacher (Miss Gayne) is going to leave this school, and I think that all the children are very sorry because she is such a nice teacher. Our cows are going off now, and I am sure we are all very glad. I have to go to school another year because 1 did not pass. I was going to leave if I passed, because the Sixth Standard is the highest in our school; but as I failed I have to go again. I think I would like going to school best, because there is so much to do at home. I don’t think that it is any good for me to try for the competition, as I missed the week before last, and I will not try for the most interesting, because there is not much news up here now. I suppose you have your holidays in summer, but we cowspankers have burs in ■winter. I think I have seen in some of your letters that you do not like arithmetic; I like arithmetic very much. We are having very good wea-

ther up here now Now dear Cousin Kate, I think I will hare to dose my letter, as I don’t think I hare any more to eay- With love to all the cousins and youreelf.—l remain, your affectionate Cousin Emily. [Dear Cousin Emily.—l liked your letter very much, and -was much tickled at your description of yourBelf as a cowspanker. I had never heard the expression before. Don’t be discouraged in trying for the competition, because you have missed h week. Many other cousins may do so too. You write a very nice letter indeed. I think.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate. —You will not think much of me after my making suggestions to improve our page, and then I take such a time to write a letter to you. But I really have had nothing to write about. I think it would be nice to have a facsimile of the best letter printed on our page. But of course you would have to ask if the cousin who wins the prize had any objection. I hope when we have another page that we shall have it for pictures. I think it would be much more interesting than one for letters, or even stories. Have you ever seen an American magazine calltxl “St- Nicholas?” In my opinion it is the best children’s magazine 1 ever saw. They have what they call a “St. Nicholas Le cue” in it- It is really good, the c’ Iren that belong to it draw pictures; and send photographs. Of course they are all for competitions. I take the “St. Nicholas" (or rather my father gives it to me every six months). I have read a good many books lately. I spent yesterday (Sunday) reading Guy Boonhby’s “The Curse of the Snake." If you want to have nightmare I advise you to read it. Have you ever read any of Stanley Weyman's books? I have read two lately. “The Story of Francis Cludd.” which I liked very much, and “Under the Red Robe.” I did not like it so well as the other; the hero was an ass, he was too soft altogether. I read one of Archibald Forbes’ called “Barrack Bivouacs and Battles.” It Is just short stories, some of them are very good- “A Bitter Heritage.” by Bloundelle-Biirt-on is not a bad story to pass away a few hours, but there isn’t ..much in it, not much to think of afterwards. You will wonder how it is. I have had time to do such a lot of reading. I did most of it at my brother’s place, he has only a fiveroomed house, and two of us girls to live with him, so there is not much to do, so I read whenever I get the chance. What a long time it is since there was a letter in the "Graphic” from our two Wellington cousins, Elsie and Jack. My youngest brothers have a pet hawk; they want to know what the Maori name for a hawk is. Can you or any of the cousins tell me what they eall them, please? Now 1 have come to the end of everything I have to write about. No, I haven’t, though, I must not finish this without thanking you for the badge, it Is a very pretty one. I do not wear it, but pinned it in my birthday book. Thank you very much for it. Now that is all, I tliink, so I will say good-night, and will write again when 1 have something more interesting to tell you.—l remain, yours, etc., Cousin Anna.

[Deal- Cousin Anna, —I always look forward to a real good laugh over your letters. You are so original in your opinions, and state them in such a finely direct fashion. I hope you will never change in this; original people and those not afraid to say exactly what they think are so rare in this world of convention and cant. Half of us pretend to admire books, or pictures, or poems, just because we think it the right thing to do—the thing that everyone else does. I don’t agree with you about “Under the Red Robe,” but there is some truth in your forcibly expressed opinion on the hero, and I like a person to give an outspoken opinion. Don’t forget to write soon.—Cousin Kate.] Dear Cousin Kate, —I suppose you think it is a bad beginning for a new cousin for not writing last week? But we have been working up for the exam., which is only now half finish-

ed. Really, I have been studying awfully hard, bo I have had no time for writing. Thank you very much indeed for the badge you sent me, and for accepting me as a cousin. I only kn <»w one of the “Graphic” cousins in Auckland, and that is Cousin Alison. But Cousin Alyce down here and I are great chums. We go to the same school and are in the same class, though we are not allowed to sit together, because the teachers say we would talk all the time instead of working. We think it rather mean. But I suppose they are right. We break up next Wednesday for three weeks. I suppose she and I will have some fun; anyway, I hope so. Do you ride at all, Cousin Kate? I am just learning, on a dear little Shetland pony lent to me by a neighbour. I think it lovely. Cousin Alvce and I are going out. to the Breakwater tomorrow morning, so I hope it will be fine. Last Friday night I went to a dance got up by the schoolboys for girls with their "hair down.” It was grand. I had a lovely 'ime; I didn’t get home till a quarter past one. Oh, I was so tired the next day. I haven’t yet been able to get “Donovan” to read. The last book I got was “The O’Donnells of Inchfawn,” by L. T. Meade. It is so nice; I think you would like it very much. Now, Cousin Kate, I must close this letter as I have to run and post it before the mail closes, so good-bye, with love, from Cousin Dora.

[Dear Cousin Dora, —I love riding, but cannot now afford time or money to keep a horse. It is the finest exercise in the world. I have not read that book of L. T. Meade’s, and will try and get it when I have a day for reading, but that seems some time away.—Cousin Kate.J

Dear Cousin Kate,- —Thank you very much for the lovely doll. lam going to call her Queenie. Father brought her home, and I opened it, and I could hardly (believe that I had been so lucky as to get the prize. She is so vary beautifully dressed, and I am going to try to keep her so always. I was eleven years old on the 14 th of January, 11)02, and I love dolls.— ■With love, from Cousin Daisy. [Dear Cousiu Daisy,—l am glad you liked the prize, and that you are not too old for dolls. I used to be veryfond of dressing them when I wa‘your age.—Cousin Kate.] 4- 4- 4Dear Cousin Kate, —1 am very glad to see my letter in the “Graphic.” There was another small flood here last Thursday, and the master was not able to come to school, so we had a holiday. I have had the toothache, for the last two or three nights, and I have decided to have it pulled out as soon as I possibly can. I might be going to town at midwinter, and I will try and be there for about a week. I have no more news, so I must conclude.—l remain, yours affectionately, Cousin Ernest. [Dear Cousin Ernest,—l hope your tooth is better. It is very horrid having them out, but sometimes it is the only way. If you come to town I v.-ill be glad to see you and show y-ou over the office.—Cousiu Kate.] 4- 4- 4r Dear Cousin Kate, —I am writing this letter for the competition, but I think I was too late in starting it. The Koutu mill is starting- to work to-day. When is that puzzle going to close that was in two weeks ago? I did not pass at the examination, which was held two weeks ago. I did not write last week, because I had no time. My sick brother is out of bed now, and is walking- about again. However, his arm and legs are not better yet. I have not found names for those kittens yet. Now, 1 must close this short note, with love to yourself and all the rest of the. cousins.—l remain, yours truly, Cousin Newton.

[Dear Cousin Newton, —Your letter reaches me just in time for this week’s paper. The bad weather still continues here, and I don’t think it will ever slop. It is dreadful, but at least we escape the floods which the country people suffer so terribly.-— Cousin Kate.] ■

Dear Cousin Kate, —Parlez vous Francais? I do, and like it very much, as I am sure you do if you speak French. I learu from Madame Barber. She is so nice. I learn dancing from a new teacher now, and like it very much. The lady’s name is Mrs. Boult. We have to waltz with blocks of wood on our heads so that we don’t hop. At first it is so hard to balance them, but I suppose it will be easiei- after a while. We are learning to dance the Highland schottische with tartan ribbons, and it is so pretty. I went to a party last Friday, and had a beautiful time. I am sure you could not guess what we had. so I will tell you it was “strawberries.” Fancy at this time of the year. I suppose they were hot-house grown. How nice it is to have two more pages for the cousins. I think it is so kind of you. I will try and write regularly, and I hope the other cousins will, so that you will not regret having given it. to us. I am glad you liked the riddles. Here are one or two more for you: (1) “Why is there no flirting on board the mailboats?” “Because the mails (males) are all tied up in bags.” (2) “How can you make a thin baby fat?” “By throwing it out of the window and it will come down plump.” (3) “What goes up When the rain comes down?-” “Umbrellas.” (4) “When is a sailor not a sailor?” ‘‘When he’s a-board.” Have yi u ever read a book called “The Angel of Love,” by L. T. Meade, dear Cousin Kate? I think it is beautiful. If you have not read that perhaps you have read “The Palace Beautiful,” by the same author. I think I must say “adieu” for the present.— With love from Cousin Ruby. [Ma ehere Cousine Ruby,—Je parle tres pen francais et je ne puis I’ecrire. Je demerais a Paris quand j’avais douze ans, mais lielas! J’etais mechante enfant, et voulais parler toujours I’Anglais au pension. C’est bien dommage ne ce pas?—Adieu ma ehere, votre Cousine Kate.]