CHILDREN’S PAGE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXX, Issue XXVI, 27 June 1903, Page 1828

CHILDREN’S PAGE.

Cousins’ Badges.

Cousins requiring' badges are requested to send an addressed envelope, when the badge will be forwarded by return mail. •1- £> ~ COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE. Bear Cousin Kate, —Having seen the many letters written by “Graphic” cousins, I will be very pleased if you will add me to your list. I have many times wished to become a cousin, but have put of! writing until uow. and now I have started I intend to writen often. Tn about three weeks we will be having our school examination, and if I get through it I shall leave Bayfield School, which I am now attending, and learn music, The prize competitions which frequently appears in the Children’s Page seem very interesting, and I think J shall compete with the other cousins for the next one. The school holidays, to which 1 am looking forward with much interest, will be here soon: and though they do come in the winter, I will enjoy them very much. The Sun-day-school Union's examination will take place soon. I have entered for it, but T find it harder this year than F did last, because now Tam in a higher grade than I was then. 1 have no more news at present, and so I will close with hopes that you will send me a badge, and with best wishes to yourself and all cousins, from Mabel. [Dear Cousin Mabel, — I am very glad to welcome you as a ‘'Graphic” cousin, and to hear you moan to write regularly. I hope you will enjoy your holidays, and that there will bo some fine days in them. When you write next tell me if you have any pets, and if you are fond of reading. Hoping for another letter soon.— I remain vour affectionate Cousin Kate.] •*• + <• Dear Cousin Kate, —I hope you will forgive me for not writing for so long. We had a holiday on Empire Day, and wo saluted the II ig, and sang a few songs. We are having a week's holiday because the scarlet fever is about. I went to Dunedin for two days, but did not enjoy myself as well as I expected, because it rained all the time. When 1 was on my way home I stopped at Waikouniti for a day. To-day I went out for a drive to a station. It is about eight mile from Malieno, and is a Very nice drive. 1 had a tooth pulled out a few weeks ago, and my gums were. sore, and my cheek was swollen for a week afterwards. My birthday is on June 10, and T will be twelve years old. My Musin's birthday is a day before mine.

amt he will F>e five.—l remain yours truly. Cousin Kataleen.] [Dear Cousin Kathleen, —Many thanks for your letter, which was very interesting indeed. I was sorry you were disappointed in your visit to Dunedin, but certainly it is not very pleasant to be out when the weather is so wet. Has all danger , of the fever left your district yet? I trust so, for it must be a very anxious time for your parents. Did you have gas when your tooth was pulled out, or had you to bear the pain? 1 expect you got cold in your gums, and I can sympathise with you, for I know what the agony can be. Mind you write again soon.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —The answer to my letter was a very nice one. I have had a dreadful time with a nasty cold, and was not allowed out of doors after school for the last few days. I think it is dreadfully changeable weather in Auckland just now, don't you think so too, Cousin Kate? The day's have grown very dark and short lately, but you can expect nothing better these horrid wintry days. During the days which this horrid cold lasted 1 had a rare time playing ■with my new doll. Of course it felt horrid to stay ; -.side, but all I thought about was playiri: will; dolly. I had also a terrible SOI - threat, and I had hardly anything to io but lie down on Saturday. The tram accidents on Saturday made a regular confusion in the town as they were serious ones It seemed very sad for the poor little child that lost her left leg on her fourth birthday. You ask what kind of books do the sailors take out of pa’s library. He says they like sea stories and adventures the best, of which he has a large collection. I have a darling little pussy cat. It is always trying to sit in front of the fire, and is a good mouser. Now I must close, as I have got a dreadful headache. With love to all. I remain, your loving cousin, Cousin Ivy. [Dear Cousin Ivy.—-Your letter was just too late for last week’s paper. I hope you were not disappointed at not seeing it in the “Graphic.” lam sorry to hear you have been so unwell, but hope you are now quite right again. What is your doll’s name? Tell me next time you write. —Cousin Kate.] . 2 •fr -fr * Dear Cousin Kate.—As I have nothing particular to do this evening I thought I would write you a few lines. We have been having very cold weather here lately. The milk in the daily was frozen this morning. I rather like the coldsharp mornings, don’t you? I think I shall be going down to Wairoa for the mail to-morrow. I generally go down on Wednesdays, for we only get our mail once a week. I have such a dear old horse to ride. He goes a long way in a long time, you know. I have completed or tried to complete the drawing puzzle, and am sending it in this week. Really, dear Cousin Kate, I think baking bread and cooking is more in my line. I went down to the Minstrels’ entertainment in Wairoa last Wednesday evening, and enjoyed it very much. My sister in Napier goes to nearly all Hie plays there. She is enjoying herself. Dear Cousin Kate, I suppose you used to have plenty of fun when you were young. I am only sixteen, but 1 feel as old as the hills. Mother says I have got to be an old maid. What do old maids usually do—the nice ones, I mean? Can you tell me. please? Good-bye for the present, dear Cousin Kate.—Yours truly. Cousin Jes- ' ' ' ”'

[Dear Cqusin Jessamin, —Your very charming little letter gave me great pleasure, for I was afraid you had quite forgotten the cousins and myself. I like frost when I can get at a good fire when 1 am indoors, but it is very miserable to be cold in the office when one’s hands get too cold to write; for, of course, we get no fires or fireplaces in the office. I am very fond'.of riding, but seldom get a chance. Sixteen is rather young to talk about being an old maid, is it not? But as a fact 1 rather like old maids, and think they often have the best of it. 1 expect your mother means she will never be able to spare you away from her. Mothers often feel that way towards their favourite daughter. Have you any sisters? Tell me next time you write; and I hope that will be soon. Perhaps you might send a photo of yourself for t he cousins’ page.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate,—l am sure you will be greatly surprised to get a letter from me, considering I have not written to you for such a long time. I have tried to draw that man falling over, and I am sending it enclosed in this letter, and I hope it will bo in time for the competition. We have had such cold weather down here lately, but it is always cold in winter. I am very fond of reading. But my favourite books are: “The Seven Bittle Australians,” “The Family at Misrule,” and “Little Mother Meg,” but I think all of Ethel S. Turner’s books are lovely. Now, dear Cousin Kate, as it is

very late 1 think I must close, with love to you and all the cousins. I remain, yours truly, Cousin Eleanor. [Dear Cousin Eleanor, —I was pleased to hear from you again, and am sorry your drawing was too late for the competition. 1 fancy you must have put the wrong date on your letter, as it is dated June fitli, and I only got it on Friday, June lOtli. I quite agree with you about Ethel Turner's books. 1 think she must. l»e very fond of children, or she could not understand them so well.—Cousin Kate.]