CHILDREN’S PAGE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue V, 30 July 1904, Page 58

CHILDREN’S PAGE.

BADGES. Cousins requiring badges are requested to send an addressed envelope, when the badge will be forwarded by return mail. PUZZLERS FOR WISE HEADS. GEOGRAPHICAL ACROSTIC. A beautiful watering place on the English coast: at the beginning of the nineteenth century it. was only a small fishing village, but now it contains n considerable number of inhabitants, and is annually visited by crowds of healthseekers. 1. One of the United States of America; it has extensive prairie sections, and very large cotton plantations. 2. A little town in Buckinghamshire, once the home of a well-known poet. 3. An ancient city in Normandy, which has a remarkably fine Gothic cathedral. 4. A city in Canada. 5. One of the “Forest Cantons” of Switzerland. 6. A river in Central Italy. 7. The largest river in China. CHARADE. 1. My first was once exalted as a sign in Heaven, and is reckoned bold and. fierce, but is often found amongst the simple and meek. It was formerly a means of destruction, employed with great force. 2- My second was once thought to possess magic powers. In one form it gives pleasure to many persons; in another it is an object, of dread. 3. My whole is of use to the sportsman and solcfier. FLORAL ARTTHMOGRAPH. A word of ten letters: a spring blossom. 1. My 5,9, C. 7 are a female relation. 2. My 10, 9, (» are a great light. 3. My 10, 2,5, 1 are a cleansing substance. 4. My 8,9, 7 are a poor little house. 5. My 10, 5,3, 7 are a common and useful mineral. 6. My 8,5, 7 arc an article of attire. 7. My 7,2, 3, 5 are an Indian weight. 8. My 10, 3,5, 4 arc to kill with violence. 9. My 10, 8,9, 7 are to close. 10. My 10, 5,1, are the juice of plants. (Answers next week). COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE. Dear Cousin Kate, —May I join your band? I atn twelve years old, and am in the fifth standard. We are having oar winter holidays just now. Alt last week the winter show was held, and was a great suoceas. On Wednesday a hockey and football tournament was held at the show, and some of the old boys from our school (College street) won the football. This is the second tournament they lune won this year. They also have won the ehampinuship for 1904. How many cousins JiaVc you writing to you? We have just finished our quarterly examination, and 1 an glad to say I came out top. As it is getting late 1 will dose with some rid- • Iles. Why is a miser like a man short of memory? Because he is always forgetting. Why is the Prince of Whiles like tin tillbrelle to his sisters? Because he kbeps them from the ruin (reign). Whyis (n room full of marriejl people like an empty one? Because there is not a singlet one in it? Why is a person who never lays u wager as bad as a gambler? Because lie is no better. What part of speech'a<e xhopkeepers most anxious to sell? *Attiolec. Why m a tr.alesuuia who is al-

ways adding to his stock like a venomous reptile? Because he’s an adder. Particularly speaking, how many days are there in a year? 325; because 40 are lent. —I remain, Cousin Forres. [Dear Cousin Forres, —Of course I am only too pleased to welcome you to our band of cousins, for ths more we get the better. I am glad you have been so successful at school. I expect you have been working very hard, and are not sorry the examination is a thing of the past. Do you get nervous when you go up for examinations? I used to get quite sick when I was young, and never did myself justice, whereas my brother, who was often lazy during the term, could study up and get on capitally at “exam.” time. Are you fond of football yourself? My brothers were awfully keen players when they were young, and of course I used to love going out to see them play. I still like looking on at a good game, and am going to see the match against the British footballers when they reach here. I wonder if they will boat us. I do hope not, but know they will try their utmost, as they have heard so much of New Zealand footballers, and how much better they are than the Australians, whom, as you know, they are beating easily. T'-rnk you for the riddles, which are vei j amusing. Hoping to hear from you regularly.—Cousin Kate.] * 4> * Dear Cousin Kate, —I have just got a little while to myself, so I am taking the opportunity to write you another letter. I was pleased to see by last week's “Graphic" that you thought my story an improvement on last one, and now my o.ly hope is that the editor will think it up to publication form, as he did the last. The Taylor-Carrington Company played here last Monday and Tuesday nights, but I did not- go to sec them, as on the Monday I was at night school, and on the Tuesday I had a very bad cold. A man got severely hurt here the other night, and as he had such a wonderful escape from death I think it is worth mentioning how it occurred. He was coming down to town by train from Sergeant's Hill the other night, and was standing in the front part of the carriage when suddenly he fell off. Not on cither side of the carriage, but between the rails, and here he managed to lie stiff till the guard’s van passed over him. He was taken to the hospital, and I am glad to state that he is on the road to recovery. To show how near to being killed he was I may also state that his coat pocket, wnich contained his tobacco and other sundry things, was cut clean off by the wheels of the van. The ladies’ hockey, which was promoted here last year, is getting very strong, and there is some talk of them sending a team away, but I think they ought to wait a while before they go away, as I am sure there are stronger clubs away than over they would bo able to beat. They played a match with the men, who I may say do not go in for much practice, and they got beaten by five, to three. The .Poultry Club’s show is to take place here soon, and there.arc great preparations going on for it.. A man wrote to the paper here the other morning, and in a letter stated he wanted to know if anybody could solve tl.e following riddle: If u hen and a half lay an egg and a half in a day and a half, how many eggs would six ’ hens lay in seven days? Well, I worked it out by proportion, and made the answer come to 28; so 1 waited to see if any answer was sent to the question. There wore three. Gue man made it come to 42. and the other tiro the sanid as I did; 28, which the editor in a P.S. note said was right. Those ’were good riddles of Cousin Ma-rii-l’s in lasi week’s “Graphic,” don’t you taluk, Cousin Kate? Here arc a aeuple

more, which I hope will amuse the readers: Your initials begin with an A, you’ve an A at the end of your name, the whole of your name is an A, and ’tis backwards and forwards the same. What did the engine whistle say to the stoker? Don’t tench me or I’ll scream. What letters are the best for recommendation? L.s.d. Why is your nose in the middle of your face? Because it is the scentev (centre). Whim was B the first letter in the alphabet? In the days of no A (Noah). What word with ten letters can yon speak with five? Expediency (XPDNC). If a little girl was enjoying herself and doing no harm, what letter in tlie alphabet would you name? letter B (let her be). What county iu England, if you take away a small part, no persons will remain? Take It from Norfolk and you have Nofolk. With lore to you and all the cousins. Dear Cousin Kate, I must now close.—Yours truly, Carle.

(Dear Cousin Carle, —Thanks for your nice long letter, which is, as usual, most interesting. That was indeed, a marvellous escape from death, and I should think the man must be dreadfully shaken in his nerves. We have had another tram accident here, but luckily this time no one was killed, though several were really badly Hurt. I suppose a certain number of casualties are unavoidable, and they say that in proportion to other places Auckland hae been very lucky. In Sydney they killed about 300 people in the first eighteen months the trains ran, but they travel faster there. A great number of girls in Auckland play hockey, but the Wapiti Club is easily the best, probably because it was the first established. Your riddles are very smart. I am Incurably stupid at them myself, and can never answer even the simplest one set me. Your story will go in very shortly, perhaps in next week’s issue. I expect wo shall have some photos of the poultry show in the “Graphic.” Mind you write again soon. —Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I must thank- yo'n for sending my budge, but I am sorry to say the postman spoilt the pin. My cat’s name is Tui. I am very fond of animals. Our ducks were having great fun in the rain—l wished I was a dusk.

I haves dear little napuew, hU name is Howard, and ho is eight months old. I have a bad cold. With love to you from Cousin Ethna.

[Dear Cousin Ethna, —I am sorry the pin of your badge got spoilt going throne?’ ' - post. Shall I send you anothe lake, up for it? What an mux name Tui is for a cat. I don’t iuink I hare ever heard of one being called that before, it is a very pretty name though. Dueks always do seem to enjoy being out in the rain, but I expect if you went out and played in it like they do you would have a very much worse cold than you have already, and that would lie a pity, wouldn’t it? I hope it will be better again soon.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I have not much 1 o tell you this week. I only have the one brother and sister. My brother is studying to be a chemist. Last Saturday afternoon iny sister took me out to Mount Eden to see some friends, and we had a very nice time. We did. not come home until late. My uncle out at Epsom has bought a gig, and now they will be able to go for some nice drives. I see that my cousins have arrived in Christchurch. I may go down some time. My little cousin Connie goes to school now, and she thinks it- is so nice. She is not quite six yet. Have not these last three days been awful? I was so disappointed when I did not see my letter in the “Graphic” this week, but I suppose you were too busy to answer it. I suppose you went to see the Governor on Friday? My sister took me down to the bottom of Weilesley-street, and I saw him pass. Then we walked down to the foot of Queen-street and caught the Onehunga tram and went out to Epsom, and I stayed till Saturday. When I do not go out to Epsom I can ring them up and talk to my cousins, as they have a telephone. I rather like talking through it, though I suppose I would get tired of it if I had to use it very often. We are going to have our examination to-morrow, and I will be able to tell you next week if I pass. Well, I must close now with love to you and all the cousins.— Cousin Lyndal (Auckland). [Dear Cousin Lyndal,—l am so sorry your letter was not in last week's “Graphic,” but it came in a little late, and I had not time to answer it. I am answering both letters at onee this week and putting them both in. How pleased your cousins must be now that they have a gig of their own to drive about in. It will be lovely for them in the summer time, won’t it? Connie is very young to go to school, it is a good tiling she likes it. Yes, J went to sea tlie Governor arriving. It was sink a beautiful day, and there were such crowds of people in Queen-street. It is very nice- for you to be able to talk to your cousins through the telephone. They are such lovely idlings to have I think, because they save one so many steps. I expect you would get tired of a telephone if you had to be answering one all day long. I hope you will pass your examination and come out top of

the class or very Bear it. "Will it be a very difficult turn., do you think)— Cousin Kate.J

Dear Cousin Kate, —Has not to-day been frightfully wet? Coming home from school to day my eoat was just dripping, and so was my hat. Mary and myself hare just been practising a- singing duet; it is called the celebrated lesson duet, “AJIX’. U Have you heard it, Cousin Kate? Mother teaches us regularly. We knew about six singing duets and about twelve playing duets. I Jove music, don’t you? The electric trams will he out pretty soon now. Why, they have the wires up where the trolley pole goes along. I hope they, will be out soon. Valerie has not been to school yesterday or to-day, so I have had to sit by myself. I do not like sitting by myself at all. 1 have very Mttle news this time, so I hope you ■will excuse my short note. I am reading a book ealled “Won by Gentleness.” It is so nice. Have you read it, Cousin Kate? I think 1 will have to dose now. Ko with love to all the cousins and your dear self, I remain, your loving cousin, Amy.

P.S.—We will be sending you a photo soon, Cousin Kate.—A.S.

[Dear Cousin Amy,—This letter of yours should have been m the “Graphic” last week, but had to be held over, as there was so much to fill the Children’s Pages. The weather has improved this week, has it not? But the wind has been very keen and eold, and Bitting in my office I have several times felt so chilly 1 wanted to get out and go for a run in the sun, but with so many letters to answer, bc.'bdes other work to do, this Was not to be thought of, so I just had to grin and bear it. I have never read "Won by Gentleness,” but it sounds rather a nice title. I am very fond of music, though I only play a little, but like singing even better. No doubt you will he glad to get the trams, and also, I suppose, to get the roads decent again. Are they any better, yet? Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —1 suppose you will be wondering what has became of me. We gave Pincher away, but I have now a yellow dog with black stripes, named Tiger. One of my brother’s dogs eatight a morepork in a paddock, so we put it in a eage, as both of its legs seemed hurt, but it died. I have a black and white cat, and she always is where we keep the hay to catch some mice. I suppose I will have to write an extra long letter, as I have not written for so long. I am trying hard to pass my examination in August. I suppose I will have to work a great deal harder than I do? If we tie Tiger and Tweedie together they always fight, so we have to put them away from each other. Buster Brown is sueh a funny little boy. I saw in this week’s “Graphic” where he tumbled off bis bicycle and frightened the eows that the man was driving. With love from Cousin Helen.

[Dear Cousin Helen, —It is quite a long time since you wrote to me last, but it is a very good idea of yours to write a longer letter than usual to make up for it. I suppose your dog injured the morepork’s legs when he caught it? I tried to catch a morepork once, and it peeked my hand badly. I had always been told that they couldn’t see in daylight, so I thought I had only to go up to it and catch it. I soon found out my mistake, though. Do mice and rats do much damage to the hay? I expect you are working hard to pass your examination? Tou haven’t much time left to prepare for it. What standard will you be in if you pass? It is funny that Tweedie and Tiger don’t make friends, especially as they must see each other every day. Buster Brown has a great many funny adventures, doesn’t he? Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I was so glad to fee my letter in last week’s “Graphic,” so I thought I would write to you again. I did not go to church to-night. Last night there was a poi dance in the hall. I did not go. What a lot of cousins are writing to you. Mother is so busy making our dresses for the concert, so we have to help her with the housework. Three men went out fishing over to Whale Island, and they caught fifteen big fish. They gave us two such beauties. How glad I am, because my eye is getting better. We have had such fine weather down here. I suppose it Will rain for the concert- My sister

Florence is going to be th* Red Queen at the concert. We have got such a niee library at our Sunday-aehool. Majorie and I are always trying to make toffee. It eomes out no nice and hard. There is no more news. Cousin Kate. 1 must dose now with love to you and all the eoasina. Please send me a badge, Cousin Kate.—l remain, your loving Cousin Dorothy. I sent, you the stamp and the envelope for the badge, but 1 did not get it.

[Dear Cousin Dorothy,—First of all, I hope you have got your badge Bale.y by this time. Your letter arrived too late for last week’s “Graphic," but the badge was posted long ago. Perhaps it was delayed by bad weather on the coast, for it was certainly rather rouge last week. Anyway, if it has not jet. reached you let me know, and I will post another. Yes, we have quite a lot of cousins now, and I aometiii.es wonder if my answers do not become a little dull, for it is hard to answer one after another and still keep fresh ideas. Do you ever go fishing yourself, Cousin Dorothy? We were stopping down at Waiheke years ago, and one of my sisters got a hook right through her band. It had to be cut out with a blunt penknife, and of course she must have suffered dreadfully, but I am sure the poor man who bad to perforin the operation was far worse, for he was dreadfully nervous, having never had any experience in such matters. I hope the weather was fine for the concert, and that you all enjoyed yourselves.—Cousin Kate.] ♦ ♦ Dear Cousin Kate, —I was very sorry I could not write last week. I hid a great many lessons to learn, or you know 1 would have. I have just fir shed my lessons now. We were out of school at three o’clock to day owing to the rain. I love getting out early. Have you w.d “Little Women”? I am just re.-'i.ng it, and like it immensely. I have :., ree other books to read yet. I will tell you the names of them—“ Won by Gentleness,” “A Sunbeam’s Influence.” and “Penelope and the Others.” 1 don’t know when 1 will get through them. Do you like the eold weather, Cousin Kate? I do when I do not get chilblains. Are they not frightful? isn’t “The New Idea” a niee magazine? Aly cousin in Christchurch sends drawings to it. He is just thirteen years old, and drairs magnificently. Really 1 can’t, think of anything else to tell you, as news is very scarce. With best love toyou and the cousins.—l am, your loving cousin, Mary S., Auckland.

[Dear Cousin Mary,—As you will see in my answer to your sister’s letter, yours like hers was crowded out last week. Of course I never expect writing to me to interfere with your lessons, or, indeed, to be any trouble to you. As 1 have often explained to other cousins, I want the letters for the children s p.ge to be a pleasure, not a dull duty. “Little Women” is quite one of the most delightful books I know, and I well remember reading it —well, never mind how many years ago—but I don’t think I ever enjoyed a book so much at that age. “Little Men” is also splendid. I am sure you could not help enjoying it. Have you read all the Gypsy Brenton series? They are all very pretty, a id very amusing stories. Perhaps it w s because 1 Lad so many blotters, but I always liked boys’ books best. “Last Up by the Sea,” “Red Cloud,” “Martin Ratler,” and “The Three Midshipmen,” were great favourites of mine. Have you read any of these? —Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I have been confined to the house for the last few days with a bad cold, and also on account of the bad weather. We had very heavy frosts all last week, but the days were lovely and fine. The weather this week has been very wet so far, but this afternoon was rather fine. Mother went to vote for electricity in Te Aroha, and I went over to the school ground to play cricket. Don’t you think Buster Brown is very funny this week? I shouldn’t think he would be very fond of bicycleriding after his sad accident. Last Friday night we had our Bible examination, but we do not know the results just yet, as the answers had to go to Auckland. We had the exam, down at the parsonage. There were only eight questions to answer, aud we had from seven to nine o’clock to answer them in. I have been reading such a lot of books lately. The one I liked the best was the "Seven

Little Australians,” by Ethel Turaer. I have read “Upeniag a Burr,” winch Cousin Lorna said she liked so much. It «• by E. P. Rue, and I liked it very inueh. 1 could not go to my musk: lesson ou Tuesday; it was so wet. My two sisters, my brother and I are going to Mve our photograph taken. I have had mine taken uy myself just lately, bus my motner w going to send the last one to my aunt in Melbourne. I will •lose bow with love to all the other sousins, not io i getting yourself.—l rentals, Cousin Ida.

[l>ear Cousin Ma,—l am so sorry to hear that you have been suffering from sueh a bad cold. A cold is uncomfortable enough at any time, but when one has it during bad weather it is really horrid, I think, don’t you? Eleelrie lighting will be a great improvement to Te Aroha, so 1 hope you wiL get it. You must tell me next time you write how fhe voting went. Tais is not the right time of the year to be playing cricket, is it? I thought football and hookey were the great winter games. Poor Buster Brown, he always seems to be in trouble —I should think he li. d had quite enough of bicycle r; .ng and shating, too. I hope you got on well at your examination. You had plenty of time to answer eight questions in two hours. I have read “Seven Little Australians,” too. and I liked it so much; in fact. I like all L: pl Turner’s boot, s. I wish you could h- ve sent me yottr photograph. It does not s’icil them at all' you know, and I could have sent it back to you afterwards. —Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kr.’te, —Wasn’t the weather dreadful last week? We eoald not go to school on the .'.icndiy or Tu. sday, as it was so wet. 1 received sueh a nice long letter from Olive last Saturday, and in it she gave me her address, so you need not bother now. thank you. 1 supp «e you will bo going to “The Marriage of Kitty,” “Cousin Kite,” etc., when the

oorr.onny opens. Did you get any cake from "Kitty?” Father had a piece sent ’het, week to him, and it. was lovely. I would like to see “Consul Kite” (the opera), wouldn’t you? T i I you go into town on Friday to see th- Governor? We had a whole holiday fro school, and f,

unfertunatel". had to sp-nd part of the morning in bed with n-uralgia; it quite -■><■ dlt my whole day. Demond went down tn Rungi’s all dav. end in the afternoon mother, Valerie and I went out to Remuera. Am sorry I have no more

news, m must eoßriwir. With love to you ami the cousins.—From Muriel J., Auckland.

[Dear Cousin Muriel,—The weather wasn’t very grand last week, was it? I knew you had not been to school on Monday' or Tuesday, because Cousin Amy said she bad been sitting by herself at school, os Valerie was away and she did not like it at all. lam to gl*d Olive wrote yon such a niee letter —both she ami Winnie write such interesting ones I think. I’m sorry I forgot to send you her address, but I have b-en so very busy just lately that you must make excuses for me. I hope to see “The Marriage of Kitty,” and. of course, I iwn very anxious to see “Cousin Kate,” but I think 1 a.m going away for a fortnight at the beginning of August, so I’m afraid I shall miss one or two of them. 1 would like to see them all; f hear they are splendid. 1 didn’t have a piece ot wedding cake, but I had a marriage certificate sent me instead. It is a \ery good idea to advertise that wav. I think,don’t you? Yes, I went into Queen-street to see the Governor arrive, but the procession was very disappointing, «o you did not miss much by having to stay at home. lam sorry you have been having neuralgia again. Can’t you do anything to cure it?—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kats, —It does not teem a bit like a week since 1 last wrote to you, hut I suppose it is. Did you see the Governor on Friday? He passed our bouse; but I did not think much of the procession; there was no band or anything. On Saturday afternoon we went down to the Grand Hotel to sec the people going to the Governor’s levee; it was so interesting watching all the different uniforms. Have you read any of the “Tip-cat” series? 1 have four—- “ Rob,” “Lil,” “Tip-cat,” and “Laddie”; they are so pretty; the only thing is they are all. rather much alike, always having a poor vicar and a huge family in them. We have such a dear little baby living next door to us; her name is Alys; she was a year old last Sunday. My little niece will be one year old next Monday week; she is beginning to say quite a lot. of things now. Have you really found out the meaning ot “C.Y.K.”? Was your answer, “Consider Yourself Kissed”? for that is the right one. Was not that tram accident on Monday morning terrible, though it was not so bad as it might have been? It

must have been a terrible cra-h to have put that big iron engine out of shape and break off the wheel. . .Was it not lucky, having the .two days that the Governor was here fine? He ought to have a very good impression of Auckland. considering it was so wet when he landed in Wellington. Have you many jonquils and snowdrops in your garden? We have a good few of the latter, but ■the rain lias spoilt nearly all of them. 'How the “Graphic” cousins are. increasing; I saw* the other day that we had four pages. Buster Brown is very good, is it not? It is a change from “Jungle Jinks,” though I liked the latter very much, and some of the characters too, especially Jumbo. I began writing this evening because 1 won’t have time tomorrow morning. Now, dear Cousin Kate, I am afraid I must close, this short note, as f am just going to play “Bridge.”— With love io all from Cousin Gwen. Auckland.

[Dear Cousin Gwen, — Don’t the weeks seem to Uy? and there never seems to be enough time in a week to do all one wants to. Yes, I saw the Governor arrive last Friday, but I thought it was a great pity they did not have a band. It always seems to make a procession so much more imposing. There was such a tremendous crowd of people in Qriv.cn street between 12 and 2 that it was really difficult to walk up the street. I was so glad it. was such a. beautiful day when Lord I’lunket arrived, but lie only just left in time, because there were some very heavy* showers on Sunday. I haven't read any of the “Tip-cat” series, and must remember that when I do read them I mustn’t get them all at once. Have you read any of Allen Baine’s? his arc all Welsh stories, and they arc very much alike too. if you read one, then read another one about three months after, they arc very idee: otherwise one. gets dreadfully tired of them. I suppose Alys reminds you of Margot, doesn't she? I saw such a good photograph of her taken with her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother in Bartlett's the other day; it is a splendid one. I think, don't you? “Consider yourself kissed" was; my answer too. 1 heard someonq pay yesterday that if Itlj’t tram-drivers were going fo bump anything they had heller coniine themselves fo bicycles and go-carts, and leave the road-engine alone, but, seriously, I think everyone got off very well indeed, considering. Our garden looks very sad just now; «<■ have hardly a Hower out : there arc. a. few violets, jonquils and snowdrops, but not enough to make any show. Are you fond of ‘‘Bridge”? 1 played a good bit last year, but, haven’t, had much time for it this winter. I expect you play pretty often, don't you? —Cousin Kate.l

Dear Cousin Kale, — You spell my name like this—Carrie. Yes. my doll does shut her eyes. What a lovely doll that must have been that, you saw. I am glad fo say that 1 don't get chilblains. Have yon ever read “Chrissy’s Treasure.” by Jennie t’errett? It. is a very pretty ’little book. Miss Hull is leaving our school, From Cousin Carrie.

[Dear Cousin Carrie.—Thank you very much for your nice little letter, which 1 received this morning. The doll I saw certainly was a beauty, but 1 expect yours is a pretty one too. Can you make any clothes for her yourself yet? No, I haven't read “Chrissy’s Treasure,” but it sounds as I hough it would be a very nice book. I have several little cousins who go 1.0 Miss Hull's school, and one of them tcld me some- time ago that Miss Hull is going to leave soon. Aon will all be. very sorry I'm sure. Are you beginning io know all your schoolfellows now? fou have only been going to school in Auckland for a short time, haven't you?—Cousin Kate.)

Dear Cousin Kale, —I am afraid I am getting lazy again, but every time I make up my mind to write I find 1 have nothing much to tell you, but I rcnlly cannot put it off any longer, or you will l>e taking my name off the cousins’ roll. You will soon have to go on strike if the editor does not give you another page for the cousins; they lire getting so numerous, are they not ? I saw Cou.sin Dora's photo in tho “Graphic,” also the photo of the little Itoy who is going to write “some day. Do pm eoliect stamps, Cousin Kate? Father has just brought me a lot from the bank about fifteen yetua of age

and mor*. Hiey arc such beautieo. Some of them. however, are marked with the pen. These, have been on receipts, so I do not ktiow if they are worth much. I also collect post,cards. Olive has not received Cousin Muriel’s address yet, nor Cousin .Joyce’s either. Perhaps you had forgotten ours, so 1 lun putting it on the bottom of this, as I do not know whether Olive is writing. 1 have now read all of 'Allen Baine’s books .except “A Welsh Singer,” and. I must try and get that. .When are there going to bo more competitions in the “Graphic”? . Please do hurry and put your photo in the “Graphic.” 1 am beginning to get impatient, but I suppose. I will have to wait. I ought to get mine taken, I suppose. Father has promised that he will let us have them taken in about a month. Tonight I am going to Mel B. Spurr’s entertainment. The' Christchurch people are raving over him. Olive went last night, and she said it,was lovely. Yes, I do love walking, so I hope when wo get the electric cars here 1 will get lazy. I must tel) you that 1 am in an office, and I have o good time, being finished about 3.30 or thereabouts. Igo at 10 a.m. I still have lessons three times a week, and I do them at night with the others. I take French from a French master. Tho school examinations have just finished. My brother and Olive both passed the sixth, and are going to the High School now. Fenton is now in the fifth. This afternoon I am going to Lyttelton, so I think I will stop now and tell you how I enjoyed myself to-morrow. I hope you will not mind one-half of this letter being typed, and the other half written. You will have to forgive me if you do, because I cannot think of anything else to tell you just now. July* 10: 1 went to Lyttelton yesterday, and it was a lovely day*. ’Jlic sea was perfectly calm; and the sun shone brightly* down upon it. From my aunt’s windows one catches delicious views of the. harbour, the heads, and away in the distance Furan Island, or, as it is called sometimes, Rhodes’ Bay. Lyttelton is a very* pretty little place. Houses nestle quaintly* on the hillside, and. looking at them from tho wharf, one would fancy' that if a gale of wind came they would all topple over. The streets are. awfully steep, and the port itself cannot boast of very* many large buildings. There is, liowever, a large post office, jail and a high school, besides two public schools amt a convent, and two or three, churches. Perhaps I am boring you with this .scrappy letter: and some of the. cousins may know Lyttelton better than I do. But again there may be some who do not. 1 went to hear Mel. IS. Spun*, and I enjoyed myself awfully*. Did you hear him In Auckland? Well, dear Cousin Kate, I must say an revoir for the present. and remain, your loving cousin, Win-

[Dcar Cousin Winnie,—l don’t think you are at all lazy about writing to me; at all events you can comfort yourself with the assurance that there are a great many cousins who are much lazier than you are. The cousins are increasing in number considerably, and the editor was just say ing yesterday that I should have to cut my* answers short, or there would not be enough room for the letters. No. I don’t collect stamps, but I know a great many people who do. so I am very* interested in them. Olive has Muriel’s address now, I think, ami I can’t send Joyce’s because, though I have her address, she has never sent her surname in, and I am afraid “Joyce,” High street, Roslyn. Dunedin, wouldn’t find her. Don’t you think there is a good deal of sameness about- Allan Rainc’s books? “The Welsh Singer” is one of his best, 1 think, though. I expect you enjoyed Mel. B. Spurr’s entertainment very much. I did; so did most people in Auckland. He is wonderfully clover, is he not? He must have such a marvellous memory. Fleet ric ears do make people lazy*. I'm afraid. So many' people here take a ear from the foot, to the top of Queen street, and that is only a few minutes’ walk. You certainly seem to have very nice hours at y'our office; but of course your lessons count as work too. Lyttelton is a tpiaint little place, isn’t it? And the same idea struck me when I was there, that tho horses looked ns if a puff of wind would blow them over.— Cousin Katc.j

My Dear Cousin Kate,—l have just been looking through the "Graphic,’* and reading the cousins’ letters. The cook of the ship speaks very good English, and often used to tell me about Japan ami war, but ,1 have forgotten his name. He camo from Koebe ( 1 do n< t know whether this is the right way to spell it). On Sunday, after Sunday.

school, some boys and myself went down on the ship, and the-first and second- mates were doing -some pieturefratneu, when ail of a sudden the lira!*, mate said to tlie second mate, “There is .a girl in the river, and they both ran, followed by the cook. As soon as they got to. the. punt which-was near the spot, the cook took off nearly all Iris clothes and got into! a boat before you .could count three, hut there, were po paddles in the boat, and so he jumped out and. towed it, and-just got up to her in time, but by this time a large crowd was gathering, and with their assistance they soon got her oii the bank. It was a very narrow escape for her, as she had been down twice when he got to her. Has not the Hands Isle had a long trip over to Sydney? She loaded here, and 'so I know all the crew. 1 hope' she will get over safely*. She Las been out 67 days. Just as 1 write this my father told me that she had arrived, so I feel glad. lam expecting another ship called the Pelotus soon. She has been here before, and I used to know some of the sailors, but I don’t expect they are still on her. Yes, gramophones are wonderful things. The record I like best is Tosti’s “Good-bye.” I must bring this unintersting letter to a close now, as it is time for me to go to bed. With love to you and all the cousins, I remain, Cousin Arthur, Turua. I’.S. —I have been told some good books to mention to you for some of the cousins. They are, “The Little Novice” and “Mollie’s Prince.” I will toll you some more next time I write.—A.E. B.

[Dear Cousin Arthur, —Isn’t it wonderful how the Japanese learn io speak our language? I am quite sori- it would take an Englishman quite three times as long to learn theirs. I expect he used to tell you very interesting things about Japan and the war. I think it is spelt Kobe, not Koebc. It was a very lucky* thing for that girl that the cool: was a good swimmer, and such a plucky one, too. How did she manage to fait into the river? Sixty-seven days is a tremendous time for a ship to take going from here to Sydney*. I don’t wonder you began to wonder what had become of her. “Good-bye” is a lovely song, is it not? It is one. of my favourites, I think. Thank you very much for the names of the books.— Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —Will you please send me Muriel’s address when you receive it, and in case you have lost mine 1 will send it with this letter? I go io the High School in Lyttelton now, so 1 have to journey twice, a day* in the train, I have a terrible lot of lessons to do, Physies, Algebra, and Euclid, and the last-named I specially dislike. A gentleman teaches me, and he is very nice; but rather strict. It is my* birthday to-day, and I am fifteen. I am getting very ancient, am I not. Cousin Kale? I am not going to have a b'g patty, only a few friends to tea. There are six children in our family, and their birthdays all come in the last six months of the year. I begin the list in July* and Fenton ends it in December, so if we all had a party. . there would be one every month for six

monttw, so in August we b.avd one big "spree, end that does for the six of us. It is lime for me to practise now, ro’l must remain, witltdove to.yoiursetf and the -cousins, Cousin Olive. P.B.—Pleascv excuse mistakes.-4L; Christchurch.

[Dear Cousin Oiive/7-F posted Mur.tel's address to you some days ago. Yea* must have got it by this time, because. M uiel says in her letter this week that she. lias had a long, interesting letter •ftoni you. Winnie . told me that you had passed the sixth. standard, and I was so glad to hear it.. I wonder if. you will. Kkc going to the High School; you will have ever so many more. lessons, because, of course, you to take so! many more subjects. I itse.d io hate Euclid at school, too, amH 1 newer eould.t learn it. I took it for one of. my subjects at the Civil Service examination, though I could never make out how I got through. * It was very nice of you to make time to write to me on your birthday, dear Olive, and I wish you many, many happy returns of the day. I don’t think 15 exactly ancient, but then you see it is a very long time since I was fifteen. It is coining very close to the time for your. Ing party. You can wish roe many happy returns of the day at your partjr if, you like, for my birthday is in August too.—Cousin Kate.] + 4* +

[Dear . Cousin Beatrice, —I am so sorry I cannot put your letter in tho “Graphic'* this week. You know one of the rules is that the cousins must only write on one side of the paper. You have written on both sides, and the paper is so thin that 1 can scarcely make it out.* Will you write to me next week again, and I will write you an extra long answer to make up for yours not being in this week? —■ Cousin Kate.]