COUSINS' CORRESPODENCE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXV, Issue 3, 22 July 1905, Page 53

COUSINS' CORRESPODENCE.

Dear Cousin Kate, —1 did not write last week as I had no news, and 1 don’t think that I haw? much this week. Last Sunday 1 saw Cousins Mary and Amy; they come to church, and I had seen their photos in the “Graphic,” so I knew them. 1 suppose that you feel the cold in the mornings. My uncle was up here from Ashburton last week, and he thinks that we have lovely wr?ather up here compared with Hie weather in A-hburton. So I am satisfied to stay here, as I think that we have cold enough weather. We are having our examination at school; so I will be able to tell you next week if I am successful in passing. 1 am reading such a nice book called “Mollie’s Prince,” by Rosa Carey. 1 must close now. as I am going to the gymnasium. —Cousin Muriel. | Dear Cousin Muriel, —There never is very much news in the middle of winter, I think, becausb one goes out only when one has to; so there is not much to talk about, except the weather, of cour.-i?, and that is an inexhaustible topic of conversation, isn’t it? though it is not a very interesting one. Fancy your knowing Cousins Mary and Amy from their photographs; you must have a very good memory for faces, because it Is some months since their photographs were in the “Graphic.” 1 don’t like getting up at all these 1 cold mornings; 1 would like to be able to stay in bed until about 10 o'clock, when the sun is well up. lam ju*t longing for the summer time to come, aren’t you? I dont wonder you do not care to go down to Ashburton just now; it must be freeziugly cold down there now. I was in Dunedin quite early in the year onct —March. I think it was, and found it dreadfully cold then. J hope you will pass your examination all right: you arc sure to, L think. I read “Mollie’s Prince” some time ago, and liked it very much, indeed. All Rosa Carey’s books are charming; have you read any others of hers? —Cousin Kate.J 4* 4* 4Dear Cousin Kate, —I thank you very much for your kind reply to my letter. 1 enclose a stamped and address 'd envelope. which I forgot to send before for my badge, and hope to receive it soon. As 1 was only nine years old when I went to England. 1 cannot remember much about the voyage there, but I remember a groat deal about the life in England. First of all, I went to London; and the first thing 1 remember was an old crossing-sweeper. I had heard of and read about them in books, but had never seen one. So. thinking the correct thing to do was to throw him a shilling. 1 was about to do so, but mother and her friends, who knew London, laughed very much at me, and told me pennies Would do; so I gave him sixpence, which seemed to surprise him very much. The day after we landed we saw; the C.l.V.’s procession on th»?ir return Home from South Africa. Next day w« went down to the

North of England, where we stayed thro? weeks. 1 was ill there, so did not see vr?ry much. Then we went to Derbyshire, and stayed twelve days. After that we went to Rugby in Warwickshire. Of course, everyone knows of the famous public schools there. We, by invitation of one of the masters, were allowed to attend Divine service in the chapel. V\ e also saw a tablet in the wall in the playground which was erected to the memory of tin? boy who invented the game of Rugby, football. Another time we visited the boys’ museum, and there saw a letter that the famous Dr. Arnold, master of Rugby, wrote to his mother from the University of Cambridge, I think. w’hi?re he tells her he has passed his “Greats.” Outside the museum is a statue of Thomas Hughes, author of “Tom Brown’s School-days.” As this letter may be too long, I will now’ close it. If you ear*? to know more about my stay 1 will tell you more another week. 1 should be very sorry for the cousins' page to be withdrawn from the “Graphic,” because the letters and Buster Brown, etc., are the only things of interest to children. \\ ith love to yourself and all the cousins.— Hilda, Ponsonby. [Dear Cousin Hilda, —I received your stamped ami addressed envelope safely this morning, and will post your badge to you one day this week. I hope you wili like it. Thank you very much, indeed. for the nice interesting letter you have written this week; 1 wanted veiy much to hear your impressions of English life. Will you tell us more about it next time? I wonder if those poor old crossing-sweepers make much in a day: I don’t fancy they do. so I expect he was delighted as well as surprised when you threw him the sixpence. 1 would like to have, been at Home when the troops returned from South Africa. Wasn’t then? a tremendous amount of excitement? You seem to have travelled about a good deal while you were in England: but. of course, travelling is so milch easier and quicker there that one doesn't mind how much one does. I think most people haw? heard of Rugby. Of course, you have read “Tom Brown’s School-days.” I like it much bitter than “Tom Brown at Oxford,” don’t you? I suppose you know that all thr? characters were real people. I have heard thr real namrs of Tom Brown and Scud East, but Lave forgotten them.—Cousin Kate. | 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate, I sent an addressed envelope for a badge, but I have not received it yet. I am getting a mate for my canary in a few days. I collect postcards. and have about a hundred and forty-four. My brother sent me some very pretty ones from Sydney and Melbourne. I went to play with a friend of mine on Saturday, and had a grand time. 1 am collecting stamps* for the Halcombe invalid. I think Cousin Ruby’s idea about the Wonder Bag is very good. I have no more news to tell you. Cousin Kate. With love, I remain, your loving cousin, Jeanie (Masterton). [Dear Cousin Jeanie,- —1 am so sorry to hear that you have never received your badge yet. If you send me your full name and address next time you write I will post one to you at once. I think the addressed envelope you sent me must have gone astray, for I don’t remember ever seeing it. We have such a dear little canary; we got it when it was quite small, ho it knows uh all now.

and is usually very friendly with ns; but if we go near its cage after dark it gets furious with us and peeks our fingers viciously if it can reach them. What a nice collection of post-cards you are getting. Have you got any Japanese ones? I haven’t heard about the llalcombe invalid. Will you tell me about it in your next letter? Cousin Kate.] 4* 4? 4* Dear Cousin Kate, — I did not set* my last letter in the “Graphic,” so I cannot answer any questions you may have asked me. My brother Douglas has passed his final exam. Isn’t it delightful? He is a doctor now. lie gets “capped” on the 17th .July. I wish I could go and see him. Mother ami father will see him. The boat mother and father went Home in arrived about a week ago. We were delighted to hear it. Yesterday we went out to a matinee in St. Mark's Hall. Reinuera. It was acted by a number of little boys and girls. They acted it beautifully. The last part they did was a fairy serene. Has it not been very cold lately, Cousin Kate? I do not like tin* cold weather very much. We had our photographs taken last week. Last Saturday we went to a dance, and enjoyed ourselves very mm-h indeed. I like dancing very much, don't you. (busin Kate? 1 will write soon again.—

With much low from your hiving cou sin. Mary. P.S. Please excuse writing M.x (Dear Cousin Mary. I am so sorry you did nut see your last letter in tho “Graphic.” 1 fully meant to cut it out and pos it to you, but I have been so busv that you must excuse my forgetfulness. 1 will try and remember it this week. 1 am so pleased tn hear your good news about your broiher. 1 don’t wonder you are all so delighted at his success. Do you think he will come out to New Zealand to practise? How anxious you will lie for the English mails now. It is lovely gelling long let tern from places one has never seen. I think. When my sister went Home some time ago sin* used io write us smh long letters they were really almost books but we always wanted more. I <lid not see you at thr matinee at St. Mark's. I went out, too. to see my' lit lie niece act. She was in both performances, “Princess Ida” ami in the “Fairy Revels” scene too. I liked the last ever so mm-h better than the first, did not you? It certainly has been very void lately, but we have had a lew sm h lovely clear days, and they more than make up for the cold. I think. Yrs. L am very fond of darning indeed, but I like plenty of room, and a very good partner, or else I don’t enjoy it very much. Well, dear Mary. I must stop now’. Will you give my low to Amy, and tell her I should like to hear from her some day’ when sin* is not very bu<y? — Cousin Kate.] 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate, I have heard how the editor threatened to take away the children’s page it the rousins did not write more regularly. I am eight years old. and in Standard II- I take a great interest in reading thr cousins letters, so I thought I would like io join your band. Have you read a book called “Martin Rattler,’’ Cousin Kate? I have, and liked it very much. At school we have «i cadet corp, of which i am a sergeant. Of course as I am only in Standard IL I am sorry to say our <adrt corp is not a very good one. I spent the mid-winter holidays up nt Kaukapakapa. I would he \ <*ry glad <» see my letter in print, ami will be pleased if you will post me a badge. I remain, your loving cousin. Jack. | Dear Cousin Jack. I am wry glad ind<*vd that I told the cousins tin* editor was going to take our page away from us. as it has induced you to join us. 1

am delighted to welcome you as a cousin, and will scud a badge to you one day this week. I know your father and mot her very well indeed by sight, but’l hair never seen you. I have often walked down II a mill on"-n »ad, and think it is such a pretty road. The view of the harhoiii is. lovely, and all the houses have very pretty gardens, 100.. Are ypu fond of gardening? Yes. I have . read •’Martin Ball ler,” hut it is such a long time ago that I have nearly forgotten it. 1 remember the kit ten and Barney, and the diamond mines, though. It is a very exciting book, isn’t it?. I don’t wonder yon liked it so much. Ycuir cadet corps may not hr very good now. but in a year or two when you arc all quite big boys it will lie a grand one, that is if you slick to it. I have never been to Kaukapakapa, though I have often passed through in the train. Wasn't it very muddy when you were up there?—Csmsiii Kate. | h- 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate. (hire again 1 eoinnirncr lb write to you. and I hope 1 will keep up my correspondence with you. I think the other cousins' letters are very interesting. It has been a showery day. but I hope it will be line to-morrow. I am in the b’ifth Standard now. and I hope t will pass the next examination in two months. I am saving up post-cards, and J like the ’•Graphic”, ones very much. Do you know any nice books for a hoy of my age? I. am 12 years, of age, and I like reading Very much. Have ym read “Fritz.” by Franz Hoffman, v.r “Tin* Old Bed Schoolhouse,” by I l ’. 11. Wood, and a lot of other good books? We have got a parrot, a dog. and a puny. My father and mother are in Sydney having a holiday. ’There was a big Hood here last week, and the river was very high. I think this is all 1 have to say to-night. With love to you and all the other •’Graphic'’ cousins. — From Cousin dark. | Dear Cousin .Tack. J sincerely echo your wish, and hope to hear from you very often indeed. You should have had lots of news for me Ibis week, as f Rqe by the papers- that you have been having a most* exciting time down at

Westport—more exciting than pleasant, 1 should think. WeYe you anywhere near the Hoods? 1 have never seen a really big Hood. I should like to very much indeed, from a safe distance, of course. We were staying al Tc \roha once when the river Hooded a little: it overflowed its banks, and came well up into the low-lying .meadows, but never rose high enough t<» come near the town. I'm glad you like the •’Graphic” po<fyards; the coloured ones are very pretty. J think. Have you got many now? I haven't read any of the books you mention. but then I haven't read a great many boys’ books. •’Mal i in Batt ler.'’ ’’Treasure Island.” “Tom Brown's School Days,” and ’’Stalky and Co.” arc a few I have read, and I like all those very .much indeed—so much that I read ’’Torn Brow n” and ’’Stalky and Co.” all through again just a few weeks ago. —Cousin Kate. | * + 4* Dear Cousin Kate.— I have been to West's Pictures twice, and I liked them very much. The first time I went I saw the trip to the sun. It was very funny. The people started in a Hying machine, and they were going up a very steep mountain, and all of a sudden the Hying machine came down with a smash, and all the people had to go to the hospital. As soon as they were all right again i hey started off in a funny irain. ami it fell down also, and they were not hurt this time; and down below them there was a volcano, and it had left off being; active, and it was red-hot. and the people were nearly burnt, when an ice lank came along, and all the people got in and were frozen into a block, and when the man opened the door he found all frozen, and he lit some straw, and they all got thawed, anil then started in a Hying machine, and they landed next time at the bottom of the sea and an octopus was seen at the window. Next time we saw the Hying machine going through the sun's mouth.' and it was very funny. The other night we went we saw different pictures. We saw the Welsh State Qua try. and the Sleeping Beauty'. We saw that in twenty scenes. 1 will tell you about the Zoological Gardens in London. It was very pretty.

It showed you a man with a snake round his neck. and an elephant with some childrt n oiy his hack, and an animal with its toiigue longer than its ho<(y. Tur FreiL .Mills sang such a funny song. I Will’ tell you about it. Orfe day he was sitting in the parlour with his wife, and he asked her has anybody been asking for me. “Yes.” she said, ‘‘the man’s come for his rent.” “What! come for his rent; he won’t get a cent.” Another evening he went to Major Brown’s to tea. and there was supposed to be oyster soup, and he could not find any oysters, so he (‘ailed the waiter, and asked him to find the oysters. The waiter took his spoon and stirred the soup up. when suddenly a little oyster popped up and exclaimed. “Has anybody been asking for me?” One night he had Major Brown to tea. and his wife said •'What did you bring Major Brown Imine to tea for; we have not got anything to eat.” have. I have brought a chicken home.” At tea Major Brown asked if he was going to get anything to eat. and the chicken stood up and exclaimed, ’‘Has anybody been asking for me?” 1 must close now. with lots of love to all the other cousins, and lots to yourself.—From Cousin Doreen. | Dear Cousin Doreen, —I don’t wonder you were amused at West’s pictures. 1 should have liked to have been there with you. The trip to the sun must have been great fun to watch. The people were very brave to try so many times to get there, especially after they had all had to go to the hospital after their first trial. I don’t think f should have cared about a visit to the sun after that, should you? Mr Mills’ song, “Has anybody been asking for me?” must have been very funny. They must all have got rather a surprise when the oyster and the chicken both made the same re< mark. I went to a children’s entertainment last Saturday afternoon. It was such a good one, and all the children did their parts so well, and they all looked so pretty, too. The first piece was “Princess Ida.” I expect you know the story, don’t you? Princess Ida was the Sleeping Beauty. The second part was called “Fairy Revels.” and I liked that better than “Princess Ida.” The

children sang and danced in th? moon* light before the Fairy Queen's I It roue, j wish you could have seen them.—Cousin Kate.] 4* 4” 4* Dear Cousin Kate,—What a few cousins’ letters there are in this week's “Graphic.’’ When 1 had opened the “Graphic” I was' astonished to see there were only four cousins, including myself, who had written. Do you n’ot Ihink that a shame. Cousin Kate? Is the answer to your puzzle ”Mad rid. The answers to my puzzles are: ( I)’ Why i-4 Berlin the most dissipated city in Europe? Answer: It is always on the Spree. (2) Why are ripe potatoes in the ground like thieves? Answer: 'lhey ought to be taken up. (3) Why is e;irly grass like a pen-knife? Answer: 'Hie spring brings out the blade. (4> Why are dancers like mushrooms? Answ'er: They come out at night. How dull it. has turned out this afternoon. It did not look very threatening this morning, did it? I wish ex-cou>in Ruth w Mild join our page again. I used to know her wdl. but I have not seen her for a long time now. I am looking forward togoing to Whangarei with mother about the beginning of August (that is. in about a fortnight's time), as I haw to wait for my examination to even!mite before leaving. Many thanks for your good wishes for my success, dear cousin Kate. I do hope I pass. Well. I must conclude now. Cousin Kate, with much love to you and all the cousins. I remain, your sincere cousin. Eirene. | Dear Cousin Eirene,. —There wore very few cousins’ letters in last week’s “Graphic.” were there not? and I really don’t know what to say to the cousins to make them write more often. You. must be very clever at guessing answer* to riddles. Yes, Mad rid is the answer. Al I your, puzzles are very good, and I was quit? annoyed with myself for not being able to answer them. One always is. L think, when one hears the answer* and finds out how simple they arc. I thought it was going to be a really nice day yesterday, and came into town in the morning without cither numbrelbi or coat. I wish you could have seen

me when I got home at six o’clock. I was so wet, and my slmes and t’ne hem of my skirt were simply covered whh that thin rainy mud that the footpaths are smothered with on drizzly lays. [ would rather have a real steady d«.wn}>our. I think, than a drizzle, wouldn't you? I would have he*n very pleased if l*uth would have commenced writing to the “Graphic” again, hut she has so much to do now that she has not time. Do you know Cousin Muriel J., too? She and Ruth have always been friends. I expect you are looking forward to your visit to Whangarei. especially as your examination will he over then. Your holiday would be spoilt if you had to come back for your examination, because you would be thinking all the time that you ought to be studying for it.—Cousin Kate. | 4” 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate.—Being greatly interested in your ’‘Children’s Page’’ f would very much liki? to be numbered with your numerous correspondents. A New Zealand friend of my brother’s sends him a “Graphic” every week, and there is always a rush for it when the mail arrives. I have not noticed any letters from Victorians, so some of your readers might bp interested in news from this part of the colony. What nice long answers you write to the letters; here when we write to any of the papers we have to be satisfied with two or three lira’s. 1 wonder how the cousins would like that. J thiiik New Zealand papers are far before the Victorian ones; I know I find the illustrations and reading matter far superior. I live in a country town over two hundred miles from Melbourne; this place is very quiet, and I always think wo are almost beyond civilisation. However. occasional visits to the metropolis help to break the monotony. Which do you prefer. Cousin Kate, living in town or country? My choice is town life, as there is always something to amuse you. This place is noted for its sceixery, ami is situated on the junction of two livery. Jt is surrounded by hills, and some of these are snow-capped during the winter months. There are - numerous fern gullies, and these are ideal places for picnic parties. During the summer months, we often go out for the day. and. as a rule, have a most enjoyable time. We take lunch with us, ami <lo not return till it is dark. The nearest railway station is 25 miles* from hen*, and you reach this town by a coach journey. The roads are very • rough.- and after a drive in this vehicle you do not feel equal to any exertion whatever. My favoui ite amusements are riding,driving, and lawn tennis. They are making a tennis court at the school, so I shall be able to have plenty of practice then. My sisters and 1 have ponies; ami often go for long rides. W* also have a donkey, but do not get on him very often, as he is a noted buekjumper. The boys have great fun riding him. and some of them very often come to the ground. I have a No. 2 Brownie Kodak, and have spine splendid snapshots. The machine is quite easy to manipulate, the only fault is tbat the pic--1 lives are.so small. If any of the cousins go in for photography, and would lik ■ to exchange photos with me I wou'd be only too pleased to do so. I think kodaks are just splendid, for you can often get pictures that will help you to remember places you Iravi? visited. I also collect picture postcards, and would be greatly phased if the cou.’rns would send me some. I should only he too willing to send them some in return; actresses or seeivry, which ever liny prefer. *1 have a beautiful one of Nellie Stewart, also a splendid one of Tittrl Brune. Don’t you think “Sweet .Nell” is a lovely actress? I should also like some of the cousins to write to me, that is if they would not think it too much trouble. How fortunate Cousin Winnie is; 35 post cards is a lot to get in a week. I wish she would send me t he names of soni? of her Tasmanian correspondents. I have friends in South Africa and Wist Australia. and they are sending me some postcards from those places. One of iny South African correspondents is a school teacher. and has all Did h children in her classes. She likes the place very much, and takes great interest in her pupils. I think it was mean of tin* <*<litor to want to do away with the children’s page. However. I think it made some of the cousins write more regularly. I suppose you thought a lot of them hail joined the deserters’ list. I am making a Gay cloth, ami am painting roses <n ft in oils; it is my first attempt it painting on muslin, and I do not know whether it will be successful or nut. ’Hie boys have been chad* cutting t<£day, and

1 had to take lunch to them. Tiny tried hard to persuade me to try driving the horses; but, as the dust was terrible. I declined with r.hanks.. The chief industries carried on here arc farming ami mining. Some of the mines about this district arc very good ones. One time this place* was one of the busiest in »lie colony, hut, as several of the mini's art* worked out. the place has become very thill indeed. I have hern through several mine.’, and was gr -atly interest! d in the workings. Tin* manager of one .of the mines gave me a man’s pair of imots •<» put over my shoes, so that I should not. get my feet wet. Other members of tic party were also equipped in the saint 1 way. I could hardly walk, the boots were so heavy. W.* were walking through water most of the time, so I was very glad to have them, though I must admit that my feet felt dreadfully awkward. This place is the depot for goods going to the towns in the ranges. The goods are conveyed to these places in waggon* drawn by eight horses. in <ne of these places they have to get their go: ds in before the w inter, as the waggons are unable to reach then* during the period the snow is so deep. Aly brother is going there next week, and is taking my kodak, so that he can get me some snow scenes. Lately I have been reading a lot. L think Allen Raine’s books are lovely. I had several of them given to me, and found them very interesting. Have you read any of his books, Cousin Kate? I really couldn’t say who is my favourite author or authoress, as then* are so many nice hooks. Our school concert, which came off quite recently, was very successful. The name of the cantata was the “The Fairy Queen’s Christinas Court.’’ We also received our annual prizes on the same night. My sisters and I got live between us; one of mine was for home exercise; the name of it is “The Girl’s Own.” The continued stories in it are very nice ones. I am learning to phiy the piano, and. have to practise two hours a- day. I just love music, so do not mind practising in the least. My sister and I played a duet at a concert here a. short time ago. The name of it was “Diahelli’s Duet in !).” Have you heard it. Cousin Kate? It is rather long, but very pretty. It has been raining here for the last fortnight, and we have been unable to go out very much. I think the day seems twice as long when you have to stay indoors most of the time. We have not had any snow yet, but we are just longing for some. I Ihink it great fun snowballing. If there happens to be snow about, none of us will stay from school; we have such a good tidic. The girls nearly always get the worst of it. The boys are straighter shots than we are. There are only (>5 going to school here; so you see this place is very small. My sister is one of the teachers, but she does not. care very much about her position. She finds teaching very trying. There has only been one football match here this season. It was between Gaffney’s Creek footballers and the Jamieson team. The visitors warn the game, ami they were very jubilant over their win. as it is the first time our boys have been beaten on their own ground for 20 years. I am disgusted with them for letting their record be broken. . My youngest sister has lm<*n away for over six w<eks; we miss her very much. I think home seems quite different when anyone is away from it. The coach has just arrived, so I have to bring my letter to a. termination. as 1 have* t<» go for the letters and papers, and as I have to practise when I come back I shall not have time to write any more. Hoping that my letter is not too long, and that you will accept me as a cousin. I am. etc.. Cousin Ethyll. | Dear Cousin Ethyll.—What a pretty (plaint way you haw of spelling your name; I have never seen Ethel spelt that way before, so I don’t think it is likely that I shall ever have to ask you to change your name. I shall be moiv* than delighted to welcome you as one of - my cousins, and I am sure the rest of the hand will be pleased. It is so nite to get letters from places one doesn’t know-of all. and you seem to have a gift for writing long, interesting letter. I think if th“ cousins don’t, learn to write more regularly I shall adopt the plan of just writing two or three lines to each of thi*in. It would give me ever so much more time for my other work. I will post a badge to yon next w<*(k. I don’t doubt that some of the cousins will be only too glad <o change post-cards with you. Do you get. the postcards that are in the “Graphic” rvrry week? I (hm't know .whether any of the cousins go in for amateur photography, but I will ask

them. I have «.cu-fal po-t cards of Nellie Stew an. but nut a»*\ of Tittel Brune. Ilav.* \o> • n 1.1 • -«i b«(h act? I ihink ’Nw<rt Nell ix a charming actres’. -..nd I went <wr .-<» m.m\ tiinvx to s«*r her when she was acting in \rck land. I havtn'l st» n Tittrl Brum* yet. but manv people sat xhe is tin* best ar tress wr liavr c\c» had in th<* colony; so I am ver\ anxiuu.x to s<*<* her. I think tlv* edilcn’s threat did make a few of the cousins write mor.* regularly, though we did i:<4 make it for that purpose. He says that he has noc worn in the paper for heaps of tilings he wants to put in. xo he thought that if the cousins didn’t appnsiatt* th.* page hr might just as well have it. I have never tried painting on muslin; it would be rather ditliciilt to do well I should imagine. Let me kijow bow you get on with it, will ion? I am in (•‘rested in mining, too. I have been all over the battery, and down the W’aihi mint*, which is the largest and best mine in New Zealand. Wouldn’t it he dreadful to live in a place w b.crc < n- • was dint in for the winter? I suppose the settlers ran always ride out. though they cannot drive. I have read all or nearly all Allen Raines books, and am very fond of them indrril. I don’t wonder you were disgusted that your boys were beaten after having such a splendid record. I expert they were . ven more disgusted though, don’t you? I think I agree* with you that, town life is preterahlr to country life, but, all the same. I would like to spend several months in the country every summer. lam very fond of riding and driving, and one dees not get niurli of either of them in town. Wr have to be content with <‘?»*rtric tram cars. Well. Ethyll. I really must stop now. though I have ever so much more to say. I hope I shall have another long letter from you very soon.— Cousin Kate. |