Children's Page

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXVII, Issue 24, 15 December 1906, Page 39

Children's Page

COUSINS’ BADGES.

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

COUSINS CORRESPONDENCE.

Dear Cousin Kate,—We are glad to be at home, again, but we had a beautiful time in New Plymouth. We have four kittens. One of them is called Fluff and another Tiger and the third Miek and the last one is Buster. Fluffy is white, with grey spots. Aliek is black and white, and Buster black and grey. Tiger is striped like a tiger. The kittens are learning to drink milk now, and Fluff, who is the smallest, can drink the best. Our cocky got away on Sunday, and mother eaught him on, Tuesday. I am writing a story. It is called “In Mischief.” ,1 will send it for you. to read, to see if it could be put in the “Graphic.” I think I will close. Good-bye now from Cousin BOBS. | Dear Cousin Bobs, —I suppose home is the best place after all, but after having such a lovely time in New Plymouth 1 am afraid that lessons and just everyday things would seem a little dull. What are you going to do with all those kittens? Even if you send two to the bazaar, surely you will still have too many. Those little kittens are often the cleverest. I suppose the bigger ones get too fat and lazy. Weren’t you very frightened you had lost the cockatoo for good and all when it never came back that night? I think mother, was veryWrave to catch it. I- don't think I would have tried, because they peck sometimes. I should like to read that story very much, so I hope you will remember to send it in to me when it is finished.—Cousin Kate.] *1- 4" 4Dear Cousin Kate, —You asked us for a letter for the younger children, so I am trying one this time. Perhaps they would like to hear about the Children’s Carnival at Barcelona. When we were in Spain some years ago—l was a very little girl then —we happened to be in Barcelona for Carnival. At tli.is time everyone in the city goes in for fun and merry-making, dressing up, dancing, and all sorts of amusements. One day, on going out, we missed all the children; there was not one to be seen. Thon <lown the street came the quaintest procession, led by a tiny court-lady of, perhaps, six years old, in satin gown, with sweeping train, mantilla, and fan. (The mantilla is the lace scarf Spanish ladies wear over their heads.) She was attended by a still tinier cavalier, with the wide folded cloak worn in Spain, a widerbrillumed plumedi ‘hat, and a. sword that tripped him up every now and then. In their train came matadors (bull-fighters) splendid in velvet and gold lace, toreadors with red silk flags (these are used in bull-fighting), pea sants from the mountains in sheep ami goat skin coats, gay dancers all beribboned and clicking castanets, gipsies, and all the wonderful figures one sees at. a fancy ball. But none of them were more than seven or .eight years old, mid all were as solemn as could lie. There- was no romping or playing; quite

gravely they walked about the streets. Indeed, in all the carnival, these children seemed the most serious people one met. If you do not think this will do, tell me in your answer to one of my' other letters, and I shall try' to send a simpler one.—HERO.

| Dear Cousin Hero, —I think your letter quite delightful, and I am sure the children will enjoy >t as much as I did, only' I hope it won’t make them quite so envious as it made me. To travel is the ambition of my life, though I am quite sure I would die before I got very far. However, it would be worth dying to see all you have seen. I suppose you are so used to it all that you scarcely* appreciate it at all, and just want to settle down and have a home. I suppose it is natural to want what one can’t have, hut you have the best of it I think whichever way you look.—Cousin Kate. | 4’ 4- 4 1 Dear Cousin Kate, —It is quite, a long while since I wrote to" you. We are back from New Plymouth, and have begun lessons again. Percy' scribbled oVfer this. Was not he naughty? We went to West's Pictures on Saturday. There were some very funny ones, which made us laugh very much. We went to granny's yesterday and had great games. We like going over there. I think Bobs has told you about our dear little kittens. They are so pretty-. We think of putting two in a basket, and sending them to a bazaar. Our violets are (lowering now. Is not it a funny- time? We have lots of Howers in our garden. I am just beginning to learn “The Minstrel Boy.” Do you like that tune? We are getting quite a. lot. of post cards in our albums now. Good-bye, love from Cousin SYDNEY.] | Dear Cousin Sydney,—lt is a verylong time since you wrote to me. Bobs is much more energetic about writing than you are, but 1 suppose that is be cause you have not been very strong. I hope your trip to New Plymouth has set you up and made you feel quite well again. I suppose you were very- sorry' to come back and settle down again to lessons. Percy seems to be rather a piekie, but all boys are, aren't they? Going to see West’s pictures is great fun isn't it? Last time 1 went I laughed till I was quite tired. What do you do at granny's that you enjoy yourself so much? Has she a large garden for you to play in? It is very funny for violets to be dowering. What a good idea to send some kittens to a bazaar—they’ would look so pretty in a basket, too, but I wonder who would buy them? You must, be getting on well with yonmusic* to be able to play "The Minstrel Boy-.” I like it very- mueh.—Cousin Kate.] 4* 4* 4Dear Cousin Kate, —Sorry not to have written as ostial last week, but am only" just recovering from what at least has been the most painful illness of my life. I think Cousin Alison has mixed me up with Cousin Winnie, as it was she who complained of dearth of news, but promising plenty when the Exhibition opened. I read With interest Cousin Winnie’s letter in tw day’s “Graphic.” Don’t you think, dear Cousin Kate, that it would bo delightful if she took n court at a time, ami described it to us

as fully as the limits of a letter would allow? I should love to go, if only to see the pictures and the Canadian court, but am afraid I shall not, unless the gods have something in their lap for mo later on. Cousin Alison, in her last letter, asks us all to discuss “The Trea sure of Heaven.” I would do much for Cousin Alison, but really the book is not worth discussion. I have read it, and quite agree with Cousin Alison in what she says about its being uninteresting and nonsensical, but if I were to say all I think about it I am afraid the Editor would refuse to print it in our pages, which will show you that I feel rather strongly about it. j have just made a resolution to read nothing more of hers, it is sheer waste of time ■ —and worse. Shortly alter reading it I had a book sent to me called "A Sovereign Remedy,” by F. A. Steel. One of the most striking characters of the book is an old servant of the heroine's father, who is a second edition of G. Elliot’s Airs. Poyser, and one of her sayings reminded me of Miss Corelli. Alartlia (the old servant) says, "It strikes me as you’re too free with the Almighty-. But there—when folk stops making their reverences to the gentry, ’taint long ere they get noddin’ at their Creator.” If Cousin Alison has not read “David Balfour,” together with “The Master of Ballantrae,” there is a treat in store for her. Two really nice books are “A Bachelor” ami "A Benedick in Area.dy.” J wonder whether Cousin Hero has read Stephen Phillips’, "Clysses.” It is said to be the best dramatic poem written since Shakespeare. As a boy Stephen Phillips was not at all clever with lessons but was omnivorous in the matter of reading. The lady who taught him as a boy is exceedingly promt of her pupil now. Who is the author of "The Eye of Ista?” 1 should like to read it. I likej “By the Gods Beloved’’; 1 thought it so weirdly eastern. I’m so fond of ancient history. But of course it's not a patch on "The Scarlet Pimpernel.” I love talcs of chivalry and gallantry, they stir one so. I thought the' sentiment overdone in "The Master's Violin.” Cousin Mary tells you she has the cutest kitten in Auckland. As part proprietor of the second eutest kitten (or, more truthfully speaking, eat) in Auckland, I must tell you of a feat of hers. She came to us at four weeks old, and in my absence was burdened with the name of Mikado, which was shortly abbreviated to Micky. Well, she flourished exceedingly, and through being so petted and eared for became almost human, understanding so mueh of what was said to her. After she had lived with us for nearly a year, one day we missed her, and after searching found her with three dear weeny kittens in a tub in an outhouse. My brother, who is exceedingly fond of her. thought the place damp ami stuffy, and so brought out the tub into the sun. Bui .Tack (our terrier), who is nothing if not "inquisitive, peeped up into the tub and was rewarded by a deliberate claw in the face. After every one went away. Micky carried each kitten upstairs in her mouth, and deposited them on Lynleigh’s bed, a thing she wouldnever have done ordinarily, as of course we don’t permit it. Lyn, lying in bet with headache, said that she dropped tin* kittens many a time before she snefiecded in getting them up there. Will'll I tried to touch them, she stood

up with open mouth ami r fused l» allow them to be touched. And this from our gentle Kitty, who never bcfrfre xvould seratcli even an enemy. Shortly afterwards she heard father go down the |>assage which leads to -the outhouse, and down sh jumped and rushed down to him and clawed the handle of the door, mewing pitifullyall the time. He of com-se knew what, she wanted, and opened the door ami put the barrel baek. Ipstairs she flew ami fetched a kitten, making a detour of the house so that she might not pass the dreaded spot again where the kittens had been placed in the sun, and ill time got them all safely in the barrel. 1 nerd hardly say that we never disturbed her after. I have been out of everything lately, but hop* to be well enough to go to the St. dolin'* College sports to-morrow. By the way . how is.the painting epnip tition getting On? Several little friends of mine wore going in for it. but I have been (on ill to give particulars, and indeed have' only- just heard, 100 late, that they wanted them. With love to all the cousins, I remain, your loving eon-in. HILDA (I’onsonby). | Dear Cousin Hilda,- I was sorry this letter was left out last week, but I was extremely pressed with extra work at the time it arrived, ami laid it aside to bo answered when less busy; but. alas, as is so often the case when one proerastinatCs with daily duties, 1 then forgot about it, till too late. 1- am very glad you have resolved to " cut ” Marie Corelli from your list' of modern author--. Her recent effusions 'are. to my mind, quite unworthy of any attention wliatsdever, and are, moreover, a constant strain on the nerves and patience. Some of Trollope's novels are well worth re-reading if you have half forgotten them. I spent last Sunday in the sun. reading "Barehester Towers,” ami greatly’ enjoyed it. It is -wonderful what exceedingly' well got up and well-bound classics of fiction one can buy- 'at the book shop- in town. " The Everyman ” library is a capital example, the paper is good, the type clear, and the general get-up tasteful in the extreme. There arc a number of lads’ works in the library, notably " Peter the Whaler.'* and “The Three Midshipmen,” both of which 1 recently read aloud to a highly, appreciative audience. I hope the Ponsonby branch of the Defence League will prove a very active one. 1 think the people of that suburb are more “alive,” as the Yankees have it, than those who live in the older residential quarters of Remuera, Parnell and Epsom, though perhaps the trams have begun to liven them up there. In Parnell, the Bishop made an excellent speech, and so did Dr. 11. D<an Bamford; in fact, I'thoughi his Hie most direct, and telling appeal I have yet heard.. He began his speech by saving:— ■There are two things, ladies ami' gentlemen, on which self-respecting Britishers have always prided themselves - on'paying t heir way and on holding their own in a row.” In this colony we are not doing the first in the matter of defence, and unless we look to it, we shall be unable to do the second when our turn names, as come it will. He also quoted some of the Islanders most admirably. If you have never heard Dr. Bamlord -peak I would advise you to take the first opportunity. He is young, but determined, learned ami cultured to a degree seldom achieved by our young men, and will certainly make a name for himself as an orator and powerful debater, when he gets into the House, as he will surely do one day. Your eat story was very interesting and amusing, but 1 have so much to do this morning that I can’t tell you of another eat. as I should like to. t.oilsiu Kate.] 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate, I am sorry I did not semi my address, but I did not think of it at the time of writing. I went to West's Pictures and enjoyed them very much. I enjoyed "The Motorcar Chase” best,] think. I am going up to Hamilton on Monday for two or three weeks, as 1 have not been very well, but 1 will continue to write to you just the same. I will be pleased to send a coloured picture. Aly name is Esmeralda, but they call me Esina for short. Yes, Ido like short mimes best. I have two brothers, Frank and Raymond. but we call him Ray. With love to aW tile cousins, Cousin ESMA. ] Drnr Cousin Esm-i, I thought it must lie short for Esmeralda, but could

not Ire sure; it i« prettier shortened, Isn't it? 1 hope you have received your badge safely by this time, 1 can qil’te understand your forgetting the address, as I am very careless about that myself. lam sorry you have liecn seedy. Have you had this awful influenza, or is it only this very hot wearner? It seems to have made so mativ people feel sick and miserable. 1 hiqx- your trip to Hamilton will set you up. ami that you wilt be well enough to enjoy all the < liristmas festivities. 1 did not see the motor-car chase at West's, but can quite imagine it wax very Tunny; the marvellous places those cars go down and over without being smashed up and the people killed is too funny, isn't it? -Cousin Kate. I + + + Dear Cousin Kale. —I am sending you two paintings for the painting competition. 1 hope you will like them. Have you received many from the other cousins* I am. yours truly. EVERELL. [Dear Cousin Everell, —Your paintings arrived quite safely, and I was so pleased to see them, as I want all the cousins to try their skill, and I am glad to say the paintings are rolling in in a most satisfactory manner, and I hope they will continue to come in, as it is SO much inorc fun to have a lot to choose from. It is so hot to-day, and I am busy, so this letter will have to be as short as y ours.—Cousin Katc.l + + 4Dear Cousin Kate, —I always look o’ut for the “Graphic” every week, and 1 think Buster Brown is so funny. I should like to become a cousin, and will you please send me a badge? lam sending a picture for the painting competition. and I think three other little girls that go to the same school as I do arc sending one too. 1 have some silkworms, and 1 think they will spin soon. I have some mustard and cress growing ou some flannel in a plate, and it is growing so quickly. Your loving cousin. KATHLEEN. [Dear Cousin Kathleen. —I am very glad you are going to join us and become a cousin, and 1 have sent you a badge, 'the paintings are coining in quite fast now, at first I thought veryfew were going to compete, but I am glad to say 1 was mistaken. Still, I shall be pleased if your little friends send theirs in. 1 never tried to grow mustard and cress in water, but we used to tifuke wheat and oats grow beautifully, only we used cotton wool. I used to have lots of silkworms, too, and love them; onlv all the others used to hate them, and I wax not allowed to have them in the bouse, so I had to keep them in the summer-house, and they used to crawl out of the box ami spin in the most wonderful places. Do yours ever escape in that fashion?—Cousin Kate.]