COUSINS’ CORRESPONDEDNCE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 16, 15 April 1908, Page 68

COUSINS’ CORRESPONDEDNCE.

Bear Cousin Kate, —I go to school now. and I like it very much. I am in dad's office writing this letter on the typewriter. The school that I go to is going to be moved, because it is leaking. We are going to have some pur friends to spend the day to-day. TK*re was a fire this morning down in the oil shed in Customs-street. Good-bye. From Cousin BOBS. [Dear Cousin Bobs, —You haven’t written for a very long and your letter to-day is very, very rt. Write again soon, like a good chap, please write more. 1 heard that you had commenced "going to school; and I also'saw a small boy that looked very like you fall out of a Remuera tram car one day. Was it you ? I suppose you like going to school, and having pier. <7 of boys to play with, don’t you? Give my love to Sydney; and tell her I tJ ’ like a letter from her some daj > *on. —Cousin Kate. I 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate, —1 hope you are ■well. Glad to see our band of “Graphic” cousins is increasing. The new telegraph line over to Tokaanu is being made. We are having a terribly St of rain this last week or two. “After the drought mines the flood’’ is what the schoolchildren say. Cousin Beryl writes very often, doesn't she? Do you know, dear Cousin Kate. I had a very bad cohl. I have just got over it this last few days. 1 was attacked by a very bad backache, headache, ami all the bones in my legs were sore, and my eyes WOT*' also aching. I was in bed for only two and a-half days. J also lost my voice, too, for one whl'e week. In spite of all this I went to school. I mean 1 went to school every day. except, of course, the two and ahalf. But I am glad to say J have recovered. I must conclude my letter with oceans of love to all the “Graphic” cousine, not forgetting yourself. I remain. your loving cousin, Tai, Taupo. [Dear Cousin Tai. — Our band has bff 1 increasing in numbers very much lately. 1 wish the letters increased as much. I’m afraid I have very few’ really good regular correspondents amongst my cousins. I should not say that to you. though, should I. /<>r you have been very good and written faithfully. Wo certainly have had plcHwf **”. rain lately, and I think the school eMbTren’s remark w very trm*. I iimaorij to hear you have had such a very bad co 4, Tai. You nutst }>e careful and not get a fresh one. I should think you must have had a rather sharp attack of influenza, though, Rot merely a cohl. You were very plucky go to <^** e * ; but hardly wise. You might have matte very uiupU worse.-*• Cousin Kale.] ••• • »•

Dear Cousin Kate, —I have not written to you for a long time. One day we went for a little trip in father’s launch to a place called Green’s Bay, and we saw a little house there. Terence is a year old, and he walks half way up the hall. Freda is going to town to stay with our auntie for a little while. I am going some other time. This is the first time I have written with ink.—Your loving cousin, KATHLEEN.

[Dear Cousin Kathleen, —Freda told me about the delightful little trips you have been taking in the new launch; it must be lovely for those who like the sea; but unless it were a very, very calm day, I’m afraid I should not enjoy it much, because I am such a bad sailor. Do you ever feel sea sick ? I think I saw Freda in Queen-street one day last week, but of course she did not know me; she was with her aunts. You have written your letter so nieely that I can hardly believe that it is the first time you have, written in ink. —Cousin Kate.]

My Dear Cousin Kate, —Please may I become one of your cousins and get a badge ? I have many pets; most of them are fowls. I have ,two bantams; their names are Jane and Jack; they are cheeky little things. I have two dogs; their names are Flo and Sandy. Flo is a greyhound, Sandy is a sheepdog; they are both good dogs for going for hares or rabbits. I like Flo the best, because she will do anything I tell her to do. I have two calves; their names are Cherry and The Leader. The Leader is a very useful calf. I went to Ohokea for my holiday, and spent them very happily with my friends. We played in the hay all day. I must close now, with love from ALICE. [Dear Cousin Alice, —I shall be very pleased indeed to add you to our cousins’ band, and I hope you will like the badge, which I have already sent you. You have a great many pets; don’t you find them rather a nuisance sometimes, especially in wea weather? I suppose you are beginning to look forward to your Easter holidays now; but there will be no hay for you to play in then, will there? —Cousin Kate.] + 4- •fc

Dear Cousin Kate,—Please may 1 be one of your cousins? 1 live at Stoke;- it is a nice place. Will you please send me » badge? I am in the fourth standard at school, and I am ten years old. My father lias five horses, and I have a little pony called Bobs, I have had Bobs five years; he never kicks or bucks. Dad has a big hop garden, not far from our house. 1 have a little brother called James, but he gets the nick name Jim. Not long ago he had a terrible accident off a pony. 1 have two dogs and a little goat called Sandy; he is very tame. And I have also got a eat, Daisy. 1 think that is all I have got to say, just now; so good bye.—Cousin MABEL. [Dear Cousin Mabel, —I shall be delighted to have you for one of my cousins, but I cannot enter you in my “Cousin” hook until you send me your fid name and address. Will you try to remember to put it in, on a separate slip of paper, next fiine you write, and then I will send you a badge. Do you like a pale blue or a rod one best I haven’t B_een a hopgarden for many year*, not

since I was a ehild. We had one on our own place then, and we used to love being allowed to play there. I think hops is one of the prettiest creepers, and grows so fast that you can almost see it grow, but it dies away almost as quickly, doesn’t it? What a number of pets you have; do you look after them yourself? I am glad Bobs is such a quiet pony; it would never do for you to have an accident like Jim. —Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I go to school now —that is why I have not written to you for so long. I go to Miss Bewes’, and like it very much. We went to the circus yesterday, and enjoyed it very much. Bnt there was such a crowd we could not see everything. I liked the animals very much; the loin cubs were darlings. On Friday afternoon we went to a party, and had great fun. We played pit and nuts-and may, and in the evening we danced and played musical chairs, and other games; and did not get home until nine o’clock, and mother said we should have been home before, but we did not think so. Dcn't you find it very hard to find things to put in all the Cousins’ letters? I’m sure I should. This has been a dreary d-sy. We were going over to see Grannie, and to church to-night; but it was so wet we could not go. Goodbye, love from Cousin SYDNEY.

[Dear Cousin Sydney.—l was so very glad to get your dear little letter this morning; it is so long since you wrote last, that I really thought you had forgotten al! about “ Cousin Kate,” and was delighted when I found such was not the ease. Miss Bewes’ school is at Mount Eden, isn’t it? That seems a very long way for you to go every day, but I suppose you go in the ’bus. I wanted to go to the circus very much, and was quite disappointed because I couldn't. 1 was very busy all the week and so coud not manage to get there. Fancy you not getting home from the party until 9 o’clock; it was a good thing the next day was Saturday, so that you could rest. 1 am afraid you would have fallen asleep over your lessons if at had been a school day. Did you have many apples and pears in your garden this year? You caid you were going to ask me to afternoon tea one day to have some, but I expect you forgot it, didn’t you? —Cousin Kate.] -I 4- 4*

Dear Cousin Kate, —May I be one of your cousins? Will you send me one of your badges? 1 am eleven years old, and I am in the fourth standard, f have got a pony and bicycle; my sister Mabel noes the pony and 1 ride the bicycle. We have got a goat called Mandy. My father has got a hop garden. I have two dogs called Tod and Buffalo. We have got a lot of geese, fowls and turkeys. I live at Stoke. We have got seven dogs, two cows, and one cat, and a parrot that talks well. With love from your Cousin JIM.

[Dear Cousin Jim, —Of course you may become a “Graphic” Cousin, and I shall be delighted to send you a badge as soon as you write and tell me who 1 am to send it to, also your address. You won’t forget next time you write will you? 1 expect you and Mabel have great rides together; I think I would rather ride the pony than the bieyije. Mallei tells me you had a rather serious accident once, but she did not tell mo how >t

happened. I hope you wore not ridinfl “ Bobs.” Did you teach the parrot ti talk? We have one, too, but he will not learn anything new. He could talk a little when we got him; perhaps we don’t teach him the right way.—Cousin Kate.]] Dear Cousin Kate, —I wish to become one of your cousins. I live at a place called Sentry Hill. My father has a farm, and we milk a lot of cows. Due place is close to the railway line, anil we can see every train as it passes. I have one little sister called Ruth; she is five and half years old, and I am eight) and am, in the first standard. I have two miles to walk to school. I am sending an envelope for a badge.—Your loving Cousin, OLIVE.

[Dear Cousin Olive, —I shall be very pleased indeed to enrol you as a member of the “ Graphic ” Cousins’ Band, and I hope you will try and write regularly. I have posted your badge to ydu, so you should have it some days before you see this in print. I know Sentry Hill quite well. When 1 was staying in New Pylmouth I used often to walk there, and of course I have passed through it ever so many times in the train. 1 should not like to live quite as close to the railway as you do, though I expect yon liave <ra# used to the noise by tms rime, ssd 1 suppose don't notice it at all now. Two miles seems a very long walk for a little girl like you; especially in the winter time.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I am very sorry, but I will not be able to answer any of the questions that you asked me in your last letter as I have lost it. Since I last wrote to you I have been to see the "Blue Moon,” and I thought it was lovely. Don’t you think that Miss Amy Murphy sings beautiful? The Carnival was held from March the 15th to the 25th, but there has been such dreadful weather that a whole lot of the things had to be postponed, and I think they are to have them about the middle of April. I went to the Trivolity Minstrels with father and mother, and liked it very much. Did you go to the circus? I did; I liked the horses best of all. but I was very frightened when the lions and tigers had to do their tricks. I just hate that part, don’t you, Cousin Kate? I know Vera and Airini very well; they go to the same school as I do. On the morning the box-plan opened for Clara Bntt father went down expecting to see hundreds of people waiting to reserve seats, but there were only four;’ now, what do you think of that? Next Wednesday is the day of the Autumn Show out at Hastings. I think that’ mother is going to take me; if I do go I will tell you all about it next time I write. Now, dear Cousin Kate, I think I had better stop, with lots and lots of love for yourself and all the cousins from MARJORIE.

[Dear Cousin Marjorie,—l have seen numbers of photographs of the Napier Carnival, and from the accounts and pictures it must have been well worth seeing. I should very much have liked to be there for the ten days. I suppose you saw everything there i * 5 to be seen, didn’t you? It was a great pity the weather was so unfavourable. The wea. ther here the last two days has been absolutely perfect, and we are all hoping it will be good weather when tlite Amert can fleet comes in; that will be a grand sight, won't it? I heard in town yesterday that there will probably be between twenty-three and twenty-five men-o’-war in the harbour. No, I didn’t go to Wirth's Circus this time; I have seen it several times before, still I should have liked to go again, but I was very busy all the week it was here, so couldn’t manage it. I like the animals, especially the horses. The only part of a circus that I don’t like are the downs; they are always so stupid, and very often vulgar, too. Cbara Butt had packed houses here, how was it that she didn't in Napier? Write again soon.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I was very pleased to get my badge. Thank you very much; it is a very pretty one. Perhaps my blue one will come yet; if so, I will send it back to you. I have just oome in from a long ride, and have just received my badge. It was a lovely ride. I was dad’s shepherdess some of the time. When you come to Wanganui you will have to let me know, and see if you can stay with us, ami I will show you all over the country. lam going to a birthday party on Monday. The hills look

pretty now, with the green grass. I .will get you some peacocks’ feathers when Igo up to the other place. What a lot of cousins you have got now; more join our band every day. Love to all the cousins, and yourself from C’ousiq (BERYL. [Dear Cousin Beryl;—l am so glad you have got a badge at last, and'if the blue one does turn up you may keep it, but I expect, it; has gone for good, don’t you? Before I forget, dear Beryl, I must ask you to write on only one side of the paper, it is a rale I' lave been forgetting to remind you all of lately. I don’t know very much about sheep mustering, etc. What do you have to do when you are shepherdess? Next time I come to Wanganui I will certainly let you know, and I shall love to have you show me all over the country. I hope you will enjoy the birthday party; be sure and tell me about it; next- time you write. Don’t forget about the peacocks’ feathers, will you?;—Cousin Kate.] 4? ♦ ♦ Dear Cousin Kate,—l liked the badge very much. You asked me to tell you more about my cousin’s birthday party. I went with cousins Mary and Myrtle. We all had a good time, and were all very tired, because we all stayed up so late. We played outside till it was dark, and then we went inside and played some tricks and other indoor games. I only spent a week in Wellington. T went to Wonderland and other interesting places. I had three rides on the toboggan, and three slides on the helterskelter, and a turn on nearly everything that was going. Did you go to Wonderland when you went to Wellington? I suppose you would liave liked it had you been there in the summer time. We have two kittens now. I must now say good-bye; giving my love to all the cousins and yourself.—Cousin IVY.

[Dear Cousin Ivy-,—l am glad you got your badge alright and liked it. You must have had a grand time at your cousin’s party, and L don’t wonder you were all very tired after it. There was no Wonderland in Wellington when I was there, but I don't think I should have tried all the different excitements as you did. Tobogganing is great fun; have you ever tried it down rather a steep hill; when the grass is fairly short and dry? It is almost as good as tobogganing on snow. I suppose you have thought of names for your kittens, haven’t you?-—Cousin Kate.] 4> 4Dear Cousin Kate. —You will no doubt think that I am very neglectful, but, having no news to tell you, it was impossibe to write. We are in our new house ; it is very niee indeed. Have you got an autograph albumn ? I liave got a very good one. Did you go to Wirth’s Circus? I did not care about going, as I have been before; but no doubt they had a large attendance. Has it not been stifling weather lately; the shops look quite hot with all’ their winter goods. Our new house is at North Shore; we find it very pleasant travelling backwards and forwards in the boats; much nicer than the dusty cars. Are yon g'Ving away for Easter, Cousin Kate? I am not quite sure whether I am going yet; if so, I will be going to Melbourne. Are you fond of violets? we have such a lot out at present. Do you like Rosa Carey’s books? lam very fond of them I have just begun "Mollie’s Prinee,” and am very interested, in it. Well, I must bring this short note to a elose, with love, I remain, Cousin EDITH.

[Dear Cousin Edith, —I think it is very good of you to-write again so soon, when you must have been so busy settling down in you new home. Doesn’t it take a long time to make it feel really homelike? I expect you will like living at the Shore, especially if we have much of this weather, but I tliink it is rather dreary in the winter time, and if one lias to come over to town every day, it is very difficult to get over dry in wet weather. No. I have never had an autograph book. Have you got much in yours? I saw a splendid one the other day, with some really awfully good illustrations! in it. Il am sorry to say I cannot get away for Easter; it is usually a very busy time in the office. You will have iv delightful holiday if you go to Melbourne. Violate are my favourite flower, and there seem to be very few out yet. T’ was trying to get some last Week and eouldn’b. 1 have read nearly all Rosa Carey's books, and like them •11 immensely.—Cousin Kate.]