Children's Page

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIII, Issue 7, 18 August 1909, Page 58

Children's Page

To Our Young Readers. Our young readers are cordially invited to enter our wide circle of cousins, by writing to QOUSIN KATE, “ The Weekly Graphic,-' Shortland Street, Auckland. Cousin Kate is particularly desirous that those boys and girls who write should tell her whatever it interests them to tell, about their games, their pets, their holidays, or their studies. Their letters and Cousin Kate’s replies will appear in the “ Weekly Graphic,” on the Children’s Pages. All cousins under the age of fourteen are accounted Junior Cousins, all above that age Senior Cousins. Cousins may continue writing until quite grown up, and after, if they wish to do so; for we are proud to number among our cousins some who have passed out of their teens. A Badge will be sent to each new cousin on the receipt of an addressed envelope. COUSINS’ CORRESPONDENCE. /nr\ Y DEAR COUSIN KATE,—I reill ceived the badge safely, aud til thank you very much for it. Long JA / Plain is about sixty miles from J Nelson by steamer, aud not many miles from the Motupipi caves, of which, some views came out in the •‘Graphic,” a few weeks ago. It is part of the Takaka district. We live near the Takaka township. Long Plain has rivers on three sides, namely, Takaka, Anatoki, and Waingaro. There is a suspension bridge over the Takaka river, leading to the township. We have creamery about 200 yards away from our house. It is very busy in the spring, summer, and autumn. There is also one sawmill about three miles up. The beautiful Anatoki Falls are frequently visited in the summer. There are many places of interest in the Takaka Valley which would take too long now to describe, so I will close. Love to Cousin Kate and the rest of the cousins.—From Cousin ELSIE, Long Plain. [Dear Cousin Elsie, —Many thanks for your description of Long Plain. I am quite geographical now that I have read of all its industries and attractions. It must be like the G-arden of Eden for rivers. I should love to see the Anatoki Falls. I wonder what Anatoki means. This is a good way to get another letter from you, is it not? Your creamery will be bu*jy when you read this. —Cousin Kate.] db dfc £ Dear Cousin Kate,—l suppose you will be forgetting me, with all the new cousin# writing you such a lot of letters? But really. Cousin Kate, I’ve been too busy to write. 1 have been painting a pair of panels for my mother. I’ve been going, and going, every night to write to you, but something would prevent me. So I have set my mind to it to-night. Well, I haven’t any new# 'to-night. Cousin, only to let you know that I am taking part as Flower Girl in our school cantata for the end of the year. I go to practise my solo nearly every day. I am also taking the part as Queen in our Sunday-school cantata for November. It is entitled “Soot and the Fairies.” I think there are to be 50 children taking part in It -30 girls and 20 boys. I don’t suppose you will come as far as Blenheim for a holiday in Jubilee week? I think “Soot and the Fairies” is to be played one night. 1 think you ought to ask all the cousins to send a photo of themselves, and then print them in the “Graphic” on the children’s page. We would then see ourselves, and eoe what we all are like. Of course, you are a cousin, so you would have to’ put yours at the top of the page. But I hope I don’t offend you. Cousin Kate. Share my love among yourself and the cousins. YouS loving cousin, MAUDE, Blenheim.

[Dear Cousin M mde, —I bad not forgotten you in the least. Have I not often said that "oldness” is what appeals to me far mere than "newness” in my cousins? But, dear Cousin Maule, though I wouldn’t scold you for anything, I would like your letter much better on two equal-sized sheets, ■than one large one and two small ones, if you can manage it. If you ever told me, I did not remember that you sang. I would like to hear you. There is no probability of my taking a trip to Blenheim. What a lot of surprises there would be if all the cousins were to see each other’s photos. 'People are so different from what one imagines. Write again soon. Cousin Maude, and tell me of what design those panels were.— Cousin Kate.]. £ £ 1' Dear Cousin Kate.—l would like to become one of your little cousins. I am eleven years old, and am in Standard V. I go to the Parnell School, and I like it very much. I read the letters in "The Graphic” every week. I would like a blue badge. I have two sisters but no brothers. There are a lot of pets here. There are three doves, two dogs, four canaries, two goldfinches, and one fish. One of the doves is tame, and we often let it out for a little while, and it feeds out of our hands. —Your loving Cousin DULCIE, Parnell. [Dear Cousin Dulcie, —Welcome to our “cousins’ society.” I think going to school very jolly. I am glad that you find the letters so interesting. It is nice to know what others are doing, is it not? What a lot of pots. You must have quite a menagerie. I am sorry you have no brothers. They are so sensible, and seem to give one a better view of things than one could have

alone. But you are better off than an only child would be. When you write tell me bow you like your badge.—Cousin Kate.] 4* 4? 4* Dear Cousin Kate, —I am interested In the cousins’ column, and I should like to become a cousin. I am ten years old, and I live at Devonport, which is a very nice place. I like it because in summer I can go swimming, and have fun on the beach. I suppose you have often been here? I will tell you of my pet now. 1 had a finefox terrier called Spot. I had him six years. A few weeks ago he was lost, and I was very sorry. Dear Cousin Kate, I hope you won’t think this a funny letter; but when you answer it I shall feel more encouraged. Kindly send me a red badge.—From RAYMOND, Devonport. [Dear Cousin Raymond,—l am pleased to have you for a cousin. I know Devonport very well indeed. In fact, I knew it long before you did. It is a pretty place, but not so pretty as it was when it was less built over, but it is still lovely for bathing. How sad about your terrier. I wish you might find him again. I hope you like your badge.—Cousin Kate.] * £ £ Dear Cor.sfri Kate, —May I be one of your cousins? I go to school, and am in the fifth standard. I- have two little black kittens. Please will you give me names for them? We have a nice flower garden at school, and it will look very pretty when all the spring flowers come out. Dear Cousin Kate, would you mind sending me a blue badge? 1 like reading the children page. Some of the cousins’ letters are very interesting.

We are going to have a holiday next Moß> day, and I uui very glad, as I like holiday®, I will write a larger letter next time.—* Your loving cousin, JEAN, Nelson. [Dear Cousin Jean, —You certainly may become one of our cousins. How woul<l Jumbo and Quimbo do for your klttensC names? I think gardens make the school grounds look so very much prettier. I like holidays, too.—'Cousin Kate.] * i i Dear Cousin Kate,—l received my badge, and was very pleased to get it. We are going to have a sale of work at our school. We all have to find out as many suggestions as we can. Cou-ld you please give me any? Dear Cousin Kate, do you collect post cards? I have got one hundred and twelve, and I know a gentleman who has about 1000. With love to our many cousins. ADISON, New Plymouth. [Dear Cousin Alison, —How about a kitchen stall, including not only kitchen utensils, but tea towels, roller towels, kettleholders, oven cloths, dusters and rag hearth rugs? Probably you have thought of this. I do not collect post cauls. What a hoard your friend has, but you may beat him yet if you persevere.—Cousin Kate.] 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate, —I enjoy reading th® Children’s Page in the “Weekly Graphic.” I would like very much to become a cousin. I go to school, and I am In th® fifth standard. I am eleven years of age. Would you kindly send me a badge?— < Cousin MINA. [Dear Cousin Mina,—l am glad to hear that you find the Children’s Page so interesting. We are pleased to have you for a cousin. You are well on at school for your age.—Cousin KATE.] 4? 4? 4: Dear Cousin Kate, —I would like to be ft cousin of “The Graphic.” I am eleven years of age and in Standard 11. In summer I go to the beach. I take Edith, my playmate, down with me, and we paddle In the water. One of our school teachers left on Friday, and is going to be married/ I have given up playing with dolls.—Cousin JENNIE, Devonport. [Dear Cousin Jennie, —As you wish to become a cousin w’ill you please send me your full name and address. I am glad to accept you but cannot tell where to send your badge until I get your addressed envelope. —Cousin Kate.] 4* 4* 4* Dear Cousin Kate,—Please Cousin Kate, may I join the Cousins’ Circle? I am eleveni years of age, and I go to the West Endschool. We have just had a concert, which; was so successful that the head teacher was asked to repeat it. She has promised--to do so, and the money received from it will go to improve the Western Park, a pleasure resort at this end of the town. I have a little chicken, which is tame. Its name is Tiny., With love to all the cousins, not forgetting yourself.—Cousin MYRA, New Plymouth. I Dear Cousin Myra,—Welcome to our society. You write very well for your age. That was very nice about the concert being so successful. I hope you like your badge.—Cousin Kate.]

©ear Cocain ,<ate,—l suppose you will bave quite forgotten me, and doubtless have eome to the conclusion that I, too, have forgotten you. But such is not the ease I etill take a great interest in the cousins’ letters. I might say I have time and again made up my mind to write, and even got as far as writing, and then did not post the letter. I will be a senior cousin now, as I am past the age for the junior. I have left school. On the whole I consider we bave had an exceptionally mild winter, /With no cold tc speak of. Some years here

the cold has been awful. Sometimes the water in our bedroom jugs has been frozen. I play hockey now. I Joined the club this year, and like it very well. We have been very fortunate in getting some lovely tine Saturdays tc play. My youngest cister is at school, at the Sacred Heart Convent in Wellington, and just loves it. It Is a beautiful place. I had a sweet little pup about three months ago; a very wiry one. It was no bigger than a kitten, but as it got bigger it used to run about outside, and follow us down the street, and one

Saturday night it followed us and got lost. I suppose somebody picked h.m up, and not knowing whom he belonged to, took, him home. “A Message from Mars” was played here the other night. We went. I enjoyed it very much indeed. Quite a large number of good companies come to Hamilton. Now that it is growing so fast, I think it quite pays them to come. I go to technical classes now that I hive left school. I learn dressmaking, shorthand, and millinery. The latter I like particularly. With heaps of love to yourself

and all the cousins, Cousin LINDA, Ha mil* ton. [Dear Cousin Linda,—“Better late than never.” I am glad that long neglect was not untouched by attempts at better things, and that you still took an interest in us. I have written you down as a senior. We have had a mild winter here in Auckland too. 1 think hockey very good fun. One does like tine Saturdays for it. Did you not advertise for your pup? He wight easily be lost on a Saturday nigh/ ui

Hamilton. My recollections of Saturday evening there are of its being crowded. I suppose the companies would not c<nue if it did not pay. Hamilton is a great place for political gatherings, too. I once heard the late Hon. Mr Seddon speak in the Town Hall there. I shall never forget the enthusiasm. Technical classes are first rate. I do not wonder that you like millinery.—Cousin Kate.] i i * Dear Cousin Kate, —Please Cousin Kate, may I join the Cousins’ Circle? 1 am fourteen years of age, and have left school. I have such a darling little pet dog. His name is Tim. He is six years of age. He was born on the same day as my little brother Percy. I have also got a beautiful grey cat, called Solomon. Dear Cousin Kate, will you send me a blue badge. I will dose now. with a riddle: “‘How many sticks go to make a crow’s nest?” Dove to all. From Cousin ET*HED, New Plymouth. [Dear Cousin Ethel, —I shall be very glad to welcome you as one of our cousins. How curious about your little dog being born on the same day as your little brother. Solomon is a funny name for a cat; yet cats look very wise sometimes. I cannot answer your riddle.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I think it is time I wrote to you. They had a bazaar here recently. It was in aid of the band. There were six stalls, a tree, fish pond, dip, /tnd nail driving competitions, also a shooting

gallery, and four guessing competitions. The schooner, which was built at Ivydale, was launched ou the 10th, and was named “Onoke.” She is going to the islands shortly. Have you fowls at your home, Cousin Kate? We have a lot, and there are twelve laying. We have a parrot, and when he gets angry he bites very hard. He has bitten me tv»ice. Was not the wreck of the Errol a dreadful one? I will try and write a longer letter next time. With love to all the cousins, including yourself.—Cousin HILDA. Kohukohu. [Dear Cousin Hilda, —You have forgotten to tell me that the most important thing about that bazaar, namely, the proceeds. We do not keep fowls nowadays. I think your parrot ought to be getting quieter. Yes, that was a dreadful wreck. Write again soon, Cousin Hilda.—Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —I was so pleased *to see my letter in the “Graphic,” and so pleased with my badge. I have been ill, but 1 am better now. My brother Eric is going to write to you next time. He will tell you about Turua. I have nine dolls and a Teddy bear, which makes such a funny noise. I have a go-cart to put my dolls in. And I have such a lot of books, and a blackboard and chalk. Do yon play Halma? I have a rag-doll. Can you tell me a name for her? Do you like music? I can play the piano a little bit. I have five sisters and five brothers. —With love to all the cousins, from Cousin BRENDA. [Dear Cousin Brenda, —I am sorry to hear that you have been ill, but I hope now

that you are better you will be able to keep so. I am glad you liked the badge. Our writings do look much better in print, don’t they? What a lot of playthings you have, Cousin Brenda. Call your rug-doll Vida. It means "beloved,” and rag-dolls are very dear, are they not? I have played Halma, and I love music ever So much. You are rich in brothers and sisters.— Cousin Kate.]

Deal* Cousin Kate, —I am going to write to you every two weeks now. Are you fo_nd of reading, Cousin Kate? I am very fond of it, and I have a lot of books. Do you like Ethel Turner’s books? 1 do, and most of my books are by her. We are all home again now, and we were very glad to see mother and daddy home again. They brought us home games and books, and all sorts of nice things. While we were staying at our auntie’s, one of our cats came to see ns, and he hasn’t come baek yet. What flowers do you like best? I like Violets and roses best, I think. I must stop now, as it is near bedtime. With lots of love to all.— Cousin NANCY, Paparoa. P.S. —Mother told me the Chadwick’s address is Spring-street, Mount Eden. [Dear Cousin Nancy,—lt Is very kind of you to promise such regular letters. I am very fond of reading. I have much enjoyed reading Ethel Turner’s writing. You must have been glad to have your father and mother with you again. How funny of that cat. I don’t know quite which flowers 1 love most of all. Good-night, little cousin, and many thanks for the Chadwick’s address. —Cousin Kate.]

Dear Cousin Kate, —May I become one Of your “Graphic” cousins? I am fourteen years of age. We have a pup which wa call Boas, and he is a playful tittle fellow; 1 have five brothers and four sisters. Please will you send me a blue badge? Isn’t Buster Brown funny? We have a pair of bantams. Do you like doing fancy work, Cousin Kate. I have a nice flower-garden. —Cousin MA-GGLE, Collingwood. [Dear Cousin Maggie,—We shall be pleased to welcome another new cousin to our society. What a good name for your pup; it just describes the tyrannical manners of young animals. You are well fitt to be one of a large family. It is a splendid education to live in a crowd. I am not extraordinarily fond of fancywork, but I keep a little by me to do when I have time. —Cousin Kate.] ± * 4

Dear Cousin Kate, —Just a few lines, hoping that you will enrol me as a new member. I am fifteen years of age, and go to work at a motor works. I get 10/6 a week. This is all I have to say at present, hoping to receive a badge.—Your affectionate cousin, FRANK, Christchurch. [Dear Cousin Frank, —I am glad to have you for a cousin. How do you like your work? Is it motor carriages you are learning to build, or motor engines, or whatt I should think anything which has to an with motors affords a splendid chance of rising in the business. Write again soofi, and tell me how you are progressing. Ten shillings per week is very good for a start, I hope that you will get on.—Cousin Kate.J