CHRISTMAS PRIZE COMPETITIONS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLIV, Issue 3, 19 January 1910, Page 58

CHRISTMAS PRIZE COMPETITIONS.

THE PRIZE WINNERS, Dear Children, — I hare had quite a busy time reading Vver all the Christ mas l*rizc Competitions, and after a lot of trouble and consideration the First Prize of the Girls Jias been awarded to— COUSIN MOLLIE HOPKINS, 24, Hing Terrace, Ponsonby, /t ack land. Of the Boys the winner is— COUSIN MILTON BROMWELL, Sherry River, Nelson. The prizes they will receive are “The Empire Annual for New Zealand Boys” and "The Empire Annual for New Zealand Girls” 'This week you u> l\ find the best of the Esays published. Cousin Mollie's letter was a model of neatness, there were no errors in spelling, whilst the composition was excellent. Cousin Milton's letter was carefully written and composition *nd spelling were very good. I was very pleased indeed with the girls' letters, which, on the whole, were better than the boys. Thanking you all for your kind letters, With love., Your affectionate friend, COUSIN KATE. PRIZE LETTER-GIRLS. HOW I SPENT THE HOLIDAYS. •- Pnnsonby. XlfA EAR COUSIN KATE.—DuHnff the | B Christmas ami New Year Holidays I V I have had a really good time. > On Boxing Day I went to Cowes C y Bay. in the p.s. Wakatere, and spent a very pleasant day. I had a few of mv schoolmates with me. Bfoth » r mad** vs same tea, and we bad lunch tinder the trees. In the afternoon we went Into the bush and gathered ferns, and when wp came b.-wk we snt in the cool and decorated our hats. When wp arrived in Auckland my father was waiting on the quay with a cab to take use home, and this ended one of the most delightful days 1 have ever had. I next spent a few’ days with my aunt and cousin, and. as they live near the beach, you can imagine what a lovely time I had. New Year’s Evo I went to town, am! came home loaded with presents for our dear little baby. Dorothy. 1 remain, your loving Cousin MOLLJE. PRIZE LETTER-BOYS. Sherry River. Dear Cousin Kate, We broke up for our holidays with a very nice concert and dance. We had dialogues, songs, and a few recitations. After they werp finished, we all «ang “God Save the King.” We then received our prizes. There were two spesial prizes given—one for good tiehavloue, the ©♦her for popularity. I won' the prize for good behavious by the children's votes. M>« friend Ernest, won the other. We spent n very 'quiet Christmas at home because It rained a little. We bad a school excursion into Nelson by train on the Tuesday after Christmas. My mother, slstci*, and I stayed in Nelson all night. Wc went to the Queen’s Gardens, and saw the Osh in the ponds, on which the water lilies were blooming t>eantlfu!ly. We also saw the statue which was erected In memory of those who fell in the Boer war. In the evening wr went to the theatre to hear “The Muah al AJI Blacks,” which w> enjoyed

very much. Next day I met.several of my old town school mates whom I had not seen for twelve months. We were very pleased-to see one another again. We then went to a shop and bad an ice cream together. We left Nelson by the quarter to two trainWe had to pass through a tunnel 67 chains long, called "The Spooner’s Range.” On arriving at Tad mor I had a good half hour’s walk into the Sherry, my mother and sister getting a ride with a neighbour. Wishing you and the cousins a happv and prosperous New Year.—Cousin MILTON OTHER LETTERS. Marsden Point. Dear Cousin Kate, —Here I am. back from my very enjoyable holidays, just in time to send in an account of them. 1 live in the back-blocks, so I looked forward to going to town. We were up early to catch a launch which was to convey us to Whangarei. The passengers were nearly all Maoris. Mother, father, and I stayed in Whangarei for four days, visiting people. One day we went to Kamo by coach to see the springs. The journey to Auckland by the Ngapuhi was very enjoyable. The sea was not very rough, but a few people were sick. I was sick also, which surprised mo:her. We passed peculiar islands called the Hen and Chickens. There was one large island and several smaller ones. When we reached Auckland we stayed at one of the hotels, but the next day father looked for a cleaner place. We found one. which was better in every way. It was very exciting looking at the shops getting ready for Christmas. Nikau palms were much used in Hie decoration. We had many nice rides in the car to all parts if Auckland. The avenues of English trees in some of the roads are very pretty and also shady. There was a clever little monkey in the town. I watched him do his tricks, and I gave him a penny. He thanked me by bowing and taking off his hat. We spent a week in a-little village not far from Auckland. Santa Claus did not forget me on his night of travels, for on Christmas morning my stocking was quite full. Three more presents were awaiting me—namely, an autograph album, a toy lollie shop, and last, but not least, came a fretwork outfit. I was ever so pleased. The journey from Auckland to Whangarei was very, very calm, and I enjoyed It very much. When we had had some breakfast at Whangarei, a launch took us home. I am always pleased to come home, however much I enjoy my holiday.—From Cousin WINNIE. * £ Gisborne. Dear Cousin Kate, —I have just been reading your letter in the “Graphic,” and I thought I might try to get the prize. It was very wet on Christmas E.ve, but we went to town, each with 7/6 to spend, got our presents, after struggling through the shops, which were crowded with children, and came home looking like drowned rats. On Christmas Day it was fine in the morning, and we all went to church, at which there was a fair congregation. The collection amounted to £2O. It was showery in the afternoon, but between the showers wo played croquet. AH of our cousins and aunt and uncle came up to spend the day with us. and we had good fun and heaps of games. On Boxing Day we went for a picnic on the Kaiti Beach. It was not a very nice day. so we did not enjoy it so much; but al! the same we had a good tame, and had two bathes. The next day (Tuesday) w T e went for another picnic

up the Waimata River. We took our tea with us (some cakes, fruit, etc.), and sat on the river bank and ate it. It was a beautiful day, and we were glad to have the sun with us once more. We are going to a picnic to-morrow with a lot of other girls and boys. We are all going to the Waihirere Falls, so I hope it will be line. It will be New Year’s Day. Are you going anywhere? Some of us are going in a brake, some are riding, and some driving. We are going to drive. As the holidays are not very far advanced, there is not very much to tell you about. Wishing you and all a very Happy New Year, —From Cousin FLORENCE. i 4 i Puhoi. Dear Cousin Kate. —I will now ’take the pleasure of writing to you a little about my holidays, and how I am spending them. I know you will not be very interested in reading my letter, because we have six weeks’ holiday, and two have only passed; so I do not know very much yet, although Christmas-week was full of interest, both to my friends anil myself. On Christmas day we went down to the beach in our launch, and had a lovely time, running races on the sand and bathing in the sea. We did not go far out into the sea, because we were afraid of sharks, as many have been seen there already. My sister. Cousin Enid, and I go in bathing nearly every day. We can swim any distance with the wings, but we cannot swim very far without them. My brother made us a spring-board, which projects out of _ the water, and it is great fun to see us jumping into the water one after the other. The people play tennis here of an evening, and I often go and watch them, as it is great fun to see some of the people hit the balls high up into the air. They have not played tennis long yet, so we must give them a chance to learn. I have only been away 'two days from home, and that was at my grandmother’s place, three miles from here. My grandmother has got such a lovely garden of flowers, and also plenty of strawberries, which are my delight. My brother made us a nice swing, and we often take our little cousin on it. Dear Cousin Kate, as I have now told you all about my holidays as far as I have spent them, I will end by wishing you the compliments of the season.—From Cousin LIZZIE. £ £ £ Paparoa. Dear Cousin Kate, — We began our holidays on Friday, 17th December. On Saturday we went to a birthday party at Pahi. and enjoyed ourselves very much' We had a children’s party on the 22nd. and about twenty-six children came. We had tea on the grass at five o’clock, and mother made a lot of nice things to eat. There were some iced biscuits, made just like dominoes, .and we ate them all. Then we had games of all sorts, till it was dark. Presently dady called us all into the schoolroom, and we found a lovely Christmas-tree, with ever so many toys and crackers on it. There was a lot of little coloured candles round the room, and it looked very pretty. Then Santa Claus came down the chimney, and he looked so funny. He had a pair of black goggles, a white beard, and a red coat. He gave us. all a lot of things. I got a book of fairy-tales, a doll’s hat, a packet of lollies, and a pretty bon-bon. One boy got a funny little yellow lion, which jumped about on springs, and another got.a monkey which turnded head over heels backwards. We made ever so much noise, and there were crackers going off all over the p!a?e. Presently Santa Claus went away up the

chimuey again, and we all went down to th* house, and had some supper, and the* everybody went home. On Friday afternoo* we all went to see another Christmas-tree at a store’six miles away. It was much bigger than ours, and all the things were sold off it. When we got home it was quite dark. We hung up pillow-cases whets we went to bed, and my little brother woke me up at half-past four by calling out, “Oh, Nancy, look in your pillow-case.” I did look, and saw a lovely doll sticking its head out of my pillow-slip. I got a writing-case, a green ball, a pretty handkerchief, and two games. We spent the rest of the holidays in swinging, bathing, and going into the bush, so you may guess that we are having happy holidays. A happy new year to you.—From Cousin NANCY. i i i t Manga ta inoka. Dear Cousin Kate, —On Christmas Day I stayed inside, as it was too wet to go out. We had plenty of nice lively games inside. When dinner-time came we all had a most lovely dinner of roast duck and Christmaspudding. and then, after that, we had fruit. After dinner I read a book named “Well Won.” We had afternoon tea. and I played with my baby cousin till tea-lime. Sha is three weeks old. Next day was Boxing Day. but they had it on the Monday instead of Sunday. On Monday morning, after breakfast, my mother cut my lunch, and I went with iny three brothers to the Domain where sports were held. When I got to the Domain, I met Clara Olson. I went up the grandstand to see the men raving past. I watched a good many races, and then Clara and I had a ride on the ocean wave. After that we s*t under the trees and had. our dinner. I spent the afternoon very happily, and then weut on my way home. When I arrived home I had mv tea and amused the dear little baby till bedtime. I said good-night to my. parents and brothers, and my little Eunice. —I remain, yours truly, DOR 13 CHATWIN. * * * , Greenlane. Dear Cousin Kate.—l see by last week’s “Graphic-* that there was going to be a ci nipetltTon. I thought I woudl like to try for it. On Christmas Eve I got ready to go to town, but it was too windy to go, so mv sister and I went up the road, and had a look at the shops. When I went to bed! I did not hang up my stocking, for I am a little too old for Father Christmas. Oft Christmas Day we all went down to grandmother’s place at Greenlane. There were sixteen to dinner, and seventeen to tea. lathe afternoon my sister and some more friends and myself had a game of cricket, and it was good fun. On Sunday we stayed home, as we were all tired. On Boxing. Day we were amused by watching th© crowds of people going to the races. Whew twelve o’clock came, I went to the window, ' and had a look through some field glasses, and saw the horses lining up for the race. I waited at the window for a few minutes, when I heard the people cheering, and E saw the horses go galloping past the grand* stand. In the evening I went up the road - to see the people go home. It was good fun to watch the people scrambling into the cars. On New Year’s Day we weut to North -Shore, and spent the day there. On. ? New Year s Sunday we had out friends up : to dinner, and we had a plum, pudding that came from England, and what do you think we found in it? A thimble, a ring, a button, , a half dozen dollies, and some money. On; the Monday we went to the beach, and had a jolly time. On Wednesday I went into town, and had a look at the shops. My sister and I are looking forward to go to Taeroa for a holiday next week. I hope you and all the cousins spent a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.—From your cousin, HAZEL. * * i Stoke. Dear Cousin Kate,— I enjoyed iny holidays very well. I went to Nelson on Christmas Eve in the train. It was crowded with people. When we arrived in Nelson, the streets: and ishops were also crowded. My sister came home for the Christmas holidays. Our only guest to Christmas dinner was uncle, but still we had a grand time. My sister .and I went to church on Cliristm.is morning. In the afternoon we went to see some friends, ' and had some lovely music. The evening . of Christmas ..Day was very stormy, and cold, so we did not go out. On Boxing .Day we went to the sea beach, and met some friends. The tide was high. We waited until the tide went out, and then we played games on the sand, and had fine fun. I stayed at home on -New Year’s

Xve, while mother went to Neffion. We did not go out on New Year’s Day, but we (went to a party in the evening instead. We had a lovely time, but the evening Went too quickly. We were quite surprised F> hear the clock strike eleven, and it was alf past eleven when we arrived home.— remaiu, your “Graphic” cousin, MYRA. ± * i Stoke. Dear Cousin Kate, —During the holidays Lwent for a trip to Wellington with my ther. We went over in the s.s. Takapuna, wnd had a lovely trip. The sea was very rim. When we reached the French Pass went to the bow of the boat so that could get a good view of Pelorus Jack,

which I did. I expect you have seen pictures of him. He is of a grey colour, and follows the t*oats for a long time, going from one side to the other. We arrived at the Wellington wharf about 11 o’clock at night. The night after our arrivel I went to the House of Parliament with my grandma and grandpa. The members <Ud a lot of talking, but it was not very interesting to me as I did not understand it. It seemed very funny to me to sop the electric tramears, etc., as we have motor buses and horses and carts over here. I went to two plays by Julius Knight—“ The Sign of the Cross” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” They were beautiful. After our return from Wellington we went down to the Rai Falls, w’here it is nearly all bush and river. It

was very quiet after the hurry and bustle of Wellington, but we enjoyed it very much, for we went fishing every day. We saw twine lovely bunches of mistletoe, but the trees it was up were too straight and high for us to climb, so that we were unable to get any. I was very sorry, as I think at is a very pretty flower. Several days after we had come back our cousin Clifford from Wellington came to stay with us. and we have had a bathe nearly every day in our creek since he has been here. * On Boxing Day we went with a big picnic party up to the Maitai, where he had a lovely bathe and paddle. On New Year’s Dny we went to the sea beach, where we paddled and made castles, dug holes, and built houses for a lolffe time before coming

home. Sunday came after Now Ye«r, nud we enjoyed a good rest.—From vour loving Cousin MABEL. * * * Mapuna. Dear Cousin Kate, I am writing on bow I spent my Christmas holidays. It was very windy on Christmas Day, so we did not go anywhere. Boxing Day was windy too, but we went up to Tangiterorki in the steamer with some friends. When we got up there we spread some paper ou the ground as a table and had lunch. We were going up to The Marakura Falls on New Year’s Day. but a shower came on just as we were ready to start, so we could not go. As it cleared no towarVa

10 o'clock Wf went up to Tanffteroria tn the rtetmef, but the steamer wan very late that day, as she was against the tide. 80 when we gat up there we found that it was half past 1 o’clock. So we had lunch on board. On Sunday, however, It was nice and fine, and we went with a lot of our friends up to the Falls. It was a good long walk, so we started early. When we gut to the creek which carries off the water that comes over the falls we had lunch. Wo then went on up to the Falls, where we had a swim In the pool at the foot uf the fails. We did not enjoy our swim very much, as the water cold. We managed to climb up the great rock that forms the falls. After we got up we went a good way back into the mountains. We then went bark and had tea. After tea six of the girls, including my sister and myself, started to climb one of the peaks. When we had gone a little way two of the girls got tired and went back. After the rest of us had got nearly up, my sister and another girl went back, but a friend and I kept on until we reached the top. We then came down and joined the others, who were ready to go home. Most of us were tired when we got home, but we spent a nice day. There is some very pretty scenery in the mountains. On each side of the falls high cliffs rise to the height of about 100 ft, and they are covered with lilies, which make them look very pretty. 1 will close with love to all the cousins. I hope you are spending a happy New Year.—Cousin ALLISON. £ £ £ Wanganui. Dear Cousin Kate,—l will gladly try to write you a full account of how the Xmas holidays were spent, and, if possible, to win the prize. On Friday, mother took George and myself to Wanganui to see al’, the shops and pretty things, and we had a glorious time. In one shop Father Xmas came down the chimney, and beside the chimney sat Mother Xmas’ and, what do you think, Father Xmas called out, "I have presents for two little boys. Beryl and George.” Wasn’t it a shame to call me a boy? Very shortly after receiving our presents we left. Then I went and bought all my Xmas presents, and mother took us to a shop where we had raspberries and cream; then we left for home, a twenty-two mile drive. We were very tired, and went straight to bed, to wake up about five on Xmas morning, and on our beds we found all our Xmas presents —such lovely ones. Xmas Day and Sunday raining all day, we had to stay indoors. Monday we went for a picnic where a numw bcr of cherry trees grow, covered with lovely. ripe fruit. Mother was gathering them for preserving, and I am sorry to say George and I did not help much, as we ate so many we had to rest. After thb cherry-picking was done. Dad boiled the under some kowhal trees, where we all sat in the shade and enjoyed billy tea, but not the cakes. We then drove home. I must not forget to tell you that both George and I got some money out of the cake and Xmas pudding. Tuesday wp went for another picnic, to some tush. A friend and I went up a creek, fossicking for ferns and flowers, leaving all the others on the bank of a creek. We managed to get over by jumping on to boulders and rucks, and adding another stopping stone. We came back laden with fems a'Ud some beautiful bush flowers; some we had not seen before. It was a very hot day-. H>e creek was discoloured, so we could not have a bathe. Cuming home in the cool of the evening was delightful, and we bad all spent a very .happy day. I hope all the couBius and you had a very merry Xmas, and I wish you a very prosperous and happy New Year. From Cousin BERYL. * * * Ma puna. Dear Cousin Kate.- I am going to write on how I spent my Christmas holidays. Just a little before Christmas I rode down td Dargaville with my mother and father. It was very hot and the roads were dusty, but I enjoyed myself very much. When we got down to Dargaville, mother and I went rnto a shop and had some refreshments. Thon we did ®ome shopping, and after that we had some dinner. It was lovely riding home In the evening in the cool. On the Sunday after New Year’s Day we all went up to the falls. We had a good day, and we had our lunch up there. Some of the girls cilmbed up the mountain. When I got half-way up I got tired, and came down. My sister has told you all. so I will close, hoping you have spent a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. With love to all the cousins and yourself.— From Cousin ENA. £ £ £ Motueka. Dear Cousin Kate, — I am just writing yo« a few lines to tell you how I spent my Xmas holidays. Well, on Xmas Day I went to my sister's home and had a good Xmas dinner, and in the afternoon I went for a cycle ride. On Boxing Day I went to the source of the Riwaka river. The bu?di scenery is beautiful. Ail the way ferns and shrubs are growing abundantly on The sides of the hills, and with all this U*auty it vxs a very pretty drive. After spending the rest of the day roaming in the bush, gathering ferns, and having our meals in the open air, we all went home very tired, after spending a very enjoyable day’ in rhe tush.- —1 am yours respectfully Cousiu OLIVE. £ £ £ Gisborne. Dear Cousin Kate,—This Is the way I •pent my holidays. Last Tuesday week the B'-ltool broke up. and the picnic was cn Wcdneesday. 1 came first in the hoop race and second in walking. On Xmas Eve my mother and my little sister and I went to town, but we had an unpleasant drive, because It rained all the way in. On Monday 1 got ready to go through to Morere. but a bridge find been washed away and the coach could not get through. £0 It was arranged for the coach to go through on Tuesday. Cn Wednesday I went up to the baths, and ’the scenery wan beautiful. I must close uow f with fondest love to yourself and all tb« coualns From Cousin RITA,

PuhoL Dear Cousin Kate,—l wish you a very happy new year. I am afraid my letter will nut be very Interesting, as I did not go away anywhere for my holidays. Ou Christinas eve I and my two brothers hung up our stockings, and in the morning we found them full to the top with nuts and lollies, and very niee books to read. Since school closed, 1 have been going in swimming every day, and now 1 can almost swiui. 1 have had a lot of pretty post cards and Christmas cards sen-t to me this Christmas. On Christmas Day and New Year’s Dny, I went to the lawn to watch the people play tennis. About the 17th of this mouth, we are all going -to town for a fortnight. Our teach®* gave me a doll, and I am spending my holidays dressing It for the Waiwera show. Good-bye, dear Cousin Kate.—Wfth love from Cousin ENID. £ £ £ *rakapuna. Dear Cousin Kate, —Thank you very much for the pretty badge you sent me. It is lovely at Takapuna, where I am spending my holidays. There is a creek along the end of the beach, and when the tide is full in we go for a row up to the end of it, where there are fresh water falls. At present there is no water flowing over them. I went to a picnic yesterday to Thornes' Bay. I had two bathes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. With love to all the cousins.—From Cousin ETA! A, £ £ £ Karam u. Dear Cousin Ka*te, —I have not written to you fur a long time. We went for a walk to-day (the 2nd), and took our lunch with us. We left at eleven o’clock this morning, and got home at half-past three in the afternoon. All the Christmas plums are eaten. My sister lias got a nice fivwer garden. It is so nice to-night that I am writing outside, and the kittens are running over the letter. The apples are getting ripe now. We go eeling some nights iu the Waipa river. The calves do not get fed now. I will close now, with a puzzlej “A fellow met a feliow in a field of corn* the fellow asked the fellow what a fellow infant. How many f’s In that?” —With lots of love to all the cousins, nut forgetting yourself,—From Cousin ETHEL. £ £ £ Dovedale. Dear Cousin Kate,—Thank you very much for the blue badge you sent me. It is a very pretty one. I hope you had a merry Christmas. We spent Chris Day at home, and on New Year’s Day we drove about 16 miles along the banks of a river, and picnicked in a very pretty spot, near a lung swing bridge. Some of the boys teased the grown-ups by jumping on it and making it shake very much. As it is getting late, I must bring this to a close. Wishing you a Happy New* Year.’—Cousin MEKLK £ £ £ Taupo. Dear Cousin Kate, —I received the ••Graphic,” in which, your letter was printed, with the greatest of pleasure. You inquire as to how each cousin spent her or his holiday. But before I commence to write this long episue, which is principally about my Christmas holidays, I must inquire as to how each of our cousins, as well as yourseif, you know, are fairing in this large world uf ours. 1 sincerely trust you aj.d ail are well. Now I will begin, and give you an account of my holidays. Tne first day’s holiday I enjoyed myself immensely. The school closed for the Christmas holidays on a Thursday, and the following evening I and some girls attended a social given in honour of Mr and Mrs Coutts’ departure to Ngaruaw’ahia. The hall lamps were lit at about seven o’clock. The room was filled in a very short time by a vast crowd of people. The majority, of course, being children. After a few recitations, songs, and other amusements, supper was provided. After this the hall was cleared for dancing. It was very enjoyable. After the dancing had subsided, the crowd joined heartily iu singing “Auld Lang Syne.” I should say we, in school-girl slang would say, we had a “scrumptious” time during that evening. This is how I spent the first few Lours of my vacatkuv. The next few days I spent chiefly in reading. I thoroughly eujoyed perusing Rolf Bolderwood’s Interesting story of Captain Starlight. “Robery Under Arms” is worth spending a few days in reading. Perusing a story about so notorious and daring a bushranger as Starlight, and his beautiful steed K-ain-b<rw, was simply glorious. Well, on the following Sunday, a crowd of us got together a few shillings, and hired one of f’npt. Ryan's launches. It was called the “Maori,” I think. We went round and round, and In and out. some of the most beautiful woodland bays in New Zealand, filing for the delicious rainbow trout. We landed at a great sione on the shore of the lake, and from ♦hence alighted and walked for a few yards through the shrub, and then came upon some antique caves, which were covered In with green. We had our meal in one of these eaves, and we enjoyed oursvive® Immensely, like real New Zealanders. From then«'e we wont to an Maori settlement, and then home, gliding through a stormy lake. I spent Christmas dinner at home. Ixist week I went out to see the magnificent Aratiatta Rapids, and Also the fasclnetlng Fltika Falla. The Tinka seemed to me to be more beautiful than the rapid®. Its scintillating water was indeed glorious. I will cnrwdnde now. as I think I have written over four hundred words.— Your affectionate cousin, TAI.