THE Good Neighbour

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 5, 15 November 1941, Page 449

THE Good Neighbour

BY

MARY

"flam Die To

FOR days past I have been searching my dictionary, seeking one word—the word which 1 think is the most inspiring to us in these days of strife and worry. And I have found it at last! I wonder if you will agree with me in my choice. For, to me, the most inspiring word I can tell you of today is “hope.” Hope—it is a beautiful word. Say it aloud, and it rings in your ears like a carillon of bells pealing in the darkness. Today many of us are living on the strength given to us by that one small word. We all have our hopes, but today I think our hopes are all united in the one great hope —Victory! And with victory will come the return to us of our many loved ones. It is many years now since the poet Pope wrote, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast,” but he knew human nature, and human nature does not alter. Hope still springs eternal, and it is a beautiful quality, like faith and charity, and it enriches our spirit, and endows us with unfailing optimism. As long as there is hope in our heart, there is life in our body —when hope dies, then we die too. Never let your hope die. On the contrary, I think it is often the evergreen qualities of hope that keep us alive, keep us and help us in our striving towards those things we desire so much. Do you remember the last line of that great book, “The Count of Monte Cristo?” Valentine was speaking, and he said, “Has not the count just told us that all human

wisdom is summed up in two words, ‘Wait and hope’?” Now, as then, I think hope is the essence of our existence —in our hoping we lose our fears, and all our joys will come true when our hopes are realised. But you may know other words as inspiring. A search through your

dictionary will probably reveal other words which will imbue us with the same spirit of confidence and optimism. Do write i ' y and tell me what you find. 7

“Gt Home ,f

TN our fowlhouse there are several cats, who live all the time with the fowls, and never touch the hens. v During the winter when I was feeding the hens with hot cooked oats I noticed that one of the cats was eating the wheat. She seemed to prefer that to the scraps of meat, etc. Since then I have noticed that she has been eating' the wheat, even when it has not been cooked. She has a fine, glossy coat, too, so I wonder if she knows of, the vitamins in the wheat? M. Cowie, Winton. TDO enjoy your “At Home.” It is comforting to read of other country women facing up to the same difficulties and problems as I do myself. One is apt to forget at times that others struggle on, cheerfully bringing up a young family, managing a home, and other outdoor jobs. It is" quite bracing to read of how light some of your contributors make of their difficulties.J. Me Lagan, Maraekakaho. npO my mind a successful marriage is experienced only when there is no one in the world to take your husband’s place, and vice versa. Real happiness is enjoyed when he is the only worthwhile person. Then, give-

and-take, and other things, come naturally and beautifully to each other.— E.C., Edendale. TT has just put the-finishing touch to X the “Journal” to have pages for us to share. It is interesting to learn the other woman’s point of view; it broadens our all too narrow horizons. It is the. little things that make all the difference between existing and living: the kindly word, the cheery smile. Do you know a little poem which ends: “A few more flowers as we go through life, and fewer on graves at the end of strife”? Maire, Hokianga. T HAVE some ducklings just hatched A rather late, I’m afraid, but what can we do when we have to await the' hen’s pleasure? They are really silly old things to sit there for, three or four weeks. I wonder what they think about in all that time —or do they think at all?— Mary Ann, Bell Block. T DON’T seem-to be able to squeeze X in time to write to. you very often —I think it is the garden’s - fault. . It has been ' a glorious spring—so many flowers, after a winter with not [one thing to pick. I simply can’t stay inside these days, ,so with my four

wriggly little people to sew and mend for I just don’t write.— Mary. Marie, Halcombe. TN between our nursing, we' 1 have•L; been having fun sightseeing—went to the bazaar, which was an amazing place, narrow, winding street packed closely with dozens and dozens of shops, with the greatest variety of wares you could ever wish to see. We had a splendid guide the day we went, and he took us into all sorts of places. We ■ have been to the Pyramids of Gehizah, and the Sphinx. There we saw excavated tombs and other things that- I have read so much aboutbut to see them myself! I didn’t ride on a camel, which I should have done there were dozens out there in gay and colourful trappings. But I have ridden on a donkey, in native boats, in trains, trams, taxis (you’ve no idea what a taxi driven by a native is like —it has a horn you wouldn’t be seen within a mile of in New Zealand, and is driven on the opposite side of the road from what we are used to), in army cars, transports, ambulances, private cars, and. not least, in garis—funny little vehicles with a hood (up or down) drawn by horses. ■ I like riding in these better than anything. We went to church on Sunday evening— Empire’s soldiers and sisters were all represented. It was great to see so many people from so many parts of the world all gathered together to worship.— Sister Goody, Middle East Forces. '

’T'WICE recently I have been the un- -*• grateful recipient of gifts, one a smart’ hat, and the other two lovely bowls which were given to me at a birthday party. Yes, I know it sounds incredible to be ungrateful for a new hat! My family, have always taught me that it is wrong to deny the giver the joy of giving, but it seems to me that people, in certain circumstances, should think first of the comfort of their own dependants. - 1 ■

One gift was from a young mother with a very delicate child. I nursed this girl through a short but severe illness, which might have ended fatally, so that I was more than repaid for any time and. labour I had expended when my patient was up and about again. But the mother had to spend money and energy to give the party for me, and quite honestly I couldn’t enjoy it knowing that her child needed specialist care. ' The other giver, an elderly woman drawing a meagre pension, and one who needs medicine and? warm woollies these nippy days, was very thrilled when she handed me the hatbag. In my usual tactless and impulsive way I raged and growled until I saw the look on her face, and the tears in her eyes as she faltered: “I’m sorry; I thought you’d like it.” And then, of course, I felt like a criminal.

But knowing that both these people have had to deny themselves warm clothes and essential medicines, how can I really enjoy these gifts? A handkerchief, or a bunch of flowers, would have amply conveyed their thanks to me, and I could have enjoyed these gifts with a clear conscience. My friends tell me I am ungrateful and too fussy. What do you think? — Huia, Pukekohe. WE have had a very severe winter, ’’ with very, little rain,' but plenty of hard frosts. But last week great, grey clouds loomed in the' sky, and the heavens opened. Today there is an even worse flood. My home being in a valley, one sees the tiny creeks swell into raging torrents. The creek that passes through our lawn has overflowed . its banks, and alas for the shrubbery, the lawns, and flower beds! Wild waters are swirling round the motor garage and bridge. It is really fascinating to watch, if only one could keep out of mind the damage the flood waters are doing. Even Monday’s washing is waving madly in the wind, while the horses and cattle stand meekly by in the paddocks, heads down, seeking what little shelter they can find from the elements of the storm. The dogs and cats have long since found cosy nests to snuggle into. The hens keep to their house, but look so forlorn, as they do not like the wet. The birds have ceased their • joyous singing, ‘but the ducks and geese are in seventh heaven, and enjoying the flood to the full! — Peggy, . Pleasant Point.

. . . //oip Does Cjalden Cjlotv I

YOU all seem to have enjoyed our new feature last month —so much indeed that we are going to have it for you every month. That will be something for you to look forward to, Garden Lovers. And I know you will be interested to learn that these garden articles are written specially for you by Mr. Wm. C. Hyde, Horticulturist, Department of Agriculture, Wellington. And everything he says is right—so out with your spades, and do as he tells you.

WITH planting completed, maintenance will be the chief concern during this month—weeding and thinning seedling crops when the ground is moist after rain; hoeing and cultivation in dry, bright weather .to destroy weeds too small to pull, and to maintain that shallow mulch of cultivated surface soil which is so invigorating to the young plants. In dry districts, and localities with sharp drainage, a light mulch of' fermented organic material will assist in retaining moisture and feeding the young crop; it generally takes the form of lawn mowings or decayed stable manure graded down by passing it through a sieve. Rhododendrons and azaleas now make new growth on which they set flower buds for the coming season. It will greatly assist the younger and less vigorous varieties if the seed pods of the blossom just passed are removed - so that energies are concentrated on desirable development. / Climbing and rambler roses will be sending up strong young shoots from the . base. Tie in carefully such as are required for replacements later in the pruning season, and stop back the

weaker growths. The tender tops are favoured feeding grounds for teeming colonies of aphides, and if the plants are to do their best these aphides must be destroyed. A weekly application in the evening of a fine, misty spray composed of tobacco extract stirred into soapy water is most effective. A popular extract is known as nicotine sulphate; mix a teaspoonful to two gallons of soapy water, or a strong soap solution alone will often do good work in controlling this persistent pest.

Along hedge bottoms and in odd corners about the farm homestead rough grass and weeds are now coming into flower. It may sound like a “counsel of perfection” to suggest these areas should be cut down short with a

weed scythe or sickle, but it will have the effect, of facilitating transport and controlling weeds and : insect pests, including some of the worst diseases of cropsmany of the virus class, for instance. One good cut each year at this stage of growth will practically control this dangerous source of infection. Stacked on the compost heap and fermented with farm manure, this rough growth often makes a considerable contribution to that very valuable supply. We cannot escape from our human nature, but the attraction of the garden for many is the close insight it affords to the lives of the inhabitants of the vegetable, animal, and mineral kingdoms: its wonderful comedies and tragedies, successes, and failures. From the experience, one acquires a knowledge of those principles that are fundamental . to created life, a knowledge

of which is necessary for success in our own sphere. As a rule the farm flower garden in a few years becomes involved in complexities, and the gardener in charge often feels humbled and discouraged, but there is no need to abandon hope no matter what' may be the conditions. It has probably been found that certain plants are suited to the locality, and when they are arranged on rather broad and simple lines good service may be obtained at all reasons. It is not so difficult as one would imagine, in a garden of moderate size, to turf down a garden bed or border and cut new ones and plant afresh, to lift from a lawn overplanted the superfluous shrubs and group them together in a bed. Holes made can be filled with soil and turfed over, making an almost invisible repair to the lawn. Whether they be small or ‘great, now ■is the time to .plan any alteration of this kind. The problem should be given careful consideration and decisions fully . recorded in notes and sketches for execution during autumn, winter, and spring. Of greatest interest, usually, are specialised gardens quite suited to the locality. At high altitudes and southern latitudes hardy trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants thrive as they never do in warmer localities. Many conifers are outstandingly superior under such conditions. In warm districts with a generous rainfall such as we have in the western and northern provinces, native plants are at their best, and rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, palms, tree-ferns, and citrus trees readily attain a high standard of perfection. In the drier eastern districts, with their bright, clear atmosphere, cypress trees, roses, irises, carnations, and many bulbous plants and succulents find a congenial home. On simple lines and of a size well proportioned to that of the homestead, the farm garden performs a real service at a reasonable cost in maintenance, and will be most effective if planted with varieties of species of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants which are naturally adapted to local conditions.

WM. C. HYDE,

Horticul-

turist, Wellington.

LAST NIGHT . . . Last night I found my youth again As, breathless, hand in hand, We raced beneath the moon’s soft light, Across the sinking sand. You laughed—and bent to find a shell, And I laughed with you too; The storm-tossed seas came breaking in, And then a mad wind blew ... Keen tang of salt upon your lips, Blue, eager pools, your eyes : Just for an hour the world gave way For usto Paradise.