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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 64, 18 December 1946, Page 3 (Supplement)

WHAT ho what ho, rna hearties. Here’s Cheers for the festive season! Yes, I see by my calendar that we’re almost onto Christmas Time, December 25th 1946. How the year has tr o ne! Why, it seems only yesterday that I was writing and wishing you a Merry Christmas for 1945. But still, I think that most of us can look back upon a year of useful work, and be proud of the fact that we have made progress. Progress, you know Sailors, isn t always easy, but those who have the courage to push ahead and overcome obstacles always make good. Although storms and waves might whirl a little craft about, and. push it hither and thither, if it is well built, and the sailor guiding it knows what to do, it will always come out right way up and facing in the right direction. And that is the way it is with lire Sailors. If you have the courage to stand up against criticism, and do what you yourself consider is right and proper, you will always come through safely. And now I suppose you are all looking forward to the presents fat old Santa will bring you the gifts he has been busily preparing in his workshop during the winter months. Yes, he must be kept very busy, for he has many, many presents to deliver. In closing, Sailors, Peterkin, Butmsky, Butch and I join in wishing you all a very, very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a BRIGHT AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. Your Old Friend, \ * PETER THE WHALER.

TO PAST MEMBERS Just a word to old members of the Peter the Whaler page, who reached the age of 15 years during 1946, and signed off the Good Endeavour to take their places in' the sea lanes of the world. To all of you, the pets and I extend best wishes for the festive season, and trust that the coming year will prove bright and prosperous. A SPECIAL MESSAGE There is a special message I have been asked to pass on Sailors. It is from McDougall who, although he is now far away from Whale Island, has not forgotten you. Some day he will be back, but in the meantime, he wishes me to pass on his greetings for the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years, A SURPRISE CHRISTMAS Malcolm, David, Janet and baby Betty, had come in a big ship with mother and father all the way from bleak Scotland to settle in Sunny New Zealand. The children were delighted with the tiny country cottage which daddy had bought, after the dismal house of the big city in Scotland. For a few months after their arrival, everything went smoothly, and daddy earned quite a lot of money from their small farm. The three oldest children went to a small school about a mile from home which they already loved. One day, early in December, as they were trudging homeward, Janet suddenly said: “Oh, boys, soon it will be Christmas, and it’s baby’s first one. Won’t she be pleased to hang up her wee sock and to see what Santa will put in it!” This started them talking about the presents they would like. Davy wished for a drum and a gun, Malcolm some tools and a knife, while Janet longed for a golden haired dolly. The weeks sped by, and 1 it was Christmas Eve at last. The children had all gone to bed early, so Santa Claus might fill their stockings but naughty Davy had hung up a small pillow case. Earlier Malcolm and Janet had tried to stop his hanging it up, saying he was greedy, but Davy remained firm and said: “But a drum is so round, and takes quite a lot of room, doesn’t it, mummy?” “Yes, dear,” replied mother and the children did not see the tear in her eye, so excited they were. Their mother and father sat sadly in the kitchen for they knew the children would get no presents, as

old gentleman who caught up mother and kissed her loudly, saying: “What does this mean, Mary, I have never seen such dismal faces on a happy night? Come, cheer up,” he cried, clapping father on the back. He was the children’s uncle, mummy’s eldest brother. The children’s father explained their trouble. Out bustled uncle to the door and brought in arms full of brown parcels from the trap outside. “See the kiddies shan’t be disappointed,” he called, “even if Santa could not call this year.” Among all the parcels was a huge hamper containing Christmas sweet-meat for the morrow.

The next morning saw the children sitting up in bed in raptures over their toys. Everyone had his or her wish fulfilled, even Betty cooed joyously over the rubber animals which came out of her Noah’s Ark, and the big furry Teddy Bear. At breakfast they were delighted to see their uncle Jock, and they wondered greatly how he managed to come from _ Scotland so suddenly. “Hasn’t Santa been good this year,” cried Davy. “Yes, laddies,” said uncle' “My word, Mary, what a strange Christmas without a fall of snow,” remarked her brother. “But a beautiful one all the same,” returned mother smilingly. “We are going to love New Zealand.” “Oh! Mummy,” cried Janet, “just see what uncle Jock has! A bonny wee sprig of heather.” “It’s for you, Mary,” said uncle. “Isn’t it sweet, I’ve just been longing for a wee bit of heather bell,” said mother. HOWLERS A gladiator is an iron thing that gives out heat. Cereals are films which have 12 or so chapters. A centimeter is an insect which has a hundred legs. The highest mountain range in Europe is Blanc Mange. Mandolins are high Chinese officials. CHRISTMAS LAUGHS Father: What would you like for Christmas Tommy? Tommy: Oh a telephone please, then I can answer teacher’s questions without going to school! * * ** * First Holidaymaker: We’re doing something different for these holidays. We’re going to take a tramp round the lakes. Second Holidaymaker: It sounds all right, but do you think the tramp will enjoy it?

father’s crops had failed, and there was no money to pay Santa Claus for his gifts. “Oh, what shall I say to my bairnies in the morning?” he moaned. “Perhaps I can explain to them,” said mother, “but how disappointed they will be.” At that moment a loud rat-a-tat came at the door. Mother ran to the door and opened it. In burst a jolly

Diner: This Christmas goose reminds me of my youth. Waiter: How is that sir? Diner: We must have been born about the same time! * * * * Teacher: If you had fourteen nuts in your Christmas stocking, and were told to share them with your little brother, how many would he get? Bobby: Four. « Teacher: Nonsense, you can’t count. Bobby: Yes, I can—but my little' brother can’t. * * s * * Aunt: Oh Johnny, why is it that you never remember to say thank you when anybody gives you anything. Johnny (with a hopeful eye on a box of chocolates): I expect it’s because I don’t get things given to me often enough for practice. % ❖ # ❖ Mamma: Yes dear, the angels can hear everything; they heard your prayers last night. Jimmy: That’s funny Mamma, I didn’t say them! $ * # $ Guest (to friend at Xmas party): Why do you keep blowing out all the candles on the table? Friend: I can’t help it. You §ee I’m a fireman!