Essay Competition

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 19 November 1927, Page 14

Essay Competition

«®*®*®*®*®*®*®*®*®*< HOW OUB CAR CAME TO GRIEF. (Imaginary.) Dear Chief Kiwi, —It is a long time since 1 have written to you, but this week I chose to write on ‘‘How Our Motor Car Came to Grief ” whicii is purely imaginary. One day, a long time ago, father decided to borrow uncle’s ear ia which to take us for a ride. ’ Oh! For a while we stood huddled togo ther looking at tire old rattle-bang car, which was to convey us, over hills and across streams. Here was n tyre with a cut in it; there a halfbroken axle. At last we started off, in the much hated old vehicle. We had not gone far, when suddenly ! there was a loud “Bang!” One of the back tyres had blown out. Dad immediately hopped out, and fitted the spare tyre to take the place of the lately removed one. We sei off once more, tbe car running smoothly over the hills when ’ someone exclaimed, ‘‘Oh, goodness! | What was that I” A dead rabbit was ; lying across our path, and Dad, not I seeing the poor thing, had run over 1 it. The result was, however, that i the car gave a jerk, and half of the windscreen came to grief, being tho I cause of much broken j Clearing our way in front of us, wo 1 continued our journey, till we came ! to a little picturesque riverlet, which we had to cross. Alas! another catastrophe was before us. We were about to make our way through it, when that dreadful old vehicle stopped. Starting th e engine day managed to arrive at the centre of the rivmet. when there was a great bump, anu our heads touched the roof of the car, which came to a stop with a jerk'. Dad said it was useless to try to get her out of such a perilous position. Water had entered the engine, and the only thing we could do, was to climb o. t of the car; wade through tift rivulet in our best clothes, and and walk home. e We arrived, at our destination, vowing that we would never Ugain borrow uncle’s cars. Love to yourself and the Kiwi Band. —Prize of 2/6 to Sybil Ogilvie,, age 13 years, 703 Frederick street’, Hastings. , ♦ * ♦ ♦ A TRIP TO FROWALL. Dear Chief Kiwi, —Thank you for the blue certificate you awarded me last week. While we were in Duneuin during the Exhibition time we decided to take the Central Otago train and visit Cromwell and Lake Wa,naka. Bright was tho sky when we left the Dunedin Bailway Station at 8 0 ’clock. We went past many little wayside stations, until we came to Winagl-ii wher e the train stayed for a short time. The rest of the journey was a very unusual one. One may picture in his or her mind, a train wending its way over viaducts, hills, rivers, through tunnels, stppping at stations, moving on, and at last arriving at its destination at 3.15 p.m. All tho way was rocky country, parts of it fertile and parts barren. These fertilg parts were owing to the irrigation scheme which is being accomplished there, and giving wonderful results. Mother remarked to me to take special notice of the rocky country as I would not see similar land in Hawke’s Bay. I assfured her that we would not have such land up there. The railway station is a short distance from Cromwell. To enter into the town w e had to cross a bridge over tho Clutha Biver, just where the Clutha and Hawarau join and become the Molyneux. The first thing we saw on e ntering the town was the soldiers memorial and reserve, the prettiest I have seen and which is kept in perfect order by the people of the town. On Anzac day they hold thq services there and usually the flowers are at their best at that time. We were very weary after_ the journey so we did not see anything else that day. At night we could hear the owls in the poplar trees, but we were not forVunate enough to sec one. One day we motored to sec an orchard at Bipponvale, which is just out of Cromwell. The fruit was delicious, but wo felt sorry for the orchardists as the frost had ruined tons of tomatoes. Lowburn is another little village (in the opposite direction from Bipponvale) mainly consisting of an hotel, a school, a few houses and a ferry. This was the first time I had crossed a river, in a car, on a punt ferry. They have a fine hospital at Cromwell. th c doctor’s residence being quite close. We were surprised to find what Igealitiful tennis courts, bowling and croquet greens, baths and sports’ grounds were to be found at Cromwell. It is the- funniest little place I have ever seen. We also visited Wanaka which 1 may write about another time. After one hundred and fifty miles travelling from Cromwell wo arrived back in Dunedin having spent a very pleasant five weeks’ holiday in Central Otago. With love to you and the Kiwi Band, —Pink certificate to Harley Bates, -;c 13 years, 204 Market street, -Hastings.

MILKING. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Now that the summer tune is here, 1 haven’t much tune to write as I haaa to help my father to milk, so I am going to t-ell you how we do the milking. First of all the separator and the machines are put together. Tin’s is being done while the cows are coming in. Four cows go into the bails at a time. The bails are built so that two cows can be milked on the opposite side to the usual way, so as to pass the teat-cups from one cow to another. After washing the cows’ teats we start the motor. The machines are driven bv electricity. We just press the lever and all the machinery starts off at full speed. We then have to put a plug in at the end of the pipe to make the vacuum, then we are ready to milk. The teat-cups are put on, and we can tell by the warmth of the milk pipe when ft is time to change the teat-cups. The milk flows through pipes into a releaser which releases it into a big vat. When the vat is nearly full the separator is gradually worked by turning a screw which works the belt from one shaft to a driving shaft. After all the cows are milked and separating done, the calves and pigs are fed, and the separator and machine* are all washed and put out in the air to keep sweet, the bails are then swept down and everything is ready for the next milking Love and best wishes. —Blue Certificate to Phyllis McKeown. age 12 years. R.D., Mangateretere. * * « ♦ AN INTERESTING WATCH Dear Chief Kiwi,—lt’s ages since J I have written to you. so I suppose you have forgotten me. 1 am going to make a fresh start bv telling vou about some young sterlings. One day. about six weeks ago. when I was walking round the back of the shed, I saw a rather large dark-coloured bird fly from under the eaves. Into the shed I went and by scrambling up a ladder and over some packing ; cases I found a newly-built starling's nest. On climbing up to it some days later I discovered four pretty pale-blue eggs. After that I thought no more about it, until this morning when I went into the shed. I was getting some vegetables when I heard a noise like a number of birds trying to chirp. It was then that I remembered about the nest, to which my brother and sister and myself ; now climbed. We saw four young I starlings with open mouthy stretched • up upon their thin necks. While ' they were squawking, and making a dreadful noise, we heard a scratch and a scrape, and m popped the starling to th e joy of her rowdy nestlings. She was black with a golden beak and slightly smaller than a thrush. After giving them one morsel she flew off but returned shortly with another. Several times she did this and then I remembered ! the vegetables. and reluctantly j climbed down tjie ladder 1 shall have to stop now for I am : .afraid I have exceeded the word : limit. —Blue Certificate to Jean Crombie, age 13 years. Havelock North * * * * FROM MY BEDROOM WINDOW. Dear Chief Kiwi,—From my bedroom window I can see a, number ot rose bushes and I can see a tall and slim cabbage tree. There are flower gardens around the law n with many different kinds of flowers in them. There is also wisteria trailing down the verandah post. One can see far in the distance the white snow-clad tops of the mountains. 1 can also see the hills with the thick bush which shelters them in wet weather. We have a boxthorn hedge and we cannot see much of the surrounding country. Now that it is spring and all the flowers are out our gardens look very smart and dignified. The trees hav e their gree n leaves which makes everything look more interest, ing, I can also see the green paddocks and the cattle grazing on them. P.S.—lt was the Tonganro Mountains on which I went to stay. —Blue Certificate to Gladvs Kitt, age 12 years, Murdoch road, Hastings. ♦ ♦ * * A DAY’S OUTING. Dear Chief Kiwi,—As ft was a beautiful summer's day on Saturday, my two brothers and 1 went for a picnic on the hills. We started at ten o'clock in the morning, and had a lovely walk, climbing and scrambling over the hills in the hot sunshine. Soon we came to a huge tree where my brother found a bird’s nest with four little birds in it. but he did not take them. Walking on again we came to a little pond, where we decided te have lunch. Having finished luneh we looked round the pond. How beautiful it looked with all kinds of trees growing round it. and little ferns in among them. We began to gather some of the ferns which we thought were very nice. As it was bv this time growing dark, we ran for our lives all the way home. At last very tired, w e reached home. Mother was very glad to sen us safely, back. Me had tea which was waiting for 11s. then we showed mother the pretty ferns we had brought her, mid which she liked very much. As it was now nast eight o’clock and our bed was caTlinr. Ils we wei.'t to it after a beautiful day on tne hills. Imust '-lose now thanking von for the certificate vou awarded me -a fortnight ago. Beit wishes to nil. —Blue Certificate to .Tettie Pteven son, age 11 rears, Havelock road. Havelock North.

CLOUDS.

. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week my essay is about clouds. On a beautiful summer’s day you might see lovely white feathery clouds in the sky. but on a wild, rainy day dark black clouds across th e sky. I have never seen such dark, inky clouds as 1 did last night. We were coming home from the wireless concert on Saturday night when we caught a glimpse of these peculiar shapes in the sky. We looked in wonder. Thev did not seem so very far away. One of these swept right across the sky and we were sure rain would come down in torrents during the night. Then another of these inky, black clouds resembled a man. And the third took the form of a hat. A huge ring was round the moon and that was another sign of rain. To make matters worse wind was blowing, and I honestly wished I was home. Mother said in all her life she had never seen such black clouds. Thev seemed so close to earth and the sky seemed so far away. Did you see them. Chief Kiwi? Well now I must close, with much love to yourself and Kiwis. —Blue Certificate to Tris Cameron, ag B 13 years, Williar#, street. Hast ings. ♦ * * » THE PANTRY’S PARTY. Dear Chief Kiwi, —You will almost have to regard me as a new Kiwi, because it is such a long time since 1 have written to you. 'lnis time 1 am going to write about the pantry's party. AH day long cook had been very cross and worried, Decause everything m the pantry seemed to have taken wings and Mown away. Of course, they were all hiding in out-of-the-way places, so that cook could not find them and dirty their newly-shone faces. The saucepans were having a birthday party that evening, and so everybody wanted to keep clean and tidy fo r the event. The alununiuu saucepan was very cross, lor cook in her indignation had dented its face. Everything was in a muddle when cook went off tv rest, and it took them quite half an hour to disentangle themselves and dress for the party. The party began with the Grand March, the iron saucepan making the head and the mustardspoon forming the tail. After that they all -romped about and became more or less dishevelled. At about I eleven o’clock they heard a heavy i footstep outside, and an lev voire i asked, “Who’s there?" Everyone I was struck dumb with terror, but they al[ managed to scramble back to | their places before the. master of the ■ house opened the door. He was very surprised when lie found no one but I he left the pantry's occupants in I 1 peace and retired to bed. They did i not venture out again that night but some of them had awful nightmares. I hope this will not make the Dragon’s tea. —Blue Certificate to Lindsey Crombie, age 11 years, Thompson road, Havelock North. ; ♦.* * ♦ GUY FAWKES. ■ ['. . . ! Dear Chief Kiwi,- On Guy Fawkes I night we had a large box of fireworks | ! an enormous bonfiie. and a Guy j I Fawkes stuffed with fireworks. We i : had our Guy in a wheelbarrow a ; little distance from the bonfire, while ; we let off a great display of sky- i rockets. Roman candles cathrino- ' wheels and squibs, fine skyrocket shot up into the sky and descended so quickly we thought it would strike us, but it struck our Guv instead. W e were delighted when it went Whizz! Bang! spluttering and spitting. until the wheelbarrow- caught fire! The whole family rushed forward to save our one and only wheelbarrow! We threw some sacks and water, which we had in emergency, on it, and after desperate efforts we put out the fire. W e were all more or less burnt and when I threw a bucket of water over my sister, by mistake, that started a quarrel. So I stalked off to bed and left them with their siily old fireworks. —Blue Certificate to Helen Shield, age 13 years, Waikonini, Hastings. ♦ * * ♦ HOW I SPENT THE WEEK-END. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l would like to tell you how 1 spent the week-end. On Saturday 1 got up early, did my practice, then iliy messages. At ten o'clock 1 went tor a swim and enjoyed myseit for an hour. 1 then came home and worked in my garden till dinner-time. In the afternoon 1 went to Cornwall Park with two friends. We had a lovely time on the swings and chute, then we looked at t>e flowers and animals. As my falser and mother were out 1 had my tea and went to a friend’s place to see a Guy get burnt. It was half-past nine when 1 arrived home. On Sundav morning we were up early to go fishing. We went through Havelock to Kahauranaki. At the bottom of a steep hill wa g a gate, and as we were halfway through it there was a dreadful noise ana the car stopped. My father looked underneath and saw Uiat the driving shaft had broken. He and my brother walked back over the hills to a house and rang up the lounst Motor Company. The man came out with the roadside service ear and took the shaft off. Then lie fixed the front wheels ot our car on to his car to tow- us home. Phoplo stared at u s as we passed. We soon prepared our luneh feeling sorry about having missed an enjoyable picnic. Best love. —Red Certificate to Mollie Hull, age 11 years. Eox 76. Hastings. ♦ ★ ♦ ♦ NATURE. Dear Chief Kiwi,—First of all 1 must thank you for your birthday greetings. W hat a wonderful thing nature is! God’s own gift. All the trees, shrubs, birds, and flowers, and the rivers, lakes, mountains, caves, ana hills. What fault can man see in' the midst of all these things, when nature supplies him with meat, wood, and water. This six letter word is beautifully laid out, in the Southern Lakes which are formed by the melting snow from the mountains. Of, this wonderful, little word, that is called nature. —Orange (’ertiii<‘ate to Lewis Clarke, aged 11 years, 50VE Avenue road, Hastings.

A HOLIDAY. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Tlrfs week 1 am going to tell you of our arrival in Sydney. We woke «p feeling very excited and quickly slipped into our clothes. Crowds of passengers were up on deck watching the twinkilng lights of Sydney and Manly. A n it grew lighter th e lights began to dis appeal’ one bv one. and the cliffs rose out of the thin grey mist that had before enveloped them in hazy whiteness. Gradually the mist rose, and we found ourselves moving slowly up the harbour, brown cliffs on either side adorned with cottages, their small but trim gardens a mass of colour. As we went on wo passed small lighthouses on the water. We also saw some punts—funny flat things with motor-cars on them which they took across the harbour. There were a lot of ferry-boats puffing their way here and there. They seemed so small compared to those of Wellington. But there are a lot of them and they can go fast. There was a big boat in front, of uh (I didn’t see its name) slowly puffing its way up the harbour. We raced it and all the people on ft started shouting and waving to us It was funny. Then we stopped and when we arrived at the wharf it was about 8 o'clock. I must close now. Love to you and all Kiwis. ; —Red Certificate to Suzanne Riddiford, age 11 years, Havelock North. ♦ * * ♦ A BRAVE RESCUE (Continued). Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you very much for the certificates you awarded me. I will now continue my essay on a brave rescue. Seizmc the little girl’s dress he started on his return journey. The little girl was heavy and the brave dog was washed hack many a time bv a powerful wave. By now a great many people had gathered on the beach, where the child had been in danger. Suddenly the silence was broken bv a cheer, for the brave dog was swimming with great velocity towards the hea.ab holding the exhausted child by her dress. As the dog came ashore the mother of the child threw her arms around the brave dog's neck, crying tears of joy. The little girl was taken home where she recovered. The I brave do<r was not forgotten either for the kind lady, seeing that he had no owner, took him home where he lived happily. Also on his collar is an inscription saying what a brave dog he is. With love to yourself and the other Kiwis. —Red Certificate to Kitty Colwill, aee 12 years, 907 Railway road. Hastings ♦ * * ♦ A PICNIC, Dear Chief Kiwi,—l must thank you for the orange certificate you awarded me. On Show Day. instead of going to the show, we wenf for a picnic at the Fernhiij Lake. We we>'e to meet at ten o'clock at the Fernhill store, where we would collect the things and start for the lake. After we had walked for about one hour, through green paddocks and' by beautiful willow trees which supplied a home for many birds, we arrived at the lake, hot and tired, and sat in the shade of a big karaka tree. We had taken spears to spear eels with, but we got none. When it was twelve o’clock we had lunch, which consisted of lemonade and sandwiches. After lunch we played in a rowing boat wTiich was moored by a long chain. Along the side of a hill were some Maori trenches where many a battle was fought between the Maoris and white men. At four o’clock we went home tired but happy, and were gla,i to turn in between two white sheets. —Red Certificate to Norman Downes, age 12 years. Hills road. Fernhill. ♦ * ★ ♦ A SPRING EVENING Dear Chief Kiwi,—-I tun almost a new Kiwi. This week I am writing aoout the above subject. Tho sun had made its wav towards the west, while a weary farmer trudged homewards satisfied that the last duty of the day was done and all was well for the n,ght. The air was tool and sweet after this hot day of spring. Birds flew homewards io their nests, while the lambs crept up to thenmothers’ sides. Slowly the sun disappeared behind the hills bareness now reigns. The nve r bubbles on th© rocks a a the moon rises high m the heavens. All is silent except for the cry of a bird. The lights rude from the windows tor people have drifted into dreamland. M ell Chief Kiwi I will close now with love to you and the other Kiwis. —Red Certificate to Dorothy Farmery, age 12 years, Box 210, Hastings. , * * * ♦ THE COW CHEWING THE CUD. Dear Chief Kiwi.-—I have often wondered why cows chew their cud If we look closely at, a cow, we will notice she has no teeth in her upper jaw, and if we watch w s will notice how she gathers the grass. First of all she will twist her tongue round small bunches, she will then her jaws together, and then she will give it a good tug, and she just swallows it straight away. I think wo would die if we ate our food this way. The food passes into one of the four stomachs which she possesses. When the cows is moving about, the food is in the stomach, but as soon as tbe cow takes a rest, the food is thrown hack into the mouth anil that which is thrown back is called the “end,’’ and why it is called the ‘‘cud’’ is because it is in the shape of a small ball. When she is chewing her “cud” she is softening it so ns to make it suitable for it to pass into her other stomachs. By this process tho cow is able to build up her body, and make flesh and bone, and also keep her milk supply up. Love to yourself and the Kiwi Band. Red C.'ertificate to Elva Gigg. age 11 years, 401 E Southampton street, Hastings.

A DAY AT THE BEACH.

Dear Chief kiwi,—As last Sunday was fine we decided to go for a picnic at the beach. After a while we packed our lunch and set out in the car for Napier. When we reached Napier my brother and I went for a swim in the baths as the weather was so hot. Then we had a game on the beach and had lunch. Soon after w e went to the wharf to see if there were any big boats in but there were not, so we fished until we had caught enough herrings for tea. By this time it was half-past three so we decided to go back to the car and have afternoon tea. When wo had finished I played with my brother on the slide and swings and then I went and sailed my boat in the paddling pool. After an enjoyable afternoon we set out for home, hoping that we should come to the beach again for a picnic. —Red Certificate to Alex McDonald. ago 11 years. 603 Ellison road, Hastings ♦ * ♦ ♦ THE RIVERSIDE CN A SUMMER’S DAY. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This time I am going to tell you about “By the River Side on a Summer’s Day.” The lay dawned bright and sunny, and we started off in high spirits on cur road to the Tuki Tuki river We arrived at our destination at 10 o'clock and went for a bathe in the river, which was very cold. We had lunch at twelve o’clock, which we enjoyed very much, as the ride out had made us very hungry. After dinner we walked along the riverbed and gathered some small shells. We saw many small fish, and I think they were herrings. At the mouth of the river they were very thick, because the tide was in. We went for another swim, and! the water was much wanner, so we enjoyed it better than we had done in the morning. At half-past four we left for home and arrived in time for tea after a very happy day. Thanks for the cert'Hcate von awarded me last time. Love to vou and all other Kiwis. - Red Certificate to Olive Cosgrove, 1004 Outram road. Hastir- - ♦ * * * DAYLIGHT SAVING. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I am very soriy | that I have not written to you for ! such a long time. This week lam ' writing about Daylight Saving, i I’ or some time people have been talking a great deal about Daylight Saving. What is it? It is a scheme by which we all rise arlier every day, and by beginning an hour before the accustomed time, have our work finished 'earlier than usual, so having an extra hour for pleasure before dark. Before this scheme could be put in action a bill, making it law to put all clocks on an hour on the fith November, had to be passed by Parliament. Most people, especially those who eenjoy outdoor amusements in summer evenings, were delighted that we were to have Daylight Saving at last. But, of course, some were very displeased about having to put their clocks on an hour. These people© Were chiefly farmers and milkmen, who have to rise very early, and for whom it would be very inconvenient. On the whole, however I think Dav light Saving a verv good idea. Now I must say' good-byel Love from —Pink Certificate to Dinah Redpath, Te Ante road. Havelock North. * * ♦ # A BROOK. Dear Chief Kiwi, — 1 chatter over the stony ways, In little sharps and trebles, I bubble into eddying bays, 1 babble on the pebbles. Hate you ever sat down beside a brook, in the shade of the trees that are fringing ns banks, and watched it laughing and gurgling over the pebbles, if you listen closely you can hear it singing, and in its clear sparkling depths you can see a wonderful scene, for in it is re fleeted ail the surrounding beauties of nature. Just imagine seeing tall trees with the sinking sun colouring them scarlet, and the blue sky with its fleecy clouds also tinted rosy, and the shrubs and ferns all reflected in the water. It must be a beautiful sight. But a brook is not always in a good humour. When the heavy rains fall down they turn, the babbling brook into a small torrent. It is no longer clear and sparkling, its waters are muddy, and its beauty for a time is marred. I will close now thanking you for last week’s certificate. Love to yourself and all other Kiwis. —Red Certificate to Marjorie Walden, age 12 years, 305W Lyndon Rd, Hastings. ♦ * ♦ CUY FAWKES. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have chosen to write this week about Guy Fawkes. Before I start 1 will tell you how Guy Fawkes Day originated. It originated many years ago and is is named after a man who was going to blow up Parliament Houss. But one man m the plot had a triend in Parliament and he did not wish him to be blown up so he warned him not to be in, the Parliament House that night and the friend told all the others. Un the night of sth November the police caught theni and they were all hung. On Guy Fawkes Day I did not go down to Nelson Park, as people throw crackers at you, and I don’t like it. We had it in our own backyard. We had sky-roc-kets, lioman-candles, ink-wells, sparklers, double bangers, bom-boms anfl little crackers. We let off all the little crackers first, then.we put two bom-boms in a tin and let them off and oh, such a bang! The skyrockets were very pretty, some of; them like inkwells. 1 burnt my lingers more than once and they were sore. 1 will have to close now as 1 have nothing more to tell you. . —Orange Certificate to Jean Garnett. age 12 years, 206 Nelson street, Hastings. P.S.— 1 enclose some more silver power.—J.G.

A RIVER IN FLOOD. Dear Chief Kiwi,—l am writing about a flood. Boom, Boom! The deafening roar of thunder eehoed and re-echoed over the hills. The river was rising rapidly, and the people had been warned to flee to the safety of the hills. Suddenly, with a deafening roar the river broke its banks.’ Now and then a piercing cry of some terrified child would ring through the air. After the storm had abated somewhat boats were sent out to rescue the stranded people. Many culverts and bridges were swept away during the tempest. That year was a bad year for the farmers and peasants. But the following year brought forth most wonderful crops, through the rich silt which had been carried from the flooded river. —Orange Certificate to Joyce Lange, age 11 years, Heretaunga St, Hastings. ★ ★ ★ ♦ A TRIP TO MOUNT ECMONT Dear Chief Kiwi, —During the holidays I went for a trip to Mount ligmont with my mother. ive started out early in the morning and arrived there late at night. Our journey was a comfortable one as the roads were in good order. We were shown to our rooms at the Mountain House where we were staying. Next day I went up the mountain with the guide, because it was not safe to go by myself. A fog came up over the mountain so 1 could not go to the top until next day. The next week I gathered ferns to take home. I was going home in two more days so I gathered all the ferns I liked best. The day for departure arrived, but I was enjoying myself so much that I did not want to go home, but at half-past eight we were ready to start. I put all the ferns into the car, then we started for home arriving at ten o'clock. I will close now, thanking you for the certificates you awarded me last week. Orange certificate to Peggy Lord, age II years, 813 Churchill Street, Hastings. ♦ « * ♦ LOST IN THE JUNGLE Dear Chief Kiwi,—l thank you ! very much for awarding me the cerI tincate. The trees towered up, ; nearly reaching the sky with their I best silver dresses on, that the moon • had made for them that night. I I thought 1 would appreciate a walk I m the jungle very much, down among | the shrubs, out of the way of everyi one. The greenery below was an i amazing sight as the brambles twined in and out and tangled my feet up, as 1 wandered along. 1 looked around and wondered where I was, when all of a sudden I heard some grumbling, squealing and rushing, and what do you think it was? It was a tiger, elephant and a baby lion. As quickly as I could I raced up a high tree. Luckily they had not seen me, but they ha tithe scent of a human-being. They were smelling about at the bottom of the tree and I could see from the top that the tiger wag looking up. Still they went on. When they were a long way off I climbed down the tree and ran for home. But I could not go far, and I sat down hopeless. Then I saw someone coming towards me and it was my father, so I arrived home safely. I will close now Chief Kiwi. Love to all. —Orange certificate to Lois Stewart, age 12 years, Riverslea Road, Hastings. * * * * MY GARDEN Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you for the certificate. This week 1 am going to write about my garden. One day as I was helping my father sow his seeds, I took some of the peas which were soaking and planted them in my own garden. A few days later I took some radishes and carrots, but my carrots I think, have gone the other wav because they are not up. Oh! my radishes! They are all legs and no heads and are looking very sickly, but my peas are just lovely. —Orange certificate to Doris Golding (age 11 years). 165 Wadestown Road, Wellington. « ♦ ♦ ♦ MY TRIP TO ENGLAND Dear Chief Kiwi, —After leaving Freemantle We began to settle down on the boat. A Sports Committee was formed. We had great fun at “Tailing the Pig” on the deck. They draw a big pig and you have to walk four yards blindfolded, and put the tail on with chalk. Some put it on the nose and other funny places. AH the children got prizes lor something. We had a lovely fancy dress ball, the Captain judged us, and my brother got a first prize. He had lovely tea, all jellies and sweets and good things. 1 can tell you it began to get pretty hot too, after a few days, and we had had frost in Freemantle. Well after nine days we landed at Colombo, and were getting very excited as we were looking forward to this port. As soon as we got off the boat there were crowds of natives just swarming around us, some wanting to sell their goods, others wanting to act as guides. We simply couldn’t move for them, but after a time we got into the town. I can tell you we didn't like it, too many blacks about. All the same some are very clever. The ladies were sitting in the streets making lovelv lace-work. The rickshaws interested us. The natives run along like horses in little carts. We were all very glad we were not staying in Colombo, and were very very pleased to get back on the boat. Love to all Kiwis. (To be continued.) —Pink certificate to Percy Cambridge, age 9 years. 21 Burns Street, Northampton, England. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Bill wrote the following note to h's dear one:— ‘Sweetness, npple of my eye. I would do anything for you; swim the Atlantic, go through fire for you and would face the most terrible storm nnd hurricane for your sake. And, by the way I will come over tonight. if it doesn't rain too hard.” --Orange Certificate to Guy Smith, age 12 years. 760W. St. Aubyn street, Hastings.

OUR HEN AND HER CHICKS Dear Chief Kiwi,—l thought you would like to hear about our hen and her chicks. The hen is a Rhode Island Red. Last year she laid in an old bath in the cow-bail and when she went broody Dad made her a nice nest in a box near the house. We got some eggs and carried her up at night and put her on the nest, but when we went up next morning she had the eggs all scattered and was not sitting at all. Mum said she was no good and let her go. This year she found a new nest to lay in. During one of the heavygales a pane of glass in the window of the man’s room was broken. She flew in there and laid in a box. When she got broody again Dad said to Mum “Get some eggs and try her again. She may sit down there.'' We did, and she sat well and in three weeks she had eleven pretty little chicks. My brother made a run and put her with her chicks in it. Love to all. —Red certificate to Hannah HallHastings. garth, age 10 years, Private Bag, « « ♦ * AN ICEBERG STORY. Dear Chief Kiwi,—At last, after a lot of struggling. 1 freed myself from the glacier. 1 rushed into the sea and began my restless journey. Little fish came to me for protection when big fish were after them. How 1 laughed when a fish told me that big boats that passed were frightened ol ! me. How 1 lifted my proud head as I the steamers steered out of my way. On and on I drifted, taking no notice of the things which got in my way. 1 was too proud to look at them. One day, when the sun was shining on my head ,and making it glisten like a diamond, I saw a ship approaching at top speed, I did not pull up my speed or try to steer alvay from it. I thought that if I hit it it wouldn’t matter, because the people ought to be able to swim. Then something seemed to whisper, I‘Cruei!” “Cruel!” “Yes,” I thought, “perhaps there might be some tiny baby on boarS, and if the mother was rescued, what would she do without her baby The boat drew closer to me and I tried to steer clear of it, but I couldn't. Crash I the boat hit my side. Oh, dear! how sorry I was. I couldn’t stop to see what happened, I just had to continue my journey. Gradually, little by little, I am disappearing from sight. The angry sun was so disgusted with my behaviour that he is getting me out of the way as quickly as he can. —Red Certificate to Colin Martin, age 9 years, 1014 Plunket Street, i Hastings. ★ * * ♦ HOW I SPENT SATURDAY. Dear Chief Kiwi, —I have not written to you for some time, so J will tell you about Saturday. At about 11 otelock my sister and I left home for our friend’s place, i When we arrived there we looked ' about the place and then we got a I summer-house ready for lunch. The I lunch consisted of bread, butter and I radishes, bread and meat, nut bread, I and cakes. After lunch we played in I the grass, and then we went for a swim, which we enjoyed very much. After our swinj we went to the tennis courts to play and we rode a bicycle, taking it in turns. Dinner came next, which consisted of meat, potatoes, gravy, cabbage, custard, macaroni and milk. Having had dinner we played on the bed until eight o’clock. We then went home with a basket of radishes. Thus ended a happv day. With much love. —Red Certificate to Marjorie Webb, age 10 years, Napier Road, Havelock North. ♦ * ♦ A WALK ON THE HILLS. Dear Chief Kiwi,—Thank you very much for the certificate you awarded me. This week 1 will tell you about a walk on the hills. On Saturday morning a friend and I and my brother started out for the hills. We got to the reservoir at half past two. We went on a long way, and came to a little ditch, so we went further and came to a gate, which we passed through. We followed the road which led round a hill ,as we were looking for ferns. When we got round the hill we saw some bullocks. We were going on, but the bullocks got up and they were going to chase us, so we went back. They watched us till we were out of sight. Wo did not take long to go home after a happy day, I must close now. with love to all. —Red Certificate to Meryle Steel, aged 8 years, Campbell Road, Havelock North. $ « * ♦ A MORNING WITH MY FATHER. Dear Chief Kiwi, —This week I am going to write about a morning with my father. First of all we went to the railway goods shed and took some benzine to Roach’s. This finished we went to Apsey's Fruit Company and took three loads of fruit to the goods shed. After doing this we went to get some sawdust for Mr. Wilson, the horse-trainer. While my father was unloading I went to see the horses. Gannymede, a dark slim horse, was afraid when I touched it and drew into its stall quickly, but I soon won him over and we were quite good friends. While 1 was patting it, Torquil, the horse in the next stall, poked its head towards me and whinnied softly. Torquil was chestnut in colour and was very tame. It quite enjoyed my presence and let me pat it all over. The next horse was very young and had no name but was quite tame. It was also chestnut in colour. The next was dark and was named Raasay, and was very tame. Verysoon I heard my father calling, so I bade the horses “Goodbye” and went away after an enjoyable morning. Well. Chief Kiwi, 1 must close now with love to you and the other Kiwis. —Orange Certificate to Mary O’Neill, aged 10 years, 7.10 Avenue Road, Hastings ♦ * « ♦ When was it that there were hut 24 letters in the alphabet.—Before I' an I were thought of. —Orange Certificate fo Jack Murphy, age 10 years, Hastings road, Havelock North.

MY TOYB.

Dear Chief Kiwi,—l did not know, what to write about this week, so I will tell you about mv toys. The ones I like best of ill are my doll and pram, and her legs are so long that they stick out of the pram. I have a teddy bear which has no eyes and its arms and legs are nearly off. I have some small dolls and dolls' furniture, a teaset and a little sewing machine. I will close now, with love to you and the other Kiwis and thank you for the certificate. —Orange Certificate to Madeline Fox, age 6 years, 410 St. Aubyn Street, Hastings. ♦ * « ♦ HOW I SPEND SATURDAY. Dear Chief Kiwi,—This week I will tell you what I do on Saturday. I am glad we don’t have to go to school that day. During the morning 1 always go a message for my mother and some of my school chums come to play with me. We make mud pies and play the bat and ball. In the afternoon I go to the matinee at the Municipal. I like the cowboy pictures best. I must close now. with love to you and the other Kiwis. —Basil Fox, aged 8 years, 410 St. Aubyn Street, Hastings. I I ! i