THE SEA

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 134, 27 August 1927, Page 27

THE SEA

PRIZE-WINNING ESSAY Over two-thirds of this world rolls water called the sea, or ocean. Now this sea has proved to humanity a great help, and. it must be added, sometimes a great menace. Many large liners have travelled to far distant lands by means of this great water-way, and its current has borne many a large ship safely to port. Then, too, we must think of the treasures of the deep and how year by year she stores up untold wealth in her depths. But the sea has been the watery grave of many, and sometimes a huge liner, like a floating palace, will set out of port never to return. It might be overtaken by a storm, so frequent on the water* and miles out to sea, away from all human aid, sink, a battered hulk* to the fathomless bottom. Then also the sea has many moods. Sometimes in the morning we may see a calm, endless stretch of blue, broken here and there by the little foamflecked dancing waves, and by evening the wind has arisen and the waves dash themselves into showers of white spray, while the once little waves are now rising billows. So we see that the sea has many moods. It has many advantages and disadvantages: but, with it all, I think we should think of the sea as a place of great beauty and majesty, think of it only as calm and peaceful, and a place where many a weary soul can find peace and solitude. —Patrick McKeown, Grey Lynn, Auckland (aged 9). IF . . . If you had a pound to spend, wliat would you do —buy a pop-gun, a box of soldiers, a doll, some chocolates, or some fruit? I would buy none of these, but I would purchase a number of books and send them to the £iospital, or I would buy some material and make clothes for poor people. Shopping makes you feel grown up, especially if you dp it yourself. You can examine the toys and books, carefully buy them and, with a heart filled with pride, take them home and show them to your mother. If I really did have a pound to spend, what a splendid time I would have! When I was in town one day, I saw a pretty handkerchief sachet which I know mother would like. For father I would buy something useful, say a, a pair of slippers, or a tie. My little brother would be happy if I bought him a box of soldiers, or a hoop, or an engine, whereas my little sister would be quite content with a baby or sleeping doll. The little boy and girl who live next door have never been for a real picnic and oh! how happy they would be if I took them for one. Just to think of the glorious time we would have, swimming in the pond or river if there should be one near, fishing, or wandering in the bush in search of wild flowers and ferns. If it were blackberry time, we could gather big basketsful to take home to mother who, I am sure, would make us some jam. AU these things would I do if I did have a pound to spend, but an old adage tells us that “It is a little word with a big meaning! !” —Nola Craig, Auckland (aged 12), LITTLE YELLOW L ADIES little yellow daffodils Blowing in my garden. Where the sun shines all day long, With green weeds growing round them. Little yellow ladies Dancing in the garden. Bow their heads and fall asleep When the night comes down. —Lillian Dunkley (aged 12). THE COBBLER By the light of the moon, A wee cobbler mouse Sat mending wee boots, In his wee little house. He had quite a trade ’Mongst the field mice and elvesPerhaps some fine night You will see him yourselves. —Sent in by NANCY WALLER..