Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 6, 4 December 1926, Page 12

Aunt Roberta’s Family

AUNT ROBERTA’S LETTER

w’ero you bo? Come in at once and do th’ scrubbin’, lazy girl 1” Boy and Girl got down off tho fence in a hurry. “Now’s your chance, Polly, to get even ! Lot her do tho scrubbing herself,” said Boy, tho tempter. Polly, with a swift glance over her shoulder, throw down the balance of the peas and wriggled her small body under the fence. Tho threo fled pell-mell into tho bush, pursued by the racous voice of Polly s aunt. They only halted when they were deep amongst the trees, and safe from capture. When Boy was ablo to speak he said: “You two stay hero and I’ll slip along homo and get Polly something to cat. I’ll skirmish round a b-b-bit and see what’s doing with your aunt and uncle.” Polly shivored. “Gripes 1 Don’t lot ’em track you to ’ere. I’m so frightened ! I wish ter goodness I ’adn’t run away.” Boy and Girl on their part secretly were sorry that they had encouraged Polly to commit such a rash act. “It will bo all right,” Girl said shakily. “While you’re away. Boy, we’ll sco if we can find a cave.” (To bo Continued.) “OUR MAIL BAG.” Hazel Bennett and Margaret Brown : Your names have been entered on my roll and I am delighted to welcome you as members of the Family. Ethel Proctor: It was sweet of you to write to mo during such a busy time at school. I hope you passed the examination with flying colours. Yes, kittens aro very playful and so aro puppies. Much love, dear. Ray Morgan: Thanks so much for tho snapshot. The threo of you do look quaint in Dutch costume. Best wishes for a successful 'pass in your examination. RESULTS OF 40th COMPETITIONS. ORIGINAL VERSES—“A CHRISTMAS SCENE.” “Aunt Roberta” thanks her children for the excellent response. Tho best efforts of tho Seniors and Juniors aro published below, without any names. Ages aro given, as age should be taken into account when deciding which YOU consider to be the three best Verses. Competitors may vote for their own verses, if they honestly consider they aro as good as any of the published efforts. Please, EVERYBODY, send in voting papers IMMEDIATELY, in a separate envelope, marked—“VOTlNG PAPER ' ORIGINAL VERSES, 40th COMPETITIONS.” Voto thus: — i First Prize : Give the name of the verses. Second Prize: Give tho name of tho verses. Third Prize: Givo tho name of tho verses. Seniors must vote only for Senior Division verses and Juniors for Junior Division verses. Highly Commended and Commended marks will bo awarded when tho prizewinners’ names are. disclosed. SENIOR DIVISION. “CHRISTMAS NIGHT.” The day is drawing to a close, Twilight falleth soft and gray; The night is filled with murm’rous sounds; Ah 1 soon shall dawn fair Christmas Day. A drowsy hum of insects’ sounds: 1 The night bird to her niato doth > croon) Expectancy fills all the air, For Santa Claus will bo here soon. Tho green hills stand like sentinels Against tho dark blue sky; The summer flowers on the plain Seem with the rose-tinged clouds to vie. Tho Christmas lilies, tall and fair, Tho roses in their leafy beds, Await the coming of the morn And gently nod their graceful heads. Tho wild rose blooming on tho hill Sways to the song the cricket sings; The bluebells fairy music make— Like Christinas chimes their message rings. A cottage stands among the -trees. The blinds are drawn, tho lamp’s alight. How swift tho shades of night descend, Now high o’erhead tho stars gleam bright. ’Tis dark, all earih is fast asleep, And far across the fields there sounds The soft, sweet chiming Christmas bells — Saint Nicholas is on his rounds. ' (Aged 13 years.) “CHRISTMAS MORN.” ’Tis the hour beforo the dawn, When stillness doth prevail; The heavens are faintly tinged with grey, The starry legions pale; Sudden there comes a stir! ’Tis the voice of the waking trees. The first, clear call of a bird is borne On tho wings of tho whispering breeze. Hark to the message of joy That breaks o’er tho sleeping world; And see in the eastern sky The banners of dawn unfurled: Tho dawn of a day when peace Reigns in the home of man, When tho Hand of God in love Doth tho scattered nations span. Hark ! How with rapture the • woodlands are ringing, Each small feathered throat is in ecstasy singing; Hark ! llovv tho bells in tho steeples arc calling, Seo how tho rays of bright heaven arc falling On roof and on tree. -Each face is shining With joy; while love’s tendrils each heart is entwining. Seo how tho frolicsome breeze, musichaunted, Boars on tho message so joyfully chanted — “Let peace and goodwill, let lovo reign to-day.” Over tho hills it blows —and far away. (Aged 16 years.) “ONE CHRISTMAS EVE.” One Christmas Eve oil, long ago, I wished exceedingly To know what kind of wonder-man old Santa Claus might be; And so I scrambled out of bed, and, pattering o’er the floor, I hid me in the wardrobe, and behind me closed the door. Of course, with childish wisdom, I left a narrow crack Through which to peer at Santa Claus when he should turn his back. But, though I stayed there half th o night, • lie didn’t come at all, And I crept back to my warm bed, so cold 1 felt and small. I lay there very pensively and blinked my sleepy eyes, Till suddenly behind the hills I saw tho moon arise; And then I murmured. “Lady Moon, you know, I wish you'd tell If the fairies danco this Christmas Eve in their dim, fragrant doll?” Then the Lady Moon smiled such a smile it’s radiance dazzled mo, And, before I oped my eyes again a soft voice said —“Gladly Will I grant your wish this joyous eve, when for one magic hour I havo power to grant each spoken wish ' of child, or bird, or flower.”

My Dear Family,— I wish to make it clear that voting papers must REACH tho “Evening Standard” Office by FRIDAY AFTERNOON, December 10 1926, and the envelope MUST BE MARKED: “VOTING PAPER,’’ ORIGINAL VERSES, 40th COMPETITIONS.” I hope you will ALL vote, and not leave it to a tew. The Christmas Apron' has now been hung in the newspaper office. It is quite a smart affair, with “Christmas ‘ Wishes from ‘Aunt Roberta’s Family’ ” in white braid on the bib. It has pockets of ALL' sizes; some of them will hold more than one present. Please select presents that are small and not heavy. Be sure to mark in big letters on tho wrapping of your present : “Christmas Apron,” or the parcels may be forwarded on to me, and that would NEVER do. Miko would get hold of them and then some poor little children would have to go “presentless” this Christmas. I am anticipating that tho pockets will bo filled to overflowing. Janet MacPherson, Waipawa, writes: Please congratulate all those who have won special prizes. She also sends her love to her cousins. I am sorry to say that Betty King. Box 111, Hastings, whose name was “called” on November 6, has not answered. However Ilenrio Billig, Browns, saw his name, which appeared on November 13, and tho special half-crown prize is now in his possession. Lots of love. From “AUNT ROBERTA.” Cut out this coupon fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” o/o “Manawatu Evening Standard,” Palmerston North. My Name is My age is - My address is My birthday is I read "Aunt Roberta’s Family.” “AUNT ROBERTA’S FAMILY” Badges are obtainable at a cost of Is each (stamps or postal note). Please note, that those requiring Badges should send in their requisitions immediately, as the idea will be discontinued at tho end of the year. “THE LITTLE PEOPLE OF HAPPY VALLEY.” CHAPTER 5. POLLY RUNS AWAY. “Cock-a-doodle-do,” Girl and Boy called in chorus. .. , They were perched on tho top rail oi the diving fence. , , , , , “Gock-a-doodle-do, Polly’s found her shoe,” floated back, at which the children nudged each other delightedly, and said . “She can come out 1” . When Polly replied to tho question ot her little friends with: “Cock-a-doodle-do, Polly’s lost her shoe,” they know that it W!» impossible for her to meet them at tho fence. Generally, the answer was in tho disappointing negative. A couple of minutes later Polly appeared coming across the patch of land at one side of her uncle’s weatherboard cottage. It was in virgin form, being covered with long coarse grass, and rough with stones and small rocks. A= she drew slowly nearer, dejection in her attitude, they could see the marks of tears on her cheeks, and that. her eyes were red-rimmed and misty crying. The child’s long, yellow curls (tho secret envy of Girl’s heart) were pinned up in a bunch on the top of her head, giving her a quaint half-child, half-women look. The old, soiled dress she wore was sleeveless, and did not roach as far as her knees. She appeared to bo all logs and arms. She snuffled loudly as she shovelled peas into her mouth; the pods she ripped open with her fingers. A long vine of peas streamed behind her across tho grass as a fantastic train. They were not nice, green, fresh peas which Polly was eating 60 ravenously, but the remnants of a cropstale and yellow with age. The withered vines, with a few pea-pods left on them, had been raked up and stored in the loft over the stable, to be used as cattle feed. Polly had helped herself liberally. “I ’aven’t ’ad any breakfast but these bloomin’ peas,” were tho first words she spoke. “Oh!” cried Girl, aghast. She cast a furtive glance over the strawberry beds. Red fruit, which was ready for plucking, peeped irf plenty from beneath the leaves of tho plants. A handful would not bo missed and would help to appease the pangs of hunger from which poor, little Polly must lie suffering. But there was John, the G’hinaman, a lean figure, a few yards away. Girl knew by experience that nothing escaped his eye, however unconscious he might appear to bo. Polly would have to go without her strawberries. “See this —an’ this—an’ this—an’ this.” Polly displayed numerous black bruises on her arms and legs. “Under me frock I’m just the same. He beat me, the Polly checked the epithet trembling on her lips. She did not wish to shock her friends by a rudo expression. She realised dimly that they were a “little lady and gentleman.”

Boy’s eyes glared at something unseen in the distance, and ho made a lunge with' a clenched fist at an imaginary target, thereby nearly precipitating himself to the ground. “lie’s a beast —that’s what your uncle is !” he declared with vehemence. “Don’t cat any more of those peas, Polly dear,” Girl begged. Her eyes were fixed in horrified curiosity on Polly’s bruises. Sho paused in diffidence. It was a delicate subject sho wished to mention. “You’ll —you’ll get sick,” she said in a half-whisper. Polly thrust another podful into her hungry mouth. “Must —or I’ll die,” she said firmly. “What did your uncle beat you for?” Boy asked. , “He’s a —a cur !’’ lie exploded. “When I grow up, the first thing I’ll do will bo to flatten him out. I’ll land one on his nose —see” —he made a swift uppercut —“and follow it up with one on his fat jaw—this way .” He brought his fist within an inch of Girl’s chin. She cried: “O-o-o-o-oh!” You’ll have me down if you aren’t careful,” and hung on to tho fence. . “Ho come home with th’ para-let-icks, and said I guv ’im lip, an’. then ho ’it me ajvful. Aunt was scared stiff. She said I’d better sleep in ill’ loft an’ keep out of ’is sight or ho might do fer me. 'But she wouldn’t givo mo any breakfast this mornin’ or dinner neither. Sho said that p’r’aps starvin’ would take some o’ th’ starch out o’ me.” “Why don’t you run away and give them a fright?” Boy suggested savagely. He was deeply stirred at Polly’s account of her uncle’s brutality. "Yes, run away, that would frighten them,” Girl cried eagerly. Polly’s jaws ceased their work of chewing peas. She looked up at tho two children, squinting with tho sun in her eyes. “Where’d I run to?” she enquired. “Into the bush, with Girl and me’)” said Boy. “Wherc’d I feed an’ where’d I sleep?” she asked. “We’d feed you somehow and you could sleep m a . cave. Wo would see you every - ! v>'m So you wouldn’t be lonely.” 1 oily turned her blue eyes on the bush, which, that afternoon, seemed to bo dream.ng and waiting. She shook hea bead, and was about to say something, but, just at that moment her aunt’s piorc--1 mg voico camo from the cottage - “Polly

’’STRIVE HARD. AIM HIGH AND PLAY THE GAME.”

I felt a rush of cool, fresh air upon my eyelids then, And, when I opened them, I was alone in tho fairy glen; Not Paris in lonian vale, awaiting each goddess fair, Could havo watched more eager-eyed than I for fairy faces there. I sat upon a mossy mound, where flowert of many hues Held tiny, drowsy faces up for tho kiss of fragrant dews; And all around the fairy dell tho green 'trees, singing low, Rocked the baby birds to slumberland in the moon’s soft, golden glow. ) When, hush ! the trees stopped singing, the drowsy flowers awoke And moving through the forest bowers camo laughing fairy .folk; I held my breath in wonderment, nothing so fair I’d seen As the fragile, gold-haired graceful group now dancing on the green. Sweetly they sang and clearly, sweet as a mating thrush Sings to his lovo in leafy bowers in tho sunset’s happy hush; Filling the world with music, filling with bliss my hearty Filling me, too, with dread of the timo they must depart. And when they’d waved their good-byes, and gone from that sweet dell To their dim, delightful, far-off land to rest a little spell, t lifted my eyes to the Lady Moon, and — “I thank you so!” I said: Sho was laughing in through the window and I was in my bed ! (Ago 17 years.) “AN ENGLISH CHRISTMAS.” Soft falls the snow upon tho whitened ground And decks tho leafless trocs with crystal flakes; Sweetly tho Robins chirp (a joyful sound A Robin on an English Christmas makes) Brightly the scarlet holly berries glow Amid their leaves of deepest glossy green, And tightly clings the snow-white mistletoe Around the oak tree, with a lustrous sheen. The water wheel no longer churns to spray Tho mill stream that was wont to gurgle by, But silent stands to wait tho coming day That frees it from cold Winter’s icy tie. Where once the Lily reared her haughty • head The Christmas Rose lifts up its dewdrenched crown; The snow lies deep upon the garden bed, And clothes the pathway in a spotless gown. The dusk descends upon the peaceful land; Tho cottage lights stream forth with welcome gleam; And Nature, with a gently reaching hand, Hangs out tho moon to shed its silvery beam. Hark ! Now the Christmas bells, with Joyful pealing, Ring out tho Story sung to those of old, And echo after echo, softly stealing, Fades into silence on tho darkening world. (Ag 3 16 years.) “A RURAL CHRISTMAS SCENE.” Silence ! A dcathy silenco reigns Within this forest cool and green, Save for tile murmuring of tho stream, Ono of yon river’s silver veins. Ah! from tho trees no birds sing loud; The golden sunlight filters down Through leafy branches, green and brown, Far from tho noisy, bustling crowd. And look ! yon brook, like some device, In silver wrought, is babbling free. All, is it not a joy to be In 6uch an earthly paradise ? And out this forest, emerald jewel, There lio the ripening, sun-kjs3ed fields, Nourished by heat which Summer yields Freo from tho grip of Winter cruel. This dusty road, this sapphire sea, These snowy clouds in azure sky, Under proud Phoebus’ glowing eye; Do they not tell the tale to thee? Tho talo that Summer’s in our skies, That all the world is bright and gay, That life is good this sunny day, That everything in concord lies. For spring is passed and gone to rest, Yet, in her path, hath left her flowers And joys—to live the happy hours Of Summer, Goddess richly blessed ! (Ago 15 years.) JUNIOR DIVISION. “CHRISTMAS SCENE—FROM HUMAN ’ NATURE.” I am a happy little toiler known as the little inner man, I dwell inside a little boy and his digestion plan. Now Christmas time is coming I’ll havo such a lot to do — Thank goodness, my spring-cleaning will help me sec it through. First thing when he awakens, down will come a sweet; When his stocking’s emptied ho will have lots of things to eat — Oranges, bananas, chocolates and cake, Such a lot of luxuries that make my shoulders ache. Then for Christmas dinnerturkey and rich stuffing, Hot Christmas pudding, which certainly keeps me puffing; Fruit salad next, and jelly—dear me, how very funny ! Raisins and almonds —too much for one wee tummy. Then on top of this, ho sends mo down ice cream, Which freezes all my works and always makes mo dream. I wonder why I have to work so hard on Christmas Day, While other folks outside of man have Christmas games to play? Then when I go on strike, and for once refuse to toil, My cruel little master nearly drowns me in castor oil ! But I soon again recover, and raise a little cheer When I hear my master saying, “Christmas comes by once, a year !” (Age 11 years.) “CHRISTMAS DAY ON A FARM.” It was on a choice Waikato farm This scene on a Christmas Day; I lay in the shade of a huge nikau. While the men were raking the hay. With a smile on her face, tho busy housewife • ■> Was cooking tho dinner so grand; There was stuffed roast goose, and sucking pig, And a “duff” of the very best brand. When ready it was packed on a large old sleigh, Such a quoor old table for Christmas Day; Tho old “Neddy,” all decked with holly boughs, Never-stepped so gracefully in the plows.

This dinner was served ’neath the tall nikau, . . „ ~ . The Bel) Birds wero singing tho chimes, And wee lambs frolicked in a field near by; I shall never forget those times ! (Ago 11 years.) “A JOLLY CHRISTMAS.” Here comes Christmas, A jolly jocund Christmas, With church bells. ringing And children singing. Here comes Christmas, A sunny summer Christmas, With Santa Claus and his bag of toys, For all tho good little girls and boys. Here comes Christmas, A gladsome happy Christmas, With crackers, green peas and Ho ! what a sight for thq children’s eyes ! Here conies Christmas — ft comes but once a year; For Aunt Roberta and her Family It brings much love and cheer. (Ago 10 years.) “A CHRISTMAS DREAM.” It was the night of Christmas Eve. When Santa Claus his visit makes; I could not sleep, I could not leave Tho thoughts of toys and sweets and cakes. I heard the jingle of sleigh bells, And something clatter on the roof; Said I, “That 19 tho sign that tells Old Santa Claus is not a spoof.” Now down tho chimney with a crash, His bag of toys upon his back, Popped old Santa like a flash, And started fishing in his pack. Ho then brought forth a cricket bat, To knock a ball ten miles away; He laughed until 110 shook liis fat— Said lie, “I’ll make these children gay.” Oh, disappointment! ’Twas a dream, For, even though my sock was stuffed. Old Santa Claus, so it does seem, Has ail -ho visits nicely bluffed. (10 years.) “SANTA CLAUS AT MARY’S PLACE.” ’Twas Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus Came gliding o’er tho snow; He came at last to Mary’s place— They expected him, you know. Tho socks were hung all in a row. Around the fireplace wide, There wero Mary’s, Jifn’s and Tommy’s, too, And baby Jane’s beside. “They must bo filled,” said Santa Claus, As ho down tho chimney slid, And then he opened up his bag, And some parcels he undid. He filled the stockings to tho top, And then he went away. And oh ! how pleased "those children were When they wakened on Christmas Day. (Age 10 years.) “MARY’S CHRISTMAS DAY.” Mary was twelve on Christmas day And woke in the morn feeling happy and say, For sho know in the hall there stood a tall tree Hung with bright toys, in all, twentythree*. Tliero was a boat, as though tossed’ on rough seas, Blown this way and that- by tho strong breeze. • ... A cart with its shafts .well up in the air, And nearby, sprawling' a doll with fair hair, ' • A golly, with hair as though stiff with fright, Stared at a clown from a face black as night; And a cat, with blue bow at its neck tied, Looked pleased as it viewed the mouso by its side. ’ A Noah’s Ark; nestled among the dark greenery, Whilo a lot of the animals looked out at the scenery; An art silk cushion filled full of pins, In the midst sat two Kcwpies with shining pink skins. A row of tin soldiers quite spick and span, Holding their guns as all soldiers can; While, guarding the lot, with a face very glum, Was a great, big, fat, old policeman. As the guest children, gazed with eyes open wide, There appeared Father Christmas (with Daddy inside); Ho then on the toys with all haste seized, And with each one the guests were very much pleased. They then stood and sang a bright Christmas song, W’liich was not too short and not too long; Then with happy smiles they skipped round the tree, After which they ran off to havo Christmas tea. (10 years.) “SANTA CLAUS.” As tho last long lingering echo Of midnight’s mystic chime Combs floating through my window, Like the wind when it’s in rhyme. I smile to seo tho world so sweet and gay. I would smile more if Santa Claus Just catno along this way, And joined in all our fun and play. But ho is such a busy man. And thankful wo must bo To know he gladdens little hearts With toys for you and mo. I know he never will forget Tho little suffering ohildren, Who cannot skip and romp, as yet, But lio with patience smiling. (11 years.) ROLL CALL: Phyllis Adams. the most disagreeable job. The competitors whoso entries aro tho most amusing aro awarded tho prizes: SENIOR DIVISION : FIRST PRIZE (ss) : DAPHNE GUTZEWITZ. 22 Janet street. Invercargill (15 years). SECOND PRIZE (2s 6d): JESSIE LLOYD, P. 0.. Bay View, , Napier (12 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED: Jack Durham (good—but too long drawn out), Rebecca McLeod. Robert Sinclair. Rita Puddle, Gladys Hughes. COMMENDED: Myrtle Whyte, Joan Allison, Mollio Puddlo Evelyn Roberts, Priscilla Woods, • Kenneth Mailman, Phyllis Nicholls, Ruby Luce. JUNIOR DIVISION: , FIRST PRIZE (4s): EDITH CRANTON, Kelvin Grove, - Palmerston North (10 years). SECOND PRIZE (2s): DAISY RAE, Leet street, Ifivcrcargill (8 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED: Laurence Bunn, Ralph Holmes, Grace Taylor, Ngaero Lane, Ilao Holmes. Lily Maxwell, Annette Bristow. COMMENDED: Billy Tart.

SENIOR DIVISION. FIRST PRIZE. Disagreeable jobs generally fall to the lot of those who look for them; but when this particular job came my way, I was certainly not looking for it —indeed, the dire and dreadful news came like a thunderbolt. I was to tako my little cousin tr/ the dentist! Now, this might not scorn '■cry disagreeable to a stranger who did. not know Winnie; but to mo it was —well, tragic. On Saturday aiternoon, however, I set gravely forth. Everything was fresh, and '♦right, but to mo tho whole world appeared dark and threatening. When wo arrived at tho door, Winnie refused to go any further, but by dint of extravagant promises of countless ice creams, we roach--cd tho torture-chamber. I still feel sorry for that poor misguided man who undertook to extract Winnie’s tooth. Winnie had a rooted aversion to anyone probine in her mouth, and I was suddenly starilei by a terrified yell, as the dentist’s thurnl emerged from two rows of vindictive teeth. However, the worst was yet to come. Winnie had been given “painless,” but onco the pincers got hold of her tooth —it was bedlam. That martyred dentist pulled one way, and the tooth, or, rather, Winnie, pulled the other, with the result that, when it did come out tho dentist came too. I succeeded in getting Winnie away, but never, never to my dying day shall I forget that scene, and never, never will I lake another child to a dentist. Indeed, .1 think that dentist will tell all his fellowdentists, with tho result t-hut I would bo barred from their doors, for fear I had a little girl behind me ! (Daphno Gutzewitz.) Other prize-winning entries will be published next week.