Aunt Roberta’s Family

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 250, 20 September 1929, Page 10

Aunt Roberta’s Family

AUNT ROBERTA’S LETTER.

BETTY AIRD, BOX 11, RONGOTEA, would like 7,8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 2d, 23, 24, 25 26 27, 29, 32, 38 and all others above this except Nos. 45, 46 and 47, of Zoos. She has to give away of Zoos—9, 33, 34, 35, 36 (2), 37, 45. Also popular film stars to give away in exchange—8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 25, 43.

Dear Nieces and Nephews,—

After school hours or during holiday times there is no trouble in keeping New Zealand children occupied. Here there are gardens and beaches and playgrounds. In rainy weather verandahs protect from the wet,' while they give the kiddies fresh air. All houses have fireplaces, where children may foregather during the winter afternoons. Not so in New York, where there are few public playgrounds and what there are are not attractive. Grass grows timidly in the dirty air. Petrol fumes seem to stunt the growth of all green things, so that to walk on the grass is a forbidden pleasure, and shady trees are not plentiful. Beaches are hours away, and verandahs are quite out of the picture. Radiators are not at all the same sociable things that fireplaces are. But there is a wonderful children's library, and here, one or two afternoons a week, soft-voiced women gather the children around them for a story hour. This is a popular time for everyone. Children come from all parts of the city to this large, quiet, well-lit and well-ven-tilated room. Little Italians, Greeks and Swedes come from East Side tenements. Well-dressed little “ladies and gentlemen” from Upper Fifth Avenue are left and called for by tutors and governesses. Mere babes of four and five are brought, who love the pretty picture books and the nice ladies who show them everything. Large numbers of children come constantly and treat the books surprisingly well, sure proof of the success of this entertainment. A stxn-y is told of a queen’s visit to the library. She was Elizabeth of the Belgians, and she lingered in the children’s room while in vain it was suggested that she should see the other sections. The Queen only smiled and said: “I am content,” and went on looking at picture books. . . . Badges were posted about a week ago to the following boys and girls:—Norrie Taylor, Gwen Eades, A. J. Drummond, Eric Corry, Arthur King, Berenice Hardie, Ethel Procter, Marie Dolan, Freda Lewis, Dorothy Lange, Myra Newman, Ruth Tunnicliffe, Olive and Ettio Shanks. I now have six in my possession—and “first come first served.” “Please thank Apple Blossom for her romaiks,” says Ronnie Dalefield. “Please thank Maieie Pratt for her congratulations,” remarks Mervyn Dalefield. , Fuzz Buzz says: “Do Your Level Best,” sent in by Vera Butt, is a beautiful poem; please congratulate her on her choice.” “Please congratulate all recent prize winners for me. I think some of the juniors write very nice stories.” These are the remarks of Ocean Spray. Toge says: “I notice that Merle Collier is in hospital. I fear I won’t have time to write to her but I wish her a speedy recovery.” Rata says: “I notice that Eula Arthur docs not write. She was a wonderful essay writer. Please congratulate all the recent prize-winners, especially the juniors. They are wonderful. They write such lovely little essays.” “Pleaso thank the Cub and Country Maid for the nice things they say about my latest ideas. I felt very proud to see the first entry t,o the ‘Do you know’ corner, also to see that the cigarette corner is getting its share of interest,”- writes Betty Aird. .; . . . Maieie.Pratt writes: “I was sorry to hear that Merle Collier is in the hospital. I enjoyed l’eading the story . written by Nicodemus, namely, ‘A Vain Pilgrimage.’ Please congratulate her (or him) lor me.” “Please thank Doris Sprange . for her kind congratulations,” says Audrey Drummond. I never miss reading the page although I have been so busy.” Peggy Meredith says: “Please congratulate Nicodemus on his story, ‘The Vain Pilgrimage.’ What a wonderful imagination he (or she) must have. What a lovely story lof Ronnie Dalcficld’s—-‘Whitewash.’ Please convey my sympathy to Merle Collier.” Country Maid sends her hearty congratulations to all recent prize winners and good writers. “Please give my best wishes to Merle Collier. If she likes I will send her some books or postcards. It is dreary in a hospital.” These are the remarks' of Basil Henderson, whose address is Waikana, Mataura, Southland, if Merle wishes to write to him direct. I am pleased to say that EDNA BROWN has answered to the Roll Call of the 6th September, and the half-crown special prize has been sent to her. Edna says: “Pleaso do not think because I have not written to you this long time that I have forgotten you, for I haven’t, and I am just as keen to read your page as I was when I first joined the Family. It is progressing wonderfully and I just love reading the little stories. The juniors are very clever people and - they write delightful little stories. I liked ‘My Visit to the King,’ by Rosaleen, very much. She is clever for her age. I wish the Family every success.” Lily Gore, Rural Delivery, Feilding, whose name was “called” 23rd August has failed to answer. Lots of love, From, £Luut, vtixtCU “Aunt Roberta’s Family” Badge costs Is each (stafnps or postal note). ENROLMENT COUPON. Cut out this coupon, fill it in, and post to “Aunt Roberta,” care “Standard.” My Name is My age is My Address is My Birthday k 1 read “Aunt Roberta’s Familly” Page. Signature of Parent, Guardian or School teacher Sent in by 5s SPECIAL PRIZE. To: BETTY CHRISTENSEN, SNOOKUMS and REMUS, who have gained 30 points by highly commended and commended marks. COMPETITION "FOR “SILENT” MEMBERS. A half-crown prize will be awarded to the niece or nephew whose name is mentioned in the following list of “silent” members, who writes the BEST LETTER, saying if they still read “Aunt Roberta’s Family” page, and are interested in the doings of members, also telling Aunt Roberta about themselves. Highly commended and commended marks will also be awarded. ALL LETTERS MUST BE POSTED TO “AUNT ROBERTA” BY NEXT SATURDAY, 28th SEPTEMBER, 1929, AND MUST BE HEADED “COMPETITION FOR SILENT MEMBERS.”: PHYLLIS ABRAHAM, HILDA BELL, CLIFFORD lIANEEY, PHYLLIS RODDEN, CLIFFORD WALSH, FRANCES MUMFORD, DOREEN FORD, RAY HORMANN. CIGARETTE CARD EXCHANGE. (Cigarette cards are not to be sent to Aunt Roberta, but are to be exchanged among members of the family). , KITTY HENDERSON, 7 WILLIAM STREET GORE, has three albums of cigarette cards,, and if anv members .would like some, please write to her direct.

LITERARY CORNER. Favourite verses, opinions of various books and short descriptive passages out of well-known books will be published in this corner each week. And as ho read, from clustering pine and cedar A silence seemed to fall; The fir trees gathering closer in the shadows Listened in every spray; While the whole camp, with Nell on English meadows, Wandered and lost their way.

The theme of this verse is a gold rush in the Sierra mountains and ono of the gold-seekers had had the book of the story of Nell on English meadows. This is only one of the verses, but this part lodges’ in my memory, just why I cannot explain; often I imagine the fir trees swaying towards them and seeming to listen. I do not know the author and I forget the title, but I am sure this will not lessen the beauty, of these few simple lines. —Julie.

OUR MAIL BAG. SCOTCH BLUEBELL: Oh, dear, what a sad pity about the ice-cream ! Thanks for the lovely kisses. FUZZ BUZZ : I will tell you a secret— I never have a holiday, because if I did you would all be SO disappointed because there would be no “Aunt Roberta’s Family page to read 1 And I can’t trust Lizzie or Miko to take my place ! JEAN BUTLER: Please choose another nom-de-pluine, as “Brown Eyes” has already been taken. I am delighted to welcome you as a member of the Family. Please fill in the enrolment coupon and 6end to me. RIYERHEAD GOLD: A long time ago we had the Number Puzzle —but I think members have forgotten it my now. Thanks for the suggestion. OCEAN SPRAY : A very good suggestion, indeed. Thanks, my dear. You have 26 h.c. and c. marks. Best wishes. TOGE: You have 25 h.c. and c marks to your credit. I’m delighted that you are going to send in some entries again. I’m afraid I cannot help you as regards placing the verses; there is practically no opening in New Zealand—and it is not much better in Australia. You might try the Women’s Mirror, Sydney. This will be sufficient address. The poem you send for our Literary Corner is indeed charming. Best wishes, nephew Togo. ARIEL: Many thanks for the most interesting letter. Love and best wishes. RATA : I think it was most unselfish of you to spend the 5s special prize in that way. I kept all the kisses for myself as Lizzie and Miko are in disgrace just now! Best love, my dear. CPIITTABOB: I hope you pass the violin examination with flying colours. Thanks for the nice kisses. CYRIL JOSEPH SPELMAN: You are very welcome. Just fill in the enrolment coupon and 6end it along to me. NORMAN TURNER: Your name has been put on my roll. Love and best wishes to a little now nephew. AUDREY BARKER: You 1 did splendidly in the exam., I think. Little Juno will be very welcome. Lots of love to all. NANCY BARKER: You are a clever little girl. I expect you love arithmetic. Thanks for the nice big kiss. CHRISTMAS CAROL: I hope you received the badge safely and like it very much. ETHEL M. DOYLE : So pleased to receive your little letter. The nom-de-plume will do very well. The kisses were sweet —thanks, my dear. MAISIE PRATT: I do hope you get a good pass. I know what it is to bo nervous, my dear. AUDREY DRUMMOND: We have missed you very much, Audrey. You have 26 h.c. and c. marks to your credit. Love and best wishes. PEGGY MEREDITH: Please cheese another nom-de-plume; Deerfoot has been taken.

COUNTRY MAID:. Indeed, you are a much travelled young lady ! Do you ever get sea-sick? Thanks for tho competition suggestion, which is most uncommon. Tell mother I was delighted to receive her letter of appreciation. Love and best wishes. EDNA BROWN: What a very sad happening. My sympathy to you and all those concerned. REMUS: I am sorry to hear about the sudden death of your uncle. My grandfather died of tho same disease. You have my deep sympathy. Please wish Rosaleen many happy returns of the 3rd. Love to you all. BETTY AIRD: If I had the ’flu, my dear, I would have to disappoint you all. Luckily, I am very healthy, and if I am sick I soon get better. I did appreciate the sprig of heather all the way from Bonnie Scotland. Lots of love.

ROLL CALL: Hazel Bennett,

SILENT MEMBERS’ COMPETITION. Prize ■ letter - (2s 6d) and 4 marks: GLADYS STIMPSON. Highly Commended: DAISY HADFIELD. RESULTS OF 18TII COMPETITIONS. There were very few entries, due no doubt to school examinations and then tho holidays. I hope my children will make up for it by sending in a large number of entries to the 19th Competitions. HOME FLASHLIGHTS. I had looked forward to receiving some very good papers, as we all love our homes, however humble, and see their charm. It was unlucky that I happened to choose examination and holiday time for what I consider is an excellent subject. SENIOR DIVISION. Prize (4s) and 4 marks: MAY SWAIN. Highly Commended: Remus, Clematis, Kat, Ethel Procter, Innocenco. INTERMEDIATE DIVISION. Prize (4s) and 4 marks: BETTY AIRD. Highly Commended : Rata, Millie Procter, Ruth Barker, Weka. Commended: Alyce Hancox. JUNIOR DIVISION. Prize (2s 6d) and 4 marks: LIGHTNING. Highly Commended: Rosaleen, Hazel Collins, Blue Eyes, Mary English, Tinklebell, Ettie Shanks. Commended : Olive Shanks. IN THE JUNGLE. More living creatures lurked in the jungle of words than many competitors suspected. - A small proportion searched until they found 14. The creatures were: Lion, hare, rat, goat, elk, camel, cat, sow, ling, swine, deer, emu, ass, moth. SENIOR DIVISION. Prize 2s 6d and 2 marks: MADRIGAL. Highly Commended (also 14 correct names) : Redwing, Bogus, Adonis. Commended (1 mistake): Remus, May Swain, Ethel Procter, -Bessio Holland, Lyndeen, Anna Lee, Allen-a-dale.

OUR MOTTO: "CHARACTER AND PERSEVERANC

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION. Prize 2s 6d and 2 marks: OCEAN SPRAY. Highly Commended (also 14 correct names) : Moon Fairy, Ajax, Kiwi. Commended: Reg Morgan, Peggy Meredith, Christmas Lily, Betty Aird, Fuzz Buzz, Arnold Dalefield, Jack Dredge, Vera Martin, Weka. JUNIOR DIVISION. Prize 2s 6d and 2 marks: DAISY. Highly Commended : Riverhead Gold, Keith Kjtching, Lightning, Gargoyle, Sunshower, Hazel Collins. Commended: Ronnie and Mervyn Dalefield, Bruco Taylor, Kitty Henderson, Rosaleen, Bo Peep. . LETTERS FROM “SILENT” MEMBERS. PRIZE. Dear Aunt Roberta, — It is nearly' five years since I became one of your nieces, but so long has it been since I’ve written that I am very much afraid that I cannot deny being a silent member. However, I always read the Page and when- I saw my name I decided to write, to you, for when wo were children, Aunt Roberta, we told you all our joys and troubles, and now we have “growed up” we ought to remember, and send you our love sometimes. This “growing up” is a great business, and sometimes I want to go in search of the Never-Never Land, and dwell for ever with Peter Pan. But at other times I am glad I’m growing old enough to do my share in the old world. It isn’t a very big share, I’m afraid, but Gladys at eighteen is wiser than Gladys of thirteen, and dreams no more of fame and fortune. Not that I’ve lost my ideals, but they have changed. If I can help to brighten up my little corner of the earth I guess I’ll be satisfied. Maybe, I’m only a little cog in a big machine, but even little cogs are important in keeping the machinery running smoothly. So much for philosophy. And now for a brief account of my life since I last wrote. For three years I went to Tec., and I am now one of the groat army of workers. These last years have taught me much. I have played and worked, laughed and suffered, but I wouldn’t be without any of my experiences, even the nasty ones, though I grumbled at them at the time. We may not get just what we want out of life, but sometimes tilings plan out better for us. So when I get a disappointment I just think something nice will follow after and it cheers mo up. . , I must stop as I can t write much, having a poisoned finger. My love to you and my compliments to Lizzie. And now, in the words of Samuel Pepys, to bed. I remain, your loving niece, GLADYS STIMPSON.

lITGHLY COMMENDED,

Dear Aunt Roberta, —

Although it is a considerable time since I have written to you, I wish to let you know that I am still as keenly interested as formerly. It was due to my interest that I observed my name amongst those of 7 other members in the local paper. As I read your page each week I seem to he very familiar with it, and I felt rather ashamed of myself at being classed as a “silent member”; however, I hope to be a frequent writer in the future. I- enjoy- reading the efforts of your nieces and nephews, more especially the iunior members, whose work is very creditable. I think your organisation is developing and creating (if it has not already done so) “character and perseverance'’ amongst the happy family. I am at present making tho most of the second term vacation, because when I return to school I shall have to work earnestly because I am sitting for the Public Service entrance examination at the end of this year. I was invited to spend these holidays on a farm but, owing to sickness breaking out in their home, I was prevented from going. The old saying, “Life is full of disappointments,” appears to be true, for I was very disappointed at not being able to go. The joys of riding a horse and letting tho fresh, country air rush past my ears wore quickly chased out of my mind when I received the news. Hoping this letter finds you and your Family onijoying the best of health. I remain, ’ your sincere niece, DAISY lIADFIELD.

HOME FLASHLIGHTS. SENIOR DIVISION. PRIZE ENTRY. Slowly I walked along the deserted road at sunset one evening, and, turning tho last bend, I stood still, delighted and amazed at tho beautiful 6cene before me. There, set back in the grassy fields, and snugly sheltered from the blustering winds by a row of tall macrocarpa trees on one side, and by native bush stretching away at tho back, 6tood our house. Every gleaming window was filled with "•olden light as the beams from. the sinking sun danced over the glittering panes on to the fresh cream walls and red roof. Just in front of the house was the garden, and peeping over the ivy-covered fence were huge sunflowers, swaying in the gentle breeze and nodding gaily to each other. By the verandah a young monkey-puzzle stood out vividly as the sunlight transformed the ivy and honeysuckle twining over the verandah from fresh green leaves into sparkling gold. On the other garden fence, leading to the hack door, gay 6weet-peas and ivy were thickly intertwined. As from the road I watched the scene, our old grey cat jumped on to the fence, and sat there, blinking drowsily in the mellow light, the picture of contentment. Far to the left and right stretched the fields of fresh luxuriant grass and clover. In one field a herd of sleek cows stood knee-deep in the succulent pasturage. Farther off five horses kicked and rolled, enjoying themselves after their day’s work, and still further away a small flock of sheep and lambs gambolled and frolicked. Nearer to the house were the outbuildings, painted cream and chocolato, with red roofs. As the last sunbeams stole softly over the house, I turned away with the beautiful picture stamped indelibly in my mind. Above was the softly tinted sky; below were the green meadows with the homely farmhouse set like a jewel in their midst. No palace is this winch I have described; it is only a simple farm-house, hut to me it is more —it is home. I —MAY SWAIN (15 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED. My homo looks as if it had started off to climb a slight bill, and, getting tired halfway up, had stopped to rest in the shelter of a plantation of sycamore and gum-trec6, as it is built on a terrace in tho middle of four hundred acres of green fields. It is a square country farm-house painted cream, with chocolate coloured facings. Tho dark eaves over the windows look like quaint eyebrows. A holly hedge encircles tho garden. Country peace reigns supreme. Each morning the lowing of cattle, bleating of- sheep and singing of birds add their music to Nature’s peaceful morning anthem. . A drawing-room, furnished in oak and blue furniture, occupies the front of the house, A few etchings on the walls and a china cabinet with a few choice specimens of Doullon and Ainsley ware give an air of quiet dignity to this room. A bedroom and hall complete the front of the houso, and, being a mere lx>y, I don’t bother much with that portion of tho house. I am more intimately concerned in my own bedroom, the diningroom and kitchen. My sisters’ bedroom

is opposite the dining-room, and my room comes next. It has two single beds in it, a duchess table - and che6t-o£-drawers. Ihe linoleum on the floor is almost covered with mats made out of skins which my brothers and I have shot. A few pictures hang on tho walls and a bookcase contains my favourite books. Our fishing rods hang on ono side of the door and our rifles on the other side. The dining-room is our living room, and is a very big room, on the walls of which hang ■ some paintings in oils and water colours. Two bookcases fill the recesses on each side of the large oldfashioned fireplace in which we burn logs of wood, and also coal, which light up and reflect the gleaming silver and mirror in the sideboard opposite. ,A player-pia.no fills one corner and a long table occupies the centre of the room. Dad’s special armchair is on one side of the fireplace; chairs, couch and a machine fill ujj the remaining spaces, while usually our pet black cat is sitting on- a humpty or lying in the fender in front of the fire. Ornaments on the mantelpiece and flowers in every possible place finish this room. Next comes the kitchen with its shining range and dresser of gleaming crockery. A table, sofa and chairs are all the furniture this most important room in the house contains. What delectable dishes, cakes, scones and buns are made here ! What a tempting smell reaches us hungry folk as we corne in from work and rush into the bathroom, turn on the tap and 6plash and splutter for a few moments and emerge ready to do full justice to the good things prepared there. The description of my home is now complete, after mentioning the storeroom, washhouse and coalhouse which occupy the back part of the house. —REMUS (15 years).

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION

PRIZE ENTRY.

Our home adjoins my father’s shop, and from the outside is not beautiful, but inside, to me, is a very cosy place—and home. We have no trees and only a very tiny garden with big clusters of forget-me-nots, a few sweet-peas, and a geranium bush, which, when in bloom, is a mass of glorious white and pale pink flowers. Inside—the kitchen is like most kitchens—cosy and bright, with handy little things like pincushions and kettle holders here and there, and bright canisters upon the mantelpiece, below which is a lovely hand autographed photo of the film star— Marion Davies. Two calendars hang in spacer which would otherwise lie bare, and a “grand-father” clock stands in a corner by the sewing-machine. Now—to my brothers’ bedroom. Ihe main colour in this small room is heliotrope. Tho wallpaper, quilts, dressingtable, cover and rugs are of this pretty shade. This room is tho first to “see’ the sun in the morning, and so always has a pleasant and cheerful air about it. Then my room, which is also bright, is pink and white. The wallpaper is of these two pretty colours and reminds me of 6trawberries and cream. The single, pinkquilted bed is by the window, and a wardrobe, dressing-table, ottoman and two chairs complete the furniture, while on the walls hang two huge oil paintings in gold frames. On the wardrobe top are all °niy treasured belongings, among which are a hockey stick, a tennis racquet and a sewing attache case—a “goodbye gift from my friends in Scotland. The dining-room comes next with its blue and gold curtains and cushions. A lovely flowered carpet is on the floor, and on this stands two small tables suitable for cards or a small gramophone, a dark mahogany sideboard and piano, and a chesterfield suite arranged so os to be both cosy and attractive. Tho walls are covered with numerous large pictures in dark ebony frames, and a few bright gold frames hold photos of brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mine, may I whisper it, a coloured one, has the place of honour above the mantelpiece. To complete the “flashlight” is mothers and father’s room, which has no window to the outside and is lighted by a large window, 6ome 6ft. square, from the kitchen. This room has dark wallpaper, with a bright frieze, and the colour scheme is white, which seems to make it lopk “silent.” That is our home, nothing rich or outstanding, but first in our eyes—and “Home, Sweet Homo” to me. BETTY AIRD (13 years).

HIGHLY COMMENDERD. “North, South, East, West, Home’s best.” My home is the homo of passages and porches. Passages in all directions, porches for all purposes, the chief being the entrance porch 27ft. by 14ft.—an ideal place to sit out on, and read or rest. There is a pretty sun porch also, closed in. This is the sleeping porch of a crippled brother and one of the sunniest spots in all the house, as the sun shines there all day, and at night the .son of the house shines there, for he is very lively. We have seven bedrooms. Mine is in violet. We have also a front room, kitchenette and a large dining-room, also a bathroom, which is done in white enamel. I think my favourite room is the dining-room, for there of an evening, when tea is over, the easy chairs and couch are drawn round the fire and wo all sit down and read, sow, do homework or play games. 1 —RATA (13 years).

HIGHLY COMMENDED. My home is situated near the railway station. There are , five bedrooms, a kitchen, a dining-room, a bathroom and a pantry. The kitchen is the biggest room. It has two cupboards, a sewing machine and a big tablo in it. The dining-room is not quite so big, and the bedrooms are of various sizes. In the front of the house there are flower-beds, with a path up the centre, which leads to a verandah, in the middle of which is the front door. On either side of the door there are two windows. On one side of tho house is a small paddock and on the other there is a long flower-bed and a path between the house and garden. Then there is a yard at the back of the house where there are two sheds, a washhouse and a tool shed. There are two safes, and a small shed where we separate our milk. —MILDRED PROCTER (12 years). JUNIOR DIVISION. PRIZE ENTRY. A high hedge surrounds my home and passers-by cannot see it, but if you come with me I will show you what a jolly place it is. An old, old house, that has been added to time and again, it stands in a rather neglected garden where weeds and flowers grow together in friendly rivalry. There are always flowers blooming, but it is not because they receive any care. The vegetable garden is dad’s pride, and here he coaxes plants to grow and wages war on the slugs. A wide gravel path leads from the gate to the big shed. Half of this is dad’s, half is ours. Here we play on. wet days, and in a moment we change' our shelter to a ship or a train. Against the fence is the kennel where Toby sleeps, and a tiny fowl-house has its place at the back. Our swing is under the willow tree, and in one corner is dad’s fine strawberry plot. It is very cramped and small, this yard of ours, but peep through the netting at the back and you will see a meadow full of oats, where there are dozens of Bheep with their tiny lambs. They have been there only a week and I love to watch them. Now come along this small concrete path and in through the front door. Tho passage is wide and ten yards long —such a lot of polishing it takes to make it so bright. We pass four bedrooms, and so come to ths sitting-room, and I hope'

vou will notice all those trophies there that dnd lias won on his racing cycle. You get onlv a tiny peep at this next room, for it is the spare room where we play, and I am afraid it is rather untidy to-day. Here is the lumber room and at tho end of that passage is the bathroom. Now come into tho kitchen and have a cup of tea, for mother and my sisters are waiting for us. I will show you out through the back door. Across the porch, and under the shady archway we go, and so reach the wide path again. I hope you enjoyed your visit and*that you will come again soon. . . , Such is the home where I live with the kindest of mothers and fathers and three little sisters. ' . LIGHTNING (9 years).

HIGHLY COMMENDED. My home is a six-roomed house, painted cream. It is built on a slight full. It has a background of sycamores and gum-trees. Behind tho house is the implement shed, chaff house and garage. Further back is the stable and cow-byre. The first sound I hear every morning is tho twittering of the birds, lowing o cattle and bleating of sheep. There are three berdooms, drawingroom, dining-room and kitchen. My bedroom is papered with pink paper. It lias a duchess ttable, wardrobe, washstand and two beds. Cream curtains wave to and fro in the breeze through the open window. A beautiful picture of Our Lord hangs over my bed. When I lie in bed l can see reflected in tho wardrobe mirror a gum-tree in a corner of the garden. Its silvery leaves are never still, always restless, always sighing, and the birds flit in and out of it. . Our dining-room is very big. It is papered in two colours. In one corner is the piano. The table is in the centre of tho room. Behind it stands the sideboard, tho silver on which js reflected back 1 rom a mirror over the mantelpiece. A bookcase stands in the recesses on each side of the fireplace. Dad’s armchair is on ono side and Mum’s on the other side of a big fireplace with hobs in which we burn logs, and the blaze of the fire shining on the polished floor casts a rosy glow over the whole room. A couch, chairs and machine fill other places in the room. There are a few stands with pot plants, and vases of flowers everywhere. Our kitchen has a table, sofa .and chairs, a dresser full of crockery and shiny dishes, and a range. The backroom and storeroom are across a small passage. A’nice little lawn is at the back of the house with such a pretty tree growing in the middle of it. —ROSALEEN (8 years). HIGHLY COMMENDED. I live in a big old house surrounded by a high hedge. We have a small flower garden and a lovely vegetable plot. Our house has seven rooms, and one of these is my bedroom, ail furnished in white. It is such a pretty room. There are three other bedrooms and a long passage. The sitting-room has a soft carpet and big easy chairs. Our kitchen is big and sunny and has all kinds of conveniences. There is a spajje room, a bath room and a pantry. At the back is a wide path and a shady archway. I live with my dear mother and father, my two sisters and my brother. Hazel Collins (6 years).

HIGHLY COMMENDED.

Our home is on a farm a good way from town, but we make the best of it and keep it nice and cosy. I like to see a comfortable home where you can have 6ome enjoyment and plenty of good food to cat to make strong and healthy children.

• We have a few nice pictures on the walls. I do not j like to see bare walls, but I don’t like to see a lot of pictures hanging as it looks too much like a picture show. But I think the best picture of all is our mother, as a home is no home without a mother, and we should keep with her as long as we can, and do all we can for her. Ettie Shanks. CRISPIES. An Aberdonian called at tho Lost Property Office at Scotland Yard and inquired: “If anybody has found a threepenny bit with a hole in it, and the date 1923.” On being informed that no report had been received he said he would call again. He called the following Monday and found the roadway up. “Tut! Tut! he said to the officer, “I did not mean you to take all that trouble 1” * * * * Mrs O’Brien: “Was your husband in comfortable circumstances when he died ?” Mrs Finnegan; “No, ’e was under a train.” Sunday school teacher; “Now, Jack, what parable do you like best?” Jack: “Please, teacher, I like the one where the man loafs and fishes.” * •# # Lady (to boy in poultry 6hop) : “I want to see the biggest goose you have.” Boy: “Wait a moment, please, and I’ll bring father.” » * Husband (to P.M.) : “She’s been throwin’ things at me all our married life, your Worship.” P.M.: “And this is tho first time you’ve complainpd in twenty years.” Husband; “It’s the first time she’s hit me.” * * * * “And you wouldn’t begin a journey on Friday ?” “Not me !” “I can’t understand how you believe in such silly superstitions.” “No superstition about it —Saturday’s pay-day for me.” * * * * As a matter of fact/ observed the host, his daughter having just given the company a song, “I’m sending her abroad to finish her singing lessons.” “I don’t blame you,” said a guest.

A JOLLY GAME. The players sit in a circle and the first one begins: “I went into a restaurant and I had a cup of tea.” The second player says the same, but, adds something else, such as “I went into a restaurant and had a cup of tea and a grilled chop.” The third says “I went into a restaurant and I had a cup of tea and a grilled chop and (say) tomatoes.” The articles have to be said in order, and it becomes very amusing when there are eight or nine tilings to say.