Big Sister's Page

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 22, 22 December 1932, Page 10

Big Sister's Page

BIG SISTER’S LETTER

Dear Brothers and Sisters, I think this is the most exciting day in the short history of our Page .—(“prize-giving day,” shall we call it? The Ladder Competition has drawn to a close for this year, and by glancing at the Ladder you will see just where you are. Of course, it must be taken into consideration that many who have one foot on the Ladder, or who are just half-way, have joined quite recently, and have not, therefore, had time to work higher. Nevertheless, they will have many opportunities next year, when we shall start another Ladder Competition, beginning all over again. I am particularly pleased at the way in which all my Brothers and Sisters have helped to make the Pago interesting, and I do hope you will all continue to do so. Congratulations, all Brothers and Sisters who passed examinations and proficiency this year. I notice that quite a number have done very well indeed inside and outside school, and I am yery proud of you all. Now wo come to the final Ladder Competition—a Christmas story, for both Seniors and Juniors. I was very pleased with the Senior entries, but the Juniors were not quite so good—perhaps they are too excited about Father Christmas! Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading all the i stories, and I must compliment the winners on their very nice entries. I It was a difficult task to choose between j them. The first award (Senior) goes to Topping; hers was really splendid. Mocking Eyes is second, and The Cub third. Te Kauparaha’s, Mother’s Help, .Vera’s and Mervyn Dalefield’s were very good, too. . .... The winners in the Junior division were John Ballance (first) Star (second), and Bonnie Dalefield (third). I’m sure you will all agree that John Ballance’s story was a little “gem.” Star has made great progress, and I thought she wrote very nicely for a little nine-vears-old. And don’t you like Ronnie’s, too? Polly Plum, Brer Babbit, Dream Lady and Sunbeam sent nice entries, anti I am sorry there are only three awards. The scrap book is completed now, and such a gay thing it is, with its pretty certonne covering, and it has a hundred pages of jolly pictures and coloured scenes which, I’m sure, will delight the hearts of the little sick folk in the Hospital. Thank you all very much for your help in sending *ne the pictures. Some very kind person, who prefers to remain unknown, has sent me the dearest little scrap book, quite complete, with the sweetest pictures, so that we shall have two books to send. A big “thank you” from Big Sister and her Brothers and Sisters, ‘‘Anonymous.” Very hearty congratulations to the ■winners of the prizes—I hope you like the books I have chosen for you. You thoroughly deserve them, and the others who have not gained prizes, I would urge to “try, try, try again.” I think that is an excellent motto to live up to, and I hope you will make it just as keen a “Ladder struggle” next year. And now I must wish all my dear Brothers and Sisters a Merrv Christmas and a bright and happy New Year —and thank you all ever so much for your lovely wishes and greetings. Love from BIG SISTER. G.P.O.

LETTERS TO BIG SISTER. LONE STAR RANGER: Now, what I question shall I answer first? I shall accept your poem for the Page, but as the others have already appeared jn print, I’d rather you thought out something quite new, Sister. Yes, we are starting off again with our Ladder Competition after Christmas, and I shall It© pleased to receive contributions —recipes, jokes, poems etc., for which points will he alloted. We have competitions for stories, etc., about once a month. Yes, the age limit is 19 years; 1 hope your good resolution to write every week will not “fall : through.’’ Your guess was correct, and I

you have ono point. TUI: Thank you for your little letter, Tui. You have another year in the junior section—juniors are 12 years and under. How is the tea cosy progressing? Love to my Sister, and 1 hope Father Christmas brings you lots of lovely things. RONNIE AND MERVYN DALEFIELD: How can I thank you both for those glorious flowers? They were such a lovely surprise 1 I have them in nearly every room, and the carnations are delicious. Thank you very much indeed. I’m sure all your Brothers and Sisters return your hearty good wishes for “A very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.” Love to you, my Brothers. MOCKING EYES: 1 was delighted to. hear from you again, and your letter was so happily full of holiday plans. I’m sure you and your friend will have a gay time, especially in the country. What more could you wish for to fill in the days than playing cricket and having cycle rides? TICKLES: 1 loved the description of your pretty garden. The cabbage tree must look lovely with the red rambler rose climbing round it. And what is a titoki tree like, Tickles?—l don’t think I’ve ever seen one. Marigolds always make a magnificent show—have you the goldy ones or the African? THE CUB: That is a splendid idea ! of yours for a competition, and 1 shall I see what we can do about it. I’m | glad to hoar that Topping is having such an enjoyable time. I’lease send her my love next time you write. Thank you for all those contributions. Merry Christmas, Cub! VERA: Your entry was just in time; many thanks for your nice little letter. Yes, the days are lovely now, but, oh, wliat a relief to sit in the shade, away from the hot sun 1 I suppose you miss the little black kittens as much, I’m sure, as the other kittens do. Thank you-for your land greetings. JOHN BALLANCE: What an original fancy costume yours must have been—“ Knight Commander of the Bath!” And I’m sure you had ever such a jolly time. Was Father Christmas present at the party? I hope you enjoy your visit to the magic cave. Best wishes to you, John. I TE RAUI’ARAHA: Thank you oyer so much for that sweet card —so nice of you to remember me 1 Y’ou did very well indeed to gain 90 per cent, for your essay. 1 hope you will continue to take the same lively interest in our Page. Merry Christmas! .MOTHER’S HELP: I was so sorry to hear about the poor kitten’s accident —never mind perhaps someone will give you another one. Congratulations upon coming second in class—is your prize book interesting? Thank you for your contributions, and much love to you, Sister. POLLY PLUM: Yes, your guesses were correct, and you have one point for them. I’m sure all your Brothers and Sisters return your kind wishes. I hope you have a very happy Christmas, and an equally jolly holiday. Best wishes to you. BUTTON : I was so delighted with the little card you sent me —I love for-get-me-nots, and it was so pretty. Thank you very much for your kind thought, Sister. It must be jolly fun raspberry picking, and you seem to be enjoying it very much. I’m sure you must be very disappointed about the play, but perhaps you will be able to perform it some time soon. Best wishes, Button. PUZZLE LAND. The answers to last week’s jumbled sentences are: 1. —Wash the dishes, Mary. 2. —To stare is rude. 3. —ls she asleep ? John Ballance, Lone Star Ranger, Te Rauparaha and Polly Plum each receive a point for correct solutions. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. To Tui, whose birthday was on the 13th; and Tickles, who celebrated hers on the 17th December. Hearty greetings, Tickles and Tui.

. Competition Ladder

PRIZE-WINNERS.

From the above Ladder, then, it will bo seen that the winner in the senior section is Mervyn Dalefield, with the very creditable total of 18 marks, the runner-up being Topping with 121 marks. The successful junior is John Ballance, and Ronnie Dalefield second, their marks being respectively, 27J and 23J, which is, as you can see, a good way ahead of the others. Prizes will therefore be awarded as follow : - Top senior.—Mervyn Dalefield. Runner-up (senior). —Topping. Top junior.—-John Ballance. Runner-up (junior).—Ronnie Dalefield. Best correspondent.—The Cub. The prizes are books, and I’m sure you will all like them. The winners are asked to call at the “Standard” office and receive tlieir books from Big Sister. If unable to do so, please write and tell me, and I will post them. We heartily congratulate the winners and runners-up, don’t wo, Brothers and Sisters all? And The Cub, who every week lias written a long, chatty letter, is thoroughly deserving of her prize, too. Now, try again next year, you others. I want to see a lot more names on the top rung of the Ladder, nnd I know you can all do it. Good luck 1 FINAL LADDER COMPETITION. “A CHRISTMAS STORY.” SENIOR DIVISION. FIRST AWARD (5 points). “Phew! I’ve had a rush, I can tell you,” gasped Wilhelmina Russell opening her arms and letting her heap of parcels descend upon the small table in an untidy bundle. “Oh, that vase for Aunt Helen —,” she retrieved one of her purchases that had strayed too near the edge. “You look as if you had enjoyed it,” Peggy Ross commented dryly, glancing at the fair hair that fell rebelliously from under the rakish green hat and the flushed face, then at the host of parcels, “just how many relations have you got, Bill?” “Oil, lots,” returned Bill carelessly, “but 1 wish you’d go out more, Peg. The shops are so lovely and Christmassy. They make you feel all excited inside. Yoii must come—say, to-mor-row—it’s only six days to Christmas.” The young Mrs Ross shook her head. “I don’t want to, Bill, and you know why,” she said turning her iaco from her friend.

“Oh, I know it was awful about Tony but —.” “Its just six months yesterday since 1 heard ho had been killed in Lho aeroplane crash,” interrupted Peggy, “I’m not moping and you know it. I swim and play tennis and try to be interested —but I’m not. I don't want to go along the bright crowded streets and see all the kiddies and overyono so happy.” “There’s no need to feel lonely when you’ve got me,” protested Bill, “and if I didn’t have to stay so near the office I’d live with you.” “Oh, 1 know, you’re the dearest kid, Bill, but I just feel like putting an ad. in the papers—‘Wanted something to interest young widow, urgent.’ 1 believe 1 did see one like that somewhere.”

“Only the woman was fifty and not in the twenties like you are,” retorted Bill swiftly. “Well, anyway I’m going to answer that ad. with my Christmas present to you.” Peggy glanced at the little table. “No,” smiled Bill swiftly, “it isn’t there. You’ll get it on Christmas morning. Look, isn’t this lovely?” She held aloft a chocolate Santa Claus. “For Ali-s Trent’s Bobby.” “He’ll love it. Y’ou think of everyone. Now, I’ve only got you,” Peggy rose and helped Bill gather the presents into her arms. “Weil, your tram’s due.”

Wilhemiua stopped half-way to the door.

“By the way, Peg, I’m having a little kiddie to stay for a few days—• erming to-morrow,” she said casually, “I wonder if you’d look in occasionally and keep her from being lonely, while I’m at the office. Airs Trent has promised to look after her, but I’d like if you—.” “Of course, but who—” began Peggy readily, but Wilhemiua sprang to the door.

“Aly tram, if I should miss it—her name’s Priscilla—” and she vanished, leaving her friend staring after her in bewilderment.

“It will bo something to do and usually there is so little to do to help Bill. What a dear, practical, lively person she is. And this Christmas present of hers—how she loves to be mysterious. 1 wonder why she came out of her way to see me to-day when she is so busy!” Peggy’s thought ran on, “I’ll go to-morrow afternoon and see— Priscilla.” She picked up her book and soon was engrossed in a story. “I’ve come to see Aliss- Russell’s Priscilla,” Peggy smiled at Aire Trent the next day. “She’s just wakening from a sleep, 1 think. Perhaps you’d like to go up to Miss Russell’s room to her,” Bill’s landlady replied leading Peggy to the foot of the stairs.

“Thank you, I should,” nodded Peg and was surprised to find herself feeling both curious and excited as she ran up to Bill’s little bed-sitting-room. Opening the door softly, she tip-toed to the side of the bod. On her back, her cheeks Hushed from sleep, her blue eyes gazing dreamily at the ceiling, lay a' fair-haired little girl of about four or five years. Peggy felt a warm rush ot affection and, stooping, she lifted the child in her arms.

“Hullo, Priscilla,” she smiled bonding for the little shoes and slipping them on the little feet. “Did Bill—Auntie Bill tell you I was coming?” Priscilla nodded, gazing at the girlish face in awe. “What would you like to do, dear?” asked Peggy hoping to make the little girl forget her shyness. “Go and see the pretty shops and Father ’Kismas.”

Priscilla spoke haltingly but there was eagerness shining in her blue eyes. For a second Peggy hesitated. “All right, dear,” she agreed brushing the tousled curls lightly, “come along.”

That was the first of many outings Priscilla and Peggy had in the five days before Christmas. On Christmas Eve Airs Trent called to Priscilla to stir the Christmas pudding and nothing would please the young lady than that Peggy should stir it too and the latter found herself entering into all sorts of beforeChristmas fun.

That night Bill persuaded Peggy to go to town aud help her choose a present for her little visitor.

“I must buy her something too,” sho

excused her almost-childish eagerness to accept the invitation. Finally, they decided on a doll from Peggy and a miscellaneous parcel of books and blocks from Bill. “Aly present takes a bit of upkeep, Peg,” murmured Bill, “my present to you, I mean, but I know you can easily afford it and you’ll be amply repaid for all your trouble.” “I’ll admit I’m horribly curious,” laughed Peggy, almost her old gay laugh. “I’ll bring it round first thing tomorrow—Oh, 1 say, how do you like Priscilla?” “She’s adorable,” a shadow crossed the young widow’s face, “but you say she’s going home to-morrow. Oh, how I’ll miss her.”

“Yes,” nodded Bill coolly, “she’s going homo to-morrow and 1 can’t say I’m soriy. Good-night, Peg, I’ll he round early to-morrow.”

“Bill!” gasped Peggy ignoring her last remark, but once again Bill had disappeared. Christmas morning dawned bright and clear. Tho sun shono gloriously and it was tiot long before the door of Peggy’s sitting-room b.urst open. “Merrv Christmas,” shouted Bill—a Bill all radiant in a now summer outfit—enveloping her friend in a hug. “Alerry Christmas,” said Peggy when site could struggle free. “That holly you’ve got is sharp, you know, Bill. Well, I declare,” she seized on a gay box in Bill’s arms, “Crackers!” “And streamers and sweets and tons of fruit,” cried Bill. “Here, Prissy, take this over to the window and open it.” “And here’s my present to you,” Peggy hold out the box to tfie liitle girl. “You do look lovely!” She surveyed the pink silk dress with its rows and rows of tiny frills and pink rosebuds, and the big pink bow on the soft ringlets with frank admiration. Prissy, with brief thanks skipped away to the window seat. Peggy held out a parcel to her chum.

“Just some noveiS by your favourites,” she said briefly. Bill kissed her. “And now my mysterious present,” she held out some papers. “I know you love Priscilla—how would you like her for your own—for always? ’ Peggy stared at her. “You said she was going home today—”

“She is—this is going to be her home. The papers are all ready to sign. I took her from the Home in the hope that, in giving her a home, I could fill the place that has been empty in your heart. She is my present and she’ is yours if you want her.” “If I want her,” repeated Peggy faintly and there were tears in her eyes.

“Priscilla, come and give Alummie her present,” said Bill quickly and Peggy Ross felt it was the happiest moment in her life when sho read the queer, very shaky inscription. “To Alummy From her Priscilla.” —TOPPING (age 1C years) SECOND AWARD (3 points). 1 “SANTA’S LETTER.” “Alost certainly not!” said Aliss Prim. “Why, you might set the chimney on fire. The very idea!” This was dreadful. For it had taken Irene a whole hour to mako up her letter to Santa Claus. Sho had written it very carefully, and told him what she wanted, and why she wanted so much. “You see, Santa Claus, Miss Prim hasn’t got any toys and so, as Daddy and Alummy are away, will you send me a dolly, and a book with coloured pictures, with lots of rods and blue in it? And a game that is not for more than one and if you could arrange for a little boy or girl to come and play with me ” Irene had written on and on. And now old Aliss Prim, with whom sho was staying while Alother took Daddy away for a holiday, would not let Irene blow her letter up the chimney. No, not she! “No accidents here!” said Aliss Prim. “You are too old to believe in Santa Claus. How could he get the letter?” “Y’ou had better post it in the pil-lar-box, Aliss Irene,” said kind Jane, the maid, when sho found Irene crying. “I’ll do it for you, if you like.” “If 1 ask Aliss Prim, she’ll say no, so perhaps I won’t ask her,” thought Irene. “I’ll dress myself quickly, and go before breakfast.” “Lift me up please ?” she said to a milk boy who was passing. “AVliy, you can’t post a letter without an envelope,” said ho, and went on. “If I go back she'll never let me come again,” sobbed Irene. “Oh! Oh!” And it happened that the tall gentleman across the road came along. “AVliat’s the matter?” he asked Irene.

Irene told llim about the letter and ho dipped in his pocket and pulled out a fountain pen, a piece of string, a

cigarette, a Jolly and a doll’s shoo; and finally a used envelope with writing on it. “This will do,” he said to Irene, “but suppose I wrote Santa Claus- above my own name.” Irene asked it it would get to Santa Claus and she was told “yes.” “Santa Claus, Esq., care of ” and lie left his own name and address.

“Now you will get what you want,” said the man, and ho walked hack to the house with Irene.

On Christinas morning there was a stocking beside Irene’s bed, which was not there when she went to sleep. Everything was in it that she wanted and more Iresides. “Everything except the iittlo boy or girl, but I suppose he couldn’t manage that,” said Irene to horself.

But Santa Claus had managed them as Jane revealed. She came running in with a Christmas orange for Irene, and with a hug said, “I say, that stocking was loft at the door last night with a message. And listen, Miss Prim told me to iron your white frock, for there’s an invitation to the place across the road. There is a boy ami girl there, and their Daddy has bought them a Christmas tree.”

“Oh! Santa Claus hasn’t forgotten anything; even the hoy or girl. I’ll play with them. Oh! isn't Santa Claus a dear, for lie hasn’t forgotten anything!” cried Irene.

■ —MOCKING EYES (age 13 years).

THIRD AWARD (1 point)

PAMELA AND FATHER CHRISTMAS.

Pamela went to bed early on Christmas Eve. She made up her mmd white undressing to wait tor Father Christmas. (How many of us have done the same tiling ?) SJio sat up in bed and waited—waited. The cloclc in the hall struck the half-hour. Only half past eight. Pamela sighed and lay back oil her pillows, and then—what were the queer noises going on? They seen,.d to come from the chimney. Father Christmas I It was Father Christmas I She sat up in bed again, and then she saw a pair of legs and a red coat, and then Father Christmas himself. “Oil!” said Pamela in delight. “Is this where Pamela Bourke lives”” asked Father Christmas. “Yes,” breathed Pamela Bourke. “I’m she.” “Then, little Pam, come with me,” said Father Christmas. “With you”” said Pamela, but she jumped out of bed, and put on her dressing gown and slippers. “This way,” said Santa Claus, and he pointed to the window. The next minute Pamela was seated in a sleigh which very much resembled a pearly shell, and was soon being drawn through the air by six reindeer, with bells around their necks.

“We are going to my Crystal Palace,” said Santa, and Pamela gasped with delight. How nice it sounded. Crystal Palace.

“My gnomes and fairies are very busy idling up the sacks with toys,” Santa Claus said, “so you will be able to see them at work.”

“That will be lovely,” said Pamela. “We have not far to go now,” and old Santa pointed to the south where Pamela could seo some frosty lights. “And here wo are,” was Santa’s next remark. And there they were. Pamela was amazed at tho lovely Palace. It was truly beautiful. “Come, we will enter,” said Father Christmas, and taking Pamela’s hand, lie drew her into a room crowded with elves and fairies. They were all piling into sacks teddy bears, golliwogs, fairy dolls, baby dolls, rag dolls, trains, lorries, aeroplanes, bricks, toy dogs, cats, mechanical frogs and every tov a child could wish for.

“Oh! isn’t it lovely?” was all Pamela could say.“You like it?” said Father Christmas well pleased. Then he called to a fairy and said: “Fairy llosebud, will you show Pamela the palace while I go to the gnomes and help carry the sacks ?”

So Fairy Rosebud showed Pamela the Palace. She heard the toys talk and laugh, and even had a game with them. Naturally she did not like to leave when Santa Claus came for her. And then she was hack in bed and someone had barked his shin on the chair by the .bed, and someone said something not meant for little girls to hear. ‘‘Poor Santa. And he seemed quite mild and gentle before!” thought Pamela as she went to sleep again. —THE CUB. (aged 13 years). JUNIOR DIVISION. FIRST AWARD (5 points). “A NEW SANTA CLAUS.”

Poor old Santa Claus was sick. He

had a dreadful cold and his temperature was over a hundred. He was very worried, indeed, and that made him feel really worse than ever. But it was enough to make him worry when he remembered that in two da3’s he would have to begin his long, long trip around the world to fill up all those hundreds and thousands of stockings. How on earth was lie to get well in Ijime ? His wife couldn’t fly the aeroplane, and anyhow, slio wasn’t strong! enough to go on such a long journeyJ as that. Poor old Santa sneezed andj sneezed and wiped his nose and his j eyes, and while he was giving another huge sneeze a knock came to the door. He didn’t hear it but his wife did and she ran to the door and open- j ed it. I “Good evening. Please couid you give me something to eat?” said a voice.

“Oh yes, come in,” said Mrs Santa Claus. It was a very thin, half-starved looking young man. He was dressed in rags and he had an old hat wtihout a brim on his head. But he took it off when he can:© inside and his face had quite a nice look, although it was so pale and pinched. He said he had been out of work for weeks and he was looking everywhere for a job, but nobody would give him one because lie didn’t look strong enough. ■‘l only want a few good meals to make me as strong as a lion, really. I would do iui3' work, and 1 would do it veil, too. I can ride a horse, and drive a motor car, or even fly an aeroplane,” said the v-oung man. Old Santa sat up in his chair and gave another sneeze and a great big cough, and then asked if the \-oung man could bo as strong as a lion in two days’ time. The man said he could because that would mean at. least six good meals for him. “Well, I’ve got a job for you,” said Santa Claus, and he told the 3-oung man ail about it. What a surprise that man got to find lie was in the I home of Santa Claus. But lie said he | would take on the job. Mrs Santa gave linn plenty of nourishing food, and by Christmas Eve he looked so weil that they hardly knew him as he set out in the aeroplane with its huge load of to3 r s. On Christmas morning, Bob, who was in the fourth standard at school, lound an A.B.C. book and a wooden trumpet bj' his pillow; big brother found a box of lead soldiers, and big sister found a doll in a pink dress. lor little sister there was a pair of beautiful evening shoes four sizes too big, and for mother a set of pipes in a case and a plug of tobacco. Father got a lovely long necklace, Grandma received a cricket set anti what do 3’ oll thing dear o.d grandpa got? A rattle and a bib! No one could understand it, but they all changed around and then everyone was happy. Don’t you think the new Santa Claus must have been rather nervous? —JOHN BALLANCE (age 9 years).

SECOND AWARD (3 points.)

“A RIBBON FOR TOMMY.”

One bright Christmas morning a littlo bo3’. named Tony rose from his bed, looked into his Christmas stocking and pulled out everything that was in it. Now Tony had a little black pony called Tommy out in the I paddock and lie thought he would give lrim something for a Christmas 1 present. So he asked his mother for a nico fat ribbon to tie round Tommy’s neck. Tommy liked liis ribbon very much. At lunch time Tony had somo Christmas pudding, lollies of all kinds, nuts and many other things. After this they had some crackers and Tony found in liis a coloured paper hat with a pig-tail on the end of it. In the afternoon Tony asked somo of his little friends to come and play with him. Tliat night when Tony’s mother was tucking him into his bed lie said to her: “I hope Tommy likes his ribbon, don’t you?” —STAR (Age 9 years). THIRD AWARD (1 Point.) “FREDDY’S DREAM.” It was Christmas Eve, and all was still and quiet in the big house, where Freddy lay asleep, waiting for tire morning to come. One of his sister’s long stockings, hung on his bed post (liis own stocking was not nearly big enough, lie had said). Freddy was a selfish boy, and lie had written a long list of the things that he wanted most, and pinned it on the stocking for Santa Claus to read. First, there was a bicycle, next a toy aeroplane, a musical box, a bat and ball a big boat, a picture book, and lots of sweets! And he did not remember.

that there were many poor boys and girls, who would find nothing at all in their stockings on Christmas morning. Now, in the night, Freddy had a strange dream. He dreamt that very early on Christmas morning 1m walked into many of the houses where poor people lived. There he found no nico things in the pantries--no Christmas cakes, )ilum puddings, | jellies, or fruit. Stockings hung at I the foot of the children’s beds, but j Santa Claus liad not been there —for ! the stockings ivere all empty ! Freddy was coming home, when he I saw Father Christmas stepping out of ibis aeroplane. “A Merry Christmas, j Freddy,” he said. “I have finished my rounds for Christmas. 1932, thank goodness—l am tired out.” “Haven’t 3-011 forgotten to call at the poor people's houses?” asked Fredd3". “I didn't forget,” replied Santa Claus. “There were not enough things to go round this year. I tried to give each child what it asked for, and some of them wanted too runny things. Next year, I shall go to the poor people’s houses first, I think.” Then Freddy woke up. and remembered the long list pinned to the stocking. He felt so ashamed of it. Switching on the light, he took the list, and tore it into tiny pieces; then ho put one of his own stockings in place of the long one. On a piece of paper, he wrote: “Just one present for me, this year, please, and don’t forget the poo'r people’s children.” Then the dock struck eleven, and Freddy jumped into lied and put out tire light. On Christmas morning 110 woks up, and saw a lotelv ncn bieve’e in his room, and his stocking * was filled with sweets, fruit and nuts. And at breakfast time, he felt very happy, when he heard his father sav that Santa' Claus had, in the night, visited every poor person’s house In the town, and left well-filled stockings behind him. . RONNIE DALEFIELD (Age 11 years)

SENIORS. Mervyn Dalefield Topping 18 marks 121 n Mother's Help 12 n To Rauparaha Hi j > Tlie Cub 9 j) Pudney Tamo 81 j j Mocking Eyes 6 ) t Robin Hood 5 >> Cinderella 4 a Ocean Eoam 3 j> Vera 21 )) Minnie Mouse 2 7 7 Tickles 2 Old King Cole 1 7 J Lone Star Ranger 1 77 Dream Lady 1 77 JUNIORS. John Ballance 271 marks Ronnie Dalefield 231 7 ) Trooper Tex 0 77 Star G 7 7 Snowflake 5 7 7 Lorna Cocks 5 7 7 Rosebud 4 Sunbeam 3 ” Porker 2 7 7 Doris 1 77 Tui 1 7 7 Polly Plum 1 Kreckles 1 Wendy 1 7 7 Little Lady 1 7 7