From the Hub

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7287, 14 October 1933, Page 11

From the Hub

DEAR COGS, The Victoria Drive through the Esplanade is now a fairyland of loveiness. I drove through in the cool of dusk, with the shadows softly stealing, and the sleepy twittering of. birds silver in the stillness. The ekecry-trocs wero covered with soft, breathless loveliness, each whito treo being followed by two taller ones of pink. As wc drove along, I caught a gleaming glimpse of tho kowhai higher in the greenness, and I saw the graceful clematis trailing starry over the tree-trunks. In the gardens beneath the larkspur was a mistily-thoughtful blue in the greyness. I love a walk round tho Square gardens just now. The freesias aro at their best, and the pansies are lovely too. There is a bed of tho bluest larkspur, and I must not forget the iceflowers, which open on the rocks, glad and gold in tho sunshine. There are some of the finest, fluffiost ducklings, too, which scurry away over the pond when you approach. When you country Cogs come in to town, do take a walk round the Square gardens, and if possible go down to the Esplanade to see the cheery-blossoms. It was pleasant to reeeivo a visit from Cherry Blossom during the week, and she has written us another nieo instalment .to our Heather Maid, we should bo pleased if you would continue. Rita sent me a box of flowers which look very happy in my room. Thank-you very much, my dear. I have also to thank “Dad” for two very acceptable brooches he sent for our Treasure Chest. Forget-me-Not and Mickey Mouse were the kind fairies who visited my office last week, leaving flowers and a basket and picture. Thank you dears. You will all have to put on your thinking caps and write something, for our Animal Page. Don’t forget it is two from today. Love from Your friend, THE HUB. CORNER FOR BUSY COGS In your spare time, try to make these for our Treasure Chest. Cutie Pincushions. — Take two circles of pretty material, about 4” in diameter. Crochet an edging all round each and in one cut a narrow oblong hole in the centre about 1” long and button hole round it. Place tho cut circle over the other one, facing each other and with centre hole crosswise. Now sew both together right across the centre, catching in thelower edge of hole. Fold top half of circle down over the join until both crocheted edges are together. Make a bow at each end of ribbon and sew on to each side of circle at centre and bring up over top to hang up. Place a Id. stiff-legged kewpie in hole and your Cutie is complete. The edging cotton and ribbon must match and be a contrasting shade to material in circles. Narrow lace can bo used instead of crocheting. —Sent in by Miki Kuchi Palmerston North Dear Huby—l went to Pongaroa on Sunday. I went iri a car. AVhen we went a good way we came to somo very high hills. AVe were riding over a great many hills. AVhen I looked down wo saw a lot of lambs. I could seo nothing but hills. There wero hills everywhere, I thought wo would never come to some flat ground. Wo were riding on and on. I thought we had lost out way. I liked going through tho Gorge.. I was very tired in the car, but we had a lovely time when we reached our friend’s place. AVe had great fun running over the hills and chasing hares. I watched the men milk the cows. AVe arrived home at eleven o’clock. Tho inspectors came to our school today. 1 remain, your loving Cog, Naomi I love to spend a day in the country too. Did you try to milk? You must have been very sleepy when you arrived home so late. Foxton Dear Hub,—How aro you getting on? I have had another try at the Skilltest and hope I am lucky this time.. I am having a party on Sunday, it is my birthday. I am 11 yeais. AVhen I go to Palmerston I am coming in to .see you. How is Mr Puz.7 how I love his letters in the paper. Isn’t he funny? No doubt he gets a very Tough time of it. I wan’t thi3 to catch the post now so I will close, with love to all the other Cogs. I remain, your loving Cog, Silverloeks What fun to bo having a party, Silvorloeks. Many happy returns of your birthday. It will be pleasant to receive > a visit from you. Apiti Dear Hub, —How are you now? 1 suppose you have almost forgotten me, as it is so long since I last wrote, I am enclosing tho Skilltest, hoping it is correct. This morning was very fine, so hardly anyone took a coat to school, but what a change, it is raining now. Miki Kuchi should have seen the White butterfly grubs on our cabbages and cauliflowers. One could count twenty one little plant, and wthout straining one’s eyes. Each grub is suposed to eat one square foot of green leaf, so you can imagine how much cabbage would be left. I don’t think each grub ate that much of our cabbages, there were so many of the pests. There are quito a few butterflies around here, and I have caught three whito butterflies on our storeroom window, trying to get out into the sun after hatching inside. We have a goose' sitting on seven eggs and Dad says that there is one gosling out. Also, wo have two hens sitting, one on seventeen eggs and the other on fourteen. Well, as nows is short and I am in a hurry, I will close, so kind regards to all the Cogs and yourself. Mountain Maid Yes, I have noticed quite a few white butterflies about lately. I shall be pleased to hear when the chickens come

Apiti Dear Hub and Coglctsy —As I have a good whilo yet before bedtime comes, I have decided to write a letter to you and tho Coggies for a pastime. I am sending tho Skilltest in, which I puzzled out in about an hour. Yes Bluebell, a Maori concert is a very interesting thing. I went to one in Apiti, but glad to say I was not on tho end of the seat where tho Maori jumpod. Our story is getting on fine, is it not? I am getting quito interested in it . Tonight I received a letter from Maida Malone, my penfriend, and I was very pleased to receive one. I think the sunset is lovely, with such a gay variety of colours, don’t you, Hub? Tho bulbs arc gradually dying out now, and most of ours aro all browned. Today when wo started for school it was quite a fine day, but about twelve it started to pour down with rain, but hip, hip hooray! It cleared up for us to go home from school and we did not get a bit wet. Today wo had twelve eggs from sixteen hens, so we were quite pleased. Please thank Uncle Phil very much for putting my request in the paper, for I now havo a penfriend. As I said before, Hub, don’t you think tho little picture we havo on the Pago looks happy? All seem to’ be enjoying themselves. Perhaps they are happy because they ate in the Cogs’ Page. Now! I think I have struck the reason. "Wouldn’t it be sad to miss Powder and Patches’ rhyming letters, for she writes such interesting ones. Peggy, as Phyllis calls her pet lamb, is very cheeky now, and comes inside every chance she can got. Last night we could not find her anywhere to feed her, and where do you think she was? AVell, when we camo to havo tea, wc found her lying near the fender sound asleep. Don’t you think she picked a warm place to sleep? Well, Hub, as news is scarce, I must close, sending love to all my fellow Cogs from Mother Hubbard The little picture is a happy one, Mother Hubbard. Peggy must bo a real pet to come inside and sleep by the fender. Palmerston North Dear Hub, —Isn't the weather lovely now? I am longing for the nice hot days to como when we can go swimming. The tennis season is in full swing now, and at school there is always a rush for the tennis-courts when recreation time comes round. Since writing last, Hub, my old cat, Mokie, has died, and we do miss him at dinnerhours, because he used to come in so regularly for his potatoes. I have also had tho bad luck to lose my bantam, so you see I’ve had no luck at all with my pets. I am going down to see the cherry-blossom after school tonight. I believe it is a beautiful sight. I Temain, your loving Cog, Chum I was sorry to hear the sad news about your pets. It is well worth wh ; le seeing the cherry-blossoms. Awahuri Dear Hub,—Please may I join your happy band of Cogs? I was seven on August 13. lam in Std. I at echool. Our teacher’s name is Mis 3 Kelling and I like her very much. I have one little sister and her name is Audrey and she is five. AVe have a little kitten and his name is Sam. I am sending three penny stamps for a badge. May I have Wheezv-Anna for a pen-name. If that is" taken may I have Tippity-toes? AVith much love from Norma Giles You are very welcome indeed my dear, and you may be "AVheezy Anna.” Little kittens are lovely pets. Is Sam a mischievous puss? Woodvillo Dear Hub, —How are you getting on? I hope you are well. We have a hen with six little chicks and they are such fluffy little things, Ido like little chicks, don’t you Hub? AVhcu we go near tho mother hen, she tries to peck us. AVe have some pretty wallflowers out now, and they do make a lovely show. Well, Hub, as there is no more news, I will close now, with love to you and all the Cogs from Rainbow Yes, I love the fluffy chicks with their bright little eyes. Do you help Mother to feed them? Wallflowers are a lovely garden flower, Foxton Dear Hub, —I am writing to ask if I can become a happy Cog. And I would also like to know how much it is to join. lam nine years old and I will bo ten on December the fifth. I would also liko to havo Alma for a pen-name. I remain, yours faithfully, Peggy McCarthy Welcome to the happy band, Alma. If you send three penny stamps a badge will be sent to you. Nireaha Dear Hub,— This is just a short note to accompany the crossword puzzle. It is a glorious day here today and I am in a hurry to get to our Drama practice as our Institute danco is on tonight and we aro hoping to havo a large crowd. I must say cheerio until next week, with love from Buster You must write and tell me if the Institute dance was a success. Feilding Dear Hub,— May I join your happy circle of Cogs? I am eleven years old and my birthday is on February 20. Please may I havo “AVater Sprite ’ for my pen-name. lam in Std. V now. Aren’t the sunny days_ lovely, Hub? They make us all feel bright and happy* Lady Spring has surely come. The spraxias and wallflowers form a most beautiful sceno when the sun is glinting on their petals. I am very fond of tennis, but I am sorry to say I fell over and hurt my knee on Tuesday. I cannot walk on it yet, so I have to stay in bed. This is why lam writing in pencil, so pleas© excuse me. At present I am knitting myself a summer jumper in an apricot coloured wool. Knitting is a pleasant pastime for me. AVell Hub, as news is exhausted, I shall say cheerio. I remain, Signa Pearpoint Fido will give a pleased little bark when ho sees we have another new member. You may bo "Water Sprite”. I think it is a nice pen-name. I hope that poor kneo is better now my dear. Your jumper should be very pretty. Holcombe . My Dear Hub,—l am enclosing the crossword puzzle this week. lam very glad you gave me Carnation for ■ my pen-name, as I like the flower very much. Goodbye, Hub, from Carnation I was glad to find even a tiny note from you, Carnation', Kiwitea Dear Hub',—AVe have two little pups and they follow us nearly everywhere. AVe also have a pet lamb and six chickens. I havo a fox terrier and now he is in bed in my doll’s pram. It is my bedtime now, so I will close, with love from Nira Isn’t it lovely having pets? Your foxie knows a cosy plape to aleegw

Feilding Dear Hub and Fellow Cogs, —Summer Time at last! Tho clocks aTe put forward half an hour and tho oracles declare Summer Time started on the Bth, so hore’s to tho gay summer, whether it hails or snows or bloAvs, it’s summer time just tho samo! Well Hub, I awoke this morning to find tho sunshine streaming into my bedroom, and such a merry chorus of song greeted my car, from tho feathered songsters in the trees outside, that I went eagerly to my open window to soo the cause of the disturbance, and there was our naughty pussy cat, with a poor little sparrow. AVhat I thought was tho bird's merry song must instead have been a storm of indignation and protest from tho little sparrow’s mates. How quickly I took that sparrow from the pussy', and what a scolding we gave him! Ho really did seem sorry'. I went to town the other day, and I was quito fascinated with tho beautiful display of summer material, delightful organdies, daintyvoiles, pretty little prints, that simply cry out for little girls to have for school and play. Doesn’t it make one wish that ono wero rich, and could buy some of them all. Well, goodbye, dear Hub and Cogs. Your loving Cog, Celandine Your letter is a glad song of summer. I am pleased you rescued tho little sparrow. The shop-windows are fascinating, I know. Shannon Dear Hub, —It is getting near bedtime, but I will make a start on this letter tonight. I seo; somo of tho Cogs arc great book-worms. I myself am a lover of books. I will read anything I can lay my hands on. Just now I am reading a book called "The Czar”, a tale of Napoleon I. lam not a rogue, Bluebell, and Nelson hasn’t defeated mo yet. Anyway, I haven’t seen him lately. I did not have the same disappointment as I did last week. My chum came down and wo had rare fun. AVe searched every nook and corner for birds’ nests. AVo found 24 altogether— I suppose you think we aro cruel taking the little birdies’ eggs, but they are very destructive and they have to bo destroyed. After that, we took a spade and went and dug a rabbit’s burrow, and do you know what we found at the end of it? —wee rabbits? No! AVo found a huge, fat, hedgehog! As we were carrying it home I saw two bicy-cle-raeers tearing along the road. AVo toTC home and told them tho race had begun. Didn’t we cheer when our favourite came. Ho did not win as his chain came loose and ho had to tighten it. Ho won the two races beforehand. AVo let tho hedgehog go this morning and it was great to seo Mm walk. Aren’t they funny little things. Hub? Now, this will do for this time. I will have to think of something to write about for the Animal Page. Love from, Napoleon AVhat a surprise you must have received when you found tho hedgehog! Despite all their prickles they can scamper very fast, don’t you think? Mangawhata Dear Hub, —Just a few lines to tell you how I am getting on. Ato you quite well, Hub? I am. Have you much rain at Palmerston North Hub? AVe havo still a lot of wallflowers out. I am still making things for the Treasure Chest. I hope that the puzzle is correct. I must close now. AVith love to all of yon from Mayflower. The weather is quito fine now, Mayfiower. Thank you, I am very well. I am pleased you aro busy making things for our Treasure Chest, your gifts will be a welcome addition. Feilding Dear Hub, —I am enclosing the .Skilltest which I hope is correct. AVhat lovely spring weather we are having. The last warm rain has made the gardens look very fresh. I came to Palmerston North last Saturday afternoon and thought the gardens in tho Square were looking very nice. AVe play tennis at school now. AVell, Hub, it is getting late and I have to got up early as I have a long way to go to school, so I must close with love to you and all the Cogs from Kowhai The spring days are so glad and full of music, don’t you think? Are you very fond of tennis? Kiwitea Dear Hub,—Once more I havo tho Skilltest worked out, but am _ nearly sure it is wTong. Our garden is looking quite bright just now with all its spring flowers. There is a great deal of aubretia in flower just now which, with its lovely lavender flower, makes large splashes of colour everywhere it is planted. I am quite busy just now preparing my mangold plot for planting. I received such a pleasant surprise when I found that I had won the Skilltest last week. Love from Honey Bee AVhat quaint and original paper your letter was written on, Honey Bee. The late spring flowers are lovely. Apiti Dear Hub and all the Fellow Cogs, — My sister, Butterfly, is sending in the 25th crossword puzzle which she hopes is correct. Hub, aren’t there a lot of calves about? A few weeks ago there was a merry-go-round in Apiti, but I didn’t have a ride. My brother, Snowclad, did, and he thought it splendid. I havo finished making my jumper. Thank you for the prize of 2/6. As there is no more news, I will ring off with love to you and all tho members of Cogland. AVith kind regards, Snowfiower xxxxxxx Merry-go-rounds aro grea/t fun. Thank-you for the kisses, my dear. Apiti Dear Hub and Cogs—Here I am again. I have not written for a few weeks. AVe have a little heifer calf at homo and I don’t know what to call her. I put my head down to her and she bunts me. We have been having lovely weather up here the last few days. I have solved the Skilltest which I hope is correct. Hub, it will soon be Christmas time again! Hasn’t the y r car gone quickly? As I have no more to say I will ring off. Love from Butterfly Would “Bunty” be a suitable name for your calf? Yes, time does go quickly, especially if you are busy. ' Longburn Dear Hub,—l 'am writing to tell you about my goats. You tell me that you have never seen a blue-and-white one. We have also a red-white-and-blue one. This morning it was wet and I had to go and milk the goat and I got very' wet. That morning I did not do very much playing but in the afternoon I played a little bit. Then I went and had a sleep. Then I woke up and had ,to go and milk. Your loving Cog, Riding Cowboy I am very interested in your goats, Riding Cowboy, Have you any other

The Kennel, Dogtown, Saterday.

Dero Hub and Cogs,—This morning 1 sat owtsid awe gate shivering fore a long time. That rascali papo-er boi wos orfool late. But at larst I sene him a long wae off on his motor-bike. I ran two mete him as farst as I cood, and wen he sene me he throo me a pape-er. I jumped up and cort it in my tethe. I must sac I am vorry' clever at catching things. (Tiddlcywink didn’t wont two poot that bit. He sed it sounded two mutch lik bloing my one trumpet). So I arsked hi mwot wos a trumpet. But he sed he didn’t no. So I sed hou did ho no I sounded like bloing my trumpet wen hedidn’t no wot wos a trumpet. I ges that ficst him, cos he hasn’t spoke to me sints.) AVcl, wen I’d catclied the pape-er, I ran over two the gardin with it, and I looked round fore Tiddieywink. There ho wos siting on a bceg grene stone. "I’ve got it,” I yelped rite in his ere. He nerly jumpd owt of his wits. "Got wot?” he sed, kind of ingered like. I gavo him a horty look —l’m vorry good at giving horty. looks. “The Cogs’ Page”, I sed. Ho jumpd up off his stone. “Is ower letar in it” ho sed, and befor I sood sae boo ho snatched the pape-er owt of my mowth, and started to ter it open. I can to! yu I wos verry indeeginant. "Yure taring awl the papc-cr!’ I sed. But that Tiddlowink took no noteisse of me. I sor that he had fownd the Cog Page. “Is it in”, I sed. I wos nercly as eksyted as him. “Rede it owt two me,,’ 1 sod. So ho did. But as sune as ho had finished wot do you think ho did. He throo doun that papc-cr and burst into ters. “AVotevcrs tho mater,” I sed. "Shecse spelt my name rong”, he whined. “No she hasn’t,” I sed. “Shcesc spelt it just the samo as yu sed.” Ho poymted two tho pape-er, and sed, "Shecse spelt it with an s on the end.” "I don’t eer,’ I sed. “It looks a lot betor with an s on tho nd.” Then sudenly his teres wer awl gon. “Do yu think so,” ho sed. So I sed "Yes I du”. Then he smy-led his funy smyle. "She ses I can be her watch dog,” I sed, very prowdly. “AVots a wathe dog,” sett Tiddleywinks—he thinks praps it wood bo a gude ideea two spel it with an s always nou—“Yu ar verry eegnoreant” I sed. " Awatch dog is wun that barks wen enywun cums that slioodnt cum.” Tiddleywinks nodded his lied. “Hou can yu bark wen enywun cums two see the Hub ”ho sed " wen yu don’t no wer the Hub livs.” That took awl the wind owt of my sales. “ I duno” I sed. “AVel chore up” ses Tiddleywinks, “Yu can bark wen enywun nu cums int-wo the Page.” "Yuvo got branes Tiddleywinks” I sed. He swelcd owt his chest. “Of coarse I hav” he sed. Ters times wen I admvre Tiddleywinks but I must sae he is verry conseeted eeven if h is my secreterry. "Yu’ve made anorful mess of that pape-cr,” I sed. But wen I terned rownd ho was gon. I ges I’ll haf to tie spend the dae under the howse. That pape-ers unreedible. Luv from yor Dog, Fido Poor Tiddley-winks! But his name sounds more important with and “S”. You are lucky to have such a clever secretary. You will have to srivc quite a this w''" 1 ' Feilding Dear Hub, —It is a long time since I wrote last but I have been very busy with school work for proficiency and I haven’t had a chance. I thought I would write today as I had no homework and I have been homo from school for a fortnight with tho ’flu and when I was ready to go back to school I had a relapse and was' in bed for another week. I solved the Skilltest this week. AYhilc I am writing this letter it is trying to Tain but I hope it docsn’t rain because Mum wants to go out tonight. My grandmother has boon up staying with us and she went homo to Christchurch last Saturday afternoon and we do miss her. I havo just been reading some of the other Cogs’ letters so I thought I would write while I was in the mood and I had a few minutes to spare. AVe had a batch of whito chicks out last Sunday and they aro darling little things. My sister doesn’t liko chickens and won’t oven feed the fowls for mother. At school wo play basketball whic-h is a very interesting game and the first match we played we won. I will close now as I havo another letter to write. AVith love from KLa Ora The 'flu germ seem 3to be everywhere. I hope you aTe better now. How strange that your sister does not liko chickens. Grandmother would be missed, I know. Palmerston North Dear Hub, —Hub, do you know Mum is going out to Pongaroa tomorrow for the day and leaving Rebecca Ann to cook the dinner? I suppose she will either burn it or half cook it. Ido hope it will bo eatable. Fido’s letter was great. 1 aru. sure I will enjoy all your letters Fido. My three cousins wero at our place tho other night. Powder and Patches, you do write nico rhyming letters. I couldn’t do it if I tried. Miki Kuchi, hurry up and write as I always look forward to your letters. Today when I was coming home from town I met a friend of ours and ho gave me a ride homo in his car. My sister has some imaginary playmates one of which she calls “June Bollun” and tho other “Howard Donkin” —she is always speaking of them. She plays with the little girl net door who is 18 months and Lorna, the little girl, goes to tho fence and calls ‘ ‘Doony, Doony’ AA’hen she comes over to our place she won’t go home again. AA’o did have a surprise tonight. My brother came home from the country-. AVe didn’t expect him until next week. I remain, your loving Cog, Sunlight How did Rebecca Ann like being left in charge, and was the dinner a success? Your little sister will enjoy the company of a real playmate. Haleombe Dear Hub, —Just a few lines to the Page again. I will have to hurry as it is nearly milking time. AVe have one lien sitting now. Ono black hen wanted to sit and when wo gave her some eggs to sit on she stood up. AVo had two sitting before and they hatched five chickens out of twenty-eight. AVe hope to do better next time. AVo had a white rooster and then we bought a black one from some friends. AVhen he first came he started fighting with the other one. The white one is frightened of the other one now and I have to keep one of them in tho pen by itself or the one nearly gets starved. He gets a few snatches of wheat by sneaking round the edge. I usually get tho white one by itself. AVe put somo violets round the edge of a little garden last year and they are about a. foot high now. I don’t know when I will bo coming into see you again. . I mightn’t como until Christmas time. Hasn’t this year gone quickly? AVe will soon be having the Christmas Page. AVell, there is not much news from here so I will close with best of wishes to you and all tho Cogs from The Emu • Yours was a very interesting letter

ldakino

Dear Hub, —Here I am once again, sitting on the verandah, writing a few lines. How the time flies, fancy Christmas will soon be here, and then a long holiday, but I am afraid there will be a lot of hard studying before then if we want to pass our examinations, as there has been such a lot of sickness at school and it is going to be hard on the teacher, but I expect we will all have to do our best. Thero arc still a lot away. I hope they will soon bo restored to health again and come back to school. The weather has been very changeable lately, don’t you think'? I expect wo can’t get everything we want. As I woke this morning the bright sun shone into my window, so I thought it was timo to get up as the birds were trilling and whistling. Far in the distance I can hear the rumbling of motor wagons, and tho barking of dogs: it makes mo feel strong and light hearted. The breozo brought tho sweet perfume of all tho spring flowers. I also can hear my pigeons cooing plaintively in the trees. The bluogums are white with flowers, and tho bees are very busy collecting pollen and honey from them. Ono thing I like very much is to sit on tho greon grass and take in all that is beautiful with tho cool breeze fanning my face, and to hear the baaing of sheep and the mooing of cows. I look towards Feilding as twilight sets, and the gleaming lights in the distance look like one big gav fairyland. I can also see the train winding its -way between delicate landscape. The sky is a pretty blue which was covered with sta;\s that shone like a lot of diamonds. I also notice ell our currants and gooseberries arc laden with small fruit and the strawberries are white with flowers and tho rhubarb are pushing bright yellow and red stalks through the earth. Dear Hub, don’t you think tho starlings arc a perfect nuisance? They are not particular whero they build their nests. As they continually build in our washhouse chimney Dad had to go up and cover it with wire netting. They also like building in some of the mail-boxes if people forget to shut them. Hot long ago two starlings were lighting on the top of one of our chimneys and all at once they both fell right into our fireplace. Lucky for them there was no fire. They were quite stunned, but they soon revived so f let them go. I don’t think they will try that again, do you think so Hub? I must close now. Love to you and all tho happy Cogs from Delphinium I too hope tho nasty ’flu will soon be over. Perhaps those two startings will be wiser next time, and not choose the top of a chimney to fight on again! Hukanui My own dear Coglets and Mr Puz. too, And busy old Printerman (who always seems blue), Also Hub and the Uncles who list to my rhymes, I guess you're all wondering how many more times I’ll send you these letters (which I hope aren’t a bore). I haven’t a notion just how many morel But as long as I’ve something to write rhymes about, You’ll still be receiving them without a doubt. My love for the making of verse seems each day To wax as I write them, and not pass away, As it used to do when I first began This wonderful pastime—the insight of man! ‘‘How, enough of these fancies!’’ I hear you say. Well—what a warm drizzle we had yesterday, Our flowers smile up to the sky as it fell, As if they were saying, '‘This suits us right well! ’’ Our garden is lovely and primroses bright Greet my invasions—by day or by night. This letter is lengthening, so Goodnight to all, I’ll awake in the mom with the blackbird’s loud call, As it cberrily-merrily greets the sofe dawn Of a fresh sweet day—just newly born. But tonight as I write a pale moon watches Over the head of your sleepy— Powder and Patches Your letters in rhyme are by no means a bore, When I get to the end, then I wish there were more! Though Printerman does feel blue once in a while, When he’s finished your letter he’s just one huge smile! Feilding Dear Hub, —Last week Mr Puz. puzzled mo properly, but this week 1 did tho Skilltest in record time. I am busy tinning up an animal story for the Animal Page as I haven’t got a pet. What a pity the Grandfather died. I felt sorry for little Cclinda. There are very few flowers left in our garden now, as the narcissi are dying oil. My garden is looking bright though with its marigolds and wallflowers. Everybody around here has tho ’flu and it’s no wonder, the changeable weather we’ve been having is enough to give anybody a cold. I noticed Rebeca Ann had some funny bits from the examination room in her letter. The other day I came across some more. Here they - are:— Evolution was what Darwin did. Devolution is something to do with Satan. A circle is a round lino with no kinks in it, joined up so as not to show where it began. To find the area of the walls of a room you take the barometer and multiply by the height. A triangle is a square with only three corners. An elephant is a square animal with a tail in front and behind. When Dad brings homo the "Times” on Saturday there is a general rush for tho paper to see who has won the Skilltest and what the answers are. Powder and Patches, how do you write those rhyming letters? If I tried for a hundred years I wouldn’t he able to write ono. I wonder who else will join the Page? Perhaps a cat. We’ve an elf, a queer littlo man and a dog as it is. I think Fido and his "secretary” made a very bravo attempt at spelling. Xl3, what has happened to you? Have tho spring fairies stolen you, or have you been discovered? Dad is telling me to go to bed, so I must say "au revoir” to you and all the Cogs. Your loving Cog, Valancy You will he one of our scribes, I see, Valancy. Thank-you for the ‘‘schoolboy howlers.’’ Umutoi Dear Hub, —May I have tie pen-name of “Mother”? We have 2G cows and I don’t think they like milking at all. Wo have four pets left. My small brother just about killed mine and it died afterwards. We have kept a few heifer calves. Love from Mother Welcome, Mother! I was sorry to hear about your poor pet. Write again to me soon.