From Some Far-Away Members.
The Table loves to hear from far-distant places, and to have members tell us how their country looks, and what the people do. Here is news from three friends:
Spring Creek, Marlborough, New Zealand.
New Zealand is a far-away country to you, yet I have seen some letters from here. The town I live near is not very large. It is subject to floods, and last year the water came thirteen times into some of the shops. I have not travelled about much, so I cannot describe to you my journeys as many other girls do. The North Island of New Zealand is very volcanic, especially near the centre. There are many hot springs there, some just warm, and others boiling. The Maories, as the natives are called, boil their potatoes in them, by letting them down into the springs in baskets.
Out of one of the volcanic mountains the lava that streamed down the sides was a pale pink. It was formed into terraces all down the mountainside. On another mountain it was much the same, only the terraces were white. A few years ago a great eruption caused them to entirely disappear. Since then some brown ones have begun to form, but they are very inferior to the former ones. When the eruption took place there were loud noises heard almost all over New Zealand. Many people who lived near were wellnigh smothered with mud, and for miles the country was covered with ashes and mud, in many places several feet thick. Most of the deposit was of a steel-gray color, and just like knife-polish in texture. My younger sister and I collect stamps. As yet we have very few. I have seen letters asking for girls to write and exchange stamps. I would much like some girls to write to me, and send the stamps of their countries. In return I will send them New Zealand ones.
Jean Chaytor.
Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand.
I am collecting stamps, and would be glad if any girls would write to me and send me some stamps of their country, and I will send them some of mine. There is a Maori pah about two miles from here. Some time ago the chief died, and they had a great tangi, which lasted for a fortnight. In old times Maoris used to bury their dead head down and all their goods with them, and then stick a canoe at the head of the grave.
Constance Chaytor.
Blenheim, Marlborough, New Zealand.
There was a chrysanthemum show here last Thursday, and there were some lovely flowers at it. I think the chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers, especially the Japanese ones. We have big floods in Blenheim. I think they are great fun, but they do great damage, especially to the farms. Once when we had a big flood my sister was sitting on the bed taking off her boots. She forgot about the water, and dropped her boots into it, and they floated about the house all night.
A month ago Rev. Mr. Brittain, a Melanesian missionary, and twenty-two Melanesian boys came to Blenheim; only a few of the boys could speak English. The others speak Mota. It was interesting hearing all about the islands. At Norfolk Island there is a large college. There is also a beautiful church. All the seats are inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Last summer all our family and several others went down to White's Bay, which is about ten miles from Blenheim, camping. We had three tents. We staid two weeks, and had a splendid time. I collect stamps, and would be very glad if any of the girls would write to me and send some, and I in return would send them some New Zealand ones.
Millie Dobson.