own 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