‘Koala Bear Story’ in The Sunday Times, Sunday 26 January 1936 (Winning Letter).
The Koala Bear-Prize to Subiaco Member, 96 Hensman Road, Subiaco.
"...Dear Auntie Kitty,
I have for a long time wanted to join your club, but I have not found the time to write. However, I am sending along the membership coupon today.
I think Koala bears are very interesting don't you? And in case you and your members are interested in them I will tell you something about them and how their name originated.
Many centuries ago at the end of each days hunting the Australian blackfellow squatted down to simple repast of game and the water vessels were passed around from one to another. To indicate that he had nothing to drink, the aboriginal muttered in his native tongue "Koala" or nothing to drink or "I don't have a drink". And so it's occurred to the blackfellow that the name "Koala" (pronounced Ko-ah-la) applied to a quaint furred dwellers of the Australian treetops, who looked like bears and never drank water.
So the name Koala was bestowed upon these lovely little creatures. Hardly two centuries ago after the first white settlement adopted this native bear, and thus "Koala" became a worthy contribution to the English language by the aboriginal of Australia.
Well Auntie only two more weeks holiday and then school.
I have for a long time wanted to join your club, but I have not found the time to write. However, I am sending along the membership coupon today.
I think Koala bears are very interesting don't you? And in case you and your members are interested in them I will tell you something about them and how their name originated.
Many centuries ago at the end of each days hunting the Australian blackfellow squatted down to simple repast of game and the water vessels were passed around from one to another. To indicate that he had nothing to drink, the aboriginal muttered in his native tongue "Koala" or nothing to drink or "I don't have a drink". And so it's occurred to the blackfellow that the name "Koala" (pronounced Ko-ah-la) applied to a quaint furred dwellers of the Australian treetops, who looked like bears and never drank water.
So the name Koala was bestowed upon these lovely little creatures. Hardly two centuries ago after the first white settlement adopted this native bear, and thus "Koala" became a worthy contribution to the English language by the aboriginal of Australia.
Well Auntie only two more weeks holiday and then school.
I am hoping I am enrolled. I will close and good wishes to you and you your band.
I remain your would be niece,
Mavis Hynes
Each week a prize of a stationary compendium is offered to each reader who forwards what is considered to be the most interesting letter. Write neatly in ink on one side of the paper only.
Auntie Kitty"
I remain your would be niece,
Mavis Hynes
Each week a prize of a stationary compendium is offered to each reader who forwards what is considered to be the most interesting letter. Write neatly in ink on one side of the paper only.
Auntie Kitty"
Aboriginal people and koalas from New South Wales.
(https://koala.nsw.gov.au/koalas-in-aboriginal-3/)
