Gifted Girl

Jean Prentice, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs George Prentice, of 562 Aberdeen Road, is the kind of girl who ought to go a long way. If Jean gets a yen to do something, she usually makes a success of it, even if it means going ahead entirely on her own.

For a ten-year-old, Jean already has an impressive record. She is a cortortionist of no mean ability, she has taught herself the piano, and now she has started writing music. Her first composition, entitled "The Gisborne Waltz" in honour of the town's accession to city status, has been highly praised by Auckland musicians.

In their opinion she has talent which is "quite out of the ordinary".

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Jean playing her own composition, "The Gisborne Waltz"

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We persuaded Jean to give a short performance for readers of "Photo News". As a contortionist, these are some of the things she can do.

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Pouring tea like this is sure to astound your guests. Try it some time....

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No table is no worry for Jean

Jean has taught herself to play the piano tolerably well in just a little over a year. There may be others who have done that, but can they play like she plays in this picture? To us, it looks like something for Ripley to write about.

Asked how she came to develop her interest in contortionist work, Jean said that when she was only six or seven she liked to tie herself in knots for the family's amusement.

Jean sent her "Gisborne Waltz" to Chas. Begg and Co., Auckland, for their comment. In their reply they say: "Your composition has been played and studied by several members of our staff, each of whom is a qualified musician. We have all agreed that it is a really splendid effort and would like to offer our very heartiest congratulations".

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She can draw pictures with the pencil in her teeth.

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When Jean turns in, an 18in doll's bed is big enough.

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Write her name this odd way.

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Toes can be useful for the toilette