THE FAIRY RING

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue CXXIII, 10 April 1937, Page 20

THE FAIRY RING

iN ADVENTURE UNDER THE SEA

(Written by "Tiggywink"

le," 10, of Karori.)

tpiMOTISIY and Anna were.staying at the seaside with their Uncle Eric and • ' ' Aunt Mary; who was more like a big sister than an aunt. Uncle Eric liked children, and most of the children that knew him liKed him too. This - was the .way with Anne and Timbthy—they both simply adored him. '. ' While they were {here they became friendly with John Fitzsimmons, the i son of a wealthy shipowner who lived next door. Mr. Fitzsimmons sent John ' over one day to ask Aunt Mary if she would allow Anne and Timothy to go for a trip in his submarine. Aunt Mary was quite willing to let them go, so '- that's how it happened that Anne arid Timothy were around at John's place that afternoon at half-past two. "We'll go on, Dad," shouted John, as they ran along the road to the boat- . house. There was the '■übmarine floating upon the water, waiting to be , , boarded. "I'll start the engine, so that it'll be all ready for Dad to get into." said John, whose father had shown him how to start the submarine. t He did just as his father had told him the last time they had been out, and to his surprise and horror the submarine started moving gradually below the surface of the water. ; ■ • ■ • ■ Meanwhile, Mr. Fitzsimmons, seeing the children go ahead, hurried after them, and was just in time to see the submarine slowly going.underneath. the blue sea. ■ • John vainly tried to steer the submarine back again, but he could not manage it. [ Suddenly Anne cried out, "Look at those giant crabs! Oh! -They've got the submarine. They're tying it up with seaweed! Ohi Help, someone! Help!" "Silly, there's'no'one here?', , ■ , ' The' mermaids "might come and have a fight with the crabs. , Oh, here they'come. They, '.are pretty, aren't.they?" ' < "The crabs have sighted them now. ' I do hope the mermaids will win it they have a fight!" cried Timothy- excitedly. • - Time passed quickly to the children. The mermaid* came and fought the crabs, and very nearly failed, but at the last moment a brave mermaid came up and slapped King Crab in the face;' then she neatly slipped back into her place. All the mermaids followed her example and slapped the ' "crabs' faces, quickly driving the crabs back. i " '. Then one ortwd of,the mermaids began to break the seaweed, while one scrambled into the submarine. ","We are so glad that we .were able t» help you, and are very glad we won 'the battle, but we want to ask you this one question. How do people -catch fish from under the sea?" •'"Ob, that's easy. .We1 have fishing lines with hooks on the ends, and the fish go io get the food'that is on the hooks, an* are caught." "Thank you," said the mermaid. "Well, I must say good-bye," and climb- ' ing out of the submarine she was gone. ; Presently the children felt themselves being towed slowly upwards, and in about five minutes Anne, Timothy, and John~were safely back on-firm, dry land. When Mr. Fitzsimmons heard of their1 adventure he said they were very lucky children to have been through such a marvellous adventure and got back safely. ■ • • ' ! ■>".,'■ , ' ,' ■ ',

"ONE CAT CALLED;TIGER" ,

"Our cat is one of the most comical I have seen. We call him, Tiger because of the black stripes on the' grey parts of his body. When he Has had enough meat, he will cover tKe rest up with a piece of paper, and he loves the thick cream on the cover of the'milk bottle.

"Sometimes when -we are sitting down,-we get a gentle push, on the bad;. It is Tiger, trying to tell us ttiat he wants the chair to sit on! In the hall of our house we have a cord for the electric light instead of a switch, and the cat will put the light on for us!" "PRINCESS OF NOD" (11).

Newtown.

"NAVY ON PARADE"

"Hasn't the town taken on a naval aspect? Everywhere and anywhere are white hats and tall, straight men. Don't they look grand? And the tall, stately ships as they came up the harbour were like grey, ghosts gliding up from the dawn: There is something majestic about the slo^y;. movement of warships, don't you think?" , "POLLYANNA." City. , ' '.:; ■' ■

"END OF EASTER"

"Easter passed away far too quickly, as it always does, but although the hot cross buns have long since vanished, some of.my Easter eggs still remain, sitting on' the shelf waiting to be eaten." ; "PRINCESS OF'NOD" (11). * Newtown. ■

"THE WIND." Original.) Hart to the wind At It howls around t!ic house I The hedges talk to him Just like a little mouse. The stars, are, poeplnu from the sky. The wind'has, sono, The moon is high. On creeps the night i With its cloak, so bridit, But hark to the clock I I must B". ,Oood-nlEht. WILJIA,GRAY (10). Island Bny.

Hastus and Samlio were talking anout ages. • "Jus' look at my oV dad," said Rastus. "Dere's a great age; he's eighty-four." "Dats nuffln," replied Sambo. "Why, ,my grandad would be a hundred and ilx—lf he had lived." ■ . ■ -!, ■

"FROM AKf-OLD BOOK"

"1 happened to be reading an old story book of mine yesterday, Fa'iriel, and I found - some interesting dates which are remembered in England. The last night of April is Walpurgis Night (May^ Day .'Eve), when all witches dance v on' {op of a mountain called the 'Brockeri.'• , v June '23 is Midsummer's Eve,,'when ' all goblins and sprites are abroad; and October 31 is the Great Feast of 'Sambain' or 'AH Fairies.' We call it Hallowe'en. On December 24, animals and all lifeless, things are supposed to be able to speak." "LILAC? (13). Island Bay. • * • Thank you. Lilac. It's so interesting that: 'If we'd midsummer in the May, With, ripening fruit and growing hay, We too would have Midsummer's Day. If we'd a hill like Brocken height And witches dancing, then we might Be fearful on. ,■ Walpurgis . Night!" FAIRIEL.

TWO MISCHIEVOUS GNOMES

(Original.)

Winkle and Daubface were known for their naughtiness in Fairyland. They were always stealing and ruining people* gardens until the gnomes and fairies really grew tired of them.

Now on this special night the FairyQueen was holding a banquet in the field by the hills. All the people in Fairyland were invited and. of course Winkle and Daubface were included. Everyone was busy buying pres-snts for the Queen, and these two naughty gnomes only thought of the fine feast they were going to have. Now the next problem was what were they going to wear. All they had was a little brown suit each, and everyone had seen them in the suits.

For a while they both sat talking, arid then Winkle made a suggestion. "I know," he said. "Yoir know our two neighbours next door? Theyboth have new suits. Let us take them. They won't know the difference." As they both thought it a very good plan; they crept silently to their neighbour's bedroom window.

At last it Was the night of the"ball, and Winkle and Daubface came along the road looking very smart in the blue and green suits.

Now everyone who was going to the ball was loaded with presents for Queen Annebelle.

Naughty Winkle made another suggestion. "I think I know," he said, "how we will be able to get a present for the Queen. The old gnome that lives by the field, there, keeps a very nice lot of flowers. Let us take some of them to give to the Queen." So away they went, and started to pick the beautiful roses that grew outside the gnome's door.

Now, Tinker, the little gnome from whom Winkle had taken the suits, was coming up the road sobbing bitterly that his suits had been stolen.

Suddenly he was attracted by the sound of/; voices coming from the old gnome's .house. He crept up to the house and he saw Winkle and Daubf ace with his suits on, pulling up the flowers. At once he ran back to Queen Annebelle and told her*. The Queen came at once just when the- naughty gnomes were coming up the road. They were going to run away, but the queen called them back, and she said she would punish them by making them work for the old gnome until they could behave themselves. "SKIPPERJACK" (11). Petone.

(I Part.) Timothy Troll, A merry younfr elf, Lived in a mountain All by himself. Did his own pork ano Cooked his own»tea. Nearly;as happy As elf van be. . " Only one sorrow In Timothy's life, He hnd his own cave But he hadn't a wife. Ho sent Tor a wizard And told him his woes,

"It you cannot help me Then nobody knoiva. (Said Timothy Troll) How I may be wed." The wizard he nodded His very wise head.

SQUIRE BLACKBIRD

(A Song from England.) My home is a cottage, And his is a tree; My ; neighbour's, a blackbird. And {gracious is he. Here flourished his forbears; . Three centuries lone. They lived in the beech tree. Their lifetimes of song. And when I'm forgotten His kinsmen shall hold Their fief in the beech tree, And build as of old. But new is my cottage, An upstart am I, The thatch is Still yellow, The whitewash not dry. His family mansion, His long honoured line, Might make. the. squire scornful Of all that is mine. And yet every eveninr He sings from that tree His love, of all living: Yes, even'of me.

" FAIRIEL SENDS . . .

"Titania.'l Hataltaf.—"Queen of the Fairies" is a name that belongs to one elf already, so we.'fl give you just "Tltanla." shall we? Are you shidylnc for music > examinations, tooF Such, lots of pixies Inpe ,to pass.

"Lauiklnf Last," Martfnbcreiith.—lt seemed .that the Clerk of the Weather couldn't make up ihls mind. V PehnpS he'heard somebody grumbling, and gave us a little of ererithlng. just to be fair.

"Ufac," Island Bay.—Such a dainty small drawing of the quaint, tall house. Hallowe'en Eve we might remember, Lass, but our back-to-front seasons bring the mid-summer dates 1 at quite the wrong time of the year. "Gillyflower.',' New town.—Letter-Box eir reminded me that you used to write—oh, aces agoi—when you lived in Lower Hutt. I'm glad you've como back; and with the same name.

"Lilac Lady," City.—When you have Oiat birthday, what will you do with It!. Splendid If it comes on a Saturday for you. "Bunch,of Violetl," City.—A pretty new name to 'choose . . . I'm sorry the pictures were all coloured blue;,thej would have looked grand in the King.

"Pollyanna," City,—Flvo days of fruit and cream.!—-no : wonder you didn't. look forward to a sea, trip after I I do hope Lassie was very careful, with twice five d.iys to consider! . . . That was a pufoct Mirpi'lsup.xcket you sent. ,-

"Wavlm Palm," Lower Hh«.—For an American pen-friend, plxle, why not write to Aunt Molly of 2YA? She cau find you one more quickly. .. . But you only beaan to tell me of the, farm adventure I Did you bo for pony Tides

Iran* Clarkson, Wadeatown.—That's a dainty tiling, vrllli its suggestion of clierry-rlpes. . . , 1 saw you, not long ago, grown ever so tall as the Emperor In Aladdin. "Splinter," City.—Are you a new c!f, child? ■ lettcx-jSox Klf doesn't know your address, and neither do I. Such trouble you took over tile'really ffood drawing. It will surely appear In the King.

"Rue Winj," Hataltal.—But I do like, tremendously—both the now namo and the story. Where (lid you learn your neatness, fay? Trinter-Jfan will chuckle «lth pleasure I "Dilly-Oally," Hifaftal.—A larce welcome to you, too, with your plxie-ish pen-name. Isn't It fun to have next-door-neighbour for your chum? So much youcaa do together. . . "GoM«a WMit|»r," Hatmital. —I chose the name , with-a-diffcrence for you: so many "Gypsies there aio in the Ring. ... Are the Terse* first attempt, really? They're good.- So are Dllly-Dally's, but I forgot to tell her so. "Princen Nina," Newtown.—The wiggle-waggle poem was quite as nice as Its name, «o perhaps we'll try the one about Sadie, shall we? But you know them all. so you might find a better one. "Shinm* Pearl," Island Bay.—Clever elf, to guess those puzrles. I expect somebody big explained them first: they were not easy for eight-years to try. »lc» Maiden," Mgahauranga.-Speclally nice, that small picture, and not too big for a spare corner. . . . Was It a birthday celebration, that futl-of-fun concert?

"NEW ELVES IN THE RING"

"Tltanla" «0 ""i1?-!1 "Bunch of Violets" (10) ; u -.Si hl .""Rose Wlnu" (II) S at at* I "Dilly-Dally" (II) g«J» J a I "Golden Whistler" (13) , "»t«'tal April Hardy Wand Bay "Golden Kiwi" Newtown <t Sr ■■■'*. ! SMALL REQUEST.

"Chattering Brook." Masterton.—Would you writs to Shirley James, who I. interested In Him stars? Her address i> 9 White's Line East, l_ow«r Mutt.

PUZZLE CORNER

HIDDEN WORDS.

In each of these sentences you will find hidden something to cat. Tor Instance, In "Arguments alter the case," SALT is hidden. Can you find the rest? • 1. You will see me at the corner.. 2. In Africa, Kenneth hunted lions. 3. That sum Is correct In yards but short of. feet.: i 4. At the top, I escaped by a ladder. 5. Bob read the letter again. 6. Nothing but terrible defeat faced them. "QUEEN BOABICEA." Lyall Bay. A SIX-LETTER WORD SQUARE. Cleanses; a channel in the body; .tempests; a person ■ retired from tho world; a small animal; method. BEHEADING. Too much of this, alas, Takes iilace, on roads through speed. Hehcad it and, oh denr, A doctor you may need. Keliead again and,. 10, You huvo a well-known tree. Behead just once aK.iln, Then silent you must b». * * $■ LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS. 1. Rlddle-me-ree.—Clilckcn. 2. Diamond Acrostic: A O N X A N (i L E X L X X S. Jumbled Rivers.—Wangnnul, Waikiiio, BulIcr.'Jlaniiwatiii Clutha, Grey, Clarence, Aahburton. The answers were ' guessed rightly by "Shining rcnrl" (8), "Crimson Koso" (12).

THE TALE OF TIMOTHY TROLL.

PIXIE PEOPLE,— So much to see, and so much to do, these early autumn days. If you live in the city under the hills, you. are chattering this*l week of the American Clipper that didn't arrive; of 1 the twinkling feet of the ballet dancers; of the lean, grey shapes of the ships at the ivharves, and the navy-blue uniforms about the streets. Perhaps you even iaw'the march past; that company on company of men all moving as one, ivith twinkling.buttons and shining braid. You would want to be . marching too, ivith those bands to swing you along. . . '. The tountry elves have more to tell of autumn's quiet, approach. There are small signs , written, for all to read: A berry-clump here, as red as fire; a poplar-tree there, changing green dress for gold; the sharp and lovely morning that follows a frosted night. Autumn is dancing into our Fairy Ring so very soon now; just a week to come, and d week to follow, before she arrives. And you're not forgetting .her, Dear-my-Elves. They're arriving early, the stories and pictures . . . the one-minute poems and fiveminute tales. Here's a- thank-you from LetterBox Elf and from me to you all. .' : ' FAIRIEL.

THE CHINESE TABLE

(Written1 by Nancy Hanron, 13.) The Chinese table welt in brass, Raised on an ebony stand, Was welded together with Chinese

tales, Tales of another land. It stands apart in our quaint old room; And with a charming, grace, A bowl of cherry blossom Is reflected In its face. _ I steal away from humdrum things, From the life of Joy and care, To sit beside the table old, And Chinese tales to hear. - Tales' of priests and temples, Of Chinese ladies sweet, Of the queer Chinese houses Which guard each twisted street. . O! the dark mystery ares, In jewel-strewn Cathay, • Of Marco Polo's; journey, To the land where all ages play. : And many other fantastic tales Glide o'er the surface bright, While I listen enraptured, And day fades into night.

. . . AN ANSWER TO

"Prlneeji of Mod," Newtown.—Sorry, sweet, but when I went to line in.that drawing the ink ran like a railway-train , Choose smooth paper '-for jour next.' But we still have your letter, Jjipoem, and "cat's-Ule" for-the King. "SJtinperjicli," Potone.—Such a. -line small . story: exactly right for Lady Autumn's page. tffie Prlnter-maa. -win be glad-to Jiaie It so early, too. , Marie Gilmour, Ulan* Bay.—Holidaying, are you,, lass I '.You'd have*» splendid view ot the -warships steaming-,, out on that still, midweek, morning. . : . Ihose sentinel ]>o|ilarsi, -with , tho sun i .shining through, will tempt somebody's paintbrush. "Sliirley'i Pal," Uwr *•«—Birthday parties and, Easter csgs—-.you' an "enjoying yourself I ' Your, two ■ chums chose lovely Hays, didn't j ,they, to t turn'trom eight Into nine* ' "Marcel," Upper Hutt—But a 'tiny bit bigger ■would.be better still—you'll see by the King :'}U«t how large. . „ . Stamps and autographs, .;lectures and cards! Are you sure that'a all j'you collect)1 ' "Brownie 'Helpful," Newtown.—Busy" indeed, , bu^'.eiclting as well. • Don't do too much, '> and:groir uiin, or. that new frock will neter • fit I " 1)1(1 you come visiting, one Hue day, round about quarter-tq-two (

"Crimson Rose," Seatoun.—The Jumbled rivers were so very mixed that the alias had to hell) me to, sort them out I Perhaps jours came out of its schoolbag, too.

Shirley James, Lower 'Hun.—There's a twelveyear elf who may tie looking tor a perifriend too. I've asked her to^write to you. If there's no letter by a fortnight, you may like an Australian nixie's address.

"Sweet Atnes," Hatartal. —Time and care put into tlio.se books, but aren't they a joy' to make'/ So'many thanks to you both. "Gay's Sister," Hataltti.'— They'll do beautifully to , add to .the /.gifts ' for little slcic People. . , . The blackberries had a holiday this year, I'm certain. Not nearly to many decided tojlpen. ~ April Hardy; Island Biy.—Happy .returns tor that birthday, new one. Is there to be a cike-uitli-candlca; and arc you choosing a lilxle name)!,

"Lassie," Kelburn. —Not such a very large time away, but we hurried slowly back, and missed you. We'll, blame Follyanna., because' ■ she said nothlng-for-uertain, except that she did. want her dinner! I wan gird to find your holiday letter waiting, though. "G»y Geld," Newtown.—You want to do your 1 'drawings on paper without lines, sweetheart, or, else they'll show too. It's nice of you to help small sister. "Golden-Kiwi," Newtown.—A little letter from a littlest elf. With a Ring name like that, I think you must be a pixie with bright curls and brighter eyes. Are youf "Little Dressmaker," City.—But your Easter was exactly llko a birthday, with, so many surprises and gifts! ' Calendars are larger than they, look: they're a present of a whole year to somebody I

"Sea Pixie," Kelnurn.—Yes, your mushroom is ' here in the Ring/so Letler-Box Elf and I did j^like your note:- Perhaps we'll find another, '; now that -you've written a first—and:1. I'll • watch'for'the story.. .;.'• • ','■ , .\" /■

" SEA SHORE "

Welter of 'waves in'the'sunlight, ~ . ■Flurry'of fo'sHHi'iii'the :wind'; ' r • Salt tang bfvkclp that the' billows '..:.■. ■ Keceding have . left behind.! ~ . Swoop of gulls'in-a1 glory .■'■:'. : ', ,'"■ Of. shimmering silvery light; . ■ ■;, Ture gleams on their wings widc-stretchins As they wheel In wonderful" flight. Shine of tlite smooth .wet stretches, - :; ■ O{ firm, brown-golden sand; Hero"are mirth, and dancing, and : gladness, Where' the sea Joins: hands, with the land.

SMILE AWHILE

Not Needed.

The visitor stood close to the edge of the

jiiff.i-; ■•'.■■■iV'-'y '■■ .'■ -,h ' ■ " : . - '"This is ii'Tery, dangerous spot, ne said. .'lt's a wonder there is: no warning notice."

VThcre was for three or 'four .years," re-, plied'the local inhabitant; "but nobody, fell' over, so we took'it | down." ■ ... > .- '..'. . , ;; ■i:.. ; ' '■'■■_. -:■ "biitriptlve!■■.'•.■■*;...; A .!";.'.;^V.; ; .. ■ ■ The'police patrol; car drew alongside the: motorist just outside a.'vniaee. -. . : "Didn't you see ■ thiit ..notice v'Slow 'Down. Here'?" demanded the 'policeman.,: ."■; '/■■- "l did,"-replied the motorist; "but I thought It described-the-vlUage.";;^/ . ■.-■'.. y . , ■-.' - '-■'". -■■:'■' Why} W«rry.?y.-': .. ■' , ; . Father was reading'his son's school report. "What a report I" commented Father. "Bottom of the' class again; I' see." . . "It doesn't: matter, Dad," replied Young Hopeful;./'they teach the same at both ends." ■-.- ' :'• -\ ■' .' ■'''." Tough. V - . '.' '. : '. :. Jack, who was spending the day, with his aunt, struggled- manfully with the meat: on his -plate. ..„! ' : ,'.-■'' '. . ' ■■■■ ■ "Shall I'cut your meat for you?" queried Auntlb..-: ._■:-■'"■?: ;' V;'.'-■■^■■1 ,!.""■.■ . '. ■ '' thank you,- Auntie," .replied ■ .Tack. "We 6ftcn; liave It as tough as: this' at home." $■'■'■/:■!';;.' ";f Not Approved. ''■-"'■-" Vi^Most of' ti^i; conjuror^ tricks were old and the audience was not^enthusiastic. • ;."3ly next trick".'requires an egg," said the expert. "I suppose no Tnember of ~ the audience has suclv a thing?" .'v < ■':i "Not i'likely, guvnor," 'called, a voice. "If wo. had it would have been yours, lone ago." ■/:.',:■ '.' ■'"V'Jt'.SHUBBE'O.',. :.".; ■•'• . A younff IjOndoncr stopped' and spolte to an old.man It a "country .village. ; ■ ?"And how did. are you!'"-the'young man

'I, be seven and "• "was the reply. 'But why put the seven first?" ■

'Because I were seven afore'l were seventj'

THE SE A BALL

(Ordinal Story by "Pixie

What excitement in King Neptune's kingdom!-' That night there was to be a ball.

Fanny, the mermaid, was busy threading long strings of pearls, Julie was combing her long wavy flaxen hair, ■ everyone was happy. Excitement reigned over everyone except Tiny, a poor mermaid. She had long wavy fair hair, shining eyes, rose-red lips,, and sparkling white teeth.

Tiny was very sad because she, had no pretty ornaments to put in her hair, or no strings of pearls to put around her neck.

As she sat on a rock, weeping, King Neptune's daughter swam up to her and said, "What ails you, my child?"

"Alas," sobbed Tiny. "Ii have no ornaments to wear to.the ball."

"Never mind," said- Dolores (for | such was her name), "Come with me to the palace, and I .will give you some ornaments. Please don't cry."

■en-Elf" (11), Brooklyn.) \

I Tiny cheered \ip at once, and followed Dolores to the palace. "You can' be my playmate, Tiny," said Dolores. "Oh, how lovely! Thank you ever so much!" Tiny said, clapping her hands. "Now keep close to m~ when we enter the palace, for you may get lost." "Dolores! How beautifulj Look at those mother-of-pearl walls and floors." Tiny exclaimed. "Hurry up, Tiny. This way." Up a big flight .of stairs they went, and at the top was Dolores's room. Here Tiny was transformed into the most beautiful person under the sea, and perhaps above it, too. Tiny went to the ball with Dolores, and had » wonderful,time. If you go down to visit Neptune, don't forget to see -Tiny and Dolores, who are still there.

MAGIC

(Found by "Fairy Dancer" for the Ring.) You may have' forgotten the fairies and elves; The books of your childhood be lost from the shelves, But there's magic abroad if you listen and look, Greater than Merlins or Grimm's fairy book.

Why, a grasshopper's {luting's a marvellous thing, As he saws away gaily upon his one string; The flight of a bird as it wheels in the air Surpasses all flying that men ever dare; The lamps of the glow-ivorms that gleam in the trees Are like fairy torches. Aye, fall on your knees, Look up at. the stars, man,'and humble your head Before, the Great Magic for ever outspread ■ The sunshine; the moonlight; the darkness; the stars; Only your blindness such beauty put-bars.

Fling open your soul, and the whole world will seem More wonderful Jar than a fairy-booh dream.

TH* TALE OF TIMOTHY TROLL. ;i:^;■.'(!!' Part:) Siirl he with a grin, the river !unui iu u »««■... i" Ilmoehy Troll .. Set off that My And: followed the river A-Tory long way. He did fall in. And a 'water-sprite Took hold of Timmy Anil held him Unlit. The wizard smiled From the bank above. "He fell In the river And fell in love 1" He siioke the truth, Tor the water-sprite And Timothy .Troll Were married that night.

(Original.)

John and. Betty were twins, and rather rowdy ones. . At half-past four one morning Betty promptly threw her pillow at John, who was sleeping peacefully on the other side of the room. , "Say,- what's wrong?" he demanded, as the pillow hit him in the face. "Oh, nothing," replied Eeity, "but I want you to have a pillow-fight" "No fear!" ;John said, glancing at the clock. "I am going to sleep till 7 o'clock." He had, hardly been asleep ten minutes when another pillow hit him on the nose, and ho grew so angry that he threw the pillow, back at Betty. Soon there was.a royal battle being fought. But it stopped.quite a shade sooner than they expected, for in walked their mother, who threatened them that if; they made ■, any more noise, they would not go to the pictures that afternoon. But they both wanted' to go, so they snuggled-- down into bed and went to sleep again. "WAVING PALM" (10). Lowe* Hutt.

THE UNEXPECTED DOG

(Original.)

Yns; Evans "was a", little Welsh boy, aged seven. He lived in aL small village in Wales. His one wish was to have a Welsh terrier. - . •;;::.: :. , "I do wish you could buy me a dog,": he'would say. But his. mother shook^ her."head. •.•■■'■':. ; ■■. ■ ■:;;-.:'' . •'■ •,:;/■ '■ i One day Yns was asked' to go for.aj message to the shop at the end of the; street.. On his 'way .home:.tie saw, ,aj poor, half-starved Welsh terrier with a hurt leg. Yns's heart melted "when he saw the dog, and, picking it up,:went home with his pet under his coat.; , "But, my ' dear," said his mother; gently when she saw it, "it belongs to; someone else.1 You' won't be ; able "toi keep t l.--, dog;" , : , | Yns's eyes filled with, tears, and he! pleaded until his mother allowed him1 to keep the dog if nobody claimed it.; In a few weeks' time Frisker, as Yns| called it, was fat and healthy. Thei little boy grew to love his companion! so much that he felt he couldn't possibly part with it. ; : ■ , ; One day a great ' handsome car! stopped outside Yns's home. A small! girl about his age jumped out. She; ran into the house next door and then; came to Yns's. ' . ; "Have you seen a little black -and; brown .Welsh terrier?" she . asked j shyly. V-.- ' . . '■..-•' "Yes," replied Yns, almost in tears. "Is this yours?" he cried as1 he ran to get it. "Oh, yes!" cried the little girl ex--citedly. ; "My dear little Trecham. I have missed you!" ' ~ ■ Yns cried pitifully when in bed, for he missed, Frisker, who always slept at the end of the bed. .--',■ A month after the dog went away the same' car stopped at the gate and the same little girl stepped out, holding a dear little puppy in her arms. "Yns did, not answer the -door, iot ...he was out, but after a short conversation with the mother the little girl went home. When Yns returned his mother tailed out: "Run up to your room and sec what is on the floor. Quickly!" "Oh, you darling!" he cried on seeIng it. 'I didn't think I'd have another." ' • ■ :..,■,■ A very happy little boy went to bed that night with a happy little 4og at his feet. ■ 1 "TAILWAGGER" <12). City. , ' '

PETER THE HERO

(Written by "Dream Maiden," 13, of Petone.) ' .• ■ . "XTOU have,all,heard the story of Peter Rabbit in song, I suppose, but this ■*■ is another adventure of his. Peter could not be called an Angora rabbit, for he was brown, with little white "shoes," and one ear was white. He was a lovable little fellow, but sometimes he was naughty. There was great excitement in Bunny Town one afternoon, for the Mayor had announced that a great "Fun Fair" was to be held, in two weeks' time. A competition was to be held to see who was the bravest bunny. The prize was to be a big lettuce from Farmer Jones's field. Many brave bunnies had entered, but'everyone thought that 'William Lopear would win.' ; At last the great day came, and a great sensation came in the morning. Rosy and Jimmie, two of Father Bunny's family, had been, captured by Farmer Bell, who, it was said, was going to keep them until they were very fat and then eat them. Farmer Bell had six dogs, and many rabbit traps, so none of the bunnies dared rescue:them. Peter did not know of this last fact, so he did not -worry. They would be rescued by some bunny doing his brave deed, so he thought. r Happily he ran along Bunnies Lane until he saw two bunnies stop by a -track and then run away. "I wonder why they ran away," he thought. "HI have a look at this track." Then he ran along it, singing "My name is Peter Rabbit, but my father calls me scamp!" Presently he' came to a big field, and in it were huge lettuces and cabbages. Peter was delighted. He ran along, nibbling some of them, until he 'found himself in another field. Long grass grew in it, and on one side -was a funny wooden thing. Peter ran up to it, and why, in it -were Rosy and Jiirimy Bunny! Peter knew where he. was now. Her had run. into .Farmer Bell's field! ,'•' "Oh, Peter, do let us out!" said Rosy. , , • , , a "I'll try," said Peter, a little doubtfully,. He pushed and poked about, bvit bunnies' paws are not very big, sof he was not, try as he .might, able,-to let them out. . f< ' ~ ■ '-, ■• - ./ Suddenly Farmer Bell ran up, and Peter was so frightened'that he polled down, his paws, and, in doing so, accidentally knocked .the catch' off the hutch. 'The door swung open. Rosy and Jimmie ran out and followed-Peter,1 who by now was along way off. >, ',:-.'.' • ■ Helter-skelter they ran, until they found themselves back ia Bunny; Town, where the l^ord Mayor was just announcing the winner ,of the Bravery Competition. "Why, Peter," said the Mayor. "And Rosy and Jimmie Ilabbit!" ""Peter rescued us. He opened the' door of our cage, and Farmer<'Brown nearly caught him, but Peter managed to let us out,-and Tie ran off so w* wouldn't know who did it, but we saw him," said Rosy and Jimmie, all in one breath. "Well, now," said the Mayor, "I think Peter wins the competition." "Hurrah for Peter Rabbit!" everybody said. Peter never told them how 'he had really accidentally rescued Rosy and Jimmy, for, after all, a lettuot ■was a lettuce! • i ' '

THE PlLlibw FIGHT

"FUN AT HOME"

"Not long ago-yiny, ..sister,.."'Dam* Durdan," and "some other girls -and I had a little concert "Bame Durdan" gave a -party and asked us to it. We had a jolly time, and a lovely tea. -About seven o'clock we gave the concert. There -were two plays and a chorus with! all of v* taking part, 'solos, duets ■with actions, one trio, several tap dances, and drill. "We arranged the stage with curtains, and we did enjoy the whole thing, although several times we were in convulsions of laughter over the. mistakes we made!" "ICE MAIDEN." Ngahauranga.

"ADMIRATION"

"I .have a scrapbook ip*"the pictures of Janet Gaynor and Henry Fonda, ont for Ginger Uogers and Fred Astaire, and others for Shirley Temple; Jane Withers, and the X>ionne quintuplets. I have also a small book for film' stars' autographs, which I have only • just made." . . "MARCEL." , Upper Hutt. ,

"BIRTHOAY GIFT"

"For. my brother's bir£hdayr-he to grownn-up—l bought an ash-tray with * I little bluebird on the side of -it Th« actual tray is' shaped like a club Stoat 1 a pack of cards. I hope >he really likpa iit." • ■ • ■ ' "DREAM MAIDEN" (13). Pctonc.

"THE V.FW «BLAR MA"."

(Original)

There's n little' eilta ■jieaiaT^nan.-V .. ;" WJio lives in n *my, .caT*Taii, . ■He rings a little .sJlrer" ieU, •- n ' . ; Crying out; what -be nas to sell. ; , lowers laifl/frtflti in small eme_b«!kets. Ana dazzling jewfls JIH mass . ca«Bts. • Fairy froclo,, «nd m«ay.»: fchoe,, • ;•• ■SilTer luce, and -flower^scent^sD. ? ■ .•„ Ana so ha fioes thrpuih some lalry •dell, ■Crjlns out ■«*at be t»» i« se... ; . -

-GREAT GEEEKTEATHER" (11) JolmsonvUle.

"THIKTY DAYS HATH SEPTEMKB."

.. ■■■..■■' (C«»»«d.) ' "':^T.'--:^''. ' "Thirty days 'hath 'September" v .;."'. Thirty' unornlnKß to senrember, :■■:■■■ ■: ; When the, mlat and dew toeotlißr,?r Fade before a .perfect WeSther. . ."",<■.' Thirts' noon tides, hot ■ant) / simnj', it - ■Cay as cipsies, Bwect ss honey. . ■ Thirty eves nf, -Bpicnaouc,:tinting ■ > v- :: ... Earth .and sky; jJid starD ß ht ,Bllntln«- : . "PEASANT GIEL",iIO)i Khandallali. , ;• >