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Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3011, 16 March 1926, Page 4

again in this world. They arc dead and buried .... but she does not know this, and keeps asking for them. Her name is Esther Marie Fordham, and she is the sole survivor of the Paikakariki fatality which occurred at McKay’s crossing on the afterndon of February 26th last. “She’s one of the sweetest little things we’ve ever seen,” said a nurse. “She never grumbles, really she doesn’t. Of course, the poor little thing wants her mother and father.” The nurse sighed. “She thinks they are coming to take her away any day now.” The young patient is attended by lir. Austin. She says she loves him. He’s such a good mam She calls him Uncle Doc. and says she will marry him when she grows up to Ve a big girl. Everything that can be done is done for the unfortunate little one by those at the hospital. She is given picture books and magazines to read, while all the othei little ones around make things lively Once or twice the subject of tbe smash has been approached. Ot that tragedy, however, the child can speak but little. Ml she knows of the smash is that she was a motor ride. It was a lovely day ,„d she was looking a! tn.ngs about her Then suddenly there was a loud noise, she says, and sue woxo up. That was m the hospiuStrange faces frightened her. Sue bewail to cry. But tbe nurses and doctors were all so good t at : s i\i soon settled down and won Ucu sympathy. Now she asks foi eh c'olates. “Mummy used to gne me chocolates, anyway,” shei said „ other day, “and so used daddy Yesterday afternoon (.a Scott, of the Wellington South p<>’ice went out and saw her. He is a constant visitor. Every time she sees him coming she gets excited. He is one of her favourites. He takes her fruit and chocolates, and tells her about the man in the moon, and how the fairies play them harps in Heaven. Tears come sometimes when he has to go away. Occasionally at night, when he lights in the ward are low ami t atmosphere is calm and still, the child sits up in bed, starts wit i friM,t as if awakened by an unpleasant memory from ? dveam looks all round her, and then falls on the bed calling out in tears for “mummy.” A nurse is always at hand and particular care is given to the little orphan till she eventually finds solace in a nurse’s arms. Her relatives come to see her, and everyone does all they can to cheer her. Meanwhile, until Dr. Austin sees fit, Esther will remain in the hospital. She is getting better every day, and it will not be long before she lias her heart’s desire and is taken away, But the ones to take her will not be the “mummy and daddy” she waits for and expects, though no one has had the heart to tell her yet.—Dominion.