The Hollow Tree

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 318, 31 March 1928, Page 27

The Hollow Tree

Messages for Sunbeams Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as under: Frank Shorley, Morrinsville: Another neat and interesting letter from my faithful Frank, whose face is well known in Tiptoe Street. Many thanks also for the riddles and puzzler. I am so glad that you managed to see “Ben Mur.” The Dawn Lady saw it, too, and loved every moment of it. I think the world is a happier place now, don’t you, Frank? John Jamison, Mount Eden: No, John, I have not yet come across the Griffin that was hatched from the moon, but I have an idea that I saw him sitting: in. the crescent the other night. Of course, 1 wasn’t quite sure, and it may have been a cloud effect so you are the only one I have mentioned it to. Many thanks for your list of books. One of them will be reaching you before, long. I just love the galleon at the head of your second letter. Jack Hobbs, Takapuna: So you are the laddie who lost his name in Tiptoe Street. Never mind. Jack, here is another competition for you. Your mother’s letter was a little late in reaching me, otherwise your painting would have placed you in the highly Commended list. Best i»»*c to this Sunbeam. Lilian Gibbs. Archhill:. The tonguetwisters are ‘delightful, Lilian. Aren’t they hard ones? The Doorkeeper attempted to say several of them and had to shut himself up in the Place-of-You-Never-Can-Tell while he untied the knot in his tongue. He was looking so worried about it, poor old fellow', but you know, he will try everything. Thank you also for the jumbled flowers. When I read letters like yours, Lilian, I feel happy all over. Ailsa Melville, Morningside; With all that swimming, Ailsa, I should not be at all surprised to hear that you have grown a beautiful finny tail and long, streaming hair like strands of sea-weed. We shall have to make a special pool with a miniature coral reef somewhere near the Wishing Well for all our Happy Town mermaids. Becky Pelham, Royal Oak: Gay s address is “ ‘Hawthornden,’ Howick. I am sure she will be delighted to bear from you. She writes such interesting letters and brings much sunshine to the Dawn Lady. She will find your love message. I am so glad that you have heard again from little Bill Pratt. Fie has grown very fond of his Fairy Godmother. -Many thanks for your story. _ . , Beth McAulay. Auckland: r to hear again from this faithful sunbeam, and to find that Gladys is reeling better. Please give her my love, l am so glad that you had such a happy tune at the show. Puppies have a strange habit of turning into dogs and losing their playful ways. T .iw Dulcie Craig. Epsom: No, Dulbie, I did not visit the South Island while I as on holiday. T went down the Wairaiaiia io a place called Rongoraai, which 13 a basin of the hills. It is very prettJ and restful there, and I enjoyed myseii very much. Yes. some day I must ctrtalrily see the Buller Gorge. Did you enjLJoane CoopVr. Grey Lynn: Welcome to this young lady whose first letter is> a. very neat one. Thank you also for those riddles. Are you fond of painting. * so. you will find a competition in toMabs* Stock. Henderson: Two Jeters from my faithful Mabs this week, and also a competition story. Thank >ou very much. Walter Pearce and John Jamison will find your congratulations if thev are peeping into the Hollow Tree. Perhaps you would like to write to Mavis Trask, C/o. Mrs. Dunbar. Victoria Street. Rotorua. She is about, your age. Jean Marbeck, Green Lane: Your last letter was answered on March 10. litvle Miss Green Lane. Did you miss your message? The 2!oo was not a competition. but there is one to-day that - l ‘ r *; to interest you. You managed those quaint old creatures very well. . Sheila Quinn. Mount Eden: The Tuttle Thought was delighted to see you In Tiptoe Street again. Sheila, and a Dixie Postman carried in your competition storv verv carefully. Yes, the picnic was a most successful one and the Dawn w Lady had a very happy day. * no one knew about it all our Happy Tons n

friends were there and the Doorkeeper t ame fifteenth in the egg and spoon race. He is feeling- very proud about it, and we have all agreed not to tell him that there were only fifteen people running. The Little Thought brought me a caramel from a lolly scramble, and the Joyshop Man put the pleasant taste in the ice-creams. They had to keep very quiet, of course, because they all came on my ticket. „ , Jean Buckley, Mount Roskill: Many thanks for your letter, Jean, and also for the jumbled names and the joke. Our voungest Sunbeam is Roy Robinson, who was born last December. Jean

Mclndoe and Gay du Faur will find your greetings. Your letter was a neat one this time. Jack Lydster, Takapuna: That was certainly a strong auctioneer who knocked the bull down, Jack. I had a good laugh over your story. Supposing he had been selling a hippopotamus, or an elephant? Best love to this Sunbeam. Doris Cristopher, Manurewa: When your letter came. Doris. I sent the Little Thought to inquire why a message for you had gone into the Hollow Tree with onlv a portion of your name. The woodpecker that we keep for enlarging the hollow has confessed that as Christopher is also the Christian name of a boy, he could not resist snapping off the “her just to see what would happen. It was ve-y mischievous of him and, as punishment. a Pixie Postman has pulled a feather out of his tail. How you must have laughed when you discovered what pranks he had been playing with your verv nice name. Ada Wilkins, Mount Albert: A beautifully neat letter from this good scribe, and lots of kisses that I have shared with the Little Thought. Jumble Town is verv good and I enjoyed reading it. Oh ves there are plenty of entries for the’ storv competition. Those fairies are popular * little people. Joyce Shirtcliff. Grey Lynn: I Has glad to hear again from Joyce and toßeceive the competition story. Theie is

now a big V.G.S. on your letter. That means “very good scribe.” Norman Lydster, Takapuna: Many thanks for the wee poem, Norman. I like it very much. There’s always ■‘magic in the earth and air” when little boys belong to Happy Town, don’t you think?

Jean Panckhurst. Otahuhu: Many thanks .for your riddles, Jean. Your writing is as neat as ever. I hope I shall have plenty of letters from this little Sunbeam. Doris Lydster. Takapuna: Soon all the leaves will be whirling down, Doris, and the pool- trees will be shivering in the winter wind. They should be allowed to grow warm coats of wool like sheep. I must suggest it to the very next tree I meet. I must tell you a secret, though. The leaves never come whirling down from the Happiness Tree. Eric Taft, Birkenhead: Congratulations on winning the prize for that joke. Eric. It is a very good one. Oh. no, I l ave not forgotten this laddie, but I missed something from your letter. You didn’t say, “How are you and all your little Sunbeams?” and I was just longing to tell you how happy we are. Marjorie Somerville, Mount Eden: l am delighted to hear that you love Happy Town, M ai *jorie. and it is a great pleasure to see you in Tiptoe Street. The Doorkeeper, the Joys hop Man and the Little Thought are all looking very pleased. I have just given them your kind messages. I hope your card has reached you. Ronald C. Enwright, rrankton: A warm welcome to this little boy, who has come skipping down Tiptoe Street with a puzzler for the Dawn Lady. Tt is fine fun popping your hand for the first time

into the Hollow Tree, isn’t it, Ronald? Don’t you feel like Little Jack Horner? d.dtoho. . Jessie Milne, Birkenhead: Many thanks for your story, Jessie. I think you must always be listening for the merry music of the Competition Bell. No, there has been no rain in Happy Town. The grass is evergreen, you know. I am delighted i hat you are on the committee for the school magazine. Some day perhaps you will send me a copy. Norma Waller, Manurewa: I think the woodpecker must have been up to his tricks again, Norma, as you could not find your last message, so this time I shall answer your two letters. It was splendid receiving a letter from the editor of “Little Folks,” and I am sure you must prize it. No, I have never eaten the fruit of that curious tree. I don’t think you would feel tempted to rob the orchard. Many thanks for your story, which has come safely to Happy Town, lam glad that you have heard from Sylvia Hughes. She will find that you have sent vour love to her. Molly Dierdrich, New Plymouth: Greetings and welcome to Mistress Molly. “The Pollen Boy” is a delightful little person, and I shall hold him for the next drawing competition. Gay du Faur, Howick: A Pixie Postman delivered your letter with a bow, Gav, and said, “This is from your Sunbeam with the happy name. I can always tell her writing.” So I opened it and read all about the apple tree that is blossoming out of its turn, and the letter from wee Maile Morris, and the “Norse “Wonder Tales” from Fitzie. I think other people beside that Pixie Postman know your writing. Does the sea still sing Lullabies at Howick? Nancy Waller, Manurewa: You came down Tiptoe Street for the first time last June, Nancy, when the roofs of the Pixie houses were glistening with rime and the birds were all seeking shelter in Happy Town. Your puzzlers are correct and I was glad to receive your story. It is splendid that you and May Marett are friends. George Appleton. Claudelands: The Little Thought has brought George Appleton. Claudelands. down Tiptoe Street, but, although he has searched in every pocket, he can’t find his age. Perhaps little George Appleton can remember what it is. Leslie Waller. Manurewa: So your daddy ’has just cut your hair, Leslie? TV hen you are a little older you will be able to sit in a barber’s chair and have a lovely whirligig to trim the back of your neck. Then the barber will say, “A little Bay Rum, Sir?” and you will come out looking a very spick-and-span young Leslie Waller. You came down Tiptoe Street last July. Jean Farquhar, Auckland: L too, went up the harbour last Sunday, Jean, and watched the swimmers diving in. Where were you .' I was on the s.s. Pupuke with a big red flag floating at the mast. Ewen Cameron, Mount Eden: But why didn't you come up to me and say “I’m Ewen Cameron?” That was certainly the Dawn Lady under the hat you describe. Never mind, Ewen, there will be another picnic next year, won’t there? Many thanks for the hidden names, and my best love to this faithful Sunbeam. Dorothy Ferguson, Remuera: Many thanks for your competition story, Dorothy. I am very sorry to hear that the cat killed the poor wee bunny. Not very long ago I saw a big tabby with a terrifield field mouse, and I barked like a dog! In the confusion the cat sprang for safety and the mouse escaped. Many

thanks for the little poem, “Smiles and Frowns.” Rive Mackie, Devonport: Rive’s neat letter has placed him among the Good Scribes. Many thanks, too, for colouring in those animals. I can understand little boys liking sugar, but if you help yourself to the cheese, Rive, one of these days you may find yourself with bright, beady eyes, a long straight tail and funny little claws. And when Colin asks you to come out and play you will onlv be able to answer with a squeak. It is really much safer to eat raisins. Charlie Scott, Thames: I am very sorry to hear that Lloyd is sick, Charlie. Please give him my very best love and every good wish for an earlv recovery. Many thanks for sending in the bidden fruits. Aren’t they puzzlers? 'The Pixie Piper”: Two competition stories with this title have come to band. One is by Bernice Brooks, but the other is without a name. Would this Sunbeam please communicate with the Dawn Lady. Dick Schofield. Ponsonby: I was delighted to hear again from this little boy, vho has a warm corner in the Dawn Lady s affections. Thank you, too, for your fine little story. You and Nanette ? !rH a l ing a happy time at the beach. I still have the box of shells you sent ♦ are ll^? ky having all those n toys. Even though I try to fg-rl^viih“little ?übbe S r IV ty S re I S e th. Dawn Lady went to the picnic. LUUe Thius’ht’S'mons'the flowed In T?™,r, ar 2 en ' E,leen ? What did he say and am so .f orr >' that you are lame Shnnt ? - >ou V 1 soori be able to run Finr* r- • Jean Mclndoe, Gay du w?H find I? Cral ® * nd Ewen Cameron * ... d > our greetings. Our best love to this faithful Sunbeam. Bernice Brooks, Mt. Eden: I was rleEernfne tQ ?. ave your competition storv. Dei nice. It is a dainty little tale i hope I shall soon Lear from you again N H el> !' Grey Ly™: A warm tlcorae to Mistress Kathleen, who is St°^ a i, member . of Ha PPy Town. Your stor> has reacned me safely and I like it very much. I hope I shall be able to place many messages for this new ounbeam in the I-lollow Tree. Colin Mackie, Devonport: You have been a good boy this week. Colin, and I am sure you must be a splendid little messenger. Do you always remember everything or do you have to take a note ? do you like your prize and is it the one you wanted? Irene Better, Mt. Eden: No. Irene, I did not like arithmetic either. Whenever there was a hard sum on the board 1 used to guess the answer and add up green fields and Little Thoughts and butterflies. That is why I like Happy town—there are no blackboards here. I am glad that Hilda is your best friend. I have given your love to the Little Thought and the Joy Shop man, and Jean Mclndoe will find her share. Betty Menzies, Auckland: Congratulations on coming second in the composition test, Betty, and in being only one mark behind the winner. You are also among the Dawn Lady’s good scribes. Maureen Hogan. Otahuhu: Many thanks for “Daffadowndilly,” Maureen. Don't you just love the time, when the daffodils are spilling their gold in every garden? A package of good wishes for this happy Sunbeam.

Myrtle McCormick, Pukekohe: Your competition story has reached me safely. Myrtle, and also your solutions to the last puzzlers. I passed through Pukekohe not very long ago and sent a winged thought to this Sunbeam. Bid it reach you? Thelma Churches. New Plymouth: I was glad to hear again from Thelma and to receive your story and riddle-me-roe. Congratulations to your school on winning the shield and cup. How delighted you must be. Dennis Hogan, Otahuhu: Here is another Sunbeam for Happy Town. The Little Thought was so excited when he saw you coming down Tiptoe Street. I hope I shall have many letters from this little man. Are you fond of painting, Dennis? Ronald Churches, New Plymouth: A very neat letter from Ronald this time and also a story. Thank you very much. The Little Thought has put your love in his pocket and :is looking very happy indeed. Do you find the work hard in Standard IT.? Gwendolyn Tancred, Remuera: .Tack o’ Lantern” lias flown safely into Happy Town. Gwendolyn. I was glad to hear again from you as it seemed quite a long time since 1 had had news of you. One of your drawings is still on the wall. Berys Hodgson, Devonport: A beautifully neat letter from Berys this time. I enjoyed the joke, too. You will be interested in this new competition. Berys, as you are so fond of painting. Best love to this Sunbeam. Ellen McAulay, Auckland: Many thanks for your story, t Ellen. I like it very much. Your writing is as neat as ever and I am always glad when a Pixie Postman brings a letter from you. Edna. Doris and Mavis Cayiess, Auckland: “Three little maids at school” are having a busy time these days, but they have not forgotten the way to Happy Town. I hope your mother will soon be strong again. You will have to take great care of her. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: Jean has written a bright little letter this week and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. That quotation is very beautiful, Jean. Where did you find it? Poetry is a wonderful stimulant, I think, and it is curious howcertain passages cling. I have a little catalogue of beautiful lines at the back of my mind and, at odd moments, it is refreshing to turn the “mental pages.” One of my favourites is by Christina Rossetti: "Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad ” I always think that the whole meaning of life is summed up in those few words. Dearest love to Jean from everyone in Happy Town. Donald Ensor, Thames: Donald can write stories, I see. Many thanks, for your competition entry. I was so pleased to hear from you again. N ola Craig. Mt. Albert; Yes, 1 have

seen Jean Mclndoe, Xola. She has pretty dark hair and a handshake that is very firm and strong. Going into Jean’s room is like entering a garden. Something very sweet and fragrant reaches out and seems to touch you. Ana she has such wonderful flowers in her vases. I like your story very much, and please will you thank Buz for his very interesting letter. . really oe ~ serves a message all to himself. I did not notice him in that race at the picnic, in fact, 1 did not see any events for cats on the programme, but if he won all those prizes J am afraid it must be true. Yes, please, I would like to share those dainties with him. Sylvia Webb, Glen Eden: Congratulations on winning the prize for that essay, Sylvia. No one is more pleased than the Dawn Lady. Norma Waller is a fine girl, and I am sure you will enjoy her letters. Best love to my faithful Sylvia. Stanley Baker, Grey Lynn: Welcome to Happy Town, Stanley. I hope I shall often hear from this new member. Beatrice Emptage, Auckland: So Granny reads the Happy Town page each week and works out all the competitions? What a lovely granny to have. She has never grown up, and we should I really bring her down Tiptoe Street. Many thanks for the little poem, Beatrice. Meryla Webb, Glen Eden: A letter addressed to Phyllis Miller, Queen Street, Otahuhu, will find her. Many thanks for your story, and congratulations cji winning that prize at school. How pleased you and Sylvia must have been. Doris Muchmore, Devonport: Doris s now a member of the Dawn Lady’s happy family. I shall always be glad to put messages for this new Sunbeam in the Hollow Tree. Edwyna Stone, Onehunga: So your pet pigeon has spread his wings and flown away. We must sprinkle some c rumbs under the Happiness Tree and see if we can catch him. All the puzzlers are correct, Edwyna. My best love to this little lady. Jack Wilson, Auckland: Jack is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town. We were all so glad when we saw you in Tiptoe Street. How old are you, Jack? Esma Coughey, Onehunga: I am sorry that your foot is taking such a long time to recover, Esma. How glad you will be when it is well. Thank you' so much for your very interesting letter. Dulcie Rigden, Avondale: Welcome, Dulcie, and many thanks for your story Do you know Sunbeam Lorna Radford, who lives at Avondale” I was so glad to receive y«?ur competition story. Ruth Roberton. Penrose: The Little Thought is waiting with his wheelbarrow piled high with messages, but I must not let him go before I thank Ruth for her story. I like it very much and vour writing is wonderfully neat. One, two. | three . . . Away he goes.