THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 400, 14 July 1928, Page 27

THE HOLLOW TREE.

I /MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAfAS .

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow:

Norma Fraser, Wanganui: 1 was glad to hear again from this far-away Sunbeam, who has bridged the space between Wanganui and Happy Town. You live in a very pretty place, Norma, and I know Gonville quite well. No, we do not have badges in Happy Town.

Jack Beiliss. Taihape: Welcome to the Lawn Lady’s happy family, Master Jack, and many thanks for your painting. T hope you will enter for plenty more competitions. and also that the Woodpecker will often find your name in the Hollow Tree.

June Farley, Glen Eden: June has passed safely down Tiptoe Street. Thank you very much for your two paintings. How well you have managed them. It is a long, long time since that fish picture was printed in the Happy Town page, isn’t it June? Mary Grattan, Mount Eden: Thank you, little Miss Mary. I like your painting very much. Isn’t it splendid that Gordon and Pat are now members of Happy Town, too?

Ernest Chapman, Epsom: You would have fould a message in the Hollow Tree last week, Ernest, but no letter posted on the King's Birthday reached me. Many thanks for the jokes and riddles. Ruth Powell, Huntly: The Dawn Lady loves to have photographs of her Sunbeams, Ruth. Thank you very much for the one of you. Will you please give my best love to Sylvia. I hope she will soon be well. Ronald Tornquist, Onebunga: Painting flays are happy days for the Dawn Lady, Ron, for she sees the work of so many °f her Sunbeams. Many thanks for your entry.

Daphne Gerlach, Brown's Bay: Tiptoe Street has echoed to the sound of a. new Sunbeam’s feet, and here is Daphne in Happy Town. Thank you for your paintln£. I hope you will write to me soon. Gordon Grattan, Mount Eden: Welforae, Gordon, and many thanks for bringing brother Pat to Happy Town. I you will often find your names in the Hollow Tree. No Name, Waitoa: The Tattle Thought has sped away to Farmer’s Road, Wuitoa, to discover which Sunbeam has sent an unsigned painting. Has she found her message? Lilian Gibb, Archhill: Fifty-three kisses for the Dawn Lady and the Pixie Postthen. There was one over and, just as were wondering how to divide it, the Woodpecker swooped down and flew off ;vith it. Your painting is very good, Lillan» and I am glad you are going to be Promoted to Standard IV. I hope your sister and brother will soon be well and also that Pat had a happy birthday. Nola Wolfe. Auckland: Two paintings from Nola. Many thanks, little lady. I have entered the first in the competition and the Doorkeeper has claimed the other to hang in the Place-of-You-Never-Can-Tell.

Margaret Mears, Otahuhu: This is a busy Sunbeam. Many thanks for your two competition entries. When next you ' vrit ®» Margaret, please would you let hie know your age and the date of your birthday. Noel Stow, Ngaruawahia: A warm welcome to this young man, who is going to be one of my neat writers. All your Jng nds in Happy Town wave a greet-

Alice Hewlett, Morrmsville : Spring ?Q°tK erS your garden, Alice? Grandrinter must be feeling rather Perplexed this year, 1 think. Yes, thank y ,’ We a re all well in Happy Town. John Jamison, Mount Eden: The birds r*rvob■> a ’ Ut^u * , •J°hn, ajid I love the pealul Kf B ,,J?S WinEr H u - And "’hat a delighttitirv«U • JOU have made of the compeP lc ture. It is a very artistic piece Snnbe st love to this keen young

wmM l ?-. Capson - Birkenhead: So yon ould like to send the Dawn Lady some

flowers? Kind little man. You could not send me anything that I would like better- Thank you very much for the joke, Willie. I had a big smile over it. Evelyn Stow, Ngaruawahia: No Evelyn, I had not forgotten you. Did you ever hear of the Dawn Lady forgetting any of her Sunbeams? Many thanks for bringing little brother down Tiptoe Street. We are all very glad. Mabs Stock, Henderson: Your fairies have flown into Happy Town, Mabs. Many thanks for them. I am glad that you keep all your messages in the Hollow Tree. What a number you must have now. You will miss your friend after the happy time you spent together. Jean Mclndoe will find your love. Thank you also for your painting. Elizabeth Christine, Auckland: Greetings, Elizabeth Christine, and many thanks for your letter. Yes, children are certainly like flowers and plants, and the Dawn Lady always feels happy in being able to care for so many. “The wind bloweth where it listeth,” and plays havoc with too many gardens in the outside world, but Doctor Spring Sunshine will soon be tip-toeing up those cobbled paths of yours.

Edna Stacey, Parnell: Your paintinglooks very pretty with its dainty mounting an 3 I was glad to have your letter, too. Perhaps, when we have another story competition, you will be able to enter.

Carol Dale, Ellerslie: The race for the Happy Town page must be very exciting, Carol, and isn't it fun finding your message. That pet duck must be a very wise one. What is her name? She is lucky having such a fine pond. Myrtle Gardes, Devonport: Tabby has certainly been in a mischievous mood lately. Myrtle, but I expect she agrees that it is no use crying over spilt milk. What numbers of little people Doris has brought to Happy Town. Rato Wildon, Takapuna: I was glad to hear again from this Sunbeam and the Woodpecker is delighted to see your name in the Hollow Tree. The fireside is a cosy place in the winter, Rato. Please give my love to little brother. I hope he will soon be well.

Hazel Rose, Point Chevalier: Your painting reached me by Pixie Postman mail. Hazel. Many thanks and much love.

Noeline Patterson, Remuera: Yes, in a way, badges would be a good idea, Noeline, for then the Sunbeams would know each other, but then we could not keep our slogan, “Everything is free in Happy Town.” Many thanks for your competition entry.

Hilda Jarvis, Mount Eden: I was delighted to see a photograph of this smiling Sunbeam. Thank you for the one of Rover, also. Congratulations on coming top of the class, Hilda. That is excellent work. All the Happy Town people send their love.

- Lloyd Taylor, Epsom: Another new Sunbeam for Happy Town. Welcome, Lloyd, and many thanks for your painting and your neat letter. I hope I shall have many letters from this clever seven-year-old

Ormonde Toplis, Devonport: All the puzzlers are correct, Ormonde, but they are not among the recognised corapetitions. Perhaps you will be interested ii> the old lady of Harrow,” this week. Mona Garraway, Ellerslie: You will ha/ve received your card before this, I think, Mona, and I hope to have a letter from you soon. A warm welcome to the Dawn Lady’s large family. Frances Kelly, Newmarket: Prances has heard the Competition Bell. Thank you very much, little lady. Eileen Neben, Birkenhead: Your homework certainly keeps you occupied, Eileen, but I am glad that you still have time to come to Happy Town. Thank you for your painting and for solving the riddle-me-ree.

Leslie Wallbank, Grey Lynn: Welcome to Happy Town, Master Grey Lynn, and many thanks for your painting. I was amused when your letter arrived, for it had come through the post with no address but “Dawn Lady.” A Pixie Postman has put it with his treasures.

Louie Campbell, Auckland: Louie has come safely down Tiptoe Street with a competition painting and a happy smile. A warm welcome Lo my new Sunbeam. Irene Retter, Mount Roskill: Just imagine a piece of darning needle being in anyone’s foot for over three months, Irene. Weren’t you glad when it worked its way out? Hilda Jarvis looks a happy little person and I .am glad she is your friend. Nancy Waller and Lily Latimer will find your love.

Percy Hodson, Manurewa: Welcome, Master Percy, and many thanks for your competition entry. 1 hope you will often find your name in the Hollow Tree. Sylvia Hughes, Huntiy: “Guess where this is from, said a Pixie Postman, when he handed me that wee envelope. “From Sylvia Hughes, Huntiy,” answered the Dawn Lady, right the verv first Many thanks for your painting. Jean Buckley, Mount Roskill: So you would like to know more about Jean Mclndoe, Gloria Rawlinson and Margaret Anderson? Well, Jean met with an accident when she was seven and has been an invalid ever since, though there are times when she is able to be up. She has been much stronger lately. Margaret was a cripple for some years, but, about a year ago, was promoted to crutches and can now walk with the aid of a stick The little girl, with eyes like brown pansies, sits in a wheel chair in the sun and reads, or plays with her toy monkey. Lately, she has recovered sufficiently to creep for a little while each day, and it is hoped that, with the treatment she is having, she will be able to walk again in about a year. These

little girls all have a warm corner in the Dawn Lady’s heart Margaret’s address is 8 Penryn Road. Mount Eden.

Muriel Beuth, Grey Lynn: Your work is very dainty, Muriel, and I like this painting very much. My best love to this Grey Lynn Sunbeam.

Jean Eyre, Herne Bay: Now, aren’t you glad you became a Brownie, Jean? What happy parties these little people have. The Little Thought is thinking of attending one sometime soon. Unfortunately, examinations are necessary evils. 1 hope the fairy Good Fortune was at your elbow when you sat for yours. Iris Wilkinson, Huntiy: That is a quaint little tale, Iris. Where did you find it? The Dawn Lady always enjoys that type of story. Much love to this good scribe.

Maraea Edwards, Portland: And how old is this new Sunbeam, who has sent a painting for the competition? Welcome to Town, Maraea. I hope you will write me plenty of letters. Marion Mead, Arch Hill: Often the Little Thought has said to me, “What has become of Marion Mead?” I couldn’t think, because she had been such a keen Sunbeam. And here I find that she has been ill all the time. I wish I had known, Marion. The Little Thought will be delighted to bring a song for your canary to sing and is searching for a suitable one in the strip of garden under the Joyshop window. Yes, I remember your essays very well indeed, and hope you will soon be able to send me some mofie. Isn’t it splendid that Sylvia has come to Happy Town, too? Best love and best wishes to Marion.

Yvonne Thompson, Mangere: Tiptoe, tiptoe. Here comes Yvonne with a painting for the Dawn Lady. The Happy Town people send their love and thanks

George Gatfield, Herne Bay: I was glad to hear again from Master George, and to find that he has heard the Competition Bell. You are lucky having one of those cameras, George. Some of the Sunbeams have sent me some interesting snapshots taken with them. Yes, Gay du Four is very faithful to Happy Town and she writes such delightful letters. Did you read that one about the caterpillar race?

Noel Stanaway, Herne Bay: Welcome, Noel. Several December boys have come to Happy Town this week. Thank you for your painting. I hope you will write a long letter soon. Jessie Beavis, Portland: I am glad that Jessie has decided to come down Tiptoe Street with her little Portland friends. There are plenty of Sunbeams in Portland and Whangarei, aren’t there? Thank you very much for your competition entry. Would you please let the Dawn Lady know your age and the date of your birthday?

Julia Chubb, Otahuhu: L am sorry to hear that Bobby is in hospital. Doctor Spring Sunshine will soon be able to attend all my sick Sunbeams. I hope you are quite strong again, Julia. Your school friends will find a warm welcome awaiting them when they come down Tiptoe Street, and I hope I shall hear from them soon.

Albert Wood, Edendale: One of these days I think you will be joining the Wigwam, too, Alfred. I heard of a strange Indian name the other clay, rt was “Long Elk Facing the Wind.” About the longest one I know is “Little Bunch of Tail Feather!" Going Over the Hill.” Just imagine calling that chief in to dinner! 1 should not like to be the patient during those Ambulance classes.

Jack Lydster, Takapuna: The Jov Bells rang in Happy Town when we found that Jack was able to write again. I hope you will soon be perfectly well. Thank you very much for taking me for that jolly “Ride in the Snow.”

Christina Shaw. Papakura: A neat letter from Christina, and some riddles and puzzles Thank you very much. lam always glad to hear from this faithful Papakura Sunbeam. Ada Manson. Takapuna: “There's a competition painting in this,” remarked a Pixie Postman. “I can distinctly hear the sound of a reed pipe.” And he was quite right, wasn’t he, Ada?

Marjorie Alderton, Cambridge: The Little Thought was delighted with your present, Marjorie. Thank you for being so kind to the Dawn Lady, too. You will have plenty of fun now that you have a toy blackboard. The spring flower brought me a sweet breath of perfume from your Cambridge garden. Rive Mackie, Devonport: When I looked up into the Happiness Tree this morning, Rive. I saw that a new flower had bloomed in the night, so I knew that Rive must be feeling better. A butterfly had settled on it, so I sent it flying off to you with a bright new wish, if you wish very hard to recover suffi-

ciently to go home, Rive, I think, before long, it will come true.

Norman Lydster, Takapuna: The poem and joke reached me safely, Norman. Thank you very much. I do not think you will be building many sand castles at Takapuna these wintry days. Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: Monty the monkey must be feeling very proud of his wonderful new hat, Gloria. Has he learned yet how to raise it when vou speak to him? And is the big, bright, beautiful balloon still in existence? And how are “Kicky” and “Micky”—those two httie legs that you are teaching to walk again. Now, then, I have asked you th w?,,- important questions. Sims, Onehunga: Knock, knock, Little Thought, someone is it s oVn* of Ha PPy Town. Ah, for n Willie Sims, with a painting tor the Dawn Lady. Welcome to this clever seven-year-old • . Lydster, Takapuna,-' “Baby iurU, -r? as - come safely down Tiptoe a P- d the Doorkeeper is vou'nTo startm K a circus. Thank ionquii f yOUr Bretty Painting of the

,M via Manhire, Archhill: Welcome, Si™',, 1 am glad that Marion's best friend has come to Happy Town. 'Steadfast and true is a splendid school motto, and I like the second one also. A “fat little cat called “Tweed” sounds an Interesting pet. and I can lust imagine 1 : , a Pink bow round her neck, enshrined in a comfortable basket Much Town t 0 Sylv,a from everyone in Happv

Ada Wilkins. Mount Albert: It was a . forgot to sign your nam** to The Maid of the Moon.” Ada. for your story was very well handled. Manv thanks tor your painting. It is one of the good ones. Much love to this faithful Sunbeam.

Joan Brookfield. St. Heliers Bay: So you always watch for Gloria Rawlinson’s message? Doctor Spring Sunshine has promised many joys for her. The fairy dance must be very pretty to watch, Joan, and I should like to see you all escaping from the gnomes. This mornlng the Little Thought saw a raindrop falling in Tiptoe Street, so he caught it in his cap, and brought it to me, very much afraid for our proud boast: “It never rains in Happy Town.” He was delighted when I explained that it was the one sent by Baby Morris to carry a smile to Happy Town. Annie Barber, Devonport: Doesn’t my family grow, Annie? lam so glad that Dons has brought you down Tiptoe Stret, and shall be looking forward to hearing from you soon. Winifred Stone. Herne Bay: The elves and fairies look very daintv, "Winifred, and you have spent a great deal of time over your painting. Much love and many thanks.

Isa Douglas. Huntiy: “Six Scotch soldiers shooting snipe”—that is certainly a good tongue-twister, Isa. I am sorry that you have not been well. It wiil be splendid if your friend in Auckland comes to Happy Town, too. Many thanks for your painting. Irene Wilkins. Mount Albert: Manv happy returns of your birthday, Irene. I hope it was a sunshiny day. The Doorkeeper is trying to puzzle our those iumbled names of girls.

Doris Muchamore, Devonport: Doris is the busiest little girl in Happy Town, for every time she writes, three new Sunbeams pop out of the letter. The Woodpecker says vou will soon be

as he is, and the Doorkeeper always smiles when he sees your name. How you will miss Earl, but he will look forward to your letters, and to following your doings in Happy Town. My best love, little lady. Zita Parker, Devonport: Zita is now one of my Sunbeams, and I shall be looking forward to receiving her first letter. All the Happy Town people send their best love.

Ronald Olsen, Otahuhu: Many thanks, Master Otahuhu. Your little piper has piped his way to Happy Town. Annie Quelch, Devonport: Here is Annie’s first message in the Hollow Tree. Have you placed your finger on it? I hope you will soon write to me and tell me all about yourself. The Pixie Postmen wave a greeting.

Katherine Gibbons, Weymouth: 1 am glad that Katherine has not forgotten the way down Tiptoe Street. Much love to this Sunbeam and many thanks for the competition entry. D. Badham. Kare Kare: Welcome, Master Kare Kare. What is your Christian name? The Doorkeeper says it is either Donald or David. What? Is he wrong? The fat Hindu is feeling very proud of himself. How cleverly you have painted him. Some of the Sunbeams are going to make books of the Patchwork Personalities. Pat Grattan, Mt. Eden: Greetings, Pat. Happy Town is the place for boys and girls, and I am glad that you are now a member of my family. What is youi favourite sport? Football? Susie White, Edendale: Thank you for the wee poem, Susie. Loving wishes like that speed hither and thither in Happy Town on shining wings. I like your painting very much. Your Happy Town friends all send their love. Nancy Waller, Penrose: I, too, loved Jean’s poem, “Fantasy,” Nancy. It is one of the best she has written. Thank you very much for the riddles and puzzlers. The Patchwork Personalities should make an interesting book, and 1 am glad that you have decided to keep them. Much love to our faithful Nancy. Gay du Faur, Howick: Peter the bunny will be able to laugh at stormy nights now that his hutch is on the verandah. Gay. How cosy it must be, lined with warm, sweet hay. The lightning elves were playing wonderful pranks the other night. Did you feel afraid? Zeta Thomson, Thames: A black cat, called Nigger, should bring you plenty of luck, Zeta. I have a black cat, too, but he is a cardboard one. Please thank Joyce for her message and give her the Dawn Lady’s love. Norma Waller, Penrose: I found your letter full of interest this time, Norma. I, too, liked Joan's and Nola’s stories. Mr. Nobody is a mischievous person, especially when he jumbles up our ribbons and laces, but he never will help to straighten things out. Yes, the spirit of Doctor Spring Sunshine is always with us, even though he may be hundreds of miles away. Nola will find your love message. Colin Mackie, Devonport: The Little Thought says you will soon be well, Colin, and ready to welcome Rive, when he comes home. My best love to this faithful little lad How is Ginger? Nola Craig, Mount Albert: Many thanks for your thoughtful letter, Nola. The Dawn Lady loves to share her Sunbeams' secrets. This is your birthday, and I hope it is a very happy one. Everyone loved your rabbit story. It is a pity It is not being published to-day in your birthday page. Much love to Nola and Buz. Leslie Waller, Penrose: Jack and Graham are not having a very happy time, Leslie. The .Toyshop man thinks some bottled sunshine should soon make them well. Monty, the monkey, and Buz will be glad to find that you and Fluff have remembered them. Eileen Holmes, Te Awamutu: I found your account of that Girl Guide story very

interesting, Eileen. Thank you also for your painting and the riddles. We are always glad when letters from Eileen are in the Happy Town mail. Margery Grant, Portland: So Anna Williamson is your cousin? You will be able to come down Tiptoe Street each week, hand in hand. There will be another painting competition before very long, Margery. Annie Archer, Auckland: A letter from Jean Farquhar came just after I hud opened yours. Annie, and she is now better. Isn’t it splendid? She will find your package of love. Many thanks for your pointing and the joke. The Pawn Lady’s birthday is in (>ctober and Doctor Spring Sunshine will be with us then. Irene Graham, Devonport: I, too, am glad that you have become a Sunbeam, Irene, for I think Happy Town will be a great interest to you. The figure puzzle is very clever and the Doorkeeper is knitting his brows over it. Hilda Allington, Hamilton: What a wonderful party, Hilda. I can just picture those 20 smiling faces. Your letter is beautifully neat this time. My best love to this faithful Hamilton Sunbeam. Betty Horan, Avondale: I was glad to have your painting, Betty. Lessons are | a bother, but holiday time is always coming round. How old is this little girl? Jean Farquhar, Auckland: Good news. Jean. I am delighted that you are better and back again at school. The Woodpecker says to tell you that he feels quite safe in the Hollow Tree, even on the wildest night, as no storms can penetrate the fortress of Happy Town. Best love to my little lady of the ferns and flowers. Leslie Graham, Devonport: Spectacles please, Mister Doorkeeper. This young man has forgotten to sing his name. Ah, it is Master Leslie Graham, who has sent me some jokes. Aren’t we wizards in Happy Town, Leslie? Please give my love to Jimmy and Joey. Alion Fenning, Kakahi: A baby sister two months old, and whose name is Fay, would make anyone believe in fairies, Alion. The Little Thought sends her best love. Many thanks for your painting. Joyce Howard, Waitoa: Thank you very much, Joyce. Your picture is nowentered in the competition. Margaret Anderson, Mount Eden: The Pixie Postmen are searching under all the cobble stones in Tiptoe Street for a lost letter. I think that mischievous one with the twinkle in his eye has

hidden It in a secret pocket. What do you think about it, Margaret? Noel Lough, Royal Oak: Welcome to Happy Town, Xoel, and many thanks f«»r your painting. It is very Rood Indeed, and how beautifully you have mount'd it. I hope I shall often hear from this seven -year-old-Dulcie Craig, Epsom: The puzzlers are

oorreet, Dulcie, and many thanks for the new ones. Thank you also for the oranges from that Avondale orchard. W.are going to have a party under th* Happiness Tree and share them very soon. So your cat, Geoffrey, would tike to meet Nola Craig's cat, Rux. and bincluded in the All Black Cat football team. I think lie would be wise to apply in person to the captain. Jean Mclndoe. Hamilton: “Hold th»fort!” cries the Woodpecker, as the last messages are placed in the Hollow Tre“There isn’t one for Jean.” “Quickly, quickly,” sav« the Little Thought, a» the Dawn Lady’s pencil flies over the paper. Ah, away he goes!!”