THE HOLLOW TREE. MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAMS,

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 424, 4 August 1928, Page 29

THE HOLLOW TREE. MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAMS,

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow: Mona McCallum, Te Awamutu: Many thanks for your letter, Mona, and the little poem about the rainbow. Have you ever noticed any rainbow fairies in Te Awamutu? I am glad you have joined the Brownies. They are happy little folk. Ngawai Paki, Huntly: That is a quaint wee story, Ngawai, and the Dawn Lady enjoyed reading it. Thank you also for the verse. The Little Thought sends his love to this pair of brown eyes. Joan Brookfield, St. Heliers Bay: A sprained wrist is very painful, Joan, and you are a loyal little lady to write to me under such difficulties. Thank you very much for your limerick. Doctor Spring Sunshine sends his brightest smile to baby Morris. Zena Wilton, Ngaruawahia: Your paintings look so real, Zena, that the Doorkeeper is thinking of trying one of those cherries. Happy Town lias some clever little artists. Much love to Zena.

Yvonne Thompson, Otahuhu: Yes, thank you, Yvonne, the Dawn Lady is very well. I was glad to find that you had a limerick ready for the competition. W. H. Banks, Remuera: This looks like a business letter, but, you see, I don’t know your Christian name. Welcome to the Dawn Lady’s happy family, and many thanks for answering the Competition BelL

David Buchanan, Takapuna: Tip-toe, tip-toe, tip-toe. I wonder what little person this is coming softly through the gates of Happy Town? Ah, it is a little boy called David, who can draw umbrella gnomes skipping merrily over hummocks. Thank you for the beautiful flowers, David. They are still wonderfully fresh. Marion McNeil, Mount Eden: Marion’s limerick came safely to Happy Town by pixie post. The goat and the monkey in the puzzle could not escape this Sunbeam's sharp eyes. Kiki Paki, Huntly: So Iviki is a happy little farm girl and can even milk cows? Do you bail them up, too? Many thanks for the poem, Kiki. Edna Bowman, Grey Lynn: “The Grey Moth’* is a pretty little table, Edna, and I am glad that you enjoyed iL Thank you very much for your competition entry.

Ronald Enwright. Frankton: I shall be looking forward to that photograph of my Sunbeam. Has your daddy printed them yet? Alec Brebner, Mount Eden: Here is Alec in Happy Tow n. The Little Thought told me you were on your way. How splendid having that wireless set. Do you know how to work it? I found those kisses at the end of your letter and I send plenty In return. The Woodpecker hopes your name will often be in the Hollow Tree. Betty Gardiner, Cambridge: Jean Me* Indoe is never very strong, Betty, and lately she has also had influenza. I hope your teacher will soon be able to return to school and that her children will quickly recover. The Pixie Postmen send their love to brother Boh. Jim Middleton, Buckland: So baby Allan sends “fifty billin tiss for Dawn Lady?*’ The Dawn Lady replies with a hundred for baby Allan. Please thank Dutchie for his message and give him my best love. Your limerick is very good indeed. Jim. Dorothy Ferguson, Remuera: I wondered why I had not heard from my Sunbeam, and here I find that she has been sick. Doctor Spring Sunshine is sendmg you c special package of warm blue days and hopes you will soon be well. How lucky finding your kitten again. Many thanks for the riddles, Dorothy. Rae Morningside: Welcome to Happy Town, Rae. I see you are already familiar with our little world for little people. Many thanks for your limerick. I hope you will enter for many more competitions. Peggy Blyth, Huntly: The Doorkeeper aays that he has much in common with I* € KgJ, because you both like competitions. Many thanks for your last entry and much love to this faithful Sunbeam.

Neva Swann, Aotea: Sc you, too, are well acquainted with Happy Town, Neva? I am delighted that you have found your way down Tiptoe Street ana X hope you will always find tune to enter for the competitions. Much love to ray new Sunbeam. Betty Coates, Tredinock; So Betty has made another trip across the Tasman in the mermaids’ ferry? This time it is to bring brother Leonard down Tiptoe

Street. Many thanks, little lady. I hope you have had a happy holiday in Australia and that you will hear plenty of soft Maori songs when you return. Margaret McLoughlin, Otahuhu: A limerick from my very good scribe. Thank you, Margaret. The old lady of Harrow became quite an important person, didn’t she? Olive Courtney, Henderson Valley: Welcome to Happy Town, Olive. Doctor Spring Sunshine sends you a bright wish that he found this morning trapped in a newly opened daffodil. Has it reached you?

FOR YOUNGER SUNBEAMS

Leonard Coates, St. Heliers Bay: Greetings and welcome, Leonard. We are all delighted that you have come to Happy Town. How splendid being a Wolf Cub. Aren’t you looking forward to the time when you will be promoted to the Scouts? I hope I shall have many letters from this young man. Marion Payter, Newmarket: Your painting has reached Happy Town safely. Many thanks, little lady.

Patricia Fitzgerald, Te Awamutu: Unfortunately your limerick was too late to be entered, Patricia, as when it arrived the competition had already been judged It would have found a place in the Highly Commended list. Jessie Milne, Epsom: So you want another drawing competition? Dear, oh dear. And so does that busy man, the Doorkeeper. There will be one soon. Yes, the paintinn- Picture for little Sunams is very pretty. Doctor Spring Sunshine thanks you for your kind welcome and sends his best love. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: It was good

of your father to write this week, Jean. The Woodpecker missed your name from the last Hollow Tree and thought that brother Pat may have forgotten to post your letter. And here you have been too sick to write. Doctor Spring Sunshine is going to look into this without

oxime ib r—. lllf—. to iook inlo txiib without delay. A big: armful of love for the faithful little girl, who is so dear to everyone in Happy Town. Desmond Fitzgerald, Te Awamutu: leather Time is a relentless old person, Desmond. 1 am sorry your limerick was too late to be entered, but 1 enjoyed reading it very much. Our best love to this laddie. Rive Mackie, Devonport; The Little Thought wants to know what you are doing sitting up in bed, opening parcels and blowing up balloons and spinning wonderful tops. And Doctor Spring Sunshine says he is the one to thank, but, in a wee, faint voice, the Dawn Lady says, “Please, I helped, too.” And the Little Thought says stoutly, “Of course you did. and so did we all.' 3 Nearly four months in bed, Rive, but not much longer June Palmer, Parnell: And what age is Mistress June, who is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town? If you address your letters to the Dawn Lady they will reach me sooner. Dora McLachlan. Auckland: The jov bells will ring in Happy Town when we see your little twin sisters in Tiptoe Street. Dora. We are ready to welcome them at any time. So you can play the violin? I should like to hear you. Best wishes for success in that competition. June Weatherburn, Remuera: Another new June for Happy Town and all in the month of August. A warm welcome, little lady, and many thanks for your painting. Iris Wilkinson, Huntly: Many thanks for bringing little brother down Tiptoe Street, Iris. We are all delighted to welcome him. Thank you also for the poem. Don’t you love Belloc’s “Bad Beasts?” Zilla Molesworth, Ngaruawahia: Your painting has reached me safely. Many thanks and much love. Zilla. Catherine Daley, Herne Bay: Your painting has reached me, Catherine, and I am waiting to learn your age. Have you moved lately? Mervyn Wilkinson, Huntly: Another little artist for Happy Town. Your painting is very good, Mervyn. I hope I shall have many letters from this little Nola Wolfe, Auckland: I was glad to hear again from this Sunbeam and to find that she has heard the merry music of the Competition Bell. Many thanks, little lady. Phyllis Miller, Otahuhu: We are all glad to find that Phyllis is better and we hope there are plenty of happy days in store for her. Thank you very much for the package of cards. Jean Mclndoe, Jean Eyre, Gay du Faur, Nola Craig and the Little Thought will be pleased to find that you have remembered them. Zoe Gibbons, Weymouth: A warm welcome to Zoe, and many thanks for the painting. Your work is very dainty. The Dawn Lady will always be glad to have letters from this new Sunbeam. Ethel Hobson, Manurewa: Your letter has arrived, Ethel. I like your painting and the little bed-time verse very much. ! All your Happy Town friends send their | love. Margaret Mears, Otahuhu: So your i birthday is in the spring, Margaret? You will be able to have a daffodil party. Thank you for your competition entity. Marjorie Allan, Auckland: And you have always been longing to come down Tiptoe Street? Well, here you are. Many thanks for your painting. You are going to be one of my neat writers. Marjorie. Jean Shackleton. Waiuku: What a happy time you had in Auckland, Jean. Myer’s Park is a pretty place. The Little Thought would never let you forget the Dawn Lady, and the Dawn Lady is never likely to forget you. Isa Douglas, Huntly: You will be glad when the sun has dried up those floods, Isa. Water has an unpleasant habit of lying about T. too. liked Paddy and bis pig. The picture looked very droll | John Shaw, Morninoside: Welcome, John, and many thanks for your painting, j The Pixie Postmen send their love and I the Woodpecker is delighted to find your name in the Hollow Tree. Joan Forbes. Waiuku: Yes. you may send another painting if you wish. Joan, but please will you mark it as the second entry. Congratulations on coming top of your class. The Dawn Lady feels very happy about it. Your letter is very' neat this time. Valerie Robertson, Devonport: Well,

wondering eyes, here you are in Happy n - you see the Little Thought as he led you down Tiputoe Street? Your namtmg ls very good for a little maid of Jean Buckley, Mount Roskill: Congratulations on coming so high in the examJean /. Spelling, geography and -.eometry must be your strongest subjects, I think. I have not heard from Patsy Sheridan lately. Perhaps she has gone away. That was an amusing part you played at the concert. Roma Dale. Ellerslie: Your limerick was just too late, Roma, but I enjoyed readmg it. I hope I shall often hear from this new Sunbeam. Much love from your new-found Happy Town friends. Zeta Thomson. Thames: And you were delighted to find your name among the Good Scribes, Zeta? I think you will find it a very sfVnple matter to keep it there. Y'es, new Sunbeams are constantly coming down Tiptoe Street. Noni Dunstan, Waihi: Welcome, Noni. I am glad that you have come to Happy Town. I should say that the answer to the riddle about the crows on the fence would be “none.” Is that correct? Lily Latimer, Pukemiro: Irene Retter’s address is 16 Inverness Avenue. Mount Roskill. She is a very faithful member of Happy Town. Your limerick was too late to be entered in the competition. Lily, as it was already judged when it arrived. Many thanks for the joke and riddle. Ewen Reynolds, Rotorua: The letter in pencil and ink has brought you safely to Happy Town, Ewen. Greetings and welcome. I like your painting very much. Joyce Thomson, Thames: You are certainly having a busy time, Joyce, but I shall look forward to those holiday., letters. I am glad you met Nola Craig when you were in Auckland. The Woodpecker is glad to see your name again in the Hollow Tree. Hazel Rose, Point Chevalier: I have no record of Peggy W’ilsou or Winnie Butterfield in Happy Town, Hazel, so I think they must still be children of the outside world. And you live opposite the Sherer Sunbeams? You will be able to compare notes each week. Many thanks for your painting. Dulcie Clarke, Remuera: Dulcie has arrived safely in Happy Town, painting in hand. I hope I shall have plenty of letters from this 10-year-old. Elizabeth Christine, Auckland: Ever so many thanks for that golden treasure from the lap of spring. Your flowers are grouped about me as I write, so, you see, you are very fresh in my mindDoctor Spring Sunshine has just stolen a violet to wear in his buttonhole. He has a secret twinkle in his eyes this morning. Much love to Elizabeth Christine. M. Rose, Onehunga: Welcome, Miss or Master Rose, and many thanks for your painting. Please will you let the Dawn Lady know your Christian name. Sadie Simmons, Wellington: Another new Wellington Sunbeam for Happy Town. A warm welcome. Sadie. I shall be looking forward to a long letter soon. Who taught you to write so neatly? Alec Lamond, Onehunga: So this Sunbeam has been sick in bed? And you managed to do your painting after all? I do hope you will soon be perfectly strong again. Much love to this very faithful member. Joe Beeson, St. Heliers Bay: What a fine present from England. Joe. I think you must be feeling very proud of your camera. I shall look forward to having a photograph of your dog, Beppo. and I hope you will soon be able to send one. Lorna Mackenzie. Timaru: This little girl’s letter is very' interesting and I enjoyed all that basketball news. What a happy day vou had at the river. Did you see any fish? When T was small I used to fish for “bullies” with a bent pin. but they were usually far too cunning for me. My best love to Lorna and Alan. Ada Wilkins. Mount Albert: So Doctnf Spring Sunshine has been in your garden scattering daffodils on every hand? And the wind-fairies have been playing “tiggy” round the corner of your house? Our youngest Sunbeam is Roy Robinson, who came down Tiptoe Street soon after his eyes opened on the world. He was born last December. Douglas Gordon, Thames: Your competition painting has been safely delivered by a Pixie Postman, Douglas. Thank you very much. Rita Waters, Te Awamutu: I am glad that you have joined the Brownies, Rita, and shall look forward to hearing about the meetings. So the Holmes Sunbeams live next door to you? I think you must be firm friends. Florence White, Birkdale: Welcome,

Florence, and many thanks for painting in the competition picture. The Dawn Dady will always be glad to hear from this little girl. Eileen Luks, Birkenhead: Those Guiding games must be great fun, Eileen. I enjoyed your letter very much. Perhaps j’ou would like to send your company news to Redfeatlier, as you are also a member of the Wigwam. Much love from Happy Town. Grace Wilking, Mount Albert: Playing at hide-and-seek in old Maori hug-outs is surely a new game, Grace. I think you must enjoy those holidays at your cousin’s place. Many thanks for your very neat letter. Maudie McClean, Ngatea: Basketball is splendid fun, Maudie, and it keeps little people in the open air. I was glad to receive your painting. The kittle Thought sends a merry smile to this Sunbeam. John Jamison, Mount Eden: I have been watching the. mail for a letter from you, John, but the first one you wrote did not reach me. Thank you for your list of books. J shall send your prize as soon as possible. Nancy Waller will find jour message of thanks in the Hollow Tree. The rabbits and birds are still listening to the music. I love your painting, John. Ron Gordon, Thames: Thank you, Master Thames. I have entered your painting in the competition. Nancy Waller, Penrose: Yes, Doris Muchamore is certainly a busy little lady, and she has brought numbers of new members down Tiptoe Street. And your daddy reads every message in the I-follow Tree? Some people have solved the secret of keeping young, haven’t they. Nancy? I am glad you liked “Huck-a-Back.” There will be plenty more stories from the same pen. My laohanalia plants look very healthy, but are not in flower yet. Jean Mclndoe, Jean Buckley, Eileen Grade, Gloria Rawlinson, and Monty will find your special love this week. Eileen Garnant, Rotorua. —Welcome to this seven-year-old, who has crossed the magic threshold of Happy Town. You are going to be one of my little artists, I Alice Hewlett, Morrinsville: Congratulations on winning first prize at the fancy dress ball, .Alice. Weren’t you delighted about it? Yes, Tiptoe Street is a busy thoroughfare these days. Wilma Boyd, Grey Lynn: Wilma has arrived safely in Happy Town, and is now one of the Dawn Lady’s Sunbeams. Old Man Moon knows all about fairies, Wilma. Many thanks for the wee poem. Leslie Waller, Penrose: You managed the painting very well, Leslie. Thank you very much. Yes, the Dawn Lady loves all spring flowers. And Fluff would like to know the Woodpecker’s age? The faithful old fellow has promised to look it up in his birthday book. Norman Lydster, Takapuna: I enjoyed the joke about the eggs and apples, Norman. Which do you count with, or do you use coloured beads? Gwynette Runciman, Mount Albert: Your limerick has won the prize, Gwynette. Congratulations, little lady. Please will you let me have a list of six books, so that T can select one to send you. Doris Muchamore. Devonport: That is a delightful ohotoernph, Doris, and your happy face is smiling at me this very moment. Many thanks for it, and also for the new Sunbeams. We shall soon have a “Doris Muchamore Club” in Hanpv Town. T shall be glad to have Betty’s address, and Redfenther will be pleased to make you a member of the Wigwam Please thank your mother for her kind message, and give her the Dawn Lady’s love. Norman Porno. Devonport: Here is Norman’s first message in the Hollow Tree. T bone there will be plenty more, Master Devonport. Marjory Bowman. Grev Lvnn: Welcome, and many thanks for your painting. Yon will find plenty of happiness in our little world for little people. Norma Waller. Penrose: Doctor Soring Punsh?ne read vnnr letter over my shoulder. Norma, and he sends his best love and thanks. Jean MoTndoe has had influenza lately, and was unable to write last week. Her father wrote for her this time. “Hiding Places’’ sounds most exciting. Yes. Leslie may enter another nainting for the competition. Sylvia Hughes and Jean Buckley wifi be glad v on have remembered them. Much love to our faithful Norma. Doris Lydster, Takapuna: Many thanks

— for the painting- and joke, Doris. Please will you thank your mother for her note. I was glad to have news of Jack, and to find that he is having a holiday before entering hospital. Best love, little lady, j Freda Forno, Devonport: Freda is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town, and I shall i always look forward to her letters. The Doorkeeper sends you a special greeting, and wonders if you like painting. Jean Farquhar. Auckland: The Dawn Lady looks forward to receiving your letters, just as you do to writing them, jean. Yes, it was splendid when Doctor Spring Sunshine decided to return to r Happy Town. And you have to visit the dentist? I hope all your worries will soon be over. . , , Gloria Rawhnson, Auckland: The Pixie Postmen have carried in your paintings, Gloria, and 1 love them both. Did Montv watch his little mistress at work on them? I had no idea you could paint so well. I am afraid the Duke cf Slam must be feeling rather neglected now that you have your new paint-box. Best love to this little lady from all the people in Happy Town. Dorrie Ryan, Te Awamutu: You managed your painting very' well, little lady, even though you were sick in bed. Doctor Spring Sunshine is sending a special package of warm days to Te Awamutu so that you will soon be strong. Gay du Faur, Howick: The illustrated lecture on the Maori race must have been very interesting, Gay, and I can imagine how you enjoyed it. Three and a-half inches seems a great deal for one little girl to grow in a single year. Soon you will be as tall as your sister. The Woodpecker will take particular care of jour messages for Jean McTndoe, Becky Pelham, Joan Brookfield, Baby Morris, Xorma Waller, Gloria Rawlinson and Monty. How is Brer Rabbit? Eric Buchanan, Takapuna: Your four fine engines have come steaming into Happy Town, Eric, and are creating much excitement. How well they are drawn. Where have you been studying engines? We are all delighted to greet you in Tiptoe Street, and we hope you will often find messages in the Hollow Tree. Jessie Ryan, Te Awamutu: The Doorkeeper has just asked the Joyshop man one of your riddles, Jessie, but I have the answer up my sleeve and he doesn’t ! know how to reply. Isn’t that a prank to j play on him? Jean Anderson. Mount Eden: I am sorry that this little Sunbeam has not been well. Doctor Spring Sunshine w ill be calling on you very soon. What busy fingers to have made all those 1 pretty things. You will be well j prepared for Christmas. Your very special message reached me safely that time, Jean. Much love, little lady. May Slevin, Waihi: Welcome to Happy Town, Mistress May. and many thanks for your painting. Please would you let the Dawn Lady know your age and the date of your birthday. Geoffrey Bennett. Takapuna: Welcome. Master Geoffrey. lam so glad that you have decided to become a Sunbeam. The I Joyshop man is keeping plenty of joys for you. John Stuart, Pukemiro: I have not forgotten OUT bnS>- little John, who has so much to do in his spare time. I can just picture you bringing in the ducks and galloping here and there on your pony. Yes, I like your painting very much. Betty Jackson, Morrinsville: And you

came first equal in the examination*. Bette. Excellent work. I enjoyed your letter very much this time and am clad you were a member of the p: ize-win-ning quartet at the fancy dress bail. Much love to this Morrinsville Sunbeam. Leslie Sewell, Tauraroa: The Dawn Lady is glad you have recovered from your sickness. Leslie. Please take pood care of yourself. Tour painting is beautifully done. Myrtle Bennett. Takapuna: Somebod > is waiting MtaUa ON B ’• of H*l :• Town, holding tightly to the Littie Thought’s hand. Welcome to this wee girl. Margaret Anderson. Mount Eden: Jean Mclndoe has not been very well just lately. Margaret, but we hope she will soon be better. I am plad you manaped to see those plays, and also that you are having that concert at school. How are all the children in the little dream house? Gwen Mills, Ngaruawahia: And you Happy Town very well, though this is your first journey down Tiptoe Street? Welcome. Gwen, and many thanks for your painting. I hope I shall soon hear from you again. Edwyna Stone, Onehunga: i'es, thank you, Edwyna. the Lawn Lsdjr i ver) well. We keep a special supply of good health in Happy Town. Xo. I did not seethe Winter Exhibition. Much love to Edwyna and the Couphey SunbeamMary Anderson, Mount Eden: A wee. wee letter from a wee. wee pirl. I am glad those examinations did not make you too busy to write to me. A winged wish for this happy Sunbeam. Esmond Leslie. Grey Lynn: Your painting and joke have reached me safely, Esmond. Many thanks for them. I am so sorry you are not very well. I>octor Spring Sunshine thinks you will soon be your happy little self again. It will be splendid when little brother foiiows you don Tiptoe Street M$ best love to this laddie. Annie Archer, Auckland: The I* .\\ . ■ Lady would love to have om of tl m lilies from Fiji, Annie. Congratulation* 1 on winning that prize at Sunday School. Joy Hill. Jean Farquhar and l>ora MeLouphlin will find that you have been thinking of them. I did laugh ov-r that , joke. It is a very quaint one. All your Happy Town friends send their love. Maile Morris, Epsom: 'Wait. Liu> Thought,” cries the Dawn Lady, “you can't skip across to the Hollow Tree until I have written a message for Maile. She has told me about her sleeping dolls, too, and sent a shoal of kisses. Please i j take this Sunbeam my very best love.*’