THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 454, 8 September 1928, Page 29

THE HOLLOW TREE.

SLUKI MESSAGES FOR SUMBEAfAS.

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow: — Phyllis Symons, Te Papapa: Congratulations on coming top in your examination, Phyllis. All your Happy Town friends are delighted about it. Thank you for your quaint little story. I like it very much. I hope your mother will soon be perfectly strong again. Myra Delaney, Waihi: Your story has come safely to Happy Town. Many thanks and much love to this Sunbeam. Mary Kerr, Pukemiro: Sunbeams may write any original story about a competition picture, Mary. How successful your school bazaar was. I am sure you must look forward to those letters from Mary Schofield each week. Pearl Knepp's address is Curwensville, Pennsylvania, US. A. Thank you for your story. Dorothy Ferguson, Auckland: What a jolly time you had at Rotorua, Dorothy. It must have been exciting throwing pennies to the Maori boys in the water ;md feeding the fish in the Fairy Springs. A holiday like that is one to remember. Mary Potts, Opotiki: Welcome to Happy l own, Mary. I am delffchted that Phyllis has brought you down Tiptoe Street, and' I nope I shall have many letters from you. Perhaps you would like to write to Nola Craig, 4 Norwood Avenue, Mount Albert. She is a very faithful Sunbeam, arid has a large Happy Town correspondence. Doris Brown, Epsom: Your neivt letter and your story have reached me safely, Doris. Thank you very much. Thank you also for colouring the picture. I am glad your have had such happy holidays.

Aisla Stuart, Cambridge: Your two letters came by Pixie Post, Ailsa. Yes; the Dawn Lady enjoyed her school days, what an adventure you had when you were chased by those goats. Guides have plenty of fun when they are out tracking. Meryla Webb, Glen Eden: So you love running against the wind? At times lie il merry playfellow. Thank you very much for vour store. If Phvllis Miller is peeping into the Hollow Tree she will und your love mesage. Mary McGregor. Auckland: Many thanks for introducing your sister to Happy Town, Mary. We are all glad to welcome her. Thank you also for the quaint little riddle. Jim Middleton, Buckland: The buttermes in your painting book must look very pretty now, Jim. A rainbow after a thunderstorm is a fairy gift. I do hope you and baby Allan have now recovered. My love to you both and Dutchie.

.Peggie Egan. Mataroa: Welcome, PegIe - all the joy bells rang when you came down. Tiptoe Street. I like your story ve, y much and hope you will enter for “any more competitions. Donald Taylor. Takapuna: A warm, welcome into the Dawn Lady’s happy family, Donald. r shall be looking for"ard to your first letter. How old is my new Sunbeam? Alwyn Fellows, Northcote: You are lucky to have those two canaries, Alwyn, and also a dog for a pet. I like your crayon sketches of the train, ship, hus and tram very much. My love to Alwyn and little brother. Athol Webb. Glen Eden: You will soon “ ave a fine vegetable garden with all those seeds planted, Athol. Have you set up a scarecrow to frighten away the birds?

Eva McGregor, Auckland: Eva is now a sunbeam of Happy Town, and the Woodpecker hopes lie will often see your name m the Hollow Tree. Are you fond of competitions. Eva? Rebecca Dinsdale, Ohinemutu: The Dittle Thought has brought you safely Happy Town, Rebecca, and is waitto ta^e your first mesasge across to the Hollow Tree. I hope I shall often hear from this eight-year-old. Elma Webb, Devonport: Here is a nttle lady who is glad to return to school. When the Doorkeeper hears Sunoeams pass this remark he always makes a note of it. Please give my love jo Bonny and Jimmy. 1 am glad they nke their membership cards. Winnie Thatcher, Epsom: Another new member who has heard the merry music ?f the Competition Bell. It is always a Joy when newcomers arrive. Thank you lor your story, little lady.

Margaret Webb, Glen Eden: So you are fond of Indian games, Margaret, and your name is Minnehaha? Do you know its English meaning? Much love to this small Sunbeam. Joyce Thomson, Thames: I have posted your letter to Matariti, Joyce. How strange that you should discover your old-time friend in Happy Town. I can not find the name of Dorothy Jones on the roll. Those table centres you are painting for the Sunbeams will be very attractive and I am sure they will be delighted with them. Yes, Joyce, I should like a photograph of you very much.

Doris Hindman, Papatoetoe: What pretty notepaper Doris uses. I love the little*seaside picture at the head of your letter. Little cousin Dawn must be a dear. One of these days perhaps we shall see her laughing face in Happy Town. Ella Dinsdale, Ohinemutu: Welcome to Happy Town, Ella. I shall always be glad to hear from my new Sunbeam. The Doorkeeper sends you a jingle of his keys and the Little Thought a special smile. Mavis Webb, Devonport: Thank you very much for bringing me a new Sunbeam, Mavis. I hope Donald will find much of interest in Happy Town. My best love and a golden wish for Mavis.

Irene Retter, Mount Roskill: Time has a habit of flying, especially during holidays, Irene, but it Js always good to know that there are more in store. Thank you for your story and the riddles. Joyce Sheath will find your congratulations and Nancy Waller, Lily Latimer and Irene McBurney your love. Alice Hewlett, Morrinsville: Thank you for your interesting letter, Alice. Yes, the Hollow Tree has certainly grown, but the Woodpecker has promised to take great care of it. You will soon be an accomplished cook. What sort of cakes have you been making? Romilly Webb, Glen Eden: The cowboy

and Indian games must be splendid fun, Romilly. Which character do you like impersonating—that of Fred Thompson, or of Tom Mixx My love to this happy Sunbeam. Ida Killip, Newmarket: Welcome, Ida. We are all delighted that you have come to Happy Town. There will be plenty of competitions and I hope you will often enter. Are you fond of painting? Nola Craig, Mount Albert: Buz certainly has a wonderful menu for his Sunday night's tea. Does he invite the other cats of the neighbourhood? The Woodpecker shudders at the very thought of a “worm-shooting expedition,’- and

says be knows a much better way of capturing worms than that. Isa Douglas, Huntly: So your garden, too, is gay with flowers and the birds are building nests in every nook and corner? They do not need calendars to tell them of the arrival of spring. Yes, I consider this the happiest season. I do hope your hand will soon recover. Gus Malam, Glen Eden: I am very sorry to hear that Reggie is ill. Please give him some Happy Town love and every good wish for an early recovery. Your posy of violets is still quite fresh. Thank you for the kind thought. You are lucky having that fine bicycle, Gus, and I was most interested in the swimming pond you are making. Are you going to have a spring-board, too? Selwyn Beesley, Edendale: Belloc’s verse about the elephant is a favourite of mine, Selwyn. Thank you very much for sending it. I am always glad to hear from this laddie. Myrtle Grant, Royal Oak: Another new Sunbeam for Happy Town. Don’t our numbers grow? The Dawn Lady will always be pleased to have letters from Myrtle. Sylvia Webb, Glen Eden: Thank you for your letter and story, Sylvia. You are a faithful Sunbeam to remember Happy Town when sick a-bed. I hope ; you will' have plenty of sunshiny days out on the verandah. Yes, the Dawn Lady loves reading. One of my favourite authors among the moderns is Christopher Morley, who wrote “Where the Blut* Begins.” The big Glen Eden budget reached me safely, but was a little too late to be answered in the last Hollow Tree. It is always safer to post letters in the beginning of the week as then they are in plenty of time. Is the wee bird still alive? Fay Burrell, Helensville: Welcome, little girl with the happy name, and many thanks for your story. I wonder if you like paihting? Those competitions are very popular with the Sunbeams. Betty Gardiner, Cambridge: So you have been in Auckland, Betty? I am glad you enjoyed the pantomime. Thank you for all the kisses. The Little Thought is busy dividing them among all your Happy Town friends. Sylvia Cross, Po.nsonby: Sylvia’s letters are always neat. And this is your last year at school? You are never likely to forget those happy days. I hope you will enjoy that function at the Town Hall. My best love to our faithful Sylvia. Beryl Grant, Royal Oak: So you have decided to come down Tiptoe Street, too. Beryl? I am very glad. Your letter is very neat and I hope you will write me many more. Rosie Southgate, Glen Eden: Your violets soon freshened up, Rosie, and they are beside me as I write. Thank you very much for them and also for your neat letter. I am sorry that Winnie has been so ill. Please give her my best love. Yes, Sylvia Manhire still writes to me. Her address is 24 Putiki Street, Archhill. Lois Brausch, Ponsonby: Your story has come safely to Happy Town, Lois. Thank you very much. The mermaid with the bird cage lias been responsible for many original tales. Rive Mackie, Devonport: The butterfly vase is full of freesias this morning, Rive, and a smile from you is peeping out from the blooms. All the Happy Town people send their love to this little Sunbeam. Myrtle Gardes. Devonport: I am sorry you have a cold, Myrtle, and also that your mother is not very well. Doctor Spring Sunshine says be has a cure for you both. I am delighted that your little friend, Trixie, wants to come down Tiptoe Street, and if you will send me her full name, her age and address, I shall make her a Sunbeam. Rona Robertson, Devonport: A competition story from one of my good scribes. I enjoyed it very much, Rona. My best love to this little lady. Hilda Jarvis, Mt. Eden: Doctor Spring Sunshine came to Happy Town last year, Hilda, but, at the end of the season, was forced to resign his practice to Summertime M.D., as lie was needed elsewhere. He returned to us about a month ago with a knapsack of fine days and a merry smile. He is thinking of calling on you and is sorry to find that you are not well. Those scrap-books you are making for poor children must look very pretty. Thank you for all the hugs and . kisses, and please will you give Rover a friendly pat from the Dawn Lady? 28 Grange Road, Mt. Eden: There was no signature on the letter from this Sunbeam, who sent a neatly-printed note and some riddles for the Dawn Lady. Have you found your message? Jean Buckley, Mt. Roskill: It took six Pixie Postmen to deliver your long letter. Jean. Thank you very much for it and also for your drawing of the Com-

petition Bell. That was a great joke about your brother’s birthday. Joy Danes is about six and she lives at 133 Kamo Road, Whangarei. You have a large correspondence now, Jean. Elizabeth Christine, Auckland: Your box of “bottled sunshine” was full of joys, Mistress Betty, and I have had much happiness out of those wonderful blooms- I have a strange old jug, of fantastic design, which I call “Old Bob,” and all your daffodils I placed in this. “Old Bob” is honoured. The Little Thought hopes that one day you will join us in a tea party under the Happiness Tree. My best love to Elizabeth Christine. Noel Stuart, Cambridge: It was unfortunate poisoning your foot like that, Noel, and I hope it will soon be well. Please give some Happy Town love to your mother. She has had too much sickness lately. Letty Green, Mt. Eden: You have had a happy time during the holidays, I think, Letty, in spite of those visits to the dentist. Did the ferns grow? Thank you very much for your neat letter and the riddles. Val Matthews, Hamilton: Welcome, little Miss Val. We are all glad that you have found your way to Happy Town. Do you know Sunbeam Jean Mcindoe, who also lives in Whitiora? Edna Davies, Te Aroha: Many happy returns of your birthday, Edna. What does it feel like, being seven? Thank you for your drawings of the leaves, fruit, camel, bear and kangaroo. You are a clever little artist. Norma Johnson, Grey Lynn: So you A? Patchwork Personalities, too? What do you think of the Greeks, this tune? Yes, Sunbeams may write stories for the Dawn Lady at any time. lam glad you had such a good school report this term. Scott Geen. Mount Eden: And you are now a Scout, Scott? I think you will soon have plenty of badges. Those hens of yours must be good ones to lay so many eggs. My best love to this laddie. Leslie Waller, Penrose: Yes, Leslie, the Dawn Lady loves little fat sparrows. They always seem to be tlie peasants of the great kingdom of birds, but they know how to be happy, don’t they? Please thank Jackie and Graham for their messages and give them the Dawn Lady's love. Jean Mclndoe, Alan Gracie and Buz will be glad that you have remembered them. Jean Cramp. Royal Oak: I am delighted that you have been on holiday at St. Heliers Bay, Jean. What a happy time you had. Is little cousin still with you? Youi* wee kitten must know plenty of tricks. The Sunbeams will find your big package of love and your thanks for all those kind thoughts. It is the Sunbeams who make the flowers bloom in Happy Town, Jean. J Beth Cole, Auckland: Thank you for your story, Beth, and also for bringing your sister down Tiptoe Street. Brother Bruce must be. a jolly little fellow. One of these days I think lie will find himself in Happy Town, too. Jean Cummings. Otahuhu: Your story has come to baud, Jean. Thank you very much, little lady. One of my good scribes lives at Otahuhu. Can you guess her name? Nancy Waller, Penrose: Thank you for your two letters, your story and the cutout piotures, Nancy. Yes, the Dawn Lady was responsible for that wee poem. What a little wise-acre you are. Jean Mclndoe, Jean Buckley, Irene Retter, Nola Craig and Margaret Anderson will find your love messages in the Hollow Tree. Joyce Cole, Mount Eden: Welcome to Joyce, who is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town. I shall look forward to your letters and to hearing all about you. I Wonder if you like competitions, too? Joyce Paki, Grey Lynn: So you are related to Ngawai and Kiki? Somehow, J thought you would be. T am glad you bad such a happy time with them at Huntly during the holidays. My best love to Joyce. Dora McLachlan. Auckland: What fun you have been having, Dora. Didn’t it seem like playing at shops? Some of the Sunbeams pop their Happy Town letters into the letter box at the office. Perhaps Annie could do that. Please give her the Dawn Lady’s love. Norma Waller. Penrose: Thank you for your story, Norma. I like it very much. Tennis is a splendid game and you and Nancy will soon be good players, I think. I have left your love messages in the Hollow Tree for Sylvia Hughes, Jean Buckley, Gay du Faur, Jean Mclndoe and Sylvia Webb. I am glad that Sylvia Hughes is so much better. Jean Farquhar, Auckland: I enjoyed your story, Jean, and also your neat letter. And you, too, are back at school? All the Happy Town people send their best love to Jean, and the Woodpecker

wishes to thank you for that special greeting. Lucy Crooks, Otahuhu: That was a long letter you wrote to your friend, Lucy, and perhaps she is still reading it. There is always much of interest in “Chums” and you are lucky having a copy. My best love to this loyal little lady. Doris Muchamore, Devonport: I missed your letters, Doris, but I knew you were on holiday. How pleased you must have been to see Earl and his mother again. Please thank them for their messages and give them the Dawn Lady’s love. I hope you will have a happy time on your birthday and that ail your little friends will enjoy the party. John Jamison, Mount Eden: What a fine holiday, John. I should have liked to have watched you galloping about on Molly. I used to ride a pony when I was small, but was often bucked off. * Did you notice any frogs about when you fell into the creek? My best love to this faithful laddie. Gwendolyn Tancred. Remuera: A Pixie Postman delivered your story with a thoughtful air, Gwendolyn. “I seem to remember this Sunbeam,” lie remarked.

you have one of her drawings on the wall.” Wisely spoken, wasn’t it, Gwen? Fred Crooks. Otahuhu: How did you manage to hurt your foot, Fred? I do hope it will soon be well. Your letter is full of news this time and I was interested to hear how you have been helping your father. The scooter should “scoot” well now that it has been repaired. Kathleen Ricketts. Mount Eden: Many thanks, Drummer Girl. Your sixteenth new Sunbeam has come safely to Happy Town. You and Doris Muchamore, of Devonport, are my busiest Sunbeams. J am glad you are so much stronger. It was your birthday yesterday, and I hope your party was a very happy one. Don’t you feel old now that you are ten? Much love, Drummer Girl. Eileen Gracie, Glen Eden: The Doorkeeper says to tell you that if ever lie I does publish a book of poems he will send you a free copy with the author's regards and thanks. I can see him sharpening a new pencil now with a business-like air. The Woodpecker is guarding your love messages for Pearl Knepp, Jean Mclndoe, Gloria and Monty, Nola Craig and Buz, and the Dawn Lady has just sped a bright new wish to Eileen. Eric and David Buchanan, Takapuna: What kind little boys to bring me those curious parrot-bill orchids from the bush. I shall find a shady corner for them so that they will be sure to grow, and every time I look at them they will remind me of Eric and David. Doctor Spring Sunshine is very interested in them. My best love to my little brown-eyed Takapuna Sunbeam. Dick Schofield, Ponsonby: Thank you for your story, Dick, and also for your letter. I am glad you have had such a happy holiday. And you are going to be | an aviator like Kings ford Smith? When .

you are flying I shall send some winged thoughts with you. A little bird told me that Happy Town has a staunch champion in Dick Schofield. If ever 1 have any battles to fight 1 shall call on a certain small knight who lives at I‘onsonby. My best love to Dick and Nanette. Susie White, Mount Eden: Thank you for bringing little sister to Happy Town, Susie. There is always a flutter of excitement when new ones arrive. You have had a busy time shopping during the holidays. Don’t you love opening parcels? I do. Alan Gracie. Glen Eden: Your mother would value the flowers out of your very own garden, Alan, just as the Dawn Lady values her Sunbeams’ flowers, for the stems always seem to bear the imprint of loving little fingers when children have gathered the blooms. Are you going to write stories in your office or

add up figures? Much love. Alan Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: A i'.- :*j Postman found a chuckle of laughter from Gloria caught in a spider web this morning and he carefully carried it across to the Happiness Tree. I was just reaching out my hand for it when it spread its wings and flew into the Hollow Tree where the Woodpecker has taken charge of it. Much love, Gloria. Joyce Gilbert. Epsom: Y had plenty of fun during Joyce, i hope you did not have any . lu from the toy motor-cars and scooters. All your Happy Town friends send their love. Alec Middleton. Penrose: I was glad to find that this Sunbeam lias heard the ringing of the Competition Bell. The mermaid and her bird-cage are very popular in Happy Town just now. Audrey Seddon, Lumsden: Your st'-ry has reached me safely, Audn.. . M nj thanks, little lady. I wonder if you have any spring flowers in Lumsden yet? The sunny North is a daffodil garden these warm days. Violet White, Mount Eden: Wei on t . this wee one who has come tripp ng merrily over the magic threshold. The Little Thought is pleased to have you for a playmate.

Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: How beautiful your room must look with all those Iceland poppies spilling their sunshin* Jean. The Dawn Lady has some thi week too. Little walks nnd little rest and plentv of sunshine. That is the our*prescribed bv a cc-rtain old doetnr. who is visiting Happy Town just now. Ma: garet Anderson and Nola Craig will find that you have not forgotten them. Much love to our faithful Jean John Conrick, Upper Hutt: I am d« lighted to welcome this Sunbeam :r«t** our happy family, and F do hope your broken arm will soon mend I like youstory very much, John, and also your painting. Perhaps you would t«* send me some of your poems too. What a large family. T like *'l.»re’s painting also. My best love to John, and ever? ! good wish for an early recovery. Gloria May, Auckland: There will t«a warm welcome awaiting 1 your Httk nephew when h** is old enough to tai your hand and come down Ti ••£ Street. Gloria. Country dancing is most interlesting and I am glad you are learning [it at your Guide meetings. My best lor to this happy Sunbeam. Alfred White, Mount Eden: Alfred ha ; passed safely through the gates of I Happy Town and is now one of my Suni beams. I hope 1 shall have a letter from Jessie Baker, Ngaruawahia: I hall love to have those flowe den. Jessie, and shall watch for them lin the mail. No doubt they will have ! arrived by the time you read this. What ,-i busy little lady you are. I am glad f • , hear your good news and trust the fairy Good Fortune will remain long with you Ernest Williams. Manunui: So you am i look into this. Thank you very much for • the verse nnd the riddles. My best love to this Sunbeam. Mary Murray. Hamilton: You had happv birthday. Mary, and what numbei ;of presents. I. too. would have liked I some of that wonderful cake. I thin 1 i l shall shut my eyes and eat a “pretendy" ! piece Isabella Newman. Rotorua: It was gj : fortunate QhU WO much rai:. • luring your holidays, Isabella, but I a* . glad you managed to have those picnic* j What game did you play in the cow - trough? Jean Eyre. Herne Bay: Your i >• • vou give her my thanks and love. The Dawn Lady has been thinking n great deal lately’of a little Sunbeam who has lost her daddy. Those who arc dear t<ud are always with us. Jean. All the Happy Town people send their love to this little girl. Joy Hill, Auckland: Thank you for your inti ’ for bringing your little friend down Tiptoe Street. You have certainly been peeping out on a beautiful world. I have j left your love messages in the Hollow ; Tree for Jean Cramp, Joyce Crook. Gloria ! Rawlinson, Viola Garrett. Marjorie Lewers, Jean Farquhar and Eileei* Gracie. Billy Blackwell. Auckland: H« . | presto! Here is Billy in Happy Town : Wasn’t it a simple journey? i shall bv [ hooking forward to your first letter, little ! Sunbeam. Grace Walker, Henderson: Your lettei I and story have c ome safely to Happ. Town, Grace. Many' thanks for them. The ; Little Thought is waiting to take th*m ess ages across to the Hollow' Tree, but has left me time to blow you a kis<- Ha | it reached you?