THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 526, 1 December 1928, Page 31

THE HOLLOW TREE.

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered fts follow’:

The Waller Sunbeams live at Wood's Road, Penrose, and I am sure they would like to meet you when you are on holiday at Penrose. Perhaps you would like to write to them first. My best love to this new member. Joy Hill, Mount Albert: Congratulations, Joy. Your charming little tale, “Opal Bubbles,” has won the story competition. Please may I have a list of six books? Doris Lydster, Takapuna: Did you paint those poppies from nature, little lady? They are very cleverly done. Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: How many times have you had strawberries and cream to-day, Gloria? Won’t it be sad when the season is over? You are having a busy time with those competition paintings, and I shall look forward to receiving them. Have “Mr. and Mrs. Blang” posed for their portraits since? John David Dance, Drury: Welcome, John David. What a fine manly name you have. And shall I call you John or David? I hope I shall often find letters from this laddie in the mail. Jean M ingins, Epsom: Your story for the Christmas competition has reached me safely, Jean. Thank you very much. Some Happy Town thoughts for this clever young writer. Jack McEwen. Mount Eden: Jack has been busy painting the competition picture. I see. Isn’t it an attractive one this time? I like your entry very much, Master Mount Eden. Aubrey Hopkins, Taumarunui: Aubrey

Isabel Davis, Epsom: The Dawn Lady does not forget her Sunbeams, Isabel, and the Little Thought has often peeped in on the little girl who used to write me so many charming stories. I am glad to find that you were able to enter one in the last competition. All the Happy Town people send their best love to Isabel. Rita Nesbitt, Avondale: "Welcome to our little world for little people, Rita, and many thanks for your story. It has won a place for you in the highly commended list, and I hope I shall see many more from your pen. Ruth Clark, Devonport: T was glad to have those kind wishes from you and Muriel, and the Little Thought was delighted at being remembered, too. You are going to be one of my good scribes, Ruth Erlecn Grade, Glen Eden: Either stamps or postal notes may be forwarded for the fresh air fund. Eileen. And you have sent a large, white sweet pea winging its way to a little girl who can only recognise flowers by their touch? ■What a sweet thought. Jean Cramp, Connie Whiteford, Rina Bedogni and Joy Hill will be glad that you have- remembered them this week. Mamie Gilmour. Frankton: This little girl is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town and we are all delighted that she has found her way down Tiptoe Street. Do yon know any other little Happy Town People in Frankton. Mamie? I hope you will be very successful in your examinations and also that you will find plenty of time to write to the Dawn Lady. Dorothy Sanders. Morningside: You are very versatile, Dorothy, for, besides being able to paint very cleverly, you can write very good stories, too. You will find your name high in the list. I hope your painting prize-book has reached you. Dulcie Rigden, Avondale: It makes me very happy when Sunbeams write to me on their birthdays, Dulcie. Many happy returns of yours. Thank you. too. for Jour story about th« merrnaid. "Your garden must look very beautiful just now, and Summer Time, M.D., has promised to attend to your plum tree. My oost love to this faithful Sunbeam. Dorothy Gosset. Parnell: I am delighted to find that vou are now a Brownie, Dorothy. Were you one of the httle toothbrush people at the Rally last Saturday? I loved the Brownies’ item and their merry trot past. Thank you for finding those hidden people and also for colouring in the picture. Molly Lanodon, Auckland: If you have read that fJook of fairy tales, Molly, l ?hall change it for you. The “Big Book” js not yet procurable here. Some Happ3 r Town thoughts for this little lady. Noel Stow, Ngaruawahia: No, I had not forgotten this laddie, though it Is a long time since he peeped round the Happy Town gates. Your painting is very attractively done. Noel, and it is now safely entered in the competition. Joe Beeson. St. Heliers Bay: As I *rite, your dog Beppo is looking at ine of his photograph, Joe. What a line friendly face he has. The picture is so clear that he looks ready to spring out of jt. barking with happiness and wagging nis tail. Yes. Joe. I am very pleased to pteet Beppo. Thank you for your drawls Of the house. Is it for the Christmas drawing competition. p atri C ia Sheridan. Te Aroha: I have Jhit that illuminated design up on the W &11, Patricia, and it looks very important there. Thank you also for your competition painting. Joyce Woodcock, Edendale: Molly is 7, Jovce, and she lives at lo Boston Road, Mount Eden. What a fine hobby you have. 1 wonder how many niore of the Sunbeams collect and press hewers. The Little Thought will surely be at your elbow at examination time, 'jood luck and good wishes to this very faithful Sunbeam. ~ , , Eva Kane. Paerata: AVe are all del!*hted to greet vou at the threshold of Wappy Town. Eva, and I was glad to nave your drawing for the competition.

has found the route to Happy Town and all vour new found friends are waiting to greet you. I like your painting very much and hope you will enter for many more competitions. Esma Lee. Parnell: Is that a new bunbeam pk.ving with the very smallest Pixie postman ? Why. of course It is. Run across, Little Thought, and welcome her. I see she has a painting for me, too. Jean Buckley, Mount Roskill: It you in. .k in the notice marked “Christmas Competitions,” Jean, you will find a poetry competition announced. Tlie woodpecker will take good care of your thoughts for Jean Molndoe, the jailer Sunbeams, Patsy Sheridan, Joyce Thomson and Autumn Bakalich. Much love, Jack Lydster. Takapuna: Many thanks

I MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAfAS.

for yoqr painting of the scow, Jack. I should not mind taking a voyage in the very trim “Skylark.” All the Happy Town people send their love to this young man. Isabella Newman, Rotorua: Little fish and little tadpoles never feel really at home in captivity, Isabella, no matter how kind we are to them. I had some “bullies” in a bottle once when J was a little girl, but they did not live. I think you are wise in your decision not to catch any more. Thank you very much for your painting. What a loyal little Sunbeam you are. Gay du Faur. Howick: Sick in bed, Gay? This will not do at all. Summer Time, M.D., has sped away to peep in at a certain little girl’s window at Howick. What an interesting discovery you made in that tree. I think the birds in your garden must know you very well, for they do not seem at all afraid of you. The Little Thought would like to see into that nest, too. All your Happy Town friends send their love and best wishes for an early recovery. Betty Rowling, Ngatea: Names for three kittens? Supposing you call them Twinklefoot, Sleek and Silky. Thank you for your painting, little Miss Ngatea.' Norman Lydster, Takapuna: The Little Thought wants to fly that flag at the Happy Town gates, Norman, and the busy old Doorkeeper has gone off to look for a suitable flagpole. Much love, little one. Helen Doull, Grey Lynn: I was glad to find a painting from Helen in the com-

fellow for the Little Thought. lie loves the two-year-olds because they are always so very interesting. I hope this wee man will often sit with the Dawn Lady under the Happiness Tree. Pamela K. Henley, Ellerslie: That long, important-looking envelope has reached me safely, Pamela, and I was glad to see that neatly mounted painting. A golden wish for this little maid. Douglas Vazey, Onehunga: It seemed a long time since I had heard from Douglas, so you can imagine how glad I was to find that you had been listening for the Competition Bell. Do you know Clifford Bowrey, and does he go to your school? Joyce Bentley, Te Papapa: Welcome, Joyce. I hope you will' spend many sunshiny hours in Happy Town. I shall be looking forward to your first letter so that I shall feel better acquainted with my new Sunbeam. Josie Henry, Patumahoe: Won’t it be •splendid when holiday time comes, Josie, and examination time is just a memory? I hope you will pass. Your painting is safely entered in the competition. The Woodpecker sends you plenty of lucky taps. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: It is very sweet of you to send that generous contribution to the Fresh Air Fund, Jean. With your Wigwam subscription you will be responsible for sending one child to camp. I think he should have a special little notice pinned to lxis cap, don’t you? We are all sorry to hear that you are back in bed again. Were those days in the garden too much for you? Summer Time, M.D., has promised plenty of sunshine for Hamilton, so 1 think the good days will soon return. The smallest Pixie Postman is back in Happy Town. Ho says to tell you that he lost his way and had to spend a whole night under a buttercup. It was raining, too, so you can imagine his plight. A big package of goldtn Happy Town thoughts for our faithful Jean. Betty Summerhays, Remuera: Here is Betty in Happy Town, and we are de-

petition mail. Are you busy with examinations, too? Salome Jones, Morrinsville : No, I do not collect left-off clothing or toys or articles of that description for poor children, Salome, but you could send a parcel direct to the Auckland City' Mission. There is much poverty in the cities just at present. So many daddies are unemployed. T am delighted to think that Salome is now a member of Happy Town. .V warm welcome and much love. Percy Wouldes, Papatoetoe: I am sorry that you will have to pay a visit to the hospital. Percy, but after that slight operation you will be e'er so much stronger, i I shall think of this little Sunbeam on Monday. Thank you very much for your ! letter and painting. Ross Grant, Portland: Another play-

lighted to greet this clever little eight-year-old. Your painting makes a pretty picture and I hope I shall see much more of your, work. Nola Craig, Mount Albert: Nola is one of the Happy Town mermaids. Congratulations on being the first of the season to.swim four lengths of the bath. Didn't you feel tired when it was all over? I, too, have Elizabeth Christine's picture in my dream book. Is Buz still editing the “Cat land Review?” Jewel Dennis, Okahukura: Soon you i will be able to dive like a frog. Jewel, r but it is just as well to become a good Swimmer first. I am so glad that your examinations are oxer. You will be able to spend plenty of time in the water now. Thank you for your painting. Leslie Waller, Penrose: So you can now

write the A.8.C., and count up to 10? You will be quite advanced when you go to school. I am very glad to. hear that your face lias healed and I hope the scar will soon go away. The Woodpecker sends you those 25 “special request” taps and, just for luck, has added three more. I have asked him to look after your thoughts for Jean, Buz and Alan. Please thank Jackie! and Graham for their kind messages and give them my love in return. Kitty Voltz, Huntly; We have now quite a little colony of Sunbeams at Huntly, Kitty, and I am glad that you have come down Tiptoe Street, too. Many thanks for your story. I hope I shall soon hear from you again. Mary Grant, Portland: No, Mary, Ross is not too young to become a Sunbeam. The Little Thought has already taken charge of him. I am glad to hear that everything in your garden is thriving, and I certainly advise a little plot for flowers, too. Some Happy Town sunshine for this faithful little girl. Lorna Cull, Wellington: Soon the happy times will be here again, Lorna, and you will be playing on the be § h with your little friends. Are you stiii making peg dolls? Pegs can be made into butter-' flies, too. What a terrible fire at Wellington. Did you see the glare? Muriel Lander, Pokeno: I must certainly send the Little Thought to peep in at that old-time dance, Muriel. It will seem as if all the people are living in another age. Are you going to wear powder and patches? What jolly little kittens yours must be. I am sure you must enjoy watching them at play. Doris Muchamore, Devonport: And you have read that book already, Doris? That was quick work. I am so glad that you liked it. Another new Sunbeam popped out of your letter this week. Thank you once again. I have given your mesages to all the Happy Town people and was pleased to have that one from your mother. In return I send a big package of Happy Town love. Jean Armstrong, Kimihia: Many happy returns, little lady. I hope Sunday was a fine day. Did you have ten candles on your birthday cake? I am glad to raid that you have been listening for the Competition Bell. Thank you for your painting. Norma Waller, Penrose: Congratulations on that essay, Norma. It must have been a very good one. You are lucky having those examinations all over. Aren’t you feeling relieved? Oh, yes, the Little Thought loves a romp in the clover and buttercups, but he is so light that lie never crushes them. Have you ever lain in a field on a fine day and studied cloud castles? Gladwyn Wynyard, Devonport: Gladwyn is now one of my Sunbeams. A warm welcome to the Dawn Lady’s happy family. What number of friends Doris has. I think you are the thirty-first to come with her through the gates of Happy Town. I hope I shall have a letter from you soon. Jean Farquhar, Mount Eden: Yes, I enjoyed the Girl Guides’ Rally very much, Jean, but I did not know that you were among the spectators. I don’t think the Little Thought could have been with me that day. Nancy Waller was in an accident which happened lately, and her arm was hurt. I think that is the reason she has not answered your letter. Mv best love to this good scribe. Nancy Waller, Penrose: Please will you ! read the reply to Eva Kane's letter this ! week and also the one to Jean Farquhar. I am so glad that your arm is recovering and that you were able to manage a painting. The Little Thought has sped away to Hamilton with your message for Jean, and I have left your thoughts with the Woodpecker for Jean Cramp, Rina Bedogni. Connie Whiteford, Eileen Gracie i and Elsie Cox. That is a sad storxabout those poor birds, Nancy. T hope such a thing will never happen again. Elizabeth Christine, Auckland: The Little Thought is searching diligently in his little yellow and green wheelbarrow and now he is looking at me with stern eyes. “Where's that happy dream for Elizabeth Christine?” he is asking. “I do hope you haven’t forgotten it.” “Not guilty,” pleads the Dawn Lady. a happy dream for Elizabeth. Jean Eyre, Auckland: Welcome home, Jean. I am so glad that you have returned to Auckland, for Tauranga seems a k>ng way from Happy Town. When anyone is taken from us in this life,Jean, some new interest always comes to us. and that is why that wee nephew has come to cheer you all. Please give him a Happy Town blessing and a rose and \ silver kiss from the Little Thought. What 1 a beautifully neat hand you write now. Ethel June McNicol, Dannevirke: WelI come to this little girl who has come I tripping merrily across the threshold of j Happy Town. By which of those two

WAYWARD TOM HOCKING

There waa a small boy. And his name was Tom Hocking He was badly brought up, For his manners were shocking. He poked out his tongue ■When chance visitors called, And they stared at his antics. Aghast and appalled.

Once, a rich person dropped In to afternoon tea. And Tom was as insolent As he could be. He upset the cake-dish, He took the best chair. And remarked on the caller's Strange eyebrows and hair; Then he whistled his puppy To view the new guest, Who tweaked at his collar And straightened his vest. With such utter discomfort, A blind man could see. That he was not enjoying His crumpets and tea. “Go outside!” said Tom's mother. Completely upset . . . With tears of vexation Her eyelids were wet. So Tom and his faithful friend Stalked from the room, Both leaving behind them A curious gloom. . . .

“I shall nut come again To this house, if I’m wise,” Thought the guest, too well-mannered , To show' his surprise. But he muttered aloud As he walked to the gate, “They should train that crude infant Before it’s too late. “He can only be six And they ought to start young . , .** ‘l’m seven.” answered Thomas. And put out his tongue.

pretty njiriit-s- shall I call you V Your' membership card will not be long in reaching vou. A Happy Town wish for : my new Sunbeam. |

DUST

I do not like in summer heat To walk along the city street; For dust blows all about my face. And makes my hair its hiding-place. But when at night I go to bed I see quite near me overhead A golden dust of stars go by Along the footpaths of the sky.