THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 631, 6 April 1929, Page 29

THE HOLLOW TREE.

MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAMS.

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow:

Joyce Woodcock, Edendale: What a lapful of luxuries I have to thank Joyce for—an Kaster egg, a painting. a posy, some perfumed petals, a picture of a witch on a broomstick and an entry for the thought competition, to say nothing ‘g®** two eharmiriK letters. I kept , faster egg for one whole day, Joyce, •uul then I opened it. That wise-looking parrot thinks I should have been more patient My best low and thanks to this generous little girl. Eileen Gracie. Mount Eden: That was tnoiy a terrifying tire. Eileen. I could Picture it quite clearly when 1 read your k'raphic description. Yes, Tiptoe Street las been a busy thoroughfare lately, i el ? doe » Cramp. Nancy Wal<i!,' Gloria, Monty and the Duke of *.iarn will lind your Jove with the YVoodi Duke of Slum is a most tn„nmed person. lie Js the hero of a bc *> k , Gloria is writing. Sylvia Knight. Auckland: How glad . uu must have ben to have your daddy Your painting reached me safely, aud soon you will have some rientls in Australia. Some Happy Town wishes for this little girl. Nellie Felts. Point Chevalier: I wonder ‘i >ou are going to try to-day’s painting competition. Nellie? I liked your carlations very much. The infant mistress nos chosen a clever little artist to paint those pictures for her. Eileen Farmer, Mount Albert: Your painting reached me safely. Eileen. You ure having a busy time with your homework and your music practice, but I am pad you have not forgotten the route to Happy Tow n. Molly Langdon, Mount Eden: Your fine carnation study has placed you at the top of the list. Molly. Congratulations on a splendid piece of work. Yes, thank you, 1 had a very happy Easter. Betty Gordon. Papakura: Another little Letty peeping in at the gates of Hapny Town. Your painting reached me safely, Miss Seven -years -old. The Little Thought Se H ds a smile to this new* Sunbeam. Rachel Robertson. Papakura: The Puzzlers are merelv intended as intellect "Uarpeners. Rachel, and they are not competitions. Many thanks for your Painting and your letter. Stories for

vompetitions should be written on separate sheets of paper. lam glad that you uave found your way to Happy Town. Lionel Collard. Henderson: YVhat a beautifully neat letter. Lionel. You will >*e helping to build that rainbow bridge across the Tasman. Phyllis Pratt. Takapuna: Many ham--returns. Phyllis. You will have two more vears in Happv Town. Please give my Lve to Pill arid tell him that I have dropped a kis.s each for the Woodpecker snd the smallest Pixie Postman into the Hollow Tree. Y’our carnations make a Pi*etty picture. Dorothy Scott. Devonport: Christopher Robin himself seemed to he coming down Tiptoe Street when I read your letter, Dorothy. I am so glad that you are so attached to Ilappv Town. 'Thank you f or your painting and that riddle. Jean Gordon. Papakura: Jean is now wie of the Dawn Lady’s Sunbeams, ana the Woodpecker . ays he will take go.ad Lfo’e of your messages in the Hollow '■ree. Your carnations made an attractive picture. No Name. Kingsland: A Sunbeam sent ln an unsigned painting with variegated ‘‘arnations. it was posted at Kingsland ~n March 27. Herbert Dawson, Portland: Boating is fun, Herbert Do vou go fishing. I enjoyed vour tittle roem 11 bo lit Happy Towi How old is ihis laddie: Ken Pul Ia n, Onehunga: Those two paintings are very attractive, Ken, and jam glad vou let me Mee them both. Little Thought sends a smile to the new baby. Is it a boy or a girl? Betty Cranston, Bayswater: I hope you V*ve been successful in those examinanons, Betty The Happy Town people Jt nd you some lucky wishes, and the ing Wn her thanks for your paintNancy Mclntyre, Grey Lynn: 1 am afraid have rather a responsibility, for I have

christened numbers of cats, Nancy. I am glad that yours approves of his name. Mv best love to this Sunbeam.

Eileen Knight. Auckland: Yes, you shall have a pen-friend in Australia, Eileen. What a pleasant surprise there is in store for Margaret. Has the great day happened yet? Linda Dawson, Portland: You had a lucky escape from that stingray, Linda. The Dawn Lady was in swimming not very long ago and had just come opt when a shark decided to investigate that particular bay. Yes, I would like to see. the poetry you are learning at school.

Helen Clothier. Hamilton: If Gloria has forgotten you, Hglen, the Woodpecker will be delighted to introduce you again. You have quite a number of Sunbeam friends. I am glad you have not forgotten that well-loved thoroughfare, ’liptoe Street.

Margaret Jones. Raetihi: T have sent your letter on to Sylvia Tapp, Margaret. There is a reply for Jean Anderson, Mount Eden, this week, but I have not heard from your little friend lately. My best love to this little lady. . Elaine Hopkins. Taumarunui: Your painting arrived quite safely, Elaine, and I hope you had a happy time at Easter Are vou iroing- to try painting the fairies. Joan Wilkins, Rtmuera: You will he helping- to bridge the Tasman, Joan. Many thanks for that competition posy. Verdy Carey, Mount Eden: Your "Jiting is as neat as ever, Verdy, and I was glad to have your painting. I vou will keep up your intention to write every week. The Woodpecker you some lucky taps and a downy feather from under his right wing. Jewel Dennis, Okahukura: Yes, I am afraid Jack Frost is* on his way, Jewel,

for it has certainly been very cold lately. Your painting came safely to Happy Town. Did you realise your dream about those Easter eggs? Gladys Sockley, Ponsonby: Gladys has crossed the Happy Town threshold. Many thanks for answering the Competition Bell. I shall always look forward to hearing from you. Ethel Hodson, Manurewa: Many thank§ little lady. I wonder if you are going to paint the girl and the fairies? Margaret Anderson, Waiuku: You found the hidden names of Sunbeams in the puzzlers, "Margaret, and T was pleased to see your painting. Did you know

that we now have three Margaret Andersons in Happy Town? Audrey Seddon, Lumsden: Your painting is very dainty, Audrey, and your letter has reached me, too. What a jolly little snapshot of you and Rosalie. I have put it among my treasures. Thank you also for your entry for the thought competition. I hope you will have a happy holiday in Timaru. Elsie May Sockley, Ponsonby: We are all delighted to welcome you into our little world for little people, Elsie, and the Dawn Lady liked your painting very much. My best love to this wee one. James Blackmore, Waiuku: You have a long way to go to school, James. Do you manage to attend every day? I hope you will soon be promoted to Standard 3. Thank you for answering the Competition Bell. Creina Dorothy Mosse, Remuera: By which name shall I call you, Miss Remuera? A warm welcome into the Dawn Lady’s happy family. Douglas Anderson. Waiuku: You found those hidden names of Sunbeams, Douglas, and I was glad to see your painting.

Some Happy Town thoughts for this laddie. Edna Bowman, Grey Lynn: And did Marjorie win any of those races, Edna? I hope it was her lucky day. The middle-sized Pixie Postman delivered your competition entry. Hugh Anderson, Waiuku; This little boy is now sitting beside the Dawn Lady under the Happiness Tree. I am glad to find that you are fond of painting, Hugh. Audrey Morrison, Whangarei: Sometimes the Hollow Tree is so full, Audrey, that I am unable to answer the letters that come in Thursday’s mail. When the Woodpecker cries “Full house,” I must lay down my pencil. I loved your letter about the rabbits, Audrey, and your second one has also reached me. How cleverly you mounted your painting. It looks very pretty indeed. Yes, thank you, I had a happy time at Easter. Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: You have been a busy little girl this week, Gloria, and I like those poems very much, especially “Soapsuds.” Thank you also for the riddle-me-ree. The Little Thought has flown up into the Happta

ness Tree to gather a new box of kisses tor you. He finds them nestling in the Love Flowers and the supply never seems to run out. Did Tango beg for his breakfast this morning? Molly Antunovich, Helensville: Welcome home, Molly. We are all glad that you have come back to Happy ?°^ n ’ ou never forget the Dawn Lady, do you . I was glad to have vour competition entry. Roy White, Paeroa: A Pixie Postman with a merry smile brought me vour love and thanks to this laddie. Alma Marsh a 11. Avondale: Welcome, Alma. You are going to be one of my good scribes. Your painting is very good. The Competition Bell is again ringing in Happy Town. Irene Wilkins, Mount Albert: Wasn’t that an interesting picture to paint, Irene? I was glad to see your entry and to have your contribution for the thought competition. Grace Jolly, Auckland: Grace has passed through the magic gates. Welcome to this roung artist.

Mary Grattan, Mount Eden: You shall have pen friend in Australia. Mary. I JVfis glad you heard the merry'music of the Competition Bell. t= EV t lyn l 'l ary King, Onehunga: Tap, tap, tap A new arrival at the gates of Happy Town. We are glad vou have lady d yOUr way down Ti Pt° e street, little Chrissie Olsen, Otahuhu: How luckv you were at the school picnic, Chrissie \ y< i u feelin S very proud of those htg Z6S * 1 WaS slad to have your paintWhenuapai: No, I did not visit the enchanted island at Easter Doris. Perhaps next year I shall go there ag ii ln - , h Tha l l*. you for your dainty posy. Dorothy White, Hamilton: Merryboy. for P vonr li i,ot mble T would be good names for jour kittens, I think, Dorothy. Your painting- came safely to hand. Trevor Bassett, Devonport:: Thank you have a happy Easter ,y Richard Broadbent, Auckland: Welcome to our happy family Master Rich- * hope your name will often appear in the Hollow Tree. Your competition posy looks very attractive. ™, Un ?^ ett . e r id9e ’ Mount Eden: Thank 3ou, little Miss June. All the Happy beam people send tlieir love to this SunLi Ilian Govan, Grey Lynn: So vou always read the Hollow Tree. Lillikn? i nat is. how the Sunbeams make friends with each other. I am glad you heard the Competition Bell. Eric and David Buchanan, Takapuna: My love and thanks, little flower men. That was a very beautiful bouquet. I am surely a lucky Dawn Lady. Salome Jones, Morrinsville : So you have been swimming and gathering shells? Those are fine hobbies. Your painting is very well done. Salome.. June McNicol, Dannevirke: The cobble stones in Tiptoe Street are magic ones that renew themselves, June. You will soon have some little friends in Australia. Isabel Trebilcock, Ecfendale;: So you and Joyce are friends? lam glad to hear that. One day you should both join t.. e , Wigwam as there is a corner for Oirl Guides in that page. Your painting is a fine piece of work, Isabel, and we are delighted that you have come to Happy Town. Geoff and Myrtle Bennett, Takapuna: These little Sunbeams never forget. My best love and thanks to you both. Kathleen Williams, Mount Eden: “Here oomes a wee one,” says the Little Thought, “and she has a paint box at home.” A warm welcome to Kathleen. Mercia Grace, Te Awamutu: I do hope your eye has recovered, Mercia. That little black kitten might like to be called Jet. "We do not have pen-names in Happy Town, Mercia. You are all Sunbeams instead. Many thanks for your competition entry. Dudley Cochrane, Birkenhead: Thank you, laddie. Jt reached me quite safely. Gladys Williams, Portland: A new Sunbeam and she is sick in bed? I must send the Little Thought post-haste to Portland. What pretty notepaper, Gladys, and how well you managed your painting. Francis Roe. Frankton Junction: “Don’t forget Francis,” calls the f Woodpecker. “He has sent in a painting and a riddle.” It’s fine fun coming to Happy Town isn't it. Francis? Jack Gibson, Mount Eden: You are a j clever little boy to be in Primer 2 when iyou are only five, Jack. And who taught you to paint like that? A warm welcome to this wee man. Sylvia Scales. Takapuna: Close your eyes, Sylvia, Now what do you see? The Dawn Lady, the Woodpecker the Little Thought and all your other Happy Town friends? There, I thought as much. Enid Deighton, Point Chevalier: There is an Edna, but not an Enid Deighton on the Happy Town roll. Are you one and the same? That is a fine motto to live up to, Enid. Margaret Burton; Auckland: “From Margaret,” said a Pixie Postman. “Thank you, sir,” said the Dawn Lady. Jean Scott. Green Lane: This wee girl is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town. I had a quiet smile over your letter, little Ailsa Stuart. Auckland: Now you are i much nearer Happy Town, Ailsa. I hope i you will be very happy in your new home. Yes, your letter reached me in I time.

Jean Grant, Epsom: Many happy re- I turns of your birthday, Jean. Little sister will have to treat you with great respect now you are twice as old. I was glad to see your competition posy. Arthur Wilkins, Mount Albert: My love and thanks to this clever nine-year-olu. June Shearer, Mount Eden: And all your dreams came true, June? I think you must have paid a visit to the Wishing Well. We are all g;ad that you had such a happy birthday. Sadie Nichol, Waro, Hikurangi: I love to hear of that weekly rush lor Happy Town, Sadie, and I am glad that you have come down Tiptoe Street. The Little Thought whispers that before long your sister and your two brothers will be Sunbeams, too. Your name will be crossing the Tasman and I was glad to see your painting. Josie Henry, Patumahoe: You will be helping to build that rainbow bridge, Josie. Many thanks for answering tile Competition Be.l. Elizabeth Christine, Auckland: Many thanks, Elizabeth. I loved your long newsy letter. When that tragedy happened 1 think you must have felt as if you were gazing on the ruins of a beautiful sand castle that, the tides of mischance had washed away. The Little Thought was delighted with liis Easter favour. How kind you are. Does the new watch keep good time? You should have this little motto from a sundial engraved in the back of it: “Time flies, suns rise and shadows fall. Let them go by, for Love is over all.” When is your birthday, Elizabeth? Jean Farquhar, Auckland: Your painting did not reach me until Tuesday, Jean. It would have placed you very high in the list. What a jolly birthday party. The Little Thought declares that he peeped in and gave Zelma some Happy Town greetings. The Woodpecker is guarding your love for Nancy Waller, Jean Mclndoe, Mary Potts and Joy Hill. I hope you will soon hear from Jean and Mary. Elsie Rean, Ohakune Junction: Welcome, Elsie. I hope you will enter for the new painting competition because your entry for the last one reached me just too late. Lilian Gibb, Arch Hill: A Pixie Postman came hurrying in with it, Lilian, but it was just three days too late. Moira Graham Watts, Devonport: Another Happy Town admirer. I am glad you have come down Tiptoe Street with your sister. The Woodpecker sends you a friendly greeting. Esme Peacocke, Epsom: The competition was already judged when your painting arrived, Esme, but I hope you will send in the girl and the fairies. Nola Craig, Mount Albert: Yes, I still have the “Catland Review,” Nola. Has it gone out of print? The letters are answered in rotation. There is really no pride of place in the Hollow Tree. Yes, I have slept in many strange beds—one a hammock swung between two willow trees with only the sky for a roof. It was very kind of Buz to add that postscript to your letter. The Woodpecker sends his best regards. Russell Milligan, Otahuhu: “The Little Thought, the Doorkeeper, the Woodpecker and the Joyshop man, this is Master Russell Milligan, Sunbeam of Happy Town.” Now you are formally introduced, Russell. I am so glad your ear is recovering. That is a good Joke, and I enjoyed reading that story. Alaire Maddison, Ponsonby: "Welcome, Alaire. Your painting is very good, but, unfortunately, it reached me after the competition had been judged. I hope I shall soon hear again from my new Sunbeam. Patricia Watts, Devonport: Y'ou discovered all the hidden Sunbeams. Patty. We are all delighted to find Moira in Tiptoe Street this week. Ida June Milligan, Otahuhu: The Little Thought says he knows why you have June for your second name. Isn’t it clever of him? A Happy Town welcome to this little girl. Betty Attwood, Mount Roskill: What a good thing the little boy’s daddy disI covered him. I enjoyed that wee story, j little Miss Betty. Annie Joyce Mercer, Penrose: Flying ; feet in Tiptoe Street. Annie has crossed the threshold of Happy Town. Betty Potter, Epsom: Still another Betty. A warm welcome to little Miss Epsom. Dulcie Craig, Wellington: There is no such thing as distance in Happy Town, is there, Dulcie? No, I never imagine that you are likely to forget me. It will be splendid when your cousin comes down Tiptoe Street and takes her place

among the Sunbeams. Jean Mclndoe will find that you have been thinking of her. I wonder who is looking after vour very own garden while you are away? Thelma May Perry, New Lynn: Y'ou seem quite familiar with Happy Town already, Thelma, and we are all glad that you have decided to become a Sunbeam. Those jumbled names are correct. Mary Anderson, Mount Eden: I wonder if the motorists feel afraid when they see you taking their numbers, Mary? Perhaps they do not know that you are just saving them up. That is a very interesting hobby. Ada Wilkins, Mount Albert: Millicent Meggs, with her dreamy eyes, has come safely to Happy Town, Ada. Thank you very much. Silvia Tapp, Te Aroha: "What a hanpv outing, Sylvia. I am sure you must have enjoyed it. The Dawn Lady loves Happy Town, too, so we have something in common. Jean Anderson, Mount Eden: I caught two people on April 1, Jean, and no one caught me. Wasn’t that lucky? Y'es Grandfather Winter will soon be abroad in the outside world. \ Leonard George Carder!, Remuera: Welcome to Hapuy Town, Master Lon. T am glad you heard the Competition Bell. Y our card will not be long in reaching Heather Moir, St. Heliers Bay: The Little Thought declares that Heather is one of his favourite names. Welcome to our city of many joys, little ladv. Margaret Anderson. Mount Eden: I shall remember your words, Margaret, and then I shall never grow old. Y'es. thank you, I had a very happy Easter, and no one managed to play any tricks on me on April 1. My best Jove to our faithful Margaret. Maile Morris, Epsom: The Little Thought says you are shod with quicksilver, Maile. How splendid winning that race. And the big hippo, eats the splashes? What a quaint appetite. I loved your happy little letter. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: That Easter posy had a thought nestling among the soft green fronds, Jean. Thank vou for your beautiful letter and for that glimpse of sunset. The Little Thought says he is a true prophet and that your davs of being an invalid are over. Elizabeth Christine sent some special wishes for you in her last letter and the Woodpecker is taking good care of your special message for her. Nancy Waller, Penrose: Yes, I like gathering walnuts and eating them, too, Nancy. Were they ripe, or are vour fingers stained a rich brown? Manv thanks for your newsy letter and that little poem, "The Dustman.” Betty Mabey, Maramarua: Welcome, wee one. Even babies may sit with the Dawn Lady under the Happiness Tree. The Little Thought sends you a smile of greeting. Barbara Wildon, Takapuna: My love and thanks, little Miss Barbara. Rive Mackie, Devonport: “Ring the j< v bells, Little Thought, Rive has come back to Happy Town.” What a wonderful holiday you had, Rive, and I am delighted that you are now your own sturdy little self again. David will soon be jumping out of his pram and following you down Tiptoe Street. My best love little man. Edwyna Stone, Maramarua: Betty has now crossed the Happy Town threshold.

Edwyna. You will soon be an expert horsewoman, but please take good care of yourself. My best love to this faithtul member. Norma Waller. Penrose: Y'ou have made good use of your holidays, Norma, and I am sure those, paintings must be very pretty. That new hobby is a splendid one. Yes, I love running clown a hill with the wind playing hide and seek in my hair. Isn’t Old Man Wind a merry playfellow? Colin Mackie, Devonport: It was just too late, Colin, but I can quite understand your forgetting it in all the excitement of seeing Itive again. Are you going to paint the fairies? Margaret NorSey. Whangarei: Good news, Margaret. We are all so glad you are better. I have left your love with the Woodpecker for Jean Buckley and Joy Hill. Peter Monkley. Turua: I was very sorry to hear that your bantam had to be destroyed, Peter. That was a kind thought when you gathered those flowers for him. You found the hidden sunbeams and the Little Thought has pounced on that kiss you tucked away for him in your letter. Leola Reed, Edendale: This little girl has had a happy holiday. The Woodpecker would not let me miss your name. Leola. Joy Hill. Auckland: Many thanks for your happy Easter letter. Joy. You will love Motuihi with its twin beaches. I have left your love in the Hollow Tree for Jean Mclndoe, Jean Farquhar, Eileen Gracie and Dorothy Sanders, and the of the Carnations” sends a special thought to you. Doris Corlett. Te Kuiti: What jolly little kittens, Doris. 1 enjoyed reading about them. Auckland is a fine place for a holiday as 1 am sure you wffl nnd. Dorothy Reason, Morrinsville: You are a clever girl, being able to milk, Dorothy. That little poem is very amusing. I hope I shall soon hear from you again. Jean Norley. Whangarei: A birthday on Good Friday? Many happy returns. Y'es, Jack Frost will soon be abroad, but , I hope he does not visit Whangarei. Jean Doreen. Parnell: Thomas must be a wonderful eat. Does he answer to his name? I was glad to hear again from Jean. Jeanne Brady,. Takapuna: Welcome. Jeanne. I was glad to have your entry for the thought competition. All vour new friends .send their love. Jean Buckley. Mount Roskill: Eleven hurried words from Jean, but they were I just in time, weren’t they?