DIAMOND LAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 648, 27 April 1929, Page 33

DIAMOND LAND

(First-Prize Story) The only reminder Joan had of her dead mother was a wonderfully sparkling diamond, set in a gold ring. This was her greatest treasure, and ' she delighted in watching the bright points of colour darting in and out of the brilliant gem. One day as Joan sat beneath her favourite oak tree watching the dancing lights, she murmured, “ They’re fairies, beautiful fairies. Oh, if only I could be one.” Suddenly an acorn fell at her feet and opened with a snap. Out bobbed two fairies who flew to her and, clasping her hands, said something which sounded like “Shrinkalot addykoo.” Joan soon found that she was no larger than the dainty fairies who telling her to hold tightly, rose gently into the air. They floated along as airily as the gossamer thistledown is wafted along by a baby breeze. Soon they sank down and, gazing about her, Joan found herself amid a bewilderment of scintillating lights. In amazement, she looked at ilie beautiful lady coming toward her, for it was her own dear mother! She soon learned that she was in Diamond Land and that her mother was queen of it all. And now, clad in beautiful garments, she visits her mother every day in that wonderful shining land. —EILEEN GRACIE (aged 13). PANSIES AND PIXIES A crystal bowl of pansies, YVith colours all aglow, Reflect tlieir mystic shadows On the table there below. Some are white and yellow. Some are palest blue, Some are dyed with russet, There’s a velvet-brown one, too. Their petals are of satin, Their hearts are made of gold; In the fragra # e of their petals Are secrets yet untold. As I gaze at the pansies Each with its elfish face, I think of little Pixie-men In some far woodland place. I think that very long ago, With great enchanting powers, The fairy queen transformed them all To velvet paiisy- flowers. —Joy Hill (aged 14).