A Little World for Little People

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 720, 20 July 1929, Page 31

A Little World for Little People

I FRENDSHIP 15 A STEADY LIGHT SHINING IN DARK PLACES I SIMPLE ARITHMETIC “0H dear me," said the \Voodpecker, with a flutter of consternation, “I am getting very muddled up. Twice eight makes ten, carry one and that leaves nine. No, no, I’m sure that’s not right. The Dawn Lady will have to supply me with an arithmetic book so that I can count all these messages going into the Hollow Tree. Human beings are lucky because they can count on their fingers. Little Thought, please will you prove this sum.” “Wrong,” said the Little Thought, gently, running his eye down the column of figures. “You’ve subtracted where you should have added, and divided where you should have multilied.” 1) “But that was because I was trying to make room for all the messages,” explained the \Voodpecker, meekly. “Never mind,” said the Little Thought, Wisely. “Let’s change the subject. . . . Do you believe in squirrels?” “Is it a riddle?” asked the \Voodpecker, hopefully. “No, only a question. Little Tommy Squirrel has nearly worn out his paws coming down 'l‘iptoe Street this week. That’s why I asked. The younger Sunbeams have simply pounced on that painting competition. And as for the puzzle picture—Why, now I know every girl’s name that was ever invented. By the way, you and I are heroes. A Sunbeam has written a story about us. Isn’t it; exciting? The Doorkeeper and the Joyshop man are feeling rather jealous. I have read it over three times—twice to myself and once to the Dawn Lady. And the Pixie Postmen all crowded round to hear about; those pauper pixies who had spent their money on jelly—beans. They quite agree that people never prosper if they do things like that. . . . Here you are. take these messages. Don’t I hand them up beautifully? My little yellow and green wheelbarrow has worn ‘ plenty of ruts in the grass this week. lam in rather a hurry, ’ too, because I have an appointment with Doctor Spring Sunshine at the “fishing Well. The first daffodil is just opening, ‘ and he has promised to give ' me the wish from its golden @ I 1‘ heart. My word, you do chat- fix“, W W 1 ter! You simply buttonhole / , people, Mister Woodpecker!”