THE WIGWAM

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1001, 18 June 1930, Page 16

THE WIGWAM

Sere we gather, here \ ce meet in pow-tcow friendly and discreet, To talh of earth, and sea, and sTcy, and watch the world of men go by. FROM VARIOUS INK-WELLS ONCE upon a time there lived a Song Boy in an enchanted garden making music for the green butterflies and the flowers and the fadeless trees. But he wanted a playmate and, in answer to his wish, a certain maiden with subtle powers became a guest in his garden. In the first-prize story, “Autumn,” Harvest Moon has given us a delightful study of give and take, handled in her usual graceful style. A song on the wind or a peep of blue sky can conjure up a story in the mind of this versatile young writer, whose poems and drawings are also well known in this page. Maid of the Pines, in “Hunter and Hunted,” deals with the tunning of a certain “bundle of fur and speed” and the eternal problem that haunts the animal world where something is always preying on something else. All nature lovers will be interested in this story. Other good entries came from Little Stalker, who also wrote a nature story, Gold-tipped Feather, who was responsible for a legendary tale, Lone Drifter, who visualised a fleet of goblin fishermen, and Flying Beetle, who wrote a thoughtful tale dealing with the difference between immortality and fame. To you all my thanks for these rare gifts, and my best Wishes. R7SDFEATHER.

GIRL GUIDES’ CORNER Bird Lover reports for St. Francis Company: “Wo have ceremonial on the first Wednesday in the month. This month there was an enrolment. Our Commissioner visited us and, as the patrol competition for this month was to make a small bed, she showed us the correct way to make a hospital bed. “There are 24 in our company, and we have three patrols, the Swallows, the Nightingales and the Blue-tits. “On June 3 we had a patrol hike, but it was very cold and only four girls came. We went up One Tree Hill and had to keep playing to keep warm. We played stalking and tracking games and climbed round the mountain, which was very slippery. After climbing to the top we pointed out the landmarks. From there we descended to a sheltered spot and had lunch. We played several Morse and relay games, and at four o’clock set out for the home of the Nightingale leader, where w© met the rest of the Nightingales. Here we had tea and then, to cap the clay, we had a jolly camp-fire, when all the camp and community songs we knew were heartily sung. After singing ‘Now Our Camp-fire Fadeth’ we dispersed, hoping to have a better attended patrol hike soon.”

White Squirrel reports for the Papatoetoe Company: “During the first week of the May holidays, the leaders and seconds and several others of our company went up to Otimai for a few days. We arrived on a Wednesday just before dinner. In the afternoon we explored the bush and creek. On Thursday it was showery. This was visitors’ day, but none came. Friday was also a wet day. We cooked a wonderful dinner for the Commissioners, who didn’t come. The week-enders came about 6.30 p.m. It was still wet and dull on Saturday. Five visitors and two Commissioners c&me.

“A fine day at last —Sunday. During the morning we collected specimen leaves. Later we went to church. Monday was a great cleaning and polishing day. We had just finished when some Milford Guides arrived for their holiday. “We came home that afternoon. Although that was only our first visit we enjoyed it. thoroughly and hope to have another holiday soon. ‘On Friday, May 30. Miss Palmer and Miss Ceth-Smith visited us. After looking at our corners and seeing us demonstrating how to bring the flag to them they went home.”

Gleaming Wing forwards the following First Frankton Company news:

“The first week of the month we had country dancing, which was followed by a flag test. The blue and white grounds, together with the red and white crosses, are placed on a chair at the end of the room. Then the Guides are told to form the different flags. Morse came next, during which we had a game which is played as follows: The patrols line up, and the captain signals a letter, and the first one in each patrol runs up and tells the captain the names of two animals beginning with whatever letter is signalled. For example, if the captain signalled T, the Guides would run up and say ‘tiger and tortoise.’ When the company had been dismissed a Court of Honour was held when it was decided that the company should go for the Folk Dance badge. “On May 14 each patrol was told to net one of the Guide Laws. The successful patrol acted the fifth law, ‘A Guide Is courteous.’ We then had a little country dancing, after which we played ‘Dog and the Bone,’ and a. ball game. (The Guides form a circle while one Guide stands in the centre. She then throws the ball to each girl in turn. Everyone has a turn in the centre.)

“The next week we had some country dancing, which was followed by Morse and Tenderfoot work. We then did somo figure marching to music, which the Guides found very interesting. This was followed by our lieutenant telling us some true stories and reading to us an invitation to a fancy dress ball, which the First Hamilton Guide Company is giving on Friday evening.” WITH THE BOY SCOUTS Proficiency Badge and First Class Tests Mr. N. M. Matheson advises that the next Proficiency Badge night has been changed from Wednesday, July 9, to Tuesday, July 8. It will be held at West Street. The first class tests will be held at Western Springs next Saturday, and the tests at Lake St. John a fortnight later. >» o o Commercial Travellers’ Drive It is now announced that 400 Scouts will bo required to assist at the Commercial Travellers' clothes drive for the poor and needy on Saturday, Juno 28, as 40 depots are to be set up, and ten boys will be needed at each depot. Scoutmasters are requested to get into touch with District Scoutmaster Tribble, who is working in conjunction with the Commercial Travellers’ Association. If sufficient Scouts are not available, the quota may be made up with elder Cubs. Sea Scout Muster A combined muster of the Auckland Sea Scouts and Cubs will be held in the form of a social evening at the rooms of the Flying Angel Mission cn Friday, June 20, commencing at 7.30, and a large attendance is anticipated. Mr. Vickery is arranging a series of

such functions for Sea Scouts, to be held during the winter months, and this is the opening evening. Last winter the same plan was carried out with the greatest possible success. Vindictive Sea Scouts The last parade of the Vindictive Sea Scouts under Mr. Thode’s supervision was held last Friday. He will sail for Sydney by the Maunganui next Friday. The company will now be in charge of Messrs. Foote, Bigwood and Geddis. Mr. Bigwood for some time has been in charge of the Sea Cubs. He will carry on with his work, assisted by Mr. Geddis, under the supervision of Mr. Foote. All three officers are keen to build up both junior and senior divisions. Sea Scout Melville is assisting also with the Cubs, while Sea Scouts Murphy and Barzey are in charge of a watch each. Next Friday the members of this company will attend the combined evening for Sea Scouts. The proposed club for older Sea Scouts as yet is not formed. St. David’s Troop Function The parents’ evening, held by St. David’s Troop last Friday, was a pronounced success, there being an attendance of over 100. A general troop meeting was held, combined with inspection, games, and items by Scouts and Rovers. The guests were much impressed by the work of the boys and carried away pleasant memories of a well-organised and entertaining evening. O # Lone Wolf reports that the First Cornwell Scouts are progressing satisfactorily. Although, the attendance has been small recently, the Friday nights’ programmes have been of great interest, invariably concluding with camp-fir© sing-songs. The boys are learning some Maori songs and are practising rousing camp ditties.

On the last Proficiency Badge night Leader J. Dick earned the Electrician’s Badge, Leader E. Collins, his Cyclist’s and Handyman’s badges, and M. Sewell, L. Moore, H. Warner and R. Lawrence each obtained the Cyclist’s Badge. Scouts G. Clark and S. Grainger completed the test for Second Class last Saturday. The troop and pack attended a church parade last Sunday in conjunction with the Edendale troop and pack. The service was held at the Dominion Road Methodist Church, and the Rev. W. Walker addressed the Scouts and Cubs.

Prairie Wind reports for the Mount Albert Troop:

“At our meeting on May 16, the signalling class resumed its work. was made at Morse signalling, very few members of the class having had any experience in this method. Two Scouts received their Healthyman's Badge at the following meeting. Several of the Scouts decided to meet at the home of one of them to study for the Missioner’s Badge together. On the day following we had a football practice in preparation for our match with the Fame Sea. Scout Troop.

“On the next Friday when we met. 11 members of the troop gave in their names to go for their Fireman’s Badge On the following Tuesday they went to the Newmarket Fire Station, where they received instruction from the firemen.”

There has been some talk in England of starting Air Scouts, but t'ne Boy Scout authorities have decided not to take the matter up as the venture would be too costly and thefc would be little opportunity for the boys to do practical flying. FOR WISE HEADS Concealed cities: The name of a city is concealed in each of the following sentences, but the name is spelt backward. 1. You may have more candy when you have finished your apple. 2. When rebels make trouble they should be suppressed. 3. But, sir. apart from what the family said, I was offended. 4. Alack. Roy went home an hour ago. 5. John, your report is not so bad as the last one. • * • Acrostic: All the words described contain the same number of letters. When rightly guessed and written one below another, the initials will spell the name of a famous country and another row of letters will spell its famous capital. 1. To snatch. 2. A ceremony. 3. To reverberate. 4 Unruffled. 5. A. 6. Facile.^ Answer to last week’s changed word: Sing, sang, tang, tank, talk. Word diamond: F. Elm. Float. Mat. T.

AUTUMN First-prize Story The Song Boy lived in a wondrous garden and played with the green butterflies, and sang songs all the day through, from year’s end to year’s end. Then there came a time when he grew lonely, and tired of his flowers and trees, and could find nothing more to sing about. In the centre of the garden there was a green pool, and in the dim depths lived a water-nymph. Once a year she rose to the surface of the pool, and gave the Song Boy a wish, then disappeared as quickly as she had come. As the time drew near for her to appear, he wished more and more for a companion in his lonely garden; someone to play with him in the pools of sunlight and the drifts of apple-blos-som underneath the trees. At last, when the moon was new, the waternymph rose from the pool, and sitting on a lily leaf, she asked the Song Boy his wish. He knelt by the edge of the pool, and clasped his little brown hands together, and his little black eyes glittered, and the wind played in his black curls. “Dear lady,” he said, “I wish for someone to x>lay with—someone who will share my dreams and listen to my songs.” “Kiss me.” whispered the waternymph, “and you shall have your wish.”

And even as he kissed her, she disappeared, leaving rio ripple to disturb the dreaming stillness of the pool. The next day, as the Song Boy dabbled his fingers in the sunlight upon the velvet lawn, there came a knock at the little green door in the old crumbling wall. The door opened, and there stood a child more beautiful than the Song Boy had ever seen. Her hair was a golden red, and in it there clung little red leaves, and golden leaves, and brown. Her eyes were like clear blue pools, and her smile assured him that this was the companion for whom he had been waiting. “Who are you?” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

“I am Autumn, and I have come to stay with you. Autumn was never before in your garden, for Summer was always here.”

“I shall call you Fiametta, for your hair is red, and your eyes are blue. I shall love you with a great love, for you are kindly, and I shall sing you my most beautiful songs, because you smile.” And the Song Boy knelt before her and gazed at her with his little black eyes, and raised his little brown hand to hers.

Weeks passed, and every moment was filled with delight for the Song Boy. Fiametta had touched the leaves in his garden, and they had turned to gold, while the winds were still faintly warm and the flowers still nodded their yellows and reds through the shadows of the trees. The Song Boy would pipe his songs to Fiametta, and she would dance to the lilting music, and still the sun shone, and the green butterflies tilted on pale wings, and the leaves fell in great shining drifts upon the ve.vet lawns.

Then one day, Fiametta called the Song Boy and told him that she must go. “For,” she said, “Wherever I go, Winter follows, and he will be here soon. He is cold and treacherous.”

“Here, in my garden?” faltered the Song Boy. “Please do not leave me, Fiametta; please take me with you.” And great shining tears shone in liis little black eyes. Gently Fiametta kissed liis hair.

“kittle Song Boy.” she said, “1 shall take you with me all over the wor.d, and we shall return to your garden when our work is done.”

So they went together into the world, the Song Boy piping his elfin music to the sun and the stars and the moon, while Fiametta danced her way by his side, touching the leaves with her cool fingers, and turning them to gold.

Sometimes when the day is clear you may still see them dancing together over hill and dale. Men call it Autumn when the leaves fall, but the Song Bov knows that they fall in homage to his beautiful Fiametta, and that at the touch of her sister Spring, they will come to life again.

Even now, they may be returning to the garden, all their work done. The Song Boy with his little brown hands clasped in Aistasy, and his little black eyes shining with love, while Fiametta, perhaps, is dancing with the wind, red eaves in her red hair, and blue sky in her blue eyes. Harvest Moon (Alma Chamberlain), week* sscond-pr ' ze stor y will appear next

“DISRAELI” AT ST. JAMES

The Warner Brothers’ picture, “Disraeli,” which is now in the last days of its long season at the St. James Theatre, deals with the important period of England’s history when it was doubtful who would finally control the Suez Canal. George Arliss, in the leading role, gives an effective characterisation of tho statesman. Bright . supporting items are also being presented. BRITISH FILMS AT LONDON Since making his debut in pictures 12 months ago, Carl Brisson, matinee idol of England, has played in three entirely different roles. His initial screen appearance was as a yoLing pugilist in “The Ring,” then later he was cast by Alfred Hitchcock, tho director of “The Manxman.” in which picture he played the part of Pete, the fisherman, and now, in his latest picture, which is also his first talking picture, “The American Prisoner,” he is seen as a young American naval officer. This picture, which is being presented by Cinema Art Films, will continue at the London Theatre. GREY LYNN CINEMA “Close Harmony,” one of the most entertaining of the pleasing singing and dancing shows that are so popular at the present time, is now at the Grey Lynn Cinema. Charles Rogers and Nancy Carroll, the stars, appear as two young vaudeville entertainers, and the remainder of the cast, which includes the two comedians, Skeets Gallagher and Jack Oakie, all appear as va.udeville players. Bright supports are also being shown. REGENT, EPSOM Whether American men or foreigners make the most romantic husbands is a question dealt with in a hilariously entertaining manner in “Hold Your Man,” Universal dialogue farcecomedy now at the Regent Theatre, Epsom. Laura La Plante plays the stellar role, Walter Scott appearing as her leading man. Others who have important parts in the strong cast are Eugene Borden and Mildred Van Dorn. EMPRESS. NEWTON The chief attraction on the new talkie programme at the Empress Theatre, Newton, will be “The Delightful Rogue,” the all-talking Radio Picture, in which Rod La Rocque is featured as Lastro, a famous pirate. Burning love under the tropic moon is the background of this talkie, which will be accompanied by full supporting items.

“THE VAGABOND KING”

COMING TO THE NEW REGENT Have you heard “Lucky Me —Lovable You,” “Happy Day's Are Here Again,” “Love Ain't Nothin’ but the Blues” and “Everybody Tap”? All are pronounced favourites with foremost radio and record singing artists and dance orchestras. They are the featured song hits in tho new all-talking picture, “Chasing Rainbows,” now in its last days at the New Regent Theatre. The droop of an eye-lid or an odd quirk of the mouth may be more expressive of character than pages of dialogue, in the estimation of O. P. Heggie, favourite talking picture actor, who deserted the stage for the films about a year ago, and who since has played roles of artistic excellence in a great number of screen productions. In his most recent production, Paramount’s spectacular all-colour song romance, “The Vagabond King,” which comes to the New Regent Theatre on Friday, Heggie puts his theory into practice. He was assigned to the role of King Louis XI. of France, in support of Dennis King’s lead as Francois Villon, th© poet-rowdy who becomes sovereign for a week. Before the picture started production Heggie made an intensive study of the monarch he was to portray. Pie absorbed all that history and the arts could provide. His investigations revealed that the King was a querulous, “grandmotherly” sort of individual of weak character and pettish disposition. In transforming himself into the old French King, Heggie adopted a peculiar half-petulant, half-crabbed twist of the mouth’. Although it was altogether foreign to his own naturally smiling expression he did not find it difficult to maintain. CRYSTAL PALACE, MT. EDEN “The Hollywood Revue,” MetroGold wyn-Mayer’s musical extravaganza, which received the most enthusiastic ovation ever given a talking picture in this city at its opening, is now at the Crystal Palace Theatre. This new musical extravaganza proves to be a sensational follow-up for th© immensely popular “The Broadway Melody.” Designed on the order of a sumptuous Broadway revue, it contains not only the pick of the song, dance and monologue talent from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio, but also a number of outstanding stage celebrities. PI. M. Warner has fitted up a talkie "theatre” in a New York hospital, which contains a large number of patients who cannot sit up. Cots are carried into the room and the picture is thrown upon the ceiling.

STRAND NEW PICTURES ON FRIDAY A cast of outstanding screen personalities is seen in Paramount’s alltalking adventure-romance, “Slightly I Scarlet,” co-starring Evelyn Brent and Clive Brook, which is at the Strand Theatre. Miss Brent and Brook were first seen together in “Underworld,” and later they were in the featured cast of “Interference,” Paramount’s first all-talking picture. Russia, the Viand of natural-born singers. Eighty native men and women go to make up an impressive chorus which sings Russian hymns in a number of cathedral scenes which form a part of the new Warner Bros. alltalking Vitaphone production, “Hearts in Exile,”, starring Dolores Costello, and their talent furnishes a typical example of the musical ability of the race. The unusual feature of their work in this production, which comes to the Strand on Friday, is the fact that only one member of the chorus was a professional singer, the others being engaged in other lines of work in Hollywood and Los Angeles. After a short rehearsal period, however, they were able to blend their voices perfectly in a number of hymns in the Russian language, and this without the assistan<y- of any musical accompaniment, since the Greek Catholic Church uses no music whatever. “Hearts in Exile” was directed by Michael Curtiz. The story was written for the screen by Harvey Gates, and is an adaptation of John Oxenham’s play. Miss Costello is supported by a fine cast, which includes Grant Withers, James Kirkwood, George Fawcett, David Torrence, Olive Tell, and Rose Dione. PRINCE EDWARD The splendid double-feature talkie programme at the Prince Edward Theatre comprises two of the best talkies available. The first one, “The Argyle Case,” is an outstanding talkie mystery thriller of the elucidation of a murder. The popular actor Thomas Meighan has the role of the detective whose work is hindered by unfounded suspicions aroused by several members of the household. The second .attraction. ,i s “Hard Boiled Rose,” a dramatic, tale of the gambling dens of South America, starring Barbara Stanwyck and Sam Hardy. W. C. Fields, Broadway comedian, is to make his debut in. talking pictures under the Radio Pictures banner. He will be the first of a line of footlight stars to be featured' in a series of two-reel shorts to be known as “Headliners,” by Louis Brock.

ROXY TWO BIG TALKIES Tonight the Roxy Theatre will present another remarkable programme comprising two big talkies. The first of these is “Lucky Boy,” which has been a wonderful success throughout America with George Jessel as the star. George, the son of a Jewish working jeweller, yearns to be an actor and finally leaves home to seek his fortune on the boards out West. In San Francisco, he makes a hit and is engaged as star turn in a luxurious cafe. The second special talkie attraction will be “The

will be "The Parade of the West,” starring the ever-popular outdoor star, Ken Maynard. The strongest supporting cast in M a y n a r d’s career was assembled by Director Harry J. Brown for “The Parade of the

West.” It is Ken Maynard headed by beautiful Gladys McConnell, in the role of the girl, Otis Harlan, of “Show Boat” and “Broadway” fame, as the old time medicine man, and twelve-year-old Jacke Hanlon, Maynard’s protege in fancy roping and trick riding. Far from the least creditable of the support given Maynard is that of his horse “Tarzan,” who performs new and astounding tricks surpassing those he has done in other Maynard pictures. In his songs Maynard plays the guitar and the fiddle, and is given additional accompaniment by Frank Yavonelli, known as the “one man band,” on the concertina, harmonica, guitar and drums.

Norma Shearer’s plans for a European vacation have been knocked helter-skelter by Metro-Gold wynMayer's production programme for next season. Because of the pressure of studio work, Irving Thalberg would not be able to accompany his wife, so she cancelled the trip.

“TEMPLE TOWER” CIVIC’S NEXT ATTRACTION The Civic Theatre continues topr sent the successful talkie “Hij Society,” starring Janet Gaynor atCharles Farrell. It was a moonlight night. He w*heir to millions but had no fanr prestige. She was heiress to sooprominence—plenty of bad debts if t?* father played the market —and bd engagement ring from a real live, titwc count. _, . From then on the trouble begs ; Laughs follow heartaches in sw. succession . . . making this ne*** Janet Gaynor. Charles Farrell inusc' romance. “High Society Blues finest effort yet produced with tniSl*' feet pair of screen sweethearts. A director and a leading man me. again in "Temple Tower, the t - Movietone all-talking, melodramas novelty, which is scheduled to tinsome thing new to film tans, at - Civic Theatre shortly. When Kenneth Mac Kenna, known as an excellent stage P**. ■ arrived in Hollywood last spring make his first talker for Fox Mcvtone, he found a former footlight as date, Donald Gallaher, as the direcof the production. When nearly a year later GalJuobegan casting for "Temple Tower. " C. McNeile’s latest novel, he Ins-;;. oil having Mac Kenna assigned to , leading role of "Bulldog ’ Drummo the picture. And in the part o dashing, debonair adventurer, - Kenna scores as notable a ml a 3,, made in "Men Without AA omen, remarkable film of the submarine - vice which was shown here rerei^ Marceline Day. Henry B. Cyril Chadwick. Teter Gawthorne. 1 Linow and other screen favourite* in the cast. MUNICIPAL CHOIR A concert will be given In the Hall on Saturday evening next Municipal Choir, assisted by Saran Stacpoole, vocalist, Mr. Towsey, pianist, and Mr. Leo taker, accompanist. Mr. Maos Barnett, City organist, will l the choir in unaccompanied C "J*' works by Byrd, Purcell, Balfour, u*. diner and Gounod.