THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1046, 9 August 1930, Page 31

THE HOLLOW TREE.

THE HOLLOW TREE.

I The Hollow Tree closes each I week on Wednesday at 5 p.m. _ / letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow: Olwyn Tetley, Lynn: Your letter arrived just too late to be answered last week, Olwyn, in spite of your effort to catch the mail. I am so sorry you were disappointed. Thank you for sending a limerick. Toothache is horrid, and I hope you are better. Elsie and Joyce Grams will be glad you have remembered them. Agnes Cairns, Ngaruawahia: Yes, I shall be g>ad to see some of your essays, Agnes. I wonder if you will be sorry to leave school? Most girls are. Some Happy Town love for this Sunbeam. Ailsa Kemp, Papakura: Your painting is very good, Ailsa. My best love and thanks. Jean Young, Auckland: It arrived safely, Jean. The Little Thought sends you a smile of greeting. Phyllis and Henry Moore, Takapuna: Some limericks from my little friends. There were some delightful entries for that competition. Mary Burgess, Hamilton: That was a happy Brownie birthday party,. Mary, and I am glad you were among the merrymakers. Your painting has reached me safely. Did you have a pleasant evening at the fancy-dress dance? Esme Quick, Takapuna: A pleasant surprise for Esme this week. The young person named Gwenda has brought you further fame. Betty Mabey, Maramarua: Well, little schoolgirl, and can you say your A.8,C.? t hat was a naughty hayfork to hurt you bke that. I hope your leg is better. Tes, it has been cold in Auckland, too, nut, there have been no burst waterP'pes. I* think Doctor Spring Sunshine jvill have to visit Maramarua. My best love to you and Phyllis and Edwyna. Mary Waters, Devonport: Another little lady in hr ’ I hope vou will soon be Perfectly v., Mary. The Little Thought oan make up those freak book titles, too. Here is one for you: “Several Stories,” by Everard Twaddle. I am glad you the Happy Town page each week. Sadie Young, Athenree: Welcome. Sadie. Your painting is very good, and we are all glad you have become a Sunbeam. i hope you will soon tell me all about yourself. Doris Head, Ngongotaha: Yes, you bmy send me some riddles, Doris, and Please will you let me know where they bfe from. I hope your little friend will become as much attached to Happy Town as you are. i«i? oy Ne eiy* Herne Bay: Three limericks from Roy. Your Gwenda was a versatile young lady. Isabel McFetridge: Welcome, little lady, membership card will reach you soon. The Woodpecker sends you a b»R package of lucky wishes. Owen Oakley, Parnell: Thank yon, y'T’en. Your entry arrived safely. When you be turning 16? crank Hogan, Pukekohe: That football practice before school begins is an exidea, Frank. I enjoyed your ut he essay. x,rul orence Swinbanks, Hikurangi: Boys "ith air-guns should be tied up like Puppy dogs, Florence. Perhaps that was an accident. The Little Thought f**' 3 It must have been. I am glad >ou were able to send a story. Margery Wells, Henderson: Most of ine constant readers become Sunbeams or iater > Margery, and I am dethat you hive found your way Tiptoe Street. Yes, that is a ,? a ™>[ n S story picture, and I hope I tS* 11 . h ave an entry from you. The ra°°” pec^er w ill watch for your brother’s lit? 10, an< * you in ay both send vour etters in the one envelope. V, , nnet| y Jones, Royal Oak: Welcome, r^t ter Ken nedy. Here you are in Happy iown. The Pixie Postman with the *mt? W top_knot sends you a friendly

in?°/ ce Pur cell, Whangareit A palntvav lrom Sunbeam Royce. Thank you lately*? 110 * 1 * Have you heard from Joyce ~_Y era . Manchester, Grey Lynn: Tt is V?. Quite up to publication standard. r\_ ra : hut it expresses some fine thoughts. y!r y°u read the modern English poets? “.would love the work of Walter de Harold Munro, Drlnkwater, and the others. You will find ail in “Poems of Today.” Make study of metre and read all the good

verso you carv. That must have been ci tine essay, and I would like to read , it if you have a copy. Yes, Jean Me- * Indoe is a very polished young writer. < Jocelyn Lees, Milford: This wee maid i has arrived in our little world for little < people. You will always be happy now, Jocelyn. 1 Gwen Cleaver, Grey Lynn: How ex- J citing having a little new cousin, Gwen, t Don’t you feel important? Doctor i Spring Sunshine sends a blue and gold 1 day for your mother. 1

Gloria Rawlinson, Parnell: Your poem is delightful, Gloria. I hope , th e„ elfhorns will not pipe all the Pixie Postmen out of Tiptoe Street. When they read it they all pricked up their ears No 1 did not see that snow, but I smelt it in the wind that day. Don’t forget to let me know about your new address. Allen Edgar, Morrinsville: You managed your painting very well, Allen. A warm welcome to this new member Gordon Muller, Kerepeehi: I am glad you like your card, Gordon, and I have entered your painting in the competition. Dorothy Cooper, Ellerslie: “From Sunbeam Dorothy,” said tlie middle-sized Pixie Postman, taking a letter from his bulging mail-bag. Marjorie Chatfield, Parnell: Your competition entry has arrived, Marjorie. The Little Thought sends you a lucky wish to tuck under your pillow tonight.

Alison Milsom, Auckland: If I gave you a longer word limit only a few stories could be published, Alison, and 1 think it is better to keep them about half a column so that there will be plenty of variety. A story is all the better for being told in as few words as possible, and it does away with “padding.” How exciting finding a Sunbeam so near you in school I have left your love with the Wo<f pecker for Phyllis Boswell, Jean Mclndoe, Frances. Grant and Kola Craig,

and Doctor Spring Sunshine sends vou another golden day.

Elsie Orams, New Lynn: Yes, the Little Thought often makes up stories, Elsie, and he is glad you liked the one included in the last “square” story Soon he will have another to tell you What a long time you have been in bed. Doctor Spring Sunshine has a cure for you. Yes, Happy Town is a golden place just now with all the spring flowers blooming. Olwyn Tetley, Cathleen Fletcher, Olga Meyer, Zoe Harden and Naera Mackie will be glad to have your kind thoughts. William Lindsay, Waitakaruru: What fun you had at that fancy-dress dance as “The Man with the Nose,” William. Yours must have been a very, amusing costume. Your painting is a fine piece of work. Iris Park, Mount Edem The Little

Thought will love to visit your garden, Iris. If you miss any flowers you will know that he has taken some for his pressed flower garden. Yes, August is a month of promise. I hope you will have a very happy birthday. Jean Farquhar, Epsom: A new address? That accounts for your long .silence. And how is Mary? The Little Thought sends her a very special wish. Perhaps Doctor Spring Sunshine was in your schoolroom the day that girl took the teacher some golden narcissi, Jean. Isn’t it wonderful having him back in Happy Town? Molly Curtin, Ponsonby: And you are going to show all your friends your prize camera and entice them down Tiptoe Street? Perhaps you will take their photographs, too. How lucky that your prize arrived on your birthday. Many happy returns, little lady. Betty Summerhays, Remuera: A story from Betty. All the Happy Town people send their best love.

Cathleen Fletcher, Glen Eden: That four-leaved clover is sure to bring me luck, Cathleen, and I like your painting very much. Yes, that story picture should be responsible for many good entries. Doctor Spring Sunshine has promised to cal! on Elsie, so it should not be long before you are able to see her again.

Ada Manson, Morningside: Welcome, Miss Morningside. Your story has reached me safely. If you look at the end of the puzzlers you will And the answer to that word square. C. Stevens, Otahuhu: And how old are you, Master C. ? Your story arrived safely in the Happy Town mail. Kathleen Hogan, Pukekohe: And you call your alarm clock a parrot because it has such a screeching voice? That is a quaint idea. I hope you will never have to keep it in a cage, Kathleen. Jackie Hobbs, Takapuna: “A painting from your little friend, Jackie Hobbs,” said the smallest Pixie Postman. I am so glad that this little boy was able to answer the Competition Bell.

Norma Bennett, Dargaville: There were some frosts in Auckland, too, Norma, but unpleasant things like that never happen in Happy Town. You found the hidden Sunbeam, and I like that little sketch. Some lucky wishes for our faithful Norma.

Murray Gittos, Epsom: It arrived Jtafely, Murray, and I have entered it in the competition. How are you these line spring days? Minnie Shilton, Kerepeehi: Welcome, Minnie. I was glad to see those riddles and the puzzle. when next you send some in please will you let me know what paper or hook they are taken from.

Helen Clothier, Hamilton: “Would Doctor Spring Sunshine please come to Hamilton and take such awlful colds from Father and Mother?” When your letter arrived lie left for Hamilton on the wings of the morning, Helen. This is your birthday, so I am tucking a big package of happy wishes into your message. Unfold them one by one, shut your eyes, and wish. Laurel Pendleton, Rotowaro: Yes, the Little Thought will visit your wee niece, Laurel. She is talking very early in life. Your story- has arrived, and I am glad you have discovered the route to Happy Town. James Johnson, Henderson: Welcome, Jim. Your membership card will reach you soon, and I hope you will write me plenty of letters. Ralph Eagles, Devonport: Think yon for your story, Ralph. I am glad vou were able to send an entry. Nola Craig, Mount Albert: So that explains it. Nola. That little dog must have had a happy day. 1 shall be glad to see your story about the little girl in the enchanted wood. A big package of Happy Town wishes for this faithful member. Graham Gemming, Te Puke: You will soon be quite wealthy, Graham, and “rainy days’’ will never trouble you. Your painting is very good. I can picture that little tragedy when Jacky spoilt his. What happened? Did the water spill? Jean -Buckley, Mount Roskill: Yes, I saw the Test match, Jean. You have been leading quite a busy social life. The Little Thought says to tell you that he is always sound asleep at one o’clock in the morning.

Joy Danes, Whangarei: Another Sunbeam not very well. What shall I do with you all, Joy? Doctor Spring Sunshine is adding names to his visiting list every day, so perhaps he will be able to make you all better. Thank you for your pretty flower picture. Jessie Clothier, Hamilton: Yes, there are three Clothiers in Happy Town now, Jessie, and very faithful little people they are. No. I do not like cold mornings, but soon we will be having plenty of warm days. I have given those kisses to all your Happy Town friends. . Lavinia Cox, Grey Lynn: A wee one, a wee one, who lives at Grey Lynn. Run, run, Pixie Postmen, and -welcome her in. There is a little poem for you, Lavinia.

Margaret Clothier, Hamilton: Yes, the I-lollow Tree is always full of names Margaret. That just shows you how many little friends I have. Your garden must look very beautiful with all those flowers in bloom. Vincent Morrin, Pukekohe: This laddie is now a member of my large family. I wonder if you are interested in competitions, Vincent? Muriel Doust, Mount Eden: A painting from Muriel. The Little Thought sends you a parcel of captured sunshine. Tutu Pakihi, Huntly: Welcome, Tutu How long have you been interested in our page? Your membership card will not be long in reaching you. John Jamison, Mount Eden: I like your painting very much, John, and I was glad# to have j our letter. Yes, Doctor Spring Sunshine assures me that he has been in your garden. He has a large round, hasn’t he? The smallest Pixie Postman has tucked your compliments away in a private pocket, and he sends his best regards to you. The Doorkeeper, the Little Thought and the Woodpecker have asked me to forward their best springtime wishes, and you know you have the Dawn Lady’s love. Joan Petterson, Whangarei: I am glad you liked the last “square” story, Joan. The Little Thought was delighted about it. What a nasty cold you have had. Take good care of yourself, little Lady. I am glad that you and Jean Norley are friends. She is a very loyal Sunbeam, too. Phyllis Boswell, Hikurangi: David Colling wood. of Wanganui, was the first Sunbeam, Phyllis. No, I did not see the snow that fell in Auckland, but the smallest Pixie Postman declares that he did. He says he was bringing a flake back to Happy Town in his cap, but it melted. My best love, Phyllis. Sylvia Woodhouse, Devonport: I felt very sad when I read your letter, Sylvia, and Doctor Spring Sunshine and the Joyshop man will do what they can for Marie. Please keep me posted with news of her. I shall love to have some photographs taken with your prize camera. Gwen O’Callaghan, Onerahi: I shall endeavour to find some pen-friends for you, Gwen, and J hope the Sunbeams will keep you in touch with Happy Town. I am so sorry to hear that you are in bed. There has been far too much sickness lately. Myra Whiteside, Rotorua: I am glad that picture has encouraged you to write a story, Myra. All the Happy Town people send you their best love. Alsace Brown, Waiheke: The Little Thought says you will find another fourleaved clover before very long, Alsace. He knows of several good patches on Waiheke Island, and so does your bunny. I have left your love for Doreen Hooks with the Woodpecker. Lois Hentiriksen, Ponsonby: What a fine big budget from Lois this week. I have entered your story in the competition, and I enjoyed the other story and those poems. My best love, little lady. Patricia Aldridge, Sandringham: Thank you, Patricia. Your flower painting has arrived. The Little Thought sends you a special wish this week. Irene Retter, Mount Eden: The middlesized Pixie Postman capered with joy when I told him that you are going to make him a new uniform during the term holidays, Irene. No, he would never patronise another dressmaker, even though one elbow is showing through the sleeve of the last suit you made for him. I “Better to be shabby than unfaithful,” he

declares. The Little Thought has left vour love for Brenda Bance in the Hollow Tree, and I shall be delighted if your little English friend becomes a Sunbeam. That shortbread must have been a great success. Can you make wheatmeal wafers? Winnie Munro, Morrinsville: And you and Frances have had colds, too? (Make a note of that, Doctor Spring Sunshine.) I am glad you won a prize at that fancydress dance Winnie. Were you Darby or Joan? Patricia Lees, Milford: A story, a poem and some riddles from Fatricia. Thank you very much, little lady. Yes, the number of words in a story should be stated. You are a clever little girl to come top of the class, and I feel very proud of you. Margaret Johnstone, Huntly; This little girl has arrived in our little world for little people. I like your painting very much, Margaret. The Little Thought wants to know if you can write stories, too.

Patsy Sheridan. Te Aroha: That history and geography book will be very interesting when it is finished, Patsy. Can you remember dates? And Doctor Spring Sunshine has been in your garden, too? At the mere mention of daffodils the Little Thought always claps his hands. Jean Mclndoe, Catlileen Fletcher and Zoe Harden will find your love messages tucked away in the Hollow Tree. Lily McLeod, Kaimarama: Fancy-dress balls seem to be the order of the day, Lily. The smallest Pixie Postman wants you to predict a bright future for him when you are dressed as a gipsy fortune teller. Congratulations on coming top in reading, and my best thanks for your competition story. Joyce Limozin, Rotorua: Your story is nearly good enough to print, Joyce, and I hope you will send another before long. I like those poems, too. Yes, you have introduced many new Sunbeams, and I think you are an ardent little Happy Town enthusiast. William Johnstone. Huntly: Your painting has arrived, William, and I am glad you linve decided to become a Sunbeam. The Woodpecker sends his kind regards. I wonder if you are still a school-boy?