THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1082, 20 September 1930, Page 29

THE HOLLOW TREE.

I for sumbeanys.

The Hollow Tree closes each | i week on Wednesday at 5 p.m. | i i Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow: Kathleen Ricketts, Newmarket: Thank you for that piece of birthday cake, Kathleen. It was very kind of you to „send it. A package of Happy Town wishes for my Drummer Girl. Molly Bedford, Epsom: The Little Thought was delighted with that pretty spray, Molly. I hope you had a happy birthday. , Did you have your name on your cake? Jean Hill: Waitakere: Father Time is a ruthless person,• Jean, and he has a bad habit of making .Sunbeams turn 16. I hope, however, that you will not forget thti little people of Happy Town even though you :n** now over membership age. Yes, Dulcie Rigden's last story was very fanciful. I shall keep the clematis as a reminder of you. Gloria Rawlinson will be glad to have your kind thoughts, and all the Happy Town people .send their very best love and good wishes. Valerie Wyatt, Devonport: A prize for Valerie. What havoc those goblins caused with their magic powder! Your story is A ery’ well told. Joan and Betty Sweetman, One Tree Hill: Two little girls and two little stories. A warm welcome to Hetty and Joan. Florence Swinbanks. Hikurangi: What a wonderful holiday, Florence. I am sure you will never forget those rides on Boxer or that exciting adventure in the Pig-sty. Didn’t you feel sorry, at having to leave the wee pet lamb? Alison Milsom, Auckland: In bed again, Alison? Yes. certainly you shall have some more bottled sunshine. The Little Thought says to have all the fresh air you possibly can and some deep-breathing exercises. I think you will soon be strong. What an interesting time you have among your fairy friends. The Woodpecker is guarding your love for Jean Mclndoe, Olga. Meyer, Phyllis Boswell and little lan Seddon. Joyce Fowke. New Brighton: A painting from it little' South Island girl. Thank you very much, Joyce. Beth Me A u lay. Upper Waihou Valley: Your story' is \ - ery good, Beth. My lo\'e to all the Sunbeams in your house. Graham Gemming, Te Puke: This young man has been busy again. I was glad to see your painting and to hear about that fine holiday, Graham. Sheila McCarthy. Hamilton East: Doctor Spring Sunshine has a cure for influenza, Sheila. That is a fine poem VOU sent me. I think you must be a keen little pupil at school. Betty Jackson, Ngaruawahia: That was an exciting holiday, Betty, and I am Wad you had such a happy time. You were a busy little “cow-girl” while you were at the farm. That was a funny old rooster. Perhaps lie thought you were taking him something to eat. Lily McLeod, Whitianga: Yes, the Little Thought would love some pressed flowers. Lily lam so sorry you have not been well. And you have read our page ev *r since Happy Town began? That is excellent. You will be a Sunbeam until Jou turn 16. Betty Gardiner, Cambridge: You and Jeta must have enjdyed the holidays. »tty. I have left sour love for he#with the Woodpecker and also your kind wishes for Patsv Sheridan, Olga Meyer. «td Phyllis Boswell. jui Morey. Papatoetoe: And Margery ‘Yells is your cousin’ 1 am glad you have c °me to* Happy Town, too. Yes, you write stories on any subject, hut Preference is given to those entered for competitions. Dulcie Rigden, Avondale: You will soon J? an expert photographer, Dulcie. lam S ad you are pleased with your camera ;, es - I think Nola Craig’s bloom fairy !*l Uyt have been at work in your orchard. Li l® Plum trees must be a pretty sight. Dorothy Boyle. Mount Albert: You were JJ Plenty of time to be answered this nert ’ Dorolh > * 1 liku the Pointing you Nola Craio, Mount Albert: Yes, Dulcie “•Bden's last story was very sweet. She i*? 6 * 3 Your story, too. And you have v en among the ferns in the Domain? 2**, Nola, I have the Winter '•Mens. J? or , oth y Head, Ngongotaba: Away frora r ♦uP ♦ Dorothy ? I am sorry to hear that. think you must be a great little help y°» r mother, and vou will be a clever Jousekeej.ei some dav. Hurry up and iMu strong. It is very kind of you I to send me a Christmas present. ' »houid just love ji to be a posy of flowers.

j Evelyn McHarrie, Hamilton East: Your first journey down Tiptoe Street has proved a lucky one, Evelyn. Congratulations on your excellent painting. Audrey Seddon, Lumsden: From the Far South to Happy Town. I love yourpainting, Audrey. Rome Hrppy Town syinshine for you and Rosalie and Baby n. Gwen King,, Mount Eden: Welcome little lady. 1 am glad you are so fond

Ham.- and* IdTl'a “die “111 SrH* raws James Thank you also for y\>ur butteiGrey Lynn: nLdfeathetts address is the same as mine. Voyce. excent that Redfeather li\ es\ at ute Whrwam That limerick is vlery gbod, « n( f it has reached its proper destination. I have entered your painting ini the competition. \ Alsace Brown, Waiheke: TrAere are some more stories for you todayTAlsaoe and 1 hope you will enjoy them, U|o. little lamb must have recoveredV and I think he will soon be as strong Aas hi* playmates My best love to our fLithtul Al K«nneth Hemus, Morningside:\\\'clcome attle one. All the Happy town i°2S* n Anderson. ‘MiWordf Artier Ad a limerick from Joan. Thank >oa y much. j 1

Sylivn Woodhouse, Devonport: Three spring leaves from the poplar, one for the Little Thought, one for the Woodpecker and one for the smallest Pixie Postman. They were delighted with them, Sylvia. The new puppy seems to he first favourite just now, but I don’t think you are likely to forget your other pets. Robert Stewart, Auckland: Anotlior new Sunbeam. I am glad you have decidecL to come to Happy Town Robert.

Olga Meyer, Hikurangi: Oh, yes, there are always plenty of letters to answer, Olga, but we would not have it otherwise, would we? Yes, you first came to Happy Town a year ago kst May. What a novel idea making one long letter of all your answers. it: will be interesting to look back on in years to come. The Little Thought sends some very particular love, and he will always make sure that your message Is loaded safely on his little yellow and green wheelbarrow. Norma Bennett, Dargaville: A merry-go-round? What fun! The smallest Pixie Postman is leaving for Dargaville with a pocketful of sixpences. I hope you will have plenty of rides, Norma. Jean Buckley, Mount Roskill: Even holidays come to an end, don’t they, Jean? Wouldn’t it be a strange world if every day were a holiday and people played games instead of going to work and school? I think they would soon grow tired of it. No, I did not go to that football match. It must have been exciting, jean Mclndde is much stronger. She

I will be glad to have your kind wishes. No, I have not heard anything of the "Wallers lately. Perhaps they have left i the district. Did you try writing to ' Jean Hughes. Northcote: I like the pictures painted better than crayoned. ; Jean, though some of the tiny Sunbeams- use crayons. Your butterflies look i ' Ftawlinson, Mount Eden: I won- . dvr if you '.'.ill write n birthday poem lon October 1, Gloria? The 1 .itllo Thought thinks you will. His birthday is on March 26, the date of the first Happy Town pace. Jean Mclndoe’s address is -137 Victoria Street, Whitiora. Hamilton. She will be iG on October 24. What shall we do when s&c has outgrown Happy Town? Do you”runic she will still write stories and poems for us? My best love, little lady. Phyllis Boswell, Hikurangi: Ihe Little Thought delivered that promised dream last Wednesday, Phyilis. It was a very pleasant one, and it tasted like strawl berry Ice-cream. I hope you found it under your pillow. Yes, my letter to vou all each week is known among the Sunbeams as the “square” story, but usually 1 have so much to say that it looks more like an "oblong;" story. Elsie Ora ms, Cathleen Fletcher, Gloria Rawlinson and lan Seddon will find your love I with the Woodpecker. Elsie Orams, New Lynn: los the fruit trees look very beautiful just nmi, Elsie. I am glad you have met _ /Coe ! Harden. These Happy Town friend-, ships are always interesting, I tlunk. Yes you mav send me your autograph book. The Little Thought has promised to leave your love for Olga Meyer, Cathleen Fletcher, Phyllis Boswell and Zoe in the Hollow Tree. , Joyce Orams, New Lynn: Huts and playhouses, playhouse and huts, sticks and straw and tea-tree. Your letter makes me want to go housekeeping again with a pine-needle broom, Joyce. Do you have “fire-places," too? Kira. Royce and Xancv will be glad you have remembered them. Wilfred Walton, Avondale: I like that verse very much, Wilfred, and as usual your writing is beautifully neat. Vera Crawford, Cambridge: Scarlet poppies and golden butterflies. j our decorated letter looks very dainty, v era. 1 am glad you consider “Poppy Lady a suitable name for your doll Yes, I am sure Cathleen Fletcher would lo\ e to hear from you because you have the same interests. Another English Sunbeam besides Annie Martin is Marjorie Sutlieff, 14 Victory Road, Eusham s Road, Horsham, Sussex. Joan Forbes, Waiuku: Welcome home, Joan. I am delighted to hear that you take as keen an interest as ever in Happy Town. Don't be too modest about those competition entries. I should like to see them even if you think they are not good enough to send. I think you have set yourself a very high standard. The time for "shady hats and cricket” will soon be here, and what fun that will be, Joan. Jean Farquhar, Epsom: I am glad you have had a holiday, Jean. The country must be very beautiful in that district. Oh, yes, you may rest assured that the battle Thought was there, admiring the fruit trees in bloom and the golden glow of the wattle. Perhaps the day he called on you was the clay 1 said to myself, “It’s a Jong time since I heard from Jean,” and he couldn’t resist seeking you out as you sat dreaming m the sun. How is “Mary, Mary, quite contrary?” ... , James Wells, Henderson: Welcome, Master Henderson. I hope L shall often hear from you. The Pixie Postmen send their love to . those pet lambs, Mollie and Millie. Trevor Tudehope. Remuera: You are i now a Sunbeam of Happy Town. Trevor. An cl T shall watch the mail for your letters. What kind of competitions do you like? Ronnie Thompson, Ellerslie: This wee ! boy has made the magic journey. The Little Thought sends you a lucky wish, Barbara Fox. Te Awamutu: Your painting has arrived, P.arbara, and 1 was glad t<> nave yrtur letter. Competitions are always judged according to age. Thelma Patterson and Patty Neely will find your kind wishes tucked away in the Hollow Tree. Patsy Sheridan. Te Aroha: Yes, holidays fly on golden wings, Patsy, but tliev always leave pleasant memories, don't they? 1 have noticed that you have a great love for poetry. What is the new poem you are learning at school? No, I have not been up in an airplane. We just have cloud-boats and such things in Happy Town. Do you think we are oldfashioned? Velma Carter. Horne Bay; Another little girl peeping in at the gates of Happy Town. A package of sunny thoughts for Velma. Joan Petterson, Whangani: And the last “square” story made you laugh? Perhaps you will find a chuckle in this week’s “square” story, Joan. T hope so. Yes, Gloria’s thoughts seem to run in rhyme, don’t they? I am glad you had such a happy holiday in Auckland.

Laurence Bassett, Glenmore: A little six-year-old who want.? to make friends with the Little Thought. A Happy Town welcome for Laurence. Gwendoline Matutinovich, Aratapu: Welcome to Happy Town, Gwen. I hope I shall soon hear r 11 about you. Joyce Limozin, Rotorua: Your painting has arrived, Joyce, and 1 was glad to have vour letter. Yes, the Happy Town fa mil v lives up to its name, and 'I. too, am glad that you are a member. The 1 • ttle Thought and the Pixie Postman were delighted to have your kind wishes.

Peter Te Weri. Te Akau: Welcome, Master Peter. The Woodpecker sends vou some lucky wishes, and all the other Happy Town people their best love. Ronald Jones. Ohakune- Junction: Your painting- has reached me by Pixie Post Ronald. I bave quite a number of little friends at Ohakune Junction. Do you know Howard and Winton Fry? May Frost. New Lynn: The Little Thought was delighted with that maidenhair fern, May. How kind you are. Thank you also for your letter and the poem. You have quite a number of pen-friends now. I hope you will have a happy time at Cathleen’s birthday party. I have left your love for her with the Woodpecker and also your good wishes for Olwyn Tetley, Elsie and Joyce Orams and Zoe Harden. Betty Mabey, Maramarua: That is sad news about the wee lamb, Betty, but. be never was very strong, was he? You and Phil are lucky having those new' paint-boxes and skipping ropes. I wonder if you can skip “pepper?” Winnie Munro, Morrinsville: Earache and toothache, Winnie? That is far more than one person’s share of trouble. I hope your worries are all over now'. I am glad you were able to send a paintiris Park, Mount Eden: How sad you must have felt when you found that dear old tree bad been cut down. Iris. You will feel as if you have lost a friend. Your letter, as usual, is very interesting. Patricia Watts. Devonport: f was glad to see your butterfly picture, Patricia, and I shall look forward to reaiding that story. My best love, little lady. ..Melva Randell, Newmarket: Nancibell was surely a dainty little person, Melva. I saw “The Cuckoos,” too. Isn’t it a funny picture? The Little Thought sends* you his best Happy Town smile. Maurice Anderson, Morrinsville: Your bunny might like to be called “RnugcSe,” Maurice, or, if that does not sound dignified enough, supposing you name him Peter. You will have plenty of sunshine now that those trees have been cut down. Keith Anderson, Morrinsville: A name for your rabbit, too? Try calling him “Peep,” and see if he pricks up his ears. How tame he is to- eat out of your hand. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: Isn’t it wonderful to think that you are able to go to parties, Jean. That little invalid who used to write her Happy Town letters in bed is only a memory now, isn’t she? Do vou still treasure that Samoan tray? I shall love to have that story, Jean, for it is sure to he good. A big armful of Happy Town love for a faithful Sunbeam. Marjorie Thompson, Ellerslie: Thank vou for your butterflies and that other picture, Marjorie. I am glad your little brother has decided to become a Sunbeam. Cathleen Fletcher, Glen Eden: A fiveleaved clover this time. I shall have five times as much luck, Cathleen. Your butterflies make a charming picture. Y'es, it js splendid that May F**ost has become a Sunbeam. This is the day of your birthday party. Many happy returns. I hope every cracker will go off with a merry pop. Yes, 1 shall love to have that photograph, Cathleen. Rona Jacobsen. Ellerslie: You managed it very well, Rona. Happy Town has been gay with butterflies this week. Molly Curtin, Ponsonby: A story, a poem and a painting from Molly. You have been a busy little Sunbeam, haven’t you? Helen Clothier, Hamilton: Yes. I have met Deerfoot in my wandering# through

Story-book Land, Helen. Gloria said in her last letter that she had just written to you. She was bringing her correspondence up to date that day. I have some daffodils beside me, and they are like captured sunshine. I, too, love “the flowers that bloom in the spring." Olwyn Tetley, New Lynn: Three limericks from Olwyn, and they are all verv good. That was an interesting walk in the bush. I could almost smell the moist earthy scent of ferns and moss as 1 read your letter. Yes, the Lady Spring is abroad in the Outside World now, and even the birds seem aware of her presence. Tutu Pakihi, Huntly: You are very clever at dressing costume dolls. Tutu. You discovered those girls’ names, and I found that story most interesting. Jessie Clothier, Hamilton: Thank yon for vour letter, little lady. Yes. certainly, I shall leave your love in the : Hollow Tree for Olga Meyer, and be sure J she will find it there. What fun you had at Raglan. Isabella Newman, Rotorua: A little flower garden all to yourself? How splendid that will be. Eric must have felt very excited when he discovered that little bantam’s egg. Yes, I should love to have an egg, but I am afraid it would not travel safely. You are making some useful things during the sewing lesson at school. My best love, little one. The dreams you sent me were very happy ones. Letters and competition entries have been received also from the following Sunbeams to whom the Hawn Lady sends her love and thanks:— Joyce Lanigan, Papakura; Eunice Mansfield, Herne Pay; Beverley McLennan, Ellerslie; Pauline WoodrofCe, Devon- ‘ port: Gwen Hansen, Green Lane; Myrtle Ford, Ellerslie; Phyllis Ward, Onehunga; Julia Louch. Ngatea; Dagmar King, Huntly; Bobby Hogan, Devonport; William Attwell, Ponsonby; Hannah Beaton, Ponsonby; Margaret Whiteman, Ponsonby; Keith Wilkinson, Grafton: Joyce Peart, Ponsonby; Gwenyth Johnston, Kaitaia; Ruth Hay, Devonport; Colleen Horn, Ponsonby; Nancy Mclntyre. Grey Lynn; Nancy Stephenson, Gisborne; Margery Wells, Henderson; Fred Port, Grey Lynn; Ron and Douglas Gordon, Thames; Jean Matthews, Ngongotaha; Gwen Rowe, Herne Bay; Peter Syms. Parnell; Joyce Cockroft, Auckland, Willie Lennon, I’aeroa; Raymond Bassett, j Glenmore: Alice Quelch, Devonport; Beryl j Hay, Panmure; Robert Goodall, Grey ! Lynn; David Duggan, Ponsonby.