THE HAUNTED HOUSE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 23, 28 January 1928, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE HAUNTED HOUSE.

The haunted house, as it was called, was situated on a certain corner in Paddington.

liach night, when everything was peaceful and quiet, a weird grating scund could be heard. Tenants came in, stayed about a month, then went again. It changed owners several times. This went on for many months, till at last it fell into the hands of a publican who bought it for a ridiculous price. Ho went to the house the night after he had bought it, and, armed with a revolver, waited for the supposed ghost. At midnight the grating commerced, and the publican took fright and bolted.

Soon after this he sold it again, at a great loss, to a builder, who did not believe there was such a thing as a ghost.

On the first night that he heard the grating it puzzled him very much, but ho thought it must be something faulty with the building of the place. Immediately the thought came to him that there was something in the cavity of the wall.

The next day the builder had the part of the wall from which the sound seemed to come pulled down and it was found that a piece of iron about Bft long had been left hanging, and it iust moved sufficiently when the wind blew to make the weird noise when it scraped on the wall.

Thus the mystery was discovered.

Molly Stanaway: Here 13 a fortunate person who lias been sriven a wristlet watch Tor tier birthday. Now that she Has passed lier exams, she expects to gxj to hlg-h school. She Inquires about a friend or whom she has lost sigrht, and who she thinks may perhaps be a club member.— I can't llnd the name on our lists, Molly. If I should hear. I shall let you know. You'll probably liko the novelty of being 1 at high school.

Roma McLaohlan has enrolled as a member and wants to know all about the competition rules. Tier holidays have been largely spent In picnicking.—You'll receive a certificate or membership very shortly. Your other questions you'll find answered in the competirlon rules published every Wednesday. By tills time you must know all the best picnic spots about Dargavliie.

Betty Ryan notifies me that she has changed her address. At the place where she lives now there are two dogs and a cat, with which she has great fun. She has been sitting for a scholarship and expects to go to Grammar next year. She describes Tor Wendy's benefit a sea pool which she saw recently.—Thank£ for an Interesting letter. I've recorded your change or address. Yes, we've enjoyed plenty or swims this yar and hope Tor more before the season ends.

Frank Molesworth sends in twenty-five points for liimseir and another twenty-five Tor bis sister, who is at present too 111 to write.—l think you'll like the book I've sent, as It's by the author you like so much. I Hiope -to hear better news of Betty very soon.

Phyllis Blake has room only Tor a short note, because in the envelope she has enclosed a Christmas card and a story. It's pleasing' indeed to Ivave a card you've uiade all by yourself; I much appreciate

Mickel O'Brien has enrolled as a member or the club and now inquires concerning the ccrtillcate or membership.—Don't be impatient, Mickel. It will liave reached you by tlio time this reply has appeared.

Bydney Hflditch bas heard from America. His certificates bave nearlv reached the half way mark towards a book.—l've recorded your change of address. The letter must Indeed bave been a surprise.

Kathleen Batistich had sixteen visitors at her place during the holidays. A recent Sunday she spent at the coast, chasing mullet and acquiring a coat of sunburn. Her raniily has Just experienced a bout or illness—mumps, measles and 'flu. Kathleen greatly enjoyed a dance which she attended a short time ago. The picture theatre is another or her ravouite amusements.—You seem to have been more successrul catching sunburn than mullet. No wonder you're not anxious to have the 'flu. From all accounts vou must have had a lovely time at the dance; do they occur orten?

Marjorie Nicholson sends me puzzles and a motto ror the week.—THanks, Majorie. It's nice of you to think or sending them. Don't forget to write your motto on a separate sheet of paper next time, will you?

Daisy Shaw says that her chickens have grown much taller than she thought they would. Only three or the canaries are left.—They must be nearly grown-up fowls now. Do the canaries sing?

Janet Shaw win soon be going through to Huntly ror her holidays. She tells mc a lengthy list or Christinas presents, and says that her brother, now three months or age, is getting two teeth. Enclosed are poetry and jokes.—Thank you for your contributions to the page. He's Just reaching the most interesting stage. I hope you have a good time at Huntly.

Victor Trayes returns home after a week's cruise in a launch.—l'm always glad to have a new correspondent. I wonder where you went in your launch. You had beautiful weathar for the cruise.

Arthur Allen Is about to leave for the National Park. Since January 3, he has been busy answering American letters, one of which came all across the continent by air mail.—Your holiday time is certainly well niled. I should like to have an account of your visit to the National Park.

Lorraine Bolton has received many girts from Santa Clause.—lt's wonderful how well he always knows what you want, isn't it Lorraine I haven't rorgotten you, and hope that you'll write again soon.

E. Bolton sends seasonable wishes for the Budget.—l wish you the same.

Kathien Neely, although she has already written once this week, encloses a note with a really good joke which she has just heard.—That's very nice of you. I must thank you for the joke, which certainly is a good one.

Beryl Marchand goes into Standard VI. this year. When she spent the day recently at Narrow Neck, she climbed round the rocks, went ror a swim, and bad a good time playing on the sand.—Nothing can comparo with the beach for a summer holiday.

Jean Maxwell has just returned from three weeks at Onetangi, spent with a friend who is also a reader o; the Budget. With tliern were her puppy and kitten.— What a good time you must all have had. Did you swim ol'teu?

Becky O'Srien is leaving Auckland for Wellington in a fortnight. In the meantime she is busy Willi the competitions.— I've sent your Dadgc, Becky, and hope it will help yon to remember the club when you're in Wellington. Your letters are going to be most welcome; 1 shall be glad to hear from you ol'len.

Audrey Lowe mislaid her membership certilicate while moving house.—l shall see that you receive another within the next week or two.

Marjory Howard is going to spend a rew days at Mount Albert before going on to visit her aunt at Manurewa. She is already beginning to think about school.—lt's only a little time now before you begin. You seem to be spending your holiday in several places this year.

Margery Totich together with two or her chums and her parents, went to their rami out of Dargaviiie on New Year's Eve On the following day she and her rriends rode on horseback to the coa3t about two miles away. When her father and the hoys went fishing they caught ninety mullet and ten flounder. As Margery spent Christinas in bed with the measles, she had to make up lor it at New Year.—You don't seem to have experienced much difficulty in doing that. Farm life sounds jolly, from your description. What a catch that was! Whatever did you do with them all?

Jessie Hay will be in Standard VI. when she returns to school. She asks if Tinker Bell could Rive instructions lor the making: or a letter holder, and says she has made pinal'ores Tor her little sisters according to Tinker Hell's directions.—l've frivfii her your message, and she Is going to look for a way or making one. I suppose that by this time next year you will send me news that you bave your proficiency. -