YOUNG FOLK'S CORNER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 239, 9 October 1942, Page 5

YOUNG FOLK'S CORNER

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MR. VICTORY V

BEST SHORT STORY

(By SHIRLEY BRYANT) Hello, everybody! My name is Victory V, and I live with my dear master and mistress in a big house in London. 1 think 1 am a very handsome badge, and I am made out of something which, although it is not gold, looks very like it, for when my master or mistress have given me my shine you would not know the difference. My friends have asked me to tell you my life story as it is such an exciting one, so here it is. The first thing I remember is lying In a large glass case with many more Victory V badges, tin, silver and some like myself. "Where am 1?" I asked my neighbour, a round tin brooch with a white V in the centre and round the edges flags, tanks battleships and aeroplanes — much too gaudy, I thought. "You are in a jeweller's shop, he answered. "You're not much to look at, are you? I bet I am sold first." Not wanting to get mixed up In a brawl, I made no reply to this very rude remark. At that moment the shop bell rang and 1 gazed up into the kind and pretty face of a young girl. "I want one of those Victory badges, please," she said. "Yes, Miss," replied the jeweller. "Which kind would you like?" "Oh! one of the goldy coloured ones, please," she said. "They are much the nicest." At these words I looked gloatingly at my neighbour and wondered which of my friends would be chosen. \\ hat was mv pleasure and surprise when I was picked up by the huge hand of the jeweller and handed to the girl. When we got outside the shop I was pinned on to the collar of her coat. The young girl walked quickly and we were soon outside the large gates of an R.A.F. flying base. A young man in a blue-grev uniform came running up. "I brought this for you to-night," said the girl, pinning me on his coat. "Perhaps it will bring you luck." The two walked on, but by this time I was feeling very tired and X soon fell asleep. I was awakened by a terrific roaring noise followed by a series of large bumps. I seemed to be rising from the ground. I stared round me. I was still on the young man's coat but it was a different one, of brown leather. All at once I realised with a thrill where I was. I was in an aeroplane. I was sure, for by looking out of the window I could pee too long wings like those on the face of my neighbour of the jeweller's shop. We continued for what seemed hours, when suddenly there was a terrific booming noise overhead, sharp cracks and the aeroplane was suddenly alive with fire. The airman clambered to the side and jumped; luckily I was pinned to his coat. Was ne mad? I thought, as we flew through the air. As if in answer to my question, a huge white thing op#ned over our heads and we were lowered, rockingly, into — oh. unluckily! — the sea.

The waves closed" over my head and I thought it was the end when a voice shouted "Hang on! We will save you! We are a British minesweeper!" After that I lost consciousness and recovered to find myself in the hands of the young man. mv master, who was lying in bed.

"Well," a voire said, "it has certainly brought you luck!" and looking up I saw my dear "mistress. Of course I was very pleased to hear this and smiled happily up at her. That was all some time ago now, but I think I have had a very exciting adventure, don't you? I hope, as my dear mistress savs. that I shall prove a true symbol and bring victory not only to my master and mistress, but to the whole of England and the Empire.

The short story published to-day, "Mr. Victory V," by Shirley Bryant, One Tree H ill, aged 15, wins this month's halfcrown prize. It is a lively and original story. Nearly as good, however, were four others, which will be published in due course. They are "Holes in the Blinds, ' by Lorria Rowlandson, Mount Eden (14); "Why Stars Fell," bv Claire Harris, Sandringham (13); "Tne Tui's White Feathers," by Dawn Stephens, Takapuna (16); and "The Golden Stairway," by Esme Clark, Mount Albert (15). Two fairy stories will also see print. They are "Wee Elf's Punishment," by Norma Jones, Herne Bay (13), and "The Lost Shoe," by Pat Seoles, Heme Bay a good effort for a nine-year-old, showing that it pays to be kind to fairies. This list of prizewinners shows that the standard of short stories being sent in is definitely improving, and the number of really original stories this month was pleasing. The fact that there were fewer melodramatic stories was also proof that young writers are taking our advice to heart. Those whose efforts were not quite up to standard (generally through lack of originality rather than lack of writing ability)—to them we wish better luck next time. Keep on trying, for the best way to learn to write well is to keep on writing!