HOW MR SPIDER BECAME POPULAR

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22307, 22 January 1938, Page 2 (Supplement)

HOW MR SPIDER BECAME POPULAR

Poor Mr Spider sat dejectedly in the centre of his newly-spun web, and watched the fairies and insects and all the other wee creatures hurrying on their way. Now and then friends would stop and chat, or acquaintances pass the time of day, but no one ever noticed him, or if they did they glanced scornfully or fearfully, and bustled on again. A wave of loneliness passed over the spider. He felt so "out of it," for no one paid him a friendly call except stupid flies, and these somehow never left him again! Even if he left his dainty home which was suspended between the twigs cf a honeysuckle, the fairy folk and insects alike edged away from him and ignored his friendly advances. This was because they regarded him with suspicion.

"He is a cannibal," they said, *he ought to be banished." Poor spider! It was the only way lie knew of getting food.

Suddenly, however, all sad thoughts and recollections vanished. Below him. he heard a great cheering, and gazing downwards beheld a golden coach attended by the Royal Fairy Guards. Then he remembered having read several columns in the "Goblin Times" about the forthcoming visit cf the fairy queen. The Queen was in the coach. She had come from the "Elfin Gardens," and was now to go boating on the lake, on whose banks the Fairyland city stood. It was rather a cold day, he thought for rowing on the lake, and rather rough, too, for the strong wind was whipping the usuallyglassy surface into little waves. Nevertheless he was delighted at the idea of gazing on the beautiful Royal Lady. He had a good vantage point, too, for from where he hung he could watch the Royal boat travel right across the lake. Peering downwards he saw that the Queen was being escorted to the water's edge. The oarsmen had soon taken their places and the gaily-festooned boat was pushed off. For a time all went well, and the Queen seemed to be enjoying it although the small craft rocked, but suddenly without a warning an Outsize breaker overtook the boat. It was soon swamped, and the occupants, shivering in the water tried to turn it- on -its. right- side.. Their endeavours to do this, and help the Queen, were of no avail, however, for once again they 'were sent

splashing in the icy water. Meanwhile, rescue boats were being sent out, but before they could reach the wreckage a familiar figure was seen descending near the queen. It was Mr Spider. "Please don't be alarmed," he said, "If you'll allow me to lift you up, I'll set you on the bank." The Queen thanked him (though in a watery manner) and let him carry her over the lake to the far side. Although somewhat shaken and almost exhausted, Mr Spider was proclaimed the hero of the hour. Congratulations and praises were showered upon him, and he was drawn to the Golden Palace in the Queen's /Own coach, whene a banquet was held in his honour. He still resides in a fine abode near the palace, where he is weaver-in-chief to the royal family.

His food is supplied to him every morning. —'MATE BUDGIE, P.8.H., L.8.H., Belmont, Patearoa. Otago.