Tikumu’s letter

Press, 22 August 1978, Page 14

Tikumu’s letter

Dear Children, Spooky tricks are fun at night time. Tables may rise in the air, candles and books mysteriously disappear, and bells suddenly ring. And last Thursday evening was no exception. I was visiting a friend and, thinking a ghost might be in the room, we fastened two cardboard pieces tightly together, turned out the lights, and waited to see if it would write a message for us on the inside card without untying the string. And, on our second attempt to summon the ghost, it did oblige us. At least I thought it had, until my friend explained she had tricked me. Here is the secret as I think you might like to try some ghostly magic on your family. Before you start, have ready a length of string, a black crayon, and two pieces of heavy white cardboard which should be about 25cm square. Ask everyone to look at the cardboard carefully and check that nothing is written on it. Next, help them tie the two pieces together tightly, knotting them on one side. Lay the cardboard on a table and turn out the lights.

Very quietly, write a message on the top card — it could be about seven wo-ds long. (Think of your message beforehand so that you write quickly). Again, quietly as before, turn over the cards. Now switch on the lights. Untie the string but do not let anyone see the writing on the bottom. Open up the cards like a book and pretend to be disappointed at the blank inside pieces. “The ghost hasn’t written anything,” you complain. “I suppose we’ll have to let it try again.” This time place the top card under the other card. As a result, the writing is now between them. Hold the cardboard pieces tightly together and let someone fasten them up again. In a casual way, as if you had just thought of a good idea, ask everyone to write his or her initials on the outside of the package. Turn off the lights. In a moment, turn them on again and ask somebody also to untie the cards. Vour family and friends will be amazed for the message you wrote is inside. Good luck with your spooky tricks. Tikumu.