Dear Girls and Boys,

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 30, 29 October 1932, Page 19

Dear Girls and Boys,

This morning Inkling hopped out of the inkwell waving an invitation card. “The Blots request the pleasure of Inkling's company at a Hallowe’en Party on Monday night at 8 o’clock,” he read excitedly. “Oh, Kiwi, what fun! But what exactly is a Hallowe'en Party?” “It is an old English custom,” 1 replied, “that on the night before .‘lll

Saints’ Day, which is November 1, old rites should be observed which have their origin in the bad old days, Inkling . When people believed in witchcraft and those unpleasant neigh-

hours, the witches, made their presence felt in every village. Accompanied by a faithful but mysteriouslooking black cat, the witch used to ride abroad on ,-a- broomstick high up in the sky, or wrapped in a dark cloak and wearing a steeple-hat, brood over a bubbling cauldron in a cave, in which such nice tit-

bits as a load’s legs, a chicken’s eye, and a couple of newts simmered gently to make a magic potion which would, cast a Spell on some prince or princess. . . .” “Nasty! horrid! stop!” said Inkling. “O-o-oh! what s that?” And with a squeak of terror he dived head- first into the inkwell! “Inkling, conic back,” I cried! “I saw a witch riding on a broomstick, coming right at me,” said a small voice. "Oh nonsense,” I replied briskly. “There aren't any nowadays: that was a fly.” ' “Oh,” said Inkling, appearing again. "Well, may be. But. I have a special reason for not liking witches, so I thought I had better disappear.” “Nowadays” I continued, "people often have jolly parties on October 31, at which old traditional, games arc played and fortunes told (for on All Hallow’s Eve, they used to say that at midnight it was possible to sec into the future) and rooms arc decorated with hollowed-out pumpkins in which a candle burns and shines through holes cut to make eyes, nose and -mouth. And people roast chestnuts in the fire, and tell ghost stories —lots of fun Inkling! You must- wear old clothes though, because you’ll probably ‘bob for apples’ in a tub of water!” “Splendid!” he exclaimed. “But I must answer the invitation. Invitations, Kiwi, should always be answered without delay,” he added solemnly. “Quite right!” I -replied, and now he is very -mcssily writing to say that “Inkling has -much pleasure in accepting the kiml . invitation of the Blots for Monday night.” And Saturday is Guy Fawkes Day! Do all write me letters telling me hoiv you celebrated the famous occasion. I ‘shall love to hear about your fireworks and bonfires. Only please don’t blow yourselves up! It’s not so- very long till Christmas, so each week there will be a special “something to make” in the. page, so that you will have plenty of ideas for gifts. The woollen purse to-day is a good idea, don’t you think? There are dozens of left-over bits of zvool in our house, and I’m sure there arc in yours too. Love to you all, from —KIWI.