THE BIRTHDAY OF THE RING

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 125, 28 May 1932, Page 18

THE BIRTHDAY OF THE RING

THE LOST BIRTHDAY CAKE

[Winning Story for the Birthday Page, by "Sunset" (11), Carterton.]

npHE full moon rose in a golden glory and shone over the bushianda J[_ that clothed the hills. Perhaps that majestic lady heard the lilt of elfin music that floated into the sweet night air that was heayy with the fragrance of travellers' joy, for she sent a gleaming golden ray to light the fairies'bower. For a bower indeed it was 'way in the heart of the bushlands, with flowers of all seasons blooming there. A little fairy with gold-red hair swung" on a rata vine laden with blossom and called to a clematis fay. Every bush-flower in New Zealand bloomed there, and the bell-bird and the tui poured forth their wonderful heart-touching calls, while huias flitted about in the trees.

~ No mortal would ever find this enchanted bower for the fairies of the King had claimed it for their own; and-once every year they gathered there, in the Birthday Bower. So to-night they had changed from mortals to fairies, and now they-wero ■fencing in their bower to elfin laughter and music. When Fairiel came, they swung from the branches of the trees and formed & big "Welcome."

The danced till the Fuschia Elf rang twelve, and then they did the Ring Dance, in which they form a ring and a circle of big mushrooms appear. So the pixies and fays feasted, but no cake appeared. Time went on, and Still no cake appeared. So Fairiel sent two elves post-haste to Cook. Just as the two elves knocked at the door, Cook herself appeared round the corner of the house, and when she heard the tale she laughed till her sides ached.

"Just think of me forgetting to scud the cake!" she said as she gave it to them. "But that black kitten of mine had a hundred bad demons in Mm to-day, so I locked the cake in the pantry and forgot about it." The elves thanked her for it, and seating themselves with the pink-and-white cake on the Magic Carpet, they flew towards the Birthday Bower. But the King of the Night looked down on the cake, and he ordered the Star Soldiers to imprison the elves ; and bring the cake to him. The elves, seeing the soldiers coming, and not being able to land, drew their tiny swords to defend the cake. And defend it they did, for just as the vast army of stars reached the elves, the carpet sank down into the glade where none but fairies could go. So they ate the cake, and drank tho dew and honey, till 'twas time to flance again, for the night was nearly gone. Then, as the grey dawn broke, and the sky was flushed with pink, the elfin music died away, and the fairies came back to the Mortal World again, while the Birthday Bower was left till the next birthday of the Ring.

THE GIFT LIST

From pixies who found time to remember little people ill in hospital, or not so fortunate as themselves.

SCEAPBOOKS: "Pollyanna," "Fairy Brown-eyes," "Sunset," "Lydia," Bluebird," "Cabanda," "Mulga," "Little Gladness,". "Gobbliwinks," "Taua," "Elpuma," "Storygirl," "Cherrystone," "Pixie Puff," "Mountain Mist," "Queen of the Snow," "Black-eyed Susan," "Only Me," "Little Homebird," "Lady Wide-awake," "Mexican Kid," "Buller Maid," "Just Joe," "Anne o' the Mist," "Singing Gold," and "Bronco Bill."

TOYS, BOOKS, and MAGAZINES: "Peter Rabbit," "Tinkerbell," "Storygirl," "Fairy Brown-eyes," "Pollyanna," "Tommy," "Felicity," "Buller Maid," "Purple Pansy," "Crimson Rose," "Ken," "Scarlet Pimpernel."

THE FIRST FAIRY RING

VERSES FOR YOU

(By N.F.H.)

Way back in 192J, I paid my first yisit to the Fairy Ring. It seems only the other day that in company with a friend we entered the lift at the "Evening Post" building and shot up to the second floor, and then my friend tapped on a closed door.

In those days it was a very small Fairy Eing—about three columns, and only a few dozen elves to send in stories and letters. '." . .- And now it has grown to a full page, with nearly 2000 elves . . . and some of the original ones are still writing. The other day I again visited the Fairy Eing. It is a larger and brighter loom now, with many, many more paintings and sketches on the walls. And leach day brings still more letters. Joyful, sad, and interesting letters; stories and jjoems and original drawings, all pour in weekly to our "Fairiel" of the Fairy Eing. . . .

"FAIRIEL AND HER PIXIES" (Original). Fairlel sits iv her castle high, Thinking five jolly years have just gone by. Her pixies are working, all happy and glad, To bring joy to every, lasslo and lad. "TIN'KEB BELL" (8). Seatoun. "FIVE YEARS OLD." (Original.) The Fairy King is five years to-night, And if one could see it, 'tis a wonderful sight. The fairies round their toadstools dance. The elves around the fairies prance. And JFairiel is busy with work to-day, Collecting scrapbooks to send away. She is a friend of the pixies and elves. And she tucks their letters away on the shelves; She likes her elves to visit some times With stories, jokes, and sunny rhymes. "SMILER" (12). City. "BIRTHDAY!" (Original.) It's the Birthday of the King to-day. The stories are cakes . : That a good fay bakes; And the rhymes are chocolates. And the elves make goblet 3 Of the Kiddle-Me-Kees 1 "SIT-IN-THE-STJN" (11).

And to-day on its . fifth birthday feomes back the memory of the gloomy little passage and the sunshine and brightness of that little room of the first Fairy Eing. . .

THE COMING OF FAIRIEL

(Original, for the Birthday Page, by "White Trail" (14), Taiiape.)

rp HE bush was sleeping—it was night. The trees showed blackly against J_ the deep blue sky and the stars showered a silvery radiance over the black pathways. ?orrnf i™trB*?B a > ™& *nt° «» bn4h burst a young girl, her eyes wide with terror, her lips quivering with fright. She stopped and listened intently .Nothing stirred. -

Sinking to the ground, she laid her head on the mossy trunk of a giant kaun and fell asleep. Next morning, as the sun rose in golden splendour over the eastern hills, she was awakened by the gentle touch of a hand on her shoulder. A kind voice asked why she was there alone Looking up, she saw before her an old man who looked both kindly and sympathetic. tn "} cloud-ehil<V she said, deciding to unburden her troubles. Last night I wandered into the sky, but there was no.sun to.warm me ± began to freeze, falling down, down, down, to the earth below. A graff voice asked me who I was. I glanced up. A horrid gnome stood grinning down at me. I sprang up and commenced to run; bui he stiU followed until I came here.

Hm," said the old man, "Come with me." He led her to a pretty glade wherein stood a tiny house, with red curtains and a tiny red door? The old man led her into the house, telling her to sit down while he prepared

•j, "J£ y i n? me is Supplejack," he said. "I tend birds who are ill or wounded, what is your name, my child?" "Fairiel."

One night the fairies had asked Fairiel to go to Starland, but she had +i? ? S?^ J !" slnllS t0 Btay t0 tend a sick tom-tit who needed extra care, more that the busy doctor could afford to spare. . v t,i.As tho mell°* moon rose over the sentinel-like hills, shedding its silvery light over the slumbering wood, Supplejack stumbled into Fairiel's room, telling her that her .enemy, the gnome, was coming to capture her. There is no ono here to help us! The fairies have gone. "What shall we do?" faltered Fairiel.

k? CW not!" muttered Supplejack, turning and going into the night. "He has left me," she sobbed. " How could he?" But Supplejack had not left her. Eunning to a bird's nest, he called to its tiny owner, "Skylark, awake! You promised to repay me for saving your life. Here is your chance. Take this message to Bangi. 'I, Supplejack have lived long as a fairy. I implore you to change me into a plant, made so that I can defend Fairiel.' " The bird winged skywards, leaving Supplejack to turn wearily back, taking up his stand before his home. Suddenly he grew longer, and thinner He murmured thankfully, "Thank you, Eangi." . The bush around the cottage was transformed. Long, twining vines clung thickly to the trees, forming a strong, impassable barrier around Fairiel's home.

The wickea gnome and his friends, speeding to claim their prey, were stopped abruptly by Supplejack's wonderful plant. The gnome was defeated!" Fairiel was saved. Later a happy Fairiel was wandering in the forest. Suddenly she startea. A man was striding towards her, his hand outstretched, his lips and eyes smiling. ' "

XT. i. t t! i^ 6 Saia ' pixie ' lvMßPerea in my dreams last night, telling me that 1 should find you here. I want you to come to our world, to tell the stones of the fairies to our mortal children. They know so little about them. .Will you come?" "Gladly," saia Fairiel.-

She cast a last, long look around. Then she kissed the thick vines around her.

"Gooabye, Supplejack!" she whispered. "I go to tell mortals of your glorious sacrifice. Farewell." '

That, elves, is how, five years ago, Fairiel became Queen of our Fairy Ping, . J-

LOTS AND LOTS

Karori

"AND A VERY BIG WELCOME TO ....", E. Webb Karori Beryl Manson (13) Takaka Phyllis Clarkson (7) Wadestown Adrian Wahren (10) Khandallah Nelson Dudd no (5) Lower Hurt Sf-Sad Elf (12) Kilbirnie "Gleam p' Gold" (8) Kilbirnie Violet Dlack (12) Berhampore Ma^p Molly" (||) Berhampore Fairy Pearl" (8) island Bay JaPPy Toes" (12) Newtown Oliver•Twist" (7) Murital W°o3 and Nymph" (II) City "Woodland Ripple" (6) city Molile Arnold (10) ..........."'Lower Hutt •;Soap-Box" (10) Koro Koro Rose Marie".(lo) < ... < -.. Lower Hutt "Princess Blue-Eyes," Karori.— Not like the kind Queen to leave anyone out, fay. Could you change it? "Fairy Brown-Eyes," Petone. —ls it quite as nice as you hoped for, fairy child? "Just Jerry," Berhampore. —There'll be heaps of room soon, merry one. I'm sorry about your mother. Terribly hard luck. "Fairy Rainbow," Murltai.— P'raps Weather Clerk grew careless, once holidays were over. "Oliver Twist," Murital. —Here's a name at last! . . . but don't ask for any more, laddie 1 "Crimson Rose," Seatoun.— Maybe Mummie will bring you when we're all tidy again. "Ken," Seatoun.—Lovely when you learn how —but such bumps at first, boy! "Purple Pansy," Seatoun. —Do each of you take turns to find the puzzle answers, dear? "Tabbyskin," Brooklyn.— Child, we've had both before. Are there any others In your bboks? "Moonshine Fairy," Karori And had Napier changed lots since you last,saw it, acusula? "Golden Gorse," Karori. —Not a single sneeze 1 There must be magic in my elves' letters.

I "Water-Sprite," Kel burn.—The tiny details are not clear enough for a head- . Ing, pixie, though it is tremendously well done. "Silver Bell," Ngaio.— That's hardest part —it' 3 such a twisty bit. Who teaches you, sweet? "Chatterbox," Mlramar. —But such pities if you like one terribly, and then he's taken off to find a new home. . , "Mulga," Petpne.— Wee ones are amusing. . . and the two scrapbooks are beautiful, childie. "Toddles," Petone.— You borrowed fairy wings for holidays, and flitted just everywhere 1 "Red Rover," Island Bay.—But the Weather Clerl: cheered up for a small while. He was smiling roundly the day Toddles called. "Taua," City.—That's a beauty. The large horse inside the cover is just grand. ' "Tinkerbell," Seatoun. —But such clever angers, Small One. The dolly' is precious. j "Storyglrl," Kelburn.— ■Twas Fairiel, not I Spoofy, who was banished when you camel "Elpuma," City.— Seven-years, how did you manage? I think you're a great man. "Cherrystone," Mlra- . mar.—A gay, bright book, lovely for a wee person who can't yet read. "Pixie Puff," Lower Hutt—Then yours is the brown one? I wasn't sure, 'cos it hadn't a name. —

"Punawai," Khandallah.—Joy of walking indeed! Child, the "Thlngs-To-Do" are very lengthy. Can you find smaller ones? "Redwing," City.—lsn't it fun? That's why summer is really best-of-all. "Cowboy," Hataitai.—We chose this name instead of "Shooting Star," didn't we? ... Happy as a lark, boy, all amongst my elves. "Anne o' the Mist," Northland.—There's one all labelled and ready for her, childeen. "Bed Elf," Brooklyn.—Was the pig too much for you? They dodge better than footballers ! "Princess Evelyn," City.—Did you search a dictionary for all the queer animals, lass? "De-De,"EastbournD.—A clean, lovely day, that Saturday. Is Trooper Tex a footballer for his school? "Little Homebird," Karori.—lt comes in August, the Bird Month, this year, young one. "Bright Spark," Karori.—The Autumn Lady has beautiful skies. I think Jack Frost must take out.his brushes to help her. "Royal Star," Island Bay.—Four small pixies, gay as the winds themselves. . . It was a full-of-sunshine letter, dear. "May Flower," Brooklyn.—There's a dim magic about a tall, high tree, that doesn't belong to the earth below. Anything might happen In them. "Miss Prue," Lower Hutt—That name belongs, sweetheart. Would "Victory" suit him instead? That was the name of Nelson's ship. "Prince 800-Hoo," Karori.—lf you write and spell so well, laddie, you're certain-sure to. "Mountain Mist" Karori Did the Little People touch your birthday with fairy fingers of happiness, child? ... A precious idea. "Daphle Duck," Newlands If I printed your drawing, pixie, the lines would show too. "Freda Frog," Newlands.—Such a cheeky "foxy"—but then, I think they mostly are. "Tiny Dwarf," Newlands A good puzzle, honey. We haven't had oue of those for ages. "Calendula," Lower Hutt.—Are they planted so soon? Your garden will be Fairyland. "Lily of Killarney," Brooklyn.—A horrid punishment ... but that Teddy, did deserve it. "Princess Jewel," Eastbourne.—She's a treasure—a very gracious lady. The loveliest fancy-dress her costume would make. "So-Sad Elf," Kllbirnie.—But you're not really ... are you? Just a mushroomy name.

"Geam o1 Gold," Kilbirnie.—Your name after So-sad's" Is 'zactly right—rainbow In a dark sky. "Bobbollnk," Petone.—lt might do for Eastertime, dear one, if the shape will fit. "Barnacle Bill," Petone.—l chuckled over those three—they're so very near the truth! Violdt Dlack, Berhampore Some elf has that name, ladybird. Could you think again? "Madcap Molly," Berhampore.—Only, that Wonderland might contain some ■ Gulliver's giants in its long grasses, mightn't it! "Song Thrush," City.—l've found it a title, and I do hope you'll like It, fay. "Rose Blossom," City.—o ... but yellow paper I Find some white-wlthout-lines, kiddy. "Pled Piper." City —Wee little Cinderella Is a dear, but your other lady was too tall, elf. "Dismal Desmond," Kelburn.—Too late, yes— but It will tuck in some time. He's tremendously good. I enjoy him too. "Fairy Gurgle." Karorl—You managed to guess them, small one. Every one was right. "White Flower," City.—Why, clever one, you're climbing very quickly through the classes. xae letter was one of the neatest ever. "Blue Butterfly," Berhampore.—A nice small verse. Cheerful as a real star shining. "Red Rose," Berhampore Was that a wee rhyme, or a truly piece of news, sweet? ' "Dreamaway." Karori.—O . . exciting! Am Ito have a different name as well? "Queen of the Snow," Kelburn.—Such a daintiness, .dear one. Some child will adore it. "Anita Page," Miramar.—Exciting when you and the Bluebell come visiting, elf.

BELOVED PIXIES

I; "BEAUTY." '.'. (By Fairiel.) I love tho lilies -v that srow In our garden, "' Ever so tall, Ever so tall, Ths pansles, and ;; Pretty-oirl .. Dorothy Vardon, - - But Autumn's Gold glories [ * Are best .'. Of them all.

SPOOFY

(Written by "Pollyanna" for the Birthday Page of the Fairy King.)

6S(T^ N^L W? 10 ? yeas ? unlimited happiness," sang the first recipe reader. \Jf Bake ma fairy oven for a whole day of child's joy," sang the second. 'When cooked, ice with pink, and decorate with the first small mushrooms found m the magic field on the very first day of Autumn Place on top five candles—one for each birthday of the Fairy Eing, and the fifth candle shall be the biggest of them all," sang the third. . "After it is completed, lock it in the strongroom until the birthday. Let Spoofy, the Chief Steward of the Palace, be the Keeper of the Cake. Instruct him to guard it so closely that not so much as one crumb is missing on the great day." °

The ten cooks of the Palace bowed low as the three recipe readers closed their books and departed. At last everything was ready, and in the kitchen of the Palace the great cake baked, and baked . . . until the day of child's joy was over. It was taken from the oven, and iced; and then it was decorated with the Bmall mushrooms, and the five tall candles.

Now Spoofy, as the Chief Steward at the Palace of the Faery King and Queen, was1 a most respected and highly honourable steward. But Spoofy— as Keeper of the Cake—was altogether different! Spoofy was greedy! Eveu as tho Chief Cook handed him the keys of the strongroom after the cake was safely stored away, a greedy glint appeared in the steely grey eyes, and an evil smile puckered the corners of his mouth. He was the Keeper of the Cake, and for five whole days he was to have sole charge of it, A raisin stood invitingly on the under corner of it.. it had just escaped the icing Four days passed, and Fairiel, Queen of the Fairy Ring, was to pay her official visit to the cake, which was to have the place of honour on tho table to-morrow.

Spoofy was summoned, aucl the keys were handed over to the Lord High Chamberlain, who was to escort Queen Fairiel to the strongroom. Spoofy disappeared .... "This, Your Majesty," saia the Lord High Chamberlain in his most ma-

jestio voice, as he bowed low before her, "is tne cake which was made for the fifth birthday of the Fairy King." And with a move of his hand he opened the door to reveal—just a big, bare room, with a few crumbs on the floors and five, tall candles lying aslant the doorway. ... ; : The expectant look on Fairiel's face died; and the jaw of the Lord High Chamberlain dropped fully three inches. "Whatever—?" began Fairiel. iYtWu' I*', 8 g°ne—all eaten!" Then: "Spoofy!" he called with a whoop. "Where's Spoofy?" * But of course Spoofy was nowhere to be found. They searched, and they searched, but it waa of no use. Spoofy had just ..... disappeared. There was a great fluster in the kitchen, for of course another cake had to be baked. Elves were sent a-flurrying over the country-side to find the happiness and laughter, gladness and mischief in the heart of a childand the small mushrooms, and the dewdrops from an elfin garden They baked, and baked ... . until the day of child's joy was over . . . and it was iced m a great hurry, and the cake was ready in time! And Spoofy was found. After the Party, they all adjourned to the Court House, and the prisoner was brought in.

The charge was read, and he was accused of having eaten every piece of a truly tremendous cake, prepared with infinite care for the fifth birthday of the Fairy King. J He had nothing to say for himself. Somehow he was unable to open his mouth—he was too full! ■ *

The jury retired, and came back. One look was enough. Clear came one word: Guilty." The sentence was banishment from Faeryland" *v P°orSP°ofy! But did he care? Not he! "That cake was worth it," thought Spoofy to himself, which shows how very low he had sunk. And he dawdled and loitered to the very out-posts of Faeryland, until two of the Palace guards hurried him up after their own fashion, and saw that the sentence of banishment was carried out.

artD °wn through the sunlit spaces came the first callings of elves after the

And, "Happiest of party nights we've had," came the sweet voice of Famel herself, as she heard all the excited callings through the dawn.

Here is your Birthday Page, made, nearly all of it, dear ones, by your own clever selves. Of all the splendid drawings that came in Postie's mailbag, "Swastika's? proudly at the top of our Page to-night, was the best. Some of the others that came in time are here also, though all are not so original as the winning drawing. Prize ones must come from your own small brains you see, dear-my-elves. ... And now for the stories by pixies under fourteen years. Those in this Page are the ones most highly placed, but alas! most of tliem were well over the 500-word limit, and had to be toppedand tailed . . . like gooseberries ...to be fitted in at all. So Sunset's, just the right length, wins first prize. Some ever-so-wee people wrote birthday stories, but not about our Fairy Ring, and most of those tales are saved for some-time-later. So keep open eyes, little folk, for your own piece of ivork. . . . Lastly, a big and tremendous "Thank you" for all the scrapbooks and toys. Our Postie will visit Fairy Brown-Eyes, who sent loveliest scrapbooks of all and he will visit, too, the elves-under-lwelve who make the tidiest painting of the "Spoofy" picture^ in this special Birthday Page. You know the rules now, don't you, Tinies? name, age, and address on the back, and sent to me before Wednesday. Do hope you love this just-turned-five Fairy Ring. It all seems specially made for you, to-night .. .with my love to you in every corner of it. FAIRIEL.

OF RING TONIGHT

"PLEASE ....!" Send your letter before Wednesday to Fafriel, Fairy Ring, "Evening Post" Give your name, age, and address each week Fairiel. 'Saucy Sally"—Write to "May Queen." 2a, Palmer street City. 'Yellow Primrose"—To "Daphle Duck" (Irene St. John), Newlands, Johnsonville. "Everlasting Flower"—To. "Fairy Treasures' Mersey street. Island Bay. "Woodland Nymph," City.—l tried to say that joke myself—and truly couldn't I "Woodland Ripple," City.—Two small bush fairies. ... So glad to see you both. "Juliette," Palmerston.—No, darling, not glasses —just someone to dig me out. I'd be simply buried in fluttering envelopes. "Nannie's Sweetheart," Trentham.—lt did not find me, colleen. Was It stamped? If Nannie reads this, she'll see your love. "Fairy Rosepetal," Berhampore.—Sweet, the story was too late. Could you make it a Winter Page one? That will be here soon. Nancy Murphy, Island Bay.—Again it belongs! Would you liko to be "Scarlet Rose"? "Pollyanna," Kelburn.—Caught It, after win-" ning on last-step-of-all, on the way upl . . . I did play, and It was a topping game. "Mexican Rose," Miramar.—Well written, brownie. I liked the gay little cat. "Baggy Breeches," City.—He must have looked jolly. Was it a fancy-dress party? "Marj," Karori—One-side rule for everything, lass. Often I miss bits on the back. "Fairy Treasure," Island Bay.—Cupboard love, from Polar Bear! . . . Such splendid riddles! "Soap-Box." Petone.—A friendly place you must have, boy, with the animals and bush. "Honey-Girl," Brooklyn.—Now I know about you. I'm saving the buttercup poem till there's a place for it.

. "Little Gladness," Karori.—l did write on it. . . and I'll tell you when you come, fay. E. Webb, Karori.—Are you somebody new? A topping boy's story tbat you sent. "May Queen," City.— But have you changed houses, or have I mixed you with another elf? "White Trail," Talhape.—Why, such a lovable tale 1 I'll try hard to squeeze It in. Beryl Manson, Takaka.—We'd love you to come, but the name belongs, fay. Will you choose again? "Don B.", Masterton. —Such sadness—it didn't arrive until thi3 week, boy. I think it will fit, though, without the words. "Cordelia," Karori.— Good, childie, but not the best. "Twas a hard subject, I'm afraid. "Jennie Soapsuds," Northland.—run. . . if we truly could I One of those parties that happen in dreams. "Fairy Silver," Wadestown.—Has little Billy been bad? He looks as if he were in a corner. Phyllis Clarkson, Wadestown.—We've a '"Fairy Bride" now, lassie. Find another pretty name. "Sno," Taihape.—Such a merry sketch! I'm uncertain of the poem, 'cos it's so long. . . but we'll see. "Gobbliwinks," Lower Hutt—All except the' butterfly carriage, your story could eas-

I "Toadflax," Hataital.—A little elf (nine) Is growing up! When was the birthday, chick? "Gloria Swanson," City.—l'd love to help a fairy find her little lost shoe —wouldn't you? "Hermione," Korakonuf.—lsn't the country toy- | like and Sat from a height? Like a giant's sand-castles and moats. "Neverbird," Northland.—l can imagine you flying around. Xevor-a-bird so fast as you. "Lady Yvonne," Petone.—Such a large bone! No wonder they all hare anxious faces 1 "Ivanhoe," Petone.—lt has a green mount now, and looks topping in my new gallery. "Curly Locks," Lower Hutt—l Snow you now beloved. Tell me if you change your age. "Sea-Horss," Hataitai.—A truly holiday-place wasn't it ? Hill, and beach, and playing-fleld. "Margot," Carterton.—Brown-and-orange—that's for Lydia and the Autumn Lady. Has your autograph book found you yet, girleen? "Winter Sprite." Karori.—Time of day to love, with firelight glowing and curtains drawn. Adrian Wahren, Khandallah.—Young one, the .name belongs. What other one will it be? "Uranus," Thorndon.—Such a long time between, birthdays ... but ripping when they do happen^ "Peter Rabbit," Petone.—That was good of you laddie. I've bound them all in a cover. "Black-eyed Susan," Petone.—l found it. . . ]ust in time. It .was almost last of all. "Sweetpea," City—Lovely time for Lisbeth But I think- she'd have been as happy with simple things. "Fairy Pearl," Island Bay.—l'm glad it would do, cos somebody had run away with the nrst one you chose, chickabid. "April Showers," Ngaio —A darling photo of you both. Such a tall pixie you are for seven years. . . He must be a fine player. Mollie Arnold, Lower Hutt—So sad ... both dainty names are already chosen. Think again, Sweetness, and find another. "Honolulu Girl," Johnsonvllle.—Yes, lassie I would like. Specially some "Smile Awhiles." "Tappy Toes," Newtown.—Was it long times ago.' I dont remember your.letter, chick "Rose Marie," Lower Hutt— We'll be careful with you, fay, cos there's a "Bosemary" now. "Lydia," Kelburn.—Not even simmering—l'm very glad you both do! Wasn't it happiness? "Sunkiss," Brooklyn.— o, but too late, maidlin Saturday last was the closing date. "Bluey," Ngahauranga.—Please—for the story and thank you for the cheerful letter. "Betty Brasso," Miramar.— You're lucky ones with all that garden so near winter. "Golden Dawn," Kelburn.—Childeen, that recipe has been in the Ring. Look again. "Dancing Toes," City.—Words missed, here and there, and I could not understand, quite. • "Silver. Slippers," City.—l 'spect by next ma ies 1! chattering away like twelve "Tres Bon," Miramar.—Do you know I haven't your real name? . . . Almost 2000. "Popular Pop," : Miramar.—Some day when Mummle says yes. Are they alike? "Princess Penelope," Karor?.—l had forgotten you were going too. Were you homesick? "Tiny Tim," City—Fine to see your letters again, laddie. How is my friend Jacko? "Purple Heather." City.—They should fit nicely into our fun corner, in a little while. "Sea Queen," City.—Exciting, that story i Wish we had attics in our houses.

"Sleepina Beauty," Greytown.—O .. . lovely! How soon will you climb to Standard I.? "Fluffy," City.—And next week, wee one, I'll put your request, in the Ring.

"Brown Elf," Greytown.—But how late for them! Aren't you afraid of Jack Frost? "Harold Lloyd," Greytown.—Are you glad about school, or is holiday-time best of all?

"Sunkist," Greytown.—But I didn't find the crossword. Was It too hard to puzzle out? "Winter Bloom," City.—Next time p'raps you'll both be there. Wouldn't "Bobtail" itself do? "Sa Uud nynnd y-n " thlS «*• dear'

"Kirn," Petone. —Two busy pixies . . and yes your cousins have come to the King.

THINK TWICE

HIDDEN ANIMAL. My first is in run, but not in walk. My second in say, and also in talk, My third is in bone, but not in skin My fourth is in big, but not in thin; ily fifth is in iron, but not in lead My sixth is in toe, but not in head. My whole is an animal, running about, As you will see when you puzzle me out. "DINGLE DELL" (9). Johnsonville. • • » WORD SQUARE. (1) Something we see in the sky at night. (2) What we have the clock for. (3) A boy's name. . (4) What we go to bed for. • • « ANSWERS TO THINK TWICE. (1) Hidden Proverb: People who live In glass houses shouldn't throw stones. (2) Jumbled Fruit: Mango, Grape, Eggfruit, Lemon, Banana, Date, Plum, Raisin, Walnut (3) Crossword Solution.—Along: Blue, whip, rung, leer, ill, undid, lose, nose, egg, ears ??. le-~5 own: Bore> engineers,. willingly, pork, LD, U.S., do, lake, else; ••• ■ . THESE ELVES FOUND THE ANSWERS: "Little Gladness" (10); "Toddles" (12); "Bed Rover" (8); "Cowboy" (13); "Princess Eyely? (13); "Dc-Dc" (11); 'Tairy Gurgle" (8); "Dreamaway" (9); "Juliette" (13); "Purple Pansy" (9); "Tiny Tim" (8); "Marl" (15); "Sunkist" (10); "Harold Lloyd" (8) • "Brown Elf" (12); "Sleeping Beauty" (7): "Tres Bon" (12).

HAPPY LINES. "The Poet Describes An Egg." In marble halls As white as milk. Lined with a skin As soft as silk; Within a fountain Crystal clear A golden apple Doth appear; No doors are there To this stronghold. Yet thieves break in And steal the gold.

THE UNINVITED GUEST

(Original, for the Birthday Page, by < 'Kim'' (12), Petone.)

BDB^?rLI^ the elf,^ a- 8 very unhappy, for every elf and fairy in the j>airy King except himself had been invited to Fairiel's fifth birthday party. He could not under stand why he had not been invked. His friends had received their invitations that morning, because Fairy--4 along to tell so-Of cowsc ' « M fT* eU the Potman arrived. "Any letters?" asked Bobbolink hopefully. iNot tor you," he grunted in reply. W t Sala the es °f Bobbolink fell. Well, there was nothing left to do but to go on with his work, painting the leaves. But it was disheartening to see his fairy friends busying themselves for the coming fete . vm f Cl'7? nf. signed in Fairiel's palace. It was the day before the great event. Bobbolink was working steadily painting the leaves beneath Famel's bedroom window Then he heard voices. He listened. Hark! What was <,J? c JumPea f°r Joy. What had he heard Fairiel say? We must have partners," she had said. "Bobbolink shall be mine " When BobboUnk reached his home that day, he began to make ready Eif C«°but es S H?i r £ c- ? aiT T f course> x m*? not be e°ing" he Sid to bS ■tat, but still, Famel has chosen me as her partner, and perhaps I shall receive my invitation at the last moment. I am sure it has been mislaid!" and Wi^l? «Pa a^> tl* *a7 neii- ETer^here was excitement, hurry, Ms fairy friend's. " Bobbohnk f oU nd himself waving farewell'to all "We're so sorry you're not coming," Sunkist and Fifinette told him. "Well gone 11 S ° out an mvitation,» he told himself sadly when the rest had

, , He returned to his garden, determined not to work on such a day. He Jou tolTrglve^hsL 0" *' haS performed this wicked *<**> ana he wi^a so ensrf o 3^W d T,he" l d tt<? *o*boUl* was to be Fairiel's partner, and wag so. envious, that he planned to keep Bobbolink from attending the party. could n^rte efromhT s ebed 7Came'GrUniPy MmS6lf S° * tha* h* invitSio'n s?ra cig dhf awa?^ B°bbOlink Sh°Uld b<3 PreSent and had sent the and nowfney a\iThtbt t P O fr&ndT UCh ""* *' '""^ G™^'

JOKES (By Rachel Mac Andrew in "The Children's Hour.") ir. 8 * vD. addi e m. ak L.M * lok* Whlm Mumml6 make» » Me. Itsavery fine joke. If s a dear little joke, iUd V,Z k ♦ """"" •"* l0B*! And one that ""rybody understands. Ana I laugh too Daddie cries "Bravo!" (It's the thlni to do). And laughs "Ho! Ho!" And because I'm very proud And I always clap my hands When my Oaddie makes a Joke, When my Mummie makes'a Joke A fine clever joke: Such a dear little Joke: (But I don't always see It). And I always see it . But when I make a Joke, tJust the tiniest Joke, : : And the easiest joke, IHN Nobody laughs * 3T And nobody see it IT

THE BIRTHDAY

(Original.) The fairies and elves had been reigning in the Fairy Eing for five years. Fairiel, the Queen, was going to giva them a party. At last, when the mortals were all asleep, the fairies took off their cloaks of pansy petals, and smoothed out their gauzy wings. Then each fairy took an elfin partner, and they all danced to their places.at the big mushroom table inside the; hall of rose-petals and cherry blossoms, to wait for FairieL When she came, the fairies and elves all clapped and cheered for her. Then they all sat down on the mushroom seats, and enjoyed a scrumptious feast of wild strawberries and cream, honeyj cakes, honey fizz, and, best- of all, a lovely big iced birthday cake that Fairiel had made them. After the feast, each fairy danced a graceful waltz with her elfin partner. The dance was followed by a concert, and then home. A lot of fairies waited for Fairiel to go home with her cat, named Kirn. '' SIT-IN-THE-SUN»». (11). "Karaka Bay.

(Original, for the Birthday Page, by "Hunca-Munca" (11), Taihape.)

C&IT* 1 WEN a? ar ' wouW y°u hke to S° mushrooming? I'd like some nrash\jf rooms for breakfast to-morrow." j v "? hy€s >Mummy,l'aiove to!" cried Gwen, for she loved mushrooming, and lived in hopes that she might one day "find a real fairy rine " 'I'll get up early as early to-morrow." . So next morning, almost before the sun was up, and armed with, as large a basket as she could find, Gwen set off for the.fields, where she hoped to find lots of mushrooms. '

Nor was she disappoiatea, for, ou reaching the largest field of all, she lound so many little white "fairy cottages" that she did not know where "to stsrt. • '

She ran about picking them as fast as she could, darting from one group to another, until at last with an exclamation of delight she stumbled upon— a fairy ring. * Stepping into the centre of it, Gwen wished a wish—a wish that she could understand fairy language. Then jumping from the ring, she ran round to where the Queen's chair stood. Such a pretty little chair it was, padded underneath with dainty, palest-pink, accordian pleated silk: the prettiest mushroom she had ever seen.

r But wnat was tn*t underneath the chair? Yes, it was a ring, a thin little gold circlet, set with five of the sparkliest of sparkly diamonds. Dare she take it? But surely the fairies would not want such a big ring. Some mortal must have dropped it there. She would take it, and if anyone had lost it she would give it back to them; but if no one claimed it . Gwen bent over and very gingerly, as if fearing it was bewitched, picked up the ring. ' tr tr

That afternoon Gwen was sitting on a seat in the garden, turning the ring over and over in her hands, and wondering to whom it could possibly belong. Suddenly a voice broke in upon her musings—a pretty little tinkly voice like the chime of fairy bells. bujWi „. "\,? m't know what t0 do»" said the voice. "Can't you suggest something, Bluebell?" •

I certainly can't, unless you explain what you are talking about," came the reply from the person addressed as Bluebell. "What is the matter, Bosebud?" Bluebell sighed. "It's Queen Fairiel's crown," she said. It's lost, and the Queen blames me. You see, this is a very important, extra-special crown for the fifth birthday of the Fairy King. It is made of buttercup gold, set with five of the most precious dewdrops to be found in Fairyland. One stone for. every year." "Can't you have another stone added to last year's birthday crown?" asked Bluebell hopefully. "No. _ You see, little Princess Stargleam has had the crown to play with, and even if she had not, there would scarcely be time to have it altered," said Eosebud with another sigh. "No, it's no good. The other crown will have to be found, or I'll be dismissed from the Queen's service." Listening to this conversation, Gwen realised that her wish had been granted. She had heard and understood fairy language. Suddenly a thought struck her. She glanced at the ring held tightly in. her hand. It looked as if it might have been made of buttercup gold. And the gems, they certainly looked like dewdrops—lovely opalescent things, gleaming in the sunlight. Could it be—was it possible—that this was the Fairy Queen's crown. She had found it under the biggest-mushroom in the Fairy Eing. Yes, it must be. \

Quietly Gwen slipped away, through the garden gate, and away over the fields, searching, searching for the Fairy Eing. Ah, there it was. Gwen placed the ring in the grass beneath the Queen's^-fnushroom, just where she had found it. She hated to part with it, but then, the fairies had more use for it than she.

'' Anyway,'' she thought, walking slowly home across the fields, "it has saved little Eosebud from getting into serious trouble. That's one thing I may be glad about. " And so, feeling cheered, Gwea began to run, arriving.hom^ quite reconciled to the loss of the ling, " ~ " '