THE FAIRY RING

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 18, 21 July 1934, Page 20

THE FAIRY RING

THE HAID OF THE VALLEY

(Original, by'"Aunt Zoe," 9, City.)

npHE good Queen Ehzabeth was very sad because her vbry dovoted husband, JLrmS* n S Charles,-had(died, and she knew that she could not rule tho largo landof Lashmgton by herself. No, that would never do. Shcmust marry again.

i , Her favourite courtier was Sir George- Harris, who was a widower, and she decided to marry him. Not only did tho Queen Elizabeth lovo Sir Gt'orgo, , but ne had a dear.Httle son nino years old named Graeme, who Queen ElizaP^h lOY6d very much, and soon she- was very happy again, and also there was a very happy King and little' Prince. The' castle was on a hill called fc>aphton,_and on tbo right sido of; Saphton was a beautiful valley called Ssaphton Valley, where Graemo used to go and play. Two years after he had become Prince Graeme, Graeme was playing Jiappilyby himself in Saphton .Valley, wheu he saw a little- girl coming to■waraa hiajiiand as sho^came. nearer ho saw that sbo wftg.crying bitterly, ''Oh.Jittlo girl, what is tho matter?" cried Graeme, pitcously. ■-.- I have not had anything to eat for ages," sobbed tho little girl. Come with me to my father's oastlo, little girl. Ho always welcomes people,'! said Graeme kiadly,-;faking, the cold little hand in-.hig warm one. _ what is your, name, and how did you come to; be. wandering in Saphton Valley?'? asked Graeme, as together, they walked up-tho v.allqy. ._■ My name ja;May Eoss, and throe: years ago my nurse tool? mo for a walk m this valley, and I saw a very pretty butterfly while J was playing. I chased it right to. tho other end of the valley and could not find my way back until nest day, and that day I found a shilling on the road, and with it I bought some food which I ate in this .valley. When. I had finished and was on my way to tho villago some gipsy people took1 me away in a caravan and starved, me, I had to stay with them for, three years, but ono night when the caravan was parked near here I managed to oseape, and for several days I nave been a prisoner in this valley until just now you found me," finished

"Isn'fc.that funny. Wo used to live noxt to Sir Henry Boss. Would ho be any relation of yours?" asked Graeme, '~'.: "Why, that would be Uncle Henry,'' cried May, getting exeittKL "He and Aunt Hilary, nurse, and I used to live together* and next door to us was bir George Harris and his son, Graeme Harris, such a nice boy, .t'\vo" years older than myself., He would be eleven .now, and'l'm nine," 'said May, nappily. : . '•'■ • . ' •■ ' . * ''■Why, I am Graeme Harris, but everyone calls me Prince Graeme, and for three years now I have been prince," sail Graeme, proudly. _ How is that?" cried May, jumping up ana flown, and very -willingly Graeroo explainedieverything,;including details.' _ By the time Prince Graeme had: finished fefs story tliey wore at the castle, and when they went inside,;they met the King) who recognised May aiid said: Why,, you are Sir Henry's long-lost niece, and he has been looking for you for three years," and then she told the king what she. had-told Graeme only very proudly. .That night May spent in the castle, and next morning Graeme took her to her uncle's house; • Ten years passed, and the two children, now. grown up, woro married and they became King:and,Queon. People said/"What a marvellous Queen' ; May and what a wonderful King Graeme," which they loved to hear Graeme never called May, Queen May, but "Tlie Maid of the Valley," which ho thought was. prettier and sweeter. ■ .

A LUCKY FALU

; (Original.)

' ''■ Janet was sobbings-sobbing as if licr heart would brqaj:, former mistross, » ; very kind widow, ;had! given her noticethat'she could no longer keep, her as a . servant girl. No, not boeauso she had fulfilled' her? dutias carelessly, but because her' mistress ' had grown -poor. Janet was not thinking of herself, but -" her >aged mother, who "was depending '.-' on her daughter's few shillings •• ; :-; - It was a very tired and hoart-broken Janot that olimbed into bed that oven,- '■-'■ ing^: She lay awake for hours, thinking,: before the peacefulness of slumBer drove away dark thought. Morning dawned, a cold, moist day, with the trees moaning around the old • mansion,. Slowly, :she dressed and ■packed her: belongings, and, after hay • ing a very dull meal at jftidday, she tool? her bag and timidly made her way - upstairs to bid her mistress good-bye. ' . Whence was about half-way up, she ■ .tripped over, an odd piece of carpet, - She fell, bumping her head on tho floor, ■and she feewnft i»pre. ..." - :■- ffSi.e'B;i<!OJningi round,"; whispered the These: were the first words that-she bjßard. ; just, then^her mjs- '■', tress entered the"; room holding some papers. ■■■ , .■■■ ■■ ■'. ' . /"This," she saUl,,'sbft]y, "is your master's ; will. It-^was found ; beneath ,-. the carpet that you tripped over, so .you may need no longer leave,me," . Janet* made a swift recovery and regained ber healtl; rapidly, thanks to a , capable' doctor, ' • . ! "TINKLE b'SBRY" (12). ; Lower Hu.tt. . ' ; ■;.,..■..

LOVELY THINGS,

. (Original.) Have you seen the violet,

Nod |ts purple head, As tho fragrant breezes ; . Whlßoer through Its bed? Have you seen the dawn break, • ■ .: Crimson,.gold, and red? ... Have you seen a ralnfcow ' '• :'■ ■ ■•;■ When tho rain has fled? Have you see a streamlet Babbling on its way? .. - Have you heard the birds' song , ■■;■■ At the break or day? > Have you seen the sunshine : ' Gleaming through the trees? ' The world is full of lovely things. The loveliest are these. , aty> V. ! "RBD-WING" (16), :

"0 machine! made by man, that's overcome air, ."You're;now carrying people from l»erp to there.' 'And' soon, '■ in very short time to come, '; "You'U-carry pegple from hern to tlia sun, ' "0 machinal made by m».n,a& you fly through tho air, ■ . "On mornings bright and day 3 that are fair, "What are your thoughts of the crowds down' below? ■;■■■■.: "Of flows that aro creen but soon wIU bp / BUpw? .*;■■ •■' . " : '.'','■"•■;'.' ; ■ "9 machine/i mada'by wan,' thai flieg Hka'a ■'■ :haWK, '■■'■■ '■' ■■'■ ' :■■•'- ■■ ■■■':',. .': j VI. often wonder what you'd say IE you'd, tali? "You-fly round tl!e world and come back again, '"Bringing your pilot honours ant) famo. . • ■■ "0 machine 1 niado by man, I'm afraid I must close, ,: ■ • ■ . , "Tour subject Is endless as everyone Snows : You're used by all nations/ and they cau't be wrong, , ■ . . "So it's now with a thought, I Eivo you this song/ . ' . Kgaio. .: .-XA-.8." (!«•:.-

SMILE AWHILE

A tALE 01: ;SpIVIE CHEESE

THE SASJE OPPORTUNITIES. Father was very disappointed; ho was also inclined to ba angry. "Jack," he said, "I see from your report that you are again at the bottom of the class" 'Xever mind, Father," satd Jack. "Ihey teach tho same thins at both ends." HONOURS EVEN. The youne man was Inspecting liis seaside apartments "I'm afraid this Is liardly what I expected from your advertisement," jj e rera arliod. "Is that so?" said the landlady. "And I'm afraid you are hardly the eeutlcmaa I expected from your letter." TEMPTING THE FISH, Tho village simpleton was one Cay seen fishing by tho rector. •"Good morning, Sammy," said the rector. •{Why do you'use an apple as bait? (You oliould oso a worm." ' '. "But, sir," protested Sammy, "tho norm Ib In the apple.", SOMETHING TO,BE THANKFUL FOR. .'The customer 'was tirqd of-w ( iltin ß fie stopped tho-waltcr, who tv.is about to pnis by. I say," lio'oaid, "I mpposs I can bit lioro untilll starve?'' > "I'm sorry, pir; but you cannot," lrpllcd tha waltci. ,"Wa close at eleven." , i THE CHATTERBOX. Tho doctor was telling a lady how to talco her small son's temperature, "Place tlio thermometer under Peter's toniruo and get him to keep his mouth, closed for two nunnfes." he saJd. ~ ... , "Haya you one that takes rather longer V asked trie lady. ,

(Original.)

"Now, my dears," said Mrs. Mouse ito her four young ( chiWron, "I must , go out and hunt 'fo* food, as our supply IB very low." So bidding good bye to her four young ones, .she startad off on her search for food. • Entering a hole in the aide of the , den .which served as a sheltered, quiet, ;. and comfortable home for her, she made ~ her way along a dark passage that seemed to be never-ending. At'last, however, the dark yielded, , revealing a wall of light, and Mrs. > wuso found -horsolf in a spotlessly 1 eloan. parlour, in tho middlo of which • was a table covered with delicious dam. ' tigs. Among them stood a big block of chceso, , ; creoping^up to whoro th,o ' cheese stood, Mrs, Mouse made one. grab at it, arul pulled it off the tabla—but '. alack! Peter tbo cat had been spying ' ou tho littlo mouse and, seeing his j chance, rushod after her, but Mrs. r'Mouse was too quiclc for him and ( ' slipped through tho holo by which she had come, taking a large pieco of f . cheese 'with hor, jinfl a few minqte_s later four hungry mouths wero being - fea with, a big block of cheese. ° \ City. "PX3PDIN" (Ig), .

SWEETMAKER

"NEW PJXIES . ~.

Bazaar Tofl!ee.-N-Hal£ lb goldoa syi-up,: }Ib brown sugar, 2oz butter, teaspoon'ful essence of lemon. _Melt tho butter in a saucepan, then stir m syrup and sugar, boil fast -for tpn minutes, Stirling all the timo. Removo from fire, add essence of lemon, pour into flat buttered tin, and before hard cut in squares, roll in icing sugar, thon place on,flat dish to harden.

-*:!lT!2 l*r". <w * upwr hum . 59*"jf* (8) •••••• «••*« Hutt - ,' •*• «• «■!•»"• «> .......; l,ow«r Hutt *:• W" <M>. ..».;;.j ..:» N>'ai. v "Omrjl|-Li«y»;(7) ,", tfewtowji. .. j** *«•«*•" <«) ,* ', lower Hutt (/

♦'LANOASHIBE LASS" (14). Moeia.

"PATTY AND THE QUEEN

(Original, by "Biddy Bumpkin," 10, Lower Hutt.)

Patty was a little girl who lived in a pretty cottago ia » quiot village, and one day she disappeared. This is what' happened to hor. Sho went into the Holds, and suddenly sho heard a voice behind her. Patty turned

Patty hurjiod as fast as sho could, and was soon ready. "Now," said tho Queen, "my." Patty booh found licisolf -nhizzing through tho air. "What a wonderful thing it must bo to be a fahy,'^ thought Patty happily. "llfTO we are," said tho Queen after a while. Sho raised a whistle- to her ■lips and blq-vy a long, shrill blast, and Patty.igrcw [as small qs tho Queen. A' stately footman appeared and opened .a door/for them, ....-•

','Oomo on in," said tho Queen, and sho went up.fliglits and flights and, still more flights of stairs.;At last they camo to a, tiny door, Tho Queen inserted a key and Vinlockod.it,, and wont into a tihy'pa'ssago, which was no -biggor'than a poa. Thou they wont out at the hall into a ballroom. In that room thero wero hundreds of fairy, folk. The Queen led Patty up-a few steps to tho throne, and sat, motioning Patty to do tho same. But sho only burst, into tcaTS. ; "I can't dance," sho sobbed,'"and besides, I haven't a. gown!" "Patty," said her Majesty, "look down at your dross and sco if you liko it."1

Patty obeyed, and to hor amazement hor old frock was changed into a glistening, fairy gown. "Oh, thank you ovor so much," slio murmured to tho Fairy Queen., _ Then the- dancing began, Now wo must not forget that the Queen's namo was Titania, and she was wanting a sistor, and sho said, "I will call hor Mab." When Bupper tiroo came thoro was a lot of excitement, for there was a doliciou3 meal. By and by tho fairies' went home.

around, a littlo startled, and to her 6ur< . prise,she' saw a tiriyfairy wearing a .yello%r dresd'and a gold crown upou hor . head,, . J t-vK^'JC^attyi?,? said the fairy, '..'conio witb tne.' f:?■■-,'-/ ' " " ''" "Comei" said Patty, somewhat -nuzzlecU ''.Whercl'i _

■ "Now, Patty," saia tho Queen, "I want you to to my sister, and bo Queen on tho other sido of tho world. Your name shall bo Mab," So that ends my story, and if1 you hear more of Mab, you will know Low she camo into tlio fairy world,

"PLEASE . .

'High Jinks" and "Minnio Mouse."—Write Dorothy Lambert, 9 West Road, Northland, illlngton. - .

Will a twelve-year-old elf write to "Whlzzle Pop," I Fairview Crescent, Kolburn. "Apple Baby."- T .Write to "Hunca Munca," II Kokako Street. Taihape. Joyco Harris, Pukerna Bay, asks If any elf oun send her tha words of the songs '.'Teddy Bears' picnic" and "It's. Tuliptime in Hoiland.'. . '•;

"Bi!||a Dove" care of "Marltfold" Store, Lowor. Hott, a«ks for a neftfrlpncl qf between 11 and J4 years, who is Interested in reading anil Girl Guides,' ■ ■.

>M<Z2>«P<C^

LOTS ANDLOTS . . .

"Fairy Dancer,'! Newtown.—Wilfred will not ' au/peTtabb"^ Thero wi» ».° »-corner fur

Tow«er," Unner Hutt—Perhaps Cat Tom will tell hla story for Animal Page. :4, fairy whisppr told ,ma, that ho knows soma clever . tricks.- -' ■'_■ ; ■ .. ■ ■

"Mlsohlevous Gnome," Martlnhorounh —Your days wp packed as tightly as holiday trunks; I think we had better wait till - fho first . puzzle appears, elf.-. • "Hunoa-Munca," Tal- . hap?,—Good luck to tha Great Secret. Rehearsals must lie taken seriously, though.v " •'-■■•■ ■' "Wallflower," Brook* lyn.-^Cqpicß •' ape strictly not admitted to pw Jljng, pixie. , What about a pgenj frojn s'ou.j pep? ('Starbea!ji,Vv.;Mp«ra,_n4^ • Jolly., round of parr lies! •■•' T Hurry anil ;. eot.weUfngiiln, e\t. .. Tltoy'll- miss you. i ''Babyim,'!/ p»hiu--vjlanul. -f Snowballs '-'.Were v; almost as ■5: 'plentiful as fallon ; sfwvea' in autumn ;,7 <■'~; :and much moro! Interesting, weren't iVß«ba Daniels," Pahauv tanui.— X ahnll llsr, tfO every night next , wooh for your radio tuusic. it must .v,.,.1mv0 been a grand : ;•- ;d^!iqe, elf, ?!E«rn ■ Mgjtfen, I. Woera,v '•■•"•Quito correctly, ,rd!d ■; J'1.. 1"o,?' "ra'u".wia loft all alono. "Joan," Lyal| Bay.Wiiit was your.penname? perhaps tliero'a .1, muslnoom : SJIU; WaltJnc . ■;'••'■ somewhere, "Fld<lls»tlok«,'.'PMf<erua. Bay.—l UopQ they . . will ba sent Boon. What Jolly ryhmes. 'Bijlla Doya," Lower Hutt.—You'll ijavo to banish black shadows, t OOi plxle. Thero really Isn't a.mushroom (or them In tho King ' i 'Princess Overnlce," Mlramar,—Two paces of riddles and puwlcs. Tlipre's something for thlnhlng caps) . , : . •R.A.8.", Ngaio.—We'vo mado you one of the Blng, you see , . and wo'd lovo to see more poems, ■ ■■■-.■•■ •Wfilnle Pop," Kdhurn,—The story Is not quite up to standard, girlie. , 'Jho necklace was too easily found, , • "Paulette," Baltnont.—Baby Peter must bo a Jolly little .fellow. You havo choscu a dainty pen-name, new' pisle. ■ ; •Butterfly," Stokes Valley.—A jolly snapshot. You look liko a rreal butterlly poised in the sunshine.' . 'Water-baby," Kllblrnle.—Plans for a play are thrllUng '. . . and It would never do for the heroine to hare toothache! fßata," Übper-Hutt.—ly'o ; .'. pcrhapg bocauso mine is a /maßia' mushroom- ,'■ I do; 'hono Mummy is .well soon "

PIXIE PEOPLE

"VIOLET LADIES^' f

"More primroses! have found, Httlo! yellow topaa stars •reflecting their dainty frocks in .-tho raipdrope, And violets . . . dainty.ladies poking out their purple bonnets , for the dow to fringo with pearls>.;ina the night with Stardust." ..- .- ■ "ISAISY-DAWN" (14). Karori. .-■'. :-\

"A WINTER PICNIC"

"Qn Saturday; ouv club tboka tramp 'up t!io rQSQi-ye.,5lirst \v'o oamo upon a '•deep..pool of water, with a .thin-plank-boarding it; tlion, as it wound- up tHo hill, it bocßmq narrower and legs rapid. Its banks werp covered in peppery water-cress, and on either side of the putch sprung beautiful light green treeterns, whose : boughs /spread, iout up above -the rfest. Dozens of-ka^a kawa troos:sent out thejr fragrance to the enchanted world and th© daintyvleaf ed 'bridal-veil,' wiOn her slender branches of tmy, dull greon verauro, grew there. The track grew darker as wepciimbed round tho hill'smd we crossed '4ix little bridges, constructed of logs. When we1 reached the top wo lit si flro and cooked saveloys! They weregoo'd.l*' -; • , -. Earori, ' -' V : : ' _^ 'J

"STORY-MAKERS' CORNER"

'.. "Bjwto OwL'^Yomr little ■'story is quite Btiitablo.fqr the. Ring, elf,'and will bo printed'soon. ' ' '' ' ''' ■ '

"Butterfly."—A tale of fun that will do splendidly for Animal Page. : "Brownie Helpful.'^-More good worlc.. Tho ::dialoguo' is:- excellent. "Billie Dove."—Tho plot is not clear. You have clone hotter worlc. "Joan Y."—Tho story 'ends too abruptly, Joan. It needs more explanation.' ' '

"Shy Toodloi," Psulcaltarlki.—And so do I • ... It would be atraßßdy; But thero will be n>oro food for > them when tho -spring .comes.: .-,..•,- .... "Moonyoen," Hataitai.—Such warm thtnes . . .. thoao solden brown woolly squares. They shall bo sent to Aunt Molly,"Lollena," Upp«r. Hutt,-~Splend!d news, little elf. Toll- mo If you liked 'having two parts in the concert. : "Dancing Elf," Ngalo —Such a rierco cat he looks . . ,-lie must appear as a. tiger to that small mouse. Thank, ypu, dear. .. "Sleeping Beauty," GroytownT— Clever flngors ... and so much for ono small plxio to knit. "Sunkist,"' Greytown.—And you , too ... it must have beon a busy-family. ' "Harold Lloyd," Graytown^—When is tho cult competition, lad? I 'cpect she's a very handsome crcaturo pow. . -. ■ "Lassie," Kelburh—it Is high time Old Witch's broomstick found its way to tho Fairy King. Tho pow-wow Will bo about scrap bocks. "Marianna."—lt Is truly concerts .. , concerts, all tho way, for you. Practising Js jolly. Isn't it? "Two-Gun Lawson."—And what did you make ... btacket or box? Woodwork is a grand hobby. . "Golden Dell." Island Bay,—Tlicro aro so many Btorles that every pixie must wait her turn. Your 3 will be printed beforo long. "Purple Pansy," Seatoun.—The best puzzlesolver this week. They were subjects for thinking caps, "Apple Baby," Roseneath.—A hidden letter ... or was It posted later? It was a most absorbing "scrawl."

BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

RIDDU-ME-REE. Although I've neither legs nor fe«t, _ I'ni only useful whan I go; I have no tongue, but yet I tell "What-hundreds want tp fenow. ,• 'Tia true I liavj both face and hands, '-—And-'more, before your eye; . r W wlmn I go my body at»nds. And when J stand I i|o. JUMBUO GIRLS' NAMES.

1. AJon. 2. Etttcocnsn. "3, Anol. 4, Asem. r>. Yoordth. 0. Icuannl. 7. Ayrm 8 Lmyol. a. IJdayur. IQ, Yipell "QUICKSILVER." ADDING LETTERB, . STBMS. PRINT. SAPPER - To each of the above words add another lettor, rearrange them, and mako three words meaning order} a vegetable: possibly.

A gushing lat)y ollfl° said to Sir James Barrio: "I do so lovo your play I'etcr l»iin. Are, all your other'plays equally successful?" ■ Batrlo mado the dry comment': Madam, tho other plays either I'ctcr out or Pan out. Itoscncath*

t There is a new friend for you to meet tonight,. She is dusky* skinned and lovely-inker gay skirts of rose silk, her little check shawl that holds a coffee-skinned baby to her back, and the wicked green tiki shining at; her throat. We have called her mmkaa ivlnch means beautiful lady," \ "' ~ .Hinekoahas stood for long months upon the cupboard be, side my desk, but she has never been properly introduced:; except to pixies iuho come visiting to the Ring.. V -Now, listen carefully, elves-ofrthe-Ring, I think perhaps Him boats a wee bit tired of being only a decoration. Nobody likes tQ live vtily to be looked at. Suppose ioe give for something to do. As you know, at Christmas-time we think of our gift-list as well as: scrapbboks, and, with, one little day playing hop, skip and jump with another, and the weeks running races with the months, Christmas will be here before you can say "James James Morrison Morrison." But we shan't be caught. We'll start think' ing now . . . beside the fue on stormy nights . . . or curled up on the window seal on rainy Saluidays . , . and we'll make plans for Hmekoas cupboard. «p' "M, oonycw' fas sent the first gift, a parcel of warm brown squares. They will be sent away this very moment, ,cos many little people need ivarm covers while Jack Frost is about. I shall give Hinekoa a special place in the Ring on most Saturdays, with a sketch and a description of a gif( for her cupboaid... , but of course you may carry out your own ideas as well.

And while you are thinking deep thoughts about gifts you will not forget our Animal Page, which is very near. Stories drawmgi, and verses must leach the Ring by next Saturday. : And now, goodbye for another week. , . I

JAIRIEL. ' %

IPWS FROM THE RING

"A WHITE WITCH"

"Quite a thick coat of snow fel) last week, Joa» and I, .built, a. 'white witch' on tho lawn complete with broomstick and tall bat. She stood for several days, but finally I knocked her head off with a snowball and Gooff took a spocial delight in finishing hor oft' with tho tomahawk. Cruel villain 1" "HUNCA MTJNCA" (15). Taihapc. .

A NEST LIKE A BASKET

_. A little girl wont one day into a cornsold m England and, saw. fastened to several stalks of wheat, a round basket skilfully woven of grass and reeds. In size aud shape it was rather like a goose's egg, and. the. grass.and.and reeds had been split into vory fine' lengths. This beautiful piece of work was tho nest of, the harvest mouse, which is saia to build the. prettiest »t»4 aaintiest nest Of any manjinai in the world, There is no visible opening, so the mouse must get in by Bqueeaing its Uttie tody between the meshes.. : '

The test is mora «r less transparent, tlie yoiipg njice inside are quite visible from the outside, and. though it looks fragile.it J4 surprieingly strong.

THINK TWICE

GUESS ME! ■•Wj»t -Mnw-of tl>« Bight will cats come Ja Rt«.? 6» fr nt do°f'—W>w> tney flnd It,open. W)i*t is grass J T Tne wWsfcws of the earth. Wnat l 9 » hlHJ—A'paddoelf wjtn «, back "ANSWERS FOUND BY . ,'. ; » . /,*?? J7 ..nS.t^ be? to" (>l3)' ""W6 Gladness" (12). "OrtjeWa" {«), "Purple Pansy". (U). "Marlanna" <H) »ncj, "Two-gun. I/awspn" (18), found the harder puwles. last week's answers. Hidden took: Dictionary. • ' Hidden town's:-'P»rls, Boms, Cairo, Milan. Hidden flowers; Hollyhock, cocksfoot, toxglpva, carnation, dandelion, sweet wMlnm lartBpur, chlckweed, ■ English towns: Swunwe, ToabrWge, Barnes, KUverton.

fHE BAND

(Original, by "Pbiiiiy Ha'penny," 12, Hataitai.)' **O ■Thn^hrr,l^ "iV"* °S tJ"S What C*« W 9 .pl»yf» sighed Bob. ?»I Z &T° gazing dolofully out °* the wndfw. * three. , ° ' Vay &t °owb°ys '■■" sai<i Tim, the youngest of tfco IJThat'B a boy's game," grnmWca Meg. ; ■ v^« ™bif n VOll't^ *t° instruments," said Meg. B^h i,JS h n^ vo>, Wttit>wo ana I'll get them."' • I3ob returned a fow minutos lator with'a tin tray, a fryin* van Ywliich ''What's that for!" inquired Meg. ' : "A drum, of course. " "o/eZr'fr^ i*gftilff.P t0 Bob WOUW have **.■*«« bo he said, tray^itV^S^im." 3- WM airangea' "*Ut X baven'fc »ytJii»gto hit the ,na lSS s'JAt- s 'Z s a miante'" and Bob darted dOWII tho stairs Kin ß A*wk^firh aJ!Jl, B, tlfi af- T ho first tuno ** PJayea "Qod Save the Sfor hoSdZ hd^ Übu?Sd S iSe rre OgniSea Tll° flUWwft>ishe !uid' 3 ffiater^w 1110," 015? than »co.them .quarrfil-ana sulk all day, "

RULES OF THE RING

3' Aor facopiSS y whethar your work l * orfalnal 6 Thrßln^iUl r.it!. 9J'». l<!»LQ' **" »»"'r.

.Ineouf fey Anthony Tre«4we|| (||J,

•' • -OF RING TONIpHT

< e*W'" clo«<l." N|alo>—A Pretty thought ot Jack Frost's gtars in tiie trees, Try to make ft proper yerss of it, dpar, "Omen of thp O»WU," Lyill Bny.-^i, tody Sw?Wsie?' PPt or|s"1' ll« <Wte 1)e"c F "Brownie Helpful." Newtown-Why do letters pot lost in brothers1 and fathers' pocketsv nris Sn \hC * Si amP ' ' alld a" pxcitlns Bur" "Popny Oueen," Island B»y.—ls itT I've always wondered, and once I asked my Chief btor> toller, buj; he dnin'J tejl mq that. "Se»tefc Thistle." Proo|tlyi !l _lt WAS a purs " cure,: wasn't it. We'U print it one Saturday, elf, "M»rry Mlchatl," BrepKlyn, — "Hanny Keturos" for birthday sis, Laddie, Thanl? you for the little Terse. "C«Wb«y Kan.". Brook. IX»«—W« print only

•'.-■ our,:, own verses, Ken.' • ■ Coulijn't " yqu ; try .tq write a very ■•.•.-.?!»Prt.-.ppff,-- •»■■".■ "Hi«H; Jinks," Brapk- ; lvn,—4n(i ppw you'jl bp.able,'to compare ■ 'notes;;, will: be ; muc)) : -jiibie interest- • it>B.^ , Is ,\t-. "diet, v f n.lly?, hard {o prac■tJse?, '■" • ■"' "Te WKswakp," fe!ld-J ; iBB.^-Pflnter Man . \yandQreS i why '■ l ~ Ipg^ea -so pleasedl ..,'.lia didn't guess it was because you liad i written sucb n jolly verse. : '■ I

Ruth Murray,—Do "you .want to ba an e)f, .;oHM-p«B,' c!UW|e? If ■ you do, please ' send your ago and Bddress. VSwcet Lav- •• endej", Belongs,.., . '-'Raspberry prop," Northland. !-I,u<;ky second try. Always v send answers to •'Pop the Penguin," Uppei Haft-^-l 'snect Darby li^ s looing for a"."Sent«re tal In* the Tin °!C9 fflt worw caught "^ 'K«y Francis," Ploton.-^-Th? eketch la we iil done plsie, but the1 subject la not BUlfftble for tbo Bins. Will -youjsend Bonjetilot! else? ••Gpldllook|,». Newtown,—Splendlder sn d splea. alder (If tliero were suet) a word). .Is tha snowman our friend Santa Claus? "^T 1 G«W«.I 'Kllb|rnl«^-Yes, always your ago, elf. Stories may be any longth, -from tUrea hundred to twelvo hundred words. "*■'?'?, pladn««'" Karorf.—A llttia lost corner of Fairyland. . . . How do you always find

BETSY JAMI

I don't like Betsy June at ill— '"'■ ";' She always Is so good— •;■« .i *- But Just does Wnji.«taV«i|«|,-;v-.: She'll never play py i»me» with ;in»-^ She says they're much toerouih, v She always has a handkerchief,: And when it's geld. • fliyfT, , ; But one day wheni »h» ca W e to play, really looked so clean-, ■ That | Just eoiildit't help it-4.' A I pushed her in our •tr««inl'r Bur when the |rown-ups saw ho* . They »«nt. me. str»ilht to led. , '*»M«!jf M* ha«e«*et ftr {*■.«, While I had. plaJn dry kregdl •

, ,■■/ j "BEAUTY, 1? , A iqng white ioai}, » ftiu, * ' ?Ua eveijjng- Bilenbe, quiet,.still; A golden row of the daffodil ■ . 'TJs beauty,; C-'\ ■':■ A.r°w^?f Poplars, swaying trees,' B wWsperln? sigh'of-a tiny breeze; ■ miß; first fe?l of s pr|!jgJr. the air; . ■' 4. bunch'of viplets glowing fa,lp: A.l^H^and a^JppUng btpqWet there; . T'>a first dim grey of anotlierv dawn ■ " The rosy glint of a Bmiling morn:' ■■, ■'■■■ ■'■■ The darling fr? S n pf ftß^nierild lawn,,'. The.stars that qqme to brlsb'ten the gty.- • A proud youns moon sailing.high. The peace that^comes from a, flay isone'py.

GUESS THESE!

w » y« s a scfoolbpy pelng flogged Uko your ■, 9^ '#Mfs:t*U -Hka pt a : ™~; B? ca, 11,? B '%& fa^tfiest from' &?*<>**. _ What is the difference between a cook and COOkS ttE *°W iJ^t PH«ht Irelana betftericheat; country in

"Vayolette," City—You will soon be a storymaker, little elf ... aud.the writing was ■ the neatest ever.

■"■■■'■• fhVSn RDfftEß (12). tJ%?\ *? °ii B0?t daC«WP«» M«e of the year to go Into the country?— When thr trees are Bbootjhg and tbo buljiushes out. r no, ftf the "tbe4tre : (onlßhif'-iTha

\ . , "QUICKSILVER," Wlipn Js the soup likely to run out of tho saucepan?— When there Is a" leek In It. Vhyls It dangerous to take » nap'in a train a train ptlwuys runs over sleepers, .■: . ~... -: . ■ -.., , , .

OUR SNOW MAN

(Original.) ■ Como and Bee our snowmpn! ; I He's sitting on the ground; ■ ;' A. "better ono I'm suro you'll nevqr see.His board is long and whitoj He holds a big bag tight, ; Ncnr, can you toll us who. he's meaiit to be? ■ : ' ; "GOLBIIiOCIKS" (9).' Jfewtowo.

WMch js" tho strongest day of the ■(reelf?^Sunday, because all the others are -week-days. What flower most qlpaely resembles a'bull's mouth?rrA cowslip. t. : ;..-....,,-. ;, '■

Why did the heft cross th^rogq?—To get to the other side. ■•■- ' ■- ■

What Is the difference between 'tt Kick elepliant and a desfl bee'-i-One Is 11 eeedy beast, and tUe other ts a bee deceased. • ; Why is a tad picture like weat teif—Bß--cause it is not well drawn.

THE GARDEN IN THE SEA

"Gr|s»|fU," city.— A good place ~ . but thero were thirteen better ones, I am sure you mean toi work-very, hard nest. term. "Pixie Wallflower," Brooklyn.—Not yet .'~ . but "toucli wood"! Thank you for tho'tulo of King Loo and thoas monks. "Green Linnet," Ohiro Bay.—A truo story, of courso: . . , and did you hear of the kit who put her head in the jug then couldn't take it out again? '•

"Dancino Lady," Newtown.—Welcome, Bettlkhis! Yes, all work must bo pixies' own . . . that is original.

"Blinking Billy,"' Lower Hutt.—Are you? ' I , wonder what hind of an animal. , , . ire all those kisses for me? .

There has 'recently. b,een opened iv tHe Bermudas a, real rock-garden at the bottom of ,^ho sea, ;Jt;;:iias been laid out by ajying. landscape'gardeners, and food is put out .in ; oir3p.j;;t]?. attract, all sorts - offsea erQatui&gf ■■''fejffii, -' t >. ! ; i To visitSthifin^^rparKSJg'" not. jsoi .easy as fa ; tufeifltb tnlKJJqtanical Gardens, bu{rtksrjo^a submarine <wijth a plentifuJvgupplysp(.vvrindowß)teacly ib take one flown/or it is possible "to dreiss up as a diVer andtgo wandering about with a diorer ;^«ide; ■ '£%'

"Smudgy," Karorl.—l'd loto some Hollyhocks like thosa In my earden. Some day we'll print one of your pictures'lll our Ring Page. "Tiptoe," Lower Hutt—l wonder how she likes farm life . . , very well, I think, with bo much.fresh warm milk to drink, "R«d Manuka," Lowtr H»tt~Net y«t, but I hope to. , . . It Is a m»slo carpet way of travelling. ~ "B|u« Eye?," HatalUf.—A very serious poem for a ten-year-Ojd . . . but beautiful. Do you over try to make your own? "Latona," Lyall Bay,—They are just beginning to fade. Oh, but the Rims has been a. fragrant placo, became of them.

POOR LITTLE TOE.

\alls were heard coming from the nursery, what's the matter, darling?" üßked mummlc, as she burst opeu the door. "Tvo hurt my toe," walled the infant. , Which one?" queried mummle. 'Oli, the youngest one," was tho mournful reply.

; Betty Marchlntfajit sewing. She was tall andif«HS;M^;jiear]y 15; years old. About hal^anJSpur later, Betty threw down hep BewW^paying, "Oh, I'm sick of sewing! : Til run over and have a gajn^ qt |e^nis with Clara." i

•■;' Quickly*g]j£ ojjajjged, and soon she appeared^^ClaTf B Lombard's .homo, dressed j#£a^hia£=green. hat and ;a white silk^«[r,eM, Jaa'4.r.carrying her tennis rack£t;^V;v^.4>g^ \'. ' ■ ' . ; ■ "Oh^c^m^iiiji^ettyJ" said Mrs..Lombard. ffQlami is:Jups|airs, but you cau go up '4n4v:Jiuirrjf,:idr,'*iv*.\ ■' - Clar^ Lombard wa3:an only child, and henco she had everything she desired, She was exceedingly pretty, and it was a wonder that she was not spoilt. Betty. -shq admired very much, fpr sho (Botty) -< had tQ do all her housework, apd stili wahaged to get to school in timo. -:": '- v :-'-'■.

"Betty," she said. "Will you sing for us after tennis? Muni is having Mr, James, the great ginger,' to tea. Will you, dear?" . '

"Of course," paid Betty, "But, you know, my voice isn't much, and. I don't feel like singing before ■ '•" ' "Nonsense!" said Clara. "You're going to sing." Betty was the lucky, possessor of a remarkably clear and eweet voice, and she could sing and play with feeling. "What will you singf" eaid Clara, after tennis, ,

"I don't know," said Betty. "I haven't any music." ■■■■'."" .

"We've got plenty. Come and meet Mr. James." .

"Mr. James," said Clara, "this is Betty Marcnant, my boat friond,- and she is going, to sing for us.?' "Sing this, Betty," said. Clara.. "I love it, and I beard'you playing it yes« terday." Soon Betty forgot the nervousness sho felt. She entered into tho-heart of the song, andsangas she

JQCE: A TEUE EEIEND

(Original, by "Mary-Maire," 14, Betoije.)

AS the clock of Whittington town tolled midnight, two figures-stole put of number five dormitory of Nielson's College, elimbetl put of an open, window, and made their way through the shadowy trees to the gates. Joeelyn ierrjs, tho new girl, wakened with a. start as she heard a creaking board, and found the dormitory flooded with moonlight. She tiptoed to the winflo\v,-and opened it stealthily, and surveyod the scene below/ The, playing field and tho spacious lawns, deserted of their girlish occupants, we/c lonely and silent. The moonlight cast shadows hero and there, and the scene seemed to Joce to bo a picture of black and white. . ■ ■ A cool breeze stirred-Joce's black locks and caused her"to shiver;' and just as sho was going to close the window she caught sight of two -figures » passing through the gate. She stood still. She knew quite well that the wrongdoers wero her new chums, Nancy and Olive, and her ■thoughts turned to yesterday, when Jean Belston had dared Nancy and Olive to walk around the lake, at; TOdnight snd to -pluck a wild flower as proof of their daring. So, jnused Joee, Nancy: and. QHvo had gone, . They werajust .that port. - She ga?ed after them dreamily and then turned to go to bed. Then it wag that ' a temfie thought struck her. Miss Wilde, the junior mistress, was going to the boathpuse dance! "Oh," thought Joce, "Nancy and Olive will bavo forgotten and she's puro tq see them." Quickly she tlirusfc her shoes on and MKdressed herself, flmging a, cgat over her shoulders. She stole out the window, following Nancy and Olive, "Lucky," thought Jpce, 'fthat"Nt»ncy and Olive broken^ ltflSg^^S ly TC^ihm'" ani 6 Sil?n?? «,*» »^Vas fvnm'rt Ta'i Cv! 01 ".,cr^ d- Joee, and slio caught up to thom,a iittle way fipm the lake. ,«<Jo C e,».cned Olive, "What in tho world-^—» said Nancy? n^rtt fn".?! 18*. C^wMi" S. aid Joco treathlessly, "Miss Wilde's qt-the party tonight." "WhatJ?* cried Nancy and OHvo together. "Yes,'* gaid Joee, Mdon't you remember," "It majves no aifferCnqe?' paid Nancy CfiWly. "We ro not going,to Jet Jeai» Be]s|on think that wp'/e cowards, Come on Olhe," and then, perceiving the Uurf Jook i n Joce's.eyes', ghe said Wort gently "?ou can't come with us, Joee, 'cause we'rq dared, not you. But yonTcaa warn us," "Thanks," sajd Joee, and without word.^y anoVOUv^4nt pu, and she made her .way tp the boathguse. ; :\ • f ' •■ nnti,w } w™&'fo* ?»J»utes Joe? had crouched outgide; ; tno boatbouse, hearing nothing but the m US i c and. laught§r inside, and the ripple, of the la^eflaten minutes" wt^ N > oy "^ 'OUye «PP™««*fflg m th^distance^only I few minutes' watch now. Joce stretched bar cramped limbs. Soop she would b» racing home with Nancy and Olive, and then——, - • "OU4a, D*. Joce's heart beat more quickly. Was that not Miss Wilde's, laughter? Wm flwt, npt bervoxce saving MYes, I've had a most enjoyable^timlfthank I 9 ?__^^ ftnguished. Miss Wilde here; and Nancy and Olive almost ivFn ,WhaV° uy.*»,;*>» Then a peculiar whistle sounded. Joce M Miss Wlde.'g exclamation, b H t phe did not care, for Nancy and Olive'were "sure to hear that, and vphg was positive tbat Miss Wildp could not see Her hidden in the sbadoiv of .fte boathouge, Soon Miss Wilde "started her car, and wtfs lost in the. distance, and soon three sleepy heads ; were fast asleep on three waiting

' '*Joce," said Nancy the following day. "You were a sport."' •"■ •'Oh, J™-"" said Joee shyly, . "• ,- • " ' - ■ i i "You were," said Olive, Unking arnvinJoce. "I;- think ' ypu h6 tha '' truest fnend we can have," said:tfaney; following Olive's'example '"I'm glad you thmk so.'.'iaid Jpce,:a§, they went away together arm in arm.'

A, TRIP TO FAIRYUNP

(Original.)

Betty gtuart wag lying, in ' a ham•mock -iTftga^ t}ny elf dressed jn;emerald grgeh leaves beetpped.-- tq, hep and sa^a, 'fCprae, Betty, fpllpiv- inc."

/So Betty fpllowed the elf, Mosa name was Simgljine, down some-biff, white gteps inte p, loyely ■gardpu.^wjiera fairies danced in ; a ring singing ■ this song s if Weleeme, .welepnie.: We welcpme lypu tpday,'l. ■: ?. _ -■ _■■$.; '< ... ► • Then one fairy called Sunnie'said to Betty, "Ceme; Betty, jem with ns; and " dance tp these catchy tunes. "

They then had ;Bettv was' given an' aeern'.. cut> • filled with glistening dewdreps, 4 dear little leaf as a. pjate, the dearegt "tiny cakes covered "with ;.ppllen'rAnc[; honey, r; ' ' At last came" the'time to ib to see Qwen.fairigj-; tA BUgj^sOTßd7 was !*?*?# *Q' far-»«--WHSi-anii 0* S,M?*9' icpmps^Jier^Maiestyj»» /At i Mr* *? ni W1; * voice; w4s T heard paying, «fßallo r . Betty,' J'nx-et.er; sp./feiad to S?P youj. Weleonie-tQ Fairyland," V^Upt' then.rMrg,' StflarS '^m§ out |o,B<itty, ana wpkcher tip togay that tea was ready, , ; - "■•■:• .'" Betty, wanted : to know where the; fairies, bad gone, ajia. ghe.' tpld'thq talo <°wW r ther ' :Wh?,. Jaugh.ea jw4 saidy ~,Why, getty. 46ar,. you Jiavg beeli --"...; ■,:/: r ,.^ But if you .believe in ialriei.and are gqod,- perhaps, pnq, day yoit.wjli visit Fairyland., You pevpr ■ knpw, ' '. ' .

"LITTLE GLADNESS (11). '. Karori. '"' '•''.'..•:-.-—'■■■■—■■: '; j

§AM AND THE LAMB

,'' ', •■ ; (Original.) x There was _onpe 'an' el? tailed Sam". Now'poor Sam had been sent away from Fairyland because the Queen gaid he had tea^gd ft butterfly. Of. qgurse! you Know that e}ye 3 and fairies,are"not allowed tp tease any creatures.- / r He' walked and ■ rwalked,;' *%& then he , became so '.tired- that her lay dqwn, ■and.went to sleep. /•><.,. ;■-, Ho had not J?e§n aslQop'long before he heard a ."Ba"-a-a, ba-a-a!" '■'■'■ ■"; - /"It must.be .alittle lamb^VJie said, just then, the ltimb"eame joundthe cor j ncr. It lpt. Sam stroke it, and became quite friendly. Then suddenly Sam saiv a mark on its back. "You belong to tho farmer elf who- lost - his lamb," said he. So off went Sam and the lamb to the farmer's farm. - 1 \ ... : ;■',. v The farmer, was so gi-ateful/that he begged the Queen of theFairieg'tp let Sain come baj?X'.'to fairyland.l And. so: Sam went to Fairyland again;"'After a while thqi Queen, found that it wasn't Sani who teased the Bntterfly, and so he Jived happily ever after. . . -:; v "FABBY QUEEN** <10), ! Kelburn. . , •..,; r ; . ' \

"ABOUT SAMCiA^; i

. "We're learning.atont"the'iSsijiwsnS this. .week. We've got : fpite ,a lot of Samoan things at "scnool, "We'yo had them a long time, 'We've gbfc siva skirts, Samoan mats that wq eifon^and; a fan that'we use every morning 0* the circle, to count the children.", r Ngahau Sphool, ~. ,)_':■•■- -^.;'.:- x ■' ■-I '■''■ - : ■'-• ■ ■'.■■:■: \ .'■ '■■: v ~. .-.-.

BETTY'S LUCK

by "Mary Marie," 12, Petone.)

had never sung'ibef ore,' ..,..•'." '_' Splendid," said, Mr.'Jamesi-^"Xoii certainly have the makings of ft siager,

in you. I would, like to upeak td.your father," , . ■ . ~; When Mr. Marchant camo home that night ho mot Clara and Betty witi Mr. James, t(ilking'cseitedly.\"He Mas so surprised when Betty:told him that Mr, Jamos was going to train her that ho did nofc notice that; she was home so late. Now Betty has a voice ■which" is known and famed throughout; tht country. " - ■'.-.-. .._»_„'-