SPRING IN THE RING

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 114, 10 November 1934, Page 20

SPRING IN THE RING

BRENDA'S LUCKY BIRTHDAY PRESENTS s m < ■■»

(Original.) BBENDA'S bii;thd»y was«o.n Tuesday, and she would be nine. Today was Moaday.-andl she kept on wishing that Tuesday wonia hurry up and come. Next morning when Brenaa awoke, she found the early sun . streaming into her window. She quickly dressed and^ ran, downstairs to go to her mother's bedroom. . si \ ' '. .> <~, . Xv , J ? In the hall she met her father. When ho saw her ho said, ''Many happy • returns of the day, Brenda," and she gave him a big hug. She then went into her mother's room. Her mother was awake, and when ehe saw Brenda she said, "Many happy returns of the day, Brenda dear. Look what; I have got for you." ,When Brenda .went over to see, she gasped, MOh, Mummy!. , She saw a lovely little baby brother in a white robe. '{Well, how do you like 1 y°ttVhen Brenda had seen the baby she went down to her breakfast, and on her plate was a present. She eagerly opened the parcel, and "^ saw it was a lovely big doll dressed in knitted clothes from Daddy. After breakfast sh? want to pick some flower* for her mother. She saw the postman coming up" the path, and she ran to- him. P "Miss B. Kobinaon, isn't itt Well, this is for you." Brenda took the parcel and ran inside to her mother. Opening the parcel, was % lovely bathing outfit. Inside was a note saying, "With best love from A*) nin the" afternoon she had six girl friends into teal They all brought her a present. There were handkerchiefs, books, a pair of socks, and a pair of rfoves. They all played games and had a good time, and when the party came to an end firenda declared it was the beat birthday she had ever "Pent> "ALPINE VIOLET" (13). Moera. '

tHE TOUCH OF SRRINO j I

"The Spirit of Spring - is--back again," said all the flower*! together, as A sweet maiden came gaily .tripling through the trees. "It look* ca though Persephone is on earth again," said the Weeping Willow; by a little stream. Tha sky was putting on its radiant blue dresa with touches Of white which resembled iheep that graze ,oa the hillside. The"waves on the beach curled on .the golden sands as though they were bowing to greet hdr. The mountain' peaks too bowed and greeted her. The snow on them still looked wintry, and not' at r all like Spring, but she. had only to, touch it with her warm, gentle hands, and it melted and trickled down the fides Of the mountain. The fair green leaves wer.e bursting on the trees. The birds in them twittered jn^ aang^over "their newly-made nestEjv •,,• < « ? Her clothes wire" very* beautiful* On hex* tiny feet she w;or>. sandals of pnm- ■ rose petals. CloseijifKeld^about her was a cloak of mistletoe... Jftflr ctofn, was fixed over her gofaenlHair and being of snowdrops rang sweet music. Her dress,.lung, in Jrills.'of-.silver gauze. Her wings shone like butterflies in the sun. One day Spring was walking in a meadow, when she saw the first summer roses. ' 6ha knew it was the last day of her reign, and that she ' ' "BBIAR HOSE" (11). Lower Hutt.

COOKERY NOOK

♦ ■■'■■■ Butterscotch.—Half cap »vgar t ',2 t«bie«poonVViriegarV X of "Gutter, and a pinth of talt. Boil until brittl« and then, turn 'out.-

1°; . thb a-.-

r. ■ '-'«»iii'nai.y> "' »V #> OnVnlghtfrom mr window I happened.^} epj A tiny wee fairy Hiding the sky , t ' 'v On a glistening silver moonbeam .she ,rode," And when she saw me she gift ,4 ktfjd nod. She leapt off the moonbeam, «n to> my hand, And I could only gasp and stood. , , StockstllJ, for f««r »h«'d f«H<««f» »ou,ieei-^ But one jumped down' again an*,»»mlUd at me She said, "So doubt you frl»Jit»a»d n* , That I will fall down «»«t aftifar Off tHe wladowalll; but surilj you're heard That erery lairy can «T littk'bbtdJ1 * 1 answered not, for down t)rt^ hall % I heard my mummy loudly ..call. "Koßle, are you In bed I<&Zm? dear?" So we hastily parted, #^«ualdng with fear, , When mummy arrlTrf^Was tucked vp \n ted, And as for th« fairy—Well, »h« had J*!',^ To her moonbeam, «nd'«lled away In thft'aighl la the sleeping worlrf/'Uk* • silier U«ht. •--- ' T-jjVHitft TOX" (10).' Kapler. ,<■ r ) , -l'^. 15-^*,'!

SMILE AWHILE '

|MMtIMIMMt<IIIMHM| |T \ COMPEfmON . :»i

i '-', Book prixes will be given the ■■♦■ ;■: writers of the best stories and. -; '.' verses, which will be published .. • in the OhristmM Ring. -; , '• You may enter for: !; Senior Story (subject* suitable \ \ for Ohriatmas, not to ex- -• \\ ceed 1000 words). ;; -■ Senior Verse (suitable for Christ- ■- mas, and not longer than \ \ \'. 20 lines). Both senior com- ~. ' petitions for King People - - '; of thirteen to sixteen years. :; -. Junior Story (not to exceed <■ 600 words). . '// ' '. Junior Verse (not to exceed 12 ~ lines). Junior competitions - ■ are for Bing members of ;; I . twelve years and under. -" All competitors please" read '.'. *' ' the-Bules-of-the-Eing t very care- - - \ I txkU?i and see", that your work is T -■ signed "Original" by a parent. ■■ -• or guardian. All entries must be " * V. - at the' Ring by November-30.. tifMifMli'llMVllMtHUt'

—♦ HOW, INDEED* Mrs. Black: Mrs. Jones has * very bad habit. / Mm. White: Whafs that? Mrs. Black: She turns round and looks back every time we meet. . Mrs. White: How do .you know? HIS UNAIDED WORK. John's algebra homework was all correct, a most unusual happening. The teacher asked If there were a reason. ' > "Well, father's away from home thU week," <rai the reply. HC FOUND IT. - The builder's agent was showing them round a aew estate. Suddenly, stepping backward, Mr. Smith feU Into a hole. "I'm so sorry," said the agent, "1 meant to have told you about that hole." "Pray don't worry," replied Mr. Smith as h» scrambled out, ','l've fQ.und t U myself." A TIIfFLE. i The doctor .could find nothing wrong- with th» •patient,! ~ ,' '•• ' --' "Ther« must be'something wront;-,l can* help thinidng about myself," he ha* said. ,; i ■TTou ntust'teas« worrying about'(rifles," r#plfed the doctor firmly. > < ■ Suit In by "Golden Buttercup" (12), BroeklyM. Aunt Matilda! Are you sure you can cut your own meat.! Raymond? < -._?.«.. . . Small visitor:1 Yes. thanks. I'r*/oftea had It as tough aa*this,at home. -"J Smalt-girl/Do you^mtod »my 'white' mice " sl«splnf jWlth .you tonight, Aunty? I've got a ■' cold and I don't want tlfem to catch' it. . < ' '. Mother ?'TomrayV'what did I 'say" I'd do/to ■ you.lf you touched'that Jam again? . ' Tommy: Why, that's funny, ma, but I'm bothered If I can reWimberj either. "GOLDEN'BtrmRCtfP" (IS). Brooklyn.

L-\ FLOWER ROTS OF FIRE

'-—; *£-. "We had a bonfire laat night and ' some friends came to watch. We had sparklers,' Roman c^ndlei, pin-wheels, , a jujnpj?. Jaclc," 'tockets, \ iquibs, and flower pots, which made a wonderful fairy display - The'sparklers were very pretty and lasted a long time. Our two ' lockets went high into the heavens and ' ina'de such a bang!" ' r ''-, , "POLYANTHUS" (12).

f TTOTP OEi MAOIC, CAEPET * , /

' ■ BIRD FRIENDS got its own food, which was whit< Dinw rrn>.nww »^^ j met min y other birds, bu ' '. ', - these were the most fascinating." ' "While 1 was "BUTTERFLY" (11). in my 'garden Stokes Valley. which i is pur- • rounded by tall F | RES AT NIGHT bushy manuka; , - flaM%he fa fize *ot "About'half past five I went; up t. a sparrow, ap. '«« *he\ guys at the corner. On, ■, t peared a ß d played peculiar guy came to the «o*t do« We were not sure of its name, but it and I saw it dart o'er the heavens was very tame and came within a yard then fall into the harbour of us. We threw worms and insects "LITTLE GLADJ^ESS" (12). for-'<it but it did not touch, them.. It Hataitai.

,-'\ ■**•' 7? ''"\?' ~ -i'*1.i, i ,';.',• ''„ ,i ' "; fi^t^^^-^ummt*,' D»T*w.' . «» T Mprntagtoii.)'; *;^ V , MY friend''Margaret asd'l were not in the least afraid, we* passed at iehool for a year in Bagdad, through the open window, we smiled How we did 'want to see all our joy as on and on we sailed. SudArabia!- We decided to ask "our gover- denly our voices returned, and, lookness for leave to take a walk as it was ing over the edge of the carpet, we a very hot day. Miss Bernard1 agreed saw the Sultan's palace. We wished that a walk in the shade would te love- we Nsould -stop; then immediately we ly for us all. She rang up her friend felt ourselves ,*oing down-down; we Miss Sutherland, aiuLaway we went. landed safely, midst beautiful and Presently we came to a bazaar full brightly coloured flowers. A livened -of very beautifully coloured rugs—we servant, black as ebony, bowed and were all interested and Miss Bernard showed us we could follow him. We actually bought' one for our classroom, passed through a richly decorated nail, Late* on arriving home, wo found the where at the further end was a large ,„,. i ' pool. At its side sat the Sultan and "Bun and wash your hands, chil- Sultana watching water sports. The dren.1" laid Miss Bernard, "then come Sultan spoke to us kindly, and in naand enjoy my rug." We did this tive language made us welcome, nuiekly, and were seated on the new Later the Sultan told us tea was rug when Miss Bernard entered the ready. >We ate, it seemed, crystallised classroom with her friend. leaves and petals as we sat on gorgeous "You appreciate the rug, girls f" coloured cushions, for how long neither "Yes," we replied together, "we Margaret nor myself knows, were hoping that it would prove to be But the Sultan guessed that we were a manic carpet if we kept perfectly so happy that we had forgotten time. qtfi«'t for some time." It had passed all too quickly, and, as "AhJ Then you will be pleased to together we said, "Adieu," our voices know that as you have been very good again left us, and wo were moving during the great heat of today, I have without any effort. The rug took us decided that school is. oycr until to- on a tour through the many rooms of morrow." tfle palace. We saw many slaves at We both thanked Miss Bernard. We their various duties, also the royal liked school, of course, but the carpet children at their lessons. This last hadv charmed us. The door' closed sight made us realise that even royal softly, and we' lay at full length children were in duty bound to do on the magic carpet for a while their lessons, and so are we. and''soon neither could speak. We Instantly a bell, as loud as a fire coufo only feel the soft beauty of the alarm rang.'lt awakened ua, and, benew rug; and it seems each of us was hold, the beautiful carpet had brought thinking of the Sultan's palac* of us safely home. There was Miss Berwhieh we'had/often talked., - nard.andwe thanked her heartily for Together we sighed as we- realised providing the means of such enjoyable we >ere in' the air. Surprised, f but travel.

Around the Ring

.City. I; LIFE IN A'BOWL :

A "BROWNIE" PARTY ;

"On Saturday afternoon the Brownies had their seventh birthday party. >.We pluyed many games ana afterwards we had a concert, and i ; danced. Then we had afternoon tea. For seven years a lady of the committee has given the Brownips a birtn- . day cake. This year it had -iv^n candles and' some, lolly' mußhrooms on it, and we all got one each." ; . / ''GOLDILOCKS" (10). Newtown. ' ( ' , .. ■

RULES OF THE RING

vialtim bourt to th» F»lry Ring in thrtt to (iur • 'erockcß Mtndayi, W.dn.idtyi. «nd I. Addrm l'l.ttir; to F.lrj.l. "F.lry RIM," 2 f';r;.'« nr g aw **< -»•• •• •* 3. A.way.° U. r ayP6Xh.*r yo»r work I. orlpin.l 4 Do' draw'ni* on unllnid whltt PM«r. In a «' L. P«'v n.°"i Orm. n4l*« ll wfem writing .t.rl.s * 8. Th« Ring oloits «t 4 •'dock on Wednesd.y*, io po»t oirly in tho w»«K.

T . . AN ANSWER TO { Brownies. Have you won any badges yet? "Laushiny Lily." Mlramar.—Glad news that . you a" home-from the hospital Welcome back to the Ring. B you write to Beverley Williams. Mallfa. Apia, Samoa, I think »he j will flnd you a pen-frlcnd. I "R A 8.," Ngalo.—Did you hare a bonfire, too 7 I I know some grown-ups who are as fond of fireworks as any elf of the Bine. , "Suiwhlne Elf." Brotklyn.-Yes, plxle.. \HH you como visiting at that timef Drawing books are very best for scrapbooks. , "WlUnWer." Newtown.—lt must hare missed Postie after all. You were right ... n« i kept his secret well. ' ' , "Pink May." CHy.—This is prettiest of all. , Yes, mention your country If your «<»«■- •potia«nt does not llv« in New Zealand, dear. ■'PrlnoM. AppltblMiMl." Lowjr Hutt-The yerse you sent Is not original, Joan. B« careful to mark only your own work original. "Prlnctsi Frenla," Liwtr Hutt—Ask Mummy to explain what "original" means, dear. Tours was a copied poem, too. The competition is for pixies' own work. , "Sllvar Sprty," PrtoM.-Excltlne Plans ... and perhaps you'll be on the South Boat ; next time I watch ,it steam smoothly out J across the Straits. ' . "Flyln» Arrow." Newtown—A Saturday for a birthday. You did arrange If well, laddie. Are you going to celebrate it with a picnic or a party 1 ' \ "UMIe Gladness," K«r«rl.—And a letter still waiting on the shell for you. That was an , unhappy ending! Better now? "BlMk Pedro," Mo*r».—But-It is not original work, lad. It is a. very old story wo all know. "Cllanthuj," H«al«.—That was a splendid result, wasn't' It. I 'sped you wero very pleased when your headmaster won. "Slmplleltas,"'Brooklyn,—AJl right, piilo . . . . and which is your favourite? Thank you for the riddles. ' t "Bluo Ey»s," HaUllal.—A riddle-me-ree all ' about me '. . . and I couldn't have i guessed. ( "Sheplng B*auty,*" Gnyltmn.— And you've . earned it all yourself ... so there'll be tn-lee as much fun in the spending, busy ' one. , r . "Sunklst," Greytown.—But I haven't ono of ( those stamps, dear. I hope you collect lots < and lots. ' j "Harold Lloyd," Greytown.—So there's the , sound of hammer on nail all day ... per- . haps you could build one yourself now, ' laddie. . . . ■ '. ' "Lassie," Kelburni-^Dld you burn the candle "! at both ends, because it was Guy Fawkes i week . . . and did you slip in through the ; window of the Ring and just disappear, after ' leaving the note on my table? ■ ' "Polyanthus," Nsalo.—A lovely idea to buy '< sports Roods for the school. So much Joy they'll! bring. Your's-sounded a most excit- i ing bonflro picinc. "Daily Nook," kewtown.—«ome lines arc ■ little too long, pixie. You will .be a good verseniaker lfiyou practise. . l "Sighing Waves," Newtswn.—There was so much for one1 small elf to draw. Try making a pfcturo of just one object, dear. ]

103 SB- X TAMAHENOU, "THE PROPHET" Q3' £Q EH '. ,|

SUNSHINE VERSES

" ' • " (Original.) In; Springtime, when the fields are green. The little Umbs at play are eeen. In Summer when the days are not, The little babes go out a lot. In Autumn, when the fruit is ripe, Peter Pan blows'on hl« pipe. ■• In Winter time Jack Frost does come. And makes our toes and finger*, numb."tiggywtnkleV< 8>Karo"' THE SONG OF BPBIMfI. (Original.) As you walk along my garden • You can see the signs of Spring, And the birdies overhead Are happy as they ling. Bordering the pathway, tittle pan»l«s lift their heads, ■ While further on you see the 1010 - ' Of tangled wallflower beds. Just there you find the tulips, < The roses gather here, i_ (Unsigned.) < SUNSET. (Original.) Away to the wost '|j\ blr' 1»a. ra tr ? ce > s l? lt' The sun is setting behind the trees,

:'«At my grandmother's placei she has to be put in the sun fora couple of days, which warms it a little. Tltrflin. .

"BOBBY WATCHES THE CELEBRATION" ,>'r» — ' ■ -

"NEW PIXtES . . •" :^:».^.m«;:::::;^S "iWyuft <}«■••'•••••« «"•£# "Tommy TWWm" (l») ••• # - •;•• c"y' Wantsfir« pen-ffHnd.^n ell who li '"£•£ '".'■sJi'viiV'-Wrlt. to' "Lady if 8p.lfl,»'«0« 12, 2« Colllhowood Street, Npaio. ( FAIRIEL SENDS; . . • "Hvaeinth " CHy.—Ever so .much better, elf. Brwp.o? Improving so quickly you'll , be'among out special artist folk. "Mlry'<D*ti»c»r,"'Newtown.—l hope It will be a' pack'd-to'the-last-inch. .audience ( "Mac looks.a^llne,old warrior. : "Bhv P«n»y," Kilblrnte. —There were bo mans rocket""? the «ky that at times It seemed as though/he*«.« were falling. We'll keep the Hallowe'en tale, elf. ' v "Hardy" Northland.—And ho* old, lad? Youi first poem isn't quite ready for Printer ;Man, but X know the next try will be. -" "Dolly. Varden," -.Tok'omaru.—But I do hope he'll say. "Two? Certainly., Fairlell" 1 wonder.1 Love to "Tlshoo." "Brownlo H«l»ful," NewUwn.—lt waa a surprtae "'. . but I hop»,.th«y. won't wait a year before next letter. Are. «xamß. ,all "Rainbow Maid," Brooklyn.—Boiling the 'billy at Wilton's Bush must have been-fun t . . • ' and the long walk afterwards, too. "Toosy Turvy," Pukerua Bay.—Yes ... for 'one fim-Paclted holiday . . . and I loved it. Lucky elf, to live, there always. "Do D»," City.—Neither up nor down . .'. a ver> good place to keep . ./..like Christopher Robin's. A dainty drawing! Is it original or copied ? "Sylvia," City.—Pity it went "smudgy," elf. Black Ink does get out'"of hand sometimes Did you paint 'last week's Uuy Fa-wtes picture? / ' " ' "Grlieldi,"" City.—Good marks, pixie. Eve« '' so much better than top one moment, bottora ~ the' next. - Birthday wishes from tho King! "Billl* Dove," Lower Hutt.—Practise hard at spelling, elf. That's a very important parl of proficiency; , - ~ ~ ■ '"Prorty/PVnsy," Rono.otal.--A story-letter Ihls ' time. "There Is a white rose in my garden too . . . but I shall not pick it lest it be like the magic one In your tale. "Butterfly," Stoke» Valley.—Perhaps it was a quail, who came to call . . .so man; feathered friends you .have. L "Garnet," *iornl««ton.—"Pets'' Is not M good as your previous work, chlldie. It would make a sketch but not a story. ! "Fairy GreenwJn9»," Kelburn.—Very good work. Smallest ... but you need not have • drawn.a frame . . .Picture Man will, see to that. . "Sybella," Ktrorl.—They must wait their turn, dear. One day you'll find them in a small i corner. i "Ollvotta," Karorl.—Was It 'co 3 schooldays [ were overflowing with lessons? Soon you will ! be able to write out-of-door letters to me. "Silver Bullot," City.—You didn't miss everything then ... the sparklers must have been beautiful in the darkened room, i "Skinny Ltazle," Island Bay.—No ... it Is all [ your own, elf . . . but It was the tiniest note! i "Crlmion Rose," Seatoun.—All found .'. . and such neat writing. Is It exam, time for you too, Littlest? "Purple Pansy," Seatoun.—Was it picture or ' play .. . It-sounds mysterious, whichever It was. ■ "Traveller's Joy," Murehiton.—lndian Ink should be used, Pamela, but you will find It easier 1 if yo\i sketch in pencil first. > "Lady of Spain," N»al».-—The second It had l to be; new elf . .. and I like it,-Immensely. ■ Thpv «re ver? lood riddles to guess.

(An Original Story by K.A.Bi, 15, N«ftio.) yS EEAT was the excitement in the cornfieia which was the residence Itt of many rabbits. It was November the Bfth> the day on which Bobby Babbit was to lead them acioss to a big clearing where a,large bonfire had been built by the humans. A fierce, ugly guy was to be.btmied. to ashes. , i j • - - '""'.• -,About! haU'-an-hqur after Sol hadgone to bed, a sound, a loud cheering, sound, was heard-approaching the clearing- As the cheers of merriment and laugher, drew nearer and .nearer, the rabbits leaned fpward in order to^have a better and closer view of 'the guy from their place "of concealment in .the ferns. ' "Hush. Sere they come," whispered Bobby, as the party of children and friends came into sight. "Before'they start, I will give you a word of warning: Do not run when you hear, tlie crackers explode. "^ As the merry crowd gathered round the fire the rabbits were all eyes looking curionsly, at the strange array of crackers that lay on the dry ground. There were long sticks with a large cracker tied to one end (skyrockets), long sticks covered with coloured paper and a wick protruding from one end (roman candles), and bundles and bundles of small crackers together with inkpots, jack-in-the-boxes, and many others. Truly a wide and varied assortment. As soon a3 the firo had been lit the whole party joined hands and danced round it, and at the same time singing about Guy FaWkes's nearly fruitful plot. "When the singing had subsided and the crackers were going off with loud bangs, the older folk Started digging holes in the ground in which to place the sky-rockets. The sparks ascending to the heavens, the glows from the fire on every face, the noise/ the general happiness made a wonderful scene, and the rabbits were 'enjoying it to the full. ( The small crackers having been used and the guy being burnt, all that remained to be 'done now was the' letting off of the big crackers. First of all came the sky-rockets; Which,1' with a strange sucking sound left the •ground and. went far into the. sky. to fall gracefully to earth, bursting into atars of blue, red, greep, and yellow*.,'A magnificent sight they were and iclapped by, all. -'Next followed the 'jack-in-the-boxes, 'in close order, with the roman candles'; and both sets putJfbrth a wonderful display. Inkpots and many others also gaye1 excellent displays, and Bobby, when it was all over, went home deep in thought.'He'^Vas making plans for having his own guy next; year. I wonder what he ,will do?

t PIXJE PEOPLE; two junbohriefs] and the most [adorable spotted dog arrived for Hinekoa's^ Christmas Gift Cupboa}d this week. They are from "Sunshine Elf" who made thejhady green spotted bonnets herself. 1 I can see-fwo small people wearing them'through, sunny garden . hdur x s or at,the'beach. Sunbonnets seemed to bring paddling days ever so close . . . the first cool touchI'of the lacy green water closing around your ankles and on vp1 the sntoblh^sands in foam-scalloped fans ~.,. and the sand sinking 'and fsifting beneath your toes. Yes, paddling days are almost here! ; And what an elfish surprise Old Man Weather gave us for the i merry Fifth . . . just,d whisper of wind, stars bright as little dia- \ monds .. . and steady, as though disdainful of the short beauty of tlie rockets that arched across the sky. What fun Guy Fawkes 1 ' '■ laid in store when'he meddled with plots and villains on that fart away day! May the fun spread for you through all these shining November days. My love to everyone. t . ■ FAIRIEL.

Verses we've made

(Original.) I-«aw a pansy .... , , Purple and white. ,< Sliming .H'» head Toward the light, Together with others * i , In-'a bed > ' - ' So nlce,,wliile tha«un , • Shone overhead. ,v " , - "StABIGOMV'.W.,, Seatoun.*' ' • i • BPBING MAID., * , ' ; (Original.) She Is «o light and golden. Her reign Is of the best; "Xo fairy Is so beautiful," Agrees old Sol, from the *«it. Her fairies paint the skies A. brilliant, brighter blue, And all the' leaves turn • green When Spring Maid visits you. The flowers all bloom, forth x &. coloured, sparX'UnK carpet, A-cnatterlng about her ' Are the fairies In the market. Now who is thU young lady A'flylng on the wine? None.tther than she, My beautiful Lady Spring. ' "TIPPETTY TOES" (12). Brooklyn. mBY (Original.) I haTe a little pussy. And what do you think ht did? 1 He went into the pantry— 1 And there he quietly hid. KATHLEEN BTAKDXN (8). "island Bay1.

i ;<A New Zealand Serial written for the Ring by N. F.,Hoggard.) i ! , ' • Part 11. ' " , t LTKY mm struck dumb I listened with amazement to these calmly-spoken regretted coming out to New Zealand, thie lovely land of the south. I was wnrrt« Smah2' the Prophet Yes I had heard my father speak of but twelve or so at the time, but I remember every mutant of the voyage him on Ce ?r twYce? A powerfu ufli rather mysterious Maori chieftain out on a clipper ship which did the trip in record time. Before I came, my who wa Sß uppo ß ed tThave the gift and knowledge of tohungaism and far- father had been out five years, and had fought many hardships before the jSAr oeSt nS'^lTOft tt.^^TSUSr"JSS it ibc came Ha e S '""Sy ttg^me 'as he heard my footsteps on the verandah. itSTock to me t 6o ffiKr him Jtott ng^g'ainTth/m. There ™s no "What a time* you've been, Lance," ho said sharply. "A. it happens I thSTto be lost Ts far as I knew, not an inkling of what was in tho had no need of.either your assistance or Hardy's. The nvar's reached a safe 3 UuW ow with anger at.the way Hardy had turned traitor, and higher. "-Let's have it, Lance," he said quietly. . * lonced to lay my hands upon him. , I told him all there was to tell, and his face grow very grave as he listened. I was thankful 'that the storm had subsided. ,The rain had stopped and He puffed silently at his pipe for a few minutes when I had finished. I the thunder had died away completely, and a ,few stars were visible in the nevr fle was .thinking out a plan, and perhaps the lives of many settlers cloud-swept sky. Perhaps, after all, it would not be necessary for my father an^ their families rested upon it. to drive his-sheep from their pasture on the river bank. I moved away from "Lance," he said at length, "I can think 6f but one plan of action. The . my spy-hole. Though I didn't dream of it, I was to meet Tamahenou in . nearesfc f olt j g you know, Tort Balwin, nearly a hundred miles from hero, very different circumstances in the near future. Then the unexpected* hap- acrosg j a f or the most part unsettled country. You are to start at pened. I had d orgotten the waiting horse, and stumbled against him when fl n j, or t he"fort and tell all you know of the rising. On the journey there - 0 passing the whare to regain the track. The brute, knowing me'for a stranger, ■ wjl] of coursej warn a n settlers and see that their wives and children 0 gave a loud neigh and stepped back against the %*oden fence with a loud £ rfl sent off ag goon as t k ev can start. They are your instructions, Lance. ■ a "> crash. ' , ' ' ' ~ it Vow this is what I'm eoing to do, though I must admit I hardly expect h 1 ,1 took to my heels and fled just as the wharo floor wa s flung open wide, come of"its ™'m gfing armed down to Hardy's whare in the 1 and/, looking over my shoulder I saw, silhouetted in the streaming lamp- g ]a x° in c my hands on h ! m , b at least. Tamahenou, no doubt, has left g ■ light Hardy and the Prophet. It was certain that the sharp eyea of the hope of Ja|^ ™J bot h birds have flown after your escaping %heni They'd f, '. latter saw me, for he flung up Ms rifle ana fired, th» bullet chpping-a branch now. """^ ° * tak^a h(Jurs , / * r of a shrub to my right. I left the track and stumbled on through wet manuka VZ stwt at dawn" 7 p I,' WB rr^it^TSr. <aa %m ™^t vM the wet undergrowth, I foTlVpeared toSe always inpursuit I reached my father's stockyards, and thence the homestead, which my father mocked me, and which bore the fierce features and eyes of Tamahenou the a and several neighbours had built themselves some sis years previously, before Prophet. , continued ' h I had been sent out from England, where my mother had died. I had never | . .^H D» uu ''- ' v

THINK TWICE

, GLADSOME SPRING

THE LUCKY WISH

I THE MAGIC ROSE ,:':

DAWN VISITS THE GOBLINS x

1 , f , wr *

• ACROSS. 1. One of a dark- St. French for father, skinned race. 27.'A preposition. 3. A person noted for 29, Pounds and shilpiety. , 'lines. •; 0. Short for "1 am." '31/ Dull. 10. Track. ' ' BS. Hit lightly. ' 12. That Is. ' <• 34. Canadian anlmaL 13. Of,(French). 85. Mother. 14. L&fin for "and.'"* 37. For example. 16. Urge bird. 88. The (French). 18. A flsh. ' > 40.'Howled. . . 18, Is (French)< 43< tfwo vowels, • ■ , 21. Of (French), 44. Finished.- ! 24. Manuscript, 49,': Water., storage. 1 28. A number, i *,_ y't- y / ' ■' b DOWN. <■,*''*''"; 1. Burrowed. *■' 'i .<l2. 'Onlyjl j - , 2. Part of verb ''to 23.' Time animal*. be.'* '" r 27. To become tad. B.'Devoured. 28/ Girl's name..' ' 4. Year (abbrev.), 80 Hearem.,, - i 5. Yes (Spanish). 32. Military medal. . 6. A beverage. 84. For example, 7. Half of nine. 3sr Boy's name,' 8. Camping articles. 37. Girl's name. 11. A boy's name. 39. Indefinite article. 13. Of (French). 41. Anno pomlnl. ' 15. Thyself (French). 42. And (French)* 17. Plain clothes. 43 Alls.well. •- -20. Odour. ' , ■ I word square: '' 1. Like enemies. ' ' 2. Girl's name. ;3.: Fowls 'lay them. * ' 4. Worn at the waist. - "FMJFFY" (12). City. ' ■ l NEW ZEALAND TOWNS. , Aawerh, Hlwla, Tlnsghas, Toncartre, T6pr«stw, reo, Cltnop,- Maruoa, Botroua, Marutaunul, nd Tinoughborman; ' "MISCHIBvbuS t'GNOME" (10)7 Martlnborough. t J t v~' ( . MISSING tETTEHS. ' • , Put lit the missing letters' and make pixies'* imes«— (1) St; - -t; (2) X - y F - - nc-s; 3) L- r - t - 1 - T - m „-;■ (4) B - H • c - - c;-(5) S - 1 - er Spy; -'-y; (6) W - i - « - 1 -'; (7) S - a - h -' 111 (8) G - - dy; )) L - -on -; (10) B,- I «; ; y. "JUDITH WOOD" (11) Plcton. ' <i UAST WEEK'S ANSWERS. Jumhl«(l' Doga.—Fox Te"rr(Dr, Irish Terrier, Ircdale. Seflljham, Spaniel, Betrlever, Setter, ulldoit, Bulli Terrier, Collie, Sheep Doe, and oxhtnittd. ', . ; Riddle-me-Ree.—Haste. ". '•}! Hidden FO«ds.—(l) Plour; (2), Tea; (3) Blco. ' "ANSWERS" FOUND BY. ~. - ." "Brownie Greenshoes" -'t Ul);' " "Rainbow laid" (13); "Sil7er Spray" -(12); "Sylvia' 15); "Grlselda" (15); "Blllle Pove" (11), Flying Arrow" (8);' , "Slmpllcltas" (10) Sleeping 'Beauty" (B) > "Sunklst". (12); Traveller's Joy" (11). ' . » -

v. — ♦ (Original.)1 , Spring I Spring I Spring) The Joy of Spring, rtien the days get long and longer, nd the sun gets strong and stronger, I'htlo the daffodils nod their heads fpr Joy, nd the world full of gladness fpr each little girl and boy. "NEPTUNE"- (12), KUbirnlo.

(Written for Tinles by "Brown Owl," 9, Wadestown.) IT was still Springtime and the'daffodils swayed on the breeze and lifted H their beautiful heads towards the Bun. The proud jonquils lifted their ; . heads in scorn as they looked at the' pretty little pansies. Then" little J Susie, who owned a small part of the garden, became very ill, so that £he ; doctor came. Every flower in the garden was ever so sorry, all, that 'is to ■ ' say, except the proud jonquils, who didn't care in the least. - - <.'■:'• Days passed into weeks, so that more and more flowers bloomed in Susie 'Si" garden. Violets were spreading, and a-peach blossom was in its pink array. ; But ono day an invitation came to Flowerland from the- fairies to go to • Fairyland the following evening, because it was the Queen's birthday,. •*•; Thero was groat excitement in Flowerland, and all the flowers w'era-5 showing forth new buds. Susie was forgotten,' and at last- the evening cam& " and all Floworland went marching towards Fairyland. First caino the dafv! fodils in their lovely yellow party frocks, and then came the freesias, paasiesV,1 primroses, linaria, cinerarias, violets, marigolds, grape hyacinths, and, lasjj;! of all, the jonquils. ,'' ,' ' JSJ.' When they arrived they were'welcomed into the Fairy Palace, arid nevet*" did anyone see so happy a crowd. Th6re were dances, waltzes, and manful games. Then, all at oae'e-the flowers remombered poor little Susie sick in ' bed, and .the faces grew sad, all except the jonquils, who were as gay a*1* ever, till at last the fairies a6ked: "What make's you so sad, dears? *r : "Little Susie is. 1 in bed and is very ill," sobbed the daffodils.' ' -; Then came the time for the flowers to go, and they all were allowed • to have a-Wish. All Flowerland wished that Susie might get better quickly, * but the jonquils wished that they could be prettier. ''You foolish flowers; instead, of granting your wish you shall be mada^ more ugly than you are," said the Queen. " r"\* The next day Susie was much better, and she wfcs allowed up. She came"into the-garden, arid weren't they all glad to see her? Even the jonquils, ; and she picked a bowl of flowers for her mother. .

* '' 2< (Original.) ,_ ./ \ £j; There was great excitement ifl BOM7--dale Palace. Annie Mary Isabella Jones had been found picking flower* in the»Fairy Queen's palac'a "garden^; She had plucked all the best nower*};and among them the Queen fs favourite ! white rose which happened to be niagicEJ Annie had taken it horne1 and put it"-' in- water where it changed p. dinereqfc! colour every minute. All' the fairief.'; and elves were talking about it,_ when* a message was sent right through th»jj land that Annie should become a witch* ( until she had brought all the flo'warfc I back and made them grow again. .O£? course everybody wanted to see a-mofe! tal changed into a witch so thsy aft;! gathered round the punishment roons£; . The Queen had mixed some magio ppvgj; der in with Annie's tea. The'Queegjj said, "Now Annie, drink' your tea bar ■ fore, you get your punishment." ' ?%\ When Annie had finished it she com-'. plained of feeling ill. That was' just ! what the Queen wanted, so she waved?, , Tier "Annie,- and there stood , - a"wij;ch.." . , J "JSfow," said the Queen; "go and ; get my flowers and make', them tak» ( root and grow again as if nothing haST-i, happened to them.'" ~ s»i "Go," shouted all the fairies. S£! Next day Annie came back with thj|!; flowers in basket. She planted them^g j and when thqy had taken root'&he wen^; to the Queen who changed her bac^; to a- mortal and warned her not to ptelc-; other people's" flowers. ' -• ", : . ""PBETTY PANSY 1' (6)*:-; Eongotai. '

I ' CHERRY-BLOSSOM TIM* . J ; . (OrleinaM , . , Cherry-blossom time l» comlnt> Cherry-blossom time Is near;' , Look at the little oval facet Watching their trees to dear. • Lltten to the birds a-warbllng, A-plptng their notes of glee; « The cherry bloiiom's nearly bunting J It will adorn the once-bare tree. Hurrah! .for the first pink blo«»>m. Cheers! for the signs of Spring". Hen In "their gay kimonos ~ i Th« children dance and s ng. ; Once more Spring will abide wltb the* Tha land of the yellow race, • , » 1 And bHng1 With her sweet oherry-»lo«»eif \ ; Spring I In all her grace. ■. \ " • ■>. ■ , , • . . "BUTXEBFIiT" (Ilfc "• • Stokes, Valley, ~_ . ' -

r (Written for the Ring by "Fairy Kindheart,!'- 11, lower Hutt.), • . Lows stretching to the left. They had' ' "this," cipWa one.gobb* «ii for : nly just come to'their house a week a ; party w,e pc haying tonight. Wa go, and she was'very anxious to c* axe* not JHrtuX J't" lore. Her chanco had tome. , this timq, and Witch Euthless is terGaly fhe tripped across the pad- rib'ly angry'about.it. ■»!■■&££:: [oeks picking here and there the she's going, to catch us ana e& r us. . Laisies that bloomed in tho grasses. One 0 £ the -goblins- said- he wi*-, Soon she came to a -wood at tho other hungry/ so they decided to have aperiae. Leading to the . wood 'was a nooa tea> no t on tho party tablecloth, lollow or small valley and' at the bot- but on another one. When that was om a tiny creek trickled. Just after finished they went outside and played, ho had crossed/ the creek, she noticed hi^Oi an a Beo k. . , Outside their house^ hat a sort of stairs wound their way waa a pi ece of dat grass that they usefl. . 11 between the twisty ti-tree thickets for playing ball, riding rabbits, and . nd up the hill till they disappeared raceß . p a wn like<J riding rabbits ( best mongst the trees.; j ' because,- the rabbits, weraj asjmerry. as Dawn wondered what to |do but she t h o go blins and often stopped sudden- \ cas curious to find what was at the jy s0 that you went over their, iaads. ' op so began Blowly to climb the stairs. After a time Dawn thought that she ; ust when she was on the fourth step had j^ter go in case her mother was ; voice piped: wondering where she was. So they, ; "Hullo, what's your name? a jj gcra mbled down the stairs, all talk« ; "My name,? said Dawn shyly, is as Then,Bodcap .piped: '^c's Bedca P( " explained the gob^ '^tlT^Ti S3? ST*»nu \ m, "and all thefother goblins are a* fw^ „ ' ome, so come-and see tnemi 1 « Nt j,, lep^6i D awn , '"Good- ' A number of' goblins came runlung ,' , ,* °JS n^ 0 Btf i™ M **% vo'ur "Goodbye, goodbye," chorused the I "fiullo,-who's'theicef^Whats your gobW g hr 'ill voices. ; aThen almost Kediately after came Dawn speeded home and arrived just j ~" •„„«. as her mother was becoming anxious. I "I'J-Loifirlfics " Next mon>iaß bef ore breakfast she .left ; "I'm Rrflht Eves" a tasket o£ good thinßß at the bottom I "I'm Strong Arms." -of the siairs After that lucky day ; "Vm Buttons." '• Bhe often Vlßlts the Bobluiß. ;

A TOY TANK You will need a cotton reel, ' twe nails, a short and long, a picco oi •candle, ana a lengtl - 'pf rubber, (bands • will do)., ' '" ■ . The first' thing tc 0 is to cut the edges of the ree to wedge-shaped grooves. 'This done .ko the rubber and -tie both ends to Jthei: to form a loop. Insert thejanc one -end of the reel and bring it oul , the other end. This can be accom ished by a piece of string. Push tnc nail nail under the band to preveni from slipping back and push tn< her end through a hole in the piece 1 candle which has a thickness of >out half an inch. When this is done ish the larger.nail under the loop ana ■gin to turn .tKe rubber round^so thai

the nail will try to pull agatat It ', Place tho reel on the floor or any flat ,; surface and you will bo delighted'to se« the toy begin to move slowly along. Do not give tho band too many turns or it will snap. If you find the single band not strong enough add a few more bJS

) following the same directions. If * ; fairly thick piece of rubber is used f h« * tank vrill move faster and will'climb s over reasonably high objects. ' -It Trill ! look better if paint is applied." Much i fun can result if a number of tanks ftra I made, for races between youTS,and'3^>u£ , chum's, Will be great fun. Tr£ itV '42