BIRTHDAY OF THE RING

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 20

BIRTHDAY OF THE RING

1 birtlidaya^etvUh, currants in, Gay crinkly lials and bright bon-bons, Whatfunthere'dbeinßingiaMihen^W^^ Eight candles, red and blue. } Balloons and streamers too. Enjoying ;:« party tea: -% (^T^^t^§ ane^^ JU K;

ADVENTURE OF HINE—A MAORI MAIDEN

(Original, by "June Ma rgot" '15. Northland.)

IN New Zealand, to this day, strange as it may seem, there lives a tribe of Maoris who have never been outsi de their own country village. Now' they dwell in Huia-o-huia, which is universally acclaimed the land of the fairy. In this tribe there is a. little girl of eight or nine years called Hine-piri-pM--dr Hine; for short. Hine had lovely long.wavy black hair which , lell to her w a i s t, and her brown eyes and oval face were as beautiful,as any little'Maori maid could wish. Of course, Hine was the pet of the tribe. .'6ne fine day, Hine, growing tiled of weaving flax baskets and playing stick games, wandered a little way into the bush. Lovely golden kowhai trees gleamed against the darker foliage of the kauris, and patches of starry clematis shone among the bushes. Hine was entranced. She went further and further into the bush, picking here a flower, there a berry, and listening all the while to the glorious clamour of the bellbirds and the tuis, It began to grow cold, however, and Hine immediately thought of returning to the pa. To her dismay, she found she had lost the track and was indeed a long way from home. Hine was very hungry and chilled, and the poor litue girl sat down on some ferns and wept. She had hot; been crying long wheii she heard a tiny voice. "Oh, Hine!" it said. Hine looked round in amazement, but could see nothing. "Here I am," it tinkled, and a little brown fairy, an exact replica of little Hori, her brother, rose from a fernfrond beaide hen Hjne was frightened. After all she was only a little girl, and had never. seen,*fairy before. . ~., " ~ .'. , - "Do not be afraid, little one. lam Maketu, favourite messenger of Rehua, 'the godof kihdries's. He; has sent me to feed and comfort you, and "to bring you to fairy realms for just tonight." -• _ _;. HJhe was reassured^ and rose from her couch of ferns gladly, fane stretched out her hands to Maketu; who cried: "Kamete, kamete" (come on, come; on),'jumped threetimes mtb. the air, staring hard at Hine all the -immediately they were transported to a lovely vale, and Hine was the sake size as Maketu. Kowhai and beautiful berries grew in abundance, while the ferns were tock: and luxuriant: Tiny Maori and pakeha fairies flew around or played games .together, laughing and,singing joyously. Soon a lovely white fay came slowly through the trees, her wings shining and glistening like dew on the kowhai. Immediately there was silence. Only the breeze murmured restlessly; while the moon and stars twinkled cheerily.^ "My people," Fairiel begam ior the beautiful fairy was indeed her, "this is indeed a happy occasion. Tonight is the eighth birthday of our Fairy King. Let tis, therefore, eat, drink, rejoice, and be merry, to celebrate the birthday. May the Ring last, for ever!" A wave of her hand, and eight perfect'white/mushrooms sprang up in a circle. ■•,..' : "Hurrah," cried the white pixies. ■■•;■;.•; .//.-. "Ehe/'said the Maori sprites. ' ; ; : ■«-',''■■•■.' ' . The most wondrous feast spread itself before Hine's eyes. White bread, such as she had never seen before, sprinkled with pink, white, and!blue "hundred* and thousands," honey in the comb, the rare: Pohutakawa: nectar, fairy caker^arid jellies, cream, and sweetmeats. She Quietly supped on to a toadstool and ate until she was satisfied. Then all the fairy-folk jumped on top of' the (toadstools and drank the health of 'Fairiel, and of the Ring, in 'nectaif''■'•■''."•''■'■■'■■'■.•••'•'',■■-"■,' '"'^' •■■''■:~ ' • ' '",'.-. '•■.': '■■'"■'■■■■''■•'■'"■"'■ ■ .■'.■■'■ .■• : "-~ '■' Then Hine knew-iio raore, until she awoke at dawn; on the track in the bush which led to the pa. New Zealand's happiest little Maori then jumped to her feet. "Mayyßebua be praisedi?^she;cr^.::''lkMig iliye jthe Fairy Ring!"

iJ^ixsssssi 8M I^^

>v [:-'''/ ". ;-;& : Tl|U|VoßV(«^i:,fM2Zi.E.;;;i't-;;'iV Place:tho::flri|t..l«tt<er(6fi"each word indicated «y th«-t6ll<>*«i[ ;clue*'i)eiieatti the: ttrst of' the . ■ word above ancPyou will find if you'read dpwnwarda that: the first letters will spell the first '• - word again. '■-' '■■; : " ■'■' ■■';■■■■ - ■.■■'." ■ '■•' • . (I) An unromantic plant. (2) Loves a.lot. (3) Red colour. (4) An opei|*aurface.V;, p) Moist. <6) In like manner. (7) A consonint. - » "PIXIE reSfcLT';''{W.U Brooklyn. • ■"':.; ■ ■ ■'...: • v ; CAN YOU OUEBSfITJ ■ • Folks aay I'm uneven, ' "■••".-- if. So Just behead me! ■;•':; :,:,'':;:::'■"-)'',;.:•■ ; I'm not odd without it, ; : •:• You quickly will see. :.f:.;-;.':;:.i>,;!;,:;<.»■• But now lake my tull off, ■ • ' ; And leave a girl's name; . ~-, ~',■■ The poeta calr night , .' .;i '■ '■•'■" Just exactly the same. What am It JUMBLED BOYS' NAMES. Cfnh-sa, Buahter, Nglarl, Chmelal, Ankra, AJkc, Omtv MokJ. Trarh. - 'TATHBB BVS" (10). KUMrnla. , LAST WEEK'S ANSWERS. MMfe-M-rea: Donkey. Trait: Cemetery, country, poultry, pastry, P*ntt^Alsw?BS' fOUND 1Y " "ValeneU" (14)", "little Gladness" US), "Grlselda" (1$), "Purple Pansy." ''Crimson Hose."

- : IV was dinnefitime at .tiie/barrackJi!.:' ,"Any complainila?" "sHoutad ih'e orderly ser* geant. ';'.' :/'■■;■ ■■'''■■'.' ■ ■ ' ■ .- '■. -. ' '■■ .. "The stew's funny,"1 complataed one man. "Funny, to it?" queried the sergeant. "Then why aren't you laughing ?" •.:;■.;_.-. _; , ' -,• j f ..," > •y ■.-..';. w/ :^pßWEEf^iiHiacEiNCE.; : v n; '': '"'.-.. '■■' Tho policeman on traOe control leaped <iut of the way just as the car passed by. It was obviously, driven by-a novice,-, but when 'it pulled up a few, yard* farther'on the man of \law addressed the driver.. ! > '/Dp ,you know anythlne about traffldruleaJT lie demknded. :} i'.\ •-. • , '■.'■■■ ■-■.' '-.'';:.'..:- ■<. ■"Yes, rather,":/replied tke fair motorist. "What is it you would like to know?", :', . ; .' f'.rV,- -i ;.v;:?-': -;T* IAWOBi Alik'. •'">.;■,'::-;''. ; ■,/ It was tho dear old lady's first sea voyage, and, unfortunately, after a walk round the decks she could not find hor way to her cabin An officer who noticed her worried look anked Uhe could oe of help. She told her story. "Well,!can Jto« re»*mber the number of your cabin. Madam?" he asked. "l*b," wai the reply. "But I than know It when I see It. because there wus a llghthous* outside the window." • WHAT'S IN A NAafET Dinar: What la tola. walUr. chicken /or rabbit pie? ' I Walter: Cant you tell by the taste, ah-r Diner: No; I can't. Waiter- Then what does it matter, slrf ' y nrifMiufjfftfffH

THE -FAIR* lONTO BlftTOA?

.■;■■.' .;(WiltU»}|«r ; ,SiMller Elves by ! rftliy.'Bto^e^^ J il,;'l*werI 'Hutt.V: ;7.. '; np WtItVE«yICAItOIiP Nancy and; Susan were reading about the Birthday jl -!Page in thei Fairyßing.-Ifancy often wished she could join it,,but, as "7 all their pennies were being saved for mother's coming birthday, there would.•'■W;icme to bi^ stamps'with. Once.N ■cbuldi'i v:*Vv.O'v"-.;* ■"'■ •"■:■■'• V'"^/ ■:' ■";''■'•■■■■ ■-■■■••'■'■ '•'■ '■'•" ■-.(■f*'::^i- ;-■!* '. :' •'A-■',". .-••'•: ■■ "It is rather a waste of money, Nancy.^was the repjy. "You see, dear, ;we are needing money so badly, now/" v-;»- y ''■'.'■■ $-{';' 'w, ■; ..-."■' ..• V:' ..,■.. ■'... Although she spoke gently, if Nabcy baa disobeyed, she would have been: vjery arigry.; When they read that the Birthday F^ twins wished that they could go,with Fairiel and diitrib,ute theirs and other elves' Bcrapboolo. . Early next mbrning Sus^n wxofce;'jupj; Nancy was? not( awakW^*~\ •«>-' "•'•. •-•'■■, ■■ ■..:■■■■- ~. ; V ■ ■'■••^■■f^-/.-"'l^>*!ll,:: "What a pecuUar dream IVe been having,'' shethought sleepDy. "Whatever was it abouti" '■ She thought a moment. "Oi I remember. ■■ Hoitf/odd!":•'-,. At this minute Nancy wakened. ?Nancy," she erie<fc?l dreamed tort nightf that you and I were putting scrapbooks and toys in everybody's letterbox." ■■■..'. -'"0,l hurrah! I've an idea,? burst out Nancy suddenly, becoming alert. ■■■■■■ "Hurrah!? she cried, knocking over a vase in herj eagerness. "Listen,' Susan, you know the blacksmith's children and the Jenks'. Let's make scrapbooks for them. They never have anything decent. Joan and Bobby Over tW ro»4 w«>*iid :be pleased, ■tod/'-;Vir. > ij^'y'-'-^foFffii&viWtiiiC-tx-: >':- MO, brain* again. It'll be ripping" exclaimed her siater. Their mother replied, when they had told her, "Now, that if a good idea.' I believe I can find some old-fashioned books. There's some pieces of paper I'm sure ITI never use again. You may have those if you like. But don't make a mess." ' "6, thank you," and off they raced. All that week they cut and pasted, pasted and cut. All that" week they sewed and stuffed, stuffed and sewed. They finished on Saturday afternoon. Later, on Saturday, Nancy and Susan crept to the blacksmith's letterbox. Nancy put four large parcels through the letterbox door, one, addressed to Jennifer, one to Belinda, and two for 'Joe1 and Timmy. i "Now well run along to the Jenks* letterbox," whispered Susan. So oft' they went. ■ , > '' ' Susan put the parcels in, while Nancy kept guard. Suddenly she saw the Jenk children coming round the corner. • The twins looked round in dismay, wondering where tohide. This was disastrous! At last Susan spied, a gateway into which they'thankfully crept The Jenk children passed inside without dreaming of anyone so dose. They then emerged from their ' hiding place and Susan put toe rest of the parcels in, and they were off. -They crossed the street to the house opposite to theirs. Quickly the* parcete were slipped into'the letter-box. At that moment the door opened and Joan, followed by Bobby, rushed out. , ■>* > > ' i "Hallo, Nancy. Hallo, Susan," cried the nine-year-old Joan. "Whatever are you doing here?" "ob," Nancy coughed' a little, "we have been for a walk," she replied truthfully. <• "Come inside," suggested Joan,. "Very well,"' said Susan, for the parcels had been delivered. "Come on," she added to Nancy. * Next morning, as they were strolling past the blacksmith's house, Belinda and Timmy ran out. "O, Nancy, Susan, look what we've got!" They each held a scrapbook. "Father Christmas left them in our letter-box. Aren't we lucky?" they cried. "Yes, you are," the twins answered, smiling to themselves at the excitement on ithe children's faces. "Well, goodbye," Nancy said; then to Susan, "They thought it was Father Christmas!'" "Funny Jkids," Susan replied. When passing the Jenks' gate, the second to youngest called out in delight, "Look what we've got. They were in our letterbox. Se the postman must have brought it. I love postmen. They are so kind." . . "Postmen are kind, aren't they," Nancy said with a wink at Susan. "Cheerio." By this time they were at Joan's gate. Nancy went briskly up the path and knocked at the door. Bobby opened it, his face filled with excitement. "We've got some scrapbooks. Mine's got elephants and tigers, in it Joan's got a doll." ■ •.: ■■...• ~,, '■ • '..'■. i '', At this moment Joan came running down the' stairs. "This is fun," she cried. "Fairiel sent us some scrapbooks. At least I suppose she did, because it's the Ring's birthday, you know. Wait a minute. I'll show what we got." She and Bobby ran upstairs. ''It was worth it, wasn't it?" Nancy said to Susan. / "It w»«-"-Susan aereed heartily. 1 ■ .(The End.)

>?fairiel; sends ...

RULES TO REMEMBER Viiitlm li««r» to »• F«lry Rlnj mrt «r»» t» fdir-tkirty »'el«ik •■ MMOyi. W«diM4»yt, »«< rrWayt. 1. AMrMf Mtwt' to Fairitl, "Fairy Bill," "EviDinf P»it," City. Cl. 2. Tall yaar at*. »*—■ *"' a«r«u as wall as y«yr Ma-nama. 3. Always say wkttkir ys«r wark Is ariilaal ar a*ala4. 4. O» trawiail an mliasd white aaaw. la aaatll ar laaiaa iak. 5. L««v* a Mania wbaa writim storias ar vsrsas, aaa writs is INK a* aaa sida af tka aaaar aaly. 6. Tha ftlnf eIsMS at 4 o'clock an Wsdnesaays, sa a«at aarly. la ths wuk.

"Lucca FlMffr," Br««*ly»v-your, story made ■-- the; Bile,!<«v competition entries higher than ;';. «yer. v Suctt; a> stack, there ' was s l "■;;;. .•■" v ;-.-.. "Laniiw Laiy." ttwtr H«tt^»w(jotteii» Bat there la never aplxle of the King really for'.fotten. .■■■.,':■.■. . '■ ■' - ■-. -. ■;.; ■■- '-.-', ■-. ■; . f. .' .': "MocmliiM Fairy."-: K«ir»rl.—You were brave I : It wasn't *'--really the weather-for: aa "put.^.sldajf'V'hollday.-!.{■.■•.-,,-.■::.■,■;•.'■..:■ -.;,;:,..■■;-. > '"TlliyWlßMa.!' karWl.—And the; poem is «jl f the better for those very long'thoughti, elf. jfild the lasty verse dodge you for very ~-longf ■■ ■ '~■.-■;■■ •■■■'■.■•''■ 'v';-: ■"• ■-•'-?"'■.:■ ' ■■■ '■■ :•" ''Sunskln* Elf."' Br»»Myii.-^She muiit lie in : unusual caU' Most of them are unhappy ::When they hear, music. : ?y'-;\,i y- : :.:.■■'.-. . Mary Carrlek. CHy.—Extras generaUy come before holidays, don't they; pbde. Tt>yx A*ttet ■■'■>:iaßt' mls»ed;.the ■ wredn*»day;-.inalli.-;.;:'|.;^ .■.-.-. "Merry ■■ ■ Mat*,' 1 (>trirwi^tt<irs.*i»: !\fc': Mat.' V stiong Eketch. Th«r»'« a big! Improvement, ;' elf.- Carry on. '- '.;■•' .' ." ,■ ■ ■'•.- ':■■ ;■ . "LawWKeliorii.—There may be .'.-.: v I'll search. WIU she hare Ume? Gloria is such -:* :busy, elf. ■'■; ■ ' •■.,.'.'.; 1 ■■,'■:■■'■■ ■■■':■ ■■".,-:-: •■'•:■- •Jtawl^IW^'--k««i).riM«^-Any.j..ildiia''-af:iplo-; ">: ture .'• which Is g6d.,to'Uook, at;-,\elf j, >; . and 'lh«- brlihKr the.: tieuii: . .'. .-;"; " ' -■•] "Miimmle'* Olrl," Brwklyn.—So the Ring : birthday happens almost at the same time as yours, little new plxle. . i""-S.ilviir> S»anili." Ltwer Hutt.4»ld y"« ««e - Shy ibird-gtrangers,there .;.'. bell-birds or; j other ;natlTes? ~ * ■•.■'.' \ '■ -•.\ • rt"Bwirt Mystery," City.—Stories, Verso, or draw^ V lng» .. .which do you make, Nancy J "Be»e Fairy,"; BraaklyHv—lf.' the prize had been for neatneaa you would surely have won, OUre. ; ■■'■:.':■<■'■. :'■! :')',■..■■ '.:.'..: '.■ : :

"BlmlmMs »f aettltßd.'^Clty.—ls It my BlrtlW .day Book? A .V(!ry good'<drawing, ■ little. '! Miss.. B«Tcn-ye«s. ,■•■'.,■ ..■,.■'.'■.'-'; ~,-.'■ , .-. ■".',■■ "D«-D»." Cily.—They do look like incense-, burners,. . . 'specially, in: the purple light or dusk when the air: Is crystal clear. •'Th» 'llsC«y,":: ■r««My».J-War«hlps,; aeroplanes., and house* all In one picture. I 'think it must be * Tlew from Brooklyn Hill. "Fairy fKfatffttait." Lcwtr H«tt—Good work, Lornsi Didn't yotj hav* writer's cramp b«- . f«« you'd nalshtdl ;' ■ ■,:.■ . Ttfiy." Laiar Hirtt—A pleasure;tt was-to read your po«m . 7 ; *nt such a we» note. Will It eofrsr th« pat* nejt tlmef ;,; "Al»l«t Vlalk." !!••«.—Perhaps you'll find one. 'Postie bring*' surprises sometimes. . "Chuhfcy." Kaiwarra.—So long since;we've seen your, name In our lists, pixie.. Shall ,we find :-'-lt. here,: next ■-Saturday? ':'^''< 'y.~>!:^'\--; ;;''... "Madams ■; MVits'iy," ; ';'::'Clftr.r i-Haye i f'you'^'dis- .' covered"' "lassie", yet? il've ..heard, of;, the lilde-aud-aeek that's happening; Great fun •,'for:;you. "■■■.••"i.j^:- v-.' ; ;;':r..'■-•;;'.. ::-.i i>^ ■< :'■.'■■■■..■ "to»-er»sin," KilWnils.—Copylngi sketdies Is good practice, dear. Tour dKawimis are yery "Frstty Jask," KHMfiil*— Wellington did look ';•• gsy la her spangled.JnbUee gown. Weren't you sorry •Whea i aUe put «ah«r. grey, ejery--'day.'ftockf.: .-. ■ ••• ■'•....'■ : '■"■':' ■■ ■■:.■■"■','!■'< i.-" "Rider B»y." Psrlraa.—You know bow to make words paint pictures. last.:-.: ;■ ■•,■ ; "MiMklsvMS." Clty.^-Toiir atorjr arrlred In time, eir J .. ' and jour: drawing of the ■ fairies' tea-party. ; y ■.-;..;■■.,..•". •. ■.?- ./ ■ ;■,■:.'.■• ■ Dwathy Carritk, City.—l loved your, long letter, Ittttest. A big welcome t6 onr. elfln '■'' Ring. '.'': ':'•''•■■:■•■ :"■":< >•.■•.•"'>. y.;^'.,!-1- if ;.' ;• • «Ha«ay ¥r*b~r*UM. '-»» yo«;.»ay h» fonnd ; amoncthe storjaakersi top. Not tta» amallest letter., •.: .■ ■'•,'■:-.• .;:: -■,■■:■ '■,;v-'"-.;Y;-:..:- , "6sWm Mtmt", KeiHrßj-I hope yon t tlnd '■■ * pen-rrlend this Ume, "TwlnkUng loea." ' "Tramltor's Jay," Huraklsaa.—l nope 'nobody 1 Spirits this week's Bins sway. Love to our , Murchlson dies. ;.:..-..■;•, .-;-,' .■:■.■. ■■•,•■.■.'■ City.—Better lock In the next competition, Margatot. Perhaps you'll see your drawing In the Kins;, after all. ■ ; ■ "Wasdtriß* tats," Hataltal.—Did you jump put of bed early''enough to see the allver>whlte frost on trees .and grasses? ■_■ ' "Hlawatka," MastertMi.—And is the cat jog , growing?; I miss jay every mornlne ..watto^.

AWKWARD

We were having tea; with .aj friend the other day wlien Daphne, the baby, was scolded for something. "I like Nora's Mummie best," she said.' Nora was her friend next door. "Very well," said her own .mother, "perhaps you couldlive 'with. Nora's Mummie.- We'll see what can be done ateut^t* ■;,.-';■, iVo,, t,;j-^,,.:■■■.;. ■ ■ 'PresentlyDaphne, after a little time very quiet, said: "Mummie, I like our ■iurniture'best/^y-::'.I'-^-:'-.- , .;'.-^;

:^]SWv"WE-:A^E>-:;EIGfflT'!-

BIRTHDAY GIFTMAKERS

Here are the names of all the pixies who made scrapbooks or brought gifts for children in hospital;— SCRAPBOOKS.—"Lassie," Lady Jane," "Valencia," 'Traveller's J»y," "Polyanthus," "Pixie Big-ears," "Pixie Pen-elf," "Seablrd," "Penny Ha'penny," Miss E. Wilson, "Wandering Lass," and "Queen of the Snow." STORYBOOKS, TOYS, AND GARMENTS.—"Pfade Bif-eara," "Brownie Helpful," "Little Gladness," "Crimson Rose," "Purple Pansy," "Sunshine Elf." ' ' ,

PIXIE PEOPLE: Birthday eight, of out Ring is here, scattering its magic ... its happiness into every corner. Just imagine how we've grown in eight years . . -. from ten mushrooms to nearly three thousand! Truly time to celebrate. Here is your Birthday Page, made mostly by your small selves. Firstly, there's the winning story written by "Ranui" (14). Dozens of other stories came to the Ring, too, but some were ' not suitable for the Birthday Page and they will be kept for another day. The most highly-placed entries have been printed here for you. t The prize-winning sketch was made by "Daisy Dawn" (14), whose dainty work you all know well, and the beat ,poem by "Rider Roy" (15). These three elves may watch for a visit from the Postman, who will also call on "Gretchen," aged eight, who won the picturestory for under ten-year-olds. '* And (he's going to be a busy Postman) the child who makes the prettiest painting of "Daisy Dawn's" fairy picture may expect a parcel too. Paintings must arrive at the Hing before next Saturday. Birthday joy to you all. - > y ' , . . '. FAIRIEL.

(Written for the Birthday Page by "Lassie," Kelburn.) //TT* 0011' 1 don>t care!" cried a deflant uttle voice» while avP aKT ran • |H across the garden to a towering pine tree and leaned against its rough "*• trunk. "Foof, I don't care!"—but the sharply-drawn breath and flushed cheeks proved that she did. "What is it, Little One?" called Autumn Lady from the other side of the sundiaL "Tell me, and between us we rtmy be able to set it right." "I don't want to be the Eighth Birthday Child and live in the Fairy JUng," said Little One. "I want to stay always with you, lady dear. And I'm shy of meeting the other seven birthday children. I don't believe they will want me to play with them, and anyway, I threw away my invitation!" Autumn Lady drew Little One to her, and together they walked up and down the garden path in silence. Gradually the stormy temper smoothed itself away, and Little One said: "Fin sorry, please tell me what to da" "I think, first," she replied, "we must remember why the invitation came. You see, birthdays are happy times, and the giving and receiving of pleasure !is so bound up together that no one can tell which'is which. And when the ! birthday of the Fairy Ring comes round the pixies want a Birthday Child as I their special guest, a Birthday Child who will join in the fun and joy of passing on pleasure along with scrapbooks and toys and suchlike. And the seven Birthday Children know how much jollier it is to add one to their number each year than to keep themselves to themselves."

m»K

"Ob. then," said Little One, "I was a foolish person. And ungrateful, too. Would you, please, help me to find the invitation? It's Birthday Eve now; I do hope it's found in tune." . 1 'It wasn't an easy search at aIL Autumn Lady called for helpers, iand Frosty Mist and Blue Smoke joined in the hunt. They turned over heaps of fallen gold poplar leaves, they looked among the bare twigs of the willows, they brushed aside the dew-diamonds, all without avail. "Oh, surely if is somewhere," cried Little One. "Why ever was I so careless." Frosty Mist and Blue Smoke heaved a tremendous sigh of sympathy—a sigh sufficient to flutter the last tattered scarlet leaf of the Virginia creeper on the brick walL And that caught Autumn Lady/s eye. "Why, my dear," she said, "here is the invitation, caught in the creeper twigs! Now we must get ready to accept it Your prettiest frock, Little One, the blue and silver satin—l will wear bronze and gold velvet Frosty Mist arid Blue Smoke, be cure to meet us at the party in the Fairy Ring. And now, good-night, my Little One. I know you will love being a Birthday Child, and we will both share the joy of your welcome and the joy of true giving." ' Frosty Mist and Blue Smoke discussed it afterwards. "And wasn't it a great cheer they gave as Autumn Lady brought Little One to the Fairy Ring, everyone Jumping from their mushrooms to join hands and cry 'Welcome, darling Birthday Child! Join hands and hearts with us, all this happy year.'" "Yes," Blue Smoke, replied, "and the bit I liked best was when the seven Birthday Children danced about her, singing: 'We loved being seven, but . it's much, much nicer, now we are eight'"' '•/

" NEW PIXIE PEOPLE . . .

"Mwamio'e Girl" (6) ........ -... Brooklyn "Sweet Myitery" (.13) ~;........... City Dorothy Carried (4) Cty PearT ftaimiiueit (10) ................CHy "Mendele»oka': (?) ............. Kkaadallah "Miv Winkle" (10) ......... — -..... City Patricia Leiteh (I) ................ Newtewa ■■■:::-:.\ J;'■-:■*■■■■ -';" \.it^:)-J :<r; /.:v ; v::i: •• "Alpine Violet," 14 BaaaVick Cnient, Meera, tower Hatt, atke for a. »«afrloa4 wao live* a«t of -Wolllaitoa. , ''' ''v^-- '.■;■-- •:;, : '■.-.-■ ':■ : "Ivaaho*."—"Riser Boy" (J. Sayon. Perlr«a> weald like yea te ko her pearrlertav . "Hl|h Jlakt."—Write to "Geld.a Sllpaort," 4 Cluay Avtime, Mleiira. WoHlnetea. t ' ; "Blllle Dove.''—To "Sparkllag eye*" 48 Hum* Street, Lower Halt ~,.„«.„;. ~ "Little eiaaaue."—T«"Seakira\" 23 Kanlni Street, Eottoeurao. ;>. .:. ;..r Will Mmekody wrIU to Joyce Po»». • Waltu Street, Khaadallahr .v>. Will temokody aeod 12-15 write to Hole* Henson. Pott Oflleo. MaitertoaT ■■■:^.\, :•■.:.-:

... AN ANSWER TO "SptrkhM Eyti," Immt Halt—Sorry you missed. U3, pixie. Are you belter again, now? "A»M »f the Milt" .NartfclM*.—Tour American pen-friends must be-'lnteresting. Could you find addresses for King, people! "Jim* Mariot." mrthlaii*.—Good new* that you're begun to write agalm But there are many older than fifteen. «Hlraii«a," RawW.—Puss evidently thought your letter was a doormat for him. 1 can see bis inky paw-marks. , > "Penny Ha'M»»y." IrtlUl-One of the thick; cut acrapbooka of aU. It must have Uken many hours to fill. "Jutt Jm." NertilaM".—l hare enured jour little sVetch. It is good work for • ten- , year-old artist. "Seafclrd," Ea«t»»urne.—l couldn't t*il, pixie . . . unless I knew her pen-name. Thank >ou for your dainty acrapbook. Pearl RasmuMM, City.—You are • pixie of the - - Jung; now. '■ Clioote ' another pea-naiae, PearL. "Brcwiile Helphtl.- Hewtewii.—i. n»sty adrenV v turc. to vbefall-'.yonJ ÜBet's-'bt'i-aiadvyou've. , • left ,tt" bchlnd, f; ;,r l f'^;VAff;3' > iK; '■'■..".■■;■ ■■:•'.' "Sun«et,'V Carter-ton.—Like a small hedgehog - with prickles ready "for-Jlievfray!■•-, ". ■:.-• -; s -! ; ■ "tidy Gtdlva." : NtwtewaI.—But now you aw nearly grown-up and those; important things, \'lessons, steal most\of .your time.,■--,. ',<:.■',::■ "Daaelni Elf,'*' Nitli^-When you''.'can follow patterns you will be a skilful .knitter. Teddy's ■'.•»-;;hi"elor.M«dy-..J-.'.'!.V.:-.-'"-' : !.^:.:s.'7'.v'. "Cfctrtmt," £art*t«r»t^-We love Bllhonette : plrturee, 'specially wltchy ones. I'll save it ,for Hallowe'en:' /.;:,, -. ■:,■■. ';;i.; ; .;";■„';,! ■■ ■: ..; -.;.;v •Vcntliy H., H; Eatttwini*.—l-'^eci- you aw a treat friend of the beach doakeys that J youyey.tokmi* tat *».■:: Ylbat*is ywu^PinV.'BMW^ftjJ •■;•'/•. ■';.'.■:. '.:<"'; :,' ■■'•'.''.'Vi-w,- -^V'-1-:. •■:■■• "jullttta." PalnarttM Nartti.—What wrrtaturM you've been harint! And . btny moment* with your needle, too. Writ* acain too*. "»t»?yilrf> K»l»«™.—lt matawd the heading beautifully. I think a smaU bird must hart .■V-tow •jUto.-'.:?,1--;':.; : : /[:-':.:;-x^ :f ;:'r ■ '!■.;':>;■'■ ?;■■:•. "J.P.F.," Hataltal.—l cannot print an adver--1 tisement in,the Ring, Joan. Perhaps one of i: your .friends ,<will-. help you.'to finish' the -.■'.'jumper.-"-.--•; ;■:'-' ;'■■■•■, :.'■''.r'yi'.'■:..' i. ■'.-. ■'-"'-.■ .';;, "Mendelstohii." K»amlallah.— Bead tiie :" "Please'r column, Joyce.js Perhaps you'll tod -,' V; peu-friend there. • ~'•■:.- ~,,*-" J-■■;..-'■■ --■.-■■•■'■ ■■'.■..; "Valencia," Kar«ri.-4 shallslook''-foTbyou and .' "Sammy Snowball" on that day.' ":.: ■ ; Pearl We»t, Island Bay.—There are no English pen-friends on the list at : present, dear, ".but I shall try to JBnd' one for you. ■:.-■. ' ''Little Gladnet»,"'Kareri.—Most /pixies are far in slumborland at dawn of the dax. What magical' aky-plctures you muit have Men. "1. MeK.," City—How would you like'to be \; called Winkle?";.;.';. ;';';; ; -;; ■ '•.; ■ "SrlMlda." City;—"Marlanna" and "Starbcam" . came to the Binr that day. Buiy times ahead for you! • ■.■'•''■■.•■■■!'•.'.. .■■','-'^«"---/: "Pi»»l» Elf," Kartrl—Peter and Pearl are 'aristocrats among cats,; I'm sure. Bars you Uught your pet any new tricks T , ' "MariaMa." Heera.—But It has been . holl- : days all the way this year so you wouldn't grudge the weather clerk om wet week. "StarhMO,"; Mewa.--I 'spect yonTl b« tremendously sony to say good-bye to her. ■ : Will that; mean: • fareweU pariyJ "Geldeii Pheatant" Sreytewn^-A rirer in flood Is & magnlflcent sight, sometimes. Tou ' had. an Interesting holiday, lass. .-. Patricia Ltltok. HewtawH —You may. Patrlda< but we already have a "Bunny Brlghteyes/ -~'Choose' again, ,dear.:::,.;.'."r':. ..;.-';■ ..'.- •■. :-..-• ' "Pur*l* - Pansy.'.l :B«at»B».—How clerer of. her . . .. and how la the patient? "Crlmseii ReM," SeateH.—lt was a good gness, -wasn't It? I think the books-are splendid I "TeMy'a Mil," M*«*Mi*a.—Old OMan Sunshine's the merriest- guest -1 know. I'm glad : you escaped, .the flood-waters. . j /

Will that amii • rarewell party? "GcMtii PMaunt" CrayUwa^-A ilrer in flood Is a magnificent,sight, wmetlmes.. You bad. an Interesting holiday, laas. Patrlola Uitob. N«wt»WH.—You mar. Patrld«< but we already have'a "Buna; Brlghteyes.' 'Choose again, dear. "Purple Pansy." SMtMm.—How clever of her ... and how la the patient? "CrlmMß RtM," SMtm/-It wai a good gaeii, - wasn't it? I think the books.are splendid I "TtMy's A«t," Mattortea.—Old Man Sunshine's the merriest-guest' I know, I'm glad you escaped the flood-waters. j /

"INCENSE BURNING . . ."

"When! look out over the city from my window on these frosty mornings the Wellington chimneys send up long twining columns of blue smoke which seems to me to look like a fragrant incense being offered up to some great god hidden away behind the downy, slate-coloured clouds, which nestle in the hollows of the hills." > ■''" : ■

OUR OWN BIRTHDAY VERSES

THE BIRTHDAY SONG. ; -<:v-; .••• (Original;)' . . •'■.. . Ott Friday night mttwelTe,o'clock there'll be feasting at the Bine, , ■ There'll be fairies andelveS from miles away ' !come to dance'-and'slng. ■ '■ ' And: everyone there 'Will be Joyful and glad, And no one even • teeny bit sad. .■■ ■ Aw* all will revel In delights to be had, Tor ' Isn't » birthday—Especially the Ring's— T *: truly wonderful thing? OH, years ago-f-ean!>it -really, ba eight?—tho Bine was hardly known, ■..• . \ Just a mushroom here and a mushroom there, but since then its grown and grown. . And now there'i hundreds and hundreds of And'theyll all come In In sixes and twelves To join the run and enjoy themselves. And when dawn flushes the eastern sky no .| one will want to. go home. : "What I can't understand: Is this/' I heard an «\Vhat tis dthe I!iause of .11 this joy-because it's *6^&yU{li}r¥; a^i I heard him Don't you know that tonight's -the ; night of Blrp^n. BLEEPINO BEAUTY." . A witch on Beauty cast A spell, ■.■■■■■■■■■ And 'fast aileep lor years she fell;. Until luto the palace nrept' ■ ' ' A prince, whs Mused her while she slept. She woke, and soon. the slory tells. They heard tho sound of wedding bells 1 Found by— "SWEET PEA" (18J.

FAIRY BIRTHDAY* (Orlgtaal.) ' How silent sleeps the glen tonight. Queer shadow* end in pools' tk light. Hush I Whlnp'rlng breesa hurry by ■Mid grasses Ull I bear a sigh. * - The distant woodland (ladct aring With fairy voices. Sweet they sin?. Soft elfln flnKera take my hands. The glen In full of etna bands. A fairy roice says 111 my ear, "Come, follow, follow, hare no rear." I follow through the tree* so still. On, on, to the enchanted hill Where pixies hold their birthday fun. Swaying and singing one Ay one Through birthday musUroams big and small. Bound aleepy daisies short and tall, They dance with moonbeam* (ay and bright Each moonbeam seems a tiny sprite. . . . Now silent Bleeps the glen tonight. The fun ia o'er, the moon '• bright. "BrDUt BOY" (IS). Porlrua. \

ThC LONESOME ONE. The morning- dawned both bright and clear, Full of good wishes and birthday cheer, Bnt one wai sot happy. In a lonesome spot. And that waa a small blue-eyed forget-me-not.' Bustling, rustling through the town. Elves and pliles ran up and down. Full of fun and birthday cheer. For The King's birthday, once a year. Then along came Falrlel, both lortng and; kind. With only unselfishness In her mind. Noticed in a dreary spot One little lonesome forget-me-not. Now cheery Is that lonesome tpot. Where dwells that happy forget-me-not. 'Happy birthday I Happy cheers I I Through every Wrtbday in coming years. ' "FATSV" (13)^

Lower Hutt.

•■■: .:'"■ ■ THE KAIRY DELL.:. .-;'' ' ; ''. V; ■ ■•■• \ : . ■■.-.>' (Original.) - :v..:, ■•, '■;.-.■ There Is a tiny, cobbled path ; Which leads to Fairyland. ' •' It winds. along a mossy dell. Where stands a; palace, grand. And if you tip-toe softly ' •' Down there, some moonlit, night. You'll hear tht elfln music And tee the fairies brljht. . ■ For there the Queen sits on her throna, . In a dainty, silken gown, With tiny, silver, slippers on, And diamonds iln: her crown. : One starry night she held si ball .In the mossy, sylvan glen; I They danced and sipped from acorn cups Served by. wee elfln men. ' "ICE-CREAM" (11). Kllblrnle. THE BIRTHDAY, OF THE RING. i"'Tls the birthday of the King,"' ' Tlie elves and fairies sing. /. "We must a feast prepare," they , "Come now', there Isn't time for play.' And when at last It's »H prepared They all join hands and sing. ■. . , Then Joyful are they as they shout: , •'Hurrah, for the birthday of,the Blng.'^ /•liAVENDBK-.LADY" (13). lower Hutt. ■ ■ ■ ■. ■ ■ .'. .■' ■ ■ "STARS. ;•■•'• I saw a little fairy 1 ' ■•: • .■■■■ :: ■■: ■■ ■': onco. .' ■ .•■■..■ ■' "Oh, stopl" I critd. "Please w»Hl" "I'm sorry," said 'lie . fairy, ' . .-. ■ .- "But I can't, I'm rathtflate." The fairy star lamps must he lit By fairy firelight glow I" "So that's how stars are made I" I cried. "I'm very glad I know!" Found by—• "TATTKNHOE"? (14). Kilblrnia.

:EXMSTLY-.;;:EldilT '^MKSv OLID

(Written for the Ring Birthday by "Ranui," 14, JohnsonvMc.) FAIRYLAND was all aglow with gay colours, shining eyes, and happiness. Df course it.was a special day—a very special day—the birthday of he Fairy Prmcess. But it was not an ordinary royal birthday—oh, no, lor that day the princess was exactly eight years old. Eight years old is £ very special age in Fairyland. By that time every fairy is well skilled in magic and enchantment, and very, very wise. Natuially the princess was no exception—m fact the Court magicians said that they could teach her no more, and everybody knew she was very wise and very good. So, of course, she was dearly loved by her people. Great festivities were planned for the great day, and it was rumoured that the princess would bestow some great gifts on the mortal world. In the midsl of the revels the princess called three of her most-loved subjects. To her first, came the Spirit of Beauty, tall and graceful, with black hair falling around her, and deep, thoughtful blue eyes. "Your kingdom is great," said the princess. "There is much beauty on the earth—so go, oh spirit, and find something that is exactly eight years old. On it will I bestow a gift." Obediently the Spirit of Beauty took leave of her princess and flew away to the land of the mortals to find a thing of beauty that was exactly eight years old. Next came to the princess, the Spirit of Delight—a merry, laughing sprite -with a cloak of joy hanging irom her shoulders. "Your kingdom is also great," said the princess. "Go then and do as I desired your sister to do also." Then came the last spirit—Happiness. She was frailer than her sibters, but a wonderful light of glory shone in her eyes, and she reigned in a land of love. "Your kingdom is not so great as those of your sisters, little one," said the princess tenderly. "Mortals are blind, and lev/ can find you, and Sorrow and Despair have won great territory, but go you too and likewise find a thing of happiness that is exactly eight years old." . , ' Two hours later the spirits returned and sought an audience with their princess. First of all the royal maiden asked the Spirit of Beauty what id her kingdom should receive the promised gift. ' "I have found, your Highness," replied the spirit, "a thing of great beauty to behold—a young tree, slender and graceful, and exactly eight years old." "You have done well," praised the princess, "from now on that tree shall ' be covered with beautiful blossoms as white as the snow." Then the Spirit of Delight was called. "Your Highness," she said, "in my kingdom I found a child—a child who knew the earth as a place of delight, and she too was exactly eight years old." ' "You too have done well," replied the princess. "On the child I will bestow the gift of song. She will sing as sweet as a bird the melodies of delight" Then came the Spirit of Happiness. "Oh, your Highness, your Highness,' she exclaimed. "I have found a thing of happiness worthier than all others to receive your gift. I peeped in a cottage window—within was a room scantily furnished, 1 and plainly the dwelling of poor folk. But there, there sat some children listening eagerly to their elder sister, who read from a paper. For half an hour those children had entered my kingdom Then I peeped in the window >of a great mansion, and within, in a grand easy chair drawn before a blazing fire was a little girl enjoying the same paper as those poor children enjoyed. She too had entered my kingdom. And this paper that has so gloriously extended my kingdom is called The Fairy Ring,' I and it too is exactly eight years old." "This pleases me little Happiness," said the princess, "so on it too will I bestow a gift—a gift of delight, prosperity, love, and beauty. As for its readers and writers—it shall be theirs to see the majesty of Winter, the vivid splendour of Summer, the golden glory of Autumn, and the -tenderness of Spring." • J ' ' w •< > , Down in the land of mortals a beautiful tree was covered in snow whit*' blossoms, a little , child sang as never children had sung before, and the Spirit of the Fairy Ring whispered in every reader's ears: "I am blessed with delight, prosperity,- love, and beauty, and I teach you, my readers, to have insight into the beauty of Nature, for 10, I am eight years old* - _

( THE DODO BUCK

ACROSS," ? 1 Otherwise (reversed), 4. Vowel (repeated). 6. To growl. ' 8. Two-third* or 43. 9. Vowel (repeated). 10. M.S. (actual). 12. Exclamation of disgust. 14. Upon. 15. Passaway (Jumbled), IV. Beverage -, (reversed). 17. Halt. 21. Become vift)*. » 23. Well-known ash. 26. Large Bird. 28. K 8. (actual). 29 Makes clean. 30. Lightly struct 32. What 3 li for.) 33. Black and white bird. 34. AfflraatlTe. ■ < 35. Skilful. 38. We partly ittnd on. 39. Large extinct bird. 40. Skin. 41 term of address (jumbled), 42. Sea bird. 43 Short for boy'i name. 44. Large boxes.

46. laying up in stoic. M. Girl., i ' DOWX. 1. Itest. 2. Been on. seashore* , 3. Part or head. I 6. Say again. 7. la front. < I 11. Fests In garden. 13. A stroke,, I1 17. Weapon. ' 18. fearful ,19. Propellers. ,■ 20. Vied in spectrum. 28. Bird with lorn tail. 24. The Ont abipbuiider. 25. Meuuring with U left out. M. To sake »«* v , ~-- -27. Braf« men (junbled), 31. To Bx (rerersed). ' 35. The item of a ship. 38. Boy. 37. The Clue. t 44. An offer. t 45. Enclosed. ' 47. O.M. (actual). 48. CA. (actual). 49 Half a New Zealand bird.

ANNE'S PARTY

(Original, by "Lonewne," 14, City-) ANNE MERRIDETHsat at her pretty little desk biting her Pf£^nd frowning at the fire. In a week from now she would celebrate her fourteenth birthday, and Anne knew exacUy »»*'t^. rich; adoring mother would tell Cook to prepare* the most dainty tea There would be everything money could buy. Mother was a dear, but shtfhad no idea ai^o how young people enjoyed themselves. She would expect them to sitround the flnTaf ter tea and listen to tales of her girfhood or something fcke ttat Ann decided that that was not to I>e; she would organ*e everytoCklK£?SSaS& guests and little did they gu.s wh* a party Anne was preparing for them. When the «peml 'afternoon came Anne slipped into her new crepe de chine dress, md, peeping over the banisters she saw that two people had already arrived, Molfr and ha brother Jack. After that the restof the girls and boys, arrived m two and threes. They went up to Anne's bedroom and took oflltber.hats and » coats. Soon aU of them were in the big, airy sitting-room, the, girls looking thPi"£^S«e is a treasure hunt. There are three clues. "*££ *?gSsiEs"a busy scene. Suddenly Terry Robinson gave a loud whoop, which immediately gave him away. Terry had a httle slip> o£ paper. The clue said that the second clue was to be found round m Central MA?J& f(S3S^glrtl«l M* as they raced along Nairn Street. '*^S?SyS?Sii Ute companion. "We're having fun* ,Anne V a. waiting in the sitting-room for the winners to return. The third clue was in the park too, so whoever returned first would probably be winner,, She had not long to wait, lor soon Terry came rushing in with Molly at his ** S' "Ive searched as each clue told. And now, O Chief, I want my gold." ( They both stammered out, glaring at each other all the while. Jokingly Anne led the way round to a shed. She knew by the httle verse that she had printed on the third clue that they had indeed searched. . Till about nine o'clock the girls and boys played those simple, wellknown games that are usually played on party occasions. When the big clock struck nine times, Anne told them all to gather round, for she haa a legend to tell them. So they did, while May turned the lamp very low so that just the merest flicker shone on'the walls. Anne began to speaKin 1 ° "Once, long ago, my ancestor came to Ao-tea-roa in a small sailing ship. - 1 At this time the fierce Maoris were in rebellion and had massacred n} 8"^ Here Anne raised her voice to a hoarse shout which made the timid_ones shiver "He built a'house on this very spot, but one night on his- flruetn birthday the Maoris surrounded him and he was killed, and th& legend says that every time one of his descendants has a birthday he visits this place. ' At this point a panel in the wall slid back, revealing a cavity. The boys jumped up while the girls squealed. . May switched on the light and the space could be seen all the moie 1 PlaiVm going to follow this," Terry told them bravely. He got a torch ' and he and several others stepped into the cavity. 1 "It might lead to a secret, buried treasure," squealed May., But they only walked a few yards when they came to an abrupt halt, Terry flashed his torch over the wall in front of them. There was a sheet of paper sticking to it. 1 "Read it out. What does it say?" cried Molly., "Little children who believe phoney legends ought to be spanned, Terry read out slowly. . They were dumbfounded. For a moment complete silence jreignea, "Where's Anne, where is she?" everyone cried. They tumbled into the room and at last dragged out Anne from beneath the table. That rascal was shaking with laughter. She sank into a chair and laughed to her heart's content. "Ought to be spanked, ought we," Molly said. "How did you get the secret panel?" May asked. , ■ "Employed a carpenter," Anne told them. "It was hard work to persuade mother, but I did it." "I should think you did," said Jack. When Anne had got over it they; all went into supper.