THE STORY OF A BRAVE GIRL

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 21, 25 January 1936, Page 20

THE STORY OF A BRAVE GIRL

Moifa was the name of a girl who lived in the time of the early settlers of New Zealand. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chrisole, lived in a shack at Rira, a'very small settlement.

One day a messenger rode into the village. Some men took the panting and weary horse away, while others crowded around the man.

"What news?" they asked, breathlessly. Then he began his tale. "I was riding through the forest yesterday when I heard the tramp of many feet coming towards Rira—" "Oh" " — and I hurried away to tell the

officials of the town. They told me to go and investigate. I went, and saw a party of Maoris on the war-path. At their head rode Rawerawa. I then came with all haste to Rira. You know the rest. 1'

The people gasped. Rawerawa on the war-path! It sounded like a death sentence. The most powerful chieftain in the land; Why, there would be no one left alive.

"But why did you not go back to the town and get help?" the people said.

"If I had, they would not have had time to come," he said. It was night, A .quarter of a mile away the chantings of many voices were heard, then through the trees many dark, swaying figures were seen. Each held a flaming torch. At their head xode Kawerawa.

The villagers whispered to each other that someone should go to the town for help. "Mother, could I go to the town? Lara could get me there quickly," said Moira. . . ,

"Don't be silly," said Mrs. Chrisole. "You'd be caught." But, in spite of her : mother's words, a small, dark figure crept out of the gate in the wall surrounding the: village. At her back came the faithful Lara.

The battle was beginning. Several of the villagers were wounded, and a few Maoris killed. Although they knew there was no hope .the people of Rira fought stubbornly. Suddenly the clip-pity-clop of horses,' hooves came to their ears, and a minute later a band of mounted soldiers burst through the trees. With them rode Moira.

The soldiers were given a joyful welcome from the people. They were saved.

"QUEEN OP THE DAWN" (10) Lyall Bay.

LAKE LANATOO. (Original.) An emerald preen and white it's wtj , Among a range of hills so grey, ! An abundancy the lake can get Of sunshine brljrht every day. Goldfish awlnr lazily: around ■ , ' .■: Their beautiful abode so; deep. ....•.'. : ! Beside the trees some reeds are found' • i On! which grasshoppers sleep. -. -■'•■'■' Down bush-clad slopes a creek It. flowg , To join the sparkling lake, and here ' Appears a little waterfall - . To move the wild hibiscus near. A clear, blue, suy is overhead, A feath'ry cloud adorns the west j The golden sun turns rosy red Preparing now. to .go to rest. As shadows cling to tropic trees | And flowers shut their sleepy eyes Up from the south there comes a breeze 1 While stars and moon begin to rise.