THE FAIRY RING The Shamrock "COUNTRY HOLIDAY" TIMOTHY'S CAT BRAMBLE PIRATES! CAUGHT IN A STORM WINGS FOR A DOCTOR THE THIRD GIFT "METOO" PASSPORTS THINK TWICE THE ORANGE-OAK THE GOLDEN HOARD "BABY OF THE AVIARY" RIDDLES ainel Send an Answer to RULES OF THE RING " PLEASE ..." A BIG WELCOME TO...

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 49, 27 February 1937, Page 20

THE FAIRY RING

The Shamrock

"COUNTRY HOLIDAY"

TIMOTHY'S CAT

BRAMBLE PIRATES!

CAUGHT IN A STORM

WINGS FOR A DOCTOR

THE THIRD GIFT

"METOO"

PASSPORTS

THINK TWICE

THE ORANGE-OAK

THE GOLDEN HOARD

"BABY OF THE AVIARY"

RIDDLES

ainel Send an Answer to

RULES OF THE RING

" PLEASE ..."

A BIG WELCOME T0...

RING PEOPLE: ~ , ..,, . . Back from sea-side cottage and country farmhouse come the last holiday-makers, and some have called mr passing to say a merry "Kullo" afctiießingand'to^trytq: tell of ten weeks' fun till in ten minutes. Much to his disgust Letterbox Elf has scarcely been able to get-a.-word in edgeways. It should be a 'specially large Ring tonight with every pixie at home again and'many new names^oh-ihe Register.; !,- : - ■ ' . Nobody- seems at all reluctant to answer Schbolbell's . call, •which . proves ivhai a "jolly -place school mtist be. T'spect you will all feel a little like Rip van Winkle at-first, after such a long holiday, and-it'■'■'will be■difficult to tee'p two feet firmly■planted'within a desk when they tingle to go running across wide, wet sands or country fields. With every mail comes more Sea Page tvork, and every time Letterbox Elf and I grow more enthusiastic over its quality. Drawings groiv more beautiful and stories more interesting, until we feel a horrid'doubt about fitting them all in. . "Do you think 'the Printer^Man would five us 'ALL the paper , for once," asked "Letterbox EJ,f" . "Not a good idea at all,"fsaid,, I. "Although we know thai Grandfather always reads the Ring on Sundays we must give him something else to FRETEND to read." * ••■■; , "/ think it would be a good idea to have a Grandfather s Page," suggested "Letterbox Elf." Grandfathers can tell wonderful stories about the Maori wars, about gold-rushes, and 'adventures in other lands like China or India." Really y "Letterbox Elf" does have good ideas sometimes. Perhaps, one day, we shall have such a page, and I am sure if we named it in Grandmother's honour, Grandfather wouldn't mind at aii .■".:.. '- , -: ■'■ ■ • ■"■■■ ■•■' What do-you- think about it, pixie people? -r - •■'.- •' .. ■ . v aidivt

(Original.).

The big, .low-lying clouds'hung lazily over the turf-clad hills/which were enveloped in a thick curtain of purple haze. I gazed dreamily up, into the dark, threatening clouds which looked as though they would-like-to burst and flood the landscape. ■•■;■, .-; : , .. ,■ ■■ How disappointed I felt,; for I had promised to visit my favourite aunt, who lived a good way from our residence. On account of the threatening sky, Mother advised me not to go, as a severe storm was expected. I pleaded and-pleaded to Mother.'until she gave her consent, so I.put on my rain-clothes and started my journey. , Having proceeded a' good distance, but not nearly at my destination, I suddenly felt a spot of water on my face, followed by several others, and in scarcely a second the rain was pouring down with much force. Down, down it poured in torrents, torrents of

FAIRIEL

Away on a lonely cattle station several tall, lean, bronzed ranchers are rounding up one of the vast herds. Suddenly something goes wrong; no one quite knows why, but the cattle grow,restive. Fear grips them; they bunch more tightly. Then, with a beating of hoofs that sounds like thunder over the sun-baked land, the herd stampedes. '•*'"',

:>w<z>«k=xk

One of the cattlemen is swept down in that awful tide. His pals pickup his terribly battered body and carry him to the homestead. "He's alive," says one. CLONCURRY'S CALL NUMBER.

In the old days the wounded rancher's fate would have been sealed; Bedourie, the nearest settlement, was fifty miles away, and no doctor was within five hundred miles: But now?

Fifty miles of desperate riding i brings the wounded man's friend to the clustered dwellings of Bedourie' and the plain little building where a wireless .transmitter has been in : stalled by. the Australian Inland Mis-1 sion. Soon it is tapping out the call j number of Cloncurry: VJI . . VJI . . -. VJI. Away in Cloncurry the A I M operator listens. "This is VJI . Bedourie calling? Right. Cattle stampede? Fifty miles south of you? Wait, the doctor will speak to you." ' Dr. Vickers comes to take the line. For just these emergencies he is there. "Yes ~;.' . ye;s :/ . ; I'll come, quick as Vthe aeroplane • Will - bring me. Have you four" hundred yards clear run against wind forlanding? j,^Any.trees? Right.- Expect me un^an hour;":' Outside, the ,aeroplane is waiting. Mr. Afflecks the pilot, sees'dt is/ready at any hour*for its errands of .mercy. Dr. Vickers comes with his-hag. The enginer roars. Up she soars/ away into the hot air. , ■•■:';'' THE FLYING AMBUIiANCE. f Just an .hour later .Afffeck' skilfully manages a tricky landing 'on rough ground. He hurries with Dr. Vickers overdo the homestead where the wounded.rancher lies. A swift-exam-ination shows the doctor that this is a case that needs long and careful nursing. How, can this, be managed1: away in the lonely'inland? .' Ah;'-there's a-1 mission hospital at Cloncurry. : "We'll soon have you fixed up," says Dr. Vickers cheerfully. They rig a stretcher, and the pilot and doctor •lift their patient into the aeroplane. Now it becomes a flying ambulance, speeding back under the blue skies: Cloncurry. Nurses are already Wking . .their ■.. preparations. The rancher is carried into the hospital. There's an operation. "Thank-God .'for the Inland Flying, Medical Service!" say that man's friends. ;

water falling with" great-force and rapidity upon ■ the' helpless earth. By and by came a terrific \ roll o£ thunder, followed by a-vivid flash of lightning, which caused me to close my eyes to shut out the 'dazzling light. Shuddering, I stood in a'door*ay-try-ing not to look upon the raging tempest. By now the wind, too, was at Us worst, for it, howled" and shrieked; it was a blustering southerly arjd.r shivered as its cries reached "my "ears. I was rather timid at being alone in, the storm when not a soul hurried along the deserted pavement. Now and again a car drove along the thoroughfare and save for the noise'of its engine only the storm was to be heard. ; . I waited in the doorway, not thinking of venturing out into the open, until, suddenly hearing what" sounded like footsteps, I strained my ears to hear.'. Gradually .; jhe footsteps approached and there; beside me stood Father! , ,■ ■• ... ■-• .1 How glad I was. > when Lreached home, once more safe and dry by the warm :fire. -... •■ ■, . ■ .•■ The next morning dawned.clear,and. fresh; all effects.of the storm had vanished. .' , "ANNIE ROONEY" (11). City.

(Written by "La Taupe,'1 14, Miramar.) T was the day'before the annual cart race at Fullwood, and its seven hundred inhabitants were agog with excitement. In the market square people were discussing the merits and demerits of the entrants. In thenback yards boys might have been seen putting the finishing touches to their trusty mounts before taking them to the market square, where they had to be inspected by the judges before being allowed to enter for the race. In a tumbledown hut- in the woods Harold Murray and his two friends sat back arid surveyed the" result of a week's hard work. It was a low, slowlooking cart, equipped with a pair of cumbersome pedals and a steering '""We won't beat Hubert Ponsonby's'wreck with this,"'announced Harold, "but we might get third, or even second, and there are prizes for those places." '• Just then they heard a quiet voice behind them. "Hello, boys," it said. i'Are you entering tomorrow's race in that?" I "We are," replied Harold, a trifle aggressively. Then, noticing that the speaker was his friend, Professor Pengelly, and not. an enemy, he hastily added: "It's not rhuch .good though:" • ■. • --.■■, ; :, '; •;. j "H'm," said the Professor, surveying the cart-with a cnticaleye, that jvon't get you very far." Of course Harold defended his prize, but he was forced to admit the slowness of his craft.' However, the professor cheered them up by saying fhat he had a new pedalling device and that he would give it to them if they would call at his house before nine o'clock the following morning. '~ No engines of any sort were allowed in the race, so Harold and his pals Went to bed in high glee that night. 1 The day of ;the race dawned cold but fine, an ideal day for the contest. As Fullwood was blessed with a racecourse this was chosen as the site for the race. That day all roads led to the racecourse. - Eight times round the track was the length of the race, with a stop of two minutes between the ■fourth and fiftti laps. . . ■ '" Burning with impatience, Harold ran up the drive of Professor Pengelly s house. On arriving at the door, he received a The butler who answered the door in response to his knock stated haughtily that the Professor had gone out at seven o'clock, and had not yet returned. I Sadly Harold ; made his way to the racecourse. As soon as the race 'commenced-Hubert Ponsonby took the lead and kept it. As each lap slipped by Harold fell back until he was hopelessly out of position. But a pleasant surprise awaited him in the two-minute rest at lap number four. Professor Pengelly was waiting there, full of apologies, but with the invention. It fwas quickly screwed into place, and when Harold surged on to the track 'again he felt new power at his finger-tips. I Car after car slid by Harold's whirling steed. In the last lap he caught jip and passed Hubert Ponsonby, who : was the leader. Thus did Harold JVTurrayr-come'to possess a brand-ne-* bicycle.'

"I went out to a farm for a fortnight and had lovely fun. Milking cows, riding, horses, feeding pigs ;ahd-.calves. There'were seventy-eight cows. I had two favourites, Squeak and Biddy. Biddy had , one special bail. She wouldn't,go in any. other. There was the horse Paddy who bucked me into the creek." •.:■./

"HIAWATHA" (14)

Masterton,

(Original.)

Clippety-clop,-: clip-clop, scun ded the feet of three camels, making their way along the stony road down from Jerusalem. Not so, had it been but a few days before. In the' trackless desert their tread had been almost noiseless, just a soft "pluff" in the sand, as they kept a steady pace under the starlit sky. ,

Now, at a bend of the road, the riders of two, who had been in earnest conversation, paused .to await their companion,' who rode a little to the rear.

'.'Caspar, my friend, we have been speaking^ of our quest, and are doubtful, •af tec all, if it is, worth pursuing. These' many nightsv'we -have travelled, bearing our ' gifts, ••;brdught by nothing stronger than our faith in the leading of the Star. And before we have found the baby King, we have seen King Herod, a cruel and suspicious man. Would it not be .better to return to Jerusalem, give him the golden gift, and reach our own country while we are safe? Melchior ceased, and nodded to Baltazar to speak;' '

"I, too, am no longer as hopeful as I was," he said. "My gift is frankincense—the.-, desire ,to worship. Is it not foolish, grown Jnen as we are, with all our wealth and power, to kneel to a Babe, however great the Scriptures say his life will be? Would it not'be better to turn our backs upon the Star .altogether?"

Caspar bade his camel kneel, to let him before he replied. Bewilderment,:; arid Iheri grief showed plainly, in his eyes. ..' '

"My brothers," he said, "while these thoughts were in your minds, and I let my camel walk slowly because of its slight lameness, my heart was warm with the/thought that soon we should see the Baby -King and' give Him our gifts. You are tired, in body and in mind. 'iPwider is a' well, close to the village of Bethlehem. Will you not come and rest beside it, while I unpack refreshments for you, and draw water ...for-the-camels?" He led the way, followed by his two companions.

"He has been;thoughtful and kindhearted throughout all this long journey," mused Baltazar. "His steady eyes betoken a quiet .heart. Nothing, I am certain, could shake .his faith in the leading of the Star. He has no fears of Herod, and his heart is as simple and steadfast as a child's. Perhaps he is right, and> we arc-wrong."

.. Melchior, as he listened beside the well, was looking down into its still, dark depths. "See, oh, see,",he cried suddenly, pointing down. . "The Star; it is mirrored there, as ; indeed it should be in my, own heart. Let us tell Caspar, and hasten to Bethlehem, to seek and find the King!"

Caspar needed no second bidding! Quickly they remounted, and set off at once, their eyes fixed once more eagerly upon the Star.

Clippety-clop, clip-clop, went the camels' feet again until they reached the inn. And when Melchior, Baltazar, i and Caspar knelt-before the baby King, who shall say that the third gift, myrrh—an understanding heart—wa3 not most precious of them all? ••I.ASSIE." Kelburn. v . : ■■■

"I am taming one of our canaries. It is the baby of the aviary, and I call' him Samuel. He is a funny little , thing, and is not afraid of me. I have been teaching him to run up and down i my fingers, and this he does with the ] greatest of pleasure." "DREAM MAIDEN" (13).

Visiting hours to the Fairy Ring ars tnree to four-thirty o'clock on Mondays. Wednesdays, and. Fridays. I. Address letters to Falrlel, "Fairy Ring," "Evcninn Post," City, Cl. ». Tell your age. name, and address as well as your pen-name. 3. Always say whether your work Is original 1 or copied. 4. Do drawings on unllned white paper, In pencil or Indian Ink. 5. Leave a margin when writing stories or verses, and write In INK on one side of thr paper only. 6. The Ring closes at 4 o'clock on Wednesdays, so post early In the week. "Ante," Island Bay.—Tour combination story Is very much better this time, Beverley. You mid "Bonny Lass" hare made the most, of l)io holidays. .Are you still braving Icebergs, pixie? ■ >: r "Bonny Lass," Hataital.—l'm sure you arc looking forward to the next school swimming sports nflcr all your practice . . . but can ono. Improve one's technique In "egg-and- j spoon" or "umbrella" races? ■- "Morning Rose," City.—Welcome . buck .to the city, Vay. I 'sped you arc-.quite ready tor school nfter such a grand holiday. Was It spent on a farm? . "Scotty;" City.—l shall look forward to readIng your verses or Btory, Scotly. Were you raught by the. showers that, very wet afternoon when you came visiting ? "Tomhus," Eastbourne. —Such an energetic bather you've drawn. I think he-,muni he taking his early dip on a "cold and frosty morning." ... "Mistress Prue," Mlramar. —Was the enclosed drawing copied or original, Beryl? Please write your age on-all your work, pixie. "Marcel," Upper Hutt.—Eleven, must have been a birthday to remember. I 'apect all the guests wanted to take home that benutiful doll's house. I hope your English cousin will, enjoy ;'The Fairy Ring." . "Maid of the Mill," Island Bay.—Perhaps If you search through the "Please" column every Saturday you will find a penfriend, elf. "Daisy," Dannevlrke.—Jrtlly to hear from .yon again and to find the dainty sea-poem. Weather Man seems to follow you like a shadow. . . "Jean 5.," Pioton.—There Is no competition for terse, chlldie . . . just Sea Page to be made by pities ,who -wish to have their work printed,.

"Sunbonnet Sue," Petone,—Perhaps you will have better luck this time, pixie. Tour story is very well written for your age. Keep on practising. . "

"Princess Eileen," City.—You hare been rambling along country ways, elf ... the jolilest way of spending a holiday. Did you race at the picnic? "Lilac,'1 Island . Bay.—So you made a new friend In Pat. "Enchantment, Is a dainty poem spoilt a little by too many descriptive words. ' "Maurloe F," City.—Have you ever Irled scrap-book-making? Someone I know saves pictures of Shirley Temple and .another elf, o£ trains. Perhaps you would choose ships. "Chang," City.—And have you discovered just where in the King will be your place . . . among vcrsc-m.ikcrs, story-makers, or artists. "Mana," Plimmertun.—You try to put too much In one small sketch. Kettinc. To draw a tea-party group it la not necessary to draw •the whole room. Just table and people would bo enough. "Dame Durdcn," Ngahauranga.—Didl you forget to enclose a letter or were the puzzles' sent alone, pixie? Thank you for two Sou Page brain testers. "Dormouse," Pakowhal.—What a Jolly picnic. I 'spect you had blisters next day to remind you of the rowboat . . . buL I am sure you didn't mind. "Shirley's Pal," Lower Hutt.—l 'sped you had great fun at Auntie Rita's, specially if there were cousins to play with. "Veronica I," City.—Welcome to the Ring, new pixie. 'Tlnk Hose" is the sweetest pennarne, but has been chosen. Could you think of another name? "La Taupe," Mlramar.—The letter became separated from the story, lad. That is why all contributions should be signed. You are doing very good work. I hope examinations do not keep you too busy. "Hine-o-te-Rangl," Plcton.—Both poems should . have been marked "copied," pixie. If you think of them quite by yourself, please ask Mother to sign them. "Little Dressmaker," City.—lt will be grand to have both of them to go out with. I suppose you are sorry that school starts when. Daddy's holidays happen. And what a nice long story 1

(A story for Tinies by "Dream Maiden," 13, Petone.) rpiMOTHY was four, and when little boys are four-, they have very deter- -^ mined notions. Timothy was no exception. He lived on a lighthouse with his mother and father, and seldom visited a town. ' He led a lonely life, but he never complained, for on the shelf in his little room were picture-books. These he studied often, but his prize possession was a picture of a cat with four little kittens. Timothy loved that picture dearly, and would have taken it to bed with him had his mother let him. As she wouldn't, he had it hung on his wall in a lovely frame with glass on it. . .

At night when he was tucked into bed he would take a long look at the picture before his mother put out the light. Some time later Timothy had a great idea. A picture of a kitten was nice, in fact very nice, but a real pussy cat would- be wonderful. The more he thought about it the more he wanted a little kitten. A kitten that would play with him, run about.with him, and love him. "Now," Timothy thought, "how can I get a kitten?" Santa Claus might bring him one, but Christmas was a terribly long time yet. His birthday did not come till nearly Christmas, so that was out of the question. Then Timothy had another idea. The fairies would probably bring him one if he asked them nicely. So that night a tired little boy, after saying his prayers, said: "Please, fairies, bring me a nice little pussy catr A black one if you have it." • ■ . ' . . Next morning Timothy awoke to find if was a lovely day. Then he remembered. He" had asked the fairies for a kitten. Now where was it? He hunted high and low, but no1 kitten. Then Timothy said with a quiver in his voice/"! did'want'that ■pussy,I', •arid'-bursj; into tears; ::.■;:,.,...., ~ ~ ; - ;-.■ His ; mother, hearing his sobs,- 'came into.;the ~-room - and. said, |-"Why,; Timothy,'whatever is the matter?" .'- ■-.;. 7 . \:', ";: '■': ".'. ■ ■ ;\: ;>. ■"■■■■ .'■; "v 7 .-:. - "Mummy, I-. did .want that pussy, cat." .;';■ \ ;•' ..'•':■ ".. ■,::'. :'■ "What pussy, Timothy?',' ".-■■ ■.'.. • . .'.:'. .' 7 .' "The one I asked the fairies for.)- They- knew ./.I wanted one,, but .they wouldn't bring it, Meanies!" ■ .',■•• :■.,-■• . ■: ;-:'\ .. ' .-7 A, look of understanding passed-across Mrs. Dalton's,face. ... ■:.' "Never mind. .Perhaps they're bringing it tonight. Cheer:. up."' .Then, giving him a big smile, she went to see Timothy's daddy.:..,. -~ ' •'■■■■ ;-' ; "Are there: many mice now, Harry?" ' : ■ . ; ■ "My dear, -we're, over-run with them. -A , cat' would be-the best-' thing for us." ■.- ■.-■-.'■'.■ _ .-'■ '.- 1 '-.... ' • ■ ■ ■-- ■ ■:' •■ ■ "I think so too. I want to. go-to. town today. I'll see. what I can do."' When Mrs. Daltoa. returned that night, a faint mew came from her bag. Timothy heard and ran towards her. "Mummy, did I hear a cat?" ~ i .. "I think so; dear. Just look in that cage.":-Timothy did so, and gave a whoop of delight. ■ ' *: ■■..... :, ''■'< '■ v "Mummy, it's a pussy! A little pussy!' And it's'black!" ■ That night Mrs. Dalton explained'to Timothy..r."You.see, dear, the fairies did hear you, and so they, :piit- the; idea into'jrhy;h.ead;. / That is how fairies work. So they didn't forget'you!" ' .;'';;::' ~' "It's the best pussy in the" whole-world, Mummy," said Timothy, as he hugged.the kitten. ' . ..:' '■''■■."■'"'■ '.'.7 '~-',

Why did Adam bite the apple Eve gave him! —Because he had no knife.

Which Is the left side of a Christmas puddin??—The side which is not eaten. Why did the penny, stnmp?—Because the threepenny bit. Why is a clock very shy?— Because its hands are in front of its face. What has four legs but cannot walk?— Two pairs of trousers. : "QUEEN BOADICEA."

"Flannel Flowor," Island Bay.—"The Sea Serpent" drawing and sketch is well done, pixie. Perhaps Printer Man will'be able to flni) space for It In the Sea Page.. "Hiawatha," Masterton.—A surprise to find you In the Ring ... and pleasant surprises aro always nice. Was it fun.. . . meetring old school friends aud teachers? "Maid of. the Moors," Hataltal. —Thank you for the story of "Neptune's Water-lilies," Helen. You made it up yourself, and I like original work ,best of all. "English," Thornilon. —Your work is improving, "English." Most elves, like you, are looking forward to school again. Even holidays can be taken In too large <a' dose. "Nancy H.," Takaka.—l thought the works of another young poetess would Inlcrcst you. Jting letters tell how much your own verses aro enjoyed. "Mario G.," Lowor Hutt.—And did you illustrate it!' I shall look forward to hearing about your Clirlatchurch holiday next time you come to the Ring. Happy days I "Wistaria," Mornington.—Just ns well sunshades cannot smile, isn't it. Let's hope you have sunny weather for the last weekend of the holidays. ' . "Dlmplos," Morninfftbn. —Were both sketches your work, plxle? One was unsigned. You must practise drawing people as you see (hem. "Ray M.," City.—And did you see her as Paddy, the romping tomboy? A merry-mak-ing film, truly. "Blllie Dove," City.—l like your "tale of a mermaid.". What chattering!) and reunions Monday will hold. Beginning and end of holidays seofn the best times of all. "Maid of the Mist," Ngalo.—"Sleepy Hollow" sounds like a place for exploring. I'm very ' glad that you wakened in time to catch the Sea Page mail bag. "Cliff J.," Johnsonvllle.—Both names belonged, Cliff. Please choose again. And a hearty welcome to the Hing. "Lucky Star," Johnsonvllle. —Two more .Tohnsonvllle mushrooms. Do write a longer letter telling all about, yourself, Jean. "Lassie," ' Kelburn.—The story- fits the picture perfectly. Good fortune that you found minutes for Tlsitlng that day,

."I have been blackberrying. Scene: A patch of tawny-green blackberry brambles. -Characters: . A pair.of dishevelled small boys who are revelling maa feed'of-the luscious.,berries. There is something in the taste-of those wild berries- which far. exceeds the .flavour of hothouse: fruits. In spite of many scratches, we managed, to get .enough berries to make two jars of jam which glowed wine-red when we held them up,to the light.".'

KVindallah,

"KAYO" (11)

(Copied.)

Once upon a time there was a little girl whose name.was Meta. She had two nice big brothers and two dear little sisters, and everything the brothers and sisters had, Meta thought she ought to have also.

"Me too, me'; top!" she would cry, and by and by;-everyone began to, call her "Metoo," instead, of; Meta.

It happened:;,one" day; ithat ■ Metoo's little sisters were not very well, and Mother brought into'"this., nursery a big bottle, of .red mixture, which 1 she put down on the table, saying to Nurse:

"Give Betty and Poppet a spoonful of this after breakfast." ■ .. . , ~

No sooner did Metoo see Nurse;take the spoon and measure out a spoonful of the red. syrup for Betty-and Poppet than she began as usual to'; cry: "Me too, me too, Nanny!" ' ,

"No, ho, it's not for you," said' Nurse rather crossly.''-.'.-'...

But Metoo was so persistent that at last Nurse lost patience and said:

"Very well, then, you shall have some, too!" and she popped a big spoonful into Metoo's open mouth.

Oh dear, what fuss and spluttering there was then, for, of course, nt was not delicious syrup at all, but very nasty-tasting medicine!

One snowy day Peter and Jim, Me-too'S-big brothers,.burst into.'the-roorn,: crying, "May we go tobogganing, mother, please? All the children are having great fun, tobogganing on the hill; may we go and do it, too?"

"Yes, certainly, boys," said Mother; and\then. Metoo's shriil voice broke in, "Mes,:tbo; take- me too!" ' '■'•' ~

"No,-"'no, you are to-■small,"'cried the;boys, but Metoo pouted and made such,;:a-fuss that,at last.-^Mother,.said:

"Take her with' you, .-boys, and let her;:watch you tobogganing."

: Metoo went off, greatly delighted, but when they came to the slippery hillside, where all the children were coasting down the slope, and Metoo saw ; her brothers prepare to do the same, she started her vmxal. cry, "Me too, Peter, me too, Jim—me go too"

"You are not big enough to toboggan," said Peter, and Jim said, "You will be sure to hurt yourself if you try it."

But Metoo would not b« persuaded to stay and watch, and the boys had to make room for- her- between them. Metoo had no room to move, and the snow flew up and filled her eyes and mouth. She did not like tobogganing at all. •■■■ ■:■•■■

"Stop:..'.stop; I don't like it!" she ; shrieked.

, But, '-pfe course, they could not stop, and the' toboggan slid down the hill at a tremendous speed. Faster.and faster it went,' until with a- big bump it. turned over, and • all three children were pitched head over heels into the snow! Poor Metoo was led home, weeping, with a bruised head and a scratched cheek. , . ' . ■ ''.. "It was her own fault, Mother; she' would go," said the boys. "Poor little Metoo," said Mother, bathing the bruised head., "She :Will be wiser next time." Found'by" "PRINCESS SHIKLEV" (11). ' Karort.

Will a ten-year-old gfrl who likes wrltlno letters, please write to Denise Beard, 155 Esplanade, Petone.

Janet Main, 26 Avon Street, Island Bay, wishes for a penfrlend. '

A-passport represents the permission of the Government of your own country, to travel abroad. ' .Entry': into; some countries needs more than a passport, and in those 'cases' there is need for what is called a "visa," which actually represents the permission to land of the Government whose country you desire to visit. The "visa" -is merely an official stamping by a representative of that country. In pre-war days the passport system..'was/nearly but it;was'ien^w^d.'The'Chinese used such a system hundreds ' and hundreds of

years ago.

Cut top-from a fair-sized;' orange and scrape out pulp. Be careful not to remove any of 'the;1: white pith (the white skin). Half fill"vdth a little good soil; put an> acornVin,..with cup, side down, and cover with .carth1 to the top. Don't water till shoot appears; then only once in three, weeks,with.a tablespoonful of water.'As the roots/ push through the orange skin snip'off with a' pair of sharp scissors.' ' " ' "' This is on the plan of the Japanese gardens which never grow large. Your tree will remain a midget oak for years.

"Chang" (12) Newtown. "Veronica I." (5) City. "Lois B." (4)' Newtown. "Ngaere B." (8) Seatoun. "Nanky" <I 2) Seatoun.

"Pekinese," Kllnlrnle.—Did you spend your . birthday In Dunedln, Connie? ■ Thnnlc you for the small story. You have tackled' a difficult subject. "Forest Elf," Ngahauraunga.—A railway Journey every morning. Why, school will seem like a picnic. Your jumbled names were ever so hard to guess. "Ice Maldon," Ngahauranga.—And a new school for you, too. Holidays are better fun wlicn you have a chum to share them. I 'spect you and "Dame Burden" have explored the countryside thoroughly. "Nancy Pretty," Petono.—You have worked very hard for Sc:i Tape, Mixls, and how neatly you. print. Do you . know that shlp- - wrecks were favourite subjects for stories. .Not at all cheerful, arc they? "Gay Gold," Newtown.—Jolly to hear from you again, childle. And nowhere r.ould I find the crossword puzzlo answer. Did you forget it, after all? "Lois B.>" Newtown. —Welcome to the King, Lois.' You are a lucky little girl to have "Gay Gold" to help you with your letters. Plense choose again for "Cornflower" belongs to another pixie. "Sydney . Damsel/ Lyall Bay.—A very good try, Honor ... but some of the lines took too many-steps and ilmftst tripped/ The lines in each verso must match In verse making, you know. "Christopher Robin," Masterton. —Another storymaker. I think we Shall need two Or three Sea rages to squeeze everything In. "Dream Maiden," Petone.—"Yes, riease" Is the answer to the first question. "Samuel" seems to be growing more accomplished than ever.' Is he a j?6od whistler? "Jacqueline 8.," Oriental Bay.—Your descrlpH6n made me wish'to pack trunks and away to see the statry wonders. The poem Is not quite up tovSea 'Pa£6 standard, elf,

(Original.)

When I was a lad, in my<hq-ld eighteenth year, : f v When colleens weren't colleens unless they were fair, 1 walked by the sea-shore one bleak, winter's night, , • £ And ..saw a dark scene which was really quite light. Ah, one of the "wee folk" ivas walkin ahout, ',-. She was not very slim and not very stout, '. As long as me brogue and as'sweet as a flower, And we fell a' lalkiji for more than an Jwur. i. Her eyes as they gazed up into me face, Were as blue as the sky, encased in black lace, Her wee, darlin' feel were a' dancin' with glee, Sure she c'anced on me heart — fair stole it from me. She climbed on me shoulder and spake in me ear In a voice which ivill haunt me for many a year, She pinned a wee shamrock upon me old coat, Then away through the air she softly did float. And when I went home through the bog and the mush, With my brain half-asleep and my heart all arush, Ock! would you believe me they said I was mad, But there on me coat the shamrock I had. ■ ■ -NANCY HANRON (13). Takaka. When my grandfather was a boy in Ireland he thought he saw one of the "wee-folk," as the Irish call the fairies.—N.H.'

.■ ' • ;' qHARAp?.^ hh. When boisterous -winds-assail,tht? ;ear, Those parents who confide [':':.. i'■' . My second to my first may fear,; , ■ -Lest woes should them .betide. - : . To form my .whole, thelcircllne ye*r We lour times must divide. . JUMBLED GIRLS' NAMES. (1) lascarlsa; (2)"Oandremso; (3) Llrciipas; | (4) Afder; (5) Aetoodrb; (6) Ttgoeerge. RIDDLE-ME-REE. (Orißinal.) . • ' Jly first is In kitten, but-not in -cat... ■'•;• My second's in lean, but' not in fat. " My third is in leap, but. not in bound;

My fourth is in plain, but not la mound. My whole is a fish that is small and.neat, ■ And Is also very delicious to eat. , .."ICE MAIDEN" . (14). Xgahauranga. ■••;■■ ' . ' ■ Hidden Boys' Names.^-Edgar, Lewis, Idward and Denis, David, Noel; and Cedric. Hidden Colours.—Pink, grey, fed, : ; white* saffron, indigo, orange, crearnl-grten. ! ■■■■.■:■■■:■., What am I?— Cheer. ; ' :' ■'"■•' Vl''_ Tram; S, Alas; 9, Ema; 10, Net; 11, Oven; 12, Sea; 15, Ate; 18, Dirt; 20, Din 22, Era; 23, Dent; 24, Wets; 25, NNO. Down: 1, Sand; 2, Ale; 3, Pats; 5, Rev; 6, "Amen; 7, Man;' 11, Oat; 13, Eat; 14,-Tire; 16, Eden; 17, lEto; 18, Dew; 13, Bat;-21, Idb.: :. '

(A Serial Story by '/Frankenstein," 17, City.)

.'■ ■•■'.■ ': ''■ .; PART 111. .■■:.,>. ; ■;...../■ ,^.M;o}f ; HE next morning the ship sailed up the river and dropped, anchor, John- turned to the captain. . ■ "Have you picked the men?" he asked. "Yes "' '' Three boats were manned and willing hends made short work of Vsm distance to the shore, where they were pulled up high and dry. "Well, men, you know now what we are looking tor.' "Aye, aye," they chorused. . ' "Fourteen of you will follow a mile behind." Captam Crookes, .Tony, and John with twelve men pushed ahead. They pushed their way through the jungle. Overhead the sun rose higher m the heavens and poured-down with intense heat, the jungle grew steamy. Captain Crookes called a halt, and the men sank to the ground with sighs of relief. After.half an.hours rest they went on. On and on they went, plunging into thicker jungle. Late afternoon found them still marching on. "Well, captain," smiled John. "How far now? _~..• ,;. „„ "We'll reach our objective in another day or so. I think well- camp here for the night." . ' _ . The camp was made and soon many of the men were sleeping. John closed his eyes but a slight sound somewhere in, the jungle made him «it up. He looked around and rubbed his eyes. He could have sworn that r bush had moved. Yes, there it moved again. Suddenly a wild yell rent the air. The men awoke, startled, and groped for their weapons; the bushes were parted; ringed round the clearing were savages, their faces painted in grotesque patterns. John raised his pistol and fired. With a wild yell the savages rushed them, fighting gamely. . "Don't fire!" shouted Crookes. "Remember the rearguard. They were overpowered by sheer numbers and borne to the cannibal village, which was a-straggling row of huts. They were flung into a large mud hut the walls of which were adorned .with hideous skulls. Tony turned to the captain. "Gad, but will they kill us? he asked. "Yes; we'll just be tied to a stake, and then— : " "Cheerful, person," grunted Tony. ' - . "There's the rearguard," said John. „.,.., v \ . ..t*. "'Yes, I hope they come in time," said Tony. "I don't fancy, being eatea. Huh." A. tall savage entered. "It's the chief," breathed the captain. "Walla mumb, jumba; Hulla." _ "What's he say?" v asked John. "You know their dialect. "He says that we're going to be sacrificed tonight." . "Oh!" • " ' "Hoi mango wango!" "What's that?" "He says he is sending food." "Oh, good. At lfeast they treat us decently." Night fell swiftly. Out in the village huge fires were lit. Drums boomed, making the night air' vibrate. The natives whirled round and round. Boom! Boom! • , The drums reached crescendo. Suddenly a hush fell. Silence th&t, almost could be felt. The leaders began to sway and chant, then the drums recommenced. , The men were bathed in perspiration. John closed hi 3 eyes. The leaders advanced closer—closer—whenCrack! Crack! Out of the'jungle rushed the rearguard, firing as they ran. The natives fled wildly, leaving the village deserted save for the captives and their rescuers. Their bonds were cut. The natives, began to shower spears, bringing some to earth. The men made their escape into the jungle. The sun rose swiftly* into the heavens and the party started to march. All around was the noise of animal life. The two brothers and the captain studied the map. " "Halt," called the captain as they entered a clearing. "John, step out thirty steps west.", ,; John did, which brought him underneath a coconut tree. "Bring spades and dig there." said Captain Crookes. Fifteen minutes' digging brought to .light four large iron chests. "We will stay here till tomorrow," said John to the captain. We need not dwell on their journey back to the boat, but they aecom* plished it within a week. John and Tony stood on deck w'atchJftg the island fast receding. The captain joined them. They watched the island disappear over the horizon. John sighed. "Fare thee well, Island of the Golden Hoard," • j The End,