The Fiary Ring

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 57, 4 September 1937, Page 20

The Fiary Ring

WELCOME TO NEW PIXIES!

"FAIRIEL SENDS . . . ,

"Mario G." Lower Hiitt.—"Blossomtime," I think we shall call It. We missed your pen in the Ring. Will one sunny spring day Snd you avisiting? "Grey-eyes," Kareri.—Tour little Jap wears a rainbow gown and the white rabbit is cleverly shaded. One of the noatest paintIngs, pixie. . "Doreen H." Newtown.— A now kind of frame for your picture .. . like golden curtains draping a lighted stage. A magic thought, truly.

"Maid of the Moors," HaUitai.—One of- the daintiest and most glad spring poems I have ever read. I'm very glad you happened to find it, elf. , "Fairlel's Shadow," Island Buy.—And so you have ... at last. A big welcome, littlest. And will you come to visit the Ring? I really must know my shadow. Thank you for th» verses. "Morning Star," Island Bay.—Was yours the drawing of the girl with a rose, pixie! And are you a new member of the Ring, Miss Mystery? "Ngaire A," Newtown. —Sometimes many Sat.urdaj'S must pass.before puszles can be used, elf. I hare more Jumbled names than I can use at present. Can you find all the answers today! "Rimu,1 * Brooklyn.—l like both poems and will use them in tho King ' soon. May we. have one of your very own? "Polly Primrose" has many verses in her small head, I am sure. . "Polly Primrose," Brooklyn.—And did you choose a book . . . tales of King Arthur or adventures to make you forget a shadowy afternoon! It was jolly to see'you again. "Troubles," Brooklyn.—You made the windmill very neatly, elf, but you forgot to paint it in your brightest colours. I'm longing to see a scarlet mill with orange sails. "Nanna," City.—But nightingales do sing during the day, as well. Beveral were sent to New Zealand not long ago but they loved England best. "Yum Yum," Nsaio. —"A frog In your throat!" That was because- your voice had a croaking sound, I 'spect. We'll have to banish that unwelcome frog. "Floss," City.—And now for a name. Why not call her Silver as she is so grey and sleek ... or Cobbles! / "Mavis K." Miramar.—Careful painting, Mavis, but you forgot to give your picture a mount. VVhon you come to the King you will see the 'original borders, that decorate some of the : ipalntlngSiitv , '\vi';;f:./!.: ''■' l%rie <R,""MiFamar.^A'i«iJ accident, Eric. I shall look for-another copy of the windmill for you. There will still be "time enough to make It.- ■ ;. j' \ " ' "Black Spider," City.—The same small rhyme has already been published in the Ring, piile. Can.you.say Its tongue-twisting lines! "Golden Star," Karori.—Welcome to you, too, Virginia. I 'spect Cherry the Goldfinch enjoys these sunny;spring days as much as you do .. . apd that mischievous kit, Fluffy. ' • "Marcel," Upper Hutt.—lnteresting news of the aviary, "letterbox Elf" thinks your letters are like pages of a diary. He loves reading, them. J'erdtaand ' fish arrived safely., : ■-'~■ , "Tha FJyinj SooUman," Hataltal.—A neatlymade windmill, Malcolm. Shall I keep it until'you call! •, ' "Prineest Silverwlna." Trentham.j-A most intelligent person, Tlbby. Have you ever known a cat who could turn a door handle) I know one ;.wljo can. "Fairy Stardust," Wellington South.—How you mUst mlsji "Sllverwing." Perhaps we shall find' a Chrlstchurch stamp in the letterbox one day. I like your story, but such faint lettering, chlldie! Could you ' find a blacker pencil! "Country" Mouse," Levin.—And nothing escapes'the bright eye 3 of: a country mouse, ■so I shall look forward to reading your letters. Welcome to the Ring, June.

A MATCH CATCH

The following catch is simple, but I puzzles onlookers until it is explained. Place seven matches on the table and ask the members of the party to take one match away and have nothing left.: After attempts have been made, and the puzzle has been given ,up, you simply take one match away, and with the six remaining ones form the word !'Ni3." Thus you have carried out your promise to take one away, and have "nothing" left.

WHY YOUR TEETH CHATTER

You have often noticed that when you are cold your teeth start chattering. This is really due to a spasm of shivering, which causes the muscles of the jaw to contract very quickly, and as soon as they are contracted they let the jaw fall again of its own weight. This, occurring many times in rapid succession, is what causes the teeth to chatter. The brain does not seem to have any control over this occurrence.

SPRING DAY

Dear Ring People.

THE LONELY CLASSROOM

"It is such a lovely day today; a blue sky with a soft breeze blowing, though this morning it was rather frosty. I think spring is nearly here, Fairiel. We have a little, reddishbrown calf, just born yesterday, and she is such a dear." "LAUGHING LASS."

Martinborough.

A TINY HOUSE

"As our garden is large with many trees and a stream in it, we see many birds of various kinds. In the centre of our garden we have a large, spreading macracarpa tree, where most of the birds roost at night. Beneath it we have a tiny house just high enough for me to stand up in, where we play. It has a cupboard and two shelves for our china, a table, a stool, and a couch. The walls are covered with Christmasi cards and pictures."

"WYNKEN" (11)

(Original.!

"I am a classroom and I am so lonely. One day there came news that the children had to leave school for a while. It was a blow to me. Not long ago the Christmas holidays had been lengthened and here are more! Oh, dear!

Johnsonville,

'Another parcel of paintings has;just arrived. It is. great fun to open them. Each new one seems brighter than the last and I can see that it will'be a tremendous task to judge them. I shall have to ask Tina and Poldi to help. You have not heard of Tina and Poldi? Neither had I till this morning. When I walked into the Ring I saw them for the very "first.time,. On my desk stood the two first model windmills to arrive at the Ring. Out of one Tina was peeping; She wore a blue, aproned gown and a winged cap of snow-white lace. In the doorway of the other lounged Poldi inbaggy blfie breeches and a cap of lambskin. "We've come;from Zealand" announced Tina," to New Zealand. ' : ' ' .:' '■-: -• ■~ .. ,'.'■■ :.■■ -.'.A .. '

"We thought you would like to hear about Windmill-land" said Poldi. And he began to chatter about the sturdy men of Holland who built sea walls and canals to keep out the North Sea and of the hundreds of windmills once used for pumping and which now saw wood,-help to make paper, and chop tobatco.

"Our windmills are gaily painted," put in Tina, "and so are our houses. They have red and green walls, tiled roofs, and coloured glass windows/ And the tulips! You must have-heard of the tulips . . . the acres and acres of scarlet, gold, and purple blossom . . . ' the delicious scent of them!" It was Poldi's turn. "'When I grow up I shall own a fishing smack," said he. I shall bring in all the herrings, oysters, and anchovies in the Zuider Zee."

"Not if you spend all your time playing 'Nika' in the streets,'* said Tina roguishly. "Nika," she explained, was a game played with a marble and coins pushed between the uneven bricks of the path. "But I must go back to my kitchen," said Tina. "My house must be washed inside and outside too. Brasses, dishes, and coloured tiles must be polished. "Always rubbing and scrubbing!" teased Poldi but, for all his teasing, I could see that he was proud of Tina's housewifely notions. Not for nothing is the Dutchman's love of cleanliness and order known throughout the world. When next I looked, Tina and Poldi had vanished.

I told Letterbox Elf about them but he only shook his head sadly and said, "It must be the Spring!" which reminds me are you remembering Spring Page, boys and girls of the Ring? Spring stories and verses are needed for the last Saturday of September! Good-bye until next week

IN AN OLD WORLD GARDEN.

(Original.)

In an old world garden With its path of crazy-pave, And its little mossy bird-bath Where the starlings bathe. Perhaps, some gentle maiden In a dainty crinoline \ Would be waiting for her lover 'Neath the poplars green. Together they would wander In the silver of the moon. Whispering secrets to each other In the magic month of June. Just an old world garden, With its sunshine and its flowers, And its lichen-covered sundial Catching all the fleeting,hours. Ah! what stories they caa tell us Ah! what pictures they can show As they lead- our mystic fancy To the days of long ago.

—FAIRIEL.

LILAC (14)

WEDDING IN BIRDLAND

(Original.)

The bright, happy voices, faces, and the cheery scratching of pens are all gone. Everything is so quiet and peaceful and let me tell you I am not enjoying'it either. "Please excuse me if I just keep on talking like -this as you have no-idea how lonely and unhappy T am.

The only time the silence is broken is when, the mouse scratches in the cupboard at night. In the daytime the teachers come and set the work for the children.

"It has been raining a good bit lately, and I have had a doleful time. Oh, well, I suppose I had better not grumble. Even holidays must end some time." BEVERLEY SMITH.

" PLEASE . .

AN ANSWER TO . . .

"Peagy V.," Northland.—So- glad you liked your prize, lass. Perhaps one day you will explore the lovely corner of the world about which ita stories art woven. "Alice Blue Gown," John»onvllle.—That mischievous little letter must have gone adven- . turing. Certain it is that It didn't come to the Ring, 'cos we always watch carefully for your poems. Perhaps It Io»t iU stamp. I have a small drawlne to match the moon poem. .■''" .■'."•.

"Margaret P.." Ngalo.—A good.try'for a small Dixie. ' Keit tiraa you -paint, chlldfe, do not have your brush so wet and you will find it easier to keep within the lines. -

"John H,," Petone.—Did. you enjoy your d»y In the City, John ? Suppose you write* and telj me-about some of the eights you taw. ; "Margaret 8.," City.—Batter I - We're glad to welcome you, pixie, Xou' write beautifully for an eight-year-old. Will you pleas* choose another pen-name, Margaret?

"Sunshine Sweetheart" Paraparaum*.—And "try, try again" has been a splendid motto, for the latest story Is a success. Keep on trying, Pat. ' • "Songbird," Peton*. —Remember you? Of course we do. " Riddles and puzzles must all wait their turn. Merle. Are you planning a Guide camp this summer? "Woodsprlte," City.—the sailor-girt cutting is a splendid Idea. I shall draw It for the Ring. . . Which character were you in in your dance? I hope the birthday'waj a very happy day. "Oolorts." Wa#estown.—Nearly topmost maAts for neatness, elf, A curtain of colour In the background would have improved your picture, too, but the Chinese lanterns are perfectly tinted, . v- .■ "Plain Purl," City.—Not very often do w« have a concert in the Ring. It was grand fun. "Letterbox Elf" says he'd love to go to the Competitions If they all recite as well as you.

Everyone was present to see the wedding of Mr. Billie Fantail and little Blue-eyes. The bride wore a gown of fine, grey silk with a touch of silver. Her veil was very pretty, consisting of peacocks' feathers lent by Blue-eyes' grandmother. It fell in folds, being woven by the famous Eed Cross Spider, who had been dead for years. Her bouquet was of buttercups, which gave a pretty scent. Mr. Billie Fantail had on his best suit of black silk, with a white shirt and a little black stud. His tail was spread out, and he looked so handsome. Mr. Owl pronounced them man and wife, and Billie Dove was best man. They threw coloured leaves, which they had saved from autumn, over the bridal pair. They were.to live in Beech-oak Village, where they would settle down as all birds do. "MISCHIEVOUS" (11). City. : I

"Autumn Breexi." Lyall Bay.—Another new name In the Ring I Welcome to you, Shirley. "Letterbox Elf" Is watching for your first letter.

"Froesla Fairy." Lower' Hutt.—Sweet of you to come such a long distance to find the Ring, ylxle. We like your picture-thai-stands. "White Heather," Ntwtown.—Welcome to the Rnlg, Shirley. Will there be a longer letter next time? Three lines la the tiniest note and I do want to know all about you. now pixie.

SURPRISE VISITOR

"The other day I was fitting in the garden reading a bopk when all at once I heard a crack of,a twig snapping behind me. I turned round in surprise to find a roly-poly, - white puppy frisking towards me. He had such soft little black ears and a little friendly doggie face, and so now little 'Mac' visits me every day." "LITTLE MOTH" (13). Lower Hutt. ♦ ♦ ♦

TWO PETS

"I have a cat called Tibby. When he wants milk he taps his dish and mews." , "PRINCESS SILVERWINGS"* (11). Trentham. *# • " "I have a goldfinch. His name is Ch«ry. I call him that because he has a red head." "GOLDEN STAR" (7). Karori.

■♦•♦ ■ ♦ • PENFRIENDS' LETTERS

Some weeks ago a request for penfriends from Miss Bonnie Ennis, 60 Tamar Street, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia, was printed in the King. In a letter received this week, Bonnie thanks all those yrtio replied, but regrets that there were too many letters for personal replies. She has forwarded several addresses to friends in Ballina, who will reply for her.

A GIANT WHITE HORSE

Yorkshire's White Horse has been groomed again. Standing on the Hambleton Hills and looking down on the lovely village of Kilburn, a few miles from Thirsk, 'the horse is 80 years old, a giant over 300 feet long and 220 feet high. Once every three years it is newly groomed, six tons of lime being spread over it. Not long ago the Kilburn Horse was a dull yellow, but now it is white as snow again. '

"Songbird,1 45 Cuba Street, Petone, would like an eleven-year-old penfrlend who learns music and who is interested in reading and Girl Guides. "Little Moth"—Wl'te to Maureen D., Calgary, Alberta, care of "Children's Page," "Christian Science Monitor," Boston, Mass., U.S.A.

"Plxle Penelf." Brooklyn.—Jolly to, see you. elf. The King will be a lonely place next week when school bells ring again. But eummor's coming . . . and long, light «veninga tor visiting. "Little Totty," Petone.—And Jurt after you called I found one of your stories in the drawer. I wonder If you hare forgotten ever writing It I "Ftery Fm," Thorndon.—l am glad you chose that blue and gold day. for. Ti»Hln«. Wln- - dow pictures today are grey and misty. It will bo good to «co your drawings, A hearty welcome, new plxle, •'BperMHip Dewdrop. Thoradoii. —You chow your coloura cleverly, elf. The large white space/behind the children could have been painted into a beautiful curtain or wall paper. "Nancina," HattlUl.—Little brown, pink-eared rabbit seems to be enjoying the party and wistaria's mauve curtain make* the loveliest border. ' Good work, "Nanelna. "Thelma Pasoee." City.—Message* of congratu1™ on to you from other.. Ring story-makers. "Moods of a Btver" delighted many of our, young readers. / "Little Mpth." Lower Hutt.-I think Maureen will be an Ideal penfrlend for you. ' fine asks for correspondents through the columns of the "Christian Science Monitor." The editor of the page will forward your lotter. Glad you have come back to we Ring, Alice.

"Faery Fae" (12) Thornifon. "Autumn Breeze" (12) Lyall Day. "Margaret Boe" (8) City "White Heather" (0) Newtown. "Country Mouse** (II) Levin "Golden Star" (7) Karori. "Mornlno Star" (12) Island Bay Darten Hearfleld (9) Newtown "Falrlel's Shadow" (8) Island Bay