The Fiary Ring

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 69, 18 September 1937, Page 20

The Fiary Ring

THE BOY WHO DIDN'T BELIEVE

"T DON'T believe in fairies!' cried Tom. "I don't believe in fairies! I don't believe in fairies! run away with your silly fairy story—fairies aren't true!"

"All right then," said Joan, her voice betraying diappointment, "but some day you will change your mind. Just wait and see!" Joan, aged nine, was a very good child-author, who took great pride in her stories. Her brother, Tom, aged eight, preferred sailing his well-made model of a Spanish galleon in the pond to writing stories, or even reading them. Joan went to write a letter to Fairiel, whilst Tom took his boat to the pond for a cruise across its spacious waters. Setting the rudder he pushed it off, when he was surprised to see the angle of the rudder alter and the ship steer for a clump of weeds. From among these rushes sailed a ship oi pure gold, and Tom's Spanish galleon escorted it to a small wharf of which he had not known* before. As it berthed there a silver autogyro rose and landed on his collar. "Would you like to come to Fairyton?" squeaked a small voice. "Ye—yes, but I'm too b—b—big!" stammered Tom. "If we couldn't make you small we wouldn't have invited you," said the voice crossly. "Abraca dabraca—become small!" Immediately Tom found himself in the autogyro, which-was descending rapidly. As it reached the deck it vanished and left Tom and the owner of the queer voice, Tack, standing on the deck of the golden vessel. At that moment the ship became surrounded by tall trees, which he had thought were reeds five minutes before. The sea was getting rougher, and we are," said Tack presently, as the ship sailed gracefully up one side of a gigantic wave, turned into an aeroplane, and flew through the air, and turned into a motor-boat, and glided along the water. "No ships owned by the goblins may pass here, for we fear their owners ?id you not see them as we sailed among the trees? They ff. d^ssed in brown.^ and had red noses and ears, while a feather is worn m their cap. They are good-looking, but as they are exiles from Fairyland they are revengeful and not to be trusted." ■ " ... • "Is this Fairyton Harbour?" asked Jack. _ _ Nauehty TaJSa;^^^ Sh°r4-haUo, Fairiel," said Tom. "I have asked Tideand Tock to conduct you around Fairyton, Tom. This is Tick and this is Tock. "Welcome, Tom," cried the elves together.

Across.—l, Large cord; 4, half a ; 6, day we plant trees; t, one of two; 9, Royal \rtillery (abbreviated); 10, living creature; 12, goes in; 13, eat (past tense); 14, large animal; 16, kind of cloth; 18, first and last of Ted; 19, and ends.

(Written for Tinies by "Bosun," 10, City.)

CAN YOU SOLVE TUATARA'S PUZZLE?

Down.—l, Decay; 2, one who paints; 3, Ernest (abbreviated); 4, swamp; 5, spoken, not written; 8, needed; 11, occurs during sleep (jumbled); 12, when facing north is on your right hand; 15, distress call; 17, depart.

Happy Lines for Us

RICHES. SPRING. (Original.) Spring is cominif, spring is near, ■ ■ Signs of spring are everywhere. "Wealth is of the he»rt not of the hand. — .|. rces in blossom, pink and while. Proverb. Are such a very pretty sight. Ohl Give me a heart that Is faithful, The countryside looks green again, Lore that is steadfast and true, After winter's wind and rain. A friendship that lives for ever, The birds are singing up on high. And I'd always b9 richer than you. We're glad spring's hero, the children cry. Ohl You may have all of your riches, "ANNIE ROONEY" (11). Tour olegant clothes and designs, But give me an Ivy-dad cottage I- u>- . - \ A Where there's love twisted in with the vines. ' * ' *• "»" "SILVER SPRAT" (H). BROTHER BUMBLE. Petontf, Big Brother Bumbla '»■'*■* Till he spoke to mo. ~ ■ ■ In his deep bass hiss, COURA6E, Plain as could be: <ftrl?inal \ "Don't COID6 too Closet (Original.) why^ can>t you BM They dared the wide and angry sea, ' I'm sipping honey t These gallant Englishmen. • Don't bother me I" They dared the terrors of the role. All right. Big Brother Bumbl* Bet! They fought with sword and pen. —Helen Blion. And, though their bodies have decayed, ♦ ♦ ■ ♦ Their spirits lead us still, ■■pure - To make our England truly great, mi.ne.oTo strive and to fulfil. (Original.) We know, "Peace hath Her victories Oh, give me a heart tliat Is faithful. No less renowned than war," . A heart that Is steadfast and true, And we can do our little part, A friendship that lives on for ever, As those men did before. And I'd always bo richer than you. , tin if wbVb faelins crotchety 0, you may have all of your riches. \ A^dV not want tVwTk. Your elegant clothes and deigns. ' We'll think of those who made our land, But give me fh« vines And never never shirk. Where there's love twisted In with the, vines. I "SIKI WOO" (14). "SILVER SPRAT" (14). 1 lower Hutt. - Tctona. .

WINTER FUN ON THE ICE

Having landed, they got into a golden coach and set off. They passed the Town Hall. There was a community sing on, and so Tick pulled down the blinds to shut out the sound, mumbling all the while. Tom could not blame him, as he had such extraordinarily large ears, and Tick had such amazingly big feet, too, making it worse for him. To add to his sufferings, the coach struck some bumpy road and as the vehicle bumped up and down Tack jumped up and down, so that Tick was obliged to produce from the red cross kit several rolls of cotton wool, which were placed in position over his ears. Then they passed the Hotel St. George and the Dragon.

"There is an old legend about this hotel," said Tack. i^t.;.,^.;,i, "Brrr! Spooks!" shivered Tom. "No, not spooks," chuckled Tack. They passed other buildings and monuments, and at last came to a bridge. "What's this bridge?" inquired Tom. "Fairyton Harbour Bridge," explained Tick, through whisps of cotton

W°°At last they reached the palace. It was surrounded-by thick walls which were overgrown by vines, with bright red berries, white flowers, and vivid green leaves. Here and there the helmet of an elfin guard glistened in the sun. The sentries on gate duty stepped back and saluted as the coach^ped through the archway. As they entered the courtyard they realised that on eiS?side of the path servants dressed in white, with a .red diamond on the front and back of their jackets, stood. On the steps leading to the hall stood Fairiel with her court. Tom alighted and walked up the steps and into the hall with her. A page threw back the curtain revealing a large room. Stags heads were on the wall, and formed excellent articles for hanging ribbons and wreaths on A laWe table was in the centre of the room, and on it were laid most appet sng delicacies. Fairiel invited him to sit down, and having enjoyed a hearty She returned to the coach. As they crossed the harbour Tom asked the name of the bridge. . . ' „ "Fairyton Harbour Ducking Bridge—look out! Sssspppeeeerrrrllaash! Tom shivered as he climbed out.of the pond. His dream had a wet ending, Cer^Znl" he cried. "Tell Fairiel that I want to join the Fairy Ring! When I'm dry I'll tell you my dream."

"DAWN AND DUSK." (Original.)

When ferns awake of every ty»« With question-mark like an elflu pip«, A tui glad then would I be Calling from a kowhai tree. When ferns coil up and all ii (till And stars peep o'er the distant hill A kiwi quiet then would I be Looking for food most warily. "BEST HAT" (12). Petone.

AN ANSWER TO . . ." "Nancy H.." Takaka.—Good to hear from Hock Glen. Watch the mailbox for a. Fairy Jling letter soon. Your verse-making ,is better every time. - "Black Spirfer." City.—Why not a patchwork one ... in all the violet and fuchsia shades. A new'ldea, truly! "Lassie." Kelburn.—Shall we call you Hero-and-Thero . ."'. so quickly do you cross the country and back again? Didn't spring weave you a tale beside the way 3 "J.H.8.." City.—Welcome to the Ring, John. May I see some of your work goon I "The Pilot." City.—l wonder if that special plane Is beginning to take shape. "Letterbox 1 Elf" Is trying to think of a- suitable name for" It. ' ' ■••■-■■

"Nanna," City.—ln silver paper llt will make the prettiest calendar picture. May I »cc It before send it away? "Rambling Ron," City.—One swim you were not looking for I And not tho weather for bathing . . . but you bad a good tramp despite tha£ surprise dip. Yum Yum." Ngaio.—The adventures of a work-basket: I 'spect it wondered why it went on holiday at all ... for workbaskets seem to belong to winter and not

"Katrina." Mlramar.—A Jolly book! Some small folk In hospital will love it. Splendid of you to promise three scrapbooks as well, to spring.

"Canterbury," Ashhurit.—Green fields and flowors in tho hedgerows ... a word picture of a country spring you made for me. And a riddle to guess!

"Charming Lady." Berhampore.—The outlines of your sketch arc not firm enough, pixie. Printer Man likes strong, clear lines, lou, wrlto very neatly. Ivy.

"Crimson Rose," Seatoun.—Clover of you to work out all the puzzlo words, and Mr. Owl's crossword, too. I 'spect you and "Purple Pansy" went for some jolly tramps in holiday-time.

"Flying Scotsman," Hattltat.—Tour* was Fold's windmill. Did you guess? Another mill had sails of crimson and blue and still another was rase-coloured. ■

"White Horse Inn," Lowtr Hutt.—Good guessing elf. I'm sure Mr. Examiner must have to exert all his wits to catch you.

'■Chlnkaohook." Newtown.— "Daisy Dawn s pen has been busy again, so watch for her pictures. I shall tell her how much you lUto them. Thank you for that very fat letter, i "Silver Spray," Petonfc—Good verse making, Malsle. Look for your name among puwieflndew. Did you try the Crossword Puzzle? "Mlraflora," Khandallah.—Printer Man says ho , la Bolng to frame your story just to ghow peoplo how stories should be written. Top of the mallbag for writing; elf 1 "Plain Purl," City.—"Jack-in-the-Box" must bo your second name, pixie of-surprises . . . for It was n. surprise to find you In the King in the middle-o'-tho morning. M S Porirua.—Tour guessing cap did not give you tho right answer at all so you will be very surprised when you visit the King. A jolly letter and "The Gipsy Pedlar" Is a dainty poem. . (

CHINESE FIGURES. (Original.) The frieze around my bedroom, Is of wallpaper most, rare. For two little Chinese figures In their little house are there. Around this house are flowers, That on earth nave n'er been seen While flowing by the garden is a little silver stream. Sometimes when days are hot and sultry Is the air. This pretty little couple walk Across the dainty bridge that's there. And on the other side they talk Beneath a gnarled old tree Nobody knows what they talk about —not even me. And so they live and happily, too, Tor thcir's Is a world of dreams; They never worry or fret or frown. Ah I They are not. human beings. "Ponny Ha'penny" Hataltal. NAUGHTY! (Original.) Boys and girls who cat in school, You know It Is against the rule, You smuggle sweets into your desk. And when the teacher docs not look, You cat It all behind a boob. "CIIINKACHOOK" <11). Xewtowu.

DAFFODILS AND RED BIRCH The glory of the garden is beautiful to me — ' The'humble, blue forget-me-not 'neath flowering cherry tree, The stately Lady Hollyhock, her dress of richest hue, Is gossiping to Lavender about Hydrangea blue; ± The red Manuka, stiff with scorn, Looks down upon the English born, And softly calls to Ka-ka Beak, While busy bees their honey seek. . The Kowhai, in a yellow, gown, Is full of news from bushlahd town, And though I love them all so well, I pass them by, and reach the dell Where bloom, the golden daffodils— The English daffodillies. I pluck them with a loving hand. To make our house look garden-grand^ Arrange them swift with fingers deft, And yet I feel that I liave left A part of them behind, For in.our garden we have grown Sweet English floivcrs amongst our own. And they have learnt to love each other As a fond daughter loves the mother. 1 leave-my bowl of daffodils, Unfinished as the fire-swept hills, And hastily I go to seek The young red birch beside the creek, 1 pick the dainty sprays with care (For they arc tender, young, and fair). And carry them back to my goal • Of daffodils in bronzy bowl. Oh! how they gaily greet each other, The dainty daughter and the mother. At last , my duty is complete — ■ : Old England and New Zealand meet. ■ — Nancy Hanroii (13).

TakaJca,

Smile Awhile

Uncle: Listen! -When I went to ■'school there was not a deeper scholar! Nephew: Golly! Just like nlc, uncle; I m tlways at- the bottom. . •■••''.■.•.•.■ * * * What can you find twlee In every corner,, but only onco in rpom?—The -letter "B." Why are railway time-tables like hilly country?— Because they are full of ups and downs. « \-# * ■ Mrs. Binks: And liow Is your son, the clever ventriloauist. getting on? Mrs. Dinks: He's doing very well selling parrots In a bird shop. . . * * ♦ Boy: Mum, this Is a musical tart. Mother: What makes you think so? .' . Boy: Well, It Is dough so far (doll, Sou, fah). » * * DO YOU KNOW? 1. What tuno makes everybody glad? 2. Why Is a stupid boy like a thick wood? 3. What animal has the most good points f 4. What tree reminds you of a cigarette? 5. Why is a tree like an aeroplane? Answers.—(l) Good for-tune. <2) They are both so dense. (3) The porcupine. (4) The ash. (5) Because one leaves its shed, and the other sheds Its leaves. Sent by "MtfRIEL T.» Petone.

HUNTING ICEBERGS

Now that the weather is warmer, in America, fifty men are sailing the Atlantic hunting for icebergs that have detached themselves from the great continents of ice in- the frozen north in order to prevent them from drifting along the steamer lanes; The men belong to the International Ice Patrol —as brave a party of hunters as can be found anywhere.

Some of ttie': icebergs are so ehor r mous that they have to' be destroyed by charges of explosives laid on them, or by gunfire. They, have been known to measure five or six miles in length and to be as tall as skyscrapers—big fellows to come across in the loneliness of the ocean, and by no means welcomed by passing ships..

Icebergs of this type average 400 a year, but in one special-year no fewer than 1300 were sighted. Naturally the hunt is not a particularly pleasant one, but the fifty members of the patrol stick like glue to their task and gradually banish the giants from the sea. Sometimes it happens that sailors whose vessels have been wrecked by collision with icebergs, and who have been able to clamber on to, the mountains of ice, have been saved by the patrol boat. Not long ago the crew of a sunken ship was rescued by an 1.1.P. vessel, the ice-ship upon which they were sailing being on the point of dissolving in the water when the rescuers hove in sight.