BIRTHDAY OF THE RING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 123, 27 May 1939, Page 25

BIRTHDAY OF THE RING

"PLEASE ... .!"" Betty Hall, 10 Rosina Terrace, Wellington, wants a penfriend in New Zealand. Betty is interested in skating, drawing, and reading. She would like her penfriend to be twelve or thirteen years old.

"Mischievous," City.—One of your best stories. Wien you find it in the Ring read it carefully to find minor alterations. Your work is: improving, Kathleen. -"Busy Bee," Hataitai.—l like "Bobble's" poem and will keep it for Pets' or Animal Page. Our pixie storymakers are all nearly lost in piles of homework, "Queen Anne." Hataitai.—Neatly mounted entries. Elizabeth, dear. The Elf and I are (trowing quite excifed about the results. Only one more group to guess! "Kathleen 5.," City.—That's the way, Kathleen. Ask your guardian to sign your original poems . . . and they are very good poems indeed. "Little Shadow," Karori.—lt was gfand to see you ahd mother, even if it was juet a peep of a visit. Do come again one visiting day. "Princess Pom Pom," Lower Hutt.—Lots of pixies took your advice and spent one holiday at the Zoo. I like the colours you've chosen for that quaint little painting. "Humpty Dumpty," Island Bay.—Priscilla Prance was well named, wasn't she, David? I hope you were not very disappointed because there were no real mushrooms in the Ring. "Sunlight," Island Bay.—Good guessing, pixie. How do you like being back at school? Letterbox Elf and I were glad you came visiting that afternoon. "Tertlus," Lyall Bay.—Your entries will not be forgotten, lass. The Elf and I send our love and sympathy. "Laiy Ann," Johnsonville.—Another first-let-ter elf. Welcome, "Lazy Ann." We think you must be a very -busy person, really, and not a bit lazy, to copy that poem so beautifully. "Shirley D. ( " City.—But Sparrow is the dusty little raggle-taggle of the bird family, dear. He could never possess such a long and graceful tail as the 'bird in the picture. "Pansy I'ipltfn," Northland.—You are good at drawing paper dolls, Pam. Do you paint all their clothes, too? "A.W.," Khandallah.—Changing penaames would turn our Ring into a game of "Family Coach." Do you know how to play it? Please do keep "Splinters." t like It Immensely. Splendid drawing*. "Joy Blossom," Miramar.—Lovely, useful birthday .gifts, fay. You must be very proud to possess a notepaper case of your own. Did you use one page for your letter? "Betty H.," City.—Not spelt quite correctly, Bettykins. but we recognised that place of shining sands and green nelds. I hope you find a penfriend soon. "Marietta," City.—They might have been verses from a book, so neatly do the match. Very good versemaking, elf. Watch for them In print. "Silver Star," Johnsonville.—lt's a very jolly scrapbook, Kath., and • some -small person is going to enjoy its bright pages. Thank you, •dear.

"Angela," Johnsonville.—l'm sure fairies do make songs about dragon-flies and the way their colours shimmer in the sun. A very dainty poem; plxiekin. "Princess Poppy," Brooklyn.—Never have we seen so many coloured pictures all at once, elf. Each page is. brighter than the last. A big thank you for your scrapbook. "Fireside Fairy," Kelburn.—Another clever scrapbook-maker, Barbara. We found Autumn peeping between the pages at her own portrait. "Great Greenfeather," Johnsonville.—We'll understand when examinations steal all your mlputes, pixie. Printer Man has several of your verses in hand, so we'll grant you a holiday.

; WELCOME ON OUR BdRJFHDAY! "Happy Sunbeam" (»0) ........i......'. City Norma Sutherland (8) ........... Wadestown Shirley Sutherland (12) ........ Wadestown '"Golden Flower" '(7) ........... Lower Hutt i"Lazy Ann" (8) .-...- Johnsonville Joan Mattingley (13) .; .., Ngaio

"Maid of the West," Hataitai.—But the letter ended almost as soon as it began, and we did a' newsy one from this mushroom, for we'-'.hadn't';, forgotten you, Betty. "Moon Lady," Khandallah.—What a pity the prize budgie, flew fiway.. Let's.hope he found a h^ppy home somewhere else. Glad you liked yoiir prize book. "Westerly Buster," Johnsortville.^-Picnicking is •" always great fun, isn't it? 1 hope the sun -.shone his brightest for-yours. Thank you for the verse and drawing. "Joan M._" Ngaio.—Welcome, Joan, but not as "Silveiv Fern.". This name has been taken.V What > do youb choose next? "Alpha," Jishnsonville.r^There is too much fine detail in the garden sketch, but Printer Man may find room for the statue. It was good to find a letter from Jean in theujailbag. "Sydney Damsel," Lyall Bay.—Two small "s's" made a tangle of the Pine Tree poem, but we managed to capture them. "Beach by Moonlight" is a word picture. "Pat D.,", Dannevirke. —So you've joined the storymakers. this week. Good work, Pat. Such a cheerful envelope with its rainbowtinted pages.

"Mother Bear," Lower Hutt.—Sweet of you to send a birthday greeting and three drawings, too. We were So sorry tljey arrived too late to catch: the Birthday Ring. X "Pom Pom," Island Bay.—One birthday piece from each pixie ... . so I have chosen "Daisy Dawn's" story and your drawing for tonight, Your water-fairies will find a .place in the Ring «Qpn. , "Green Grass." Ng»«o.—A Jiappy thouglit, _ the Birthday Poem, and what a, cheery tale about Uncle Podger. I do enjoy your neatly written letters, elf. "Wineberry," Ngaio.—"Green Apples," Letterbox Elf said, when he read about Jean s nightmare. He hopes she didn't have to remain a' black cat.

"Happy Sunbeam." City.—-Your poem set us guessing, new-pixie. Was it about bubbles or birds or- float-away clouds? What a good time,you had at the Zoo. "Norma 5.," Wadestown.—Of course you may be a pixie. Korma'. We welcome you on our Birthday night.7 Can you think of tt more unusual penname. dear? Red Rose belongs. "Silver Ring," Roseneath:—Your dolls must be cosy in their new winter outfits. The Bit and I have our best woolly scarves and jackets.en today, for Mr. Southerly* about. "Pretty Penelope," Lower Hutt.— Vprse speaking must be a very Interesting study, dear. I like the penname you have chosen. "Shirley 5.," Wadestown.—Welcome to you, too, Shirley. Do you know we have a "Honeysuckle" in the Ring already. Bill you please choose again? "Dewey Morn." Titahi Bay.—Would "Jewel" or "Beam" suit It? Letterbox Elf thanks you for your message and suggests "Beau or "Zip".,. • ■ so there's four to choose from. . •-■■■.• ~'• :-' ',;

"Pearl of the East," Eastbourne.—l think "Daisy Dawn's" autumn picture must have inspired your gipsy poem. Thank you for birthday greetings, pixiekin. "Lady of the Clouds." City.—Are rats and mice friendly? -The Elf wants to know. If they are not, we'll have to alter Minnies address In. your.story, dear. "M*ry the Maid," Lower Hutt.-^'^o changes in penriiimes~ is one of our rules, pixiefciii; and "Maid Marian" belongs to another Ring member. Murda is a girl and her address, is Murda Morrison, Box 48,. Scotstown, Quebec, Canada. She will be able to tell you all about the Royal visit. "Golden Flower," Lower Hutt.—We've found you a mushroom in the Magic Circle, Lois. Such a short little letter. Perhaps the next one will be.longer. ,

j^)^ LL MY. ELVES l^f^^V \ Birthday Greetings to everyone in the Ring tonight! osyi£oA \ •...-. "Twelve candles on our cake, Huff EB2& ■ V " '■ Twelve ivishes bring to me, EE^rjjWfcjflWfc \ Each candle is a faery wand ■^vTJy^H^y What will your wishes be? . . ,H So sang Letterbox Elf at my window this morning almost before I had opened my eyes. Have you ever wakened with a tingle in your toes that wasn't Jack Frost, or a "nip in the air," or even the. thought of a cold shower, and then remembered that the tingly feeling meant_it was your birthday or something quite as exciting? Suddenly I remembered ... the Birthday of the Ring! Tfeere isn't to be a real jlarty, but shall we have an imaginary one? Letterbox Elf says that perhaps imaginary ones are best after ail, "'cos you can imagine ten helpings of trifle but you couldn't possibly eat them!" From ten tiny mushrooms the Ring has grown . . . and still it grows. We've begun a new Roll Book arid how quickly the pages fill!" ' .• ;• ... Twelve candles on your cake. What will your wishes be? ... Twelve candles .'■• . . one for each month of the year . . . so twelve wishes will make a whole year of happiness. There are lots of different kinds of happiness, but this special kind is the happiness of the pixie people. It is made up of working one's best and playing one's best, and planning lovely things for other people who need cheering up. The pixies who made scrap-books for birthday gifts to hospital children understand it best. Are there any more scrap-books to come to the Ring, for soon as Matron says we may we'll be off to the hospital wards#with our large packages. Until the end of May you have to send in your books, my Elves. Are you aU reading day by day of the wonderful adventures of the King and Queen in Canada and of the five little girls who travelled in their own train to see the Rpyal visitors? It seems like a fairy-tale come true, doesn't it? And nowhere comes the Birthday Child and the Ring is hers tonight. Gather close, Pixie Ones, arid wish your wishes! FAIRIEL.

FROM A HOLIDAY DIARY

"Yesterday I went to the pictures' and saw 'Aussie,' the boxing kangaroo. I touched him as he went past me and he felt like a koala bear. I was a bit afraid that he might try to box me, but he didn't." "SWEET AGNES" (10). Hataitai. • * » THE BEGINNING (A Tale for the Ring's Birthday.) Fairiel sat under the kauri tree, dreaming—dreaming. Somehow she felt someone was watching her, peering, through the trees at her, hiding in that kOwhai tree, round that flaming rata vine . . . everywhere. She hugged her knees and reflected. "What nonesense, I'm all alone, there's nobody around —just me and the bush!" Just then a playful breeze rustled the foliage, stirred the undergrowth, and whispered through the moss. Maybe it was only the song of that zephyr, but Fairiel thought she heard another sound, like tinkling bells, elfin laughter—mocking laughter.

She started suddenly, surely not, but yes! Two wicked little eyes were peering out of that starry clematis, gazing solemnly at her. "Come, on out, whoever you are!" ordered Fairiel, a little bewildered. "I know you're there. Yes, I mean you in that clematis flower." She was'prepared for anything, but what did appear astonished her. Out stepped a tiny elf, a merry-eyed fellow with .a scarlet cap set.jauntily

oveif one ear. His, comic .'wee» leafgreen suit was evidently new, and '■ the imp was very proud and self-conscious. With a lithe bound he sprang on to a . white mushroom and opened the conversation. . "Hullo, I've been watching .you for '■■'quit&. a-long-time. What's your name?" : Fairiel gashed at the: audacity 6f the cheeky yOung imp. Without noticing the look, he; urged, "Go on, tell me, don't be shy." . "My name: is Fairiel," said that ladyla a dignified tone, "and I live over there," she added,-waving towards the edge of the^bush; "O!" remarked the apparition and sucked a piece of dewspangled grass.:. ''Fairiel is it? "Fairiel.".'. He said the name over to himself, it was like the sound j of running/water,,tinkling bells,.and a fairy choir, all rolled':into one. . Then her little friend stood up on the mush- ; room..::" 'Tmt me introduce myself," hej smirked. '■/ "I am Letter-box Elf, the fairies' Messenger boy," and he made a y very -elaborate bow. j . They? t sfell to talking just as if they1 had fyfen two old friends, instead of! new4fcquaintances, and very soon that busMl'and glade rang with gay;: shouts of Slaughter as Fairiel and her companion enjoyed jokes. Letter-box Elf -'was a puckish little fellow, and the •worst joker in all of fairyland. They .'chattered of everything from shoes to snips. Reluctantly she bade her new_A)und friend "good-bye," and promised jst continue their conversation the next day. The elf grinned cheerfully ana he vanished before the astonished gaze of Fairiel. She gasped, rubbed herj eyes, and murmured dazedly: "Was i dreaming? No! Here is his little cap: I must return it to him tomorrow." She turned down the bush track and went home. Next afternoon Fairiel arrived at the kauri tree'at the appointed time, only to find that the elf had not yet turned up. She waited for five more minutes, and she then thought: "He's forgotten our bargain, and he won't come." Then She heard a delighted chuckle at her feet. She spun round and looked down. There leaning against the kauri tree, calmly chewing a straw, was the Letterbox Elf. "Hullo, Fairiel," he smiled. Then they sat down on a moss-covered log and talked. They decided that they would let all the boys and girls know about the fairies. Fairiel agreed to share her friendship with the fairies with the rest of the children. They were to start at once, and their office was to be in the hollow tree. Fairiel and Letter-box Elf—they were to keep their own names. And that is how we became members of the .Fairy Ring—all through that chance meeting in the bush. , PAT. DOBSON (14). j . Dannevirke. I

THEIR WORK IS DONE.

The autumn leaves fly through the

Mr, Like many-coloured butterflies, Each leaf is free to fly alone, Down to the earth or up against the skies.

They fly away from all the trees, And have a lot of furl, Their time for a long rest has come, Because their work is done.

—LAURA EMILY MAU.

SEA JEWELS -——'.— _» "One day recently we went for a walk along the beach past the 'Runaround.' The tide was out and we found some pretty paua shells. What beautiful colours were revealed when we polished them at home—blues, pinks, greens, and purple. What an artist Nature; is!" "SPRING BEAUTY" (10). Island Bay. '.'■.•■■■. '• • A GIFT FROM AUTUMN? . _> ; "I have a lovely feather pen and: it is a very bright orange." "LITTLE SHADOW." I Karori. I BABY IOHN'S >BIRTHDAY. / , V (Original.): ; My brother John's got a birthday I He's never, had one before. There's a cake with one tiny candle, Because he's too young to have more; There are ducks he^ can play with at bath-time. And suits he's,-too little to wear, And a rabbit ahd gloves-witbout-flngers. ; And a,, big, pale blue teddy bear. :It's Baby John's very, own birthday, /He's never had .one before, And he just lies and coos at the ceiling, Or goes off for crawls on: the floor. We've shown him his beautiful presents. We've sounded the growl -in his bear, Arid we've told him he's having a party, But he- just doesn't seem to care! ■^ ' "MARIETTA" (12).: City. THE RING'S BIRTHDAY. (Original.) The Fairy Ring's birthday falls In May, And wpn't it be a happy day When all the pixies meet at the Ring, And the fairies begin to sing; ..They will: daiice on through the night . Until- they ; see-, the', growing -light, . Then? they will'sing their last, sweet song, * For by sunrise they must; be gone. "MOON MIST" (11). "* .'•'*'' * FOR PIXIE COOKS.

Mushroom Pie.—This is a delicious dish; and perhaps one Saturday morning when mother is making pastry she will give you enough to b make a small pie. Line a small dish with pastry and fill, it with very fresh mushrooms. Put buttn* and finely-chopped onion on top then make a criss-cross bf pastry strips over the top. Gild these strips with beaten egg yolk and bake the pie in a very hot oven. Mushroom Savoury.—Here is another easy and tasty way of serving mush- : rooms. Add lib of mushrooms lo one ! cup of milk and stew gently. Add '■Sine tablespoon of butter and a little salt and pepper. Thicken the mixture with a little cornflour paste and serve on squares of fried bread.

BIRTHDAY B's. B hopeful, B happy, B cheerful, B kind, B busy of body, B modest of mind; B earnest, B truthful, B firm, and B fair, Of Miss B Haviour B sure and B ware. B think ere you stumble, for what may B fall. B true to yourself and B faithful to ali. B brave to B ware of the sins that B set. B sure that one sin will another B get. B watchful, B ready, B open, B frank, B polite to all whatever the rank; B just and B generous, B honest and B wise, B mindful of time and B certain it flies. Be prompt and B dutiful, still B polite Buy what you need before buying Beyond; B prudent, B liberal; of order B fond B grateful, B courteous of mose wno B tray, B loved thou shalt B. CURIOS WANTED. Can anyone send me the following? A plate of butter from the cream of a joke. The brush used in painting the signs of the times. The pencil with which Britannia ruled the waves. The saucer belonging to the cup of sorrow. The hammer which broke up the meeting. Eggs from a nest of thieves. Hinges and lock from the trunk of an elephant. A feather from the wings,of a flying report. And the sum total owing to circumstances. Found by "SPRING BEAUTY" (10). Island Bay.

SPOILED. (Copied.) Montague Michael, you are much too fat, You wicked old, wily old, well-fed cat. All night you lie on a cushion of silk, And twice a day they bring you milk. And once in a while You catch a mouse. "MARIETTA" (12). City. ELFIN RIDERS. (Copied.) A little cottage, on a cliff, Beside a foamy sea, Is where these elves together live As happy as can be. And mounted on two merry hares, Quite often you will see Them bound and leap with laughing cries Across the windy lea. —Found by "ANNABELLA" (13). BE A BIT OF SUNSHINE. (Copied.) Work a little. sing a little, Whistle and be gay. Read a little, play a little, Busy every day ; Talk a little, laugh a little. Don't forget to pray. Be a bit of sunshine All the livelong day. —Found by "MARIETTA" (12). City.

THE PIXIES GIVE A PARTY

(Original Story by "

LET us take a trip to the Fairy Ring in our magic aeroplane, and see what is happening there.

All is merriment and excitement because this is' the twelfth birthday of the Ring. It has had many birthdays, but none of them has equalled this one. In the little fairies' cake shop is a cake with twelve candles ori it, and in the evening there is to be a party to which everyone in the Ring is invited and where all will receive a piece of cake.

The ten candles are prizes. Human

ustin 8.," 14, City.)

So, as we' fly over the /Ring, the mushrooms are all looking very gay.

At the palace, where the party is to be held are many decorations and we find -ourselves in a large hall where we take off our hats and coats. (We have been made by magical power as small as the fairy guests.)

We are led outside again and in a meadow, which is lit by glow-worms, we see a crowd collecting. We also join them and find it is the caterpillar show. The three fairies who have the best caterpillar win a candle each. In another part of the field is a dancing

beings may think them not a very good competition. Candles are awarded to prize, but the little fairies do,, and to the three fairies who have done the possess a candle from the birthday cake most good deeds during the past year, is a very great honour indeed. After these competitions are over we Oh the morning of the greatest day a n s it round a large table and eat a in the Fairy Ring's year, all the fairies delightful supper of dandelion honey, sort out their best dresses, and the elves birthday cake, dew to drink out of their best petal suits. Sometimes a acorn cups, and many other dainties, little fairy -may not possess a pretty At each place is a. fern leaf which frock, so she runs down to the dress- serves as a plate, maker's shop and buys one. When this is over) Fairiel awards the After these preparations are made prizes, and we go home. As we pass the fairies go out and hang little flags through the door we are given another on the gate posts. These flags have piece of birthday cake, wrapped in been bought from "Spider and Sons'" silver paper. And off we go, feeling shop, where all these kind of articles very happy about all the sights we are woven. have seen."

PAINT THE WATER FAIRIES

THE FAIRY GARDEN. (Original.) Down in the Fairy Garden Little apple trees grow, And at night, you know, ; Little fairies dance tn a row • To and fro. "LAVINA" (10). Northland. THE WEE. GOOD GNOME. (Copied.). . In a queer, wee house In a deep, dark wood, Lived a wee, wise gnome, Who was always good. His house was red, It's chimney blue; He'd a yellow bed That was nearly new. What he liked most Was his wee hot fire, Where he made his toast On a bit of wire. He had a clock With a white, round face. That would say. "TicK. tock," When it was wound. He'd a chair and a stool, And a tall pink jug, Ful] of water cool, And a red rag rug. Long in the wood Lived the wee wise gnome, .'.-,■ Who was always 22™!. And who loved nis home. —Found by "ANNABELLA" (13).

c^>o(kti xz>vx. -->o .<■■ - -_'JXKXZXKxrrsM BIRTHDAY ADVENTURE

KATH and Ivy stared out of the window at ,the fat, little drops of rain. "Fancy raining on our birthday," cried Ivy, turning away with a sigh, "of all days." "Yes," agreed Kath, "now we can't have tea in the fernhouse or have swims in our pool." "I didn't think it would rain even a bucketful." The two girls were sisters, and although Kathleen was a year older, her birthday fell on the same day as Ivy's, and so the two celebrated it together. The girls lived with their parents in an old manor, which had now been almost rebuilt and stood amidst beautiful lawns and well-kept gardens. Just at that moment their mother entered and laughed at the woeful faces. "Well," she said, "if .you go down to your guests looking like that you'll have to drive them home again." "But, Mum," replied Ivy, "where shall we have our party? We can't stay in the sitting-room all night." "Well," said their mother, "I was going to tell you that I've had the large room at the top of the house redecorated, unknown to you. You'll have a lovely time." "Hurray," cried Kath, "and here come some of the boys." The two girls flew downstairs and opened the door to admit the dripping figures of Trevor and Nola, the twins. "O. I'm so glad you've come," said Kath, hugging Nola as though she was a long-lost sister, and Ivy did the same. ISoon the macintoshes were discarded and the twins went up with the excited sisters to see their numerous presents. Then a loud peal announced Bill and Len, who were not related, but friends. Then Gwen arrived, and aU the children went up to the large room. "Mum says we're to light the fire when it's time," said Kath as she opened the door leading into the pretty room, where a big, old-fashioned fireplace stood. "I've never seen one like this," said Bill, going over, "what a wide chimney." He peered up and then called out. "I say, there's a kind of opening in the side. Come and look." "Yes!" cried Nola and Trevor together, rushing over. Sure enough a large opening could be seen. Bill and Len hoisted themselves up into it and then helped the girls. It was a small room, and leading j from it was a long, narrow passage. Gwen laughed excitedly. "What an

(Written for the King by "Mischievous," 13, City.)

-adventure," she cried. "We'd better go first," said Bill, striding down. "If you go first you'll probably be scared." "Well." cried Kath and Ivy, "I like the cheek." And they strode down after him. with Len, Gwen. and the twins following. The passage led quite a long way. "The air's getting colder/ said Len. "Yes, I noticed that, too," said Ivy, "it ought to end soon." Sure enough, it did end, and they found themselves in a round room, and high up above them was a circle of light. "Where on earth are we?" said Trevor. "I think I know," said Bill. "What a miracle!" said Kath. "Well!" began Bill, "aren't we in a well of some kind?" "Yes," cried Ivy, "why didn't we think of it before?" "It's awfully dark, don't you think?" said Nola. Trevor suddenly' picked up two small parcels. "I say, look at this!" Len produced his torch, and its bright glow displayed two small cases, with one addressed to'lvy and one to Kath. "There's something strange about this," said Bill, smiling, "very strange." The two girls had opened the cases and each held up a pretty gold ring with a tiny stone in each. And printed on both was, "Merry Birthday, from Mud and Dad." ' "Aren't they lovely," cried Ivy. Kath had slipped hers on,, and then Gwen said. "Your mother must have known all along and played a joke." Everyone burst out laughing and raced back along the narrow corridor till j they at last reached the room. There they found Mrs. Chandlove putting the last touches to the table laden down with delicious foods. "Well. I'm sure you must be pretty hungry after that," she said. "It was lovely," they chorused. They sat down to a lovely tea, after which they played all sorts of games. Bill won a green and silver fountain pen, Len won a bicycle lamp, while Nola and Gwen both had pretty 'srooches. -It was eleven before they all went home. "It's been great," said the boys, as Mr. Chandlove drove them home. "We didn't expect it would turn out so nice," said tlie girls drowsily. "Is it still raining?"

THE FAIRY BOAT

(Autumn's Gift to the Ring . . . Written by "Daisy Dawn.") DO you think thaf out of all her golden store, Autumn should have nothing—absolutely nothing for the Great Day—the Birthday of the Fairy Ring? Summer had been reluctant to go, and still wild roses made merry in the hedgerows. Ragged Robin and Lesser Celandine, too, straggled along the banks. Yet golden-rod showed up golden by the meadow brook, and rose-hips and spindle-berries glowed like tiny lantern's. . . . Now drifts of pale crocus lay as if amethysts had been strewn beneath the trees; the pathetic handhold of trees, Avhose leaves are destined to fall; already, in piles of gold and red on the ground, a mint, for Fairy Folk. Certainly a string of scarlet berries to wind in hair, or. lay against the pale folds of her gown, would be rather lovely, but they had given of berries so'of ten—^-.. By this time Autumn, had reached the stream's edge; could not the clear, sparkling waters and lily-pads, with waxy buds half open, inspire her? A golden leaf, drifting on the face, caught her eye, and lo! a wonderful idea came to her., Gathering her sprites around, Autumn told them of her wonderful plan. First the airiest thistle-down for cushions, cobwebs of gossamer for ropes, and trails of dog-roses to adorn the prow. A Fairy boat to sail on silver waters. One of the fleetest sped away to summon others so as to assist in the decorations. More gold, red, yellow, and brown for leaves, purple for asters, and blue for speedwell. Everywhere gnomes and elves polished, and painted until the sun slipped behind the rim where? sky touches sea. The day of days dawned, clear, golden, and dewy, as magic days must do. The Birds' ahd Insects' Orchestra strummed out a lively air, which Fairiel had awakened to. The Elfin messenger was sent forth to herald the approach of Autumn, who was to announce the glorious surprise to Fairiel. Autumn led her down to the stream, where no sun had shone more brightly on a fairer world. And among the gold and red Autumn gave Fairiel her gift to commemorate the day. A Fairy Boat.

BIRTHDAY MAGIC.

j/ bring you leaves from the Singing Tree, Leaves that Autumn gave to me; Glowing crimson, splashed with | gold — Who so holds them, grows not old. Who so holds them, all her days i Will be set in pleasant ways. I To Autumn s joys they are the key —j Red-gold leaves from the Singing \ Tree. "LASSIE." ' Kelburn.

"We went to the Zoo in the holidays. The best animal was the bear. We held a piece of bread up and it stood on its hind legs and begged." "SOUTHERLY BUSTER" (11). Johnsonville.' .""" ""'"" : * : * •

CARDBOARD DOLLS

"We amuse ourselves by making cardboard dolls. We draw a doll on cardboard, after which we paint it. Next we draw a frock on paper. We make hats and all kinds of clothes for our cardboard dolls."

"SOUTHERLY BUSTER" (11). Johnsonville.

MY PAINT BOX. , ■ (Original.) I have, a little paint box, Filled with colours gay; . I often paint a little house. Or children at their play. I sometimes paint a lady, And sometimes a tiny man,; I give him fancy trousers, And her a feather, fan. I like to paint a • garden With lots of lovely flowers, Or a brightly-coloured tui That sings throughout the hours.- ( "GREAT GREENFEATHER" (13). Johnsonville. .'."... "AUTUMN LEAVES." (Copied.) Rolling leaves, bowling leaxes, Fly along faster, > Patterifig like tiny feet. Hastened' by laughter. Childish games, wildish games. Happily playing, .. * ■ Snatching, at bush and grass. Bending and swaying JVeary leaves, dreary leaves^ Lisp soft, in your fall. Soothing the urgence Of Winter's harsh call. — K. M. Mackay. .- ■ . - Found by "COWSLIP" (13). City. «_.-.• * 'THINK-TWICE.' _» AN OLD PROVERB IN A NEW DKESS. Inhabitants of domiciles of vitreous formation Of. lapidary projectiles should never make jactation. Do you recognise this proverb? WHAT ARE THEY? A man made shoes but not of leather, - All the four elements mixed tog;eUier : Fire, water, earth, and air. , Every customer took two pair. HIDDEN PRECIOUS STONES. In each of the following sentences the name of a well-known precious stone is concealed: — Shy Erica met hysterical Joan in the High Street. On the hilltop a zebra was silhouetted again..*, the sky. Some people try to rub you the wrong way. tt "Is not easy trying to stop a leather ball. LAST WtEK'S ANSWERS. Riddle-Me-Ree.—Carnation. What Is tt?—Corn. Jumbled Tramcars.—Wallace Street, Miramar, Karori. Midland, Oriental Bay, Northland, Kilbirnie, Aro Street, Athletic-Park. Clown Crossword.—Across: Noel. Holly. Anise, sieve, all. or, ass, chew, lea, toe. rim. pivots, atrile. LH. Down: None, olive, else, lye, haik, slant, dreams, oh, sleigh, carol, opal, item. vi. . * .»•:•#■■■ SOMEBODY'S BIRTHDAY. (Copied.) This Is somebody's birthday; Just as sure as fate Some little boy is six years old And some little girl is eight. Some little1 boy Is three today. Some little girl thirteen; Some little twins are exactly two— ' Two apiece, I mean. Someone is eating his birthday cake And laughing over the plums; Someone is counting her birthday dolls On all her lingers and thumbs. -J Someone is bouncing his birthday ball. Or winding her birthday watch: Someone is not too wise or tall For birthday butterscotch. ■ Think of the beautiful books- j Think of the birthday cheer; Think of the birthday happiness ; Every day in the year! Every day In the year, my dear, Every day we're alive, Some happy child Is one, or two Or three, or four, or Aye. Found by "GREEN GRASS" (12). Ngaio. .

THE KING OF HERE-AN'-THERE

(Copied.) 1 "Tink-a-link-link," chirruped , the ctlsxm cloclc "Ha, hai" chuckled the King of Here-Jan-There and leapt out of bed. "I am so glad I asked the Queen to give me i one for my birthday. I'll never be llate for my morning run now.", And jhe began to scramble into his sprinting j shorts (royal purple striped with red). But when he landed at the bottom of the stairs he stopped .short because there was no one to open the royaldoor. "Where's the Chief Door-opener?" ha . yelled, and he flung the nearest bearP skin rug round his royal shoulders to add to his kingliness. At that moment, who should appear but the Head Sentry. . ' "Ho!" shouted the bKing in a voice ■' not at all polite. "Seven o'clock and no one to open'the door for my kingly run! Seven o'clock and no one" has lighted the hall fire! Seven o'clock, and no smell of sausages for my royal Iprekka!"* The poor sentry just shivered in his shoes. Then, all at once, the grandfather clock (worth three thousand toffee coupons!) struck five. "Seven o'clock," went on the King, "and the Head Putter-right has left the clock .two hours slow. Dismiss them all!" Then he strode to the door and opened it, dropped the rug on the doorstep, and slammed the royal door. But, anyway, after playing "I spy!" with the bunnies he sauntered smilingly; back to the palace, feeling at peace - with his" kingdom,- Untill—or, yes—h© saw the Queen, who was crying.' "Oh, what has happened?" she asked. "It's, quite simple, and if only you will listen," and he began to explain.' "Well, anyhow," said the Queen, 'T! trust it had nothing to do -iftith the clock. I told you it gained two hours! Then it suddenly struck the King that ] he was forgotten, and that it was his fault. But when he saw the calendar, it said "April"One," At that moment along ■ came tha sentry^ and stood at attention and saluted and presented arms; So everything ended happily, which wais luckjrj for King Here-an-There. Found by "PEG O' MY HEART." City. " f '

RESCUE ON THE ICE

(Original.) It was a verjr cold Saturday afternoon at Wendover School, and the girls were in the big playroom whea in came the headmistress,' Miss Lawrence. "I have some good news for you,' girls," she began, "The skating pond is beautifully covered and is quite safe to skate on provided you are back in time for tea. You may go now, girls." There was a rushing upstairs and into their dormitories and out with their skates.. Greta, a new girl,, said |to her dormitory mates, "But I have no skates, so I can't go skating." ■ . "Miss Lawrence will lend you some," said Betty.

They were skating merrily on the ice when, suddenly, there .was a crack, and into the water below went the head girl, Ruby. Greta immediately tried to skate over to the place where the ice had broken.

[ Her face was as white, as a sheet, j her mouth open wide, but she kept her reyes fixed on Greta, who v>as trying i with all her strength to keep Ruby -up | above the water, while Betty and : another girl went for help. All this 'time Ruby was growing more and | more faint. Greta too was gradually losing strength. At last help came, land the two girls and a few others were taken to hospital, where th.ey had special care. "GREEN GRASS" (11). . Ngaio.