THE SMILE CASTLE

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 30 May 1925, Page 18

THE SMILE CASTLE

A CORNER ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN.

THE CASTLE PLEDGE.

I promise to smile every time I can, and to chase all the frowns into the dark cave, where the Smile Giant will them with his Magic Sword Happiness. \ Dear Children, — There are several things I must speak about this evening. First, about writing your letiters. There are a few of you who write on both sides of your notepaper. I prefer you to write-on one side only. There will be less trouble for the man who gets your letters ready for printing. It is very awkward for him to have to turn over pages when he is fixing all the letters and words into their places.

Next, about your letters appearing in print. 1 have explained, to Inn Josephson, and now tell you all, that a letter cannot appear in the newspaper as soon as it reaches The Star Office. When, you have written to me, your letter is posted, and in due time it comes to the office. There it js collected by my fleet-footed messenger Perseus, taken to the Castle, where 1 read it, correct it, answer it, and get it ready to send down to the printer. Then your letter appears in the next Saturday’s paper. No? Am I wrong. I see some doubtful faces. Some of you have told me of your disappointment in not seeing your letters printed. Listen! Most of you go to school during the week and are kept busy both at home and at school. Work comes first. I have my work, too. A queen does not sit in state and ease all day. As you know, I have to go the rounds of the Castle each day. I am up* early, and go myself to the kitchen to give orders to the cooks, for my household must have good meals. Then I. have to set the tasks for each band, of workers. 1 have to supervise what is being done and give help where I can.

Really there’s such a lot to do. Unless we are careful some little frogs.might not go to bed for the winter, and then they’d die with cold and I’d feel so sad, for I love my froggies so much. Then we must see that our bunnies’ coats are warm enough. We must see, too, that all the buds for next spring are tucked up warmly. Some days are lesson days for my fairies, for there are lessons to be learnt always, even when folk are old or are in Fairyland. We have sick people to visit and make happy, we have sad faces to cheer, we have to bring brightness to. the mothers who mend, and wash and clean for wild little boys and girls. Then there are the frowns. My dear giant would become so tired of his gloomy task of looking at ugly frowns if no one tried- to cheer him, so we take our Funny Fairies to the cave to brighten up his work too. There’s lots more, but I tell you this just to show that it is only on certain days that I can spare Perseus to go for the mail. Letters which I receive after Wednesday must wait till the next week, for some of Saturday’s paper has to be set up before Saturday. This week has been a record for letters, so there will not be room for all.' Then I pick out the best. Each letter is recognised in some way or other.

Since I’ve received no better name for our work room, I shall decide on the name suggested by Phoebe Allen, i.e., “The Beehive.” Beth Robb suggested “Busy Bees’ Department.” The names are similar and I choose the former. Those who work in “The Beehive” will be busy bees.

The best badge is the one suggested by Doris Brown. Next week I hope to have the size of it- given. I like Doris’s because it has the idea -of a smile spreading out golden light; and everyone may have a badge because each one can make his or her own. Boys who cannot manage vill be given one from The Beehive,-for I’m sure the girls who can will make a few extra. Watch for full directions next week.

On Wednesday, June 3, is our King’s birthday. But you will all know that because you are to have a holiday. You older children: Do yon know the age of King George? Do you know all about the Royal Family? If not, look up your history books, in case you are asked at school.

Love from, SMILE QUEEN,