THE SMILE CASTLE A CORNER ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 1 August 1925, Page 18

THE SMILE CASTLE A CORNER ESPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN.

THE CASTLE PLEDGE. I promise to smile every time I can, and to cliase all the frowns into the dark cave, where the Smile Giant will kill them with his Magic Sword Happiness.

Dear Children,' — Last liight we had. such a jolly party at Smile Castle. We gave a farewell evening to the Winter Fairy and all her retinue, as yesterday was her last day here until next year. I was sorry you c-ould not ?>e invited. But it was impossible to have you there. The season fairies feel shy about showing themselves in fairy form to boys' and girls, so I -had to promise it would be fairies only and no mortals. Besides, although it might have been fine to see the party, you’d not have felt very comfortable at it. The' Winter Princess is very cold indeed, and with her were all the lesser winter fairies, who accompany Winter wherever she goes. Icicles glittered and shone all round the banquetting hall. Jack Frost was very lively, and kept us amused with funny stories about his pranks. Snowflakes danced gaily through the air, hailstones chased each other about, and made the raindrops jealous, for THEY were told to sit still in their cloud carriage, which rested on »somo downy cushions at one end of the room. If the raindrops had fallen out, they would have hurt, themselves and would have cried and spoilt the party. Luckily th’ey remembered to smile and not to cry. Old Mr Wind came, too, for he belongs to every season. This time he was wrapped in. a cloak made of the. cold, steel grey of the leaden clouds before a storm. His face would have terrified you; but we who know him could see his smile through his rough features. He won the game, of puff ball against all the Smile Fairies. At length our party ended, and we were quite a long time wishing our winter friends a good journey. Where they were bound for, I could not say. We- had ever so much cleaning up to do when they had all gone. So that you would not find us sleepy to-night, we’ve all had a few hours’ rest this afternoon, and now we are quite ready to romp with you. Listen ! I’ve news. Spring is here. She arrived to-day So you shall have a party to-night. Just look at the tables! Do you not admire the decorations, of green and yellow, and violet? How' good that iced cake looks, and how .tempting the other dainties! Our cooks have left nothing to be desired.

I know you will all love Spring. She is so dainty and gentle. I. love her pale shades, and sweet perfumes, and warmer days after Winter’s harder sterner ways. Look ! She has come laden with violets —to me the dearest of flowers —good old fashioned daffodils, jonquils, and stately fresh narcissi. Snowdrops were the first to peep out when they heard that. Winter’s reign was nearly o’er. There, too. is Daphne, her tiny four-starred flowers sparkling like diamonds- and giving forth her exquisite fragrance to sweeten, all around. Time will not permit me to say as much as I would like. Last night, we were sorry to lose a friend; now we make haste to welcome a new one. Three cheers for Spring ! Yon will soon all love her. Yon can’t help it.

Now, boys, it means football soon; will end; and, girls, your basket-ball and hockey, too; but there’s other fun you can have. Soon you’ll hear the bird songs, and then I’ll see you watching tiny nests/ A fairy whispered to me that some girls and boys have flower and vegetable gardens and are seeing whose will be best. Kind Spring is here to help you. What a chirping! Even our feathered friends join in the welcome. They love to see the pale green leaves unfolding after the winter sleep. Now, all of you, watch, and see for vourselves. I must stop my talking.

To speak of Smile affairs: Notice Marjory Tanner has left our district for Dargaville. She will still be one of us and will help to bring happiness to everyone, near her in her new home. I have written to her and sent your 'love, for we missed her from Oeo last week. We hope she will still he able to visit Smile. Castle. Tf anyone knows Beth Robb’s address, I would like to have it.. Our printer is tired of setting in type what I’m saying, so now I shall leave you to enjoy the party. Yours through all seasons, THE SMILE QUEEN.