"Tama's Quest:

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22741, 29 May 1937, Page 8 (Supplement)

"Tama's Quest:

"WHAT about the robin?" suggested Korimako helpfully. " He has quite a fine song." "Yes, let me hear him, please," begged Tama. "It is getting quite late," he added, glancing apprehensively over his shoulder. The bush shadows were lengthening as the sun travelled westward, and Tama did not like to be alone in the bush after dark. Korimako, noticing his alarm at the swift passing of the day, called the robin from the bough where he perched, and requested him to sing. "Only too pleased to oblige," nodded the robin cheerfully, his bright, black eyes shining. Then he began to sing. ~ A beautiful clear whistle sounded through the bush, but grateful as he was for. the robin's willingness to help in his quest, Tama could only show disappointment again. "Your song is very fine," he commented, "One of the finest in the bush,

indeed, but even that is not the one 1 am seeking." lama sighed wearily, and glanced around in search of someone else to help him. v "Ah. 1 have an idea!" exclaimed Tui suddenly. "What about Kokako, tho blue-wattled crow? I've heard it said that his song is very enchanting." "Let us call him then; most likely ho is just the one." agreed Korimako. Tui flew off in search of Kokako, and soon returned. Kokako sang for Tama, but even his song, beautiful and flutelike, did not satisfy the boy. "Alas! What shall 1 do?" he cried in dismay. "It is getting late, and I do want to hear that special song." "I am very sorry, little friend," consoled Tui. "but I cannot think whom it could be." "Perhaps it was a visitor to this part of the bush," suggested Tama. "The only visitor here lately was Pijiiwharauroa, tho shining cuckoo. I'll see if I can find him, if you don't mind waiting a little longer," and Tui flew off again into the darkening trees. Tama waiting patiently, felt that this was his last chance. Yet la-3 dreaded the thought of approaching darkness. The birds had begun to sing and chatter on all sides again, eo that when Tui re-

PART n.

turned with the cuckoo, he had to order them all to be quiet-again. Full of importance, Pipifharatiroa began his song, but scarcely had he started it when disappointment again filled Tama's eyes. Then, quick as" a flash in the middle of the cuckoo's piping, a beautiful carol, a rill of indescribable sweetness filled the air. Tui looked very stern. "Riroriro," he commanded, "please be quiet until the cuckoo has finished." But Riroriro, the little grey warbler would not be silenced. Over and over again he sang his pretty song, while Tama, too delighted even to clap his hands, stood.entranced. "That's the song. That's the song 1 want." he cried gleefully. "Oh, please sing it again." The litle bird sang once more, and then Tama, having thanked all his friends, especially Riroriro, realised how dark it was.

"1 must hurry home now," he said anxiously. "I might lose my way if I do not hurry.'' * • "I'll help you," offered Kiroriro cheerfully, and spreading his fan-like, tail with its white markings, he set off in a jerky flight, along the track. "Just follow my song," he said, and Tama gladly obeyed, following the sweet • wistful snatches of song until ho foundhimself on the edge of the bush. "Why didn't the other birds think of asking you to sing sooner?" asked Tama as they paused. "They think I am too small and_in* significant," explained the tiny bird. _ "Then why did you sing when Tui had asked you to be silent?" *'l just couldn't help it." said Kiroriro. "1 was too happy to refrain from singing for long." " I am glad you sang, then, Jittl%/t : friend," replied Tama gratefully. 'And now 1 must hurry on. I see the lights of the pa gleaming in the distance. Farewell my kind friend and than# you." " "Come back soon," called Kiroriro. and after eagerly assenting, Tama hastened toward his home, with tfl sweet trill of his r.ew little friend song ringing in his ears. THE . END