Jane's Birthday

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23181, 29 October 1938, Page 8 (Supplement)

Jane's Birthday

—Original, by Athol Ross (13). TT was June's birthday. She was six and that evening she was to have a little tea-party with four of her playmates, and her birthday was going to be called over the air. Just as the children were about to play hide-and-seek mother called them inside for the children's hour. They jan in hastily. Many birthdays were called before Jane's. At last, however, Aunt Betty announced: "Now wo shall have some more birthdays. The first on the list is little Jane Bonnet, of Auckland, who is having a party with her play-mates. She is six years old to-day and we wish her many happy returns. Follow the string from the radio, Jane, and you will find a present." With an exclamation of surprise Jane rushed ofT. She carefully did what she had been told and followed the long string. Ijo and behold! she was at the

—Original by Eleanor Chapman (13). bathroom door. Without hesitation she opened it and was soon snatching up two parcels. Very carelessly she tore the paper off the square parcel. "Oh, oh, oh!" There were cries of delight as a large box of delicious chocolates fell from the torn paper. Jane, who was a very unselfish little girl, soon had the iid off the box and was handing them round to her chums. Then came the other parcel. A beautiful doll all dressed in a gorgeous blue set. Jane sat hugging it for a long while and then she gave it to each chum in turn to hold. After the excitement was over and mother had admired Jane's gifts the children had their tea-party. They enjoyed it immensely, and at'seven o'clock Jane's guests trotted off to their homes, tired, but very happy.

Wizened and old and wicked. She lives in a little old house, With her broomstick, her cloak and her magic, Her faithful black cat, and a mouse. On her broomstick so battered and aged, The Witch often goes for long rides, With her cat on the head of the broomstick, High over the housetops she glides. When the sun peeps over the mountains, And the birds begin to sing; Then home to her cottage, rides the witch, As fast as a bird on the wing. She reaches her silent dwelling. And putt ihe broomstick to bed, And sits a\l day, stirring aWay, With potions and cloak so red. The cat sits down on the hearthstones, The mouse goes back, to his hole, And when they are all quite hungry, They eat from the selfsame bowl. —Sketch and poem original by Fay Price (12;