The Fairy Ring

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12247, 19 September 1925, Page 16

The Fairy Ring

My Little People,— I have a gallery of Spring! O, the daintiest of flowers, the greenest of green hillsides, and all the light and lovely skies or Spring! My desk is covered with them .... and still they come .... and not all the weather in the world could persuade me to-day that Winter is still' with us. It’s Springtime. . . .O, most certainly, Springtime! Amd I could tell by the way you have done these pictures .... carefully, sweetly .... that you loved doing them. And I just couldn’t help it. ... I went straight home to do one, too. It was a truly difficult job to choose the very best. But in the end it came to this .... two prizes instead of one .... and I wish there could be twenty. The first goes to Ivy McGhie, aged io; for although she used the paint a wee bit thickly, she did it so very carefully .... blending colours in the sky and shading the tiny houses. And the second goes to Joan Hornby, for although she did not do the work so well, she chose such bright and yet delicate Springtime shades that there could be no doubt about it being the glad time of the year. One little person left the lightest of Springtime clouds drifting across her sky. Another made her thrushes fairy birds, blending the palest colours in their wings. Well, congratulations, Ivy and Joan, from every one of us. Good night, my fairy artists, Yours, FAIRIEL.

OUR RINGJPO-NIGHT Myra Post, “Connecticut,” Maori Bank, 'Upper Hutt.—Oh, won’t that swimming hole of yours he great fun when the warm days come again. Just the hot sun once, twice. . . and a'H the loug> .winter will he forgotten. You must he rather late getting home after school if the sun is setting then, aren’t you ? Phyllis Walker, Izard Koad, Khandallah.—Yes, I can see that you love colouring hy tho way you’ve done the picture, little one, ... so carefully, and so sweetly. We will have some more soon too. We like the little lily verse. . . What is the nest flower to he? The story of the lost fairy is not quite good enough. Phyllis. __ Why did Pansy die ? What terrible thing had happened in the greenhouse? You do not tell us that. Margaret Campbell, 103, Main Koad, Trentham.— Where did you go, and what did you do, and all about it, Margaret? You must have a great many things to tell us. How splendid that mother saved all the papers for you. . . you don’t miss any of our doings. Your wee springtime maiden looks as' though she had_ stepped right out of the sunset behind her. Have you any news for Open Eyes? Hilary Browne. 77, Apu Cresoent. Lyall Bay.—Your birds are flying out to meet the storm I think, little one. . . but it’s hard to make a fat old crayon go round a. thing as 6mall as a bird, I know I Those mo-tor-car cigarette cards are rather hard to get. . which si? do you need to make the set? Perhaps some wee elf could exohange? Gordon Challis, Carterton. —You may, Gordon. . . hut what happened to your letter before it found a postbox? It looks as though it had been in the company of naijs and fishhooks and chewing-gum and string, and all the other permanent inhabitants of a hoy’s pocket! The rhyme’s right, hut you didn’t try very hard for the colouring, did you ? Tell us in your next letter about all the things that interest you. Maud Mcllveney, Kelburn.—All your pictures are so sweetly coloured, and I could 6ee how each of you loved doing it, that I lust went home and did it too I We are glad • to have you here again, Maud. . . don’t stay so long away another time. Have you written any more verses? Robin Barrett, Greytoyn.—Eight years, your picture is sweetly coloured, and 60 carefully too 1 How splendid to have a real wireless at your house. . . tell us more about it. When I was little, my brother had one. . . and I was never allowed to shut my window, even on the stormiest nights, because the “ground wire” came through I Edward Walker, Izard road, Khandallah—Hullo, sixpence, you’re a clever wee elf to get that rhyme out so quickly, and I like the wee drawings with your letter. But do tell us all •about the fairy garden. . . It sounds just splendid! If you could get 6ome large pieces of green moss you coil’d make the pond look as though grass grew right down to the water’s edge. Everlasting flowers could he coloured paper pasted on hits of twig." And perhaps you could even make a tiny fleet of ships to sail. Keith Hutcheson, Main road, Lower Hutt.—Of course you think the world of it, Keith. . . that lovely little garden that is your very own. I should love to see it when the apple blossom is everywhere. Have you put tall things against the fence. . . sunflowers, hollyhocks, and delphiniums? We’re all waiting for the poem you promise. . . but you have to have made it youiself, you know. Claudia Browne, 77, Apu crescent, Lyall Bay.—lt is a very sweet stow nevertheless, my Busiest-One, hut I think the. small person who wrote 5c was just about ready for another of Lilywhite’s parties! We all just love the things you have to tell us, but do not tire yourself out, little one All the mistakes are forgiven, cveo sleepy-liead. . . and 1 here’s a kiss for my “Shingle” to take to Lilywhite. Joyce Murdoch, 34, Shakespeare road, Napier.—l am sorry you missed the paper that had your very first answer in it, little new fairy. . . hut we will meet you here in the ring often now, won’t we? And you will tell us all about the small sisters, and read about all the other small sisters, and brothers too, who have such good times here. I am glad you liked the story. Wo make them ourselves. . . for each other you know. Perhaps you could make us some verses ? w Ivy MoGhie, Maori Bank, Upper, Hutt. —So glad you liked the book, Ivy . . . don’t let those eyes get lazy now, will you? You’re another little person who has been holidaying, are you? Well, we’re waiting to hear all about it. Thank you for the kisses ... I shall take one “before retir in,g” as you Say. May I have some more when they are done ? Fred Butt, Hautere Cross, Te Horo.— How those cats do worry you, Fred I What do you do when tbo tiny new chickens are about? All those fowls

must keep you very busy indeed. Here is a story just for you: “Is a chicken big enough to eat when it’s three weeks old?’* “No/ of course not ” “Well, how does it get its food then?” Joan Hornby, Turakina.—Why, that was a splendid change for yon. . - to get out to the pictures, wasn’t it. . . I do hope it was a beauty! And I expect the fancy dress ball will be great fun. . . will you he able to go to that too? Tell us next time about your window garden. Is your Daddy going to paint it green for you? Pat Gilmer, Willis street, Wellington —We hope you had a splendid time at the party, Pat. Was it a birthday one? Thank you for the little picture of the girl on the bank, and all those fat hugs and kisses, and the rhyme. . .You must try more rhymes. Aileen Keay, Roseneath. —I am sorry, Aileen. . . but we .cannot keep all the competition drawings from time to time,, and so the other springtime pictures are destroyed. You see. it is all extra work and money to put a picture in a paper, and 60 only the really necessary ones are allowed to go in. You did not colour it quite as well as you drew it, hut it looks as though the crayons were a little bit too fat. We are thinking about your suggestion. John Baoumgren, “Windyridge,” Kaiwarra. —Little nine-years, I liked your picture very much. It was a bit of a mistake to try to colour the letters. . . . they weren’t really ; fat enough for that, were they ? Marion Wilkins, 28, Sydney street, Petone. Good, Marion, you are going to be one of our very best fairies, I know. I know by the beautiful writing. . . . and the neat, clean paper. . . . and the lovely little verse. Make some more. What a pity you didn’t have two papers so that both of you could have gone in for the competition. Moira Jones, Bandwick. —Yes, we did. . . . we loved the little bright red roofs among the dark green trees, and the grey birds flying. Two canaries? Why, tell us all about then;. Or perhaps the brother could, could he? t Nola Jacobsen, 60, Martin street, Upper Hutt.—Why, of course you nfust be oue of our fairies. . . . we’d i love a little seven-year-old like you in our big family 1 The picture is very good, and the letter too. Next time you come to our revels you must bring us news of yourself. . . . what you like best to do, and all the fun you have. Molly Baoumgren, “Windyridge,” Kaiwarra.—The photo didn’t come with your letter, little one. . . what happened to it. . „ . - wasn’t it very good after all? But I am looking forward to having one some day. Where have you been “tripping” to? Gwenda Wilkins, 28, Sydney street, Petone.—You haven’t very much

news for us, have you, little one. . . . Do you think you could manage a whole big letter of your own some day ? You paint very well for a small person of seven. ‘ Peggy McDonald, 171, Queen’s Drive, Lyall Bqy.—The drawing that you sent its. . . . of,-the elf mounted on the bird, ‘‘An Errand for the Fairy Queen,” - is not quite good enough to make a picture of, Peggy-mine. Try again. How’s Tommy? Audrey Baoumgren, “Windyridge.' 1 Kaiwarra. —Glad,you’ve managed to come this week anyhow, my Audrey. Josephine must be a little darling. . . AVe do so hope her mother is better soon. You’re quite a little traveller, aren’t you? Audrey, your sky, in the springtime picture was the .very prettiest of all. . . what a pity that the rest of it was not quite so good. Stan. Jones. 112. Richmond street, Petone.—Good, Stan. . . then we shall meet, and your problem will he solved. That’s a very good idea, to print your letter sometimes. . . . printing is after all a form of drawing, and it will help you with that. I am afraid the picture of the peapod boat is just a hit too ’hurried, too scratcliy-looking to print in the paper. When you sketch them like that go over them afterwards with a thicker line. Good luck, if you are competing in the Scout competitions. Marion Butt, Hautere Cross, Te Horo. —Yes, Marion. . . thank you tremendously much, you, and Fred, and Dorothy. . . for those beautiful violets. They keep wonderfully fresh, too, for a long time. Are you well again now, little one P Joy Cook, are a good little letter-wri,ter for only nine, Joy. You must have had a rather miser-/ able time. . . . but it is splen did that you are all quite better. . . and you and Yyrn will not take long to get fat again. I expect your birthday was a cosy little party after all, wasn’t it?

“What led you to think,” said the magistrate to the constable, “that the prisoner was intoxicated?” “He was having a heated argument with a cabby, your Worship,” was the reply. “But that doesn’t by any means prove that he was intoxicated,” rej turned the magistrate. ‘ ‘lt does in this case, your Worship, because there wasn’t any cabby there 1”

BETTERS Dear Fairiel, —I suppose you have been wondering why X did' not write again. Well, we have all been ill. Mother took us out for a car drive one sunny day, but it was cold coming home, andl we all got a relapse, and I 'had to go to bed as soon as I got home. My birthday was on September 11th, and I was nine years old. I had a birthday cake with nine candles on it. I am nearly always sick on my birthday, and only got out of bed' that day, so I could not have a party, but grandma and grandpa came to tea. Vyrn’s birthday was on September 2nd, and he was two years old. We both got presents of money to put in the Poet Office bank. Vyrn is quite a little man now. He does not like mother to cut his hair. Dawn is still as fat ae ever. She did not get thin after her sickness, but Vyrn and k 1 did. X am going to have some teeth filled hy Nurse Grocott at the dental clinic on Tuesday. Isn’t the-weather dreadful, Fairiel P It rains here nearly every afternoon. We had such a lot of hail last week. X saw the hail while I lay in bed. ' Little Dawn loves cutting up paper with the scissors, and writing with a pencil. I suppose she will be writing to you one day, but I don’t think you will be able to read it. Vyrn always says “I soddy” if any one hurts themselves, and says "scooze me.” I will tell you a lot of funny things about him and Dawn. They are always into mischief. Dear Fairiel I have coloured in the springtime picture. I love colouring pictures. I always fill in the colours in my new picture boons. I must now leave you 60 that my letter will reach you by to-morrow. With lots of love to you and all the fairies. —From your,little JOY, Joy Cook, aged 9 years, Hamua. .•..• •. • ' • Dear Fairiel, —I did my best on that drawing of spring, hut I am not used to drawing with ink, so I made my best attempts. Are you very interested to know what I have in my garden? Yes, well, ’ it’s something like this in shape. That dark thing is the apple tree, and it grows violets, wallflowers, cosmeas, chrysanthemums, bulbs, and forget-me-nots. Although it’s rather small I think the world of it. I will send the drawing and a poem called "‘Spring” nest week.—Your loving elfj KEITH. Keith Hutcheson, Main road. Lower Hutt. •■« • • Dear Fairiel,—l could do the jumbled rhyme this week. . . it was rather easy. We have made a fairy garden and .• pond made out of a kerosene tin with fairy boats on it. They are lily lea,vc6. — Edward. , Edward Walker, aged 6, Khandallah.

OUR OWN VERSEMAKERS

FAIR LILY, The lily was so fair , . . White as the, snow. At her everyone did stare When on her track they did go. She tossed her head in the breeze With a little sway, sway . . , I thought that she would freeze, But she just died away. By PHYLLIS WALKER, (aged 12.) Izard road, Khandallah. « • t • • THE DAISY CHAIN. A little girl sat on a bank. Making a, daisy chain. And as she did it she sang "Hurrah ! Spring is here again !** By PAT GILMER. (Aged 8.) Willis street, Wellington.

Small Boy: How much are the eggs? Shopkeeper: Threepence each; cracked ones a penny. Small Boy: Right; Crack me a dozen.

Native: Sahib, 1 did see plenty tiger tracks about a mile north of beta —big ones too! * Hunter: Goodl which way is the south ?

“Clever dog? I should say so. If 1 say to him, ‘Are you coming here or aren’t you?' he comes—or he doesn't: 1 '

“LILYWHITE’S” PARTY.

“It’s seven o’clock . . . who’s coming to Lilywhite’s party?” asked mother. “I am,” said Clarice, “but where’s my party frock? I couldn’t go to Lilywhite’s party without a party dress!” So a pretty pink nightie was brought out and put on. “Are ’oo coming, too, Pat?” she asked her sister. “I will come after,” Pat said. Of course, everyone knows that ‘“Lilywhite’s Party” really means going to bed. Later, when Pat laid her head on the pillow and just closed her eyes, she felt herself floating through the window. She heard a little voice say, “Hullo, Pat .... here’s me.” She turned round and saw Clarice floating by her side. Soon they came to a beautiful garden, where fairies and elves flitted about, and hundreds of glow-worms cast their lights over the dainty flowers of Spring, who nodded their heads in the gentle breeze. There were lovely mushrooms, big and small. Pat wondered why the big ones were there for, for she was really the biggest person there, so she hid behind a bush while Clarice danced into the ring. Lilywhite was sitting in the centre of the fairies, wearing a dress of the finest gossamer, sprinkled with dewdrops and a beautiful crown on her head. When the fairies saw Clarice they sang a song which sounded to Pat like this : “O join hands with Clarice. .-. . 0 isn’t she sweet! Come, Fairies and Elves, and kneel at her feet!” Then they had a most delicious supper. Then they all sang another song like this: “In the Fairy Ring We dance and sing. ... While the moon is shining bright We pq.y homage to Lilywhite.” Then Pat, feeling lonely, thought she would like to join them. She just stepped from behind the bushes, and the fairies vanished. And Pat found herself in bed again, while the sun peeped in at the window. By CLAUDIA BROWNE, 77, Apu crescent, Lyall Bay. Aged 9.