DAISY FACES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 78

DAISY FACES.

By Ruth Hertslet. (Illustrated by Dumble.) (Copyright. —For. the Witness.) Nellie stood in the paddock, and on every side of her were daisies—white petals rose-tipped and big, yellow eyes.

“That’s full of pollen,” explained the Face. “Those men make the

“I'm knee deep in daisies,” sang Nellie as she sat down amongst . them. “I’ll just make myself a daisy chain—a big. beautiful, daisy chain.” and she reached out her hand to pick the nearest daisy. “Oh, please don’t pick us 1” Nellie's eyes opened in amazement. There, where the daisy had been, dozens of small faces peered anxiously at her. “Gracious me I” said she, “how did you all get on one flower?” “Each one of us is -a flower,” said the nearest little faee. “What do you mean?” asked Nellie. “You’ve only got one stalk. How can there be more than one flower?” “Would you like to sec?” asked the dainty faces. “Would you like to sec Something very wonderful. Sweet Nell?” “Yes, indeed I would,” said Nellie eagerly. Like the whisper of wind in the trees 'a sweet chant filled the air. Daisies pink and daisies white, daisies that _ shut up at night. Daisies cast ye all your spell o'er a little girl called Nell. 6he would all our our secrets know, we shall show her how we grow. Daisies white and daisies pink make her shrink and shrink and shrink. A sweet stole over Nell, and she found, herself growing smaller and smaller until she was smaller than the daisy faces that had looked at her. Small and dainty she was, like a winsome fairy, but strangest of all her eyes had the power of seeing as they had never seen before. The daisy faces laughed gleefully. “Can you see us now, Sweet Nell? Walk down our pretty passages.” Wondering, Nell stood on the edge of a petal, and to her surprise saw a passage, down which she went. Strange she had never seen it before. Rooms and rooms there were at the foot of the passage, and each petal was in itself a complete house. “You see, it’s this way,” said a Daisy Face. “We are like a lot of houses all joined together, and in each house is a .complete family. Just look around yoy!” A ring of quaint little men Nell saw, and on each head was-a long narrow tray.

pollen, and with it the women make things to cat. Look there!” In the midst of the ring of men were several smiling women busily baking. In their hands they held wands with strange, stick nobs at the end. These sticky nobs they held out, caught the pollen which the men thfew, and made it into baby food. “And here,” said the Daisy Face, “is the nursery.” Downstairs they went, and here Nell saw rows and rows of tiny white babies tucked in bed in a big green room. “What a wonderful little house!” said Nell. “And do you mean to say that each daisy petal is a house in itself like this one?” “Yes,” said the Daisy Face. • “Everyone is exactly like this one.” Nell wrinkled her forehead. “And are all flowers like this?’’ she asked. “Oh, no,” said *he Daisy Face. “Few families build their houses as we do. Red Clover does, and Dandelion; but most families, like Rose and Pansy, have each a big house on a single stalk.” “It's wonderful,” said Nell. “It's just like a little township of it’s own.” Fainter and fainter grew the voice of the Daisy Face, and less distinct the dainty little face. A sweet song illed* the air, and drowsily Nell heard the words: Daisies pink and daisies white, with the yellow eyes so bright, Weave ye all this simple spell o’er our visitor, Sweet Nell. Daisies white and daisies pink, wink your yellow eyes, now wink, Nell will then grow big again, nor pick the daisies for her chain. Like the whisper of wind in the trees the. sweet chant filled the air, and Nell found herself once more, a little girl, sitting in the daisy field. She rubbed her eyes. Was it all a dream? She peered into the daisy's face. Yes, she could see them —the queer little trays on which the men carried the pollen, and the sticky knobs of the wands.

“I shan’t pick any daisies for a chain now,” said she softly. “It* would be a pity to spoil all those wonderful little houses.” As she walked slowly out of the paddock the sound of sweet music reached her ears. Was it only the hum of the bees or was it the daisy faces singing? Faintly she caught the words. Good-bye, Sweet Nell, we wish you well. Some other day when you're at play. Come to the place of Daisy Face. Good-bye, Sweet Nell, we wish you well. Smiling, she turned and waved her hand, and a field of daisies winked their yellow eyes.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —As I soon will be an Old Writer, I will have to make the most of my time as a Little Folk. I have some very nice correspondents through the page. There was a big muster of Old Writers this reunion, and I enjoyed reading their letters. Now the holidays are over, the children are back at school again. We had three of my cousins- staying with us part of the holidays, and we had a gay time. One day we went to the Oamaru Gardens for a picnic, and we had a good day. Harvest operations are now quite general in this district. No matter where one looks one sees binders at work or else men stacking. Last month I went to the“tiades’ picnic at Timaru. I spent the week-end with friends in Oamaru, and had a most enjoyable time My cousin and I were at a flower show last week, and there was a great display of flowers and vegetables. We will soon be having a visit from the Duke and Duchess of York. They arrived in Auckland yesterday. I see by the paper one of our local bands came third in the B Grade test. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear aalf.—Yours truly, COPPERTOP (North Otago). [Note the spelling of “Duchess,” Coppertop. I am sure you had a good holiday with your cousins.—DOT.] Dear J)ot,_l was at a picnic the other day, and there was a big crowd. I have not seen Brave Joan of Arc’s letter in for a long time. We have four cows, and 1 would be very pleased if you would give me names for them. I am in Standard IV at school, and my brother is in Standard VI Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ' GLORY (Ida Valley). [Call the .cows Primrose, Pinky, Dame, and Dorothy, Glory. Can you tell us about the picnic?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have started school again, and I am in Standard 111. We have been havftg lovely weather, but to-day was rathsr cold. I had a nice doll given to me for Christmas. Can you please give me a name for it ? We are all waiting to see the Duke and Duchess of York when they come up here. During the Christmas holidays I learnt

to swim, and I think it is lovely. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, HYPATIA (Otago Central). [Call your doll Arabelle, Hypatia. How many days aid you take to learn to swim? — DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Folk? lam eight years of age. My father has been very busy'with the harvest. We are very busy at school. We are milking fifteen cows, and we are feeding fifteen pigs. Best love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, DODGER (Enfield). [You may be a member, All the children have settled down to work at school —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have moved from Otokia, and we are are now living at Ternuka. It is not a bad little place, but I like Waimate better. Have you been here? My three brothers and myself have to walk about a mile and a-half to school. We started on Monday, and I did notice a difference in the miles. There were only about thirty children in the Otokia School, but here there are between two and three hundred. . 1 was 14 on the 13th of this month. I received quite a number of presents, including three books —namely, “A Dull Girl's Destiny,” by Mrs Baillie Reynolds, “Mistress Anne,” by Temple Bailey, and “The Little Lady in Lodgings,” by Ruby M. Ayres. They are nice books. The aunt 1 was staying with gave me a nice photograph album, and in it I have a number of photos, including eight famous pictures of Egypt. We have a large fruit orchard and a vineyard, also a fig tree that has quite a number of figs on it. There are walnut and apricot trees, and one peach tree. While in Waimate I learnt to rider a bike, and soon I may have one of my own. I think we are having a holiday the day the Duke of York comes here. Love to all and vourself.—Yours truly PINK CARNATION BUD (Ternuka)

[I have been to Ternuka, Pink Carnation Bud. The Duke will be popular if lie gives you a holiday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing my sister, Mother’s Darling, and I have had quite an enjoyable trip to Canterbury. Our holiday started on January 4, and ended only too soon. I applied for a probationership last year, but was unsuccessful, so I am back at High School, this being my fifth year. There are a great number of first year’e, and also some new girls from other schools The tennis season is now started, and wa have had some lovely games since school began. Cricket is also in full swing, but im looking forward to the hockey season. Town is so different from both Roxburgh and Christchurch, but we will soon be used to it. Have you ever been to Canterbury ? It’s just lovely, and we enjoy every minute of the time we spent there W.e spent a few days with my married sister at Westerfield, but it is very lonely. She has such a dear wee kiddie, so old-fashioned, but very shy. We had some good photos during our trip, and they all seem to remind us ot the good times wo had. I was at “The Rainbow Trail” since I came to town, and enjoyed it very much, since I had seen “The Riders of the Purple Sage.” Everyone here seems to be looking forward to the Duke of York’s visit, and town should be very lively during his stay. I was at a concert at school given by a club which has been formed, known as the “Musical and Dramatic Club." It was very good, and I enjoyed it immensely. I intend sitting for the second group of the teacher's “D” examination in August, and sincerely hope .1 pass, as I don’t want to have to stay at home next year. I managed to complete matriculation last year, and am thankful that I am through, because the exams, are being made bo much harder. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS NATALIE (Dunedin).

[I have not been to Canterbury, Princess Natalie. I hope you pass your “D” examination.—DOT.] Dear .Dot, —I didn't go away tor Christmas, but seeing my brothers came home, one from Runanga and a married one from Teviot, we had quite an enjoyable time. My sister-in-law and I went to see the Midgets and Ralph Chefalo, the conjuror, one night, and the performance was very good. Till We Meet Again and her sister and I went to see “Havoc” last week, and I thought it was good. Did you see it? I was at the Everybody's Pictures last night, but I didn't care much for the programme. I’d like to see “Beau Geste” at the Octagon. I may go next week. Winter is coming on again. I have been at one picnic this year, the Corporation picnic at Evansdale, and it was quite enjoyable, although it was a dull day Love to all the Little Folk and vourself. — Yours truly, LONESOME (Dunedin). [I did not see- “Havoc,” Lonesome. You ■would be pleased to see vour brothers a"ain —DOT.) Dear Dot, —Please may I join vour happv band of Little Folk? We take the Witness every week, and I always read the letters, and have become very interested in the page. Harvest is in full swing all around us. Wo have all our crops cut, and have nearlyfinished stooking them, so I expect we will eoon have the mill. I am always glad when” wo are finished threshing, as it makes such extra work for mother, and she is so tired. I was at the pictures last week, and it was a lovely picture, Fred Thompson and Silver King. I am very fond of horses. I wish 1 had one of my own, but we don’t need one, as we have a car. My sister and I have been taking the lunches out to the harvesters in the car. We have fun, as our roads are bumpy. By the time we arrive there, there isn’t much of the tea left. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, BLOODSTONE (Otago). [Welcome, Bloodstone. I am sure the harvesters appreciate your tea, even if it is half spilt.—DOT.] , Dear Dot,—l went to the vaudeville yesterday afternoon, and thought it as very good. We had eur Sunday school picnic a few weeks s-go at Bethune’s Gully, and we had a good time. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. BELL BOY (Dunedin)., [Don’t you think'that Bethune’s Gully is a very pretty place. Bell Boy? I suppose you had races at the picnic.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It was raining heavily all through the night. It came in nice time to fill up the tanks. Dad just finished threshing his grass seed yesterday. He was three days at it. I suppose the Duke and Duchess of York will soon be in Dunedin. Love to your own dear self and the Little Folk.— Yours truly, TOM ASS (Otago). [We are all looking forward to the Royal visit, Tom Ass. The school children are to parade for them. The Girl Guides are going to be inspected by them one day, also — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our asters are coming out. hut they are very slow. Mother and my cousin went down to see the Mataura Flower Show about a week ago, and they said it- was lovely. There were a good number of entries.

There was a local wedding here yesterday, and the bride looked charming. The minister and his wife and four children came, and we have four of them here. We took the three eldest up into the bush for a picnic this afternoon, and I took a snap of them. They were paddling in the creek most of the time, and on the way home I gave them a swing. I haven’t been down to tennis since Saturday. It has been too wet. There was some last night, and I suppose to-night, but I didn’t go. It is getting too dark to play at nights now, especially for us, as it is between halfpast six and seven before we go down. I received a letter from a girl in Canada last week. She does not belong to the Little Folk, but I found her address from a Little Folk. The photos were not bad, but seme of them weren’t clear. The last one we took was going to be a good one. There were four of us, and it took us half an hour before the photographer would snap it. When we saw the snaps we were only half in, as she had been too far away. I just finished a good book, ’Valley of Stars.” Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv, BETTY JO (Otago).

[Do you play for any tennis club in matches, Betty Jo? You must have enjoyed having the minister and his family.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As I have often wished to join your band of Little Folk, I at last plucked up courage. I have left school now, and gained my proficiency last year. I am 14 years old. I would sooner be at school than at home. Two of my brothers write to you. 1 know a good few Little Folk about here. I belong to the Girl Guides, but when x l came home I had to leave them. I was staying with my aunt all last year at Rivertxon, and went to the Girl Guides. I like them very much. There is a company in Owaka, but it is too far to go. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, FAIRY FAY (Ratanui). [Welcome, Fairy Fay. Notice how “courage” is spelt. The Girl Guides are a fine body.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to you. It is raining to-day, and the river is rising. I go to school, and I am in Standard IV. We are having a new teacher, a lady this time. —Yours truly, CUCKOO BIRD (Lake County). [Welcome, Cuckoo Bird. Your name was taken. Have you ever seen your namesake ? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am in Standard VI this year, and so far 1 like it very much. I came second in my class when I was in Standard V, and I received ft lovely book. I also won one at Sunday school, called “Peggy's Last Term.” All the people,around here are harvesting. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FLORENCE, THE NIGHTINGALE (Edendale). [You will be first in Standard VI I hope, Florence, the Nightingale. I shall post on your badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Harvest is here again, and all the farmers are busy reaping their crops or leading in. I gained my proficiency, and have now left school. We milk 63 cows, and they are going back in milk. My pony has a foal, so I cannot ride it for some time yet. We named the foal Ginger, because it is of that colour. My father and I went to Invercargill the other day and bought a camera. We have taken seven snaps. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly, SAMMY DOUGHNUT (Menzies Ferry). [1 am sure Ginger is a dear little foal, Sammy Doughnut. A camera is a handy thing to have.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —1 am in Standard VI this year at school. I did not go any where for my 'holidays this year, but I had a good holiday at home all the sama. I was at Florence, the Nightingale's place yesterday, and had an enjoyable time there. We have new desks at school now, dual ones. We went to Riverton for our school- excursion on the 9th of last month, and as it is a seaside town, I had a very enjoyable time there, although I cannot swim. Love to all and your own. dear self. —Yours truly, DINGLY DELL (Edendale South) [You will soon learn to swim, Dingly Dell, if you practise. I suppose you like the dual desks.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As I have had my nineteenth birthday, I have two years to remain as a Tattle Folk. I enjoyed reading the Old Wliters’ letters this year. It’s a pity they can’t write more often, isn’t it? I noticed Possum was in hospital when she wrote. She seems to be having a rather bad time of it, as I hear she has taken ill again. Since last writing I have shifted my abode from Geraldine to Dunedin. I have been here four months, and I am enjoying life immensely. I had a month’s holiday at Christmas time, one week of which I spent at home, but I wasn't sorry when I had to start work again. My mate and I were thinking of going to my auntie's at Port Chalmers to-morrow, but I'm afraid our intentions will not be fulfilled, as the weather does not look too promising to-night. One Saturday last month A Girl of Luck and myself spent a most enjoyable day at Waipori. We left at 10.30, and landed there about 12.30. We then had lunch, and my mate and I left the rest of the party with the intention of going for a short stroll up the track. We had gone about a mile when a car came along and stopped beside us, and some one kindly asked if we wanted a lift to the power house. Of course we didn’t refuse, and in a short time found ourselves miles from where we left the others We entered our names in the visitors book, and had a thorough investigation of all the works. I could hardly hear myself speaking for the noise of the machinery. I did not envy the office men their work in such a stifling place. We had a walk over the big bridge, and had a good view of the Waipori Falls. They looked beautiful with the sun shining on them, but I was sorry I could not go any closer to them. After we had had a good look round we set out to walk back with seven miles in front of us. It was such a scorching day that quick walking was imposisble. All the cars that passed us didn’t seem to take pity on us until we had gone about three and a-half miles. The same car that took us down overtook us. They thought we had done very well in such a short time. We passed Mackie’s descent, and Maryland. Of course we were curious to know how the places had their names, but satisfied our curiousity. when we arrived back. We were glad for the lift the rest of the way. Wo were just in time for afternoon tea, which we enjoyed very much. We then packed up and set back for home. We took a -different road home from the way we came. We landed back about 7, after a thoroughly enjoyable day. We thought we might as well finish off the day properly, so we went to the pictures and saw “Bulldog Drummond.” We enjoyed it very much, and the comic was simply a scream. It must have been 11 before t arrived home, tired and

weary, but well satisfied. Best wishes to all and your own dear self.—Yours trulv A LASS FROM THE BLUE MOUNTAINS (Dunedin). [The people were very kind to give you a ride in their car, Lass from the Blue DOl"] tain9 ’ 1 111Ve nOt bCen t 0 Wai l’ orL— Dear Dot,—The other night six friends and 1 went out eeling, and we had a lovely time. \v e did not go till late, and it was in the early hours of the morning when we arrived home. Do you ever go to moonlight picnics? I am invited to one next week, and so far I shall be going. I think they are good. I think I am going out to-night, so I must be ready Best of luck to all and your dear self.— lours truly, A MERRY SNOWBALL (Ternuka). [I do not go to moonlight picnics, Merrv Snowball. Eeling is fine fun on a calm warm night.—DOT.] ’

Dear Dot,—l am in Standard IV. There are two more little children arrived at our school since I wrote to you last. I was at I ort Molyneux for my holidays, and had a nice time there. We have a wireless set in, and I like when there are funny pieces sung. It was my birthday on Friday and I had a party on Saturday. The day was fine, but to-day it is windy and chilly. My mother gave m e a camera, and I have taken six photos with it. On Saturday evenin"(that is, last night) dad took me to have my music lesson, and then we went to my aunt’s. She has another baby boy. We did not have many chickens this year, but v.-» had six ducks, which are quite big now. L-ovc to all the Little Folk and vourself. — Yours truly, A DINK PEA BLOSSOM (Awamangu). ■ [ls he a good baby, Dink Pea Blossom or does he cry? You were lucky to have a camera.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—-I have once again settled down to school. I am in Standard V, and I find the work very easy. My brother has a littlegrey and white rabbit. It has a white head and chest, and little white paws. I had one but it unfortunately died. Our school is going to Dunedin on March 18 to see the royal visitors and I think we are all lookin"forward for the 18th to come. There will be hJ’°o'\-K, SCc Are you t'o see them lather Christmas came to our house, tie left me such a number of prettv things and also some- for my little brother. I did not go away for Christmas but I had a good lime at home. There seems a «' t there is going to be war with China, but I do hope there is not. The influenza is taking the people very much in England. 1 suppose w e will have it over here. Durin" Christmas a girl and I went to the falls and they were so nice. There are three on top of each other, and we were not satisfied with one, so we climbed up the side of the hill ana we slipped and fell all. the way. We had to hold on to grass and roots most of the way. I don’t know where we would have been if tne roots and grass had broken but it was well worth the climb. We were rot so ready to climb up the other, and did not attempt to do so. We then went, down quicker than we climbed up. I shall never try to climb up again, as it is so dangerous and steep. My brother has hurt his arm, so we have him at home from work. Love to all and your own dear self — Yours truly, GRANDMA’S ANN (Otago). [I shall probably se c the Duke and Duchess, Grandma’s Ann. You might have fallen and broken your arm.—DOT.] t -?^ ar P O ?,’T ilay 1 Join your liappy band of 1-ittle rolk? I am nine years of a"" and in Standard II at school. We had six weeks for our school holidays. We take the .Witness, and I like reading the Little Folk ioHers very much. It is near winter now. My brother is sick. I have three brothers and two sisters. I can’t think of a name for this letter. Love to all and vourself.— lours truly, J ALL MOUNTAIN DAISY (Ida Valiev). [Welcome, Tall Mountain Your name was taken. Send me your private name.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l have a pony I ride to school. Her name is Silbey, and she is very quiet. We have a tennis court, and I am learning to play. I have four dolls, and one is a black one. and I call him Marmaduke. Do you think that is a nice name? Are you going to see the Duke and -Duchess? I am going into Oamaru to see them. My third doll is in the hospital. Her leg is broken, Lov’e to yourself and all.—Yours truly MAGPIE BIRD (Ngapara). [Silbey must be a nice pony, Magpie Bird. I think Marmaduke a handsome name for a black doll. I shall see the Duke and Duchess.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have all settled down to school work again. We had arranged to go to the beach for a picnic tc-day, but when we woke this morning the rain was pouring in torrents, so our picnic had to bs postponed. I have a little brother, and ho is always in mischief. We have a snowy white kitten, and it is very playful. Would you please give me a name for it? I am going to try to keep my name Busybody as long as I can. Best love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, BUSYBODY (Enfield). [Call the kitten Polar, Busybody. Rain will come and spoil picnics.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our little brother can talk, and docs say some funny things. Yesterday Frosty's Mate and muni went to a picnic at Tahakopa. I was in Dunedin for my holiday and enjoyed myself. One day we went for a motor trip to Taieri Mouth. Frosty Night is learning music again. I am in Standard 111 at school. Dad will be cutting his oats soon. My eldest brother was dux of the South Otago High School last year. One of my brothers and I were eeling yesterday. Although we caught nothing, we had great fun. Some of the farmers are busy cutting their crops. Our school is going to Dunedin to see the Duke and Duchess of York. Our sweet peas have been flowering well this year.—Yours trulv, BEE BUSY (Romahapa). [Perhaps you will catch some eels next time, * Bee Busy. Your brother must be a clever boy. Did he receive a medal?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Alv sister and myself were tipped out of the gig not very long ago. We were not hurt. We are milking nine cows, and feeding two pigs. The arrival of the Duke and Duchess in New Zealand is causing great excitement. My little sister has written to you. We are going to lead iu our oats shortly. The fruit is very late this year. There is a tennis opening to-morrow, and I hope to be going.—Yours truly, FAIR NAIR (Lake Wakatipu). [I am thankful to hear you were not hurt. Fair Nair. How did you happen to be tipped out of the gigj?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Most of the farmers around this district are busy cutting their crops.