Under the Totem-Pole Chiefs and Braves

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 24, 20 April 1927, Page 12

Under the Totem-Pole Chiefs and Braves

Letters to Redfeather are answered as under:

Wing Plume: I was very pleased to have your letter and hope that you will soon let me have an article or story to read. One of the main ideas of this "Wigwam page is to discover and encourage the latent talent among the growing band of Chiefs and Braves. An article is really nothing more or less than an essay, though the short story is an art in itself. Don’t be afraid of pruning and polishing. Jerome K. Jerome’s advice is well worth following: “Never put a word into a short story that you can possibly leave out of it.”

Sickle Moon: It was a pity that your essay reached me too late for the competition. You handled it splendidly and I liked its cheery ending. The tramping song also shows promise. The Guides you mention are among my most faithful Braves, and their frequent letters always distil sunshine in the Wigwam.

Eyes of the Morning: Many thanks for your letter. I should love to see some of those poems that you and those other Braves compose about each other. Don’t you think we might all share them? At the moment of writing I have not yet had word from you about the book you would like, but I expect you are still on holiday. All good wishes. Gleaming Pool: I can picture you at your duties as a temporary nurse and sincerely hope that your mother is perfectly strong again. The Dawn Lady is pleased to think that you want to come to Happy Town, too, so now you are a Sunbeam as well as a Brave. Being a Girl Guide, you are eligible for the Wigwam and because you are under fifteen, Happy Town is also open to you. And now, Mistress Gleaming Pool, what a busy pen you will have to ply! Little Buffalo: I had a quiet smile over your letter and was much interested in your description of that curious birch* It sounds to me something

like a kingfisher, though you would probably have recognised it by its bright plumage. I shall be looking for another Letter from you soon.

Beaver Hunter: I was glad to have a letter from this clever young essayist and have noted the books you like, one of which will shortly be in your hands. Which Scout Troop are you attached to? I should like to hear about your work with your khaki-clad friends.

Eagle Feather: I am glad you enjoyed your holiday in Auckland. The Queen City was certainly wearing her brightest cloak in your honour. Those Easter days were gay with sunshine and every white sail was bound for some place of adventure. I shall be glad to hear of your next yachting cruise.

Singing Leaf: Many thanks for all those good hopes and good wishes. It was a pity you could not go on holiday this Easter, but I hope you had a happy time nevertheless. No. I did not stray very far from the Wigwam. Its associations have wound themselves too securely round my heart. Morning Star: Your note reached me safely, O Shining One, and I promise to “keep smiling” until the long letter comes. Another competition will be held shortly, so please sharpen your pencil to a business-like point. Iwa Pearson: I was most interested in your letter and delighted to hear that you and your young friends are such keen followers of everything in the Wigwam page. As you see, it is quite a simple matter becoming a member. Y'es, the Girl Guides are a fine young sisterhood and I hope you will soon be awarded the badge you are working for. I have called you Red Leaf. Jack Sullivan: Welcome into the "Wigwam. I have placed your name on the Totem-Pole and christened you Mountain Lover. Peter Blake: I am very glad to have you for one of my good Chiefs, and have called you Hunter by Moonlight. Every good wish.