THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 532, 8 December 1928, Page 31

THE HOLLOW TREE.

| MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAfAS.

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow: —.

Catherine Agnes Head, Ngongotaha: This flve-year-old has arrived safely in Happy Town and we are all glad that she is now a Sunbeam. The Dawn Lady will look forward to hearing all about this little lady. Lorna Mackenzie, Timaru: Thank you for your interesting letter, Lorna. No, I did not see "Chang.’* but 1 can imagine how you must have enjoyed it. Alan was lucky being able to go home for the shearing, but your holidays will soon be coming. Some Happy Town thoughts for Lorna. Mary Murry, Hamilton: So Twinkle is how the mother of four little kittens? I should love to have one, Mary, but 1 am afraid I should not have time to give it proper attention. What an interesting pair the baby pigeons must be. What are you going to call them? Erie and David Buchanan, Takapuna: Those beautiful bouquets from my little flower men reached me safely, and my vases look very gav in the sunshine. I think you must have picked the flowers ■with the dew still on them, for they are all wonderfully fresh. There are some rare sweet peas in your garden, and I k>ve that pretty tangerine one. Much lov® and manv thanks to Eric and David. Molly Clark, Waihi: Welcome to Happy Town. Molly. If you close your eyes you will find that you are not in hospital at all. but sitting with the Dawn Lady under the Happiness tree. Thank you for your painting, and the poem and story foe the Christmas competitions. I shall always look forward to vour letters, and I hope that Happy Town will be a great interest to you. Some special wishes from the Dawn Lady to this new Sunbeam. Myrtle Bennett. Takapuna: Thank you for the picture of those poor perplexed little puppies. Myrtle. The mice are making a fine meal In their dish. One ot ypur little friends told me all about Mona. You are lucky having such a beautiful doll. Colin Mackie, Devonport: What a wonderful holiday Rive has had. and I am sure he feels a much-travelled young man after that long journey by car. Is he Quite strong now. Colin? The Little Thought wants you to tuck a pink and white dream under b&bv David's pillow. J *m afraid if David smiled at me, I could not resist picking him up. My best love to the three little boys in your house. Gwen Mills, Ngaruawahia: Your painting looks very attractive with its neat mount, Gwen. T am glad that you axe coming to Auckland at Christmas. It vou arrange that matter with the Little Thought and tell him exactly when, it will be possible. A package of Happy Town sunshine for Gwen. Geoffrey Bennett, Takapuna: The wee tree in your garden with two nectarines QQ it must have known about you and Myrtle. Geoffrey. Perhaps next year it will bear two each for you. Thank you very much for vour competition entry and pat puzzle picture, so cleverly coloured in. ..Joyce McLeod, Takapuna. This new Sunbeam has not arrived empty-handed. Many thanks for your painting, Joyce. The Woodpecker sends his particular retards and hopes there will be many mesaares for you in the Hollow Tree. Jessie Baker. Ngaruawahia: The Dawn Ladv has not forgotten that you helped with the Fresh Air Fund last year, Jessie, and I am delighted that were able to send a contribution this time, too. How splendid having a letter from Isabel Rennie. I am sure you *«re pleased. That is sad news about s dove, but, as she had had it for nine years, it must have been very old. My warmest love to our faithful Jessie. Ethel Thwaites, Rotowaro: Ethel has ®P«d in at the gates of Happy Town, *nd her painting is safely entered in the competition. The Pixie Postmen hope they will often see you in Tiptoe Street.

Betty Menzies, Auckland: If you send me your autograph hook, Betty, I shall write something in it. And if you count all your fingers, and then four on one hand you will find the month and the day you are seeking. The, Fresh Air Fund should interest Sunbeams who desire to spread Christmas happiness. That seems to me the most practical way of bringing sunshine to little people whose grey days are all too many. Some Happy Town thoughts for Betty. Mary Baker, Ngaruawahia: What a happy little birthday letter, Mary. It was splendid having a message from you on such an important day. Thank you also for helping with the Fresh Air Fund. Some little boy or girl will feel happy at being remembered. That is a quaint poem. Did you feel like that when you started school? All the Happy Town people send their love. Peggy Summerhays, Remuera: “I’m going to show Peggy the fairies that sleep in the hollyhocks, because she is only six,’’ remarks the Little Thought. “And she’s going to be my friend, too,” adds the Doorkeeper, “because she knows how to paint.’’ A warm welcome to this little girl. Winnie Thatcher, Epsom: Here is Winnie in Tiptoe Street with a competition painting. It is a very good one, too. , Pat and John Stuart, Pukemiro: Kind little laddies to subscribe so generously to the Fresh Air Fund. Your sixty pennies will be a splendid help, and two beautiful new Love Flowers have come out on the Happiness Tree. I love that pretty Christmas card. too. It is the first of the season to reach me. and I shall always treasure it. I hope your camp will be a very happy one. Summer Time, M.D.. has promised plenty of fine days for you. Some golden thoughts for Pat and John. Darcy Norton, Grey Lynn: Welcome to Happy Town, Master Grey Lynn. and many thanks for the tree poem and that amusing joke. I have no doubt that the referee caught the train. I hope I shall soon hear again from you, Darcy, for I have a feeling that we are going to be the best of friends.. No la Wolfe, Edendale: “This little Sunbeam always hears the Competition Bell,” remarked a merry-faced Pixie Postman as ho handed me your painting. Fie was correct, too. wasn’t he, Nola? Gay du Faur, Howick: “Pearl of the Sea” has arrived in Happy Town, Gay, and the Doorkeeper is reading all about her. Flow are your friends the birds? And do you still bath Peter the rabbit? The Little Thought sends a good wish for your Grannie this week. Dorothy Edna Morgan, Waipukurau: Dorothy has four.d the sunshiny route to Happy Town, and is now safely installed in our little world for little people. Thank you for your painting, little lady. The Woodpecker is glad to see your name for the first time; in the Hollow Tree. Kithy Voitz. Huntly: Your drawing has reached me safely, Kitty. Many thanks. The Woodpecker sends you some lucky taps this week. Leslie Sewell, Tauraroa: I was sorry to find that this laddie has been sick, but I hope you will soon be quite strong again. Thank you very much for your painting, Leslie. The Little Thought thinks you will be very happy in your new home. Joan Rossiter. Green Lane: Welcome, Joan. We are all glad that you have ventured down Tiptoe Street, and I hope I shall often hear from my new little friend. Thank you very much for your painting. Gladys Mole, Frankton: Who taught you to do that quaint lettering, Gladys? It is very attractive. I am glad you were able to send me a painting, too. Maureen Ellen GUI. Frankton: This new Sunbeam has arrived safely in Happy

Town, and all the Pixie Postmen are dancing round her in a ring. I shall be looking forward to your first letter, Maureen.

Percy Hodson, Manurewa: Thank you, Master Percy. Your painting has arrived. It is very good. AJy best love to this faithful member. Thomas Kingstone, Grey Lynn: This new Sunbeam is fond of painting, I see. A warm welcome to our happy family. I hope I shall have many letters from you. Lorna Cull, Wellington: All the joy bells rang when we found that Lorna was better. The Little Thought told me to send those messages to cheer you up, but it was your granny who let me know that you were ill. Those starlings have a snug nest in the ivy, and I am sure you must enjoy watching them. What a splendid holiday you are going to have at the Sounds. Soon you will quite forget that you have been ill. The Little Thought is making a special trip across to the Hollow Tree with your love messages for Dick, Leslie and Eileen, David and Doris, Lorna and Alan, Jean Mclndoe, Gloria Rawlinson and Monty and Nola Craig and Buz. Hurry up and get quite strong, little lady. Doris Muchamore, Devonport: How distressed you must have felt when your dog Boss fell over the wharf. I am glad you were able to rescue him. Guide hikes are splendid fun, Doris, and I can imagine how you enjoy them. Are you going camping this year? Gwen Hansen, Green Lane: That important envelope has arrived, Gwen. Many thanks for answering the Competition Bell. Aileen Whitehead, Hamilton: “From Aileen,” said a Pixie Postman, with corncoloured hair, hazel eyes and a dimple in his chin. Many thanks, little Miss Hamilton. Frank Kelly, Ponsonby: Welcome, Frank. I have an idea that you peeped in at the gates of Happy Town about last March, but the Little Thought could not find your address. Are you the same Frank Kelly? Your painting is entered in the competition and I hope to hear from you soon. Joy Hill. Mount Albert: Everyone liked “Opal Bubbles.” Joy, and it is not surprising that it won the prize. Thank you for your list of books. One of them will soon be reaching you. The Little Thought has tucked your rose-pink wish away in a secret pocket and the Woodpecker is guarding your thoughts for Jean Farquhar, Eileen Gracie and Elizabeth Christine. Alan Minola, Auckland: Welcome to this clever littlle artist. Your painting is very good. What is the date of your birthday, Alan? Rodney Rowlands, Takapuna: Rodney has come tripping across the Happy Town threshold with a painting for the Dawn Lady. A warm welcome to this happy six-year-old. Dora McLachian, Auckland: Your house has certainly been a place of birthdays lately, Dora. Please give your grandma some Happy Town greetings. I hope you have succeeded in passing the proficiency examination. Isn’t it an anxious time waiting for the result? Isabel Samways, St. Heliers Bay: Still the new ones come trooping down Tiptoe Street. It is becoming a very well known thoroughfare. I have just opened a letter addressed “The Dawn Lady, Tiptoe Street, Auckland.” Doesn’t that look quaint? Thank you for your painting, Isabel. I hope I shall have a letter from you soon. Winnie Bowman, Mount Eden: “Here comes another new one,” cries the Little Thought. “I have often played in her garden.” A warm welcome, Winnie, I like your painting very much. Joyce Woodcock, Edendale: Your drawing has readied me safely, Joyce, and it is very good. It is a pity that you cannot be represented in the story section, too. but I can understand bow busy you have been. Some Happy Town love for this loyal member.

Ruth Powell, Huntly: The sweet pea in your letter was still full of perfume, Ruth. Thank you for the kind thought. What a fine motor drive that was! I am sure you must have enjoyed it. Please give Alfie my love, and thank him for all those kisses. Enid Paris, Mount Eden: Enid is>'i now a Sunbeam of Happy Town, and I was glad to see her neatly mounted painting. I am looking forward to plenty of letters from this little girl. Winifred Taylor, Rotowaro: Thank you for your story, Winifred. I am glad you were able to enter for the competition. Your writing is very neat this time. Alison Richardson, Takapuna: Your story is very well handled, Alison, and I am delighted that this clever young writer has become a member of our happy family. I hope to see much more of your work. Hilda Wolley, Hamilton: Welcome, Hilda, and many thanks for your poem. I think you will find the Happy Town page a great interest, as it provides plenty of scope for young poets, artists, and story writers. Doris Adolph, Rotorua: It seemed a long time since I had heard from you, Doris, but T did not know that you had been ill. Thank you very much for your story and drawing, and also for bringing vour little brother down Tiptoe street. Yes.' Sunbeams may enter for all the competitions. Jean Mclndoe lives at Victoria Street, Whitiora, Hamilton. l am sure she would like to hear from you. A big package of Happy Town love for Df Eiva Lillian Mclntosh, Waiuku: Elva is now a member of the Dawn Lady s happy family. Thank you for answerins the Competition Bell. The little people with their toy boat have very popular. I hope there will be many messages for you in the Hollow Tie . Eric Charles Adolph, Rotorua: Oh, goody, goody,” says the hit tie Thought, “here comes another little hoy to romp with me. I am sure he knows how to play hide and seek in flower gardens. A warm welcome to this wee man. Jean Farquhar, Auckland: All your competition entries have reached me safely Jean. What a busy .time you have been having. I am delighted . to hear that you are still top of the girls and I hope 1 you will keep that proud place. The Woodpecker sends his best regards to this good scribe. . Jack Lydster, Takapuna: Tour painting has arrived, Master Jack. Thank you very much. Eileen Woolley, Ellerslie: Flave you moved from Mount Eden. Eileen? Thank you for that dainty flower study. I have entered it in the competition. Marjorie Cubitt, Onehunga: Thank you for your poem. Mistress Marjorie. A painting in a separate envelope has arrived, too, but without a name. The addresses appear to be in the _ same writing, and I think the painting is your work also. Am T correct? Ada Wilkins, Mount Albert: How glad vou must be that the examinations are over, Ada. The baths will be thronged with children these warm days. Grace is lucky being able to attend the Guide camp. Where is her company going? Jean Saunders, Avondale: Your dainty entry for the painting competition has come to hand, Jean. Much love and many thanks. Doris Lydster, Takapuna: That is a quaint little poem, Doris. I like your painting, too. I wonder how many times your name has appeared in the Hollow Tree? Nancy Waller, Penrose: Eva Kane will be glad to know of the welcome awaiting her when she visits Penrose, Nancy. The Woodpecker is taking care of your love for her and also your messages for Eileen Gracie, Jean Mclndoe, Jean Farquhar, Jean Cramp and Pearl Knepp, while Joy Hill, - Eileen Gracie and Irene Retter will be glad to have your congratulations. Mans'- thanks for your story. Norman Lydster, Takapuna: Dogs are good friends for boys to have. Norman, and I enjoyed that poem. Have you a dog for a playfellow, too? John Jamison, Mount Eden: I have pressed one of those pansies, John. Thank you very much for them. At

the moment of writing your drawing has not reached me, but I expect I shall soon find it in the mail. Don’t you feel like throwing your cap in the air now that the examinations are over? Much love to this young artist. Leslie Waller, Penrose: Sometimes I wonder why Jackie and Graham have not come down Tiptoe Street, for, with those love messages they are always sending me, they seem like my Sunbeams, too. The Dawn Lady sends them plenty of golden thoughts this week. What funny little pigs those must be, Leslie. - Have they curly pink tails? Yes, I love little chickens, especially when they are peeping out from under their mother’s wings. Much love, Brown Eyes. Zena Wilton, Ngaruawahia: Yes, I should have liked to have heard that choir of sweet young voices, Zena. A Pixie Postman has delivered your painting. Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: You area very kind little girl to contribute so generously to the Fresh Air Fund, Gloria, and please, will you thank Monty, too? Has the Duke of Slam been having any more adventures lately, and how are Mr. and Mrs. Blang? I hope your story people are all quite well. Thank you very much for your painting. I like it very much. The Woodpecker has just sent you a feather, and the fairies on the vine have promised to catch it for you. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: Summer Time, M.D., smiled when I told him about that little blue day with golden wings, for he distinctly remembers letting that one escape from his knapsack. Your poems are very good, Jean, and I love the first entry. What a wonderful collection of flowers. I think a great many people must love you. We are all delighted to find that you are out on the verandah again. Gloria sends you a special thought this week. Norma Waller, Penrose: I hope your little friend will soon be better, Norma. Please give her some Happy Town wishes. Mary Potts, Joy Hill, Rina Bedogni and Elizabeth Christine will be glad that you have remembered them. The Little Thought says to thank you for your message and to tell you that he is collecting diamonds of dew, buttercup gold, and pink and silver dreams for Christmas presents. Dorrie Wilton, Ngaruawahia: Thank you, little lady. Your painting has arrived. Margaret Shipley, Auckland: I think you will be much stronger after that operation, Margaret, and I hope you will soon be your own happy little self again. Thank you for your competition entry. George Dormer. Mt. Eden: I like your poem very much, George, and I enjoyed your letter, too. What a happy birthday. Mine is in October. The Woodpecker is looking after all your Christmas wishes for the Happy Town Sunbeams. Dorothea Maioha, Waimate North: Thank you for your fine letter, Dorothea. I am delighted that you passed your examination with honours. There

is a warm welcome awaiting your sisters and brother when they cross the threshold of Happy Town. Tinker, Sambo and Bluff might be suitable names for your kittens. Many thanks for answering the Competition Bell. Joyce Rubick, Archhill: Thank you for your painting and your sketch, Joyce. They are both very cleverly done. And Althea was surprised when she found she had become a Sunbeam? The Little Thought sends her a special wish this week. Jean Cramp. Royal Oak: The Lawn Lady .is always glad to have news of this little girl. I am happy, too, when I know that Connie has someone to read out her message. Please will you give my best love to Rina, too" 7 My little blind Sunbeams are seldom absent from my thoughts. Jean Mclndoe, the Waller Sunbeams, Eileen Gracie, Gloria Rawlinson and Margaret Anderson will find your love thoughts snugly tucked away under the Woodpecker’s wing, and the Little Thought sends you a happy dream. Gladys McAulay, Auckland : The Christmas tree will be fine fun, Gladys, and 1 shall look forward to hearing all about it. Congratulations to you all on passing your examinations. Avril Jessie Gardiner, Turua: Welcome to Happy Town, Avril. I see you are already quite familiar with our page. I hope it will always be as great a delight to you and also that you will find many messages in the Hollow Tree. Audrey Seddon, Lumsden: Your painting is excellent, Audrey, and I was delighted to hear from you again. It ia very kind of you and Rosalie to help with the Fresh Air fund, and the Lawn Lady sends her best thanks. Lumsden is a long way from Happy Town, but it is always possible to cross on a rainbow bridge. My best love to Rosalia and Audrey. Kathleen Lord, Turua: Holiday time will soon be here, Kathleen, and then the examinations will be only a memory. Thank you for your painting. Berna Ferrall, Hamilton: This young artist has arrived in Happy Town. A warm welcome, Berna. When next you write please would you let me know your age and the date of your birthday. Jewel Dennis, Okahukura: Weren’t you rather afraid of that big eel. Jewel? 1 think your brother and his friend were very brave to catch it. Summer Time, M.L., knows something about your school gardens. Perhaps you will see him bending over them with his little magic trowel some day. Irene Retter, Mount Roskilt: What a wonderful Happy Town scrap-book, Irene. The Incredible Creatures and Patchwork Personalities must feel very happy at being included. Which of them do you like best? I have left your love sages with the Woodpecker for Nancy Waller, Gay du Faur, Jean Mclndoe, Hilda Jarvis and Leslie, and the Loorkeeper says your special thought for him is another feather in his cap. Jean Eyre, Herne Bay: “Wait, wait, Little Thought. You mustn’t speed away with the messages until I have thanked Jean for her letter.” You will find that wee baby’s face full of happiness, Jean. 5 My best love, little girl.