THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 538, 15 December 1928, Page 31

THE HOLLOW TREE.

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow:

Dulcie Craig, Epsom: Your letter was just too late last week, Dulcie, but it is the very first message this week. I am so glad you have heard from Olive Courcney. You will soon be the greatest of friends. The word square is correct. -My best love, little lady. Elsie Nicholas. Auckland: Thank you for your two paintings, Elsie, and also for the Christmas card. Your paintings have a very original touch and they have placed you high in the list. Dulcie Rigden. Avondale: Your stories have arrived, Dulcie, and I like them very much. The second entry is most interesting and I am glad that you decided to let me see it. Congratulations to you and Violet on passing the proficiency examination. I have given Redfeather that message. No Name, Auckland: A poem called "The Moon" has dropped into Happy Town out of a clear sky. I shall have to «*sk the Man in the Moon if he can tell me the name of its author.

Doreen —, Onehunga: My thinking cap refused to work. Doreen, and your painting was beautifully done, too. It would have placed you in the Highly Commended list. What fun you have when the little girl next door comes in to pln^y. Lois Brausch, Auckland: Thank you, Lois. I have entered your poem in the competition. Many thanks and much love.

Rachel Cope, Taheke: Hokianga is a long way from Happy Town. Rachael, out you have reached Tiptoe Street on a rainbow bridge. A warm welcome and many thanks for your painting. Grace Scott, Rotorua: You are lucky being able to visit the South Island at J-nrlstmas, Grace, and I hope you will have a very happy time. How long is it since you have been to Clyde? Thank you for your painting. » iyllis Potts, Opotiki: What an interesting time you had at the beach, PhylJis- I enjoyed your letter very much. Thank you also for your painting. My best love to Phyllis and Mary. Beryl Whybrow, Hamilton: This r)~w Sunbeam has solved the secrets of T I >- toe Street. Welcome to our happy family. I am glad to see that you are fond of painting and draw ing, and I hope to see much more of your work. Muriel Lander, Mangatawhiri: The hayfhakinjf must have been a delightful Muriel. If 1 close my eyes I can smell the sweet, clean fragrance of it. Thank you for your painting. I shall *ook forward to hearing all about the dance.

Lloyd Taylor, Epsom: The Hollow Tree nas become quite a community place, ~~°yd, for most of the Sunbeams read all the messages. it is a splendid way of keeping, them in touch with each other. 1 hope your new fountain pen will prove a trusty friend. Many thanks for your competition painting. Eileen Farmer. Mount Albert: This new -unbeam knows all about the Happy town people, and they are all delighted ‘0 greet you. Each one has your mes*a?e tucked away in a secret pocket. 1 enjoyed reading about your garden and "as glad to see your competition entry. •aabel Davis, Epsom: The news in your \vT er *? lade me very happy, too, Isabel. drawing and story have arrived |? re, y and I like them very much. Some " r ° wn wishes for this clever Sun-

f Kitty Voltz, Huntly: Those school ‘easts sound most exciting, Kitty, and 1 ®£ould like to peep in on them. The Postmen are delighted that you are , to enter for the competitions and , y all send their best love. Joan Wilkins. Remuera: Thank you for pa,nti ng. little lady. All the Happy pe °Ple send you some very special a i an< * the Dawn Lady is hoping for etter from you soon. na ;“ n .® Betteridge, Mount Eden: Your is very good, June. Did you e y° ur pets to school on parents’ The Little Thought sends you a r °* e and gold wish. ♦ rman Cooke, Hawera: Supposing you pI t° the fancy dress ball as a Pixie *»-s tman * Norman. Hut don’t forget the thistle and the bulging Happy f<4 , mailbag. Thank you very much L y°«r drawings. drliii n Som « r vil»e. St. Heliers Bay: Your and painting are very good. JuS”*®* . Thank you also for the pretty wer from your garden. The toy duck

and the fish in your painting look very natural. My best love to Helen.

Mervyn Cooke, Hawera: Alas, Merry Boy, only original poems can be entered in the competitions, but I enjoyed reading those you sent me. A big package of love to this laddie from the "Smile Queen.”

Sadie Laing, Epsom: It is always wise to post your letters in the beginning of the week, Sadie, because on Thursday the Woodpecker spreads his wings across the hollow in the Hollow Tree and no more messages can appear until the following week. A Happy Town thought for Sadie, and many thanks for your painting.

Phyllis Dance, Drury: Welcome to this eight-year-old who has skipped down Tiptoe Street and into Happy Town. I shall always be glad to hear from this little Sunbeam.

Esther Moller, Otahuhu: Your drawing and painting have reached me safely, Esther. Much love and many thanks.

Ada Wilkins, Mount Albert: Your painting and Audrey Seddon’s were very close in the competition, Ada. I love the rabbits on the skirting in your entry. Thank you also for your drawing. All the Happy Town people send their love to the Sunbeams in your house. John Dance, Drury: What a fine holiday you are going to have, John. You will become a very brown young man with all that fishing and boating. Drawings need to be finished in Indian ink so that they can be reproduced. Betty Anderson, Mount Eden: I am very sorry to hear that you are not very strong just now, Betty. Gloria Rawlinson and Margaret Anderson are being treated by a wonderfully clever lady who could cure you, too. Margaret can walk now after being paralysed for years and Gloria will soon be on crutches. This lady makes me believe in miracles. Thank you for your story and also for the pretty card. Joy Hill will be glad to find your congratulations. Arthur Courtenay, Point Chevalier: Welcome to Happy Town, Arthur, and many thanks for your painting. Would you please let me know your age and the date of your birthday when next you write. Bruce Laing, Epsom: I am glad that you are such a keen young reader of the Happy Town page, Bruce. It is a great pleasure to the Dawn Lady to receive letters like yours. Thank you for answering the Competition Bell. Eileen Knight, Auckland: What merry little playfellows those kittens must be, Eileen. We are all glad that you are so much better, and the Dawn Lady was glad to see yotir painting. Jean Grant, Epsom: What a chapter ot accidents in your house, Jean. Ido hope that everyone has recovered. Your 60 books must make an interesting library, and it is plain to see that you are fond of reading. 1 enjoyed reading about the fancy dress dance and the flowers in your garden, and 1 have entered your drawing in the competition. Jim Evans. Auckland: Welcome, Master James. A Pixie Postman sped in with your painting. I hope you will write plenty of letters to the Dawn Lady. Sylvia Knight. Auckland: Earache is very painful, Sylvia, and I feel very sorrv for my little Sunbeam. I do hope you * will soon be better. Much love, Sylvia, and many thanks for your paintLeonard Hill, Auckland: The Little Thought has promised to look for a tiny fluffy dog called Ted on his next journey into the Outside World. I hope you will soon find your lost pet. Joan Brookfield. St. Heliers Bay: Your story and poem are very good, Joan, and I enjoyed reading them. Has your eye recovered? It must have been very painful The Little Thought sends a rainbow dream to baby Morris June McNicol, Dannevirke: The photoera nh of you as a fairy makes a pretty picture, June, and now I feel that I know you very well. Many thanks lor it and also for your story. I, too, am glad that you have come to Happy Town. Winifred McCowan, Mount Albert: Greetings and welcome to 5V inifred, who has crossed the threshold of Happy Town I am glad to find that you are interested in competitions. How old are you, Winifred. and when is your birthday ? Margaret Norley. Whangarei: Congratulations on winning tirst prize in that

| MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAMS.

writing competition, Margaret. I am not surprised. What a busy time you have been having. I should have liked to have seen you and your sister in that action song. Thank you for your story.

Joy Hill, Auckland: Your competition entries have reached me safely, Joy, and I enjoyed your letter, too. That must have been a very rare ixia. I am delighted that you have heard from Eileen Grade, as her letters are full of interest. I have left your love for her with the Woodpecker and also your thoughts for Jean Farquhar and Elizabeth Christine.

Colin Mackie, Devonport: Your painting, drawing and letter have arrived, Colin. Thank you very much. All the Happy Town people send their love to you and Rive and David. What a trick Rive played on his uncle.

Elizabeth Christine, Auckland: The Little Thought tucked a blue and silver dream under your pillow last night. Did you find it?

Beth McAulay, Auckland: Congratulations on passing into Standard IV., Beth. The Christmas tree will be fine fun and I hope you will be in the front row when they are taking down the presents. How far can you swim now?

Phyllis Pratt, Takapuna: The Woodpecker sends 35 lucky taps to Bill this we6k and his best thanks for that message. I am sure Bill will be delighted to meet his fairy godmother. Thank you for your painting, Phyllis. My best love to "Miss Aurora Borealis.”

Jessie Baker, Ngaruawahia: Thank you for that poem, Jessie. Do you ever

have mice hunts? There are usually plenty of mice at the bottom of old strawstacks. Some Happy Town thoughts for

Ethel Hopkins. Taumarunui: That precious envelope has reached me safely, little lady. Thank you for answering the Competition Bell.

Kathleen Ricketts, Point Chevalier: Thank you for those magazines, Drummer Girl, and also for that poem and your painting. Have you moved from Mount Eden, or are you just staying at Point Chevalier? A Happy Town thought for this faithful little Sunbeam.

Lilian Gibb, Archhill: It was very kind of you and Sidney and Myrtle to send me that pretty Christmas card. Thank you all very much. I was glad to have your attractive painting, too, and also those tongue twisters. My best love, little girl.

Mary Baker, Ngaruawahia: That is a quaint catch, isn’t it, Mary? Yes, I had heard it. How pretty your flower garden must look just now. I was glad to find that you had been listening for the Competition Bell. Winifred Stoqe, Ponsonby: Your story and drawing have come safely to Happy Town, Winifred. Much love and many thanks.

Mary Gilbertson, Brown’s Bay: The Little Thought thanks you for your kind message and sends his warmest regards In return. Thank you for your poem and painting, Mary. Jack Bentinck-Stokes, Herne Bay: Who taught you to draw so cleverly, Master

Jack? A warm welcome to our little world for little people and many thanks for that fine piece of work.

Phyllis Batson, Auckland: Here is Phyllis in .Happy Town among all her new friends. I hope I shall often hear from this ten-year-old.

John Jamison, Mount Eden: Your drawing has reached me safely, John, and I like it very much. The Dawn Lady sends a special package of love to this talented Sunbeam.

Ethel Birch, Rotorua: How exciting those motor-cycle races must have been, Ethel. You were lucky being able to watch them. I enjoyed your newsy letter this time.

Ilonka Erdman, Mangere: Thapk you for your quaint little letter, Ilonka, and please will you thank your mother for hers and also for her Christmas greetings. I send you all some good wishes, too. How sad about poor Biddy. I hope you and your little sister will soon recover from those nasty coughs. Are you having plenty of sunshine? Ellen Smith, Huntly: Welcome, Ellen. We are all delighted that you have found your way to Happy Town. You are interested in competitions, I see. Thank you for your drawing and poem. Nora Bentinck-Stokes, Herne Bay: In ora is now a Sunbeam of Happy Town and her painting is entered in the competition. My best love to this new member.

Winnifred Kate Carbutt, Waihi: Another new face in Tiptoe Street. I shall look forward to plenty of letters from Winnifred. The Little Thought sends you a smile of greeting. Audrey Seddon, Lumsden: Congratulations, Audrey. Your painting has won the prize. Would you please let me have a list of six books and your full address. Jean Mclndoe has left some very special love messages in the Hollow Tree for you and Rosalie this w%ek. Isabel and Mac Rennie, Stanley Bay: Many thanks for your generous subscription to the Fresh Air Fund. It will be a great help. All the Happy Town people send their best love to Isabel and Mac.

Leslie Waller, Penrose: The Little Thought skipped with joy when I told him that Jackie and Graham were coming down Tiptoe Street. Please give them my love. The Woodpecker is taking care of your thoughts for Jean Mclndoe and Alan Gracie, and has promised to send you 25 taps. Thank you for your sketch of poor old Fluff.

Merle Rose Carbutt, Waihi: Welcome, Merle. All the Happy Town people are waiting under the Happiness Tree to greet you. I hope you will often find messages in the Hollow Tree.

Lucy Crooks, Otahuhu: I hope you will be able to have that happy holiday in the Waitakeres, Lucy. A farm house is a splendid place to stay at. The Dawn Lady is always glad to hear from this very loyal member.

Doris Muchamore, Devonport: Summer Time, M.D., is busy looking out a lotion for your sunburn, Doris. When I was about your age I got so burnt while camping that I had to spend a whole day and a night in a hammock. The hammock was swung out of doors, but the sunburn kept me warm. My best love to you and your mother.

Norma Waller, Penrose: I am afraid I do not know Sylvia’s new address, Norma, but Eileen could tell you. Thank you for your second entry for the story competition. I have left your love for Sylvia, Elizabeth Christine, Rina, Connie, and Jean in the Hollow Tree.

Fred Crooks, Otahuhu: You and Lucy are lucky having that fine tennis racket. Fred, and what jolly games you have been having with it. Thank you very much for your greetings. All the Happy Town people send you some Christmas thoughts, too.

Margaret Anderson, Mount Eden: The Dawn Lady is always sure of your love, Margaret, whichever way you sign your letters. The Little Thought says to tell you that wtj have “secret information.” Doesn’t that sound mysterious? It is very sweet of you and Mary and Jean to help so generously with the Fresh Air Fund. Thank you all very much. I hope you will have a very happy holiday. Jean Mclndoe is delighted at the thought of meeting you. The Little Thought has sped away with your love for her and also those kind wishes for Jean Cramp, Gloria, Connie Whiteford, Rina, Nancy Waller and Joyce Thomson. Who will take care of the dream house while you are away, Margaret? Do you think you could trust the Dawn Lady with the key?

Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: A letter in ink. "Joy, joy,” says the Little Thought. And you have been walking about the garden again and interviewing Grandfather Blackbird? The Doorkeeper sends him his respectful regards. Yes, the Patchwork Personalities are now sleep-

ing after all their antics, but perhaps we shall start another series soon. Won’t it be splendid meeting Margaret? And what a lot you will both find to say. A big package of Happy Town sunshine for Jean. Eric and David Buchanan, Takapuna: Ever so many thanks to my little flower men for that beautiful posy of sweet peas and your generous subscription to tne Fresh Air Fund. You will be responsible for sending one child to camp. Ha\e you been out in your boat since it had its new coat of paint? And did you get your new bathing suits wet i BvU£« er A Ml i c * h *° ve and Plenty of Happy T °wn thoughts for these little brown- i eyed laddies. Nancy Waller, Penrose: Your second entry has arrived, Nancy. You ply a ! very busy pen. Hand-worked face towels useful gifts. Eva Kane is 15. Jean Mclndoe, Jean Buckley, Jean FarquJ ean Cramp, Eileen Gracie and Irene WiH be glad that you have remembered them this week. Nola Craig, Mount Albert: There was excitement in Tiptoe Street when the Pixie Postmen saw those flame fairies of yours, Nola. Thank you for vour wfiPL Iy i% epes i sytnpathy to Buz? He will be a sadder, but wiser, cat after his adventure with the varnish “ George Grason, Morrinsville: Welcome ° ° Ur fl' lendl y circle, Master Mon-ins? i n H e * thanks for your draw'S i/?, e .. w , ood P ecke! ' sends his regards Ptolipy Town 0 nor your I lanle among the „ .i town correspondents. Betty Menzies, Auckland: I love that ?^L pi^re l n your album, Betty. The -Little Thought thinks I might have let him sign his name, too. The book has been sped on its return journey and I hope it reaches you safely y “ 1 tairm? n e Connin 0. Takapuna: Tou cerlour y sto e ck. r n? n? ?£ d - ? bathi "S suit in t Q-t Christmas, Owen and l h ?P.e Tour wish will come true You? f y° u tvfll soon be strong. You £doebed too 7 P s n h d ,n m Y ch of her <ime in as Hineinoa? ha “ alWayS think of i . F C‘ e ? ,a i , Corlr >'ng, Takapuna: You are « kind little girl to save vour pennies fo? d?° th I Y\Y r Pu , nd - People ß who ??t Plenty of Love Flowers ° Ha PPmess Tree. You write SLX? n Six-year-old, Freda, lie?- Elleen Thorn, Point Cheva--1 hope your mother will soon be quite strong, and that she will not have to spend Christmas in hospital. Please Tjwn her TS° me ?°° d "’ishes from Happy Please tell Kathleen that I have friends th ° Se pansles from m y three little Salome Jones, Morrinsville: Your generous subscription will surely bring happiness to some little child, Salome. Thank you very much indeed. It is only bv helping others that we find happiness ourselves. A winged thought from the Hawn Lady to Salome. Irene Retter, Mount Roskill: When I close my eyes, Irene, I am in that meadow v itri a carpet of wild flowers under my Se , e ’ 1 have brought a golden posy of little dream buttercups back to Happv Town! The Joyshop Man is sending his! largest package of captured sunshine to Joy Turner and we all hope she will soon be well. Many thanks for your competition entries. Trevor Tisdall, Takapuna: Welcome Trevor! Your poem has reached me

WELCOME TO HAPPY TOWN RACHAEL COPE, Taheke, Hoki- . a £9 a »‘ Beryl Whybrow, Hamilton; Eileen Farmer, Mount Albert; Hhyll.s Dance, Drury; Arthur oourtenay, Point Chevalier; Jim Evans, Auckland; Winifred McCowan, Mount Albert; Ellen Smith, Huntly; Jack Bentinck-Stokes, Herne Bay; Phyllis Batson, Auckland; Winifred Kate Carbutt Waihi; Nora Qentinck-Stokes, Herne Bay; Merle R'ose Carbutt, Waihi; George Grason, Morrinsville; Rena Shenkin, Herne Bay: Trevor Tisdall, Takapuna; Cyril George, Henderson; Arthur Trevor Cameron, Whargarei.

safely. Please would you let me know day I*faffs? 1 *faffs? and ° n Vhat day your birthFarquhar, Mount Eden: Another neat letter from my very good scribe. I am so glad that you have heard from JNancy. Holiday-time will soon be here ar ? d then all the beaches will be crowded with happy little people. Your painting placed you very high in the list. Much love, Jean. Lorna Cull, Wellington: Are your dolls going to have a Christmas party this year, Lorna? And how are all those starlings in the ivy? The Woodpecker sends you some lucky taps, and the Lawn Lady her best love. Rena Shenkin, Herne Bay: We are all glad that Rena has come to Happy Town, and I hope you will often write to the Lawn Lady. Your story is safely entered in the competition. Jewel Dennis, Okahukura: Yes, if all the Sunbeams helped with the Fresh Air Fund, Jewel, the poor children would have a wonderful holiday. Thank you very much for your assistance. I hope you will have a happy time at the Christmas tree. Cyril George, Henderson: There is a merry clinking of coins in Tiptoe Street, and a new Sunbeam comes through the Happy Town gates with two shining shillings for the Fresh Air Fund. Welcome, Cyril, and very many thanks. Marie Missen, Shoal Bay: Your story has reached me, Marie. Some Happy Town love for this Sunbeam. Arthur Trevor Cameron. Whangarei: This laddie is now a member of my happy family, and I hope I shall have a letter soon. A warm welcome to Master Whangarei. Dorothy Ferguson, Remuera: Your poem is a very dainty piece of work, Dorothy, and I enjoyed reading it. All the Happy Town people send their love. Veronica Missen, Shoal Bay: Your story and poem have reached me, Veronica, and I am glad that you have been listening for the Competition Bell. Best wishes from your friends in Happy Town. Gloria Rawlinson, Auckland: “Hold the fort!” cries the Little Thought. “Gloria and Monty, have given us all their ice cream money for the Fresh Air Fund, and the Woodpecker is tapping out 55 taps for them.” Ever so many thanks to this little Sunbeam, and her toy monkey.