THE HOLLOW TREE.

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1028, 19 July 1930, Page 31

THE HOLLOW TREE.

MESSAGES FOR SUNBEAMS.

iThe Uollotc Tree closes each week on Wednesday at 6 vrn

Letters to the Dawn Lady are answered as follow: Mollie Fell, Invercargill: From Invercargill to Ha?py Town. That Is almost the entire length of New Zealand. I was glad to have your painting, Mollie, and I hope you w 11 often be peeping into the Hollow Tree.

Keith Anderson Morrinsville: Thank you for your interesting letter, Keith. The Little Thougl t sends his love to Shirley and Ivan. They will soon be old enough to come down Tiptoe Street. You must be very fond of that poor old deaf cat. Do you give hirri warm milk these cold mornings? Maurice Anderson, Morrinsville: This little man has arrived in Happy Town and we are all glad to greet Keith’s brother-. You managed your picture very well, Maurice.

Erena Maysmor, Auckland: How exciting being the Knave of Hearts In that play. How many tarts did you steal? Your painting reached me safely, Erena. Val Matthews, Thames: You will have plenty of fun with your prize camera, Val. Congratulations on coming top of the class. Aren’t you proud of yourself? I was glad to see” your painting and if Jean Buckley is peeping Into the Hollow Tree she will find that you are expecting a letter.

Herbert Foberts, Huntly: Welcome, Herbert. Your clematis came to hand in the Happy Town mail. Charlie Mallowes, Te Aroha: What a *P>endid holiday you have had, Charlie, ''.hen I stay at a farm I always drink bulk, too. That essay is very exciting and I am glad you were able to send a painting. Earl Strange, Thames: A warm welcome to this wee man. Who taught you to paint so cleverly, Earl? Frances Kelly, Epsom: The Little Thought was delighted with those ferns, rraneis, and he is going to make a tockery in his pressed flower garden, thank you also for those pictures. I ike on»> with the friendly old bears K ’? ,ve *ke others to the Little Thought gjd the Dooi keeper. My best love, little Johnston, Kaitaia: Top in com- °, * lm Plad to hear that. And now clever of you to come top in arithmetic, too. The Little Thought loved vn?,- Pre , Sseti f oWcrs and I was glad to see Iris Lewis lives at Mill a.,*. age » Warnham Road, Horsham, ana baby A tIa ‘ ,py To "'" " lsl > f ° r Wosse, Parnell: Doctor Spring Sunshine will have to call on you and Diana 1 * *1?? h ? returns to Happy Town, in» na TriJ €:ter very young to be walkLittle Thought, says he will Th” v be strolling down Tiptoe Street, Beil K JOU * or Answering the Competition Pn'i 8 .?,!' R °b'n*on. Glenmore: The Pixie duTdP 16 * "tuld like to hear that first rlai? ,°J jours. Jack. Can yon play it fun* throu ?k? Riddles are always fine

A Sunbeam sent an unsigned bijrki* tls Pointing, mounted and with ft wn! , J.'hite flowers on a buff ground. men l Ka <l ik* v ® beea in the Hishly Com * fo^ U J(, rey Sj ddon. Lumsden: Thank you Pointing, Audrey. The Little •new l ]? l w :'Lnts to know liow long that •uow-man lasted. th. r ,? " a M 3Bse - Parnell: Thank you for floor!?, o P° R m, Creina. The Happy Town voa P »uAE rii delighted with It. I hope iion W1 i b « successful In your examfnabeam. c I story competitions Sun»nra i- .t id endeavour to keep to the coral,. a * stories are better when tolri ,e rkr tour elf story was excellently inr Llt '>° Thought will he waitanrt p . . street for your wee sister. Deck!, r.' 6 your love with the Wood*i /. f u r Harden and Olga Meyer. . Crewdson, Parnell: You are now sns’wtrinv* 11 ;!. A “drey. Thank you for Pixie p.*! tbe Competition Hell. The Mara.£2‘ l *,!!,£ h, ' ckled over those Jokes. ° Hanlon. Taihape: Thank Pixie post M '* Ta * ba Pe. It arrived by StWulrhAliV* 0 "-, Avondale: The Little i thfa I ?? 8 n a hr| ght smile of welcome tnim small September girl.

Paddy Duthie, Epsom: Thank you, Paddy. Your story has arrived. Delma Schulz, Takapuna: The Little Thought sends his best thanks to Dawn for that lucky gold button, and he will take great care of it. Soon he hopes she will be quite well. Your letter is beautifully neat. Delma. Norvin Schulz, Takapuna: It is very good indeed, Norvin. You are a clever little boy. John Penniket, Auckland: Your first visit to Happy Town, John. The Woodpecker sends you some lucky wishes. You managed that painting very well. I wonder if you will enter for the “Little Bo” competition? Sylvia Woodhouse, Devonport: Your story is very dainty. Sy-via. Some Sunbeams seem to do their **est work when they are in bed. Mary Skeetes. KotemaorJ: This little girl Is now a Sunbeam. Your picture looks very pretty. Mary. _____

Joan Stanley, 165 Grafton Road, Auckland aged 12: There is your address so that/ Sunbeams not in Auckland may write to you, Joan. Thank you for your two competition entries and those jokes. All the Happy Town people send th :i r e ‘vTu'ng? Athenree: * Welcome Joe now- that you have made friends with tho Woodpecker. Margaret McGill, Pokeno: The Little Thought sends a springtime wish to this new Sunbeam. . Marv Keinzley, St. Heliers: I am so clad your mother is better, Mary, and I am sure you did all you could to help. The clematis painting was one of the most popular we have ever had. Mary Burgess, Hamilton: A golden wish for this new Sunbeam. Your entry arrived safely, Mary. Merva Pennell, Paeroa: Yes, it is fine fun being a Sunbeam, Merva, and I hope vou will always enjoy Happy Town. Your picture makes a pretty study. Jean Aiken, Kingsland: “From a happy six-year-old,” said the smallest Pixie Postman. A warm welcome, little one. Desmond Bilkey, Papakura: Excellent work, Desmond. Your paintings are always among' the best entries. James Henley, Auckland: No, we do not have badges, Jim, but your membership card will reach you soon. Gladys Allen, Dargaville: Welcome, Gladys. Yes, you may send in copied matter, but please let me know what book or paper it is from. Ailsa Stuart will be glad you have come to Happy Town.

Betty McLean, New Plymouth: A new Sunbeam in the “Land of Fern.” Your first letter is very interesting-, Betty. Gloria will be glad you are watching her poems. She has had over 40 published in Happy Town. I think that daffodil one is her favourite, too! Trevor Beautrais, Manunui; Here are

some pen-friends for you, Trevor: Howard Fry, Oimkune Junction; Donald Fair, Box 27, P. 0., Fellding; and Fred Chandler, 38 Epsom Avenue, Epsom, Auckland. [ was glad to see your painting and to find that you have recovered from your C ° Vic tor Taylor, Grey Lynn: Your first letter in real writing? It is a very neat letter, too, Victor, and I am glad you were able to send a painting. Daphne Grylls, Manunui: You need never feel shy about writing to me, Daphne. Some of the Sunbeams know me so well that they tell me all their secrets. How sad about your pet calf. Perhaps vou will have another some day. L was glad to see your clematis, and all the Happy Town people send their best love. v , William Lindsay, Waitakaruru: You are a good Happy Town scout, William, and I trust your friends will be as m-

terested in our page as you are. Your painting arrived safely, and I hope I shall soon have another letter from you. Jessie McKay Rankin, Mount Eden: No, I do not keep a private diary, Jessie, but you should just see how many notebooks I use in Happy Town. Your painting is very pretty, and I like that little verse. Yes, I am sure you love Grandpa and Grannie and do all you can to help them. The Little Thought sends them some golden wishes.

No Name, Pukekohe: A little person has sent an unsigned essay beginning: “At home I have a pretty little garden in front of our house.” Now, whose garden Is this?

Stephen Heath, Sandringham: Your painting is beautiful, Stephen. There were some wonderful entries this time, and Happy Town looked like a clematis garden. The Pixie Postmen are wondering if you will make a model of “Little Bo.”

Nola Craig, Mount Albert: I have given the Little Thought and the smallest Pixie Postman your message, Nola, and they both send their best love. The Little Thought was delighted to see his picture on your envelope. What a busy time j y ou are having. I hope you will be successful in those examinations. Jean, too, has been plying a busy pen lately.

Bertram McKay Rankin, Mount Eden: And you think the »Happy Town sunshine we have sent Mummy each week is helping to make her walk? I am delighted to find that she is so much stronger. The Little Thought has just left with another blue and gold day for her, and he says she will be out of hospital in the early spring. No, the smallest Pixie Postman has no fur coat, though a kind rabbit once promised to lend him one. Would I like a photograph of my little Bertram McKay Rankin? I should just think 1 would. Joyce Gamble, Devonport: Yes, Jean’s “Eve of a Birthday” was an inspiration,

Joyce, and I consider it one of lier best poems. Gloria will be glad you are keeping all her poems. Some day you may have them in book form. That one by R.L.S. has always been one of my favourites. James Booth, Point Chevalier: A warm welcome to this laddie. Are you fond of competitions, Jirn? Iris Elkington, Papakura: Tes, I received your painting, but it arrived too late to be acknowledged last week. Those riddles and catches are very good, but you forgot to tell me where they were from. Some Happy Town love for Iris. Cathleen Fletcher, Glen Eden: The Little Thought celebrates his birthday on March 26, the date of the first Happy Town page, but, as he never grows any older, we are not sure of his exact age Perhaps he was in the world at the time of Caxton. Who knows? Jean and Gloria will be glad you liked their poems. Your story is very good, Cathleen. Jean Cox, Hamilton East: Canaries, doves, love-bix-ds, goldfinches, guineafowls, turkeys, bantams, ducks, fowls, and a nanny goat. You have enough pets to supply all Happy Town, including the Pixie Postmen, Jean. I have a white dove, too, but it lives on a brooch, and I do not have to feed it. Don't forget to look in the good scribes’ corner. Phyllis Jordan, Onehunga: Welcome, little lady. Your painting reached me safely, and I am glad you have discovered the route to Happy Town. Jessie Pomprett, Huntly West: Two paintings from this new Sunbeam. My best love and thanks, Jessie. Lea Bateman, Thames: Another new member from Thames. You will find plenty of painting competitions in our page. Lea. George Moase, Mount Eden: Welcome, George, and many thanks for answering the Competition BelL The Woodpecker sends his kind regards. Fred Chandler, Epsom: My best love and thanks, Fred. There were some interesting entries for that competition. Betty Gardiner, Cambridge: Yes, these were beautiful flowers that Vera sent, Betty. I am glad you are friends. 'The Little Thought sends you a special wish this week. Alsace Brown, Waiheke: I have put that four-leaved clover among my treasures, Alsace, and I feel sure it will bring me luck. The Little Thought is keeping space for one in his flower-petal book. That little poem is rather well known to print, but I was glad to see it all the same.* Madge Turner, Onehunga: Madge. Your membership card will reach you soon, and all the Happy Town people send their greetings. Olwyn Tetley, New Lynn: Thank you for your neat letter and that interesting diagram, Olwyn. And you call your cat Twinkle because his eyes twinkle? The Little Thought misquoted Lewis Carroll when I told him about it: “Twinkle, twinkle, little cat. How I wonder what you’re at.” And he says to tell yon he did not fall off the baby elephant; he flew off. I have left your love in the Hollow Tree for Patsy Sheridan, Stella Reardon and Olga Meyer. Norma Bennett. Dargaville: Thank you for the poem about your wee brother. Norma. It has paid a visit to the printer man. The Sunbeams number many thousands now. My love to this faithful one. _ Veronica Backhurst, One Tree Hill: Another new face in Tiptoe Street. A warm welcome, Veronica. Your flower painting reached me safely. Eileen McLean, Ponsonby: “Eileen and I are going to be friends, and I shall always watch the mail for her paintings,” remarked the Middle-aged Pixie Post--1 man. Vera Crawford, Cambridge: The Doorkeeper pounced on that painted heading to put up in the Place-of-YoU-Never--1 Can-Tell, Vera. It looks very pretty. Yes. that was probably the Little Thought disguised as a bird. He is always playing tricks on someone. I am glad you have heard from Annie Martin, and I have left your love for Olga Meyer with the Woodpecker. Margaret Barclay, Hobsonville: Welcome, Margaret. I hope you will always be interested in the Happy Town competitions Joyce Richardson, Grey Lynn: Down Tiptoe Street, hand in hand With the Little Thought, and carefully carrying a clematis picture for the Dawn Lady. A warm welcome, woe one. Eileen Mullins, Kirikaw: This little lady has made the magic journey. I hope you will write me plenty of letters. Eileen. Mary Archer, Mount Eden: Your baby elephant was the first to arrive, Mary. He is a beautifully strong baby. Theo. Cooper, Ellerslie: Thank you, Theo. Y'ou managed your model verv well.

Elsie Thorpe, Portland: Supposing you call your bantam Red-cap, Elsie? Do

you think he would like that name? I shall love to have those photographs you are going to send me. The good scribes are the Sunbeams who write the neatest and most interesting letters each week. Bruce Mason, Takapuna: Thank you for your sory and that poem, Bruce. I like them both very much. Dorothy Eves, Grey Lynn: Your baby elephant is now safely housed in Happy Town, Dorothy. • May Cox, Mount Eden: “Little Bo” has joined the other baby elephants. May, and they are all good friends. Phyllis Boswell, Hikurangi: You found the hidden Sunbeam, Phyllis. Yes, Jean’s poem was very beautiful. I have left your love for her with the Woodpecker and also your kind thoughts for Vera Crawford and Olwyn Tetley. Patsy Young, Green Lane: “A new friend for me.” laughed the Little Thought, when he saw Patsy in Tiptoe Street. Thank you for that fairy poem and those flowers. Patsy. Mavis Mellars, MorrTnsvllle: Your story has arrived Mavis, and I was glad to have your letter. Did you keep your Tommy Atkins costume? Betty Mabey, Maramarua: T think you will have to stay in Happy Town all the time, Betty, for here there are no naughty wind and rain. If any raindrop soldiers fom the Outside World appear in Tiptoe Street, the Pixie Postmen hurry out and drive them away. You will soon learn to write letters when you go to school, but I wonder what the teacher will do with three Betty Mabeys in the one class. You will have to wear different coloured rosettes. My best love to you and Edwyna. * David Mason, Takapuna: You are now a Sunbeam, David, and the Little Thought sends you a bright smile. Meryla Webb, Mount Albert: There is an overseas pen-friend column in the “Little Fanny Ficolax” page in “My Magazine” each month. Meryla. You will find some addresses there. An English Sunbeam is Marjorie Sutleff, 14 Victory Road, Horsham, Sussex. Thank you for your story. The Woodpecker is guarding your love for Irene Retter and Nancy Russell. Rosalie Seddon, Lumsden: What a wonderful old snow-man, Rosalie. How long did he sit on his snow-log? And did you have some snowballing, too? Perhaps Jean will still write stories for the Sunbeams when she has outgrown Happy Town. I think we will have to make her a Happy Town fairy godmother, don’t you? I like that little poem. Rosalie, and please will you give my love to lan. Doctor Spring Sunshine will soon be calling on you. Gloria Rawlinson, Parnell: I have sent that fairy to visit the printer man, Gloria, and lie will give her a gift called “space.” That will be something at least to tuck under her wing. Jean will be delighted to hear how much you and Mummy liked “The Eve of a Birthday.” She has asked me to congratulate you on your last poem. What clever little people you are. Molly Curtin, Ponsonby: The Little Thought thinks that must be a royal baby elephant because of the golden harness. Molly. And doesn't he work beautifully, too? Cecil Scott, 152 Railway Avenue. Rotorua: There is your address, Cecil, ami I hope you will soon have plenty of pen-friends. Read the reply to Meryla Webb. Mount Albert, in this week’s Hollow Tree. Eric Stafford’s name is not on the Happy Town roll. I hope your mot.hqr will benefit by that holiday. Joan Petterson, Whangarei: Yes, Jean’s poem was beautiful, Joan, and I am glad you enjoyed Gloria’s “Wings.” You found the hidden Sunbeam, and I enjoyed your happy letter. Margaret Norley, Whangarei: Yes, I always watch for your name. Margaret, and I think you are a wonderful little worker. I hope you will pass all your examinations and that you will have no more sickness. Some Happy Town sunshine from the Joystiop man's window. Jean Mclndoe, Hamilton: I was so sorry to hear about your Grannie. Jean. It is a great worry for your mother. That last poem of yours was mentioned in nearly every letter this week, and one very important person said something very nice about it. I have sent the Little Thought speeding away with your love for Alison Milsom and Jean Buckley. Jean Cook, Remuera: Next Friday will soon be here, Jean. I hope the cun will be shining so that you will'-have a happy birthday. Y’ou managed to solve the puzzlers.

Olga Meyer. Hikurangi: Jean and Gloria will be glad you enjoyed their poems, Olga. T am glad you have heard from Doreen Kier and Y r era Crawford, and I noticed your brother’s name in the League match results. The Woodpecker