A Pudding-full of Magic

Taranaki Daily News, 20 December 1924, Page 3 (Supplement)

A Pudding-full of Magic

p| FOR THE CHILDR N

by 1

Nancy M. Hayes

Illustrations by G. F. CHRISTIE

OH, Stirring time in Back Beyond was quite a howdyedo, For everyone who’d stoned and chopped must stir the pudding too, And no one noticed Monkey Mick pop in a powder green. (Some fairy’d left it by mistake, tucked in the soup tureen— For spells to keep the weather bright Were always made for Christmas night).

ON Christmas Day the animals enjoyed a plummy slice, And nearly all that merry crew asked for a helping twice. But naughty Mick looked fairly scared, in spite of fun and chaff For, as it blazed, he had distinctly heard the pudding laugh! To everyone’s surprise, said he : “ No pudding, thanks, at all for me ! ”

THE Magic soon was brewing, and it really was absurd To see young Hippo flap his paws. He thought he was a bird I “ Just watch me fly ! ’ he smirked—and sprang. Oh, what a crash was that When Hippo tried his wings and knocked the pies completely 'flat! What squeals arose on every side! “ Oh, save the cakes! ” the others cried.

THEN 1 Emu Tack stood on his beak and waved his legs with ease. “ See—l’m a lovely spinning-top; pray twirl me, if you please I ” And Ted the Tortoise organised airace of twenty miles. “ I’m real hot stuff at running,” said poor Teddy, wreathed in smiles. And Mrs. Bear with dancers’ graces, Made the floor crack in several places.

BUT as that naughty ’Micky laughed as though he'd never stop, The Emu really did begin to turn into a top ! And when he saw the Hippopot just sprouting parrot’s wings. The Duck with trunk and Squirrel’s toes—and other curious things, Then, in a fright, he hastened out To find the Fairy Roundabout.

SHE came at once with pots and prlls. “ What’s this?” she gasped, “Oh, dear ! ” And. only just in time she caught young Hippo flying near. The guests were turned back to their shapes. Oh, weren’t they mad with Mickl But as the time was Christmas Day their wrath was short and quick, And when last heard of, all the crowd Were laughing long and gay and loud.