SECOND PRIZE STORY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19255, 17 December 1930, Page 16 (Supplement)

SECOND PRIZE STORY.

(SENIOR). MRS CLAUS TO THE RESCUE. Snow covered the moonlit wastes, frozen dewdrops hung suspended from* the grass blades, and the stillness of the night was broken only by the murmur of the wind in the trees. In the midst of these surroundings stood a forlorn figure, gazing solemnly at a tiny aeroplane, packed tightly with toys. Perhaps you can guess who it was; if not, I will tell you. It was Santa Claus, and as he looked a picture of misery, we may be sure that all was not right. “Oh! ” he grumbled, “I wish I had taken Mrs Claus’s advice, and been content with my reindeer and sledge. I wouldn’t have run short of petrol then. Oh, dear! What can I do? I have a terlible memory, and forgot I would need a lot of fuel to-night. I wasn’t going to call on those Smith children, because they have been so naughty, but if I could only find a way to get there, why I believe I could find something for them. I remember the day they discovered that little hedge-sparrow and cared for it. Well, I really think that such a kind little act as that shows they have their good points as well as their bad ones. I must find something for them.” So he started to rummage round amongst all the toys, when he suddenly remembered where he was, and in his disappointment he carelessly dropped a doll on to the floor of the cockpit. As he clambered in to retrieve it, he stubbed his toe on something, and naturally peered downwards to see what it was. To his surprise and joy he discovered it was a tin of petrol that dear old Mrs Claus had put in, knowing that Santa would not remember to take any extra, and that he wouldn't have enough to finish his round. “Saved for the second time,” murmured absentminded Santa, as he recalled how earlier in the evening his dear wife had replaced her cookery book that he had taken under his arm in mistake for his Children’s Directory. 34, Wellington Street, Ashburton. Ida Ede (aged 15 years),