The second Te Ao Hou Literary Competition was judged by Messrs M. R. Jones and W. Sparks, and Mrs E. Garrett. The first two of these judges selected Constable McFarland as the winning story, Mrs Garrett preferring The Burial. Rora Paki's A Home is Made was placed third. The judges did not think any of the entries were outstanding; yet the second competition was generally an advance on the first, in the number of worthwhile entries coming forward and in the intrest shown. Prize Winning Story in literary competition CONSTABLE McFARLAND bp S. M. MEAD “Hey!” “What?” “There's someone coming! Quick-” “Hey, John! Someone's coming. Scram!” “Right! Coming.” “Each man for himself!” “Hell, go where?” “Anywhere, but get out of here!” John ducked out of the dark alley way. He was keyed up now, alert for any noise. He ran hurriedly, urgently. Escape, he must. He could hear his mates running away. Swiftly he raced, and silently. His spine tingled. His breath came in great hissing gulps, which he tried to stifle. Away he dashed. And then it happened. A dark shape suddenly loomed ahead. He couldn't stop; he couldn't dodge. Head on he crashed into the soft yielding dark mass. A man, he thought, as he gasped and went sprawling. He heard a grunt and some cursing. Yes, a man. “Well, well, my man, what's the terrible hurry?” John looked up. The man was towering above him. Gee, a policeman, he almost cried aloud. “I—, I—,” he hesitated, “I was catching a tram.” He struggled to his feet trying desperately to stop shivering. “Is that so!” the policeman exclaimed, “Catching a tram, ch! Young man, there are no trams in this part of the city, Now, what's your name?” “I—, I— was catching a bus. True!” John stammered. Somewhow a good excuse just would not come to him. “Come on, your name, son! And you're a Maori lad too, eh.” “Jo— John— Tai— Tairoa.” “And where are you living, son?” demanded the policeman, now fumbling with a notebook. “Union Street.” “Where d'you come from in the first place?” “I see. Now come with me to that street lamp over there. I want a good look at you before I take you in”.