Dear editor,
Once upon a time!
In the “Happy New Year” issue of our local weekly newspaper there were some great stories and wonderful photos of young and old North Islanders, happily enjoying themselves as they prepared for
Christmas.
Sadly, there was one story about the Christmas tree, which is erected each year at the Pioneer Mall by volunteers on behalf of the Port McNeill and District Chamber of Commerce. This year’s tree did not
come up to the usual high quality that we have come to expect in our Christmas tree. But there is an explanation which I am at liberty to tell you about.
There is one area in our forest which is noted for the beautiful trees that grow there. That is where our tree usually comes from. This area is near the Cluxewe River and is also well-known as the home of a
family of leprechauns who have lived there since I came to Port McNeill way back in the 1950s. These “little people” are often mistaken for Fairies, and can sometimes be observed fishing for
their supper in the river. Their homes are under the roots of some very big trees.
When the loggers went to get the tree this year they met the head leprechaun who was very sad and not in his usual happy mood. On being questioned he told them that one of their happiest trees had
been very sick and was not going to survive the winter. All the leprechauns agreed that they would arrange for it to become the chosen one for this Christmas and they had the tree all trimmed and
ready to go.
The kind-hearted loggers could not bring themselves to refuse the tree’s dying wish. With the help of all the leprechauns they loaded the tree on to the truck and made their way back to town. In their
excitement they loaded the tree backwards and didn’t realize until they got to the mall that many of the weak branches were bent the wrong way. They erected the tree and quickly covered as much
of it as they could with dozens of bright Christmas lights.
Most of the people who volunteered to get the tree, transport it and decorate it, were happy because the tree was happy, which is really what Christmas is all about.
The leprechauns come in every night to visit the tree and if you are lucky you might be able to see them. Be sure to visit the tree and have your photo taken there. Make a wish while you are there and
you are bound to be lucky.
This applies particularly to happy young people and to older people who are young at heart.
Gerry Furney
Mayor, Port McNeill
