Say Haallow to the HaaHoos

In the second of our in-depth profiles of night gardenites we meet the always enigmatic and often surprising HaaHoos.

A walk among HaaHoos is a walk among gentle giants. They bounce, sway, and smile at our crew as we make our way toward their leader, HaaHoo X, who has agreed to give The Daily readers an inside look at HaaHoo life. The first thing people should know about the HaaHoos, says X, is that their well known cry of 'HaaHoo' does not mean 'hello' as many have supposed. 'No, it's part of a complex mating ritual,' he states, but he refuses to be drawn into specifics.'You really don't want to know,' he says, leading us toward the rest of the group.

The HaaHoos. Clockwise from rear left: Oval, Flower, Figure Eight (known affectionately as 'Beany'), X and Star.

The HaaHoos have no specific home in the garden, although they tend to spend most of their time near the Gazebo. 'We feel most comfortable here,' says X, 'The Gazebo has taken an interest in our culture and has even developed a series of lectures for interested residents' (see our Community Notices page for more information). While introducing us to the other HaaHoos, X enumerates some of their many accomplishments and talents. HaaHoo Flower apparently runs a very profitable internet dating website, HaaHoo Star is one of the world's leading experts on the bottle-nosed dolphin, and HaaHoo Figure Eight once bounced for the Queen. These surprising achievements belie the seemingly quiet life that the  HaaHoos have in the night garden, with the majority of excitement coming when residents wave to them from the Pinky-Ponk or the Ninky-Nonk decides to play a game of 'chicken'.

It is just this 'fairly boring' image that the HaaHoos want to change, says X. 'We've lived here for many years, and have yet to really feel accepted as fellow residents. We feel like we are seen as large pillows, or plump garden statues- nice to have around but hardly likely to be included in any meaningful way in adventures and so forth,' he rants. The other HaaHoos agree that they feel 'under-utilised and under-appreciated' in the garden.

A key problem, the HaaHoos feel, is that there is no place for them on the garden transport systems. Thus, they can't go for hair-raising rides on the Ninky-Nonk or share the joys of hitting a tree or bush in the Pinky-Ponk. They plan to lobby the transport minister to change this. We ask how the HaaHoos, large as they are, would fit inside either transport. But, 'how does anyone fit?' questions HaaHoo X. 'If you look closely at the Pinky-Ponk and Ninky-Nonk, the only ones who should be able to get aboard are the Pontipines. I'm sure with some clever use of perspective, they can make room for us as well'.

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The Ball still at large

Night garden authorities are seeking information as to the whereabouts of the Ball, after several reports of public nuisance and grevious bodily harm. The Ball has not been seen since it bounced into Makka Pakka, knocking him into his Ogg-Pogg. Witnesses say that this act was deliberate, and sources report that it is only one of a string of similar incidents.

Sneaky tactics
Iggle Piggle, who claims he has also been a victim of the Ball's antisocial behaviour, said that the Ball lures gardenites into playing with it before turning on them. 'It's the bouncing,' he explained, 'It makes it look like something fun to throw or kick around'. Iggle stated that he was playing with the Ball when it suddenly built up speed by bouncing against several trees, before throwing itself toward him and knocking him to the ground. Other residents have been similarly tricked by the devious sphere. 
 
Authorities report that they have no firm leads as to the Ball's whereabouts at this stage. 'Unfortunately information so far has only resulted in the detainment and subsequent release of the oval HaaHoo in a case of mistaken identity. But there are not many places that the Ball can hide in the night garden once we have ruled out the Tombliboo residence, Upsy Daisy's bed and Makka Pakka's cave, so we are confident that we will find it soon,' said a source.

Readers should take note of the following description of the Ball: round, bouncy, caucasian, with a distinct jingling sound as it moves. Anyone who sees the Ball should contact authorities and approach it with caution.

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

Night garden dance-a-thon
A community dance-a-thon will be held at the Gazebo this evening. Registration not required. Bring your dancing shoes for a fun community evening. Residents and guests welcome. All enquiries to Upsy Daisy.

Tooth brushing course
Registrations are now open for a three day intensive course on oral hygiene. The course will cover correct tools, frequency and Tombliboo technique. The cost of the course includes a comprehensive toothbrushing handbook and a giant toothbrush. Please see Tombliboo Un, Oo or Ee to register.

Those Mysterious HaaHoos
The Gazebo will host an information session for interested residents on the origin, history and modern cultural significance of the HaaHoos on Monday evening at 5pm. The session will include detailed pictures and stories about the HaaHoos. HaaHoo X will attend to conduct a demonstration of a traditional HaaHoo welcoming ceremony. Registration is required for catering purposes.

Cleaning Service Price Increase
In Your Face Cleaning Services regretfully announce a 10% price increase for all residential and commercial cleaning services effective October, 2011. The price rise is to cover the increased cost of soap as a result of the Carbon Tax. A copy of the new price schedule is available from Makka Pakka.

Notice of Planning Application
Notice is hereby given that an application has been made for planning approval for the following development:
Site: 1 Large Bush Way, Night Garden
Proposal: Extension to existing bush; expansion of entrance way
Applicants: Un Tombliboo, Oo Tombliboo, Ee Tombliboo
The application and associated plans and documents will be available for inspection at the Council Offices during normal office hours for a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of publication of this notice, during which time any resident may make representations in relation to the proposal by letter addressed to the General Manager, Night Garden Council.

Lost and Found
Mr Pontipine would like to speak to anyone who has information as to the whereabouts of his mustache. The mustache was last seen flying through the air last Thursday. There is a reward for information leading to the mustache's return.

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