Dots Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21983, 19 June 1933, Page 13

Dots Little Folk

THE WEEK'S POEM. Any dog-lover will like these verses, children Dog shows may not be very pleasant nlaces for the dogs themselves, hut no dog can come to harm in them or be unfed or uncared for. Vet, we do not wonder that the small poet was glad that his dog was not to be found in the show. * * * DOG SHOW. Big dogs, little dogs, smooth dogs, hairy Gar dogs', dull dogs, devll-may-care-y dogs, Tapping in their baskets, standing in a row; See them all together at Cruft's dog show! One's got a first prize and one's been commended, ... j. j.j I One's got nothing—he ' does look offended ! Don't they feel important? But of course "they know ... That only very posh dogs get to Cruft s dog show. Father, likes a big dog that says "Wuff, Mother, likes a wee dog that looks like a muff. ,*._ The children like a middle dog with ears And alf oTthem are waiting at Cruft's dog show. I know another dog, Just the right size, A bouncy little play-dog with bright brown eyes, _ , * We think he's quite the nicest dog, as nice dogs go, _• „ . Although you'll not be seeing him at •Cruft's dog show. —Algol. WEAVERS OF WORDS. Here is woven a description of a dog show from a dog's point of view, my Little Folk. The "Kid" thought he was an outsider, and went to the show in shame and trembling. But, when the Judge saw him, he was awarded first prize. I think it gives a vivid impression of a dog show. Do you. DOT. * •• . * *:'; > -AT THE DOG SHOW. Then wa came to a garden, which it .was not, but the biggest hall In the world. Inside there were lines of benches a few miles long, and on them sat every dog In America. And they were all shouting and barking and howling so viciously that my ..heart stopped heating* For at;first I thought all enraged at my presuming, to intrude. But after I got in my place they kept at U Just the same, barking at every dog as he came In; daring him and ordering him out. a-nd asking him what breed of dog he thought he was, anyway. AH night ong they talked and sang, and passed greetings with old friends; and the homesick puppies howled dismally.' Those that couldn't sleep wouldn't let the others sleep, and aIT-tae electric lights burned,ln the roof and in my eyes. I could only doze by Jerks and when I dosed I dreamed horribly. All the dogs in the hall seemed coming at me for dating to intrude, with their Jaws red and onen and their eyes blazing like the lights fn the roof They were most awful dreams, , Lhd nex? morning I begged and begged to be taken home, but nobody understood. ring, where the judge was, walso like 8 alighting pit that when, I came into it and found six other dogs there I sprang into position, so that when they let me go I could defend myseli. .But the master smoothed down my hair and whispered?" Hold hard. Kid. hoW hard: This isn't a fight. Look your prettiest. Please, Kid, look your prettiest," and pulled.myleash so tight that I couldn't touch mrpa to the sawdust, and my nose went up In the air There were mill ons of people-watch-. tag' us from the railings, and three of our kennel-men. too. It was awful to think that when the Judge stood and exposed me, all S people would be there, to see me driven from the show. —Richard Harding Davis.

TO ALL. Dear Little Foik,-rTbe following paragraph was written in an Australian paper bv Joan torimer. a. little girl nine years old. I y thoughtltmight interest you as an example of vivid description:— ; -„rt. Ktr ,nil , "The sea was emerald green, and small white gulls rested upon. it. making it ook like a piece of spotted material. A little golden.beach basked in the sunshine. Into this rolled the foam-crested waves,oneafter another. A few sailing yachts dotted trie ocean! Through the green pasture, lands . a ??ve? made its way, winding in and out I™;„. B Z ferbs over which spanned a bTwif rusdcTrldVand beyond this lay a SXSf sfwVTo grey Soon th/ silvery chariot of Diana would «■*■' Its way across e rp s f ° r Apollo, the sun god. had sunk to rest. Do you like it?—Tour loving doT( LETTERS FROMTITTLE FOLK. Metto.-W. writ, for the benefit of othtrs. not for ourseWM. Dear Dot.—The days are very short and Sleeps" Sm and * was E&iJSta. \Vb Tiad a rabbiter here for a fortnight a Sort time ago. A mate of mine (who was laying here for the terra holidays), and I used to ride his horse (in a sort of a way) buf the day before the rabbiter went away T lparnt to ride properly. Do you sa\e stamns Dot? I do but just for the novelty of 1? I have five Australian, six Italian, and one American stamps. I have t»»rwj pendents, Arrowite and Grey-eyeu Blonde I have a*dear little kitten, and I would Ike you please to give me a name for it. Kind regards to all. WATTAKI HYDRO PRINCESS (Waltakl). (The rabbiter would be good company for you and your mate, Hyoro Princess. No. I do not save stamps. Call the kitten Pretty.—DOT.] - * * * Dear Dot,—lt- Is almost two yearß since I l"rt wrote to your page. Since then I have rhaneed' my destination, and am living in Waulhuna. It is severely. cold here now. as some mornings there is a heavy frost. Ind a blanket of fog clinging to the heights. Thert has not been a fall of snow here yet althougb occasionally there is some on the hill.. 'nearby The Waltahuna footballers won match the other Saturday Sd the hockey girls had a draw .During the past few months the school chidren.inJonrtln* mvsclf. had a visit from their axXnc\es m S and Lady Bled sloe which I think everyone enjoyed. We have two teachers in our school, and I like them very much TherP are about 56 pupus. i <"" ™y fond of knitting, and have made myself I nair of s'ippers in two colours this winter. !Z* to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ~ . . BLUB BUTTERFLY (Waltahuna). [The frost and mist, though cold, must be beautiful to look at. Blue Butterfly. I am glad that you like your teachers What cosy slippers they must be!—DOT.] ¥ * # Dear Dot,—Jeff, my pussy, had his foot caught in a trap, and he had -such a sore foot buJ it is getting better now. Olj day b*. eaueht a wee mouse, and I watched him SarwWi'll Jeff would let the mouse run awav and then he would pounce on it. At fait the mouse Climbed. up the rosebush where L thought he would be fate, but TpT soon brought him down again. Jeff seeme.l to ST enjoying the fun, but t; was not much fun for th? poor wee mouse. I will close now, with love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. ; ■ NAN KNOCKABOUT (Waiareka). [I am glad that pussy's foot is better again. Nan Knockabout A cat playing with a mouse is a very distressing sight to a human being; but to a cat it Is only natural.—DOT.] . H- * •'* Dear Dot,—A King Country Lass is my playmate at school, and she also sits beside me. I was over at Lovell's Flat for my last holidays, and Aunty Agnes and Uncle Charles took me down to the school reunion on the Saturday night. We had a good time, and I met a few of my schoolmates there. My uncle was down from the North IslanS not very long ago. I will finish with a piece of poetry. "D Is for Donald, the boy with a smile Who could walk on his hands for well over Bu» alack, and alas, though clever wa6 he He'had to stand up tor his afternoon tea. Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Ff>l ' r ' ORPINGTON LASS (Milton). i You had a good time with your uncle anJ auntie, I see, Orpington Lass. That is an amusing vera! I should not like to eat upside down. Would you?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—Please may I become one of vr-VLittle Folk? lam not quite old enough to'so to school, but I learn my lessons at homo. 1 Have two pussies aud a pram full of dolls to play with.; lam learning to eing, ana can

Inaugurated duly 16,1886, 0 bytKe OTAGO WITNESS

■' •'■'■'■ •• s DOT Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to Umbmutm. New members must enclose their name and address. ThtsswHl not be published, and are for reelstratlon purposes only. Little Fok should write on one side of the paper «&■»««■ **• and should address their letters. " Dot. care of Editor. Otago • J>a,1 DOT'a W LitUe Folk's Badge, with pin, for use as a brooch, U obtainable oa application to Dot. Price 2. Gd, In stamps or postal notes.

sing two little songs quite nicely. I have to be helped with this letter. I hope you do not mind. Love to all. BIRD OF BLUE (Dunedin). [Certainly you may Join, Bird of Blue. You must have good fun with you pussies and dolls. I do not mind your being helped with your letter when you are so young.— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I did not do very well with my horses at the Fairlie Show on Easter Monday. I had one hack and two ponies at the show. Nobby, the hack, was unplaced In the 11 stone hack class. Faith, a pony, was unplaced in the 13 hand class. Jacko, my 14 hand pony trotter won his heat, and . also won the final in the pony trotting race. I also had a dog, Roy, in. He came second in his class. Dad was president this year. We had a record show of 2073 entries, compared with about 1900 last year. The annual show dance was held on May 25, and dad had to make a speech, and mother had to hand out the cups—3o in number. I had a friend staying here for the holidayf, and we had a -jolly time. School has reopened again now. I have Just finished an interesting book called " The Gipsy's Secret. Have you read it? I had better close now. Love to you and the Little Folk. COOKIE'S PRETTY DAUGHTER (Fairlie). [Give Jacko and Roy a pat for me for doing so well in the show, Cockle's Pretty Daughter Were you proud of your parents at the dance? No, I have not read that book.—DOT.] H- * ¥ Dear Dot, —I enjoyed my term holiday?, but have had to go back to school again. Darkle is growing, and Goldle has grown, too. I did not go away for my holidays this term. I am waiting till Christmas, as we have six weeks then, and for the term we have only two. I think I am going to Lawrence, and hope to have a Jolly time. I think this will be all Just now. GOLDEN FAIRY (Gore). [You do not need to go away in order to have a successful holiday. Golden Fairy. I shall look forward to hearing about your trip to Lawrence. —DOT.] ** * j Dear Dot, —Our term holidays have passed, and I enjoyed them very much. I received an Easter egg and a silk handkerchief at Easter. At present we are having very miserable weather. The seventieth anniversary of the Walwera School is In December. I have been reading some books recently—" Tom Fairfield in by Allen Chapman, " True to His Vow, and " Ivy'B Dream," by Harriette E. Burch, and "The Lucky Girls' Budget." which I found very interesting. Have you read them / As it is getting late I will close this letter, with much love to yourself. LADY VERE (South Otago). [The anniversary will cause much excitement, Lady Vere. No, I have not read any of those books. Those were good Easter gifts.—DOT.] ,'■;';# •;«*-'"■'.■7".* : y. '••-. ' Dear Dot, —I am going to. give you the description of a lighthouse as I actually saw it. It was a fine brisk morning as we set off by motor to Kaka Point. Wending our way through bush-clad country and grassland, we-at last arrived at the beach, but this was not our destination yet. Going along the beach for about four miles wc arrived at the fishing station, where we saw different kinds of fishes being brought in by launches. We did not stay there for long, but began to wend our way over hill and dale again, till we reached the boundary of the lighthouse reserve, where inside the entrance gate we parked the car and had luncheon. After luncheon we went on our way. Going along the hillside path we came to the narrow entrance. We went into a hall-like room, mounted a flight of about three steps, and beheld the wonderful lamp that warns ships of their danger. The roof is shaped like a dome, and insjde is a big stand about four feet high, with a mantle above. Round about is a landing to wain on. About it is placed the apparatus for lighting, the lamp. After being shown all over, we signed our name in the visitors book, and proceeded on our Journey home after a well-spent day. Kind regards to all. SPRIG OF GUM (Toiro). [Thank you for your Interesting description, Sprig of Gum: When one can not only enjoy a Jolly day, but learn something useful at the same time, the hours have been well spent.—DOT.]. *..>;: * ■ * ■ Dear Doty—Last Christmas, holidays l was invited to stay with some relatives' who live in Edendale. After having packco my suitcase on the morning of the Invercargill Show, my sister and I stepped into the bus, and were soon on our way to town. When we arrived there the other cars were lined up in two long rows in the main street, but nobody was shopping, for all the people hurried off to the show grounds, so we followed suit. When we had our tickets we went through a gate into the grounds, where crowds of people were looking at Friesian, Jersey, shorthorn, and Ayrshire cattle. But I had a liking for the Jerseys. When we had seen-all the cattle we walked on to where a man was standing in a ring of people, calling out prices for a fine Friesian calf. He was very noisy, so we did not stay. In the afternoon we met one of our aunties, who took me with her till it was time to. leave for Edendale. I was tired after an enjoyable day, and when, we arrived at our destination had tea and went to bed. I stayed two weeks at my auntie's. Kind regards to all.

QUEEN OF THE ROSES (Southland). [You did have a busy time at the show. Queen of the Roses. What a relief it must have been to enjoy the comforts of home once more.—DOT.] * > * Dear Dot,—This year I am devoting myself to music, and have started to learn the violin. I am very fond of it, and so am working to try to make the most of my opportunity. We have been having terrible weather, with rain and hail, and the wind has been howling round every corner. We have had to pile on warm clothes, and some people have bundled themselves up so comically that they have been a sight to behold. Still on the whole I have enjoyed it all, and many a day I walked the two mUes for our mail, instead of riding. Out where my brothers are contracting there was a regular flood, with water two feet deep across the main road in two or three placed. In fact'one night the river on whose bank they were camped came up so quickly tnat they had to shift camp at 10 o'clock one night. They said when they were home for a day or two that they had great fun towing through water cars the owners of which were too nervous to tackle the situation on their own. However, the weather has cleared now, and I think we are going to have our shave of frosts. One morning there was a hoar frost, and it was very hard to crawl out of bed. The gardening season is with us again, and we have been busy with some of our plots. Mother and I have started a shrubbery, and we arc hoping that our shrubs will do well. Kindest regards to all. QUEEN DEWDROP (Southland). [I hope you do well with your music, Queen Dewdrop, and am glad that you enjoyed the cold days. What a time it. must have been for the campers and car-owners! Dear Dot, —I have just finished learning my lessons, and I thought I would write to you. I was pleased to see my first letter in the paper. We are back at school again after our holidays. My sister went for a holiday, but I stayed at home and helped my mother. I am making a luncheon cloth just now, but prefer to do fancywork. The days are cold now, and we like to play by the fire. I am reading a book called "Peggy's First Term," and it is such an enjoyable story. I like reading. Do you? I must close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. TUI'S MATE (Maheno). [Mother and you would have a happy time together in the holidays, Tul's Mate. I have not read that book, although I like reading. Is Peggy a good girl?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —When I last wrote to your page I was living in Central Otago, but now I am down in Southland. The weather here has been bad lately. There has been nothing but wind and rain, but still I think it better than floods. There was a big fire at Colac Bay one Friday night, and the post office and several houses and stores Were burnt. Numerous places are being burnt Just now. I have just started to knit myself a jumper. The wool was given to me for my birthday, which was on May 26. I was 13 years old. I am going to finish my lettter with a verse of poetry which I discovered In a book by Lord Tennyson:— " The wide, white woods are still asleep, Silent with snow and sunshine, and crisp Save where the brief, keen, sudden breezes blow, Through frozen fern-leaves rustling everywhere." Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MAy QUEEN (R i ve rton). TDo you like Southland as well as you likPd Ota»o, May Queen? Are the fires being caused wilfully? That verse gives a good picture of winter. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Wo have a pup whose name is Ned, and he is very funny. When we milk the cows he always plays with the cats and bites them. Sometimes our big black cat takes him by the ears and bites his nose. He often carries shoes and goloshes away. Whenever he gets too much meat to eat he buries the rest, and one day I saw him bury a piece of wool and a stick. As soon as I begin swinging a door backwards and forwards he grows wild and barks and growls at it, and tries to bite it. If we ewing a legrope. round and round, and then take it away he will try to bite us. He has a white, neck, with one black spot on it, and a white ear, and all the rest of him is black, except his four paws and the tip of his tail, which are white, too. I passed in my examination this year. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. LITTLE PANSY (Catlins). [Ned is a darling, Little Pansy, but he Is Just at the age when his character can be made good or bad; so do not tease him and fray his temper, or he will not grow up to be a reliable dog.—DOT. %. * * Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Folk? I am 10 years old, and attend the Kaitangata School. I am in Standard 11, and I like my teacher very much. I have seven bantams and six pure white silkies. They are so pretty that I wish you could see them. I also have a little pet pig, and I call it Chubby. Love to all the other Little Folk. CAMEL BELLS (Taratu). [You are welcome, Camel Bells. What charming pets you have! My heart goes out particularly towards Chubby.—DOr.J 0 * *'.*-. Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age, and am in Standard I. I have one big and one little brother. My big brother is very fond of playing football. I am learning dancing, and I like it very much. I am also very fond of swimming, and have my 50 Yards Certificate. I will stop now, with love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. BLOSSOM CHEEKS (Alexandra). [Certainly you may Join, Blossom Cheeks, but I have had to alter your name. Big brothers often are fond of playing football.—DOT.] # ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —It is a long time since I have written to you, so I hope you have noi forgbtten me. I did not go away for my holidays, but all the same I was happy. I helped mum during most of my holidays, and I played with the girl next door. I was II years of age on May 24, and I had a cake with 11 candles. There is often fog around here, and It stays all day. Do you like the winter with the frosts and rain? Thore have been very hard frosts lately. It is nearly bed time, so I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear sef. DAD'S GINGER POP (Cromwell). [I have not forgotten you, Dad's Ginger Pop. I am glad that you enjoyed your holidays. Yes, I like winter, especially when there is mist about. —DOT.] ' * * * Dear Dot, —I have just been reading some of the Little Folk's letters, and they are very interesting. We have gone back to school, so now I do not feel as If I had had any holidays. I did not go away for my holidays, but went out nearly every day, and took out the two little girls. A short time ago, Orange Princess and I were at the pictures, when suddenly the building began to rock. It was an earthquake, but I did not feel It. The people and children were very orderly, and after a while everybody sat down again to finish looking at the picture. Have you ever felt an earthquake? I have not. Recently I went to Guides for the first time in my life, and 1 felt Just like a fish out of water. I was afraid I would make a mistake, but I had been told what to do beforehand, so the evening passed without anything happening, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I think it is a great thing for any girl to join. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. BILLIE (Oamaru). [I have never felt-an earthquake, Blllie. It , must be an uncanny sensation. Yes, the Girl Guide Company is a good one for you to belong to—DOT.] ';* # * - Dear Dot,—lt has been very cold weather here lately, with showers off and on. I have just finished knitting a hat for myself. Altogether I have knitted two jerseys, two scarves, and three hats. Our next door neighbour was an old writer to your page, and she signed herself Freckles. A Brown Study and Little Eskimo write very interesting letters. Prairie Bud has started to write to you again. The little kitten which you named Waif is lying sleeping beside me. Well, I must close, with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. CUDDLESOME'CURLY LOCKS (Milton). [You are an Industrious Little Folk with your knitting needles, Cuddlesome Curly Locks. I remember Freckles. Give Waif a special cuddle for me.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am sis years old. I am being helped with this letter. We have not had our holidays,; but we shall have a month in July. As letters are short. I will close, with love to you and your Little Folk. LITTLE ENGINE (Central Otago). [Welcome to Little Engine. Are you as busy as your name says you are". I hope you enjoy your holidays in July.—DOT.] • *. * * Dear Dot, —Here- is another member for your happy. band. I hope you will accept m'e as one of the Little Folk. One morning it was raining very heavily, and it did not cease till after 11 o'clock. Did you see the Capping procession? I did, and I thought it was very amusing. During the Easter holidays we went out every day, I think, and enjoyed ourselves very much. The trees look.bare Just now with no leaves on them. As you want short letters, I will close, with love to all., MARTIN RATTLER'S DOUBLE (Abbots- *'■..' ford). [Welcome to Martin Rattler's Double, whose name I. had to alter. Yes, I saw the procession. - Bare trees are beautiful trees, I think,—DOT.J * * ■; * Dear Dot, —Many thanks for letting me become a member of your page. Since I laßt wrote to you I have had a birthday, and received many nice presents. I have also had some teeth out, and have not been very well. Do you like going to the dentist? The dentist is a good friend when we have toothache, is he not? Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. TINKER BELL'S PAL (Port Chalmers). [I am pleased to hear about the birthday, Tinker Bell's Pal. No, I do not like going to the dentist's though I realise that unless I go I shall never have healthy teeth.—DOT.J J.l * - * Dear Dot, —No doubt you have heard of. or read in the papers about the Anglican Maori Mission Party which is travelling about these parts at present. We had a visit from this talented party last, month, when we were entertained to a wonderful performance. The leader, Mr Te Ari Pltlma. gave an interesting address before the performance, which was enjoyed by all present, The first part of the programme. " The Changing Maori," was very pretty, being a series of songs, laments, and chants. Tin; Maori Maidens showed perfect grace In the canoe chant, and were really worth The poi dance by the maidens, was another very fine item, also the hakas by the young men. We had some fine music by the young men on several instruments, including the piano, violin, and guitar. Two of the Maori girls also played a clever stick game, whic'i displayed their skill once again. One of the Maori men, who was made up like a chief, was very amusing, and > kept the audlenc" laughing all the evening, i One of the giris sang " Ramona." I have never heard such singing before. We al3o heard a young man sing in English, and the party sang some Maori songs. The last part of the performance was a-religious service which was very good, too There were 11 of the party, the leader, his wife, another lady, four maidens, and four young men. Once the concert was over the young men played the music for the dance which they gave. If ever I have the chance of hearing a Maori party again I am sure I shall not hesitate for one moment. Love to all the Dot's Little Folk and your own dear self. A ROSE (Otago). [I have heard about the good concepts given by Maoris, A Rose, but have not attended any. After- your appreciative description, however, I shall try to hear one as soon as I can. —DOT.] * ¥ * Dear Dot, —I have just been seeing some photographs of nature by night, that is to say, photography of rats, mice, and voles; hares, rabbits, and squirrels; bats and the Insectivorous mammals; the hedgehog, mole, and shrew; night birds, reptiles, and amphibians, nnd finally, the moths and other nocMjrnal invertebrates. Dipping at random. I learnt that the glow-worm Is inapprol prlately named, for it is a beetle, not a i worm An insignificant insect with a re--1 markable history, the source of its light is still a puzzle, even to our great scientists. The female glow-worm has the power to produce an exquisite bottle-green light at the end of the body. Fabre has proved that : the light is in Borne way due to oxidisation, ' for he Ingeniously placed a glow-worm under I water and the light still glowed, but when the water was boiled, and so denuded of all i oxygen, the light was Immediately extinguished when the glow-worm was im- ; mersod. Please excuse me for using so much space. Sincere love to all. ZASU PITTS (Dunedln). [Thank you for your information, Zasu ■ Pitts Letters such as yours well obey our motto " We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves." —DOT.] * * . * Dear Dot, —May I join your band? Here is a description of a village under snow : Standing looking out of the dining room window, one saw a beautiful panorama of a small country village, caught under one of winter's cruel storms. It was yet but ! 6 o'clock, but dusk was coming on quickly, ! with a biting crispness in the air. A ! wintry • moon was slowly rising above the trees that stood in the front of the village towering like huge giants ready to defend what lay behind them. Everything lay as if hushed to rest, and the mnon seemed to be smiling down as she made ghostly

shadows creep about on the Bleeping earth. The keen, cool air now vanished to a warm air that whispered softly as it hurried along. The sky overhead was a dull grey that threatened snow. The village was no longer bathed in moonlit silveriness, but was in inky black darkness. On the top of the hill a white shower was gradually working its way down on the village. Alas —it was snow! snow falling fast and thick. About an hour later the shower had quite spent itself. But old Mother Winter had left her blanket behind her. The village had donned a white mantle in less than an hour. The clouds soon rolled away, and the moon made her way over a watery, but starry sky. What a picturesque scene met one's eye as you looked down on to that village! The trees now looked as if they were in full blossom. Towards the left, at the bottom of the hill, was a little brooit with banks of white, its icy waters sparkling in the moonlight. The houses all had roofs of white, while even the windows had been decorated with the tiny flakes, while the village chimneys puffed out the Bmoke. Soon a drowsy little village was laid to rest. But a glittering light twinkled out through each window to greet the snow THE HAPPY MAG (Woodside). [Certainly you may join, The Happy Mag. Thank you for your description, ' which reminds me of an English Christmas card. — DOT.] * * * s Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? We have two little kittens, and their names are Peter and Lucky. My little sister Is In the hospital. She is two years old. I am eight years old, and I am in Standard 11. I ?amc top in my class last term. All our fruit trees are bare. We have a new lady teacher at our school. I was nine on June 4. My brother is in Dunedln. We are milking 11 cows. I did not go away for my holidays. We are having wet weather just now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MAID OF THE SWAMP (Paretai). [You are welcome, Maid of the Swamp. I hope you are top this term, too. Can you milk?—DOT.] *• * * Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? I was 16 on April 20. I enjoy reading the Little Folk's letterß very much. It is rather fun imagining what kind of persons, by their different letters, the Little Folk are. I dare say one can usually tell by the way they write, for I believe the saying "As a man speaks, so he is," is true In most cases. I do hope the Show was successful this year, for the country folk look forward to it so much. It always seemß to rain during the Winter Show. Love- to all. POLLYANNA OF THE ORANGE BLOSSOM (Dunedln). i [Certainly you may join, Pollyanna of the Orange Blossom. I wonder if one could describe a person's appearance from tne way he or she writes? —DOT.] V * '* Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band? We have been having very cold weather. I have a little sister in the hospital. V,e have a half-sized bicycle. We have a light grey rabbit, and I wish you to name it, please. I am ten years old, and I am n Standard IV. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. SKIPPING RABBIT (Paretai). [Welcome to Skipping Rabbit. I hope your little sister will soon be better, oau the rabbit Chin-chin.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—We had our examinations in April, and I came top. I have a dear little. tortoiseshell kitten. Would you kindly give me a name for her? Now that winter is near it is cold. We have a fire at school nearly every morning. We have only ; a small school of 18. I am reading a book called "Second Fiddle." Have you read it? I will close, with love. SCALY LIZARD (Moa Creek). [Call the kitten Tartan, Scaly Lizard. How you must like the fire at school! No, I have not read that book.—DOT.] V * *! Dear Dot,—l went up in the Southern Cross Kitten when Kingsford Smith was visiting the Taieri aerodrome. The ride in the aeroplane was rather disappointing, as I would rather have had a ride on a horse. Dad iB making me a sledge for the winter, when the snow comes. We sledge down a steep hill when the snow is on the ground, but when it Is dry we slide down the hill on the tops of cabbage trees Of. mm it makes a lot of washing and mending for mother, but she does not seem to mind, so long as we are happy- During the Easter holidays my two brothers and I went to the top of a steep hill called the Cbalkiea so called because of its white chalk-like cliffs. We arrived home at 5 o clock, veiy tired after our enjoyable day. I must close now, as it Is bed time. Kindest regards to II ' THE IRON OUTLAW (Dunedln). ri can understand what you say about your flight, The Iron Outlaw. What fun you will have with the sledgo! You put me iu mind of my own childhood days when you write of sliding.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The pictures of the Passion Play of Oberammergau have recently been shown here, and they were truly wonderful. They are only pictures .taken of the play. American film companies offered thousands or pounds for the right to film It. but the offer was rejected. The v play has been performed every 10 years, for 300 years, by the humble peasants of Oberammergau, a small village at the foot of the Bavarian Mountains. In fulfilment of a sacred vow In return for deliverance from a plague. There have been a number of interesting lantern lectures held here lately. One dealing with the Pyramids was especially instructive. Among other facts, I learned that the base of the Pyramid covers 13 acres, and contains three chambers, besides numerous passages. Some of the stones weigh tons, so the ancient Egyptians must have been a very learned race to build such a huge structure so accurately, and so conforming with many biblical phrases. We are having much excitement here on account of the floods. The river broke its banks at 11.30 one night, and one man had to race for his life to beat the flood waters to his home. As a result we were isolated, and practically surrounded with water. I was not able to go to work for two days. Usually the settlers on the opposite side of the river get the flood waters, but this time we had our share, and did not relish It. Kind regards to all and yourself. TANGLE PATE (Hawke's Bay). TYou have been learning much about other parts of the world lately,.Tangle Pate. How sad about the floods! Do you remember your monumental letter about the; earth-, quake, in 'he Otago Witness?—DOT.] tf * * Dear Dot,—l had a lovely time for the Easter holidays. I -went to Gore with the Bible Class. We had a camp In the Gore school. There were 85 girls in camp. We all had a groat time, and what a number of friends we made! One day we all went to a place'called Whisky Creek, and from there we walked to the top of the Hokonuis where we saw some beautiful bush and waterfalls. We took snaps of -one another, and of different scenes, and after a cup of tea we all were taken back to camp by bus. One morninK we went over the flour mills, vuioie we were shown how different things were worked. From the top we obtained a wonderful view of the surrounding country. After coming home from Gore I spent an enjoyable time at St. Leonards with a fr end o mine. 1 thought the sea was wonderful, and aq the house In which I was staying was situated on a hill just above the sea. 1 used to watch the small boats going past, but I did not see any big ships as they comet.lmes see passing While there 1 went a number of times to the pictures, which was a new experience for "hie, as I had seldom attended them before. Regards t» all. BONNIE BESSIE BUNTER (Whare Fiat). [I am glad that you have been having such a a;ood time, Bonnie Bessie Buntei. The camp sounds delightful. Next time you may see some big ships at St.. Leonards.— DOT -1 * * " Dear Dot, —In continuation of my last letter- School stories are also appealing to me. for. if one is feeling depressed, a bright school story is sure to cheer one up. In those stories there is usually the f-chooi " sneak " or a rival, who, wanting to win favour for herself, falls so low that she is brought into favour again only by tno one she harmed. Naturally I have a book in mind—" The Heroine of Chelton School, by Mav Wvnno. Another book I like reading n< "School Rivals," by Anna Best. The story is about two girls continually quarrelling— Lena and Molly. Lena's parents were rich, and she was very petted, but Molly s father was a widower, and very poor. Lena s chum, Amy, was a girt given to mischief-making, and many battles were fought between Amy and Jessie, Molly's chum. Molly was rea.ly the cleverest, and the least jealous, but Lena thought herself more clever, and was frightfully jealous. Well, to make a long stoiy short, Molly's aunt brought her a horse. Lena was jealous, and wrote home tor one All the girls praised Molly's horse but Lena called it a baby plough horse. Walt till vou see mine," she said. It was a,beautiful bay, but very nervous, too nervous, Moiiy thought. One day while out riding, some birds flew In front of Sweetheart. Lcnas horse, and it bolted, leaving her clinging to her back—for she had lost control of the reins. Molly instantly spurred Firelight, and with the help of a lasso, rescued Lena betoro Sweetheart went over the pit to where she had been heading. Lena was by this tlmo hysterical, and she was taken home on the back of Molly's gallant horse, Everyone at Bayvlew College gave Firelight sugar, bread, and bananas after Lena was taken back to school and the accident heard of After all this Molly and Lena became firm friends. Some people do not read books much at all, and I often wonder how they pick up a book, look at the pictures (if there are any), and put it down again. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your IN THE GLOAMING (Sandymount). [lt Is a long time since I read school stories such as the one you describe, Roaming in the Gloaming. But I can still remember how I used to like them when they came my way.—DOT.] !jt ->- W Dear Dot, —As you wanted me to describe my holidays, I will tell you about the first day we were out of the house. I think it. was a very Interesting afternoon. Mother had decided to take us to the industrial

exhibition. We took a tram out to South Dunedln, and then went to the Drill Hall, where the exhibition was being held. We paid our entrance fee at a hut outside the hall. The first thing I noticed was a coneshaped thing moving round and round with all different kinds of Court chocolates on it, and a nurse sitting at a table knitting. We then went and watched the Mosgiel mills machine and the Roslyn one working. When we came to Johnson's pork department my little brother was greatly interested in the big stuffed pig and the little babies. When we came to the printing machine the man who was trying to mend the machine told us that something had gone wrong with the gear. There were many other things that were interesting, but if I tried to describe all of them it would take up far too much room. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. SWEET PEA BUTTERFLY (Oainaru). [I see that you used your eyes when you visited the exhibition, Sweet Pea Butterfly. Vou seem to have had an interesting time, and overlooked nothing.—DOT.] * ¥ # Dear Dot. —I was pleased to see that you have welcomed me as one of your happy band. I have two dear black pussies. One is a Persian ; her name is Heather. The other is called Tommy. I do not go to school yet, but I learn my lessons at homo. I like to play " Honey Bees " op the piano. We have a wireless, and on njy birthday Big Brother Bill sent me the " Radio Postie." I would like to have a birthday every day. Love to all. • BIRD OF BLUE (Dunedin). [Heather and Tommy must be darlings, Bird of Blue. How clever of you to be able to play the piano!—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I know five Little Folk—Onion Pickle. Sunshine Alice, Princess of the Water Lilies, Roaming in the Gloaming, and Lover of the Mist. One Thursday I went to the Otago Winter Show, and it was delightful, especially the Women's Institute. I have two kittens, and would like you please to give me names for them. I am to learn to milk soon, and every night I watch them milking. I have a nephew and a niece—Alan and Dorothy—and dear little children they are, too. As space is scarce, I will close, with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. NED KELLY'S COUSIN (Dunedin). [Did you see the two little goats at the Show, Ned Kelly's Cousin? You could call the kittens Cocoa and Coffee. —DOT.] * * # Dear Dot, —Trixie's Pilot gave mo a string of pink beads and a pretty handkerchief for my birthday. It was kind of her, was it not? We have cocoa at school every day now, and it warms us all up. There are only six going to school. I am reading " The Lamplighter" at school, and it is a good book. Have you read it? My cat, Toodles, is a big cat now, but ho is lazy, and just sits and purrs nearly all the time, and will not catch a thing for himself. I am doing fancywork at present, and like it very much. We have 10 little silkle chickens, 1 and they always seem hungry, although we give them plenty of food. 1 also have three bantam's, and when they sit I am going to put bantam eggs under them, so that I shall get more bantam.*. I like silkies and bantams very much. I must close now, with love. HINEMOA OF THE POOL (Warepa). [Those were charming presents, Hinomoa of the Pool. I have not read that book. Tbodles evidently knows that he is in such a good home that he does not need to catch his food. —DOT.] * ¥ * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years old, and in Standard I at school. My playmate's name is Billy. We have had very cold weather up here lately. Dad's garden is coming on slowly. I shall be glad whon the peas are ready, as I like them. Do you like skating on the ice? I do. My birthday is on August 14, when I shall we eight. I will close now, as it is bed time. Love to all. BILLY'S MATE (Walkarl). [You are welcome, Billy's Mate. I cannot skate, I am sorry to say. Peas are good for you to eat. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I should like very much to become one of your Little Folk. I always took, an interest In your page, and think It wonderful to watch its expansion when the Otago Witness disappeared into obscurity. Your remarks in a recent morning's issue concerning poetry were very interesting and instructive indeed. Do you like Dickens' books? To my mind fee is the most versatile and powerful writer wo havj. His humour is delightful, and his pathos exceedingly dramatic. His quaint characters are unforgettable. I think the revolutionary scenes in " A Tale of Two Cities" give evidence of his genius in literature. His descriptions would be very appropriate for your Weavers of Words, would they not? However, I had better leave room for someone else. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. • ... CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedin). fl am- pleased to welcome you, Charles Dickens, as I like your namesake's books. I hope you will often write to the page, seeing that you admire it so much. —DOT.] « « * Dear Dot, —Please may I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am In Standard IV at. school, and I am nine years of age. My birthday is on July 9. I am not in the basket ball team this year, but perhaps I may get in the next year. I am reading a book called " Magic for Marigold," by L. M. Montgomery. Have you read it? I went to the Capping Carnival and enjoyed it very much. I thought the students were very amusing. I am in the Roslyn Brownies; and I learn many good .songs and games there. As I have no more news to tell you, I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. SILVER BIRCH BOUGH (Roslyn). [You are welcome, Silver Birch Bough, but I have had to alter your name a little. I have not read that book. I am glad that you are a Brownie. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Do you like bananas? 1 am exceedingly fond of this delicious fruit and eat it whenever an opportunity is afforded me. That this well-known fruit is a berry will probably be a surprise to many people. Such, however, is the case, and will naturally lead to the question: "Where are the seeds?" The numerous little dark " specks" one sees down the centre of the fruit are all that remain of them. The true seeds of the banana tree are really as large as orange "pips," but through intensive cultivation have become almost lost. The wild banana has these larger seeds, and consequently there is less of the succulent portion of the fruit which we find so delicious and palatable. In the banana plantations new trees are grown from cuttings of the older ones, so that bananas which we now buy in the shops are the product of careful cultivation. Another interesting piece of information describing what a pearl really Is, should be of much interest to many. A pearl is a gradual secretion of " nacre" by certain kinds of oysters It is, in the first place, due to the presence in the shell of some foreign substance, such ns a parasitic insect, or even a grain of sand. This gives rise to an ingrowing " pocket" in the cell tissues of (lie living creature. The pocket gradually becomes a capsule, which encloses the intrusive substance, and begins to pour upon it layer after layer of translucent material, which reflects light into a soft and shining lustre of matchless beauty and charm. My kindest thoughts for all. GOLDEN SUNBEAM (Gore). [I like both bananas and pearls, Golden Sunbeam, so your descriptions, with their interest and charm, have been read with great pleasure by me. Thank you for them.—DOT.) :} tf tf Dear Dot, —May I become a mernbor of your baud of Little Folk? I am eight years old and in Standard II at school. I have one little brother, and he Is very playful. At present he has the whooping cough. I learn national (lancing. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. . GLANCING EYES (Alexandra) 1 . [Vou are welcome, Glancing Eyes, but I have had to alter your name. I hope your little brother will boon be quite well again. —DOT.] H- * * Dear Dot, —In my last letter I said I would tell you about my dog. He followed me to the gate one day for the paper. I folded it tight and gave It to him. My mother, who was standing at the door, called him, nnd he took the paper to her. The noxt day when I was carting wood he camo to me and barked, as much as to say, " Give me some." I kept on with my job, and he tried to bite my leg for not giving him some. I gave him a stick, and ho followed me to the door and dropped it. I patted him and ho looked up at me and barked again, but there was no more wood. Two of ray brothers are down from Pembroke, and the other two will be down In two weeks I,spent my holidays with my sister, Waiting Mother's Consent, in Lawrence. ' 1 had several rides on her bicycle. 1 went for the letters and other things. I have only one correspondent. I I think I shall write to Prairie Joy. I had some fun one night playing noughts and crosses. I think It is a joyful game. Do you? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. WOOD CLUB MANAGER (Outram). [Dogs are almost human when they love their masters, Wood Club Manager. llow anxious to help you he was! Yes, noughts and crosses Is a jolly game.—DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot, —The other day our rabbiter and I rode into Miller's Flat. I went to Guides, and he went to football. Our captain was away on holiday, so our new lieutenant took us. She told us part of a story, and then we had a game of basket ball. It is a good game. When Guides were finished I watched the football. It was a very hard game. It was half raining, too. football finished about 5 o'clock. I went to the tea rooms, and had a cup of tea and waited for our rabbiter to corae and have his tea. When all were ready we mounted our horses and started for home. We went round the road, because the track would have been too slippery. We arrived home at. 8 o'clock, tired and hungry. We had a very exciting day out. One night we all wont, to the Maori concert at Miller's Flat. It was I very good. The best girl singer was not

there. I liked the poi dances and the hakas. The Maoris were very good at them. Love to nil the Little Folk and your own dear self. LITTLE SHEPHERDESS (Miller's Flat). [I know how much you must have enjoyed that day. Little Shepherdess, and the riding you had to and from Miller's Flat. Would you like to learn a poi dance?—DOT.] j * * * I Dear Dot, —Most of the Little Folk know of Girl Guides, but how many, I wonder, know of the Girl Citizens? I am a Girl Citizen, and I will endeavour to tell you and the Little Folk something about us. In Dunedin there are about GO Girl Citizens. It is a company of girls belonging to the Y.W.C.A.. Some go on Tuesday and some on I Thursday nights. I go on Thursdays. Girl Guides have different patrols, while we have different clubs. There are three clubs on j Thursday nights. Girl Citizens begin at 7 p.m. with physical culture and dancing. At 7.30 p.m. we all form a triangle and say our code, which is very beautiful, but too long to write to the page. After we have said our code we go to. our different rooms along with our councillor, and begin our evening's work. The minutes of the previous meeting having, been read, we are told of coming events, and we begin to prepare for the near ones. Then we act plays and charades, and have all manner of games and fun until ten minutes to nine, when our councillor takes vespers. At 9 p.m. we depart for our homes. Last Christmas holidays the Girl Citizens had a conference, which was held in the Waitaki Boys' High School. Girl Citizens went from all over New Zealand, and they had a wonderful time. We go for camps and tramps everywhere, and we all enjoy ourselves heartily. We have a uniform of our own, which consists' of black shoes and stockings, black or navy blue skirts, white middies, and navy ties and hats. Our badge is worn on the left pocket of our middy. Best wishes and much love. CHRISTMAS CARD (Dunedin). [I am much pleased with your letter, and with the interesting information it contains, Christmas Card. You belong to a splendid company. Long may it prosper ! —DOT.] * :;. ■#".' Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and my birthday is on November 4. We have a lovely grey Persian cat. One night it came • home with a trap on its foot. We have a new teacher, and she is very kind. Well, as letters are to be short, I will close, with love to all. SUNSHINE SUSIE'S SISTER (Queenstown). [Welcome to Sunshine Susie's Sister, whose name t l have had to alter. I hope that the paw is now better again. Poor pussy ! —DOT.] * ¥ * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am in Standard 111, and came fourth in my class. The weather has been very rough. I have a pet cat, and I call it Peter. I will close with love to yourself and the Little Folk. PORKY'S NIECE (Miller's Flat). [Certainly you may join, Porky's Niece. Is Peter a purring cat?- —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I had a good holiday. Now that the days are cold we have fires at school. We have three dear wee kittens, but they are wild and will not let us touch them. Our football team has not lost a match this year. Every week I read the letters from Dot's Little Folk, and I thlnit that Roaming in the Gloaming, A Brown Study, and Christmas Card write very, interesting letters. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self., BUD OF A WINTER ROSE (Gimmerburn). [lf you are very gentle and patient the kittens may become tame for you, Bud of a Winter Rose. Congratulations to your football team.—DOT.] f * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I go to school with Sleepy Eyes and Red Lips. It is very cold here. I am minding my auntie's baby while she is away to the pictures. .1 enjoy reading the Little Folk's letters every week. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. FRILLY POPPY (Ranfurly). [You are welcome, Frilly Poppy, but your name has had to be altered. Did you like playing at being a mother and looking after your little cousin?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am six years old, and am in my fifth book a\ school. I have a brother 12 years old. I have a teddy, a pram, and many dollies to play with. We have two wee white pigs. As this is my first letter; I must close, with kind regards to all. MOTHER'S PET (Waltahuna). [You are welcome, Mother's Pet. Do the dolls and teddy play happily together?— DOT.] r * # * Dear Dot,—May I loin your happy little band? I am 12 years of age, and In the fifth standard at school. I have . a little sister six years old, who goes to school also. She is writing to you, too. We have had rough weather lately. I play football. So far we have played three games and won them. Best wishes :to all. A LONELY MOUNTAINEER (Waltahuna). [Certainly you may join, A Lonely Mountaineer. What position do you hold in that good football team of yours?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have read A Brown Study's letter, and thought It was very Interesting. I would like to correspond with her if she Is not any older than 15 or 16. I received a letter from Little Eskimo the other day, and she sent nie a little birthday card, which she painted herself. It was very neat, and I thought it was kind of her to send it to me. Wo are expecting to go through the Bruce woollen mills, where my two sisters are working. As this is all I have to say I will close, with best love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk. MAID OF THE ISLAND (Milton). [A Brown Study does not want correspondents. Maid of the Island. That was kind of Little Eskimo. 1 hope you will tell me all about the woollen mills when you visit them.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I thought I would write and tell you my impressions of winter. I like winter, for, although it brings'extra cares, it also brings Us pleasures. One of the cares is the need ol putting on more clothing. We also have chilblains to trouble us. But we forget all about these when we are enjoying a good game of football. Another pleasure we enjoy in winter is skating. Sometimes we have snowballing and sleighing on the snow, which I like best of all. Now I must close, with love to yourself and the Little Folk. . JOHN PETER (Queenstown). [You are a sensible Little Folk, John Peter. I am glad that you regard winter as you do, and find that, like all seasons, it has its pleasures.—DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot, —I did not go anywhere for my holidays, but I had a good time at home. Thank you for the name you gave me l for the calf. I think it suited it very much, for it has a brown coat: We have had rain here, and the ground is very muddy. We hope it clears up soon, for we are expecting the chaffcutter. Our hens have started to lay now. and we are receiving a number of eggs. There was a Maori concert in Clinton recently. We are milking five cows at present. In the spring time we milk about 10 cows. As it is my bed time, I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. FLOWER LOVER (Clinton). [I ja.iß glad that the name was suitable, Flower Lover. You will be glad about the eggs. Did you enjoy the concert? —DOT.] * # * Dear Dot,—Do you like the winter? One can have fun playing in the snow and skating. There has not been enough frost yet for skating and curling. I correspond with Lavender Fairy. One Monday the letters in the paper were nearly all from new writers. You must have a number of letters to read. Good night, Dot. EVER TRUE (St. Bathans). [Yes, I like the winter, Ever True. I hope you will tell me about curling when it begins. I certainly have a large number of letters to answer.—DOT.] V ¥ * Dear Dot. —May I be a Little Folk, please? I shall be seven on June 25, As this is my first letter in ink I will close, with love to you and all the Little Folk. THE MAID OF THE SWEET (Central Otago). [You are welcome, The Maid of the Sweet. How dear of you to write your first letter in ink to me!-—DOT.] #* # * Dear Dot, —We shot one of our cats when it was sick. Molly is In the sanatorium. I am in Standard I. 1 have a journal, and I am reading "The Princess's Story." We love to walk a mile to school, and it is cold these mornings. I had two girls to play with me the other day. I have not the hot water bag cover yet. Love to you and your Little Folk. JEAN FROM PATEAROA (Patearoa). [To shoot a sick animal is the kindest way to deal with it, Jean from Patearoa. I hope your sister will soon bo better. If you run to school you will not feel cold on even the coldest morning.—DOT.] V # * Dear Dot, —This time I am going to tell you the meanings of the names of some flowers. They were in a book I was reading. Begonias are called after a botanist named Michel Begon, who died in 1710. The dahlia was called after Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist, who discovered the dahlia In Mexico in 1784. Aster is a Greek word, meaning " star." Honeysuckle was so called because of its fragrant flowers, from which honey is so easy to suck. Iris is a Greek word for " rainbow." Tulip Is the Persian word for turban. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER (Dunedln), [How interesting, A Young New Zealander! Every time I see the flowers you mention, now, I shall look at them with added appreciation.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather is very cold out here, and I noticed the other morning that the Maungatua Mountain was covered about hallway down with snow. How cold it looked ! The garden is looking well just now, * as the chrysanthemums are ju3t coming out, and we keep nipping the buds of each stem, so that they will bloom larger. Well, as we have little space, I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MATA HARI (Taieri). [We cannot hope for warm- weather at a season such as this, Mata Hari. I hope the frost will- not spoil your chrysanthemums.—DOT.] ¥ * •■".'.:-/ Dear Dot, —The day dawned cleaV, and wo all dressed in our best clothes with the cheerful feeling that we were going to have a good day for our visit to the city. But just as we were leaving a cold wind sprang up, which made our trip to Dunedin not as pleasant as it might have been. Nevertheless, we arrived safe and sound; parked the car, and went in search of bargains, ana as all the shops were having cheap sales,, they were not very hard to find. Soon the clock struck twelve —dinner time. After dinner we did some shopping, and before long the clock struck the hour of five —tea time. As the restaurant was cosy and warm we did not hurry over our meal. About 7 o'clock we went to the pictures, glad to get out of the cold wind, which by this time was very chilly indeed. The picture was a humorous one, which we all enjoyed. Afterwards we drove home, quite happy after our day in Dunedin. A DIRTY FACE DARLING (Momona). [I- like the description of your day, A Dirty Face Darling. You seem to have had a splendid time from beginning to end.— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Was it not a shame that it was so wet and cold for the Show? We have just had our Highland competitions. I was very successful this year, for I won three prizes and a most points cup. A number of Little Folk won prizes too. I have a dear wee black dog now, but my cat will not make friends with it. I know a number of Little Folk who write to you, and learn dancing where I learn. Our teacher has a very large class, and we are all such a happy family. I have just written to Marui Girl and Princess San: Pedro Glendora. Did you see the Show? I thought it was delightful. I would have loved that dear wee pony, that was there. Best love to your dear self and all the Little Folk. ' DADDY'S HIGHLAND DANCER (Dunedin). [I am sorry that it rained during Show Week, Daddy's Highland Dancer. Congratulations on doing so well in the competitions. Yes, I saw the Show, and like you, fell in love with the little pony.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years old,, and in Standard 111. My brother has a little kitten, and its name is Smoke. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MERRY BROWN EYES (Balclutha). [Welcome to Merry Brown Eyes. I should like to see Smoke. Is he a,playful kitten? — DOT.] * * * ',■..■... * ' Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine, and my birth-, day is on August 14. I am in Standard 11, and I have a great big doll, for which I am sure you will have a name, please. A SOLDIER'S DARLING (Lawrence). [You are welcome, A Soldier's Darling, but your name has had to be altered. Call your doll Melisande. —DOT.] OLD WRITERS' NOTES. Ivanhoe (Mr M. H. Ramsay, 114 Earn street, Invercarglll) ts endeavouring to compile a register of past and present Old WrlUrs in connection with the Jubilee in 1936 He would be pleased to hear from those willing to supply names, addressee and noms de plume, and, where possible, year of first writing to Dot. Acknowledgments will be made periodically in this column. ■ •■..'! * ¥ *

Klmber Lee.—What a bonny scarf! Thank you ever so much for it! It suits a certain coat I have to perfection, and is so soft and becoming. Again, very many thanks indeed. - DOT> OUR NEW MEMBERS Dot extends a special welcome to -the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time thlß week: — A Young Ned Kelly, From Ghent to Alx, Peter Pan's Playmate, Thomas Thumbllng, Yankee Doodle, Blondie of the Blue Eyes, Sunny Southland, Apple Sponge, Jumping Jennv, Spring Winds, Vera Cruz, The Moonman," A Little Ranfurly Lad, and Mayflower Fairy. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy return* of the day to— Queen of who will be 13 on Friday. x Charlie's Boy Blue, who will be 12 on Frl- ■■'■'' day. Ogrclist. who will be nine on Friday. Black Pansy's Best Pal, who will be nine on Friday. Magnolia Blossom, who will be nine on Sunday. Joan of Orleans, who will be 10 on Sunday. Maid of the Sunset, who will be seven on Sunday. NOTES Dorothylee and Penny Rose (Balclutha). — You have omitted to send your private name and address. Do so, and I shall be pleased to onrol you as Little Folk. DOT. * * * The Little Maiden on the Hill.—l am afraid what you ask would be useless, because by the time I had done it there would be 960 more. I am sure you will understand. _^ m DOT. LITTLE FOLK'S LETTER BOX As the Little Folk Inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond, It is necessary that thorfe companions should send the first letter.—DOT. * * * My Lady Divine (Doris Grell, Carey's Bav, Port Chalmers) wishes to correspond with Daddy's Highland Dancer and Roaming in i the Gloaming. * # V Eves of Blue (Annie Richardson, Georgetown, Oamaru. North Otago) would like to correspond with Zasu Pitts and Golden Sunbeam. * * * Bergerette (Beatrice Baker, White House, Arrow Flat, Arrowtown) would like to correspond with A Glossy Scotch Thistle, Sweet Lily of the Valley, Taieri Belle's Daughter, and any Little Folk between the ages of 13 and 15. * *..' * Fairy Sunshine (Mona Geen, 71 Hull street, Oamaru) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 10 to 19 years o£ age. ¥ * ¥ Blue Bettikins, (Molly M'lnnes, Clyde terrace, Kaitangata) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between the ages o£ 13and15 - * * * A Silent Comrade (June Christie, Toiro) would like to correspond with a boy who can dance or play the piano.