Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22025, 7 August 1933, Page 13

Dot's Little Folk

X\s Inaugurated July 16,1886. Q by th.e OTAGO WITNESS

Dot Invite* »hort letter* from h»r youn» friend* thrcmfhwri the Dominion on matter* of lnter**t to themtelr**. New member* must encloi# their name »nd *ddr*»*. These wm not be published, and are tor registration purpoeee only. Little Folk should writ* on on* ride of the paper only, and In Ink, and should address their letters, "Dot, oar* of Editor, Otago Dally Times." . . . , Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge, with pin, for ns* a* a brooch, la obtainable on application to Dot. Price I* fid, In stamps or postal note*.

THE WEEK’S POEM. We do not have these birds In New Zealand, children, but that does not spoil the poem for us. It Is written In an uncertain metre (or with an undecided " beat ”) In order to give a more vivid description .of the helpless buntings fluttering against the gusts of the winter wind. This is a poem which should be read aloud. C? DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ SNOJV BUNTINGS. They come fluttering helpless to the ground Like wreaths of wind-caught snow, Uttering a plaintive, chirping sound. And rise and fall, and know not where they go So small they, are, with feathers ruffled blown. Adrift between earth desolate and leaden sky; Nor have they ever known Any but frozen earth, and scudding clouds on high. What hand doth guide these hapless creatures small To sweet seeds that the withered grasses hold? t „ The little children of men go hungry all. And stiffen and cry with numbing cold. In a sudden gust the flock are whirled away Uttering a frightened, chirping cry, And are lost like a wraith of departing day, Adrift between earth desolate and leaden S ' K ‘ ‘ —Prank Prewett. WEAVERS OF WORDS. All children who have ever fallen In love with something which, from a grown-ups point of view Is not lovable but horrible, will like this extract. Poor little girl haying her hopes dashed so cruelly! And misguided nurse to speak to her as she did. (Of course, the nurse’s reasoning was all wrong, but that 'is not the point of the story.) Susan Miles has woven her words of this unfortunate little scene very well, has she not? * ¥ * PLUMBERS. I knew that in winter It would snow, for my brother had told me. I knew that snow was white and soft and altogether wonderful; but how white and soft and wonderful I did not know, being too young to remember winter. One day snow fell, and the garden was a new garden; the trees were new trees. There were Icicles. I marvelled that my brother had forgotten to tell me that there would be Icicles. How could a child see Icicles and not remember? Or frost on wirenetting, and not tell? I was happier than on my birthday; I was happier than on Christmas morning. “Selfish little pig,” said nurse. “\ou don’t think of the poor plumbers; nor you don’t think of their poor children. No breakfast for them, poor lambs! No nice porridge, no bacon fat; not when the poor plumbers can’t work on account of the frost. No fun in the snow, not for them. They wouldn’t have the heart. No more would you have the heart, not without you were a selfish little pig.” And my bacon choked me, because of the bitter knowledge that one couldn’t love Icicles nor frost on wire-netting, because of people called plumbers; hot “ without ” one was a selfish little pig.—Susan Miles. TO ALL. Dear Little Folk, —I believe that you are at present having your term examinations. Do not be afraid of examinations. They are the only means by which you can discover how much or how little you know, and, unless you realise that, you will never be able to better yourselves. I wish you clear heads and warm hands when you are writing your papers, and hope that you will all do your best.—Your loving DOT. LETTERS FROMLimE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit- of others, -r not for ourselves. Dear Dot. —Since I last wrote to you my little sister has come home from the hospital, and is quite well again. I have not missed any days from school yet. There are only four pupils In Standard 11. I have two brothers and four sisters. One of my sisters made a pot stand out of cigarette tins. My smallest sister is two and a-half years old. It will not be long until we have our term holidays. I like reading the Little Folk’s letters. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MAID OF THE SIjVAMP (Paretaf). [I am so glad to know that your little sister'ls better again, Maid of the Swamp. Yours Is a good attendance record at school. I look forward to bearing about your holidays.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Thank you for the name for the rabbit. It Is very wet here. My little sister Is out of the hospital now. lam glad to be able to Join your happy band. You have many Little Folk now. I like reading their letters. I go to Busy Bees on Saturdays. Love to all, and yourself. SKIPPING RABBIT (Otago), >fHow happy you must be now that your little sister is with you again. Skipping Rabbit. What do you do at Busy Bees?— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I wonder if you would receive me as yet another Little Folk? I will bo 16 on August 14. I did enjoy reading A Brown Study’s letter on her first dance, and also Little Pleasure’s one about her first ride on a horse. As I have not been at a dance I do not know much about them, but I can tell you of my first exciting pony ride. I cannot say first ride, as I had always kept the pony walking with me, but one day I thought I would be able to stick on when It was running, even though father said I had not to go out of a walk. As there Is always a thrill In forbidden things, however, I set her oft. and being minus a saddle, was soon feeling very sorry for myself. and wondering when and how the mad rush would end. You would think I had a form of St. Vitus’s dance! Every bone was aching, but I was not worrying about that, only -wondering If I would ever get off that pony’s back. But I soon found out, as there being a gate on the track the pony stopped dead, and I shot straight ahead right In a great pool of dirty water! So ended my ride, and the only sympathy I got from mum and dad was, ” I told you so." It was weeks before I would mount even a draught horse after that. I hope my letter Is not too long, but I promise to be more brief next time. Love to you and the family. Lit,A LEE (Stirling). [I am delighted to receive you, Lila Lee, and have much enjoyed reading the description of your ride. Write again soon.— DOT ' l ¥ ¥ . « Dear Dot,—l have often read the letters of the Little Folk; and have longed to Join your band, so I am writing this letter to ask you If I may. I have been 111 In bed with influenza for some days, and am Just gatting better again. Is St possible for me to have my mother’s name of Bobby Lennox in remembrance of her? 1 hope it Is I am 11 years of age, and am in Standard IV at school. I know Sally in Our Alley and Blue Butterfly, who go to the Waltahuna School. I have five brothers Alister, Stephen, Stewart, Stanley, and baby Elon. I am the only girl In the family. I must leave you now. I give my love to the readers and to you. BOBBY LENNOX (Waltahuna). [Welcome to Bobby Lennox’s Bobby Lennox. Of course you may use your mother’s name, dear. What a Jolly big family you belong to. Do your brothers pet you?—DOT.] ± * * Dear Dot, —We do not receive the Otago Daily Times now, and we cannot see our letters. 1 passed In my examination, tor my full marks were 292. There were a few things that we did not have. I am In Standard I at school this year. My father milks only one cow at night and ten In the morning. Spring will soon be coming, and we have not had any snow yet. One morning there was a little snow upon the Hokonuis. ANGB I, FACE (Southland). n am glad that you passed In your examination, Angel Face. Do you help with the milking or are you too busy doing your school lessons? —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —We milk one cow at night and ten In the morning. We have not had any snow but I suppose we shall have some soon ’ I am at present reading a book called " sugar Candy,” and It Is a good book. Sugar Candy was the nickname of a little airl whose proper name was Candace. My mtl'e sister. Phyllis, has started school now. One morning there was snow upon the Hokonuis The Presbyterian Sunday school a concert, and I was in It. Doesn t the frost look pretty hanging on the trees ? i knitting a singlet for my little sister, •nd I have nearly finished it. Then I am going to knit a beret and scarf for myself. DAD’S JOLLY COBBER (Mataura). i-,i Candy ” sounds as if It would "sweet" book, Dad’s Jolly Cobber. & rfces your little sister like school? I should like to know more about the concert you jrere in.—DOT.l

Dear Dot, —I have Just finished my homework, and thought I would write a few lines to you. We have 18 wee pigs. They are lovely wee things, as you Bald In a recent letter “ to all.” My brother has a pet cat, and the wild cats do not like It. We play cards here every Saturday night. 1 have won the prize, and also the consolation prize. I will close now, with kind regards to yourself and the Little Folk. LAVENDER MOON (Central Otago). [1 should like to see those 18 little pigs, Lavender Moon. Do not let the wild cats hurt the pet one. You must be a good card player.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —The nights are very cold and frosty, but the days are beautiful and sunny. We have great sport on the ice sliding and playing games. Our teacher takes us for drill on the ice. and it is great fun. 1 have not been for a ride lately, as our horse was caught In a wire and hurt her leg. and we have her turned out until she is better. Have you read "Evelyn Gray?” I || av ® just finished reading it, and thought It very Interesting. Love to all the Little hoik and your own dear self. LILY HAROLD (Paerau). [lt must Indeed be fun to have drill on the ice, Lily Harold. I hope your horse will soon be better. No, I have not read that book. —DOT.] * ¥ * Dear Dot, —May I become enrolled as one of your happy band? I was 11 on January 24, and am in Standard VI at school. Three of your Little Folk are my cousins. My mother is sick, and I am home from school looking after her. I have two sisters and one brother. We have a lovely fluffy rabbit, which we call Snowball, and two pigeons. We have started our term examinations now, so I hope I am not missing any. 1 came tenth In my class last term. How are you? Could you give me names for our two pigeons, please? Love to all, and your own dear sell’; My name, Mlrlel, means the spirit of music, which Is my nom de plume. "Happy be the man who works; Poverty visits him who shirks. I composed those lines of poetry myself. THE SPIRIT OF MUSIC (Dunedin). [You are welcome. The Spirit of Music. Is mother better by now? Yours is a pretty name. Call the pigeons Bill and Coo.— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —This Is my second letter to your page. Wo are still having frosty weather up here. I have a collie dog named Ned, two silky bantams, and two pencilled Hamburgs for pets. I go to the football every Saturday, and I enjoy it very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. qIANCING EYES (Otago). [Does Ned mind the frosty weather. Glancing Eyes? You have five delightful pets, I see.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Since I wrote to you last I have been filling In the winter evenings by knitting and reading. I have been knitting my doll an orange jersey, which looks very smart on her. The books that I have read are “ A Little Rhodesian,” “ Sandy and Co, and “ Molly’s Good Intentions,” and the one I am reading now Is " Duck Lake.” I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. NAN KNOCKABOUT (Oamaru). [I can Imagine how smart the orange Jumper looks, Nan Knockabout. What interesting titles those books have! —DOT.] * ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Thank you for having me as one of your Little Folk. We went away for our term holidays. We went up the bush one day and saw ferns and beautiful birds. I have made an oven duster at school, and am now making a handkerchief. My little sister takes oft her shoes and socks every chance she gets. She is nearly two, and Is a little trick. Best wishes. KATE OP THE DARK LASHES (Middlemarch). [You seem to have enjoyed your holidays, Kate of the Dark Lashes. What a pet that little sister must be. Please give her a kiss for me.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I have been very much Interested In your page in the Otago Dally Times, so I would like to Join your happy band. My grandmother made me a pair of sugar-bag overalls for setting traps, so that Is why I call myself Sugar-bag Joe. We are having holidays now. I am In Standard IV, and we have a football team. There Is a competition In football. There are the Southern. Northern. Eastern, and Western teams, and we are on top. The competition is for a banner. SUGAR-BAG JOB (Patearoa). [I am pleased to welcome you, Sugar-bag Joe, and should like to see you in your overalls. Congratulations to your good team. - DoT ’ ] ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —William Hunt, the American artist, has said: “ If the birds could read newspapers they would all he changing their notes. The parrots would exchange with the nightingales, and what a farce It would be! ” This was spoken to a student who had referred' to the different opinions of his critics. Hunt thought all critics were blood suckers, who waited for him to make a mistake, so that the editor would give them so much a line for their criticism on it, but he does not seem to realise that without some sense of discernment In an audience as well as In an artist we should be at a standstill. It Is not wise to lake notice of all that Is said, for some things are spoken in flattery or In Jealousy, which should not influence an earnest student. He must have the power to thrust as de all personal feelings and .choose a critic who is as equally Just as unbiassed In his opinion. Then would come Improvement Instead of the continual clash between the two professions. Criticism should help, not deter, and a Just critic will give his vent.ct no matter whose feelings are hurt. Suppose a Judge released a notorious criminal because he had been polite and gentle In his flattery, or condemned a man to life Imprisonment because he did not like the look of him? Would you call him sane? Everyone should be a critic In the true, helpful sense, but no one should criticise for Its own sake. The two sections I loath most In the world are those who try to win favour bv flattery and those who find fault whore there Is only fault in their own distorted vision. The former Is the worst pest though. littlb esKjmO (Green Island). TYes. true criticism is an art, Little Eskimo, it Includes the ability to , Kee .. ta ® good as well as the bad, to weigh them against some criterion, and to P ass J ucl °: ment on them. A 'wa vs, it should be absolutely impartial.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot.—May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? It Is not very cold here. I have a little kitten, and would like you please to give me a name for It. I have also a pup, which is very mlsch evous. I am knitting myself a scarf at school. e play hockey at school. As this is ray first letter I will close, with fond love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. STAR OF GOLD (Rae’s Junction). [You are welcome, Star of Gold, but I have altered your name because It did” ot make sense. Call the kitten Pan. —DOI.J ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —In Naseby skating was very popular, but a thaw prevented any skating for awhile. We shall start again later on. however. I have five correspondents through your page, and I receive very interesting letters from them all. Your page is still growing, and I think you must have a very large number of Little Folk writing to you. We had a hockey ball, and It was a great success, though there were very few fancy dresses. Love to all Little Folk and your own dear self. A NEVIS GIRL (Naseby). [You will all be glad when you can skate again, I Suppose, A Nevis Girl. 1 am glad that you have such interesting correspondents.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —Thank you for accepting me as one of your Little Folk. I was so pleased to see my letter In print. Some of the Little Folk’s letters, especially those from other countries, are interesting. No doubt you would read about the hoar frosts in Central Otago. Visitors passing through remark on the beauty of It, but we rather lose Its pleasure, as It Is generally accompanied by a dense fog. We have never had so much skating and sliding before, but as a big thaw has set in the Ice season will most likely be over. The creek beside our house Is In flood. We have had very heavy rain, and the ground being frozen could not absorb the water, so the crock soon became very high. In summer time this creek Is practically dry, and one could scarcely recognise the same creek Just now. so like a small river it has become. The small footbridge over which we pass going to school is washed away, making our route longer. At school we have games and races as well as drill on the cold mornings I am very fond of reading, and have Just finished “ Anne of Green Gables." I am now looking forward to reading "Anne of AvonJea. Have you read the Anne books. It would be splendid to own the series Now [must close. I wish I could write as interesting a letter as Little Eskimo. Love to yourself and all Little Folk. FOREST FUCHSIA (Oturehua). [I read about the beautiful frosts you have been having In Central Otago, Forest Fuchsia. The thaw came in good earnest,

did It not? Yes, I have read the “Anne" books. My sister owns the whole series.— DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot. —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am Just nine years old, and am In Standard 2. I like going to school. It is not very far. I have to go to the paddock for the cows. My brother used to get them, but he is not at homo now. It is raining and foggy up here. We have a little wee black calf at home. It is very wild. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear gg] J SUKEY SUNBEAM (Patearoa).

[Certainly you may Join, Sukey Sunbeam. Do you have fun when you are going for the cows? I should like to see the little black calf.- —DOT.] ¥ * *

Dear Dot, —We have been having very heavy rains, which spoiled the Ice for sliding. I walked four miles the other day to see a football match. Three of my sisters used to write to your page. I read the Little Folk’s letters every week. As letters are to be short I will close, with love to all. SUNSHINE SUSIE’S SISTER (Queenstown). [That was a good walk, Sunshine Susie's Sister. Did you enjoy the match? Perhaps it will freeze again.—DOT.] * >;• * Dear Dot, —Some time ago a strange little visitor visited our school. It alighted on the open window, where It sat for some time, and then It flew away. In a short time It returned. After looking round the room for a while It flew in and sat on the ventilator. The next morning we had a look to see If it was still there, and wo found it lying dead. Apparently the cold had killed It. The- little visitor was a pigeon. We have played one game of hockey, and we won by four goals to nil. I am knitting myself a Jersey. We are unable to slide now. as the rain has melted the ice. regards to the Little Folk and jourself. RATA WING (Cambrian). [What a sad end to such a happy visit. Rata Wing! Poor little bird! I hope you continue to do well in your hockey matches. - DOT - 3 * * « Dear Dot,—May 1 Join your band of happy Little Folk? I am in Standard HI at school. I have two little brothers and one sister. As we have been having very cold weather we have our holidays. Every morning and night one of my brothers feeds a rabbit. As the fields and hills are barren the stock has to he fed. I will close now and leave room for other Little Folk, POM-POM (Central Otago). [You are welcome, Pom-Pom. Do you take your little brothers sliding? How glad of their food the stock and rabbit must be !—DOT.] ¥ ¥ f Dear Dot,—May I Join your band of Little Folk? I am In Standard 111 at school. I have a grey kitten six months old. Would you please give me a name for it? I have been away from school for a month with whooping cough, and I hope It will soon be better. Love to everybody. HAPPY FELIX (Port Chalmers), [Welcome to Happy Felix, whose name I have had to alter. I hope you are better by now. Call the kitten Misty.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —In a recent Little Polk’s page 1 noticed you had In a letter about pigs. This letter Is about Mr and Mrs Pig, who live in our pig yard. One day Just before we had some rough weather we saw Mr Pig pulling out spikes from some tussocks. These he would carry in his mouth to their shelter shed, where Mrs Pig would scatter them about; and make a bod. This they would do until they thought they had enough to keep them warm. Do you not think it Is wonderful what animals can do? What a delightful little poem you had printed in a recent page about chrysanthemums. > Mother has had some realty beautiful large ones in bloom, and I thought the poem suited well. When mother was planting the roots she was told they would not grow down here. So you can Imagine mother’s Joy when they bloomed so beautifully. I miss Lily of the Water very much since she has gone away. Love to all the happy band, not forgetting the leader. QUEEN AVALON (Catllns). [How clever of Mr and Mrs Pig, Queen Avalon! Yes, animals are wonderful. 1 am glad that you liked that poem, and that mother’s flowers bloomed so surprisingly. —DOT.] * * Dear Dot, —I came top In my standard term examination. I am knitting myself a pair of slippers. My sister and brother had a holiday at Kaka Point, and they had a delightful time. We have a number of primroses and violets out, Love to all. PRINCESS VONIA (Catllns). [Congratulations on your position in class. Princess Vonia. Have you ever been to Kaka Point?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Llttl« Folk? I am 12 years old. I am a patient In tho Balclutha Hospital, and have been here for 19 months, and I am wishing I was back at school, as I miss ray old playmates. I was home for a week-end not so long ago. The weather was good, and I was able to play with my brothers and sister out-of-doors, which was a nice change for me after being in the hospital for so long. Kind regards. BLACKBIRD (Balclutha). [Welcome to you. Blackbird. I suppose you chose that name because you admire a bird which sings despite the weather. Perhaps you will be well soon, and able to play outside day alter day. I hope so, dear.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —We have our holidays now, and when we go back to school we shall have a new teacher. The baby is asleep now, and dad is wheeling her; mum is darning stockings; my big brother, George, is playing the piano ; and everybody Is trying to look at me while I am writing to you. So I think I will close, with love to all the Little FoIk ’ BI)ACK A rrqw (Becks). [lt is too bad the way grown-ups want to see what children are writing, is it not, Black Arrow? Never mind, you sent me your letter in spite of everything.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —There have been some heavy frosts here lately. Will you please give me the address of Fairy’s Daughter? I bad a good time at my birthday party. I had 12 presents given to me. My mother and father gave me a big celluloid doll with pink knitted clothes. As It is my bed time I will close, with kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. JUNE DEAR (Oamaru). [I cannot give you that address without the permission of Fairy’s Daughter, June Dear. What a jolly party you had ! And what a beautiful doll! —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I have a bonny heifer calf, and would like you to give me a name for it, please? I have a cow which I milk every night and morning. The weather at present is very showery. We had a game of basket ball against Duntroon, and we won with 20 goals to 3. We played Enfield, but we lost with 13 goals to 8. We had a tennis concert down here lately, and I did some drill. We are milking four new cows and feeding four calves. I notice that your page is growing larger every week. We have a brown hen sitting on 12 eggs. I am reading a book called “The Lost Thimble.” Have you read it? As space la limited 1 must close. RIN TIN TIN’S DOUBLE (Papakaio). [Call the calf Salome, Rln Tin Tin’s Double. You did well In the match against Duntroon. No, I have not read that book. Is It interesting?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —The weather up here is very cold with frosts and misty rain. 1 noticed by the letters that one of my cousins from Milton writes under the name of Dauntless. We had a concert down here lately in aid of a tennis court. I acted in the drill display by the school children, which was a f-reat success. It will soon bo term holidays, so we shall be having our examination. 1 notice every week that your page is growing larger. Two of my sisters are out working in tho country. I will close now, and leave room for other Little Folk. SIGHING SILVER POPLAR (Papakalo). [I should like to have seen that concert, Sighing Sliver Poplar. Were you dressed up for the drill display? I hope you do well in the examination, and have Jolly holidays. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I write to you to tell you or the sad occurrence which happened the other day My wee puppy was left In charge of my brother, and while he was taking no notice the puppy ran off, and we afterwards found it poisoned. We have had rain tor a day or so now, and I find it very tiresome. I have had skating this year. Have you? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. QUEEN VIOLA (Alexandra). [I nra extremely sorry about the puppy. Queen Viola. How sad you must have felt! 1 have not been skating, as I cannot skate. — DoT ' ] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I road A Brown Study’s letter, and thought It so interesting that I cut It out. I am reading a book called " Don Quixote.” Have you read that book? We are all starting to knit now. I am knitting a red pullover for mother. Lqve to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MARY VIRGINIA (Becks). [You must write on only one side of the paper after this. Mary Virginia. Yes, I have read that book. The pullover should be a great success,—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —At present all the trees are bare and the creek and ponds frozen over. Oh, the fun we have sliding on the ice! Sliding keeps one so warm these bitter cold days. During the fog all the fences, trees, and grass were beautiful In their pure white dress. I have a bulb in a jar on the mantelpiece, and every day it is bigger, so I am hoping it comes into flower. Gold mining Is very Interesting, as there are so many different ways of practising it. Kindest regards to all, and your own dear self.

CENTRAL SUNSHINE (Central Otago). [I see that you know the host of all remedies for a cold body on a cold day—-out-of-doors exercise—Central Sunshine. I hope the bulb flowers successfully.—DOT.]

Dear Dot., —This Is my second time of writing. I like the kitten’s name you gave me. I have five little bantams, and we receive many eggs from them. We have basket ball at school, and I like it very much. I belong to the Busy Bees, and I am knitting something. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. , ~ GOLDEN DAWN (Mosglel).

[You will be proud of your family of bantams, Golden Dawn. Are they atrald of the kitten? I am glad that you like basket ball.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your merry band of Little Polk? 1 cannot write very well, but my sister holds my hand while I write. I do not go to school, but stay at home with my mother and look after my wee brother. We have a black and white dog whose name is Nell. She is always chasing my wee kitten and' tho hens, home bulbs arc just peeping through tho ground, and this tells us that spring will be here soon 1 am two years old, but shall be three on August 17. Much love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk. THE SILVER CUP (Ida Valley).

(You are a very young Little Folk, The Silver Cup, but as your sister has taken such pains with your letter 1 am pleased to welcome you to my band. Will the pup obey you?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —As mentioned by Dick of the Dunstans I am sending you a photograph of the hoar frost near our school. Do you not think it makes a beautiful pictureOur Persian cat, which we lost at Christmas time, came home a little while ago. He Is as tame as ever, and seemed very much pleased to see us. We often wonder where he went to during the six months. VVe also have another cat, but she will not let any one nurse her but dad. DILL OP BAINBSSE (Central Otago).

[Thank you for the photograph, Bill of Bainesse, the first I have ever owned showing the beauty of hoar frost. And how glad I am about the return of the Persian wanderer. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—-May I join your happy hand of Little Folk? 1 have a yellow and white dog, and every morning it comes into my bedroom and pulls at the blankets until 1 get up. One day it followed me to school, and after we had been in school a while it came inside and sat under the teacher s chair and growled, and then pulled at his trousers. The teacher asked whose dog it was. I said it was mine, and then he told me not to bring it to school again. 1 will close now, with love to your Little Folk and your own dear self. GWENDA'S SWEETHEART (Lawrence). [Certainly you may join, Gwenda’s Sweetheart I suppose your dog knows now that, no matter how anxious he is to be a student, school is no place for him. —UUi.j ¥ ¥ V Dear Dot,—l have not written to you for a long time, as I have been busy. Mum was away and I was cook and housekeeper for the rest of the family. As there were seven of us, counting dad, you will know I had plenty to do, but the others helped me. We have another little sister, and 1 am glad to say she Is doing well. I am sorry to tell you that the black rabbit that Swagger’s Mate told you about was killed by a weasel. We found him being attacked and brought him in and kept him all night near the fire, but when we went to let him go in the morning he was dying. ' ' buried him in the garden. We were sorry to lose him, as he was here when wo came here. One day we managed to save him from a hawk. We saw the hawk swooping among the tussocks, and ran up the hill with the dogs and frightened It away. Best wishes to all - cow TRACKBR (Outram). [lndeed, you have been very busy, Cow Tracker. How lovely about the little new sister! I am glad that she is so well. I am grieved to hear about the poor rabbit. —DOT.] „ „ ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May 1 join your band of Little Folk? I am 14 years old, and am in Standard V. I have two sisters and three brothers, and I live on a dairy; farmon tho Talerl. I am in a school football team, and we had a tournament one Saturday. BRIAN O’LYNN (Otokia). [You are welcome, Brian O'Lynn. Can you milk? I hope the tournament was a great success.—DOT.] * ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Polk? I am 11 years of age, and In Standard V. I am In our basket ball team. We live on a dairy farm on the Talerl I have four brothers and one sister. SNOWY (Otokia). [Welcome to you, Snowy. I am sure you enjoy being in a basket ball team. —DOT.] % ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —This is my second letter to your page, and I must thank you for giving me the privilege of being a member of' your happy band. We had some heavy rain one week, but we have not had much snow so far this winter. Jack Frost has made himself busy by putting layers of Ice on the ponds, much to the delight of the skaters. I cannot skate, but I would like very much to do so. There was a big football match here on August 15, at which our local team had the honour of winning. Love to all Little Folk, not forgetting your dear self. WEEPING WILLOW (Central Otago). (Jack Frost has been making beauty everywhere this year, Weeping Willow. Perhaps you will learn to skate later. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter In print, also to know I was able to join such a large band. The name you kindly game for the rooster suits him very well. He is red in colour, and is ns proud as a laird always. I am a Guide, and so Is Queen Sunshine. Were you ever a Guide? Sunshine Alice was, but is not now. Did you go to tho picture, “On Our Selection? I did, and I enjoyed It very much. I will close now, with love to all and your own dear se^ lßY ,g DAUGHTER (Hlghcliff). [I am glad that the rooster likes his name. Fairy's Daughter, No, I was never a Guide. I did not see that picture, though I heard about it.—DOT.] * ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Thank you for letting me join your large band of Little Folk, and also for naming my cat. The hedge in the front of our garden had 46 trees, and three men cut them down in two days. There has been no fall of snow yet, but we see it on the hills when we go to school. We have had plenty of rain, however. I enjoy reading vour page, especially when the five Little Folk I know write. Kind regard* to you and all the Little Polk. PRINCESS OP FAIRYLAND (Otago). [Did you not hate seeing the trees cut down. Princess of Fairyland? It is always fun reading letters from Little Folk whom we know.—DOT.] ¥ -V- ¥ Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter In print. I am knitting a red jersey in stocking stitch. I went to a tea meeting the other Saturday night, and I was sick for a week after, but it was not the tea meeting that made me sick. I went to the " Sleeping Beauty ” play. I knew a girl who was dancing In it. We have been having wet weather here lately, and the paths are very muddy. For my sewing at school I am making a bodice for my skirt, and I have nearly finished it. We have sewing every Wednesday. I will have to close now, with love to all. SUNSHINE KISS (Dunedin).

[That was a fatal tea party as far as you wore concerned, was it not, Sunshine Kiss? Did you enjoy “The Sleeping Beauty.” Tho bodice will be useful. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —When one Is set a task to do —a little everyday duty—it Is best to do It to one’s utmost ability. Very often It is the little tasks that count, rather than the larger ones, but If such tasks are done well then it is a pleasure to behold them. If we stop to think there must be art in everything, for, If it was not present, what would be the use of pursuing anything better? Nature has a way of making u* work through all kinds of weathor. If we come to a rainy day we cannot put our work aside and say, “ It Is raining to-day, I will not work : instead I’ll sit by the fireside,” for usually something remain* undone We must do some work, no matter how dry the weather Is, how wet, windy, or fine, we cannot neglect certain duties. If It is wet, in many cases, one might hear the grumbling remark, “ Rain, rain, rain ' How disagreeable this weather Is ! Perhaps It Is so, but should we pull long faces go about as If life were not worth living when we could ho making the best of the circumstances? Surely there are others much worse off than wo arc? So, let us allow our gloom to look after Itself, and we may feel all the better for leaving a certain green-eyed monster called « Grumble ” alone. Let us think of something cheery we may do and prepare ourselves for another miserable day If needs be. I am sure it must bo very disheartening for anyone to ask a question and hear us reply tn a sullen, matter-of-fact tone. Once we get the least bit grumbly it Is not so easv to be cheery and look on the bright side of the wall. Yet we keep on grumb Ing. "Why 7” one might well ask, for it is an unusual and difficult question, and takes i good deal of thought. Resides grumbling about the weather we can grumble about other people, which, when looked Into, seems quite useless. In short, “Grumble is a deadly destructive and widely extravagant gnome to keep company with when “ cheerful ” Is close at hand. One little fact worth remembering Is If you are expecting something do not build your hopes too high, for it Is possible for delays to occur and you may be bitterly disappointed. Then you will grumble. The hardest thing to avoid is to wish for the unattainable. Thln"s far beyond our reach are coveted and "wanted, but we cannot do anything except press our noses flatly against the window pane and grumble, “ I wish I could get that.” Or, wo may gaze into the windows of a Jeweller’s and wish for a wickedly, glorious gem—the unattainable. However, if we work on, strive on, seek on. some day we may be able to supply ourselves with what at present Is beyond our means. So, it we are able to leave “ Grumble ” alone —rid the world of his unhappy presence—we may prosper. Let us be content with the beauties which surround us, and do not pine for things far above us. Nature has set before our path things to take notice of, talk about, and study. Sometimes, as the years pass, we may bo sorry we did not take advantage of life’s offerings. “Yes,’’ we may say, “ I had my chance, but what did

I do with it? I grumbled, until I wasted my chance, now it is too late.” Perhaps, for some of us, it might do us good to read tho future, but then we would know what to expect! Once again I say, “ Grumble not, it never does good.” What will happen In the future—l wonder? ROAMING IN THE GLOAMING (Sandymount).

[Thank you for your intelligent letter, Roaming in the Gloaming. 1 see that you have some ideas of your own on the subject of life. Your letter is somewhat long, but interesting enough to be left as you have written it.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —1 enjoy reading the Little Folk's letters, as some of them are very interesting. At present I am knitting myself a blue jersey. The knitting craze is to the fore again this year. I enjoyed myself at a Bible class social we had' the other week. Our Bible class invited another Bible class for the evening, and we played games. Our school teacher is leaving us soon, and we are going to have a new teacher. The W.D.P.U. is having a concert soon. The president is going to cut open the first birthday cake, which was made by one, of the members. I am going to it. Love to all the Little Folk and your, own dear self. FAIR LILY (North Otago).

[I am sure that that was a very enjoyable social, Fair Lily. If the W.D.P.U. birthday party is as good you will have » splendid time. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have had much rain, and there Is mud everywhere. I know a number of children who write to your page. We have a basket bail team at school. Granny's Dade is captain. We have not lost any games yet. We have a new teacher at school now, as our other one is away on sick leave. I must close now, with kindest regards. AORERE (Kakanul).

[The mud will go away, Aorere. Yours seems to be a good basket ball team. Are you competing for a cup?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Littlo Folk? I am seven years old. 1 like riding on the horses. I have two cats, and their names are Fluff and Topsy. My big sister is helping mo to write this letter. I have four pet lambs. I will close now, as I shall be going to bed soon. JOHNNY JUJUBE (Central Otago).

[Certainly you may join, Johnny Jujube, but I have had to alter your name. Can you ride on a horse when It is moving quickly? —DOT.] % V V

Dear Dot, —1 hope you are well, as 1 am Just the same. We had a light fall of snow, but it is all away by now. We have our school holidays now—a month and two days. Glossy Scotch Thistle and I have fun together. I think J will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MOUSIB MICK (St. Bathans).

[Yes, thank you, I am quite well, Mousle Mick. What games do you and Glossy Scotch Thistle play when you are having fun together?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you like the winter. Have you any chilblains? I have. What a number ot letters you must receive from the Little Folk! I am in Standard V at school. There are several miners about St. Dathans. There are not many birds about now, as they have gone away to warmer countries. The spring will soon be here. We have had some slight falls of snow. Our school has tables and chairs now. Love to you and all the Little Folk. LITTLE MISS RED COAT (St. Bathans). [Yes, 1 like the winter, Little Miss Red Coat, for, fortunately, I have no chilblains. The birds will come back when the winter is gone. I am pleased about the school. — DOT.] •V * * Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your big family? I would be pleased if you would publish my first letter. I have read with Interest the various letters from different children. I am in Standard IV at school. I have a little kitten called Biddy. Would you kindly give me a name for another cat I have? I also have a pet cow, and I call her Queenie. 1 have only one brother, and we each have a canary. As it is time to do my homework, I will close now. ORANGE BLOSSOM (Purakanul). [You are welcome, Orange Blossom. I publish all first letters, you know. Call the other cat Billy or Betty.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have been reading the letters from your Little Folk in the Otago Dally Times. So interesting are some of them that I would also like to write to you, if 1 may. I am 14 years of age, and I am in Form II at school. I live out In the country, which is very cold and wet lust now. I know Sunshine Kiss and Pride of Scotland very well. There are not many people who do not know about you and your Little Folk, are there? I am sure your hand must simply ache answering all your letters. Does it? I must close now, but I would be pleased if I might write again. Love to you and all your Little Folk. HAPPY-GO-LUCKY BESS (Otago). [Certainly you may Join, Happy-go-Lucky Bess. Yes, my hand does ache sometimes when there is a particularly heavy mall, but 1 would not do without one letter. —DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter In print, but have been a long time In writing again. We are having bad weather Just now. It rains every day, and my little brother cannot get out to play, which annoys him very much. I wont to see “The Sleeping Beauty ” on Saturday, Our teacher took Standard I and 11. I am reading a book just now called "The Sun’s Babies," and it is very interesting. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. PRIDE OF SCOTLAND (Fairfield). [Has your little brother no games he can play Indoors. Pride of Scotland? Did you enjoy the play? That is a very good book for you.—DOT.) V ¥ Doar Dot, —I have enjoyed reading your pages. I always like reading letters from overseas children. We have been having hard frosts lately, and It was cold getting up to go to school, to which I cycle three miles, and go In a bus for 11 miles. Wo had a High School social on July 14, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. Have you ever read a book entitled "Little Women?” I read it and liked it very much. Can you play the piano? I have been learning for nearly three years. In a magazine I read a story entitled " Blow It.” This Is it; “My sister while walking through a friend's bush house with a little girl aged two tore her frock on a creeping rose, and said, ‘ Blow it.’ Two-years-old at once bent down and blew the tear in her frock.” Do you not think this was Just like a little child? Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. GAUZY FIREFLY (Otago). [What was the social like, Gauzy Firefly? Yes, I have read and enjoyed that book. I cannot play the piano. What an amusing little story !—DOT.] -V* ' ¥ * Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band ot Little Folk? I shall be nine in September, and am in Standard 111 at school. I enjoy reading the letters in the paper. I have a little pony of my own, and a wee white rabbit, and a dog, which I call Pat. I am interested in stamps, and have an album of my own. I must close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. POLYNESIA (Central Otago). (You are welcome, Polynesia. What delightful pels you have. I should like to see your stamp album. —DOT.] ¥ * V Dear Dot,—What bad weather we are having—rain, rain ! X think there must be going to be a flood, 1 hope not, as there is enough mud about. How lovely the ducks will be thinking this weather! We had a burglar down here. He must have been pretty plucky. Our next door neighbours are shifting out of thoir place to go somewhere else. There was a tug-o’-war at Balclutha one Friday and Saturday night, and there is to be a big one this month, with £l5O for prize money. The first prize is £4O, so it will be worth winning. I will close, with IOV BLONDIE BLUE EYES (Balclutha). [Rain at this time of the year is seasonable, Blondle Blue Eyes. You will miss your neighbours when they move. Do you like watching tug-o’-wars?—DOT.] * V .y. Dear Dot, —I am always looking forward to Monday, as we receive the Otago Dally Times, and Dot’s Little Folk page is In it. I always read the Little Folk’s letters. My brother, Lord Lovat’s Nephew, won 500 Subtergrim lucerne plants at the Winter Show. Do you like when Christmas comes? I do, for 1 receive many presents from Santa Claus. Do you believe in fairies? I can play tunes on the piano. Do you like apples? I do. I was at a party a few weeks ago, and had a very enjoyable time. My auntie has knitted my sister and me a beret each, and they are both very smart. I received a box ot chocolates for my birthday. There Is a cousin of mine staying over at my granny's place. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. DARK ROSALBEN (Katea). [I like both Christinas and apples. Dark Rosaleon, and. although 1 have never seen a fairy myself, I shall always believe that they exist,—DOT.] ix * * Dear Dot, —The weather has been cold and miserable, with many frosty and rainy days. My sister, Topsy, who used to write to you is now married. We have two little grey rabbits, which we always keep shut up in a hutch, so that the cats cannot eat them. We also have two geese, one ot which is now laying. The hens and ducks are still laying, too. Love to all the Little Folk and your own doar self. MATA HARI (Taicri). [Did you go to Topsy’s wedding, Mata Hari? Yes, do not let the cats frighten the rabbits. What a number of eggs you must have.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot,—l was glad to see my letter in print, and also to know that I am now one of Dot's LitUe Folk. Thank you lor the name. It will do nicely. I live on a farm, ami we are milking 22 cows at present. I was 11 recently, and I received many presents. I am knitting a brown and orange scarf, but I am not progressing very fast. Wo have an old grey cat with two

kittens. She goes out hunting nearly all day. One day I saw her carrying home a little thrush to her kittens. Much love to you and your Little Folk. RAOGY LUG THE RABBIT (Purakanul).

[Do you help to milk, Raggy Lug the Rabbit? The scarf will be useful for you when it is finished. The old cat must be a very loving mother.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As this is the first time I have written to your page I hope you will accept me as one of your Little Folk. I attend the Port Chalmers School, and am in Standard 111. I have a dirty road to walk on, but I do not mind that as long as I can keep my feet warm and dry. I have a little Persian kitten, which I call Tiger, and my little brother gives it a very rough time if he gets the chance. I will tell you more about Port Chalmers next time 1 write. Kindest regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. TOSSIE TWO-SHOES (Port Chalmers). [I am pleased to welcome you. Tossle Twoshoes. You are wise to want to keep your feet warm and dry. Try to teach your little brother to be kind to the kitten.— DOT.] ¥ -A ¥ Dear Dot, —May 1 join your happy band of Little Polk? I am 12 years old. My birthday was on July 26, and I am in Standard VI. I have a grey kitten. Would you please give me a name for it? I have two brothers smaller than myself, of whom I am very fond, and one bigger than I am. I am at present staying with my grandparents. My parents are on the West Coast. Two of my mates are writing to you this week. Our dog, Ross, has a broken leg, but it is nearly right again, as it was put In splints. Kind regards to you and your Little Folk. A SNOW GIRL (Purakanui). [You are welcome. A Snow Girl, Do not write on both sides of the paper next time, dear. Y’ou could call the kitten Slumber. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I shall be glad if you will allow me to join your happy circle of Little Folk? I am 13 years old, and In Standard V. I have one brother younger than myself. We have a small farm overlooking the sea. We can see steamers going into the heads and coming out, and often we can see little fishing bouts. In tho morning we have beautiful views of the sun rising out of the water with all its brilliant colours. 1 have a little Jersey calf named Pansy. My brother has a wee calf, too, and he would be pleased if you would give it a name. I will close now-, seeing this is my first letter. Much love to you and the Little Folk. SISTER BIDDY (Purakanul). [Welcome to Sister Biddy. I should like to live on a farm like yours, for I am fond of the sea. Tell your brother to call his calf Apple.—DOT.) ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot.—May I join your band of Little Folk? It is very cold these mornings and nights. We play football at school, and It keeps us warm. Love to you and your Little Folk. CREAMY' (Oamaru). [Certainly you may join, Creamy. Have you a football team at your school?—DOT.] -Y- ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years old, and in Standard 11. 1 travel to school by train every day. My sister has started school, so mother is left at home all by herself. 1 cannot write any more now, as it is bed time. Love to you and all the Little Folk. STUMPY (Oamaru). [Certainly you may join, Stumpy. Do you have fun In tho train? Poor mother having to be left all alone!—DOT.] * # * Dear Dot, —I would be glad if you would let me join your band of Little Folk. I was 11 last December, and I am In Standard V. I have two brothers and a sister, and we all go to school by train. We have a little dog called Chum, and a black and white calf. Could you please give us a name for her? Love to you and all the Little Folk. BIG SNOWBALL (Oamaru). [Certainly you may join, Big Snowball. Is Chum friendly with the calf? You could call the calf Pierrette. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy baud of Little Folk? I am seven years old, and I am In Primer IV. I have two miles to go to school. I like school very much. I have a black Persian kitten. Would you please give me a name for it? Love to all tho Little Folk and your own dear self. MR TEDDY BEAR (Wlngatui). [Welcome to Mr Teddy Bear, whose name has had to be altered. Call the kitten Pom-Pom, and give it a cuddle for me.— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I was 10 the other week. We have been having very cold, wet Weather. There are bulbs coming up in my garden. We are ploughing now. I am sending for a badge later. I must close now, with love to all. LITTLE INDIAN (Walwera). [You are welcome, Littlo Indian. What sort of bulbs have you? You will like your badge.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I shall be very glad if you will allow me to join your band of Little Folk. I shall be 10 on May 24, 1934. . I am knitting a pair of slippers, and have one slipper done. I am in Standard II at school., There are 15 Children In Standard 11. My brother is painting a picture. Mother is washing the dishes. I will stop now. ROZINANTE (Cromwell). [1 am pleased to welcome you, Rozinante. What colour are the slippers? Can you paint, too?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your merry band of Little Folk? I shall be 11 on August 22. We played football one Monday against Standards II and 111. I am in Standard. 111, too, but I am in a different room. We have fires in school just now. Not long ago 1 read a book, which was very interesting. It was called “ Sonny.” Have you read it? One of my school mates told mo he had a sack of coal and a bag of wood stolen the other night. My brother and I went out chasing birds; the birds were waxeyes. At school wo have cocoa, and tho teacher allows us to have lunch in school. I have been looking for rabbits, but have not been lucky enough to find any rabbits. I wish I was out of doors all day. Love to you and your Little Folk. KING HAROLD (Cromwell). [You are welcome, King Harold, but if you want to be a good king you will never again chase waxeyes. I have not read that Interesting book.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —1 have been reading in the paper about your Little Folk, and have found it so interesting that I would' like to know if I could join your happy band. 1 am 12 years of age, and my birthday is on September 19, Five of the Little Folk go to my school. ■ Fairy’s Daughter and Sunshine Alice sit In front of me, while across the aisle are Princess of the Water Lilies and Princess of Fairyland. At school I am knitting a pair of tennis socks, and last term 1 made a pillowslip. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. PRINCESS FORGET-ME-NOT • (Hlghcliff). [I am pleased to welcome you, Princess Forget-me-not. Y'ou know several Little Folk, I see. How useful the tennis socks will be!—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Tho weather has been horrible lately, anfi I do not know when It will improve. It is a soaking, drizzling rain, and fog is hanging about. We'saw an aeroplane a littlo while ago, and it seemed to be wending its way through the rain on its way down to Invercargill or somewhere down south. I have a slight cold, which I do not think will leave me this weather. Your page is growing larger every week. I have a little cousin over in Australia who would very much like to join your band of Little Folk. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. KIM, LITTLE FRIEND (Otakou).

[We cannot hope for warm weather at this time of the year, Kim, Little Friend. I think your cold will go away if you see that your general health Is good. Tell your little * cousin to write to me.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It Is still very cold and frosty In Ranturly. but the days are beginning to grow a wee bit longer. We have been having rain lately, which is spoiling the ice for skating. I am afraid that we shall not bo able to skate much longer, ns we do not have a hard enough frost to freeze the water. Manlototo County beat Vincent County In football on Saturday, July 15. In both grades. The school girls’ team played Naseby and Kyeburn in hookey, and beat both teams, but only by a small score, and we enjoyed ourselves Immensely. I play as fullback in the team. Love to all tho Little B’olk and yourself. RED LIPS (Ranfurly).

[Perhaps you will have frost again after all, Red Lips. Those games must have been interesting. Congratulations on your place in the team. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —1 have not forgotten your page. I always look forward to Monday's paper to see the Little Folk's letters. You have a very largo band now, and you must grow tired of seeing all the mail in your letter box every day. I love being on the ice. and although I cannot skate I slide with other boys and girls. Many a time I fall over and hurt my knees, but that does not stop me from going on tho ice. Now, I must close, with love to the Little 800 and yourself. AN EARLY RISER (Ranfurly).

[I have a large mail, but I do not grow tired of it, An Early Riser. You will learn to skate when you are older, I suppose. You must have strong knees.—DOT.)

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I have one wee brother, whose name Is Robin. My sister has a dolly. Would you please give it a name? There was very heavy rain here the other day. Did you have rain? I will write again soon. Love to all. RED BERRY (Otago).

[Robin has a pretty name, Red Berry. Call the dolly Juliet. Ves, we had rain.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a short letter to tell you about my puppy. She is yellow and white, and we call her Lassie. Every time I go to school she tries to pull me back by catching my stockings with her teeth, and she puts holes in them. We have to smack her when she does this, but mummy says that she is too spoilt. I am in Book V at school, and I have a new teacher.’:? 1 go to school with A Little Ranfurly Lad. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. JUST ME (Ranfurly). [Lassie Is like all puppies, Just Me, and will grow out of her naughtiness when she Is older. 1 am pleased to know that you are In Book V.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I am seven years of age. 1 am in Standard I at school. My birthday is on February 5. The boys at Lowburn School played the Bannockburn boys at football. Some nights are very cold, and we like to sit round the Arc. It is very cold In the mornings, and we do not like to get up. Love to all. IVY LEAF (Otago). [Who won in that football match, Ivy Leaf? A fire is a favourite place on a cold, night, Just as bed is a favmurite place on a cold morning.—DOT.] 4> 4T* ¥ Dear Dot. —We have been' very busy at home lately, and I have not had much spare time. I was wondering it it was permissible for me to change my nom de plume, for I should like to change it from A Lass From Tearu to A Rambling Kid. Could you please send me some addresses of some overseas Little Folk who are willing to correspond with me? I must close now, with love to all Little Folk and your own self. A LASS FROM TEARU (Otago). [I have not let you change your name, A Lass from Tearu, because to do so will put me to too much needless bother. I answered your inquiry In Notes. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —This Is my second letter to your page. I like reading the paper. We have enjoyed skating this winter, but still we wish to have more. I have made a scarf for myself, and now I am making a pair of slippers. We have 144 stamps. Love to all. A RANFURLY LASS (Ranfurly). [I should want more skating, too, if I were able to skate, A Ranfurly Lass. You seem to be clever with your knitting needles. —DOT.] 4* •" ¥ Dear Dot, —It Is a while since I last wrote, as I have been ill. The winter has set In now, and skating is in full vogue. I like winter. Do you? The trees are very bare Just now, and the frost clings to them and makes a beautiful picture to draw. We have had fogs lately, which have made things very miserable for us all, We have nine lambs, of which two are Inside out of the cold, for they are weak. The mountains are as white as can be, for the snow is frozen stiff. There were 14 degrees of frost one Wednesday. I received a book from my teacher, the name being “ Six Star Ranch,” by Eleanor H. Porter, Have you read It? Kind regards to all. ROSEMARY (Otago). [Yes, I like winter. Rosemary, even to its fogs. I hope the lambs will soon be strong. I have not read that book. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Mother has promised me that I may ask White Dove to stay with me . these holidays, so I am looking forward to it. I have a little brother who has had his finger taken off. I have three correspondents In America, and I am looking forward to answers to my letters. I had a very small ginger pony whom I called Tim, but to my disappointment dad sold him, so I have to ride a young black one named Trixie. My old pony, Tiny, had a foal on Christmas Eve. Could.yon please suggest a name for him? Grey Dove and Rata Wings were two of my school mates when I wont to Cambrian School. As it is bed time I will wish you and your happy band good night. SNOW-TOPPED MOUNTAIN (Otago). (How sad about your little brother. Snow-topped Mountain. What happened to his finger? I think you should call that foal Noel. —DOT.] ; 4? ¥ ¥ Dear DoL —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and my birthday is on January 24. 1 am always Interested In reading Dot’s Little Folk’s letters, and would like to become n member. I am staying up at my sister’s place, and like it very much. I have a little grey pussy cat, but It is starting to thieve things, and 1 do not let It inside very often. One day there was a fall of snow. I walk three-quarters of a mile to school, and take my luncheon. There are card parties up here every Saturday night, and I go, but I do not play. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear old self. FLOSSY TOP (Paerau). [You are welcome. Flossy Top. Can yon not teach the puss better manners? I suppose that your walk to school makes you warm and cosy all day.—DOT.] 4- ¥ 41 Dear Dot, —The weather up here Is very, cold Just now, but it is not so bad when there Is Ice to skate upon. I am learning to skato, and I like it very much. We had a heavy boar frost up hero, and the trees, hedges, and shrubs looked beautiful In their white coats. Although we all like winter sports I am sure we shall Jjc glad when spring comes and the little'' lambs will be seen in the fields and the spring flowers will make their appearance In the gardens and everything will be fresh. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self BETTINA (Ranfurly). [I see that, like most Little Folk, you like skating, Bettina. I heard about your pretty hoar frost. Do you like little lambs. —DOT.] *P Dear Dot, —May I Join your band of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age, and in Standard VI at school. Everybody Is very keen on skating up this way. There was a carnival held on the ice up at Oturehua one Saturday, and it was delightful to see all the good skaters and different games being played. We have a new relieving teacher, but we are having a permanent teacher in about three months’ time, so we are having a change of teachers lately. We played Naseby in hockey one Saturday, and I was looking forward to it. Love to all your Little Folk and your o"” dCar BCtf HIGH JINKS (Ranfurly). [Welcome to you, High Jinks. Did you take part In the carnival? Yes, you do seem to be having a variety of teachers.— DoT ’ ] Dear Dot. —I have a hut with a fireplace In it, and after school I light a fire In If, and it is nice and warm while I read my comic book. It 1s delightful. It has been raining very hard. That will spoil the skating. Nows is scarce. I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear 6el ’ SIR WEARY WILLIE (Ranfurly). [You lucky Little Folk to have a hut ot your own. Sir Weary Willie. Many a grownup Is not so well off as you.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —As last I have managed to pen a few lines to your page. I have been going to write for goodness knows how long, but have never nfanaged to get it done until to-night. I always read your letters now that they are in the Otago Dally Times, and enjov them very much. We are having cold weather up here Just now, but we have been fortunate regarding snow so far, having had no really very heavy falls this winter. The frost which we had three or four weeks ago made up for the lack of snow, however. Cold ! We just went around shivering, but oh It was pretty! Every bush, tree, and fence was clothed in a cloak ot shimmering, glittering white, which sparkled and shone in the sunlight. It was really worth seeing, and we took some pretty snaps o£ the trees and bushes. As this is my first letter I shall not make it too long, but shall finish up now. By the way, 1 have not asked it I may Join your band of Little Folk. Jifoy J f 'DAY-DREAMER (Central Otago). [Certainly you may Join, Day-Dreamer. I wish I had seen that hoar frost. Are you fond Ot taking photographs?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is very cold and frosty in Ranfurly Just now, and we have beautiful I pictures on our windows made by the frost in the morning. I am in Standard IV, and I hope to pass into Standard V this year. Our Junior class teacher left our school, so we now have a new teacher. My sister Is writing to Princess Pat. There was an Ice carnival at Oturehua on July 8, but I did not go. Love to ail the Little Folk and yourself. PUZZLE ME (Ranfurly). [I know the beauty of frost pictures, Puzzle Me. Could you paint any as beautifully? I am sorry that you did not see the carnival. —DOT.] 4’’ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I be a member of your happy band of Little Folk? Recently we cut down a macrocarpa tree for firewood. As the ends were topped off I carted them away to burn. As the branches were green it was hard to start the fire, so I gathered some dry gorse which was lying rounf about. The gorse made a fine blaze, on which I threw the green boughs. The fire burned merrily for some time. Then I must have smothered It with green branches, for it appeared to be out. I buzzed round in everybody's way, until dad said, "Go and sit on the heap of branches.” I did so until suddenly I felt myself growing warm, and smoke belched up and nearly choked me. I jumped up very quickly as the flames leaped higher and higher. The others laughed heartily, and dad said I must have hatched the fire. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. BUCKING BRONCHO (Wakari). [You are welcome, Bucking Broncho. That was an unusual experience, was it not? What a fright you must have received!—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I have had a letter from The Wild Irishman in Ireland, and found his letter very interesting. I have also written to Swimmer in Africa, so am waiting patiently on a letter from him. We are having a very mild winter this year, although we have had some very severe frosts. My girl friend and I were at a football match the other day in Roxburgh, and had an enjoyable time. I have just finished reading an Interesting book called “The Forbidden Road.” I thought it was very exciting and thrilling. The garden is looking bare Just now, as we have only a tew violets In bloom. I noticed a number ot our daffodils well above the ground. Golden Sunbeam’s retiring letter to the page wai very interesting. I always looked forward to seeing her letters In the paper. She is one of my corespondents, and I suppose she will be thinking I am a fine one, as I have not written to her for a while. With love and best wishes to you and all the Little Folk. . , . ' MOTHER'S CURLS (Edlevale). [You have Interesting overseas correspondents, Mother’s Curls. What is that book about. Yes, Golden Sunbeam was a very good writer to the page.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I have not been for any rides lately, as the ground is so wet and muddy. Dad is coming on with the gold mining. He is In over 60ft now, but he hopes to get in about 80ft. Everywhere one goes now there is someone mining. I have not been to any Guide meetings lately, but have Just sent away my company letter, which Is very interesting. It is a book with pictures and letters in It. Our captain goes to a great deal ot trouble with it. t shall soon be getting my second class badge now, and shall be pleased when I receive it. We have two lieutenants in our company, and three patrols. I am knitting ' a scarf at school, and also a pair of baby s boots, which are going to he a light blue. The weather has been unsettled lately. One day it started to snow at mid-day. and yet it was a clear evening Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. LITTLE SHEPERDESS (Miller’s Flat). [I suppose your horse would slip If you rode when the ground tvjs muddy. Little Shepherdess. I am glad that your father is progressing at Ms mine. How interesting about the company letter! —DOT.J • OLD WRITERS’ NOTES. Ivanhoe (Mr M. H. Ramsay. .114 Earn street, Invercargill) is endeavouring to compile a register of past and present Old Writers in connection with the Jubilee in 1936 .He would be pleased to hear from those willing to supply names, addresses, and noma de plume, and. where possible., year of first writing to Dot. Acknowledgments will be made periodically in Hub column. OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week: — Winnie the Pooh, Wings of White, Little Pisrev Porker, Another Annie Laurie, Autumn Goddess, Storm Bird, Golden Guy, Daddy’s Glrleen, Mr Hop o Long Cassidy, Plney Ridge, Chinook, and Pal of Dad. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — Daddy’s Kiltie Lass, who will be 12 on Wednesday. Thistledown Fairy, who will be 10 on Thursday. NOTES. Sweet Jenny Lee (Central Otago), The Blue Eyed Blonde (Central Otago), Tom Thumb (Kurow), Chatterbox (Alexandra). — You omitted to send your private names and address. Do so, and I shall be pleased to enrol you as members of my band. DOT. * ❖ * Little Eskimo.—ln answer to your questions. (1) Decidedly. (2) Katherine Mansfield, (3) Writing about something of which you have only Imaginary instead of personal knowledge. (4) long and covering too much time. It is almost a novelette. I shall be glad to do this tor you at any time you desire. Best wishes. DOT. * * * Little Pleasure. —The fudge was as delicious as the recipe suggested it would be. Thank you very much for it. 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 those companions should send the first letter.—DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ Rita Rio (Elsie Wtngham. Oturehua) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between the ages ot 15 and 18. * * * Cuddlesome Curly Locks (Sophie Dunbar, North Branch, Milton) would like to correspond with Lavender Fairy. * ¥ ♦ Merely Mary Ann (Frances Sutherland, Post Office, Palmerston) would like to write to any Little Folk between the ages of nine and eleven. 5jJ ■ ... Cowboy Joe (Margaret Jennison, Middlemarch) would like to correspond with any Little Folk Interested In sports and ballroom dancing, of either sex, between the ages of 16 and 18. ¥ ¥ ¥ Miss Bleeding Heart (Dollena Gunn, Tolro, via Balclutha) wishes any Little Folk aged 12 to 14 to correspond with her. ¥ 41 ¥ A Starlight Fairy (Beatrice M. Gunn, Tolro, via Balclutha) would like to correspond with any Little Folk willing, aged 10 to 12.