Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22121, 27 November 1933, Page 13

Dot's Little Folk

u byttxe OTAGO WITNESS

Iv 7 IravuOuraied July 16,1886,

Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to themselves. Letters are to be written under a nom de plume', which, once chosen, cannot be changed by the writer. New members must enclose their name and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only. Little Folk should write on one side of the paper only, and in Ink, and should address their letters, " Dot, care of Editor, Otago Dally Times."

Dot's Little Folk’s Badge, with pin, for use ss a brooch, is obtainable on application to Dot. Price 2s 6d, In stamps or postal notes.

THE WEEK’S POEM. Here Is a poem about gardens, my Little Folk. Although man likes gardens to be neat and formal, Nature likes them to be untidy, and. If given a chance, ■will see that untidy they are. As I am writing you such a long letter To All this week, I am not giving you a Weaver of Words, extract. DOT. V GARDENS. Gardens are funny things. You never know Just what to look for. Perhaps a weed will grow Right where you planted Bleeding heart,: or phlox. And in a far-off corner By the fence, you’ll find Red columbine. The four o’clocke. Have lost their dlgnlty,They will not stay In one straight row, Instead, they spread And form a ragged border Near the walk. Violets are possibilities. Each year They spring up volunteer. The climbing rose Runs riot in the spring And covers everything. The lilac bushes by the gate Sprawl carelessly Across the gravel path. And la the pansy bed to-day A wilful dandelion Nosed its way And stood above,the rest. Gardens are funny things. . Billy B. Cooper. TO ALL. Dear Little Folk,—One of my most conscientious writers has written to ask me what our motto —“W*’write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves ”•—really means. The letter says: "I have not followed the dictum of our motto because I consider It utterly impossible. Am I then still entitled to write to the page? ” Yet, strangely enough, each letter sent by that Little Folk obeys our motto perfectly. What do we mean, when we say that we write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves? If you look at the notice at the top of the Little Folk's page and you will observe that it says that Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations la the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district In which they live, of their school and homo life, holiday trips, ■ etc.—-a wide range, as you will agree. Yet the difference between writing letters on these subjects to one’s friends and letters to be printed in Dot’s page is that, in the firat case, the letters are private and can contain private news, and, In the second case, they are written for the benefit of others, .not for the writers’ selves. Hence, news which may Interest one’s aunt or sister is not always suitable for publication, the writer having to remember that not one pair, , but hundreds of pairs of eyes read his letter, and that, consequently, he must make that letter pleasing to those eyes. I find—and I think you will agree. with me—that the Little Folk who selects qae subject and writes almost wholly about It, composes a better letter than the one who writes a sentence or so on a great many subjects. The former may be as personal as he or she chooses; Indeed, the more personal and original such a letter Is, the more It appeals to the reader. It need not be long, but it can still be Interesting. I remember one of the best letters In the page for a particular week was one only about an inch In length written by a very young Little Folk who described how she had nearly lost herself while going for the cows. Such a simple Incident! But how living It was ! You may object here, that I am asking you to write, not letters, but essays; but I disagree. - The beauty of a letter Is that It con be more delightfully Intimate and personal (read some of the letters In this Issue) than an essay. An essay, compared with a letter, Is cold and formal. And, when one knows how. It Is very easy to write what we call a " good ’’ letter. The first Dot, over 45 years ago, made this page for letter-writers, and gained some marvellous results. I, as a successor of that Dot, am still concerned with letter-writers, my hopes being that, because you have been members of this page,; you will some day write very much better in every way than ;f you had not been so. When you write for the benefit of others, not for yourselves, you merely see that what you have to say will be of interest to those who read the Little Folk letters. Your range of subjects Is still as wide as ever, wider really, for there are some things you can write for publication which you would not write for any private friend. Everything is worth attention, and, It it has been interesting to you at the time, It will be Interesting to your readers when it is in print. And remember the most interesting things to read about, and the things that make the best letters, are not always the big, exciting things, but the everyday,- commonplace things described in the way that appeals to each of us personally. Now, I have already taken up too much of your space, so I must end this discourse which I have given you only because I want to help you as much as I can, For you see, my Little Folk, I am ambitious for you all and have very high hopes for your future. I suppose It is because I look upon you all •s my own. and a mother has a right to be ambitious, has she not?—Your loving DOT.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —It 1b almost time for school, sit I am taking a few minutes to write this letter to you. It will be soon school examination time, and Christmas too. I hope to pass into Standard 111 next year, and I think I shall If I work hard. My sister Is knitting with a " knitting nancy.” It will be very pretty when it Is finished. Now I must go and post this letter. Kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself. AN EARLY KISER (Ranfurly). [What Is a “knitting nancy?” An Early Riser? I should like you to explain it to me. I, too, hope that you pass into Standard 111 next year.—DOT.] # # Dear Dot, —I must write to you again, although I have not much to tell you. I have noticed that your family is growing larger and larger every Monday. I planted some peas a while back, but the birds flew oft with them, so I shall have to get something to frighten the birds away. I have a fishing rod, but 1 have caught only one fish, as I have not had my license very long. Now I will bring my letter to an end, with best wishes to the Litle Folk and yourself. PUZZLE MB (Ranfurly). [My family is always growing, Puzzle Me. You should have covered the peas with lines of black cotton, and then the birds would not have found them.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Two of my sisters are very much Interested In Nature study. We shall soon be starting to shear. Two of our shearers are here now, and there Is one more to coma. When the sheep are dry they will be shorn. Our pet cat, Plnkey, has three little kittens—one black, one black and white, and one grey like herself. They are Just big enough to run about now. Love to the Little Folk and yourself. BROWN-EYED SUB (Miller’s Flat). [Will you, too, be Interested In Nature study when you are older, Brown-Eyed Sue? Shearing time Is a busy time. I should like to see Plnkey’s kittens. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ * Dear Dot, —Please may I join your band it Little Folk? My two sisters write, and I like reading the letters. We would have begun to shear, but it rained, making the sheep wet. My two sisters and I are learning to play the piano. My oldest sister and I have been learning for nearly three years. Love from a new Little Folk. JUST NANCY (Miller’s Flat). [You are welcome. Just Nancy, who la learning to play the piano. I should like to hear you and one of your sisters playing a duet. —DOT.] * ¥ * Dear Dot, —I am sorry that 1 did not write to your page sooner, but now that our third term examination has begun I am busy learning my lessons for It. The farmers here were beginning to be anxious about the season’s prospects owing to the dry spell, but one Saturday It commenced to rain, and a good fall occurred, with the result that crops and pastures have much improved, A wedding of local Interest took place here the other day, the bride having been born In Duntroon. Some of the bride’s friends decorated the church for the occasion. I will close now. with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. A FOOTBALLER’S SISTER (Duntroon). [I hope you do well in the examination, A Footballer's Sister. How pleased you would be when the rain came. Did you see the bride In her white frock? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years old, and in P 4 at school. Our mothers came to see us at school one day, and I recited. Daphne-de-Ore Ss my sister. I like school, as there are plenty of playmates. I will - close now to leave room for all your older writers, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.

DADDY’S BROWN-EYED CHICK-A-BIDDY (Balclutha).

[You are welcome, Daddy’s Brown-Eyed Chlck-a-Blddy. What was the name of the poem you recited? I am glad that you like school.—DOT.] « « «

Dear Dot, —I have not written to you for a long time, so I have a good deal to tell you. I have two little chickens at home, and my oldest brother has a little calf, so could you please tell me a name to tell him to call It? We had a hot summer day, but that afternoon It grew very cold, and started to rain. Please will you give me the address of Silver Shoon? We are having our examinations, and then it will soon be our Christmas holidays. I must close now, as It Is near my bed time. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear selt. FAIRY FOOTFALL (Pukeuri).

[Tell your brother to call the caU Cushla, Fairy Footfall. I cannot give you Silver Shoon’s address unless I have permission to do so.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Once again Christmas and Old Writers’ Week are nearly here. The year has taken wings, for it seems no time since the winter. I have been helping a neighbour while her husband was ill. The young men of the district have been very busy fishing every spare evening since October 1. I am afraid the fish cannot be very plentiful. However, they say that they are more easily caught when the Waiau is lower. My brothers are preparing for their season’s work. Two are away mustering already. We are soon to . start shearing our young sheep. It has been a very good spring and winter. The kowhai and clematis were lovely this year, though the hot winds soon mado them fade. We have a radio now. I love to hear the Maoris singing. One night we heard the Maori love song “ Hlnemoa.” It was delightful, and shows what great musicians the Maoris are. I will wish you you and all Old Writers a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. BROWNIE ELF (Otautau).

[Your neighbour would be thankful for your help, Brownie Elf. Yes, this has been a very good spring. Everybody seems to like the singing of the Maoris.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —An old mother duck brought out 12 little ducks. Six were not very strong so we kept them cosy and warm inside for two days. I gave them a little saucer of water, and didn’t they enjoy their first splash? When we took them up to their mother they kept running after us. They were so sweet and fluffy and yellow. There is among our lambs a pure black one, which we are keeping always, so I should be pleased if you would suggest a name for him. He looks like a little black dog among the other lambs. I went to the Guides’ second birthday picnic and cooked my dinner outside. The cake had two flags waving on It. G,ood-.bye till I write again. Love to all and your dear-self. . . FRIEND OF THE FAIRIES (Miller’s Plat).

[When the baby ducks were happy did they make dear little peep-peep-peep sounds, Friend of the Fairies? You call the lamb Comma because of the black commas his pretty wool forms.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How quickly the years go round! It Is lovely to be awake these mornings about 5 o’clock and hear the birds singing their morning songs. They seem busy also building their nests. It Is great to find a nest near the house, for scraps of dress material that have been swept out and other such things may be found In It. I read where a gentleman lost a £1 note and found part of it In a bird’s nest. I hope he found the other part. I am rearing a Jersey calf again for the school competition. Last year my calf, Fairy, came second. 1 hope to show her this year at our local show. She Is very lovable. I have ten chicks and another lot coming out. One Sunday night I was listening to a minister at the Church of Christ’s children’s session, who was speaking about birds. He said that tern (sea birds) fly further than any other birds, for they fly from far south to far north, where they lay their eggs and bring out their young ones, and when the young ones are old enough to fly they return with their family south again. I have often beard them on dark nights flying past and making a weird sound. A merry Christmas to all. PRAIRIE CHIMES (Stirling).

[Awakened early, I heard the birds at dawn the other morning, Prairie Chimes, and can agree with you as to the charm and bustle of their song. I hope you win a prize with your, calf this year, too. How Interesting that address must have been ! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The days are growing warmer, and the flowers are all coming Into bloom. Each week as I read your page I see that there are some very interesting letters about spring and adventures. At school we are starting to practise singing and plays for the school concert, which is at the end of the year. Two or three weeks ago one of our ducks sat on 16 eggs, and hatched out 13. Three or four years ago I used to love taking the birds' eggs and killing the young ones, but now, as I am getting older, I think it is very cruel to take birds’ eggs and the young ones. Kind regards to all. GREEN WINTER ROSE (Balclutha).

[I should like to hear more about the school concert, Green Winter Rose. How proud of that duck you must be! lam delighted to hear what you say about birds and their eggs.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I thought I would tell you about a trip we went one Sunday to Omakau. On the way we saw a big carved cairn, put there In memory of the men who were killed In the big snowstorn In 1863. Before we reached Alexandra we saw many huge rocks of curious shapes. I thought they would be interesting to play among. When we reached my auntie’s place we had a good time playing with our cousins. We had a ,number of little lambs when snow was falling on the hills. My little brother has some chickens, and my big brother has a pet lamb. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. BIDDY O’TOULB (Miller’s Plat).

[That was an interesting trip, Biddy O’Toule. I have seen that memorial cairn. Did the snow kill any of your baby lambs? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Glorious rain is falling, making the valley a rich green. Our sheep are being shorn, so they must feel tho cold. I wonder how they like being In the woolshed every cold night. I cannot go over as the men have not had my complaint—whooping cough. Daddy Is up now after his bad accident. Please could you find a name for a wee roany calf? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. CENTRAL SUNSHINE (Central Otago). [I hope that you will soon be free from whooping cough and able to go outside even in the cold. Central Sunshine. I am glad that daddy is better again. Call the calf Patchwork. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Seeing I am homo from school with the mumps I thought I would write to you again. My brothers and sisters have had the mumps too. We had our photographs taken on my brother’s foal, and they are very good. We have five wee baby bantams, and they are very small and fluffy. We have a big paddock opposite our place, and it Is covered with water. One day there were two ducks swimming about In the water. We will soon be having our Christmas holidays. We are having our examinations at school soon, and I hope to pass. As this is all the news I have I will close, with best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. DADDY’S SWEETHEART (Dunedin).

[Mumps are nasty things, are they not, Daddy’s Sweetheart? How pretty the baby bantams must be. I suppose the ducks thought your paddock was a lake.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Two years have passed since I last penned a few lines to the page. ' I wonder how many people sit down to a cup of tea and never think where it comes from? Tea was first Introduced Into England about the middle of the seventeenth century, when It was a great luxury, and brought from £6 to £lO a pound. It Is obtained from an Asiatic plant, native property to China, Japan, and India. Up to about 1885 the greater portion of the tea Imported Into England came from China; the bulk Is now obtained from India and Ceylon, although China tea of good quality is again working Its way into favour. Green tea and black tea differ by reason of the method of their drying and preparation for tho market, the former being roasted after but short exposure to the air, and the latter after a longer exposure. Sincere good wishes to the Little Polk and your own dear self. LADY PIXIE (Otago).' [I hope you will not let another two years lapse before writing to me another such Interesting and Informative letter as this, Lady Pixie. Thank you for it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you are not thinking X . have forgotten you. I thank you very much for enrolling me as one of your Little Folk. I hope you are well and enjoying the summer. Tenuis has started here, and the baths are open, so the children going to school will be able to go there on the fine days. I hope this finds you in the best of health. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. WHISPERING PINE (Kaltangata). [Yes, I am well and enjoying the summer, thank you, Whispering Pine. Arc you able to swim?—DOT.] * V V Dear Dot,—l was pleased to become one of your Little Folk. Yes, I am the eldest of the family. We are having our examinations just now. We live right beside the Gatlins River. It is a very pretty river. There is a waterfall about two miles from our house, and all along the banks stand the beech trees. I will close now, with lovo to all the Little Folk and your own dear seif. BLUE-EYED PAT (Gatlins).

[I am glad that you are a Little Folk who lives In a beautiful district, Blue-Eyed Pat. I have heard much about your pretty river.—DOT.] * -V ¥

Dear Dot,—l liked your answer to me very much, and liked the names for the animals. We have another rabbit now’. Could you please give me a name for it, too? We still have Caper, but Pit-a-pat has gone to another. I liked Dingle for the rabbit’s name. My brother and I are back at school again now. As it is nearly bedtime,' good night Dot. MICHAEL-THE-MOUSE (Matakanui). [I am glad that you liked the names I gave you Michael-the-Mouse. Call the new rabbit Jewel, and never forget to feed it, no matter how busy you are.—DOT.] * ¥ •¥ . Dear Dot, —It is a good while since I last wrote to you. I have been in bed ill. The doctor came to see me one morning and told me that I had Inflammation of the glands, and he sent me some iodine to paint my neck with, and some tonic to take. We shall soon be having our examinations, and then holidays. I am reading a book, a present, called “ The Three Calenders.” Have you ever read it? Two of my uncles used to write to your page, and they went under the names of Go-hon and Don’t You Know. Can you still remember them? They may be writing again In Old Writers’ Week. Kind regards to Dot and her large family. SPRING SNOWDROP (Waltakl Hydro). [I hope that by now your glands are better; and you are able to go to school, Spring Snowdrop. Yes, I have read that tale. It is from “ The Arabian Nights.” I have seen letters from those two uncles.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Recently my sisters and I, taking our lunches, decided to go for a picnic.' It was a perfect day, and we set off with light hearts. After walking a few miles we came to the spot we had chosen, and after boiling the billy we sat down and had luncheon, after which we set off to explore further up the creek. What a beautiful sight it was, with masses of overhanging willows, and the clear, cool stream rippling forth on its way! Now and again where there was a steep bank, tall bronaza and wild briars grew, the undergrowth being covered with soft, damp moss where wild plants and flowers of all kinds grew, with the little stream pushing its way through, after falling down the steep banks. Soon we came to some gooseberry bushes and sat down to fill our empty baskets, after which, tired but happy, we set off on our return Journey. Lately I have been trying to learn to ride the bicycle, but whether it is that I am nervous or Just frightened, as soon as I am left to battle away by myself, over I go flat on the ground, the bicycle on top of me, after wobbling from side to side for a few seconds. ■ How I envy my sister when I see her riding about everywhere without the slightest bit of trouble; and I straightaway resolve to show her that I can ride, too If I like, but that is generally as far as I get, for my courage falls me when It comes to doing it. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. FLORIDA (Otago Central).

[I liked reading the description of your walk, Florida. It must have been a delightful one. And do not cease trying to rjde. Little by little confidence will come to you, and then the benefit gained from your previous attempts will be apparent.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have two pet lambs, and we call them Heck and Bill. We have another new calf, and It Is a red and white one, and I like it too. There is a new concrete tennis court at our school, and when it Is finished and fenced we are going to play on it. Love to all. PADDY’S PET (Clinton).

[Are Heck and Bill friendly with the new calf, Paddy’s Pet? What fun you will have on the new tennis court! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my first letter in the page. As it is a long time since I last wrote to you I will take my pen now. One week we had a heavy frost for this time of the year. It spoilt all the fruit, and blackened the walnut trees. Ail of the broom bushes are growing yellow. The birds are chirping, and some of them are looking for food tor their little ones. We had a heavy rain shower which would not do any harm to the crops. The lambs are merrily playing in the paddocks. I will close now, with love to all and your own dear self. POM-POM (Central Otago).

[I am sorry to hear about the frost, Pom-Pom. Broom is pretty at this time of the year. I suppose you were pleased, rather than sorry, when you saw the rain fall.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am going to tell you about Kalkoura, as I promised. Kalkoura thoroughly justifies the name given It by English visitors of “ The Scarborough of the South.” Its equable climate with almost a total lack of real winter, makes It for a visitor or invalid an ideal resort for amusement, rest, or recuperation. Nestling under the lee of the Seaward Kalkouras, a magnificent range of snow-capped mountains towering over a lovely township to nearly 10,000 ft above sea level, It Is entirely immune from the dreaded nor’-wester, a hot enervating wind that is found trying by residents and tourist alike. These Seaward Kalkouras are also known as the Looker-on Mountains, so named by Captain Cook, as whoa he anchored off-shore and invited Natives who had put off from the shore to come aboard they refused, and stood by just ** looking on.” The town Itself straggles along the sea front, and Is practically divided Into three parts—the port on the East end, Kaikoura Central, and the West end. It is situated 92 miles from Blenheim, and 122 miles from Christchurch. Approached by splendid roads of surpassing Interest and beauty, It Is a delightful halfway stopping place from either end for the travel-worn tourist who can, by breaking his journey there, enjoy magnificent sea fishing. The surrounding country Is well worth motoring over, a trip, for Instance, through Hundalee to Conway, or via Blue Duck Creek to the Puhi Puhi for scenic beauty being hard to beat. An expedition to Kahutaru Bluff, with a short climb of 1000 ft, gives the beauty lover a wonderful panoramic view of snow-clad mountains, which artists have raved over and painted again and again, and which, glided by the setting sun, combined with a distant vista across Cook Strait of the Rlmutaka Mountains in the north, they stand to produce an unforgettable impression on the mind. Kind regards. QUEEN OF THE ROBINS (Galloway). [Thank you for your Interesting description of the Scarborough of the South, Queen of tho Robins. It reads so fluently that it might have come out of a guide book.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It Is about time that I wrote to you again, Is It not? I have received 53 letters from Little Folk to the present time. Please tell all of tho writers who wrote to me that they will receive a letter as soon as I or my friends can find time to write to them. I am now attending the River Falls State Teachers' College, and so I have not much time for pleasure, as there Is much studying that I must do. I am also out for my class (Freshman) football team. I play left-tackle. We have a very good team, and have won all our games so far. Our college team Is also very good, end we hope it will win the State College football title in the State of Wisconsin. Football In the United States is played differently from in New Zealand. I will tell you how It Is played here In my next letter if you wish me to do so. It anyone has not yet written to me and wishes to do so, can do so, and I or some of my friends will answer their letters. We will answer every letter we receive! I will now tell you about the Interesting pastime of writing letters to boys and girls In foreign countries. I like to do this very much, as one learns many Interesting things about foreign countries. At the present time I am corresponding with boys and girls In the following different countries; Albania, Australia, Belgium, Barbados, British Guiana, Brazil, Bermuda, Ceylon, China, Cuba, England, Fiji Islands, Gold Coast, Holland, Hawaii, Hungary, Malta, New Zealand, Orange Free State, Portugal, Porto Rico, Philippine Islands, and Southern Rhodesia. I would like to hear from boys and girls Interested In foreign correspondence. This Is not a very Interesting letter, but I shall make my next one really interesting it I can. U.S.A. ROY (Wisconsin). [I am delighted to hear from you again, U.S.A. Roy. What a vast number of correspondents you have! Yes, do tell me how you play football. It will prove of interest to all readers, I am sure.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? We are having very miserable weather lately. My brother milks 10 cows and keeps a number of sheep. I am going to Dunedin for the Christmas holidays. One Friday night I wont to a lantern lecture on Sudan. It was a lovely night, and I enjoyed myself very much. I have been having toothache, and I have to go and have my teeth out after Christmas. I am learning to dance, and I like it very much. I will close, with kindest regards to you and your Little Polk . MY SWANBB PARADISE (Gatlins). [Certainly you may join. My Swanee Paradise. I hope you will enjoy your holiday in Dunedin, and not have too painful a time when you are at the dentist’s. — DOT.]

IMPATIENT MAIDEN (Paretal)

[I am glad that your colds are going away, Impatient Malden. It must he interesting to see cheese being made. What a fortunate sister you have! Does she like your knitted gifts?—DOT.]

[How .very Interesting, Tokahaere! I wonder lf«all names would be found to be as interesting If one were able to find their origin.—DOT.]

LISETTE (Fairlie)

Dear Dot, —This Is my second letter to you. I have Just finished a book called "Uncle Tom's Cabin.” Have you read it? It will soon be Christmas again. I have three brothers and one sister. My youngest brother has not started to go to school yet. Our cat had five kittens, but we killed one and gave two away. We have 18 cows milking now, and kept 13 calves. Throe of them are heifers, and the rest are bulls. My father has cut his hand, so there are only three milkers, but he can do the separ-' atlug. There was a district ball here one Friday night, and there were 70 couples, so they had a good crowd, did they not? As this is all the news, I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ■ A SMILING BUN (Glenomaru). [Yes, I have read that book, and also another book by the same author telling why it was necessary to write “ Uncle Tom s Cabin,” A Smiling Bun. I suppose puss is very fond of her two remaining babies. — DOT.] •jp Dear Dot, —We have nearly finished marking the sheep now. All the vegetables are up in my garden. Our strawberries are in flower. I do not take the birds’ eggs, as I think It Is cruel. I know where there is a number of starlings’ nests. It will soon be shearing time again. Our school was closed for a few days. We have a swing In our shed, and we have great fun on It. We have a wee pet lamb, and would like you please to give me a name for It. I was in Dunedin one Friday, and enjoyed the trip very much. I wont with my grandfather in his car. We have had rain lately, and the creeks are ail very high. Kind regards to you and all the Little Folk. PAN HANDLE 808 (Lee Stream). [How pleased I was to read what you say about birds’ eggs, Pan Handle Bob! I can imagine the fun you have on the swing. Call the new lamb Nlmpy. Is it a white lamb? — DOT.] If V ¥ Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? My brother has four little black and white chickens, about a week old. My cousin in Dunedin writes to you under the nom de plume of Bird of Blue. At school just now the favourite game is tennis, and nearly everybody has a racket. As this is my first letter, I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. SMILING EYES (Balclutha). [You are welcome, Smiling Eyes, but your name has had to be altered a little. How pretty that little black and white quartet must be ! —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l would like to become a member of your band. I am in Standard V, and we are working hard preparing for our examinations. We have 15 chickens, which came from Dunedin as day olds. We have them in a big box with a fine netting front. They are six weeks old now, and are very interesting little things to watch. One week we had a heavy rain shower. The rain drops were very large, and the chickens all lined up in front of the netting with their necks out watching them fall, and they looked so surprised! I suppose they wondered what the drops were. We have numbers of lovely birds here. I will tell you about them next time I write. Best wishes to you and your Little Folk. SHIRLEY POPPY PETAL (Otago). [Welcome to Shirley Poppy Petal, whose name I have had to alter a little. How amused I was to read of the chickens and the raindrops!. It is a pity you could not have photographed them.—DOT.) * * * Dear Dot, —We have been having changeable weather here lately, and it is always cold on Saturdays and Sundays. My sister and I have had bad colds, but they are getting better now. We have not many flowers out Just now, but we have peony roses. We shall soon be having our Christmas holidays, and I am going to Dunedin for mine. I live near a cheese factory and I go in and see the cheese being made. We play cricket at school, and I like It very much. I like knitting, and I make things for my sister’s doll, but I have knitted only a scarf for myself. Our cat has three little kittens —two grey ones and a black and white one. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and to your own dear self.

Dear Dot,—The meaning of my nom de plume is " The Rock that Walked,” This Is the story as Mr Cowan tells It In his Maori Fairy Tale hook: —Long ago this rock, “ Tokahaerc.” was a human being. His home was at Tltl-raupenga, that sharp topped mountain not far from the north-west side of Lake Taupo. Now this man had a wife who was very troublesome to him, but Instead of silencing her with his club, he decided to run away. She induced a powerful tohunga to bewitch her husband, and the spell fell upon him just as he reached the Manga-komua Valley, and he was turned into a rock If you wish to have good fortune In anything you do, you must, as you pass Tokahaere, pull a handful of fern or manuka and lay It at his foot, reciting as you do so this ancient prayer: Behold thy food : Feed thou on the heart of the stranger. TOKAHAERB (Te Houka).

Dear Dot, —During this year I have been busy studying. We are all very busy practising £or our sports. Fruit will be scarce this year, for a few weeks ago we had two big falls of snow and a good many frosts., which spoilt all the blossoms. Not long ago we went to a Bible class social at Allandale. All seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly, there being a large crowd present. We were each to take something to represent a song. One lady had a postcard of an old Dutchman sitting on a tub, smoking, After a lot of puzzling and guessing she had to tell us: ‘‘Everybody Works but Father.” We shall begin shearing in the first week in December. Then the busy time starts. Our school concert will be held on December 15, so we are energetically learning our parts. Well, good wishes and success

[I am sory to hear about the loss of the fruit, Llsette. It will make the season hard for some of the farmers. That must have been an amusing evening. I hope the concert Is a success. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and in Form I. The other morning my two Chinchilla rabbits escaped out of the cage. A dog caught them and killed my prize one, and broke the other’s leg. We have 12 chickens, one dog, three cats, and one rabbit. I am a brother to Daphne-de-Ore, who also writes. I must close now, with love to all the Little Polk and your own dear self. NIG-A-NIG-A-NOG-A-BONB (Balclutha). [Welcome to you. Nig-a-nlg-a-nog-a-bone of the amusing name. I am sorry, indeed, to hear about the rabbits. Did the other one live, or have you had to destroy It? — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is time 1 penned a few lines to you. On December 11 I shall bo 10. One Monday we had a holiday, because Standard VI was sittting for proficiency. On Labour Day we went for a tramp. On Show Day we shall have another holiday. I have a little garden of my own with seeds In it. As X have no more to say, I will close. MERRY BROWN EYES (Balclutha).

[Are you going to have a party on your birthday, Merry Brown Byes? You are having several holidays just now, are you not? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We had a little black cat called Nigger, but she died some time ago with sickness. Mother tried to save her, but she was too ill. We were all so sorry to lose our dear little puss. We still have Blllv Mowling. He was ill a little time ago. He 'came In as though he was poisoned, so we gave him salt for an emetic, then castor oil, and kept him feeding on milk food. He Is better now. Some boys were going to tie a stone around his neck and put him in the creek, but I would not let thc(i. My mother said some of the noble men and women were those who, in their youth, were kind to God’s little creatures. Best wishes to all Little Folk and your self. SERGEANT DICK (Oamaru).

[I am glad to know that you are such a kind Little Folk, Sergeant Dick, and look after your animals with love and i thoughtfulness. Your mother is quite right.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I last wrote. We have begun our third term examinations at school. Grandma sent us a pair of lovely little pigeons, which are sitting on four eggs. Wo have two wee calves, too We call one Snowball, but have not a name for the other, so would be pleased if you could name it for me. Christmas is drawing near again. I am glad, too, for I am going to Dunedin. The Orange Girl and A King Country Lass are my playmates at school. I knitted two jerseys in the winter, and started another the other day. Here is a riddle; See it you know the answer. “ When is a hat not a hat.” Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ORPINGTON LASS (Milton).

[You must ho proud of your pigeons, Orpington Lass. Cali the other calf Hailstone. I am afraid I do not know when a hat is not a hat.—DOT.] * .’A •?•

Dear Dot, —One Friday we went to the Oamaru Show, where we spent an enjoyable day. I liked the parade best of all, as there were plenty of animals to admire. My brother took his pony, but as he was put In a higher class, he did not do any good. We have a hen which is sitting on 14 ducks’ eggs. I am looking forward to seeing the fluffy ducklings. It will soon be Christmas now. How glad I shall be when the holidays come. 1 must close now, with kindest regards. AORERB (Kakanul). [I can Imagine how much you liked your day at the show, Aorere. Your brother may have better success with his pony next time. Tell me about the ducklings when they appear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having rainy weather here Just now, and the Aparlma River is above normal. It was my birthday on November 1, and I am now 12 years old. I received a small suitcase, a rubber elephant, a piece of pink crepe do chine, a scarf, a pair of laces, and a piece of chocolate. My sister, Whitebait, and I still receive our lessons from the correspondence school in Wellington. Whitebait is in Form 11, and 1 am in Form I. My examination papers will be here any day, We have five young grey ducks. Their mother is a tamo duck we reared ourselves with a hen. I have also a tame grey drake that follows me everywhere. We have a very small lamb for a pet. It is not much bigger than a full grown rabbit. Have you any flowers out? We have a tew, and some of them are peonies. Japanese and ordinary roses, pansies, and arlculas. Our geese have 12 nearly fully grown young ones, but we have no chickens or ducks. As space in your page is scarce, I shall draw my letter to a close, and write again soon. Love to all the Litle k oik and your own dear self. ANNIE THE GENTLE (Nightcaps).

[Those were excellent presents, Annie the Gentle. What is the rubber elephant for? I should like to see that tiny lamb. Yes, I have some flowers out. —DOT,] 4.- rfi V

Dear Dot, —1 suppose you have forgotten about me, as I have not written to your page for a long time. Buttercup Fairy and I have a pony since wo wrote to your page last, and we call him Jock, because he looks like a little racehorse. We have a little foal, which is only a few days old. Everything is looking green after the rain. It is lovely to lake a walk around a paddock and see all the little lambs playing In groups together, such as when they are racing around and Jumping over stones, and also it Is lovely to go through the bush and hear the birds singing and Jumping about the branches to welcome the new season. As I have read In your page not to write letters too long, I think I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. HEATHER FAIRY (Otago). [No, I have not forgotten you, Heather Fairy. How fortunate you are to have Jock! I am glad that you are so fond of lambs and birds. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am writing you a few lines while I am staying in Dunedin. I am going on to Christchurch, where we shall be living. We have left Invercargill. One day my cousin and sister and I had a tea party, and the next afternoon, a concert. When ever Poppy is inside and a train comes, she runs to the window to see It, but when she is outside and one comes she runs Inside crying, because she is frightened. One day I took Elva and Poppy for a walk round the block, and they gathered all the flowers they could find. Poppy and Elva have both been scribbling. Poppy was saying she would write to some of the shop-keepers here. Well, I do not think there is any more news. I will write again when I get to Christchurch. Love to you and all the Little Folk. NELLIE ELY’S GIRLIE (Dunedin). [So you have left Invercargill and gone further north, Nellie Bly’s Girlie? You and Elva and Poppy seem to have been having Jolly times together. Y'es, do write again when you reach Christchurch. —DOT.] s', 1 x Dear Dot. —The weather we are having is like winter and summer mixed together. The green leaves are back on the trees, and If one looks at the trees and the leaves one thinks it very interesting. Well, as I do not want to take all the space, I will close. wit)i love and best wishes to you and your Folk. But first here is a piece of poetry I composed:— REST. When the sun goes down and the night draws nigh, And the evening shadows tint the sky: When the birds fly homewards to their nest, Then we know it is time to rest. When the rabbits to their burrows run, And the children have finished their dally fun. And the tiny stars come out to peep. Then we know it la time to sleep. AMBER BUTTERFLY (Oamaru). [I like your poem, Amber Butterfly. It is simple and well formed, and has something to say. Thank you for it.—DOT.] # * -Y Dear Dot,—We are having our final examination just now. I am in Standard V at school, and I hope to pass into Standard VI. The weather has been fairly good lately, but we have had colds, so we could not go in for a bathe in the dam. There are numbers of Litle Folk at our school who write to your page. Some of them know my nom de plume. We have two little calves at home, and my one is black. My slater’s is a wee red and white one. We have two cows, and one calf fell into the creek. It was a red and white one like the one wo bought. Most of the flowers in our garden are past. My two mates and I have a garden between us at school. We took most of our flowers from home. I am making a supper cloth and a traycloth at school. I do the supper cloth for handwork. I like sewing and the teacher asked me what I would like to be when I grew up. X said I would like to be a dressmaker. 1 cannot think of anything else to say, but I will write again soon. Love to all. A SPARKLING DEWDROP (Otago).

[I, too, hope you pass, A Sparkling Dewdrop. How unfortunate about the calf. I suppose It was drowned. Dressmaking Is a very good occupation for you to wish to follow. —-DOT,] * -V- *

Dear Dot, —Arc you fond of flowers? I am. I have a garden in which X have planted many seedlings, which have grown rapidly. My brothers also have a garden. Often the hens came in and scrape their Bowers out. so they become angry about It. They have wire netting over their garden, and sometimes the four wee kittens play about, and put their wee paws through it. Here is a poem I found In the Sunday School Scholar book which Is called “ The Legend of the Forget-me-not.” When to the flowers so beautiful The Father gave a name, There came a little blue-eyed one (All timidly It came). And standing at the Father’s feet And gazing.in His face, It said with low and timid voice, And yet with gentle grace, “ Dear Lord, the name Thou gavest me, Alas, I have' forgot.” The Father kindly looked on him And said, “ Forget-me-not.” Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Polk. PREMIER BLOOM (Queenstown.) [I am very fond of flowers, Premier Bloom, and should like to see your garden and that of your brothers, especially when the kittens are there, too. That is a pretty legend.—DOT.] OLD WRITERS’ WEEK. Owing to the new conditions under which Dot’s page is now conducted, the amount of space given to Old Writers’ Week in the past is not now available. On January 8. however, provision will be made in the Otago Daily Times tor the publication of as many letters of the Old Writers as can conveniently be inserted. Old Writers are invited to send in their contributions as soon as possible, as no letter will be accepted after December 23. The letters this year must necessarily be shorter than in the past owing to the fact that space will not allow of the publication of lengthy ones, and that all letters must appear in the one issue (January 8). It is hoped that there will be a generous response to this invitation, and that the second appearance of the Old Writers’ letters in the Otago Dally Times will be a record one and of interest and benefit to all. DOT. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES. Ivauhoe (Mr M. H. Ramsay, London street, Green Island. Dunedin) is endeavouring to compile a 'egister 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 noms de plume, and, where possible, year of first writing to Dot. Acknowledgments will be made periodically in this column. OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk .who have written to the page tor the llrst time this week Phyllis Pineapple, Lady Routeburn, A Blue-Eyed Scotchman, Inky, Daddy’s Wee Reciter, Grandpa’s Darling. Boy Scout, Wee Willie, and Wattle Jackson. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — Fairy’s Daughter, who is 13 to-day. Chum of Study 10, who will be 13 tomorrow. Dad’s Hopeful, who will be 9 to-morrow. Queen Adelaide, who will be 14 on Thursday. LITTLE FOLK’S LETTER BOX. Aa 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. ■V- * * Rosemary (Jean Scott, Pendella, Glmmerburn) would like Little Pleasure and any other Little Folk between the ages of 13 and 15 to write to her. v ■” ■" Cowboy Joe (Margaret Jennison, Middlemarcb), would like any Little Folk between the ages of 17 and 20 who are interested In any sports, dancing, and photography to correspond with her. All letters will be readily answered. ¥ V V Inky (Catherine H. Goodmanson, c/o Miss M’Lean, Brockvilie road. Roslyn, Dunedin) would like to correspond with some of the XJttle Folk In Canada or Australia between the ages of 16 and 18.