Dots Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22203, 5 March 1934, Page 15

Dots Little Folk

M; .)'. TH£yt£K&POEIA:

Ran Is a picture »f an old woman with no noma, children, a picture drawn so carefully and, sympathetlcally that, you can almost mo thekjtoor old 1 body, as she sighs for "tho hotfst,ef her own,vout of the wind's and the rain's *r«y." Read It aloud and yon will got the fell of It better. ;.,-; ••••'":•,.;•■: ■■:■■<''. DOT.

AN OLD; OF> THE ROADS. 0. to have a little house 1 To own the hearth'and stool and-all I '-"■Bit koapoeVup sods upon the Are, >,:J Th« pile of turfs against the wall I

To haie a clock with weights and chains -An* pendulum twlngtng up and down! A drttttr filledwith; shining delph Speckled and white and blue and brown!

I eould bo busy all .tho d>y ; Clearing and sweeping-hearth and floor,' And fixing on their shelf again , My waits and blue and speckled store! -v- I could iW quiet thorn at night ■; - ■ . Bostdo thai#rn''>aneVßy myself,' ' Sura of a bed, and loth to leave Tko ticking clock and tho shining delph! ~Oeh! but I'm weary of mist and dark. And roads wherethere's never a house or .;:" '■_■ buik, ',}'■■'■■..: x ' '■■::•■. -/;"' '••" And tired I am'tot bog and .wad And tho trying wind and the lonesome kuthl ■■ : i> ' ■•. ••■ "?,.■■• !; > And I am praying to God on Ugh, And I am fraying Him night and day, , I .Iwr a little house—a house of my own— Out of tko wind's .And the rain's war. [■£ . . ; ■ ||i-=-Padralo Colusa,,--WEAVERS;|§F WORDS. Htra It another old Irish or Gaelic story. 1 my Llttlo Folk, tho beautiful but sad tale. of Dolrdro and tho sons of Usnach. I hare taken It from H. E. Marahsll't version though really It comes from an old book "tailed "Tko Book of Leinster," from which fTho Cattle Raid of Cooley," our loot •tf'tstraet, also csiao. ' ''-..-:,■' rV.i - ,\V DOT. •:y_.v- « :. * « DKRDRB AND THE SONS' OP TJBNACH. Tko tale goes, that one day. King Conor and kit nobleo ttarted at tkt house of Fellm, U kla chief story-teller. And while they feasted, a daughter was born to Felim the, ttory-'tollor.; (Tkon Catbbad the Druid, who ?. ■ waa also at tfco feast, became exceeding aad. ii Bt foretold that great narrow and aril., should ?■•"'; totnt upon the land \becanso> of:this child, and so he called her Deirdre. which means '-'-' When the nobles heard that, they .wished 6 r ' to slay the new-born babe. But Conor spoke: ? Let It not bo done," be said, "It were ,V an 111; thing to shod the blood of an In--<v neeent child. I myself shall care./ for her. ■r- Ske /Shallbt housed In a safe place so that none may oome nlgh to her, and when she : '' to grown eke shall be my one true wife." <■■< Bo it waa done as King Conor said. Deirdre was plsced In a 'safe and lonely ;•■.:'-■ cattle, whera eke waa .teen m . none save . itr tttttr and ker.nurse, Lavarcam. There, :'.- at the years passed, she grew tall and fair fat a • slender Illy, and, mora beautiful than the sunshine. ' . .;--. , ;v Now; whan fourteen years had passed, It kappened one snowy day that Delrdre's tutor killed a calf to provide food for their little company. And as the calf's blood was spilled on the snow, a raven came to drink V-'vt - Ifcv-When Deirdre; ss«sthat,fahe' sighed tald, " Would ■'■ that -'-J had a husband : * >whose kalr was ak the colcfur. of, the■;raven, ckeeka"as blood, and his: skin as snow." : 'i. There:it swA; a one," nald. Lavarcam, ."Ho it'Nalst, the son r of Usnack.""' •■' v After,that there-was no rest foe Deirdre ■< v Until she bad teen Naisl. And ;when they met, they loved each other, so that Naisl took ker and fled with her to Scotland far ," from Conor the King, tori they knew that when the King learned that fair Deirdre /; kad; been, stolen from -him, he would be exceeding wrathful; (To be Continued,)

' ~„,,• TO. ALL * ■■",. '' Dear.Llttij Folk,— little, while ago I told yon now I bad beard of Swimmer in the SiiOold■ :C«ttti Africa, .having; made friends I with LaaaFrae Auld Ayr in Scotland through '-the .Little Folk page,; and how pleased I ■.-.' was that our page should be the means ■of strengthening ties between people of different ;£ aatioas,Now, Pdllyanna. of the. Orange \ Blossom, has written to tell, me that a cor-: : respondent of hers in Australiahas struck ~C~- up '*: firm friendship with- Rhodesiana also by means of our page. That la splendid; is :' lt'vJiotT "Rhodesiana, by the way,*? 'says $: Follyanna of. the Orange Blossom "hasi 86 correspondents in New v Zealand and a |'/; number of overseas l pen-friends/* This f-'. probably Accounts for her not writing more regularlyito the page^T- ■% thought yon- would be: Interested to hear ef this, and to know that, - as a band of .' letter; writers,... we were Defining /1» : be ~ kwna overseas. Your, loving .' ■*>•-'-. -, - . . . . DOT.

Inaugurated dulu 16,1886, : ..P. bvthe

'^WITNESS,..:, . , \ Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout • the Dominion on matters of Interest to themselves, tetters are to : be written under a noa» de plume, which, once chosen, cannot be .-.changed by the writer. ";'■-''• New members must enclose their name and address. These will •.., net 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, eare of Editor, Qtago Daily Times." Dot's Little folk's Badge, with pin. for use as a brooch, is tktatoable on application to Dor. Price 2s M. la stomps or ./--;|i»Ul notes.

opened my book with a smile on my lips. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. POLLYANNA OF THE ORANGE BLOSSOM (Dunedln). [Good girl, Follyanna of the Orange Blossom. And good little fly for teaching you in so roundabout a way that most difficult of tricks—bow to laugh at yourself!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How faithful to the page are the Old Writers 1 I thoroughly enjoyed every one of their letters. I missed Boy's and Caversham Lad's very much, as they are among the first one's I look for. Are they not all.; interested In our jubilee? I think it should be a great success, If the Old Writers keep on working as at present I must congratulate the winners of the recent competition. I think they all wrote wonderful letters for such young writers, and they earned their prizes well. What has happened to Angora Rabbit? I hope }f she sees this she will drop mo a note, and let me know if she received her autograph book. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. NETA LYALL (Otago).

[The Old Writers are a credit to the page, Neta Lyall, and deserve all the praise they receive. Yes, the competition letters were splendid, I waa proud of them.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l suppose you will bt asking, or wondering whero 1 came from, as It is going on tor a year tlnco I last wrote. As a child T Joined your page, It was yesterday it seems. My flrat letter, how carefully I thought about It, and wondered U {t .would? ever bo printed, or it Dot would he able to read it. .Time goes, but; 1 am still In my, teens. J remember when I-was about. threo, or four years Void; -an old; lady witk;g■ stick stldrto mt, "Oh, lassie, ye : art-growoo older every da*." ; But.;'No, I am not, I ate' getting younger," I said. X wns'frult picking this year, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is so pleasant, with all we young, girls together, and %kttnet,r it'one. igiolirt, tired ot picking on* can 'kavt-a raspberry or strawberry fight, and that is great fun, I can sure one would think you wore smeared with blood after it was over. One's Jacketa,: at well, one never thinks ot them: but: I tell, you they are handy at times even It one hat to. take-them off to use as a shield. Love to all the Little'Folk and yourself.'

UKULELE SLUMBER GIRL (Roxburgh). [What strange; tastes you young people have. Ukulele Slumber Girl! Fancy a bloodred berry fight! Did you mean what you said to that old lady when you were only thrct or four years old?—DOT.] ~

Dear Dot, —May I Join your band bt Little Folk? I shall be nine; in May, and am in Standard 111. There are some very pretty beaches near Owaka, where campers can have a Jolly time. . Our. school had a day at Benbar lately, looking through the pipe works and tht pottery works. :: About 25 went down the coal mine; -The day finished with races and afternoon tea. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. BLACK DUKE (Owaka). [Tea, you may Join, Black Duke, who Is fond of beaches. Down the coal mine you felt like four and twenty black birds, I suppose—-DOT<] '

Dear Dot,—The seal 'What indescribable magic *nd allure it holds in its vast acres of water. Smiling, tranquil, sullen, raging, mysterious—the sea v can be all of these, and yet even in its wildest mood It has a, weird fascination.. When gailng-out to sea on a calm summer day, one thinks that it; is the most beautiful' sight in- the world, with its little diamonds sparkling and glistening on the dancing-waves.: 1 How blue it is—how perfect; But are not all the moods of the .sea of the.utmost perfection? To .stand on the wind blown shore, and watch white sailed ships scudding over the blue, while overhead the seagulls wheel and cry, fascinates one. "And all I ask.is a windy day with .white clouds flying," says Masefleld in his poem, "Sea Fever." When the sea is fierce and raging, and the waves are burled, with such force against the rocks, that'the spray flies into the air, it is cruel,' but sit enters ones heart; Ah, what cruel sinister tales theses could tell if only it had of. speech !! How many Ships it has caught and kept,, how many men and women it has battled •• furiously . with; and at last overpowered them! What;a different sea that -is - from i the calm, tranquil sea, that beckojis, to; the pleasure loving crowds! The ■• sea can. be' mysterious, too!! In the hours after the flaming sun hfts disappeared with ; her golden rays, the shadows v begin, to creep and;the' water laps.so strangely against the shore, and .whirls, against'the rocks- in masses of .dark water. .Then,the beacon or lighthouse flashes; out; io ; warn.the,,'ships of the perilous rocks that lurk In tho black water, ready to devour.whatever comes in their way. No-seagulls now can ride on the crest of the. waVes; they [wait-till day, dawns once more, for the sea at. night Is too: : merciiess' : for them. ':At dawri ,; toe sea Is bathed la golden glory.' All the lurking dangers of the night seem: to • have melted away as :if by •. magic. The sailors sing, the seagulls; cry and sweep over the water; or settled en'-'the 'great' ships Ur search of \stray food; i What could we do without the . seat It is the pathway of the boats that carry goods from one country to another, it is the' highway of. commerce andi source ■ot adventure; 5 In .the 'olden ■:„ days,' men travelled the sea in Search of treasure, adventure, and -fame. -The sea then was; more the highway of trade than nowadays when we have aeroplanes and airships, but they can never/wholly take, the place of the ships.; Many poems and songs have been written about the sea and its moods, and sorrowing ..people have sought solace in its watery depths. Yet, It remains and will remain throughout the ages, still guarding its mysterious stories,' and enticing those who thirst for glory in its wilderness of waves. Hoping the Little Folk.will enjoy reading this, as I, myself, enjoyed It. I will' close noW with love to all the Little Folk - and yourself. A.BROWN-EYED TOT (Catllns).

[This is a description from a book, I presume, A Brown-Eyed Tot. Thank you for It. Those who love the sea love it passionately, and no matter what its mood, regard it as perfect and beautiful.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We are back to school again, and this year I am in Standard V, so I shall\ be - going to the woodwork class at Mosglel. ' Our school picnic was .held in Dunedin, at Woodhaugh gardens. My auntie, who also, writes to your'page, took my brothers and sisters, and we all won a race, and for a prize, we received books. Mine is an interesting book called "Garwln and Cuffy," and* the author Is R. M. Ballantyne. Have you read it? I am very fond of reading, and I have read a number of the,school library-books. My dear wee sister is'growing now, and she laughs at us when we talk to her. As it is time for me to visit blanket bay, I will close now, with kindest regards to all. ■•. ' A BROWN-EYED GOLLIWOG (Talerl).

[No, I have not read " Garwin and Cutty," A Brown-Eyed Golliwog. What is it about? Tell that dear sister that Dot likes her, and see If she will laugh at that.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—How glad we were when we awoke one Friday morning to find the golden beams of the rising sun shining through the window, for we were going to the school picnic. Of course there was the usual rush of making sandwiches and packing of the baskets, and with only a few minutes to spare, we hurridly dressed. When all was ready, we, full of glee, went quickly up to the roadside to wait for the bus, which was hired specially to convey us to the grounds. Within a very short time, we gladly saw the big, red bus coming. As more a'rfd more got on the bus, it became crowded, and full of excited voices. After the last group had been picked up, we drove'steadily on, our journey, until at last, we reached our> destination at the Woodhaugh gardens. By this time the sky had clouded over, and to our disappointment, .light showers fell. So until after lunch we sat In the shelter. But how delighted everybody - was when they noticed the rain ceasing, and grey clouds giving away to blue sky and glorious sunshine. Then the fun began. Some children were swinging or sea-sawing happily, while other preferred chasing over the newly cut lawn, and even the elder folk joined the children in their games. At length it was time for the races, so everybody gathered round to watch the excited children running their hardest. Luck was with me that afternoon, and I won- the young ladles* race, for-which I received a dainty pink necklace. After the races, the children. were given a lolly scramble, and eagerly scrambled about grabbing up the sweets; Our next amusement was to watch a tew people swimming and diving into the deep cool water of the bathing pool. After •a hurried afternoon tea, we packed up for home,/ and made our way to the bus. During our Journey back, the children entertained us with songs, and, although sometimes they sang rather out of tune, It was much enjoyed. As we drew near home, people'-were getting out, and at last the bus stopped, and I found that it was my turn to alight from it. So, feeling tired but happy after our picnic, we arrived home Just in time for tea. Kindest regards to all. DADDY'S NURSE (Talerl). .-

: - [Your letter reads like a story out of an .old book. Daddy's Nurse. I am glad the rain stopped and let you enjoy yourselves, for, what Is the use of a picnic If it has to be spent crouched. under shelter all the time?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter In print. We are back at school again. lam in Standard V now. We have two kittens. I catch them sometimes and give them milk to drink. We have finished cutting our oats and stooking them. I went to Clydevale for the holidays, and I enjoyed myself very much. One dsy we went for a picnic in the bush, and we had great tun climbing through the trees. I must stop, with love to you and all the Little Folk.

FAIRY ROSEBUD (Clinton)

[What is your favourite* subject in Standard V, Fairy Rosebud? A drink of milk is a good reward for a wild chase. Is it not? Did the lawyer tear your clothes in the bush?—DOT.] .

Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my letter in the paper a few weeks ago. Our sweetpeas were very pretty, but the recent wind broke them all. The, crops are being cut now, and the mills will soon be out. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.

JUNE ROSEBUDS (Woodslde)

[To see oneself in print for the first time Is a pleasing feeling, is it not, June Rosebuds? Poor sweetpeas!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It was as if the Queen of Weather had waved her wand and said, "Be perfect," for it was the most lovely day you could imagine. " Oh, please I" we said, "May we not have to stay in town when it is so wonderful?" So a picnic was arranged all In a minute, and instead of staying in a flat old town, we found ourselves at the beach. It was the most exciting day—a day when every wave seemed more dapcey than the one before it, and when there was so much sun that everything shone and glimmered—sky, sea, and sand. Karen and I wanted to be running all the time, for there Is no other place so easy to run on as that line of wet sand made by the last wave, with the new wave coming In, nearer and nearer, until you almost seem to fly, so quickly does It make you go! There were two boys there on horseback, and one of them rode right into the breakers until his horse lost Its footing, and in they came, swimming with the sea up to the horse's neck, and the boy on Its back nearly coveted too. The horse shone like Bilk when it came out, and then the boy ran with it along the beach until it was dry. and then leaped and Jumped on its back while it was moving. I did We that! I wish I had been that boy. and that that horse Had been mine! We were in our bathing suits all day long, and racing about all the time; but we did not know until we were In the car coming home that we were tired out, and it was not until we were actually at home that we realised how sunburnt we were. Karen was worse than I was, because she is fair, arid her mother had to put all sorts of soothing lotions on her to make her feel comfortable before she could go to sleep. But ?! needed only olive oil rubbed into me, and,then I was all right. That night when I' was" in bed I. remembered Christopher Robin and his prayers, and I could not help using one of them,for myself, "Thank you, Gbdj for. a lovely day.".

&\~i% BROWN STUDY (InvercarglU). v [I wish I had seen those horses with y'oii.' A' Brown Study. Did you Jump up arid down- and squeal wben you saw the swimming one come In through the spray? Sunburn on such a day would scarcely matter,—-DOT.] : ... « # .■■ .*'■■,.

Dear Dot, —I hope you enjoyed your Christmas vacation, Dot, and that your Little Folk enjoyed theirs also. I enjoyed mine Immensely, but most of all I enjoyed a picnic spent at the saw-mills. Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting a noisy saw-mill that was sweet with the odour of freshly hewn logs, Dot? We were a party of H, who left our homes with a pleasant picnic feeling one day during the holidays. We had to walk three miles J»efore reaching the spot where we were to be picked up by the saw-mill lorry, so early rising was necessitated. The dew .was still sparkling on the. grass when we started on our day's pleasure, but not a trace of that dew was felt by the time our three miles walk was over. The sun was shining brightly out of the blue heavens as we ascended the lorry amongst the Jeers, Jestingly thrown at each other by members of our party. Every thing and everyone about the mill were settled down to Its routine of bard work as those on a saw-mill so well know, when we ' arrived. Monstrous logs were being hauled in from all directions, while lightly clothed men removed them from wagons to the mill, which,.to us, would have seemed an /impossible task, but not so to these strong men. Every man/there seemed to know his own work. To us who were looking on, they greatly resembled a hive of bees so busy and smart were they at their work, and it was great to'see how they mlyed hard work arid fun together. I think that if we. could all work as happily as these men, this life would Indeed be a pleasant one. About noon we enjoyed the lunch, which we had prepared and brought with us. After this we strolled leisurely through the bush, stopping here and there to pick a' dainty fern or some wild sweet flower from the beautiful native bush that was being stripped of its beauty; though, no matter t 0 what great Extent a bush Is robbed of its stately trees it has ever somethlrig enchanting about it. By the time we returned, the lorry that was to bear us homeward was already being prepared for Its journey, so, not to keep it waiting, we collected our belonglrigs and were ready, sunburnt but happy, to be conveyed once again over those miles of back-country road. Reaching our destination by conveyance, we were transfered from the lorry to the ground, there to walk the remaining miles.: I will close now, with love to yourself arid Little Folk." "" - THE . JOVIAL MARAUD (Otago). '

. tWhy do you write so seldom, when you : write so pleasantly, The Jovial Maraud? , I/have not seen a saw-mill In action, so vgreatiy .enjoyed hearing about yours. Do you; not wish that for every .tree that was -cut- down another could be planted?—DOT-]

, Dear'Dot, —l was given a" little Angora rabbit to bring home, from my holiday. He came hbirie in a box. He travelled by car 'frdm Otautau to InvercarglU, by the express to Dunedln, then by service car here. Weput damp/ crisp lettuce leaves In his ■ box, and gave him a drink of water in Dunedln, and the driver put him in a cool place 'on _the running board. H,e! ate up all his lettuce on the journey. I feed him every day, and we move his house all over the grass. We brush him and he likes that. His; name is Flopplty. You Would like him too. I am glad to be writing to you again, Dot. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.

FRIEND OF THE FAIRIES (Miller's Flat).

[Flopplty Is quite tame, I Bee, Friend of the Fairies. Isn't he the softest thing to touch! He will like living with you If you treat him as you are treating him at present.—DOT.] ; * * * ,

Dear Dot, —It is a few weeks since I last penned those two friendly words, but I am taking A Trim Up's advice, and intend writing more regularly. Our neighbours have been busy cutting oats lately, and I occupy my time by taking their meals down in the sledge. Have you ever ridden on a sledge? I enjoy it very much. I was pleased to know you had such a splendid muster of Old Writers, and how I enjoyed reading their letters! I gained my proficiency last year, and am now settled down with home life. The Clutha bridge is progressing wonderfully. When one -watches the men at work from the old bridge, one thinks how dangerous it must be fori them working just above water. I often wonder how it Is they are not drowned; but we seldom bear of any mishaps. What a big gathering there will be on the opening day. I sincerely hope I am still in the district to witness it. I hajve just finished reading " Miss Pike and Her .Pupils," by Mabel L. Tyrrell, and found It very interesting. Have you read it? I do not expect you: have much time for reading, as your, time will be occupied in receiving and answering letters for your "happy family. The children are back at school once more. It seemed no time since their holidays began. I shall conclude, with best wishes and kindest regards to all. JEANIE'S COBBER (Tolro). * [Ridden in a sledge? Yes, Jeanle's Cobber, years ago, and what fun it was! I am glad the men refrain from falling into the water over which they work so perilously.—DOT.] ¥ . « .• * Dear Dot, —I am back at my sister's place in Central Otago again. I have not written for a long time. I am in Standard VI at school now. I play tennis on the courts at the school. lam trying to.catch a little black pussy to tame him, but I cannot. He gets in the window and sleeps on the pillow in the bedroom. My sister has a baby girl, and its name is Mary. Mary is seven weeks old. I have been for some bathes here, but cannot swim yet. but I suppose I shall learn soon. Love to you and your Little Folk. FLOSSY TOP (Paerau). [What a cunlng little pussy, to sleep Indoors, but not consider itself tame, Flossy Top! Give Mary a cuddle for me.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am staying at my aunties In Caversham, and am going to the Technical College. I like going very much. I am taking a Domestic Course. We wete sorry it was such a wet day for the picnic. Our Sunday School picnic was on a Saturday at Woodhaugh Gardens. I went to it. Auntie has a glasshouse, and I like going among the tomatbes, it is a lovely sight to see all the red tomatoes hanging on the green plants. I have been reading " Meg's Friend," " Vexed Inheritance," and " The Roses of Rlngwood," and am now reading "The Girl's Own Annual." I have had the measles since I last wrote to you, and my my brother and sister have had them also. They are not pleasant things to have, are they? I have just finished knitting a beret for myself, and have worked a d'oyley for my little cousin. It is in cross stitch. During the holidays my father took us for a picnic to the Nuggets' lighthouse. We had our lunch at the bottom of the bill, and while we were having it we saw several fishing boats coming In with their catch. One had a small shark in it. There were some big grpper and barracoutta amongst the catch. After dinner, and a big climb, we were shown through the lighthouse. - I was inside the lens. I will close now, with love to all. , .

PURPLE PANSY'S MATE (Caversham). [I am with you when you speak so strongly against measles, Purple Pansy's Mate. No, they are not the most pleasant of complaints ! Fancy your being in the lamp! That was an adventure.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you have not forgotten me, as I have not written to you for a long time. I am' back at school again, and I do not like It at all. I received a great number of presents for Christmas. One was a manicure set. Part of my holidays I spent with my aunties down at Totara, Where I went and saw Kingsford Smith. While I was down there, I went and saw the talkies in Oamaru. , My mother has a great deal of jam made, more than she,has ever made' before. Harvesting is in full swing up this way now. My sister, Lilac Tree, was in the hospital for eleven days. She went under an operation, and my other sister Is going to' the primary school by herself, and' does not like it at all. Our apples are growing ripe,, so I shall have a job' to do one of these Saturdays—that of picking them and putting them away for the winter. I must close now, with kind regards.

RIN TIN TIN'S DOUBLE (Papakalo). [Tell me why you do not like Bchool, Rin Tin Tin's Double, for I could teach you to like it, I think. I hope Lilac. Tree will soon be better. Give her my best wishes, will you?—DOT.] ** ; *

' Dear Dot, —It Is a long time since I last wrote to you, so I thought I would be in touch with the dear old page again. I am back at school again after a long holiday. I have a little white and blue calf. Would you please give her a name? I have a little grey Manx kitten, and he can jump high. I recieved a great number of Christmas presents last year. I did not go to see Kingsford Smith, but I saw the aeroplane go over the hills. It Is not very good for harvesting, as the weather is unsettled. All the crops are in stook ready for the mill. I went with the excursion to Timaru, and enjoyed myself, and I hid a ride on a pony. I received two prizes at school. The names are "Stories for School Girls," and " Brave Margaret." I will close now, with love to all.

SIGHING SILVER POPLAR (Papakalo). [I am pleased to have you in touch with the dear old page again, Sighing Silver Poplar. Did the pony canter with you? Call the calf Blueberry.—DOT.] ; * * *

Dear Dot,—l read this in a book, so thought I would like to tell you about it: Seals, as you know, need air to breathe, just as we do. When the sea is open they come up to breathe, and the Eskimos go out in kayaks (boats) and harpoon them, but when the sea is covered with Ice, each seal gnaws itself about twelve breathing holes, and it may come up for fresh air to any one of them. The holes are hard to see because they are snow covered,'and the only sign la' a saucer-like depression in the snow. A sealing dog,! however, finds them as quickly as our dog finds a rat or rabbit hole. When-he "has smelt one out, he is not allowed to scratch the snow away; his master drags him off, anoV ties him up at a safe distance, or his excited puffing and breathing would drlv» away all the seals ' for miles round. . Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.. NATIVE PIGEON (Catllns). ' [Poor seals, Native Pigeon! Despite their efforts to live they are made to die. Have you; ever seen a seal? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—J have not much news this time, bo I think I had better write again. We are having fine weather here at present. I have not been to school recently, as I have been helping with the work at home, as mum Is away to Dunedin with dad, who Is In Stafford Street Hospital. He had an ear operation, but Is getting on nicely now. I did enjoy reading the Old Writers' letters! They were very Interesting. I did not go away in the holidays,' as we did not finish Shearing till the end of January, and I was shepherd for a few weeks. However, we had a good time at home. I will close now, with love and best wishes to all the Little Folk and yourself. V FATHER'S CHATTERBOX (Kelso). . [What a welcome your people will receive when they return home again, Fathers Chatterbox! Will you cook them something special to celebrate the occasion.—DOT.] * * * Dear,Dot,—My, sister and I have whooping cough; so do not attend school. We have been a month at the beach, and had a good time. I was in bathing some times when it was warm. We have some pets, two rabbits, a pup, and a pony called Queenie. She is brown In winter and black in summer. At the end of the year we had a school concert, and I received three books. We have all our crops cut, and would have been leading in had the weather been finer. As this is all the news, will close now, with love-to all the Little Folk and yourself. . v ' WHITE MAY BIRD. (Awamango). [We shall hope that" soOn there will, be no more whooping cough, White May Bird, and then you will be able to go school. Tell Queenie I could hug her. —DOT.I .# # * Dear Dot, —I am going to tell you about the lovely holiday my brother spent in Tlmaru, during the Chrfstmas holidays. He had a very enjoyable time while he was there. He was out at the bay Beveral times swimming. He also* saw the men connected with Wirth's Circus, unloading the many animals from the train. Leslie went to the pictures several times, too. What do you think of this! While he was there, he was presented with a lovely, little pet canary. We had a delightful surprise, when he came home with a cage beneath his arm, containing such a dear pet. Sometimes, when the canary takes a notion, it whistles and twitters very nicely. As we have not yet found a suitable name for it, could you think of one, please? We went to the pictures at Naseby the other night, and enjoyed ourselves very much. The name of the picture was "Delicious." As Naseby is ten miles from here, We went In our car, and took a friend with us./.I hope you are quite well, and all the Little Folk, too. ; Love to all the Little Folk and your own, dear self. . A MINER'S SWEETHEART ;(Kyeburn Diggings).

[What a time your brother had, A Miner's Sweetheart. And fancy his being given a canary, which, I am sure would like to be called Carol 1 No, you do not need to put your full name and address on every letter you send me.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l suppose you will probably think I have forgotten you, for lb is about eight months since I wrote my last leter to you. It is hot here. I went for a swim one morning, but the water was cold. Swimming is my favourite pastime in the summer. The Minister of Education came the other day, and toe gave us a holiday the day after. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. PRINCESS PAT (Becks).

[How many times a week would you like a visit from the Minister of Education, Princess Pat? If you swim fast you do not notice that the water is cold.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —On February 23 last, death removed from our midst Sir Edward Elgar, the greatest of modern British composers, and deservedly one of the best in the world. In view of this sudden and tragic event, I am going to say something about him and his music now, instead of continuing for the present with the story of our music. Most great musicians have had a hard time of it In their childhood, but Elgar was fortunate enough to have a father who was a true music lover, and was encouraged in his love for music at an early age. But the composer had a severe struggle for fame. One of his greatest works, a lovely oratorio or cantata called " The Dream of Gerontlus," was not acclaimed in England until after it had been received with enthusiasm In Germany. The " Enigma Variations," by him, have been referred to as the finest orchestral works by any composer. Elgar's fame has spread greatly in late years, however, and his music has been widely performed. I suppose most of the Little Folk will know his beautiful setting of "Land of Hope and Glory," as it appears in his " Pomp and Circumstance." How typically British it is! Whenever the fine march is played it simply compels our attention and admiration. Quite recently the London Symphony Orchestra recorded Elgar's overture,'" In the South," under the composer's personal direction. This fine piece portrays his Impressions of the sunny land of Italy, on a visit there some years ago. He wrote a violin concerto, too, and a very fine one. A concerto Is a piece of music for a solo instrument (usually the violin or. piano), accompanied by a full orchestra. Yehudl Menuhin, the great boy violinist, studied the piece with the composer, and presented it at the Albert Hall, London, some time ago. Records were made of this, also. It is comforting to think that we have preserved for us this marvellous music, conducted by Elgar himself. Elgar has done more than his share to the rebuilding of our musical tradition, which was shattered by foreign influence—a point that I have yet to mention. He was a fine Englishman, and a true musician who worked tirelessly for the cause of his art. May his influence and his work inspire our composers of the future! CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedln). [You have written a sincere appreciation of Sir Edward Elgar, Charles Dickens, and one which he himself would have been glad to read. I hope the Little Folk are keeping copies of these letters of yours.— DOT.] . Dear Dot,—We had our flower show one Saturday recently, and enjoyed it very much. Frances Mary and I took round a raffle, it was a cake, a penny a guess. There were many beautiful specimans of flowers. Vegetables were also entered, but I was not quite so interested in them. The industrial entries and baking were also Interesting. I like being back at school very much, and I am In Standard VI. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. COUNTESS CARINA (Wakari). [How proud the winner of the raffle would be at buying a cake for a penny, Countess Carina! I am glad you like being in Standard VI.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —As It is over two months since I last wrote, I thought I would take my pen and write to you now. Our little dog was caught In a rabbit trap and has a very lame foot. We are back at school, and I am very glad. I did not go away for my holidays this Christmas. I am reading a book named "What Katy Did," have you read it? Thlß is about the tenth time I have read it. I must close now, with the best of luck to all the Little Polk and yourself. MISTRESS BETTY (Sawyers' Bay).

[Yes, I have read " What Katy Did," Mistress Betty. I am so sorry about your little dog's foot. What are you doing for It?—DOT J

Dear Dot, —I hope you and all the Little Folk are quite well. People up around here are dipping and harvesting. The other week, Dunback had a flower show, and it was very good. This v is a little poem I read in a book, and liked very much: Par among the hills to-day A small brown stream sang happily To me the lovely thing 3 like peace, And truth and trees that bowing sway With gentle music in the air That holds small, secret whisperings Of life mysteriously renewed, And Varm sweet fragrances of rare But half-forgotten things that seem Linked with some far off happiness Most preciously recalled with song By this sweet, small, brown stream. The other week I was stooklng, and later, I had my teeth out. Do you like having teeth out? I do not, and I do not think anyone does! I will close now, with love to your Little Folk and yourself. DAD'S BEST HUNTAWAY (Dunback). [Why did you like that poem so much, Dad's Best Huntaway? And what does it mean? I do not know if I like having teeth taken out, because mine all stay where they grew.—DOT.] # * * Dear Dot, —It is not very often nowadays that we see the plates with the willow pattern thereon, in everyday use. But it would be very hard to And a more interesting story of old China, than that which each part of the willow pattern helps to make. On the right we see a two storied house, which was the home of a rich mandarin. He had a lovely daughter called Li Chi, whom he hoped would marry a wealthy old duke. However, Li Chi hated the duke, but loved her father's secretary, named Chang, who also hoped to marry her. This made the mandarin very angry, and he forbade Li Chi and Chang ever to see each other again. The island cottage on the left is where Chang went to live. Meanwhile Li Chi sat at her window watching the willow tree at the end of the bridge, and the peach trees round the house. The willow tree was already in bloom, and the peach trees were beginning to form their buds. Li Chi s father had announced that her wedding would take place when the willow tree had flowered and the peach trees were m blossom. While walking alongside the lake one day; Li Chi saw floating towards her a toy ship made with a coconut shell, with a sail attached to it. Drawing it in, she found a bead which sho had given Chang, and a little poem from which she learnt that he was planning to save her. She sent the ship back with a message In it to let Chang know that something had to be done before the peach tree flowered, or it would be too late. The days flew past until one morning U Chi awoke to find the peach trees covered with soft pink blossom. The house became all bustle and excitement, and at last poor Li Chi sat ready in; her wedding robes. it was at that moment that an old bent servant entered the room and begged to see her alone. ,'When he raised his head and took off his wide hat, Li Chi "aw with glad surprise that It was Chang. 'He.had "addled In his boat to the gardener's cottage at the far end of the bridge, and we see him In the pattern. There he had borrowed the servant's clothes to come disguised to the mandarin's house, LI Chi quickly threw a smock over her wedding robes, and looking like two servants they slipped out of the house, LI Chi carrying her spinning distaff, and Chang bringing her heavy box of Jewels. They had just reached the bridge when the mandarin caught sigh* of them, and snatching up a whip immediately gave> chaße. We see them on the bridge, first LI Chi with her distaff, Chang with the box. and lastly the angry mandarin with his whip. EBcape was hopeless, as Li Chi could run no taster, and Chang would soon be under the cruel lash of the whip. A friendly spirit watching from above saw that there was only one way to save them. With a splash Chang's box fell in to the lake, LI Chi's distaff dropped at the door of the gardener's cottage, while two doves rose into the air and flew away, leaving the mandarin staring into space. Ll Chi and Chang had been turned into.a pair of turtle doves; those we see at the top of the picture. They built a nest in the garden of Chang's cottage, where they lived long and happily as doves do. And now all that is left of our willow pattern story, is the fence, which ends, the story. Hoping. I have not taken up too much space,. I shall .close, with love to all the Little Folk and yoursel£* EYES OF JBLUB (Oamaru).

[That Is a charming'story, Eyes of Blue, and one that never grows tiresome. When I first heard it I was a child, I used to wonder how the little boat could go to and fro on the same current. lam glad you have retold It—DOT.]

Dear Dot,-—We were promised that If we were good we would be allowed to go to the< Old Writers* picnic. The mist. was rolling on the hills, but it was not raining when we left with dad. in his gig at 7 o'clock in the morning on the first part of our journey. We drove five miles, and from there a friend kindly drove us to Mosgiel in his car. When we reached Mosgiel It was raining, but we caught tne train to town. I was not quite sure where the Woodhaugh Gardens were, but Swaggers Mate said he was quite willing to follow me. However, we arrived at the gardens without getting lost, but by this time it was raining heavily. 'lt cleared. for a few minutes, and we took a quick look round and then returned to town. We caught the next train to Mosgiel, where we stayed for the week-end. and left for home about 8 o'clock on Monday morning with the workman's lorry, arriving at ,Deep Stream about half past ten. We walked the five miles from there, and reached home at lunch time; then we made ready for school for the afternoon So* ended our outing .to the Old Writers' picnic, but we are, hoping _we shall have better/ luck at the reunion. Bill of the Tussocks says he is coming with,us then, as he will be older, and therefore bigger by that time. I willTclose now, with love to you and all the Little Folk.

COW TRACKER (putram)

[Poor Cow Tracker! What an unfortunate day you spent! Here la Dunedln It rained all day long. But the *old Writers are arranging another, picnic, I think,;, and. perhaps you will be able to go to that.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have Just finished writing to Western Sunset, and I told her she was to write to you soon, as she has not written for a long time. She is working In Oamaru now. An excursion came up here from Dunedln the other day. It was a horrible day, for there was dust blowing everywhere. Did you come up, Dot? An uncle of mine came up from Ravensboume. There were 1040 visitors altogether, They had to divide the train in half at Kurow. Did you know Grey-Eyed Blonde has a very bad right wrist? She has been very bad with it since before Christmas. I hope the picnic at Woodhaugh Gardens was a success. It would be beautiful here sometimes if the wind would go down, but I suppose we must be thankful for what we receive. Ii will close now, hoping you and all the Little Folk are quite well. Kindest regards to all. WAITAKI HYDRO PRINCESS (North Otago).

[No, I did not take advantage of the excursion, Waitakl Hydro- Princess, and I did not go to the Woodhaugh Gardens picnic either, for there was no picnic. It rained too heavily. I am sorry to hear about Grey-Eyed Blonde.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old. I was in the hospital for four weeks before Christmas. I am the baby of the family. I am having a holiday with my sister before I go back to'school. I simply love up here. I mußt close now, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. BABY OF ROSENEATH (Kurow).

[Welcome to you, Baby of Roseneath. The holiday with your sister will help to make up for the four weeks in hospital, I hope.—DOT.] #\ * *

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in the paper; thank you for letting me Join. I was glad when school started again, as I am in Standard I, and like it very much. During the week-end we went for a picnic, and picked brambles. It was great fun, even though I got my arms badly scratched. We also had a paddle in the creek. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. WOOLYMOOLY (Balclutha). [How hot and happy one grows when picking brambles, Woolymooly! And what a sweet, dusty taste is in the air! A paddle afterwards Is Just right.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I read all the Old Writers' letters, and found them very Interesting. Congratulations to the Little Folk «■ who won the composition prizes? 1 .enjoyed their letters. Some one said in my, hearing to another person. " You are worth your weight in gold." That reminded me of the story of a Massachusetts girl. Her father, Captain John Hull, was master of the Mint of Massachusett. He was a very rich man? A young man, Samuel Sewell by name, came courting pretty Betsy Hull, who was a very nice girl, but not at all slender as the fashion is now. Samuel Sewell was a good young man, Industrious, and also a member of the church. Old Captain Hull was pleased with Betsy's choice, and. said, " You may have her, and I hope you will be very happy and prosperous." The wedding day came, and everyone was dressed in the finest and costliest clothes they could afford ; also latest In fashion. Sitting in his grandfather chair, Captain Hull Bald to the bridegroom, "You married Betsy for love. Now, I will give you something that will help you along in your married life." He whispered to two men servants, who brought in a large pair of scales. " Betsy," he said, " Stand In one of these scales!" Then to the men he said, " Carry over that box." When this was done, Captain Hull took a key out of his pocket and unlocked the large chest. It was full to the brim with silver. • The silver was heaped into the other scale. Handful after handful was thrown in. At last the scales were even. " Sam Sewell," said Captain Hull, "Take her. It is not every wife who Is worth, her weight in stiver." Don't you think it splendid to be thought so much of? Of 'course I don't suppose many could afford to do what Captain Hull did, and of course it was silver Instead of gold. Love to your own dear self and the Little Folk. PRINCESS BEBE (Spring Hills).

[I did not know, till now, that that famous expression was founded on fact, Princess Bebe; for it is not every father who would be willing to give away his daughter with such a dowry. It could not happen in 1834, J. think.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was so pleased that Old Writers' week was such a success. What interesting letters the Old Writers' all write, and what a feeling of comradeship exists among them all! It gives one such a nice feeling to read their letters. - I read every letter, and enjoyed them all very much. I noticed how one and all are looking forward to the jubilee in 1936. I wish also to congratulate the winners.of your, competition. I enjoyed their letters very much, and I think they were deserving of a prize. I expect the following will be of interest to you and the Little Folk: Franz Schubert, who set Wolfgang von*Goethe's beautiful poem The Erlklng" to music, was born when Beethoven was In his prime, and survived the great master by one year. He has written numerous operas (many unfinished, and few now know) delightful pianoforte, chamber music, find several symphonies, as musicians now seem willing to endorse, but his greatest works are his songs. Schubert was both bashful and indolent. He was neither remarkable as a performer on any Instrument, nor as a conductor, and all this combined to prevent his achieving fame during his lifetime beyond a vera limited circle. Even after his songs were 'perfectly well known in Vienna drawing rooms, music publishers envinced an unusually great reluctance to take up his songs. They would not even purchase "The Erlklng" Itself, but. left it to be published at the expense of some of his friends. Schubert was equally great in every form of song, whether he arranged the music,ln verses like a poem, or varied it throughout (as for instance in The Wanderer") to suit the words, or whether he- wrote a highly poetic form, nearly approaching to that constantly used by Wagner. He lived only to the age of 31, andjwas burled In Vienna, near the grave;, of Beethoven. His tombstone bears the too.-true inscription, for his last WorksT.were; ; his finest: " Rich in, what he gave,: Richer; ip what he promised." You asked 'me If, I had ever heard "The ErlkUig." lam Sorry, but I forgot to answer ybUr: question. Yes, I have heard my mother singing it often, and she is a good singer. 'Perhaps you would like me to write , about Lu.dwig von Beethoven, the greatest: musician ever, i when next I write. My wrist Is.quite all right again now, thank you. Love to you and the Little Folk. , ;'■";',;':;■; ROSE ROUGE (Spring Hills).,

[I am glad you liked the competition letters. Rose Rogue. Yes, do write about Beethoven next time. Letters such as this are full of Interest and instruction, and obey our motto splendidly.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Pleape may I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age. I spent my school holidays with my uncle, driving about in a motor truck. I enjoyed every day of them. My little sister is four years old, and her name is Mabel. She wants to go to school too. I shall be pleased to take her. I have no pets, except a hen and nine chickens. They are all white ones, and are all pullets, and will soon be laying eggs. I will close:now, with love to you and the Little Folk. SKIPPY (Victoria). [Welcome to Sklppy, whose grandfather.is none other than Harry Farrar, a famous Old Writer. How busy you will be looking after your pullets when they begin to lay!—DOT.] ' .*' * - *':\ : '. : Dear Dof,—l daresay.all of us have at some time passed through that stage when we will not listen or accept advice in the spirit, in, which it Is offered, that age when no one may.; teach us anything, for we think that weikndw everything'worth while. We have, ' we. fondly Imagine, a. complete knowledge ot- the world, andt.everyone else s experience icqunts.for; naught in-our views. And with: an assumed' sense of dignity, and an air of grown-upness, we stumble along blunderlug" in our Work and conversation, We have the. most outrageous opinions, and presuming-*-wr6ngJy* of we are creating an .impression, we attempt to, speak'.-with the philosophy; of Bocrates. Needless to say we fall miserably. Probably it is 'not altogether, otir fault,: for. we are just trying ita find; our- feet; as ft, were, after passing from c childhood to almost manhood and womanhood: Most of us who scorn our own folk's wisdom will, perchance, readily accept this fine little homily' .from V.Hamlet.'.' ~,,./: '...''. \ v-

'fArid i these few .precepts in thy memory Look thou character. • Give thy thoughts

no tongue. . ~ ;•''■■''.■;■ Nor any unproportloned thought his act. v, Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar, v The friends thou bast, and their adoption

tried/'- .''''■■"'•• *•'.'. Grapple then to thy soul with hopes of steel; But do not dull thy palm with entertainment Of each newrhatch'd unfledged comrade. BewareV ■■'■'■- . . . ■■•■''■ '-•» Of entrance to ft quarrel; but, being in Bear't that the opposed may be aware of thee. Give every man thine ear, but few thy

'•■. 'voice: :>■•■.'.'.' '.'';. . ■ ' ."' *'-' Take each man's censure, but reserve thy

Judgement; . Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy. But not expressed In fanoy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man ■. ■ And they In France, of the best ranks and

station, ~ ■• . .. . Aro most select and generous, chief in that. Neither a borrower, nor a lender be: For loan oft loses both itself and friend; And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all—to thine own self be true; And It must follow, as the night the day, Thou qans't not then be false to any man. Farewell: My blessing,season this in thee! POLLANNA OF THE ORANGE BLOSSOM /• (Dunedin).

[Before one can come to the stage where it is possible to appreciate fully these noble words, one must have passed through the phases you describe in,the"first part.of your letter, ' Pollanna of the Orange Blossom. Anyway, until, one learns life's lessons for oneself, onevdoes not/know them. Growing up■■/Is sometimes a painful process, is It not.—DOT.] ; . • • . ■.,"•; ,- * :■■■■ * * - • ►

Dear thought' I would write you a few lines," seeing r Journeyed over forty miles to see you one Saturday, but did not see you after all.V Did you'have a good time at Christmas and the New Year ? It was very quiet here. I: went to town one day with Cow Tracker and my eldest brother during our school holidays. 'A boy friend met us in Dunedln and took us down to the wharf, where we saw the Wyatt Earp. We Bpent a good time at the museum looking at the many curios. We went to the pictures in the afternoon, and when wc came out we found the service car waiting at the door to take lis home again. Our day passed very quickly, but we enjoyed it very much. We had a little boy staying with us for a few days. He was so excited that he did not know what to do at first. He enjoyed playing in the creek, and we all were badly sunburned. The sunburn was very sore for a day or two, but we always forgot about the sun when we were splashing about. Well I am sorry to tell you that I lost Rose, my calf. We found her in the creek one morning, she was not, drowned, but had eaten some rags. We still have Paddy, the lamb. •He is a very wild fellow. 'He chased me found and round the house one night, and I tell you I had to run. The rest of the family had a good laugh at me. Our baby sister is walking by herself. She was eight months old the other Sunday. I shall stop now, with love to, you and all the Little SWAGGER'S MATE (Outram).

[Did you see the emergency packs in the hold of. the Wyatt Earp, Swagger's Mate? It is funny how pain is forgotten when we are enjoying ourselves, is it not? Does your baby sister like mischievous Paddy?—DOT.] .

■ Dear Dot, —One of my latest hobbies is basket making, and although I am only an amateur, I have been able to make several useful articles such as trays and work baskets. Perhaps some of the Little Folk would like to make some, so I shall describe, to the best of ability, how to make a plain tray. First you buy a sixpenny roll of basket cane, and a three-ply board, round or oval; these range in price acording to size. Now steep your cane In boiling water, and leave it to dry a little on a cloth. Do not leave It long In the hot water, only a second or two. If you have no holes In the board, you have to punch holes an eighth of an inch from the edge, and an Inch apart. Then cut the cane In lengths according to the size of the basket or tray you are making. If you are making it two inches deep, cut the cane in eight-Inch lengths, as many as there are holes In the board. Now take three eight-inch lengths of cane orad insert each in a hole on the the board, having each five inches on top side, and three inches on the bottom side. At the three-inch side, working towards the left, take'the first length of cane bringing it round the outside of the second cane and on the inside of the third. Insert the fourth length of cane in the hole making sure that the end of the first piece of cane is on the inside of it, then work your second piece of cane as the first, and continue adding one and working one until you came to where you started, where you will notice for yourself how to work it so as not to show your join. Always be sure to hold your work firm. To weave, take three lengths of cane any length, tho longer the better. Put each cane to the right of three upright canes In the,board, and now bring the first long cane round the second upright cane on top of the second long one, and back round the third upright cane and under the third long one. Continue weaving In this manner until you have the required depth, or have three inches of the upright cane left. When weaving you will notice that you are- weaving round the outside of two upright canes, and the inside of one. To finish off your work break off your long cane, but be sure you have bo worked it that it ends above where you started. Take an. upright cane, bring it round the outside of one, round the inside of two and the outside of one ending inside the basket, and continue until all the upright canes are worked in. Now take a sharp blade and trim off all long and unnecessary pieces of cane. You will be able to make handles by taking notice how it is done on the trays and baskets in the shops, as it would take up too much space to explain here. However, by this description! you should be able to experiment in basket making. I picked up the way by puzzling out mother's big afternoon teatray, and have matte one nearly as big, 181 nby 12ln. Baskets and trays are the cheapest, novel, and most useful gifts for Christmas or birthday, as well as being fascinating to work. Fond love to tho Little Folk and your own dear self. LAVENDERETTE ( OtagoV. [Clever Little Folk, Lavenderette! And particularly clever for having puzzled it out for yourself. Your letter will serve as an excellent guide for any of the other Little Polk who intend to take up this Interesting hobby.—DOT.J

Dear ! Dot, —We have a glasis; house in which daddy grows tomatoes'/ '*Vf&) have a wee green frog named' Peter. -He''eats the insects in the glass house. We arft obtaining another frog that 'is going to £be - called Freddie. My cousin is staying With 1 me in order to go to Technical School, this year. Love to all the Little Polk and -yourself*. PRETTY BLUB WINGS (Caversham).

[How proud Freddy, and Peter must feel as they guard the tomatoes with their Jong tongues, Pretty Blue Wings. And how they must terrify the Insect enemies!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am writing to you again, but I .suppose most of the Littla Folk have forgotterime. 1.-was at my grandmother's and grandfather's golden wedding. Grandpi's Lass and A.Young Ned Kelly were there. too. All the children were given a balloon each. Winter will soon be here ugain. Winter and summer are the only seasons Iv ilike. We had' our school picnic at Brighton; We had races, and I came second In our race; I had several boat rides, and when I went ,In the first boat I did- not know whether I could .peddle or .#ot, ibut now I can paddle. quite*; well, It p I 1) Standard. V..this.year. - i,came, third equa,i last year In Standard IV. , I went up to Cromwell for a trip; in the holidays T. BtlU read the letters in, the: paper when s I have a chance. I am la the scouts, and have great f urn One. of the games we,, have, we get a ohocplata teddy; bear each. ; Waiting Mothor's Consent, my sister,,is-marriea.: My mothepi'and two' of her sisters wrots for, Old Writers' week. I have been looking forward to a, letter from Boy Blue's : Brother. We have a. wild .bumble - bee hive' here/,:•-J. cut my linger badly, but It.'ls, getting better now., Love to 1 all the and;your own dear self..,. ' v -., -'V ■-.' ■'■ ■■'•£ '.'.•>(•'■'-' WOOD CLUB MANAGER (o«tfaih),

'■■:: frwpnder how you can, tell the vjifference between the seasons,-Wood; Club .Manager. You will be?glad of that picnic, -seeing that it let you learn:..*howvtqi handle; a-boat. Please tell me more about the; hive,^-DOT.J.

,' Dear Dot,-—l,wonder If any of the Little Folk:are Interested in.the weather? Here are some "signsKof* weather" which may interest some of them.f especially. ; lf; they ever want to go ; out, And wonder what the day is going to be. If the dew lies plentifully on the grass/the morning after /_ a fair day, it Is a sign that the following day will also be fair. If not, and there is no wind, rain must' follow. A-red evening portends fine weather; but if it spreads too far upwards from the horizon in the even.ng, and especially in the morning, it foretells wind or rain, or perhaps both. When the the sky in rainy weather, is tinged with sea green, the rain will increase; if with deep blue it will Just be showery. Previous to much rain falling, the clouds grow bigger, and increase - very fast, especially before thunder. When the clouds are. formed like fleeces, butdense in > the middle and: bright towards the edges; with the sky bright, they are signs Of frost, with hail; enow, or rain. If clouds form high In the air, in thin white trains, they portend wind and probably rain; .'When >a general Cloudiness covers the sky and small black, fragments. of clouds fly/underneath, they are £ sure sign of rain, which probably will s be lasting. Two currents■; of clouds always portend rain; night, if the moon looks pale and dim, we expect rain; If red, wlnd;;'and if of her natural colour, with vfair weather. If the moon Is rainy throughout. It will ne clear at the change* and. perhaps, the rain will r,eturn a few.flays after. ]\U fair throughout; and rain at the change, the fair weather will probably return on. the .fourth of fifth day. Hoping ./this .will- interest someone, I send kindest regards to all; -

BLUB JAY (Cromwell)

■ [Thank you veryimuch,.Blue Jay. How interesting it all sounds. I- must pay attention to the sky, henceforth, and see II I- can test these signs you have given us.— DOT.];-'; '«.->«■' : : ' ' Dear Dot,—-We'had a neighbour up one day to cut our- oats. The other day my parents and three neighbours went picnic. Easter will soon be here again. We have eight pupils going to bur. school., -.The two foal's axe growing. X The other day my mate lost four bantams, but the next night he caught the animal that killed them. .It was a big black and white, ferret. IJike reading the letters from over the sea; They are very interesting, and so are the letters of Roaming in the Gloaming. There have been very long trains going down to Milton lately, as the farmers are v sending their fat lambs away. One night there were 17 trucks of sheep going, down. The train was going very slowly around the .sharp turns. As space is precious, I will close, with love to you and your happy band. YOUNG MINER (Manuka preek).

[I would not like to be a fat lamb, would you, Young Miner? And I am glad I am not a ferret, no matter how big arid black and white. How did they cut the oats?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—When I was reading the Little Folk letters . one Monday, I noticed that In answer to one of the letters you said, "If nobody wrote and 'everybody enjoyed reading the letters, where would the page be." NOW, Dot, that just shows me how lazy I have been all these years, when I have been a member and have not written. Our garden is not very good this year. We generally have a great of asters, but this year we have hardly any, and any we have are poor, wee, miserable things. We have not much fruit in our orchard either. What escaped being not frosted the birds are taking. I was at a dance at Sutton one Friday night, and had a very enjoyable time. It was the first dance_l have, been to at Sutton. Some of the territorials out of the 14th battery* which was in camp near Gladbrook, were there. Also I was at the Collie Club bazaar, which was • held in Middleman*. They hold pictures in Mldlemarch now, once every two weeks.' I do not go to them, tor I do not care for pictures. I close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MUL-TAL-LA (Strath Taierl).

• [lt is jolly to hear from you again; Mul-ta-la, even though it was a word from me that caused you to write. I am sorry your asters are so poor, for when they are in good health, no other flower is so brilliant and colourful. —DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot. —Several years ago, I used to correspond with an English girl, living in Calcutta, whose letters were always full of interest. One very interesting letter she wrote depicting the customs of some of the Indian tribes, I thought you might be interested to read about:—Early in the year the bathing festival Amawas was celebrated at Allahabad, when 3,500,000 pilgrims bathed at the sacred Sangam, the Hindus holy of holies, where the water of the Ganges and the Jumma mingle. The devout Hindu believes that for every hair of his which finds its rest in the Ganges, he is released from 10,000 rebirths. (The Hindu belief is that after death, the spirit of a man returns to earth in the form of a cow; accordingly the cow is regarded as a sacred animal and is never illtreated). There are 3000 barbers in camp, and everywhere can be seen millions of shaven heads. Among tho women, only widows are allowed to part with their hair, a woman whose husband is still living, sacrificing only a single lock. A man whpse father is still alive will.not shave his moustache. The ceremony conducted by the priests is very simple. While holding the tail of a cow, the,tusk of an elephant, or the ear of a goat each pilgrim repeats the shankaep, or prayer of absolution.' He is then pure. The holy men or nagas are /the centre of a great deal of attraction. These men who number about 300 come from all parts of northern India. M They wear no clothes, and are regarded", with the utmost reverence: when they start in procession, thousands of pilgrims shower the bathing ghat flowers on them, and after they have passed, gather up the soil on which they have trodden. Do not these customs seem peculiar? The yogis are religious fanatics who condemn themselves to some form of self control, as a penance for their sins. They hold their arms above their beads for so long in one position, that the arm becomes withered and useless; others walk bare-footed over red-hot coals, but the worst form, I should say, are the men who hang head downwards from a wooden tripod and let their faces dangle a few feet from the ground where a very fierce fire blazes. I am afraid I would never have the courage

to perform .any.,, of, these - acts of aelf abnegation, Would you? Kind regards to all and yourself.- ,:<..<• v

GORDON (Herbert). J- {What•' crimes against human nature ere committed in the name of religion, Gordon! And, all the time,: life Is there waiting to be lived and enjoyed! Thank ypu for your interesting letter.—DOT.] "\

Dear Dot, —I enjoyed reading the Qld Writers' letters. ■:■ We have not had very good weather since we started school. I am in Standard 111 this year. Our/school trip was to Maclerinan this yeai 1 . The train left Walwera at 8.24 a.m. When we arrived at Walwera station we waited there until the train came, goon we saw It In the distance,: arid as it cam* nearer and nearer, we saw, It grow bigger and bigger. When it arrived we all jumped in ready for a ride; When we came to . Warepa station they had some pretty gardens. We passed: through a clump of bush. Then we heard that we had to walk; two. 'miles to the sea. We took a short- cut through an bld : sawmill, arid when.; we landed, at the beach, the first thing we could do, was take. off our Bhoes down to 'Hhe coollooking sea. After luncheon, we Jumped in to, the .•.sea-' with our bathing suits' on. The water was not very warm. : When we dressed, I had afternoon tea, and had a game In the sand, we found it was time to go back. We had a happy ride home. Sleepily we went off "to 'bed, and I did not waken until .9 next morning. I will ;Close now, with love to all. . LITTLEI SKY FAIRY (Otago); [lt is exciting watching a train grow bigger and bigger,; is it ■ not, Little Sky FalryT And running into the sea when one is* hot and tired—What could be more Jolly and delightful!—DOT.] ' - . - OLD WRITERS* ASSOCIATION. ' At a meeting of the committee At the; 014 Writers' Association on December 19, .1933, it was decided to bold a; reunion during Winter Show Week in June, ,i 936, W: celebrate the fiftieth anniveraary. of Dot's Little, Folk page. It < was ; further'decided that there should be a nominal fee of one ■hilling for membership, and, that anyone, whether an, Old Writer or not,, desirous ot, making a donation could do so, all subscriptions and donations, accompanied by name, address, and nom de plume, to be acknowledged in the Little Folk's page fortnightly*■ after 'being received by the secretary at <;her address, 24 Jackson street. St. Kilda, Dunedin. .

A meeting of the Old Writers' Assoclatlw was held last Monday in the library of;the Otago Dally Times Office, the following Old Writers being present: Alya,. Bob's Sweetheart, \ Doughnut, Areta, Walhola Lass, Evangeline, Sandstone, Morning Star, Ivanhoe. Uncle Sam, Cabaret Boy, and Cooks Cobber. A large amount of correspondence was' brought up for discussion and .was all received. The offer of % member to provide ribbon and print the: first 200 Old Writers', badges was accepted. The badges will be ready early in April. The' - secretary was Instructed to forward one to every member,ofthe Association. It was decided, should i enough support come.from country members, that a small reunion be-held, during show week, on June 5 th,ls year (1934). Any country Old Writers who, would the likely to attend are requested to Write to the" secretary immediately, so that, arrangements :; can be commenced without delay.... The, picnic' which \ was \- postponed : on February 17. will be held in Woodhaugh Gardens on Saturday, March, 10,-at 1,80 p.m.;. Should the weather be. wet .arrangements have been made to hqld the plcriio indoors .'■ and the association has secured the George Street School Hall for that purpose. * # * *

Subscription* have been received iby the secretary from Evangeline, waihola Lass, and Doughnut. • t ".."'■'.•'„'■

v OLD WRITERS* NOTES.; Indian Chief, president of the IOU jfftiivn'.Association (Mr Jas. T. Ramsay, 24 Neiapath toad, Mornlngton Dunedln):; an* Morning Star* honorary : secretary (Mrs" J. '; Hlnes, 124 Uackson Street, :St . Kiidaj'v Dunedin), are endeavouring to complete-a v . register of past and present Old Writer* In . connection with the Jubilee in 1836.;' Ktther ,v would be pleased to hear from any ■willing to supply names, 'addresses, and nom* d* plume, and, where possible, year writing to Dot Acknowledgment* will be made periodically in this column.

■■.:■ ,;-»■. /•,■*■■• ;■".:■■ ';;;*: '^::0 Guilia (Mrs W. Neai.lß Belbourne street, Grey Lynn, Auckland, W.2), would be pleased to hear from any Old Writer* and Little Folk In the Auckland district, with a view to arranging a meeting probably ,at the Winter Show. There are many who dp , ; not see the page now, since the Otago. Witness has ceased publication, so would any. Little Folk who have correspondents in-or, near . Auckland kindly "send them her addreti? OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extendi a apecial welcome tatM following Little Folk who have' writtea t» the page for the first time thl* weeksBaby of Roseneath.Sklppy, and Mother**} Wash.Girl.' '•.■"'" : \.r : MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes imariy happy return* of tfttt day to— ■ Mother's Wash Girl, who will be 16 t* -.■■morrow.',' ' \ Wood Club Manager, who will be II o*r. Thursday. - ■• v- • Sweet Blue Bell, who will be Are on Thurn ' day. '" Princess Vonia, who will be eight on Bus* day. - .- •' .'■;■' NOTES. ,' Little Pleasure and Mata dart;—Norak Hayseed wishes to apologise to your Lett** Box notices, but she has as many cor» respondents as she ,can cope with Just now. \ ■ '■'■• ■ DOT. . ■ s , * ~ : * » ' To Mahana.—Will, yon please ienfi am your name and present: address so that. l may forward a private letter that he* come ioryOU? : DOT. LITTLE FOLK'S LETTER' BOX, Aa the Little Folk inserting the I following request** do not know th» /'" addresses of the companions with ( whom they wish to correspond, It: 'V Is necessary that those companion* V should send the first letter.—DOT. x ::,. # ' ."■-' * * ' Blue Jay (L. I. Rowe, Cromwell), wishe* to correspond with Dancing Water. « * * A Miner's Sweetheart (Winnie "Braeburn," Kyeburn Diggings, via Naeeby)„ , would like to corespond with Cocky From .thev.i. Pear Trees, Alexandra, and any other; Little Folk willing between the age* of 14 and 18. She also hopes that Lavender, Fairy"wltt answer her last letters. ; Eyes of Blue (Annie Richardson,, George* . town), would like to correspond with './; Blue Triangle Girl, New Zealand '■) Fern, Charles Dickens, and Rose of Waipiata 14th ey are willing.. ■' /'- "-"■'■•' • ' * Y:'. *'■''■:. Carmine Rose (Elsie - M'Arthur, Clyde), wishes to correspond with any Little Folk aged 13 or 14 years. s "

\^^' : !if^in!^.w^

Motte.—We write for the benefit of others, V not for. ourselTss.

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your ■age since 1933, but. not the last, I hope. we have had some- beautiful days lately &\ completed with rain,, a thing we cannot do without, but. we had some severe gusts %of wind one Sunday. The dust came down In a big cloud, then caught in a whirlwind,. : and swept right over;lnto cur place, and then it was a run for inside to shut all the windows and doors.. But before we bad •-•'. time to .do -anything the place .was'full of h dust, and after the wind had died down, . everything we touched was gritty. We live - a few yards off the main road, so we catch all? the dust of the road by passing cars, ' tailbeisummer time. One good we do reeelva from dust, is that it helps to fertilise the -ground, 'and ours ought' : to be well fertilised, AH the fanners are busy harvett-

| lag, and the mill has started Its round. The paddocks looked picturesque, a little while 7 agovwltbthe ripe golden \ crops Waving to ;--■"■ and fro ;In the summer : breese, and the / grass and clover paddocks looking, green. I am anxiously awaiting a letter and some -aaapa from Judy Abbott and Mountain v Dweller. I always look forward to their -■ letters,, as lam always sure of a laugh. A girl friend and I started to walk to a dance - at Sutton, five miles from her, but we had '" » lift. Which we were very thankful for; and v we* bad a lovely time. I have a sister who 'Who'lives down there, so I did not have to-look forward to walking home. I am •ending half a crown for a badge. I wish you and your page the best of luck for 1934. COWBOY JOB (Central Otago). I [Evidently It is an ill-dust shower that h- blows., nobody, good, l Cowboy Joe.. Un- '/- fortunately you sent .only one shilling and :: sixpence for your badge. Will you please ■' ■end'the other shilling as soon.as you can? ■* I-'am very, glad to hear from you again, and know that you are going to write more .often henceforth.—DOT.] ** • ' Dear Dot, —A fiy, my pet aversion, was hovering round me. I ehood him away.. He ' mads a tour of Inspection round the room, visited each window, fluttered round the light, and then decided that there was nothing as ;, I Interesting as the human being in the armchair, so be alighted on my cheek. I flicked. ; him off again. He skipped away, took another Jaunt round the room, and seated •-: ■ himself - Impudently on my hand. "It Is •aough," I said. "Twice you. have been ;■"■"■:warned that my august person . resents tickling Impertinences of strangers." I - tried to swat him with a swift blow. He &:'dodged'the.'attack with an insolence that 'humiliated me. My personal vanity was ;' aronaed. That he—a mere speck—should ma ao! I pounced on him with my •.-■'..hand,"my book; I pursued him round the llv light. I adopted cunning, tactics, waiting till be had alighted, and then approaching with a horrible etealthlness. . It was all in vain. ,- It was obvious he >was enjoying himself, Ptbat it was for this that he disturbed my wanted a little sport, and what i#-aport : ls there like being chased by a big windmill, of a creature, who ISaasmed/soV-helpless and so stupid? He was beating a little tattoo on the; back of my neck how, and 'becoming more angry as he succeeded in annoying me, I slapped •t him. It hurt, and he, the cause of all the trouble was free, and gliding about the i . room as gay as ever. I must catch the ,' cheeky scamp. I pretended to be unaware of ','. bis. presence when he alighted on me again; jjs&'aad: be;.-seemingly trusting,' landed on my &bnokv Ah, I had him! I had but to give the fesboolt-5.a smack on botb covers and he was ffimiaa:' I did It. Then very gently and rather p->4lagastedtyl.opened It. He was not there! mO-: looked, and. 10, he was sailing out the l : :»pen window. He had escaped me. I pMojilld ' -visualise ■ the malicious smirk that would be on his face. Humiliation —I had nisver !> 'reaileed the meaning of the word beIlSllrev'. That -he,' a thousand' times -smaller than- t, ahould be conqueror! I glowered. '"■ And then .when I saw how .absurd it ail was; .'foolish-, to - lose - my-. temper over- a P?aa»an ; -Bouse-fly,-a minute and insignificant #>?ay*iturs, Ilanghed till I cried.: My .111- ■;, tamper at my inglorious defeat vanished, I utVSi'.V■'■:-' .-■■': -,-'. :■'."•: