Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22244, 23 April 1934, Page 15

Dot's Little Folk

w b y trie OTAGO WITNESS

THE WEEK’S POEM. I am choosing one of Rudyard Kipling’s poems for you this week, children, the reason being that ■ it Is such a beautifully mysterious one. The road through the woods has long since been bidden, so that only the animals and the gamekeeper know that It ever existed; and yet sometimes you can hear hoof-beats upon It, as If somebody not only knew Where it was, but was also there riding along it. But who is that somebody. Ah, that is the point. DQT ¥ ¥ ¥ THE WAY THROUGH THE WOODS. They shut the road through the woods Seventy years ago. Weather and 'rain have undone !«. again, And now you would never know There was once a road through the woods Before they planted the trees. It Is underneath the coppice and heath And thin anemones. Onjy the keeper sees That where the ring-dove broods And the badgers roll at ease Thare was once a road through the woods. Yet if you enter the woods : ■ Of a summer evening late, When the night air cools on the trout-ringed pools Where the otter whistles his mate— They fear not men in the woods, Because they see so tew — You will hear the beat:of a horses feet. And the swish of a skirt in the dew. Steadily cantering thrpugh The misty,solitudes,, 1: V. ■ As though they perfectly knew The old lost road through the woods. . .. . But there Is no road through the woods. —Rudyard Kipling. ; WEAVERS GF WORDS. Now, at the end of the' tale,, we: ,see what a chivalrous king Fingal was, my Little Polk. He made Swaran feel happy and .able to depart without ill-will; and he. comforted Catbullin, who had been hiding in shame. Then he sailed away to his own land. There are some . beautifully worded sentences In this extract. I do hope you read these old tales aloud, for only by doing so will you be able to appreciate their music and spirit. DOT. (¥■ ¥ ¥ THE STORY OF FINGAL. (Continued.) Fiagal leaned on the/shield of his fathers! His grey locks slowly Waved on the wind and glittered to the beam .pt night. He saw the grief of Swaran, and spoke to the first of bards. ■ ■ “Raise, Ullln, raise,the song, of peace. Oh, soothe, my souL from war. Let mine ear forget In the sound the. dismal noise of arms. Let a hundred harps be near to gladden the king of Lochlin. He must depart from us with: joy. None ever went sad from Fingal. The lightning of my sword Is against the strong in fight. Peaceful It lies by my side when/, warriors yield In Wa So at the bidding of Fingal .the minstrel sang and soothed the grief of Swaran. And when the music ceased Fingal spoke once more: . . . , ; “King of Lochlin, let,thy face brighten with gladness and thine ear delight in the harp. Dreadful as the storm of thine ocean thou hast poured thy valour forth; thy voice has been like the voice ,of thousands when they engage In war.. ,' , " Raise to-morrow, raise thy. white sails to the wind. Or dost thou choose the . fight, that thou mayest depart renowned like the sun setting In the west?" ■ Then Swaran chose to depart-in peace. He had no more will to fight against Fingal, so the two' heroes swore- friendship together. Then once more - Fingal called for the song of minstrels. A hundred voices at once arose, a hundred harps were strung. They sang of other times: the mighty, chiefs of other years. And so the night passed till morning trembled with the beam of the east and glimmered on Cromla’s side. Over Lena was heard the horn of Swaran. The sons of tho, ocean gathered around.- -Silent- and sad they rose on the wave. The blast of Erin was behind their sails. White as the mist of Morven they floated along the sea. Thus Swaran and his warriors departed, and Fingal,- calling his men together, set forth to hunt. And as he hunted far in the woods, he met Onthullln, still hiding, sad and ashamed. But Fingal comforted the beaten hero, reminding him of past victories. Together they returned to ’ Fingal’s camp, and there the heroes sang and. feasted until the heart of Cathullin rose. The strength of- his arm returned. Gladness brightened along his face. Thus the night passed away In . song. They brought back the morning Fingal arose on the heath and shook his glittering spear. He moved first towards the plain of Lena. They followed in all their ar ™ Spread the sail, said the king, (i “ seize the-’winds as they pour from Lena. They rose on the wave with song. They rushed with joy through the foam of the deep. • ’ , , Thus tho hero returned to his own Jana. (Concluded.) TO ALL. } Dear Little Folk, —I wonder if you would lilie'to hear this information about telescopes which I found In a magazine? Like many great Inventions, the telescope was discovered by accident. Three hundred ytavs ago- there was a spectacle-maker called Llppershay in the town .of Middelburg,ln Holland, and he had an apprentice. One day the apprentice was playing with some of his master’s lenses, when he happened to hold two of them up to his face in a certain position. He received a surprise, for the town clock at the other end of the street suddenly appeared to grow bigger, and he could not understand it until be realised that it must have something to do witn the lenses. So he went and told his master. Lippershay saw that it was an Important discovery, and he made the first telescope by/ fitting a lense in either end °t a Jhetal tube.- Of course, it was a very weak instrument,, and did not magnify much, and to one thought of looking at the stars through It. But there was living at that time a verv" great scientist called Galileo, and when he heard about it he determined to make a really strong telescope. After some experimenting he did, and for ll ? e . 1 5?® astronomers knew that the on the moon were mountain ranges and dead seas Since then tremendous improvements have been made, and probably Llppershay would not know what a modern telescope was if he saw one, but it It had not been for an apprentice who was too lazy to work and ureferred to play with lenses instead, the telescope might not have been discovered for a long time."—Your loving DOT. LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot. —We have seen hoW George Frederick Handel made a name for himself over in Germany as a musleian. but came -to England, and lived for a. shor while In London, where he composed an 1 nroduced many operas. Now these operas Sen in Italian, and were fine example® of the Italian type of °P era * they did not represent our own British music in any way. But the people of London liked them, and asked for more, nroduced a very fine opera called Rinaido. In this work there is a garden scene, and, to make it look real, they had severe sparrows flying round the stage. Since you are in total disagreement with the illtreatment of animals, I am sure you will sympathise with these poor little, creatures just fancy them, flying among in a Instead of real ones, getting tangled m a mass of pulleys and ropes, and most likely half-blinded by the glare of the stage Ughts . However, they created the des ‘ rt ’ Which, I suppose, was all that the P™ducers wanted. Handel, however, was Capellmelster to the Elector of Haifover, so he had to return to liis official duties, but he soon revisited London, and this time stayed long that bis lord the Elector was furious with him. Then a strange thing happened— himself was called to England to become King George I. How Handel wormed his way back into his master s favour does not really bear on my subject, but it is very interesting. The King and royal party used to go for excursions down the Thames in barges. One day Handel s friends so contrived it that his Majesty s barge was met with another one, lull of musicians playing Handel’s “ Water Music ” specially composed for the occasion. Evidently kings were not hard to please in those days, for George I immediately restored Handel to his favour. But Handel s work went on. Soon all London (social London that is) were raving over his Italian operas, and other Italian composers name as well. The number of the operas Increased by leaps and bounds, and things came to such a state that, when Handel dted the people refused to 1 sten to any mSsic unless it was by Handel or his host nf U imitators. This sort of thing went on for Tears. English music was almost comply forgotten. Had Handel never lived L nhould have lost some exceptionally fine »iusic other than the opera, but the mischief

Irmudumted duly !6> 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 do 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 Daily Times. Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge, with pin, for use as a brooch, is obtainable on application to DOT. Price 2s 6d. In stamps, or postal notes.

was done. The work of all Elizabethan composers and that of Purcell was forgotten in this mad craze for Italian music. CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedin). [Like you, I disagree with the Idea of live sparrows as part of a scene, Charles Dickens. These letters of yours seem to grow in Interest.; So that Is why the “Water music" was composed? Yput nejet letter will be printed soon, I hope.— DOT. | ¥ ¥ ¥' ■■ ■ ' '• Dear Dot, —It was crisp and cool, , just that short space, of, tima - between/ the vanishing of the stars and dawn. The country around was enveloped In a dim light. There was no sound, and If there had been wind during the. night everything was now still and quiet. The Cheeky sparrows had not started their ’ morning gossip, and even old man rooster had not uttered nls morning call. A< fewi moments later, dawn had arrived, and everything seemed to come alive again after a long peaceful, sleep. A gentle breeze scurried across the grass and garden beds, making .the flowers, nod their heads in saying good morning. Sparrows. and starlings held, a meeting in, the lofty treetops 1 to discuss the day’s programme, while the magpie carolled, to the dawn A sheep, bleated In a nearby meadow. “ Cock-a-doodle-do ” said old man rooster, as he heralded the dawning of another day. A bright streak of light was seen on the horizon 'showing that. the sun would soon be on its -way across the heavens. From a nearby chimney -came a thin curling line of smoke, a sure - sign, of another day of toil. Kindest regards to yourself, Little Folk, and Old Writers. BLOSSOM OF SPRING (Waimate). [I particularly like your opening paragraph. Blossom of Spring, and can plainly Imagine the' scene you describe.. Did you yourself have' this ‘dawn experience?—DOT.] *■ ■. * Dear Dot, —My mother has come out of the hospital. She -was- in the Balclutha hospital for seven weeks. I was 13 years old-on February 18. -Easter is over again. The Tawanui sports were held on Easter Monday. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. BLUE-EYED PAT (Catlins). [What Joy It must be to have mother with you again, Blue-Eyed Pat! Are you taking great care of her so that she will remain well?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I am In Standard V this year, and I do not find the work very difficult. I have a wee kitten called Percy. He loves playing with a ball of wool. We have a new wireless, and , I always listen to “Big Brother Bill.” I have not been in for many, bathes this year. I have cooking lessons at. school now, and I made some tomato relish, which tastes delicious. I was In Dunedin for three weeks in the Christmas holidays, and I did not catch the measles. - I go to junior choir now, and- 1 like' it very much. Love to the Little 1* oik and yourself. WENDY ONE (Palmerston). [Percy would seem to be a good name for a Persian kitten, Wendy One. Alas, I did not ever make anything as exciting as tomato relish when I was at school! —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ -Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you. It is marble season here. When my father dug the garden one Saturday, he dug up a brown pottery tor. Our canary Is moulting now. »We were not able to go to the Old Writers’ picnic. Love to all the Little Polk and yourself. THE SIGN PAINTER (Kaitangata). ' [How lucky that your father found the tor -In marble season. The Sign Painter. Have you found It a good winner at school ? —POT!] - ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I would like to Join your happy band of Little Polk. I am seven, years old, and am in Standard X at school. My birthday will be on May 11. One day when coming home from school across the paddocks beside the creek, I saw a hawk trying to catch a young swamp turkey, but the mother would not let it. There were two big birds, and when tho hawk came down one flew at it, theq chased the wee chick behind a rush and flew back at the hawk again. They did screech and make such a noise. I ran along, and the hawk flew away. • SILVER CANDLESTICK (Rlversdale). [You are welcome. Silver Candlestick. How glad- the swamp-turkey parents must have been when your timely appearance made the hawk fly away!—DOT.] - ¥ ¥ ¥' Dear Dot. —The farmers have all their crops In now. The Middlemarch Brass Band held a social in Middlemarch one Saturday night. It was very good. I was invited to attend a surprise party the other week, buP I did not go. I often see in your pages where the Little Folk desire overseas correspondents. Well, X am a Link of the " Link of Empire,” and I was wondering If any of the Little Polk would care to join. Those wishing to Join should write, to Mrs Bowling.' hon. secretary, of . Empire, Glynn House, Sussex road, Southsea, England. Be sure and give particulars about the correspondent they wish her to obtain for them, and say in which part of the British Empire they want a correspondent. I shall close now, with love to all. MUL-TAL-LA (Strath Taieri). [Probably some of the Little Folk will be glad to find correspondents 1 from the source you mention, Mui-tal-la, and then they can write to the page about the friends they make. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,- —I have a little black tabby at home, which I call Witchle. The reason why I call her by that name is because I found here nearly drowning In a creekin the pouring rain, and she looked very much like a witch’s cat. We are having very changeable weather here lately. I also have a spaniel 'dog called Lassie. Dad went up to Rakaia last week end, and caught a salmon between’ 131 b and 141 b. He left it with hla other things while he went to have dinner, and when he went back to get It it was stolen. As space is limited, I shall close, with love to all the Little Polk and your own dear self. GOOD QUEEN CHARLOTTE (Oamaru). [I like Witchie’s name, Good QUeen Charlotte. What a disappointment for father I—DOT.] ¥¥ ¥ * Dear Dot, —We have been dipping sheep, as have nearly all the surrounding stations. I like watching the sheep being dipped. Do not the ones that have been through before' try their best to. evade having to jump into the dip! They do look brown too, after having such a snow-white colour before. We have a pet mapgle and a parrot. The parrot can talk, and he will sit on our hand to be shifted from his cage. The magpie calls the dogs, and always answers us if we call to him. He does not like our cats, however, and chases them. They seem to make fun of him, for they run a little way and then sit down till he nearly touches them: then they run farther on again. There are dozens of magpies In the surrounding plantations, and they do make . a noise In the mornings. Sometimes the clear note of the bellblrd can be heard, but mostly they seem to cling to the bush. There does not seem' to be half so many birds now since the little owl has come. Kingsford Smith and his plane, “The Southern Cross,” visited Geraldine one week. I did not go down to see it, as I saw It when he was round before. I went to Timaru, and went up for a ride and had a lovely view of Timaru and surroundings from the air. Tam going to Christchurch for the day some Saturday. It is about 80 miles from here by car, and we take two hours and a-ha)f on a non-stop journey. I love going on long journeys and watching the scenery ever changing as we reach a fresh place. Kindest regards to all. NEW ZEALAND FERN (Pee) Forest). [Dipping to a sheep Is evidently what having his face washed Is to a little boy, New Zealand Fern. What a pet your magpie must be. Does he ever try to Imitate the notes of the bellblrd? —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l would like to tell you about our voyage from England to New Zealand, because we had a number of storms. The worst one was' Just near Pitcairn Island, where we were supposed to call, but the storm was too strong. It lasted ten days, and we could hardly walk about. It was the first big storm I had experienced, and I was very much frightened. Before the storm I had intended to be a sailor, but I said that I would never be a sailor It the sea was always like that. I think I had better close now, with love to all. ROBIN HOOD THE RECKLESS (Queenstown ). [What else can you tell me about that trip Robin Hood the Reckless? It Is a good thing that you found out about the rough sea before you “signed on,” is it not?— DoT ’ ] ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Have you forgotten me? It Is a long time since I wrote to you. We are milking 41 cows. I have two little black and grey kittens. Would you please give me names for them? It has been very wet here lately. Has It been raining in Dunedin? I shall close now, with love to aU the Little Folk and your own dear self. BLUSHING ROSE (Southland). [When did you Join, Blushing Rose? It has been fine weather in Dunedin. Call the kittens Wlnkie and Pandy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I do not think I shall see | this letter in the page, but we write for the benefit of others not for ourselves! We had a heavy l hailstorm a short timeago. - The thunder-rumbled and the. lightning flashed. It. began to rain, and then there, was a loud knock here, and . then one somewhere else on the roof. Very, soon the hail was coming down so hard that one could scarcely' 1 hear one’s self speak. It seemed to last a long time. .After the hall was over, the lightning kept flashing for a while. The storm was at .night, but ij do , not know whether I should have liked ■ to' see It ip the daytime or not./ The hall did not molt until 3 o’clock the next afternoon. Easter has been arid gone. I did not go away, but a .cousin of -.ours came to stay, with us while mum, da.d, and my youngest sister were at LakeVTekapo. I will try to write more often. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. JO. (Timaru). [What a noisy storm, Jo! No wonder you could not hear yourself speak ‘ through ft. I suppose you had a happy Easter with your cousin there to keep you company.—DUl.J

Dear Dot,— May I be another link to your long chain of Little Folk? I should like to have Sparking Plug for my nom de plume. Father used to call me that when I was too full of fun. I am fifteen years old, and I go to the Timaru Technical High School. I ride a bicycle four and a-hal£ miles to the station, and the rest of the way I go by train There are about thirteen teachers at school. I like dressmaking and art the best; - If ,eyer' any of my cooking turns out any good, rtfy sister (for I have a sister going to the same school) and I generally eat It on our way home. Not long ago. two other girls and I made a dinner. When you here me say that, you must not go imagining vou can smell a burnt dinner all or a sudden. I thought everything turned out well except the white sauce, which was a little lumpy. Our needlework teacher win not let two girls sit together In class, as she says we talk too much and do no work. I suppose it is a good plan, but sometimes I do not think so, as I find myself longing for the bell to go. One very hot day when we were sewing, our hands were sticky and wet, so teacher said she would put some starch on them to make them nice and cool. It did seem so funny to see her going round dabbing oiir hands with the bag of starch. I know there is one Little Folk in my class at school, as I saw her wearing the badge. She told me her nom de plume, but I have forgotten what It was. Love to all tbs Llttje Folk and yourself. SPARKING PLUG (Timaru). [Certainly you may be another, Sparking Plug, who will, I hope, send plenty of bright letters to the page. I wish I could taste some of your cooking. Did the starch prove cooling after all?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l am one of your very naughty Little Folk, but I hope I am not in your bad books. I simply turn red with shame when I see your page every Monday. ■ Easter has been here again with all Its Joys of eggs and chickens. I wonder how many think why everybody has Easter eggs. Would you please tell us In one of your lettei s to the Little Folk? I would .very much like to write to an overseas Little Folk. Do you think It is possible? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. LADY OP THE TOWER (Roxburgh). [Now you will be able to turn pink with relief, Lady of the Tower. I have told you about Easter eggs before, but perhaps T could do so again. To whom would you like to write? —DOT.] # # * Dear Dot,—Winter will soon be hero again, and in the morning It will be too cold to get out of bed. We shall soon be having our examinations again, and we are going to have a new teacher. I have joined the school choir this year. A few days ago we had supper at the Girl Guides. As this is all I have to say I will close, hoping tfiat ‘you and the’ Little -Folk had a happy Easter. MISTRESS BETTY (Sawyers’, Bay). [What do you do when it Is too cold to get out of bed, Mistress Betty ?_I should like to hear your choir singing.—DOT.] ¥, " ¥, . ¥ ~ Dear Dot, —-This is my third letter to your page! I am working a tea towel at school. I had some pretty flowers in my garden at Christmas time. I have a kitten, and it plays with a ball. We had no fruit on our trees this year. Have you ever looked through a telescope? I looked through one and saw the Old Man Rock. It will be winter soon. My mother won three cups and a shield at a flower show, and my father won a cup for vegetables. I am reading a book named “An Unexpected School Girl. I must close now, hoping this finds you well. SWAN RIVER DAISY (Central Otago). [Yes 1 have looked through -a telescope, Swan River Daisy. How plainly It makes everything ‘stand out! Congratulate your father and mother for me.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l really must write and tell you how pleased I was to see my letter in the paper. We had Almond Blossom sta.ying here with us for about a week. We have a beautiful show of Mlchaelmus daisies, bronze ones, blue ones, pink ones, and white ones. We sold our pet lambs, and we received 265. Wo have one little duck here now We have a little pup coming here Please will you give me a name for It. No I have not heard of Dame Trot. I will close, with love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. SAFFRON DAFFODIL (Clydovale). [Dame Trot was so little and light, that she blew away, Saffron Dalfodil. What bonny llowers yours must be! Call the pup Watch. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —This is my second letter to the page, I am in Standard 111 at school, and I am trying to fiass at the end of the year. The leaves are starting to fall on the trees now, and It will soon be winter. Then we shall have good fun-making a snow-man. I am reading a good book called “ Alick’s Corner.’’ The names of my two prizes were “The Story Toller,” and “ Town Mice in the Country.” \Vo_are thd dentist soon. Love to all the Little i oik and yourself. OSCAR ORANGE (Galloway)., [I Hope you will pass, Oscar Orange, but you will if you can do your lessons as well as you can make snowmen, I expect.- —uui.j ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I wonder just how many of the Little Folk have heard of Swaziland. If the name Swaziland does not make your blood leap to tho call of adventure; if it does not make you long to cast aside the shackles of staid convention and civilisation ; if it does not draw you from the very soul of your being to explore this uncivilised part of the world, then you can know nothing whatever of Swaziland. Swaziland! To ' the adventurous ones it proves irresistible, • and conjures up pictures of thrills, romance, and adventure. To those who, in the words of the poet, “ hate cramped streets and city smoke where man doth but buy and sell, it draws like a magnet. Swaziland is situated In East Africa, and is one of the few places the people of which have so far not succumbed to civilisation, for rare Indeed are the white men who have ever dared enter Swaziland. Owing to lack of space, I can tell you little of the Swazis, but one thing which I think is one of their chief characteristics I will tell you now. This 'is their utter fearlessness of death. ft seems strange to us, for death to us means mourning and weeping for the departed one. But with the Swazis it Is vastly different. . Their highest ideal is to die bravely. When a king dies, ten of bis most faithful ana trusted warriors must die at his funeral service. And when a king dies, does this make the warriors frightened and anxious least they should be one of the doomed ten. Not a bit! It Is regarded ns a coveted honour and privilege, for what could be nobler than dying with one’s own king? On the morn of the king’s burial the ten chosen warriors, together with the remainder of the tribe, journey to an appointed cliff, and after various ritual* performed by the witch doctors, one by one fling themselves ; over the precipice to death ou the roc.cs below - They leave behind no sobbing farewells, no tear-stained faces and heart-broken sobs. They are not pitied, but admired and , envied for being privileged to die In such a manner. How can one help but admire such a people? This is just one instance of , their bravery, and there are hundreds of others Savage and cruel they are, but dimming all the lesser lights of their character gleams this bright light of bravery. SEVEN SEAS ADVENTURER (Dunedin). [A strange custom. Seven Seas Adventurer, 1 but one more to be commended than our own on a similar occasion. Do you read many travel books? I should think you would do so. —DOT.] ! ¥ I ‘ * i Dear Dot, —I have taken A Trim Up’s ; advice, and am writing more often. It 1 Is good advice too, because when one is an Old Writer one has only one chance a year.. I like being here, even though I am in bed. You must have a groat many Little ' Folk. I see the trains going to and from 1 Ranfurly. It Is cold here, especially in the ' mornings. I will close now, with a verse I made up: Although I’m in bed, I do not mind Not being up . When (here’s health to find. Love to all tho Little Folk. ; RED SHADOW (Wnipiata). ■ [Yes, make the most of your time as a 1 Little Folk, Red Shadow. What a sensible 1 little verse you have made up! Can you ! make up some more like It?—DOT.] , ¥ ¥ ¥ ! Dear Dot, —I received the badge, and was pleased with It. My cold Is better now, and ■ I am back at school. I have ‘three correspondents, but 1 would like to correspond : w 'ith some one in Canada. My auntie from 1 Australia is over, and she is staying with 1 us I was at a birthday party one Saturday, - and Queen of the Tuis was there. Wo enjoyed ourselves very much. We had a treasure hunt, in which I found a thimble. At school I am making a purse for handwork. ; As I cannot think of any more, I will close, i with heaps of love to all. > A FLOWER OP THE TAIERI (Woodside). ’ [Does your auntie tell tales about 1 kookaburras and platypusses, A Flower of I the Taieri? at a birth- ■ day party is great fun. —DOT.] i The best is cheapest in the long runorder Kaitangata Coal. —Advt.

Dear Dot, —The school holidays slipped past all too quickly, and now we have settled down to school lessons once again. We enjoyed some delightful picnics during tho holidays. One week when the weather was very hot tve had live picnics. _ We found a very pleasant spot along the river where there was shade and an old dredge hole, with lovely clear, fresh water running in, which was ideal for swimming. Our chief enjoyment, however, was watching a beginner learning to swim. She could swim under water with a great effort, but could not keep her head above water. It was amusing to see the expression on her face, as, with eyes shut and teeth- firmly set, she made a determined effort. The weather changed all too ■ soon, and the swimming lessons had to cease. Love to all. ROYAL ANN (Central Otago).

[How well you have made mo see the little beginner, Royal Ann! I can almost hear her gasp as she comes to tho top of the water. What happy holidays they must have been ! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I read some of the letters on the page, I did feel wretched. Since I wrote last, I have had appendicitis, but I am better now. We had a lecture on “ Grass ” down here. My Peter, has trouble with his teeth, and he is 'in -.pain,.-, but I think he will soon be better. We are still, swimming out at school. My word, the day ( s are bitterly cold. The little; Canadian docs not write very often, but. ‘of course she does not receive the paper, does she? Have you her address, because I would like to correspond with her? I have a cousin in England to whom I send your page every time I write. May I enclose some riddles; What ladder can no one climb? —A stocking ladder. Why does a donkey look over a wall?—Because It cannot look through it. Who are the lazier, tall folk or short ones? —Tall, because they are longer in bed. FAIRY SUNSHINE (Oamafu).

[You could mot write when you were 111, Fairy Sunshine, so you did not need to feel wretched. Is Peter better now? Which Canadian Little Folk do you mean, I wonder? —DOT.] V * :{■

Dear Dot, —The Easter holidays are over, and we had more days away from school. We are having good games ..at -school . just now. We. play skipping and hide-and-seek. We have a collie dog called Joe, and he follows dad to work every morning. My wee' sister has just started talking, and it is quaint to listen to all the words she can say. I will close now, with love to all and your own dear self. JUNE. ROSEBUDS (Woodside).

[I expect that the little prattler is fond of Joe, June Rosebuds. Can she say las name? Those are good games for school. — DoT ’ ] * *

Dear Dot, —Once more I sit down and write to your page. I would very much like a badge. Will you pleease send me one. I go for music every week. I will close, now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. • GOLDEN BUTTERFLY (Beaumont).

[lf I send you a badge you will have to send me 2s 6d, Golden Butterfly. Do you like playing scales? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter In the Otago Daily Times. Last time I told you about a rabbit I had that was caught in a trap. I let it go on the hill where wo caught it, and we have an Angora one instead. I call It Snowy because It is as white as snow. It is very fond o£ carrots lettuce, cabbage, and many other things. I chain it up in the day time, and put it in a cage at night and give it something to eat. We have 16 cows milking. We have also four calves and three pigs. The Flower of the Taieri has a pet too. We have a black cat that lives up on the hill, and when there is going to be a storm it comes home, so we know when there as going to be bad weather. I can see that the gardens are not so pretty now, as they were in the slimmer time. Love to all the Little Folk and ydur own dear self. ■ ' WHITE EVERLASTING DAISY (Taieri). [AngoraTrabbits do not seem to mind being caged as-long as they are kindly treated. White Everlasting Daisy. You must be fond of yours Do not let. tlio storm cut frighten * * *

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band? I am nine years old. and I am m Standard 111. We used to have a white kitten, and called it Fluffy. I have a little brother called John. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. FLUFFY RUFFLES (Lawrence).

[Certainly you may Join, Fluffy HuF'f 5 - Are you named after the kitten. I like the name John. —DOT.] * * V

Dear Dot,—The school has been closed, because most of the children have had measles'.and -whooping cough. The weather has been very hot lately. We went to the Pembroke Show on March 17, and it turned out to be very good. It was a lovely day. I am reading a book called “ Line Upon Line.” Have you read that book? It Is an interesting book. Dad is out threshing with the mill just now. He is threshing up at Hawea Flat. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. LITTLE WHITE LILY (Tarras).

[I hope you did not have measles or whooping cough. Little White Lily. No, I have not read that book. It sounds like “ Eric ” or “ Little by Little.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It was the harvest festival the other Sunday, and the church looked very smart. It was all decorated up with corn and greenery. A cross of green leaves adorned one of the back windows, and in the porch was greenery. At the front of the church was a large platform displaying all the harvest. Two arches in the front of the church and one over the choir seats decorated with feathery greenery, .and having one bunch of grapes hung in the centre of it completed the decorations. About two weeks before that we had our flower show, and I won six firsts and four seconds, my mother two firsts, and my brother one first, so altogether we had a collection of prize tickets. There was not a very big display, but what there was was beautiful. I am very fond of flowers, and and I have two gardens, ono of which is pretty weedy, but the other one looks neat. The weedy one has a lot of larkspur in it, and I am waiting for it to pass and then I shall be able to fix the garden up for winter. My other garden is in the front, and I dug and planted it out all myself. It has a geranium, a fuchsia, primroses, various bulbs, Solomon’s seal, violets, crocuses, aubretla, montbretia, grapehyacinths, antirrhinums, carnations, sweet william, and lovely deep blue forget-me-not. Then I made two other little gardens, and gave one to my little brother, Gordon, who is four years old. My brother Raymond has a bicycle—a half-size one—as ho goes to the new Albany Street School, and I have learned to ride It. I am always on it when he comes homo from school. As I am in the Bible class, which is held In the morning, mv father, who has got a bicycle too, takes me out for rides in the afternoon, and I am just in my element. My auntie guessed that I wrote to you, by my last letter in the Little Folk’s page. I met one of my fellow members, Premier Bloom, one Saturday. She learns from the same teacher, and is in my theory class on Saturday morning. I always watch for her letters now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. BERTHA BOOKWORM (Dunedin). ' [You are indeed fond of gardens, I see, Bertha Bookworm. But then you come from a family of flower lovers. Two bicycles in a family make for good company.—DOT.] ¥ V ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age. and my birthday Is on January 15. My sister has just been writing to you, so I thought I would like to write too. lam in Standard V at the new Albany Street School, and I like it. I go to woodwork this year, which I find very interesting. My favourite hobbles are cycling and stamp collecting. My bicycle is blue, and I go out on it every Saturday with my two boy pals. We have good fun. I have just been playing a game of patience, and have had it out once. Love to yourself and all the. Little Folk. THE BOY ON THE BIKE (Dunedin). [Your name is all right. The Boy on the Bike, and you are welcome to my band. I wonder what you will make at woodwork. Your hobbies are Interesting ones: —DOT.] ¥ ¥• ,¥ Dear Dot, —All of us use words to tell stories, but the words themselves have stories to relate to those who know their origin and history. Take for Instance the word “ peculiar.” The Romans called a herd of cattle a “ pecus,” and a little herd “ peculium.” Then ” peculium ” came to mean not only a herd, but anything that belonged to one person. For a time we kept it in English with that meaning. Now, however, it has gone, but we still have most of its meaning in the adjective ” peculiar.” ” Peculiar ” itself has two meanings. One we often use when we talk of characteristics ‘■peculiar” to any nation or group of people, the other when we shake our heads solemnly over a friend or acquaintance as being rather too “ peculiar.” And we owe both these uses to the Roman herd of cattle! The word “ let ” is very interesting because it has come to mean exactly the opposite of what it used to mean in olden days. The ordinary meaning of the verb " let ” to-day is "to allow,” but it used to mean “to hinder.” Similarly, to prevent (go before) a thing now means to make it impossible, whereas it used to mean to help a thing and make it easier. It is used in the old wav in the prayer " prevent and follow us in all our doings . . .” Just as quaint examples of the uses to which words may bo put, or perhaps of our need for strong expressions, do you know that weather may be “ audacious ” cold, and that a district may bo “ shocking ” quiet! Kind regards to the Little Folk and your own dear self LADY PIRIE (Otago). [An interesting letter, Lady Plrle. Write me some more like it. Philology Is one of the most fascinating of all studies to some people.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l have a long ride every day in the school bus. We have a new dog. We call him Black, also a cat, whose name is Joe. Joe is 10 years old. We are all very fond of him. My slater and I have been out gathering mushrooms. I will dost now, with best wishes. QUEEN HONEY POT (Cromwell). [ls Black, too. fond of Joe, Queen Honey Pot? Mushrooms are delicious when newly gathered and cooked. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The carpenters were here a few days ago. We have new tables and chairs. Our teacher is going away. He had a send-off the other night. I am in Standard 111 now, and Natty Nellie Bly is one standard ahead of me. We have a new pupil at our school. I will close now, with best wishes to all.

QUEEN OP THE BIRDS (Owaka Valley). [Your school will be smart after the carpenters finish with it, Queen of the Birds. Is the new pupil going to be a good friend of yours?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One beautiful day in February we had our annual school picnic, which was held at Pounawea, a lovely beach with a surrounding of trees. We have new tables and chairs; the carpenters have been at our school and made it like a new school. Our school teacher is leaving here, and his send-off was the other night. The Owaka Valley school children gave him a new pocket wallet. There are 24 children in the school. Mum won first prize for her pansy rag mat. I am making a new mat, which is half finished. Queen of the Birds is writing too. NATTY NELLIE BLY (Owaka Valley). [I am glad that you had fine weather for your picnic, Natty Nellie Bly. Was the send-off a success? Congratulate your mother for winning first prize.—DOT.] ' V *V* v Dear Dot. —I have forgotten to write to your page. The days are growing cold now. and winter will soon be here again. The leaves on the trees are becoming brown. In the winter holidays, I go with my father rabbiting on the hills. One day I went out on the hills, and it was snowing, and I had good fun' with my brother and my father picking up rabbits. We got 460 rabbits. I have two sheep dogs. I will close now, with love to you and your Little Polk. NICHOLAS NYE (Galloway). [Had the rabbits been trapped or poisioned, Nicholas Nye? I suppose you are looking forward to winter. What are your dogs’ names? —DOT.] V .v. Dear Dot',—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I read all the letters in Monday morning’s paper, which I always enjoy very much I am in Standard V at school, and am 11 years old. My sister is 12 years old, and she writes to, your page too. We have nine hens and a rooster, which we call Billy. During the holidays I was kept at home with the whooping cough, so I could not go for a holiday. I am having one of my school mates to stay with me for a weekend soon. I will close now, with love to all and your own dear self. LAVENDER SWEET (Cromwell).

[Welcome to Lavender Sweet, whose name has had to be altered a little. Is Billy a proud and stalking rooster? What a pity about the whooping cough.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I went to Dunedin for my holidays, and enjoyed myself very much. First I went to see a warship. The machine guns were aboard the ship. On the way home, I went to see the Early Settlers’ Hall. One of the interesting things was a piano, the first one made. When we went home that night, aunty decided to take my friend and me to the midnight matinee, the name of the picture being “ Rio Rita.” It was very funny in places. On New Year’s Eve I stayed up till 2 a.m. watching the crackers being let off. When I was coming up in the train, I noticed the foxgloves. They looked very pretty. I have noticed that autumn is here now, and the trees have their pretty leaves. We had rain one night, and it freshened the crops. I think I will draw this letter to a close, hoping you and the Little Folk are well. FIRBBELL JUNIOR (Galloway). [You will not quickly forget your Dunedin holidays, I am sure, Firebell Junior. What late hours you have kept now and then! Foxgloves are the gloves of the little folk pr fairies. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I Hgve enjoyed reading some interesting letters from the page, so I thought I would write a few lines to you. Mother has been telling us about a poem that was written describing the Titanic disaster. I was wondering if you could trace it and print it for your page. Mother thinks it was in the Otago Witness many years ago, and she cannot remember much about it. We were all very anxious that the Easter week-end should be a fine one, as we were expecting Queenstown to have a very big number of excursionists visiting it. One excursion came from Christchurch, and the other from Invercargill. I must close, with love to you and all the Little Folk. ■JOHN PETER (Queenstown). [I shall try to find that poem for you, but I doubt if I shall succeed, John Peter. Were you pleased with your Easter weather after all?—DOT.] Jf V V Dear Dot, —It seems ages since I wrote my last letter to your page. Children from different countries write to you, and I enjoy reading their letters. We had our annual school picnic on March 1, and we all enjoyed the day’s outing. It was held at Glencoe, in beautiful native bush, and we saw and heard the birds singing at their best. We paddled in the river, and then hunted for ferns. The day’s outing came to an end all too soon for us. We left home before 9 o'clock, and arrived home again at 6 o’clock, so we had a long day, and were tired next day. We are busy stacking our crops, for it is so changeable here, and we have had so much rain that it has held the harvest up. Our cows are milking well. Love to your dear self and the Little Folk. THE SHAMROCK OF OTAGO (Totara).

[Which birds did you like beat, The Shamrock of Otago? Did you see any tuls? I hope that by now the crop is safely stacked, and that all your worry is over.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One Saturday afternoon what a.time Pollyanna of the Orange Blossom and myself had! At 12 o’clock I had no idea that I should be present at the Old Writers' picnic, but 2 o’clock found me there. For the first half hour I really did not think it was going to be much, for X knew nobody there, and was too shy to ask the Old Writers their names, but, just as I was about to give up trying to conquer my shyness, who should come along but a nice girl, who introduced herself to me as Pollyanna of the Orange Blossom. After knowing her for a few minutes, I began to feel more sure of myself, and together we strolled about the gardens, talking of the Little Folk and the page in general. We crept nearer and nearer to the picnic party, until one of the Old Writers saw us and asked us our noms de plume. Our shyness gradually wore off, and we took turns at asking the Old Writers their names, though I must say, Pollyanna of the Orange Blossom was the braver of the two of us, because she asked more people than I did. We were absolutely thrilled at meeting so many Old Writers, a few of them being Ivanhoe, Garnet, Alice, Cook’s Brother, and Oamarulte, but we met many more, whoso names ! cannot remember. The Little Folk we met were Caversham Lass, Sister Biddy, and Raggy Lug the Rabbit, but there were more whom I would have loved to meet. Time was getting on, and we decided that we would have to go, but before doing so, we were forced to have our photographs taken with the Old Writers. I do hope mine will look a little like me. I have never taken a good photograph in my life, but with luck I may be able to recognise myself. We did enjoy ourselves right to the last moment, but we were both very much disappointed that you were not present, and hope that you will be next time. lam sure I shall bo It I possibly can. Best of love to yourself and the Little Folk, especially Pollyanna of the Orange Blossom. CHRISTMAS CARD (Dunedin). [How delightful to have your description of the Old Writers' picnic, Christmas Card. I am so glad that it was a success, and that you enjoyed It so much! I hope that next time I can come, too, and have as happy a time.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Polk? I am 10 years old, and in Standard IV at Mosgiel District High School. I have some playmates writing to you. I have a sister seven years old, and when she can write better she would also like to join your band of Little Folk. I have two pet bantam hens. Would you please give them names? ROSE BUDS (Mosgiel). [You are welcome, Rose Buds, but your name has had to be altered a little. Call your bantams Misses Polly and Patty Pecker. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —We are having beautiful weather just now. For about a week we were having wet weather. We began dipping one Monday. We went for a picnic to Black Gully one Saturday. Our pup, Sam, Is a lovable pup now. When we first tied him up he did not bark much. Our new teacher is a kind -lady. She teaches us the piano too. We are Just going to have dinner, and I have no more news. BROWN-EYED SUB (Miller’s Flat). [Which did you enjoy better, the dipping or the picnic, Brown-Eyed Sub? Hold up a sWck and make Sam jump for it.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Here I am again. I went to tiie Old Writers’ picnic one Saturday. 1 was at two picnics that day. Pink Pincushion and Jolly Bob were there too. The Old Writers had a good time playing rounders, fill the gap, and twos and threes. I joined in with my Sunday school teacher and some other little girls from our cadets, and had a good time on the swings. We left the gardens at six o’clock after having spent a jolly day. As the weather has been cold, wc have not been to the beach for a long time. We went to see a farm at Capo Saunders the other day. As the weather was fine, and we had taken some lunch With us, wo enjoyed ourselves. I shall close now, as it is bed time, and I am tired. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. DADDY’S SWEETHEART (Dunedin).

[What fun it must have been for so many Little Folk to bo all together, Daddy’s Sweetheart. And fancy your going to two picnics that day! Would you like to live on a farm at Cape Saunders?—DOT.]

Little colds easily become serious! Inhale “ NAZOL ” for instant relief. Clears the nasal passages at once: 60 doses for Is Sd, 120 doses for 2s 6d. —Advt.

Dear Dot, —I was thrilled to see my first letter in print. We have had a little baby, and its mother is staying with us. Every day my sister and I had great pleasure in taking the baby for walks. In my last letter I mentioned that my mother was making me a cardigan, but now it is finished and is looking very neat. For my winter occupation, I am covering oats with coloured tinfoil. They look very effective, and do not require any water. I think that I will enjoy being at home, as I am very much interested in housework already. I have just finished reading a book called “ Tho Basket of Flowers.” Have you read it? I thought that It was a very good book, as it gives some good information. Is it not beautiful to notice, as each day passes by, that there is always something fresh to see and to interest us. Now, when I went for a walk about a fortnight ago, the trees were all covered with green leaves. But just the other day when I went for a walk, they had all changed their dresses and were robed In beautiful ones of orange and yellow. I have been very busy in the garden lately, planting seeds and bulbs, and re-arranging my own little plot. Kindest regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. LITTLE LADY CLARE (Outram). [Was the baby old enough to sit up and smile. Little Lady Clare? How proud you must be of your cardigan! No, I have not read that book. I am glad that you like observing Nature. —DOT.] ¥ A- « Dear Dot, —Years ago—-in tact, almost as far back as I can remember —I began drawing up lists of books that I intended to read, and although I have perused some of them, there are still many that I will never procure. However, I still continue to take a note of any interesting books which I am told about, or see reviewed in various papers. As all good things which come to us can be enjoyed in three different ways, first by anticipation; second by realisation; third by memory. I can anticipate the treat, which will be in store for me when I do read my collection of books. The range of books! It is simply limitless. They are independent of latitude and longitude, class and colour and creed. Books are precious things. To some people they are the most precious of all things, and money has been spent and other things pawned just to get them. Some people have gone without some life necessities —just to have books. They are our silent friends. And what is more, some of them give much more than vocal friendship can. This is not by way of disparaging people who talk to us or with us, but It indicates that more can be had from a printed volume than from many an individual. In these days of cheap literature and libraries, the opportunities are infinitely greater than In the days of our ancestors. In a library one can “browse” amongst books, read a little here and there, and borrow books one cannot afford to own, and perhaps does not want to own, but whose acquaintance it is good to make. I am always In my clement when confronted with a library. What could be more cosy or peaceful than an interesting book, a cosy armchair, and a glowing fire? I think their equal in affording comfort and repose would be difficult to find. There is much more that 1 would like to write about in connection with books, but shall have to reserve it for another letter, as I am afraid I have been overstepping the space limit. Kind regards to the Little Polk and yourself. GORDON (Herbert).

[Do you yourself ever want to Write a book, Gordon? Everybody nowadays seems to have something to say in print. I wonder what sorts of books you like best of all when you are left to those In a library.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-night I am going to take you to Japan—land of the cherry blossom, friendly faces, and fluttering fans. But we must stop there for but one night, for what would the Little Folk do without Dot? So where shall we spend our precious time? Now, I know a very, very, interesting place, Perhaps you can guess? You can't? Well, then. I’ll tell you. We’re going to a theatre. Yes, a really, truly Japanese theatre in Tokyo. So hasten, Dot, and away we’ll go. In the matter of seating accommodation, Japanese theatres differ greatly from the European. Japanese theatres are divided up into numbers of little boxes, usually large enough to hold six persons, and there being no chairs at all, a cushion is supplied to each person to kneel upon. We arrive a little before 5 p.m., which is the time the play is' scheduled to commence, and are guided to our box by a pretty guide-girl, who also hands us a programme. Kneeling on our cushions we gaze about us with interest. The whole theatre is animated with the buzz and chatter of its audience. And what a charming audience it is too ! Smiling faces everywhere—how pleased they all seem to be, and how excited too. The chief attraction for us is the elaborate coiffures and beautifully-coloured klmonas worn by the little Japanese ladies. Our Interest is suddenly averted from this wonderful scene by the orchestra’s music. And now for the drama. The theatre is silent now, and all seem to be held spellbound by the play, but at times when the actors reach the height of their art, hearty applause is bestowed upon them from the theatre. As the curtain falls on the first act, five minutes’ interval is held, and again at the third or fourth act twenty minutes are allowed for refreshments. Then the theatre literally comes to life again. Everyone is eating, laughing, chattering, and discussing the play. At 11 p.m. the play concludes, and the large audience flows out of the theatre through the various exits. Passing by the stage door, we notice the expensive cars, complete with chauffeurs, waiting for their masters or mistresses, the actors and actresses of the play. But we cannot tarry now. Our night is over, and we must hasten from Japan, but some day, somehow, we will return again and experience all the remaining wonders. Though it may be long we will carry with us always sweet memories of a gracious and charming people. Until then, au revoir. SEVEN SEAS ADVENTURER (Dunedin). [I enjoyed that, Seven Seas Adventurer. Did you realise that the play we saw embodied one of the greatest of Japanese ideals —bushldo or chivalry? And how graceful were the movements of the chief actors! — DOT.] •V* *l* *r

Dear Dot, —Mother had promised us she would take us for a picnic. The day was fine, and after breakfast we all helped to pack the lunch basket. After everything was ready, we set off for the trig station on top of the Maungatua Range., As we went along we saw prickly lawyer hanging on the little bushes. When we were halfway up the mountain we came to a manuka gate. We opened it and went through. When we came to the trig station, we boiled the billy and had lunch. We then played games until 3.30 p.m. After that we packed our things and made ready for home. We arrived home in time for tea after spending a very exciting day. I will close now, with love to all. COLLEEN ASTHORE (Woodslde). [I suppose your legs were well scratched by the lawyer, Colleen Asthore, and your cheeks burnt by the sun! Yet how you must have loved that picnic in the hills! — DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —During Easter X had my cousin staying with me. I must tell you about my trip up to Mount Stewart. One afternoon about a quarter to two, my cousin and I cycled up there. It took us about three-quarters of an hour to get there, and I can tell you we were pretty tired when we arrived. We stayed by a little stream and had afternoon tea, then went for a little walk along its banks. During our walk we saw many pretty ferns and trees which were just beginning to turn from green to yellow. Fantails, green waxeyes, blackbirds, and many other kinds of birds fluttered here and there among the trees and bushes. After a very enjoyable afternoon, we arrived home and had tea on the lawn. The nights are drawing in very fast now, and I am sure we shall find a difference when the clock is turned back half an hour. I hope you had a happy time at Easter. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. SILVERY PINIONS (Milton). [You must write in ink next time, Silvery Pinions, for a Little Folk who can cycle to Mount Stewart and see as much as you saw, is too big to be allowed to write in pencil.— DOT.] ¥■ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—The school is closed for two weeks, because of the measles. Three of our family have had them. I cannot ride a bicycle, but I can ride a tricycle. I think I shall close now, with love to all. ONLY A SPORT (Kaltangala). [You will be able to escape from the measles on your tricycle, I hope, Only a Sport. Good luck in the race.—DOT.] ¥¥ ¥ t Dear Dot, —I was 13 on March 17. We are having a new house built, and there are numbers of men working at it. We had a holiday on Anniversary Day. We have had lovely weather, but it is a bit windy sometimes. We had a picnic and some' races on March 17, and a dance on March 16. I have corresponded with Hlnemoa of the Pool. I am in Standard VI, and hope to leave school this year. I think 1 will close now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. LITTLE MISS RED COAT (St. Bathans). [What excitement, Little Miss Red Coat! Fancy a new house ! I hope you won a race at the picnic on your birthday.—DOT,] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I wonder how many of our readers have over witnessed a straw-stack fire at night, I think it is lovely. One bright moonlight night, I was sitting by the window watching the moon when I saw a curl of smoke and an arrow of flame shoot skywards. I perceived the smoke became heavier, and the tongues of flames bigger and brighter. Another fire was lit, and then another, there being three in all at even distances apart. After the fires had been blazing for a while, I noticed that the sky was tinged with red. The smoke hung like a thick fog halfway between the earth and sky, and looked very pretty in the glare of the fire. The moon was now invisible, but the glowing colour of the fire lit up the sky. What a wonderful picture they made! The flames were growing smaller, but still they leapt and fought to see which one could attain highest place. I think I have drawn a clear enough picture, so that those who have not seen such a fire, may obtain an idea of what it is like. Myeerah, I am waiting for a letter from you. BLOSSOM OP SPRING (Walmatc). [Thank you for your picture, Blossom of Spring. Fire is always exciting, and when it is possible to see a big blaze which is not causing havoc, it is a wonderful ex-perience.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The Beautiful Spy and I went walking. It was wet' dragging through the paddocks, as we left home at 9 o’clock in the morning, and did not arrive there till twenty past eleven. We left there at a-quarter to five, and arrived at half-past six, with feet somewhat sore. As I have no more news, X will close, with kind regards to all. GREEN WINTER ROSE (Balclutha). [What nice wet shoes you must have had after that walk through the grass. Green Winter Rose. Did you enjoy yourselves?— DOT.]

Dear. Dot, —In nearly every Eastern picture one sees, there is a mosque, or Indian temple, which has a great dome, and several lesser ones. This kind of Indian architecture really began with Buddhism, the religion of Buddha, "the great Indian teacher, who lived in the sixth century before Christ. The domes on a mosque are meant to be bubbles, in order to impress upon the people that the things on earth are really no more lasting than bubbles. In India to-day, there is a great building, which has several domes, but which is neither a temple nor a palace. It is the Taj Mahal—a wondrous tomb, and this is how it came to be built: “In the year 1612 the prince of Agra married a beautiful girl. Mumtaz Mahal was as good as she was beautiful, and her aim was to help the prince to become as good and noble as a prince should be. By her ever-ready love and counsel, she kept him from doing many wrong things—from drinking too much wine, and from cruel and foolish acts. Wherever the prince went she went too. But alas! in 1630 Mumtaz died, and Shah Jehan was inconsolable. For two whole years he mourned her, and in her memory he decided to erect a marvellous monument and tomb. The spot chosen was in a garden by the River Jumna, and from all parts the most skilful workers and richest materials were brought. For seventeen years, 20,000 men were at work, and when they had finished the result was the Taj Mahal. The central part of the Taj is a great white dome, with mosques of red sandstone on either side, and four graceful minarets around. Inside, beneath the dome, enclosing the tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jehan is a marvellous screen of marble, carved into the most delicate tracery, which took ten years to complete. A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER (Dunedin). [That building enshrines one of the world's most famous love stories, A Young New Zealander. Thank you for your interesting letter, which will give the Little Folk much useful information. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I wonder if there Is any room for me In your large family? One morning when I was reading the Little Polk’s letters, I thought that I would like to become one. too. My cousin, Grey-Eyed Blonde, has been continually asking me to join, until to-day I Just thought I would. Have you ever seen a sea elephant? It Is a hideous looking creature, elephant-grey, with a queer sort of a trunk, which it can fill with water. Our house is above one of the little bays. I went out on the bank the other day, and saw a number of people on the beach. I wondered what they were looking at. I then caught sight of a huge monster lying half In and half out of the water. I went in and told the family to come down to the beach to see what was there. When we got down there we were told that the strange monster before us was a sea elephant. It was about 20ft long, and about 10ft in circumference. It had flippers like a seal; but much larger. My sister took several snaps of it. About ten minutes later it turned round and swam in its clumsy fashion out to sea. We thought it was going out, but it swam round to the next bay, with everyone following it on the land. It stayed there for a little while, and went to the last bay ! The crowd followed it-there. The weather was growing foggy now, and the time was about G o’clock. The sea elephant then went out round the point, and as we were all feeling hungry, we did not follow any further. I must close now', as it is time to get the cows. Best wishes to yourself and all the Little Folk. PSYCHE’S REFLECTION (Hillgrove).

[Your are welcome, Psyche’s Reflection, but I have had to alter your name a little. How important Mr Sea Elephant must have felt. Or, did he say to himself, “ What fools these mortals be !”—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One morning -we left home early tor a short stay at Maungatua, which Is a mountain on the western side of the Taieri Plains. My auntie got a surprise to see us, as she did not know we were coming. After morning tea we went up the hill, where we had a beautiful view of the Taieri. Away to the right we could see Lakes Walpori and Waihola, and to the left the little town of Outram, lying nestled at the foot of the hills, with Mosgiel visible in the distance. With the aid of held glasses we could see the stooks being carted in from the paddocks to be built into stacks. The next day I made an attempt to reach the top of the mountain, but was unsuccessful, as I lost the sheep tracks. But I still have hopes of getting to the top some day. In the evening we spent a pleasant hour listening to many old-time tunes bn the violin. Before leaving for home the next morning, we were given a quaint jug, which had belonged to our groat-great-grandmother. I shall close now, with love to you and the Little Folk. MISS PRIMP (Mosgiel). [Yes, do climb to the top next time, Miss Primp. You will be well repaid for your effort if you do. What a happy time you had !—DOT.] .7 YDear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I was eight on March 19. I am in Standard 11. I have a little brother called Jock, who has just started school. We have all had the measles. I had to stay away from school when my two brothers had them, and then I ended up by having them myself. Did we not have wonderful Easter weather! Love and best wishes to the Little Folk and yourself. QUEEN OP THE FAIRY RING (Dunedin). [Welcome to your Majesty. Do you prefer going to school to staying at home with measles? Some day Jock may be a Little Folk, too i—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I am ip Standard IV now. My garden has some‘cabbages and onions growing in it. We are making sun-dried bricks, and have nearly finished. I have been trapping and sending my rabbits in the factory cart, which takes them to Alexandra. The days are growing shorter and colder, and the nights longer. We are back to school again after the Easter holidays. I must close now, with love to all the Little Polk and your own dear self. LAURIE LEMON (Oturehua). [Do you let your mother cook your cabbages and onions, Laurie Lemon? X should like to know how to make sun-dried bricks, please.—DOT.l

Dear Dot,—l have not written to you for a long time, so lam going .to write a letter now. We are making some bricks to build a new home. I shall be glad when the house is up. Our pet rabbit lives, down under the shed. We have not had. the measles yet, and I hope we do not have,them.- Did you catch anybody on April Fool's* Day? I usually take the morning and afternoon tea to dad. I helped mum with the washing on Monday, and I liked doing it. I must close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ONLY DAUGHTER (Oturehua). [Do hot forget to take the pet rabbit with you when you fly oft to the . new ■ house. Only Daughter. Alas, I caught nobody, but I myself was caught twice that day.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I had my birthday oh March 28. Dad is making bricks fqr oilr new house. My brother; Laurie Lemon, - and I were setting traps, and putting the rabbits on the fence for the factory cart. I will close now, with love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. PETER PEAR (Oturehua). [No ink, Peter Pear? What shall I say when the printer comes to ask me about it? Are you fond of live, rabbits?—DOT.] ‘ ■ “ ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —It 13 a long time since-I Vrrote to you last, so I hope you have not forgotten me. Just now I am reading the book called “Little Women.” Have you read it? It is growing dark earlier these nights. I did not go away for Easter this year. We went to the races at Beaumont on Easter Monday. I have a pet calf, Woud you please give me a name for it? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. THE LASS FROM KILLIECRANKIE (Roxburgh). [Yes, I have read “Little Women,” The Lass ■' from Killecrankie; ' Call ’ the calf Autumn, and stroke its neck for me.—DOT.] OLD WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the committee of the Old Writers’ Association on December 19, 1933, it was decided to hold a reunion during Winter Show Week in June, 1936, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Dot’s Little Folk page. It was further decided that there should be a nominal fee. of one shilling for membership, and that anyone, whether an Old Writer or not, desirous of making • a donation could do so, all subscriptions and donations, accompanied by name, address, and nom de plume, to be acknowledged in the 1 -Little Folk’s page fortnightly after being received by the secretary at her address, 24 Jackson street, St. Hilda, Dunedin. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES. * Indian Chief, president of the Old Writers’ Association (Mr Jas. T. Ramsay, 24 Naldpath road, Mornington Dunedin) ; ' and Morning Star, honorary secretary (Mrs J. Hines. 24 Jackson street, St Hilda, Dunedin), are endeavouring to complete a register of past and present Old Writers in connection with the jubilee in 1936. Either would be pleased to hear from any 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 for the first time this week: — Bobtail Bunny, Silver Stardust, Grandad's Bonnie, Bonnie Blue Eyes, Just a Daisy, Fred's Little Pet, Patricia Rose, Gold Girl, and Tiny Tilly. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy return* of the day to— Puzzle Me, who is 12 to-day. Rilloby, who will be nine to-morrow. A Stray Twig of Heather, who will be 14 on Wednesday. NOTES. Rose Rouges There seems to be some. doubt about the badge, so I have posted another to Madeleine Chisholm. Springhills, ■ Hedgehope P.O. Please let me know if it arrives safely. DOT. LITTLE FOLK’S LETTER BOX. As the Little Folk inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom.they wish to correspond, it is necessary that those companions should send the first letter.—DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ Silver Star of Heaven (Lena Wilson, c/o Mrs B. R. Wilson, Bruce Bay, .West Coast) wishes A Bunch of Cherries, Mother’s Right Hand Girl, and all her other correspondents to write again, soon, please. She will answer all letters. • ¥ ¥ ¥ Swamp Hen (Nellie Love, Moa Plat, i Heriot) wishes to correspond with overseas '■ Little Folk between the ages of 14 and 18. / ¥ ¥ ¥ Carmine Rose (Elsie M'Arthur, c/o . Box 14, Clyde) wishes to correspond with December Roses, Henley, and any other •>. Little Folk from 12 to 16 years old. ¥¥ ¥ - English Bluebell (Joan Mountford, Benhar) ■ wishes to correspond with any girl Little Folk at Tapanui, between the ages of TO and 12 years old. ¥ ¥ ¥ Climbing Clematis (Elsie Williams, Ben- ' bar) would like some boy Little Polk In New Zealand to correspond with her. ¥ ¥ ¥ Fred’s Little Pet (Florence Findlay, .Hill-,, grove) wishes to correspond with any Little ' Polk from 10 to 14 years old. ¥¥ ’ ¥ Tiny Tilly (Mavis Vitharsen, Hillgrove, • Moeraki) would like to correspond with any Little Folk between the aige of It and 13 years old, ¥ ¥ ¥ ’ . ' Rough Rider of Linton (George Anderson, c/o John Coyle, Kyeburn) would like to correspond with A Little Worker, and any other Little Folk between the ages of 18 and 21, preferably in overseas colonies.