Dots Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22285, 11 June 1934, Page 13

Dots Little Folk

THE WEEK'S POEM. Here ls:a T jolly jingle b£ Eleanor Farjeon. children. It needs no explanation, for all of you, I am sure, know the story of the cake that King Alfred was put in charge of. DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ THE KING’S CAKE. King Alfred be could sing a song Aa sweet as any man’s; King Alfred be could fight a throng. And think out battle plans. King Alfred from his heart so true The English laws could make ; But one thing Alfred couldn’t do— He couldn't bake a cake. I’d rather be like Alfred than Like any other king; f I'd rather, more than any man. Hear Alfred play and sing. I’d rather keep for England’s sake The laws he made for me; But I'd rather eat my mother’s cake Than Alfred’s for my tea. , —Eleanor Farjeon. i WEAVERS OF WORDS. Now, my Little Folk, we see Beowulf as an old man, fighting the dragon. But he is noil so strong as he once was, and, beginning to fall In the fight, he Is relieved by one of bis knights who dashes In to bid assistance. ‘ ; DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ THE STORY OF BEOWULF. (Continued.) Many years passed. Beowulf became king In : his own land and for 50 years he ruled weir and kept his folk In peace. Then it feU that a fearful , fire-dragon wasted all the' land, and Beowulf, mindful of his deeds ©f old, set forth to slay him. Vet el-e he . fought be bade farewell to all bis thanes, for he knew well that this should be bis last fight.. ■ • Fiercely did the battle rage between the hero and the dragon. But Beowulf’s sword failed him In bis need, and it was like to go ill with him. Then, when bis thanes that watched saw that, fear fell upon them and they fled. Only one, Wlglaf was his name, would not forsake his liege lord.’ Seizing his shield and drawing hla sword he cried, ** Come, let us go to him, let us help our chieftain although the grim terror of fire • be hot.” But none would follow him, so alone be went: through the fatal smoke he bare his war helmet to the assistance of his lord. ’ . (To be concluded.) TO ALL. Osar Little Folk, —We begin afresh, and shall,' I hope, not have to resort to last weejc’s tactics again in a hurry. Remember —it Is short letters I want, much shorter than some Ihave printed ' here to-day—“ and only by receiving short letters can 1 hope to fit yon all Into the small amount of space we are able to have. “ Can’t write a good letter If it has to be short,” do I hear yon saying? Nonsense! Try one and see! You will be surprised at how good you can make it I—Your loving DOT.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK. Motto,—We writ* tor the benefit of other*, not tor ourfelrei. Dear Dot, —It 1* with a very sorrowful, heart that I announce the death ot a wellknown Little Folk, Wild Bill, of Spring Creek; He was the youngest In a family of six, ot Mr and Mrs J. Boniface, ot Spring Creek. Blenheim, Marlborough, and was only 17 years of age, a keen cyclist, a member of the Blenheim Athletic and Cycling Club, and a rider In both track and road races. Alw> be took a keen interest in and was a member-of the AWarau Basketball Club, a'hd' played in the team when they were a member ' abort. 1 A lover of little children, dumb animals, and flowers, bo was to us who knew him personally one who will be greatly missed. „ THE LITTLE MINISTER (Nelson), ri am very sorry Indeed to hear such bad news, The Little Minister, "and know that the Little Folk will share my distress. Please convey to Wild Bill’s parents my deepest sympathy, and tell them that, as a lover of children, I feel for them deeply In their loss.—DOT.] , ■ ♦ / £ '*■ Dear Dot.—May I Join your happy band of Little Folk?'I am 10 years of age, and in Standard 111. We have a dog called - Don, and we ; are milking 13 cows, and have 10 little pigs. My grandfather is an old member of your Little Folk, and his nom de plume was Grape-Nuts. Love to all the tittle Folk and your own dear self. PIPSQUEAKSKY (Dunedin). (You ape welcome, Plpsqneakeky, whose grandfather Is an Old Writer. What colour Is Don?—DOT.] * ■: * • * Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy family of Little Folk? 1 am 11 years old. and In Standard V. My favourite bobbles are music, reading, basketball, hockey, and swimming. Would you be surprised to know that' I still love playing with my dolls? I have eight of them and a pram. I take two or three of them .out for a walk In the pram sometimes. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk, and your own dear self. GRANDMA’S LITTLE MAID (Roxburgh). - (I am not at all surprised, Grandma’s Little Maid. Welcome to my band of Little Folk.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Mdy 1 join your band of Little Folk? I enjoy reading the letters in the t Little Folk’s page. There Is a little pony here, about 3ft high. I have a yellow cat. I wonder if you would give me a name for It, please. I am 12, and In Standard V. We travel to school in a jogger, and we go five miles. M think I will close now, with love to all.' GIPSY LOVELY (Chatto Creek). LYou are welcome, Gipsy Lovely, but I have had to alter your name a little. Call the cat Topaz.—DOT.] |* * * Dear Dot;— May I join your happy band ot Little Folk? I am seven years old, and in Standard I at school. My sister writes to you, too, and her name is Rose Buds. I bad a lovely holiday, and have started school again now. Love to all the Little Folk ahd your own dear self. MOTHER’S LITTLE LAMB (Mosgiel). [Ot course you may Join, Mother’s Little Lamb. I wonder how you spent your holidays?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy family, please? I went to a football match one Saturday with mummy. Moira Patricia, my sister, writes to your page. I am 10 years of age, and in Standard 111. Our teacher is going away In July. I think she Is going to Hokonul. I must say good-bye now, as it is time to go to sleep. FLUM DUM (Hyde). (Welcome to Flum Dum. Do you like writing in bed? You will miss your teacher, 1 expect.—DOT.] H V Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age. My brother and sister and I drive to school in a jogger. We have a likable teacher, and she teaches us at Sunday school also. I ■ will close, with love to all the Little Folk : and your dear self. MOUNT IDA LAD (Otago). [Do tell me what a Jogger is. Mount Ida ' Lad? You are welcome to my bund.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —May 1 Join your happy band? I am six years old, and In Class I at school. We have been building a chaffhouse, and I have been helping the builder. I will close now. with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. YOUNQ FRANK (St . Bathaus). [Certainly you may Join, Young Frank. ' j w ) s h I had seen you helping the builder. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Please may I be one of your Little Folk? I am seven years old, and go Uto school every day. I won an attendance ■' prize last year. I am progressing well at School I have a dear wee bantam hen. I' Bhe Is buff-coloured, with black spots on ' her. Please will you give me a name for her? Love to everyone. FLO’S COMPANION (Otago). [Certainly you may Join. Flo’s Companion Whv no: call the bantam Connie Cullender’ I - —DOT.] g —r * Don’t try any old remedy for that cold l-tiv TONKIXG’S LINSEED EMULIigIOJf. Its popularity is its recommendation, Unequalled as a pleasant and safe Prevents colds leading to more •erious lung complaints. Sold everywhere; pu 6d, 2a Sd, and it Od.—Advt,

IneoiOurevted dulij 16,1886, by tb.e OTAGO WITNESS Dot Invite, »hort letters from her young friends throughout . the Dominion on matters of Interest to themselves Letters are to be written under a nom de* plume, which, once chosen, cannot be changed by the writer. New members must enclose their name and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only Little Folk should write on one side of the paper only, and in Ink. and should address their letters, “ Dot, care of Editor, Otago Dally Times." Dot’s Little Folk's Badge, with pin, for use aa a brooch. la obtainable on application to Dot. Ptlco 2a M, In stamps or postal notes.

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I live In Queen’s Drive, Musselburgh, and go to the Musselburgh School. lam 13 years old. Is Minnie Mouse taken for a nom de plume? If so, 1 shall call myself Sans Souci. Kindest regards and best wishes. SANS SOUCI (Dunedin). [Yes, that name Is taken, so you are now Sans Souci. Welcome to you.—DOT.) ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Please may I Join your merry band of Little Folk? I live in the country on a farm. My father keeps horses, sheep, and cattle. I like going to school, because I kave a very likable teacher. I have a dark coloured ferret. He IS a nice big ferret. Please will you give me a name for him? I spent my winter holidays with my grandparents, and had great fun catching lobsters. X cooked them and gave them to the hens. I like gardening, and intend to make a pretty flower garden when the warm days come again. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. JOCKEY BERT (Otago). [You killed the lobsters quickly, I hope, Jockey Bert? Welcome to my band. Call the ferret Phantom.—-DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Although I have never written before, I have enjoyed yeadlng your page. I wonder If you will enrol one so lazy in your band. Winter Is here, but it does not come alone. Think of all the joys it bring, Ice-skating, snowballing, and skiing. There Is beauty even In the network of the cold bare trees. What If It does bring chilblains and cold! Has It not Its joys also? Then comes the spring, and we appreciata it much more, because of the bleak winter which has just fled. Love to yourself and all the Little Polk. A MERRY MADCAP (Evansdalo). [I am pleased to enrol you, A Merry Madcap, and am glad that you arc able to appreciate the jpy« of winter.—DOT.] ¥* ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —Please may I Join your happy bond of Little Folk? I am 10 years old, and am In Standard IV at school. I have only one little sister. Her name la Iris. She is eighteen months old. We have two cows and two calves. My dog, whose name Is Jlp, has two wee puppies. They are both black and white, and have just their eyes open. We are making a duchess runner for sewing at school, and I have just about finished It. I will close now, with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. PLAY LADY (Oamaru), [Welcome to you. Play Lady. Iris will be at an interesting age now. Does she like the puppies?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot.—John’s greatest treat Is to go with bis father by train down the pleasant hills, to the big city of Colombo by the sea, especially when the south-west monsoon Is driving heavy black clouds full of rain before It, and making the sea spout in giant columns of foam upon the long breakwater that shuts in the splendid harbour and the big ships. He always goes to the Pettah, or native part of the city,, for Colombo has a European quarter, - with fine houses and big buildings, and a native quarter, which Is thronged with shaven Tamils, white pettlcoated Cingalese with big. combs In their hair, turbaned men from India, Arabs, Malays, Parsecs, and hosts of other Eastern people Scores of tiny native shops are on both sides of the way, where you can buy brightly coloured cotton cloth, pottery, curry, stuffs, fruits, sweetmeats, and so forth. Huge two-wheeled Bullock carts with palm leaf thatch on them rumble slowly along; light, carts drawn by a single bullock carry passengers. From the trees huge black crows swarm down for tlt-blts, barbers shave heads In the open streets; and here and there Is a little crowd around- snake charmers and their basket of big cobras. Cobras and other snakes, as well as lizards, live In the palm thatch of the little cne-roomed huts, In which many of the poor live. No Cingalese would dream of killing a cobra; if he could help It But If he gets too afraid of It, he traps It, pops It In a wicker basket, and sets It afloat on the river—a nice find for the person who Is Inquisitive enough to-open thtf basket. Isn’t it? X am afraid this Is a little: long, so will close, hoping this story will. Interest all the Little -Folk. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. STAR ROSE (Milton).

[Your story Cannot fall to Interest the Little Folk, Star Rose,' because It Is true, and true stories are always Interesting.— DOT. J # * * Dear Dot,—Please may I join yonr happy band of Little Folk? 1 am 13 years of age and in Standard VI at school. We are playing basketball at school now. We have cooking too, which I enjoy. We have eight ducks and one drake. It Is great fuu to watch them whenever there Is an aeroplane about. Love to all 'the Little Folk and your own dear self. BLUE-EYED BONNIE (Tapanul). [Why Is It great fun to watch them then, Blue-eyed Bonnie? I am pleased to welcome you.—DOT.] # * * Dear Dot, —I have been reading some of the Little Folk’s letters and I would like to be one of the band. I saw the other week that Lolly Golly (Canada) wished to correspond with any Little Folk who collected stamps, so I am going to write to him. I am 13 and would like Lolly Golly to write to me, as I collect stamps. I will close now, with love to you and your happy family. ARTHUR THE PRINCE (Green Island). [Welcome to Arthur the Prince, whose name I have had to alter. You write to Lolly Golly first. He would like you to.—DOT.] * # # Dear Dot, —I am very eager to join your happy band of Little Folk. We have a little kitten, which is very fluffy, so we named It Fluff. I am 11 years old, and I am in Standard V. I play hockey at school, and I think it Is a very interesting game. My friend. Princess Tulip, told me she used to write when the letters were in the Otago Witness. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. CLEAR SILVER BELL (Green Island), [Your name, too, has had to be altered a little. Clear Silver Bell. Welcome to my band of Little Folk.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have been reading some of the Little Folk’s letters, and I thought I would like to bo one of your band. We are having very frosty nights just now. I am a sister of Clear Silver Bell, who has written for the first time too. I was 15 on January 23. Love to you and your family. JOAN OF ARC'S ECHO (Green Island). [Another Little Folk whose name I have had to change, Joan of Arc’s Echo. Never mind. You are welcome to my band.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Would you like to hear a little story about why pussy willows do not meow? Once upon a time there was nothing on earth but animals. There waa one bear which had magic power. But he was very mean. One day a cat came by his cave, but the cat did not know It. The bear saw her and said, “ If you don't find me a cave In three days you shall be punished.” In three days the bear saw her again. “ Did you find me a cave?” he growled. “No,” answered pussy. “Then," continued the bear, “since you love to play and meow, your feet shall become roots and you shall not make a sound.” Her feet became roots, and you may see her on the sandhills. That Is my story. I had a fortnight’s extra holiday on account of the measles. Love to all. TWEET TOOTSIE (Roxburgh).

[Did you make up that story. Tweet Tootsie? If so your fortnight in bed was very well spent.—DOT.] ¥ Dear Dot, —Winter is on us again, and although'for mo It is the most unpleasant season of the year, I cannot fail to note how it sometimes changes the dull coat of brown that autumn has bequeathed her into a robe of snowy white. Looking from our door the other morning I was amazed to find that the hills and the mountains on which I gazed had been transformed overnight into a view of marvellous beauty. Snow lay everywhere, shutting out the drab browns of the former day. A willow tree a slight distance away looked like a haunt of the fairies, the feathery snowflakes clinging to It as It to comfort it for the loss of Its -robe of green. Fir trees standing like soldiers at their posts showed up In bold relief against the gleaming background as the undersides of the branches had not caught the snow, but remained green.- Pine trees groaned under the weight of their burden as If they regretted that* the bright days and tints of autumn were past. However, the other side of winter soon began to show itself, and as cold little birds flew down to gather the crumbs I spread tor them and hungry, miserable looking cattle hove Into view I was filled with remorse tor my selfishness In regarding winter only from the artistic side and was sure that, when spring came again, bringing with her the daffodils and crocuses and green grass, and budding trees and hedges, I should rejoice with all nature. PEACE, PERFECT PEACE (Otago). [I like your double picture. Peace, Perfect Peace. You have painted it with much feeling.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I thought I should like to tell you of something o£ the life of that groat author, Charles Dickens. Charles John Hutfam Dickens was born on Friday, February 7, 1812, at Landport, near Portsmouth. His father, John Dickens, was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office at Portsmouth Dockyard. Dickens was very small and very sickly as a child, and this forced him to refrain from playing games. Being a quiet, thoughtful, Imaginative boy, he became very fond of reading, and at an early age he produced a tragedy with the highsounding title of “ Misnar, the Sultan of India.” Nothing is known of this except that It brought him great fame in his small circle. John Dickens, his father, who had been getting a steady wage, by some extraordinary mischance, was generally In money difficulties. Things went from bad to worse, until the father and family were taken to prison. Charles stayed behind and earned six shillings a week at a blacking factory. Here ho Suffered agonies. Most of the characters in Dickens’s books are used to Illustrate parts of his own life. In David Copperfleld, when David had fallen into dire disgrace with hla cruel step-father, Mr Murdstone, and was apprenticed In a bottle factory, his sufferings were literally a description of Charles Dickens’s life in the blacking warehouse. Would you like to hear more of his life in my next letter. Best wishes to all. PERSIAN PUSSY (Roxburgh). [Yes, continue with the story but keep It short, Persian Pussy. Dickens's life story is a very Interesting one.—DOT.] ¥ f; Dear Dot,—l would like to tell you of my visits with a school party to the Rosedale woollen mills and the Underwood condensed milk factory. The woollen mills have just recently been reopened after being closed for a few years. We saw the whole process of clothmaking, from the scouring of the wool to the finished articles. After the wool was scoured It was washed and then dried. It was then dyed and dried on a rack with hot air coming up from below. Before It was dyed it went through four carding machines, each one doing the same process. It was then taken to the spinning looms, where It was spun Into one long thread, other colours being introduced to the thread while it was being spun. After it was woven Into material for coats and other articles it was pressed and folded up. Underwood Is about eight miles from Invercargill, so the class went by bus. Here we saw the making of condensed milk, from when the milk was brought In till the tins were packed In boxes. The factory makes Its own tins to hold the milk. The milk goes through a number of processes and everything is done by machinery, nothing being touched by hand. They also make butter. The factory Is scrupulously clean, and the employees wore white uniforms. Both of these visits were Interesting and Instructive. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself. WENNA’S DAUGHTER (Otago).

[You learnt much while you were enjoying yourself on those visits, Wenna’s Daughter. A visit to a factory is always a treat.—DOT.] * $ * Dear Dot,—l do not suppose many of you know why a judge wears a wig, so I shall tell you. The fashion of wearing wigs was set by tbe French king, Louis XIV. In bis youth men wore hair long, with the exception of the Puritans, whose heads were cropped. The king was rather short, and to give himself height and dignity he wore a huge wig—a fashion which was soon copied throughout Europe. Judges who particularly required to look impressive kept up the custom long after It had died out among ordinary men, and to-day wigs are worn by judges and barristers. Love to all. LITTLE INDIAN (Waiwera). [Another letter full of useful Information, Little India. Thank you for It. Now I shall know why, when I see a judge In a wig.— DOT.] ¥ « sjc Dear Dot, —I had two teeth that would persist in aching, so I decided that to get them out was tbe only way to stop them, so one Monday I made ready and went to the dentist’s. As ,1 had never had any teeth out before I was sort of frightened to think about It. However I went into the surgery and sat in the chair and watched the purse .get everything ready. Soon the dentist came bouncing along and looked In my mouth to see how many teeth 1 wanted out. He gave me gas and I was soon off to sleep, or was supposed to be, but X felt every .one go “ rip ” as It left its place. It was soon over, however, and the first thing I did was to look in the mirror to see how I looked without eight of. my teeth. I did not look very nice, I might say, as my face was swollen. I was glad to get Into the car’when -I came out of the dentist’s and, arriving home in good time, I sat by the fire and nursed by aching gums. I am pleased to say that they are getting on nicely now, and although I look funny when I laugh I suppose I shall get used to that, as It Is better than having toothache. My birthday was on May 17, and I was 18. Kind regards. A DIRTY-FACE DARLING (Momona). (This Is a novel letter. A Dlrty-Face Darling. How airy the dentist must have been when he made his first approach to you. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l will give you the description of'the adornment of a bride of Arabia who Is the daughter of a wealthy merchant. The first step Is the dressing of the hair. Her fringe and the top of the hair are dyed bright pink with a paste made from marigolds and various sweet herbs. The back of the hair Is left dark, soaked In oil, and then twisted Into plaits. Her- eyebrows are then plucked and fine, long lines like butterflies’ antennae are painted on the brows. Then her nostrils and the Insides of her ears are painted with u long pointed stick which has been dipped in henna; Her fingers, which have been hound at the tips for days, are coloured orange, like the palms of her hands. Then the knuckles and wrists are painted In an Intricate design to resemble a 'dark, lacy mitten, and her toes are steeped in scented scarlet. Blue kohl Is employed for her eyes—lnside the lids between the eyelids and eyeballs, so that the Irritation it causes produces a liquid, swimming effect. Only the smooth, dusky skin is left untouched. Then the slave girls bring forth a marvellous, golden brocade robe buttoned from throat to ankle with little round balls. The sleeves are very tight and close fitting, and almost hidden by heavy bracelets. Row upon row of gorgeous, gold necklaces cover her bosom, and a cap of stiff, metal embroidery conceals most of her pink hair. In her hand she carries a handkerchief of magenta silk, the size of a small tablecloth, the hem of her dress Is sewn with bells, and she wears primrose leather Russian boots. Her toilet Is now complete but for the additions of fragrant scents. SEVEN SEAS ADVENTURER (Dunedin).

■ [I have had to cut your letter short, Seven Seas Adventurer, but have left the body of It. How Interesting It Is.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —One wet Sunday, a few years ago, wo heard an aeroplane flying very low over Green Island. We all rushed outside to see it, and watched It fly towards Dunedin, then circle and go back towards the swamp where the landing ground was. A thick mist hung over the swamp and enveloped the surrounding hills. Wo thought the pilot roust be looking for a place to land, and watched the plane head for the coast and disappear. It vanished so suddenly that we thought It must have crashed on the beach, and my sisters and I donned coats and hats, took a camera, and set off posthaste for the " scene of disaster.” Needless to say, we found no damaged aeroplane, and instead of snaps of the “ crash,” we returned homo with ruined shoes and stockings (we had tramped through lupins, salt water pools, and long grass) and a few snaps of ourselves looking absolute wrecks. We have not been so hasty since Infdecidlng that a vanished aeroplane means a smash. BLUB SLIPPERS (Green Island).

[A realistic description. Blue Slippers. But how glad you must have been to find that your fears were groundless, despite your ruined shoes I—DOT.]1 —DOT.] sj! * *

i Dear Dot, —The long winter nights are upon us now. At one stride comes the dark. The long evenings are, however, very pleasant. The big open wood fire and the warm lamplight make Inside a very enjoyable place, Bach member of the family at once begins upon the work which pleases him best and the hours pass by all too 1 quickly. We all gather round the cheery ' fire and prepare to enjoy to the full this ! part of the day. Often after I have finished my school work I simply sit quite still enjoying the quiet, peacefulness; of everything. I find It specially enjoyable to be Idle when the other folk are all busily engaged. It is interesting to watch busy fingers using a needle, crochet hook, or knitting needles, as the case may be, and to watch the work growing every minute; or to see page after page of white, clean paper being covered with interesting looking writing, or to watch the pages of a book being turned and to hear bits read from it. The evening hour contains all these little incidents and many more. There is no need to be dull or bored at this time, because even if nothing interesting is being done inside, there is always the never failing enjoyment of gazing at the lire and watching the dancing flames creep up round the crackling wood and Anally burn iit fiercely and brightly. It I gaze very thoughtfully into the dancing flames, es- ! pocially when the fire is burning low, and use my Imagination very well, I can see ; many wonderful things—lovely colours of every hue, little elfish faces and flickering forms which appear and disappear so quickly that it makes me wonder If they really were there or not. It Is at this stage that they say it Is time for me to go to bed, as I look so sleepy. It is such a pity to have to leave the friendly little figures in the glowing embers, and I should like to stay and see them fade and die awav. for there are never any left In the morning, and the next ni°-M thev are all strangers and I - have to make Mends with them instead. LITTLE PLEASURE (Tuntiekn Month). [This is rather too long a letter, Little Pleasure, and you must not write so much again. It Is, however, very well written. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Have you ever been In hospital? And did you like it? I do. It is something like a homo away from home. We had frost the other morning. It was 16dog outside and 9deg inside. I will enclose another verso I made up. A little boy in bed Dreamed a dream one night. He dreamt that he was up and dressed. In the clothes of a brave knight. He won a battle in Africa, And fought all the time, too. And he was made the king Of Timbucktoo. He reigned until the end of his life. And it was a happy reign; Then he woke up with a sigh, And found himself in bed again. Love to all. RED SHADOW (Waipiata). [Yes, three times. Red Shadow, and, like you, I liked it. What a great little verse maker you are. Was that boy you, I wonder.—-DOT.] ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —My mother said she has a lot of surprises for me when I go home. I have a big doll at home, and I have a nice pink satin eiderdown quilt for the pram, and the doll is going to be dressed in pink knitted clothes. I am still in bed, but keeping well and hoping to get up soon, I see Red Shadow’s letters in the paper. I always read the letters on the page. I like reading them, and so does Betty. Wo are still together. Betty has four hours up now. I have just sent a letter all the way to Scotland. Have you ever been to Scotland? There are four other little girls in here, and when 1 get up I shall be able to have fun with them. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. JANE EYRE (Waipiata). [What a home-coming that is going to be, Jane Eyre; You will have to tell me all about it. No, I have not been to Scotland, but when I was a little girl I was in England.—DOT.] Y Y Y Dear Dot, —This 1s the second time I have written to your page. I have a little brown bantam. Would you mind giving me a name for it, please? We have a wireless so that we can listen to “ Big Brother Bill.” Golden Dawn is one of my playmates. I shall close, with love. ST. RONANS (Mosgiel). [Would Mrs Tidy be a - suitable name, St. Ronana? Can you work the wireless by yourself?—DOT.] Y Y Y Dear Dot. —I have left high school now, and am helping at home. I have music lessons again after a lapse of about three years, and have been going for about two months. My muslo teacher teaches singing, piano, and the organ. A few evenings ago a musical recital was presented by the junior choir children of our church, vocal classes, and pupils of my music teacher. It was my privilege to play the piano at the recital, the pieces I played being “ Serenade ” and “ Sparkling Diamonds." There is to be another musical recital In about five weeks’ time, and the piece I am practising for it Is called “ Blossom Time.” I have written to Neplska in Canada, so hope to receive a reply later on. I have not heard from Shakespeare Himself lately and have not seen any letters from him to the page either. Love to all. SILVER TEDDY (Southland). (I am glad to hear about the music, Silver Teddy, and see from your letter how Interested In it you are.—DOT.] Y Y Y Dear Dot. —We are having a queen carnival at school to raise funds to asphalt the playground. X received 448 marks in the examination. Our dog had six little puppies, but there is only one left, for we gave the rest away. The other one will be going away soon, too, and I shall miss it, tor it is shch a funny little thing. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. TINKLE (Owaka). [You did well in the examination. Tinkle. What a pity that you have to lose your puppy playmate —DOT.] Y Y Y Dear Dot,—l am making a pink organdie throw-over for mother’s birthday, and I have finished a toilet set for my aunt. The other night while I was UP on the hill I found some pretty little places amongst the rocks. There are pretty scrub-bushes amongst the rocks, and the rabbits loyo playing round them. There are little chairs and steps carved out In the rocks with bushes sheltering them very well. We had the challcutter here the other Wednesday, and It made a busy time for us, as dinner had to be taken out promptly for the seven men. It Is great fun to climb about on the chaff bags when they are all stacked up In the shed. Quite often we frighten a wee mouse out of Its home. We have a dear wee black and white pup here just now. Its mother is so fond of It that she does not leave her kennel. Would you give PUPPV a name please? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. WIN OF THE MOUNTAINS (Pukerau). [What a dear little pixie place you seem to have found. Win of the Mountains Call the well-loved puppy Schooner. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—ln reading your page the other week I noticed that Hinemoa of the Pool had written about the stick insect. Now I will tell you about a stick Insect 1 found a fortnight ago. It was only a baby stick insect, a little more than an inch long. For a start ho was nearly drowned In a bucket of hot water. I had carried the water out to wash the separator with, reached down the cloth from where it hung on'an apricot tree, and dropped It in. Just as it was about to submerge I noticed a little twig curved in a horseshoe shape lying on top. I picked It up to take it out, but it wriggled and squirmed, so I dropped It on the table. I called mother to look at the funny thing I bad found, and she pronounced it to be a baby stick insect. I pulled a twig from the’ tree and held It close against him and he clung to it by both ends. Just at first It was difficult to tell which end was his head, but when he began to move along It was difficult no longer. His body was about tbo thickness of an ordinary darning needle. When I placed him hack on the tree how quickly he travelled. First he drew up his tail so that his body formed a loop. Then he grlpned by the tail end and straightened out for a fresh grip at the head end. By repenting this performance he soon travelled up the tree. Next he gave ns a good example of his mimic abilities by clinging by his tall and standing straight out from the tree like a twig, and had we not known where he was we could not have distinguished him from the other little twigs on the tree. We have not seen him since, though w» have often looked for him. Kindest regards to all. BON AMI (North Otago).

[I am wondering If your protege was not a stick insect but a caterpillar, Bon Ami. How many legs did he have?—DOT.] ¥ Y Y Dear Dot,—The other night I was listening to the wireless because “ Big Brother Bill was speaking to the children, and therefore I wanted to listen. Can yon make Ice cream ? and do you like It? We can make it because we have Ice on the pond now and the proper thing to make It in. I am sorry I have not written lately, but I was too lazy. Love to all the other Little Folk and yourself. HEATHER FAIRY (Queenstown). [I cannot make Ice cream nor have I a thing to make It In, Heather Fairy, so you are much more fortunate than I.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l am just recovering from the measles and missed the term examination because of them. My little sister now writes to the page, and was very much excited to see her first letter in print. The garden Is still full of blossoming flowers, but I suppose they will die off when the frost comes. Some time ago we had a lantern lecture on “ Winter Sports at Mount Cook.” It was very interesting, for It showed one how cleverly people can use skis and skates, and also the beautiful snowclad summits. I cannot skate. Can you? I like reading Charles Dickens’s letters, because they are always very Interesting. Shining Eyes has not written for some time. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. AWAMOA LASS (Oamaru). [Are you better now, Awamoa Lass? It was too bad your having to miss' tlve examination. No, I cannot skate yet.—DOT.] ¥ # Y Dear Dot, —Here Is a piece of poetry written by Nell R, Eberhart, and called “ Before Dusk ” : The sunrise is an opal tower, The moon a golden tent, But sunset Is a rose-hung bower, Dim, redolent. The sunrise has no secret stair To any still retreat, The moon has never shadow where Shy souls may meet. But sunset has a hidden place Of hushed and tender gloom, Where growing buds of hope have space, And dreams may bloom. One dream as white as lilies are, That gleams as lilies do, 'And one that blossoms like a star— Two dreams of you. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. PRINCESS FORGET-ME-NOT (Dunedin). [Would you call that good poetry, Princess Forget-me-not? If so, why? And if not, why not? —DOT.] V V ¥■ Dear Dot, —We have been having very wet weather, and my sister and 1 have not been able to go outside because it was raining. We have five little calves, and we have nol very much milk for them, so we have been giving them crushed oats. One of them will not eat oats, however, so we give her some milk. I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. GOLD GIRL (Oamaru).

[She is a spoilt calf, is she not, Gold Girl? But probably she simply cannot seo why she should be made to eat grown-up iood when she is only a baby.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am knitting a cushion in green, black, blue, red, and orange wools. I have-been In town working, and liked it very much. It is a change after being at home ali the time. We have been having very cold weather here, but not as bad as it was in and around Christchurch. The floods have done a great deal of damage. X have aunties living there, so we have hoard all about them. My sister has just finished making n tinsel paper picture of a fairy sitting on a mushroom. She is going to make another one for her aunt in Christchurch. Best wishes to all. TAHI (North Otago). (The picture will help to make up to your auntie for the damage the floods did, Tahl. I am glad you liked your work.— DOT.] ?■ *;• v / Dear Dot, —Hero is an extract from James Cowan’s ” Book of Maori Chiefs.” “ Tho warrior chief, Te Rauparaha, head of the Ngatl Toa (‘Tribe of Heroes’) has sometimes , been described as the ‘ Maori Napoleon.’ The comparison has some justification. The Maori loader and the great Bonaparte, operating in vastly different spheres, had some qualities in common—skill in the art of war, a keen sense of strategy and tactics,' and craftiness; a lack of inconvenient scruples, and an overwhelming thirst for conquest. Both were ever ready to * shut the gates of mercy on mankind,’ and at the same time there is much that was heroic in tho story of their lives. Te Rauparaha’s career is chiefly memorable for tho groat march which he undertook with his tribe very shortly after 1820 in order to extricate himself and his people from the pressure of his enemies, the Waikato and allied tribes. The home of the tribe was on the pleasant shores of the Kawhia Harbour, and it was with great reluctance that the Ngatl Toa bade farewell to their blrthland tor ever, and set off on their long and perilous march to Taranaki, and thence through Wanganui and tho Manawatu to the western coast of what is now the Wellington province, opposite Kapiti Island. The Kawhia position, by reason of attacks from inland, had become untenable, and Rauparaha and his leading warriors were anxious to establish themselves where they would bo in touch with pakoha ships, and so obtain the great necessaries of life—muskets and gunpowder. Rauparaha and the northern chiefs, including the afterwards famous Tamatl Waka Rene, of the Ngapunl tribe, had previously made a war expedition to the south of the island, and had seen whale ships. In Cook Strait. So the migration was decided upon. It was a long, slow march, from Kawhia to the southern lands, taking more than a year. Some tribes wore conciliated and alliances were formed. Others, as the Manawatu and Otakl were approached, were killed, the tribe cooking and eating them.” SUNNY NELSON LASS (Dunedin). [I have divided your letter Into two parts as you suggested, Sunny Nelson Lass. Thank you for the interesting story it contains. — DOT.] Y Y * Dear Dot, —I told you In the last letter that I was going to read a book named “ June, the Girl Guide." It is about a patrol of Guides who go blackberrylng. June, one of the Guides, goes to a bank by horselt and looks over at the house which’ was once occupied by a Miss Mary Webber, during whose absence a woman named Mrs Webber Price has unlawfully occupied It, saying her name is Mrs Webber. She talks to June about her daughter Rachel, who is not very healthy and should be sent to Switzerland, but she has not the money. June Is a warm-hearted girl and asked Mrs Webber If she has any gold valuables. Mrs Webber says she has a snuffbox which would be of great value. After seeing the snuffbox they leave the room and afterwards enter It again and find the snuffbox gone. Thoy do not know whom to suspect. During their absence from the room Rachel has taken It and put in in the fig tree, as she does not want, to go to Switzerland. The snuffbox passes on from people to people, first of all being found by Timothy, the gardener. When Mrs Webber hears that Miss Mary Webber is coming back she packs her luggage and goes to tho station, Rachel runs back to the house and Mrs Webber has to go too. Mrs Webber sees people coming up the drive. It is Miss Mary Webber, so she and Rachel hide. But they are found, and after all Miss Mary 'Webber does not mind. That Is a brief account of tho story. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear seIf ’ COUNTESS CARINA (Wakari).

[Thank you for the story. Countess Carina. Do exciting things happen like that to Dunedin Girl Guides? —DOT.] Y Y Y

Dear Dot,- —The weather here is still very wet and miserable, but fortunately wo have had a tew fine days to enable the farmers to take their crops in. The ploughing has now started, but the ground is very wet. We have two pet goats—a big white blllle and a brown nanny. The blllie’s horns measure 32 Inches from tip to tip, but he Is very cheeky and does not like strangers. I have a number of international correspondents, and they write very interesting letters. It is splendid to hear about the various places and their lives. I • have a curio—a chicken with four legs, four wings and one body and head. Unfortunately It did not live, but I have it preserved in methylated spirits, and it Is admired by all who see It. Kindest regards to all. STEW BOGEY (Talerl Mouth).

[You must gain much amusement from the goats, Stew Bogey. Do you think aotnlro ’’ Is quite the right word to use in that second last sentence of yours.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Please may I Join your band of Little Folk? I am 14 years old. I enjoy your page very much. The letters are always very interesting, especially the ones from overseas. It has been really wintry weather lately. Do you like frosty nights, I do, because I know that the following day will bo fine. As this Is my first letter to your page, I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. KORONIB LASS (Dunedin). [I am pleased to welcome you, Koronlo Lass. Frosty nights are exciting, especially when you can go for a run in them. DOT.] * * siDear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age, and in Standard II at school. My sister and I went to Lawrence for our term holidays. and had a good time. One day we went for a walk to the Blue Spur, and on the way homo we had a ride to my aunty s place on a sledge of wood. It is bed time now, so I shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ONE DAY LILY (Dunedin). [Certainly you may Join, One Day Lily. What a Jolly thing to happen in the middle of your holiday^!—DOT.] ¥ ¥ Y Dear Dot, —Winter is here again, and 1 feel the frost nipping in the early mornings now, so I do not feel like driving five miles to school at halt-past eight. The other day I went tor a delightful ride on horseback over the hills. While coming home, I saw a doer feeding quietly on the hillside above me. He was too far away to hear the beat of my horse’s hoofs on the soft grass at first, but when I came nearer, he lifted his bead, and, seeing me, he galloped up the hill and out of sight. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and yourself. SNOW-TOPPED MOUNTAIN (Otago). [Did he look like a ship lu full sail. SnowTopped Mountain, or had he no antlers? Did you not think him graceful?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ -Y Dear Dot. —I have a pet pigeon and a calf. My birthday is on July 21, so I shall be 13 then. lam home from the sanatorium, I have been home since Christmas. We had a holiday one Monday, because of the King’s birthday. There Is a camp being put up for the surveyors. As it is late, I will close now. v TOM BOY MOLLIE (Patearoa). [How glad I am to know that you are well again, Tom Boy Mollle, and able to be with the pigeon and calf Instead of only hear of them. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ Y

Dear Dot. —Peggy will be three In October 20. I went to the church bazaar and bought a bag of marbles and two balloons and a little white ball. My cousin Lex sang at the bazaar, and they gave him a great reception. Tom Boy Mollle also sang with some other girls. I enjoyed it very much. We have a bull calf. Would you mind giving us a name for it? We have a pet pigeon, and we call him Coo. We have two pullets and an old hen, which we can pick np. Balder the Bright has long trousers, so he thinks he Is a man. Tom Boy Mollle sang “ Dutch Doll ” and “The Tin-Can Fusiliers. Love to all. JEAN FROM PATEAROA (Patearoa). [What an enjoyable bazaar, Jean From Patearoa. Did the balloons last long? Call the calf Dandy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We received extra holidays from school because of the measles. The mumps are going round now, so 1 hope 1 do not catch them. There has been some frost up here, and the most we have had la 9 degrees. Just now I am making a Jumper for myself, and it is red. I am doing the back first, as that is the easiest part of it to do. My cousin has a new baby brother, and she likes it very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self, THE LASS FROM KILLIECRANKIE (Roxburgh). [I hope yon win the race against the mumps. The Lass from Killlecrankie. Are you going to knit something for the new cousin? —T3OT.]

¥ V V | Dear Dot, —Sometimes I help to milk the | cows, and 1 turn the separator night and i morning. I also help my uncle to cart turnips to feed the cows. I noticed in a recent page that Pen Nib had written again. 1 have read the story that Star Rose is telling about, and it is very .interesting. We have not caught any more ferrets trying to steal the hens, so 1 hope they will stay away. Love to the Little Folk and yourself. JANE OF THE BACKBLOCKS (Milton). [You must be a great help on the farm, Jane of the Backblocks. Bad luck to any ferret that goes near your fowl-house! — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having very bad weather, and I have also had very bad luck. About two weeks ago I was awakened about XX o’clock by tho squeals of my rabbit. Rushing out, I was horrified to And a weasel trying to kill him, but I was just in time to save him, and every night since then 1 have put him in our garage at night. About : two days before that, I found our two cats I caught in rabbit traps, but they were not hurt. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. A WOODSIDB BUSH RANGER (Taierl). [lndeed you have had bad luck, A Woodside Bush Ranger. But thank goodness you were able to save all three before it was too late. —DOT.] YY • ¥ Dear Dot, —Thank you for the kitten's name. I have read “ The Sun’s Babies.” I have a little brother who is called Sidney, and he is six years of age. I have a friend : called St. Ronans. Grandma’s Darling is : also my friend. It has been raining out boro. I like reading your page. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. • GOLDEN DAWN (Mosgiel). [I suppose you read stories to Sidney, I Golden Dawn. Do those Little Folk go to your house to play with you?—DOT.] I Y- Y * Dear Dot, —All the trees have lost their leaves again. How quickly the seasons pass away! We had two lovely kittens, but they are both gone. There was a black one called Smut, and a Persian one called Fluffy. It was a shame to lose them both. We have four cows, and I help with the milking. Can you milk? I learn dressmaking at Balchitha, and 1 like it very much. At present I am making a skirt for myself in red, with silver and black through it. Can you make silver paper pictures? I have made two so far. 1 go to Bible class on ‘Tuesday evenings, and after the service we play games, such as basketball, badminton, and pingpong. I was in Dunedin about three weeks ago. and had a lovely time, although it was raining. I have left school now, and am at home helping in the house. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. TWINKS (Benhar). [I can neither milk nor make silver paper pictures, lam afraid, Twinks. Dressmaking is a useful occupation for you to have. — DOT.] Y Y Y

Dear Dot, —We are back at school for another term. It Is winter once again, and during our holidays we had one day of snow. I did not go anywhere for my holidays, but my sister and brother went. For our annual show, I knitted a scarf and made a handkerchief, but I did not win anything. My sister. Golden Gay, won most points for the school children’s competitions. We have a little brother five months old, and just beginning to bo interesting. Xle pulls our hair and laughs aloud. Love to all and yourself. , , LASSIE O’ MINE (W'altepeka).

[Wore you allowed to play In the snow that day, Lassie O’ Mine? What a pet the little live months old must be! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here is an interesting piece about opening cocoa pods at Trinidad. When the pods are ripe tljey are cut from the stems and main branches of the trees with cutlass knives, those on higher branches being cut by means of special knives mounted on bamboos. In Trinidad women and boys gather the fruit into large heaps, the pods being afterwards cut open with knives. When possible, this is done in dry weather, for beans wetted by rain do not ferment so easily. The beans, together with the slimy pulp in which they are embedded, are then carried in baskets to the fermenting house by mules. A SPARKLING DEWDROP (South Otago). [lt is Indeed interesting, A Sparkling Dewdrop What funds of information some of you Little Folk have! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Have you ever wondered where quinine was obtained? Cinchona is the genus of trees which produce quinine. "It has been found to be the most efilcaoious medicine for curing certain fevers which have troubled mankind since the dawn of the world. The tea and cinchona plantations in India grow almost side by side, the plantations usually being a few miles from Darjeeling, near the Himalayas. The semitropical mountain slopes just below the snow line, in their natural state, are covered with dense forest : trees 160 feet in height, tall walnuts, mahogany, and bamboos intermingled with citrons, cherry, banana, and peach trees covered with lichens and creepers and orchids, which we can only coax in hothouses, whilst underfoot a riot of flowers which are only seen in summer here bloom profusely. This region is known as the botanist’s paradise. The wilderness must be tamed for man’s uses, and these slopes have been found ideal for the growth of cinchona trees, which are natives of South America. As the world's demand for quinine increases, new tracks through forests have to be formed, and much labour Is spent by the coolies felling the beautiful forests to plant new trees for the use of mankind. Like the tea, cinchona Is an evergreen, but while tea never grows higher than six feet, cinchona grows higher than eighty feet. The leaves are glossy, and the flowers resemble the lilac cither pink ,or white, and have a very fragrant perfume. But it is not the leaves or flowers which are valued, but the bark of the pretty tree. MARIE ANTOINETTE (Balclutha). [Thank you for your Information, Marie Antoinette. It is very interesting, and will be useful to the Little Folk readers.—DO i.J

Dear Dot.— May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? We have had bad weather lately, but the buds are on the pussy-willow tree. I have been reading your Little Folk s letters, I am nine years old. and m Standard XI. I have had the measles, and they were not very pleasant. Love to all the Little Folk and .your own dear self. A GOLDEN TOPAZ BUTTERFLY (Edendale).

[Welcome to A Topaz Butterfly, whose, name I have had to alter. How lovely about the pussy-willow trees! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —In February I went through the Ocean Beach freezing works. When vou go on to the butchering board you see two rows of men busy at the lambs. The pens behind them have five lambs in them. When the butchers catch the lambs they aro dead before they know what has happened to them. When the five are killed, the door of the pen is pushed on them. The lambs aro then skinned, the skins being dropped down one hole beside the butcher, and the organs of the sheep down another. The carcasses are then put on a mechanical conveyer to the grader, continuing on their way to the freezer. They are slid on to a thing which appears to be a part of a rail, but Is a weighing machine, and there Is a man thore calling out the weights of the sheep. The carcasses are then pushed along a rail out of the way, covered with scrini» a-nd put Into the cooling chamber. I do not know how long they are left in there, but they are left for a good while before they are put in the freezing chamber. I was inside the cooling chamber, and when first I went Into it I thought I had taken a step from New Zealand to the South Pole. But after a while I had not noticed the coldness at all. The rows of carcasses are all covered with scrim. The place Is In darkness, except for the electric lights. When you come out again it is like walking from the South Pole to the Equator. THE PRIME MINISTER (Mossburn). [I see that you were greatly Interested in the freezing process. The Prime Minister. Thank you for your clear description of it all.—DOT.] „ „ ¥ -V *

Dear Dot, —I enjoy reading your letters very much. We have shifted Just lately, and Brusher, my pet cat, keeps going back to the other place. He Is away Just now, but I think he will come back. We play basketball at school, and I like it very much. Wo have not had a chance to have a good practice as it has been raining. I shall have to close now, as it is growing late. LASS OF THE HEATHER (Palmerston). [Have you tried putting a little butter on Brusher’s paws, Lass of the Heather? That Is said to be good for making cats like a new homo. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ Y Dear Dot,—Please may I join your Little Folk’s page. I am nine years old, and in Standard 111 at school. I have to walk to Mocrakl School two miles away. There is hockey every Monday and Friday at Hillgrove, and I often go down to watch them play. It Is raining up here Just now. and lately we have had some hard frosts. Seeing this Is my first letter, I will close. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. THE WANDERING BOY (Hillgrove). [Certainly you may Join, The Wandering Boy. The walk to school must make you warm every day.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ Y Dear Dot, —Please may I Jolu your band of Little Folk? I am eight years old, and in Standard I at school. I go to the Moerakl School, and I have a long way to go to It. I have two brothers and two sisters. My baby sister Is a year old, and is a dear little thing. We call her Pet for short. When I go to ray uncle’s place I always help him to milk. I like milking cows. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. THE LITTLE GOLDFINCH (Hillgrove). [Welcome to The Little Goldfinch. I expect “Pet” will be your little sister's name tor always now.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am In Hampden tor a fortnight’s holiday, and am having an enmyable time The weather has not been very good lately, but I hope it will be better before I go back to Ranfurly. I am now working a trayoloth. My grandmother has a new record called “ The Red River Valley.” It is very pretty. Have you heard it? I am going to go and see my great-grand-mother now, so I will close, with best wishes to all the Little Folk and yourself. RED LIPS (Ranfurly). [Good wishes for your* holiday, Red Lips. No, I have not heard that record which is so pretty.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Of New Zealand's 76 species of native birds I think the black fantall is the most friendly. There are two species of fantails—the black one, which is pure black, except for every second feather (in its fanlike tail), which is white. The pied fantall has a brownish black coloured back, and a light reddish coloured breast. Below the beak and on the head is a little band of white. It has very pale yellow feathers in its tall with the black ones. This fanlike tail enables them to turn and twist In a most remarkable manner. They are not songsters, but they utter a pleasant twittering. The nest is a finely woven structure of twigs, hair, and moss, and is usually built overhanging running water. There are three to five eggs in a clutch, and they are white in colour with rufous spots at the larger end. The Little Folk may be interested to hear about one of Now Zealand’s two species of frogs. It is wttie Moehau,” or "Red Man,” and is found on the Cape Colville Ranges, and near Opotikl and Manakau. It is a primitive type of frog, whose complete life history i £l unknown. It is found under stones and moss, near streams and rock-pools, in which it doubtless spends part of its life. « has a frog’s head and body, but the arms,, legs, and hands are shaped like a man s. There are three fingers and a long thumb on each hand,- also a small palm. The whole frog is about the size of a man’s thumb.

A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER (Dunedin). [How interesting, A Young New Zealander. I am sure that your Information will he gladly read by the Little Folk.—DO*.]

Dear Dot. —I went to the pictures one. Monday to see " The Boy from Spain. R was a very good picture. I am knitting a pair of socks for my brother. I have one of them nearly finished. Do you ever knit? I do not very often. My little nephew is now playing the gramophone to me. He has been wondering what name he can have for your page when he begins to write. Now I must close, with best wishes to the Little Folk and yourself. SWEET ROSE (Hampden).

[I do not knit very nfuch, Sweet Rose. When will the little nephew be sending his first letter? —DOT.] * ¥

Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my first letter in print. It was fun to read the Little Polk’s letters, and there were many to read. Our bazaar was a great success, and we enjoyed it very much. The nays are very cold and .miserable. Me have fires in our schoolroom now. I am knitting a dress for my doll. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. KAKANUI MERMAID (Maheno).

[How you must enjoy having fires at school, Kakanul Mermaid! I hope the doll s dress is a success.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—lt was dusk, soft, mysterious, and darkly beautiful. The sun had gone to bed, drawing his scarlet, orange, and yellow brilliancy with him. When be had gone a wonderful change took place, Slowly, quletlv, stealing across the sky shadows drew their dark veils oyer the world. As they passed, night slid gently behind them, and little stars and big stars twinkled and winked down at the earth, looking like millions of tiny pointed windows. Then look! how pretty! Over the rim of the world came a great full ball of light. Silvery white it was. dimming the stars, filling the east with light. It was the moon! Little fluffy clouds played blind man s buff with her, floating over her serene face. The moon had long slanting moonbeams that peeped and peered all over the earth s surface. One of them went flitting down into a wood and shone on the loaves, making pretty dappled shadows on the ground. Another went out to the sea, where It sparkled in and out of foaming waves, whispered to the mermaids, danced lightly on the sands, and then slipped back to the now western moon. Kindest regards to all. ROYAL BLUB AND GOLD (Walmato), [A pretty picture, Royal Blue and Gold, f like the “ pointed window" effect of the stars. —DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I was 13 years old on June 3 and I am in Standard VI at school. I have just finished knitting two jerseys, a beret, and a scarf, and I am knitting a cushion cover now. Wo have two wee bluish-grey kittens. Would you please give me a name for each of them? Love to you and your Little Folk. BUCK SUNBEAM (Enfield). [Welcome to Fuck Sunbeam. X had to combine the names, dear. Call the kittens Ciausibel and Scratchlna. —DOT.] $ * ❖ Dear Dot,—Do I like winter? Yes. Not a favourite season perhaps, but certainly a very admirable one. To explain why I like it, I will describe to you a scene that I saw the last week in May. The sun had set in a carpet of blood, but now the pearly dusk of twilight had crept up from the south. The clouds were still painted a hbisterous red, while just above the dim, grey mountains the sky was dyed lemon-gold. Against this like a pillar of darkness rose a gumtree, black and haughty, every leaf and branohlet. all the intricacy of Us being; revealed, embroidered in delicate tracery. My eves were glued to the west. Even so I perceived, at first faintly and' then clearly a silvery gleam stealing slowly over ‘ho landscape. The moon! Sheer above the limestone studded hills, full and triumphant it lay, resting after its climb. In the blueblack sky it glowed, richly saffron, while i in it 1 saw in darker shades a queenly lassie with two long-haired courtiers bending low on either side. Perhaps the Infanta Margareta! This latter Is the picture my imagination sees in the moon. SAUCY WAVELET (North Otago). ,

[I am glad that you saw so much that night Saucy Wavelet. One criticism, however:’Why say a carpet of “blood.” Is that not Inappropriate?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —My mother and father are spending a holiday in Dunedin. I came fifth in my class last examalnation out of 18 pupils. Wo have three little pups, and It la fun to see them running after the other dogs. One Friday night my sister and I went to the hall bazaar. I did not win anything, but my sister won a tin of chocolates and seven shillings. PORKBY’S NIECE (Miller’s Flat). [I had to leave out half your letter, because you wrote on both sides of the paper, Porkey’a Niece. Give the pups my love.— DOT - ] * * -VDear Dot, —At Easter time we had an enjoyable bolfllay in Christchurch. We visited many places, Including Riccarton, Sumner, North Beach, and Cashmere Hills. At Sumner there was a gala, and we had a great time. The Woolston Band was also in attendance. When we were In Christchurch at Christmas time, we went through the Museum and saw many wonderful relics of the past, including the frame of a German aeroplane which had been in the Great War, and an old stage,coach that used to run from Reefton to Greymouth in the olden days. Our Guide company has Joined up with another company, as there were not enough Guides in our company. We have cherry-coloured ties now. SAN PEDRO (Oamaru). (I have had to cut your letter too, San Pedro, because you wrote on both sides of the paper. What a happy holiday.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —This is my second letter to you. Mv birthday Is on June 27, I shall be 10 years old. I have a little black kitten. Would you please give me a name for it? 1 drive to school now with ray j brother and sister. My sister is going to write to you. We have a pony and gig. We drive four miles. I must close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MARIGOLD MARY (Herbert). [Call the kitten Big-Eyes, Marigold Mary. Can you drive, or does your brother hold the reins?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band? I am seven years of age, and I am :ln Standard II at school. I have a pet hen. Could you please give me a name for If.? / ■; .

I had another one, but the weasel killed it. Dad got me a hedgehog. It hides itself in the day, and I cannot find it. I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ... ARDBOB BOY (Cromwell)., [Welcome to Ardboe Boy, who next time, must write in ink. Call the hen Fanny Feathers. Hedgehogs are like that. —DOT.] ** * * Dear Dot, —I have a little Bister now, and we call her Dale. She will be seven month* old on June 17. and is always smiling at someone. My brother J ohn has started school now. I know Zenobia, Goddess of the Lake, Princess May, and Motor-bike. Zenobia and Goddess of the Lake are my friends at school. The measles and whooping cough have not been heard of much up at our school, and I hope they will not bo. As space is limited, 1 will close, with love to all. DADDY’S LITTLE NUISANCE (Tuapeka Mouth). ■ [How fond you must be of little new Dale, Daddy’s Little Nuisance! I, too, hope that measles and whooping cough will not be heard of much at your school. —DOT.] OLD WRITERS' ASSOCIATION. At a meeting of the committee of the Old Writers’ Association on December 19. 1933, it was decided to bold 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 he a nominal fee of one shilling tor membership, and that anyone, whetner an Old Writer or not. desirous of making a donation could do so, ail- subscriptions hnd 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. Hilda. Dunedin, _______ » OLD WRITERS’ REUNION. The first reunion of the Old Writers' was held in the R.S.A. Hall, Moray place, on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance of Old Writers and present-day Little Polk, as well as a full muster of the Committee. The proceedings were opened by a speech of welcome by the president, Indian Chief, who read telegrams and letters of congratulation from eighteen absent members from all parts of New -Zealand. A community sing then took place, followed x by dances. Supper was supplied by the Ladies’ Committee, and those contributing to the programme were; Little Jean, Mother* Goldie, Indian Chief and daughter, the Misses Wilson find two comedians. The Monte Carlo waits was won by Miss Crimp and Mr Birehell. Those answering the roll call were: Indian Chief, Xvanhoe, Alys, Morning Star, Chic Lavender, Elmo Athol, Crushed Oa ts, Roche. Adelina, • Patience, Brighton Girl, Rose of No Man’s Land, Francesca, Oamarulte, Avlce, Tea Cosy (Lawrence), Blue Gem. Margarine. Fat Boy,, Nurse Rosemary, Mattie, Forget-me-not, Possum’s Friend, Tul 11, Doughnut, Australian Lass, Bob’s Sweetheart, Pllpp s Bride, Montrose Lassie, Lady Dundas, Andrewena. Cook’s Cobber, A Little Worker, Everton. Little Jean, Larkspur, Lucky Bell, Myeerah. Malden of the Mount, Salt Sprinkler, r Nipper (Auckland), Mother’s Fa ry Paddy y the Next Best Thing, Creamy, Waihoia Lass,. Monkey, Autumn Leaves, Lancashire Lass, The Grey Dawn. Glasgow Maid, Parsley. Another Mystery, Thyme, Golden Arctotis, Cabaret Boy, Rose of Waiplata Mate o Wine, Plv Boy, Granny’s Bonnet (Southland), Lady Psyche, Thelma (Timaru). Caversham Lass, Mignonette, and Spotty. The pleasant evening closed with the singing of ' .Auld Lang Syne” and three hearty cheers. The whole evening was voted a great 'success by all. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES. Indian Chief, president of the Old Writers* Association (Mr Jas. T. Ramsay. 24 Neldpath road. Mornington Dunedin); and Morning Star, honorary secretary (Mrs ,J. Hines. 24 Jackson street, St. Hilda, Dunedin), are endeavouring, to complete a register of pint and present Old Writers la connection with the Jubilee In 1936 Either would be pleased to hear from any willing to supply nt.mes addresses, and noms de plume, and, where possible, year of first writing to Dot. Acknowledgments will bs made periodically in this column. »* * - Mother of one of the Little Folk.—-Thank you for your very kind letter. I hope that some good may come out of It. 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■. Joan of Arc’s Echo, Clear Silver. Bell, Arthur the Prince, Blue-Eyed Bonnie, Koronie Lass, One Day Lily, Puck Sunbeam, The Little Goldfinch, The Wandering Boy, A Topaz Butterfly, Ardboe Boy, and Sprig of Red Hawthorn. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy return* of ts# day to — Grecian Goddess, who will be 12 to-morrow. Grandpa’s Lass, who will be 11 to-morrow. Raida’s Niece, who will be having a birthday on Friday. June Rosebuds, who will be 10 on Sunday.

NOTES. Bobble Lennox.—l hope you will soon be ■well, dear. I have passed on your letter, for that was the beat thing to do. May you gain much happiness from the correspondence/ DOT. LITTLE FOLK’S LETTER BOX. Ae the Little Polk Inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond. It Is necessary that tfcose companions should send the first letter.—DOT •f « # Joan of Arc’s Echo (Norrle Cunningham. London Street, Green Island) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk about 15 or 16 years old. * * Princess Forget-me-not (Lorna Wilson, Hlghcllff. Dunedin) wishes Chilly of the Lee to correspond with her. ’V’ Stew Bogey (Ernest Bayne, Talerl Mouth) wishes to correspond with Boy Scout. Princess of Ben Lomond, Te Mahana, and An Iceland Poppy. >!< * * Lassie o’ Mine (Tul Craig, Waitopeka) would like to correspond with any Little Folk willing between, the ages of 10 and 12. * * * Marie Antoinette (Marie Middledltcb, Caldovan street, Balclutha) wluld like Moira Patricia and any other Little Folk between the ages of 11 and 14 years to write to her. ff ¥ ¥ Bobble Lennox (Margaret Abcrnethy, Mala road, Waitahuna). wishes to correspond with aniy Little Folk between 10 and 14 year* of age.