Dots Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22487, 4 February 1935, Page 15

Dots Little Folk

THE WEEK'S POEM. Who has not felt ltd at seeing a heuae being pulled down, children? Here Is a poem about It, expressing Tery cleverly the panes such a pulling-down gives to us. DOT. « « • HOUSE COMING DOWN. They're pulling down the house At the corner of the Square; . The floors and the ceilings ■An out in the atr; The fireplaces so fusty. The staircases so dusty. And wallpaper so musty, Are all laid bare. It looks like a dolls' house With the dolls put away, And the furniture laid by Against another day; No bed to He In, No pan to fry in, Or dish to make a pie In, And nobody to play. That was the parlour With the cream-ahff-yellow scrawls, That was the bedroom With the roses on the walls; There's a dark red lining In the room they had for dining, And a brown one, rather shining, Goes' all up the halls. But where ts the lady In a pretty gown? Where Is the baby That used to crow and frown ? Oh, the rooms look so little, The house looks so brittle. And no one cares a tittle If It all tumbles down. — Eleanor •Farjeon.

WEAVERS OF WORDS. W« bow know how Iceland became Mttled, Br little Folk,, «o we can begin to look at the legend* or Hgu as, they were celled, that gradually grew up in this strange new land, and were rang by skalds (poets and rune-makers) to the people. It was not till 1200, by the way, that they were written down under the title of- the Younger or Prose Edda, and the Elder Edda ("Edda" Is a word that means " great-grandmother," and yet for hundreds ot years In Iceland it meant "the best poetry," too). We shall begin by studying the .Stair or gods, who lived In Asgard. ("Asgard" means "home ot the gods.") DOT. '.?'"•: .-'.• » » * THE CHIEF GODS. The chief gods In Asgard. were- these: (Mto (German, Wotan; English, Woden), chief of the ASsir and father of Time, has many names; Valfodr, father of the chosen, or slain, because to him belong the freemen killed In battle; Bigfodr, father of Victory; All-Father; Long Beard; Vegtam, or the Wanderer; the Raven's God, from the two ravens. Hngtn and Mugin, that fly dally through the world and return to perch on 'his shoulder and croak: of all that they have 'seen and heard; and God of the Hanged, since once for nine days and nights, for the sake of men, he hung over Niflheim. i He is a tall long-bearded man with one eye. In Asgard he is clad in golden armour with a gleaming helm, he carries a white shield and a lightning-darting spear, Gungnlr, and on hie arm is the great gold ring, Draupnir, that .every ninth night drops eight gold' rings as precious as itself. Fair warrior-maidens attend him when he rides forth to battle—the Valkyrjar, Chosers of the Slain—on white- cloud horses. He never eats, but lives on.wine alone; the food set before him he gives to, his: wolves,Frekl and Geri. His palace Is Gladsholm, and he rides the swift eight-legged horse, Slelpnlr. On earth Odin becomes, a traveller in a broad hat and a long blue or grey cloak; then-he eats and drinks as mortals do; His sons are Thor, Baldur, Tyr, Hodr, the Hind god; who goes on earthJourneys with his 'father and does his errands; Vldr and Vail, who are to avenge Baldur and Odin.' ■,.- Frigpa, his wife, chief. of the Asynjar (goddesses), is a gracious and beautiful lady who, with her maidens, FuJJa. fina,. and Hlyn, watched over' We;i>eopte of earth as she sits in her palace, Fensallr, spinning threads of gold—for. she is skilled in - all; matters of the'; household. She knows'the destiny of all men. but-her lips are closed, and not even to Odin does she speak of her knowledge. One of her- most cherished treasures is a dress of falcons' feathers, in which she can fly over the world. ■ • (To be continued.) <

THE SIX SEFTQNS. Something to Amuse the Younger Little Folk.: : CHAPTER lI.—TH? . DEPARTURE. I wonder If I nee* to tell you about that week ot making ready. Somehow, I think not, for after, all, everybody know* what It is like to prepare for a' month's holiday in the country, and the Bettoss' preparations war* no different' front ' anybody else's. There was a. great deal to do, of course, with buttou to be sewn on extra firmly, and shoes to be soled, and sunhats bought in case they should be needed, and all and all, so everybody was bustlngly busy and as excited aa could be. Then there was themenagerie to be seen to, because no one' was to be left behind; and that took a great deal of time, as Pepin and Punch and Jacko—who was good for running messages—could have told you had they stopped in the midst of their' work with the Father-man long enough to talk about it, Hal was the only one who.was not. Very keen about it all. Mai? Ob; have I not introduced you to Mai? I beg your pardon. Mai is a small black cat very -superior and haughty with a liking for.walking about by himself like the Just So ktery. cat. His name is short for Pussymalcule. Eldle once told mo; for "If an animalcule is a little animal;-then a Puasymalcule is a little pussy," she explained. "See?" Myself, I am not too' sure about it. But Mai he waa called and Mai he shall remain. (To be continued.) •TO ALL, Dear Little Polk,—You are always telling me about pleasant happenings; so now I shall tell you one. I wonder if you will Uke It:— One afternoon last week, when It was dull and very windy, a friend of yours grew tired of work, and decided to go for a walk. So she left her pen and papers and went off by herself. It was a windy day, I told you, but If it had felt windy indoors, it was much windier out, and as for the beach—why there was so much sand blowing along the shore, and so much spray blowing along the waves, that It scarcely- looked like a beach at all, but rather'like something on fire with smoke rolling everywhere. This friend of yours, however, was delighted at the sight, because she is very fond of wind; so, as there was nobody but herself to be ■sen except for a flock of superior seagulls wading about-at the edge of the waves and looking as if they had been' there all their lives—she took off her shoes and stockings, tucked up' her clothes, and went running along-for all her worth in company with the wind, the sand, and the spray. Then came the pleasant-happening. Suddenly she saw .the was not alone. From somewhere, a lean young black and white sheep dog had appeared, and was trying to Introduce himself to her—the handsomest, healthiest looking sheep dog it would be possible to imagine, and with such beautiful eyes. Obviously he had been wanting someone to play with all the afternoon, but It was too windy for people to bother about the beach on .such a flay, so he had had to stay at home, and then he'had looked out and seen this friend of yours, and been filled with such surprise and pleasure,' that he bad come. racing over to speak to her. He had charming manners. He did not Jump up at her or make any frightening overtures as a dog less well behaved might have been tempted to make in such excitement. NO, be merely looked. But what expression he had in bis handsome face! Your friend suddenly felt ridiculously happy. Once she had had a sheep dogcompanion very much like this one to look at and with, the same gentlemanly ways, and she thought that nothing better could have happened to her than to be visited by such a darling. So she held out her band to him, and he took It softly in his mouth and held it for a moment; and then off they went, racing together along the edge of the waves. It was the greatest fun. No mamby-pambyness about this dog, let me tell you! When he ran, he ran and right through the water, too, so that he was soon sopping wet and shaggy. There were no sticks on the beach, but plenty of lengths of dry brittle seaweed, and how he bounded when they were flung out for him! How he dashed forward into the blur of spray to, bring them back and wait for the next time! As the moments'passed, so did the excitement grow, till both your- friend and the dog were panting for breath. Then your friend remembered the letters she had to answer, and told the dog she must go home. Of course, he was not pleased about It. As a matter of fact, he would not hear of It at first, and refused to believe that anything so foolish as answering letters could come to spoil 60 jolly a But your friend was> firm and turned back .the way she had come, telling him all the time that It could not be helped. -Finally he seemed to understand. She knelt down, patted him, and fave him her hand again, and then she said rmly that he must go home. «• he turned

Inaugurated duly 16,1886, 0 by ttie

OTAGO WITNESS be written under a nom de plume, which, once chosen, cannot ba changed by the writer. •»«•«• New members must enclose their name and address. These will set 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 as a-brooch la •btatnable on application to Dot. Fries U 64, la stamp*' er postal notes.

away and went towards the sandhills, behind which was the home from which he had come.

That Is all, children. But it was a darling little adventure, so I thought you' might like me to tell you about It. If you do not know who that friend of yours was, I am afraid you will have to guess. Do you think you can? —Your loving DOT.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK. Motto. — We write for the benefit of others, net for ourselves. EJRST LETTERS. Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old, and In Standard V. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. COMLY SENSATION (Dunback). [Certainly, Comly Sensation. Does your name mean anything? You must 'tell me about being In Standard V.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, — May I Join 'your happy band of Little Folk? I am six years old, and In Primmer 11. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. OLIVER SUDDEN (Dunback). [Your name was taken, Oliver Sudden, so I have changed it a little. Welcome to the band of Little Folk.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I Join your band of Little Folk? I have been going to write for a long time, but have always put It off until to-day. I have just come back from a very enjoyable holiday. I have had some lovely swimming this weather, but It has been- too- hot for tennis. Well, I must close now, hoping you will accept me as one of your merry band. ' '- DEL (Mosglel). [Certainly you may Join, Del. Could you tell me more about your holiday? I am 'sure it must have been delightful.— DOT.] * * *.'•'. Dear Dot, —Please may I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old, and my birthday is on August 3. I live on a sheep farm at Wyndham. I am staying with my uncle and auntie at Roxburgh, where I have plenty of fruit to eat, and two cousins to play with. Bonnie Briar is my cousin. I am soon going home from here after an enjoyable holiday. I must close now, as I am going to the pictures. Love to all the Little Folk. BUFFALO WILLIAM (Wyndham). . [Welcome to. Buffalo William, whose name has had to be altered. What about telling me more about the sheep farm?—DOT.] ** * . Dear Dot, —I have always enjoyed your columns in the paper, and would like to join your band of Little Folk. May I? I am having a great time at Mosgiel just now. Love- to all the "Little Folk and your own dear self. ■ JOEY THE PARROT (Moßgiel). [Yes, you may Join Joey the Parrot. Could you describe the " good time," do you think?—DOT.] . . . * * * Dear Dot, —May I Join your band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and I am going into Standard 111 when the school reopens. I live on a farm, and I have two miles to walk to school every day. We. have a quaint black and white lamb. My sister and I have a glasshouse. We have three wee black chickens, and nine big black and white ones. One Friday we went to the show, where I saw two little pet lambs : dressed up. I will close now, with love to all. ROBIN ROSY BREAST (Palmerston). [Welcome to ypu Robin Rosy Breast, but you chose another Little Folk's nom de plume, so I have had to alter It. I should like to hear more about the glasshouse.— DOT.]

; BEST LETTERS. ..„ „ ' .'Dear Do£—Let's talk about films and film Stars. Some ot the pictures, we see flashed oh : our local screens are very, very good; some of_ them are very, very bad. On the whole, however, I believe films are improving slowly but surely. Modern rubbish Is at .last being mercifully discarded, and producers are harking bsck to the classics for their film material. Thus it is not unusual to have .an " Alice in Wonderland," or a "Treasure Island" unfolded before us, and very soon we shall have the pleasure of boholding film versions of " The Count of Monte Cristo," "Cleopatra," and others. The main ' trouble is that when these stories are' acted by Americans, their • nationality usually asserts itself in the dialogue of the film. And American producers know very little'about-our big classics. There is a story of one producer, who, having enjoyed the Mary Pickford-Douglas Fairbanks version of the " Taming of the Shrew," asked who the author -was. The tale goes that, after .hearing.that Shakespeare had written -other plays as well, this priceless producer actually wrote to Mr William Shakespeare at Stratford-on-Avon, and requested to have the film rights of some of his works. Again, our friends from the land of skyscrapers and chewing gum are not above taking liberties with English works. To " Alice in Wonderland;" they gave all the realism they could, but oh, how they hacked and mutilated the beloved story! And why. get hold of the idea that a picture must never exceed an hour and a-half in length? Thus they tried to cram all the most important events ot "Alice" and " Through the Looking-glass " into that space ot time, with the result that some of the dialogue simply had to be "cut." They should remember that there are thousands of. English people who know the delightful story by heart. ' " CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedin).

[Good work,' Charles Dickens. I wonder if that " Taming of the Shrew" story is correct. It will be interesting to Bee what 1« done with- " The Count of Monte Cristo." —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As a small boy I was never tired of hearing the story of how William Tell would not bow to the ruler's hat, and how he split the apple on his son's head with an arrow. You may imagine my surprise when I discovered that this hero is pictured on the stamps of Switzerland. The portrait of William Tell faces the right, and is nearly full face. Part of the cross-bow that he used for shooting the arrow is to be seen resting on his right shoulder. In 1909 Switzerland -issued a stamp showing young Tell (William Tell's son)- standing on a pedestal and supporting with his right hand a cross-bow, .in his left hand an arrow. In these stamps of 1909 the string of the cross-bow passes in front ot the shaft, and in the same stamps of 1910 the string passes behind the shaft. One of the Argentina 1910 commemorative stamps shows a picture of Saavedra, a hero- of the War ot Independence, and I will relate an interesting use to which this stamp was put. A film was being made dealing with the life and accomplishment of Saavedra, but a portrait of him could not be found from which to make up the actor who was taking the part ot Saavedra. The director was beginning to think that he would have to use his own judgment in making up the actor to look like Saavedra, when at the last moment a philatelist produced this stamp showing Saavedra and ended the director's troubles. In 1932 another hero, this time a woman, was pictured on the stamps of Hungary. .'lt was-Queen Elizabeth, who, at the age of 14, married King Luddlng, and when the King died his brothers drove out Elizabeth .and her children, and seized his castle tor' themselves. After a time, Elizabeth took a tiny house in a small village, and she earned money, by spinning so that she could help those, whose need was greater than her own. The stamps were issued to mark the seventh anniversary ot her death. A,YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER (Dunedin).

[Always an Interesting letter writer, A Young-New Zealander, you seem to have excelled yourself in interest - this week. I suppose those Swiss 1909 stamps are very valuable now.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As my friend. Heather Angel, Is writing to you, I thought I would write also. I have three correspondents, and I enjoy writing and getting letters from them. My friend and I are having a great time together. We have learnt to ride a horse, and I like it very much. We have 11 pet kittens, and we can hardly find names for them all. We went to see the Duke of Gloucester in Oamaru. He had a wonderful reception, and there were crowds to see him at the Oamaru Gardens. Did you see him in Dunedin? Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. TESS OF THE STORM COUNTRY (Oamaru). [I am glad you have not asked me to name the eleven, Tess ot the Storm Country. Yes, I saw the Duke in Dunedin. —DOT.] - v ,*'.". * * Dear Dot, —It is now some • time past since I last wrote to your page, so you will have forgotten there was a March Moon Little Folk. We had Piper's Lass here to see us at Christmas time. She has been in steady work up at the Waitaki Hydro, just up till Christmas, and is now with her parents at Kingston. What lovely weather the Health Camp children are having! I am sure they must enjoy every hour of the day in the sunshine. They all seem to bo happy, as one can hear voices ringing with shouts and laughter. They usually go to

the beach every morning for a -swim. In the afternoon, between 2 o'clock and 3 o'clock, there is not a sound or a Blgn ot children to be seen, for they are all having an hour's rest. Well, as letters are to be short, I wyi draw this to a close, wishing all the Little and your own dear self a happy New Year. MARCH MOON (Walkoualtl). [You are indeed a stranger, March Moon. Are you going to writ 6 regularly henceforth? Yes, the Health Camp children have loved this summer's weather. —DOT.] # * * Dear Dot, —As you have for many years taken an interest in the welfare of the young people, I send my sincere appreciation of your work in bringing together little people from all parts of the world through the Interesting letters that appear on your page every week. Well,' it is some time since I first penned those few lines asking you to enrol me as one of your happy band. I have not written since the Otago Witness was closed, but I have always taken a great Interest in your page on Mondays. I have now reached my twentieth birthday this year, but am not too old to understand and derive. interest from Little Folk. At the present time I am employed on a dairy farm, and I think life on a farm is thrilling. That is Just how It appeals to me. Give me the dear old farm with hens, chickens, ducks, a few cows and sheep, and a good old horse to ride now and again, and I am satisfied. As you desire letters to be short, I will close, hoping to see my letter in print. Love to your happy band. TASSY'S DAUGHTER (Momona).

[Thank you for your appreciation, Tassy's Daughter. Are you going to write often during your last year of being a Little Folk? Yes, farm life is delightful.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —What a grand surprise the Old Writers gave us this year! Such a collection of letters and I did enjoy reading them: In the first week of December the school teachers arranged that the school children, ex-pupils, and others visit Dunedin's industrial centres. After packing tightly into one of the small Peninsula buses, we set sail for Dunedin. We had proceeded some six miles, when with a loud bang a rear tyre burst, but that did not delay our journey to the garage, where we were transferred Into another bus, which conveyed us to the Roslyn woollen mills. On arrival we divided into three parties, and were guided through the mill. First we saw the wool as it had come from the sheep's back, and then into other departments where it was washed, dried, dyed, combed, stretched, wound into balls, and numerous other, processes, and lastly woven and made up Into articles as we see ihom in the shops. As it would take a long time to describe the different processes that the wool is put through before it becomes the finished article, I have just given a brief explanation of my tour of Inspection. After having seen all that the allotted time would permit, we clambered aboard the bus, and proceeded to Woodhaugh Gardens to have our • lunch. From there we went to the Museum, and then to the Municipal Baths, where some ot the girls indulged in swimming. The last place of call was a printing office, where we were shown how the newspapers were printed. When about to leave, we were requested to have our photographs taken. In the next day's issue of the paper we felt highly honoured to see our faces smiling back at' us. Kindest regards, best wishes, and the best of luck to young and old for the coming year. TE MAHANA (Kohakanul).

[You obviously enjoyed your visit, Te Mahana. And what a great deal was crammed into it! « That is the proper way to become educated, is it not?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To walk into " Fairyland" I don't think could have been more beautiful than it waß to walk into the Town Hall on Tuesday or Wednesday when the National Horticultural Show was held. Is it not wonderful to think that all those gorgeous flowers, plants, fruit, and vegetables were grown In New Zealand! What a wonderful collection—dahlias that must have been 12in across, gladioli in about forty different shades, sweet peas and others too numerous to mention! Then there was an exhibit of stone work for the garden fountains—stone rabbits in white and brown, little green frogs and kookaburras. In one place' there was a floating bowl containing some green plant that grew in the ; shape of a swan.. Then there were oltrus fruits that were grown in New Zealand—lemons, grapefruit, and a sample of oranges. There were decorated baskets and decorated tables. I think the first prize table was wonderful. Well, I 1 think I had better draw this to a close, and not take up any more space. Did you see the show? I thought it was the best display I have ever seen. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. ALMOND BLOSSOM (Dunedin).

[Unfortunately I missed the show, Almond Blossom, and shall always regret having done so. But you have told me about it so well that I feel as If I had not missed It after all.—DOT.] ' # * *

Dear Dot, —We have seven Httle kittens about a week old, and a little • foal about a month old. The little foal Jumps and plays around its mother. I came top of my class, and I won first prize for sewing. I shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. TEA POT (Waiwera).

[What eight darling pets to have, Tea Pot-. I..wonder-, which you love best. Congratulations on coming first.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l think it is about time I wrote to your increasing page again. Every Monday I see more and more Little Folk taking interest in writing. These last few Mondays you have had all Best Letters and no Answers. I enjoyed the Old Writers' letters very much. We shall soon be packing oft to school again after a happy holiday. We went up to Dunedin to see the Duke, and as the weather was wet, we went Into the Drill Hall, and had a happy day. I have just had the measles. I shall close now, as I do not think this is a Best Leter, although I have tried my hardest to make it one. THE SCHOLAR (Otago). [Did you have measles before or after the Duke's visit. The Scholar? I am glad you enjoyed the Old Writers' letters. What standard are you in at school?—DOT.) # . *. * Dear Dot, —We have all been to Taleri Mouth for our holidays, and enjoyed ourselves vary much. My two sisters, my brother, and I went round to the lagoon for a swim nearly every morning before dinner. We spent much time in the breakers, too, but we thought the lagoon was much better to swim in. The day before we came home we all went through the bush- together. It was a lovely walk, and a lovely day too. There are nine fishing boats down there, and we had a quantity of delicious fish while we were away. The crops are beginlng to show a ripe appearance now. I help my father to thin turnips every day. Our pet lamb is growing very big; and- Thelma feeds him every night and morning. Santa brought me a lovely thick story book, which I sit and read every chance I get. He brought several other things too. Best of luck. PIXIE PIPER (Milton). [Yes. It is easier to swim in a lagoon than in breakers, Pixie Piper. What a good time you had! Does the lamb still drink milk?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you, I have been away, for a fortnight's holiday down at Waikouaitl. The doctor said a holiday at the seaside would do me good, so I chose Waikouaitl, because my aunt lives very near the sea. I Bpent an enjoyable fortnight there too. Although I had just had my appendix out a month- before I went away, I used to go in bathing every suitable day, and when I came back I was well and strong again. I am going to the junior high school this year, and as I have never been before, It will seem strange. I will close, with the best ot love. DAD'S BABY (Oamaru).

[What a good way of becoming well, Dad's Baby! I am so glad it was such a success. You will enjoy junior high school, I am sure.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —On the Wednesday of the Royal Show in InvercargUl, it being a holiday, a party of six of us went up Egllnton Valley for a day. We made all our preparations the night before, as we wished to have an early start. Leaving here at 4 o'clock we arrived in Moßsburn at 6' o'clock. We had to get petrol there before going on to the lakes, so we spent a few minutes there. We were soon on our way again, arriving at the camping grounds at Lake Manapourl about 7.30 a.m. We all got out of the car and went and took some snaps of the lake, then set off once more. We stopped about 8.30 and had breakfast at Horse Shoe. Berid. Leaving there we made for Te Anau Hotel, once more getting petrol, ready to go up the valley. We had to go over the Te Anau Downs for about 20 miles before coming to Eglington Valley itself. But I must say, we were well rewarded for our long Journey. The scenery up is magnificent. The road goes alongside Lake Te Anau for a good way, and then beside Lake- Gunn. Right down to the banks of the lake is beautiful green bush, and behind it,' towering above, are the mountains. We went as far up the valley as we could in the car, then got out and walked nearly to the end of the road. By this time we were getting hungry again (it was about half-past eleven), so we decided to have our lunch. We had to retrace our way back again to a spot where there are fireplaces specially for campers and tourists. After lunch we rested for a while, and then we got back in the car for the return journey. We stgpped again at Horse Shoe Bend for tea, and then made for home again. We arrived back at 8.30 p.m., tired but very happy, after an enjoyable day. I think I have taken up enough of your valuable space, so I will close, with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. SPRING'S YELLOW DAFFODIL (Tuatapere).

[I know how you must have enjoyed your trip, Spring's Yellow Daffodil. That is delightful scenery. You were fortunate In having so fine a day for your journey. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a few lines- to let you know I have not forgotten you. My elder brother. Bob, has been in the hospital with appendicitis, and has just got over whooping cough and bronchitis. I think the Old Writers' letters were very Interesting. Was It not sad about Boy? Although I did not know him, he seemed very well liked. I came

third In the examination, so I shall be In Standard IV next year. Klndeßt regards to all the Little Folk, and your own dear self. ODD EYES (Auckland). [Poor Bob, Odd Eyes! I hope he -will be stronger In the future. Yes, it was very sad about Boy.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have just arrived home after spending three weeks at Reidston. I had a very enjoyable time down at the river with my old Reidston school mates. When I arrived home, I had a pleasant surprise when I heard I had another little sister. I am going to the Oamaru Junior High School this year, so I shall tell you all about it in my next letter. Well, I will close now, with love to all. PLAYLADY (Oamaru). [What a very pleasant surprise. Playlady! What are you going to call her? I shall like hearing about the Junior High School.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have just arrived home from the beach. We went down after dinner and came home after tea. It is raining heavily just now. It was lovely in the sea when we we were in bathing, but afterwards it grew colder. I was in Balclutha the other day and I received a Chinese lantern with some chocolate in the top of it. It was my birthday next day, and I received a dress, a cup, saucer and plate, and a book called "Little Pillows." The other night I was in Owaka and I received a bathing suit. I will close now. PIXIE OF THE GLEN (Otekura).

[What a number of presents, Plxle of the Glen! But the bathing suit was best of all, I am Bure. Has it a low back? — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here I am for the first letter In the new year, which is getting on now, as we are at the end of the first month. Soon all the Little Folk will be writing interesting letters about happy holidays spent in different places. I spent two weeks of my holidays in Timaru, and had a very jolly time. The people with whom I stayed had a motor car, and we went for many delightful drives through the surrounding countryside. One day we went to see the St. David's Pioneer Memorial Church at Cave. You have probably heard of this wonderful church, but if yoa would like to hear about It again I shall try to write a Best Letter about It soon. As letters must be brief, and time is short, I will close now, with best wishes. ELEPHANTYNE (Taieri).

[I should like to hear about it, please, Elephantyne. When one has a car one is often able to have a more interesting holiday than would otherwise be possible.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —For the benefit of the Little Folk who did not hear the farewell to Prince Henry at Lyttelfon Harbour I shall endeavour to explain It. The Canterbury Military Band formed the guard of honour on the wharf where the 10,000-ton cruiser, H.M.A.S. Australia was berthed, and on the boat Itself the guard of honour was formed by the crew and officers. Prince Henry Inspected both guards of honour before he finally walked to the bridge, from where he waved farewell. The harbour was full of email boats and launches of all sizes. When the large warship began to move away from the wharf the royal salute of 21 guns was fired. Outside the harbour H.M.S. Leith was anchored, and it fired the royal salute as the Australia sailed out. The wharf was beautifully decorated with greenery, and with the ships fully dressed the sight must truly have been a beautiful one, and one that wipl linger in the mind of our royal visitor. SUNNY SAILOR GIRL (Oamaru).

[Thank you for your description, Sunny Sailor Girl. I am sure it must have been a very interesting sight and one the Duke will remember.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please, when is Old Writers' Week? I read all the letters in the paper, and it took me a very long time. I think the printers must have been tired by the time they printed all the letters. I have written to Maid of the Islands, as she asked me to, but I am sure I do not know why she picked on me, as I am not a good letter writer. Next week may I write a play that I made up, please, Dot? It has nine, characters in It. Miti is improving slightly, but we have still a number of knots to cut out yet. Who is your youngest writer, and what age is he (or she) ? You must have a number of Little Folk. Have you been In charge of the page since 1888, Dot? Did your Angora rabbit die of old age? We think one rabbit would be all right to look after, but I think 250 would be rather too many. We have about 40 gladioli in our garden, but most of them are red. We also have a dozen tomato plants, which have a good amount' of fruit on them, but they are not ripe yet. I cut down our black currant bushes to let the currants become properly ripe, and they are beginning to flower again. Do you think we shall get another crop, Dot? I must close now to let some other ambitious (or otherwise) writer have some space. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER (Dunedln). [What a spate of questions, The Duke of Gloucester! .In their order then:— Some time in the new year; if it is not more than 300 words long; I cannot tell you that; I have not; no, of starvation ; yes and no. K I think that is all.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The holidays for the school children are nearly at :an end now, and they are finishing with nasty windy weather. The wind has actually calmed itself at last, and now there is a steady downpour of refreshing rain. Everything seems so fresh after rain, and I love on the hills then, as they ,look so green. I found some ripe brambles the other day, and they were so tasty with cream and sugar that I am looking forward to having more. One night I had such a lovely dream that I. am afraid I must tell you about it. There was a silvery boat, shaped like a new moon, with large billowy sails sailing on a smooth sea of dark blue. In the boat were tiny birds of different colours, but there were no people. I could see a tiny wharf away in the distance, and above It were tiny stars of all colours. Tiny waves, edged in silver, were rolling slowly on to the golden sands cf a little bay. The land was covered in ferns, and in the distance the big, round moon was rising over the hill tops. This was only a dream, but if it was not, it would be a sight I would feel loth to leave. As time is wearing on, I must close, with love to all.

WIN OF THE MOUNTAINS (Pukerau). [What a pretty tiny dream, Win of the Mountains. Do you know the " tiny tiny " Btory? Your dream reminds me of It.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are very busy harvesting Just now. The threshing mill Is going to start threshing grass and oats, so we shall be very busy. I am enjoying my holidays very much. I went to Dansey's Pass for a change, which I enjoyed. I am going into Standard VI this year when I go back to school. I received a prize which is called " Hammond's Hard Lines." I came second at Sunday school, and received a prize called "Scouts of the Sky." It is getting very dry in this district, and we need rain badly. Love to all the Little Polk and yourself. • DONNY'S MATE (Kauru Hill).

[Too many subjects in this letter, Donny's Mate. Could you not have told me more about the harvesting and Dansey's Pass?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been intending to write to you for a considerable time, but harvesting is a busy time for writing letters; but now that my pen is full, I will do my best to empty it. We have been busy cutting wheat all through the windy weather, which was not very pleasant. For stooking it was .impossible, because as soon as one was put up It was blown down. The mill has been ,at the place a few days, but has not been able to thresh because of the terrific gales. Just' imagine the first month of the year has gone already. But we cannot be worried, can we? Some of the children will be glad that school is starting, but others wlll.be sorry. I suppose you saw the Duke when he was in Dunedin. After all the ceremony in the Dominion, he will be enjoying this part the best for his holiday. I must close, wishing you happy days for the rest of the new year. PUKEKAURU'S MAID (Kauru Hill).

[I should like to have had the harvest field described more fully, Fukekauru's Maid. Do you think you could tel me more In your next letter ?—DOT.]

■ Dear Dot,i —It Is a long time since I last wrote to you. Did you. have a pleasant Christmas? We had a lovely bright Christmas. Did you have many crackers on New Year's eve? It was very quiet down here! I still read your page, and listen to' the wireless. Love to all the Little Polk. BABY'S NURSE GIRL (Port Chalmers). ; [A very pleasant time at Christmas, thank you, Baby's Nurse ■ Girl, but no crackers at New : Year.~' Did you have crackers ?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The weather has been very hot recently. Since I wrote to you last, I have shifted to Outram. I have enjoyed some nice rides in the car. I went out fishing with my cousin, and he caught some trout. When I left my school I was given a presentation of a book and wallet. I did not go to see the Duke of Gloucester, but I heard him speaking through my cousin's wireless. Cuddles, my cat, is growing big now, and Is able to catch birds. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. SCOTCH BONNET (Outram).

[There are too many subjects In this letter, Scotch Bonnet. Could you write to me about the fishing or more about Cuddles? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have enjoyed my holidayb very much. I had a good day at Gore to see the Duke. He spoke to me and the boy beside me. The silver band at Gore looks smart. The men have dark blue suits done with light blue braid and white gloves and hats. There were 18 constables there. One lady fainted, but she was soon better. I nearly lost my overcoat after the Duke_went away. I went up to the station to watch the shunting engine, and put my coat on a luggage truck, and it nearly went to Invercargill, but I managed to get it without any bother. I like watching the engines. I wonder if It is as easy to drive an aeroplane as it is an engine, because the engine driver simply sits with his arms folded and his feet on a rail, and lets the

engine go just where it likes. At least, that is what it looked like to me. We will soon be at school again, and I do hate it. I often read about other Little Folk who like school, and I wish they would tell me how to like it, because I am sure there could not be anything worse than school. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. DETECTIVE TEDDY (Tapanul).

[I have liked hearing about your doings, Detective Teddy. Why do you not write oftener? Surely no driving could be easier than the driving you describe! Perhaps a Little Folk will write and tell you how to like school. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather is very windy here just now. We have a pet rabbit, and it has some white between its ears. It eats cabbage leaf and carrots, and it drinkb a tin of water. We had a hen with seven little chickens, and a stoat ran away with two of them. There are not many leaves on the trees just now. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. SILVER STAR (Moa Creek).

[What Is the rabbit's name, Silver Star? I am sorry about the chickens. I suppose the mother hen was very much distressed about them.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One Wednesday eight girls from here went for a picnic to the Awamoko Creek. As soon as we arrived there we put our lunch down beside a big willow tree, went up the creak a bit into a clump of bushes, and got into our bathing suits all ready for a swim. Down we went again, jumped in, and oh! how cold it was! It nearly took the breath out of us. We did not stay in long, but got out and dressed, and went back to -where our lunch was. Two of us made the Are and boiled some potatoes, while the others spread bread and made the summer drink. When everything was ready, we fiat around in a ring and started. When we had-eaten our fill, and were busy talking, someone suddenly asked where the potatoes were, and lo and behold, there they were In a box right in front of us, but we could not eat many, aB we had eaten so much before, so they were wasted. Dinner being over, we packed up a box of small cakes and put them in a bag, which I slung over my back. Another girl had a camera In her bag, and everything else we placed neatly In a tree. Then we started for a ramble up the creek. On our way we climbed over fences, slid down rocks, and jumped or waded over water. After we had gone about a quarter of a mile, we came to the Georgetown Lake. It is fairly long, wide, and deep with broadleaf and ferns growing to the water's edge. As we had farther to go, we took one more departing look and went on our way once again. Wo took two photographs of some of us striding around some huge rocks, and of some more sitting on huge boulders in the water. After we had climbed up hills and round corners for about three miles, we decided to leave the creek and strike out for the road once again. Having reached it we set off at a good pace for our spot. We soon reached It, and got into our bathing togs once more. The water was warmer then, so we had a real good swim, and went' out to get dressed and have another meal before departing for home again. We all walked as far as the township, and then parted each to go her own way. I arrived home a little tired, but happy after the long day. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. GOLD SUNSET (Georgetown).

[What a delightful day, Gold Sunset. I am so glad you had it. It was a pity about the potatoes, was It not?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —First of all, I must congratulate the Old Writers and those who were successful In our competition. The letters in both cases were very good, and you cannot know how much I enjoyed reading them. One day in my holidays my cousin and I visited the Oamaru Gardens. I have never seen them so lovely as they were that day; all the flowers seemed to be at their best, especially those in the hothouse. We did not spend much time admiring them, but instead, we turned our steps towards ihe Peter Pan Monument. Arriving there we found other people also admiring this wonderful piece of work. Besides the numerous fairies and Peter himself, there are many small animals and birds. Among these we see a wise old owl blinking his eyes at us; two rabbits listening lo the fairy music; and a squirrel busy cracking nuts. Near the top are two doves cooing to each other, while below them an old frog rudely turns his back on us. At last we left it and made our way to the fernhouse. The air was .delightfully cool in there. After a visit to the playground, where we had an enjoyable time on the swings and see-saws, we wended our way home, tired but very happy. Kindest regards. MERELY MARY ANN (Palmerston).

[Thank you for your congratulations, Merely Mary Ann. Oamaru Gardens must indeed be charming, especially as regards that well-known statue. —DOT.) # * *

Dear Dot,—How soon the holidays seem to pass! The harvesting, as well as the crops, is very early this year, the local mill having gone to several farms already. Owing to a scarcity of rain earlier in the season, most of the crops are very poor! I look after 390 pullets, besides 50 roosters and 66 ducks and drakes. All of these were incubated by my brother. I also feed 400 hens. All the birds, except the pullets, are given three meals a day, the first one being at 7 o'clock in the morning, the second at 12.15, and the last meal of the day at 7 o'clock in the evening. The pullets have only two meals a day, as dry mash is before them all the time. This table is carried out in the summer. The pullets began to lay a few weeks ago. The other day I gathered 13 eggs. We have two domesticated wild pigeons, the father and mother of a little bird hatched recently, for which we have no name. Can you give me n name, please? Love to all the Little Folk And your own dear self. NEW ZEALAND ROSE. (Otekaike).

[Yours Is a large family. New Zealand Rose. But what interesting work it must be to feed them. Why not call the baby pigeon Rillo or Rllla? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was reading your Little Folk's letters and I decided to write too. I was at Kakanul with some friends one Saturday, and we had a splendid time. The tide was well out when we went there, eo that we could play on the rocks. A sheep had strayed down to the rocks and worked Its way round to a place where it could not get up to the paddock again owing to the high cliffs. We saw that the sheep would drown if it did not get away, so we tried to- drive it up the beach to the place where it came down. It only ran to the sea, so we surrounded it and pushed it up the cliff. Love to all. LONGFELLOW (Maheno). [That would be a new experience for you, Longfellow, and an interesting one, too. I hope the sheep realised how kind you were being to It.—DOT.] # * ' >i< Dear Dot, —My Bister has a bantam hen and a bantam rooster, and would be pleased if you could give her a name for each of them. Three of my cousins were up for the holidays, and we went for many swims. We also went fishing and eellng, and played cricket and other games. The weather here is very dry, and the grass Is not as green as the sheep and cows like it to be. The other night as I was walking across the paddock I found a hawk's nest with three young hawks in it. After throwing them high up into the air to see if they could fly I brought them home and put them under a bush and left them. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. BROWN BUNNY BOY (Dunback).

[What did you do that for, Brown Bunny Boy? It seems a strange way of doing things, does It not? Did you want to make pets of the hawks, or what? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The Duke of Gloucester paid a short visit to Gore on Saturday, January ,12. The htatlon and Post Office were gaily decorated with flags and greenery. A dais, erected near the station, was also decorated, and from there the Duke made his official speech. All morning hundreds of children arrived by special trains from the country, and, together with the local children, assembled at the hockey park, whence they proceeded to the dais, headed by the pipe band. By this time thousands of spectators, including returned soldiers, Scouts, Rangers, and Guides, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the royal train, which was due at 2.45 p.m. The train steamed in up to time, and his Royal Highness was met by the Mayor and the Town Clerk. The Duke inspected the returned soldiers, and then proceeded, amidst rousing cheers, to the dais, where the Mayoress and the councillors and their wives were presented to him. The loyal address was then presented to the Duke, who briefly replied. After that he proceeded to the train, where he left for Invercarglll amid loud bursts of cheering and the National Anthem. Although the visit was very brief, the large attendance and the warm welcome the Duke received testified to the loyalty of the people. GOLDEN FAIRY (Gore).

[lt all sounds very Impressive, Golden Fairy, and as if it went by clockwork. I am glad it was so enjoyable and interesting. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—As you are interested In pets, I will tell you about a new one we have. It is a baby calf with a very pink wee nose and kind brown eyes. I call It Beauty, because it Is very pretty. It Is too small yet to drink out of a bucket, so I feed it with my fingers. Sometimes it bites me with its small white teeth. When Beauty has had enough to drink, she jumps about and is very frisky. On cold days I cover her with a sugar bag to stop her from shivering. I do not like people to hurt animals, do you? Do you like my pet calf? Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. A NAUGHTY IMP (Moa Creek). [I very much like your pet calf, A Naughty Imp, and I do not like people to hurt animals. Beauty will be a pet of yours always now, I Imagine.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am very glad I became a member of your happy band, for since I joined I have made a number of pen friends in N'cw Zealand and Canada, and I receive such Interesting letters from them that I am always looking forward to the time when the next one will arrive. I also receive photographs Of their various towns, and they are very beautiful, especially some I received of the mountains in Canada

covered with snow, and with little streams running down their sides, and one oi a beautiful waterfall with marvellous «cenery on either side of It, and when I receive them I take great delight in showing them to my brothers and sisters. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. SALLY LUCK (Dunedln). [I can imagine your delight in them, Sally Luck, and think you are fortunate in having such Interesting friends to write to.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot.—At present lam staying with my sister, Frisco Kiss, who has a dear little baby girl, whose name is Joyce. She is, 13 months of age, and walks everywhere. She loves the dogs and her kittens, with which she has lots of fun. I have lots of fun, too, looking after her, 4s she is so amusing. As we are near the Wa taki River, we took our lunch, which consisted of tomato sandwiches and cake and biscuits, finishing up with ripe peaches. After finding a nice cool spot surrounded by young, green willows, we sat down to enjoy our lunch. We then wrote letters home to mother, and had an enjoyable read. Joy enjoyed herself playing with some of her playthings. After a lovely afternoon, we went home, popped Joy to bed for a little sleep, and went and picked peas and plums for the next day's dinner. In the evening we went out vlßiting and had an enjoyable time. I am having a happy holiday, and hope all the other Little Folk are too. PRINCESS MARION (Waltakl).

[Kisß Joyce for me, Princess Marion, and tell her that I like her very much. No wonder you are having such a happy holiday with a baby like that to play with. —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 »o, all subscription? and donations, accompanied by name, address, and nom de plume, to be acknowledged In the Little Folk's page fortnightly after being received by the secretary at her address, 24 Jackson street, St. Kllda, Dunedln.

All Old Writers and Little Folk are cordially Invited to attend a picnic, which will be held under the auspices ol the Old Writers' Association at Tahuna Park on Saturday, February 16, at 1 p.m. Hot water and tea will be provided, and there will be races and games for all. Members of the executive will wear badges—red and white ribbon.

OLD WRITERS' NOTES. Indian Chief, president of the Old Writers' Association (Mr Jas. T. Ramsay, 24 Neldpath road, Mornington Dunedln) ; »nd Morning Star, honorary secretary (Mrs J Hlrfes. 24 Jackson street, St. Kllaa, Duncdin), are endeavouring to complete • 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 ol flrtt writing to Dot Acknowledgments will be made periodically in this column. OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to th« following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this weeks— Comly Sensation, Oliver Sudden, Del, Buffalo William, Joey the Parrot, and Robin Rosy Breast. MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to— Jingling Geordle's Nephew, who will be 13 Young Cricketer, who will be 10 this month. Mother's Little Lamb, who Is eight to-day. NOTES. Tess of the Storm Country,—The address 18 Kathleen Lynch, Kewell North, via Murtoa, Victoria. , DOT- # * * Pollyanna of the Orange Blossom. —Again ? How kind of you! Ido appreciate this sort of gift. You have good taste, my dear. Thank you very much Indeed. dqt LITTLE FOLK'S LETTER BOX. A* the Little Folk inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond, tt Is necessary that those companions should send the flrst letter.—DOT # * * Del (Elva Lamble, Janefleld, Mosglel) would like to correspond with a Little Folk over 16 years of age and interested In BP ° rt> * ..* * Joey the Parrot (Joan .Markham, 326 Rattray street, Dunedln) would like a Little Folk correspondent over 16 years of age and Interested in sport. # # * Baby's Nurse Girl (Elsie Ledgerwood. 4 Grey street, Port Chalmers) would like to correspond with any Little Folk about 13 or 14 years old.

Sally Luck (Elsie Patrick, 312 King Edward street, South Dunedin) would like to correspond with any Little Folk 15 to 18 years old.