Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22907, 15 June 1936, Page 15

Dot's Little Folk

THE WEEK'S POEM.

Our extract this week, children, refers to a little ancient Roman boy's dislike of cruelty; so I am giving you these two poems on the same subject. The first deals with the thoughtless way in which wo allow cruelty to animals to go on even nowadays, and the second with the slaughter of birds —birds which destroy the Insects that destroy the wheat, but which many foolish people delight in killing. I think you will be able to understand them. DOT. * # # THE BELLS OF HEAVEN. Twould ring the bells of Heaven The wildest peal for years If parson lost his senses And people came to their*, And he and they together Knelt down with angry prayera For tamed and shabby tigers And dancing dogs and beara And wretched, blind pit ponies, - And little hunted hares. —Ralph Hodgson. » * * ;STUPIDITY STREET. I) saw with open eyea Singing birds sweet Sold In the shops For the people to eat, Sold In the shops of Stupidity Street. I saw in vision The worm in the wheat, And in the shops nothing For people to eat; Nothing for sale in Stupidity Street. —Ralph Hodgson.

TO ALL. Dear Little Folk, —Do you think you could find a picture of the colosseum or a Roman chariot race for your scrap books thta .week? They would fit In well with the new extract if you could.

Now I must go back to tho riddles I asked you about a fortnight ago. Three of you have answered them for me, two last week and one this week. You will remember that I asked you about them when we were discussing war, and trying to decide if having things, possessing things, really made for happiness. Tho Little Folk who answered last week had that In mind when they wrote, and so were able to give truer answers than would have otherwise been the case. The answers of both were quite correct, and I was tremendously pleased with them. They both proved that possessing things, or not possessing things, does not really have anything to do with happiness. What matters Is one's state of mind and heart. I am sure that Alexander the Greats happiness while he was conquering those lands was due to the fact that he was wholly interested in what he was doing. When there were no lands left, he wept because he could see no way of being wholly Interested any more. What he baa to do then was find some new way of being interested: Mistress Pat, Queenie. and Perrette all had good suggestions on the matter. And. as he was older by that time than when he had begun his conquests, the Ideas of these Little Polk, that he should have interested himself in giving rather than taking, and in building rather than destroying, are very sensible ones. In his case it was not his possessions that made him happy; it was tho Interest used in getting those possessions. But, as everybody has a right to live in this world, and nobody has any more right to conquer and destroy than has anybody else, Alexanders Interest was directed in the wrong channel. Nowadays, because we know a little more about the rights of other people, we would not set about making ourselves Interested at their expense. War for ware sake is no longer a game anybody but a savage would play. And yet, war, for the sake of getting possessions, is still played, 'the reason being that possessions give power, «nd power seems to give happiness. But you and .1 know differently. We remember that story of the nursery. .The other three riddles do not need going Into. Mistress Pat and Queen' 6 answered them coVrectly last week. The whole point of them was to show that possessions or no possessions simply do not make for happiness, and that, as I saw before, it Is the state of one's mind and heart that matters. The man who had no possessions, whatever was happy because he had discovered that, in himself, there lay all the means for giving him happiness that he required. I do not know how he spent his dayß, but I am sure they were very full ones and crammed with Interest, ma you know that the happiest people in the world are those who have learned to make their own happiness without depending on outside things? That man knew it! My Little Polk, I want you, while you are young, to be very wide-awake and questioning. Think hard about everything that people tall you, and do not accept anything unless you have decided for yourselves, by your own questioning, that it is right. And try to look at things sanely and honestly. The world Is a vast and beautiful place. Should we not enjoy it? Should we Sot be glad to live in It? And is it not possible if we are wise? Think of the nursery I told you about, with Jealousy and greed and anger Bpolling everything, and see how everything could be different if only we were different.. . On Tuesday, In the cable news, we read that Admiral Byrd, after his long vigil in the advanced observation shack during his Antarctic expedition, decided to dedicate remainder of his life, with the .exception of two years, to working for friendship among the nations. " From here, he said, reading from an entry in his diary, the greatest of all human follies is the amazing attitude of civilised nations towards each other. Pear, antagonism, and reprisals seem tn h* the rule among nations, wnlcn, in hetr-eonduct! are I We, 20.000 years behind the individual civilised citizen In bis conduct towards his neighbour. in other words, nations behave like spoilt children, as 1 said before, even though, In those nations, there are people who see how foolish such behaviour is. • The only way to put things right is for each one of us to understand "the greatest of all human follies," and, by our understanding, be sonslble in our actions about it So, my Little Folk, be as open-minded as you can, and do not be deluded into wrong habits of thought no matter how young you are. From such small beginnings great things may grow.—Your loving, DOT.

THROUGH THE CENTURIES. VIII—THE BOY OF ANCIENT ROME. (Continued.) In ancient Rome we are very fond of public games or ludl. They are held lor various reasons— sometlmeß In memory 01 events In Roman history; sometimes to mark the * funeral ceremonies of some mighty Roman; sometimes to pleaße the gods; sometimes to please the people From January 17 to 22 each year the games take place within the walls of the Imperial palace itself, and some of the less-dignified emperors descend Into the arena. But at other times they are held In publlo places, especially in the colosseum. _„,«„_ T Perhaps I am a squeamish person—l would not confess It to my father for the world—but some of the games nil me with horror. I do not like to see wild beasts killed In public for people to look at and laugh at; I do not like to see our gladiators fight so long that one has to kill the other before he can be claimed as victor I do not like to see blameless, elderly wnmans flung to the lions; or those new people failed Christians, driven Into "he arena to be killed by wild animals. Of course. It would, be good to be a rlever gladiator, with sword, helmet, trident, or net. and be able to defeat an opponent. But somehow It seems cruel and brutal to me, and 1 do not like It. But I still go with my father to the games, for Sometimes exciting things happen at them. The Caesar may scatter sweetmeats out among the people, or, better still, little discs which entitle those who catch them to Claim some gift—perhaps a golden cup, perhaps, much to his embarrassment, a live lion. And sometimes there are chariot "oh" the chariot races! Those are exciting indeed! There are four teams—white, green, red. and blue-and the whole population of Rome knows about them. The names of the successful charioteers, and even of their horses, are written on bronze and marble tablets, on walls and monuments, oil red pottery bowls, and on knife handles and children's toys. Every boy would like ?„ be a charioteer. Once the Emperor Nero decided to prove his worth as a charioteer so he gave exhibitions of his skill at the colosseum. AS the greens were his favourite team, be wore a green tunic and had the track strewn with copperas to afve It a greenish tint. He was fat and ugly and not at all good to pok at; but bedashed home ahead of all the other charioteers In every race for which he entered for any man who annoyed him bv nasßing him would have been executed. No wonder h™ won every time! Another SSniT Nero thought he could do was sing. So he took five thousand Roman youths who should have been at school, and paid them for applauding him when he sang In public. Hi would appear, fat and hideous, in the tunic of a Greek minstrel, and while he miffed and panted In an effort to produce 8?s naturally weak and husky voice the faithful Ave thousand would shout in

IneojOuretted dull! 16,1886,

0 hy tKe OTAGO WITNESS

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to themselves. Letters ar,e to be written under a nora de plumo, which, onco chosen, cannot bo changed by the writer. New members must enclose their name and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only. Little Folk should write on one side of the paper only, and In Ink, and should address their letters, " Dot, care of Editor, Otago Daily Times." Dot's Little Folk's Badge, with pin, for use - as a brooch, is obtainable on application to Dot., Price 2s fid, In stamps or postal notes.

chorus: " 0 incomparable Caesar! Apollo to a hair I On our oath, Caesar, no man could excel thee." These boys were called court pages, and, instead of going to school, they were trained in a large house belonging to the palace. Certainly it was much more amusing to be a court page than a pupil of one of the severe Roman schoolmasters! And what was the talk about now? Not writing and counting and Greek, but gladiators—the net-thrower, the gladiator with the helmet and the sword, and thegladiator who fought unarmed and carried no weapon but a sickle! (To be continued.)

THE FANCIES OF FERN. Something to Amuse the Younger Little Folk.

CHAPTER XIII.—THE SHORTEST DAT. , Mr and Mrs Octavlus Smith had been talking about the shortest day. Everything that was horrible was happening now, but after the shortest day there would bo nothing nasty left. They kept promising themselves wonderful treats when the days lengthened. Mr Octavlus Smith had a cold. "Wait till the shortest day," he said. "No more colds after that, Jo." And Mm Octavlus Smith had a chilblain. " But never mind," she said, "it will soon be tho shortest day, and then It will go, Pip." Fern, who was now four years old, listened with great Interest. The shortest day must be a rather lovely sort of day, she thought. She would liko to talk to It and tell it how much they all thought of it. . So on Juno 22, when she was outside being looked after by Brutus, she and he went to look for it. First they walked round the flower bed — such a bleak, bare flower bed compared with summertime's —and asked the only * flower growing there, a chrysanthemum with golden skirts, If she knew where the shortest day lived. , _ „, "No," said the chrysanthemum, fluffing her frills, " unless It is round the corner." So they went round the corner into the vegetable patch—such a dreary patch compared with summertime's —and asked the only tree growing there, an apple tree with boughs liko a black pattern, if she knew where the shortest day lived. " No," said the apple tree, shaking her arms, " unless it is round the corner." So they went round the corner into Mr Octavlus Smith's workshop' to see what they could find there, but now Brutus would go no further, because he wanted to sit down and look at his new winter coat, which was a very handsome one. So Fern had to ask him if he knew where the shortest day lived. Like the chrysanthemum and the apple tree, BrutUß said he did not know, unles it was round the corner. So Fern went round the corner again, and there, would you believe It, was the shortest day, sitting in the middle of the floor and crying and crying and crying. He was a very tiny person. He was dressed in brown woollies (Fern's were green) and had a teddy-bear cap to match. (So had Fern.) Fern thought he would be about four old. _ " What's the matter?" Fern asked. "What are you crying for? " The shortest day stopped for a moment, took a gulp, and then began again. " 'Cos nobody loves me," he said. " Nobody loves you ? " Fern was amazed at the idea. "But they do love you. I know that they do. Why do you think they " 'Cos I'm so wee " whispered the woeful* one. spilling fresh tears all down his woollies as he spoke. . , ■ . Fern waited beside him, wondering what she should do, and by and by out came the rest of the tale: Longie (the longest day) was always the favourite. He was big and tall and grown-up. and was loved by everyone. But he, Shortie (the shortest day), came in the winter, so nobody liked him at all, and everyone waß glad when he had gone. (But how could he grow big when the weather was so cold?) Each day as it passed had a full-size photograph made of it and'placed In the hall with all the rest; and his, would be the smallest. By the end of the flear, there It would stand, a wee baby thing between two sloping lines with a Longla at the end of each. He cpuldn t help being miserable. Ho was the shortest day. Nobody loved him ! (To be continued.)

A JUBILEE MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. The Jubilee call has gone forth from north to south, east and west, to country and town, tussock and street. The response, what will it be? Who will answer "Present" at the roll-call on Saturday, June 20? Who. will wear a bright, happy, Dot's Little Folk smile for the jubilee group on Saturday afternoon? Who will join the gathering on Monday to take part in the banquet and help to honour toasts to stalwarts who honoured our page? Presentday writers, what about your picturo party.' Will you be there on Tuesday to meet your associates of the Dot's Little Folk's page? Then there is the ball on Wednesday, June 21. Who will tread a measure or trip the light fantastic *there? The executive of which I have the honour to be president, has worked long and faithfully to build up an efficient organisation fittingly to celebrate this unique occasion. The arrangements are practically completed, and it only remains for those interested to roll up and support the various functions. It is very Important that the secretary should be able to give a substantially accurate estimate of the number likely to be present at the roll-call on the Saturday and at tho banquet on the Monday. This Is essential, so that catering can be efficiently arranged. Please advise the secretary by June 18 If you Intend attending either or both of these functions. Tickets for all or any one of the functions may be obtained from the secretary. Present-day writers are oligible to attend ALL FUNCITIONB. May I briefly remind you of them : Saturday, June 20.—Reunion, 8 p.m.; roll-call, 9 p.m. Somerset Lounge, Savoy, Moray place. _ . . Sunday, 2 p.m. (at Oval).—Group photo. Laying wreath on grave of first Dot (speaker A. M. N.. Old Writer) ; 3.15 p.m., song service, undenominational, In Wilson Hall, King street (corner St. Andrew street). Monday, 8 p.m.—Banquet in Wilson Hall, King street. , _ Tuesday afternoon. —Picture party, Regent Theatre (see secretary's notice). , Wednesday, 8 p.m.—Ball in Early Settlers Various photographs and cuttings from old Otago Witnesses have been handed in for exhibition at roll-call and banquet, and they will be on view there. Any cuttings of Interest will be welcomed, and any on loan will be returned if desired. May I here thank " A Wellwlsher," of Hampden, who sent In several interesting cuttings to me. May I close with an earnest appeal to all Dot's Little Folk, past and present, to roll up and make this a wonderful and memorable jubilee, worthy of the splendid character of the founder of our page, of whom many of us cherish happy and tender memories. Yours In Dot's Little Folk's bonds. INDIAN CHIEF,

President, Dot's Little Folk Old Writers' Association,

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK

Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. FIRST LETTERS. Dear Dot, —Here is a North Islander'who wishes to become a member of your everincreasing family. I have been In the North Island all my life, and just recently have shifted to Dunedln. I like Dunedin very much. It is a very beautiful place, but I shall never forget Napier. The climate up 'there is entirely different from this, and It suited me. But when I am Bettled down I shall gradually become used to thla, and learn to like It just as I liked Napier. Kind regards. MARY Rogß (Abbotsford). [I am pleased to welcome you, Mary Rose, and I look forward to some descriptions of the North Island from you.—DOT.] $ * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have two brothers and four sisters. I am 11 years old, and I am In Standard V at school. We have three cows and a little bull calf, and I want to know 1£ you will please give ma a name for It. I shall close now, with love to your happy band and your own dear self. MICKITY MOUSELING (Miller's Flat). [Welcome to you, Mlcklty Mousellng, but I have had to change your name a little. Call the calf Royal.—DOT.] %■ r£ "P Dear Dot,— May I be a Little Folk? I am six years old. I am In P 4. I have two canaries. They are Pip and Squeak. Saueak sings. I have two bantams and a black cat. He Is called Ty-Ty. He catches birds. Best love. ' PATON PICKLES (Tlmaru). [lndeed, you may Join, Paton Pickles. Please tell me more about your Interesting Dear Dot,— May I join your family of Little Folk? I have read your columns in the Otago Dally Times every Monday, and have enjoyed them very much. Would you

please ask Daphne Flowers to write to me? I know you do not like long letters from first writers. REMOLINH (Dunedln). [Certainly you may Join, Remollne. I have put a request, iu tho Letter Box for you.—DOT.] V %'• ¥

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your Little Folk band? I am eight years old, and In Standard IA at school. My mother Is an Old Writer, and her nom de plume is A Fairy Queen. I like reading the Little Folk s letters, and should liko to write to some little girl in Canada about the same age aa myself. FAIRY QUEEN'S DAUGHTER (Green Island).

[Old Writers' daughters are always welcome, Fairy Queen's Daughter. Write to Mary D. Rowley, Frobisher, Saskatchewan. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and in Standard VI at school. I am calling myself A Fairy Queen's Cousin, because my cousin's nom de plume was A Fairy Queen, and she is an Old Writer. I would like to correspond with a person in Canada about the age of 12 or 13. ©hope this Is sufficient for my first letter. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. A FAIRY QUEEN'S COUSIN (Green Island).

[You, too, are welcome, A Fairy Queen's Cojjsln. Write to Margaret Storie, Frobisher, Saskatchewan, —DOT.] :!: i'fi *

Dear Dot, —There was a letter in the Winnipeg Free Press Sunshine Club . from a member of your Little Folk's band. She told ub of it and gave tho address. So I am writing to you, and hope some members of the band will write to me. I am a stamp collector, and should like to hear from other boys who are interested in that hobby. I shall answer every letter I receive. It is spring time here now. The catkins are showing on the trees, a little green is beginning to show in the grass, and the anemonles are in bloom on sunny hillsides. The anemonies, or, as it is commonly called, tho circus, is the flower emblem of Manitoba. It Is the first flower of spring, and usually blooms in late April or early May. It is a small tulip-shaped flower, about ljln long and lin across. Its colour is a pale greyish lavender, and It has practically no perfume. When the flower buds push up through the ground they are covered with a soft grey fur like a pussy-willow. The flowers, each on Its own stalk, grow sometimes singly and sometimes In bunches of from two to six. The stems are very short, from lin to 41n In length, and the leaves do not begin to grow until the bloom has faded. I shall close my letter now. I hope you will let me become a member of your Little Folks, and that some of your New Zealand or other members will write to mo.

MANITOBAN (Gilbert Phillips, Ste. 2, Vaeger Blk., Brandon, Manitoba, Canada). [I am delighted to have you as a member, Manitoban, and hope that you will continue to write to the page as well as to the Individual Little Folk who write to you.— DOT - ] .-, * *

Dear Dot, —I take the liberty of asking you for a correspondent through your columns. I am a student In one of the leading colleges In Kandy, a town In the heart of Ceylon. I am anxious to learn something of the Pacific Islands, and am willing to exchange stamps and newspapers. [ do iiot mind who writes —men, boys, or girls. I promlso them news, pictures, and anything they may be interested to know. CEYLON SIR (Master T. W. Jameon, 882 Peradenlya road, Kandy, Ceylon).

[I am suro you will have a big response. Ceylon Sir, for I have few Little Folk In India.—DOT.] •y. ¥ *

Dear Dot, —I hope you will allow me to become a member of your Little Folk band. 1 am a Canadian girl of 15, keen on all sports, especially baseball in summer and speed-skating in winter. Painting pictures and collecting stamps are my hobbles, besides corresponding with pen friends. I am a member of the Sunshine Club, and to any of your members who would like to become a member and a Sunbeam, address your letters to Sunshine Club, Free Press, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. There Is no age limit, everyone Is welcome to ]oln. I shall close now, trusting that I shall receive many letters from boys and girls all over New Zealand and any other placo. Let us see how busy we can keep tho postmen.

WINNIPEG SPEEDER (Barbara Rotter, 952 Lorette avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada).

[I am pleased to welconie you, Winnipeg Speeder, and am suro some of the Little Folk will write to you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age. Wo have a white ferret. I Bhould be pleased if you would give me a name for him. I am very much interested in wrestling, so I follow all tho matches. I keep a special book for photographs of these mighty men. I think I shall close, as I do not want to take up much space. Best wishes. . JACK FORSGREEN (Sutton). [Cortalnly you may Join. Jack Forsgreen. Call the ferret Wrestle to remind you of your favourite interest. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As my mother Is a very Old Writer to your page, and Is coming to Dunedin for the reunion and bringing me with tier, I thought I should also like to bo a member of your happy band. As I have never been to Dunedin before, I am very much excited, and I am counting the days. I am nine years old, and In Standard 111. I live away over on the West Coast, in a little place called Kumara, which was once a large gold-mining town. This will do for my first letter, but I shall write more next time. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. VACK (Kumara). [Another Old Writer's child Joining? Splendid, Vack! Welcome to the band.— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Please may I Join your haptvband of Littlo Folk? I am 12 years old, and In Standard IV at school. We ,have all kinds of animals —two horses, six cows, two dogs, two pups, fifteen hens, and two guinea pigs. Would vou please send mo names for the guinea pigs? One is red and white, and the_other is white. My mother was once atT Old Writer. It is about 30 years since sho wrote to you. I shall close now, with love to your Little Folk and your own dear aa]f DAD'S WORRY (Catlins).

[Welcome to you, Dad's Worry; but you chOße another Little Folk'B nom de Plume. Call the guinea pigs Dido and Dinky.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I Join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and have a little sister. I have a canary at home, and I cannot think what to call it; so would you please give it a name? I go to high school, and I am In Form 111. My sister has three bantams. One Is called Aline, one Janet, and the other, well, she would like you to name It, please. As this Is my first letter. I shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.

WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Oamaru). [Yes, you may Join, William Shakespeare. Do you Intend to be a great writer? Call the canary Pert and the bantam Strut. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years old and In Standard 111. My sister 13 ten years old and In Standard V. I have two brothers. My eldest brother Is seven and In Standard I; my other brother is blx and In Class IV. I shall close now, with best wishes to your merry band and your own dear self. OH ERIN GO BRGH (Oamaru)

[Welcome to you, Oh Erin Go Brgh, but your name has had to be slightly altered. Yours Is a Jolly family.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 14 years old and In Standard VI. I have two brothers and one sister. I am very much Interested in hockey, and go to play every Saturday. We have a calf about one year old, and she Is called Beauty. As this Is my first letter, I shall close now. Best wishes to all. MAIVAL (South Canterbury).

[I am pleased to welcome you, Malval. Could you describe an exciting hockey game to me? —DOT.]

BEST LETTERS. JUNIOR SECTION (under 14 years). Dear Dot, —I shall now tell you about the last stages of my grandfather's voyage. After leaving Capetown the ship aga n encountered terrible Btorms. The ship rolled very heavily, and in the morning the deck was a queer sight. Broken forms, flour tubs, swags, boots, and treacle tins were all mixed up, and before the men had finished sorting them out, the sea broke over the deck, wetting everything. At last a fine day dawned, and the deck looked like a laundry. People were washing, and clothes lines were stretched everywhere. Many of the clothes were blown away and, of course, never seen again. On May 29 measles and whooping cough broke out. There was very little to be had In the way of medical relief, and the distress and grief were terrible. Altogether 40 children died. At last, on June 8, they dropped anchor In Port Chalmers Harbour. The people were all very weary of the sea, and had to be kept in quarantine for 24 hours on account of the measles. The weather was fine but cold, and fresh vegetables and m»at were taken on board, and all agreed they had never before tasted anything aB delicious as the first dinner they had In New Zealand. „ ,_ ... SEA QUEEN (Dunedln).

[How different from to-day. Sea Queen! So the tale is now completed? It will make a good record for you to keep now that it is in print.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I suppose you have forgotten about me. I have a kitten at home and it Jumps about one foot from the ground. I call It Tiger, because it is like one. It will hide from me and spring out when I nm passing it. I will close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self A ROVER GIRL (Maheno).

[lt seems to be a very kittenish kitten, A Rover Girl. So Tiger ia a good name for it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —The mornings arc very whits and frosty now, and as I look out through

the window I see silvery-white frost gleaming from tho grass and hedges. This is a poem called " Winter," which I composed : Out In the cold and froßty air, When the glittering snow lies deep, I love to watch tho leafless trees As tho dull-grey sky they sweep.

When the hills are wearing their whitest caps , , . , On the top of their fore3t-clad headß, When the furry rabbits in snug homes stay, Jack Frost the snowficld treads.

The wild grey cat in the forest slinks

Seeking his hidden prey, Tho poor little blrd3 no dinner can And For winter arrived to-day. Kind regards. . ,„ ~ _ , ~ RILLOBY (North Taleri).

[You havo a very good sense of rhythm in your verses, Rllloby. I like the idea of the leafless trees sweeping the dull-grey sky.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am sorry I have not written to you before, but I have not had time to do it. I have a little cousin, who is a boy. His name is Gideon Reuben. He is vory small, and does not like getting bathed. Ho was about three and a-half pounds when he was born, and now he will be over six pounds. Reuben has brown hair and eyes. He was born on Anzac Day. Ruth, Robbie, and I gave him a pink velvet rabbit, and Auntie Vera gave him a big fluffy teddy bear. My birthday was on Saturday, Juno 6. I received a pair of slippers from mum and a few cakes of soap from dad. Uncle gave me a bag of mixed lollies for a birthday present. Robbie and I have turn about riding the bicycle to school. Ruth likes to have a little ride when we do. I went to tho show on the Friday. Tho part I liked best was a model of a bride, a bridesmaid, and a flower girl. The bride was dressed In a white satin dress, white sat n shoes, and a pretty veil. The bridesmaid was dressed in a pale blue dress with hat and shoes to match. Tho flower girl a dress was of pale pink, and she hadtroses In her hair. "They all carried bouquets of roses and maidenhair fern. As that is all the news, I shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. FORRESTVALE FAIRY (Greenhills). [You havo told me much news this time, Forestvale Fairy. What enjoyable presents for Reuben to have. And what pleasant ones for you! The wedding must have been pretty.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —When Jean had her last birthday she invited mo to her party. What grand fun that party was! There were three girls at the party. They were Jean, Annie, and I. We had a big cake with eight candles on it. Wo had jellies and cream. Then we ate somo ewects to finish off with. BROWN EYES (Lawrence).

[A groat party. Indeed, Brown Eyes! If ever you are feeling hungry you will be ablo to think about It.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written to your page for a long time, but I hopo you will excuse me. Our pot cat Mickey Is growing very big, and yet he is only six and a-halt month old. He always sits under my father's chair at meal times. If we take him up the paddock when we are getting the cows he hides behind the posts and jumps out at our legs. When I tie the dog up he comes over to the kennel and tries to keep the dog out. Then they start fighting, and we have to separate them before wo can tlo the dog up. Tho Kurow District High School held a gala day for funds for the school baths. They did not obtain enough money then, so they held a bazaar for two nights. I do not know if enough money is yet obtained. This time of the year Is no time to be talking baths, is it? It is now 8 o'clock, bo I shall close now and listen to the concert programme. Lovo to all and your own dear self. FATHER'S FARM HAND (Kurow).

[Mickey must bo a pleasing puss, Father s Farm Hand. No, this Is no time to be talking about swimming baths, Is it? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just been reading the Little Folk's page, and as It Is a long time since I last wrote to you, I have decided to write to you to-night. We have two dogs now. One Is a colllo pup. and is being trained to drive sheep. He is black in colour and has white and brown legs and paws and a white tip on his tail. When we go to feed him he stands on his hind legs. He shakes a paw, too. Tip is also a good watchdog, as he always barks if he hcarß anyone going past the gate or coming to the door. Our other dog is called Romp, and, although he is only a pet, he loves to chase rabbits. He catches them, too, and he often used to catch water rats when he was near the river. If the fowls get out of their house and hide under the hedge, Romp chases them out. Love to the other Little Folk and yourself. HAPPY EVIL (Kalntangata).

[I Bhould like to meet Tip and Romp, Happy Evil, and make friends with them and tako them off for a run. Please pat them for me.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —I am going to tell you about our cockatoo. He is very fond of getting into mischief. One day my sister had a dress hanging on the clothes line, and when she went outside to see If it was dry, to her dismay she saw Cockoy sitting on tl>e line biting holes In her dress. My sister was very angry, because it was Just a new dress. Another day he tore dads bicycle tube to little bits. He will tear anything ho gets. Lovo to all. THE SILVER FERN (Otokla).

[The naughty bird, The Silver Fern I But I suppose that if that is his way there are no mean 3 of teaching him to be different. - DOT - ] '* * *

Dear Dot, —We have one small pup. He Is black with tan paws. He has white under his head. His coat Is very curly. We call him Joe. Every night and morning I feed him with milk, but sometimes he Is given a piece of rabbit. I will close now, with love to all and your own dear self. THRUSH (Luggate). [ls his head soft to pat, Thrush? And does he wag his tall nearly off when lie sees you bringing Mm his meal? —DOT.] # * * Dear Dot,—lt Is a long while since I last wrote, so I thought I had better writo a few lines now. Now the basketball season is on. but I do not play this year. The turnips are ready to cat, so it is time to fence a break for the sheep. I think it will soon be time to stop, so I shall close,, with love to all. blub CLIFp (Blue gpur)

[You did not say whether you were In the Junior or Senior section, Blue Cliff. How does one tence a break for the sheep.' —DOT.] „

Dear Dot, —Excuse mo for not writing before this. We are all back to school again after an enjoyable fortnight's holiday. During the last week of our school holidays I had a school friend staying with me. One Monday morning I received a letter from my friend to say that Bho would come up that night. I was so pleased. I hurrUd and did a lot of my work, and how the time did fly! It was very late when I finished up As soon as I had my tea I put on my hat and coat and went round to meet her. It was verv dark that night, and I kept looking behind all the time when I Baw some very gruesome shadows by the trees. As I was walking along I thought I could make out some queer objects in the shapes of the trees. You may be sure I was pleased when I met her. I did not feel a bit nervous going home. As it was a very rhillv night, wo were pleased when we got inside the house. Next day and the next we stayed at homo- and had a good time. On Thursday afternoon we went to another friend's place till about 5.30. Next mdrning my friend returned home. I thought we had a very good time. I do not know if she enjoyed herself, although I think she did. Well Dot, it is very pleasant going to school these mornings now that we have a bus to ride in. Wo don't (at least I don't) care what kind of weather we have, because we can still go to school, even on extra rough davs I think I had better close now to let Borne other Dot's Little Folk have some more room. I have had to finish th s letter another day, so I can tell you that I had a little wee brother born on June 5. Love LITTLE NANNIE ROONEY (Pine Hill).

TYou wiH bo able to tell me all about him In your next letter, Little Nannie Rooney. I can Imagine how pleased .you were to see your friend that night and what jolly times you had with her. —DOi.j

Dear Dot, —The letter In laHt week's page, contributed by A Young New Zealander, raises an Interesting point. The Queen Mary which has just recently completed her maiden voyage, did not create a new record owing to adverse weather conditions, but It is confidently expected that she will recapture the blue riband for Britain. There has always been close rivalry among the sea-faring nations In regard to that coveted trophy, the blue riband. We British subjects rather regard the blue riband as belonging to us, because for more that halt the time in which it has been in existence it has been held by British ships. The tiny little steamboat Britannia crossed the Atlantic In 1840. The passage occupied 14 days 8 hours, and the highest speed attained was eight and a-half knots. Years went by until just before the war, the Mauretania taking the record by crossing the sea with an average speed of 24 to 25 knots. It was not until 1931 that she was beaten by the German ships, Bremen and Europa. They did not hold It for long, though. The Italian shipbuilders built the magnificent Rex. Rex met no opposition from any ship, until In 1935 the Normandie was put into service, and swept everything before her. And now we wait somewhat Impatiently for the mighty British liner's reply to this challenge. Already plans are laid down for a sister ship to the Queen Mary, to be christened the King George, after our late Sovereign. Soon we shall be quite accustomed to seeing these monsters of the sea speeding back and forth from New York to Southampton. This would have exceeded the wildest and most fantastic dreams of our forefathers. Well. Dot, I will close, with the best of wishes for the success of the page. CHARLES LAUGHTON (Oamaru). [lt Is Interesting to see how one letter raises a response in another letter writer, Charles Laughton. This will make a particular appeal to A Young New Zealander.—DOT.] •v. .y. if Dear Dot., —How do you like arising : these cold, frosty mornings? My word. Mr j Jack Frost is making deep impressions of his presence now ! Of course, there is one j fact about our old acquaintance; he generally

rewards us with a bright, sunny day after the cold whiteness In the morning. The parks are pure white first thing after a night's hard frost, and the windows are coated with frost, but, of course, all this can be witnessed only by those who are up early, because by the time the sun comes out with its warm rays all the vividness of the white picture has disappeared. It is humorous, too, to see many people suddenly go for a skate along a frozen water puddle, and very nearly ending up by uncomfortably squatting down on the cold wet footpath. However, after recovering from this rather cold episode, one takes much more care not to let it occur again. I" think, however, that we have not yet witnessed as hard a frost ns we shall have before the winter Is over. Winter is treating us very well so far with these glorious fine, sunny days. Well, Dot, I must close now, wishing you and all old and present writers an enjoyable* time during the jubilee.

ANZAC'S PAL (Dunedln). lYou forgot to put your age on this letter, Anzac's Pal. I like your frost description, and agree with you that frostier days are still to come. —DOT.] :': * *

Dear Dot, —It is so long since I wrote to you that I hope you have not quite forgotten me. We have a new teacher Just now. She came at the beginning of the term. I have a very bad cold just now, and It hasbrought my whooping cough back a little again. We have a little dog at home which will Jump up and catch tho ball in his mouth if we throw it up in the air. Thiß dog Is very fluffy, and our wee kitten thinks ho Is something to play with, so runs after him and plays with his tall. Well, this is all the news I can think of at present, so I shall stop. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. PIXIE OF THE GLEN (Otekura).

[Now, when Little Folk write, they put their age at the foot of their letters, Pixie of the Glen. I hope your cold will soon be better. What a dear little dog!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I last wrote to you that you must have forgotten all about me. I havo Just finished reading your page, and I am wondering how I am going to come up to the standard set by those of my age. During-the school holidays I visited my aunt in Balclutha, and my Interest was drawn towards that lar ,c concreto bridge which spans the Clutha River. It consists of five sets of cylinders with six arches on each side. There are two pathways for pedestrians and a wider space for wheeled traffic or animals. One of my reasons for being so interested in the bridge was that I had been reading about two bridges that are being built over the San Francisco Harbour. I will tell you about them the next time I write. I shall close now, with love to all and your own dear self. SWEETPEA BUTTERFLY (Oamaru). [I Bhall like hearing what else you have to say about the bridges, Sweetpea Butterfly. I am glad to hear from you again.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I shall tell you about the lost piggies. Some time ago one of the mother pigs had a family of nine little ones. They were lovely silky things, and I liked to see them play, so U6od to go with dad when he fed the big ones. When the baby pigs were just a day old two of them vanished, and though dad and I looked everywhere, we could not find them. Dad said the mother might have eaten them, as they do that sometimes, so we went home. Next feeding time dad heard a faint little grunt, and upon looking round he found one in another sty, and could just see the other away under the sty. He could not reach It, and wondered for a minute how he was to get It, then he thought of making a noise like the mother pig. The little one was very hungry, and, thinking it was Its mother calling, It came out far enough for dad to catch it and put it with its runaway mate back with the mother again. Then all was well with tho piggy family again. I will close, with love to all. SPRING DUCKLING (Mosglel).

[That was a big adventure for two one-day-old babies, Spring Duckling. Only little pigs could have thought of it. —DOT.]

BEST LETTERS. SENIOR SECTION (14 years and over). Dear Dot, —After three very happy years we aro leaving the sunny township of Outram. When we came here in 1933 we did not realise what pleasant times we should have, nor did we forseo the sorrow it would cause us to leave. Still, I hope we shall settle down in our new surroundings, and look forward to meeting new people and seeing new scenes. New friends are not the same aB old ones, however, are they, Dot? Hitherto I have regarded shifting as rather fun, but I can assure you I do not think bo this time. In fact, I now sympathise with anyone who haß to go through the rather upsetting time that we have had these past few weeks. You see, Dot, I am three years older this time, and have taken an active part In the process. However, the worst part is finished now, and there are Just a few last-mlnuto Jobs to bo done, so next time I write It will not be from Outram. I am looking forward to the coming Jubilee celebrations, as I am hoping to be at the ball. What a muster of Old Writors and Little Folk thero will bo! I wish you every success.

KILMENY OF THE POOL (Outram). [lt is always a little difficult to leave a place where one has been happy, Kilmony of the Pool, but I am sure you will soon like your new home very well, and grow Just as fond of it as you have been of Outram. —DOT.] :{. V V

Dear Dot, —In 'answer to riddle 1, I think King Alexander would have found all the happiness he wanted In returning the land to its rightful owners. Look at the pleasure It would have given him to have' seen their gratitude and delight when he returned their land to them. Riddle 2: The poor man was happy because he was thankful for small mercies and contented with the little ho had. Riddle 3: He was a man of great courage, and was not easily disheartened by his losses, and willing to try again. Rlddlo 4: Being a holy man, he objected to going about unclothed. While his only loin cloth was being washed, he would have felt rather embarrassed. Kind regards to all. FERNETTE (Roxburgh).

[Well, those are fair answers, anyway, Fornette, and havo interested me considerably. Thank you for sending them. —DOT.)

Doar Dot, —One of my greatest pleasures Is listening to an orchestra, and by that I mean a full symphony orchestra, and as such'a combination requires a very large number of players, all of first rank, the only way in which we in New Zealand can hear big orchestras is by means of gramophone records. A full orchestra has something over 100 players, and there are four distinct groups of Instruments, these being the strings, or Instruments played with a bow; the woodwinds, wooden pipes blown Into by the players, such as flutes; the brasses, such as trumpets and trombones; and, finally, the percussion, Instruments that are used by being struck —the drums, cymbals, and triangle, for example. Now, when all these Instruments are playing together the result Is nearly always thrilling (this, of course, depends on the typo of music played). But anyone can Imagine how interesting it is to listen to the violins soaring out a melody, tho flutes dancing round it, the brass section making a background of rich music, and a percussion instrument coming In at suitable moments. Just recently the gramophone records have improved magnificently with the steady advance of the electrical recording process, and now there are innumerable, records available of music played by the world's greatest orchestras, records that have a magnificent richness and volume such as one would never expect in the early days of the gramophone. As an example of superb orchestral recording, I could mention a gem of a record by the Philadelphia Orchestra playing tho first Hungarian Dance, by Brahms, and a Russian Sailor's Dance, by Glfere, a record that Is frequently played over the radio during the dinner-music session. That is what an orchestra really ought to sound like. CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedin).

[This is a good letter, Charles Dickens. I particularly like your description of the activities of the four groups. It Is very vivid. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will almost have forgotten me, as It Is so long since I last wrote. I now attend the South Otago High School, and like It very much. The life Is altogether different from that of primary school, and I certainly should not like to go back to the latter. The other day a number of boys were shown over the South Otago Freezing Works. The work In each department was fully described to us, and proved very interesting. One day during last term we paid a visit to the Stirling Dairy Factory, this also being very Interesting. Wo have football practice twice a week and boxing practice once a week. I go to school each day by car with four other pupils, and sometimes we pick up a fifth, so we have a good load, but we are a happy party. Kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself. CUTHBERT TIM (Waltepeka). [Yes, you are a stranger, Cuthbert Tim, but I expect you will write more frequently hence .orth. School visits to factories are generally very interesting.—DOT.] :;: * # Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I wrote to you that you must have nearly forgotten me. Winter has already approached us, and is sending forth some good hard frosts. The decldious trees have lost all their prettily coloured leaves, and are standing very bare and forlorn-looking, waiting for the cold days to pass by. All the spring flowers are sleeping In warm blankets under the soil. Soon they will appear with their tall green leaves and lovely scented blooms. Well. Dot, I must close now, with much love to all. PARAKEET (Otago).

[I am glad to hear from you again, Parakeet. How cosy you make the flowers seem to be ! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Charles Lamb, In his pleasant essay, " All Fools' Day," says he would " give a trifle to know, historically and authentically, who was the greatest fool that ever lived." He goes on to enumerate a list of celebrities, including Raymund Lully, Duns Suotus, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Don Quixote, and Alexander the Great Concerning the latter he writes: " What, the magnanimous Alexander In tears? Cry, baby, put Its finger In Us eye, it Bhall have another globe, round as an orange, pretty

moppet! " In this manner Lamb ridicules tho childish desire for more power of a man who was already more powerful than anyone else in the world. I do not know whether there is any reliable evidence that Alexander did actually weep for new worlds to conquer. I am inclined to think he did not, but that question is immaterial. The fact remains that a great king was unhappy. And now, what could he do to become happy? It seems to me doubtful whether he could ever gain real happiness, for the following reasons: Firstly, he had spent his short lifo solely in a quest for power. He had allowed himself to be swayed by passions, as when he burnt Persipolls, and driven onwards to more conquests by his overpowering ambition. Indeed, at his death, he was planning the Invasion of the western world. Is it likely that such a man as this would find happiness in abandoning all his great projects and living in peace and seclusion? Secondly, even if he threw down all his old Ideas and began to live a different life, he would still bo haunted by the thought of all the misery and pain he had caused In his climb to power. To sum up the matter, I think that it was practically impossible for Alexander of Macedon to gain true happiness. But he died young (at 33), and we do not know what he might have done had he lived longer. Best wishes. BLUEFEATHER (Waimate).

[Yet, according to our argument in regard to power, Bluefeather, there really were other ways for him to find happiness. You will find my own ideas on the subject in "To All " this week. We must remember, of course, that he lived in a less internation-ally-minded time than the present. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written for a long time, because I had no news, but now I take the chance to write a few lines about a great bazaar we held at Tuapeka Mouth. It was such a lovely night! When we arrived there we found we wero a bit early, so dad drove us to the garage for somo petrol. When we went back to the hall we went inside. My word, it did look nice with lights lit up and all the pretty things that were for sale! There' were several games, such as nail driving and fish ponds. Nearly all the goods were Bold. I know, for my part of it, I enjoyed it very much. It closed about 10 o'clock. Now I shall close, with lovo to all Little Folk and yourself. RED ROSE WREATH (Tuapeka West). [I am glad It was a success, Red Rose Wreath. You do seem to have had a pleasant.time at It!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am very ashamed of myself for not writing to you before this, but I have Btill kept on reading the Little Folks page. One Saturday recently we played a football match between the Roxburgh Juniors and the high school. I played in the forwards for the high school, and we were beaten by 6 points to 3. We are going to play again in about a fortnight. We have Just had somo fox terrier pups, and kept one. which is a funny llttlo thing. The other day my football jersey 'came off its hook,' so the pup did not miss her opportunity ; she picked it up and took it and put it on a small armchair for herself to lie upon. Could you please give us a name for her, Dot? Best wishes to all the Llttlo Folk and your own dear self. CRIMSON DOMINO (Central Otago).

[Many happy returns of the 4th, Crimson Domino. What a clever puppy 1 Why not call her Busy?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One of the things that bas Impressed mo most since coming to South Canterbury Is the difference between the colourings in the sunsetß and autumn leaves In Canterbury and Central Otago. When going through the gorges and flats in Central Otago in autumn time, I have noticed that tho moro barren and drab the countryside, the more brilliant was the colouring of the leaves of the declduouß trees. Also, over those rugged mountains, the Remarkablea, I have watched the sky fade from a deep crimson through a royal purple Into a golden haze. It seems to me that Nature has tried to give brightness in these dull surroundings by giving brilliant sunsets and autumn leaves. In Canterbury, however, the autumn leaves are in more old gold and dull rust shadings, instead of in vivid yellow, red, and brown tones, as In Central Otago. The sunset skies hero are lit up in pastel shades of pink, lemon, and blue, each colour verging into another. Perhaps Nature thought she had given enough beauty to this part of New Zealand, in snow-capped mountains, blue seas, and greener fields. I do not know exactly which colour scheme I admire most, but I do know that each harmonises perfectly with the countryside. I am so glad that man can never tamper with Nature's work in sunsets and autumn leaves, and so destroy their perfect beauty. MISTRESS PAT (Tlmaru).

[How well you have used your powers of observation, Mistress Pat! And how charming to think that you discern harmony between the sunsets and the country where they occur! —DOT.]

«*Dear Dot,—The wind Is whistling shrilly without, but we do not feel it, for we are all snug In the sitting room beside a cheerful fire The logs are crackling merrily, making the room delightfully warm and cosy. It cortalnly does make one learn to appreciate a comfortable homo on a. cold, wintry night such as this. Do you not think so, Dot? It makes one feel strangely contented and happy. My three brothers are seated around the fire gazing into the bright, glowing embers. Music practice having been completed, the radio has now been turned on, and my brothers are listening eagerly to tho Parliament broadcasting debate. I think parliamentary speeches provide excellent entertainment for winter evenings. It is very interesting and educational hearing what tho members have to say. Bubbles and Squeak, tho naughty kittens, full of mischief as usual, seem to turn up In the queerest of places every time one happens to glance around. Do you think you could guess where they are this very minute? Well, I shall tell you. In tho coal scuttle, of all places! They are not really allowed inside at night capering about, but as this is a cold night, I have taken pity on them. These kittens cause a great deal of amusement, I can tell you. The clock moves on, and I want to go to bed at the right time, bo I shall need to draw to a close. I wish the reunion every success. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and to your own dear self. QUEENIE (Sawyerß' Bay).

[What a delightful picture of an evening et home, Queenie! I think yours must be a happy home, and you yourself a happy Little Folk—DOT.]

OLD WRITERS* ASSOCIATION.

At a meeting of the committee of the Old Writers' Association on December 19, 1933, it was decided to hold a reunion during Winter Show Week In June, 1936, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Dot's Little Folk page. It was further decided that there should be a nominal fee of one shilling for membership, and that anyone, whether an Old Writer or not, desirous of making a donation could do so, all subscriptions and donations, accompanied by name, address, and nom de plume, to bo acknowledged In the Little Folk's page fortnightly after being received by the secretary at her address, 24 Jackson street, St. Kllda, Dunedin. .

URGENT: AH members who wish to attend Jubilee celebrations must notify the secretary not lator than Friday, June 19.

Will any Old Writer willing to billet any visiting members during jubilee please forward name and address to secretary as soon as possible?

The members of the executive are requested to be present at Somerset Lounge, Savoy, on Saturday, June 20, at 7.30 p.m.

Members attending jubilee celebrations are asked to wear N.D.P. at all functions.

Children attending the picture entertainment are asked to meet at the Town Hall steps at 1.30 p.m. sharp. Tickets will be sold by the secretary at the Town Hall steps only. Price 6d, adults 2s.

OLD WRITERS' NOTES. Indian Chief, president of the Old Writers' Association (Mr Jas. T. Ramsay, 24 Neldpath road, Mornington, Duncdln) ; and Morning Star, honorary secretary (Mrs J. Hines, 24 Jackson street, St. Kilda, Dunedin), are endeavouring to complete a register of past and present Old Writers In connection with the jubilee in 1936. Either would be pleased to hear from any willing to supply names, addresses, and noms de plume, and, where possible, year of first writing to D.ot. Acknowledgments will be made periodically In this column. OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week: — Mary Rose, Mickity Mouseling, Paton Pickles. Remoline, Winnipeg Speeder, Mauitoban, Ceylon Sir, A Fairy Queen's Daughter, A Fairy Queen's Cousin, Jack Forsgren, Vack, Dad's Worry, William Shakespeare, Oh Erin Go Brgh. NOTES. Scotch Lassie (Abbotsford). —Please send your private name and address. Otherwise I shall not be able to enrol you as a Little Folk. DOT. * * * My Bonnie Bluebell.—Lorna Taylor, Bush road, Mosgiel. DOT. LITTLE FOLK'S LETTER BOX. As the Little Folk Inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond, it is necessary that those companions should send the first letter.—DOT Mountain Dweller (Linda Chapman, care of Mrs S. Clement, Popotunoa, Clinton ) wishes to correspond with Squirrel and any Little Folk willing between the ages of 16 and 20. Will Silver Arrow write again, please?

Dad's Brown Eyed Bonnie (Ellen Clement, Popotunoa, Clinton) wishes to correspond with Silver Star and any Little Folk between the ages of eight and eleven.

Cuthbert Tim (Gordon Caldwell, Waitepeka) would like to correspond with a boy in Canada between the ages of 14 and 16 years and interested in stamp collecting.

Parakeet (Evelyn Richards, Maungatua, R.D. Outram) would like to correspond with Little Folk between 14 and 16 years of age.

Remollne (Vera Livingßtone, 26 Mitchell avenue, Mornington, Dunedin) would like Daphne Flowers to correspond with her.

Happy Evie (Everard Donaldson, care of Post Office, Kaltangata) would like to correspond with any Little Folk, In New Zealand or overseas, about ten years old.