Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23222, 21 June 1937, Page 15

Dot's Little Folk

THF WEEK'S POEM I Have you seen trees in autumn change • their green leaves into coloured leaves, and seem to march down the street when the wind blows, children? .Here is a poet who has, and describes the happening in a poem for you. DOT. s;, * J-. MAPLES AFTER FROST - This morning each tall maple is A Scottish Highland lad, All the green leaves turned by frost To vivid tartan plaid. Scarf and cap and pleated kilts; Boughs bare at the knees— Never was a clan so proud As this, called Maple Trees. See them marching down the street, Brief, bright skirts aswirl! Listen! What a sweet, wild tune Their windy bagpipes skirl I -Ethel Romig Fuller. TO ALL Dear Little Folk,—lf any of you wish to visit the infantile paralysis children in the Hospital, I have permission for you to go down on Saturday afternoon 3 and 3.30. Say to the sister in charge • that you are Little Font, ana all wu, well. Your loving THE WORLD TODAY A STUDY OF MAN AND SOCIETY By J. M. M'Curdy (Special for the Otago Daily Times.) It Is very interesting to hear what Stalin, the party boss, the most powerful man in the country, has to say about Russia. First and foremost, he says, production is not for profit, but for use. It seems almost foolish to stress that point, but it is very important. The power of the capitalist has been overthrown, and the working man is all powerful; he would like to say that it is the Communist Party that is all powerful. The means of production are in the tuinds of the workers and the peasantry. The distribution of national income takes place, so that uic material position of the workers is better. This continuous increase in the consuming power of the people does away with the bogeys of over-production and unemployment. The country as a whole is working for itself, not for one section of the country. The big thing to notice about the Russian Revolution is that it was not just the replacement of one party lor another, but the institution of a new economic order. .. This is what Stalin says will be the ultimate conditions in the Communistic State:—There will be no private ownership of the means of production—lt will be owned collectively; note, not by the State, but the individuals comprising the State He even says there will be no classes and no State, but just.workers managing their own affairs as a free association of individuals. National economy will be planned according to the best available methods; that is. as science offers improvements these will be taken advantage of. Science and art will be given every encouragement to development. The individual freed from the perpetual care of providing enough for himself to eat and of the necessity for cringing to the providers of that tood will become really free. It is going to be Interesting to see what the other countries of the world—Britain, America, France, Germany, Japan, and China—have done to face up to this great new factor in our lives, this progress that science has made, accompanied In more recent years by the idea that the individual guides his own moral life, and.that he is a free individual living with other individuals. (To be continued.)

DESIRED HAVENS By Alice F. Webb (Special for the Otago Dally Times.) CHAPTER 1. They left the room, and Peter, left to himself, began to worry about the future. He wondered how long, he could live on £3. No, it was £3 2s 6d, for he hadhalf a crown left from his bicycle money, after he had bought those much-needed C miftad advised him while they were at the shipping office that rnorninfil to bespeak the job of boy on the return trip. " She's a good ship, an' most of the crew'll be on 'er again. Til be going out again with 'er, and since you mean to go back 'erne, better come along of me, eh? Peter had done as Bill advised, and was assured of his return to New Zealand in a fortnight, or maybe three weeks. But the intervening time had to be lived through, and he, who had never had to give a thought to the provision of food, and shelter, was faced with that problem now So deep in thought was he that he jumped when Mrs Bill stood beside him. Her husband had .rapidly told her all he knew of the boy's story, and her kind heart was full of desire to lend a hand to him. "Look now, Peter, she said, "Bob, that's my lodger thats a porter at Fenchurch Street Station is goin away to-morrow for 'is annual leaf, could •ave 'is bed while "e's away. Most places near 'ere where they take boys is not too safe for a stranger. Might 'aye your money stole, or yer does. There s to-night though. D'you thnk you could doss down in 'ere on the 'earth rug it 'uld be warm and dry any ow. "Oh. Mrs Bill, how kind you are. Id like that much better than going out among strangers." His voice shook a little, and he hoped he wasn t going to cry with the relief. "Well, that's what we'll do. It 11 save yourmoney. and I couldn't do nothing else With Bob's bed, 'im only being on leaf the two weeks," . ..„ , ln ,„, r •• But oughtn't 1 to pay for it? What I would have to pay somewhere else? "No, no. dearie. You'll need your money. Ships' boys don't get too much, and the bed won't cost us anything." Peter was troubled, but decided to defer this question till he could consult Bill, who now appeared arrayed in a blue serge suit, shiny with age, and a black bowler hat of great antiquity. (To be Continued) THE BUSY HONEY BEE By Old Eighty-Sixer. (Specially written for the Little Folk) Young bees perform many duties in maintaining the colony, which, being a selfsustained community, imposes upon each individual certain health, sanitation and protective duties: A temperature of about 93deg Fahr. must be maintained in that part of the hive where the queen lays, and where all the young bees are reared After a cell has served as a cradle for the birth of a young bee, it is thoroughly cleaned. Abnormal larva: are not permitted to mature as deformed adults, out are removed from the hive. Sick and ailing bees are also encouraged to leave the hive and die outside. Any bees that die while at work are carried out and consigned to the winds. When they are a week to. ten days old, the bees venture into the outside world for the first time—usually on short flights of only a few feet in front of the hive. During these so-called play flights, they learn to use their wings and note the location of their homes. In laying out an apiary order, symmetry, and law must all be dispensed with The colonies 'must be placed hig-gledy-piggledy as it were, and no hive must resemble any other hive as regards position, etc. This enables the bees to "mark" their homes when they depart for the fields. A bee always flies in a straight line, never zig-zag or deviated. Hence the expression "a bee line. On their first trip to the fields ground bees gather water or propolis. Propolis is used to close the cracks In the hive, to smooth over rough places, to cement the combs securely In place, and to regulate the size of the entrance, the better to guard the hive and control the temperature The next duty is that of gathering pollen, and finally nectar In an emergency the field b"?s can resume nurse duties again, but when a bee becomes old enough to work in the field It usually dies " in tts boots," literally working itself to death. A newly-emerged bee Is covered with fluffv. golden hair. After four weeks in the field it is darker much of the hair has been worn from its body, and its wings are tattered and torn. Eventually it will no longer be able to sustain Itself in flight. Its life span is measured largely bv the amount of work done. The bees reared late in the autumn live all the winter. The first fine day after the

Inaugurated July 16,1886, 0 by tKe OTAGO WITNESS

Dot Invites short letters from tier young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of Interest to themselves. New members must enclose their namo and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes oi>>y. Little Folli; should write on one side of the paper only, aud 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, la obtainable on application to Dot. Frlc« 2s 64 In stamps or postal note*.

middle of August the bees go out at daybreak and continue until nightfall, or until it becomes too cold or too rainy to work. There is no such thing as a fortyhour week with the busy little bee. LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK Motto.—We write for the benefit of others not for ourselves FIRST LETTERS Dear Dot,—Some of my correspondents in New Zealand send me the Otago Daily Times, and I have read with much interest the page for Little Folk. I am writing this to find out whether a boy from far-away Ceylon may join vour happy band. I am a stamp collector, and should like to hear from other boys and girls who are interested in that hobby. I promise to secure a correspondent for each and every one who writes to me. In connection with the silver jubilee celebrations of H.E.H. the Nizam of Hyderabad, a set of four stamps were issued. The two-anna stamp shows the Osmania Jubilee Hall, and the one-anna i.tamp the Osmania University Senate Hall. The general hospital appears on the eight-pies stamp, and the Unani Hospital on the four-pies stamp. The largest and wealthiest Indian state In all India Is Hyderabad Deccan. The ruler is the Nizam of Hyderabad Deccan and Berar (born in 1886, ascended the throne in 1911; married in 1906 Dulhan Pasha, daughter of Nawab Jehanglr Jung); the heir to the throne is Nawab Himayat All Khan Bahadur (his son); the commander of the Hyderabad forces is Azan Jah (prince of Berar); the area of the State is 82,698 square miles; and the population is 14,512,161. This state has a legislative council of twenty members, eight of whom are elected; and an executive council of six officials, with a president. It maintains its own paper currency and coinage, postal system, railways and army. It has a University with six art colleges, including one for women, and colleges for engineering, medicine, law, and teaching. It has also an honours college, a college for Jaglrdars (landholders), and a college of physical education. There is also a central college, an Industries institute, a central technical institute, and an. observatory. It is of great historical and archaslogical interest, as within its limits are situated many old capitals of ancient and medieval Deccan kingdoms, famous forts, temples, shrines, and the wonderful Buddhist sculptures and paintings of Ellora and Ajanta. The capital is Hyderabad, with a population of 466,896. It is the fourth largest city in the Indian Empire. The city is beautiful, situated on the banks of the river Musi, with fine public buildings, broad, cemented roads, good electricity and water supply, and an efficient bus service run by the state railway. Among interesting places are the Char Mlnar (four pillars), the artificial reservoirs—the Osman Sagai and the Himayat Sagar. Well, this is all about the biggest state In India. There are several junior clubs in India and Ceylon, and any member willing to join some club should write to me for full particulars, enclosing a 2d stamp for postage. I can tell you from time to time many interesting things about this pretty island of ours, which is known as the pearl of the eastern seas. I shall be happy to hear from both boys and girls who are interested in Ceylon. MOHOMAD W. WAHADI, c/o Mr T. J. Hasan, Katukelle, Kandy, Ceylon. ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l should very much like to become a member of your happy band. I am. 12 years old and am in Form I at school. My chief hobbles are tennis, swimming, and collecting film stars' photographs. Well, Dot, as this is my first letter I shall close. LONE COMET (Otakou). [1 am pleased to welcome you, Lone Comet, but I have had to alter your name. Tennis and swimming are good hobbies.— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band oi! Little Folk? I am 12 and In Standard V at school. My favourite pastime is with the carrier's son, who lets me drive the lorry from the petrol pump to the shed, or round the town when he is delivering coal. His father has three lorries, all of which are used for carrying coal and other goods around the district. THE MECHANIC (Arrowtown). [No wonder that is your favourite pastime, The Mechanic. Welcome as a Little Folk.—DOT.] ¥¥ ' *

Dear Dot,—Please may I join your happv band? I am five years old and in Primer II at school. We have a black pussycat. We call him Black Knight because he Is so bold. He sits on any chair he likes! We all love him: he is so funny. He is a pure black Persian. Best love. PUSSIE'S PAL (Otago). [Certainly you may join. Pussie's Pal. Black Knight is well named. Of course you all love him!—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l have always read the Little Folk's page, and I should like to join very much. I am eight years old and in Standard II at school. In our room we have teams, and we receive counters for good work. lam the captain of one of the teams. At the present I have seven counters and two squares. There are ten counters in a square. I like school very much. Some of our games are basketball and " Three Beggars and Wolves." I like playing " Three Beggars " This is how we plav it. Three people go up to one end of the playshed, and the rest go down to the other end. Then the three beggars think of something to do and go down the playshed singing, " here come three beggars looking for work." Then the other ones say, " What can you do?" and all the beggars do what they had thought of. The other ones then guess what they are doing. We also have tennis courts, nnd the boys play football. I live two miles from school, and we go in a car We had a holiday to celebrate the Kings birthday. I am sitting on the veranda in the sunshine writing you this letter Kind regards to all. HIGHLAND MAID'S DAUGHTER (Owaka)

rYou are an Old Writer's daughter, 1 suppose, dear. Welcome as a Little Folk, and thank you for telling me how to play that jolly game.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am writing to ask you if 't may join your happy band of Little Folk. I am 11 years old, and am fond of all animals and birds. I have among my pets a cat, a canary, and three bantams. Mv brother, Mr Mickie Dripping Is a member of your happy band. Kind regards to all. MICHAEL GINGER (Cromwell). [You are welcome, Michael Ginger, but your name has had to be altered. Which of the pets interests you most?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years and seven months old. Well. Dot, I must close now, with heaps of love to you and all the Little Folk. LITTLE DODO (Palmerston) [You are welcome, Little Dodo, but I have had to change your name. Write again soon —DOT.] BEST LETTERS JUNIOR SECTION (under 14 years) Dear Dot,—l went to the Winter Show, so I shall tell you a little about It. I saw the little donkey called Joko in the show. There was some exquisite fancy work, and also some smart ears. I had a ride on the merrv-go-round, and the horses name was Laddie. There were some home-made toys, too. I saw some big bullocks and some sheep. There were some big turnips and apples and carrots. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. JOLLY GOLLY (Kononi). [I expect you would like to have tak-n Joko away with you, Jolly Golly. Or wruld you have preferred Laddie?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am going to tell you about a trip I had to Dunedin, just recently. One morning my father decided to go to Dunedin, and was leaving at 2 o'clock that day; so vou can imagine what a rush there was Everybody was talking at once, and packing his oi her suitcase But eventually we were all packed Into the car. and away at top speed. After a good journey we arrived just in time for tea. After our sitting in the car for nearly four and a-half hours you car. imagine how pleased I was to be able to get out and stretch my legs. So after a good tea I went to bed. tired but happy. Kindest regards. FAIRY EMPRESS (Omakauj. lYes I can well imagine it. Fairy Empress. And also the early rush of making ready for the trip.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We have had many holidays this year, and I am going to tell you about my last one. The Wednesday the school broke up we went to town in the train. When we arrived there oui auntie and uncle met us. They took us round to see the decorations. Straight from the station was an evergreen archway, with a crown lit brightly. Well. Dot, as I am too lazy to tell you more. I shall close now. Kindest regards SMILING THROUGH (Middlemarch).

[lt is hard work for poor Dot when her Little Folk grow lazy, Smiling Through. But if you did the drawings you sent me you were not so lazy after all. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We went away tor oui holidays on May 12. The morning after we reached Waitati my two sisters and I walked about two miles with a message. When we came back we kept on asking auntie what day she was going to take us into the bush for a walk, but she said it was too wet to go for a day or two, and we could not go this day because she was having a visitor in the afternoon. All the rest of the morning we played draughts. The next day it rained, so we played draughts and scallywag. Then on Monday Smiling Through went for some eggs. She went by herself, because it was raining again. On Friday auntie took us up the bush We gathered green leaves to put in our bedroom. My little sister thought it was very lovely, because she had never been there before The trees were a mixture of beautiful colours. The next day we came back to Middlemarch. I have at last made up a poem: Plump, round and fat Is Ginger my pet cat.

She frisks, frolics, and romps around, And catches the leaves that fall to the ' ground. She is my pet of loveliness. And every bit of happiness. Kind regards to all. KATE OF THE DARK LASHES (Middlemarch).

[1 can almost see Ginger from your verse, Kate of the Dark Lashes. Write some more. I am glad that you had one fine day.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am going to tell you about our Coronation celebrations for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. We went to school at 9 o'clock as usual, and were called to be marked present at the roll call. We then went out to our assembly lines and sang " God Save the King." We received a bag of apples and a few lollies, and were marched to the garden, where we planted a spreading elm tree. We were all dismissed except the Scouts and a few girls, who marched dewn and planted another tree for the Scouts onlv. The oldest and youngest Scout planted it. By the time we returned to our school two other outside schools had arrived. We played games of all kinds, and there were money prizes We finished up about 12.45, when we were dismissed for home. At night there was a bonfire made by the Scouts, who were making a great noise. Anybody was cordially invited to join in the fun. I must close now, with love to the happy family ana to your own dear self. LADY OF THE PLANE (Owaka). [See "Overseas Correspondents," Lady ot the Plane, and write to Miss Vernon. I am glad that you had so good a time or Coronation Day—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l am going to tell you about a lady whom I always go to see. She calls herself, " Hop-along Cassidy." When we go to her cow she hops over all the wet grass, so that she will not get her feet wet. She has a lovely musquash fur coat. It was a very expensive one, too. She often goes visiting, but she will never wear her coat, and she always wears a pair of gum boots when she has her fur coat on, and also when she does not have It on. I shall close now, with all good wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MOTHER'S DARLING (Lawrence). [She must be a very jolly lady, Mother's Darling. No wonder you like visiting her and writing letters about her.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The school Is opened again, and I am pleased, as I love school I went away for my holidays, and I enjoyed them very much. I was staying at a place where I lived five years ago. Well, Dot, cheerio. Best wishes to the Little Folk and your own dear self

GOLDEN SLIPPERS (Cape Saunders). [How interesting you would find your old home after all those years, Golden Slippers. Please tell me more about it. -DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am going to tell you about a concert up at the Pukeawa Hall, and a dance which followed. We stayed till the dance was over and sang " Old Folks at Home." Then everybody went home, and the car, like the grass, was white with snow. I must close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. TONKY LASS (Otago). [What an exciting evening, Tonky Lass I And all that snow afterwards! Lovely I -DOT.I * * * Dear Dot,—ln this letter lam going to tell you about some little wild ducks that come on the pond when the duck shooting season is on. They come on our pond, and play games. They dive under the water, and we cannot see them for a while, and then they bob up somewhere else. When mum is feeding our own ducks the little wild ducks look about to see If anyone is going to harm them When the wild ducks see our ducks feeding they creep up and get their share of the food. There are a number of people who would like to shoot them, but my mother and father will not let them. As I have just started writing in ink, Dot, I hope you will excuse mistakes. Love to all and your own dear self Kind regards. MABSIE'S LITTLE DAUGHTER j (Berwick). [The wild ducks know that they arc safe with you, Mabsie's Little Daughter, that is why they live with you while all the shooting is on.—DOT.l V :{■ * Dear Dot,—l suppose you have quite forgotten me, as it is a long time since I have written. I called the calf Tulip as you told me, and it is growing big now. There is to be a wedding next month, and my cousin and I are to be flower girls The other morning, as my father was going to get the cows, he found the horse in the bog nearly drowned. Well, Dot, I have not very much news. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. PRIMROSE BUD (Otago)

[I am glad that your father rescued the horse in time, Primrose Bud. What a fearful night the poor animal must have had!—DOT. J

Dear Dot,—On Coronation Day when we arrived at school we were given a Coronation badge with the portrait of the King and Queen on it. Then we planted a tree in the school gardens, and dressed up and marched to the park, and planted another tree and sang " God Save the King." Next we marched on to the street and had our photograph taken. We were then dismissed. In the afternoon we went to the free pictures. After the pictures were over we went to the football, and when it had finished my sister and I rode our bicycles home. We had four miles and a-half to go. and It was dark when we arrived home. DAFFODIL GOLDEN (Lawrence). [A day of free pleasures, Daffodil Goldren! You would enjoy it very much, and send good thoughts to their Majesties for causing it.—DOT. 1 x. * * Dear Dot. — 1\ lias been freezing Here lately, and I am watching for the ice. I can skate, but not as well as my big brother. He is a champion, and goes in for races of one and two miles. Love to you and all the Little Folk. YODELLING COWBOY (Oturehua). [lf you practise you, too, may be able to skate one and two miles, Yodelling Cowboy I wish you good luck. —DOT.] H- H- * Dear Dot,—We have had a fall of snow since I last wrote to your page. It was not as heavy as we shall have later on in the winter. Although it was not deep I managed to scrape up enough to make a snowman. That • night before going to bed, I glanced out of my bedroom window, and saw him still standing in the snow, looking very cold indeed Next morning when I awoke 1 looked outside expecting to see him still standing there, but to my disappointment he had vanished, and left his hat and his pipe lying on the ground I must close now, with best wishes to all. PINK VIOLET (Lawrence). I He left the hat. and pipe so that you would keep them until his return in the next fall of snow, Pink Violet—DOT.] * -v- * Dear Dot,— Although it is a long lime since I last wrote lo you, I hope you have not forgotten me. I am ten years of age and in Standard IV at school. The other day when I was at school the girls were playing football, and one of the boys kicked it through the school window Luckily it was the back window When we went Into school we had to look in our desks to see if there was any glass The other night when I went outside to ride on my bicycle my sister came out and so did Jensine, who is staying ncre This is lust a small letter, but never mind I must close, for it is nearly bedtime. Love to all the Little Folk and vour own dear self. BRIGHT BROWNIE (Llndis Pass). [lt must have been a hard kick, Bright Brownie. Can your sister and friend ride a bicycle, too?—DOT.l Dear Dot, —It is a long time since 1 last wrote to you. We had four little kittens, but we gave three away ana kept one. It is a black one with white spots on it. There were three black and

white ones and only one black one. The weather up here is very cold just now. We are going to Dunedin for our holiday next month, so I hope to enjoy myself Best love to all and your own dear self LOVELY FLOWERS (Ida Valley). [You will be specially fond of the little last kitten, Lovely Flowers. Let me know how you enjoy being at Dunedin.—DOT. I BEST LETTERS SENIOR SECTION (14 years and over) Dear Dot,—lndia has been sighted. Dr Talmage is preparing to step on shorebut wait! Someone is stopping him. It is a foreign officer, who has come to inspect his belongings. He marked his luggage as safe to go ashore, and Dr Talmage was just stepping ashore when the foreign ofiicer pulled him back. The officer had spied a camera in Dr Talmage's hand The ofiicer apparently had never seen one before, and taking it from Dr Talmage he handled it very cautiously, and went away to consider what he would do. He came to the conclusion that it was a deadly instrument that this white person had brought to blow up India with. He would not allow Dr Talmage to have it. When Dr Talmage offered to open it and let him see that it was harmless, the foreign officer grew more frightened, and prepared to jump overboard in case Dr Talmage should blow up the ship. After Dr Talmage had gone into a long explanation and payment of high duty, he was allowed'to have his camera back. Really, Dot, the foreign people are terribly superstitious, are they not? Dr Talmage was greatly interested in India. He was interested in hearing about the Cawnpore massacre, which happened in 1857. It seems that all the worst passions of the century were impersonated by one man— Nana Sahib. He was the leader of a great mutiny in India. Nana Sahib was dull, lazy, and cowardly, also very cruel.

He murdered many Christians, and threw them into a well at Cawnpore. When Nana Sahib died his bones were not to be found. Someone says, "Ask the vultures, the reptiles, or the jackals." vVell, I must close now, but next week I shall let you enter inside the lovely sacred Tij Mahal. Best love. MISS MOUSE (Dunedin).

[You have sent another drawing, Miss Mouse, and it gives a good idea of the gentleman your are writing about this week. No wonder Dr Talmage was interested!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt must be over a month since 1 last wrote to you, but at last I have managed to get time to write. I have just come to a new situation and ■jettled down. One Saturday afternoon I did nothing but take photographs, and had mine taken all day I must be very vain, as I insisted on being in nearly every photograph, and altogether there were four lilms. The young lady who took the snaps came from Lauder and stayed here over the- week-end. I had some photographs taken of myself with the horses. In one of them I put on a rosy smile, and was trying to entice Nellie (one of the horses) to eat a delicious apple, but as she took the apple in her mouth she started to bite my fingers; naturally I jumped with fright, and just at that moment I heard a camera click, so I am wondering whether the snap will come out all right, as I took such pains in looking pleasant. There are five wee children where I work, and Jimmy, the second eldest, hates having his photograph taken, so he ran away when we were not looking. We found him later on. a mile awav, sitting on the edge of the Poolburn River crying his eyes out, and veiling to the river that he was not going to have his photograph taken, and that he would kill everybody if they took his photograph. I really had to laugh, as he looked so comical when we found him. Next week I shall have news to tell of our rabbiting season. I shall close now, with love to yourself and all the Little Folk, especially Spring Snowdrop and Lady Dancing Star.

SLEEPER OF THE MOONLIT RANGES (Central Otago).

I The poor little boy, Sleeper of the Moonlit Ranges. I hope you calmed him down again. In answer to yoilr query see "Overseas Correspondents."—DOT. 1

Dear Dot,—! was present at a rcmarkable concert the other night. It was given by the reorganised Choral Society, and they introduced a bold novelty by devoting half of the programme to Russian music. The evening was quite a success, and as far as I was concerned, the centre of attraction was the " Choral Dance " from Borodin's " Prince Igor." I have previously written in these columns concerning the great " Prince Igor " ballet, which was so splendidly and thrilllngly Cone by the de Basil Ballet during their recent season here. Actually these dances rome from an opera, and were originally meant for chorus and orchestra, hence the Choral Society gave them to us as the composer wrote them. This concert was broadcast, and I sincerely hope that a few of the " hot rhvlhm " fiends were listening in to ' Prince Igor," for they would have as much rhythm as they wanted. Even though they wisely and considerately gave " Prince Igor " twice at the concert, I for one sincerely hope we may hear more of it I had only to close my eyes, and I saw once again the swaggering and leaping figures of the Polovtsien warriors, as they were featured at the ballet, with the incomparable Woizikowsky lashing them on with boundless enthusiasm. Here we have music that teems with melody, and pulsates with rhythm. There may not be a great deal to it. perhaps, and if some people declare it to be a noise they cannot deny it is a glorious noise. Most Russian music is, for that matter. I see that at the next concert the society is preparing another thrill in the shape of the Coronation scene from " Boris Godounov." This is probably the most famous of the Russian operas, and I have no doubt it will prove as popular here as " Prince Igor" has already done CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedin)

11 know how the memory of the ballet would return to you, Charles Dickens, and how the music would be doubly interesting on account of its ballet associations. I hope some of the other Little Folk had a similar experience.—DOT.l

Dear Dot,—ln this city o£ ours there must be a large number of Little Folk who have the first Thursday evening in every month free, or even an occasional Saturday evening which they cannot fill It is. Dot, to those members or our band that I write this letter Even if they have not written to our page for some time, and are almost forgotten in the realms of Little Folkdom. I want them to read this short epistle; meditate upon it; then act. Now, fellow-members, in a very central point in the city, easily reached by trams, etc., about five minutes' (or less) walk from the Exchange is a well-know building called the Otago Daily Times office, and in that office there is a very spacious library which, on Thursday nights, is comfortably warm In that library on the first Thursday in every month at 7 15 p.m. meets a very happy, friendly section ot our community called the Little Folk Social Club. Apart from the Little Folk there are Old Writers and interested friends and parents, who attend airly regularly, and who add to the success of the meetings by their evident pleasure at being there, and their cheerful help In whatever entertainment is being put forth. There is no charge for admission, and no obligations whatever, except that all present are expected to enjov themselves, and if possible contribute to the programme, and be ready to assist whenever possible. No one is allowed to be dull, and everyone is welcome. So Little Folk, after reading this. I hone there will be a record attendance at tiie next and all subsequent meetings announced. This club is a beneficial one to all who attend and hopes for great things in the future, but, so far, it is very poorly supported. Please do not let us clown. Little Folk, but come and enjoy yourselves at our functions, and so Rive your support to a very worthy club. Best "wishes. KILMENV OF THE POOL (Dunedln) 11 hope vour appeal brings forth good results, Kilmeny of the Pool. It would ba gratifying to have a large attendance at the meetings.— DOT.]

Dear Dot—Here I am again, writing my first letter as a Senior Little Folk. This time I am going to tell you how Coronation Day was celebrated in this little country town of Fairlie. At 11 o'clock in the morning all the school children of Fairlie and the surrounding districts assembled in the Domain, where a special children's Coronation service was held. After the service the children, Girl Guides, and Boy Scouts marched from the Domain to the main road, where we watched the procession. What fun we had watching that procession! The funny things that were taken off! The procession went round the hospital block, so that the patients could see it. When the procession came back the Guides, Scouts, and children fell in behind the Highland Pipe Band, and marched to the Fairlie sports ground. After we were dismissed we went home for dinner. In the afternoon there were sports, and they were fun. At night there were fireworks and a big bonfire, which shot away up into the air. After the bonfire everybody went home tired but happy. Well, Dot. I shall close, hoping this account of Fairlie's Coronation celebrations has interested you. Love to yourself and all. FLOWER OF ROSLYN (Fairlie). LYou had an enjoyable time, Flower of Roslyn. The hospital patients would be glad to see the procession. I like bonfires. -DOT.J

Dear Dot,—This week my letter comes not from Otago, but from Canterbury. I have been in Christchurch a fortnight now (which explains my absence from the Social Club's meeting), so I know my way about quite well, especially to the library, where the Otago Daily Times is kept. I like Christchurch, but, oh, the bicycles! I have never seen so many before in all my life. Everyone,- from eight to eighty, rides them. So it is no wonder that this beautiful city is often referred to as the " city of bicycles. One Saturday at 12 o'clock a bicycle sequence was taken by Mr Lee Hirl, who is filming a travel-talk for release by British Empire Flms Ltd. Arrangements for the traffic had been made, so hundreds of bicycles appeared in the square to follow the procession Even the Marcus stars were out, the comedians riding oldfashioned machines of the early 'nineties One or two persons objected to this, saying that people overseas would think Christchurch old fashioned, but it will afford good publicity for the city, so what else matters? Kind regards. REMEMBRANCE (Christchurch).

[I hope vou are having a good holiday, Remembrance. But I am sure you must be. Yes, the film will afford very good publicity.—DOT.l

Dear Dot,—The first annual reunion of the Old Writers appears to have been a great success, and each year it will be one of the events that many will look forward to. The only one of the functions that I attended was the picture party in the afternoon, and I greatly enjoyed it. The programme, which was an excellent one, included the Coronation film, and when I remembered that never before had such large numbers of people been gathered in London for a great event, one felt proud to be a British subject. At the interval a very kind person supplied us all with ice creams. Mine was delicious, Dot, and probably the other Little Folk thought the same about theirs. Though I had heard recordings of Bobby Breen's voice, and read a good deal about him, I was not in the least enthusiastic about him. But after seeing his acting and hearing him sing in the picture " Let's Sing Again," I realise just what a marvellous voice he has for a small boy only eight years old. His acting was as good as his singing, and his part seemed to suit him perfectly. Another character who was extremelv amusing was the comedian, Hf>nry Armetla, whose part it was to bring the story to a happy conclusion by restoring to his singer father, a small lost son in the person of Bobby Breen. A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER (Dunedin).

fl am glad the party was so successful, A Young New Zealander, and that you enjoyed the picture so well. I sec that they gave you both education and entertainment. —DOT.)

Dear Dot,—l am sure many Shakespeare lovers will be looking forward to " Romeo and Juliet," which is to come to Dunedin soon. Such actors as Edna May Oliver, Norma Shearer, and Leslie Howard give the production a first-class appearance. Many Little Folk will remember Edna May Oliver in "David Copperfield," a picture which I consider the best I have seen. lam sure " Romeo and Juliet" will have the effect of bringing more of Shakespeare's work to the screen, as he was certainly the greatest possessor of knowledge when it came to the study of human nature, and its reactions to the ' whips and scorns of time." I would also like to see more historically-inclined films after the nature of ' Mutiny on the Bounty. " Clive of India," and " Fire over England." The effects which the producers give to their pictures are really wonderful examples of studio work, as for example, the fighting galleons and marine scapes of " Captain Blood," and the aweinspiring stretches of plain surrounding the garrison of Chucoti in "The Charge of the Light Brigade." No Boris Karlolf thriller has the power of making an audience spellbound as the preliminaries leading up to the actual " charge. I think this is because the gallop from the base to the enemy's actual fortifications is rather prolonged, and the actual conflict comes as a relief. I know for one that I could feel my heart " pounding against my ribs " in a very realistic sense of the word. I am very fond of opera, and when it was announced that Gigli was coming to Dunedin, I made up my mind to see the film, come what may. The first Saturday night, therefore, during the screening in Dunedin I found I could afford only one shilling, so I brought a copy of the Times from home, and was vaiting for the doors to open at 6.30. Once inside I thought to myself I shall have to go through the paper systematically in order that I shall not be finished before the advertisements are shown. But I had just finished the article page when it was 7.45 I could hardly believe the time had passed so swiftly, but one can make time fly if one goes about the matter in a proper and determined wav. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. TAMATI (Dunedin).

f Romeo and Juliet" is said to be a very good film, Tamati, but I shall have to 'see it before making a real decision. I agree with you about how to make time pass. You are a sensible Little Folk. —DOT.I

Dear Dot,—Here is somebody who does not side with Kilmeny of the Pool. I think that if people are well and strong they should find work. I know people who have wanted men to work for them and they could not get them, because they would rather live on sustenance. My grandfather and father had to keep big families, and had to find work for their living; there was no sustenance then. I know people who went to other parts of Otagr to get sustenance when they could not get it where they lived. I do not see why people who are struggling hard for a living shiuld have to pay to keep able-bodied men loafing when they could be working. Well, I hope there will be some Little Folk who will side with me Love to all. A WELSH GIRL (Otago).

[1 am sure there will be, A Welsh Girl. You write with much vigour and conviction.—DOT.] •V- * *

Dear Dot, —Some weeks ago you discussed the matter of what it means to be good. Well, I think the best way to explain would be the " opposite to bad." If one opens one's eyes in a city, one cannot fail to see and realise what badness is. Although I have seen much in Wellington to admire, there are many things which I must certainly call bad. One is the way many people are jammed together in the heart of the city. Together with this, much that is degrading goes on. Could you imagine people drinking methylated spirits and lying drunk for days, unwilling or unable in some cases to lift themselves out of their sloth? I cannot help but feel that there must be bad living which leads up to this kind of thing. People evidently being unable to buy whisky, wine, and beer, seek to drown their sorrows with this cheaper spirit. Do you not think it is bad also for any government to permit this state of affairs? Even Christian institutions, through not being allowed authoritatively to handle these cases cannot do much to help either I think, therefore, that being good is not to be bad. I know one person. Dot, who never did anything bad, and that was Jesus. Love to everyone.

LAUGHING LiLYBELL (Wellington). TAnd yet, during His lifetime, many people criticised His actions, Laughing Lilybell, for, if you remember. He was friendly even to such people as those you describe as being bad.—DOT.l

Dear Dot. —1 am goinj; to tell you about my baby sister. She has pretty goldenred hair, and blue eyes, and she is just at a funny age now. She is starling to talk. When I come home she says, " Dood day." Some times she will begin to laugh and say, " dat clay." She has also a little temper, too. If we smack her or scold her she will stand and think for a moment, then pull a cushion from a chair, and jump on it. She Is really very funny at times, and makes us all laugh at her little pranks. She also makes us angry at times. Well, Dot, I shall close, with love to Dark Angel and all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self. BLUE-EYED GIPSY LASS (Otago). [Try not to rouse her temper, Blue-Eyed Gipsy Lass, for it is not good for her She is only a baby, remember.—DOT.l Dear Dot,—Oik? Thursday afternoon mother and I motored through to Dunedin in the car. arriving there at about 3 o'clock. In the evening my sister and Gold Nugget Seeker went with us to see the show. 1 was there for about an hour, when I decided I was not very much interested •.<! it, so Gold Nugget Seeker

and I went to see the play called Wildflower," in His Majesty's Theatre, which I enjoyed very much. On Friday I went to the community sing, and in the evening to a dance in the Town Hall. Saturday afternoon was filled in with a trip down the bay in a friend's car, and Dot, do you knew, it was the first time I had seen a ship in motion! One was coming up he harbour while we were going down, f saw the bluegum that fell across the road, and the remains of the numerous slips. In the evening—well, I suppose you can guess where I was-at the Town Hall a»ain but this lime at a wrestling match. It" too, was the first one I had seen and I can understand now why people are keen about wrestling. I know a few holds now, so Gold Nugget Seeker will have to behave himself when he comes up for his holidays. Sunday afternoon saw us on our homeward trip, after an enjoyable stay in Dunedin. I was unable to attend the social on the Wednesday evening, but better luck next time. I shall close now, as I have written a long enough letter. Love to your own dear self, the Little Folk, and my pen friend. YOUNG MINER (Manuka Creek).

[lt is a pity you did not join the Little Folk picture party on the Wednesday afternoon, Young Miner. You would have enjoyed It as much as the rest of your holiday, I am sure.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is growing very cold now. Every morning when I awake and look at the window it is covered with frost, and it makes me feel cold although I am warm. I am pleased to see half an inch of ice every morning, for X snail soon be skating about on the ice. I am knitting myself a red cardigan to keep m warm when I am on the ice. It buttons right up to the neck. Love to all. PEEWIT (Oturehua).

n know what Ice can be like at Oturehua, Peewit, so I am sure you will need that red cardigan of yours.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I wrote to you, is it not? But to tell the truth I have been busy. I suppose you wonder what we find to make ourselves busy with in small Milton. I still find time lo read all the Little Folks letters. I like reading the letters from Charles Dickens, Kilmtny of the Pool, Miss Mouse, and a few others. By thenletters I try to imagine, too, what they will be like in every way. Much as I would have liked to see " Wildflower, I could not; but I am hoping to see Gladys MoncriefT in one of the plays in which she is appearing. Please excuse me for not keeping on one subject, but some time soon I shall find more time to write. This is just to let you know I still think of you all Best of. love. EL TAURUS (Milton).

[Thank vou for your kind thoughts, El Taurus. It Is good to know that you are thinking of us.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot— May I give my opinions of "Wildflower"? I for one certainly disafree with Charles Dickens, who, for one instance, would miss "Wildflower just to see " Broadway Melody ' ? I think that the Operatic Society made a wonderful effort to please the public, and this they did. Otherwise why each night was the theatre crowded? The patrons certainly did not go to see the pony or hen, but to see the society's biggest and best show. As to the music being one big muddle, I do not think that was so. It was played in a medley. Why, I can remember such numbers as Wildflower, " Bambalino," "April Blossoms, You Can't Blame a Girl for Dreaming, and others. Perhaps it was not up to Hollywood standard, but perhaps if we had, sav Busbv Berkeley, Irvin Berlin, and Ray Enrig'ht as musical and play directors the critics would be satisfied. The Lawson-Henderson comedy team may not have been as clever as the Burns : Allen team, but they certainly were original. As regards to the pony pulling down halt the scenery upon its entrance, it certainly did not the night I was there. I can assure you, Dot, that I did not drop asleep halfway through, and I saw everything, although there was a pole in front of me I have expressed my opinion, and I hope I have not been too personal. SPRING SNOWDROP (Dunedin).

rThapk you for your views, Spring Snowdrop. They are quite as valuable as anybody else's.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l should like to thank you for supplying the address of a c °™ e % pondfcnt in Canada. I was wondering if any Little Folk were interested in the retired Mr Baldwin, late Prime Minister of England, and I thought that it would be a good idea if I gave a summary of his political life. Mr Baldwin was bom in 1867, and was educated at the Trinitj College and Cambridge. When he became of age, he joined" his father's iron, foundering business and remained in it for 20 vears. In 1906 he unsuccessfully contested Kidderminster. When his fathei died he succeeded to his position in Parliament, as representative of Bewdley Division. When Bonar Law became Prime Minister Mr Baldwin became his par iamentary private secretary (Januaiy, 1917). A few months later he was Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and in 1921 he became Secretary of the Board of Trade. In 1922 he became Chancellor of the exchequer in Bonar Law's coalition, his chict work concerning the p"ayment of interest to United States of America, amounting to £978 000,000. In 1923 Mr Baldwin became Prime Minister at the age of 56. He went cut of power in 1924, and returned later in 1924 In 1928 the franchise was extended to all women over 21. Mr Baldwin was again defeated in 1929. In 1935 Mr Ramsay MacDonald retired and Mr Baldwin came in again. He was prominent in the recent crisis concerning Edward VIII, and now he has retired and is Earl Baldwin. ~' . 1 WAIROA (Dunedin).

TThank you, Wairoa. I am sure that many of the Little Folk will be very much interested.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is sometimes difficult to find time to write letters. I have found that so, and as well as being absent from home for six months, have neglected the page. A letter in last week s page mentioned aeroplanes. I am intensely interested in anything connected with aviation, and have a huge collection of pictures of planes of every description. Father has promised to allow me to learn to flv when I am of age. I cannot find much about the Fairey Fox machine. However the new Fairey Battle monoplanes are the fastest single-engined bombing planes in the world. Most people seem interested in aviation, and with another visit from a Clipper in view, everything appears set for the completion of a new and efficient air service, which wi bring New Zealand from "down-under, and make her an important air base Dot, I was wondering if anybody could write a Best Letter on why he or she chose his or her nomde Plume. I have tried, but cannot think of any good reason on which to write: Well. Dot, I shall close. Love to all, PAUL BOESCH (Otago), [Perhaps your idea will be acted upon by some of the Little Folk Paul Boesch. At anv rate Fairey Fox will be pleased with your letter.—DOT.] NEW MEMBERS Dot extends a special welcome to.the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week:Lone Comet, The Mechanic, Pussie's Pal. Highland Maid's Daughter, Michael Ginger, Little Dodo. NOTES Miss Evelvn M. Viney wishes all those who have written to her for correspondents to know that it may be a few weeks before they receive a reply, as she Ts waiting for a fresh supply from India and Ceylon, which should arrive very soon. OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Little Folk who with to correspond with ceople in India or Ceylon should write to Miss Evelyn Viney 49 Plunket street. Dunedin, 5.2? stating their age. and hobbies, and enclosing a stamped and addressed envelope for reply. * * * r ittle Folk who wish to correspond with people in Canada or the United States should write to Miss M Vernon. Private Bag. Central Shotover. Queenstown, stating their age, address, and hobbies, and enclosing a stamped and addressed envelope for reply. DQT LITTLE FOLKS LETTER COX 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. Golden Slippers (Peggy Smith. Cape Saunders) wishes to correspond with some Little Folk between 11 and 13'years pi age interested in horse-riding, basketball, and reading. D.L.F. SOCIAL CLUB At the meeting held in the library last Thursday, June 17, those present were Creamy's Daughter, Kilmeny of the Pool, Little Lady Clare, A Young New Zealandcr and Charles Dickens, who presided. A special welcome was extended to Creamy, who represented the Old Writers. The next meeting will be held in the library on Thursday, July 1, at 7.15 p.m., when Mr W. W Bridgman will address the members on his travels abroad. A large attendance is expected at this meeting, and further speakers will give talks to the members in the near future. All Little Folk Old Writers, and those interested are invited to attend the meeting mentioned above. A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER (Secretary).