Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23501, 16 May 1938, Page 15

Dot's Little Folk

THE WEEK’S POEM There is no need to explain these poems to you. children, for they explain themselves, especially as this is holiday time. I wish you could see the illustrations that So with them—such as a sad dog in the first popm, and such a bounding, barking, happy dog in the second one I DOT. * >l! A DOGGIE LAMENT. They are going away ! They are going away ! The family’s certainly leaving to-day, Else what are those horrible suitcases for. Piled up in great heaps upon the hall floor ? When I went to call master this morning, his bed . Was all littered with collars and shirts, so I fled . To my mistress’s room, where I’ve never before Seen such masses of fluffy things spread on the floor. How worried she. looked as she bustled about I I think it’s called “ packing,” this miserable rout 1 Anyway she observed that I looked rather So she said, ” Cheer up, Tinker, and don’t look so sad, For cook will take care of you when we are 1 gone; She will spoil you, and offer you many a bone.” Ah ! ' These lords of creation I They haven’t learnt yet That a dog is not out for just what he can get. Cook'may pat me and stuff me with good 1 things all day; , But that won’t make up for the loved ones away. , Oh,’ master and mistress ! You would never depart If you knew that your going is breaking my heart ! _-y[. c. # ‘.■'■■sis * ■ ■ # THE FAMILY’S RETURN. Hurrah ! There’s a definite stir in the house., ■’>’ And things are beginning to hum 1 Those melancholy dust sheets have all disappeared, For Mary, the housemaid, has come. My spirits are rising t 1 feel in my bones That the family’s coming home soon: Tea’s laid in the. dining room, so I Suppose They’re arriving this, afternoon. Hark ( Surely I hear from the top of :■> the stairs The familiar hoot of the car 7 With a leap and a bound I am down in ’ the hall. ' ‘. . Woof, woof, woof 1 Here they are. here they are! . What rapturous greetings 1 I feel I shall burst , ;■ , , With the love and the joy m my heart. My friends have come back to me; all that I want . Is that never again .shall we part. ..—M. C, SVw -•; to ALL Dear Little Folk.—l hope you are having happy holidays and are going to write me a number of Interesting letters telling me about them. Let us, for the next few weeks, talk as much as we can about holidays.—Your loving JLHJX. ANTIPATHIES UNACCOUNTABLE. DISLIKES OF THE r*'r'v '■ ’ GREAT Some , dislikes are iso unreasonable that they look like kinds of madness. James I, for example, never overcame his horror of cold steel. When he kmgbted Kenelm Digby his hand shook sp rauc.i that,' had not Buckingham guided the royal blade, the new knight would have paid for the handle to his name with the 'loss of an eye Among other pathies of this monarch were witches, P of*” very different mettle was Peter the Great, yet at one time he had such a terror.: of .water that he could not cross a brook without being taicen with strong convulsions. Ashamed ot such an unmanly weakness, he determined to - conquer it, and ultimately became as fond of the water as he had been averse i 0 lt- HORROR OF THE BAGPIPE Everybody knows for what those who love not the concord of sweet sounds are flf. and Pepys might well be astonished to hear Lord Lauderdale vow he had rather hear a cat mew than listen to the best music in the world: that the better the music the more sick it made him: nls especial antipathies being the lute and the bagpipe. Curiously enought, much as he loved it, Pepys found exquisite music affect him unpleasantly too. at least upon one occasion. Going to see the ’’ Virgin Martyr,” he was ravished by the. wind music. ’’ It did wrap up my soul, so ihat It made me really sick,” he said. Music had no charms for thunder-loving La Motte de Vayer, who hated all musical sounds as thoroughly as a certain French officer hated the martial roll of the drum. This latter; gentleman, who had clearly no business to be in the army, soon took his discharge by falling dead at the sound of the tattoo. Boyle's philosophy was not- proof against the sound of splashing water; and Augustus and Caligula forgot their dignity when thunder was about.

HEREDITARY HATRED OF APPLES Even fruit and flowers have affected people curiously. The secretary of Francis 1 used to stop his nostrils with bread if he saw a dish of apples, to prevent an otherwise inevitable bleeding at the nose. A king of Poland had an antipathy both to the smell and sight of this wholesome fruit, and a family of Aquitaine had a / hereditary hatred of it. Gretry, the composer, could not endure the scent of the rose; neither could Anne of Austria. The mere sight of the; rose was too mucn for Lady Heneage, bed-chamber-woman to Queen Elizabeth: Indeed Ken elm Digby records that her cheek became blistered when someone laid a white rose upon it as she slept. A violet was a thing of horror to the Princess de Lamballe; while tansy wtes abominable to an Earl of Barrymore, and Scaliger grow pale before watercress. The harmless ■ cat has frequently been an object of aversion Henry 111 of France ’had so grgat a dislike to cats that he fainted at sight of one; and it was said of the Duke of Schomberg, as it was said of another famous soldier of our time, that he could not sit in the same room with a cat.—An exchange.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK Motto: We write .for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. FIRST LETTERS Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am ten years of age and In Standard 111 at school. My favourite pastime Is climbing trees- in summer and skating in winter. ROBIN OF SHERWOOD -Arrowtownl. [Your name was taken, Robin of Sherwood, so I have had to alter it for you. Welcome as a Little Folk.-—DOT..I Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I go to school at Kyeburrt. I have to walk about a mile, and then the school bus takes me to school, My age is eleven and I am In Standard IV. I have one kitten at home. Will you please suggest a name for him? Much love to your Little Folk. KYEBURN PROSPECTOR (Kyeburn) [Certainly you may Join, Kyeburn Prospector. I think you should call your kitten Possum.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Please may I join your band of Little Folk. Love to all PETER THE PILOT (Dunedin) [Of course you may loin, Peter the Pilot. Can you write me a longer letter next time?—DOT,] * # # Dear Dot,—l wish to join your oand of Little Folk. My home is in Kyeburn. My age is eleven years and 1 am in Standard V. We have two kittens. Will you please suggest a good name for them? I ride to, school on a chestnut pony. His name is Kitchener. Love to jour Little Folk. ROUSING COWBOY (Kyeburn).

Inaugurated Julu 16,1886,

by th.e OTAGO WITNESS

Dot Invites letters of not more than 301) words In trnclh from her young friends throughout tho Dominion on any matters in which they are interested. Now members must (inclose their name and address These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only. Little Folk should write on one side of tho paper ouly, and In Ink, and should address their letters " Dot, care of Editor. Otago Dally Times.” Every letter must state the age of the wrller for Dot’s private Information The retiring age Is 21. after which Little Folk become Old Writers

Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge, with pin. for use as a brooch, is obtainable on application to Dot, Fries 2a 6d, in stamps or postal notes.

[You. too. arc welcome. Rousing Cowboy. Call the kittens Fun and Frolic.— DOT.)

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am eleven years old. 1 always like reading your page. I have two big brothers and one sister. I have one brother going to school and in Form IV I have three pets. One is a black cat. and the other two are dogs One dog is a wee one which is very playful, and likes to run away with mv sister’s ball of wool when she is knitting Well, Dot, I think I shall have to close, as this is my first letter. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. SAILORMAN POPEYE (Owaka). [You are welcome, Sallorman Popeyc, but your name belonged to another Little Folk. I like the sount’ of your pets.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of your band of Little Folk? I have taken a keen interest in your page, and it has been my wish to join up, but I always hesitated over it until now. My hobbies are music and reading 1 am interested in film stars, and X like going to picture theatres, especially if it is musical films they are showing. 1 have a fine collection of film star photographs. As this is my first letter to your page, I must close, with kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself. CLEOPATRA (Dunedin). [Certainly you may be a member, Cleopatra. Write again soon. —DOT.) BEST LETTERS JUNIOR SECTION (under 14 years) Dear Dot,—l am living on the Talerl Plains just now. It seems so fiat after my being used to the hills. I prefer the hills, although I am enjoying the change here, and everything is so fresh and green. The Blue Spur Hills have suffered through the very dry spell this year. I have joined the Otokia Bible Class, and I enjoy the evenings spent at.the manse. We are having a Bible Class social evening next week, and I am looking forward to it. as they are usually such fun. I think I shall close now, with love to the Little Folk and yourself. BLUE SPUR BUTTERCUP (Otokia). LI can understand your affection for the hills, Blue Spur Buttercup. Let me know how you fare at the social. —DOT. I sk v Dear Dot,—l should have been ashamed of myself for not writing sooner. I was going to write, and going to write, but I have put it off every time. This time I am going to tell you about my pony, Queenie, as I said I would in my • first letter. Queenie is a black pony, with a long mane and tail, and she has a bit of white above her nose. Just now she is being broken in, and I have not seen her for about six weeks. I hope I shall be able to ride her at the next show that comes to Gore. Well, Dot, I shall have to close, hoping that you and all your Little Folk are quite well. QUEENIE’S MISTRESS (Riversdale). [I, too, hope that you will be able to ride at the show, Queenie’s Mistress. Please tell me if you do.—DOT.) s;: * Dear Dot,—l have not written for a long time. .We have commenced playing basketball at school. My father built a caravan and went through the Lewis Pass to Nelson. Wc had a lovely time there. We stayed at Tahuna camping grounds. We had a splendid time at Hanmor Springs, and we went in the hot springs twice a day. I am ten years of age and am in Standard IV. I shall close now. with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. THE DANCING DAMOSEL (Windsor). [What a delightful holiday you had. The Dancing Damosel! Can you tell me any more about them?—DOT.] if j;< Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you. Now I am going to tell you about my two cats. One is black and white and has a short tail The other one is grey. If they see the pup coming behind them they turn round and hit him. They have a race up the telephone pole. Sometimes they grow very angry and scratch me. I must close now. as it is bedtime, hoping that you and your happy band are all well. TEENCHY DUCK (Kyeburn). [1 expect they scratch you when they are excited, Teenchy Duck. What pets they must be I—DOT.) Dear Dot,—l thought 1 would pen to you a few lines again. It was my birthday on Easter Thursday. 1 was thirteen. I had a number of Easter eggs among my presents. Was it not a good time lo have a birthday? I must tell you that I have started learning music, and 1 like it very much, and I hope to learn quickly. My sister is also learning. She is a little older than I am but she has to cycle nearly six miles to another teacher. Next time I shall tell you about a wild kitten we tamed. Love to all. K 7 (Kokonga) LYcs, that seems a very good time at which to have a birthday, K 7. I wish you success with your music.—DOT. I * 1 V ns Dear Dot,—ln my last letter 1 described St. Batbans in the early days. This time, however, I am endeavouring to describe It as it is to-day. Entering St Bathans by the South road you catch a glimpse of a very picturesque little village nestled among a glade of weeping willow trees. Look to the right and you see an area of slatey-grey cliffs mingled with a yellow ochre, overhung with beautiful clumps of golden gorse. As you draw nearer to the small, lifeless township you spy the beautiful lake from the bottom of which rises Mount St. Bathans, which is about five thousand feet high Kind regards to all the Little Folk and voursclf, JOY HARP (Central Otago) lYou have described St. Bathans very well, Joy Harp. Please write me another letter like this—DOT,i Dear Dot,—l am going to tel! you about a day at tho Hampden picnic, Wc caught the train at 10 o'clock and arrived at Hampden at half-past 11 After we had found a good place to leave our luncheon wc decided to go for a swim in the sea. We had to be very careful, be. cause there are backwashes in the sea which might carry us away Then when we had had a big enough swim we svenl and had our dinner. At 2 o’clock we had races. After the races were over we had to go Cor a walk till the train came. It left the station at 6 o'clock and arrived ni Palmerston at half-past 7, I had a meal and went to bed very tired after a good day. Love to all the Little Folk and vour own dear self. DADDY’S DEAR DARLING (Palmerston)

(It was a good day, Daddy's Deai Darling. I am glad you were careful when you were swimming, for backwashes can be very dangerous.—DOT. I

Dear Dot. —It is a long time since i have written to you, so I am writing at last. In the last letter I told you about my wee dog named Kilty The poor wee thing got killed. Site used to follow dad to work on the road, so one morning when the Studholme bus was (lying along the road Kilty sprang out at the bus and it went over her and killed her. Now I have a wee black fluffy kitten He is very playful Could you give me a name for him, please, Dot? I close, wilh lots of love to you and the Little Folk MISTRESS MOLLY BLYE (Lindis Pass)

(Poor Kilty, Mistress Molly Blyel I am so sorry to hear about her death Call the playful kitten Shuttle.—DOT. 1

Dear Dot,—l think it is about time i wrote to you, as I have not written Cor a long time. This time my letter is about our budgerigars We have two cages to put them in. There are four budgies, and they all are blue. We used to have seven, but the cat killed three Built on the end of the cage that the mother and father bird are in is a little room. The mother bird lays her eggs in that little room. The eggs are small and white. The budgies are moulting now. and when 1 feed them there are numbers of their pretty feathers on the floor of the cage. As it is growing late. I shall close with love to you and the Little Folk. EX-WEST-COASTER (Dunedin)

(I should like to sec your birds, Ex-West-Coaster. Are you going to make anything with the feathers?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am sorry 1 did not write before, but since I wrote last I have come to live in Dunedin. Mother is away In Wellington for a holiday. 1 live near Mother’s Helping Hand Love to all the Little Folk. MOTHER'S MESSAGE GIRL (Dunedin).

I Was there much hard work concerned with the moving, Mother's Message Girl? Perhaps you could write about it.—DOT.)

Dear Dot..—lt is n while since i lasi wrote to you. and to-day I have decided to write. Tliis time I am going to tel) you about my pet kitten. His name is Niggor, and be is all black except for a little bit ol white under his chin. There is n wild black and white kitten round our place just now. Nigger likes tho kitten for a playmate, and they always sleep together. The other night when my sister had gone to bed, we heard her squealing and crying out. so mum went through to the bedroom and found out why she had been squealing. This is the reason. She went to bod in the dark, and when she went to light the candle, she saw two kittens lying on the bed. She had such a fright that she screamed My brother thought it was a great joke. Cheerio! DOROTHY DO (Arrowtown)

(I expect she laughed too when she found out that it was the kittens that had frightened her, Dorothy Do. They. too. would have a fright.—DOT.l

Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I wrote, and I was just thinking of writing about our rabbit. One day it ran away, and then came back at night A week aftci that it ran away again, and my sister caught it after its being away three days. The other day my brother made it a new cage, and it is pleased with it. Here is a piece of poetry mother made up about the rabbit;—

OUR ROBERT Robert Rabbit full of fun. Longed to play out in the sun. So one day we all were sad: Things looked very, very bad. For to us he was endeared, But bunny dear had disappeared. We thought of this; we thought of that: Perhaps he'd been eaten by a cat. Then from our mind a heavy load. We saw bunny skipping down the road; Glad he was to be home, I’m sure away he’ll no more roam, For so cosy in his nest. Bunny thinks home is host. DANCING FAIRY (Oamaru).

(Thank your mother • for the verses. Dancing Fairy. What an adventurous rabbit you have!—DOT.)

Dear Dot, —The ponies are not ours, but I sometimes have a ride on them. At the Owaka Show I saw the smallest horse in the world. He is a very dainty little horse, with a cover and a little saddle He is shod with gold shoes. His name is Jimmy, and he stands about two feet six inches. My father has two horses which he uses on the farm Their names are Jean and Nellie. Nellie is very tame, and will follow us about. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. LUCKY SHAMROCK (Tarara)

[What a dear little horse, Lucky Shamrock! Yet I am sure you would rather have Jean and Nellie.—DOT.)

BEST LETTERS SENIOR SECTION (14 and under 2J yearsi Dear Dot,—lt seems ages since I penned those two words, but I have no excuse. Though I have not written it does not mean that I have forgotten you. tor the first thing I do on a Monday morning is open the last page of the Otago Daily Times and look to see who has written. Where I am working there is a dear little boy of two He is just starting to talk, and he Is so funny. The first thing we hear in the morning is “ Mummy, daddy, Munga (Michael is his name) up. Munga up! ” Once he is up and dressed ho goes to the gate looking for Mulgie (mllkie), and even if the milkman is late he won't come up for his breakfast until he has come. When the mllkie eventually does come Michael goes to the door with him and then sees him safely out the gate. He waves his little hand and calls out " Tut-ta, tut-ta,” until he is well mu of sight. Dot, what fun we have when he Is having his bath! lie has a bubble pipe, and is for ever blowing bubbles He calls out, ” Mummy, break,” when the bubbles break One day Michael was missing: he could not be found anywhere. We looked out in the street, in the back shed, In the glasshouse, and even went into our next-door neighbours His mother heard a little noise in her bedroom, and lo and behold! here he was covered with powder from head to foot The room—oh, what a mess it was in! Just imagine powder all over a dark green carpetl It took days to get it out. Every night when he goes to bed he takes his teddy, ho Would not go without him and he sits up in his little cot waiting for daddy to come from tho " osslse ’’ as he calls it Dot, I can hear him calling now, sc I shall have to bring this to a close, but I’ll tell some more of his doings next time I write. Love to all. THE SHAMROCK OF OTAGO (Oamaru)

I What a darling he is, The Shamrock of Olago. I think you will be able to write many a letter about him. —DOT.!

Dear Dot.—During a recent vacation I saw many interesting things, one of which I shall tell you about It was when I was staying at Port Chalmers. I saw a diver go down into the sea to bring up a bale of wool which had fallen over, board when being loaded on to an overseas steamer. The bale of wool, known to the shipping folk as a dumped bale is really two bales of wool pressed together to make one. and was valued at about £34 Accompanied by my uncle, who is a retired stevedore 1 lof home at (1.40 a.m to go to the wharf When we arrived there wo had to wait t. while until the diver and his five attendants had come to the place where he was going to go down into the water After getting everything ready the dlvei started to gel dressed, first putting on very thick woollen underclothes When he had put these or he started putting on the diving suit After he had put the boclv part nf it or. his attendants put on him a large steel collar which they screwed on. Then an assistant examined the screws to see that (hey were secure Next they pul on him a pair of lead boots, which weighed 2111 b each When they had been fixed the attendants screwed on his helmet, then put the glass in the window openings Then largo pieces of lead went on his chest and bark to keep him down When tills was done the assistant tapped the diver on the helmet to let him know all was ready. He looked a funny sight when lie was ready to descend into the water. The men at the pump started to work, and the diver climbed down the ladder which was hanging over the side of the boat into the sea. You could tell where he was by bubbles which rose to the surface all the time he was submerged He would give signs on the life-line now and then, so that those above would know whether he wanted more or less air When he had found the bale of wool he signalled to the man above to haul on the rope tied to the grapnel that he had taken below to attach to the bale when found Once the grapnel was firmly fixed to the bale the diver elurncd to the surface. To do this he allowed aii lo enter his suit, and so floated up, his heavy boots keeping him upright in the water. Then he climbed the ladder, and his work was done. This ended a most

interesting experience, anti one I shall long remember. Best wishes to yourself and the Little Folk. A WINTER VIOLET (Gore)

(Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, A Winter Violet. It is one that many Little Folk wiuld have given much to sec.—DOT. I

Dear Dot.—l have jusv Dccn thinking that it is time \vc had a real Shakespearian revival. It struck me forcibly when, a month or two ago, I saw the film version of “ Romeo and Juliet," and noticed how Shakespeare's beautiful language sounded like music when compared with the jargon that so often passes for speech nowadays. It struck me again, when last week I saw a British production of "As You Like It,” and heard, once again, the familiar story that “ all the world's a stage," and the banished Duke's philosophy about finding sermons in stones. It is a coincidence, also, that the Dunedin Shakespeare Club nave chosen this delightful play for their latest public reading. The point of all these remarks of mine concerning Shakespeare is, however, that some members.at the Dunedin Club are going to honour us with their presence at the June meeting of the Dot's Little Folk Social Club, and we shall have a Shakespearian evening of our very own, for which privilege we arc indebted to the efforts of our secretary, Tamati Because of my personal interest in the great plays of Shakespeare I am commending this June meeting to our members with the greatest enthusiasm and those of them who have managed to survive the nightmare methods with which Shakespeare is generally taught in out public schools might care to come along and revel in the humanity and toy of the celebrated dramatist as set forth by these Dunedin enthusiasts who make a study of the sublime masterpieces of the English theatre. For myself. I have often wished that the Shakespeare Club would, once a year at least, embark on a full dress performance of one of the plays, but as its policy seems to be to give only readings, and the local Repertory Society seems incapable of attempting anything written before the year 1900. we have to wait for rare films to exploit the fullness of Shakesoeare's magic. Some other time I should like to comment more fully on the recent film of "As You Like It.” but in the meantime I should like to remind members of the treat in store for our meeting on Thursday, June 2 CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedinl. [What a fortunate association the Dot’s Little Folk Social Club is, Charles Dickens. A real treat is in store for its members and friends on June 2. I hope there will be as large and splendid a gathering as there was last time.—DOT ’ * > 'f Dear Dot,—Recently the film version ol Shakespeare's comedy, “As You Like It," was shown in Dunedin, For some time I had been eagerly awaiting its coming, and when I did see it 1 enjoyed it greatly, in spite of the fact that it differed slightly from the actual play. For instance, the first scene appeared to be in a farmyard instead of an orchard as Shakespeare meant it to be. This, however, was merely a minor point and made little real difference to the film. The story centred round the love story of Rosalind and Orlando, and the former’s father's banishment from his court, when his brother, the .Duke Frederick, usurped his dominions. Rosalind was also later banished from the court, and with her went Celia, Frederick's

daughter. Together with Rosalind, disguised as a shepherd, they went to the forest of Arden. Orlando, unknown to the two girls; also found refuge from n cruel brother in the same forest. From then onwards the play concerned the scenes in the forest, among them being scenes between the banished Duke and liis friends, Rosalind and Celia, and Orlando and Rosalind, disguised as Ganymede, Scenes among the simple shepherd folk and Touchstone were also Introduced It was in these scenes that most of the comic element was provided. Other scenes which provided humour also were those in which Ganymede attempted to cure Orlando of his love sickness. So lovesick was Orlando that he pinned on trees verses concerning Rosalind—he and Rosalind had met before banishment. The verses were found and laughed at. In the end, of course. Rosalind resumed her girl’s clothes and married Orlando, and Celia married Oliver, Orlando’s tyrant brother, who had reformed From beginning to end the settings were very good the magnificence of the Duke Frederick’s court and the beauty of the Forest of Arden being well depicted As regards the players, Orlando was, 1 think, the most outstanding. The faces of Celia and Rosalind were too babyish and round They were evidently heavily made up. and they had no eyebrows to speak of Also, Rosalind's voice was at times too highly pitched. The scenes were in the main well done, and the final one was the most effective. In it Rosalind stood outside fancy iron gates, behind which the wedding feast was still continuing, and gave the epilogue. In this her voice was well modulated; and so ended another film.

POSSUM'S FRIEND’S DAUGHTER (Brighton)

[You arc a sage critic, Possum's Friend's Daughter. Do not write on both sides of the paper next time, however.— DOT. I

Dear Dot,— Peter is still slightly in disgrace, although he does not seem to know it. It happened this way Having been away for eight weeks he naturally was not very sure if he knew me again At first he retreated into a corner every time I spoke Then gradually he grew quite cheeky, and when he is like that he shows his affection by biting After a few days he seemed quite tame, and 1 was anxious to have him out so one night 1 undid the cage door taking care first of all to assure myself that he could not get out of the room (Peter is a budgie by tiie way). After about ten minutes 1 si acceded in catching him. Of course lie fi t. but when I said No,’ he stopped tor a second. " This is easy" I thought so I settled him on the rugs and commenced to read. All went well for at least fifteen minutes, when 1 leaned over lo gel something. Then 'Hey, presto!' Peter (lew upwards via my face to the celling. Next came the fun. Joe tried to catch him at first, then decided to let him wait After a while he tried again This was going to be good I put down my book to enjoy the chase Joe iusl got on to the table and reached for him when he decided to move. » really believe Peter enjoyed it At least he was making a mountaineer out of Joe, What with the tables, cupboards, etc., and the laughter ho was creating i Even birds grow tired, however, and hi last he let Joe get him with his hat. Now lie is serving—poor chap—his life imprisonment Cheerio now. Dot! LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY (Dunedin)

(You always find something to amuse you, Laugh Your Troubles Away By now, I suppose, he is as friendly with you as ever.—DOT.!

Dear Dot,—One of the last places that the pioneer farmers reached was the Wakatipu district. For several vears Lake Wakatipu was unknown, and it was in the year 1853 that the first European sighted this lake. This man Mr Chalmers, saw it only from the top of the mountain, and did not bother any more about it. About 1856, after hearing about this great lake from a Maori chief, Mr John Chubbin, of Mataura Valley, with three others, set out to explore tire country, and were (lie first while men to reach Lake Wakatipu. These men nearly met with disaster, for the weather had been very

dry and sunny and the grass was very dry, and when one of the men allowed some of the grass to catch fire there was no putting the fire out. The only way the men could save themselves from being burned to death was to immerse themselves and their horses in the lake, and there they had to stay till the fire had burnt itself out. After three hours these men were able to set out again, very wet, but lucky to bo alive. Longridge station, owned by the MacKellar brothers, was the first station formed on the Waimoa Plains, and it ,vas from this station that two men, David MacKellar and George Gunn, of Wanlwood, set out to explore the west side of Lake Wakatipu. They had heard of the 'ake from an old Maori, who drew a plan of it in the ashes of the campfire. David MacKellar copied the map on paper, and this they used as a guide. Here I close for another week. ALMOND BLOSSOM (Queenstown) lit grows more and more interesting. Almond Blossom. How terrifying a fire such as you mention can be!—DOT I Dear Dot.—This week l have decided to write the first of a scries of letters I hope to write in the future Most of the world to-day is modernised but there are people who still live as oui ancestors lived 25,000 years ago. When the British discovered Australia, the aborigines were still living in the Stone Age For weapons they had spears, clubs, and a curved throwing stick called a boomerang. They made fire by rub Mng two sticks together, they knew nothing about agriculture, and the only clothes they wore were a few skins in cold weather Although they were so ignorant, these olackfellows were splendid hunters If they were not they would probably starve. In Australia there are largo tracts of almost lifeless desert so hunting was the chief occupation. They became familiar with the habits of the animals they hunted, and could imitate their cries so that even the creatures themselves were deceived Long ago they probably found the emu to be very inquisitive, so the blackfellovvs hunted the emu in pairs One of them would bury himself up to the waist in the ground, and then cover the rest of his body with an emu skin, while his friend hid nearby in a clump of bushes When they were ready the man in the bushes would give the cry of the emu. while his companion moved his body in all sorts of odd attitudes If emus were within hearing, the cries would bring them to the spot, and, seeing the bogus emu contorting itself on the sand, they would draw nearer to investigate. The hunters would then spear some of the emus, and return to their village exultant over their spoil. As I am nearing the word limit. 1 shall continue next week Kind regards RANGI 'Sawyers’ Bay). [Yes. continue next week, Rangi. This will be an Interesting srrie-.—DOT.I Dear Dot.—if all your Little Folk were like myself I am afraid there would be no page to write to. I recited this poem on Anzac Day. It is called “ Anzac Day." To the war they bravely went, By thoughts of duty driven, Willing for their country's cause, ' at their young lives be given. Every year one day we keep: Just one day set aside To honour those young heroes Who for home and freedom died. While we honour those who died. Their loss so sadly mourned, Don’t forget they suffered, too, All the men who have returned. Buy a poppy for theii sake, For to them our thanks are due. Do not begrudge a little help , To the men who fought for you. In Southland at Otautau, Though small our numbers are. We meet again to honour All those heroes of the war. This poem was composed by a local lady. SPECS (Otautau). [But you must write letters in which vour own words and thoughts are given. Specs. Did you like reciting the poem?— D°T.) Dear Dot,—Once again the glamour and frivolity of capping has come and gone, but last week's procession was not the procession of other years Capping time h”s established itself as an important event in the year, and when we consider that New Zealand is barely one hundred vears old, the part that capping plays during its short spasm is far from small, as It takes a long time to establish customs and traditional events. But once a certain standard is achieved, it is rightly in the interests of perpetuity that the standard should be held at least if not improved upon Dunedin students, however, do not realise this, and the result has been a falling off of the spirit of capping, which cannot be attributed to certain restrictions on their liberty alone. The procession draws the crowd, disorganises traffic, and holds up business, and if tbe public are not to be treated to something worth while, then the procession should cease, or steps should be taken on the other hand to make certain that our trouble in standing on the street might be rewarded by clever impersonations, mirth-provoking laughter, and general satisfaction of the students efforts. Last week’s turnout was indeed disappointing to say the least, for that subtle, witty character of past years-was conspicuous by its absence, and practically every float was sadly wanting in finish and general effect. Add to that, the “ Please give me a penny, sir, appeal was rather overdone, as on that morning manv students had combed the town to a degree exceeding the liberty ot past appeals, and there is a stage when the general public can become annoyed, As it was. the purpose of the collection was an excellent one, and in this respect at least it was wonderful how the students and the citizens rose to the occasion Best wishes to all. TAMATI (Dunedin) [Your letters will probably not go without comment. Tamati. I am much interested in your criticism.—DOT 1 A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER It has been suggested that a tablet bearing the inscription " From the Little Folk " should be put on the grave of A Young New Zealander, who died in February at the age ol 16 years after being secretary of the D.L.F. Social C.ub for several months. The following have sent subscriptions in stamps:— s. o. Laugh Yout troubles Away ... 6 9 Kilmenv of the Pool and Little Lady Clare .. > J> Possum’s Friend’s Daughtci .. .. 0 6 Charles Dickens and Frances Mary 2 p Anonymous J Golden Slippers .. •• * 0 Puss in Boots and Box of Birds .. " 0 Ina Shaw 5 0 Squirrel } p Koro JJ ® St Quentin 0 6 Ginger Mick the Carpenter .... J JJ Hinemoa of the Pool } JJ Friend of the Fairies J p Tamati * 9 Redgauntlet “ n Nymph Echo J “ Ally Sloper’s Niece J p Old Eighty-Sixer ' ” Michael Mouse’s Friend 2 0 Charming Valetta and Little Nippon 0 6 Almond Blossom J p Father's Second Best Jockey .. .. ] 0 Bluefeather •• •• J JJ Quaker Literary Scholar JO A Country Colleen •• J The Whistling Wonder 2 0 Grey-Eyed Blonde j J Lawrence of Arabia 1 p Thrush 9 p Betty Bluebell j p Patsy Never Grow Up 10 Daring Diana p p Persian Pussy 0 9 Eyes of Blue * •* Fit ar.d L S D -0 One of the Mysterious Pair .... 10 Quickstep 0 6 West Coast Fern 0 6 Blue Fern . . J[ 6 Creamy's Daughter \ p Maid of Killeena .. •> } 0 Ivanhoe and family 2 0 Remembrance J J* Daphne dc Ore J J The Prime Minister 2 0 Somebody’s Joy .. J p An Interested Reader J p Chic Lavender J J A Highland Maid's Daughter .. 0 9 Mother's Chatterbox } JJ Aucassin •• J “ Young Minot - JJ Mother’s Pride ' ” Mountain Leaves 2 >1 Mole Hill Lass J " Tiie Betty Boop Girl j 11 Adelina j 11 Merely Mary Ann * J Lady Dundas 1 Scotch Heather I 0 Althaea’s Daughter J 9 Elephantyno * 0 Mad-mi Marygold, Filosolc, and Popinjay J 9 Puss in Top Boots 2 6 Guess ] 0 Oamaruite • 11 Ohven J 0 Arela 1 0 Alys .. -. '. ] 0 K 7, 0 6 Mistress Molly Ely .. 1 0 Tokahaerc 0 6 OLD WRITERS NOTES Circulars for the "At Home," and ball have been posted to members, and the secretary would appreciate replies by June 2 to allow of catering arrangements being completed. Will those who do not receive a circular please write? Charges are: "At Home,’' 2s Gd; ball, ,'ls (set supper). Tickets are available now from the secretary or members of the executive There will be another social in Wilson Flail (King street) on May 23.

The next association meeting will bo held on Monday, May 16. Annual subscriptions at Is have been received from White Maple, Whitburgb Lass, Collinsia, and Bluebell in Fairyland (two years'). Will T. D. A. please advise her address. A picture entertainment lor present-day writers, as guests of the association, will be held on the afternoon ot June 6 Theatre and picture will be advised later. All Little Folk wishing to attend are asked to send their names to Tamati. secretary. Dot’s Little v olk Social Club, e/o Dot, by June 2. IVANHOE. Hon Secretary, ISO Macandiew road, Dunedin. S.l. NEW MEMBERS Dot extends a special welcome lo the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week:— Robin ot Sherwood. Kyeburn Prospector. Peter the Pilot. Rousing Cowboy. Sailorman Popcyc, Cleopatra. OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS First, in answer to those who have written asking for correspondents in India, I regret that I have no Indian addresses in the meantime However, J have just received a letter from the station director of the All India Radio, at Delhi, to whom the late Mr M. E. Wilson had written. This director informs me that his stations are broadcasting requests for correspondents, and I expect to receive some addresses in tire very near future Therefore, if those who want correspondents in India can wait for n little while I hope to be able to deal with all their requests. With regard to the matter ot Ceylon, the situation is rapidly becoming .out ol band Not only are there more New Zealand people than 1 can supply with Ceylon addresses, but, taken generally, the Ceylon people whose addresses I have are too old to write to the New Zealand correspondents who, on the whole, are too voung So I think it might be as well if we let the matter stand for a while until I can write to the Ceylon Daily News and explain (he position, when I should be able to get the right sort of addresses In the meantime lam supplying as many as I can to those who have written to me. In passing, I might explain that as I have been on holiday since Easter I have not been able to deal with tbe correspondence, which will make it clear why many writers have had to wait some time for an answer to their requests. JOHN GRAY Little Folk who wish to correspond with people in Canada or the United States should write to Miss M Vernon Central Shotover. Private Bag Queenstown stating their age. address and hobbies, and enclosing a stamped and addressed envelope for reply Little Folk who wish to Join a correspondence club should write for particulars to Patricia Wilson, Box 12. Balclutha. stating age. name, and address. DOT