Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23513, 30 May 1938, Page 15

Dot's Little Folk

THE WEEK’S POEM The first of our poems this week is an old ballad to amuse you. children. '■ Cantle ” means ’’ merry ” : " chlel ” means “ young fellow ” ; “ crouse ” means " cheerful ” : “ louplt ” means " leaped : and " flang ” means “ flung around.” Why not learn It off by heart, recite it to some elderly Scotch person, and see how much delight you can call forth by doing so. The second poem is an old lullaby. Toll may be the lot of everybody else, but baby sleeps at home.. * * * TAMMIE DOODLE Tammie Doodle was a cantie chlel. Full cantle and full crouse: The fairies liked him unco weel, And built him a wee house. And when the house was all built up And finished but the door, A fairy it came skipping in. And danced upon the floor. The fairy it whirled up and down, It loupit and it flang, It frlsklt and it whlskit round, And crooned a fairy sang. At length it whistled loud and shrill, And in came all the gang. Till poor little Tammie Doodle Was maist smothered in the thrang. ♦ * * OLD GAELIC LULLABY Hush! the waves are rolling in, White with foam, white with foam; Father tolls amid the din; But baby sleeps at home. Hush! the winds roar hoarse and deep. On they come, on they come! Brother seeks the wandering sheep; But baby sleeps at home. Hush! the rain sweeps o’er the knowes, Where they roam, where they roam; Sister goes to seek the cows; But baby sleeps at home. TO ALL Dear Little Folk.—l like your letters this week very much. You are writing particularly Interestingly, and seem to be living up to our motto even better than usual lam sure that you, will gain as much pleasure from reading what everybody else has written as you must have had from writing your own letters this week. There are still a few arrangements to be made about A Young New Zealander’s memorial tablet, so you will have to wait another week before I can tell you exactly how the money you have sent for it is to be spent. Next week, also, I shall be able to tell you which picture you are to see on June 6. I hope you are remembering about the jubilee booklet that the Old Writers are preparing for Show Week, and saving up your pennies, so that you may have 24 with which to buy one. What happy holidays you all seem to have had! I hope this coming term may be equally as happy.—Your loving DOT. LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK Motto: We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. FIRST LETTERS Dear Dot,—May I join your band of Little Folk? My sister and 1 have turn about going for the cow on our horse, Wallace. We have two little kittens which have lost their mother when young. Could you give me names for them, please? One is very black, with a white spot on his nose, and the other, which belongs to me, has a lot of white and black on its back. Our holidays are over now. We are expecting a new teacher, and we have also a new playshed built on to the north end of the school. I shall close, with lots of love to you and your band. RAINBOW ON THE RIVER (Lindis Pass). [Welcome to you, Rainbow on the River. Call the kittens Spot and Patches.—DOT.] # ♦ # Dear Dot,—Please may I be a member of your band? I am thirteen years old and in Form 111. I am fond of all animals, especially dogs and horses. When I had a holiday in Auckland I had a horse to ride, and there were two dogs and two cats there. It was a farm, and I soon learned to milk cows. I had a lovely time. Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. LORD LINDSAY’S SCOTTISH DESCENDANT (Dunedin) [You, too, are welcome. Lord Lindsay’s Scottish Descendant. I should like to hear more about the farm, please.—DOT.) * V * Dear Dot,—l wish to become a member of your band of boys and girls. I am twelve, and have been spending my term holidays with my aunt and uncle in Lawrence. They have two cows and a calf. The cows’ names are Darky and Rosie, qrid the calf, is Pansy. Darky is always eating the apples on the trees, and one has to drive her away from the trees. I shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. A LITTLE WHITE RABBIT (Dunedin). [I am pleased to have you as a member, A Little White Rabbit. What a good taste in food Darky' seems to have! — DOT.) ————— • #• BEST LETTERS JUNIOR SECTION (under 14 years) Dear Dot,—l am very glad that you have accepted me as a member of your happy band. The other day we went up to the new Signal Hill road—my mother. Mother’s Message Girl, Big Bobby Breen, and my sister who had written to ask you 'if she may join your happy band, and myself. We walked and walked till we passed all the houses in Opoho except for two. Then we thought we would sit down and have lunch. It was then that the fun began. We all had to gather sticks to make a fire to boll the billy. Thcye was rather a strong wind blowing, and our fire would not light, I am sorry, Dot. but I cannot finish my letter to-night, as I can hear mother calling me to go to bed now, as it is past my bedtime, so I shall finish the tale of our adventure next week. PETER THE PILOT (Dunedin). [I shall look forward to next week. Peter the Pilot, because I want to hear the end of your adventure.—DOT.] * # « -Dear Dot,—lt Is a very long time since I have written to you, but I have always read your Interesting page. At present I am at home enjoying the last days of my holidays, but soon 1 shall be returning to Dunedin to go back to school. There have been some very hard frosts here lately, but generally we have, lovely sunny days afterwards. I enjoy life in Dunedin, but would much rather be at home. For free work hour at school, which we have twice a week, I take stampcollecting, and I enjoy it very much. For sports I play hockey, as I am very fond of this game. I shall close now, with love and kind regards to yourself and your Little Folk. A PLUCKY NEW ZEALANDER (Walplata). [I know how fine the days after frost can be in Walplata, A Plucky New Zealander, and can understand your liking to be there during the holidays.—DOT.l * # # Dear Dot,—As I have not written tor « long time. 1 hope you will publish this for me. We have two little kittens, which lost their mother when they were very small. At the same time we had a clucking hen without chickens: she has looked after them and slept with them for months. One Saturday night I saw the hen up the tree, and the kitten beside her trying to make himself comfortable for the night on the branch of the tree, One kitten is very fond of her, but the other does not care for her much One of the rabbiters dropped a cigarette butt into his packs accidentally As my father was out on the hill he noticed the smoke behind the horse, and he knew it must be the bags, because there were no tussocks near. He was able to save the horse from being burned to death; I ■end much love to you and your happy band of Little Folk. BRIGHT BROWNIE (Lindis Pass).

o by the OTAGO WITNESS

Inaiidumted Uulu !6, 1886,

Dot Invites letters of not more than 300 words in length from her young friends throughout the Dominion on any matters in which they are Interested. Now 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.” Every letter must state the age of the writer 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, 1s obtainable on application to Dot. Price 2s fld, in stamps or postal notes

(You have managed to give some very unusual and interesting news in your letter, Bright Brownie. That is why 1 have published it. —DOT.)

Dear Dot,—l have not written for some time. We had five little pups, but two died—they got out of the kennel and were lying in the cold all night The three little ones have their eyes open now and are learning to walk, and they are very fat We have had some shaip and Jack Frost. We have an aunt and frosts lately, so it is a sign of winter and Jack Frost. We have an aunt and uncle and cousin staying with us. Auntie and uncle are from Blenheim, and my cousin is from Christchurch. They have their own car, and are travelling about. Tney go out every day sight-seeing or visiting My mother, sister, brother, and i go with them. We are having our term holidays at present. We have always had thein in July on account of the snow, so I shall get two holidays instead -of one this year, as July is our worst month and it is too cold to go to school, fo we are about five miles from school. The ice will soon be here, so we shall b< - skating once more. Do you skate? ! love it, and Jack and I are getting our own skates. I came first in my class this term, and I am going to try to keep first now. although there are only four In my class. Well, Dot, I cannot think of much more, so I shall close with love to you and all the Little Folk. MARCHMOUNT LADDIE (Oturehua). [I am sorry to hear about the Marchmount Laddie, and hope the others remain well. Will you tell me some of your skating adventures?—DOT.l * * * Dear Dot,—l am writing this poetry. It is entitled “ Our Village." The village ■is a lovely scene. The flowers were gay, the hills are green, The sky is a very pretty blue, To show us everything is true. The wind is gentle, rustling leaves Of tall and upright poplar trees; Girls and boys play in the park. While overhead there sings a lark. If you should see this village green. You would think it a pretty stenc: I sometimes wish- that you lived here, But I know you cannot live everywhere. So when I hear the birds rejoice, I am very pleased to hear their voice, And know that everything is good. If we only understood. I made that piece of poetry by myself, and the other one, too. MAGIC QUEEN (Oturehua). [I am pleased to know you did it all by yourself, Magic Queen. Write again soon, and send some more verse.— DOT.j ¥ ¥ » Dear Dot,—l shall take up my pencil and write a few lines to you. I shall tell you about my holiday. I stayed at home and helped my mother, and played out in the sun. We had five days with hard frosts at night. My two sisters are working in Dunedin. Pale Snow Flakes and Gypsy Pride, my two other sisters, and my brother are up north. We were in town the other week and went to the competitions. The little girls and boys were singing, and some of the girls were dancing to the bagpipes. I must learn my lessons now. so I shall, close, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. A SWEET DAPHNE FLOWER (Oamaru).

[You must write with a pen, not a pencil, A Sweet Daphne Flower. What a good way in which to spend a holiday! —DOT.] # #

Dear Dot.—l thought I would write a letter to you about the holidays. When our cousins came up we cleaned and decorated the barn, and had a number of dances: We dressed up In old trousers and dresses, and had great fun. When we came to the dance our cousin took the tickets, which were pieces of paper with figures on them. Before the dance, we sent out Invitations. On the floor we found a heap of candle-grease, so we rubbed the soles of our shoes on it, and made them slippery The candle-grease had been left by one of the mill men. We also played hide and seek. We filled up a number of holes with bags. Once I jumped into a bag which was half full of oats, and X was trampled on. We pulled down many bags, and had a terrible time pulling them into their right places again. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. POPINJAY (South Otago).

[What a .joyous episode. Popinjay! X hope you will write me another letter like this. —DOT.] * * «

Dear Dot,—One day in the holidays my slater and I went to Balclutha, twentyfive miles away. Half of the road is very near the Molyneux River. As we neared the town we saw the six spans of the beautiful bridge. All day long the traffic passed up and down, while we paced the pavement. We looked into the shop windows, and went inside the shops sometimes. Soon dinner time came, and we had a hot drink of tea. After an hour we were out in a bitter breeze, which made people very cold. At four o’clock we started for home. Crossing the bridge we were soon on the winding road, which leads to Clydevale. As the punt was taking a load across the river we went oh to the new bridge, which was only half built. It seemed a big height above the water. By now it was beginning to grow dark, and we were soon home, and then we had tea by the fire. Love to all. FILOSELE (South Otago) (You had a full but Interesting day, Filosele. You must not write on both sides of the paper next time. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—This time I am going to tell you about my little brother Leslie, who is nearly 11 months old. He is about two feet five Inches tall. Leslie has fair curly hair, and blue eyes. His birthday is in June. He can creep around the floor, and walk round his box. Leslie has six teeth. I shall close, with love to all. THRUSH (Luggate), (Give him a hug and wish him many happy returns of the day for me. Thrush, when he is one year old.—DOT.] rt* Dear Dot,— During the term holidays I stayed with a girl friend called Joan. As soon as I arrived at her home we went and explored a kind of bush which is at the back of Joan’s home. We imagined that we were great explorers, and gave names to cliffs and rocks. One rock looked just like a man’s head, so we called it Old Man Rock. Just as we were climbing a cliff a flock of pigeons flew out, so we named it Pigeon’s Roost. We also found a cave, which I thought would be Ideal for a play-house, for it had a kind of bench that would do for a table, and further round was a larger ledge that could bo easily reached, and would have done for a bed. Well, Dot, I shall continue in the next letter Love to all LAUGHING BRITANNIA (Maheno), [I am glad that you are going to continue. Laughing Britannia. I like the names you gave.—DOT.] V * * Dear Dot,—Just a few lines to your page. My grandad died three days after his 83rd birthday Mum is making jerseys for us to wear in the winter. It is very like summer just now. but wp have a few nasty frosts. In the mornings we like getting up early and going out to get ice from the water in the in the barrels and tins. When we set the brooders again I shall be able to tell you more about the hatching of the chickens. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. DAD’S BROWN-EYED BONNV (Maheno). (Your grandfather lived to a good old age, Dad’s Brown-eyed Bonny. I shall like hearing about the chickens.—DOT.! •Y- >{■ * Dear Dot,—During the holidays I went to Dunedin, where I spent a week with my grandparents When I was there I went to see three pictures. They were' " Trailing the Killer,” " It’s a Grand Old World,” and ‘ Tarzan’s Adventures.” I also went up to see Jill and Peter at 4ZB studio. One Saturday my grandfather took me to see the football match at Carlsbrook Coming home in the train I saw many pictures One of these was a steamer coming into Port Chalmers, Another was the seagulls hovering over the calm blue water below. 1 have started to learn the piano now, and I like it very much. As it is nearly mail time, I shall close, with kindest regards to all. YOUNG CRICKETER (Dunback).

[Those were pleasant pictures to sec after the match. Young Cricketer. I am sure you enjoyed your holiday.—DOT.] V •; Dear Dot,—Just a note to your band. The weather has been just like summer up here, but we have had very frosty mornings. Dad and mum and Ellen and I shifted the chickens the other night. Mum and dad carried six, and we carried four. Once dad carried eight, and he was glad when he got to the shed. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.

GRANDAD’S LITTLE GIRL (Maheno). [Please tell me more about shifting the chickens. Grandad's Little Girl. I wish vou could draw me a picture of it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—i have before me a piece of rock that my brother found. It lias been broken from a larger piece. What is most peculiar is that it almost seemj if someone had painted a scene on it. There is what looks like an overhanging tree with little bushes round what seems to be a stream. The sky is tinted faintly with blue. The trees and bushes are dark and light brown and the stream is lighter. On the other side of tiic rock are bushes coloured a dull green. And yet this was inside the rock, which, by the way is a chrome yellow and very smooth. On another piece the same picture is repeated, but on the other side it differs. There is a picture of what looks like a snail in some bushes. This rock came out of a creek at the back of our place, but when 1 washed and scrubbed it the picture still remained there. On another piece there arc tiny streaks of colour all running into one another, but not so brilliantly coloured as a rainbow. I do not know how all these things came to be in the rock, but I do think it is marvellous that they resemble little pictures painted by the most famous artist who seems to have touched them up very delicately Perhaps that artist is Nature, but it is so real that I should not believe it if 1 had not seen it, and well, ” seeing is believing,” isn’t it? Anyway, whether I know Ihe solution or not (and I mean to find out), I shall certainly keep this extraordinary rock that so resembles an artist’s picture Six o'clock is just striking over the wireless, so I suppose 1 must say good-bye until next week. Love to every member and your own dear self. AMBER BUTTERFLY (Oamaru). [What a very interesting curio. Amber Butterfly! Thank you for describing it. so that we can all share its unusualness with you.—DOT.l * * * Dear Dot,— i shall tell you about the mine horses. There are over twenty, and some of them are ponies. They work down the mine for eight hours, just like the men. The biggest horse is my dad's, but it just works on top. Its name is Duke. Every horse has a name. I shall tell you more about them next week Love to you all. A LITTLE BANDMAN (Kaitangata) [I should like to hear more about them. A Little Bandman. I suppose they live above the ground when their eight hours of work are over —DOT.]

BEST LETTERS SENIOR SECTION (14 and under 21 years) Dear Dot,—The other morning I said farewell to the last of a family of three little kittens belonging to our oldest cat. After they began to see, they saw only Mush, an elder brother, and their mother. Merle, for the first fortnight. Their view of a human being must have been far from attractive, for they were determined to fight the newcomers. For many days afterwards they were still hostile, but gradually gentle treatment and their own necessary dependence on human beings won them. Their names were Mars, Mac. and Mae. Mars was a little black and brown Persian, with striped legs—one of the prettiest kittens we have ever had. Though not a Persian. Mac had longer fur than most kittens, of a pretty yellow shade. Mae was another Persian black, grey, and brown in colour. On sunny days the two cats and three kittens would lie so close together that it was only by close investigation that we could distinguish them, especially as Mush and Mac were exactly the same shade of yellow. Mars and Mac have gone to live lazy, peaceful lives, but Mae will have her little paws kept busy chasing after mice. I wonder which life the kittens would have preferred had their opinion been asked? Kindest regards to all NEW ZEALAND ROSE (Otago). | An original and pleasing account, New Zealand Rose. Please write another such letter as soon as possible.—DOT.) Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I have written to the page. Winter is approaching now, and the days are growing shorter. We were having beautiful days for our holidays, and the sunrises were beautiful In the morning when I wake up I see the grass covered with a mantle of white frost. The sparrows and starlings hopping on the roof make a great noise in the mornings. Are not the leaves on the trees beautiful now, Dot, with their russet hues? The silver birch leaves are particularly pretty. The chrysanthemums are making the bare garden bright with their colours. I always look forward to winter, because of the basketball and hockey. We play hockey in our district, and are busy practising for the coming matches. I am looking forward to listening in to the football test matches. Kind regards to yourself and the Little F ° !k ’ LITTLE NELL OF LONDON (North Otago) [I hope you have a successful year at hockey, Little Nell of London. There are not many leaves left now. Do you like trees without them?—DOT.] n- ¥ : t' Dear Dot—At present 1 am spending a holiday in the quiet little town of Naseby. I have been spending several visits here and there, and in this letter I intend telling you of a very enjoyable trip I had to the forestry one Tuesday. After an early lunch some friends and I started to motor to this huge expanse of forestry a few miles from Naseby We obtained permission at the manager’s home and then went inside. The pine trees made an avenue along the roads and after motoring two or three miles we came into the larches in their pretty alturnn tints. As we came into the clearing we could get glimpses of the face of a hillside ablaze with autumn colouring. In places the road was very soft and spongy and the driver had to get out to see if we were able to go through. We went right to the end of one road, and then walked on to the

border of the forestry, which faced Mount Ida. We rested on tussocks, from where we had a good view of the Maniototo Plains, Ranfurly, and Patearoa. We wandered amongst the larches and pine trees, then passed back over the muddy ground to the car. We had brought some apples and sandwiches, so we had a small meal before we returned down through the avenue of trees. We took two photographs of the trees and the creek running through the centre before we went home through the barren hillsides. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. LITTLE SPANISH LADY (Naseby). I The trees in Central Otago look particularly beautiful at this time of the year, Little Spanish Lady. What a view you had!—DOT.] -V- ¥ V Dear Dot,—This time I am going to tell you about sciiool life. I am going to the Waitaki Girls' High School, and I am in Form HI Domestic. I am in Burn House, which is generally top of all sports My sister Daisy Dawn and I go to and from school by train Schooldays are the best days of our lives One week we stayed in Oamaru to go to the school jubilee. On Sunday we went to a church service. On Monday we went to the sports on the Oamaru Show Grounds, which were very enjoyable, and on Tuesday the present-dav pupils gave an entertainment to the ex-pupils. This term the present pupils are going to be given a banquet. Shall we not have a good time then, Dot? Love to all the Little Folk and yourself, ROBINETTA (Duntroon) (You will indeed have a good time. Robincttta. I hope you will tell me all about it when it takes place.—DOT.] i'r 'J S Dear Dot,—Tire fact that most students are far busier, and are not so very much more clever than other people seems almost impossible for some folk to believe. Hence it always amuses me when I hear people mournfully denouncing the humour of the capping procession. One short term, with examinations the preceding two weeks, is the foundation out ol which anv wit must evolve—rather incredible, since most students do like to pass examinations. Capping procession is included in the programme arranged in honour of the graduates, not for its educational value as regards the public as some people think. If the students enjoy themselves we ought to be willing to appreciate their efforts. After all they do riot do much damage to business concerns, not. at any rate, in comparison to the amount of good (in money at least I which about 1000 students from all parts of New Zealand bring each year to the city. From this you have no doubt gathered that I enjoyed capping activities, I think it splendid to see students from all parts of New Zealand, India, Fiji, and perhaps other countries joining in such an effort of friendship, and each year the festivities make me long more than ever for the time when I shall be a student myself. Kind regards. DUNA (Otago). (Thank you for your opinion, Duna. In you the students have a loyal champion.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am afraid I am not a good Little Folk,- for I neglect your page more or less, but I always read the very interesting letters of other Little Folk. My fascination is the sea. I do not know why, but the sea fascinates me more than anything else, and I long for the hours when I can gaze at the endless expanse of waves. The shimmering surface, shining blue and green, flashes in the sunlight, and ripples and breaks into tiny waves as far as the eye can see. One can imagine far away some graceful liner floating along silently like a swan dipping and rising in the cool ocean, with sparkling waves parting at her bow and shimmering to her stern, leaving a wake of gleaming, rippling water trailing far behind. But even as I imagine this I know, as we all do. that the sea is not always as peaceful as this At times the everlasting dreary rumble rises to a rushing, thundrous roar, and the waves rise like mountains and crash with a mighty roar on all within reach. Our liner may now suffer and lives may suffer, too. so we can see that even as we may imagine such times when (he sea looks like an innocent babe murmuring in a peaceful slumber, it can be a boisterous babe, too, destructive and cruel to all things within reach. THE RESTLESS BABE Calmness goes and wild winds come. Whip the sea to froth and foam: Waves grow larger, sighing deeply. Murmuring gives place to moans Wilder, wilder still she rumbles I Till in mighty torture heaves. Moaning grows to roaring gushes, Winds whine and damp air cleaves Heaving, sighing, swishing, roaring Rearing like a great wild horse, Rising up like great blue mountains Clashing in a mighty force. By and by the storm sweeps onward. Mountainous waves fade out and die. Thundrous roars give way to murmuring, Tortuous heaves to gentle sighs Still she murmurs ever onward, Slumbers peacefully once more: Rising, falling, whimpering, roaring, Rippling waves roll to the shore. 1 hope you like my poetry. Criticise it for me if you like. 1 close now, with love to all. ORMA PANSY (Balclutha). [I hope to have some more verse from you, Orma Pansy, for I am sure you like writing It. Try to make your rhymes truer; “ Foam ” is not a good rhyme tor " moans ” —DOT.I # .. * Dear Dot,—The other night I was listen-ing-in to the Wellington Symphony Orchestra’s concert, and they played a very fascinating piece by that delightful French composer, Salnt-Saens. The piece is rather grimly entitled “ Danse Macabre (Dance of Death), and is a musical picture of the popular legend to the effect that in certain deserted graveyards there is a tremendous commotion at midnight, and Death sits on a tombstone rattling bones, while all the skeletons dance around till dawn, when, at the first crow of the rooster, they vanish Some of us may remember an exquisite coloured cartoon on the subject that was shown in some of our kinemas last year. Anyway, the music which I listened to on the above occasion was supposed to represent the scene I have been describing, and really it is one of the most amusing pieces I have ever heard. I do not know whether its composer was really scriour

about it, but I. at least, was quite incapable of being mildly disturbed by the din he has created. First we hear midnight strike, followed by some soft chords. Then a violin strikes up a ghastly wail, there is a crash, and the dance has begun. It is a very melodious dance, by the way, and the 'cellos have quite an interesting melody to play halfway through it. The trumpets do a bit of violent trumpeting, and there are various other effects, including a very good one of xylophones capering up and down the scale, which, of course, gives a very good picture of bones rattling. Towards the end the fun becomes fast and furious, ending up in a great number of crashing chords, which come to a sudden stop. Then we hear dawn breaking in a very amusing way. The lovely soft chords are played again, and there is a final quiet scurrying as (he skeletons make themselves scarce. The Wellington Orchestra gave an enjoyable performance of this very entertaining music, which, unfortunately is not broadcast so very often, CHARLES DICKENS (Dunedin; il am glad you enjoyed the piece so well, Charles Dickens. Your visit to Wellington was full of interest, I am sure.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It was in 1358 that McKellar and Gunn set out and penetrated to the Von River and then to the Greenstone Valley, eventually reaching Lake McKellar at the head of the Greenstone, and Lake Gunn, the source of the Eglinton. After climbing a mountain they saw the sea at the West Coast, but owing to the mountainous lie of this country they decided not to settle in that part of the country. Later explorers to Wakatipu were two men who came from Lake Wanaka, and eventually arrived at the lake where Queenstown now stands. These men, Von Tunzelman and W. G. Rees, when they saw the country on both sides of the lake, decided to draw lots for ownership. Von Tunzelman drew the west side and Rees won the land around Queenstown, and built his home there. Von Tunzelman returned to Dunedin to secure the lease of the land, and then set out by the route McKellar and Gunn had taken for his new home. Rees was faced with a rather disappointing beginning. About two years after he had built his home at Queenstown the Government decided to build a township there, but after erecting several buildings the Government had a disagreement with Mr Rees, and decided to shift the township to Frankton. After surveying and shifting the buildings to Frankton the Government came to terms with Mr Rees, and shifted all except the police quarters, which in later years became the Frankton Presbyterian Church, back to Queenstown, and now it was Mr Rees.'s turn to shift, and so he had to set out and build a new home, and the site he chose was the Kawarau Mr Rees built the first boat on Lake Wakatipu, and this proved to be a boon in the years following the goldmining rush. With kind regards to all. I close for another week, ALMOND BLOSSOM (Queenstown). [You will know that country very well, Almond Blossom. How interesting these letters are!—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —It is so long since I wrote to the page that X feel a little ashamed, but, anyway, there is a certain proverb with which I can console myself. What moves me now to write is that a day or two ago I saw Hollywood’s version of " Tom Sawyer,” entitled “ The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." (Here I might remark in an aside that the film people seem to delight in prefacing the name of a picture as “ The Life of,” or " The Story of.” Witness; "Zola,” “Bengal Lancer,” " Louis Pasteur,” and the soon-to-be-released “Adventures of Marco Polo”). Well, I thought "Tom Sawyer” was remarkably fine. Others who have seen it say that it was over-acted, but, for my part, I was extremely satisfied with the children’s performances. There was only one part I did not like so much —towards the end, where Tom stumbled out of the cave into the light. It may have been a mistake to make the film in colour, but I suppose we must become accustomed to seeing full-length coloured pictures, and the producers have to give us one in technicolour now and again, at increasingly frequent intervals, in order to educate our senses to appreciate natural tonings on the screen. The only trouble is that in nearly all cases the colour is quite unnatural, being a strain on the eye and the imagination alike. However, I think that with technical improvements the colour film will come to stay. To return to " Tom Sawyer," I do not know the names of the children who played Tom and Becky, but they were excellent. To my mind they did not “ over-act ” to any great extent, and it is good to see that they are going to make another picture shortly. Highlights of the film were the scene in the graveyard, the court scene, and for sheer suspense the cave sequence, which was hard to beat. But I must close. Best regards to all. BLUEFEATHER (Wellington).

[I am delighted to hear from you again, Bluefeather, and shall look forward to seeing the picture you so enthusiastically describe—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To the great delight of naturalists and the various bodies interested an albatros has made a home for itself at Taiaroa Head. This Is indeed a decided asset to the wide range of activities of the Acclimatisation Society, and, thanks to the strict care .taken in this bird by a certain Dunedin man, It has been allowed to hatch and rear a chick. Originally there were four eggs, but as members of that particular class of humanity which will be found in every community bestowed upon the nest their vandalous attentions, only one egg has been allowed to open and produce the queer creature, which, in a few months, will be seen soaring about the headland with that beautiful grace which has so won the hearts of mariners. It is now three months old, and has a flossy covering of down to protect it from the weather, which beats upon its nest. It does not mind the attention of visitors, neither does the mother bird, and those privileged to observe them both on the nest can follow with Interest the progress from day to day of this sturdy youngster. No less interested are the lighthouse keeper’s two children, who look upon the birds as their friends, and bestow upon them all the care and protection which children love to do' to dumb creatures. Even a pair of traps have been set for the purpose of keeping weasels and ferrets away. If this chick grows to maturity it is quite possible that other albatrosses will seek nests on Taiaroa Head, and in time form a colony, which would put Dunedin on the map in the naturalists’ world. I wonder what members of the Dot’s Little Folk Club would think of an organised visit there some day while the chick is still young? TAMATI (Dunedin). IT should think the club would greatly enjoy a visit to the Heads, Tamati. I like the rhythmical prose in which you have written this letter. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Another primitive race like the Australian blackfellow is the pigmy or bushman of Central Africa. These pigmies are fond of their freedom, which is perhaps why it is so difficult for them to become civilised. Their method of making tire is like most other primitive races, by rubbing two sticks together, and they live in crude huts or caves. Like the blackfellows. they live mainly by hunting, their chief weapons being the blow-pipe, through which they blow poisoned arrows or darts A wound made bv one of these darts kills any large animal within a few hours They are very fleet of foot and sometimes they will run down an animal and kill it. When they make a kill they have a feast. Although small, these African people are great eaters, and half a dozen of them can eat a zebra in one sitting. They know nothing about farming, but they eke out their vegetable food by digging up roots. Their utensils are ostrich eggshells, which they use to hold water and they wear hardly any clothes In one thing the bushmen are further advanced than the blackfellows, and that is in drawing. They like to adorn the cave walls with pictures of animals, men, and women, and their paintings are done in four colours—black white, yellow, and red. They have a number of legends about animals and the sun, moon, and stars They are fond of music, and have an instrument made from a hollow gourd and a few strings There are several of these primitive races in different parts of the world, which have made no pro-' gross for thousands of years. When brought into touch with civilisation these races often die out, so civilisation must have to be learned slowly. Cheerio! RANGI (Sawyers’ Bay). I Those arc instructive letters. Rang). Did you realise that our own race sprang from cave dwellers of a very primitive nature?—DOT.l •Y * * Dear Dot, —This time I am going to tell you about Parcra. There is only one married man and family, and a single man, and one house. There is a flag station and a hut. One day we went blackberrying U was good fun climbing in the bushes. We waded across the river and that was so clear that we could see the bottom. It is pretty fast up there The Taieri River is running alongside of the house, and up the other side of the house is the railway line and a high stone cliff. In the summer the trees by the winding river form a pretty picture, with their green leaves In the autumn the leaves are a shower of gold specks as the wind blows them on to the ground Once we went by car. The road goes out through Mosgiel and over the hill to Taioma It is very rough, but a beautiful view is obtained from the top. We walked from Taioma along the railway line. It is two miles, but. it seemed like ten to us. I think this is all for now Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself. WEST COAST FERN (Green Island).

1 (I should like to visit so pretty a place, West Coast Fern. Please tell me more about it. By the way, there was no shilling in your letter.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—How times does fly! It seems just a day or two ago since I decided to write regularly, but already two weeks have passed. Dot, have you ever seen any Australian butterflies? I had not until a few days ago, when I was lucky enough to receive four lovely specimens from a friend over in Australia. The largest of them is six inches across, and is beautifully coloured, with vivid green and black wings, and a bright gold body. Underneath its wings are differently shaded in the same colours, and it has a touch of red on its body. The second one is, 1 think, the most beautiful of all. It is five inches across, and has black and blue colouring. 1 cannot describe what shade of blue it is, because in every light it is different. Sometimes it is deep violet, and in others it is almost a duckegg blue. Its wings are so shiny that it almost looks glazed. Underneath it is about six shades of brown, having goldenbrown spots edged with lavender Have you ever heard of a butterfly having nippers? 1 had not, but I do believe this one has It has quite a different body from the first one 1 described The last two are less interesting, as they are smaller, but nevertheless they are very pretty. After having seen these butterflies I feel that I do understand the keen interest in butterfly-collecting taken by Elnora, in “ The Girl of the Limberlost,” which I read recently. Kindest regards to all. DOFFICE OF CENTRAL OTAGO (Alexandra) (No wonder you are so Interested, Doffice of Central Otago. You have described your collection so well that I feel as if I had seen Australian butterflies — though actually I have not.—DOT.] ¥ -S ¥ Dear Dot, —My two young brothers are, as a rule, rather a noisy pair of youngsters, so when one day they were unusually quiet, I began to wonder what was in the wind. Thinking they were up to some mischief, I thought it would be better for me to keep a watch on their actions. I was preparing the dinner, so I did not have very much spare time, but I noticed that every time I passed the door I heard a muffled “ Here she comes,” and the equally muffled answer “ Keep quiet, can’t you.’ She’ll hear you." My dinner was progressing favourably, and all was prepared save the potatoes. Aloud I said, “ Oh. well, I may as well peel the potatoes." Then I heard these two lads make a rush for the door. Curiosity getting the better of me, I went out to investigate, and for once I found I had misjudged those two imps, for there was a basin of potatoes all ready peeled for me. I felt a thrill of pleasure run through me. Certainly there were many corners where inexperinced hands had peeled, and here and there were a few stray ” eyes.” There were almost as many knives as potatoes (they had evidently tried them all until they found one to their liking), and peelings were scattered in numerous places. A big stream of water flowed merrily along the floor to join its mate, but this time I looked beyond the faults to the kind thoughts that had prompted their actions, and you can guess how pleased I felt. It was a very innocent-looking pair who tried to hide their smiles when I went to thank them later in the day. TRIXIE OF TAIERI (Taieri). [Delightful, Trixie of Taieri! What a very heart-warming letter you have given to the page this week!—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:— Rainbow On The River, Lord Lindsay's Scottish Descendant, A Little White Rabbit. OVERSEAS CORRESPONDENTS Little Folk who wish to correspond with people in India and Ceylon should write to Mr John Gray, c/o Otago Dally Times, Dunedin, C.l, stating their age, address, and hobbies, and enclosing a stamped and addressed envelope for reply. ¥ ¥ ¥ 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 hobbles, 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. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES The social last Monday was very suc.cessful. The following rendered items during the evening:—Miss Natalie Watson (acrobatic dance); Miss A. Ramsay and Mr J. Dotting (songs). Miss Janthony and Miss Beauchamp acted as accompanistes. Extras were also played by Miss Beauchamp. Prize-winners were: Monte Carlo (Mr Maddigan and Miss Watson), Lucky Spots, (Mr Knight and Mrs Medlin, Mr Stout and Miss Pettit), Men's Monte Carlo (Messrs Henderson and Edwards). *, # ¥ Members and friends are reminded of the June 6 Reunion arrangements—” At Home,” 2s 6d; Ball, 3s; (set supper). Fuller particulars will be advertised in later issues. Those desiring to attend are asked to advise the secretary by June 2, so that catering can be arranged. Pres-ent-day writers will be entertained at the pictures on the afternoon of June 6, and those desiring to attend are asked to send names to Tamati, secretary Dot’s Little Folk Social Club, c/o Dot, by June 2. !|! ¥ ¥ One shilling subscriptions have been received from Lily of the Valley and A. S. H. * ¥ ¥ T. D. A. has now been found. >? * * Booklet orders have been received from Lavengro, Golden Locket, Viazaleen, Miss McG, Llzetta, Lily of the Valley, and Elero Athol. * ¥ When this appears in print the booklet will have been handed over to the printer in readiness for publication for the Reunion date. Price is 2s. It is a most interesting souvenir of the page, and one that should be in the home of every Old Writer and present-day writer. The contents include 13 photographs, foorewords, poems, articles, and messages from the first writer and presidents, secretaries, and others connected with important phases of the page and club activities. IVANHOE, Hon Secretary, 180 Macandrew road, Dunedin, S.l. D.L.F. SOCIAL CLUB June 2 is the date for the next meeting, which is to be held in the library of the Times office, commencing at 7.15 p.m. In these modern times, when life is taking on a faster and more hectic complexion from day to day. the works of the greater masters of the stage and Its branches are in need of a greater practical interest on the part of the younger generation than has been necessary in the past. In Dunedin we have the Dunedin Shakespeare Club, whose aims are the furthering of the appreciation of William Shakespeare’s wonderful mind, and if it can be said that the Dot's Little Folk Social Club has at any time taken an interest In, and fostered an appreciation of, the great English dramatist, then the work and enthusiasm of the ■ dull’- founders will not have been in vain. Therefore, if it is the desire of Little Folk to prove their interest in the club and participate in its worthy activities, they will surely respond to this notice and individually resolve to attend the next and all further Next Thursday night, members of the Dunedin Shakespeare Club will entertain us with excerpts from the better-known Shakespearian plays, and will explain and point out the qualities of each character and his role. This should help all to gain a deeper insight into the plays and will certainly give enlightenment on their significance and wealth of beauty There is hardly anv necessity to point out the generosity of these kind poeplc, who say they are delighted to do anything for us. So do not, fail to respond and please them by attending in force. TAMATI. Hon Secretary.