Dots Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23702, 9 January 1939, Page 13

Dots Little Folk

OLD WRITERS’ LETTERS

Ineojdurented Julij 16,1886, by tb.e

OTAGO WITNESS

Dot invites letters of not more than 300 words in length from her young friends throughout the Dominion on any matters in which they arc interested. New members must enclose their name and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only. Little'Folk should write on one side of the paper only, and in ink, and should address their letters “ Dot, care of Editor, Otago Dally 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, is obtainable on application to Dot. Price 2s 6d, in stamps or, postal notes.

OLD WRITERS Roll of Honour, 1938 The following Old Writers have joined In the annual reunion:— 1. Nunny (Auckland). 2. Ned de Vine (Greymouth). 3. Dunira (Otago). 4. Maid of Killeena (Dunedin). 5. Old Eighty Sixer (Roxburgh). 6. Harry Farrar (Melbourne). 7. Geneva (Roxburgh). 8. Grand Rapid (Colac). 9. Riptare’s Sister (Colac). 10. Red Rose Wreath (Tuapeka West), 11. Momohaki (Southland). 12. The Little Minister (Blenheim). 13. Pride of the Market (Dunedin). 14. Mountain Maid (Pukekohe). 15. Leycesteria Formosa (Colac). 16. Pixie Ears (Gore). - 17. Heather Lassie (Black Hills, Southland). 18. Senga (Arrowtown). 19. Jerry Joy (Cambridge). 20. Lady Carew (Cambridge). 21. Zaroni (Papatotara). 22. Areta (Dunedin). 23. Girl of Luck (Dunedin). 24. Creamy (Dunedin). 25. Tim’s Brother (Oamaru). 26. Berberis Darwinii (Southland). 27. March Moon (Waimate). 28 A Soldier’s Daughter (Waitahuna). 29. Katherina (North Otago). 30. One of the Mysterious Pair (Oamaru). 31. Beautiful Ohio (Burnham). 32. Lake Rotorua (Gore). 33. Grade Fields (Otiake). . 34. An Australian Lassie (Victoria). 35. Mistress Jean (Redan). 36. Elephantyne (Napier). 37. Heart o’ Gold (Waimahaka). ' 38. Darky (Wakefield). 39. Dad’s Daisy (Hokitika). 40. Floradora (Caversham). 41. Schoolgirl’s Mate (Waimate). 42. La Belle (ColaC) 43. Mary All Alone (Cromwell). 44. Keep Smiling (Dunback). 45. Mabsie (Berwick). 46. Black Watch (Otokia). 47. Neta Lyall (Whangamarino). 48. The Black Girl (Tarras). 49. A Bolt from the Blue (Chiltexn, Victoria). ■ . ■ 50. Summer Fairy (Mosgiel). 51. Silver Arrow (Arrowtown). 52. Amelia (Christchurch). 53. Princess Vanada (Oamaru). 54. Wild Blue Violet. (North Otago). 55! Gold Spur (North Otago). 56. Olwen (Central Otago). 57. Rebecca (Central Otago). 58. Dreamy Eyes ' (Kaitangata). 59. Montrose Lassie (Dunedin). 60. Another Soldier’s Lass (Colac). 61. Nipper’s Mistress (Auckland). 62. Nirvana (Tuatapere). 63. Loretta (Oamaru). 64. Ivanhoe (Dunedin). 65. Garnett. (Dunedin). 66. Dixie Dear (Dunedin).67. Clara (Dunedin). 68. Love Lies Bleeding (Greenhxlls). 69. Only a Girl (Dunedin). 70. A June Rose (Blenheim). 71. Dicky Donovan (Masterton). 72. Lady Dundas (Dunedin). 73. West -Coaster (Ahaura). • . 74 A Bunch of Cuddles (South Otago). 75. Zoraida (West Otago). • 76. Almond Blossom (Central Shotover). 77. Helmsman (Wyong. N.S.W.). 78. Fir (Oamaru). „ 79. A Bunch of Cherries (Gore). 80. Salt Sprinkler (Georgetown). 81. Doughnut (Dunedin). 82. Possum (Tapanui). 83. Lavenderette (Otago). 84. Priscilla (Dunedin). 85. Sandstone (Caversham). 86. Lady Psyche (Dunedin). 87. Charmary (Oamaru). 88. Frances (Canterbury). 89. Old Writer (Kaka Point). 1 90. New Zealand Rata (Balclutha). 91. Bryn Afon (Canterbury), 92. Iceland Poppy (Taierl). 93. Captain Jackson -Barry s Daughter „ (Otokia). 94. Purple Pansy (South Canterbury). 95. Jessica (Kaikorai). 96. Alys (Dunedin). 97. Silver Whip (Otago). 98. Scotch Heather (Owaka). 99. Uncle Sam (St. Kilda). 100. Mischief May (South Canterbury). 101. Eweburnlte (Christchurch). 102. Chic Lavender (Dunedin). 103. Queen Heather (Kuri Bush). 104. Sweet Sixteen (Invercargill). 105. Rose Rouge (Southland). 106. Golden Sunbeam (Beechwood, England). 107. White Fleece (Oamaru). 108. Bride’s Cake (Lauder). The following sent greetings by card:— Dirty Face (Shrewsbury, Mass.), Lavengro, Whistling Thief, Mountain Dweller, Red Cross Nurse, Mahone, Shina.

[I hope you will soon be quite strong again. Schoolgirl’s Mate. It used to be said that few people ever had measles more than once, but, unfortunately, this has been shown to be a mistake. You will be thankful your children have not taken them. —DOT.J * * *

Dear Dot—l do not know if 1 shall be in time for Old Writers’ Week or npt. ns I am not sure of the closing date; but I do hope I am, as I have missed writing .since I sent in my retiring letter. Since last writing I have been married, and now we have a wee daughter, born on July 19. She Is just at an interesting age, and takes great notice of everything. I find her great company, as my husband works away all day. She is the first grandchild on my side, so, needless to say, there is a great fuss made over her, and they are all anxiously awaiting the time when she can talk. We live 13 miles from my people’s home, so are able to go oyer once or twice a week. Sweet Carnation Is getting married on December 2G. My husband and I are inyited to her wedding, which is to be in the Fortrose Church. Our garden is doing not so badly. I have a few flowers, but would like a good many more. All flowers are lovely. I have only seven hens and one bantam so far, and managed to rear four chicks this year. My cousin from Momona, who was my bridesmaid, has sent me the Old Writers letters these last few years, and X have appreciated getting them very much. I hope to see letters in from Wink, Otara Eel Topsy, and Auntie Pinkie s Girl this veari Wishing all Old Writers and Little Folk and yourself, ' dear Dot, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. HEART O’ GOLD (Waimahaka) [Congratulations, Heart o’ Gold, on your marriage and the birth of the daughter! She will be a great pet. I send best wishes to Sweet Carnation. DOi.J

Dear Dot.—lt certainly does not segm one year since our letters appeared. Again I hope to see a large reunion of old comrades. Last year was quite ,a thrill; so. Dot. you will be able to enter the thrill of 1938-39. The year, on the whole, has been favourable as far as i have been concerned. Steady employment and good friends have helped me along the way. Unfortunately,, I have not been so well during winter, and .met with a motor accident recently. Lately I have had a series of misfortunes, but I am hoping the dark clouds will soon roll away. The election caused quite a stir here, and we were well entertained with various arguments and discussions. The Coasters are very strong in their convictions,/so argument is useless. War scares, too. have been the order of the day. Let us pray that God will save us from any such thing. X went to Christchurch for my annual leave a couple of months ago and had an enjoyable time with old friends. The weather was wonderful, and / there was not one wet day the three weeks. I appreciated the pring flowers over there, the gardens being masses of daffodils, hyacinths, etc. The willows on the* Avon were just budding, and were a wonderful pale green. Writinglsvery difficult at present for me. Kindest re gards to all comrades and yourself. Dot, and may 1939 prove to be successful in all your lives. ~ . DAD’S DAISY (Hokitika). TT am very sorry to hear that your health has not been too g° od '.^! s as the result of a motor accident, and i sincerely hope you will soon be well again. Thank you very much for your personal letter and good wishes, which I very much appreciate.—DOT.] % ¥ * Dear Dot,— Really it does not seem a vear since I last wrote to the page. I have had a busy time since last Sunday cleaning up after the flood. My mother s little house looked a pretty picture on Sunday morning. When I took her oyer a cup of tea. as usual. Instead °f s tepping on to the mat at the door. I walked into a sea of mud. Mother was in bed trying in think of a way out of the difficulty, I had a great Yaugh. but poor mother’s face was a study. 44 How am I going to get out of this muddle?” she said. I got i big pair of my husband s boots and threw them across the room to the bedside I had to look on the humorous side when mother put on the big boots and came plodding across the muddy floor. I consoled her by telling her that I would clean up for her in the afternoon. I got to work with a dozen buckets of water and a broom, after which I scrubbed out thoroughly with cloth and scrubbing brush. The Saturday night when r ained so heavilv I had to get out of bed and sliltt mv pullets to a better fowl house for safety and bv doing so X got wet right to the skin. One of my leghorn roosters got drowned when the raging torrent of water rushed through the fence from the street and into the house where the rooster was sleeping. I do not want to see another flood again in a ing all Little Folk and yourself a prosperous New Year. FLORADORA (Caversham).

Dear Dot,—lt is only a few more weeks to Old Writers’ Week, and as time passes very quickly I wish now to pen you a few lines to wish Old Writers’ page every success. Every year since commencing to write to your page I have looked forward to Old Writers’ Week, and on turning to the page I have been thrilled with the numbers who write to it. I think Little Folk and Old Writers stand true to the motto, “ We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves.” As the years go on and Dot’s family grows larger, so should the Old Writers grow larger, because there are Little Folk who become Old Writers during the year. Now I want to wish all Old Writers. Little Folk, and Dot the happiest Christmas they ever had in their lives. GRACIE FIELDS (Otiake). IThank you on behalf of the Old Writers, Oracle Fields, for your kindly references to them and for your good wishes, which I hope will be fulfilled.—DOT.]

fl should not think you would want to see another flood, Floradora. after it must have been a very unenviable fob! and it is a good thing you possess a sense of humour.—DOT.] ¥ #

Dear Dot-Once again it is my privilege to write for the Old Writers’ Week. Well, how am I going to start this letter to you? We have had all the usual ups anddowns of sickness since last I wrote, hut X am now pleased to say that all my family are well again. This year sees the last of them leaving school, and I really feql an Old Writer now, especially with five grandchildren, three of them at school too. Christmas will soon be here, and then it is all bustle, but I do not mind, as some of the family will be home and we will have the grandchildren as well. It helps to keep one young playing about with them Well. Dot. this is not much of a letter to write, but 1 have left it so long that if I want to be at the roll-ca,l I must hurry or be late. I have just been in to see my neighbour to ask if she will send in I line or two. Wishing you al the best of good wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. LA BELLE (Colac Bay) fThank you for your letter, La Belle. Althoueh short, it is very welcome. I hope you will have a very hanpy time amonsst your children and grandchildren.—DOT. I V *

Dear Dot,—l think it must be nearly 30 years since I wrote those two words, for every Old Writers’ Week has slipped by. Still I have enjoyed reading letters from many I knew in bygone days. Thanks so much for your letter, Ivanhoe, and I will answer it personally soon. During the later years I think Roby, in Bluff, is the only Little Folk I have met to talk over old times with. My mind goes back to the old days In Dunedin, where I generally scent a few weeks every winter. How we all looked forward to our weekly club meeting and the great gathering of the clans, and when someone offered to show me through the Witness premises and ended by taking me to see Dot, it counted as a red letter day. And wasn’t I pleased and flattered when on the occasion of a monster debate—"ls the Pleasure of Hope Greater than the Pleasure of Memory? the leaders of both sides wrote asking me to support them in upholding their views, and eventually I saw my paper among others in print! Does Areta remember the Sunday evenings we spent together in the old town, and what a crowd of us foregathered at the same old tea rooms on Saturday nights? Where, I wonder, are the ones whose names crowd to my mind—Awkward Ned. Harry, Mr X, Indian Chief. Areta. Ceres. Shepherdess s Fairy, Laddie. Go Hon. Didn’t You Knew, Stan. Tomahawk, Duke’s Amuser, and a host of others? I wonder how many remember a picnic we had to Maori Hill on one occasion? The boys must have provided the food, and evidently one with a frugal mind must have got some very stale buns. They were severely left alone, in spite of Harry passing them round frequently and asking, “ Anyone fancy an old t ! mer? ” About 12 years ago wo and our family of five came south and settled in Riverton. A few years a#3 I had a bad motor accident which made me spend practically two years in hospital and left me with a stiff leg for life. Best wishes and love, Anne of the Terrace. Welh now we are in sunny Nelson, but 1 think my heart is in the south with the old friends, and certainly a lot of mv most treasured memories gather round Dot’s little band, and I hope some of those I used to know have not quite forgotten me. DARKY (Wakefield).

Dear Dot,—How quickly the years seem to pass by as we grow older! Since last writing I have lost a very dear friend an Old Writer of the page, and one who has manv friends among the Old writers. Oreta was her nom de plume, and her name Miss Belle Cree, ofOtekaike. re a had undergone an operation and had got over it well. She was looking foiward to going home when a clot of blood formed, which went to her heart. She has left behind four sisters and a brother who worshipped her, and friends far and wide, a*? she was a girl well liked by 3IJ * thought I would let the Little Folk hear mv version of an ideal holiday. First of ali. I would seek an ideal companion, this meaning a friend who is interested in the same things as I am. Then off we would go to Queenstown, travelling by car at a good pace, say, an average of 35 miles' an hour, enabling us to inhale the wonderful Central Otago air and take in the beauty of the country, which chiefly lies in the rugged hills and snow-capped mountains. Hh for the lazy life of Queenstown, board l in a model hotel at the lakeside, rising in the morning with the cool, fresh air from the lake stroking one gently on the face, walk a few yards and have a dip before breakfast. One can either sunbask on the sand or, if in a more energetic mood, stroll through the P* ctu r®sqhe oardens for a game of tennis, °l bowls. And how lovely to he under a shady tree with a good book °r to hire a boat and iust glide about on the lake Some days, longing for the bush we would go on the launch and off to Bobs Cove, Glenorchy. or Paradise. An occasional dance, a few quiet ' walks. a T f l ette £ D £ two from home ends what I *“*s* a feet holiday. Christmas and New Year greetings to Dot and all the Little Folk and Old Writers. MARY ALL ALONE (Cromwell)

ri am delighted to welcome you, Darky, after so many years’ absence. Your letter will awaken pleasant memories in the minds of vour old friends, many of whom, as you will see. still take an active Interest in the page. I am sorry. I had to curtail your letter. —DOT.] jp * V Dear Dot,—Once again I will attempt to answer the yearly call of Old Writers Week. lam not feeling too well just now, as I have had measles for the second time in two months, and they make one very weak Indeed. The weather is very unsettled. The only things that seem to agree with the wet season are the weeds, and they are thriving well. One good thing is that since the parasite was liberated about these parts, we see very few white butterflies. My two children are well, and so far have escaped any ilnesses this year. I reminded my sister, Maid of the Morn, of the page, so I hope she takes the hint and writes, as every one helps. Best wishes to all. SCHOOLGIRL’S MATE (Waimate).

[I am very sorry to hear of Oretas death. Mary All Alone, and feel sure the Old Writers will join me in sending sincere sympathy to her relatives. The holiday your describe is certainly an ideal one.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—l will miss again this year as I did last year if I do not hurry up and write. Since writing last we have had another wee son. Robert is very proud of his wee brother, and is waiting anxiously until baby will be old enough to play with him. Helmsman has had 'bad luck hurting his foot so badly. I hope by now it is better and he is able to be back at work; he still writes interesting letters. I am waiting for one to come now, and expect it any day. Preparing for Christmas is the main thing now; this year seems to have simply flown past.

I think the saying "The older one gets the quicker the years go by ” is true; it seems to be so anyway. Girl of Luck has had her sorrow and worries this year. She lost her father recently and has had illness in her family. I hope the coining year is full of good health and joy for her. I did not manage to go to the reunion this year, but hope to go to the next one. Well, Dot, I will close now and leave room for a more interesting letter than mine. Best wishes to all. KEEP SMILING (Dunback).

cause our friends are so good and kind to us. Just imagine us all sitting round the log fire at night listening to the radio. As the letters are requested to be short, I will conclude wishing everyone, not forgetting yourself, a happy New Year. SUMMER FAIRY (Mosglel). [Letters from Old Writers are always welcome at this time, Summer Fairy, and all the more so after a lapse of years. Thank you for the snapshot of the two bonnie bairns.—DOT.] ¥ #

[I congratulate you. Keep Smiling, on the birth of another son. May he grow up to be a source of much joy to you.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—At present 1 am working for the Public Works Department at the Haast Pass making a road through to the West Coast. This road, when finished, will be a great attraction for tourists as well as opening up the country for runholders who have lived in these outlandish places for years, their only mode of travelling being via the horse This and the Eglinton Valley road, when made, will iink up between Jackson’s and Bruce Bays. Tourists wishing to travel by this route will motor first to Cromwell and then to Pembroke. Leaving Pembroke, they will motor between those two pretty lakes, Wanaka and Hawea, and thence to Makarora, After leaving Makarora they will start on the new Haast Pass road, over the pass, then follow down the Little Haast River to its mouth, between Jackson’s and Bruce Bays. Then they can have the option of travelling to Hokitika and Greymouth, etc., or down the. coast to Milford Sound. From there they will pass Mitre Peak and Lake Ada, and then through the Homer tunnel down the Eglinton Valley to Lumsden, passing Te Anau, Manapouri. and several smaller lakes on the way. When these roads are finished I can see tours made not only by tourists, but also by sportsmen, who will get some of the best duck shooting, fishing in season, and deer stalking that one could wish to find anywhere in New Zealand. In conclusion, I would like to wish Bob’s Sweetheart, Lavenderette, Lieutenant’s Daughter, Francesca. Zaroni, Star Rose, Heatherdom, A Rose, Seven Seas Adventurer, Fenwick Maggie, Lord Tony’s V/lfe, and yourself, Dot, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. SILVER ARROW (Arrowtown)

Dear Dot.—What a sad year this has been. Since last writing I have lost four loved ones. I have not had the heart to sit and write to my many Old Writer correspondents, but X think when they read my letter for Old Writers’ Week they will understand the reason. Some of them sent me such beautiful Christmas gifts last year, and I would like to thank them very much. I have a long list of correspondents, round about 24. What fun one can have if all parcels are hidden till after dinner on Christmas Day! This is what I did last year, and some of the parcels we had three weeks before Christmas. A big parcel came out by bus from Girl of Luck, It was the first, and well sealed, and on it was " Not to be opened until 25th December,” so I decided to keep any others: and Girl of Luck's parcel was to be the first opened, as it contained things for us all. They were all wanting dinner to be early, but, no—l had dinner ready at 12.30. When the table was cleared the excitement really started. There was a rush for the parcels, and then what exclamations! One parcel was from Grand Rapid, and all the way from Scotland—a cream linen tea cosy, and on it were blue bells of Scotland, the Scotch thistle, and sprays of heather, all in their own colours, the top scalloped in blue and a nice hemstitched hem. We spent till 4 o’clock opening and admiring everyone s gifts. Then it was time to set the table, while the others went out to milk. After milking we sat down to more excitement. We are expecting Morning Star, her husband, and children out, so we hope to have another very merry Christmas, and, Dot, I hope you have the same, and all the band of Old Writers and Little Folk; also those in sorrow and sickness. - MABSIE (Berwick). .

[Thank you. Silver Arrow, for describing the new road that is being made over the Haast Pass. When it and the Eglinton Valley road are completed what a veritable fairyland will be opened up!— DOT.] * -V- * Dear Dot,—l do not often see an Otago Daily Times now, but yesterday I saw a week old one, and, of course, as it was a Monday’s issue, looked for D.L.F. letters. I was surprised to notice Old Writers’ letters must be in by December 12, so hope I am in time. We earliest writers naturally expect to pass to the Great Beyond In. not so many years, so I hope we will all write each year while we are here and able to do so. I sometimes meet an old member of D.L.F. on a bowling green, but cannot persuade her to write. I think I will procure her address and send It to Ivanhoe. I have had my usual indifferent health during winter and spring, but am again well enough to take an interest in things in general and bowls in particular. We have had an exceptionally wet winter, which, I think, must account for the wonderful growth in flowers, vegetables, and trees. Roses have been profuse, colours and varieties marvellous. At my door are some arum lilies: the flowers are large and plentiful, some stems 4ft Sin long This morning one of Canterbury’s famous nor-westers laid them low, not only flowers, but vegetables, trees, fences, and wireless masts falling victims. However, we are more fortunate than Dunedin with its terrible downpour and damage. I experienced two floods, one in South and one in North Dunedin, while living there, so can imagine what the last was like. We hope to visit Dunedin early next year, and may I call on Dot, please? I have lived in or visited all the cities and largest towns in New Zealand, but still think Dunedin the most beautiful. Wishing all old and young writers a merry Christmas, long life, good health, and happiness for the New Year. AMELIA (Christchurch) [The flowers this season, Amelia, seem to have been particularly beautiful everywhere in spite of wind and rain. Yes, of course you may call. X shall be pleased to see you.—DOT.]

[I am vary sorry, Mabsie, that you have had so much trouble during the past year, but I hope that the coming one will be a brighter and better one for you. You certainly Keep Christmas in the good old way. and must have great fun.—DOT.] ¥ H' * Dear Dot.—Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter said to me at breakfast this morning. " I am afraid you are going to miss writing this year, father. But I am confounding the prophets, I must keep faith with my old chums. Working amongst our roses, I am reminded of a wish once expressed to me by Boy, that we lived closer to each other that we might exchange potatoes and discuss the merits of a rose. Ah, Boy, it was destined that that wish should never be fulfilled. But I still think of you as close at hand, even though “My paths are in the fields I know, and thine in undiscovered lands. Our old friend Lenore has passed away since our last writing. I knew her well over a long period of Lenore was one of the quiet, unassuming ones who are the salt of the earth. Puss in Boots, too. has just experienced a great sorrow. Thank you for your letter, Pauline. It came as a breath from those far-off nappy davs when the world was ours, Not that the p’-esent days are not happy ones too. Fra Diavela, old fellow, what have the vears brought to you since last we heard from each other? I still think of you In the words of *' Banjo ” Paterson; Facing jt yeti Oh. my friend, stout-hearted! The highlight of the year has been for us our meeting with our old chum, Harry. He was motoring through from the Southern Lakes, and sought out our retreat in the hills. The “ old philosopher has not changed, excepting that, like the rest of us. time has touched his hair with snow. I have not the space to tell you of the exploits of Gavin and Colin. If Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter writes, she will give you the news of our blue-eyed banditti. BLACK WATCH (Otokia).

Tit would have been a great disappointment. Black Watch, had there been no letter from you this year. It will awaken, many hapny memories in the hearts of the Old Writers, and your touching tributes to those who have passed away will be much appreciated. —DOT.] ¥ V V

Dear Dot,—After an absence of 13 long years I thought I had better write a few lines for Old Writers’ Week. I am a real home bird, and certainly prefer home to anywhere else. But this Christmas my husband, son, and I are going to Christchurch, and as I have never seen it, I am looking forward to the trip. At the end of January of this year I took my boy for his first trip to Dunedin. He was nine last Christmas, and had never seen it nor set eyes on a tramcar. When we got out of the train and came, through the big station into Castle street I heard the lumbering tram, and the next thing Eric cried. “ Oh, mummy, I see a tram; I see a tram: at last I see a tram! ” We were in Dunedin five days, and 1 packed as many trips and excursions into those few days as I possibly could, so he will be having a repetition this Christmas, only on a bigger scale. I myself love Dunedin, and find much pleasure in a holiday there. It is four years since my husband got me a radio for a Christmas present, and no one knows the pleasure I get out of it. I am very fond of reading. and do quite a lot of sewing by hand, so the time never drags. Eric’s Sunday school breaks up next Sunday and day school, the following Friday. Although a boy, he is as useful with his needle as a woman, and has done some really beautiful work. He is perhaps gifted that way, as his daddy does some very exS' •' work with stranded cotton, and two periods he spent in the hospital, five or six months at a time, he used to do fancy work for the sisters and nurses. Well, Dot, 1 will close, with best wishes to you and all other folk, big and small, for a very merry Christmas and the most prosperous New Year. PRINCESS VANADA (Oamaru). [How fortunate you are. Princess Vanada, to have a husband and son who both do such beautiful needlework! I hope you will not let another 13 years go by before writing again.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—How time flies! It seems no time at all since I penned those two words for our last year’s roll-call. 1 d( ? not know the closing date for letters, but I hope to he in time. We have two wee boys now, both getting to be little « tricks ” Huntly Is a real larrikin, •although only tiny yet. Graham is growing into a fine big boy. full of life, and always into mischief. We have a car now, and find it ever so handy, as we can go off at anv time and see some more of the North Island. We have not been very far as yet, but now the warm weather is here we hope to get away more often. To all those who have lost their loved ones this last year I send my deepest sympathy. As I am' a poor hand at letter writing. I shall bring this to a close and leave room for abler pens than mm . Wishing Dot. Old Writers, and Little Folk a happy New Year. NETA LYALL (Whangamarlno). fYour letter arrived in good time, Neta Lyall. Your two little boys will keep you busy. I suppose they will soon be wanting to drive the car! —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Well, now that I have made up my mind to write a few lines, I really do not know how tb start or what to say, but if this letter does reach the post office, it is the second I have, written since I retired years ago—l will not say how many. Old Writers’ Week does come round quickly, and the older one acts the faster time flies I often see letters from several Old Writers whom I used to know quite well. My fi r e but mv letter generally reaches the nre whenT do make an attempt. I wonder if Kirwee, Orphan, and Taien Bill will write this vean for I am sure they will be surprised when they see my name in. The mtle Children will be looto« f°rvard n-irlctmac; to SGS Wllflt Ssnt3 UJ3US brings them Ido like watching the little ones® opening up their stockmgs and the expressions on their little faces. X was iust reading in the paper about the flood in Duned n; it must have been terrible. I don’t see much of Dunedin now. as I am up Central but it is nice to go down and have a look in at the shops. I have not seen a letter in the paper from Grandad s T.ass for a long time now. The Little folk do not write like the old folk used to do. but I still look down the P a ß e - Well. Dot, I will close, wishing your page every success and a merry Christmas and a hannv New Year to yourself and all the Littfe y Folk! also the Old Writers. THE BLACK GIRL (Tarras). rr am glad you sent your letter. The Black Girl, and hope you will write again. Thank you for your good wishes.—DOT.J

Dear Dot,—The time has come for our Old Writers’ rally, and I hope to see a good muster again. Now I sit thinking what I can write in Dot’s letter to make it interestng for others. I am not good at writing, but I can only hope to do my best. We are having a fair amount of wet weather this season, and the growth has been simply wonderful. I was very fortunate to have a lovely holiday in the North Island in June. It brought back the many interesting things I saw when I went with my sister four years ago. I went alone this time, and rather enjoyed myself. I met a nice lady on the boat, and we travelled to Palmerston North together, so time soon passed. I was fortunate both ways, as I met a girl companion in my cabin and we came back together. The trip across was lovely, but coming home 1 could not say the same: it was a very rough trip and 1 was dreadfully seasick, so I can sympathise with others now. A good holiday away from everyday life broadens and freshens one’s mind up. I am still working, at the same place, and have been here four years now. I have further to go home now, as mother and father have shifted further north, iso I do no cycling now. I hope the coming year is a happy and prosperous one for everyone. I wish you all, Little Folk and Old Writers, the best of health and happiness. WILD BLUE VIOLET (North Otago).

¥ ® Dear Dot,—Another year draws to a close and I find myself back in New Zealand 'once more. I left bere in vpar and arrived back at the Diun on November 7. visiting Milford Sound en route This is a spot that one never grows tired of seeing, and, once visited, it can never be forgotten. The old world has passed through some eventful episodes since this time last year, with wais and rumours of war, but we can expect nothing else until Christ comes to take up His Kingdom “to rule the world in righteousness.” Still, life seems tc along fairly evenly in Australia and New Zealand, for which we can thank God. This land seems to be tn a fairly prosperous state at present, but theie is a fair amount of unemployment in Australia yet. with low wages and many men on me dole. I came over here alone this year, leaving An Australian Lassie and the heir at home. I had a fairly good shearing season in Australia, though I did not start till the middle of August. I was with another young Christian man on a twostand plant, and we used to distribute gospel tracts on our way around. There has been a very severe drought in Victoria this season, and many of the farmers were cutting wheat crops for hay when 1 left, as there was no grain in them it was a bit of a change coming here, as we were greeted with three inches of snow a couple of days after landing. Well. Dot. X will close, as I do not wish to steal too much of your space. Wishing yourself and all the fraternity a merry Christmas and happy New Year. A BOLT FROM THE BLUE (Chiltem, Victoria).

[Yes, Wild Blue Violet, travelling does broaden one’s mind, and I am glad you had' such an enjoyable trip, except for the seasickness. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Another year, with its joys and sorrows, has slipped away into the past, and I do hope the new year will be brighter and happier for all. Grand Rapids and Geranium, I hope you are both quite well again. We have moved nearer to Oamaru now, Dot, and find the change beneficial—it is warmer and drier here. The garden is earlier too; we have been using greens and new potatoes for some time, and I have quite a good 'show of flowers, the sweet peas especially being lovely. My parents live In Oamaru’ so it is grand to be able to see them quite often. We have enjoyed several outings during the year, Dot One was to the Hydro, returning via Waimate and the Waitaki bridge; about 110 miles altogether. Koro had never been so far from home before, and asked if we were in the North Island. Last Saturday we went as far south as Palmerston. Tennis, swimming, and picnics are the order of the day now, and the boys have spent several week-ends in Scout camps. They are still growing apace. Ginger Mick is now over Oft 2in. One thing, his height comes in useful when I want something off the top shelf! Nymph Echo is near Timaru now, and only gets home for a week-end every five weeks, so Wild Blue Violet arranges her visit to suit and we have a merry time together. Well, dear Dot, this letter is brief, but it always makes the “ one more,” and I hope to see a record roll-call of Old Writers. So good-bye, Dot, for another year, with a cheerio and best wishes to everyone. GOLDSPUR (North Otago) [I am glad you like your new home, Goldspur. ).t seems to be a charming place, and when your family are all at home you will be a merry party.—DOT.l V * * Dear Dot,—Once more another year speeds by, and Queen Dot reminds us it is time to gather round to keep our old flag flying: so let us hope to see a record bunch of old familiar pens busy this week. It seems hard to realise that Christmas is so near, as we have had no summer weather at all here yet. But the rain certainly works wonders in the gardens, although it is by no means as welcome to the farmers, who are busy with their shearing. However, if the crops benefit by it, then no doubt they will not mind. How the years are fleeing by! I guess other Old Writers find this

[You would 'notice the difference in climate when you arrived here, A Bolt from the Blue. However, I hope you will have a successful season and go back to Australia refreshed and invigorated.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l do not know if I am really entitled to write after being absent for so many years, but, in any case, great interest has always been taken in the nafie. and all Old Writers’ letters have been carefully read, We have a five-year-old son who is rather headstrong and mischievous. One day he found a box which he used to stand on while he removed most of the washing from the line. This would not have been so bad if only the washing had been dry. My sister, Nut Brown Maid, has a nine-year-old son and a little daughter about the same age as our boy. I will enclose a snap of these two taken on their very first Christmas Day We are not going away at Christmas, but will celebrate quietly at home. Sometimes at Easter wc go to stay with some friends who live in a pretty little place which is surrounded by native bush and lovely trees, and where the whistling of the tuis and bellbirds is wonderful to hear, especially in the early morning. We always enjoy every minute of our holidays at this place, not only because the surroundings arc beautiful, but be-

too. Our wee girlie has started school this year, and is getting along quite well, and how she loves going! She is to go to the dental clinic with some of the other children to-morrow, which will .be a new experience for her. As she has a beautiful set of teeth and looks after them, I do not think she will find it unpleasant. Well, Dot, news is scarce, so I will leave room for abler pens than mine. Sincerely hoping to see a bumper reunion; With very kindest regards to all Old Writers and Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self. OLWEN (Central Otago)

fit must be a change for you who live in Central Otago to have such a wet season, Olwen, but it is not so bad as a drought, and you should have record crops.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is so long since X wrote that 1 expect my name is almost forgotten. 1 still read the Little Folk’s letters, however, and always look forward to the Old Writers’ Week. Although it is six months since I attained my majority, I have never written my retiring letter. I have been back in Central Otago for a year, and like living up here. I was home for ten days last May, but otherwise have never seen the home folk since coming here. We have been having rather queer weather up here lately—one day cold and the next hot. Sunday was as cold as the middle of winter and the last two days have been oppressively hot It feels and looks thundery to-night. We have had a lot of rain lately, and things are growing like mushrooms. The vegetable garden is nice and everything growing, including the weeds. It will soon be harvest time again. There is a lot of barley grown up here, a little wheat, and just enough oats for winter feed They have a tractor here now and a power binder, so it should not take so long to cut the crop this year. It is dreadfully hot about February, but most of the work is over then. The new Presbyterian Church here was opened about two months ago. It is a lovely church. There is supposed to be only one other of its design in New Zealand. There are a good many little turkeys here. The chickens have not done very well One hen sat on six eggs and hatched three, another had twelve or thirteen and had one chick, and a third brought five out of seven eggs, so we have one hen now with five chickens. A Bunch of Cherries has been away from home for over a year now. She works about three miles away, so is home once a week. My youngest sister has been ill with pneumonia, but is getting better again now. Wishing you and all members of Old Writers’ Week a merry and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, REBECCA (Central Otago.)

[I am glad to hear from you again, Rebecca, and welcome you to the ranks of the Old Writers. I hope your sister will soon be quite well.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here X am with a few lines to help along Old Writers’ Week in the page. It is a long time since I wrote to you, but thought I would send a few lines this time, A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting The Trimmer, and he told me to be sure and write for Old Writers’ Week and he would do so too. I have a son since last writing to you, so I now have a “ pigeon pair." My girl, Joyce; is ten and a-half and Stanley is two and a-hal£. Two of my sisters, Curly Locks II and A Miner’s Daughter, and myself and families are going .camping at Tautuku for the Christmas holidays. I think I will go to Coal Point when we come back from ' Tautuku. Coal Point Beach is only a few miles from Kaitangata, so we often cycle up to the town when we go camping there. Since I last wrote to you I have lost both my father and mother. My father died over four years ago and my mother two years ago on December 29 Well, Dot, I had better stop and leave room for some other member of the band. The compliments of the season to yourself and all my old pen pals of the page. DREAMY EYES (Kaitangata).

[X am pleased to hear from you again f Dreamy Eyes. I sympathise with you in the loss of your parents, but the birth of your son would comfort you. I hope you will have a very happy holiday. Thank you for the calendar.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l wonder how many of us do all the good things we mean to in a year, and how many of us do not. I made many good resolutions at the beginning of this year and kept very few of them, though, X am glad to admit, many other beautiful things have come my way that I never even dreamed of. I trust there have been many blessings on the Old Writers and on yourself, too. Dot. that came unheralded, for these do make our lives bright and happy, and a “ happy heart goeth all the way.” Again this year I have been unable to attend more than one social, but 1 send my best wishes to all those who work so hard and keep the flame alight. How are all my friends? Whitburgh Lass. I often wonder how you are. And, Momohaki, I am sorry your health is not of the best, but I know you are always of good cheer. And, Loody, if you see this, how are you? It .Is ages since I heard from you. but you are often in my thoughts. And, Woodbine, kind remembrance to you. This year we are visiting Lakes Te Anau and Manapourl. and as we have heard so much of their beauties, we are looking forward to seeing them. We also hope to visit Queenstown and Arrowtown, where we have many friends. Sylvia is now three and full of interest to us. For the first time Santa Claus is causing her much excitement, and the things she says in her childish imagination cause us much amusement. Most writers are interested in gardening and will no doubt be deploring the wet season. It’s an ill wind, etc., and I am thankful in one way. for it keeps the white butterfly from its wanton destruction. Now I must express my best wishes for 1939 to you. Dot, and to Whitburgh Lassie, Thrupp, A Waihola Lass, Cinderella's Godmother, Kindred of the Dust, and all other Old Writers I see from time to time. MONTROSE LASSIE (Dunedin). [Thank you for your good Wishes, Montrose Lassie. Your Old Writer friends, too. will appreciate your kindly greetings, and I hope you will get in touch with them. My best wishes for a happy holiday.— DOT.] ¥ * Dear Dot,—Lex sends down the Otago Daily Times with a neat pencil mark underlining Old Writers’ Week, so here are a few hurried lines to say " How do you do? ” to Old Writers and presentday Little Folk. In our small country place we have quite a number of Old Writers. La Belle, being my next door neighbour, has reminded me from time to time to get my yearly letter off, but I fear we Old Writers of the early days of over 40 years ago are getting past being D.L.F and only like reading how you Dunedin folk enjoy your socials and evenings. May you all continue to do so for many years to come. When I look back to the pleasant years we enjoyed being Little Folk, I recall Shasta, Boy, Harry, Indian Chief. Baronia. Daisy Primrose, Echo, Coshie, Terra Nova, Rifleshot. Hawkshaw. and Italian. I would like to name so many others, of the years gone by, but space and time forbid. To all I would say “ Cheerio ” and best wishes for the Christmas season. With kindest thoughts to yourself, Dot. ANOTHER SOLDIER’S LASS (Colac)

[Your letter, although short, is very welcome, Another Soldier’s Lass, for Its message of friendship and goodwill. Thank you for your kindly greetings.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Since lost writing those two words I have moved almost from one end of New Zealand to the other. I was in Balclutha last time I wrote. Shortly afterwards I went to Christchurch, and after remaining there three months I came up to Auckland and entered the Public Hospital t 0 take my training as a nurse. I have been here eight months now, and like my work very much. The first examination which you sit for at the end of four months’ training I was fortunate enough to pass with honours. Now we are studying for our second stripe, which we will sit for in April or May. this being a junior State examination now. My sister. New Zealand Rose, is training in the Wellington Hospital, and it is very interesting comparing the different methods of training. At present she works half an hour longer per day than I do, and whereas we are allowed out till 11 p.m . she has to be in by 10 or 10.30. I like Auckland very much, though I have not experienced anv very hot weather yet. I miss all my family very much, but, fortunately, we do not have verv much spare time to feel homesick in. The first holidays are given here after six months training, and then at eighteen months and so on, so that they do not interfere with the lectures. So mine now are really overdue; but unless we get them in January, when we have a month without lectures, wo will not be getting them until after the examinations. There are 400 nurses at this hosnital The nurses’ home is a massive building, five storeys high in the now block, and three storeys in the old home. We have a tiled indoor swimming bath, cafeteria, a very nice social hall, two tennis courts, and a palmery up on the roof, complete with lounges. There is also the nurses’ laundry Each nurse has a room of her own, with duchess, bed. chair, desk, and a spacious wardrobe. Kindest regards to all and to your own dear self NIPPER’S MISTRESS (Auckland) [You have indeed had changes since you last wrote, Nipper’s Mistress. The nurses in the Auckland Hospital are evidently very well treated, and I am glad you are so happy there.—DOT.] V ¥ -V Dear Dot,—Since last writing we have shifted from Tokanui to Tuatapere. Our four children are getting quite big now. Of course, the four of them had to take the measles. Do you know. Dot, I have not started spring cleaning yet? I am all behind with my letters also. Southland has been getting a share of rain lately. We had had very little rain for months.

Everything looked so dry. Our garden is quite green now. Watering does not do the same good as the rain. I just love a garden. 1 like out first thing in the morning just looking around it. These mornings are so fresh; they do one good. I saw Sporting Tom. Spring-heeled Jack, and A Very Lonely Lass when we were In Invercargill. Of course, they are all married, with families too. X wonder will any of them write for this reunion? It is years since they did. Where are you, A Frisco Kiss? I often think of you. 1 lost your address. Also Beautiful Ohio. I always remember Smiler, of Greymouth. I expected Momohaki and Mother’s Right Hand Girl for a day last year, but was disappointed. The children are all eagerly awaiting Santa Claus or their Christmas dinner. 1 do not know which is the most important to them. At present Jack and Margaret have a mouth organ each If you could hear the noise, Dot; it is a wonder I can write at all. They joined the 3YA Harmonica Band about 18 months ago. I hope they bioadcast the Plunket Shield cricket matches. I have promised myself a trip to Dunedin to see a Ranfurly Shield match now for three years, but so far it has always fallen through. Perhaps I may get to Invercargill this coming year. I am very keen on all sports. Wishing yourself and all the large family a merry Christmas and with love to all. especially Creamy. NIRVANA (Tuatapere). [What a trying time you must have had, Nirvana, with so much illness in the family! I hope they will all keep well now and enjoy the Christmas festivities.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Oh, what a host of pleasant memories do those two words recall! How time flies! It is almost incredible that another year has passed since we had the privilege of penning them. The year has brought ups and downs to our household, with " ups ” in the ascendancy at present. X had another spell in hospital this spring, followed by weeks in bed in my own home. It takes Illness to make .one appreciate the value of good health, does it not? I missed all the lovely spring flowers, with the exception, of course, of those which kind friends brought to my bedside. I also missed the North Otago socials, but, thanks to One of the Mysterious Pair, I received a very lucid account of them. This coming year, however, I hope to attend them all, including the June reunion. I am delighted to see the Dunedin Old Writers are planning another excursion to Oamaru. Marshal your forces, but please bring good weather with you. We had a truly wonderful day on January 30 last at Caroline Bay, Timaru. A party of enthusiasts travelled up from Dunedin and Oamaru, being met and entertained by the Timaruites. Now, ere I close. Little Folk, here is a hobby you can derive much pleasure from. Procure a scrap book, and in It paste newspaper clippings of local or general news—obituaries, valedictories, picnics, parties, marriages, anything, I have one dating back 50 years, and it never fails to entertain whenever its pages are opened. Ivanhoc, the Jubilee Booklet is a fine souvenir, and one of my treasured possessions. Betty Bunter, do you know Leatherface is now residing in Nelson? Nightrider, where art thou? Cheerio, and best luck to all Old Writers, Little Folk, and yourself for the coming year. LORETTA (Oamaru).

[One would not think, Loretta, from your cheery letter that you had had such a long illness. I am very glad to know things are going well with you at present, I think it is a splendid idea to keep a scrap book such as you describe. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There is an old saying that time and tide wait for no man, so I had better get busy or I will find I have been left “ high and dry.” The past year has been one full of interest for me as secretary of Old Writers' Association. A fair amount of work is involved in such a position, but it has had its compensations in the contacting of many real old friends of bygone days the whereabouts of whom were previously doubtful. In February, although order were not encouraging at the time, it was decided to carry on with the publication of our Jubilee Souvenir Booklet, Areta and myself being entrusted with its compilation in time for the June reunion. This meant a race against time, but it was managed, and from the many appreciative letters received it would appear our humble efforts have met with approval. With so much material and so many to consider, in arranging an outline to follow over a period of 50 years, it will be realised we were set no easy or enviable task, but my colleague and I did our best in the circumstances. Our greatest thrill. I think, was when 1 received a letter from the first writer (Jack) accompanied by photos of his mother. Sister, and himself for inclusion in the booklet, which enhanced its value. Jack is now in Christchurch and Ethel, who was the second writer, is now in England, but was not contacted in time to receive a letter for publication. One member wrote expressing the hope that another •booklet would appear in 1946, whilst another wrote saying, ** Now you have completed 1936, how about starting to prepare for 1946,” to which I replied, "Not for mine.” I would like to once again thank all who assisted us and sent letters. To all others in town and country may I extend my thanks for loyal support during the year and solicit a continuance for the new executive and secretary. We have a very capable secretary in our old friend. Clara, to whom I am grateful for allowing me to nominate her for that office. Country members can rest assured that their interests are being well looked after by the new executive just as in past years, and we look to an even more successful future. With the consent of members I am endeavouring to dispose of unsold copies of the booklet, and will be § leased to receive orders at the address elow. Cost is 2s (post free), and there are now 156 copies left out of 500 published. Garnett is actually breaking her long silence by writing this year. I trust old friends will be able to withstand the shock. In conclusion, I desire to extend my thanks to Dot. the manager, our patron, and others in the Otago Daily Times office for great assistance rendered to the association during my term of office. Kindest regards and all the best of good wishes for 1939 to all Old Writers and Little Fo‘k. IVANHOE. 180 Macandrew road, Dunedin, S.l. [Only those who have had it to do, Ivanhoe, know the immense amount of work Involved in compiling such a booklet, and the Old Writers' Association owes you and Areta a debt of gratitude for your labours in this connection. X am glad to know that so many copies have been sold, and hope that before long you will have disposed of the balance.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Seeing Ivanhoe has gone on strike ” over writing for us both now that space is limited, I am forced to write for myself or else be among the missing. He always has more to write about than I have, so I have left it to'him In the past to include me in his annual budget. There is nothing startling to write about, as my daily routine is just the usual household duties and getting the children off to school. Ivanett and Ivanhoe Junior have both passed into Standard V, and have done fairly well judging by report cards. As they are twins, we naturally are glad they are keeping together through the classes. They are at Forbury School, which is quite handy to our place. What unsettled weather we have had of late, to say nothing of the flood, of which we had a share, although nothing to what others near us had! We are now waiting for a fine spell of weather to dry up the ground again before putting the garden in order. Our socials during the year have been fairly well attended, and we have had very pleasant times. It is to be hoped there will be a good muster for the Oamaru excursion trip in January. Such trips help to strengthen the bonds of friendship which our organisation is out to foster. With best wishes for 1939 to all GARNETT (Dunedin) [I am glad Ivanhoe did “go on strike," Garnett, since it has resulted in my receiving a letter from you. I am glad also that you did not sutler to a very great extent from the flood, and hope that you will soon get everything in order again.—DOT.] * * Dear Dot,—Once again 1 am penning a few lines to our old page, and slncerly hope there is a good rally from Old Writers. I had the pleasure of having three weeks’ holidays at the home of Maid of the Morn, and she in turn came down for the June celebration for a fortnight, We both enjoyed the afternoon at the Savoy meeting the different ones from the 1937 one, and spoke of what we had done in the past year. We also attended the ball, but it was not so successful as the one previous owing to there being several other dances on the same night. Well, Dot, I will finish now, wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Best ‘wishes to Maid of the Morn, Midgie, Lily of the Valiev, White Maple, White Maple’s Mate, Clifton’s Mate, Roche, and Chips, DIXIE DEAR (Dunedin). fl am glad you enjoyed the June celebration, Dixie Dear. You seem to have a number of Old Writer friends, and would be pleased to get into personal touch with them. —DOT.] tf. *{• * Dear Dot,—Although not a constant contributor to the Old Writers’ page, something urges me to put pen to paper, briefly though it may be. Perhaps it is the desire to assist others who, down the years, as one of our poets has written, made their footsteps echo down the corridors of time. and. secondly, as secretary to the association. Yes, these folk who attend meetings, workers all, are ever eager to keep green the friendships iqade while writers of the page and to link up with present-day members. Some Otago Central Old Writers I should like to have met on my brief trip through Lawrence to Alexandra and then home via Palmerston, but time did not permit. It is 20 years or more since I have been in those parts. The hills I thought were steep years ago seemed to be smaller, as though the course of time had a levelling effect.

To distant members 1 would mention wo would appreciate any suggestions whereby a closer contact can be made. Wishing old comrades and writers to the page the best that life affords. t ' CLARA (Dunedin).

II extend to you. Clara, my best wishes on your appointment as secretary of the Old Writers’ Association. 1 hope that you will have a happy time during your term of office, and that the association will continue to grow and prosper.—DOT.] •V * * Dear Dot,—Once again our annual reunion has come round, and I must send in a few lines. I had a rather unexpected holiday. My husband had been asked to judge the Friesian section at the Taieri and Dunedin Shows, and he thought he would like to take wee Tom and myself up with him. We left home at 6.25 on. Saturday morning and arrived in time for him to start judging at the Taieri Show that morning. We stayed with friends at Momona over the week-end, and had a very pleasant time. The land up that way seems to look splendid this year. On the Monday we went through to Waikouaiti to see some of my husband’s relations, where I spent the rest of the week. Dunedin always charms me, vet I never get really good weather when I am there. My family are growing up fast. Forestvale Fairy will start her high school career next year, all going well. I am rather pleased with her. The children had a big day at school yesterday. The inspector arrived in the morning, and in the afternoon they had a big cricket match, resulting in a win for the home team, who scored 52 runs to their opponents’ 16, The girls took afternoon tea. so everyone had some, including .the visiting team and its teacher. The Inspector stayed also, so it was really a big day. The evening was spent at a lovely Sunday school tea party. When we were children we were so afraid of the inspector: now children look on him as an ordinary mortal How good it is to see many of the well-known names still in. our Old Writers’ page. We had a visit from Sunbeam II and her husband and son last Christmas. She looked well. It was years since I had seen her, and we so enjoyed the visit. Thank you. Frolic, for the bulbs. I must wish all Little Folk. Old Writers, and yourself a very happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. LOVE LIES BLEEDING (Greenhills).

[An unexpected holiday is always pleasant, Love Lies Bleeding, and you would enjoy visiting your friends. Thank you for your good wishes. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This year it is unnecessary for me to meditate on the choice of a subject for my letter, because the most outstanding event of the year was my •visit to Oamaru to attend the jubilee celebrations of the Waitaki Girls’ High School. Returning after an absence of many years, what a joy - it was to be greeted by old schoolmates whom one had not seen since leaving school! Beginning with the civic reception in the Town Hall —I did not risk missing that, as it may be the one and only civic reception ever accorded me—X attended . the functions, becoming increasingly thrilled and enthusiastic as time went on. The banquet ,ln the school hall was an outstanding success, the hall being beautifully decorated with flowers and greenery, with streamers in the school colours (red and black), and in the centre of the hall a group of 50 electric lights, representing the years of the school’s existence. This piece de resistance was, I believe, responsible for an unrehearsed item, a complete " black out ” of the electric power, which occurred just as most of the banqueters were seated. On Sunday afternoon an unforgettable event was the march by expupils, present pupils, and staff from the school to the Opera House, both sides of the street being lined with well-wishers in a manner reminiscent of Capping Day in Dunedin. On Monday evening we were entertained at a reception arranged by the Old Girls’ Association. The hall was luxuriously arranged as a drawing room, with lounges and tables, and during the evening an interesting ceremony was the cutting of the jubilee cake. On Monday afternoon I was one of the fortunate party who journeyed to Waianakarua and spent the afternoon as a guest on the beautiful private golf links near the river. Wishing you as successful a re-union for Old Writers’ Week. Kindest regards. . ONLY A GIRL (Dunedin). [The Waitaki Girls’ High School jubilee celebrations must have been very successful. Only a Girl, and I am glad you enjoyed them so much. Unfortunately, I have not space to publish your letter In full.—DOT.) V * * Dear Dot.—Once more the year has passed on, and Old Writers’ Week has come again. How many will answer the call and how many forget? Eagerly I look the page through for the news of old friends. If I write some of my old correspondents will know I still exist,, even if they never hear from me. Somehow I lost all their addresses one by one. but if they see this they will know T still remember them. I have another baby girl, who was born on October 10. I now have four boys and four girls of my own, which makes eleven with my step-children, so we have a big family when we all get together. I had a trip into the country with friends to a place I once lived at. and everything looked fresh and green. It made me wish for the country again. This town life does not appeal to me at all. Wishing all writers, old and new, not forgetting yourself, happier years as each one rolls on.

A JUNE ROSE (Blenheim). [Congratulations on the birth of another daughter, A June Rose. What a jolly family party you must be! In the circumstances you have every excuse for not writing letters, end I hope that during Old Writers’ Week you will hear news of many of your old friends. —DOT.] f? ¥ V Dear Dot, —Just a hasty line or two to wish you, my co-writers of 30 to 40 years ago, and present Dot’s Little Folk all that is best and brightest during the new year. Especially at this time of the year do one’s thoughts go out to those who were closely associated with one in the Dot’s Little Folk band away back in the days when the heart was young and there was little thought of the morrow; to the merry times many of us spent together, and to those who are no longer with us. Shall we ever forget the “ old army ” as it marches past in our memory —gay, carefree youngsters, laughing, boisterous, with all the world at our feet? I salute you, old comrades, in the year that has started on its way—Alys, Hinemoa, Pauline, Ivanhoe, Devonshire Dumpling, Jessica. Indian Chief, Ziska, Laddie. Nut, C.C.M., The Duke’s Amuser, Con. Esmeralda, Kimber Lee, Fluff, Rimbecco Shan, Taffy, Veronica, Willie, Sally Slow, Harry, Jessie C, Slow Boy, Palmerstonite. Maureen, Priscilla, Doreen, Hindu. Doughnut, Little May, Roby, Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter, Ismene, Maidey, Natty Bumpo, Lily of the Valley, Loaf, Coo-ee, Fancy Free! All hail, comrades-in-writing of other days, and may your hearts at this merry time of the year be as light as fluff upon the wind, though there be streaks of snow in the hair, and may we all answer the Dot’s Little Folk Old Writers’ call next year. DICKY DONOVAN (Masterton). [Your letter will be read with great pleasure by the Old Writers, Dicky Donovan, and it will awaken happy memories of bygone days. You certainly cannot be reprdached for forgetting your old friends -DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —The time has arrived for all letters to be in, and my pen must hasten or I shall be shut out. Well, now, greetings to our dear Dot. and I hope

you will have a very happy time with all the members of your large family. We are a very happy family. In fact, I think I derive more pleasure from Dot’s Little Folk doings as the years pass. 1 hope there will be a record number of Old Writers present this year, and that our meeting will be a very successful one. Wishing one and all of the Dot’s Little Folk the season’s greetings, and much love to you, dear Dot. LADY DUNDAS (Dunedin). [Thank you very much for your kindly message to me personally. I am glad your association with the Dot’s Little Folk has been such a happy one.—DOT.] !{,' * * Dear Dot, —Another year has passed—a year of momentous happenings. It has been “ wars and rumours of wars,” and cruel conflicts in Spain and China still rage on. Then there are great changes in the map of Central Europe; ones that will have far-reaching effects. The world stands aghast at the treatment meted out to the Jews. In our own New Zealand we are not long through a warmly contested parliamentary election. Whether the majority of voters were wise or otherwise time will soon show. To come right home there has been one big change next door to us. Our brother-in-law at Matai sold his farm—part. of which had been our father’s land—ln the winteafc-and now Grey Valley and her family are all in Greymouth. At present we are enduring a long-drawn-out spell of very unsettled weather —the kind that gave the West Coast its rainy reputationl The past fortnight has been a real mix-up-just all sorts of weather. Blue Violet complains that despite all her gardening experience she never before had so little to show in the vegetable patch in December. This is the prettiest period for Water Lily’s old-fashioned flower garden, but, alas, the blooms are bruised and battered. It is disheartening to them both, and no comfort that all gardeners are likewise discouraged. We passed in our old Ford lately, arid now possess a new VB, also calling it "Brownie.” Just wish us joy! Not much of the Grey Valley is tar-sealed yet, and where it is not the roads are dreadfully pot-holey. One cannot miss them at all; and where improvements are being made things are simply awful in places. Motorists do complain bitterly. I hope to see a very large number of Old Writers, and wish you, Dot, and all, a very happy New Year.

WEST COASTER (Ahaura). [I do wish you joy, West Coaster, and hope that you will have many pleasant hours in your new car. The weather has been very disappointing this summer so far. but we must keep on hoping that it will improve.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Looking at the calendar I see how near the I2th ls looming, so here I am. " How do you do, Old Writers and Little Folk, too? ” The compliments of the season to you one and all. This year has passed quickly. I think 'the older one gets the quicker the years pass. We purchased a house six months ago, so I have spent many busy hours trying to make a nice flower garden. X love flowers, but when you rent a place you cannot afford to Indulge ,in keeping any very special plants, shrubs, etc., as nearly always they are left behind or die in shifting, but now I can ,go ahead and know they are permanent fixtures. Well, Dot, that jolly old man, Santa Claus, will soon be going his rounds. How excited the wee ones get, and some of the big ones, too! Holidays! It is a marvellous word, is it not? It conjures up all sorts of visions—a complete change from everyday routine. Even a few carefree, joyous days make a world of difference, and help us to tackle the grey days as they come along. Tilly, my friend, what has happened to you? Greetings, and to you, Dunira. I think this will do to answer Queen Dot’s call, so “au revoir.” A BUNCH OF CUDDLES (South Otago). [I hope you will have many years of happiness and prosperity in your new home, A Bunch of Cuddles. Holidays are indeed a boon, and help us to get through the grey days that come to us all.—DOT.] M ¥ ¥

Dear Dot.—Just another link in the golden chain of friendship to wish you and all Old and Little Folk writers of the Dot s Little Folk clan the season’s greeting" Time and tide wait for no man, and we are again to enter into another year, and once more the call goes out to Old Writers, and how we procrastinate! I guess there will be several others who, like myself, have put off writing until the last minute. Yet such a busy time is this with work to be done and gardens simply begging to be weeded that you really must forgiveme. We have had such a lot of rain that the weeds have grown in abundance and the lawns are getting away on me again. We have another wee son ]ust five weeks old, and our eldest boy is very fono of him, and whenever he cries he takes me by the hand to get baby. I wonder it Llyswen will write for this years page. At present he is in* Dunedin, and is talking of going to the Bible Class conference at Gore. I enjoyed the Little Folk competition letters after Old Writers Week last year, and 1 thought those of Daphne Delight, Tamati, and Record! s Daughter were eloquently expressed. Well, I must not overrun the space limit, otherwise there will be no room left for the other letters so I shall Close. My best wishes for 1938 Dot, and all Old Writers and Little Folk. ,

ZORAIDA (West Coast). [Congratulations to you, too, Zoraida. on the arrival of another son. I hope ne will be blessed with health, happiness, and good fortune. You will be very proud of your two boys.—DOT.] !{. « ■¥ Dear Dot.—lt must be over five years since X penned these two familiar words. I was reading Dot's Little Folk P a |[ e I® 9 * week, and suddenly remembered Old Writers’ Week. I did not write last year or when I retired from the Little Folk, so I must resolve to do better in the future. Since I have been out working I seem to have dropped all my Little Folk correspondents. I do not have so much time for letter writing as formerly, and after some time has elapsed I forget whether I have answered letters or not. I always heard from A Maid of the Violets and Eyes of Blue until this last year. I must try and get in touch again this Christmas. Dad has a sheep farm just out of Gore now. and I work on a neighbouring sheep farm. It is a very different life to station life away back, in the hills. „ It is five years since we left the sheep station and mountains of Otago, but I have never wished myself back there. I like living near a town these days, though I would not like to live in it. Gore is a very pretty little town: everything is so nicely laid out. Lately we have been having some of the weather Southland seems to have a fair reputation for—plenty of rain and wind quite often, but all vegetation seems to have benefited greatly with it. The roses at the place where I work are simply marvellous We had a lovely dav for People’s Day at the Gore A. and P. 'Show on December 7. If it is fine it is a great day for parading new summer frocks and suits. Everyone will be hoping the weather takes up over Christmas. Wishing every member of Dot's Little Folk band a merry Christmas, also your own dear self. BUNCH OF CHERRIES (Gore). [1 am very pleased to have your letter, A Bunch of Cherries, and hope you will get in touch with some of your old correspondents again.—DOT.] - .... ... ,5 ...

Old Writers’ letters will be continued on January 16.