Dots Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23970, 20 November 1939, Page 15

Dots Little Folk

THE DOG WHO DIDN’T LIKE DOLLS Once upon a time there was a dog who didn’t like dolls. He lived in a family of three girls, who, of course, had lots and lots of dolls. They had a Chinese doll, with curious little ornaments and little blue trousers embroidered at the bottom in dull red and white. They had an Alice In Wonderland doll v/lth a blue dress and a little white apron: they had a Tiny Tim doll with a checked coat and hat and little black trousers; they had a doll from Soviet Russia; a Danish doll, which they named Helga Schmidt, after the Danish friend who brought her to them from Denmark. They had baby dolls, with huge embroidered white, lace, petticoats and small ; white caps:; a doll i which ; had belonged to .-the little girls mother:; a doll which .had belonged, to theif hunt; dolls With yellow, hair, dolls, with brown, hair* dolls with black . hair: - and almost'-.every- kiiid of doll you . could imagine#' J 1 7And the reason that he dldh 4- like these dolls was ; because the three girls had a striking fondness for taking the dolls for a refreshing outing on his back. But this curious dislike didn't, I am glad to say, extend to people. He dearly loved his family, and he liked little Phillip Jack* son, who came to play with him; Bill Abbott, the coloured cook, who fed him: and Mrs Williams, the secretary. . , . One day the family decided to go on a vacation. They left the dog who did not like dolls with some friends in the city. Here he was unhappy, but he could not understand why. One day as he was walking past a very attractive toy shop on,. hIS leash, what did he see but a row of large dolls in the window, Then he did a very strange thing for the dog who did not like dolls. He tried to get'at the dolls through the window. At last he suddenly realised that he loved dolls, because they belonged to the people he loved. So the city friends went Into the store and bought him a doll. He would never go to sleep after that unless the doll was beside him. At last, although the city friends had become very attached to him, they decided to take him home to the family. And ever after that he was the dog who loved dolls.—An exchange. ■ " ’ • ,!•* BILLIE, THE DUIKER ; . A duiker Is a kind of wild buck, brown in colour, found all over South Africa where bush Is plentiful. This Dutch word “ duiker ” literally means diver, for the ■ active little buck dives or darts so quickly among the bushes that. It is difficult to follow Its trail. •’ / Near Gwelo, In Southfertiyßhodesla,. a native one day came duiker lying in the veldt alongside a foot-7 path. As it seemed to be in distress, he picked it up and carried It to his master's house at a nearby gold mine, where it was fed with milk from a bottle. Through the kindness Billie received, he soon became. very tame, being quite unafraid of human beings, and-often playing with the three dogs at his masters house. When he grew big, however, he returned to the bush, but alv/ays came back 'lh time for .meals! s'. -f Billie loves the veldt and busn so much that ho' never' stays-at the house for more than half an hour,. But regularly every morning, While-it is still early; and again In the late afternoon, he pays a call, walks right inside, and eats his fill before going off again.—An exchange. THE WEEK’S POEM The following little poem, v/hich tells of a sister watching over her baby brother and hushing him to sleep, is f u}} ofJ>eautiful pictures., We.firsl o£ ;. a,l .f^ e r mother on her journey, then the still room with the clock and the bird cage, and through the window the sunlight, the •sweet-smelling woodbine, purring and washing her face. The .children playing outside beckon the sister to. join them, but she will not leave her baby brother. The last verse gives a vivid description of evening, and the whole poem breathes an atmosphere of domestic peace and tranquillity; ... . . • CRADLE SONG. Sleep, little brother, you must not waken Till mother comes home to her baoy Weary and’long is the way she has taken, Over the common and through the green Up the*steeij hill, by" the path that Is nearest,' Thinking of you as she hurries along. Sleep, then, and dream that shes watching you, dearest, Rocking your cradle and singing her song. In the still room there’s no sound to. dlsOnly U the 'clock ticking even and low; Only the bird In his cage hanging by it. Chirping a note as he hops to and fro. Out In the sunlight the woodbine Is stirring, Filling the air with Its fragrance so sweet; On the low window-seat pussy sits purring, * , r Washing her face with her white little feet. Far down the lane merry voices are ringing* Comrades have- beckoned me out to iiiciir plsyj ■ Why did you start?. It is I that am singing; Why did you frown? I am not going away. . , Could 1 fopsake you for play or for pleasure, . . „ Lying alone In your helplessness here? How could I leave you. my own little treasure, No one to rock you and no one to cheer? In the room-corners I watch the dark shadows Deepening and lengthening as- evening . comes on; Soon will the mowers return from the meadows, , , . Far to the westward , the red sun Is gone, By the green hedgerow I see her now coming, . Where the last sunbeam te Just on her Still I sit ’by you, love, drowsily humming: " • .. Sleep,, little baby, till mother comes ' '■ •—Mrs Alexander. TO ALL Dear Little i Folk.—The season for the summer shows has once more corpe, round and as a great many of you will be visiting these, I hope to get letters from you telling me about them. Some of, you, too, will no doubt be showing your ponies and entering for the different events, and you will also be . interested In the other animals that are exhibited, while the sideshows will be an additional attraction, I hope you will all have lots of fun and not forget to write and tell me about It and the Interesting things you have seen. "I am often told what a great deal of pleasure your letters give, not only, to children, but. to grown-up people as-. Well, and that, of course, ,Is one of. their main purposes, , but I would point out to those of you who seldom or never write that It is Important that all should do their part to make the page. Interesting and attractive, and that you not be content merely to read and enjoy what others have written. I know that at this season of the year you have so many outdoor attractions that It requires a special

InaajCuretted «Ju ly 16,1886, 0 by thte OTAGO WITNESS

.Dor 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. 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.

effort to find time to write, but 1 hope that you will manage to spare an occasional half hour to send me a few lines and let me know what you are doing. . ~ I heard recently about a Little Folk who used to write regularly to the page, but had stopped doing so, the reason being that she felt that the nom de plume she had chosen when she joined was too childish. Now this is a pity, and as there may lie others who have stopped writing for the same reason, I shall be glad if they will write to me privately, and I shall consider what can be done about it. In this connection I would like to say that :.l think it would be advisable for parents, or older brothers and sisters, of very young children who wish to become- Little Folk, to see that the noms de ’plume they choose will Just be as suitable when they reach the retiring age. and after, as they are now. There are some pen-names which are quite pretty and appropriate for children of about six .years'"* old, but. which, as time goes on. the owners grow- out of, just as they do of; their clothes.; so if 'any of you have small brothers and sisters or friends who wish to join, I hope you will help them to choose a nom de plume which they will always be pleased to use. There are plenty of these available, and I would suggest names of books, authors, favourite characters in history or fiction, and so on, as ones that are particularly suitable, but, of course, there are lots of others to choose from. Your loving DQT LETTERS FROST LITTLE FOLK Motto: We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. FIRST LETTERS Dear Dot,—Please may I join your band of Little Folk? I was 11 years old on August 6j -and am in Standard IV. I five oh' a farm, and I have a pet lamb. Which' I call Mary. I sometimes help to milk , the .cowa -and. feed the calves. I enjoy reading the letters of the Little Folk. Love from-*, j, GREENEONE (Gatlins). ■ [You are welcome to Join,'Greenbone. L am glad you erljoy reading the page, and-, I,' hope that you will help to give enjoyment; to others by writing often find telling about your doings. You have begun early, to help with the farm work, and I am ‘sure you feel happy to be of some use. Is Mary your only pet?—DOT.] Dear'-Biot,—May' 1 1 join your happy band cgf Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and am In Standard V at school. I enjoy reading the letters of the Little Folk in every Monday’s issue of the Otago Dally Times. I have a mile and, a-half to cycle to school, and just at present we are getting some very strong winds. I shall close now, .With love to the Little. Folk and yourself. ...' f 'I MISS INQUISITIVE (Lauder). [1 am very pleased to have you join, Miss Inquisitive. It must be hard work cycling to school agginst. the strong winds. Write again and tell me more about yourself.—DOT.]

BEST LETTERS JUNIOR SECTION 1 14 years and under) Dear Dot,—The little rabbit that I told you about was gone one day when we came home from school. I can’t think what happened to it, At school the girls are playing echo, which is a very good game. I have been sunburnt a good bit this year, and my arms are quite brown. I think that the comic part in the centre of Dot’s page is very interesting—so is “ Donald Duck." Cheerio I TINKERBELL THE FAY (Otago). [l. am sorry you lost your rabbit, Tinkerbell the Fay. It looks-as if it had got out of its box and run away, as you can-find no trace of It How do you play echo? It is nice to get out in the sunshine, and you will not mind getting a little sunburnt. I am glad you like our serials.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Here I am again. We are having lovely weather now, and I have been for my first swim for this season. The v/ater in the baths is fairly cold yet, but I shall-.soon get, used to that. We have eight little chickens and also a wee calf/Could you give me a name for the calf ?' My sister is also writing to you to-night. We shall be breaking up for our Christmas holidays in about six weeks, and I shall be glad when the time is here, although I like school very much Well, lit Is bedtime now, so this will be all 'for to-night. Much love from SHIRLEY, TEMPLE (Lawrence) [You are evidently a keen swimmer, Shirley Temple, and do not mind the water being cold. It is natural that you should look forward to the holidays, even although you like school, and I hope you will, have a lovely time. Call the calf Pansy.—DOT.l * 1 ¥ ,Dear Doti—Here I am again. This time 1 shall tell you about the picnic we had on Labour Day. About 10 o'clock in the morning we packed our basket, and after early dinner we set off away up the hills. There were eight of us altogether We played rounders and other games. Later we Went for a walk among the trees, and found a few birds’ nests, and altogether got 12 eggs. We then boiled the billy and had afternoon tea. which we all enjoyed’ very much We arrived home about five o’clock, feeling tired after our long v/alk I shall stop now, with love to yourself and all the Little Folk. EASTER, EGG (Lawrence), fl arn glad you had such a nice picnic. Easter Egg: but I am afraid it would be a sad: day for the poor birds whose nests ypu robbed. —DOT.] * ’ * * Dear Dot,—Here we are again all as happy as can be. We started our examinations at school to-day. We have putting greens at school. We have also a library, and we can change our books on Mdndays and Thursdays. We go to

the baths on Monday morning. I can swim 75 yards, which is three lengths at our baths. At school we have a number of nice flower beds and a huge football ground for the boys. There are 14 girls in our class and three boys, well, I shall close now. Love to your happy band and your own dear self. DOUBLE DAFFODIL (Oamaru). [Your school must be very welt provided with playing grounds, Double Daffodil, and you must have lots of fun there. You are evidently getting on splendidly at swimming, and I expect you like it immensely. I hope you do well in your examinations.—DOT.] BEST LETTERS SENIOR SECTION (14 and under 21 years) Dear Dot,—lt is with great pleasure that I pen these two words again. I am not sure whether I am neurotic or what is wrong, but I shall explain as I go along. I was tidying up as usual after tea when I slipped on an apple peeling, and rested my weight on my hand as I fell. I went on with my work, but the arm become more painful, and on an X-ray being taken it was found that one of the lower bones was cracked from the elbow towards the wrist. Plaster was applied, and after waiting for two days to see that it was comfortable I was allowed to go home for three weeks. It was raining heavily when I left Wellington, but we had a good trip across. The train journey seemed very long, but Oamaru came at last, and two and a-half hours later I reached home. My father had refused to claim the telegram I sent from Christ-

church, which I had signed “Prodigal," so it was a big surprise when I arrived. I had a very happy three weeks, fishing with my father and trying to help mother. The last week-end I spent with my sister Charmary. Her children are dears, and Keith has a lovely smile, which has 20 imps of mischief at the back of it. On my return here the plaster was removed from my arm, and I had nearly three weeks of massage before I was fit for duty again. Then I had to catch an influenza germ, and before I had finished II days’ work I had to go off duty again, and was sent to bed, where I have been for four days. Our examinations are over, and it would have been splendid to have seen the opening of the Exhibition. However, I shall try and go one day and give the Little Folk who are not coming up an idea -of what is there. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and you. own dear self. NEW ZEALAND ROSE (Wellington). 1 II am very pleased to hear from you again, New Zealand Rose. You certainly have been rather unfortunate recently, but I hope that your troubles are now over and that you are feeling quite well again. It was very tantalising to be laid up with influenza so soon after resuming duty, and 1 can sympathise with your feelings However, it could not be helped. 1 shall be glad to have your impressions of the Exhibition. Your present letter has had to be condensed, as it considerably exceeded the 300-word limit.—DOT.] * ¥ ’ * Dear Dot,—l apologise for leaving such a space between two letters which are supposed to'be on the one subject—that is. my view from the window. As I take a glance through the window from where I am at present a very different picture meets my eyes, as I am now home again. It is a glorious summer one, too, but just for the time being I shall return, in imagination, to my former viewpoint, on one of those delightful sunny soring days. Running through the green flat is a track, black dth dross, leading to a busy coal pit, on which, frequently during the day, we see lorries travelling back and forth wilh loads of coal This, as you will imagine, is not altogether a peaceful part of the picture, although it serves a necessary purpose; but just down past a slope of golden daffodils in front of the house and a short distance along the flat is a truly magnificent pond partly hidden from the track to the coal pit by soft green willows Stately toi-tois wave softly with the gentle breeze, their delicate beauty being reflected in the sun-polished surface of the glistening , water. Is It not wonderful how reflections, like shadows, seem to transform the simplest things to things of extreme beauty The common rushes adorning the i rugged edge of the pool are a magical sight, Here and there are little miniature : islands and a miniature peninsula, on which elegantly stands a graceful young willow in all the glory of this season. All this, along with the surrounding hills.

the blue sky above, and the glad music of the birds, seems to form a perfect setting for whatever takes place on or about this spot. In my next letter I shall tell you more about the pond and its surroundings. ALLY SLOPER'S NIECE (Southland). [The scene as viewed from your window, Ally Sloper’s Niece, must have been a very beautiful one, and you have given a very good pen picture of it. Thank you for your personal letter.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Last Wednesday at midnight we were all awakened by the furious sounding of the fire siren. A few minutes after the fire bell rang, and my father dashed out on to the veranda. From there it looked as if the fire was in a two-roomed cottage that was unoccupied, but when we drew nearer—we had dressed and were going to the fire—we saw that it was not this place, but a five-roomed house occupied by an elderly man of 77 years of age. When we arrived the fire brigade had only been there for a minute or two, but it was evident that nothing could save the house. A boisterous northwest wind had been blowing during the day, but had dropped by then. It was a good thing, for nothing would have saved the house next door If the wind had been blowing. The owner of the house that was burned told my father that he thought he heard somebody knocking at the door. He got out of bed, and when he reached the door he saw that the back of the house was in flames. He ran to the telephone, and while he was ringing up the fire brigade captain, he was burnt on the face and head by the

’ flames. Despite all the efforts of the fire- . men, soon all that remained of the house ! was a mass of ashes. Amongst the things . lost were many valuable papers, including ■ a history of this country that the man I had been writing for five years, The ) owner did not have time to save any of i his possessions, and all the clothes he had I when his son came for him were a pair : of pyjamas. I hope you can see the • picture lam trying to paint for you, Dot. i Every time I see a house on fire it makes 1 me think what a terrible enemy of man is , fire. i FLOWER OF ROSLYN (Falrlle) : [Fire has been described as a good servant but a bad master, Flower of ' Roslyn, and when it once gets the upper ’ hand it is, indeed, a terrible thing. In I the case you mention the owner of the ; house was lucky to escape with his life, but it was most unfortunate that ho lost all his possessions, including valuable papers and the history of the county i which he had been writing. You have r given a very good description of the fire. —DOT.] ’ V V V I I Dear Dot,—Here is one of my recent ; poems. ; THE SECRET OF SPRING ' Frecsias, honey-scented, in skirts of gold and cream, j Sweetest flowers ot all the earth fair blossoms of a dream, Your soft light drifts of perfume, the airy spring winds bring; i Will you not share your secret, the secret . of the spring? t : Primroses silky-golden soft brown and : honey-pale, : Blossoming in loveliness a-down the dewy vale, : While song birds twitter to you, caressing . breezes sing, . Will you not share your secret, the secret t of the spring? [ Tall daffodils, a-blowing their trumpets ; through the world, : Gold bannerets of glory and beauty all ; unfurled, 1 Your sunny-golden melodies through hills . and hollows ring; . Will you not share your secret, the secret ; of the spring? ; Gorse and broom in blossom across the • meadows green, • Green veils of weeping willows that o’er . the water lean; ; While all the world is full of joy, all • Nature seems to sing, • Will you not share your secret, the secret • of the spring? i Best love to all, including yourself ! GREY-EYED BLONDE (Hillgrove) r [Thank you Grey-eyed Blonde, for this charming poem. X like it very much.— . DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just been looking through my Bible. Sometimes 1 glance through odd parts, and at other times 1 read definite portions. Just now I have been glancing through it. In doing this I frequently obtain more truth than from reading systematically. In Proverbs xx. 3, I read: “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife.” How wonderful it would be if everyone could realise that. This is the latest of many verses written against war and killing that X have found. I love finding them, as I hate war, and I love to read in the Bible that vve should not fight, for this makes me sure that it is wrong to do so. I wonder if all the Little Folk realise that the Bible contains such phrases? In times like this we have to make up our minds as to whether we think our men should go to fight or not, and surely the words of the Bible should influence our opinions. Apart from all the other verses, the sixth commandment definitely says: “ Thou shall not kill." This alone should make us sure that nothing excuses war, and whatever the cause it is absolutely wrong. I think people are realising that it is wrong, for who, in this age, does not know of the horrors of war? But when it comes to the test these people will say, " But we have to defend our country and our sister countries.” One thing that some people do not think of is that any killing, whether in hatred, self-defence, defence of others, or through obligation, is murder. What men receive the Victoria Cross for in war time they are hung for in peace time. I suppose it is too much to expect that some day soon everyone will realse the truth of the words I have quoted. We can only hope that they will. Kindest regards to Quilp, Amber Butterfly, and all the Little Folk. FAIREY FOX (Oamaru).

[There are certainly many passages in the Bible, Fairey Fox, condemning war. and all right-minded people unite in hating it and longing for the time when it will be completely abolished. However, as you grow older you will find that there are other aspects of the matter which have to be taken into consideration. For example, killing in self-defence has, all down the ages, been regarded as justifiable. I would also mention that the Victoria Cross is awarded “ For Valour,” which is frequently shown in saving life —not taking it—at great personal risk. However, I do not think it would serve any good purpose to discuss the matter further. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Murray’s birthday was on November 1. and it was his first celebration of it. A birthday is not very much different from any other day when one is only just a year old. Murray is not very fond of “ cuddly ” toys, so most of his presents consisted of money with which his mother bought a huge Teddy bear. He seemed to like it, only he was jealous when I put his slippers on It. For quite a while he refused to look at Teddy. He brought down a grown-up’s birthday cake with him, but for his early party tea there was sponge cake with pink icing and coconut. His guests for the tea were Beth (8), Keith (7), Winsome (5), Marigold (3), mummy, grandma, and myself. The children were very pleased with the cake, which had their ages in separate groups of candles, with a lone one as a centre piece. Murray just was not interested, but were the others as they puffed out their age? Murray became a bit annoyed when he saw me eating, for, being mostly a Plunket baby, he himself was getting nothing. So when I had a piece of cake he pulled himself up nearer and just about had a free fight with me. At the sight of balloons and whistles he yelled, but all the same enjoyed himself. Murray has now gone home, and since then cut his eighth tooth. I suppose next time he will be running around and talking, and quite a man. Love to all the Little Folk. LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY (Otago). [Murray’s first birthday party. Laugh Your Troubles Away, must have been great fun, especially for the other children, although he himself would not be able to appreciate it fully. You must miss him very much.—DOT.] NEW MEMBER? Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week;— Greenbone, Miss Inquisitive.

OLD WRITERS’ WEEK Letters for Old Writers' Week will be printed this year on December 30. Old Writers are invited to send in their contributions—plainly marked “ Old Writers’ Week ” —between now and December. No letters will be accepted after December 12. This year, owing to the fact that space is limited, it is imperative that letters should be short, and they must not exceed 300 words in length. It is hoped that there will be a generous response, and that the eighth appearance of the Old Writers’ letters in the Otago Dally Times will be of interest and benefit to all. DOT. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES The final meeting of the Old Writers’ Association will be held on Monday, November 27, at 8 o'clock, not December 4, as previously stated. As this is the annual meeting, an election ot officers will take place and we ask all members to be present li at all possible. , I would remind old writers of the date of writing for Old Writers’ Week, and ask you all to remember Dot's request to keep to the word limit. MAID OF KILEENA, President, O.W. Association.