Dot's Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24326, 17 June 1940, Page 10

Dot's Little Folk

THE WEEK’S POEM Here Is a cheery little poem for you, children, by Charlotte ' Bronte, who, although she herself had a very sad life, did not lose heart and was able to look on the bright side of things and give encouragement to others. DOT. LIFE’S SUNNY HOURS Life, believe, is not a dream So dark as sages say; Oft a little morning rain Foretells a pleasant day. Sometimes there are clouds of gloom. But these are transient all; If the shower will make the roses bloom, O why lament its fall? Rapidly, merrily, Life’s sunny hours flit by, Gratefully, cheerily, Enjoy them as they fly! What though'Death at times steps in And calls our best away? What though sorrow seems to win ' O’er hope a heavy sway? Yet hope again elastic springs, Unconquered, though she fell; Still buoyant are her golden wings, Still strong to bear us well. Manfully, fearfully. The day of trial bear, For gloriously, victoriously, Can courage quell despair! —Charlotte Bronte. TO ALL Dear Little Folk,—The recent urgent appeal for funds for the work of the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance should bring home to us the necessity for us all to do everything we possibly can to help to provide medical attention and comforts for our sick and wounded soldiers. In addition, there are thousands of refugee children to be fed and clothed, and this is a work which should make a special appeal .to you. I know from what you have told me that many of you have clever fingers and are able to knit and sew, and I suggest that you should find out what .is particularly wanted in your district, and, if you can, help to supply it. Those of you //ho cannot do anything else could always help to make or roll bandages. Every little helps, and although we may not be able to do very much, we can all do something, and thus play our part in the great struggle in the cause of freedom. In conclusion, let me quote the following extract from an article in an English newspaper:— "It is good for us all to remember that these dark days will pass away and bring us to a sweeter, cleaner, saner world. For those of us who do. not fight with mortal powers there are great and noble things that we can lay on the altar of our country. We can be strong and of good courage. We can be patient and enduring. We can learn to give up the things we can do without. We can make ourselves helpful 9 in a hundred ways. We can look after ourselves and not bother other people, and all the time we can refuse to be cast down. The worst never happens, and the ' best is always coming. Let nothing you dismay.” With love and good wishes to you all. —Your loving DOT. SILVER’S DELIGHTFUL SURPRISE Silver, the farm cat, had grown up in the country, and had learned to like all the good things she found there. She loved to curl up in the barn where the hay was piled, and every day when Jeff, the farmer’s son. came in from the cowshed, she would run to the dairy for her share of the rich new milk. Then she would sit in the sun polishing her white fur till. it shone as brightly as the sun itself. _ Visitors often came to the farm for thp day, and one morning a car drove up and out jumped a little girl. It was the first time Anne had been there, but Silver greeted her in her usual friendly manner, rubbing against the wheels and purring a welcome. Anne was delighted, and the hours passed quickly in the company of the little white cat. When it was time to go, Anne said she could not bear to leave Silver behind, and looked so sad that the farmer agreed tha 1 she should take - her home. Poor Silver, what a change awaited her! It i? true that the city provided certain comforts—pleasant, warm rooms and dainties to eat, but she missed the farm terribly. The neighbouring cats were strange, and when she tried to snooze on the steps of the liouse, barking dogs frightened her. When preparations were being made for the next visit to the farm. Silver stood watching Anne’s father as he strapped the picnic basket on to the luggage carrier. Anne wanted to take her, too, but was told that it would not be wise. After travelling some miles through busy streets they were passed by another car sounding its horn repeatedly. It pulled up just ahead of them, and Anne’s father, realising that the driver wanted to tell him something, drew up close to the curb. *• I wonder if you know that you’ve got a little cat clinging on to your luggage at the back,” the driver said. “Oh, Daddy!” cried Anne, “she must have wanted to go back to the farm dreadfully! ” After they had lifted Silver Inside the car and had started off once more, Anne’s father explained how difficult it sometimes, is for people who have lived a long time in a beautiful place to settle down somewhere else. He didn’t think Silver was very happy In the city. “We will find another little cat for you,” he promised. “But it would never be so beautiful," sighed Anne. In the barn when Anne visited again was Silver, purring more proudly than ever, and there, in a corner, were three lovelv little white kittens! “ Now,” said Jeff. " which is your choice? I’d have that one if I were you —she’s just like her mother! ” Anne picked her up in her arms. “She’s more beautiful still!’’ she said. —An exchange. LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK Motto. We write for the benefit of others . not for ourselves. FIRST LETTERS Dear Dot—May I join your everlasting happy band of Little Folk ? I am 11 years of age and in Standard IV. I have six brothers and one sister. I enjoy reading " The Little Castaways.” Jimmy Allen. Cameron Tartan, and Wondrous Noeline go to my school. I hsve a little pet rabbit, which I call Mack. I have not been to school for three weeks, for I have had jaundice. I have only one brother going to school. DAD’S LASSIE (Shag Point). (You are welcome to join, Dad’s Lassie, but I have had to alter your nom-dc-plume. the one you chose having already been taken. I am sorry to hear you have had iaundice. and hope you will soon be better.’ What a nice lot of brothers you have. Write again and tell me more about yourself.—DOT.] |

y , b y th.e OTAGO WITNESS

IneojOuraied July 16,1886,

Dot Invites letters of not more-than 300 words In length from her young friends throughout the Dominion on any matters In which they are Interested. Now members must enclose their name and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only. Little Folk should write on one side of the paper only, and In Ink, and should address their letters " Dot, care of Editor, Otago 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 ns a brooch, Is obtainable on application to Dot. Price 3s 6d. in stamps or postal notes.

Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 and in Standard IV. Dad’s Lassie is my youngest sister. My father has a coal mine, and I work there every Saturday. At the mine our horse works, and I ride him home. Every morning I get the cows home to be milked. Highland Piper used to go to our school. _ , „ WHISKERS (Shag Point). [I am pleased to have you join. Whiskers. You must be a great help to your father. Write again and tell me more about your work—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk ? I am eight years of age and I am in-Standard 11. I do enjoy reading your page every week. I shall have lots more to tell you next week. With kind regards from SNOW SHOE (Benhar). [I am pleased to have you join, Snow Shoe, but I have had to change your penname, as it has already been taken. I am looking forward to your next letter. — DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—May I have the pleasure of joining your band of happy Little Folk? I am 11 years old, and I am in Standard IV at Outram School. I have two sisters and a brother. We have a little pet dog, whose name is Chips. Well, Dot, as this is my first letter I shall close. LITTLE FRENCH GIRL (Maungatua). [You are welcome to join. Little French Girl, but the nom de plume you chose has already been taken, so I have had to alter it. I hope you will write again and tell me more about yourself and also about Chips. A badge has been posted to you.—DOT.] •Y- * -YDear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. I have no brothers or sisters, and have one pet, which is a cat named Peter. I enjoy reading “ The Little Castaways.” Love to you and your Little Folk. LITTLE AUNT DOROTHY (Stirling). [Certainly you may Join, Little Aunt Dorothy. Write again and tell me more about Peter. I am glad you enjoy reading our serial—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I have the pleasure of becoming a member of your ever-grow-ing band of Little Folk? I Sim 13 years of age and am in form IV at school; Over 200 children attend the school of which I am a pupil. I go to school in a bus, as it is eight miles from my home. I live on a sheep farm, which is situated near the foot of the snow-topped Pisa Range. As this is my first letter, I shall • now close. Love to you, Dot, and to all members of Dot’s Little Folk. GAY GIRL (Central Otago). [I have pleasure in welcoming you to our membership, Gay Girl, and look forward to hearing from you again. What a boon the bus must be to you and other children who live a long way from school! —DOT.] BEST LETTERS ’JUNIOR SECTION (14 years and under) Dear Dot, —This morning a great scene met my eye while I was outside. At first I'noticed pink, in the east, so kept my eyes steadily set on that quarter of the sky. All along the Taieri Ridge was a great expanse of pink and gold, distinctly silhouetted against the uneven, deep purpld landscape. Towards the north the snow-clad Kakanuis were a glistening pale pink. The higher points stood rigidly up in the blue sky, not yet reached by the spreading colours. The Rock and Pillar Range in the west was lightly clad with snow, also glistening in the morning sun. Have you ever noticed the beautiful pictures you can make in the sunrises and sunsets? Kindest regards. SMILING THROUGH (Middleman*). [The sunrise you describe must have been a very beautiful one, Smiling Through. Those who possess the gift of imagination can indeed see lovely pictures in both sunrises and sunsets. — DOT.] •Y -Y V Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I wrote to you, so I thought I would sit down and pen a few lines. The weather up here has been fairly good for winter so far, although we have’ had a few heavy frosts and some rain. We had a pet hedgehog for a few days. It used to eat bread and jam out of our hands. We also - have a pet fox terrier called Minnie, and a pet rabbit and cat. The whole four of the pets used to drink out of one saucer of milk, and it was fun to watch them. Best wishes to you from ONE YELLOW BUTTERCUP (Chatto Creek). [Your pets must be a very happy family, One Yellow Buttercup, What happened to the hedgehog?—DOT.] -Y ■{■ Dear Dot, —1 am in bed with influenza, but I will soon be better. I have a dog and a budgie. Could you give me names for them? The dog Is four years old and the budgie two years old. Dot, I am sending the money in stamps. Are twopenny stamps all right? Love to you and the Little Folk. DOROTHY DREW Dunedin). (I am sorry to hear that you have influenza, Dorothy Drew, and hope you are now getting belter. Call the dog Rags and the budgie Tim, and tell me more about them when you next write. 1 nave posted a badge to you. It was quite all right to send twopenny stamps.—DOT,l

Dear Dot, —As winter is here we turn our thoughts to getting our winter firing. •In this letter I shall tell you how we get our supply. In autumn dad makes some trips to the foothills, where there is plenty of manuka, and we take this opportunity to have a picnic. While dad is loading the dray we boil our billy, and then have lunch. When we get our wood home It is sawn into short lengths with a saw bench driven by a tractor. Then we stack it in our wood shed, where it is ready for use during the long winter months. I shall close now, with kind regards to all. JOYBELL (Clydevale). [You will look forward to your trips to the foothills for firewood, Joybell. It is a good idea to combine work and pleasure in this way.—DOT.] *i’ -V* Dear Dot,—hast Monday 1 .went to the Winter Show. First we went to see the animals. Some of the cows and bulls were huge. Then we went into one of the caravans, which was lovely. It had a wee kitchenette with a wee stove, bunks, cupboards, and a wee table. We went into another one. but it was not so big. I went on the merry-go-round, and we visited many other nice places I enjoy reading “ The Little Castaways.” It is very interesting, isn’t it? Well, I must close now. Love to you and all the Little Folk. BLUE BIRD OF HAPPINESS (Dunedin). [There were lots of interesting things to be seen at the show. Blue Bird of Happiness, and the caravans in particular were very attractive. It would be lovely to travel in one, would it not ?—DOT.] .?• * * Dear Dot, —It is a long time since X last wrote to you. I am now in Standard V at school. We are having our examinations now, but I don’t know if I shall pass into Standard VI, I have been busy lately with my lessons because of the examinations. My two brothers and I were at St. Andrews for our Christmas holidays, and we enjoyed it very much. My uncle has a' lot pi pigs, and one of my brothers had a ride on the back of one of them. At least, that is what he told- me. I shall close now with love to all the Little Folk and to your own dear self. GOLDEN DRAGONFLY (Cape Saunqers). [I am pleased to hear from you again, Golden Dragonfly, and hope you are successful in passing your examinations.— DOT.] BEST LETTERS SENIOR SECTION (14 and under 21 years). Dear Dot, —In this letter I am going to tell you about a book I have just finisehed reading. It is “ King Solomon’s Mines,” by H, Rider Haggard. I had heard of the title many times, but thought it would be a book about mining and very uninteresting. However, a friend lent it to me, and. having nothing else to read," I ventured into its depths. As most people have read the story, I shall tell you of my impressions of' it. One thing that was very remarkable was the finding of old Jose Da Silvestra, who drew the map that led our heroes to the cave where he was. His remains, though 300 years old. were perfectly preserved, for he had died in a cave with a certain temperature, so that his skin, though yellow. was mummified. I laughed loud and long at the part where Captain Good, who had been bathing

and only had his shirt on and half his beard shaved off, was surprised by several natives. They instantly fell in love with his “ lovely white legs,” and when, to save their lives, the white men had to tell the native tribe they were gods from the stars, the natives would not allow him to wear his trousers. Poor Good must have suffered some very humiliating moments. Practically the only woman and the most remarkable person in the story is Gagool. She is very, very old and has a power over the native king. The natives hold a ghastly killing affair one night' and shock our heroes, All the soldiers are gathered together and Gagool runs amongst them, pointing to certain men whom she says are enemies, and they are Instantly stabbed to death. However, the story ends happily, with our heroes as millionaires by the diamonds they found. MISS BEAU (Dunedin). [I read "King Solomon’s Mines ” years ago. Miss Beau, and well remember how thrilling I found it. Your account of it has made me wish to read it again and follow once more the exciting adventures of its heroes.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —Many people seem to have an inborn horror of visiting the dentist. “ Dentist 1 you would not get me near one,” they say. I myself very much disliked getting teeth filled, but I did not mind having them out; yet that is the part such people dread. I had 16 out with painless, and was all right in four hours; and I have had gas twice. I prefer painless, as I would rather be awake, but gas is easier, and the effects are less painful. As my small niece said, “ Yes, I’ve had painful,” But it really is not bad at all. I had gas recently to get my nine bottom teeth out, and I know I was thinking of something pleasant. Then I groaned each time as I felt the last three teeth coming out—not fully conscious. but enough to feel it and wonder what was happening, A while ago my sister Ray'had gas for the extraction of five teeth, and she had an unusual dream. She dreamt she was standing on a shore, and a ship ’picking up people for heaven was passing; but they would not take her, so she asked them why, and an angel replied it was because of something Ray had said. The ship still kept passing by, and Ray said she had not said anything, so the angel said they would take her. Ray .started to say, “ But you would not take me before,” and the angel said, “ Bjjt then, but then,” and at that moment she heard the nurse say, “ You are nil right.” Ray laughed, as she had thought it was still the angel speaking. I must close now. Dot. Love to all from LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY Otago). [A visit to the dentist, Laugh Your Troubles Away, is usually much worse in anticipation than it is in realisation, particularly when one has to „ have teeth extracted, and I am glad you got on so well. That was a remarkable dream your sister had while under gas.—DOT.I ■V- ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Ii is a long time since 1 last wrote to you. This time I am going to tell you about the cat where I am working. She is called Mltty. She has been getting into the den and sleeping on John’s bed, so wc had to think of a plan to, keep her out. First of all. wc

tacked some cardboard on the place where she was getting in, but, to our surprise, in the morning we found that she had climbed in over the top. We then tacked a sack over the top, but she managed to pull the bag over one of the tacks and get in that way. Howev.er, we put a firmer hold, and she has never got in again. One day, when we were watching her, two of the sheep, which we call Hitler and Ribbentrop, came up to her and butted at her, but she managed to keep them at bay and chase them away. Back they came, but Mitty wasn’t a bit frightened, and in the end they had to go. She is called Mitty because all her paws are white and the rest of her all black. A cat belonging to a neighbour of ours—a striped grey one with lovely green eyes—follows her mistress to church, and has to find her way home after being shut out by the sexton. She is a grandmother, and steals her grandchildren from their mother. We enjoy reading “ The Little Castaways,” and are always looking forward-, to the next chapter, wondering how many more adventures they are going to have. Love to all the Little Folk and your o*n self. BLUE CLIFF (Lawrence). [Cats are not usually credited with possessing a great deal of intelligence, Blue Cliff, but Mitty must be very clever and a good fighter, too. She is evidently well able to look after herself.—DOT.] * V -T-----Dear Dot,—Here is another poem for the page. This one is written to a little girl who used to live in the country:— THE CALL OF THE COUNTRY Why do you stay in the town, dear heart, when the fields lie bare to the breeze, When the first green leaves are thrilling on the dark brown limbs of the trees, When through the hush of the sunny noon the skylarks soar and sing— Why do you stay in the town when the country calls with the voice of Spring? There are skies of blue in the country, as blue as your laughing eyes. And the dimpling water calls you, its mirror before you lies. Oh. the winds are waiting to spread their wings in the golden gates of me south, To play in your sunny hair, and drift their kisses across your mouth. And have you forgotten the hoof-beats thudding along the grass. The cold, keen rush of the air, as gay' and unfettered you used to pass, In that wondrous, fourfold harmony, your light heart free from care, A splendid horse, and the rolling hills, and the clean, cool sweep of the air? There is always a song in the country. in the music of merry streams, Where the willows bend and sway, and bring you the magic of all your dreams, In the hush of the pine plantation the carpet of needles brown Waits for the fall of your dancing feet — Yet why do you stay in town? Kindest regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. GREY-EYED BLONDE (Hakataramea). [This is one of your best efforts, Greyeyed Blonde, and I regret very much that, owing to the limitation of space, I have not been able to insert it all.— DOT.] NEW MEMBERS Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week:— Dad’s Lassie, Wh' - skers, Show Shoe, Little French Girl, Little Aunt Dorothy, Gay Girl. LITTLE FOLK’S LETTER BOX As the Little Folk Inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond, it is necessary that those companions should send the first letter—DOT, Golden Dragonfly (Agnes Dfck, Cape Saunders, Portobello R.D.) would like a pen friend about 12 years old. D.L.F. SOCIAL CLUB A meeting of tile above was held last 1 Tuesday. We had a very good attendance, and were very pleased to have many new members with' us. The function was opened by a community sing, followed by a very interesting talk on “ Astronomy.” by Mr L. G. Geering. A presentation was made by the president (Allegrb), on behalf of the D.L.F., to Kilmeny of the Fool in appreciation of her services during the past. As it was Maid of Killeena’s last evening with us, the president thanked her - for her interest and support, and conveyed to her the good wishes of the club. Kilmeny of the Pool endorsed the president’s remarks. Our soloist for the evening was Mr lan Collins; accompanist. Mr A. Perry. ALLEGRO, President. LITTLE LADY CLARE. Secretary. D.L.F. JUNIOR TIMES Copies of the May issue can still be procured by writing to 2 Forth street, Dunedin. , . ALLEGRO. President. LITTLE LADY CLARE. Secretary. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES The seventh meeting of the year was presided over by Maid of Kllleena (retiring president). An apology was received from Indian Chief. Two members, Tangles Wonnle and Bonnie . Bell, were given a hearty welcome; ; also greetings were extended to Dot, who honoured us with a visit. Lady Dundas (senior vice-president) is to succeed Maid of Killeena as president. Lively Lover was elected senior vicepresident, Creamy junior vice-president, and Indian Chief secretary. The new president was heartily greeted by members present, Maid of Killeena expressing the pleasure it had given her to see her accept the position, and wishing both president and secretary much happiness. It was decided that July 15 would be the date of the next social evening, arrangements for this to be made at next monthly meeting on July 1 in the library of the Otago Daily Times at 8 o’clock. I would also like to mention here that a collection for the Red Cross funds was taken up by Possum at the. "At home” on June 3. and the sum of £2 11s was received. Annual subscription from A Young Streamlet has been received. CLARA, Retiring Secretary: INDIAN CHIEF, Secretary, 129 Forfar street, Clyde Hill, Dunedin.