DOT'S Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24790, 15 December 1941, Page 3

DOT'S Little Folk

Dear Little l Folk,-*—T wo small boys in a Dunedin home, writing to their soldier father in Egypt and. begging for stories, gave that father an idea. Why not tell them in fable form what brought about this war that is upsetting the lives not only of adults, but even of children, throughout the world? And so in what spare time Major f. M. Samson, well \notvn in Dunedin, could find on active service, he conceived the plan of “The Wise. Men’s Story.” Another soldiei', Private R. Johnston, typed it out beautifully, and a third, who is named in the book simply as Private W. E. W. Lewis, and is a graduate of the London School of Art, made a set of delightful illustrations, and the whole was put <into the form of a typewritten boo/j—a truly unique story of the war—which 1 have been privileged to look over, and of which I should lifie to tell you. Hitler, in the fable, is the Mad Dog who wants to be what you sometimes hear spoken of as “top dog” of the world. So he first cunningly sends out his “wolves in sheep’s clothing” to prepare the way in all lands, and then begins to enslave one small country after another. Fdscisti, the Eat Wolf (Mussolini, of course), joins in, hoping to share the spoils. The British Lion, the most picturesque figure in the illustrations, has been enjoying peace, and allowing his claws to grow blunt and his pads soft, until Churchill, the Bulldog, stirs him to actionand you see the Bulldog walking the Lion up and down to harden up his\ pads after the breakdown of the peace arrangements made by Mr Chamberlain, pictured as Parapluie, the Bat, because he flew to Germany and was blind to the deceitfulness of the Mad Dog. And so is conveyed the idea of Britain taking the lead, with the help of the allied nations, in the tremendous task of saving the world from enslavement by a powerful warlike nation, and securing peace and freedom for young and old. Should this unusual book, Wlt b its clever and delightful illustrations, be published some 27J day, L am certain you would be pleased to own a copy, w With all good wishes.—Your loving „ \

LETTERS FROM LITTLE , FOLK IN HOSPITAL _ Dear Dot,—l am sending you a poem as well as a letter tills week, because I have pot written fpr a while: I. do hope you like it, Dot. Popeye and I are going to watch the nurses play tennis so I will give you my poem. I get up every day in a wheglchalr, Dot, so my poem has something to do with getting up. ■ We , wake up in the morning, feeling fresh and bright/ The nurse comes round and says to us “ you snored and snored all night,” We egt our breakfast, have our wash, and then go out to play. We push our wheelchairs all around Until tpe close of day, 1 We have our’tea, and wash again, and then go off to bed, The lights go out, and nursey says “ Good-night, you sleepy head,” Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self; from—Xowser (10), Balclutha. PET SHOW AND SPORTS

MOON MAGIC

The slow river sings neath the little white bridges. The same sleepy song that is centuries . old;And but in the east, on the rocky brown ridges, The moon rises up like a bubble of gold. Only pne star of the silvery riot That sparkled above as the hours stole by Remains, half-asleep, in the moon-misty quiet. Only one star in the blue of the sky. To-morrow night if you gaze out to the ranges, . Where the moon rises high in her glory again, Then gently and slowly, like a grey smokering changes, You’ll see, in the dusk, she’s beginning to wane. Where does the moon floating over jhe . meadows Qo, when the darkness steals over the rim? And the shy little stars peep from out the cloud-shadows. J And the clearly cut hill-silhouette becomes dim. Then the moon-sprites, who live for a few short hours only. High ip the air above earth’s shadowbars, , , Weary Of seeing the ,fky blue and lonely They break off the edges tp make the new stars. • • n -■ (Copyright). Grey-Ejred Blonde (19), Hakataramea.

Dear Dot,—l ant going to tell you about a pet show we had at school as well as the sports. At it we had a section for the best groomed dog, and a lovely dog with a thrown coat of .curly fur came first. For the smallest dog, a funny wee shaggy dog got ’ first place. The biggest ’ dog was a huge, brown silky furred dbg who came first. For the funniest budgie a wee blue bird came in first; The last section was for grubs and other things. On the notice board it said that the things could be from a pink elephant to a white mouse. In that section a lovely prickly hedgehog came first.. In our school sports this year I had a Iqvely time. I was in the running race, the sack race, the catch the train race, and the egg and spoon race.' I do pot'know where I came in the running face and I really don’t mind; because I am no good at it. I came first in the sack race, which I always enjoy. I came second in the catch the train race, which was. very funny. I came third in the egg and spoon race, and I dropped my eggr too. We hgd a lovely day and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Best love to all the Little Folk, and much love to yourself.—Buff Bantam, Dunedin.

SCHOOLBOY SALVAGE CORPS

PRESENTS AND HOLIDAYS Dear Dot,—l am staying with my grandmother at St Clair for my holidays. I am 10 now, and I will tell' yoq the presents I got. I got a new dress, 2 cakes of soap and a flannel, v a packet of Mackintosh’s toffee, a green suede purse with a lovely little hanky to go with It, fancy writing paper, and two books —one from my sister and one from ipy brother. The book my sister gave ms was called "The Badge of the Scarlet Poppy,” : and the book my brother gave me was called "The Big Book for Girls.” : They are both very good. We are going up to Waimate next week for the rest of my holidays. Love from— Lady pyanne (10) Clinton. "THE LOTUS EATERS"'

Dear Dot,—Here Is an extract from a poem by Tennyson, that I thought you and the Little Folk would like to read. ■ Here are cool mosses deep, And through the moss the .Ivies creep. And in the stream the long-leaved flowers weep, Arid from the craggy ledge'the poppy hangs in sleep. From “ The Lotus . Eaters.” With the best of wishes to the Little Folk and your own dear self for the Christmas and New Year.—Mountain Lily, Arr^wtown.

A. NEW PUP v Dear Dot,—l am writing to tell you about a Stall we had in the ha 11.,. We sold sweets and drinks. We have a new pup since I last wrote to you, and his name is Bob. We have three dogs, and a little kitten, whose name Is Fluff, who plays all the time. With love from—White Rose (6), Paretal.. SELLING SWEETS FOR THE RED CROSS Dear Dot,—This time I am writing to tell you about a stall that we had in the hall. I was selling sweets, and received quite a lot of money. The money we collected was for the Red Cross. We are very busy at school now practising for a concert, which we are looking forward to. With best wishes. —Second Fantall (IQ), Paretai. BIRTHDAY PRESENTS Dear Dot,—lt was my birthday on December 5, and I got very nice things. One was a reading lamp, which was the best present of all. I also got a mouthorgan, which I always play. 1 got lots of other things too. Christmas will soon be here, and I will get more presents than I got for my birthday Kindest regards to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self —Little Violet. (8), Duntroon. GARDENING COMPETITION & CONCERT Dear Dot,—At our schopl we are having a gardening competition, and I am growing sweet peas. Some of them are nearly two inches high now. We have nearly finished our examinations at school now, and we are practising folk dancing and singing for the concert. On parent’s day we are doing folk dancing too. With love from—Lilac Lady (12), Pukeplto. c*s 1 PEN FRIENDS WANTED •Lilac Lady* (Helen Campbell, Pukeplto, R.D. Balclutha). 12 years old; and Black Diamond (Shirley Campbell, Allanton), 11 years old, would like pen friends.;

TEMPTING APPLES Across the fence Judy could see an apple tree, from the lower branch of which hung a rosy apple. Judy was tempted, for at home her sister Ann, was ill, and their family were so poor, that they could not afford fruit. Seemingly Judy thought the Squire, who owned the land would not inind her taking one apple. Then she remembered that her mother had said to her. " Never take what is not yours,” At once she said “ Of course I mUst not take it, even though it would do Ann so much good. X suppose I could ask the Squire for it, though. At once she made up her mind, but, as she was crossing the field, she heard two men talking, " Yes, Jack, the squire’s silver cups should be worth quite a bit, and be about the best haul we’ve ever had.” ' Judy realised that these two men were thieves. Quickly she ran to the house, and told the squire,' who rang the police; so, thanks to Judy, the men were caught. After a while the squire asked Judy what she had been coming to his house for. She told him, and he said he would be very glad to give her as many apples as she wanted. When arriving home Judy’s mother and father were very surprised to see her with a big basket of apples. Soon Ann got well, and now Ann and Judy are often seen playing in the squire’s meadows—Bifikie (14), Dunedin. o*9

JUMBLED SILHOUETTES

In the picture ten silhouettes are shown, and readers are asked to say what each of the figures is doing. All the correct answers appear in the following list:— Baby crawling. Controlling traffic. Driving in golf. Fishing. Hurdle-jumping. Long jump. Parachuting. Playing billiards. Playing football. Riding a bicycle. Riding a horse. Rowing a boat. Shooting with bow and arrow. Shooting with rifle. Swimming. Tap-dancing. Throwing the hammer. Tug-of-war. For example, 9 represents a baby crawling. RIDDLE IN RHYME In every household in some sort of way I’m busy every hour in every day. My nature’s cold, my temper’s quite serene, Yet in hot water I am often seen. Sometimes I’m dull and sometimes very bright, And yet I’ve stirring times morn, noon, and night. My form is odd; I’m neither round nor square, Triangular nor oval; yet my shape is fair. nooilß V

DOT'S LETTER BOX Xowser (Balclutha). —I am pleased to hear from you again, Towser, and have to thank you for the nice little poem you have sent me. It gives a good picture of your life in hospital, and you have managed the rhyme and rhythm very .well indeed. Lady Dyapno (Clinton).—What a -lucky Little Folk you are, Lady Dyanne, to get so many pice presents, and to have such a good holiday. I am sorry, but it is a rule that Little Folk cannot change their noms de plume except for some very special reason, as if they were allowed to do so, Jt, would cause a great deal of trouble and confusion. Mountain Lily (Arrowtown). —I am glad you appreciate Tennyson’s poetry, Mountain Lily. He was a master in the use of beautiful language, exactly fitted to the thoughts he intended to convey. You will notice how the lines you quote from “ The Lotus-Eaters ” induce a feeling of drowsiness and languor, and this is characteristic of the whole poem, which is well worth reading and studying. ,

A COUNTRY WALK

White Rose (Paretal).—Kittens are very playful little creatures. White Rose. and jt is amusing to watch them at .their gambols. You .will be very pleased with the new pup, too. Second Fantail (Paretai).—l am glad you did so well at your sweet stall. Second Fantail, and I hope your school concert will be equally successful. Little Violet (Duntoon).—You, also are a lucky Little Folk to get so many nice presents, Little Violet. What tunes do you play on your mouth organ? Buff Bantam (Dunedin).—You should write direct to your pen friends, Buff Bantam, and if you wish, you may also send them your love when writing to the page. Thank you for telling me about the Pet Show. It most have been most interesting. X am glad you had such a lovely time at the school sports. You did very well in the races. Lilac Lady (Pukepito).—The gardening competition will be very interesting, Lilac Lady, and I hope you will be successful with your sweet peas. Folk dancing is very pretty, and I am sure you enjoy practising it. DQT MO TRY THIS ONE Here is an amusing trick to i try on your friends when you are sitting round a table. ■ ... . '■; , " Ask one of them to raise Ris right foot an inch or two from the ground and swing it from the knee in a clockwise direction. Then ask him to write a large letter D while still swinging his leg. The chances are that he will be unable to perform the two operations simultaneously—either his leg will begin to swing in the opposite direction, or he will want to form a circle instead of the letter D. Very soon all the others at the table will be trying to do it, with probably no better results.

LOST AND GAINED One day, Jerry and Ray, who lived at the beach, decided to look for some caves in which to have picnics. After walking along the sandbanks some distance, a narrow opening in the cliffs attracted thejr attention. Breaking into a trot, they ran to see if there wore any caves there. As they entered the gorge 9 we(rd and ghostly, voice floated down from above. Sharply the boys turned- on their heels to see where that mysterious voice came from. After searching for some time they came to a crevice in the rock cliffs. Inside the* crevice opened into a long tunnel. After going about 10 yards their shoes splashed into water. Taking off their shoes and socks they cautiously advanced. Suddenly an owl fluttered swiftly by. causing Ray to drop his socks and shoes, They groped about, but no sign was there of shoes or socks. However, something else was found—a small leather purse which proved to be the property of a rich man named Mr Brownlie. The following day Jerry artd Ray gave the purse to its owner. Re gave them a £5 note each, for the purse contained valuable papers. The man who had stolen the purse and uttered the mysterious sounds was discovered, and, when duly handed over to the , police, was found to be a “ wanted ” man. For their work the chums received a £lO reward, and with the money they spent some happy weeks’ holiday in the country.—Sir Echo (11), Benhar. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME TO; Black Diamond, who ib 11 years of age, and lives at Allanton. She writes that they have nine chickens and three lambs, and also states that hsr aunty has a baby, whose name is Barry. She sends her love to Daffodil and Mother’s Message Girl. The new baby will be a great delight to you, Black Diamond. Is his home near yours? I hope to hear from you again. I am inserting your request for a pen friend. DOT. LIGHTNING PORTRAITS Here is a good game to play at a party. Each player is provided with a pencil, a square piece of paper, and a book upon which to rest the latter. They arrange themselves on chairs in a semi-circle, in such a way that each can see his neighbour’s profile. The last player in the semicircle can only look across at the face of the player at the opposite end and sketch it. At the word "Go!” (given by a grownup who has a watch) each player starts sketching his or her neighbour’s face. No one must move his head after the sketching commences; he may only move his eyes and his hands.

The artists are allowed just fjve minutes In which to complete their sketches. When the timekeeper cries “Time!” all the players must drop their papers upon their knees. Then the portraits are judged by vote. A small prize might be given for the one proclaimed the best “ likeness.” Before the game commences each player should make certain that •he or she, is sitting in the right position to see his neighbour’s face; also that he is holding his “ sketching block ” so that he can use his pencil easily. . <r*s WELCOME VISITORS Samuel Smile and Lemuel Laugh Are two little fairies bright: They're always ready for fun and chaff,

And sunshine is their delight. One says Please and the other says Do, And both together say “ I love you! ” So, Lemuel Laugh and Samuel Smile, Come you in, and tarry awhile.

BADGE AND RULES

New members must enclose their name and address. These will not be pubhshed, and are tor registration purposes only Little folk should write on one side of the paper only, ano In Ink, and should address their letters " DOT, care of Editor. Otago Dally Times." Evcrj letter must stale the age of the writer me retiring age is 21. after which Little Folk become Old Writers. Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge, with pm. tor use as a brooch, is obtainable on application to DOT Price 2s 6d. In stamps or postal notes.