LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLKS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 57

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLKS.

Dear Dot, — Many thanks for the kind welcome that I got to the little folks' page. Last week I went to St. Clair and saw where the sea had washed the sandbanks away. It is a great pity that something is not being done to stop that. There are many fine sights to be seen around Dunedin. I must now tell you something about my own land. There is plenty of wild deer in the mountains, and men go shooting them. There are also wild bears in the Rockies, but they are few and far bettween. I have an uncle in Wisconsin, near the great lakes on the border between Canada and the United States. I was once there. It is a grand place— sometliing like Mount Shasta. There are plenty of Indians there, called Sioux and Apaches. They are not such a good-looking race as the Pat'i Utah. The Path Utahs are, next to the Bella Bella tribe, the handsomest in America. I have an uncle in Mississippi, but I have never been there. I sometimes go camping to Austin Lake for a week at Christmas with my two brothers. We go in a canoe. We shoot game, and sometimes deer. lam a good shot. Once my brother shot a bear, and we skinned him and had roast bear for dinner. Some folks might think it strange to eat bear flesh, but it is a common thing in some parts of America. It is fine and juicy. There are no rabbits in California, but there are a few in other States. Wolves are dying out, and it is very rarely you meet one. I think America is the home of sport. It is the grandest country in the world for adventures. If " B.O.B." is fond of reading, let him read Mayne Reid's books. They are grand books. The following are some of his books: — "The Rifle Rangers," "The Scalp Hunters," " The War Trail," "The Quadroon," "The While Chief," and the " Headless Horseman." Adieu. — Yours truly. Kaikorai, July 31. Shasta. |

[I should fancy 8.0.8. will have read several of these books already, but we shall hear what lie lias to say on the subject. I am afraid Shasta will set numbers of the Witness little folk casting longing eyes towards our great neighbour across the Pacific, and that many resolutions will be made to have some deer shooting and also a taste of bear's flesh while camping out on the Rockies in years to come. If any boy should manage to attain his desire I wonder if he will remember to write to Dot and tell us all about his adventures. — Dot.]

Dear Dot, — As this is the first time I have written to you, I will tell you a little about the place where I live. It is called Arthur's Point, after a Mr Arthur, who first found gold here. At that time there were about 300 people living here. But since the gold has become soarce, there are only about 20 inhabitants. It is a very hilly part of New Zealand. The Shotover River runs past quite close to our home. We live about four miles from Queenstown. Have you ever been to Queenstown, Dot? It is & pretty place, and I am sure you would like the scenery, for it is beautiful. The school to which I go is held in the Gospel Hall, but we are expecting to get a new school built, in or about two months time. There are 28 pupils going to school. I like reading the little folks' letters, some of which are very interesting, especially those of 8.0.8., Harry, eto. 8.0.8.'s recipe for the plupaless filum £U J ddin£ is very goodj bgfc

kindly give me names for them. I send you a sketch of them, and hope you will not find it difficult to give me suitable names. — Yours truly, Witch's Daughter. [Of all the animals I have found names for these are certauily tho most uncanny. The Australian blacks 'speak of a certain personage as Debble-clebble, and I think Debbie debble, Satan, and Sin would be suitable names for "Witch's Daughter's" hideous pets.— Dot.]

Dear Dot, — When I wrote my last letter, tho hills lying round about the town were covered with snow. From that time up to about the ?6th the snow was frozen, and \va were able to enjoy ourselves in a way wellknown to Canadian girlo and boys. I refer to tobogganing. Have you ever had a tobog gan ride, Doi? If you have not, you should try one, even if you are grown up. To glide at a brisk pace down the frozen surface of the snow lying on a gentle slope would, I am sure, afford you as much pleasure as you would desire. Unless the smoothness of the slope is A.l, there is a spice of danger in the pastime ; but, once you have made one journey in safety, that will not prevent you from taking "just one more." The frosts enabled us to slide as well as to toboggan (if I may use such an expression). I wonder if Dunedin boys are much given to pinning written papers on the backs of persons? The other evening, at a Christy Minstrel entertainment, one of the performers pinned on the coat-tail of one of his comrades a "Please kick me" paper. But I believe this comrade was "m it," for he did not seem to show genuine surprise when a couple of his companions proceeded to carry out the kicking business. I see by the cablegrams that the G.O.M. of cricket is still scoring well. Fancy a man of about 50 years holding his own among men only half his age ! Mr Don, the Chinese missionary, entertained us on Wednesday evening with his magic lantern. During his remarks, he said if mothers did not have their daughters christened as Violet or Rose or some such name, they offended them. They did not wish such old-fashioned names as Mary, etc. And then he informed us that for centuries the Chinese have called their girls after the names of flowers! This evening I went to a children's concert. The first part was taken up by songs. Then several impromptu plays were staged. As these were not very successful a dance was suggested. t I think everyone took part; but I do not think anyone " tripped the light fantastic toe." Still that did not interfere wih our enjoyment. The " dance " over, we played " Space in the ring" and t% Postman's knock." The little ones especially entered into these games with a seriousness that was quite amusing. " God save the Queen " finished the concert. I wonder if many oE the little folks have heard the following title story? I read it not very long ago, and thought it very good : — A lady was writing a letter' for her servant. When the letter was finished, this young woman said to her mistress : " You might add, mum, •' Please excuse bad writin' and spellinV "— Yours truly, Waikaia, July 29. Pickwick. [I am afraid " mum " would not feel complimented at her maid's desired postcript. No, Mr Pickwick, I have not tried tobogganingyet, but if we had many snowstorms like that of last week it would be quite possible to do so. 1b would add to the danger not a little by racing the Mornington tram down High street or the Roslyn one down Ratlray street, wouldn't it?— Dot.]

Dear Dot, — We are having our winter holidays which at the Tahora School last six weeks. Our teacher, Mr Harrison, has been appointed to Chaslands. Our new teacher is to be a mistress, and I hope I shall liko her a3 well as I did Mr Harrison. The school is now being painted, and when done will look quite new again. I was in Dunedin staying for three weeks with some of my friends, and I enjoyed myself very much. We are having very rough weather up here at present, and our Sunday school (has been closed on account of the rough weather. I hope we shall have a fine day next Sunday, because, gujr Suudaj school geens then, and I like

in Dunedin but we have had a terrible winter. Dear Dot, do you think that there is always something wrong with white cats? We have two, but I don't see anything- wrong with them. — Yours truly, Bessie Hunter.

South Wyndham, July 30.

[No, Bessie, unless they are real Albinos with either pink or white eyes, and then they are usually deaf. Probably your cats are.ordinary white ones. It has been a severe winter all over Otago, dear, so that I don't suppose you have been much worse off at Wyndham than anywhere else. — Dot.]

Dear Dot, — The last time I wrote to you I sent you a little story called "Tho Smuggler's Cave." lam going to send you another one which I hope you will put in. It would give me much pleasure to see it in print. Aren't we having' dreadful weather on Saturdays now? The story is called

ALONE IN THE DESERT.

A great, stillness — not a sound to be hoard — alone in the desert. Can anyone picture the awful loneliness of such a situation? Yet this is what Jack Burnley, by his own carelessness, had brought himself to. For hours he had been wandering up and down trying to drown thought. • Two days ago, while out on horseback with several of his companions, he had got left behind through his great want of thought. His provisions were all done, and he was just thinking of giving up hope when, in the awful silence of the desert, he heard the distant sound of bells. Nearer and nearer they came until ho could see a caravan of Arabs and camels coming, like a thin streak toward that part in which he was. Hope once more revived, but soon to be dashed to the ground for as the Arabs caught sight of him and his horse they raised a cry and came toward him. Catching hold of him, they tied his hands together, and resuming their journey forced poor Jack to march along in tho fierce sun. Meanwhile they had taken his horse and commenced to drive it along, but the poor animal could not stand the strain. After going a mile or so, it dropped dead on tho sands. The Arabs did not take the trouble to bury it, but left it there to become a prey to the vultures. After an hour's marching, they came to a halt and partook of some food. They threw their captive a piece of coarse bread and gave him a drink of water. Journeying for many days, they at last came to an Arab town. Jack Burnley was put into a dirty cell. In the meanwhile Jack's friends had been searching for him everywhere. A week after his disappearance they decided to start out over the desert. When they had been riding for a clay they camped at night, and early next morning went on their way again, following in the tracks of the caravan which they had picked up. Soon they came to where the remains of the horse were, and one and all knew that it must have been Jack's horse. Spurring the horses on to greater riding, after a few days they came to the very town in whi,ch Jack lay in the dirty cell. Thinking that if they showed themselves they would be taken prisoners, they camped just outside the town in a thicket. In tho morning one of them, risking capture, went into the town for the seeming purpose of buying something. Knowing a little Arabic he at last got the information that an Englishman had been found in the desert and taken prisoner by a caravan of Arabs journeying across the desert. By flatering the old seller he learned where Jack was imprisoned. At night in silence they crept through the town and throwing pebbles up at an apology for a window, succeeded in drawingJack's attention to them. Then they told him their plan for his escape. Jack had to try to file through one of the bars of the windo vV, his companions passing- him up a file. The next night they would come, and by that time they hoped Jack would havo the bar filed through. Jack worked very hard at the bar until at dusk ho was able to snap it through. At midnight he saw his comrades down at the bottom of his prison. As the window was a good distance from the ground it was dangerous to drop. Philip Firth, one of the help party, had managed to get some i'9E«a This they passed up, Tying tho rope

securely on to one of the bars, Jack got ou% between the bar and gently slid to the ground.

yilently they crept out of the town to whero their camp was pitched. Soon afterwards they started on thsir return journey, Jack taking* turns in riding on each of the other horses. Tired and spent they at last arrived at their own camp, horses as well as riders worn out. Everybody was very glad to see Jack back again, nor was ho punished" for hi^ adventure. Jack Burnley never forgot his oxperionco in the desert all the rest of his life.— Yours truly, Ex-Schoolgirl. [I presume Jack would have been sold as a slave had he not been fortunately rescued. It was a daring thing for his companions to da for if the Arabs had discovered; them no doubt they would have been shot.— Dot.] Dear Dot, — There i-s snow on the ground and we can't got out to play. Do you liko the snow? Dad is away to my aunt Mary's wedding, but wo expect him homo to-night. Our new school is open. Mr Andrews is our teacher, and I do like him very much. My sister Jeannie goes to school with me. Four of our cats are dead. Two of them were groy

and white, one of them was dark grey, and one of them was black and white. Two of them are still alive, one of them being black and the other tortoiseshell. W T o ara only milking one cow, and her name is Bluoy. We have 18 hens six of which are laying. Our dog Bounce got his leg cut with the binder, .but it is getting better now. There are birds in the bush called bellbivds, robins, goldoyes, yellowheads and fantails. There are also . one or two pigs in the bush, and pigeons! aud pretty flowers. Merrivale is a pretty place. There are a lot of hills, and come of them are steep. — Yours truly, Topsy Findlay (aged 7 years). Blinkbonnie, Merrivale, July 23. [Were the cats poisoned, Topsy? It mv.it bo very pleasant to listen to the bcllbirds in the early morning and late at night. Are there no blackbirds ?— Dot.l Dear Dot, — I live in a farming district called Crookston, and our nearest railway station is Heriot. We havo a blacksmith's shop and a schoolhouse, and our teacher is Mi3s Fra&er. About 40 children attend the school. The Blue Mountains, on the east, are at present covered with snow. Service is held every Sunday in the schoolhouse, the Presbyterians one Sunday and the Wesleyans the following, one.

Several new settlers are coining to reside in

the district, having lately bought land on the Brooksdale Estate. I like reading " J8.0.8.'5" letters very much. I think I saw by one of his letters that he had never seen a live deer. If he comes to Crookslon he will &cc a lot on the.Blue Mountains. I intend when I get older to take out a license for"*shooting them. There are also some wild pigs on the- mountains. There is a large number of farmers about here, and the ground yields very fair crops. The rabbits are very scarce jus!, 'now, as they have been trapped for the factory. I am sending you 12 stamps for tiie kindergarten fund. — Youra truly, Crookston, July 30. Jack.

[When you get big enough to take out a license, Jack, I hope you will not think yourself two big to write and tell us all about the first deer you shoot. Thanks for the stamps. — Dot.] ■ ■

Dear Dot, — I am seven years old, and I hope to be in the First Standard next month. I have two cats whose names are Dick, and Nelson. I love flowers very much. I have a little flower bed in which I grow various kinds of flowers. How beautiful the country looks to-day when everything is covered with snow. I have got a hive of bees. I will tell you about them another time. I enclose two stamps for the kindergarten fund.— Yours truly, Willie Giisox Downing. Anderson's Bay, July 51. [Thank you, Willie. The Peninsula did indeed look beautiful on Sunday and Monday. —Dot.] Dear Dot, — I am at home from school today, as it is such a wot, cold clay, so my three brothers and my sister and I have been ha\ ing a good romp round the dining room.. Ma says she is tired of the noise, so she has told me to get a sheet of paper and write to somebody, so I have made up my mind to write to you. 'i'he last time I wrote the garden was looking very pretty, as tiie trees woie all out in blossom, but it is looking very ugly just now, as there is not a loaf on the trees ; but dad says if the warm weather would come we should soon have spring again. Ke is going to spray the trees when the ground is dry enough to go on. He goes out shooting rabbits when he can't work in the garden. Ho and my brother Herbert were out shooting yesterday, and they had some good sport. He shot 42 rabbits the other day. We havo a dog called Boxey, which dad always takes with him when he is going out shooting, but he says ehe is not much good now, as she is so old. He is getting another dog, as he pays he cannot do without a good dog when he is going out shooting. We have another new teacher since I wrote to you last — Mrs Little — and we like her very much. She has taught us a lot of nice new songs. Sometimes we give dad and ma a concert at night, after wa have learned our lessons, and I think they enjoy it. The ground was white with snow yesterday, so we had grand fun. I remember the first time I saw snow. My litcle brother went outside, and fell into it, and I came to ma and told her that my brother had fallen into the salt, so you see I did not know much about snow, but I have learned a little moie since. Now I think I will stop, as i want to be having some more fun.— Yours truly, Olive Oajipbell (aged 8^ years). Rosehill, August 3. [It was very natural for you to think the snow was salt the first time you saw it, Olive. If it had been, what an easy way wo should have of getting salt. — Dot.] Dear Dot,— l have four sisters and two brothers. lam in the Second Standard : my sister Eliza is in the Fifth, and my little brother Robert is in the First Class. I have a little tortoise shell kitten ; would you be kind enough to give me a nice name for it. I wul now tell you a little bit about Mataura, the place where we live. It is very nice in the summer time, but terribly muddy in the winter. We have freezing works, where a few people freeze sheep, and send them to different places. Then there are the paper mills, where they make a lot of different kinds oE paper. There are about 50 employees working at the mill. I have a doll ; please give me a name for it— -a boy's name, , please. — Yourf truly, Georgina Collie, Mataura, August 4. [A boy's name for a doll— that is unusual* Georgina, so a nice name must be selected.^ I think it would be a good idea to call him, after the little King of Spain— Alfonso^ Make the kitten Spanish also, and call ilDon*. -Dot.] Dear Dot,— You made juet a little mistake and called me a boy. I was called Noel te-j cause I was born at Christmas, and you krxQvft that girls are often called Noel when thexMft-

the soda is required. Dear Dot, lam sending the little folks two riddles: 1. What is that which works whilst it plays and plays whilst it works? 2. Why is the root of the tongue like a dejected man? — Yours truly, Arthur's Point, July 30. A Schoolgirl.

[Schoolgirl gives promise of writing a beautiful hand if fcho keeps up her practce. All her letters are perfectly formed, and the stiffness which indicates the youth of the writer will gradually disappear as she gets older. — Dot.J

Dear Dot,— We have been very busy at school getting ready for our examination this week. I am in the Third Class and I hope to be in the First Standard next week Miss Menzies is* our teacher, and we like her very much. My little sister Ethel has two ringdoves, and she got a prize at the Sydonham show. Mother has a little canary which singe nicoly, and mother is very fond of him. I have a black-and-tan dog ; will you please give me a name for him. He is a good watch dog. There is a pretty river running through Kaiapoi, and we sometimes go down to the beach in a boat.— Yours truly, Ernest J. Hume (aged 8 years). Kaiapoi, August 1. [What better name could you have for your ! faithful friend than Watch, Ernest? You i must tell us all about the woollen mill next I time you write. — Dot.] Dear Dot, — Kolso, where we live, is a very pretty place. The snow is at present lying on the ground, and of course it is very cold. I have four brothers and one sister, then* names being Willie, Charlie, George, Robert, and Flossie. We get the Witness regularly, and I like reading the little folks' letters. I saw a riddle in the Witness which I can answer. It was, What is that which is neither ornamental nor useful, but a carriage cannot : go without if The answer is a noise. We j have a black-and-white cat ; will you please I give me a name for it. — Yours truly, Kelso, August 2. D. Risk (aged 11 years).

fAs you have answered the middle correctly, David, you might call the cat after the answer Noise — no, I think Noisy would be better.- Dot.]

Dear Dot, — I have three black cats, which I feed from thre9 white saucers ; will you

going to Sunday school. I have a little red-and-white heifer calf ; please will you give me a name for it. lam sending you 6d for the kindergarten fund. — Yours truly, Hindon, July 30. Bella Rutherford.

[Call the calf Daisy, Bella, and I hope your wish for the fine Sunday was gratified. Thank you for the stamps, dear. — Dot.]

Dear Dot,— l think it very kind of Shasta to write and tell the little folks about America, as there are some, like myself, in the country who do not see or know much, as there are only coal mines here and bush all round. I was a little girl when I left Dunedin, so I do not remember much about it. We are all working for our examination, and I hope we shall pass into the Fourth Standard. I got a nice doll from the school; will you pleaso givo me a name for it. Dear Dot, I send two stamps for the kindergarten fund. — Yours truly, Agnes Smith (aged 10.) Waimangaroa, July 28. [How would you like to call the doll Shasta, after our little American friend, Agnes? I am sure ho would like you to remember him in that way after he has gone back to his home in the States. Thank you for the stamps, dear. — Dot.] Dear Dot,— l am at home just now because it is snowing, -so I made up my mind to writo to you. We had a cow and a young heifer, but the old cow died about five weeks ago. We expect the young heifer to calve in a month or so. We shall be very glad when she does, for we miss the old cow very much, though we have been getting our milk from a kind neighbour. I have four brothers and a sister. — Yours truly Kelso, August 2. Willie Risk. [The death of poor crummie must have been a great loss, Willie, and 1 hope you will have j better luck with the heifer. — Dot.] I Dear Dot, — I always read the little folks | letters, but I seldom see any from South I Wyndham. I like 8.0.8.'5, Harry's, and I Trixie's letters. Our examination is just over, and we are having a fortnight's holidays. I [ am 10 years old, and am in the Fifth Stan- . dard. I have never been in Dunedin, but (here is plenty of time yet to think of going there. Have you ever been down here, Dot? I don't know what sort of weather y^u have

born at Christmas time. We went to Tort Chalmers a few weeks ago, and enjoyed ourBelves very much, and stayed there for four days. lam away from school with a bad cold. Now I must say good-bye, hoping to Bee my letter in print.— Yours truly, I WOEL DOWLIN'G. "The Eyrie," William street, Dunedin, 'August 5. [Dear me, what a mistake for me to make, 'dear t But ono looks upon Noel as a boy s name as a general thing ; but of course if the baby girl is a Christinas gift, it is a very good jiame t.o give her.-— Dot.]