LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2401, 8 March 1900, Page 61

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Dear Dot, — I do not know any of your present correspondents, but I hope in the near future to have the pleasure. I enjoy reading some of the letters very much. In fact, letters Hko tho3e of 8.0.8., Harry, and Ziska are simply splendid. If your band of correspondents increases you will have to have a separate paper altogether, or else enlarge the Witness, and charge extra for it. I think the illustration 1 s in thi. Witness are all right, especially view;: of charges, etc. Do you not think a Highlandei would require all his nerve to coolly pipy hiy prpes Hjfht in the enemy's face, as illubtralcd in the pic'juro of the charge of tho Gordons? It tako3 iho pipes to rouse the soldicro ; and vliei* one he»ai their lively <4iumn cen m New Zealand, it makes one wish he was in South Afuca along with the other biave fellows. It if not 1 lie nprrect thing to hate anybody I know, but I hate JO!!p c£ * - iie E°? x ' Eoe -' ome » and children

don't count; in fact, I feel sorry for them. Things are a bit quiet in South Africa jur.fc now, but I expect a bit of a " splash " directly. I wish it was over, don't you, Dot? Oh, well, I suppose it will be over some day, although many of our gallant lads will have to go under first. Out here, on the Peninsula, one hears nothing else but " Soldiers of the Queen,"' " Rule Britannia, ' " Tommy Atkins," etc., from morn till night. We are sending three of our young fellows to the Transvaal who are desirous of making the Boers " sit up." It is reported, however, thao two of them have been rejected at the earnp — one through being too young, and the other through inferior riding. I think they are rather strict with the volunteers as regards riding. A fellow would hang on all he knew if there was a Boer after him, I'll warrant. However, they must draw the line somewhere, I suppose. The day the fourth contingent goes away will be a great day at Port Chalmers, Dot, won't it? I think I shall stop now, for fear of offending the editor, —Yours truly,

COMICAL JIM.

[It will indeed, Jim, if the weather is only kind to us. I wonder how all the people will be got back to Dunedin after it is over? — DOT.]

Denr Dot, — I don't think i ever xrobe 2 v before, but seeing i had a few spare minutes 2 night i thought i would scratch out a few — , and also i thought that i would help to fill the witness a little bit and that would be a good thing, because we want something to reed, don't a 'ihink 30, Dot? i have just come over from auatrilia, and of course v no it's very hot over there and very scarce of water, and the people where i stoped used 2 boil their eggs in little pans and when they lifted them out of the water they popped in a fistful of tea. That was how they made their tea. I dident drink much of it i can tell v, and that's 110 lie. 2 egg-water ioi tea — aye, dot, how would v like it? Ib wouldent fatten v. i was walking along the oad 1 day and i saw a little boy sitting under » tree crying, and i asked him what was the matter, and lie sed that he was crying for a friend of his who died in amerikay 10 years ago. i see v have a good few little folk writing Q vi now v will sooii have half the witness 2 yourael. Aye, Dot, won't that be grsnd. i think this is all.i will %yrite now, Dot, becsusa my pen is scratching like an old hen. — Yours truly

i'ebruary IS.

[This is a boy, and needless to say one who thinks he can be very funny when he trie 3. I have left half his letter out, because I thought it too funny to laugh at. I wondor if he will be pleased when he reads the half that appears. - DOT.]

Dear Dot,— l live in the Taieri, and I think it is a very pretty place to live in. We used to live in Glenomaru before we came to the Taieri, but I like here better. Dear Dot, have you ever been over at Outram? I went one day for a drive, and I thought it a very pretty place. ' There were four of us. We went right through Outrani, over to Allanton, and passing through Moegiel on our way home I saw your correspondent, Laddie, whom I have found out. I wonder if he will find out whom I am? Dear Dot, have you ever tried to ride a bike? I tried once, and the first time I vent out by myself I went head first over a liaak, so I gave it up. lam coming into town is see ths floral fete, so will be looking cut for bacl.vs I think it was a grand idea about wearing theui I see by the cables that Jumberley was relieved on Thursday, so we may look for more good news now, also that Dunedin is going to send nurses to look after the soldiers, so that, will be a bit of comfort to some sad hearts. But I had better not write any more or the editor might try to get us all sent to the war out of the road. With love to all the little folk, and yourself, — Yours tiuly,

JESSAMINE.

[I do not think ho would be quite so hard on us as that. Jessamine, but you will have seen that he has limited our space to ei°-ht columns. I do not see how all the letters aro to bo got into it, but I shall do my best for you.—

Dear Dot,— lt is evening, the sun has jusfc set, and everything is quiet and pejiceful. No sound is to be heard anywhere — so different from busy town life. Do you like the country, Dot? I don't, though I have lived in the country all my days. I would far sooner live in Dunedin. I suppose the editor has told you that I was is trying to get a glimpse of you; but it was of no avail. Now, Dot, I don't auite believe your story about the editor looking severe; for I had a chat with him, and. l 3on't thmk be could look severe. I did not see a badge the whole time I was in town. So Marguerite has found me out, and Vevette, too Howevei did you manage it? I will stop now — xours truly,

AGUINALDO. [You evidently did not see him on the day taat I handed him in the third or fourth batch or about 20 letters, Aguinaldo. His face lengthens after each batch, I can assure jrou However, now that he has fixed a limit that we cannot exceed, I suppose he will have no cause to looii solemn when I go to him in future. i crnaps if you had been brought \vj in town you would have been longing for a country life,

Dear Dot,-<[ know 22 of the little folk's names. I think Marguerite writes the best of oho whole lot, and 8.0.8. and Harry next. A mimber of the little -folk are wearing your badges up here. Tikitia has been staying at our place foi a month. She i<s a hard case Redstart was at the same place that I was at for my holiday, but she only stayed a fortnight, and [ stayed a month. On the 2nd of February I'lox, Tikitia, and I went to Piano Flat, 25 miles from the township. We drove most of the way, and packed the rest on pack horses. I rode some of the wr,y on a pack saddle, and th« rest 1 walked. With love to all the little folk, especially 8.0.8., Harry, Daffodilly, Mousie, the editor, and your own self, — Yours inily, HEATIiETIBELL. [Now, Heatherbell, I think " hard case " is de;idedly slang, and there has been a geneial expression of opinion that slang should not be indulged in in this page. Will you please remember next time, dear? At the same time I should like 't explained ffhy Tikitia should be described as a " hard case."" What a trip that must have been to Piano Flat. I should think yovi all enjoyed yourselves thoroughly.— DOT.]

Deal Dot, — What a grand idea about the photos; but it is hard to choose three out of co many. Well, let me see — I vote for Little Lady, Cynthia, and 8.0.8. I hope that 8.0.8.'s photo will be clearer and more distinct than it .was in the Annual (that is, if h e

receives sufficient votes). Dc 3'ou know Dot, la.pt Sundry p.t Sunday '.ehool come girls were asking me r/hr.l that vra& on my hal, mooning my badge. I told them what it was, and they the/i asked me what the letters stood for. I said "Dot's Little Folk," and they said, "No, they do not. They mean ' Dirty Little Fools. 1 " Talking about Sunday school reminds me of something which I will tell you. ' This is how it occurred. Some of us had been changing our library books among ourselves. The girl brought my book back, and when I wont to my class I left it in my seat, and what do you think, Dot? When I went to my former seat it was gone. Next Suuday I asked one of the fellows in the library if he took it, and he said " Yes." I have not got another book since. Was that not mean, Dot? Last Sunday afternoon my sister and I went up to the top of Mount Puketapu, and as it was a lovely day we had a grand ciew. A few mile 3 off was tlvj Pacific Ocean, which looked beautiful, and the Shag River was to be seen flowing peacefully into the sea. Nestling in a hollow was the little town of Palmorston, encircled on all sides by various hills. Here are the names of some: Mo ant Royal, Blue Mountains, Janet's Peak, Smiler's Peak, The Sisterd, etc. The same Siuiday at the Horse Range Gorge a sacred picnic was held, but as I was not there I cannot give you any particulars about it. What a tongue-tripper that was which Leetlo Beelie gave. This is how it would be spelt when I tried to say it, " The Leith poleith dismisseth uth." AVith love to Dot, and all the little folk,— Yours truly, WILD DAISY.

[I don't suppose your little Sunday school friends really meant what they said, Wild Daisy, and I am sure they would have been only too glad to have taken the badge if you had offered it to them. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — J see by the letters that some of your correspondents are frightened of spiders and mice. I don't like spiders. I think they aye horrid; but I don't mind mice, not the lea3t little bit. One day last week when 1 was sitting on an old straw stack a little mouse came out and sat on my knee. Last Saturday my brother and some other boys were going out rabbiting, and as^J had nothing else to do I and my sister went with them. We caught 21 rabbits, but we might have caught more only we had only one dog. My sisters and I are very fond of playing cricket, and sometimes in the evenings we have grand games. One afternoon we were playing with some boys, the girls against the boys, and the boys A'ere in high spirits thinking we could not play. When they saw that we could play belter than they could they became angry and would not play at all. That will give you some idea about boys, won't it, Dot? I see you are going to have some photos in the Witness at Easter. I do hope they will turn out nice. The photos in the Annual were such », disappointment. My three votes go for Shan, 8.0.8. , and Ziska. Dear Ziska, I like reading your letters. I wonder if you would correspond with, me; will you Ziska? Please tell me if you will in your next letter. I will close now, with, love to all the little folk, the editor, and Dot.— Yours truly, CLARISSA.

[It was indeed moan of the boys, Clarissa. They will never do to fight the Boers, if they could not face a team of girls. I should think they will be ashamed when they see this in print. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,— To subdue the constant prickings of my conscience I must again pen a few lines to let the little folk know I am still in the land of the living. During the greater part of the holidays I was confined to bed through inflvenza, so New' Year passed -scry quiely v ith me this time. My dear old chum, Ethel, is not coming back. The whole family has gone to live in New South Wales, so I feel rather lonely now, for I am not at all good ,ifc making rew friends. An old lady once advised me not to make a companion of anyone who was either indolent or extravagant, for* she said. I might be inclined to copy them, so when selecting a churn I give this advice due consideration. A cousin of ours who came from England about three months ago was visiting us during the holidays, and we, the younger members of the family, were greatly amused when Arthur asked what we meant when we used the word "billy" and "swag.' We explained a number of our coloniol words he did not understand, and our boys took him out camping* for tea days, so now he knows how to " rough it " (So sorry if it's a slang phrase). The first day they went goat-hunting, and great was their surprise on returning to the hut to find that most of the bread and potatoes had suddenly disappeared. They had taken some flour with them, so Miser turned it into what he wos pleased to call " damper." Next day they went out exoloring (?) and one can easily guess ths expression on their faces when on reaching their camp three pigs rushed out of the door, wHch has been left open. This exuliimed the mystery of the before-mentioned bread and potatoes, so yoirrnay be sure they carefully attended to the security of the door before they again left; their temporary residence. When the superintendent was examining the classes at Sunday school recently he got some very comical answers to the questions he put. One little chap was asked what " Amen " meant, to which he replied " Hear, hear " ! Another was asked to name the books of the New Testament. He started, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, July, Axigust, and so on to December. It so happens this little boy has been learning the months of the year, and got slightly confused. Before closing, dear Dot, I must say I like very much the idea of subscribing toward the cot fund, and I intend to help. Maggie D. asked in her last letter if I would coriespond with her. Well, I have obtained Dad's permission, so if Dot would please forward her address, for which I enclose a stamp, I shall write. Would Zephyr write to me? I have taken a fancy to her letters, and would like to know her better. This scribble is getting too long, so I now conclude with best love to Dot and all the little folk. — Yours truly,

ISMENE.

February 21,

[I am so sorry, Ismene, but I find I have not got Maggie D.'s address. I thought I had almost everyone's, but hers is not among the number. If she will send it to me I shall forward it on to >ou. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I promised in my last letter to give you an account of how I spent my Christmas holidays, but it is so long past Christmas now that I shall not trouble you with my experiences, especially as I did not meet with anything interesting to tell you. The Critic Club is a grand idea, indeed, for if 3"ou make a mistake and they criticise it you will then try and not make the same mistake again. At fust when I read of it, I was lather afraid of them, for I am not very good at letter-writing, but now I don't care, as it will only help to impiove us. lam pleased to see all the little folk ari taking Dot's advice, and leaving all slang words out. It will be ever so much nicer. I don't like anybody usii:g slang woids, especially girls — it sounds so unladylike. There has been ever so many telling me that I am the very image in looks of Cisfeie T. in the Witness photographs. I have bee.i looking at it nvyseli, but I cannot tell whether I iook like her or not. What a nice piece of poetry liam-y sent to Diamond. How proud I should feel if he were to send me a piece of poetry like that. Harry is indeed good at poetry. By your letter, Maidey, I sco you are fond of fancy work. So am I — of any kind of fancy work. If we were living closer together, we could exchange patterns, could we not, Maidey ? Dear Dot, it is a very good idea

about the photos, but I should like a few in every week. I don't know who to vote for, there are such a lot I should like to see; but as we have only three I shall try — Ziska, 8.0.8., Harry. Dear Dot, I should like very much to correspond with some of the folk — Jessie C, Ziska, Dunedinite, Dockleaf. Girls, will you correspond with me? Dot has got my address, and will give it to you; will you not, Dot? About the cot, Dot, I for one will be only too willing to assist you as much as I ca-i to get it. It would be so nice if we were able to have it by next Christmas. I think if we only tried we could get it by then. Is not this war terrible? I wish it was all over. Five boy 3 went from here with the second contingent, and 10 more are leaving next Saturday with the third contingent. I hope they all get off uninjured, and come back safe* and sound. I don't think anybody thought it would last as long as this. With love to you, Dot, and all the little folk, and the Critic Club. Perhaps if I give them my love they won't be hard on me. — Yours truly,

M. C. H. [Yes, M. C. H., I shall send your address on if requested to do so. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote I have found out another of your correspondents, whose name is Zara. I hope she won't find me out ; but as fast as I fine out other writers readers find me out. Is that not so, B. ? There was a girl slaying with us who intended writing to you, but she has not made her appearance in the page yet. As Pique said, lam an admirer of Little Lady's letters, and would like to correspond with her, only ladies don't correspond with schoolgirls, do they, Dot? I think it isa good idea about he photos, and if 1 am to vote I will vote for the Little Lady, Roby, and Cherryripe. I shall go and try Shan's experiment, and see who I shall get then. Well, Dot, you may not believe it, but it is the truth, 1 "got those very three I wanted. Now, Taffy, and you others who are in the Critic Club, please do not critici&e my letter, as it is only my second attempt. I think you are wiong in Zara's initials, Marguerite. Are they not M. M., Zfira. Do not think me cheeky, Margueiite, I mean it all in good part. , The boys ar§ teasing Pique, and addressing her as Pig and Pisr-u. lam sorry if 1 put you to any trouble with my grammac, as you will have plenty to do without mo making uiorc -work for you. A.s my letter is lengthening and it is near bedtime I shall conclude, with love to Little Lady and Zara. — Yours truly,

DAISIE.

Febvuarv 16.

[I fancy Little Lsdy would be quite agreeable to correspond with you, Daisie. But we slnll sse next time she writes. The boys have little to do to play on Pique's name, and I hope the wiil take no notice of iheir little attempts at playfulness.— DOT.]

DEDICATED TO MARGUERITE

Sow oft in moonlight have I sat and tiaced, Enrapt, in green grass softly cluster-starred, The waving marguerites that sweetly graced Ox;r Jub'lee Park, with moving shadows barred! The while the birds sang soft and deep — Oh! Marguerites, ye answered as in sleep. Oh! pearls of joy, in moonlight wavering flee, No fairer sight on earth I hope to see.

Dear Dot, — We shall enter into the " cot " project, heart and hand. I noticed an article in the Times a short time ago under the heading, " Now that we have sent so many young men off to the -war, what shall we do with our girls?" If the writer comes my way, I shall inform him of at least one way, for I could do nicely with a sister or two. Dear old Wullie, how we anxiously awaited your letter. Ib was a relief to me when at last it came. Dear Maidey, T sent the remainder of my old photos for valentines. So you would rather have my photo than myself? Ah, well! it would be easier to shut me vp — in a book. Never mind, Maidey, live in hope. Dear Pearl, I am not. a poet no? a budding poet, but I am extremely fond of verse. Dear Maisie, I did not return to school this year, and I feel extremely sorry at leaving my happy school days behind me. T had a nice " have," Little Lady, on your account. One of my chums told me his sister had scalded her foot and could not attend school, so I thought I had found you out. After travelling as far as Opoho to see you, shure and I found out it wasn't you at all. I got stitches in my side running down the lull. That H. S. boy with the badge must have been my best chum, Little Lady. I shall send a note shortly to be forwarded to Dame Durden. I am greatly interested just now reading " Short Studies in Shakespeare." It is both instructive, interesting, and amusing. Here I must conclude, with sympathy to L. L., and with love to all — Yours truly,

HARRY.

[I am sure we are all very sorry that Harry was not successful in finding Little Lady on this occasion, but perhaps he will be more successful under happier auspices. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — A3 I am a mate of C. C. M. I oioughti ought I would like to write to you too. What a lot of nice letters you are getting lately. I greatly enjoy reading them. I think Shan, Echo, and Cooee are the best writers. What has become of Cocee lately? Surely she hasn't resigned, I go to school, and am in the Fifth Standard, and my little sister is in the First. We used to go to a school which was three niile3 and a-half away, but after the holidays we went to another school a mile and a-half away. We like it much better, and get out earlier. My sister gets out at half past 2, and I get out at half past 3. I was very soriy to leave my old mate at the old school, but we write to each other, and that makes a difference. I have two brothers and a sister. My eldest brother works in a shop in town, and ha likes it pretty well. My sister is not veiy strong, and was veiy ill once. I was down at Port Molyneux a while for my holidays and also at other places. I was. at the beach on New Year's Day, and enjoyed myself very much. When I was at Port Molyneux I was in the sea bathing. I have a dear little cousin who has brown curly hair and rosy cheeks, and looks very nice. My second eldest brother rides to school on his horse, which, he is very fond of. He teaches it ail sorts of tricks. My sister and I have a garden which my brother made us, and of course we think a great lot of it. The flowers looked very nice in it this year. I know FiR and think she is a lively sort. C. C. M. and I and some of our mates had great fun the other night playing at tig. I think the idea about the photos is a good one. I vote for C. C. M., Fifi, Queechy. Dear Dot, I will close now, with love to all the little folk, Dot, and the editor. — Yours truly,

CALOOLA.

[I do not wonder at your liking the new school better, Caloola, when it saves you walking four miles each day. Three and a-half miles is a long distance to go to school. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Here I am again, none the worse for Xmas dinner, holidays, etc. I enjoj-ed the holidays immensely, and I just wish Xmas were here again. I enjoyed myself best at the Owaka sports on the 27th, and at the beach (Port Molyneux) on New Year's Day. I think the Christmas Annual was very good. I notice some of the little folk were disappointed with the photos, but although some of them are not very distinct they were as good as could be expected. I have shifted my quarters since I last wrote, and when I came here at first I never saw a Witness for three weeks — not many of the little folk undergo such hardships; but now a friend of mine has taken pity on me, and sends me the Little Folk's page every

Monday, I thought of retiring, but after bo* ing persuaded by some of my niafes to writs once more, I resolved to continue till the retiring age, which is a- whole three and a-half years yet for me. What a grand show of letters there is this week. I notice one from Alys ani^ng them. So you have found out« Fifi. at last, Alys. When you saw Fifi's sister J at B , did she not tell you any talea about C. C. M. ? Well, if I was near you, Fifi; I'd make you liven up. You must be getting: lazy. It's a fortnight to-day since you would' get my last letter, and you haven't written, me a line yet. I see a girl who writos from, Balclutha says she wishes she'^ seen. me at the show. Well, I was at bicycle sports on. the 25th, and had on my badge, but I did not notice anyone else wearing one. Keep your; eyes open, and you may drop across Fifi, Queen Bess, and Queechy, because they are all up your way now. By the way, what's become of you, Cooee. You arc a nice one to desert us like this. I believe you have changed your norn de plume; has she Dot? I was at the Oddfellows' picnic (Balclutha) on the sth, and I enjoyed it capitally. I was also at a flower show held here, and the flowers were both pretty and plentiful. I was very sorry to see that sad piece of news about Vida M'Jlellar in Cigarette' 3 letter. I was always doubtful about her when she never wrote to clear away the doubt that hung around her. I was also sorry to hear that dear Dimedinite had been seriously ill. I do hope' t#e has quite recovered again; and will write and tell us how she is keeping. I must not forget to thank you for the nice Christmas card you pent me, Shan. I declare all the little*. folk are in lovo with you— at least, I feel inclined that way myself. I see there is some talk about 8.0.8. being in love. Well, a young friend sent me 3, "cure for love" frot that 1 needed it), and if I had it at hand J would send it to you. Dear Dot, isn't the war dreadful? Everybody here has the war fever, or rather the patrio'tio fever, and we are endeavouring to raise funds hi ail sorts of ways. I ha\re a coupiu away in one c£ the contingent"!, and I also know several others who have volunteered to go, and arc accepted so far. Doesn't it give j-ou keener interest in the welfare of our boys whei> you know some o£ those in the coKhigents? A sudden loss, a shook sever? To part with those we loved =0 dear ; The loss is great, we'll not complain, But trust in God to meet again. Now; Dot, I'll say ta-ta, as I see my letter lengthening, but please excuse it this lime as I can't &top when I start. So with good wishes to the Critic Club, and love to all the little folk, and to you, dear Dot, and the editor — Yours truly, C. C. M.

[So we have haci"a narrow escape of losing you, C. C. M. Well, lam sure everyone will be pleased to learn that we have not'clcne &o, and that you will be with us the full time.- ■ DOT.J

j Dear Dot, — I am away for a holiday ju3t now, j and am enjoying myself very much. My sis- | ter and I were out at a friend's house last night, and whom do you think we met? Well, it was Mr A., the gentleman who travels for the Otago Witness and Daily Times Company. I was reading the little folk's letters at the time, and our friend said, " There's one of Dot's little folk." Then hei husband called ,to me : " Come and show yourself, Jessica."' S Then Mr A. said: "Oh, I have read Jessica's letters." Then I asked him who Dot was, but he only smiled. So I got a glimpse of the Witi ness office smile, Dot. He said he had known you for a long time, and that he was going to ! have a talk with you when he got back to town, i and was going to tell you that he aaw me. So, 1 Dot will you please tell me if he keeps ins } promise. On Wednesday evening I was at i the flower show that Clementine mentioEcrT i in her letter, and I saw Clementine, Emerald, . and Sig'na there. I have seen two goats since I I came up here, but I am going for a drive on I Saturday, and I will likely see lots more. I ! was also on a dredge one day, and it makes \ an awful noise. I know your name Twin, and ! I heard that you got teased for writing that j letter about the monkey. I also know your name Mousie, and I am slightly acauainted with your cousins at P a. I have 'cousins jin the same district. I suppose Heather Bell is your cousin, too, as she spoke of going fishing with hei cousin Hugh. Well, Dor, I see your little folk are all voting, so I shall vote for Marguerite, Cooee, and Aguinaldo. 1 oonlcl write lots more, biit possibly it would not get I printed, so with kind regards to all your boy especially Aguinaldo, The j'Cook, and Huckleberry Finn, and lots of pity j to poor 8.0.8., I remain — Yours truly, I JESSICA.

[No, Jessica, Mr A. did not mention having seen you, and I shall ask the editor to see him, and remonstrate with him for not keeping his promise. It is not like him to forget, "and this will probably be a le3son to him not to break faith with any of my friends. lam glad you enjoyed your holiday, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I saw my two letters in the Witness of February S. I was glad to see that you agreed to my suggestion about being kind to animals, and that in answer to my other letter you said I had the prior right to use " Sunshine " as my norn de plume. I am back at school pgain, now, after a holiday of eight weeks. __ Our new lady teacher is very nice. There are only six girls and one little boy at this school, for it is a private one. What a splendid idea about having the 12 photos in the Witness, Dot. The three I vote for are Lamb, Shan, and Wullie. I wonder why I&mene has not been writing lately, Dot? I do hope that she will write soon, as her letters; were very nice, were they not? I see, Dot, that some of your correspondents think that you and Einmeline are the same person. I don't, I think you are sisters ; but no doubt I am wrong. I went for a ride on my bicycle yesterday, but I did not like it very much, because the roads were so bad. Are you fond of music, Dot? I play on the piano, and like.' it very much. I think it was too bad of Buttons to make fun of Mousie's scones by saying one would take the place of a cricket ball, which he is sadly in need of. You ought to try making scones, Buttons, and I should like to hear the result — wouldn't you, Dot? The weather is very warm as usual, but it has been raining a good deal. I shall conclude with love to Mousie, Ismene, Dot, and the poor worried editor. — Yours truly

SUNSHINE,

[Yes, Sunshine, Ismene' s letters are always interesting, and are certainly missed, but you will have seen before this that she has not deserted us. Yes, dear, I should indeed like to hear the result of Buttons' s attempt at sconemaking, but I should not like to have to eat any of them, should you? — DOT.]

Dea^ Chrystal, — Faither thinks ye must bo an awfu' nice girl, and I think sac tae, for yt have been sac ill an' sac cheerfu, an' I noo hopf! ye are a lang way better. It is hard tae look on the bright side when i' trouble for mony a year; I hae been awfu' doon on it an' a' tliat without being ill like you. But I feel awfu' cheerfu' noo. Aren't the wee folk's letters nice? Tae read Dot's page is like gettin' a big lor o' letters frae kind freens, but it seems sac funny that they should be freens an' strangers tae — that is, gettin' quid wishes an' a' that frae kind-heartit wee boys an' girls ye dinna ken nor havena seen. I will aye tak rait her' s paii I, Chrystal, an' it wis vera true what Athlete said aboot Scotch love bein' awfu deep an' silent. They may bo hard 011 ye, but love ya a' the same. Your lwithers an' sisters secra tae

be awfu' nice an' kind tae ye, Chrystal, an' A.rchie must be prood o' bein' pickit oot as favourite. It is gran 1 up here wi' the Maoris ; but the heat is awfu' tryin', an' bad for fever an' a' that. The girls are no red cheekit like the girls awa' doon sooth, for I think the hot sun dries their bluid up, or something like that. So ta ta, clear Chrystal, an' may ye be a' richt in a wee while an' able tae gang aboot an' enjoy outdoor life. Wi' best wishes frae yer Scotch frien'

WULLIE

[We shall have io wait v fey« -weeks for •ChTystal's reply, but I am sure Wullie's kindiiearted letter will reach your heart, dear, and make you very happy. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — As my sister is writing, I think I ought to follow her example, or you will be forgetting that I eve>- had a letter m the little iolk's page. I think it is , a very good idea about the cot, and «,bout the photos appearing in the Easter Kumfoer. I shall vote for Lamb, Wullie, and Marguerite. I see some of the little folk are giving their height. lam sffc 4}in in my boots. J. need hardly say this war as dreadful, and that I hope it will soon be over. That was a veiy nice, although veiy sorrowful, story, by Mr Hammaker. Do ycu think he will soon write again? I hope he will. I wish we knew if .the report of Vicla's death is true. Do you think it is? So Jessie C. has found time io write at last. I wonder if she wants us l<o •taks what she says about her beautiful photo as truth. I am sure I don't think Lhe photo flatters her a bit. I was sorry to hear of Dunedmite's illness,, and I am glad she 13 better now. Lamb and Wullie haven't -written for ever so long. I hope' they will write soon in spite of what some say about taeir being not genuine, for I feel certain they are genuine. Dear Dot, please tell me if my let.ter is too long. I will close new, with love to Marguerite, Lamb, Cj-jq-thia, and Jessie C, not forgetting our dear J)ot, — Youi'3 truly, EQUIBEL. [I do not know whether Mr Hammaker will write again, Equibel — he is so far away, and then. I suppose he is very busy with his own paper, you know. However, I fancy he will, because he will feel comforted to some extent by tho kind sympathy you have all extended to him. Yes, dear, lam afraid there is no doubt about poor Vida's death, though I am sure we should all like to learn some particulars of tho sad event. No, the letter is just a proper length.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— l think the badge Very pretty, and I have sewn it on my hat, but I have not seen one on another hat yet. I think the Dot's Little Folk's Cot in the hospital a very good idea. I see the little foilc are voting for the three whose photos they want in the Easter Witness. The three I vote for are Wullie, Lamb, and Shan. It is a long time since I wrote you my last letter — it was in December. This letter will be a very small one, for I have not seven words in a line. I see that Loid Ecberts has relieved Kimberley, and captured a large number of Boer waggons. Dear Dot, my sivfcer smd I were up a hill to-day, and when wo were coming down five horses chased ue. What nice letters Zisku, Monica, Taffy, Shan, Wullie, Marguerite, 8.0.8., Harry, Lamb, and . many others write. lam sorry for 8.0.8. not being allowed to go to the war, but 1 think he "is Safer where he is; don't you, Dot? I will stor> now, with love to all the little folk, not fcreetting yourself, — Yours truly, BECSIE. ITsbiuary 22. [I think the horses must have only been in 1 fun, Becsie, for I never heard of horses chasing ■ anyone viciously. Yes, dear, I think 8.0.8. is much better looking after his sheep. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — What a splendid idea about the cos for the hospital. 1 see Laddie is complaining about the dry weather. I only wisli we had some oi it down here, for we are havtfvg horrible weather just now. T\ T e have just got the latest war news. "Wasn't it terrible about the poor Victorians, and how true it is abemt their relations that " Sad would be their Christmas, but sadder will be their new year." JDear Dot, while I was staying ac Portobello the Onslow broke down, and some picnickers it had brought from Dunedin to Broad Bay had to stay at Broad Bay all night. Queen Bess is away now, and Ido miss her. Oh, Maidey, I always thought you were a girl, but you led. us astiay in taking a girl's name. I wonder what has become of Lamb, Trixie, and Cooee. Fancy, Marguerite, I was at Portobello when you were there. I wonder if I saw you. or if you sow me? t must thank ycu, Dot, for correcting my mistakes. It is a good idea to keep a copy of one letters. Then we can see our errors and wuite more carefully another time. Will you tell me please if your photo will be in the Witness Jubilee paper ? I must stop now, as Ido not •wish to disobey you" rule. With love to Marguerite. Alys, and the Critic Club, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

MILLICENT.

[I am afraid neither Emmoline nor poor Dot "will be considered important enough <o L.tve their portraits in the .Jubilee jN'uniLcr c[ rhe .Witness next year, Millicent. Ho vevcr. we phal? see. But, you know, when Dot's portrait appears, and the mystery it, solved, I jn. afraid it -will he time for Dot to hand over her ciaige to "her successor. Whatever has put it into your head that Maidey is a Boy, dear? Why someone will be writing next -wing thai it is witli regret she learns that Wullie is :i Scotch lassie instead of a Scotch laddie. N-j, dear, someone has blundered again. — DOT.J

Dear Dot, — Several times I started to write a letter to you this week, but I never got it finished. I know three of your correspondents, Dot, and think myse-lf luclry to know that many. I like Taffy's and Patsy's letters, ior when I read them they make me laugh. One .day as I was out for 9 ride I found a real Scotch thistle, which I gladly dug ■up, and mounted my horse with ilio thistle in my hand and rode on. As I went along, \mfortunately I sat down on the thistle, and without a word I parted with it, and never •again will I venture to take a Scotch ■thistle on horseback. I would like to go to "the Transvaal to fight the Boers, Dot, paly that I am under age and size, but there is time enough yet for me to go and fight, because Briton's trouble is not all over yet. The New Zealanders are fighting well in the Transvaal. I hope the war wiJI soon be over, and that our boys will return without getting into bhe clutches of the enemy. What a strange name Huckleberry Finn is. I wonder did he get that name from the book written by Mark Twain. The weather is getting cold now, for autumn is approaching, and the clays are becoming shoiter. Thank you very much for the name for the calf, and I think that mother likes it too. I will have to stop now, with love to all the little folk and yourself.— Yours truly, GENEEAL.

JJo-wburii, February 2.

Dear Dot, — I am going to encroach on your valuable space, if you will permit me to, I am quite interested in the Little Folk's page how. I have just finished reading the letters. Who is the fortunate girl, 8.0.8., j-ou have fallen in love with ? I have often wondered, Dot, if there were really such a thing. Perhaps you Vrill be able to tell us, eh, 8.0.8. ? lam sure

you think I am taking a liberty writing &uch rubbish, and especially seeing it is my first letter. DonH you think the war terrible, Dot. The British seem to be gaining ground again now, of which T am veiy glad. There are four .young fellows from "here gone to joj.B the fourth contingent. They are in Dunedfn beine

trained. The day they left here was a red-letter day for the residents here. Just before they left some ot our local townsmen made patriotic speeches. After that the four troopers and those assembled were conveyed in vehicles or rode up to the station, which is four miles chstpnt, arriving about half an hour before train time. Then some more patriotic speeches were made, till at last "the iron horse was seen coming steaming in. Then the trying ordeal for them is J over; they get on boaid, and the train steams j out again amid hand shakes and cheers for our ' biave soldiers of the Queen. It was very m- ; teresting, but very touching, too. I like read- ' ing Wullie's letters very much ; but 1 think j they are all very good now, a difference to -what ' they used to be, Dot. I intended writing be4 fore Christmas, but put off until now, and — who knows? — if I had written then I might have become the possessor of a, nice Christmas card from an unknown Wellington correspondent. I intended, Dot, when I started not to pay any compliments to any of the writers for fear it might discourage those who try their beet and get no compliment, but forgive me, little folk, I can't help it. I think Harry (or the Old Phil, as Solomon Slow calls him), must be a saint — he is so clever; and as for Shan, I am quite in love with his letters. He seems to be so kind. to his sister llonica. Oh, please, dear Dot, forgive me — I have broken two lules — made my letter too long, and written on both sides, Good night, with love to the editor, little folk, and yourself. — Tours truly, GLORY.

P.S. — I like the idea of the photographs for Easier. I would like to propose Shan, Wullie, and J.essie C. I [Glory is very welcome to our page, and I am sure she will quickly become a great favourite. Poor 8.0.8., I am afraid your disclaimer ■will not be credited for many_ a day. Still, we must remember that our friend has denied point blank that he is or ever was in love, and says it is all a mistake. Now, little folk, we , must believe a disclaimer like this, especially when 8.0.8. says that he is too busy studying the South African puestion to bother with anytbiug leas important. — DOT.] i Dear Dot, — It is such a long time since I last wrote to you that you will have forgotten all about me. Now, as I have started to write to you again, I wonder if Princess will write too. Our school has reopened after five weeks' holiday. The weather here is very changeable, and to-night it is both cold and wet. i see some of your correspondents have stopped j writing since I wrote last. I think Alys is right in saying that we should not stop writing Liil we are 20. What a lot of ooriespondents you have writing to you now. "With love to Priscilla, Pauline, Ziska, Princess, not forgetting voiuself — Yours truly, I " DUCHESS.

Edendale, 'February 21. [So we haven't quite lost these high-born I ladies. It is very condescending of them to ' write to us, isn't it:'— DOT.] ; Dear Dot, — I thought it was about time I was writing to you again, but as there are such a lot of letters just now, I don't suppose mine are missed. However, Ido not like to let too much time -elapse between my letters, as it seems rather neglectful. I have be&n up town nearly eveTy day lately, and I have seen stick- a numbsr of badges ; but it seems so funny that every girl I see with one in her hat does not seem, to be looking oxrfc for tlieni tco, so, poor me, Igo by unnoticed. You know, Dot, Lamb said she was going to school at the beginning of the year, and she evidently can't see the Witness now, or I am sure she would ' have written. Don't you flunk that must be the reason too, Dot? I think it is great fun I re the photos, and am eagerly looking forward Ito see -who are the favourites. I am i in favour of Con, Maisie, and Boy for ths Easter Witness. There is no use voting for Shan, as he is sure to get in without my vote. I would very much like to see Monica's pholo. Somehow, Dob, I don't seem to be able to write an at all inteiesting letter when it has to be so short, but perhaps I am an exception. I wonder if you will laugh over this, Ainifie > and Flo, -as you do in the Bible Class? but of S course you. won't, as there is nothing to laugh about. jSTow, dear Dot, I must close with love t to Lanette, Areta, l£oa, and Pom Pom. The radiant orb that lit the day, Now wanes within the aureate west And, as its glories pass away, The eaith resigns itseli to rest. The groves and glades, of late so fair. Are filled with shadows dark and deep, And all grow 3 hushed and silent there, So sleep, my dear one, sleep, sleep, sleep. 1 — Yours truly, j DOCKLEAF.

I [Yes, Docldeaf, that is the conclusion I have arrived at about Lamb. It is a pity, but some day she may get the Witness once more, and then I have no doubt we shall hear from her again.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — First of all, I must tell you that your S3'in.pathy for me was not wasted, tor I was ill, but the attack was short' and sharp. I soon found out my mistake about I Fkiff, Maisie, so I will beg both Fluff's and Dorothy's pardon. Why this voting is quite 1 exciting ! Does it end with the closing of thu month, Dot? I am just longing to see who are voted for. Whatever is wrong with Lamb? Has she never sent her address for the cards and things, Dot? No, Marguentp, my initials are not B. M. I don't think yoti will find me out, because we live so far apart. I have seen quite a number of badges lately, but I was disappointed to know that it was ] neither Harry nor Laddie whom I saw on fche I car. It is a good idea of Dame Durden to ask the Critic Club to put tlieir photos in the , Easter Witness, aad I hope tbey will have no objections. Of course, little Daisy would have ;to form one of the group. Fancy Harry sayj ing he -would get taken with some girls! Why, |it would quite spoil his photo. Of course he | must be taken quite alone, mustn't he, girls 9 J Oh, by the bye, Punch and I are going to the j Times and Witness picnic to-morrow (Saturi day), and we ars> wondering if you will be ' there, Dot. I 2Sth. — We enjoyed ourselves immensely at the picnic, and saw four badges — worn by three boys j and one girl, and the boys were three of our I best writers — namely, Harry, Sol, and Bert. I ( think Sol's foot was all right, as he was about almost all day. I was just wondering if Harry could last a whole day without a book, when, 10, I saw a book sticking out of his pecket. Did you enjoy yourself, Harry? I Viculd tell you more about the picnic, only I am afraid my letter is long enough already, but Sol will tell you about it, I think. Is Maidey really a boy? Au revoir, D* L. F-, with love to Harry, Echo, Monica, Shan, and Mona, and last but not least, the editoi and our everpatient Dot. — Yours truly,

DUNEDINITE. [You will have seen how the voting went, Dunodinite, by last week's page. I hope, now, that the photos will come in with promptness, and enable the work to be gone on with in a satisfactorj' manner. Wo, dear, Maidey is certainly not a boy. I wonder how that rtlea got about?— DOT.J Dear Dot,- — I am no longer a little folk, so I hope you will forgive me for writing this le'-toi. Being a constant reader of your page I have noticed for some time i>ast regrets expressed for the death of Vida Mackellar, and I am pleased to be able to tell your little folk thnt they aie mistaken. The Mackellars are old fiiends of ours. By the last 'Frisco mail we had a letter from Mrs Mackellar, in which

she spoke of Vida as well and full of life, and greatly amused at the lepoits of her death. Hcping that this will relieve the minds of her numerous friends, I will say good-bye. With love and best wishes, — Yours truly,

TE HI7IA.

February 27. P.S. — I have a davk brown mare, and would like you to "give me a name for her — a Maori one preferred.

[Well now, what ARE we to believe? The confirmation of the report came, if I recollect, fiom a relative of Vida, and she spoke with authority, and seemed to have no doubt on the subject. This letter is also fiom one of the best of sources, and is a direct contradiction — and m the direction we all wish: To settle the matter, Vida, you really must write, or this discussion will never cease, and you will be the best-mourned live girl who ever existed. Call the mare Tioi, the name of a sacied fijre which brought back light into the world after -fcb.3 great darkness.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Perhaps you would like to know where I heard of you first? One evening I was at a party, and it happened that one of your correspondents was present. We began talking about the Witness, and Dmu.li mentioned Dot's page. I could not think who she was talking aboxvt, for every second she mentioned Dot. At l9st I asked her who Dot was ; so she told me, and also asked me to write to you. I will never forget the first letter I wrote to you. I did not exactly know how to make my acquaintance with you. The first thing on a Friday now is to go and look at Dot's page. I have an idea who Priscilla is. Are her initials A. K. ? If so, I know her well. I would like to know who B.O.B." is. Love to Priscilla, Dinah, and last, but not least, to your dear self. — Yours truly, GRACE DARLING.

[I suppose mvny of jaiy correspondents have become acquainted with Dot's page in a fcimilar way as Grace Darling,, and I am only too pleased to welcome them ali. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,. — In my last letter I told you v.-o were going to have a farewell social. "Well, now, no doubt, you will like to know the result. In these out-of-the-way places such aimisements' come birt rarely. The school at which this small social was held is called Kahinxn — a Maori name meaning between two rivers. It was a cold bitter night, with a keen nnlujiii gale, driving clouds of fog, from the somheast. rTevertheless, a goodly number of f parents and children were present, for the purpose of_ having a lasl fir ink of toa with Mi M'Jjean, the schoolmaster, and bidding him gcod-bj c. We spent a very pleasant evening la one another's company. The children were very pony at Mr M'Lean's departure, as hs was highly respected by them aIJ. He was kind and courteous to all who had the pleasure of making his acquaintance. This has not been a very good season foi hay-making. Some of the settlers have set their burns (that is, bush fires), of which, no doubt, you have heard. | Father lias not set his yet, as the weather has ; pre\e:ited him fiom doing so. We stood one day and watched one great fire catching hold of the dry grass, and encircling in its embrace the tall trcas it met in its course as it I swept onward. Abo 'c the line of forked flame, | clearly distinguishable, robe a thick black cloud, which, diminishing in density, assumed a whitevapoury appeal ance, and, curling over, formed a canopy above ua, obscuring the blight blue sky, and rendering 'the whole atmosphere ov>pressively hot. This, however, is only a tiwall peep into the heart of a bush fire. Now, little folk, how would you like to see one seething mass of glowing flame about a mile long? i could write every -week and tell you something new and strange about my home and suiroundings, but I must not write too often, must I, Dear Dot ? We have to make all our own bread out here. I do all the baking in my home. I have a sponge set now. We have a good many hens laying at present. My brother James is haulirg 'logs wilh the bullock, or, rather, he is making the bullock haul them. I went for a walk the other day. The scent of the bush flowers, and the appearance of the mistletoe as it hung down from the vast heights of the silver birch in one mass of scarlet and gieen, filled to overflowing the beautiful cup of Nature. It was 0 fresh, sweet, summer day, full oi those sights and sounds which fall upon the eye, ear, and heart >vith soothing power, seeming to carry the mir.d back to the first time when "God saw all that He had made, and behold it was very good.'' But above and beyond all that, Dot, the thoughts and workings of our own minds are reflected, so tb &ay, by the world we look upon; and while summer days will bring to some a sense of gaiety, of childlike in" ocea.ee and happiness, and to others an indefinable longing for better, purer, more enduring things than belong to this world, to many they will bring no definite idea at all. Oh, Dot, I really do not know whaf you will say when you see this Icttar. I seem as if I have been chatting with you. If you do not like this style of writing please do not print the letter. When the little folk see this they will probably say, "Isn't she one of the sentimental kind? " Perhaps it is all owing to the grand lesson I gave the children at Sunday School last week, Dot. 1 hope this long letter will not be considered uninteresting. I must now close with much love to one and all, including yourself, Dot. — Yours truly, BIMBECCO.

Rinrii Valley.

[I am always pleased to get a letter from Rimbecco, and should like one much oftener were it not for the limit put on our space. You certainly have a poetic nature, dear, and no doubt it has been intensified by your beautiful suircundings. Thanks for the card, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Little Folk, — There are so many of our very best letters coming to hand after the limit has been reached that I am almost in despair. I really think it would be easy to fill four pages, and here v/e are limited to eight columns. Well, I cannot help it, and we niust just be content to wait patiently till our turn comes. Will you all try to help me as much as possible by writing shorter letters, and the most regular correspondents not quite so often ?—? — DOT.