LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2429, 3 October 1900, Page 65

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Dear Dot, — Our exam, has just passed, and I had the honour of passing (awfully unexpectedly). Since the last time I wrote to you I have been told about 2S of your coriespondents, pmong them being Queen of the Fore&t, Marguerite, Hoy,- G-iuha, and Regma, but I foiget the names of the rest at present. I deeply sympathise with 8.0.8., and I should like to see a letter from him when the next O. W. W. comes round. I like reading Con's letters very much. Koa has not written for a long time, but I suppose she has too many lessons to learn just now — eh, T£oa? Nor have we heard from Lady Adelaide Westray for ages. I was speaking to her ladyship to-night, and I asked her why she did not write to you tine weather, Dot. ' Oh," says she, " I am short of ca\h, ' but, of course, I could not believe that a person of her position could be hard up." Dear Marie, I was down at the station ons night with Koa and Yvonne, and I expected to see you, but I was disappointed as you did not happen to go up that night. Dear Dot, I'm wearying for Christinas, aren't you? But I suppose it doesn't make any difference to 3 on, as you will always bo getting letters from u& tioublesome little folk (if you will allow mo to say •" us.") With love to Koa, Sunflower, Yvonne, Little Lady, Alys, Echo, Queen of the Forest, and all the other little folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor — Yours truly, UNKNOWN (No Longei).

[Never mind though you are known, dear, keep to your norn de plume. Oh, I think Chiistmas will make some difference. I think I shall announce a holiday during that time. What do you say, little folk?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, Our exam, is just over, and 1 passed, for a wonder, into the Fifth Standard. Isn't it terrible about the war ? I wish it was over. A few troopers went away from here, but none of them havo yet been killed, though one of them has returned home invalided. I suppose Con will be getting oil all light. I wonder if Tiooper J. Jones, who went away fiom here, knows him? It will be a great day all over New Zealand when peace is declared. I know a few of your correspondents — namely, Sunflower, Hilda, Wallflower, Giuha, and Ting-a-ling. I wonder why Maisie left our i^age? I liked her letters veiy much. I also like the letters of Dunedinite, Little Lady, and Hairy. I don't read much, but my sistei would read all day if she got the chance. The best book I have read is " Eric," a Sunday School library book. Dear Dot, I will have to sto_r> now as Mr Editor will be giowling at me, and saying there is another correspondent tiding to write to Dot. With love to all, and Mr Editor, not foigetting yourself— Yours truly, MIRANDA.

[I fancy the editor has begun to recognise that growling about new correspondents is of no avail, Miranda, as they come quite irrespective of whether he likes il or not. I hope Trooper Jones meets Con, but of course they may be m quite different directions, and never come across each other. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am very fond of animals, and i have such a dear little kitten which I call ; Tibby. We have a new school teacher just I row, and I like him very well. We had a magic lantern entertainment here last night, and I enjoyed it. # I know Cherryripe well. I hope when you get your holidays, Cherryripe, that you will spend a few days with us. I have an uncle over in South Africa, who went with the first contingent, and you may be sure I take a great interest in tho Boer war. The cherry-plum trees are out beautifully now, and they have such a delightful perfume. Dear Dot, we have three nut trees, and we have such fun looking for nuts. I have Lord .Roberta's photo on such a"nice little brooch. We have dreadful boys at our school, and they are terrible for teasing us. Dear Dot, I know about 30 of your coriesiuondents. Chcnyripe, would you please write again? With love to Pique and Cherryripe, not forgetting your own dear self, — Yours truly, RUTH. [How nice to have nut trees of your own, Ruth. They must be pretty old, for I think they have to be 1-1 or 15 years old before they bear.— DOT.] Deal Dot,— l wish tho Old Writers' Week would come again, for 1 think the letters are much more interesting than those of the new ones. Pique, did you get Ihe autographs? I have not heard from C. yet, so I don't know how she got them. I hope they were written m the way you wanted them to be. Dot, will you please excuse me corresponding with Pique in a letter to yourself? Dear Jessica, I have found out who you are. Arc your initials <L R. ? Did you get your norn de plume fiom a book, "Haxidy Andy V , We are having very nice weather just now. The orchard is looking veiy pretty, as the cherry-plum trees aie clothed m their robes of white. When I am walking underneath them I shudder and almost think that snow has come again. We have had very little snow this year — m fact, a very good winter. I think Con must think a lot about D. L. F. when he writes such a long, inteiestlng letter. With love to Pique, Cherryripe, Jessica, etc., not foigetting your own deal self and the editoi. — Yours truly, COSMOS. [Well, Cosmos, it is scarcely fair to write to a iriend through our pa^e instead of through tho post office, as you evidently know. The cherry blossom shower was much nicer than the snow "shower, wasn't it, dear? — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you something of our big town. Well, it contains a blacksmith's shop, two stores, one inhabited and the other empty, with broken windows, a schoolJiouse and residence, a few dwelling houses, and

a church, the most prominent feature in ti-.o whole place. It is a quiet, well-behaved sort of a place, with no pubhehouse to mar its quietness. It is my birthplace as well, and I have lived heie for 14 years and two months, and so I know it well. Most of the people aie farmers, and I among the number am a farmer's daughter. There arc six gnls and four boys m om family.. The eldest is almost 17, and tlie jonge&t three months. I am fond of most animals, but have no special pets. I know several of your correspondents, but if I named any of them I would be found out, and I assure'you I don't want to be. The war in South Africa does not seem to be finished jet; but the war in China is quieter now. It v. as horrible to read of the tortuies of the missionaries. I know one oi the troopeis who went away in the fouith contingent, and he is safe and well as yet. I wish Con and he a safe return. I see Ivmiber Lee can write shorthand. Well, I have often wished that I could write it, but a, chance has never yet come for me to ' learn. I suppose we shall have to say goodbye to Maisie and 8.0.8., as they have left us, but it is a pity. It is very sad about 8.0.8. losing his mother. liirnbecco, you must not leave us yet, as you are not of age, and I should miss your letters very much. With love to all, —Yours truly, ELAINE. Dear Dot, — Here I am again, like a bad penny. I ataitecl to write about two months ago, and have only got this far after a second tnal. You will be saying you wish you^had a few more co-respondents lika me. Dear Mciiguente, I am ashamed of myself for not writing sooiier. I should have written sooner for your sake at least. Well, wo had a letter tiom. Toby not long ago and she' is coming over at Christinas. That's the best news we have hod for some time; isn't it? I'm wailing for Christmas to come, but it won't be long now. We intend to write and tell her to come home round your way. If you put uho vioflg number on, that accounts for it being icturned. However, she will soon be here, and jou will be just as- pleased as we are. Riding, diiving, and drawing are particular hobbies ot mine, Areta. How arc you getting on with carving? I should like to add shooting, to the list. I know one girl who can go out with her gun and shoot rabbits, ducks, or anything she comes across. My brother used to take me out with him when lie went shooting, and I used to carry the game for him, but shooting would be inucli better fun. I've often wanted to go hunting wild pigs with him, but I've never managed so far. Some seasons they are plentiful on ihe ranges near us, but they have been killed in such 'numbers that you have to go a good distance to get any sport. I aon t think Jam Roll has begun to start to begin to get ready to write yet, but I expect to see a letter from her soon. I intend to shoiten my name into short unconventional Mac, because if anyone were passing me and said: "Hullo ! Macrocarpa, ' they would be round the corner before I knew whom they were addressing. So all the correspondents who know me will know th&t Mac and I are one and the same. Dear Dot, I think we shall have to start a paper of our own (if letters continue to pour in) and carry it on by subscription. I hope the editor still wears an eight-inch grin for us innocent little darlings that wony your life out I must make this letter short and sweet, or I shall be intruding on space intended for more important correspondents. Dear Jessie (Con's sister), I should like to exchange autographs with you if you are willing. With love to Dot and the little folk, I'll con-clude.-Yours truly, MACROCAH PA. [I am by no means convinced of the advisa- ; bility of the proposed change, Macrocarpa, as I fancy we have already more than one Mac as a correspondent. Better keep to the 10 letters, dear, even if you do escape hearing the greater i>aTt °f now anc^ a 2 aul - — DOT.] Dear Dot,— At last.after thinking over it for a couple of years, 1 have started to write to you, and although I shall never be able to write a letter like Echo and a great number more, I hope you will allow me to join jour band. Ido not know any of your correspondents, as there is no one writing from here. I have four si&ters and three brothers, and we have a little girl staying with us whom we call our sister. I have not got a badge 1 yet, but I intend to ask my mother's permission to get one next time lam home. Is not S the Chinese war terrible, Dot? It makes me j shudder when I think of the pictures of the massacres I have seen. With love to all your little folk, and not forgetting yourself,— Yours lruly « MAY. [What a time to have been thinking of writing, May! I wonder if any other little girl i has had this important step under considera- > turn for so long a time. If so I hope she will take example by May, and write without further delay.— DOT.] Deal Dot, — It seems such a long time since I wiote, but I know it is not. Another friend of mine has written ard posted her letter under the name of Lady Walker, although she has not married his loxdship yet. [ tender my sympathy to 8.0.8. on the loss of his mother. I can feel for him, as I have no father. Dear Dot, I see that someone else sent the same riddle as I did, but never mind, Pearl, I don't mind. I should like to find out some of the little folk, but I have not been able to do so yet. With love to D.L F., also the editor and Dot,— Yours truly, LADY CROOME. [Dear me, our list of titled folk among the correspondents is increasing. I never heaid of Lord Walker, but we shall welcome Lady W. to our page.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote, I have found out who you aie, and what relation j'ou are to the editor. I have also tound out who "Emmelme" is. A schoolmate of mine is going to write to you, and I am looking forward to seeing her letter. I got &uch a surprise when I found out who Auchendrayne was. Dear Loaf, I did not play in the match you referred to. II was the Mornington School which played against you, was it not? I have found out who Loaf, A Sister of Twins, Scatterbrain, Pauline, Miss Muffet, Mother Hubbard, Fluff, and Areta aie. Carmen Sylva and I know 20 correspondents now. I hope 8.0.8. will write to the Old Writers' Page. When the news came that Loid Roberts had annexed the Transvaal our teacher put up a map of the Transvaal, and pinned a paper flag over it. I re- j reived such a pretty brooch for my birthday. We are reading such an interesting book at school called "The Corol Island." My other sister says she is going to write, and adopt one of Winsome'& suggested noms de plume. Dear me, Equibel, I did not know that my letters were interesting. Areta, will you please tell me the initials of the girl who told you my name? lam waiting for an opportunity to say something that will split on Carmen Sylva, because she split on me : tit for tat. lam going to the Band of Hope to-night, and I hope there will be a good programme. Every time I write a letter, and it appears in the Witness, Carmen Sylva comes into my room, and wakens mo by saying, "Your letter is in, Ella." Dear Dot, I was told that you do not like private conversation in the little folk's j letters. Is it tine? With love to the little folk, — Yours truly, ELLA. [Oh, really, Ella, this is too bad! We shall soon have no office secrets at all. Dot and "Enimelinc" discovered in one acfc, aii(d I '

treinbl? iv my shoes lesfc "Ch^.i" stall be founcl out too, and then v;e may as well all sign any^ thing wa write v/ith our ;,;oper names, 4nd liters, will be an end of it. stay; possibly afterail you are not quite sure about it ; can th.ej.-',*, be no doubt? It is quite true that I do^'fc like private conversations, dear, because if is not fair to the remainder of the writers. I do not wish it stopped altogether, but only indulged in to a vei-v limited rittvLt.— DOT.J'

Dear Dot, — The lost time I w'ote to you my brother watched wS*ie I put the letter, and then he looked at my norn de plume, so I oni changing it. Our flowers are all out. Dear Dot, our cat got caught in a trap abc.it a week ago, but her foot is nearly better now. . My brother's horse is at home now, and I have a ride evciy night after I come home from, school. I hope the war will soon be over, for it is so dreadful to hear about the soldiers who are getting killed. The war in China, is worse than the Boer war, for the Chinamen are so treacherous.^ With love to Dot and all the little folk, — Yours truly, J THE DOW AGER EMPRESS. ■ [The Dowager Empress might have savad. harself the tiouble of changing her norn de plume, for if her brother reads this letter he will, of cour&e know who she is. I should . tl-ink poor puSs will avoid traps of all kinds m future.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — The last time I wrote to you I did not tell you about up here. I have about nine dogs to look after r.ow. I have a little, garden of my own, and have a few vegetable's in it. The hills here "are getting beautiful and. green. There are plenty of wild pigeons, and we have three tame ones. I must come to .Ji close now, or Mi Editor will hang me if he gets hold of me. lam going to change my norn de plume, as it is not a nice one. — Yours truly,

SCOBY,

[Fancy the editor on the warpath after this Scoby with the intention of hanging him I Well, I don't want to see Scoby hanged, or the editor turn hpngnian, but I should laugh watching Scoby's scared looks and the editoi's living coat tails as the chase progressed. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am still at school, in tho Seventh Standard, and 1 like it too. Berv ought to have ins tongue tied up, for the master knows my norn de plume as well sis myseit, and will wonaer why my exercises were done m the coal cellar. Vveil, Dot, it was this way : A reproof by the master at the foot oi the exercise was shown at home, and I was to!u I would get a punishment at home it there wab another rcprool, so I hid the old exeicise in the coal house, and wouldn't let any ot my brothers get the coal in case tiiey took coLd and got lumbago or something else. My word, it was cold sitting on a lump of coal with <» piece of candle showing a flickering gleam, ar.U the wind whistling and the snow drifting m, and nis perishing with coiu. It v/as everytmng but pleasant. li I hr.d had as much accidentally on purpose burnt the oki exercise book. Dear Rirabecco, you are quite coriect. Well, I am going in tor study, and intend retiring from the httle folk's page — I am getting near my teens too, so goodbye, little folk, Dot, Mr E-clitor. Love to all, — lours truly,

SOLOMON SLOW,

P.S. — I should have sent in my name but for the sake of the other two iittie nippers {th.o Old Phil, and .Bert), who still write to the page. Farewell. — S. S.

[Too bad, Sol, for you 'to think of leaving us already. Only approaching your teens ! Why, leave off time dots not come till you arc out. oi them. 'Ihmk over it again, Soiiy, and don't desert us altogether. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Again it is night, and a lovely one too. About two hours ago 1 went for a walk arouiicl the gardens, &hea&, etc. 1 sat on a log over on the slope of the hill, just becaupt 1 wab- alone. Not a .sound v, as to be heaicl, save for the gentle ripple of the brook, whicl? broke in musically on my thoughts.. Every jlow and then I could hear the swish and peculiar squeal ot the bats, as they darted hither and thuher m search ol insects. * T'liey came quite close, too. I could even see their thin, gauzy, fairy-like wings. Away far beyond, the Kakas screamed ana screeched, mailing the woods ring again and again. The tall seed glasses waved gently to and fro in the scarcely perceptible breeze. The golden beetle's cop.stant click, clock, click kept time with the rustle ot dead leaves. The mcrepokes, toa, w ere calling out in their own wearisome, doleful way. I'heir one cry is more-pork, m-m-mor-r-r-pork, pork, and then they are off to seme other remote spot. Aw.sy ovei the hill a do^ was baymg, long, loud, and sharp, then the echo came back — just like the howl of an angiy wolf. The breeze carried on its light, dancing wings the sweet odour of violets anct primroses. Everything, even to the tall pines that stand daik, stiff, and dignified on all sides, adds to the calm grandeur ot this cool, delicious evening, my only companions being the twinkling stars, soft, white, fluffy clouds, and a wholesome breeze. These are only a few extracts irom my sweet communion with Nature's beauty and her Great Beautiiier m the evening. Now 1 will give a description of Nature in her mommg robes. Leaving here early in the morning before King Sol was up, I wended my way along a nice dry read, on each side of v/hicn was a thick bush. Crossing the M'Lennan, i could see the trout leaping, quite fearlessly out; of the water. Then farther up the river I all at once heard a great quack, quack, quacking, and next moment Jive grey ducks (wild) flew past and vanished out ot sight round a, bend in the river. A kingfisher sat on a neighbouring tree, trying to consume a large worm. When he saw me coming near he fla-pped his wings, shook his head, and uttering a shrill "te whit, te whu, te whir-i-r-r," vanished out of sight. The bellbird'b silvery note added harmony to the whole. Then came the quiet little robin, singing tick, tack, tick. I pursued the winding zig-^ags up the hill. Now and then a flock or parakeets or a startled rabbit darted across the road, only to disappear m the undergrowth or bush on the opposite side. When 1 reached the top of the five-mile incline it was about 7 a.m. Old King Sol w?a just rising. Never shall I forget when I rirst scood oji that hill and looked down on the little village and schooihouss of Houipapa. Ihe many different paths and roads wound in and out as fai as eye could sec, like long, thin, silver ribbons. The scene was grand, aweinspiring. Away out to the north the waves came dashing, tumbling, and roaring up the strand. When they struck a cliff, down they went again in one sheet of snow- white foam. To crown it all there lay, quite near and yetso far, the Catlins Lake. It looked so' quiet and peaceful, showing like a bright mirror in the dancing rays of the earlj' sun. All along' its banks bloomed the scarlet rata, spotless clematis, the toi-toi, and the cabbage tree. The border was the lovely manuka. The lake is beautifully broad and smooth, contiastmg greatly with the green woods and flowering tiees that use up all around it. The flowers were 1 nodding their heads too and fro. They scemecfr to be peering into the depths of their own lovely}! faces, as their reflection was thrown on th«| shinmg suiface of the lake. The lake Feemect; to be a great attrac-l.on for the birds 100, a,";,( there were hundreds there. All were singy. ing gaily. There was the tui, mavis, cuckoc^ bellbird, and tne blackbird; but sweetest of al.'.' was the laik. He rose from the giound whei-^ I approached, and soared up into the vast^ heights,, until lie vras as a black speck in tksl

bright azure beyond. All the time he filled the valley with his merry strain — liberty, h-berty-e-e-e. The higher ha soared, the sweeter lie sang. To rainblo alone by tho Catlins Lake or kit and muso by the &ea~ shore, or re&t 'neath lie shade of the great lofty, noble pines, listening to the twitteimg- of the birds, ancl the gentle sighing of the breeze m the boughs 'overhead, with the music of the brook and 'lowing herds in the background, are all spots (where the travel-stained tom-st m search of 'a'est and recreation should betake himself. ["All Nature seems to rejoice, m which trembling is mixed with joy, as she ad-diesses her 'Qffaker." Dear Dot, my last letter was lather 'dreary, but I think this one is much more bo. ©oes the editor think there is too much private kalk in my letters, Dot? Dear Dot, I an^ not going to write any more until after New Yeai. ilf I am spared I shall write then — no sooner. fSo I shall wish you and all the L.F. much health and happiness for the Christmas and iNew Year. Is my letter too solemn, Dot? iWith kind regaids to Big Boy (1 am sorry you haven't a violin, B. B.), Ziska, Laddie, and Dot, 1 remain,— Yours truly, EIMBECCO (always dreaming). [A three months' holiday, Eimbecco! Is not that a long time? No, desrr, there is not too much private tilk in your letters. If everyone indulged in no more theie would be no need ito mention the matter. I wish you many happy returns of the 17th, and hope you will fes with us for three more birthdays. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is a long time since I last wrota to you, but I ha-'e once again made up any mind to write. I thmk it is a good idea of yours, Dot, about the way you publish the httlo iolk's letters, for it gives you more room ..o (publish other things which may be of more consequence. Dear Dot, since I last wrote Aye have got a new teacher, raid I like her fcrery well. I also know a lot of the little folk. ■If it is not too late, I shall send my photo, "fcrat Ido not know if it will do. Dear Do^, ■will you please tell me when you are going rto start to collect the money for Dot's cot fund, for I should very much like to subscribe a little to it. With love to all the little folk arc! Mr Editor, not forgetting your own dear self, — Yours tiuly, CAMELLIA. [The rhoto .will be in time for the next group, Camellia, for which I have already one or two in hand. The collection for the cot will begin ou January 1, dear, and I hope to S3J the cot established before the year is out.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am sorry to say that I havejost my teacher. Mr Smith. The school chilaien and teachers gave him a beautiful travelling rug, for you know he is going tc be a farmer, riid farmers need something to keep themselves warm, as tlioy have to go out m all .-orts of weather. At night the le&idents gave him. a bO3ir.l, and piese.ited him .with a beautiful illuminated r.cic'rcs&, and to his wife a gold brooch. CUr Smith his- been nearly 16 years teaching in Stirling. lie got a good send-off, and 1 think lie deserved it. Dear Dot, I saw where ons of the L.F. said that a gentleman asked her if the letters on her badge meant ''Dandy Little Fools." Well, that was not s* bid as p, gcn'lciiian who asked me if mine meant "Dirty Little Frog. ' Then he called me a ihaid cass because I would not tell him my norn da plums. Now, Mr Tt. E., do no; esll any more of the D.L.F. liamss again. Dear DoL, 1 sco wheie Maleen was reminding me of a chst I h?d at her father's gate. I remember it quite well. As she did not ask me my noin fie rlums I didn't ask hers; but as she T-va^ kind enough to let mo know hers in her last letter, I hope she will see this lattei of mine, and will not give me away, as there is ons of tha little folk not far oft, trying to find out as many little folk as she can. Now, "beware, Maleen, for she parses your door every diy. With love to Dot ancl the little folk, — Yours tiuly, LADY ROBIN. [Mr K. E. should be veiy thankful to you, Lady E., l or noi giving his name in full. I Hunk he is the hard case, and not you. — DOT.] -Dear Dot,— l think the O.W.W. was a great success, don't you? I was expecting to see letters fiom Sybil Scrybils and Lamb, but wae disappointed. I have the most disappointing n&.vs, Dot. Poor old Bennett has gone away from here, v and very likely &he will leave the D L.F. page too now. I know a good few D.L.F. Since I wrote my last lettor I have found out about a do^en. I can assure you, Marguerite, I would be the last to forget the grand old times at the Ksik. I never have any fun down here at all. This is such a horrid, lonely place. I wish I was back at the dear old place rgain. lam coming 'down for a few days in tiie winter. I say, "Toby, and Macrocarpa, your Uiicle and aunt are living a lev/ miles from here, and your {brother is living not far from mother, down at the Bluff. I was speaking to your aunt and cousin last week. You will think I have a dne cheek, Dot, but you can imagine how nice it is to have a yarn with old mates one hasn't heard of for years; but I'll never do it again if you'll let me ask one more question. Won't you tell us where you keep your organ, Prejudice? I have never heard you playing it. There, Dot, I've done now. Doesn't Con write nice interesting letlerg? I wish 1 could write like him. I know 29 conespondents now. I think that was rather a gcod idea about passing remarks on the illustrations. I think the two best photos in the Witness of the 16th were the views of Loch Long and Forfarshire. The best in that of the 30th were "Between Two Fires" and "An Ambush." I wonder if anyone could guess how I got my iioni do plume. "What ridiculous things some of the L.F. say about you. Why doesn't someone suggest tha editor's great grandfathoi's grr.ndmother? It's just about as likely a& some of the otlie"-?. lam patiently waiting a vcrce to Leo, Harry. lam trying my best to find out Lelie, Dot, but I thmk I'll have to wait till she writes again. Will any of the LF. sen'" l mo ths words of "Au revoir" and ''The Hst r.uistei.'' I have asked everybody I know for the words, but no one knows' them. — Yours truly, FANCY FEEE. [Oh, dear, I think I con iuiag.no ihs feelings of pleasure you experienced in meeting with your old-time friends, and thus recalling j all Hie pleasant associations of your old home. When you are travelling even the most ca&uol f>cquairit<incc= hi your town reciti the most inlimate friends when met abioad, and of ccm^e it is ths '-ame when one mo\es to '■ new district. Thank you for starting the picture criticism. I think your selections aie veiy good.— DOT.] Deai Dot, — We get the Witness every week, and there as always a msh to secure it first. The first thing I look at is th™ little folk's letters. Our examination vill take place in about a, month, and I hope vc shall have a good pa.=.i. Our school master went away about three weeks Pgo. I live near three lakes, the bi^gjst of which i& Lake Wakatipu. The place that I live in is not a very big one, but there are a lot of things to see in it. There is a flournaill not far fiom wheie I live. I onl;, know three of your correspondents. They fll used mgo to school with me. J. must stop now, a'j it is getting near cowmilking time With love to Dot and all the little folk,— Yours truly, SWEETHEAKT. [You do not teli us what the other two lakes xre, Sweetheart. There is Lake Hayes, of

course, but what is the other? I hope the cow 3 gave plenty of milk.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Oi missed lh' Witness wid Wulhe's photo, for winch raizon Oi v;apo, foi me ! heart warms to Wuliie. Oi'm 'thmkin' Lamb'll hz blatin' wid deloiglit lo foincl there are other shepo bssoicles her noble self. Hariy, me darlmi, Oi wear yer poethry m lh' pocket on th' lift-hand soide ay me ould coat, preaactly over me heart. Nevertheless, Oi im'ei rode a Hed Bird or wan ay any othei colour. It's me own pet dhrame to have wan. Bedad, an' it's a beautiful day! Riddcnm' Phoebus shomes broightly. Th' shkT>y is blue as me ould mother's ostrich feather. rlh'r lh' grass is shpungm' on lviy soide, an' th' threes rre buddin' gran. Th' only sound which mars th' stillness ay th' landshcapo is th' vice ay Dmnis, me foine shhp ay a pig, smgm' his mornm' hymn. Dear C. C, Oim on able to fade Dinnis more tha-i three toimes a day, so shtill Oi have some laizure for lettheis and poethiy. — Yours ever, PATSY. P.S.— Me luv to Alys, the colleen.— P [What a delightful little idyl. I did not know Patsy was so poetical as all this. Speaking of Harry and his Hed Bird, I may mention a curious tiansposition which occurred in Stella's lelfcci a. week ago. Instead of a, cycle picture appearing, a horse incident was shown. This was the pictuie that should have appeared : —

I have been patiently waiting for a complaint fiom the sender, bu.t as it is nos forthcoming, I take this opportunity of showing the proper picture.— DOT 1 :] Dear Dot, — I live at Riverton, situated on the Aparima Ri\ or. The town is a very pretty one, being a, favourite resort of tourists. My favourite pet is a skylark that I caught two years ago." I think country life is far better than town life. With best wishes to all, — Yours tally, ALLY^ SLOPER. [We uped to have another Ally Sloper wilting to us, .so tins one may have to get another norn de plume; what do you say, Ally Sloper number 1 ?— DOT.] Dear Dot, — ily father gets the Witness eveiy week, and I like reading the little folk's letteis. I wiote to yon last week, but I did not scf my letter pubh=hect. Theie ?re quite a minibei of coriespondonts writing about the bpd weather they are having just now. Dear Dot, I &co one of your conespondsnts has gone to South A[i\ca to help lo fight the Boers. I hope he will letum safe. With love to Dot and tho little folk. — Yours tiuly, LADY BELL. [I hope you will r.ot be tned vailing for this letter xo rppear also, Lady Bell. They all have to tal-:e their turn, you know.— DOT.] Deai Dot, — I see re have another subject under discussion. If jou have space, will you allow me to &py a few words'' 1 Dear b's; folk, it is veiy nice ai-d ako veiy scn c -;b 1 c ot jou to take an mt<2icsl in our pages, but 1 thmk yoa make a mistake in ad\i,i'i<{ us to pick out tho pictiues v o like the bc=t, :■ id state icasons ior our p 7 etejcncc. That wou'd become veiy monotonous liu'eed. Laddie's l'ioa of having s sot topic once jn Ivo or lluec months is much better. We litxle folk of Dot aie 3 o stiangely cop=t:uotcd thit one siiiOihci's savings an 1 dohigs have more into e->t ior us than the most plcasmq pictuips. It dcos <-ccip lather ully. You see, we have o»ly tho one hiJc come, while you ha\c all the re-t of th' 1 Witness. If you liked to bo and aiiovrcl all that rubbish about jacmg (which i? \ejy harmful), footballing, and cricketing to be dispensed with, ye might ha .'c mcie &xj<icc to dd ote to you, but as it is> — impsoible. If you prefer letters dealing only on one topic, jou will find plenty of such m "Emmelue's" Pago, and veiy good ones, too. lam sine we .shall all promise that if ever we join "Emmehnc's" bind, we will do oui best to please the big folk. We shall be older then, at present we arcjhi our selfish and inconsiderate childhood, .'doping

you will not think me impertinent, for I speak foi many otlieib beside myself, 1 am, — Youis truly.

ONE OF THE WEITEKS

flmpertaieat? No, indeed, dear. I thi.il: jou have put the case very well indeed. Eveiy .-iucstion has more .sides than one, and you aie quite light in loatting before u& your views on the question. The tact thai, only one coircspondent says anything about the pichncs shows that you voice xhs opinion of a very laigo pioportion of our baud.— DOT. J

Dear Dot, — Since last I wrote to you I have been away for a few weeks' holiday, and I had a gloiicus time. I had plenty of leading and plemy ot outside enjoyment. I spent two days among the hills, at diliereiit times, and we didn't waste much time those tvo days. My cousms took me thiough the small bu%h near the house. They weio two young boy-j, and iised to hills, so how could ihey understand the struggles of a girl who lives m a flat district? Small as the bush was, there weie plenty of gullies m it, and we went thiough most of them. W e came across an enormous fern tree and set fiie to the dead leaves that hung m a thick sheaf from the top nearly to the giound. What a blpze Iheie wiis' The fresh green leaves at the top were spoiled, though. We treated some cabbage trees in the same way, but their topo were only a little scorched, and you scarcely noticed it. Afterwards we got out a hHle wooden cart and two of us got m while the other gave us a ride down c hill. Halfway down, our hoise turned shaiply to the side, tipped the cart, and sent us out on our heads. Then he stood and laughed at us while \ve gathered ourselves together again and brushed ourselves down. Wasn't that a boy's trick? Next time I was ovei thcie we went vp to the big bu=h. Crossing tha open paddocks to icach it, we found some large stones. After seeing that thero were no persons or aaimals m the way, we set these rolling down into the gul'ies, they crashing into tiees and logs that stood or lay m their path. Arrived at tao big bush, we followed a narrow, recentlymade track through the sciub, marked with sciaps or paper. It was uphill, and I for one soon became veiy hot. Fcr nearly halif a mile, I should think, wo went on, and then we reached the big trees. The ferns, especially the lice ferns, were veil worth seeing. A small featheiy kind of fern spiead about in every direction. When once I commenced pulling them J couldn't stop, for as soon as i left one clump I found aiiotlier prettier one. At lust we staged back. It was now down hill, and thcrefcie much easier walking. On reaching the hou^e, we found wo had been two or three hoius m the bush. I was shown the impiovemeats :iiade on the cart— the pddilion oi a thud wheel, a brake, and a steering iod, to enable it to rim piopcily down lull without a horfto. I am afraid I must change my norn do plume, as someone elfe writes upder the same one. I don't know which of us wiote fbst. This is the second time J have beer, obliged io change it; but J hope I will bo moio ro.tunrte this tune. When I look o,t this letter it ccems veiy long, biit if Mi- Editor grovl-3 whea you demand more 100m — as you should — ju=t retsi him to me. I am sorry to see that one of our best writeis has left vs — namely, B. O. B.,— if ours, truly,

VANITY FAIR

[It is very long, but veiy interesting, Vanity Fair, &o I shall nob grumble, vhatevei Iho editor may do. What a delightful time you had with 3 cur cou'-uis. It was a pity, however, to set fiie to the beauL'iw' tice f<»rii, though if it vcio no*- much scorched piob.ibly it would come away again.— DOT.]

Dear Do L ., — I am soiry at having delayed so long in writing, but I have so much to do that wiien I've finished my work at mjlii. 1 generally leel too tiied to write; but as this *is my night oft, I was gomj, to commence writing my competition stoiy, but decided to write to you first? There is a .65 5s prize offered for the best original story of New Zealand lite, character, and scenery not exceeding 3030 words, and as my old schcolmastci has asked me to tiy for it, I think I fhall do so, for the pleasure of it, xnize or no prize. Hs»e jou ever been up to lapauui, Dot? If not, you ought to go thero for a holiday some time, and climb and explore the beautiful Blue Mountains, from winch it gains its attiactiveness. They aie voiy steep, and are well clad with fern and dotted with busJi. The chief attraction is Whisky Gully, where the thiee waterfalls aie. The residents oi Tapamu held a conceit not so long ago, and devoted the proceeds towaids the cutting oi a bridle track up to the falls, for the convenience of tourists and those who care to visit them. Tlight up on top of the mountains there are a number of lagoons, and if you happen to be up in November, you weald peiliaps find a few sea gulls' eggs, as they have their nests m the little hollows on the ground. The view one gets fully repays the climber. I forgot to tell you the day I was m of the journey my badge had before it lOimd me. Fust il went out to Baicwooci, then back to Dunedm, then cut to Caveisliam, and from theie to me, arriving safe and sound and well labelled. 3N T ow, little folk, I've seen Una wonderful Dot of ours, and she isn't a bit like the hideous dcscuptioAS given of her. She is just a dear, bright-faced Dot, that ovns and rides a bicycle. 'Fancy a Dot riding a, bicycle; it's hard to believe that it conld control one. The editor explr-incd the piintmg nijiphine to me, to give me an idea what it was like, then he showed me lour-d, fusi taking me into Doi's office, where that peisonage was busy with her typewriter. She typed my mine for me, and then I typed it myself, and cmer that the editor took me ihronah the other portions of the building ; but I cannot give a description of that visit, because 1 have loigotte.i the greater p. lit of the things cr.piamed to me: or lather, they seem to be mix", d üb. I thought I v ould have seen the Witness plaited, but I was mistaken, and exeatly disappointed when the editor tod me that it va:> pirr-ted m Tuesday mominps batween the hours of 930 and 11.33. When 1 went up Morning to .1 that evening I was teased about Dot by a gentleman who was connected with the Witness for quite a number of ycais, and vhe.il I convinced him that she was a young lady ho triumphantly bowled me out of the argument b> spying that "Emmehne" was l.one other that the cditoi himself, ;md he gave the :'t~hice and usoJ all the pretty talk to the indies. Jle may do -o, but i doubt it.' Please excuse the length of this bciibb'e, and I'll promise not lo write <=uch a rubbishy letfcei again. With Jove to all —Yours tiuly, MISS CONCEIT. P.S.— I had my photo Ukeli the day I wps in S.iy if you would like o -c, Dot — M. C. [I do not Hunk it a iubbi-hy letter at all, Mi».' Coiceit, bul a vc.v n.cc o.>o indeed. Voiii doiciipt.on of Whisky Gully and the .atiac^cnb of the Ulue llci ulains 3S cnj>nil, and jcu/ whole lettci n ti>i--stii.£. Yes, dc.v, I should like the photo loj. the net jucup. — DOT.] Dear Dot — 3 hi\t> lieni v\.u*n-^ until thcrt v>«ie fewer lcllcis, but il aeoni-, as if they wjII ne\or stop co-lung in. 1 ..m =vie meio ji.mt be ovei 700 m itm^ to Do l . IKidv a good few o c join fo:ics;o'idn.i r ., f-orac ouy by si_lit 'I Lc ones I \uo.v arc, C. 31. C, IMinciva, Tolanlhe, Kough 11 cler. lv.mdi. Fajo, Lo ne Dnone, n.KI I llacaria Tavo, youi initials u,e 3 J".. and \ou ! go tc. the Wailaki G ills' TTirh School ot'O., and so doss C. M. C. You will bo wondciing who I 'an, I'ajo, bf,i if jcu keop your eyes open you will fjooa find oat. 1 ;.ui going to school e-vcrj daj . You u-cd to me ue:u X., didn't you° Arc youi initials .). P., Lornt. Doone? If they rue not, I dor.'t think you know me, because I don't know anybody else to speak to that lives 12 miles from, Oamarii, &nd

comes in to painting on Satuidays. Dear Dot,, cur new station is getting on well now. The people say it will be finished by the Oth of Noa embei ; but 1 do.it thuik it will, for there is a good bit to be done to it yrt. It is not far ficm where I h\e, so I won't have far to go when J am going away anj'wheie. What a nice letter flangi iloki hid m last week's Witness. I wonder what has become of ilineiva? She has not written for a long time. How is N. C. getting on out there, Mmeiva? Ivanda, your initials are A. H. Dear Dot, I have just been down getting my photo taken, but as it is a veij r Mnrll o ie, it would not do to go m tht Witness. I think this is all I have to say, so I vill close with love to Dot and the D.L.F. —Yours trulj, E. T. I.

[I am not quite sure about it not doing, clear. Could you not send me one to let mo sec? — • DOT.]

Denr Dot, — We aie going to leave M.umgatua. and go to, Outiam, and I am veiy souy to leave my teacher, as I like her very much, i was at a social given as a farewell to tht head teacher, Mr Mothven, who has left here to teach m Dunedm. Mr Methvon was presented with an armcha'r and Mrs Methven with a beautiful oveimantel. Theie was a dance affcerwaicis, ancl 1 staj ed to it for a little while. Dear Dot, the pltn.i trees are all in bloom now, and they will soon hive fruit on them. The flo>vei garden, too, is veiy nice now, and it will be m a mass of bloom m a short time. I have a little baby bio'uier since I last wrote to j r ou, and his name is William Ch;>iles. Mjuacle calls him Kruger, but I don't li^-e that name. We are learning a lot of songs at school now. Dear Dot, there is a young man lrwiig here vho is plways teasing me, but I just tssse him back, besauce I know it is all in 'Inn. I shall be seven yeais old en the 2Sih of this month. I mv>s± low conclude, with love lo all the little folk and your dear o'd self.— Yoiirs tiuly,

EVELINE A. L-4ESEN.

[That is the best thing to do, Eveline — it ib much better then getting angij". Your uncle will soon tve of calling the baby Kiuger, and ?s the little chip docs not know anything about it, no haiin vill be clone — DOT.]

Deal' Dot, — Fe;e I corni' again. lam at l.cuit iio- 1 ... 1 have coaxed my .sister to write J .o yen. She &aj's :ny norn do x^ume is. a boy's l.^/ne, but I was not thinking of the bo>s — ■] w.i & thinking of the mestserc of Baitholomcw. Since I camo home my bi other lent two of Iho dogs to a friend. Dear Dot, Tdo not see niony badges up here. I h?ve only peen wo, I think the little folk's photos m tho AViti-cs^ voij- jnce; I cut them cvi end pa'-ier' ih^-m on a v^ts oi cardbo.ird. 1 lsko Ziska's Ictt^ra ve-y much. 1 know a cood many of jour cone3jjo l '<l'=>nts — npi.iily, ?.[other IJrtbbpid, Dv lednme, Eglantine, AlcKardraitp, Glenco-^, Schoolgirl, St ClairiLc, ili=s Jluffet, etc. With io\c to Ale;:anc!raite, G-lancoe, and the cditoi, not forgeiung your ov.-n dear .-^f, — Y'c.urs truly,

BATH I-10L0MSW,

[Of course Bart'iolomew .s a boj- I'^.1 '^. nnina, dear, but as you have explained to us bow you saleotad it wo shall all unoei stand, ?nd I think it will be better to keep it— DOT ]

Dear Dod, — You will wonder why I have not wiitten before now, but really I have had no time between socipis and school. V/c have had a very su2cessful social haie i.i aid of the English Church. The cbjldieu were m fancy cliesfc, and mey all looked very nice. We had aa aibcur dajr here, and the committee gave the school c'H.dreri fiuii tiees, ar.d rose l^u&] es Lo pla.it at their homep. I hope they will all be lndu^tiiccs and look after them. I lip.ye found you oiu, St. Cisurite. Arc your initials J. C. ' If they are iell me in your nest letter. Are your initials E. IL., Ismone'' If so 1 know jcu. Huiry up a:id write to me, ScLoolgirl, and fell rue' how you aie enjoying yoiir holiday. J knOiV a few of jour correspondents, including Schoolgirl, Mother llubbard, G-len-coe, Bartholomew, Alexandraite, Ismene, St. C'ifiirite, and Dunedinno. I like rer.Jmg Con's leilcis — they are vcij interesting. The diedges are all doing very well up this way. A great many houses aie being built in the countiy townships on account of the dredges. We aie having lovely ',-eathei just now, and the spring fio.vers are in full bloom. 1 hope the var will soon be over, ancl let the ccntmgentji ccme home. The Otago football team played ayi ;r»t Vincent last Saturdpy, and Oi«igo won by 9 to nil. Ihe people in the country to-vns aie forming volunteer coips. With bett wishes to dear Dot, and all her htile folk, — JTours truly,

EGLANTINE.

[What a good thing the dred-ging has been foi us all, Eglantine. All ihe goldiie'.ds towns are increasing in sise, a.id the sea copsfc towns are also getting on by leaps and bounds. We should all bo glad when we see big returns from the dredges, even if wo aie not fortunate to hold shades m them.— DOT.J

Dear Dot, — It is a long time since I wro-" to you, and of course jou will not relncmbev me, because I rm writing under a d:fitre_.t hqij. de plume. Whin a number of corresponds its you have now, Dot. So "Con lias goae to the Transvaal. 1 enjoy leading Lis long, interesting letters, and 1 hope he will come back to New Zealand safe and sound. I know nine or ten of your conespondent^, Dot, and I thinii. I knew ftimbecco. Now. Eimbecco, aie yoar initials M. H., ard do you live at It ? It r.o, I know you. I was m town the other d?y, Dot, and I saw a girl 1 know with a badge on her cap. I h?A a badge, but I lost it. I also know- who Jessie M. C. i«. Six or seven of your coirespondents go to the ctme school as I do. I am m the Seventh Seine* ri:.d r Lo radge by Witlhe's letters you vctild r.ot think iie was such a solemn looking boy, would i o\\, Dot > I liox^e he is en,,ojirg hirjcaif in Auckland. I have not seen a letter iioru him j.or a loag time; but I don't suppose he has -orgotten you, Dot, or the LF. I am mc'viiig another start o_i thi& letter after !,e'ting fir^pei I& not the lian&vpal war Leriiblc, Dot, aad the war m China tco' ; I think tlie Chinese v ar is the woise. Who ore jour ~.ivoante hoioes in the Tia >svral Colony, Ocjt° jii ie a;c Loid ]loberts, Kitchener, White, and Baden-Powell. Ca'i you i^amt, Dol? 31y -jistcr cm. She paints veiy nicely. 1 hrve a.i idea that Dot is s kmdly-lookmj dd man, with merry blue eyes and giey haa. "WhrD a, iviTuiy idea Z3oy lias oT you. I don't think \:c phould like writmg to i Slion Chiel. lie would not have so much patience and per«t?vci;'nce .■- jou ha^c, would he ' Hpvo jou si'»y idea whsn Zi&ka is going to yral the dccxipcio.]-> of j w cu in the Witue&s, Dot? What a lumber she will have. It will bi lua to read jII tLc di'te'ant ideas. Z:=ka wu.tcs veiy nice lettei^, aiid so docs rtmibecco, I wish Zi^ka woivd wntp ofte .er. I have not seen a Ic'.'ev L'om Pri^Jilla lately. We epp't giuruble n' v ths \V"a:li2i" Uf 1 this v. ay, because we Jiave b-on- hum' flue 6'<y~, lately. Tarn like most oT jour Coiic-i)ondo-'ts, very fond of leading. \Vit'i love to all the L.F. and yom^elf. — Youis tiv'y, - BANSHEE.

[Why, I am certain we have a Banshee aino'ig us aheadv, so it would have been better if thio one had kept her oiiginal norn de plume. Howc-ci, H i= a long time since we heaid from the other one, ,=o peihap^ she has gone back to li eland, wheie she is better ui.derstood than heie.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — What fine weather we pro having no* 1 ,", aren't we' and T think the wmtor is almost pa?t. Some of your writeis know a good few at each, other. Well, that lsu'i the case

with me, for J know only about 12; but I suppose I mu-t'be content' and find them out as the othei s have done. Is not this Chinese war a terrible thing, for so many poor people ara getting luassacied. I sec- the Allies are K om g to withdraw from Pekin. I think they should conquer the whole country and punish the Boxers for their ciuelty. The Old Writers' Week was veiy nice, and I see that Shan proposed to have one every month. I think it would be a good plan, as there are so many new writers that; the oid ones have not much chance, and they; are the best. I shall stop new, ancl not take up any more valuable spo-ce. With kind r££ &rd 3 to the little folk, not forgetting - yourself, — Yours truly, J. I. M. fl am afraid the Allies would find it a very difficult thing to conquer the whole of Ci ma, J. I. M. Four hundied million of poo )Je are not ecsily dealt with, you know. However, no doubt a peiraanent government will be established, and the culprits punished before the woik of the Allies is done. — DOT.]