OLD WRITERS' WEEK.
(Dear Dot,— Now for the courage to relate my narrative, which I hope will fully explain to (the little folk the why and the wherefore of , toy obtaining the curious nicknames of the ] "Sisterless Boy " and the "Old Philosopher, j /Sears ago, while a nipper in the Infant Department, a young girl schoolmate (who had (occasion to be an absentee from school) met Ko^going to school. Taking pity on the palefaced puny kid (myself), she kindly acoom- | mo right up to the school porch for Vibe purpose of unfastening my wraps, etc., When, to he* dismay, she espied her master i approaching us. Fear overcoming her pru- j ißence, she actually made a dash for liberty, knfl/flying paßt him like an arrow, gained the J Bay, while the muster, finding pursuit useless, jceme back and, addressing £ne sternly, said : ,*" "Why is your sister absent, my boy 1" I ■hook with fear. Yes, Dot, I believe from what Soy mates eaid that I turned ghastly white ; knd »tared— but £o words could I utter. In j » gentler tone the master resumed, "Don't be | j«fraid, my boy, but tell me why your sister Unas not been at school ? " I burst into tears, ibut managed to lisp out in a shrill tone (shriek gf despair), "Please, sir, me is a- sisterless boy." /The master pulled his moustache and said, "A t»hat?" So I repeated the phrase. One of the Hipper standard boys, coming up, explained the matter simply thus: "Young C. haa no sisters, sir." Then, I suppose, the master jfchought it rather absurd to question my supposed sister's absence. He dried my tears and bushed my sobs, etc. Of course, this upper standard boy carried the newo into the big school, and made out to his mates that I actually howled because I had no sisters, etc. The tale grew like a snowball rolling downhill, and almost every boy in the upper standards lad sisters and to spare. At least they made me believe bo, and many a journey I undertook v fhe forlorn hope of getting a sister. Some )f the boys would a»k me-to wait for them, and would take me to their homes. They then >ff«ed me the choice of any of their sisters to *ke home with me, as they had more than ;hey wanted. You can imagine what an ass [ looked when I used to go on the hunt fcr kilters. Sometimes I had actually their sisi »rs to escort to my home, and if aßked to choose amongst several, used to pick the feldeet." liooking backward through the vista £>f years, I really think I deserved » sister, at smyrate. I am almost" inclined to think that those mirth-loving individuals "crabbed my luck," *b toys say when things go contrary to , Hieir minds, considering that I have had four j brothers since those memorable days, but never a sister— "Och," as Dr Jim would sagely remark,, "perhaps you weren't worthy of one. Sill, well, what can't be cured must be endured. JVnat was fun to those boys was dead earnest » me. Ziska, in one of her letters, told briefly »ow I received my curious cognomen, bo I Aought I had better confess the whole matter. Borne of my old chums (now men grown) chaff • »ne about the time I used to learn to make wool j mats, receiving instruction from their sisters. % fancy I could still tackle the same old game if I had spare time. Of course, the same /old names stick to me yet, like feathers in a gluepot, and I often have some fun at my own expense. One night, a few months back, I aid occasion to visit an aged friend, whom I found sitting before a blazing fire between two old cronies of his. The dear old gent, introduced me, and being somewhat partial to fours truly, he made some very flattering remark* to his mates concerning me, adding that I would make a- name for myself, etc. So I /determined to puniah him. I remarked, with > gravity vjc-itny of a. better cavlsg, that I was happy to tell him that I had akeady made a. name for myßelf. The dear old fellow looked radiant, and with an "I-told-you-so" kind of expression, he proposed a toast, etc., while I took tne first opportunity of explaining. "Genftlemen," I said, "the nwne I hay« already yoade for myself is 'the Sisterle&s Boy.' ' There .was s> moment's silence, and then followed •uch a roar of laughter at the unexpected name. My dear old friend roared and choked and coughed, till I really thought he would "pass put, and I be taken up for manslaughter. He said he had never had such a hearty laugh for the past'4o years, and thought he had laughed his complaint away that night (he was a sufferer from In-onchitis). Anyhow, ii* has never been troubled with that complaint since that night. And no wonder, e^ber. fif you had heard him laugh and choke. So 1 11 be on the look-out to give him another hearty laugh if ever he gets that wheezing on his chest again. I am afraid I shall have to relate in another letter how I came by tho nickname of the "Old Philosopher," as I have already taken up too much space. With lovo to all the D.L.F., to yourself, and to tho editor, I shall conclude.— Yours truly, TT Ar>r.v Dear Dot, — I was so pleased to see that an. Old Writers' Week was to be held once again, and I hope to see the names of most of thc#e who were writing when I first started. It is over six months since I resigned, but it has seemed longer than that to me. and I flm glad to have the opportunity of writing again. In {regard to your suggestion about an autograph book for Con, I think it is an excellent one. JEinclosed you will find some stamps as my contribution "towards it— that is, if your plan is adopted, and I hardly think any of tho little folk will hesitate to adopt it. I am also sending my own and Pearl's autos. foi the book, and I trust that they are correct. If not. please Jet me know what you wish, and I will send fthem again. Pearl 'is not very well just now, »nd the doctor said she must have perfect rest for two months. We are all looking forward to Thursday, Coronation Day, as they intend to have great celebrations here, for such a small place. The Peace celebrations a-re to be held on that day, as they were postponed on account of a sad accident here on Peace Day, a young man being killed by the bursting of an improvised cannon. He was engaged to my eldest sister, and you may be sure it put an end to all rejoicing for us. When the news of his death was known, all demonstrations were slopped, and that is the reason why the celeDrations are to be held on Thursday. lam glad that Coronation Day falls on a Thursday, as ♦c are sure to get a holidaj from the office, that fay being the usual half-holiday. Since writjg to you last, I have been takinp lesions in and drawn-thread work, and also music (piano), and I suppose I am getting on Very well— so the teacher tells me, and I auppose she Snows whether I am or not. I shall now close, with love and best wishes to all my old (private) correspondents, pnd accept ibe IMM> tQt xeuxadL— Yonxa truly, _
Dear Dot, — Once more the O.W.W. has come round, and though six months have passed, It does not seem long since the last one. But time waits for no one, so I suppose the only thing to be done is ttr i*y to keep pace with it. As the editor won't gjvk you any space in the Annual, Dot, try and take it out of him in some other way, and make him pay for it by taking all the paper for the O.W.W. Peaoe has been declared at last; so, Boy, you will have to keep all your energies for picket-duty for a time, and try to find out some other way of escaping duty, bo as to be ready if you ever do get a chance to distinguish yourself on a real battlefield. That mummy of vouts wasn't a bad idea: but what would you have done if somebody had found it and put o. bullet through the pot? There would have been a bit of a rumpus when you found you couldn't cook your tucker. Isn't it a nice sensation to be rudely awakened from the land of slumber by a, boot descending in the vicinity of your head? But it can't be compared with the sensation you experience when you w&ke in the dead of night with a hazy idea that Eomething is wrong and that the world is slipping away from you, until at last the truth dawns upon you tiat the fellow who can't sleep is trying to be funny and is appropriating your blankets. By the time you are fvlly awake, he is out of the room, and you have to begin a search under difficulties. The best thing to be done is to get a light and proceed quietly, for if you race through a dark Toom you axe bound to run into something, and it is- not always safe to wake thd" other sleeper*. I heard a fellow who was out on a blanket hunt run Into a table that was heaped with tin plates and pannikins. Talk about a ahindy! A brass band was no comparison. That fellow knew what he was about, for he was back in his room like a streak of greased lightning, and was then heard loudly asking what was tho matter? and of course jumped about to give the other chaps an idea that he was unaware of what had caused the row. He felt savage when he struck a mstoh and found his blankets in a corner, and his language gave him away. The funny cove got a fright, and didn't try that trick on again. I awoke one morning wondering what was up, for there was a queer sort of noise, as if some one was scraping under tho house, and _ my bunk began to heave about in a suspicions sort of way. I was out in a twinkling, and as I landed on the floor I trod on a pair of feet which were protruding from under my bunk. The funny cove was at it again, only on a new line — i.e., tipping up the bunks j but he was too big to be able to get under without making a noise, so he had to retire from that line. He then Btruok out on a new tack, and one that very nearly had (for him) fatal Tesults. Ho got a pannikinful of water, and balanced it on top of one of the doors, leaving it slightly open, and then, thinking discretion the better part of valour, retired. It is a well known trick, and the fact of it being so simple makc-s it all the worse to bear. I a'ways used to close my door, so if it wasn't shut when I was going; in, I was on the watch. But you will no doubt be tired of the funny cove's funniosities, bo I shall leave him in peace, sincerely hoping he will mend his ways. Now, Dr Jim, my son, I am going to ask you to do me a favour, and it is to behave yourself for a week or two. It will be a bit hard at first, but, you know, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again." As I am in th« same boat, I can sympathise "with you. I tried to convince those nippers (Dr Jim. Harry, and Black Watch) that I am not bashful ; but I did not manage I it, for Harry advised me to throw it off not long ago, as he reckons it is worse than being In love. Oh, Harry, my boy, you give yourself away by writing as plain as that, for how c<mld you compare the two complaints unless you are afflicted with both? Oh, my son, my son, lam sorry for you. But I have already written more than I intended, bo I shall stop, or you will have to resort to the condensing 1 machine, and then there woultJ be o collision, I for the condenser would explode if it had to read this writing. Hoping to see a good muster of old writers, and trusting that the O.W.W. will be a great success, I once more sign myself — no doubt with ft sigh of relief from Dot — as,— Yours truly, AGUINALDO. Dear Dot, — Just fancy, it is now the end of June! Does not time fly on apace ? Why, winter will soon bo over now, a,nd then, oh, for the glorious summer — or, rather, I should say, summer months; as whether we shall have beautiful summer weather remains to be seen. Has not Dunedm been busy lately. We had hardly recovered from the excitement of P ea-ce Pay, when a)l 4ecor*ljons ajid jubilations WClft well on the way for Coronation Day, all in the end to bo bo sadly dispersed. Is it not dreadful, the attendant circumstances iinder which Coronation Day has had to be indefinitely postponed? We all thought we were going to have such a jolly and exciting time, ai.d then to think of our poor King. The public aeeni to take a very pessimistic view of the case, too, and think there must be something very sen- ' ous behind it all. However, let us sincerely hope it is not so critical, but that our King will have a speedy and very satisfactory recovery, and long may he reigu. Are there not many things on in the way of amusements just now? What with Pollard's Opera Company, the Maori and Military Car- j nivals. the winter show, etc., etc., together ! with the m-rush of country visitors, Dunedm has bef>n truly en fete. Among the operas we> went to we gave "In Town" the "palm." Maisie and I did enjoy it, but I think the reason it was so good was on account of it being a benefit to Mr and Mrs Percy (two of Pollard's leading actors), who have just entered iho matrimonial circle. Although we had often read about these "benefits," it was the first time we had had the opportunity; of being eyewitnesses of one. Ping-pong just seems to be as much in demand as ever, and ping-pong evenings are still very much in vogue. It is such a simple little game, too, and to think that so much amusement and enjoyment can be deri/ed from it. la it not a wonder somebody Bid n^t think of it before? They say the man who invented it haa made a great fortune. I think we D.L.F. must endeavour to invent some novel amusement, and see if we cannot amass a great fortune. Only jnst think fef the D.L.F. cots we could establish and the "beautiful something" we could present to our "Queen Dot," to say nothing of oil Mr Editor. Why, we might even be able to buy some wonderful piece of American machinery that would print all our letters in a moment or two, and so do away with the condensing system ; but of course this is merely a suggestion. _ Poor Echo has been having rather a bad time lately. She is growing too fast, and Las not sufficient strength to keeo up her height. She is improving, though, and we hope to have her all right soon. Now, dear Dot, I must leave room for more ' able writers than I, so will conclude with all ' success to 0.W.W., and hoping we shall liave a very large and enjov&ble meeting of all the old writers With fond love to one and all, — Yours truiv, D^CKLEAr. [I am indeed sorry to hear that Echo's health has been unsatisfactory, Dockleaf, and I am sure all the D.L."F. will jojn with me m sincerely wishing her a sprrtly and complete recovery. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — As I write those two sweet weds, a whiff of patriotism toward"? jou goe= through mo. Of late 1 am afraid I h<ive not been at all patriotio tc-nrds th D.T-.F. Page but , hope iv fu'ure to give up sorut of mv time. * »Wi^^| moat jilff^v m j^m£ jriVifllftm
pastime, to sending Dot a few l;nes (perhaps a big (few). I often think, and' I am sure other I».P. think so too, that you must get worried with all our scribbles. But I think I give a pretty fair guess of the truth when I repeat these few lines . " YBt, spite of toils and worries sore, Dear Dot would grieve far more If folks no longer cared to eend Letters to her, as to their friend." I don't know about the metre in that short poem, a* I am by no means a poet ; but it seemed an excellent way of explaining what I meant, and I am sure you'll forgive this time my attempting poetry. I would like to make a suggestion, Dot. As your older writers are having an Old Writers' Week, how would it clo for the younger members of Dotland to have a W6ek, too, the subject of their letters to be as follows : — Write an account of what you would like to be, and why. The letter itself need only be a short one, for L.F. could say in a few lines almost what they would like to be when they grow up, and give the Teason; could they not? I know what I mean to be, Dot. Will you ask Mr Editor if he'll have an opening in a year or two for a lady reporter or a journalist ? Ha, ha! it would be simply too much of a luxury to penetrate the "unknown land," with its Queen Dot. I dabble slightly in literature, which most inevitably finds its way to the fire, where it is consumed by the flames. I have serious thoughts of sending some day a story to the Witness. I write c. most entrancing story, with a. grand villainous plot, and then I think people would scoff if I showed my scribble to them. I suppose that's how I got the idea to become a reporter. I think that I've got a pretty good way of describing anything (I forgot to mention that my trumpeter died last week). But don't be surprised one day to leceive a bulky manuscript from poor insignificant me, and oh, Dot, or Mr Editor, I hope you won't break my heart or dispel my budding genius by sending the manuscript back agaiu. Now, dear Dot, I could pen heaps more, but seeing that it is 0.W.W., and that I hope to write frequently henceforth, I shall postpone my — ahem — news. With fond love to Dot and her extensive band,— Yours trufy, LITTLE LADY. P.S.— I have been looking over this, and perceive that I have used the word Dot Tather frequently; but, deur Dot (there it is again), you sea how hard it is to leave it out, and what could we do without that sweet name which is the most important feature of the page. Perhaps I'll call you Dottie next time. But, of course, we leave those nasty names for Mr Editor.— L. L. Dear Dot,— l must tell you about the giand time Eegina and I had at Easter. We were up on the hill, and Regina. was taking snapshots. There was a very pretty place that she wished to get, and she- thought by moving a little that she could obtain a prettier picture. I vras the quide — at least, I professed to be— so of course I led the way. The next minute I was calling to Regina to come and save me. I had been standing on a large rock, but it was bo overgrown with mo3s and ferns that I did not know. Of course, when I reached the edge, I slipped, and only escaped a fall by clinging to a rotten stump. I was expecting every minute that the stump would give way, so I felt a trifle excited. When Regina. came along-, she laughed so much at my queer position that she could do nothing but laugh. She offered to pull me up again, but I hadn't much faith in her pulling powers when she was laughing so. However, it was either that cr broken bones. I preferred the former, and after a great deal of pulling on Regina's part, and laughing and screaming on mine, 1 was at last hauled back into safety. I felt rather core afterwards. That isn't one-half of our experiences, but it must suffice, as I suppose there will be a good turn-out this time, and I'm Bure I hope so.— Yours truly, LOAF. Dear Dot,— Back to the dear o'd page once more. Delightful weather for holiday-making, isn't it 9 I have iuet arrived back from a week at Hooper's Inlet. I went down to Portobello in the 'bus, and oh, what a picnic it was. There were 14 people in it, and I had the pleasure {?) of holding a small boy on my knee all the way. I took good care I didn't come back in the 'bus, but fell out of bed about 6 a.m. to get a drive in a spring cart. Fifteen miles drive on a frosty morning makes one fesl like taking- the next ship to Fiji. I went to a welcome home social on Friday night, giVPii to two troopers of the Sixth Contingent. They were presentee} with silver n!<-<Ja.).=. 3 think these welcome home socials and presentations are a downright piece of nonsense. Of course, we are all delighted to see "our boys" back again, but still, I think a lot of those socials are just a farce. I viry seldom see any badges on the street when I am in Dunedin now. Do you know the latest style for ping-pong — the wav a lady I know tnucrJit h^r two girl"? playing the other night?— the kitchen fender for a net, two tea trays, and the children's ball Rather a novel idea, and oiie that saved a few shillings. What a number of old writers are resigning. I have still i\ whole year to lie a little girl. Isn't that jolly " Oh, the ecstasy of living' Oh, the joy of drawing forenth Hoping the-p is a good meeting of old writers, I must now close, and leave a little room for otherH. Best love to Dot and all the little folk from— Ycurs truly, ALYS. Dear Dot, — What a va*t l-ange- of meaning and expression, denoting gladnpss, sorrow, Hyinpathy, and astonishment, is contained m that little word "oh." Hu, ha l 1 daresay that was the very expression that fell from your lips only a moment ago, when }ou cpusM sight of another budget of old writers' letters. No wonder the editor chuckled when you made that tricky little sound between toi.gue ?nd teeth, teh, teh, t<h, and the f'rwn t!iat contracted your brows as you pretended you were dieplpased was quite a picture Oh. what %n exuberance of feelings from little Dot. One of my old chums u°ed to say that there was only one word m the clictionarv -winch could fully express satisfaction, that bemg "oh." Then, to fully emphasise the fact, ho would lean back, strrtch his arms out, and as the muscles slowly contracted, his fare would Into form itself into the ]ettpr_O. "O-00-oh 1 " he said, and with a wild. heatTienibh gape, which you felt must surely lift off the ton of his head, hia whole system would give a final tug, and suddenly subside, all hu woadrous s-trerstli sneaking off and hiding itself, as if ashamr-d at having committed "c ljoadful an act leaving him an inert mafei with eves bulged and glistening (which pops to prove that tc-ais and contentment are not alwa\s. estrajped). His yawn v, - a3 enough to malc< a"\orf feel homesick. "\\"ho that has strixl m .i daikrncd =:ck cl. amber, wlure thp httV <_li 'd (x!inu«l(>d in the last stages of a p-.unful nil os,. lies with pale foce and c-yes dosed, V-i iitad jjil|l/wc<l oil he* mother's In p. uttenr.c 'at i-tcrvals a , low, quavermp "O-r-oli' ' d.u'.il e\(. fu'ppt it } You ccild not ; , a'' l do not "iv Lc-t it wrmr your heart and pwaktn a lp'nonMvo pchn whenever memory revet"- Lick to tlvat <-ad c cene. for if anything will "-cue lo keep your heart soft aiid your ->vmp»thi«"s aetivp m tins heart-har.lemne wr.id it ii tl'c >-mi d of tiia' 'iina.ii'ig anau' ol ipd cv evnressing Imp dppnpst ftphn?s of di'*re«e the civ of a tired 'on 1 t Wh<it a contract to hear the wmo word from i ttkfi lutt fii a canmttiiii ajuLjealg.ua dajufiaL who
tcsees her head while her particular friend is relating the doings of her rival. "Oh!" '* Indeed!" and her little brother sums up the situation at the cost of a tingling ear by saying, "Sour grapes!" That "oh!" uttered with a rising inflection of the voioe when we heard with surprise, of the first British reverse in South Africa— how astounded and completely astonished we were it plainly told. "Much virtue in an if," Shakespeare said; and more in an ''oil," say I, since while an "if" stopped the quarrel at the seventh degree, an "oh," would have scattered it on the first, for had thp courtier, when Touchstone remarked that he disliked the cut. of his beard, replied with an "oh!" in that what's-that-to-vou, anyhow? mind-youi-own-busineas tone, the fool would have simply curled up. Then there is that involuntary cry of horrQr, uttered on receiving news of the accident in which the friend with whom you were joking, perhaps only yesterday, had met such an awful death. "Oh!" But fcr that one expression you are speechless, and by it yoii,havo said what a complete chapter could not do. The word that tends to bring back the days of boyhood to your memory with the utmost vividness is tho healthy, loud-mouthed, lungful roar of the schoolboy getting spanked by dad for playing truant: "O-o-c-oh! " and with that loug-drawn yell he trie* to drown the sad feelings in his trousers. Oh, don't you remember when you experienced the same thing ? It was serious when dad had to administer the admonition. Such acts as tearing your clothes, making your sister cry, or taking an inventory e'i the pantry slock without leave, mother was quite able to deal with ; but the very thouanjk of a thrashing from dad was terrible^ — not that it was any harder, but it was like appearing in a criminal court— you must have done something dreadful to merit it. The final picture I will draw is, I am sxire you will agree, the best of all. It is that of a pretty little rosy-cheeked girl (&h, you can point to the very oue), a credit to her home and country, receiving with dimpled cheekß and large round eyes the birthday present she only pictured as having an existence in fairy realms. What a picture as, with arched lips and sparkling eyes, she stretchea outlier hands tc receive it, whether it be doll, toy, or other coveted treasure, tremblingly, as if afraid that it might vanish with a touch. "Oh!" A volume of thanks, surprise, excitement, and pleasure is contained in that one syllable. Oh, happy donor! You are ten times repaid, «6peoiaJly if she is a moving factor of your life. That toy was but a trifle to you ; it did not cost you much— a little trouble in remembering to purchase it, perhaps, but the price you have rets iled it at is not reckouable in silver and god Now, Dot, in case I receive from you another iuteipretation of my subject ?n the shape of a weary sigh, I shall close. Wishing all old comrades a hearty welcome,— Yours truly, Dear Dot,— Since last Old Writers' Week, what a lot of things have happened! What with picnics, sociala, and parties, etc., we have been having a high time. On Christmas Day I went to our annual Sunday school picnic, at which plenty of games were played. What with skipping and running, I was pretty tired next day. On New Year's Day I went a, trip to Middlemarch, which we had been promised a long time beforehand. We got up at i o clock thitt morning, and after milking, breakfast, etc were- over, we got ready and drove to the station. We had to wait a while for tho train. However, at last it steamed in, but every ca-r-riage was already seated, so we had to stand all the way from Abbot&ford right up- to Middlemarch. It was rat&er tiresome standing. We did not see much of tEo scenery going up, but as we came back witii the early train, we got R lovely view coming down. The viaducts were very pretty, but it is nothing but tussocks and rocks most of the way. You get no fresh seabreezes up there. It is too hot and windy for me All the same, I enjoyed the trip, and should like to go again. On Good Friday I went to a small party and enjoyed it capitally. Wo had such a glorious drive home in, the moonlight. I was at two socials— one a welcome and the other a farewell— a very enjoyable evening being spent at both, although the weather was none too good. Peace Day and the Prince of Wale&'s Birthday I spent watching two young horses being broken in. Thus ended all the holidays. Non was saying they were having the mill. Why, with only 10 Vien they must have been working shorthanded. We had it lately, and had 14 men working -with it , there were three on the straw »lack, one haulmg away all the dirt and chaff, the bandcutter, feeder, driver, and watercarrier. One filling and one sewing the bags, two carting away the bags and stocking them in the barn, and two on the sheaves. We have a- lively time wheu the mill comes— plenty oi dishes and pots to wash. I'll conclude now, with love and beat wishes to all, hoping the 0W W is a success. I was sorry to see Con fe faiewell letter.-Yonis truU-, Dear Dot,— lt is with great pleasure thH I now sit down to pen my poor contribution for O.W.W. How time flies! Why, winter is half over' I feel inclined to say, like Tennyson; "On this whirligig of time.^ We circle with the seasons." It is about time we had some snow. When there was snow on the ground, Nut used to make two or three snowballs, put them in his pockets, and fetch them into the house. Then, when we girls weren't looking, he would drop a small piece down our backs. I suppose he wanted to hear us squeal. But we were a match for him, for whenever his pockets looked suspiciously full we would quietly draw one out, and take 'the first opportunity to treat him in a s-imilar manner. And oh, you should have heard the roars. Harry talks about the troubles of a sistcrlcss l>oy, but they are nothing compared with the troubles of a- "brotherful" (a new word. Dot) girl. It's grand to have a horse to earn' you over the mud these days. I still ride with the man's saddle, and 1 can tell you I have some pretty "near goes. One night 1 thought I was going to have a tumble. I was taking in the cow?, while my brother was catching the pony and another horse. When he caught the lipck, Le helped me on to b?<\ and went over the paddock for the other hors,e. Ho was gone some time, so T went over to fee what was nmiss. I found that he couldn't catch it, and when I went over, it sUrted off foi the gate. As a matter of course, mj horse followed "nut. With ore hind I clu-.'ij to her mane, and I held the rems tightly in t!ic other, while my hat danced an Irish "jimr <-n uiv head, for the "screw ere," as I heaid a bachelor call hatpins, weren't fastened in securciv. However, I managed to rein her up before th* g at - e wa3 leached. I see that Reta has b;-en telling tales on poor old me. My word, vait lil' I see her again'_ I fancy it was <-he who made me laugh. I've heard about people havin? unruly tongues, but I think J lißve unraly laughing organs, for when I gel a staii, I really cn't stop. I haven't seen Reta or Ophir for a good while. The last afternoon Oplur was ever. Tussock and I were going to a social nt ms;ht, and she told us that we had our hair in "pickle." Rather pood, cli 9 Since writing the above, I have had a cad mishap, though the only morions consequence w?s a bruise to my wee finger. I was getting some water from the creek ; I had filled one bucketful, and wa s crcUmg on to the bank with it w' i T °]ippod and down w^nt Hi bucket and i>ct mo, but, luckily, not into the creek. Although niy stocking was all mud, and I wa» all i»i*iktU, aud iVkou&k tkt suiaauaii x> M usi
one of the pleasantest, I found time to say "ThaVs nice— yes, kind of nice." Well, Dot, I suppose the contingents will soon be horns again. lam so sorry about Con. And I'm sure you will- all be sorry to hear that Waitohi andi Lucinda's brother, who went in the Ninth, la dead. Oh, I am so glad that peace is prorclaimed. I see that you said that cSttle wouldn't rush at night. Well, I shouldn't lika J.O contradict you, out I know that a young fellow in this district came into loving (?) contact with a bull one night. Well, Tftally, J> fear I have • written "raither muckle," bill} please forgive, "for old time's sake.*' My, greetings to all old writers. I hope this meeting will be the most successful ol all. A few private words, Dot. Dear Elaine and Maid of Athena, when are you going to write to me?, And now, with love and sympathy to I*ucind«, Waitohi, and Jessie, kind regards' to Our Dot»' Bleeding Heart, Auburn, Harry's Lore, Boy, Commodore, Texas Jack, and all the old writers, I once more sign myself, — Yours truly, JESSICA. Dear Dot, — I see by the paper that you have decided to hold an O.W.W. on July 19, so I suppose I am entitled to contribute a few hues. I shall tell you of a sledge ride two companions and myself had. We all walked to the station and got seated, then proceeded! on our journey amid torrents of rain. The driver tried to persuade us to return, inuoh Ui our disappointment, but we thought it was use» less ; therefore we went bravely onward througli mud, water, bush, and sticks, till, all of a sudden, we landed on the side of the road amonest bid-a-bids. 'When we hafl iecovere.cS from -laughing, none the worse of our mishap,' we again sealed ourselves, and on we- went. Presently the rain ceased, and everything looked fresh, and gieen. We wfir,e> however, again brought to a standstill, and had to complete, our journey on Toot to where we were to spend a few days' holiday. The return journey was more pleasant. I was invited to two weddings this year, and accepted the invitation, enjoying myself Al. I heard a train whistling foi about an hour one day, and thought there must be an accident on the railway, but I afterwards discovered was declared. I waa down at the Bruce winter show, but did not happen to come across any D.I/.F. My, little sister is a great one for having stories read to her, and would listen for hours; but she does not approve of any being told pbout herself. Hoping to see nice letters from other i 0.W., I shall conclude. — Yours truly, ! SCOTCH HEATHER. Dear Dot and Comrades,— l once more seat myself to drop you all a note. Heally, it seems ages since I last read our beloved columns. 1 have not boen able to see the Witnes3 sincti last September, and I do not know how "our page" is moving. However, my heart is with you, one and all, old correspondents of mine included. I must beg the editor to forgive my behaviour to himself. I called to see him on Peace Day, and he asked in© to call on the following Tuesday morning ; but, really, I had no time. I'll call around one of these fine duys, Dot, and oh, I should like to have a chat with you, dear friend. I hnve met a good many badge-wearers in town, and have nodded and smiled on them all. A few returned the~aolute. I was going around the bay, down to Bayensbourne, one Sundmy afternoon, with a friend, when we met three small boys. One looked at my hat, and ou passing said: "D.L.F. ! • Doesn't it look pretty up there ?" Dozens have made the same remark in the cars, and even on board the Eimu on that- memoiable- day when our Ninth Contingent sailed. My cousin, "Bugler Bill,' from Napier, was with them, although 1 didn't know. I have been wondering if my badge is any different to 'tie others 1 , but I think not. I used to wonder why people all pasßed by, then turned back, and looked at me. I suppose they knew "the country Jenny." They ofttimes look hard now, but 'tis our badge they gaze on — not me. Well, little folk, I cannot give you a long and glowing account of my delightful trip from Catlina to Dunedin on such a lovely day, nor yet go into details »s to how I enjoyed myself going to the Heads by the Himu ; nor can I, for tho benefit of my comrades in tlic bush and other remote spots, tell you of the many, ah! so very many, different s.gliis and sounds I've seen and hoard s ; ".r- ro>n>(jto my birthplace. Dunedin -at lean, I car.'t nt present, as I have had a, sencus accident and am rendered helpless. I can only sit propped up, and read, but to-day I have taken lo writing to keep my mind at lest. I know you will all join me m sending love and good wishes to all old friends-. My comrades in Cathns. North Island, West Coast, Inverrargill, Wr<J;oikoi, Imke Hayes, I etc., etc., I do not forgot oae or you, huh I cannot write to anyone of you. and I can o'liisi let you undrmand that you are all "ever present, although absent" This, then, is my •nc-sago to you, through the medium of Dot'o Paxre, "Think of nip, as I think of thee." The accident was a severe burning, and is very painful.-Yours truly, RIMBECCO . [I am exceedingly soiry to hear of Bimbeceo's misfortune, but hope ere this she ifl on the way- to recovery. lam sure she has tha sympathy of all the L.F., and that they all wish her a speedy recovery.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— l see there is to be another Old Writers' Week, so I thought I would take part in it The weather has been terribly bad lately. Tlio mud is up to your neck out this way. I was in to the winter show. I did not see many D.Lr.F. knocking about, though I met two at the show vi the afternoon— Piccolo aud I forect the other one's norn de plume. It was a pity the King was taken so seriously ill on tlio last, day. They should have crowned Seddon, and then we would havo had King Kichard. The illuminations on some of the buildings locked well at night. A number of D.L.F. hive been resigning lately, but there are always plenty ready to take their place. Piccolo told ms that you were getting up a collection of autos for Con. I did not see anything about it in the Witness, and I can't make out how I came, to miss it. I am sending mine on spec. I see the Ninth and Tenth Contingents are coming back soon. One of my mates went in the last, and it will be. a grand trip for him, us the hardships that he had with me in. the back country were worse than anything he wilt experience there. I saw a private letter front Montezuma the other day. He is having some great fun writing to D.L.F. here in New Zealand. A D.L.F. was telling me about the trip .shj) had to the Witness office If I were surf! the editor would be as good to me I would go myself. She said she saw Dot, but she would not tell what like you were. She expected tO meet a different person altogether. You are working that condensing machine pretty fre el y lately. I hope it fails to work in O.W.W. Thera ought to be some good letters in that week. In. Jessica's last letter she said how I shut her up aboutr the poetry. It was, as a matter of fact, another L.F. who said it— the one, 1 expect, from whom she got the information. I must close now, with love to yourself antf all the L.F.-Yours truly, _ CAPTAIN JACKSON BAERY Dear Dot -Have you ever nsen early in tha mormng-by candle light? Well, supposing
Pr-nny postage has proved a great boon Kver since it ha<- come into force, Such benefits cannot reach us too soon, Though bound to aiine in due course. It is time we took car© of our ponce, And likewise our health. I am sure, So he with a cough and good seDse T,.Lea WfiOM' UftSAX Pitf?£BlUtfT 090,
you have not, I shall give you a description of what it is like. Supposing, for instance, that you are going for a long day's riding. You retire early, taking the alarm clock set to^jvake .you at 4 o'clock, but its loud ticking prevents you from sleeping, and £ou only doze off as the hall clock strikes half-past 10. In your dreams you find that the alarm failed to waken you, and you are left behind for the day, or, when several miles from home, you discover you have no Jiat, or that your horse is terribly lame ; or, as you rid© along, a piercing shriek from a siren frightens your horse so much that you are thrown into the river, and — but you wake up with a start, and find that some very attentive Bister has placed the alarm clock next your pillow. If you are susceptible to headaches, you have one without more ado (the writer has never had a real one) ; then you light a candle, which shows you that your garments are not where you thought you put them. After tumbling over a chair or two, bumping your head on the mantelpiece, and squeezing your fingers in tho wardrobe door, you find them in an absurdly simple place, and dress in such a hurry that you break both shoelaces and nearly set the curtains on fire. At last, forgetting your spur and one glove, you run softly downstairs, so as not to wake everyone ; but just as you are stepping off what you thought to be the fcst step, you find that there are three more, over which you pass in haste, breaking both the silence of early morn and the candlestick. In the breakfast room a meal has been spread over-night, a fire is alight, and coffee steaming on the hob; but excitement haring conquered your appetite, you only nibble_ the comer of a piece of bread and burn the tip of your tongue with coffee. You hurry out of the room, bumping your elbow on the sharp edge of the door as you squeeze a cake into your watchpocket. Outside no one is to be seen, for an old gate which has been wanting all ite hinges for months past has been blown down and the horses have escaped into the busfa. Instead }f going to get lnoro breakfast and warm yourself also, you sit on the gatspo3t till the" horse 3 come galloping up, ju3t as the sky begins to colour* Befoie many minuto3 you sre mounted and away, and before many hours you are wishing that you had t?ken mora breakfast.— Yours truly, I ROUGH RIDER. | "He cannot ba complete in aught Who is not humorously proce, A man without, a merry thought Can hardly have a funny bone." Dear Dot, — Onlookers, we are told, see mo3t of the game, and, as an onlooker, one cannot but be struck with the almost awful solemnity with which the littlo folk carry on their correspondence. It ia rarely one sees the flaih of a witty stroke, and writers with any apparent sense of humour arc the exception.' The few merry ones who, with overflowing spirits aud \ good humour, ssek to enliven matters by venturing a joka are treated with suspicion, and at times an outspoken writer will tell them they had better devote themselves to more serious subjects, and leVTfcy is not at all becoming to a writer to Dot. In fancy one sees the jokers with contented i smiles at their own funniness ; then something , like 1500 eyes, grey, blue, and brown, gazing : reproachfully at them, till the smiles pale from J the merry faces, and the jokers vow they will joke no more, and feel ashamed of the weak- , ness that allowed them to attempt such a thing. ( Occasionally they will feel tempted to offend j again, and ask what forbids them to speak the | truth in a laughing manner, and wondei if a j laugh may not help a pleasant truth even us | it softens an unpleasant one. But they see ihoae condemning, eyes, and refrain. The question arises, How are these sober ones to get through tho world? Without a flense of humour, they are handicapped as suroly as though they were deaf Or blind. Not to the same extent certainly, but to maintain a balance' and prevent a one-sided develonniPirt of~the mind, it ia necessary to exorcise both the light and the deep, the grave and the gay, and let them glow up side by side. Laughter has smoothed many a path that had otherwise been rough and dreary, and he who attempts to go through tho world without it will find > himself on a hafd road. ■ That Dot and her little folk may ever find their path a pleasant one is the sincere wish of • —Yours truly, DEVONSHIRE DUMPLING, j JDear" Dot, — It was with feelings of sine-eve pleasure that I saw the announcement or another 0.W.W., and as it is now five years since I first wrote to you, I have ventured to take the titlo of "Old Writer." Before I go any farther, allow me to heartily congratulate you on the steady progress the pago is making under your guidance and the D.L.F. interest, which seems to bo increasing every week, as the number of new writers proves. It must he very encouraging to you to see the interest taken in our page by "grown-ups, also, and I think the page is worthy of it, too. Your plan re an autobook for Con is a very good one, and, it ought to be well supported by D.L.F. I was very eorry to see his resignation letter, but hope he will still contribute to O.W.W. At anyiate, he set » very good example, as, if I'm not mistakes, there are a good number of D.L.F. a lot nearer than he is, and with far more tiino at their disposal, who do not take the trouble tif sending in a resignation letter. G ood luck and a..speedy recovery to you, Con, old chum, and may you always be as successful as you have been iv the late war. Harry still endeavours to keep us undsr the irnpwosion that lie is very bashful, Dot. Well, I uon't know so much about that. When first I used to gee him up, town, he wore his badge in his coat. By-and-bye, I noticed that it had been transferred to his cap, and asked him the reason thereof. "Oh," he says, "it got knocked about too much in my coat." Then, suddenly stopping, he "had the grace to try ie blush, and stammered out something about carrying an armful of books, which did the knocking about. Then, again, the interest he takes in the cause of Daisy Primrose's resignation shows he's not at all blind to tho rights of the fair sex. The glad tidings of peace have been considerably damped by the sad news of the King's Severe illness,' and I'm sure everybody must be glad to hear ho is getting bettea-. A D.L.F. friend told me the other day that she was going to give you an account of a tido (?) I had at her place the other week . so, in case of accidents, I think I had better give you my version. Well, one morning I w«jt with her to take the horse and cow to tha paddock. She asked ma if I could ride, and I told her I couldn't She had no saddle on thfc horse, but she insisted on me getting on, which I did on condition that she wouldn't Jet the horse out of a walk. Then she suddenly thought that she might aa well get on, too, so wo "double-banked," and were no sooner started than she made tho horse trot I felb a lather uncomfortable sensation of. jolting, and the next thing I knew was that I was on the ground, with my friend underneath. As it was a hard, frosty morning, you can imagine what like I felt. My friend tried to make out that she could have stuck on ouly I pulled her off; but as she hardly ever goe» out for a ride without gettiug a "cropper," I have good reason to doubt the assertion. If you can't ride, Dot, take my advice, and always have a mend as well as a horse that you can trust before you try to. " Do you play ping-pong," is what you hear wherever you go now. The game seems to become more popular every week. It is not very .2ommon up here yet, but I suppose it soon will ' b.c. I have had one or two very pleasant pingpo.ng evenings at a friend's. andth.e more I Me tl ft «M Mtt-ei IMe if, h is guftiisifi* k<*w '
• quickly the time passes when you get interested in a game, and it's getting on towards midnight before you know where you are. j The condensed column (oh, wise Mr Editor j -who thought of such a plan) still flourishes in spite of the unfavourable reception it got, and still gets at times. But I think it exerts its j influence for good, as the fear of the I "mincing machine" makes D.L.F. try to write I better and more interesting letters. Please excuse all blots, etc., as my little brother has been climbing on my knee after a pencil "to write to Dot, too." With love to all D.L.F. and Dot, and hoping O.W.W. is a success,— Yours truly, TAXGLES. Dear Dot, — According to the old adage, "better late than never," I determined to write, although it is at the last minute. You will have to excuse this letter, Dot, as I am not feeling at all up to letter-writing. That last sentence sounds rather as though I don't want to write, but far be it from that. The real reason is that for the last month I have not been at all well, but hope that I am now on the mend. It is very nice to be tall, Dot, but when you , have to pay for it by out-growing your strength : and spending all your time at horne — a good part of that time sleeping — then I think that being small or the average height has its charm. I am writing this to the accompauij ment of ping-pong, as Maisie and Alvera are • having a very heated game, and although I I like to get as far away as I can from them, it now being a forbidden game for me, I am unable to resist going into the dining room to pe© how the game is progressing. TFas it not disappointing. Dot, with reference to the Coronation, especially under such sad circumstances? The people who came into tow,n for the festi- ( ties would not fare so badly as those in the ! ; smaller towns, there being so many entertain- ; menta at the tinre. Did you go to the Maori I Carnival, Dot? The girls went ev^ry night. f Thoy got to know nearly all the Maoris, and ' for two or three days afterwards the girls could 1 do nothing but hakas, songs, etc. Of course, ! they said it was for the benefit of "poor me," who could not go, but while I thanked them for their thoughtfulness, I rather think their enjoyment wa3 as keen as mine. For my part, I am not sorry that the Coronation has been postponed, as I shall most likely be able to go out to see all the festivitiee. I have a young brother keeping the girla and Alvera in fits of laughter, so of course I have had to stop and laugh, too. He is doing some conjuring for their benefit, and I am sure you could not help laughing if you were only to walk into the room at this minute. His tricks are such regular "haves" — that is the most expressive term I can fiuft to express the would-be tricks. I have promised to explain some Euclid pro- [ I position to Little Lady, so I must be drawing 1 this Letter to a close. I think of the time when • I worried to haro them explained, so f&el it is my duty to pass the knowledge over to Little Lady. Is it not marvellous-, Dot, how easy j a thing is when you have left it for some time, and then go over it again? The difficulties we encountered then seem to melt into insignifij cance, do they not? My back is beginning to , tell me that I have stooped over this writing : long enough, so I shall conclude with love to I all the L.F. and yourself. Oh, it is so long sinoo I wrote that I had almost forgotten our friend the editor, but as I began, so will I end — "better late than no^er." — Yours truly, ECHO. I fl am indeed sorry to hear of Echo's illness, f and sincerely hope her progress may be rapid ' aud permanent from now on. — DOT.] Dear Dot and Little — Once upon a time there was a girl called Maisie. That was ' not her real name, but it wae the one she was 1 known by.' Well, Maisie, used to write to an unknown person called Dot. Now, this Dot was the "Queen" of a page in a paper known as the Witness. There were lots of other writers, b-jfch boys and girls, but I shall only apeak of Maisie. This particular page was called the Little Folk's Page. By-and-bye Maisie grew into a big folk, and when you are a big folk you cannot be a little folk, so what do you think Maisie did? Do you give it up? I Now, that is exactly what Maisio did. She sent in her resignation letter — a mest pathetic • one, that brought fears to the eye 3of many j who lead it, especially to Maisie herself. But all's «e!l that emls well. One of the little folk ! suggested that Dot should have an Old Writers' Week occasionally, fo that the "old little folk" I tould drop a line to Dot, so all who read this letter will be pleased to know that Maisie lives happy over after. I wouder how Dot would hav3 liked a Maori writing to her ' I feel quite sure that if the Maori Carnival had listed nuich lo:i£»e-r I should have been turned into a Maori. I went every night. '1 he Maoris are so interesting. I did enjoy chatting with them. And tho babies, they are such dear little things — I felt like stealing two ar three of them. One night we (the D.L.F. Quartet) were in the icom whilo they were having supper, aud you would have laughed to have seem them, Dot, eating away at fruit- salad and diied ccl — a queer mixture, wasn't it ? One old Maori wa-s very anxious for mo to tpjte tho eel, but the smell was enough for mo. I think it would bo so interesting^to live among the Maoris. You should have seen some of the old men Maoris. When the boys w«re doing the haka, the> could nol keep still. They told me that they get so stirred up that they must do it too. They all camped iv the hall, and, my word, they did look snug. Their beds were of straw, and they had their blankets anj} rugs. They were going to have » grand tableaux in the Coronation procession, and they w»re all so disappointed, but I don't think they were the only ones. It must hay« been * great disappointment to all the country people who came into town, but when they knew how ill our King really was, I am sure their disappointment would be shortlived. Now, dear Dot and little folk, I must bid you adieu once again, hoping Old Writers' Week will be a great success. "With love, — Yours truly, MAISIE. Dear Dot,— As I have been writing to your page for over 18 months, I am venturing to write to O.W.W. I think this one is the sixth we have had, is it not? What changes there have been since then — most of our best coriespondent3 have retired, but wo must look on the bright side and hope the present writers will keep \ip the reputation of our page. I was talking to an O.W. the other day, and she said she wasn't going to write any rnor« because nearly all the good writers were leaving. I stood up for our page, of course, and if every one of us took that view of things, our page would soon be nowhere ; but we will stand fast aud make it what it was in the days of Shan, Marguerite, Trixy, Maidey, and many others who have reached the retiring age, won't we, L.F. ? Isn't it disappointing about Coronation? I felt so grumpy all day, but it was no use grumbling, and the King has been very good, and is sorry for all the trouble tho people have gone to. One shopkeeper" htro went to the expense of £40 in decorating his windows. Ho has opened them for show, and they look really lovely. One window represents the "Millennium." Mirrprs fornj tb^e background, and a forest with many kind 3of animals and a little china boy leading a tiger make tho window look ve-ry pretty. The other window represents a dock ; there are fish, %nd boats 6"n the water, and a railway station and goods shed with boxes of Tatanaki cheese and butter, also bags of flour and wheat, and trucks of Taranakj iJonsand and coal; there is also a flagstaff hill, with a cannon made of Taranaki iron, and a mantation along the back, and with the fliinat Peking it Ioo& s W'i l<ndx- Qthez
people went to a great deal of trouble, and I suppose people all over the world had to suffer heavy loses. It is a pity we oculd not have heard the news before every one had finshed their preparations, isn't it? I see another letter from Con. I wonder when he will be- home. "Will he have to serve his time in Africa, or will he come home with some of the others ? Harry has not quite forgotten us, I s»e. I do hope all our old writers will roll up next week. I do enjoy Rough Eider'a and Aquilla's letters so much. They send such nice descriptive letters, a-nd truly write for the benefit of others. To-day week we girls are going to have our photos taken in fancy dress, pnd I shall send you one for a group. I had a letter and such a pretty tie sent to me the other day. It was signed " From a L.F. Friend," and I can't think who it can be. It nas so many postage marks on it that I can't even see where it came from, but as I'm a very hopeful creature, I am going to hope on for e\cr, and I may meet that friend some fine day. I feel very lonely now. Uti is away, but she likes to lake advantage of her holidays, and so I must wait and bo patient. I think schoolteaching must be grand, don't you, Dot? They get sucn a lot of holidays; but I would never have been able to stand a lot of children bawling in my ears all day, and it is no use doing, a thing if you can't put your heart into your work, and make it successful, so I'll do what I'm fitted for, and try to do it well— that; will be best, won't it ? I think it is very selfish of me writing such a long letter, when so many better writers have letters to send in, so, wishing the O.W.W. a grand success, better than it has ever been, and with fondest love to L.F. and our dear little Queen, I am — Yours truly, A. M. W. "Flowers may fade, leaves may die; Friends may forget thee, But never will I." Dear Dot,— Here am I turniug up like a bad penny just -when I am not wanted. I nave intended writing to you for a good while now, but I never seemed to find time. When I saw the notice for Old Writers' Week, I decided to write for it, and let it be the last, for I am so busy now that I never have any time to myself except on Sunday, and we all must put duty befofe pleasure, for it has been a real pleasure to sifc down and write to you and our page. On Peace Day I was not in town until night. I was disappointed at the way peace was celebrated, but I think they were all holding back for Coronation Day. On Coronation morning it turned out real nice, but owing to the news of our King's ill-health, the celeb-ra-tion was postponed. As the news had reached lirvercargill tco late to atop the excursion tiains, all the country people were in town. I felt so -soiry for them, as they looked so disappointed. A. contingent of Maoris came down j to roast a bullock and nine sheep in tho park, ] and as everything was leady, it was decided to I carry that part of the programme tlirough, for the children's sake. The Maoris started to cook the bullock at 4 o'clock in the morning. They drew the ovens at 2 o'clock, and the meat was done to a turn. Some butchers were employed to cut it up, and small pieces were distributed with potatoes, in a flax bag, among the crowd. Some of the children kept their pieces as a novelty. After singing the National Anthem, the Maoris treated the crowd to native dancing, which was performed on the platform in the middle of the park grounds. The decorations of the celebration were very nice, so far as they had gone. The railway station was just covered with pretty ferns and red, white, and blue lamps. It was crowned" with a green crown made of ferns. We are having very good weather for midwinter. We have passed the shortest day, and spring is coming-. The biilbs are all coming up. you can see them just peeping above the ground. On Monday night thorn was an open-air concert in the Southlaud Hospital giounds. I went, and enjoyed myself capitally. In the centre of the grounds there- was a flag pole, from which there were carried to form a circle a row of flags and Chinese lanterns and streamers of foliage. Two large s?as stars illuminated the centre of the grounds. The arches, festoons, and sidewalks were all lighted up with" Chinese lanterns and fairy lamps of all descriptions and colours. A3 it was a nice calm, dark night, eveiything was seen to advantage. There was a nice display of fireworks from the balcony j of the Victoria Ward. What was loft of the Seventh Contingent returned this week, and they are all looking well. With love to all D.L.F., not forgetting Dot, — Yours truly, MILLICENT. Dear Dot,— l suppose I'm considered an old writer, sac I'll hae to have my neb in the page, too. I'll btarfc on our warrior, Bert, and bee li I'm ever able to write again — if not, >ou'll know the reason why. A few years ago — half a dozen or so— the warrior had been sent on an errand, and during his absence- a sharp hailstorm came on, when, hark! during a lull a melodious shriek was heard— a sound, much tcsembling a kitten's when you tread on its tail. The mater seized an umbrella and the Old Phil, got an overcoat, and^ off to the warrior's rescue — I mean mother's darlint's. When they reached the squealer, up and down the street were kindly souls trying in vain to soothe him and give him shelter; but no, duty's path, etc. Mother rolled him into his overcoat and sheltered him, and when be was asked why f/e yelled so, he- replied • "AD the angola m hoav«n were, pelting me with snowbolls." It was really pathetic, L.F. Afterwards, it transpired that ho yelled because he hadn't a show of returning the snowballs, as he called the hair, against such an army. Our warrior was licked that time. I've given tho O. P. a spell this time on account of his marvellous courage in relating how he came by tho unenviable title, T S.B. — Yours truly, SOLOMON SLOW.Dear Dot, — This leaves us trio sitting at a respectful distance apart before a blazing fire. The Old Phil, is reading, as usual ; Solomon, with j. countenance so acid that it woulfi curdle Fn eet milk, 13 reading also — "Tlnee Men in a. Boat." He bursts into laughter now and then, and then frowns till his blows touch his. nose — wonderfully sweet expression. Tho O. P'9 mo' shines as if ho had uoetl the blncklead. But there, if they happen to read this before I can get it sent, it will share the martyr's fate. I've been getting into tho black books again, Dot, but that' » nothing new, "l'm aye intilt." It's a bothersome world. I'd hke to be : 'ltobinson Crusoe, for a change. Yos, Boy, I'll show them all to square up directly. Farn.) having to fight for a pqund of boys as I have. I suppose tho phrenologist wasn't far wronj? when he said I was aggressive. I thought that meant fond of cako, etc., till I looked it up in the dictionary, and when ho snid I'd niako a good lawyer, well, I've be>im told I'd head and cheek enough for two. That remains to be proved. I'm no done wi' Hchulo yet. When I behave myself, the inustor Ihinka I'm a broth of a boy; if he doesn't, I do, ho it'n nil the same in the eiul. Now good byu till next time. — Yours truly, BEET. Dear Dot, — It is now over a, year since I last wrote to you, and I am sure most of your numerous correspondents will have forgotten tho existence of jean. I suppose I may teim myself an old writer, aa it is !)ow nearly three years since I penned my first epistle to you. Puri'ng tho period that has elapsed lince I last wrote to you, many changes have taken place in our page. Many old and favourite writers have disappeared, and numerous new writera have taken their places. To mo the mss id §a iataraii&s m *vsrj »»i egg ca&ngt
! help feeling a pang of regret as one by one tho old writers deem it advisable, for various reasons, to resign. Most of the old identities who helped tc make the page what it now is, have left us, but I hope to see a full meeting of old friends this O.W.W. I think it was from Laddie the plan of having an O.W.W. first originated, and it was indeed a glorious idea. Really, Dot, one cannot go^ far without mentioning that ordinary topic — weather. During the past three weeks it has been wonderfully mild for this time of the year, and as yet we have had no very severe fros>— a fact not much to be regretted. A great storm was predicted for the fifth of this month, but it is now passed that date, and it has failed to put in an appearance, and at time of writing it is more like spring than midwinter. Lyddite is at present having a grand time in town, but poor Jean's paths are not cast in such pleasant places. Of course, everybody cannot be fortunate, and when all is told, I* don't think "this child" fares so badly after all. I am supposed to be looking after the family just now, but I think it is the other way about, the family are looking after me. It was a great disappointment to all when the news arrived of the King's ill-health and the postponement of the Coronation, especially aa they came just as the finishing touches were being put to the preparations for great rejoicings. But it was clearly an evidence that "Man proposes, but God disposes," and now that anxiety on the King's account is at an end, we are once more looking forward to the Coronation being held at an early date. What a glorious day Peace Day was — particularly to those who had given of t&eir best, perhaps their all, to serve their country ; and what a> relief it was to all to know that the nation to which "they belonged was once more at rest from the horror and bloodshed of war. "With regard to the proposed presentation to Con, 1 think the one proposed by Dot to be the very best that could have been thought of, and one that will be far more valued by Con than some costly present. I am, always very pleased when a letter appears from, any D.L.F. from South Africa, particularly frbrn Con, and I think it only right that the L.F. should show some appreciation of his thoughtfulness. Before closing, I wish to thank all D.L.F. who have so kindly sent me their autos. I think I have sent mine in return to all, but I am still willing to exchange with any who wish. I also wish to tender my sincere thanks to Dot for sending on all autos, letters, etc., for me. Dear Dot, some believe in the saying, "Never do to-day what can be left till to-morrow." Well, I have put off writing this letter till the eleventh hour, and I hope it will be in time for 0.W.W., though I suppose it would serve me right if it were too late. Now, Dot, I hope there will be a grand meeting of old writers this week, and that this will be the crowning success in the history of the D.L.F. Page. Although many have wished Dot and the little folk -well, believe -me, none have done so more sincerely than does, — Yours truly, JEAN. Dear Dot, — If all the old writers write for 0.W.W., you will have enough to do. Most of the letters just now are ali about the Coioflation and the declaration of peace. (Don't feel alarmed, Dot, I am *net going to start in opposition, to the Critic Club.) I have \ just been thinking what a difference there is in the L.F.s Page now, compared with what it used to be. I remember one week (about six years ago) there was only one letter in, and it was something about a little girl wanting a name for a foal. We seldom see a- letter hke that now. Don't you think it is a pity, Dot, that the little ones are not encouraged to write more than they do? Of course, I know that you have more letters than you know what to do with, but if there was a week fiufc apart for them, as there is for Old Writers' Week, it would give them a cnance. As it is, they see so many letters-^ritten by girls and boys so ■very much older than themselves, and they kntfw they cannot write nearly so well as themajority. Sometimes they venture to write, and ara bitterly disappointed by seeing the letter m the condensed column, and with no answer from Dot. I only venture to make the suggestion. We are still staying with auntie, but she thinks wo have got very tame since the cold weather started). We try to enjoy some •very cold nixd miserable rides, and generally end up with getting wet or covered with mud. Last Tuesday wo went out riding, and my horso got a fright at something, and ran away. It did not go tar, however, when a young man who happened to come round the corner rather suddenly caused the- animal to stop so quickly that I was thrown clean over its head. I got an awful fright, but was not hurt in any other way. Uncle always tella mo now v/hen I am going out for a canter that I had better take my horse with mo, and not leave it standing iv the middle of tho road. But never mind, better luck next time. About two weeks' ago my sister and I were at a friend's house with auntie. There were other visitors there besides ourselves, but all of the gentler sex. However, about 8 o'clock in the evening the master of the house came in with two gentlemen, and we had a very pleasant time. Ten o'clock struck, and the supper was brought ia (or perhaps I should say refreshments). Our friends evidently looked on Troublesome and myself — much to tho former's chagrin — as children, for they gave us lemonade, while they had some very old wine, and old it was — ao we found out, to our sorrow. After the winehatl been done ample justice to, the old people went to the conservatory to see some very rare plant or something, and left ua looking over some music. Troublesome felt very much \ annoyed because she did not taste the wine, so I she vowed there and then to have some. She ! did not take the trouble to use a glass, but i drank it out of the bottle, and must have taken more fchnn she intended, for she soon began to feel dizzy and sick. The only thing to be done was to get home out of aunt's sight, so I went and found her and said that Troublesome was tired and sleepy, and wanted to go home. I got auntie's consent, but oh, Dot, I thought I should never get home with this sister of mine. I tried to carry her, but failed, and between dragging her and 'one thing and another, I got her home and to bed. She was a little sick that night, and awakened next morning with an awful Headache ; but tell aunt, wo dare not, and she doe 3 not know yet, and wo Jaugh over it still. Strange to say, my sister says she will sign the pledge. This, little tale will be told when we go home, an,d I suppose we shall never hear the end of it. I(i was a good Ipssou to ua not to touch things that did not belong- to us. Oh, to think of it! Tho little folk will think we are very naughty, but wo thought it such a splendid joke we fancied (at least I did) we would like others to share it. When in company, we always refer to it (is "that evening D. felt faint when we were at Mrs S.s" Well, Dot, I am pleased to see you are inviting tho L.F. to send their autos for Con. I think it is a. -very good plan, and I am sure he will think a great deal of it. Con is indeed a true soldier. I saw in th» papers where ho shot two Boers when he got wounded, but he did not tell us all about it ia hi 3 letter, like many would have done. I have met Nut several times, and was also introduced to Jessica, his sister, about two years ago. Has Shan stopped writing, Dot, or is he writing over another norn de plume? I hope Sybil Scrybils will write, also Priscilla and Pauline. R. told a friend of mine, that Wullie waft a cousin of hera, and that he is not so Scotch as he pretended to be. I hope this is not the case, for I liked the style of his letters very much. I, always had an awful dread of the Critic Club, ' but that feeliiuc. hta fl«d now. I hole I have
written this letter for the benefit of others, and not for myself, and I sincerely trust there wilt bs a full muster of old writers. With kind re.' gards to Dot and all the little folk,— Yourc" tiuly, FAR FROM MY HOME. Should our old comrades be forgot, And never brought to mind; Our dear old chums who wrote to Dot, In the days of auld lang syne. Dear Dot and Little Folk,— l do not think I can commence this epistle in a more appropriate manner than by congratulating the D.L.F. Quartet upon theii very happy suggestion that all original old writers be invitecf to be present at this meeting, and I sincerely trust that a goodly array of our pioneer chuma will make a special effort and grace the L.F. Page with t&eir presence to-day. How refreshing it would be to see such old favourites as Maidey, Trixie, Fancy Free, Kiniber Lee. Marguerite, Shan, 8.0.8., Dicky D., WullieJ etc., etc., amongst us again. There is anothei whosa name I have forgotten to enumerate in the above list, and which cannot be omitted from the list of general favourites. I refer to out old comrade, Himbecco, whose descriptive letters -were for so long the feature of the page. How I enjoyed and looked- forward to Rimbecco's contribution, no ona save myself can ever know. I do hope that she will be present to-day. I tried my level boat to induce Dr Jim to join us at this meeting, but in vain. The old fellow has definitely "decided to retire t from public life. I shall feel quite lonely without him. Re Dot's siiggestion 'to send our sutos for an auto book for -Con, I. can only say 1 that I think it a capital idea. I am- quite aura that Con would appreciate a present of the nature spoken of by Dot far more than an., expensive one, and there is no memento that! , will serve to remind him o£-hi» connection wftJh. ' the page more th*n tb> autographs of bis numerous friends. The Military Carnival, in aid of tiie funds of the First Battalion Otago Rifle Volunteers, ■which, was brought to a close to-night, proved a brilliant success, both front v spectacular and a financial point of view. For 12 nights the Dunedin public simply rushed the Garrison Hall, and it was a matter of extreme difficulty even for volunteers to obtain admission. It is extremely gratifying: to the volunteers who were instrumental in working up the affair to find that their efforts have been appreciated, and that the public, have accorded them such liberal patronage. All classes of the community, from Lady Ranfurly downwards, havo supported us righfi loyally. Even the L.F. have not been behind times. I am very pleased to know that at least one member of our band has the wel« fare of the battalion at heart. Poppy ban worked assiduously on oui behalf from start to finish of the carnival. Accept our grateful _ thanks for your kind assistance, Poppy. Ous skipper'-'srappeal to our lady sympathisers an<s our "lady admirers," "to remember the boya in khaki when baking," was heartily vsponded to, and a plentiful supply or reirO3L'lnents nightly was the result. Too rnucin praiso cannot be bestowed upon our lady friends for the very great assistance they hive rendered us in this work. Tho financial results, which are being looked forward to -with broad smiles, would have been practically nil but for their assistance. It is really wonderful the influence somo of the fair and gentle) ones exercise over the stern sex. The fellow who could go into that carnival and resist the earnest entreaties of tho fair stall-holders to "buy this" or "go in for that,'-' is certainly • deserving of the D.S.O. of some other mark of distinction. A. carnival is a splendid place to' got rid of one's superfluous cash. Experience! ' teaches (to adopt the Q. P.'s favourite expres- • sion). "When speaking on Saturday night of the possibilities of military • training becoming compulsory in. the colonies, Colonel; -SiMJthi - amused his audisnee immensely by saving tba& if the ladies would only, exerois'e their, infhir ence, New Zealand would very soon have * . strong defence force. "If," he, said, "the yb.ung ladies, of New Zealand would only make a lawprohibiting any of their members from, kissing a young man unless he w?.9 a volunteer, ancß wore the King' 3 uniform, we would' soon? hn.v« plenty of volunteers." During my frequent visits to tho carnival, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting n, number of L.F.. inqludinp Loaf. Lassie, Florodora, Queen of Belgium, etc. With love to Dot and all L.F.,— Yours trab\ BLACK WATCH. Dear Dot, — It has just occurred to me that if I don't hurry up and write my letter, it will be too late for Old Writers' Week. I have just finished reading this week's letters, and 1 sec we have another critic, "Dot's Own Critic. ' Surely the letters will get enough criticising now, with Taffy, D.L.F. Civia, and D.O.C. I think your idea re the autograph book for Con a very good one. I see that you have already received Ziska's and Pearl's, for it. What a lot of old writers we are losing lately. Even Con has resigned. Many of the D.L.F. have lately been complaining that thp letters arc not bo interesting as formerly, owing to some of our best writera retiring ; -but although, their contributions are missed, I consider the letters of the present are ©very bit as good a* thoso of the past. T see Rough Rider has-, another letter; .in this- week. I wonder if she , will enchange autos with me? I shall give you a brief account of how Coronation "Day wasspent down here. The first item was the children's demonstration in. the Zealandia Hall. After that, there was an exhibition of Maori cooking by * party of natives, under J.he leadership of Henarie D. Maire, of liitUeN River, Canterbury, % a man, of fine presence ancl looking in his native dress every inch a. chief. ThoMaons were camped in the Queen's Park, and the ovens were drawn at 9.30, and half an hour before that time thousands of spectators had gathered at the park to psrtake of the coming feast, which consisted of a bullock,, mro sheep, kits of bread, potatoes,- and puddiag. Tho wood for the ovens had been brought from Colac Bay, and great bundles of flax bad also been brought to the park. The Maoris soon converted this into mats and baskets, ready for tho eatables, which were handed Tound to tho people by the Maori maidens. After the good things had disappeared (which they did with astonishing rapidity), the Maoris entertained the people with poi poi dances and hakas. The Maoris were photographed in groups several timea during the afternoon. In tho evening, & united religious service was held in the. Zealandia. Hall, all the ministers of the town being on th > platform. Special prayers were offered for the King's recovery. At the conclusion the, 1 I National Anthem was sung with great fervour. I saw a good few badges on Coronation night, but I only spoke to the wearer of one. She told me her norn die plume, bijfc I have, • forgotten it now. As I onlyintended to write a short letter, I / will bring this to a close, hoping to see a goocl muster of old writers, — Yours truly, ZEALIA. Dear Dot,— May I claim myself an old writer ?, If so, -with your permission I shall write a, short letter. Alas! Dot, this cruel war is aM an end, but not till after -Con had beer*. •wounded. Fancy -him shooting 'two' Boers. au<* wounding a third before he got a Wound air the hands of a wounded Boer ; but he did hi* duty, and bravely, too. His poor mother wilß be proud of her boy now, after going from New Zealand a trooper and coming home a lieutenant. What a grand letter he wrote a iev.\ weeks ago. I was sorry to see by it that hel : had retired. However, we can't put back th« hands of time. I saw hv last week* issue \hal2.
4t iLucinda'a brother had fallen a victim to the (terrible dysentery at Elandsfontein. I can symjpathise -with bis friends in their sad bereaveInent over the loss of their loved one, who went /willingly to » distant land to fight for King and country, little dreaming when he left hia jnother and sisters in tears that he would never meet 'them again in this world. No doubt however, he is better off than living in this world of toil and trouble. Trouble never comes single-handed. Now that the war is at an end, here our poor King has taken ill, but I am glad that he is on the way to recovery. I went ,£o town for the Coronation celebration, but there was none. I met a good many D.L.F., among them being Chum, Florodora, Aida, ftarry, Tasma, Holly Hedge, Harry, Dr Jim, jtnd Abigail, and I saw a. few others, but did not stop to speak to them. Maid of Orleans ftnd Boadicea were in town last Saturday, and I went down to the All an ton railway station to meet them. I saw Tugela there, but just paid "Hulloa, D.L.F. 1 " to her. I don't think Bhe knew who I was, but as I have got her auto., I recognised her through being in the tame class with her at school. I think the last L.F. group was very good — Old Folk, Ollie, and Russian Princess came out the best, to my mind. Some think Maid of Orleans looked best, but I don't. I must send my photo in Sot the next one, but no doubt it will be a long Jtinie before there is another one ready. Whatever has become of Fra Diavolo that he has never sent me his photo? I have waited day 'after day for it, but it has grown into months, »nd it has never come. lam sorry to say that 'I anr unable to correspond with the little folk .-who 'have asked me to do so thiough oui columns, but shall send my auto, to any D.L.F. who send theirs first. No; Khaki's Playmate, I don't lcnow your address, but please send me yonr auto. I shall exchange photos with any •Xi_F. who would like to do so-, but they must send theirs first, as- I have sent mine to a aiumber of L.F., and they have never answered any letters or mentioned that they had received ,'them. Dear Dot, I think Con's auto book a capital idea. Fancy the Ninth Contingent about to return home again. We shall goon thave Con, Nut, Jack, and Tommy again in oar midst. Will Dot's Own Critic kindly exchange autos with me. With kind regards to rH the L.F., not forgetting Wavey, Regina, Jessica, Montezuma, Dot, and the editor, — 'SfbuTß. truly, MAID OF ATHENS. Dear Dot, — As this is the week set apart for the old writers, I thought I would wnte and give you a description of a walk a. few othexs and myself went for last Saturday. Our 1-ouse is just on the rise of the H. Hills, a::d we thought if we climbed to the top o{ one of the (leading spurs we should -get a good vic-.v of 4he Taieri Plain. We staitcd about 1 o'clock /to climb, and after a good bit of puffing we reached the top. The first thing we saw was ,th© deep blue sea stretching as far as the eye could see. The breakers weie lazily dashing on the shore, and the sunshine on the foam Bnade it just glitter. Turning round we saw 'fcha mouth of the^Taieri River emptying itself into the sea. We also- saw Lakes WaihoJa and jWaipori stretching in their silver beauty to the south end. The Berwick township was to ■be seen lying peacefully at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Maun gat ua came next, being to the yrest end, and a small township called Woodside was to be seen lying in the side of the mountain. A little farther round, on the banks : of the Taieri River, Outrarn could be seen quite 1 may say that this small town can boast of being lit up with electricity. It looks nicf to see the flicker of the lights at night. Over tho top of Maungatua, the Lammerlaw, Rock and Pillar, and St. Bath an s mountain tops could be seen peeping over with their white winter robes on. Coming round towards the east we see the windings of fne Otago Central railway over the mountains. Tho Silver Peaks and Flagstaff were stand ing at the bead of the plain, as if they were the ruling monarebs, but there is one more, I think, that surpasses them all for appearance, and that is Saddle Hill. It has green bushes over the e»Bfcside of it, and here and there there is jthe -peaceful dwelling of some of our oldest settlers. The township of East Taieri is nestled. at its foot, and there is a large coal-pit How opened up. So, yo\t see, besides it being a beauty spot, it is useful. The town of MosIgiel is situated out in the plain, and we could ace it beautifully. Its tall woollen factory chimney was stalking above it all. The nver .winds almost all over the plain, and when the sun shone on its riplets, they danced and ght■tered like a great bed of diamonds. The plain ijust looked like tj, great "big draughts-board, ■the paddocks are all so square, and the houses and stacks on the different farms looked like (draughtsmen. We rested for a while, looking '*n the plain, and turning to look at the dreamy •blue ocean. We then took our way down again. Every now and again you would hear "OH!" and, looking round, you would see one .of the explorers lying flat on her back, foi the ■tussocks were so slippery you could hardly 'keep your feet. We Teached home again in .time for tea, every one feeling rewarded for ithe tramp. In the summer time I shall take another tour. In reply to the little folk who asked me to correspond with them, T am sorry .to say that I cannot do so, as my time is so ■limited, and T have already a gooci many correspondents. I got a letter from a trooper who da in the same contingent as Nut, and he says •he sees him nearly every day, and he is in his element in South Africa. In one of Jessie's 'letters she invited the D.L.F. to see Con's curios. I hope some day soon to be fortunate enough to see them. Dear Lucinda, I tendei you my heartfelt sympathy in your sad bereavement through the death of your bi other in South Africa. With lo\e to Luanda. Old (Folk, Jessie, Dr Jim, Dot, and the <viitor, - lYours truly. MAID OF ORLEANS. Dear Dot, — It is so nice to think that tins terrible war is over and that the "bo>s" \\j!l get home to their dear ones. I was vei> to »cc by last week's Witness that Con's time for resigning lad come, but we can't keep jtuna frojs. nffi'ilg flUi evwitlime takes it& ov.u
course. I went to Dunedm a short time ago ' to meet one of my correspondents who was coming np from Bluff by the steamship Waihora. I went to the wharf aboat 3 o'clock, and met the boat when, it came in. It was not very long before I found my friend, and she showed me over a part of the boat, and then we had ' afternoon tea. We went up town, and visited the Witness office, when we were shown all over it. We saw Chocolate's, Florodora's, and Sparrow's letteis being printed. The young man who was so kind in showing us all the different works 'gave us our name, printed on a piece of lead. We were last of all shown into the editor's room, and he didn't seem to be a . mean gentleman, as the little) folk seem to think j he is. He asked us if we .would like to see , Dot's room, and of course you may depend we ' didn't say "Xo." So he opened the door and showed us in. I eagerly gazed round the room to see where Dot was, but, to my dismay, no Dot was there, but she had left traces behind her. You put yourself properly away, ' Dot, by telling Mignonette that you biked. I saw the bike in Dot's room, and no doubt it ' i was yours. Oh, Dot, I saw the greatest sight ' the other morning I have seen for many a long day. Maid of Orleans and I were taking a stroll round the yard, and we stopped in front of the stables. I was telling a yarn, tuCl oi r minds were taken up with the "funniness" of it. I looked up suddenly, and the corner of my : eye caught sight of a most inhuman-looking be- i ing moving up the yard. I let out a scream, i and M. of O. looked round. The moment she ' saw him she took to hei heels, and made | straight for the house, and told them to come ■ and see the man. I stood a good distance off him. and M. of Athens came to where I ras, and he started jabbering away about tea to us. But before going any farther I shalT describe his dress. He had on n bright vv/itw coat and a white one on top, and a «tr of rink J flannelette pants; a big white hat, and he "was ] walking on the uppers of his ooois, auJ tl-ey weren't laced. He had a. little bundle on his back, and a walking stick, tie lurucd cut to ! be a Chinaman. We gave him some ten :n his j billy and some sandwiches. He picked the ' butter off, and every little piece of fat off the meat, and thiew it to the cat. As M. of O. ; and^J were watching him, lie undid his bundle, ' palled out some hard crusts, and broke them into 'pieces, soaking them in his billy ot , tea. He then put his hand into his tea and , picked out tlie bits of* crust and ate them like a wild beaat. When we saw Ins hand going into the t«'a, and then saw him putting the bread m his month, our names were "Walker." He went up the railway line to a man, and ! fetood there for hours. He was> I think, not ' quite m his right mind. Withing Con's auto, j book every success, and with much love to •' Ulvu, Reinbo, Rowena, Glory, and Khaki, and not forgetting Dot or the editor, — Yours truly BOADICEA. Dc.ir Dot,— Here we are again, turned up once more like a bad penny. Nothing of public interest happens in this dead and alive district. (Don't sunle at my contradictory adjectives, Dot, because they reolly are well chosen and most applicable, the former to the locality, the latter to the people, so there!) I hope the O.W.W. will be a huge success once more. I see you have made the qualifications stricter. You should have a good muster wnen the roll is called. Dear me, I am getting into a style of shearing-shed and drillhall combined. I wonder who The Kid is, now ? lam sorry that he has had such trouble. He is the first I have noticed to put hih vision of the ideal girl into print. Verily, he lacks not courage. So you have named "Alice m Wonderland" as the uovel to be placed under discussion. I shall have to "shelve" it, as 1 am one of tho unfortunates who have never lead it. I believe, when I was little (a state of affairs almost beyond the memory of the oldest inhabitant), I read a few chapters of Lewis Carroll's great work in a stray ArVitness. My favourite author is Dickens. 1 see fresh beauties in his works each successive time I read them. He had a splendid style, especially in descriptive pieces. Someone once said that with Dickens the heart ruled. His bad characters were people of a bad neaxt, and his .good ones people of a good heart. I think that is quite true. I know quite a number of people who are so unenlightened and unappreciative as to consider Charles Dickens "stale," "silly," "prosy," and too "slow and roundabout" for them. But 1 have noticed that the majority of these critics arc admirers of Mane Corelli, and that followers of Dickens do not believe in Miss Corelh's doctrines. I do not, for one, I read one of Marie C '<i works — "Barabbas" — and it put rue in the blues. lam not very bright or optimistic anyway, so I do not care to try another. I read some extracts from "The Sorrows of Satan" in a review by W. T Stead, I think. Dear Dot, you will Bee by the first page of this letter that it has been some time delayed. The fact is I meant it for the last 0.W.W. , but one of the ' family took it into his head to go to the war, ' and the bustle and state of mind we were m at I the time put the letter completely out of my j mind. When 1 canie "acrost" it last week I wondered at fiist what letter I had written and stowed away. Dougal wished me to tell the D L.F. that when he was at Albany he saw our late member, Daisy Primrose. He was watching for her, aud passed her on the street - without speaking. He js very shy where strange young ladies are concerned. However, he made an attempt — a masculine one, you may know — to describe her dress. It was a blue print, and she wore a big straw hat with the badge iv front of it. (You will see I have made a good many mistakes, Dot, in that last page, but I am dividing my attention between this intended orntirnent for the page and the antics of my two cats, who are bad friends at present ) How cleverly Boy has managed to get the 1 last word" this time, by presenting his views and then acU ltm* 1 you to close the subject of discussion. The other sex are not the offenders always in that way, Boy. Since Dougal has been in South Africa I have been the recipient oi tome pretty floweis The first he sent to us nero boine lovely little pink and white everlasting da' c icb he gathered on the Drakensberg9 when he was on outpost duty. They must have been beautiiui when £roviiu£j lor they are co
even now, when pressed. The last mail brought a tiny, violet-coloured flower shaped like the polyanthus, with small, woolly leaves. And more beautiful was the wing of a green locust. It ia of a delicate green shade, spotted with red and black. It is moie than 2in long. The lower wings are longer, but are only green in colour. What a large trunk the locust must have. One can imagine how their numbers would' darken the sky. Dougal said the road — the railway, that is — right up to Newcastle wa-s flanked by graves, large and small. In one graveyard the stones were dated from '82 till this year. There is a big grave at Estcourt and another at Colenao. Poor boys! When the Eighth reached Newcastle they slept in tho station yard, but a thunderstorm visited them, and Doug's tent had 4in of water in it. So the men sat on their swags and told yarns and sang songs till the water subsided, wjien they spread out their wet things and went to sleep. , That would give me rheumatism, but I suppose , soldiers in active service have many mconve- ! niences to grin and bear. The Eighth have ' never been mentioned since Mr Seddon reviewed them. The Big Boy says the "powers that be" must have laid them down in the grass when peace was proclaimed, and have forgotten about them. I wish they were home. Is it not good to hear of the King's recovery? How very sad it must have been for Queen | Alexandia and her children, when he was ( stricken down just when everyone w?s on tip- | toe of excitement. I am sure everyone hopes that he may be spared to reign long and hap- | pily. What a very nice idea that is about the autograph album for Con. Are you impervious to -flattery. Dot Auntie's opinion re the scheme is that you are a sensible woman. And so say all of us. I hope there will be a big turnout this O.W.W. It will be like- the reunion of a family if the original writers conj tribute. Surely 8.0.8., who galvanised our I pag-e into life, will join ua again. And where is Wandering Wulhe .' Devonshire Dumpling's shaie will be eagerly devoured. I know, and ! Sybil Scrybils's modesty should be put in the i background for once. I wonder did S. S. realise her dream of becoming a hospital nurse? I wonder if the Critic- Club or D.L.F. i Civis -can tell nic whether Signer Marconi's name should be pronounced Markoni or Marshom. The Italians pronounce De Vmci aa De Vuichy, and Civita seems to be Shivits. What a— but there, Civis says consistency is the last thing to be expected iv English pronunciation. I fee' in the inooci to vinte a lot more rubbish, Dot, but I must refrain. There are so many critics among your number now. Will the editor work the sausage, machine he calk a condenser this week? Do protect us, Dot;. He shall have all of my love that you think supeifluous. Dot, if that will help us any, but it is doubted by— Yours truly, JIM BROWN. Dear Dot. — I came home enly a few days ago, and on turning up the L.F. Page I was pleased to see that I had time to get a letter in the O.W.W. I have been writing to the page for about seven years. I have written under a norn de plume for three years. One day, when I was away, 1 picked up an old Witness and began to read the little folk's .letters. In one of tire letters a correspondent asked me if I had taken my norn de plume from the book called "Gillian, the Dreamer." I forget who the- correspondent was, but I am very sorry that I overlooked the letter before. I did not get my norn de plumo from that book, but fioni a story called "Little Charity," in a "Children's Treasury," or a book like it. I had written a letter to the L.F. Page, and could not think of a norn de plume. On looking through the book, Gillian struck me as an uncommon name, and I t took it. I am away from home now, "and I miss the Witness. The only chance I have of looking at it is- in the library for a few minutes on Saturday evenings. The headmaster of our school showed the children the Coronation cards before lunch on Wednesday, a-nd eaid he would -give them out in tac afternoon; but when the children came into school after lunch", he told them that the King was ill. and the Coronation bad been postponed indefinitely. It was- amusing to come to school next day instead of having a picnic. We have had a. lot of rain this, year, and the ground is very wet. My brother went out to tiy to plough yesterday, and the furrow wa» running full of water in a few minutes. Tlie crops will be late this viar if the sround does not dry soon. I conclude with love to yourself and all the- L.F., ami by hoping this O.W.W. will be a success— Yours truly. GILLIAV Dear Dot— l think I am privileged to write to the Old Writers' Week, a? it is three years since I wrote my first letter to you. \\ c (my sister and I) are still staying with our aunt, and very lonely it is sometime-j. V\ c are reading some lovely books jiidt new, which our wstc-r sent us from home. The name of one of them is "Twice Tried." by Annie Swan, and I was in the depths of it when I was told that if I wanted to write to O.W.W. I had ' better get a wriggle on." I ride four miles for the mail three tunes a week. Sometimes my sister accompanies me, and we have races with oui horsep. I spent an hour to-day trying to play a difficult piece of music, but I have not managed it yet, for every minute, orange wel was cominp in contact either with my bead, hands, or the mu=ic. I s-too^l taia treat- ( ment for a wlnlo. but finally I got tip and | pelted Far From Mv Home with anything I could eet. We had a long tuss.e, and this ended by almost tipping over auntie's "helix with the afternoon te* tray. Last week 1« .* .M..H. and I were £?om<? for a ramble, whe-n we came to a house that was uninhabited. In we T\ent through a back window which was not locked. We searched thiouab Ihp lißU=e for a while, ajid weie just thinking about getting out, when we saw throush the front window two pentloinen comme: down the road, and one of tliem we instantly recognised as the owner of the hou=e. What were we lo do: be was \<-ry likely bn using this eentleman to look at the' hou=e" We haVtened to a large cupboard. in, a^il -hut the door so quicldv that I manaprr] to whi'ricr betv-eeii bursts of laughter we would be hke squashed tomatoes. We i waited for a while, and thea crawled Sttt «ani
peeped through the window, but the gentlemen were both gone. What a relief! But, alas, when we got home both gentlemen were there, J and they stayed until 10 o'clock. Whenever I I remembered about the squashed tomatoes, I ! was glad to snatch the "tongs and poke the fire, vigorously so as to divert my attention. I discovered afterwards that I had left my muff in the cupboard, and had to niako a trip to tho house the next day for it. Father wrote and told ua he had bought us a bike, and when we go home in the spring we shall have tc ride it every day. It ia the first one up that way, so we arc very proud of it. My sister's birthday was the other week, and mamma sent her a dear little silver watch, while auntie gave her a set of knitting needles and a. ball of wool. I think I never laughed so much, for these articles were tied in a. great many pieces of paper, as though they were something valuable. I see Far From Mv Homo ii tolling tales on me (mean thing). I only intended to take a mouthful, but it was so god, and I bjlievo she . would have taken some herself if I hadn't j proved how strong it was. It was the first j time I had ever tasted wme, and I think it I will ba the last. Last mail day I received a I small box, and on opening it I found a laxge ', pipe and a piece of tobacco. Wa*camiot imagine who sent it, or for what reason — a joke, I i suppose. I don't at all agree with Rough Rider in her criticism of Annie Swan's and i other's books. We hope the L.F. girls will not think us full of pranks, and that they will remember this is a very lonely place for two young people who have always been used to gaiety. With love to L.F. one and all, and Dot, --Yours truly, TROUBLESOME. Dear Dot, — I had intended making this my ' iiivewell letter," but I changed my mind, as I have not quite reached the retiring age. I How strange! The Duke's Amuser has a i nephew named Clarence George. I have one named George Clarence, and if Clarence George , turps out a lively little chap like George I Clarence, there arc- some good times in store ; for you, T. D. A. What a disappointment we ■ sill feit about the Coronation. I do not think j there will be such a large number in town j now wiren it does come off. I am. glad I did 1 not go dawn, a3 I believe it was very muddy J and dirty in town. I met Pauline and: Signa I on Coronation Day. They both intend writing ! to tlie 0.W.W., I bslieve. I hurt my foot about j a. week ago, and cannot get about very well, so I I have plenty of tune to answer all my letters. I think it is worth while now and then to be on the sick list to have all th.c people mquir- ' ing and writing " sympathy notes " to you. j I have had a good holiday now, so I shall have to start and practise again, as I intend going back to town in a week or two. What sort of weather are you having in town ? It has been just glorious here during the past few days. One would think it was sprang. Now, Harry, I wonder what you mean. If you are- too shy, which I will try to believe, to speak to mewhen we meet, would yon do me the favour ot changing autos or photos with me? — both if you like. I have met a good many D.L.F. lately, but as I have not bse-n wearing my badge, I did not care to speak to them. That same nephew, G. C, is rushing rcund at a great rate, aud I rc-a-lly don't know what I am writing übout. I was Eoriy to see Daisy Primrose's letter in, as she wrote such nice, interesting, letters. Don't you think so, Dot . ; Oh, I must tell you an experience a frier.d of mine and I had in town a few weeks ago. We wished | to find a lady's house down the north eld of ' Dunedin. We were to take the tra;n to Howe street, and then turn to our right and find a < house with, I think, number 94 on it. We reached Howe street all right, and then walked on till we came to a, place where two streets met. We took one, and walked on for awhile. All the time the numbers were getting larger and larger. At la.st we came to4fhe conclusion | that we hftd taken the wrong street. Of course we turned and hurried back, asking people as , wo went if they kn«w where the house we ' wanted wa3, but none of them seemed to know. One of the number was a policeman. Fancy, Dot, sticking up a "Bobbie. At last wo came across an old couple, and we asked them if they knew. They told us we were in the wrong street, and where we wero likely to find the house we wanU-cl. After climbing a few lulls, we came on another street, and prepared ourtelves for another search. What a have we got when we found -we were wort.3 off than e» - er. The houses were so far back from the street that we could not see the numbers at pll on them. We had not time, then, to search any longer, as we had to be back m town in ten minutes from then. We felt a bit disappointed, but determined to try again the next week. I had i.ot tune the next week, and have not beeu m town since, c o we are as far off the I house as ever. With heaps of lovo to all the LF. not forgetting yourself and the editor, — YOIUS trUls> ' " CLEMENTINE. I TO CORRESPONDENTS. Ordinary Letters.— l am very much surprised at the number of ordinary correspondents who have written during the time set asids for Old Writers' W«k. Plenty of notice was given that no ordinary letters were to be sent in from the Ist to the 16th of this month, and yet quite a number have come to hand. I wonder if tho senders have been reading the page, or are there new readers as well as new writers. Flobodosa. — No, dear, I do not approve of the proposal at all. There is very good reason j for the first proposal, but none so far as I ca-u see for the second — except personal iiic-ndship, which should bo displayed , privately. Old Boy. — Thank you very much for your kind remarks, and also for the option given, me. I avail myself of the latter in consequence of the large number of letters received. Miss Autosieth. — Please send your address, as I have mislaid it, and have an auto, to send on to you. Miss W. Macleod.— A badge was sent to you addressed to Awamoa. It has not been ciauaetL and ther.e. was a£fi»ienliy. some pus-
take in the address. Will you please send the proper address. Khaki. — Will you please keep the badge meanwhile. Etjktdice. — The verse need not have any connection with the war. Anything that you think appropriate and wortn quoting will do, Autos to ForwaM) On.— Quite a number of % autos to forward on to correspondents have come to hand without a stamped unaddressed envelope to forward them in. I, o£ course, cannot be expected to provide stamps and envelopes, and tims the nutos. remain unsant. L.F. must take care to comply with all tho conditions m sending atitos for transmission, to others. ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S RIDDLE, j By Defence- — An egg.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19020716.2.251
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2522, 16 July 1902, Page 82
Word Count
19,416OLD WRITERS' WEEK. Otago Witness, Issue 2522, 16 July 1902, Page 82
Using This Item
No known copyright (New Zealand)
To the best of the National Library of New Zealand’s knowledge, under New Zealand law, there is no copyright in this item in New Zealand.
You can copy this item, share it, and post it on a blog or website. It can be modified, remixed and built upon. It can be used commercially. If reproducing this item, it is helpful to include the source.
For further information please refer to the Copyright guide.
Log in