LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2523, 23 July 1902, Page 74

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto; -We write for the benefit of other*, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,— What a pity it we- that tho Ccro- ■ ation had to be postponed on account of the (ing's health. Ever} body scrmed so h.ippy £i Jfe&iesdav moruuis;, all v, orkius as tity

had never worked before. Nothing seemed a bother for them to do. The carters were busy filling their drays, the butchers, bakers, and hawkers of all kinds were to be seen scurrying thiough the streets, as if their very lives depended on how soon they finished their tasks. Country people, who had worked hard all thr year round, were coming into Dunedia by nearly every train to enjoy themselves, and to see -all that was to be seen of the beautiful town. Some of the men were busy decorating the streets with beautiful trees and ferns, and making everything look as pretty as possible. No pains were spared over the U.S.S. Company's beautiful building, and it really looked lovely. Nearly every person was preparing for Coronation in some way or other, and had all their plans made out for the next day, when the disappointing news was spread about that everything was to go on as usual. Some people would not believe it until they saw th<» extra for themselves. Further satisfaction was gained when the passers by saw all the beautiful decorations being hauled down and carted away in drags. I think everybody's hearts sunk within them. I know mine did, for I felt sad at the thought of it. But there's a bright side to all things, so folk say, so I began to look on the bright side, and to see how thankful we ought to be, for some poor people in the hospitals who have lost, their eyesight would bo only too pleased to see the light of day, and not think of grumbling at little disappointments. Anyhow, I did J.ot do so bad, for I went to the military carnival in the evening, and had a real good time of it. The only D.L.F. I saw there was Poppy, who seemed to be enjoying herself very much. The next day I met several little folk, but only spoke ito Fuchsia Tree and Myrthertydvihte. What a lot of " country-looking boys wore badges, but they only gave the Witness- smile and fled on their way. Of course some of them blushed, as most count ry boys do. I saw Harry a good many times hurrying along the town as if to catch a train. I saw m Nobody Kuowjs last letter where she thought E. D. N. A.'s cooking so bad, but I wish she had seen mine the day I made pancakes for Valeric; she would have thought E. D. N. A. a don at cooking after that. Valeric said she was going to write to Dot and tell her all about it, but as she has not done so yet. I think I shall give you a little recital of it, to save the poor girl the»trouble. I was staying at her place at the time, and of course, like many others, 1 did a good bit of boasting about what I could do ; so one day she asked me if I could make pancakes. "Make pancakes!" said I. "Why, I should think I could , there's nothing I can do better." Of course, by the way I spoke, she thought I was well up to it, and had been at the game before, and she gat everything ready for me to commence. How soon I remembered the wise saying, "Be slow to promise, but quick to perform." It was just the reverse with me, for I did not know where to start or what to do. At last I got a number of things together, mixed them all up with a little water (as milk was scarce), half filled the camp oven with fat, and put all my pancakes in to cook. We were anxiously waiting for them, and to waste no time we made the tea, so as to have our feed as soon as possible But, oh, how disappointing when I looked to see how the pancakes were doing, lo and behold' they had divided into dozens of piece", and looked like so many ships at sea. Imagine how highly honoured I felt, when Valeric took them all up and gave th-em to the dog. I found out afterwards that I had omitted the soda, cream of tartar, and sugar. I have never tried baking since in ca"-e I make another dreadful mistake , but I fiippose we all have to learn, for even the best of cooks have had their days of trial and mistakes. What do you think of a returned trooper being frightened of a horse 9 He was one of the Dandy Fourth. He was out for a lide with my father the other Sunday. He had our horse, and the pater rode the httlc pony The horse he was riding took fright and bolted, and played up all the time with him. At last the trooper could stand it no longer, and asked my father to change with him, and let him have the pony, for he said lie would not have far to fall fiorn a pong 12hds high. Don't you think it funny, Dot 9 He even had his horse shot from tinder him, and yet he \va c frightened on the Anderson's Bay road. He gave us the Burcingle that he had removed from his poor dead horse. With love to all the D.L.F. , Dot, and the editor, — Yours truly

FLORODOEA

[Yes, Florodora, we all have to learn, and our mistakes teach «b more than anything d--c. I think the chief lesson you learnt from the pancake episode was not to allow that little unruly member, the tongue, to run away with you another time. The trooper episode is ccrtainl}' inexplicable. Possibly the troubles he has come through have unnerved him. — DOT.]

Deal Dot, — Here I am once agiin, after an absence of about a year. 1 know a good many Little folk now. I was rather surprised when I learnt that two of your best writers live down this way — namely. Camellia I and Rogue 11. Now, Dot, I shall tell you how I got to know them. Some friends and I drove about 10 miles to a dance, and about the first thing I noticed when I went into the hall wa« a girl ■with a badge shining in her hat. I at once made up my nimd to learn that gal's r>oni de plume at any cost. After a few dances I managed to get a seat beside he., and I asked her if she wrote io the Witness and what name did she write under, with the thought that she would think me a cheeky thing. Any way, she told me her norn de plume was Camellia I and her sister's was Rogue 11, and after that we got on well She it. such a nice girl, Dot. I wab also speaking to Be'h theie; so you see there were quit* a number of little folk present. I must tell you about a trir I had to Invercargill. I left home on the Wednesday before the Coronation was supposed to take place. I wa« m high spirits when I Ifclt. Lome, bub I leccjALd such a '.hock v,h&a 1 £ct

to the township a^cl learned that th" King \va ill . Really it was finmy to spo cveiybody look ing as if they could not help it. Some of the places were decorated, while others were busy decorating. You could heal nothing but people talking about the King wherever yen went. Well, Dot, 1 v. as determine Jl to hme my holiday. Coronation or no Coronation, so a~fter waiting about two hours the ccch at last came. I can tell you I was glad to pet seated in a carriage at Edendale. There was a girl in the same carriage with a badge in her hat, but not having my badge I did not hke to speak. I should very much like to know her jiom de plume. She had on a fawn jacket, black lustre skirt, and a black felt hat. &o if this letter catches the eye of that L.R I should be glad to know her name. When we at last arrived at Invercargill I was met by my friends. After waiting till the nun cleaied oft we made for my fuencV home, so ending my first day's outing. On Thursday morning 1 managed to get up before 0, anil at about 2 o'clock my auntie and I went up to the Park to see the Maoris roasting a bullock and some sheep : but we might as well have saved ourselves the trouble, as we did not see anything. I got crushed against a pram, and someone in fiont of me had the kindness to keep putting his head in my way, till I got fairly disheartened. On our way home we intended to go up the water-tower, but to our dismay the door was locked, and as we did not think of asking anyone for the key we had to go home without seeing it. Oh, well, better luck next time. I met a good fow little folk, but did not speak to any. On Friday I did not. go anywhere, and on Saturday evening I came home, with the thought that there is no place like home after all. Thus ended my holiday. Xow, Dot, boys will be boyp, and my youngest brother had the cheek to tell me that they got on far better without me — tha-t he didn't have anyone to bo3s him and make him clean his boots when he came inside. Since I last wrote my big sister has got mamed and left ms head housekeeper, so you see I have plenty to do looking after my father and my five biothers. Nosy, Dot, I shall tell you how many noms de plume I have written under. First of all, I used to write undei the name of Rose — that is about 10 years ago : then as An Old Cat, then Cyinbeline ar.d School Girl, and now, last of all, the one I write under, at present. So you see I have done fan'ly well. Would any of the B.L.F exchange autos with me, I wonder? They could send them on through Dot, and they would be thankfully received by me. I hope yo\i will forgive me for writing such a long letter this time, Dot. Anyway, if it is too long, just put it through the machine, and I shall not be a mt offended. Now I must retire for another jcai. With heaps of love to all, but moat of all to our dear little Dot,— Yours truly,

FIND OU'l.

[A ten-yeais' -writer, and vet oiily writingonce a year! That is certainly modest, though Find Out has had more than her share of noms de plume. Her letter really should have been in Old Writers' Week, though it was not marked for it.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— lt is terrible weathei up heie just now. I have been away labbiting, but a fall of snow came, so I came home. You said I would be going deer-stalking this year, but I have not got that fur yet, though I mean to go there next year if I am alive and well. Dear Dot, I have a brother over in South Afiica, who went away with the Eighth Contingent. He was in the lailway accident at Ma'chavic, and had his knee spiained. He was in a fight against the Boris, and thought it was great fun. With love to all the little folk, Dot, aud the editoi,— Yours truly, HUMBOLT.

[I was evidently a year nhcad in predicting your entry into the field a c a dcer-^talker, Humbolt, but T hope we, «ha!l all ie«d an account of >cur first season next jeai.-DOT J

Dear Dot,— l take up my pen to wute. my faiewell letter, for I have now reached the retiring age, wor c c luck. I «hould have sent this in over a month ago, but really I had no time for writing. 1 was away from home for three wr-eks, and then when I came back my sister went to town, so I had to keep hoimp. A ccuple of weeks later my sistor's wedding came off. Wild Dai'-y and I were bridesmaids, and we did enjoy ourselves that clay. After the ceremony was o\er, games were pla\ed cut side on the pi '-en until it was time to go to the M.ition to see the happy couple leave for their honevmooii They were well showered with nee, which th<v did not like. 1 got as much as the bride. "We had a giand time that night, and tl c nrxt morning too, for it was neaily 3 o'clock before we bioke un. I did not feel the least bit tired after it. The night my sister And her husband returned from their honeymoon turned very wet. thov did l.ot g't such a tm-cannmg as they expected. I am head housekeeper now—? position I did net cai^ much about at first. However, I am beginning to like it better now. 1 suppr.=e I shall get to like it m time. I must tel-1 ycii about my first experience with the mill, which happened during the three weeks 1 was away from home. I was just dreading it, Dot, and thinking it would bs tcnible, indeed, 1 was tl. inking of coming home, but I could not very well be spared. However, my spirits lose when Wild Daisy came on the Ecene the day before *he mill came m. It came m, and I was surprised that tilings wore no' to disagrceab'e as 1 had been picturing them: indeed, they were quite the re\er*e. We knew most of the mill men personally, *o that made the difference. One oi the boys always stopped behind at night and helped us (Wild Daisy and I) to wash and dry the dishe= and set the table ready for the breakfast. Oh, Dot, the fun we had! I often think of it now, and laugh to myself. We were quite soiry it wa= not goisigto -t.iy longer, and were wishing it would lan and so keep it; but no such luck, for we had beautiful v.cathor. We are having fine v. citiiei now. Tile icuds Ale love.lv lor the

b'ke I* looks like a- change to-night, but I 'Ojje it does not ram, as I am gojng to a weddnig on Thursday. Weadings are all the fashio.i up here just now. There have been four within the last month, and there are to be two more this week It is almost as bad as the nuto. craze, isn't it, Dot ' But I must lew cot chide. I shall still continue to read the L F page and wear my budge. I shall ah\a\fc look back with pleasure on the many happy hours I spent with D.L.F. friends, also in reading the page. If any D L.F. would hko my auto . I shall on'y be too pleased to exchange. Will all those who asked for my auto, kindly send me theirs, and I shall send mine. And now, Dot, I must say farewell. — Yours truly,

CLARISSA

[So, Clan c =a, your time has come to leave us lam very sorry, dear, as your letters have always been welcome, and will, I am surej be missed. I wish you every success. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Not long ago there was a big flood in Palmerston North, which did a lot ot damage. In. some houses the water was so deep that the people had to leave their houses and go to hotels. I have &uch a dear little pony now, Dot. Wo live about two miles fiom town, and we always have to walk to school. We have tv o Indies' bicycles, and I can rule them both. With Jove to Dot and the editor,— Yours truly,

ROSELEAF.

fit was a good thing that the hotels were not flooded as well as the private houses, Roseleaf, or it would have been bad for many of the residents.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— l am at school cvea more. I was in Dunedin for my holidays, and enjoyed myself very much indeed. I was in the Book Aicade, and there I got the book I longed to get— "Alice m Wonderland,"— and I h->ve read half of it. I was in the Museum and the Gardens. I saw a D.L.F. at Stirling, and, seeing my badge, she spoke to me. I told her my ncm de plume, and she told me hers. As the train was coming in I could hot hear what olie said. It sounded hko Florodora ; perhaps it was. While I was walking along a sticet in town many young larrikins called cut, "Hullo, D.L.F.'" We had. Jessica down here for a few days when mv brother came back with the Seventh Contingent fiom the war. With love to all D.L.F., not foigettiii" youi=elf,— yours truly,

HEARTY LASSIE

fit was a pay you did not hear what her ncm de plume was, Hcr.rtv Lsssie. but if it was Floroc'ora, no doubt pile will tell us next time she writes —DOT.]

Dear Dct,— Although it is about 15 mouths since I last wrote to you, I ha\e not ceased to take interest in your page. The time has, however, arrived for me to eend in my farewell letter. I have always taken great interest in the Little Folk's page, and will continue to cio so as long as I sec the Witness. 1 was in Dunedin on June 26. I saw several D.L.F., one of whom looked very much like Harry' I aho saw one in the Museum. She was diessed in black, I think. I suppose Lieutenant Coil will soon be homo. He has been unlucky, getting wounded twice; and yet we nay say he has been lucky, as the wounds v. eie not seriou". It is- very good of you, Dot, to think about an auto, book for Con. 1 am suro he will think motf of it than if we had given him a costly present. My bibter is home just now, and we ha\e good fun playing pingpong m the evenings. 1 generally forget what 1 am doing, and hit the ball too hard, and of toiii=o if/goes off the "table. Picking the ball up is- the worst part of it, don't you think Dot.' Good-bye, Dot and little folk! Good luck and success bo with you all! I now si"v 1113 self for the last time,— Yours tiuly, °

SILVER

[I am «vie Siivei Bell is retiring long before *-he had any necessity ioi doing so; however, no doubt =he knows her own business best, and =o v, c must all wish hei good-bye and a, bright future.— DOT. J

Dear Dot,- We have got holidays fiom s-chool just new. but we start again on Thursday. It has been very wet westher. I was .'way for a ho'-d-av across sea, and it was as calm as a lake. I was not &ick -at all, and I enjoyed myself very much. I have a brother in the wai. He is in the Tenth Contingent, m hoiuh Afuca We saw by the- papers that the Tenth .ire on then w, ( y back to New Zealand, and 1 am so glad. AVitk love to the D.L.F.,— Youis truly,

PEACOCK

[You were foitunate in getting the sea =o calm, Peacock, but what sea was it, and whelo did \ou go to in crossing it?— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— My last letter having met such a fate, I have lesolved to try and score this time. I am going to tell you "about my winter holidays. On June 28 I started with my cousin for hib camp, a di=tance of about six miles away, ai.d it being \i-iy late before wo started it was about 11 o'clock at night before we reached the camp, and to make matters woise, it was veiy frosty and cold. I put tho covers on the horses and fed them, while he put on the inc. W- then had tea and a hot pie esch, and then turned into bed. In the morning we were to go out shooting, but it wa= fee cold that we had to stop at the camp, but, by 12 o'clock we were able to make a. start Unfortunately, wa had no luck, only ahootmg two ducks and eight rabbits, aflei which we again made for canip. My coufcin works on the State Forest Reserve, and the next day I went to see all the men planting tree?; but I only stopped there about 4.11 hour, and then went out rabbiting with a good hound, which caught aix in about Lalf an houi. 1 went back to the camp and made niyFelf some dinner, and then went back to the men. Dear Dot, I don't think you would like to have me for a cook for even oae day. I started to fry tome bacon for slkuivij aud I wcjit outside loi some

' and when I came back it was all frizzled up and quite black. That was my first attempt $t cooking. Well, it i« a splendid holiday, out camping in a nice' warm tent and with? a- good mate. You should, however, go out camping in tho fine weather. I suppose yow often play ping-pong, Dot? We have started! a club up here, which meets for prnctice every Saturday and Tuesday night. With love to The Sailor ancl all the rest of your little folk, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly,

TRUMPETER

fl should get my sister or mother to givar me a lesson in frying before going into camp another time, Trumpeter; for even with a bush appetite you could scarcely enjoy burnt bacon.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— -We have been having some very rough weather hero lately — snowing and raining nearly every day. There has been very little frost yet, but I suppose there will be plenty before long. We live close to the Molyncux River, and there are a lot of dredges working on it. Were you ever on a dredge, Dot? I have often been on board of them. I often go out on the hills with ruy dog rabbiting, but the rabbits are not very plentiful just now. A lot of people are trapping them and sending them to the factory. They get 25s per 100 for them, so some trappers that can catch 70 a day make a good thing out of it. With love to all the little folk, — Yours truly,

SEDDON.

[Well, Seddon, even though you are an autocrat, you rnvst comply with our rules, one of which is that each letter must be> accompanied with the full name and address of the writer — . DOT.]

Dear Dot,— The • other night a social was given to Lance-corporal L. The hall was crowded and we could not get a seat, as we went late. When the eatable's come round we went from the ante-room to the hall. We had to stand, and nobody brought a tray our way, and we could not get a cup. One old lady who could not drink her tea offered if) to my sister, however. You cannot write very well with a brother reading every word you wnte. With love to May, Cis, and all the folk, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly LITTLE MADCAP'S SISTER.

[No, L.M.S., it is somewhat difficult, but it is good training for all that. It teaches yoir to concentrate your thoughts on your writing, while at the same time keeping an ear on tha alert foi what is going on round you. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— A football match was playedi between the Clyde and Alexandra school boys. Ihe Clyde boys were too good for the Alexandra, and beat them by 0 points to 3. Everybody on the field played well, especially two of tbe Clyde boys, who scored the tries. After the match was over, we brought the Alexandra boys up to the school and gave them refreshments and coffee and cocoa, and everything they could eat, and when they came out they went up and got their horse's and trap ancl went home. When they were going down a. steep hill on their wav to Alexandra they broke their trace, and a boy who was riding abike went over the bandies three times'. Well, Dot, I must come to a close, as there is no more news up here. "With love to your little folk, yourself, and the editor.— Youra truly,

A CLYDEITE.

[It is a wonder the biking boy did not hurt himself, Ciydeite. Do you mean that he went right over the handle-bar, or that he came to grief in the ordinary wav?— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— l shall try to describe, the towp in which I Jive. Can you picture to yourself a fairiy large seaport, with long wharves and coal-staith- on the rive^-^ide 9 In the distance, lanning south and east, are a range of mountains, which are at this moment covered with.' feiiow. 'I hen again there is tbe mam street, witl> shops on one side and offices on the other. There are many fine picnic resorts. It is also a great coal port, it 3 coal being famous (as you know) all over tbe world. Dear Dot, have you ever been out shooting? Well, there was a young iellow out the other day, and, 1 no was getting through a fence, when", from, some unexplained cause, the eun went off, the charge lodging in his arm. He at once started for the doctor's, and was ordered to the hospital, where he is likely to stay for three weeks. He is m bed, alongside a Toasting fire, all day, and the way he perspires is something awful Have you ever been in a gasworks ?i AVcll, we live just behind one, and it is fine fjin seeing them filling the fires with coal. These hre« aie always going. I shall give you an idea of the mode of manufacturing gas. First of all the coal is put into a large furnace, and the gas is earned away to the holder by, a larg: pipe fixed at the mouth of each furnace or retort. After that i« goes through a large meter, which registers the number of feet sent) cut, tlien it, is carried away by smaller pipes to the houses and shops. Next time I write I feball tell yr\\ about the seasido picnic place at Cape Foalwind, and a few other places 1 . With 10-e to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Youis truly,

BRITISHER

fit must Le inlei eating to watch the greaft fires blazing, Britisher, but the odour of the jras is anything but pleasant. I trust your friend will soon recover, and that he will b« iii'jre careful with, fireairnfl in future. — DOT.J

Deai Dot, — I was very sorry when I heart! that the King was *o ill. I am going away, next Monday, aud I hope I shall see you in, Dunechn. 1 hope I can get tbe Witness when I go away, so that I shall be able tc read tha D.L.F. letters. I think I shall enjoy myself very much when I am in the bush. Ping-pong; seema to be a great game all over the world! now, and I think it is very entertaining. Last Thiusday Langehan and I went for a bike ride, and we enjoyed ourselves very muck, ffe £l<uj<ed. Iroja hjjnic abojut 1 o'clock Mk tiiM

afternoon, and got back at 6 o'clock. love to yourself ttnd the D.L.F.,— Yours truly, CORONATION. [I wonder if Coronation is coming to town for good, or only for a holiday? Whichever it may be, I hope he will see our page a: usual.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— l live in a nice little country town called Orepuki. We have a sawmill here and a shale works, but the latter are not working now. There ia a sea beach here, and it is nice to go for a walk along the sand. Another nice walk is up the sawmill tram, especially if you have a. rifle, as there are plenty of birds up there. Orepuki is a very healthy place — much more so than Dunedin ; but I believe Dunedin is a very pretty place. We get the Witness, and" I like to read L.F.s letters, Fun and Fancy, and Editor's Wallet. I have a pup and a little kitten. The shooting season is over here now, and file pigeons are safe, save from the lawbreakers. The Orepuki-Waiau railway has been started once more. Wishing luck to the D.L.F., the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly,

FABO FRED,

[You did Dot enclose your proper name, Faro Fred. Please do so next time you write. I hope the shale works will be reopened before long, and that the industry will ultimately be established on #. firm footing. — DOT.]

Deal Dot, — We are enjoying our winter holidays, which, are nearly over novr. We have just finished reading "The Eagle Cliff," and we find it a delightful 'book. Oh, dear, it is hot, and we think it will rain before long, as it is dreadfully close. Dear Dot, we saw our letter in the Witness after a short time of \SKiting, and we wore surprised to find that it •was not put through the condensing machine. "We were disappointed in hearing of the King's illness, 39 everything had to be postponed on that account; but wo are thankful that he is getting better and will soon be able to be crowned. If any of the L.F. wish to exchange autos with us, please address them "The Pattypats, Post Office, Oamaru." With love to all the L.F., yourself, and the editoi, — Yours truly,

THE PAITYPATS

[I wonder whatever "pattypats" are' It sounds very like something for fixing up butter; but I may be wrong, so should like my correspondents to explain next time they write.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We are having nice weather up here for the month of July, aiid to-day the sun ■was shining beautifully, and many people were going out for a drive. Dear Dot, everybody was getting ready for Coronation Day, when a telegram came to say that the King was ill and the Coronation was postponed. A meeting was held in the Library, and it was decided to give the school children refreshments in the Town Hall at 4 o'clock that afternoon. At the hour appointed all the boys and girls gathered round the Town Hall, and when it was time to go id the first thing that caught my eye wa« a bag of cakes, with one or two lollies at the bottom of it. As soon as we sat down, round came some people with a bag of cakes for each child, and after we had finished that we went out on the flat and had a nice game of football.

WHO'S THE WRITER?

[There should evidently be more of this letter, as there is no signature, as you can imagine from what appears at the foot of it. Whether the writer forgot to put in the last page, or whether it has been mislaid since the envelope was opened, I don't know ; but I do know that that is all I have ot it now. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — As my experiences in Westralia have not yet exhausted, I recall to mind a few reminiscences, which I shall relate to the best of my ability. In my last I promised to give you a little information regarding the natives of Western Australia, a«d I shall now do so. It is very amusing to watch the tricks these aboriginals will play upon "new chums," and you never know what answer to expect when you put a question, to them. They are very apt at replying, humorous in the extreme, but lazy is no name for their idle disposition. While stopping at Noitham one day I recollect one antiquated aboriginal coming to a neighbour of ours, who was quite ignorant of the darkies cunning, and engaged him to chop some firewood. "Tarpot, as the darkie was styled, had only commenced his chopping when the lady came out and handed him a, piece of cake and sixpence, evidently with good intentions, as an approach to receive value for her money; but Tarpot quite coolly placed the sixpence in las pocket, his hat upon his head, and walked off with a satisfied smile, eating his cake. He had not gone many yards when the lady came out and rather angrily ordered him to return and complete his contract. Tarpot responded, "Me rmndick (sick) ; come tomollow." The lady then grew wrath and spoke more passionately, with the result that Tarpot turned around and shouted, "You go inside, you ole rnudder; you got no piccaninny-. " The words evidently had their desired eflee* on ■ihe old spinster, for she rushed into the house a3 one might turn from a flash of lightning. I overtook him later on as I was out riding on my bike, and, slackening speed, I had a yarn with him, and asked his opinion of the bike. "White man lazy pellar, ' he replied; ''he sit down to walk'" Quite a unique way of describing it, was it not 9 But the cunning of them I think is quite unprecedented. It is quite astonishing what amount of brains they lhavo were they Lnt ciwlised and cultivated. They have a splendid cr for music, too. I .have known one aboiigmal play off with great accuracy tunes on a mouth organ after one hearing. I was talking to one the other day, ■when an acquaintance of mine came along, whom the darkie evidently was a bit reluctant to meet, for he turned to go, but on second consideration walked up to the young man ■with uplifted finger, saying, "I say, mister, you 'member dat chilling you gib it me, you know I owe you 9" '"Yes," said the other, "what about it '" "I no got row, mister," the daikie concluded ; "but me no', like other darkie: I tell you about it." Pretty good for the blackfellow, don't you think V But perhaps you are tired of this subject, and before concluding I shall revert to something else by way of an apology. While camped near Northam, prospecting, I captured a, young goat, which I brought into town and tamed to that degree that he became a pet with all in the district. It was a picture to see him sleeping with the dog and cat st night. You may feel rather dubious about that statement's credibility, but I pledge you my word it is absolute truth, and I often wish I had a photo, taken of the three pets. I often laughed as I watched them. The nights being very sultiy at Northam, it wa? a common thing to see people sleeping outside on their verandahs there. One night two chums of mine were sleeping thus next door, whoa about midnight ■we -were aroused by voluble shouts of "Murder! murder!" "Burglar!" "Give mo the revolver, Reg," etc., -which ultimately concluded in a shout of laughter. And what do you think it was, Dot? Well, my pet goat had merely desired to share their bed with them. Next morning they told me he wasn't particular how he tumbled in, either, or what steps ho made towards suffocating them. I can assure you. I felt awfully sorry when leaving there, parting with the friends and pets I had gathered together. But we :annot have all wie desire in this world, and pleasure is usually bul the forerunnei of pain, as sunahiuo fefox* nun. Maahe, ieaiejA sau ta>?§ ep

BRITAIX,

perienced a mist from the perusing of this missive, and now let the clouds bp removed as au revoir is declaimed by your aEectionate comrade, BRITAIX. [I don't think we should ever gpt tired of those quaint daikie yarns, Britain. Ihey are very amu Q ing, and well worth recoiding. You seem to be as observing as our lost Daisy Primrose, and are in a measure taking her place.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — -We ha%-e had a week's holiday, and the school children down here had giand times. There is a very nice beach here. It is lovely in summer to play on the sandb or paddle about in the water. It is a very line place for a holiday, for j-ou car. go for picnics or to the rocks.— Yours tiuly, TOOTS. [You must send your full name and addiess next time you write, Toots. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am a little girl, only ni"e years old, and I am living at Taieri Beach. We got a week's holiday at Coronatio'i time, and I went to Dunedin. We went up the river in a boat, and then on to Dunedin by train. I saw lots of things when I was in Dunedin. I saw the Maoris dancing and singing, and then I went to the show, and I saw a. lot of things there. Dear Dot, have you evei been to Taieri Beach? It is a pretty place 111 summer time, and it has a nice long beach. You go along the beach and you come to seme rocks, where there is a nice big cave. You can go right through it. A while ago there were some fish coming a&hore called king fish. I got up early one morning and went to look for some, and I found one which had ju?t come ashore. It was alive, so I killed it and carried it home. — Yours truly, TIBBY. [That was "a good find, Tibby, especially a = the fish had just been washed up. I don't know how you could kill the ooor thing, though.— DOT.] Dci.r Dot, — What beautiful winter weather wo are having! But I daie say it will =0011 break, a;= it seems too good to last. 1 sec by to-Jay's p«iper th*t the New Zealai.d contingents are returning. What a crowd of soldieis there will be about when they all arrive' Th" King seems to be progressing favourably, but it is not likely there will be °ucii excitement when the Coronation does con-e off as there would have been in June. A number of the L.F. seem to b<? finding out who you are, Dot, but I have not got that fai yet. I often picture you in my mind sitting down with hundreds of letters 111 front of you, wondering what yen will do with them all. I think if I were in youi place I should feel inclined to throw the- whole lot m the fire There was a school picnic here on June 2fi, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I think Clementine enjoyed herself too , did you not, Clementine What a number of the L.F.aie retiring now — getting too ancient, I °uppose. I think it is time I was stopping now, as I imagine a frown gathering on the dcai old editor's brow. With love to all the L.F., the editor, and your own patient self, — Yours truly,

GENEVIEVE

[I am afraid we should soon have ro Dot's page if I took such a course as that, Genevieve. What troubles me most is when there are enough letters in for two or thiee wedks, and if»me of them begin to get =0 o'cl as to lose nttere3t. However, the editor's condensing column has helped me considerably ii that respect.- DOT.]

Dear Dot, — The weather has been very fine, except during the last few lays, when there has been a south-west wind blov. ing, which i^ very disagreeable. I have been rabbiting the last few months, and I am very porry it 13 nearly finished. I know a lot 01" D.L.F. about this district, including Eileen, Lady Robin, and ninny others. Is it not a good thing that the w?r is over, foi &o many poor men have lost their lives fiehting for King and country ' Dear Dot, I live in a country near the riv-ei-bank, where there are numbers of b-'g white gravel ttoiies, nnd I go and gntlur them. A few of my cousins and myself went out one day for a picnic not far from the house. We went for a swim in a deep creek, and one of my cousins got too far mto the water and happened to slip on a big stone, and we nil got a fright. First we thought of going in after her, but it was too deep for 113. We looked for a rope, which we found not far off. Having tied a heavy stick to it, we. threw it in to where she was, and w>ro thus able to bring her up safely. We never again tued to .wini. With love to" all the D.L.F.,— Yours tiuly,

SILVER STAR

[It was fortuiipte your cousin was able to retain her foothold till you got the rope and stick, Silver Star. It is a pity, iiowever, that you gave up learning to swim. Could you not find a shallow part of the river, or a pond, to practise in in the summer 9 — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— I was at a weddirg a while ago, and enjoyed myself immensely. The railway line ran along the front of the house we v.-er<* at, and in the evening, as the train was going slowly past, tho engnie-driver threw a number of crackers amongst the people who were in the garden, mid, my word, they did jump. In the evening we all went to the hall, whore wo spent a most ciijovable iliti'u of it till Uiorning. Father went to Dniiedip at Coionntion time, :md while he was awa\ I had to milk ln= kicking co.v. As scoa a-, the &aw me coming she Wgan to kick, iii-rt. liaidlv e\ er stopped iiiitil 1 had iun-hed. but at thu end of the weeK she wiife quitt_ quiet We ha\o not had a. Icltci from un brother m South Africa for two or three mon'.h-, so wo doit know whcie he is In his last letter to mo lie "aid he knew Con. and h>' had rea.d somo of lus letters ih the Witness a'-out the contingents. He aNo told me Con's name. I suppose ho will coiue home in a hospital ship, a-> ho will be still v. cak from the fever. I ha%o j.ot seen a badge, except my own, for about eight months, so I don't know main L.F. Theie is a splendid bush not far from hero, with all kinds of ferns in it, also, wild cattle, pigs, sheep, and goat=. I know two deep gullies that are almost covered with smslc and double crape ferns. We had some friends from Duiiedm staying with us for a whiie, and I was to take them to the bush, but as soon .19 we reached it they wore afraid to go in, lest the v. ild pigs might eat them, so we had just to come home again. My pony is looking well just now, and I suppose she ought to, as I feed her on oats, chuff, turnip", carrots, cabbages, and sometimes pollard. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and tho editor, — Yours tiuly,

ALPINE PRINCESS.

[Your Dunedin friends nuiat have bcon very timid, Alpine Princess, or heel you been frightening them with tales about the wild c&ttle and pigs?— DOT ]

Dear Dot, — I am jvst recovering fiom an attßck of influenza, consequently tii:. letter will l>e very dull and uninteresting. My mother, feister, and brother havo just got o\ci it. I had thought I might have escaped, but it seem 3 I had to have my shaie. Never mnid, I am having a rather good time of it, considering tlie circumstances. The weather is rathei stormy just now, but last week it wab lovely — just like summer. What a pity the Coiouation had to be postponed — people were "-o disay pointed about it. There wcie to have 'icoii great celebrations here on Cororatiou Da/, but c\erything, with the exception oi a school picaiCj was postj^ned.' It was a lflveix das.

here on the 26th of June; the sun shone bnghtly a!l day. The air was a bit chilly, but it did not seem to interfere with the day's enjoyment. A gre-at number came to the picnic, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. I met Pauline there, and had a nice chat with her. Zeta came up to see me one night, anJ -.ye h?d a long talk over the D.L.F. Page. We did not have very great rejoicings here when peace was declared. Just a day or two before Peace Day word came that a trooper who had left here to go to South Africa had died of enteric out there. Was it not sad, Dot 9 The day before Nut bft New Zealand he and Jessica went down to Dunediu, and Clementine and I were travelling that morning. Jessica introduced us to him, and we were quite surprised to find he was a D.L F. By the way, Dot, how popular pmg-pong has become this winter. Some people think it too simple a game. It may be simple, but whpn you know the game properly you find more m it than you thought there could be. I think it is more inteicstmg when there are four ]}!ayh.< than when there are two. Don't you think so, Dot? Oh, it/" is awfully funny to see the player* scrambling under chairs and scfas searching for the ball, but it is terrible to stai.d and watch the last ball gradually disfolvmg in the fire, into which an unlucky stroke has sent it. I must apologise to Agumaldo foi not serding him my auto. He sent me his, and I intended sending him mine, but it went quite out of my head, and now I forget hi- addrea=. Last winter, when I was in town, a girl friend ox mine, who3G initials are N. M., introduced m: to one of the Balcbuha D.L.F. She told me her nome de plume, Lut I forget it now. I thmk it was Mimosa or Hollyhcdgc. I should like to know her norn c(e plume, .so if she reads this letter she may remember the incident and tell me in her next letter. I have often seen Harry in town, but have never spoken to him. With love to youij=2lf and all the D.L.F.— Yaurs truly. EURYDICE. {The four-handed game is cortgmiy more intere'stms than the two, Euryico, an it also ei.ables moic to take part in it, so that it is better e\c;y way. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — We have had a fire winter so far, haven't we. This is a very hilly country. On Thursday last Queen of the Flowers and I went to the top of n, lull and had a picnic. "We enjoyed ourselves very much. Do you like the cold weather, Dot? I do, Because jou can have fun sliding on the ice. Wasn't it good news to hear that peace had been proclaimed! I was ill in bed, so I had to be content where I was. It was a bit of hard luck for me, Dot, don't you think so 9 — Yours tiuly, SILVERY EVE. [It was indeed. Silvery Eve; but I hope you will be able to make up for it on Coronation Day — that is, the coming one, you know. — DOT.] Deal Dot, -I am dying to tell you about a holiday I went for with my mate. We M* home at 10.30, and got out at M. R at about dinner time, so you may guess we were pretty tired at the end of our journey. We had some dinner and talked with our friends for a while ; then I said to my mate, "Come and see if we can catch one of the horses, and have a ride." We caught one, which we called the old blind mure, and we put the saddle and bridle on, and off my mate went fir3t, galloping down th" road, and when she came back it was my turn, and off I went the same way. By the lime we were finished Tiding it was tea time, and when we were finished tea it was time to start for home, as we had four miles to walk. I was dead tucd when I got home, and as I was not used to ridmg I was a bit stiff next day, and I guess my mate was too. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor,— Yours truly, THE TWO-LEGGED BUNNY.

II am afraid the old blind maie would be stiff also, Bunny, as well as your mate and yourself, foi you do not seem to have had much consideration for the poor thing — DOT.]

Deal Dot —I siippo.«« Corporal <I mean Lieutenant) Con and Nut will soon be home again. Jcssicn hardly thought when she said good-bye to Nut that the war would bo over in such a short time. But. &he will be none the less pleased. I wish both Lieutenant Cou iird Xut v pleasant journey back to New Zealand, when I a.in sure they will be heartily welcomed. It is to be hoped that the D.L.F. will huve a chance of seeing Lieutenant Con this time. I am sure he will be more pleased with the book of D.L.F. autos than with an expensive present, as it will serve to remind him of many a happy hour spent m writing to dear Dot. Then give tiiree cheers for our bnue soldier boys, who have done their duty to King and country. I should think Lieutenant Con hah had enough fighting to last him a lifetime. The time spent with the contingents in South Africa seems to have a, most unsettling effect on niobt of the tioopers. At leaßt, I find that is the case in this district and I suppose it is the same elsewhere. They do not seem to be able to settle down to work again after the exciting times they have passed through. But what puzzles me most is the modesty of the "boys" who have been to South Africa. Except m the case of a few natural "gassers, they do not care to talk of their experiences, and answer you usually with a short "yes" or "ro" if you try to string them on for a. v am. I suppose they are afraid of being thought "gaspers. Dear Jessica, have you forgotten nicf" With lo\.- tc all the D L.F. und jour=clf, -Yours truly.

FRA DIAVOLO

I The unsettling of many of "our boys" was fiecly l'orotold from the beginning, Fra D:a- \ clo. so that we had puffifipnt warning. It it pleasant to find .i modest spirit prevailing among the letumed troopers, who will be all the more respected for it. "Gasbags" are seeii through by e\erybody, and no one takes them at their own estimation. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— We are having perfect weather ju"t now, and have both chrysanthemums iuid wattle out at prepent — autumn and .spring mixed together, eh' I went out for a ride on a Mde-saddle the other day for the first time m my life, and I liked it very much better than a man's saddle. Mother was envying my trotting, as I could post quite well on it, and she can't do so very well. What a splendid idoa to 'jiesont an autograph book to Con, Dot. What is Nut's reai name, Dot > I am dying to know. Three of our hors-ss have died lately. Two had to be shot— one because of old age, the other because he broke his leg. The third was a colt, whose death was uncertain. We have two Shetland ponies here, mother and foal. The foal is not broken in yet, but it is very tame, and will cat sugar out of >our hand. Two of the colla which are going to be broken in soon are che~tnuts, one darker than the other, and nobody knows which is the better or the prettier of the two,— Y ° ma tm!y ' BRENDA. [Of course, Brenda, I cannot tell you Nut's real name, but if you were to v-rite a letter to Jessico, asking her to do 'O, peihaps she might. A^k your mother first, 1 and if she is agreeable .send the letter to me, and I shall forward it on for you.— DOT ] Dear Dot, — I thought you had quite forgotten your poor old writers. I should not ha\c waited for an invitation, but nothing of interest ever occuis now. I have delayed writing this until it is too late to find a place in Old Writers' Page, which, Dai3ie says, is "Just like you." In mx opinion- it is more

B REND A.

like her easy-going self. Do you not think pc-oplc who possess temperaments like Daisies axe twice as happy c- those whose nature it is to take all tiouble a.iel responsibility upon themselves? I sometimes wish I was blessed with an easy-going nature — only sometimes, though. I have not long returned from a most enjoyable visit t* Dunedm. I wrs taken one day to see through the new Law Courts, and on that day the priaouors were at work in it, cleaning the windows and dusting the woodwork. I believe it is contrary to rules to look at the prisoners, but as I had never seen any before I could not resist looking at them, and they appeared to be equally interested in us I was greatly interested in the cells for the temporary detainrncnt of the prisoners, and while I ws?s looking through one my cousin closed the door of the cell, and I was myself a prisoner. Need I assure you, Dot, that it was quite a novel position — that I was never before locked in a prisoner's cell. I was also taken to the s.s — but perhaps I had better not say the name of the vessel — to see my iiiicle. He was very glad to see us. He showed us all over the boat, which was so comfortable and fresh-looking that I longed to go for a trip m her. My uncle offered to take mo to Lyttelton and^ send me back by rail, but that, unluckily, was out of the question, aa I was expocted home on the following Saturday. After showing us everything worth seeing that could be seen he got us tea, and after tea fruit — buch delicious apples and passion fruit. I was sorry I had no pockets, for my uncle told me to fill them, but my cousin lent me her muff and I crammed it as full as it would go. Very greedy, was I not? It hss been awfully colcl to-day, and my little sister is evidently feeling it very much, for I heard her say to herself j. little time ago, "Oh, dear, I'm as cold as ice. It's enough to drive a fellah mad." Not bad for a, five-year-old; she must hnve heard some of her big brothers use that expression very likely when our little Pagaimi was playing the violin. Dear Dot and little folk, if ye have tears, prepare to shed thsni now the time has come for me to resign. Poetiy and ougmality are qualities sadly lacking in my composition, so I must do my best without them. I speak the truth when I say that my short connection with Dot's page has given me great pleasure. How excited I used to got when the Witness containing my letter arrived, and when 1 saw tho letter I had wi ittcn and a nice, kind answer from Dot, I wc.s delighted. I never have these sensations now, so I am doing right in resigning. It is sr.d that we must grow old, is it not 9 I nm sorry that so many of the old coirespondents have left the page without a word of farewell. I think it is because they are all deserting that I am losing interest in the page. Before closing you will allow me to send niv love to Rimbccco, Shan, C.C.M., Ismene, Beth, Dunedinite, Sunshine, Mouaie, Ziskn, Jean, Echo, Dockleaf, Maisde, Maidey, Boy, Laddie, and Harry. I should like very much to have their autographs, but do not wish to trouble them, as I know the autographs of your noted correspondents are in great request. That the Little Folk's Page may flourish for ever is the wish of, — Yours truly,

PIQUE

[Pique is dibappointed because so many oi our old writers have deperted us, so she goes herself. Ah, well, I am becoming almost used to changes m our page — they come so frequently. But could it be otherwise? With considerably over 2000 names in. my bcok there must be an everlasting stream of arrivals and departure?, ancT: sorry though I am to lose my olet friends I know there arc olways now ones ccming «way to take their place. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have nißny things to tell you about the Kaitangata coal mine. There are about 250 men' and boys working hard down the mine, with the sweat running off their brows. They start at 7 o'clock m the morning and knock off at 3 in the afternoon. They have o.ily half an hour for lunch, as they have to Keep the men m the tipshed supplied with boxes to be emptied mto the screens. The screens are large iron frames with thick iron wires crossed. They screen the coal into four different sizes first, the smut or dross, pea«, nuts, and coal, which is carried to the farthest end of the screens, and then falls into the truck. There was an explosion about 23 years ago in what is now called the o'd mine. It has, however, been le-opened lately, and they are using horses to draw the boxes up to the mouth of the drive, 'ihere is a very steep hill, at the top of which there is a winch for pulling up the boxes. When there is to be no work the next day the horn blows at 8 o'clock tho night before to let the men know not to come out. It blows one long whistle and then two short ones. This is a very good thing, an it saves them coming out and having to go back again. I have been once down the Kaitangata mine, and it is a very interesting place seeing all the men working with little lamps on their heads. The electric light hangs up on a high frame, and it bliines all over the place. The engine room looks very nice lit up with the electric light. You enn get permission from Mr Broom, the manager, to sec lound, and he will send a man to show you round. I shall write again some day and tell you more about the place uroitnd here, if 1 may, — Yours truly.

SNIPE

[We shall be only too pleased to hear as much about the mine- as you can tell us. Snipe, as you ha\e given us a great deal of interesting information — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our school is to re-open to-mor-row, und lit about 9 o'clock I shall be going across the paddocks. Now, Dot, I shall tell of a <K.y's shooting my biothei and 1 had. Wo Mt'home about 12 o'clock, and took our diiipsr-, with us. My brother had a gun and 1 had a rifle, and we were in high glee. As we wore going through a tussock paddock a big h ire ro>>o a good way on m front of us My greyhound ran after him, and turned him back. He ran straight towards us for a while, and then turned off to the left, when bong went my brother's gvm,-trnd ho leapt into the air. When we woht on a bit farther we met with two friends who also had a, rifle, bo you may be &ure wo had a fine dny's sport seeing who could hit the rabbits m the eye. Onco a U.ick rabbit jumped when I had the gun, so I fired at it, as I did not want it to escape, and I found myself on the ground. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, TOM ROCKET. [Well, nnd what were you doing on the ground, T«m Rocket ' Surely the rabbit did not knock you down, or was it a kick from your rifle'— DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is a long time since I last wrote to you. I suppose you will have forgotten there ever existed such a person as Lady Landers. Since I last wrote what a number of little folk hive resigned, and of course there happens to be among them some of our best writers. I think \t is a very good idea sending our autographs to Con and I send you mine with this letter. I was away for my holidays lately and enjoyed myself very much. I was at Invercargill for a while, and o.nly saw one little folk to speak to — namely, Ivis. But when I got to the end of my journey I saw Rogue II and Camellia I and spent a very pleasant afternoon with them. I also saw Beth and Captain Starlight. I saw a letter from A. S. S. lately, and I think she writes a very nice letter. The people in Dunedin must have been disappointed when the Coronation

celebrations were postponed. Qi'cyaxa& thej. would be sorry the King vas LI tv». But id would be the country people who wore iti to-"va to see the celebrations ik%t would be roost disappointed. So peace is declared at last, Dot, und a good thing too. Two of the troopers I know wont to England to s«»o the Coronation, and there is one of them, coming honiA shortly. The weather is cot veiy pleasant har» just now. It is very coM, but r t bad winter weather. -TS very body seems to like ping-poag'. Dot. I have never pluyed it, but hope to do &l« soon. When I do I shall tell you how I like it. Wasn't the Machavie railway ivccident terrible, Dot? I did not know .jiy one who went with that contingent. I suppose Con and' Nub will be home soon. With love to the littl» folk, the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly, LA.DV LANDERS.

[We should not mind bad weather in midV winter, Lady Landers; it is when it is bad in mid- summer that we have reason to complain. However, it has been a very, good winter so far, and I think we have reason to be thankful we have got along so well. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Since my last letter to you I have shafted 20 miles further inland. It is a very dreary place up here, and in fact nothing can be seen but hills and rocks. I did not hear that peace had been proclaimed until four days afterwards. The weather during the past fortnight has just been perfect, which, is a very unusual thing up here at this time of the year. I was sorry to hear that Con had been wounded again, but it is a good thing that tho wound is a slight one. I should be very pleased to exchange autos with, any of the little folk w r ho are willing to do so. With love to yourself and the little folk,— Yours truly, TE WHARE.

[You must, indeed, be in the "back blocks," Te Whare, when it was four days before you loarnt of the declaration of peace. I should think that forms a record for the colony. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Here I am again, rordy to fill a piece of your precious page. I wa3 not going to write to you till after the Coronation, but I find it would be too long to wait. But, oh, what a terrible fate my last letter came to minced as usual. If this letter is minced, 1 shall -write again the following week, but T hope you will have a little pity on me thia tune. There is a Quadrille Assembly in tho G. Hall, and I am learning to dance. It waa held last mght, and Alice, Kit, and Bluespur were there. Those mentioned won't have much trouble in finding me out, aa I have given myself away completely. Do you like riding, Dot? I do, but I haven't a. horse of my own. My brothers have a horse each, but one of tbem won't let me ride his, as she always gives me th 6 second seat, and the second seat is not a very soft one, but I don't suppose you have had much experience of it. I have seven autos, and am still anxious to exchange with any D.L.F. who think .my, auto is worth having. Chocolate, hurry up and write me a long letter. With whips of love aud plenty of time to digest it to V. R-., Kit, Alice, Blu^spur, Uncle's Auntie, and Chocolate, not forgetting your own dear self,— Yours truly,

[I never heard of the second seat before, S. M., but I suppose it is on the ground, and if so I don't wonder at your brother not letting you ride his horse. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is many a year ago since I last wrote to you, but one night when my brother and I were out visiting a friend I waa advised to write, so lam just Btarting. I know a few of your writers, among them being Everlasting Daisy,. V. B. S., and some others. We h?ve had a fortnight's holiday, but school took up again last Monday. I live about thxea miles from the railway station, and about v. quarter of a mile from the post office. We have six cowa, but we are only milking Wo just now, and they will soon be dry too. What a pity Coronation had to be postponed, but it w.«.s not the King's fault , he evidently haa his tioubles as well as anybody else. Dear Dot, have you a cure for chilblains, as I have a good share of them?— Yours truly,

HAKA.

[You haven't written for years, Hakr«, and yet you do not send your name and address. Supposing someone sends you a real cure foe chilblains, how am I to forward it to you? In the meantime try soaking them in real hofc water for five minutes night and. morning, adding more hot water as it cools. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We have been having grajid; weather the last few day 9. I wish it would freeze hard, as I think it grand fun skating. Isn't it a good thing that the war is ended, as there are so many of our brave soldiers killed and wounded. I hope Con will soon get over his wound, as it must be very priinful. I have a sister writing to your page, but she will not tell me her norn de plume, though I am doing my best to find her out. I know a good many D.L.F.£ although I have no auto 9 yet, but I may have a few before long. A good many people about here wore disappointed at the time of the Coronation. I see it will probably be on the 9th of August. I was not disappointed, as I was not going anywhere, but I shall try my be^t to go this time if it is not wet. I don't think the decorations will be nearly so nice as before, though, as the people went to to iTuch expense then. I suppose there will bo p good tune when tho troopers come back to their dear, old homes again. Once I was away from hornr for a while stopping with a friond, and I was always wishing to get back again, and when I did get homo I daid to myself, "My word, it is a title saying, ' There is no placo like home.' " If I wnte any more the editor will b_ giow hug, sa\ ing I am taking up too much. space. With love to the editor, all the D.L.F. and yourself,— Yours truly,

TRUELOVL.

[I hope most of the troopers will not only bo ai gad to got home as you vrcre, Truelovc. but that they will be content when they are scrtled down once more, and endeavour to conquor tho roving spiut which will tempt them to be off again on the first opportunity. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Last time I wrote to you it was Christmas, but now it is winter, bo I don't think you can blame rn<* Tor writing too often. IVace has come at last, but ir« did not hear of it till about thiee d^ys *ft>rw?.rde. because we live a long way ou* o* ti«r Sown. Dear Dot, about a year ago tb.o p^joole goJAioTQ^i some money and bought rookerta, et> , bo that th«y might be prepared to oelcbral* poac* whon it came, but about thipe month* ago the committee, I suppose, got tired of keeping them, so they had a pirnic and dance, and let the rockets off at night, but they were not mucb. We got home at 12 o'clock at night, after spending an enjoyable day, although it was very cold and our lantern went out on the road, ao wo had to walk tiirou^h all the mud in the dark. We were all expecting to have a good time ora Coronation Day, but just as we were getting ready one of our neighbours cam o»er and] told us there was to be tune. The l"Wtonatioa Committee here were going *o "lave a picnia and dance, and were aUo going to give ru^dala, but I think it is too wet and cold to hare a picnic at this time of the year. We have had two falls' of snow this winter, but the first was the biggest. There was about an inch oi snow the night before Coronation Day, but it soon cleared off. There have beea pretty hard frosts here this wintpr, so we have had a good. bit of skating-. There weic six dredges wo:kin» here in &v& v "*««. but iionc of th»ui aia

working now on account of the frost. The school here is closed because there is no teacher, so I am. having a lot of holidays now. iWith love to all the little folk and your little »elf, — Yours truly, DOWAGER EMPRESS. P.S. — Would Jessica please exchange autos ■With me.— D. E. [What an impatient committee. I am sure they might hay« kept the rockets a little longer, for they knew that peace was bound to be proclaimed sooner or later. — DOT.] LETTERS CONDENSED. Akundjel names 22 D.L.F. with whom she Would like to exchange autos, but I really cannot print such a lot of names, as doing so .would not be carrying out our motto. "I was at a, ball on Coronation night, and while .there I saw Dreamer, Claig Cairlie, and XaabneJ. I danced nearly all night, and therefore enjoyed myself. Holidays had just jbeen given when peace was proclaimed, so nothing in the way of noise made it known to us. So dear, old Con has been wounded again. He has my sincerest sympathy, and I hope he will soon recover." Monkey Musk has only a short distance to ."walk to school. "We are having lovely wecther at present. Our hens ere laying well now; we get between eight and 10 eggs daily." Wallflower was vexed when she learned that the Coronation, had been postponed. "I ■hopo you are having fine weather in, Dunedin, as it is very bad up here just now. The hills |»re covered with snow, and the roads up this ',-way are very muddy. I am going to Miller's 3?lat on Sunday." I M. E. I. has about a mile to go to school, //but it does not take long to get there and tome again. "At present we are having our •{holidays, but they will soon be up, =o we shall have to start school again. Isn't it a good thing that the war is over, for there (have- been a great many lives lost in it." Scarlet Runnep. has a little bull calf and | two baby ferrets. "The scarlet fever has been |n the gully, 6O we had some fine holidays." i Coronation II was not down to Dunedin en Coronation Day, but was at a picnic metead. "Dear Dot, we live near a bush, and j»fe often go with some friends to it and have some iun."

liABRIKiN, who says that if her letter is put On. the condensed column she will writ* again next week, says : — "Dear Dot, I 'fancy I Bee the editor frown when he sees a letter from a, country larrikin. I know a few D.L.F. about here, among them being (xOTse Hedge and Flag (Lily, Scotch Thistle, Mistletoe, etc. My daddy gave me a dolly for a present. It is (dressed all in green. '

Doughnut Junior has a cousin away in South Africa. "We live near a bueh, and I 3ike> to hear the birds singing. One of my cousins writes to the "Witness, but I do not know her name. I have a little greyhound puppy, wKbse name is Spring."

Olenorcht Maid is having 1 her holidays just HOW. "What a great disappointment we had on Coronation Day, as we were all looking forward for something."

Cootttby Cogsins know a number of D.L.F., they name. "We have been greatly injterested in your page, and have at last made iUp our minds to become writers. We are jboth in the Sixth Standard. We have two flags at the school, the flag of New Zealand 1 nnd the Union Jack. The people of this district gave a social to one of the returned troopers. He is a lance-corporal. Dancing was keuVup till morning."

Stick in the Mud lives in the country, the nearest town being Gore. "We got a fortnight's holiday for the Coronation, and need■l«69_to say we were greatly disappointed, when tit did not come off. We were milking 15 cows in the cummer, but we ire trying to dry ■them off just now."

"Wilful Lassie tells me how she met Jessica, and is very pleased to have done so. place has something io boast about now, for we have a returned trooper here. It is a great pity about poor Rimbecco being so badly burnt. I hope she is gatting better now, and I think nil the dear little folk will sympathise with her." [I p.m sure everyone will be sorry for Eimbecco and wish her a >peedy recovery.— DOT.]

K. P. Y. is staying at Waipiata. "I ha\e found that there are a lot of D L F. up here and they all go out skating of a night. "We are having grand weather up at TVaipiata. There is a dance to-night.

A Lonely Girl's Brother tells me in giaphic language of the. narrow escape his Bister had a short time ago, while out riding on her pony De Wet. "I saw her riding up the road from school, and then wondered why ehe did not come in sight over the rise. Presently I saw a neighbour's boy running to me. I ran to meet him, and rouid hear his pantmg 'Quick 1 ' ho gasped. 'Quick' Annie's in the ditch with the horse, on top of her.' ... 1 bounded out the gate and the cry burst ficu me, 'Are you there, Annie?' foi thi> horse's legs were sticking up from the ditch 'Yes 1 ' Oh, I never heard music like that m my hfe oefore. I was into that dry, clayey ditch, atirl !had De Wet by the mane in an mutant. I heaved up his head, and there wa.« my darling Bister wedged in the narrow gutter beneath the side-saddle. 'My foot- is in the stirrup and I cannot move,' she I was soon ripping the girths and lifting at De Wet Again, and Annie was asking dreamily, 'Is poor pony hu~t, for he is groaning teinbly v> At this moment a = si<rta'!cc m rived with rone and levers We lifted De Wet a little, and my friend cauc'it and drew Annie back. 1 llftsd her on to the bank, «m<l asked was she hurt. ' Xo, only stiff and t red,' and her friend Edie knell down and put her aims kaii (i Awue. Then we set to work to liberate De Wet, who was -wedged in The dirt lx>i"p: dug away, he slowly righted and strucrL'lcd out" on his own responsibility Dot, he !i<kl accidentally backed over the end of the bridge and turned turtle, falling quite Bft, and had h* fallen one loot to. left ox iishl ai where he

did, Annie would have been killed, but falling into the narrow gutter at the bottom of the wide ditch she was saved. Annie told me that at first she thought she would have to he under her horse and die. Then she prayed to God to send her help, and called as well as she could. 'And pony was good. He would lift up his head now and then and let me breathe.' When I visited her later in the evening she was laughing and chatting."

Ploughman tells me that he tried to get away to South A-frica, but the authorities would not have him. "I live beside the sea and go fishing m the summer. It is a great place for visitors m the summer time. And so the war is over at last. Two men went away from here with the Fourth Contingent, two with the ninth, and one with the tenth."

Bhitox Ferry has four miles to walk to school. "I have two pet guinea pigs and a cat. The pigs' names are Dick ard Punch."

Quaver gives a riddle, "Why does a hen pick a pot'" but she does not send the answer with it.

Patrick tells me about their two pups. "They are very frisky, and in the dark mornings when we go outside they both meet us to keep us behind, because we can hardly go a step for them. My eldest sister is learning dressmaking, and she has managed to find a good teacher for the work, so she is getting on well with her."

Britannia tells rue shout the preparations for Coronation Day where she lives. "The station here was nicely decorated with red, white, and blue muslms that -were used for the Royal visit and a great number of tree ferns. "We are having very good weather just now, but the coldest part of the winter has to come yet. There wpre quite a contingent of D.L.F. at the war. I think you ought to be proud of them. I know a trooper who went to South Africa. He 3aid the happiest time he ever spent was when going over. He also said that he saw Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener and the Premier."

John Bull, Junior, hopes his letter will not be condensed this time, but really it is such a little one that it has almost condensed itself. '"Are you not tired of reading so many letters from your little folk? It is very cold getting up m the mornings wp here."

Gbandpather asks if I can say who buys used stamps? Yes Wilcox, Smith, and Co., Box 17 P. 0., Dunedin. "My brother gets the good old Witness. We have three cows, three heifers, and some calves. I hate school. I know two of your correspondents — Scotty and I Canna-be-iashed. We are having rough weather jnbt now, and the roads are very muddy. I am very fond of reading, and have read a number of books.

I/iTTLE Fijiend has just come south from Wanganui and ahe feels the cold very much.

"We are going to have a terrible lot of snow, so everybody say;--. It has been veiy cold all day and my hands are stone cold."

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Little Friend. — Did you get the badge? You gave your addrebs as Wedderburn, and afterwards said that you had just come to "Southland" from the north. Wedderburn is in Central Otngo, and I do not feel quite sure that the address you gave is right. Fra Diavolo. — You will understand why I had to omit part of your letter. 1 quite agree with the sentiments you express, but it is necessary to bring the matter to an end now. Jack. — I think the selections are very appropriate, dear, but of course writing an original stanza would have been good practice for you. However, as your mother approved of those selected probably your father was just as well pleased. Hiawatha. — Thank you, dear, for your offer of a shilling towards the purchase of Con's auto, book, but I prefer to buy the book myself. I am afraid you can do nothing with the marks. In removing candle grease it is bet.t to scrape it off, then put brown paper over it, and run an iron over, but probably even this would leave a mark on red cashmere. No, on one sheet is quite sufficient. I think the verse is \erv appropriate. Briton Ferey. — Twelve penny stamp?. Te Whare. — Why did you not wr'te and tell mo' I could then have made inquiries, and probably ha\e traced it. Piccolo —No, dear, you did quite right in sending in the auto, during the prohibited fortnight. It on'y apphrd to letters, but I might almost at well not have put it in at all, r s letter-- c<i nu- it 1 duimg the whole time just as if there had been no notirication. 1 am very pleased with your remarks about the auto. book. The Two Cfittcs - The Daisy Primrose episode has been definitely closed, and I l ojinot see my way to allow it to be re-open ed Further, I think criticising is being very iruch overdone, and is likely to cause hearft burnings if a!!o\. ed to increase at this rate. I think the Critic Club can do all the cr.ticisii.f; ncce-saiy, and that other writers may \ciy w-11 content themselves with writing on tcpics of interest without laying thdii'-ch c- out to enticisc the lettei^ of other Vwifei I*.1 *. You are capable of writing a very geed letter, and I shall be pleased to hear fiom \on at any time, but I should like jou to givp up the wish to becoir.e the htt'c folk ceii->or. Mvrcia — Yes, dear they are very appropriate, and will, 1 am sure, giat fv Con when he Teads them I do not know whether she 13 likclv to M<c it cr not, but should imagine she will manage to do so tomehow or

NEW RIDDLES

By S M A., round as an apple, as plump as a ball, it mounts the market-house, steeple and all. <2) When is ping-pong.''

By Grandfather —Why you not tell a fcucaet ill a. field oi wheat t

By Alpine Princess — 1. What is it that runs uphill and downhill, and yet it never moves? •2. How )ii an v sticks go to build a crow's nest? 3. As I was going through 3 field of wheat I picked up something good to eat. It wns neither fish, flesh, nor bone. I left it till it ran alone