LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2524, 30 July 1902, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto : — We write for the benefit of others, not

for ourselves. Dear Dot, — I have been reading the D.L.F. Page, and I enjoyed it verv_much. I know a number of the little folk, and I thought I should like to be one of them. I have a •long way to go to school, and it is very cold these mornings. What a pity the dear old King was ill just at the Coronation. What a. lot of people woe in Dunedin on Thursday; you could not get moving. We came down to Dunedin, but we had to go back again ■without seeing anything. How glpd we were all the day peace was proclaimed. A large bonfire waß lit up where I live, and all the ptoplo enjoyed themselves very much. I must now conclude, as my mother is calling - me to come and learn my lessons. With love ■ to all the DJJ.F. and the dear old editor, not • forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE.

[It was a -great disappointment to us all, Prince Charlie, but I think we all forgot that in our sorrow for the King. Let us hope that the next date will prove nn auspicious one, and that there will be no hitch m the proceedings.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am like the rest of your L.F., sorry to hear of Con retiring. I was glad to hear of peace being declared, but wps very fcorry to learn of the King's illness. If prayers could restore him to health, he ought to be well soon, as ho had the prayers of the nation. I went to the special service at 0., and thought it very iiif I was in town expecting the Coronation, but, like everyone else, was disappointed. I think it a very good idea to present Con with an auto. book. I would giadry send my auto, if you care to have roe send it I shall ba pleased to exchange autos with any L.F., and letters will reach me safely if addrr-s&ed to "Tessa., care of Mt3 Kobson, ftcdchff, Glonavy, S.C." I must ri'ig off now, as I think I can hear the '"mincer" grinding, and see a big frown settling on the editor's brow. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting patient, long-suffer-ing Dot, — Yours truly,

TESSA

[Why, of course, Tessa, I s^all be glad to get your auto, for Con's book. AH the L.F. are ■expected to send in their autos for it. The nioro there are the more Con will valuo it, I am Bure.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I have not writtoa to you for a long time, but I still read with interest the D.L.P. letters. I suppose you were all disappointed that Coronation Day wek postponed, as we all were. Bjut on the day fixed .we celt-brated the opening of the GisborneKaxaka railway. It is nbmit two years since the line was commenced, and the first section has been completed, and is now open for traffic. On the opening day the train Tan to Ormond, and conveyed the' children and public to the Park free of charge. There was a large crowd at the Park, it being estimated at about 7000, which was supposed to have been the largest crowd that has ever been together in Gisborne. When we- got to the Park we waited for the train, which steamed in every 20 minutes crowded with passengers, holding gay flags and ohteting. As soon as the Maoris alighted they showed their enthusiasm by dancing the haka on the platform, and then set to work to cook their dinner in real old Maori fashion. We all received a child's ticket, which provided us ■with our -dinner, while the older people provided their own. In the afternoon the Hon. Mr Carroll and several of the leading men, including the mayor, made speeches appropriate to the occasion, in which they emphasised the ' necessity of a railway in this district. The G-isborne Cadets and Rifles paraded, the Maoris danced the haka and poi dances ; but the part I liked best was the sbnrn fight, in •which the Mounted Rifles, under Captain Winter's command, did remarkably well. Two bands, playing all the time, kept us quite lively. At 4.30 a train left the Park with the country school children for home, but a few girls went on to see the town illuminations. Dear Dot, I was one of the runaways. I atole into one of the trucks and hid from the guard, an 3 managed to get to town. The town was beautifully decorated with palms and flags. One of the bridges had a large arch of palms with "Long live our King" done in gas jets, which was admired by all. There was a grand display of fireworks, which would have been very pretty but- for the rain ' coming OH, and fcbia put a clamper on the proceedings. At 10 o'clock the train left for Ormond and intervening stations. We amused ourselves by sending off crackers through the carriage windows, and arrived home thoroughly tired out, but having spent • aort •ajoiable dwr. With lore to Giwasii

Mignonette, Heather Bell, Hyperion, and not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

BUBBLES

P.S. — I should like to exchange autos with Grumpy and Snowdrop. — B.

[Why, I should have thought you would have been afraid to go home, Bubbles, after taking French Leave in that way. However, I suppose the occasion was such an uncommon one that a. little latitude had to be allowed. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to write about something regarding Con. There wa3 Sergeant Conn, of South Dunedin, as well as cur Con. Now some people think that Sergeant Conn is tne Con of our page. Well, Dot, as yoii know, that is not right. Con, of our page, is a norn de plume, and not his proper name. Sergeant Conn, with, the two n's, does not belong to our page, does he, Dot ? I know someone who thinks that Sergeant Conn 13 the same Con that writes to the page. Please, Dot, -will you put the matter all right, and let them see where they are wrong. I have 21 autographs, and should like more. If any cf the little folk would change with me, I shall send mine in return. With love to all L.F., Dot, and lrst, but not least, iho editor, — truly,

WAVEY.

[You have explained matters quite correct'}-, Wavey. Lieutenant Con and Sergeant Conn are two different persons. -^DOT.]

Dear Dot,— This is the first time I have written to you, and 1 am very bashful in doing so. I have been reading D.L.F. letters m the Witness every .week for two or three years. I liva with my auntie and uncle, and they wcro always asking ma to write, but I did not like to. I think your plan re an auto, book for Lieutenant Con a wiooky one, and in ought tp be well supported. I see the little folk have been fighting (not with their hands) about whether you are a man or a woman. Well, I think you are a woman witn dark eyes and hair and a long, thin nose. Excuse my rudeness, as I am only surmising this. With love to Ferry, the editor, and not forgetting your own dear self. — Yours truly,

MOTHERLESS CHILD

[Well, I suppose "enooky" means something very good, A. M. C, but I must admit my education has been neglected hitherto, so far as this rather inelegant-lookmg word m concerned. I am glad that the "loiig, thin nose" is only surmise. Supposing you had actually seen me and found o\it for certain, it would have been rather disagreeable for me to be exposed in that way, wouldn't it? However, as it is only surmise, it doesn't matter.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is about three year 3 since I wrote my first letter, and I have only written thre<j letters since, co, dear Dot, you cannot say that I have bothered you much. I should have written for Old Writers' Week, but I thought that >ou would have quite enough without me. We are having the best weather this winter that we have had for years. We have always ha-d a big fall of fhow about July 7, but it has not come this year, and we seem to miss it, although we don't want it. There has been some splendid ice thi3 winter, but I have only had ono skate. A friend and I have made it up to go for a skate before the ice breaks up, however. So D.L.F. Civis thinks no one knows who he is, but he is mistaken, for he hr,s the same style of writing that ho had when he wrote under a different coin de plume, "'•o there!" But I won't say any more. So the Coronation is postponed. We were getting ready to go to our celebration when a neighbour came over and told us that the King was ill and that it was postponed." You may imagine our surrftisa. We thought she was only joking. It will give people a lesson not to look too far ahead, for sometimes our highest expectations are nipped in the bud. Have you ever had that experience, Dot? I think it a very good idea presenting our brave D.L.F. soldier laddie uith an autograph book. Although it is not much it is a token of good will. Dear Dot, would you mind putting in the four lines of poetry all the little folk are putting on their autographs? It would give some of the little folk an idop. what is wanted. Is my piece suitable, Dot 9lf it is not, please let rue know, and I shall forward aaiother. I think I have written enough now without getting minced. With nil good wishes to Dot, the editor, and all the little folk, — Yours truly,

LADY ROBERTS

[Why, Lady Rcberts, if I punted the four lines on all the autographs to hand e& far it would take up a couple o f columns. Yes, dear, yours will .suit very well. I shall quote foiu lines, however, to give writers who are in doubt an idea cf v. hat is wanted. — > In after years, when song 3of yore wo murmur,

Though tender tears our voice may mar, Life, love, and friendship sc-em the firmer, Heaven, with i\s promise, not so far. Something with a direct aliusio'i to cur comrade whom we are hor.ouung would of course be even better, so I take the Lberty uf quoting your own lines: — At the call of duty, The soldier leave? his nome, Zsalsndia's land of b.au'y, O'er Afnc's plain to ro^iu.

-DOT.]

Dear Dot, — As it is some timo since I have written to yen I think you will allow me a little space m your precious i-ape. 1 am able to write this letter in peace, because aiy brothers are away to gymnastic?. My word, Dot, it is lovely to get two or tlireo hours' quietness of a night. I, for one, am always glad when gymnastic night comes round. I see some little folk in their letters nnme their favourite books. M'.ne are "Somebody" and "Fairy Tale*." Our examination sit schoel 13 going on just now, and I hope to pass. If I pass I shall bo in tLe Sixth Standard (getting quite old now). What a pity so many of our old writers are leaving our page. I think Con will be greatly mi3sed. What miserable •weather we are havmp lately — it is quite cold now. I have a little pet kitten ; it ib a grey one, and I am very fond of it. I have not been very well lately, but I hope to get better soon. Quite a number of old writers are leaving our page now, but I suppose retiring age will ,come, whether -we want it or not. I should be very pleased to exchange autos with any D.L.F. who are willing. Just send them to Dot, and she will forivard them on to me. I would very much like Koa's auto., as I think she is my cousin. Was there not great disappointment about the Coronation, Dot? I don't think the people will make such a great fuss next time. I think I have gone "oeyond the limited space ; but I don't suppose you will mind this time, as you do not ofcen hear from auch a person as, — Yours truly,

SIGNORINA

P.S.— I hope I have kept to our motto, Dot — that is, "We write for the benefit of others, and not for ourselves."

[Ye=, dear, fairly well. Your brothers must be teases when you are so glad to get the house all to your own self. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We had a picnic in the school grounds to try to make up for the disappointment "wo had "wKen tlie Coronation ws?s postponed, but 1 thought all the people looked sad, and we children were very -.orry, too, about King Edward's illness. Last turmner I watched a little bird build 'ta nest in a pear tree, and it cairied grass, feathers, and bits of ettaw and anything £ could find to ita

] nest. After a while the boys came and pulled j down the nest, and the bird built it again, and the boys -came and pulled it down again. The third time the bird got a long piece of wool and wound it round and round the tree to keep the nest up. It seemed to me to be a very sensible thing for a bird to do. Don't you think it was too, dear Dot? Good-bye, — Yours truly,

IRIS. [It was indeed, Iri3, and I only hope its ingenuity met with merited reward, and the nest escaped the destructivenesß of the boy's the third time it was built.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I only know one of your lit lid folk, but I hope I shall find out some more scon. I was glad when I heard peace wj« declared. We had just got our winter holidays two days before. The last group of little folk looked very nice, especially Alpine Princess. It is very cold weather here just now, anrl some morning* the ground is covered v/itii frost, but the ice on the ponds i-s not thick enough for skating yet. Dear Dot, I was in school one day sewing, and when I lock 3d out the window I saw the girls playing foolball, and I can tell you I did laugh at them. After they had played enough to content themselves, they came into school and said I should have come and played too. Do you think football is a nice game for girl 3, Del? I tion't; it is better for boys. I was speaking to one of your little folk "one day. She was a schoolmate of mine, but I did uot know her norn de plume. With love to all the little folk, — Yours truly,

ICELAND POPPY. [I am not quite sure that football is suitable for girls, Iceland Poppy, but possibly, if played under Association rules, it would be all right. Any form of exercise is good if it is properly conducted, and not made the main object of life.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— l hear a few little folk grumbling about the condensed column, but I tell them that if they persevere they are sure, to write good letters in time. Dear Dot, I mast tell you about an adventure a friend and I had the other day. We started from home at half-past 9, with a basket of lunch and a book each. When we went up the hill to a pond we saw a man fishing, and he gave us a fish, winch we hid till we were going home. We then went up a creek, where there were some thick bushsa, and sat down to read, when my friend gave a scream, and, jumping up, ran off towards home, leaving me alone. I then imagined I heard something, and therefore followed her. When I overtook her, nearly at home, I asked her what she ran away for, and she said she thought sho heard a pig. She was so tired that she sat down on a young speargrass, but jumped up quicker than she sat do,vn, and J had a good laugh. I hear a great many people grumbling about chilblains, but I have not had any so far. I am well acquainted with Six Eyes and Canary, who is my sister, but, as she has changed -her norn de plume, I am going to try to find it out. We had a fall of wow up here, and had great fun. I have got my home lessons to do, so I must conclude, or the editor will be frowning. With love to the editor and D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

THE SUN PRINCESS. [I am sorry Canary has changed her 110 m de jjlurue, because these constant changes axe very troublesome to me, and result in confusion to others iv sending autos. It is a difficult thing to find the addresses to which anto3 are to be sent without having names which have bsen discarded to fossick amongst. I really must request my friends to keep to a noi» do p-Jtuue for good, once they have selected it, and not change about on the slightest excuse.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Here I am again, asking for a corner in your precious page. The O.W.W. was, I think, even a greater success than ever. I greatly enjoyed reading ihe many good letters. Just think of the Coronation being postponed. I think nearly everybody was dia appointed more or less I must say I iviw. The- weather here has been dreadful late.y. We had snow jast the other day, and it left everything so muddy and sloppy. I Lave been reading such a 'ovely book, called "Jcr.ny Baxter." I wonder if any little folk have read it. I am lending it to Cowsyanker to read. Donapony has been writing ;o you for the last week, but the letter is not dnisned yet. I think we shall have fine weafcaer after all this mud dries vp — at least I hope so. They aie all around, me just now asking how 3'ou spell this word and that, and I think I shall g» mdd soon if they keep it up. Mabel, I am sending you my auto., and would like yours in return. Thank you very much for your auto., Pimento ; I received it quite .safely. I gave a small ping-pong party last Thursday, and had .such a good time. One of tiie girls got the booby prize, which wa? a woollen rooster which flapped its wings and crowed. As you may imagLn-e, we had some great fun over her getting it, which she in turn did not quite appicciate. But we rnu'st do something to keep ourselves alive, so why not laugh? Now, I am off to the .Land of i\od, wherever it may be. — Yours truly, NIGHT AIR. [It is rather good practice to be appealed to when you are writing, N.ght Air, and if \ou make up your mind you can soon get into the way of replying and yet k'ep up your turn of thought at tli2 bame time.— DOT.] Deur Dot, — What a sell I got just now when, on looking ai the Witness, I noticed for the thud or fourth time that no letters were to bo scut in before the 16th July, and this is the 11th, so I shall have to wait till next Wednesday before sending my letter. I have not read "Alice in Wonderland" yet, but as soon as I can get hold of it I shall read it. My sister has read a good many books, but I can't lemember their names, ezcept one, and that is "The Little Larrikin," -which, she soys, is a "dandy." I know who Dandy and Dr Jim are. I wish The Kid would hurry up and write. The postponement of the Coronation put a stop to all the fun, but not for us youngsters, as we had a bit of fun in the hall, for, as there was too much food, they had to give it to the chikiien. I know Gloire Dc Dijon. — Yours truly!

ANNETTA. [I wivli all the little folk had been as observant, a? you were, Annetta, and had kept back their letters instead of flooding me with them dtu-;ug the forbidden period. I think next O.W.V. I shall have to put a footnote to each letter for three or four weeks as well as the usual notice. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — 1 wish to congratulata you on tho success of the O.W.W. I was greatly pleased to sec so many of my favourite writer 1 * appear on the scene once more. Dear Echo, I sincerely wish you a speedy recovery; and I also hopo that you are on the mend, Himbecco. It was a great disappointment to all when the newj arrived of the King's ill-health and the consequent postponement of the Coronation, especially as it came just at the last minute. The people who came into town did not fare so badly as those in the smaller tc-wns, there being so many entertainments at the time. Father, mother, and my brother were at the Maori carnival, and they enjoyed h immensely. Your plan re an auto, book for Coa is » v«ry good one, and I ccc that it is beaig v. el supported by the D.L.F. I wa» very sorry to see his resignation letter, but hopa he will contribute to th« next

| O.W.W. So Tangles doe* not think Harry ie a bashful boy after all. Well, Harry, 1 don't think you are either, but stall that is only my idea. Dear Do!, 1 must thank you very much for sending my ieiter on to Harry. It was rather * funny way how Harry received the name of the "Sisterless Boy," was it not, Dot? Tioubleeome nv.-.u have taken an awfully big sip of the wine. li will no doubt be s. lesson to her 'lot to ..ry forbidden fruit on another occasion. Far Prom My Home would think she vvss too far from home when she had such a load to carry. De?r Averna and Pimento, thank you very much for your autos. I have not had time to write to you yet, but I shall do £0 soon. Now, Seur Dot, I shall close with love to all D.L.F. and your own dear self and Mr Editor. — ! -Tours li-u'.y,

MARCIA.

P.S. — I am willing to exchange autos. with any D.L.F., and I should also like a photo, or any of the D.L.F. that r.re willing to send them. — M.

[Old Writers' Week was certainly very successful, Marcia, though there were quite a number of old friends absent whom I hoped to have heard from : Shan, Doughnut, Priscilla, Hucklebury Finn, Dunedinite, Punch, Pauline — really, when I begin to enumerate them I fancy I could name 50 dear friends of old who are lost to U3. Though not lost altogether, for I feel sure they still have many a sly peep at our page.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I was so disgusted at the Coronation being put off, because I was going to have giand fun. And I- think I must -have been born under an unlucky star, for the very next day — and in fact till the end of the week — everything I wanted to do I was told not to. Alas! sad is me. I expect you will think me rather silly calling myself "Cowsppnker" when 1 have no cows to milk; but one night I was thinking what name to call myself, when the name came upon me "all \>f a sudden, like." My sisters were quite curious to find out my norn de plume, but they had to be content with being curious, for I would not tell them. One day in school Night Air and I had an exptneaice. We were both working away diligently, when wo felt ourselves lifted up by some magic. Of course we both looked to see what was the matter, when quite suddenly the seat bumped down again into ita natural position with a thud. The girl who was sitting at the end of the seat had tilted it up, and when the schoolmaster looked up she let it down with a bang, nearly upsetting us. I went for a climb up to the top of the mountain some timo ago, and I was the first to get to the top; indeed, I had to wait there foe about 10 minutes before the others came up, puffing hko locomotives. When we had all composed ourselves we had lunch on some locks. After 'that we had a snowball fight, for there was quite a lot of snow on the top. After we had had some fun we came down the mountain and went fern ing in a gully. I did not gather many ferns, but climbed up the birch trees and had lovely swings on the branches, while the others made bouquets. The Sunday following I climbed half-way up the mountain with my brother and siater. We climbed on to a kind of hill and rolled large boulders down, and it was lovely to watch them bounding along. I must close now. With love to all D. L.F.,— Yours truly,

COWSPANKER.

[That is rather dangerous amusement, Cowspanker ; for should anyone come along below without you seeing there might be a very serious ending to your sport. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It ha 3 been raining for over three weeks, and the road"9_are in an awful state. At Easter I went up to Mount W. for a. holiday. It is about 10 miles from our place. I started a-t 2 o'clock, and did not arrive there till half-past 8. I rode all the way, so you may be sure I was very tired, and did nothing but lie on tba sofa all day. Perhaps some of the D.L.F. would think it a dull place to spend their holidays, with nobody but a. lady and gentleman and a lot of dogs, the nearest neighbour being five miles away; but I enjoyed myself very much, and would have liked to have stpyed longer, but my sister, who was doing my work, was going away, so I had to return. With kind lovo to Madon^iette and Tasma, not forgetting Dot and the editor, — Yours truly,

EMILY JANE.

[Six hours and a-half to ride 10 miles, Emily Jane! Why, however did you manage to take so long? But perhaps you rode on a dray, not on horseback.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We weie very much disappointed when we heaid that tho Coronation was put> off, as we vere going into town. Our master had such pretty flags ready for us. I am very glad that the King is getting better, and we hope to celebrate the Coronation yet. We had a social hiere a fortnight ago to welcome home two young men who were away at the war. There were a great many people present, and each trooper was piesented with n watch-chain and a sat of gold studa. It is a gr--at blessing that the war is over. We were all down at a soiree last night to welcome our new ir.ii istor, who is coming to live amongst us. They are building a nice new manse for him, and it will soon be finis-hod. There were si great many people present, and among them I aaw Maid of the Miat. The choir sang some very nice anthems solos. There were a lot of ministers Uiere, some of whom came frcm Dunedin and other places. One minister told a lot of funny stories, and made everybody laugh. I was away staying with my cousins for a week, and had grand fun. On© day I went for a long walk with my cousins, and we came to a place where there was a cave. The entrance was very kinall, and when we got in it was like a house, but very dark. There was a lot of flax growing in the gullio. I camo home through the town, and called at my aunt's and saw the new baby. With love to Dot and all the little folk,— Yours truly,

MARJORY DAW.

[Were you not timid about going into the cave, Marjory Daw? Of course there is no cause for fear in New Zealand, but in Australia or Africa it would be scarcely spfe to veut'ire in. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. — I went to Herbert for my midwinter holiday. It was fine weather, and I was- hardly inside all the time. I was staying at Mr J.s for one week, and should have stopped longer, but thst the school had only 10 day 3' vacation. Mr J. had 28 cowb milking, and they sent about seven cans eveiy nrorning to the factory. While I was there I learned to drive, so now when I go out for a drive I shell be able to drive for mother. Mr J.'a brother Herbert went to the war in the Tenth Contingent, Dot, so you might know him. He is Acvr on his way home from South Africa again. I hope he will return safe, and also enjoy the trip. On Friday one of your little folk went home from school ill, but I hope shewill soon be better. I am going up to see Sugarloaf Nell to-night, to see if she is any better. Dear Dot, I think I have coaxed another to write to you this week. With best wiehes to yourself and the editor,— Yours truly, S. M. F.

[That was good for a winter holiday, S. M. P. Why, I don't think you could have had a better time in summer.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I fancy I see the editor frowning and saying, "Here is another intruder." I have not far to go to school, and it is only a small one, with about 36 pupils. We have had very BUMi»ble weather up hex* lately. k

Th«e has not been much snr v, bat I suppose there is more to come. We have plenty of fun in the winter, sliding s»nd skating on, tha ice. I can skate a little, but the first timo I tried it I fell on my head. I sco the D.L.P' are wiiting about the animal they would liko to be. Well, I should rot like to be a rat, like or.c girl said, for fear of catching tha plague. I should like* to bo a little pony, with, s, kind niaster. The war being at an end will »el a great many parents' minds at ease about thoir friends who are away. Don't you think it was a shame that the King should be taken j=o very ill just at the time fixed for his Coronation ? L was so disheartened to hear that the Coronation had beea postponed — andi just the day before, too, when everybody was msiking preparations to celebrate • it. I am a mate of two of your little folk, and I am in, the same class rs they are at* school. We are very good friends, and it was they who induced me to write to you to-night, so you should thaak them for getting you another: littl? folk. I chink Dot must be a lady, for I don't think a man could have the patience to be bothered with a lot of " nippers' " letters. With love to all the little folk and yourself,— Yours truly

THESSALONICA.

[Since so many of my friends actually know Dot now f I had- imagined that everyone was quite agreed about what I an>. However, I find there still remains a doubt, and the old legen<^ of -"A Man- Dot" still crops up now and again. Well, never mind, it gives us something to talk aboul and does no harm. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I see -that books aie -very much, discussed in our page. I am very fond of reading. The last book I read was "Tlia Cripple of "Nuremberg." It is an O.K.P.'a prize, and she lent it to me' to read. It was written in the time of Emperor Charles V and the Duke of Alva. It is a very nice book indeed. I can't think of anything fresh, to tell you, unless it would interest you to know that I have a calf to feed now ; but lam afraid farm news would not interest you a bit, would it? Dear Dot, could you tell me who invents those pussy-cat pictures that occupy the corner of our page? The person who draws them must have a funny brain, don't you think so? Please excuse any mistakes, Dot; but my brother is playing the violin and trying to sing at the same time, and the result is a horrible discord. With best wishes to all and love to Dot,— Yours trul^*, KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN.

[Yea, Kathleen, the originator of the cafe pictures is both clever and witty. They are by Louis Wain, as the signature shows, and he is a noted artist in England. It is Buiprising the immense variety of expression li« gets out of puss's face. Prom his pict\ire3 one wculd almost think there is as great variation in oats' faces as there is in human being?. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We have been having very cold weather lately. I am in Dunedin now, Dol; but I think I would far sooner live in the country, as I like liberty and freedom better than being cooped up witnin brick walls. I saw some time ago that the little folk wera all telling what Books they liked beat. Well, I have read so many that it would be difficult to name them all, but I think my favourites were "Cinderella," "Robbery Under Arms," "A Mountain Daisy," and "The Red Jlan'a Revenge." I have not read "Alice in Wonderland," but I shall do so the first chance I -get. I was pleased to see that so many old writers turned up. I am sorry to see that Con has given, up writing, as I enjoyed his letters very much. This is such a -busy place, Dot — or at least I think it is. Every noise I hear makes me start as if I had a few Boer bullets put through me. I have not met any D.L3JV in, town yet, and neither have J met that mysterious person called Dot. I » wonder if I shall do so? I shall keep a sharp look-out, and see if I- can't see a person answering to the description of Dot; and if I do — well, then, I shall say no more about it. I should like to exchange autos with any D.L.F. who are willing. Letters will reach me safely if addressed to -iiMiss M. Spark, Toiro." With best love to all the little folk, the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly,

URSULA.

[You iv ; ll soon becomo accustomed to tha noises, Ursula; but whether you will get over the preference for green fields to brick walla is another matter. I don't think you will. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I hope you won't frown when you see another new writer making her way to the page. I shouldn't have said "frown/* as I can't imagine Dot frowning. I was in, Dunodin for Easter, and enjoyed myself very) much. The friends I was staying with gave a party, and it was very pleasant. "We all played games in the afternoon, and at about 5 o'clock we had tea ; then we went into the drawing room and had some music while tho dn-ing room was being cleared. When the dining room was pronounced clear wo all went in and enjoyed ourselves till 9 o'clock, dancing ard playing games; then we sang "Auld lang syne" and "God save the King, thus ending 1 a very enjoyable evening. Some time ago at a concert here I saw a D.L/.F. I know her name, and she lives at H., but I have not spoken to her. Isn't it grand to think the war is over and that most of the Boers are so friendly? I had not any brothers away at tho war, but one of them tried very hard tp get away. There were, however, a good many m the different contingents that I knew. • My ■undo was- down from Auckland, and he gave me v lovely gold ring with three stones in it. He gave my sister one, too. He got them in Ceylon when he was away on a trip. Isn't the weather cold just now? I was out driving yesterday and I went to my aunt's, and I just got soaking when I was coming home. With love to all the L.F., and plenty for yourself, Dot, — Yours tru'.y,

LYNN 1 .

[The editor is generally supposed to do the frowning, Lynn, and I think I shall leave it for him to do on this occasion. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Here I am again, plaguing the life out of you and the poor editor. We are having such lovely weather up here now — it is not like winter at all, more like summer. I ace some of the L.F. think the editor scowling, but I think he is ail right; however, no two persons have the same opinion. What a lot of people read the L.F. Page — grown-up people at that. When we were little '"nippers " and could not read, our mother useff to rer " the letters for us ; but the letters were nothing then compared with what they are now. The letters used to start: "Dear Dot, — I have got a dog (or cat); please will you give me a> name for it." But yov don't see anything of that in now. I have all the L.P. photos in my birthday book. I see many of the L.P. don't like the condensed column; but I, for one, think it is a grand idea, and would not mind if you put my letter in every time. "With love to the editor, yourself, • and all the little folk, — Youra truly,

T. S. R.

[Thank you, T. S. R.; that is the proper? spirit in which to look upon ihe condensed column. It is quite unavoidable, so that there is no use in our objecting to it.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am going to -write you a short account of my winter holidays. On Monday, June 23, Smiler, Blossom, and myself went down to Springburn in the train to see our auntie. When we reached I. station we had to walk four miles to our auntie's place. When we reached the house we had out dianox, cv&dj

!fchen got books and sat down to Test. When (we went to bed we felt very tired, co we did not take long to go to sleep. Smiler got a (terrible fright with a. mopoke, as she had not Ihenrd one before. On Tuesday mornrng we still felt tired, so we went to bed. It was training on Tuesday, too, so w-e could not have gone out even if -we hadn't felt tired. On night a visitor came, so we were sent )to bed, laughing out aloud — always being the /way "with us. We knew there was somebody coming, as auntie was baking cakes ; but we )3id not taste any of them, as they were safely jput away in a tin till night. On Wednesday 'afternoon we played shop till tea time. On Wednesday night we again heard the mopoke, jfcut did not get as big a fright as on the ptonday night. On Thursday afternoon we Twent up the mountain to guther ferns, but Jwhen we got near the top Blossom came down and said that there was a weasel up at the top. We then ran home as fast as ■we could. On Friday night my uncle came Snome, so we all had to sleep in one bed. On Saturday we were out looking for ferns, and

Dear Dot, — The weather is of a real Southland type down here just now, blowing and 'raining from morning till night, with snow and 'elect intermingled. Po far we have had very -little frost this winter. I have just finished Reading the D.L.F. Page in this week's Witness, and I think the O.W.W. has been a great 'success. The news that the Coronation was fio be postponed leached us on Wednesday adorning, and of course many were greatly 'disappointed down this way. However, I enijoyed myself immensely, as several men came /to our place to go shooting, and as game was -very plc-ntiful that day we had some good Bport. Early Jambs are making an appearance 'an this district now, but the cold weathcris .greatly against them. I was down in Dunedin ,at the winter show last winter, but I could aiot get away tins year, as I was too bu^y. •I do not think there" is a single D.L.F. in this -district besides myself. With love to all tho JD.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor,— .Yours truly, MAT.ATJEA YALLEYITE. [Oh, surely, M.Y.-ite, you are not lord of all you survey. I can't imagine any district where there if. only one member of the D.L.F. <feand.-DOT.] on Sunday we went for a walk. We were very sorry when Monday came, as we had to go {home. — Yours tru>, SNOWBALL. P.S. — I should like to exchange autos with Fiorodora. Address, "Snowball, P. 0., Heriot." c [The appearance of the weasel was an occaBion when a brother would have come in handy, Snowball ; but of course it was only natural for three girls to take to their heels. You ■were fortunate to hear the mopoke, 1 should certainly like to hear the ciy of so interesting a bird.— DOT-]

Dear Dot,— lt is over a month ago since I last wrote to you, so I will put on my thinkingcap again, for the time will soon be here -when 1 can write no more. I am going to tell you, Dot, of a holiday trip I had. I left by the afternoon train at a quarter to 4 and landed at my destination at, 5 o'clock. I had a good distance to walk after I got out of the train, End it took me half an hour to do it. I stopped at my cousin's that night. I can tell you '3 was glad to reach there, for it was raining in torrents ; but it was worse in the morning— jthe ground was white with snow, so that was B«t very -pleasant. At 10 o'clock the sun came out, and the-snow soon melted, so ruy cousias and 1 went and had a look round the district. ■I enjoyed niyself, although it w»s a winter's day. Do you like winter, Dof> I had to leave Sor home next morning by the early trpin. 1 like the train veTy much. Dear Dot, I should 3ike to come to Dunedin, as I have never been •there. When I do I shall come and see ycu, But 'how should I know you if I came .' Do you wear your hair long or EhortV This is all I have to say at present. With love to you and all the little folk,— Yours truly, GRANDMASTER.

[I am afraid the knowledge whether I wear my Bair long or short would not as&i't \ou much, Grandmaster. Would not the badge in my hat be a better quid?*— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I shall begin m\ correspondence With you by telling you of a visit I had to a friend of mine not very long ago. I went up on a Friday night after school was o\er, to Btay till Monday morning, and as "-he h%cs four miles from our place we had to dnve home, and I liked that very much, a3 1 dro\e nearly all the way. On Saturday some more girls came up to play with us, and of couise tee enjoyed ourselves all the more. We played at all the games we could thrnk of in the morning, and did not know any more to play in the afternoon, so we got one of the hor-es end started to ride it, and succeeded m doing bo ; but just as I was turning a corner I met a few men, who laughed at me, and as I do not like being laughed at I turned and •went back again. The next day we went to church, and as we weie coming home we had to pass a lake, where we stopped to give the horse a drink, and when it was drinking I btood up, and I might ha\c uvl'en over the Bide of the buggy if my mate had i ot caneht hold of my arm. With lc\o to all th" D.L F , Abe editor, and \our£e!f, — Yuurs truly. GOLDILOCKS.

[I don't thiiik anvonc likes to W av,.! v ?t, Goldilocks, &o it is i.c vendor you tun cd ba^K when that was your fate — DOT J

Dear Dot, — I have one? ag^.n ■-{.uif\l *o tviite to you. But I suppo-e ycu mcu^'it I had left the page, so I dec. .led, io >w •■■ to let you know that I am not ne.ir tin r. tiring £>ge. I think it is a pity that Con >i.n left us. I used to be very muc'i interested in reading ins letters about the war B,ack Watch, -will be the next, I think, for he has been writing iox. 9k seed wiule uoyi. X am

going to give some new« about Peace Day now. On Monday morning, about half-past 10 o'clock, the firebell m our district began to ring. At first we thought it was a fire, but the head master received a telegram stating that peace had been declared. The pupils in Standard IV started making a noise, but the teachers stopped them. A little while afterwards the children all assembled in the playground, and after we had sung the National Anthem the boys saluted the flag, and then we were dismissed for the day. In t!~e afternoon, as it was wet, my brothei- and I went to town by ourselves, but as it cleared off a bit, the rest of our family came trotting in to see the procession, and I think it was a very good one. On the same night my brother and X went to gymnastics. At first we thought that there would not be any, but there was. I think it is a pity that the Coronation had to be postponed owing to the King's illness, but I see it is going to be- held on August 9—9 — the same day as my aunt's birthday. I am trying to coa:: auothoi L F. to vnte to you, but I do not think I shall succeed. I must close now, ss it if nculv timo for me to get my bath. With love to all the D L.F., not forgetting good okl Dot and the editor, — Yours truly,

TEASING KIDDY.

[Teasing Kidd,, is evdently ro' always teasing, unless the other L.F. think coaxing a form of teasing. If 2-°' a o.ily persevie long enough you will succeed all r.^h 4 , T. K. "Patience and peroPveiance v .11 mcic mountains," you know.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — One Sunday a couple of months ago I w'P3 taking some cows away, but instead 01 gom£ light they crossed a cr-eek that was swollen with the rain, and wes nearly a chain wide. WcU, I crossed it safely enough, but m com.ug back, when I was about the middle. I siippcd and went down flop, and I looked a pretty object, I can tell you. I hope you have a fire near you, or else you will be getting chilblains. I've got too many. I see some of the L.F. are complaining about their brothers. I only wish I had a big brother, but my bi other is the youngest of all. I must stop now, as the calves wa^it their tea. so good-bye. With 10-> cto the editor, the L 11.,I 1 ., and your dear old self, — Yours trn'y.

AX AMERICAN HEIRESS

[Fancy flopping dnv. i> 111 midstrcaai this frosty weather 1 I shcu'd think >ou wonlel lose no time in getting home. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Here I am again, bothering the poo;- editor. I think Con will ho vci> pleased wit'i the auto, book >ou are gei.ig to pie«nt to mi:i. I shall send uy ar.tc. afterwards, if 3cu care to have it Will Twinkling Star and Harry please oxcha.^e autos with me? I have a pony and a s-ide-saddle, but I do not go for a ride very oftsn, because the roads ape very bad elowu here. I am so sorry Con has stopped writing now , I am sure we shall miss him from the page very much. Since I last wiote I have read "Alice 111 Wonderland," and I think it is a, very nice book. I ihave read a. good many books, but I like reading about the war best, I think. It has been snowing to-day, and it looks as if it will continue. A short time ago it rained very heavily 101 11 long time, and you should have seen the fcands. There was a great ditch cut thiough them right down to the beach, and the carts could not get round unless the tide wa& out. There are also a few landslips down here. Wasn't O.W.W. a great success' 1 had a good laugh at Harry's letter. I was not up to the show this year, but I was up last year, and I thought it was very nice. With best wishes to all tho other D.L F., and not forgetting yourself and the editor. — Yours truly,

CINERARIA,

[Between snow and rain and landslips I should think you will be .very glad when winter is over, Cineraria. -DOT.}

Dear Dot, — This tune I am going to tell you about a visit I had to =cc Clem. I started from home about 11 o'clock, and leached there about 12. Clem, a few more, ?u(! mjself went down a paddock where there i\tro m. lot of -tacks, ,ird bewail to iJaj hidc-ard-seek. When t red we bewail to climb up tht-m, which we had <ome fun m clc ng. C and I began helping t lie others no, and when the> reached the top they lx<,a,n helping Clem up When just about at the top •.ho slipped and fell, brirgmg the grists wo v ore getting up on down with her. I catiKht the posts as th(-\ weie fa'liny, and nearly broke my thumb o\ iT it. I ran tell \ou I saw stars wluu I d..d it. I should like to exchange autos with A Mighty Atom, Fokcn Ihehna, A E. S , and Jessica. Dear Dot, have jou ever seen a pup barking at itself in a lookirg-gla^s'^ We ha\e a little fox-terrier, and we happened to put it on the bediGcm tab'e. v'.ipii al! of a =ud<lcn it" started worrying *hr- lookip^-e!a' : s, and it vctild have l>rckei> ;t if wo h,>H rr-t tpken fie glass awny. Deai Dot, can \ ou tell me of a.iy way I can got rid of wAiti' I hive only one, and I have dono e'v'rjthing I c?n think of, aid I cannot put it away Wi'h !o\e to all tho little fo.k aid \cuacli, — Vour^ tru <-. OIAGOITE.

[Keep a ) .coe of vj-'uno =oda m \cur j^c^kut, ;i.id c ci\ t.?.'? you thmk of it v.ct the wart and ml) thr *-<,3a o 1 :t Please do not wr.te 011 ■Hich wide p». vi l i\.\t tun- 1 . — DOT.]

Deir Dot,- I n list tel! you about sliding on thu ice la t Mill" One d..y wlrn the ice was vcr\ t'rii'k v.c tlioi'ij-'ht vp con d s_'i out to ihe middle c; tie po id bo wo ail >\cr.t to tins pnrcf, ,• ,<i when wp were sl'dir.g out fiere Wi- i hoY ip t'lo ice, and two of n,v -i--tti-> fell in Anothei gill who cam" jper tl'cm ol'« pil ih. AH thr- othprs wee 'availing ai I'icri 1 t ,t I si- fr'jjit'-i 1, bc".iti->o it was a \->r\ d. "p |io .(I, and it icai!> v p to thcr iinrs. 1 here v. is a ijr . i cji y itt 1/ h. s Mdc-s I^i:»Lil^. Vv l<en lv .' a^ c oir 11a h^mc hs. tod 111; latii'r. LjL't t : ic ' < :.t da.. 1 fho Uuik iua KgeuA&i hunt icu ii« Id m liuiueli.

We kept laughing for such a long time that he ran after "us and was nearly giving us a hiding, so we stopped laughing. After "that" most of them were frightened to go and slide on that poad. Don't you think, Dot, it served that boy right for laughing at my sisters 9 We have a new bell at our school now, and we can hear it a long way off. Indeed, we can hear it at our house, and that is about two miles away. I should like to exchange autos with any D.L.F. Ple-a c e address to "Little Francie, care of Mr John Ross, Enfield." With love to all D.L.F., not forgetting vouiself and the editor, — Yours truly,

LITTLE FRANCIE

[Well, yes, Francie, it certainly did soive the boy right, for he had no right to laugh at your sisters' misfortunes, ard he should have- been prepared to be laughed at when the tables were turned. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I was in to <=cc the winter show in Dunedin, and the courts were very pretty, especially the Taien ; but. «-ad to say. I hadn't the hick to meet any D L.T-' I went f<sr a ride to Allanton one day, and I passed Boadicea's place; but I did not see anyone. As I jhad not ridden for a while yon may be sure I felt stiff the next morning. Last Friday night I went to a farewell social given to our minister, who is leaving us to take up a pos.t:on down south. They gave him an illuminated address and a study table. We have grand fun playing ping-pong at night. My void, it docs make you warm; >ou don't need a fire in the room. We have ? ping-pong club in our distiict. I have 50 autos and two photos, so I ha\e not done so bad. With love to all the little folk and yourself, — Yours truly,

GLADYS

[Ping-pong has certainly passed away pleasantly many an otherwise dreary night this w. nter, Gladyp, and I am sure we ale all greatly indebted to the inventor cf the game. — DOT.]

Dear Do f ,— What a brilliant success O.W.W. proved l Yet still there were many old writers whose letters were sadly missed, such as Wulhe, B. O. 8., Tusie, Shan, Laddir, Maidey, Dnrn Duin,, and Dicky D. What capital letter& Rimbeceo and Boy had in. I should like to exchange autos with Boy. My sister has been writing to the page for nearly five 3'ears, but she did not contribute a letter for the O.W.W. I wish The Kid would huiry up and write again. I enjoyed reading his last letter, and am now looking forwa-rd to the account of how his accident happened. Camellia and I were going to Invercargill at Coronation time, where we were to meet Abigail and spend the day in town together, but we luckily heard the news of the King's illness in time, and did not go. I see we have another addition to the page under the norn de plume of Dot's Own Critic. Surely the letters will be criticised enough now. My brother saad if Harry had sisters he would not want them long. He has three, and I think he sometimes finds that too many. He says girls are no good, but I don't agree with him there. I'm a girl, Dot, not a boy, although my norn de plume seems- more like a boy's than a girl's. I once- thought of changing it, but now I shan't, as I am already known by it. Ha,ve, we got the cot in the Invercaigill Hospital yet, Dot 9 Camellia and I are going m to see it when wo go to Invercargill. With best wishes to uil D.L.F. and Dot,— Yours truly,

EOGUE II

[I hope you will, Rogue, for I should like to hear something about the Invercaigill cot. I do not think the cxithorities have treated us very well over this matter, and 1 don't wonder at the Oamaru Cot Fund hanging fire in the way it has done, because the Invercargill treatment has discouraged my friends. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— The other day Donapony was at our place We have an old horse that is very bad foi chasing children. Donapony was walking past him, when all at once he made a run at her. Didn't she run quickly to the fence' Another time I was g')ing into the stable, and Lc walked out. I ran m fio.it ot him to t.y and dru-e him in again For a while I was eha u 'i.'_? him, but :n the end I found he wks chafing me, so 1 ran up to a row, became he i^ fr-<jhtened oi cows. The other dij I was trying to jump v deep er?ck, but ii.-'tcul of jumping the cicck I fell flut on my face in tin- creek, and both my hands went under the bank An o!d crayf.sh r -u ;ht hold of my fingn, and 1 had m.kli a jcb to get hi.n off 1 shook away at my lii.^cr, but the mok I shco'i the tigiuer lie he'd oa. At last I thought I v.ciild screnm as loud as I cou'd aid -cc if I couldn't frighten him, but that plan didn't woik, so at la<-t I l«iid my- finger on the gioui'd .t..d put n.y fcot on the ciayfish's lj. k, and till lv Jul let go lie took a bi'e out of my finger, ho<\e\ir. Dear Dot, ha< c jou c-"cr seen dn owl' I hrr.e a htlle pel o.'f, but I don't tbiuk it will hvr- They aic 'iv h u o 'y lit;'- time- The- gn'-, in our c'pss ,ne vnrv fold o~ t\ir"4 piece , o." i,i:h on each otVi, c. "ing them t<<. , We u»ed to sev the ill on t' c ; :><y-, 'm* one' oi tv ice I •srx ip'o irou'i'r, v"ci v,i tco'i .fit thr boj •> alone. I'^rt i« c-i-e <--.rl v .o -C "-o angry who we tie anything ou hu, .v d Mie often threaw>i!9 to tui" on u» , bui she known we do not c.ti_'. I am not al.owed fo =U beside Donapony in school, becau-e we talk too much. Lady of" the Forest fait, beside me m scliol, -ire] citon makes me laugh till I nearly nv. U „ii,.n '-lie l- =uih a haid u»e. 0..cSn id y 1 went fo> a rule, ard I slopped to pvo my 1 or&e a diiiik. On the ctiicr side of tiie ie id \. L.C a k>\a?'i<.r\ hut. The old swagger caii.f» oat a iid u-..:ci n. c my name a d where 1 'mil a d IkcjU-c I v ould lot tc . hi.n lie -ail li • >• ou'd ' ke ii.\ liwrsc 'ioin me. I tr'.ri i> is I w a<l ioi !e'. hnii 1 had hardly 1 ivl i ie .'. - <!*, • it n 'n lav and tried to catch in 1 . I,r-- Vi i. Lit I w'l'pi^d Vmj mv hcr->e •mml c. ii' . -I off 11.- la after .'"- ' 'it I"won XoiuiU, lie u>ul4 x.'.\. ctadi me. lie kid

in the hedgp, for he thought I would come back that way, and so I did, but -not alone, far «, gentleman was with inc. When he caught sight of my companion he cleared off tip "the paddocks as quickly as he could. I neveT saw anyone run as quickly before. The next day I went to see if he was still theie, but he was away. Dear Dot, the cat I said I was going to put in the poultry show is dead. I faec we have to say what kind of animal we would like to be. I should like to be a xiionkcj, because they are so clever. I niust cose now. With love to Ping-Pong, Lady of the Forest, and Dot, — Youn tiuly,

PARSON SETH.

[I suppose the swagger only wanted to frighten you, Parson Sc-Ui , but it would bo bottei oh another occasion not to "top and speak to one of his kind. A monkey would certaiulj" Le a lively animal to be, but I should remain as I am till the winter is over, if I wcic you.— DOT.]

Depr Dot, — I know who Little Dorrit is. When she was up here we used to have fine times riding m the bakers cart*, but, alas, thoso times are past, perhaps never to come again. In the summer time Little Dorrit, Apple Blossom, a friend, and myself went for a picnic about three miles from home. We started about Lalf-past 10 in the morning ana reached our destination about half-past 11. The first thing to be done was to gather sticks and boil the billy. After we had had lunch, wa began swinging on trees, but we soon got tired of that, so we took up our belongings and went to hunt for ferns a little higher up the hill. We had not gone far when, we met a man who had been poison ng. He asked us if we had any tea and cakes left. We gave him some, and he had no sooner thanked us for them and left us when two more men came, and of course we had to serve them the same way as we had served the other man. After we had gatheicd as many ferns as we wanted wo. came down off the hill and vrcni> to see some men woiking the reaper and binder. They told us if we waited till 6 o'clock they would give us a ride home on the horses. We were quite delighted at the idea of getting a ride on horssback, so we waited and got the ride that was promised tta. There were no saddles on the horses, and. we had a good way to nde, so you may bs sure we were a little bit s>ore next day. We arrived home about 7 o'clock, having enjoyed ourselves very much with the day's outmg. With love io the editor and Dot, — Yours tiu'y,

SCOTCH LASSIE JEAN,

[One good turn deserves another, so you got your reward for your hospitality to the rabbitpoisoners by being saved the walk home, Jean, and I presume th© ride was much better than walking, even though you had no saddle. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — My brother went away to chop bush, for some calves, and was away for n. couple of hours, when my father went to look for him, because he thought he might have had an accident.- When my father had been away about a quarter of an hour my brother came home, and my father is not home yet, so I suppose my brother will have to go and look for h.m now. I was very sorry to hear abo^: Rimbeceo getting burned so badly. A little girl got very badly burned down here the other day. We did not get a holiday from school on Peace Day, but we did not do any lessons, we just sat in schol and sang. The teacher said we were better at school than running about in our mo'hera' road at home. I have read "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and I think it is not a bid book at all. I got the loan of it from the school library. Thsy have a lot of books there, and the teacher gives the children some of them to read. I have also read "Little Women," "Sidney Martin's Chnsimas," "Our Darlings," and other bonks which I liked very wc^\. Are you fond of riciiug. Dot? J just love to have a good canter on the b~a s h. I have only had two* spills yet. The first one was when my =ister and I were going to school. It was a very quiet old horse we were Tiding, and as we started to go down a bank two oth-r hoii»e«- came along and frijihtenpd ours. She jumped down the si'le cf the* bank, and we both went lijj'nt over on to the beach, a few inches- from tho wa'ci. I can tpl! yon I felt pretty funi.y when I pet up, but the hoise fortunately did not iuii away. As ?ocn as we fell off she stopped, and they had a gocd Ipugh at u=? Vvhru we wiiit ho.no The next "tipple o\ er" I had was when I was nding my bioihcr's hor=e. I did not know that he had taught the horse to jump oxer crc:ks, and of course the fir-t creek I came to the hor-o jumped, and o\er its tail I went and htnded on the ground, as if it was a cushion I was sitting on. I sprang up, caught my horse, and lumped on asjam Th<"»e are the firs! falls, I have had, and 1 hope they will be the las'.. With love to all, — Yours truly,

WOODELF

TThcy mi^ht have Lpph ninth wor«e, Wrodelf, though I snupo'p you ihou.'ht them bid enough at the t'me --DOT ]

Dcai Pot.-Thfie was a h*% flood in -the Rangiukci River about J<J da\ s yj/o It washed av,a> a. piece- of the ro.-d about a quarter of a mile from cm house. During the Mood of lbJrf thr watri vas 3ft deep in our orchard, and we had not picked all the apples, so when tl'c i 1 ati 1. d ('oft clown a ]ar^e- i.umbar of tin 1 ppph-, woie washed again it the fence. I'hhl'L in «-om» p! iifs this last flood was b.gsfrr tl> in the oi c of 1-3S the water did not ccn:r- at all i- to the or. hard. S tiimk the yum vl the wrduct said I v,?i "a good mat.'i" because I v j-j flushed with the heat, and malai wood Lai a rerldi&h colour. There was a. Iccdiie in the Kmva School pom: weeks ago by En- O r Lane, and 1L scs Floirie and Violet W<,od bang a. son?, "Evei near." Mv t\n fcntei" and I attended the peace cc'clj-alio.ib in Waituna West. We went ii' nil •■ „}>Wiii's brake with seven of our l t» ' i•<■■ i— - \V'i"i! we arrived at Mi R')'c/i's fc'.uit we taw tlif*i km gis<.6ij[ fr^t lidd. rim cil

I the road on Waituna Hill, and it took a. long j time before they could get it up again. Having arrived at the picnic grounds, we watched the children rncing. There was a large box ot presents for the races, but the children got; tired of racing, so Mr E. Short gave the presents away. In the pftcrnoon there were football, tiotting matches, horse-racing, and; a three-legged race. In the evening there wer9 a concert, fireworks, and a dance. We did not stay for the evening, but went home, arriving 1 at dusk. Although it was cold, I enjoyed, myself very much. We have had cold weather lately. Last night it snowed, but the snowmelted before morning, when there was only p little left on the hills. With love to the editor and j_-.L.F r net foigcttmg yourself, — Yours truly,

TBEASTJRE. P.S. — My cousin wants to know whether you want any photographs taken. — T. i [I am afraid not, Treasure, for the editor (to whom I referred your "P.S.") says the photos are like the D.L.F. letters — more plentiful than the available space. Between you and me, this seems to be the case with every- ' thing connected with a newspaper — except the advertisements, of course, there seems to be always unlimited space for them. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— M> Eister and I walked out to • St. C. on Sunday afternoon, and back to I church at night. We had a lovely walk, but | I was not sorry when I reached home and got I into Blanket Bay, as I was so tired. I did not go to the basket party I mentioned in my last i letter, but we had a ping-pong party. We ! played for about an hour; then we had sixgj ing and dancing. When we were tired of that ■ we had supper, and closed our party after tho ■ evening's enjoyment. I met Kiss-Me-Quick and Rimbeceo. Rimbeceo and I were out for a. walk on Tuesday. I met three D.L.F. on Saturday night, and they called out "Good; night, D.L.F. ; follow us, please," but I was ■"not having any," as I was in a hurry. They | were trying to gather all the litxle folk, and take D. by storm. With love to Rose Mary, Donapony, Rnnbecoo, Kiss-Me-Quick, and all D.L.F.,— Yours truk:,

IVY LEAF. [The three D.L.F. should have had tin whistles and a drum if they really did intend to take the town by storm, Ivy Leaf, but then I suppose people would have thought) they were a branch of the Salvation Army. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— There arc a good many who write to >ou from about here, but I do not know all their noms de plume. The other day I went up o.i the mountains rabbiting, and there was such a lot of snow, and so the dogs caught the rabbits easily. Once or twice I was up to tho top of my legs in snow, so when I got on to the top of_ the mountain I thought I would come down the gorge; and, my word, I did have such a lively time of it. In someplaces if I had slipped I should have gone down a few hundred feet before I could have stopped. It is a wonder to me I did not get; a broken leg, arm, or head. I fell down ever so many times, and was white with snow front head to foot, but I arrived home safely. I must stop now, as I have no more paper. With love to yourself and all the little folk, — Yours truly,

CRICKET.

[I think your norn de plume a very appropriate o.ie, Cricket, for you must be pretty lively to ccme out of that rough-and-tumble down the snow-clad mountains safe in wind; and limb, even though you were covered with snov.— DOT.]