LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2527, 20 August 1902, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto . —We write foi the benefit of others, not

for ourselves,

Dear Dot, — I anr staying at my uncle's place at Waimate, and I like it very much. It is such » pretty "place. There is a river called tho Serpentine River. It has a plantation of vrillows and poplars on its banks. There is a big station which is called ,Waihao Down station, and a. school, to which the children go every day. The teacher is Mr Park, and all the children love him dearly. I am learning music, I know how to play ping-pong, and I have a sat of my own. Wo had a slight fall of enow the other morning, but it was not enough for us to make snowballs. My cousins collect biids' eggs up here every summer, and they get 2b for every 100. One year they got 2000 eggs. Once in Wedderbum a little girl named Jfcnie M'Kay said she would give me a ride on her horse if I went aa far as the blackEmith's shop with her, so I said I would, and I jumped on and was cantering along when. I fell off and gave my chin a nasty knock. With Ipve to all your little folk, — Yours truly, LITTLE. FRIEND.

(The river must look very pretty m summer with its fringe of trees, Little Friend. The willows are budding nicely now, so in a short time they should look beautifully green. — DOT.I

Dear Dot, — I am studying very hard for the examination, which is to ba held on the 14tb of August. If I pas 3 I think I shall be leaving echcol at the cud of the year. Ocean Wave is back at school, and I can assure you we have grand fun with her, as moat of the girls know herjiom do plume, and 1 are always teasing her, and she gets so angry. We have a great number of I/.F. at our school now. I don't like ping-pong extra much, but nearly every person I meet who has played it is very fond of it. I went to a ping-pong party on Wednesday evening, and enjoyed myself immensely. We played ping-pong for a. couple of hours, and then cleared the place for a dance, and dancing was kept up till 4in the morning. We Lad a few cojuntry friends staying with us some tin*a'back, and we went to the Military Carnival aqd the Maori one also. I liked the Maori one best, and the night we went it was crowded. I should like to exchange autos with any L.F. who are willing. Please address "Bmmeline Junior, care of Miss L. Tonar, Yogol street, South Dunedin." With be3fc love to all the L.F., not forgetting the editor and Tourself, — Yours truly,

EiIMELINE JUNIOR

[Both carnivals were interesting, but of course the quaintness of tho Maori peiioimance lent it a charm of its own. — DOT ]

Dear Dot, — I live by the edge of a bush, ard have "had a lively time of it lately. I set some traps for rabbits, but I caught more weasels and wild cats than rabbits. Now, Dot, what do you think of those pests? — the weasel being turned loose in the colonies to eat all tho young fowls. It is hardly fair. Have you ever seen a weasel? They emit an abominablo odour when angry. They ara just the size of a ferret — brown and white, with a tail like a lion's. I have three carrier pigeons. They are very pretty. I had threo guinea pigs, but dogs came about and killed two, so the other runs aboufwith my sisters' cats. With my fiist and best love to all D.L.F. and dear Dot, — Yours truly,

HERD LADDIE.

[It does seem a shame to think that a destructive littlo beaet like the weasel should be let loose and encouraged to become a scourge in the country, Herd Laddie. Surely some better ■way than that of dealing with the rabbits cculd nave been devised.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — As we live in the country, we find it very interesting to write to you. Wo are going to give the D.L F. a description of a. visit to a- place about three miles distant. We etarted from home about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and arrived there at half-past 3. We -walked slowly at the beginning of our journey, tout after a >rrhile wo thought we had better hurry. When we arrived at the bridge, which •was the destination, of our journey, we found file river flooded and the water across the road. A-fter we Bad been some time there wo saw a buggy cpming towards us, and we thought that ■we might get a ride back home. We planned it together that if tho gentleman in the buggy <Jid not invite 119 to have a ride, we were going to ask 'him for one. When the buggy came up, {he gentleman asked if we were going far, and vcouii* we «aid "Yea*" efi h« told us tp iumjp

up, and he would drive us home. We are having fine weather now, Dot, and we hope you are. The other day we were going along the road (for we are always together) w hen we met a Miss Inquisitive, who eyed us up and down. At last she began to ask us questions, and we laughed so much that we had to walk away. We shall now close with love to all the 'D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly,

TWO WANDERING WILLIES.

[So Miss Inquisitive did not pick up much news that time, T. W. W. Well, perhaps it will do her good, and induce her to allow peop'e to mind their own business without be^ng crossquestioned. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you of a walk I went the other day. I left home at about 3 p.m., reaching my friend's house about I o'clock, as I had three miles to walk, \vhen I got tcf the house I had a rest, the - i my two mate 3 and I went away for a walk about two miles, and when we came back we played all the games we could think of. My mate's brother was listening', and he started to tease u= ; but Tire took it all in good part, and told him boys were nothing else but teases, and he laughed at us and told us they could not be as bad as girls. After we had played for some time we went in for tea, and aft-er that was over I started for home as it was getting dusk. My friend came down the road with me, and I got home at dark. Dear Dot, we are surlounded by bush, and there are some lovely f.erns in the bush. There is a stream running through it, and there are both silk feni3 and crape ferns. At one time all the school girls used to go down and gather them. Dear Dot, did you ever know of girls not knowing what crape ferns are? Well, the schoolmaster up here sent three girls down the bush to get a few roots of crape ferns. They brought up silk ferns, and said they were crape ones. All of the school cbijdren had a good laugh at them. Dear Dot, I am goin^ to tell \ ou how I spent my Christmas holidays at a friend's place. Weli, my- sister and I left home eaily in the morning, as we had four miles to walk. AVhen ws reached our destination we had a rest, then my mates showed me all around the farm. When Sunday came, mv si=ter, my mate, and I went over to Morton Mams. We were very tired when we got to the end of our journey, so we lay down at the side of tlip i.i.lway line" and fell asleep. When I awoke I got up and ran away home to my friend's hoiioe, leaving my mate and my sister sleeping. We sent my mate's brother out to look foi them, and he rcurned with them. Dear Harry, Black Watch, and Boy, will you please exchange autos with me-, aid I shall send mine in return. I was at Invercargill the other Satuiday. and I n-ct a D.L.F._ who told me her norn" d? phi mo was Rose a"Lea or Rose Lynn, I am not sure which. —Yours truly,

COUNTRY LAKRIKIN.

[Country Larrikin has written on both sides of the paper, and I really do not know what the linotype operators will &ay about it. However, I suppose it cannot be helped.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— lt is a beautiful day. There is not a cloud in the sky, and the birds are singing their first spring notes. This is an awfully dry place, Dot. There is not even a stream r.ear. At the place we lived before we came here there wergEho less than four rivers— namely, the Molyneux, Waiwera, Weitahuna, and Pomahaka. Our house was situated near the Waiwora, and what fun my brothers and sisters used to have I We used to go down to the river and fish, and such like; but I'll never forget the time when I tumbled in. My hat fell in first, and on going in for it I slipped, and in I went. When I came up again my biother pulled me out, and I suppose he tdok me home. This happened when I was about three years old, but I still recollect it. Those happy times are gone for ever, and now here I am, stuck up in this lonely place. My brother and father are still working up at the old place, but being very far away, I cannot go up to pay.it a visit, although Ishould like very much to do so. Aren't there a lot of tram accidents nowadays? The other day a calf got on to the line not far from our place, and it got right under Ihe wheels of the engine, and when it got out it wasn't hurt at all. Dear knows how it escaped being killed. There is a dancing class here every Wednesday, but I don't go to it. There is also to bo a ball here on the 15th. It is jolly cold in the mornings just now, and I have to go a good distance for milk, and I nearly get frozen ; but it is father good fun, too, for I have a big hill to climb, and can get some very good slides. lam very fond of reading, and have read nearly every book in the house. My favourites are— "The Young Majoonera," "Queechy, and "Tho Red Man's Revenge." I like book 9 about adventure best, but I don't care much about novels. They make my blood run cold. With love to Dot, the editor, Hiawatha, and all other D.L.F.,— Yours truly, \

SANDY.

P.S.— Any D.L.F. who would like my auto can get it by addressing thcus to "Miss L. Spark, Toiro."

[The calf was more foitunate than a, human being would have been, under similar circumstances, Sandy. It would teach it to avoid trains in future, however. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— We are having dieadinl weather just now, wind and ram by turns. My cousin is hero to-night, and she and my brother and sister are amusing themselves playing forfeits. They want me to join their ylay, but I tell them I am too busy wiitiug letters. Dear Dot, I am going to tell you all about a picnic we had on the 26th of June, which was to be Coronation Day. Unexpectedly, it wns a lovely day, and about a dozen of tho ehildien, including myself, started away about 10 o'clock. Very soon we Teached the Pipikarcli Beach Wo, were not long there when another group of children came rushing down tho hill on tp tho beach. When dinner time came we all gathe-rc-d together and sat on tho sand on boards and enjoyed our dinner. After lunch we played many kinds of games. Before wo went home, lollies were given out to vis. Wo gieatly enjoyed ourselves, and went home vciy tired, thus ending our "Coronation picnic." With best wishes to all tho littlo folk, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

QUEENIE. [You were foitunnto in getting such a pleasant day for your lmdwmtei picnic, Quecaie.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to give you a description of the place I lne in, which is Hokonui. It is about 26 miles from Invercaigill, and m order to get hero you must take train to W 111ton, then you change for Brown's, and from there you drive or walk along a beautiful roud (only beautiful 111 summer) foi a distance of four miles before you come to llokor vi. It is really a lovely place, either in sirnircr or winter. Indeed, it is supposed to Le one of tho prettiest places in Southland. We are all very fond of dancing here. A good many of us aro only beginners, and of com so we were a bit shy at first , but now we are very fond of it. On the Ist of August there to Lc an opening ball of the Quadrilles at the school, but owing to the weathor it had to bo postponed. There are dances held every Friday evening in winter, and they are much looked foiwaru to Usually they are held much earlier in. the wiu-, ter; but owing to the bad roads, they have only just commenced, to wo aie all looking forwaid to better weather. It has often struck me that any stranger coming hcie would think he had dropped into the land of Brobdingnag, for there, can. be no mistake wo a*e. g. tail loj, X.

suppose the country air agrees with us. With kind love to yourself, the editor, and all the L.F., — Yours truly,

MINERVA. P.S. — I should like to exchange autos with any L.F.

[Dear me, it will be lecorded in after days, no doubt, "There were giants in those days in Hokonui," unless the people continue to maintain their (according to Minerva) abnoimal statue.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We are having pretty fair weather just now, but yesterday it rained all day, and when I got up this morning the river and all the paddocks were under water. The water is, however, going down slowly. My brothers ynd a cousin of mine were out rabbiting, and they caught nearly 100 rabbits in the forenoon. I do not think that was a bad half-day's spotting. We got a fortnight's holidays from school for the Coronation, and I went t^ Mosgiel two or three days before the time. I was awry two weeks, and I enjoyed myself very much. I saw one or two D.L.F. in Mosgiel, but only spoke to one — namely, Boadicea. She is a very nice girl to speak to. When I -was leaving Mosgiol my auntie told me to write to you and tell you how I got on. I hope she sees this letter, because she said she would look in all the Witnesses till she saw it. lam afraid she won't see much to reward her for her patience. I went through the Mosgiel Woollen Factory, and I thought it was grand. There are three or four big fires going all at c nee, and it makes you feel very giddy. I saw them weaving the wool, and the noise would make one deaf to stay in there very long — at least I think it would have that effect oh me. Mosgiel is, I should think, a nice little place to live in. I should like to exchange autos with Bubbles, Iris, Troublesome, Black Wotch, and any others. Address to "Ulva, Post Office, Waikaka Valley, via Gore," and that will reach ny- safe. With love to all D.L F.,— Yours tiu'y,

[Your brothers and cou«in certainly lost no time in getting such a number of rabbits as that, Uha. They must have been away betimes an the morning. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We are enjoying lovely weather just now, and the roads are beginning to dry up v. ondciiully. 'Since I last, wrote to you, I v. as at a social and dance in honour of a resiilcnt and his wife who are about to leave the district. It was about seven miles from here, so my two brothers and I rode to it. It was very windy going down, and as soon as we reached our destination it began to ram; but it stopped in the morning, so we managed to get home dry. As we keep the Post Office, I have to ride se\ en mile 3 twice a v, eek for the mail. It is all right fun when the weather is fine, but when it is wet aitcc the roads very muddy, it is different. We had a letter from my biother in South Africa a while ago, and ha says he is over the fever and will soon bo coming home. There are ten of tho Seventh Contingent in the Orient, so he may be one of them. He sent us. two photos, one is the Mooi River Convalescent Camp (wheie he now is) and the other is the Mooi towns-hip. He says he will never forget the Bothasbjrg fight. When it was over he had to help with the dead and wounded, and he came across his mate, lying dead, with a pile of empty caitridges beside him, showing how well he had fought. We have been, busy planting fruit trees. They aie veiy small, although some of them, are five and six years old ; but I suppose they will soon grow. I keep all the pictures that come in the Witness, and when I get; ever so many I intend making a book of them. A river flows through our farm, and when, there is a flood we have to put our sheep and cattle out of the river bends. Even then they sometimes go back again, and are washed away. With lo\e to Queen Adelaide, Nanco O'Neil, Dai°ie, and all the other little and big folk, — Yours truly,

ALPINE PRINCESS

[It is a very good idea keeping the illustrated sheet, Alpine Princess. It would be worth while putting it away every w&ek m a box, and at the end-of 12 months send them to a bookbinder to be bound ; or if you do nob caie about doing that, paste the backs carefully, make, two or three holes right thiough with a bradawl, and put string through. Then put on an American leather cover, and you will have an interesting picture book. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — A lot of men from this district have returned from South Africa, while others have stayed behind 1 . I was in Dunedin for the Coronation of the 261h, and although I did not see it, I was not disappointed, as there were plenty oi other things to see. I was going to come to the Witness office, but I only got as far as the door, and I was too shy or something like that. I went home, and said I would try to pluck up more courage next time ; so I air. going to call ia and ask to s«3 Dot next time I am in town. I saw a good few badges v. lule I was in Dunedin, and I always wore mine. Would any L.F. exchango autos with lnc? We are having splendid weather down here, just like summer. The bulbs are all out of the ground, and the snowdrops aie out lovely just now. I have euch a Ipt in my garden, and a great number of violets also. I am. always trying to get a big bed of violets, as they are my favourite flowers. I wish I could send you some, but we are too far away. With lo\e to all the D.L.F., the editor, and Dot, — Yours truly,

[Thank you for your kind intentions, Cc«ti, but you are quite right — you arc too far awy. However carefully packed, flowers which come through the post reach me in a rnoßt distressing btato, proving that they n^e not adapted to the rough usage unavoidable m tiansport. — DOT.]

D' ar Dot, — Wo have been examined by tho inspectors, and I am glad to say I pa3oed. I have parsed a few L.F. latclv, but as I had no badge on I did not speak. If anyone should like to send their autos to me, I phall send mi no in return. They can be addressed, " Tomato, 212 Prmce3 street, Dunediu." One holiday some friends and I wc-nt for a row, and after we had been in the boat a while we came to a pretty spot. On account of the sand bank the hoat had to stay a few yards from tho shore, and most of us took off our boot 3 and stockings and those who did not weie carried over. Tho first thing was to gather sticks to boil tho water for the tea, and after having boraellung to eat we went to see what wo couM find and havo a few games as well. Some found some gooaebeiry bushes, but when we v.ere going to cat them we found they were mt'.er sour. There were plenty of cockles, pretty shells, and oysters on the rooks-, and if you wished to have some you could take as many as you liked. There was a fishing line in the boat, so we put i^ over and cuught, not a fi-.li, as we expected, but a big crab Aftr al'. wo had a very enjoyable day. When I was at M. I was introduced to Clotiida, but I ?upposcs she will not know who I am. With love to Clotilda, Casino Girl, all the other L.F , tlie patient cditoi. and jouiself,— Yours truly, . TOMATO.

[I have cften heard of '-'catching a crab," but, I think it 19 u-ually done by the oar, not the line. However, you did it in a more legitimate manner than is usual, Tomato.— DOT ]

.Dear Dot,— l have been a reader of your page for the last ten year 3or so, and I havo taken it into my head to drop you a Lne just to let you know that there is such a person as oixeeli vi the lftud oi the living- 1 belong to

a town, but for the lost 18 months have been residing in the country. This is the greatest little hole I have ever been in. It consists of about a couple of dozen houses, a general store (where they sell everything except butcher's meat and perambulators), a saddler's, and three sly grog shops (of course). About a foot of muck lies on the main street, and I never go out but every step I take I think I'm going to leave my shoes behind me. It's lovely: i a most delightful change from a. town with 1 clean pavement and metalled streets. I think writing to Dot is about as bad as the pingpong- fever — it's catching, you know. I know a few, a very few, of your aimy, both in North Otago and down here. It strikes me Trumpeter belongs to this" part of the country— aged 19, tall, lives by the river, eh? By the way, that fame river gave me a bit of a fright last week. It had been raining hard for a day and two nights, and the people began to tell me that very soon wo should all be floating about in bo<its. I never dreamt for an instant there would be such a thing as a flood. Anyway, whon I got up at 6.30 on Saturday morning I found we were on aji island. It was a case of water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. The water didn't come into our house, which 19 built high off the ground, but some of our (neighbours hpd it in. However, next morning theic was none to be seen. I wonder, Dot, why mo«t of your correspondents wulo such grave, sober letters. It's rather too much the other wa> with me, so I'd just better ca' canny, or I'll be getting sat on. So, trusting I have given no offence to anyone, and that a pleasant fate awaits ~this letter, — Yours tralv F. A. Q." [Now, I don't think that main street is quite so bad as that, F. A. Q., but I s\ippoae we must bear in mind that you are not to be tak*n too seriously in of your statements — the three sly giog shops in two dozen houses, for instance.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — What a thorough success O.W.W. was. I think it *va3 one of the best that has been, or will be, for some time to come. All the D.L.F. who had their letters in for O.W.W. seemed to bo original old writers, and scrtis of the names were very familiar to those who have been constant leaders of the Witness D.L.F. Page for n good number of years. Although thcie were a. good number of distinguished L.F. present, there were still a few who were conspicuous by their absence. The old writers to whom I am. referring are Fancy Free, Kip Van Winkle, Laddie, Dr Jim, Maidey, and D. Donovan. Harry's letter, relating how ho carve, by the title of "the sisterlesa boy," was very amusing, and I am still anxiously awaiting Ins next letter, to know the full details of how he is called the O. P. Aguiiialdo's, letter was also very interesting; but I think nio<st of the praise is due to Boy, whose letter was the great attraction of the page. Don't you think that Boy has got remarkably clever of late, Dot' At one tune his letters were not half so interesting or so cleverly written as they are now. Of course we have some writers nearly as good, such as Black Watch, Dr Jim, Harry, and Tangles. Wasn't lolanthe's last letter good, relating all about our visit tp the hospital to see the D.L.F. cot? She either accidentally forgot, or else forgot on purpose, to tell you that when coming out of the hospital her face several times came in pretty close contact with the bee3wajced floor; but the merry little damsel thought it all fine fun, and made the building ring with; her laughter. Now, Dot, I nm going to tell you a little about the grocer, who takes a great interest in the D.L.F. Page, and is for ever talking about the dear little Dots (as he call 3 us). Of course, ho knows that I am a dear little Dot, or perhaps, more correctly, a dear big Dot, and also knows my norn de plume. The other day, while talking about) the D.L.F., he said that if, in my next letter to Dot, I paid ihini a compliment, I should receive some, chocolates at lm expense. However, I have no intention of allowing myself to be bribed to say a pleasant word for him. How he wiches he was in his teens again. He said ho did not make good enough use of boyhood's days when he had them. He did not even know of such, a thing as writing to Dot until it was too late, and now that he has got into manhood and his young days aro over, he regrets having not heard of tho unknown Dot i before. But I suppose we must all "bow to tho inevitable," as Black Watch would sadly say, for we cannot pub back the hands of time. Tho book I am at present reading is entitled "Greater Love," by Joseph Hocking. Readers of Joseph Hoclcing's books will find that "Greater Love" ia no moan production. It is in every sense » romance, tho events of which transpired in Cornwall — that plnce of queer and ancient superstitions, and even now of curious emotions and hearty religious fervcur. Tho principal character in the book is a, young man named Hector Trosillian, who resided with his Aunt Martha. The aunt, although very fond 1 of her nephew, showed signs of disappioval at the easy way in which he regarded life. I wonder if Alguazil has read the book, for if ho lias he >«-?>•, on a future occasion, give tho iittle folk a description of some of tho characters in. tho Look. I have lately read "Out of the Hurly-burly," by Max Adeler, "Little Women and Good "Wives," "Cherry Ripe," and "John Halifax. Gentleman." Of the four books mentioned, "Little Women and Good Wives" is my favourite. It wan very good of Black Watch to l«rid mo the books. With very best love to dvio'ii, lolantho, Poppy, Silver Mist, Arfcta, Valeric, Maple, Mntakanui-it?, Black Watch, Many, and Dr Jim,— Yours truly, FLO RO DORA. [As the grocer has become immortalised in our pas;e, Florodora, I think the leas'a he can do is to Rive \ou a nice box of chocolates, especially a« you really have said something lnco about him. — DOT.j Dear Dot, — I havo lead the Little Folk's Pa^e since I have been ablo to read, and have beeii watching its rapid growth within the last few years w-th great interest. I notice that the little folk did not seem to take such a great interest m the suggestion of writing on books as I thought they would. I am an enthusiastic reader oi books, my favourite writer being Elizabeth Wet'heiall, and I have read nearly all her books. I read a very amusing story lately by Mark Twain called "A Melting Story," and I shall give the L.F. a rough outline of it. One winter evening a country grocer was putting the shutters on his shop windows whe.i he saw a lazy fellow within j sical a pound of butter and place it ia his hat. ' Hi no sooner saw tho action than he hit upon i a plan of re.-enge. "I say, Seth," he said, j ' come and sit down by the fire a bit and have a drirk." So saying, he placed him near the sVcvo, in a corner where he could not get out without passing th<» grocer. Tho cunning grocer i then filled up the fire place with wood, und xhe ! thief felt the butter settling down on his head. i He jumped up, s-uyuig he would have to go I as ho had the wood to split and the cows to feed. "But you mustn't go," said tho grocer, with a wicked grin, "till you have had a glass of toddy. Sfcth, I will give you a totst now, and you can butter it yourself. ' This was said with such an air of simplicity that poor Seth believed himself unsuspected. Poor Sath now began to smoke, as vrell as melt, but he never said a word. Streak after stroak of butter came pouring from under hi 9 hat, and his handkerchief v.\is already soaked with the overflow. Talking away as if nothing v. a-< the maUer, the fun-loving grocer kopl b'ufiii-g wood into the stove, while the poor fellow sat with his back against the counter ' and bis kneea touching the red-hot furnace be-

fore him. "Cold night this," said the grocer? "why don't you take your hat off? Here, le^ me put it away." — "No!" exclaimed, poor Sethi at last. "No! I must go! Let me out! 13 ain't well. Let me go." A greasy stream was( now pouring down his face and neck, and trickling down his body into his boots, ao that he wasf literally in a bath of oil. "Well, good-night* Seth," said the humorous Vermonter, "if youf will go," adding as he went out of thej door: '"I say, Seth, I reckon the fun I have had! out of you is worth ninepence, so I shan't! charge for the butter in the hat." I should like Britta to conespond with me. With beet love 4 — Yours truly,

MOTO RIMU.

[It would be an everlasting lesson to simple Seth, Moto Rimu, and I don't think he would be ever again caught taking other people's property.— DOT.] •

Dear Dot, — We have had very heavy Tain lately. On Friday we had a flood, and we wera called out of bed at 11 o'olock and had to pack up everything. The flood was up level with, the verandah. The flood has washed the roads very clean. I have bscu down at my uncle's, and I saw a lot of wild pigs. My cousin, shotl one, and it weighed 48Lb. The head had suck' lovely tusks. There are 'possums down in the bush at my uncle's place. Excuse my writing, Dot, as we havo a lot of hard lessons to learn, and if we don't know them, cur teacher says, "Come out here," and he gets his old strap. Whack! he comes down on our hands, and my word, if it doesn't sting. He can make some of U3 yell ; but he can't make rn-e cry, for I won't da it on any account. With kind and best love to all the L.F., the editor, and not forgetting dear old Dot, — Yours truly, SOMEBODY'S LADDIE.

['Somebody's Laddie is very brave^ — ou paper. I wonder what tales his schoolfellows could tell about how he takes his punishment. I expect the tears are there, even if they don't show themselves.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is now some months since I last wrote to you, so I take this opportunity of again sending a letter to the dear old page. Peace Day has come and. gone, and- before my letter appears in print Coronation Day will also have passed — two very important days within a few months of each other. I was going along the street-one dpy when I passed threo D.L.F., and as I had my badge on, thejr all- said, " D.L.F., what is your name? and a little further on another one askfed, "What do you sign yourself?'" There was a boy in here just now who said lie used to write to Dot, but he sent his letters to the editor. I have found out-sine L.F. lately, but there are still a few I should like to know. With best lo\ 0 to yourself and the editor, — Yours truly, BENETIA.

[You were fortiyiato to meet so many D.L.F. at once, Benctia. I wonder why tho boy preferred sending his letters to the editor instead! of to Dot? Surely ho did not write before Dot made her appearance? — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— l have been very much mte- < rested in your page for some timo, and I hava a school mate who writes to Dot. He is in! Standard Four, and so am I, and he sits be-. sid« me, too. Our exam, is to be in. about tt Week, and we hope to pasa. I have "been aff Dunedin once, and I think it is a> pretty big^ town. Kenningtoa is a township sue rcilesf north of Invercargill. Our teacher has leftf the district, and our new teacher is coming onf the 25th August. I have just been at school! five years, and I ant 10 years old now. We have a lady teaches at school till tho 25th. B have two brothers but no eistere. I got a !o*l of books at school and two attendance cards. We don't milk any cowe. There is a flax milk being put up here. Do you like going througlr v tunnels, Dot? I think it is grand fun. There wero a lot of little pig 3 going along tho roact to-night, and a man was driving them. Goodbyo, Dot. With love to the editor and yourself, —Yours truly,

PONTIAC.

[I should think the man would have spine trouble to get his charges to go m the vighfc direction. It is difficult enough to drive one pig, lot alone a- drove. — DOT.]

Itear Dot,— l am confined to the. house with a severe cold, which I got puddling about the wet streets on Coronation night, imd I think tho pleasantcst thing I can do ia to write a letter to your page. I an* quit© conscious thati you may not think it is the pleasantest thing, so, dear Dot, don't scruple to use the condenser if you think it necessary. Since writing my) last letter I have made tho acquaintance of our beloved Dot. Holly Hodge and I wished to got some information abont Con's auto, book, so, thinking it beat to go to headquarters, wo summoned up courage and 1 went to tho "Witness office, whero wo boldly asked for Dot. A.t first the clerk tried to put us off, but we "stuck to our guns," and in the end wero shown rrtta Dot's room. I am not going to describe Dot to you, little folk, because that woulcl be unfe.ir- but she was so pleasant and kind thaj Holly Hedge and I came away vowine otemal allegiance. Wo were shown all over the office-, and" had a pleasant afternoon. Last Monday we had a most enjoyable "Ladies Evening in connection wiih our Mutual Improvement Society The ladies managed the affair, and tho gentlemen were only supposed to bring a friead and enjoy themselves; and I think they all did both. Some of our tableaux were very eood. The greatest difficulty we had was tho dieting up as men, but with a false moustache, etc you can do wonders. "We only lequired two gentlemen in our tableaux, and we managed splendidly. In "We'd better bide a-wee, a young fellow was leaning ever an old ivycovered gate, fo wo were spared the trouble oi attending to his legs, and with a km" grey coat and soft hat our lady made a capital man. Then the old father (otherwise yours trmy)nad a white v/i- and board, and in his smoking ca»i •md chessmg gown looked truly patariarchia l . The "Three Old Maids" caused much amusement We were dressed as young maids in the front, then, as the song proceeded, we turned round and we were dressed as old maids, with false faces, at the back. It was too funny! The gentlemen of the society have their evening in a fortnight and the Iwiiea are looking forward to it with delight. Isn 6 it a pity about tho case of supposed smallpox on the Orient' I wai at the garden party last Tuesday, and the returned men looked so pleased to be back that I shouldn't tbmk thoy will care for a fortnight's camp at Tahuna Park. I saw Con. tco. on Tu^d-ay. Jossw and I went ud io the Garrison Hall to see hun. Her was busy 'ookinrr after tb-o men's luggagejust his o!d bright self. Did not Mr Button spesvk nicely about him in tho Outlook? I did not see it. but Con's mother told me about it. What a pity the weather was so bad for Coronation, wasn't it 9 The procession at night was solenddd, I thought. Now. deaf Dot, you must be about tired of my havering, so I shall stop With love to Jessie and 3'our dear self,— . Years truly,

TEEITEA. P S. — You are vicrht about my initirUs, Lucky 1 Bell. However did you find out? — T.

[Teritea is indeed fortunate. Not only hasi she seen Dot fact to face, but she has m?>b and spoken to Con. X was uwtoed a pity that the ram oarre on. but we should bo thankful . it did not start till the morning's proceedings were finished.—^OT.]

Dear Dot, — When writing my last letter I thought the next one wotVd be from Melbourne, but I was sadly disannointcd. My home is not in New Zealand, Dot; I am only, staying with, my grandmother. I was to hCS#

feone home at Christmas, but something unexpected turned up, and I had to stay where I jras. _However, I nope to have better luck next Christmas. _~To-day being rather cold, the girls who bring "their lunch to school were allowed to remain inside. When I had finished J took a, book I -wks Teading and went to the fancyWork room. I got my work and left everything .ready for the afternoon, and then I sat do-vn 10 read, feeling sure I should not be disturbed /there, as none of the girls would be coining in trntil nearly 1 o'clock to get their work ready. 31 had not been long, however, when I heard «ome one coming into the next rcom. I took jno notice at first, but after 'awhile I heard my name mentioned. I closed my book and lisJtened (not very good manners, but my^ curio■ity got the better of me). Two of the girla jw«re planning to write to you, and tuey were going to make it known that they went to the ■anio school es I attend I heard one of them ■aying, "Won't we have fun! We can be laughang~up our sleeves at her trying to find us out." She other said, "We won't get badges for »whi'e, because they would give us away, and we ■hall write on Saturday." '.'Ah, he,' I thought to myself, "I shoH write on Saturday, too, and iineteftd of you ha-ving all the fun, 1 am afraid it will be me." "Oh, I say," remarked one Of them," this is fancywork day. We had betier go and get onr v;ork re«fdy for this afteraioon." I thought my fun was done for then. 3 looked round to see where I could hide: j:o place unless I got behind the work frames, but •a I was rather big I had to give up* that idea. 11 then caught eight of the window, which was ,«pen, and I quickly took the opportunity of Slaking my escape that way. I waft just through «md no more, when I heard the handle of tfip dcor turn. But I can tell you, Dot, I Ipaid deariy for going through the ■window. One of the teachers happened to t» in the grounds, and saw me, and after my j /tiying so hard all the month not to have any '"bad marks," and succeeding until the last j *La,y, I may say I got 100 for unladylike conduct in going through a- window. For eveiy bad- mark, Sot, we lose 10 good ones, and I can tell you I had not many good ones left when they were subtracted. 1 was nearly forgetting to tell you, Dot, that the day Emmeiine got jfcer badge sne came to me and said, "Dot's a man." "How do you know?" I asked. "Oh, B. can tell by the writing on tho envelope; it's a jkcan's writing." Now, Dot, I advite you not Jto go addressing the envelopes when you are Bending away badges, or you will give yourself sway entirely. I hope Salone and Adrienne jtron't get too big a fr.ght when they see my fetter. With love to all tho D.L F," not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Youis truly,

OCEA7* WAVE

[I never do address the badges, Ocean Wave. They are kept by one of tha clerks, who kindly ■undertook to attend to this for me, and I merely hand .him the stamps and the addresses mnd he does the rest. P-erhaps this explanation of the man's hand-writing may allay Emmelino's fears. Why did you not explain •natters to the teacher, dear? Surely under the teircuin&tances you would have been excused. — POT.]

„ Dear Dot, — I can imagine I hear you say -ifhen you get this, "Good gracious! another Jitw -correspondent!" Well, Dot, it seems to pc the fashion in our school now to be writing jko you. Ocean Wave j;«vcd the way for us, iuid we are all following her example. That just reminds me that she got into a scrape the other day for going through a window. Oh, {Dot, I wish you had seen her face when sho bme into the fancywork room, to put away fcer work and to go and learn her French verb. £he was caught reading a boox after that when «he should havo been, learning her verb, ar.d Jbetween the two "she managed to get down to Jtjio foot of the class for the next month — a very /uncommon occurrence with her. For the last tlnoe months she has been top of the class, and fcifore that she always manag-ed never to get lower than fourth. When we were being heard tcEßons the other day, Dot, a knock came to the ■choolrooiu door. The teacher answered it, and jjfc prcved to be~the postman. It seems rather '{funny a, postman comiDg to a school door, jdcesn't it? She returned with a small xiarcel ■sd handed it to me. I looked at it, and wondered who it was that had sent me n parcel »nd addressed it to the school. The teacher noticed me, and she asked if 1 knew the writling.. I said no, and she told me if I want-eel "to open it I could do so. I started to undo !the string, and what do you think was in it? — kcmall doll to represent a Ohinarnan, and it had » broken leg. Jly two mates were on each side jof me. The one on the right of me kept a veiy ■erious face on her, but Adrienn-e — she was on pry left — had to pick up -a book and put it pefore her face to keep from, laughing Those jtwo young monkeys went and bought the doll, get the -woman to wrap it up, and then went and posted it. With love io Ocean Wave and >11 the other D.L.P.,— Yours truly,

" SALONE. i, [Well, I am sure they might have bought something nioro pleasant to look at than a ."Chinaman doll with a broken leg, Salone. EHowevei, I suppose-jrou all had a good laugh fcr-er it, so the joke would do no harm.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — All the hub-bub and rus'.i are past )M-ce more. Dad sent me into town on Friday Hbo do some business for lum, so I stared till Slonday, and caw all the Coronation celebrations. Before the procession st-aited I nic-t jDr Jucn doing tho gallant. He was tho only jD.L F. I met that I ki.ew. My cousin and I Btood outside tho triangle and watched the troopers being piesntcd with tbe>r medals Hnd tho flag being unfurled. Whm they started to sing "God sa\o the King," I walked Along the street singing it, and at the end cf (every line got time to s«y, "Hats of?, ' as not one of the men seemed to think they should remove their hats. However, as I kept saying "Hat's off" as I went along, they all removed Shem and looked quit© ashamed of themselves. X just managed to get myself Bqueezed on to the Kaikorai tram as the rain began to pour. Hi cousin, and I vienL down town Again al

night, and got ourselves perched on the overbridge to see the fireworks. We were almost frozen till a young man wlio was standing r.ext to me put up his umbrella, and of ccur^e we go!, the benefit of it. Tho best of the whole performance wns when tho platform caught fir* and the rockets and crackers went whizzing in all directions. We anived home about 9.30. Wo walked down to St. Andrew's Church to hear Dr Waddell on Sunday morning, and enjoyed the service very much. With best love to all, — Yoiu's trulj-,

[It was very unmannerly of the men to keep on thoix hat°, ai.d they ceitsinly deceived your rebuke. I have also heard it lemarkcd that they had apparently forgotten hovv to cheer, as the cheering, though eve-j body v;js enthusiastic and pleased otherwise, was \ cry weak.— DOT.t

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about an expedition we started out on. It was last Wednesday morning, and a beautiful morning it was; the sun was shining J>rightly, and we were all ready for a day's ramble. Three girls and myself mci, at the beach, and front there we walked to St Clair, and then the way by which is coiled the second beach. Then ■we climbed up the Hairow, slippery path which runs along the very edge of the precipice. By the tiino we got there, we were very tired and nearly blown to pieces, so w.9 climbed inside the fence and Tested. While doing this, we had a most delightful view of Dunedin, much to our satisfaction. However, on wo started again, and our next stopping place was the Cliffs, in which we took great interest. After having walked nil round thorn, on the left side we found foals stone steps, so we sat down and had a, little lunch. We then started off for the Caves, for it vas to sec them we had come out. So on we went till we came to a beautiful rock which stood high above the water. It was of a pala yellow colour, which made it look al! the prettier. As we wont on we saw lots of cows in the- paddocl:6, but, coward-like, wo kept as far away from them as possible, climbing over fence after fence, and never stopping to think whether it was private property or not. At last ive came to a little house. The thought that crossed our minds was "this kou&e is haunted," and after having a look all round, we started on our journey once more. We saw a cottage far away in tho distance, co we thought we would ca'l there and ask how far it was to the C?ves, but when wo got within 500 yds of the house a deg came rushing towards us, so we turned back. However, the good lady saw us, and she cpme out and tied up the dog, and then we proceeded, and found from, the information she g-ave us that we had come three miles past our ('e c tmation. We were, of couise. quite bewildered. However, we had to make the befct of it , so, aftci thanking the lp.dy. we took oiir departure and stexted back on the way we came. As we were goiiig back tho cows were being taken homo to be milked, co we had to be ve'y cautious to keep out of their way. We were -.\alkirg wearily along when we sighted two men making towards tho -water with a large bag, and we lcariiFcl later on that thf-y were going to the caves to catch crayfish, but it was rather late for us to go down then, so we trudged on towards the Cliffs again, and sat down on the step 3 and had a. little more lunch, and tidied ourselves a bit, and then we carved our names in the old wooden railing outside the Chffs. On leaving, we thought -v\e would take a short cut, so we cut across the paddocks, and when we got very near the end we saw a signboard. Wo daited over to see what was on it, and, much to our surprise, we found that we had no right thc-re, bo we made haste to get out as quicklj* as possible. Once again v c got back to St. Clair, and sat down on the rocks and rc-sted, and talked about where we had been, and then we started for home, and were overtaken on the wuy by a hospitable lady, who invited us in to tea. Of this we were very glad, for we had not had a drink since we left home m the morning. This .ii^ht repast was made up of tea and hot pike-lets, so you can guess that the gocd lady had very little left by the time we had finished. This is all I have to" tell you about just now.— Yours truly,

[What capital walkers you and your mates must be, May. You leally deserved better luck in \-our search for the Caves, but no do\ibt you will try again when the dais lengthen a. bit and tho sun bpgms to strengthen, and then you. will know exactly where to turn off. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,- I am going to tell tou how I spc:t Coronation Day. I asked eight girls who ■were not going to town to -spend the day with me, and help me to make a bonfire on a hill which could bs seen from some of tho higher parts of Dunedm, and also from the township. As j'ou know, Saturday morning was veiy dull, and about half-past 1 it began to lain. However, about 2 o'clock five of my fr.ends made their appearance, but it was raining so hard that -we were glad to .seek shelter in tho house and p!ay games. Latei on in the afternoon the rain ceased a whilp, po we set oft foi the hill, laden with dry macrocaipa branches When we reached the top, wo started to build our heap o.i a large clump ol gooseberry bushes. As it ■was very cold, j - ou maj dapend we got a move on,#and were not long in building the object of cur desire?. Towards evening mv father sledptd °ome more branches up on to the hill. Wnen that lead wad put on top cf oiu heap it was a good mzc, so we put some logs and stamps on the top, aiid came dov,-n fcr tea. After tea we played games until & o'c'ock, when we started for the hill, this timo Ir len with cry dry stun* and stiaw to light our fne But v o were doomed to disappointment, for jn-t .■-> we got oat of the shelter of the hccLes, clcwn came the a'cet with such vio'enrn t'i,it we were forced to retire to the house till the storm went over In a Little while it v.as clear again, so we started once more, and this time reached the hi!!. After the fire was lighted itwas not long till it was blazing fu i "'ous'y, for it was hiowiiic veri hard. Wheu tUu fire v.as

fa.'rly str.ried, v. c sang "Ootl save, the Kirg " anJl gave thre^ cheers. When it burn-ed down, we came down home, and my friends soon departed, and I went to bed. So ended Coronation Day. With love to all, not forgetting jourself and the editor,— Yours truly.

STAR QU£EX\

[What a piH- it wns not Monday nisrhfc infcttarl of Saturday, Star Queui. Bet-ween the wind and the slpe-t ar.d the damp ground, I am afraid th." enjoyment ol yoi.r bonfire v.ouW be pretty well spoilt. — DO'l.]

Dear Dot, — We have to study very hard at our lessons these days, as the examination is quite ma., ajid everyone is waitirg- patiently for it to come. I am in the Sixth Standard, and am tiyi.ig to pass into the Se'-vntli this year. Mr X. recently chose the best singers out of the Oamaru schools for an operawhich was to be gn'en at Coronation time, but owing to his seveie illness he hae- not been able to return. I think tie will very likely have it when he has recovered. My brother and I went to a social the other night, and enjoyed ourselves to tho utmost. Everyone danced »nd enjoyed themselves immensely. Some even sang whether they could or not. A school mate and I had a gam: o." ping-pong, and I, of course, -nas the -winner. We rri timed home at 1 o'clock in the morning. Tt was quite dark and lonely, and I felt frightened until I reached home. Dear Dot, I aui sorry I have not more to say this time, bxit I hope this letter will not be put into the mincing mach ire that I hear the D.L.F. speaking about, as it is my first one. With love to the editor and all tha D.L.F., not forgetting jourself, Dot, — Youis truly,

LOVEDALE.

[It was a great pity your singing teacher «hcu!d be taken ill, Love-dele, and I hope he is getting quite strong again, and that he will be able to take up your tiaining once more Why "of course" ? Are you the champion ping-pong player among j - our acquaintances ? — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is a long time since I wrote to you , there seems so little to write about. I cannct write abuut the scenery. There is nothing but hiH, tussock, and stream, stream, tussock, and hill. I went to the fanciers' show in Napeby, and I liked it very much. There were farm produce, poultry, dogs, cats, and birds, and then there were bread, pastry, and confectionery. The' ladies had fancy woik and painting, and the children wood-carving and letter-writing. But I hked the fcircU besk— the pretty little ring doves .ird white fantails and the parrot tha-t said "Good-bye." I went to the nearest township on Saturday to celebrate the Coronation. They wore playing Boer warfare, and capturing Cronje's laager. We were having good fun, but it staited to snow, and we had to make for home. I have a cousin m the Tenth Contingent, suid we are expecting him home. I hope he will fare better than the boys who came home in the Britannic. Poor fellow a, the\ seem to have had a lot of sickness. With love to you and the editor^, — Yours truly,

BLUECAP

[Well, you see, Bluecap, you found something to write about, notwithstanding tho monotony of the sceneiv. Most people dread starting to write, thinking tht-v ought to be able to see everything clear before them before they eit down, but that is it mistake — lots of ideas come to you once you make a. beginning. —DOT ]

Dear Dot, — We arc- now getting the lovely spring, and everything will soon be growing fast, not heeding the chilly, dark winter for another long six months. But, dear Dot, doss not the time fly past quick' Those long six months I spoke of will seem very short when we look back upon them. But look to the future, not to the past. We are really enjoying most beautiful weather. Ploughing is m full swing, and also rabbit-poisoning. On the lbt of August we were going to hay c an opening of tho Quadrille Assembly, but the rain came down in tonents, and there were floods galore, and this, of course, put a- stop to our beautiful ball, which, sad fate, was postponed for a fortnight. There will be no end to dancing for awhile now. Soon the time will be here when the fruit trees, etc., will be laden with their beautiful snow-white blossoms, and what a pretty picture they will present. I am beginning to chtw the end off my pen now for want of news. You wr>n't condense my fust attempt, will you, Dot? I will give you all my love if that will help any.— Youre truly, SIR WILLIAM' HAWKE.

[I am afraid it would not be much good, Sir Wil'iam, unless there was something- to back it up. The quaintness of some of jour observation a wunants your letter appealing intact. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Since I last, wrote to yon I have changed my placo of abode. I am now living in the country, in the land of mud and water — "far from the madding ciowd's ignoble strife." Yon will not know what mud is like down at Dunediu, but it is nothii g new to go outside up here and come back minus your bootg, having left them, in the mud. The other right five of us started out over mud, vat or, and fences to \-is:t friends. Dear Dot, have you c-vor had to chmb o< cr barb-wire fences and tramp o\ cr ploughed p*ditocks? We eot there all ncht, and had a geixl game of ''Dorkey," j'.d ym Hisy be sure I was made donkey. After hawng some games and un^u^ing ourse!> es in var.ous noj=, v. c started home ag&in, pad I can teli you v ■ had a rough time of it. One of our party had a 'astern, r.iid coming pa=t a great, pool cf v. alci ihcy covered the light up -o that one- of iiv fiie-rds anJ I (v ho were :>i th T<<<fi) <-h uV .lot *?e the water 1 can tell 'ci; v. *■ d '1 not °co it, e:theT, fcr wo «e r t riL'ht i" to it Icdn't tho others laugh up ti.pir "-loccs D< iir Cosmos, are not your inita =5 Ma > At" th» II .h School les^oiis po haid tiidt %ou c a, i,i t h-'i tme to v. rite to the page Mrj < '' i> ; 1. '\ Jtnl,,n, ai ■ not jour mi.!,.-.-. MI, ' T t 1 i' '< 1 hare found nut s«-\oi;lI niCi.. l.v 1 Ju i.e. \ .\^v to li~\ l too

much nrivate talk. With love to yourself and all the D.L.F.,— Yours truly,

GEROME

[TLey talk about "real jam," Gerome, but that is certainly real mud. It was bad enough without your companions piaj'ing that shabby trick off on you. They should remember the golcleu mi' p. "Do unto others as you would that they should do io you."— DOT.j

Dear Dot, — We are having some fine weather up bero just- now. The sun is shining beautifully every clay. I am going to tell you how the people of Ch'de spent their Coronation. The first performance- was at 9 a.m., when ail ths flogs wfro hoisted and the bells rung. At 10 a.m. the Rifle Club fired a feu-dc-joie in front of tha Town Hall. At 4.30 p.m. all the children adjourned to the Town Hail, where various amusen^onts were provided. At half-past 7 they had a torchlight procession, and most of the people were in fancy dresses. They started from the Town Hall, and went down Sundcrland street, thence down Coquet street, up Longstone street, then up Sundcrland street to the starting point, the hall, where a Eocial was held. At half-past 8 ths people wert up the hill with a. box of fheworks of every description. At 9 o'clock the fireworks v.-ere going off like anything, and they were very beautiful, and everybody'm tho town aciinired them very much. Deax Dot, the river up here is very low now — tho lowest it has ever been for a good many years. The dredges have started to get good returns now while the river is so low, and I hope tLey will continue on like that for some time, because it makes the town lively. It will 6oon be getting spring now, for the trees aae beginning to bud. The Foresters' ball is to be on the 29th of this month, and the children a.re anxious for it to come, so that th-e-y may hifre a good dance, and a good rocal with plenty to eat and drink. The train will soon be here now, Dot, for they ore getting nearer and neater every week. With love to all the little folk, the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly,

A CLYDEITE

[I am afraid the railway will not be at Clyde for some time yet, Clydeite, for there are considerable difficulties' to overcome before Alexandra will be reached. However, let us all live in hope that more energy will be shown than has hitherto been the case. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is over a year sine? I last wrote to you. My father was down in Dunedin in the supposed Coronation time. He wcrft to see the Witness office, and he got his name done in tj-pa metal by a linotype operator. He saw a. lady looking out of a doorway, add he thought it was you. The present he brought my brother and me was an animal puzzle box. To-day (Coro/intioai Daj 7 ) four of Uo went to the top of a hill which was very high. We rolled down rocks, and they jumped and went for neaxly half a mile. I also saw some beautiful falls we have up here. It i«s a wild bush track into them, and four of us got into a burnt-down hollow while pine tree. We came back well pleased v/itR our day's snorts, and then we had lunch. We tbft started for home, a distance of 10 miles. Another party burnt down that tree to get honey out of it. Sometimes the Dunedin people go to see the falls when they ar" heie in summer at the home station. It i& grand when they are up here, because we have a Christmas tree. My brother has s, little bantam, and it has laid 15 eggs, and I get about two dozen and a-ha!f hen.s' eggs every night. I am going to stay at homo and help father to thresh. We do it with a little mill of our own, wluch is about 40 years old. Love to D.L.F. and yourself, — Yours truij',

[Why, I suppose ycu have to take a basket out with you to bring in all those eggs, Laly. That is an ancient mill; great care mu=t have been taken of it.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We live on a farm in Westralia. We had a bush fire here la=t iiiaimei. The com de plume I have celopted is the name of onr farm. I have two siaters, Ruby aj*d Alice; Ruby is 13 years old, while Alice is $ix, and I am 11. My name is Effie, and my birthday will be on the 30th of August. Alice's will be on the 26th. Ruby has 1 had the typhoid fevei, and to have I. Dear Dot, I want a badge very much , would W. A. stamps do? If 60, I shall send some next time I write. I like to see what the cats in the Dot's page cay. I have often sat down to write to you, but only got as far us the heading, and that is all. I have not been to school this winter, because it is too wet. Ruby and I Used to walk to Werribec — that is two miles from here — and then we went eight miles in the train to Baker's Hill, whcie the school is. I went to Perth to see the .Duke and Duchess. Perth is not far from here — Yours truly,

ROSEBTIOOK,

[Australian stamps are a little awkward, as we have to serd thorn back to Australia, to get them changed. However, I suppose there is no other way for you to get the lv.dgc, so if you sei.d the stamps one viiii be foi warded to you.— DOT.]

Depr Dot,— On Saturday, Coronation Day, I rose early to be prepaud to parade the streets at ID o'clock, at which time the procession v, as to start. At 0 o'clo-k I was ready to go up town. A few yards up the street I met a D.L.F. girl, v.-ho told me her ncra de plume was Coo'cnia.. We exchanged autos, and I passed on my waj*. I walked o.i to Rattray £t T cct, a: d after the procession passed, I cut clown i'attray street ai.J uriuted for it to come round again. When it came past me again it Flopped, and all at once I was in conversation with the Maoris, in wLom I was much interested. After chatting vith them a while, I wont to tLe Triangle, where I ea-v/ Red Ca-p, but U'ifoitu lately I was unable to get out of the c\ish After i! ipfeches were over, it was diunei t.nie, so I uer.t home and had my dinner Af'.cr dinnoi I ttcnt to the foo'ball v- ' » * Lai it v. -a ra._u::g uc>r'i &U

the time, so I caiae cut at hail- time. . i tije evcuiug I went up town to see the illum.uations, and I thought the Witness and Tekgraph offices were the best. After all was over, I 6et out for home, thoroughly wet and tircl after the day's outing. With best love to A.0.E., Green Linnet, and, of course, yourself, Dot, and the editor and all the L.F., — Yours tiuly,

KTJRI-ITE

[I sincerely wish you had been able to write "tired and happy instead of "wet and tired," Euri-ite. However, it was batter that it should rain m the afternoon than in the forenoon, wasn't it?— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Country Cousins and other D.L.F. in Romahapi, are nearly crazy to find out who Little Dodger is, but ha, ha! I have dodged thorn nicely. Did you see the procession on Coronation Day, Dot? I did not go anywhere, as it was so wet. I saw some volunteers going to Balclutha, where there was to be a procession and a. sham fight; but the weather was so bad that tho sham fight did not come off. Our readings are to be on, Thursday night. If I go I shall tell you all about them when I write again. The farmers arc very busy ploughing just now, for it will soon be time to sow the seed. Dear Dot, ia not the spring time nice, when the grass begins to grow and the fields lcok green again. With love to all D.L.F., including Country Cousins and Little Madcap, and a good share to yourself,— X ours truly.

LITTLE DODGER

[So, Little Dodger, you are true to your name, and carefully hiding all traces of your identity from yonr schoolmates. I shall bo quite interested to .see how long you can "dodge" them, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Coronation Day was a. great dieappointment here. It rained from 7 in tho morning till 12 o'clock at night without a breok. Th?y had! the fireworks on Monday njght. Tho school teacher ia leaving h;re scon, end going to tho Edendule school. We have a temporary teacher, who will stay till the committea can get a permanent one. The Orepuki Shale works are closed down again. They say it ia for good this time. The sea. has been pretty rough here lately. The fishing bouts were out three days lost week, but they did not get many fish, a3 the sea had been very rough a few days before. . Our hen 3 are beginning to lay at last. Eggs are Is 4d per dozen.— Yonra truly,

ISTEW ZEALANDER.

[It is a, great pity ahout the shale works, New Zealander, but I hope the rumour that tho works axe to shut dr>,vn permanently is not ccrrect. It vrould be a great blow to Orepuki, and, iudc-ipd, to ail OUgo and Southlaad. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Since I laat wrote I havo changed my quarters to Southland, and I find it a very wet climate. We get very litUe suit, and the mud never gets a chance to dry up. The other day I was going along the road when a mart called out, "Hullo! you will get bogged there; I'll lend you my gumboots." But I got home all right without them. The roads are in an awful state. But the days are getting longer now, bo they will have a chance of drying up. It rained all day her^ on August 9, bo the Coronation celebrations were spoiled. They did not make such preparations in town as they did the first time. lam staying with my cousin, who lives near the bush, and I havo hoard the mopoke calling out nearly every night lately. It has such a weird cry. I like the bush in the summer. It is so nice to wander through it and gather ferns and flowers. I am very fond of reading, and have got "Uncle Tom's Cabin ' to read just now. My cousin ha-3 a little boy just two years old, and he keeps us amused with his funny little sayings and ways. He likes to sco Dot's pussy pictures at the heading of tho page. 1 should like to exchange autos with Rogue and Camellia. My cousin, Mrs R., knew them at I. C. If addressed, "Lady laobel, Myross Bush," tho letters will reach me. With love to the D.L.F. and Dj>t, — Yours truly,

LADY ISOBEL,

[Anothei month will make all the difference in the world with those boggy roads, Lady Isabel. 'Ihe ground will be getbng some heafc in it by that tune, then they will dry up in no time- -DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I got a letter from- one of my cousins a while ago, and was surprised when she said she wrote to you and signed herself Molly Mine. What beautiful weather -wo have been, having lately. Since the big flood! a while ago, we have had scarcely any rough veather. Have you seen any of those, ciiculara from Paris, wanting you to send your photo to get a crayon enlargement? I know a lady who -was going to send one, and two or three nights after there was a piece in the paper about it being a fraud. I do not know why such people are not punished. I wonder if Cipsy Nell would exchange autoa with me. Dear Dot, what is the next book the L-.F. lire going to give their opinions on? With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,— Yours trulj-, TUREKA.

[Yes, Ttiueka., I hav.e (seen" the oircular. Anyone might know that no firm would do tyi enlargement without payment, even by way of advertisement. As soon as the photo ia done, they write and demand pay for a frame. The post'omc-e should have power to stop all zuch circulars as these in the interests of the people.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Here I am again, toning txp liko a. bad penny. The Coronation has passed at last. On Sa-turd-ay tho children of the public schools marched to the park to -take part in. the school procession. At 11 o'clock the procession moved off, headed by the Garrison Band. After the procession v.-a 3 over the foundation stone of the Fallen Troopers' Memorial waa Lad, v iderneath which waa put a bottle containing a Coronation medal, a Kxuger sixL'r.'oe, aivl a copy of the different papers 0| tkt dis'-nct. When Iv lx v.oa oiac tha vflllUJp

teera and cadets fell in and took part in the military procession. They marched up and down the principal streets, and after some time the medals were presented to the returned troopers. The trades' procession was a very interesting one, but -when' it was nearly over the r-ain came on. very heavily, and spoilt ever3*thing. If I don't bring this scribble to % close 'Mr Editor will be after me. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, NOTHING.

[CSuld net be much less, I am sure, and apparently Nothing has no name or addre&s, for "it" certainly did not enclose either, one or the other, notwithstanding the rule that both shall be given. — DOT.]

. Dear Dot,— l promised to write an interesting letter this time, so I suppose it is just as well to tell you about a funny thing that iia-ppened the other night. It was very dark, and not a breath of wind stirred the leufless trees. After we had all pone to bed, we heard an awful noise, and the house shook, wiadowa rattled, trees creaked, and tubs and dishes flew all ever the show. It only lasted about five minutcg. Outside the door was a ferret box with a tame ferret in. When we got up we could find no trace of Jackie (ferret). We liunted high and low, but a,ll m vain. When we were about to give up, I thought I spied something owr a sod fence about 3ft high. There was the box, sure enough, upside down. Wo all expected to see poor Jackio dead ; but Mo, there he was inside, none the worse for lus ride over the fence. We werq all very eiad, and took care to put him m a, sater place next time. I must bring my letter to a close with lova to you and tho little folk — lours truly,

JOE FONG

[You have left a good deal to the imagination, Joe F., but I presume it was a ema.ll cjcloae that struck your abode and turned things upside down generally. However, as Jackie was none the worse for his experience, ■I suppose there wa9 not. much harm done.

' i 3 ?*^, Dot> ~ 1 wa3 afc a ball last nl 'sH «* winch there were about 60 persons present. I saw tkree D.L.F. I enjoyed myself veiy much, though I got my toag tralnprd on pretty often. I got home about 4 o'clock in tho morning, tired out, as you may guess. I did not tako long in tumbling into bed, ana I slept in pretty lata tho ji*xt morning, for I was sorry to leave blankc-i bay-. Now, I must tall you boniething -about my trip to Invercaxgill on th-a 26th of June, ily sister and I went down for a few days, and I enjoyed myself very much. I had tho pleasure of speaking to Pansy. I did not see many D.L.F. though I caw one on the Riverton station. The decorations wore just started. The main streets wer« decorated, ajid they had just started to decorate tho hospital. The prisoners were doing that, for there was- to bo a promenade and a baud concert on. Monday (30th). I saw tho seren sheep and bullock roaeted, and I also saw the Maoris do several dances. Th«, 4 mght I went to tho combined religious service, and after it was over I stayed to hear Mrs Harrison Lee give her lecture on temperance. I met American. Heirees the other day, and we went for a long walk. I think the piece of poetry that Jessica wrote la very nice. With. lovo to the D.L.F. and tho editor, not forgetting youreeif, — Yours truly,

HARVESTER,

[You evidently made the most of your time in Invercargill, Harvester, and apparently enjoyed youiself in a ouiet sort of way.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is over a year since I last trrote to you. We hav<» haJ some very wet ■weatheß lately, but I thii>k it has settled now. The spring flowers are beginning to come out. Wo have had violets nil tha winter. I was very sorry to see by the paper that Con had been wounded again. I think ho will appreciate tho auto book more than a_ N c_qst!y pre.cent. Since last writing to you, ruy graaid-fath-or baa died. He was in hia eightieth, year. About a couple of months afterwards, one of my uncles and a cousin passed away. Pingpong sesms to be all the crazo, but I have never played it yet. I intend to have a try some time, aa a friend of mine has got a set. I should like to exchange autos with Cecily, Sign a, Miss Prim, and Ruat<ura. Are you coming to the BUesmere show with your father, Cecily? I think he is ono of tho judges in cattle. With lov« to all the D.L.F., n-ot forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours tiuly,

TROUBLED HOUSEWIFE

[What, still a troubled housewife after a year's silence > Why, I should think you ■would be so used to things now that they vould be no trouble to you, deal.— DOT.]

LETTERS CONDENSED

Bella, has a grey cat and tv.o black puppies. "The cold weather will goon be over now, and the nice, sweet flowera will bo out once more. Dear Dot, do you like flowers 9 1 do. Our enowdropa and violets are out v bloom. 1 '

Fatima. would like Troublesome, Far Fiom My Horns, and Another Little One to exchaug-e autos with her. "Plump i<* away from here just now, and she tells me in her letters that there are several D.L F. where she is staying. My brother is away with the Tenth Conticgent, and I hope he will coon bo back agairt. Dear liucinda, please accept my sympathy in your sad bereavement. "Wasn't that a dreadful ijii>i<ng accident over in New South Wales, Dot/ What «n awful lot of lives were lost in it. '

JJADY Isabel passed at the late examination. " I like reading the little folk's letter?, as they are very interesting — some of them. We are iu.ving very gocd weather just now."

Pat MtTHPHY says he is only six years old, tut I should have thought he was much: moio from hia writing. "Lochingar cays she is very fond of babies, but I can't say I am. I was down in Duaedin with mother, and I liked jny trip very much. We were at the Maori JCftraivaL ami we liked it *11 right. It ia* hew;-

e\ or, very tiresome in the train when one is not \i&ed to it." Aihdale is not discouraged because her two last letters were in the condensed column. "After a while my letters will be more interesting and longer, r>nd they will not always bo put m there. A good many children who write to you go to the school that I attend; but if they have badges (of course I do not kr.ow) they never wear them when they go to school." J Hazel II finds writing very tiresome. "This is a very pretty place in summer, but it is very dreary just now. The people here are giving Corporal Harvey a welcome home on tho 15th" of this month."' (< Toots tails me all about the Taieri River. i "I suppo-e you have not bten to Taien Beach for a holiday? It is a very niccs i_>loce, and there is plenty of bush there, and you can get plenty of feuis and go for picnics alo;ig to the ro:k^ or other pretty places. There are many interesting and pretty place* on the river, such as Jotei Bull's Gully, the Maori Leap, the Governor's Chimney, etc." Ttbdy tells mo that their school teacher is going away to Bald HiU Flat, and the children sue very sorry. "The flag at our school was hoisted on Saturday, Coronation. Day. Of cour&o the school children h.id to sing" 'God cave the King', but it was wet, and there were not many there, and don't you think it was a pity?" Dumpy DoLty enjoyed her-elf on Coionation Day, notwithstanding the rpin. "I caw ,' a lot of D.L.F.. among them being New Chum and hej- sister Rum, Mimosa and B&llybym." Mignonette— I think she must be the third or fourth of the name — is having her mid!- ! winter hohdavs at present. "We had cmexamination a, few days ago, and all the- school children passed except two. Dob, have you ever pWed ping-pong? We all play up here, and think it a fine game, especially if one is cold and requires o, warming." Quefn' of thb Flat hopes she will pass into the Second Standard at the coming examina- | tion. "My cousin has baen stopping with us I for two weeks. I have nine oousms writing r to you, Dot." ° 1 Civroni was at a social the other night, and passed a moat enjoyable tune, with songs music, and dancing. "The other day I saw a boy wearing- a badge and riding a bJce. I have not got a bad^e, but I took courage and called out to him 'Hullo, D.L.F.' I got a surprise, for he lumped off his bike ard camo and asked me if I were a. D.L.F. T gavo him no satisfaction, and -would rot toll him. my uom dr> plum«, nor would he toll me his. He teased me for a while, and said. 'I don't believe you write to Drft at all,' so I said, 'Ask Florodora. my uom do plume. He then wanted to know who Fiorodora. -was. but I only told him, that eh<? was a little. Ir.sh girl with a turued-up no3e. He said he didn't believe it, especially when I &aid she was nine years old," for liethought by Florodora's letters she must be a littlo older." Sii.vkby Eye tells me of the cslebra-tions of Coronation Day where sho lives. "First it was blowing very haid. and then it rained a, little; but not much. All the school children, mat at the school at 2 o'clock this afternoon, and w* sill got Coronation rnedolq and two cards each, and then we all had lunch. Afterwords we had a game arid went home." Doli.ie supposes Dot never rode a. horse. "It is my chief a inurement-, and it is Al fun. I am goin-? for a ride to-morrow to church. It is four miles from here, to Blacks. Did you ever hare a. gobbler chasing you? Wo have ova which ha 3 lately taken to chasing mo, aad it make 3 in© make quick tracks ficruetime3." Gi.TStf Iris he.ars a few littLe folk grumbling aU>ut the condensed column. " But I tell them that if they perßevere they are sure to ■writ© good letter* xn tim&. What miserable weather we are having lately -d is quite cold now. I havo a littlo p&fc kitten; it is a tortoiseshell one, and I am very fond of it. I was away for a holiday a few weeks ago,

and I had coma grand fun." Bill Adams has not written since the days ■when writers signed their pioper names and osked for names for their pets. "We wero all in sit the Coronation yesterday, and the trades' procession was splendid. One giocer had an mutation brick house on wheels, which vita decorated, and in l't were tlnee l>akers who threw out loavcu, aad buns which th-ey h?d just baked. Tiiere was an old clown on a horse without a =addlo, but a cover instead. He h*d on a great high cellar on which was written, 'Bot fly piotector, 1 and on his hat 'Joe Chamberlain,' so everybody -was calling out, 'Look out, Joe, here are the bots!' " Ghee.v Shrub did not go to the Coronation this tune, as she was disappointed last tinie. She has been writing for five years, but has a long time to go yet. Onion h»3 a calf, and she wants to know if I can. give her a name for it. Now, unfortunately, I have stopped giving names, but why can't she get one from among the numerous D.L.F. rows de plume 9 I am sure there are names of every kind in our column, and if anyone cannot be suited she must be very hard to please.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS Doily— .W nuto for CoYs auto l.cok comprises the i om d<"- plume, proper name and address a:id b.rtbdav of the in addition to which a feu. -line verse, either original or selected, baa to be ■nritteu on it. Ri/i \. —Yes, dear, that will do nicely. Tery shortly, I hope, so you had better not delay in sending m the auto. Fiobodora. — I had omitted the private talk, dear, so that theie is no need for the coirection. Glory — How gcoj of you to join v.-itb us once more, especially when you live so far off as at "Waipukurau. I am co glad you still kcej) m. touch with. our. S9.^e A even

though, you have outgrown the age for corresponding. It is always a pleasure for me to near from any of our old writers. Airdale. — There i 3 really no set form for an auto. I suppose it is for Con's auto book. If so, you can put a,t top, "To Comrade Con," then name and address, and when born, followed by "D.L.F. nom As plume.

Airdale." and a four-lino verse of poetry. The luie3 you quote will do if you cannot

find anything more suitable. Zr.A.L.l.'.. — No, dear, I don't see ary occasion for it; there is all the difference m the world

b&tween. the two c*ses. Clydeite.— Of course, but I sm ahaid it will

ba some time before there aie enough in. Avesna.— Lees street. Fka Diatoi,o. — Ye?, your surmise is quite conoct. I think your suggestion a veiy goqd one, but it would lako wp far more than a page. I am 2iot sure about the prize, for it, would b3 very difficult to single

one out f:om so many of equal merit,

shall give the mattei some cons lde ration before deciding. Ita. — Yes dear, but 3cnd it as soon as poss.l)le.

NEW RIDDLES. By Auda'.e — What makes a good wife?

ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S RIDDLES

By Grota ll— 1, Kittens; 2, gvee.i. By Alpine Princess •— (1) The man who had the largest head, (2) his foot; (3) a, pack of caids.