LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2529, 3 September 1902, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

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

for oui selves.

Dear Dot, — Once more the bustle and excitement of the British Empire have ended, or nearly so. Peace has been declared, and the Coronation is over. Well, Dot, when peace ■was declared it was not known up here till the following Saturday, but nevertheless the new 3 was hailed with delight when known. Hsiein also lies the real difficulty of writing a letter, lor being so far awoy fioni civilisation and having nothing particular to write abouf, you have merely to choose your own subject. I shall venture a description of a recent night's duck-shooting, which may prove interesting. As it was early, about 6 o'clock, and all work being done. it was thought a walk down the deep, partially-wooded gorge of one of the before-described rivers on a duck hunt would be a capital way of killing time. It is one of those clear, moonlight nights, not a breath of -wind and not a cloud to be seen on tbe wide expanse of sky overhead. It is freezing hard, but that only adds grandeur to the scene, for the ground giittc-rs as though cowed with countless gems. Through the fust patch of scrub, thiowiug a-ero^s the track its dark shadows intermingled with light, and ones more into the opor. g: andcur ot tho gorge, presently two ducks appear on th^ water. Crack! What a row! Never before did the Stevens .22 calibre rifle seem to crack so loud. Ducks flew up all along the stream, and the vibrations echoed and re-echoed among the Hills, and, finally dying away, left everything as quiet as before. But a. place, no matter bow remote, is never five minutes in perfect stillness. A series -of dull thuds, which is bunny's way of warning hi 3 mates of approaching danger, and far away at Gull Island tho screaming of the seagulls floats along on the sUll.air. But to pursue our course. The track leads along the edge of a swamp, and half of H is traversed when there is a commotion among the rushes at our feet, and something flies away, at the same time uttering a loud hoarse croak. Only a bittern — and — cr — we shall suppose that it got the biggest fright. On again, and a few minutes more brings us out of tho gorge into the open, and at the mouth of the river. Never Vjefore did the Molyneux from this point seem so beautiful, whilo the country round sems hidden by a mis Hike haze. Here and there scrub and cabbsgc trees, which appear like so many white phantoms, raise their glittering foliage in tho moonlight. Suddenly in the midst of your reverie something white appears round the bei d on the river. Nearer and nearer it conies, and a teagull floats past, evidently enjoying a rather 3ate supper. A fine shot, to be sure, but no, there will be no- shot, and so it glides away undisturbed. But the moon, as it rise higher, casts its lurid light over the snow clad langes, causing the snow to reflect its uys as though a large mirror had been placed there for the purpose of so doing. Hullo, another unpleasant start! The Mustella Vulgans has deemed it necessary to hold a council in tho piled-up debris behind your ear, and presently thero is a shot tnat cuts their meeting short, perhaps for ever, perhaps only io be renewed the next time they meet. But by this time it is 10 o'clock, bo taking a. short cut, another half-hour brings us to our destination, minus any ducks, but thoroughly satisfied with tho -ftufeas. With lflve to fist aatl tsofistiikj. {9

all little folk who have to be sympathised with, — Yours truly,

ECCLEFECHAN.

[You are very liberal with your sjnipathy, Ecclefechan, a3 we all have some little grievance which we think a very big one, and therefore worthy oi the deepest sympathy. However, thank you for your very pleasant description of your outing, which I hope will not be the last one we shall get an account of from your pen. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about the school children's Coronation procession on Saturday last. After the distribution of medals at the various schools, the children were marched to T. Park, and drawn up in line, headed by the Garrison Band. At 11.15 they marched off, the Garrison Band still leading. Then came the High School Cadets, then the cadets of all the schools, then the girls of all the schools. They marched on to T. street, and went as far as tha post office, wheeled about, and inarched northwards to meet the country schools at R. street. Then they marohed back to where tko foundation stone was to bo laid. Crowds of people thronged the ptreet, but the vicinity of the stone was scon made clear for the school children, who wero the most important at that time. Then came the laying of tho stone, which was done by two country school children, and two town school children, with the help of the councillors. After this -was accomplished the- mayor and several other gentlemen gave speeches, which were listened to attentively by the eager and happy childrr-n. After all the speeches were over, tho children were dismissed for lunch. After lunch the trades' procession started. It was very nice, with carts and lorne3 decked in various styles. There were also numbers of clowns, who acted their parts capitally. I like Teading Harry's letters, which ah) \ery interesting. Although I do not know Harry, I know the boy he has named Chiffcuttai" — a good name for him, for he i-> a terrible tease yoxi, Jimmy?) With 10-.c to Boadiceu, Averna, and Show, not forgetting your own dear self,— Yours truly,

KHAKI.

[You did not say what the stamps were for, Khaki, but 1 suppose thoy were meant for a badge, po one hp.3 been sent to you, and you v.-ill°no doubt have received it ere this.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I have just returned from a visit to Heatty Las&ie's place. Hearty Lassie is one of my be=it friends, and w-o are always together. I sea that Woodland Lassie II refuses to give up the name; well, in return. I refuse to put the "II" after my norn de plume; but if she is willing she can put "II" after her liam-e. I see Currant Duff gave an account of tho picnickirg expedition, end as I was one of the party I felt a. bit of pleasure at the r-ebuke he received from you. Anyhow, as we had a good time, I don't n"ed to caro about his escape. I uni3fc tell you about a ride I once had. Well, my couaiu was going to catch the pony, and nothing would suit him but that Wilful Lassie and I should get on together. At lsst I consented, and we both mounted the fiery steed. No sooner had wo mounted, when he," like all bays, started the horse off at a pretty smart trot. Of course we yelled, but it was no use. There »vas no saddle- on the pony, and Wilful Lassip. who was m front, rocked about like a bog cf carrots, and nearly knocked me off. When my cousin saw this he condescended to stop trie horse, and we dismounted, much to my relief. With love to Lazy JRi°er, Hearty Lassie, Echo, and yourself, — Yours truly,

WOODLAND LASSIE

[That was anything bufc a pleasant ride, Woodland 'Lassie, so I don't wonder you were glnd to get off tho horse.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, -On Coronation Day it began to rain in the morning about 9 o'clock, but bofore long it was> snowing its very hardest, and it kept on pretty well all day. It did clear up a bit about 4, and wo started off to drive four inile3 on the top of a lo.td of chaff, but some of the party preferred walking, as they were warmer, ar.-d of course they were in it k'.ce-dcop, br.t when wr- got to the township we weie all vi^ht. We had a nice cup of tea uik! a goo-i w.trm, and then indulged m daiic1 until 11 o'clock, whan we all got into tho waggonette to come home. Then the fun commenced. Wuat with tho snow and the cold wo were all half-crying, except our driver, and he did let out fciie fearful yells. I am sure if there had been a gra\ eyard near tbe d-ead would have all wakened up. I have not been able to read the paper this week yet, as I have been bod with inflammation in my eyes. Is it not a great pity that so many of the returned troopers have l>oen so ill just on reaching home? With love tc all, — Yours truly,

KISS-HE-QUICK.

11l is indeed, Kiss-Mo-Quick. It was bad eiiough for the relatives to have all the worry while in South Afuca without having it continued ufter thsir .soldier boys' leturn.— DOT.]

Deir Dot,- Coroiution 1? ovei, so I shall bo able to describe to you how the day \v,i° spent in Oamaru. In the momr.ig there was a precession at about 11 o'clock. At 12 the fcunda-tion-stone for the monument of the d< ceased troopers was laid; but it is still tlicie, nothing having been done to it bince. In the afternoon theTe whs the groccis' piocession, which whs very nice. One of Mr Headland's carts was representing a bakehouse. It was v cart decorated up. They had a chimney and a grate in it. There was smoke coming out of the chimney. Four men w-ere pretending to be making dough. They were all in whit*, with, big aprons on, and tlieir sleeves rolled up. Aftfcr they iiad gone up and down the different streets the man. began throwing buns out to the people. They were not bur.3, however, but hard crust, and 11 one hit you it would hurt. When this piocesion was nearly over it began to blow, and you cou'd not see anything for dust, and m half an hour it came on to rain. The rain lu-.ido the loads \eiy muddy.- At night the procession was so very poor that I have nothing worth wilting of in connection with it , and the people who stopped in town that night wc;c disappointed. The reason that the procession was so bad was because the people wont to the coiuert 111 stead of joining m.— Yours tru'v.

S. 11. V

[I don't think it is to bo wondered at that tho people preferred a waun concert hall to the cold, slushy streets, S 11. F, especially if it was still raining. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, — As rhi3 is the first letter we nave written to you, it will not be a very long one. but we hope that the next will be better. We have been greatly interested in the D.L.V Page for some time, and have at last made i \> onr minds to write to >ou together. We po to the same school, are in tLe san:e sU.iKl.ud, and the best of it is, Dot, th.it we both .--it together. We hope you did not have any 1.1:11 011 Coronation Day, but if you did >cv vwrii'l be in the some- box as oui selves. The ciu!'lrt:i of our school as=-ernblcd m the. grounds at half-past 0 and were piesented with a jatdttl euch. Afterwards we formed 111 a line three deep and marched down to Takaro Park, and after a short stay there the comb'ned -thools, headed by the Garrison Band, marched up to the station to meet tho cotuitry schools. AT 12 o'clock the foundution-stone of the memorial for the fallen troopers in South Afr.ca, was laid by the Mayor and four school childien. All the school cadets and riflemen then marched to the Middle School for lunch, ard the country 6chool children also received lunch in, Uifi Wein Street S»U. Jn the afteiuowi

a trades procession was held, but in the middle nf it down came the rain and spoilt it all. The people hurried to get shelter under the verandahs, but many of them, on accouut of the crowd, got very wet before shelter of any kind could be obtained. However, as evening drew on the rain partially cleared off, and ne had a torchlight procession, which wps very largely attended. The first prize for the best display in the trades procession was won by Mr Waddell, Milligan and Bond's display gaining second prize. As the school examination is drawing near, everybody is busy studying hard for it. We hoi>e we shall pass the examination, but we would not object to a, second year iv the standard. With fond love, to all D.L.F., the editor, and not forgetting yourself, Dot.— Yours truly,

PATRIOTIC TWINS

[I trust you will pass, Twins, for, notwithstanding what you say, it is not deeirable that you should be a second year in the same standard. That is far too long a time to be practically at a standstill, you know. — DOT.I

Dear Dot, — The winter is nearly over, and that is a blessing, although I have not felt this winter so much as I did the previous one. We have had lovely weather lately— nice bright sunny days and lovely moonlight nights, just the kind for bike-riding. I went for a ride last evening and it was iovely, only a bit cold riding through the keen, sharp air. The Coronation celebrations were a perfect failure here. The day before the 9th was lovely, but Coronation Day was horrible. It rained from morning till night, and we got such a, ducking. That was our reminder of that day. As for the sports, they were something sickening. A lot of girls dressed in red, white, and blue were riding decorated bicycles, and they were pretty-looking objects by the time they had finished their riding. The decorated arches vere the best. In the evening we went to tho opera, and it was very good. That -was the only thing that was in any way good. I should like to exchange autos with Fra Diavolo. Our cow calved on Friday, so there is a, little extrawork for me to do to milk her She is e-uch an old kicker, and this .evening when she was being milked she kicked and tried her level best to roll on me, so wo are going to get one of those patent iron leg-holders, and then she will not be able to either kick or roll. With b-3t love to L. E. N., S. R. H. C, Black Watch, Areta, and yourself,- Youis truly, MINNEHAHA.

[It was unfortunate you had such a downpoui on Coronation Day, Mumehaha. If we could only regulate the weather in some way, bow much plea-santer life would be!— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We are having very cold weather just now, and all the week there was a hard fro3t every morning. There was a big flood in the river a fortnight ago, and now theie 13 nothing but mud everywhere you go. Tho spring flowers are coming into bloom now, and the violets havo a. lovely smell. I think the spring tune is the best season of the year, when everything begins to grow and look green after the long, cold winter. The last group or L.F. was very nice, but Old Folk was the only one I knew. So the King is crowned at last. I went to the Coionation celebrations a,t Invercargill on August 9, and they were a complete failure. It was blowing p cold vnnd when we left home, with any amount of lightmi'g, too, but when we got to "^inton it started to ram, and never stopped tho whole day, and all the programme could not be carried out. The town was veiy prettily decorated with flags and evergreens. The station had a large crown made of greenery, with a flag at the top, and the letter "E." on one side of it and "K." on the other. Flags were hung across the streets' and on the buildings-, but they were- drenched with the rain, which spoiit the look of them. In nearly every window tbeic were photos of the King and Queen ; and on. Herbert, Haynes, and Co.'s verandah "God save the King" was formed in letters of linoleum, with the flowers cut out and put lound about them. On another verandah was "God s.ve the King; long may he reign," in red letters on violet cloth. Thj window decorations were veiy nice a lc .o. One was an imitation snowstorm, the si ow made of wadding, and all round was a white pine fence, with a pool of water 111 tho centre, where some ducks sat and a few bheep huddled together, also a load with a coach on it, and when you w&re a few yards off it >ou would think it was real, it was so natural-looking. The military procession niarched along the streets to the Park, where they were drilled and fired a salute. The procession was headed by the Southland Mounted R<fle3 and the band, and followed by the infantry. There was another procession of six Vehicles, consisting of a timber waggon bearing logs, on which crosscutters were at work 1 ; a lorry bearing a fine organ; another was a turner, turning out souvenirs of tho Coronation, which he threw to the crowd ; another, again, was a horse dressed up as pn elephant; and the last was a model house, and then the 'Pipe Band. The military procession wns the best. The Mounted Rifles look grand in their new green uniforms. A great many of the items could not be earned out in consequence of the rain. The fireworks weie postponed till the 11th. I only saw four L.F., two of whom I just spoke to as I pasned them on the street. With love to all the L.F and yourself,— Yours truly, SILENE.

fY( v managed to see a good deal, Silene, notwithstanding the ram. When so much preparation had been made, and with such good results, it was indeed v pity thut the weather did not, hold up for another day. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — This is the first time I have written to you. I was at Gore on Coiouation Day, j.nd cnjo\-e<l niyeelf very niu<-h indeed. Our examination is in about two weeks, and I hope I shall pass. We are having fine weather up here just now, Dot. The roads are getting fine and diy for biking now. My brother and Igo out labbiting every Saturday. I like living 111 the country better than in town. I know a good few of the little folk, and I like reading the little folks' letters. My mate and I have great fun at school. We are in the same class. We have a football team at school. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting yourself. — Yours truly,

BARLEYCORN

fGlad to welcome you to our band, Barleycorn I trust you will be successful in passing your examination. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— The Old Wnteis' Week wa= a great siuce=s. Some more D.L F. ha\e le'•igned. I am sure Pi^ue has not yet reached the age limit. I am sorry she has left, for I liked reading her letters veiy much I was in Dunedin on the '26th June, and saw a lot of D L F., but was too shy to speak, and they oeemed to be the same. As it was raining on August 9 we couldn't get a fire to burn at night. My biothers lit the lie, but the rain was too much for it, so we had no Coronation bonfire. The place where I h\e is a veiy pretty one 111 summer. You can see a long distance on a fine day. The Biuc Mountains look pretty when they arc covered with snow and the sun shining on them. There are a lot of hills about here, and we often climb them Where have Lancer, Lyddite, and Shiapncl Ljone to' ; Some of the D.L.F. are complaining about their brothers teasing them. I have nine brothers, and I don't find them such dreadful teases. It is the gills' own fault sometimes, because some of them are too quick-tempered with their brother". The boys don't mean all they say. They often say things in fun to try to get you Angry. Donapony gaid »lie was lucky became.

she had no- brothers. I consider she is very unlucky. Some of the little lolk mentioned what animal they would like to be. I would like to be a Newfoundland dog, then I would chase all the girls who said that their brothers were a plague. Their brothers would protect them, and then they might appreciate their value. I was sorry to hear that Rimbecco had got burned, and I hope 6he will soon be better again. I must conclude with best love to all, not forgetting yourself. Dot, — Yours truly,

SIMPLETON.

[I am glad to hear you enjoyed the Old Writers' Week, Simpleton. What a pity it rained on Coronation Night and spoilt your bonfire.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— This is the first time I have written to you. I was at the Coronation, and enjoyed myself very much, but was sorry it was a wet day. Our examination takes place in about a fortnight, and I hope I will pass. We have a nice teacher at our school, and I like him very much. We are having good weather up here just now. I am going to ask my schoolmate to write to you, Dot. I like living in the country better than in the town. There was a big flood up here, and my brother caught about a hundred rabbits. I like reading the little folk's letters, and know a good many of your correspondents, Dot. There were a lot of people in Gore on Coronation Day. With love to Dot and the editor, — Yours truly, DOLINA.

[What a pity Coronation Day was so wet, and spoilt your pleasure. Your brother would get a good deal of pocket money by selling hia rabbits.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I novr take leave to write to you about Coronation Day in Oamaru: At half-past 9 in the morning the school children gathered at the schools to receive their medals, and then prepared to march down town. Before the children's procession a service, conducted by Archdeacon Gould, was held in the Theatre Royal. It was a very nice service indeed, and all the roinisters of the town took part in it. After it was over the children's procession began, a number of country schools taking part in it. After the children's procession the mayor (Mr Hedley), assisted by four school children, laid the foundation stone of the memorial to the fallen troopers of the district. As soon as that was over it was time for dinner, but we hadn't much time for the volunteer parade had started. When we had finished dinner we went back into the town, and all the volunteers were in order in the street. There were present the Mounted Rifles, the Waitaki Mounted Rifles, the returned troopers, the Queen's Rifles, the Oamaru Rifles, the Waitaki High School Cadets, and the cadets of the other schools. When the pAa-ade, which was gonethrough in good style, was finished, the presenting of medals to the returned troopers by the mayor took place. When that was over the trades' procession began. It had been windy during the morning, and by this time it was very dusty indeed. It was a pity, because this display was the best item of the day. A number of business men took part, in the procession. Mr Waddell's lorry, which was awarded the first prize, was very pretty indeed. It represented the different countries. Milligan and Bond's was also well got up, also Mr Headland's. Mr Meek's lorry looked very pretty also, but I liked the Rowing Club's display best of all. It was a boat on wheels decorated with blue and white, with four young men and a little boy in it. The procession went a good way up the town, and then round a side street, and back into the town again. By this time it was very windy, and looked very much like rain. There were a number of ladies on decorated bikes, and they looked very pretty indeed. But one of the most comical things was a, clown on an old horse. He was dressed in branded flourbags, and had a big white hat on. Tho bands were also in the procession. The Kurow Band wa3 down, but the- band which made the town so lively was the Pipe Baud. When th-e procession had got a good way down the town it commenced to rain, and it came down fo hard that they had to break up the procession and run for shelter. It continued for a long time and they could not curry on the procession, so the best thing was to go and have toa, which we wero all ready for. In the evening a Coronation concert, which was very nice, was hold in the Theatre Royal. There was hardly any procession worth speaking of at night time because it was so damp, though it was not raining then, but I expect moot of the people would be going to the concert, and &onie would be tired after the day's outing. I forgot to tell you that there was a Coronation ball on the night before Coronation Day. It was a fancy dress ball. Well, a^ I have no moie tc tell you just now I will close.- Yours truly,

OLIVIA. [You s?eni to have had a most successful (lav. Olivia, and one that should keep the Coronation of King Edward VII alive m the memory of the children who witnessed it. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Nearly all tho L F. have given rui iK-ciuuit of the places they are living at nud the different soits o! pets thpy have, so I am just going to give a little description of mine. My father's farm is situated 26 miles from Oamaru, and it consists of about 600 .icres. We keep a good number of cows, horsc-s, calves, sheep, and pigs. Just now we ur > milking seven cows mid feeding seven c.i vo-, so v/ 2 have a little work amongst them. Wo hove fl'so a nice- little- pony to ride, and I am i:>-aily always ruling on it. I Rm very fond of riding. One night I went out to catch it, and I was riding en it without a saddle, and it thiew me off. Tt is pretty fond of shying, too, but I like riding flash horses. I have always been going to get a bike, but I ha'-en't got it yet. Coronation day was a great day in Oaruaru. I saw a great many D.L.F. "With kinrl lo\c to the editor, yourself, and all D.L.F.,— Yours truly, SMILING PRIMROSE.

fWcll, I do not ccc what you want with a bike when you have a pony to ride whenever you like, S?P. I 'should think you get more pleasure from the pony than ycu would from the bike.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Ne/er before, I think, has such an excellent number of tho L.F. Page been presented to us as that which the writers- of the O.W.W. furnished us with some weeks ago. Hdtriy'.s letter would pleate ever.vone; and as for Boy't — why, Boy, if I couid v. rite Lke that I am suio I should cor'uder myself— well, something above the ordu.ary. Boy ought to hlnne in Enimehnc's C.C.C. yet And now, ii I Icok roiu.d and conaidor v.bw.t I shall wn'.e about, my e_\ es re-?t on the piano and make- my conscience reproach me for not having spoilt much time at it these lust few week"^ After all, there is nothing like keeping up one'a practice, e\ en if only one half-hour each day can be managed ; but I wonder how many girls— bai ring professionals, — after receiving years of tuition, do keep it up? More, I hope, than I believe to be the cu&e. I think wo aie all familiar with the young lady who, when waiting friends and being requested to play something, says "Oh, I couldn't really play anything. I haven't touched the piano for jears," c-lc. We .ire all \ cry fond of muaic here, 10 I don't get much inducement to let it diop. I Icok up my harmony and counterpoint "occasionally." I was going to say something about the advantage you town people have ovei the country ones in the musical line, but I am sure jou are quite tired of all this, so I fchall change the subject. What lovely spring weather we are having at present! I always said I liked cold better than heat, but it has besrx 00 chilly these last low days

that I have to confess my opinion ia oomewhaf modified — until the summer time. The Kaka-j nui Mountains are often covered with snowi just now, and look beautiful. If ever I learn to paint I must try to paint them as they appear from here. And now, dear Dot, lam drawing towards tho close of my letter, and with it there lies before me the painful dutj of saying good-bye to you all. I don't like to resign without giving my name, and as 1 have a decided objection to putting it at the end, where it is so conspicuous, I hope you won't mind me hiding it in here — Mary J. Stenhouse, Palmerston South. There, tha deed is done. Before closing I should justj like to say how much pleasure I owe to the! Critic Club for theii most interesting letters 1 . I don't see how anyone could help liking their reports, and I hope they will flourish like the; green bay tree that wo read about. As long} as I see the Witness; the chief attraction to me will be the page over whioh I have spent so many happy hours, and I hope that none of us will ever forget what we owe to Dot fon her many little kindnesses to U3 at all tiniest through the medium of the page. With kind remembrances to all the L.F. and Dot, — Your* truly,

MARIE.

P.S.— This letter should have been sent away a few weeks ago, so I dare say it is a little out-of-date by this time. — M. -

[No, Marie, it is all right, except that it ia your retiring letter, and hence makes us all feel a little sad. No matter how many new correspondents make their appearance weekly, - I always regret one of our old friends severing- - her active connection with the page. How- 1 ever, tho time comes to all ; so good-bye, dear, ' and that you may have a bright and happyj ' future is the wish of your friend— DOT.] \ ,

Dear Dot,— Since last writing the joyfulnews of peace has been proclaimed, and the ' Coronation has taken place in spite of £he old gipsy's prognostication to the contrary. Tha Palmerston celebrations were, I thought, very good;. The procession was, of course, the ■ usual performance — Volunteers, returned troopers, veterans, cadets, societies, counoillors, and school children, and everything possible that could make a show. The emblem of peace was a lorry decorated with flags, the floor of which was covered with rather brownlooking grass that represented the veldt. In the front corner was «, flagstaff and the Union Jack. On tho lorry was a lifelike wooden horse, that was ridden by a returned trooper, and by his side was a Boer {that is, someone dressed a,a one) carrying a flag of truce. Tbe lcrry was drawn by four horses that' looked resplendent in " brass-mounted" harness. Behind it came another lorry done up in the same manner, representing the Crown and the King and Queen. Both of the lorries were got up by the Fire Brigade, and they were really very, attractive. Thje united service and the luncheon were held in the show ground. They said tney ( could hear the people singing over at Fitzherbert, three miles away. The poi dances by the Natives were vory much enjoyed* They, were all dressed in Coronation- crimson, and! danced as if they were all one. They kept time with marvellous correctness. The day was, however, disagreeable, and at night it was spoilt by the severe thunderstorm that came on ; but they said it was all right. Tho other day a lady just out from G-lasgow, whose father edits a. magazine, asked me ,what that pretty badge was for. When I told .her shethcught tho idea was very good indeed. She says 'she is going to get a Witness herself and read the letters. If she does not do so I shall ' show her one the first time she i& here. Such a number of persons pass remarks about .the badge, and, no matter how much a stranger tho Witness is to them, they seem to ,hava heard of Dot. Your fame ia far and wide, I can assure you. You were saying* you wero; fmg- to close the list for Con's auto, book; hope it is' not closed before you get this. You seem to ba very fond of cats-, Dot. I-s-jo in Home Chat they publish Wain's cat pictures, too. Talking of cats reminds me we had seven. How many there are now I am sure I cannot tell. Last week, when we were all in town, my brothers 'and a friend seem to have indulged in a new pastime of cat- shooting, and those left seem to be very frightened, for they make a bolt under tho house when they see anyone coming. They never come to be fed, and seem to have taken, themselves off to the barn. Dear Dot, I see Lieutenant Con still walks laruo, hut I hope he will soon be all right again. Was it not dreadful the way the poor fellows were treated on the boats! Such a number have died since they came back. Dear A. M. "W., I am sending you my auto., and would you kindly send me yours in exchange? Dear Potoki, have you succumbed to the effects of the' drought? It is such a, time since you have written. — Yours truly,

OROUA.

[It is very pleasant to hear that even in tho north our page meets with such favour, Oroua. I am sure such testimony as that will go a long way towards smoothing the wrinkles out of the editor's brow as he contemplates the contimious flow of letters and is inclined to suggest a freer use of tho condensed column. Your auto, ia in plenty of time to find a place in the splendid collection whioh Con will in due time have presented to him. I only wish the L:F. could see the boxful I havo now. It was too bad of the boys to treat poor puss in that heartless fashion. I am sure she does them no harm.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We live in a very quiet place away out in the country. It i.s \ r ery frosty weather just now. It gets very cold at night, but it is lovely in the day time. We went to Naseby on Coronation Day. It was a lovely display, but the fireworks were not very good, owing to the wot weather, and we had n heavy fall of snow. At night we went to a plain and fancy dress ball. th« room looking very nioe. The hall was decorated with red, white, and blue. As this is the first letter from us we won't intrude too much on your page, or the editor will be grumbling; but wo think he is very good, seeing what he has to put up with. With love to all the D.L.F. and the editor, not forgetting yourself. — Yours truly, TWO AUCHENBOWIE LASSIES.

[That is very considerate of our two new lassies, and I don't think the editor can possibly grumble this time. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to write to you again, and I hope to escape the condensing column this time. Sc tho Coronation is over at last. Wasn't it a pity that the King was ill the first time, as we would have had better fun then. It rained very hard on Coronation Day, but it would have taken more than that to keep mo inside. I went to the church service im the morning, in spite of the ram. About 10 o'clock my sister and I started for th<; school. Graziella, who lives opposite to us, was just coming out sit the same time, so we battlecl along through the rain and mud to the school. When we got to the school we went in. After the children had sung a few songs we cama out again, and by that time the rain haA stopped ; so we formed in a procession ai (&. marched to the hall, where refreshments wens* taken around. We also got medals given to. us. We had the pleasure that day of meeting* 1 two of Black Watch's cousins, and I thinkthey are very nice boys, especially one, who., kept us laughing all tfoa time. There is to be» a concert and ball here soon, given by trta football club. I don't know yet whether T} shall go or not. At a social given here or/,; June 26 I had a rather unpleasant exDorieasfck

f m-hich I shall tell you about. It was at supper jtime, and I was sitting beside Graziella, when ecmeoce -gave me a push, which sent me on )to the floor, with my cup of tea on top of me. P!hd tea splashed all over me, some running jdown my neck, while my dress was almost spoilt. Some of it also splached over Grazijefia's skirt. The people who were near me all laughed. I bet they would not have laughed tad it happened to them. Don't you 'think Ithe person who pushed me waa a bit mean, for he seemed to enjoy it as well as anyone? I must now siop, as it is near my bed time. /With best love to all the little folk, the editor, and our desn little Dot,— Yours truly, BRIDESMAID.

[I do indeed, BridePinaid. He should have been ashamed of himself when he saw the mischief he had caused, itr.d it would have said more for him if he had apologised and Ihelped you up instead of laughing. Perhaps •when he sees youx letter in print he will regard '•the matter in a different light, and be more thoughtful of other people's feelings, in future. -DOT.] . I Dear Dot,— As it is over two years since 1 la't wrote to you, I rather doubtful as to iiov.- I should proceed. J had nuite made up iuv mind to retire without even sending you fe farewell letter, but I simply could not resist; /the temptation to write again. Do you know, •I have often s.-it down and wntten whole ..letters to you and then torn them all up. iWhen I read over seme of the other L.l' • Setters I nevei- feel satisfied with my own, co into "the firo the> go one after the other I eften think it is rather strange, because I could sit down and write a composition for -iiours without the least trouble. My teachers lusea to say 1 looked perfectly happy when Jthey gave me some hard subject to write about. ■I s*e Daisy Primrose has returned to our page. back, Daisy Primrose! I always fenjoysd reading her letters— they were so rn(teresting,— and lam looking forward to the [pleasure of reading moro of them. I aye jmgfc been counting up tho years since 1 nrst ,)J»iote to you, and I find it is about 10 years ■ince my first letter appeared: m the Witness. 3 can remember it quite well, and I must have fWi very small, as I lmve still several years '♦between me and retiring age. With love to yourself and all the little folk.-Yours truly, fl dare say a great number of letters are Trritten which never Teach me; but it is all Eood practice, and. by no means wasted time, Jay. Why, you are a real old writer, dear, snd I hope you will take advantage of the fact and contribute to next 0.W.W.-DOT.] ' Dear Dot,— One day Ivy Pearl and I went lor a walk. We went down the side of the Btreani a good long way, and then we sat down and took off our boots and stockings and ■waded in the water. On our way home we Fathered Moss for our fernery. Dear Dot, can jon give me a cure for toothache? I *m very fond of kittens. I have one and my sister has another, and we have five cats altogether. AVith love to all the little folk, the editor, and jour own dear self,- Yours truly^ [Poor Blue Pansy with the troublesome teeth! 1 am afraid there are only two real cures for toothache— either to have tne offending tooth drawn or stopped. Sometimes a little relief can be got by peppering a little (piece of cotton wadding and forciier it into tne tooth, but it is not a cure.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Coronation, with all its accompanying rejoicing, is over, and we have settled Lvn to business again. Coronation Day here -well, it wasn't up to much: it rained all «l»y but everything came off satisfactorily «xcspt our fireworks, which had to be postponed till the following Monday on account ol She bad weather; but they, too, were got off an turn I said last time I would tell you .bout a day's outing we had at Cape Foulwmd AYe left town at 9 o'clock, and on arriving at 'the cape, which we did at 9.30, we went down «n to the beach and h*A a fine time till lunch. When lunch was ovei we went to the igntfcoute *n& there saw the light, which is always .evolving, even when not lit. After we had all written our names in a book we left, and ■'came back through the bu*U home We stayed 'an the bush the ies,t of the day, and at 5.30 •departed for home, arriving there at 6 o clock, all very tired aftei our hoi day. Cape Foulwind is a pretty htt'.o town, eight miles from to It is built on the station, and 100 yards o ?% back are the, cliffs, while in front , agam is the thick bush. Are there any more D.L..* . »>ound here, Dot' With love to all, not forgetting yourself, -Yours truly, QAJ>G^

TYes there are two or three others., Cadger, "but- they have not been writing much lately. "You had an interesting- tiip to the cape, ana 1 have no doubt-you learnt something that you d.cl not- v kuow before.— DOT. 3

Dear Dot,— Hearty Lassie has been teasing ms to write for so long that I have at last made up my mind to make a beginning. 1 have taken rather a peculiar norn deplume, but it just suite me very well, for I find the bed pulls me * littlo hard these cold morning- ; 1 should like fine to he a little longer. I came across some old Witnesses lately, dating «s far baci as 1892, but Dot had only one page ♦hen, and the letters were not nearly so good •a they are now. One oi two wrote under uoins de plume, but most of the writers signed their own names. I have never read the muct-ialked-of book "Alice in Wonderland 1 •liavo read a good many books, but 1 tinnK those I like best are "Uncle Tom's Cabin and "The Swis' Family Bobmson.' The former I got as a prize. With love to Jessica, Iteta Ophir, and Currant Duff, not forgetting yourself and the

[The mornings htb not nearly co cold now, Lazy R., so you will have «. ©hance of rcueemmg your character in this respect. The ■MM* tM£ ol th« d&X is often before breakfast.

and I am sure there, is no mor.' interesting! sight than the sun rising over the hills. — I DOT.] ",

Dear Dot, — I am at present spending a week at my favourite holiday resort — a pretty little spot high up on a hill", overlooking the Wangaioa coast and a wide expanse of the sc-a. My annt is away for a holiday, and I am looking after her "gmd man" and my cousm till she comes back. Oh, Dot! it is a terrible thing to be the only available niece among a. ciouci of aunts; you «ure just hustled about from one to the other. Mother often gets a letter from one of her sisters containing the words, "Could you 3pare M for a few clays?" But I really cannot say I object, as it is always n change for nic, and my aunts are 6o nice that it is always a pleasure to do anything for them. Jessica said I was to give an. account of the concert I mentioned in my last, but there is not much of it that will be of interest to D L.F. cscept that Jessica sang "Juanita." very nicely and Rcta gave a very good recitation, "Repentance." 1 might aa well add that this chicken tried to sing "Grenevieve," but I was so nej\ous that I am afraid it wag anything but a success. However, I think I quite redeemed myself a few minutes later when Ka.te Brady appealed. 1 v.aa applying for a situation, as cook, but Mrs H. wouldn't have me; I wanted too much liberty. "Can she interrain her frinds az often az she plazes. Can she hc-ve the drawin' room an' the use ay the planner wanst a wake whin the music-tacher comes to give her lessons 9 Can she roide on hei ini=tress'b boicyele at army tonne she chooses? Can she — — " But there s-he had the impertinence to interrupt me and teli me I wouldn't do for her at all. She rang the bell and ordered the servant to show me to the door. v It was then my ire rose. "Is that the way ye mane to trate me? Shure, Oi'll report ye to the 'Sirvants' Mutual Protection Society,' and thin ye won't get j, cook at all. Yf'll havo to answer thim quistions drawn up by the socoity or yel l have to cook ycr own goose, and " Mrs H. "Mary, show her to the door." Then I turned to the poor innocent, and said- "Ah, git out wid ye! Why don't yez jine our socoity an' not be working for a craythur like that?" (To Mra H.) : "Good marnin' to yez. Yell have to answer thiin quistione-, mann, afore ye gits a, cook." Exit Kate Brady, while sounded the tread of marching feet. Jessica al&o had a n<ixt in tho same dialogue, where three or four girls went m together; but she was a good little girl, anrl said, "Girls, I am ashamed of you ; had I known what sort you were I would not have joined you." Some people think I must be Irish, but if you trace my ancestors back yell fin naething but Scottish blind I'uere — a ye, Mn Covenanteis' bluid at that. If 1 were you, Dot, I would sue St. Michael for breach of promise, for did lie not promise to write again if you would let him' Sure and nobedy raised any objections. What funny remarks people p«hs about you when you put your hair up l First time I put mine up one brother said, "Keep it up always, yon look far nicer." Another said, "Wei!, I like to toe the 'whin-bush' bobbing, but I don't like that knob on Die back of her bead." Jessica Bind I had the sign up. In wonder I a&ked, "What sign?"— " The sigu you want a boy." Havir.g it up is more comfortable for ridinp, and I am sure it looks much nicer than the "whin-bush" flying m the wind. You will wonder how it got that name, ?o I shall tell you. Onco when we were playing ludo at Jessica's tho dice got lost on the floor. I got under the table to help to look foi it, when a lighted match held in Nut't, fingers nearly touched my hair. He exclaimed, "Oh, I nearly tet fire to a whin-bush." Reta talkfc about Jessica and hereelf "one" night at Pinging class. Well, I thiaik it was every night the same till the teacher gave us our parts, lieta was sent with Tussock to another seat among the "terribles," while Jessica and I sat together and sang "awful." I must not forget to tell you of a cure for chilblains which 1 read of in a book Soak them overnight in hot water. My cou-.ni is amusing herself by dialing my portiait. She places a slate on the wall, and I hold my hrad between the lamp and the slate. The pair of us are convulsed with laughter at the effect. She tells me it is what I'll be like at 26. I have spent an enjoyable we"k, but 1 do mi'-s the Witness. I have heard that Lauia sa} - s blic mi' have to send me her nuto. thiough Dot. I got her address from Mr H last time he was round, and will write as soon as thin appeals, if I am not too late m "shpakin 1 ," like tho Irish chicken. My paper ls done, so I must close with love.— Yours truly,

OPHIR

[What a merry time Ophir and her friends have! It makes one quits long to be in tho charmed circle. You are indeed fortunate in being the only niece, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am sending my autograph for insertion in Con's auto. book. I sometimes meet Duckie at the monthly socials which are held near our district. She is a very lively girl. I am sure yon will ne\er guess what became of those kittens she told you about. Well, they just "growed into cats." A series of socials have been started in the township here, and are a great success. I was presant at the last one, which was a welcome to a returned trooper, who was the recipient of an engraved gold nialtese cross for his chain. We had to give him a cross of some kind, as he failed to get the Victoria, not through want of eouiage, but through lack of opportunity. Duckies brother from the war was to have been present, but had been ordemd back to quarantine, as he was a passenger on the Orient. I, like others, have my opinion about D.L.F. Civis"s identity, and admire hi? writings over his new name no more than I did over bis old one. In my own humble opinion, he is over-bumptious and conceited, but it is not for me to judge. I think the condensed column a splendid idea, although a disappointment to many. I shan't mind if this ia put there, dear Dot. The fishing seaaott

kwill soon be open again. There are some beauItiful fishing streams around nere, and often 30lb weight of fish aTe taken by one angler in an afternoon. 1 saw Boy's brother in Gore when I waa th&re a while ago. Eosarona and he are gieat chums I often meet Ro3arona, also Chestnut and Silver Grey. Dex* Dot, I shall now close. With l->\ ; to only yourself, —Yours truly, WHIRLWIND.

[What an astonishing thing that those kilteii3 growed into cats. Let us hope they are wellbehaved cats lam glad to hear that you approve of the condensed letter idea, Whir.wind. -DOT.]

Dear Dot, — As it js about five months since I iast wrote to you, I thought I would write now, and tell you how I've been living. Wasn't it a pity the Coronation was put off, as everybody was getting ready for it. The people about here gathered £50 to get up sports, and then they got the sad news about the Kmg'j illness, but they kept the money and held sports on August 9. We got a week's holiday from school before we heard of the King's illness. I went to St. Andrew's on Coronation Day, but I should have like to have gone to town. When I got there I saw a man dressed up in jockey boots, a white ppir of pants, and a red coat, and he did look so funny. When I went down to Victoria Park, where the sports were to be held, and the first thing I saw there were two dummies — one dressed up in men's clothes and the other in women's clothes, and they were called Aunt Sally and Uncle John Tlu man who ivas in charge of them was a German, and Lc was going about singing out a penny a shot and sixpence if you hit. Jie would put a pipe in their mouths, and if you knocked the pipe out he would give you a sixpence. There were all sorts of races too— horse races, men's and boys' Taces, and bike races. Ihe hoise races were not much, but the men's races and bike races were pretty good. Last of all was a tug-of-war between married men and single men. It came on to ram just as it started, and I had to run and get the oony and go home but the single men won. When we went back to school on the Monday after Coronation we were all growling because we did not get a hohdaj', so when we got out of school at playtime we all went down under a big terrace and stopped there till the teacher rang the bell. The three biggest girls went up, and of courso the rest had to follow, or the girls would have told the teacher where the rest were, but we meant to stay there all day. When we got up to school one boy started to go in, but the teacher told hini to stay in the porch, so we all stayed there. Then, the teacher came out and told us to come in. but every one that went in ho would give them a cut round the legs, so at last we all sat down and then he let is go in free. My two eldest sisters are away to a ball 10-2iight. They were m a great state to get away, but they won't be in a great hurry to get up in the morning. Our examination was held yesterday, and my woid the inspector was in a temper. Our school conceit is to be held on the 19th September, and it will be pretty hot darcing. One fellow said he would have to <lance m tights. Will any D.L.F. plraso exchange autos with mo. With love to all the little folk,— Youis tiuly,

CHARLIE

[Yes, it was a pity that the Coronation had to be postponed, Chaihe, but happily the King seems now to be thoroughly restored to health. You could hardly expect another holiday after having had a week, and it was wrong of the scholars to attempt to defy the teacher. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,— l have juft bpen reading the little folk's letters, and as it is over five months since I wrote last I thought I would write agam. I was at the Gore celebrations on Coronation Day, and though it was a very disagreeable day — raining, blowing, and snowing by turns — there were between two and three thousaud people 'on tho streets, which was not so bad for a bttle town like Gore. The sports did not take place on account of the wet, only the procession and the presenting of medals to about a dozen returned troopers. There was to havo been a social given here last week in honour of some of the returned troopers, but oji account of the supposed smallpox it wag postponed. I have not been attending school this year on account of bad health. I am growing too fast, being sft 4in, and only 12 on my last buthday. This warm weather is beginning to bring out the spring flowers. I must conclude ■with love to all the little folk, the editor, and yourself. — Yours truly,

SOPHIA

Fl am so sorry to hear that you have been ill, dear, and trust that you will soon be restoied to your usunl health.— DOT.]

Pear Dot,— Coronal ion Day— that long-looked-foi day— has come and roiio, and everything, as far as Blenheim is concerned, passed off splendidly. The weather was all that could be desired — clear and bright, though a little cold. I was in town nearly all day, saw nearly everything, aaid, of course, enjoyed mys-elf very much. Ab oil the prcMous "Coronation Day," the Moans roasted a bullock and potatoes according to their native custom, and those who wished regaled themselves with "beef a la Maori." I shall say no more about Coronation Day, for no doubt very many more letters will be.hllc-d with accounts of the celebrations in various other places. You v. ill see by the foot of this letter that I am no longer a West Coast writer. I came to Blenheim nearly six months ago to take up my duties in the — well, I won't say what — office. I have not made the acquaintance of any D.L.F. here as yet, but I see there is one Blcnheimite's letter in the last Witness. Well, I think I shall give a short account of mv trip over h-ere. My mother and I left Greymouth one Monday morning towards the end of February. It was nice and fin« when the boat left Greyfljeuth, but when we reached Westport it was raining. Before I left home I wns boasting that I should not be seasick; but, alas! I had no sooner finished lunch when I experienced au intense desire to reack my bunk, and

I remained there till tho nest morning. On Tuesday morning w« found that the boat did not leave Westport till noon ; and as the rain had ceased, we, with some of the other passengers, went and saw all that was to be seen. •Westport did not create a favourable impression on us, ■as oa that particular day it certainly looked gloomy and dreary enough, for tho sky was overcast and a mist seemed to hang over the surrounding country. The boat left punctually at noon, and j-eached Nelson on Wednesday morning. The- Port presented a different aspect from what Westport did. We had to tranship here to a boat which left for Picton about a couple of hours after we reached Nelson, and about an hour after the other boat left for Wellington. We remained ou deck all tho way from Nelson to Picton, and I at least felt much l>etter for doing so, although the roughest part of the trip was from the Port to the French Pass. We saw that much-talked-of fish— "Pelorus Jack," as it is called— when the boat was going through the pass. This fish takes a zigzag course and keeps up with the boat for some distance, and then suddenly disappears. It was about half-pa&t 7 on Wednesday night when we reached Picton, where we stayed till Thursday night. We were not at all sorry to leach Blenheim. Mother has long since returned home, and I am left; but not alone, for I have plenty of relatives, and now many acquaintances, in Blenheim. I like Blenheim very much, but often wish I weie on the Coast again. I received Areta's auto, to-day, and will shortly s«nd mine m Teturn. I think my letter is quite long enough now, so I shall leave space for other writers.— Yours truly, MOYRA.

[Very many people have tried to persuade themselves that they would not be seasick when embarking on & sea voyage, Moyia, but it mainly results in failure. How did you enjoy the journey up Queen Charlotte Sound*— is it not a pretty sight?— DOT.J

Dear Dot,— lt must be ful'y a yef.r since I penned my last epistlo to %ou I thought that the last letter I wTote for iho Witness was really the- last, but I have thought better of at and have decided to write to the page occasionally. I am now teaching the young idea to read and write at one of the schools here. I have about 20 pupils in my class, and tosre is an average of 50 in the Toom eveny day, two other classes being in— Upper and Lower Primer. I started teaching a month or five weeks ago, and I like it very much. I am sending my auto, for Con's book. I think your proposal for an auto, book for him was excellent. I was in Dunedin about six weeks a^o, and stayed there for six weeks. A girl friend and I passed the Witness oflice once or twice, but could see no sign of you; in fact the office seemed deserted. . I saw only two D.L.F. while I was up there. I passed one young lady one (Saturday afternoon near Carter's shop. I was in a hurry, or otherwise I should have stopped and spoken to her. i haven't seen any of the Southland D.L.I', for ages. Dado and Eima told me tne last time I saw them that they had started their farewell letters. They had the misfortune to have uwur house burned down about three weeks ago. I don't know whether they saved any of their belongings or not. I am glad that Daisy Primrose has decided to wnte again. She is a valuable member of the page, and I don t think we could afford to lose her. I ani tryin" to find out who Cluaran and X. L-. C. 11. are. They evidently live down this way. I am going into the Hospital to see the L.I. cot when I get time. I never get off duty now till 3.30 or 4 p.m., and it is generally 4.30 before I get down town, go the first time I have half an hour to apare I am going to see the cot. Now I shall bung this letter to a close, or the Critic Olub 'will bo on, my track. With love to all the D.L.F. , the generous editor (generous because he gives us more than our allotted space), and yourself,— Yours truly,

O MIMOSA SAN.

[I am pleased to hear that you have decided to rejoin ns, O Mimota. San. If you had .stepped inside the office you would have found that it was all life and bustle, instead of being- deserted.— DOT.J

Dear Dot,— lt is over three years since I last wrote to you, so I suppose you will not mind my writing to you o*ce again. Don t you think that was an excellent suggestion by J Jtt ddic about having nn O.W.W. occasionally? I do, and I think most of the Ui ■ will agree with me. I hoped that Is in en c would gend in a letter for O.W.W. Our examination was held lately, and we had a fortnight s holiday, but now we are going to school ag* l "- We were going to the nearest towiislup to be pre&ent at the Coronation celebrations, but it just poured with rain, so of couibe we did not go. I see that some of the L.l' - are complaining about their badges getting dull-k»U in-. I noticed thai mine was getting dull, so I washed it in soap and water, hi which I put a little whiting, and now it is as bright as when it was new. My un cle wen,t ■ U> the war when it first broke out. He has been twice promoted, and has now gone to England with the Coronation Contingent. Good-bj«, Dot. — Yours truly

KONINI.

[I think Laddie's suggestion was an excellent one, Konuii. That is a very ca fy^ a y to clean the badges which you give.— -DOI-]

Dear Dot —As it is raining, and I am not going anywhere, I just thought I would write to you. My brother writes to you, but he will not tell me his norn de plume. I know about four D.L.F. Dear Dot, I have a bike, and I often go for a ride when the roads are good. I went for a rido with a friend the other day,, and as she was not a good rider she went into all the mud and water ou the road. I did laugh at her one time when she fell down, bjke and all, and her hand went into a dirty waterhole. She was stuck between the handles and saddle, growling aw*y at m.« iox laughing.

at her. Can you ride a horse, Dot? Oxia day I got my brother to saddle up my sister's horse, as I wanted to learn to ride. He got the horse ready, and after a bit of trouble Ij got up on the saddle, feeling a bit scared. My sisters and brothers were all watching me and roaring with laughter. One of my brothers gave the horse a hit with a big stick, and it started trotting. I went round the paddock a little way, but I was so frightened I got off, and J have never been on a horss> since, and I never intend to. I Jive on a farm, so we have plenty of horses ; but they are all too flash. I have Tead a number of books', but I have never read "Alice in Wonderland." The last one I read was "Thelma," and I thought it a very good one. Dear Dot, I I think I shall have to conclude now, as it .is , time I was away milking, so good-bye. With. j love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours- truly,

BEAULAH. fit was very wrong to laugh at your friend's misfortunes, Beaulan. Hoto would you have liked, if you had fallen off the horse, ror your brothers and sisters to have laughed at you?— • DOT.]

CONDENSED LETTERS

Lady Honour says there was great fun n» Milton en Coronation Day, "and the procession looked grand. There was a prize for the best turnout, and the Woollen Factory got first and the Pottery second. Nearly all of the business places had some aort of a turnout to represent them."

12ueen of the FLOWERS tells me that the school at Mokoreta has had three weeks' holidays, and they are going to have pnother one owing to measles being prevalent. Five of her sisters and herself had the measles, but they are all better now. '

Tom Thumb thinks of taking a trip to Reefton. Ho has not been awny from school onco in two years, for which he should rendeithanks to God for keeping him in good health.

KownAi is only a little girl, and her sister has written for her. "We have four pet lambs, which we reared last season. We are going to try to keep them about home if we can-, ns my father whveys. blames our pot lambs for leading the other shsep into mischief. Myi' littlo sister has a pure white cut, which waa given to her. One day it went into one of the bedioorns, jumped up on the dressing" table, and examined itself in the looking glass. '

Coronation has never seen Dunedin yet, but may pay it « visit at Christmas time. She has not yet seen a train" or the ocpan, and thinks she is sure to enjoy her visit. There is no need to doubt that, dear. "Wer were a.l very pleased to see Daisy Primrose back in your page. Mamma would like to ki'ow how Rimbecco is, as she is her favourite writer in Dot's page. Would she exchange autas with me?"

PrtiNtEss Puck's examination would hava been over only the measles epidemic got into^ the school. "I had the measles. We have very hard frost in the morning."

Sweet Ivy says there arc a lot of mountains in New Zealand, which is quite true. "One daj we went up on a hill and made a bonfire. The D.L.F. amongst us were Pukaki, Colleen, and Merthyrtydvilite. I forgot to tell you in my last letter what a grand party we had at the private station. There were not many D.L.F. present. ' Little Madcap hopes I enjoyed myself on Coronation Day. "I sco Little Dodger is very cunning. She thinks nobody knows who shie is, but I do. Country Cousins are very angry at her for saying they are wanting to find her' out."

Rob Roy's examination took place about a week ago, and he passed. "Coronation Day was a poor success down this way, as it waa raining most of the time. I am very fond of reading, and some of the books I have read are 'Ivanhoe,' "Monte Christo/ 'Tho Coral Island,' 'Martin Rattler,' and many others. I thought 'Ivanhoe' a \ery nice book.

School Teacher says it js a long time since he last wrote. "I am rabbiting just now with my dogs, but I do not cct many, as tJi^y are very scarce. We are four miles away from the nearest store, so you may guess we have got to go a long way for what we want. I am goiii" on a trip to Poolburn, but I do not like to go, as it is &o cold nding in the train this weather." Sunbeam doesn't want the weary editor to put tins in the "condenser," • but necessity compels. "It has been snowing here all day like 'tin cans, 1 and 1 suppose that mean* another week's frost. I see we are invited to say what animal we would like to be. Well, ""strange to say, I would not like to be any animal ; I would rather be as I am in the world. I am very fond of reading, but I shall not mention any of the books I have read."

Pukaki says it ib a }ong time since she wrote, but that it will not be so long before slie writes again. "The Old Writers' Week was a great success, was it not, Dot? I liked leading their letters, especially that of Clari&sa. I am sending my auto., and I hope it will not be late for Con's auto, book, as I saw it was «*aing to be sent away to him. I will exchange autos with any D.L.F. that are willing. If addressed to 'Pukaki. Post Office, Hamilton South,' they will reach me all right I would like the autos of Little Dodger, May, and Joe Fong." Nn> ha* sent her photo, for the next group. "I am going to tell you how I first learnt tft bake scones. I got the flour and thought Iwas going to do a wonder. I put factory miUc in it, which was not, very good. I managed t£ get it mixed somehow, and I put tils soon«f in the oven and left them for a little while, and then I thought I should likfe to nee how they were getting on; bo I opened the door and was going to turn them, when they all fell ofi the eheet into the oven. Of course I put tk§«i oa again, but I "o aooogr. got them

en when I let them fall. Careful, was it not, Dot? Anyhow I got them cooked, and they were that tough we coiild not eat them. I

might do better next time." * Waihora says *he always read 3 the little folk's letters, especially the funny ones. She iiaa five cats and two dogs, and all the cats have been caught in rabbit traps. "We are having fine weather, and spring flowers are coming out beautifully. We have a fine lot of "violets. I wish I was going to town, for "then I could take a bunch to you. My aunt 3ia3 such a big yellow rose bush — so big that I am. sure five or six people could sit under it. If I am in town when it is in bloom I ■won't forget to bring you some of the flowers." [Thank you, dear, for your kind intention.— DOT.]

Lexora would like to become a correspondent to our page. I shall be pleased to number her among our baud. She wo\ild like to exchange autos with any other D.L.F., <vhieh may be add.ressed to "Lenora, P. 0., Waikaka Valley, via Gore." "The weather is bitter cold about here just now. I notice that some of - the L.F. growl terribly about the condensed column, but for my part I would not care if any letters were in it every time. Our examisiation is going to be in about a week's time, and I hope I shall pass."

Black Teackee haa a sister writing to our pag*, but he does not know her norn de plume, and he does not intend to let her know his. "I live on a farm with 100 acres in it. We have about 50 head of cattle, and send our milk to the Taieri and Peninsula Creomery. It is very -wet up this way, and nearly every lagoon is filled with water."

Snowdeop says they met at the school on Coronation Day to unfurl the flag, and that she had the honour of hoisting it. After lunch and a. game they all went home.

Cokonation supposes that I had a grant? time on Coronation Day. "I went for a long ride last Saturday, and enjoyed myself very much. It has been lovely weather here lately not having -rained for 11 fortnight. We have one cow milking, and I am learning to milk. I like milking very much."

Bttllock Dbtveb's Sister would like to know a good recipe for making teffes. I have given up selecting names. "I went to town on the 24th of Juno to see the Coronation. Owing to my having a slight touch of influenza all the time I was there I did r;ot enioy myself much."

Miss Xoeody likes miuccd lr.eat, but doesn't think minced letters are \ery nice. Her examination comes on shortly, and she hopes &he will pass. "We have had fine weather up till last night, when it began to rain 'old boots.' I know a good few D.L.F., but I shn'l r.ot namie them, as it might give me away. Wo liave a piebald horse, and it sometimes chases my brother when he -4003 to catch it."

.&OKOMIKO -ivtint9 to know if I hke pingl^ng, and says she 13 very fond of it. She has read a good many books latelr, including "Little Ruth's Lady,' "Alice in Wonderland, and "Princess Fairy. ' "Will any of the L.F. exchange auto 3 with me? If to, please address them 'Koromiko, care of Miss Waytt, Garston.' I think it a very goo I plan to give Con an auto, book, as he will appreciate it better than a costly present. I enn pympathise with Rimbecco, for I have also had a burn, ■which was very painful."