A LETTER FROM ROUGH RIDER.

Otago Witness, Issue 2631, 17 September 1902, Page 67

A LETTER FROM ROUGH RIDER.

Queensland. - Dear Dot, — The drought still continues, although one morning wo invoke to the music of raindrops. Somehow I got quite damp, and C. told me I would nave to change, so, thinking it needless to change without sufficient cause, I stationed myself under a break in the spouting and was very soon more than damp. It was delicious. We are having rain_ water to drink now, instead of that dreadful' oreek water — so many animals like a watery grave, you know. Did I tell you about the man who found irrigation a failure? This being Sunday I'll tell you something to suit the day. The church we attend is about six jnilea from here, and service is held only once a month. The building, a little country schoolhouse, has two rooms and a verandah, the one containing the necessary school requirements and an organ, the other only a few loose boards scattered about the floor. The first time we went we arrived at least an hour before the minister, and so had sufficient time for observation. Most of ths people rode and drove, and tied their horses up round the building, for the churchyard was more than -100 acres in extent. • Some went inside,- while .the remainder exchanged pleasantries round .the verandah.' Those inside were mothers and .their daughters— daughters whose mothers were not there stayed outside, — and while the •former chatted about the weather, and told .reminiscences of past droughts, how, when ,dad was out riding one day, he perceived a cheep now at the bottom of a crack, etc., etc., the latter talked. about their prize turkeys, - discussed the prices of maize, wheat, and lucerne hay, and told us how one Sunday, at the end of" a hymn, a long form broke in two, when one-third of the congregation suddenly seated itself. During a pause we could hear children jumping over the loose boards aforementioned and creating noise enough for a busy time in a timber yaid. One mother gave a, reposeful smile, and remarked thai the young ones seemed to be having a good time. On the minister's arrival the building was filled and the service commenced. The euiging was ouite fair, considering the drought, and so on. It contrasted strongly with that of our little country church in New Zealand, where it was not imusual for the congregation to break down in the middle of a hymn, when the nervous young minister would implore someone to help him, whereupon a girl of 16 summers would lead in a key of great altitude. But that was before we got an organ. We have only been to church twice since coming here. We did not know about it until the autumn, and then only sometimes wo knew on what Sunday service was held. Now, since our hay has given out, we only use the horses when absolutely necessary. We cannot get any more lucerne hay, it being almost off the market, and, where procurable, it is dearer than flour. Oaten chaff is scarcely obtainable either so scarce is it that none could be found in our vicinity, and we were obliged to buy •wheat straw chaff, and then the animals will •scarcely touch it, even when mixed with oats. The ruling prices are, I think— Lucerne hay, '£10 10s; oaten chaff, £7 ;nd up; wheat straw chaff, £4 10s per ton; and oat straw chi»ff, i 6. — Yours truly, _ ROUGH RIDER. P.S.— I shot a bear the other day, and am laving the skin cured.— R. R. ■ [There is a deed of prowess for Rough Rider, tut then, I suppose, it is a native bear, and not a big black bruin or a ponderous polar •iKWUH«tt.-£OT.I

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto : — We write for the benefit of ethers, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,— As my last letter was condensed, I am going to write again, and see if this one will be printed in full. Florodora was wild when she saw my last letter: she said the -very next time I write anything about her she is going to give me a good thrashing. I am not the least bit afraid of her, and intend to keep on writing about her. I am going to tell you what Florodora once did. She was sent with a basket of eggs to a sick lady, and she tied a string to her collie dog and took it with her. It is a very timid dog, and as soon as it heard a noise it began to run a3 fast as its legs could carry it. Of course Florodora could not run so fast, and so she fell and broke all the eggs. She did not like to go home for more, for her poor dog would get a thrashing, and she went into her friend the grocer's and bought a dozen and took to the lady. Six of them were bad and four had chick-ens in, for some hen must have been sitting on them. Florodora's mother was surprised when she learned from the lady that the eggs were all bad, for the ones she sent were all the one day's laying. j Florodora had to account for it, and very foolish she looked when she had done so. I asked her what she had done with the broken eggs, but she would not tell me. We all said at last that she must have eaten them. What ! do you think she did with them, Do.t? Florodora and I are learning to ride Diamond King's bike, but we come such spillers, and he only laughs like fun. Last night Florodora was trying to get on against tho wall, wiien her elbow went through a thin glass window. Her arm was cut, and bled for about half an hour. , I was riding round all right, when I went a flopper into a big puddle- of water. Diamond King likes to see v* go flying in tho mud, but he won't enjoy the sight much longer, for we are first-class riders now. Diamond King and I are going out to Silver Mist's for a bike rido.eome Sunday, so, Silver Mist, don't take fright if you see two cyclists all covered with mud or dust coming along your way. Are you fond of babies, Dot? If so, you can take away my little niece ;_ I have had enough of her. Harry wants a sister, so he can come with a sack and take her away. Excuse a little private talk, Dot. Dear" Dr Jim, do you ever ride a bike? Thank you for the loan of the book 3, Black Watch. Did you get my photo, Sleeping Beauty? Love io Florodora, Diamond King, Black Watch, and the D.L.F. boy whom I met on the bike, — Yours truly, CIVRONI. [I don't wonder at Florodora being indignant at having all her doings chronicled, Civroni, but the egg and dog episode point* such a good moral that I do not hesitate about passing it. It is always better to act straightforwardly, no matter what the anticipated consequences may be. I fitn sure you are as fond I of that little niece as possible, dear, as every)one loves a baby girl, and I fancy Harry would have a very cool reception were lie to take , you at your word, and make his appearance j with the sack.— DOT.] • Dear Dot, — What kind of a day had you on Coronation Day? It rained and anowed pretty • well all dwy here, so there was no fun outside, h\»X there vr»s plenty in the hell.' A.II the children seemingly enjoyed themselves, judging by the noise th«t was in evidence. The day finished up with a dance, at which a good, number of D.L.F were present. • I heard that a group got their photos taken, but I was too late to be in it. There was a ball on the 26th June. I was there, and enjoyed my- ; self very much. There was a big crowd pre- ! sent, the hall being just crowded, and you had ! to stand a few kicks. Some people "are try- { iug Co find out who Non is, but I don't think they, have managed it yet. We are having splendid weather ju's.t now — lovely warm days with a little froet-at night. There is a little snow on the hills, but none down on the level, which is a very good job, as it is not wanted. I have tc go and get the tea, so I shall say adieu for the present. — Yours truly, NON. [It was not very pleasant to have to put up , with kicks and crushing, Non, but I suppose ( everyone was so good-natured over it that you ; simply looked upou it a 9 part of the programme. — DOT.] I Dear Dot,— Coronation Day in I. was a great failure. It poured all the time until 2 o'clock 'p.m., and even then it was showery and bitterly cold. The fireworks had to be put off until the Monday night after. I think tho first Coronation's amusements were nvuch better than the second. Dear Dot, did you : ever ride a horse? I take a great interest ' in horses, and there is nothing I like better than riding. My brother bought a flash horse, and I w»s the only one who would ride it I besides himself; but many & tumble I have ' had from riding other people's horses. I have ; six brothers, and they are «. real nuisance. jDo you like dancing? I used to attend every • dance iv H., until I left. I think it is a very ■ nice pastime in the winter. I have never ', played ping-pong yet, although my sisters play, j I think it is a very exciting game. Next time j I write I shall tell you about the country I i used 'to live }n. With love to all' the D.L.F., j the editor, and not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, LADY WARD. , [I wonder what Sir Joseph will say when he finds that- Lady Ward is writing -to our page now? She will have to be very, careful not to let us into any political secrets. — DOT.] Dear Dot,-;— I seo'a°lot of your writers have been telling yoxi what books --they have read and how they liked them. I like Ethel Turner's writings, as they are good reading for ! girls, and I think they are interesting. I am very anxious to know who Country Cousins are, as I have heard such a lot about them. I shall tell you of an accident I had a while ago. I got a bike as a present on my birthday from ma and pa. I was just learning to ride, and one dny my mate asked me to go out into the country up by Mornington. I agreed, and we made a start, and got on all right . till we were 'coming home. I was trying all i the way to keep up with her, but coming down one of the hills I forgot to put on the i brake, and J soon found myself on the «ide of the road with my arm broken. Happily I was not far,.irom home, and as my mate was an expert cyclist, she rode home and brought assistance. I have fully recovered now, and I am staying down at the beach at one of the boardinghouses at Port. Molyneux. I have great fun. I roam about through, the bush and read book 3, and am enjoying myself immensely. I hear there are a number of D.L.F. in Romahapa who are very anxious to find out who Little Dodger is. I hope they will have to wait awhile. Little Dodger, will you exchange autos with me? My address is "Lady Psyche, care of Miss J. Campbell, Nugget Burn, Port Molyneux." With love to Little Dodger, Dot, and the editor, — Yours trulyj LADY PSYCHE. [That was a most unfortunate ride, Lady Psyche. It was very thoughtless of your companion not to warn you to put on your brake whenever you commenced to descend a, steep hill. All old riders should be careful to warn beginners continuously, as it is so easy to lose control of a bicycle.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am 18 years old, and I keep house for my father, who is very delicate— so much so that he often has to go away for ali tottk I tors t& i£tu« mm mi &*

wee b.iby brother — ?. _eal litile mischief — two year* old. "When dad is avay I feel very lonely. My AzUb ulsters go to school, then I only nave wes Robin, R'j we cail him. We hvs i?r from any station or posl office, bul my Kuntie generally gets our mail for us, »nd rides up wii.h it. She ucsd to write to you, too, Dot, "She is engaged to be married now, trat she says nhr doesn't intend tc get married for year 3 ys>. Dear Dot, I oftsn think you lrmsl have great patience io be ec gentle and kind to all your correspondent alike, and it must t?,ke a "great deal of patience sometimes. I know sometimes, v/h-sn I am tired, my sisters and brother try ray patience (never a large stock) pretty severely; but -when I feel as if I'm going tc be angry I nearly always think of mother,' and how good' and kind she was to us all, and that always makes me feel ashamed of myself, for I promised her before she died that I'd look after the wee ones always, and be good to them. Dear Dot, this letter is all I, I, I— nothing else but I. However, I hope you will forgive me, and I shall try to write "a better letter next time— that is, if you will let me write again. Adieu now, and fond love to your dear self, from— Yours truly, VINCIT VERITAS. [Your poor mothers example is well worth following, dear, and the habit pi restraining yourself by recalling your promise to her and her goodness will, I am sure, be invaluable to you in after life. Next time you write enclose your name and address, which, is one of the rules of our page. lam sure some of our senior girls will wish to exchange autos with you, and when they come how am I to send them on?— DOT.] Dear Dot,— We »re having beautiful weather up here ju3t now, and the fanners are busy ploughing. I notice that a number of L.P. have been mentioning the names of a few of the books they had read. The book entitled " Alice in Wonderland "- aeems to attract most attention. A schoolmate of mine lent me the book, and I- enjoyed reading it very much. I thought it nice to be in fairyland for a short time.' Amongst other books which I have read are "Vashti, ' "The Beautiful Mrs Leach," "The Star in the Dustheap," "Anna Lee," and many others which I need not mention. We have a lady teacher in our. school now, and as I have left school, I may say that elie is very nice to speak to. My youngest brother is still going, but he dt>sa not appear I to be oveifond of school. The long-looked-for | Coronation is over ai last. It was not a very enjoyabls day, owing to a snowstorm which came on in the afternoon, and did not ceaso until thei-e was about an inch of snow on the ! ground. I notice that another of the L.F. has started writing under the same name as mine. As I «m almost certain that I had the nsire first, I shall put No. 1 after my nora de plrane. With love to all the L.F., the editor, and «our3e!f, —Yours truly, NERISSA I. [Thank ycti for adopting that couise, Nerisaa, as I prefer it very much to changing names.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — We are having beautiful weather just now, and although it was raining yesterdßy, it was not miich. This is cs-pital weather for pouftry-keeping. I got some hens a few days ago, and I am busy preparing a run for them. Won't it be nice to see them running aijOUt, and especially the joxitig chickens, after a while. I am going to go for a walk to-day; it will be all right in the hot sun. I am. working in an office now, Dot. ' It ia siuch a nica place to work at: the sun comes in at the wiadow nearly all day, so I can tell you it is waim. With love to you and all other L.F., — Yours truly, VANITY FAIR. [Poultry 13 a very good hobby to take up, Vanity Fair, and you will soon find that there is a good deal of interest to be learned in connection with them.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — We lied our Coronation holidays from August 8 fill Monday, Axigust 11. On Friday it we 3 raining, so I did not get out much, but on Saturday morning it cleared up, so I went out to pipy. On Saturday afternooi: I went up to my auntie's with my cousin, but just as we were nearing home a snowstorm came on, and we got wet. Sunday proved to be a better day, so I went out riding with ' my cousin. On Monday we went lound the sheep, carted wood fioin the bush, and then went out riding again. I enjoyed the riding \ more than anything. On Thursday a concert i was held not far from here. I was at it, and I enjoyed myself very much, but I was sleepy ! the next morning when I awoke. I should i like to exchange autos with Teasing Kiddy, I Ma.id of the Mountain, Clydeite, and any otheT ! L.F. who are willing. Address, "Snowball, Heriot P. 0." With love to the little folk,— Youis truly, SNOWBALL. [You evidently had a. good holiday time, Siiowball, in spite of the weather.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — My cousin is at present staying with me, and we are enjoying ourselves very well. She writes to Dot and signs herself Rosebud. I was very glad when I got a letter from her, telling me she was coming down lo stay with me. We went down to the gardens yesterday «nd had a good time; we play«d ball till we grew tired, then we took off our boots and stockings, and paddled about in -the. creek. Rosebud got an awful fright when • a weasel ran along the bank close lo where we were paddling. We are botlrlß years old, Dot. I hope you' don't " think us » pair oX tomboys.. I don't think anybody saw us with our bare feet, at anyrate I hope they didn't, for they would not have thought iii very ladylike. I woro my badge, but I did not meet any D.L.F.' I was very sorry, for I like to have a yarn about the littie folk. When we were coming home we met Florodora, who invited us down to her place to spei.d the evening. We peoepted the kind invitation, and at 7 o'clock Ruby, Rosebud, and I set off for Fk.rodora's. When we got to the door we all felt shy, for Ruby and I had only been to F.s once before. We at last gave a loud knock, I and waited unxiously to see who would com*. I We were soon set at rest, for a boy, wearing a very broad grin," answered the door. We all I looked very foolish, till Ruby (who always comes tc the front when necessary) boldly asked to see Florodorn. The boy, who turned out to bs Diamond King, looked suspiciously at us, and then said, in. a. mischievous sort of way, "Florodora is not in. but if you care to come in and wait, she will be back in a few minutes." We went in and waited till Florodora came. Two other D.L.F. boys were inside, whose noms de plume were Silver King and Deadwood Dick. I don't think Deadwood Dick likes girls, for he never took his eyes oft the book he was reading. When Florodora came she introduced us, and then matters were made right. We passed a very enjoyable evening. Florodora makes herself very agreeable, bo that we felt very happy. She played the violin to us, showed us her autos, and gave me some autos she had to spare. I don't think Diamond King is much of a hard case, Daisy Dial, for ha hardly opened his mouth to U9. I think it is he himEelf who would turn milk sour, and not Florodora at all. She is always smiling ana happy, and seems to be her mother's pride. Her father praises her up and calls her his little Babs. When we were going out the door to go home, Civroni passed, and florodora g«v© us an introduction to her. Civroni is a real hard case, *and gave FJorodora a hot time. We are all very fond of Florodora, and hope to see her often. I We asked her to corns up and see us some - iiighv totf *• «•» »b°'ft &a ftot ***

lettei was 4.1, and I think her a very clever girl. She lent me a book to read, called "Gieater Love. ' It is an all-right book. I was going along Princes street the other day v,-hen I met Fun and Fancy, and of course I had a yarn with them. I must thank Silver Stream, Topsy, Dollie, Vena, and Butterfly for their autos, which I received all right. I hope they received mine safely; they were sent on Friday. Will any other D.L.F. •exchange autoa with me? Address, "Mariner, care of Post Office, Dunedin." With heaps of love to Dot, Florodora, Civroni, Silver King, Diamond King, Dolly Varden, and the editor, — Y0v.73 truly, MARINER. [I think I can see the meaning of a D.L.F. ■"hard case" from what Mariner" tells us about Civroni; it appears to be one who is quick «t retort, and able to hold her own when she is among her friends. It is a phrase I am always doubtful about passing, but if that is the -actual meaning there is very little objection to the phrase.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Rosebud is at present staying with us, and I wanted her to write to Dot tonight, but she is going to wait for a while till she has something decent to write about. Rosebud, Mariner, and I went a nice picnic on Saturday up Woodhaugh. In the morning we all got up early and did our usual work, and left home at 9 o'clock, reaching our destination at 11 o'clock. The first thing we did vas to have a feed of corned beef and bread and butter. Then we made tea, and had two or three cups each. We then sat on a log in the sunshine arid told riddles, after which" wo went and gathered ferns till the sun was setting. Feeling very tired, we made tracks for home, and reached there about 6 o'clock. After having some tea we had a wash and went up town, wriere we spoke to several D.L.F. girls. It seems to be the fashion now for the little folk to carry autos about with them, and if they meet any D.L.F. .±Key" give them their autos. I drowned a cat the other day, a-ud I can scarcely sleep since, for I always dream I can see the cat looking at me. Have you ever drowned a c*t, Dot? It is the worst thing you can do. The poor thing was mangey, so I think I did it a kindness when I drowned it. I shall never drown another cat, for I think it very cruel. I should like to go farming, Dot, and Florodora says so would she. So some day we are going to start a farm of our own. I often go down to Florodora's place and have some fun. Civroni is nearly always there, and' she is a. very nice girl. I like Tending books, and have read a good many, among them being "Uncle. Tom's Cabin," "Queechy," "Black Gull Rock," "Tho Beautiful White Devil." "Self-denial," "Infclice," and "Westward Ho." With love lo Florodora, Civroni, and all the other D.L.F.,— Yours truly, RUBY. [Dear me, Ruby, no ; I have never drowned a cat, and am never likely to try my hand at it after your experience. I can always get some obliging boy when, anything of that kind ig to be done, and of course we all know that" boys are, as a rute, only too. happy to undertake the disagieeable duty.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— The weather has been very favourable here lately, but has again broken, and it rained pretty heavily last night. The bachelors of this district got up a ball, which was held on August 22, ana as it was » nice night there were a good number of people present. I did not go home that night (ot at least that morning), as I stayed with Clem, and - the , clock struck half-past 5 o'clock as Clem was getting into bed. I met a. good many D.L.F. at the ball, but I know a good number about this district who were not there. Dear Dot, I am the only one of . owr family going to school, as my two brothers and elder sister have left, and my other sister will not be going 'for a few years to come, as she is only 19 months. There was a picnic at our school on Coronation Day, but the day wa3 wet, and we had to play inside games. The wet did not prevent the people from going out, a.9 some of them were at Balclutha .enjoying some eun there. The pionic was very pleasant, and I enjoyed myself very well. I have read several books, amongst them-being "Their Happiest Christmus/' "Martin Redfern's Oath," "Ellerslie House," "Alice in Wonderland," and many others. I think "Alice iv Wonderland" is a great fairy tale, but it is always something to read. I think my sister, Lady Lygon, unlilfe many D.L.F., has only read one book right through, and I fancy she will never read another, as she thinks they are all fairy tales. My father is nearly always reading the Witness in the evenings, and my brother is a. great boy for the paper as well as father, so 1 hardly ever get a look at it at all. There are only three girls in my class — Silver Star, Clem, and myself. We are great mates at school. With love to Otagoito, New Chum, Mary, Laura, Ann Forsyth, Clem, Silver Star," Mary of Argyle, not forgetting your own dear aelf, — Youra truly, TITRI. [That is a small class, Titri, aud you should have a oapital chance of advancing your studies with so few to divide the teacher's attention. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — A lot of D.L.F. write from here. At "our school . nearly every girl iri my class . writes. .The country in wliich I live is 'a very pretty one,' with mountains on one side and a river on the other. One day. my sister and I drosscd up as . swagger- woman,, and slipped quietly out of the front door. ■ We were out a good while, when we thought it was time to go iu,'so we knocked at the" door, and the visitors who were staying at our place opened it. We asked for a feed, and it worked ' all right, until my sister laughed. We- often go to the bueh for a walk, and take lunch with us, nnd eat it there. After we have eaten our lunch we gather ferns and bring them home to plant. I saw in the Witness the L.F. were asked what animal they would choose to be if they w-ere compelled to change. For me, I should be a pet lamb. One day this last week I was giving my brother a ride in a wheelbarrow, and I would tip him nearly out aud catch him. My brother would then cail out, "Oh, Bill!" and I would have to Btop. With love to the L.F.— Yours truly, BLACK-EYED. SUSAN. [I cannot quite see how Black-eyed Susan could be "Bill" very well, can you? This B. E. S. did not enclose her proper name, though she gave the address. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — We are having very miserable weather here, and it ie snowing now. A bachelors' ball was held here on, the 22nd ult., and I was at it, and enjoyed myself immensely. I am glad that the South African was is over and also that the King ia better. Our mmi 6- ' ter gave a Coronation sermon on the 11th of August, the church being crowded. We have eight hens laying and two geese, but out ducks have not started laying yet. I know a good many D.L.F., four of whom go to our school. • We have a new schoolmaster, and he is liked by all the parents and children. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear serf and the editor, — Youra truly, ICH DIEN. [The ducks are evidently lazy, Ich Dien, but let us hope they will lay all the longer when they do start.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — We ar.e having beautiful weather here just now, and the roads are drying up capitally. On Coronation Day it rained co much here that I could not get out at all during the day. However, I went to see the fireworks »tt auditu pi which, there was a grand dia-

' play. My brother ha» arrived home from tha Transvaal, but he had to go into quarantine jin Tahuna Park before coming home. Theret was a great scare here when the news arrived; that smallpox had broken out on board tha boat, as three or four of th« troopers had cornel from here. The D.L.F. writing from here get called "dirty little fishes," frogs, monkeys, etc. I think those who do not care about writing should leave alone those who do. With iova to all the little folk,— Yours truly, GIPSY MAIDEN I. [You need not bother yourself about it, G. M. 1., as the silly names mentioned are simply the outcome of jealousy, and you may be sure that anyone using them to you could not write a letter however rnucb h« or she mighf try.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I suppose you had a grand time on Coronation Day. We had too, but it started to rain in the afternoon, just before the trades procession stopped. The rain was very heavy while it lasted, but it cleared up again ill time for the procession at night. I have a gooa many autos now, but still wish for more. Will any of the L.F. exchange with me? Haven't the troopers on board those troopships had a. bad time of it; but I have heard some people say that it was partly their own fault. I hay« counted, I think it was 14, who have died on board the Britannic. My brother, who was with the Fourth Contingent, was sent to England with the Coronation Contingent, and we are looking forward to his home-coming now, and I sujppose he will have a lot of things to tell about the different towns that he has visited. With love and best wishes to Dot and the editor, — Yours truly, E. J. O. [Your brother was indeed fortunate 'in being . selected for the Coronation Contingent, E, J. O. He should have plenty of reminiscences both of the war and of his visit to the Old Country.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am going to relate to you an accident that happened to me not long ago. We — when I say "we" I mean three schoolmates and my sister, Little Francey — were coming home from school ' in a dray. When we came to the corner we had to get out of it. We did not ask the driver to stop, but tried to get out ourselves. All the rest reached the ground safely, but my foot caught in tho wheel, and I was dragged a few yards. Then I knew no more till I was leaning against L. F., and the driver, a kind-hearted man, was tying a handkerchief round my head. I did not feel well at all, but I told tho driver I was all right, and that he needn't trouble. All the way home I bad to lean heavily on xrry sister, as she knew to her cost. I suppose you will bewondering where my mates were all the time? Well, a& soon as I regained consciousness they were to be seen on a neighbouring hill running' for all they were worth. I was not able to go to school for a while, and when I did reappear those schoolmates of mine came and asked me how I was getting on. Just fancy. Dot! I was so angry at their insolence at asking me how I was after leaving me alone when I was hurt that I said, "Oh, you needn't ask me; you car. go and find out. You are nice mates, leaving me alone when there was something wrong with, me, and now, when I u» alniO3t better, you come and coolly ask me how I am." Well, Dot. those girls did not know where to look, and, oh, I was so sorry for what I smtl. I ha\e just boon reading "Nil Desperandum," by Rev. F. Langbridge, M.A., a book of the "Golden Mottoes" series, and I like it very, much. Before I soy good-bye I miwt thank some of the L.F. for their kindness in sending me their aulos. With love to the L.F., your» self, and the editor,— Yours truly, * ' . FLAG LILY. . [Your three" schoolmates were a broken reed to loan on, Fl*x Lily, and I don't wonder. at their baing ashamed of their conduct when you upbraided them v.-ith it. You were fortunate io escape without more serious iujiiries. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is very wet outside, and I cannot go out, so I have to be content with, staying inside. It was very wet here on Coronation Day, and the rain spoilt all the funi for both the children and tho grown-up people. Donapony is leaving our district, and I feel very sorry. I agree with the D.L.F. girls in saying boys are a nuisance. Tho boys at our school come in before <the teacher arrives and hide our bags, and if our seats are nicer than their own they change the seats. The boys are always teasing us, and there is one boy worse than the rest. The other day The Lady of the For.est and myself wore kept in for talking. One of the boys came to the window for tho purpose of teasing us. However, ho was rather surprised when he found out that the teacher was watching him. He disappeared round the corner quick and lively, but as soon as the teacher's back was turned he came up again and stuck his head in- at the window. I don't suppose I shall be able to go to school to-morrow, because the ground "will be covered with snow by the morning. I have five miles to go to school, and a woman drives us to it. The other night, when wo were coming home, the horse fell over. My word, you should have Been some of us kids .the rvoy we got out. Some foil put at the back, 'and others jumped from the -seat on to trie ground. I have just finished reading a book called "One Thipg Needful." I w/rader if any of the little folk have rend it. I- am lending it -to -The Lady of the Forest. Would' Marciu, Mataura Valleyite, Teasing Kiddy, and oihp: D.L.F. exchange autoa. v Address, "PateOn Seth, Dalvcy, Tapanui." Here is a puzzleWhy is Trumper like . a bicycle? I m«b close now, with love to Spring Gun, Teasirife Kiddy, and Dot. — Yours truly, PARSON SETH. [That kind of a boy is certainly trying, Parson Seth, but he probably did not mean any haim: it was only his lively spirits that needed an outlet.— DOT.] , Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about r visit my brother and I made to our aunt at a. place called Fiery Creek, about three miles from Parrow*. We went on our old horce Jack. Wo got there about dinner time. Our aunt wa3 quite glad to see us, and gave -us » nice dinner. After dinner we went and saw the water wheel working, and the dam that holds the water, and had a play in tho nice little creek that runs past the house. After that we went tip 'On the hill and gathered some ferns. On the way we crossed a row of pipes that carry the wator from Fiery Creek down the side of the Dome, across the Mataura River, and a flat about half a mile, then up the opposite side, finally working the sluicing claim on the top of a hill, the Alley. As we passed, some of tho pipes were leaking, and the water was spurting up in the air, and looked very pretty with the sun shining on it. We stayed all night, and came home next evening well pleased with our trip. — Yours truly, COWSLIP. [You had a pleasant little outing, Cowslip, and I am sure ;ou must have enjoyed yourselves very much. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — We are having bad weather hero at present. I should like to have been in Dunedin. at Coronation time. I did not leave the house, ac it was pouring rain nearly allday. Would you like to live in the country,. Dot? I should like to live in town, or, att all events, for a time. I had a trip to Hampden a short time ago, and enjoyed myself xery much. The beach is lovely, and theji boulders were quite new to me, but some al\ them are breaking ur> now. I ettw a pictwc* w4

jthexn in the Witness onee — I think it was a 'Christmas number. Moeraki is not fax from Hanipclen. It is a groat fishing 1 plac&. I was i»Iso at -the Maori Kaik and the Lighthouse, jaid the keeper kindly showed us over it. There ara three sizes of lighthouse lamps, and that tone was one of the smallest sizes. The friend I was staying with drove me to the Gorge, and we left the horse and cart and walked .through the Gorge. We saw some very pretty ferns, and also some veiy large fern trees. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor,— Yours truly, LACONIA. fYes, Laconia, the Moeraki boulders picture «ras in the Christmas Number, as you thought. JEhe boulders are a most interesting feature of tfao beach, but it is a pity there are co few left.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I don't think you will say I write too often, as my iast letter was in print in November. I have seen Minnehaha, *nd I have her auto. I met her when I was away visiting. She had her badge on, but I •had. left mine at home. I spoke to her, and then. we introduced ourselves. She is such a nice girl, and ■we promised to write to each other. Oyraza and Twopence gave me such a pretty caid for my birthday. We had the cadet iball here last week, and I was taken to it Xmy #rst ball), and enjoyed myself very muchThen there was the Coronation concert and ball, and it was very nice. On Coronation Day it simply poured all day. The school children /were entertained in the schoolhous© with games, 'and were given fruit and toys. The dredge ftiere struck a snag, and sank in a few minutes, tout they have got it up now, and it wilj be working again in a day or two; In Foken Thehna's last letter she eaid she met a girl in town. I supjpose she will not be surprised to hear that it 1-was me. We used to go to school together. iMoyra has "left town now. If this should hap!.pen to catch your eye, Moyra, will you please - '-write, as I am unable to answer your last fetter, not knowing youT address. With best •aove to all D.L.F., ths- editor, and not forgetting dear Dot.-Yours tzuly, [It is quite nice to meet Foken Thelnra like th&t.'lsolinde, but it i& really surprising how D.L.F. do fall in with each other.— DOT.] Dear Pot, — I have not written to you for a Jong time, but do not put it down to lack bf interest, as I still regularly" read the Withes 3. Th* last two or three days we have had beautiful weather. The sun is bright and peering after the gloom of winter; the birds ire beginning to sing again, and everything lends to a glorious summer. On Coronation 'Day it rained most of th© day here. In the jnorning it was fine until 12 o'clock, when it came on to rain hard, 'and continued all day. The school children had no sports, but went into the State schoolroom, where lunch and toys were provided for them. After that a short address was given by the town clerk, then all went home. In the evening the manager of the mine let off a few rockets from his private .'esidence, which could- be seek from a Si'stance", "and thus ended the Coronation here —not much, was if I will exchange" autos •with any L.F. who are willing. -With love to |LP. and Dot,-Yours truly, y - QSLANDE . [ITot much, perhaps, Yoslande, but it would no doubt h*ve been very pleasant had- the weather only been favourable. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— We are having awful weather here just now. It rained so heavy here last ■week that I thought we were in for a flood, -every place being fairly swamped with water. • Coronation Day was a terribly cold, wet, stormy •day up here. In fact, I thought there wtis -eointr to be no celebration for a while, bub .% a bit of good luck it cleared up about ,3 " o'clock, when a procession was formed. All • --present marched to the school ground where :4e New Zealand Ensign was hoisted, after -which- everyone adjourned to the ball, "Wh«re .a. good supply of eatables was Provided by <ttwT young ladies. A dance for the children '■was held in the hall in the evening. The fireworks caused great excitement at night. » ome> of the men let off a rocket too close to ■ tna trap the fireworks were in. Unfortunately, a spark from the rocket caugh*. the fireworks, and they all went up in the air, trap and all. It was as good as a pantomime to see everyone " scrambling and tumbling over to get out of the road. Luckily no one was hurt. I noticed in this week's Witness that Lieutenant Con is home again. My word, won't his mother and sister be proud of him. I am sure the Bpto. book will be highly appreciated by him. "When will the next group of photos be ready for the Witness, Dot? I will exchange photos and autoa with any little folk who are willing. "The pen'says stop, so I must bring this uninteresting scribble to a dose.— Youra truly, MATAKANUI. [That was an unfortunate accident, Matakanui, and I am sure the unexpected explosion did not make amends for the fun you missed. Strange to say, a very similar accident happened at the Dunedin celebrations. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— The Coronation was celebrated on Friday night with a dance, which was a great success, about 40 couples taking part in the t gTand march. Dancing wasr kept up tillSsaxly morning, everyone going home well satisfied •with the start of the Coronation celebrations. Saturday turned out a very cold, stormy day. . Fortunately it cleared off for a while about 3 o'clock, allowing a precession to be formed of all those present, who marched to the ' school grounds, where the New Zealand Ensign was hoisled amid loud cheering. After . this the National Anthem was enthusiastically sung. Tien everyone adjourned- to the hall, where a liberal supply cf . refreshments was - provided. A dance for th 3 children was held in the evening, and all <=,eerr.ed to enjoy themselves very much. All the ladies were presented with a har-dsome Coronation medal, »nd the children received the souvenir cads.

I .west foi « §sm iftto Slide q* Vidawfef,

and while there I had my photo taken. "Will Marcia, Jessie, Jessica, Eimbecco, and Five Loves kindly exchange autos with me? I will exchange photos with any L.F. who are ■willing. With best love to all the httle folk and yourself, — Yours truly, __ MATAKANUITE. [You evidently had a happy night, Mataka-mn-te.—DOT.] Dear Dot,— There was a heavy snowfall hese a few weeks ago, but it did not be very long, and when it cleared up, the ground very soon dried with the wind, but in some places they had floods. I was not in Dunedin for Coronation, but I should have liked very much to have been there, for it was awfully wet up hers, and it spoilt everything. Dear Dot, do you like playing ping-pong? I think it is a very nice game, though I am not a very good hand at. it. I know som« people who think it is a silly game. I know a lot of L.F. that write to your page, and who go to the same school as I do, but they don't think I know them. Spring has come again, and all the flowers aio coming up, so that the garden is beginning 1o look quite nice and cheery. There is to be a bazaar here shortly, and I am going to do some painting for it. With love to you, not forgetting PaTson Seth, The Hoyden, Miss Bobbie, and all the L.F.,— Yours truly, JACK-O'-LANTERN. [It is nice to be able to do painting for a bazaar, Jack-o'-Laaitern. You will have to write and tell us what kind of pictures you painted, and what were the subjects.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— Since my last letter I have been in Dunedin. I went down to the Coronation that was to have been, and, I think, like a good many more, was "had." However, although I missed the Coronation, I enjoyed myself immensely, and I can tell you I made the most of my holiday, and altogether thought the three weeks very short. I am flud.ng out quite a large number of D.L.F., and though I live pretty near the back blocks, I see quite 8, number of badges. Is Nut back yet, Dot? X have found out who he is, though I'm sure he doesn't know me. I hope he doesn't give up writing to your page, as I rather enjoy reading his letters. What capital letters Britain writes; he is fast becoming famous. I'm afraid the returned troopers will find things very slow here in New Zealand after the excitement of Africa. I nearly forgot to tell yon anything about my holiday in Dunedin. I was rather disappointed at having to come home without seeing you, but I couldn't pluck up courage to "beard the lion in his den." I'm glad Mr Editor is quite a hundred miles way from me, for he may be feeling a bit like fighting when he sees the terrible names I call him. After all he must be a bit of a monster when he won't let any of your wee folk catch a ghmpse of you. I was at •the Military Carnival, and I can tell you it is one of the "nine wonders" that I ever got out alive. There was a terrible crowd there, Dot, and the people were calling out to the ladies, "Take off your hats," but I'm quite sure that some had not room enough to put their hands up to do so. For my part I got into a corner, and took good care to stay there. I also went to Pollard's (in the afternoon) for the first time. I quite enjoyed "Percy. With .fondest love to the L.F., and not forgetting you deaT self,— Yours truly, O. HAYDEE. [Yes, 0. Haydee, Nut is back, and will, no doubt, be pleased at the interest you take in him. I am afraid the troopers wilL find it very slow, but they will soon settle down again, ,io doubt.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is a long time since I last wrote to you, as I thought I wou'd wait until after the Coronation, so that I should have something to write about. On the night (Previous to Coronation day a fancy dress ball was held in the Theatre Royal, which was decorated with flags and evt-Tgreens. It was a great success, and some of the costumes were very pretty. On Saturday morning a church service was held in the hall, which ,was crowded After the service we went to see the school procession, at which there were over 1000 children. After marching up and down tbe town they marched to the railway station to meet the country schools. One school I noticed carried bundles of toi-toi gTass, with Union Jacks or New Zealand flags attached. The town and country schools, headeo. by the Pipe, Garrison, and Hakataramea bands, then marched up and down the main street. At 12 o'clock the foundation stone of the troopers' memorial was la:d by four children from the schools. I saw several D.L.F., but as I did not happen to have on my badge, I did not speak to any of them except one. I made up my mind that I would speak to the next one I met, and to this one I said, "Hullo, D.L.F.," and she turned round and smiled. At 12.30 p.m. the schools were entertained at luncheon, which was presided over by the Mayor and Mayoress. In the afternoon we went down to see the trades procession. It was splendid, but about 3 30 p.m. it enrae on to rain, which spoilt the afternoon's fun. The chief feature of the procession was a tailor's display representing Britannia and her handmaidens^ — Justice and Mercy. There were also several decorated bicycles and carts. The Boating Club's dipplay was a largre boat on wheels, and was decorated with light blue and white (the boating co'ours). At night we went down town to fee the torchlight procession, but it was a disappointment. A concert was held in the Theatre Royal, but theie was not a great number of people present. I suppose they were too tired, as was the ca=e with myself. Many houses and shop? v-ere illuminated. The Mayor presented the returned troopers of the town and districts round about with medals, which were fastened on by the Mayorp=s. You will see thafr I am signing myself Clio-o'ate 11. as I have just been in£&Bßa& italt wmebad* had the flame b«tat« I

took jt. With love to Lovedale, Feo I, and Averna, and your dear old self, not forgetting the editor, — Yours truly, CHOCOLATE 11. [It is just as well to keep yourself Chocolate 11, dear, as if you were to take another noni de plume probably you would take someone else's.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — It was with feelings of regret that I read Marie's last letter. She was one of my favourite writers, and if I am not greatly mistaken, she has been writing to Dot for a considerable number of years. She has also shown some of the writers who are about to resign a good example by having her name and address published with her farewell letter. Most of the writers when resigning forget that important part, or else have some reason of their own for not complying with it. I am sure all the D.L.F. would'be in raptures when Daisy Primrose returned to the page again. It really seemed too good to be true, and I hsid to read over her letter a good number of times bsfore I cou'd believe lay own eyes. I was sadly disappointed when I read t'lo Critic Club's last noted, for I expected to see a number of the letters thoroughly criticised, instead of the criticism being confined to the nauch-spoken-of book, "Alice in Wonderland." We have another Critic Club. Although they criticise all the D.L.F. letters, it is only for mischief that they do it. just to have a httle fun at the httie fools' " expense, so they say. About a dozen boys rneeL two or three times a ■week in a neighbour's pretty little front room. If ever you a&k them what the attraction is there they look bewildered, and stammer out, "Oh, we like to sit beside the fire, and tell stoTies. Sometimes we play the tin whistle and sing, but whenever we feel lazy or tired we just pull the table over to the fire, and spend a grand evening among our favourite books." "What sort of books do you rend?" I once ventured to a-=k one of ihe number, Lut he only said, "Anything that we can get held of, from 'Deadwood Dick' to 'The Live's and Travels of Great Men.'" 1 had forgotten 'all about those naughty boys until the other day, when the same boy with whom I had had the chat about the books acidentally canie xny way, So we had another yarn, much to h s sorrow, I'm afraid, for he forgot that he was speaking to a D.L.F., and also forgot the words he had spoken to me before. As you will lernembcr, he told me that they read nothing but books, but he innocently gave mo a good bit of news concerning the D.L.F. He told me that at the little fireside meeting they read the D.L.F. page aloud. Not another book do they possess, nor have they any desire to read anything but the Little Folk's letters. Of course they pretend to hate everything belonging to the D.L.F. ; they would not write anything co childish, nor would they speak to any boy who would make such a fool of himself. I should not, however, be at all surprised any day to read a letter to Dot from some of the number. I am at present reading a grand book entitled Aldersyde," by Annie Swan. It is very interesting. The principal characters are two girls, one who is very religious, while the other is quite the reverse. Of course the little larrikin is always getting severe repnmandings from her senior sister. Would Diamond King's Sweetheart exchange autos. with me? I will send back my auto, to all those who have so kindly sent me theirs. I am sending you my photo for the next group. Love to Nut, Mariner, and S lyer Mist, not forgetting your own dear self, — Yours truly, FLORODOEA. [I am sure the boys need not be a bit ashamed of reading our page, Florodora. No one will think a bt the worse of them for it, and I trust they will some day write and tell us all about their proceedings in that cosy httle parlour. Thank you for the photo, dear. It will be some time yet before I have sufficient for another group. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— We had a concert in connection with the Coronation and also to raise funds for prizes for the school children at Christmas time. The school children sang four patriotic songs Two other little girls and myself sang an action song called "The Japanese fan." We are having very unpleasant weather just now — a great deal of rain and snow, but not enough to have snow-belling. Our exam, is over, and I am in the Fifth Standard. Before Coronation Day my father made a British Lion. First of all he took the measurements on a small scale, tli en he built its skeleton of boards, stuffed it with fir tree branches, and covered the whole with tow from, the flaxmill. He made the eyes from tin, and coloured them. At a distance it looked like a real lion standing beside the flagstaff. After the unfurling of the flag we all stood beside the lion, and one of our neighbours kindly took a photograph of the people on the hill. My sister has a number of music pupils, and the other night another was added to the number. It was its first and last lesson, for on going to see who it was we found one of the cats, scampering over the keys. I know four D.L.F., one of whom lives not very far irom us, while another lives near the school. I have a brother who won the first prize, a. pretty gold Maltese cross, in a shooting competition —Yours truly, MURIHIKTL [What a good idea that was of ycur father's, Murihiku. He must have great patience to have carried out the idea so completely. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — This is such a lonely place that I have not much to write about, but I shall try to tell you how I enjoyed myself on Coronation Day. We all drove to our nearest township, and spent the day. All the houses were nicely decorated, and a pretty arch was placed over the railway gate. Before lunch there was a*, sham fight, and it was grand. My cousin acted as Lord Roberts, and he did look so comical — all the girls were running after him, as he had gained such it high position. In the afternoon, there w*s a xjxoceaaion, which

looked very nice. The proceedings of the day were finished by a dance in the hall in the evening. The weather was mest miserable, but 1 I enjoyed mys&lf very much all the same. My sister and I went away for three days' holi- j day last week. It was a very lonely place that we went to, but we got on all Tight. We rode about 24 miles in the train. Rosabelle and Topsy Kruger cpme to spend the day with me last Saturday week, and we did have fun. We had a swing erccjfcd among the trees, and so put in the day. Love to Biddy, Flag Lily, Pukaki, Colleen, Lndy Gray, and Uncle's Auntie, not forgetting your own dear self, — Yours truly, VIOLET. [Your cousin would certainly be envied by his comrades when he was tho object of so. much attention from the girls present, Violet/ You appear to make up ycur mind to enjoy yourself under all circumstances, dcai. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— There was a bazaar at D. not long ago m aid of the Volunteer Hall, and it. proved a great success. On Coronation Day "we went to O THe procession was very good, but it was a horrible day, and of course that spoilt it all. It was blowing terribly hard, and then started to rain, but it was nice at night. I met quite a number of D.L.F., Eome of whom were Myra, Zoe, Drooping Violet, Buttercup, Princess Miiud, Albion, Betsy, Smiling Primrose, G-orden Morn, and Heiress of Thornleigh. It will soon be New Year. We have had a lovely winter here, and I think that has made it appear to go past all the quicker. I have about 30 autos, and would bo pleased to exchange autoa with any D.L.F. who are willing. Dear Dot, when shall we have another 0.W.W.? I think the letters were very good last time. With love to Myra, Zoe, Drooping Violet, Light o' Morning, . the editor, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, STRAY BLOSSOM. I [An O.W.W. week disorganises matters so much that it is impossible to have ome very often, Stray Blossom. Besides, if we had themfrequently, the novelty would soon wear off. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Now that Coronation Day is o\er, 1 thought I should. like .to •grite and tell you about the celebrations, we had hore. In the morning all the flags were hoisted, and at half-past 10 all the children assembled together and sang the National Anthem. Then Coronation medals were distributed. After that was done the Volunteers saluted the flag by firing their guns off three times. By that time it was nearly '1 o'clock, so all the children were marched to the hall, where there was a dinner laid for them, consisting of soup, pies, plum pudding, and tea and cake. After dinner was over there were races for toys. These had to be held in the hall too, because it had commenced to rain, and we could not get out. While there I met Laline, and as we could not be bothered racing, wo went for a walk. After we came back we started to play games of some sort or another, and ended up by talking the D.L.F. Page yarn. After everything was done, we went home and got our tea. Just before the time for the procession to start at night it started to rain again, but this time, instead of raining only, it snowed and hailed too, and put a "set" on eveiry thing. A great big bonfire was lit upon the hill, and fireworks let off, and the procession went through the town. It was made up of three big carts all decorated. One was full of children representing angels, but I fancy they looked very cold in white on such a wet night. At about 9 o'clock everything was over, everyone being lisgu^ted with the weather. If it had been a fine night I think things would have passed off vary well. I was going in'o town, but my sister would not go, so I had to stop at home. Dear Wandering Maiden, did you get that auto. I sent you 9 I ask.be- | cause I did not receive yours in return. The school which my sisters attend ha 3 just been examined, and six have failed in the whole school, so that was not so bad. They had a week's holiday. On trie first day we stopped at home, but on the second we went up the bush. We left home about half-past 11, and took about an hour to climb some very steep hills. After we got in the bush we had our dinner, after which we hunted for ferns. We managed to get a few of them, but not vsry nice ones, so we left for home. The day after we went down to see my sister, who lives about five miles away, for I, too, have become an auntie to the finest little fellow out. He is seven months old, and weighs 2st, and, to' look at him, you would think he was two years old. When they come up to see us there is a great fight as to who shall have him, as each of us can't get enough of him. Dear Winifred and Captairr Cook, will you change autos with me? If you address them to "Maid of Killeena, Park street, Mosgiel," I shall receive them a.ll right I saw the photo of the Invercargill cot , in this week's Witness, and I think it looks very nice. With love to E. O. A., Laline, ' Aurora- Australia (nicknamed " the Roaring , Ostrich"), Snowball, your own self, and Mr Editor. — Youra truly, MAID OF KILLEENA. [Don't enclose so many sheets in the envelope next time you write, Maid of Killeena, I for it makes the letter overweight, and 1 have 1 not only to pay the deficient postage, but also j a fine.- DOT.] | Dear Dot, — I saw my last lettei in the Witness, and I got quite a surprise to see that it escaped the "turnip-squasher." I hope Mr Editoi will excuse me for applying thi» name j to his- patent condensing machine, but they are one and the same thing. I received Black Witch's and Areta'a autos the other day, and I was very pleased to get them. The turnips L. E. N. was telling you about are done now, but I suppose they couldn't last for ever. However, we are not so hungry now of a night, as we get home earlier. We almost got the wit* friahtened out of ua the oth.ee njght. W_e

were coming along, laughing and" talking, wliea we almost bumped up against an oldi China — man. "What a. shock tlie poor fellow would! have got if we had fallen against him? Tnera wouldn't be much of him left, I'm afraid— nati after L. E. N. was done with him, anyway^for I tell you she is no small weight. The Chinaman was dressed in white, and was stand- - ing over the spot where a- man was supposed to have been murdered. "We spoke to him quite politely, and when we received no answer we thought he was a ghost. We ran home as hard as our legs would carry us, and ever sirce we are afraid to come home after dark. Dear Dot, how did you enjoy yourself on Coronation Day? It was simply cruel the way it rained over here; but although I got an awful "ducking " I -enjoyed myself immensely. I saw Minnehaha, and she appeared to be enjoying herself also. Dear Fra Diavolo, tra your initials B. 8., and do you live in H. ? If so, I titfnk I have found you out. ATe you fond of ferns, Dot? If you are, I shall send you some with my next letter. The bush here is so pretty, with the ferns and flowers, "especially on a summer day, when the whole place ssems to be alive with birds. I/. E. N. is talking about changing her norn de plume, "because she is bemg found out on all sides. But she cannot be found out more quickly than I am. However, I don't think I shall change my norn de plume, for it is- "a very suitable one. I was called S. B. H. C. befora ,ever I wrote to the Witness, and I shall tell you why in the next letter I write. Till then I shall say good-bye, with love. — Yours truly, S. R. H. a [I am very fond of ferns growing, S. R. H. C, but I do not care about the dried fronds-, which always look stiff, and have, to my mind', lost all their oharm. Thank you for the offer to send me some all the same, dear. Probably the Chinaman was quite as frightened: as you were, and that, no doubt, was why he could not reply. I trust L. E. N. will give up tha idea of changing her nom. de plume-: it does no good, for discovery is afterwards inevitable. —DOT.] Dear Dot, — How did you enjoy your Corona* ■ tion? I spent mine at home among the "kids" and the cooking and the scrubbing-. It was a fine, lively Coronation to spend, wasn't it, Dot? I am going for a holiday some pi these days, *md" I shan't be in a hurry back either when I get away. It is the proper way to spend three or four weeks. Pad Murphy's letter wasn't too bad. He did fancy himself young, but I don't think so; do you, JDot? I wish some of the others would hurry up and write too, as I am waiting for some news. I was at a concert the other night, and I saw a few D.L.F., some with badges in their hats. Lochnagar was a bit busy that night, so I had no time to speak to her, but her letter pleased me, for we are both fond of babies — they are such dear little things to nurse, especially when they are young. Dear Dot, what did you think of the Inverescrgil'l Cot? I think it is very nice. I hope tha Oamaru one will be as good. I got Aguinaldo's and Golden Fern's photos out of the Witness and put them in a golden frame, for they were so nice and happy-looking a couple. With love to Golden Fern, Aguinaldo, Lochnagar, Pat Murphy especially, Hawthorn, and Honeysuckle, — Yours truly, SJTOWBERRY. [Considering the kind of day it jf»», I think you were better among- the cookery and scrubbing than looking for amusement in your township, Snowberry.— DOT.] Deal Dot, — I have three miles to go to school, so I always have to be up at 7 o'clock every morning, and it is prety cold sometimes. I have not had a good slide this winter, because the ice was not strong enough. Dear Dot, I often go down to a farm where there are lot 3 of hens, ducks, turkeys, horses, pigs, sheep, and cows. Every time I go down the old bubblyjock chases me. He even comes off: his roost, and runs after me till I get inside. Did you ever have a bubblyjock after you, Dot? Perhaps you don't know what one is. There used to be an old pet sheep called 1 Cbarhe, and it was great fun to s«e him butting people. He would know a stranger afJ once, but the stranger would not know Charlie's tricks, and he would bo on the ground before he knew where he was. He is dead now, andl I am not sorry. I often try to milk the cows, but my arms get tired. Dear Dot, two of my, sisters write to you, but as I am at the farm to-night, they don't know I am writing, and I shan't tell them till my letter is in tha Witness. I have never been, in Dunedin yet, so you will know I am just a little country, girl. I nave never seen a train, only a traction, engine. With love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self,— Yours truly, LITTLE BRIGHT EYES. [I hope you will see the train, tight up ta where you live some day, kittle Bright Eyes, though I am afraid it will not be for some years yet. Oh, yes, dear, I have been chased by a bubblyjock, and very dreadful it seemed at the time, so I don't wonder at your being afraid.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — As I am at home by myself today, I thought I would write to you again. I saw my last letter in the Witness, and was I very pleased to Bee that it escaped the con.I denaed column. But I think if it had been. { condensed at all there would not have been much of it left. I received from Minnehaia I ant os of Black Watch and ATeta, and I can assure you, Dot, I felt quite proud to receive them. Well, our King has been crowned at

" Home Rule," once very much discussed. Is laid aside and left to rust. • Old Gladstone, spite of all his skill, Failed to pass thi& famous Bill. How often do the greatest fail? And coughs make ill tho strong and hale, Unless the remedy they procure — W. E. Woods' Gbeax Peftibxist Con*