LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2561, 6 May 1903, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto -.—We write for the benefit of others, not

for ouiselves.

Dear Dot,— We had three days' holiday from school at Easter, and I am going to tell you how I spent them. On Good Friday a number of other girls and I went for a picnic to the picnic ground. When we arrived there vie ht a fire and boiled the billy. Then we had a cup of tea and something to eat, as we were Irungry after our walk. Then we took off our bcots and stockings and paddled. After that we had lunch. When we had finished we went for a walk in the bush, and gathered a number of ferns. Then we went and paddled again. In one place there was sinking sand, and we sank up to our waists. By that time ■we wer« hungry again, so we had tea. After that we put on oui boots and stockings and eat lown and talked. Then we started for lioine, which we reached at about half-past 5, after spending a very enjoyable day. On Easter Monday I went to Greymouth, but did not enjoy myself much. On Easter Tuesday I hired a bike for three hours and leaxnt to ride. I had two 01 three spills, but did not get hurt, — Yours truly. CHATTERBOX. Dear Dot, — I have not forgotten you. We are having very bad weather up here, and it is keeping the harvest very late. I was at a surprise party the other night, but it was very tame, and I did not enjoy myself. Summer is over now, and winter is coming on. I hope there is plenty :>f ice this year, but I do not ■want such bad luck as I had last year. Last year the ice was pretty thick on the pond, and one lay, along with my mates, I was out skating-. The ice was liot very thick in one place of the pond, and three of us were sliding over it togethe;. We were going full speed, when a stump 111 the middle stopped the first one with a nasty fall. The ice broke, and all three went undsr. My mate and I scrambled out, but the third got stuck to the bottom in the mud, and was struggling there for some time before she got out. The three of us went home bruised and cut with the ice, and soaking wet, but when we got home we soon changed our :lothes. A bit of hard luck, wasn't it? With love to tho D.L.F. and tho editor, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, LADY CONSTANCE. Dear Dot, — I am going to teli about a circus that wa^ helcii just alongside our pla-ce on the 27th of March. There were 72 ponies and horses, and three monkeys, six vans, and five light expresses. They came at about 12 o'clock in the day, and started to unyoke and feed and cover the horses. After they had had dinner they pitched the tents {five 111 number) and fixpel everything up for the ni^ht. When we were getting ready to go to the circus (Pimento, my brother, and I), my brother began to ciy, as he thought father said he was not going, so when he started to cry he was put to bod, and was not allowed to go. As 1 was the younger of the two I was not allowed to go eithei, po you see, boys are nuisances in one way and not m another. After the c:rcii3 was over you had to pay sixpence to see the curiosity of the evening, so Pimento came running in and took me out U see it. It was a calf with two heads, two tails, and six leg 3 With love to all D.L.F., including Elderr'-. I . an, Snow, and not forgetting yourself and the editor,— Yours truly, K. C. E. Dear Dot,— We are having very bad weather down here just now, and, oh, it is so trying, Pot, when one can't get out.. One )f the D L.F. ■was in our place last night, Dot, and she told us that the little foik down h»re are trying to get up a social. For my part I think it a good idea, and shall do my bcM, to assist them. Kogue comes tknvn here every Wednesday, and I always see her. She 13 such a nice girl, and to is her sister. They nearly aiwavs come to ■cur place when the}' are down. Wo have such a nice big dog, and we call him Caiio. I had a little terrier, but it got so naughty that we gavo it to a friend who lives in luvercargil!. I felt so sorry to part with it at fust. With love t. all the D.L.F., including Fatima, Rogue, B. Jack, and Kitty Clover,— Yours truly, MAIDEN BELL. Dear Dot, — We had a very heavy shower >f ram this morning just befoie da\ light, md I thought it was going to be a veiy wet day, but the sun came out very bright, and it is gon g to be a fine and lovely day. A lot of Maoris are sowing gr&33 seed at our place ju^t now, and they are camped in our woalshed. One of them is tattoed all over the body Ho has got the sun, star, man, woman, moon, and Christ on th* Cross. It wa- such fun to e-e the men dipping the pcoi sheep, and th»y had such a bother with «omc j' the sheep, because a lot of them had been dipped before. A. lot of my plar.te are out in flower yet, and Hh£9 ar« fiozae very pretty onea^ We have

f two mischievous little pups, and tliey carry away anything that they can get hold of. I ■went to the P. school picnic with three or four of my friends. We all rode down, and it v.as a beautiful day, and there was a great crowd. There were plenty of races and games of all sorts. It was lovely coming home at night, because it was moonlight, and the roa-ds were beautiful. There was a nice lot of prizes given to the children. It was the best picnic that I had ever been at, and I enjoyed myself capitally. It has been veiy dty weather since I wrote to you last, and all the things have been burnt up, but we ha.ye got rain at last. With love to all the little folk and yourself, — Yours truly RIMUHAU. Dear Dot, — I am staying just now with Vivace for the Easter holidays, axd I am enjoying myself veiy well. The weather hasbeen all that could bo desired until to-day. On Good Friday Vivace and I with a few other frier.ds went to the bush to gather ftrns. We managed to get some very pretty ones, but only one of our party was successful in the quest for maiden-hair ferns. On the following Sunday we walked to Moeiaki and bacJc. We visited several other places too One day we visited Moeraki estate, and Vivace's brother was trying to make out you were Civi3 ; but I'm afraid" it didn't go down with me, as I never tiouble trying to find out who you are now, Dot. I would rather just know you as Dot, and nothing else. The D.L.F. picnic that was held at Green Island Beach was a gre?t success, and I only hope the Mosgiel one was as successful I would like to have attended it also, but I came to Hampden the day before it was held I was very sorry to sea Fra Diavolo's and Britain's lesignations. However, I hope they will continue to take an interest in the page. I shall be glad when another 0. W W. put 3 m an appearance, as I am longing io see an old familiar norn de plume. I sent my autograph to you, Maris Stello, long ago, «ir.d have not received yours yet. I addr»>=sed it to "E., Box 20, Kaseby. ' Where ha\ c tho Critic Club disappeared to lately? If they have tired I shall never forgive them. With lo\e to Dado, Melinda May, Jean, and to yourself, Dot,— VY ° UrS trU ' y> ARETA. Dear Dot, — As Areta is busy writing to jou 1 thought I would do the same, as it seems such a long time since I last wrote I have just been looking o\er the D.L.F. Page, and see that two more of our best writers have resigned, but I was very pleased to see Sir Tom back again, as I rather admired hi 3 style of wilting, and hope he will continue to write for a long time. We had lovely weather here for the Easter holidays, and on Good Friday a, party of 113 started from home at 10 o'clock to go to the bush for ferns. After climbing over rocks and stones, and getting covered with bici-a-b.ds from top to bottom, wo managed to get some mountain daisies and maiden-hair ferns. On Easter Sunday Areta and I walked to Moeraki, but as the tide was in, we were unable to get along the b?ach. On Monday i:ight we went to a band concert and dance, and while there Areta made the acquaintance of a D.L.F. — namely, Woodla,nd Lassie, and they had a pleasant chat with each other. On Tue-sday we went up to Moeraki c&tate and looked round. We went into the ccok's shop, whde we got afternoon tea, and he tried to tell us who you were, Dot, but ho might as well have saved himself the trouble, as it haci no effect on us. We landed home about 5.30, fit for a refreshing cup of tea, which was scon got ready. I hojft the D.L.F picnic on Good Fuday was a success, and that all enjeyed themselves. Areta was sorry she had to decline the invitation, as she thoroughly enjoyed the last D.L.F. picnic at Green Ls!and Bea-ch. With love to all the D.L.F., Dot, and Mr Editor,— Yours truly, VIVACE. Dear Dot,— l have left school, after passing tho Sixth Standard. I find it very quiet out here among the hills, for I have not been at home for about seven years, except in the holidays aud at nights. We live ten miles from the school, and my brothers and I used to drive. Now they will go by themsehes. I shall now tell >ou about my visit to Lyttelton to see the fleet. On March 25 a number of us, with our teacher, travelled by coach and tram 76 miles to visit the fleet. We left the township of R. at a quarter to 5, and arrived at the railway station of C. -at ten minutes to 6on Wednesday morning. We then boarded the tram, ard i\eie m Christchurch by 10 o'clock. It v.as an hour before the Lyttelton train left, so we had a look round a part of Chnstchurch. On arriving at Lyttelton we hed some lefreshmcnts, and then went on board tho Karakatta. I went all over her, down into the engine room, and to the men's quarters. Everything was \ cry clean indeed, ami there is a place for everything and everything 111 it 3 place. I saw a torpedo and two 4.7 guns. After exploring the ship we had some more refreshments, then boarded the train ugain, the time being about 4 o'clock. When we v. ere coming home wo sang all our school songs and a few others. We arrived at R. at 11 o'clock on Wc-di.o=day night, having spent a most enjoyable day. Next day 1 dio.e to my home, ton miles aistant. Now, gocd-bye, Do., and the D L F. — Your 3 trul.-, BUSH GIRL. D^ar Dot, — I am away for my holidays at la<=t It took two day, to leach my tfctmation, so I feel \ck tired jet. I thouaht ye v.c t a long way the first day, it taking from 1 p.m to G. 30 p.m., but it was nothing conipaied with tho second day's tra\el, which took from 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. It was \ ry tiie«-ome. Dot, and I was g'.sd to get, a nc>e horn? n a cab. Yesterday a gentlem.ui took me out for a dnve leund the town, and I saw a grc.it many Fight*. To-morrow I am going to the ostrich faun, and on Monday to lhe Museum, ?o don't >ou think lam having a good time. Th r re aie lots of donkeys here. They aia fumy little things, with gioat long eais I am re»diiig a nice book called "Froggj's L.ttle Brother " It is a f-ur.elay School puza my sistpr got 11 years ago. With love to all tho little folk.— Youra tiuljr, PERIZZITES. Dear Dot,— lt is raining and snowing up here just now The circus winch was pl;>\:ng liPie a tew nights ago had the big lent blown dowi.. It wa3 blowing a little, and, the ropes bc-ir.g wcrn out, the tent came down jvst as o.:e cf the horses was performing, but the horse was not hurt nor were any ;f the i-eople. I ■■cc that Sno.vbail II says that brot!ie-s are a tea«e, but thc\ aro not a patch on the cirls, as my sistei 19 playing and making tho greatest row lmag.nablc. With lo\e to a!! the D.L.F., the ot-'itor, and yourself, — Yours tiuly, LITTLE lECK. Dear Dot,— l am gci.'g to tell you about the D.L.F picnic at Coa! Point It '.v«j on Easier Saturdpy, and Tessiea, Kc\ Jy Stick, Doctor Jim, Cunant DuF, ai.d m\sv.lf diovc to it. When we got there we got Dec or Jnu to bo A thr billy and then had some lulll. Then we had a paddle in the &ea. liure vrerp abcut 20 DLF there Snipe v.as the or y boy among the X little folk, aiul the girl 1 - ga\ c hi'ii a rci.^h t mp of it Thpy i 1 'I i.et tack'c the two Dui-, —Yours tiuK PLUM DUFF Dear Do,—l am sending \ou a shoit s*-ory wl Ih, I hope, v. ill uitc.Cat both >ou and little fo'k Once upon a time tl'Cie was a monkey and a cat. who used to live in a

lonely b ; g house, and never were there two greater thieves. One cold day they were sitting in the kitchen while there were some fine chestnuts roasting in the fire. The smell from the chestnuts roasting was so tempting that the monkey longed to have one of them to eat. As ho was a very cunning fellow he thought of a plan to get what he wished without running any risk, so he went to the cat and told her there was a fine chance to show her skill. "Look at these fine chestnuts ; how easily puss could snatch them out of the ashes and roll them, out on the flcor!" Pleased with the monkey's flattering words, the cat set to work at once. Pussy managed to pull out several of the nuts, but the3e the greedy monkey ate. Pussy got her paws singed more th?n once, and she began to think the fun was not woith the pain and trouble. But she -would not give in, for fear the monkey should scold her. Presently the cook came in. The moment the monkey heard her footsteps he retired to a spfe corner. Poor puss was caught with a chestnut in her paws, and though she did not eat a single one she got a sound bcatin°for her theft. "Well, well, this shall be a lesson for me in the future," said puss. She singed her paws, lost her chestnuts, and all because she was simple encugh to help that mean monkey, who ran away as soon r.s there v? 3 any danger. From that day to this puss chopped her friendship with the cunning monkey. WUh love to the editor,— Yours truly, KEWBURY.

Dear Dot, — I do not j ee any D.L.F. taking up tho suggestion made by L'p-to-Jate 'n her letter somt' time age— viz , that there- should be a D.L.F. stall at the coming Old Identities' bazaar. I think it is \ery good idea, Had although the time is somevunt limited, there are such numbers of little folk that to get up a stall de\oted to work coutiibu'ed by them should not mean much troulle. Every D.L.F. in Otago anyway ought to try and send in 6omethu-.g, however small, aiict if this were clone the affair would prove a great success. Foeticus Fiore Pieno seeni3 to have fouud out a number of D.L.F. m this distnct, including myself. I have an idea as to who she is, but to save poss'b'e misconception on my part would she kindly exchange autos with me I should like your autos a. so, Miltonmn and Shirley, and to any other D.L.F. who will exchange autos with me my address 1a — "Rosskeen, D.L.F., Post Office, Milton." Of course, I krow who you are, Tony; jour initials aro M. W. I could tell who you were at once by your style o' writing, which I have good reason to know. Our head teacher used to read out your essay nearly every week as the best in the class, so that I am quite capable of judging your composition as it appears in Dot's page. My favourite writer to the D.L.F. Page is Daisy Primrose. I enjoy reading her ietteis very much, her last one being especially interesting. There are many other D.L.F. too whose letters are a pleasure to read. It is a very good idea to have a D.L.F. Civis. His passing remarks are far more to my tasto than those of Daily Times Cms. That gentleman has a peculiar knack of irritating many people about here by his effusions. Those in the secret of knowing who you are, Dot, guuxd their knowledge veiy jealously. They say that they cannot disclose your identity, but that tho person to whom v;e D.L.F. write is well worth wiiting to. Very agreeable information, no doubt, but only tending to greatly increase my curiosity. However, I am of a philosophical turn of mind and firmly believe that •'everything comes to her who waits." As it is now getting rather late, and old "Morphy" is urgently calling me to his arms, I will close, with best wi&hes to all little folk and to yourself, Dot. — Youis truly, ROSSKEEy"

Dear Dot,— To coTtimv.- my letter, as pronuscd last week I must siy the springs are not what I expected to see at all. I thought they wou'd jus 1 ., be a hole in the ground full of hot watei, but they are all concreted round. The hot and cod are Oiilv a few yariis spart. The water in both keeps bubbling all the timc\ Cher the hoi spring is all covered in with boards, and two escape pipes which let the steam away. After a Shower the steam would cmc 50 thick, just like smoke. The baths are all enclosed m with a high fence. There aro private bat!i3 with both hot and cold water laid on, so as to bring the bath up to the desired temperature Over another spring is a gas tank, which collects all the ea3, and this gas is used for lightnig up and also ccoking in the Government boardinghouso, "The Spa." The grounds surrounding these are laid off ■^cry prettily into various shaped flower beds, full of gay floA ers, gning the place a very lively aspect. A croquet lawn, a bowling gre^en, and a tennis couit aie provided for the an usement of visitors. In another place there is a tap where the mineral water 13 laid on, so that the people nay drink it, and also a polyphon, which, on diopping a penny in the slot, plays such nice tunes. The mineral water is horrible stuff, to my idea. I brought a small bcttle home, but all the taste has left it, and it is no good now. Some people used to drink it by the panmkinful. but I could not face up rrc»o than a ta=te. Theie are high hills quite close at hand, but fos; sight-seeing Hiuimer hrs ro.hiog to attiact. The places which are frequented most are Jolhe's Pa»^, tlnce miles away, and Jack's Pass, two miles off. A yourg lady and I walked to Jack's Pass, but there was nothing of any beauty there. The pa=s only seemed to be a, voiy deep gorge between two high hills. The town°hip. if I may give it so laigo a name, consists of tluee boardinghouses, a store, a hall, a tobacconist's shop and bilha-id room 111 one, a few dwelling houses, two chuiches (Krghhh and Presbyterian), and a scl'fol. My bo ther stayed two day. and then uenf hrmo. lie said he had feen all that was to b° c ePi, so you may gue°s what it 1* like by t'. at The weather wa3 very hot while we were th«ic\ but we lnd a shower or two. When it n laming tlicro it is <=o co'ct, an-1 when it 13 fine the heat is oporessp-e. Wo stayed a week, aiid ha/1 I been in my usual health I should ha\ c beon all over the 1 pace, but I was quite knockcl up with a bad cold winch I caught in C'e Ini'i going up. Tho day before we left I felt hko walking find climbing hiils. but not before. It is ;i giand place for aryone affected \Mt'i iheumptf-m 111 the joints or °ciatica. I should re-commend all suffners to try it for those two complaints, as there wore ensrs at Ilaumer while wo wpie thfte which were impicvinfr rspid'v. I left with a feeling of regret, for I had snei't a very cnjO3a!j'r \,crk there Evf>rv evening we had music and s,r,°ing till further orders. Wo came down n, an open bui'gy, and it ais \ en- much nlea^nntT flinn tho conch. We -ould soo farther, and the cl'ive v>as ovei before we wore ariro tint wo had gone fo far. We rrac'ied Op l'-tc burch that night, a'ul left the next morning for Duncdm. One very amusing acoic!" it happen H in our carnage, whir-h I phall re'ate. Before 1 caching Oamnru the train hai to pats through a tunnel and on tl'is occasion Uip guard liad • fglect"d to li"M the lamps 'v! a fc'low-pas-ccrecr. a M.'on woman, intend' rl to pet the mcod Samaritan and supply tn wit'i a lic'ut !)■• «hik ; 'ig- malc!>e= On appioirhmg the iii'Mie! sh? had got tho box _if matches i icht and one in her hand i»;>.7\ to strike The tram divptl into the tunrel nrd =>}i<? struck thf match, buf in t'oi^e so fired \h r wlio'e box .She m^tantlv drooped tlip wliolc hlazine affair i"to her lap. then lrorkwl it on to tap =pnt, then on to th" floor All the while matches were gcing off e&uVng a strong phosphorus perfume to fill tip enrnacc. Some food matches taj fullnn under lipr feet and on the floor, too.

and when she got up to pick up tEe good ones the crackling was like so many pistols going off. Every time she turned more would go off. Everybody was convulsed with laughter and choking with phosphorus fumes by the time "we got through the tunnel. When she had picked up the unlghted matches there only remained about half a dozen, and she bad "a good laugh with us over the result of lighting our darkness. We reached Dunedin that night and left for heine the next day, reaching it all right, bi . tired with the travelling. On the whole I nevei spent such a jolly time before, and next "time I get the chance I shall go there again. Another amusing thing I have forgotten to mention was a green parrot hanging by a shop door on a street in ChustcLurch. If this parrot heard anyone laughing it would start to laugh, and, really, it would cause the whole of the people near at hand to join in. I had to hurry by, for it used to make me start too. Just as we were leaving Christchurch wo happened to pass the parrot, and it said "Goodbye" to each one of us in turn. lat first imagined it was somebody saying goolt-bye to us, but thsn I thought of the parrot. Even now I have many a laugh over that parrot.

Tho Ilokonui picnic was held just before we left, but I see by this week's Witness Siline has told you all about it. Tho Young Ladies' Race, in winch I ran, was won by Ross-a-Bud. I did not run far. foi a friend of mine met with an accident, and I stopped to hcip her while all the other ran on. I did r.ot care about winning, and wou'd rather help r.n unfoitunate one, so that is the reason I did rot come near the winner. We all had a jolly time of it that day. Games were started a,nd we had such fun. I intend writing a, little more regularly thaai I have been doing, as the limit age is approaching fast, and I must enjoy writing to you while I may. Xow. Alpine Princess, I have been told who you are by an old schoolmate of yours who works for us. Your initials are J. H., and I have seen your brother F. Ho was up at one of the Quadrille Assembly meetings, and I was there too. The weather at present is iiot at all pleasing, at least for Harvest. Our crop is all cut, and we are waiting for the weather to stack it. It is a busy time for as, for all the dinner and lunch has to be taken out To the field Wi*h love to all little folk and yourself, — Yours truly, PETEONELLA. Dear Dot, — Since last writing to you some changes have take.i place here. In the first plpce I have left school, and mother has been very bad, but she is all right again now. The weather is very unsettled again, two days never being the same. Our crop 13 not cut yet, but we urc going to cut it the first fine day, when- | ever that may be. We have to get up at 6 o'clock to milk the cows for the factory. We are milking eight cows, but they are going back in milk now. I have two brothers, but no sisters, thank goodnes3, because you never knew the minute you may g«t a bang on the I ear or the broom flying after you. With love 1 to the editor and yourself,— Yours truly, HAKA. Dear Dot,— We are having very funny weather here lately, raining one day and blowing another. Well, Dot, our Easter holidays are I over at la*t, and I can assure you I enjoyed i them veiy muoh Last Monday we | had our sports, aad there wa3 a very good turnout. We had a real good day foi the sports. I Ciyde is a very quiet place at present, there being nothing startling at all just now. Hardly any dredges are working, but thfi Vincent dredge is going to make a start to-morrow, and I hope the may get a good return, &o that the men working on her will be in constant employment for the future. The single men up here nearly always get the contracts, and the married men are left to get their living the best way they can. The men are getting along with tho reservoir all right now, and wo shall soon be having the water pipes running down the street. I should like to exchange autos with Boadicea, Russian Princess, Khaki, Ambrose, Calder, Owakaite 11, Portia, and any other D.L.F. who are willing. If addressed, "Clyde- ! ite, care Mrs Wm. Uren, Clyde," they will find me safe and sound. I have been setting a few traps lately, and just because I was getting a few labbits someone went and told the rabbit inspector to stop me. I was oply catching a. j few to sell to the factory up here. To-day my ' mother and my brothers went out to Sharpshell and Wile! Wave's for a, drive, and they had a very good time. With lovo to Wild Wave, Shsrpshcll, the editor, and yourself,— Ycurs truly, ACLYDEITE. Dear Dot,— l =hall tell you of a shooting trip we had at Easter. We left home on Friday, siid did not get back till Sunday night. We had great sport among the ducks, swans, and I pukakis. Wo got 13 altogether. Then we had to go back and start trapping again. We get a lot of rabbits. Sometimes we get cats, weasels, ferrets, and hawks, but we kill them all, as they are a gieat nuisance to rabbiters. If any of tho D.L.F. will exchange autos with me 1 sha.ll be willing to send mine in return.— KISS ME NOW. 1 Dear Dot.— Easter holidays are now over, and we hays started to work again at school. AVc had beautiful weather up here for our holidays, but it is now beginning to get winlry-hke. I v.-cut to see a very pretty v.edding yesterday. The bride was dre-ssed in white fcatin, with a losely long train hanging from the neck, and a pretty wreath and veil. The bridesmaids wore whito silk diesses trimmed with narrow lace. There were also two little pages, the girl wearing white silk and the boy white satin trousers and red satin coat, both ccstumes Lang tummeJ with r-ream lace. 'I am starting to collect autos, so shall be glad if any D.L F. will exchange, addressing to "Enoch, care P. 0., Oamaru, ' which will find me With love to all the D.L.F. and to yourself and the editci,— Yours tru'y, ENOCH. Dear Dot,— The little folk from about here got up a picnic at Easter, but ns I hud been away Icr a picnic two or three days before and was going to another two or three days after, I had to do fome work. I happened to look up from my work once, and I saw Jessica, Dr Jim, and a few otheis driving away past to the picnic. That was almost enough for me ; I could scarcely res.^t the temptation to throw down my tools ai»d go with them. I had some great fun last right. Alma and another girl were walking along a very lough road, and Noelle and I v.cie following. 1 happened to know the road \er> well and got on all right, but as they did lOt know the way they went stumbling into nits, mshes, and Scotch thistles. They couldn't blame anybody but themselves, because I told them where to go, and they did not follow my advice. I happened to be lidmg past the school to-day, and some girls called out to iiie to take their places and let them go where I was going, but I was not on, because I knew they wanted me to take their share of the strap also, — Yours truly,

CLYDE. Dear Dot,— Little folk arc- beginning to get plentiful 111 this valley, but badges are scßrce. 'I he next time Igo to Greymouth I hope I shall see some badges, for I intend to Keep a good lookout, as I shall be wearing mine. The weather lately has been anything but good for harvesting, as it began to rain when a lot of people were in the midst of cutting, but last week it was bettei, though we liad one or two niehts.

of frost. The trees are dropping their leaves, which is a sure sign that winter is approaching. We used to have a pet lamb called Ginger. He was the most mischievous little tmker we ever saw. He could open the gate whenever he wanted to get into the garden, to have a, feed of flowers, and, my woid, he was ft knowing little rascal, for he would cladgs firsi one wa^. and then the other around- (ho beds, taking! nibbles of flowers as he iveut, when he was) being driven out. Ginger used to make a bolt through the house when wo opened! the door. Into the bedroom he would go and) jump upon the bed as if he bed a right to it, for he did not want to come orf. We have twoj dogs that are very fond of eating raw turnips. Also a horse that when he sees you eating anything he always wants a share of it. He will look into your pockets to see if he can find! anything to eat, and if he does he will try to get at it. What interesting letters some of tho little folk wiite. I hope to become one of the good writers, and that Daisy Primrose will t-ell us some more of her experiences in tho boarding school. Her last letter was very amusing. Moyra, huriy up end- write, for I know you, as you once went to the school I am going to. I must now stop, for Ido not want to give myself away altogether. With love to all the little folk and your own dear self,— Yours truly,

GREY VALLEY.

Dear Dot,— We arc having terrible weather up here. It hs>s been snowing all day to-day so it is pretty cold. I have got a D.L.F. fiieiid stayiug with me just now, and we are haviug capital fun. I have three brothers, anS they are always teasing me, but somet mea they don't tease me. The rabbiting is in full swing again. It is not very nice, Dot, getbing up at 4 every morning. One of my brctiiara has just come in, and he says the snow is 3ft deep outside. One day my sister, another j;irl, and myself went a-nd sat upon a big bush, .md were laughing and talking- so loudly that ,wo of my brothers came running to see what wag wrong with us. We didn't know they wsre there till I heard something like a match crack, and on looking over the bush, there they were,one lighting his pipe and the other laughing like to split his sides. Since last writing we have got our crop cut, and it is in the stacks new, co we'ie not badly off. I did not go anywhere at Christmas, but on New Year's Day I went to a friend's place, and had some real good fun. We have a lot of turkeys, and they are a regular pest. We have four cows and four horses, four pigs, and a whole squad of hens, but the hens won t lay any eggs just now. With love to all the little folk, Dot, and the editor, — Yours truly,

CARRIER DOVE.

Dear Dot,— The weather has been very cold up here lately— blov/iiig and raining all the time. I was- at the Strath-Taieri show, and enjoyed myself splendidly. I saw a number of D.L.P. there, but only spoke to three. After the show was over the railway station was crowded with; people waiting for the train, which was an hour late. While in the waiting 100 m watching people getting weighed I saw a D.L.F. bosida the scales; but I did not speak to her; as tha train was coming, and I was m a huTry to get a seat in a, carriage ; but it was no use, as tho train was crowded with people, so a crowd of us got into a small van, and after a while wa were supplied with chairs and a lamp, so wa had a comfortable van after all. Cricket is a great- game up here, Dot, and the girls have taken a great Interest in it, and I suppose they will go to Dunedin to challenge a team soon. I went down to Wnipiata to get a tooth out by, the dentist, but when I got there I would nc6| have it jut, as I wns afraid he might hurt to» much. However, next morning after breakfast the same tooth fell out, and I was glad, ag it was beginning to ache again. Witb love to Trooper A. D., Cassival, and Ulva, not forgetting yourself and tho editor, — Yours truly,

SCHOOL TEACHER.

Dear Dot,— We have jußt finished out thresh* ing, and are getting the corn carted indoors. The weather is so bad just now that people must stack the corn before it is dry. On. Monday last it snowed heavily for the greater part of the day. I think theie must be. very few old writers now, as they have been resigning very fast lately. However, I supcoae the new ones will fill their places in tim-e." I r-m glad to soe that Sir Tom has decided to continue writing, and has thrown aside his mistaken ideas of the page, as I am sure I cannot set why hatied should exist among the little folk. I am sure we shoulel be only too glad to hear from Con occasionally. Dear Dot, do you like dancing? I uo, and as we have quadrilles here every winter I always attend them. The school here 13 opened again, but as I do not go it does riot trouble me. lam learning to play the violin, and I like it very well. I have now 85 autos, and I should still hko more, though lam not greedy, but I like a lot. I should like to exchange autos with any little folk ,vho are willing. In last week's Witness I saw the remedy that was given for cHilblains, and I think it is a good idea for preventing them. Dear Love-a-Duck, I know who you are; will you exchange autos with me? With love to Dot, the editor, and all the little folk,— Yours truly,

CHARLOTTE.

Dear Dot,— lt is aboiib a year and a-half sinet I last wrote to you, so I don't trouble you ver> often, do I? What a lot of talk is going on at present in the D.L.F. Pago about Sir Tbnr. I am glad he has returned to our page, as I did not like the idea of any little folk leaving" the page in such a sulky mocd as his last letter, retning, showed him to be in. I think Ik ronld write a veiy nice letter if he liked, anct I hope to see his name in print a few moT© t.mcs before he finally makes his departura from the page. I like vay much to exchange auto 3 with him or any other D.L.F. who are willing to send me their auto 3 Our township was quite lively this week, there being a wedding here on Wednesday. The bride anci bridegroom were both very well known, and a big crowd gathered at the church to witness the ceremony. A large number of gv.est3 assembled at the residence of the brida's mother for the wedding breakfast, and in the evening a social was held in the Army Barracks. I went to the bocial in the evening, and enjoyed myself very much. Dear Dot, do you like dancing? lam very fond of it, and at New Year I was at three dances one after the other. On the 29th December the annual show was held here, and at night there was a concert and ball, at which I was present. The next day I was at a school picnic and dance, anci on New Year's Day I attended a picnic, and at night went to the Rifle Club's concert and dance. On the last night I feit a bit tired, but stopp-ed to the end of the dance. Isn't* th. harvest late this year? It is nearl.v winter, and the crons have not all been cut yet, and some on the hills are quite green still. My father bought me a bike juet befora Christmas, and many a fine ride I have had on. it. One- Sunday night my brother and 1 hiked to Lawrence, a distance of about seven/ miles, to church. We got up all right, but coming home I punctured the back tyre justt after leaving Lawrence. I tried to mend it,

" I'll hang my harp on a willow tree," and) curl my hair with New Century Soft Bubbeit Hair Curlers. It is wonderful what a <Jif- - ference they maka in one'h appearanoe. Red they don't daniaee the hair.

lut. as I could not manpge it I thought there ■would be nothing for it but to -walk home. "We walked for nearly two miles, and then I got on and, riding clowly, reached homo none the ■worse for my ride, and quite ready for supper. 'It would not have bean so bed had we hod lamps with us, but neither my brother nor I had a lamp, and the moon was very dull, there ■bsing a heavy fog. "With love to Alys, Miss iluHe'.t (when are you two going to -writ© again?), IVinghng Star, and all the other little folk, not forgetting our patient Dot, — Yours tiuly, SAXTA CLAUS. Dear Dot, — "We are in the midst of our Easter holidays just now, and so far the weather has been charming. The shooting season 19 in, too,- and there is a ciowd of sportsmen camped up the valley, and we hear notijmg tout bang, bang, from "early morn till dewy eve." Poor birds, how I pity you. How glad I am that the tuis, green inokis, etc., are oil protected birds. What would become of our bush if they were given up to ths mercy of the sportsmen ? It is these beautiful birds £hat lend so much charm to our bush and glad«s. How beautiful it is to sit under the shade of some friendly whits pine or fuchsia tree and hear the birds singing above vs — so timid, so gentle, and so graceful, as they hop hither and thither, greeting each other by Bending forth sweet melodious notes until the bush seems to ring again and again. What hundred-and-one lessons we can learn from them all. The other evening I was asked, "What would you do if you weie a man?" 1 'didn't give a definite answer, but I shall te'il you what I would do if I were suddenly changed into a member of the sterner esx. I shou'd like to shoulder my "bluey" and go on the "wallaby," not as a professional sundowner — oh, no, | my intention would be to meet with all sorts j of folk, study their ways, and by travelling a great deal I -would see much of tire country. .Then, when I was "too old, I would settle down somewhere and write v book concerning my experiences, and call it "Renimipcences of .Youthful Days," or eomething catching. I «un contemplating taking a trip to Australia, jmd I don't know when I shall come back again — "it may be for years and it may be for KV-er." I expect "to stumble against some of your writers over thsre, for I shall mf>kc Albany any destination, and hope to meet D. P. One lof your writers intends going over with me, »nd indeed I couldn't go without her. When <we go 1 shall probably stay in Wellington for c. lime. I must not forget to congratulate (Florodora on the success of her picnic, and (hope the next one will not be far distant. I fully intended to be present at her last picnic, but just an hour before I expected to go c ome pressing business- claimed my attention for three ot four hours, and when I left the office it was pretty late. Love to Hori Pinka, Tangles, Rogue, Florodora, and everybo3y else, including yourself, — Yours truly, POPPAEA. Dear Dot, — I went to Quaenstown for my Christmas holidays, and enjoyed my trip very much. We went to Glenorchy one clay, but 1 was disappointed because I did not get to Paradise, as all the traps were engaged. I climbed to the top of Ben Lomond with a few friends, and it was the best part oi my holiday. We started off about 9 o'clock in th« morning, each with a big, long stick and some lunch, and we got up to the hut on the saddle about half-past 11. Then we had some tea before wo tried to reach lha top. It took us about two hours and a-half to reach the top from the saddle, and we had snow all ths time, »o w« did not get a view of the surrounding country from the top. Coming down was even worse than going up, because t-he snow made the ground slippery, so you can guess what a time we had. Once I thought it would be far better to run down, so I started off, but I slipped on some frozen snow ar.d fell down in all the mud and snow. Dear Dot, I wish you could have seen us after we came down from Ben Lomond. We were covered with mud, »nd our clothes were soaking. Ido not know what the Queenstown people thought of us, but I suppose they would have been the same if they had gone up. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Sours truly, OLIVE. DeaT Dot, — I intended to write and tell you ill about the Mosgiel little folk's picnic to Stewart's Gully, but I thought I had better let the Mosgiel little folk write first. As yet no letters have- appeared describing that most enjoyable outing, although. I daresay there •will be some before this appears in print. I do not intend to give full particulars, but I Bhould like to say that Maid of Killeena and Belle Isla deserve great praise for their kindBess and -.onsideration to all. Also Isanell and Florodora for supplying the music for the lancing. I think it war very thoughtful of tsanell to bring her violin, as the music and dancing were appreciated by all. Our journey from and tc Dunedin I shall leave to Hairy ■>r Florodora to describe. Now I shall give you a brief account of how I spent my Easter holidays in Dunedin. I came to Dunedin on Thursday, and then on Friday I went to the I D.L.F. picnic at Stewart's Gully, and, needless , lo say, spent a glorious day. On Saturday I ) with p friend visited dear little Florodora, and • again had a gcod tiroe. Florodora showed us all hei pets, oi which she nas quite a number, and they all seem to love her as much as her personal friends 30. We were also shown the large barn which is to be kindly lent for the D.L.F. conceit and dance when that function comes off, if it ever does. When a popular and energetic little folk like Flcr-dora takes my thing m hmd it generally conies oft auccessfully, and let us hope the D.L.F. concert will not be the exception to the rule. On F.aster Sunday with some friends I went down to the Kafk in the s.s. Express, and how lovely it «ac pn the water. The Czar's Daugh -r was nlso j

Then on Eneter Monday F^oroJlora came down to my friend's place, where I was staying, and after having a short chat and »ome music, the boy members of the family offered to take us for a row on Lake Logan, which, of course, we joyfully accepted, so off v.c marched, and six of us were soon seated in a boat and were xowed out into ths middle of the lake. Floiodora and I both tried our hand a>t rowing, and succeeded splendidly, although at first our shy little F. thought she couldn't manage it. After rowing about for considerably over an hour we returned home and had tea. The mischief and fun at teatime I shall not venture to describe, but time .ould not wait for us/and it was soon time for dear little F. to depart, so I escorted her home. While I was at F.s place E.O.A. came to visit Diamond King, who had just arrived home from a camping expedition at Dmimi. I did not stay !oug, but letumed back to my fnends. On the following day I returned to my home, rather lonely after the lively tims I had spent, m town. However, I did not stay long at home, and on' the following Friday I journeyed out to tho Taieri. I think the Taieri is a lovely place, and I always enjoy a trip there better than anywheie else. How dsb^htful it is to go out on a fine morning and see all the beautiful level country bathed in sunlight. Although lam a country girl and am igenerally tired of the continual monotony of :i country lil'e, I could never tire of praising the Taieri scenery, as I think it excels all I have ever seen. While out there I met Lahne and Tsahne, both members of the little folk's picnic party on Gcod Friday. Before closing I should like to ask Wenna and Poeticus F^or Pleno to exchange p.uto3 with me ; aleo any other little folk who are willing. If autos are addressed to "Marsh Mangold, Mount Caigill P. 0., near Dunediu, they will reach me safely. With love to Maid of Killeena, Florodora, The Two Kippeva, tho Editor, and our dear, little Dot,— Yours tiuly, MAESH MARIGOLD.

Dear Dot, — A short time ago I wrote a letter to you, saying that I would write and give a description of ray stay at Springfield, which I shall now try to do. The first landing place was Paterson's Creek, a very picturesque Jittle township, situated about three miles from Springfield. Upon getting down from our conveyance we were invited, into a fnend's place for a cup of tea, of which we were very glad. After having had tea, we started to walk to my fathei's place, about a mile listark, and wo had to climb a veiy big hill. I thought we were aever going to get to the op of it ; however, we arrived at our destination at about 6 o'clock^ m the evening, and we were very tired. When we had had tea we went to bed, and I ior one slept as sound as a top until about 8 o'clock n«xt morning, when I was awakened by a pull at niy nose, and heard my father tel^ng me to get up. When I got up I' found that father had a lovely fire on and the breakfast cooked. After having had breakfast I tidied up the house, and then went out to have a look at the country. It is a very pretty little place, and is dotted over with tents. It is rather quiet in the daytime, but at night there is a constant din of wood-chopping, etc., and I noticed that all the men do their washing on Sundays. The people seem very happy, for at nights if you go out to your dcor you hear come playing tin whistles, violins, md all sorts of instruments. One lady had a piano, and it was lovely to hear its music at nights through the bush— it sounded so BT\eet. The first Sunday I was there my father took us through some of the "tunnel, as he was foreman. One of the tunnels wasn't finished, and we only had room For our bodies to go through. I was veiy pleased with my two months' holiday, and I only wish I could get the same .holiday again ; but as my father has to shift about with the work I don't think there Is much chance of me getting there again, as it would be very ir convenient for me. Now for some other subject. I was one of the fortunate D.L.F who attended Florodora's first picnic, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly. I was not able to attend the Mosgiel D.L.F. picnic, as the day did not suit me, and I was very sorry ; but I hnd the pleasure of speaking to all the little folk who were at it. I was at a concert the other night, and who should come and sit beside me but Maid of Killeena, and we had a lcn« talk about the little folk. I also saw Sir Tom, but was too shy to speak to him. I know a good number of little folk, among whom are Florodora, Maid of Killeena. Harry, E.0.A., I3ahne, and Texts Jack. With love to Florodora, E.0.A., Hairy, Texas Jack, and Dot,— Yours truly,

TERA LILIAS.

Dear Dot, — It is about two years since I last wrote to you. J havp many a time bejun to write, but I never finished. I know many D.L.F. m the township where I live. Ono boy told, me that he wrote, and that is what made me thmk of writing again. I have a bike new, and 1 go for a ride on it nearly every night with my mate, who has nlso pot a new bike, neaiiy the same as my own. Both bikes are free -wheelers. To-night I went for a. ride, and I got niy pockets as full as they vould hold with apples. My mate's bike is a new one, and hft got it about a week ago. My father calta the little folk "Dear Little Fools." My sister is learning to play the piano, and she is doing her practice now. My schoolmaster is fairly strict, md when I get the strap I usually say, "Thank you, sir." We generally have good times on Fridays. The inspector was at our school the other week, md he was giving us new ways of readmp. Most of the people ?bout this district are leading m their corn. We hav< p'enty of bike« about here now, Dot. My sister, my two biothers, and myself have me each. With love to all thf little folk, not forgetting yourself and the kind old editor — Yours truly,

APPLEPIE.

Dear Dot,— Onr home l~ situated on the East O.ist of Otngo, in a pietty little bay, about fiu, .miles- eastward- U om- ftHusdJaji. Quehewt*

is built on a hill looking towards the ocean beach. The bay ;s a little over a mile round, but from point to point it is exactly a mile. On the ncrth end of Wilshir Bay lies "Clanky" Port, and many miles farther away again are high hils. Standing on Stewart's Hill, at thi north end of the bay, the Blue Mountains and some low ranges are to be ec-en, and hi winter we see the mountains all covered with srow. Looking northward a good view of the ISuggets is obtained, with the lighthouse in tli3 distance, while in fiont is the Pacific Ocean, and at the back long ranges of hills covered with bush and forest. There are not many houses in Wilshir Bay, but there is one shop and a schoolhouse. The district is not extensive enough for farming to any extent, and the people seek employment far afield. There was one good farm, but it has basn cut up into sections and sold, and the land knows the anginal owners no more. When it was a farm we children used to go down to spend the 3ay at it, and many a. happy time we have had climbing the high hills and -watching tho young lambs sporting about die paddocks. The winter down heie is sometimes warm, with very little rain or snow ; but in the early spring it is terribly cold — indeed, I think August and September are the coldest months in the year here. Summer is a lively time for us, as hundreds of paople flock here to spsnd their holidays, but autumn sees them all away home once more. Autumn is, however, an enjoyable time for us, as the fruit is then ripe and plentiful. When the gooseberries are ripe we children go forth into the bush with baskets and hunt out the wild gooseberry bushes, and you can readily imagine what a good time -we have with the dehcicus fruit. Of cause, now and again there is a little trouble among us while gooseberry hunting, but as a rule we get on well, for we are a happy family, always singing, laughing, and joking, and are only too pleased to have others join us in our merry pianks. We often have a good time after birds and rabbits; and at night we have a great big wood fire to sit round, and sing or talk as we feel inclined. Wo have a horse, a covv, and a dozen dogs and cats. When the two younger ones come home from school they often go out riding or rabbiting. I love to get up early to see the morning coming in, for it is so lovely at sunrise. — Yours truly,

REGGIE.

Dear Dot, — It sesms quite an ags since I last , v. rcte to \ou. We all went down to Middle- j march show on Easter Monday, so now I am gcing to tel! you how I enjoyed myself. When , I got up I looked out of the bedroom window, and, much to my surprise, I found it was a per- > feet morning. My cousin was staying with j me at the time, and I loared out, "Oh, Katie, I it's a beautiful morning, ' but I only got a lazy "Is it?" for my pains,, so I ran out into the kitchen iv disgust. After we had had breakfast and had got the cows milked, we got the ladder tip to the peach tree, and took all the peaches off, to save anybody else the ticuble of doing it while we were away. After that we got dressed and v.alked own to Hyde i township siding, and caught the 12 o'clock special train bound for Middlemarch. There I was an awful crowd on the train, am! I stood on the platform all the way down, for I would sooner stand out on the platform than bs jammed into a jelly inside the carriage. When wo got to Middleinarch we went across to a hotel and had dinner, but this part of the day's outing was anything but satisfactory, for everything was cold and hashed up, and, besides, we had to wait a terrible time before we got served. We walked round to the show ground, had a look round, and then Eat down. When the usual train came in it had a lot more Hyde people on it, among them being my mate Agata, her mother, brothers ,nncl sisteTs, so then Agata and another friend and myself walked round and had a look at the pigs and other animals. I only saw two t D.L.F. there that I didn't know. They were , both dressed in deep black. I gave the Wit- j ness smile, for I was rather shy, and they j looked the same, so I walked on. When tho | &how was over we all went out to the tea. , booth, and had a, cup of tea and a big plate j of cake each. I was never so thankful for anything in my life as I was foi that cup of tea ; it was just beautiful, and was done all too soon, for 1 hod had almost nothing since I left horne — only a few oranges and what I got at the hotel, and that didn't count. After we finished our tea we bought some lollies, and then strolled along to the railway station }o wait foi our train; but we had a good while to wait, so Agata, N. 8., and myself went for a. walk round the town, though we didn't go far for fear the train would come in However, we need not have been alarmed, for the train was two hours late, and it was so bitterly cold that I thought I sould snivel to death. When j the train did steam in, there was only one I carriage on, and I can tell you there was a scramble to get on. Agata and I managed to scoie a seat on the platform step, but it was terribly cold. There were three guard's vans | full of people, and a meat van, besides the one j carriage. Ihe people were hanging on, and I expected there, would be an accident. It was going on for 10 o'clock when, we got in, and we • had a cow to milk then. We just milked the one, leaving the other two foi it was too cold and too late to bother milking them. After that was all done we act tho table, and had a lolly good meal of cold meat, and then went to bed blessing the Middlemarch show. I was \ery tired next day. I only saw four D.L.F. I at the bhow that I knew. There was a cucus rcund here a few weeks back, and it was splendid. My coiism and I went to it. My mother was ill at the time, sc I was housekeeping. I have a young lady friend from Dunedin staying with me just now for her health. Last night, after I got into bed, I psked her to pull up the blind, so that I could see daylight in the morning. When she got the blind half up my big black and white cat jumped up on the window sill, and when Nell saw her she let out a yell and fell headlong into bed. It was a good job the bed was

Jon to the floor, sue got such a fright. I I nearly fell out of beo laughing, and she vowed ■ she would never pull up the blind for me again — I'd have to do it myself or leave it down. We went out for tea yesterday afternoon, and we came home just before dark, and I had two cows to milk then, but when I got out into the stockyard I found mother bad milked them all • but one, and I wasn't sorry. Slio said she didn't expect me home very early, so sue | started. Just fancy, Dot, we had snow lying thick here last week — something new for this time of the year. I'm afraid we are going to have a very hard winter, but I'm sure I hope not. D.L.F. picnics are becoming quite the tago now, and I think it's a grand idea. We intend holding one every year here. I never enjoyed myself so -nuch a3 I did the day of our D.L.F. picnic, so I'm looking forward already to ths one next yeai. Last Sunday Diamond and I gat together in church, and we both had big 'hats on, and as we are both about the same height every time we moved our hat 3 came bumping together till I was nearly laughing out once or twice. We were looking on j the one hymn book, and standing far apart as though we were frightened of each other j I will exchange autos with any D.L.F. who will send me theirs first. If addressed, "Tin Tacks, care Mrs Per3son, P. 0., Hyde," letters will teach me all right. With love to Agata, Green Poplar, Evangeline, Diamond, Madam. ! Girl, Areta, Toi-Toi Grass (if that's not too many), and my best to yourself and Mr Editor, — Yours truly, II^T TACKS. Dear Dot,— l have had a leal Saturday of " york to-day. The school teacher and I thought we would give mother a rest for this Saturday, so we took the clock into the room on Friday night, and set the alarm for 5 o'clock. All went well till the morning, and when the nlaini went off mother told us not to get up, so we v.ent to sleep again, and woke at half-past 5a 1 d heard mother gettmg up. We called out j to li6r that this was our diy, and that she was jto go back to bed again. However, all three ] got up, and we started to quarrel over who 1 would clean the range, but it ended, up in our each doing part of it. Then there was dinner to cook and nearly all the house to be washed out. We were very tired by dinner time, and enjoyed a well-earned rest. This is a lovely lay, and different from the beginning of the week. This has been an awful month for chil- | bains, and they send jae nearly crazy. I ' have had toothache also, and that is anything but pleasant. Somebody tolc! me that you were ' the editor, Dot, L>ut I soon le*t them see that I ■ was not such a feese as to believe that. W'th i love to all the little folk and youi self, —Yours I truly, REGINA. Dear Dot,— T di 3 pity those poor little folk who had to journey all that weary way to Stewart's Gully. I always thought that it was mly about five miles at the most from the station, but a. mile makes a great difference, doesn't it? I only know one of the D.L.F. | and sho resides in Mosgiel, but I don't think I she will guess who I am. Buttercup and I j cooked the dinner to-day, and both of us vow wo shall never do it again. We made a stew, which was really very nico, Dot, but after dinner the boys kept coming in and asking my friend's mother for a recipe for indigestion, and they kept complaining of their pains till we were nearly mad. Never again will I assist at cooking a dinner for such ungrateful crear tures as boys. With mucn love to yourself, — Your 3 tiuly, CHIPS. Dear Dot,— lt is now over six months since I kst wrote to you, and in that time what a number of gaps have been niad« in our circle, and gaps which it will be haid to fill. Boy, Black Watch, Rough Rider, and Nut have all , shewn us that "childhood's years are passing o'er us," and in losing them we have lost pome of our best writers. Though rather late in doing so, I wish those departed writers a I picsperous and happy future. How I wish , I could get i peep through Con's auto. I book, as, judging from the part reproduced in the Witness, I am sure it would be very inteiesting. I was very pleased to see that Florodora'a D.L.F. picnic met with such success, and I heartily congratulate her. Tho trappers hav< started their raid on bunny onco more, and I am afraid he is having anything but a happy time of it. Hsn-vesting is in full swing here at present, and farmers are busy either cutting or carting in. Dear Dot, did you feel any earthquakes in Dunedin lately? There were two of them up this way, but we only felt one of them. To tell the truth, I got a slight shock, as I had never felt one before. I think I know who you are, Hoolij ban. Are not your initials K. 8., and you live 'at K.? Please send me your auto, and I will send you mine. Will Maris Stella, FlorodoTa, Daisy Primrose, The* Helmsman, Jessica, ajid i Valeric please send me their autos. and I will I send mine in return without fail. If addressed, "Nenssa, I, care of Mr J. Taylor, Kyeburn," they will reach me safely. With love to all • the little folk, your dear self, and the patient ' old editor,— Yours truly, NERISSA I. Dear Dot,— -The fro3t and the cold weather are beginning to come, and ye had snow on the 20th and 21st of April. In winter time we get our midwinter holidays, and then we have | plenty of sliding and skating. My father works in a hydraulic sluicing claim not far from where we" live. I have thrpe sisters, and one of them always carries his dinner to him. lam learning the piano. I was at a picnic on Eastor Monday, and I enjoyed myself very much, and I went to the social at night. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly. BRIDE'S BLOSSOM. Dear Dot,— This is harvest time in this district, and all the men on the farms are busy carting in and stacking their grain. There ars only three up here who have been fortunate ' ofcfti&lijftjafti .Uwtf. joaue, btssmix *a& test „

our 3 tin iy,

are reckoned very lucky. In 1898 wfl got the null round at E-aster, but last year (19i)2) it was not round till about June or July, as the crops weie so late. On Easter Sunday we, with Hopeful and her mate, went for a walk down to the river. We did not so j any D.L.F. till we wera coming home again, when we met a, boy who .had a badge in his hat, riding a bike. He seemed to b« about 16, and was dressed in dark clothes. As he was passing we all said together, "Hullo, D.L.F.!" but he took no notice of us. Hopeful's mate, who lives in Caversham, said she had often seen him before, but none of the re3t of ub ever remembered doing- so. On Easter Monday we went to our annual Sunday School picnic-, and at night we went to a service of song which was held in our church, and at which we enjoyed ourselves immensely. There was not as much enjoyment at the picnic cs usual, as there were a good number of strangers there, and the children here are rather shy. With love to yourself and the editor, — Yours truly, CASSY AKD RENE. Dear Dot, — I regret to see so many of our well-known D.L.F. retiring every week, but I suppose it cannot be helped, as we cannot expect -them to be little folk for ever. lam glad to say that I can still remain a little folk tor nearly two yeare. What a terribly lato season this is. Most of the farmers have not got their crops stacked yet. Indsed, I don't think they ever will, as some of .theni have not got it all cut. Hard luck, isn't it, Dot? Tha buniiy season is in lull swing now, and every train except (he express is strewn with bunnies-. There is every appearance of winter approaching us. Many of the trees are leafless and bare. We had a slight fall of snow last week. This is rather early, and, according to what I hear, some Southkmders say they will be making their departure ff the scasona do not improve. However, my opinion io that they need not be complaining, for I don't think they know they are born yet. If they were over in Australia in the drought, I should say they had something to complain about. Now lam going to tell you about my Easter -holidays. I spent a fortnight at Invercargill with Lady Ward, enjoying myself immensely, the weather being delightful most of the time. During my stay I visited the museum, which. I don't think is any larger than one of the rooms in your office, Dot. I also went up the water tower. It is a very tiresome climb to the top, but it is well worth the trouble, aa there is a lovely view to be obtained of the town and suburbs The gardens are laid out very well, and look lovely. Really, Dot, luvercargill is not such a bad place as it is painted by some people. One day I walked tt Clifton, three miles out, and if I was to give you an account of what I say I think I should want the page all to myself, and that would never do. On. Easter Monday Lady Ward and yours truly went to the Axemen's Carnival, which was held at the Queen's Park. We saw several little folk there, among them being Alpine Princess, Another Rougi. Rider, Nowema, and Clarice, and several other little folk. When the sports were over Lady Ward and I went and had tea, v.-hich we greatly appreciated after tho miserably wet day. Then wo proceeded, down, to the station, as my train was due at 6. After v general handshake, and bidding good-bye to Lady Ward, the train steamed off with a merry lot of excursionists. I forgot to say that I was accompanied in the train by Ncrwema and! Clarice. I arrived home at 10 o'clock, verytired but happy. I paid a visit to Alpine Princess the other Sunday, riding about seven, miles to her place. I have a pony, side-saddle, bridle, and riding skirt, so. Dot, if you ver get. this far, come for a ride with me. My word, Shouldn't I feel conceited if ever such an opportunity fell to my lot It is just tern years since I penned my first letter to you, and it is just two years since I started again, and what a great improvement there is during that ten years — indeed, even during the two years. I think R. Crusoe is very hard on you, and si ould know better than to carry on. like that, Dot. lam glad to hear that all D L.F. picnics are a success, and hope that I shall be able to join in with some of the future ones. I was pleased that Con's auto, book was a success. I have at last got the auto, fever, and should like to exchange with.' mv little folk. With kind regards to all D.L F., not forgetting ever- patient Dot and! kind Mr E. — Yours truly, NANCE O'NEIL. Dear Dot. — Since last writing I have been tip at Clydevale foi a, month, staying with. Hazel Tree and Brownie, and we did have seme fun. One night Hazel Tree thought it was a grand night to have a -wade in the river, so when it was getting dark ,ye tnree started. We waded about for half an hour, and then -wo thought it was tiros for iraking tiacks home, so we began to put on our boota and stockings. I had mine on first, arid started to gather up towels and hats, which were strewn everywhere. I could see some littlo Inrk thing coming towards us, and then it started to make a noise like the cry >f a weasel. It was then Hazol Tree and Brownie beard it. They did not know "what it was. and, m looking to see where I was, they could see me runninc as bard as I could towards the house. They called out, "What is the matter?" and on my telling them it wag a weasel they started running too. Hazel Tree happened to look back to the spot, and said, "Oh, whose hat is that that is left behind.' 'An 3 it turned out that in my hurry I had dropped my hat. and not one of the girls would come back with me to get it, so I had. to go myself. It was then I found out what the thing was, and what do you think? — ie was a poor, little duck which had wandered away by itself and could not find the way back. I can tell you we had a laugh at each other afterwards. I ■was sorry when the month was up. I csrne home in the steamer Clyde — the fi^t time I have ever been on a steamer When I waa up at Clydevale Hazel Tree gave mt "Alico 1 * «*& «Dd X tfuok it is •

Very nice book, although it ia a great fairy tale. With love to Brownie, Hazel Tree, Phcebe, Hearty Lassie, and all the little folk and yourself, — Yours truly. OTAGOITE. Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a trip which, with my father tnd mother, I had to Riverton. We i-eft Heriot by the 11 o'clock train, changing at Waipahi for Invercargill. After waiting an Lour and a-quartcr in Invercargill we proceeded on our journey to Eiverton, which we reached at about 5 o'clock. Arrived at our destination, we looked about to ccc if any of our friends had come to meet U3 ; but on perceiving none we made our way to my grandmother's house, and were overtaken on the road by my uncle, who had been watching for us at the station, and ha-d missed us. I was very tired after my Journey, and it wasn't long until I was in bed that night. My holiday there was a very enjoyable one. The first morning we went out for an hour's sail on the sea, and when we were returning the boatman gave me an oar, and I helped to row back. In the afternoon we went through the bush to the back beach, where we could see Stewart and other small islands. On coming back I found a few pretty shells, also seme ferns. The next morning my father went home. In the afternoon mother and I went round the front beach, and gathered shells. After filling two baskets we went to a place where we could see the Bluff, and on s;oing some distance further we could again soe Stewart Island, this time very plainly. On our way we passed bush containing beautiful trees and ferns, and as Riverton is a great place for picnics, we saw many places where picnickers had been boiling their billies. After tea we took a walk down to the town, pnd, it being Saturday night, there was a good crowd on the streets. The third day (Sunday) it was wet, so we were obliged to stay inside all day. On Monday I took a walk through the town and had a look at the shops. On Tuesday morning we went down to the town and did some shopping. After dinner we visited some friends of my grandmother's. At night a friend and I went to a carnival, and had a grand time. Next day we-said good-bye to Eiverfon, and started off for Wright's Bush, where" we expected to be met by our friends, but as they were not there a lady came up to us and i-sked us to go to her place until our friends arrived. We waited till half-past 9 that night, and as no one came wo w-ent to bsd, thinking they would come in the morning. The morning still brought no one, and we were going pway in the train'when the lady mentioned offered to drive us to our friend's place. After spending two days at Wright's Bush wo started for home, which we reached about 5 o'clock. Some of the farmers have not finished reaping yet. I am going up to Miller's Flat to stay for a few weeks, and I shall tell you about my holiday when I come back. With lovp to M. P. D., Heather Bell, Mavcurneen, Shepherdess's Fairy, Pearl Queen, and yourself,— Yours truly, ANTHEA. LETTERS CONDENSED. Red Hot Poker says Dot's Pago \s becoming very popular among the people. "A party of us went for a picnic on Easter Monday, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. It wr.s such a lovely day. ' Lady Violet went to see Boz the other day, and they had some groixl fun. "There are 36 pupils at our school, five of whom write to the D.L.F. Page. We are having good weather now, but last week we had a fall of enow. Jack Fiost is beginning to make his appearance again, and I hope he will hurry up, as I am waiting patiently for some fine elides. I should like to exchange autos with any little folk who are willing." Gesinia would like Curiosity Shop and Puzzlewitz to exchange autos with her. "One of my friends invited me to a birthday party, vrith a few others. We played a gieat many games, and. then we went inside and had afternoon tec. I went to the sporto, held on April 11 about four miles from where v/e live, and I enjoyed myself very much. I stayed in the little town of C. for a week's holiday at Christmas, and I thought it livelier than living in the country." Lamp was at a party on Saturday afternoon, and had a most enjoyable time. "We played till half-past 5 o'clock, and it was late when we got homei I wa3 very tired, for we had about three miles to go and we were no I used to it." Hard Case has two playful kittens whose aiitica amuse him greatly. "We have not got all our crop cut yet, as the v.-eather has been so bad lately. Some of the people round about here ere leading in. Our garden is not nice at all just now. There are more weeds than flowers in it, I think. I milk a -ow, and her name is Beauty. She ia very quiet indeed." Max sends me a veiy mcj letter for a little boy of eight years old. "We got a fortnight's holiday for the harvest, but it :s: s not gocd liErvest weather. We have got a fine new oigan in the school, and it ;s; s much nicer to sing with it. There aro i< great many wild ducks about tha creeks just now, and lots of people shooting, but the duck-? are wild and not easily shot." Star of tue South lives near M 133 Muffet, on-d also knows Glen Iris and her sister well. "At present the ground is covered with snow, and all tho crops are lying und^er the snow. There is a lovely bush ton miles from here, in which we had a picnic one day, and I enjoyed myself thoroughly." Agent, who has had the toothache, would like any D.L.F. to exchange autos with her. Address: "Agent, P. 0., Hamilton South." Allison has had a good many autos sent to her in response to her request. "I have been .iway foi a holiday staying with Giuha, and we had such a delightful time. We were in at the Easter sports, and I only saw two D.L F. We are having such splendid weather, and the mills are all hard at the threshing." Somebody's Darling was at the sports in ■)amaru on Easter Monday. "I was in Oarnaru at tho sports on Easter Monday, and I saw only two D.L.F. One of them a«ked me my norn de plume, and I told her. I then asked hers, but she only turned away and would not tell me. [That was certainly very unfaii of her. — Dot.] We are having lovely weather up here just now, and the harvest is nearly over." Madame Melba lives in the country, and prefers it to town life. "I have lots of time to writ-e to you now. Mother is ill irt the hospital, but I hope she will soon be back again. I have beeu to two picnics this year, and they were very successful. lam learning to ride on our horse (bareback, of course) and find it very entertaining." You Would Wonder lives close beside the Molyneux River. "We have two pet cats and a dog. One of the cats is leu yeara old and is 32in long. She is a good rsbbiter, and has often brought home five or six rabbits in one day, but she is getting rather old now." CrEN wi6he3 to exchange autos with little folk, so she gives me her address, but unfortunately without the name of the town she lives in, so it is no uso publishing the name. "We are having good weather, and the harvest is nearly over. I have not got many autos, as I am a new chum. I have a dog, and I call him Chum." ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Jlok Am.— A curious misprint appealed in

given as Brooms, instead of Brovras. Had it been Brcon3 it would not have been so bad, but I am afraid it will be difficult to locate Brooms in Southland. The address to send auko to is "Mon Ami, Browns P. 0., via Winton." Sweet Violets. — You can get one at any time ; they are not confined to writers, but may be had by any little folk. Neeissa I encloses me a four-leaved clover, beautifully pressed by her mother, who sends it as "an emblem of gocd luck to Dot and the Little Folk's Page." It is indeed kind of Nerissa's mother to take such an interest in our page, and I wi3h to thank her very Bincerely for her little gift. Nerissa makes some interesting remarks on the Sir Tom discussion, but that subject was closed some time ago, so I have had to omit these.

NEW RIDDLES. -

By Hard Case: — What is that which goes up the chimney down, and down the chimney down, but won't go up the chimney up or down the chimney up?

ANSWERS TO RIDDLES

By Maid of Alma. — (1) Because ciicketers hate ducks and footballers don't like fouls; (2) a, swallow; (3) a. stepfather; (4) a leek; (5) because twice eleven are twenty-two, and twice ten are twenty too; (6) hungry. By Defence.— (l) Seven times 1; (2) IV; (3) backache.

By Tant Rideout.— (l) Because they can't help it ; (2) last.