LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2565, 13 May 1903, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:— We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. De«r Dot,— Sinoe my last letter to you I ><jsve taken to a seafaring life. It is not exactly the life I expected, but, of course, one can't alway3 have things their own way, can they, Dot? lam >n the Union Steam Ship Company's a.s. Mokoia. She is a veiy nice boat ti be on, but she has a great notion for rolling in rough weather, and, my word, she can roll, too, as was experienced ou our last trip to Sydney. I like the sea very well, and intend to" stick to it for a year or two yet. The eea is not all violets, as ono has to put up •with a lot, especially when he first goes to sea. I have been all round the New Zealand ports; also to Molbournc, Sydney, and Newcastle. Tho latter place is where- we take coal in, and is about six hours' run from Sydney. I suppose, Dot, that you have been in Sydney, or, if /iot, come of the L.F. have been there, so I will not give you any particulars concerning the place. I like Sydney for amusement and such like, but otherwise I do not care much for it. Perhaps I should nko it better if I knew more about it- I prefer Melbourne to it any day, although it is noT, bo lively. The Mokoia ia going through a general overhaul at present, co we uro all ashore for a week or so. Things are very quiet down here. I think if they were much quieter a fellow would go melancholy. Ihe weather, too, is cold enough for winter; at least, I think so. I suppose it is much tbe same up at Dunediu. I shall be glad when we are away to sea again, as much of this would kill me. [With love to yourself and all the L.F.,— Yours truly, MONTEZUMA. •[Our sailor D.L.F. would be easily killed £1 a prolonged residence in Port Chalmers •■would send him to "Davy Jones's locker." I am afraid the big cities he is visiting periodically are spoiling him for quiet little New 2ealand.-DOT.] I|ear Dot,— l did not intend to writo to you again so soon, but there is a little matter which i should like settled as soon as possible. I ithink it would be satisfactory if you, dear Dot, would use your authority in putting into force the rule re noms de plume-. I notice AaVely that two or three different iittle folk

have, like myself, had their N.'s.D.P. taken from them by other oarcless little folk. However, I am going to stick to mine through thick and thin. W. Lassie II should kr.ow that I wrote to the page first under the mine of Woodland Lassie. She asks me to prove it, and I suppose she thinks as I have not written for some time that I cannot do so. but she is mistaken. This should be proof enousrh for anyone. About six months after I started writing to the page I exchanged autos with Dado. Thus I becams possessed of my first auto. How long ago that is I hardly know, but if, when writing again, Dado would kindly mention having received my auto., which I sent per Vivace, I shall ever be grateful to her. This wa3 long before Woodland Lassie II ever wrote to the page. Surely there is another name .she could take if she refuses to use the 11. Dot once before to]d m-j, in answer to a letter, that I was No. I, and that I had a right to the name, having written first, but this had no effect on W.L. 11. So I ask Dot to kindly settle this dispute, and I hope W.L., when she sees that she is in the wrong, will givo up tho name without more unpleasantness being caused through her holding to the name so stubbornly. I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Areta lately. She is such a nice girl, a real D.L.F. ; what say you, Vivace? Vivace and I are the only D.L.F. about this part of the country, or, at least, all I know about. Will you exchange autos with me, S. Tom ? — Yours truly, WOODLAND LASSIE I. [This Woodland Lassie i* certainly first on my list, which wou'd, I think, go to prove that she was the first to own the name. I think the difficulty could be got over if W.L. II were to change to Woodland Sprite. We have already a Woodland Eif, or I should have suggested that as the new norn de plume. -DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is such a long time— over a year — since I last wrote to your page that I suppose you and most of your correspondents will have forgotten that there ever was such a writer as Rosabelle, but you see I haven't forgotten you altogether. If you can spare me a ittle space I shall give you a brief account of a trip I have had since last I wrote- to you. Well, cne cold frosty morning in Tuly I lef* H. in tho coach en ioute for L. The first day I passed through C. and C, arriving at A. that night, feeling tired after a long journey (about 50 miles). While at C. 1 passed a D.L.F. ruling a bike. She had two badges on, but as I hadn't mine on I didn't speak. All the way down the river the dredgeswere at work, and when it got dark they looked so nice lighted up on the river, the reflection being thrown back over the water. That night I slept well, although everything and everybody was strange to me. The coach did not leave till 2 p.m. next day, so I had plenty of leisure to have a walk round the town and down to the river, where the dredges were working. Well, at 2we started, and as the sun was shining brightly tho drive was very enjoyable, but by the time we got to B.H.F. tho clouds had gathered round, and there was every appearance of rain. Fortunately, however, it did not come to much, and I was glad, as it was an open coach. We arrived at R. that night about 7.30, and it was nice to get insride again. On being shown into the parlour I was pleased to find a gentleman there whom I knew well. He was from tliis district, and it was quite nice to meet him so unexpectedly. The next morning we left at 7.30, and as there was another girl in the coach we had some fun together. When we to B. we- had a cup of tea, and it was very refreshing after the long journey. Then we continued our journey, and as we went along the paseiigers and driver pointed out places where accidents had happened, and as we passed them we were a littie nervous, fearing that something might happen again. However, wo reached L. safely, and there I was met by a friend, and, after having a cup of tea, we started again on a nine mile-s' drive. Arrived at our destination, you may be sure I wa3 pleased to get inside the warm, cosy house after the long journey. While there I enjoyed myself very much. In September we made Hp our minas to go to Dunedin to hear Dr Torrey and Mr Alexander. The morning we v.ere to leave the ground was covered with snow, and everything looked cold and misernble; but we had made up our minds to go, and at 3 a.m. we were up getting breakfast and preparing for our journey. We left at 4, having to drive nine-miles to the railway station. We had several little adventures on the way, not tho least of which was when we got to F. Creek we found it too high lo cross, so we got out and walked across the foot-bridge, intending to walk the rest of tho way (about two miles). However, after wo left (there were four of us), our driver took the horse out and rode across to see if it was safe, and finding it to be so enme after us, and we were glad to get the drive again. The train left at C.25, and had we not got v drive the rest of the way we shouldn't have b?en iv time. However, we were, and we soon found ourselves on the way to Dunedin And, oh! Dot, what do you think? —it was the first time I had been iv a train. However, I soon got used to it, and before v,e go*, to Dunedin I was quite at home in the "iron horse.". We arrived at Dunedin at 11 a.m., and after having a cup of tea we went away to the workshops' meeting amid all the snow, and before we got there we were white. However, we didn't mind that a bit, and when we got inside we were more than repaid for our trouble by hearing Dr Torrey speak and Mr Alexander sing. The tram was crowded both going and coming. After dinner we went down the street and bought some sweets for ourselves, and at 3 o'clock we went to the meeting in First Church, and then to the 7.30 meeting in the Garrison Hall, all of which we enjoyed very much. Mr Alexander was such a nice man— no oac could help liking Him, ami Dr Torrc-y

■was also very good, but I supposs you would hear them, Dot. We stayed two nights in Dunedin, but I should have liked to have stayed longei, but some of our party had to be back, sc we all came back together. Coming back in the train we sang some of the Alexander hymns, and thus entertained our fellow passengers. It sr.ov.-cd most of the way. However, so loiis; as we were in the train we didn't mind, but on arriving at L. wo had to drive nine miles before we were at home once more, and, oh. such a drive! It snowed all the way, and really, Dot, we were nearly blinded, to say nothing of the cold. The snow was frozen on to us be-fore we reached home. But once inside, we were in as good spirits as before, and we didn't feel sorry that we had braved the stofm to hear the wellknown evangelists, Dr Torrey and Mr Alexander. "Well, Dot, my trip wasn't going to last for ever, so about a fortnight after we came from Dunc-diii [ left for home, after having spent a most enjoyable holiday. I left L. on a Thursday aft-trnoon, exactly 11 woc-ks from the time I left home. I spent the time talking to the passengers going up, and by the time we had reached R. we wore quite at home with one another. Passing- M.F. a lady and I waved our handkerchiefs to the men on a dredge, and they answered U3. They would be wondering who was in the coach that knew them. When I got to R. I was met by % friend, who took me to her place, where I stayed for two nights, leaving on Saturday morning at 4 a.m. for C. I reached C. at 12, when I surprised my sister, as she didn't know I was coming that day. I stayed at C. for a wet-k, during which time I went for a drive to B. and for a walk up the reservoir. On the following Saturday I , started for home, a distance of over 30 miles, arriving there about dark. Now, Dot, I think I've written enough, and I'm sadly afraid it won't prove very interesting, even if it does escape the condenser. Before closing, I should like to thank Daisy Primrose and her parents for the expression of sympathy they sent some time ago. Please excuse me, Daisy, for not thanking you sooner. I see you have another I Rosabella writing sinco I last wrote. Could slie either change her name or call herself Rosabelle 11. With love to Octava-, Clotilda, Blue Bell, Pinkie, Clutha, and yourself,— Yours truly, ROSABELLE I. P.S. — Since writing the above we went up the Wanaka Lake to Pigeon Island on an excursion trip on Easter Monday. I may give you an account of my trip next *irne I write, that is, if you don't mind.— R. [Shall be very glad to hear from you, Rosa1 belle. I find there are two other Rosabslles in my list. I wish I could publish a list of all noins de plume, but it would run into many columns, so it is out of the question. You had, indeed, an interesting trip, but don't you think it would be better to spell out the names of the places instead of putting in the initial letters only. Most people can follow you from the beginning to the end, so that no secrecy is assured by that course. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — As this is the first "time I have written to a paper, or even written anything in the way of a letter that more than one person would read, except, of course, the family, I am feeling a trifle nervous; so, Dot, if you pity me, don't condense me — I mean my letter. Anyway, condensing my letter would be the same as condensing me — I should feel awfully small. Do laugh everybody; perhaps you don't know it, but I have been excruciatingly funny. Painful, isn't it, Dot? Isn't it terrible, though, when you are talking to people and trying very hard to be funny? You think you have succeeded, you know, and oxpect to hear veritable roars of laughter; but, instead, there is an awful, horrible silence. Oh, Dot! I have lone it onoe, but never again— no, thank you. lam not writing about pets, Dot, because I have none ; nor about school, because I don't go ; but if you will accept this letter I shall try to write about something interesting next time. Why lam writing is that I have ilways wished to do since the reign of Doughnut, Harry, 8.0.8., etc. Those were grand days, Dot, weren't they? I have seen you often, Dot, and I know your name- as well a 8 I know my own. 1 must say "Good-bye" now, with love to yourself and L.F., I am (if you will have me), — Your loving ANU. [So, I am almost as well known to you as the girl in the next house, am 1, Anu? Woll, it is nice to think that sonisonc can vouch for my identity, dear, and I hope all doubting or.es will have their qualms set at rest after this. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I must .vrite and tell you about an adventure I had with a horse called Mousie. About two mouths ago I had a fine ride on her. I thought I would have another ride, so I went out and got on her back, when a lady came out and gave he* a slap for fun. She started tc gallop as hard as she could when she saw another horse. I did not know what lo dc, so I just clung on to her neck, without any saddle or bridle. When she was running so swiftly I thought I had better jump off, so I jumped, and hurt myself a bit, and when tho lady came down to see what had become of rue she got a terrible fright. She thought I was killed when she saw me lying on the ground. Dear Dot, I asked a certain D.L.F. why aiy last letter was condensed, and she said, "Oh, because you do not write well enough." Dear Dot, if that was the reason 1 shall stop writing to you. I know who Glengarry is. I went to school with her when I was at the Taieri Beach. Do you like violets, Dot? I think they are lovely. Dear Ping Pong, I wish you would write to let me know if you are still in the land of the living. I got such l fright last night when 1 was going to bed. I heard a noise in the room. 1 took a light in, and there were two wild kittens jumping and racing round trying to get out. I opened the kitchen door, and one of the kittens ran out as fast as its little legs could carry it. I could not chase the other one out for laughing, and at last it went helter-3keltor down the passage out of the door. With best love to Ping Pong, Lynn, and Precious Jewol, not forgetting yourself and the dear jld editor,— Yours truly, PUSS IN BOOTS. [I don't suppose the kitten thought it very fumiy, Puss in Boots. No doubt she took it in all seriousness, and was terribly alarmed. It i 3 not altogether correct to say that letters are conc^nsed because they are not good enough. A iot of letters have to be condensed, and naturally the best escape, but come very nicely written letters ha^e unfortunately to go through tho "mill," as my friends term tho condensed column. The best plan is to determine to writ* so intcre-sting a letter that it cannot be condensed.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— l notice Florodora is seeking inj formation regurding the broomstick, and she | says that I tried to make out that she knew | all about it. I have evidently failed, for ! seemingly mr comrade is not yet "in the ' know?" So, Dot, with your permission, I shall : try to enlighten her a little further. Although ! I have considerable knowledge of the merits !\iul demerits of the broomstick, particularly of the business end, I fh.d it was not totally unknown to one who made his name Smoua in English literature as early as the seventeenth century, for' l find the following "Meditation upon a Broomstick" by Jonathan Swift: — "This single stick, which you now behold inglorious!}- lying in that neglected corner, I once knew in a flourishing state in a forest.

It was full of sap, full of leaves, and full of I boughs ; but now in vain does the busy ai - t of man pretend to vie with nature, by tying that withered bundle of twigs tc its sapless trunk: it is now at best but the reverse )f j what it was — a tree turned upside- Sown, the branches on the earth, and the roots in the air ; it is now handled by every dirty wench condemned to do her drudgery, and, by a capricious kind of fate, destined to make her things clean and be nasty itself. At length, worn to the stumps in the service of the maids, it is cither thrown out of dooTS or condemned to the last use of kindling a firt. When I beheld this I sighed, and said within myself: Surely mortal man is a broomstick! Nature sent him into the -world strong and lusty, in a thriving condition, wearing his own hair on his head, the proper branches of this reasoning vegetable, tmtil the axe of intemperance has lopped off his green boughs, and left him a withered trunk. He then flies to art, and puts on a periwig, /aluing himself upon an unnatural bundle of hairs, all covered with pewder, that never grew on his head; but now, should this, our broomstick, pretend to enter the scene, proud of these birchen spoils it never bore, and all covered with dust through the sweepings of the finest lady's chamber, we should be apt to ridicule and despise its vanity. Partial judges that we are of our own excellences and other men's defaults! But a broomstick, perhaps you will say, is : an emblem of a tree standing- on its head ; and pray, what is man but a topsy-turvy creature — his animal faculties perpetually mounted on his rational, his head where his heels should be — grovelling on the earth! And yet, with all his faults, he ssts up to be a universal reformer and corrector of abuses, a vemover of grievances; rakes into every slut's corner of nature, bringing hidden corruption to the light, and raises a mighty dust where there was none before, sharirg deeply all the while in tho very same pollutions he pretended to sweep away. Hia last days are spent in slavery- to women, and generally the least deserving ; till, worn to the stumps, like his brother-besom, he : is kicked out of doors, or made use of to ' kindle flames for others to warm themselves by." Perhaps Swift's meditation and my "barrack" are not on similar lines. Should Florodora desire more light, the following will serve: Ono day last week I saw a charming young woman sweeping a nice new house with a com- < rnon besom attached to a broomstick. I said, "What, ho! why are you cleaning that nice clean new house?" Whereupon she answered j with a merry little laugh: "Oh! lon't you ' know? I have to keep it clean" Perhaps | Florodora will understand. Love to all. — Yours truly, THE DUKE'S AMTJSER. [That is quite a learned essay jn a prosaic subject, T.D.A., and it shows that the great man of former days, did not think themselves above dealing with most trifling everyday matters. We could scarcely imagine any of the literary men of to-day taking tho broomstick as a subject for an essay, could we? — DOT.] ! Dear Dot, — I know several D.L.F. who write from here, but I only see two of them wearing badges. Most of the farmers about here have finished harvesting, and are waiting for the threshing mill. One day when I was going jup the hill^ for a walk I went through some long grass and scrub, when I saw a hawk fly up. I went over to where it flew from, and there I saw two young hawks sitting looking at me. What funny little things they wore — white, with big black eyes. I went over closer to the" nest, and I saw an egg. I broke it, and it was rotten. It was just like a small hen egg. The nest wa3 -nade of rushes and sticks, and quite flat, and there were pieces of rabbits lying about. With 'ove to Isle of Beauty, Little Bright Eyes, and yourself, — Yours truly, PEARL DROP. [There is already more than one Pearl, so I have added "Drop" to your name to make a distinction. You did not send your full name and address ; please do so next time you write. Tha^ was an interesting discovery to make.— DOT.] Dea. Dot, — I air going to toil you how I spent a few pleasant daya at Idalian's place. I walked down with her on a Thursday night, p.nd you may guess what fun we had. We had a nice little concert of our own down there, and Idalian, Reyna, Touring Constable, and I were eciting some very funny pi«ees of poetry. After that we went out into the plantation, and had a game of "Ghost in tho Garden," and some of the girls were very frightened, and went away inside. It is a nice big house, and as it was a nice day on Saturday, we had afternoon tea out on tho verandah, which wo all enjoyed. We had plenty of rides on a nice horse, and Idalian and I went for the cows, and we had a riding skirt on in turns. I rode up for them, and my mate rode back. I had to walk some of the way back with the riding skirt on, and we were laughing nearly all the way back. I was very sorry when I had to go home. Idalian and I got our photos taken togethei. Would you like one, Do£? I will stop now. With love to ,1! the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor,— Tours truly, GOLDILOCKS. [I should like one very much for the next group of L.F., Goldilocks. It will be a '.ong time before I havo enough for -the group, but the} are gradually accumulating. lam afraid I shall have to leave out the footnotes again, as there are to many letters once more that I don't know where they are all oing to — DOT.] Dear Dot,— You wanted to know how long ono person— say, myself— would take ,o read 193,809 books. Well, I could read ; book in, .say, two nights ; there being 365 days in a year, therefore 365 nights also. By working out the following:— 36s nights divided by 2 nights, I find I :ould read roughly 182 books i in a year; and by working out this— l93,Bo9 | Ix.-oksj' divided by 182 books, I find it would take me roughly 1065 years to read 193,089 books. Well, Dot, as I am only 15 years old, I suppose I made a bit >f an exaggeration when I said that the names of the books I had read would fill fifty Witnesses. I have just returned home from Bible Class, and I intend to write this and post it as I go to church. I have to thank Miltonian for his auto., and I wish that Lady Honour would hurry up with hera. I was going to write before this, but as I saw you were i bit "squeezed" foi space, I did not think I would improve matters by adding another letter to the list. Everybody seems to know who Poeticua Flore Pleno is, much as I tried to conceal my identity. I was going to change my N.D.P., but I thought I might "steal" some- ; body else's, and thus make things not very I ploasant for me. I therefore decided io stick i to the old one.— Yours truly. POETICUS FLORE PLENO. Dear Dot,— lt is a long time since I last wrote to you, but the fact is I am getting so much work to do now that I have not time for anything. This is a grand place to live in : you can go down to the aea and catch, a fish for your dinner, or gathei some mussels. Some people do not care about mussels, but they are very like oysters. 1 suppose since I last wrote to you, you have been thinking I was dead, but I am still in the land of the living. I often go into town now. lam milking cowa just now, and have to ;art the milk to tho

creamery, which is about a mile away. La 9» year I made a big cheque at trapping, but I don't expect to do so well this year, as the rabbits are not jearly so plentiful. lam willing to exchange autos with any D.L.F. If they send theirs first I shall send mine in return. I js-ed to know some of tho L.F., bull nearly all I knew have now retired. With love to all the D.L.F., yourself, and the editor,— i Yours truly, FIND ME OUT. Dear Dot, — It is miserable weather down hera just now, and the farmers don't know whenever they wil" get their crops cut and led in. We have, some of our crop cut and led in, but we have a lot more to cut. It wa3 raining all day yesterday, and now it is raining again 1 . The days are very short now, as it is the second day of winter, and I daresay there will very] soon be snow and frost. When the snow! comes I think we will have to get gumboots to go to school. We have two miles and ahnlf to walk to school. lam 11 years old, and! am in the Fourth Standard. We have twcJ nice big foals. Wo have one cow milking just now. 1 went to some sports on Eastes Monday, and I saw men wrestling, jumping, running, and dancing. It was great sport is! see tho men wrestling. I have a safety pin 1 on my badge, and it is easy to change from one hat to another. Dear Dot, I was surprised to see that someone had written to you saying it was not fair of me to take her nor- dei plume. If I did, she was a long time in speaking of it, for I have written over this ' name for such a long time— about IS inoii'ths. If she 'had it betee that, and did not speak ■ till now, I really think she should take another name, or be Birdie 11, for I think I was the first. What do you think, Dot ? With love to all the L.F., the editor, and yourself,— Yours tru'y, BIRDIE. Dear Dot, — This is the last day of autumn; and very nioe it has been. The place I liva in is a farming district. I always think thaii on a .lico sunny spring day a train traveller cannot help noticing the cosy-looking farmhouses dotted here and there all over it, and surrounded by green fields. Just now the farmers are busy threshing. -To-day I think I counted four threshing mills ail working, and! humming a deafening tune all the time. We got our crop all threshed the other day. Wa had a lot of chaff and oats — nearly 500 bags. Dear Dot, I knew some of your correspondents. Has Jessie C. reached the retiring age? T| never see any letter from her nowadays. I never see any badges up here on anyone's* hat, though I think some of the school girla up here used to write to your page. With lova to your kind friend the editor and all the inn teresting writers of your page, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, FROWNING LASS. Dear Dot, — One day we went for a trip ta Owaka. The way was a long one, but everyone was happy when we got there. The sun/ shone out from the clear, blue sky, the woteP sparkled beneath his rays, and beneath hia cheering influence the trees looked greener and the flowers more gay. The water rippled! on with a pleasant sound, the trees rustled iw the light wind that _nurmured among their, leaves, the birds sang upon their boughs, and! the lark carolled on high her welcome to tha morning. — Yours truly, SWEETMEAT. Dear Dot, — This is a very pretty place in th«r summer time, when all the bush flowers ara out; but in the winter it is not very pleasant living in the bush." The roads get very muddy, and they are not very nice to travel on. Oun cheese factory has stopped at last and I an* not sorry, for it is- not a very nice job carting the milk when it is wet. I have a nice little! flower garden, but I have not had much time to keep it in order this year. However, I must find time some of these days.— Yours truly, HOLLY TREE. Dear Dot, — I received my badge all righfj but I got the greatest bit of barracking over. it from my sisters that I ever got in all my life. As none of them write to you, theyj are always ready to hoot me ovei it; but never mind, I see one of them takes a great interest in reading the D.L.F. letters whenever sha gets the Witness, and I have often found piecea of writing paper about the house with thirf heading on thcifc — "Dear Dot," but it never seems to get any farther than that. I think her teasing is all a sham. Perhaps she write, herself. If ahe does, oh, would I not like to know her norn de plume. Ha, ha! Olinda, you did .not believe your brothei when he toldl you that So and So wanted to exchange autoa with you; but I may as well tell you myselfi that if you give me yours 1 shall return mine. I should also like to exchange autos with any, other D.L.F. who are willing. If they are addressed, "Rata Con, Browns, Winton," theywill reach me all right. I have never been irt Dunedin yet, but I think next Christmas wilt see me up there. I have a sister there wha lives it Maori Hill, and shf often tells me irt her letters llxmt the nice buildings you hava there. Dear Dot, would you mind telling me, if you can, Jie number of Dot's little folk) that write to you from the Winton district, as I should very much like to krfow.— [They are scattered all over my lists, R.C., and it would' entail a lot of work to go >ver all the namea and pick out the Winton L.F.— Dot.]— If ia raining outside now. I wonder when we aw, going to get some bettei weather, as soma of the people down this way have not got their crops cut yet. Everything has been backward this year, has it uot? Witn love to ill tho L.F., not forgetting your own dear .self and the editor, — Yours truly, RATA CON* Dear Dot,— As all the family, with the excep-' tion of myself and the three little ones, have taken themselves off to a play, and as I arm tired of reading and thinking, I have decided to put all my energy into something, and that something is to write to Dot. My father and I went to a social a little while ago, and when we arrived at the schoolhouso we could not see anybody about. After waiting for a few, minutes, we walked ovei to the school teacher'g house, and then father left me with Valeric. We went inside, and sat down in front of the! fire to have a cosy chat. By : and-bye we were; interrupted by a gentleman who came to helpf to boil the tea. He picked up a kerosene tin, on which he saw some writing. Of course, ha proceeded to try to find out what it was, and) Valeric, who had written it, started to laugh. At last he found out what it was. It was only, the one word, "Valeric," and he began td tease her. This lame gentleman is anxiously, waiting for some letters from K. to appear mi the Witness; bo, Dot, I shall a least give hirni the pleasure of reading one letter. I enjoyed! myself at the social, and I shall 'ook~ forward! to the next one. lam of the same opinion a$ Jessica about Sir Tom, and I am glad that ha has decided to associate with us once more. My brothei has a pure white kitten, which ho calls Dot, and a lady is rearing a black one, which he is going to call Editor, for him. The

" I'll hang my harp on a willow tree," and curl my hair with New Century Soft Rubber Hair Curlers. It is wonderful what a difference they make in one's appearauee, uiJ they don't damage the hair.

leaves are all dropping off the trees now, and we shall soon be able to see Jack Frost's tracks every morning. I suppose all the D.L.F. are fond of skating an 6 sliding. We all like it up this way, and we leave earlier than usual on the winter mornings, and arrive home later than usual. This is to enable us to slide on the ice. lam terribly troubled with chilblains in the -winter, and if they are as bad this Y/inter as thej generally are, I shall try W.F.Y.'s cure. Reading is my favourite pastime, and I occupy all my spare moments, and sometimes my full ones, witl a book. lam also fond of gardening. Our blackberries are ripe now, and as the brambles have climbed over the' fence, we have fun pulling them. Mother made jam of sorr-e of tb-m this year. With love to Valeric, Star, Aberfeldy, the editor, and yourself,— Yours truly, HOOLIHAN. Dear Dot, I have been in Kaitangata- for two tcceks now, but my home is in Dunedin. On Tuesday night I was visiting Clyde fund his Bisters, Alma and Jack. We anjoyed ourselves immensely, and saw a photo of the D.L.F. who reside here. I was at a concert given by ■Lex Maclean, and it was very good indeed. I .was at the Floral Fete oe March 23, and B aw Florodora on her pony, and I thought she looked very nice. I also saw her again coming home, when I was with some of my mates. On Ea-ter Monday morning at 6 o'clock my luite and I went to the alaughtcryard and we caw two bullocks and six sheep being killed. Oil Tuesday my mate and I are going to WanI lloa, where we expect to have a pleasant time lidiu" ponies, milking cows, and looking for fee ' eggs. We have to drive eight mile 3, ».: we hope it will be a fine day. In the nfvrnoon we are going down to the beach, a disianco of about half a mile. On Monday •I am going to a birthday party, and I hope to-havo a merry time. lam going for a dnve this afternoon. With love to all the L.F., especially Clyde, Alma, Jack, Sandy, and Floro- * -Yours truly, Dear Dot,— What sort of weather" are you Slaving in Dunedin, as the weather here is ucmething- terrible, hardly a whole fine day in a week. It is to be hoped the weather will take up a bit, so that the fanners may be able to jet their crops in before they are spoilt. n?hey say this yeai will be the "record year^ for crops. All the crops I havi seeD looked gc^ • though 1 heat some are ap "green as gi: ,' as the saying goes Do you know, IDoc,. that every Sunday I say 1 am going to church something is sure to come and stop me, so what an? Itc do? Just give it best? Sohie of the "larrikins" of Mabel last Sunday «ut a piece of the parson's horse's tail off, and itook another gentleman's cushion out o}_ his tra, That was in the afternoon, and at His t ehope at night they took the parson's ihci-.-e and galloped up and down the road with at while he was holding service. Don't you think that was a very nasty trick to play on anyone? I think they ought to be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. Dear Dot, 7 have had the harvesters to cook for, with no one to help me, and I must say I didn't relish it. When till the crop is carted in there will be about 17 stacks in all, co that is very good for one iarmer. With love to all D.L.F., yourself, aud the editor. — Yours truly, SWEET VIOLETS. Dear Dot,— l have been going to write to you lor ages, but I have always put it off and off ■until the present time. It is a year since I last wrote to you, co many changes have taken place in our page. Most of our best writers have retired, owing to having reached the age [limit, but there is always somebody ready to fill theii place. Boy's letters will be sad)y missed. I always take a great delight in reading Florodora's letters, they art- so interesting. I couid not help laughing when she said the wind blew her umbrella inside cut; it always puts me in mind of one of mine. Tho weather has been grand these last few days, and it will give the farmers a chance to get their -.rops "led in." The snow which a-ell a short time ago damaged a lot of the crop. Some of our 3 was- out in it, and it is aiearly 'flat. I don't think it will get up to sts prope: position again. We have half of cur crop lefl in, and I suppose we shall start again to-morrow, as a neighbour and ourselves Ihelp each other every yeai. I think it is going (to rain to-night, as the sky "s very cloudy and the night very dark. I had a great chase after two little pigs to-day. Some others and myself chased them for a good while, thinking we could catch or stop them, but we couldn't. 3 didn't think a pig" could run so fast. I aran after one through two paddocks on to the middle of the Toad, but I gave hinr up. We got 'one, but I don't know where the other is. it don't think it will come back again, although tit was seen this morning running about at a neighbour's place. I don't think they would •be able- to catch it unless they bad a wirenetting fence to drive it into. The deer-shoot-ting. season closes • to-morrow (Thursday). On (Sundays you could listen to the deer stalkers' Ehct3 all day. There were a good many camps iup there during the Easter holidays, but the Btags are very scarce, as I think so many shooting frightens them. Have you forgotten me, IBJack Tain ? You have not answered my last [letter. I shall be pleased to exchange autos with any D.L.F. if sent throt^h Dot. With •best love to Bleeding Heart, Jeannie Deans, [Hiawatha, Black Tarn, and yourself, — Yours .truly, HEATHER BELL. Dear Dot, — We are harvesting just now, and ■yie are. having veTy wet weather. It either rains at night or else there is a very heavy jilewj a-d we cannot get started till the aftermoon, and then it is not all dry. I have the jjob of building the drays in the field. I don't idislikc it ao long as there are no thistles, but {when it comes to thistles we dc jot agree. Ht takes me twe or three days tc get them ijicked ou'j of my fingers. The Californian

thistles are thick amongst our crops this year. We have 56 ducks now, and some of them are laying at present. The duck which I told you about before has laid S8 eggs altogether. The days are becoming short now, as it is near I winter. The frost has killed all the dahlias, and there are not many flowers out now. Tho apples will soon be ripe, and then we shall hays a job to get them pulled dry. There are some new writers from out this way writing io the page this last week or two, but Ido not know who they are. Yes, Alpine Princess, you guessed my initials all right, and I used to write to Daisy. I thank you very much for sending Silence and me your auto., and I aleo thank all L.F. who sen tvs their autos. With love to Alpine Princess. Rose-a^Bud Rough Rider 11, and all the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, I WATTLE BLOSSOM. Dear Dot, — Yesterday and to-day the weather has been very windy but not wet, and the farmers have got nearly all their crops in. We have no oat crops, so we had none to take in ; I only wish we had. I was at a picnic on Easter Monday, and I enjoyed myself Al. I ran in three races, but was last in one, so I only got two prizes. Our factory has closed now, and we are salting butter for the winter. We do not milk at night— only 17 cows in the morning-. I gather stamps, but have only got a few. My late uncle gave me such a nice stamp album. Dear Dot, we have 14 ducks, and I can assure you they are a humbug. We shu' them up at night, and let them out first thing in the morning, and off they scamper into our neighbour's potatoes. They are chased out of there, find then off they go to our own potato patch, and so on. 1 Did you ever hear of a man crocheting, Dot? There was a man down here onee — a surveyor's cock — and he crocheted a whole tea-set. He gave me a little jug, but I saw a teapot, sugar basin, jug, cups, saucers, and plates, and they looked very pretty. We have roses coming out yet — the big pink ones — and . carnations, sweet peas, etc. I have never seen a train yet, and I am 14 past, so that will show you how some of the children are placed away out in the back blocks. Sheika says that she does not care for sewing. Ido not care for it much either, although when at school I got a first prize for it. I think this letter is composed of I's, but I needn't worry, as the editor will mince out a few of them.- With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and the patient editor if he decsn't inince this,— Yours tlUly ' CLEG KELLY. Dear Dot,— l suppose you will have forgotten all about me by this time, as it is such a long time 3iuce I last wrote to you This time I am going to give you a description 'f a trip to the head of Lake Wakatipu. A small party f us went up, and we had a niO3t enjoyable jure. Long before the train was due at Wintfl^ the people began to gather. When the train arrived we lost no time in getting aboard, and steamed off up through the beautiful country till we reached Dipton, and then the ountry became rugged, with high hills and steep cuttings and rough lands, until wo reached Lumsden. As the train waited there for a few minutes we had tiiae to have some refreshments, and then as we steamed off again it began to rain very hard, and made it very disagreeable, as we were not able to see any distance. This time we were travelling through very flat land, with the great, tall mountains towering high above us on one side. As we neared Kingston the mountains became visible on both sides of us. Ths rain had now cleared off a bit, and we got a splendid view as we steamed into Kingston ; and then the bustle and excitement that followed—everyone running about with little handbags, hurrying up to get on board the boats. We were soon all settled down, and it was only then that we had time to look around us and admire the magnificent and much-talked-of scenery. The first striking beauty discernible is the clearness of the water h\ the lake. Kingston looks very pretty, nestled at the foot of the 'hills, or, rather, cliffs, which look co majestic, tovrering- high above the lake, which is bordered with pretty little bushes. It was not long before we heard the captain's voice through the telephone saying, "Easy ahead!" and presently we rounded the bend in the lake and left Kingston far behind us. Then everyone had glasses to their eyes — not "specs" or looking-glasses, bu f telescopes and spy-glasses — admiring the beauties of nature. Oh, Dot, what a jolly time of it we had as we travelled on and on. We were fairly delighted with the beautiful Bcenery which met ou. gaze. The little cascades chase each other down the sides of the mountains, and' are a source of perpetual interest. The Devil's Staircase, which is a very steep and narrow track on the 9ide of the mountain, and is very dangerous, was pointed out tc us. As we were nearing Queenstown snow became visible on the tops and sides of the mountains, which looked glorious, so pure and sc white were they; but as the twilight was creeping on, we had to content ourselves with chatting to one another till the boat was alongside thr whart at Queenstown, and then there was another scramble getting off the boat. The Queenstown folk turned ait in ful 1 fore to meet the excursionists. We did not do any more travelling that night, but wen* and had some supper and secured a bed for ourselves, which was no easy task. Indeed, we considered ourselves very fortunate in getting a bed, as many had to sleep on sofas, chairs, etc., and some even lept in stables. What do you think of that, Dot? Nex* morning being tiunday, we were up early, and had a look round, and we could not help remarking on the beauty of the city of the lake, situated as it is at the foot of the mountains, and within a cosy corner of the lake, with a fine plantation of bluegums, willows, and other trees. Partly satisfied with the short stroll round the town, we went back to our hotel with a keen ap-

petite for breakfast. We next set forth exploring around the hills. We travelled .* good deal, viewing tho beautiful scenery met with on all hands. The Eemarkab'.es looked magnificent in all their glory in the distance. As it was getting near dinner-time, we beat a hasty retreat once mora to our hotel for dinner, which, we fully appreciated after ou. long walk. After dinner we took a walk down to the park and listened to the band, which played some beautiful selections. While there 1 lost my mates, and I had to go "on my own" to see the waterworks, which looked very pretty, situated at the side of a gully in the bush. On one side you can lock down 70ft or 100 ft below; on the other are tall high hills covered with bush. I cams back much quicker than I went up, as it was all down hill. Then I went for a walk round the shore, and put in ; the time until evening, when I found my mates. We went to church, and after that to c sacred concert, which I greatly enjoyed. My mates missed that, too. After tho concert i was over I went back to the hotel, and there found my mates in bed. Next morning being Monday, we decided to take a trip »to tho Head- of the Lake, so we were up early and breakfasted, and took a walk round the town till 9 o'clock, when the boat waf to leave. Presently we were under way, steaming up towards the Head of the Lake. From the boat we could see the track that was being cut out on the sido of the hills, which I suppose will some day in the near future reach Glenorchy. All the mountains looked beautiful, and it would be difficult to say which was the grander. Dinner-time came just as we were passing the Islands, which looked very pretty as we looked out of the j small windows of the saloon. We soon ari rived at Glenorchy, and before .ho men had time to put up the gangway the people were lumping off, and soon there was a scramble' for horses and buggies, which were far too few iv number to supply the demands of tho people who wanted to go to see, the world-famed Diamond Lake, Itees Lake, Paradise Flat, Heaven's Gate, etc. We were too late to secure a horse and trap, so we were out of t. Glenorchy is a very pretty place situated at the Head of the Lake From there you can get a splendid view of the Toothpick Ranges, Ecutebum Range, Dart River, Mount Earnslaw, and many other places. As we had fully four hours to pass, we soon decided that the best thing ' ■) be done was to set out on "shanks's pony" along a very hard gravelled road, which was none too good for our slices. When we were a good way on oiu journey, we met i man, who told us that if we wanted to see the Lakes we should climb up the side of a hill -.ear by, which we did, and got. a splendid view of the Lakes. We then scrambled across a flat, and came to a small creek, where we decided to boil the billy and pu' an end to the refreshments we had with us Coming back to the boat we came acros3 a sluicing claim. It was the fir3t we had ever seen. The water that they work it with is brought by fluming from a large creek, and in some (parts 'the fiuming was hanging down over the cliffs and rocks. We had not much time to spaie, so, after a hurried look at everything, we set off, and reached the boat, and soon we were steaming off down tho l^ke. We enjoyed ourselves capitally or> the return journey to Queenstown that night. After we arrived at Queenstown we had our supper, and then we went to a play, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Next morning we were up early and had our breakfast, as the boat was to leave at G o'clock. We soon had all our belongings together once more, and boarded the boat, and bade farewell to beautiful Queenstown. The townsfolk turned out again in full force as the boat was leaving to see the excursionists off Soon we were steaming southwards, and had left Queenstown fai behind us. We had a splendid trip down to Kingston, where a great long train was waiting io take us back to our respective stations. We lost no time in getting aboard, and were soon steaming along on dry land once more down to the low country, a-nd in due time we were back at on. eld familial homes, after spending a most enjoyable holiday. With love to all the L.F.j the editor, and Dot, — Yours truly, LEE-METFOHD. Dear Dot, — There was a circus hero a week or two ago, but it was not of much iccount. There were no animals excr-nt the horses. I suppose you put all these letters in the fire when you have read them them through and put them in the Witness. If you keep them you will have to have a Dot's Uttlo folk letter room for them, as there are so many of them. — Yours truly, CLEMATIS 111. [No, Clematis, they go to the paper mill, and are made into new paper. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I have only got 48 autos, and itill want more. I should like t« exchange autos with Florotlora, E.D.N.A., Britain, A.D., and Fairy. My address '9, "Violet, Post Offire, Hamilton South." I went to a circus about a month ago, and enjoyed myself very much. I saw a numbe. of D.L.F. there. It was the first time I was evei at one. We are milking five rows now, and I go for their nearly every evening, and sometimes in the morning. I am gonip to learn to milk. Dot, my fiUliei told me if I did ne would give me si gold bracelet. We play cricke' at school just now. We have h;id very few plums this year, but i »ood many apples. We had an appl* weighing lloz. It was a very bipr one. We ar* making a flower garden at scfiool now. I have got Myrthortidvylite's photo. I was so pleased to pet t, and I think it was very kind of her to give it to me. With lore to Biddy, Pukaki, Paniwha, and Lady Isobel, not 'orgettiu^ the cditoi and yourself,— Yours truly, VIOLET. I Dear Dot, — Some months ago thr surrounding districts had an excursion to Riverton, and, of course, I went. We had such jolly times both going and coming but, alas, the time at

| Kiverton was far too short, and many were 1 "left behind." lam very fond of collecting . shells at the beach, aud, as usual, brought home a bag full of shells. Ou a recent Sunday afternoon I went up the mountain with a friend, and the scenery was so beautiful. I could spend a whole day admiring the beauties of Nature around here. On some of the calm evenings we had lately every part of the bush through which I have to walk looked so serene. With love to all the little folk and yourself,— Yours truly, j THISTLE, ROSE, A^D SHAMROCK. 1 Dear Dot, — It must now be about a year since I last wrote to you, and I thought I would again like to write yoit a few lines to tell you how I spent my holidays. Well, io begin with, I was at Balclutha for a fortnight before Christmas, and think it a very pretty place. If you go across the river, and a short distance up the side of the hills, and then look back on the town, it makes a lovely picture, with the river wandering along, and green trees growing on the banks and hero and there through the town. While staying at Balclutha, my friends drove me down to Port Molyneux, and I enjoyed myself very much. We started at 8 o'clock in the morning, and got home at 7in the evening. It was a. beautiful, warm day, and when we got to Port there was a nice cool breeze blowing off tho sea. We boiled the billy and had some lunch, and then went for a long walk along the beach. There is a .jood beach, but very few shells. When we returned frorr our walk it was well on in the afternoon, so we made some more tea and then went to the bush and got a few ferns, and by that time it was time to leave for home. We arrived home fairly tired, but very well pleased with our day's outing. I left Balclutha for home the day before Christmas, and went to a picnic on Christmas Day. The day after New Year I went to the Bluff Regatta, and had a real good time. It ,?as very windy it the Bluff, and a few light showers fell, but nothing worth speaking of. I went out twice on the tug Theresa Ward. It was the first time I had been out on the water, and I enjoyed it very much. I was at the Mataura Flower Show on February 25. The pot plants were very nice, but I think the garden flowers, the fruit, and the vegetables were not nearly as good as usual. I was also at the Wyndham, Show about a week later. I did not go to the D.L.F. picnic at Edendale, as I just came home that day, and it was rather late. I see th?.t the Dunedin L.F. .managed their picnic successfully. I think it would be nice to hold it annually, don't you, Dot? — Yours truly, | LACONIA. : Dear Dot, — I live in x place suriounded by hills and mountains. There is an elevator here, the paddock being about 200 ft deep. It is nearly full with water, which is about 20ft or 30ft from the top. There are two streets in this town — the main street and Walker street. About 300 or 400 yards from the school there is a claim working. Sometimes Igo over to the claim and get a sluice from one of the men. There are two churches and two cemeteries. One is beside the Catholic Church, and one down at the end of the town, belonging to the Protestants. With love to all the i D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, Dot, — Yours truly, H. W. C. Dear Dot, — I am an old bachelor to-day: ! I am looking after the house while my mother I and sister are washing. My sister is always i calling out to me, "Is the dinner nearly ready?" but I think she will be lucky if she gets any at all to-day. One day my brother and sister and two other friends and I went a long way, looking for young hawks; but notwithstanding our long walk we were unfortunate, for we didn't get at all, so we went to a ajream and began paddling. The place where I live >s a great gold-mining district. There is one cluim working straight in front of the town. Every Saturday a lot of children may be seen playing with the water, and pretending that they are looking for gold. I don't see many correspondents writing that I know. I think they must bo afraid that tho children, will find them out. The town has two streets, called King street and Main street. Now, Dot, I must close, or my sister will be in to see what I am doing that the dinner is not ready. I made a .ago pudding, and, oh. Dot, you should see it. I had milk plastered all over the stove. Don't you think they are lucky if they get dinner? With love to all the little folk, and not forgetting yourself, Dot,— Yours truly, OLD BACHELOR. Dear Dot,— We live in a very lonely spot. I have one sister and one brother. We have a little white dog, and he is a good watch-dog. When my father puts his coat or nything down outside he will watch it II lay and let no one come near it, and if anyone plays rough with any of us he will bite them. It was my birthday yesterday, and I am i 3. Our neighbours are cutting their crcps; ours ia not ready to cut yet.— Yours truly, BASHFUL RUE. Deai Dot,— l r.m a poor, homeless dog. I followed my master one day when lie went for a ride, but when >ye were coming home agair I met another flog on the road. I stopped and had a cha.* with him, and when we had finished oui conversation I looked round for my master, but he must have gone a different way ionic, because 1 could not see him anywhere. 1 wandered about until I came to a home where iany childien lived, but they chased me away from there with a big whip, and I had to run is hard as I couid go. I still wandered about, not knowing where U look for a home. One morning very early I came t- a house, but the people were not out of bed when I rrived, so I looked all round, suid I -aw their owr dog tied up, and he had such s cosy house to sleep in that I thought if I stayed I might get kindly treated also. When they got up, out came the boy to

get the cows in. He began to whistle, and thinking it was my master, for it was very like his whistle, 1 ran up to him, and he gofe ' a fright, but he gave me a kind pat on the hof.d. He sent me for the cows that morning-, and ever sines I have- made this my home. My new master is very kind to me, and ha feeds me well, and I have as nice a house to live in as their own dog has. I think I shall have to stop now, hoping- you will let me write again, so good-bye.— Yours truly, A BLACK DOG. Dear Dot, — Our school is closed for one week on account of whooping cough, nearly half the children having it. This last fortnight the farmers have had good weather. Nearly all the cutting about here is finished, and there are two mills threshing not far off. This has been a grand Eeason for grass and turnips. "We have some swede turnips, and when I walk through them Jie tops are just up to my shoulders. There is a paddock jusl in front of our place, and tho Ted clover is so tall that we can hardly see the sheep in it. Since I last wrote to yo\i I have been down south for a trip as far as Wendonside, and I enjoyed rnys-elf very much. With love- to ail the D.L.F., Dot, and Mr Editor,— Yours truly, BILL ADAMS. Dear Dot, — We are having really beautiful weather at Henley, but I am sorry to say it is Taining to-day. Since I last wrote to you I have got another doll. It is such a beauty; I think it must bs just like yourself. It haa got long, curly hair, and a pair of nice shoes, and I can take them off whenever I want to. I was at Henley sports, and I saw four D.L.F. with badges* on, and I knew them all. I enjoyed myself with swinging and playing, and I felt quite tired when I got home. I was so pleased to find all the cows done when I got home, for we have a good many milking at present. lam going to the winter show, and I hope I shall ccc you there. lam sure to see a good many L.F., and I hope it will be fine weather, for I like going to town. We have a good many little pigs, and it is great fun to see them running about. How they do scamper into their house. My pels are all getting on well, but one of my cats died. lam sorry to tell you that three of my schoolmates have died from scarlet fever, and we all miss them very much. With love to all the D.L.F., yourself, and tho gcodnatured editor,— Yours truly, A. P. E. Dear Dot,— l w.is at the bush for a picnio not very long ago. My mate and I gathered blackberries, and we had our dinner, and then went and had a walk up the hill. We gathered musk and wild flowers and ferns, uid then went away off home. I had two weeks' holidays not long ago. Dear Dot, I have had an awful toothache lately, and I think the best cure for it is to get it out. Wo are milking 38 cows. I milk six or seven very nearly every morning. My brother was away one day, and hurt his leg, so that ia why I have so many cows to milk. There are three milkers besides myself. My brother has got a farm .not a long way from here. We have to go a long way to see any of our relations, as they all live about 20 miles off. My cousins live down near the sea. 1 have thre: sisters and four brothers. The harvest 13 very late this year. We are just starting to lead in. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, WOOD-BUILDING. Dear Dot, — I live in a very mountainous district, but it surpasses the big towns I have visited in beauty and fresh air. Some mates and myself went fot a trip to Glenorchy a while ago, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We thougnt the scenery beautiful We are getting n taste of. winter now, the mornings and evenings being very cold. It has not been good weathei for harvesting this last week or so, therefore a lot of oats are still in the stook. I should like to exchange autos with Isle of Beauty. With love to all the L.5". and yourself, — Yours truly, PRINCE ALBERT. LETTERS CONDENSED. Sajjdow ia only six years old, so his letter is a very little one. "I have made a waterwbeel, Dot. I copied it from father's. We hud a cricket match at our school last Saturday." Little Bright Eyes II would like to exchange autos with Nancy Lee, True Blue, Lonely Girl, and ,ny othei D.L.F. Address: " Little Bright Eyes 11, care Mr Maitland, Miller's Flat." '" The harvest is late about herr this year, and the mill is just threshing in front of onr place row. I was at Mr Montgomery's show the other night, and the place was full. I was at a circus not very long ago, and the. performers were very good. They had 70 horses and three monkeys. The fever and the whooping cough are about here now." Erxiyn Vittoria. was wited by Countess Daphne tc write. "I have often read the letters of the little folk in the Witness, and should like you to accept me as one of your little folk." Queen Tottie has not got any -,utos yet, but sho hopes to have her share some day. "My sister is away from home just now. She was home a fortnigh* ago, but she only stayc-d a short time. She came up for a wedding, which took place up. here. My two sisters went to it, and they said it was grand. One of my sisters was \ip Lake W. hi the steamer on Easter Monday. ' Maple Tree II has just go 1 home after a long journey of about 90 miles. "I enjoyed my holidays grand. Ihe school children heTe got theii photo taken, and it came out good. There ire a lo' of rocks here, and sonr» are very high. I Jik-- climbing up them. I have only two brothers and five sisters, but five sisters arc v lot, aren't they. My eldest Bister at home looks after the post office. £

iiave a sister married, and a brother in Dunedin." ZiTA has a little baby brother just learning to crawl. "There is a lighthouse here, and the keepers are to shift soon, so I shall lose ?ny chief schoolmate. There were not many ""mushrooms this year. We have a bush on. one side of the place, but it has not many trees on it for the size of the hill. "We had a white rabbit and a black one, but they both died." Fhieda enjoyed her Easter holidays, though she did not go away from home. "I went over to the station to see all the trains come in, *nd it was very enjoyable. I saw on the station a number of D.L.F. who had been ior a picnic out this way, and they all seemed to have enjoyed themselves." True Love acknowledges receiving Boy's auto. "Most of the t>.L.F. are complaining about the weather, but I shan't «ay anything about that just now. I did not go anywhere for my Easter holidays this year. Harvest is in full swing here just now, reaping, stookdng, and stacking. I was at the Axemen's Carnival in Invercargill on Easter Monday, and I saw a good number of D.L.F., some of whom I spoke to." Arabella was at Dunedin for her summer holidays, and ehe enjoyed herself very much. "We milk four cows. Ido not like milking very much. I have some chilblains coming on, so I will try your cures. Chilblains are very itchy little things." _^. Heathkr Blossom IT writes : — "Our school is going to have a bazaar in the Victoria Haal on Friday, and I hope it will be a success. Afirnr that we get three weeks' holidays, and my kitten will be glad when I get home, as I am the only one that plays with it." Christmas Lily 111 was at a Eocial with "Sailor and Violet Leaf, and there were a. good many other D.IL.F. present. "We had a visit from the school inspector the other day. A early all the girls at school have a ball, and w« all play rounders." Humpy Dumpy II lives on the Maniototo Plain. "Our school goes in at half-past 9in the summer and 10 o'clock in the winter. I milk two cowa in the morning, but none at night." A North Otago correspondent sent a letter some time ago, but part of it has been mislaid, including the signature. The following, however, is of interest:— "l told you in my last letter that I was going to Dunedin, but I did not go as there was so much sickness about, but went to Oamaru for a week instead. On my mother and sister's birthday, •which comes on the same day, we went for a picnic across the river to a place near the Earthquakes, where there is a beautiful lake. We had 16 visitors, and father took us all •cross the river in a large spring-cart. A lot of us took off our boots and stockings and waded in the lako while father boiled the billies. We then, found a nioe place, and all aat down and did justice to the good things that were provided. Soon after we all left for homo, being very tired, but having spent a very enjoyable day. When we got home we Dad some more tea, then had some music, then all our visitors left for home, because they all had a good distance to go." A Covir'bx Chick has two relatives writing to our page. "My father owns a farm, and I have lively times among the cows, pigs, and sheep. Snow can now be seen on the mountains round about." AUTOS. Circus Boy wishes to exchange with Try D.L.F. through Dot. _True Love wishes to exchange with Mountain ißambler, Paparoa, K. Crusoe, Rata Con, Brockley Jack, Sir Tom, Texas Jack, and any other Xj.F. Arabella would like the autos of Lily of the Vale, Jessica, Florodora, A Clydeite, and any other little folk's. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Frieda.— You enclosed stamps for a badge, but neglected to sign your proper name, and it ■would not be much use sending it to "Frieda," would it? Send me your name, dear, and the badge will be posted at once. Bata Con.— Yes, the full name nd address ehould accompany each letter. Rowena ll.— There is already one Rowena, so if you write over that norn d-e plume, you will require to put "II" after it. Eeathee Blossom.— The badges are sent by post, but they can be obtained at the office if preferred. LITTLE FOLK'S BADGES. The following badges have been sent:— Haka, Star of the South, Mary M'Leod, Imogen 11, Kowena 11, R. Sanders, True Blue. KIDDLES. By Pearl Drop;— Why is a waitress like a xacehorse ? By Topsy Turvy;— When were tho potatoes jealous? ANSWERS TO RIDDLES. By Hard Case:— An umbrella.