LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto . — We write for the benent 01 others, not

for ourselves,

Dear Dot,— Just a hue to let you know how I spent my Christmas holidavo. I v,cn'i> to town on C'anstmas Eve, but the wind spoilt everything. My ejes were quite soie with tho du3t, ana I only saw one L.F. Just my luck, i suppose. People must have tliouglit niu Tilde staring at their hats. I managed to get home at half-past 11. I did liot go anywhere on iCanstmas Day. After dinner 1 resist a whi.e — that's what I dv.d. On. Boxing D?y I went for a drive with my sister end brothei-m-law. We had an old brcke.a-wlncted draught horse that would only run wnea going down a hill. He Actually stopped 1 on the road. When we came to our friend's p.ace at ■Makarewa they took the poor old beast out of the buggy, and alter takibg the harness off let it go m the paddock. \Ve went inside, and had a cup of tea and a yarn, «s the saying- gees. I'm no good at taliung amongst strangers myself; I'm too shy, you know. Afterwards we went out and had a look round and a feed of cherries 1 . Then we had tea, and made foi home, arriving there at 6 o'clock. Sunday was another day of rc3t. New Year'a Eve was far better than Chris tmias Eve. It wss a lovely rjgh't, so bright and clear. The kilties were out, and mad.3 things a bit lively. I love to hear the bagpipes, such, lively tunes they play. I saw two ior three L.F., but I only spoke to one-, and he wa3 a little boy about nine years old. There wcrei 'a good few "drunks" knocking about. I didn't wait to see the old year out and the new in. Theie was nobody home when I arrived, and I was too tired to sit up for them, so I went to bed, and was sound asleep when tha others came in. I went to the sports on New Year's Day, but there wasn't much to see. I saw a few L.F. there, but .some of them were a bit shy, so I just gave the Witness smile. I went out to Riverton Beaoh that evening with xny bTother, and stayed all night. We got oui there at about half-past 6, and hadl tea over at about half-past 7. 'Then Snowy (my brother : I'll call him that at present) got the gun, and went for a shot. I went with him to carry the bunnies. First shot he missed; the second! he made poor bunny squeal. He threw it to me, and told me to bring it along, but me no savey to pick it up because it wasn't quite dead. After letting it lay a few minutes I ventured to pick it up by the hind legs and carried ft, but if it moved I let it fall. After wandering about for a while we came- to a small orchard. The cherries weren't quite ripe, so we couldn't eat many. We went a bit further, and had another shot, but missed. We came to the river just at dusk. It was too dark to shoot any more, so we letraced our steps and got home at 9 o'clock. I went to bod shortly after, but mot to sleep ; ah, no, I never slept a wink that night. I was just dozing off at half-past 3, when I woke with a start. All the geese were pecking away at the wall outside. Seeing it was daylight I could lay in bed no longer, so I got up and dressed! mysolf and lit the fiie. Then out I went and caught on old horse, but where to find the saddle and bridle I did not know. I hunted the stable high and low, but without sucoess. At first I was afraid to go in the stable for fear an old tramp might have taken up his lodgings there. At last I let the hoise go and went^ in and got Snowy's bike, thinking 1 should! have a dandy ride. Do you think I could gjet on that iron horse? No, not for love or money; so I brought it m in disgust. I didn't know how to pass the time away, so I went and loused Snowy himself, and told him to go up and put the saddle on the horse for me. "Oh, clear out; it's only 5 o'clock," and the lazy thing wouldn't get up. So I went and tried to get Bridget up. She said she would lise i f I brought her a cup of tea first. I gave her tho tea and she got up. Then the boss got up, and he put the saddile ancH bridle on for me. I mounted and set out foi the bsach, but as soon as I got to the New River bridge the horse stopped, and I couldn't get Jiim to go another step, so I turned him homewards, and the knowing beast galloped all the way home. I tried to make him pass the gate; but no, he knew it was a townie who was on his back, so he took his own way. Breakfaist was ready when I oame back. I told them that the horse wouldn't go over the bridge, and they roare'dl laughing. I'll have to cut this letter short 01 else I won't get all the writing paper in one envelope. I went to the factory with Snowy, came baok, and got tidied and helped to yoke up. There were three of iis in a small trap, and I was in the middle, so it was a tight squeeze for poor me. We reached town at 11, had a cup of tea, and caught the 12 train to Bluff. If was so hot, for the carriage was just crowded. When we got to Bluff we went down to the wharf, and I spoke to one L.F. When we were going round the Point who should I meet but my dea^ old chum Maria. She cleared! and left her mates, and I cleared and left Snowy and Bridget. We went "on our own," and what a yarn we had. Good night, Dot and L.F. I don't know how I'm going to get all this paper in one en^ velope, but I could write heaps more. I hope Florodora is getting better, — Yours truly,

Dear Dot, — I have just read a book entitled "Barnaby Rudge." I found it veiy interesting, and there is no doubt that Mr Dickens expended a gieat deal of latkmr in writing it. It seems to me that Mr Dickens> got rather mixed up before his book was finished. From the beginning to near the end oi the bcok he is endeavouring 1 to tell us something which he is doing his utmost to withhold from vs — namely, that Barnaby's father is not murdered, but is the murderer. In the beginning of the book we read that Mr Reuben Haredale and his servant Rudge are murdered, and that another servant 19 missing. But Mr Dickens himself does not say that such is the case. He lies cleverly through the mouth of Solomon Daisy, and so avoidis being guilty of misdemeanour against art. From Ihere to the end of the book he keeps hinting to us that such is not true; at the same time he does his utmost to keep us in ignorance. When once we know this to be the case it is easy to trace the design. A very ingenious instance- will show us where Daisy is telling the ghost yarn: — "' It was a ghost — c spirit.' "'Whose?' they all three cried together.

"In the exoess of his emotion (for he fell back trembling in his cHair, and waved his hand as if entreating them to question him no further), his answer was lost on all but old John Willet, who happened to be seated close "beside him.

"'Who?' cried Parkes and Tom Oobb, looking eagerly by turns at Solomon Daisy and at Mr Willet. "Who was it?'

" ' Gentlemen,' said Mr Willet, after a long pause, ' you needn't ask. The likeness of a murdered man. This is the 19th of March.

"A profound silence ensuedl,"

It must be understood that the murder happened on the 19th of March, 22 years before this took place. Rudge, I suppose, becoming insane by oontinually tninking about his crime, is drawn back to the place where he committed it, and, being afraid, he keep* himself rat ot sight, only roaming about at night like a mad man.

Something strange is again pointed out to us by Barnaby, the idiot, when he shows Chester tho pair of pants hanging 1 on the line. " ' Do you mark V>w they whisper in each elbex'a eajvikea .daacs wul leaj^?'" eta,

The hint, m my opinion, is a masterpiece m tho ait of disclosing and yet_ cloaking a fact, while the words convey to the readei a feeling of piofound hcrror. Again, when Mr VarcHcn tries to arrest Rudge in Mis Rudge's house.

' : ' Come back, come bffokj' exclaimed the woman, clasping him. 'Do not touch him on your life. I charge you, come back. He carries other hrcs besides tua own. Come back!'"

For this cxclamaitioii the denouement fails to account.

Mr Dickens keeps on hinting m this manner that Rudge is really the murderer, until he oould hint no longer, and so found that he wa3 ending his book b:fore he wantedl to; but he very cleverly extracts himself out of the difficulty— by weaving into it the no-Popery nots. It is towards the end of the riots that the secret is divulged. Mr Dickens must bo praised for the perfect way in which he translates tho language of tone or gesture.

I find that Mr Dickens has made two mistakes in his book. One is a veiy bad one indeed, the other is simply caxolessness. The first oncis that he himself continually speaks of Mrs Rudge as "the widow," when he knows very well that she is not a widow. He ceitainly is guilty of falsehood m this case. The careless mistake is that he speaks, at the beginning of the book, about tho road between London and the Maypole as being hoirib'y rough and dangerous, arSl later on he speaks of it as beir:g an uncommonly .smooth and convenient one.

The characters are all extremely good and could not possibly be enlarged upon. I think my favourite one is Hugh, because he is 111bom andi tieated throughout as though he were a brute.

The book is well worth careful reading, and I am sure that the pleasure derived from it recompenses the time spent on it, and I can recommend it to any L.F. who has not read it.

I trust that you will excuse me for attempting to review the work of sucfi a clever man as Mr Dickens was ; and if I have erred in my opinions I humbly apologise to the memory of such a noble 1 author. With fondest love to all,— Toms tru'lv, SILAS WECG.

[In reading a book like "Barnaby Rtidge" we must remember that it was written nearly half a century ago, Silas Wegg, and that man and manner (including authors, of course) wore very different to those of the present day. You speak of the author as "Mr" Dickens, hut the prefix is quite unnecessary in the oasa of such a renowned auj^or as Dickens. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Just a few lines to you to tell you of my trip to the La-kes 1 and InveroargilL Leaving here on Saturday, January 9, I went by a special, withi ihe Governor aboard, to Invercargill. We left there at five minutas to 12, and arrived a.t haJf-pasfc 3. On Wednesday I went to Waunaliaka and Seaward Bush. On Saturday, 16th, I left Invercargill for Queenstown. Leaving Invercargill at 1.5 p.m., we arrived at Lumsden at 3.30, and at Kingston at 25 minutes to 5. Two and a-quarter hours' steaming brought us alongside Queenstown wharf, at 8 o'clock. On Sunday we drove to Arrowtown, and Monday found us on the way to Glenorchy, at the Head of the Lake. On Tuesday we went to Paradise, and the following day to the Routeburn. a two-days' trip, and on Friday up the Rees Valley. Saturday saw us returning to Queenstown, and Sunday we went to Skippers. On Monday we returned to the capital of Otago. Since I last wrote I have had worJ: about my junior scholarship, and am glad to be fble to infoim yon that I was successful. No, Dot, I do not think I will bo such a leader of men as the butler in "Tho Admirable Crichton." Beside 3, I do not wish to be wiocked on an island anrl do great things, and have a cad of a fellow such as the Hon. Ernest Woolley in the play write a book and say I did nothing. — Yours truly, THE ADMIRABLE. CRICHTO-N.

Dear Dot, — Here I am again, just the same Inquisitive Poll. Since I last -wrote to you our teacher has left, and she hadl a nice silver tea set presented to her. Out holidays will be over this week. I went to T. for my holidays, and I had my badge in my hat, and the people were all teasing me about writing to Dot. They were trying to get me to tell them all the things about D.L.F. Everything up that way is very day, foi they have not had much rain. Some of the people have to cart w j ater, as their tanks are empty. The band held their bazaar here 'on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th cf December, and had the picnic on Christmas Day. The school picnic was also held on Christmas Day, and! it was so hot. I was sorry to hear about Florodora' s accident, and hope that she will soon recover. It did not take long for Christmas and New Yeaito come and go. I got my badge made into a Lroooh, and it is much nicer that way. I have just come home after being away a fortl'ight and two days. Dear Lady Psyche, I am sorry not to hays written to you before, but please write aud send your address, as I lost it. With love to Lady Psyche, Tasma, and Dot, not ■ forgetting the edlitor, — Yours truly, INQUISITIVE POLL.

Dear Dot. — I would have written to you after New Year, btit we have been so busy thinning turnips smoe then that I have not had time. I waa at the Invercargill A. and P. sbow, and enjoyed myself very well. We drove in in the morning, and it rained almost all the way, but it cleared up lovely when we reached town. Pioneer went with us, and as I had my three sist-ers and two little brothers with me she helped me to look after them, but they were very little trouble, small though they be. I had my photo, taken with the other D.L.F. I met a great many L.F., including Red Riding Hood, True Love, Rose-a-Bud<, A.S.S., Cha&a (etc.), Hyperion, Jerome, Snow Queen, Country Larrikin, Gentle Dove, and) those who had their photos taken with me, so, you sec, your band turned oait strong that day, Dot. I saw one girl with a badge, and I spoke, but she just passed on and took no notice. I do not think that L.F. like that should wear a badge, as it makes you afraid to speak to others wearing badges. I also met Heliotrope II and Wattle Blossom's sister. I was also at the New Year sports, and I liked them even better than the show. I saw a great many L.F. there too, but they were the same that I met at the show, except Roy. He is the only boy with a badge that I have met yet. I wad very sorry to read of Florodora' s accident, and 1 1 am sure all th© L.F. will join with me in wishing her a speedly iretum to health. Our annual school picnic was held on December 28, and we all went to it and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. I got a prize in the Yovuig Ladies' Race, too, but it was not first prize. I was going to bike to the Kamahi picnic, only it was too wet in the morning, and in the afternoon to went for a drive to tho bush. I wi?h there were more L.F v about here, so that we could havo a picnic too, but there are only my four sisters and myself now that I know of, as Pioneer went home at Christmas. I do not suppose she will have time to write for a while, as her little brother is very ill, and her eldler brother had an accident which, laidj him up too, so she will have plenty to do. Cheor up, Pioneer, "you ain't dead yet." Dear Dot, the weather 13 exceedingly hot down this way — enough to melt you. We have a great many chickens and ducks, and we had a clutch, of yovuig turkeys out to-day. Our teacher left at Christmas, and the new teacher, Miss Niool, is coming on Thursday. If any LJ£« ma iaa. JaLJk. Adiiae ikem, ta come, da km,

this way and get some of it melted off, ?s it i s co hot it is haid >-. ork wntirg even. If Country Larnkm does not send hei auto, soon I shad bo corning down on hor like a hundiedweight of bricks, as I sent mine to both her pnd Aunt Jack over thiee weeks ago, and have i,ot lcccivcd theiis yet, — Your 3 tiulv, RICORDI.

Dear Dot, — School diys are about to start again, «nd 1 am soiry too, as I piefer staying at home. Wo have, had great times during our holidays. We went to two or three picnics. Wo had lovely weather all the time for our holidays, but 1 rather think the heat was just too intense, so, you see, we aie never satisfied. My bicycle companion has gone away and left me, and I don't know when she will come back, peihaps ne\er. I have not been out for a ride smce my last great catastrophe, and I feel rather too neivous to go out by 2iiV9olf. I haye no} tniich time for reading just now, as my time is always occupied theso long days. I have a lot of cows to milk, and we ha\o just got another little pup, so ihat is some nic-Tc- woik for me. I was out for a drive to-day, and I gieatly enjoyed myself. I coulc"!) have gone as tar again, as it was such a beautiful cLxy. I htvve to go and milk those abominable cows now. With iove to all the D.L.F. and yourself, — Yours truly,

THE LITTLE PEAIEIE FLOWER

Dear Dot, — I have two mates to play with just now, and we sang some hymns. They also sang a song, "When giandmamma was joung," end I recited "Wee Willie Winkie." We have got another pup, and it nearly killed two hens. We have three little kittens, which spoil the garden lomping over it. One of my mates is helping me to compose this, — Yours truly, ESSIE.

Dear Dot,- -I remember the last time I wiote to you it was snowing, and to-day it is cold ci ough for more. We have got the holidays o\ or, with only one fine day. New Year's Day was lovely, and the Kelso sports were all right. Our school picnic is over, and it was a failure. Of oourse it was raining nearly all day, so none of us ventured out. I passed the afternoon reading a paper called the Corn Belt, and, please Dot, just listen to what the Yankee saya about the cow : — "Grandest and noblest of all God's aaiimal gifts to man, she is tho greatest. To her we owe the meet. Examine into all the different ramifications and channels of our commerce into which sho enters, and nots the result. There is none other like the cow. There is not a thing, from nose to tail, but what is utilised ,for the use of man. We use her horas to comb our hair, her hair keeps the plaster on our walls, her skin is on all our feet and on our harsos' baoks, her hoofs are made into glue, her tail makes soup; she gives our milk, our cream, our butter, and our cheese, and her fleeh is the great meat of all nations. Her blood is iised to make our sugar white, and her bones when ground make a fertiliser, and even her paunch, which she herself puts through the first chemical prooe*3, is xiss-dl four the manufacture of tthe best white board paper, and it has been discovered that the paper ds ihe unost lasting material for the manufaature of false teeth. No other animal works for man both day and night. By dsy she gathers her food, and when we are asleep at might sho brings it back to re-chew p.ndl manufacture into all the things of wliich I speak. Who says that what we are we do not owe to man's best friend, the cow? Treat 'her kindly a.nd gently, for without her words fail me to .describe what our position would be." Now, Dot, wait till I tell you what I think of this moblc benst. One day last week roy sister and I were sent a message to my aunty's, and we had to go through a paddock where th;> cows and a bull were grazing, and if that bull did not make straight for us, and 1 if we did not run through the swamps, I don't know what we did do. Wo did not look for holes of water. However, we must have found them, for when we got to the house we were marched straight to the bedroom, with ia remark from my laughing aunty, "Good job no one saw you just now." So you may guess we were- in a sight. When the bull lo^t track of iis he went back to the oews roaring and bellowing. However, that noble beast 'had got himself into disgrace, and the next day there was one bull less on the farm. It may be all true wha/t the Yankea says about the cow, but I think a horse is befcre a cow. We have two Jiaoks, and my youngest sistoi aoid I can catch them and mount them in the paddock without' saddle or bridle, they are so qi.iet; and the old brutes of cows will haidly go out of your way. And then at milking time you little know when you are going tc get a tail switched round your face, or have a foot put in the bucket, or the milk sent flying all over you. All true, really, for we aro milking six, and sometimes it is not all sunshine There is to be a social and dance in the district soon, but mother says I am too young tc dance yet ; I have to wait till I grow older. With love to Cluaran, The Shepherdess's Fairy, and M.P.D., — Yours truly, PEARL QUEEN.

Dear Dot, — However hard I have tried not to write to you, I 'have now lost control of my feelings, and am writing at last after an absence of about thiee years. I forget all the rubbish I wrote then, but I'll try to write sensibly from this forward. I am, writing this on my sixteenth birthday, and I feel pretty old, I can assure you. We got a whoie month for our holidays, end out of it I had one week's, holiday. Short as it was I tel] you I enjoyed myself all right. I go to the High School, and every day I (see three or four D.L.F., but they do not know that I write to you. I know about eight D.L.F., and I want to know more yst. Dear Dot, you should come up hers just now if you wish, to feel heat. The people about here are growling all day long, because it roally is roa3tin.g woa,ther. My brother and lister and I go to the High School, and W. and I haven't missed (bar a half-day for me) a day for seven years. We have about 34 certificates at home, and everybody says they are nice, but I don't like them. I would sooner have 34 lovely books, wouldn't you, Dot? I am ?ery fooid of reading, and read a book nearly eve-*y ahow I get. Our goo&eberries were made into jam tho week we (my sisters and I) went away bachelorising. Since I started to write this letter I see the committee have agreed to give another week's holidiay. With love to Hooligan, Star, Cinderella, Bajig Bang, Dieudonnie, Queechy Macaria, Jessamine, and yourself, Dot, — Yours truly,

GWENEVERE

Dear Dot, — I was very sorry to hear of Floxodora's accident. I am glad to hear that she is improving, and I hope she will be better shortly and write to our page again. We have had terrible weather hero lately. It has been so tot that the people haie did not know what to do. The only thing we can do as to go b&thing— thaA ia the tiling to freshen us up. Well. Dot, we had a fire hero lately. It was an old -four-roomed house dtown by the river side. There was nobody there at the time, and they did not know what to do. They got the fire Lose going-, but by the time they had it run Jut off the reel the place had fallen in. There is a great quantity of fruit up this way — apiicots, apples, and pears by the torn, but not many peaches. Clyde is very stale just now — no dredges working. One js going to start next week, however, and that will make a little improvement to the- place. I enjqyc-d my holidays very much, but Christmas was very tiiujai. jX jirjja cut, at, TUacUa >q r"^ it KL&iv

| Year, and I ce n .ij°J' ecl - niyalf gisi c" 1 . 1-iorc were a good many people theio Fishing is a great gai.je up hcio just now. With lo\o- to Florodoia, lomato, the cdrtor, and joiuroii, — Yours tiuly, CLYDEITE. Do,ir Dot, — I Iky.c been away for my holidays (six week;) since I last wrobo to jou, and. li you will ai.ow mc the space I shall toil jou how i spent them. 'I he fcitnight beloie Christmas I spent with my aunt, r.rd had a grand time, With nothing to do and plenty of vime to do it m I stajed Ihera ui.Ul the Tuesday befoie Christmas, ar.d on the luesday my ocusm and niy&c-lf wont to Luncdin. It was a very tiiesouie journey, aucii the tiam was crowded. I went into town on the Wednesday morning, but did net see ai*y D.L.P. / On Thursday my cousin audl I weie id town all day shopping. We got heme m time for tea. I was vciy tired, but atlcr tea I went o\ er to Madame Girl's, arid we both went into town to see the sights. We went tnrough the D.1.C., and saw Father Chmtn-j'-j walking roui.d with his bag of toys on his back. He looked veiy nice, too. We turned tail for home about 10 o'clock, for I vas too tired ta ti&mp about any longer. We had to walk home, as wo couldn't get a car; and \.-e both lived) in South Dunetliu. When we got to the top of the sheet where we lived I took off my shoe 3 and walked in my stocking soles. I can tell you I slept well that night, thinkii.g and dreaming of Christmas pudding, etc., etc. On Chris trxi'is mornirg I went to chuivli with Madams Girl, but I'm afraid I didn't pay much heed, as I was thinking too much cf lry dinner. Dear Dot, don't think me greedy, but I have a weakness for plum pudding. Ln tho afternoon M.G. and I went to St. C!nir, and had a grand time. On th? Wednesday after I came down 1 received a letter from Aiefn, inciting me to the D.L.F. picnic held on 80-irg Day, so I gladly accepted tho invitation, but imagine my disgust when v,n awaking on Boxing morning I heard tho rain coming down m tori cn ts, as though it hadn't rained for a year. I was disappointed, for I had been icoHrg forward to the picn-c. The next day (Sunday; I went to church in the morning, and m tie "afternoon my cousin, the baby, andl mysrlf went into town intending to go to the Gardens; but when, we^ got a.s far as the poot office we thought we'd try the electric cars, so we managed°to scramble on to one and went as far as Normanby and back. I enjoyed it first rate. On the following Tuesday Areta called at the place I was staying at, and wo Lad a good D.L.F. talk. After that we went into town. We roamed about town for a while, then went home to toa. After tea, we went up town again, end I saw several D.L.F. On Now Year's Eve we were m town again — Arcta, her cousin, and mysslf. We had a grand time, and it was after 11 when I landed homo, so I waiteci up to see the Old Year out and the New Year in. The fireworks and lockets ware not very much this year, v*n-d I vas a bit disappointed," for I expected to_ see something finer. On New Year's day I v/eni into town, a«d met Areta, and then we both journeyc-d out to her cousin's place, and tho three of us went! to St. Clair. We had a grand time. We went on the boait swings, and after that we went round to the second beach, and tat dtown, and: as we had books we read! for a while. Then, wo went to the refreshment rooms and had: tea, raid, being tired out, we took (Lo era- home. I went to the cucus, and enjoyed it immensely, especially the performing dogs. The clowns were very amusing. Madcrne Onn, tho tightlope walker, was very good. I did not care n.-uch for the riding-, for I have seem better. Hyland's Circus, whioh travelled through the goldiieldte last Easter, had belter ixdeis. Wasn't .that terrible about Floroaora. I was up at Areta.' s the day after, and I ssw it in the paper. On the Monday after, Areta, Venetia, and I called, but wo couldn't see her. I was speaking to her mother the next day, and I asked if I couldn't see her, so she told me to come aloi.g aftei tea. I went, and Florodora was very nice. We had a great long yarn about DL.F. She- was pretty badly hurt about the head and face. I felt so sorry for her lying in bed suffering, and r.ot being able to get" out, but she seemed very patient. I called! again the night before I earn* home, and she was up and lying m the kitchen. Dear Florodora, did you get the roses I sent you 9 I hope they kept fresh. Dear Dot, you will be wondering when I'm going to draw this uninteresting letter to a close. Well, just a few more lines to correct Excelsior : he must be making- a big rnisfcako, for I wasn't homo the time* the picnic on tho Rock and Pillar was supposed to be held. I dtan't know what his object could be to write so many untruths, but I think the best thing is to let the matter drop and not. take any notice of him. I had a. long yarn to Signora when I was in town. Sho is a very nice little girl. She lives neai Floicdora, and as I was staying in Ihe next house I saw her several times. With love to Areta, Agata, Evangoline, Black Watch Florodoia, Mike, jcursclf, and Mr Editor, — Yours truly,

TIN TACKS. Dear r Dot, — As I am all alone to-night, I think I may as well occupy my time writing to you. I started to write the other night, biij did not finish my letter; but I hope this one will not have the same ending as, the previous one, as I burnt it. My people are all at th.' coast just now, so I am loft in charge, and it is very lonely, too, as we lu-e a good distance from the town, and there arc not nany people about just now. We are milking five cows at present — rather many for my fane}', especially in the holiday time; but we could not very well do without them, as we use a. lot of butter and milk. I had a holiday on Christmas Day, and went to Kai*angatr to the spoits, but hadl nc luck, as I only met cue D.L.F., who spoke to me. I loa't know her nom. do plume, bub I tl'ink her initials are A. W. I shall have to stop just now, as I see the buggy coming, and sunburnt faces showing, and I suppose tea will be their first cry.

Well, I am making another start, and hoping this time to finish, as a day has elapsed sine I pvit down my pen. I saw Ih.icb.63s of Kent thi=- morning, but was not speaking to her. I also saw Myra, but I don't think she knew me, as she- did not speak. Since last I wrote- I have had the pleasure of meeting Texas Jack, and. 1 think ho i very nioo. I have also met Snipe, &r he was here on New Year's Day. L went to the station in tho .naming, and though I had not seen, him before, I recognised" Kirn at once, as we both had our badges on. After leaving tho station, we took a walk to the Government pcultry farm, where we saw Manuka, busy feeding the ducks, and he a.sked ua if we were "firstfooting?" Since them he has gone to GoieIn tho afternoon we went for a drive as far as Fortification, and what a time we had! In fac-t, Snipe thought it the best part oi his day's outing. We reached, home a little before 5, had tea, and got a little rest before going to the station. After Testing a while w left for the station agajn, and. saw S*nip9 safely into the train. "We then went home, quite satisfied with otir day's fun. I was at a surprise party on Wednesday night, and enjoyed) it immensely, arriving homo between 5 an<3i 6. I was a, bit sleepy next clay; but it's all in a lifetime — isn't it, Dot? Sweefchaart Mey is nxyi sister, but she lias not i;ot a badge yefa, so tha>-'' she does not speak to tho D.L.F., aa she is toa shy, in her way of it; but she'll get over that. I was at a picnic ftt Mosgial on tho 9th of November, and mot Eppie Adair, Wood-land Cascade, Imogen, Olive, Maid 1 of Killce-nt, n.r>rl several oihara whose uoois de plumo I forget. Befar* bavins the st»Uoa met S&ndjy 3,n.tf

Chips. On th-e Ist Dec-nil cr I met several D.L.F , lieta. 1.-erg ore cf them, with whom I exchanged autos. I wiih thc-e ci'n 01s -whom I £K.\e lay ctiLo to wcru'd &c: d ,11" t I^, a 3 I am waging pabicMl> for their. Sen, r. 01 tha D.L F. whom I spoke to, *.> -tc .1 o. fnn.iiig, gave mo a look c ottgh to- ] t:t viyhsdy 110 m sp-eokiiig to them agai-., ro 1 tv.c: tho hb t, md did rot bother to "Cco^iisd lII2JI after that. Do you think it right of ILO D L.F. to wcu a badge }f they don't wisli the othci D.L F. to speak to therm' I think it \ i,vy wrong P.v\ unju =t, and I hope that thos? whom 1 refer to will read tlna and think it c\er for tLeutseUcs. I .cot an mvitatiC't io a '.\ecld >>g vlncii 13 to tnkc pJaoo 01 "\, T v b;cs..c y, Juh, buc I supX'O^o 11 -will be a.l c - ci b?iOtD .his ietcl.es jc-u. I don't know jet whether I «111 111 1 be . bio to go ioj (iiot; but I hope so, as it is my best ma to who is getting married. By th" v^y, Dot, it is three, years to-mciiow sir<?e I teak up my position here. That lb not tco bad foi the likes of me. and I am \;oid..i.i:g how muc'i long-er I shill be here. I suppose it all t!epen:Ts on how things go. The Bnic? Wcoiien Mil picnic is to b-e held on the 6th Fe' luaiy at Outiain Glen, a'-d I think I <-hal! ba thcie if all goes well. I wss \ery sony indeed to heai of FJorodoia's accident, and 1 am sure all the D L.F. will bo wishing het a speedy looovery. I for one hope to hear of hci getting about f-con. WIUI lovo to all tiie D.L.F., the editor, and yourself, — Ycius truly,

MO3TEYMOEE

Dear Dot, — A3 I pro.uiscd I would write and tell jou of my holiday ax, I'ounrwea I &hall now do so. Oi:e day vio went to Cannibal Bay. To get there you low down the Owaka Eivcr till ycru get to tho pool. Then you tie the boat to a. po;t whica is put there for that ptupese, and walk tln;e miles rlo.-g tho beacb. After we reached t'liere we v -?nt into tho bush, 1. oiled tho biliy, p. .id had lunch. Aft:r .Hat we went fuithcr im'-o tho bv.sli to- get Lome jtata, and after getting a large bunch started for home. On our way home daddy said 1 lie wculd take us io see tho buried foiest. It conjiats mostly of rnto trees almost covered with sand, and just ihe top of the tiees showing. While we were there the rata was in full blcorn, and it was very pivtty to see the red just showing above the sa-od. Jf you climb up the sandbank you touch the tops of the trees, and if you look down the other side you can see the roots. After we had seen the forest we went down to the beach. We soon reached the pool, where we found the others waiting for v?, so we got into the boat, and soon afterv.s.rc'l3 reached home. Perpetual Motion is my sister, and she has returned from her ti avals, after being away 19 months, — Your? truly, WILDFAXG. Dcai: Co*-,— l saw a D.L.F. at a friend's house on tho 2nd, but as I did not have my badge on I did not like to speak. The school holidayo will soon be over now, so the children will hav.j to start and work again. There aro two girls at our place just now, one for her health and the other is up for a, holiday. What a time we have when we're all togethci. Just fancy, four giris — the fun they have. I don't think they are as bad as the boys yet; what do you say to that, Dot? I. think our school picnic is to be held in about a fortnight, so I shall be able to tell you about it next time I wrbe Love to Derby, A.S.S., Little Mistletoe Queen, Marguerite, Christmas Lily, and all the D.L.F. and yotuself. — Yours truly, QUEEN OF -THE MAY 11. Dear Dot, — I have been away for a month's holiday, and I enjojed myself very much. We are having lovely weather at present. My mate was here yesterday, so we had a, giand time. You will have to excuse this writing, as I heard a ruous-o behind the cupboard just now, and I am sitting on the table writing this letter. I am very frightened of mice. It dtoes not seem long sinco wo got our holidays, but we shall be back in school befoie this appeals 111 punt. My mate was with me a.t the time I s-taitod this letter, so she just made me write anything. We managed t-o break the looking-gkss. "We stood the candle up against it, and a few minutes later when w« were 111 the middle of our writing, we heard tha glass crack. I was up at M. yesterday. It was a lovely day, and I enjoj-cd myself very much. I took my smallest sister with me for an outing, as s'ho has not been out this good while. Dear Dot, I have not changed my 110 m de plumo yet. I will chango it now. Dear Dot, I have been two days at this letter, and I have not got it posted yet. I rnuet stop now, with, love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and tha editoi. — Yours truly, GERANIUM (formerly Marjuerite). Dear Dot, — I have done a lot of travelling lately. I left home on the 15th of October, and vent to Dunedin that night, staying there for ten days. While in Dunedin I was at the Outlam sports, and I was out at Mosgiel, and all through tho woollen mills. I was at the Gardens, and saw the fernery, and l what a beauty it is. I had my photo, taken while in Dr.iiedin, and I am sending yen one for the next gioup, but, Dot, would j-ou mmd taking care of it, as it is the only one 1 have left. I left Dunedin on Wednesday, October 21, and started for Ashburton, reaching there at halfpa^t 6. My uncle aoid the friendl I was going to stay with, met me there, and I can tell you 1 was. glad, for I hid seen nothing but stiangers sines I left home. 1 stayed in Ashburton one day, arx.i then went fctu miles faithei o-i, and «tiyed there fox a fortnight. We used to drive into Ashburton often, and I wes at the Ashburtoa show. We left home at 10.30, end got to the giouiid at 12, 'eavirg again at 5. We drove home, had tea, and then drove back to iho play at night. The piec-e we saw was "The Teim of His Natmal Life, ' and I thought it was vciy good. We got home at 12 30 p.m., p.fter spending a. most enjoyable day. Xcxt day I went to the Ashbttitoa races, but did not stop long, as I did not care for them. I left next morning at 7 a.m. for Chustchuich, in company with father and iwicle. I forgot to tell you that father had meanwhile come up to s?o me. We reached Cbristchurch at 11 o'clock, ai:d went out to my aunt's, where we had dinner. Father and uncle then wc-it out to sco tho New Zealand Cup iuii. They wanted me to go too, but I wouldn't go. In the evening my four cousins, fathei", and urcle went for a walk round the town. On Sunday morning I went to church, and in tha afternoon my two co-usins, grandifather, uncls, and father went down to Stunner (nine miles'). On the King's birthday I went to New Brighton, saw my cou'in £>nd aunt thcire, and came b?-ck or Tuesday, and went to the glassworks. On AVcduesday I had a, row on the Avon River, went thiough the gardens ar.d museum, and started lor F.urfic-'.d at 5 10, reaching thus at 830 On Thursday I started for my letur-i journey, and reached home on Saturday night, veiy tired, after having hac3 a real good holiday. With love to one and all, not forgetting you. self. — Yours tmly, PIMENTO. Dear Dot, — We have had very hot weather up hero lately, and the only parj of the day wo enjoy is the- evening, when it is cool. It has threatened to ram once or twice, but it has rot done so yd. It would be a blessing if it did. The other day I saw a goldfinch's nest in some trees in our place, and last night my brother got up the tree and caught the mother bird and the four little ones. They are looking very well, and tho mother-bird feeds the young ones, so we htve no bother with them. I went to a birthday party the other day, and my cousin, who is stopping with us, went too. AYe enjoyed ourselves verj much,

ar.d enmc home homo tired ot't. Cur school * sm:ust'Oii took plaoa o-i Noveizib'r 10, raid 1 get t'ucvirb. ah right, and I should b? in the Seventh S'^'idji-d if 1 went Lie's but I <~c i,os t uiAi J n:n go.;ig. With lo\ c to yourself, all tiiD D.L.F , r.rd eJitor, — Yours tiu'y, iLiDIJMOISELLE DE LAIdTRE.

Dcor Dot,, — I am away from home just now on q ho id^y, and am enjoying myself very well. I am stajing at C. -with Mademoiselle JJe Laistrc, who is my cousin, but my hozne is at O. We have had very hot weather here lsteZj'. Dorr Dol, 1 read in th& "Witi.cs tr at you i\isli >cvi v, l^tcid to toll jou about tLcir pets ai.d :.3~a then prav^.ni'.^ts. 1 have a caiiaiy, and it s \ciy tt^nie. I have had him for a year. I kit ban vwt'.i a liKutl v.hiio I am away fiom honi'*, ?oid thj labt I heai.l ol him he \vas all i-igi>t I also iw.J ci^lit b-tiT'.rai". Ihey wsie \ery tame; bat L luai i,oin my father thai tlireo of them aro deed, so I 1-ave only five left. I havo one little ilvck, bu» it is too jouig to be veiy tame. My f-th?r ic!ls m: Lhnt he has pt't Sfno r.i 0.0 cucks' i^gs ur.du- a ]ien, and I hope they \u!l all jojje ojt. With love t = all the D.LF., not ro-gcitiug jcu.sclf and the editor, — Yours tiuly.

ROBIN REDBREAST,

Door Dot, — You seom to (hink my letters are interesting, so I shall let ;ou have another one. I had a ija'f-ho'uday on (m tho jro.nirgi, and spent i-i-.o hours ni tho local woo'i»n uU-ory. Abo-_t hali-past 9 1 werdel my ivay rlocg what is coiled Factory load, m the hot Fun. ( Ji-rd a little hand cjwtra (or, as my biofcher ei'.ls it, "the httlo black box vwt'i the man who makes piclmes inside"), intending- to take some pJiotogiaphs. I had more than one leaiOTi for going to the factoiy. 1 wanted to sec some of tha L.F. (tLicc me a good many wo. kn:-j there), aiid to r.sk thcmi io mi.ci o^i tho Siiturc^y to Jet me pbotopuiph them. Well, I reccLul tho eiikancc at last, vxiA appioachctl the manager to obtain ln=> pciinission. As that was an easy thii^g to do, I was soon on my wsy through "the building, of wonders." I passefl from :oo:n to loom noddisij to th-e men I knew, ar.di sloppir.g to speak to the girls I knew. In one room I &aw Imogen (by tho way, Imogen, I hope your feco is bettei), nnd opposite her one of Vera Liliiis's sisters, who is, not one of Our baud. Thcsi two wore working ac- haid as they cotM. Furthei on m the Fime room I Sciw jyiaid of Killeena watching me (sho must havo been f lightened I might run away with, something), but when I oamo to wheie phe had been she had disappeared. I got four ph-ctos, but Cj ly two of them turned out good. I saw a. few mor-c L.F on the "Wednesday night, and asked them to come and gat their photos taken, «nd a'coul, nine said ih*y woulol Veil, Saturday came, but only foui tuiiicd up. I think I should hsiva asked! them to come by a letter in the page, so I shall take this opportunity of asking them to be at the local cricket ground at 3.30 pm. on Saturday, 20th, insfc, and I hope they will all b'; there. I am ju«-t au amateur photographer, but still I fchoaM like to tee if the loc?i D L.F. grouped together could "b.i-ak a plate." Ir, my bjt loiter I forgot to give an addiess for autos. My adcLxss is:— "Uncas, care Daily Times CfSce, Dunedin." I hope our friend Florodora is lmproinrg, antll that she will soon be ?blc to get abr-ut pgam. With love to Britta, A.N.T., E.ldergowan, Vera Lilias, Isaline, Agata, Evangehne, and the lest of the L.F., rot forgetting yourself and tho editor, — Yours iuiA-, INDIAN CHIEF. JJccr Do', — Christmas is ovei again for another year. We had a picnic that day, arid I enjoyed myself very much. Did you hang up your stocking on Christmas Eve? I did, and I got a sih er broache. There was a darce not so very long ?go, and, my word, I did enjoy myself, getting homo at about 4 o'clock tiie next morning. We are having love'y weather juVc tto-w, and haivest will be on m n. very short time. I like to see the b:n<)cis working during harvest time. Sometimes mother would say to me if I would' hurry up and get finished with my work she would let me go out and s-ca the biutlers. MJothcr is away today, so 1 liave tho house to myself, and there is not a person near at hand, so I feel it a bit ]oiiplv. We are milking six cows. T hk-a milking in diy weather, but it is not very nice when it is lainiiig. With love to Lily of the Valley, Gipsy Xs.ll, and Mountain Lily II, — Yours truly, LITTLE VERBENA. Dceu- Dot, — Tho weather hsre at present is lovely, and) it is fine for the farrneis. I was at tho Gore show, and enjoyed myself very much, although it was a cold niusnabie day. We were m the Town Hall, and what pretty thiu-'j there were there — all made by the hand, lly sister and I were at the sports at C, but we did not soe any badges there. I saw one D.L.F. at tire Gore show, howe r?r. Poor Florodora. — what a painful accident it must have been. I sincerely hope that she may have a. speedy recovery. 1 have had many a fall off a hoise, but have only boon shght'y hurt. I did nob go for any holidays th-i Christmas, as I had had a few cuy* before. My r-ister only got, thics weeks' holiday; this year fiom school. We have all had a cold, but ale getting over U now. With love, to ail the L.F., Dot, and Mr Editor, — Yours tru.y, LADY BEXUSSI. Dear Dot, — I neve enjoyed my^eif so well as I did this ycai. We went to 'Stewart Island on New Year's Day, &nd had a lovely time. We weio up at 4 o'clock on New Yerr's morn, and had breakfast. Then my brother, my two sisters, ancl myself drove to Invercaigill to ger aboard the 7 o'clock train bourd for the Bluff. As soon as we arrived there my bicthor a.ntl sonw frienc"is made a lush for the shipping office to get our lickets for the ••sland. Luckily they were the fist to get there. Whc.i we were all aboard the Theresti Ward we started for Stewart Island. Oh, i' wa-s lovelj. I wish jou had been there, Dot. We reached the island about II o'clock, and we then had lunch, which we enjoyed, as we .vere very hungiy. After lunch all the boys and girls went up the bifh to get ferns. It would take up too much cf your precious panei to de%ciiba all ye f-°*>. After wo had afternoon tea we t>lay«?'l eiainci on "he sand. It v-ns about 6 o'clock v.hen wo l^fc the island, pmvirg at tho Bluff nt nbout 8 o'c'ock that evening. I was sorry to have to lruul, for I was not a bit seasick. We went on board the Fifeshirc, which was anchored at the Bh'ff, the chief officsr showing ti 1 ; round the boat. The next day we went to the regatta, and 2n-j-oyed ours?lves equally as well as the day beforp. Tint night we rea-ched hom-e (Eoslvn ]3ush) very tired- — but not of what we c a.v. So ended my holidays for that week. The SontJiknd irouutrd Eifles r.ro in vnn v=t now. Thfy hold t'leiL- cpoit3 last Wrclre-u-y, and it it lovely weather for carnnu jr. With love to you, the editor, and tht L.F., — Ypups iru^, MARIE CORELLi. Dcai Dot, — We are ha%-i ;g lonely weather, raid so I'ot that the floweis aro beciiniing to wither and the grotird to crack for want of water. It wa<3 £.'0 hot on Friday last that when I churned the outt^r I could r.o' c;et all the butteimil*. off it, and so had to get somi cold water fiom the well a~:d put ou it to cod it. Mother could rot mrke it up till next morning, as it was still too soft. Tho threshir,g mil ptsllod in h<»re yesterday pfternoon about 5 o'clock, and was vorkmg till 9 o'clock It is drawn by a traction en^inq, and the engine is so heavy thit it bocks up alPUie drains made by the drain plough that it ciosses, so the faimera do not like it- going all over their paddocks, and consequently they have to stack near the edge

of the paffebek. I hepe MtLe i"'.ll iooi: vrita c-^r.a, us I iik" heirirg of r> p:ncr.c« \wh cCictiT-c-s ?"d othor thing 3. With Ix - v>;slic3 to rll tht D L F and to jo i «;lt tho cJito/, -Yoc'i-. fialy, THi: :iZ\O\\ QUEiVv Dear Dot,— Th.o mii is at our pace, ai-d there «-ix n--.i '-ith it It n v:ry h r » wcatl^er horo new, ai.d I feel as if I cciud) Uuow ofi till my clo'he?. J quite agree with, the girls vho -_jy tha': boys are teases. My bio tn er ha.-, just c-on.e alorg a:ij. pulled my hair, and said, ''Wisujj more pipoi on Dot'" but I dosi't think i + is v>c.sur;^ paper, cl-o you, Dot We ocie hc-i •- givjt fua on Sunday evening, my wo &u;im-s, a friend, and myself One of my siste.s \ rs riding one bike and my ir-^-d \-m iidi. 2 another 'J hey crme two or three baiters, aad I nearly baift my sidc9 iiugliing rt tnem. With love to the editor, — Yours tt-ti'y, KJiD SNOW BERRY". Dear Do" I,—Smco1 ,— Smco I 't>-,t wroio to you we have had cm- cM'Tninrhcr:, and I em. gl-ad to say I pacsecS. The school opens hsie on Mo.i-day, •■Lo jl; Fcbit'.in'. I sL^J be to go bick io bchool again. Vc are liavmg lovely weather hero juat now. There is a great, quantity of fruit ihis ycax. I was away for a holiday, and ! just cr.me home last week. I enjojed myself I very much. Dot, die) jou ge; any Christmas cards thi« ycer. I got a few. Some of them at home told me to wiite to the Canterbury Times, but I said, no, that I hko writing to tho Witness beat. With love to all the Jj.F., not forge :tmg yourself, — Yours truly, MINT 111. Dear Dot, — Other five girls arid myself went down to Lawrence for our Qnistmas and Isetv Year holidays, and enjoyed crurrelves immensely. We oniy had h»if a, day's ram all the time we were th.cie, zo that helped us to enjoy ourselves all the better. The day wa went dowii vheie w© walked out to We-ther-stone's to see the Happy Valley dredge, but wa had just got down when it stopped working, so we d,d not see a. dreOjs working- at all, as all the dredges we-e &toppo.l for 10 days. On Chiistrnas Day we walked out to the Chinese ramp, but we had not the pluck to go through ' it. as it did not look too tempting. I had the pleasure of m-eeting Puscilla. II when I wa3 walking out there, so we had a nice chat on D.L.F. matters. Tho Monday after Chiistmas we got tho offer of a drive to Bungtown on a copl wrggo-n. and of course we jumped at tho chance. When Monday morning came we- all got up at 6 o'clock, had breakfast, and then get up on the waggon and started eft. We get on all right till we came to a hill just before reaching Bungtown, then we had an, accident. The hoises took fright, then swerved round, anil broke tJie polo up the ceiitrc. I don't think I shall ever forget the fright I got. I jumped- down iff fhe bags of coal, never looking to sac v. here the step was. We had to wsit till the next waggon came up before we cculd go any fr.rther. When it came we got on it t'll v,e met tie coach from Waipori. Then w-e gut into it, r.ntl got safely btck to Lawrence. Tli-ere was a photographer on the coach, anfl ho won! 4 take our phonos. When we came t-o a- suitable place, to be taken he put another girl and I on the horse 3' becks, and all the others in the co3<;h. and took our photcs, and, my w-ord. they look all right too. We were through the fiouiniill ; and ii was so nice to see all the works, everything was so clean. On New Year's Day we were at the sports, and we were a.l&o at tho show, where I met Amanda, but I was not speaking to her for long. Priscilla. II was with me all tho pfternooi, and, my word. Dot, yon should have heard us talk'ng about D.L.F." We also went out to Bhicspur, where we saw the gold sluicing, and If st, but not least, we were through: the Lawrence District High School. I sha.ll have to stop now, or I eha.ll not be allowed to write any more owing to the length of this letter, but ex<-uso ir-c for once, Dot. Love to Piiscilla 11. Amanda, Lady May Trevelyc, md yourself,— Yours truly, OLrVE. Dear Dot,— l am in the Third Stacdaid at school. Mj cousin re* a broken srrn, and has been in the hospital for seven weeks. I Era stayirg with my cousin in the country, and ara eaijoying- myself very m-ac!i I kave tet> liitlo sisters and one brothe I*.1 *. I have a litt'o bay X^o-iy, and I grest'y enjoy riding her. She is sucli a quiet little thing. We have had lovely weather heie lately, but we had a thunder storm las L night. With love to all the little folk, not foigetting yourself and the editor, — • Yours tiulj, ANOTHER LITTLE FOLK Drtar Dot, — I have spent a, very enjoyoble hohcToy bo far, n,ad I hope you, the editor, and all tho L.F. did tho same. On Chridmaa Day a few of my mates and myself went for a picnic. We did not have far to walk, as the selected place was a field only c few yards away. We made tea a-rd had c lovely game of rcttndeis. The weather is very cb&ageable ; it has been, very hot ; but yesterday and to-cJay we have hod nothing but thunder and forked lightning. All t'ae Christmas holidays sre over, but I havo not goi mine yet. I went for a ride the other Aiy, and I rode ai-citt mine miles. I did rot tnjoy my ride going, because it W3=j rather too warm. It wss a tieat comirg back, however, as the sun hsd gone down. There were two diys of Cromwell races, but I did net go to them, becsuse I varted to nd-e to tliPin and mother v/oukl not givo me th" horse. She told mo that I cculd walk if 1 wanted to so. ify lvro'her h?s a cat which he calls Kitty, and he r, delighted with her, becau="3 she- ha." five d<-ar li 4 tie Idf^ona. He has al c o thico 00-3 of his own. L^iikin wvite-j nice Ict'-er*, but I think he gets en Miko's nerves a, litt'e bit to^ much. "Wirtcr vnll scon bo here, with its cold, m-'crabV n^hts. With k'>d legArds to all— Yon; « t-vJv OPPO-TTION PAT. Dear Dot — The wrather tin here the last five oi- six: v. ecks 'lirs been very o>y a^d w -;— >i. Tha peopl" arc be "inking to think that v c Invo cLor.grcll rlacc^. with Austi-tli.i, a.-; ihzt ii a very l>ot ard dry country. It hn-a b"e<' fo dTy h^ie tha+ the crops are comjig in very frr f . Rores of the formor? h?v^ started harvesting onpiations a lv nclv, nnd in brother week or so bp'--veiti'ig will bp m full swing It is s~t '■'"I sro t 'Tp' r hpo the f-nrncrs cvt 4i i^<r their to'">s vith thp birci^r. I of*e-n go urio +110 pn^don'-s aid n^t-h +h n m gcirg round. It is a=; pnru ali "sr t-o m« rs it is to watrh the eh^iver ou+tiprr of? the flre-ces We have -i voliT'+erv oorrca '-ere called -Ihe 1 © ifcuitod Rifl""". Vl' en we wero- up at Clin.-tchuich ?t th" i-oyal v-sit 'va (Mil R ) were luejhlv prai=pd mderd by h>s Royal Hiff'iin'- 0';0 '; ■'h? "Dnke of Yoik, v/-ho <50 ; cH we wero th° best ?:id fp-M?3t stnmp cf sol'"' err ha had scan on t 1 ;-' pniT It v-?s a fcrfher ir er c ..'~.ft tj b' <- n li ch'v nra^^d ?tiA hr.«ou'el b- 111 1- R--.1 T-T-ch-r^'f^.o "Pul- of York, '-,ot/ tbc P.i.iec Wnlc* We <='tll u .s po'i-g to cam at W^'nintu c.i V7cdnP c 'Tav. 27th. J,x-nus-y, ard we <-hM' I'ive a pt>]p->icli:l we^k'q holidiy. TU^irin + v i<i a v»rv r)-e<-fj- r>lnce maoed to sperd a holiday in. I cnioy myself viv much w^en in camo, as it is a great thing "or me, ?<-• tIiPT-j is not much amusement in the country. encCDt in hnl'dav tur^s. An o'd favouri-'e of n-.me. Tin TpcVi, ha? hocn away for n, hohd«7 to Dun~d.in. *>-ut. *hr- -lul ret s f 17 aq loner ps clta ai.ticir al^d. S Tl e i* lro^ir-g remark ,iblv " ell pt'^r h.-r trip, and lrifriroci'l mi that c 'he had ha-1 a splendid t rj;e An ccl! saying and a tiue one, Dit, is "Thri-e i-i '-so ore like lvnthcr to no. No matter how cme-1 e \i r itij b- , T'll go back to ny ho-m" o'ei* hf =en.

iio one like motlici to me." A school picnic was hold here on January 2j»

end I was very much disappointed that I was not there. My sister and I 'had all arrangements made to go to it, but as she was laict up in bed for a week before with' 0, very serious cold I did not care about taking her to the picnic, so both of us stayed, at home.^-I heard that a lot of D.L.F. were there, amongst them beinoTin Tacks, Agata,, Yiotoiia, Puss in Shoes Green Poplar etc. I was very much' disappointed when I heard that Evangelme was not there. The little folk here are as anxious to imd out wbo Excelsior is as the elder folk are IJf ? W n ° avis is ' I wa - s thinking it would be advisable for m 3m 3 to sign myself Cms 11. However, perhaps it ia better to reimam Excelsior Agata and I had a talk last week, during which she informed me that she was leaving for her holidays to-day (26th). She informed you in one of her former letters that ehe was going for her holidays after Christmas. She told me that she intended going as tar as the hot springs, up in Auckland, for her months holiday. With best love to Tin lacks, Agata, Victoria, Evangeline, Puss in bJioes, and not forgetting yourself and Ml -fciditor,— Yours truty, EXCELSIOR.

Dear Dot,— l am up here in tho north for a trip. lam stopping with my sister. There are numbers of Maoris about here. The women all wear bright colours, and all smoke like the men. I don't think th Maoris are very fond of work. You can see them sleeping about their huts all day. lam going home next week to Catlins River. I was sick coming up from. Lytteltcn to Wellington, and I hope 1 am not sick going back,— Yours truly, A STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND.