OLD WRITERS' WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2649, 21 December 1904, Page 83

OLD WRITERS' WEEK.

• Dear Dot,— Again I peaj that old familiar i name, which I sincerely hope many more O.W.s are doing. I hope we shall have a "monster" meeting, as it would' be just loveiy to see old names again, such as Sybil Scribbles, Marguerite, Cynthia, Doughnut, Mona, Punch, Priscilla, Ziska, . Shan, Boy, 8.0.8., Con,, Harry, and quite a host more of dear old writers, whose letters were always full of interest anr amusement. Although my sisters . and I,- with the exception of Little Lady, have left off writing, we always take a keen interest in the page, and have many discussions among ourselves over the letters, etc., picturing the writers, cracking little jokes, and weaving little tales, which create a great deal of amusement, to say nothing of the mutual improvement that oan be derived therefrom. My latest hobby now, Dot, is a camera, and although being the happy possessor of it only - a, few" weeks, the girls and I have had a great • deal of fun put" of it. Oh ! how we have . laughed!, The " beautiful portrait studies., graceful postures, and- artistic surroundings', Dot, that "might have Tseen'"; but, alas! when developing time comes, all our "efforts are nil The opiates hare either turned totally black or there are quite half a dozen heads where only one-should be, or, something else equally as mysterious. It is then' that we feel crushed, and vow that "photography by the amateur" is not the game it's praised up to be; but nevertheless notwithstanding we try again, and hope very soon to have our efforts crowned ..with- success. Little Lady told me the other day in all seriousness, after another of our fruitless attempts, that she was not going to pose" any more. Do you know, Dot, we have had her in about 20 different positions, and as we girls are extremely artistic (our trumpeter passed over to the majority 'ast week!), it does seem a little bit hard, do you not think so ? lam afraid we must be very amateurish in the art, and have a lot to learn • but the amazing part is that the first two or three' phonos we took were just splendid a stroke of luck, I suppose. However, our ' - motto regarding photography is "Nil' desperandum," and we hope to have great pictures some of these fine days in the near future. Fancy Christmas being so near— and yet it is not fancy, is it? but a stern reality. Tim© does fly on apace, and I notice with regret that I have very little money in my possession for the hundred and one little gats one likes i «° " ls P° se )> °f at Christmas time; X must really .' save up." It is very surprising how money does go; very surprising, i indeed; but, then, i it was made round to go 1 round, I suppose ; and it is good for trade, even if we are a little bit extravagant/ -which I try very hard not to bje, but am afraid, like photography, it is not much of a success. / A*e you having a holiday this year, Dot? I v am sure, you "deserve one. I hope to go for ' ' one in January to Christchurch, where I have . been promised a royal time of it. With the j New Year I hope to turn over a new leaf and ! work very hard — not that I have wasted this year, but I am fully determined to take up j my music again, which I have shamefully neglected lately, devoting all my spare time for the past two or three years to another accomplishment, but I must really try to manage better next year. ' All we girls went and heard Paderewski, I and oh! talk about being enraptured! His playing was something grand. We shall never forget it, or him either. Did you near him, Dot? Quite a littie time has elapsed since writing the above, and, oh, Dot! at last we can cry Eureka!" as we have found out how to take , photographs— good ones, I mean. We dis- '• covered a little something on the camera of which heretofore we were entirely oblivious i Vii S> A?. we have found °ut to our cost, the nttle things that count, and why we did not notice this little indicator before is justwell, yes, why, oh, why! We have taken quite half a dozen little beauties, and you will quite understand that they are little beauties when I tell yon that they were worth toning mounting, etc. A professional told us so' so there, what do you think of that? Who knows?— some day we may be taking photos for the Witness, so, Dot, just tell the Witness photographer not to be very much surprised if some of these fine days he finds his place appropriated. Really, one never knows, and wonderful things come to pass — yes, even truly wonderf nl tilings ; strange is it not ? Now, dear Dot, I think this letter is .beginning to lengthen out, so I shall close, but not without wishing you, the editor, old writers, present writers, and new writers a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. With fond "love to all, once again I sign myself, — Yours truly, DOCKLEAF. [How delightful for Dockleaf to head the Old Writers' Week! I only hope she will be - followed by a long string of old-time favourites. I sincerely reciprocate your good

wishes, dear, and trust you will have the best of good times during your Holiday in Christchurch.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am accepting your invitation to ex-little folk to write for Old Writers' Week, but I wonder how many of the present little folk will know me or remember me, for I have so long deserted the page that the majority of the writers are new to me, and I am inclined to feel rather "a stranger in a strange land." However, I hope this feeling will be dispelled when I read the Witness of the 21st, and again meet the old friends whom I have lost sight of during the intervening months. I was nearly going to write "years," but thought that would be rather exaggerating time, for it cannot be so very long since I left the page, as I am just two years (and a bit) past the retiring age, and yet my feelings say years, and -when I look on the page and see the advance it has made — I again say years. Why, what with Critic, Literary and Debating Clubs, etc., the Little Folk's Page is advancing as swiftly., as our brisk little colony, and to you, Dot, must fall the honour of the Seddonite supremacy in the progress of the page, while the ever-popular editor takes the stand of -fche Governor as the "nation's" representative, courteously bowing to all your suggestions, and giving effect thereto, when he sees that it means peace. I'll not attempt to place the offices of the body of colleagues who support you. That would be trespassing on the Critic Club's privileges. I expect the next cry will be for a special paper for the society, to be supported by the public, and to which the editor will be generously asked to transfer his management. I often wonder where many of my old friends are. I will be eager to find them again on the 21st. It is wonderful what time does. Like myself, I expect many have seen both sorrows and joys. It is a good thing we cannot see ahead, for I am afraid a good many of us would become downhearted and feel inclined to throw down "our cards altogether if the future -were visible, and I am of that unfortunate nature to which sorrows cling more firmly than joys, and naturally leave their traces behind, but at the same time I don't wear my heart on my sleeve. In fact, my actions sometimes have led many people to believe that I have no heart at all. It ig a case where Bracken's words are well applied— "the secret springs of action which lie beneath the surface and the show, are disregarded. With self-satisfaction we judge our neighbours, and thus they often go — Not Understood. The ords are too true, are they not, Dot?— "but break my heart, for I must hold my tongue." We'll talk' about Christmas, to be in the fashion. The poultry are all being well fattened, and by the time this letter is printed (take it for granted) they will have but a few days to live. As usual, our house is to be run over with cousins, aunts, etc., so that things should be a bit livelier then. I like people about at holiday time, but isn't it funny, Dot, they never think we want a'holiday? Every year we hear, "We are coming down at»Christnias." When they oome, of oourse, they say, "When are you coming up?" but we positively don't get a chance until everything is quiet again and excursion fares are over; and the latter is a big consideration when one is looking for pocket money. I have been, launched in the commercia' world for some time as a typist, but I am afraid the existence is • too narrow for me. For one thing, I am not . hard enough worked, and yet I have to put in the day to earn my salary ; but my conscience pricks rather, for it seems like throwing time away, and I have so far advanced in years' as to value every year that passes and -feel like pushing the next one back. (Oh, that it were possible, and we could remain little folk for ever!) Necessarily my occupation it rather inactive bodily, so with a few other "commercial girls" I began to consider what would be the best exercise to keep down fat, and discarding the many lady-like diversions one may take up, we decided to cultivate the manly art of rowing. Eather isn't it, Dot ?— especialy when we have' no quiet river like the Avon, but only a more or less turbulent harbour. However, I think it is good exercise, and we have great fun seeing who can catch fewest "crabs." Of course, we are in the hands of coaches yet, but we will soon be able to hand I'hem "over to tihe next recruiting crew. Look out for the "Ladies' Rowing Club." Then, again, we have decided not to be afraid of walking, for we find that our splendid tram system is spoiling us dreadfully, so we have made a rule to keep clear of tram lines to resist tenrc>tation on any holiday that comes around, and to make all our excursions over the hills, and for this purpose we have drawn up a pro gramme as to what hills we are to climb. Why, I am just beginning to see the country and to know where I am living. But, good gracious. Dot, what am I thinking about to write at this length? Is there f> condensed column for Old Writers' Week? Don't spare niie if there is. It is a pity you didn't make it a word limit, for I am just beginning to get wound up, so I had better stop before I get going, or I shall be monopolising half the page with mere nothings. Some wise person writes: "As it is characteristic of great wits -to say much in few words, so it is of small wits to talk much and say nothing" ; and my letter makes me think that I can but ta,ke my stand among the latter. However, I must still encroach on one more line to convey my hearty wishes to yourself, the editor.., and band of little folk for a jolly Christmas and all prosperity in the New Year. — Yours truly,

A CHUM.

[A Condensed Column for 0.W.W., Chum — what an atrocious idea! No, if the letters were to boil over into- three or four issues, they should a.ll go in intact. I have been greatly interested in your letter, dear, and have been endeavouring to compare the style with that of the enthusiastic girl who took such a prominent parfc in seeing off the different contingents to South Africa. Somehow I fancy even a great majority of present-day writers will have some recollection of A Chum, and that she is not in "a. strange country" in the D.L.F. Page, notwithstanding her "two years and a bit" of retirement. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — With much pleasure I take advantage of ithe opportunity afforded by Old Writers' Week, and pen a. few lines to you. It is a great joy to me to renew acquaintance (on paper) with my many old comrades, and I trust the retired writers' will muster in force on this occasion, and niake O'id Writers' Week of 1904 a notable success. It is some two years 1 ago since I sent in my farewell letter to the page, and my life is. of course, now filled with other interests ; but still I always manage to make tim©, when the Witness arrives, to soan the little folk's letters. The D.L.F. are certainly to be congratulated on the progress made. Truly they acre an energetic band. The' debating Club appears to be flourishing, and! How I envy tlie Dun«clin X».F. wlio are able to attend the meeting's. Here in the far-away north we can only read about tlie good times experienced at the picnics, socials, etc. ; but I oan assure you, comrades, that I am often with, you in tfce spirit, if not in the flesh. Perhaps eatfly in the coming year I may be enabled to take another trip south; so don't be surprised, little folk, if one of your starring debates is disturbed by the appearance of a grey-haired patriarch, who shall give his name as Fra* Diavolo. Is it not strange, Dot, how early in life some people's hair turns grey? lam only a little over the retir-

ing ao-e, and yet grey hairs are becoming very conspicuous. But "as my hair grows whiter I shall love you more," comrades. Christmas, that time of good cheer, is once more almost upon us, and I suppose houswives are already worrying themselves over that compound of mystery, the Pum Pudding (please, Mr Prin ter, put a cap. P for those two words, as they are exceedingly important). What a lot could be written about this wonderful mixture, and you should hold another Special Subject Week, Dot, and invibe essays on "That Marvel of the Age, the Plum Pudding.' The essays might prove a little indigestible, though. (No joke intended.) Does it not seem ridiculous, Dot, that people should (just for custom's sake) battle through this deadly mixture on a bright summer's day? But, still, I suppose it must be. Christmas Day without plum pudding! Perish the thought! I have just been reading afresh Dickens's "Christmas Carol," and really his tale of Scrooge's conversion gains with every reading. I cannot say that I admire all Dickens's writings. While on the subject of books, I should like to recommend to D.L.F. the writings of Winston Churchill. I have recently read three of his books —namely, "Richard -Carvel," "The Crisis," and "The Crossing"—and was delighted -with them. The historical Americaaa flavoui of the works adds to the enjoyment of the reader. Having been deliglited with the play, "The Light that Failed,"°l recently secured the book of that name. ' And didn't I "fall in" nicely! In my opinion the book is not worth reading. Last Christmas, Dot, I spent a holiday in the Nelson district', sojourning in "the Garden of New Zealand" for close upon a month, This district, as I suppose you know, is a great fruit-growing centre, and as most of the fruit was ripe at the time of my visit, you can guess that I had a good time. Nelson is an ideal place for a. summer holiday. Perhaps one of its greatest attractions (to the male visitor) lies in the fact that there are about four females to every niaie —truly an alarming proportion. During my visit I went picking raspberries and currants for one of the large fruit growers, as he was rather short of hands, and 1 still possess'the first shilling I earned at the game. What delightful hours I spent in that orchard, for the pickers were a merry crowd, and the whole thing possessed the charm of novelty to me. I can truthfully say, too, that I studied the boss's interests well. I knew that if I put the very ripe raspberries into the box, they might go bad, and thus perhaps spoil the other fruit. So I disposed of them otherwise. How? I hear you ask. Well, Dot, all I can say" is that you should not ask questions, and that it is not good for people to know too much. The hop gardens looked splendid, and the next time I make a trip that way I shall endeavour to go during the hop-picking season. I also enjoyed some boating during my Nelson holiday, and altogether spent a delightful time. Prior to leaving, I was shown over the K. Jam Factory. I sailed-for Wellington again on New Year's Dafy, in the Hsmpiri. We left Nelson at 6 p.m., and did not reach Wellington till 10.30 the next morning, but the trip was all that could be desired. I was on deck till 11 p.m., and then up again the next morning about 4.30, "and as I was not in the least troubled by mal-de-mer you can imagine the good time I had. , Now, Dot, I should like to express my regret at the criticising mania which appears to have attacked so; many prominent writers to the >age. Little folk, when they write their letters, do not guarantee that they shall be absolutely perfect. They do their best, so why should their contributions be so severely criticised ? I think if all the D.L.F. devoted their energies to compiling a good readable letter to Dot, and left the oriticismg to D.L.-F. Civis and the Critic Club, the page would be read -with much more pleasure As for The Disgusted D.L.F., I can only say that I have absolutely no time for awriter who could take such a norn de plume, In my opinion there is no room for a disSf^YourfS; ' °n°e m °re Slgn PEA DIAVOLO rrwn. * -j ii v 3v3 , DIAVOLO. [What an ideal holiday you had at Nelson, Fra Diavolo. The recital of it-and the unravelling of the mystery of,the disappearance of the ripest fruit cannot fail tajmake many mouths water. I trust your strictures on the criticising^ mania will have a good effect. — DOT.] r . Dear Dot and Little Folk,-It is such a long time since I had a. chat with you on paper, an! yet, whatever shall I write about? Still the cry goes echoing onward; ' s ' So many worlds, so much to do, So little done, such things to be. Well, as it is Old Writers' Week, I cannot resist the temptation of having one more yarn to you all. It is now over a fortnight, since the pater had to undergo a surgical operation.. and you can imagine the gloom and forebod'ings, etc.; but I am happy to be able to tell you that he is recovering rapidly, and we hope he will be once more with us for the festive season, now so quickly approaching. Our baby's birthday was very quietly celebrated on account of the pater's serious illness, The wee chatterbox is now eight years old, and it does not seem half that time since I caarried the youngster up to interview the headmaster on Saturday morning. I laugh even now at the recollection of it. Baby was just a month old, and was clad m long, flowing robes, nice and graceful to write about, but the most awkward things in life to carry especially when a breeze fills them like sails and tap you up. Stiuan goes into convulsions when TTfT ?° "It* ii T Zen yeaTS **?*: ing that infant. Ah, well I was proud of my sixth brother Maybe, I would have been too proud if it had been a sister. Who can *-' But -to return to everyday life. I take weekly journeys to Mosgiel, Oulrain, North Taieri, Henley, Waihola, etc., on my steed', practising for a ride among the hills of Central Otago. If all goes well, I hope to be able to take another run up to Alexandra at Christmas time. If I get aivay on the Saturday morning, I sha.ll catch the moaning train to Omakau, and ride thence to Alexandra; but if fortune does not favour nic iv that respect, I shall just have to get up there the next easiest way —viz., on my bike. If I could manage to get a long enough lea-ye, I would like very nnich to visit Boy's district and view the -wondrous mountains and lakes. Hope on hope ever. I managed to get a half-holiuay on show day, and, as per usual* turned ud a.t Tahuna

* Park. Notwithstanding the promise g-.ven by the morning, the afternoon's ram did i^ot tend to enliven us any. A goodly number of cur country L.F. turned up at this show, but in spite of all our efforts, the photographer managed to give us the slip. However, better luck next time. Maybe, it saved him a few plates. Who can tell ? °ur club seems to be progressing favourably, but there is one matter I would just like to mention ex omcio. Where are our country L-F- during our open meetings? Boy, Clarissa, Jessica, Nut, Fra Diavolo, etc., etc., £,aye you overlooked the fact that the lasfc Tuesday of every month is devoted to the leading of papers on any subject whatever from Ollr country L.F. and ex-L.F. Will all our country writers please take the hint, and" be more in evidence at our open meetings, * snall *>c Slad to receive suggestions as to any we can kelp our country cousins t<i *eel a more personal interest in the club, ?. was pleased indeed to see so many famlllar faces at the social held by the club, an" many a yarn of the good old times I managed tc get from them. I ueed not ?ive much of a description of my rlde out io Outrara - Glen to the picnic. Rl£le,R l£le, did I say? • Well. I fancy it was mora of a scorch. I did not leave the top of Lcokou* -Point until the train was about to leave Caveisham station, and after a fast and furi°us s Pin ' riding up one side of Saddle Hill and "°.' Tv'n the other, I reached Mosgiel about a minute after the picnickers got there. Some °f the members were/ busy walking up and "Own the platform stretching theii legs, while °tlle f9 were ranged in groups discussing thai inevitable topic, the weather. I had : enat witu them for a minute or two, and then re-mounting my steed, I made my way across J he "eautiful Taieri Plains. The fields and fa i"ms l°oked charming clothed in green, and *" ature seemed to be on her best behaviour for t:? c da 3r3 r- Tile flead wind which I had experienced as far as Saddle Hill had lulled "own, and if this were not an ideal day V^J'j 6 Picuic > tllen we should have been all too fastidious. I managed to catch up on Troilua ? lear 9 utram ' an^ together we covered the last , mlle or so- Just as we crossed the bridge a* the Glen, whom should we meet but our P. and esteemed friend Black Watch, who in hls eage *ness to be once more in evidence am ongst us, had walked out the whole dis- * allce- I really believe he was tired, though he w °t"« not acknowledge it, and together we P"ed UP uifce a respectable head' of fire_w°od- H°w the picnic progressed others aye. described in the page.' I had arranged to rlei c baok wltt Troiius, so. as soon- as we saw tlle monickers on their way to the train, 3,? Pr. e Pareii to bid farewell to Outram Glen. A. J°, uxney back was uneventful save for tnos. c little incidents which always characterise ? bicycle ride. While at the Glen, my bike "^en made use of for various purposes f° that when I was ready to start back, I f ouncl tnat the rear tyre had. an uncomfortable £ naok of running flat every "couple of miles * traversed. Then again, a slight headwind made-itself felt, ana what with the two, we only managed to get back into Mosgiel about ? quarter of an hour before the train hove ,n, n f^X' But tha was n(Jt a^- After I ii ad "dd. en to t] ?e top of the Saddle, I noticed' that Troihis's bike had been playing up. One of the cones tightened, and 1 the front wheel was immovable. Off it had to come, and after a B°°d deal of practice on our part as veteri- r :nary surgeons we managed to" get the wheel ,4.* vn V We arrive d in town about an hour ®**er the *rain &&& put in its appearance, j lxs enda<i a day .that was memorable in our da 7 s of D.L.F.-dom. W? ]1 > I tnink I a T© said all that- I can say Jlls* at Present, but I hope soon to have anotb-er opportunity of speaking to you again on PaPer. Meanwhile, with love to all, I snall remain,—Yours truly, HAREY. .[I hope so, too, Harry. Considering the little difficulties you .encountered, you made good time on your return journey —DOT ] D^T lUCk T ♦*** X at firS* D-L,^- S°Cl^ t0 ?? m S "Coman' through the rye» m the bewitching manner Bpy predicted, as I could not warble it quite so sweetly as he imagined, and instead of being such a great success, the social would have been a failure, as lam sure not one of the company would have stayed to hear the end of my song. As my father once told' me, v I have a good voice, but there is no musio in it, and luckily for j^L^SS ?e? ef iSii tte fact ' a? 3 *Z1 wTS^L ■ 3 ?°\ a^ one- ,My as .3u^' returned from a four-Y-^f 8 oll + day, ln Dralfdin, during which time she attended several debates at the Witness office, and was also shown all through the building by Harry. Oh, Dot, it made one fe, el luite envious when she related all her adventures to me. Well, I suppose I must not encroach too much on your valuable space, s°. \ ,wIU, wIU conclude by wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy Nety Year.—Yours trul y» _ ZISKA. [Which we all sincerely reciprocate, Ziska. It does indeed seem like old times to see your signature and those of many more of our former favourite writera, aaid I fancy this week's letters will be eagerly scanned by many writers and readers who can no longer lay claim to being L.F. —DOT.] . Dear Dot.-Afta those two words are written I pause, and remembrances come crowding i n upcm me which mi it* thw»vT toiLovJ^. 8 W • but^f mv W£ i« t latent?*l atent?* r Zit unV/ Filt%nA° ny ™£t\li™l. induige myself. j a^, not JurTTat I quitecome under the heading of an old[write? £ X have uot ?<* *™* «my resignation; 'but at least I think I have ceased to be an active member where writing is concerned but not where tae wading of the letters is. How the page has gene ahead' since we girls first started; to write, and by the flourishing condition of the page to-day I think the L.F. have taken "Excelsior'" for their motto. Do you remember the first picnic that was proposed, Dot? I think it was Mon-a's idea. Do- you remember, when I jokingly proposed tlie boy writers' should come, you did not like the idea? I -wonder what the present-day L.F". would do without Harry, Black Watch" Awkward Ned:, etc., at their picnics? There ist 'no getting a'tray from the fact that boys, even although they oan tease, are very handy, and realty we couldn't do* without them. Could we 9 The D.L.F. Literary and Debating Club seems to be in a very good condition. Ido , enjoy reading Black Watch's papers: they I are so very interesting. Did you go to tha

Competitions, Dot? Little Lady and I spent most of our time there diiring the session, and the amount of pleasure and amusement wo derived from them was very great. One night we girls had quite a concert, taking off various singers, etc No doubt it was rather mean, but as those -we took off were not present to see, there was no harm done. We laughed so much over it that we brought dad out from his book to see what we were wp to, and when it was explained to him,, he quite had his ideas of us confirmed — that we are four of the most dreadful girls any father can have. When we try to show him what blessings we are, dad laughingly fails to see it. Do you know, though, Dot, I rather have my doubts, as he is always so very anxious to get home from his travels. I suppose Dockleaf has told you all about the camera, andl of the excitement that prevailed when the amateur photography began to be crowned with success. The fun we have had with it! The beautiful and artistic posings that, when developed, have turned out — nothing; and all the other countless things which I am sure Dockleaf has made known. Are you fond of walking expeditions,, Dot? A little while back Dockleaf and 1 I took the craze, and) I must say we had some most enjoyable walks. We never realised till then that Dunedin was such a pretty place until viewed from the Drive, Pine Hill, Opoho, Maori Hill, etc. Sad to relate, though, our ardour has somewhat cooled, as, like all good things, it was overdone. One day we . walked to St. Leonards and back, and although we neither of us would confess it at the time, we overtired ourselves; but no doubt we will again be as ardent as before, as it takes a good deal to beat us, or, as dad puts it, "We can't be beaten." L.F. will see by this remark that we haven't only teasing to put up with from our brothers. Are you having avholiday this year, Dot? lam sure you deserve one, and the editor surely wouldn't refuse. Do you know, Dot, I don't think the editor is at all the stern' man you would like to make out he is. If you. will stoop- very low, Dot, I will just whisper to you that I have quite lost my heart to your editor, but that is rather a failing of mine, falling in lov© with old gentlemen. That doesn't soundi very complimentary, does? — but, being truthful, I can scarcely say the editor comes under the category of young men. Well, Dot, I think my letter is lengthening out, and as you are bound to hay© a great number of letters, I will oonclude with these lines : "Should au'ld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind? If others think so, I do not, So take a greeting kind." With best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, — Yours truly, ECHO. [What pleasant memories you revive, Echo. Yes, dear, I remember my doubts about the proposal to hold a mixed picnic, and how I stipulated thai some of the parents should accompany any such expedition; but, then, it is to be remembered that the D.L.F. of those days were very much smaller than those of to-day who conduct the picnics, clubs, etc., and there are so many staid members, boys and girls, that I feel the younger ones are perfectly safe in their keeping. Sp, Echo, you don't think tib.e editor is so stern after all ! Well, perhaps he has relaxed considerably in late yearsj no doubt aa a consequence of being brought so nraoh in contact -with L.F. — DOT.] Beautiful the instinctive greeting Of two spirits- true and wise, Leaping to embrace at meeting, Like the angels in the sky. For as brother yearns to brother, With an instinct God imparts, Noble natures know each other

By the impufee of their hearts.

Dear Dot, — Strangers are made friends for ever by this God-lik© sympathy. I sincerely hope there will be a goodly muster of letters, as I long to see some of tue old writers' names figuring once more. Dear old Shan, for one. We girls intended writing a® the JU.L.F. Quartette, but that would not do, as L. L. is still a present writer. Our interest is still kept up in the page, although we are big girla now — in fact, young ladies ; but we never forget the happy hours we spent in our childhood's days in writing to the page. Time has not changed us much. We have grown oMer, and' I hope wiser; but we are the same merry crew as of yore. I have recently been away from home for three months. I tried to stay 'away till Christmas, but I couldn't. I got very homesick towards the end of the three months, and longed for the company of my dear mother and sisters, so I don't think Maisie will go for a holiday again in a hurry. It puzzles me how they managed so well without one, because I am a bit of a boss in a way. I see Dockleaf has given you all details about oxir latest pastanie — the camera. Well, Dot, you can get a great amount of fun out of it. I have not yet learnt the art of taking photos. lam just waiting for my sisters to overcome all the difficulties, and then I will make my "debut." I know a thing or two. do I not? Is it not funny, Dot, that good-looking people as a ru'ie take such bad photographs? Well, that is the way in my case. The last time I had mine taken I had my hand up against my face, and my sisters thought it was a very good one of me, because I wats covering part of my hard old face. Now, wasn't that unkind of them? But that is nothing to what I have to put up with, some times. But I generally manage to wait my opportunity and: get even with tliem. Some times their words take effect, as in this case, and I have been indulging all my spare minutes to the glass. Now, don't get excited. Now don't get mislead, alas! For the one I indulge in. Is but a looking glass.

I know what these sisters of mine* will say when they see my attempts at composing — that I had better take care, or such hard work will be affecting my brain; buit with all tueir chaffing and teasing I wouldn't be without them for any consideration. We shall soon be celebrating the most glorious festival of the Christian year — the only festival, we may say, that receives universal recognition ; so,, before I close I will wish Dot, the editor, and all past and present little folk all thei joy that comes at that glorious season, and once more sign myself, — Yours trulyj

MAISIE

[It seems a pity that sister No. 4 should not be able to write, as she is certainly an old writer, with the disqualification of not being a retired O.W. However, Little Lady is so associated in our minds with uockleaJE, Echo, and Maisie that it is not much of a stretch of imagination to fancy her with us to-day. — DOT.]

Deaor Dot and Little Folk, — 15.9 once again you are having ma Old Writers' Week, and as Christmas is near, I am talcing the opportunity afforded to old writers to wish the editor, Dot, and all D.L5 1 . tlie coi^plimenta of the season: moi simply becau&e ifc is customary at this time of the year to express oneself in terms of greeting to another, and by so doing to do as oe as otehra are, for 1 express the wish with the desire that such may really be the case to one and all. There are, I think, a great many who look upon this exchange of season's compliments as a mere matter of course., having no, real significance gf its owij,

1 and express and receive the time-honoured salutation, with eqiial indifference. I tihink it is greatly to be regretted that the many old customs once so prevalent at Christmas and other times of festive greeting should be dyi ing out. It is noticeable in the decoration I of°churches as compared with what it used to j be, and in the absence of old cixstoms, ' which for many years served to remind the people of the importance of the event they were celebrating. Santa Claus is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, anu nowadays children at the Santa Claus age, so to speak, know too much to be taken in with that old, but certainly pretty, idea of the advent of Christmas as regards the young. I think all these facts are regrettable to think upon, and if th& D.L.F. Page could in any way restore, or help to restore, the foinier condition of things, it would be another latirel on its list. An O.W.W. at the close of a year is, I think, a fitting way of concluding the year's work of the page. I certainly hope to see many old and once familiar names appearing on this occasion. The page has made rapid strides during the last few years — more especially fron- a numerical point of view of its contributors. The present year's work can claim to include the inauguration of various D.L.F. Literary aaid Debating Clubs. Previously, the efforts had been chiefly concerned in the installing of hospital cots and in D.L.F. picnics. Now, however, we can claim to not only having alleviated the suffering and provided amusement for ourselves, but also to have helped to increase the intellectual department of things D.L.F. Even as we follow out the motto of writing for the benefit of others and not for ourselves, so, also, we act for the benefit of others — aoid in the case of the literary debates, likewise for the benefit of ourselves. I think it would be rather a good idea if at Christinas time the D.L.F. were io support a 6d list, -in connection with the page, the total proceeds to go in providing suitable Christmas gifts for the children's ward of the hospital. On the first occasion, the proceeds could go to the Dunedin Hospital, the second year's results to the Invercargill ; and so on. Having taken the liberty of making these few suggestions, I will now conclude with the wish that the page and all connected wdth it may have a happy Christmas and. a likewise happy New Year. — Yours truly,

D.I/.F. CIVIS. [The same practical D.L.P. Civis as of yore! We owe a good deal in the page to DvL.J?.C, and I should have liked to have given favourable consideration to his suggestion ; but unfortunately the end of the cot contributions was marked by more tEan one distressing episode, and I decided to never again sanction collecting of any kind so far as the page is concerned. Ido not like referring to the subject, and! only do so because I consider it due to D.L.F.C. to give him a good reason for not taking up his suggestion. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — As such an intense spirit of criticism has entered into the page recently the Critic Club think they cannot do better than send the following as their New Year wish to the L.F. "I trust this will find you immersed in delight, Your heart jumping high, like a froggie's in spring ; May dismal, damp croakers keep out of your sight, And eveiything tempt you to pipe and to sing." To Dot herself they send the best and dearest wishes of their hearts. — Yours truly,

TAFFY. [Taffy's advice is good as gold, as usual, and I would recommend all L.F. bitten by the criticising mania to cut out the verse and keep it where it can be seen when they are writing to the page. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I have time only to send you my warmest Christmas greetings. I trust you will have a merry one, and find the .New Year a iiappy year — "Each day the whole year through, your heart's desire be with you." — Yours trulj.

DEVONSHIEE DUMPLING. [Devonshire Dumpling! What pleasant memories the signature conjures up, and wha/t old-time nomes de plumie are associated with it! O.W.W. is indeed justifying itself this pleasant Christmas time when suoli honoured nomes de plume aare appearing once again. — DOT.] "Between the dark and the daylight, When the night is beginning to lower." Deai DOt, — Day holds not an. hour more sweet than that of twilight, and to the worker spent with honest toil, res.fcfu'l eventide brings, in joy, a recompense tlliat words cannot unfold. Happy the mortal tvlio, when day is done, can jmise and breathe deep into his soul the spirit of the evening benediction, rejoicing in its sweet content. For him "The night shall be filled with music, And the cares that infest the day Shall fold their tents like the Arabs, And as silently steal away." Not by studied choice have I taken advantage of this sweet hour to pen my thoughts to you, dear Dot, but — alas! for the ruins of romance! — of a stern necessity, for I have put off the fulfilment of this, the most delicious of duties, to the last — the "eleventh" hour. What a happy thought to have a meeting of the clan — a rally of the "has beens — at that gladdest of all seasons, Christmas — Christmas, when our thoughts are naturally reminiscent, and the tide of goodfellowship runs high. I would! suggest that you set aside Christmas week for all time for a like purpose — dedicated to those who have passed beyond the limits of the page ; is it too much, Dot ? You know we do get so musty and dusty away up here on the shelf, and unless aired at least once a year will soon become but mere dried specimens! Think of it! It is admost two years since we last met ; even the stern old editor should blush at the thought of such wanton neglect! I trust we will have a goodly muster to-day, although many, alas! will be present in spirit only, and that many a. sweet acquaintance of bygone days shall be happily revived. And now, with kindest regards to ' ail my dear old comrades, and wishing one and all the conrplime-nts of this glad season, I remain, — Yours truly, BOY. [No, it is not a bit too much, Boy, to set aside the issue before Christmas for the purpose you suggest. Indeed, the old names which are unravelling themselves as I proceed with the letters had put the same idea into my mind, and I think the proposal will meet with universal satisfaction. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— l am just beginning to think it is time I sent in my letter for O.W.W. lam in town just now, and I like it much better than th* country. I was at the D.L.F. Club on Tuesday nigkt, where I met a great number of L.F., amongST them being 1 a few of my old favourites, whom I never expected) to meet when I entered into private correspondence •vritsh tiiem years ago. But it i» wonderful the frlaiidsbips that arise from that dear little badge. Tuesday nighb was election night, but I suppose you will 3iear of the result from the secretary, T.D.A. (who, I think, is just suited for the position). A few papers were read re> tea meetings, some of which were very enjoyable. Hubert's speech fairly put m« off tea for about three days. Every time I sat dawn tfi Usve % c\ip gf tea. I Qould, not

I help thinking of that speech. Dear Dot, I had a great loss at the Oamaru show: I lost my badge. lam so sorry I lost it, as I had had it since the first week the badges came out — five years ago this month. I was down in Lawrence about a fortnight ago, but I did j not think much of it. It is a very quiet place. j However, I had the pleasure of meeting Red, j White, and Blue. Dear Dot, I saw in the page some time ago that a certain L.F. does not believe in writing letters on Sundays. For my part I see no harm whatever in it. If it was not for the letters that are written on Sundays, the L.F. Page -would not be overcrowded so often. L.F. are not the only ones who write letters on Sundays, for many people have no other time to write their letters. At the same time I do no* wish to say that children should be encouraged to give up their Sunday school lessons or Isible-reading to write letters, but when they have learnt their S.S. lessons, etc., and have a little time to themselves, they may just as well sit down quietly at home writing a letter to a> friend or to Dot (as iihe case may be) as ba out in the street seeing who can make the most noise. Children in the country have not the advantage of attending church, Sunday school, etc., that children in town have; therefore, when lessons axe over, they have so much of the day left that they are glad to sit down and write letters to fill in tame. During the week they are at school all day, and have lessons to learn when they get home at night, so that there is really very little time (if any) to write a letter before bedtime. Boys and girls who have left school generally have to work during the week, and have no time for writing. I dare say there are a great many of your country correspondents- who write their letters on Sunday for the reasons mentioned. With heaps of love "to all, and wishing you and aIL the L.F. a merry Christmas and it happy New Year, — Yours truly,

GIULIA.

[Giulia, has entered debatable ground, but she has put her case — a very strong one — so temperately that no exception can be taken, to her arguments by those who do not agree with her.— DOT.] Dear Dot and L.F., — I hope and trust you won't get too terrible a shoek — at the very least I hope you won't take heart disease^ — when you see the dimly-remembered name of Doughnut in this far-famed page of D.L.F. It 'seems '"years since last we met," but I hope we may meet again, for it would be sad indeed to meet again but to part. Please sigh here: 'tis the correct thing to do, but I am sorely afraid I cannot. It is so long since I have .written a letter to the D.L.F. Page that I am afraid my hand has lost whatever small amount of cunning it ever possessed. You see, Dot, I still retain that modest, humble-, and lowly opinion of others — no, I mean myself — that I was wont to have in the days gone by. I think it is wonderful the strides car celebrated p.age has made during the past three years. Among other things I notice a Literary and- Debating Society now flourishes, and if proper precautions are not taken I suppose we shall be overwhelmed by spring poets galore, and budding authors ; then shall our poet laureate and Rudyard Kipling have to look to their laurels! I notice Harry has been touring our beautiful New Zealand lately, and that he cycled through Taranaki, the Garden of New Zealandl I was much interested in his- travels, as I was up in Taranaki at the time, and knew all the places he- mentioned. I must say they are not ideal cycling roads in Taranaki. Well, you know, they are not exactly asphalted, and if some of the stories I heard of the very back blocks are true, there is always a u&tie excitement in the thought that you might get lost in the mud. Thi s merely keeps life- in the back block from becoming too monotonous. I heard a story of a man and horse (please note this is an undoubted fact) sinking deep into the mud: in one of the country "streets" near Stratford, and had the man not had a pipe in his mouth at the time, through which he drew in •sirfficient air, he would not be alive to-day. If you ever have a debate on omoking," don't forget that this will be an argument in favour of smoking. As it is drawing near the mystic hour of midnight, I must perforce stay my pen and will only add a hope that O.W.W. will be st big success, and that the D.L.F. Page will flourish in the years to come as it deserves to do. With every good wish for the future — Yours truly,

DOUGiLxTOT. [Instead of sighing in the correct fashion, I think we will all rejoice to see the wellremembered signature of Doughnut once more. I can at least answer for mysen, and I sin- ** "«"* Dear Dot,— Just about three years a<*o I last wrote, telling you that we were go-in°- to the seaside for the summer. In less than a fortnight's time we will be going to one of the bays near Wellington, and all are looking forward to the trip, as it is so very pleasant to be all together even for a holiday. I have had to work very hard all the year with, music examinations, three in number co I feel m need of a rest. My sister, Mystery, has been under an operation for her throat* so she, too, needs to recuperate at the seaside by the doctor's advice. I have never met a U.ii.F. m this town since last we saw Maidev and Doughnut. Next Thursday is the break-nig-up of all schools, which means prize-liv-ings and a happy time for the winners. Next March my mother and father are going Home and I should just love to go, but thatis selfish of me as there are six of us (and three aro older than I am. so I think the eldest has the best right. They =wili be aw ay for ™ months, so we shall miss them very much. Bufc mother has been to Wellington at different times ranging from a few days to a fortnight arid I have been trusted to the sole charge of the house. We a*e having an Opera Houia built, a structure of great necessity in this town. Iso seldom go to picnics, for no matter ihow nice they are, I do not care for them. No doubt you will think me very unsociable, bub that is not the reason for my dislike, but I would far rather be at home, perusing some good book. Wishing you and the editor and all the little folk a very merry Christmas and as exceedingly happy New Year as the old year has been to the a-'most. if not quite, forgotten

WHISPER. [I am not just sure whether Whisper writes for O.W.W. or not, but as she has not written for three years, I give her the benefit of the> doubt. Is it not a peculiar coincidence that she mentions Doughnut in her letter, and that her epistle follows that of Doughnut? — DOT.} Dear Dot, — With the greatest of pleasure I avail myself of the opportunity of once mot? sending a few lines to the dear old page. I have put in a new nib for the occasion, so the pen cannot get the blame for poor writing. The first intimation I got of t-he coming O.W.W. was from mother; New Chum also sent me a Witness with the notice, and said sha hoped I would contribute. lam now going to give you an extract froir. mother's let.tisr; she was advising nxo to write, and said: i- If you do, give my love to Dot, and tell her tEafe in the years gone by 1 have often admired the patience and tact of the lady who found names for all the pet animals and dolls ; and I think she must now feel like a mother with a large family of grown-ups, getting some recompense for all her toil and patience from the wealth o| love ajxel the interesting ajid amusing let-

ters showered upon her by those who have long passed their dollhood's days. I see some think the young ones do not get enough encouragement now; but I think that is quite right. It has been my experience that the young have enough to do with their brains as long as they are at school; but for those •working boys and girls who have to leave school without the benefit of higher education, 2 think the page is invaluable as a means of eelf-improvement, and for keeping those who (have been sohoolmates in touch with each other, after, it may be, that they are widely Separated." There, Dot, that is mother's opinion of th© D.L.F. Page; and four of her •children are, or have been, contributors — Keta, Currant Duff, Aroha Karnui (latterly M. E. R. I. T.), and yours truly. I suppose I had better give an account of myself since I last ■wrote to you, in. June, 1903. I have been doing a little bit of roving since then. I was then with my aunt with whom I stayed for three months, and had an all right tims ; then went home again til! the time of oilr sale, of which Reta. gave you an account some time ago; but I must give you my version of the shifting. I was the first to leave th# old home, and with my eldest brother went off

on top of a load of furniture, to set up house on my own account; we said we were off for our honeymoon, and taking the furniture with ■us- I soon got to work sweeping and scrubbing, and then went back to my aunt's, only a short distance away, for tea, after which a. girl friend and I went back, beat a caarpet, and put a bedroom in fair order ;., she wanted ana to give her a tune on my fiddle^ so I got it out; sat down in jfche muddle and played "Home, sweet home," 'much to her amusement. Next day Jessica's brother and- my brother each- brought me another load of .furniture, and had a cup of tea before starting away again. {Next day I had the kettle boiling in readiness for tea for mother, and gave her a- warm welcome to our new home- I was at a place about four miles- from, home for the harvest

months; then one day in Miifcon I met a lady friend from Oamiaru, who wanted some household assistance, andi we -struck a bargain. I left home on the 30th May, and' came into Dunedin for the show; but before leaving

home, and on the occasion of my 21sfc birthday, my eldest brother made me the present of a nice silver ""watch, and mother put to it a long gold chain her father had given her, and one I had hoped I might some day possess. You heard plenty about the D.L.F. parade on the afternoon of June 3, so I won't say any more; but I moist apologise for disfiguring -the D.L.F. group so badly ; I ' -was "quite ashamed of it and wished 1 I hadn't .-been in it. On. the Saturday morning' Beta Baw me off on the express for Oamoru. The lady- 1 -was canning to was on tne station to meet me, and ' her husbandi outside with the

trap, so we were not long in leaving the White Stone City for our four-mile drive to their residence at Weston. I like the place and the people very much, and was not long,, in getting into the choir and Christian Endeavour Society. I have made the acquaintance of only one D.L.F. since coming vp — that was Viaduct, on the first day of the show ; I wasn't there the > second — thotigh I ' have worn my badg« continually. I saw two others with badges, but not to speak to, and know 1 of one or two that don't wear theirs. My second eldest brother oame up the end of August to be our cowboy. Now for a little of the well-worn" subject -of dairy-farming: we 'are "milking 20 cows at- present, sending the milk to the ' creamery, and -getting- the skim for .calves, pigs, etc. It is all right in dry wea- . ther,'bu<fc-a bit slushy when wet. It might pay better than grain-growing, but it would be very convenient -sometimes if we could leave the cows to look 'after themselves ,\as we can the crops ; but they must be milked' morning and evening, Sunday and week day. Well, lam not going to write a. great, chapter on the merits ox demerits of dairy-fanning^ so I thinkI shall now draw to a close. Several asked me to write for Special -Subject Week, but I had neither time nor inclination; I do not

believe in drawing on tho imagination in that style; the realities of life are quite enough wirthout letting our imaginations carry us away into all sorts of things. Wishing O.W.W. every success, and pot, the editor, and all D.L.F. a merry, Christmas and- a happy New Year, I shall now say good-bye. — Youtb truly, OPHIK. P.S. — I have just seen the result of the Outlook Knots and Puzzles, and see the names of several acquaintances in the list. I see my si3ter with 96.4 per cent, in the Juniors, and several of my cousins in the 80's and 90s.

It is a splendid way of searching the Scriptures and passing the winter evenings. Well do I remember how pleased I was last' year ■when I came out -with 90 per cent." Reta Ba>id I was off my head — I said she would be too if she got as far above her exparetations. Congratulations to you, Bride's Blossom. You did well, though you found the Advanced hard. You may be top next year. — O. [what -a delightful letter your mother wrote to you, Ophir. It is indeed ample reward for my pleasant duties in connection with the 3J.F. to read such a pleasing tribute to the good the page has done during its long conriection •with the L.F. of the colony.'' Not tihat I need »ny rejiraord.-for I can get ihat_ any day by simply looking over one of •my long lists of D.L.F. names, past- and present, each one •* of which is full of delightful reminiscences. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — A flood of recollection came over me as I wrote the words "Dear Dot," and I was unable to write more. Two simple words they are, yet -they revived some happy memories of other days — days when I wrote regularly to you, dear Dot, aaid to old comrades. Unable to suppress my feelings, I rose and walked to the window, where I stood looking out into the dusky twilight, and tried to drown the voice of memory in the fascinations of Nature at eve. 'Twas the hour 'tween day and night; a cftim, restful feeling had swept over the land and sea. In the west a clear light. was reflected as a mark of defiance by the sun to her pale rival, the moon. My wandering gaze rested on the hills that overlook my home, and I wondered what they were doing there — for a hundred thousand times I felt the pangs of homesickness. When at last the feeling forsook me, the room was in darkness.

Still I stood at the window, while behind me v lay the paper with the words "Dear Dot" on it. I wondered whether it was usual for aary-

body to feel as I-felt, when my nrasings were interrupted as from across the way was wafted in manly tones, "Bound my India.ua home-

stead 'waves the cornfield." How beautifully and clear rang out the words, but methough^

I detected a tremble as the singer sang: "I would like to see my mother in the doorway, as sne stood there years ago her boy to greet." The moon is also shining t«-night, as it shone

"on the banks of the Waba-sh, far away," and

as the last notes daed away in the night air a, strange hush ensued. I wondered if the song had awakened fond recollections of home and the irpther who greeted him years ago. I felt angry at him for singing the song, and at myself for standing there and listening; yet I knew at the moment I could not resist listening, aa it was sung so beautifully. I was greatly affected when I thought of the vacant spot in my life — that never more in this world will my mother greet me at the doorway, «,nd the thought made me angry for listening to that song. I looked out again: the evening lamps were lit over the way, and down the zoad I heard a whistle, which developed into a. tune — "Honie, sweet home." Nearer came the whistle; the whistler txirned in mi the gate, and «s tie catered

the moon shone . full on his features. I rushed oixt, for it was my brother, and so the spell was broken, and 1 am able to talk to you on paper. Four months ago I received an appointment in a private school in Auckland. Before I got the offer, my father showed his approval by offering several suggestions; but when the letter of appointment came he drew back, and couldn't see his way to allow me to go so far. Needless to say, I was bitterly disappointed, and to make matters worse, I was not well at the time, having a severe cold, that seemed to settle on my chest, so I had to give, up the appointment. However, the authorities of the school have promised me another chance should the pater modify his view, winch he has promised to do after » Christmas. Then my sister and brother became seriously ill. Their condition alarmed ua somewhat, and gave us matiy nights of anxiety. They were never ill before, and it s-eemed strange to see them lying helpless in their beds. My sister would lie and listen for the school bell — the school is quite near, — and when she heard! it ringing she would ask me what it was, and when told, she would say what her class was doing. We had to watch my brother, fot whenever he coughed, he got out of bed, dressed himself, and wandered outside. Another brother took ill also, and he was even worse, so you see we had # trouble enough for a time. What a traveller Queer Fellow seems to be. A friend expects him down at Port Molyneux on New Year's' Day. Can you tell me, Dot, if the L.FJ Debating and Literary Club has many books in hand, and do they send books to the country L.F. ? When I have managed to acquire the art of economy, I will send two or three books. Heigho! Dot; it is time I was leaving 1 ' you now. < Many years have passed sinoe I wrote you my first letter. I was then a girl at school. I have never regretted the hour I wrote "the-letter, and became an L.F. Through tfie medium of your page I have made many friends, and sonxe have proved true and faithful, and the ties of friendship are helpful to us all in times of trial. We have learnt to share each other's joys and sorrows, trials and! successes, and are the better for such trust and confidence. Whatever happiness I enjoy through such friendships I have you to thank for, sinoe I gained them all through the medium of our page. I hope you will have a isuccessful gathering of old writers, and that yours will be a very merry Christmas, and that the coming year will bring all that you desire to make life- one of happiness and prosperity; and to the dear old editor I wish the same. I often pictured him seated in his office frowning deeply over our lettelrs; but after meeting him, suc~. thoughts -ware soon dispelled. Time is fleeting! Only a fortnight from Christmas; and so I wish all the L.F. a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Love and a thousand greetings to all friends and enemies — if I have any of the latter. It is now the seasori for feasts and pleasures. M>ay you all enjoy yours, as I hope I shall mine. w ith love to Dot and to each of ray L.F. friends, especially to Hori Pirika, Mountain Kambler, G-iulia, and the rest of our old comrades, — Yours truly,

COOEE. [I am indeed sorry to hear of the illness « wl3w 13 Vlßlted y° ur family, including yourself, Cooee; but I hope you are al' quite strong again ere this. It was indeed a Messing that you were not away north, as your services were evidently much needed. The library has a fair number of books, but it is handicapped through the difficulty of reaching country L.F. It was at first intended to send books by post, but on inquiry it was found taat.fche cost of postage was prohibitory. Could * his be overcome, it would bring the country L.F. much more in touch with the town ones, but I, am- afraid there is no hope of the difficulty- being — DOT.]

, Dear -Dot,— l promaaed a D.L.F. I would write for Old Writers' Week, but I am afraid niy letter will not prove very interesting. When you do not write regularly to the page you forget what is expected of you. Another Friend is a very lazy member of your band. She promises to write often, but, then, you see, her promises in that direction are like pie crust— not so substantial— but being so like them they are easily broken. I see Harry s.till contributes to the L.F. Page. How it is progressing. Literary societies, picnic clubs, and sociala: it should certainly prove of interest to the young folk. As I live in the country, to attend these different gatherings is out of the question ; but when I have time I occasionally read up reports, etc. The farmers in this district are getting in their turnipa. The weather this year is not so good as it was last season. It has been very broke-n— rain, wind, hail alternately, with & fine day occasionally for variety. It has been not so bad this last fortnight, but has been very hot. . However, no matter what we get in the shape of weather, we grumble. The old style of letter, telling the number of cats, dog 3, etc., th« family of the writer possessed, has gone, but all that I am going to tell of one or two pet oats we had. I recently heard of a oat which adopted a, young ferret. She was kept in a dark room, but she nursed the ferret just the saonie as she did her kittens. Another cat I heard of, on having her kittens drowned, went out hunting, and returned -witli four yonn» rabbits, wluch she mothered.. Unfortunately, an old Thomas, who had an eye for business, thought they were' daity morsels, and amed off them. It was really too bad. The average number of years for a cat's life is supposed to be nine or~ten, 'but I know of one cat which was in her twentieth year when she died. A peculiarity which I have noticed in a number of cats 13 that they are dumb. By that I mean then cannot even mew. We had a blue cat, and from kittenhood until just before he died he never uttered a sound. His first mew was utterd after he returned home one morning with a rabbit trap on his leg. The leg was terribly swolleai, and must have been very painful to call forth a mew of distress, and although I attended to him, h« died. If I had cut off his leg, no doubt he would have lived, only I did not know so much then. As it is so near Christmas, I will wish one and all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. And now, Dot, I shall diraw the curtain and step behind the scenes. — Yours truly.

RAGAMUFFIN".

Dear Dot, — What a long, weary time it seems since I last -wrote to you, and yet it is only alxmt "three months. I was then working, if I remember rightly, at Crotnwe«l. Since then I have been at Lowburn, where I met Firefly, Mike, and' Stella almost aaily. I think I liked Lowburn best of all the places I visited whilst up country. After Lowburn, I went to Luggage, riding up there on my bike, as the coach was full-. As Luggate is only about 10 miles from. Lake Wanaka, I took the advantage of a Sunday to ride through, and see the famous cold lake. It was certainly coid, famously cold, in fact; andl so also was the howling wind which was blowing at the time. likewise, a ford on the Cardrona Eiver, across w~L*oh I carried my mate and our two bikes, was extremely cold, and the pebbles very sharp to my bare feet. Luggate is a rather nice place as far as scenery and climate go,* but "absolutely no class" otherwise, and I was not sorry to hear the gravel humming under the tyres of my bike on the -way down country to Clyde, our next stopping place. We had, for a wonder, a howling gale dead behind us a-il the way, and were not long in. sighting Lowburn, where I tarried to bid fare-well to the three D.L.F. who had nia-die my stay at Lowburn so pleasant. They pressed me to stay for tea,, and, needless to say, I gtajed. liter tea nt had

several games of cards, which took up the time till 9 p.m., when I had to go. I lit my lamp and ploughed through the four miles of sandy road to Cromwell, where I found my mate. We stopped at a hotel all night, and rode to Clyde next morning. We were in Clyde about a fortnight, visiting Alexandra and Eamscleug'h Flat on the two Sundays we were there. Clyde is a very pretty place, in spring at anyrate; and the climate is unsurpassed, (so I am told by one or two globetrotters I have met) by any in the world. There is an absence of dust, smoke, and haze, which renders mountains 50 or 60 miles away clearer and more distinct than at 15 or 20 miles down here at the coast. We left Clyde

at 5 a.m. on a Friday, having a little work

..todo at Ophir. We had risen at 4, had ' a cup of tea, and packed all our gear on an express in less than, an hour. xwumg in a fine morning is lovely tip there, the air is so fresh and clear. We arrived in Ophir about 7 a.m., had breakfast, and were ready for work at 8. Next morning we packed up once again, and got Charley, the Chinaman carrier, to cart us over to Omakau. Indian Chief told us all in his letter that he (Char- , ley) kept his own books. Well, x/ot, when I get that Chinaman to sign a receipt for his charge for carting us over, his writing was . better than my own. I kept that receipt for sonic time as a curiosity, and when I showeu it to anyone they would nearly always ask, " Which is the Chow's writing?" Needless to say, I soon stopped exhibiting it. I saw '"our Indian" in the goods shed. I , hardly knew him, but for the badge in his cap, the hearty handshake, and tne familiar ■'Hullo, Texas!" I had) not much time to _talk to him, but I made the most of it. The 'longest lane has a turning, and at last the Central train drew up at Wingafoi, "where I boarded the train for Milton. I spent Sunday at home, having a real good lazy day, ' resting fiom my travels, and; on Monday I returned to town. It was grand to' teol asphau again beneath my feet, instead of hot, rough gravel, and to see all the familiar, happy faces at the club. I have had a nice little trip out to -Evansdale the last two days. I reckoned on one --ay only, and' took no blankets with me. As a result I spent the night on the school floor with my feet in one sack and my head on another, ana a third on top of me, and all my clothes on. I did not sleep badly either, only, I don't remember feeding the cold' so severely at night before. Another thing T noticed was that I was quite ready to get up at 6 o'clock next morning. , Dear Dot, it is with the deepest regret that , j I have to record the death of another of your '■ correspondents. It is Pampero, King Dick's brother, whose mother I have been boarding , with for two years. Be was very ill for a long time with an abcess on his right lung, but had recovered, and was back at school ', once more, apparently quite strong again. However, he . took a bad turn last Monday night, and rapidly became worse. He was ; delirious from the first, and never regained conscious-ness. He passed away on Saturday at noon. He had only written one or two letters to the page, and had only been twice at the club, out already he was well liked by those who had made his acquaintance. Poor little chap, we were almost like brothers, and I shall miss him grea.tly. Well, Dot, I have to give some of the [ others a chance, so I'll close by wishing yourself, the editor, and all the L.F. a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. — Yours truly, ' TKXAS JACK. [A wish which, it is needless to say, is heartily reciprocated by one and all, Texas Jack. lam grieved to hear of poor little Pampero's death, the notice of which I had seen in the Daily Times. It seems hard that after undergoing all the suffering he did, and then apparently regaining his health, lie should be taken_pff so suddenly. lam sincerely sorry for his mother and for King Dick, and I am sure all the L.F. will join me in sympathising with ail his relations. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— As it is 0.W.W., I thought I would write a few lines, as I am one of the very old writers. Our show has come and gone, and it was a great success. 'JL'he grounds were just crowded, and what with hor&es, traps, side shows, and people you could hardly get moving, but for ail that I enjoyed myself very much. I saw a good many D.L.F. at the show, but I did not speak to very many of them, so I shall plead "shy" just the same as they all do. Everything about here is looking very pretty, especially the flower and vegetable gardens. I shall now tell you of a very pleasant walk one of the L.F. and I had one day. We started from home about 12 o'clock, and as it was very warm and sultry we went along a road shaded with gorsei and aawiuorn until we came to a road winding along the edge of a river. After we hatt gone about three miles along the river bank we came to a beautiful valley, which is generally called Pleasant Valley. All along the water's edge there -were willows, elderberry, blu€gums, manuka;, and lilac, and along the side of a little creek there was a row of cherry trees just .white with blossom, and the hills 1 on either side were covered, with bush and ferns. In amongst ti lot of trees there is am old, disused house, which is built of wood and clay, and a good deal of the clay part is covered • with. ivy. As we were very hot after our long 1 walk, we sat down on the door step and rested for about half an hour. Then we plucked ; some wild violets and any other flowers' we : could g«t, took off our shoes an. stockings, : '. and waded in the river till we nearly got the . ' cramp. As it was getting rather late by that time, we started l for 'home and tea, hay- : i ing enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. We got . I a good scare when we were coming home, for as we were passing a paddock a mob of cows : went running along the back of the fence, i roaring; and as we were not very bfave, it i did not take us long to get out of the way. When we got home, we toJd those at home what we had done, and they had a good laugh at our expense, for they said the cows would ' not have touched us even if they had got near • us. Notwithstanding this assurance, I would r not trust them very near me. x^d you ever try to ride a horse, Dot? I have, but I generally come to grief, for I fell off a horse once and strained my wrist, and another time I hurt my leg; but they say you have to fall off a few times before you are aai expert , rider, so I think I ought to do now, as I have fallen off a horse no less than four times, and I think it quite often enough. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting the editor and yourself, — Yours truly,

P.S. — I think Mount Siiiart or the Quarry Bush a very nice place for a picnic. — M. [Pleasant Valley is evidently not misnamed, Mary, and the shelter of the ivy-covered cottage evidently added to the pleasure of your outing. Ido not wonder at the cows alarming you, notwithstanding the reassurance of your friends.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — How to begin is what puzzles me, for, being such a poor contributor, my nerves are all unstrung when writing to such

an interesting page as yours, especially as there will be so many — in fact, I may say, all — good writers that my scrawl will be simply not worth the reading amongst such interesting letters. However, lam true to my promise — shall I say for once? — to some L.F. who are anxious to know my N.D.P., and who asked me to write just to give them a chance to see if my letter would be any help to fmd me out. Little did I think O.W.W. would be so soon, or I'm sure my answer would have been in the negative- I thought S.S.W. was as a substitute

for 0.W.W., therefore I didn't expect O.W.W. around till about this time next year. "Why, Doloroso, what an ear for music you must have! I have often heard the kettle singing, but I'm sure I couldn't liken it to the sound of either of the instruments you mention. Nancy Lee and Topsy must feel awfully proud of themselves now, when their musical talents were so highly spoken of in Dotoroso's letter. Most probably, Doloroso, you ha-ve awakened their musical talents to such a degree that before long we may have the pleasixre of seeing their names flourishing in the papers, when they have passed some high degree in the next music exam. Do you have music exams, up— or should I say down?— your way? I hope not, for then, perhaps, they may have to pass Weary to enable themselves to be present at the next exam. And won't I keep my eyes open to watch for two young girls wearing the Witness smile and long ears — they must have long ears — perhaps it's an eye for music that they have got, and if I see such I'll soon let them know that I am Weary, hoping to hear them say in return, "I'm Nancy Lee," "I'm Topsy II." Yes, and perhaps, Doloroso (for I see by Nancy Lee's letter that you are learning to play the piawo), you may be figui*ing too among the successful at the music exams. Now, I'll say nothing more about the music, only ask if I can't persuade those three to exchange autos with me. What good times the town L.F. have compared with us country ones — picnics, socials, etc. But it is to bs hoped that they are a>il sociable, not wrangling and criticising each other as they do through the page. Perhaps those who are always criticising, etc., are better with their pens than with their tongues. Not- so with me, for my pen is weak, as you can see. I know one L.F. who said he wouldn't face another L.F for anything after' the letter "he had written, so there is one example. Poor Indian Chief seems to have had a rough time of it. But I must say that I agree with him about the N.D.P.'s that some of the L.F. employ.- They are ridiculously long. Nevertheless, if they suit the writer, we should be satisfied. Of course, I'm not saying anything about my own N..J.P. — I'll leave that for some of the writers

to criticise, as the page seems to be very weft supplied with critics. I was going to tell how I got my name; but that woum give me away, so instead I shall let Happy know that 1 hadn't a big bunch of finery, as he calls it. I stippose he means a hat pinned on my head during those gales. i\o, I had more respecf for myself, and wore a tam-o'-shanter. Still I must admit that fine feathers make finr birds, and there is nothing like trying to 100 l your very best. xliose limes are scarce with me — pleasure before looks — so now I had bet' ter give the L.F. pleasure by saying that I am near tie end of this uninteresting letter. With kindest regards to all, and wishing Dot the editor, and all the L.F. a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Xea.x, I again sign myself, — Yours truly,

WEARY.

P. S.— Please excuse this long letter, for I know space will be scarce in O.W.W. It musS be nearly nine years since I wrote my first letter to Dot, and this is my last. Gcod-bye tc Dot and L.F. A mistake I wish to rectify in my last letter: I said my sister was to be married, etc., and it was my cousin I meant.

Dear Dot,— Old "Writers' Week! Once again, has that most important event come round. It is over a year since last Old Writers' Week, and -what things have happened since then— what with literary and debating chibs, libraries and picnics, the L.F. are making themselves quite famous. If they go on at this rate nrach longer they will soon have a papei and hall of their own. Both the debating c.ubf are a success, but could they be otherwise, with such energetic office-bearers as they - each have at their head ? We have some grand debates in our Inveroargill Club, the papers always being well worth. listening to. I was pleased to see that the picnic on the 9th November was a success. The Southland L.F. are thinking of having a picnic on Boxing Day at some place suitable to all. Riverton r I think, would be convenient, for the Invercargill L.F. anyway. Next Wednesday is show day, and as there are generally a number of L.F. in town on that day, I shall keep my eyw» open for badges. I suppose there