LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2663, 29 March 1905, Page 74

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto: — "We write for the benefit of others not

for ourselves.

Dear Dot, — My home is in Clinton, but I am staying with my aunt at Papatowai for a holiday. I am learning to row while I am here, and I think I shall soon be able to manage the boat. I shall be very glad, as I shall be able to take my little cousin with me then. I went for a ride on the pony the other night, and I greatly enjoyed the exhilarating exeicise. I dropped my stick and had to; get off to pick it up, because the pony won't go very well without a stick. I had a most enjoyable walk round to Sweet Pea Beach on the Tautuku Peninsula to-day. I gathered wild flowers called sweet peas, and had a nice wade when the waves were coming in. My cousin and I gathered fuchsia berries, and we enjoyed eating them very much. With love to Dot, the editor, and all the little folk,— Yours truly, SEA URCHIN.

Dear Dot, — We have had lovely weather, but it is very cold in the mornings and at night after the sun sets. I must tell you of a climb my brother and I and two other boys had last Saturday. Well, we started from home at 9 a.m. and went up to the top of Mount Difficulty, reaching the end of our journey at about 1 o'clock. We boiled the billy, and had our lunch, which we found very welcome after our exertions. I can tell you, Dot, we had a jolly good time up there, and had some splendid views. Wo then thought it was time to get home, if we wanted to reach there before dark, so we put our bags on our shoulders and made tracks for home, just reaching there at dusk. I can tell you we were hungry, and enjoyed a good tea. With love to Leonie, not forgetting -yourself, — Yours truly,

POSTMAN.

Dear Dot, — A little while back I went with my brother and a cousin to a place eight miles away. Having only one horse, we decided to walk. We left home about 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and we arrived at our destination about 9.80. We had to go up the line, and it being in the winter time we wer& very soon in darkness, and to make matters worse, we had no lantern; but luckily we happened to | have some matches, and every now and then' we lit a small bush to enable vis to go on our way. Things would have gone on all right if wO had kept to the railway line ; but my brother told us that he knew of a short cut, si we made up our minds to follow him. We got half-way on, when to our consternation we lost the track, and try as we would, we could not come across it again. I suppose we would not have minded much if it had been level country, but as it was, we were afraid of falling over the precipices, which abounded everywhere. Finally, getting disgusted, we made for the line again, reaching it mi anything but a merry frame of mind, we got a bit farther on we came to the home of a friend, who regaled us with supper, and after resting awhile, we made our way on again, but this time with our friend's lantern. We got home at last, but very tired. With love,— Yours truly, FRAN. Dear Dot, — The other day a few of us went up to a bush about six miles from our home. Aa it was a very hot day, we went into the

centre of the bush, where the scrub was thick enough to shelter us from the burning rays of the sun. After we had been there a good while | we had something to eat, and then started off again for another r<irnble, but we soon got I tired, and so we got ready and started for j home, which we reached in good time. The ] other day I watched three or four hawks chasing a parrot. They chased the parrot for a long time, but at last found that they could not catch it, so they all flew away and let the bird do as it liked. The parrot then started to eat the seeded grass. It was very I amusing to watch it running from place to | place, pecking first at one thing and then j at another. While it was busy in this way, si , white kitten tried to catch it, and the parrot got an awful fright, and flew away to some , trees close by. I did not watch, it after that. With love to Princess Myrtle, Snowy Princess, Fairy Queen, Princess Marjorie, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the deaf old editor, — Yours truly,

PRINCESS MALLORY.

Dear Dot, — Hullo! Here I am again — the j L.F. with the ungrammatical norn de plume — ! with a little epistle to let the L.F. know that I am not entirely neglecting the page, Since last writing I have had the honour of attending the Debating Club's meet- j ings, and I think they are progressing very satisfactorily. We have a few orators in the club, judging by the manner in which certain members exhaustively discuss different subjects brought up at the meetings, especially j one L.F., who, I think, has a great future ' before him in that respect. I attended the Times and Witness picnic at Warrington some time ago, and spent a very enjoyable time, although I did not notice many L.F. there. I think there were- only about six of us there, ana we were mostly together throughout the day. We expected a few more to com© out, but they did not put in an appearance, so our intentions of a group being taken were doomed. I noticed our genial editor present, but I could not see you there, Dot; but perhaps you were there, and we did not see you, though we kept a good look out, without avail, unfortunately. At the last meeting of the Debating Club, arrangements were made to hold a monster D.L.F. picnic at Lake Waihola on Anniversary Day, which I hope will be a great success. As the regatta is to be held there on.' the same day, it should make things lively, and I hope there will be a large muster, and that the anticipations- of the committee will thus be fully realised. Dot, I do not wish to intrude any further on your valuable time and space, so I shall "ring off" tall next time. With love to all the L.F., yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly,

DIDN'T YOU KNEW.

Dear Dot, — The weather here has been simply lovely up till a few clays back. The gooseberries are all finished now, but the apples and plums are beginning to get ripe. We have a lot of fruit this y«ar. Dear Paparoa, you did not enclose your address with your auto, to me, so I have not been able to send you mine in return, but will do so when you send it. All the crops about this district are nearly ripe. I have only been to Dunedin once, and that was a good while ago ; but I many a time wish to go there. With love to all the L.F. and yourself, — Yours truly, BEI/LEVUE

Dear Dot, — We have just finished washing up after the men's tea, and it is 9 o'clock. The Trades' picnic was held a few weeks ago, but none of us went, as we were too busy. It was a lovely day, and in the evening when the train was passing, my mate and I with another girl were at the crossing to see it. Oh, Dot, it was going so slowly that after it was about three chains past, P. C. jumped on her bike to race it down to the next station, while my mate and I tried to run the distance. Of course we had to pull out, so we walked on till we met her coming back, with what news she could gather. Just fancy Tweed saying I was afraid when he growled at me; well, certainly I was, but I think he knows me by this time. My brother and the harvesters arc playing cards, so you know what I have to put up with. My brother took me for a lovely drive on Sunday — wasn't bad of him, was it, Dot? The men are busy stacking, and I take their lunch out every day. I can tell you, Dot, you should be here to see my father and sister taking the bees. Neither of them is a bit afraid of them; but you don't catch me near them. While they were smoking them a piece of honey fell out, and IST. C. picked it up in her hand, though it was covered with bees, and brought it inside. I have a brother on the West Coast managing a factory. One of the men who is working here has been bad with the toothache, and his face is terribly swelled. lam looking forward to St. Patrick's Day, for very likely I shall be going to Waimate then. What lovely picnics some of the L.F. have ; how I wish I could join them, but I only know two, so I don't suppose there is any hope for me doing so. With love to all L.F... not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

ST. MONICA.

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you of a picnic I went to at Slope Point, a place about 10 miles from here. We left home about 11 o'clock in the trap, and had a nice drive down to the beach. It was so pleasant and cool on the beach that we were sorry when we had to turn into the bxish. After we had driven about nine miles we came to the Six-mile Kiver; from here we could see the home of G-eordie's Mate. After we had crossed the river Buffalo Bill told us we would have to walk the rest of the way, as we had to go up a very steep hill. When we got to the top, the first one we saw was Geordie's Mate. I enjoyed the picnic very much. I watched them running and 1 jumping, and we played some very nice names. About 3 o'clock Slabby's Mate, Goordie's Mate/ her sister, and I left the picnic grounds, as Geordie's Mate and her sister had some cows to milk. We had a nice walk, and when we got to Geordie'a Mate's home we could see all round the coast, and it looked very pretty. After we had had tea and the cows were milked, we started to prepare for the dance, and got back to the hall in good time. I enjoyed the dance very much. lam away from home iusfc now, living at a place called Waikawa Valley. It is such a quiet place, Dot— you never see anyone. With love toi all the D.L.F., yourself, and the editor,— Yours truly,

A BUNCH OF VIOLETS

Dear Dot,— l will tell you about a day I hacl in town. We (my four little sisters and ma and dad) had to catch the 7.45 train, so my sisters and I left home at 7, and ma and dad at half-past. We got into town at 9. We then made our way up to the Gladstone Hotel, partly to see my aunty. Well, that over, wo bought lollies, fruit, cake, etc., and went fo.the tram to go to the Gardens. Whan we goi, there we first satisfied our appetites, and then want around the grounds. The things I liked most were the emus. We then went into the fern house. " My, that is pretty all right," said my youngest sister (Merea). She is the baby, and that is what she is very often called, although she is four past. I have only ona brother — enough, too. Dad wanted to see th« orchid which was in the Witness, but he didn't see it. We left the Gardens then, and got the tram back to town. We had an open car coming back, and it was very pleasant. I shall now tell you about a day we had at tin Silverstream. We had a good wade, then wi did justice to the lunch I brought with me. Two boys then came along- the banks fishing, and I was interested, in that. Yesterday Eileen,

Alice, and Merea got big sticks and tied some twine on to them, got a hairpin ea-ch, and bent it up somehow, put a piece of meat on each hook, and started off to n«-h. They stayed for a long time, and ca:ne home pretty tired, but without any fish, needless to say. — Yours truly, LADY ISABEL VANE.

Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to your page Christmas has passed, and the old year, like many of our writers, has gone beyond leoa'}. I have been to several picnics this year, and a lrumber of D.L.F. soon appeared on the scene, but most of them I had met before. Theplace in which I live is a farming district, and the harvesting is -in full swing, some cutting and stooking, while others are ieading-in. Dear Dot, I am going 1 to fcell you of the sad fate one of your letters met with. Well, I had one nearly written, and it did the disappearing trick into somebody's pocket. Eh, Dot, but I gofc^it again in a few days, and then it was put, like many others, into the fire. I notice that terrible machine, the mincer, has a lot of calls on it, and is still in existence doing its work as a dutiful son ; but we must not complain, as there are a few thousand in our band now, and still more joining it nearly every week. The weather up here at present seems very unsettled. It is now raining, with a cold wind blowing, making everything look miserable, especially in this quiet place. I was in Dunedin a few months ago, and I met a number of L.F., but I had no autos with me, and I have forgotten all their noms de plume. The Debating Club seems to be a great success, and the meetings very interesting to the L.F. who are able to attend. With love to Matty, Uncle's Aunty, and not forgetting your own, dear self and the editor, — Yours truly.

BIDDY.

Dear Dot, — A few weeks ago we went for a picnic to Grlentunnel, and it proved a vcrv pleasant day's outing. We met at aboui quarter past 8, and then went to the station. It took two hours in the train to get to our destination, but the journey was enjoyable. On arriving there we h:>d some lunch, and then we went for a walk 1o thp river. After that there were races, and then a great many prizes were given out. We then had tea, and about half an hour afterwards we went home. There were two D.L.F. at the picnic, The Christchurch Maiden and Winifred. I also know another D.L.F., the Manawatu Lassie. — Yours truly,

HEATHCOTIA

Dear Dot, — We are having very dry weather just now, and everything is completely burnt up. The farmers are very trasy harvesting up this way, and some of them have verygood crops. I saw a paddock the other day with 20 stacks of wheat. That is not such a bad crop, is it, Dot? A bazaar in aid of the church is to be held in Hakataramea on the 21st and 22nd. Everyone is busy preparing: for the event. The other Sunday another girl and I went up to the Kuiow Cemetery. Tt was the first time I had been there, so it took us a good while to go through it. After we had seen the cemetery we went away up the road about another mile or so. My word, Dot, I was tired when I got home, and I don't think I shall try it again. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly.

SHAG VALLEYITE

Dear Dot, — There have been a few changes in the page since we last wrote, and we were sorry to see Florodora's and Hiawatha's farewell letters. We had a splendid time at Christmas and New Year, but we shall not trouble you with an account of our doings. We met a large number of L.P., however, and had many a D.L.F. chat. Some of the little folk are very sociable, and others are just the opposite. A good many people have been accused of writing our last letter, and, do you know, Dot, they have even gone so far as to b'arne girls for it. Since last writing we have changed our abode, and are in a more civilised plaoe now. We never get to practice, however, so naturally enough we feel very disconsolate over it. It is very monotonous never having a new tune to practise. Tn fact, one of our number says that he is forgetting all he has laarnt and doesn't think he will ever begin to practise again, even if an opportunity does present itself. We told him he couldn't write to Dot a<rain as a piper if he gave his pipes b33t, so he said he would keep going if it were only for the pleasure of writing to you ; so what do you think of that, Dot? Thi-re mu«t be a charm in writing to Dot all right. We hope to be m Invercargill at Easter if we can get off duty, and then we shall at* end the Literary and Debating Club's meetir-gr-They are making rapid strides lately, so we hope to spend an enjoyable evening with them. One of our number has been in Invercargill, and there met some L.F. We were at a dance held in Niagara about a week ago. and had a very good time. There were a good! many L.F. present, especially from Chaslands and Waikawa. We didn't have badge?, however, so were barred from speaking to them. We were rather too bashful to say "Hul'oa, D.L.F.,'' without our badge. Most of the people address them by their noms de plume, and that was tho way we found out co many of their names. Tansy, Jam Tart, and Mickie Drippon contributed songs, which were greatly appreciated by the Pipers. Jam Tart played the accompaniments vei-y well. We forgot io mention tlint a few Haldane L.F. were t»<=sent also. Moat of the little folk clown that way seem very fond of dancing, and are in. esctacies of delight while tripping the light fantastic, bub it is all the amussruent country people have. The dance ended by the singin? of "Auld lang syne," but we were on our roarl to work by then, as we had a long way to go. One thing we wonder at is that there has not, bepn a L.F. picnic down that way, for if o«i many attended the picnic as attended the !a«t dance, we are sure it would be a great cuccess. We would patronise it, and give a few selections on our pipes if we haven't forgotteii how to play them. One of our number i-< j about aslee-p, so he is evidently thinking it'"? time we ceased writing. Hoping that Daddy's Helper and Nusgety Bob are now quits well again, w? will clo«p wit'n lovr *o Violet Rose. Mountiin Rimb'er, Kat«» Carnegie, and all th? oth»r littls folk, including Dot and the editor. — Youis truly. THREE PIPERS.

Dear Dot, — T went to Colac Bay for mj holidays, and iipd an enjoyable time. There wei<> five picnic* and tho annual sports while T \va.s there. I went to the dance after the sports, and enjoyed myself very much. Colao Bay is n. very pretty ulace, and I like the people who live there. They- were very good to me while I was there. Three or four boat« go out fishing every day froni Colac Bay, avd they cptch a good ri'iinbci of fish, which th c y send to the Bluff. "With love to all the D L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor.— Yours truly, CLOVER LEAF.

Dear Dot, — The weather is behaving not -o badly iiott, so we have no need for doing a prowl yet. There seems to have been a pooil deal of criticising in. the page lately. What is the matter, Dot? iPlax is being exit here just now. I have been out helping two or tbree times. I hope the town L.F. won't tie shocked when they see this, but I don't think the country girls mind hard work ; at. least they ought not to, for there is not much time for holidays. I didn't go anywhere for mv holidays, as I see most of the D.L.F. did " The Literaiv and Debating Rccieties seem to be Sourisliing ; and those v;h&

go to them seem to enjoy themselves thoroughly. While I am writing my three sisters are doing mental sums. When I went to school * mental" was done there, and not brought home to plague other people, for that is what they are doing. Impudence has been greatly offended because all her letters have been "minced," but for all that she is acting well up to her norn de plume. I think it must be very nice to live where there are plenty of L.F. There are only four here, unfortunately. I was looking at the picture of the minstrel troupe of L.F. in the Dunedin social and at the Upper Owaka group. The latter look as if they were enjoying themselves very much indeed. With kind regards to yourself and the editor, and all L.F.,— Yours truly, DREAMER.

[I am sorry Impudence takes the condensing of her letters so badly, Dreamer. She should, however, take heart and emulate the spider. You remember, it tried nine times before it finally succeeded, and possibly in time Impudence will write such an interesting letter, if she only perseveres, that it will be impossible to do anything with it but insert it in full.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— We have had lovely weather for come time. It has not rained for a long time. Nuggety Bob went back to the hospital last week. Her leg is bad again. Jeannie Dear and I have been making blackberry wine. Do you like it, Dot? It is very nice when it is made properly. We have a new D.I/.F. to our page» West Coast Lassie, and we shall soon have two or three more. At Easter we are going to have a D.L.F. picnic. There are about 16 or 17 D.L.F. about this place, and we are nearly always together. Some day all the L.F. about here ai& going to get their photo taken, and we will send you one. Every day in summer we go swimming, but it is getting too cold now, and we miss it very much. With love to.Srainbie, Black Diamond, Grey Valley, and yourself, — Yours truly,

BELL BAILEY.

[I am indeed sorry to hear that Nuggety Bob's leg is troubling her, B. B. She has been so plucky under her affliction that she has earned the friendship of everyone in the page, and I am sure the L.F. one and all will ■wish her a speedy recovery. — DOT.]

Deai Dot, — The -weather having been fine lately, the farmers are very busy harvesting. Some are cutting, some stooking, while others, again, are stacking. There is a flaxmill over here just now, and we have two post offices and a, store. One of the post offices is very close to where I live. The, coach comes out three times a week — on Monday, "Wednesday, and Friday. It comes out here at about 3 o'clock, and then goes in the next morning, leaving at about 10. Three grocers' carts come out here, two of them once a week, and the other one once a, .month. With love to Dandelion, Magpie Jack, Grace Darling, Dot, and the editor, — W. m HILDA.

Yours trvii

Dear Dot, — I am going to give you an account of a picnic I was at a few weeks ago. I shall begin by describing the scenery about the place where it was held. About half a mile from here is a small river, which looks very beautiful with the ferns hanging over the water's edge. On one side is the main Toad and on the other side a steep hill, clad •with large tree ferns and low scrub. At about 12 o'clock- we lit a fire to make tea, and at 1 p.m. we sat down to lunch, each individual having his or her own basket. Aboqfc a quarter. of a mile down the stream ihere^s a waterfall, and after lunch we all •went down to it. There was not much water in" the fall, but all the same, it looked very pretty with the trees hanging over it as if asking for a drink. When we got back to the road we found more people had arrived, so_ we gave them some tea, and proceeded ■with the day's pleasure. We played games of various kinds, including fill-the-gap, -frwos-and-threes, judge and jury, and King Henry. When we finished these games we liad a few races along the road, after which we had tea. After tea a few of the gathering departed, but the rest of us joined in playing disappointment and husbands and wives. We kept up the latter game till it was getting dark. I daresay most of the people enjoyed themselves, but there was a time of reckoning when they .came to pick the bid-a-bids off their clothes, — Yours truly,

LADY ARCTURA.

Dear Dot, — Although a month has gone by since we had our school picnic at Riverton, I shall try to give a good account of it. We had a special train, three schools joining and going -together — the Clifton, Motu Himu, and Seaward Moss. We left Woodend at half-past 9, and in due course reached Riverton. It was the first time I had ever been there, and I thought it was a very pretty place. We held our picnic about half a mile from the station, in a nice green paddock. The beach was just behind us, so we went to have a look at some men fishing with a net. One man was out in the sea, and another one on the beach pulling the net in. I waited, till it was hauled in, but there did not seem to be many fish in it. I went in for a ' race, and won a nice prize. Ther-e wasn't much to see on the picnic ground, and I enjoyed myself best having a look round the town. We left for home at about 6 o'clock, and I think we all had a very enjoyable day. I want a badge : is it stamps or money you send for it? My sister, who used to write to you, had one. but I think she lost it. With love to Motu Biinu, Happy Ike, and Bramble, — Yours truly, MINNIE GEAY.

[Either stamps or a postal note, dear; but if stamps, they must be either halfpenny or penny stamps, as we have no use for higherpriced ones. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Last time I wrote to the page I gave you an account of my Christmas holidays. The Witness came this morning, and there was the usual rush to get it, but I succeeded in getting it first, and you niay easily guess ■which page I turned to. I ■was at a picnic at G-. about a month ago, and I enjoyed myself greatly. We left here at 11 o'clock, and went as far as S. in the train. When we, arrived there the traction was to meet us, and I can tell you I did not take long to get into it. When all the picnickers had been seated, the traction whistled, and off we went through the nice cool breeze and the bright sunshine •which makes the people happy. A good many umbrellas were burnt that day, as there was no spark-catcher on the engine, and all the sparks were flying about people's clothes and umbrellas. The time did not seem Ions: in flying past, so we were soon at the spot where the picnic was to take place. We were not long in getting the tea made and the cakes handed round. Then we had a few games of lotmders, skipping, space in the ring, and so on until we got a bit tired, when we had some moTe tea. The time soon arrived when we had to get ready for going home. '-~*Fh.e engine got steam up, and when everything was ready ©ff we started on our journey home. It was 6 o'clock when I arrived home, and at 8 o'clock & social was held in the school. It was just dancing, and I think all present enjoyed themselves thoroughly. The next day was very Lot, and I can tell you I felt a bit tired on starting work again. It is lovely weather just now, and I hope it will keep like that for a while. I have left school now, and I find I mm kejpt Quite busy, 10-niorrow we shall be

washing, but the next day it will be ironing, which I very much dislike. "With love to all the L.F., especially Goldspur, Lynda., and not forgetting yourself and the editor, — GERANIUM.

Yours truly,

Dear Dot, — It is some little time since I wrote to the page, so I thought I would let you know how the Hermit in the backblocks was getting on. Well, Dot, winter is fast approaching, and that means putting plenty of firewood past and a few new shingles on the roof, for, Dot, I do not care to have the rain coming down on me, especially in winter time. One night I had actually to get under the bed to keep myself dry. I msut tell you about a Tide a friend and I had in a dray, so you can glean from my experience what kind of roads we have in winter time. The dray was loaded up with stores, but as the driver, good-hearted old man that ho was, invited us to a seat on a case of kerosene, we gladly accepted it, never dreaming of the knocking about we were to get. Well, when we got fairly started, our scat began to shift, and it was not long before it went over into the road, nearly dragging us it. Aiter fixing it up securely, we made another start, only to find that a bag of sago had burst, and was running out, leaving a long whi,te line behind us. Well, after that was tied up we started off again, but had not proceeded far when the tailboard came off the dray, and something else fell out, and by this time we were mud from head to foot, through bumping up against the mud-be-spattered bags and boxes. Talk about Queer Fellow's boneshaker: why, it could not have been a patch on the boneshaker^ dray that our friend had. I had the pleasure of seeing Tansy, Neva, and Cook of Our House and many other Chaslands D.L.F. at a ball the other night; but as I am noted for my shyness, I did not pluck up courage to speak to any of them. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting Queer Fellow, Gaiety Girl, Neva, or Tansy and Buffalo Bill, — Yours truly, BACKBLOCK HERMIT.

Dear Dot, — There are six or seven D.L.F. about here, but they hava not all got badges. I go to school yet, and I am in the Sixth Standard. We do not live far from the school, which is in the same street as our house. The township is surrounded by hills, and at one side there is a bush. We often go for a picnic to this bush, which is about two miles away. There is a very pretty river which divides the township into two parts. I often go wading in it, but some parts of it are dangerous to wade in, and once a school boy ■was drowned in it. There are 140 children attending this school, so you can judge from this that it is not a very small township. We had our annual school picnic when the school re-opened, and I enjoyed myself very much, though I was' very tired the next day. As the picnic was on a Thursday, we had a holiday on Friday. I am in the senior class at Sunday school. We go in at 2 and come out at 3 o'clock. We have an essay to write for next Sunday, but I have not started it yet. T]ie crops are beginning to ripen, and it v/ill soon be harvesting time; in fact, some of the farmers have started already. It has been beautiful weather here lately, and I hope it will continue. When I was in Invercargill I heard a boy behind me say, "That girl must have been through a treacle factory." He said it because I have a lot of freckles. With love to all the D.L.F., the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly,

HEATHER BELLE.

[The boy should take a few lessons in politeness, Heather Belle. Anyway, I think it is better for a girl to have a lot of freckles and good health than to have a delicate white skin and be often ailing. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I see nearly all the D.L.F. are writing descriptions of their holidays; but ad I did not go for a holiday, I cannot follow their example. Clyde is very quiet, just now. Easter will soon be here, and then there will be the sports, and I suppose they will liven it itp a bit. Hospital Sunday was held here about a fortnight ago. The Alexandra Band came up, but the attendance was not very good. They collected £6, which was thought to be pretty good for Clyde. My mate is away for a holiday just now, and I can tell you I do miss her ; but I often go up and play with her baby sisters, and I have grand times. They are twins, and such dear little things. Isn't the page increasing wonderfully? I see there is to be another picnic soon, and I would very much like to be able to go to it; but there is not much good saying you would like to go when you know it is impossible. I hope I may be able to attend one some day, though. My auntie was stopping with us for a holiday. She went away 11 years ago, and this is the first time we have seen her since, so we were all very pleased to have her with us once again. Of course, I couldn't remember her, as I was only two years old when she went away. With love to all the D.L.F., yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly,

GIPSY MADGE

P.S. — I see Gipsy,- Nell was complaining about my taking her norn de plume, so I have changed mine to Gipsy Madge.

Dear Dot, — Wednesday morning dawned ■clear and bright, so we decided to drive to a place a few miles off, where bramble berries grew in abundance. About 1 o'clock six of us left home, and after three-quarters of en hour's drive we arrived at our destination. The hedges were covered with brambles, and in some places the hedge ■'had died away, the brambles taking its place. We set to at once to fill our baskets, not forgetting to eat two •for nearly every one we put in the basket. There was a great noise and bustle, everyone calling 'out, thinking they had got a better place than anyone else. "Fairy," called out ray cousin, who tries to be funny in his way, though very often I fail to see where the fun comes in, "come here, there is a bush simply loaded with ripe berries." I went over to where George seemed very busy filling his basket, but no sooner had I started to fill mine than he rubbed my face with squashed berries. I must have looked a nice sight, as my - precious cousin seemed quite delighted with his handiwork, as he laughed fit to kill himself. I went over to a creek near by and ts ashed my •face. When I got back, my cousin and lay basket — nearly half full — had disappeared, leaving his empty one behind As I knew 'from experience it was of no tise trying to find him, I set to work and filled his basket, trying to make up for lost time. By this time the rest of our party had filled their 'baskets fond 'had all gone to explore the surrounding country. Some time after, George came back, but carrying an empty basket. Thinking he was getting his basket filled easily for him, lie lay down on the grass and pulled out of Ais pocket a book. I determined if he would not pick the berries he wasn't going to read. Going quietly up to him, I snatched away the book and hid it. George poked about trying to find it, but was unsuccessful, so he came and offered to fill my basket for me. Being rather suspicious of his good intentions, I declined with thanks. " You'll be sorry, he said, and jumped over the fence. " I suppose you would empty my bagket more quickly than fill it," I retorted. After I had filled my basket, I got my cousin's book, and as it was one I had not quite finished, I soon got interested, and did not hear my cousin's return. Hearing someone laugh. I looked up, and there was my cousin with his basket full. At my glance of astonishment, he made isuch a hideous grimace that I laughed

till I was sore. "^"Here they are!" I heard someone exclaim, and the rest of our party caoneover and said it was time to go home. Christmas and New Year have slipped by with all Mieir 'joys. I did not go anywhere for the Christmas holidays, but enjoyed myself athome far better than if I had been away. I was at the D.L.F. picnic on December 31, and enjoyed myself immensely. I am very sorry that it was my fault Lullie and her mates confused the site of the picnic ground. I informed all the L.F. about Milton whom I knew. I did not know until the 6av of the picnic that Lullie was a D.L.F., although I had often met her before, or I should have certainly told her of the change of the picnic site. I was away for a month's holiday. Two weeks I was in Dunedin; I went to the club one evening and enjoyed myself immensely. It was an open meeting, and the papers read were excellent, and if they are always as good our cltib will keep prospering. Darky's and her brother's essays on "Sisters" were very amusing. I think brothers are every bit as bad. They can be as sweet as a nut until its cracked. We got a D.L.F. group taken at the combined picnic to Catlins River. J>uchess of Kent and I went round the grounds trying to find all the L.F. who had not gone over to the beach. We got two groups taken, but the first did not come out very well, so we got another taken afterwards, which turned out "no so bad." — Yours truly,

FAIRY DENIS E.

Dear Dot, — We have been enjoying glorious weather lately, and most of the people are wishing for rain. Yesterday afternoon Ivy G-reen asked Jeannie Dear and myself to stay with her because her mother was away. She had a piece of chalk, and she was whiting our boots and stockings. To-day a lot of girls and I went for a swim in the creek. There was a board, and three of us at a time would get on it, and what fun we would have trying to swim. Ivy Green is back at school, and we have great fun with her. Are not the days closing in? Nuggety Bob has gone back to the hospital, her leg being bad again. I hope she will soon bo better. On Easter Monday about 23 D.L.F. and myself are going for a picnic, and also to get our photos taken. All the boys have found out our noms de plume, and they do tease us. One day West Coaster was at school, and she had on her badge. We could not think what D.L.F. stood for, but in another day or two we found out. I was speaking to West Coaster to-day, and she said that slie was going to leave school. We are all sorry she is going to leave. I nitisi close now, as I see that some of my mates are waiting for me. — Yours truly,

LITTLE NELL,

[Poor ISTuggety Bob, I hope sincerely to hear of an improvement in her condition soon. She has been so brave and uncomplaining during her affliction that I am sure the hearts of all the L.F. must have gone out to her. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is almost eight months since I wrote to you last, and many strange things have happened since then. The fas! time I wrote to you I asked for some autos, and I managed to get a few. We are going to have a concert on the 31st of March, and I hope it will prove a fine niglit. I am writing this letter in school, and am looking up every now and again to see if the master is noticing me. We shall be going out for reading soon. Dear Dot, do you like crape ferns? If you do, I shall send you some down the next time I write. I was at a good many picnics this year, and needless to say I had an enjoyable time as a rule. We have got nine cows ini Iking now, and I milk two of them. The inspector was here yesterday. We are having grand weather down here at present, but it is raining to-day. With love to Cornflower, Topsy 11, not forgetting yourself and Mr Editor, — Yours truly,

FEED'S MATE

Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to the D.L.F. Page — it seems to be ages ago — we have a new home, and we think it is very nice indeed. We are still hanging to the old cows' tails. We have 24 milking now, and four more to come in next week. The factory is about two chains from our door, and I ani learning to niake cheese, although it would not be very pleasant if I were to fall in to one of the vats ; they say I would make good clieess. I met Weka last week, and we had an enjoyable D.L.F. chat. We are getting splendid weather just now, and some rain would be acceptable. I was very pleased to see Queer Fellow's letter in the Witness last week, and I was much interested in it. There is a social on to-night in my uncle's barn, and I hope to be there. My two sisters may be going, too. The school is about a mile from our home. The harvest is on hand just now, so we have not much time to spare, as the days are drawing is very quickly, and it is dark later in the mornings just now. With love to all D.L.F. , the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly, ANOTHER MOUNTAIN LILY.

Dear Dot, — We have a relieving teacher at present, but we are getting our permanent teacher in a few weeks. We are having lovely weather, but sometimes it is very cold. There are races at Ranfurly on Friday, but I am not going. I have nobody to bother me to-night, as they are out visiting. I was out for a ride the other night with my brother, and I was stiff when we got home. The other morning as I -was going to school with my brother a dog made a dive at me, and nearly caught me by the leg. My sister has gone back to town again, and I have to start and milk the cows, but I don't care, as I have only four to m^k, one of my sisters milking the other four. I have only one more year to go to school now, and I wish that year would hurry up and pass, as I am getting tirect of school work. We have a lot of apples this year, and some of them are getting pretty ripe. My cousin was up from town staying with us for a week. The day my sister and she were to go back to town my mother took them to the railway station. There are two trains passing now, and they got on the up-train instead of tke down one. When my mother saw that they were on the wrong train she told the porter, and he waved to the driver to stop the train. They got off immediately, and the porter and some other station men helped them to carry their baggage back to the station again. They were only a quarter of a_ mile up the line when the train, stopped. All the people had a great laugh at them, and they had to come back home and ajo away next day. With love to all the D.L.P.. not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly,

LADY DE LOUIS

Dear Dot, — The place I am living in is a very pretty little spot, although it is very quiet. I have been house-kaeping for nine weeks, as mj sister has been away for a holiday. We are going to have a D.L.F. picnic, ■which I think will be held on Easter Monday, and we think on that day we are going to have our photo taken. We are having lovely weather now, and we go for a bathe every day, and have great fun. With love to Bramble, Black Diamond, Ivy Green, Little. ISTell, Jeannie Dear, Bill Bailey, and the editor, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

MAGNOLIA.

Dear Dot, — I have a nice flower garden, with ali kinds of flowers in it. There was a fire here a short time ago, in which one of my aunties' houses got burnt to the ground. They lost everything that they, owned. I have

three sisters and two brothers, the youngest of its being a boy four months old. With love to all the L.F.,— Yours truly

KLSINORE

Dear Dot, — My brother works in a sluicing claim, and I often take some lunch over to the men. It is only about half a mile, so I haven't far to go. There is a night shift in the claim, and my bro+hjr often goes on from 12 o'clock at night till 8 in the morning. Ouc night I went over to the claim with my brother, and, oh, wasn't I aick. I went straight away to bed, and there was no more night shifts for me. About a year ago an unfortunate accident occurred in this claim. The manager, after boring the foundation away, went up to the surface to see if the ground was cracked. As ho stood on the edge of the bank tha ground under him. gave way,' and down went the fall with the man over a. 45ft face. He landed on a heap of loose soil, but with the exception of a few scratches and a terrible fright, he got off unhurt. I am setting a fow traps just now, but getting veiy few rabbits. I think I catch my fingers about «.*.-ery second trap I set. If I caught as many rabbits as fingers, I would do well enough. Since the trains have been altered, we get more schooling, but before they were altered W3 didn't get much time to learn anything. At firfst I could not remember about the time being altered. My sister has left school now, so she doesn't need to care for the trains being changed. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting yourself and the dear old editor,— Yours truly, OLD SPOET.

Dear Dot, — Bramble and I are going to have our photos taken, and if it turns out a good one, we shall send you one. I wish, Dot, you would put your photo in the Witness. I am going to tell you about a good tinie we had one Sunday afternoon bird-nesting. We left home after dinner, and went about a mile up a creek near our house, and then started in the bush. We got about sis eggs, and then left for home. As we were walking along a bird flew. out of some bush., I ran to see, and found a spink's nest! but as Bramble couldn't reach it, she said, "If you go down on your hand and Irnees and let "me stand on your back, I will just be able to reach it, ' and of course I agreed, without thinking of th-> dreadful weight she was. She got tip, but I started to laugh, and she laughed fit to kill herself, though at last she got it. With love to Little Nell, Ivy Green, Violet Alice, Goldspur, not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly,

BLACK DIAMOND,

Dear Dot, — Since I came to live here I have become acquainted with, a number of the D.L.F., and I thought I would write and become one, too, if I may. I will first of all tell yoti about my Christmas holidays. My father owns a hut about seven miles out of Greymouth. and we camped out for a few days. It was very pleasant being so close to the sea, and it was only about five minutes' walk to get to Point Elizabeth. I' r | sister and I started out for it, but the tide >%inie in, so we couldn't reach our destination. While we ■were out camping several picnic parties came out from Greymouth in drags, and they seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly. Early in the morning we used to go for a bathe in the sea, and in the afternoon we either went for s, row on the rirer or for a walk on the beach. On the last day it began to rain, and we Had rather a wet drive back to Grey, but it cleared up in the afternoon. However, we got home in the train about 9 o'clock, though the train was delayed, it being New Year's Eve. We enjoyed our3elve3 very much, and hope to enjoy a similar ta-eat next year. There aro such quantities of blackberries about here, and mother has been busy making jam this last week. You will be sorry to hear that the potato crops have been nearly all destroyed by the blight. We dug* ours up when the blight came, but some of them are very small. With love,— Yours truly, DOLLY GRAY.

Dear Dot, — This time 1 am going to tell you about a great httnt my two brothers, Black Diamond and I, once Itad after a cow and a big calf. We. left home about 1 o'clock, aacl rode by the creek that passes our house. After going along for some time, we left the creek and turned to the left, and into tha bush. Hore we struck another creek. We had six dogs, and as we went along we sent the dogs into the bush to see if they could find the cow. When we had gone about a mile up the creek we found we could not go anj farther with the horses ; so we got off and tied them up, and started away on foot. Oh! dear, Dot, then the fun commenced, for we had to crawl through vines and over logs, over swamps, and all sorts of things. I should i have liked to have had one of the town L.F. | there. After we had gone about two miles on foot, and we still had not found the cow, we thought it time to go back. B. D. and I stopped to have a look around. Wall, the • scene just, there was worth all the walking and hardships we had gone through- In front and on the right hand side were the mountains, and we were right at the bottom of them; then on the other side was a cliff, not very high, hut it was covered witli ferns, ■creepers, scrub, and many other things. After a while we started back. Then we got the cow in the bush, and set the dogs on to her, but her calf began to yell, and after us she came. B. D. and I got behind a big tree, then after my brother she went, and if the dogs had not set on to her she would have had him. Then we got her on to the beach, and off she went as hard as she could. We had a good laugh at the cow and one of tha dogs. The dog was trotting along a nice green place, but in front was a steep bank and a deep hole of wafer. The cow started after tie dog, but it didn't hear her cominp, ond when it did see her she was just behind. The dog got a "go" on, but kept looking behind, and so of course it didn't see the bank, and over it went head first into the water. My word, Dot, we did laugh. We did not see the cow again until we were nearly home. One of the dogs went along behind her all the way, so we were not frightened of losing her. When we got her into the yard it was 5 o'clock, and the boys had to kill a bullock, the calf, and two sheep that night. I think ; I had better bring this to a close now. With love to all the L.F., Dot, and the editor,— BRAMBLE.

Yours truly,

Dear Dot,— lt is such a long time since I last wrote to you that I was afraid you would forget such a person as I ever existed. My sister and I have been away from home nearlsr two months, but we are going back for a few weeks at Easter. It seems years since I left home, and every day seems like a week. We are near the sea. here, and every day I go for a. bathe with another girl. I have taught myself to swim during the time I have been going for bathes here. This is a very nice place to live in, as the scenery is very pretty. It is bounded by hilje on tht.ee sides, and by the sea on the other, and there are also a great many trees about. I am going to tell you about a picnic we went to gome time ago to a place called £urau. First of all we went in ft train for a short distance, then in & train, and while in the train we went through a tunnel about a quarter of a mile long. Then we got into a small steamer and went about half an hour's journey over water. It was lovely on the other side. ■ The place selected for the picnic was in amongst soai»

trees. After staying until about 5 o'clock, theboat came back again. We reached home about 8 o'clock, very tired ; but we had enjoyed the day very much indeed. With love to Gratiiude, Princess I, Blue Bell I, and Billy the Bustler, — Yours truly,

QUEEN OF THE MAY.

Deor Dot, — It is just a year since I last! wrote to you. I do not write too often, do I Dot? I was away for two weeks' holiday to Haldane. Haldans is such a pretty place in the summer months. There is a lot of bush, there, and it looks so cool on a hot day. I managed to get a few starfish and a large sea-egg on the rocks at Slope Point. I went up the bush the other day to see Tim. The* road up there is so long and rough. One part of the road is very straight, and there are little sticks laid across. The sticks are so hard to walk on, and very easy to trip over. When we came to the river we had to get a man to put us across, and I think my mate was a bit timid. When we were coming home, Tini rowed us up the river to the landing place. Tini, has a great crop of apples this year 1 , and I think I had my share of them, besides what I carried home. With best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetitng "the kind editor and yourself, — Yours truly, LONELY ONE.

AUTOS

Clover Leaf would like to exchange autoa with Ai\ld Reekie, Shepherdess, Countess, Verona, M. P. D., and Fair Eliza. Address: "Clover Leaf, D.L.F., Slope Point P. 0., Southland."

Fairy Denise writes : — Anyone wishing to exchange autos with me, please address:' "Fairy Denise, care of Mr J. Paul, Fairfax, Milton." Dear Matilda, I am sorry, but I could not get you the axitos you asked for.

Magnolia would very much like to exchange sutos with Oiu>»n o" '.!ie -■ eat. J0 •> - -i' •»> s. Fred, Awkward Ned, and any other D.L.F. who are willing. I shall send mine in return. Address : "Magnolia, D.L.F., rare of Mr J. Burrows, Anaura, AVest Coast."

Elsinore would very mttch lik^ to exchange sutj>s with Fred. Awkward I\ed, Cornflower, and any other L.F. who are willing. They shall u,et mine and Little Xeh's in icturn. Address: "Elpinore, care ot Mr E. Ciossey, P. 0., Ahaura, West Coast. '

Branible would like to exchange autos with Indian Chief, Awkward Ned, and any othei X/.P. who are -willing:- Address - "Bramble. care of Mrs «f. Smith, butcher, Blackball, West Coast." Fred's I\L»

•Mtli Tcpsy I, -•>-..., ..,- . --• Qu-sir I Auntie Daisy Primrosa, and ai/y otho.- L.F Address- "If red'-^ Mate, care of Ralamu P.O Catlins." Backblock Hermit would liks if Xeva and Southland Cynic -.vo-v.ld send him their autos in rsHIVJI for liis. sent to tli&rn some time ago. Would Black "Watch. Tansy. Birds of the Wilderness, and Ceres also exchange with, lxiin Address: "Baqkblock TT-Tsn 1 . T . F. Niagara P. 0., ia Fortiose." Black Diamond will be glad to exclia.nge autos with any L.F. that are -willing. Address : "Black Diamond, care of Mr J. Smith, butcher, Blackball, West Coa?t "

Princess May would like to exchange ante 3 with Straight Hair, Dewdrop IV, Cornflower. Lady Lillian, Fairy Queen I, Lady of Hclx D«ne. Three Threads in a Thrum, and any other D.L.F. who aae willing. If they also send one for my sister, they will get ours in return as soon as possible. Address: "Princess- May, care of Chosianda P. 0., via Fortrose."

Queer Fellow writes: — "If any L.F. has requested my a'lito. or sent theirs to nue without receiving mine in return, I -wish to be excused, as I have not had time to attend to my D.L.F. affairs latefy. By sending theirs to ' Qweer Fellow, care of Lochindorb, via Puerua,' they -will promptly receive mine in return. Will Soinebody'a Sweetheart kindly; send her&?"

Paparoa writes: — "Should any L.F. desire my auto, pleaso address, ' Paparoa. L.F., Upper Moonlight P. 0., Ahaura. West Coast.' '*

ANSWERS TO COREE.9PONDENT&-

L^dy De Loris. — Yes, dear; but -what is eh<j

They will find out irr-nediatdy, and

it will be worse for you then. T. F. J.— You will find Queer FeQow'* RdiJwwa in the Auto column this week.

LITTLE FOLK'S BADGEf . Badgas sent: — The Seaman, Fi'ius. With ijih: — Scraanbular, Happy Ika.