LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2665, 12 April 1905, Page 73

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

lil otto: — We write for the benefit of others, not

for oui selves.

Dear Dot, — Having obtained a fortnight's holiday from my boss, I decided to spend them in Chaslauds — that little spot in Southland where the D.L.F. Page flourishes, and ■vrhsrs nearly every boy and girl one meets "belongs to .Dot's famous band. Having prexiousiy inquired if the road to Chaslands was in _a fit condition for bildng, and being sins-srerecL in the affirmative, I .decided to 'try it; .bo one fine morning set off^from Fortro3e, where I am at .present working, full of high spirits in anticipation of the nice ride 1 should have. But, alas! for false hopes. Instead of .reaching Chaslands about noon, as I had intended, I did not get therd till about 5 p.m., s>nd then m a very dejected condition, with my spirits down to zero, my clothes covered with dust, and such a "tired feeling" abcut me that I believe even Dr Williams's Pink Pills could hardly have benefited nie. I had been misinformed about the roads, which were certainly very dry, and in good order for a horse and trap, but absolutely "no class" for a bike, being very rough and lumpy, so I had to -walk a considerable part of the way. Of course, Dot, you may be sure I did not get off without a spill — in fact, two of them, — but I shall only describe one. I was going down a rather steep incline, and nay attention being momentarily diverted from my wheel by a flaxmill on the side of the road, my iron steed sxiddenly resolved to get rid of me; so after jumping about all over the road as if looking for a suitable place to throw me off, it finally deposited ma up against a clay bank without farther ceremony. There I sat for a few minutes with very mixed feelings, a spectacle which was 310 doubt greatly enjoyed by some men who were - standing outside the mill. They were \ too -far away for me to see if they were iaugh- ! ing, -but somehow I could feel they were. How- ! ever^, to quote the old adage, "All's well that j ends well," and after a good night's rest I I felt none the worse lor the previous day's j experiences. My holidays were mostly taken j up with rides, bush rambles, parties, etc., all ] of which I would like to speak about; but j I am getting anxious about the length of my letter, so will not give a detailed account of any of them. The time passed so pleasantly that when the "time for my return arrived I was somewhat loth to leave the scene of so much enjoyment. Most things come to an end, however, and one morning T awoke to find that it was the day of my return to Forhroae. I had determined new to bike ! back, so I engaged • one of the settlers' boys ] to drive me to the junction, a distance of " about 10 miles', where I would meet the Fortrose -coach. The clerk of the weather | had up till now behaved very well, but he did not intend to let me away with a dry skin, for just as we started off the rain came down in torrents, as if anxious to make up for lost time. Troubles seldom come singly, and ■when about halfway on our road our horse, which had for some time been showing a marked disinclination to proceed much farther, suddenly ca-me to .a dead stop, and refused to move another yard forward. I was about to try a little 'gentle persuasion by means .of a stout stick, when nay driver informed me that his .horse objected very \ strongly, to being struck, and 4f subjected to ! such treatment would most certainly kick the I trap to pieces. Not relishing the idea of such a performance, I contented myself with ! flourishing the stick about my head in a very ! ferocious and warlike mann-er ; while the object of my frantic manoeuvres calmly snrveyed lne with a look which plainly suggested ihe words, "You know better." Seeing that -the animal would not be bluffed in this manner, I got out of the trap, and with a few sharp cuts and a great deal of pulling and hauling managed to get him to start, only, however, to stop a few chains farther on, where the whole performance was repeated. In this rather peculiar manner we at last reached the junction; and although I had almost given up all hope of being in time to catch the coach, I found we had some time to wait before it was due. At last it appeared, and, after transferring my bike and belongings to it, we set off for Fortrose. Nothing of any importance happened during the- rest of my journey, and I arrived at my destination safely, with a fair amount of Chaslands mud on my clothes, and with many pleasant — and a few rather unpleasant — memories of my trip. Dear Dot, I notice that a DX.F. writer has taken ray norn de plume. Unfortunately, I did not keep a. record of the date of the appearance of my first letter, but I am certain I had the name first, so I shall trust to the other Tommy's honour to either change his name or submit to being dubbed Tommy 11. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

TOMMY.

Dear Dot, — Since last writing to you I have" teen to the Ahaura annual picnic. It was held in Hokitika this year, and I enjoyed the outing immensely. I was also at the Greyniouth Trots on March 20. I went down on Monday morning, and came home the following day, reaching my destination in the afternoon. My flower garden is looking very well at present. I hava some lovely hollyhocks out, and they look so pretty; they are a bright red. I have also some white blush roses, and many others, as the auctioneers Say, "too numerous to mention." lam not going to school just now, as I have no teacher. I would much rather go to school than stay at home. We are having lovely weather here, Dot. With best love +o all the West Coast L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

FIVE QUID

Dear Dot,-^Our little band of L.F. is in-

creasing very rapidly. We have just formed a little club, and are going to have a D.L.F. v picnic at Easter time. We were talking about * ffstting a group taken, also. Jnst fancy, Dot, '% enr little band has increased to 20 : that is S" * good number for a liftle township. There £ are" a few D.L.F. who are living out of the $ township, but are going to come to the picnic. = I hope it will be a fine day, so that we may all enjoy ourselves. Ido not know whether I can go, but I hope I shall be able to. Dear Dot, do you think it is fair copying others' sioms de plume? We often talk of D.L.F.

doings at school. With love to ail D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, -Yours

[No, dear, I don't think it fair for one L.F. to copy another's norn de plume, if done intentionally. This, however, is raiely, if ever, the case. The owner of a norn de plume may not write for a few months, and then a new writer may start who has not seen the name in the page, or who has forgotten it. I think that is how the duplication occurs usually.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I have two miles to walk to school. Our school is near the coast. A great quantity of flax grows near the school, and a flaxnoill is close at hand. There is bush around our house, and also some very pretty ferns. I have been gathering ferns, and I have a good collection now. We are milking 15 cows, and send the milk to the factory. With love to all D.L.F.,— Yours truly,

THE DARK-EYED QUEEN.

Dear Dot, — We are having the most awful weather you could imagine — nothing but fog and rain and mud, — a perfect contrast to what j we have lately had. It has kept on raining j for two days, and I do not know when it will stop, but Ido wish it would change. My aunt, my sisters, and I went to a picnic last Saturday, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. We started away from home about dinner time, and arrived at the place where the picnic was 'held at about 3 o'clock, after riding eight miles. It was held on the road, as it had rained in the morning. We played rounders, last couple out, nuts in May, and drop tho handkerchief. I went in one race, and made a sp'endicl last, or second last: 1 am sure I don't know which. Anyhow, I was nowhere near the front. My sister was third, and got 6d. About 6 o'clock we went to Mr Murray's shed and had tea, then the tables were cleared and taken outside, and we began dancing ; but* as it was Saturday night it was only kept up till 32 oJclock, much to my regret. After the dance 11 of us rode down the road shouting and singing. We got home at 2 o'clock, slept till 7, then got up and caught our horses once more, and rode five miles to church. We were pretty stiff for a few days afterwards, I can tell you. All the picnics and dances are over for ihis summer, and wo shall have to settle down to ■winter and school, and content ourselves with thinking of what a glorious time we are going to have next summer. At least I intend to, if I can. It is blowing something terrible to-day — indeed, you can't go outside but what you are nearly blown away. Monica she thought that if her letter came under the eye of a certain cousin living in North Otago she would get barracked, and she did. There arc a number of fires outside, and the wind is spreading them. Our school is to be examined next month, I think, so pray for me, Dot. This time last year I ■was preparing to go down to the South. Island. Oh_, what wouldn't I giye to be going again this year! There are no D.L.F. tip this way at all. I wish there was, because I should like to know some. With love to Constant Con, Jessica, Nut, Queen Bess, not forgetting vonrself and ifhe editor, — Yours truly, 25SMEEALDA.

Dear Dot, — I have something new to tell you — a fortnight's holidays and how I spent them. Leaving home about 8.15 a.m., my brother a.nd I had to waJk some five miles to catch the train, which left at 10 sharp (so we thought). Picture our dismay when, about a mile from the station, we saw the train steam off, and we were left behind. We stayed tl\at night in X., and were down to the station in the morning about half an hour before the train came in, so that we shoujd not miss it again, xirriying at our destination about 2.30 p.m., we had dinner, and then started to walk to F.. a distance of about four and a-half miles from Mataura, though it seemed like nine inles that day. I thought we were never going, to get there ; b'a*- we did — about 4 o'clock. ""The next day we had a look round us. The house is situated on the top of a Mil. I coiild see the train going backward slxlcL forward to axicl from GcTe. On Sunday we went to elmrch, which was held in the school. There was something to do every day, and the fortnight passed all too quickly. My brother had gone to Invercargill to" stay a month or so, but just as I was thinking of coming home I got a letter from him saying he was coming back with me. I told him t« : meet me at Mataura on a certain day. I got a ride down ■with a friend who carried the mail, and, strange to say, she told me she always looked for my letters, but didn't know who th-ey were from. Then I told her I'd write again as soon as I got home. She only kn«w two D L.F. — Angclsea and Harry. When I got to the station my brother wa-s nowhere to be seen, and I came home without him. I stayed at K. again, and came home next morning in the pouring rain. I got a, ride with a factory cart. With love to all the D.L.F., Dot, and the editor, — Yours truly, HEARTY LASSTE.

Dear Dot, — As the days go by we still can interest ourselves by writing to you. As the days are getting much colder and the nights very dark. I have to anrase myself indoors ; but still- it does not seem lonely, as I have to do a good deal of studying for an examination which is to take place in Wellington in July; so you see I am rather busy. I have not been at the Invercargill Club meetings for two weeks, as I have had something more important to attend to, but I stiispose it i 3 still as successful as ever. Last Wednesday I was invited to attend a in-ivafce cricket match which was to be played by the Invercargill dentists and chemists, but it did not come off, as the day was too wet, and I was rather disappointed. I went up to the grounds, but there was no one there, so I had to content myself with turning back and making for home. And, after all, I found that home was the best place, as it came on to rain soon after, and it did not cease until about 9 o'clock the next morning. I intend going to an evening party next week, and when I write again I shall tell you how we all enjoyed oivrselves. —Yours truly, ZEPHYR. Dear Dot, — As our school is being painted inside we have a week's holiday, and I am

spending mine with my Auntie Giulia

like being here very much. I should like to stop here for good, but it is too far from school. I feed the calf and the hens, and

gather the eggs for auntie, and bring in granddad's cows; so they will miss me when I go home. Auntie and I were going to see a friend the other day, and we had to cross a cresk. When we got to it there was a great deal of water, more than we expected, and we could not s*et on to the plank. Auntie wanted to tuiji back honie, but I felt disappointed, and said, " I'm on for wading." We then tried to jump the small streams, but could not get very far, and at last we took off our shoes and paddled through it. It was as good as a play to see how scared auntie was in case any one was watching us. It will bs a pity for me when she sees this. Dear Dot, I should like to attend the Debating Club. Auntie used to go when she was in Dunedin, but she had to leave there very unexpectedly owing to the death of her mother. She will not be able to go back again, as she has to look after thjngjj at home. She toid me to give her love to you and her dear club friends. She will write to you some day as

soon as she has time. I was very so-rry to hear of tie dgath of two ni|Oie L.F. — namely. Book-

worm and Miss Messenger. Quite a number of our comrades have passed away lately — we must hope to a better world. Dear Dot, my mother has a dear little baby boy just three weeks old. I must stop now as auntie is growling at me to go and get my head washed, so I shall say good-bye. With love to all the L F. and your own dear self, — Yours truly, GIULIA'S NIECE. [1 am afraid poor auntie will want to see what Giuha's Niece has written next time, for I do not think she will like our all being told about her wading the creek and looking all around the whole time to see if anyone were observing her. Then fancy her ' growling " at you ; why, what will she say to that '/ —DOT.]*

Dear Dot, — We are having very disagreeable weather at present. It turns windy, and never | stops for nearly two days. Our school picnic j Wsi3 held on the 21th March, and I was at it. I ran in one race, and I got first prize. There was a large crowd, at it. and it did not break up until 6 o'clock. I have started to go to school again, and have to work hard this year. On St. Patrick's Day I went down to see my schoolmate, and she and I went down the paddock to catch the horses to go for a ride. While we 'were bringing up the horses I noticed a weasel, and it ran into a bush, but it must have got out of the bush, as we could not find it when we went to look for it. After dinn«r we -went away for a long ride, and I enjoyed myself very much. With love to all,— Yours truly, FAN. Dear Dot, — Our new master at school i 3 getting on well, and we intend to have a concert in the hall m two weeks' time. The master has only one child, and she is in my room, and we play together. My father lias a, kraniuphone, and we have fine tunes at night on it, and my little brother greatly enjoys it. It will soon be winter. It is very cold going to school in the ruoruhiga here in wint?r. I am in the First Standard yel, but my teacher intends to put me on 600:1. Father has a nice grey pony called Nellie drey, and some-times I have a ride on her. She is very quiet, and will eat anything. My brother likes to feed her out of his hand. My mother always sends the Witness Home to Scotland, and my grandma reads zny letters in it. Love to all the L.F., Mount Ida, and Premier, — You"- tiu'y.

ANNE.

Dear Dot, — It is very wuidy weathei just I -now. I was at the Haniurly races, imd * I thought they were very enjoyable. I saw a good many D.L.F. whom 1 knew, so the time soon, passed away. Most of the fai-mere have j their crops cut and in slack. Ou.r school j tesic-lier is going away on the Ist of April, and ' Miss Sims is to start to teach, on the 3rd. With love to all the little folk and the editor, ! —Yours truly, GEEALDINE. , Dear Dot, — Jit present I have n cous'n stayuig with me, and we do have Al times. We have had two lovely rides. First we went to Taikurura, which is about eight miies away. Just before we got there we had to ford a river, and it was verj exciting. At our destination we let our horses loose in a paddock for an honr, and walked down to the I beach. Sych a pretty beach it is. At one : place we went into a cave, where the water ! rushes in in three or four different ways. I It was such a sight to see the breakers rolling in. We shall never forget it. From a hill ws saw the Hen and Chickens and the Great Barrier jooming in the distance. Then there ; were Mokohina Island, where the lighthouse j is, and the Poor Knights. Really, it is an < exquisite view. We went home a different J and longer way, and lode through to another 1 river, the Patau. We galloped up the side. ' i It was grand, and the horses got quite exj cited, and I think the riders did too. It was i dark when we arrived at a friend' 0 , ■six miles • from here, and it was late when we gob j home, so tired. The next time -»-c rode nearly j 30 mile?, away up on to the ridges, miles awa3 r j from here ; but we could pee the house — just I n little white speck. At Taranui, about 10 j miles away, we went to an orchard, and had j a lovely time. Alter -that -we rod* lip to i the top. The Toad winds round and round ! through such magnificent bush, and the view i was splendid; only, as there were a good many bush fires about, it was rather smoky. We were not nearly so tired this time, although we had ridden farther, but we enjoyed both rides so much. I think I told you about Manaia before. Well, we climbed it a week or two ugo. Six of us went up, and it only took us an hour and a-quarter to climb it; about ISOOft I think it is. To get on to the peak we had first to pull ourselves up by two rata vines, then walk along a narrow ledge, snd pull ourselves up by small vines; then all was easy. The summit is only about 12ft square, and if it had not been smoky we should have had such a lovely view. The roads and houses and people looked so small and ineijmificant. Some frisnds of ours were up the harbour in a yacht, and they spied us with a telescope. We had to be cautious coming down off the weak, but after that we ■went down in double-quick time through the bush, and the stones came rattling after. I don't think a»y one of us was eorry to be on safer eround again. Halfway down we lost sight of the leaders. I was going the right track, but one of them said, "You're wrong." f said, "No," and just went on, till we heard the leader calling, "Yoii're off the track." Of course, we went back ever so far ; then they rushed past us on to the track I was taking. We were wild at them, but we had a good

laugh all the same. Last week my cousin and I spent three days in Whangarei. We enjoyed ourselves immensely. On St. Patrick's Day a^regatta was held, but instead of going to it we walked three miles to see the Abbey

Caves. They are in a gentleman's property. A party of about 1-4 were taken through that day. We went in a very narrow opening, and had to bend to get in. I think there were about six candle"?. lam glad I didn't have one to carry ; it was enough to look after yourself. The caves are well worth going to see ; they are really very wonderful, some of the stalactites being magnificent. There were some really dangeroixs places: if youtr foot had slipped you would have fallen, dear knows where. At one place there was a basin formed in the rock, and the three of us girls were standing by it, and the gentleman asked us to taste the water, for the basin was full. We wouldn't, so he took some and splashed us. We had a laughing match then. It took us an hour to go through, and we ca.me out on the other side of the hill. There are two more caves on the farm. One is long, and very wet and muddy ; the other is the better one. Yesterday we went in a yacht fishing, but only caught two small sharks. My! it was exciting to see them pulled in and killed, then tied up to the rigging. We got almost becalmed, and we had to xmll halfway home. With fondest love to Paparoa, Mountain Rambler, and Monica, and to all the rest of the D.L.F., your own dear self and the editor (I do hope he will take compassion waen he hears this letter conies from the far north), — Yours truly, PRINCESS OF THE FAR NORTH. Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to you I have shifted from Niagara, but I intend to go back next week. My sister and 1 are having great times here. The boys go into the garden nearly every night and eat the fruit, so my sister and I thought we would frialiten them.

' We "both dresseS in vlxiis anS put a sheet i ' o>'er our heads, then we went uowji to the I garden. My sisier wanted to see how I looked at a distance, so I went to show her, but as I was strolling along I fell in the wet grass, and could not get up for laughing. We walked i about the garden for a while, then we weat j oat into Ihe opcu, whore the degs could see I us; but they began to bark, so we thought we ' would hurry home Just as we were coming to the house one of the men came uinning up with his blankets to ask if he could stay m the house as he had ] seen two ghosts down in the garden. There I is a hut not far from here, arid the men j had a lot of apples in it, but one day somei body went in and took the apples and put turnips m their plrce. Of course, we were blamed for it, but we were innocent of that lot. My sister and I rede with my nucle to muster sheep to-day, and we did have some fun galloping after them. Then we got them into the paddook we went to "Turn-ba-rum-ba" and had our dinner, which we enjoyed very much after riding eight miles. I went to Gore last week, and I think it is a very pretty \:>]aoe. I only saw one D/L.F. wearing a badge, but I did not speak, as I hadn't one myself We had a visit from Neva, Cook of our House, and Fairy Nell while I was at home, and I think they are very nice girls, but I aha l ! never forgive C. O. O. H. for sticking pins into me. With love to Slabby's Mate ami Buffalo Bill, not forgetting yovr=el{ and i\\e editor, — Yours truly. XV "^"

ijD hesetf.

[It was' certainly very amusing for a mar. to be afraid of two small girls in white, Auld Reekie ; at the same time I do not think it is wi^e trying to pose as ghost=. Supposing a boy had begun to throw stones at the "gho'ts, ' or even discharged a gun at them, what would you have done then? Again, there is always the danger of serious consequences ensuing in ths case of a delicate girl or woman seeing the supposed "apparitions," and gettiixsr a shock, the cojsequences of which might Ipst a lifetime. No; it is better to let the boys have ? fey apples than run sucli-risks. — DOT.]

Dot, — We have had lovely weather here lately. There are s=uch a number of Maori Lon^ here. There was a dance in the wool«lied on Saturday night, and I enjoyed myself at it very much. The Hon. Mr HallJones was up this way last week. I went up 'in the ballast train as far as the bridge. He delivered a speech there, and then he went on to Cheviot We came home in the reserved carriage that the Hon. Mr Hall-Jones went up in With love to ail tile D.Xi.F.. yonrsclf, and the editor, — Yours truly, HIGHLAND LASSIE.

Dear Dot, — We axe having beautiful weather for the ha.rveat, and the farmers all seem to bj very busy threshing. We have no ciop this year, and, indeed, I am not scary, for I don't like having to fly round so hard when we have got the mill. However, notwithstanding this, I hope the L.F. won't thiiik I am lazy. I don't know what is coming over the Oamaru D.LJF. There used to be a great number of them, but new when I go into town I only see the same boy, and only now and then he has his badge on. I don't know what his norn de plume is, but I hope I'll poor find out. We always give the Witness smile. I think the L.F. in and about Oaniaru should have picnics like the others, and own that they are D.L.F. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self and Mr Editor, — Yours truly,

NOBODY'S PET

Dear Dot, — Lonely and tired, of the usual | day's toil, I wander round to the front verandah just x o have a glimpse of the beautiful night before I retire to rest. It is so quiet; not a sound disturbs the . stillness of the dewy air, and the beautiful moon glides onward m her cloudy path, casting occasional shadows over the earth. Ah, Dot, what a strange feeling comes over one when ' alone in Ihe moonlight: at least, it does in my case. "Every object around seems to be altered from what it -seems to be in the daytime. Dear friends seem to be near you, and happy recollections of bygone days come back to memory, crowding themselves before you until you are lost in bewilderment. All at once you seem to waken, as if out of a dream. All your fancies have faded, leaving only a deep impression in your inmost heart. The moon is gliding swiftly on, just as our lives are passing too, meeting clouds as we do trouble, and passing over them, only to meet more. Now and then it will meet a clear path for a while, and it seems to dance with joy among the tilvery stars ; but soon — yes, all too soon, it disappears into a cloud, and seems to be surrounded with sadness. But only for a while, for it soon glides out, and travels on its way, to meet more dar-k places and bright ones, and long ere th,e* mighty earth casts of£ her dark mantle of night the moon has travelled its course, and has retired to the other side of the world, to continue its lonesome journey. Just like the moon some I one of us has travelled his or her lifelong journey, and has gone into the Unknown, leaving only a remembrance behind. The stillness of the night is broken at last by the wild whistle of the pukekos and wekas, which echo fold upon fold among the hills, until the fading cry is drowned in the beginning of another, which, like its predecessor, is lost, and is then succeeded by another, and so on the whole night through. I can also hear the shrill whistle of the train, although the nearest station is 10 miles away, but the sound is very plain, and it seems to tell me that work is still going~on in the busy city. The cow beils seem to be ringing plainly now as their notes float up from under the hills where the cattle are grazing, and the creek, which has got so small on account of the recent fine weather, can just be heard as it ripples over the stones and pebbles, flowing on to meet the briny ocean, where it is swallowed up by the waves. "But it is not gone for ever, for it soon rises up again in vapour, and comes down in rain drops on the mountain tops. Things are getting quite lively inside, for friends have come to pass away the evening with us. I hear the sweet strains of that old and well-loved song, "Home, sweet home." What sweetness and feeling are in the words, and it seems to bind one more dearly to the land of one's birth. I once read in a book that when a singer sang it first in a town in England, one of her audience — a ycung girl, who had left her home and her grey-haired parents to battle for themselves in Ireland— left the hall with tear-stained face, and went her way to her home and to her dear parents, never again to part. I see by the Witness that our band has increased so far as to reach far-off England. I am sure we will all have a hearty welcome for our far-away friends, and rejoice to get a word from them sometimes. With love and best wishes to all the D.L.F., especially Cooee, Cosy, Paparoa, Nancy Lee, Jessica, Snow Queen, and all those in the Grey Valley, not forgetting yourself and the kind old editor, — Yours truly,

MOUNTAIN HAMBLER. Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you of a walk Grey Valley, Water Lily, and I had. It was Sunday afternoon, and we could not find West Coaster or our elder sister to go with us. On going from home we went down the river. Grey Valley took off her shoes, and we had fine fun. caddling in the water. It was then

that I noticed some of our neighbour's cattle on an island in the river. We turned a corner, and went on a little way till we came to a beat under \i tree. 1 left Grey Valley and Water Lily there, and then went to a place where there was a blackberry bu<=h, but the berries were not ripe. Before comicg away I caught some cicadas which were red underneath, but I let them go again. We were going homewards when what did we so? but the cattle coming across the ba?.ch. Water Lily and I had on pink dresses, which made matters worse, for sls soon as the cattle saw us they up with their heels and came runnmg^after us. We quickly ran through the bush, "tramping on thistles as we rs>n, and ciossing a hedge without anything on ov.r feet. We were very pleased to get home again. West Coaster and my other sister were at home all the time, though we did not know it. We have had very dry weather lately. Callaghan's Creek was not j mining at all for several days. With love to all D.L.F., Mr Editor, and not forgetting yuurself, — Yours truly,

BLUE VIOLET. [Fancy a creek dried up for e> few days m New Zealand ! That is an unusual occurrence, Blue Violet— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — You will be saying, "What! another new scribbler?" but, Dot, it is not the first time I have written to you, though I am very much ashamed to say that this letter is the first I hpve had courage to post. However, it is all the same, now that I have 'ivu-tsred up sufficient courage to slip a letter to you into the po3t-box. I do so enjoy reading the L.F. letters, as some of them arf very interesting, especially Angelesea'F. I think she is such a nice writer. I Should very lauch like to know her: but I have only seen her once or twice, so there his net been niuoL of an opportunity for my becoming acquainted with her, though I hope to do ao hi th» near future. In St. Monica's !asf letter s-he spoke of the Oamaru Trades menic, which was held af'Waimat.p, which happens, unfortunately, to be a very stale place : but, stale as the place is. it could not come up to the staloness of the incnic. Oh, it was a tame affair l You did not miss much, by not going, St. M I saw jou, H. and P. C, standing at the crossing looking vith 'onging eyes at crowds of silly people, as all who went to that picnic. I consider, must have had "more money than fenss, ' as the saying goes. With love to Pretoria. Country Lassie, Hatty, Tureka, St. Monica, and your dear self and the editor,— Yours truly. " LITTLE J. O.

[Why, Little J. 0., I have always heard Wai mate well spoken of, and surely a place which sends such beautiful strawberries far and near cannot hs so bar! as you paint it.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I received quite a shock the other day, when, glancing "through the paper, I read an account of the sad boating fatality which occurred in the harbour on the 23rd inst., by which two young men lost their lives. One of them — j. M'lvor — was an old friend of mine, and was at one time known in D.L.F. circles as Red Cap. lam sure that the bereaved parents and sisters will have the sincere sympathy of all the L.F., and niore especially of the older writers, who, I am sure, will leniember our departed comrade. — Yours truly, NUT.

[Poor Red Cap ! What a sad fate to meet with. Although our late comrade retired nearly two years ago, I am sure many will remember the rather striking letters he used to write from Port Chalmers, where he then lived. He was also in one of our groups, and those who were taken with him will probably remember him personally. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We have had lovely weather here up till lately, but I think it has broken again now, as a shower of rain fell a few nights ago. A couple of weeks back you could not go out of doors for wind. Every morning you could see the people sweeping the dust and leaves away from their doors and paths. St. David's Day has come and gone, and now there is noihing to look forward to. The long-looked-for clay came, the sun shining brightly, and there was not a. breath of wind. A large crowd assembled on the grounds, dressed m summer attire, everyone seeming to enjoy themselves. The races and amusements were pretty well through, when refreshments were handed round (the best item on the programme). One very interesting race was "the greasy pig." Piggy dodged round gutters, scrambled through fences, and gave the runners a lively time. The Consolation Race was then run, and each and all dispersed, after having enjoyed themselves immensely ; the younger ones wending their way homeward, and the elder ones getting ready for a dance, which proved a great success. My word, I did have a fly round that night if ever I did. The hall was packed, and at about 12 o'clock refreshments were again handed round, the L.F. doing justice tc the good things, needless to say. A few more dances and songs over, then all hurried home to bed, -pretty tired, but lively. A month had passed away, when the St. Patrick's sports were held about four niiles from where I live. It also proved a lovely day, so my married sister and I drove away, reaching our destination just in time to see the first race 1 take place. I enjoyed myself fairly well, but

did not stay for the dance, as we had a good distance to drive home. With love to Didn't You Knew, Go Hon, yourself, the editor, and all the L.F., — Yours truly, JUANITA. Dear Dot, — We are having very dry weathe_ just now, and everything is getting quite burnt; up. Most of the farmers up this way are busy harvesting. Some are stacking, and others are threshing. Since last writing to you I have shifted a wee bit further into the back-blocks. The place I am at now is very pleasant, although a bit quiet ; but I think when you put your mind to your work you do not feel very lonely, do you, Dot? Since coming up this way I have met two or three D.L.F. I also met Gipsy Nell and two ethers at Foley's entertainment. Nut was up here harvesting for a few days, but he has

gone home again to start harvesting there. I see the D.L.F. aie giving an account of their holidays. Well, I had three weeks* holidays, and I enjoyed them very well, but I did not meet a single D.L.F. in that time. What has become of the Oamaru D.L.F.?

Where did you hide yourselves ? I was present

at the unveiling of the troopers' memorial. There was a good crowd of people, but I onhfi noticed one badge, and that, I think, belonged to Rose a' Lea, and when I saw her. she was going down the street like a. racehorse, so I did not have a, chance to speak to her that day. There is to be a dance up here shortly, and if I go I hope to have the pleasure of meeting a few D.L.F. EasteK is drawing near. I wonder if the D.L.F." would try to roll up on Easter Monday and have a group taken? I think it would be » very good idea, as the last one we had t^ken! on New Year's Day could not have 'baenT very good, and I have now given up hopes of ever seeing it in the Witness. I hope- i£ the D.L.F. approve they will all roll up. Wa' could make arrangements if they agree.* I had nobody to bother me to-day, as thejj nearly all lay down to have a rest after dinner^ Sunday is a very sleepy day, isn't it, Dot'*t X think Harry has given a very good accounfj" of his Christinas holidays. Hariy, T. D^ A.,"!

[ and another D.L.F., whose norn de plum© I I forget, were up at the sports held on January 2 in Oamaru. I was very sorry to see that Hiawatha had resigned. It is terrible when one comes to the fatal age of 20. With love to Ahuriri, Lynda, Gipsy Neil, and the editor, [ not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, : LADY STAIR. [I don't think Sunday is as slow as that in the town, Lady Stair, unless it happens to be wet, and you cannot go out. You can always go for a run in the electric cars, you know, and that breaks the monotony. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Although it is rather late to begin telling about my holidays, I cannot refrain from sending you a few lines. One day through the holidays I went to Duntroon, accompanied by Golden and Otago Princesses, and we met two D.L.F. — Eulalie and Fresh Water, — who proved very sociable girls. My D.L.F. sisters went to Oamaru on the first day of the sports, and I stayed at home. From all accounts, they seemed to have a good time, getting photos taken and meeting D.L.F. in general. I went in on the second day, and to my disappointment only met two D.L.F. — Chloe and Lady Stair. One day Golden Princess and I drove over to Morven to see a girl friend, and I am sorry to say she died the next week. I think Morven is about 25 miles from our

place, so, you see, we had a long drive.

When we were in a carriage one night waiting for our train to go, we saw a girl, and she said, "Hullo, D.L.F!" Somehow I did not like the way she looked at us, so I said to Golden Princess, "Don't speak; I suppose she is only a reader." You know, Dot, the disappointment we got before — G. P. told you. After a while the train started, and we soon found out to our surprise- that the girl was dear old Cupid. I felt sorry afterwards that I spoke so hastily, for Cupid proved to be a very interesting companion, and my only regret was that our destination was soon reached and we had to say good-bye to Cupid, for a while, at least. Two weeks afterwards we had thejaleasure of seeing her at Oamaru. I have met a number of D.L.F. lately, including Maiden Bell and Matty. Yesterday we (G. P. and I) went to Pretoria's place, and had a long D.L.F. chat. Pretoria is such a dear little fellow. He can walk now. After we left his place we went to the Gardens, where we had afternoon tea. I think the Oamaru Gardens are just lovely. I hope there is a large crowd of D.L.F. at the Oamaru sports at Easter. If so, perhaps we might be able to get a group taken. I wonder why the New Year D.L.F. photo was not in the Witness? With love to Bleeding Heart, Charlotte, Mountain Rambler, Bramble, and all connected with the page (I think Dot has too much already), — Yours truly, WAITAKI PRINCESS.

[I am glad to hear that Pretoria is improving, Waitaki Princess, and hope that eventually he will become quite strong again. —

Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote some of the navvies have been shifted up to this part of the district, and their coming has benefited the school a good deal by increasing the number of scholars. The majority of them, however, are on the opposite side of the river to us, so we do not see much of them ; but frequently in the daytime we hear them blasting the rocks. About a mile and a-half above our place a railway bridge is being erected over the Manuherikia, River, but it will be some months yet before it is completed. We finished our harvesting several weeks ago, and as my brother was away at the time I had to help with the carting in. I liked the driving part best, although at first I nearly severed the side of the stack with the cart wheel. All our fruit is picked now, except some apricots, and we have been making those into jam lately. We are later than usual with it, but everything seems to be behind this season, even jam-making. I have a pet lamb, and I believe it is the most mischievous pet I ever had. If anyone happened to leave the gate open it would, scamper off to the garden to nip the flowers and fruit trees. It would not associate with the other sheep or go any distance from the house, so we had to tether it with a long rope. I enjoyed reading Darky's Brother's paper on ' Sisters," although he was rather severe on them. I have only two sisters and five brothers. My eldest brother wrote to the page when the D.L.F. used to write under their real names. A sad accident occurred about two miles from here a few days ago. A man employed on the railway line was shifting his camp, when his wife, who was with him, fell from the trap and had her neck broken. She was conveyed to the hospital, but died before she reached it. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting dear Dot and the editor, — Yours truly, " LIELA.

Dear Dot, — We have had beautiful weather down here lately, and this is having the effect of bringing the harvest on very fast. Most of the farmers round about here are leading in, and others are threshing, so we shall have all the harvest done before the winter sets in. It is so disagreeable to haver the mill in bad weather, and such a number of men to work and cook for, and it is not nice for the men in wet weather either. Easter has rolled round again, and it seems no time to look back to since last Easter. We shall soon have winter again. We can always depend upon getting winter, but we cannot be too sure of having a good summer. However, we may not have a very bad winter, as it was very wet in the spring. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor,— Yours truly, GARRETTA.

[That is rather typical of life, Garretta: we can always depend on meeting with misfortunes and set-backs, but there is no such certainty about the good things of life coming our way. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — We are having very dry weather up here, and everything is drying up for the want of rain. Since last writing to you St. David's sports have come and gone, and I was there, and enjoyed myself immensely. We are milking one cow at present, but hope to be milking more soon. We are expecting the inspector round to our school every day on his surprise visit. Every time we iised to go to the cupboard we would see a mouse, and one day when my si3ter was setting the table for tea this little animal was on the cupboard eating some cheese. My sister ran for the poker to kill it, but my brother caught hold of its ears and carried it to puss, who showed every sign of being pleased to get it. With love to Taipo, Mother's Lass, Golden Princess, and Dot, — Yours truly, A PIECE OF DOUGH.

Dear Dot, — I used to go to one of the public schools, but now that we have come to the country to live I am so far away from a school that I have a governess of my own. One day we went out exploring, and what was our surprise to see some red currant trees laden with fruit up in a gully. We picked some of the nicest branches, and took them home, intending to get them made into a pie, but by the time we got home we only had enough to make a small tart; the currants looked so nice that we could not resist the temptation of testing them. It is * very lonely place where I live. It is six miles from Lake Te Anau, and the Te Anau township J^uch as itj jai. is its, nearest jalaps

to us where we can see anybody, except when the coach passes — twice a week in the summer i time, but only once in the winter. The coach brings our letters. With love to the little folk,— Yours truly, ZOLA. [You would wonder how the currant bushes came to be there, Zola. Possibly a shepherd may have had a hut there at one time, and that might account for it. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — The weather is not very pleasant at present, as we are having hot, dry winds, and all the vegetation is burnt up. j I saw an eclipse of the sun at half-past 5 one Sunday morning about two months ago ; and as there was nothing about it in the i paper I was wondering if any other L.F. saw j it. Angelesea said in her letter that Koxburgh was a pretty Ktle town, but if she had lived in it all her life she would not think it was very beautiful. Roxburgh has been looking up lately: first there was the Black Family of Musicians, Hyland's Circiis, and the Koxburgh races, and then the Oddfellows' delegates visited the town. The rabbit fac- ! tory started last Monday, and trapping is in ' full swing at present. With best wishes, — ' Yours truly, TAIPO. [The partial eclipse was mentioned, Taipo, I but I think it was too cloudy in most places to see it to advantage, so you were fortunate. — DOT.] . I Dear" Dot, — After an absence of nearly two years I am again writing to you, but it only seems half the time. We have had splendid weather lately, and people are looking anxiously for rain, as tanks and wells are going dry. Harvesting operations are in full swing here just now, and the farmers are busy stacking their grain while the fine weather lasts. My chief employment just now is trapping rabbits. I like it in fine weather, when there are plenty of rabbits about, but it is very unpleasant work in colif weather. I did not go anywhere for niy holidays this year, but I had several days' outing instead. I went to the Bluff regatta, and had a most enjoyable time. There were several light showers of rain, and a steady wind was blowing, which spoilt the day for picnicking. The s.s. Warrimoo was in, and as she was open to the public I did not waste much time in getting aboard. I went nearly all through her, and I think she is most beautifully laid off. I went through all the engine rooms, and also along the tunnel to where the main i shaft joins the propeller. After I had had a good look round I went off, and had a trip out on the tug Theresa Ward, and had a good time. It was a bit rough, and every time a big wave came the spray would go right over, and several boys who were j in the bow got such a ducking. We got back . to the wharf too quickly, I thought. It was ! my first experience, but I hope it will not be | my last. I kept a good look out for badges | during the day, and saw a good many. I | spoke to a few of the wearers, but I forget j most of their noms de plume. With love to all the li.P. and yourself, Dot, — Yours truly, WEKA. [It was a wonder you were not seasick when it was so rough, Weka. You were fortunate in not having the pleasure of your first experience of "a life on the rolling wave" spoilt in this manner. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a beautiful drive I had one day. We left our home at half-past 10 to go a long journey to I Pounawea. We were driving in a buggy and pair. We had to go through Owaka, town- j ship, which is a pretty habitation. Then we had to go for about three miles through a bush_ road. When you get out of the bush you can see the sea, which is very pretty, ' with its blue waves coming in and dashing in white foam on the rocks. We had a fcood look at the sea, and then we made tracks i for home. We arrived home at half-past 6, and were very tired after our long journey. , Pounawea is a small fishing township near the sea. I was told that there were about 100 visitors there this summer. Some pretty ! cottages are being built to accommodate ' holiday seekers. With love to Cornflower and Lady of Holt Dene, — Yours truly, j DOCKENLEAF 11. [ [Pounawea is evidently going to rival Port Molyneux as a summer resort, Dockenleaf. No doubt the new houses will induce many more vibitors to spend their holidays there. — DOT. 3 , Dear Dot, — It is now two years since I last wrote to you, so I suppose you have forgotten my existence, having such a number of cor- I respondents? You see, Ido not trouble you ' very often. Since I last wrote I have left , the station, and am staying in town. I miss j the station life, and town seems very dull after it. There are no horses here to ride, so I have to be content with a bike. I go to the High School here, and like it very ' much. There are no D.L.F. here, or, at least, ! if there are they do not wear badges. We are having very bad weather here, but I expect you are having the same. Signs of winter are here already. It seems such a time since the Christmas holidays that I am glad the term holidays are near at hand. I only go home at the end of each term, so I look forward to holidays. On St. Patrick's Day some of my schoolmates and myself went for a picnic to the bush. We left about 8 o'clock, and reached our destination at 10 o'clock. We rambled round for a while, and got some clematis and other bush flowers. The immense pines, with their luxuriant foliage, quite overshadowed the smaller trees. Then we got dinner ready, and had a hearty meal. After that we went up a creek to explore and fish. We had the good fortune to catch some trout. The scene will soon change, and a few stumps will take the place of the bush. We afterwards had afternoon tea, arid ended the day by getting soaked to the skin, as the rain came down in bucketfulp. There is to be a concert here soon, and I hope it will be a success. I fell off my bike the other day, and am just getting over ths effects, as I was bandaged up for some days. With love to the editor, yourself, and all D.L.F., — Yours truly, QUEEN NYLEPTHA. Dear Dot, — Never before have I written these two words, but in future I mean them to become familiar to nay pen. I once lived in Scmthland, where I knew quite a number of D.L.F. ; but now my home is a long day's journey away from there. I stay in town, and go to the High School, but I go home in the train every Friday night. My home is on a station out in the country. It is about six miles from a railway station. After a week of school life and cares it is quite a treat to drive in the pure country air. In about a fortnight the school will be breaking up for term holiclays. It makes me so glad to think this term is nearly ended. My birthday was on St. Patrick's Day. I had a, party, and had a ripping time. I asked several friends from the High School here and several from a neighbouring High School. We played the piano, sang, and danced till about 11 o'clock, and after a good supper went to bed. The next day I rode my bike into town (14 miles away), and coming out I had a terrible head wind. I got a puncture, fell oS and broke the lamp, and hud to walk about eight miles to my home. There is a lump of skin missing from my knee yet. With love to you and ail your wee folk, — Yours ti-uljt. &QHU3I.

Deal Dot, — I was in Oamaru last Wednesday, and I met several D.L.F., including Waitiki Prince&s, Golden. Princess, Sunflower, and Queen of the Thorns. We came lip in. i the train together at night, and I can tell you, D&l, we had a lively time. Wo are having pretty warm weather, and the harvest is m full swing. Some are threshing, and some are only leading in yet. I think | we shall be threshing in a fortnight's time I here. Although Harry had a few ups ancE { downs during his recent trip up Otago Central he must have enjoyed his toiir very much. ■ I was at Alexandra once for a week, and I enjoyed myself immensely. When lam in Dunedin again I intend visiting the Debating Club. I am sure the D.L.F. who live in. town must find it very pleasant. The Easter holidays are drawing near now, and I suppose that means more holiday-making for most of the D.L.F.— Yours truly, MAIDED" BELL. Dear Dot, — What lovely weather we are hay- ! ing at present — jU3t the thing for Larv -sC. i Most of the farmers about this district hava ! their crops threshed. The mill went &way, from here about a week ago, and I was not sorry to see the last of it. We are milking a good manjL— cows now. I like milking all t right in warm weather, but it is not .';:y i."' - c j when it is raining. What a lot of apples we | have this year : the trees are just loaded. I am very fond of reading, and have read a good , many books. I see by the Witness that poor Nuggety Bob is having a bad time of it. Poor girl! I hope she will soon be all right again. I have got to know a good mai;y i L.F. since I started writing to the page. I i shall have to stop now, as it is cow time. — Yours truly, VERBENA. Dear Dot, — We have been having very favoxurable weather here lately, and the farmers are busy getting in their harvest before the wet weather sets in. Since I last wrote to yoxi Christmas and New Year have passed away— very quietly in this district. The other , day a friend and I went for a drive, j and I saw two or three D.L.F., but I did not happen to have my badge on, and I conld not raise enough courage to go and speak to them. We had a picnic here the other day. I __ went to it, and greatly enjoyed the outing. We played rounders, fill-the-space, .and a great many other games. The place where I live has plenty of bushes around it, and nearly j all the residents about here are farmers and. I miners. My sister has a little black kitten, which she calls Browny. With love to yourself and Mr. Editor, — Yours truly, A LIVELY MEASURE. Dear Dot, — I hope you will not growl because I another new writer has started. The farmers ! have got all their oats cut, and some of them have the crop stacked. The weather is veiy bad for harvesting, as it is nearly always raining. The nights are closing in very fast, and it is now quite dark at 7 o'clock. A dredge is to be put on the river not far from, the township of H. The township is a very pretty one, as it is situated on a plain, which is surrounded by hills and mountains. With lovo to Dot and the editor, — Yours truly, SCARLET RUNNER. [As if Dot would "growl" at the appearance of a new writer! Why, Scarlet Runner, surely you were not in earnest. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — We have 16 cows milking, and I milk four of them. We have three horses and a httie foal 10 weeks old, and his mother is very quiet — so quiet that I can ride her anywhere. The foal is a little piebald, and we call him Baldy. There are 80 children attending our school, and we had a picnic on March 25 ; but it was a wet morning, and the grass was damp all day. Aotw thstanding this, an enjoyable day was passed fay many. There is going to be a picnic in the district by the milk suppliers, and we aia hope it will prove a fine day. I have on© sister and three brothers at home, snu '. Lava two sisters in Dunedin. — Yours truly, IVY, THE EVERGREEN. Dear Dot, I have been to vhe ".-. and D. Society's meetings several times, and I enjoy them very much indeed, and especially so the last two meetings. I have had my cousin from Ov/aka st&ying h.ere for j .-io»t!i. Ciie evening she and I went along o I a ?eb i tc coo some of the Owaka L.F.s pnotos. •• lie ciiiy knew three. We were not going to scav. L ut, lik& all otlier companions, when we got there we had so much to say that it was two or three hours before we left. — Yours truly, OHAMA. Dear Dot, —The sth of March was not a veTy bad day, so we were lucky in the first place in getting a start on our journey to Invercargill. We intended to get up at half-past 4, but as luck would have in mother slept in until a quartsr-past 5 ; then there was a bustle to get breakfast and get ready for the journey. It is no joke getting six children ready besides yourself. Anyhow, we all got ready — 10 of us in all — and drove to the station in a four-wheeled buggy. If the roads are not cleaner the next time I ride I think I shall roll myself up in a sack. Well, we arrived at the station at a quarter-past 8, and had 10 minutes to spare. As I had noil been here before the scenery was new to me, and I was enjoying myself very much until ws got near Clinton, and it came on a ScoJch miot, so that I could not see out of the window. Luckily it cleared away before we rea-ched our destination, at half-past 2. We then drove to a boarding-house, and after tea. my sister and I had a walk round ; then we came in and went to bed at 8 o'clock — rather early, was it not? — but we were tired, and were soon in the land of nod. In the morning after breakfast, just as we were coming out of the door to go for a walk, my father came and said we were to go on to Seaward; Bush at once. We got in the 'bus, and started off, reaching our destination at halfpast 9. One of the children was hungry, so we had to buy some biscuits at a little shoy» close by, and a good job we did, because we did not get any dinner until 4 o'clock in the - afternoon. Ido not like Invercargill as well as Dunedin, but we get the Witness every Saturday all the sam?. With love to Fairy, Queen, the editor, and vonrself, — Yours truly, PRINCESS MYRTLE. Dear Dot, — The schoolhouse is two mi'es from where ive live, but as I am u^ed to walking that f..r Ido not think much of it. I have not had the misfortune to fail yet, =o I hop 9 I shall xiot do so this year. I am. very fond of reading, and I have read some very nice book*. We have all our grain, thre-hed, and I think we are very lucky. At piesent I am over at H. for a holiday. Time 1= a river »bout two miles distant, with a great ivanv trees growing on its banks, which givesi it a "very pretty appearance. The anglers do not like fishing in it, because their lines get entangled in the roots of the trees. There is a bush at the back of the river, in which some veiy pretty ferns are growing. With, leve to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,— - Yours truly, SWEET PEA. Dear Dot, — The place in which I live ig very lively, although it is only a farming district. The farmers are all busy harvesting just now. I saw some D.L.F. photos in a lecent Witness, and I thought them very iucp. I do not know if there arc many L F. in this district; are there any, Dot '>. We are no? 1 getting such pleasant wsather at present as oocd be wished. It is raising here to da?. £

jnilk a. few cows, but I do not like milking at all, especially in the wet weather. Wherever you go you have to be home to milk the cows. £• have left school over two years, although I passed the Sixth Standard. How depressing it is to think of the snow, which will soon bs here. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self and the editor,— Yours truly,, NIGHTINGALE. .Dear Dot, — We have just come down from tne North Island, and we find it very quiet down here in Otago. I have but lately had my twelfth birthday. I think I had better teli you about my pets, because I expect you ■would_ like to know. I have two dogs and one nice black" borse to ride. I have often gone out of an afternoon with the hoTse and dogs, and enjoyed myself very much. I generally catch a rabbit, as one of the dogs is^a greyhound. Yesterday we caught three rabbits, and we "are going to try and catch some more this afternoon. Before closing I ■will give you a riddle: "Why did the snowdrop?"— Yours truly, RANGITIKEI. [The answer should always be sent with a riddle, Rangitikei. In this case it does not matter, as it has been in before. If I remember right the answer was, Because the rain fell.— DOT.} Dear Dot, — Winter will soon be here, and that is the time when everything will look unpleasant. I see we have a boy D.L.F. up here who writes under the norn de plume of Cornish. I agree with him as to what he has •to say of the Lawrence D.L.F., but Priscilla and I are not of those he alludes to. We can claim to be the only bigger L.F. gfrls "here. TEexe are " a few younger ones who wrote once or twice, and thought no more of the page, and some who have badges but never .wear them until some D.L.F. whom they think has a title comes about. Then they .hurriedly don their badge, and come to the - fore. Priscilla never goes out without her badge, and she is always on the lookout for D.L.F. I wrote my first letter to the page over 18 months ago, and have written regularly since then. When you meet L.F. you expect to hear some D.L.F. talk from them, but not so here; they display so little interest that I don't think they deserve to be called L.F. I have often seen Cornish, but never got a chance to speak to him. His description of camping out was very interesting. Priscilla and I intend to spend our Easter holidays in Mosgiel, at Olive's place, and I intend to have~a good time. Ido wish Easter would hurry and come. I hope to meet some of the Mosgiei L.F. when I go down. With love to Troubled Housewife, Viola, and dear Olive, not forgetting yourself and the kind editor, — Yours truly, LADY MAY TREVELYN. Dear Dot, — Oh, what fun we had the other night at a D.L.F. party in our house! It wasn't intended to be a D.L.F. party, but .all who -were there were li.F., so I suppose that comes to the same thing, eh, Dot? Well, to begin with there was dancing, for which Holiy Tree and yours truly played the violin. The next item was a song nicely rendered by Tansy, after which, of course, we had another dance. We also had songs from Micky Drippon and another member of your band, whose norn de plume Ido not know. Then we had a- game of '-'forfeits." Oh, Dot, what a game it was! Each \ one of the party put srme article^ into- a hat. Then someone hides the face so as not to see the article, which someone else (who has possession of the hat) holds -up. The owner of the article held up is then told t* do something ridiculous, and, of course, it causes a great laugh. But I suppose you and the-li.F., Dot, all know or have, heard of the game, and, therefore, a description of it will be nothing new; consequently, this letter may be condensed, and the writer thereof very much disappointed. But I suppose I shall be no worse off than many another L.F., who, having looked forward for weeks, and opened the Witness every week with great hopes, finds all his or her hopes blighted by seeing a condensed letter instead of the full one. I suppose it is the way of the world, though, for it is full of disappointments for both old and young. However, I am allowing myself to wander, so r must come back again to Chaslands life. We have some grand fuchsia berries here, Dot. I wish I could send you some, but they are so soft that they would be terribly smashed by the time they reached you. lam anxiously waiting to see our D.L.F. group in the Witness. . .1 was along at the shop thi3 morning, and had the pleasure of a call from Tansy. Of course, I greeted her with the never-failing "Witness smile," which she returned with great broadness — in fact, it was so broad that I drew back a little; but when the smile had died off her face she looked quite pleasant, so I was not at all afraid. Well. Dot, I really don't" like to leave you, but the best of friends must part, even though it is on paper, so I shall say "Au revoir." — Yours truly, THE SMILING LASS. Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you afbout a trip I had to R. not long ago. My sister and I left home, accompanied by a friend, at 11 o'clock, and we reached our destination in time for dinner. At 2.30 we went to church, after which our friends took us to see the punt on the Molyneux River. After crossing ■we went for a walk down the river. Then we came back and got our tea, after which we started for home. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, SUNFLOWER 11. Dear Dot, — We are having very hot weather here just at present, but too much hot weather is not good for the farmers, as it burns the ; grass up. We are milking 23 cows, and I i always have to help to milk. I do not care | much about milking, but still I have to do it | all the same. We have four horses, and I j greatly enjoy a ride. We had a nice little foal last Christmas, and it is growing won- I derfully now. My brother has got a pup, and ( It is a perfect nuisance, as it is always carry- | in°- things away. I am continually threaten- j ing to drown it, and T am sure I shall do so j vet Mv little sister is a comical little girl, j She is always doing her best to torment us, , but sometimes she gets into hot water. b!ie | has just started to go to school, so we get j a little peace sometimes. With best love to yourself and the editor,— Yours truly. L-hiLA. Dear Dot,— Since my last we have had a . school picnic here for our teacher, who was j leaving. We arrived at the school about j half-past 9 with our baskets, but we did not j begin the picnic until all were gathered to- j gather. Then off we started for a suitable ; place, about a quarter of a mile from the , school, where, under the shade of _ a few t willows, we had our picnic. First of all we j made ready all our cakes and other things, •while the teacher and a few of the boys lighted the fire to boil the billy for our tea. j Until the billy had boiled we enjoyed our- | selves in playing games. Then all got seated, ] except a few of us, who handed round the . tea, cakes, etc. After all had satisfied their j appetites we again started playing games, slipping, etc. Time soon went on, until we had to pack up for home. Before leaving we went back to the school to say good-bye to our teacher. It was then getting late in the ' evening, so we had to hurry home. I went to the Ranfurly races, arriving there about 1 o'clock. After a, while I met a few of my

school mates. We didn't bother much about the races, as they were stale. About half-past swe left the ground to go for our tea. After tea we were going home, but the time passed by until the drawing of the art union was about to begin, so we thought we would wait until it was over. It was a clear, moonlight night, so it was not so bad driving home. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly, LADY LA ROACHE. Dear Dot, — The place I live in is surrounded by bush, and is situated between an inland town and a seaport town. There are several gold dredges near it. One of them has been dismantled, and the machinery is to be sent away to New South Wales (Australia). It . will be my birthday next month, and I shall Ibe 12 years old on the fifth day. I know Bill Bailey, Joan d'Arc, Little Nell, Magnolia, and many other D.L.F. Joan d'Arc is my sister. I have not much news now, but S I shall be able to give you some next time ■j I write. We have a flaxmili and a sawmill ! here. With love to yourself, the editor, and all the D.L.F.,— Yours truly, BUSTER BROWN 11. Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a picnic we had down on the G-reymouth beach. We left home about 9 o'clock, and got down there about 12. First of all we looked for a place to have our dinner, and then spread out the eatables on the sand and had a good feed. The next thing we did was to take off our boots and have a wade in the sea. Two of our party had a narrow escape. As we were all paddling ,about a large wave came suddenly upon us, and two of the waders were rolled over and over in the waves. .None of us saw them, for we were all making off for the shore as fast as we could. When we heard the cries we looked round, but all we could see of them was their heads-. We pulled them out as quickly as possible, and took them over to a house and dried their clothes. My word, Dot, it was lucky for them that the tide was coming in, for if it had been going out they might have been taken out with it. We reached home all right about 9 o'clock, ready for bed, I can tell you. With love to Pearl and the editor, — Yours truly, SILVERY LAKE. Dear Dot, — Around the township in which I live are many gold-mining claims. The chief industries of the place are sawmilling and gold mining. Ahaura is one of the loveliest and most beautiful places I have been in. On my way to school I have to cross over a bridge about a quarter of a mile long. I have a beautiful flower garden, in which I grow a good many lovely flowers. The I school is about three-quarters of a mile away ' from my home. There are about 70 children ! going to school here, and my schoolmistress is one of the best, and I could not wish for a better one. Some evenings we have ! some of the loveliest sunsets imaginable, j There is to be seen some very pretty scenery. Of a Saturday I can always enjoy myself ! gathering some of the pretty wild flowers and ! ferns which make the place about here so I charming. — Yours truly, I TIM DOOLEY. j I Dear Dot, — I have been away to Marsden j foi six weeks, and I have just come home, j The two bridges spanning the river here are needing repairs. The town itself has already been described, but I may say that it is built on -both banks of the river. It contains^ five hotels, five stores, three fruit shops, two^ toy shops, two cobblers' shops, a courthouse, , and a post office. The industries are sawmill- ' ing, farming, and gold mining. There are J now- a greal many mills for sawing timber, j and there are a great number of men employed j in felling and in the work of cutting the trees ! into boards. Farming is also carried on. j This entails the rearing of cattle, the employ- j ment of some few labourers, and the making I of butter and cheese. Gold mining employs j the elderly men. The banks of the river are ; auriferous, but gold is found only in small i quantities. The girls who are writing to the D.L.F. Page have decided to have a picnic if the weather keeps fine. At present it is raining. The rain was needed, as tbe tanks j and rivers were getting very low. After con- j sidering a long time I have decided to have i niy long name shortened to the under-men- [ tioned. With love to all D.L.F.,— Yours truly, \ PADDY O'MAILEY. Dear Dot, — The weather is very wet down | here now, and the river is in flood, so I I rant go to school. I am not glad of '• that, because our teacher is very nice to '• us, and I like going to school. I think | crabby teachers are a regular humbug ; don't ' you, Dot? My teacher and six of my school < mates and I went down to the beach on I Sunday. It was very windy, and my hat was blown into the sea. One of the boys had a | dog, but it wouldn't go into the sea after the hat. We watched it for a long time as it . floated out to sea ; then we went to look for some shells. We found some pretty shell 5 !, sea moss, crabs, and nice stones. We then left them at the beach, and went round to the fishing rocks. The sea was a bit rough, and we soon got tired of sitting on the rocks watching the boys fishing, as the spray was flying in our faces. Easter is coming near now, and we shall soon be getting: our Easter holidays. I have five miles to walk to school, j and part of the road is very bad. With love j to Smiling Rascal, Niagara, Larrikin, and your- ' self, Dot,— Yours truly, NERISSA. j Dear Dot, — We have had cold weather up j here lately, and I don't suppose it will get any better now, because it is getting too near winter. Our school holidays will soon be ' coining on again, and I am longing to get away from this place. Our St. David'? sports i are all over long ago, and a splendid time we had. There are very few going to our school at. present, but I suppose there will be more I when the younger children grovr a little. We I have a very good teacher, and he is well liked j all over Cambrians. My sister and I are j going to set traps to catch rabbits, because ,' we are very foud of sport and pleasure. I | have six sisters and one brother. My mother } has two shops — one in Cambrians and the j other at Omakau. My last holidays I spent at' Omakau, but I don't know where I am going to spend my next ones. Some of the L.F. went up the mountain on Saturday for a picnic, but I thought it was too windy. With love to the editor and the little folk. — Yours truly, ELLEN. Dear Dot, — I have been up to Queenstown ' for a holiday, but I did not see any D.L.F. after I left home. I enjoyed my holiday ' nicely. I went to the park on Sunday, and i it was lovely. The harvest is all over now, I and I am not sorry, as we had a rough time j of it. I was down in Invercargill for a week, I and I enjoyed the trip all right. I was at the Invercargill show, but I didn't see any D.L.F. there, and I was terribly disappointed. We have about 50 ducks, four turkeys, 11 geese, and I don't know how many hens, so \ we have a nice little poultry farm, have we not, Dot? The other day I had a long day driving | sheep, and it was late when I got home with them.— Yours truly, PIPI. Dear Dot, — Harvest is now just about over, most of the farmers about here having got all their crops in stack. Winter is fast coming on. There was white frost on the ground this morning. I like winter when there is plenty of frost and snow; do you. Dot? We

have once more got Daddy's Helper home, and she, is in a, fair way to recovery. She has had a. big shaking, and will not be strong for a long while yet. What a tour Harry had at Christmas time! He must have enjoyed it immensely, as it was lovely scenery he passed through. "What lovely picnics the L.F. have. I wish there were enough L.F. about here to get one up, as I think it would be splendid. One day when I was on the train I noticed a L.F. in a carriage. 1 was too bashful to speak until I was coming out of the carriage. I did not ask him his name, as I had no time ; but if he chances to see this I ask him to exchange atitos with me. With love to A Mother's Lass, Indian Chief, the editor, and yourself, Dot, — Yours truly, COOK 111. Li am indeed sorry to hear of Daddy's Helper's illness, Cook 111, and 1 sincerely hope she will soon be well again. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I have not much time for writing now, as I am a housekeeper, but I always enjoy reading the letters, as they are interesting. I did not go anywhere for Christmas this year; I was at home all the time. It •was such wet weather that there was no pleasure in going anywhere. I have never been able to get to any of the picnics, but I hope for better luck next time. I wa» at the Milton and Lawrence shows, and met a good number of L.F. When we went to the Lawrence show we got the 9 train, which arrived at Lawrence about 11 o'clock. Ainving there, we made our way to the grounds, and as there were very few people present we walked round and had a look at the cattle and horses. Before long the crowd began to gather, and, of course, we met friends, and had a chat with them. After a time we left the ground and had a walk round the town. We then made our way to the station, arriving home about 7 o'clock. At present everybody is busy getting the harvest over ; but it has not been very good weather for harvest, and some of the crop is still not ready. — Yours truly, WINIFRED 11. Dear Dot, — The harvest is all over now, and we are oettled down to quietness again. This has been a very bad season for fruit, apples being the only thing that are plentiful. 1 was down in Drmedin at Cup imie, and I enjoyed my trip immensely. I was out to see the races, and I thought they were lovely, especially the Cup, during which there t\a3 great excitement. As it was a lovely day there were some beautiful dresses worn on the lawn. I was going to the Debating Club on Tuseday night, but I didn't like to, as I hadn't a badge. I felt shy. 1 pas&ed the Witness office that evening, and saw four girls standing outside. I noticed one of them had a badge on. I am looking forward to Easter, as I expect to go to the Riverton races. Many people like 'the carnival, but I don't care about either the carnival or the show. I never s-ee any D.L.F. up this part since Jack's Pet has left the district. With love to all the D.L.F. , yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly. PRINCESS MALLEEN. [What a pity you did not speak to the four L.F. you saw in front of the office, Princess Malleen. They would have welcomed you and taken you up to the meeting. — DOT.] LETTERS CONDENSED. Lady Isabel Carlyle is in the Fourth ■ Standard at school. "We have a good few blackberries about here, and they are very nice. The D.L.F. picnic came off at Waihola, but I did not go, as I did not know where the picnic was to be held." Lady Miraißii did not go to the D.L.F. picnic at Waihola because she did not know where it was to be held, but ?he s=aw some of th? L.F. at the regatta. "I see Lady Isabel Carlyle nearly every day, because she goes to the same school as I do. Sometimes I go up to her place, and at others she comes down to my pla.ee." Hilda Bell lives near the bush, and at Christmas she had a good holiday near the sea. "I have a little brother and sister. My brother and I go to school, and I am in the First Standard. We have a nice teacher, but there are not many of us at school. We live close to the railway line." Black George has a little black curly pup, which is a very playful little thing. "The mutton-birders went away at about half-past 1 on March 30. There were nearly 100 Maoris who went altogether that day. Last Saturday we played the Orepuki School Cricket Club, but we were defeated by 28 runs. Somebody's Sailor Boy went away to-day with the muttonbirders." Lady Evelyn Vane is always looking forward to next Christmas, when she hopes to have equally as good a time as she had last Christmas. "The D.L.F. picnic was held in our paddock, but I was not there, as I was not a D.L.F. then.'' Jubilee Rose, it is evident, writes from a fruit-growing distiict: — "We have a big place up the liver, where we grow fruit of a/11 kinds. The flowers are all going away, and the violets are coming out. The nursery is locking well. I shall tell you what father grows in it . Tomato, figs, grapes, lettuces, gooseberries, black currants, and a. lot of shrubs and fruit." AUTOS. Nobody's Pet would like to exchange autos with Indian Chief, Queer Fellow, Awkward Ned, Sweet Pea 111, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address : "Nobody's Pet, D.L.F., care Mr W. Hayes, Ardgowan P. 0." Taipo would like to exchange autos with Queer Fellow, Jessamine, Black Watch, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address : "Taipo, D.L.F., P. 0., Roxburgh." Princess Myrtle would like to exchange autos with Princess Mallory and Minnie Grey. Address: "Piincess Myrtle, care Mrs Morrissey, Boxall road, S. Invercargill." Buster Brown II would like to exchange autos with Paparoa, Indian Chief, and any other D.L.F. Address : "Buster Brown, D.L.F., care Mrs E. Smith, Akaura, West Coast." Lady Stair would like to exchange autos with Fred, ScQbie, Pat Sneezer, Backblock Hermit, Ceres, Southland Cynic, Fred's Mate, Reta, and any other D.L.F. who are willing, "and they will get mine immediately in return." Address : "Lady Stair, D.L.F care P. 0., Duntroon." A Piece of Dough would like to exchange autos with A Mother's Lass,- Darky, and Jam Tart. Address: "A Piece of Dough, D.L.F., care Post Office, Cambrians." Juanita writes: "Would Agata's Love please send me her address, and would Queer Fellow, Harry, Ina, Florabelle, and Bramble kindly exchange autos with me? Address". ' Juanita, care Post Office, Cambrians.' " Verbena would like to exchange autos with Prairie Maid, Golden Princess, New Zealand Princess, Otago Princess, The Duke's Amuser, Florodora, Jessica, Paparoa, Mountain Rambler, Texas Jack, Teviotite, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address : "Verbena, care Mrs A. M'Donald, Papakaio, via Oamaru." Waitaki Princess asks Nurse Girl, Red Rata, ! Tin Tacks, and Triple Alliance to exchange j autos with her. "If they send five, I will send my sisters' also. I sent autos to D.L.F. a long time ago, and if they don't wish to send theirs will they please retxirn mine?" Ad-

dress : "Waitaki Princess, D.L.F., care P. 0., Georgetown, North Otago."

Dockenleaf II would like to exchange autos with Black Watch, Queer Fellow, Awkward Ned, Magnolia, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address: "Dockenleaf 11, care Tahatika P.O.

Lady Evelyn Vane would very much like to exchange autos with Lady Muriel, Lady Isabel Carlyle, and Lady Ellen, or any D.L.F. who are willing. Address : "Miss Nellie Grey, care of Mr Williamson, Waihola."

liillen would like any L.P. to exchange autos with her. Address: "Ellen. D.L.F., P. 0.,

Cumbrians."

Daddy's Helper writes : "The L.F. who sent their autos to me must excuse me for not exchanging, as I have been ill, and it is only within the last week that I have been able to do any work at all."

Cook 111 asks if Lady de Loris would exchange autos with her. Address: "Cook 111, D.L.F., P. 0., Wedderburn."

Bush Rose writes . "If any L.F. would like to exchange autos with me, I should be very pleased to send mine in return. Address : ' Bush Rose, care Miss E. Potts, Eccles street, Gore.' "

Somebody's Sweetheart. — An auto, differs with the particular fancy of the sender. You will get an idea from the following:

D.L.F. AUTOGRAPH.

To White Star, From Comet : Florence Alice Robinson. Born Lawrence, Otago, April 12, 1901.

LITTLE FOLK'S BADGES. Badges sent: — Lady May Trevelyn, Pipi. With -pin. — i*ela, Lady Isabel, Carlyle, Wandering Willie.