AFTER TWENTY-ONE YEARS

Otago Witness, Issue 2669, 10 May 1905, Page 73

AFTER TWENTY-ONE YEARS

One would be inclined to believe that it j would be impossible to cure a disease that had clutched its victim for twenty-one years. But Rheumo conquers chronic rheumatism. Mr E. M. Rudman, of Co]Jir)g WO od street, Nelson, writes: — "It giv-es me great pleasure to be able to say that W using j your wonderful medicine Rheumo T have been completely cured of gout and rli-euma- ' tism, of which I ha\e been a suffoier for , the past twenty-one yeais. I may say I have net had the Uiglit-cst symptoms for the past two j cars, and feel convinced it is a permanent one" Chemists and stores, 2s 6d and 4s 6d per bottle. '

fortn ght's rest at New Year, and oh' how wo missed her dear face when she left us again. I .aever saw one to s e?p so much before m all my life, a:id often ] would tease her &o mucli that she was thankful to get up out of bed. One mght [ had lust finished milking, and was sutmg on a bridge washing xnf hands when May, my sister, cams lip behiid me and exclaimed, ' Now couldn't I put jou nicely in 9 " We!!. Dot, I was too q-iick for her, for ihe r.cxx mmute she was in the creek ttercelf. Aly woid, v.-asn't she angiy. but she could on'.y laugh, and if you had seen the state we were both in before v/e were finished one with the other, I am sur° you would have been utiab c to refra'-n from having a hearty laugh too. Ah. well, they say "a good laugh is as gcod as a dose of medicine. ' At su:yrale it would ba a sad world if there was r.c laughing in it. Koolanga and I %veie just looking over an old school photograph, taken many miles from our present home, about 10 years ago. Oh, dear, what o lot of changes have taken p'aee since the day when I stood ur amongst my classmate", to be taken. Few of the originals iv that photo, still remain in the o!d district, for they are scattered all over New Zealand. Some aie married and have new home? of their own, some are school teachers, several boys (now men) have been to South Africa and braved all the dangers of wav in fighting for th«i.r country and King, and --ome have gone to their last res-ling place, wheie pain and ■borrow will never .troub'e fhem f-ny more. How honoured llaisie Bee iiiust have fe'.t when being presented with those tokens of love from her D.L.F. comrades, for it us the first pie.-entatioa of its kind 'which has ever taken place in connections with the L'.K.s', or rather Bi£j_ Folks', pa<*e. I was at a farewell social a short time n<ro. and the guests of the evening were made the recipients of a beautiful silver tea and coffee service and a case of four pipes. It was "ve T v enjoyable, especially the music fiom an English concertina, which was most beautifully n'ayed by ai eldeily gentleman. "Really, Dot,"it was something lovely to lieten to. 1 shall row once move creep into obscurity, after wishing you all good-night. — Tout? tiW- HYACINTH. Dsar Dot — It is po many years row .=ince you received a letter from me that it is 'title wonder you thought Jessica meant Jess\n y in her letter on the picnic to Waihola. In the days gone by we got prizes for ths best letters. I remember telling you about a holiday I h?d had, and I was to receive a boat for writ'ng to Dot, but pcor li++le me aever got i* , and T was very much disappointed. T have often wondered how Jim Brown and Mount Ida go' home after tlte- picni-\ as they had such a long walk. I did enjoy the walk across the hills that day. I shall iust keep to my okl N.D.P., but -if these thr<Je letters are put in Tfont it will not cause any irouble. I "do not agree with Mount Ida at all ss regards heT suggestion on the N.D.P., b?C3Use I think all should be treated alike. With love to Dot. — Ycurs tiuly. N.D.P. JESSIE. [I searched my "list for your name, Jessie. Jaut could only find Con's s'.ster with the N.D.P. of Jessie. However, probaby you ■wiote before her. and of course I have not got everyone down in the !i*t, especially so far

back.--DOT.] Dear Dot — Since last writing Chrisiaias has come and go.ie. I enjoyed myself during the holiday, and I hope you enjoyed youiself also. Easter wi.ll be here socn. and I am looking fcrwaid to a. good time. I suppose yovi have heard about the Christchurcy D.L.F. group, which has been taken, and I am going to send you one. Troubled Housewife, who lives about 30 miles from here, came dow.i in the morning tivdn, and I rust her. and she csime So our place to dinner. After dinner five other L.F. came, and then we had the photo, taken. After paending an enjoyable afternoon, Ti-oublod Housowire had io leave on account of having to catch her tram, so all the L.F. accompanied Tier to the station. Just before she left for the traj n we nil decided to hold the first L. F. pieiiic o{ Chnste'iurch L.F. on Juno 3 (Prince of, T/'alea's, birthdpy). at Professor Bickerton's "Wainoni Park." Although it i-5 lvther late in the season, we sincerely hop? it will be a success, and that all tho Chri&tchurch L.F. will not forget to make it so. I hope to be able io write again and give .fu.tber particulars. I only went to one pi'eni: this year, and that was the butchers,' which went io Ash burton. We left the Christchurch station at hs>]f-past 8, and arrived at Ashbur'on at aquarter-past 11. After selecting a nice place in whicn to leave our baskets, we began io piepars for !unch. As hot water was supplied we had no billy to boil, which was a great help. After having lunch, and having washed up, we went and had a look at the races, which were very interesting. Then w& clayed dill the gap, e^c, until late in the afternoon. The Ashburton Domain, where the picnic was held, is v&iy prettily laid out with lawns bordered *with ilowers of diffeieit kinds and co'ours. Then there is an ar+vficia! lake, formed by filling; iv the river. There is a splendid variety of tree ferns growing on an island in this lake. We had our photos taken, and then had oir t?a. We left Ashbnrton at a quaiter to 7, and I think the journey home was just as good as the fun. during the day. We played frame's aid then >ye had a coricerf. " I .» r ° get into Christchurch station ?t 20 minutes to 10. and by thr> time we °ot home .it was TO

o' -!ock. We weie ar.d sunburnt, but none the woi<;t fo- our dgy's outhig. The other day I had a le+fer ' rplurned 'o m? through +'ie Dead Lef-ei ofnoe, i>nd when I opened it I found it was my auto., whjcli I had «crt to Scram briar. t was greatly di=»3ttointe>.l. s« I should have liked his auto, very much. However, I Hope he will put us right nddress iv nexx time he wanfs autos. Deir Dot I waul to knev.- if avy L.F. can zp^d in rarer'? r oj- any meeting o"i the Litcia.v ard Debating Chib. o. only fo the op>--n me-tmp=. I have wn.tten =evera' papers, i ni t none ot them have ever be?n posted, but th- n?:,f one T write I mepn io nus t . With beat love to Cooee, Smilm>

..u=i. >< iiu uesi love :o (Jooee, Smiling Owen, ar.d A Girl oi the Wood not forgetting yourse f, the editor, and L.F Yours trn] y> ARIZONA. fOn.y for t.'ie ow: iueeiir.sjs. Arizona UJless ut is on +he sublet appouitad for di--cr.ssion on the paitiru'ai- occa=ion yOnv On select. You can send in your paper at any t:nio, and the chaiimm will keen ]T pafeiy t) i th" p cper night come^.— DOT J Bear Dot.— Aie }ou af'aid of c.nt'e ' I - 4 . goiig Io tel you about ore tims I w.i.-i ne.ilx ir.s!;ed by n cow 'line cow had a UiVc c.:!i. and to get the cow lii^o ihe ImiL -he cii'<" hsci to be t.^d up v.-here the cr.v.'s head \.<hiM be in the b,-i' Tac cow cculd nci bo g-ct i« ; 'he was as -,\i'cl as =ho cnuld be, ,m<l .is s-00-i a? she saw jnyono near to hoo- -ho nc-jVI n O for them, c o =lie h'~d Io ''c ci' Xox' mi'k'n"tniie I Jeft !'ie ca'i vv'ncip it \\a<s. and bii!e3 m v qmot (.ow, and went i"t- a -^aid to in'!k ni:otl'cr cow, when all of v suc'chn I heaid a S<-cal ' oi^e, and tlieie was the wild cow iushmg vhe cow m b^il. whc=>e siflo was all bleeding- 1 <,r,t o\ei thole-neeo le-nce ~o dri"e tlis cow a«- rt \-, ne\ei thi.)l.j':g ai the momoiit she would rush me I ju-,t got Io the other bide when she made a iu«h at me, but I got back over the fonce as quickly as I could, and not a moment tco soon., for she was aftei jse. and tore my apion wlih her ho-rns. My "Dot, 1 flight j my heart was beating -^ my

mouth, cr at least it seem-sd to be. I had to get a dog to drive her away and keep her there til! I could let the poor cow out of the bail, pnd she vas noi slow at going out. If you think it v oud be interesting. I will tell you in my next Je-ttei about the flasrnil 1 , and the iHocesa the flax yocs through. The bush is putting on it? winter mantle, for we are getting a foretaste of winter, and shall no doubt soon ba having snew. Then for snov^alling. and the ' woist of it is when you get tffe snow nibbed , in yciti face. The rabbit trappers ori busy around here for nearly ev«ry turn you come on either labbi's or traps. There ars a good many .rabbits fbout. Did you ever here of a horse geUmg into a labbit trap 9 I knew of cji<* which got its nose caught m one. Poor beast, it tore around something dreadful, and 1 its owner had hard work to get the trap off, for ; tho horse wps not broken in, which made it ; r..U the worse. American Heiress, Miss Magdalene, and myself went for a walk the other evening, and to pay a call. It was after 10 when ■we started for home, and not too light eithcT. W© had a good distance to walk, p.nd I think if anyone had baen behind us they would have thought we had taken leave of our sense 3, as Iwe laughed nearly all the way home ; but 1 !s.vghing is heaHhy (" laugh and grow fat ")• As we were to part in the morning for some | months, we wanted to do something to keep our memory green for old lang syne sake, so ! for the want of something better vr? each i pulled a piece off a loaf of bread I was taking , home, aoid ate it. I hope you are not shocked, i Dot. for it was a queer thijg to do. With love to you, Jessica, Tbe'Duke's Amuser. JfcTlorodora. and fill the others, not forgetting.. ths editor. — i Yours fciuly, HARVESTER

FYes, clear, I should like you to send us a description ot ilid flaxmiil. What a narrow escape you had with that angry cow! I do rot know how you could go near her again, a'though I suppose she quietened down in a day or two.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — When I was clown at the Colac sports I met Qtu-en Mab, Orma, W. Y. H., Mystery Island, and Somebody's Sailor Lad — • net so bad, wa& it? I was with Queen !Mab liearly all dsy, and enjoyed myself very well. .Not long ago my sister, father, a-nci I, -with eight others., went over to Pallia Hi l .'. It is n-ot at all big, we going from our home to tho place in about an hour and .a-kalf . We started! about 9, and had a long day. Seen pfter We got over we had lunch, using Boston cream instead of tea, as it was hot weather. We found some vines, and, cutting them at the bottom, we had grand swings, a3 they grew to the tops of the tree. A-s w"e swung out from the side of the hill we went into spaoe. The boys, getting on different ones, would swing out towards one another, having a kick at each other, and swing back. As we had to 4 hold on only by our hands ws warw apt to slip, and I let go of" my vine altogether, railing about 3ft, a^.l was right out. I tell you it made me feel a bit sick for » while, but I soon goi swinging with the rest sgain, though I wae more careful. After a while we went to the braoh, where the little ones- paddled, and we went roviDg over rocks and gathering seaweed. It was very nice sitting on the rooks watching for mullet, which we used to see; or out faither, running down level nearly with the water, 1 then back again as the waves came rolling in. Tnen we went back to where- the baskets were, had some more swinging, tea. and started for home, which we reached in time to do our work before it was. too late. Oh, Dot, my arms were soro next day with the swinging. I thought they were out of ioint. Once American Heiress came to see Harvester and I in the evening. We talked till it was pretty late, and' when she wen' to go back I was barefoot, and putting on my slippers without stockings I went to see hsi to the corner of the road. We went without hats or jackets, just as wo were, but we did not stop there; instead we went iicar 1 y a mile and a-half, chiefly acros3 paddocks. Then we turned to go back. It was

bright moonlight and we had only gone a little way when, oil, my, we saw a light. It was a man coming- down the paddocks. I tell you W3 cleared pretty lively. Harvester and I hurried along, and we started talking about stars. I was looking at the stars, when down went my foot in the mud. I had a job to get it otit, nearly leaving my slipper behind me. I had to take them off, as they were full of mud. With love to Queen Mab and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly,

TOMBOY.

Dear Dot. — We have been very lively in this part of the world lately, with H.M.S. Challenger and several Home boats in port. Captain Tudor invited us on board for afternoon tea, and we had a very enjoyable time. Captain Bream, of the Delphic, showed us aJI over that vessel also ; so you see, Dot, we have been having good times. I have a bicycle now, and if I have to go anywhere I must go on the bike. It is making me quite lazy. Do you like boating, Dot? We have a- very nice rowing boat, so if you ever visit this place please find me out, and I will take you for a row. We are always boating now, and I find il a very pleasant pastime. I went for a. very enjoyable trip to Nelson a few weeks ago. My word, it is a pretty place. I should like to live there. About four years s-go I used to live down your way, Dot, and I often went to Dunedm, but then I knew nothing about Dot. Next time I am there I am going straight to the Witness Office, and shall ask to see you. Please, Dot, don't be out. I have a brother hvirg in Dunedin, and he says you are a g-entlenian. But, Dot, it is all the same to me ■whether you are a lady or a gentleman — I mean to make your acquaintance as soon as possible. Oh, I must not forget to ask you this question : Can readers as well as writers wear the badge? On Easter Monday I was looking everywhere for badges, but to my disappointment I did not sec one. There has been great excitement here lately over the election of Mayor. You v ould think some of the men were " dotty to hear them talk. With much love to the editor and yourself, — Yours truly,

SPARGOE.

rYoai were fortunate to be shown over the Delphic, Spargoe, for there is a good deal of interest to be found in so big a vessel. Yes, dear, readers as well as writers may wear the badge. The date is March 7.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I hope you have a corner left for me, as I am writing a few lines for old times' sake. But in doing so I must stick to our motto, or else the C. C. will have something to say on the matter also. Easter has come and gone. I spent mine hard at work aa usual, even though lam m fair Dtuiedin. I had a very pleasant afternoon some day ago on Lake Logan. A friend of mine asked me if I would like a. row, and you may be sure I said " Yes," so we made our way to the famous lake. On the way down I asked my companion if she cou/ld row, and she said, " Yes, a little," but I .said, " I cannot row at all ; how are wa going to manage? " After thinking a while we determined] to ask one of the owners of the boatshed to take us out. When wo reached the sheds great was our disappointment to find that the owner was enjoying himself on the lake, sailing around a boat of seme sort, getting ready for a boat race- which was to he- beld in a few days. After waiting about half an hour he returned, and we got a boat, but the next question was to get the man, which was even harder than getting the boat. At Is si my companion summoned up enough courage to ask him to accompany us. which he did. After a few minutes' delay we were on the bosom of a very charming though somewhat muddy lake. However, J- hpd better stop talking of this " most beautiful lake," or else I shall be getting into hot water, or perhaps th<e cold water of Lake Logan. After all's said and done I spent a very pleasant hour, and took my first lesson in rowing, and once I thought I was going to take a lesson in swimming, too, as I nearly caught a crab, as my companion called it. A few nights ago I met three D.L.F., pnd they asked me if I would come to the Debating Club. So I expect I shall be peeping m some evening to see how things go. I have forgotten the noms de plume of the L.F., as I have a bad memory, or as an old schoolmaster oi mine used to say, " I had a grood forgetter." On Saturday evening I was coming up Princes' street, when suddenly I heard someone say, "D.L.F.! " "Yes." The first was spoken a.lmost as a question, as if the speaker was not at first ceitain of the badge. 1 turned, but as we were in a crowd I did not speak-; so whether the speaker was a D.L.F. or not I could not say. With best love to the editor, Dot, and all the L.F. — Yours truly, AN AMERICAN HEIRESS.

Dear Dot. — I did not go away anywhere at Easter. I intended to go to town for a day or two, but it was such wet. miserable weather, as it nearly always is at Easter m this part of the island, that I did not do so. Mother has gone away to-day for a few weeks, and I am left in charge as housekeeper till she returns. I can tell you it is no pleasant contract, with three rowdy brothers to contend against ; but school opens again on Monday, so I have not long- to wait for peaoe and quietness to reign supreme. Next time I write I sha.ll give you cv description of the place m which I live, and of a trip I had in a boat many years age — a thing which I shall never f org-et till the longest day I live. With love to Hazel, Abigp.il, and your dear old self, — Yours truly.

MATARIKI

Dear Dot, — Writing again, as usuai. I suppose you will be thinking I am always writing ; but I was asked by some of my L.F. comrades to give a shoit account of the Easter Monday gathering of D.L.F. Leaving at night, I was driven to catch the train for W. The night was very cold, and by the time I reached W. I was nearly frozen to death. Leaving the train I prooeeded on the road home. Imagine tba surprise of my mother and sisters when I opened the dcor and waJked in. They were not expecting to see me so soon. My brother was not m when I arrived, but he looked quite surprised to se« me when he came in. I spent Sunday visiting a few of my friends, among them being Cliloe, Wilful Mary, and one or two others. Monday morning dawned rather dull looking, and I was very much afrpid it you'd bs raining before I left home, but I thought I would get dressed and make a start for the train. At the station I met a number of my girl friends, and we started a conversation on different topics. Very soon the train steamed in, and we ma.de a start for the famous White Stone City. Arriving at Oamaiu I started for the ■ home of my mate. On tho road up I met my brother on his bike, and he told me my mate had gone out to the Waiareka Junction to meet me. My, what a fine' walk she had for nothing. I wp.s very sony to have disappointed her, but we were in too big a luirT to keep growling al day, so we had a cup of tea and then made a start for the sports grounds. We went lound the ring ence or twice, keeping a good look out for badges. We met one L.F.. named Lillian, and we had a. short chat with her. We then star f ed off to look for more, and very soon we met Prairie Maid, Golden Princess, Waitaki Princess, Otago P., and Maiden Bell, and then I can assure you it was a L.F. chat — all talking at the one time. After standing talking for somo time we started again, when we met Nobody's Pet, Tracey, and Hooligan. Another short chat, and then off again, when we had the pleasure of meeting St. Monica, Mother's Jewel, and Tweed. We then talked over our proposed group, and we came to the concliv

sion that we would go to Mahan and Muir's studio. The time appointed was half-past 3, so we went to look ar the sports until then. At 3.30 p.m. we started off down the street for the photographer's. In a very short time we were arianged in a group, ready to break the glass. Mr Mahan took out one glass and put in another. I asked him if he were afraid we would brea khis glass. He ssud he was rather afraid, so h-e put in a stronger one. In a short time all was finished, and we bade good-bye to the photographer, and went or again— some back to the sports ground, others for a stioll, and one or two for lea. beiore starting for home. After tea we started for the railway station. We put out coats and umbrellas in the train and came out again to have a short chat with the three L.F. who came down to see us off. Soon the whistle sounded, and we had to say good-bye to Tracey, Maiden Ball, and Lucilea. Coming up in the train some of the young men did sing and kick up an awful row. Arriving at Uxbridge I had to say good-bye to Prairie Maid, Waitaki, Golden, and Otago Princesses. I then journeyed on alone to Duntroon, where I was met by Mrs H , and we decided to go and Lear the Black Family. I think the playing and singing of Miss Nellie Black were rea'ily splendid, and worth going a long way to hear. The performance by the other members of the family wa3 equally good. After the concert we started on a good long drive home. The night was lovely — the moon was shining bright, and the air was rather warm. We arrived home shortly after 12 o'clock, and I can assure you all were ready for bed. So ended my enjoyable holiday.

On Friday night the Public Hall at Tokarahi was opened by the Hon. T. Y. Duncan. Mr Herdman was also- present, and delivered a- short speech. The hall was then declared cpened, and a programme consisting of music and singing was given. After the concert tbe hall was cleared for dancing, which was kept going up till the " woe sma.' 'oors." Refreshments were provided in a marquee outsid-e. I only met two L.F. — Gipsy Nell and Green Shrub. So ended my first night at a concert in the Tokarahi back blocks. — Yours truly,

LADY STAIR

Dear Dot, — It is more than a year since I last wrote to the page, hvti my interest has not lessened in the least. You must not expect a veiy Kvely letter this time, as I am sitting up in bed writing this. I have not be'en wel for some time now, and will be very glad when I am able to go about again. I see by some of the letters that a number of D.L.F. have had delightful picnics, bat uI. fortunately I am too far in the back blocks to attend any of them. I ami going to Oamaru for a holiday very soon, and I hope to become acquainted with more of the D.L.F. then, as I know very few at present. The farmers here are very busy harvesting, but now that the rain- has come on it will stop them for a few days. The wind and rain spoilt the best part of our cjcop, but we have the greater part of it in now. With love to all the D.L.F., yourself, and the

editor, — Yours truly,

tfILER

[I ami sorry you have been ill, Smiler, but hope you will soon be quite well again, and that you will meet a number of the Oatnaru D.L.F., "when you go for your holiday. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I have jffst returned from my Easter holidays, so I am going to write to our page to-night. The weather was not all that could be desired during the holidays, but of course complaining does not improve matters. Tuesday, April 18, turned out clear and fine. I left home on Tuesday morning, and went to Stirling with An American Heiress, and a right jolly time we had going through, but the best of friends must part, so at Stirling we had to say goad-bye. I felt it pretty quiet going down to Kaitangata, where my uncle lives, as I rKd not know anyone on the train. However, I arrived there all right, fairly tired, and a bit hungry. I was on the look out for badges on the way through, but was disappointed, as I did not see one. Kaitangata is a very large and busy placa. There are two coal mines within a mile of each other ; they are called the Kaitangata mine and the Castle Hill. My uncle woiks in the Castle Hill mine, which is just behind his house. A large number of men work in this mine. I used to watch the men going up to the mine in the morning. They all sat at the mouth of the mine till the last man turned up. It looked very pretty to see a!'l their little lamps burning in tho early morning. The Kadtangata mine is away at the other end of the town. It is lit up with gas at night, and looks very pret+". I was only down at it one afternoon wiih my aunt and little cousin, but did not see much of it this time. I was all over it the last time I was down, however. There is at number of very nice houses in Kaitangata. There is si so a large vinery, owned by a Mr Dunn in which he grows lovely grapes. They were the biggest I have ever seen. After staying in Kaitangata for a few days I went on to Milton, and there my cousin met me with his horse and trap, as we had to drive six miles out to Fortification. General Booth. Commander of the Salvation Army, went through on the same train, and he "got out on the platform at Milton, as the train stops "or about a quarter of an hour, and addressed the people at the station. When the train moved away they gave him three hearty cheers. I was standing listning to the General when my cousin came along, so we started off for Fortification. It was a lovely evening~for a drive, as the moon was shining bright overhead and the stars twinkled away in the distance, for it was freezing hard. We reached my cousin's house at about 7 and after refershing ourselves with a cup of tea and indulging in a talk, we retired for the nis:ht, and were as fresli as ever next day. Here I stayed for three days. Fortification is averv quiet place. It is shut in by high hills. The Tokomairiro River runs ris;ht through, and goes past my cousin's door. There are two or three small pleasure boat? on the river. There is a coal mire heie too, and my cousin is manager of it. I was m Milton on Thursday night. It is a very pretty plice, especially at night, when all the shop windows are lit up. They have gas lights in most of the big places. It looked a bit dull on Friday night, as all the business places were closed, and only the street lamps were lit. I came back to mv uncle's on Saturday night with my aunt and cousin, who were coming through from Dunedin. There was a big crowd on Ihe train, too. However, I got into the same carriage as they were in, and arrived at their home safe and sound. On Sunday night, with some friends. I went to the Baptist Church to hear the Rev Mr Alcorn preach, as it was his last address in this church, for he is pbiflg to America to finish his education. On Sunday alternoon we went for a walk to see the beauties of the town. On Thursday, just as I was going to see a friend, I met the n\ail boy a,t the gate with a letter to =ay I was to go home on Saturday, without fail. So, far too soon I thought, Saturday morning came, and I had to say good-bye to my kind friends and start for home. It was pretty quiet travelling without friends, but. like Patrick and the hanging, "you get used to it" ; so, for the rest of the journey, I fared not so bad. When I got on the Orepuk' train I met a number of people I knew. I saw Ceres on the station, but he was busily engaged and had no time to speak. I spoke to Haze] at Invercaxgill. I got home about 7 o'cock. It is a case of back to old clothes

and porridge, for I have to start work nevr. With 10-^e to all the L.F , especially An Araeiican Heiress and Dot, — Yours truly,

MISS MAGDALENE

[What a splendid trip your had, Miss Magdalene. You can very well becontcnt with the Teturn to work-a-day life with so mncn to think about raid speak about. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I suppose you have forgotten you had such a coirespondent as M'lmbo, as I have net written to you for over two years. Since last writing we have shifted to a different house, but it belongs to the same company as the other house did The house we> are living in now is a much better one than the other, but I liked living m the rose-covered clay cottage best, although we were 16 rnile3 from any township, and our nearest neighbours -were a mile away. "We drive five miles to school every morning, and it :s very cold these mornirgs. My sister is away south for a holiday, and I do not know irh-en she is coming home. We have a lot of bulrushes, and if you would like sonve I would send some to you. There was a very big sale here lately, and we have two new neighbours. A little time ago you asked the meaning of " phetau." Mother says it is the old Maori name of the silky fibre of flax after the green fleshy pait has been taken off. We have about 300 pigeons, but the worst of it is they fly away into other people's paddocks, and eat their wheat, and then they are shot. It is a very pretty sight to see fly backwards and forwards all day, but it is still prettier to see them all flying in at dark. We have about 100 fowls, eight ducks, and six turkeys, so you see we have quite a, poultry farm. There are a great many hawks about here, and they eat the eggs, because the fowls lav out on the hills. With love to yourself, — MUMBO.

Ycurs t^jily,

[Thank you verj much for your kind offer, Mumbo, but I am afraid by the time they came such a distance in the train the bulrushes would not be in very good condition. Thank yen, dear, for telling me the meaning of " phetau." — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a tiip I had to S'tewart Island on Easter Monday. We left Wcodend at a quarter to 10, and ir half an hour we reached the Bluff, where we boarded the s.s. Theresa Ward, and were scon sailing over the briny ocean. We were net long in losing sight of the Bkiff, when Dog Island (upon which is erected the lighthouse, which has been blown down and' rebuilt again) came into view. The sea was very rough, and most of the people on board were sick, but I, fortunately, was not. It was not very pleasant to look up and see- the waves like hills around the ship. The ship rocked something terrible, and, when I think of it, ii reminds me of the song, " Rocked m the cradle of the deep." However, we reached Stewait Island safely, but not without getting wet through. After leaving the boat we went for a walk around the beach. We then went up the road, and found a dry place, in which we had our lunch. After lunch we packed up our basket, and then gathered' some pretty geraniums, which are growing by the roadside in Stewart Island. We went up some white steps and through a. white gate, which we thought vas the way to the cemetery, but when we got halfway up we saw. to our great surprise, a house, and you may bs sure, Dot, that we came back quicker than we went up. When ■we had had a good look round w« returned to th" wharf and boarded the same old boat for another rough time coming home. It was much rot.ghcr coming back than it was going over. We reached home at 8 o'clock, very tired and well salted, after spending a most enjoyable day. "^ r ith love to Didn't You Knew, G-D Hon, Motu Rimu, Minnie Gray, and the kind old editor, not forgetting yourself, —

Yours tru

.PPY IKE.

De-ar Dot, — We were stacking on the 27th, but we seem not to be the only ones late with the harvest, for some here have not got their oats cut at time of writing. We have not many cows milking at present. We are feedingthree calves, and also five pigs, two of which are to bu killed. I once held a pig down while it was being killed, and, oh! it did squeal, and I felt inclined to do so too. We are having pretty good weather here. It makes no difference to rue, wet or dry, as I have to work all the same. It is very cold in the mornings and in the evenings, which, as it is now winter, we must expect. 1 have left school new. and I am very glad, as I did not like school, for I was not r. very good scholar ai timos. We are all busy writing letters to-night. I am looking forward to a week's holidays. I am always disappointed vhen ihe month's D.L.F. holidays come, or Old Writeis' Week, because I cannot w.-ite

then. With love to all D.L.F., also the editor and yourself,— Yours truly, LA-LA.

Dear Dot, — Easter Has passed us again, and also that annual event which comes with it — namely, the show. Neither my sister nor I •were there, and, it seems that we were just is well where we were. I had the pleasure of meeting Vidocq a week ago. I had not long to speak to him, as I was waiting for the train at the time, and' it was- not long in c6ming. During Easter week, Otago Central -was" looking pretty gay with shooters' tents. There "were no fewer than eight pitched an different places in this locality. It must be nice for the town people to come up and enjoy the fresh air of the country for a few days. Dear Dot, I have heard several people Bay -that there is someone passing as a "ghost" in Dunedin. Do you know if that is so, and, if so, arc you scared of Mm? ' Our Draughts Club haS started again, but this winter it is to ba held only every second Saturday. Have you ever -had teeth drawn, Dot? , Probably you have. Well, my sister andi jE had two out about a. fortnight ago. Mine are all right aiow, but my sister still has a 'pain where they were drawn. With love and kind regards to you and all the D.L.F.,— Yours truly, GOLDSPUR.

CI "believe there was some silly fellow going •"bout in a white sheet at nights^scaring equally Eilly people, but as someone threatened to lay 'in wait for him and give a good thrashing he gave up his foolish trick. — DOTj

Dear Dot, — The weather up heTe has been eomewhat cold during the past week or two. When, the show came off the wind was blowing pretty strongly. Two of th© tents were blown down, and some of the dishes were baolieh in. tne tent. 'We exhibited our cow at the siiow, and she took second prize in her 'class.. I had to drive her up and baokTnyself — -a/bout four miles. We also exhibited our geese and some cakes. We got second for geese and- first for oat cakes. All this ceme to an aggregate of £1 2b 6d, so it was not ,so bad, was it? — Yours truly,

ANDY REGAN.

pear Dot, — Since last writing, I am sorry to'see'thait a number of our most appreciated ■writers have had to retire on account of age or 'scarcity of time. Quiet again reigns here after the holidays, aaid everybody — even "lazy me"— has settled down to work. I still go to school, and I am glad to say have no thought of. leaving for many years yet, as in most cases, when, it is drawing near to leaving time, we suddenly find out the good times wa have had at school. I have not met many DJj.F. this year, and it seems as if they were scarce in. this part of the world. My brief life was nearly ended a short time ago by a runaway, and I shall gire> you a short description of my adventure. With, my mate,

vrho fires at- Waitahuna and oomes down to school herei I was one night walking slowly derm the street watching two tipsy young men in a buggy driving madly about the tows. We '-took no more notice of IJhe thing, and - strolled slowly along, talking. My mate then asked me to come over to a shop on the other eide of the street, which I immediately did. Just as we were entering the shop

I heard someone addressing me, so I looked

icund, and stopped talking a while to a friend. .We* were so engrossed in our conversation that^-we neither saw nor heard anything till a liorse^ came * tearing into the gutter beside us..' l^quickly; saw our danger, and jumped into the nearest shop, but my mate, who lost- - ter'-Tiead.lfad-no time to take any refuge, and was thus, left at the mercy of the enraged beast. The horse dashed past her, and the _ ' cart caught in'the post and was broken in two, the .horse rushing away, and the two men sent flying out. before her. "They Bad some beer 'with them, and when the crash came it went flying- everywhere, and my mate was drenched with it. When I looked out there were the two men — one lying unconscious; while the other, who Kskd been, asleep, seemed to be " Srying to realise his situation; and near by

stood my mate covered with beer, and like a ghost. We soon got away from our disreputable surroundings, a>nd were for a long time of "some interest to the public. With love to Lady May Trevelyn, Prisoilla, Troubled Housewife, Olive, and all hit Lawrence D.L.F. friends, and wishing -another prosperous year to the page, and with kind love to yourself, — Yours truly, ROBIN GRAY. Dear Dot, — W© are having grand weather up here just now.- I am going to tell you of a trip that Nancy Lee and I had on Easter -Monday to the Head of tbe Lake. W© were staying with <mo of_ my aunts. On the Monday afternoon it was very wet, so we had to stay inside, but the next morning, as it was fine; my aunt said we would go for a drive. We* started at 9 o'clock in the morning. At lialf-past 12 we came to a nice place, so we boiled our billy and had lunch. Then we started off again. We reached home at 5 p.m.^aftea: a good day's eaijoyment. The next duy we did not go out at all, as wr had to go home in the afternoon. We started for home at half-past 3 o'clock? and reached our destination'about half-past 8. With love to all the I*.F., n-t forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, TOPSY 11. Be»i Dot, — The harvest up nere is all finished, and the farmers will not be veiy fiorry. It was a very rough day for the Middle■mareh. show, and all the tents were blown

down. Although it was very rough I enjoyed „ myself veiry much, and met a number of L.F. The trapping- Bas been started once more, and poor bunny is having a sad time. The price is only 4d, and the rabbiters are not making very much. The weather is very changeable at present. 1 If- you ever go out for a drive m the morning you are not certain what it will be, in the evening before you come home, father and mother are going to- Dunedin to30K>rrow, and -fche house, will be very lonely without them. I was in bed for a week, but wh«t was wrong with, roe I could not tell. Our school is starting again next Monday but I shall not bo very glad. We had two weeks' holiday, and I was very glad, as we were all ill. I don't think our school will linger on muoh longer, as there are only three attending it. Now I don't appiove of so much criticising. We are supposed to write for the benefit of others, but I don't think criticising is writing for the benefit of Others. — Yours tiuly, . WOLVERINE. ... Dear Dot, — I felt very quiet to-night, so I thought, " Now is the time to write to our

dear old page once more." Holly Tree is sitting at the end of the table, very busy with pen and paper, and I believe she is writing to you at last. At the present moment the lain is pouring down, and. I feel quite disheartened, as we were going to have a lovely time -On the beach to-morrow (Good Friday) if the day proved fine, but I can only hope the lain will keep off, aoid that our picnic will toe as enjoyable as our last one was. I notice, ]Dot, that some of .your correspondents think I have taken my norn de plume from a weed that grows very plentifully in Otago-^namely, iragwort, but which very often gets called tansy; but the tansy and ragwort are quite different plants altogether, one being a very mice 'garden flower, the other » noxious weed, and it is from the flower that I have taken any name. I think Tommy has given a very good description of his visit to Chaslands; but one thing he forgot to mention, and that is that he is very fond of honey. I had a sice riide .this morning, Dot, La co.mpany

with The Smiling Lass. I rode her horse, which she calls Jerry. I think you would have smiled if you had seen us. The Smiling Lass managed to get a long way beyond her usual L.F. smile, and she laughed until she could not guide her horse properly, and it ran into the " smiddy." I don't mean the laugh, Dot — it was the horse that played us that trick. I thought it was about time to leave her then, sa I said " Ta-t«.," and directed my horse homewards. There is a crowd leaving here for the Invercargill carnival. I should have liked to have gone too, but when one gets on a dairy farm it is a very hard job to get off, as cows are so tiring. I should like very much to attend the Debating Club, and if I have a chance this winter to go to town I shall look up T.D.A. Eggs and yours truly went fuchsia-berrying the other day, and we got a nice lot. - We had an axe, and we chopped down some trees. After we had had a good feed we filled a glass jar to take home with us. They were such nice large berries. • I like them much better than the lawyer berries, or brambles, as they are sometimes called. With best respects to the editor and yourself, and love to all the L.F., — Yours truly,

TANSY.

[I hope E.F. will pay attention to the error of calling that pest the ragwort by a wrong name, Tansy. There is a resemblance in the leaves, but the flowers are quite different. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is such a long time since I last wrote to you that you probably forget that such a person •as Alpine Princess ever existed, but you will see by this that I'm still in the land of the living. Some of the L.F. seem to be having a good time at picnics, etc., but, alas! the poor D.L.F. of the back blocks have to play in their own back yards, and just think how lovely it would be to_ be able to go to a picnic. Perhaps the day will come when we shall have a picnic at i Mataura, and then what a time we shall have ! What do you think, Nance O'Niel? I went to the axemen's carnival at Easter, and as it rained from 5 o' (Slock in the morning until 4 in the afternoon you can just imagine how the people looked, and what the grounds were like. The mud was knee-deep, and poor Roy had no rosebud in his coat. Never mind, Roy; wait till the summer conies again, and perhaps you will be able to get a "Victory" "bike to take you over to Hokonui. Well, Dot, after I went to the carnival I thought there were worse places in the world for rain than Glencoe after all. I noticed a. few D.L.F. there, two of whom spoke to me at the railway station, and another young lady was in the same carriage as I was on the Lumsden train. I did not notice her until I was getting out to change trains at Winton, and then I had no time to say anything beyond, " Hullo, D.L.F. ! " I also noticed a young man with a badge pinned on his coat, but he seemed too bashful to ■ speak, and I was ditto. Such were my D.L.F. adventures in Invercargill. Our nearest neighbour was married last week, and tha evening he came home a crowd of tin-kettlers gave an open-air selection round his dwelling, and the noise they made was something terrific. It sounded very nice in the still night, and I believe it was heard several miles off. I rode 20 miles to Gore , the other day to get my pony's photo taken. 1 It was such a warm day when I started my journey, and by the time I (or- rather my pony) climbed those steep hills between here and Mataura. I just felt anyway, but once I -reached Mataura it did not take my pony long to scamper along the nice level road to Gore. I think Gore such a pretty little place, and what takes my fancy most is the new railway station. One can't help admiring it, especially from the roadside. I stayed in Gore a few hours, and then the photographer and I wended our way to the Mataurß River. He looked hard at his camera, and I suppose he wondered if it could stand the chock ; but anyway he chanced it, and as I did not hear »ny glasses cracking I suppose all would, be ■well. I met a D.L.F. in a buggy that day. I wonder if she would exchange autos. with me? After I had my photo, taken I started my return journey home, with a strong wind blowing in my face. Soon the wind turned to rain, and didn't the Princess get it going over the heights. Well, Dot, everything must come to an end, and so must this letter, and no doubt you will think the sooner the better, so I shall conclude with love to Fairy Queen, Madame Melba, all the other L.F., and yourself. — Yours truly, ALPINE PRINCESS.

Dear Dot, — We have had our D.L.F. picnic at last. We had our photo, taken twice, and we will send you the best one. We left about half-past 10. I shall not give an account of it, as Jill the others will be describing it. My sister and Molly Dawn, Country Maid, and I have just been riding a bike, and every time Country Maid got on it her little baby brother began to cry, so she did not have so pleasant a ride as we did. Neither Molly Dawn nor West Coast Lassie was at the picnic. Molly Dawn was at the Kumara races. My brother, Little Nell, Dolly Gray, and I are practising for a concert. We have a book each to learn out of. Elsinore is going away to Kumara to-morrow for a holiday. Lavender works in a shop, but she got a day off for the picnic. We are always getting teased in Ahaura about our noms de plume. We can't go up the street but someone is singing out our noms de plume after us. They make pieces of poetry up about us. We were all very tired this morning. The river is in a great flood to-day, and you can hear it rushing up against the bridge all the day long. Every morning when we go to school we have a chat with Lavender, as she is always looking out for us. On our way to school we always wait at a corner for our mates, and when they come we trot off. Grey Valley was up to-day on the bike. With fond love to all the D.L.F. and yourself, — Yours truly, BILL BAILEY.

Dear Dot, — Since last writing quite a number of exciting events have taken place. What with a record social evening, a presentation, and a wedding the D.L.F. here have indeed had a variety of amusements. Of course the all-absorbing topic for some time has been Maisie Bee's wedding, which took place la-st Wednesday, quite a crowd of D.L.F. being present at the ceremony and also at the after celebrations'. In the evening a social and dance was held in honour of the occasion in one of the local halls, and it need hardly ba said that everybody enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Indeed, we were all sorry when the time came for us to depart to our various homes. Awkward Ned's resignation will most certainly be a loss to the page, especially to the Debating Club, for he was a very able writer. I do not, however, agree with Ned' a contention that the page is better than, or as good as, it was four years ago. Since then th.3 numerical strength of the band has greatly increased; but, on the whole, the, quality of the letters is not nearly so good as formerly, and although we- have now a number of very good correspondents, yet they have not taken the placfi of the old favourite, writers. Among the many D.L.F. whom I have come in contact with I have noticed that the noms de plume of many of those whom I should think would make excellent writers seldom or never appear s^t the foot of a letter,. Now I do not think that this is due to a lack of interest in the page ; but a number of them, seena to think that there are plenty of letters

without theirs, and hence they never write, I and so to a certain degree lose some of their j interest in matters pertaining to D.L.F. | affairs. In my opinion, some of these silent D.L.F. should write now and again, and help the page in its onward march to even greater success and prosperity. During Easter week there were quite a number of D.L.F. visitors to our town, the axemen's cariiival and other amusements no doubt attracting a number of our country comrades. I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of One of The Nippers and Orna, as well as meeting many old D.L.F. friends. I was disappointed that the Eroposed Mataura picnic aid not come off, nt perhapis we shall be able to hold one at some more favourable time. The Debating Society still continues to be as popular and successful as ever, and big efforts will be made to make the annual social a credit to Dot and all concerned. With love to all, — Yours

[No doubt a number of the good writers whom Ceres appeals to will make their appearance once more in Special Subject Week. Awkward N-ed, to whom we were indebted for the suggestion for last Special Subject Week, has the matter in hand again, and with a variety of subjects on which he has consulted me, I feel certain an attractive week's contributions will be the result. Personally, I am by no means sure that we have not quite as good writers among us now as we had years ago. It would be invidious to mention Minos, but I have in my mind's eye several writers of very considerable ability. — DOT.]

LETTERS CONDENSED.

Armchair does not see any harm in dancing or playing cards', but sho admits that many people do. "Our school unstress is leaving us, and wo do not know who we are going to get in her place."

Ruth was at a dance last week, and enjoyed herself immensely. "I have five sisters and one brother, and v?e think the world of him. I -went for a bike ride the other dny about nine miles," and 2 was very stiff next morning. The roads are lovely just now for biking, but they will soon be spoilt, as the winter is coming on."

Daddy's Girl and all her class did very -well at the quarterly examination. "We had a , basket party in the barn last Thursday, and we ' all enjoyed ourselves very much. The weather j is beautiful just now, but t-he mornings are • very cold. Papa sold nearly all his lambs on Friday, and got a good price."

Lady Mitkiel spent her Easier holidays in Cianedin, and had an enjoyable time. "Sometimes I used to go out for a ride on our horse, but he has been sold. We have a new horse now. but I do not ride on it because it would throw me off. We feave only one cow, and I some<times milk it. I sometimes go out for a wade in the lake when the water is not too cold."

Pincushion found the Easter holidays rather dull, as her mother had a number of visitors. "On Easter Monday we had seven, three of whom stayed over night. We intended going to the B-luff. only it was too wet. Wo have been busy all the week, and the baby is not well at all just now. One night we had the magic lantern out, and the pictures came out nicer than they did at any time before, as we did not know how to use it properly."

Cabnation has two pets — a pony, which she rides to school, and a puppy. "Moat of the • f aimers have got their crops threshed, and , soxnis have it carted to the station. I went to the Timaru sports, and spent a very enjoyable day. We drove into town first, and saw the procession take place, a.nd then we i drove out to the sports. I have on© brother ' and three sisters. My youngest sister is a little mischief, and she is trying to bump my arm."

Latest Fad is learning to play the violin, but she is getting on very sJowly. "We finished leading in the crop to-day. My uncle gave me a horse and a calf. "When I went home to-day I gave the horse a bucket of chaff and shut her in the stable, and she was shut in all day without a drink. She is lame just now, so I am not able to ride her."

Reta II lives in a coal-mining district, "and it is a very pretty place. On a. Saturday it is nice going to tho bush to gather ferns or clematis. Ido rot go very often myself, but I see a greait many other people going. We are ha.ving lovely weather here just now, after a week's drizzly rain."

Kikwee Oephan tells me of her trip from Otago to Canterbury. She had several adventures before reaching Christchurch, where she was met by her_ uncle. She was told to remain in the dining room in the moi-ning till her uncle came for her. She was up betimes, and waited and waited, till her patience was nearly exhausted, when at last a man who had come in and looked at her three times spoke to h«r, and proved to be her uncle. He had not seen her since she was three years old, and hence tho lack of recognition. "I go to ciruircli with my uncle in tihe evening. Lest Sunday night I went with my uncle's mate, and uncle and another man biked. We have two and a-half miles to go, so as it is getting on for winter we are going to content ourselves at he me for the rest of the. winter evenings.' '

Nancy is glad to note the success of the Debating Club, and the next time she comes to town she will attend the meeting on Tuesday night "The weather is getting wintry; the nights are very cold just now. The trapping is m full swing up here. It is a great thing for the young men, isn't it, Dot? There was church here last Sunday. Th.is place is veiy quiet. I think myself that it is on© oi the loneliest places in Otago, but that is only my opinion of it, Dot. I was at the M. show, and I enjoyed, myself fairly well. It was a very rough day. There were not many D.L.F. theie. I think that pionio at Mosgi»l kept a lot of them from corning to the show."

Tod is only seven years old, but would like to join the L.F. "I live in Southland, at a. place called Heddon Bush, and I go to school every day. During the harvest holidays I was at Lirnehills, where I enjoyed myself very much."

Totty tells us about the weather, which is very changeable. "We have a new teacher, Mid she is very nice to us. Sometimes she has gamies and sports with us. Wint&r is oommg on now. The people ha,v« nearly all their wheat, barley, and oats carted in. Queen Sophia tells us about a nice game she had. We played hide-and-go-seek. The two seekers went into the porch, and then we w&nt away to hide. We went into a very funny placc—naniely, a well. The two seekers wi&re looking everywhere, but could not find us. They looked high and low, but without avail. We were nearly orusihed to death, because there were five of us in the well. When we were ftciuing <iut of the well the t?aaher and! alj the children started laughing, we presented such a comical sight, for we were all over g-ass and spiders' webs."

Lady Rosabelle is rejoicing because the numbers of D.L.F. are increasing in the district where she lives', and she hopes that soon there will be enough to hold a D.L.F. picnic. "The Easter holidays; are a-U over now, and we have, to settle down to work again. We llftvei had very roiigh weather here lately, and several trees about our place were blown down."

THE DAEK-fitED QuejjSt did not go away , anywhere for her. Easter holidays, so, ske found

them rather dull. "I had a long walk on Sunday last up a tramway. Theie are two high bridges, and one is arched with trees. When we were coming home a cow chased us."

Peea tells me about a picnic George's Ma. I*,1 *, Clove Leaf, Butteifiy. and she had around at Perry Winkle Corner last Friday. "I started to boil the billy, of course, and over it went, and out went the fire, and we had no tfca ; 9j we sat down and ate our lunch and drank cold water for tea. After we had finished w© went to look for ferns. We had a big hill to climb up, and what fun we had ; but we got a. lot of pretty ferns."

Dewdrop IV would very much like to attend the meetings of the Literary and Debating Club, but as she lives 70 miles fiom Dunedin that is not practicable. " The weather up here has been pretty fine lately, and the harvest is nearly done. The mill started at a neighbour's to-day. We have had two weeks' holidays from school, and in that time I enjoyed myself immensely. The cows are all going back quickly just now, and I think the factory will soon be running only three times a week."

AUTOS,

Harvester is willing to exchange autos with any L.F. Address: "Haivestpr, care Miss White, Pahia, Southland."

Robin Gray would like to exchange autos with Morepork Texas Jack,, and King Dick. Add t ess: "Lizzie M'Gill, High School, Milton."

Latest Fad would like to exchange autos with Texas Jack, Indian Chief, Awkward Ned, Jessica, and any other L.F. who axe willing. Address : "Latest Fad, D.L.F., care Mokoreta P. 0., Southland."

Cosy asks if any D.L.F. woiild bo so kind as 1o send her the words of the songs, "There's a light in the window," " Fated wedding bells," and " Come back to Erin." Address : " Cosy, D.L.F., Kaka Point, Port Molyneux."

Kirwee Orphan would like to exchange autos with any D.L.F. who are willing, especially Bride's Blossom, Reta, Daddy's Girl, Daddy's Helper. "I will send mine directly I get theirs." Address: "Kirwee Orphan, ca.re Mi' 3 \Yva- Sheate, Kirwee P. 0., Canterbury."

Eurydico has decided to cJiange her norn de plume to Avourneen, and she would, like to exchange picture postcards with any D.L.F. " If they address them to ' Avourneen, D.L.F., Fairview, Waitahuna, Otago,' I ?hall get them."

Alpine Princess will exchange autos iviti any D.L.F. who are willing. Address: "Aln ; Princess, Giencoe P. 0., via Invercargil'.'

The Dark-eyed Queen would like to exchange autos with Zephyr, Didn't You Kuew, and Tommy. Address . "The Dark-eyed Queen, D.L.F., care P. 0., Waihoaba."

Pera would like to exchange autos w ith Smiling Lass, Mustard Plaster, and any of the D.L.F who are willing. Address : '"Pera, D.L.F., Haldane P. 0."

General's Sweetheart would like to exchange autos with Toko, Merlin. G-. S. T., and Flower o' Clutha. Address. "General's Sweetheart, D.L.F., Tahatika P. 0., Owaka." The Black Girl is willing to exchange autos with Cleopatric, Texas Jack, Queer Fellow, Daddies Helper, Mine's a Better One Than Yours, Didn't You Knew, and New Scribbler. Address : "T. B. G., care of Mrs A. Farquhar, Tahatika Post Office, Owaka." Happy Ike would " remind Gc Hon that he has not yet sent me his auto., though I sent mine to him a long time ago. I would like to exchange aulos with any D.L.F. who aaro willing. Address: 'Happy Ike, D.L.F., Motu Rimu, Woodend, Southland.' "

Topsy II would like to exchange autos with G-rumpy, Lampglass, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address : " Topsy 11, care Mr T. Sanders, Arthurs Point, via Queenstown, N.Z."

Mealie I would like to exchange autos with Dove II and Two Schoolmates, Eddie and Lampglass. Address : " Mealie, D.L.F., care of Miss Lena Chittock, Waikoikoi P. 0." Dewdrop IV would like to exchange autos with Flower o' Clutha, Texas Jack, Jessica, Indian Chief, Our Cook, Lady Lilian, Lady Dundas, and C. C. M. Address : " Dewdrop IV, D.L.F., care of Tahatika P. 0., via Owaka."

Jessie. — I am afraid there is no way of satisfactorily reviving the colour. You might try a bottle of diamond dye of the same colour or a little darker, but I do not feel hopeful of your getting good results. Alexia. — I cannot find any record of her having done so, dear, so that you may choose which of the two you prefer. Troubled Housewife.— l have posted the letter to the proper address, and hope you will hear from her in due course. Ceres. — Thank you for bringing the matter up for discusion. I am inclined to think the majority of the L.F. would take the same view of the matter, and it would be calculated to restrict the number of contributions, so probably it will be better not to carry the suggestion into effect.

LITTLE FOLKS' BADGES. Badges sent : Avourneen, Dewdrop IV. With pin : Mataxika, Rondinella, English Tabby, SmiJer, Sunflower 11.