LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2672, 31 May 1905, Page 73

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Mott©: — We write for the benefit of others, not ' for ourselves. Dear Dot, — 'Twos on the 22nd of Aprii that four Australian horsegirls and one horseman threw on their saddles, buckled up their girths, and mounted. Baskets on our arms, billy hanging to the saddie, we rode away, bound for Bald Mount. We crossed the Eucumbene River about 100 yds from the homestead. A little fancy riding up the flat and we entered the mountain scrub — beautiful bending scrub of eucalyptus trees. A few minutes' waiting on the top of the first hill for our guide, who was to come by another road, and then we started off along the road to the Nine-mile. Soon after starting we met our guide coming back. , He had missed us, and, evidently thinking we were ahead, he had gone on. After we had climbed for about two miles we dismounted, and tightened our girths. Our horses were white with sweat. Mounting" again, we rode on, up, up ever upward. Had we seen any wild horses we intended going after , them, but if • there were any there they were invisible to the naked eye. We drew rein eeveral times on the way up the mountain to view the magnificent scenery below us. Ah, beautiful, beautiful Australia! It was about 12 o'clock when wi arrived on the top. Dismounting, we wrote our names on the observatory. Oh, dear, it was windy and cold, but when we descended the other side it got quite warm again. Out, out, back farther and farther we went, until we arrived at Snow Vale. We again dismounted to rest our weary limbs, and boiled the billy on the banks of the Gungaline River. After a long conversation on. conversation lollies, which were all flying towards our. guide, we again threw ourselves into the saddles. We refreshed our horses in the river, and then left. Galloping across the plain, we had a yarn to a shepherd, then we bade farewell to the Sumut district. We had a lovely ride home, as we ca-me by another road, which was not so mountainous. We arrived home just before sundown. I was supposed to be the most tired, owing to the horse I was riding being so spirited, but I don't think I either looked or felt as tired as poor old JBunnie (oar friend). Poot Bunnie! — she wa-s too tired to. talk, too tired to &it up straight. "Never mind, Bunnie," I said; "it'll be all the same m a hundred year 3." She couldn't - even laugh. Jessie and I weren't too tired . to ride Ifome with Bunnie, Kate, and Bill. i When we got to their place we started racing. Race after race we raced, and I lost everytime. The onlookers kept on telling me to let my horse's head go, but being very spirited, I was afraid he would rear. The last race was then about to start. They gave their orders for me to let my horse's head go. Then we started, and the onlookers screamed, "Let his head go!" "Let his head go'" So I let my horse's head go, and he left them all behind. My word, I felt proud as ire rode away. Harry in his highest of spirits, and me (his rider) holding my he-ad in the air, sniffing at the otheT liorees. T stayed at my friend's place that night, and next morning came home, after, of course, going to see how Bunnie and Kate felt. My friend Jessie came home with me, so we had a good talk over the day before. We intend going again at Christmas, but I hope there will be another with us then. I am afraid my letter is rather lengthy, but I don't write very often, so I hope you won't mind. I jhall not write again for a long time. You no doubt have read all about the terrible fires we have had. Some of the country we rode over on the 22nd April was burnt. Dear Vivace. I have written to you. I hope the letter will not go astray, like yours did. With kindest regard** to all, — Your« truly, EAST LYNNE.

[Our liltle Australian D.L.F. need not apo'osrise for the length of her letter or tell us she will not write for a long time. We shall all be very glad to hear from her whenever she has anything to writs about — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Please accept this as my final contribution to the page, as I can feel a great gulf cpmin^ between me and D L F.-dom, Sefeieh 1= widen me day by day, caused by tha hand of Time. By the way, tailing of the hand of Time reminds me I am the unlucky possessor of an old VTaterbuiv waxeh, which keeps the Lime so well that it won't tell r soul, not even me. The other night I was seized with an inclination to &cc into it like, and accordingly I set to work turning it outside in. After exploring itq unknown regions with the aid of my pocket-knife, I started replacing its numerous combinations, but, alas' Dot. I somehow or other contrived io u>v.t tr> ■> v-h^rJ^ in wrong side no. The i-c = u't v?s 1';"f the- thin« started going vice ver?a, ancl whon I looked at it this morning it registered hnlfpa=d 1 yesterday, and was s« till going frill speed astern, so if that dreadc-l wat« li «tiil kpeiv going at the fame rate, I will be 'onuwlicie ;a the middle of last week iiv the tune tln« cote reache« you. Dot. so sou .an rea'tilv <?x<_v.-e me if my reran rks ai c not altogether l!U fcr. J "e. If sr.n say? me jtist

now, Dot, I don't think >ou would ' own me as one of your band, inasmuch a3 I am growing a pretty fierce beard — no I barbers here, Dot. I, am absolutely out of civilisation altogether, at the head of Lake Ohau, on. Benmore. There is not a living soul for 20 miles to my knowledge, so, you see, I am monarch o! all I survey, no one to dispute my right to anything. I have supreme dominion over two canines, about a dozen p-ussy ca,ts, an old charger, and a ferret, so you can readily guess that I am feeling a bit important just now. How would you like living in the back blocks like I am, Dot — alone? I like it fine, but I am getting into a, nasty habit of calling myself "old fellow," and holding lengthy discussions with myself audibly. Don't you think its time to dig out when one starts that game? Well, Dot, of course it grieves me to say good-bye, but you can always count on Q.F. being a very interested outsider. I owe you much gratitude for all past favours, in the shape of advice, and for the endurance of bad spelling and long, empty leters, etc. The feeling is there. Dot. but, you know, it won't shape itself into expression. Certain parties have often accused me of being childish through writing to Dot, but I generally resent these remarks, as the people who make them are too matter of- fact for me to argue with. I know this much, if I had my time over again I'd start writing to the page as soon as I was strong enough to hold a pen. I am not of a very cheerful disposition, but whenever and wherever I twis a D.L.F. badge, I shall always try my very best to do the grin. With love to Dot and all her followers. — Yours truly, QUEER FELLOW. [I am indeed sorry to learn that Queer Fellow's all too short connection with us is to end. Could yon not see your wav to contribute in Old Writers' Week, dear fellow? I am sure everyone would look forward to your letter with pleasure. The people who taunt anyone for writing to the page are generally incompetents who could not write a letter like Queer Fellow's for love or money. — DOT.] THE LAMENT OF THE L.F. OX THE BADGE, AND VICE VERSA. (The LJ.) Ah! shining orb, with letters three, Within thy scanty space No brilliant gems shine out from thee, Kor jewels bedeck thy face. Your visage fair brings memories dear Of good old days gone by, Which nieulories rob my thoughts of care And send them soaring high. (The Badge.) My friendship e'er with you remains, In scenes both near and far, Through thick and thin, in life's oampatjpis, I'll be your guiding star. When glooms within thy bosom fight, Anon thy spirits damp, In me you'll find a beacon light, ] A good "Aladdin's lamp.'' (The L.F.) In you I see a thousand trips, And picnics by the score ; You've^ won for me, from kindred lips, Kind greetings in galore. Nor in my mind will visions fade When you, time and again, Would oft attract the coyish maid, Thus win that Witn-es.s grin. tThe Badge.) ' With you I've scaled the lofty peak, Betimes you'd bunny chase ; It chanced his hide you'd sometimes seek Along some scrubby face. When in your skin the prickle sank, Each time, without s>, doubt, 'Twas with my pin you'd always yank Thai foreign member cut. (The L.F.) Shine out, shine out, in oold relief, From off thy lofty perch. Both hearts and hands together keep, Renew thy friendship's search. Still strike those choids within our hearts, You've struck them more than once (Those chords akin to Cupid's darts), Of good and true response. (The Badge.) When friends are far between, and feir. For you I'll fight the Fates, If e'er you seek in pastures new I'll seek your L.F. mates. Through city wide and country-side A helm you'll find in me, I'll steer you through life's swelling tido, Thus .shape your destiny. (The L.F.) And now I move iii man's estates, This is my only ai?n, To cherish you in Memory's gates, To soar the heights of fame. We've formed in strong alliance, And while years go gliding by, We bid the world defiance, That's my L.F. badge and I. QUEER FELLOW. Benmore, via- Omaranisi, May 6. Dear Dot, — It is a great treat to me to take up my pen and vrite you a few lines. Is not your page progressing? It mnst be a pleasure to you for that to be the case. Isaw Roby's letter in the last Witness. What a long- time since she last wrote. Two "townies" came to camp out here about a month* ago, and -we had some very good fun listening to them when they arrived back after their adventure^. Five days ago they came out drenched and looking very crestfallen. When we asked them how they had enjoyed themselves, they only said "Fine," so we invited them in fdr a night's rest, and they secmecf very glad. When they sat down to" tea they said, "This is thci decenlest feed we've had for three weeks." Dad asked how that was. "We lived on nothing but damper and pork baked in the asihes most of the time" was the answer. On being sympathised with a little they poured out their woes. I must say I felt, like laughing, but out of respect for tlieir feeling's I kept a selemn face. Well, Dot, they had two dogs and two gxuia, one fiddle, a tent, and a billy, with some tea, flour, an axe, and some salt to begin with. They were new chums at putting up a tent, so didn't kiiow what to do with the tarpaulin, and they tied it down with the sides of the tent. They tied the dogs to trees that were near. They simot>t ate one loaf of bread and lib of butter Ihey happened to have with them the first nifeiit, and they were no sooner in bed than the dogs begun to howl for company, and weic answered by wild cats and owli. Thi^ kept up till they couldn't bear it any longer, ro tbpy filed a shot to quieten them, with the effect of making them worse. In the morning they went out to hunt pigs and wi'cl cattle, having the luck to catch one pig, and chore tlie rest m the direction of their camp. The second night tho d~>gs, -etc., behaved better, and they. bciii^ very tued, 5401 to siee^ only, to be awakened by '■om^.thlii-j pulling tLc dried fern tnev wo 1 f 1 -.'coin )■-' on f< o'a mi'Tpi tUem. ia = ''ft :& on; to '„- > ■• - !- 'j 1< boar they had clm-tewd ' Do Ye* ' that day. one wluch had »i\cj them a !ot o r ticub'o. anrl ha 4 uoi uviv ii 'me d '1. Ot mi li m«'' fs a., thi= then v.1.0.p tir • was RUcA up. The-} lo i t'le ('a- t win!,' v.'ic hnntinsr, and, goui<; tc look f or them, xhc\ got lost themselves. Dark 110S c; coiiv.usc or, "lli'-y climbed a ti.ee, whei p thunderstorm owitooii them, and they hat. \,3_. H i>i"a-,«rj> <->f lia.'i'-!» \vp* faVuis for Mip timi

being. In the morning they discovered they Liad been quite near their tent nearly the whole time. Poor fellows, they seemed so downhearted, but they soon became lively round a, blazing fire, with their pipes filled. It was a long time before they retired to bed that night, they seeming loth to leave their pipes and the fire. — Yours truly, N. E. J. [What an interesting experience on the unfortunate townies, N. E. J. lam afraid they would not pour out their troubles to their friends in town when they got back, but would rather paint the glories of tent life in the bush and the excitements of pig-hunting. They will, however, kno>v better what is before them next time they go o\xt camping.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Christmas, New Year, Easter, etc., have passed since I last wrote to the dear old page, and we are once more in winter. The weather has been very unsettled lately, and to-day is very wet. I must tell you how I spent my Christmas and Easter holidays. At Christmas 1 went to a small town not far from here. It was wet nearly all the time, so I did not enjoy myself very rmich. On Easter Monday I went to Kaitangata with some friends, and I enjoyed it very much. Although it was a disagreeable day on which we went away, I enjoyed myself all he same. I reached my friend's house about 6 o'clock, and at the door a welcome group met me. My mates took me down the town, and one night W3 went to the Kaitangata coal mine. I was shown all the machinery, and a groat many more wonderful things. We went down the mine a few yards, but it was too muddy, so we fame back again. On our way back we called into another friend's house, vrhere we spent a very enjoyable evening. I brought one of my friends back with me. When I was away they also took me to the beach, and altogether I spent a very enjoyable holiday. One day, after we came back, some of us went up part of the mountain, and we had grand ftin with some deer. My sister and my friend went up to the top of the mountain one day, but it was very cold, so they did not stay there long. The shooting season is over now, not many deer being' got. Our annual picnic was held not very long ago, and it was a great success. I won some races, and received money prizes. There were a great many games played, in which I took part. The picnic broke up about 8 o'clock, after which a dance was held. How the page is progressing, with its literary and debating rlubs, picnics, socials, etc. With best lov-° to all the L.F., especially Lenora, Winifred, Heather Bell, Hester, the editor, ancl your own dear self,— Yours truly, LENA. Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to you I have been to the Easter sports, at which I enjoyed myself very much. I met a number of other L.F., and we all went and had our photos taken. When we were at the sports on Easter Monday two men started fighting, and, oh, Dot, I got such 9 fright, and it vjs awful to hear the blows they gave each other. My brother is busy putting in the wheat ju«t now. Sometimes I see Otago Princess and o+lier L.F. in the train at P. We are having very good weather just now, and I am glad. Dear Dot, there i% great talk about the ghost up hero just now. 1 hope I do not meet him, for I might get a big fright. My sisters say there is no truth about it. Did you ever see a penguin, Dot? We had one here at Easter, but it only lived 11 days with us. It would not eai an3"thing, and, poor thing, it starved to death. When I was writing this a young man read it a.s I wrote, and I did not kno-.v he was reading it. When he told me I was angry, for I thought it was very unmanly of him to take the mean advantage of reading 1 my letter. With love to all L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, MOTHER'S JEWEL. [Penguins never live in captivity, Mother's Jewel. I suppose it would be necessary to have a tank with live fish in it for them to feed on.— DOT.] Dear Dot. — It's only me, so don't be 'spesin' dat any ob de great writers hab 'cided ter write ter ye. It's all right, Roby, I'se not fergotten me hngo, only dat when in Rome we must do ad de Romans do, so when in D.L.F.-dom I'se jest bean doin' as de D.L.F. ; do. Do you know. Dot, Roby an' I hab often talked 'bout de ole an' cla new writers, she 'tending dat de page wad better in de good o]e days, whilo I bein' a new writ'r, 'clare I dat ter-day's page id much better. But id it? j j Ter gib de ole writers der due. I'se after | coinin' ter de 'elusion dat dey show'd more t " intellect " in de: letters dan we do. We may possess ad much "biains," but we don't write ad if. we did. Ob course dere id de few writers such ad Harry an Jessica who compare favourably wid dose ob any day, but de 'jority ob us write more fer our own benefit dan dat of odders. At de same time, I*se tinkin' dat it's more 'restin' ter-day dan four years 'go, coz we writers ob ter-day naturally take more interest in ter-day's letters dan dose ob odder times. Still, der id no use growlin'. an doin' nothin', fer if we do not 'prove de standard ob de page, who id tar do it? Certainly not de writers ob four years 'go. So Awkward Ned hab 'signed. It will 'deed be a : loss ter de page, fer we had got tei count him 'mong de best ob recent writers, but we'll no doubt find him 'mong de rest in S.S. Week and O.W.W. De odder night I wad readin' by de fire, when I'se heard a yell 'hind me, "Oh, dear, Darky, come an' put me out, come an put me out!" Tmkin' de cry wad radder more uigent dan me sister would ask me ter put her outside, I turned, and 'held her dancin' round ad if she had de St. Vitus's dance, an' her pinny fiyin' hind her in fismes, but me brad- i der was already busy puttin' out de flames. Dis wad quite a small matt'r fer her, but dese youngster*! are 'rways doin' something like dat. We hab our h'lle kid here, who would, I reckon, turn an ordinary person's ha'r grey in a day. De odder day "he wad sent to put a calf in a shed, but de calf 'fused ter budge, an' he came in in a great state an' exclaimed, "It imtst be ill, fer it's lookin' awful white." Ad de calf wad ad black ad pitch, we could hardly see dp force ob etc 'mark. Anudcler time we wad tea-=in' him 'bout a lille girl heie, an' he said, <- Gh, I'd hab nothin' ter do wid her, fer she makes stitches dat far "part," showin' a space ob 'bout six inches. "Oh," said I, "but surely ye don't lub a srirl 'cordinsj ter de stitches she makes?" "Well," he said, "I wouldn't like ter hab any ob her stitches in niy clothe«." Radder farsfein', wad it not, fid he's only eight years old. Di^ same youngster wad p-ent a message after d.ulv one night, an' on enmin* home said, "I ran inter de gorsc hedge twice conim' back." '•Well," I said, "and ye must be foolish, fer it's not dat dark." "Ob," said he, "but I couldn't see, fer I <=hut me eyes ter keep out de daik." All de harbesl es ober now, an' ck-3' habbotl fanly s>ood crop--, but de puce ob oats id r.ot «vi.li •.o an oli df farmers -will make clere pile oui ob it." We habbpfi de null fei 'bout a week, mi' w«d je=t 'bout full mi ob it. Ebery timp I tmk ob it id makes mo rub me <?yp= :ui' think ob de early ii«in\ Mother went tf-r I. - •• '"' f i p. fortiiuh*-, on' T wad chief j rr<ik ,v' boM '• washer fer dat time. One Sal<.*i-da\ I "'d K O1 "' * el uick' a coke, sin' SO' it vail prior! — at de 'joltom , for de ton inrl not a M^n of fruit in it, but do bottom v,a i i othm' but fruit. It id not eberybodv wlio cm make two different cakes in one, id it > Ho'vebber, do family hab ' r xi-:vi so dat .c 7 alw.ivs something. De shootin spaaon. id <m now, an de?« id

such a lot ob "shootists" 'bout, specially on Sundays. One ob our farms id specially 'dapted for de production ob de swamp hen, or radder de pukeko. One man from Dunediu. got 40 ob dese birds m a few days, and most ob de odders are habbin' good luck. Some 35 ducks flew pa&t here de odder day, but our gun is lent. De Paradise duck id 'sposed ter bs 'tected, but if one ma-n id cjood cnuff ter leab dem, id only means dat de next on© gets a better haul. So de sociel id not till de 16th ob Juno, an' if all goes well I hope ter be dere. At anyrate, I'se put me holiday off a fortnight in order ter be dere. If all well Iso 'tendm' t-er go ad far ad Chri&tchurcb., or radder Kaiapoi, an, ob course, 'tend ter hab a good time. Id will be radder a change, anyway, ad The nebbar been past Oarnaru. De school youngsters down dis way are gettin' berry 'vanced in der 'deae. Dey don't play de simple old gaiues dat we used ter play, but such games ad "Try, try again," an' "Disapointments," both ob which are horrid games, but dey s-eem ter joy dem by all 'counts. Talking o'u games. Dot, hab you ebber seen dat game play'd where ye get a piece ob paper wid a word an' a question on it, an' den ye are 'sposed ler write a piece of poetry, an' in i* er answer de question, an' put in de word' It's berry 'lnocwin' if a. - crowd takes part, but I forget the name ob de game. One ob de best I'se heard wad composed by a cousin, aged 14. De paper lie got habbed de word '*bid-a-bir3s." an' fie question wad, "Why don't you g<_-t married 9 " Not a berry good question, but he raade de best ob it, wid di.s result — "I can't get married, I'm only a uoy, But when I'm grown, O what joy To hug the wife and spank the kids For covering their stockings with bid-a« bids." ISTot bein' berry good pel it ineself, I usually leit de paper untouched. Dis same boy got a great catch ter-day. He said ter his elder brudder, "I bet ye a'&hillin' I won't clean yer boots to-day." About half an hour afterwards 1 he wad radder 'sprised when his brudder I said, "Jim, I'll gib ye sixpence if ye clean Ime boots." He cleaned them nice an* bright, an' brought- dem in. "Thank ye, Jim," he said; "you only owe rue sixpence now." Poor Jim, it was a catch, 'specially ad he had promised his lille brudder 3d fer cleanin' his. Well, Dot, I'ae used up all me paper, an' I'se hopin' yell sense dis letfr, but — blame Roby fer de language an' me fer de composition" STow, I'll stop, wid best lub ter all, an' 'specially de editor an' yerseif, from yer 'voted hUe nigg'r, DARKY. P.S. Un English). — I'm sadly afraid I've not done anything io rai.-se the page to the standard of the page of tha good old times. "But, law sakes. Dot. what can ye 'spec' ob a, niffg'r?"— D. «. j [Whether we 'spec' much or Hide, we get ! a very interesting letter from our dear little ! nigger D.L.F., Darky, and I think we have i to sincerely thank Ro'jy for the language, and 1 quite as sincerely Darky for the composition. — DOT.] Dei>r Dot, — The golden tint? oi autumn are , fast disappearing, and winter is approaching; ! bat the days are still warm and sunny, even | though the* ground is white with hoar frost in the mornings. Oh, the glory of the sunrise now, as the first rays of the sun fall upon the sp.irklms dewdrops, which become fewer and larger till only a few are left. How they flash and sparkle as they tremble on the tips of the blades of grass like little balls of fire. Then as the sun mounts up higher the I shadows get shorter, and the gra^s is green J once more, and by midday all signs of the night's frost are gone. It is pleasant to be out of doors, and as I gaze away up the valley niy eye^ close, and my imagination carries me back to a time when the work of

Nature was unchanged by the hand of man. I see this smiling valley of ours not as it is now, with the river flowing peacefully along, but as a great lake with the sunshine playing over its rippling water. Not as they are now were yonder mountains, with their thin coat of snow, but a bush-clad range with glowing ratas and giant forest trees, with streams of water tumbling down their sides. Perhaps that lake burst through, forming a well-known gorge, and that forest disappeared for ever, leaving the valley as it is now. No, not quite the same, for then no beds of shingle or winding water races marked the existence of the miner; for when he came in the early days, in the mad race for wealth, to try his fortune on those bare hillsides, he left traces on all sides. Bnt when the geld fever abated, farmers settled here, and the land that I pictured as the bed of a lake is now covered with waving tussock or sown in grass. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself, — Yours truly, ENOCH ABDEN.

Dear Dot, — I expect you will be tiring by this time of the accounts of the L.F. Easter holidays, but, nevertheless, I mu3t tell you how I spent and enjoyed mine. On Good Friday morning I did not know I was goin^ *anywhere until 8 o'clock, and then didn't I have to get a. move on. My two sisters and myself were bound for Kaiapoi. We left horn© at 9.15 to catch the 9.45 train, and after half running down to the station we discovered our haste was all wasted energy. We got into the train, and exercised our patience not a little 'waiting' for the train to arrive from Lyttelton, bringing the Wellington Mission Band to accompany us to Kaiapoi. After j I being delayed an hour and a-quarter, we started off with long faces and damped spirit?. However, we soon recovered ourselves, and all looked forward once more to having a good day. There -were meetings to be held in connection with the Christian Endeavour, which were very pleasant, and also sports on the beach. After tea a party of us went for a walk, and nearly lost ourselves, but got back in time for a meeting to be half over. Coming home, we enjoyed our ride, or rather our shake, in the cattle trucks immensely. Oh, it was supreme. After a good deal of shaking and rolling we arrived at the station almost too cold and stiff to walk. However, we managed to get home safe and sound, and thankful we were to be home. In the evening I went to a concert — or musical evening, I should say — given by the Wellington Band. It was very good, considering most of the performers had been up since 3 o'clock in the morning. So they said. Sunday afternoon I went to hear General Booth, and contented myself with a word now and again, and laughed and looked isolemn when other people did, and then pronounced it very good. Now for Monday : A long day for a short person — most decidedly short (and round). Though up very early in the morning, it took us all our time to get to our meeting place in time (per imial). We were off to Governor's Bay; but first we had to 'see to mother and my little sister catching the early express south. Then we had a rush for the tram this time, and caught it; but left two or three of our party behind. Arriving at the hills, we sat down on a bank for an hour waiting for the next tram to bring — nobody along, belonging to our party, anyway. An hour wasted! Just think of it; we could have been half way to the bay by this time. Now we set ourselves to isome climbing and stiff walking. It was a lovely day for "walking — not too hot, and no sun whatever. When we got to the top of the Jbilla we had a splendid view of the Canterbury Plains, but it was a little foggy, so we did not get a very distinct veiw of Christchurch. We arrived at our destination after two hours' hard labour, to find our "waited-for" friends there before us. After missing the tram, they went and caught the train and , boat, and therefor© got there before us. However, they had our dinner, or lunch, I should say, nicely laid out on the lawn in front of the hotel, to which we did full justice, for we were very hungry after our early walk. As <soon as we had satisfied ourselves we went to the paddock adjoining the hotel gardens, and had some games. From the paddock we got a. splendid view of Lyttelton Harbour, seeing right out to the open sea. Governor's Bay is a very picturesque little place, situated on the side of the Port Hills, and at the end of Lyttelton Harbour. When we had tired of playing we all went for a walk down to the jetty and round the cliffs. About an hour later we came back and had tea, and then prepared for our departure. Then there was a war of words between us as to whether we should walk home or go in the boat. Some were not particular which way they went, others wanted to walk, and the rest wanted to go in the boat. In the end we all decided to go by boat, and I was glad, for I did not feel in the mood for walking home. We set out to walk half a mile, or thereabouts, to the jetty, and after we got into the boat we found we had had our walk for nothing. It went straight back to the near jetty, 200 yards or more from where we were at first. The tide was not high enough for it to get in, so we had a lot of time wasted trying to get close to the wharf. First we got stuck in the mud, then we went too far forward, or too far back, until it was dark. The wind was blowing fearfully by this time, and what with, it and the cold we had a fine time of it. We landed in Lyttelton just as the train was leaving, so we had ample time to straighten ourselves before the next one came. The Botomahana returned from Akaroa at the same time as we came from the bay. She was crowded with passengers, and what with them and our boatful, not to say anything of the people about, I can tell you we had a. rush for a seat in the train. However, we fared very well, and all got a seat. We arrived at Christchurch at half-past 7. After bidding our friends adieu, my sisters, a friend, and myself started off for a farewell concert griven by the Wellington band in the Choral Hall. There were not many people there, but what were there enjoyed an excellent musical evening. The band gave a number of selections, marches, and instrumental quartets. One member of the band gave a very humorous recitation, and was encored, on j which he gave another just as laughable. Another also recited, but did not satisfy the people until he had given three pieces ninwing. When he had finished, ray sides were aching with laughing, as I think everyone else'is were. During the evening Mr Fred Turner, of the Wellington Gymnasium, gave an exhibition of fancy Indian club-swinging, which was also deservedly encored. A number of the bandsmen eang a song entitled "Laugh and grow fat." You can imagine what that was like. One could not help laughing and making about as much noise as the men themselves. There were several other items on the programme which were also very good, but I must not stop to write about them now, as space will not permit. This is only a. brief description of my holidays, seeing I ■was out morn, noon, and night, from Friday until Tuesday. — Yours truly, GLENFEREIE. P.S.— This letters, ia finished at New Brighton on May 19. I am staying here for a few weeks, but will tell you abcrat it later on.— G. Dear Dot, — I sea by Princess Myrtle's last letter that she thinks the Invercargill L.F. are asleep. I quite agree with you, P. M. You growl about being here seven weeks and act seems o- «n» 1 '~ I~*1 ~* "" — ~ V/ ~~ ■will on en.

GLENFEREIE.

CHARL.

' your eyes in surprise when I tell you that although I've been here two years and five , months I've never set eyes on a bad^e. Where are they all? I think the L.F. are too frightened or too shy to wear them. Dot, have you ever gone camping out? I have, and it is grand fun. I shall tell you about one camping out my mate and I indulged 111. Six of us were having a holiday up about Wakatipu, so we decided to go camping. Well, we rigged up our baggage and made ready to start. We left Fairhght on Tuesday morning about 8 o'clock, with a five-mile tramp before us cxc we could set up our tent. That done, we boiled the billy and satisfied the inner man. Then four of the others went away exploring, and left P. and I to get our 'house furnished. But we were not going to be "had" by them, so when they were out of sight we shifted the camp about half a mile farther on. Guess their dismay when they returned and couldn't find the camp. We were hiding in a. clump of trees close by, and heard their exclamations of dismay. At last it dawned on J. that the camp had been shifted, and then, oh! you should have heard what they weren't going to do to those "two mean, scrubby vagabonds." Then P., who was, like myself, ho)ding his sides for fear of tplitting, could suppress hia laughter no longer, so he burst out and gave the show away. Dandy Daniel then said, "Here are the scoundrels! Oh, I could make mincemeat of the two of yon." But I said as sweetly as I could, "I'm awfully sorry, but I've forgotten to bring the mincing machine." *'And a blessing for your hide that you didn't bring it," growled D. D. "Oh," said P., "it wouldn't hurt our hide, but might only break the machine." At this they all laughed, and D. D. acknowledged his beating, so we retired. The week passed off very well, and all reached home safe and sound, and well satisfied with our outing. With love to all the L.F., yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly, CHAB.L. Dear Dot, — The weather has been very changeable here for some time past, but we can't expect anything else, considering it is winter. I have left my old location, where I have resided for many years, and find myself situated in Waitahuna, a charming little township ; but at times I feel lonely, as I know very few people here as yet. However, I hope to make some new acquaintances before long. I spent my holidays in Dunedin this season, but I did not enjoy myself at all, as that terrible "ghost" was also spending his holiday there at that time. I confidently hope he doesn't pay Waitahuna a visit, for I think he is spending a few days at Milton just now. Did you see him Dot? With love to Lady May Trevelyn and dear Priscilla, — Yours truly, SMOOGER. TNo, Smooger, but I think if you had had the presence of mind to give the silly fellow chase and set a dog on him he wouldn't have bothered your mind more. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Winter has come at last, with its hard frost and snow. Most of the young men about here are trapping rabbits for the factory. Our schoolboys have a football to kick about, as it is too cold for cricket this weather. Dot, if you had been here at dinner time today you would have been amused at the rows and squabbles they had about their free kick 3 and kicks at goal. Their talk yould make you laugh; but for all that they are good players. I am going to tell you about a bicycle ride I had. When I went to try the bicycle, I could not ride. I got a man to help me on, and went a few yards, but off I came. I had to wheel the bicycle over to a long bridge, and with the aid of the railing I got on, and paddled along the edge of the bridge, holding on with one hand in case I should fall off, and be-fore I got home I had found my balance. With best love to all the* D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly, MANIOTOTO 808. Dear Dot, — We are milking five cows and feeding five calves, and it means a good deal of work. I have five miles to walk to school, and I like the walk all right. We have throe paddocks ploughed ready for the Bpring sowing. Our turnip crop is looking well just now, but when .the snow comes there will be a change in its appearance. Most of the lagoons about here are dried up, and the bitterns come to take their share of the fish. The bittern is not unlike a. hawk, but it has a long beak, long legs, and flies very low. I have a sister in the Seventh Standard, and she is going to be * pupil teacher. With love to all L..F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, HAROLD. Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to the page we have got a new teacher, and we all like her very much. Harvesting is finished, and the threshing mill will soon be round, and then we «hall have plenty of work. Winter is coming on, and then we shall have some fun sliding and skating. One day the girls at school were playing hide and go seek. The two seekers went into the pprch, and the girls went away to hide. They hid in such a funny place — namely, a well — and when they were coming out we all had a good laugh at them. ■ With love to all the DJj.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, GERALDINE LA TOUCHE. Dear Dot, — We Cliristchureh Di.P. are to have a picnic shortly, and a few words about it will no doubt interest southern L.F. It is the first D.L.F. picnic held in Christchurch, and is to take place on June 3, the Prince of Wales'a birthday, at Processor Bickerton's Wainoni Park. Although rather late in the season for picnics, I sincerely hope it will be a success, and that all Chriatchurch L.F. will endeavour to make it enjoyable. We are to go by the New Brighton tram, which leaves Cathedral square at a- quarter past 9. I hope to see a big number of L.F. present. — Yours truly, ARIZONA. Dear Dot, — I a mgoing to tell you about a trip I had to Linnburn station, a place about 40 miles from where I live. I rose early in the morning, and while my sister packed my portmanteau, I got dressed for my journey. About 11 o'clock we started for the railway station, about a mile and a-half away. When about a mile on the road a gentleman driving by kindly took xny portmanteau and carried it to the station in his buggy. After saying good-bye to some friends on the station, I set sail for Waipiata, where I was met by a man who took me to Patearoa, where I stayed two nights and a day. At last I got to Linnburn station. It is not such a bad place, but is very quiet. Talk about fruit, Dot — why, the very horses were tired of eating apples. The fruit was just going to waste in bagfuls. I stayed at Linnburn a fortnight, and then I came home again. I crossed the Taieri River three- times going and coming. When I got to Wedderbuxn I wa3 met by my father, who got a surprise, as he was not expecting me, but he was glad to see me all the game. With love to Indian Chief, Fan, Geraldine La Touch e, the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly, DADDY'S HELPER. Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote I have been to the wonderful City of Dunedin. I had been looking forward to this visit, so you may be sure I went away with the intention of having a good time. I left home on Thursday, April 20, en route for the Edinburgh of the soxith, arriving there at 12.30, or thereabouts. You may be sure I was pretty tired o£ the train before I got to my journey's end, for it is a tedious job, especially when you are . "all ou your own/ as I was. I took the car

down to the place I was going to stay at tat a fortnight or so. My friends didn't expect me so early in the day, or they would have been at the station to meet nie. After having a cup of tea and something to eat, I took the first train out to Mosgiel to meet a frienol whom I had brought with nic from the south. As she was going to stay in Mosgiel all the time, she got me to stay that night with her. Next day (Good Friday) I journeyed in to town once more. I went up town on Saturday night with a iriend, and talk about a crowd — goodness gracious! I was sore, sick, and. tired -walking and dodging the continuous stream of people. On Sunday I was shown round some of the wonderful eights of Diuiedin. First of all we went down, and had a look round the Botanical Gardens, and I mu&t say they are well worth going to see. There are such pretty shrubs and flowers, and they are kept in splendid order. "We them went to have a look through the Museum. lit

was most interesting, and it seems surprising that all those animals and insects were alive once. We managed to get it all looked over by the time the bell rang ; then -w-e made a, move to the Northern Cemetery. We didn't look all through the cemetery, as it was getting near tea and church time. After tea* we went to Knox Church, and I was again aurprised at the great crowd of worshippers. Next day (Easter Monday) I attended the picnic at Stewart's Gully, but I can't say I really, enjoyed myself at it as well as I hav.f done at other picnics. Everyone was sociable, but somehow the organisation was not so goocl as it might have been. One game would to© started, when someone else would suggest some other game, and so. on. Indeed, the only game kept up for a decent length of time was "disappointments," and this was very amusing. Then the rain came on and spoilt everything. We were a nice "batch of tickets" to go in to town, and we were thankful it was dark before we got home. On Tuesday night I was taken to see West's pictures, then showing in town. They were very good, but, unfortunately, I was in one of the front seats, and you know how the flickering of the kinematograph dazzles your eyes when you are so close a« that. On Thursday night I went to the Princess Theatre to see "The Broken Melody." It -was simply grand, but awfully sad, but, fortunately, the ending is just -what you would wish it to be. It must be grand to live in Dunedin. Although I live in the

country myself, I must admit that I prefer

the town. I managed to pluck up courage and go to the Debating Club's meeting one

night. I was a total stranger, and I, of course, didn't drop into the ■way of the meeting, as one ■would need to go more than, once beforo one understood matters properly. One thing, however, I noticed when I went in waa the hearty welcome visitors received. With T. D. A., Harry, A. Ned, and one or two others there, who would not be made welcome? I see there is to be another social this year. I expect to be able to get to it, and hope to have a ,good time. The last was a great success, and no doubt this will be even better still. I was out at Rogue II and Camellia's place a while back, and we had a. real good D.L.F. chat. I don't think you could get two more enthusiastic DJL.F. than. R. and C. Such a, noise -we three D.L.F. made while going along the road. I'm sure people might "be excused for thinking we were silly or D.L.F. mad. The winter show is drawing near, and I suppose there will be a big muster of D.L.F. With love to all your band, not forgetting yourself,— -Yours truly, ELDERGOWAN. s Dear Dot, — It is over six years since I last wrote to you. Since that time I have lost my dear mother and sister. My sister used to write to you under the norn d© plume of Fuchsia 11. I spend my New Year holidays near Port Molyneux Beach. I went to a picnic the other day, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. We had a Sunday school social here a month ago, and I am going to tell you about it. There are about 30 boys and girls in all

attending the Sunday school. The social started at 7 p.m. We all stood up on the

stage. The girls were dressed in white dresses and coloured sashes, with wreaths of flowers on their heads and daisy chatfiS round their necks. We started by singing "In tmr dear

Lord's garden," then we had recitations and action songs, and some solos. Our minister then handed us some nice big books, that were given to us by the Sunday school teachers. Then tea came round, after which; we were all prepared to go home. It has been frosty and cold these last few mornings. We had the threshing mill here last week. A3 it was wet weather, we had the mill for three days. I think the threshing is nearly all done here now, and I am sure the farmers are not sorry. Dear Dot, have you ever been to Port Molyneux? It is a beautiful place, with, a pretty beach, and the bush is lovely withi ferns growing everywhere. With love to all the little folk, the editor, and your own dear

self, — Yours truly,

[I am sincerely sorry to hear of the double

loss you have sustained, Uris. It is bad j enough to lose a. dear sister without also havi ing to part for ever with the mother who has ' been all in all to you.— DOT.J Dear Dot, — Chloe and I drove into Oamaru yesterday. We had a lovely drive in, bui» coming out we were nearly frozen. We were standing on the street speaking to an acquaintance when Chloe noticed a girl wearing a badge. As she did not speak, we thought that she had not seen our badges. We are only milking four cows ju3t now, and I can safely say I am not very eorry. A dancing class has been started here, but I am not sure whether I shall be able to attend it or not. Chloe and I may be down in Dunedin at the social time, and if we do come down wo intend to enjoy ourselves. — Yours truly,

WILFUL MARY.

Dear Dot, — Since I have become one of youtf little band I have attended the weekly meetings of the club, and have taken a great interest in the proceedings. Though I have not come forward with many papers as yet, I hop© to do my share before very long. I have had. the pleasure of being at three picnics which the club have held — one at Outram, another at Waihola, and the third at Stewart's Gully, and I had an enjoyable time at each. I owe* many thanks to Irady Dundas, for it waa through her that I became a D.L.F. She waa always telling me of the very pleasant evenings which she spent at the club, and at last persuaded me to join, and I have now been, a member fov two or three months. We ara going to hold a big social on June 16, and we .all hope it will prove a great success. T. D. A. is working like a Briton for it. It is said that she will find it necessary to leave tha club soon. What a loss that -will be only those who see how she works can tell. However, we are all in hopes that T. D. A. will yet be able to stay with us, and I am sure she will do so if possible. With love to you, not forgetting our editor and all other D.L.F., —Yours truly, NIL DESPERANDTTM. Dear Dot, — There are a good many D.L.F. in this neighbourhood, and they held a, pi-cnio. here not long ago. As Glaucia has* given you an account of it, I need not enter into details of the day's proceedings. There is a great hill in this township, and I have often climbed it. I love ponies and horses. One day I paddled Major, the pony, and led him out of the gate. There I got on, but as soon as I touched him with my switch to make him trot he would put down his head and ki^la

f

4£ his hind legs. He did this for an hour or ' Store ■ every time I touched him with the ■witch. However, I liked the fun, and by dinner time he was as quiet as possible. He had not been ridden much, and when he was it was only by a Tittle boy. The pony knew -when the boy got on, and he would go under the trees and knock him off. Fortunately, he was never hurt in any way. With love to all, -^ours truly, SELMA. Dear Dot, — As the nights are very long and 'dreary, I thought the best amusement to . while away this evening was to write you a letter. At last we have Jack Frost and his company back again with us, and the beautiful summer days have flown by, the short, dreary days of winter taking their place. I think I shall tell you how I spent a day's outing at Brighton. A party of six of us left home about 10 a.m. We reached Brighton about 12 o'clock, and after unyoking we got a billy of hot water from » friend who lives there. After lunch had been disposed of my two sisters, my brother-in-law, and I went to enjoy ourselves on the beach. We had just commenced our journey towards the beach when down came the rain in bucketfuls, so we had to go into a shed till it faired, when we went on our journey to see the angry waves, which were covered with ■white foam, come rolling in. We left Brighton at half-past 5, reaching home at 8 p.m., very tired, but happy. Will there be a D.L.F. group in the Witness soon, and are photos returned after th« - photographer is- done with i them?— Yours truly, IRISH MOLLY. i [There is a group- in hand now, Molly, but as_lt has to J>e. fixed up during the photographer's spare time, I cannot say when it will appear. It is better not to expect the photos to be returned, as they have a habit -of .getting: mislaid, and if you expect them back you may be* disappointed. — DOT.] Dea«' Dot, — As I was -looking over some of the TXLJF. letters the other day I noticed a letter from Joe describing the beauties of Catjins. It is indeed a beautiful .spot, and no Wonder so many""visitors come year after year to spend their holidays either in a. tent or to stay with friends. In reference to th» Blow Sole, Joe is entirely mistaken. Ho cays- there is a cave running into the hill about three miles long. I am sure it is not more than 50 yards long. I have been out at the coast where the water enters the cave and rushes through with great force into the B1ot»t- Mole, which is 180 ft deep, and then dashes against the rocky sides and breaks into •white foam, which is very pretty. I have been to see the Blow Hole about six times, and in all sorts of weather, but the current <o£ air, if any is made by the rushing of the ■water, would not be strong enough to blow a feathsr into the air, to say nothing of knocking a person down. T think Joe must have been a little bit ti .d when he went to se-e it, aDd did not go near enough to the edge to see that it was the water that came rushing through the cave, not air. The sides of the Blow Hole are covered with ferrs and bush to within about 7ft of the water. It is uphill all the way from Jack's Bay to the B. H., but you are rewarded for your trouble in seeing the various kinds of ferns and trees which are around you all the way up. It is very^ pretty when the rata is in lull bloom. There are a. large number of these trees growing around the B. H., on one side especially. If yon" stand and look at them from the opposite side, you would realljj think they were glowing furnaces. I never heard before of rata. trees growing on other trees, but perhaps I may .be wrong. I think Joe must mean -mistletoe, Ironwood is another name given-to-the rata, owing to the hardness and durability 'of the wood. I cannot say that Catlins is ..such a .bad place -ior rain. Of course in •winter we have our ' share of rain > just like other- places. I have heard of it pouring and raining: in Dunedin when it would just be beautiful weather here, "and I believe there is more rain falls in and about Dunedin than her*. In. the Witness lately I have seen one or two pictures of the Owaka River.-^-If the photographer or photographers who took them iiad only known of the beauty spots on the Catlins River, I am sure they would have hired a boat and sailed up the Catlins Lake and then up the river. If the tide is in, you can go about two miles up. On either side of the river there is a thick bush, and drooping over the banks are ferns of various kinds. In the summer time the trees are hanging with clematis, or are ablaze with the soarlet - mistletoe. If possible, you should try and go up the river on a calm day, when the water •will be like a mirror. The water is so clear and still that the trees and ferns around you are reflected in it, and you can hardly tell where the land and water meet. The singing of the different birds also adds to the charm of the place. I will now find my way up to the Purakanui Waterfalls. They are not on the Catlins River, however. You have to go on the road towards Tahakopa for about five miles from Ratanui, then there is a track into the bush along the Purakanui River bank. It is about a 10minutes' walk to the waterfalls from the road, and when you reach them you see the water dashing from ledge to ledge and sparkling in the sunshine. I- cannot tell you the exact height of the falls, but I should think they would be -between 40ft and -50ft high, and about -25ft across. , And now, .dear I>ot, I - think I have said quite enou^h^and I only wish I 'could -describe the different beauty spots better. With love to yourself and the editor,— Yours truly, MIFANWY. [You have written a most interesting letter, Mifanwy, and I have no doubt many Catlins L.F. will regard their beautiful district with more favourable eyes after having its beauties ■pointed out to them in this pleasant way. i Joe is right about the rata. The seed is dropped in the fork of a tree, and, germinating, sends its roots down the stem until they reach the ground. The original tree is in course of time quite enveloped, the rata taking its place.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I was down staying with my Bister at Otokia for six weeks, and although it was pretty quiet I enjoyed myself fairly well. There were 15 cows to milk in the morning, and 10 or 12 at night. I milked my first cow down there, but I haven't milked any since I came home. On Easter Monday my two sisters, my brother-in-law, and I drove to the Mineral Springs at North Taieri. It took about two hours' driving, but I did not mind that in the least, as 1 enjoyed the drive. We drove through Mosgiel going, but came back through Wylie'a Crossing. I kept c good look-out for badges in Mosgiel, but I didn't see any D.L.F. I suppose they would all be away at the Stewart's Gully picnic. We met a young man on a. bike with a badge in tis cap on 'the main road between Allanton and Ricearton. "We left the springs about 4 o'clock, and just before we reached Wylie's Crossing the rain came down in torrents. Fortunately the weather cleared after we passed Owhiro, and we got home, tired, but ■well pleased with our day's outing, at about 6 o'clock. On Tuesday, May 2, my sister I went by train to Dunedin. While in town I met .Lulu in the Mutual Stores^ and Lady Ihrndas jmd another DJTj.F. at the station, liulu asked me if I could stay- for the Debating Club's meeting, but I could not, as we had tJ com* back in the twenty-five past 4 train. On the following Saturday I bade farewell to the watery Taieri Plain, and after breaking my journey at Milton I reached home at about • o'clock. At Otolria station I met Curly and i ;

' her two sisters (both D.L.F.), and at Milton I was speaking to Jessie. With love to the editor and yourself, — Yours truly, DUCHESS OF KENT. Dear Dot, — It is Saturday, and I am sitting by a nice warm fire writing this letter. We have a kitten called Black Beauty, because he is so black and glossy. I think he would make a. g-ood advertisement for Black Beauty XJolish. I have been away from home for a little over seven months, and was staying . , at my aunty's in Oamaru. I went to West's Pictures one night, and I thought they were very nice. One of the Brescians played a pretty canary song on her violin. With love to you, Dot, and the editor, — Yours truly, PRINCESS NAN. Dear Dot, — I have at last summoned up courage to write to you. My sisters used to write to your columns a long time ago, under the noms de plume of Doughnut and Mona. They are at present on a trip to England, and, ' from their letters, seem to be having a grand time of it. I used often to see their letters in the Witness, but they nearly always cut them out. I ■ shall tell you about my Easter holidays. I went in the 9.40 tram to Owhiro station, arriving there about halfpast 10. As my destination was the top of Scroggs s Hill, I began to prepare for the walk to the -top, and arrived there aboirt an horn' later. The Volunteers happened to be having , a. sham fight round about Saddle Hill, ajid one of the camps was in a paddock just down the ; road from where I was staying. The next morning two of the men. came up to the farm for hot water to make their tea, and I went back to the camp with them. I went up to the top of a hill with the scouts, while they looked through field-glasses to see if there were any signs of the approach of the enemy. My word, Dot, it was quite exciting to watch them, and I thoroughly - enjoyed, my holiday with the Volunteers. With much love to you and tliß editor, — Yours truly, 1 ' CORA LINN. [Doughnul and Mona's sister is a specially welcome addition to our band. lam so pleased to hear of their good fortune in being able to visit the Old Land, and also to learn that they are having such a good time. I hope when they come back they will remember that Old Writers' Week is available for them to give the L.F. an account of their journeyings. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— What sort of weather are you having in Dunedin? It has been wet here nearly all the week. On Sunday it just poured here. Father had to ride about eight miles in the afternoon to preach at a country church. He rode on the bicycle, though the roads were in a very bad state. Have you ever been to Invercargill ? If you have not you will not know what a pretty little place it is. Dunedin is a terribly dirty place compared with Invercargill. I like to go to Dunedin for a. holiday, but I would not like to live there after living in Invercargill. There are some grand big buildings going up here. The Catholic Cathedral, overlooking the flower gardens, is a beautiful building. Then in Tay street- the Town Hall is progressing rapidly. At the back of the hall is the Fire Brigade Station, a la<rge brick building. My companion, ' Pakeha, is in Dunedin just now for a holiday. She was quite pleased when I told her I had written to Dot. I was at Maisie's wedding on the 26th of April. The Debating Society of Invercargill gave her a beautiful tea-set. — Yours truly, OHAMA. Dear Dot, — I used often to wonder that the young people about here did not take an interest in the D.L.F. Page, but now I have no need to complain on, that score, as nearly every second- person you meet is either aD.L.F. or takes an interest in the page. If you meet a friend you are greeted with such remarks as these : "I wonder who Little J. O. is?" or, "Whoever can Pukeuri-ite be?" etc., etc., until I shouldn't be surprised if some of these days Dot was to get news of a grand D.L.F. social at Pukeuri. What a grand climate North Otago people are favoured with. As a proof of this, my grandfather has ripe atrawberri.es in his orchard, and in the gardens numerous spring flowers* are in bloom. Awkward Ned is to be complimented on his choice of subjects for S.S. Week. The page that week ought to be worth reading. I hope you won't for a minute think I mean it is not worth reading any other week, for that would ba far from what I mean. If you were here, Dot, you would get plenty of apples. Our trees this year were -just loaded, and there are still a lot on some of them. Father sent away some cases to Dunedin this morning. With love to yourself, St. Monica, and I Little J. O.,— Yours truly, TUREKA. Dear Dot, — It is many months since I last wrote these two words, and the last time I did so I vrPss thinking of something very, very different, for I have now in front of me a letter ! telling me of the death of one of our comrades — namely, Little Flirt. The sad event ; occurr-ed on the 3rd inst., and, dear Dot, I cannot tell you how sorry I feel : words fail to express my feelings. I did not know our late comrade personally, but through correspondence I knew her very well, and by what I have heard! from others who knew her she was indeed a very nice girl, and it seems a great pity that one so yqurfg and so promising should be taken away from her loved ones. - B-ufc it was G-od's - will, and had to be done, •and no doubt she is far better off in her heavenly home, where she will know no sorrows, -and it is a consolation" to her parents and relations to think that they will all meet again, never to part any more. I join with all D.L.F. in offering our sincerest .sympathy to the bereaved parents and relations. With love to all, — Yours truly, I KARANGAHAPE. [Little Flirt's death was indeed a sad occurrence, Karangahape, and her parents and friends must have felt the blow terribly. I am sure the sympathy of all the L.F. went out to them in their affliction. — DOT.] LETTERS. CONDENSED. i The Chaslands Queen Bee describes herself as "a new chum belonging to the Chaslands district. Princess May and her sister are going for a long trip to Canterbury, and I hope they will enjoy themselves. The weather here is very disagreeable, and it spoils all our fun. Chaslands is a very lively place, and we have a merry time. There is an excellent hall, and in it a good many dances are held. I do not care about dancing, however, so I do not go to them." The Gipsy's Warning is in the First Standard, and is eight years old. "We have no cow just now, and we have to buy the milk that we use. We are alone by ourselves, as my ' father and mother are away from home just now. We have a big fruit garden." EvEjrraG Stab's Sister is in Dunedin for a change, but will be home on Saturday night, i "The winter is now upon us, with its cold frosty morningß. We have a" pretty little black and white kitten, which is always I scratching and biting my youngest sister. We have a big fruit garden and also a vegetable garden." j Kettle Grinder is nine years old, and is in the second standard. "We are having a fortnight's .. holiday from school just now. Winter is coming on, with its cold short days and long nights." Canterbury .Bell lives in a neighbourhood surrounded by hills and bush. "It is a farmi ing district, and there ate st good few houses, '

a school, and a little store in it. It is a lively little' place, and I like it very well. The people take the milk to the factory. There have been a couple of socials here lately. 1 was to the first one, but not at the second. There is to be another one next Friday night, and I think I am going to it. Faded Fern tells me about a D.L.F. picnic which was to come off at Kurow on Empire Day. She wished it every success. "We are having very cold and frosty weather up here, and on Wednesday last the taps were frozen hard. I am at present stopping with a friend who is also a D.L.F. ' Scotch Mixture is expecting her uncle and auntie home from the North Island next month. "I went up to see my cousin, and ho gave me two fantail pigeons, and T feed them ©very night and morning. lam rabbiting now, and I have got 10 skins. My friend Alf was out from town to see me." Emerald thinks it would be a good idea for the Roxburgh L.F. to hold a picnic when the winter is over. ' "Roxburgh is a pretty little town situated at the foot of Mount Benger, and it has a population of nearly 500. The weather is very cold up here at present, and every morning the ground is white with frost. As the scarlet fever is in this district, our school lias been closed for a month. We have three horses, and whenever I get a- chance I go for a ride." AUTOS. Irish Molly would like to exchange autos with Waiteki Princess, Glengowrie, Reeoe, Eppie Adair, Lullie, and any other D.L.F. who are willing. Address: "Irish Molly, D.L.F., care of Clarksville P. 0., via Milton." Duchess of Kent would exchange autos with Gentle Annie, Lulu, Ceres, Slim Jim, The Smiling Lass, and any other D.L.F. who axa willing. Address: "Duchess of Kent, D.L.F., care of P. 0., Moneymore, Milton." Chasland-s Queen Bee would like very much to exchange autos with Straight Hair, Love in a Mist, A Maiden's Lover, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address : "The Chaslands Queen Bee, D.L.F., care of P. 0., Chaslands, via Fortrose." Duchess of Sutherland would like to exchange autos with Scarlet Runner, Anthea, Sweet Seventeen, Daddy's Girl, Ceres and Tansy, and any others who are willing. Address : "Miss D. Crawford, care of Mr R. Crawford, Kelso." Indian Chief writes: "Would all L.F. that have asked for my auto and not received it please send theirs to me, and I will return mine as soon as possible. The bunnies have kept me too busy to answer requests. Address: Indian Chief, Omakau, Otago Central." Mother's Jewel wishes to exchange autos with Ivy Green, Auld Reekie, and any other L.F. who. are willing. Address: "Mother's Jewel, D.L.F., care of Mr Burns, Exe street, Oamaru." * Daddy's Helper asks : Would any L.F. kindly send me the words of "Killarney." Addres3, "Daddy's Helper, care of Post Office, Wedderburn ." Eldergowan would like Captain Cook's auto, as soon as possible. Address : "Miss Annie Kennedy, Summer Hill, Riversda-le." Wilful Mary would like to exchange autoa with T. D. A., Jessica, Jeannie Deans, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address: "Wilful Mary, D.L.F., care of Mrs A. Galloway, Windsor P. 0." Ekoch Arden. — I am afraid it is, dear, as the photos have all been in the engraver's hands for some time. You might, however, send it, and if it cannot be squeezed into this group I can k&ep it for the following one. POST CARDS. Zeta, care of Post Office, Waitahuna, Otago, is willing to exchange poet cards with Daisy, Tasmania, whose address she has mislaid. LITTLE FOLK'S BADGES. Badges sent: — Dockenleaf, Fairy Bell. With Pin : A Christchurch Maiden, Uris, Emerald,