LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2683, 16 August 1905, Page 82

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

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

for ourselves

Dear Dot, — My last letter, I believe, contained more about Strah&n and Macquarie Harbour than anything else, so I shall now take the oportunity to finish telling you what little more I know of the lormer place. You can hardly call Strahan a town, because it is so small. One thing, it is well sheltered from the rough wea.th.er, and is about 28 miles from. Zeekan. When the holidays come round a good mimber of people make their way thei-e by train, on account of it being near the sea. Others go to Burnie, which is also near the eea, and about 90 miles from Zeehan. Burnie is situated at the foot of a large range of hills on the north coast of Tasmania. It faced Bass Strait, and is in no way sheltered from the heavy seas and rough weather which often sweep across that strait. It is very pleasant travelling from here to Burnie by rail, the scenery being very fine, especially some very large bridges and waterfalls which freqxiently catch the eye on the journey. "Well, I must tell you a little general news now. Zeehan, like a. good many other towns in Tasmania, 13 very quiet just now, and business is very slack, but one thing, there is plenty of amusement now that the 10-ctball season has commenced. I believe football is the only outdoor game the lesudents of Zeehan take any interest in, except the cricket matches between Australia and England, and there is generally a good number of those who like and take interest in cricket to be seen .outside the Herald Office, waiting for the scores, which reach us about 18 hoiirs after the day's play. My opinion is the Englishmen are much too strong for the Australians in both batting and bowling. Well, I have told you all the news for the present, so shall close with kind regards to all L.F., Mr Editor, and not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, EDDIE. P.S.— I should very much like to correspond with Lady Stair, An American Heiresa, Miss Magdalene, Happy Ike, Texas Jack, Indian Chief, and any other L.F. who are willing. Address: "Eddie, Box 35, G.P.0., Zeehan." I sent a picture post-card to Mealie I last week; also one to Avourneen. — Eddie. Dear Dot, — I am a devoted, country rambler, and I do not caa-e to be confined to town life ; in fact, for a while I felt like a caged laverock. It is my nature, and ps my residence has been until lately at the foot of a mount, foi this reason you may well understand why I possess a longing for old times to come once more. When out here I nearly always meet someone who has something to say about the weather, but I say they ought to spend a winter up at or near St. Bathans. We used to wish for about a foot of snow, and then for a nighVs frost, so that we could slide or skate on top of the snow. Tobogganning is greatly indulged in, too, by those who are not afraid of coming into collision with something, or being landed in one direction and the sleigh ai another. I well remember my many miraculous escapes, but it was not until another young person was seriously injured, and died of the effects recently, that T j became a looker-on. The only time we were perfectly solemn was when a waterspout was doing its destructive work by unmercifully sweeping everything before it. The poor rabbits, especially in the low-lying ground, nearly all amet an aqueou3 death, by being drowned in their burrows or swept into the death-like waters of the Molyneux. Of course it is a sudden death, yet a dreadful one ; but still, it is better tlia.t way than to die of starvation or be smothered in the snow like so many sheep and rabbits were during our last heavy fall. I have not been very long in this vicinity, but quite long enough ! to know who write to you, but I must adrrnt that their titles (if I may call them that) escape my memory very often. Xo one is <it present aware of my intention of writirg, and I am very ■well pleased, in a way, for I would not like to be tormented by many for choosing a name such as Andrew's Darljng. If one prefers such a name, I clo not think it fair for anyone to pass such tantalising remaiks as I so often hear here. I am very glad to have the pleasure of keeping and signing myself ARCANUM. Dear Dot, — At present I am sta3'ing with my sister at Groper's Bush, which is situated 56 miles from my home, and I intend staying here for three or four weeks. A week befoie I left home we had our examination at school, but I cannot say whether I passed into the Seventh Standard or not, as I have not been back to school since. The country roni.d stout here is very hilly, and it is ratVer quiet, as there aie only a lew farms scattered here and there On a fine day a good view is obtained of the snow-clad Takatimos, wlilrh lis in an easterly direction. Groper's Bush is situated eight miles from the little town of Riverfcon, and hall as far from Thombury

Junction. About thiee miles from here hca Fairfax, with its ono hotel, its blacksmith, shop and Us =tor-> We have had miserable veathet for the last few da) s -not fit for anyone to be outside. I want to ask you a qu?stic.n, Dot. Can L.F. change their noms da plume? With kind regards to all the L.F., rot forgetting 3'ourself and Ihe editor,— Yours truly, " AWAETJA. [If there is a good reason for so doing, I do not object, Awaraa ; still, I would rathei" that they s-hould not do £.0, as it causes somo inconvenience. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — The cold weather is with us still, and it is very bad going to school these mornings. We had a picnic on Easter Monday, and it proved a success. It was a fine day, so we enjoyed ourselves very well. I have twa pet cats, and they are very playful little things. When we go to school in the mornings we have different kinds of games to make ourselves warm. Wo had a holiday on Empire Day. We have fine times at school. About 69 children attend. When I come home from! school I take out my play-things and play, xintii it is time for tea. After tea I get my, srhoolbooks and lesrn my lessons for next day. With love to the L.F. and yourself, — Yours truly, TIM DOOLEY. Dear Dot, — Recce is not living here now* as she has shifted since I last wrote. Wo are having such beautiful weather here just now, not at all like winter, but very nico spring weather. All the spring flowers are so well on. I am sure they are a long way earlier this year than they were last. I have had primroses and siolets out for a long time {now, and Ido think they are so nice. We have not "had any ice this year worth speaking; of, but last year it was a little better. i had a rather unfortunate experience last year, One night I was coming home from work witbj tmy mate, and on a pond we pass ths ice was thick enough for sliding. Of course we must try it, and just as I was leaving to come home, down I went, as my mate was getting off at the other end. She sang out to nsk me if I was off but I had just got in, and, oh! I never wish to fall into ice-water again— it was such a horribls feeling. We lost no time in getting home. I am just as fond of sliding as ever, but, of course, now I am at home there is no ice to indulge in this amusement. With love to all the L.F.,— Yours; truly, 808 I. Dear Dot, — It is a pleasure to get writing to your page again. I had not by pny means forgotton the page or my of the D.L.F., but my poor sister had been ill until last ! woek, so I had reaily no time to write. It is very easy for sickner-s to get into a house, but it is another thing to get rid of it. My sister and I are together every chance we get. I have four sisters, but no brothers. People *hink it is a great loss to be brotherless, but I don't mird. It seems quite a long time since I saw any of the L.F., but I siippose I shall see them when I am in town. The D.L.F. Literary and Debating Club seems to be getting on very well. I must really try and get to a meeting some of these Tuesday nights. I enjoy reading the papers very, much, for they are very interesting indeed. With best love to all the D.L.F , not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly, ELLIE. Dear Dot, — Wj are having fair weather, bu6 cold days and cold mornings are the rule. I was at a social labfc Friday night, held for *ha purpose of bidding farewell to one of ouv chiims, win was leaving for Dunedin in the. mcrning. I saw the Dunstan Boy there, accl he was enjoying hi.nself immensely. The Otago Central railway is progressing. The navvies have shifted farther down, making quite a little township of Galloway Flat. I expect to be in Dunedin at Christmas time, and. hope to be able to get to some of the meetings of the D.L.F. Literaiy and! Debating Club. We have a quadrille assembly, which I attend. My uncle provides the music A death happened here a few weeks ago, and in such a small place an occurrence of that kind is very sad. Witii much love to Queer Fellow, Dunstan Boy, Fairy Denise, Curly Top, and Leila, not forgetting Dot, — Yours truly, CLARA. Dear Dot, — We are now quite settled in our new home, arriving here on June 17. 1 was ; not sorry to leave Kurow, although I had lived there all my life; indeed, I was looking foiward to the time coming for us to go. Wo left Kurow on the 16th at a-quarter past 7. la the tram we met Golden Princess and her sister, and had a chat on L.F. topics, etc. G. P. had her auto, book with her, and showed us her autos. We arrived in Oamaru at about 10 o'clock, and made our way to a friend's) place; then, after resting a while, I wenti down to the ?&a with my brothers. We walke.-? along the beach until dinner time. When I got to the railway station at Oamaru I found! all assembled waiting for the half-past 1 express. We had not long to wait, however, and wero soon gliding out of Oamaru. Really, Dot, I shall never forget that journey to Dunedin. Spicoline and I had the windows up. all the way to keep ourselves from going +0 sleep. We arrived in Dunedin a little after 5 o'clock, and managed to scramble out of the train somehow. We were waiting on the station while dad was getting our luggage, and I noticed a L.F. badge-wearer, and gave him the never-failing Witness smile, which 1 he, of course, understood. He spoke to Pansy Blossom and I, and turned out to be Cornish. We also met Clarissa. As our luggage was collected, we made a move in to town, and after seeing our mother and brothers off in. a tiain for Caversham, Pansy Blossom, dad, and I went to a private hotel in Princes street. We were shown to our rooms, and after getting a bit of the duet off ourselves we went downstairs to tea. After tea we went to see an aunt and two cousins of ours .11 Stafford street. We did not intend staying, but did not notice the lime going until halfpast 7, when wo told them of our intention, of attending the L.F. social. As we did nob know "the way, my Cousin Jessie, aunt, an<S dad took us up to St. Paul's Schoolroom, aucl left us at the gate, with the intirartion ih.ife we \vere to find our way back to the hotel as best we could. At the social I spent a very jolly time. Our hotel was to clo=e at 12. r o we left at a-quarter to that hour, Cornish accompanying us to the hotel, n-liich we had no difficulty in finding. They were waiting for us in the pa^nge. so we were just m time. We went upstairs to bed, and as there were two other gills in the same room, you, may be sure we die! not sleep much. Wo were up at 6 o'clock next mcrning, and had 1 bieakfast early. We went out to Cavershana in the tram, passing Didn't You Knew and Ti few ether L.F. whom we had met at the social, but they did not see us. We got out to my auntie's place at 8 o'clock, and stayed therei a few minutss. My sister. Golden Star, catna up to tho Caversham station with us, and', having so much to tell her, we did not notice the timo going until the train came in. Then wo had to leave her. She would have like*? very much to nave coino home fhon, but could r.ot get until the end of her school term. "Wo were io see Cornish on the Dunedin station as 9 o'clock, but instead of that we were sailing, out to ifosgiel then. Th^t conld not ba helped a night has bodi known to change the whole current of affaii<s. On going out to the carnage at Mosgiel, I wa.s greeted with, the Witness smile from the opposite platfoim. 1 spoke to the L.F , v,ho turned cut to be Lady

Benussi. All went well until we came to Ba clutha, where we had to change trams. W had nearly an hour to wait, so dad suggeste » walk and a cup of tea. We all felt incline for tea, as we were nearly frozen. When w got into the Catlins train I asked May if thei ■were any feet-warmere in the carriage. On of the passengers, overhearing me, mfornie xis that they were not used tor cattle. W got out at liomahapa station, where m brother met us. After a drive of four miles t the Port, we reached "Riverside," our nei home. Dinner was ready for us, and we wer ready for it. After dinner we looked roun our new home, which we were quite please •with. We went to bed about 4 o'clock, andoh, Dot, don't think us awfully lazy — we wer up in time for tea on Sunday. Monday w spent in the same manner, feeling more v; to time on Tuesday. Spicoline, Pansy Bios Born, another young lady, and I went for walk round the beach as far as a boat tha was wrecked her© a year ago. I thought th place pretty. We passed a place where som Natives had been buried in the sand. Th sand had drifted off, leaving all their bone lying exposed. Th« young lady who wa, ■with us told us she had seen a whole uppe jaw of teeth, quite sound, in the same place Nothing of any consequence turned up unti Saturday, which was the day of the cleariuj eale of the former occupier of our farm. W< ■saw a little of the youth and beauty of th< port that day. We were kept busy for a whili in both dining ro.orn and kitchen. We wer< going out on Sunday afternoon when an ole friend of ours "whom we used to know ai Kurow came to see us. We were all verj pleased to see him, and spent that afternoon talking of Kurow and Kurow people. W« started to unpack on the following- Monday. and"- have just finished to-day. I must tell you o.f a drive my father, brothers, and I had "on Sunday over to 'our grandmother's, at th< Crescent, Stirling. We left "Riverside" «1 8 o'clock in the morning. .After driving foi about a mile and a-balf we" reached the South Molyneux punt. It was quite a change foi •us to cross the river in a punt. On getting over to Inchclutha my eldest brother was detained a little while at the factory, so mj otHiex brothers and I, after a few minutes' chat with some new acquaintances, started to walk along the road, but we could not gc far for the mud. I never in all my life saw the like of it. We could not put the horses out of a walk all the way for nearly three miles. When we got to Kaitangata they wer« not ao bad. The day was lovely, and I would have enjoyed the drive immensely had it not been for the mud. We were several times nearly thrown out of the trap. Just fancy, Dot, it took us three hours, with two fleet young horses, to reach the Crescent, though I do not think the distance was more than sine miles at the most. When we got over, dinner was. ready, and after dinner my brothers and I set off. to scamper round the block and along the river bank. It is really a, pretty place, . but the mud spoils it. We left on our return journey at 4 o'clock, and after ■wading and climbing through the mud we reached home at a little after 6, tired and all outjrf sorts. We have been here a- month, and I haye ,been through Rornahapa, Port Molyneiix, Inchclutha, BaJciutha, Stirling, and Kaitangata.; so you see, Dot, I have had quite a, fly round. We all like down here very much. There /has been a ball at Romahapasince' we came here. My eldest brother drove any sister M. and I down. " The night was dark and balmy, and- we had such a drive over ditches and -mud-holes. We enjoyed the ball, considering we were strangers in a .strange ■ land. The return drive home was lovely, and we rsached our destination at about half-past sin the morning. We were out round the beach yestcriay. The. road is not so bad as the last 'time we- were round. We did not go as far as we intended. This is an awfully "hungry" place, Dot, and P. B. S. and my other sister -declared they were starving^ so we had to return home as quickly as po&sible to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience that might arise. We were told to-day that this place is * continuously progressive, intelligent, and commonsense district. We do not know whether that is so or not, but " it all remains to be seen. The weather here since -we came down has been exceedingly pleasant, quite a contrast to what we experienced before we came. We feel lost without the continuous north-west gales. Before closing I must thank the L.F. who so kindly sent me autos. Although they were addressed to Balclutha, they were sent on to the Port. I shall send you my auto, as soon as I get your address, Cornish, or you might send it to me address to "Riversdale Farm, Port Mojyneux." With fondest love to all my Kurow friends, yourself, and the editor,— Yours truly, GLAUCIA. Dear Dot,— We are having lovely weather no here ju3t now for winter time. We have h&d no snow yet to complain about. Mother is away from homo just now, so we have to housakeep, and sometimes wo have grand times of it. We have a Jittle sister, and she is auch a. hard case. She is puzzling us scmewbat, because she is asking us what she shsll" writs about. My sister and I were away for a holiday at Christmas time, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We went down to Dunedin and thence to Catlins, and %vo thought it. wag. a. very pretty place. With love to all the little folk and Dot, — Yourc truly, TWO HOUSEKEEPERS. Dear Dot, — Winter will coon be over now, and we shall not be -sorry, as the roads will aeon dry up as the weather gets warmer. The grass is starting to spring now, and we ars feeling happy to think that summer will soon bo with us again* We were out to a concert and dance at Niagara, and we enjoyed ourealves immensely. W* had: the pleasure, of bearing Dolly Dimples and Jack-in-the-Bnx eing. They have very fine voices, especially Jack-1.-T.-B. The concert was Al, and the darkies were made up to perfection. We had a lovely ride, as we all went out together, though we were splashed from head to foot with clay. Special Subjecb Week was a wonderful success this year. We enjoyed reading "The Orphans," though it was very sad. "For the King's Sake" was a very good story, and, indeed, they were all good. We read ! every one of them. Niagara is a very lively place compared with Chaslands. We can elways amuse ourselves there with something —going for a row, taking a walk to the sawmills, etc. The roads axe far better than they are here, and one can enjoy a walk, which is more than you can do in Chaslands. The only pleasure one has up here is a- good day s shooting and a, good ride on horseback, which ■we have very often. With love to The Joker, Back Block Permit, Rustic, and all the rest of the L.F., including yourself and Mr Editor, s-Yours truly, THREE JOLLY TARS. Dear Dot,— l have been busy reading the Btories in Special Subject Week, eorue of ■which were very good, and I think it has proved a great success. We are having very fair weather up here just now, and we shall ■don be making ourselves busy with the garden again. I must tell you about a concert and 4»nce I was at in the Niagara School. The concert -was a great treat, and my sides wera i sore with laughing at the quips and pranks^ of j the minstrels. The darkies looked all right, ItaA everybody was kept laughing. There was i a very good turnout at the dance, and a big ■ number of D.L.F. were present. The Three Jolly Tars were there, and we had some fttn. j When we were coning home I met Lord I

Planket. So I had a mate to come back wit! The Three Jolly Tars did not come home ti late, as they wanted to have a look tout, the mills, and everything else worth seem; I did not have a very good ride, as my hors was very rough to ride, and the roac bad. It is not pleasant to hear tl: horse going splash, splash, all the time — ii deed, it is just sickening to listen to it. was very lonely going out, Init it wasn't s bad coming home. Love to The Joker, Slabby Mate, and The Three Jolly Tars, your ow dear self, aiid Mr Editor, — Yours truly, THE BIGHTEK. Dear Dot, — I have been attending the D.L.I Literary and Debating Club meetings for som time, arid I have two D.L.F. friends whos noms de plume are very well known among* D.L.P. My first experience amongst D.L.I was gained in the Witness office, where number of country and town D.L.F. wer gathered together for the purpose of enjo} inent and mutual improvement. The pre ceedings were opened by T. D. A., who-is th energetic secretary of the club. A paper fror Black "Watch, which was very interesting, fo' lowed, and then a number of papers were re* by other members. After spending a mos enjoyable evening we took our departure fo home, all the better for our gathering. Wit] love to Scobie; Lulu, Ladj Adelaide, Arets ! the editor, and not forgetting yourself, — Your ■ truly, EDIEVI. Dear Dot, — We are now back to school afte the winter holidays. I was staying out a Normanby, where my companion and I h.s< great fun. I stopped from Tuesday till Fri day. On Tuesday evening we lit a fire ii the badrooin, where we played "pit" and rea( books. Before going to bed we boiled thi kettle, and had a cup of coffee, then got int< bed. On Wednesday afternoon we went ti a friend's place in the Leith Valley, and playei games till tea time. After tea was over i was dark, so we- set .out for home, quite dc , lighted with our day's outing. On Thursday •it was wet, and we stopped at home. Whea Friday came, and it was time to go home, '. was very sorry, but I must say I had a gcoc holiday." With much love to the editor ant 'yourself,— Youds truly, DANDY DICK. I Dear Dot, — It is about a year since I las wrote to the page, so I find it a bit st-rang* ' trying to put a letter together. Winter wil i soon be over now, and 1 shan't be sorry. "Then the sun is bright, the air is clear, The darting swallows soar and sing, j And from the stately elms I hear I The blue-bird prophesying spring." I was at a concert and dance at Niagara lately and enjoyed jnyself splendidly. I went to se« Buffalo Bill, Georgie, Bunch of Violets, anc Slabby's Mate, and had a very enjoyable tiin* with them. They took us for a. row in the boat, and we were singing and laughing all the time. When, we got a good distance from cur starting place we got stuck on some rocks, and, to make things woiso, we lost one of the paddles, -so poor old Buffalo Bill had to wori pretty hard to get the boat free. However. we managed to "get off, and started for ova landiug place. When we. got there, A. B. O. V., S., M., and I took off our boots and stockings and waded to the shore, but Neva and B. B. stayed in the boat. While wo were running abouj on ihe sand and gathering shells and ferns, B. B and_Jtfeva cleared away and left us, so we had to put in the time the best way we could. We went along to the caves, and found plenty to interest us. The wanderers came back in due time, and we got into the boat and set back for home. It was very cold and tough, going home, but it made very little, difference to us, for we were just a3 happy as ever. We got home about half-past 4 o'clock. The ccaiceit a-nd damco in the evening was a great success. " At the dance 1 had the pleasure of meeting Dolly Dimple, Darky, the lionely Bird, and ever so many other D.L.F. The dance was .kept up till 6 o'clock. With love to A. B. O. V., S. M., B. 8., Georgie, CO. O. H., and Waipati Lass, not forgetting your own dear self and the kind old editor, — Yours truly FAIRY NELL. Dear Dot, — I live in a place where there aie> a great number of Maoris, and I think I will tell you about a Maori tangi, or funeral, as we would call it. There was a tangi hero about a fortnight ago. The ccrpse was brought from the North Island, and a great number of the North Island Maoris accompanied the body to Hillgrove station, where they were met by the Moeraki Maoris, and when the two tribes met they began to wail and moan something frightfully, throwing j their bodies from side to side, and it was a. sight most pitiful to see. The corpse was the> remains of a Maori chief who died on the 30th of May, and has been buried two or three times. When they got the body to th© kaik they could not get it into the hall, as the cofim was too large, so it had to be put into a tent outside. The day of the funeral two of the chief's daughters lay one each side of the corpse, patting the coffin to keep away evil spirits. At a Maori tangi the Maoris do nothing else but eat, moan, and all sleep round the corpse till after the burial. I think I have told you all I know about a | tangi, so I shall olose with love to all the ' little folk, th 9 editor, and yourself. — Yours truly, KIA-ORA. Dear Dot, — We are having lovely weather up here jiist now, and we need it, a3 we have had enough bad weavher. TEp Special Subjert Week was a great success. I greatly enjoyecT reading the stories, especially "For the King's Sake" a/nd "The Orplwn." There were seme very sad ones and some just the reverse. I bave read every one, and think they were n, very good collection. Last week Fairy Noll and I roda out to a concerl and dance at Niagara, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. There was a capital turn out, including a groat number of Tj.F. Between Ghaslands, Niagara, and Waikawa there were 31. Wasn't ihat a crowd of D.L.F. at one gathering? We had a very lively time of it while we were there Oh, what fun we had — it will be long remembered by me. In the afternoon we went for a row. Buffalo Bill must have found it very hard work rowing us all. The concert was a darky affair, and oh, Dot, we were kept laugh- ! ing all the time. The darkies were splendidly made up. Jack-in-the-Box was amongst them, and we hardly knew him, he looked so funny with a black face, and I couldn't help laughing at him. On Saturday Lord Plunk&t, Fairy Ne'l, and I come home, Buffalo Bill coming along the road for a little with vs. Tha ride was most enjoyable. A ride is all one can enjoy up here, because it is no pleasure walking an s\ich roads as we have at Ohaslands. Niagara is a veiy Kvely little place, with good roads, and if you don't want to go for a walk you can go for a row down the lovely river. lam going for a long walk on Sunday away up Robin Creek. I wish you were here to come with us, Dof, as it is so pretty, aud you can get such a lovely lot of ferns, as they are very plentiful up here. Cook of Our House and Waipati Lass are coming down with a lot of other girls, and wo mean to have a good time -with them. With love to all tlte L.F., especially Buffalo Bill, A Bunch of Violets, Slabby's Mate, and I P»ss in Boots, your own dear self, a.nd the 1 kind old editor,— Yoxirs truly, NEVA. ! Dear Dot, — I have two dogs, pnd I often go out rabbiting with them, for they are splendid rabbiters. I have just been mending my I school-bag, .as ischool takes up to-morrow. I There is to be a concert here soon, and I

think I am going to it. We had such fun hero whil'i the snow lasted. We sledged down the hill, and one time my sister tried to stop the sledge, and ifc tumbled her off into a gutter and wet all her dress. I went for a holiday a day or so ago, and enjoyed myself very ranch. I started off with my sisters at 9 o'clock, and passed over a ridge of toi-tois and flaxes, then through a great bare, barren place, where nothing but soft moss will grow. Before me was a vast plain of ferns, cabbage trees, reeds, and flax bushos. The morning sun was just dispersing the silver mist, which hung round the foot of the blue Finok^ooloured hills, leaving only the tops bare. I steod and gazed at the beautiful scene for some time. We soon afterwards oame to some bush, at the edge of which was a sparkling brook. If you cared to follow this stream you would come to some splendid falls, the water flashing in the sunlight, its sprays gleaming like sparkling gems in among the ferns which are strewed along its banks. A nico walk through the woods, and we come to our destination at last. — Yours txuly, GIRL. Dear Dot,— We are having very uncertain weather her at present. It always looks like rain or snow in the mornings, but, somehow, we never get it. The winter has passed away mildly this year, and I hope it keeps fine for the rest of the year. A draughts match was played in the schoolhouse on July 22 between Middlemarch and Sutton, and resxilted in a win for Middlemarch. About 10 o'clock supper was handed round, and then songs and recitations w.ere given. This was kept up till about half-past 11, when all joined hands and sang, "Auld lang syae.'' A social is to be held here on the 18th, so that is something to look forward to. I noticed a letter in from Curly, and it reminded me of the good time we had at the picnic, and also at the dance. I intended sending in a paper for Special Subject Week, but that was as far as it got. I have received an answer to my letter to Mrs Haldane. She seems to be a very kind woman to take such an interest in D.L.F. matters out here in New Zealand. With love to all the D.L.F., yourself, and the editor,— Yours truly, GOT, d-T^" - Dear Dot, — Laet time I wrote I promised to tell you about the ex-pupi^s oo^ia.*, ,vm^ is now a thing of the past. I had an Ax time at it. The groat game "pit" was the order of the evening 1 , and, of- course, I played it nearly all the time. It is an awfully rowdy game. A lady seemed to think we were making a terrible noise, so she asked us if wo couldn't hold up our fingers instead of singing out the numbsrs, bnt it wouldn't work. We reached home about 2 a.m., awfully cold and tired. I must now tell you about my trip to town at show time. We left here at 7.15 a.m., and reached Dunedin about 11 a.m. I did not see many L.F. on the stations tnat we passed. At Mosgiel, however, one passed the carriage we were in four times, but he cannot have been looking for badges, and, of course, I was too shy to speak. We went to see the show on Thursday. It must havo bean about the time the L.F. were getting their photo 3 taken, as I didn't see a bade;e up to then. I see you had a. splendid social. Josephine tried wry hard to get me to go, but I was too shy, but when she told me what, a grand time the had I was sorry I hadn't gone However, I may go to the next one. We went to the carnival on Thursday night, but I didn't like it a bit. There was an awful crowd, and, poor nic! I was pushed this way >and that way, and wasn't sorry to get out. We did not go to the show again. a.j we thought once was 'enough. It was very nice, though, and there were not many people there at the time we were at it, so we had a good look around. We left town at 5.15 p.m., S/Tad reached oiir destination about 9.15 p.m. The young fellows heiie tried to get up a bachelors' ball, but at the meeting only three rolled up. They are too slow for anything Here. With love to all the Xi.F. and yourself, — Yours truly, MARGUERITE DAISY. Dear Dot, — It is evening, the sun, has gone down, I have just finished my daily lessons, and aH without is calm, save the low moaning of the sea. Since last writing I havo moved my quarters down south, so now I shall be classed among the southern D.L.F. I like my new home much better than the othe-r one, though I miss my mates and companions very much. The Port Molyneux School has been closed for a considerable time, but will, I hope, toon be re-opened. There are two other schools down here, but they are a long way from our place. We have to keep up our lessons all the same. I have not met any L.F. down here yet, for I have not been out much. My sister, Golden Star 11, came home from Diinedin (after her term of three months) on Friday, so we — my c-lher sisters and I — went for a walk round the teach on Sunday. The port is a remarkably pretty place, so I thought. How lovely it was to gaze on the vas'. expanse Nature unfoldf-fl before us, and see th-3 breakers dashing againsf the shore. I would love to roam through the Lush down here, only it is rather damp just now, so I have not been very far into it. Sometimes, when the tide is out, hundreds of great big black swans are to be seen on the river beside our place. Whenever we go down to look at them they are off,, so it would hi impossible to get hold of any of thnin and tame them, as we intended doing had we got the chance. Now I must say something on that never-failing topic, the weather. Up to a few days ago it had been very favourable, but a change has now taken place, and such a change — rain and a slight frost are quite a contrast to what haa lately prevailed. We have started to do up our flower garden, whicii is terribly overgrown, and it is no easy job, I can -tell you I have not taken any part in the work yet, but I mean to do so as soon as I have thoroughly mastered my lessons, which are very far advanced. My sisters were fortunato enough to attend ths L.F. social when we were in Dunedin. I was out at my auntie's place in Cavensham, and was greatly disappointed at not being ablo to attend the .social My sister Glaucia. has not been very well since she came down here, and has been taking drives through the mud. She keeps us laughing telling us her experiences after shs returns from one of her expeditions, as she calls them. There is a punt •an the river a little way up from Riverside, but as yet I have never had the pleasure of crossing the river in it. I have nearly 10 years to write before I reach retiring age, so I shall be with you for a long time yet. With fondest love to all my Kurow friends, Golden Princess, yourself, and the editor, — Your 3 truly, MAY. Dear Dot, — It has been raining here since Wednesday, so you may guess what the country is like just now. Four and a-half days' rain is about enough, I think ; but we are glad it is not snow. For myself, I like snow better than rain, only it stays on the ground too long. Quago seems to be keepitig things lively just now. We have started choir practice up here, a>nd we are practising for a concert in aid of the Organ Fund. We have practice ■every Thursday night, and have grand fun sometimes. I was at a ball about three weeks ago, but as there was a great crush of people present, I did not enjoy myself as well as I ought to have done. Every time I got up to dance I got bumped about, till I wondered which part of me got hit the hardest. With love to the editor, Ahwririj Vidocq, Ned, Glad-

stone, Karangahape, Sherlock Holmes, and, of course, vouroelf, Dot, — Yours truly, I " KATE. Dear Dot, — I used to live iv Otago, but \ am how 400 miles farther nortii of the place I lived in before. This is the terminus of the- railway Hue in the South Island, and it is a very quiet little place. The climate here is much colder than in Otago. The coaches' from Hanmer, Waiau, and Kaikoura meet the train hoie, and convey passeng-ers to several small townships a few miles distant. There ars a, lot of sheep stations round about here. There aro enly 17 children at this school — five boys and 12 girls. My brother, who is nine, is the oldest of the boys. There ai'e no L.F. here, but seveial of my Otago schoolmales write to the page. We get the Otago Witness regularly since we came here. It reaches us on Thursday, and we always race home from school to see who will get it first, i I was learning music, bxit my teacher has left the district. The wekas are a pest up here, because they suck eggs, but we can't get rid of them, as they are protected. I enjoy reading Boy's letter?, and had a goo-" 1 laugh over his last week's one. I think there are a few ie ore of us like Boy— puzzled to know who ; Dot is; but I suppose we must all be coni tented with our own imaginations. My little' • sister is writing to you, and is quit© excited I over it. She keeps asking mother if Dot will , print everything, to say nothing of the smudges she is making. With love to Pepper i Tin, Abisel, Inez, Rosalind, Duchess of Suther- ! land, Prince Nasady, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, PRISCILLA PEEL. Dear Dot, — I urn seven years old, pnd am in Uio Second Standard I got a prizo for lessons, and an extra one from tho teacher for i sewing. I have rot far to go to school. I i havo four sisters and two brothers. Our babies are twins — brother and sister. They will soon be two years old, and they are always getting into mischief. I havo to mind ibeni when I come home from school, and on Saturdays. Oiir school concert waa held a month ago, and wo sang and did dumbbell and club exercises My brother and sister gave a recitation each My mother sang. There ara s lot of magpies and wekas up here. The magpies are hard to catch, and ihe wekas make an awful noise at night. There is a dancing class every Saturday night, and >ye ea.n hear them, dancing at our pla-ce. With lev© to yourself and all the L.F., — Yours trtuly, DIXIE. Dear .Dot, — Dr Charles I^oith gavo an illustrated address about his seeings and doings in India- on Wednesday evening, July 19. I I went to hear him ; but as the lantern did not , work very well, I did not enjoy myself much. Being determined to have a good evening's enjoyment, I went to another illustrated .fcicxnperanee lecture on Friday evening, by the Rev, F. W. Boreham, given in the liiccarton JJali, where I real.y enjoyed myself. As the examination is to take place on August 16, wo aare very busy at school, and are working overtime. A fire, which is a very unusual thing in Mosgiel, broke out in the shop a.nd residence of Wingneiid and Co., drapers', Gordon load. As it is only once in a very long time that there is a fire in Mosgiel, a great many people gathered about to witness the scene. It was tho first fire I had ever seen, and it was a very big one.— Yours truly, TAIEEI KING. J Deal- Dot, — Winter is nearly over, and I don't think many aie sorry, especially those who have to risie early and go out in the cold and dark to milk cows. I shall tell you of some of the entertainments we have had lately. A concert and dance was held in aad of bowling and cricket clubs, and a brucs | auction in aid of the- English Church. The benedicts had their ball last week. It was ■ihe nist ball I was ever at, and I enjoyed my- | self. The bachelors' ball is next month. With love to all tils D.L.F. and yourself. — Yours truly, ISLAND NYMPH. Dear Dot, — It is now about six months since I last wrote to you, but even m that short space of time there have been great events in the D.L.F. world. Many of the old and favourite writers havo retired', and have left a gap bshind^that it will be hard to fill. The Dunedin social was (to judge by the reports) a decided success. I see Queer Fedlow has retired. He was a capital writer, and was a great favourite among the L.F. 1 had th>e pleasure of meeting him myself on oneoccasion, and I support the popular opinion. One day, a few weeks after the shooting season opened, I thought I would celebrate the occasion; so I got my rifle ■and made for a hill on which I knew that rabbits were fairly numerous. I had not gon,a far when I saw a rabbit lying in tho grass. Taking aim, I shot him through the breast and killed him. For son>e time after I did not get p, shot at all, but on corning over a ridge I saw three or four bunnies feeding below. My first shot missed, but the second hit a rabbit behind the ear and killed it instantly. Going on a lilbLo farther, I got two more, and shortly after I came upon about a dozen rabbits feed ing on a x:>ieee of flat countiy. Lying down on the grass, I got three more, when my cartridges gave out, so- I gathered up my bunnies and made for home. About a week ago, when I was returning from a shooting expedition, I saw a sparrow hawk sitting on a post. There was a murderous glitter in my eye as I took a good, steady aim from another post, but though the hawk lost several of his feathers, and was badly wounded, he managed to escai-3. If it was your Sparrow Hawk correspondent, Dot, you need not bs- surprised if you do not hear from him until Old Writers' Week. Special Subject Week was a great success again this year. I read all the contributions, &nd in my opinion they were on the whoie more interesting than those of tho previous year. Before I close I wish to thank (though rather late in doing so) Birdnester for having changed his norn de plunie so promptly. With kind regards to ail connected with tho page, yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly, MAORI CHIEF. Dear Dot — I had a nice long walk last Sunday. It was along the tram, t o The Darkeyed Queen's place. I stay*" 1 "he house with The Dark-eyed Queen's mother for half an hour; then wo both went away to s> swing. We havo two cows calved, and we call them Dot and May. The latter is my little brother's cow. Dot has a pretty black calf, with white feet. Oui % neighbour's little girl calls the black calf with the white stockings "Baby " The trolly horses met with a. sad accident about three weeks ago, four of them falling over the bridge. It is nearly spring now, so the factory will be staiting in, due time, and t'" 1 "-drivers will give us rides.— Yours truly, MAYFLOWER. Dear Dot, — The weather here is very rough just now. 1 was away for a holiday, and another fellow and I went out trapping-, and we got a good catch every time. How would you like to go looking over ihe traps and hear the mews of a big grey cat? There has been no snow up here yet, and I don't thin.k we shall have any. We have had three weeds' holiday, I and wo shall soon have to make a start again ' to go to school. I have throe- miles to walk I to school, and it is very cold going in the frosty mornings, but I don't mind that, for I get beside a waa-m fire when I get to school. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours tiuly, PINK HAWTHORN". LETTERS CONDENSED. Madams Melba. says nothing but ioatbdl <

is spoken of at present where she lives:-* "Things were a bit lively up here a week ago. All the men and young fellows wera football mad; indeed, they have got football on the brain. The Roxburgh tournament is over now, however, and no doubt some of the footballers will, as a consequence, be relieved of severe headaches." Victoria expects a visit from her cousin at Christmas. "I hope she comes, and if so, we shall go to the beach. We were in Dunedin, and were going to take some ferna for you, but we forgot them. We should be pleased to see you, Dot, if you could come to see us, and we would take you through the bush." Rosebud finds it difficult getting something to write about, bu. she tells me her age, and says she has left school. She also asks me for Mr Carnegie's address. It is "Skibo Castle, Sutherlandshire, Scotland." Eveline Matjd has been tempted to write many a tinre "A football match between the Tapamii and Kelso footballers was held on Wednesday last, the former being defeated. The school I attend only contains 62 pupils. It is about 10 minutes' walk from, my home." Silver Stae tells me all about her brother and her sisters, one of whom writes to the page. "The weather has been very rough up here lately. It rained for a week, and w?eu it did stop the ground was very muddy." Peincess May had a good holiday, going as far s-s Christchurch. "I was in town during show week, and had a good time, as you may be sure. The D.L.F. social was short -.and sweet, like all good things." Somebody's Sailor Boy would like to -hange autos with Indian. Chief, The Smiling Lass, Wild We3t, and East Lvnne. Address: "Somebody's Sailor Boy, D.L.F., Colac Bay, via Eiverton."

AUTOS

L Grumpy asks if Azile, Sehctip. Texas Jack, b Clydeite, Peggotty, M. P. D., and any other I L -. F .- J7J 7 " 0 ale willing would exchange autos ( with her. Address: "Grumpy, D.L.F., care ( P.O. Ettrick." Veronica II wishes to exchange autos with '. Eoby, Darky, Jessica, Nut, Boy, Harmachis, and any other L.F., and I will return mine ; immediately. Address : "Veronica T)LP Sutton P. 0., Otago Central." ' ' J. R.s Jockey would like to exchange autos with Awkward Ned, Vidocq, Darky, Fred, Scobie. Indian Chief, Go lion, Ceres' Eose-a-Bud, Eddie, and Wiilow Bsir.k. Please send two, and you shall receive Star of the Evening's and my own in return, address"J. R.s Jockey, care Mr T. R. C. CLittock. Tvaikoikoi." Harry writes:— "l see that c , vhiori- o£ L.F. are asking 4tor my auto. If they would send theirs on to me, care the Club I would return mine." Lucilea would like to exchange autcs with Harry, T. D. A., Awkward Ned, Indian Chief, Jessica. Nut, Elmo, and any other L.F. who are willing, and they will receive mine in leturn. Addiess : "Lucilea, D.L.F. , care Mr J Taylor, Stour street, Oamaru." ' Geraldine would like to exchange autos with Awkward Ned, Queen Anne, Little Nell, Woodland Lassie, MoL'y, Ivy, Elice and Ivy Doreen. Address : "Miss ' Rose M'Erlane, G-immerburn." J The Twins would like to exchange autos with, any L.F. We will send ours immediately we receive theirs. Address : "The Twins, D.L.F., care Mrs Brown, 1 Duncan street," Dmiedin." Madame Melba vrould like any L.F. to exchange aiitos with her. Address- '"Madame Melba D.L.F., care Mrs Moodie. Roxburgh." Allan-a-Dale would like to exchange auto 3 ~ with Lady Muriel, Tini, Titi, Henley West, A. O. E., Princess Alice, Queen Catherine, and any L.F. who are willing. Address:' " "Allan-a-Dale, D.L.F., care P.O. Henley." Cineraria, would like Three Jolly Tars, Go Hon, Darkie, _A Wilful Lassie, and any others who &l>e willing to exchange autos with her. Address: "Cineraria, D.L.F.. care Mrs Fulierton, Mihiwaka." Violet Rose writes: — If any D.L.F. would like to change autos with me please send theirs to "Violet Rose, care Mr D. Hewton, Hazelmere Farm, Ngapara, via- Oamaru." Geraldine- La Touche would like to exchange autos with Indian Chief, Awkward Ned, Lady Muriel, Little Nell. Two and Six, Jessica, Violet Ros«, Nipper, Lonsdale 1 a; s\e. and any other D.L.F. who are willing. If addressed "Geraldine La Touche, D.L.F., cara P. 0., Giuxmerburn," they will reach me. A3 ' soon as I get theirs I shal return mine. Queen Sophia would like to exchange autos with Harrnachis, Snowfiake, Frosty. Joar Rheuna, Tortoise,, H. I. M., Alexia, Bobl.;Vjdear, and Purekireki. They will receive mine as soon as I receive theirs. Address: "Queen Sophia. D.L.F., care P. 0., Gimmerburn." Young Australian writes:— Would Joan D Arc, Mountain Rambler, Coronation Cross, Fairy Denise, Mountain Violet, and any other .O.L.F. who have been corresponding with, me please send me a post-card, and I shall be very pleased to answer their letters. I have been very ill. and during my stay, under the doctor, mother mislaid «y letters, so I do not know to whom I owe replies. Address: "Miss Mona Murray. Emerald; South Woodburn, Richmond River, N.S.W." Princess May would like to exchangr autos with. The Duke's Amuser Go Hon, Didn't You Knew, Simpleton, Wilful Lassie, Woodland Lassie, and other DJL.F who are wiling. I will send mine in return at once. Address •" Princess May, D.L.F., care Chaslands P. 0., via Fortrose." Hazel Nut would like to exchange av.toa with Dredger, Little Nell, and any other D.L.F. who are willing. Address: "Hazel Nut, care P. 0.. Aiaura. West Coast." Somebody's Sailor Boy tells rue about this weather, making mention of a recent fall of snow in the district where he lives. r 'A church concert was held here a short tim« back, and proved a great success. The Maori; down here are putting up a Maori hall, and they _ are all practising the haka ar.a po;" dancing. Their concert will come off in the latter end of this month." Goldspi- would line to exchange autos witl Daddy's Helper, Uncle's Ghc-.st, Auntie's Ghost, and any others who care to do so Address- "Goldspur, oare of Sufctou P. 0., Otago Central." Mayflower would like to exchange autos witi Bramble, Sunflower, Zephy, Zephyr, Lex. Biddy O'Toole, Aunty Daisy Primrose, and Uncle Con. Address : " Mayflower, D.L.F To Tua P. 0., Southland. "

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Lester. — I quite agree with you, and shal, see that a different course of action is pursued. Violet Rose.— Thank you very much for your kind offer, dear. Of course that is a matter for the editor to decide on. 1 shall tell him about it, however. D.L.F. Clvis II.— (1) Yes ; certainly. (2) Yes. (3) I am afraid not dear, as there were evidences that the-y wished to ict : re 'ocg before they did 30. 'leres. — I am, indeel, dear friend. P » io me little short of marvellous how matters, have progressed in our magic- circle during the past 12 mouths; and T foe! a deepdebt of gratitude to the office-bearers o1!o 1 ! both clubs for the splendid woik they havfi done in the interests of *La I),L F. ai large. Those of the Juveixai-gill r \\ 'o are especially deserving of thanks, for llxor ha' more d/j&cuUies to contend as^si " tha 1

the Dunedin officials, and I am sure tho latter will joia me in sincerely congratulating Ceres, Willow Brook and their conheres on having succeeded in placing their club on a thoroughly sound basis — DOT. Bric-a-Bbac. — I shall be very glad for you to join our band as an oidinary correspondent, but not as a critic. The personal element has become much too conspicuous lately, and I have come to the conclusion that the time is ripe for its suppression. It was, no doubt, by a slip of the tongue that the president referred to the club as "my" club and the secretary as "my secretary." Possibly, if you were to be called on to conduct a large meeting like the late social, you would see how easy it is to make a slight slip such as that you quote. The splendid services of the president and the great success of both soc al and club should be sufficient to warrant anyone overlooking the accidental substitution of "my" foiJ "the" in an extempore speech. You write very well, and should be a welcome addition to our page if you can see your way to meet my wishes, and abandon dealing with personal items. Zeta. — It is a charming little picture, but I am afraid it would not reproduce satisfactorily. However, I have given it to the editor, and he has promised to see what can be done. Beick Top.— See Ladies' Page. AUTO. CARDS. Auto, cards ?re obtainable from the president of the D.L.F. Literary and Debating Club, Box 76. P. 0., Dunedin, at 9d per 25 cards.