LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 81

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Dear Dot, — We- are having lovely weather down here at present, and I am sure the farmers are not sorry, for they are all anxious to get their crops sown. We just got ours finished to-day. We have 40 acres in, so we shall have plenty of stooking to do when the crop is ripe. Dear Dot, do you never get tired reading letters? I think I should if I had so many to read. Out of so many L.F. I only know Weka, Scrambular, A Soldier's Lass, Another Mountain Lily, and I think I know Actor, whose initials are, 1 fancy, E. D., and do you live at 0.8. ? Another Mountain Lily and 1 used to gather swedes out of the same paddock, and we used to have fine times ; but, alas, the swedes are all done, so we do not see each other so often now. The factory will be open in less than a month, and the cows are beginning to come in one after another. I like^rmlking, but it is such a tie in the summer. When we are away at picnics] sports, and other enjoyments, we have to oe home to milk. But 1 suppose it i 3 no use complaining, for that will not make things ans easier 1 . But with all the work there is io do on a farm, I would rather live in the country than in the town. Still, I should like to have a look through Dunedin, and over the printing office ; but I suppose if I did put in an appearance I would "not "find you there. Christmas will soon be' here again, with all iCs holidays. How time fliea : it seems no time since last Chritetmas; but time seems to pass quicker when' one gets older. I have only about 18 months longer to write to the page, and I am sure it will go far too quick foT me. With love to all the little folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly,

A FARMER'S LASS

Deai Dot, — To begin, I must tell you abotu a social I was at some time ago. It4Eas held in the school, not far from whero I live. There was a great crowd at it. Dancing began about 8 o'clock, and at about hailf-past 11 we had .supper. After that dancing wis again begun, and kept up till the small hours of the morning, the night being finished up with the &inging of "Auld lang syne," when all made off for home, and I can tell you I did not feel much inclined for work next day. There are not many L.F. round about where I live, but I often read the letters, and think some of them very interesting, especially Allan-a-Dale's. Good-bye, with love to all D.L.F., not forgetting Alys, Allan-a-Dale, Wild West, Lilianfels, Green Grass. 3 r oi2rself, and the editor. — Yours truly . O. N. Z. Deav Dot, — 'Twas with feelings of sadness I lead Jessica's farewell letter. By her retirement, bo -a the ranks of the O.W.s lave been, swelled, and we, the present-day writers, have lost our right-hand helper. If ever a D.L.F. earned his or her laurels, 'tis Jessica, and in all sincerity, and in justice to henself, she could appropriately say of her badge — "With honour I won it, and with honour I wear it." I would draw the attention of L JP. who have only written one or two meagre letters merely that th.ay might become L.F. by the least possible exertion, with all the privileges pertaining' to that distinction, to how a true D.L.F,

f may, Ly a lcfig association of untiriiifv devotion to the page, 'cave 3 name which Dot and us all cm, when the ov/nci Ins bean pensioned off by time, entwine around I it the puicst and sweetest oi ieoolleeticms. I once lead this, aamnrbis quotation of aa illustrious author: "The days of our youth are as the waters of a rapid stream, lolling i,n never to lelurn," mid this statement is bi ought home to us vividly as, one by on?, they leave the front row of activity, and tak*» tho onlooker's part, till the bugle sounds for O W.s chorus, and then willingly we shaJl change places, and read with intciesf piid benefit their summing-up of our conduct during this year. And, L.F., won't ycu (I refer to the silent ones) do your utmost for ths page, that we may have tho veteran L.F. say of us, " Well done, ye good and faithful pre-sent-day contributors." And now for a Johnny All Sorts variety of a scribble. Since last I" wrote I have teen enjoying myself to my full, not that I could get full of enjoyments. Oh, no I am like a little boy who had not seen tucker for a week, much less tasted it, when Charity came to his relief in ths shape of a benevolent old gent, who took him to the cook with instructions to "stuff him." and after he had eaten steadily for two hours — cook did uot tell me that, 'twas rumour— j ho sat back and sobbed e»g though his heart 1 would break, and sympathetic cook, thinking the meal had tapped a tender spot within him, endeavoured to console him with, "Don't cry, honey, try another loaf, do," and then lie blurted out the cause of his sorrow thus: "I can't, I'm full already" (boo-hoo-00- prolonged tears). TVhila discoursing on "tucker," ther^ recurs to my memory several little incidents concerning the same. One gent'eman, who used to- revel in a pair of moleskin silk trousers with a faded patch of velvet just "ahint, ' and frayed, frilled, cr6c.l2.et work adorning the ends, had a horse tliat J died of starvation ; but- he would never allowjt, died of that— not starvation,, nist. the want of a "little bit rf teoker,"-he would say. Now, if there is any difference "in the want oi- tucker " and '"•starvation," it is news to us all. • 'And another ,xme -ihey tax and tease *me about. It happened thus : We — yours truly included— were travelling in Oobb and Co.'s coach from Alexandra to Roxburgh, and I was a little— yea, a. very little — shaver fso little I do not remember niyself at that period) : the grown-up passengers took a delight in seeing how much I .could get outside of without bursting. I ate - everything they offered me,' "from a gooseY" sherry to a cocoanut," and a benevolent lady >. from the depths of a handbag hauled out" an ■" ;orange, preparatory to treating mo, when my guardian, thinking I'had stowed away enough ,of quantity, quality, and variety to stop my internal works, bade me in an audible whisper to say '• No, thank you," to the lady, and like a dutiful boy I obeyed. Stretching forth my hand, I gave the required "No, thank you. Actions spoke louder than words that tinia, Dot, and I got the orange and shortly afterwards an ache. That happened fully 14 years ago, and ofttimes I hear that tale repeated, to the amusement of all, save me, and, worst of all, I can't deny it. The big gold mine here has just washed up for the excellent yield of SBsoz, which will come to the aggregate of £3000 or thereabouts, and that return represents six months" sluicing. I have heard it stated that the Consolidated Gold Mining Company's claim is the largest of its kind in the world. Truly it is extensive, and it_ holds rights to many acres , of gold-bearing ground. It is worked on the most systematic manner, and is fitted up with the most modern apparatus capable of assisting in the saving of gold. • Long lines of pines bear water down hills that are almost perpendicular, and the roar 'of the" nozsles £>nd - the rattle of the great elevators, to- say nothing of the blasting operations that are carried on incessantly, would deaden the noise of the traffic in Princes street. But when -.ie ciaim looks most picturesque is when the groat searching electrio lights dispel tho darkness of night, and the miners of the ni»ht .shift ( work with all ihs advantages that daylight: affords. So powerful are the electric lights that when alight the surrounding hil.'a for an area of a mile are clearly illuminated. And weird and wan they look, as in the dssd of night fantastic shadows flit and chase one another over tho hills. Tho wires conveyi-i-tne current are responsible for these lxysro shadows, as the light is swayed by the wind backward and forward across the wires. To a stranger, especially if he be nervous, or h^s done anything he has need to blush for, thes9 great shadows, that at times will envelop hin->, are not to be recommended as a tonic to ease n, guilty conscience. The lights are mounted at a greater elevation than those which illumine the streets of Dunedin, and all the powers of a great dynamo are concentrated in three lamps, so that there is really no comparison m the illuminating radius of the lamps in Dunedin and that of the ones that the^Blue Spur is honoured with. It is truly rem?rkabl<^ the number of people thst visit the cuaini, and all are impressed with the vastness of it pi 1 . The rush of water carries with it the wavl: and then disappears mysteriously in ihe mouthpiece of the elevators, and up it <»oes to the height of '80ft, encased in iron pipe=. and lastly rolls away down the final run of boxes, and empties itself en teTra firma. Suc't is the suction thai is derived from enormous pressure. The reducing of the size of the pipes materially assists the pressure botcjAt the intake they will" be 2ft in diameter, and by a graded reduction in, say. {> qusrteiof a mile of pipes the jet or casting which the water lastly travets through is but I ra m diameter. Oh, .Dot, I wa,s goins to sa% g. lot more about--tne peculiar formation of tho cement, or Wash; "nnd I was also going tc srive a .comparison of the method of 'working th° claim. 16 years ago and now ; but lam forced' to reserve that till later. Even as ir is. T am oonscicud of having overstepped tp.. maximum length of the ordinary letter; brt ir you wish it, Dot, I will not bother ycu again for a long time, though in that respect I resiemble the boy who was challenged 'o "fislies" by a mate twice his size, and ypplied, "I don't want to, but I will if yer !i - sists." With love from your humb'e "to si', and Dot,— Yours truly, CORXISH.

Dear Dot,— Geu*al regret will be ieV in D.L.F. circles at the news that our o!d comrade, Maid of Athens, has been called away. My sympathy is with the sorrowing ones she has left behind her. How very sad it is to think that we shall see her no more on earta. She has gonf to a far better home, and we should not wish her br>ck to us again when wekiiow that she is free from sorrow and cave, mid only gono bsfoi-3. "The grave is heaven's gateway through which our friends go home.'" I have heard some old people say that the good die 3-oung. Maid of Athens was my first D L.F. correspondent, and many a long letter I received from her. Gone, but not forgotten, arc the days of long j^o. I have coma across a letter that I started to you a long time ago, and I shall copy portions of it for this on?. It gives a brief outline of the lasi holidays I had. A mate and myself left by the train bound for OaiKns River. We got our bos into ths carriage, and then went on to the platform, and stayed there for such a time that

when we w^nt to get our places we found them occupied, and much to our disgust we had to remain on the platform for an hour in the cold wind. In due time some of th? passengers got out, :tnd we got seated. Arriving at a bare, miserable station, we alighted and found a trap awaiting us. A young fellow who travelled by the samo tram as we did was going to the same place as ourselves. Neither my mate nor I knew him at the station. When we got to know him bettsr, we told him ihut we did ncrt notice him on the tram, and he said the reason we did not see him was because he was in a rattle truck. However, he was into tha trap before us, but it did not take us long to jump m. We were coon making cur way through bush and mud. It took us all we knew to stick in the trap. I threatened my mate that I would just let her go out, and would not hold her in. But coming to a big rat 111 the road the wheel of the trap went down into it, and being a bit absentminded, I made a grab for my mate, and was just in time to save her from a mud badi, much to my sorrow, for I intended to get a laugh at her. I imagine that I can see her, a few feet lower than myself, with her head and esrs covered in mud. But as fate wou.d have it, she remained where she was. Mud or no mud, we reached our destination, where a good meal was waiting for us, to which we did full justice. Our host had to return to thu station again that night for other friends. Next day two more favoured us with their company, and altogether we -were a happy party. I shall not take up any more room by telliug anything further about our holiday. Dear little folk, here is a good joke : One afternoon mother and I were out visiting. We were in the sitting room ; in it also were two small children, our hostess having gone to get tea ready. . The younger of the two was a little girl, and a hard case at that. She came and stood in front of us, and looking up in an innocent sort of way said, "They will soon bo bringing the tucker in." I laughed too much to eat any tucker when it did come. I saw you on B. station, Scobie, but was not sU' • it was you until afterwards. With love to all tho L.F.,— Yours truly, WAVEY.

Dear Dot, — I wrote the enclosed rhyme before Jessica's farewell letter appeared, and it struck me as a matter for very grave cons.-di-iation just how tny of us are going to manage without Dot's sweet little poetess. So I venture to lay a proposal before you. Why not suggest to Jessica that she — whenever the nius-e inspires her— rejoice our hearts with some of the fairy pictures that are constantly painted on I'he canvas of her mind. Such a suggastion on Dot's part would, I feel sure, be hailed with delight by D.L.F. far and wide, for Jessica has, by her sweet personality, earned for herself a warm place in the hearts of one and all.

Another, suggestion I wish to make, but this time to the two clubs. I think it would be fun to have a poets' meeting some time, D.L F. to be warned not to be backward in sending in specimens, whether they be good, bad, or indifferent. But one thing, all poetry to be original. How now, Awkward Ned? What fun you would find in reading it all 1 . Dot has quite a number of L.F. possessed of more or less rhyming ability, and, apart from the fact of being something out of the common, such a meeting should prove very enjoyable. Harry, Boy, Jessica, Dicky Donovan, Daisy Primrose, A Mother's Lass, and hosts of others have at one time or other "played at being poets and poetesses," and if sufficient notice were given,. I'm sure most of them would enter into the spirit of such a meeting and contribute one or more items. Do try it, Messrs President, and if it is a. failure, why, the blame be all on Eoby's head. Love to Dot, tne editor, and all D.L.F., — Yours truly, EOBY.

[Two excellent suggestions, Eoby. You will be pleased to learn, dear, that it is Jessica's intention to occasionally send a poem or a tale for the page, so w& can look upon No. 1 as practically carried into effect. I think there can be no doubt that both clubs will be only too pleased to carry your second suggestion out.— DOT.] TO DOT'S POETESS. Jolly little Jessica, Ever full of fun; Smiling little Jessica, Sweetest 'neath the sun. In our hearts enshrined be, Cords of love entwining thee, And our spirits one. Jolly little Jessica! Ever we shall bless Smiling little Jessica, Sweet Dot's poetess ; Incense that enduresfe Culls she of the purest, And distils for Dot. Jewels of the rarest, Emeralds^ rubies, pearls, She doth set in fairest Settings for Dot's girls. Jncen&e from tEe roses Cutely ahc composes, And transcribes for Dot, Jolly little Jessica Ever we shall love Smiling little Jeesica, Sweet gift from above. In our hearts' most holy place Come abide, sweet maid of grace, And accept cur love. —EOBY. Dear Dot,— What a success S.S.W. proved to be; but I did not like it quite so well as I did last year's. How quickly time fliesj It is nearly five years since I 6tarted to write to you, and how many loving friends I have made in that period, some of whom I would have never spoken to only for that d&ar little D.L.F. badge. I would) never have written to you ojlly* f(sr my sister-in-law. One night I went over to see her, and she was reading the page to me and telling me I should start to write to you, so I did it at once, and signed myself Nicodemus. Do you remember the letter, Dot? The only thing I regret is that I did not start to write to you sooner. We have had a very mild winter this year. The flower garden looks quite nice with the violets and primroses all out. It is 16 years this month since we left the Old Country. We left in September, and arrived in New Zealand in November. I hkd my second birthday on the deep blue sea, just a month before we landed. How mysterious Quago is, arousing the curiosity of our L.F. ; but I don't like some of his notes very much. I was very sorry to learn by the last Witness of poor Fancy Free's death, and I tender my sincerest sympathy to the bereaved husband and his little motherless boy. That great event, the sociil, is over once more, and how sorry I was that I could not get to it. But I was very pleasel fro see that it was such a success. But 0.1 l D.L.F. affairs seem to be a success. ' I sent a letter and stamps to T. D.A., secretary of the club, for a ticket, but I did not get i^y reply, and I have been wondering ever since if the letter arrived safely. Lynda was out here stopping for a few days, and. we had some great old D.L.F. chats. We also had some grand fun at nights playing ludo; didn't we, Lynda? Have you ever milked a cow, Dot? Wo have a regular daisy of a heifer in at present. I think one would need the patience of Job to get her into the cowshed; perhaps Solomon could help us in that respect. I have £0 little chicks out, and some more to ccme out shoitly. How sad aboxtt poor Dulce Poman. What a terribly painful accident she

met with. The only thing I can do for he^ is to hope that she may «oon recover and get btrorig again. AYe had a visitor stopping at oui pl,i2e the other night, and lather rend that piece of poetry to him, " Oh, Why Should the Spirit of Mortal be Proud"?" and he asked me to writs it out for him. He gave me a voy good piece of poetry, which I shall send to you iiext time I write, if you would be kind enough to print it for me. A friend carao herj Ihe other day to say good-bye to us, because he is leaving the district. He wanted me to tell him my norn de plume, out I wouldn't, and ha said that when he found ma out he would put my name down on a piece of paper. Mother has been away three weeks for her health, but is coming home on Tuesday, and I hope she is keeping bettor. I have 152 autos, and I am going to collect till I get 200. Among them I have Auntie Daisy Primrose's auto., which I am very prond of. Dear Dot, I have not heard from Mrs HaJdane yet. Since last writing to you Irene has left this district. She promised to write to mo when she left here, but has not dor-e so yet, and I am afraid she- is not likely to do so now. Good-bye, Dot. With love bo Vidocq, the editor, and yourself,— Yours truly, VEEONICA 11.

Dear Dot, — I am going to describe my Christmas holidays, which, were chiefly opent in Christchurch. Although it is a good \\hile ago, tbe :l«acription may be of some interest to the D.L.F. Our ho'isekeepar, my t-vo sisters, an-1 I started from. horns on December 22, arriviug in Dnn«fliu the sane night. "We ciily stayed one night in Dunedin. Af+er wo had had tea at a friend's house, we went up tho town to a dressmaker's shop. When wo wore comir.g back, we wont into a shop end iiad supper. While we were dining, my little sister said, "How nicj it is to be able to come d,nd have tea, for nothing." At this we had a good laugh. After we had refreshed ouiiselves we went back to our friend's. "We clid not take long 10 get into bed, for you may be sur© we were tirsd, after being in the tiain from 12 o'clock to 5.8 p.m. A? we had a mile an-1 a-half to walk to the station, we had to get up early, dress ourselves, and have breakfast in i> very short time. At 8 a.m. the Christchuich train started. On the way to Cbrist church we saw the Fallen Troopers' Memorial at Palmerston. After passing Palrnerston, we saw Sir John M'Kenzie's cairn. It is shaped like a lighthouse. It is situated on top of a round hill, -wfiere it can be scan fiom the train. As tho railway tram goes round this hill, we thought there were two lr.lls and two cairns. Other points of interest on the journey up were so numerous that describing them would take up too much cf your space. We arrived in Christchurch in due time, and were met by Heathcotia and her sisters, at whose horns we stayed for a month. As the next day was the day before Christmas, we went to have a look at - the shops, because ..hey would bs shut till the following Tuesday. The shop that attracted my attention most was the D.1.C., where a fine display of toys and useful things was to be seen. In the D.I.C. I saw Father Christmas dressed in a red gewn, trimmed with white fur, and a red cap also trimmed with white fur. He had n long whit-; beard. I shook hands with him. After a while I saw Father Christmas riding down the street in a motor car. That day was an enjoyable one, for I saw many comical sights. As we were going along the streets, wo saw<-_a man driving in a huge, red-painted shoe. Then I saw several motor cycles drawing basket chairs behind 'them. I saw a man riding a bicycle with a kind of gig behind it. AVhsn we got home that night a good tea was awaiting us. After tea, my sister and I hung up our stocVings, which were filled with good things in the morning. We did not go anywhere on Christmas Day, so I cannot tell you anything about it. On Christmas night I went to bed wondering whether the next day (Boxing Day) woiild bo fine or not. At 6 o'clock next morning I was awake, and looking out of the window isaw that the sun was shining brightly. I got up, dressed, and had breakfast. I was soon on my way to the station with Heathcotia and my sisters. As our destination was over the sea, we had to go to Lyttelton before we could get on board the ship. The train started, and soon we were going through th.' Lyttelton tunnel. Reaching Lyttelton, we hurried to tho wharf, but found that the boat was not in, so we had to wait. Dxiring tho quarter of an hour we waited, we saw a jellyfish. It looked like jelly, too. The boat camo at last, and as 1 was nearer the boat than the rc<st of the crowd, I was helped in about sixth, and got a seat. When we weie near the pier at our destination, the boat got slightly stuck in the sand, the tide being out. Wo soon, however, got to the pier, and getting our baggage out, we made for a nook where a lovely tree spread its big leafy boughs over a stream, in which several big boulders stood. My -two sisters, Heathcotia, her sister, and I, gathered some sticks to light a fire Heathcotia's father watched the fire while the ladies spread the eatables. We were soon eating the cakes, fruit, and buns set before us. When we were finished, some of the party washed the dishes, and then got ready to go to the 'bush, where tree ferns and toi-tois grew in abundance. While they were away we children took off our boots and stocking® and waded in tSe creek, and tried to catch minnows, nearly succeeding. Then we sat down on the boulders to rest. After doing so, we put on our boots, and went to meet the rest of the party, who were in sight. Our housekeeper did not go to the bush, but got tea ready again. When they arrived, we all sat down on the grass to eat isome more cakes. After tea the things were packed, ready to be carried to the pier. ~We had to wait on the pier, as the boat wa3 not back from Port Lyttelton. It soon came, however, and we got safely on board, but were more crushed than before. At the Christchurch station a great crowd of people were flying about. We hurried home, after spending a most enjoyable day, and thus ended Boxing Day. After Boxing Day, we experienced a week of bad weather, preventing iis from sight-seeing. The weather was so bad that the regatta, which was to be held on New Year's Day, had to be postponed. When fine weather did come, we went to Surnner to enjoy a day's fun. We went in a tram to our destination, which we reached in an hour. When we arrived there, we sat on the sand, and took off our boots to wade in the sea. for a while before lunch. We soon ate lunch, and went back to wade. Latex in the afternoon we went along to the Cave Kock, where som& children were riding on donkeys, and from there we all went up to the Stunner township. In front of a hotel there is a rock vsed for a lamp post, a lamp being placed on top cf it. Near this hotel are some high cliffs, on which grow clumps of red geranium. We spent a most enjoyable day. One day I went to the Port Hills, accompanied by Heiathcotia, her sister Maud, and my biggest sister. There we got great bunches of fancy grass. We came home very tired, for we had climbed ' the hills. • Another day I we.it through the Cathedral, and then up to Victoria square. There I saw the late Queen's statue. I also went to the Christchuich Museum, where there is plenty to take one's attention. I saw several large animals, which looked very much like real ones. There were some lovely small birds, with their nests and eggs, in another room. The next things to be examined were the Maori carving's, whioh were verj interesting. Then I looked at tho

bears, birds, and seals, brought from the Soutli Pole. These I liked best. In another room - were rnoa skeletons and moa eggs. T.hen I};' saw exhibits of Maori kits, mats, and other' things. There were also several flax hats,,'' ornamented with huge feathers. In the samo room we -*saw canoes made by the New| Brighton Maoris. We did not stay long in. the Museum, but went out into the gardena to look round. While the others were in the' ' gardens Heathcotia and I ran to the boat-" 1 ' house, whero lemonade and raspberry &19 kept, to get some lemonade. We ran backj and found the others sitting under a big£ tree. After having something to eat we al£, went to bee the goldfish and trout. The former were in a small pool by themselves. The latter were of good size and looked like eels in the water. The trout are fed om minced meat, and it is a curious sight ta watch them being fed. I was in all the parks,-^ and it is no wonder that the Christchurchfj people are proud of their city. The next week" I went home. On the -ray I stayed at Wai-<-'-mate. I r&ached home all safe. — Yours truly,' LADY OSBUEGA. Dear Dot and D.L.F., — In one of our papers I noticed a letter from. New Zealand," the writer of which speaks of your paper, the Otago Witness, and tells us Canadians' about Dot's little folk. I should very much,' like to join your band, and would also hka to become an honoraiy member of the club. We were neaily coming to New Zealand ta live. I must tell you that I have always lived in South Africa until papa came here* over two years ago. All papa's people are> still in South Africa, and mamma's are all f in England. We had a lovely trip from" Durban to Liverpool, but a bad one from. 1 England to Canada. Papa has four farms out here. It is a very pretty country — aft least just about here; but of course I have not seen very much of the country yet.. Pentiction will soon be a large place, as a Mr Ellis has just- sold out. He had a very, large ranch, and they are cutting it up into small fruit farms. Pentiction has 25 miles of country fronting charming lakes and^ % livers. It is just at the end of the Okanagan; and Dog Lakes, and the railway is expected! to be built to there. Just now one has to travel part of the way by the C.P.E. boats, or ride on horseback, hut I do not nimd the riding— l just love it. We have all beeru taught to ride as soon as we could sit a saddle. I have five brothers and two sisters. My brothers wish me to say they would like some boys to write to them. Their names are Gilbert, 15 years old; Willie, 14 years;, and Frank; 11 years. The other two are too small to write to yet. I should be very, pleased to have some correspondents. Wifl some of you write to me, telling me abouti New Zealand? I will answer all letters.,Must I have a pen name? If so, I shall call' myself Umkomaas. It is> the name of a river in Natal; but I should like my name and address printed with my letter, so that*' if any L.F. should care to write to me they," will know to what address to send theirletters.—Yours truly, UMKOMAAS. f

Address: "Winifred Taylor, Macibeni Ranch; White Lake, Pentiction, British Columbia, Canada."

[Umkomaas will, I feel sure, prove a welcome addition to our band, and I have no doubt that quite a number of L.F. will respond to her invitation to write to her. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, — It is about four years since I last wrote to you, and that is a very long time, so I suppose you have forgotten me by, this time. I have just been at Balclutha for my holiday. I saw a D.L.F., but Idid not speak to him, for he was in a great hurry. I spent my holiday very well,' and had an enjoyable time. I will, however,'' tell you mors about my holiday next time I< write, for I have too much to toll you tty.begin it this time. We are playing rounders' at school just now, 'but are thinking of! getting up another garne^, but we cannot think' 1 of one, so perhaps some L.F. might suggesfi something to substitute for rounders. Ifc'' 5 has been a very bad -winter this year, hasn't? it, Dot? How deep was the snow 'down atf Dunedin? It was about 15 inches up at Eatanui; but we are. getting fine weather now, and the roads are drying- up, so I think you ought to come out here for a holiday, some of these times. I shall bo glad when it is summer, for it is the best season of the lot. We have a lake near our school. I am in the Fourth Standard, and I think" I am going to leave school, for I don't care much for it, though we are having grand? fun at it just now. We have only one cow milking at present, but we shall soon have another one in, and I suppose I shall have to start milking again. Eatanui is about the best place in the district. You must comet out some time to see it. Have you got any. flowers, Dot? If you haven't I will send! j'ou some. We have a new railway station, and it is called Catlins Eiver. They are going right ahead with the railway. With love to Japan Lily, E. D. A., Spider Legs, and yourself, not forgetting the Hear old editor, — Yours truly, SWEET LA VENDEE.

[Thank you very inucih for offering to send me some flowers. Sweet Lavender, but I am afraid they would be crushed and spoilt before they reached me. I should like very, much to visit Eatanui, but I have so many invitations to visit distiicts where L.F. live that it is quite impossible to comply with them all, and it would never do to select one, would it? Please send your name next time you write.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,— What a glorious time the L.F. must have had at the social; wouldn't I have loved to have been theie. The weather Up here has been glorious lately, which is a. miracle, because for a while it was one fine day and then a wet week the whole time. Monica and I went for a walk to-day, and we heard a lamb bleating. We saw it had lost its mother, so I said I would see if it would let me catch it. It did— worse luck; and then the trouble bagan, for I couldn't get away fiom the little nuisance. It followed me down the hill, almost tiipping me up all the time, and then Monica said that its mother was up the hill, so back I went, and when I got back to its mother it wouki not leave me, on that it was determined. Then its mother was coming towards me with, a look in her eye I did not like, so I dodged behind, but still that lamb followed. So I made off along the track for all I was worth, with the sheep and lamb after me. She managed to stop the stupid little animal' somehow — I didn't look back to see how; and when I got to Monica she was laughing like anything, but I didn't see anything to laugh at for a while. Dear Dot, I have a badge. Could I send it baclo and get a pin in the old' would I have to get a new one, and how much would it cost to get a pin in the old one? What a lovely time Angelsea must be having. I should like to travel round like, she is doing. Notes seem to be the crazs_ now — just the same as autos were, but 33think the auto, ciaze was the nicest. I think" Jessica's idea about telling what profession, you arc going to follow is very good. We are busy grubbing the ground tor the flower, garden just now. Can the retired D.L.F.I send their autos to anyone? My uncle and-. auat are away to a ball to-night, and we aie awfully lonely. (Latei ) My sisters and I" weie at church to-day, and we just aboufl got wet through. We have to ude five rnilesT to cliuich, and. it is not very pleasant ia

the winter. I never caught crayfish the way Alexia does, but my sister and I used to get two 'sticks each and hunt for crayfish under the stones in shallow places, and catch them between the sticks. When we had caught % good many we used to empty them out on the , tank to count them, and we generally had j such fun keeping them away from the creek. | Fancy only 30 of the D.L.F. sending papers j in at- Special Subject Week, but I don't suppose I can complain, as I am too stupid i to write a story myself. My uncle is breaking in a young horse, and he does snort when he is made to come up to anyone. We had a pet lamb for one night, but the old sheep* took it again the next day. We have the game of pit, and when we play it we make An awful noise, especially when seven play. It has started raining again, and goodness only knows when it will stop. There is to be a' raffle and a dance at home here on Saturday night; and tho one who throws highest, and the one who throws lowest are to get a" prize eaoh, because there are two things to raffle. I .have never been in a raffle yet. My uncle was in for a graphaphone a while ago, but he did not get it. I staited thia letter about a month ago, so I think it it time I finished it, don't , you, Dot? With love : to' all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, Yours truly, DOSIA. [Yes, Dosia, retired L.F. can exchange autos if they wish to do so. Why, that lamb was more friendly than Mary's little lamb, of ' which we hear so much. I am sure it would have followed you to school if you had given it any encouragement. — DOT.] — Dear, Dot, — It ia nearly five years since I last' wrote, so I think it is high time I wrrote ■gain. "We have- . had nice weather lately, only 'an .east wind nearly always springs up in the 'afternoon. 'We had a concert here several •weeks ago in aid of school funds, and it proved a success." Several people sang, and we - had "a nice -selection of songs on the graphaphone. - One ""man sang two comic songs, and was dressed to suit the words. In the.first one he had'on a black wig, andwhen he^oame from behind the curtain the people •went into roars of laughter. We had also a magic lantern entertainment, given by the Rev.-, Mr Boreham. Most of the pictures were about " England and Scotland, except a few. <somic - ones. One was indeed a funny one. ' It was a, man holding up a very thin fowl for sale. He thought he, could improve ther look of it," so he got a bellows and pumped air into it until it could hold no more. He then tied a' string round its neck and hung it up. By-and-bye a lady cam© in and bought the fowl, and went away thinking she"' had made a bargain, but when she began 1 to clean it, it exploded and burst into atoms. Black Watch is working not far from here, and I often see him, but have not spoken to him yet. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor.— Yours truly, GARDEN FUCHSIA. Dear Dot,— We are having most miserable weather here just now. It has been raining for" about two weeks, "and all the creeks were . flooded and- a part of .the water-race was washed away;, but I- think it is going- to clear off -nowrror- at all events- 1 hope it is, as too inluch wet weather is no treat, especially in the, country, when there is a lot of cowis to be milked. The bachelors of t this district gave a ball a- short time ago,, and the spinsters gave one also in- return.- I was at both, and enjoysd myself .very niuch. They were fortunate' , enough, to, get-most beautiful "evenings, and I think they were.a great success. There is to' be "another ball on the, 22nd of this month for* the finish up of the assembly at - Weston/^and- ii all goes^-well, as the saying" ' is, -I hope to be able to -attend" it, as lam veryJ fond' of dancing. , I suppose that is because I am just learning. ~I am now looking forward to I the- cattle "show, and I hope tomeet a number of D.L.F. there. . L saw a group of D.L.F. that were taken in Dunedin at show week in .the Witness, and I think it was very" good. What an interesting letter Angelesea had in last- week's Witness about Fiji. -I shouldn't mind if I could only go there for a holiday; "but I suppose I never shall— but time works wonders,- doesn't it, Dot? With love to all D.L.F., yourself and the kind editor,— Yours truly. }?- -. NOBODY'S PET. Dear Dot,— The spring is now on, andjiearly •11 the spring flowers are out. There are daffodils, violets, primroses, ".crocuses, irises, and a few other flowers in blossom. The fruit trees are coming t in' leaf , and the gooseberries /are properly in leaf. There are a good many . 'little lambs about here- just now, and they look, livery nice, jumping and hopping aboiit/ We are ?_.jnilking-21 cows just now k .and 18 calves. We 'Chave a skipping-rope at school,' and have- fine " fun with-it. TheTe is- a good»number of sup.—pliers taking milk" ~to - the factory just now, _*nd I. think it will spon,be running every day. "We have., had, fine weather for the last few " days, "and- 1 Hope'it will continue. With love 'to O> S.,^S. H.,' D: L., and all the other 8.L.F..-YOUTS truly, DEWDEOp Dear -Dot,— lt is ivexy ; , cold outside \ to-day, «o«lsthougb.t ifwoula>b-s better to sit down ' ~to s 'writo to-the- page" once. 'more.' Since last I i-wrotei -wrote- to • you'<Ei'have passed ,' into a higher -sd-^iow 1.-have another .12 months ■^Bardlwork*bi&re me"> I have- riot faaled once V.yefr, and'-f&SfeiS not 1 so bad, I . is- it,- Doti 1 - -My sisters als^'^rassed. A concert is coming off'- next 'Friday; in aid. of the Palmerstoir 'Nofth.Hospital,''and/I'%pe the weather will '- be fine'~and;thjL ""concert" prove a .success, s?s it is'- for a .good, "cause: I have a. brother < m Auckland, and my two sisters will be going there " in a few weeks' time -also. We are going to lose Smiling Gwen from this district, and we shall miss her 'very much; but it cannot be helped — the best of friends must part. With love to Dot and the editor,— Yours truly, WELSH BOY. Dear Dot,— We are" having very changeable •weather here just now. At the present time it is raining something, awful. Do you like wet weather, Dot ? " I don't. We had a social and dance here the other, night, and my sister and I were at it, and -enjoyed ourselves immensely. I saw Santa Claus there, too. I don't think there are many D.L.F. down this way. I only know one or two. Gullyite and I are schoolmates. What a difference there is in -the page of the present and that of the past! The D.L.F. letters are far more interesting now, and what with the Literary and Debating Clubs, socials, picnics;, etc., the "D.L.F. Page is "all tlie go." The place where I live is very quiet just now, but it will b9 stirred up about Christmas. Football is all the rage at present, but as I don't like it I don't take any interest in it. I think it ds a very dangerous game. Dear Dot, I shall tell you of a bit of fun a few of. us had a, couple of nights ag.o. A friend of ours came to 'see us one night, and while she and my mother were busy talking my sister and I clipped out, unnoticed by them. When we got safely out we tied the door, and hid behind the fence to see what was going to happen. We had not long to wait until we heard, the handle turn, but the door didn't open. My mother sang out to us to open the door;- but "we weren r t "having any." At last we heard the door open. They had got a knife and cut the string. Well, we thought, better luck next time, so we waited until they got inside, and put a bucket of water at tho door. We got behind the fence again, tad staited beating an old tin to make them

come out a.ll the quicker. Of course mother came running out, when, la, into the bucket qf water she goes, with her friend on top of her. My word, Dot, didn't we laugh. But, Dot, I didn't laugh when bedtime came, for when I went to get into bed I found all the blankets gone But never mind, I took it all as a. joke, and -said nothing about it, but just lay down with no blankets. In the morning mother asked me if I was warm that night, but I told her I was as warm as if I had tumbled into a bucket of water. Nosy, Dot, with fondest love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and Mr Editor,— Yours truly, WAITAHUNAITE. [Your mother is evidently very goodtempered, Waitahunaite, or she woiild not hate taken your practical jokc3 so philosophically. —DOT.] Dear Dot,— Last time I wrote to you it was in the middle of winter ; now we are in the glory of spring. Both vegetable and flower gardens are well ahead now, and we ax; having such beautiful weather. Meet of tha farmers have their land ploughed round here — indeed, some of them are so far ahead as to have their oats sown and rolled, which will mean an early harvest if the weather keeps up. We see some farmers sewing late potatoes, having their early crop well ahead. P-eas and radishes are above the ground, growing fine and healthy in the heat of the isun. I was very sorry to hear of Fancy Free's death in last week's paper. I remember her letters quite well, and tender my sineexest sympathy to the deai ones left "To mourn their loss. How sad for her little boy to be bereaved of a mother's care- ?o early in life. In this" week's "Witness wo read Jessica-' s farewell letter. One by on© our old writers are retiring, but younger writers are stepping in to take their places. Southland Critic has alsc retired. I was sorry to hear' of his retirement, for his notes were interesting as well as amusing to us country D.L.F. of Southland. The other day I met a Chinaman on the street, and he was looking quite happy, smiling "fit to kill" — a. real "Witness grin." As I passed I accosted him with "Good morning, John." He gave another smile, and said "Good day." There are a lot of Chinamen up here working in tha gold mines. They look a bit quaint m their frock coats. There is some talk of the Orepuki shale works being taken in hand again. It is said that a man is coming out from Home to have a look at them. It would be a big boon to Orepuki if it were in work once again. The machinery on top of the mine is all in good order, but it is very wet underneath. I say, Dot, what do you think of this egg-laying competition? By the table in tho Witness we see where some of the hens lay six and seven eggs seven days in tho week. I know we are well pleased if ours lay one in a day. I thinic Special Subject Week was all right — some of the tales were very good, though a number of our oldtimo writers were conspicuous by their absence. I am glad .to see S.S.W. is to be an annual fixture, as well as O.W.W. We have had Hazel out staying with us for a while. Wo enjoyed ourselves first rate while she was here, especially my little brother. I suppose she will be home by this time. I hope she enjoyed her holiday. With best love to all D.L.F. and Dot and the editor.— Yours truly, MISS MAGDALENE. [Six hens lay the six eggs, Magdalene, not one, as you evidently suppose. There are "six hens in each pen. — DOT.] *• Dear Dot,— We are having - lovely spring ■weather at present. We shall, soon havo sports, and we are having a dance twice a week at — Monday and' Friday nights , — it is great fun. We have a lovely lot of ferns up this way. I walked over the Manawatu bridge last week for ferns, and as soon as I was over the bridge, the train came along from the gorge. My word, Dot, I just got ever in time We had a visit from Bishop Wallace 'last month.' The church was quite full for the confirmation service, 10 female and five male candidaTes being presented. The service was solemn but simple, including addresses from the Bishop, and the usual devout reverencfe, -was displayed by the candidates and the congregation. With love to Smiling Gwen, Mountain Maid, and all the D.L.F., Dot, and the editor,— Yours 'truly, -. -' '. KAITU3STA'. Dear Dot, — We are new settlers -in Edendale," and we are going to tell yotit something about the place. Well, Dot, we like it now, but we did not care for it very'- much at first. Jt is a long way drier than the place we were in before. We Edendale is about the best place you could gei if you wanted to go in for milking cows; but it is not much good 'for cropping. We are milking over 30 cows, and I think we shall milk over 40 this year. Mostly all the people down here milk cows. Since all the ijew settlers have come to Edendale it ha 3 grown a good deal bigger. They are getting . a new factory up at Ota Creek, which will be _a long way handier for the people who live there: We have a pretty good place. It is one of the best farms about Edendale, and in the summer time the grass is so long that when a cow' is lying .down you. can't see her. We think' ourselves— and we ha\e heard other new settlers say the same — that the. old settlers are a very sociable lot, and they also are very willing to help you as much as they can.. They give the new settlers a great spree when they first came, to welcome them. The hall was not big enough to hold them all, so they hold it in the grain shed. There were 800 or 900 at it. Edendale is a. great place for dances. A while ago they used to hold dances eveiy week, besides parties. The footballers gave a" ball the other night, and we believe it was a, very enjoyable affair. Our school concert is coining off next month; we hope it will be successful. We have four new cows, and we are thinking of selecting names for them from the D.L.F. nomsy3e plume. With love to yourself and all the D.L.F., — Yours truiiy, TWO NEW SETTLERS. Dear Dot and L.F. — It is with feelings of sadness that I sit down to write you these few lines to inform you of the death of our late comrade , Isalene, which took place on September 23. She was a writer for close on six years, and her letters were always bright and interesting. She was esteemed by one and all of the D.L.F., and other friends, Dot. I am sure you yourself and all the rest of the L.F. will join me in offering our deepest sympathy to her bereaved parents, brother, and sister. — Yours truly, "MAID OF KILLEENA. [Indeed I do, and I can answer for the deep feeling of pain the sad news will caixse to all the L.F., Maid of Killeena. This has been a sad year for us through so many of the brightest of our writers being removed from our midst. It is only a few short woeks since we were all grieved to hear of the death of poor Maid of Athens, and now we have another sad loss among our Taieri L.F. Isalene's letters were always bright and pleasing, and we shall all miss her.— DOT.] LETTEES CONDENSED. Two Monkeys tell me about a thrashing they got the other day for dipping their fingers in the cream. "We are very fond of cream, but mum won't let us have it because she makes it into butter. We each" have a tiny garden of our own, but there are not very inamr flowers in tthem jet. We are going ro

Honolulu for our Easter holidays with auntie and uncle."

Eva St. Claie was very sorry to read Jessica's retiring letter, and is sure she will be greatly missed. "I live on a farm not very far from town. This is a very nice district, with plenty amusements. There are a number of girls here about my own age, but I don't think many of them write to the page. I have taken my noni de plume from a book I once read. '

Lampglass has two big brothers and two little ones, and they are awful teases. "I live on a sma.ll farm in Niagara, on the banks of a, river, and I often go for a, sail, 'lhene arc ferns on the river banks, and B. B. recently got one 10ft long." Alvia lives at Eoslyn, which she describes as "a very pretty place, just an easy distance from town." "I first became acquainted with a number of D.L.F. at one of their parties, where I spent a most enjoyable evening, themembers being very sociable."

Wee Flobkie is only a wee girlie, nearly five years old, but she is going to be a D.L.F., like her big brothers and sisters. "I am going with my mother for a holiday to the Taieri soon. I go to Sunday School every Sunday when it doesn't rain, and I like going. It will soon be Christmas now, and good old Santa Claus will be coming to fill our stockings again." Violet Leaf was very sorry to see that Je&sica had reached the retiring age. "We havo a good many flowers out, although it is so cold, and we have a lot of vegetables up. Our fruit trees are all coming out in blossom, and they are very pretty. My little sister, who is 14 months old, is walking now, and she looks so comical, and is awfully mischievous too. Everybody is busy putting in their crops just now. There are a lot of little lambs abottt here, and they look so pretty -running about, but we have no pet ones yet. We have a creamery up here now, <a<nd a lot o"f milk is taken to it. They only take milk to it throe days a week at present, but I suppose' they will be taking it every day soon, as the cows are giving more milk now."

Eatanci Pbimrose has had an adventure which he thus relates:— "My mate and I were away for a holiday up to Mr Murdoch's hauler, when niy mate saw a wild pig, and we ran and ran till we were safe out of ths bush."

Sailor Jack is going to leave school when he passes into the Sixth Standard and commence work. "The weather up here has been very unsettled. It rained from Wednesday till Saturday, and it cleared off on Sunday. You would think there was a creek flowing alongside of the road, while the creeks themselves were like rivers."

Ellen tells me about the local Oddfellows' Ball, which was a great success. "We had a lady teacher up here, but she has gone away. All the school children liked her very well, and she was well liked all over Cambrians. We are having windy weather up here at present, and I hope it will soon cease."

Looking-glass thinks it will be very nice when the railway runs from Lawrence to the Beaumont, and wonders how long it will bs. "This district is very pretty in the summer time, but just now it is muddy. All the creeks about here are in flood with the heavy rain." . Hiss Skylark has not written for about three years. "We are getting very wet weather up this way just now. One can hardly go outside the door without getting over the boot-tops; but the country is always sloppy when it rains for there is no asphalt to walk on."

Lilla. finds the weather somewhat trying. "We are not .having "very pleasant weather just now : it is just as cold as winter. The Taniwha dredge is working not very far ar,-ay from our house. We can see the electric lights at night."

Thelma has a stamp and post-caa-d album, and she has promised to tell us all about it next time she writes. "Latest Fad and I were out for a ride. I rode her horse, and we had to cross a river, and I really do. not think I could have enjoyed myself more. Latest Fad has a pet lamb called Polly."

Wattle has a pet rabbit — such a dear little thing.. "My sister is going away for a month's holiday, and 'my mother is ill in bed. We are having very wet weather just now, and as i'have nearly a mile to go to school I do not like the rain."

Sweet Sixteen tells me all about her winter amusements: — "There r is a quadrille assembly here "every Wednesday ' night, but the last „ assembly was the last for the season, and I c was very_sorry, because I have enjoyed myself very much at it. We are going to have an extended night on the 13tb of October, and I hope I shall be able to go, because I like dancing very much."

Ma.ok.l Leap is tired of the wet weather, and hopes October will be different to September in that respect. "We had a young calf about six months old, but one day, when he was drinking his milk, he dropped down dead. The river running past our place was in flood, and my father and I were out catching the wood coming down. We have three cows, but there is only one of them milking, and I have to milk her. She is a quiet cow, and gives a bucket of milk."

Ku Klux was busy ironing when she wrote, and does not think the page nearly so nice &s it used to be. "I was panakeet-nesting on Sunday, and many a good fall I got, all through not watching where I was going. I found a good swing, but 1 had nothfng to cut it with." AUTOS. Pine Tree would like to exchange autos with .Jessica, A Bunch of Violets, Cornflower, and Shepherdess. Address : "Pine Tre<?, D.L.F., care of Mrs J. F. Thurlow, Cambrians."

A Niagara Larrikin would like to exchange autos with Go Hon, Sweet Seventeen, Didn't You Knew, Hooligan, Scobl«, and Quago Address: "A Niagara Larrikin, care of Niagara Post Office, Southland."

Violet Leaf would like to exchange autos with Jessica, Miss, Lou, Whistling Jack, Madame Melba, Shiny Bob, Mother's Help, and any other D.L.F. who are willing. Address: "Violet Leaf, care of Mrs J. Christie, Capburn, Hyde." Ellen would like to exchange autos with Tansy, A Woodland Lassie, Pancake, Priscilla, Lady Stair, Kiss Me Quick 11, Eed Cross, lona b Sunny Crow, West Coaster, Haijy Fairer, jiui., Lady de Loris, Letter Book, and Ceres. Address: "Ellen, D.L.F., caie of Post Office, Cambrians."

Dromedary would like to exchange autos with Auld Eeekie, A Niagara Larrikin, Texas Jack, Awkward Ned, Glaucia, Alpine Princess. The Dark-eyed Queen, Queen Sophia, Cosmea, Coo-ec, Eondinella, and Queen of the May. They will get mine in return. Address : "Dromedary, D.L.F., car© of Miss A. Wild, Niagara, via Fortrose." Princess Marjorie would like to exchange autos with Bessie Eyne, Indian Chief, Awkward Ned, Dolly Gray, and any other. Address: "Prinress Marjorie, D.L.F., care oi Hindon Post Office."

Nurse Girl is willing to exchange autos with all tho Matakanui and Oniakau L.F. and any others who are willing. Address • "Nurse Girl, care of Mr William Wilson. 3fa.takan.ui, Otago Central."

Thelma would like to exchange autos with Japan Lily. Paparoa, Fantail, Corona, Eosebud, E. D. A., Darky, and Black Watch. Address: "Thelma, D.L.F., care of P. 0., Mokoreta, Southland." Ku Klux would like Mysteiy Island, Texas Jack, Captain Cook, Jessica, We, Us, and Co., and Auld Eeekie to exchange autos with her. Address: "Ku Klux, D.L.F., care of Miss B. Cooke. Colac Bay. ' Dosia writes: — I have only six or seven autos, and I must try and get some more. Would Laura, New Chum, Slim Jim, and Alexia exchange autos with me? Address: "Miss T. Morris, Toro Eanch, Alfredton, Wellington."

Dewdrop IV would like to exchange autos with any L.F. who are willing, especially Awkward Ned, May, Cook 111, and Flower o' Clutha. Address: "Dewdrop, D.L.F., care of Tahatika P. 0., via Owaka."

Nobody's Pet would like very much to exchange autos with Cornish, Somebody's Laddie, Pat Sneezer, Kilted Laddie, Tussock, Scobie, and Captain Cook. I shall send mine in return. Address: "Nobody's Pet, D.L.F., care of Miss M. Hayes, Ardgowan F. 0., via Oaniaru."

Welsh Boy woxild like to exchange autos with Tomboy, Three Troopers, Sailor Boy, Go Hon, and Didn't You Knew. Address: "Welsh Boy, Post Office, Ashhurst, Wellington."

— Post-cards. —

Nurse Girl would like to exchange postcards with any D.L.F. who are willing. Address: "Nurse Girl, care of Mr W. Wilson, Matakanui."