LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2691, 11 October 1905, Page 73

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

if otto . — We write for the benefit of others, not

for ourselves

Dear Dot, — For the last week it has been showery, and the ground has been kepi, too vet for working. This morning it wps thundering, and fir :i while it rained steadily. Between half-p.tst 10 and 11 o'clock the sun came cut for a hilie while. Late in the aftciroon it started to lain again, but ii did not last long. We have a laige camellia bush, which is at present covered from top to bottom with van 'gated flowers of more a pink than a red colour, with white stripes. The flowers that arc iinder the loaves aio of a hghtui' cc lour than those ihat are out in the sun We have £<l*o three large lhodcdendion bushes, which aie flowering just now, ard they look so pi:tty. The flowers are deep pink. Our bushes generally flower before anybody elsj's that I know ot Tliey gsr.einl!}' conuwncc flowering at tha end of winter, r-nd ths fir.nt fi^wei=s •■i» sometimes spoiled by the frost. Ot'ier people's rhododendrons fre out much lot r ihan oui •>, and .irs of a difteient co'our. I? it not a neat i.ow to have all the bhds smgmg in early morning and before fliey go tc bed. This winter there v ere hardly any blackbirds about here, but a few are now to be seen ready to devour the first seeds that ore sown. The blackbirds and thrushes are at present busy making their nests anJ hatching their young, which will take up some cf their time, and keep them from getting into mischief in somebody's garden. The buds of 'he trees are also bursting forth into young leaves and flowers. Everything that seemed to be asleep in the winter is now awaka and performing its duty. As I write this I remember a nice verse of poetry that I have read on spring, as follows: — "The hawthorn whitens; and the juicy groves Put forth their buds, unfolding by degrees, Till the whole leafy forest stands display' d In full luxuriance to the sighing breeze." Some of the flowers on our Japanese plums aro coming out, but in a little more than a week they will be covered with a mass of beautiful white flowers. Most of the spring flowers are at their best. I have dug my garden and have shifted into new places what it contains. With love to all the D.L.F., Mr Editor, and not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, .BLUE VIOLET.

Dear Dot, — We are having very wet and iniseribl^gveather, especially so to-day. L.'-si Sunday wnen I was coming home from church I met Papa.roa and Mountain Rambler. I brought them inside, and we talked about D.L.F. niitters. They are two very nice girls. They went to Greymouth nest morning. I also met West Coaster the other day, iv a cai-t, and had a chat with her. The place I am living in is. very qiiiet; indeed it is getting quieter every day, and there is act much news to write about. Last Saturday Little Neil, Bill Bailey, Magnolia, and myse.li vent ferning. There are very pretty .ferns about hero Bill Bailey had started to write to you, but because she made a mistake she wouldn't complete her letter. She said it was my fault because I spoke to her. I have a brother here teasing the life out of me. I think all boys are the same. Biddy O'Took's bi other i- s just tho same. Every time he sees us he shouts out, "Hullo, Little Nell."' and acts in the tame way to any other D.L.F. he sees Last Sunday a, number of girls and myself went for n walk. When we were on our way we met a young boy on a horse. He jumped off and said that we could have the hcrse for the afternoon. So -A- Dainty Maid and I got on first. We all had turns of getting on. It was great fun watching us. as none of us could ride. We soon, got tired of the horse, and gave it back to the ownev. There is one person here who is particularly given to criticising our letters, but I shan't tell you his name. With love to Gipsy Nell, Inquisitive Poll, West Coaster, Biddy O'Toolej and all the other D.L.F., yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly,

JEANNIE DEAR.

Dear Dot, — I am going to give you a short account of a very enjoyable trip I have just had. I bearded the train, at Omakau at 10.45. en route for Dunedin, and as it was a fine day I had a. lovely view of the- country through which I travelled. After passing Ranfurly we came out on to the Maniototo Plains, a large extent of good agricultural country ; then through the fertile Strath- Taieri Plains into the Taieri Gorge. Passing through the gorge one is lost in amazement at the engineering difficulties which had to be overcome before the line was ready for traffic. 'In some places the rocky wall rises perpendicularly for hundreds of feet above you, and looking down the river looks like a narrow piece of ribbon stretching along the foot of the mountain. After leaving the gorge- the remainder cf tho journey was through comparatively level country, and I arrived in Dunedin at 5.45. There I was n.et by some friends with whom I was to stay. The first morning 1 sallied j f < rth wit'i tli s intention of seeing some of | the Dunedin little folk, but to my disappointment I did not see a badge, nor did I notice any during the remainder of my stay. I spent a day at the Heads, and was much impressed with the fortifications, and pictured to myself the reception our enemies would get if they attempted to land in New Zealand— that is, if they would only make the attempt at the right placo. Next day I went to the Museum, and was well rewarded for my trouble, as I had not expected it to be so good. Nothing of much interest occurred during the remainder of my stay, although I enjoyed myself very much, and after three weeks in Dunedin my holiday came tc an end, and I had to move on .again, this time for Waitahuna. Iraughtthe* South expiPss at 8.25, changed at Milton, and at 11.15 I found myself at my destination. Waitahuna is a small town, situated on the Waitahuna River. The principal industry atpears to be dredging and mining, although there is alsc a consideiable amount of farming going on in the vicinity. Since I have been here I have seen a number of badged, but lacked the necessary courage to speak to the wearers. With love to all the D.L.F., l ot forgetting yourself. — Yours h aly, J^SEPHA. i

Dear Dot, — The weather here Las changed from good to bad. We hivo had some love'y weather lately, and all the people about here were crying out foi water. But now it is raining, and no doubt they wil be satisfied in that respect. The Maori convert came off last week, and it proved a great success. It wag held in the Volunteer Hall, and it was well attended by the Colac Bay ; Bivejtonj Round

Hill, and Orepuki people. The amount taken at tho door was the 1 irge« that has ever been taken in Ihat hall yeu The piogramrne con-, sisted oi l\I?ori hakas, poi danoes, songs, etc., oriel it lock an horn and 50 mnratea to get through tho vanous items. Some of thu songs wcie \ cry well sung, and wouM have been encored, onh r the stage manager would not allow it, for the programme was too Ion,?. Among the songs were '"Life'-s dream is o'er, ' "LitHe sweetheart, tome and ki^o ni"," "Fadoil rose of red,"' "Sweet Adeline," "I don't wans to play in youi back yard," ''-Viy okl Kentucky home." "Lot me die on the deep,"' by ono of your httic follc, and "Apart," the last song. Aftei the concert we cleared away the seats, and struck up a dance, which lasted till daylight on Saturday morning. The Maoris have been ?sked out to some of the other country towns already. My cousi-i from Mataura came here about a fortnight ago, and he has been teaching me to ride a bicycle. He said I could ude on level ground, but he did not know if I could ride up and down Lills. so he took me to a hill and let me go. I reached th.bottom safe enough, but he was not satisfied then • he wanted to give me a spill, so in the morning he was going to race me. Through the night he went and loosened my handles, arid when tho race came off the handles £cli, and of course I, being a new chum, could not steer «o well, and over I went. That was one spill, but he ga\e me another one, and I got some more, so I thought it was time to go riding oa my own then. After a few days' practice 1 could do anything on the bicycle. Lust Sunday I went away for a 46-mile ride. It was lound to Hamilton and Gait's sawmill, at Tc Tna, and back. A wedding took place a! flic K'uk here, pud it was o great turnout There was singing, dancing, feasting, cake walk, violin, piano, and all sorts of enjoyment going on. It lasted up all 5.30 oa Tuesday morning. There is to be anothoi wedding here in three months' time. "VWh kindest regards to Geordie's Mate, Boko, ppc! Slabby's Mate, not forgetting yourself an;l editor, — Yours truly, SOMEBODY'S SAILOE BOY.

Dear Dot, — The weather is beautiful ai prefsent, and everything is beginning to spring up and look green figahi, after its long slcec during the three winter months. We hnva started our garden now, and I hope our flowers and vegetables will grow well this year. A3y father and biother are busy ploughing at present, and it will be a good long lime before they are finished. Since last writing to you I have had the misfortune to have my han-l poisoned. I was cutting bread with a bre°.d saw, when it slipped, cutting my hand across the palm. I did not take much notice cf it at first, but in a few days it began to swell ixp, and the pain I suffered was something awful ; so I showed it to the doctor one day. and he told me to come to ihe hospital and he would lance it for me. Oh, my, Dot, it did make me sick when he lanced it. However, it is getting on well now, and is almost better. I shall soc-n. be 17 years old, but it seemsrfio time since I had a birthday. With best love to General's Sweetheart. Lady Liltvstone, the editor, and yourself, — Yours truly,

DADDY'S HELPER

Dear Djt, — Our exam, was held the week before last, and we both passed. A good many aicidents have occurred here lately. A vary painful one happened to one of our band, Parcake, who got his arm badly hurt, and had to get ii toh-in off at the elbow. It has been lovely weather here lately, a,nd all the sawmiils ara busy. A little boy gol knocked down yesterday by a dray, but he is getting on well now. We were at a on tho ]sth, and' we did enjoy ourselves. We were for a walk on Saturday, down to the "raer $i&2. and we saw about 50 wild duck*!. Then we went on for our mail, and then returned home, feeling xery tired, — Yours truly, - NINETY AND NINE." Dear Dot,— .The weather is very fine dorm here just now, and ihe flowers are coming out in^nad. I went bird-nesting last Sunday, but only got six eggs. It is very nice on a ■warm day, when I have nothing to do, goiu^; nesting. We live up on a hill, end we have a. grand view of the sea. AYe can see about 20 miles distant across the country. Native bush, surrounds at the back of our house. It is seven months since I was last at school, but I have started goin^ again now, and I am, oh, so glad, for we have such good, kind teachers. I have six' sisters 'and four brothers, so you may know it is a job to get writing without them seeing what I am telling you,— Your3 truly, LADY NORDEN.

Dear Dot, — A football match was played in Cromwell last Saturday between the Uppsr Clutha an.i the Alexandra teams. This match was to- decide which club was to be the possessor for the year of the flag presented by the Otaga Rugby Union for the premier club in Vincent County. There were 500 spectators on tho ground. When tha teams lined out the Upper Clutha team seemed to have the advantage as far as weight was concerned, especially among the forwards. In the firs* spell the Alexandra team had the best of tho game, but. there was no score. In the pecond spell ths Cromwell team bad the advantage. Neithei side scoreJ up till about five minutes before time, when one of Cromwell's fast three-quar iers scored a try The spectators ran up and shook hands with him with expressions of joy. Well, dear Dot, we have had very heavy rain here to-day. It poured m torrents for about half an hour, and by that time the r*ds were covered with watei. To-day some of my friends and I went down to have a look at the railway works, and we thought they were getting on very fast with the foimation. A very interesting, game of football was played here yesterday between the town people and the coal workers. The game, which was interesting from start to finish, was woo by the town boys by five points to three. With love to Tomato, Mike, Flowei o' Clutha, tha editor, and yourself.— Yours truly, CLYDEITE.

Dear Dot, — Winter has gone and spring, with its lovely warm weather, has come back to us. The trees aie beginning to look green, and the grass is springing up from the ground. I live in a country p'<\co, about seven or eight miles fiom Alexandra. Behind our house there is a hill, and from the top of it a bare fiat lies ai hont of you. Our snhoolhouse is situated ut the end of this flat, and a vary lonely-looking place it lcol--s, ns. there are no irces and very few houses aboui. it. fur examinatioji is drawing near, and I hox>e I shall pass. A social was held in the schoolroom a short time ago, as a farewell to one of the people of the district. A good cro-vJ was present, and I enjoyed myself very much. There is to be a bach&iois' ball scon, and I suppose the^c will be a good many at it. The farmers are just getting their ploughing, done about here. My sister and I are learning to play the piaro. but we have not baen. taking lessons lately. With love to Fan, Velvet Rose, Clara, and Cornstalk, not forget ting yourself and the editor, — Yours truiy.

MIMICA

Dear Dot,— l have a pet lamb, and it com-p-; into Ihe house. On baking dnvs it lies m front of the fire and gets its wool singed Father found the poor little thing in tha creek, and he had to wring the water out oi its wool. The clucking hen attacked it wliilo it was feeding, and the iamb was fo frightened, and would have had its eyes uecke^

cut very soon if we had not been near by It knows to come and meet me when I como home from school. My sister has a pet calf, a.nd it at 3 some lace that was out on the grass. It was smelling my pinafore, and would no doubt have eaten it too if it hid got Ihe chance. It is very tame, but my sister did not think it would be at one time. I take my lamb out for walks with a ribbon round its neck. When a sheep is killed the cats like to go up and have a feed. One night Silver, the cat, was mewing, and when we let her out she went straight up to the meat and was caught eating at the neck. I got lovely cards for marks and reading from my teacher at school. One night it was wet, and somebody came to meet me. I was drenched, and was pleased to get a ride on the horse. With love to a,ll the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly, ESSIE.

Dear Dot, — I have just been reading the D.L.F. letters, and what a, difference there 11 in the page now compared with what it used to bs. I think that if the letters keep on increasing as they are doing now it would be wise for ibe little folk to stait a paper for themselves. I went for a bike ride round to Fttrick a couple of weeks ago, to my cousin's place, a.nd there I met Beryl 111, and I thinic she is a very -nice girl. We have had dreadful 'veathjr hero lately. In the morning the sun is shining beautifully, but before noon it is pourng rain, and on Wednesday it started to ram, and did not stop till Saturday night. 30 th-e roads aTe frightfully muddy again, as might be expected. The farmers here have nearly all their crop sown now. A ball came oft' here the other week, and on the night it was held the rain camo down in torrents, but despite that there was a good attendance. The spring is nearly over, a.nd the flowers ?re coming on well. There are a number of lambs in this district now. I should 'ike to send a paper to the club, but I can never muster up courage to do so. I lead. Jessica's last letter, and I think we have lest one of our best writers. I have a good number of autos ; but am still collecting. Quago seems to be a very mysterious person. It seems that Queer Fellow does nothing out rsmble about, as I hear that he is back in R. once mere. With love to ail little folk, yourself, and tlie editor, — Yours tru'y, LITTLE BRIGHT EYES 11.

P.S. — Did you receive the photo I sent -with my last letter, and will it do for the group?— L. B. E.

[Yes, dear, I got it all right. It will pro bably bs a very long time before I have a sufficient number of photos for another group —DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I cut this piece out of the Hawke's Bay Herald, and am sending it to you to publish again, if you think it worth the trouble: — "A Geraldine young lady had an unpleasant experience on the express between Christchurch and Dunedin on Friday last (says the Temuka Leader). When the train pulled up at Seacliff a man, who was evidently a patient from the asylum, stepped into the carriage in which the young lady was seated, and after mumbling something which the passengers did not understand, he dropped a paper bag containing something on the seat beside two gentlemen, and then walked out. After the visitor disappeared, the passengers for some time were afraid to open the parcel, fearing that it might contain an infernal machine or some explosive. A lady suggested throwing the thing out of the window, and another said ruervously, 'Oh, don't touch it,' but eventually someone had the courage to investigate the bag, and found to the relief of all that it contained a few pieces of wood. The bag had been carefully gummed at the top, and on it was pasted a newspaper clipping. 'To Dot's Little Folk.' The intruder was doubtless sending a little fiiewood to Dot's lit + le folk, and this well intentioned act va.s at fir-st misinterpreted by the passengers on the train." — Yours truly,"

PEGGY SAVILLE.

[The paragraph appeared in the local columns of the Witness some little time ago, d-ear, but as possibly quite a number of little folk failed to ?ee it, I reproduce it as requested. Poor man! I hope he gets a' litlie pleasure by reading our page, as he. evidently dees.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — During the past three weeks it has been nothing but rain. It began to rain on September 1, and' kept on raining— we: 1, not quite all the time, but off and on till Saturday, September 23. The roads are very muddy just now, and the cowyard is something awful. My uncle is giving my brothers lessons on the violin just now, and there are three violins going at once, so you can imagine they are making plenty of row. A minute or two ago I heard a string go "crack," and they aren't playing now. My word, Dot, pit is a 'lively game. The other night my aunt (who was staying here), my father, and mother, my brothers, and myself had a. game, and if my cousins and my little sister had not been sound sleepers they, would have pretty soon wakened up at the noise we were making We have 13 cows milking at present, and I milk one at night, and I also get the breakfast ready in the morning. With love to The Swamp Ducks, Golden Princess, and all the little folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor he does not condense this), — Yours truly, QUEENIE 11.

Dear Dot, — Spring has come again, and the trees are beginning to shoot forth their leaves once more, and in a month or -so everything will be green. Our spring flowers are looking lovely just now, especially the primroses and the daffodils, which we have by the hundred and they axe all growing wild. It is very pretty to see so many daffodils growing together. I was in Waitahuna a short time ago, but I did not see any badges. I wonder where all the little folk were at that .time ? I see by Reta's letter the picnic is to be heiM en November 9. I hope it will be a fine day and not begin to rain, as it did last year. I was not at last year's picnic, but I hope to be there this time. A lot o,f picnickers come here every year. It is a very pretty place for a picnic, and the gorge is lovely in the summer, when the manuka is in bloom. I hope Jessica will write for Old Writers' Week, us her letters were very interesting, and not letire altogether. With love to Fairy Denise, -Yours truly, WINIFRED 11.

Dear Dot, — We are having a week's holiday, as oui teacher is laid up. Spring is here again, Dot, with its sweet flowers. I think the spring flowers are the most lovely, and it is so nic-3 to lie in bed early 111 the morning and listen to the birds as they sing in concert, led by the tin and bell bird. Our house is situated on the hill overlooking the lake, and is surrounded by rata and hme-hine bush. In summM wh'eni the rata is in bloom the hill top looks like one large sunset. Tho red colour looks so pretty against the bright green of the hine-lime. There are very few parrakeets, kakas, or pigeons here, but there are plenty of rabbits. My brother has a ferret and three dogs, and he catches a good many bunnies. When I am short of money I the loan of his traps and catch a few on /ay own account. Don't you think that is a good way to get a little pocket money, Dot. If yoit care to come down to Catlins for a holiday my brother and I would take you for a day's rabbiting with the ferret. It is grand fun to see the ferret chasing the rabbits out of their holes — that is, fun for us, but Biot for bunny. Pns da£ my brother wa^

bed ill, and I was sent to feed that ferret. I opened the door to feed it, but it jumped out and chased my kitty all over the place. I got a piece of iron and put on its head until I managed to get it back into its box. I would plso take you down to the lake for a wade m the water. Dot «We girls at school often go down lor a wade in the summer time, and we enjoy it immensely. The train runs to Catlins Rtver now, and if you did care to come down my brother would meet you at the station with his bullock and sledge — only the bullock is lost just now, for he went away into the bush and hasn't turned up yet, so you would have to wait till he comes back. With love to all the D.L.F., the editor, and not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, FLEDA.

[What a novel experience that would be fcr a townie, Fleda. Fancy Dot being taken in tnuniph by her kind friends in a bullock sledge ! j t would make quite an interesting picture for the Witness, wouldn't it? — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a ■> T ery nice drive we had last week. My brother and r friend drovo home on Saturday evening, when we all decided to go to the famous Curio Bay. Next morning another friend arrived and joined the party organised, so we made a,n eaTly start, some driving and the others riding, but early as we started we found that the tide was retry high., and Jack, our horse, seemed a little rervous. as it wab only the second time he had been in tfcc waves. By the time we arrived, however, lie seemed to enjoy the water as w« ourselves did. You may bs sure, Dot, the first thing we did on reaching Cuiio Bay was to boil the billy and have something to _ eat. After this we met two old schoolmates,' who kindly t-cok "us along the chfis and showed us the shag rookery. To get «, good view of it we had to creep under a fence on to the edge of the cliff, which we believe to be 260 ft high. I almost expected to have some bad dream.that right, after looking so fa* down. It being v&ry wmdj the spray looked jiist lovely dashing against the rocks. Later on we got on to the rocks to look for curios, of which we found a s;ocd many. Just then a gentleman came p.i ong,, and asked us if we were looking for ctirioa. We found out a day I or so afterwards, however, that the sani3 j gentleman was looking foi different curios in the shap; of dogs, as he was alarmed about the lambs, but fortunately we hpd left our dog at home. Some of us went back to boil the billy before staring for home, which wr reached at about G o'clock, all well pleased with our day's outing. With love to Dolly DimpLe, Rosebud, yourself, and the editor, — Yours truly, FIND OUT 11.

Dear Dot, — Spring is here etnee more, bringing with it flowers and birds. Don't you think the shiaiing cuckoo is a very mean bird? I'c lays its eggs in another bird's nest, and when the young cuckoo is oldl enough it turns out the rightful owners. Some day when I have time I am going bird nesting. Every nest I find with a cuckoo's egg in it I will chuck v. out. That ought to teach it to build a nest for itself. Some people catch kakas and tame them for pets. 1 don't like them much, as they can do nothing but fly about and screech. My garden seeds are all m. The potatoes are vp — early for this part of the country; but nhe slugs aTe eating down the green peas just as they come through. 1 wish you could give me a cure for the slugs m the garden, Dot. I like going to school moie for the game of football than tor lesson-i. We don't live far from the lake, and if you care to come down for a holiday I might get the loan of a boat and take you for a row. With love to all the D.li.F., not forgeltiuq; yourself, — Yours truly, JJAT.

LThank you, Bat; I have no doubt I. should have an enjoyable time with you in the boat if I could only get away, but who would attend to the page meanwhile ? Quicklime sprinkled over the plants when the dew is on them at night or early morning may do a little good, but slugs are very difficult to get rid of. Fortunately some disease takes them nearly all off every third year, and then we have a spell till they increase once more. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I think it is time I wrote, as it is now over two years since last I wrote 1o the page. I was locking over an old Witness when i saw a letter ironi The Disgusted Little Folk, when he wks the object of discussioa among the critics, and it was no wonder that the Critic Club took it up; but I must not start criticising, as I did not come here lo criticise other people's letters, aa my own is not so interesting as to warrant my doing so. The letter of Auld Reekie was very good. Her sisters and their pranks were something like my sister's and mine, only she did not dip my head 111 the water: she threw a cupful of sugar and wateT clean over my face. Oh, "Lor lummy, it did feel rummy," till I washed it off my neck, head, and face. I suppose it was my own fault, because I was teasing her through the window till she was fit to eat me. First she took the poker to me, and I, being on the outside of the window, picked up a, stick, aoid when she smacked at me I smacked at her, till at last she got, as I thought, tired, and turned away muttering something about "cheeky imp" ; so up I came as bold as brass, and thrust my head through the window; but all of a sudden I stopped The curtain was drawn aside, and all I sawwas a hand and a cup. 1 drew back my head, but alas! I was too late, for slap, dab •came not only the water but a hand also, which gave me a ringing box on the ear. It is a case of I'll never go there any more. I shall now change the subject, as every time I think of it I fancy I feel that poor ear ri mine tingling ; but that is an end to it, as mother will be home to-morrow. The weather here has bien very changeable. We have had the mildest of weather for the winter — no more than 2in of snow, and only one fall too. During the past three days it has been raining ; but to-day it is fine. The summer is now advancing, bringing with it the harvest, of hay and corn. With love- to all little folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor,— Yours tru.y, s , BILLY BA-BA.

[Your sister deserves a severe talking to for giving you "a ringing box on the ear," Billy H. Many a one has been made deaf for life from this cause, and it has in some cases even resulted in death. I hope you will tell hey what I say, so that she will know better in future.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — Since last writing to you many changes have taken place. While reading the page a while ago I noticed that some little fo.k thought Awkward Ned would make a fine lawyer. Oh, Dot, how I wish I was m Dunedin to attend the socials and club meetings. It was very sad about poor Duici Bonian getting caught in the machine at the factory. An Oddfellows' ball was held here on September 15, and some of the ladies' dresses looked very nice. The farmers are all very busy about here at present sowing their seeds. It has been raining up here lately, and it is so miserable and cold. On the m<*ht appointed for the ball we left home about S o'clock, and after a few minutes' walk reached the hall, where a good number of people were already assembled. A little later dancing was commenced. Very good music was sup plied, and that is the thing we frequentiv look forward to at dances. When the baf 1 was over the people all made their way home feeling very sleepy. A social was held heie seme time ago for the purpose of bidding farewell to cur schoolmaster, who had bceu in

this district during the last five years. Dancing was continued till about 1 o'clock. A handsome presentation was made to the leparting guest on the night of the social, accompanied by a bciPt speech. Dancing was then lecommenced. At the end those picSMit sang. ''He's a jolly good ffllrw," aii'l finished with '" Auld laug syne." Having collected our cloaks we started for home. With love to Taipo, Thelma, 11, A Lively Measure, not forgetting yourself and Mr Editor.— Yours truly, A PIECE OF DOUGH.

Dear Dot,— Winter is now practically over although we still continue to have slight fro^t in the mornings. It is raining and blowing here while lam writing this letter. Wo have bad no snow to speak of this season, and consequently the ground is quite dry. A Maori concert was held here on the Sth of last month. It was in aid of erecting a Maori Public Hall at Colac Bay for the pvrpose of holding meetings in. There were between two and three hundred spectators present at the concert, which consisted of Maori song 3, solos, war cries, and recitations. After the concert was over the night was cudtcf up with a dance. The- takings for the concert at the door amounted to flu 18s 4d. and for the dunce £5. The dance was kept up till about 5 o'clock in the morning. They all retired home as tired as a dozen dogs and a dingo. I was very sorry to hear of the death of another, D.L.F. , Ma id of Athens. I tender my sincere sympathy to her bereaved parents. I saw a D.L.F. in Rivertoii one Saturday. With lovo to Pakeha, Queenie, anJ the editor, not forgetting your own dear self, — Yours tiuly, MYSTERY ISLAND.

Dear Dot, — I am having a holiday in Cromwell for a fortnight, and 1 am enjoying myself immensely. The time io going too cyuickly. First of all 1 must lell jou about a visit to the Sunshine dredge, on the Clutha. A party of girls and myself weie taken acioss tho other evening. Although dredges are very, common about here it 13 the first time I have been aboard one. I think, dear Dot, if I were a man I should not care to be dredging, as it is very dangerous work, so you will know by that I am not in love with them. Haidly, n day passes but what we hear of either slight or fatal accidents. A young fehow here got badly burnt some time ago through the boiler bursting. He 19 still m the local hospital, suffering a great deal. The spring has ,=et m, and everything looks nice. Some of the fruit tiees are blossoming out. One of our native bushes, the beautiful kowhai, is out in boom, with its rich golden blossoms looking love'y. I only wish that I could send you a bunch. The green grass and t'lo snow oil the mountain tops makes a beautiful picture in the sweet spring mornings. I shal) tell } r ou all about it next time I write. With,' love to D L F. and yourself, also the editor,— Yours truly. CYMBELINE.

Dear Dot, — Our school teacher left about a nionth ago, and a farewell social wis given to him. I had a good time, and I think one and all enjoyed themse.vtrs that night. We were sorry when he went away. There ia a relieving lady teacher here just now, and we all like her very well. We expect our ei:am. to come off shortly, and I hope I shall pass. When -we are writing to you my youngest brother says, "Dear old Dot, I want you." Tho spring flowers are in full bloom now. and the little snowdrops in pi friend's garden are simply lovely to look at. I was sorry to sea Jessica's retiring letter, as I always enjoyed! reading her letters very much. With love to all the little, folk, not forgetting yourself and the editor, — Yours truly.

PINE TREE,

Dear Dot, — It is veiy wet here at present, but we cannot cnmplam, for until lately the weather had been lovely. My mate, Find! Chit 11, and I went to a flaxmill recently, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We did not understand much about the machinery, but what we did know was that the flax gumi stuck to our boots for a week afterwards. Wo saw Rustic, who looked very green and dirty. Best of all was the bachelor dinner, which was given us by the kind-hearted cook, who seemed to pity us after our long ride. We had a church social here a short time ago, and it proved a great success. A good many D.L.F. sang and recited, and they all did very well indeed. Last week The Niagara Lass, Smiling Rascal, my sister, and I went for a strol?, but when we got about half way to the place where we had planned to go T. 3ST. L. and S. R. Lan away, md 'when we arrived we found them admiring the Niagara Queen down beside the wharf. After a °hort time we came back and met the Two Eight Inches. Onu of them allowed us some fancy bicycle riding. He was doing well, but at last he \an over somo stones into a ditch, breaking his bika and tearing the leg of his trousers. Ho pinned' them together, but all the same he looked very savage when I laughed, but it was too funny for me. With love to the Two Eight lilches, A Niagara Lass, Indian Chief, M. O. D., and all the local D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the patient old editor. — Yours

a niaga:

Deai- Dot, — As Time speeds on it leaves its mark behind it. and I, like many of my predscessors, have to pass before it, and' since age prevents me from writing to Dot I have to say farewell for once and for ever as a correspondent. I feel sorry to forsake the page, but whether fame or fortune await me in future life I shall never regret the many happy daya and the numerous correspondents I have rriade through being a D.L.P., and, like out old-time favourite Dicky Donovan, I shall hope to roll up occasionally to tell you how I fare, and also show that I have not altogether forgotten the days of my youth. Just a. word about Dicky Donovan. Did not the heart of every D.L F. beat high when, on reading his letter, tl^ey found that our oldtime associate was with them once more? It gave me a thrill of pleasure, and I only hope that some more ot our old-timers will tako the hmt, since the road is paved it ought to b? easily followed. I have watched the page advance year by year, but can say that I have 'done but little to bn.ig it to its present prospeious condition. My first letters wera written to Dot when I was aboui 11 years of age. 1 can just recollect how a describee? my pets and asked for names for them. Later on I gave buef descriptions of the place I live m, its products, places of interest to iiavellers, its wild bush sceneiy, and many other remarks that I cannot remember, and for the past two years I have only wiitten two letters to Dot under my present norn de p'ninc. Collecting autographs was out of the question with me, and therefore I am little known as being a member of our D.L.F. band. All I have to say of myself is if I had my time over again I would certainly maks better use of it in the matter of writing to Dot. My, advice to all boys and girls is to start writing to a paper as soon as they are able, and make it a practice to write as often as they, possibly can, for what better way of learning is there than to compose something out of their own mind. Every- weekly paper has -ts children's corner, but I think some of theso corners or pages aie almost entirely neglected. Not so with Dot's page, I notice that it is the other way about, and since it is such our page must be the foremost of its kind. Eh, who would not be a little folk'

As spring is well upon u« I cannot but say a, fow word" about- it. I do m>t mteixl to mako tins a long letter, so I shall be brief, ami

therefore cause less worry to our ever kind and painstaking editor. "Spring is come, spring is come, Birdie:;, build your nests, Weave 'together straw and feather, Doing each his best. Spring, with all its budding, makes one feel as though he were in a paradise of cheerfulness, when the frost and snow and sveet of ■winter are all forgotten. Every morn--ing y?hen I awaken the first thing that greets me is the song oi the thrush, for as soon as 1 open my eyes this cheerful songster is sure to be sitting on a rail near ray window, overpowering the air with his sweet melody. The forest-clad -hills are thick with birds, and these seem to be literally alive to Jbe morning air. Every living creature is happy, and every flower and plant is in its budding. , I have often wished I could admire Nature better, because I do sincerely believe that Nature speaks to those who care to listen. Spring is my favourite season of -the year, but nevertheless 1 have a liking for" autttnm also. But. then again winterjollows autumn, while summer and autumn follow spring. Lest I should ha inclined- to make this letter longer I will draw to a close, but not bafore I once inoro say farewell/ and so now, comrades tried ana true, let us be' friends. Au Tevoir, -Dot, ana may -your page for ever prosper is my '-*at and- best wish. With kindest remembrances to all the little folk, «nd not forgetting our .genial editor and Dot, once more with a. heavy heart I sign myself for the last time = ■ -. - SCRIBBLER. [Scribbler will indeed be a welcome addition 'to" tKe" old writer band; though she is a great loss to the "ordinary little folk page. I ■wish- her every success in life, and trust she may continue -to get some pleasure from our -page, even* though she cannot take an active part in it.— DOT.] Dear pot,— Oi think Oi- would loike to wroite you another>litter.- - The English is so bothersome that Oi think it would be more convanient to ■ wroite 'in -my own language. Och, - sure, I went down to the winter show in that famous city, " Dunedin, and sure Oi .thought it was a foine town. Oi met a lot of foine D.L.F. colleens, and sure Oi'had an illlgant time wid them. Seeing Oi was a. little fpli, Oi went to the social, which Oi can say Oi en--joyedevery'much. - Oi went to see the public gafdens,- and Oi think they are very good, but • "faith^fhey are not a patch on the Oamaru gardens. They were awfully bleak ''looking, .and not a purty -flower to be seen. After about three weeks' holiday .Oi got back safe ana sound, "and sure Oi was not sorry to be home *g»in. " In my travels Oi met Darky, and Oi •was trying ito get her to come and see my people, but she said Oi was, too big a rogue. Sure it was too bad, was, it not?- She is an old friend of mine, let alone a D.L.F. Sure, Oi thought , Oi was - nvurthered by a bull the other day,' and, arrah, Oi hadn't as much as a. dish clout in my hand. It just happened this, way: the bothersome creature had go; into the yard and seemed to be very angry. Oi .go;; another helper, and we troied to get hir--out, but, faith, he just" put down his ugiy head, -and "with , a .bellow .that ' shook the . ground ' made a rush at me — and what do you think Oi did ? Wall, Oi just gave him leg baii, . but as, he' waa getting close to me Oi Jumped, on -a "fake,, which to my horror, '■isras aright over "a,- pig-sty/ which * J containecl .17 -"little byes that pay the rid t, /and in'dsde-they looked just, as "astonished as Oi "did., - ' The - beastly -bull- came tearing up, and brought his ogiy-face with 'him (he bate the Dutch), and sure-it wuz myself that quaked with fear, and, iaitfr, Oi shook- that much'Jhat Oi .nearly fell off the;f»ke into 'the pig-sty. Oh,.how_my sister did laugh at me, and she had the cheek ~tb tell "me ;a.fterwards\ that -Oi- looked loike. a banshee, "but Oi- don't know 'whether" she" has seem one or noft We settled the baste a fey/ days ago by giving him a ring inrhis nose, and a good heavy chain round his neck. My anitheir says Oi'm a real Irish larrikin, up to sill sorts of mischief. The other day 7 Oi got a bike, and Of thought Oi wouid go and see a friend, and not being, a good cyclist Oi spoiled my headgear very much, and mother was inquiring whether Oi rode with my head on file pedals; and, faith,. Oi don't know which •way Oi rode, as Oi feel sartin from the bumps on rhy head that it must have" touched mother earth a good many toirnes. Oi think that ■when this new club is formed Oi will see if • Oi can't get into it too, for Oi think Oi could beat them in seeing the ground. It has been xaining awful up. here, and Oi think it is about toime it *topped : or we will soon not be able to walk on the ground at all n and Oi was just thinking that it was well for me that Oi had. big feet, as Oi "oTon't sink so readily -as those with little feet. Oi am just wondering how the Chinese men and wimmen get on ■with such little feet. They would sink out of .sight, and then their pigtail would come in Landy, would it not, Dot? The factory cart got stuck in the mud this momjng, and they had to take out five caita before it would move again; Our man says it is cold enough to freeze an Esquimo, and Oi think it is quite true. The. other, day my sister thought she would loike to make 'some cakes, so she gets cut her cookery books, and starts ■ making cream kisses. That, nigh'fshe put them on Ihe table, and, faith, they , thought them so . iiice^ that they did not scruple" to feat them with caution; but Orknew— Oi had troied some -before and had- found the after effect -not io -my -liking. - Oi did not take much-( for ex-perience-teaches knowledge), and, sure enough, » little later those who -had partaken freely 1 were trying) -to smoiley.. but,, failing in the attempt, and 'ended in making wry faces, or, as some would say, -.their ey^es were as big as saucers."- The other night Oi happened to be going down our cowyard, - when Oi heard a great puffing and blowing and grpaning, and, thinks Oi to mesilf, that sounds very loike a cow that has eaten too much, und sure that was just what it was, and her© Eft last was a case for to experiment a new drench on. Oi goes •up to the house arid says to- my father, "Squire, there is a baste down the yard that has been over-eating, .and is in danger of going very suddenly into the.other world." Off Oi goes and gets my drench, which is two tableepoonfuls of baking soda to a bottle of lukewarm water, and Oi am glaS to say it cured her, hut Oi verily believe that had we not seen her in time j we could not have saved her life. Oi think that Quago and T. I. C. are ■»-«-y good writers, for, faith, Oi have been coni"paring the first notes and the latest, and Oi have come to the conclusion that they are doing good, for Oi don't see so much about studying astronomy as there used to be ; therefore Oi think that Quago's and T. I. C.'s advent has bad. one good effect upon members cf the club. Oi think Oi will not take up any more of your valuable space with my rubbish, so Oi now conclude. With love to Darky •aid yourself, — Yours truly, THE LITTLE IRISH TERROR. Pear Dot,— A social was held in the school m, week. ago. Slabby's Mate and A Bunch of Violets sang two duets, Rosebud played the piano, Dolly Dimple, Cabbage Plant, and Chatterbox gave songs. Oh, Dot, is it not lovely toihave spring back again, with all tho sweet-scented flow.ers. The weather down hero is very changeable, yesterday being just glorious, while to-day it is blowing awful gales. I have been up here six months now, but I have to go back to Invercargill, which is toy home, at Christmas. Since coming here I have made the «couaintajice of Atild Reekie.

Slabby's Mate, A Bunch of Violets, Find Out 11, and several others. I often go for a row on the river with Cabbage Plant. Niagara is getting quite a busy littie place, owing to Mr Murdoch' 3 sawmill. It is very interesting watching the mill working. It is^such fun looking at the big legs coming crashing through the bush to the hauler. I saw tl)3 bushmen cutting down an awfully big tree, and I think they must be pretty brave. With much love to Auld Reekie, A Niagara Larrikin, Find Out 11, yourself, and the editor,— Yours truly, DROMEDARY. Dear Dot, — I am wiiting you a few lines to lei you knoi" how I am getting on. Wtil, Dot, I have bsen very ill since the social. I have been taking fits, and now I am in tho hospital. I was with three doctors before I came here, and they could do me no good. I am in the same ward — the Miller Ward — as Dulee Doman and Helen Keller. Poor DnleeDornan has had a very bad time ol it. She has al) her hair ciit off, but she is getting better now. Helen Keller has been tinder an operation, and has just had the tube taken oxti: of her side to-day, and she thinks she will bo able to go out in about a fortnight. Dear Dot, I must conclude, hoping you me in good health, and also the kind, dear edii-or. —Yours truly, FLORABELLE. [Dear Florabelle, how sowy I am {or you and also for poor Dulce Doman and Helen 'Keller. I lad heard that you were ill, Liit did not know the nature of your illness, oi that you were in the hospital. It would be some comfort for you three pcor suffering dears to be all in the same ward, and I am _ certain that the two remaining will greatly miss the first one to leave. I trust yon ni.iy all get thoroughly well in time. Accept n.y sincere sympathy, dear, for not only yourself, "but also for Dulce Doman and Helen iU-l'er. That the little folk will all look forward to tidings of you just as anxiously as I snail I ' am quite certain. — DOT.] LETTERS CONDENSED. Creamy's Matk's mother is away for a holiday ,and her sister is "chief cook andl bcttLe-washer." " I can tell you, Dot, she makes me fly round before I go to school. Farmers alxmt here have almost finished ploughing, and tho miners are in full swing - again. We are having very wei weather up here at present-, and I hope it will continue, bocausa the niineriS are in. want of all the water they can. get. There is going to be a footballers' ball here on the 20th of the month, but I shall not be- there, because I am too young for dancing yet; but I suppose my tru-h will come some day." Mabel tells me about tho weather. "We •wore having very bad weather but ifc is all right new. 1 was up at my cousins' two or three weeks ago, and I cau tell you I had a good time." Ella, lives in Mornington. "II is a very pretty place, and just an easy distance iroin tcwu. I first became* acqxiiuntcd with a lrwniber of D.L.F. at one of their parties held in Mom:ngto:ii, where- I had a very enjoyable evening. J/he nienibeis were very sociable tiith one another, so. I thought I would! lifco to become a-nieinber of their olub." Maegretia wants to know what is the - meaning 'of putting some of the letters in , the condensed co.umn? The reason "is J" that 'there is not sufficient' space for ■ all,- andL if is better that .portion •of seme should appear than none at all. '' Spring ""-, has com©, again, and all our daffodils are oil*, and tfco apple trees' and goovsebeiy bushes arc -getting,green.~ it was aiiowiH^ uLI. nigitt, and it_is r about three indies thick just now." - My-Phetty D/<hling tells me about Niagaaa. ' r Tbis is a very pretty little pisco in uho Etrcnmer, time. About a mile from our place there is _ttie"* beautiful scenery of the Niagara ** Falls; which many people' go to visdt. Theic varo nouses on both sides of tbo beatitiful stream' which runs from tho falls throug-h. this little township. I^ot very far from the falls there is an island, winch iooks very pietty. In the summer time some of the D.L.F. go there to get pretty ferns and to find birds' nests. It is grand tun. I have never beeux on the islantTyet, but I anay go this bummer " Catch Me if You Can lives in a small town, surrouuded by hills. " "It is very oold m winter here, and whoa we got up tihis morning the ground was white xntih snow. I have a litttle brother 14 mc-nt'hs old who is a regular tartac. One day he got into th& flouirbag, and ca-me out white from head to foot. Another day he got into the fowl house and biokfr four eggs 1 " Albany ha 3 a great complaint against tiie ScpttSnbea- weather. " What dreadful weather we had in September. It did nothing but rain, rain}, rain, all the month. The sun is shrrdng brightly novv, and our garden is looking lovely and greea, as all the trees are budding. I was at a party the ooner evening, and we played pit. I like playing pit; but "ifc is a, very rowdy game. It was neaily 12 o'clock wnen we aef i, so you may be sure we spent a v&ry enjoyable evening." Angel's Tears tells of a week of thundery weather and its .effects. "We have had a very heavy thunder storm, and it lasted' for about a week. So you can imagine what it was like, Dot, Bitt it is a little better than . it was, and I hope the roads will soon get " dry again, because "w-ei cannot walk on them, nor can we drive on them, because there are too many Tioles,' and there is so much rugd that we can hardly get through, with 'a h.or&e and trap." j - AUTOS. I The . G-ramophone wishes to inform those who have asked for his auto, that he will comply with their wishes as soon as he gets some auto-cards, which he has sent for . Monica writes: Some time ago St. Monica and' Bill Bailey asked for my auto., but I lost their addresses, but if they will send theirs to "Miss E. Morris, Toro Ranch, Alfredton, Wellington," I'll return mine as soon as possible. Will Laura, New Chum, Prispilla, Darky, Gipsy Nell, Wilful Lassie, Reta, Anthea, and" Jessica also exchange autos with me. . Rosetta would like to exchange atuos witn Hazel Nut, Blue Violet, Twins, Lucilea, and Gladys. Could any L.F. give me the words of the song "Bluebell"? If anyone could I would be niuoh obligfed to them. Address: "Rosetta, care Mrs R. Doak, Alma P. 0., near Oamaru." Josepha would like to exchange autos with any D.L.F. who are willing, and they will get mine in leturn. Address: "Josepha, D.L.F., Box 176, P. 0., Dunedin." A Lively Measure would like to exchange autos with Cherry Blossom, Reta, Elmo, Pancake, Velvet Rose, Sweet Seventeen, Two Mischiefs, Always Late, But Never Absent, Forsaken, ancs any other D.L.F. who are willing. I will send mine as soon as I get theirs. Address: "'A Lively Measure, D.L.F., P.O. Matakanui, Otago Central." Angel's Tears would like to exchange autos with Cornish, Wcodland Lassie, Rhuena, T. D. A., Awkward Ned, Dorothy Dodds, Blossom, Whistling Jack, and Jipper. Address; "Angel's Tears, D.L.F., care Ratanui P. 0., via Owaka." Fleolj, would like to exchange autos with Awkward Ned, Wilful Lassie, Dorothy Dodds, Lady Lillystone, Catlins Lover, Japan Lily, B. D. A., M. E. H., Angel's Tears, Queenie, Princess Ma3 r , Areta, Jessie. Address : "JTleda, D.L.F.. Ratanui. Catlins River."

Fred's Mate would like to exchange autos with Spring Legs, Queen Ann, Catlins Lover, Queenie, Princess May, Lady, Lillystone, M. E. H., Lady Stair. Address: "Fred's Mate, D.L.F., care Ratanui P. 0., Catlins." I shall send mine as soon as I receive theirs. Goldspur asks if any of the D.L.F. will send here the words of "Ben Bolt" ? Address: "Goldspur, D.L.F., Sution P. 0., Otago Central." Cook of Our House would like to exchange autos with Woodland Lassie, Joe, Fred's Mate, Two Niagara Tomboys, Kiss-me-Quick 11, West Coaster, and Lady De Loris. I shall seuJ mine as soon as they send theirs. Address: "Cook of Our House, caie Chaslands Post Office." H. I. M. wishes very much to exchange autos with Shylock, Skylark, Reta, Harry, -.nd Geraldine. Address: "H. I. M., D.L.F., cavo Giinnierburn Post Office, Otago Central."

Waipati Lasa would like to exchange auto-3 with Bob-Sid-Jim and the Two Niagara Tomboys. Address: "Waipati Lass, D.L.F., Chaslands Post Office." Somebody's Sailor Boy would like to change autos with Waipati Lass, Always Late But, , Never Absent, Kia^)ra, A Family Friend, and Two Eight Inches," and she will return hers as soon as possible. Address: "Somebody's Sailor Boy, D.L.F., care Post Office, Colac Bay, Southland." Would any if the little folk kindly send me the words of '"Bluebell" and "The moonlight on :hc silvery Rio Grande." Address: "Daddy's Helper, D.L.F., care Miss Dow, Post Office, Wedderburn, Otago Central.' Littie Bright Eyes II would like to exchange autos with any little folk. Address: "Litfe Bright Eyes 11, care of Miss Jane Kitt-o, Miller's Flat.' -|

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Roby.— Laughing, deanr? No, indeed. I experienced a thrill of pleasure at every line of your charming letter, which I shall treasure up among my precious collection of D.L.F. tokens of love for their friend Dot. Our distant friend surely did not think that he was writing in penning those two little words, and possibly, if he ssea this, and understands what it alludes to, he will regret not having been more careful in his selection of the personal pronoun. I have shown your letter to the editor, who is delighted with your kind expressions, and wishes me to say that his connection with, the page as what you. so pleasingly term "our indispensable overseer" is one of the greatest of his pleasures in life. M. M., Matlock, Victoria.— l shall bs very pleased for you- to become a correspondtent. You will, no doubt, have received the badge and auto.-card posted to you before you ■see this in print