LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 83

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto: — We write for the "benefit of others, not for ourselves. <SPNo letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot.— The first thing GTey Valley and I did on jumping out of bed early on the morning of February 19 wasi to run to the window and have a look to see what the weather was like. The sky was clouded, but not so bad as to damp our hopes of a fine day and a good time, for were we not going with the school excursion to Lake Mahinapua ? Shortly after 8 o'clock saw us (our aunt, Grey Valley, and I) on our way to the station, where we found quite a little crowd also bent on holiday-making *t the lake. Soon the train came down, the picnickers from Totara Flat and Ahaura being aboard, and it didn't take us long to get on too, and away steamed the train. Al Ngahere another crowd came on, for the schools of the three places mentioned were all going to the same place for their picnics. On we went through varied scenes— along the banks of the Grey Kiver, by the seashore, through towns and townships, bush-clad and cleared country, till we reached our destination, after travelling over 50 miles of railway in three and ,a-half hours. The number of sawmils we passed on the road shows that the timber trade is in a flourishing condition at present on the West Coast. We gladly quitted our dovered-in truck, and having brought our own eatables, set off at once for the lake along the path through the bush. Oh, it is beautiful' Scores of tree-ferns, with their lovely diooping fronds, grow on either side of the track, also great gnarled giants of the forest, with that vine which is like the cabbage tree in foliage, only not so coarse, running up their trunks, and another plant with little leaves climbs* to the tree-tops. The natural bush with its wealth of beauty stands there to be admired by all who pass that way, and a prettier walk than that shady one, with Nature's wonderful beauties spread around with a lavish hand, would indeed be hard to find. After a walk of half a mile or so we came to the lake, and, sitting down on the trunk of a fallen tree, pajtook of the good things we had brought with us. It is a pretty spot, the bush growing right down to the edge of the deep, blue water; but after what I had heard about it I felt somewhat disappointed : ' it didn't quite come up to expectations. We went out in an oil launch, and oh. Dot, it was delightful speeding through those calm blue waters, with the sun shinin? down on us from out a summer sky. We only went round part of the lake, but weie not taken into Mirror Creek, which is said to be a- most lovely place, and the reflections on its waters perfect in loveliness. I am sorry we didn't visit it, for I would very much have liked to do so. On leaving the lake we again wended our w.ay along the bush track to the station,, Lake Mahinapua by name, and from there went over to the seashore, a short distance away. Here we found a comfortable seat on a log, and sat watching the foaming breakers end the groups of young people enjoying a paddle in the sea for some time. One never seems to tire of watching the restless waters of the mighty ocean, no matter what its mood may be. Once more we made for the statipn, and there being plenty of time before train time, we occupied it by looking on the changing crowd gathered around from one of the trucks, sitting there for the beat part of the period of waiting. We had five and a-half hours down there, and when the train started homeward bound it was a. happy, noisy, though tired crowd of picnickers tnat were- aboard her. We got into a carriage coming up, and were glad of it, because it was so much more comfortable than a truck. Talk about a train creeping along! That train did creep! It travelled at such a smart pace that it took four and a-half hours to co 50 miles. Not bad, was it? It was the day of the Hokitika A. end P. show, and there was a large number of people on, and the train had to stop at most of the little wayside stations, white at "the biggest ones it stopped an -unconscionable time 1 . Indeed, we were thinking we would have been wise to bring our blankets- with us, for it seemed as if we were never going to get to the end of our journy. We errivd home shortly after 10 o'clook, after spending «r long, but rno&t enjoyable, day, find, »e_edless to *ay, slept soundly ih«t night. It was «.

long way, at the rate of travelling, to take school picnics, wasn't it, Dot? But I think all those who went enjoyed it, and that is the principal thing. I saw over a score of D.L.F. that day, most of therm being old schoolmates of mine. Paparoa came up in . the same carriage as we did, and I had a short chat with her. Now, chums, write and tell us how you spent this day too. It has been very smoky here several days this last week. We don't know of any large fires locally, so have come to the conclusion that it must have come from somewhere else — Wellington, probably. It is drier here this year than it has been for many a long day, and everything looks parched and burnt up; but we're not so badly off as those whose ground is shallower. The willows started casting their leaves weeks ago ; their doing so sp early surely must be because of the scarcity of rain. Harvesting is safely over once more, and I am glad, although I like being in the harvest field. I have heard of a farmer who, when his crop was safely harvested, would exclaim,, "Now for a raking good shower!" We could do wilh such very well indeed, but that is a pleasure to look forward to. We haven't earned our name of "Wet Coast" lately. Now, Dot, it is more than time I laid my pcn v aside for a while, so with kindest regards to you and all members of our band, I remain, — Yours truly, WEST COASTER. Dear Dot, — This is my seconfi letter to you. There has been a good deal of rain here yesterday and to-day. It is pretty cold here to-night. My birthday was on the 25th of February. The grass looks greener since the rain, but the hills- look ac bare as ever. There must have been some big fires somewhere, becaue there was a lot of smoke here. —Yours truly, BOICHEA. Dear Dot,— May I become a member of your ever-increasing band. I used to write to the late Dot about two yeara ago, and have always taken a great interest in the D.L.F. Page. Well, Dot, I shall try and give you a description of this part of the district. Sawmilling and farming are -the chief industries carried on here. A few weeks ago the sawmilling was brought to a standstill owing 1 to the large bush fires catching the mill. Several people lost their homes, of which nothing but the chimneys are now standing. Scores of willing hands were helping to put the fire out ; it was not properly extinguished until the recent rain came, but now everything seems to be in full swing again. The farmers about b*re are veTy busy with their harvests; mot of them have all their grain cut and stooked. I know several Litle Folk about here, the one I know best being Polly Wolly Doodle, Queen Mab used to live in this district, but now resides in Colac Bay. How did you enjoy the picnic that day, Queen Mab? I thought it was just lovely. We arrived home about a quarter past 7, all fully satisfied with our day's enjoyment. Dear Dot, do you like living in the town ? I think I would rather live in the country. A girl friend if mine from Dunedin was staying at a friend's place up here for a, month. She liked the town best, and wag glad to get back. With best love to Polly Wolly Doodle and Queen Mab,— Yours truly, SWEET BUNCH OF DAISIES. [Since you wrote to the page in the late Dot's time, Swoet Bunch of Daisies, you are still a member now. I am very glad you have begun writing again, and hope we shall hear from you often.— DOT.] Dear Dot, I am now living at the Lower Hutt, and I like it much better than being in Wellington. The Hutt River is only a few minutes' walk from our place, so I go down for a bathe every night. . I do not think there are any L.F. besides myself in the Hutt, so I shall tell you what the place is like. It is one of Wellington's prettiest suburbs, and a, great place for picnics. The picnics are generally held in Bellevue or Mason's Gardens. I have not seen Mason's Gardens yet, but I am 1 going to them on Friday, for our school picnic is to be there. The township of the Hutt is in a valley, and so we are fairly sheltered. The people here want water badly. Our tanks are quite dry, and we have to carry water from the river. Luckily for us, we haven't far to go. — Yours truly, MINT SAUCE. Dear Dot, — Since last I wrote to the page there have been .a great many changes. Otir dear old Dot has passed away to his eternal rest, and also Mrs Fenwick; but they will not be forgotten for all the kindness they showed to the page, and also the great inteiest they took in D.L.F. matters. However. I must congratulate our new Dot on the able manner in which she is carrying out the duties of the page; may she long be spared to do so! Well, Dot, this is the first time I have written since you have had charge of the page, and I am sorry to say it will also be the last, as I have reached the allotted age of 20 years, and mu&t sever my connection with the page, except at Old Writers' Week. During the time I have been a member of Dot's band I have made many friends through it. It is about 10 years since I wrote first to the page, but it has grown considerably since that, and every* week it is increasing steadily. I wish it success in the future, and send my best wishes to all the D.L.F. and yourself. I remain, — Yours truly, HAZEL STICK (W. J. Cockburn, Milton). [Though I have welcomed so many new D.L.F. this week, it is still with regret, Hazel Stick, that I say good-bye to an old one. Do you think you will be with us next show week, and take a place in the group again, as you did last year? You must try to come if you can. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Over a year has passed since I last wrote to the old page. Little I thought, when I penned that letter v^hat a lot of changes there would be ere I wrote again. For one thing, our late Dot has passed away, and a new one reigns in his stead. May you have a very happy reign, dear Dot, as our queen. Well, Dot, for 11 months now I have lain on my back. I got Hurt, and now I am a cripple for life. Those last three worda are the death-knell of all my hopes and happiness. Those who are in good health cannot dream what it is to be c cripple. When I was told that I would never be able to walk again I prayed to our Lord to let me die. It is awful, Dot, Never again shall I ride my dear little mare ; and, oh, the wild gallops- we ueed to have oveT that rough country! It would make some of your L.F.s hair turn grey had they only seen us. Those days are gone, and never again shall I see the places where I spent bo many happy hours. I long for those days in vain, Dot; they are gone for ever more, and I shall never, never have any more days like those. I ttn only 18, Dot, and it is so hard to bear, tf only I could move! It almost breaks my heart to see others running about and riding. A ride! Ah, that i» what I long for, Dot! but never again shall I ride my dear pony to see any of my old friends. In their eyes I can always see a pitying look that makes me eadder than ever. I cry when I think that once I was big and healthy and strong, and now, what am I? — only a. cripple, of no use to anyone. As the months fly by on leaden wings, Dot, instead of becoming re--conoiled to my fate, my heart rebels more than ever- &,F. W QO are strong and healthy should thaak God for His kindness. X *»» J

tired. Dot. I am always tired of everything. Forgive me, dear Dot, for sending this long letter. Best wishes to all. — Yours truly, KALONA. [Dear Kalona, I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have written to us. You will perhaps see from another letter this week that someone else who has been called to bear a very heavy burden is also writing in this same issue. You know, dear, how it ii thought an honour to be able to. perform feat* of physical endurance, and h<w proud one. is to be able to do things with one's body: has it ever occurred to you that it is a greater; honour to be asked to endure with your soul?: It is as if you had been called by a Great Ruler to fill a high office; it is very difficult) for you to *do it, but the honour is indeed' great. I am going to write to you shortly, Kalona, and hope to hear from you again. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — All the farmers about here are busy harveting. Would you be kind enough to tell be when Easter is this year, as I am going for a holiday then, and I would! like it to come quickly. We have started) school again, and I am very glad, as I like going to school. I am now going to tell you about a picnic I wa9 at during the holidays., About three weeks ago Snowdrop, The Mischievous Boy, Queens-land, and I went to* visit Snowdrop's sjister, who lives in the Sea-* ward Downs homestead. We left the appointed place about 9 o'clock, and after an hour's drive reached our destination. When we got there we wenfT inside to speak tat Mrs D , who was very pleased to see usAfter a while we went out into the bush' and gathered some lovely ferns to take home. We then came back and' went into tha orchard and had some gooseberries to eat..About 5 o'clock, after saying good-bye td Mrs D- — , we set put on our homeward! journey, feeling that we had spent a most! enjoyable day. Dear Lady Robin, I received! your letter yesterday, and will answer it! soon. With much love to Heather Lassie* Carnation, and Vanilla, — Youra truly, THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER. [Good Friday falls this year on the 17tH of April — six weeks and two days after thip Witness is published. Is that very long fof you to wait? I hope you enjoy your holidaj when you have it. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — The miners' picnic was held al Outram this year, a special train running from here. We had a glorious day, and enjoyed, ourselves immensely, although it was a trifla warm for playing games. I met a good many UP. down there also — Lady Robin, /Lady{ Lou, Useless, and Happy Wag being some oil them. Pard Bill has now^,gon« to Australia;! he is keeping much better since he went! over there. We have a nke lot of fruit this year, especially apples ; the limbs are bowed! to the ground with their burden. We grow all sorts of fruit, but I am sorry to say it* is not ripe enough to eat yet. My sister has a pet lamb, which is always under th« fruit trees waiting for some to fall, as h« is very fond of fruit. Dear Dot, are you 1 fond of reading? I like reading Ethel Turner's- books best. I have read two of hers,, end think they are most intereting. I col-* lect post-cards, and have a nice asßortmentimostly scenery, as I do not like comic earde. , Gramaphone has filled one album, whicb holds 300, and he has 50 more left over-^j they are all lovely, and. everybody who sees! them admires them. He and a few mors L.F. about here are trying to arrange foB ( a D.L.F. picnic. I will write later on and telUj you how it came off. When 1 was in Dun-.) edin a few months, ago I called in to see you;! but was greatly disappointed! on being told!! you were out. But next time Igo in I hope:, to see you. The flower show was held hers last week, and the flowers were most exquisite 1 ,! I went to Bee it the last night, and came?' home laden with flowers which I had giyenfj me. Happy Wag was there also, enjoying, himself at guessing in the_ " how manytl peas in the bottle" competition. I still grt to Sunday School, and I am) now in the/ : Senior Bible Class. "I am also organist im our church, and was presented with a beautiful hymn book with music of the new hymns *nd solos. I never knew about it until tha night of our social, when the miniater saiol he had still an important duty to do before 1 the social ended. I was greatly surprised when I heard my name being mentioned. We have been living here four years nexi May. and find it quite different from Australia ; but we are getting used to the weathei now, and do not take any notice of the snow or hail. I would not care to be living over there again, as many are dying for want 01 water or because of the heat waves. With' love to Unfortunate, Wilful Mary, and Happjf Wag,-Yours truly, BLOSgOM [The presentation must have been « delightful surprise to you, Apple Blossom; it shows, I think how muoh your work has been appreciated. Your picnic will be ov«r by now ; I hope you all enjoyed it thoroughly; Let me hear how j'ou got on, won't you?— 1 DOT.] Dear Dot,— l wish to change my name, il you will show me. to Mascott'e's Pupil. This is my second letter to your page, but I h*v« not had time to write before. I sent two post-cards to Icicle's Lover, and got no reply, from her, but I hope to get a reply from her soon. I have removed to a place namea Mokoreta now. I like 1 to exchanga post-cards with any D.L.F. willing. My, address is care of Mrs D. Ml'Rae, Mokoreta; Post Office, Wyndhami Valley. Kind regards to Sweetheart and Somebody's Soldier Bow.— Yours truly, MASOOTTE'S PUPIL. , Deai Dot,— Having a. leisure hour, I ant going to turn it into a golden one by Panning a few lines to the page. Now I have started, the question is what to write; about? I have no particular subject, so i suppose this will be a sort of multum im parvo. Since my last letter, the holidays., with all their gaieties, have gone by, ana already nearly two months of the year are! over, almost before we have had time td realise it is 1908. The holidays passed away very quietly here, there being very little to distinguish Christmas Day from any ordinary day; but still I think a quiet Christmas? Ie preferable to" any other. On New Year'^ Day I attended the picnic in Oamaru, and spent a very pleasant time renewing oldl acquaintances and making new ones. Ther s.^ picnic was a very good one, and all presenfi seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly., Those who came by the boat must have hadl a delightful trip: the sea looked so lovely; and ca-lm, and 1 it made me 1 quite envy the* excursionists their .return voyage. The far-* mere are all in the midst of their harvest'^ and in almost every place leading in o,"> threshijig operations are- going on. A few 5 weeka Dack it was rather a pretty sight to see two, and eometimes three, machines at/ work in one field, slashing down the golden* corn, and the "stookers" following, setting up the Bheaves. We are having ideal harvest weather, with lovely cool mornings and! pleasant days, and It. is quite a treat aftetf some of those dreadful days we had a shorti time ago. It still keeps very dry, and although we have an occasional shower, it does - nol seem to do very much good, as it dries) up so quickly again. Are you fond of gardening, Dot? I am chief gardener here, end like my occupation very_ well, although H

have had one or two disappointments lately. First of all, I got some special sweet peas with rather aristocratic names, so I thought I was going to have something beyond the ordinary, und planted them very carefully indeed. Perhaps it was my impatience, but I thought those seeds would never show 1 through the ground; and I must admit to digging one up more than once to see if it were growing. Despite my fears, they all! came up and grew splendidly^, and so all went well until the first flower came out. It was such a weedy little object, I felt quite disappointed. However, I still had hopes that the others might be better, but alas lor my expectations! they were all the same, and were not as good as my common pennypacket sweet peas. A short while after this a friend gave me some plants of cosmos and Indian pinks, the seeds of which had come from America. How it was I don't know, but that cosmos turned out to be nothing but comtmon dog daisies, and very poor ones at that. Of course I lost no time in pulling them out of my garden, thus leaving a few gaps, for I thought such a fancy flower would need plenty of room to flourish. The pinks were more satisfactory, and there were some very pretty varieties amongst them. It is said that "experience -teaches." so perhaps it has taught me a lesson; at least, when getting any new kind of flower I shall keep in mind that "seeing is believing." Wasn't O.W.W. sple-ndid? I thoroughly en joyed reading the letters, and I am sure, dear Dot, you must have felt quit* rewarded for all the trouble you took in sending out the circulars. Best wishes to all. — Yours truly, MABG-ARITA. [I am most interested in your gardening experiences, Margarita; I am something of an amateur gardener myself, and so know of the little disappointments that fall to the gardener's lot. I was hearing only two days ago of the beautiful varieties of pinks that someone had got from America ; perhaps your seed came from the same firm. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Our examination is over, and I hay« passed into the Fourth Standard. After the exam. I went to Caversham for five days, and enjoyed myself very much, as it was the firt time I had been there. The day we went down was Dominion Day, so we went to Forbury Park to see the soldiers, but we could not see much, as there were too many people there. We did not stay long, as it was too windy, so we went home. Next day we went to Dunedin to see the Museum, and I thought it was lovely. We stayed in Dunedin till 3 o'clock, and then we took the tram home. On Sunday we went to the wharf and saw a ship go away. Next day we came home afteT a very enjoyable holiday. I spent my Christmas holidays at Merino Downs, 16 miles out of Gore. I stayed six weeks there, and enjoyed myself very much. On Christmas Day I went to the picnic which was held at the Bchool. At the picnic I went in for a raoe, and I came in fourth. There was also ft dan,ce in the ] ehed that night, and I stayed to it and had four dances. It was the firt time I, had danced. The night before I carme there was a ball in a barn. The barn was nioely decorated with branches of evergreens. It w*s kept up till 6 o'olock in the morning. I hop* you ate well and enjoyed your holidays. With love to yourself and all the other little Folk,— Yours truly, Dear Dot,— As I have taken a great interest in Dot's Little Folk's Page, I would very much like to become a member of your band if you will enrol me as one. We have been having very warm -weather here till today, when it rained a littie ; that has freshened up the g*rd«n» and made the mushrooms grow. I have been out gathering a basketful of mushrooms to-night. Do you like muahroms, Dot? I think they are very nic«. There has been a big fire here lately, and a sawmill got burnt down. It threw a number of mien out of work, but they have all got employment now elsewhere. I did not go very far away for my holidays' at Christmas; I only went to the Riverton regatta, and I had a ride in the motor launch up the Poura-ldno, and enjoyed it very much. I think I will choose Seashore for a norn d« plume, as I live near the sea.— Yours truly, SEASHORE. [No one else has the name "Seashore," so you shall be known by that among D.Ir.F. in future. These bush tires are having many very serious effects, and not the least serious is this throwing of good workmien out of employment. I am glad the men you speak of have all found work again. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Thie is my first letter to your page, and a hope you will accept me as a> member of your happy band. I am 18 years old, and I am in the Sixth Standard. I live at Wangaloa, and I have three miles to go to school, but I have a little Shetland ponyto ride, bo I am not s o badly off. W« arft milfcin« two cow*, and I milk one ev«ry night. I was at the miners' picnio at Outram <rl«n, end enjoyed myself very much. It was very hot, &nd there was only one tree to get shelter under. We left at halfpast 4 to come home, and arrived here' about a-qu*rter to 7. I live quite near fco the sea, and it is lovely to see a boat go;ng past all lit up. Every night we can see the Nugget Point lighthouse casting its clear light far out to sea.-Yours trul % THERE# [Yes, you may join our band, Othere. I received * very pretty post-card of Nugget Point Lighthouse the other day from Cosy; it gives such a, good idea of the prominent position the lighthouse occupies.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— You will think I have forgotten you altogether. I have always been going to write to you, but have always forgotten. I went to Merino Downs foi my holidays, and enjoyed myself very much. My sister and I went to Caversham for our winter holidays; we went to the Museum and to the wharf. We went down on a Thursday and came home on the following Monday Our examination is over, and I have passed into the Fourth | Standard; I am going to try hard and pass into the Fifth Standard. My mother and my two little sisters went down to Port Molyneux for three weeks, and had a very emjoyable time. My father is working down at Catiin's River just now; he does not come home very often. When we were away for our holidays we went to a picnic and two dances. I went in for two races and came in second and third. I enjoyed myself very much. I did not pet home till about a, quarter to 1 one night ; when I got up. the next mjorning I felt very tir«d. It was very cold when we were coming home from the demce. Did you go anywhere for your holidays? If you did, I hope you enjoyed yourself.—Yours truly, SLEEPY HEAD. Dear Dot, — My two sisters write to your page, and I thought I would like to become one of your heppy band too, if you don't mind. I epent my Christmas holidays, at yaveraham, and had a very enjoyable time. I stayed there for four weeks. I saw a balloon going up from tin* Caledonian Ground about 6 o'olock. I went to the Reservoir for a pictnio, and I vroni into the bush and got gome ferns. 1 went to the Museum, end saw a skeleton of a man. and a sea lion, and fallow deer And I went -to the 1 Art G^lery. and s&v.- a good many pictures.

It was the first time I had been in Dunedin. and I thought it was a great place. — Yours truly, NUMBER THREE. [I am glad to hear how much you enjoyed your first visit to Dunedin, and hope you will be able, to pay many more You saw a good deal, I think ; did you also go to St. Clair and to the Gardens? Thejr are both worth seeing. Write again, Number Three. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Our school picnic was held on Wednesday last at Lake Mahinapua, about 50 miles or more from here. We left home at 8 o'clock, and reached our destination flt half-past 12. After lunch some of the people went to the beach, while others went to the lake, each place being half a mile from the station. We went to the lake, where my sister and cousin went out in at steam launch. We stayed at the lake for an hour or so, and then journeyed' back to the station, where I had a ride on the nierry-go-round. At 6 o'clock we had tea, and then started for home, which was reached at 10 o'clock. The next day was a holiday, and well we needed it, as we were all so tired. During the Christmas holidays Zena, Mizpah, and AVhirlwmd were down spending a few days with us. I did not go away during the holidays, as I had been in Weetport a few weeks before Chritmas, where I enjoyed myself immensely. For a part of the time I was staying with my aunt at Cape Foulwind, and with friends in Bradshaw's terrace, and I went into Westport once or twice a week. I saw by a- certain Witness that there 10 a writer from Cape Foulwind, but I did not meet any while I was away. — Yours truly, META ROSE. [I could not help smiling, Meta Rose, when you told me you needed a holiday after your picnic ; it almost sounds as if pleasuremalking were more fatiguing than work, doesn't it? Still, 50 miles is a considerable distance io go for a picnic— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Though it is months now since I wrote to you, don't for one moment think, Dot, that I have once forgotten you end all my comrades: oh, no — the fire of the L.F.s ambitious thoughts still burns within me.; and, though silent, I have not once forgotten the dear old p«ge. How could I? It has always afforded me so many hours of pleasure. Christmas holidays are now only pleasant memories and I sincerely hope one and all of you had a very enjoyable time. We had the pleasure of having Rogue II with us during her stay on the Coast, and I must say we all missed her very much after she left us. I trust our friend had a good trip over the Otrra Gorge on her homeward journey. I wonder when some of the other comrades whose names are so familiar to us will venture over the rocky Southern Alps? During my holidays down country, Dot, I spent a very enjoyable time amongst my West Coast friends. I am speaking for the trio (A Silent Member, Bush Boy, and! myself). One could not wish for a better time, though Scribbler and Paparoa try to impress on us that no one had as good a time as* they had. I left home on Christmas afternoon, and on the 4th of January I came back, Bush Boy having preceded me on the 2nd, while A Silent Member waß detained in town under care of a doctor with. a. poisoned arm> and did not return home till the 7th. While away we visited Kumara, Donollie, Greymouth, Marsden, Maori Creek, Moana, and Ahaura, and attended sports, dances, picnics, etc., in most places. I can assure you, Dot, we really did enjoy it all. I hope Nuggety Bob enjoyed Donollie sports; pleasant memories, chum, of that memorable Saturday! While at Moan* I had "the pleasure of again meeting Mr T. Y. Seddon, who, as you already know, Dot, is a keen admirer of your page and the clubs. He hoped to gee it still flourish and speed its influence over the rising generation of our Dominion, so that in years to come Dot's Page will be looked on as something Io note by the people who now so loyally uphold its little banner of silver. I was very pleased when opening this week's Witnese to see the return of Quago. The Chiel, and T. I. C. Hearty welcome, chums! Our page will again amile with your quaint little secrets. I wonder what has become of P. A. T. and M. I. C. K.? Hurry up, you lazy Irish boys, and let us hear from you. Not a word from either of you all this summer! I hope you soon follow Quago'a example and again take the vacant chairs in the secret writers' corner. We are having very hot weather here since Christmas — quite an uncommon thing on the West Coast, for it generally rains four^deys out of every week. Well, dear Dot, I have taken up enough of your valuable space to-day, so now good-bye; success attend you always! Much love to you, Dot, and to all my correspondents and Wajtahune L.F. — Yours truly, MOUNTAIN RAMBLER. [I am glad to hear, Mountain Rambler. th*t your holiday was so good that you think it rivals Paparoa's and Scribbler's for pleasur«: I know how very much they enjoyed theirs.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — We had our school picnic on Wednesday at Lake Mahinapua. There was a nice merry-go-round down there, -wiih horses to sit on and certs to ride in; it was threepence a ride. I was not at school to-day because it was wet, and we had a holiday from school yesterday. We haye «, lot of flowers out this year. There is a deep lake down at Lake Mahinapua, and there is a sea beach down there. Mizpah was down here for the holidays for two weeks, and used to play with me. There were three school picnics at Lake Mahinapua — the Ahaura, Totara Flat, and Ngahere Schools. I have a post-card book and a scrap album. I have 41 post-cards in my book, and would like to exchange post-cards with any D.L.F. willing. The lake is about two miles long.— Yours truly, LITTLE ELF [It must have been perplexing to choose between a lake and a beach for playgrounds, Little Elf, but I suppose most of the younger children ohose the beach : did they ?— DOT.] Dear Dot, — May I be one of your happy band? I go to school and am in the Fifth Class. I have been reading the letters from the Little Folk, and took great interest in them I wrote to the p-age once before, but I did not see my letter published. My norn do plume was Tomtit. Okarito is only a small township, with one police station, two hotels, two stores, one post and telegraph office, a harbourmasters residence, and a few other private houses. I will tell you all about the place in my next letter — Yours truly, SUNFLOWER 111. [Perhap you sent that other letter in during one of the weeks when the "Old Writers" are privileged to have the page to theniselvep. It is always announcd beforehand when that is to be the case. That would explain your letter not appearing. I have had to put "III" after your name, because I have already two Sunflowers. You are welcome to our midst —DOT.] Dear Dot, — As the holidays aie now over we bave> some spare time to write to you. We are having lovely weather at present, and you can hear the reapers and binders and the mills going all clay long. We are thinking of having a DLF picnic at Ouiram about Ea?tei, -and ne hope that all the Taieri LF. will roll up. We will all take baskets, and hope- to have a good time of it. Lady Robm was the fii3t to let us* know of it, and v>e suppose she will let us know

later on what arrangements they have made. ' There is going to be a dairymen's picnic in about a month, and we are busy in the evenings practising the bag race, quoits, and running. We saw Kowhai II and her brother going past on their bicycles, but we were not speaking to them. We were very sorry when Black Watch left Momona. and we hope he is getting on well. We saw Oleef's last letter in the Witness, and also that he had passed his matriculation examination ; we extend our heartiest congratulations to him. We are going for a ride together some evening soon, and hope to meet some L.F. We saw Angharad'e photo in the Witness, and we thought it was very nice. We are thinking of sending our photos to the Witness, but as Maurade has not got a suitable one we will wait a while before we send them. One night we saw Lochnagar sitting on the side di the road, but he did not notice us. — Yours truly, ESTRELLA AND MAURADE. Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to the Little Folk's Page. About two weeks ago we had our annual picnic, but as the day was very wet the picnio was held in «. friend's barn. About 6 o'clock the rain cleared off. and the people went away home. We all hope that next year we will have a better day for our picnic, whioh I hear is to be held down at the Pomahaka River, near the Burning Plains. As I have four miles to walk to^, school, my legs do not want muoh exercise. There is a flaxmill working down at the other end of the Downs, and the people from the other end tell me it is just across the river from their land, at the foot of the Blue Mountains. I would like to see the flaxmill working, as it must be an interesting sight. — Yours truly, BURNING PLAINS. [Perhaps some day you will be able to pay a visit to that flaxmill; then will you write and tell us all about it? I hope you will be able to, as you are so interested in it. I have inscribed your name in my book as a D.L.F.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— On the 10th of Febiuary we had our school treat ; it took the form of an excursion to the Otago Heads. We got up Very early in the morning, and hurried through with the milking. Finishing milking, we had our breakfast, got ready, and went up to the 8 o'clock train. When we got as far as Waitati in the train the Waitati School children joined us. We were soon at Port Chalmers, endl getting on to the boat we sailed to the heads. Landing there we had dinner, and went to see the fortificationsand -the prisoners, and then returned on board the boat. The boat then sailed uj> the harbour to Dunedin, and then back to Port Chalmers. As we had an hour to cetch the train, we had a look round the new dock, the old dock, and the steamers. We aleo went and saw the steam hammer, the vertioal steam boiler, the electric engine, and many other engines, besides the big sheer-legs and the- screw for working them. Then we went to catch the train, and arrived home at halfpast 7.— Yours truly, THE SCOTCH LAD. [Then you really savr a good deiel for one day, Laddie; that was a delightful excursion to make.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — As the children are outside playing, I thought I would WTite you a few lines. I we»r nay badge e-reiy Suntiwy, bat I haven't seen any -worn by anyone else yet. To-day has been nice and fine, and I have been picking apples to make jam. This past week we have been making a lot of jam and jelly of different kinds. The Seacliff and Waitati Schools went for an excursion to the Otago Heads not long ago, and had a very happy time, I did not go, but three of my eldest brothers went. The photo, in the Witness of the Oamaru D.L.F. picnic looked very well. There is an old man who has a large fruit garden not far from the station, and lie let all the schol children go in and take all the ripe cherry-plums that had fallen on the ground. I am reading- a very nice book just now called "Hark Twain's Pleasure Trip on the Continent of Europe " by Mark Twain ; it is very humorous and interesting. I have a post-card album, but I have only 60 cards in it. — Yours truly, MISTRESS JEAN. Dear Dot, — I have a friend staying here with me, and I asked her to write to you, ; end she said she would. We are having lovely weather down here, and the farmers i are glad, because they want fine weather for 1 harvest. My father started to stack his oats ! this morning, and I have to take the men's ] dinner out to the paddock, which is about four miles away. We have our harvest holidays now. and I have grand fun -with my friend Stargleam. My sister Mignonette said she would write to you also. My mother has a. lot of flowers out m her garden. 1 have a garden with violets, sunflowers, mignonette, and -nasturtiums in it. I have «. pet thrush end a dog. The thrush's nam« is Billy, and the dog's Mftcky. My sister has a pet lamb and mother has a little canary. With lore to Minnie and A Little English Girl. — Yours truly, DEWDROP. Dear Dot, — This is my first letter to you. Dewdrop has persuaded me to write. I have been staying with her for a holiday, but am going home soon. I always cell Aparima my home, but my proper home is in Christchurch. We are having lovely weather down here, and the farmers are not sorry, because they are harvesting. The Aparima School broke up on the 14th February for three weeks' harvest holidays. I heve an aunt teaching the Aparima School, and I am staying with her to keep her company. In Standard Five there are four children and myself. On the 17th February was the Sunday school annivereaiy. — Yours truly, STARGLEAM. [You have chosen a very pretty name, dear ; no one else has it, so you shall be known by it in future.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I will tell you about the annual school picnic which took place on Wednesday. 19th ult., at Lake Mahinapua. The day being just a-u ideal day for a picnic, the people flocked out and wended their way to the station before 8 o'clock, all bent on having an enjoyable time. The little children, robed in summer frocks end with happy, cheerful faces, mustered round the chairman of -the committee to procure their tickets At half-paat 8 all were seated, and as the train stenmed from the station everything behind us looked quite deserted. At about 10 o'cloi-k we arrived in Greymouth, we reached Hokitika about 12 o'clock, «nd Lake Mahinapua about half-past 12. We then alighted from the train, and after doing justice to the good things provided we went to a raeiry-go-round, and as my little brother wanted a ude. especially on the horFes. I had my first rule alongside him, to hold him in ca=e he shou'd fall. After this we had a j half-milo to walk thiough the bus.h bo the lake. When v;e errivedi at the lake, the j boats ajjd Inuiuh were in use. but as son as j one arii'-ed niv cousin and I had a delight- j ful sail iigh+" lcund the lake. Wo efl|oy.ed it iuimon cclv;c ely ; the lake was lovely and smooth aid the water lilies on it are crowmsf beautifully. After spending a little while there we went to the fea beach, which is about quaitcr of a mile the other side of the station, but t,« dA not remain \eiy long

ther«, m it was getting near tea time, ami as we were thirsty we enjoyed a nice cup of tea. On our way up from the beach we met West Coaster end Grey Valley, bui did not have any time to chat, so we kept it all until coming up in the train at night. At' about half-past 5 the train from Hokitika came to take us home again, and we were not sorry either, for all the younger ones were getting tired We arrived at the station at about a-quarter to 10 at night, and arrived home safe and sound at 10 o'clock. Two other schools were picnicking at the lake on the same day. I hope they enjoyed themselves as much as we did. Next day was a holiday, for all the school children, ac most of them. were in the land of nod until late in the morning. This ended our excursion for this year, and I hope next year will bring as enjoyable a time again for all parties. I hay« 200 post-cards now, and I am still going to collect, for I find it a nice pastime. Paparos seemed to enjoy her outing immensely, but she did not go on to Lake Mahinapua. Going down and coming up I was in the same carriage as Paparoa, Little Nell, Bill Bailey, Joan d'Arc, and Hard Case ; so you 3ee, Dot, there were a lot of members of your happy band there. I have three years now to write to you, and Lavender has one year and a few months. Of late I have not seen any letters of hers in the paper. Slim Jim and The Bachelor owe us a lengthy letter after keeping us waiting so long. With kind regard to all my chums, especially Ang«lese», Mifanwy, Venetia Corona, and A!km-a-d«le,— Youth truly, BIDDY OTOOLE. ' Dear Dot,— Since ■ I last wrote there has been a picnic and dance here; but es it was) a wet day there -were not many there. We played games in the school, such as twos-and-threes. With love to Rinah, Lady Olive, and Sweetheart,— Yours truly, SAN SEVERO. Dear Dot, — I did not write before because I had not seen my last letter in the paper, but my sister said she saw that it, with a lot of others, had not been published on, account of there being too many during Old Writers' Week. I went to Gore for my holidays, and enjoyed myeelf immensely. My birthday. The school is having a bazaar, and It. has been terribly hot this summer; people all around are carrying water. — Yours truly, LUCKY IRENE. Dear Dot, — I have not written to the peg* before, but I hope- you will have me as one of your numerous band. I am living irith Love-a-Duck: she is an old writer, and I like her very much. Igo to school here, and am in the Third- Standard. It is my tenth birthday. The school is having a bazaar, ancl I am going to try to do something to help^it. Everybody is busy harvesting about here. I have a black rabbit; it is quit* tame, but is pretty old, and I have had it for a long time. I will write a longer letter next time if you will have me as one of the L.F. — LOVE-A-DUCK'S COUSIN. [I will admit you with pleasure, Love-a-duok's Cousin. It was nloe of you to writ* on your birthday.— DOT.] Dear Dot.— l was very glad to see my l«st letter in the Witness. We are having lovely weather just now. Ihe farmers are leaping and leading in their crops. Some of them are Having theirs threshed. Since. I last wrote I was at the flower show: it was on two <J»yo On tlie &rat day tbei« im> <m excursion from Riverton and Orepuki, and on the second day one from Bluff and Inveroargill. On the first afternoon the hall was crowded, but on the second there w«s hardly anybody there. Again, at night, it was just the same. I did not see many D.L.F. there; % cx 1 ! pose there were a good! few there, but they did not wear their badges. I received an auto, from Kia Or a about a week ago, and I am exchanging with Sweetheart and Lone Star's Pupil. I saw a letter from Kia Ora in the Witness-, and I hope he enjoyed his trip. Dear Dot, I think there are a good few D.L.F. about here, and I consider they should meet and get up a picnio. With love to R. E. W., Vivian I, Fair Place, and Kia Ora, — Yours truly, LADY GWENDOLINE. Dear Dot, — We are haying very dry weather just now. The grass will Boon be mil dried up for the want of rain. The cows are going dry very test. We are milking four cows novr, and we want to keep them milking all winter. I passed the school examination, and I am in the Fifth Standard. The turnip* and potatoes are coming on very well, And I think they would be better if it were to rain. I am getting on well with my music; I am trying to play hymns now. I did not go away anywhere for my Christmas holidays. — Yours truly, COUNTRY GIRL' 11. Dear Dot,— This is my first letteT to your page, and I hope you will accept me as one of your band. We are having fine weather here just now. I am 12 years old, and am in the Fifth Standard. I was ai a pionic on« Saturday tip the Blue Mountains; four of my metes and I went io the lagoons, and w« had fine fun. We have four oowo milking. I have two miles to -walk to school. My brother has come home fora holiday, and I have been learning to ride his bicycle. Last Tuesday night I was at a play called "Uncle Tom's Cabin'/; have you seen it, Dot? I have been Learning painting for two years at school, and I am beginning my third year. I was weeding our garden the other night; we have a number of pretty flowiers out just now. Last Saturday I wa# at the flower show. I have two sisters and one brother; 1 am the youngest in the family. I am very fond of reading books ; my raue-te and 1 I lendi books to each other. Trusting that you will accept me as one of your band, — Yours truly, PRINCESS BEANIE. [I don't know your name and address yefc, Princess Beanie, and I can't count you one of my D.L.F. till I know those. Will you send them with your next letter? — DOT.] Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to you, and I hope to become one of your happy; band. I have left school a long while now, but I liked being there better than et home. I have two sisters andl one brother. My sisters go to school at the convent, and it is very quiet at home without them. It is very dry weather up here just now ; there is no grass for the poor animals. We have * few hives of bees, and they are always stinging me Once when one stung me on tba eye my eye swelled up. and I could not see out of it for a few days, and it was very painful. Well, as I think it is getting late and time I was in bed. I will have to oloco. — Yours truly, SLEEPY-HEAD 11. [There is Sleepy-head among my D.L.F. — I wonder if she finishes her letters so appropriately as you? — so I have had to put a number after your name, dear. You must write to us often, and perhaps you will feel less lonely.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I know a few D L.F., among them Giulia, Norine. Giulia'a Niece, Master Alix, Violet Spray, Gipsy Nell, and Golden Pippin. I used to go to schol with R. E. W., Xorine. and Violet Spray. My mate is starting to write to-night. When the Witness arrives my first dart is for the D.L.F. PageI always look to see if there is any N.D.P. that I know, then I read the rest. Dear Dot,

Jo you like ferrets? I think them nice little tilings when they ate tame. My brother used to keep three or four, and I used to play with them. My sister is frightened of them. Hurry up, Giulia's Niece, and write; have you fallen asleep, or are you having too lively a time to think of writing norr? How did you enjoy your holiday in the country ?—? — Yours truly, DOWN-HEARTED LOVER 11. Dear Dot,— lt is a long time since I last •wrote -to your page, but I have not forgotten you altogether, and I thought it was up to me to write * few lines "fox old times' sake." It was Rimbecco who first got me to write, and afteT she went away I'm •shamed to say that I neglected writing ■until now. I suppose there are very few D.L.F. of to-day who remember Rimbecco, who used to be one of our best writers about five or six years ago. She is now married and living in the North Island. Kimbecca still talks of Dot and 'D.L.F.; I really think that after you have been a writer to the D.L.F. Page you can never forget ijt. When we »Te men and women it is pleasant to look back and think of the good times we ■used to have. I was on a trip to the Catlins district about a fortnight ago, and a most pleasant time I had, for I left Dunedin on Monday morning by the 8.20 a.m. express, 'mid -the bustle end noise of tewn, and after a meet pleasant ride of four and a-half hours I arrived at Catlins River Railway Station 'mid the quietness of "Nature's forest." After shaking hands with a few old friends, I set off on my tour through the Catlins forest. I was greatly surprised to see the changes that had taken place since my last holiday in that district. .Another section of railway is about to be^ opened up between Catlin's River and Houipapa; the line, though slow, ia proving a great boon to the settlers. The line down this part hardly averages one mile in two years, and it is supposed to be one of the best-paying branch limes in Otago. It is strange that it is so slow in Soing a|head. Fop: anyone that has any lought of his country it is a sad sight to see the thousands of trees that are destroyed •nnually by the settlers. It isn't the settlers' fault, as they must clear the land to live; and to clear the land means to destroy Nature's handiwork. There are hundreds of red, white, and. black pines that could be used for building purposes, and thousand's X smaller trees that could be used for mining props. The line is the only drawback, and if the settlers had this blessing they would send their timber to market instead of making it into ashes. A tramway bridge has been built across the Catlin's Kiiver, «nd two lines of tramway are now leading into it. These two lines lead to two different sawmills, and I believe these mill-ow-nerß intend doing away with the slow progress of taking their timber in bullock waggone, and are now going to run it to the station in trolleys. — Yours truly. CAMERON. (To be continued.) tit always gives me sincere pleasure to welcome back an older writer after a long silence, and I «m very glad to have you. Cameron, contributing to the page again. Rimbecco' s name is well known to me, and I «m glad' to have news of her. I suppose we may look soon for the continuation of your account of your trip? — DOT.] -Dear Dot, — I am back from staying with Love's Young Dream, and «m at South Inveroargill again. I just came home to-day from being at my aunt's, near Winton, where I enjoyed 'myself very much. I had a. grand time, having a ride on a little pony up there. There are a. good few D.L.F. going to the Tisbury School. We are living at a place called Seaward Bush; about three miles from Invercargill. I exchanged autos with Little Slight Eyes II. — Yours truly, HILDA BELL. Dear Dot, — It is 'my birthday to-day, so I have not much to do. My eldest toother gave me a shilling. I wrote ta Harry for some eiuto. cards, and I think them very pretty. I h«ve only one D.L.F.'s auto. — Lady Olive's, — but I hope to get more soon. The harvesting is in full awing about here, and everybody is very busy. The mill is at our place at present, but I think it will be away to-morrow if it keeps fine. This weather has brought up the mushrooms, which are very good to eat. Have you ever tasted them, Dot? I have not been aw*y for a holiday this Christmas, but I enjoyed my school holidays very much. One day in my holidays a party of five went up to Castle Rock, a place about six miles from our place. We left home about half-past 10, and .got there about 12. We then had lunch, and went away to explore the place we had reached. After climbing over a hill composed of one solid rock. we came to the caves, but, being tired, sat down for e> while. After we had had a rest we went down a cave; it was only a short one, but it was so dark that we had to have a candle. The next cave we came to was a drop about 6ft until you were standing safe on the bottom. This one being very muddy. I did not go down, for you have to crawl along on your hands and knees. The boys went down and got some lovely shiny rock. After they came out we went about looking for more caves, but were unable to find them, and made our way back .towards the trap, where we were to have lunch. It was *bout half-past 4 when we left for home, and we leached there about 6, after a very enjiyable day. With love to Lady Olive, — Yours truly, LILAC. Dear Dot, — This is the first time I have written to you, end I hope you will accept me as one of your happy band.— l am very glad the D.L.F. picnic is going to be at Tisbury, and if we get a holiday I will be sure to come. I hope it will be a fine day, so that we may all be able to enjoy ourselves. — Yours truly, APPLE BLOSSOMS. ; Dear Dot, — It is my sorrowful duty to inform you that The Gramaphone's eldest brother met with en accident which caused his death. It appears that he and some companions went to the sea for the purpose of . having «. swim, when, unfortunately, he got beyond his depth, and was drowned before aid conld be rendered successfully. Although deceased was not a contributor to the D.L.F. IVge, yet I feel it is my duty to inform the friends of The Gramaphone of the sad fatality in his family. I arm suie that all li.F. will be eorry to hear of the above calamity, <and -will extend -their heart-felt sympathy to the parents and sorrowing brothers and sisters of tha deceased In their bereavement. — Yours truly, HAPPY WAG. £l was very sorry indeed to hear of the bereavement in Gramaphone's family, and I wrote a short note to The Gramaphone to try and express my sympathy with them. — IX>T.3 AUTOS AND POST-CARDS. Meta Rose (care Mr G. Cressey, Ahaura) would like to exchange post-cards with any D\I».F. willing. Views preferred. She also osics if any D.L.F. could give her the address of Ivy Vine. little Elf (care Mr G. Cressey, Ahaura) WOUI4 like to exchange post-cards with any i).I».F. willing. 3id^ O'Toole (Post Office, Ahaura) will

correspond on post-cards with any D.L.F. who are -willing. No actresses. San Se-vero (P. 0., Tokonui) would like to exchange post-cards with Nelson, Silvery Waves, Jenny, and Teneriffe. Lilac (care of Mir %T. Hayward, Dipton, Southland) would like to exchange autos with An African Daisy, Tenor Horn, Two Mischiefs, Vita Vincta, Happy Wag, and any others willing. Inez (care of Mrs JJ«mes Edgar, Riverside, Tapanui) wishes to exchange autos with Stelja 11, West Coaster, Edievale, Inez 11, Lamplighter, and other D.L.F. willing. Fiveash (B. M'Leod, Wendon P. 0.) would like to exchange autos with Tenor Horn and Newbury. Postman (care of Mr W. Roy. Bannockburn) will exchange post-cards with any D.L.F. willing. Brown Bess (Bessie Tsrmpleton, care of Mrs Home, Wyndham) would like to exchange autos with Audrie, Maude, Peril Point, Kaweku, and Lady Leash. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Una. Trewinnon. — I have forwarded your letter to Daisy Primrose. You know that she lives in Western Australia, don't you, and that it will probably take over a fortnight to leach her? And I think Daisy will be busy just now, getting ready for her sister's wedding. So do not be surprised if you do not get a reply for some time. D.L.F. BADGES. Badges sent to Hilda Bell, Lilac.