LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2849, 21 October 1908, Page 83

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:— We write for the benefit, of others, r.ot for outsell ee. /WiSa letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear ■'Dot, — Tile inspector will soon be coming to our school, and I hope I shall pass. I went to Orepuki and Colac with ' the Riv-elrton School "• Second to see them play against botii these teams. At Colac Colac won by 11 points io 3, tvftile at Orepuki it was a draw, each side scoring 3 points. It took us all our time to catch the train. The football season is over now. W-8 are going to save up to buy a cricketing set. and I want to buy a good one. I am very fond c-f reading fairy tales and newspapers; I read ilie Witness also. I go to the Band of Hope, and like it very I much. A prize is given to the one that performs best. We have not heard the results of our Sunday School examination ! yet. I hope to get a prize. La3t year I got r prize in the Sunday school examination, and so did my o£her two brothers. My eldest brother ks to travel 50 miles in the train to rand from school every day. Our school was burnt down nol very long ?£o. and they had to have school in the Oddfellows' Hall and the Methodist Church. I suppose there will be some more busk fire 3 soon.— Yours truly, SNIDER. Dear Dot, — I was very pleased fo see my letter in your page. It has been raining all the morning, but is clearing off now. j Our examination is over now, and I pasEed, co am in the Fifth .Standard. All the enow hag melted off th© mountains. The willow I trees are all covered with nice green leaves. I Everything in my garden- is getting fresh and green, and there are a few spring" flowers out in it. Most of the seeds are coming tip out of^ the ground. We have 10 hens laying, and one wath a- faw, chicks. I am sorry yon ddd not see my name; I wrote it on the e*me slip of paper as< the answers to the riddles were on. I am sending it »gain. — Yours truly, WHITE FUCHSIA. Dear Dot. — I now take up my pen to write a few lines to out dear old page, and in the first place I must say t-bat I feel ashamed of myself, as I have been rather neglectful of my duty to the page of late, for it is over six mon-ihs since I sentunytbing for the benefit of our many readers I was pleased to see that splendid letter from Blon-del a fortnight -ago, and also the very interesting one from Ltola, thoug-li botb thoss comrades gave me a "gentle hint" that I was not doir.g what I should to uphold the honour of our page. What they say is perfectly true. I quite agree v.iih them that each of us D.L F.. who have been so muoh helped by -the page, Ehould strive to write an -occasional interesting letter, which will be. at least, a little help and inspiration to some cf our comrades, and, as Blondel pointed out, it is our duty l to use whatever talents we have for the benefit of iho.<-e with whom we come into ! contact. Now, I am pleased to see so many I new writers coming foiward and joining our band, but all the same I would Jiko to pee some of our older members sending [ in a few more letters before the time oS their retiring one come 3 round It is a ' splendid idea to write about the books we I have read, for books aie euch good friends ! to us. How often we would feel very lonely j and sad if it were not for the sweet companionship of seme good b^oks; and how nice it is, as Lola points out, to discu=s> what we have rer-d with our friends, as it helps us to understand them better, and ' wo get all the more good from them. I ! may he«>e mention that I am a great lover | of that grand book. " The Wide, Wide | World." It is a good many years since II 11I 1 , read it first, and I received much help from it, though I felt so sorry for poor Ellen. She craved for the love of her aunt, but she never received any. It is sad to find cases where the child is denied the love it craves for. Can we wonder if some grow up to be hard, bitter, and unlovable men and women? We are told that love is the greatest thing in the world, so ha\-e we any right whatever to deny it to our fellow-crea-ture», especially the young?' When the God, who created us is » "God o$ I

Lore it is very plain that we oannot help anyone if we do not love them, for love opens the doors for doing helpful, kindly deeds. But here I'm wandering, so muse geft back to books. Well, " East Lynne " is another of my favourites. What a beautiful story it is, though, oh, so sad! Poor Lady 'Isabel bad a great life of suffering, and) I always think her greatest trials and sorrows must have been when she returned to her old home ard saw how kindly her husband waa treating his second wife. She knew she had thrown away the great love which Barbara was receiving. There are some who will tell you that Lady Isabel should have had more fait-h and trust_ in her husband, and refused to doubt him; while others think he should have told his wife the reason of the secret visits to Barbara Hare. A few words of confidence betwean husband and wife would have saved untold suffering. It is the same way with us in' many cas«s : we do not see our mistakes until it is t«o late. I have just finished another fine beck, "Little Mother Mesr." How very bright aadr inter-eating Ethel Turner makes her stories! She draws such true pictures of child-life that one cannot but be favourably impressed with! iha books, for though they are written mostly for the young, still the " grown-ups" have "found the stories very pleasant and profitable. Now, dear Dot, I am afraid this letter is far too long, but before I close I would like to Eay how much I enjoyed reading the club papers, especially \hose on the debate, "'Yon-th, Middle Age, and Old Age," and «leo West Coaster's paper on " Country Life v. 'Xown Life." Not* wake ye u-p, D.'L.F., and take the warning of Blondel and Lola, and send along some interesting* letters to the page. With love I to Gooseberry Pie, Bcbey. Ins 11, Boy, and ' all L.F.. cot forgetting Queen Dot, — Yours \ truly, GKAVEL. t [X is always «. pleasure, - Gravel, to get one of your letters, and we all welcome i them. There is always something fresh and helpful in them, and we hope you will be able to write to cur page quite' soon ; again. We were also glad. Gravel, to pub- ', hsh your paper on " Encouragement" that you sent to the Invercargill Club. You give us all a lesson in kindliness and patience.— DOT.] Dear Dot.— l «m a little black rabbit. Since I last wrote to you I have shifted over to Otautau. I came here just before winter, and I have 'had a "very hard time of it. "I^am just about skin and bone. I have not seen a cabbage or a turnip since I came here, and' even grt&s has been very scare, but now spring is here I am looking forward to a better time.. I have two little chuma, and we get on all right, ancf that keeps my spirits up. Otautau is a very nice -litt'e town situated on the Otautau Creek. I will write and tell you more about the place- when I get more strength) to write. With love to all D.L.F. and yourself, — Yours truly. - LITTLE BLACK RABBIT. [It is very sad to hear of you being in such » bad plight, Little Black Rabbit, and I fcnist the spring has had a good •effect on you\ and that you are now strong and plump. — DOT.] "Dear Dot, — We have been experiencing delightful weather during liie last few days — fair, mild mornings, . -warm, ,sunny days, and- beautiful, tranquil evenings- Were I a> poet I would like to expatiate on,*in the , sweet, flowery language peculiar to poets, ihe beauty of tress and hedges in their spring raiment of delicate green. But although we may not all be able to €spress our feeliugs, we can appreciate the beauties of Nature that are daily revealed t o those that care to look for them. We are conscious of the aootliing influence of a oalm summer's evening, and can . wonder at the night sky lit up with thousands of silvery twinkling stars. Wandering bsneath those fair lights of love, listening to the never-ceas-ing ripple of the river or the faint ruetling of the breeze among the trees, our - daily petty troubles appear so small and insignificant, and our thoughts for a time bscome more elevated. Dear Dot, I reed such an interesting book a. while ago entitled '• Garthowen, ' by Allen Raine. Thai Weigh writer's bcoks are so attractive in the natural simplicity of their characters, and our interest in her works is by no means diminished by th e writer's rather sad history. When, reading one of Allen I Raine's bocks we come across some beautiful thoughts tlxat linger in our nwrnory long afterwards. In one instance a bright, nappy maiden, who lived among the quiet hills and moors of Wales, is trying to cheer | an aged and saddened nuan. "Look now i how -everything is bathed in light and beauty! Where are tie grey shadows and the curling mists? All gone! 'Tia the came world, but the sun has come and cbased away the darkness. 'Ti3 like the grace of Gcd: if we will open our heartsand Jet it in it shines upon us like the sunlight. His love spreads through our whole being. He blots out our sins if we are - sorry, for them. He smiles upon us. and holds out His loving arms to us, and yet we turn our backs upon Him and w«lk sbout in the shadows wii'h our heads bent down and our eyes fixed upon the ground -kvery morning when the sun rises God is telling us : ' This is Jiow I love you ; .this is how I will fill your hearts with warmth and Ught and jqy.' " Dear. Dot, I hope extracting is not contrary to the generall rules, but that appeared such an attractive p»asa & o I thocght some L F. wfao ii a -re no, already done co might care to read it — Yours iruly, LEILA. [No. Leila, a good -extract from a good j book in not .againsi the rule 9. I ami buts tins one contains a very beautiful thought ! that will help some D.L.F.— DOT.] Dear Dot — Spring, glorious spring. is here with all its beauties. It is a delightful seasoji in tlio country, though it has its share of Lad ujoeds. " It has been so nn!d tho last two or three weeks, thougli ' a tiifle damp, and e\ery thing is growing ' «pace. The willows are again covered with | brilliant green leaves, and are floivering I better than usual Are not the yellow catkins pretty? They reverse the ordinary rule by starting to open at the top and working down to the stem. The fruit trees, too, are beginning to unfold their leaves. Tho goldfinches and chaffinches are causing some trouble through eating the flower buds. The worst of it is that they cannot be , depended on thinning them judiciously. There seem! to be such numbers of birds around, and they do sing sweetly. They started nesting fully a month sooner than usual, and there «Te young onea flyiEg about now. I haven't heard a cuckoo yet but it is time for them io be here Such numbers of nes-ts are found here every year with the eggs sucked, but I believe the weasels eat them as well as the cuckoos A cuckoo causes quite a stir amongst the birds sometimes, and I have seen an, irate pair of blackbirds giving ciase to one of i these enemies of their peace. I wonder if ' ■the parent cuckoos take an interest in I their offspnng and try to further their ' welfare, or leave thorn entirely in the hands of tbear foster-parents? These birds tuve beea seen carrying off fledglings, but j

T whether they intended to make a repast c! I them or were only seeking- to empty tbct j nest of its rightful occupants and leave it .in sole possession -of - the intruder I know not. The weasels are rapidly! , killing out many c-f the native birds. , Wekas, or Maori hens, •were very plentiful in this distriot some years back, but their call has bssu silent for years. These browm lairds -were fall of curiosity, and would* carry oS any glittering object. They were very fond of eggs, and generally found and ate any laid, away from the fowlhouse. They were also cannibals among themselves, devouring both eggs and young of their own 1 kind. Though possessed of wings the w-ekaa cannot fly, but. when running they use them for steering with. They can run, too, and, besides," swim as well. I heard yesterday that the weasels are even beginning; to kill the native pigeons in the trees. Tfc-ey climb up to k tie branch above wherei the bird is 'resting, and' drop down on tot it, and then both fall to the ground. Iti can be easily imagined 1 that the weasel gets the best of the fight that follows. It is «v shame the destruction these creatures causei tunong innocent, birds that harm no oneSo many of our native- birds -are beang^ hurried towards extinction, only the mosa mischievous of the imjported onea aeemingt to thrive and increase yearly. Weasels and others of their sort are known, when? they have an opportunity, to kill, kill, kil., till tireS of doing feo, not because they) were hungry or laying by^a store for ™tur« use but for the sheer love of shedding blood N But not only these bloodthirsty creatures, will wantonly -destroy life for the pl«*E«r» of doing it: men «r e sometimes guilty off it, too. Large numbers of pigeons have, bsen shot a-way back in the bush, and lerß there. Then see the pictures of 'fine bags of birds printed from time to time u>, vi« papers. It is really nothing but wholesale slaughter. Every morning' as I go across the -paddocks to bring in tihe cows I see -a. uair of paradise ducks and a number oil grey ones. They know quite well wherei the tenderest grass is to be found. Th« duck's white he-ad makes her more conspicuous than the drake. It always seems to me that the duck has a complaining note and that the drake tries to reassun, her fears. If left alone they become quite, quiet, and a certain pair used to allow us to walk within a short distance of them. Th© grey ducks sometimes build their nests in the forks of trees high above the ground.. When they do so it is said to be a suro sign of a wet season. Whether they cair*, the ducklings down from their high perch/ in their bills or on tiheir backs I do noi know. A pair usually nest in a hole c!os,a ( to this place every year. The parents have, been seen trying various means of enticing}.; away hawks who wish to visit the li'tle^ ones' retreat. They gammon they have broken wings. ~«t anything to protect their. r \, precious ducklings, RaaLy, Dot, I -did notf expect to write such a letter when Istari.ec., but I hope it .will ba of 'interest to eoir«-i one. Wifi West «^|^ Y^ S^; [We are always pleased to get a let^ep from you, West Ccaster, and I am sure thin, one will interest many of our D.L.F. luha* given Dot great pleasure, as «U sucxu] interesting- Nnttlre ohats do. You wonder, if the parent cuckoos take -any interest r their offspring? No, I fear they are incor-! rigibly lazy, being quite content to leave «If the work of providing food, etc., to the poor overworked fO3ter-moiher, so .often the tinyi grey warbler. Do you have it in yon:> locality? It is a charming little bird. it quite agree with you that it is a very greatf pity that weasels and unthinking men ara responsible ior such :ruei slaughter of oar. »ative birds. It is a pad thing to we co» many of ,+hem fast dying out. Your observations of the habits of the paradise ducks are very interesting too. It is quita probable they are good weather prophets.,as many animals, especially iKose livings near the wafer, are. I am reminded oB ' John Burroughs, the delightful American/ naiuraliet, ■n'hose little books, I an* sure, 1 so keea' an observer of Nature as you are would thoroughly enjoy. In one of them, " Pepacton," he shows how the musk rat' has this .prophetic instinct to a remarkabl** 1 degree, and builds its nest high above fcha water before a wet season. "They receive private advices from headquarters that Ii know not of," he- says. I recommend this or any of his books, Euch as " Wake* Kobin! " "Winter Sunshine,' "Locusts andl Wild Honey," etc., to you or any other* D.L.F.. who- is fond of Nature. They ar« 6imp!y written and very entertaining.. Again thanking you for your mo6t interes~-« 1 ing letter, and hoping that your fiuger i* quite well again, West Coaster,— DOT.] Dear Dot. — As it is over five months sinca you received a letter from me I ~ thought* I would wr-ite to-night. I started to wriiei "•■ , to you a few weeks ago, but the letter was* posted in the firev .We have been haying; windy weather 'here fox about ji fortnight now. I. have three pet lambs — or I should* say sh«p~-and' they Have all "got Tattle." lambs. Two of them had twins, but one of iHe twins died. I have also a famtaiL' pigeon. I had -it given to me" «*bout twot months ago. It is supposed to be whiter but.it feeds with some little pigs we ,haye» so fbu may guess i' is not ivery white* now".- Mother has been away from home for\ two months. She has been to Napier, Nelson, Wellington, Christchurcli, and/ Tiniaru since she left home. Grandmother oamc baok -witli mother. They arriveal home last Wednesday night. Dear Dot, wnaa a lot of new writers there aTe every week!) What has become of ail the old writers?! j When I first wrote to the page we used toi j see long, interesting letters from old writere, but now, when they do write at all, the) 1-elters are so very sliort. Now, chums, do hurry up and write a nice long letter. We have all our crop in now, and are going) to pui, Jn our potatoes this week. I havef nearly 300 post-cards now Mother sent "mci •* 1 some veiy nice ones when she was away. ' Dear Lilac, in your last letter to Dot you/ | taid I owed you a letter. I am sorry I have I r.ot written, but I thought it waa youn j turn to write. However, I will write when! [ I get time. The fishing season started last* ! week, but I don't know if there will bef many fish caught, as the river is very high) at present. There has been ■ Jot of snout on tho hills lately, and now that it is raalU ing it is making the river -pretty hiefc^ Now^ Dot, .1 can't .think of anything elea -to-m^ht (although I am sure there-, is no 4 news in this letter), so'i must stop. With' love to all the D.L.F. and yoursek— Your* truI y> - "" LADY OT/IVB. [We axe glad to gt>t such • nice -long letter from you, Lady Olive, and hope fon the sake of all the older D.L.F. that you will write again quite'soon.'— DOT.] Dear Bpt,— After a long silence I'onoe mo r r « take up -ny pea to write to" the, D.L.F. Page. Keally, Dot, I -feel inclined! to falter now, for after so long I will feel' out of place amongst your new writers-. When I glance at the page now I hardly see one of my old comrades ■(here. Wherei have they all gone to, Dot? Yet perhapa I should not a=k after bc-iiu' 'o carcLes=t myself. I sm to see JV uiauy new

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writers coming to join 113 every week. They ,are young now, but come day they will _ be noted writers like many of our old'favourites of past years. Scribbler and A Silent Member are "away once more from this locality, and Black Watch, I hear, is seeking his fortune in the sunny north. Paparoa is home again, an-d has given up school teaching at the Granville district. We had a visit from Nuggeiy Bob the other -Jay; she 'is quite well and happy-looking. Dot, and sends hsr warmest regards to you. Have you heard from Daisy Primro-e lately, Dot? "She wrote and told me she was leaving Perth and going to East Australia. I do hope our old friend and comrade is dc:ng well. What has bsccme of «JJ the Waiiahuna members lately? Where have yen gone to, Santa Claus? Hurry np arid write again. I sincerely hope, dear Dot, you,' will forgive me for not writing J -o your page oftener. The time will soon come when age forbids me this ple«FU*re, and already I look back with regret that I have not bean more attentive in past years. I fee! out of the run of D.L.F.-dcm. I have heard from only a few comrades these lasj 10 months; yet I still retain many pleasant meaaorie3 of our old\ days. Now good-bye. I will come again- if you permit me. Love to you and all my old comrades. Ever, dear Dot, — Yours truly, MOUXTAItf RAMBLER. [It is a graat pleasure to hear from- you again, Mountain Rambler. You have been 60 long a- 1>.1«.F. -tfavt many -of the old ■writers will welcome another letter from you. You nvuat make the most of the time you have still left and give all D.L.P. the benefit cf your letters, and not preserve such a long silence as this one has been. It is nice indeed for you tha.l Paparoa is at home. Is sh« going lo remain, with you? If so, you will be glad to be together once more. Ye 3. I have heard from Daisy Primrose, and she promises io write a long letter immediately on her return. She !. wrote on board ship, returning to Perti. — p DOT.] [ Dear Dot, — I aa» sorry that I did not j see the Witness when I wrote my first letj ter; -but I suppose I am a D.L.F. We have !«. had nice weather for a few days, but ' there was slight rain this morning. Last Sunday my auniie gave me a pet dog. and hijl name is Tim. He is brown-and-wliite. This is all I have io say just now. — Yours truly, MOUSIE. [Yes, llousre, .- you are * D.L.F. I hope TimT will be a 'great companion before long.— DOT.] Dear Dot. — This is the first time I have written to your page, but I hope it will not be ' the last. I like very much to read the D.L.F. letters in the Witness. I am nir.3 years old, and I am in the Third Standard. I have about two miles and ahalf to go to school. I have one sister and; two brothers. My -father gave me two dolls; on< of them is dressed as a bride. We had seme nice rain, showers yesterday and to-day. We are milking two cows just now, and we have a let of. little lambs; it is nice to see them running about. Our sports will soon be 00011112 off. I think I am going. I hope it will be a fine day. I th*ink one of my old schoolmates will be up to the sports that day. With love to yourself from — Yours truly, MAYVALE. [Welcome, May vale! I- too hope ihis will be the first of many letters.— DOT.J Dear Dot, — Sjmce I last wrote to you I have removed' to Ofautau. Otautau is o> very beautiful ©pot. I will try and give- a description of it. It is situated -on the . Southland Plain, near the eastern, slope of the Longwpod. It i* ft splendid agrioul- ■ iural district,* and * very -thriving and progressive township." The site of the townEhip has been badly chosen — in a low,' swampy locality. Tha Otautau River divides the town into two parts, the southern part of which is subject to floods. The Otautau River is a tributary to the Aparima. It rises in the Woodlaw Hills, andi joins the Aparima just below the town. In th.3 bush sawmilling is carried on. We have a relieving teacher (Mr H v M'Chesney) here until a permanent one is selected. We have three rooms in the school, and there are 185 on the roll. I think we will have a very hot summer this year. I was at an Anglican social a few weeks ago, and it) was a great success, the hall being crowded' with people. I must now dose, with love to all the D.L.F. and yourself. — Yours truly, MAPLE. [I did not know you had such a big echool at Otautau, Maple. You will have plenty of playmates.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is quite a, long time since I wrote to you; in fact. I have only writien twice since our old Dot died. We are having very wet weather here now, but we generally get plenty rain in September. We are living at the State collieries now. I like living heve-, but -I -de- HHss-my— Brunner mates, especially Oupid. It is a lot warmer down here than at Brunner, but this place is very much scattered, W© have a fine big library and «leo a large school, a co-opera-tive store, a big Druids' Hall, a> Miners' Hall, and a large Masonic Hall. There are also many other shops, but I will try and describe the place more in my next letter. With love to all the " L.F.,— Yours truly, LADY CLARE. Dear Dot, — I saw my letter in. the Witness about a fortnight ago. I meant to write before, but we have been very busy lately. Thank you very much, Black Watch, for sending me a post-card. We are having beautiful spring weather here. I wav down at Dunedin a year ago last September, but as I didn't know anything about the D.L.F. then I didn't go to see you. I am sorry I didn't kuctw. I would have been only too pl«*H«d to call and -sec you. But I may have another chance. I hop© co. Can you 1 rido a home. Dot? I think riding is a dftli^l\Mui pastime. When I lived in Canterbury I bad a bicycle, but I wouM much rather have a horse. I will new close with) Jove to Black Watch. Tanzoni, Moil ami, Mela, lie bo, Lavender, .n yourself, — Yours truly, .ROSEBUD. [I am afraid I have 110* your knowledge of Tiding, Roaebud.— DOT.] Deax Dot, — The months antt ihe year 1 * are flying, and very coon I too must join the great ranks of the retired, and so I> must mak« tlje most use possible of the few months of D.L.F. life that remain to ice. I see that Indian Chief has sent in his retiring letter. Comrade, I quake with fear. AU too soon I must follow in your steps. It 6»ma a long time since I first wrote to you v Doi— -nearly six years, I think— but I cb not think that I have written as often «ts I xnigat have dene, though I am ashamed to confess it, for the page has gained mo many friends. On Dominion Day my sisters «n<J s I ett out for town with our picuio , pa9s«fc, with tha intention of having a, day's enjoyment if possible. On arriving fh&ie my sifters weat to their school to receive their medals, white I, in the glory of jpy freedom, paraded iiit town a»d touured the fe-yr frocks thut were to be •een, At 12 o'clock they appeared, accomptßied by into, of their jKiicohnatea, (Uid

' I thereupon ensued a. whispered^ conference i between J. E. S. and myself as to the possii bilities- of the lunch basket. Pinully -we decided that it would not stand the extra' , calls upon it, and igs-o J. E. S. received 1 di,v«rs small eoin3 with orders to make the > riiost of them. While she and her mate clid their shopping -the smaller pair and my&elf went slowly through the park towards tha Botanical Gardens, slopping on our way to fedmire tha various corps cf cadets on parade. J. E. S. had entrusted a packet of chocolate to our tender care, and as they were so very slow to overiaka us we consoled ourselves occasionally with a sweet, and by the time we had reached cur camping place the whole packer Dad docie the disappearing ..rick. Hungry in spite of the chocolate, we waited impatiently for the missing pair, and the lunch was m danger of following tJi-e chocolate when my small companions happily suggested hunting them up. Anything — even waiting alone — is belter than waiting fo? one's- dinner, and so I consented, sjed spent the time till they all appsT*red in whistling for my dinner. "When Vtia parcels thst tha truants carried were overhauled I found that some choice walnut creams had Ijaen appropriated by them as compensation for ths loss of tha chocolate. It was a small but very merry party that presently sat down to the long-postponed " rough-and-reaoy '' meal. We each started with a Econe in on© hand and a cold sausage in -the other, and 1 «njoyed the mixture. We had plenty of water at hand, but nothing to drink it cut of. and as the scones- were rather dry we put on % generous supply « honsy to help out the sausage. (Don't smile, Dot; youthful digestion can stand almost anything.) After thai came a course of cake, followed by biscuits, and we finished up with the re- - mainder of the honey and mora sweets. Sadder and wiser girls (for the combination of eweeta was "telling even on our 'strength) we wended our way up io the further end of the Gardens, .where dwelt in all his glory that romantic (?) little creature, the monkey. He had such very human litt 1 © tricks and his features were so like those of a mutual friend that the comparison proved irresistible, and we laughed till even tho monkey grew wrath, and talked some monkey language" that, I am. surs, could not have been a, blessing upon us. It was with regret that some of our party left) him. A. few minutes' quick walk brought up to the wharf, where the only steamer in port was a collfer. Then as we (heard the clock chime the hour we ran down the wharf till we reached- the streets. Even then we hurried, for trains wait for no man, and hut very rarely even for a girl. However, we caught tho train all right, and I paid gcod-bye to our small friends, feeling iha., the eociely of children was* much more enjoyable than that of a great many grownups. I am looking forward to Show Day as the next holid*y, and I hope to see plenty of D.L.F. friends, there. In the meantime I must bring this letter to a close, for it bids fair to' go on for ever. With love to all my friends, and to you, Dot (ii you still remember me), — Yours truly, TASMA. [Glad to g*t asother letter from' an j older member, Xasma. I think you must be one of those happy folk who can make enjoyment wherever they acre. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — Am' I too young to write to your page? I am only four and a-half , years 1 of age. My mother is holding my I hand. My aunt (Darky) used to write to »you. I hav^ a nice wee sister three years old, and she knows her ABC—Yours truly, A SCOTCHMAN-BOB]*. [No, little Scotchman, you are not too young to write to our page. Before long i you will be a"ble to do so without mother's help, will you not?— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I suppose you have forgotten me ; for it is such, a long time since I wrote , to you. Since I wrote last. Dot, my nosn do plume has been changed from Mother's Girlie to Lady Etheleen, because my mother >lied last November; and yet I know that n[ anr still her girlie, though she is in heaven. I live with my auntie and grandma now, and often my father comes to see . me. I have three brothers, but no sister. I One 'of them is married, and has a little baby boy, so I air an auntie. We nave new neighbours* whom we like . very much ; they are so kind- I have no pets, but we have a lovely garden full of flowers. The erhowt was on to-da»", but I did. not go. T know some D.L.F. Ip Invercargill. We have had I friends from! Adelaide. They stayed with us three weeks. We enjoyed their company very much. The young lady was a beautiful player and singer, so we had plenty of music. Some time ago I got a letter from Lady Battersea. I was very pleased to get it ; thank her very much. On Sunday last we had a severe t'hun.derstoim Lots of people were frightened, even our dog. He jumped through the kitchen window', ' which was wide open, and came into the dining room, where we wsre having tea, and lay down beside his master. After ■ the storm was over we put him outside, I but he cried at the door to come in again j —Yours truly, LADY ETHELEEN. . [Little Lady Etheleen. I am very sorry indeed to hear that yon have lost your dear mother, but I think you are right in stil* calling yourself liar girlie. She may still b© able to see her little girl, and that thought will help you always, to do whai you think would pl c aee her, and 1« always kind and obedient to auntie and giandma who are trying to fill her place. I don't wonder at your doggie being terrified by feuch a thunderstorm, do you? — DOT] Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to the page, and I would very much like to Fee jt in print. I am 10 years old, and I am m Standard 11. I like going to school. We are having our exam, holidays, and I am enjoying them very much. I know two of rti E.L.F.— Dewdrop and. Chatterbox There was a ball for the employees of Mosraki Estate, and we all Bad a good time. My mother and sister are Rway to a church concert, for the stationinaster is leaving. H e is having his farewell to-night Dear Dot, X shall close now. With love to Dewdrop and Chatterbox, the editor and yourself,— Yours truly, LOVE LIES BLEEDIXG 11. [Welcome to our band, Love Lies Bleeding 11. I hope ycu will prove a very faithful D.L.F. and write regularly.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will accept me as on* of your band. I am in the Fifth standard, and I am learning to dance. We ar« milking one ccw, aud wo have a dos called. Fido. I know a lot of D.L.F in our district, and most of them go to school, •year Dot, I was out bird-nesting on Saturday, and I found a lot of nests with e^a m them. When I got home I blew them and threaded -them, aad they look very pretty.— Yours truly, WALDMEEE. [Yes, Waldniere, J am pleased to accept you as on© of my band, and have entered your nam 6 in my book When you go oud-nestmg. find out from your teacher which birds are destructive and which are not; then instead of taking all the eggs of birds we wjuit to protect it would be a

* good idea to take only one of them if you specially wAnt "it for yenr collection ; do you not think so?— DOT.] Dear Dot, — Since writing to you last I have been to a fancy drass ball in a small town, and I enjoyed it immensely. In the grand march there were 75 couples, and il was led cfi very pxettily by a young lady r&prasenting a "fuchsia flower. I do enjoy dancing; dt> you care for dancing. Dot? Last Sunday I left home, with the intention of enjoying myself out on the lake, and I - took Tny camera with m«, intending to get a few views, as there is some very pretty 'scenery all round the lake, but I was not long there wien it commenced to rain, so that day was spoiled for me. Dear Dot. the bush looks very pretty just now. especially while, the clematis is in blocm. I must now bring my short letter to a close. With love to you,— Yours truly, LADY FLORENCE. [Yes, Lsdy Florence, I am very fond of dancing.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to your page, and as ,1 "have read many of the Little Folk's letters I thought I would, like to write • too. I read the letters in Special Subject Week, and I thought they were very good, especially ths fairy tale by Dewdrop. My mother used to write to Dot, and she used to live in Naseby. I am 11 years old, and am in the Fifth. , Standard. My mother has a bicycle, and ! I am learning to ride. I hope- to be able jto ride before the Chrisiroa9 holidays. As , • this is my first letter, it i» not very long, j but I hope the next ona will be more intarestieg. With love to all - the Little Folk and yourself, — Tours truly, CHRYSTALLETTE. [I have entered your name as a D.L.F., Chrystallette, and as your mother was one before you, you should prove * very good member, don't you think?— "DOT.] . Dear Dot. — As I have not much to do to-night I thought I would like to write ycu another letter. I think I will tell you about the bu9h. Have you ever lived in the bush. Dot? We have been, living in it for about six years-. It i 3 very nice to walk through it and get birds' eggs and flowers, and the mistletoe has such a nice smell. But ycu have to ba very careful when , you are in the thick parts of the bush, for you might step intoi. the great holes that are in it. I like reading the Little , Folk's leiters. I have on© brother and. one' sister, both younger than myself. There are, a. good many sawmills in this . district. We have about two miles and a-half to go io Fohool. We --have a pet ©Ijesp about a year o!d, and he always follows me for the cows in the mornings. We have a good many flowers out now. My mother has sowed several packets of seeds, and some of tiiein are up. The nice fine weather is here now. We always go barefooted on very warm days. I asked my brother to write to you to-night, but ihe would not. I used to know Longwood Blossom, and I think sho picked a very nice norn de plume. She i used tg live- about two chains from our | place. I wonder if she remembers?* Could I you tell me her address, as I would like | to write to her. I suppose you will be saying "I wish that girl would be more careful with her writing." All^ £he school got a medal on the 26th )oi September on accouni of it Lsing a., year since New Zea- < land was made a Dominion. Well, dear I Dot. as it is nearly, > bedtime 1 muet close. With love to all, — Yours truly. MISTLETOE 11. [Dot's work would ba much easier if all} the D.L.F. wrote as- neatly as you do, Mistletoe II; it is a, pleasure to read it.. j No, I have never lived in ihe bush, but I have spent, holidays near it, and always find lots of things to make the time go very happily.— DOT.] , Dear T>ot, — It is a long time since I last wrote to the page, but I hay© not quite forgotien you yet. Our examination will be in about two weeks. I wrote a 'letter to yon sonve time ago, but have not eeen it in print, so I think it must have gone astray somewhere. It has been very dull ; to-day, and I think ihere is a- change hang- ! ing about. I hope it does not rain, because it is not very nice when it is wet. Do you' like reading, Dot? I am very fond of it. -We hare a. pet lamb, and it follows its everywhere we go. Some of the crops are coming up now, »nd the paddocks are looking so green. It is a good thing that the I grass is growing well, because the stock would starve if there was no grass for them to eat. With love to Speck-on-"the-oeean-wave,—Yours truly, MINNIE MERLE. [Yes, Minnie Merle, I am very fend of reading.— DOT.] Dear Dot,— l think 1 will arrite a few hner to the page, as it" is a good wihile since I last wrote. The flaxmdll beside our j place is closing down in two or three weeks' I tims, if not less. The fibre market tbi» ' year is not good, en* "in consequence of , thig a, lot of mills are not working. The ! mill has only worked for about three ■ months this year. It only- worked threa months lasl year too. There was a banI quet given, in Wyndham on Tuesday night hi honour of Mr A. L. D. Fraser. Mr Meikle was also lecturing the same night on his wrongful imprisonment for sbeepsrtealing. We are having lovely wsather just now — quite a treat to the •usually wet ■«-aather. I think I will close now. With. lov c to all the D.L.F., especially Cyclo, Lady Akatore, Plum BlosEOm, and voursslf,—Yours truly, R. E. W. Dear Dot,— l have baen, at home from school for three weeks with influenza, but I am nearly all right again. Thsre was a bazaar down in the new hall, and I was there. When the examination is over we will get a fortnight's holiday from, school. The farmers are commencing to sow the crops. The flowers have started to come out. We have had a good winter up here so far. Tip in Central Otago and at the Taicri they had a v-ery heavy fall of snow. This is all I have to say. With love to Lor.gwcod Blossom, Queen. Emily, and yourself, — Yours truly, FLOWER* GIRL. Dear Dot,— You will think that I have forgotten you, as it is nearly three years since I last wrote. I am again staying at 1 grandmother's place, and having a good time. I went for a long walk round the point yesterday with a Fijian woman and' her child for company*. She was catching fish with her net when we saw a big steamer coming round the point. The steamer blew a long whistle, and my, didn't we run! The woman was calling out to her child : " Jemima, don't run fco fast," while sac herself was running as fast as her legs could carry her. I did laugh. When we got to the house we saw Mr W.s motorlaunch coming to the shore. The Indian boy had gone off without the letters, so I bad to rim after him with them, getting to the shore just too late, as the boat had gone back io the ship. I was looking forward to a run back in the launch, but Mr W. could not bring it close enough to the fehore, so I had to walk about a mile back to the house. I felt like sitting down and howling, which the doge were doing with all tHeir might. However^ auntie an 4 1 ««.

T going for a run in her to-morrow afternoon, and we ore -looking forward to having a) r e al good time. I came to Baulailai in the Kanadi a fortnight ago, and you can judge what my feelings were like when I tell you that it was the worst trip they have had since they came down front New Zealand. Wasn't it a strange coincidence, Dot, ,that Ada and I should be travelling togethe. again, tho-ugli she was going farther on than I, and going back the sun» trip. Amongst others, we had the Bishop fci a{ fellow-traveller. In Suva he is thought to ba a charming man, but I did not fcave -nruch to say to him. though I believe Ad*! had a good talk with him, as she was- r-ot a bit seasick, and has just '" come out." Last evening .we saw a lot of smoke about, and Mi W. said that there was a bush firo ' behind, the hills, co for the next weak w« will be anxiously looking out to see ii 't is coming- any nearer, as bush fires in Fiji have a nasty habit of jumping over creeks and rivers, and are not easy to stop. I brought a Persiaa cat up with me for auntK. Her name is Lady, and) sJie quite acts up to it. When we give her anything to eat she walks round it for at least five minutes before she condescends to touch it, and she won't evsn look at it while I'm in the room. Another ca.t, called Iris, has ttree lovely little kittens, one of which, if it ia old enough, I am to take with me when. I go. • Dear Dot, I think, I am the only girl in Fiji that writes to your page, and I would very much like to correspond with one of your Litt?a Folk, so will you please pass my message— on? I have nothing more to say, so I win now close. — Yonra truly. VESA.* [Well done,Wera! Such a, long letter, allthe way from Baulailai, Fiji, will interest* all our D.L.F., I am sure. I hope it will nit be three years before you write again. And next time you write you must tell us all -about the natives, and their customs, etc. I am inserting your message as you request, Vera, and I hope you will find some nice D.L.-F. correspondent. — DOT.] Dsar Dot, — It is about 12 months since I WTote to you. I likeH S.S.W.. because {iher© were some very nice stories. Ido not know many D.L.F. about here. There are hardly any, a.t any r^to. We had our school -concert on the 16th of September. I am going to try and write oftener. We are having very nice weather now. It will soon 'oe Christmas, won't it, Dot? I am going 1 to tell you thz names of some of the books I have read: "What Can She Do?" ' On tho Wings of the Wind." "The 'Hut on the Island," "A Daughter's Part." False Character," "Aunt Edn*," "Will's voyages," "The Great Orion," "A Brave Fight/ "Plucky Jim," "A Daughter of tha Rich,' "The Dalrymples," "Of AH Degrees," "The Little Missis," "In th» Days of Queen Elizabeth," "A True G«ntl<£ woman," " Joachim's Spectacles," " Bob and His .Rabbits," "His Chosen Work," "Little Women" and VLittle Women Married/ "The Disa<ppeaiancS"of David Pendawe," "Can She Forgive?" "More About. Pixie," and * great many* mote I cannot remember well, I must close, with kind Tegards and tae compliments of the season to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly SADGJE. "Dear Dot,— lt b 3 iug come time since i' wrce to you last. I now do. so to let :you Know 'that I still take an interest in th*p««e The s|«w is nearly all melted off the nioun-" tains. We can ccc it N from wfcer* we* live. We go to school nearly every d*y, bnt' do n^t hke going. The inspector will be coming soon, and I hope I will pass. Thereare, several D.L.F. going to our school. The girls-have a flower and; the boya a vegetable garden at school. There were some very nice ©tories in the Witneso ia Special Subject We*k. I read them with great interest. ■ I think this is all at present, co I wjll close. With love to all the D.L.F.J— Yours truly, EDNA iERLE. Dear Dot, — It is raining her© to-day, and! I centn t go out. My brother's little white rabbit got away not long' ago, and we have not seen it since. I know three D.L.F. t»t> Jere: their names are Sally, Cricketer- and American Fleet. We had a'bazaar on the 2nd of October. Since- last writing I have been a ride in a motor car. I learn music, and I like it, but not practising. Would you please send me a badge; I am enclosing; Is 6d worth of stamps? With love to Sally, —Yours truly, " "'" ' SCEPTBE. Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to your page, and I hope it will not be the lafct. I am 13 years old, and am in the Sixth Standard. W e had our examination on the Bth October, and I hope I have passed. There ia plenty of bush about where I live. The bush flowers «ire coming out now. Wo have had very fine weather lately. Tai» farmers are putting their cr<vps in. il have .a. nice garden a* home, with a number of pretty flowers in it. I liw. about * nute away from school. We are milking four cows, and we will soon have five. The nearest township is three *nd a-a*lf arauw from where I live. I know seven D.L.F., and they a-U go to the same school as X do. Two of my sisters are writing to your page. It is very nice to see the I «*^ lambs frisking about in the paddocks we have one pet lamb, and it is very playfui. W e have three pretty «ts, ar.d % b.ack-and-white calf whose name is Spot, x am very fond of reading books. The apple r trees are cut in bloom, but the blosEoms of the p!um and cherry tree* are past. With lov c to Mistletoe, Ivanhoe, Wild Fuchsia, and yonr E .:f,-Ye«^ tgJy. G CURRANT . [Flooring Currant, you forgot to send me your name and addresj, so that I cannot enter you in my books as a D.L.F As soon as you do co. however, you^ shall |b e one of our number, and welcome.— DOT.] Dear Dot.-This is my first letter to your pa?e and I hope you. vr.ll accept me *a one of "our members. I .live in North Forest Hil!. I have five sisters; and two brothers W e hay« four cows milking, andl we send our milk to the factory. I have left school and -I am out at service. We have a lot of pretty flowers out now, and our fruit trees are out in blossom. We had rhubarb about a month ago. Tha nearest township to us is Wirtton. I am 15 years old. I hope I may become one oil your band, as I take great interest* in reading the page. The farmers have nearly all their crops in. We have nearly all our vegetables, in now, and some of them are up. We have two pigs and on& horee. With love to Wild Fuchsia, Mistle- , toe, Ivanhoe, Flowering Currant, Whit* Heather, and yourself,— Yours truly, HOLLYHOCKS. [Welcome also, Hollyhocks; but you tocv like Flowering Currant, must send me yotm full name and address before I can. inscribe ~ your name in my books as « proper D.L.P., —DOT.] Dear Dot, — It must be close on z yeaf since last I wrote to you. Don'i think that I have forgotten you when I didn'ti write. I always iead, feh* DJL.F. letters.

«nd every week there Is alway a number ©f hbw writers. Some of the D.L.F. have left Tisbury and gone to Queenstown to live. It is a long time since we had a> letter from Beulia. Rainbow's birthday was yesterday, and her cousin's ~was on Weditesday. They gave a birthday party to-day, it being Saturday. " and no school. We went to Kain bow's cousin's place, and had games and races, then we had sandwiches, cake, fruit, and lollies. It was a lovely day. but towards evening it began to rain a little, co -we all left for borne. Laving all enjoyed the day very much. .Rainbow is in my class, and she is a very nice girl ; we are great chums. Our examination will not he very long now, and I hope that I pass. My father tries to frighten me by saying that if I don't pass I need not come home again, but I know that he does not mean^ that. My little sister will soon be five years old, and then she will go to school too. One of our -teachers has gone to Dunedm to teach a school there. - We were very sorry when he went, for we all liked him very much. With kind regards and good wishes to all the L.F. and yourself -Tc ours tj,,!^ OLIVB BKAjSCH. Dear Dot,— We have -about 20 hens, and 10 of them are laying. I have- a big garden of my own this year, and have Eome vegetables and flowers in it. We have startedi cricket at school now, and the girls play sounders. Most of the farmers hare their 1 crops through the ground now. It is raining very hard here to-night, and tie river bu risen a good bit to-day. The f«n»erfl vrtiL soon be shearing again. We wll be having cur examination about the ena of this month or the beginning of Jiext. We have two hens sitting, and seme of the chickens will soon be out. There area ereat many apricots on. our trees this year. JL laid«ome poisoned wheat, on Saturday, and I picked up a lot of W^gg *££ - Dear Dot,— May I become one of your fc.ppy band? For a long time past I have •sleep. Khoda used to live near our place, and yent to school with me. I have been learning music for two years, and 1 like it very well. I like reading, and have read all my books two and thwse times. It has Seen raining here all day, but it .will not do anT harm. I have an uncle in South liricT He™orks in a gold mine, the name of which I forget. Brown Weka is away to ChrlSurch .lain. It is a long «**%£ she has written to the page. Silver V oplar u«d to live up here, but is now !"««•* Bald Hill Flat. I see by the page that there are two members writing *»**«/» name of Eulalie. The first has I thank .entirely forgotten the page. Well, I think I will etop? or else t£is will be reaching the fire. With love to R-hoda. aad yourself, —Yours truly, JUDY MAI>EY. [Yes, Judy Maley, you miy join our lappy band, and I hope you will become a, very active member. — DOT.] Dear Dot,— This is my "second letter to your page. I bav c 22 chickens and e^ht little ducks. All our violets and daffodils are dead now. I know 12 D.L.F. about here. I have been learning col painting, aid have finished two pictures. I* I**' l *** very cold and windy to-day, so I Aid not go cut anywhere. We have- five pet- lambs. Can you do much, fancy work, Dot? I am. jnalrin* a tray cloth just now. Th* days are getting nice and long now, and it is pleasant- working in .the garden when the iun is setting. I will now close, with love to* th* Littte Folk c and c . nS el & Youxs [You must be a busy person, little Scotch Thistle what with painting, ffcncy work, and gardening. Th e busiest people are •usually the hippy ones, don't you think .' — DOT.] Dear Dot,— This is my first letter to your page, and I hope I may become one of your D.L.F., for I his\« taken great interest in reading your rage. I am 11 years of age, and am in the Fourth Standard. Our teacher is very nice. We have bad cur examination, but I do not know whether I have pasted or net. We have had q -week's holiday. We are milking CO cows, acd send the mi.k to iiie factory. We nave a large flower garden.— Yours truly, CAMELLIA 11. [Yes, Camellia 11, you may become one of the D.L.F., and I hope you will take m. greater interest in it than ever now.— j i _;car Dot, — I have, been such a long time -n writing to you. but I have not forgotten you. We have four cows; their 'ames are Whitie, Rose., Snowie, and! < ''lassie. I am nine years old, and am in he First Standard. Qur .examination, will «- in two months, and I hope I pass. We •lave also four dogs and two birds. We isd no snow this- year. The flowers are b --^inning to com: out new. — Yours truly, CLEMATIS. Dear Dot.— This is my first letter to your ! page, and I hope I can join your happy, band. I often read the letters from the Witness. I was always going to write, and' at last I have started. We have just shifted tc a new place; it has a lot o: •waste land and bush oa it. We are milking 19 cows, and are sending the milk to°t!ie factory. I am in the Sixth Standard at school, and am 10 years old. Since we bavo shifted we have a good deal further to walk to school. We had our examination in June, and I passed. On Sunday night we had a lot of thunder and lightning. I think this is enough for a beginner. Wit"'i love, to all D.L.F. and yourself, — Yours iruiy, SCOUNDREL. [I hope you will prove not quite c ".scoundrel" now that you are a D.L.F., and that you "will be one of our best members.—DOT.] Dear Dot, — This is my first letter to your < page. I am 12 years - old, and am in the. Fifth Standard. We have not had our examination yet. Wo are having very dry • ■weather now. The fruit trees are all in ■ bloom, and most of ihe spring flowers are i cut, and the gardens look very pretty. The > nearest township is about three and a-half ' miles from where I live. We have five cows, and we are milking four. There are seven D.L.F. going to our schcol. One of my ] sisters also writes lo your page. — Yours . truly, CLEMATIS 11. ; t[l am going to change your name to i Clematis 11, as we already h«ve a Clematis 1 among our number; and before I can enter f your name (properly in my book. Clematis i 11, you must send me your own name and : address.— DOT.] , Dear Dot, — It is » long time since I i wrote to you, but I now go to work with r my father during the day, and during the evenings I generally play cricket. I must : now tell you lam a member of St. John's < Cricket Club, and I have played in several v matches, the moat important one bein# * if- at Bi^-sy against a strong team ofi * •oldoers. I made the highest score on our 1 •ide, but we did. not win the game. Wo }

* did our best, though the game* was lost by 11 runs. It was a most beautiful ride to and from Bisley. On August 6 we went t o the Franco-British. Exhibition. The firm for which my father is manager ran a special train. There was a fine party of us, some 305 employees going. We started aj 10 o'clock in the morning and arrived! home at half-past 2 the next mornmpr wlnt once with my mother an d siste r W I will close wife -ye Dot-Yo^tru-y, TK Mter from a D.L.F. all the way from England Is very .**««*«*• J&V^ £T wa^SereUtThe^d fj.^ and play.— DOT.] Dear Dot.— l daresay you have heard of the Franco-British Exhibition that is being held inlondon at the present time? Mo her took my brother and me to see it. It is lonely. We visited several sections, inching New Zealand, Canada Australia Bally M ? Clintons Irish village, Ceylon, India, the machinery works, tiw soap factory. I will now tell you about three of the chief pieces, biinn^g with New Zealand New Zealand is a v«£y nice place. We saw sheep a wool and the way they sort «**«»»»*■ It was packed up in large bundles. The corn was very artistically arranged, r«a*hing from the floor to the roof of the buildin". We also saw a large quantity of W • Zealand greenstone in a case for sale, and if ctsts a lot of -money too. Mo'uher has a small greenstone heart which my auntie sent her." There was a lane retegexator eLwing how the meat and butter were £S.*Tbe butter was beautifully «*•»*«[ as baskets of flowers, birds, and nwta with, eacs in. There was also a. lot of coal. cin*da is the largest part We saw some lovely pictures of the mountains, cornfields, and salmon rivers. The corn was arranged from the floor to the roof. The Australian section is divided into States, including Queensland. New .South Wales South Australia Victoria, Western Australia,, lasmania', and Northern Australia. The place waT decorated with palms and other trees of which Ido not- know the names. In this section we saw coal opals large apples^ and stands (reaching to the roof) of wooland corn. The Australian section is * la fg e place, and ll cannot remember ha-f the things I caw. It is much larger than the New 6 Zealand section. In Tasmania there are some lovely shell necklaces, smd I bought one of them. The • apples looked co nice that it made one's mouth water to look at them. Some bad bsen taken, and it spoiled the stand. It "was a shame. One poor old gentleman was making such a fuss about it: You would have laughed to have seen him. I must cut my letter short or else you will not have space in the paper for it. Outside, in the open, there is a switchback and a flip-flap. The scenic railway is lovely. It is a railway that glides through some artificial mountiaans, then it rushes down a mountain side and up again. It fairly takes one's breath away, but it is lovely— the best ol all the switchbacks. I c«n tell you we came home quite satisfied with^our day's outing. With love to all 1..F. and yourself,— Yours truly, A LITTLE ENGLISH GIRL. [Well done, little English girl! That is a very nice -account of your day at the great Franco-British Exhibition. I think you must have made good use of your time (and your eyes too) 'to have carried away such cleTir memories. Some of our New Zealand L.F. will, I fancy, feel inclined to envy you being able to visit I/ondon — the "Great White City," as John Cannon calls it. Their turn may coma seme day, as yours has, and in the meantime you: must continue to writ* to our page regularly and let them share -with you all the wonderful things you see. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — This is my first leiter to you, and I hope to become one of your happy band. I have taken a great interest in the page for a long time. lam sixteen years old, «nd have leftfcchool over three years. 1 have one brother and two sisters. Our weather the last few days has been delightful, and everyone hopes it will continue. Christmas will soon be here : it seems no time since last New ~9ear, does it, Dot? We are milking 20 cows just now, and I milk seven night and morning. Do you like reading, Dot?' I have just . finished reading a book called " The ShaI dow of Victory," by Myrtle Reed. "1 think I have written enough this time. Wiih best wishes to all, — Yours truly. LADY BEATRICE. [Welcome, Lady Beatrice. You are r.ow y a full-fledged D.L.F., and I hope this will . be the first many letters.— DOT.] j Dea* Dot, — We have four cows, but there are only two of them milking. When the . cows calve we kill the calves and skin them; and when the butcher's" cart comes lound wo £«U the skin, for which we get Is Gd if it is not cut, but if it is we only get Is 3d for it. We have gardens at our school, and ws have planted a number of seeds, which we hope will grow. The garden that I work in is not a very good ons. because it is very stony. We have had a rery early spring this year, and the bses are beginning to gather the honey from the flowers and tte early clover. The bees will bs swarming soon, and I will bo very busy in the evening?, when I come % icime from bchoo!, getting ready for nexv ■uays swarms. On Saturday I will have time to get enough bos.es ready for Sunday and Monday, s,o tbat I will not ha\e I to work on Sunday. All the boys about ! here were looking for birds' eggs, "but were greatly disappointed when they heard they were not going to buy the eggs thi<= -tear ' but only the heads at 6d a dozen. When I heard they were not going to buy the eggs I had 98 eggs I will now enclose for tho Ll. two or three riddles "I had c sisler, her name was Pe-peep. She wou.d vaue the- water, il it was ever «o deep; she would climb the hill if ft wss evar bo high; and my poor litt'e si«=ter had only one eye.' •• Twe..<y-foiir white horses on a pink hill ; hear them galloping galloping; now they stand sli'l "—Yours tru'iy, A BARE-LEGGED HIGHLANDER. Dear Dot,— We have about 30 fowls and 18 chickens. There was a play here the other night, and it was \ery interesting. Nearly &J1 the fruit trees are out in bloom now, and the orchards look very preUv. I have a litile flower garden of my o-wn." I sowed a good many different kinds of feeds in it, and I think they are all growing. I iare some ferns in tins, and they are all nice and green. We had our pot plants in the house all winter, but wo shifted tnem. outside the day before yesterday. There was a fire here on the £th of this month, and two brick shops were destroyed. On© was a. butcher's shop and the other wag a tailor*3 shop. The children round 1 about here have started bird-nesting. The storekeeper does not buy eggs, but only heads, and we get 6d a dozen for them. W« knot Dknted; *U our potato^ "j

think I will hav.e to close now. With love to ' Long Tongue, Fuzzy, and Rosina, — Yours truly, ERIN-GO-BRAGH 11. Dear Dot, — You were saying it would be a good thing to start a discussion on Burns, and I think it wou'd. The quotation you mentioned is in Burns's poem' "To a Mouse-" on turning up her nest -with the plough : I " But, mousie, thou art no thy lane j In proving foresight may be vain ; j The best-laid schemes o* mice and men Gang aft «gley, j And leave us nought but grief and pain j -For promised joy." j Can any of the D.L.F. tell where the follow- , ing lines are taken from: " O wad some power the giftie gie us To see ooTsels as ithers see us" ? We have had some fine rain here. Everything is- looking fresh and green, and V" it ia pleasant to listen to the lambkins that bleat o'er the braes." Love to Dot and all the D.L.F.— Yours truly, ~ HEATH. Dear Dot, — The weather has bach pretty hot, but it has been raining very heavily n-early all day. Our examination is in about a fortnight, and I hope io pass. If I do I will be in the Sixth Standard. I planted some peas, turnips, radishes, carrots, cabbage plants, and a lot of flower seeds. One of our friends died on the 7th- of this month, and she left two small children. I have been reading some story books, and they were very nice. My "father has a sore wrist, and he could not sleep last night for the pair of it. I .have been doing some" sewing, but have just about finished. We Are not milking) any cow ; I wish ' that we had one. Wtf get skim-milk from my auntie. Well, Dot, I will close now, with love to all % the Dot's Little Folk, not forgetting yourself. — Yours truly, RAINBOW, i Dear Dot.— My sisters haTe all written to you, so I thought I would write. It was terribly hot to-night, so I put up the window, to make the ihouse cool, and the wind cracked the lamp-globe. I have been reading some books — "Strong as Deaih" and " The Lamplighter." Our examination wiLl soon be here. I see your page is getting larger every week. I think I will close now, with love to all the L.F., no 6 forgetting yourself. — Yours truly, HAZEL BUTTERFIELD. Dear Dot, — There was a funeral to-day, and a large number of people were there. It was about the largest funeral \thai has ever been seen in Livingstone. A company of v 10 girls called " The Scarlet Crusaders" wer c here about a week ago, and they gave a very interesting programme. Our exam, t is in about a week. It is starting to blow, '. and I think we are going to have a windy j night. My uncle and aunt went to theNorth Islfind on Thursday, and one of my other uncles is going on Monday. Goodbye, Dot. — Yours truly, QUE2JST EMILY. v Dear Dot, — I was very pleased to Eec my first letter in the Witness. We had a thunder-storm here last Sunday evening, but the weather has taken up again, and ' the farmers are busy getting the gro-und ready for their turnip crops. I was at a ' school concert and danc© on Friday even- j ing, and I met two L.F. there, but they did not tell me their N.D.P., as I had no badge. ! I know Queen Bess and Melbourne; they . live near where I live. lam very fond of reading. My favourite authors are Mrs Henry Wood and Charles Garvis. I am reading at present a book called "Uncle loin's Cabin," which I like very much I enjoyed the S.S.W. Some of the papers wer c v «ry good. I wonder if I will ever be able to write a. story for the S.S.W. I am very fond of flowers, and we have a lovely collection in our garden. I envy all the L.F. who live near the mountains or a bush. lam miles away from either. I lov« to be in the bash, for you see such beautiful ferns and trees. This afternoon my cousin and I went to Mabel Bush, which is about six miles away from where I Jive, and we got some lovely ferns. Dear Dot, you wanted to know how to put my name in your register: just put No Name. It is the name of a book which I have read, but I forget who is the author of it. as I have lent +he book to my uncle. Will you please send me a badge?— Yours truly, NO NAME. Dear Dot,— l was pleased to see my fir«t letter in the Witness. I have five brothers and two sisters. ' My eldest brother is away working. My father has panted 12 bag* of potatoes. I have a flower garden, and I have a lot of flower seeds in it. We have splendid rhubarb, which we 'started to use a. fortnight sgo. We have three dogr, and on© of them is over seven years old. We go bird-nesting, and we- have got SS egg*. My brother* got £2 for birds' Leeds last year. My cousin wrote to you a week or two VBgo.V Bgo. All our fruit trees are in flower, and we will have a lot of goose-; berries this year. • I will close now, with love to all the little folk and yourself.— Yours truly, FIND OUT. Dear Dot.— A considerable time has elapsed since I last wrote to your page. I would fcave written before this-, only there is nothing worth writing about. This is * very quiet place. Since I wrote to you last time our school teacher has left us, and we have a new or.c. O» Saturday our cricket club played a match against "Clyde CO., but w e proved to be too strCTMj for then team. Well, dear Dot, as this "is t>. very quiet place I must conclude this hy wishing you and the Little Fclk good luck —Yours truly. UNCLE REMUS. [Will answer your question ncs. week Uncle Remus. — DOT.] ' Dear Dot,— The farmers are sowing their seeds and we have got our potatoes in now. We had our examination about a week ago 1? d f> T h 4 nk ,T, T **" I)as - c J like reading the D.L.F. letters. I have .bout two nu!es to walk to school —Yours tiuiy ELACK BILLY. Dear Dot.— l was very pleased to see my first letter in the paper I am feedinnve calves night and morning All my school friends are going to write to you Dot. We have not had our examination }et. I have been going to school for three years, and am in the Third Standard I havo got two first class certificates, but | 'us year I on'y get a sscond class one 1 saw my cousin Isaac's letter in the paper. Longwood Blossom is the only D L F I have ?een since I joined your band. She is staying with her sifter in Nightcaps. She told ms sho was at the fancy dress bal) Three of niy brothers were there; two of them *-ent in plain dress, but the other went as a nigger.— Yours truly, CRONJIE. Dear Dot,— lt is such a long time since 1 last wrote to you that I think the D.L.F will be- forgetting there is such a, person as Mother Goose. I saw in one of tha iettera ' somebody wanted a list of books, co here are ■ ?, few:-— "Dora," a High School ginl, by May Baldwin; "Working «nd Waiting," by Mrs Carej-Brock; "White Lilac," bj Amj-J

Walton; "Nellie's Memories," by .Rosa) Carey; "What Katey Did," by Susan Coolidge; " A Christmas Child," by Mrs Moles- • worth ; "Jasper," by Mrs Molesworth ; "Pussy Tip-tc«s," by Mrs Molesworth; " The Soanip Family," by L. T. M«ade. Do you like flowers, Dot? I think they are lovely. We have over 200 ft of sw«et peas in. The first flower was picked on Saturday. They will make a nice show when they are all out. I had a post-card from i Tongala this morning. I an? going away for a fortnight's holiday at the end of this month, so I hope to write to you then. I think I have told you everything I can think of Love to Tongala and yourself. — Yours truly, MOTHER GOOSE. Dear Dot, — After many months of Eilenee I now take "up my pen and writs again to the dear old page. Spring is here again in all its loveliness. The flower gardens are looking very pretty in their manttes of many different colours. I think spring is the best season of the year because everything looks so fresh and green afier winter, with its short days and long, dreary nights. Most of the fruit trees are out in blossom, and by all appearances there will be plenty of fruit. The sparrows are busy preparing ! their nests- for laying and hatching their '> tggs. Their nests are generally hard to '< get, «s they build go high up in the trees. I I was out at service for a few months, { but had to ccme home again, as the work was too much for mother aad my sister but it is true, Dot, there is no place like horns. There was a leap-year ball held \ here a few we«ks ago. I was> at it, and ) enjoyed it immensely, reaching home at 5 ; 0 clock, tired out. We have one cow milk- i ing and two more to come in; when the three cows ar c milking I sometimes milk two, and do not dislike it aj all. I think 1 must stop now. With love, to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly. BLINKBONNIE.

AUTOS AND POST-CARDS. Lady Clare (address care of Sir E. ?! Smith, State Colliery, via Greymouthj wouk like to exchange autos and post-cards witi Trix, Bivesby, Melo, and Lu'a. Queen of Flowers (address care of Mr C. Doyle, Long Bush) would like to exchange autos vith any D.L.F. willing. Countess O'Kuma, care of -Mrs R. Taylor, Otokia, wculd like to exchange post-cards with Go Hon. Harry, Didn't You Knew, Princess Mabel, and any other D.L.F. willing. V-era (address Yera Foxster, Suva. Fiji) would very much lite to correspond with any D.L.F who is willing. Cornelia (address Myra Haugh. Isknd Cliff) would like to correspond with seme, D.L.F. Lady Isabel Carlyle (address. Eva Crane, Kdendale) "wishes 'to 'exchange post-cords with any Edendiile, D.L.F. willing. Rhoda (address Annie Crxsp.'caxe of P. 0., Waiareka Junction)- would- like to exchange post-cards witfcf Dusty Miller," Scots Grey, Cyclo, ard 'any D.L.E' willing. Tall Fairy Queen. ( care of J. Crosbie,, Glenrose, Edendale, would -like to exchange, autos ' and post-cards with ■ Lady Margarei, Sweet Rocket, and any other D.L.F willing. Flower Girl, Enapdaie P. 0., wishes tot exchange autos or post-cuds with Longwocd Blossom, Queen Emily, and any* D.L.F. willing. Sweet Angeline, care Mrs H Mufray, Bry-. done, would like to exchange post-cards withf Thistle,'. Lady Rowena, Princess Reia, Faded Rose, Tulip, Grandpa's Sweetie, and anyi othei.' D.L.F willing. f: Princess Alice (Mabel Blake. P.O Henley> would like to exchange autos with anvi D.L.F. willing

RIDDLES. 1. What is that which *gees with the wag-

* gon, Stops with th» waggon, yet is never j seen?—(Away the Trip.) ' j 2. Up the hill, down the hill, yet never moves.—(Away the Trip.) 3. What tune does a la-dy like best? — f (Away the Trip.) 4. What is tho difference between an engine-driver and a, schcol teaclier? — (Snowie.) j 6. Bound che house and through the house, and standing ou their heads all night. —(Chatterbox.) 6. Where did Napoleon first stand when he landed in St. Helena? —(Lady Olive.) 7. What three letters turn a girl into a weman ? —(Lady Olive.) 8. What pen ought never to be used in ■writing? —(Lady Olive.) ANSWKRS TO RIDDLES PUBLISHED OCTOBER 7. ' 1. Because there is not a trace left. 2. Because they |prisg from the eyes. 3. A passing remark. ; | . 1 ( ■ : , ; ' ' : , ! '