LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2997, 23 August 1911, Page 77

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

CHERRY BLOSSOM.

Motto: —We write for the benefit of others, no! I for ourselves. g»lfo letter to contain more than 450 worii. Dear Dot, —I. was very pleased to see my last lutter in print. Mother is- digging the garden just now. Some of the books I have read are "Adam Bede," "All In A Month," "For Ever and Ever," "Found Out," - "A Summer Jaunt," "Cerise," "William Allair," "Three Boys in the Wild North Lands," "Home Sunshine," "Little Women," "Good Wives," "Monica," "Boys Will Be Boys," "Brave Deeds," and "Where Billows Boll." Are Wild Rose's third and fourth riddles (3) An orange, and (4) A man, a three-legged stool, a leg of mutton, and a dog? I know a few L.F. about here. My sister has some blue primrose seeds. We are only milking one cow just now. I have a fungus. Have you ever seen one, Dot? The last book I read was "Found Out." We have three neW games called "Scouting," "Motoring," and "Horse-racing." I will tell you a story called "Signora and Lori: A gentleman living in a small town in Germany, who was very fond of animals, possessed a fine parrot which had beautiful plumage, and could talk better than most of its kind. Besides the parrot ha had a poodle dog, ■ which ho called Signora Patti, after the great singer, whom he had once heard when on a visit to the capital. Under the tuition of her master the poodle was not long in showing wha + a clever dog she was. There was no

trick performed by clogs too difficult for her to learn. The parrot, whose name was Lori, paid the greatest attention whilst the Signora's lessons were going on, and he soon had, not only in his head but on his tongue, all the words and directions that the Signora had been taught to understand. When the dog was told by her master to "Go to the baker," then Lori would croak out the words also. Signora Patti would hasten to fetch the little basket, seat herself before her master, and, looking up at him with her wise eyes, scrape gently upon the floor with her paws, which meant, "Please put in the money." Her master dropped in a few coins. The Signora ran quickly to the baker with the basket, and brought it back filled with little cakes. Placing it before her master, she waited for her reward, which was generally a good share of the dainties. Often for a variety m the lessons she had to go to the baker without money, then her master simply gave the order, "Book it," and the Signora, who knew that the cakes would be sent, obeyed the command at once. The parrot made a droll use of the dog's lessons, turning to account his knowledge of speech in the slyest way. If he found himself alone with the poodle, who was perhaps comfortably stretched on her cushion, Lori would cry, imitating her master's voice if he quite understood the joke, "Go out!" P°, or Patti would get up in obedience to the order and slink out of the room with her ears drooping. Immediately Lori would whistle, just in the tone used by his master, and the Signora then returned joyfully into the room. But it was not only for pastime that Lori exercised his gift; the cunning bird used it for his greedy beak. —I will stop now. With love to all the L.F. and yourself, —Yours truly, QUEEN TOTTIE. [A very curious red fungus made its appearance in one of the garden borders the other day. Queen Tottie. I had never seen it except in the bush before. It was a brilliant scarlet; do you know it?—DOT.] J Dear Dot, —I have to tell you about two accidents "which happened last week. A -young boy was driving a traveller down to Clyde when a sheep ran across the road 'and startled Ihe horse, which jumped | into the river. The • whole turnout ;. was lest; but fortunately the occupants i were, ex.'.opt for a few bruises, unhurt. The j other was on Saturday night, when the ! coach light fell on' someone who was carryj ing buckets. This startled the horses, which | tried to turn round, breaking both the kingi bolt and the pole, and badly damaging the i harness. —Yours truly, THE DRIVER. [lt was very fortunate that the results of these two accidents were no worse, though the loss of a horse and trap was no doubt serious enough. I hope the owner was inj sured.—DOT.] i Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the > page, so will you kindly let me become one of your correspondents? There was no frost here this morning, and when I got up a thrush and a good many larks were singing. I am setting traps just now, and I generally get a ferret or two. The hawks, too, are : generally up pretty quickly and have a bit j of fur pulled out of the rabbits.—Yours truly, NUGGET.

[There is new life everywhere now, Nugget ; I have heard the thrushes waking up tc the spring myself, but there are very few skylarks near us, and I never see a hawk. But we hear bellbirds fairly frequently.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —After an absence of several months I have at last found a spare moment to devote to the page. The weather here is mild now; we have had plenty o' snow and frost, but the snow is disappearing. The ice is still safe, however, and we spend many a pleasant hour enjoying our selves on it. Owing to the snow we have had threo weeks' holidays from school, and commence again on the 2nd August. I have had quite a number of letters and cards from D.L.F. now, but I am sorry to say I have not answered many. To redeem this, however, I am going to start to-day and answer as many as I can, and I hope to be excused by the rest. Well, dear Dot, as I have nothing very interesting to' say, I will try and invent a story. How shall I begin? "How Philly Carried the Flag to Glory,"— now that seems a good title. Let us see. "Why are you boys strutting about so consequentially? What are those sticks for?" asked Miss Bennett, with a smile. "Goin' tc be Cadets, you know, miss, an' we're jus' seein' how it feels to carry a gun," answered the leader, a well set up lad, with his cap cocked comically over . one freckled ear. The teacher, who knew her little flock so well, looked at the youthful heroes with amusement, but, being a tender-hearted girl, who loved them all,- her merriment was blended with a mixture of sorrow, for she knew that one lad, at least, would be bitterly disappointed. A shout of derision came from a laughing group. "I say, miss. Philly here thmks he's agoin' f be a soldier, too." A delicate, pale-faced, undersized little lad looked defiantly at them. "An' why shouldn't I?" he cried in a shrill, angry trebK "You just wait an' see, now/' "Philly, dear," spoke Miss Bennett, and her voice was very soft, "I want a boy to help roll the maps.. Will you come?"—Well, Dot. what- do you think of my story, so far? I will continue it in my next letter, and close with heaps of love to all D.L.F. and yourself, Dot,—Yours truly, MANDEVILLEA SNOVELENS

[ls this your own story, Mandevillea, or is it one you have read? I could not help smiling a little when you said it was "mild" with you nc«w, though the ice was still bearing well. Here in Dunedin we hardly associate "mildness" with ice; but I suppose it is all a matter of what one is accustomed to.—DOT.]

xu De -, a J-. Dot,—l -rr Was gUd io see m y k*t«r in ♦ho Witness. We are milking two cows, and we have.B2 sheep. I lij, e reading the pjj.F. letters. I have three sisters writing to the page We have about three miles to go to school. There are rot many children going to the school that I go to; those who go are nearly all D.L.F. I like writing to your page. I know a good few D.L.F. about here. I am glad that the winter is nearly over now; it will soon be spring again Yours truly, JERRY." [I know I have a good few D.L.F in your schoc, Jerry; the name of the place where you live is beccmmg quite familiar to me iStSS-DoB Jt so often at the top oi

Dear Dot,—lt is such a wet, dreary night !?" nig ( tr i s 3JPP° se y°u are preparing for the Winter Show; are you going to it? I dont thmk I will go, as it is too muddy and cold to be out too late at night; the frost out here is no treat some mornings Have you had a cold or influenza yet? Eveiybody you meet nowadays has a fearful cold, a rore throat, or mumps. Are you getting much rain in tov.n? It is raining so hard out here. We had a thunder shower on Saturday night, and I thought the place would havor been flooded on Sunday morn-

ing.ll> was- pretty bad; there was more than enough mud and water lying about our door, anyway. The winter will very soon be oyer now, and those dreadful hot days of summer will be setting in; but still the hot days of summer are better than the cold of winter. Some people say they would rather have the winter than the summer, but I am not one of those. —Yours truly, SWEETHEART MAY. [You ought not to have any great heat where you Jive, Sweetheart May; do you find it excessive in summer? In any case, I think you must be glad of the fruit and the flowers that summer bring; it is a gayer season than viinter, isn't it? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very glad to see my other letter in the Witness, so I am writing again. Some of our hens are laying. We have a lot of hens, and we have nine ducks, but they are not laying. I suppose we shall soon be starting to milk now. We have 50 sheep. We killed three pigs, and we have two left. I always read your page, and I often see some of my mates' letters in. I have three brothers; one of them writes to you, and my sister writes, too. My sister is only six years old. When I am going to school my brother and I take a short cut across a paddock. I shall be glad when the summer comes and I can go to school with bare feet. Now, I am going to give your Little Folk some riddles: (1) "The more you cut off it the longer it gets." (2) "Why is a policeman like a rainbow'?" —Yours truly, SUPLE GEOFF. [I .should think the short cut across the paddock is sometimes pretty wet now, Geoff, isn't it? I can understand that you will be very glad to be a barefoot boy again; but it would not be very amusing to go barefoot just now, with ice about. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—The time passes by so quickly that I feel ashamed of myself when I look back and find out what a long time I have remained silent. It is almost three years since I wrote last. I am away from' home on a holiday for a week or two, and I am having a lovely time; I shall be sorry when it is over. I was at a concert and dance about three weeks ago, and I enjoyed myself so much. A friend and I were out having some music the other evening, and some of the records of the phonographs were very good. I hope,the D.L.F. social is a success; I should have liked to come down and hear Mary Bell reciting, but that is impossible. I hope my friend gets on all right and, has a good time. There has been a good deal of rain lately, and the roads are too muddy for cycling. Did you ever go to the play "East Lynne" ? I was at it when it was in Oamaru, and I thought it was very nice, but it was a little sad to see Willie dying. With love to Wee Woman, Mary Bell, and A Herbert Lassie,—Yours truly, V LADY MINTO.

[I can hardly believe that it is three vears since you wrote, Lady Minto; are you sure of it? Time must have sped for me, too. The social is over, as you will see, and Mary Bell recited. -She told me she was very nervous; does that seem like her?— DOT.] ,

Dear Dot,—We have had very hard frost, a,nd the park pond -has been frozen over, and we have been sliding and skating on it. It was not a very fine day for the Coronation, but we enjoyed ourselves. In the morning we had a church parade, and in the afternoon there was a procession, and a social at night. My sister was there, and enjoyed herself very much. Dot, you should be up here just now, and I would be able to give you a snowballing; we had a slight fall on Sunday night, which soon went away off the flat, but there is plenty up the hill. Where are you, Handy Andy? I have not seen a line from you to the D.L.P. Page for a long time. I suppose you and Bobbie Dear are too busy practising football. When are the Ramblers going to have a match? I would back them against all-comers; they have a fine able-bodied team of young men. Since I wrote to the page last they have an emu in the park, besides the opossums and frogs, so we are nearly as far advanced at the Dunedin Gardens. I have been to Dunedin several times, and I liked it very much, for we often went to the seaside. Some day when I come to town again I will come and see you at your office. Now, Dot, I will close with a riddle: "Like what Australian city is a stale egg?" With love to all the D.L.P. and yourself,—Yours truly, BEN LOMOND.

[So you would liko to snowball me, Ben Lomond? Well, I am very much afraid yo would have the best of it, for I am qui. out of practice for .. snowballing. There has net been a flake 0f... snow in Punedin this year! We sometimes have snow even as late as October, but it never lies long then,,for the ground is warm, and the sun is stronger than in winter.—DOT:]'

Dear Dot, —We are milking two cows now, and I have to feed them on turnips, as there is not much grass. There are a few people going up to the Grand National next week. I did not follow the hunt we had the other week. I know a great many L.F. about here. We cut. chaff oh • Wednesday, and the night the chaffcutter came the men came into the dining room, and we had a nice game of cards. We have dug our potatoes, and we havo them all carted home and pitted. The farmers are all busy getting the ground prepared for their crops. The river is very low now, and the punt has had to' be shifted down the river a little,"" and it takes a long time to cross.—Yours truly, REINDEER.

[You enclosed stamps for 'autos, Reindeer, and asked me to send them to you, but gave neither name nor address. Now) will you tell me how it can be done?— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page. I am 10 years old. We are milking three cows and feeding two pigs. We have also 40 hens and eight horses. My brother, Waggoner, is writing to you. Father is gravelling the road now. We killed a big pig not long ago, and it weighed 1781 b. We have two miles to go to school —Yours trul y> BUTCHER.

[I am very glad to hear from you, Butcher, and hope you will write again. Out of the eight horses you have, is there one that you can ride?—POT.]

Dear Dot, —I am 11 years and 4, months old now. I will be in the Boy Scouts soon. My father has a farm., but it is a very small one; it is only 100 acres. We have one dog and three calves. I have five brothers We do not live on our farm yet, as there 1? no water there. We had our photos taken and they were very nice. It is very col''' these mornings going to school. There tr 15 children going to school.—Yours trulv. WAGGONER, [I got the 6d safely, Waggoner, and you will have the pleasure of knowing that it will buy a Christmas present for some poor little child living in a dreary part of Bristol. It will very likely be the only Christmas present this little child will get, bo you

may imagine what pleasure it will give. Eight months till you can become a Scout, isn't it? The time will quickly pass.— DOT.] Dear- Dot, —Since I last wrote to you we have gone into a farm. I have left school and! am working on the farm. In the milking season I help to milk the cows and drive the milk to the factory, but the cows ana nearly all dry now, so I take out turnips to them in the morning and set (rabbit traps in.the afternoon. Sometimes I catch a. good few rabbits, and sometimes I don't catch many, especially in the frosty weather. Three- of our cows weaJe poisoned through eating tutu. We have not bad any snow yet this winter, but we have had a lot of frost. We live among the hills, and they are very pretty in summer,' as> they are covered with bush. There is a- range of hills called the Slopedown Range about a mile from our fiarm. The roads are very bad just now, as they are not metalled, but they are pretty good in summer. I am very fond of reading. These are some of the books I have read: '" Ivanhoe," " Freedom's Sword," "The King's Friend," "Unknown to History," " Mischievous Monckton," " The World of Ice," "Westward Ho!" and "Benjamin Holbeck." Have you read any cf these books, Dot? I am fond of reading about history.—Yours truly, PRINCE. RUPERT. [I have read " Ivanhce " and " Westward Ho!" Prince Rupert, and like both of them. Have you read " The Talisman," by Sir Walter Scott? I think you would like that, since you like reading history; it is about the time of the Crusaders. Have you read any book about your namesake, Prince Rupert ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to your page, and I wish to become one of your happy band. lam nine years old, and am in the. Third Standard. I have four other brothers. . I lost my only sister about three months ago, and we all miss her very much, as she was always so bright and happy. She was going to school with us, and was six years and seven months old. . It seems such a want without a sister. . My youngest brother is nearly three years old, and ia very funny in his little ways. Spring will Sicon be here, and it will be very pleasant when the flowers are all out, and th* little lambs skipping about. One of our neighbours has iseven little lam bis. We are

milking throe cows and have some little calves. I have not learned to milk yet, but hope to do so soon, as it will always be some help to my mother. I think, dear Dot, I will say good-bye for the present. With love to yourself .and the Little Polk.—Yours truly, ROBIN HOOD. [I am very sorry indeed to bear that "youhavo lost your little sister, Robin Hood; it is ia great loss, and I know how sad the want must be that you feel. "Write to ma again, and as often as you like. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having very cold weather here. It is raining and blowing today, and we have to stay inside. Some of the books I have read aire " The Sham Princess," " Little Jim's Rescue," " The Basket of F'owers," and " Little Robin Gray." O'ur cows are going dry now, and we get hardly enough milk to last us until the next milking, as we just milk them once a day. Do you like riding horses, Dot? I do, and the longest ride I have had is 32 miles in one day. We left home about 10 o'clock amd got back at 4 o'clock. One day when we were sliding on the ioe one of my brothers slid into a hole and got wet.. I j&m. learning to play the piano, and I like it. With love to Greenbush, May Blossom, and yourself,—Yours truly, . [Thirty-two miles in one day waa quits a good ride for a girl of your age; were you very tired? I don't think I have ever ridden so far as that in one day.—DOT'.] MAY BLOSSOM'S MATE.

Dear Dot, —I have often thought of writing to the page, but have never put my thoughts into .action until now. I am 15 years of age, and. have left, school, and am working in a book shop. Certain days of the week I have* to deliver books, and sometimes I get into great rows from some of the old ladies for forgetting their patterns or something else. I-have just shifted te town lately, and. find it very different from, living in the country. Are you going to the Show, Dot? I am, if I can get off work. I should like to go, as I have never been there before. This is a very short letter, Dot. but as it is my first you will excuse me.—Yours truly, , THE LAD FEAE DUNBLANE. I [A first letter is often '.a short one, but that does not matter';' I am glad that you have got the length of writing at all. Perhaps you will write and tell rrue what you thought of the Show. Don't get into too deep disgrace with the old ladies!—DOT]

Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will let me join your happy band. I have only one companion to go to school with. Our teacher is going away soon, and I am very glad, for I do not like school. I can ride a horse l , and I am very fond of riding. My mate and; I often go for a ride. We have four horses, and I have six miles to ride for the mail twice a week. ; Two of my brothers are shepherding, and one of them works in a scheelite mine. My mate and I give a party once every year; last time we had it in a tent. We have two miles to walk to church every Sunday night. On© of my sisters .is out working, and the other is at home. I

am learning to play tbe piano. One of my brothers was rabbiting this year. I will give you a riddle, Dot: " When will the alphabet be tbe shortest-?"—Yours truly, ... COSY DELL. [The. tent paity sounds rather good sport, Cosy Dell; did you give your visitors your own camp cooking in it? What would it be?—damper, tea, 'and rabbit stew? I hope you will tell us all about it if you give another.—DOT.] - Dear Dot, —We have lost our old teacher i now; he left yesterday. Ho has been teaching at Mount Keira for 37 years, and has now retired on a pension of full pay. The teacher who is here now is the teacher from Mourat Kembla, whom I used to drive to school on a Monday morning and bring back on a Friday. He is a good teacher, but he is only here until our new head; teacher arrives. We went to a picnic one Simday not long ago, and we enjoyed ourselves very well. We went from here in a coach, and some of the people went in their own vehicles. Twenty-six went in the coach, and thero were 52 altogether. Th« coach went to a place called Mullet Creek, where we got into a motor launch. The launch went about two miles down the creek, and then half the people got out, as it could not cross the bar with such a big load. When we crossed the bar we got into Illawarra Lake, ' and we went several mile 3 over the lake to an island called Gooseberry Island. This is one of the loveliest places lin Australia; it is named after the gooseberry plants which grow there. We.aape having a week's holiday on account of the King being crowned. We celebrated Coronation Day at our school by having a picnic up the mountain. ! We were each given .lollies when we left

s&* vcfo&dl, and a cup of tea at dinner time. We boya played football and) the girls played) xounders mud all sorts of games. The mine has been working fairly well. We have moved) lately to a boarding-house, and wo have about six boarders now. It is the only two-storey house at Keira. There is a reservoir being made just a little way above our place. One of our boarders works at it. Wo bad two boardiera working at it, but one of them was married. . They lived about 200 mQca from hero and ihey moved up to "Wollongrmg, two miles from Mount Keira. It is on the Dlawarra line, and is the largest town in the IHiawarra district. Thero is a Small harbour, but it is only big enough for coal boats and email coastal boats. From our pliaca we can see a long way down the coast when ■we go to the top of tha house. There is a new road being made, s©| tourists and other people can drive motor cons or any kind of vehicle up to see the view from Mount Keira. The South Coast district is one cf the fineist districts in Australia. There are mining and fawning done there. Dairy farming and butter making are done. The Mount Keira team of footballers are playing League this year; they think it is a better game than Union. I ia.ni years old how, and "I think I have improved a good deal since the first letter I wrote to you. I was just about 10 years o'd when I started to writs to you. I have improved in my letters, but not much in my writing, as I was never a gocd writer, but I hope to be better some diay. "With. 1 lovo to Cornstalk and all D..L.F. and yourself, —Yours truly,

A MINER'S LAD. [I am glad to hear from you again, Miner's Lad; I am always pleased to get a letter from Australia. It seems to bring. another atmosphere into the page, with all those Australian names. They are so different from Maori names. It is quite truo that your letters have improved; you will be a very fine letter-writer one of these days, if you persevere.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am not writing this letter myself, as lam in bed with measles. They are very nasty things to have, and I have a bad cold as well. Our school is closed on. on account of all the children having measles./ "We have a fortnight's holiday. Gold Dust forgot to tell you that he has three pigeons. One is black and white, and the other two are brown. "With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, -.

MARTIN RATTLER. j [Poor. Martin Rattler!' So that is. what ' you are reduced to—an attack of measles! I am so sorry. I suppooe a good many boys and girls have been in the same plight duri ing the last few months. But you will bo { quite well again by new, I hope. Changes of nom de plume are not allowed unless for some very special reason; and your present one is quite a gocd one.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am just getting better from measles. I have been in bed a week now, . and I don't like it very much. My brother and sister are in bed also with measles. 1... don"t see any of the D.L.F. writing from . here now; perhaps this letter of mine will give them a start again. My brother,. Star of Brunswick, is rabbiting now. Ho left ( school last Christmas. Star of Brunswick has 350 skins saved, so he ought to get a good cheque for them. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, | GOLD DUST. ! [I am wondering what price. Star of Brunswick expects to get for his skins; 1 suppose the price fluctuates a little. So> you were also a measles patient; but you are evi- ' dently further on than Martin "' i.tler. I'. hope you have all quite recow- >/ now.—* ' j DOT.]

Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to yonr page, and I hope you will let mo join your happy band. I am 10 years old, and am in the Second Standard. I have two and threequarter miles to walk to school. I like)

going to school very much. I have- a little sister who is going to start school next month. I have read a great number of books; soma of them are, "Abby Blake," "Peter Simple," "Jean and Jess," and a> great number of others. Dear Pot, I will stop now, because I want my sums done. With love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, FAIRY THIMBLE.[I am sure you will be glad when your little sister starts going to school with you. But will she be able to walk two and threequarter miles there and back?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Mother and I sent you a few things for the Guild of the Brave Poor things which I hope you will receive safely. I sent you the ribbon, Dot, as I thought it would do to tie some little -child's hair. Dear Dot, the next time I write to the page J will be at a place called. Birchwood, about 10 miles from Nightcaps. Father has bought a place there. What lovely weather we are having I It is real spring weather. This ia

our Bible Class night, but our leader is away at Dunedin, so we are not holding any. My father is buck from Melbourne again, j H© says it is such a pretty place. He hap- 1 pened to be there at the Coronation time, and he said the crowds were enormous. ’‘“Rcllifer’s sister is staying at the factory 1 jiist now in charge of the telephone, and she likes it very much. What crowds of people have gone to the show! A good few people j went from here. Dunedin will be over- | flowing with people just now. We are hav- ; ing a ladies’ ball her© on the 23rd of August, j and I hop© it will be a nice night, as it j will b© my last dance hero for a long I while.—Yours truly,

THE LAST ROSE OP SUMMER. [You will have to write and tell me how you like your new home; it will probably feel strange at first, and you will miss your old friends, but I hope you will soon begin to like it. Dunedin seeined more crowded for the show this year than I have ever known it, and I hear that one night a num.- : ! ber of visitors wore unable to find any l accommodation anywhere, and had to walk the streets all night. It hardly eeems possible. It makes me wonder what London must have been like- at Coronation time.—■ DOT.] ... Dear Dot.—l have Lady Thelma staying with' m© just now. I was sta/ing with my uncle at Whitstono a few weeks ago. I had a lovely time with my little cousins. We have great fun playing hockey at school I am in the Fifth Standard, and Lady Thelma is in the Sixth. We are going- to have a Sunday School social in a few weeks', and I hope it will be a success. How did the D.L.F. social in Dimedin turn out? I should have liked to go, but I had no such luck. I hope to come to the next picnic you have in Oamaru. I see that the L.F. are) taking a gtreat interest in the Guild of the, Brave Poor Things. I was indeed very sorry to hear of Babiana's death. She used to write some very nice and interesting letters to the page. Lady Thelma and I drove to Sunday School to-day. We also got my uncle to pttt up a swing in the barn yesterday, and we did have such good fun. M'y mother and father were away yesterday, so we had to cook the dinner for ttncle. He said it waa th& worst dinner he ever tasted, so we made him get the tea, and we told him the tea- was not strong enough. That made him angry. I will now close with a few riddles: (1) "Why did the fly fly?" (2),

"Why did th© owl howl?" (3) "How many" feet have 40 sheep, a shepherd, and hr dog?" (I) "As I went over London bridge I picked up something shiny; I took it home and made ray daddy tidy. What was it?" With love to all the L.F. and yourself,— Yours truly, WAITAKI FAIRY.

[You are quite a. stranger, Waitaki Fairy but 1 am so glad to welcome you back again. I have no doubt that you and Lady Thelma have been having very happy times together; I daresay that you oven onjoyed •cooking that bad dinner for your poor uncle, and lie piobal ly enjoyed protending to be a martyr.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We bad our examination on Tuesday, and I hope 1 got good marks. Wo have a new teacher. I have two brothorf and on© sister; "the. two boys are going to school, and my littlo sister has not yet has firs*, class certificates and a started. I havo not missed a day from school this year, and I am trying to yst a first-class certificate. My youngest brother has three first class certificates and a second; lie has only missed ono day since ho started school, and ho is in the Third Standard. Wo shall bo having a week's holiday .soon, and my cousin and _ I are going 1o Inveroargill. Wo are saving up cur pennies to go to Dunedin for our Now Year holidays, and while we aro Up there wo will try to see you. Since I Inst wrote to you I have* been up at Longwood for a week staying with my aunt. She took up through the bush until wo got to the water race; it is lovely to see the telear water Tunning and the beautiful ferns and trees hanging over it. One day we went for a walk up the tram and saw the hauler pulling up logs. It breaks down everything in front of it. With love to all the Little Folk and yourself,—Yours truly. SUNLIGHT.

[I should like very mucli to see that Longwood bush: Shasta has been telling me a good deal about it since she has been in Dunedin. I believe I passed through it once; would that be the way I went, going from Eiverton to Round Hill? I hope you will b» able to some and see me at New Year time; do you think you will have enough pennies by then ?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—You told me to write again soon, so I am taking the opportunity while I have a quiet evening. I am staying with Waitaki Fairy -at present, and am having a beautiful time. Last Thursday we went for a picric to the place where I am soon going to live, Papakaio. Tho name of our farm is called Burntlands. It, is not a very nice name, but the ground is good, so we will not take tho name into consideration. I should have liked to come to your D.L.F. social, but it was rather far to go. I hope it turned out a success. There is a dance at Waitaki on the 25th of this month, and I think I arm going. I had a lovely drive this afternoon. Waitaki Fairy and I drove to Sunday School to-day. We had a swing in the barn yesterday, and we did have some fun. Waitaki Fairy's mother was away yesterday, and wo had to cook the dinner for Waitaki Fairy's uncle. You can imagine what sort of a dinner it was, for I wouldn't like to describe it. He. passed some rather insulting remarks about the dinner, so we let him make tea. We paid him back quite all we owed him, and a little more, too, I think, although I wctildn't like to say too much about what we did and said. I will close now with some riddles: (1) "Why did the penny stamp?" (2) 'What sort of monkey males the best wine?" (3-) "Forty sheep went through a gap, 40 more followed that, six, seven, "ten, eleven, 3 and 2 —how many is that?" (4) "As I went over London bridge I met a London scholar; he took off his hat and drew off his glove, I havf now told you the name of the scholar." Car any of the D.L.F. tell me what his name is? With best wishes to all D.L.F. and yourself—Yours truly, LADY THELMA. [I quite -like " Burntlands" for a name. Lady Thelma. Would you rather have had a Maori name? But, as you say, the soil of the farm matters more than the name. Tell me how you like your new home when vou go to it, will you? I seem to be hearing about a number of changes this week.— DOT] Dear Dot, —I always read the Little Folk's Page, so I decided to write too. I hope you will let mo join your happy band. I am 13 years of age, and am in the Fifth Standard at school. I have six sisters and six brothers. We have about two miles to ■walk to school, and it is not very pleasant these cold frosty mornings. But spring is with tis again, so it is not quite so cojd as it used to be. The farmers about here are busy preparing their land for another year's crop. Igo to the Technical School, and last day we treated our school, teachers to afternoon, tea. We are oi.ly milking five cows just now, but intend to milk 23. With love to Queen Esther, —-Yours truly, QUEEN ANNE.

[Then there is work ahead for you, Queen Anne ; if 3 T ou aro going to have 25 cows to milk. That means early rising, doesn't it? What elates are you taking at the Technical School, and do you go there in the evening or to day classes?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As I am all alone to-day I thought I would write a few lines to the page. I will tell you about a presentation social we had at a neighbour's place about three weeks ago. It was to bid farewell to the old people, and at the same time to welcome home their son, who is newly married. The social took ihe. form of dancing, which was kept ig|oing until the early morning. They were resented with a beautiful covered chair each. There was also some singing and reciting between the dances, and a very pleasant evening broke up with "For they are jolly good" fellows," and "Auld lang syne." The dancing wa-9 held in the loft. I think cveiryJ body enjoyed themselves. The spinsters of this district gave a ball last Wednesday evening, and of course I was at it also, as I was a member. It was a great success ; everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves. There were about GD couples in the grand march. There is to bo another ball on the lGth, given by tho Edendale football teams So this little township is quite lively just now, with its weddings and dances. I have been away housekeeping for a week, end just came home last night. Some of ' the games we play these nights are draughts, cribbago, euchre, donkey, and old, maid; I like euchre and cribbage beet. I was going for a ride one night on my bicycle, but when I got about two miles from home the front tyre went off like a popgun. I must have punctured it, so I just had to turn and go home; we could not mend it, for we had no patching with us. I think I will close by giving the D.L.P. a few riddles:—(l) "Why is a ship always polite?" (2) "If the King were to give the Queen a kiss, what building would it represent?" (3) How is a dog's tail like the heart of a tree?" With kindest regards to Mother's Help, Mother's Sunshine, Mountain Lilac, and all other D.L.P.,—Yours truly, THE LASS FROM CAtILOURIE.

[lt seems to me, lass, that though the country is supposed to be quiet as compared

with town, people there often have a gayer time than their town cousins. I am quite gjlad to hear that you have been having F.ueh a thoroughly enjoyable time. "Merry goes the time when the heart is young" —■ havo you over had that said to you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was not at the Winter Show, but my father was, and he got a lot of prizes. I have a garden of my own, and have many pretty flowers in it. I havo also a garden 'at school. .My sister is going to write to your page. I always road the Little Folk's letters, and think tiny aro very nice. There are a great many Littlo Folk writing now. I will give, a, riddle or two:—(1) "Why is a lame dog like o. boy adding seven and six together? J2) "Why do dentists make good farmers? Yours truly, ,»™-»i"Mi PRINCESS ADELAIDE. [Have you any spring bulbs in your littlo gardeiif, Princess Ad.ola-ide? If so, you must bo having a joyful' time just now watch in" their scented flowers unfoid.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I see by the paper that you are "•etting a number of parcels for the hamper. I am sure when it arrives at its destination the contents will be much appreciated. I was in Dunedin at Coronation time. The town looked very pretty at night with ad tho electric lights, and the tram-car was nicely decorated and lighted up. It was a groat pity that the day was so wet. Our Sunday school teacher has left, and the pupils and ex-pupils of the school gave him an Oxford Bible. As he is leaving the district, there was a farewell paTty Mield at his house, and he and his wife were presented with some handsome gifts. My mother and I went, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. First of all, there were songs and recitations, then speeches, and sonic more songs. The party broke up about 11 p.m. Since I last wrote to you. my grandfather has given me a bicycle, and in fine weather it is nice to bo able to ride to school. As the xoad3 are clay, they are not fit for a bicycle in the winter; but they axe drying up now. My father and brother went to the Show, and my brother Hazel Stick, was going to the D.L.F. social. I would _have liked to go too, but I could not leave school. I suppose I shall havo left next year, and I might have p chance of you then. I have gone to three birthday parties this year, given bv children who go to the same school as I do. In the last holidays I had two schoolmates up for the day, and I returned homwith them, staying until- next day. I thir' I enjoyed myself more there than I did in Dunedin. With lov-3 to Ethel, La Fee Marie, and yourself,—Yours truly, ESSIE. [Will you please tell Hazel Stick that if ho was at the social and did not come up to speak to m», I am most disappointed in him? I had such a nice long talk with him and- Scotch Heather last year, and should have been very glad to renew our acquaintance this year. It would also have given me a chance of thai king him personally for the gift hei sent, and of sending my thanKS through him to you and Scotch -tieatner. A bicycle was a levely present for h°9 U to v get ' Essi «J are you very careful of *y.. * <: , u wiU T gs*, so much pleasure out of it, I know.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,-Tlu iS u my first letter to your Second Standard at school. There are five other children mmy class. I have a snowdrop and a violet out in my garden, and I Jiavo also, several eweetpeaa; but they are not out. I have two gardens. We have a pet lamb, which is 12 years' old. We have b.'cn having spring days lately. We used to have a bird, but it died, and our tortorseshell cat d;ed too. Our Sunday school teainer has gone away. The birds a + f f t,i m dl T e ! thelr llests " The y sin * beautifully. I know some of the D.L.F., but not many of them. We have a black horse. and also a bay one. We have a dog and threo cacs I like listening to the birds in spring.—Yours truly, LITTLE JIM

[You have puzzled me altogether, Little '..«/ I som *thin,g you have said. You .say We have a pet lamb which is 12 years old. Jvow, I should have- thought a 'lamb would become a sheep long before then, although butchers are inclined to call mutton lamb much longer than other people. I think you will have to tell me in your next letter, Little Jim, when a lamb becomes a, sheep. The birds are indeed singing beautifully just now; I love listening to them. Have- you many where you live? Tell me which ones you know by sight, and which by their song.—'DOT'.] Dear Dot,—l saw in your answer to one of the D.L.P. that you would like some others to write about some of the missionaries, so I will copy a piece from a litle book called "The Break of Day"; it is entitled "Some Queer Things on Epi" It is written by the Rev. Thomas Eiddle, a missionary on the island. He says": "I was just thinking what a lot of queer things there are o nEpi that you boys and girls have never seen. Did you ever see a sea serpent? There are lots of them here.. Sometimes l when we are sailing in a boat we eee them lying on the top of the water. But they are not big enough to eat you. They are about three or four feet long, and have black and white bands all round their ugly bodies. Last week I saw one that had crawled up on some rocks, and the boys were frightened, and said it was a spirit, because it was on "tapu" ground. Then there is the sea cow, or dugong. Last Saturday the men here saw one that the sharks had been trying to kill. A man jumped on its back and held its.nose under the water till it was drowned. It was a small one. just about 7ft long. Its hide waa so tough that the sharks could not bite it through, but they had snapped at it so often with their big teeth that its back was all scratched over. The dugong is like a seal. It has a big, broad hoso like a pig, and its ears are just small holes in tho side of its head. There is a queer bird here, which we call a bush turkey. It lays a lot of big, long eggs, and buries them at the root of a tree. Then it leaves them till the heat hatches them. The chick has strong feathers on it when it comes out of the egg, and it can fly away as soon *3 aver it is dry. It does not need its mother t ofeec! ot. The turtles, too, come ashore, and lay a whole lot of eggs in the sand above the high tide mark. When the little turtles hatch out they are quteer little fellows about an inch long, but they paddle about eating seaweed, and when old they are three feet long." I will close now; but if you like I can write some more of this' next time. With love to you and all the D.L.P., —Ycurs truly, PRINCESS MARTHA.

[You have chosen some really interesting little bite to toll us, Princess Martha, and I should quite liko to hear some moro. I don't think the heat of the sun would ever hatch out eggs here, do you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have taken to gardening, and I like to seo my bulbs comiiig through the earth. I am going to take the prize- at -the church. A friend from Maerewhcnua is go-

ii*g to send me a canary as a mate to my goldfinch. I will write to where I waa staying at Maerewhenua to-night. Did you go to see the Coronation procession? I did. I have bean to see the moving picture? several times; the best picture I ever saw was " The Fight for the Fort." I am very fond of reading. Some of the books I have read are: " Deerfoot in tho Forest," " Deorfcot on tbo Prairies," and " Deerfoot in tho Mou/ntains." They are, of course, tales of adventure, and I like them very much. I should like to read "Treasure Island" and " Kidnapped*." I havo not written to the Fireman as I promised. I don't suppose I should ever havo written to yoxi to-day, only I have bean ill and had to stay inside. Th» D.L..F. band is growing bigger - and bigger every week.—Yours tauly, COLONIAL BOY. [Are the " Deerfoot " stories about North American Indians? Somehow the name '' Deerfoot" seams to suggest that. Most boys like tales of adventure, I think—and many girls too. I think you ought to writo to The Fireman if you said you would, Colonial Boy; it is .a good thing never te break even the smallest promise. I shall 'send your badge to-day, now that I have your n.amio and address.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I saw in the witness that some boy bad got my N!.D.P., but I do not mind, for I have not written to the page for a long time, and deserve to lose it. I shall sign my name with a II after it, so that there will be no need for any trouble. I know Red Assegai well. He mu3t have made a mistake about the football match that he mentioned in his letter. I am captain of tho Houipapa team, „ and when we played Tawanui last we beat them by 5 goals to 1 goal. He said that Houipapa would play Tawanui on the 22nd, but the time was arranged as three weeks after the last match; that will be the 11th. I have not written for nearly two years now, as nearly as I can guess, and I suppose you will have almost forgotten me. I have been going to write often, and have started many a letter, but have always burnt it or got rid of it somehow. I aim in the Sixth Standard at Houipapa School. I have to walk two and a-half miles ovef* bad roads to the school. There are only two boys in the Sixth Standard, and not many more children in the others. After our winter holidays two boys left, but they were in the Fifth Standard. We have some cows and calves, but no horses. One of the men staying at our place- gets the Witness, so I get a chance to look at the D.L.F. page. We have not had a bad winter so far, but once the ice wai3 thick enough to slide on.—Yours truly, BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE 11. [I am very glad to hear from you, Bonnie Prince Charlie. I feel inclined to say the words of the Highland song to you, "Will ye no' oome back again?" And in less than two years, I hope.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am writing a few linos to ask you if I may become a member of your happy band. I don't know many Little Folk about here.. My sister writes to your page, but she is older than I. Spring is coming round again, and it is much warmer going to school now than it was in the cold wintry mornings. We have not had very much frost here yet, but that is on account of the winds at night. I live about a mile from Mataura, and it is a busy little place, situated on the Mataura River. The chief produce from here i 3 froeen' meat.. Tliers- is also a foundry here and paper mills. With love to all the Little Folk— Yours truly, DOREEN. [I am glad to have you for a little new member, Boreen. I have passed through Mataura in the train, and I think it is there that I have seem the men busy at the freezing works, quite close to the railway. I suppose you have been through the freezing works, have you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very glad to see my first letter in tho Witness; I am going to •send it to Australia to my granny. You must have a lot of work to do writing rll ihoso letters. I think I would get tired the first time. We are going to Dunedin to-morrow for two weeks, so I will oome and see you. We are going further, but we will stay at Dunedin on our way back. I have such a naughty clog; it keeps the kitten under the washhouse, and wouldn't let it out. When I tied the pup up the cat came out, and was at the door when the dog got loose again. They began to spit at one .another, and the pup caught the oat by tho back and took it to the orchard and dragged it through and through the wet grass. Ho tore a doll to pieces, and when mother put the clothes on the line he thought they were blowing to amuse hir and began jumping up at them. lam going" to give him to my cousin to look after while I am away. My aunt was staying at our place, and she had such a dear little baby. She said she would give it to me, but daddy ©aid as soon as she was gone he would make it fat and sell it to the butcher! I know what you will say when you get this letter, Dot: well, vou will just say it is the best scribbled letter you have had for a lons time, but I eanmot write properly at a.H to-day. I am sending the doll I said I would far the Brave Poor Tiling* ¥burs t™ l ?. DAISY MOSS. [I think your cousin will have quite enough to dcr "to—look after a mischievous little pup like that, \Daisy. and will be very glad when you come back to take charge of him again. You will have to keep account books to reckon up the amount o' : damage he does! Thank you very much for the doll you sent, Daisy;- she arrived quite safely, and I think she was quite glad to breathe freely again, after being muffled Yra m tho pest so long.—DOT.] Dear Dot —I am going to the Ratanui Sohoo , and like it better than the Houipapa School. We are getting a football at out school. We are going to challenge the Houipapa and Tawanui soon, and I think it will bo a good game. We have had a good winter down here, but the roads are bad 1 hava about a mile and a-half to go to Show, but my father and I are staying at this school. I am in the Fifth Standard, iviy mother and brother are going to tb Show, but my father and I are staying » home. At lot of boys around here have got to go to Owaka for medical examination With love to Red Assegai and yourself Youra truly, DTJMMER BOY.

[I hope you will have good games with Hoiupapa and Tawaniii; write and tell me about them, will you?—DOT.]

Dot,—Mar.y changes have taken plac-a since I wrote last. Just now lam working with my sister at her place. I think I will tell you a story now. It was winter time, and the river was frozen. Every day little Harold and his dog went for a slide over the smooth ice. The little dog had a strap fastened to his collar, which Harold would hold, and then they would go sliding over the ico at a great rate. There was a railway bridge over the river, and one day Harold heard a great crash, and looking up saw that part of the bridge had fallen in. He knew that the express would be along in 10 minutes. The signal station was a mil© away, and the little lad thought hard if he could get there in less than 10 minutes. He instantly tightened his grasp

on the strap, and cried "Run, Dandy, nm! Away they went over the ice, and reached their place in seven minutes—just in time to stop the train from going over the broken bridge. Harold was rewarded with a gold watch for the noble work he did that day. And now his strap is fastened to a silver collar, when he cries "Bun, Dandy, run I With love to Hearty Lassie, Heather Lassie, Howdy Enouth, Lcrgwood Blossom, Wee Pompy, and yourself,—Yours truly, ly ' ' LINNET.

Tl would willingly have done what you ask Linnet, but I have not got her address. If she writes, however, I will remember you. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l will tell you the story of the shopkeeper.—There was a shopkeeper who was in great trouble; he was waiting for some letters which were to bring him eomo money, and asked the postmaster if theme were any letters for him. The postmaster told him that ho put all his letters in the elit in his door. Day after day passed, but still ho got no letters. At last he made up his mind to sit up all night. He heard the postman come and drop one, two, thres letters on tho floor. Hour after hour passed, and still the letters lay there. At last the clock struck 12, and he heard something moving. It carried away one letter, and then came bock and carried the other two away. There was the thief —a rat! His nest was just under the floor, and there lay 30 letters and some newspapers.—Hurrp up and write, Mabel's Lilv Bell! —Yours truly, "DORIS HAMLYN.

Dear Dot, —I wrote my first letter to you three weeks ago, but it cannot have reached you, so I am writing to you again to ask if I may join the D.L.F. baud. I live on a farm near Oairuaru. I am 11 years old), and am in the Third Standard a-t school. We all enjoy reading the kind replies you- write to all the boys and girl®. We are looking forward to seeing the Coronation pictures shown by tho cinematograph. We sometimes go to Bee the Gardens. They are full of lovely trees and flowers; there are also some swans and ducks on the lake, and there is a monkey which is chained 1 to a tree. I am very fond of reading, and havo lately "read " Coral Island" and " Eight Cousins," whioh axe very interesting. We are so glad that the winter has passed; already the days are lengthening into summer.—Yours truly,

[I think you will have seen your firstletter by now, Cherry Blossom; but in case you have not, -I bid you welcome again. You will perhaps be able to go to the Oamaru pionic at New Year; do you think you will?—DOT-]

Deir Dot, —We .are having very mild weather at present, but a .week or two ago the frcst was very hard. We did not mind that, however, as the ice was strong and there was.plenty of skating going on. While the . frost was at its hardest tho young people of Waitahuna were having moonlight parties on the ice. They lit up a pond with bicycle lamps, and while one young man supplied music by playing the accoxdeon, the rest waltzed and skated by turns. It was great fun, but I think the water would be a bit wet if any of them went through. Now,' I think I will tell you something of my housekeeping experiences. Last week my sister went for a holiday, and left me at home to keep house, and I am having a rare time. Needless to say I have been trying my hand at all sorts of cooking and baking. lam going to wash tomorrow, and on . Tuesday I am going to ty and do up. white shirts and stiff collars, as I have never done that sort of work before ; I am anxious to see how they will turn out. As my sister will not be home for another we.sk at least, I will have sufficient time at my disposal for soma more' experimenting. Some time ago you gave one of the L.F. a recipe for rainbow cake. I have mislaid it, and I can't find it anywhere; would you mind writing it out for me? I should be so pleased if you would. I made feather cake the other day, and it rose like the sun. As .that was the first cake I had ever made in my life, I was highly delighted with myself. Everything has been a success so far, but I suppose the failures are yet to come. The Waitahuna Rifle Club held their annual concert and dance on the 26th of July. Of course I was at it, and had a very enjoyable time. The Horticultural Society are holding theirs on Wednesday night, and I am going, provided I have not killed myself from the effects of my own cooking. My two brothers are on a contract making a road out at Waitahuna West. They are away all the week, , and only come home on Saturday night, so there are only dad and I at home through the week; but I never feel lonely, because I am so happy. Do you play hookey, Dot? 'We have & team here, and I play wing forward. We have had three matches, and have won one, lost one. and drawn one. Pretty level going, isn't it? Our colours are green and white; do you think we could get better ones? I received such a pretty post-card from Portree; also her auto. I will answer as scon as I get my autos, Portree. I know who Birdie and Little Eric are, also Novice. I have been a D.L.F. close on eight years now, eo I have the privilege of being one of the first Tot's Little Folk. My badge IB also one of the! old ones, but I am going to get a new one because the new ones can be used as

broaches. There are 13 of us, and we were all D.LJ?.; but as lam the youngest, a lot of them wrote before the tim& of noma de plume. There are only two other presentday writers besides myself in Waitahuna — Primma Donna and Pussycat Lover. I have got influenza just now: this 'is the second time within a month, so if I am good for nothing else, I am still capable of keeping in the fashion. I haven't had mumps yet. but all my cousins have. With love to all more news at present. With love to all' the the L.F., and the biggest share for yourself',— Yours truly, FROSTY. [I am most interested to hear of your housekeeping experiments, Frosty, and think you are a plucky girl to attempt shirt and collar starching without anyone beside yot; to show you how to set about it. I want to hear now how you got on with it all. I shall send the recipe you ask for. There were no stamps enclosed in your letter; you must have forgotten to put them in.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our A. and P. show will be held here, in November. lam putting a huckaback cushion in the show. Last year I put some writing in with the school exhibits, and I got a prize. Dear Dot, I have not got any lily of the valley in my garden, tut lam trying to get some. I hope your vioiets will grow. The other day I put" seme mignonette in, and I hope it will grow, because I like its perfume. I have not read many bcolis, because I do not like reading very much. Some of the books I have read are "Pilgrim Street," "Uncle Jem's Stella," and "No Place Like Home." Love to White Maple, Blue Violet, NelUe BUy, and all the other L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, LILY OF THE VALLEY.

[My violets look as if they intend to do ■well; I am watching them quite anxiously. And! lav© great hov*s for the primroses,

too. Much luck to you. with your garden ing!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There are a lot of gold dredges round where I live. I have about a mile to walk to schcol. There are 27 pupils attending cur school. We have a school library. I have read a good few of the books in it, among them "Beauty and the Beast," "Tho Travels of Fuzz and Buzz," and "Fur and Feather." I have two big dolls, and a little one; I like the little one the best. Love to you and all the little Folk,—Yours truly, MAY FLOWER. [I suppose "Fur and Feather" was all about birds and animals, was it? Do you like reading about the little squirrels? I do.—DOT.]

i Dear Dot,—l am going to finish my story now:—"Not long after the Queen's wish was granted, for she had a little baby girl given to her whose hair was coal black, skin lily white, and lips and cheeks rose red. This little baby was named Snow-white. Sad to say, the Queen soon died, and after a whLe the King married again. His second wife was very beautiful, but she was unkind and vain, and could not bear to think that anybody was as beautiful as she. A magic mirror hung in her chamber, and before this she used to stand and sayi, ' Mirror, tell me true—am I not of fair the fairest?' and the mirror answered every day, Your beauty, Queen most fair, is of the rarest.' And when one day the Queen asked the mirror the usual question, the mirror replied, 'Fair, but Snow-white's beauty is of rare the rarest.' The Queen was dreadfully jealous, and she called a huntsman, and told him to take Snow-white into the forest and kill her. So the huntsman took poor, poor Snow-while; but she begged so hard to be spared that he oonsenteid to let her go, if eho would run away and never go near the palace rgain. Poor little Snow-white was very much frightened vhen she found herself alone in the great big forest. She ran on and on, and at last she came to- a little house. She knocked at the door, but nobody came; so she entered. Inside she found t> tabic on which were seven plates and seven bowls of food. Snow-white was very hungry, so she tried a little from all but the seventh bowl of food was most to her taste, and that she emptied. Then she went upstairs, where she found seven beds, and, being tired, lay down on one of them • and went to sleep. Now this little house belonged to seven tiny men, and presently they came home from work, and when they went upstairs they saw Snow-white. She looked so beautiful that they did not waken her, and in the morning! they asked if she would keep house for them, and this Snowwhite was very glad to do. Meantime the wicked Queen went to her mirror, and asked the usual question, and the mirror told her that Sr.ow-white was the most beautiful creature. So when the Queen knew that she was still alive, she disguised herself as an old woman and wandered on till she came to a little cottage, and there she sho.ved Snow-white lovely ribbons and laces which she had to sell. Snow-white was charmed with the things, and thought the women very kind when she offered to. comb her hair; but the comb tho Queen ussd was poisoned, and directly she touched the little girl's head poor little Snow-white fell down dead. The little men were dreadfully sorry; but they found the comb, and pulled it out and (hen Snow-white sat up quite well again. AVhen the Queen found from her mirror that her stepdaughter still lived, she poisoned an apple on one side only, and then went in another disguise to see her. She showed the apple, and said: "See,. I will eat a part to show you how good .it is'; but she ate the part which was not poisoned, and then Snow-white thought the other part must ba as good as it looked, and bit it. No sooner had she done so than she fell down dead. Oh, how the little men cried when they came home! They put the body in a glass coffin, and one day a prince came by, and he said that ho would give anything to have such a lovely maiden to take about with him, even if she were dead. The little men vould rot- give her up at first, but at last th-?y consented. As, they moved the coffin they stumbled over a stone, and the shaking caused the piece of apple to fall out of Snow-white's mouth, and she eat up quite well. So then the prince married her, and the little men jumped for joy; bvit the wicked Queen was so angry that she smashed the mirror, and cut herself so badly that she was never beautiful any more." —Yours truly ANN OF GREEN GABLES. Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you •will accept it as I would like to join your happy band. I like reading the L.F. letters in the Witness, and I find' came of them very interesting. I know one or two L.F. up here. I milk four cows night and morning, ar.d I am glad tli9 winter is over, as it was very cold going out to milk in the frosty mornings. We are having lovely weather just now. As this is my "first letter I will close now. With love to Miry Bell and yourself.—Yours truly, j FARM LASSIE, |You are very welcome, Farm Lassie, and i I hope you will be pleEsed when you see ' your first letter in print.—DOT.] j Dear Dot, —This is the first time I have wiitten to you. May I become on© of your little band? I am eight years old, and have a horse named Polly, which goes along very fast in the gig. Every night and mornirg I feed her with cKafi and carrots. Next time I urite I shall tell you about our school gardens.—Yours truly, JIP. I [You do not drive the gig yourself, do you, Jip? But perhaps sometimes you ride Polly. I shall be glad to hear about your school garden.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the ! page, and I hope to become one of your i friends. For my first letter I shall give you ! a description of my home. I live in a I large house situated on a small hill. On j either fide are green lawns surrounded by ■ small hedges. From the front runs an asphalt path, on either tide of which are lawns. In front of these is an asphalt tennis court, and running from this is a drive. At the back is a small plot of trees, and running from these is a path leading to the skating pound, which is surrounded by trees, j and to which numbers of people come to skate. All round are hills, which look very beautiful when capped with snow. lam IS I years old, ?nd am in the Sixth Standard. In the winter I go toboganning with my | friends. I also skate. I find great pleasure in playing hockey on the ice. In the , summer evenings 1 go motor-driving or play tennis and golf. I have read many books —the names of some are "The Life of Nelson," "Life of Drake," "Napoleon's Travels," "Uncle Tom's ' Cabin," "Seven Little Austialianc," the Girl's Own Annual, and many others. While reading Princess Martha's letter, it made me think of a dear friend I left in Otago, and who has died since I left. This is quite a long letter for my, first.—Yours truly,

PRINCESS CAIE-EEIST. [I sliall be glad to hear from you again, Princess Caireen.—DOT.] Pear Pot, —We have not had our winter holidays yet, although the winter is almost past, and spring is making its appearance.

The jonquils, primroses, and violets are all out. in bloom. How one welcomes the 'spring flowers, and how rice they make the gloomy garden look! They look so happy themselves, as much as to say, "Am I not welcome?" We had two days' holidays for the Coronation, but it rained. There was church parade in the morning for the Cadets, and in the afternoon the Scouts and Cadets took part in the procession to the Princess Theatre, where addresses were delivered, and the National Anthem; was sung. In the. eveaing there was a fire precession, in which the scouts took part. There were two nice arches in the main street, and the public bail 'lings looked nice all illuminated. Dear Dot, I am sending you a few things for the hamper, and I nope you will like them. Mother made us help her to make them, as she said you would like them, all the better, and I will ©end them in good time. Now, Dot, I must close with love to all the little Folk and yourself,—Yours truly, MAHINAPUA. [Your mother was quite right, Mahinapua; I am so pleased to get anything for the hamper that has some of your own work in it, because that makes me feel that you have really cared for the poor people, when you have worked to make them Christmas presents. Thank you very much for the parcel, which arrived quite safely, with the little doll as warm as- toast in her comfortable wrappings of flannel. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my second letter to your page. It is a long time since I last wrote to you. I r.ni nine and a-half years of age, and I am in the Second Standard at school. We have three teachers at our school. We are getting a new room built on to our school. Lots of children ha_vo the mumps up here. It is very cold going to school these frosty mornings. I have 'two sisters and one brother. —Yours truly, WAIKAKLHI. [Have you escaped getting mumps yourself? How did you manage it?—iJOT.]

Pear Dot, —About a fortnight ago we had a very heavy fall of snow. It was raining when we went to bed and in the morning there were six inches of snow on the ground and it snowed for two days. The gorge hedges and fruit trees were all under snow. Tho snow is still on the ground, and frozen very hard. The cows do not like the snow. We feed them with chaff and mangolds. We have our winter holidays, five weeks. If you wero here, Dot, my brother and I would give you some "fine rides on our sledge over the snow. We have geat fun. I feel so sorry for the poor little birds; they are dying of cold and hunger. Dear Dot, will you put my name in your book? Love to all tlie L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, CABBAGE LEAF.

[I should like very much indeed to have some rides in your sledge, Cabbage Leaf; I have not had a sledge ride over the snow for six years. It is a pity I cannot coone up and have one when I should like it so much. I have entered your name, dear, and hope to hear from you again.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We still have our cat called Stumpy. I was at the pictures at Balchitha on Saturday afternoon, and stayed in Balclutha all night, and walked out on Sunday. I was at the dance on Thursday. The flowers are nearly all frosted. My brother is setting traps for rabbits, and he caught a few. The hens are not laying very well just r.ow, as we only get from one to six a day. The Warepa hall is on August 11. It has been sunny for the last few days—real spring weather.—Yours truly, NURSE ELLA.

[Our hens refuse to lay at all, Nurse EJla, so wo are worse- off than you!—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not been to school for a month The last day that I went it was a very colt! and frosty morning, but I coaxed mother to let ma walk. "When I was halfway to school I waa seeing if I could slide on the ice, and it .broke and I went over my boot-tops in the water. I had wet feet all the day. and they were so cold! I wish that I had told Miss Ross, and then I might not have had to stay away at all. I like going to school; it is so nice. We have another puppy. He is not nearly so mischievotis as his mother was. When he was a wee tiny ball of fur and could just manage to walk, if ha saw uncle's big yellow dog coming be used to waddle up to him and bark as fiercely as he. could, and he used to make the big dog go away. It did look funny to see such a wee puppychasing such a big dog! I began to make a scrap book for the Poor Brave Things, but the pictures went wrinkly, so I shall try again. Dear Dot, lam going to have painting lessons this summer, and perhaps music lessons too. Do you remember telling me about the tubes of .water-colour pauits? Well, we use the same kind for our brush work in the school. One morning some time ago, whan I was just ready to go to school, I saw that Topsy, my pony, was dreadfully dirtv. There was mud nearly all over her cover, and one side of her neck and head was all mud too. I felt angry that she should have made such a mess of herself. When I got home at night father told me that Topsy had been rolling on the newly-ploughed ground, and had got in a furrow, and her feet had been uphill, and by the marks on the ground she must have had a great struggle to get up. I was very glad that she had managed to get up, as it would have been dreadful if she had had to be there all through the bitter cold night. Father said that she has got so flash now with her month's spell that I shall have to mird that she do?s not run away with me. She is such a nice pony; I would like to get her photo taken. Dear Dot, I have not quite finished the singlet for the Poor Brave Thin°=- but mother made two some time ago, and I shall send them all soon I must close now, with love to all my D.L.F. friends and such a let for you,—-Yours truly, ana sucn . WAIRAKI yiODET.

[I am very sorry, dear, to hear that you had to bo away frcm school for a month, fox T know that, liking it as much as you do, vou must have been really ill before you would stay away. I hope you are better now. What are you doing m your garden at preoei't? It is such a lovely timo in the garden with all the bulbs coming out. I suppose your Dutch ones are not true to the season yet, are they? I have been putting in some ycung chrysanthemum shoots today, to come on and make plants for next year They are some good ones that were given to me, and I have made a neat little bnl of them. I ami very sorry the scrap book went wrong, dear; but it will be a very Eood gift when you send the singlets. Did you find it difficult to*make?--DOT.]

Dear Dot,—You asked what my recitation was: it is called "A Tale of War." The girls did not hip-hip-hurrah when the hoys missed the train. Next Friday we have afternoon tea at the cooking. We are having fine weather here just now. We have 45 reco'i-ds for our graphophone. The M'Nab schoolboys won a football match on Saturday. I am going » to give you some riddles now, Dot:—(1) "Two steamers start together, and travel the same distance out. Ono gees 10 knots an hour out and 10 knots an hour back. The other goes out at eight knots and returns at 12 knots. Which gets back firs*?" (2) "As I was going along the road I came to a house, and

I walked in at -the door; there w/s a cup on the table. Try and gu-ros what was in it. No person in the world could live without it." —-Ycurs truly, THE MILKY WAY.

rl am quite interested in your first riddle, Milky Way, aaud want you to be sure and tell ino tho answer. I have taken it quite seriously—there is no trick about it, is there?—and have come by mathematics to the conclusion that A does the distance in shorter timo tban B. If the distance were 120 knots the first steamer would do it in 24 hours, whereas the second would take 25. Is that bo?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—My brother got his badge safely, and ho liked it very much. I shall soon be getting a badge too, and my mother said wo must bo saving up something for tho Poor Bravo Things. Two of my brothers go out with the dogs, and my mother goes sometimes too. She wiais out to-day and got 31 rabbits, My brother is going into the Cadets as soon as he is 14, ■and I will go too when I m 14. I am in the Second * Standard and like my teacher. I am coming down to the Show some time. — Yours truly, MAGPIE.

[I em glad to hear that you want to go | into the Cadets., Magpie; then later on you J will bo in the Territorials, won't you ? I j always have thought it such a pity that every German serves* some time in the Ger- , man army, while thousands of Englishmen ; know nothing at all -about the English army, .and do not even know how to hold a . gun. It is a splendid thing that all. our 3'oung men are now going to learn how to servo their country in time of need. —DOT.] Dear Dot.—Will you allow me to join your happy band ? I am eight years old and go to 'School. Our teacher's name is Mr White. I I have also one sister going to school; her name is Pearl}'. It is nice to have a little sister for company. I have also got four boy mates who go to school also, and a girl friend called Lucv. I have one brother; his name is Rowland. He is two years old; he is up at grandma's now, at \ Wnipiata. He is such a lively little __ boy, and grandma and auntv are wo fond of him.— | Yomra truly, DOUBLE CROWN. [Certainlv vou may join our band, Double Crown.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The Lawrence-Roxburgh line i 3 still being rapidly pushed on. Some Of the books that I have read are: " Masterman Beady," " Tho World of Ice," " Uncle Tom's' Cabin." " The Gorilla Hunters," and " Tho Wild Man of the West." " Sweeping tho Seas, or the Cruise of the Alabama ' is also a good book. Our annual examination is to bo held on Tuesday, tho Bth, by Inspectors Don and Bo'S.sfciice. If a week's holiday had been granted to us, I was to ■■ have gone to the Show with my mother, j Dear Dot, I have made un my mind to save up and get a badge. With love from RABBITER AND FERRETER. [I wonder how long it wall take you to save those 18 pennies ? Perhaps, since you ' are a rabbiter and ferreter, you Will go out rabbiting to make some money.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l was pleased to pae my letter in print. You advised that I should devise some other way of making a fortune than bv catching one rabbit out of 17 traps. What do you suggest that a fellow like m. 3 ought to be any good at? Perhaps I should do better poisoning. Could vou oblige me. Dot. by informing me of the number of Little Folk you have in your extenisr.'o circle? Well, Dot, I am not much good at writing a letter; in fact. I don't know whether I am worthy of writing to your page at all. However, I may improve in time; I wish I oouM write nicely. I congratulate mvsiwlf en the fact that in answering our letters you do not reproduce a facsimile of our handwriting. Whenever I write I always write very quickly. Good-bye. Dot.— Yours truly; COMEDY KING.

[Are you really anxious to get on. Comedy Kinsp? If so, I will tell you sorms'thing that will help you encrmoiiplv. It is sinmiy this —whatever you .do, do thoroughly; that, is to say, as well as it can possibly be done by you. TSTow, in this matter of Tabbit trapping, do you think I believe for one moment that you set those traps as well as you could have set them? I don't. Thev mw°t have- been wronsdy set or in bad positions 'or perhaps insufficiently or too deeply covered. was evidently wrong when you took only ono rabbit to your 17 traps. Now if you went into it thoroughly you could find out, what the something was that was wrong, a.nd correct it, and thus become a better trapper. It is tho men who are determined to do things well who get on. Try it, Comedy King.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —You asked xa» how I scent my time: I can tell you that I am kept going, as we have a little baby, 95 pigs, and six cows to look after. I era tho oldest girl iii tho family, so my mother and I are kept pretty busy. I have two errnll sisters and three brothers. We arc having funny weather for spring, fits i't is fine one day and wet the next. We live about five miles from tho nearest township, r.nd the reads are very disagreeable just now. I suppose there will be » good crowd in town for the Show. I was down last year, and I passed tho V\ r itness Office. I should have liked to come in and eee you, but I was not a D.L.F. then. However, I will come in next time T am down. A. big crowd of people went away from th ; s district. Have you to send your nam© and address each time you write? And what is the retiring age ? The days are stretching a bit now. We can see a difference already. The old identities .are dying away in this district. Quite a nuniher have died this year. I must close now. With lovo to the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, MAVIS.

[Yes, I like to have your name and address each time you write. Mavis; it makes it easier for me. The retiring age is 20. I hops that iwf' time vou a.re in Dunedin you will not pem the Witness Office without com.ine: in to see me; for you axe one cf my D.L.F. now, you know.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have two young pigeons and fivo old ones; thev are all white except one, and it is blue. Our baby is wa.lkin.sf now; she will soon, be a year old. Mv father went to Dunedin last Monday. Wo have no ice to slide on now, and the snow is all molted, and when we get up in the morning we hoar the larks singing, and the long shanks are coming back, eo the spring mirt be here again. The sparrows larn building their masts. We have a little calf. With love,—Yours trulv. BLUEBELL,

[What are " longshahks," Bluebell? I do no know them bv that mama. Are they some kind of bird? The other day I saw gome beautiful fantail pigeons that have taken prizes at the shows. Two of ttisim had a coucle of eggs in a mast, and the mother bird wns very fierce. Do vou know the kind?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Wo have a little hare; we put it Pin a little box. It always tries to &ei out of the box. We have no to slide on now, but the ground is very wet. My father went away to Dunedin. My sister will h-> going to school aeon; Thjj snarrows are starting building their nests: " The sua is going down late at night. t We have nine geese. I am eight years ord, a d in the

First Stasidiiurd at school. With lore to nil D.L.P.,—Yours truly, PEN. [Y«3, it la really spring now. Pen. I want vou to write and tell me about the very first little nestling birds that you see; will you? But bo sure you don't disturb thorn. —DOT.]

Pear Dot, — It is very frosty hero in the mornings, but there -has not beer, any snow yet. We are milking one cow. Wo have a little black-and-white pup, which we call Spot. I will fell the L.B". a story, the name of which is "A Faded Rose": "The Princess hurried to her room, and combed her hair with her silver comb, after . which she dressed herself in a white robe, and sped downstairs, out in the fresh green meadow. She ran on and on till she reached a flower stall, behind which a- pretty girl was arranging roses. In front of the stall, in a line, stood 20 maidens, each waiting to receive a bunch of the flowers. An enchantress had given Rose Morton a large bunch of roses, bunches of which the girl was to present to the visitors at the flower stall. The Princess waited, hoping that there would be a bunch left; but Rose told her the last bunch had been presented to Grace Ashton, who was tripping over the grass with her rcisss in her dress. ' I have no roses myself, or I would give them to you,' said Rose; 'but are there not plenty of roses in your father's gardens ? Surely you are not in need of good luck that you call at my stall this afternoon? But the Princess said sorrowfully: 'I am unlucky, Rose. The Queen has gone away. and I have to stay at hoc© with my father, who pays no attention to me.' And with that she went away. She walked on end! on until her shoes were torn oy the roagn stones on the road. At' length she came to a pond, and, sitting down at the water's edge threw off her spoilt shoes. As she sat there she noticed a rose lying at her feet. She picked it up and threw it into the water, that it might revive. Looking down the road, she saw a prince riding toward her. Seeing her wounded feet, he put her on his horse, and led her back to her father's castle. The Princess's feet soon healed, and she learned that the rose had dropped from Grace Ashton's bunch. That rose brought the Princess good luck, for when the Queen came home she was wedded to the Prince." The answer to Milkmaid's riddle is "None," as there are no "r's" in "that." The answer to the first of If. K. G.'s riddles is "Your nose." With love to all the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, LILY IN THEI WILDERNESS.

Dear Dot, —I am in the First Standard; there are three in my standard. Ido not like going to school. I like reading the D.L.F. letters. We are milking two cows. I know a few D.L.F.; all my schoolmates write to you. Wo have two pigs. I am. nine years old. There are about 22 going to our school. I am not a good writer. We have four miles to walk to school. I am very slow at v.riting this letter. Wo have to go through the bush to go to school. —Yt.ura truly, • . " BLUE EYES.. [As cne cf rny correspondents said this week; Blue Eyes, it is sometimes a good thing the handwriting of the letters is not published; I suppose you are glad of that? But if you write pretty often, you will find that your writing improves.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page. lam only four years old, so my sister is writing! for me. I do not go to school yet, but my birthday is on the 21st September, and I will go to school then. We are having very nice weather for winter time. It is blowing to-day. I have two pet sheep; their nomes are Dolly and Mary. My sister looks after my mother's sheep. We have one little lamib; it was born on Friday, and it is such a pretty little thing. I do' like lambs. We have tw'c little calves, one horse, two pigs, 12 ducks, and a. lot of hens. I gather the eggs. I know a good few D.L.F. (about here. We have a, few flowers out, some primroses, violets, snowdrops, and a few others. I think this is a long enough letter for the first time; my sister siays hers iia-ve never been Bo long.— Yours trulv, THE FLOWER OF THE FLOCK.

[lndeed, it is quite a long letter for a little girl of four, Flower of the Flock; if your letters grow longer as you grow older, you will very soon want a column for each, won't you? I see that both you and your sister are useful to your mother; one looks after the sheep and one collects the egjgis.. Do you feed the fowls too sometimes?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in the Witness. I know a few D.L.F. over here. We have had a- fortnight's holiday, and nearly all the time I was up at the sawmill. I used to have rides on the trolleys. On Tuesday I was up in the bush, getting snowberries and kidney ferns. I will send you some. I-go to church in the morning, and in the evening. I also go to two Sunday schools. There is going to be an English Church bazaar. My sister and I are selling flowers.— Yours truly, O'BAN. [Just write to me whenever you feel inclined, Oban; there is no need to try and write a letter every week. lam afraid that wculd very scon become a burden to you. Thank you for offering to send me kidney ferns, but I have some dried ones already. How would you like to make a little scrap book of ferns to send to the Brave Poor Things?-DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have had- a cold lately. I got a tooth out. and I got a cold in it, and my face was all swollen. We have not had any snow, so we could not have snowballing or making snow men. There are a lot of pigeons in the bush just now, but we do not shoot, many. We have four ..horses, all hacks, and we like riding them. There are a lot of wild ducks about here. All my brothers have left school. I have two brothers, who had to be. examined for the military training. We have two pigs and 26 hens. We rre going to kill one pig soon. —Yours truly, OLD DAN TUCKER, [I am glad to hear that you do not shoot the pigeons, Pan.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was away in the bush yesterday looking for some cows, and it was very wet. After we had hunted .about in the bush a good while we heard the dogs bark a long way off, and we went over and found four cows. The doctor was down here on Thursday to examine the young men for the military training, but I am not old enough yet. I have two brothers who had to be examined. We have about eight hens laying. I have one brother going to school and two who have left. I have one sister Who has not started school yet. Wo have only two pigs left now, because we killed three about a week ago. —Yours truly. ROBIN. [I eupposs yen are anxious for the time to cojrso, Robin, when you can have military tibilling too. It will be a good thing for boyg —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am glad ihat the winter is over. Wo he 76 one Jamb. I J ike going to school. There nve 10 boys and 10 girls going to tk* school. I have- three sisters «nd one brother writing to your page. We har© 10 duoka, but they are not laying. The bush ia near our ho'jeo, and we often go Kite the bush end play. There are lot 3 of protty treai in ths bi'.sh. The bay is near

our place, and I often go for a sail in our. boat. This is not a very long letter, but 1 will wri'o a longer one next time—lours trulv, JERRY. [You are a lucky boy, Jerry, to have tire sea to seal on and the bush to play in. _ 1 know some town boys who would be glad to bo you.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Wo get about seven eggs every night, but our ducks are not laying. We have no lambs yet. but I suppose we will soon have some. lam glad Ihe winter is over; it won't be so cold now. I like going to school in the summer better than the winter. I have one brother going to school. The brother that goes to school writes to your page. I always read your page. The river runs quite close to our house. We have a lot of macrocarp-as at our place. It was very cold last winter, and I had a few slides on the ice.—lours traly, SUPLE. GEOFF. [You did verv well to spell "macrocarpa," Geoff; it is a good big word to tackle, isn t it?—DOT,] Dear Dot—lt is pretty wet down here these days; the roads are so dirty. It mother gees out oi the house she is svire to set wet. lam trying to get autos, but i cann.t get them. There are 10 girls and eight b-.ya here. . We have not many at our school; there are such a lot.away Yours truly, BLUE BEADb. [Have they all got mumps. Blue Beads, those beys and girls who are away Horn school?—DOT.] Dear Dot,-We have been having very beautiful weather lately, but it is really too good to last long. The barometer is higher than it has been for. many years «.sprang. We can see spring signs already. We have one crocus and a few violets out. We have sown some early seeds One can heal the birds .singing quite early these _ mornings ; they seem to welcome _ spring, don t they? There is no skating rink this year but there are quadrilles • instead. 1 think it is the safer of the two; there are not near.y so many hurt. The military ball £ to be held to-morrow night. The Riversdale and Gore Debating Societies held a debate at Gore on the "Yellow Peril." Riversdale, who hod the negative side, came home in triumph. Last week the Gore Society came up, and the subject was, Should- the British Colonies Confederate with threat Britain?" There were some good papers and speeches, and Gore won this time. So that was even, Dot; both societies have now a win There is nothing like competition. Our honey season is over now for the year, and the bees are free to start work again. We have almost finished ploughing now. The factory will not be long closed now, ana tho cows will be in again. I. am making you a crochet petticoat for a girl from four to six' vears for the Guild, and I hope to have it'done in time. I hope you will receive a large hamper full from the Little Folk. Won't the poor cripples be P l '^ 1 Dot? I fancy I can see them already. With. lovo to Lady Evelyn, Bobbiedear Blackeyed Susan, Miss Curiosity, Sceptre, Modest Violet, Longwcod Blossom, .and yourself, and with best wishes for success to the hamper,Yours truly, A COUNTRY MAID. [I am thoroughly interested _in the two debating societies, Country Maid; my connection D with the D.L.F. Club gives me an interest, I find in all other clubs like it. Last week we had a very good evening das-cu-sin* the subject of National Prohibition, and several, good speeches were made on tho subject: I am glad to hear that you are making a crochet petticoat for the Guild, you would be delighted if you could see the pile of things that have been sent m.— DO I.] Dear Dot—My other little sister says she is going to-write to you, as she would like to become one of your Littte Folk. She says her name is going to beDoreens- Mate. I go to sohool every day. O'ur teacher is soon going to leave, and I am very sorry. Our nearest neighbour is not a quarter ot a mile from us, and we often go oyer and play with the children. I have eight dolls, and have thre 3 tea sets, and a bath set, and some chairs and sofas. My Uncle George oave me a. brooch, a work box, and a doll for my birthday, and Auntie Jess gave me four ribbons and two handkerchiefs. It a near bedtime, and I must close. With love to Dot and all the f^-gi^truly, [Have you found out yet, Evening Star, what a responsibility it is to have a family of eight children? Are they very troublesome?—DOT-] . . . ' Dear Dot,—l have not got much news this week so I am afraid you will not get a very long letter. Last Saturday I rode up to a place called. Hunterville with my cousins to iseo a football match. My brother is captain of the Huntley School team, but his team, was badly beaten. Some of the Hunterville boys were about 17, while the Huntley boys were only about 14, so perhaps the beating was not so bad. The place, where we have our old canoe is so dry that you can hardly get the old thing to float, so I am afraid we will not have any rides in it these holidays, as we break up on the 24th, and it will have to rain .pretty hard to put any water in before that. I shall be very glad when I get a pony of my own as the one I have got is in the habit of rolling on me, as you know, and she gives me the cold shivers every time 'she stumbles, as being rolled on is not at all pleasant, I can tell you. My news has all gone, so I will stop. With love to all D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, . _ * ' BRER RABBIT. [That was too heavy a handicap for your brother's team to play against boys of 17, Brer Rabbit, considering bow much weight tel's in the game of football. But to lose a game which you have fought out pluckily to the last is often a very good thing for % team, for it helps a man to odds against him—a lesson that stands him in gcod .stead in after life. All the .same, I hope vour brother's team scores' a- win next time.—DOT.] Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band? I am in the Sixth Standard, and am 13 years old. It is a dull day up bare to-day. What kind of weather have you had down in Dunedin? I was going to write to you before, but I could not find a name. My sister is going to write to you soon if alio can find a name. I know very few people in Dunedin.—Yours truly, JIDDY. [I should like to know where you found "Jiddy". for a, name; it pleases me, for it has such a cheerful sound about it Perhaps that is because it is a little lilcd " jiggy."—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I suppose yott thought that I Had quite forgotten there wa.3 such a thing .as tho D.L.F. page. Bui as I did not manage to see the Witness with my last story in, I did not know really how to write to the page, for I did not know what to write about. Here is .another story for you, entitled "The Story of a Threepenny Piece."— i lay in the gutter for an hour; then the rain came and washed my face clean, and I looked almost as bright as new. I lay high and dry on a clean elono. I was soon lifted up by e little girl, who said, "You pretty threepenny piece, how bright you look, and how funny it is that I should find you! I hope thai you were not lost by soma

' other poor child." I looted .at the little girl. Iter face under a pink suiibonnet was pale, but it was kind and good. " Now I ca.n get it," she went on; "yes, you prettylittle coin, I should like to keep you, but I must give you away." Then she went into a grocer's shop, and said, " Please, sir, give me some cocoa. I have only threepence, but it will get some for mother, who is sick, ' .and wants cocoa so much." |l"he shopman put some oocoa into a .small paper bag, ■along with a little sugar, and handed it to the .child. She laid me down on the counter with a glad " Thank you, sir." Wo were all very dull in the drawer that night. Most of the shillings and sixpences beside mo were old, and they would not talk. Next day I was given as change to a servant in a large house. She took me home with some currants to the cook. The cook carried me into the parlour and gave me to her pretty mistress. Then a little girl came to the table .and began to count: " A shilling, asixpence, three pennies, and a threepenny piece. Oh, mother, may I "have a threepenny piece?" "It is not mine, Fanny, it is grandfather's," said Fanny's mother. Just then grandfather, who had been asleep in a chair, woke up. " What is grandfather's? A threepenny piece? And may you have it? To be sure you may, and 50 more!" said the old gentleman. But Fanny's mother said that one would do, and tho little girl, holding me fast, sat down on the rug by her doll. She was quite fond of me, and carried m© about, for a long time before she would spend me. At last she ! mado up her mind to buy some beads with me, and she asked her mother to go wiUi her to the topshop. It was a very cold day. but Fanny and her mother were well wrapped up, so they did not feel it much. I was just thinking to myself I should soon see a. woman selling beads, when I heard Fanny say, " Manuma, did you see that little girl on the steps ? She had no clcak or shawl, and I think that she was crying." " Yes, dear, 1 saw her." " Mamma.," said Fanny again, " will you go back with me and let me give that little girl my threepenny piece? Will she know how to spend it?" '' Suppose you spend it for her, Fanny. Moat likely «ho is hungry as. well as cold. Shall we buy her something .to< eat?" "Oh, yes," said Fanny; and with a bright little face she marched up to-a counter in a. baker's shop. "What will you have, my dear?" said the baker. " I want some bread for a poor little girl," said Fanny. "She is sitting out in the street all alone. But these loaves are too big. , May I take a roll, and will this pay for it?" The baker gave a queer little nod, and said, "It will pay for two, and leave twopence over. Shall I tie th°ni up for you." " No, thank you," said Fanny, "it will do as well if you wrap them lip." Then she said to her mother, " I will give tho little girl one of the pennies, and I can get some beads with tho other." Fanny and he rmother soon left the shop to give'the rolls to the little girl, and I was left on the counter. But I was very glad, for never before had I done so much good in so short a time.—l hope you like the story, Dot, and the D.L.F. also. With_ best love to P'ink Wool, English Laddie, and Star of Bethlehem.—Yours trulv, HAPPY MYRTLE. [Yes, it is a very nice little story, Happy Myrtle.—DOT.] j AUTOS AND POST-CARDS. Princess Trill (T. Boyer,' Box 20, Switzers) would like to exchange autos with Blue Violet, Priscilla Peel, St. Ronald, Arrowite, Brer Rabbit" and' any other D.L.F. willing. ; White Heron (Olive "Hayes, Niagara) wishes to exchange autcs with Irernia, Star, Princess Yarra, and any ether D.L.F. willing. And would Ralph the Rover and Kentish Lass kindly send her their addresses ? Snowdrift (Rongabere, Lawrence) would liko to exchange autos with Elsinore or anv Herbert D.L.F. willing. Prompt replies. Greengage (P.O. Niagara) wishes to exchange . auto 3 with Kiss-me-quick, Somebody's Lassie, or any other D.L.F. willing. Killarney's Mate (oaro Mr. A. Shields, Oware Wood, Wyndbarh) wishes to exchange post-cards with Black Pansy, Rosamund, Bonnie Bell, Little Miss Vanity, and any other D.L.F. willing. Lady Minto (Miss E. Gilchrist, Whits tone) wishes to exchange pc.st-oard3 wita any Herbert D.L.F .willing. Glazed cardj preferred, j Daisy Belle, Rockwood Station, wood, via. Tima.ru (late of Hakateramsa Valley), wishes to exchange auto-cards with Garry Owen and any D.L.F. willing. I A Forlorn Maid (Fanny Ross, North Union street, Milton,) wishes to exchange auto-cards and to correspond with Novice, Avice, Ned De Vine, Lady Grace, Sheila, Mansie, Waugh, and any others willing. Maid of the South (care Mr T. Wilson, Clydevale) would like to exchange autos or post-cards with any D.L.F. willing. Candlestick (Gordon Mackay, Box 5, Otania P. 0., via Gore) wishes to exchange autos or pcst-cardis with Johnny from the Shotover, Kakapo, and any other D.L.F. willing. Prompt replies.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Colonial Boy.—l quite understand now how tilne mistake about the badge arose, and I am so glad you wrote and explained. It was quite the right thing to do. Your chum evidently thought that it was you who were meant. ANSWERS TO RIDDLES PUBLISHED AUGUST 16. Ralph the Rover II: 1) Because any woman can make a fool of him. (2) Parents. (3) A road. Kitty: 1. A small event that is always coming off. 2. Because it bangs by a thread'. 3. From English ought to and Latin moveo, to move, a vehicle which ought to move, but frequently can't; 4. A bird that never complains without caws. 5. Something to brag about in your wine cellar .and forget in a birthday book. 6. A liquid good for preserving almost everything except secrets. 7. A cabbage with a college education. 8. The stuff that makes the world go round. 9. A good chance to begin iat the bottom and work up. 10. A hole in the ground owned by a liar. 11. Mud with the juice squeezed out. 12. The crook among horses, condemned to wear stripes for life. 13. An open-air enclosure often used as a spoon-holder. 14. A form of correspondence sent by a, man in a hurry, and carried l by a boy in sleep. 15. A busy waaveir and a good correspondent, who drops a line at ©very post. 16. The greatest ■astronomers know, having " studded " the heavens for ages. 17. An unfavourable report from headquarters.