GLIMMERS AND GLEAMS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3040, 19 June 1912, Page 77

GLIMMERS AND GLEAMS.

lS'othing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.—Emerson.

We may say it came as a shock to us to hear of the resignation of Indian Chief from the president's chair. Matties resignation as committee member was also a surprise. From our short acquaintance with the club and its members we are not qualified to say much re any of them as to the past. \ve hear on every 6ide good accounts of Mattie s ■work at the recent and previous socials, and we give our greetings to you. comrade, and trust you may find time to be with us occasionally. ~ As to Indian Chief and his connection with the club', little need be said. Francis in his speech on Tuesday evening, covered the ground excellently. Ho is known to country "members far and wide. He has fil'ed his office faithfully and loyally, and has shown through all a single-hearted devotion to the club's interests. His resignation is a great, loss to us. Francis is.to be congratulated on his elevation to the president's chair- He is an enthusiastic member, and has the welfare of the club at heart, and has all the traditions of tho early days of D.L.F.-dom, a highly desirable nualincation for the position. - We entreat, club members to rally round the new president and help him to make the clubV.a success. Remember, ae Emerson says,, "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." Everton should-make a good vice-presi-dent. He has been a staunch worker for the club since be joined, and we are very pleased at his election. Thelma is new to. us. We trust, to know more of her later. We hear that Possum is far from well at present. Wft trust that she will soon shake off her indispositionRumour hath it that wedding bells are to chime again at no distant date in D.L.F - dom. . Billy Burlow has returned to his mansion at Waipori Falls. Pterodactyl has returned to the Sunny South, leaving behind assurances of the that "he never enjoyed himself so much before." Elmo Athoi looked sorry to leave Dunedin behind whin her train pulled out -Jn Saturday. Where was Penny Stamp on Tuesday evening? Had she not got over Friday night? Were you not frightened at the social.. Froggie? Pterodactyls are fond of frogs and other small animals. Orsen, after all his rhetoric on Tuesday evening, got rather a set-back when Emerald started to dissect his arguments. We think Emerald was a trifle too scathing in some of her criticism of Francis. Personal digs are not conducive to good debating. We should like to draw the attention of D.L F. generally to the syllabus, particularly to the 7th' of July. This evening is to be devoted to papers on "The Life of General Gordon." This is a subject on which everyone can get some information easily. Remember, country comrades, that your paners are appreciated by club members. Writing papers for our club gives you practice in composition, which is a good thing for you. To be able to put together a good letter or article on any subject is a very desirable qualification in this bustling world of ours, and where can you get better practice than by writing for our olub? The committee have a big task before them when compiling a syllabus. Might, we ask country members to send in suggestions? Yours to the last crow, THE SEARCHLIGHT^ DUNEDIN CLUB NOTES. Motto: "One head is better than none I" ANNUAL SOCIAL The Frog was very pleased to meet Patriotic Paul at the club's annual social. We hope you had an enjoyable time, comrade. Our old club comrade Ogilvie was once again with us on social night. The Frog wishes to thank you, Chloe, for your loyal patronage at social. Did you have your photo taken in the group, Kurowite? The Frog hopes you had an enjoyable time at the social.

Our D.D.F. comrade Red Rata was amongst the visitors at the social. The Frog was very pleased to see you blooming there, comrade—in winter, too! How could the- social have been otherwise than enjoyable when two members of the N.D.P.'s of Happy and Happy Wag respectively were there? Did you enjoy yourself at the social, Girlie? The Frog has taken a great fancy to that N.D.P. of youre. Queen Dot's presence at the social brought great pleasure to one and all present. The Frog was delighted to meet Dot there.

Our comrade Oraen appeared to be having a "guid tame" at the social. Is The Frog correct, comrade? The Frog was delighted to see our club comrade Penny Stamp at the social. As far as The Frog could notice, "cold roast fowl" and Francis appeared to be great friends, especially when our comrade was seen carrying fsome in his coat pocket across the etage. The Frog wishes to thank Billy Burlow for rendering his valuable services at the

social. Your cervices were greatly appreciated by The Frog, comrade. The frog's croaking could have been, heard all over the room on social night. Our -worthy president, Indian Chief, had his -work cut out at "*he social; he was here, there, and everywhere, not forgetting the supper room, eh, comrade? "Not weary, but tired," was what The Frog heard one member .remark at the social. Did you enjoy yourself, Weary? The Frog was very sorry to learn of llxFraser's unavoidable absence. from the social, and hopes that ou r patron's health is much better now. Amonsrst the gathering there were such notable "personages as -these:—"Duchess of Sutherland. Lady Stair, Queenie. Shepherdess's Fairy, and Ernestine. The i-'rog trusts that these D.L.F. comrades with the titled N.D.P.'s had an enjoyable time. The dance programme of the evening proved a triumph—no, victory. The Frog was pleased to see our comrade with us once again. Octava added greatly to the enjoyment of the evening bv her successful rendering of that very pretty song "The miller and the maid." Patience—so 'tis said—is a great virtue. The social was rewarded with the patronage of that very virtue in person. Beware, comrades!—a Deadwood Dick was seen dancing in St. Paul's Schoolroom on social night. Fortunately, however—for The Frog,—he is one of our D.L.F. comrades. Adelina's impersonation, in the dialogue of a maid-of-allwork, was just the thing. The B'rog was overjoyed to meet such old D.L.F. comrades as Emerald, Outcast, A 0. E., Ceres, Bert, and Awkward "NedL The meeting of The Frog with these D.L.F. visitors brought back many pleasant memories of bygone days. »_ Our two Otago Central covrades— Barney O'Hea and Dandy Jim—were also amongst those present at the social. Did you have an enjoyable time, comrades? The Frog received one of the biggest frights of 'its life when it saw a Pterodactyl entering the doorway of St. ■ Paul s Schoolroom on social night. However, as the Pterodactyl was a tame one, and not a ''terror to tackle," The Frog had nothing to fear. The "make up" of our worthy secretary, Hiram Green, as a charming young widow was done to perfection, so much so thail two young men were noticed to throw boxes of chocolates upon the stage as Hiram *Green was about to depart therefrom. The Frog wishes to thank Charley Boy for his valuable services as doorkeeper. The Frog wishes Possum a speedy recovery. May you be back with us at club shortly, comrade, feeling in the best of health, etc. - Other prominent D.L.F. _ who were at the social were Lizzie's Sister, Mai vena, Avico, Almo Athol, Muttie, Forget-me-not. Thelma, Princess Mayberry, Geisha, and others whose names The Frog cannot bring to mind. Many thanks for your loyal patronage, comrades. I The Frog' wishes to mention that it is here, not to take down notes of a personal nature, nor notes that may tend to give one an injury—for such it strictly refrains from.—but to give notes that may ; Drove of interest to readers, and that may j add to the popularity of this page. A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." "Order vour Witnesses early and save disappointment. The Frog is still croaking as loudly ns ever! 'Nuff sod. the FROG LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto:—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. 8& No letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I have written to you. but I have not had much time The weather has been very changeable here" lately, and it is raining now Some of the farmers have not finished cutting their crops, and very few of them have finished all their stacking. The answer to my riddle. "Ink Ank under a bany, 10 ( drawing four?" is "A man milking a cow Here is one for the D.L.F : What are the two hottest letters in the truly, KURAMhK.h. [I have made a que'ss at your riddle, Kurameke; has it something to do with their position?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is very hot to-day. What «ort of weather are you having. Dot? I know one more D.L.F. up this way. We are milking only two cows now; we turned the other cow out. All our flowers are dying now, and nearly all our apples are done. I am going on for 10 years old. There are 47 children going to our school. We have a phonograph and 73 records. Wo have two pigs. We have had cur hay in for a long time I will close new. because I have the dishes to do.-Yours truly, "[Do you know what is the most astonishing thing in your letter, Shamrock ? It is the first sentence. I have almost forgotten what it feels like to have a hot day. What are you dong with hot weather at this time'of year?-DOT.] Dear Dot,— -Although it is a long time since I last wrote to you, I have not much news. It has been very wet and cold for the oast two months. I don't think the fine weather is coming back, as it has been raining for two days. The harvest has been very late this year owing to the wet weather. In some parts of the district stcoks are still to be seen. It is very bad weather for rabbiters. My father and my brother have been traoping lately, but have had to stop owing to the wet weather. There was a harvest home ball in our Coronation Hall last week, but I did not go to it. There is gong to be a concert next montli. and I think I am going to it. If it is fine my grandmother is coming on a visit for a week or two. Love to Lady Leaf, Ruby, Tartan, and Cowboy.—Yours tmly. LADY GREEN.

[lt seems to me. Lady Green, that the less often you write, the harder it is to think of news. Trv writing oftener, and see how it works.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you. so I think I shall now. We are having very wet and cold weather, so that you shiver every time you go outside. Some" of the farmers" about here have not finished! harvesting yet. The crops are in stook yet, and I think they will have to stay there if we do not get better weather. The potatoes are almost a failure about here. so that they will be very expensive this year. The farmers about here are waiting for the ground to dry so that they can dig their potatoes. Rabbits are not very plentiful here just now, ebcause the flood which took place about a month ago destroyed them. The weasels kill a lot of rabbits, too.

They are very cunning little animals. To catch the rabbits they run after them, and when the rabbit is, only a little distance in front of the weasel it cannot run because it is so frightened. Then it lies down and "begins to squeal. If you happen to be going by just at the time you can go and pick the rabbit up without its attempting to run away. The weasels are very impudent; if you chase one. it will run into a hedge or anything it can see, and then come out and look at you. so that it sees everything you do. Well, Dot, as news is scarce I will close this uninteresting letter. —Yours truly, * TUATARA.

[lt is not at all an uninteresting letter, Tuatara. 1 am always so glad to have a little piece of natural history such as you have given. I did not know that rabbits became paralysed with fright in that way. It is something the same state, proba'bly, as a bird gets into when fascinated by the approach of a snake; instead of flying away, ii remains motionless from fear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I will now write a few lines to the page as I have no home lessons to do to-night. I see that Novice has sent in extracts from different writers regarding bees. I wonder if he would write some 1 of his own experiences with bees? I am sure it would be very interesting. The bees are really wonderful insects, very useful, too, in their own wav, although'-this season has been almost a failure, as the weather has been altogether against them. Many colonies will never live to see next summer unless they are well fed. When mother takes the honey from the hives there is a great business in getting the honey ready to strain, for if there is a window open only a little way the bees will smell the honey and fhid their way in by hundreds if nothing is done to prevent them. Sometimes they even come in by the keyhole of the door. So every doer and window has to be kept closed when one is busy with the honey. Even when melting: the comb into wax they come round, and if any very hot wax is put where they can get to it, in their efforts to ?et at it they fall in and are scalded to death.u This has been a nice, fine, sunny week, and it has "been a great pleasure to once more hear the hum of the bees and other insects, and also the songs of the birds. The larks have been singing a joyful song to the lovely sun. Oh. how we appreciate these beautiful bright days after a week or two of such dull, sunless days as we have had! For two or three davs this week, in the early morning, just about sunrise. I have noticed some srorse fences about here loolrng just as if they were covered with white clothes; I wondered whatever it could be, but on looking closely I could see it was a network of snider webs. I also noticed a barb wire fence the top wire of which was covered all along with the same kind of web. I wonder- why the sniders spin their webs all on the fences? We have already got violets and primroses out in flower—promises of spring. Well. Fiances, I am puzzled more than ever as to wlio vou are; I thought you were somebody miles away, but as you were at Colnc at our school trip you must live not far from here. I'suppose. With We Frances Rena. Toby. Loreen Errol. Dianthus, and Sweet Rocket,—You ra frulv. PRINCESS MARTHA.

Novice has anticipated your wishes. Princess Martha, for I have in my hands now a long letter from him on his own experiences as a 'beekeener. It will onpear in the p»m« witneso as this, or possibly the one following. Those are very interesting facts you tell about the way the bees follow un the scent of honey—even through the keyhole of a door! It is wonderful.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l hope you will let me join your D.L.P. I am in the Sixth Standard, and am 14 years old. I have three brothers two of whom are shepherds; the other one works in Dmiedin. I feel very lonely here, as my brothers are not very often at home and I have no sisters. I quite enjoy reading Dot's letters; it fills in mv time after I have done all my lessons. The weather is very changeable and cold un here, because we are so near the Waitaki River. We have a little pup, and its name is Honey. I think mv brother must have been fond of honey when he gave it that name. I will send yon some puzzles in which you are to find the name of a town in each sentence: (1) vou see men here travel on donkeys? (2) Have you ever stopped here for dinner?. — Yours truly, TULIP 11. [I am the more glad to receive you, Tulip 11. 9ince you say that our page has already interested and cheered you in your lonely hours. I would rather bring pleasure to lonely and afflicted people than anything else. You will find that you are moro interested than ever, now that you have begun writing yourself.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am afraid I have hopelessly broken my resolution to write to you more regularly, but if you will forgive me just once more I will try to become a better correspondent. "Well, Dot, I have taken to skating again this year, and you will scarcely 'believe it. but I had forgotten how to skate altogether! The first time I had the skates on I got up from my seat expecting to be able to go merrily round, but, to my horror, I went merrily down instead. Baby did have a laugh at my expense! She said that T bounced twice before finally seating myself on the floor; but though I felt rather sore I think Baby exaggerated a wee bit. I did not take it up last season until very late, and I could only just go by myself when the rink was closed, so I suppose that is the reason I have had to go through all the riain and suffering again. I must say that Zam-Buk comes in very useful at such times. I have it on my knees and arms, and its scent is always about me. But at last I have mastered the art. and can actually skate by myself! I saw Baby's letter describing her housekeeping capabilities, and as I stayed with her some of the time I can give you my word that she is not half bad at cooking. Last Sunday was such a lovely day that Baby and I cycled to Waitara. and back. We had a lovely time going out, 'but coming back it was so dark that we could sca-rcely see, and we forgot to take our lamps, so you can guess how our day's enjoyment ended. I must not take up too much of your valuable space so I will now close with love to Portree, Baby, and yourself.—

Yours truly, TRIX. P.S. —I missed getting the paper for a fortnight, and I hear that two or three D.F. wished to correspond with me. I would like to write if I knew who they were.—Trix.

[I thought, tco, Trix, that skating was like swimming—once learnt, never forgotten. But you have learnt to your cost that that is not the case. However, you will have your time of enjoyment now. T know; your next letter will be telling me what a devotee you have become.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will allow me to bs one of your Little Folk. I t?o to the Lvttelton School. We have just had a fortnight's holiday. The first week of the holidays my brother and I went to our aunty's to stay in Christchurch. She has a little dog named Stan; he is a funny little dog. and when he wants a drink he carries his saucer in his mouth into the dining room for milk. My

brother and I go to Mr Hornibrook's physii cal culture classes in Christchurch every Saturday. I am 10 ,years old, and my brother is eight. I hope this letter will ba in the Witness.—Love from HAPPY JIM. [Thot is a very clever little trick of the dog, Jim; I never heard of a .dog before that could do that. A saucer must be' a slippery thing to carry in one's teeth, too; I don't believe I could do it. Could vou?— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is about three weeks since I last wrote to you. We are having very cold weather up here; the winter has started and we feel ii is in the mornings going to school. My. mother is Nlead, and I cannot help her as you said; but we have a housekeeper, and I help her. We had a week's holiday the first week of May. We went to Fortrose. and we enjoyed ourselves very much. My 'brother has "a littlo pet rabbit at home, which" is quite tame. I have a little kitten. With love to nil the D L.F. and yourself,—Ycurs truly. TWILIGHT. [I am very sorry your mother is dead, little girl; I did not know that when I said you would help her. But it makes one happy to help anyone, so I am glad to hear that you do your little share, for I know you will be the happier for it.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—When last I wrote to you I was staying at Kaitangata. but I am at home again now. We have been having some real wintry weather here lately, and until about 9 o'clock in the morning the ground is white with frost. The surrounding hills look very pretty just now, because they are all capped with snow. The mountains surrounding us are called the Knobbies. Mount Benger. and the Old Man Range. When are you going to write to the page, Orange Tree? You are a long time making up your mind. It is nearly time Wild Will sent in a letter, too. Our boys played Miller's Flat. football to-day, end beat them 44 points "to nil. I think we have a much nicer climate up here than you have in Dunedim It always seems to be to be cold and wet down there. Although the air here is very shaj-p sometimes, it is a dry cold. I would like to go down to the Winter Show. I have never been to a show in Dunedin. Dot, I think I have got something which very few D.L.F. have, and that is a great-great-great aunt. She is nearly 101 years old, and has always had good health until lately, when she slipped and hurt her leg; but although she is so old and a cripple .now she is quite lively yet. With kind reeards to Wild Will Oranee Tree, Pete, Lieutenant, Detective, The Whoopee Bros., and all the Little Folk, —Yours truly, CHERRY BUD.

[Cherry Bud, my brain reels at the thought of such a venerable relation. Is she your aunt's grandmother, or your grandmother's aunt? Very, very few people indeed. I should think, have such a relation as that—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I last wrote to he page, and so I thought I would write now. I am helping my father with ,th e trapping just now. I have left school for a little while because of my eyes, which were very bad for a good while; but they are getting all right now. I hope .nobody has got my name. Dot. My brother is writiuEr to you. I wish to exchange autos with Taipo, Magpie. Airship, Don Quince, and Black Face. We are having very hard frosts ur> here, Dot. and we get a few slides. What is it like in Dunedin ? Is there any frost there yet? It is very cold to get up in the morning. But we are all very healthy up here.—Yours truly, RALPH ROVER, [Yes, we have had some fronts, hut only one that was at all'severe, Ralph. I think a sham, clear climate like yours makes healthy nconle; but you know it is said that that \n because all the weaklings are killed off bv ihe rigor of it! Take good care of your eyes; they are very precious.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—As both my sisters write to" your page I thought I would like to write, too. This is my first letter, but I hope it will not be the last. Do you like reading books. Dot? I do. What author do you like best? I like Ballantyne. Some of "the many books that I have read are: "The Red Eric." "Shifting Winds." "The Middy and the Moors," and "Afar in the Forest." I know many of the Little Folk who write to your page. Dot, including Yellow Thunder, Wild Hawk, Devonshire. Rosalie, Pinkest Daisy, Joan of Arc, Water Fairy, Popsy. Southern Lights, Yankee Doodle, and Forest Queen. With love to all thepe and yourself, —Yours truly, REDWATER.

[Ballantyne is a grand writer for hoys, Redwater. Have you ever read any books by Fennimore Cooper. Marryatt, or Jules Verne? They all write boys' books. Some of Jules Verne's are wildly improbable, but as both the writer and the reader know it. no harm is done. The books do not pretend to be true, or even possible, but they are full of imagination.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There are two of your new writers whom I know. Their names are Pinkest Daisy and Wild Hawk. I saw Joan of Arc. Topsy, Southern Lights, and the Forest Queen to-day; also Xelson's Victory. Pinkest Daisy, and Rosalie. Do you think vou could write an essay on "Patriotism," Dot? We have to do -one for Monday; I think it is a hard subject. Don't you? We have had very hard frost here for these last two or three nights. Wasn't the harvest late this year. Dot? I know a farmer who lias not got some of his crop in yet, or even cut. I don't think he will get it done now. hs the ground is so soft. With love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, WATER FAIRY.

[A patriot is one who loves his countrybetter than himself. Water Fairy, and even a little girl may do that in her own way. For instance, if she knows that it will to better for her country that she should be capable and strong and good, and anxious to do her duty, she will strive after these things and not be just careless about them, and think her own pleasure much more important. That is a very real and a very good sort of patriotism. There are the other patriots who die in battles or are martyrs in other ways for their country's sake and though they are to be greatly revered, they are not the only patriots: each boy and girl may be one, too, and show their love for their country by doing their duty to it.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —I suppose you thought I was not going to write any more, but I have been waiting till I got enough to make a big letter. I will describe our journey over. I think when I last wrote to you 1 was at Westport; I have seen a lot since then. We left Westport on the 4th of April 12 months ago. and had a lovely sail up to Nelson. We arrived at Nelson at about 2 o'clock in the morning, and before we got into port they lost sight of the harbour lights and did not pick them up till near daylight. Before we came to port I was in my bunk, looking out of the porthole, and I saw a light over on the shore, and I thought we were at Nelson, so I got up and dressed, ready to go on deck fla eoon as I could, but when I got on deck everything was still and

quiet, except the exhaust steam pipe bk, J the side of the funnel. I stood there for a > *»&&;; at the end of the gangway and looked abor.3 for something to amuse me, but, finding nothing. I went over to an old fisherman who was . catching mullet. I stayed there for - a while until things got a bit lively, and then I went below and got breakfast. After breakfast we all strolled down the wharf to * hax-e a look round, as the boat that we were travelling by -was not going till 3 0 clock that afternoon. I was very interested in the shipping, as I alwavs have been at every seaport town of any importance. 1 was down in Westport for-six months by myself my mother being at Keefton, a town 50 miles away. Strange to sav, I was born at that town,, yet could never stay there six months; I wanted to get baclc to the sea. I went down to Westport on a Wednesday, and on the following Sunday I had a dip in th(j sea. While I was there they started'to build a dry dock, which will be a great improvement to the town. We left Nelson on a lovely sunny afternoon bound fo- Picton. On looking -back at Nelson when the boat had got over the bar it looked one of the nicest towns in. the land. Onleaving Nelson we headed "for Picton. • It happened to be a very nice day, arid we were ab.e _to observe objects far out at sea, taking a last look at Nelson, I could just discern a few houses, and now and again the. smoke of some small ferry boat-. I happened to be the only one in our family well enough to go on deck; I liked being there very much, but I got tired and was about to turn and go below when I was confronted by one of mv brothers, who wanted me to help my other brother up on deck, he having been very sick since the nrst turn of the screws. He was not on deck a quarter of an hour before he had to go down again. I remained on deck with my brother, showing him different-things about the ship, especially some birds which were hovering high up in the air, waiting for other birds to catch a. meal and "then tryin~ to steal it from them. By some means o* other the bird would drop the bit of bread or whatever it was, and in an- instant the hunter would snatch up .the falling meal, never missing* the thing he - snatched at. While we were thus talking, the. steamerwas about to enter Pelpxus Sound, famous :*°r »ts only inhabitant of any importance, Pelorus Jack. Everybody ' turned out to have a look at him, but he .thought, to plaj* a joke on us by not putting in an appearance. It was very disappointing, because we nearly missed getting our dinner, fnd we were all very hungry. We ! arrived at Picton in the evening. As we were steaming along we turned round a headland and! steamed up Queen Charlotte Sound very slowly. But of a'sudden another steamer sailed round another; bluff,: arid . you would have vowed thai'.they were, racing, our boat "keeping ahead all the time. While we .were coming up the sound' I was standing up near the bridge watching a group of men, betting on some birds that were diving for fish. They/ seemed, to. be small birds, but good flyers. The riieri would lookup at a bird, and then he- would say to-his mates, two to one on him, boys!" .Being curious, I wanted to see what was the object of their betting, so I went oyer .and looked rtpinto, the sky, ■ and saw a swarm of small .birds about the , B ize of pigeons flying- about.' Presently one of them dived (-from about I£i Z , 80ft &?# ' lnto the a«d i thought he was never coming up; but I waa mistaken, for he came up with a fish in his beak. A© one had bet on that bird, but there was one with a few black feathers I m his breast who seemed to be the; favourite« He was quicker than the others, and hardlv made a splash. I think Picton is a verj - race little town; always fresh and green We sailed for Wellington at midnight I happened to be in bed whilst cross-Tg Cook Strait, and I believe it is very rough JW ft.''Jri arHV6d - at W$E Zftimo fa~ the early morning, "and when I awoke the t£Z* U , r wharv es were very quiet at £lf Hr, w Ut K abcmt T 9 °' C,ock A Parted to get a bit busy. I went down and had breakfast, being very hungry, and when I came on deck the wharves were verv busy; a big ocean liner was unloading, and her derricks must have wanted some badly.- for when they put a load on; and it was being hauled up,but of the hold,, they would squeak enough to make 3'ou think t was a whistle. They started to unload our boat about 9 o'clock, and shortly after we left our boat, and the busy wharves for the last time. We went away to look for a certain hotel, and luckily we found it near the wharf, which was a great convenience to us. We were near the Union Steam Ship Company's offices, too, where we had to go to book our passage to Australia. We stayed in Wellington two three days, and] - in that time we went to the Newtown Zoo to see the animals. To make my letter shorter I will have to leave out the names of the different animals and birds, as if would take up too much time; but I will now describe our departure for Sydney by the Union Company's steamer Warrimoo. We for sunnv New South Wales. On the voyage left. Wellington in the afternoon at 3 o'clock over nothing -happened of any importance, but on the second and third days we had » game of quoits, there being four men and! j myself. One fellow did not know how to play. I also had a game with a man and 1 lady, the lady and I playing the man, and winning the game. There was only one break made on that journey; it was made by a priest. When anyone else would! try to put the sixth on the ship would give a lurch and it would miss. Twice by trying to put the sixth on I nearly lost two quoite: one rolled under the lifeboats, and would have fallen overboard but for a little mould* ing that was nailed to tbe side of the vessel. That night one of the stewards came' on deck and went io the fruit safe to ges eorne fruit for the table, and while he was getting it out of a white calico bag he dropped some of' the apples and a few oranges. The man that played with me said to me, "Now is your chance." and I went over and got those that he had not yet put in the beg. The next day. at about 10 or 11 o'clock, we sighted land; you mayguess how excited we were when we saw the first glance of sunny New South Wales. Before we berthed and when we were opposite Watson's Bay we slowed down for inspection bv the health officer; that took up an hour. I felt very impatient during that time, beincr in a hurry to see my father and Sydney. While I stayed in Svdney I had a very good time, ily father had a lot of business to do, and I went nearlv everywhere he went. One day we took the tram to thej Cricket Ground, and went and had a look a* the different animals and birds. Some of the »irdi are very fine, narticularlv tho«e with! brieht plumage. I also liked the Highland cattle. We happened to arrive there tor the conference of the local government engineers of Australia, and, my father being a member, we all went for the trip up Svdney Harbou* in the Government yacht. W e vigjted the Government docks, and went all through the buildings. We saw them hammering red-hot ircn with the steam hammers, and we al«o saw the destroyer Warrego. We then went

round to the docka and watched them cleaning a couple of !-..ttleships that happened to be in dock at the time, also a training shit). ' In due course we had to leave for Walgett, which place I was anxious to see. "When I got there I waa sorry I could not go back again, for it -"was worse than "the land of rocks and rabbits," which you know, of course. It is to flat and dry for me as I like something hilly and green. During the time I was in Walgett I had a fairly good time. Sometimes I would go shooting with mv father; we went for the .wild turkeys or bustards; they are about the best eating 'birds I have tasted, when; properly cooked. It is fine fun stalking then*; you have to circle round them and make the circle smaller every round, and by doing that you can bowl them over easily, as they watch your every movement. Once you face the horse straight on to them the game is up, unless you are a good shoV" at them while they are on the wing. Sometimes when stalking them they squat, and some run along, but they stay on the ground, and if you don't keep your on the spot where they squatted you -won't get them. When thev get hit in the eye they fly as " straight up to heaven as any other bird cou]d. My father .. had a lovely horse also, and whenever he was not riding out to work on him I would have a chance to get a ride. He was a very quiet horse. One day I got on him and was out riding in the bush, and I crossed a little bit of «, drain about ljft or 2ft across). I expected, him to take a step, but instead he jumped over, when I did not expect it, with the rosult that I nearly got tipped out of the saddle. Australia seems dead to me, some parts of it at anyrate. 'fh«re scenM to be fewer birds than in New Zealand; _ the bush is too drv and scraggy, and the plains are dry and barren, with hardly any trees on them, and no water. P would rather be in New Zealand a hundred times. It is very amusing to watch the kangaroos hopping about. The largest living species is the great red knngaroo;, it is very rare now. having been a!-iost killed out by man and dags. It is said that it is found on the plains of the Murray 'basin. The female is so fast that it wr.s called the flving doe. Another amusing character is the kangaroo rat; there are m-ny different species, but I will describe only the more important. The more common are the brush-tailed rat-kangaroo, which is very common all over Australia, except in the extreme north. It is smaller than the others, and the Jjead and bodv are about 14in long, and the tail 12in. It is errey in colour, and the feet are brown. The next, the Rufus rat-kangarco. has a head and body about 21in lon<r and a tail 15in: it. is confined to the State of New South Wales, where it is quite common. I think the opossums are next, as they make verv good pets, but they wculd go hick fo the bush if they got the chance. They feed on gum leaves and voung shoots, and when in captivity they alro eat bread soaked in water and snri"k!cd with sugar. Wo once had two pets, but thev were not of the same soecies. and one wcu'd not at the other for a long while; but thev afterwards beennvs m«tes, ard cvj woti'd take the food into the otherr But one nierht the horse we hrd in the yard got a bit sulky for rot getting/as much food as usual, fo he meant to have his revenue on us, and lie did a thing which pot him into a hiding next day. and he did not look at me for at least two davs after. He went up to the cage and let fly with his hind leers at the box: he hit the ton' of it. and then he turned round ar>d t>awin<? at it with his forelegs, and before long the two pets got out fid cleared into pome trees over the river. The 'punishment which I gave the horre was to leave him without. f ood all next Any (he was in very condition and could stfmd the .strain). For two days after he baldly "to any feed, and when I was groomino- him hi.' would enan at me from behind. To be <>Qual with him. I would rap him on the bqck with the cu*-ry comb, and he would then run away. But he was a verv prod horse to me. and I liked him hette*- than any other hor«"> that •we had; I could pick him but of a thousand.

The carpet snake is very large, and roaches - length of 14ft. It is found all over Australia event in Southern Victoria and TVsmania. It feeds on opossums and on including poultry when it can get it. The tiger snake is i>U/> very fierce, and when a man is fairly bitten on the skin he succumhs to the poison in from half an hour to pi hour, and n dosr in less than 20 minuses. They feM mainly on lizards. n nd in captivity thev prefer mice and rate. The tiger snake prows to a lentil of oft or Gft. but those ll°uallv met with are sma'ler. Next comes ♦be dei.th "though it is not a« venomous as the tiger snake it is -feared hv evervhodv. It is found chiefly in amidy "'aces. all over Australia, excent in Southern Victoria. It is aho found in New Guinea. There is a pretty little snak-> railed the black-and-white ringed snake. I have seen two of them. Thev are very pretty when they are wet. T d ; d not know that there were crocodiles in Australia, or even alligators; but there are such creatures. I got a surprise when I saw turtl?s and tortoises in the rivers. There are all ports of lizards over here, the giant lizard, or iguana, bains the largest.. -I have often had the chance of killing them. They are very hardy. unci it takes a long time to kill them, and they often "et up or / holes in the ground or under logs rtf trees. They often lay out on the dustv roads taking sunbaths. and when distuiT>ed run along the ground and info a b*>le. pome climbing trees. The fun starts when poor old ° goey" crawls out on to the branches. Once when some boy friends and I werp out birdnesting we wore looking at a nest that had bad butcher birds in it but a few days before, but was empty now. wben we heard a 'nt of butcher birds a"d Willie wa-ctaPs making- a great row about 100 yard" from us. Just as we were gong over a big isuan nstarted to climb a tree, but before he got up tho right limb, which would have taken him down a hole in the limb, we had frightened him so. rrmch that he ran up the wrong branch. This was just what wo -wanted. "We succeed-d after some trouble in catching him. On examining him I saw that the body was covei-ed with scales with yellow spots. an J it measured from sft to Gft in length. Another time when I was out with my father we were driving along the road in the sulky, and we had a strong rifle with us, so ray father got out at a band in the road to have a shot at a rabbit. He took aim and fired. Tho rabbit dropped, and my father was p-oing over to get it when a goana ran out from behind a tree and went for the rabbit. My father picked up a stick, and just as the goana. was getting up •% tree he let flv and knocked him down. He then brought him up for mo to have a look at. Ho nut it on the ground, and it kipt quite still, all the time poking is forked tongue or fang cut, and staring at US both. We left him with the rabbit so that he would h«ve a supper without harfng to bunt for it. We drove on, and when wo returned "goey" had disappeared as well as the rabbit. I have not yet said anything about the dingo, warrigal, or native dog. He i 3 a nest to settlers, often killing their sheep. They are not very fierce

towards persons whom they meet; they will not attack you, but look at you calmly, and then trot off. Dingoes ar,e good hunters, often stalking ground birds, such as grass parakeets, catching them when they rise to fly. A dingo likes sheep, and when he gets them he throws them over his back. He can take big leaps, .and runs fast as well, but he cannot beat a horse. When the settler gets off his horse he hits the dingo on the head with a waddy (heavy knobbed stick,. There are lots of pretty birds in Australia, but I will tell you about them next letter. For the present I say good-bye, and love to yourself and .all the kittle Folk.—Yours truly, PAHIATUA. [Bravo, Pahiatua! You have kept your eyes open to good purpose since that day 12 months ago when you left New Zealand for Australia. An Australian-born could hardly have given us a 'better account of the native animals, and I have been deeply interested in all you have had to tell us about them. I shall be so pleased if you can keep your promise and send us a letter about the birds next. I am sending you a special copy of this "Witness for yourself, so that you can cut out this letter if you would like to keep it—DOT.] De?r Dot,—lt is freezing very hard tonight. I was sliding to-day when I was out with the dogs. Our school teacher oame out to see lis and she is just away back, and my mother is away along the road with her. When I was sliding to-day my foot caught on a pieco of grass, and I went flop on to the ice, and it broke. I nearly went into the water, but got off with just the leg of my trousers wet. Love, to Dandy Jim, Airship, and yourself,—Yours truly, TAIPO. [Taipo, the little story you sent was not all there, and the story losas its interest if it is incomplete, so I did not have it printed. If you want to send a story in v a letter, send a whole one, will you ?—DOT s !]

Dear Dot, —Autumn is past onco move, and winter is with us again with its sharp frosty mornings and short days. If the weather keeps as it has been all this past month canoes will be the order of the day, for there, has been plenty of rain, and fine days have bean few and far between. A few of the farmers have not quite finished harvest yet, and from, -all appearances have a. very small chanoe of getting the last of the grain stacked at all. It must be very disappointing after all their hard work m the springtime getting the Land tilled and ■the seed sown to see all their labour wasted. The trappers have now started, and are getting good catches of rabbits. That is not to be wondered at, as the rabbits are in thousands about here. The long eveningsi I sometimes pass away in reading. I ami reading a very nice book just now entitled " The Riverraan," by Stewart Edward White; it is the best book I have read for a. long time. Have you ever lead it? It is somewhat like "The Blazed Trail," and tells of the life the backwoodsmen lead, away in the remote parts of Canada.. When you are reading it you can almost see the places which it describes, as it is so real. " The Blazed Trail " is another book by the same 'author which I very much enjoyed. Do you gx> in for any music, Dot ? My musical brother is playing the violin just now. A few minutes ago he was playing the accordeon, and I expect he will start to play the mouth organ scon. I was in Invercargill one day last week, the first time I nave been in sinoe the new tramways were started. The town seems busier now with the cars going to and fro. I received your auto, and post-card safely, Princess Trill, and would be very pleased to correspond with you, but as you have not sent any address I cannot answer them. I hope you will see this and write again. As time is flying fast, and morning will soon be here again, I will close. With love to Happy Queen Bess, Mingary, Vogel, Frolic, Lass Frae Carlowrie, Blue Violet, Elmo Athol, Lady Sue, Broomstick, Dianthus, and yourself, —Ycurs truly,

AWKWARD MEG

[I have a word of congratulation to say to you, Awkward Meg, if you will allow me: I have very rarely seen so much improvement in letter writing as I have in your case since you first wrote to me. This letter I havo from you to-day is far and away the best I have had from you in every respect,—neatness, matter, composition, and writing,—and I feel almost a personal pleasure in your progress. , I am glad also to find that you are reading such good books: Stewart Edward White is a past master in his descriptions of Canadian life, and I like his work very much. It is true. There is cne of his books about the life of the lumbermen away in the north of Canada; unfortunately I forget its name, but I believe it is splendid. I Khali bo so glad to hear from you again.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been reading the D.L.F. letters, and would like to join your happy band. I am eight years of age, and am in Standard I at school. We lijse our teacher very much. Thero are 12 children going to school. We are milking three cows, and we have two calves and three horses. I have a pet lamb named Frank. We have two pigs. I have a ferret. I have a baby sister; her name is Graoe, and she can talk and walk. We have a nice flower garden. With love to Dorothy May, Lady Olivine, Fern's Hollow, Kate M'Donald, Golden Rod, Playboy, Goose Loose ,and Wetsail, —Yours truly.

CORA LINN - . [Evidently you know a number of D.L.F. already, Cora Linn, although this is your first letter; so you will not feel like a stranger in the page, I hope. I am glad to have you for one of my Little Folk.—l)OT.]

Dear Dot, —It is so cold these mornings getting out of a nice warm bed to go to work; but we all have to put up with it. Detective has been asking me io ask yon to hold your next picnic somewhere about Milton, so that those down south can go to it. He asked mo to ask you to put it lx>fors the next meeting, and I hope that they will be in favour of it. Silver Fern and Olivo Branch, you each owe me a post-card. Now, I think I havo written enough.—Yours truly. LIEUTENANT.

[I see no reason why the club should not picnic near Milton, Lieutenant; in fact, I think they havo held picnics there before. But send up your reminder as the picnicking l enafon draws on; this is fhe wrong weather to bo talking of picnics, isn't it?—DOT.] Dea.r Dot. —Wo are getting fhj* weather just now. We have had frost the lost few mornings, and I like it far better than rain. The roads are very dirty about here, and bicycles arc not much good in the mud. We havo turned our cowa out at night now, and I am not sorry. There was a carnival at Edendale this week. I was a>t it one night, and enjoyed it very much. Thoy had a tug of war which caused much excitement. Thev were selling almost everything you could mention at the carnival; there were a great number of very pretty cushions, tea, cosies, doyleys, and mats. I had a try at guessing the weight of a sheep, but I was a loner way out. We have got all our harvesting and thrashing done now. I know a good few people that havo not got all their crop cut yet; they have not much hope of getting it in now. Th? 3 is all I can write to-night,

as I was at <a dance last night, and I am getting sleepy. With love to all the D.L.F.,

—Yours truly, SHEILA. [A danoe and a carnival in one week, Sheila! That does not sound like the quiet life of the " country*' mouse " that we read about!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is many months since I last wrote to your page. I was away on a visit to my grandfather for a week, but returned last Friday night. I saw the Terri-torials-in oamp at Balclutba; there were 375 altogether. That was a good few, wasn't it? We have three oats, two dogs,- a horse, a cow called Beauty, with her calf Peggy, 12 guinea-pigs, and two canaries. . I do not go out riding, as I am rather afraid of horses. For my last Christmas holidays I went to Port Molyneux for about five weeks. While I was there I visited the lighthouse, and was shown in by the lighthouse keeper. I had no idea so many people could stand inside. Of course I had some girl companions with me. I used' to go out bathing every morning. Well, Dot, I must now conclude, as I am feeling sleepy. With love to all iiie Little Folk and "yourself,— Yours truly, LADY EVELYN'S MATE.

[You must have put in five very pleasant weeks at Port Molyneux; it is a_ splendid place to make holiday in, isn't _it? And was the weather warm enough for eea bathing all the time?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Ths s my first letter to your page, and I don't think it shall be a very long one, as I have not got much to say. I am about 19 years of age, bo I hixve not much time to waste.. It is paining as hard as can be here just now, and things are wet und miserable. We are still harvesting up here, and I shall not be sorry when it is done, aa I have about 1000 acres of ground to trap for bunny. It is a. very weary job trapping from one week's end to the other*, when you never see anybody for three months. The only time you do see anybody is when you go home for food. I was at the Territorial camp at Oamaru, and I thought it was grand Oamaru is a very pretty little town, and the streets are very wide, aren't they, Dot? I stopped in Oamaru for A few days after the camp broke up, and you may be sure that I enjoyed myself. I think I will close now as it is 11.30 p.m. With love to all the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly.

STEELE RUDD

[A rabbiter's is sometimes a lonely job, Steele Rudd, it is true; but if you set to work with a will you can make good money at it. And that very money may be the means of giving you a start in some other walk in life. What would you like to do if you were not rabbiting? Save all you can of the money you earn, and plan for the future, and even rabbiting, you will find, has good points about it. You cannot spend much, can you?—DOT.] Dear Dot,-y-This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will let me join your happy band. I am nine years old, and am in Standard 11. My brothers have a traction engine and a mill. The weather has been very good this week. I think I will close now as this is my first letter. With love t Hollyhock, Swanhilda, and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, HAZELKIRK. [I should not be surprised if you have been on that traction engine, Hazelkirk: have you? And can you hear yourself talk when you are up there beside the driver? Or doe 3 the engine like to do all the talkinr itself, and drewn the other voices?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have neglected the D.L F Page lately. The weather has been very good this last week, but before that there was hardly a day without rain. There is ?? mg^0 bs % dance on the 28th June in the Otapere -Hall for the closing of the Boggy Burn Dairy Factory, and I am going to it All the Limehills School children got a holiday on the 24th May for Empire Day. We are milking 19 cows, but we are only going to milk two after this month. T will close with a riddle: Why are the houses of bald people easiest to break into? I will give the answer next time I write. With love to Swanhilda, Bonny Jean, Forest Girl. Hazelkirk, and all the other D.L.F.—Yours truly, HOLLYHOCK. [I can't imagine why the poor bald-headed people should be easier victims than others to a burglar, Hollyhock; it eeems hard on on them, doesn't it?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very cold weather hero lately, with hard frosts and plenty of snow on the mountains. We finished our harvest a while ago, and it was a very good one. I was "crowing" on the stacks when we were stacking, and I was very pleased when we finished. I havo such a lovely pair of goldfinches now, and tney sing wel|, as a canary brought them up. They are so quiet that they will cat out of my hand. I have also a nice little cat now, and my little brother has one as well. The schoolmaster Tiere is going to be married on Friday, so the school children jire going to g«t a week's holiday. We all went to a social the other night, and I had a lovely time dancing. We got home at 4 o'clock next morning, and I didn't feel a bit tired. There is to bo a euchre evening here on Monday night, but I do not know if we are going. We havo not very many flowers out at present, and our chrysanthemums have not very big flowers, as they are blighted. Love to all the L.F. band and yourself,— Yours truly, CHERRY 11.

[lt is very "interesting to hear that 3 - our goldfinches sing so well through having been brought up by a canary. Can you pick out any of the canary's notes? Do you know the ordinary goldfinch's note well enough for that? It would be most interesting if you found that the goldfinches had actually learnt a new song from the canary.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—You will think that I havo forgotten all about you, as it is such a long time since I last wrote. I had such a good time at Waimato last Christmas with my grandmother and Aunt Jessie. Poor Aunt Jessie died last March, and granny has only two boys now to look after her. I often wish that we lived nearer Waimate, so that wo could go and see her often. Dear Dot, do you like the winter? It is so cold up here, and I have to get up so early to get breakfast and pactise my music before I go to school. The gardens are looking very bare, for the frost has killed most of the flowers. We are getting our winter holidays next week, and our master 13 going to be married. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,— Yours truly, HEATHER BELL 11. [Perhaps your granny's two boys have learnt to be an useful in the house as girls, Heather Bell; some boys can be eo good. If these two love their grandmother, they will do their very .best to take your dead aunt's place, I know.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page. May I join your happy band? I am 12 years old. and am in the Third Standard at school. We drive to school, as it is too far to walk. We have five cows milking just now, and we have 13 cows dry. We have one pig and eight horses, and two dear little foals. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, CARPATHIA. [I have inscribed your name in my book,

so you are one of my DX..F. now. Your name will always remind us of the terrible disaster to the Titanic, and the ship that rescued many of her passengers.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not written to the page for so long a time that I suppose you will be thinking I have forgotten about it. I have written several letters, but they never reached the post-box. Up here we are having nice, warm days and frosty nights. Are you gong to the show, Dot? I intend to go. If I have time when I am in town I might call in to see you. I received a letter from Forget-me-not, and she sends her best love to you. I saw Barney O'Hea on the train a few weeks ago. As this is all the news I will close. With bes£ love to the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, RED FEATHER 111. [Are. you coming to the social? We shall be very glad to see you there, and you will meet lots of other D.L.F. if you come.— DOT.] J Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you. It is a very wet day today, but we have been having splendid weather with hard frosts in the morning. Are you going to the Winter Show? Some of my brothers and sisters are to be there, but Daughing Water and I are not going. We have a fortnight's holiday just now, as cur teacher has gone to Wellington. I intended to send something to the Titanic Relief Fund, but I put it off until it was top .'ate. The answer-to the puzzle, • What is the difference between a sweet young lady and a mouse? is, The one harms cheese and the other charms hea.—Yours'truly, RED CURRANT. [Your turn to come up to the Show will come another time, Red Currant, —perhaps next year. You will always have that to look forward to.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —Here I am again, after an absence of three or four months. Things are looking up round this way: the weather, for instance, is beautiful, or at least so when getting out of Blanket Bay on a frosty morning. The only things not looking up—or, at least', not getting up—are the sheaf stacks. They seem to require a great deal of labour by moonlight this year, besides any fine -days that happen to come along. But I am of opinion that if talking would in any way complete a job, this belated harvest would have been finished months ago. The country round about here is very pretty now; it seems to be a mixture of the four seasons. Looking towards the mountains oma looks at snow—dismal winter. Then turning and gazing in opposite direction one sees stocks galore, verily a great sight for winter! I wonder what has become of all my correspondents? I think they must be busy harvesting also. I notice Baby—it is your turn to write, Bubs—has been making great strides in the art of cooking. Can you concoct an Irish stew yet, Baby? I know if girls can make one they think they are invincible in that particular science. I received your letter, Dahlia Spray, and was very glad to hear from you; I will answer soon, if not sooner. By-the-bye, Leopard Lily, you owe me an auto; don't forget, please, as I am expecting it soon. I will answer your letter soon too, Verbena. I understand you are kept very busy nowadays; so am I: Have you read "The Sign of the Cross," Dot? It is a nice book. I would like very much to sea it played; reading it is like getting pretty boots to put on big feet. I have just finished " Ivanhoe " ; it is very well written, but it would give one the shivers, so cruel are tortures and dark ideals to be found within its chapters, and certainly some of the deeds are mere impossibilities. I meant to contribute a paper upon the "Home Strikers" debate, but I overlooked the date. I am often tempted to send in one about any of the subjects the Debating Club have, but I think it would be worth the trouble of reading it—like thia letter. The reason why I write is because all the rest of the L.F. about here are asleep for the winter. Hurry up and write, comrades! The outlook for future weather is not so bad as the farmers witli all their crops in like to say, •and judging by the scarcity of hen eggs, hens are moulting already—we are going to have an early spring. . Hurrah! With love to Portree, Baby, Verbena, Maid o' the South, Avice, and all L.F., not excepting yourself,— Yours truly, SNOWDRIFT.

[I wish you would write those papers you threaten us with, Snowdrift: you have no idea- how the clubs welcome papers from country correspondents. You need not think them unworthy; leave it to us to judge, aucl our thanks will show how glad we are of them.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weathec is very cclfT now at night, and in the mornings too, at 7 a.m., when I have to turn out- of bed to get breakfaat. Last night I _ went for a walk out to the bay, and passing a house where the bagpipes were being played, we stopped to listen. I intended going out to-night, but as visitors are coming I have to bo in. I was going to the club on Tuesday night, but I diet not manage it. People always ask me, "What does it cost you for correspondence?" I don't like to say, for in three weeks I wrote 25 letters and 12 post-cards. I do a lot of writing in my spare time, but I have not received many replies yet. I have scut a lot of cards and autos away to D.L.F., but I have rooeived no replies yet. I received a very beautiful postcard from A Country Maid. I wonder what has happened to The Girl in Love? It is nearly a fortnight since I heard from her. She promised to write to me, but she has not done so, and I do not know whether she has gone down south or not, or whether she is in Dunedin or at home. She said the last time I «aw her, "Are you going in to the club on Tuesday night?" and when I said I thought so she told m© she would not bo th<rre; but by the Witness I notioed she was there. I like my place very well, but do not like visitors, especially strange ones, as I sret shy; but I tm getting used to it now. Do you like reading, Dot? Some of the books I have read are " Gambler's Gold." "The Earl's Daughter." and "A Love Match." I do not remiomber the names of any more, but I have read a great many books. At home they used to say reading would turn my brain. There are some good stories in what people call " penny horribles." What has happened to A Motherless Girl and Dolly? I never see letters in the page from them. Are there many D.L.F. in Port Chalmers? I never see anv badges. With love to Possum, Girl in Love. Dollv. A Motherless Girl, and all D.L.F..—Yours trulv. . TAIERI BELLE.

[You soe-m to bo an ardent correspondent, Tctieri Belle: an avera<*; "of eight letters and four post-cards a week is quite gcod. If I could find time to write at that rate I should soon Teduco some of my outstanding debts in tbo wav of private I-etters; I wish I could!— I>OT.] Dear Dot. —Last time I wrote to you it was Qld Writers' Week, so my letter was not published. Dear Dot. are you going to send a hamper to the Brave Poor Things this year? If you do, I will sew in the winter for them. My eldest brother was away with the Mounted Rifles down near Mosgiel, and one of my other brothers was away with the Territorials at Oamaru. Do vou read much, Dot? I am reading "Rob-

bery Under Arms'* just now, and bo is my brother, and there is a race in the evenings to see which one gets it first. We had ice thick enough to bear us on Saturday morning. The frost was early last year and so it is this year. It is a little like snow this evening, but I hope it does not snow. It is three years since we had » heavy fall of snow. We had no more than 6in last winter. "With love to Clover, Somebody's Darling, and Grandma's Angel,— Yours truly, MOYRA. CI do not know that we shall be sending big hamper as we did last year to the Brave Poor Things, Moyra, but at least I can promise this: that if you care to make anything and send it to me I shall forward it to Sister Ada. I shall do the same gladly for any D.L.F. who feel that they really wish to make something in their spare time during the winter. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—"We do not get the Witness, so I did not see my last letter in print. I am going in for an examination at Sunday School, and I shall tell you when it is over how 1 got on. It is to be on July 5, so it is a good while yet. I know nearly all my Catechism now. The frost is getting heavier every morning now, and it is cold getting out of Blanket Bay. sister that has been ill is all right now, and back to school again, and she thinks it grand.— Yours truly, SNOWDROP 11. [I hope some friend of yours will keep a lookout for this letter and will send it to you, Snowdrop. It seems a pity that you should miss seeing your letters in the page. I hope you are successful in your examinaton.—DOT.] • Dear Dot,—lt has" been raining here today. I know some more D.Lr.F. up here. "We are having some very severe frosts just now. I will tell you a story; the name of it is "Think Before You Speak." It was little Mabel's delight to chatter away from morning till night without stopping. She always had so much -to say that it was a wonder her tongue never seemed tired. One day as. she sat by the fire with grandmamma who was always either knitting or darning stockings, the little girl chattered as fast as usual without thinking of what she was saying. "My dear Mabel," grandmamma said at last, "I do wish you would try to think at least three times before you speak." "Well, I'll try now, granny," Mabel promised, and for fully five minutes she sat quiet silent. Then she said: "Granny, I'm thinking." "Very well, my dear, think a little longer." "Granny, I'm thinking," aid Mabel again a minute later. "That's a good girl; always think before you speak." Another long minute passed, and then Mabel once more remarked, "Granny, I'm thinking." "Well, my pet, what are you thinking about?" "I'm thinking your ball of yarn has fallen amongst the cinders and is getting singed." "Oh, dear me, so! It is nearly all burnt away! You tiresome child, why did you not speak sooner?" "Because," Mabel promptly answered, "you told me to thi§k fully three times before I spoke." With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, ORANGE BLOSSOM.

[I think that Mabel was just a little naughty that time, Orange Blossam; don't you think she knew perfectly well that this was ones of the occasions for prompt speech or action ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As it is over two years since I last wrote to the page, I think it is about time I made another start, and I hope you have not forgotten me. We have not been getting the Witness for a long ime, but now that we have started again I will write to the page more regularly. I have just been reading the D.L.F. letters to-night, and I don[t see one who has been absent for such a time as I have. I see by the page that some of are trapping. It must be cold going round the traps on frosty mornings. I don't like the frost, Dot; do you? But we have to put up with a lot of things we do not like, especially in the winter. I am coming to the show, but I don't think I have_ enough courage to come to the D.L.F. social among so many strangers. I am trying to get my mate to write to the page. With love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, LADY ROSABELLA.

[I am very glad to welcome you baclr to the page again, Lady Rosabella; you are a real D.L.F. at heart, to be coming back thus at the first opportunity. I hope that when Friday comes you will not feel so ehy as you say you are going to be, and I shall trust to see you at the social, after all.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—You ask me if I keep bees; yes, I keep bees, although I am only a beginner. It is an easy thing to become an apiarist, but it is another thing to become a beemaster. Although I have started beefarming I do not intend to become a bee specialist altogether. Any young man who ■wishes to succeed in life wants to follow up more than one ambition. I have started beekeeping because I realise what other thinking beekeepers in New Zealand realise, that there is a good future before this industry in New Zealand. Beekeeping has earned an enviable reputation because of the high character of the men and women who have taken part in it You ask as to my experiences with beeß. Well, I am only a novice at beekeeping, and I have not had much experience at queen-rearing or the production of honey, but I have had many experiences with the" bees themselves. My memory goes back to the time when I go my first hive and my first sting. At first I had neither a bee-smoker nor a bee veil, so when I went to lift up the corner of the mat on the top of the hl'.vfo a bee came suddenly oit and stung me on the wrist. That was my first sting. But I soon procured a bee-smoker and then a bee veil. If it were not for the good beesmokers that are manufactured nowadays, and the power that smoke has over bees, I am afraid there would be very little success at bee culture. On smoke and bee-smokers A. I. Root writes: "We can drive cattle and horses, and to some extent drive even pigs, with a whip; but one who undertakes to drive bees in any such way will find to his sorrow that all the rest of the animal kingdom are mild in comparison, especially as far as stubbornness and fearlessness of consequences are concerned. You may kill them by thousands; you may even burn them with fire, but the death agonies of their comrades seem only to provoke them to new fury- and they push on to the combat with a relentlessness which I can compare to nothing better than a nest of yellow-jackets that have made ud their minds to, to die, and to make all the mischief they possibly can before dying. It is here that the power of smoke comes in, and to one who is not conversant with its use it seems simply astonishing to see them turn about and retreat in the most /perfect dismay and fright, from the effects of a puff or two of smoke, from a mere fragment of rotten wood. What would we beekeepers do with bees at times w4re no such potent power as smoke known?" Most beginners at beekeeping suffer from stints; at least such was the case with me. I remember how one of my eyes swelled up so much that I could not see out of it, but that only lasted for a day, when the swelling went down again. After one has received a few hundred stings the poison takes little or no effect; I mean

after the system becomes* used to the poison .no swelling results. Some bees sting worse than others. Sometimes a beekeeper working amongst bees all day might get dozens, and even scores, of stings in,a day; in fact, one can get a few dozen stings in a few minutes. The effect that the bee poison has on the bees is astonishing; when once a bee has stung you the rest of the bees Beem to get the scent of the poison, and when this is the case they will come at you with the fury of wild beasts, unless you overpower them quicklv with smoke. Many a' time I have saved "myself from getting a great number of stings just through quietening them with a few puffs of smoke. To protect the face from stings a bee veil is used. Some beekeepers do not use one, but for quick work and to protect the face from stings it is generally safe to wear it. I need not tell you it is rather unpleasant to go about wit'i a swollen-up face or a closed eye as the result of receiving stings in the face. Italian bees are the best variety of bees—l mean the pure variety—though I have met a few people who told me that the Italians are very savage. But I have proved for myself, as many another beekeeper has dosne, that the pure variety of Italians are generally more gentle than the others. Italian bees are growing more and more in popularity amongst the leading bee countries of the world. Perhaps I had better tell you of my first experience with foul brood. Foul brood is one of the worst diseases amongst bees, and it is this disease we have in New Zealand. At first I did not know why some of the cells in the brood combs were not hatching, but on oxamining some of the diseased cells with the sunken capping, and after applying a small and sharp-ponited stick to the diseased larvce, and drawing it out from half to three-quarters of an inch it would break. From this and from what information I had gained of this particular disease I concluded that it was foul brood. At first I tried cutting out the diseased cells with a pocket knife, but still the disease spread. I did not know much about the disease, so I soon obtained a copy of that well-known book, "The A B G of Beeculture." From this standard work I gathered the information that the disease is in the honey, and that the only way to cure the disease is to take away all the honey from the diseased colony. Now this disease foul brood (Bacillus alvei) is a disease of the larvae, and when the diseased honey is fed to the larvse by the bees the larvse become infected and die. The treatment employed in the cure of foul brood is known as the M'Evoy treatment. The M'Evoy treatment is simply this: During the honey season all combs, brood, and honey are taken away from the diseased colony and the colony is then left for four days." Then again all honey and all the comb that the colony may have built during the four days is taken away from them. A colony treated in this manner has all the infected honey taken- away from them, and so they start afresh. It is only m an odd case that ( the disease reappears in a colony treatedin this manner. The old saying "A stitch in time saves nine" may well be applied to this disease. It is so contagious that the best thing to do as soon as it apoears in an apiary is to treat it at once. The industry of the honey bee is admired by all who have any experience with it. What a pleasant sight it is to watch the bees at work in the fields, or to stand near a hive and watch the bees return with the nectar. No, Dot, I have not read the "Life of the Bee," by Maeterlinck. Well, Dot, I am afraid you will be tired of my uninteresting experiences with bees, so I had better conclude.— Yours truly, NOVICE.

[Thank you for your interesting letter. Ncvice; I am very glad to publish it. I was surprised to hear you saying that yon were only a "novice" at beekeeping, as I thought you had been interested in it for so lorisr. But in any ca.se. you are always our "Novice." I want to hear now how much honey you get from your bees, and if you grow special clover for them, and lots of other things. And I know a great many DL.F. will be interested in this letter of yours.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —We are having very cold weather here this last day or two. We just finished our examination to-day, and I am very glad. I suppose our winter holidays will start soon. We are milking three cows just now. The frost has been so hard up here that we can slide on the ice in many places. I will give the L.F. a story.—There wjis once a clever conjurer who was one day performing many wonderful tricks in the ! presence of a great crowd of people. For one thing he showed them a cock which raised a heavy beam from the ground, and carried it about as if it had been no heavier than a feather. Now. among the people looking on was a young girl who had found a four-leaved clover, which had made her so wise that the conjurer could not cheat her. She saw that the supposed beam was nothing more than a bundle of straw. "My friends," cried she. "don't you see that the bird is only carrying straw, not a beam?" The man made to run off, and the people finding how he had deceived them drove him away amidst insult and mockery. Ibis made him very angry, and he resolved to be revenged. 1 will tell the rest next time I write. The answers to the riddles I gave last week were "The other half" and "One." I will close now. with love to Fuchsia and Mother's Pet.—Yours trulv, ! ' PENELOPE. [I hope you will not forget to send in the rest- of your story soon, Penelope, as Little Folk are sometimes so disappointed when stories j_n which they are interested are never finished. It is better to try and get the j whole into one letter.—DOT.] ! Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am nine years old. and in the Second Standard. I ride a little pony to school, and his name is Rim. I have seven miles to go to school. I have two brothers and one sister. Wo are having bad weather here just now. I went to stay with my auntie for a holiday at Christmas time, and I had a good time. —Yours trulv,

A.DDIE. I [I am sure your aunt would take good car© that her little niece enjoyed her Christmas holiday. Addie. What did you do all the time? Certainly you may be one of my • Little Folk; I hope you will write again ! DOT.] I Dear Dot.—lt is a good while since I last | wrote to the page. Father and mother a,re j in Dunedin just now. Mother said that she was going to try and get me a D.L.F. badge at the office. We are having frosty weather : just now, but it is better than rain. Wasn't tho Titanic a terrible wreck, Dot? I was going to send something for the fund towards it, but I waa too late in thinking: ; about it. We are playing hockey at echcol i just now. We had a week's holiday at school j /ast term. We are going to get & holiday on the 3rd of June for tb© King's Birthday. : We were going to the Technical School for , three months, but we have finished now. | W© learned to bake lots of things at the , Technical School. Winter will soon be in ; again with' its cold w©ather and short days. ; I think I like summer days best. Do you like reading, Dot? I am very fond of it. . Some of the books I have lately rend are ! "Down the Mississippi," "'Hester's Home,"

"The Girl That "Wouldn't Make Friends," "Chrissie's Endeavour," and. a few others. With love to Luceda, Woodland Rose, Moana, and Mother Sunshine, —Yours truly, FENWICK. LASS.

[I suppose that girl that wouldn't make friends came to see the folly of her ways. I don't think it would be very refuse to be friendly with people; it would be very lonely, wouldn't it?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —If we have many more frosts like the previous ones skating will soon be in vogue. We had a very hard frost yesterday, but to-day there is a change. It has been raining all the morning. Yes, I like my new school, but I do not suppose I shall be here much' longer, as Galloway School will soon be finished. . It is very quiet at Springvale, and I felt rather lonely -when I came here first; but that soon wore off. I was up home about a week ago to spend the week-end. I caught the up train .at Galloway about 4 o'clock, and then the coach from Clyde to Cromwell, arriving there about a. quarter to 7. .It is a very rough coach ride, but on the whole I enjoyed it, for I had very pleasant companions. I had a box seat both ways. Coming back on Monday morning was not so nice, as it meant a very early rise and a cold drive. I got to Galloway about 25 minutes past 9 that morning. There are a good number of paradise ducks about here;#we see sometimes 20 or more settled in a paddock which we pass going to school. There were very few shot this season, as people coulcT not get within rifle range of them; they are eo timid. Everything has such a wintry look about here; to look at the snow-clad mountains makes one shiver. I have had several very interesting letters from some of the D.L.F. Thanks for your- letter, Last Rose of Summer; I intend answering it this week. I did not receive your letter until yesterday on account of.it going to Alexandra instead of Clyde, where I usually get my mail. What a lot cf letters you must have to read:, Dot! Every week there are several new writers. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly. REDWING 111. [I am glad to hear that you have been getting pleasant letters from your correspondents-. Redwing; one's "letter friends" open up a whole new world, don't they?— DOT.] AUTOS AND POST-CARDS. Betty the Bold (Jessie Watt, care Mrs R. Sloeombe, Kaweku) wishes to, exchange postcards with any D.L.F. willing. Linnet (Tniko, Port Molyne.ux) wishes to exchange autos with Laughing Water, Left Wing, Prince Hoar, A. J. S., Waipupukaba, and any other D.L.F. willing. Sure replies. • Loreen Erroll (Miss A. Jackson, Underwood, Invercargill) wishes to exchange autos with Semibreve, Francis, A Kiltie's Lassie, Geniveve 11, Pixie, Eager Traveller, Avonree, and Matilda. Prompt replies. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Detective. —It is one of the rules of this page that I do not give away the names and addresses of my correspondents without their consent,' since they are given to me in confidence. Hence I cannot give you who-t you ask for. Your letter was waiting its turn; letters cannot always be published the week they com© in. Sometimes I have far too many. Lady Rosabella.—You sent stamps for a badge, but forgot to send your name. I will post one to you if you will let. me have your name and address. Moyha.—Thank you for finding out for roe the name of the owner of the stamps. He realised the omission himself and wrote to me, and I hope ha has the badge safely in his possession now. Lonesome Pine.—l am glad you were pleased with the printed slips of the story. Your aunt will be most interested to get them. You ought to start a personal scrap-book, Lonesome Pine, and put in it any of your D.L.F.. letters, stories, or papers, or any mention of you in a newspaper. If you continue writing, it will prove very interesting later on.

Suplejack Berries. —l have to thank an unknown correspondent for the gift of come beautiful suplejack bsrries. They are euch lovely things, and I was eo pleased to get them. I wore them twice, and they were much remarked upon.

Spey Pearl. —I am doing as you ask with regard to your letter, but will you not let me publish the part 'about the orchids? I could incorporate it in your next letter, for it is really interesting. Le me know when you write. I am eo pleased to hear about you and Seafield. It was, of course, because of the press of letters that yours had to wait so long.

DUNEDIN D.L.F. LITERARY AND DEBATING CLUB. Motto: " Union is Strength." The usual weekly meeting of the above club was held in Dot's room, Lower High street, on Tuesday, June 17, 1912, at 8 p.m. Indian Chief presided over a good attendance of members. After the minutes of the previous week's meeting were read and confirmed, Francis introduced to the club a new . member under the nom de plume of Highland Lassie, to whom a, very hearty welcome was extended. —ls Dancing Beneficial ? The evening was devoted to a debate on the above subject. Everton led the affirmative, Orsen th& negative. Right from, the beginning the affirmative won the argument, but Orsen is to be complimented on the fight he put up for his side. Everton, who was suffering from a bad cold, found tupporters in Emerald and 1 Octava, while'Orsen found -a capable champion in Francis. In the reply the leader for the affirmative exploded the negative side's arguments by stating that as neither of them were dancers there were not capable of judging! —Welcome to Lulu.— During the meeting a hearty welcome wa.s extended to Lulu, a very old club member, who has just returned from a visit to Australia. —Special Notice.— Watch next week's Witness for extraordinary announcements. i —Resignations.— The resignations of the president (Indian Chief) and Mattie were handed in. They were received by the club with great regret, and after a motion to that effect and thanks for past services, Francis was elected president to take the plaoe of Indian Chief. Then to fill the office of vice-president thus vacated by Francis, Everton was elected. HIRAM) GREEN, Secretary. 5 Argyle street, Mornington. INVERCARGILL D.L.F. LITERARY AND DEBATING SOCIETY. Motto: " Excelsior." Very heavy rain fell all day Wednesday, and it was certainly not to be wondered at that the attendance at club was small. However, Shasta, Iris, Black-eyed Susan, Sbeilah, Luceda. Pterodactyl, and a new member, Somebody's Lover, put in an ap-

pearanoe, and an enjoyable evening was spent. After some arrangements in connection with the forthcoming social had' been disposed of, the evening was devoted to the reading of a pleasing number of open meeting papers, all were contributed by D.L.F. who are not active members of the club. These papers were: —"Camp Life," by E. H. F.; "A Budget of Blunders" (selected), Lavinia; "How Uncle Podger Hung the Picture" (selected), Winnetou; " Afternoon Tea in New Zealand" (selected), Mistress Jean ; " The Tinsmith " (selected), Possum; "An Original Cook," Elmo Athol; " Sawmill Life in Southland." Lex; "The Cost of An Invention" (selected). Awkward Meg; "On Troubling" (selected), Delos; "Winter," Solomon Slow; "Let Us Hear the Other Side" (selected), Uncle Mary. Lex's paper is being forwarded! for publication, and most of the other papers are to be sent to Dunedin Club- for open meeting tbeie. Next Wednesday night a social evening is being, held in the Lecture Room in the Y.M.C.A. Buildings, and we are looking forward to a fine night, a. representative D.L.F. gathering, and an altogether enjoyable time. The club desires to thank very heartily those D.L.F. who so kindly contributed papers for open meeting, and wishes to draw attention to tho provisional syllabus appended. Lonesome Pine, Elusive, and Lex have baen duly enrolled as honorary members. All D.L.F. interested in club matters are invited to communicate with Pterodactyl (W. Hawkcs, Wallacetown) or LUCEDA, Secretary. 92 BCggar street, Invcrcargill.

PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS. June 26. —" Travellers' Tales." Accounts, of journeys or selections from travel books. July 10.—" Ought We To Obey Mrs Grundy?" Debate. Affirmative. Lola and Luceda. Negative, Shasta and Iris. > July 24. —Lol a's even in g. August 7.—Debate, !' Is the Young Man of the Period More Contented than the Xoung Man of the Sixties?" Affirmative, Pterodactyl and Ideal. Negative, Hazeldean and Captain Bri. August 2f.-*Special Subject, "When the World Was Young." Members to contribute myths, legends, fairy tales, stories of ancient peoples and prehistoric creatures; or, if preferred, stories of ancient Greece, Rome, Britain, or Maoriland. , The one condition is that the stories moist be old. September 4.—Gilbert Parker's ' The Weavers." Shasta. September 18.—Social evening. COUNTRY MEMBERS' REPRESENTATIVE REPORT. Two more.country members were enrolled as honorary members of the club under the nom9 of Elusive and Lonesome Pine. Long may you remain to help brighten our club! Lonesome Pine, you're doubly welcome; considering the distance you are away, it is verykind of you to think of us mortals down here in the " sunny" south. Elusive, I notice you're elusive when it comss a wet club night. But nevertheless the club wishes to thank you for your kind support. —Open Meeting.—

Open meeting was considered a vast success, judging by the open papers read. But perversity of the elements caused the attendance to be lacking, though oil who faced the rain and biting winds went home satisfied with open meeting. Hallo, Solomon Slow! Put it there, old chap I Your paper was really enjoyed; the beating of the ram ■ and sighing of the wind seemed to emphasise your remarks on winter to perfection. E. M. H., your "Camp Life" was much enjoyed. It is typical of the usual routine of «nmp life when "buoys'* are the happy campers concerned. So, "Uncle Mary, in "Let Us Hear the Other Side," you believe in hearing both sides of a question before you pass judgment! A very gcod way too, comrade. We hope to hear more from' you. "Afternoon Tea in Now Zealand" was also enjoyed to its fullest. That'a right, Mistress Jean, always contrast our fair land with other countries, —when ours ehows a chance of leading in merit! Afternoon tea is really one of our merits, and is tnjoyed much by New Zealandera throughout the land. Lavinia, your " Budget of Blunders" was indeed humorous. It's the fun of the world to be Irish and understand it, But we more staid English and Scotch have, to laugh heartily,—lrish expressions are so humorous. Elmo Athol, your " Original Cook" was indeed an "original.'' I liked the way he went exploring: not bad, was it? "How Uncle Podger Hung the Picture on the Wall" was also decidedly humorous. Thanks, Winnetou: I hope to receive many more from your pen. "How Innocence Confounds Dishonesty in a Court of Law " was another excellent piece, which shows how honesty is the best policy every time. We are indebted to you. Possum, for sending it. Awkward Meg's " Cost of Inventions" was also well received; it tells of the troubles of a young inventor. We hope to hear from you again, comrade. So. Delos, you don't believe in meeting trouble halfway; go the whole way, ch, comrade? But your paper "On Troubling was much enjoyed. An industrious paper entitled " Sawmill Life in Southland" was also verv well received. I presume the writer must eitliex work -at the null or has been exceptionally well informed regarding mill life. Anyway, we all fervently hope to receive many papers from you, comrade. All our oomrades that helped us so much tonight, I tender you my grateful thanks, snd trust you'll all send us along some more papers whenever you get an inspiration. —Personal. — Possum. I sincerely hope the " poor sore hand" is better again, and that you are back at work. I like to sea people v.-orking. arid, anyway, you've had a rough time of it. To miss the" social wa» a terrible misfortune indeed, you know. Never mind, buck up, there's a bright ''ay coming! So, Biddy Ma.kney, you ve a. paper ready, have you? Ptero's casting many a bly glance up that way, and hoping that perhaps it will flutter down this way. So you beat me for those "Two tfhejts": I'll F*»y >ou out' Thank 3 for vour kind wishes, Last Rose of Summer: I hope you manage to get to our eocial evening. I'm sorry you couldn t get to the Dunedin social, as all present enjoyed themselve* there. Pikinki and Lizzie's Sister, I still remember you. Waltz Me Around Willie)" I'm sorry I never had a chat with you, Creamy, at th© social. Better Tuck next time. Anyone wishing to be enlightened regarding the club may write to Pterodactyl <or the secretary. Country members' subscription is Bd—not a large sum, comrades, but it's very needful for the advancement of the club. Any time you are in town, comrades, look us up at the club; you're always welcome. It shows you are interested in our welfare, and the welcome you receive ia worth coming a long journey to enjoy. And any time you have a spare paper to hand, dofc't say you're " too ahv," but just put in an envelope addressed to PTERODACTYL. W. Hawkes, Wallacetown, Southland.

| # INVERCARGILL CLUB NOTES. i ON DIT. | That the Invcrcargill Club bavo been thinking matters over, and have decided not to let Bunedin get ahead! of Them; if the lmnedin Club can afford to keep a Fro~, inveroargill is going to have an Elf. borne people arc Elusive, but not acpMThat -some, of the members arc food cf butter. It's a factl Several people wero considerably frightened! last mgnt; upon inquiry ii. was found that the scare wag caused by a Pterodactyl, which was seen swimming in the direction of Invcrcargill. Did you know that Pterodactyls could swim? This specimen v can Some people have buttery fingers; why not get somebody to hold your pencil for you, Iniceda? . . J Anyone can talk, but it takes Sheikh to make sweets disappear. Seen any lately comrade? . Peterodactyl know s "nothing whatever" about Mrs Grundy. Just think of it! The Elf hopes to have a Te.al good time at the social. Roll up, comracTes; flori't disappoint the poor little thing! Black-eyed Susan was seen to. be busy with a notebcok and pencil. Were you takiug down the speeches, comrade? " The Elf has decided to leave the new members alone this "time, in ciee' they should not conio back again. THE ELF.\