DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3100, 13 August 1913, Page 69

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

DUNEDIN CLUB NOTES.

fD.L.F. Page, inaugurated by the late WILLIAM FBNWXCE, July, 1886.]

Dot invites short letters from her young friends /throughout the Dominion on matter! ef inter&ft to them- - talvea, the remit of l their observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything ' they are interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and bom© lifo, holiday trips, &c. The letters are Is ha written by the little folk themselves, and addressed " Dot, cars of Editor Witness."

3Dot’» Little Folfe'a Badge with pin, lor use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Brice, la 0d po«t trie, In penny ox halfpenny stamps. Auto. Card* are obtainable from Dot, Witneas Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d lor 36.

Motto: “To observe, to reflect, and then to speak.” Last meeting, which was devoted to the debate, “ Can an Honest Matt Become a Millionaire'/” was very good, the negatne side winning by 14 votes to four. Congratulations, Ivanhoc, upon your win for the negative side. \ou did very wed indeed. Francis brought forth some very good arguments, but hardly strong enough to convince those present .that his side aas right. Silver-dale fought very hard for the negative side. Our comrade put nil Ins heart and soul into his paper, and one and all enjoyed it. Orson, Oriel, and Hilda Grace supported Francis very well. Our comrade Orsen is a splendid" debater, as we all know, and we always look forward to a debate where ho is one of the loaders. Possum and Thelma were the other supporters of Ivanhoc, and fought like Trojans for their rights. The Imp will know where to go for cups in future, Thelma. This critic was startled by the sudden exclamation, “ I love you, Francis!” It is a good thing for you, Mr President, that it is not Leap Year. Wonderful are the changes money will bring about, eh, Adelina? Pleased to see Creamy I and a visitor present last meeting- Welcome! The attendance last evening was very, good, and we hone to see even more turn up at the “ Mock Trial by Jury.” Congratulations are again due to Billy Burlow and Ivanhoe, who were elected to the committee. Billy Burlow has been on it before. Both these members deserve the position, as they have the interests of the club at heart. Country comrades, don’t forget Open Meeting on the 26th. We want your hearty support again. This is an early announcement, but “ better early than late.”

Kia Ora till next week. THE IMP. PEARSON’S FRESH AIR FUND. As some of my readers arc not conversant with the work done by the committee of the Pearson’s Fresh Air Fund, it may be mentioned that in 21 ycais 3.011,057 poor children have been given a day’s outing in the country or at the seashore, while 21.015 have enjoyed a fortnight’s holiday-. For 9d the Fresh Air Fund is able to give a child a day in the country, and 10s will take a eiiild into the country or to the seaside for n. whole fortnight. The sum of £3 2s pays for 200 children, with attendants and food, for a day’s outing. When it is mentioned that many of the children catered for have never soon a green field, it will be realised what a great treat can be given them for 9d The following additional subscriptions have been received :—- Previously acknowledged £2 2 3 Dusty Miller 0 2 6 SUGGESTED MEMORIAL TO GRAVEL. The death of Gravel has excited unite n wave of sympathy among ilie older D.L.F. who were familiar with his contributions to the page, and I have received quite a number of suggestions as to some form of memorial. Black Watch being the first to come forward. Hiram Green in a letter wrote that it was with a nang of sorrow that lie read Lola's letter conveying the news of Gravel’s death. “ All who knew him.” Hiram Green goes on to say. “ now realise to the fullest extent what a hero lie was; for he was a hero. All who read his letters to the , page have now realised what a strong, hopeful chap he was: never complaining. always honeful.” Hiram Green coos on to say that he is desirous of donating an annual subscription as a memorial to he comncted for by writers to the page and members of the clubs, the memorial to take the form of an essav to be railed a?i r 'r our late comrade Gravel The suggestions were brought under the nptie-e of the D.L.F. Literary and Deb-tuur Society at >t« last meeting, whin members expressed their willingness to assist in erecting some simple memorial over the grave of Gravel, if assured that fir’s would meet with the approval of the relatives of their late comrade. As the present address of Gravel'.® reln. t'ives is not known to the Dimed-'" Glob. T hope some Pouthland D.L.F. will communicate with these relative ep,l ascertain their vie aw on the nutter. T hope to hear shortly that this has been done. DOT. LF-TTE T>* FROM THE TATTLE EOT.F Motto: —Wo writ* for the benefit of others pot for ourselves tfST Ko letter to contain mor® than 430 words. Dear Dot,—T am very sorry T did not write before, but there was not very much

news to tell you. I have had a nasty cold lately. Tt was a nice day to-day, but tonight it is very windy and cold. There is snow on the mountains now, and they look ro pretty- the first thing in the morning. Mother is troubled with rheumatism again, and sometimes it takes her all her time to walk. My little nephew and niece arc staying with us now. My little nephew is six months old, and he is such a dear little chap. We won't like to part with him when he has to go home. My little niece is three, and she is a little harumscarum ; you cannot keep your eye on her. Would you mind tolling me what to do with the auto cards, as I have not seen them or had any. Is there another Sunbeam writing to you, because I was just wondering if any one wanted to exchange autos with me, as there was a (Sunbeam printed in the auto column. —Yours truly, SUNBEAM'. [I am sorry to hear that your mother is still suffering from rheumatism, dear, and hope, now that winter is over, she will improve. The auto cards are small square cards on which you write your own name, your N.D.P., your address, and your age if you wish. You may write your favourite piece of poetry on the back if you like. There is a Shining Sunbeam writing to the page, so no doubt vou were meant. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Another of my short letters to your most interesting page! What fine weather we have had so far for the winter months. W c have had a frost or two lately, which were very sharp. I can now do a little typewriting and shorthand, which I like -very much. 1 leave home at a quarter past 7 in the morning to go to school, and leave for home at a quartette 6. We find it a long day at school. I have 14 miles to go to get there; but it is only :i short journey in the train. The school up here played at football with another school, and they wore beaten. It was a return match. The school which I attend has a football team and a hockey teani. I am in the latter. Nows is very scarce in this locality, so must bid “ Goodnight."—Yours truly, JIDDY.

[So pleased that yon are making good progress with shorthand and typewriting, Jiddy. You do have a long day of it at school, and must be very tired at nights.— DOT.] Dear Dot.—Wo are having real spring weather up hero just now, and all the trees are budding. In my last letter I told you that measles were in this district, but I have not heard of any more oases yet. Our examination will be coming off in a month or two now, and I hope 1 will piss. The primroses have been all out in bloom this last month, and I like them very much. My little sister has been very bad with the cold, and wo have to keep her inside. The smallpox has not reached the South Island yet, has it. Dot? Christmas will soon bo here, and 1914 will follow it. 1 am always coming in contact with some member of the D.L.F., and know a few personally—namely. Texas Jack, Ivanhoo, Indian Chief, Flcda, Rising Star. Leila, Sweet Innocence, Mattie. Billy Barlow. Elmo Athol, and a few others.' We will have to plant our vegetables soon. Last year our onions were a failure, but the peas and potatoes grew well. When I get big enough I am going to go to the club. I see by last week's Witness that Elmo Athol lias retired lam not reading any books at present. because I am too lazy. Did you over get caught in a lawyer bush, because, if you did it is not very nice. I think I will write you a piece of poetry called

THE* POOR LITTLE LOBSTER. A poor iit tie lobster, out on the sand. And could not get back to the sea; He could not get back to his mother at all, And a sad little lobster was he. But a wave came up and carried him off, And put him back in the sea, Along with hie mother, his uncles, his aunts, And a glad little lobster was he Well. 1 think I will have to close this scribble. With love and best wishes to a!! the D.L.E., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trnl v, ' INITIAL.

[1 hope you will successfully pass your examination, initial. There have been no casts of smallpox so far in the bouth Island.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Once more 1 take up my pen to write a few lines to the page. If I don’t hurry up and write often I shall not be able to write many more letters before Life, with its flying pen, marks me among the band of Old Writers. What a large and scattered band the Old Writers inu-l bel What numbers of former Little Folk who now glance back remember in the Little Folk’s letters the time when they first started to pen the familiar “dear Dot” to the page. I woiicier what has become of all my correspondents? A feeling akin to restrospection awakens old memories, and makes one think one is old indeed. Where are you. Baby? fAtill having a quiet, life, or are y ou among, the busy workers of the world? Special regards to yourself, Hirondelle. and you also, Dahlia S-pray. I wrote to Mozart, but never received an answer; but I suppose everything comes to him who waits. What kind of weather are you having m Dune-din, Dot? We are having a sort of a mixture here--two wet days and a fine one. I went to a euchre party the other night, and enjoyed it immensely; but needless to say. 1 did not win the prize. I was one game behind the winner, hut I had a headache bad enough for a dozen winners. One has no conception of the amount of pleasure you derive from the tinkling of the bill when seated at the king table when you are leading in point.-; but when one has hardly any points it. is then, alack! alas! one feels in a funny mold, but' st-ll a hopeful one. I have read a few interesting books lately. Dot. One. bv the name of “The .Son of the People.” is vrry nice, also one called Black Rook.” bv Ralph Connor. I have alwavs been going to contribute a panel- to the club, but when I leave the office at 6 T don't like going back after tea and starting afresh : but I may manage to send in one some of these days. 1 was very sorry not to be able to see you while in town. Dot': but better luck next time perhaps. Now. Dot. T think T shill close for the present with the promise to write move faithfully in t!ic future, and w-th love to all L.F.. not excluding v ourself, —Yours tru'v. SVOWIUiT r-'T ff should like to hear of you sending in a paner to the club occasionally. .Snowdrift, I was di.-annointed at not having the pleasure of making ycur acquaintance, bur shall hope to do so in the near future. —DOT.] Dear Dot.—We are having lovely weather just now. so different from what if was whin last T wrote. To-day has turned out beautiful, although it was drizzling a bit in

the morning. lam learning shorthand and typewriting at the Technical School, and like it very much, especially typewriting, We go on Monday nights Irom 7 o’clock to 8.30 for shorthand, and from 8.30 to i o’clock for typewriting. Hurry up, .Rosebud and Sleepy Head, and write a letter to the page. The freezing works closed down for the season on Saturday after having a very successful season. The gardens about here are looking very pretty just now with the violets, primroses, and crocuses all 1 in bloom. In one or two gardens I have noticed some daffodils out. Our garden, was spoilt by the flood, and as it has been such wet weather since then, it has never been dug, nor had time to dry. We have a few violets and primroses out just now, and our daffodils will soon bo out, and 1 think we shall have a good many if the buds do not get nipped by the frost. Well, Dot, as I have no more news I shall close’ this scribble. With love to all the D.L.F. and vourself,—Yours truly, INKPOT.

[Delighted to hear that you are progressing so well with your shorthand and typewriting, Inkpot. Our-daffodils are starting to flower, and the garden will soon be glowing with these lovely spring flowers. —HOl'.]

Dear Dot,—We have spring with us once again, and so far we have had nice drying weather. It will soon be time for the daffodils again. The leaves of trees are just bursting now, which is .a, sign of spring. My iittle sister does not want to go to bed to-night, and she is crying wholesale. I was sorry to see Elmo Athol had her retiring letter in last week. I always enjoyed reading her letters. Yes, 1 will be down to see you soon, Elmo Athol. My brother was home for a few days’ holiday last week, but ho is back in Dunedin again. The smallpox is dreadful in Sydney, is it not? The doctors seem to Ktive it well under control in the North Island now. It would be a pity if it spoilt the Auckland Exhibition. I have not seen a letter in the page from Doreen or Ivy Loaf for a long time; they must lx? asleep or sometiling has happened to thorn. I see we have a new critic now. 1 wonder what has happened to The Elf, Duckio, and the (Searchlight. I have not seen their names in the page for a long while. I thought 1 had 'a lot of news when I started, but it has all .flown away, so I think I had better stop now. W ith kind regards to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, RISING STAR.

[I am sorry I had to cut out that pretty piece of poetry you sent me, dear; but wo are very pressed for room owing to the large number of letters received.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather ; but wo should got it now, as wo are in the first month of spring. My sister is just thinking about writing to the page. I like reading the letters of the page very much. Do you like dancing. Dot? I do; I enjoy going to dances. We go to one every fortnight, and have a good time. I often go out for a ride, and it is grand. We are milking nine cows night and morning. Wo have two horses, and one dog, which we keep to bring the cows home. I have read a few books, but not many. The names of some are ‘‘Little Women,” “ Dancsbury's House,” “Little Duke,” “ Bessie at the Seaside.” and “ Adam Bede.” Well. Dot, I will close with two riddles; (1) Who is it that marries many a wife yet lives single all his life? (2) When may a ship be said to be in love? W ith best love to Bing of Rubies, Strawberry, and Pearlic, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv. CON’S LOVER.

fl enjoy dancing very much. Con’s Lover. A smart gallop on a good horse is delightful.—DOT.]

Doar Dot, —As I am all alone to-day, I must try to write while there is quietness. Dpublless some of the L.F. have heard that Hazel Stick is married, so may like to read an account of the event. I shall start in the usual way: —The ceremony took place in the Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on June 18. The bride, who looked very becoming in a cream satin striped voile dress trimmed with allover lace and satin sprays, was given away by her father: the orthodox veil and orange blossoms were also worn. She was attended by her sister, who wore cream voile, with’ a black and white velvet hat daintily trimmed with net and autumn leaves. The bridegroom was supported by a chum of bis, also of this district, in the capacity *f “best” man. After the ceremony the party had to make a dash for the motor owing to t » quantities of rice and confetti’thrown alter them. (1 saw Elmo Athol there, but was not speaking to her.) After being photographed, the party and guests, to the number of about GO, sat down to the wedding breakfast, after'which the usual toasts were honoured. The happy couple left, per motor car, for Dunedin, where the honeymoon was spent. The bride’s travelling dress was navy blue serge, with blue satin hat trimmed with white feathers. The presents were numerous and handsome. I think that is all there is to say about that day. When the party returned from their honeymoon they found their chimney stuffed, and Hazel Stick had to get up on the roof and rectify it before any fire could be lit. It did seem lonely at first without our big “tease.” and —please don’t, laugh, but 1 felt an inclination to become a baby, and weep. However. knowing that would not. remedy matters, 1 made myself feel very busy, am! was soon better. \Ve are all settled down to work again, and June 18 seems far away. Mv cousin. Moss Rose, is coming to stay with us soon, so. as she is about mv age. 1 am looking forward to enjoying myself. We had three cousins awl an aunt staying with us after the wedding for a few (lays, so we had a good time with them. Nature has awakened from her winter’s sleep, ami is now waving her wand over Mother Earth. Tin l violets, crocuses, and nrimroses are our earliest spring flowers, then come the daffodils, nodding- and shaking their heads in the breeze. Soon the poplars and willows will be sweetly scented, as the “catkins," come out, O.W.W. will soon be bore again, ami 1 hope to see a lot of our old comrades roll up to the call. 1 shall conclude now. as there is some work to he done. Love to Laura, Norah, and yourself, Yours truly, ESSIE. [Thanks very much, dear, for your description of Hazel Slick’s wedding. I am sure all the L.F. will join in wishing the hanpv oounlo a long am! prosperous life.— DOT.] Dear Dot.—lt is with regret that f write mv retiring letter t'o your page. Through it”! have made some friendships that will never he forgotten, and 1 hope that many others have done and will continue to do I ; av. made imiir. good resolu- ... ,ii. 1 • ■ . ' • I that I w do write i ., (>.t often ! i .-in a Laid I have not kept to lioii Sc.melv w one finds finch a lot to do that yen many thing.- must

remain undone. I meant many times to send along a paper for the club. Occasionally I have done so, but 1 find that in answering and studying my college tests I have ample to do. I am very fond of study. 1 just love reading, and always have a book for spare moments. Lately I read “ Lorna Doone,” and at present I am reading “ David Copperfield.” 1 read a short time ago two of J. M. Barrie’s books, and liked them very well. 1 receive presents of books very often. The last wore throe volumes of “ A Biography of the Life of Mark Twain.” It is a. lovelywork, and most interesting. What numbers of new writers there are every- week ' Some seem to bo quite tiny ones, too. 1 think it is very good for children, and T(Niches them to express their thoughts on papeh>H. think we are going to have an early spring —in fact, we have had quite spring-like weather lately. 1 have some bulbs in bud and some primroses almost out. Are you fond of flowers. Dot? I think almost everyone is. I love all spring flowers especially. I love their tints of yellow and cream and the pale tints of green in the leaves. 1 once saw- a paddock a mass of clumps of glorious yellow daffodils. I thought of the lines of Robert Herrick:

Fair daffodils, we weep to see You haste away so soon, As yet the early-rising sun Has not attain'd his noon Stay, stay, Until'the Masting day Has run But to the even song; And having pray’d together, we Will go with you along. I am sorry to see tluse sweet blossoms go. Tliov seem to be sunshine personified, to have stored some of the sun s light and warmth up within their bulbs, to bring it forth again the .next spring-time. ’lhe violets/ too, are wonderfully fresh _ and fragrant. \ I have been watching the willows for ever ho long for the time when the emerald leaves will spring from the rubybuds. lam afraid 1 must have outstepped the word-limit. I hope to pul in an appearance in September in O.W.W. I must now say good-bvo as an active writer. M ith \eiy best wishes to Dot and all the Little I 1 oik. and love to Hagselas, Alva, and Toddie, —Yours truly, MIMOSA.

[ [ am sorry the time lias conic when yon have to bid' adieu- to the page, Mimosa. Vorv nianv thanks for all your good \\ 1 shall hope to hear from you m Old Writers’ Week. —DO'l.]

Dear Dot.—l like reading the D.L.F. letters and some of them are very interesting. We had fine fun at school to-day; the girls plav rounders and the boys play football, so we have jolly times. We arc going to have our school examination soon, ana .1 nope i pass. I like reading very much, and have read a good many books. 1 was very sorry I could not go to see the battleship. 1 will have to close now. as it is getting 'ate. W 7 ith love to all the Little Folk. not. torgetting Dot, —Yours truly, , QUEEN OF THE At.ES.

fl am glad that you have good times at school. Rounders is* a splendid game in the cold weather. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was very glad to see the last letter I wrote in print. It is very today. We get the Witness, and I like reading the L.F. letters very much. 1 see you have a lot of new members, and 1 hope that you will have many move. Piero is my cousin; he is up at oar place just now—he arrived to-day. Please, Dot. could I change my N.D.P.? We have a little shop no here. I am reading a hook now entitled “1* roin Log Cabin to While House.” Does Little Miss Mnffet ever write now V She is an old friend of ours. I think I will close now. Love to Wallace. Little Jim. Francis, Princess Martha, and not forgetting yourself.Yours truly, SCOTLAND FOR EVER. [I do not like the L.F. to change their N.D.P.’s. Scotland For Ever, as it causes a great deal of confusion. One is very liable to take 'another writer’s pen name.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased with my badge. We are bavin;? had weather down heie. One of my schoolmates is writing to you. You can hardly go outside for the rain. Tt is very cold to-day. We have a number of violets out. I was first in the term examination. Our school colours are red, white, anil blue. Our school games arc hockey for the girls and football for the hoys. We are getting a relieving teacher for three week-. I must, close now. Love to you and all the D.L.F.—Yours trulv. SNOOKS. [Congratulations on coming first in your term examination. Snooks. I am very pleased to hear of your success. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? As my two elder sisters aro writing, I wanted to do so too. I am nine years old on the 27th of September. My sister' is helping me to write this letter. As this is my first letter, I will stop now. Love to ail the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, RED DAISY.

[Welcome to our page. Red Daisy. I shall expect a longer letter next time.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I saw my last letter in print, so I thought I would write again. My father had a runaway on the 21th of July with six horses in the waggon. They got a fright when he was covering u truck at the

station; but fortunately no damage was done', 1 have a pet white rabbit, and it lias pink eyes and long white hair, and is bigger than any sort of rabbit 1 have seen. We have a library at our school, open for children from Standard I to Standard h I. I read a book nearly every night., but bare not been doing so lately, as niv mother lias not been well and is not quite Iretter yet. There are three of our family writing to your page, and we are all writing to-day. We play rounders at school, and it i.s a grand game. We have about two miles to walk to school. We live close to the river, and see launches and motor boats go up the river in the spring and the summer. 1 have not been up in one, but ] ample say it is very lovely away up in the bush. I think there is only one other L.F, at our school, and that 'is Lupin. Lupin is my ruitc, and we have good fun together, as we live .only about a mile from their place. _ i think 1 will close now. Love to Kverlasting Daisy. Led Daisy, Lupin. Dolly Dinks, not forgetting yourself, fours trill v, QUKKX OF Til F FA IRIKS. [I am sorry to hear your mother has been ill dear, and hope she 1“ better again. Dow very fortunate that no accident occurred when the horses bolted. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —1 have l>ecn reading the D.L.F. letters, and 1 thought 1 would write. We have a library at school, and i have read a good few Woks. The names of some of them are “Snowdrop and the Seven Dwarfs,” “The Ugly Duckling.” "The Little Runaway,” “Snow Queen,” “Two Brothers and the Little Sister.” “The Traveller’s Companion.” “The Butterflies’ Party,”

“Prince Cherry and the Roe in the Forest,” “The Golcles Goose, ' “The Wishing- Well,” “The Gifts of the North ’Wind,” and a great many more which I cannot remember. We have one pig, seven horses, and one cow, but she is dry. I have three cats. I call one Kitty. Kitty had four kittens last autumn, but she went away with them and came back in winter; but she did not bring back her kittens. My eister has a white rabbit. It got out one night and went into the bush. I went past the bush next mornini; with our little pup. and the pup ran aft-jr it and caught it. It got out to-day, and went into the gorse fence, and the pup caught it again. We have 'lire© dogs, named Frist, Toss, and Stump. I have a garden, but there are not many flowers out. They arc nearly all daffodils. I have a garden at school. My mother was sick on Wednesday and Thursday, and I had to stay home and help her with her work, and it was too wet to go to school on Friday. We are near the bush and the river. In the holidays we went down to the river and waded in it. I have five sisters and one brother. I am the second eldest, my eldest sister being 12 years old. Love to Dolly Diuks, Snowdrop 11, fled Daisy, and Queen of the Fairies, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trtilv, EVKBLAST ING DMSV.

[What a number of fairy tales you have read. Everlasting Daisy. Your sister would be very grateful to you for finding her pet rabbit.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May 1 become one of your happy band? My brother takes the Witness, and I enjoy reading the letters very much. This is my fourth attempt to write to your happy circle, but the fire has been the post office every time. We are having very miserable weather lately, and the roads mo very muddy. As this is my first letter to yon# page., 1 will close now. With love to all the L.F. and vourself. —Y'oms trulv. NEW ZEALAND FERN. [So pleased you have at last sent me a. letter, dear. You are welcome to our band.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have not written to you for a, long time, so ’1 thought 1 would write again. lam 10 years old to-day. and am in the Third Standard at school. Have you had the measles. Dot? 1 have. Tho weather is very wet just now, and the farmers cannot get their potatoes lifted. The inspector came to school to exam me us; bat I was not there because I had iho measles. We have got three weeks' holiday from school just now. I must stop now, as it is near bedtime. — Yours tiulv. A FARMER'S 1-AYS. [What a shame the measles prevented you. from attending the examination, dear. They tire very disagreeable, aren’t them?—DOT I Dear Dot,—l will soon be 13 years old, and I am only in the Fifth Standard, at> school. The inspector was nt school on© Wednesday to examine us, and half of tho children were away frem school. I hud th© measles that day, so I was not at school, and have not been there for a fortnight. I will be glad to go back to school again. We had holidays the rest of the week tha inspector was nt the school. We have three weeks’ holidays from school now because some of the children have scarlet fever. We got a month’s holiday from Sunday school because every place was so muddy. We are having cold weather here now. Dot, and it is raining heavily to-night We are milking four cows in file morning end two at night. I think f will stop now.— Yours truly, SEONAID Hi I FAG. [Your district appears to have had its share of epidemics, Soonuid Bheag. lan sorry to hear you have had the measles, but hope you arc quite well again.—DOT.)

Dear Dot.—lm this letter I am going to toll yon about a trip up the hi!! of Mimngatua. Well. Dot. our school teacher took us up. We all assembled at the school at 0 o’clock. We started off when all the children were ready. We reached die top after a while. We went a little faither on until we came to the creek, where we had lunch, which we brought with us. When lunch was over we again started oft further up the hill to the lagoons. We txph rod all about them, and by this time ■.vo were ready for another cup of tea. We could see the ocean plainly, because wo had field-glasses with us. We all took small bottles with u» and filled them with the water from the lagoon. Finding a few bare places, we »aw little heaps of moa gizzard stoi.es. We also took a few home. When wo had everything packed up wo began to descend fha hill. We had our photos taken. We did not take long to get homo. We were home between 5 and 6 o’clock. Wo ail enjoyed ourselves immensely. The next day wo took the bottles of lagoon water to school, and our school teacher sealed them up for ns so that they would be airtight. 1 have both, the lagoon water and the moa stones. Hava yon ever been stung by a stinging nettle. Dot ? I have. When I got it I put my hand into the creek, and the cold water undo them all white "blisters, which made my hand very sore. Dear Dot. J have made a book to pm my D.L.F. autos in. It ■ an ordinary autograph book. 1 cut a hole in two pages of the book a little smaller than the autos. Then J pasted both pages together. only I left an open space at live side to slip the autos in. I did not paste the pages together close up to the hole. They look quite nice in if. and you can read both sides of the auto without shifting it. J am sending you a few camelias, also some violets and roses. I hope you receive them safely. 7 shall now close. With love to Motherless Girl, Princess "iEdmi, and the rest of my correspondent?, not forgetting vonrself, —Yours trulv. PRiXCLSS MAGGIE. [I must thank you very much for your acceptable gift of flowers. Princess Maggie. They seemed to bring the spirit of spring into the office with them. They alt revived on placing them in warm water, and aro now adorning mv room. Once more accept my thanks.— DOT.] Dear Dot. 1 was verv pleased to tee my first letter in print. We have van cat. and its name is Whitey. We have a lot of pretty flowers out just now. There* are violets, snowdrops, primiose,-, pansies, pimp ils. and daffodils. We have a fuchsia cactus out also, but it is growing in a pot inside. We arc not getting very many eggs just now, because the dogs are eating 11i in.. We have two dogs; their name- arc Boldy an d Wag. There is another dog lien; also: it followed ray brother home the other day. 1 think I shall close now. Love to all the L.F., not. forgetting yourself.— Yours truly BRi DIGS MAID. ■The garden must be looking' very pretty, Bridesmaid, with most of the spring flowers in bloom. 1 think I would try and prevent the dogs from eating the eggs, as that must bo very annoying.—DOT.] Dear Dot. — I was pleased to see my last letter in-print. It is raining hard to-night. Princess Maggie it writing to you to-night also. I go to bed at 9 o’clock. The name of tb« pev-iry I am learning at school just now is “] f I Knew.” 1 know one verse of it, and have another to learn. There aro eight lines in one verge. Now that I sec my letters in print 1 can take more interest in you.: D.B.F. page. I cannot ride tho

bicycle right vet, but it won’t be long till I can. I mar bo able to ride it by the time this letter 'is in print. Our creek was very high the other dav with all the ram we had. I "had a letter from Little Boy not long ago. We have our school holidays next week. We get a week, and I am glad, because one has such fun in the holiday time. I will not be going away for any holidays this time, unless to my grandfather s, which is only three miles away. I have not nad my bicycle mended yet, but the wheels off my trolly fit it, so when I want a ride I put t .eni on. I think it must be the equinoctial gales we are having now, it is so windy; but it is early for them, isn’t it, Dot? I snail now stop. With kind regards to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly. PLUM WINE. [I hope you will have a good time during your holidays. Plum Wine, and that the weather will have improved by then. The winds have been very strong of late, but it will be better to have them now than later on in the year.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band? This is my first letter to your page. Wc are having dreadful weather just now. I am in Standard 11, and there are nine in my class. We are milking two cows, and my sister milks them. We have three little pups. I have a sister younger than myself; she i? seven years old. Well, dear Dot, this is all I have to say. Love to all the D.L.F. — Yours trulv, LITTLE JENNY WREN. [Welcome, Little Jenny Wren, to our happy band. I shall hope to have a longer letter next time you write.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—As it is about four years since I wrote. to you I will rouse up and write again. Wc are having our winter holidays up here. I am 10 years old, and am in Standard 111. We had our school concert on tho 18th of July, and it was very good. I was performing in many things. The weather is very decent up here; what is it like in Dunedin? My sister (Scio) is going to the Normal School, and I hope she will call in and see you before she comes home. I will close now. With love to all L.F. and yourself,—Yours trulv. DUNCAN THE MEEK. [Very glad to hoar from you once again, Duncan the Meek, as you have been a long time silent. I hope Scio will call in and see me.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you, but I will try and write more regularly. There are not many flowers out. I have some violets and daffodils, and tho camellias will be in flower soon. Some trees grow very high; there are a number of trees growing in our garden, and I think they are very nice flowers. We spend most of our holidays playing tennis, and, as I am captain of the club, I have any amount to occupy my time. We expect to be able to get some matches with other clubs during the season. I have not much time to write as wo have, a lot of lessons at night. Most of the subjects in the Higli School are altogether different from the primary school. Last year my favourite subject was Latin ; but this year I do not like it so much, as it gets much harder. Groat interest has been taken in the by-election here. Three candidates stood—Mr Michel (Reform). Mr Hannan (Liberal), and Mr Webb (Labour). In Die first ballot Mr Hannan dropped out, and the contest stood between a Labour and Reform candidate. In the second ballot, which took place on Thursday, Mr Webb was returned us member. This is al! the news to-night. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, MARCIA.

[Pleased to receive your interesting letter, Marcia. Tennis is a splendid game. I hope you will have a pleasant series of matches.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather up here just now. I went for a picnic with Queen of London. Niku, and my aunt. We had a nice time. We went to pick fungus. don’t think fungus grows down south. We looked for a long time, but we could not find any. Then we wont to the place where we left our food. We boiled the billy, and then Vtd lunch. We left homo about il 0 clock in the morning, and came home at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. I was very tired when I got home. Wo live close to the eea. There is an island out in front of our place. It is called White Island. The other night the horse got into my aunt's garden and broke some of her plants down. My brother is ill. and my mother had to tax© him to the doctor. He is not home yet. The inspector was here not long ago, and I passed. I am in the Fourth Standard now. Love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly. ETHEL. [Very pleased to hear you had passed your examination, dear; you are getting on well at school. Your aunt would be nnnoyed at having her garden spoilt.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I think it must be nearly four years since I last wrote to the page'. * You will be thinking I have forgotten all about it, but I have not. I still read most of the letters, which I find very interesting. The weather hero has been all that can be wished for, hard frosts at night and'fine sunny days. We are having our winter holidays just now. and I am enjoy ins? mvself immensely. I was reading in the Life maj?azine last night the storv of Captain Scott, which I enjoyed. Mv father left here to-day with the waggon for Civde. and won’t be back until Saturday night. Well. Dot. there is not much news to tell you. We are near the end of winter now, and 1 won’t b«* ?orry either, will you Dot? I don’t think 1 have any more news to toll von. so I will close. With love to all the D.L.F. and vmirseif, —Yours truly, TULIP. [Clad to hear yon enjoyed your holidays. Tulip. I, too. am very glad that v:inter is over and spring is here.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—lt is very cold going to school these mornings; but it is not so bad when we got there, for our teacher has a good fire on. When lunch time comes we make tea for ourselves. Wo have a mile and a-half to go to school; but on the wet mornings we gel a drive. The roads are very muddy now, and I think wo are going to have another flood. We are going to make a garden at our school, but I am not going to work in if; only the bigger boys and girls are going to work. I will close now. Love to Lochicl, Forest Hill, and vourself.—Your* fruI >’- PEGGY. [Yon arc kept very comfortable at --011001. dear. It must be very nice to have a garden at school, and when von arc older you, too will work there.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am writing to your page as I would like to be one of your Little Folk. We have eight ducks and in hens. We have a piano, and I can play little hymns. 1 am in the Third Standard at school, and am 10 years old. I have two sisters and two brothers. One of my sisters is learning music. My little sister would like to join, 100. I must close now. —Yours truly, " CUCKOO' XEST. [I am very pleased to have you as one of ray L.F. Your sister will be able to teach you how to play also, won’t she?—DOT.] Dear Dot—Our teacher. Miss Saunders, i* leaving on Friday. I am sorry she is leaving, as I like her. I went in for a story on Joseph’s Life with three other big girls,

bigger than myself. Texas Star is my brother, and Queen ,of Flowers is my sister. She goes to the Convent in Invercargill, and my cousin goes to the Convent in Dunedin. Our hens are laying very well now, and mother got 13 eggs to-night. We play marbles at school, and I win a good few. One day I won 13 marbles. News seems scarce up here. Isn't smallpox spreading? but I do not know anybody who has it. I will have to close, as it is getting late. — Yours trulv,

QUEEN OF STRATHVALE

[Delighted at hearing from you once more, dear. lon must be a good player at marbles to be able to win such a number. —DOT.] Dear Dot.—Our school concert is on the 19th of September. We had a harvest-home ball here on the '2oth of June, and it was a great success. A number of people came from Invercargill to it in a motor bus. The had was full of ladies and gentlemen. There were 60 couples in the grand march. I am sure there was not one person there who did not enjoy the function. The hall was decorated with ferns, branches of trees, etc. In the middle of the hall was hung a large spray of mistletoe. Orre of my schoolmates was silting beside me nearly the whole evening, and every time 1 was up during a dance he made me promise I would come back and sit there again. When the dance was over, as I did not want to break my promise, I had to go and srt there again. 1 had a good time anyway, as did Doris Hanriyn and Little -Miss Trix, who were

also there. I am leaving school the night of the concert. We are busy practising for ihe concert now. and we ate going to have such a funny dialogue. Were you ever in a dialogue. Dot ? I think it is grand fun. I love dancing, and I am always sorry when 1 cannot go to a dance. This is the night of the dancing class here; but I did not go, as mother says I am tco young to learn to dance. Do you think so. Dot? I shall Ire li on the 13th of September. I do not like school; but grown-up people say it is the best part of our lives, so 1 suppose it is true. I like reading, and some of the books 1 have read arc “Tiro Three Midshipmen,” “The Old Helmet.” “Shenac,” “Mauco. the Peruvian Chief,”

“Hettie Gray,” ‘‘The Grey House on the Hill,” “Captured by Indians.” and many others. The last -one I read was “Poor Jack,” by Captain 'Marryat. I think Captain Marryat is a good writer. I have read several of his books, and they were all good ones. Somehow, I seem to like books that other people do not like, though it happens now and again that I like one that somebody else likes. We have a collection of 180 books in the school library, and I get one every Friday if I do not forget. We mayhave a book out if we bring back the one we have had. All the books have paper covers on them, and the number of the book is marked on the back. Can you ride a horse, Dot? I can in a sort of a way. The second time I got on 1 went without a saddle, and the horse bolted with me. but I held on. I cannot ride with a saddle on. The first time I got on I went without saddle or bridle. That was a bit daring for the first time, was it not? I like the horse galloping best, as I can stay on then. My sister is a bettor rider than I, as she has had more practice. I very seldom get a chance to do much riding. One day about four of five years ago, before either my sister or I could ride, we both got on an old horse together. This horse was not veiy old. but he was very flash at the time of this event. We both thought we were going to do a great stroke and learn to ride before we went to school. So we jumped on, and went away quite nicely. My sister began pulling the wrong rein, and, of course, the horse ran round and round in circles. I slipped off and pulled my sister with me. The horse, feeling us off, gave us both a. kick, and galloped awav, leaving the rein in my sister's hands. He kicked mo on the leg. and 1 have the mark there yet. Mother asked .us what we were doing, but we never said a word about it until nearly a year after. Love to Creamy, Portree, Linnet’s Mate, Doris Hamlvn, and voursolf.— Tours truly. GOLDEN LOCKET.

[Believe me, dear, your mother knows exactly what is best for you in regard to your dancing. You are certainly very young to attend dances, but, as I said before, mother always knows best. Do be careful, dear, about playing tricks with horses. They can* inflict such terrible injuries on one if thev are at all vicious.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—-1 did not see my last letter in Print, as we did not get the Witness, but I hope to see this one. I take music lessons. I am in the Fifth Standard at school, and have about three miles to drive 1 have missed only one day yet. 1 have two brothers and one sister going to school. We have 12 cows and eight horses. Have you done much fancy work? 1 have done a bit. There are only two D.L.F. going to our school. I will close with a riddle: How many feet have 40 sheep, a shepherd, and his dog? With love ot Hazel Kirk. Curly Jean Kcsy .Veil, I’eggv S. G., Hollyhock, and all the oilier L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, AXXIE’S MATE. [I am sorry I have very little time for faneywork, dear, as my time is fully occupied otherwise.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —Is not the smallpox increasing very rapidly in Sydney? f see in to-day’s paper that it has spread to Xcw Zealand, and that five Maoris have died from it. I see by the paper that in Sydney everybody on the streets is cheerfully nursing his or her left arm. Dear Dot, :f you have been vaccinated when a baby is it necessary that you should bo done again? What a lot of trouble (he Suffragettes are giving the people at Home. 1 think they should all be put on an island and lot them have a free fight amongst themselves. Last Wednesday night, the 23rd, the settlers of Birchwood gave a banquet and home-coming to Mr and Mrs A. W. Rodgers on their return to Xevv Zealand after rn extended visit to the Home Country. The banquet was held in the Birchwood Woolshed, when 172 sat down to do justice to the good things provided. Our worthy chairman was the Rev. Mr M’Dowol!, of Nightcaps. After the banquet was over speeches were made by several gentlemen from Invercargill. Otautan, etc., and one and all gave Mr and Mrs Rodgers a very welcome return again to Birchwood. The dance that followed was all that could bo desired, everyone cnjoving themselves to the utmost. You enjoyed yourself, Airlie. didn’t you? I see by to-day's Witness that there is a debate on August 10, “Which Wields the Greater Power. Heredity or Environment?” I will try to send in a paper on Environment, as wo had the some debate in Bible class one time, and it was very exciting. 1 have just finished a book called “The Old Curiosity Shop,” by Charles Dickens. It was a very nice book, and very sad when it came to the place whore little Xell dies. I think reading helps to pass away the time very nicely, especially when you get hold of a nice book I wonder what has happened to Kelvin Grove. Site has written only once. Hurry and write to Dot, comrade. Xow, dear Dot, I think I have written enough this time. I have onlv three more months left to write to the page, and I will l>e sorry when the time is up. us I always took a keen interest in the D.L.F. page. Hurry and write to me, Airlie. and tell mo how you got home after the dance.

With love to all the L.F., rot forgetting dear Dot. —Yours truly. THE LAST ROSE OF SUMMER. [I am sorry to hoar that your retiring time is approaching, dear, but, I shall hope to hear from you again before then. It is said that vaccination should be renewed every

seven years, but I don’t know whether that is necessary or not. The doctors are, of course, the best judges as to whether it should be renewed or not. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last rote to’ your 'page. It was raining hero

very hard yesterday, and there a rise m the creeks and rivers. There was a dance here on the 25th of this mouth, but wo did not go to it. All the farmers are busy ploughing their paddocks. We have no flower garden this year, as our garden has been co wet. These mornings are very cold for riding' to school, but I am used to it now. There are three L.F. living quite close to I saw a letter from Green Grass and Inquisuivc Bey not so very- long ago. I did not go down to Bluff to see H.M.S. New Zealand, but my sister went. You have a lot of new L.F. writing to the page I have two little twin brothers, and they arc very mischievous sometimes. We are milking one cow just now, but as she does not give much milk, we milk her only every nijdit. I have had a doll since last Christmas Marianian has not written to you for a long time. I think I v, 1 close now. Love to Marianian, Oreti, v'h,.e Heath, and yourself. lours truly. . OLD STATION. [Your little twin brothers are pretty sure to give you plenty of amusement, besides getting themselves into every sort of miscm-’ . How do you like Phoebe, or Fifi. for youi doll's name? DOT.] Dear Dot,—l went to see the battleship. Dianthus. Geranium, and Red Primrose wen. out in the same boat with me—namely, the Corinna. I am just recovering from a severe cold, and for two or three days I was hoarse. Our cows are coming in now, and we are feeding three calves. Our hens have been laving a!! through the winter, and they aie laying yet. I went to the M inter Show, and I never saw one D.L.F., although I kept., a sharp lookout for them. Yesterday it was blowing a living gale, nearly enough to blow you away. I have been vaccinated, but I don't know whether it is going to take. As there is no more news, 1 will close now. With love to' all the L.F. and yourself,— Yours truly, SCARLET FL NGUS. [I am pleased to hear you arc recovering from your severe cold, and hope your voice has lost its huskiness. I think you must have been looking too hard at Winter Show, as quite a number of L.F. were there.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is raining hard here every day, and we are Having a very wet winter. The fog is very thick in Reef ton. We can look down on Reefton from the hills up here, and it just looks like _a hig sea. If the sun would shine on top of the fog it would make a lovely picture. There are some beautiful views up here, and it is a very healthy place to live in. The mine is on one side of us, and two coal mines on the other. One is on fire, and has been burning for years. My father works at the mine. He is a carpenter, and every day I take his lunch down and stay a while watching the men working. I have been all through the mine, and it is lovely going down the shaft in the cage. I would not like to stay down long, as it is so dark. Our two dogs Nig'ger and Tulip, go to the mine every day. They are great tricks, but 1 shall tell you about them in my next letter. My mother has been very ill in the hospital for a long time, and 1 have been housekeeping for father. I am learning to cook, and am getting on fine. We have a canary, and it whistles so nicely. The other canary died. Owing fo my mother being ill I had to leave school. I was in the Fourth Standard when I left, but I am now studying at home. I have seen mostly all of New Zealand, as I have travelled with rny mother when she was travelling for her health. I have been to Sydney and lots of other places. One soon gets tired of travelling, Dot, for home is the best place after all. I went down to Reefton for a few days, and I went to see the great M'Ewon. It was a very good show, and I often go down to see the pictures. My father is such a tease. To-night 1 was reading the Comic Australian, and he went and made a spider cut of a cork and elastic. He then got at the hack of me and dangled it in my face. I got such a fright that I threw down my paper and rushed out of the house. I shall not take up any more of your valuable time, as this letter is a long one. hove to all the Little Folk and vourseif. —Yours truly. 1 NCI LEWOOD LASSIE,

[I am so sorry to hear, dear,- that your dear mother is il! in hospital, and I sincerely hope she will soon recover. What a clever girl you are, and 1 am so pleased to think you are turning into such a capable little housewife. Your father must lie very proud of you. dear.—DO'.!'.]

Dear Dot,—l think it is about time I wrote another letter to the page. This is the lust day of winter, and I am not sorry either, because I like the long summer days the best. We have about 13 boai'ders in our house just now. and I have to gel up and wait on the table at breakfast time and again at tea time. I have been doing it about three weeks, and I am getting to like it bettor. I like reading very much. Some of the hooks f have read are “Little Women,” “Easter Cameron’s Story,” “The Cora! Island.” “Robinson Crusoe,” and “Manners and Customs of the Whole World.” I am going to send for another badge, as I broke the pin off the other one. I do not know any D.L.F., but I hope to some day. The other day I was making the tea, but instead of putting the water in the teapot I was putting it on my foot. Didn’t I hop when I felt it, and I have bad a bad foot for about a week; but it is getting hotter now. There is a quarry up above our place, and sometimes the seamen climb down it and write the name of their ship on it. ’['here are about a dozen names there now. 1 have no more news. —Love from STRAWBERRY LEAF. [Would you please send me your own name. Strawberry Leaf, as I cannot find your name and address, so must hold over your badge until I hear from you again. Sorry to learn of your scalding your foot, and hope it is quite better again.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—We have had several slight falls of snow lately. We have some flowers out in blossom. Have yon any, Dot? We were gardening the other day- transplanting roses and wallflowers. We have several bens and turkeys laying now. The hens have been laying for about five weeks. Well, Dot, as I have no more news, I shall give the L.F. some new recipes. Peach sponges : Cut some sponge cake into small thin rounds and turn them about in clarified butter over the fire until they are a delicate brown. Have ready some halves of peaches, which liavo been cooked until tender in a syrup of sugar and water, and hkve been drained; sprinkle the rounded sides thickly with grated cocoannt, and place one on each piece of cake, and serve cold with cream. Almond toffee: This toffee should ho a clear golden yellow. Ingredients— lib of sugar and Jib

J sweet almonds. Oil your tin, blanch your almonds, chop them up, and sprinkle them in the tin; put the sugar in a stewpan, and boil it to the toffee stage—that is. 300 dog. Pour this over the chopped almonds. Mark into bars before it is cold, and wrap each bar in grease-proof paper before storing them in fins. Dear Dot, I am changing my N.D.P. because the other one was rather unsuitable. I hope I have not taken any other L.F.’s nom de plume. Well, Dot, I shall draw this uninteresting letter to a close. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, EUNICE. [Many thanks for those delicious, recipes, dear. I quite suppose we shall hear from some of our young cooks as to their successes with the same. I do not care for the D.L.F 1 . to change their N.D.P.’s, as it is apt to cause confusion.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, I was glad to see my letter in print. We are having lovelv weather just now. I know several D.L.F. lip hero, and I have a sister and cousin writing to your page. Me have primroses out in our garden. My mother has started to do up her garden and also her pot plants. The fruit trees are beginning to sprout. I am nine years old, and in the Second Standard. Do you like sewing? I got first prize for dressing a doll. A dressmaker was the judge. My is going down to Dunedin about Clmscmast tune, and will call in and see rfr’i' 1 must c!ose no ' v - With love to all D.L.1.-.. not forgetting yourself—Yours trulv, r „ , ROSEBUSH.' I i°u nmst he quite a clever little dressmaker, Hosehush. and [ am pleased to hear 01 your gaining first prize. 1 shall lie delighted to see your sister when she comes to town.—DOT.] • c bare had a very severe irost Jus morning, and it is still very cold. Henry s Lovie and 1 are going to watch a loot bail maten to-day. Hurry up and write to the page, Cream Hone. Henrv 3 Lovie cams to spend the day with me yesterday, and we went for a walk over the hilis, and it was about half-past 6 when v.c arrived homo again. The whooping cough is about now, but I hope I don’t get it. 1 have a bad cold at present. Love to ail the DL F and yourself,—Yours truly, KURAMEKE. [\on must have had a charming walk, ivurauieke. \\ as that how you caught your cold ? 1 hope you are quite recovered now. — DOT.] Dear Dot, I’ve have eight horses, and I ha\e to got up and iced them in tue mornings. It is very cold going to school, as I nave to leave at hall-past 8. We slide on the SiCdge at school. 1 like reading tho letters from the L.F. I know a lewij.L.i'.' about here, but there arc some that 1 would like to know, but they- won't tell me their A.JJ.P.'s, hr tuey dou t want me to read their letters. 1 wih close now. Love to Rob Roy Frosty Joey. Roma, and yourself, — Tours truly,

JACKY TAR. [\ou do have to make an early start for senool, Jaciry Jar, anil during tire winter it must be very cold. I trust you will find the jj.L. F. more irienuly than you tnink at present.—DOT.j

Dear Dot, —Since writing my last letter to the page 1 have changed my residence, and am now living up in the Jvmg Country. 1 lute living up tins way, luu the mud is dreadful. \vc- have had only about lour line nays since wo came up, tnree weeks ago. Wo weie gomg for a drive to-day, omy it is a bit wet ± am keeping house ior my lather and sister again. X nave nut as much to do hero as i had in Wellington. There are plenty of Maoris up this way. V\ c aie living close beside the Maori pa, where a big tangi was held, lasting mx weeks. The deceased was a member oi the Kaetihi .brass XJund, and the band was playing several nights, and one Sunday, after dinner, it played a lot of sacred music. What 1 have seen ct the 'bush so fa.-* looks very nice, only it lias been 100 wet to sea it properly. When the warmer weather comes x nope to go and get some ferns, and geo all tue birds. My lather brought home a little kitten from a place near where the murder was committed. It is very quiet living up here in the back-blocks. Another thing I miss up this way is the gas. We don t even hav<j coal; nothing but wood. The wood is not hard to get. Alf I have to do is pick it up and chop u, as the paddocks are covered with logs and trees, ■bast Wednesday night my sister and I went to a dance for the first time, and we did not do so badly. 1 enjoyed myself very much, anil there is another corning olf soon to which I hope to go. The dance was held in my uncle's wooished, go we did not have lar to go—about 10 minutes taking us there. My sister is nursing the kitten. It is a tortoiseshell, and I think it is very pretty. In a little while we hope to got a low fowls, as I think it is nice to have a few eggs. I read the D.L.F. letters every week, and in one Witness I noticed that another D.L.F. has taken my N.D.P. As I had mine first, would the other writer mind changing hers? How time flies! It does not seem like six or seven months since last Christmas. I will be very glad when the warm weather comes, as I will ho able to keep the house clean. If you wash the floor out one day it is just as bad by the next day. Well, dear Dot, as it is near dinner time, I will bring this to a close. Best love to Brown Weka, Star of Duntroon, Joy, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, ANNIE'S MATE.

[You have "one right into the hack-blocks now, Annie's Mate, but I suppose you will have plenty of amusement there as elsewhere. Wood fires are splendid, don’t you think, especially in big open fireplaces,— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a line to let you know I have not faded yet. ft is raining at present, and my fluffy head is getting quite out of order through having no sunshine to freshen it up. I am going to tell you about a short, hut pleasant, holiday I had last summer. The dawn of a beautiful summer’s morning was just breaking as I mounted my horse and began slowly wending my way up a mountain that lay at the back of our camp. On reaching the top I dismounted, and stood for several moments gazing at a miniature torrent rushing down the mountainside. What a land of contrasts it was! At the foot of the mountain, where the stream ran through shady nooks, one scenuvl to imagine fairies, where here, at the top. as it dashed. like a demon of rcstlesness, around the rugged, barren rocks, one went hack to the days of creation. I turned to the horse, which, in the contented manner of its kind, when they have an affection for and understand their riders, had shaken its reins loose, and was slowly cropping the short grass. Whilst in the act of gathering up the reins my attention was arrested by the sweet notes of a thrush. He fluttered to the uppermost branch, and the slender tip of the tree bending beneath its slight weight, he twittered in a delicate crescendo. Suddenly, as if he had just become aware of my presence, he gave a cry. half fear, half wonder, and darted awav to the lower regions. I turned and followed him. Tin* rest of the day was devoted to packing camping utensils,

for it was the last das* of camp life for at least one year. That night, under the glitter--I!,f stars, resplendent and beautiful in the soft bine dome of a semi-tropical sky, as the boat foamed on through a blaze of moonlight, and the calm waters lapped her side caressingly, in tuneful complainings at this disturbing of its restfulness, I could not help thinking that a. few days of the ‘‘simpler life” does more for one s_ health and enjoyment than weeks of doctor s care (I humbly hog the pardon of any doctor who may chance to read this) or theatres will do. Love to all the D.L.F., and yourself,—Yours truly, PRINCE CHRYSANTHEMUM.

[Many thanks for your very fine description of your ride up the mountain, Prince Chrysanthemum. A day or two close to Nature works wonders in any town-bred boy or girl.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—As it is nearly a year since I last wrote to the page, I send you a few lines to let you see I am still alive. Well, Dot, in my last letter I told you about an accident I had with my father, and this time I have another one to describe. I was away for a holiday at Easter, and while there went out for a drive to the station, intending to bring home a lady who was coming by the train. I fancy in our hurry to be off to the station we had not looked to see if the harness was on properly; but the horse put down his head to get some grass, and off fell the blinkers. Oh! Dot, just imagine the sensation of a horse bolting towards the railway line and the train coming. We had no control over the horse at all. as the bit was out of his mouth. We got over the line safely, and then the horse went straight for home, two miles away. The front of the trap was kicked out on to ray fats. As we got near the house I think the horse went faster than ever, and dashed through the gates without hitting the posts and made for the stables. On reaching there we expected him to start kicking, but instead of that he tried to turn round and upset the trap. We were both thrown out. but, except for a few bruises and sprains we escaped being hurt. When the horse was caught it only hud on the collar and backhand. All the other, parts of the harness were smashed to pieces. I think we were very lucky; don’t you. Dot? I was staying at Makikihi for a few weeks with my brother and his partner. A White Rose from Hazelwood was with me, and altogether we had a good time. We went to a hunt which was held a few miles away. It was a beautiful day for hunting; but wo felt the frost, I can tell you. when we were motoring home. Up this way the hunt is generally over, by half-past 3 or 4, hut down there it did not end till about 5. It is very cold at Makikihi, as the sea is just near the township. The dancing season is on here now, so it is always something to look forward to. When the winter is on we always join the library in Geraldine, as the evenings are so long when one lias nothing to read. A few of the books I've been reading lately are “The Crisis.” “The Firing Line,” and “Mo, Smith, and the Christian.” My mother was away for a trip for nine weeks, and I was housekeeper. I must say it was with great pleasure I read her last letter saying she was coming home. My sisters, Mount Cook Lily and Queen Ena, have been staying in Blenheim attending the teachers' winter class. They both teach scdrools in Pelorus Sound, so it is only once in a year they manage to come down here. Well, Dot, I suppose by this time you will be tired of reading this, so I will draw ray letter to a close. With best lovo to A White Rose from Hazelwood, Armchair, ail the other L.F., and yourself,—Yours truly, DACRE.

[What a providential escape you bad from having a very serious accident. Dacro. 1 hope you always see that the horse is properly harnesred whenever you drive now. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to your page. My father owns a small farm consisting of 200 acres. I am 11 years old, and in the Fourth Standard at school. I havo two sisters and one brother. I have a young ferret, of which I am very fond. Mv brother had a guinea pig. but a weasel killed it. I know a few D.L.F. about here. I am very fond of horses, and like to have a gallop on them. My brother is going to ferret on the second, as I am going away from home. Love to all the D.L.F.. not forgetting Poelki Kruger.—Yours truly, SERGEANT. [Very pleased to receive your firsf letter to tho page. Sergeant. Yon are well forward in your school work. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Being a newchum to your page, I wish to join your happy band. I always like reading your D.L.F. page. The weather is very changeable just now, and we have been having a great deal of rain lately. It seems as if there is going to bo an early spring, because the rose bushes are pushing forth their buds and have developed some of their leaves. Did yon go to see the battlecruiser, Dot? I went to the Bluff, and went round her in the Bluff Harbour Board’s tug. the Theresa Ward. 1 could discern, written on the turret where King George delivered his last message before she left England, the following words: “Fear God, honour tho Kin".” I shall describe my visit to the battle-cruiser more fully in my next letter. I shall now close. With love to all D.L.F, and voutself,—Yours truly, THE CORE FLOOD.

[You are very welcome to join u«, The Gore Flood. I think we can do with an early spring; don’t you think so? —DOT.]

Door Dot, —This is the first letter I have written to you. I am nine years old,, and am in the Fourth Standard at school. I have three brothers and one sister. Mv

sister writes to the page, and her nom do plume is Portia. I am learning music, and like it very ranch. I have read several books, and the ones I liked best were “Oliver Twist,” “The Pendleton Twins.” and '‘"Little Tottie.” I like reading the L.F.’s letters, and I thought the kitten's letter very amusing. Our white daisies and pansies arc in bloom, and the crocuses are in bud. I think this is long enough for my first letter, and shall try to write a longer one next time. With love to The Prairie Flower, Tola, Queen Phvllis, Bonnie Bell, Lalla Rookh, and voursalf. —Yours truly, NANO.

[Welcome. Nano, to our hand. “Oliver Twist” is a lovely bock; don't you agree with me? One becomes so fond of Oliver that when the book is finished we, like Oliver himself, want to ask for more. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I think the seasons up here must have arranged for the exclusion of winter, for it is only occasionally that lie can make himself felt. The wattle and all spring flowers are dooming away gloriously. It is°the first time father says he can remember a fruit tree in flower on my birthday (July 25). Occasionally, however, it rains-in real earnest, principally on Wednesdays, I have noticed. This no doubt is due io the fact that we play hockey on Wednesday. Hockey is now, I am sorry to cay, practically over, and my stick will have to stand in the corner that at present is occupied by my tennis racquet. As I said before, it manages to rain very heavily on occasions; one Wednesday in particular it excelled itself in this direction. Our opponents gave ns our choice—forfeit or play. So we played in *he pouring rain. We wore,

needless to sav, soaked within five minutes of taking our places, and the ground was so slippery that standing was difficult, and running well nigh impossible. Half-time came and no score, and. then halfway through the last half one of the opposing forwards took the ball, and after failing twice got within the circle to shoot. The goalkeeper rushed, slipped at the critical moment, and the ball rolled past into the net, and we left the ground a defeated team. Last Wednesday, however, was very different. It did not, contrary to all expectations, rain on that day. -It contented itself instead with raining steadily for a week beforehand, -ton can imagine the state of the ground, for besides the fact that there is no drainage, there had been already on that day one hockey match played there, after which the Territorials played football on it till we came. For the most part it was liquid, mud; but at one end a pool of water haci collected about two inches deep, and it was here the tragedies and comedies of the afiernoon were enacted. The teams took tneir places, and were awaiting the referee s whistle when a shout was heard; the first member had slipped. Heed I describe that game? At the close only two had been fortunate enough to keep their feet the goalkeeper and one half back. The ball with amazing persistency rolled into the water and laid there. Several enthusiastic players dashed in after it, with the result that spectators, referee, and everybody had a good ducking. Not one of the players who ventured into the water emerged without having tested its depth by falling in it. One member, in fact, sat there after falling, and sang “Everybody’s doin’ it, doin’ it,” a song that was repeated again and again as one and another slipped and fell. Nevertheless we won, and left the field a jubilant, if very muddy, crowd. The paper was kind enough to designate it a “mud scramble. Truly hockey hath its charms; but I think the spectators got the most fun out of that game.—Yours truly, PAI. [The ground must have been in a fearful state for your hockey match. Pat. Ihc onlookers would certainly enjoy watching that game. —DOT.] Dear Dot. —Once again I sit down to pen you a few lines. Now that spring is here w© should soon have warm weather. Hie farmers arc very busy just how, as it is lime for the seeds to be planted. I have boon digging my garden to-day, but it was not 'cry pleasant work, as the ground is rather wet. Things are beginning to look fresh and green, and the flowers are blooming, so that is one sign that spring is here. I. have a few flowers in bloom, but they are not very good, for the slugs have been eating them. Hurry up and write, Cream Rose How did you enjoy vcurself at the wedding? 1 hope you had a ripping time, ’t here is no more news to give you. so I will close. Love to Cream Rose. Gabriel Grub, Kurameka, and yourself.—Yours trulv, HENRY’S LOVIE. [lt is very annoying when the slugs cat Die flowers. Henry's Lovie. I find that the birds also do their share towards spoiling the primroses.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Most of the farmers around here are doing a good deal of draining this year. 1 was very pleased to see a letter from Althaea in last week’s Witness. Hope you arrived homo safely last night with your load. I suppose thought it wouldn’t pay to lose that. What has become o£ White Violet? Surely she didn’t get washed away with the flood. The people of this district are working for a circuit bazaar which is to be held some tune next month, I think. Althaea and I were round collecting for it (he other day. and we got on grand. Did you receive my auto, Pinkie? I will send a post-card to Philadelphia by next mail, as I sco she is wanting to exchange with’ me. I like reading very much. Some of the books I have read lately arc “A Desperate Hope,” “The Romance o! Marcus Trevail,” “How He Won Her,” “Dear Sweet Anne.” and “The Following of the Star.” 1 did not go to see the pictures the last time they were here, but hope to go next time. Althaea and Camellia 11 were both there. They said they were very good. Hurry up and write a letter to the page. Camellia 11. I have been watching for your letter, but haven’t seen it for a good while now. I hope your mother is keeping better again. Well, Dot, as it getting late and there is no more news I will bring my letter to a close. Love to Althaea. A White Violet, Camellia 11, and yourseif—Yours truly, VIOLA. [There is always plenty of hard work in connection with a bazaar, isn’t there, Viola? “The Following of the Star” is a charming little story.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l was very pleased to see my first letter in print. We have had a few days of windy weather; but last night we had a hard frost, and as there was no sun to-day it has been very cold. Since I wrote my last letter we have had our winter holidays and started school again. There are 30 children going to cur school now, and most of them have a long way to walk. I passed my quarterly examination. Dot, and cam© second in my class. There is a clay-pigeon shooting match here to-day. There was a sale here on. Tuesday, as some people arc leaving the district. A largo number attended the sale, although it was a cold day. Our cut was caught in a trap the other night, but its paw is all right again. I left my rabbits out of their box, and my brother has been trying to catch them; but they can run too fast. We will scon have plenty of grass for them, and I will lock them up then. You can notice the days lengthening, and the sun is setting later and rising earlier. I will close now. With love to all the L.F.. not forgetting vourself, — Yours truly, CAROLINA. [I am very pleased that you passed your examination, Carolina, and that you gained such high marks. Are you not afraid of something killing your rabbits?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—T like reading the D.L.F. page very much. Hurry up and write to the page. Sunny Jim. Perhaps you do not know who I am. Well, do you remember when you were living up at Clifden? I am the boy who used to visit you. Sunny Jim. I aril very sorry, Mountain Violet, that I didn’t know you wanted to exchange autos with me. I did not know until I came homo and Lady Isabel II told me. I hope you will wait until I get some auto cards from Dot, arid I’ll exchange autos willingly. We have two dogs and a cat. The dogs’ names are Nigger and Prince, and the cat’s name is Darky. Xigger is a retriever, four months old, and will bring sticks out of the water to ns Prince is a greyhound, and he will jump the garden fence, which is pretty high for a dog to jump. Nigger belongs to one of my brothers. Prince and Darky belong to myself. I must close now, as tills is all 1 have to sav.—Yours trulv, KING HORAUTO. [Your dogs arc quite a clever pair. King Horauto, and veu must be proud of them.— DOT.] Dear Pot,—lt is nearly a year since i last wrote to you. I have daffodils up out of the ground, and violets arc in flower. My father has started ploughing, and is nearly finished. It will not lx- long before our examination; but I don’t think I will pass, because I was away most of the time, 6o 1 have no

chance. I was down to see the battleship, but we were not allowed on board. We are driving to school now, and we get paid, and I am the driver. I am not frightened of horses, because I have worked with them for a long time. The Territorials were camped right beside us, and we could see everything that was going on. They were drilling in our paddocks. The artillery were the best, and I was shown how the guns were fired, and we were out watching the firing. They were using ISlb and 20lb shells. A number of people came out from Middlemarch to gather up the empty shells. I have found a good bit of money where the camp was. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, TAIPO. [You were very fortunate in being so close to the scene of action during the recent encampment at Sutton, Taipo. Sorry you have been unable to attend school regularly, but .ihall hope to hear of your success in your examination.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is about time I was writing to you. I have had the whooping cough for about a week. My little sister has it, too. I am missing school, and I am very sorrv. The weather has been nice and warm for the last few days, but before that, it was fairly rough. The spring flowers are coming out up here, and I suppose there are plenty out in Dunedin. It is nice to know winter is passed. We play marbles at school now. I do not play keeps much, but I play funs a little, as 1 am not a very good player.— Yours truly, ROBERT’S WATCH. [Sorry to hear of your having the whooping cough, Robert’s Watch. I hope you and your little sister will soon be well again.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is not a very nice day today—just looks as though it were going to rain, and I am sure we have hr,;l enough of that lately. The roads are something dreadful, and I have not been able to use my bike much for soma months. I have some cousins over at Tahiti, but 1 have never seen them yet. They send us postcards with pictures of the natives. Wo send them the Witness. Besides marbles, the girls play hockey at school. The boys get a lend of our sticks while wc have our dinner. I have to go to school by myself now. because Robert’s Watch cannot go. I think I will bring this letter to a close, as I have to go and have my tea. —Yours tmlv. HOME FAIRY.

ri suppose yon will be taking: a trip over to Taliiti some day. Home Fairy, to sec your cousins. When you do so we will expect a great letter describing life in the South Sea Islands.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I suppose you have forgotten that there over was a Golden Sunset writing to the page. Spring has set in again, and the past two or three days have been lovely. To-night, however, it looks like a change again. The trees have all started to shoot out their green leaves, and the flowers are beginning to look like flowers again. Our primroses and crocuses are in full bloom, and as for the violets (white and blue), they have been flowering all winter. All the bulbs are up out of the ground and in bud already. They are very early this year. The (lays are beginning to stretch out again; one can notice the difference, and the birds are beginning to sing at dusk and at daylight. 1 have noticed some birds carrying straws up into the trees to build their nests. 1 have not long arrived home from a holiday of three weeks, and I enjoyed myself very much. While 1 was away 1 went down to see Radiance, and she told me that iicr sister, Luceda. had a nervous breakdown at the college in Dunedin, and was home for three months. The day 1 went down to Longwood. Longwood Blossom mot with an accident. She was being taken to the station on a trolly when two trollies clashed into one another; she luckily escaped unhurt. Wake up, all yen Little Folk about here and see if you can’t write a letter to the page. Spring has started again, and you have all been to sleep for the winter. How much longer are von going to sleep? Well, dear

Dot, when I started to write j thought I had plenty of news. But it is aiways the same whenever I start to write a Jotter— the news box is always leaking. Whenever I pick up a Witness and turn to the page t always see stone new writers slai-ing. would not like to take the trouble of <o ntin- all tho L.F. on your ro , it would occupy too much time. I will emse now With love to Radiance, Walnut tree. Silver Sultan, not forgetting yourself and all the rest of the L.l . CU qoLDEN SUNSET. fX am glad to hear from you Golden Sunset that vou have not lorgotten the page as 1 am sure it will not have forgotten you. Spring is a gloriousi tunc of die year, don’t you think so'-dol.J

Dear Dot,—We arc having pretty fair weather im-t now. but it is generally frost vm the mornings. Our daffodils are hi h up from the ground now, and a f-w aie m bud I have been reading a number of books, but lately I have been busy sewing. I am very fond of driving or ruling, and 1 would go for miles on horse-back. 1 here is a quadrille held here every Wednesday night, but very few go, as it is generally raining on that night. On fine nights there is usually a pood attendance. The farmers are as busy as ever again, so it is to be hoped that there is no flood to destroy their crops this vear. Colds are very common about here just now. as nearly as everybody lias one. Thyme has left here now, and is living in Dunedin. 1 must now close. Wuli love to Thyme, Parsley, yourself, and die late Queen Dot, -Yours MAJE

[Whenever there is sewing I<j he clone one has to put everythin" else aside. Don t you find this the case? DOi.] Dear Dot—The first two days of spring have been nice, and I hope that they will keep good. We have had our house painted, so wo had to be careful not to rub u» against the house. I suppose that you will have a lot of spring bulbs coming up? i grow mostly violets in my garden. iio\\ did von enjoy the Show, Dot? I liked it very'much. My sister (Winks) got first prize in Class I for the essay on the Winter Show. She sent an essay away for the Dunedin Competitions. She is also busy painting. I like to read when no one is about, so that they cannot disturb mo. 1 am still learning music, but I am going to stop at the end of the year. My sister (Winks) and rny aunt went for a ride on their bicycles to "Waihola to-day. My aunt was tired when she came borne. It will not, be long til! examination time comes round. I hope that I pass: then T will be in the Sixth Standard. We have about 30 or 32 children going to our school. My sister got a letter from Xikau on Thursday. r i ho only D.L.P. that I saw in Dunedin during Winter Show week was Olive branch. Mv little sister is writing to you to-night, and she is telling mo not to tell you and the L.r . a!! the news, because she will have none. I think 1 will close now. as it is near bedtime. Love to Olivo branch. Ivaka lieak. Mother’s Little Nursegiri. Xikau, and a’! the other D.L.F.. not forgetting your own self.-—Yours Irulv. LADY KT.KAYDT!, [I enjoyed myself very much at the Winter Show dear, and. am rdcased to hear that vcu.

too, had an enjoyable time. I hope that you will be successful in your examination, Lady Eleanor.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —How are you getting on? I am just doing my term examination work. I like going to school better than I used to, because I have not had the strap lately. My aunt and m3’ sister (Winks) went a ride on their bic3’des to AA’aihola, and they were dead tired when they came home. We had tho painters here for a long time, so we have been kept busy. I suppose you and the Little Folk will have forgotten all about me, as I have been so long in writing. I am reading a hook, and its name is “Phil’s Mother,’’ and I like it very much. There was a football match to-day; it was Momona pla3’ing against Otokia. Momona beat Otokia. We got new beds, and they came to-da>’. so I hope they will he nice to sleep on. A while ago things were upside down, but they are all right now. It is getting near bedtime, so I will close. Love to Olive Branch and vourself, —Yours truly. MUMMY’S PET.

[We have not forgotten you, dear, as wc never forget D.L.F. I hope you will sleep very soundly in your new beds.—DOT.] Dear DotAVe had a few fine days this week, and it was so nice to have the sun shining oil us. AA r e milk six cows in the morning and none at night. My birthday was on the 20th of July. Our schoomistress has left the Tuturau School, and the school children presented her with a jewel case before she went away. AA'e still have the two white rabbits. 1 am in the Third Standard at school. I am reading a book called “Late Love Letters.” AA r e have two pigs. 1 will close now, as I have not much to say. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—A ours trulv.

[AA’ha a lovely presentation you gave your late schoomistress. Tub I am sure she must have been delighted with it. DOl.]

Dear Dot,—Just a few lines to let you know I haven't forgotten the D.L.F. page, although it is some time since I last wrote. 1 alwavs read all the letters, but seldom see any familiar Y.D.P.’s. Vv hat a lot cf new writers you have every week. I have taken notice of Fancy Buttercup, Little Buttercup, and Another Buttercup; but as the latier s letters arc, I think, like mine, few and farbetween. our names probably will not clash. The weather has been very rough here lately, and last week it was thought there would be another flood; hut the weather cleared slightly, and the river went down a o-ain. Since 1 hist wrote we had a big flood that we are never likely to forget. There had been a great deal of ram, and me river began to rise one morning, continuing to do so until about midnight I, , .S’ know what we would have done if it hacln t stopped raining then, as in the house we wore in tiie water was up to the kno is o vk. doors, and wo had to sit on a cot, wmcli was hoisted upon a sofa. The w-afei over the table. AA’e left our own house, which is pretty near the river, -s«iy father and brother considered it unsafe and m tended going to a neighbours .0' -■ . higher ground; but we had left it till '•‘thci late. AA’e never thought there would be so much water, and before we got halfway wo were u>: to our waists in water. AA c had t take icfugc in the nearest house, where wo spent the night in the position i.'i'Vfinvn lore stated. On arriving home m the morning we found the water hud been only a few inches deep in it. so_ we might have been comfortable enough if we hadn.t left the house- but fortunately none of us was any the worse for sitting in our wet domes all the night. The people next door to the house we were in spent part of, the mght on their roof, and their situation was by no means an uncommon one in Gore, where the flood did far more damage than it did here. Th<* water was so deep there that many people had to be taken from their homes to places of safety in drays. Many of them were not expecting a flood, and yon may imagine their surprise on waking m the morning to find the water in their hou-es. I went with my mother to see the battleship at the Bluff, and enjoyed the trip very much. AVe did not get out in the steamer, but had the consolation of viewing H.M.S. Zealand from the land. About a dozen of tho local school children made the trip; hut most of them were disappointed, as they spent all their time waiting to get aboard ;11 r . steamers, and failed in the end to see the battleship. The chief item on the amusement programme this winter seems to he skating, and there are no fewer Ilian three rinks in this' district, I have been at two fancy dress skating carnivals lately, and liked them very much. 1 like reading, and have road a great many books, including most of Annie Swan’s hook’s. Have you read “Merle’s Crusade.” Dot? I think it is an ideal book for girls. I think this is all 1 have to sav at present, so will conclude, hoping Mavis will see this and write again soon. Love to yoursef and all the L.F..— Yours truly, ' BUTTERCUP.

[AA’hc-n the other Buttercup writes again to the page I shall alter her Y.D.P., dear. You certainly had a trying time the night of the flood.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I went to Bluff to see H.M.S. Yew Zealand, and enjoyed myself. I got up at 3 in the morning and drove to the station. It was not a very good day, hut you could sec the battleship plainly. AVe then went to the station, and came on to Invercargill. AA’e stayed there about two hours and then started out for home. AVe stayed at Gore for one hour, and then came home. On arriving home I looked at the time, and it was 12 o’clock. On tho next Tuesday I went to a golden wedding, and had n.y photograph taken. 1 suppose it will appear in the AA’itness. 1 arn in Standard 111 at school, and if 1 pass 1 will ho in Standard !A’ I have a bicycle, which I ride to school. I 5o not like the wet weather we arc getting

so much of. I know a great many of the D.L.F. who wrote last week. There 1 as been a great fright over the smallpox. It must be a great trouble. I think I will have to stop, as it is nearly bedtime. Love to ‘-Mountain Lily, Foi, Scotch Reel, Pheasant. Sunshine Bridget, Roaomount, and all tho rest of the D.L.F. not forgetting yon rse! f. —You rs trulv, SALLY, OUR COOK. [What a very early start you had when you went to see the battleship, dear. You must have been very tired when you arrived home. Your bicycle will not be of much service to you during the bad weather.—DOT'.] Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print, and again take up my pen to write you another one. Dear Dot, will you mind if 1 change my Y.D.P., as I would like to have one that nobody else has. AA’e have a motor car, a sheep-shearing machine, and a chaffcutter. About two months ago ray father took my two brothers and sisters and myself into Dunedin in the motor car. and 1 am going ta tell you how wo spent the day. AVo left about half-past 9, and arrived there at 12 o’clock. It was a very nice ride, and I will tel! you some of the tilings wo saw on the road. AVe mw the old-fashioned houses, with their thatch; J roofs, old broken-down sheds, and houses built up on round-shaped hills. On our way we missed Barton’s Circus, and (hero were so many traps that it took us all our time to ect passed them. They kept in the middle

of the road, and would not pull to the side. When we arrived in town we had our dinner. We went to the Queen’s Theatre to see the pictures, some of which were very interesting. After that we went to the Museum, and the collections of animals, birds, and eggs, etc., were very interesting to look at. We walked the streets until it was time to go home. We left about 5 o’clock, and reached home about S o’clock. I will close now. Dot. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours trulv, OSIRIS.

father s motor car, and it must have been very enjoyable.—DOT.] Dear Dot, I thought 1 would like to write to you, liko all the other little boys ai d girls. I live close to a big river, but I am not allowed to play near it, as it is so dangerous. There has been a lot of gold dredged out of it, but less and less every year. Soon there will be no dredges. There are some very largo orchards near here, and they look so pretty when the trees are in blossom. One big one has 90 acres in trees — nearly all apples. They are in dray loads in a big barn; all different kinds, ready to be classed, and packed in. cases and sent to Dunedin. 1 wonder what has become of Peterkin Gay? Since lie went to thc^High School his time must be spent in learning. This summer 1 expect to go to Queenstown for a holiday, and will be in Dunedin, too; but Dunedin is not new to me I have a lot of cousins there. My last holiday was spent at the seaside. You will know ' the pretty little place about 21 miles from Dunedin. I was sorry to leave it, but my school was opening, so I had to bo back, as I don’t liko missing a day. 1 have had a first-class attendance certificate for two years running, and have not missed any days this year. I hope the smallpox doesn't come this way. We have some primroses out, and the daffodils arc in bud. I love the spring flowers, and will be glad when they are all out. I like to take a bunch of flowers to my teacher for the school. I think I know yon. Aunt Yell. Love to Love Day and- Tod civ Bear,—-Yours trulv. mauve queen. [I am very pleased to welcome you amongst us, Mauve Qi con. The apple trees must ho a gorgeous sight when in full bloom.—DOT.] Deni Dot, —I have not been writing to you for a long time. Wc have two dogs, and their names are Bob and Hoy. We live near two big mountains which 1 like to try and climb. We are milking two cows, but they will scon be dry. With love to all, — vours trulv, MISCHIEVOUS JACK. [Thanks for your nice wee note. Mischievous Jack. You must have grand times mountaineering.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It was raining hard this morning, but it has cleared off now, and is a lovely afternoon. 1 think we are having an early spring. We had harc.iy any skating at all this winter. I hope we have better luck next year. We will soon be able to dig in our gardens now, as I don’t think vo will have much more frost this season. Our winter holidays are over, and wo will not have any more till the Christmas holidays come. I know the writers of quite a number of letters in the Witness this week. There is quite a little parly of D.L.E. correspondents in Naseby just now. Well. Dot, as I have exhausted my news, 1 must close. Love to Beautiful Mono, Tyne Lass. Kitty, Dil Kush. Maid of Honour, and all the other L.F.. not forgetting voursclf. —Yours trulv, SNOW WHITE. Dear Dot. —The weather is not. improving very much. To-day it was very windy, and the sea was very rough. We have been having a week's holiday from school on account of thoi'e being no firewood. I have just finished reading the L. F. letters, and thought I would write a few lines. 1 saw Snowdrop IPs letter in the Witness. 1 went in for the Catechism examination, but I do not know whether 1 passed or not yet. I was reading a Sunday School library called “Clarice Egorton’s Life Story,” which I thought was a very nice one. It is spring now, so the flowers will soon be coming out. The violets, snowdrops, and cowslips are out. but the daffodils are just in bud. I liko doing faneywork. so am doing a huckaback cushion. I think 1 will have to close tin’s letter now. as news is scarce. Love to Primula. Obsconia, Snowdrop 11, Lucky Plum, Kelvin Grove, all the D.L.F., and voursclf, —Yours tn.lv, 'ORANGE BLOSSOM. [Very pleased to hear from yen once more, Orange Blossom. The gardens will soon be looking very lovely.- -DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the page, I am nine years old, and am in the Fourth Standard at school. My sister writes to the page, and her N.D.P. is Lady Betty. I have two sisters and one brother. 'My brother and one sister are older than I. Wo haw two miles to go to school, and we ride ponies. We have a cheese factory, hut it is closed just now because there is not enough milk to make cheese, so my mother makes butler twice a week. There arc about 00 children going to our school, and there arc two teachers. I like reading the letters in the paper very much. We will soon bo having our September holidays. There are about 12 children in my standard. My brother is in the same standard as I am. 1 think this will be long enough for my first letter, so I will close now. With best wishes to all the D.L.F.. not forgetting voursclf. —Yours trulv. WHARF, ROTO DAISY. [Welcome lo our page. Wharcroto Daisy. I shall look forward to a longer letter next time.—DOT.] Dear Dot —This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will let me join the Dot's Little Folk. 1 am 14 years old, and I have left school 12 months. I always read the Little Folk’s letters in the Witness, and I know a lot of L.F. by their N.D.P.’s. We live near the bush, and it is nice to go in there on a fine day. I do not suppose there is much bush near Dunedin; is there. Dot? T will stop now. With love to ail the L.F. and voursclf.- -Yours trulv, CAPTAIN JINGLE. [I am very pleased to receive your first letter to the page. Captain Jingle. Dunedin has some lovely bits of native bush round about the town, so we are fortunate in that respect.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As it is Saturday night I thought I would write to you. It was raining last night, and everything was wet and muddy to-day. Me have two pups. Roy and Black. Our black cat fell into the dip, but it did not get drowned. I still have my white rabbit. My father broke in two young horses to-dav. I must stop now. Love to Mima’s Poodle, Meg Flynn. Bonnie Heather, and nil (tie other D.L.F.. not foretelling yourself.—Yours truly, HI ELAND LASSIE. [What a good tiling your h'nek eat was not drowned, dear. One mast require- a great deal of natience to bret-k in voting horses DOT.] Dear Dot.— This ■•- my first teller to the nnge, and 1 would like lo be- • qe of vour L.F. I am eight voars old, and an in’ ihe First Standard. I th i.JI.-s and a-half to ride to school. We have tiw-.o

weeks’ holidays because there are so manj children bad with measles and chicken-pox; but I did not get it. 1 have two sisters, and one of them writes to the page. We have been having rainy weather lately. We are milking two cows just in the morning; I have not learnt to milk yet. Thero is a lovely bush on our place, and my sisters and I sometimes go to gather ferns and, .stipple jacks, and sometimes play tig and hide and seek. There are some lovely places to hide in. I like reading very much, and. always read the L.F. letters. Our hens are doing fairly well. My sister and I are going away for our holidays now the school is closed. We are going to stay a week. I know three or four L.F. about here. I will close now. With love to Llcwclla, all the L.F., and yourself,—-Yours truly, MOTHER'S SUASHIYE. tl am pleased to receive your first letter to the page, dear. What grand times you must have in that, nrettv bit of bush.— DOT.] AUTOS. _ Kurameke (E. Wightman, Waitahuna Gully) would like to correspond or exchange port-cards with Aik Karter, Green Grasoj Princess Maggie, Golden Whip, and anv L.F. willing. Lady Grace (care R. G. Cowan. Hillside, Waikoura) wishes to exchange autos with any L.F. willing. Henry's Lovic (E. Eaton, Waitahuna Gully) wishes to correspond with Aik Karter. Speedwell, Sweet Innocence, and any L.F. willing. Viola (Annie James, care i\. James, sen,, Aparima) wishes to exchange autos or postcards with Dina. Sea Maiden, Glow Worm, Mother’s Aursegirl, or any other Owaka L.F. willing. King Horauto (Fred (Boniface, Otara Dairy Factory) wishes to exchange autos with Sunny Jim. Taipo (Samuel Kennedy, Cosy Dell. Sutton) wishes to exchange autos with Yellow Crocus, Defiance, Belibird, Rainy Day, Sailor Hoy, Sweet Sultan. Airship, and Dandy Jim. Lady Eleanor (Margaret Gibson. Orokia) wishes to exchange autos with any L.F. willing. Sally Our Cook (Sarah Pringle, Crookston) wishes to correspond with anv L.F. willing. Mischievous Tack (John MT.aron. TL;mafia pa) would like to correspond wit!: any L.F. willing. Snow-white (Dorothy Davis, An=tby. Otago) wishes to correspond with any D.L.F. willing. Snowdrift (Norman MTConzic care Post Office, Clydevalc) wishes to cxcliaago autos with Princess Yana and any D.L.F. willing. Prompt replies. Inkpot (Mary Weir, Stewart street, Baidu thu) wishes to exchange autos with Ivanhoc. Grace Palotta, Viola, Sailor Hoy, and any others willing.