LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3245, 24 May 1916, Page 67

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:—We write for the benefit of others, no*; for ourselves. p«s~ No letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot,— We are having fairly good weather here just now. On reading tho Little Polk's page last night I was a little surprised to see an N.D.P. the earns as mine. As I have written to tha page many times before, I think—in fact, lam sure—that it is my place to be Florence Nightingale, and her place to be second, or perhaps she may wish to change her NiD.P., as she said in har letter that she hoped, she had noi taken anybody else's name. I hope she won't mind, because I would not care to change mine now, as I have had it so long. I ita3 out with my brothers today helping them, because I like working outside far belter than inside. Well. Dot, I think I will close now. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE (Greenvale). [You will see by my footnote to Florence Nightingale's letter that I considered her quite justified in assuming the N.D.P., as naturally I concluded you had ceased to write to the page. The question of who has the best right is debatable; but I leave it to yourselves to settle the matter. It rests entirely with the last writer to decide what she wishes, as perhaps I am to be blamed for the whole affair.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —During the quarterly examinations at school our class had to write a composition about the Easter holidays. I did not go anywhere, but I wrote about a picnic we had at Deborah Day. I will give you a sort of an account of our doir.gs there. To begin with, there was no suitable train till 12.10 p.m. This landed us in Port Chaimeis about 12.4,5. I have been only once in Port. Chalmers, and mother was not much better, or anyone else in tho party for that matter. We started walking, and by luck struck the right road. When we arrived we had lunch, and another boy and I played about for a while. AVe saw the Maheno, and I was quite fascinated with her. I am looking forward to my ■ thirteenth birthday, which is one the sth of July. I must close now. Love to all the D.L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WIMMERA (Dimedin). [I am glad you had a good picnic, Wimmera. I don't think one could lose themselves for very long in Port Chalmers, do you ?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have just finished reading the D.L.F. letters, and thought I would try and write another letter to you. for it is such a long time since i last wrote to th« page. We are having very cold nights and sharp frosts in the morning, but in the daytime it is very warm. We had our cousin and auntie down here for a week, and the-same day my grandfather came in, and stayed for a week. When he went away another auntie came. I did not go anywhere for my Easter holidays, but stayed at home and set traps. I catch two or three rabbits every morning out of five traps. We have just finished our first term examination, and are going to have a week's holiday. The latest news says that the New Zealanders are in Franco. I have an uncle in Egypt; but we have not heard from him for a' longtime, and are always looking for letters from him. I think I shall close now, as news is scarce. Best love to all the D.L.F.— Yours truly, SOAPSUDS (Oropuki). [Probably your uncle is' in France, too, Soapsuds; and I trust he- may return safely and speedily to you,.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is now three or four months since I have written to the page. We are having fairly good weather here just now. Wo have stopped sending our milk to the factory, and we are milking two cows once a day. Seven young fellows have left this district to go to the war, and four of them are going with the Seventeenth Reinforcements. A church social is to bo held in tho Otapiri Hall next month. There is a meeting to-night to seo about starting a Debating Society this winter. We had our quarterly school examination to-day, but we did not got it all done to-day. I passed the proficiency examination at *ho end of last year. There is one case of infantile paralysis in this district. I have two cousins and one tmcle away to the war. My brother and I are setting a few traps just now. I think I have told you all the news, so will go to bed. Love to all tho D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TOTARA (Matai). [lt is usual to hold debating clubs during tho winter months in the country, is it not", Totara? and no doubt, thev are very interesting and instructive.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am just writing a few lines to ask if I may join your happy band. T am 15 yenrs of age, and attend the Waitaki Boys' High School at Oamaru. This is my third year at the school, and I am in the Fifth Form. School life is all right, especially tho sporting side of it. I have about 12 m:!cs to go to school, and I go about. 9 or 10 by train and the rest on a bicycle. It is usually about 10 o'clock, or a little after, by the time I yet up to school in the morning, eo I mi? 3 about one hour's school. We have about a dozen teachers, not counting Iho music teachers, drawing toachers, boxing instructor, etc. Three of the masters are away at the war now. and some of the others have tried unsuccessfully to get away. We me having our term holidays just now. and we do not have to p-o back "until the 30th of May, po 1 have still a few weeks to enfov myself in. Well, I think I have told you enough about school just now. I like readingvery much, and I always like to have some decent book handy to read. At present a friend of mine has lent me a " Boy's Own Annual," and I am just in the thick of it.

I have read almost all tho interesting books ir. our house, so I am always on the lookout for more. There are several D.L.I. about Maheno, and I know most of them. There seem to be a lot of D.L.F. in Tnna.ru now. Postman Henry's letters and also Broncho Billy's are always interesting to read, and I enjoy reading them. Hie Maheno School rounders team and the school football team arc both going to play Herbert on Saturday. Mr sister is in the former team; but she is not much good except as an ornament. Well, Dot, time flies, as the monkey said when he pushed the clock oh the mantelpiece, so I will have to close. Love to DardaneUa, Cbrlinda, Postman Henry, Broncho Billy, and all the rest of the L. 1., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BKUNO (Maheno). [I am sure your sister does not _ agree with your opinion of her usefulness in the team, "Bruno; but boys are never particularly complimentary where their sisters are concerned, are they?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l will have to change my N.D.P, again, as somebody else has tho same one. We have cur holidays now, and I am acting as housekeeper, as mother is away for a holiday in Dunedm. I think my cousin is coming in from Waimatuku to spend her holidays, and I must ask her to join the L.F. We have started hockey at school now the cold weather is coming on. The other Wednesday the Technical played Union, a team of ladies, and we won by 6 goals to 1; but the match was just a practice one, so our victory didn't count. At the beginning of school this year we had a swimming class every week, and we were under the instruction of an expert swimmer, and now I am thankful to saythat 1 can swim. 1 simply love reading— I have read four books this week. I would like to be an authoress when I grow up. I have already started a Dook; but, of course, it isn't up to much, as it is my first attempt. I think I will now close this short letter. Kind iogams to yourself and all the L.F.—Yours truly, ETiINE (Invercargill). [You appear to have been quite unusually unfortunate in your choice of an N.D.P., but I think you are safe this time. There is i-.othing like writing down one's thoughts on paper, Ethne, though when one comes back to look at them they usually go in the waste paper basket; still it is tiie right beg'inn in g.—D O T.] Dear Dot,—My father sent me a real Chinese posi-caru from Siam for you, and I am sending it on to you. He reads the L.F. letters every week—we send him the Witness,—so he will think I am lazy. We get such a lot of home work to do, and I got very tired of writing; but this is my third letter to the page since Christmas, so that is not bad. I am knitting a face cloth for the soldiers, and i am going to learn to knit socka. My sister starts school on Monday, and is gomg to write to the page when she gets big; but that will be a Jong time yet. We had a week's holiday from school at Easter; but I like schcol best. It is getting very cold now. My grandmother sent mo some lovely big apples—Lhey were very tiny ones when I was up at Opiiir at Christinas, but they don't take very long to grow big. I am going to the VVinieShow this year, as I like . to see all the different things. 1 heard the firebell this morning, and got up to see where it was. li was quite close to the gasometer, and I was very much afraid we would lie all blown up. It was the first time I have seen a house burn, and as there was a strong wind it did not take long to burn out. I was very much surprised when I found it was only 3 o'clock; I thought it was daylight. I hope you like the post-card, Dot. I get one from my daddie every week, and they are all very pretty. I must close now. Love to all, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BURMA (South Duneclin). [Thank you very much, not only for the post-card, which is lovely, Burma, but also for the rubber leaves. 1 had no idea what they were like, and was delighted to see the real things. Please thank your daddie for me, when you are writing, for the postcard. I am eure he is proud of his little girl's letteis.—DOT.] Doai- Dot. —The weather we arc having is splendid. We are now having our term holidays, and I don't really know what to do with myself. Since I last wrote to the page my eldest brother has enlisted, and is now in Egypt. He joined the Main Body Band, and he likes soldier life very much. My mate, Bravest of the Brave, went to see the great Henri French last night. Next dayshe thought herself to be Henri French; but alas! her thoughts were too great. She tried to ride on the one wheel, but she was always left behind. Then she tried to spin the plate on a stick, but it always hit her on the head—as she said, it was always in the way. Bravest of the Brave and I went for a picnic, one day, and towards the end of our picnic, whan having tea before we went home, she kicked the billy over when doing some of her tricks. Kindest wishes to all the L.l'., and not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, SCOTCH BLUEBELL (Nightcaps). [Braves + of tho Bravo will evidently require a little more practice before she is quit© as good as Henri French; still there is nothing like trying.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As wo are now having our term holidays from the Soulhland Girls' High School, I thought I would write a few lines to the page. Last night I wont to see the great Henri French perform, and I can tell you I enjoyed myself greatly—indeed I was so taken up wtili his riding the one wheel that I tried it to-day, but it was a complete failure. As soon as I would get on one of the ped.ils and prepare to get on the other the wheel would go oft' on its own, and leave j.ie behind it —lying on the ground, of course. On Easter Monday Scotch Bluebell and I went for a picnic; but I will never go with her again, for she is a great hostess, and no mistake. The tea that she gave me was stone cold and the milk 6onr. Nevertheless I enjoyed myself towards the end, although I did feel a bit sick after the tea. After tho picnic. I went for a ride on a pony, and all the time I was frightened that it would buck me off, for I nm by no means a jockey. Well, Dot, as this is all the news I have to impart, I will conclude. Best regards to Verbena, Opal, Wandering Willie, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Youi s frulv. BRAVEST OF TIIE BRAVE (Nightcaps). [Your forte, judging by what I hear of you. is trick cycling-. Bravest of the Bravo, and not horsemanship.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Vivyennc—who, by the way, reformed only a short while ago herself—has been trying to got me to put in an appearance for "old time's sake," and so at last I have taken my courage in both hands, end here I am. It _ is surprising how the Old Writers are falling off, and it is not. fair to the page at all. I wonder where they all are. Some I suppose, have passed over the age limit, and others —well, I expect I am a sample of some others anyway. Others, again, with brothers and friends in tho firing lino, will have so much to take up their correspondence in that direction that the page sees their names no more. I was very sorry to see Linnet's retiring letter a few wcclls ago. I am sure we all enjoyed her

letters so much, and we will miss them accordingly. It is very interesting and sometimes very amusing to read the D.L.P. letters from the front. I enjoyed Bimbo's very much. I wonder when we will have them back with us again. The way things are, we can only hope as soon as possible; but it looks like a lot more sacrifice of life first. It is very hard when so many homes have boon stricken already. Sometimes the end seems very far off; but we have to put on as bright faces as possible, and hope for the best. None of my brothers is old enough to go J but it would be nice to have one fighting for the cause. The Litest news I had from homo was to the effect that mv brothers were knitting bedaocks for the feed Cross Fund, so, I suppose, they are doing what they can. Several of my correspondents have been killed—soma of them were old D.L.F., too. There is a, young lady with a beautiful voice singing- here, and it is very distracting—so much so that I am afraid I will have to leave the rest till next time. An approaching birthday warns ni'3 that I will be in the ranks of " limited to once a year" before very long; but I don't think the page will miss me. My friend is singing " The city that has no heart," and it is getting mixed up with my thoughts, and I den't want to be writing it here, so I will close. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trul}', ANNIE LAURIE (Dunedin). [Your remarks are very true, Annie Laurie, for one expects the writers as they get older to show trie way to th.2 younger members, and as their minds enlarge they should be able to males the page very interesting.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have two cousins going to the war. I am not going anywhere for my term holidays this time. I do not know any D L.F. up here. I came second in my examination. I went away with the school teacher for my Easter holidays, and had a good time. We have a ride on the teacher's hoi-se every day. There was a send-off for some people who were going- away from this district, and they got a lovely marble clock. I saw a letter from Terra Nova last week. I will have to close now, as it is nearly bedtime. Love to Camp Creek. Terra Nova, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SAWMILL (Te Tua). [I think there are several L.F. in Te Tua, Sawmill so perhaps you may yet meet them. -DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am in Standard 11, and am eight years old. We have one pig and one cat. Wo have two uncles away to the war, and one has been wounded, but he is away back again. We are getting the Witness now, and I thought I would" like to write. Love to all the D.L.F,—Yours truly, QUEEN OF MAY II (Lady Barkly). [Certainly you may join us, dear. You will no I ice I have made you Queen of the May 11, as there is. already a writer using that N.D.P. If you care for another you are at liberty to change it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I be a member of your happy band? I am lO years old, and am in the Fourth Standard at school. We have four miles to go to school. We go to school in the train, and walk home .at night. V\ T e get the Witness, and I take great interest in reading The D.L.F. letters. "AVell, I will closo now. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours trulv, KILTY LASSIE (Lady Barkly). [Delighted to have you as a member of our band, Kilty Lassie. The walk home at night is a long and dreary ono in the winter I suppose.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was sick for six weeks, and have not started going to school long. We had our term examination the ether day, and I passed, and came second. We have a week's holiday now. Well, Dot, there is really no news at all here. One of my brothers who is in Egypt said he had been in the trenches but had not done any fighting. Another of my brothers was on the sea when we last heard from him. Another one is at Featherston, in the hospital. Well, Dot, I will have to close. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting- yourself.—Yours trulv, BLUSH ROSE (Wakapatu). [You must naturally feel very anxious with so many of your brothers away, Blush Rose. I hope you are now quite better after your illness.-—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have left school and I intend going in to Timaru for £>ainting and singing later on. I have been learning to play the piano for over four years, and have passed four examinations. My teacher was married about a fortnight ago, and she has given up teaching, so I have to change teachers. We motored through to the Fairlie Show and back on Easter Monday. We enjoyed the trip very much, and the show was very good tills year. Well, Dot, I will now conclude, as this is my first letter to the page. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, A FLAPPER (St. Andrews.) [Singing and painting arc two very fine accomplishments, A Flapper, and I am sure you will enjoy both.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is very cold up here just now in the mornings. Some mornings there is ice on the water. We are having out Easter holidays just now. I am not going away for any holidays, as my mother wants my help. I am still learning music, and I am going in for another elementary music examination. Our teacher is very nice, it is going to continue for a while yet. I Isn't this war dreadful, Doti It seems as if received a few letters from the front; it is very interesting to read them. I like rending the ones to the D.L.F. It is nice to know that thy don't forget the page. I had a cousin who died of wounds at the front. lie was wounded once, and got bet'er, and went to the fighting line again. He again got wounded, and went to the hospital, but died a few davs after. We were all very sad to hear of his death. Well, Dot, I think I will close. Lnvo to Leola, Grev Eves, Country Lass, and all the o<ber D.L.F., not forgetting- yourself.—Your? trulv, MARY (Wa-ikaia). [lt is certainly very sad to know of so many fine young fellows giving up their lives; but after nil, one would not keep one back. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had our examination last Wednesday. It has been foggy here some mornings, and very cold. I might be going to the Invercargil] Show this week.. I have oil';- cousin in the post office at Athol. nnd another in the railway pint ion at Lnnisden. The answer to the riddle was "Left Elbow.'*" I will stop now. Love to all the L.F., including yourself.—Yours trulv, VIOLET 111 (Balfour). [T bop? von enjoy your day at the show, Violet.—OCT.] Dear Dof —May I become one of your happy band? It is very cold in the mornings and evenings now. I hava n brother—my only one—-at tin-; war, and I hope he comes home safely again. I ivas in Lawrence working for about four months. It is a very pretty country place. Can you give me a cure for warts, Dot? I like reading very much, and ono of the latest books I read is " The End of a Coil," and I think

Dolly Copley is such a splendid character. I enjoy reading any of Susan Warner's books. As this is my first letter I will stop. Fondest love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours trulv, ROSARY* (Roxburgh). [The most efficacious way ol curing warts is to apply a caustic. You must take care to apply vaseline well round the skin situated in ihe vicinity of the wart, and then, apply a little caustic soda to the wart itself. Silver nitrate is splendid, too; but you arc more likely to have the caustic soda, I should think. Do not allow the caustic to touch tho rest of the skin: but if you have vaseline well round all danger of burning is mitigated.—DOT.] Dear Dot,- —Last time I wrote I was at Hillend with Tullys Kerney; now I am in the Clutha, and so is Tullys Kerney. Her mother has the Crown Hotel. Well, Dot, I was down seeing my sister, Kaka Beak, and it rained nearly all the time, but all the same I enjoyed myself. I went down on Saturday night, and was to come home on Monday afternoon, but unfortunately I missed the train, so I had to wait another day. I am afraid you will have to be contented with a very small letter this time, as news is very scarce at present. I received a letter from my brother in Egypt, and he seems quite happy, and apioears to be making the best of it. I was reading a book the other day, " The Little Green Door." Have you ever read it? It is a really nice book —ail about a princess in tho King's private garden. Kindest regards to all tho L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOTHER'S NURSEGIRL (Bak-lutha). [I am glad my words had some effect, Mother's Nursegirl. I think you have been one of my errant ones in the matter of writing.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather just now. I set rabbit traps at night when I come home from school, and I get up early in the morning and attend to them. I will be having my term holidays from school next week. I have a pet dog; would you please give me a nam? for it. It is cold in the evenings now and the nights are getting long. We play football at school, and I like it very much indeed. Well, as I have run short of news, I will bring this letter to a close. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CAPTAIN SCOTT (Edendale). [You are not very explicit in your description of your pet, Captain Scott; but. assuming it to be a male, will lan do?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am playing with Whistling Bill, who is my mate. We were out rabbiting, and caught one. I did not go away for my Easter holida3's. I am in Standard 111 at school, and am 10 years old. We are getting lovc-ly weather. Whistling Bill is also writing to the page. Wo milk 26 cows. I nave two sisters, and they both go to school. We have to walk about half a mile to school. I am the eldest in our family. I must close now, as it is getting late.—Yours trulv, MAIT (Wyndham). [Certainly you may join us, Mait. You and Whistling Bill will be able to keep each other up to the mark.] Dear Dot, —I have just come home from the township, and, feeling too tired to do much work, I thought I woidd write a short letter to you and the page. It is a l>eautiful day hero to-day—almost like summer, but very chilly in the morning. Our little township is very quiet at present, owing to so many lads having gone to the war. I sincerely hope this cruel war will soon be at an end. I have come relations at the front, but have not heard news of theim for a considerable time. The Natives will soon be home from the Mutton Bird Islands, and they generally hold a concert and dance in their hall on their return. I have not been at any of their entertainments yet, but have heard that they; are a great success. Of course, I have heard them singing at local school concerts, and they have voices like nightingales. Have you heard them singing, Dot? I am sure you would enjoy 6urf fishing, Dot. Father and I used to do a. good deal of fly fishing on the Hutt River, North Island, and it was great sport, I can tell 3'ou, especially when I got a fish on my line. In the evenings one could see hundreds of trout jumping up to the surface to catch insects. Lake George is about a quarter of a mile from our place, and there are a number of wild ducks and swans on it. It is shooting season now, and there are a. few out shooting to-day; but they returned very early, so they could not have been very fortunate. I will have to conclude, as I am short of news. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.-Y r ours truly, JULIET (Colac Bay). [The Maoris sing beautifully. I have heard them singing unaccompanied—their voices blend so beautifully; they appear to harmonise naturally, and the result is beautifully melodious. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is mv first letter to your page, and I hope to become a member of your' band. I am 12 years old, and am in the "Fifth Standard at school. AYc are milkin e six cows. I have five brothers and four sisters. I like reading very much. It is fine weather down here. I know a good few L.F. down this way. We are having- holiciavs next week. My youngest, sister in only three years old. Dear Dot, as this is my first letter to the pase-, I think I will close. Love to all the D.L.F.. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DAISY FERN (Otara). [You are welcome to join us, Daisy Fern. There are quite a number of L.F. round your dist rict.—-DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have alreadv got four autos. One I got from The Wild' Trish Ro*e, and one each from Crimson Rambler, Stars and Strines, and Wild Blue Pansy. Lupulite got her badgs safely, Dot, and she is proud of it. She wcr>r- it to school sometimes. I didn't co 1o school to-day. as it was too wet; but Lupulite went. I like going to school. I was over to see mv aun + yesterday, Clover We are still milking cows, but we milk them once a Jav only. Jt is raining wry hard hero to-nisdH. Best love to Mill' Mocna, Dollv Varden, Billy the Barber, and all mv school L.F males, not forgetting V ouvs df. —Yours fraly. THE LINK OF LOVE 'Slope Point). TYoii have made a good in your collection. Link of Love.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —Sinre I last wrote I have been living in the North Island for a year—in a place'named Mamaku, 14 miles this side of Rotorua. Mamaku is named after a great tree-fern that the early Maoris used to eat. 1+ is situated on the top of a plateau, end ono can see for miles around over the hills and bush. Rotorua is a. wonderful place. with its boiling mud pools and geysers and the ruined village- and the terraces. What often makes roe think of Rotorua is a sand pen T haopen to be using in writing this letter. It is a glass pen filled with Indifferent colours of sand, nil from parts of Rotorua. I have been to Auckland, and also to '■fw ton of Mounl Eden. I like Auckland wrv well. On our way down to. Ihe South Island we vent to Wangnnui, and when we arrived 'hero it was raining very Iv-d. so we did not stay long, going on to New Plymouth, where we spent a most enjoyable

time. Wo stayed in Dunedin for a night; but I did not see any D.L.F., although I v.na on the lookout for them. I hear that there are L.F. not far from here. Our new home is a very nice one.. There are plenty of rabbits running about, which is a very uncommon sight up north. I ride to school with another girl here. Princess Martha will be wondering wherever 1 have gone to. They arc all busy harvesting up_ here, the weather being very favourable. Now I must close this uninteresting letter. Love to Dorothy May, Princess Martha. Lady Olivine, Rhododendron, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FRANCES (Tuapeka West). [I have seen the sands you speak of made up in a bottle, representing a scene. I was told they were done hy the prisoners.— DOT.] Dear D6t,—l received my badge safely, Dot, and I torn very pleased. We had a letter from Grand Rapid' the other day, and she calls the baby Cathie, after herself. We are having a week's holiday from school. Well, Dot, Slope Point is very quiet, and I cannot write any more: but better short than nothing. Well, I will say good-bye.—Yours trulyi LUPULITE (Slope Point). [I am glad you like your badge, Lupulite, —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Merlo wrote to the page not long ago, so hhe won't give me any peace until I write 100. Heather Bloom was also telling me I should write, so, like a good girl, I did what I was told. I think if I arrived homo from a. dance just in time to get the breakfast I would, have to have 40 winks (and the rest) before the .day was very far advanced. I have just been reading the account of Lady Battersea's wedding. She was bridesmaid at my brother's wedding. I saw a letter from Prima Donna in the page last week. I saw her in the train one afternoon, and, judging by her face, she had been to see a friend—the dentist. We are having lonely weather here for this time of the year. We had a letter from my brother in Egypt just a- few days ago. A new regiment, called the New Zealand Pioneer Regiment, had been made up, and they had lost all their old mates. My mother is going away for a holiday next week, so I will be head cook—not a had job. I must stop now. Best lov-3 to Merlo, Heather Bloom, Fleur-de-lys, and all my other D.L.F. comrades.— Yours truly, QUEEN OF THE LILIES (Forsylh). [I am glad to find you are so docile and obedient, Queen of the Lilies. I wonder if they are characteristic of your character. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had a good few people down at the beach at Easter time. I saw the blowhole. The water would enter below, and then it would shoot up the blow-hole, and make a noise as well. I was at a party up at Linnet's place; we had a. good time. It was dark coming home at night, but we got home all right. The cows are going dry now; they are not giving much milk. The* birds are making a great noise on the roof. Lots of love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ARDWELL (Port Molyneux). [lt is quite weird watching the effect of the water in the blow-hole, Ardwell. —DOT.] "Dear Dot, —Winter is here now, with its cold, fro3ty morning? and wet days; but I suppose we nu.st not growl, for we have had cur share of fire weather I wonder if any of the D.L.F. go in for the O.K.P.—that is, the puzles in the Outlook. I do, and I think they are very interesting. What do you think of the war, Dot? Most people look terribly blue if you ask them that question. The people tip here think that the Australians and New Zealanders. will make the Germans hop. Perhaps they will; but it will cost a great many brave men's lives before they are made to hop right baok to Germany. The surrender of General Townshend's forces was. a. great blow to the British; but I think ho did the best thing that could be done. Perhaps some of the New Zealanders and Australians will be sent to reinforce General Lake's forces; but I think most of them were sent to France. We have not heard from my brother for a long while l , and do not know where he is. In the last letter he said he was moved into the Fifteenth Plowitzer Battery in the artillery. It must have been giand to see the returned soldiers marching through the streets on Anzac Day—some of them, poor fellows, maimed for life! I am sure the shirkers in the crowd must have felt small. What cowards some of them must be, but I think it is srenerally the ones who have some reason that are called cowards, and not ihe real shirkers. Postman Henry does not seem to think his own letters are very interesting, but I am sure many of the other D.L.F. think so. I know that my mates and I always lock forward to reading them. Well, I think it is about time I brought this letter to a close.—Yours truly, EUROPENA (Kelso). [I think it must take courage of a kind to stay at home, the way things are at present, Furopena.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l was pleased to see my first letter in print. I hadn't told anyone at, home that I had written, and I quite enjoyed the disbelief of rnv iittle brother. It was so funny. He would not believe that it was my letter. Well, Dot, since I last wrote I have discovered that I know three of the D.L.F. They are friends of mine; but I did not know them by their N.D.P.'s, which are Kawarau. Clutha. and Spring Flower. We all used to live in the same town before we came to Timaru. My brother is home from Mount Cook, and tells quite interesting tales of the journey, and the adventures of the party while there. I am trying to pursuade him to write to the page so that he can give a description of his holiday. Coming from me, the description would not be so vivid a picture as he could paint, although I think that I could tell the story fairly well; but I shall wait and see if he • will write. Isn't Carlew's letter interesting? Just fancy. Dot, if every two got a new member as Fairy and Darkey did, we should soon become a terribly huge band, should we not, Dot? At present I am staying with a lady who used to write to the page when she was a girl. I think her N.D.P. was Larkspur, which she changed to Khaki during the South African war. She used to live In Oamnru. She was telling me the fate of three different D.L.F. badges that she had. The first one, which she used to wear in her school hat. was removed while she was at school one day. The next one broke in half Call by itself, of course), while the third 1 one just waddled off by itself for a walk one day, and forgot to return. Perhaps it got lost in the bush. I don't know. When my mother was a girl she used to write to the page, but it is so long ago that she has forgotten her N.D.P. Winter seems to be coming very suddenly this year, Dot. The weather is so awfully cold. It is not very pleasant to wako up in the night and find all the bedclothes on the floor, and have to scramble out after them, getting colder each minute. The Christclmrch school children are coming here on Monday to plsyr their Red Cross pantomime, "The Sleeping Beauty." We are going to have one of the girls to stay at our place. I_ do hope sho is about my own age. If she is not, I shall

be bitterly disappointed. I am out in the cold as far as mates go. My sisters are ever so much younger than 1 am, and all my girl friends live a good way away from my home. Certainly girls are not scarce in tho neighbourhood, "but one does not always care for everyone. My auntie sent me two books called "Pollyanna" and "Pollyanna Grows Up." They are such nice books. Pollyanna seems to do exactly the right thing at the. right moment. The Sixteenth Reinforcements left here on Wednesday. I do not know anyone who went; bur. 1 have a cousin with the Ninth Reinforcements and a friend with the Eleventh. Neither of them is fond of writing,, eo we are not in the least surprised that we have not heard from them. Well, Dot, I must closo now. With best love to all the D.L.F., also yourself.—Yours truly, MICK [lt would be most interesting to hear of your brother's doings, Mick, so if you eannot persuade him to write it himself, perhaps you would do it for hirn. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I now take the pleasure of writing you a few lines, hoping it will find you in the best cf health as it leaves mo at present. I was very glad to read my last letter in the Witness. Well, Dot, I did not like my name being Butterfly, so I thought I would change it. We have three cows milking, and we have six customers. We are having very changeable weather lately—one day it is raining and another day it ;s sunshine.—Yours truly, SNOWDROP (S. Oamaru). [I think, but I am not perfectly certain, that there is already a Snowdrop, dear; but we will hope not. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l went down to the library to-night with my mother. When 1 go there I always read the D.L.F. page in the Witness. When I was reading it I got a surprise to see that Pc-stmau Henry wants to exchange autos with me. I know only one D.L.F., and that is my mate, who lives next door; her N.D.P. is The Busy Bee. I have never exchanged autos, and have no; tho slightest idea how to go about it, so please. Dot, will you tell me. Postman Henry, I will most willingly do so when Dot gives me information. Since I last wrote to you my grandfather died, and dad has been down to Gore to the funeral. I have a cousin going away with the Thirteenth Reinforcements. He is in camp at present. Our tennis season, is over, and we started basket ball to-day. I think I prefer tennis. At Eastortime wo sot two weeks' holiday. Wo always have three days at Easter and eight days at the end of May; but owing to eo much sickness going about) we had the two holidays mado into o:ie, so we get no holiday m May. During that time the school was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. We are at present having our examination. On Easter Saturday morning The Busy Bee and I Went out mushrooming, but we did not got many. I am very fond of them. On Easter Monday there was a carnival here called "The Rosebud Carnival." There was also a procession, which was headed by the Scouts. The Busy Bee was dressed up as a nurse in the carnival with some more, and she looked so nice. The proceeds of the carnival were in aid of the Wounded Soldiers' Fund. On Easter Tuesday (Anzac Day) there was a memorial service held here. This is only a short note to ask you how to exchange autos, so I will close. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the editor. —Yours tIUy ' PRINCESS GEORGINA (Lower Hutt). [I will fill in an auto and enclose it with your cards, Princess Georgina. They might "be termed cards of introduction, and if you so desired, you could correspond with a person who asked for your auto.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is the sixth letter I have written to-night; but it is not often I take such a fit. It is simply pouring here to-night, and has been all day. I see that some D.L.F. from Timaru has been making use of my N.D.P., and I don't think it is right, as I • have been writing for nearly 10 years now. But perhaps that person did not know of my existence, as I have not been writing very regularly lately. The general topic now is the war. Well, of course it is of all-absorbing interest at present, as nearly everyone has someone or other at the war. I have a cousin who was at Gallipoli, but has been in England for the last eight months, and he has not recovered yet. Another _ cousin is in camp with the Thirteenth, _ Reinforcements, and another one is waiting to go. I have only one brother, and he is younger than myself, so he cannot go. But, Dot, if I were a boy I'd be off, too, and I should have been the boy of our family. I am writing this letter' in stages, as I am in a shop, and have to stop to serve the customers, which are few and far between. I notice the L.F. have started to describe the books they have read; but I gladly leave it to them, as I am no good for such work. But I have read a lot lately. Have you read "Inez," Dot? It is a really good book. I have just finished reading the story of Gipsy Smith, the evangelist, and he is a very great-man evidently. It's the same old cryover again. I had my head full of news when I began, but it has all gone now. It is about time you wrote again, Wingatui, both to the page and to me; also Lady Grace's Mate. I think I will try to beat you, Vyvian, in the number of times I write to the page. It might make me a more regular correspondent. Well, I think I had belter bring this scribble to an end before anyone ruins their eyesight over it. So goodbye, Dot. With love to you and all my correspondents.—Yours truly, KAWARAU (Parnell, Auckland). [From what I can remember the other writer was buried in silence for a number of years, Kawarau; but when I looked up the address book, I rectified the mistake, and you are undoubtedly entitled to the N.D.P.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I would like to join your band. My friend, Bonnie Loch Lomond, haa asked me to write. I am 12 years old, and will be 13 at the end of June. I am in the Fourth Standard. I have Ave sisters and one brother. Two of my sisters are dead; they were twins.. My brother has been to Egypt, and he has been sent back. Well, t think I will close Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BLUE VIOLET II (Ngapara). [I am very pleased to have you join us, dear. Do you mind being Blue Violet the Second, as there is already a Blue Violet? You can change to something else if you wish.—DOT.] Dear Dot, — Ai, New Year I was down at Port Molyneux, and enjoyed myself very much. I was at the sports on New Year's Day, and I saw Tullys Kerney. On New Year's Eve Silver Thread and I were at a concert, which was a great success. When we camn. home we lit a great bonfire, which blazed brightly on a hillside, and the guns loardod loudly to bring the New Year in. While tho bonfire was burning its brightest, a number of people came up and gave a sociaL Thcro were some people singing, and I sang too, and when I finished I had to go back and sing again. We are having some lovely weather up here just now. I saw one of your photos, Silver Cup. and I thought it was a very nice one. I

was over at Clifton at Easter, and I saw Glen Mavis and Jimmy Thistle Breeches, who was playing football. I spent Sunday with Tullya Kerney. One Tuesday Silver Thread, Bonnie Queen Rose, and I went up to tho Baby Niagara Waterfall, .and I slipped on some rocks below the waterfall, and Bonnie Queen Rose was laughing at me, when she slipped too, and got a ducking. Bonnie Queen Rose is busy eating a big rosy apple, and 1 suppose she is too busy to write just now. Love to Lady Sybil, Bello Mahone, Daisy Blackburn, Tullya Kerney, and all my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BRipE'S CAKE (Awamangu). [I am sure you were not long in enjoying Queen Rose's discomfiture, Bride's Cake. -DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have had bad luck without- calves this year. Seven out of 10 are dead. Our potatoes are also blighted. I was up at Damtless Patty's the OT.hei night. Djxie Hart does not live far Lorn here. Winter is her© again, with its cold and host. It is nearly 7 o'clock Joefore it is light at all. Best love to Dauntless Pat!y, Dixie Hart, Jim, Sunlight, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, I A MAID OF GALLIPOLI (Awarua Plains). [You have bean unfortunate to lose so many calvt.3, dear What has killed them off in that manner'?—DOT.] Dear Dot.—Still our young men are departing from us. one being fareweiled on Wednesday last. I had tho pleasure of being present _at the function, which was cele..brated in the hall, and I spent a very enjoyable everting. There was a large crowd ii: attendance, which showed the popularity of the gentlentan being honoured. During the evening 1 had Ihe quiet satisfaction of hearing my merits (good and bad) criticised. How little did tho convcrsars think that the unknown Shicker wan so near at hand.' I think how easily I might have enlightened thorn; but upon second thought I kept the much-desired booty to myself. I think Thomson, the great poet, was fairly correct when he wrote the following lines: " See Winter cornea, to rule tho varied year, Solemn and sad, witli all his rising train— Vapours and clouds and storms." W© have been experiencing- the storms and cloudy weather at least. 1 am sorry to say, pot, I had not the fortune to get out shooting on the morning of the opening of the duck season, but since then I have been fairly lucky, for on several occasions I have coiao home with a good bag. Well, Dot, I will conclude. Lovo to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours trulv, ' SHICKERS (Kaiwera). [You doubtless would derive a good deal of amusement from hearing yourself discussed, Snickers,—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have finished our quarterly examination. Wo had a week's holiday at Easter, b.ut I did not go anywhere for my holidays, i know a few Little Folk about here. There are 3'2 children going to our school. We are having very dry weather just now. What do you think of this dreadful war. Dot? I went to the Garden Fete at Oarrtaru, and enjoyed myself immensely. Best wishes to The Rose of Sharon, Dardanella, and Corlinda, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE ROSE OF BRYN AFON (Maheno). [I hope you have put up a good percentaago in your examination, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Isn't it splendid the way the L.F. are answering the call of their country'? What a pity that we cou!d not keep a list of them as they enlist. I hear that Bimbo VII has enlisted. Good luck to you, comrades, and a safe return. I wonder how the L.F. picnic to Caroline Bay will come off. Splendidly, I hope. Some time ago I saw in one- L.F. letter thai one of our comrades was dead; but tho writer was not sure of the X.D.P., whether it was faithful Fido or Rcyal Highness. Dot, can you tell me which it was ? I enjoyed Dewdrop's account of "David Copperfiield" so much. lam going to try and give a description of some of the characters in one of the most delightful books that I have read—namely, "Freckles," by Gene Stratton-Porter. The hero of the story is a plucky Irish boy, who has lost one of his hands by an accident, but thinks that is was done intentionally. He has not the least idea what his name is or who his people were, and for nearly 20 years has spent his life in a home, because no oiio wanted a boy with one hand. He is known by the name of Freckles, on account of his freckled face. Freckles manages to get work on the Limberlost Timber Works, and while guarding tho timber from a gang of timber thieves, he meets the "Swamp Angel," in whom his sweetest dream materialises. It is she who finds for "Freckles his uncle and aunt, and afterwards (although the book does not say so, but just says so much that one may guesfl) becomes Freckles's wife. M'Lean is a member of the Grand Rapids Timber Companj', and iff very kind to the friendless Freckles. Mrs Duncan, a really good, kindhearted woman, with whom Freckles boards, tries to be a mother to the boy. It is through the Bird Woman, who is collecting camera studies of birds for a, book, that Freckles and the Angel meet. Lord and Lady O'More come from Ireland in search of a lost relative, and had it not been for the Angel, whose life Freckles saves, they would perhaps never have found Freckles, the son of" Lord O'More's brother, who, after

marrying the girl of his choice, had emigrated to America, where, after Freckles was born, they nearly starved, old Lord O'More refusing to help them. One day, when both the father and mother were out trying to obtain •work, tlie house where they lodged caught fire, and on their return they hoard that the baby was still inside, and in trying to save the child, both were burned to death. The baby, however, was not inside, for the woman who was minding it in its parents' absence had left the child for a time, during which the house caught fire, and on returning she heard the child's screams. On reaching the little Freckles she found that a piece of hot iron had fallen from the roof, severing the little hand. Not knowing what the parents would say, the woman in her fright took the child and left him outside the home, where Freckles spent his early years. Freckles's real name is Terence Maxwell O'More, of Dunderry House, County Clare, Ireland. These are the main characters in the book, which is a rather uncommon one, and I only wish I could explain it satisfactorily. Now, Dot, don't you think that it is about time Darkey and Fairy sent in a letter; also Princess Farra? "With kind regards to all my L.F. correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, BELLA DONNA (Waiwera S). ATJTOGBAPHS. Scotch Bluebell (Elizabeth Dixon, Nightcaps) wishes to correspond with Postman Henry, "Wandering Willie, Anzac, and any D.L.F. willing. Bravest of the Brave (Dorothy Gill, Mo r ley Tillage, Nightcaps) wishes to correspond with Happy Tom, Firefly, and any L.F. willing. Mother's Nurse Girl (Ursula Henderson, Balclutha) wishes to exchange post-cards with any L.F. 17 or over. Prompt replies. The Link of Love (Janet Barnett, Slope Point, via Fortrose) wishes to exchange autos and correspond with Leola, Shining Sunbeam, Postman Henry, Dolly Vardcn, Mild Mcana, and any L.F. willing. Lupulite (Christina J. Barnett, Slope Point) wishes to correspond with Grey Eyes, Ferndale, Ivy Diamond, Tulip, Jim, and any eoldier L.F. willing. Queen of the Lillies (Bosie French, Forsyth, via Lawrence) wishes to exchange autcs or correspond with any L.F. over 13 willing. Silver Fern (Madge Thompson, Wendoneide) wishes to correspond with El'bon, Postman Henry, and We Three. Bella Donna (Helen Boss, Churchill, Waiwera South) wishes to exchange autos with Lift, Dewdrop, Carlew, Golden Smile, Queen of the Heather, Dardanella, and any L.F. willing. Snowdrop Queen (Kathleen Kirby, care of Mrs Plietska, Moa Flat School, via Heriot) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Marseillaise (Miss R. Gray, care of N.Z. Drug Co., Stafford street, Duncdin) and France (Miss I. Keyes, care of Miss Pollock, Brown, Ewing and Co., Dunedin) wish to correspond with any L.F. over 17 years.