DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3247, 7 June 1916, Page 75

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short Icttheir school ami home life, holiday trips, &a. The loiters ore to ho written b.y, tiio little folk themselves, anil addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.”

Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, Is 6d post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto, Cards arc obtainable from Dot, Witness Ofllce, Dunedin. Price, Sid for 25.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

Motto:—Wo write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. P»" No letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot,—lt is a lovely clay to-day, but before that ivc had simply horrible weather. We had an uncle from Nelson staying with us for a week, and it rained cveiy day, so he won't be able to- take a good impression of Hawke's Bay weather back with him. I got soaked through riding homo from work at night -ana it se are.vtli iig :,v.r ek ntog in wet weather. I see Fleur-de-Lys has changed her N..D.P. What is the meaning of your new name, comrade? Did yon go anywhere for your Easter holidays, Dol '! On Good Friday wo had some people at our place; but otherwise we had a very quiet Easter. On Anzac Day I had to go to work in the morning; but in the afternoon I went to the Square, where they held the service. Isn't that a good idea of Ned Do Vine's and Postman Henry's to hold a picnic 011 the King's Birthday. 1 wish I lived down there; they might have seen me there. I hope the picnic will (urn out a success, comrade. Love to all the D.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ~ BONNIE MARY 0' ABGYLE (Hastings). Dear Dot,—The weather has been very fine up here. I am 11 years old and in the Fourth Standard at school. There are 30 children going to our school. I set abou< 16 traps, .and am catching a few rabbi- ;. I have a ferret in a box. My cousin had a ferret 100, but it got out. We are milking five cows. We have 15 nigs, and we killed three of them on Friday. ' One of them weighed 1501 b, one 160 lb, and -lie oilier weighed 1651 b. We have all the threshing over now. We were cutting chaff on Sativday morning and gathering wood in the afternoon. We have a. new teacher now. I have io walk about a mile to school in the morning-. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. KAISER BILL (Lake Wakatipu). [I have posted the badge, Kaiser Bill, and hope you receive it safely.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather here at present for winter. Tilings are very quiet here: no- dances or anything on account of all the young men leaving the d-'-trict to go to the war. I was at a sendoff to sonie friends of curs some time- ago. and I enjoyed myself very much. There were people there from Qneenstown and all over Southland. The guests of the evening were presented with a silver tea and coffee service, and a. case of pipes. A little boy from this district sang some of Harry Lauder's songs., which were greatly appreciated by the audience. I also sang four songs. Last Thursday there was a school concert held in the same district, which 1 believe was to be a gr~-at affair; but as it is so far away we did not go, so T don't know how it turned out. T hope the picnic on June 3, at Tiroaiu, will be a success. I regret that, as it is so far away, I will b" unable to go; but if it is made an annual affair I will try to g"< thon. It is a good idea- to get acquainted with some of the D.L.F. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.— Yours truly. GOLDEN FERN (Tussock Creek). [You would be very tired after performing so much. Golden Fern; bu' it is always a satisfaction to know «i"'s efforts e.re appreciated.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—The weather bere is just lovely considering the time of year; but to-day we are about smoked out, as there is a fire not far away. I was down seeing Curlv the other night, and while we were having Slipper Curly was quietly stirring away at her tea, end she asked me. to look at a spider which was crawling up the curtain, and. on tinning round to do so. T received her hot spoon on my cheek, which she calWl a German kiss. I noticed in Inst week's Witness a ie ! ter from Happy Birds, and she says she knows Lady Bat*ers?a's cousins well. I happen to know them too, ami intend goimr to see them shortly, and I had met Lnfly Battersea a few times. I noticed a while ago where on" D.L.F. said she liked reading "East Lyiine." Well, I road that book, a.nd it used to ko*»p mo awake all nisrht, wondering how it would end. I do not read as many books now a= I used to; about a yar afro T usH to read every novel I could lay rfiy hand a on, and it was no* onlv once but dozens of times that thev v/ove bidden from nv>. Fondest love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, POSTMISTRESS^. r\s one gets older one learns to discriminate regarding novels, Postmistress, which is a good thing.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We r.re having beautiful weather just row. The Easter holidays ere once again passed, and we are now in the winter months. Tt is very cold getting out, of bed thc"e mornings. T am setting rabbi* traps iust now, and I catch a gieat many. I am having my term holidays from school just now. What a Jot of returned soldiers you see about now. I am very fond of playing football, and I alwav-s play at school. With love +o alt the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CAPTAIN SCOTT (Edendale). TT am glad to see you are fond of manly sports, Captain Scott. This is splendid weather for football, isn't it?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having our holidays; but I am not going anywhere, as my mother is very ill, so I cannot go. The other day we gave one of our Technical College teachers a send-off, as he is going to thewar. He received a wristlet watch, an electric torch, and a money belt. The weather ha.s been very fin'- lately, but I think wo will soon have rain. While I am writing this letter my father is playing the accordeon, and -my brotheis and sisters are singing, so it is very hard to write. They will soon bo

goin<* ro bed. thank goodness. I hope there will "bo a lat'go attendance of D.L.F. at the picnic. I wish I was closer: I would p;o too. It is a very good idea, isn't it, Dot'.' My little brother said to-night, "I wish 1 was rich, an ! could ride." We asked h:m what he would like to ride. He said, "A motor boat; because von just start it going. and you could ride." We will soon bo starting college again, and I will like ii very much. Do you like typewriting, Dot? I think \i is lovely. Wo have not any garden in yet, c,o we will have to hurry up and get it in. Love to Queen of the Lil'.cs, Sea Breeze, Lady of the Litrlcy, Lupuliie, and Postman Henr.v, not forgetting yourself. — Yours trulv, NONA (Awarua Plains). [I am glad you like study. Nona. Typewriting is a very useful accomplishment, and I suppose you arc- taking shorlhand as veil, as the two are almost inseparable.— DOT.] Dear Dot,- —Just a few lines to the page again to let you know 1 have arrived back in Welling:on, and settled down to work again. It seems to me there is always audi a pcor end to a holiday-—having to start work again—that is, if you arc unfortunate enough to have to work. The weather hero is not too pleasant, it being dull and cloudy, with an occasional shower; but, seeing we are well into winter, it might be a lot worse. You will see from this what an optimistic person 1 am, Dot. The football season opened here last Saturday, and is now in full swing. I wish you would kindly consider if. your duly to write me a line, Dewdrop. I am anxious to hear from some of you at home, so am taking this opportunity to give you a gentle remind-jr as it is dead against my principles to write loiters without gelling answers. 1 bad a good trip up in the boat, Dot. 1 had. learnt something from bitter experience, and booked my berth well in advance, so did not haw- to sleep on the floor, as per i-su,al in holiday times. They say experience teaches foots. It does* I am ''swatting" hard, or pretending to do so, this voir, but I find there is a bi • difference between "swatting" at school and "swatting" at home. By the time the day's week ii done most of the energy is taken out of a chap, and he doesn't feed much like study. Of course, they say early morning is 'he Lime, when the brain is fresh, etc., but when it comes ic the point, I think most people lying in bed on a cold winter's morning would do pretty much as I do, and that is—stay 'here. Well, Dot, this letter eooms to be progressing v:ry slowly. The trouble is, I have no news, so shall not take up any n..ore of your space by spinning this sc rib b!o out any fur'.her. There is just one thine f want to say before closing. I have not iter! several letters from Postman Henry in the page. I think I may regard you as a brother worker in the post office, comrade, and I am glad to know thai there ure one or two at any rate out of our department who are D.L.F. With love to all the LuF. and yourself, Dot, —Yours trulv, AUNTIE TIM (Wellington). [The thought of getting up in the mornings is usually a good deal worse than the actual thin;, Auntie Tim—it takes a li'.le courage and determination at first though.— DOT.] Dear Dot—When 1 wrote my las' letter I was staying with ivy granny in the .country. I like the town very much, and I would not like to live in the country again. Wo are having lovely wet! her just now for this dine of the year. I ran goin : to a social on Wednesday, and 1 am ho : ing for a good time. We had the painters and paperhangcrs here last week. Love to Llalma, Lift, Golden Feather, Nancv Bell, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, LETTY (Tirnaiu). [When one is aceusv iae i to town life i: is always rather more difficult to settle down in the country.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —it has been raining a good deal here these last few days, ami the river was nearly up to the top of the bank. Yesterday morning I went to see the river. Wc had great fun getting there, slipping in the mud and walking through the water with our boots and stockings on. Some paddocks were all water. 1 think Raupare will be home this week. She has been down south for a year; bur she- likes down there, a.nd doesn't want to come home very much, father went down to bring her home, and I have been taking his place driving the car. I hope 'hey will be home soon., because I want to go in and meet them. I have never had a puncture yet, and I hope L won't. Wo have had a good few s iff frosts in the : '.ornings. We have got four little ducks we arc rearing; they have no mother—she was stolen, —and the little things swim in a pond all day. and start and quack when they are hungry. They are such dear 1: tie things. Much love to all the D.L.F.—You >•?■ truly, FAY. I'Vou must be quite an expert driver now Fay. Is the freedom from punctures due to careful driving or good luck.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —You can sec by the above address that we have shlflcd. Wc have been here foi about three weeks. 1 e;o to Gore Public School, and like it all right. When I came the examination was nearly over, so T did not got all mv subjects, but did fairly well all the same." We had last week for a holiday, but I did not go anywhere. For a few days I was in bed owing to a sore throat. - My little brother was quite pleased with going to school yesterday, but he does not want to go any more now. To-day I went to the Technical School, and I thought it was all right. The inspector is coming to examine lis in three weeks. Tonight it is raining hard, and it has been very windy here lately. Well, Dot, this is all I can say at present, so will close with "love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, DAISY CARAMEL (Gore). [I hope you are now better, Daisy Caramel ; a sore- throat is not a + all a pleasant experience. T am glad you like your new school.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —In my last letter I forwarded stamps for auto-cards. I posted the le'ter on Friday, the I"'h, and have not received the- cards yet. Will you please forward them as soon as possible. A few of the books I have read are "In the Mipt of the Mountains," "David Copperfield," "Old Curiosity Shop," "Pickwick Papers," and "Oliver Twist." This is a short letter this time, is it not?—Yours truly, SNOOKS (Clifton). [The cards were posted. Snooks, a.nd you should have received them before this. I shall look into the matter and have it rectified.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We aro having a delightfully mild winter so far, and there is quite a green tinge in the grass, and u growth which is y.oyy unusual here in May. We aro drying off the cows now, except three, which are not long in; the' others wc milk once a day. Wyndham is getting quite noi-a'ble, having the Y.M.B'.C. camp at Easter, and then the Mounted Territorials were camped in the same place two or threo weeks ago. The Southland Winter Show was held last week, and I wont down on Wednesday morning, and was niet at the station by Love Lies Bleeding, who took mo to her home, and wo all went to the Show in. the. afternoon. I spent the night with her mother and sisters, and

on Thursday some of us wont again to the Show. I cum? home that night after a short, though enjoyable, visit to Invercargill. I am intending going up to Duncdin next week for two or three weeks' holiday, and go to the Show there also; so, dear Dot, I may (nil ai your office if I have time when I am there. I started this letter two days ai-o, ami since then the weather hr.s changed :.U'.\ ;s now very wintry. Harvesting is now it thing of the past for this year clown these par I a. We finished the l;u.:t of the leadingin befoic tho middle of March, and the mill had been in tind thrashed six e aeks of oats; but the who,it was not ready then, so it is still in snick. It was near the ond of May before the general harvest was over last year. Best wishes and kindred regards 10 all my D.L.F. correspondents and friends and, last, but not least, our Queen Dot.— Yours truly, FROLIC (Edendale). [I know one's time is usually fully occupied when on a holiday Frolic; but, should time permit, I hope 1 may see you.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather is not too good cul hero; there was a terrible thunderstorm last night. I think i'']Q letters the soldiers write are very interesting. I watch for the Witness every wee!;, so that I can read the D.L.F. letters The Invercargill Winter Show was very successful. "With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours trulv, WILD DAISY (Heddon Bush). Dear Do 1 ,— Winter is hero once again, and the days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer. It is very cold going to school in the mornings now. My littlo sister is no' wail irr yet, but she can stand up by herself; she is 15 months old. Wo arc milking three cows, an . 'hey do not givo very much milk. What a splendid id' a that was of Postman Henry and Xed. Do Vine to get up it picnic on -Time 3. I think I am going if it is fine. Wee Pornjjey goes to tho same .school as 1 do now. Isn't this war terrible, Dot! I woncW when it will end? Love to Evening Star, Chiddy Wee Pompev, ii.i,! oil the other D.L.F./ not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CHARITY (Levels). [I sincerely hope the weather will be on its best behaviour for the picnic, Charity, end that you will enjoy yourself.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I -wish every one who is going to attend the picnic (only nine so far: I've had no notices except from four, but the others I'm sure of) to bring two cups —one for self and another for mate. We have had a visit from a.nzae and I am wild —kicking myself, in fact —because I cannot devise some plan to keep you hero, comrade, until after June t!; but J cannot, so we will have to let you go away, and therefore we wiil be minus your presence and smiie on that date. 1 hoyo Levels, Picasant .Point, Teuntka, Albury, St. Andrew's, Waimate, and also Oamaru comrades who can come along will do so. and I am sure you wiil be very, very welcome indeed. I am anxious to ceo ail these country comrades coming in. Please take notice we leave the post office at 11 a.m. for the Ley; , ?0 be in time, or if not in time, the well-known proverb, take note, says, "better late than never," so come along even if late. 1 am seriously thinking of forminoa cail) in Timaru; we have enough mcuiV-i'° but the question asked is, Will they support it li I form one:' I know for certain I'll have three supporters; but they are not enough. I want more; but I hope to discuss it on the 3rd—another reason to come that clay. If agreeable, 1 wiil soon find rooms suitable. I have just survived throe days in bed, for I got a smack playing hockey on May 4. I had to borrow hockey sticks to help me home; but it did not deter me from ploying again the next two following weeks; but, luckily, with no serious result. Love to-comrade correspondents and L.F , not forgetting yourself and Mrs White.— Yours truly, POSTMAN HENRY (Timaru). [The space at my disposal is always limited, and has lately been curtailed, so your letter lias had to be cut down. There is a word limit to letters, one must remember. Many thanks for the photos, but it is quite impossible to publish them. One other matter I must mention. While I am always ready to welcome new members, we have a ride that all le'lers mu«t 'be written by the persons themselves, and I have three letters here all in your handwriting.—DOT.] Dear Dot—ln the last Witness I noticed two letters from Sawyers' Bay. and I have been puzzling my brains io "find out who they are, as Sawyers' Lay was the place where we lived before we shifted up here. Do you like gardening, Dot? I like'it very much; but we have not much room for one here. I have a few bulbs in boxes and they are coming on nicely. We are havin" lovely vraibcr just now, but tho week before last was awful: it did nothing but rain all the week. The duck-shooting started o. week or so ago. Some friends of ours went out the first night and got !1 between them; but 1 don't think they have boon so lucky since. With best wishes to all the L.F., hot forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, PEGGY II (Havelock North). [You will naturally feel interested in the letters from your former home, Peggy, and, perhaps, the writers may have no objections to being known. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to let you know I received my badge some time ago. I go into Wellington to school, and I do not like it much., and in the winter it will be dreadful. On Auzac Day I was dresred up as a Red Cross nurse. I was collecting monev and selling phonos for our Rosebud Carnival. I am supporting' No. 5 candidate, wdio is representing the Red Ciws. Three weeks ago the Twelfth Reinforcements went away, and the Thirteenth Reinforcements ore parading: on Saturday next. Is not tho war dreadful? I do wish it was over. T have an uncle at the war. Our school examination is near —June o—and we have to study very hard. It is the opening of th"? new pipe organ at the Anglican Church on Thursday iii<-dit. Princess Georgino and I have been learning a new song. She had it scut from Canada 'by her uncle. We have such lovely times together. We have hod a good display of chrysanthemums this year. They melee very pretty hou«c decoration's. T clo lov» pretty flowers bo put in the vases. As I have no more rt"ws T must close. With here to all the D.L.F., not fo.rgottiris- yourself.— Yours trulv, THE BUSY BEE (Lower TTu ! !V FT hope your candidate is successful. The Busv Bee. and T shall be eager to see the results now. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Just a line to risk you if T cam become one of vour Little Folk. 1 go to school every day. T am in the Second Standard. I have not far to go to school. T have an uncle away to the war, and I bono he will return home safely. Isn't this war lasting long. Dot! I hone it will soon he over. Wo hove a nice lady teacher in our school, and T like her very well. Lovto iill the Little Folk no! forgetting yourself. Dot. —Yours truly. TATIIF/mTI (Wnitahuna). [Yon are very welcome to join us, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have never written to you before, but Una, who is a friend o.f mine,

told me she was writing, and so I thevght I should like to write, too. I am 11 y. irs old, and am in the Fifth Standard at school. I have a little Pommerauian pup; his name is Raffles. I like reading books very much. Some of my favourite authors and authoresses are Ethel Turner, Louisa Alcott, Mrs De Homo Vaizey, Manvillc Fenn and Evelvn Everett Green. Two of my brothers were killed at Gallipeli. _ In Carterton some girls have formed thcm-el ,-cs into a guild which we cell lite Anznc Gui.d; wc had a concert some time ago and realised £9.—Yours tm\\— TIID QUAKER GIRL II (Carterton). [There is already a writer using the N.D.P. Quaker Girl, so if you object to being the second yon may alter it. 1 would bo grateful if von enclosed vour jiame with vour next letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have our term holidays now. The Invercargill Show on no IO.Ii and continued to tho 13th this year. 1 was first in my class tins term. The factory wiil jsoon be slopped, and we wiii have to start making butter again. The fruit rices are looking bare now without their green leaves and rosy apples. Winter is coming nearer now, and ail the insects are gone. There are a good many flowers out now, such as dahlias, chrysanthemums, cosmos, mignonette, and fuchsia. We have another calf now. Best wishes to Nurse Elia, A Day Dreamei', Forget-me-not, and ail the ether Little Foik. — Tours truly, A FARMER'S LASS (Winton). Dear Dot,—We have been having good weather lately; but 1 think wc are going to have a change, as 1 "mar thunder to-night. Moat of the formers about here have started ploughing; they are taking advantage of the Fine weather. There is to be a social evening next Friday night for two young men who are going to the front, and 1 think we arc going to it. We have a dark chestnut pony. Ho seems very quiet, but 1 have never had a ride on him yes. 1 am not frightened to ride him, but my mother won't let me. Love to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, GOLDEN FRINGE (Hokonui). [Your mother is wise, Golden Fringe, and docs not relish the thought of broken limbs, young people arc inclined to bo reckless.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather down litre just now, and I hope it will continue, as 1 do not like tho wet weather. One of your happy band had the great misfortune to break her arm about a fortnight ago, and is at present in the Invercargill Hospital. I have a. good many relations away at the war. I think the soldiers' letters are very interesting, and am very fond of reading them. There arc a good many men away to the war from this little district. I think the schools had their term holidays last week-. Do you like chrysanthemums, Dot? I do, but the frost is very hard on them,. The sheets seem like glue when one tries to arise, but frosty mornings have one greet advantage, and that is that they arc generally followed by a fine day. It seems to be a good season for the fruitgrowers. I have a friend who has the second crop of fruit on her currant bushes. This fruit is fully matured, and on the -same bushes can bo seen the third crop of flowers. When I started this letter it was lovely and. starlight; but,now it is raining hard, and I wish it would stop; but I suppose wishing is of no use. Easter was quiet here; only one event worth mentioning, and that wo-s a soldiers' iwnd-off, at which there was a very large gathering oi the public. There are two soldiers heme from camp on final leave; but as they had. a stndoff before they lei l to- camp, I expect 'hero will just be a dance for them before they go back to camp. I consider autumn to be one of tho loveliest of the four seasons, as I like to see the autumn tints on the trees. Winter is here now, and, for a wonder, I have not had a cold yet; but I suppose it is rather early in the season to boast. The Winter Show at Invercargill was held on the 16ih to 19th of May. As far as 1 can understand from the pollers, there was more collected in two days last year than there was in four days this year. It was not for the want of fine weather, though, as it was beautiful this year. Best love to Forget-me-not, Mountain Lily, A Lonesome Lily. Cre anuria, Dolly Vf.rden, and all the rest of the L.F., not forget tine' yourself.—Yours trulv, THE LONELY CREPE FERN. Dear Dot, —We have had our examination. I went on' for a cycle ride on Thursday, and I enjoyed myself very much. My uncle has been invalided home from the war; he lives with us. I take a delight in reading the letter? in the Witness. We have had very good weather down here lately. We vent uu the bu°h for a walk this afternoon. There are some lovely ferns in the bush. love to ;ill the L.F. and yourself.—Yours tiuly, QUEEN OF THE HILLS (Makerewa). [You will be delighted to have vour uncle hack with you again, Queen of the Hills. — DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since T last wrote to you I have been away to Riverton for my holidays, r.nd I had a lovely time. Uncle Jim has a horse called Tommy, and we had a good ride on him. Aunty, took us all round to the beach, and we hod a good peddle, as it was too cold for bathing. Another night we went to a party and had lots of gomes and music. We had our quarterly exam, before tins school broke up, and we got our cards to-day. and I came second in my doss, and my sister got first in her class. Hazel Dell and her foster were up to spend the day with us on Sunday, and we had a nice time together Tt is my bed time now, so I will close with love to all til-? D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. C r, UX'niY LASS (Eastern Bush). [I am glad von had such a glorious time during your holiday Country Lass. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —T must thouk von for the name you gavo mo lor my lamb She knows her name well. Have you a, pardon. Dot, or have you only a small yard? I have not a sarden, but I am e-oing to have one later on. Lirtlc Lord Fauntleroy and my mother are no in Wellington. Love to Rocket. Mother's Lassie, aire the o J her L.F., and kind love to yourself.—Yours truly, CLEMATIS (Tiromoana). [As I live, in one of •'lt" suburbs. Clematis, we have quite a largo section and rather a pood garden. It is ablaze with the various shades of chrysanthemums at present.— DOT.] Dear Dot.—My mother end Little Lord Fanntleroy ore in Wellington. I have just wi'ten to Li'tie Lord Fauu'hu'ov. and told him not to forget to write to Um pi ,eo. When I last wrote T told you we had three net lamb-: but since thou wc hove killed two. Best of love io S\ t Rocket. Mother's Lassie. and L : t!le Lord Kaimtlerov: al<=o the othet L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly. YET/LOW HANKSTA (Tiromoana Brighton} Dear Dot.—lt is go li-.- ore'ty cold in tli rroriihi-a now. ] am gome' to <bo Invorcavoill Winter Show This Is he first time 1 have been a'- a show. but T hove been at the snort, two or llirco times. 1 have rend o few books; I sunnose vou read plenty. Do! ? T have read "Hock on Our by Steele Rudd, which is a nice book; also

"A Divided House," by Annie Swan; "Hia Brother'3 Keeper," "A Life's Mistake," "The Whit© Rosa 'Mystery " ''The Raiders," "Westward Ho.' '"i'i.c- Track in -he IJavine," and others. Tliero have been a lot of soldiera gene from here to the war; the last lot haw landed in Egypt by now; they were m the Eiovoj-th Reinforcements. I hope they return safelv home again. Love io all Ihe D.L.F. and vonrselj.—Ycurs t ri 'v. ADA:! PEARMAX. [I hope you enjoy? 1 yoi.it visit 10 the snow, Adam; it would ! .: interesting to you seeing it for the :!-: time.—DOT.] t Dear Dot.—We iaivo Lad very bad weather these lasl few flay?, and it is very windy to-night. My brother sailed from Wellington ihroe week.-; ago, and we have not heard from him since. I have b?en away from school thes.e last two days wish a sere throat, but it is belter row. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yoma truly. LITTLE MISS ROMP (Tahatjka). [I hope the throat trouble will not recur, Little Mis? Romp.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wc have been having very good weather here until a day or two ago; then it was very wet. I do hope we do not hare a very Lad winter. I have been going down to meet my two little sisters these last few nights, and it was very cold coming up to-night against the wind. We have 12 cows milking just now, and are feeding them in the byre with turnips. We have not heard from our brother for three weeks, as he is on the water. With love to all the L.F., not forget ling yourself.—Yours truly. IRONBARK (Tahatika). [Doubtless your brother will post vou a letter from the first port of call, Ironbark.— DOT.] Dear Dot.—We have two kittens here; could yau give me names for diem'? They are both black. Wo have a frolicsome little puppy here, and it will not have the kittens alone. We have not a name for him yet; do vou think you could give me a name for him? There, is to be a farewell to one of our boya who is home on final leave on Wednesday night; but I do not think I will go. He is going to get a presentation, but I have not hoard what it is to be. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Youra truly, TILDA (Tahatika). [I do not know if it is because the demand for names is so great or that the inspiration refuses to come, but at present I must beg to defer naming your "acts, dear, until a. later date.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather up hero is very coil. We are just preparing for a school conceit, but I am not going to it. 1 have one brother away at the war, ar.d another in camo. The girls at school aro sewing handkerchiefs for the soldiers, and most of them are finished. I gave mine to my brother who is in camp and he gave me a silk one with his photo on it. Kind regards to all the jj.L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, SYBIL" (Tiroiti). [You will be delighted with your brother's present, Sibyl, and 1 am sure it will b« cherished as one of your dearest possessions. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—My father is just back from raiting leys. My brothers aro not back from the Mutton Bird island, yet. Love to Lr.urefa,- Wilken Lass, Stirs and Stripes, Wild Irish Rose, not forgetting vourself.— Yours truly. MIHi MOANA iForlrose). Dear Dot, —Postmistress and 3 went out for a drive the other night, and on our way we met an old friend., whom we asked to come with its. We decided to go to a Mr Wallis's place, and when we got there the fog came down very thick. After enjoying ourselves there we set off for home again, and, of course, get lost in the fog. Mr Wallis's place was about two miles from home, and we left there at half past 30, and arrived homo at a quarter to I; so you can imagine how long wo were in finding our way back. I was at a dance last Tuesday night and had an enjoyable time. I played the piano for a few dances, and Mr Savers, played the violin with me. My little sister has a lovely little white kitten, and she is worrying the life out of me to name the thing, so could you suggest a name'.' Postmistress and I are asked out to a party-to-morrow night, and we hope to have a. pleasant time. There is to be a bit of n, dance, also, and I have to play for it. _ I am going to give a step dance, and Pos mistress and I have to sing a duet, so I won't be sorry when these two items are over. My brother is going to sing, too; so we will ha able to amuse' others. It is a comic duet that Postmistress and T are to smg, to the audience will have on excuse to laugh, whether we can sing cr not. Love to all the DLF, not forgetting yourself.—Y-ours truly, CUR LEY. [I hone vou will not he hurt at what T am goin" to say Curley, but would you try not to use quite'so much—"slang" is the only we-d I ore use—in vour letter. There are abundant words in the language that express one's thoughts just as forcibly, and ore rather more reft nod.—D OT.'J Bear Dot.—May I join your happy baud' I am in the Fourth Standard, and am 1 y ears old We have a new teacher, and v is "not very strict. My father works at tb =ch*elite industry at the head oi Liake \\ aJsa timi; he has a small mine I like going.t. ochool; did von. Dot? My brother and . climbed a small hill on Sunday, and wet. not long in doing so. I will be glad whei sr.ring comes again, because we can get birds e*es We also take the birds' heads, anc cet threepence a dozen for the eggs and heads. Love to all the D.L.F.. not forgetting yourself —Yours truly THE OLD ENOLISH OAK (Lower Skctorer). [I suppose in some respects the birds aro n rmisniice but it does seem cruel to rr.O Sot onlv to rot, th« nests but kill the birds as wS Old English Oak.-DOT.] Dear Dot.—The weather is very cold here. T hid wnch a- nice book given to me, Dot, jLll'd "Thtj Mvsterious Locket." I haven t a day from school this year vet. Lore to White Violet and yourself.-YW*, mdr, rT hope vou will be able to keep up your regular attendance at school, Daisy.—DOT.] Dear Dot —Wo are bavins a bazaar here at Lochiel on Tune 2-1. I h*v« not missed a day these last two years. I have a black-and-white kilter: will yen please rno a name for it? We are gettntg nine eega a dav. Dot. co we are not doing ! >ediy. Winter is comma: back to us again. It is ver" cold hi- 10-nmht. Love to all the Li'tla Polks not vouvs->lf.—Yours truly, MOTHER'S SERVANT (Lochiel). DcaT Dot,—lt has been raining here to-day, Dot. My auntie is stopping at our place to-ni"hl.' I received my badste safely, Dot. Love To all the D.L.F.—Youra truly, WEEPING WILLOW (Lower Shotover). Dear Dot,— May 1 join your happy band? T am in the Third Standard at school. The .•eatb/n- has 'Ken very good lately; but I think there is a on. I have a kitten, :)ot' please can y u give roe a name for i't. We are milking four cows, Lot. Wo have a new teacher whom we like. I like ho ins; to school v-ery much. Dot. 1 have, not inn. ?i noßs this time, as it is my firs 4

letter. Love to all the D.L.F., net forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, HIE OSTRICH. [Yes, you may join us, The Ostrich; but would you please enclose your name and address in your next letter, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —.May I join your happy bund? I am in tiie Fourth Standard, and am 10 years old. I have, one brother and a sister. We have a horse, a dog, two cats, and a ferret. We had two ferrets, but one got out of its box. We also had two cows and a calf. One of the cows died, and as the other cow was too old wo sold it, with the calf, to the butcher. Isn't this war terrible. Dot! I have two uncles away at it. Love to all the D.LIF., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, BELL-BIRD (Lower Shotover). [I am happy to welcome you to out band, Bell-bird and hope we shall hear from you from time to time. —DOT.] Dear Dot —May I join your happy band? I am in the Second Standard now, and I am nine years old. My birthday is next month. It has been raining hero to-day. I was picking up potatoes to-day for my father, 1 ride for the cow. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, JCXKSTNY FROM THE SHOTOVER, (Lower Shotover). [Certainly you may jour us, Johnny. Potato-picking must be cold work this weather, I should think.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was down at a fancy fair in aid of the Anglican Church last Thursday night, and although there was nothing* very amusing there,, I enjoyed myself thoroughly. There was a largo crowd present the first night up till about 10 p.m., but not so many after that. We are having very sunny days here at present; it is more like the beginning of summer than winter, only for short days.—Yours truly, A FLAPPER (St. Andrews). [I have posted the badge, A Flapper, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to the page, and I hope you will allow me to join your happy hand. I have two brothels—one is nine years old and in Standard lIL the other 10 and in Standard IV, and I am coming JL2 and in Standard V. We were living in town for a year, and came up here in September. I have a pony; her name is Creamy. Wo have a governess teaching us. I think we are going to have a very severe winter. Wo are having real summery weather now folthough there are hard frosts at night. Wc are" having two more rooms built. I have one uncle at Samoa, one in Egypt, one in Trentham, and one is just going to enlist. We are milking three cows at present. We are 30 miles from tho railway. We get the mail every Friday; the bread-cart brings it as far as Paerau, which is the name of the P.O. We have to drive there for it. Love to all L.F.— Yours truly, PAERTJVIAN (Rawhiti). [Your family is well represented at the front, clear, and I hope your uncles may all return safely. You are very welcome to join us.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l always read the D.L.F. page, so I would like very much if you would accept me as one of your band. I am 10 years old, and am in the Fourth Standard. I have three sisters and two brothers. My eldest sister was six and a-half months awav from homo last year. She left home on June 1, and was in Dunedin on the King's Birthday. We have been having our quarterly exam. Now, Dot, I must close. Love to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly BABY BLISS (Tapanui). [I am' delighted to have you join us, Baby Bliss.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have been taking a special interest :n your page, and I would like to enrol as a member of your ever-spreading band. I am working on a farm, and I like the life very much; it is far healthier than working in town, which I was doing for a while. We are busy carting the grain to Nightcaps just now, where it is sent by rail to Invercargjll It is hard work lumping the heavy bags of oats; but when we get to the wheat it will be worse still, and" J will be glad when it is all finished. Best wishes to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours tru'v, SQUIBS (Opio). [There is an amount of hard work on a farm, Squibs; but, as you truly say, it is healthy work.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—You will have before now, in one sense of the word, called me a "shirker." I am well awsre of the fact that it is many long months since I last wrote to the page. Laziness, Dot, is a terrible malady to allow its clutches to take hold of one. I think I might safely say without any fear of contradiction that we have this yea* experienced absolutely the best summer and autumn known to tho district for several years. The majority of the farmers have had excellent crops and excellent weather to gather them in. Have you ever read and enjoyed the books "Bast Lynne" and "Trovelyn Hold"? I think the first-men-tioned to be a particularly interesting novel, for it is both numerous and serious. Well, Dot, the hour is growing late, so I must end my short letter hoping you are enjoying tho best of health, and. with love to all D.L.F.—Yours truly KOLADDI (Kaiwera). [lt is a good many years since I read the books you mention, Kokiddi; but I remember enjoying "East Lynne" at the time DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather her© for the past few weeks has been exceptionally good something unusual at this time of the year. Things in and around tho district are looking wonderfully well—better than they are most winters, —which is due to tho good weather we have been enjoying. Still this great conflict is forging ahead, and, by all appearances, is likely to last for some time yet. What a lot of men it is taking from our shores, each to do his "liitle bit." Well, Dot, I suppose it is only right if we want to keep the flag flying. We have been havin°quite a lot of socials in and around the dis° trict lately for the purpose of bidding adieu to young men who have offered their services for their country, and to_ these, gatherings people seem to turn out in good numbers, which, of course, makes the function a great success. Best regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CYPRESS (Kaiwera). Dear Dot, —We have just had our term examination and holidays of one week. I am rather s:orry we did not have longer, as I could have gone for a holiday with my father. Last week I had plenty to do cooking for tho men who are working at the house. My mother has been away for over a month, but she came homo yesterday. I was not sorry to hand my housekeeping over to her again. It was not very nice having to go to school early and bo homo about half past 5 and then cook dinner after that. My uncle, who is a returned soldier, fell off a bicycle and broke the arm that was wounded. I have not been at school tt>-day, as my mother has been ill in bed. Have you ever read "Poilyanna," Dot? It is a nice book, so I will try and describe it for the D.L.F. who have not already read it. It begins a/bout a littlo girl coming to live with her

aunt in a large house. The little girl is named after her uums, Polly and Anna. Polly anna's mother had run away and married a poor clergyman, and, alter a few years, died. When her father died she had nowhere to go, so t-onie "ladies' aid" pcoplo send tome word to tier aunt telling her Pollyanna would have to go to an orphanage if she did not take her. On arriving at tho station, Poilyanna meets Nancy, her aunt's maid, whom she has sent to meet her. She thinks she is her aunt; but ca hearing that Nancy is not her aunt she said she was giad, because it was another person to see. Her father had taught her to be glad about everything, no matter what it was. Poliyanna's aunt made her go right up to the attic for her bedroom, while there were a great many richly-furnished bedrooms not being used. One day Poilyanna left the window open in her room, for it was so stuffy, and some blowflies got inside. For punishment she was gent to her room with a book to read about the harm flies do. As Poilyanna did not come to dinner her auiit went up to seo what she was doing. She was still reading the book when Miss Polly reached the room. She said she was glad her aunt had given it to her to read as it was so interesting. Poilyanna used to have two hours to do what she liked in every day. She went about making friends with nearly everyone she met. One man used to go for a walk along the same road as Poilyanna did, and every morning when she met him she said good-morning. At last he used to say goodmorning and stay to speak a few words to her. There was a telegram came i.o her aunt telling her she had to to pome meeting a long way off. Poilyanna at once took the opportunity to go for a walk through some woods, when she was suddenly met by the man's dog. It barked at her, run on a bit, and then turned back to see if she was following. The man had fallen over a- steep bank and had broken his leg. While he war, laid up witli it Poilyanna came to see him often, at his request. A while after Pollyanna's day-school started she was" crossing the road to come to her "homo, ar.d a motor car knocked her down and ran over her. It was a long time before she could walk again. At one time they thought she would never get better; but a clever young doctor had her under treatment, and she wus able to walk about again. What Poilyanna liked best of nil was that her aunt learned to love her. Love to Gvev Eves, Lucille Love, Ladv Peggy, Tabitha Mew, White Wings 11, Lift. Postman Henry, and all the D.L.F.. not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly. GRANT (Pukerau). [Having read Poilyanna, and seemingly enjoyed it, I suppose you will be eager to road the iater book about her, (.-rant. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is very cold down here, at nights; sometimes it is raining and blowing, and other times it freezes. The hens ere just starting to lay, and we are getting one and two eggs from seven hens, as they are nearly over their moult. My two biggest brothers and I set five traps each, and we see who can catch the most rabbits in a week, and one week I caught seven. We skin them and save the skins, and sell tho ciarcasies round about to our neighbours, and get sixpence a pair for them. We have about five dozen skins now. My little sister is a hard case, and she is full of mischief. We had our first term examination, and I came seventh out of 23 pupils. I think I will pass; I got only six marks for writing, and I think that is not very good. What do you think of this writing? Our vegetables in tho garden are getting finished now; w© have had good parsnips and carrots this year for the first time. The game at our school now is marbles. We are just going to collect money to buy a football and play with it instead of marbles, I like football and marbles the best of all the games we play at school. We killed a pig on Friday, and it was not a bad weight. The first night we had pig's liver for tea. and I liked it very much. My littlo brother started to go to school fast year,"aiid he hates it. On Saturday my three brothers and I went crayfishing, and we caught a good number. In the gully wo have two big ponds; we have tadpoles-' and frogs in one and crayfish in the other. The flowers in mother's gardon are getting finished; there are a few big flowers left—for the most part chrysanthemums. Wo have no homework at night, and I am very glad, because T don't like it at all. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.— Yours, truly, SAWMII.LER (Orepuki). [I think your writing is not at all bad, Sawmiller; but you invariably forget to cross your f's, and that may have lost you marks!— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been raining pretty well ail morning, but it has cleared off now. I do all the horse work at home now. I've been four years at it now, and it is gott,ing pretty stale. I want to go to tho war, but dad says I am not old enough (I am IS). I think "l am; don't you, Dot? I am sft IO.Un, and weigh list slb. I have five cousins out hero. One has been returned wounded with a piece of shrapnel behind his eye. There was a concert at Milburn on Fiuay ught in ad of the Red Cross Fund, when £-2 Ss was gathered. Love to all L.F., including yourself.—Yours truly, ROB ROY 'Clarendon). [I think 18 just on the young side, Rob; one m not matured enough, and consequently unable to stand the rigours of active service. Wait a little while longer.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to you. I often read j'our letters in the Witness, and I like them very much. We live- very far in the south. Ws are having such beautiful weather just now. Last summer we had a beautiful trip in a caravan. We went to Slope Point, and we often bathed in the sea. We- have some hens and a rooster and two little birds, and a. dog called Pilot, I am eight years old, and I am in Standard I in school. We have holidays just now.— Yours truly* OTATARA (Makomako). [You arc very wolcome to join us dear. Would you please send me your name in your next letter. What a splendid holiday you must have had! —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I hope the Timaru L.F. will have a fine day for their picnic on the 3rd June. I went to Timaru on the 3rd June last year. Don't I wish I was making that same trip this year! but I must not bo greedy. We have been having lovely weather up to this last week, when we seemed to plunge right into real winter weather. We are not getting a great deal of war news just now, are we? I wonder how the New Zealand boyn are taring now. We are gotting up a jumble sale here in aid of patriotic funds. I think it is to bo held on the 22nd of next month. Two books I have been reading are "Odd" and "Odd Made Even." It is about a girl who has a brother and a sister older than herself, and they always share each other's secrets, and won't have anything to do with her: and sho has two twin brothers younger, who always keep together, so she ia the "odd" one; but in tho second book she is made oven by marrying. We have a littlo puppy now, and it is such a funny littlo thing. It will follow mo anywhere; but tho older dog is very jealous of her, but ho will have to get over that. Although it is late in the season we have some very pretty roses out yet. Our Busy 800 Club is at work again,

and we are now making clothes for the children in the orohanage. "With love to all the D.L.F., and wishing all the Timaiu D.L.F. a suecessiul picnic—Yours truly, ROCHE (Clinton). [Your letter is ju.it a nice length, ami has tno advantage of being interesting, dear. It JJOT V;tGr t 0 L " conc;si than otherwise.— Dear Dor—l was at a concert and dance lost mgijt, and had a good time. The conceit started about half-past 8, or perhans luler, men there were songs and dances, one or nvo more, dances, then the supper was given out. Alter supper came all the enjoyable dances. About -1 o'clock wc had a very early bieakfast. and then we all sang. We are having fairly good weather down here lately; but it looks very much like rain to-night. My sister, Somebody's Lover, has" .mother uttle baby boy now, Dot. ' My brother-in-law and a friend of his were here tonignt. Our school teacher came from his holidays to-day, so we will start school on Monday, 22nd. I went to see Wild Blue last Sunday, and I enjoyed myself. one ot rny cousins has been killed at this war. Jjs people live at the Bluff. My sister'Clover Leaf is going to Invercargill on Wednesday for a few davs. Hazel Bell is a great piano and organ .Mayor. She was Playing tiic- organ last night, and it was lovely to hear the music. Love to Postman iv']V' y 'v r , ' mv i : A nd ; Leola - Gre y E^s - Lil ' t . uolly Varden, Black x J ansv, Nona, and all tiie vest of my correspondents not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, A SOLDIISirS SWEETHEART (Slope Point). Dear Dot,—We had our concert last night, ami .[ didn't get to bed until late. I am feeling a bit tired now, so I hope you won't rnind t!ie scrawl. The concert didn't come oh as I expected it would, as it had to be held in the schcolhouse, which was quite big enough; but we succeeded in getting a, little for the Red Cross funds. I am still choked up with the cold. I haven't had such a bad cold for quite a long time. Snowdrop is going into town with her mother and little sister on Monday. Queen Svlvia is also going back to college on Monday, so I will be alone for a while now. I had one of' my sisters down with me here; but she went away home. Love to all the L.F., and please accept my best wishes for yourself.— Yours truly, MAHARANI KE RAPTJTNA (Milburn). [I am glad the concert passed off successfully, dear. It is better to have a. small place well filled than a number of empty benches.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band? I am in the Second Standard at school, and am 10 years old. I have a brother going to the war. He was going back to Trent-ham, and was sick going in the train, so he went to the doctor, who told him to go homo and go to bed. It is beginning to rain again. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, LILY OF THE VALLEY 11. [I hope your brother has rceo--. cred from his sickness, dear. As you will see, I already have a writer using the N.D.P. you have chosen, so I have made you the second.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having a beautiful winter on the West Coast so far. A fair amount of grass is growing all tho time. We have one cow milking; her name is Violet. We live very close to the sea, and sometimes go fishing off the rocks. We have three miles to go to school. Yellow Banksia, Queen of the Rosebuds, her brother, and I ride to school on one horse. I am reading some books called "Peter the Whaler," "A Boy's Adventures Round tho World," and "Brown Eyes and Blue." My uncle and aunt live about eight miles from us on a farm, and we often rido down to see them. We have a nice lady teacher, and we like her very much. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOTHER'S LASSIE (Tiromoana). [lt must be rather amusing to see the four of you mounted on one horse, Mother's Lassie. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Sleepyhead was operated on for appendicitis, and my father went to Wanganui to bring her home. I had appendicitis two years ago, and had to be operated on; but 1 wasn't taken to the hospital, as I had to be done immediately. Sleepyhead was in tho hospital, and she was pretty bad. I see ir. the paper that a fow of tho D.L.F. went to see Henri French. I did not go, but nrv Mother did, and they thought he was very good. Inkpot and Pioneer Queen and I stayed at home that night, and Intel some fun on our own. I am knitting cuffs for the soldiers; but I don't know when I will finish, as I am not much of a hand at it. My little brother has started school, but sometimes he doesn't want to go. —Yours truly. POUTING POLLY (Balclutha). [I am very sorry to learn of Sleepyhead's illness, dear, and hope she will coon be restored to good health again.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The-Winter Show was held here on the 26th, but I did not go to it. There was a Scout concert held on the 24th, and it was lovely. Pouting Poliy and some of my mates and I were playing at war on Saturday, and we had stumps of grass for bombs. " We are having a week's holiday from school now. We have finished the examination at school, and I have passed, The head master from the school has gone to the front, and we have a new head luaeter now. We are knitting at school for ihe soldiers, and I am knitting a pair of cuffs. There are such a lot of men at the freezing works just now; a great big dray goes down with men. On cold days at school the teacher takes us for a run round the school before we go in in the morning. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, BROWNIE (Balclutha). Dear Dot,—Wo are having a week's holiday because it is Winter Show time. It has been raining hard all clay. All the leaves are falling off the trees now, as winter is coming on. nnd we ffce-1 it colder when wo are going to school. I have two uncles and =everal cousins at tho war. One of my uncles is in the Border Regiment at Home, and the other is in the Royal Flying Corps in France. We often get very interesting letters from them. My brother goes back to school on Tuesday; they have hnd three weeks' holiday. Lovj to Cora. Rose of Bryon Afon, Rose of Shearan, Bruno, and Dardanolla, ;-nd the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, CORLINDA (Maheno). [lt must be very interesting reading the doings of your uncles, Corlinda.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band? I Be< , the Witness every week, and I have often wished I might write to the page too. Wo have all next week holiday here, as it is the Dunedin Winter Show Week. 1 am not going down this time, for if you do go to the Show you don't see much, as it is always so crowded. We have a rounder and football U am here, and a fortnight ago we played Iho Otepopo teams, the boys winning, and we rrirls losing. Aren't we duffers? I don't live far from the school, so I won't wear out my boots very quickly walking there* When you went to school did you like learning grammar? I'm sure I don't. I have no

brothers. I think that is hard luck, for bov3 arc much more interesting than girls. I itm very fond of reading, and my favourite books are the "Norah books." They arc splendid. I hope I have not taken anybody else's name; if I have I \vi' 1 change it. I think I shall close >;ow. Love to yourself, Dardanella, Corlinda, Bruno, and all the rest of the L.F. —i'ourn truly, HIXEMOA (Maheno). [At the- present -moment I cannot recall ar.yone using- the name, eo it must be a. considerable time since he or she wrote. You may be sure you will hear about it ii it is the property of another writer.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —Wc are having cur WinterShow holidays, and I have two of my cousins staying with me. it lias been dreadful weather up here —nothing but rain and cold winds. 'My 'brother is away down to Balclutha for his holidays. He went through with the first express on Saturday. Our baby is a little monkey. He goes all over the place, and the other day he was halfway across the paddock to the mill before wo knew. He is only 11 months old, and is lovely, and fat. We had three cows, but now we have only two. It is freezing to-day. Love to Bruno, Corlinda, and all the rest of the D.L.F., net forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DARDANELLA (Maheno). [Once the little ones .start walking one cannot keep pace with their propensity forgetting into mischief, dear. —DOT.] Bear Dot, —I went to Invercargill for a. fortnight's holiday, but stopped down there six weeks. I was home for Easter. J. had been only three weeks at home when I cams up here" This place is .about four miles from Queenstown. Last Tuesday, May 23, we went up 1o the Head of the Lake; but. as it was raining when we got there, we went on to Glencrchy. I often go into Queenstown, and last Wednesday, when I was cycling in, I met an L.F., and was speaking to her for a few minutes. One of my uncles is coming back next month. I have been up hero for four weeks now, and have enjoyed myself very much. I hope all the D.L.F. who go to the picnic enjoy themselves. Love to all tho D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BATTLE MAID (Frankton). [You are doing an amount of travelling, Battle Maid, and appear to enjoy it.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote I, have been under an operation for appendicitis, and was in the hospital for a fortnight. I went rip to Timaru for a holiday with mother, and on our way back we stayed at Dunedin We do not milk our cows at night now, and it is all the better. There are a good few married men going to the war now.- I am learning music now, and I like it very much. I am supposed to go up for an examination, but it is not for a while yet. With- love to all the D.L.E., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A WHITE MAORI BELLE. [Quite a number of the L.F. seem to have been ill with the same complaint, but I hope you are now quite strong again.—DOT.] AUTOS. Pontiac (Phil Andrew, Box 31, Invercargill) wishes to exchange post-cards with any L.F. Lucilie Love (Phyllis Bailey. Box 12, Riverton) wishes to exchange autos with Tulip, Waitia, Mabel, and Lilt. . . Billy the Barber (Robert Hamilton, Waikawa P. 0., via Tokonui) wishes to correspond with Bruno. Soldier Boy (H. Knowles, G-lenorchy) wishes to correspond with Jim, and any other L.F. willing. . . Golden Locket (Henrietta Bricigman, Mir.bel) wishes to exchange autos with any D.L.h. in camp or at the front. . lolanthe (Beryl Brownlie, Warepa) wishes to correspond with Burma, Kawarau. Ivy Diamond, Darkey, Postman Henry, and any L.F. willing. ___^.