DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3258, 23 August 1916, Page 58

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

DEATH OF GEISHA.

Dot invites short letters from h'.r young friends throughout the Dominocn on mutters of interest to themselves, the* resuit of their observations in Ihe animul world, descriptions of anything they arc interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &c. The letters are to be written by the. little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.**

Dot’s Little Folk's Budge with pin, for usd aa a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. i’rioe, Is 8d post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto. Curds arc obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

It is with sincere sorrow I record the death of Geisha, so well known to readers and writers to tho page. She waa not quite a year married when she died in St. Helens Hospital, Christchurch, on August G at tho early age of 23 years. She had a nice, comfortable homo in Ileathcoto, Christchurch, and leaves a little son, husband, and mother to mourn their loss. Numbers of Old Writers and Little Folk will remember her bright, descriptive litters., and I am sure all will'join with me in conveying to Mrs M'Cann and her husband our deepest sympathy in their sari bereavement.

f.I-TTF.RS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

Motto: —Wo write for the benefit of others, liot for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 430 words. Dour Dot,—lt has been snowing, raining, and hailinjr'all the week. There are a number of lads away from this district to the front, and one or two more are ready to go. I had a cousin killed and one wounded at Gallipoli. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting voili'self. —Yours duly. NORTHCROFT (Herbert). Dear Dot,—We are having our winter holidays just now. I have been down to Morven for a week, and enjoyed myself very much. There -are 30 children going to our school, and six of them are D.LF, I have a little sister called May. She will be three years old next month. We are milking two cows, and wo have one little calf. Love to all the D.L.F., not forerotting yourself,—Yours truly, WHITE VIOLET 111 (Tycho). Dear Dot, —I went to the pictures the other night, and enjoyed myself very much. It has been very wet here lately, and on Tuesday and Wednesday it was snowing n bit. Wo went to Oamaru last night, and the roads were very dirty. Mother and baby went down to Dunedin last week; but tliey did not stop very long. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, SNOW-WREATH (Maheno). Dear Dot, —I am eight years old, and am in the First Standard at school I like school very much. We have just had our winter holidays. We have fowls, and get two or three eggs a day. There is a concert hero on August 11 —Yours trulv, SILVER LEAF (Waipiata). Dear Dot,—We have about 9in of snow on the ground just now, and everything looks miserable. I am going in for a scholarship soon alone; with two other girls. Wo have to go to Alexandra, so we shall get the trip, if nothing else. I love travelling, and it is very interesting to see new places and to make new friends. I have been away in Invcrcargill for two years, where my auntie lived. 1 went to school every morning in the train. When in Invcrcargill I attended the convent, which I liked very much. Things arc painfully quiet here. Everybody is going away from St. Bathans instead -of coming fo live here. One could walk the street all day and see no one, and hear nothing but the noise made by the sluicing. Lovo to yourself. Mo an a, Queen Mabsc, and all the L.F., —Yours truly,

CHRISTMAS LILY (St. Bathans). [I hope you are successful in the scholarship, Christmas Lily.—LOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having- our winter holidays, and a.ro enjoying them immensely. We had only a fortnight's holiday, but owing to it snowing towards the end of our holiday we got another week. Christmas Lily and I wore away over the hills with our brother. Wo took our dogs with lis, and we had great fun watching them chasing 1 the rabbits in the snow. Wo got 23 altogether. Do you get chilblains, Dot? They are very irritating Love to .all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours trulv, BESSES O' THE BARN (St. Bathans).

Dear Dot, —The first of spring was celebrated up this way by the much-lookod-for fall of snow. There was not very muchjust enough to keep one's feet from getting into what is known as fever heat. Thero has boon no school this week, because of the snow, and so at least the snow in ono way came as a- blessing. The trains to Kingston are running only three days in the week now, so we do not get our mail regularly. Best wishes to Lift, Bruno, Pontiac, Postman Henry, and yourself,—Yours truly,

A SOLDIER FROM GALLIPOLI (G arston)

Dear Dot, —We have had a heavy fall of snow sinco I last wrote; but it soon melted again, and, of course, it left everything wet and dirty. We were at home for a week, as the snow was too thick for us to go to school. Thero are only 35 going to Kokomai School. I am 14 years old, and am in Standard VI. I havo a cold just now, but I suppose it is nothing wonderful, as colds are prevalent at the present time. I have just finished reading a book called " Red Eric," bv IV M. Ballantyne. I must ask you when Old Writers' Week is. Heaps of love to all tho D.L.F., not forgetting vourself, —Yours truly, QUEEN OF THE VALLEY (Garston).

[As far as we can see at the present time thero is very little prospect of Old Writers' Week, dear. Tho outlook h very obscure, and I havo to cut down correspondence to the utmost degree. Sec notice at top of the page—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This past week has been peculiar for tliev,, first of npringr, We had a snowstorm, rain, wind, and frost, und a little sunshine; so you see wo hud numerous changes all in the one week. Lately we have been busy working for a bazaar in aid of the church, which comes off on Thursday, and wo all hope it will be successful. I have the bran tub for the little ones.- I go to Sunday school every Sunday, as I havo a class. Chinch is hold here on Sunday afternoons, and to-day a minister from "Wanaka was preaoiiing. My sister has started a pair

of socks for nir : , but I don't lino.'.' whoa f will .get them. I hive only cms brother, but 1)3 is too young. He >s beiving his time in u, country printing office. I had two uncles who served six years in the. same offi.es. Afterwards ono was tG years in the Daily Times, and at present he has an office of hij rwn in Duncdin, and tho other is in Alexr.rdra now. We have a good many violets out, p.nd the -bulbs arc appearing. Love to yourself and all tho Little Folk,—Yours trulv, XELLIE BLY (Banuockburn). Lear Dot,—l am 20 years old, and am m fclio Third Standard, hut I hope I will pass at tho end of the month, a.s the inspector is coming. \\"c hav<* three cats and a dog Y.'e had some snow hers, but it did not stay long, a.s the sun came out, and it melted very quickly My little baby sister can walk r.oi.v. She " was a year old on August 1. We are milking three cows now. I have an uncle fighting in France and one m camp. Love' to all tho Little Folk, not forgetting vourself, —Yours truly, DIDDLE (Pyramid). [You are welcome to join us, Diddle, but would von pica---.' enclose your mime in the next lotte-r.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l had a cousin killed in France. lie joined tho colours in England. A number of voung men hive left Banuockburn for the front, and last week all the boys and girls in the senior room wrote to them. I havo only one brother, and he thinks it must b? a grand trip over to Franco, so I am glad ihat ha is too young. We arc all busy knitting at our school for the soldiers, even our master and mistress. I have a. white French rabbit, and it is such a beauty. Love to ail tho D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly. DADDY'S LITTLE CTRL (Barmockburn). ri am very pleased to have yott join us, dear.-DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have nearly finished our examination. I have an uncle and several other relations at the war. I have throe sisters and two brothers, My youngest brother can walk and fay a few words. He likes to >o with my other brother to feed the cows and calves, because he gets a ride m tli-» bariow. Ho now I must close. With love to Mother's Ivy, Happy Birds, Gipsy,

find all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your self,—Yours truly.

' BABY BLISS (Tapanui). [You will no doubt have great fun now with baby brother.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is 12 months on the 15th of this month since my brother left New Zealand for the front. We had a letter from him last Monday, and lie said he was just landing in England, p.s thev sent him there to finish his convalescence. The factory season will soon be in again. Love to all the D.LF. and yourself, —Yours truly. PANSY BLOSSOM (Winton).

[I hope your brother may soon recover his health in England, dear. The climate of Egypt did not tend to assist convalescence with a. great number.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt was very cold last week, and I did not go to school. The snow was thick on the ground, so I did not so outside all the week. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, N. O. (Saddle Hill). [You forgot to sign your N.D.P., dear. I am initialling your letter, as I cannot remember your N.D.P. at the present moment. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Last week we had snow,, and Bulldog Tom and a few other boys had a great snowball light against the other boys. Altogether we had good sport. Have you ever done any fly-fishing, Dot? My father does a e-ood deal of fishing, and I have a rod and flv-book. lam learning music now, and have had about live lessons. The landslip is in sight from certain parts of Pukerau. I was up there a few days ago, and it is very dcsola'e country. I got a. very interesting view of ail the surrounding districts. There are a great number of fossils lying about Some people say that a glacier passed over there. Dure sand is found on th-> slip. Bulldog Tom and I were- sledging turnips out to the cattle Love to Postman Henry, Soldier's Sweetheart and Queen of the Maoris, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, _ EOBIN HOOD (Pukerau). [The boys all thoroughly enjoyed the snow here, too, Eobill Hood.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are milking three cows just now. We have a pup called Glen, and a cat called Torti. Our" teacher i.s going with the Twenty-first Reinforcements, and we are sorry to lose him. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, TALL BOY (Maungaie).

Dear Dot,—l am 13 years of age. I have a cousin in France and enotbor one going in September. I have one cousin leturned wounded from the front. I am very fond of reading, and have just finished Polfyannru. I have also read lately a number of nicebooks, including " Helen's Babies." With kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, POLLYANNA (Invcrcargill). [I am very glad to have you join us, dear. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to the page. I live at Long Bush, 11 or 12 milo3 from Invcrcargill. Most of the farmers al. out here arc milking cows for the factory. There are a few sheep-farmers also. There is a flaxmill not far from where I live, but it is not working. My cousin was lulled in France about two months ago. I am in the Fourth Standard at school, and I like going When the snow was on the ground I had gieat fun snow fighting at school. Love to all the D.L.F,, not forgetting yourself.—Yours t n; ly, NUT (Long Bush). [I am sorry to learn of your cousin's death, dear. It must bo a great sorrow for you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My sister and I did not go to school to-day, because my mother was in bed. We have another teacher at our school since my sister wrote last I am in the Third Standard at school, and there are five children in my class. My mother went to Balclutha for a holiday, and she enjoyed herself very much; but a week .after she had to go to bed, because-she felt very ill, and tha doctor was out on the Sunday. Our little I:;other is starting to talk now. It wa.s a very wet and cold day to-day. My sister goes to town every Tuesday. Love to Lady Molly, Starlight Rose, and all the other D.L.F.,— Yi.urs truh', MR NOBODY (West Plains). Dear Dot,—We have had a lot of rain hore lately. Since I last wrote my undo has boon wounded, but we hope ho is not very, ill. Our teacher has just come back from being away for a, month on sick leave, and T am glad to see her back again. Love to Golden Daffodil, Sweet Sultan, and Come in Time, not forgetting vouvsclf,—Youra truly, " WEE MUFF (Dimback). Dear Dot,—l had a card from my brother in Franc© The sheep are. lambing, a.nd it is pretty watching them playing together. My father's birthday was on July 29, and ho was 55. My Lister and I wero over to an island opposite my home. I picked up some shells, which I gave to a friend. I am knitting slippers, and when I am finished one

am going to knit a. pah l for my cousin in Egypt. Love to Mihi Moaiza, Maori Princess, and Mabel, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, ISLAND CTRL (Stewart Island). [I .".in glad you hoar fairly regularly from your brother. It is such a comfort to get news of thorn.—DOT.] Dear Del, —The weather has been very miserable this last week, but the las', few davs the sun has been shining really beautifully. "We arc milking three cows, and I liko milking 1 get up early, and my sister goes away for the cow;, and we have them milked at half-past 7. My two sisters and myself went for a long walk to-day round the Old Neck, which wo really enjoyed. The track waa very rough, but my youngest sister kept us alive. We went down" on the beac?! for a walk, and then wo started homo, hungry and tired. We have 10 lambs, and they are lovely playing in the sun. My bmth.Gr is away in Fiance, but I hope he will conic back safe, as he ha a been a long time away from New Zealand.—Yours truly, WAITAI (The Neck). Dear Dot, —Wo were just rejoicing over the mild winter, when we were surprised one morning by 3in or -Jin of snow. The .snow lay"on the ground for about a week, and still there is snow in the shadier parts. The ladies in our district are kept very busy wiili the Red Cross work. Tt. was lona's birthday on August 0. and Kathie's birthday on August G. Love to Mihi Moana, Pink Iris, Doris Tlf.mlyn, Mountain iris', Postman Henry. Rainymoon, and all the L. F., not forgetting yourself. Queen Dot, —Yours trulv, LAUREATE (Mossburn).' [The presence of snow in spring is not quite as surprising as it would seem at first glance. Laureate, as the earth has practically lost all the heat stored up in the summer months, and consequently the air is much colder also. —DOT.] Dear Dot. —I wish to know if I am welcome in jour happy band of L.F. We are knitting scarves and face-cloths for the soldiers at school. I have made three facecloths, and am on my second scarf. The bush scenery over here is very beautiful, and in the summer lime many tourists visit the Island. Wo got nearly nine weeks' holiday this year, as our school was being enlarged: but even now it is not. very large. I havo an uncle away in the Thirteenth Reinforce-r.-onts, and three cousins are also away to the war.—Yours trulv, ULVA (Stewart Island). [You are very welcome to join us, Ulva. You arc doing good work with your knitting—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The Waitaki Boys' High School has been playing a good many football matches lately, and with a fair amount of success, too. On the sth of this month our Second Fifteen journeyed to Ashburton and played and beat the Ashburton team by ?0 to nil. Then on the 11th the Christchurcli H'gh School First and Second Fifteens came down and played our First and Second Fifteens. In the morning our Second Fifteen beat Christchurcli Second Fifteen by 17 to nil, and then in vlie afternoon our' First Fifteen beat their First Fifteen by 12 to 11. So we have been doing all right . lately, haven't we? Our term exam, begins en Monday, the 14th, and lasts the whole week, except on Saturday, when I think the Timaru team are coming down to play us. This will be a decent match, as the Timaru School always has a very good team. Then on Saturday night there is going to be at the school what is known as the '"end-term spiee." There is a concert and alter it a spiead, consisting of cordials, sandwiches, cakes, lollies, etc.. in abundant supplies. On Thursday, the 24th, we break up for the term holidays, which last about three weeks, and then after that work again, as usual. Love, to Claudine, Gorlinda, Dardanella, Snowwreath, limemoa, Postman Henry, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Ycurs trulv, BRUNO (Maheno). [The school have been very successful", Bruno, and I hope the tatcs may smile on them for the next match also.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —We have been having very fine weather lately. We have a canary now. It is a very timid little thing. There is a relieving teacher down at school. We are having our term examination soon. The picturo on last night was "After the Ball." I did not go, because it. star' ;d to rain. Have you :oad "Polly, a New-fashioned Girl"? It is a lovely book. The school children had a bazaar down at school a while ago. and we raised £33 odd. Love to all tha D.L.F., not forgettina - yourself.—Yours truly, LUCILLE LOVE (Riverton).

[The bazaar was very successful. Lucille, and must have been well patronised.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May T join your happy band? I am 12 ' years old, and am in Standard V. We have been having- very bad weather. We could not go to school, as our creek wag too high. We get about 12 eggs a day. I have two uncles at the war. Wo are milking one cow just now, but she doca not give much. We hava had four teachers this year at our school. Wo have not very many flowers out just now. I have a little black-and-white kitten. Will you please give me a name for it. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself, —Yours truly, RED ROSE AND TIGER LILY

(Totsra Valley). '.[You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather here is very cold. The snow lias been on the ground for aboui a week. Although it is beautiful to look at the ercw-covered mountains and to go skating and tobogganing, I am longing for tho spring, when all the flowers will be peeping their little heads out of the ground. Is" it not wonderful how they all have their seasons, and that when winter conies and all the plants vanish they are- sure to appear again in spring? I have been learning to play golf, and fin getting on nicely;_ but wo can't play it in winter, as the snow is rather deep. We sometimes play hockey, and I like it nearly as well as golf. It is very quiet up here, as" there are very few people. My brother and I are the only two in our class. Love to all the D.L.F..—Yours truly, BLUE DIAMOND (Skippers Point). [One con appreciate spring and all its beauties after Ihe sombrenese of winter, Blue Diamond, and one feels so grateful for go much beauty.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My little sister is very sick just now. She can talk very plainly for her age. Soldier's Boy's birthday was on August 9. Mother is' washing to-day, so I have to do all the inside work. Love to Red Riding lined, Mountain Lily, Forget-me-not, not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, A COUNTRY LASSIE (Glenorchy). [I hope little sister is better, A Country Lassie. Poor wee pets! It is hard to seo them suiter.—DOT.] Dear Dot,-—I am nearly 34 years old. I have lived in Tuatapere for about 10 months, but I do not like it so well as Tisbury. I am working at a place here rnd going to school. At Easter I went down to Riverton for a week, and enjved myself very much. The lady for whom I am working has sweet peas out in flower, and they are very pretty. My little brother went to the doctor tho other day, and tha doctor thought he had

infantile paralysis, but he had something wiong with hia nerves. Another girl and J arc getting un a- email conceit at school, and "wo arc cha.-ging 3d admission, and I am to be the chairwoman. Love to Miss Bobby, Black-oyed Susan, Birchwood, .Snowdrop, and Miss Wilson's Pet I, -not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, JIM'S SWEETHEART (Tuatapere). [I hope the concert is a success, and you equally successful in your role a;-, chairwcoau,. —DOT. Bear Dot,—We had home snow here from lin to 2in deep. Wo had a splendid time snowballing at school, and I got a few on the face sometimes. Two or three weeks ago we wore down at a. ditch watching a man using" scmo gclignitofor knocking out the slumps in the cli+ch. He had a fire burning, and wo got some of the charred sticks end blackened our faces with them, so we looked like ncgroe3. When wo went home we had to wash it off. On Wednesday night I was at a D.L.P. homo, where I saw Alan-a-aaale and Tanawha. We had an enjoyable nigat, and I expect them up to see me on Saturday.. On Saturday morning- I am going to sell 30 rabbitskins. I am cycling down to Biown's fellmongerv, about six or seven mileo from here. Lovo to all D.L.F and yourself, —Yours truly, ADAM PEARMAIN (Long Bush). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am eight years old. and in the First Standard. I have knitted three facecloths, a scarf, find now I am knitting mittens for the soldiers. My brother, Robin Hood, and I have good sport playing draughts. I am learning music, and have had about five lessons. Have you ever boon at Mataura, Dot? I love going down there for ( my holidays to stay with my auntie and I go up to "uncle's farm and ride on the pony. Tim is his name, and he is very quiet. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, « CROCUS (Pukerau). [f am very pleased to have you join us, Crccus, and have sent your badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—My N.D.P. is called after a very nice book called "Wavie." The station is not very far from our place, so wo can watch the train coming in. Best lovo to Wavie's Mate, Rhododendron, Pretty Joey, Cowslip, Silvery Chimes, not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, WAVIE (Beaumont). [I received the stamps, and will post you a badge, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l would like to join your happy band. lam 12 years old, and in the Fourth Standard .at school. I have four cousins away at tli3 front, and so far only one has been wounded. We are milking three cows, and I milk sometimes. I have three sisters and six brothers. I have a bay pony, which I used to ride to school, but she is getting' old now. We have a lot of violets out and a few primroses. I have a little nephew five weeks old. There was snow here last Tuesday morning, but it was away by Thursday. I made three snow men. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself,—Yours truly, POLLY (Merino Downs). [I hope the good fortune which has attended your cousins may continue, Polly, and they will return safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to the page, but 1 always like to rend the letters 1 have a pet lamb that will eat biscuits, and a big black dog. I have had an uncle killed in Frarco. Igo to school, and am. in the Fourth Standard" We had our examination last week, and I passed. I have a nice horse that I ride. With kind love to all the D.L.F., x.ot forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, " TEMERAIRE (Roxburgh).

[I am glad to hear of youv success in your examination, Temeraire, and to welcome yov to our band.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —The weather here has been very chargeable this last week or two. Heavy enow fell last week, and it was about Tin deep; but it did not lio long. I mad© a snow sledge, and I had some pretty fast spins on it. We have sold our property, and have purchased a dairy farm at Morton Mains We had a euchre party at Ferndalo about three or four weeks ago, which was a great success. Wo have been trapping for about a week. There is a party wire going to bo installed in Upper Ferndalo. One of the wires is coming into onr house. Our school teacher is leaving Ferndalo and is going down south. Lov<s to A White Violet, Highland Heather, and all the- rest of the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, WHITE HEATHER (Ferndale),

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? We went to a concert about three- weeks ago. We a to having our examination in September. I like exams, very much, though hardly anyone* else does. We cannot get paper at school.—Yours truly, MAY. [The paper is beautiful, May. You are very welcome to join us, hut in your next letter would you please enclose your name and address, and write on one side of the paper only.—DOT.] Pear Dot, —I am nine years old, and am in Standard II; but if I pass I will be in Standard HI. The inspector's exam, talced place in about another There are eight children in my class. Our pupil teacher got a. presentation from the school, and she is teaching a echool of her own. There has been a lot of lain up here, but I hot)? there is no more for n, while. Nearly every day we play I spy. I am so glad that it is spring, because it is 30 nice and warm.— Ycurs truly, BED SWEETPEA (Papakaio). [You arc very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Some of our daffodils have burst -out in flower, and are nut earlier than last year. On last Friday there was a carnival here in aid of the Nsvy League Fund which was held in our school and grounds. In the afternoon some of the children gave physical drill displays. There was a tea room there, and a concert room, where in the evening musical items ware given, and the roll of honour of old pupils of the school was unveiled. Our house has fust lately been don'? up. Lovo to all the L.I' 1 , and yourself,— Ycurs truly, WEE NANNIE (Hornby). [Will you remember to write on one side of ihc paper only, Wee Nannie?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having fine weather her" now, and the ground is drying up. Our teacher is going away soon, and we are very eorry. There is a soldier leaving Elderslie, and we aro getting up n socia-1 on Friday night to give him a sond-off. It is tc Lo held, in our school. Our father has four little lambs. One of them got through a' fence, and its mother could net got through. bo it got info our neigh'jour's paddock and it died. There is a jiitlo (.lack do - here now Wo do not know where he came from. He will bite anybody who cornea near Ih.s gate Wc went to town to-day with our auntie, and spent a m'co dav in the Oamaru Gardens. Kind regards to all DIP,, not forgetting yourself.—Youra truly. SYCAMORE (Enfield). Dear Dot, —T am. 12 years old, and am :'>i the Fifth Standard at school. Wo have on* l 0*»", hu*« she- is not milking It ; ma,-! a raon'.'.t now since wo got a new [cache Wa gave ovr last teacher a eend-off, pi i we tfjWQ «t now S ;<' . r a welcome socio-', tisier, Pfuree Ella, b staying down Ln Dun

edin just now. I have two brothers away to the war, and cue of them was wounded on the head; but he has recovered, and is the trenches again. They are both in France. One of them said it seems years since he has been in New Zealand. It is only about a month until our school-examination, and we arc preparing for it. Wo arc having beautiful weather hero now, but the nights are very frosty. I am the only one in my class at school, because, it is onty a little school. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, A DRIVER (Kakapuaka). [I hope you arc successful in the examination, A Driver.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—My father has four lambs ready—such dear little things. Our teacher 13 going away next month, and we arc all very sorry. We are giving her a social in the school before -she goes. I have a little black dog. Please, Dot, will you give me a name for it. The black currant trees arc getting shoots on thorn now. Kind regards to you end all the other D.L.F., —Yours truly, SILVER BIRCH (Enfield). [The General might do for your little dog, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We arc having lovely weather here. I have an aunt and.uncle in Dunedin. I know six out of the numerous photos in the Witness. St. Patricks is a very pretty place when the hills on both sides are white with snow; the valley is very flat. I have beer, working at a few places, and this place I like the best of any. It is a very big farm, but it is very lonely, as there is nov.here to go and the houses ore far apart. I got two tcctii on; the other day, and it was very painful The gums arc still sore Four soldiers from Stewart Island have been killed at the front. Love t.) all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. Dot, — Yours truly, NIIIE ISLAND (St. Patricks).

[I hope you have recovered from the teeth - cxtiaction, Nuie Island. The after-effects arc often more painful than the actual pulling.—■ DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not many pets now. I bad a v.-es dog" named Jap, but we could not 3top him from eating eggs, so he had to be killed, i was away from home at the time, and I had a good cry when I found out that they had killed my little dog. I had also a pet chicken. He had a broken leg, and we kept him in so that the other hens would not hurt him. His leg got better, but it was always a bit crooked. On account of that we called him Crookshonk. He growvery tame, and would come hopping up when we called him. I spent a fortnight of tha Christmas holidays at my cousin's (Willow Dene) place at Dipton, and enjoyed myself very much. Last month we had a holiday from school to earn money for the Belgians. I am knitting a pair of socks for the soldiers, and two of my mates are making balaclavas. Have you ever read "Pollvanna," Dot? I have just finished it, and liked it very much Love to Willow Dene, Whvch Hazel, British La?s, Patriotic Lass, Miss Folly, Golden Lily, Mo Charaid. and all .the other L.F., not forgatting yourself,—Yours truly, SEEKASHORE (Fairfax).

[I am glad to renew acquaintance with you again. Eeokashore. Have you read " Pollyanna Glows Up," which I think is the sequel ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having fine weather here now. I still go to school, and am in the Sixth Standard. I have about oni mile to go to school, and sometimes I ride a cycle*, but it is very hilly, and the reads are rough. Our teacher is going away from here soon. The Fireman and Menagerie Camp are away over to drill to-night. Dove to Billy Muggins,_ Bulldog, and Sleeping Beauty, not forgetting yourself,—Yours ini'y, MAX MEIUUMA.V (Maerewhenua).

[Do rot laps© again for another seven years, Max, or we may all be very much scattered in the meantime.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We had a fall of enow here last week,_ and had great fun snowballing. I got one in the ear, and my head has ached ever since. I have a sore foot just now. and have to limp about the best way possible. I seem to have been in the wars. I am not extra fond of town life. I have made a good many things for the wounded soldiers since I came hire to live. I have three brothers, two cousins, and one uncle at 'he war. We have violets and daffodils out, and a great many others in bud. With love to all the Lnmsden comrades, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, FUCHSIA (Invercargill). [You have been very unfortunate lately, Fuchsia, but I hope von have now recovered. -DOT.] Dear Dot.—Wo have been having xevy rough weather here lately; but this week has been much better. Yesterday and today have Icon real spring days. Several of the spring flowers aro coining out now. The daffodils are all up. and some of them are in bud. The primroses also arc corning out. The birds arc beginning fo sing now at night, just before it gets dark, and it is lovely 10 hoar them singing in the bush. Several young men have pone awav from here to Trenfham. One of them left Trentham for the front with the last Reinforcements. It will he lovely to see the soldiers march through Dunedin, Hoping v to be enrolled as a member—Yours truly.

TAIERI LASS (Woodsido). [I am very glad to have vou join us, dear. -DOT.] Dear Dot. —The weather has been lovely here since the snow. Tt is just like spring ought <o be. My brother, who is in the Seventeenth Reinforcements, has been down on leave, but has gone back to camp. I think they are duo to leave on September 16, but we do not know where they leave from. 1 am in the Fourth Standard at school, but I do not know whether I will pass ill is or not. We often hear from our other brother in England. He was down in Kent la.st time he wrote. One of Nut's cousins was killed in action not long ago Everything is beginning to look fresh and green around here. We have two fresh cows in, -so it will not be long before we have to work .away at them. Love to all the. D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, GENEVA (WoodlandsV

TI am sorry to learn of Nut's loss, Geneva -DOT.]

Dear Dot,,—T am 12 years and 10 months old. and am in *lio Fifth Standard at school. There are 57 pupils attending the school which I co to. Our head teacher is leaving us at the end of the month, and we will nil miss him greatly. I an' very fond of reading, and my favourite authors are Ethel Turner and Louisa Alcott. Would you please e'ive me the names of a few good hoiks? ] have a pony, a. calf, two cat-, and a. canary. Well. Dot, I must conclude. With love to you.-polf arid all the other D.L.F.,—Yours truly, PRINCESS CONSTANCE (Grove Bush). D is a, good many years since 7 war young suitable for your age, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dol,~We have been playing at war. but. gave it up, as It became stale. We have tents now, and boil the billy and have with out dinners at school. I like to to school, as our teacher i = very nice. have not had our winter holidays y<>t, I to are getting thera after our examination, which is in about three weeks' time.

Love to A Country Lassie, A Scotch Lassie, llallcy's Comet. Miss Folly, and all the D.L.F., lot forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, TOtTNGESTONE (Lower Shotover).. [Oiui needs a hot drink this cold weather, Toungestone DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Shepherdess rocs to the same school as I do, and she is also in the same standard. "\Vc are going to have a concert on the ISth of this month in aid of the soldiers, and there is to be a dance afier the concert. Love to Hazel D«ll, Opal, Country Lass, Shepherdess, not forgetting youreelr, Dot,—Yours truly, „ , . WHITE VIOLET II (Eastern Bush).

Dear Dot,—Wo had two days of snow hero lately, find I didn't go to school the first dav, but wa3 eorry I didn't, because- the children gave the teacher a enowballmg. Love to JocVey Boy, Shotover Lad, and all the L.l', not forgetting- yours-lf.— Yours truly, BELL BIRD (Lower Shotover). [So yon would have enjoyed snowballing' the teacher, Bell Bird.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Last week we had a fall of snow, and we had some good -sport snowballing each other. Poor Puss has been and is BtHI ill in Owalta, but 1 hear that she is improving, which is welcome news. Kiwi, Boui e,nd Robin leave this district, to-morrow, ami I believe they are going; to Hampden to live. The new creamery manager arrived ] lc '" c to-dav and the other leaves to-morrow, j here was ore "ase of .scarlet fever in this district, it did not fro any farther. Kind regards to all, especially M . [lt was fortunate the sickness did not spread, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am camping in Lnmsdcn just now with the other Territorials and we have a lively tin<e. My mate and 1 go tor lent- walks on Sundays. There is nothing t:> do here a) nights to pass the time, so mv mate and I go to oed very early, it seems tony tc us, because at ChristchmcJi we stayed up i.ntil all hours. There was snow here last week, and we had a great time, rolling each other in the snow. 1 don't think I will stop here much longer, as I have had enough of the magnificent scenery of this place, and would like to be in a "town again. Love to all the and yourself, and especially to Fuchsia, JSada, Happy Birds, and Nellie Bly.—Yours truly. * ' SPOONEY STEWY (Lnmsdcn).

JSo country life has failed to charm you Stewy. It is hard to shake off the old fetters is rot not, Dot?—.]

Dear Dot—Since I last wrote 1o lhe page I have shifted from Southland tip here to Owhango. This is a very different place from Southland, and although it is very interesting I think I like good old Southland the better I like Dunedin very well. It is so different from Invexcargill. The night I sailed from Dunedin was a lovely moonlight ni<>ht The city lights and the stars seemed to" he mingled togeth r. Just a« we wore getting out of the Heads our good ship ran aground, so we were stuck there until a tug came from Port Chalmers and pulled us off. As soon as we got properly out to sea everyone in our cabin was sick. I never imagined seasickness so very distressing before. Wo arrived in Lyttellon the next night at 10 o'clock, and spent all next day there, but as it was raining we just sat on deck or read a. book to pass the time away. I transhipped to the Mararoa, as she was leaving about 12 hours before the Tarawera-We arrived in Wellington about half-past 10 tho next morning. I like Wellington very much. I stayed there about 10 days, and spent a -jcr- enjoyable holiday. I think tho Gardens in Wellington the most beautiful that T have seen T went with some friends to see Tien - ham Camp. 7+ was so very interesting watching the soldiers drilling and going through th° trenches, etc. The journey up here from Wellington was very tiresome. T left Wellington by the 9 o'clock express, and travelled all night, arriving at Ohakune at -5 o'clock the next morning. I had to get out of the express there and wait for a slow tram goin,? to Taumarumii. I arrived at Owbango _at half-oast 1 that dav. and was sick of bein.7 in the train. I have spent two months here, but am going back to Wellington pool I nm staying with my brother, who is an Old Writer. He has been married since lie last wrote to tha page, but he says lie is going to write when Old Writers' Week comes round. I have a little niece up hero —such a- clever little girl, and easily the prettiest baby in the district. Wo have been having awful weather uo here, nothing but frost, wind, and rain. The frosts am a. great more revere than thev are in Southland. I wish I could see dear little Riverton again, Dot; it is rmong the prettiest towns in New Zealand. I am going away to Australia at Christmas to be bridesmaid to my sister, who is getting married Sydney. T am not going to come back to New Zealand again; but T will write an occasional letter to the page, and tell the L.F. all abcut Syh-ey. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself,—Your* truly. DOROTHY (Owhangp). [I hone we shall hear from you again before you sail for Australia, Dorothy, so we may send vou cut wishes for a 3afe journey.— DDT.]

Dear Tint, —We have boon having a good deal of wet weather up hero lately, and this morning a girl at school was found to have whooping eounh. I have never had it, halt I think it must be a nasty complaint. Our proficiency examination is in about a week, and I hope to pet through. Mr Henry is to be our examiner. He was examining tha purils of the Oamarii Middle School last week when we were in at cookery, f;o wo caw him then. Have you read " Ladv Betty Across the Water." Dot? Tt is a lovely book, and is so funny in places. T have three cousins to th? war, although four others have tried: but three were reiected and one discharged on account of an illnes3 he bad. One if on the water now and two in Trentham. You will be able to see the next Reinforcements go away. Dot. I wish I could. We are collecting bottles at school now in aid of the Patriotic Funds, and at present have about 614: so -we have beer. Imsv. Wo hope to get 1000 at least. A mate of mine end mvself have gr.thered 68 so far. and are still going strong. There is a social and dance in the Public Hall here to-night to farewell two deporting soldiers. Wo had to illustrate a piece of poetry hist night, which meant that we had to draw a ship or. U\o sea, and I am afraid you would not like to trust yourself in somo of them, for they did not look very seaworthy. We have no animals, except three kittens, here, although T assure you 'lint is ouite enough when they start singing about midnight and disturb our peaceful slumbers T had n parrot, but it got away just when it had started to !alk nicely. Its name was Mae, and T was very sorry to 'ose it. Lore to Claudiue, Corlinda. Dardanclln,, Miss Bobby, Dolly Dink*, and Pi i,no, yourself mchuW!.—Yours truly, HtNEMOA (Mnheno).' [Best wishes for your success in th» examination, Hincnioai. —DOT.] AUTOS. Nuio Island (Joseph Dawson, St. Patricks) wishes to correspond with Pontlao, Waggoner, and A Soldier's Darling. Max Moirjman (Andrew Meilde, Maerewhenua, North. wishes lo correspond.

with Grant, Belfast .Maiden, and any D.L.F. willing. Bonnie Mary of Argyle (Mary Taylor, Paki Paki, H. 8.) visiles to exchange autos or iiosicards with any L.F. willing. Island Girl (Funny Dawson. The Nock. Stewart Island) wishes to correspond with Hinemoa, A Soldier's Darling, A Soldier's Niece, Aunt Bell, and Grant. Fonidalo (Ellen Dawson, The Neck, Stewart Island) wishes to correspond with Bumble Bee, Postman Henry, Broncho Billy, Mother's Darling 11, and any L.F. willing. One of the Bulldog Breed (Mary M'Dowell, cai-e of Mr R. M'Dowell, Nightcaps) wishes to correspond with Postman Henry, Broncho Billy, Paperboy Bertie, or any L.F. willing.

Territorial (Netta Scott, Box 81, Otautauj wishes to correspond with Fireman, Postman Henry, Broncho Billy, Bruno, and any L.F. willing.