DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3274, 13 December 1916, Page 58

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invttoß sliort letters from her young friends throughout the Boruinooii on matters of interest to themselves, the result of they are interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &s. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, care of Editor Witness."

Dot's Little Folk's Badge with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. I'rice, Is 6d post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office. Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

Motto:—Wo write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. No letter to contain move than 450 words. Dear Dot,—l was glad to see such a gatherin" of OW. I enjoyed reading then; letters very much. Some of them were very interesting, although nearly all are tinged with sadness on account of some loved one being at the front. I was at the Show last week, and enjoyed myself very much. Inquisitive Poll and' I were in the ice-cream stall, and then went round selling buttonholes. lne North Otago quota of Hie Twenty-third Reinforcements were entertained at the Show Ground, and entrained from there. It was very sad to see so many going away. One of our local men is coming home on Monday on final leave. He is going out to France as a despatch rider. This is the second time- he has gone; he was wounded on Gallipoli. "We have had very showery weather this last week, but it will do a lot of good. The local Red Cross are hoping to hold a garden party, at the residence of Colonel Nicholls, in January. Wo held one at the beginning of this year, and it was a great success, although it was not a very pleasant day. I suppose Dunedin will be very full this week on account of the Show. Well, Dot, Christmas, the time for fun, will soon be here, although it will be very quiet, I suppose. Let lis all hope that ere another Christmas comes round all the nations will be living in peace. Lo-ve to Dardanella, Hinemoa, Inquisitive Poll, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting /yourself.—Yours truly, SILVERY MOONBEAM (Maheno). [You are kept very busy with all your patriotic work, Silvery Moonbeam.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This is a perfect day after all the rain we have had —of course, it always rains at Show time. Clutha _ Show is on the 7th and Bth December this year; but I hope wo have good weather. If it is a nice day I 'will be there; only, there is nothing to see. But I will go to Owaka, I suppose, if it is only to stay to the dance. I have a few more minutes at my fancy work now since I came home. I am not going out again till after the holidays, and then I am going to Dunedin if all is well. My brother has been wounded and is now convalescent at Hornchurch. He was not seriously wounded, so he came off very luckily. By his last letter he said that in a few months he will be back in the trenches again; but I have not had a letter since he sailed to England. I will wait my turn, and perhaps next mail will be a lucky one for me. I was reading a letter in the Witness from Longwood Blossom. I wish I knew her name; perhaps it is just as well I don't, or she might get a surprise. She might as well say what she moans straight out. I have never seen a girl yet that does not like Work; though, of course, as one knows, it all depends on the mistress. I have had some really nice mistresses; I could not say a word against some of them; but others— I will not mention their names. They are the ones I don't like working for, and one is apt to say they don't like work. What pleasure is there in work when you are told that everything you do is not right? Do you see any pleasure in it, Dot? I don't. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., etc.—Yours IU fIOTHEE'S NUrtSEGIRL (Balclutha).

[lt is only natural that one should not care for one's work when' there is no sympathy between people. Don't worry your head over a small matter like that, dear. Everyone is not constituted alike, and _ the same work does not appeal to all. Besides, unless one is gifted with an extraordinarily optimistic nature most of us become tired of routine work; however, it is only a- phase, and passes off. I am not guiltless myself in this matter. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.,—l have just finished reading" the last of the O.W. letters, which were very interesting. It has been very hot these last few days. Our paddocks look very nice now covered with white clover. We have a separator now, and it is very much nicer than n-oin" to the factory. We are having six weeks' holiday from school at Christmas, and I think lam going away for mine. We mi"ht not have six weeks at Christmas—we might have two weeks at harvest, then the other four about three weeks after. Our hens are not laying very well just now. Ihe war does not seem to be coming to an end yet The Germans are very cruel to the Poor Belgians, taking them away from thenhomes. My brother, who is m France, got leave to go to England for a trip. It is over a year since he sailed, and ho has never been in the firing line yet, .and I hope be continues to remain out of it. .Did you feel the earthquake on Thursday night, Dot? I did not, but the rest of them did. I have never felt one yet, and would not like- it. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your-self.-Yours truly,

[I did not feci the tremor, Ivylcaf—in fact, did not know there had been one.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—What a good success Old Writers' Week was this time, considering that'eo many of the Old Writers are away doing their little bit for their King and country. Some very interesting letters were sent in. We have had some good showers of rain'this last week, ard it wag wanted very badly. People's tanks were almost dry. The crops are all looking fair, and the earlysown ones are coming out in oar. Grass is not so scarce this year, and there is plenty of food for the cattle. Our orchard is going' to bear fruit this year, so that will be all right. There was no fruit on it last year; but then, you see, it was only young. Th© Timaru Show was about a month ago, and I went in to it and had a good time. It was a lovely day. I left home about 9.80,

and got home again about 6.30. We had a carnival at St. Andrews to raise money for our queen on Thursday, and I went to it. It was a very warm day; but, notwithstanding the heat," I quite enjoyed myself. There was a mock court, and it created some fttn. I wasn't run in. Two people who were inquisitive to see what was going on inside the court went in smoking and with their hcts on and were fined for contempt of court, and had to pay court expenses too. There was a concert and dance in the evenin"- and wo went down, but did not stay for the dance. The concert was very good, and wo all enjoyed it. The hall was packed. I think they must have made a lot of money, but I did not hear the amount. The. liroaru carnival is on New Year's Day, and it should be something good. If it is a fine day I will be going to it, and also to our L.l<. picnic on' the day after. If the LP. roll up we ou"ht to have a good time of it. Love to H.M. and J.D. and all the D.L.P., especially Snaky Joe. Wishing you and all the P.L.'F. a merry Christmas and a happy Aew Year. —Yours truly, ALISON (St. Andrews).

[I hone both events are a great success Alison, "and that you enjoy yourself thor oughly.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was very pleased to see my letter in the paper. I promised to toll you about the place I live in. It is Blue Spur; but as there is a Blue Spur m Otago, our postal address is Hc-Ho. The place is very quiet now, but in the early days it was a busy mining town. It is about five miles from Hokitika. There are still a few claims and a dredge working here. The school is quite close to us, and an hotel and store not far from that, and a hall which is never used now. There are only about 12 houses here, and very few peonle now. There is a lot of bush all round, and when the rata and birch are in flower it looks very pretty. With love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Your? truly, -RUBY (Ho Ho)

[lt is wonderful how places decline m the course of time. I noticed that, especially on the Coast, once the boom is over places bear such a deserted aspect. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am going to write another letter to you, as it is a while since I wrote the last. My sister is away for a holiday. She will be away for a month, and I am going to feed her chickens while she is away. We have about 80 chickens. We have a lot of little lambs in the paddocks. My sister has a pet lamb. I had one, but it died. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, QUEENIS (Tcumiata).

[Your spare time will all be taken up looking after your large family of chickens, Queenis— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my letter in the Witness. I have some nice little ducklings, and two are buff colour. I call them Sally and Dove. The goslings are very big now, and are going to be sent to Dunedin to be sold at Christmas. There aro a lot of wild flowers out now, and I like to pick them. There are white violets, yellow and white daisies, and there are some very nice everlasting daisies, which are the prettiest of the daisies. In the swamps and damp places there are little white daisies and frog's mouths; also there are a good few pretty ferna. 1 have heard that the English flowers are nicer than New Zealand ones; but I don't think they can be. I am learning music, and I find it very hard, as my hands are too small. I don't like scales at all, but Grant makes me learn them. I must close now, as I am -very hot and tired, as it is very warm. Dove to White Pansy and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, LENWILLA (Pukerau).

[Grant seems to be a very practical young lady, Lenwilla. I remember I didn't like scales when I was young; but they are most useful, and if you persevere with them you will not find any difficulty in doing runs when you meet them in pieces.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have not been having very good weather lately. To-day is rather nice, but it is too good to last. I would not be in the least surprised if there is a thunderstorm. Our proficiency examination is on the 14th, and lam just dreading it. It would not be so bad if we had it in our own school, but we have to go to Gore for it. We have finished our technical course for this year, and in the examination I came second. Last Thursday was our last day, so we stayed in till the night train. After school was finished we went down to the hall and watched the children learning to dance. Some of the little ones could dance very well. I have started music in Gore, and my musio teacher is pretty strict, a good deal more so than the other teachers I have had. I did not see a letter in tho Old Writers' page from Pride of the Market. I know she will see this, as she read 3 the D.L.F. page every week. She docs not live very far from us. I saw a letter from Happy Ike, and know who she is, though I have never met her. I am very well acquainted with her sister. I saw in Darkie's and Fairy's letter a while ago a description of anegro death, and what they do. It is something like what the Maoris do. When anyone dies the women who are near start to yell. It is rather uncanny. One day, up in North Canterbury, my father and I cycled out to the 'Maori pa, and it seems we just struck the time when the women were yelling and howling. We did not go very near. Have you ever seen the monument of old Tiki at Waikuku, Dot? It is about the height of 60ft, and has a Maori body carved on the top. I have not read many books lately, as I have too many lessons. Have you read "Laddie," Dot? I am getting it for Christmas, and I believe it is a rather amusing story. When I have read it I will give an outline of it, for some of the D.L.F. may not have read it. Well, Dot, as Lenwilla wants to write, I will have to step and help her. I wish you and all the D.L.F. a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.— Yours truly,

GRANT (Pukerau). [Thank you for all your good wishes, Grant; and, in return, I would add my best wishes for your success in the examination.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Wo have had very rough weather lately, but to-day is fine. We had a letter from a nurse in France, and she said that my brother is dangerously ill; but he must be getting better now, as it is a month now since we had the letter. We are feeding 19 calves now and milking four cows; but my brother is milking for the factory. I have two nieces. The sea. has been very rough this week. Sly little sister cut her 100 to-night; she cut it_ with on axe, but it is not very deep. It is cut right across her toe-nail, and it is making her very quiet. Love to Fisher Girl, Grant, A Lonely Crepe Fern, Ivy Green, Little Miss Neddy Coat, Firefly, Arms, Legs, and Yell, and also the Wild Irish Rose, not forgetting your dear self. —Yours truiv, THE WILD BLUB PANSY (Slope Point). [I hop© you will soon have more promising news of your brother, dear. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was at school to-day, and two of my brothers also. I hav© a brother at the front, and ho is dangerously ill. I have two nieces—ono is only about two and a-half

months old. Wo milk four cows and arc feeding 10 calves. I have two brothers, who are about two miles away from us, and they are milking 18 cows for the factory. They take six cans of milk to the factory, so that is not bad. I am taking round a. list I received to-night, and I have 2s on it: it is for school prizes. We have a new teacher, and his name is Mr Muir. Best wishes to Fisher Girl, Ivy Green, Little Miss Neddy Coat, and the Wild Irish Rose, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DAISY "FERN (Slop© Point).

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will let me join your happy band. I suppose you will be very busy getting ready for Christmas; I am just up to my e}'es in work. It doesn't take long to come around, and I am alwa3's pleased when it is over. Well, Dot, I must also tell you about my little brother. Ho rode at tho Show, and got first and second prizes. I do wish you could see him; he is just a marvellous little chap, like his second eldest brother, and he thinks himself someone. Well, dear Dot, I hope you will print my first letter, as I haven't very much news, but I will be able to tell you more next time. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. —Yours truly, LORAINE DTJ FONCHA (Clyde).

[You are very welcome to join us, dear; but I would ask you to send in your name wuh v.-ui: next letter. I am sure your small brother will be quite proud of his success at the Show.—DOT.]

Dear Dot—Since last writing to you I have had the measles and bronchitis, and, of course, the doctor said that I would have to take at least a month's rest, so I have left Dunedin and am back home again. 1 am pleased, Dot, that we have met, because I don't know when I will go back to Dunedin. The weather of late has been rather unsettled, raining and blowing all the time; still, the country is looking splendid—plenty of green crops and green grass, well, iJot, the war still rages on; I am so pleased that every young man will be called up to help those already in the trenches. Of course,, there will be a lot who will be turned down owing to their not being fit. I feel Maheno very quiet after Dunedin, although Dunedin folk don't seem to think that city is very lively—they seem to think it is getting quieter. Have you found out, Dot, where Possum is? I haven't noticed a letter from Ivanhoe lately; but I suppose ho d°esn t get a chance to write, or else he would. ALy best friend, Heatherlee, is coming up to stay with me after Christmas; she will stay many weeks. I do miss her so much, for we have always been together. It won't be long, Dot, before I am in the Old Writers. I will be sorry when that time comes, although I must admit I am. not such a constant writer as should be. Well, Dot, if you have had the measles you will know what miserable things they are; but if you haven't already had them I hope you never will. . Dunedin seems to be full of measles and chicken-pox. All my clothes Were laid out and sprayed by the health officer, and I myself had to bath in disinfectant. They are much more strict in the tewn' than in the country. Kind regards to Kitty, Heatherlee, Lavmia, and all my Hakataramea D.L..F. friends, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, STAR OF HAKA (Maheno).

[You have been most unfortunate, Star of Haka. I sircerely hope you are now better. So far, I am thankful to say, I have been free from the contagion so common in the city.—DOT ]

Dear Dot—l thought I would write a few lines to the page ere the year closed, pur exam, is over, and I am in the Sixth sian ' dard now. I wish the war was over. My eldest brother joined the forces 18 months ago, and has been 13 months in the firing line, and I am pleased to say he has escaped all harm so far, and I hope his luck continues. I have several cousins at the front, some of them being killed. We are having' perfect weather just now, and everything is looking splendid; quite different from last year. Can you milk. Dot? I cannot; but my sisters say it is high time I was learning. We have eight cows, eight calves, six pigs, and 35 chickens. My eldest sister and I are keeping house, as my mother and my other sister are up at Kurow. I will conclude by wishing Golden Wattle, Tokarahi, Alsace Lorraine, Lorraine, and all the remainder of the D.L.F. a merry'Christmas and a happy New Year.- 1 -Yours truly,

STARLIGHT RAMBLER (Tokarahi)

[Given a cow of exceptional patience and quietness, I could perhaps get sufficient milk for my personal needs —but that is all. To tell the truth I am rather nervous of them, and have no great desire for a''closer intimacy with them than is afforded by a good dividing fence between us. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather here at present; the rain always seems to come at the right time, and keeps the crops nice and green. Most of the farmers around here are shearing their sheep just now, so the fine weather will suit them all to pieces. A patriotic carnival is to be held in Waimate on Boxing Day, and a queen is chosen from five districts around Waimate ; so the one that gets the most votes in is to be crowned queen at the Carnival. A queen is chosen from St. Andrews district;, so everybody is doing their utmost to try and get her at the top of the poll. There was a carnival at St. Andrews last Thursday, and about ,£2500 was raised at it to. go towards our queen (Miss Rhodes), so that ought to keep her fl«g flying at the top for a while. I sat for my theory examination _ about a fortnight ago, but I won't hear if I have passed or not until about Christmas time. I must close now. Kind regards to all L.F. —Yours truly, A FLAPPER (St. Andrews).

I hope you get honours in your theory paper, A Flapper. I will be interested to know your marks. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I have the privilege of becoming one of your L.F. ? As usual with me, I have put off writing (the part I dislike), for, at the most, I can only be a D.L.F. for three years before reaching the retiring age; but belter late than never. Old Writers' Week has pased again; and isn't it grand to hear from them, Dot, even though it is only once in a year? I think so, at any rate, for I have always taken an interest in D.D.F. letters. Well, Dot. the Otautau Show ha 3 also passed; but wo did not strike a good day. It drizzled all the time, and though it was not very heavy, it wet the grass, and the consequence was wet feet. My sister and I arrived up at the Show Grounds about 2 o'clock. Wo met a girl friend, and walked round till half-past 4, then made for home. We changed our boots and then went to see this friend off in the 6 train. This is tho third year now that we have struck a wet day. There wore record entries, and even, more people than last year. That night wo went to the pictures. Christmas will Boon be here, and still this war continues. I hav« two brothers in camp at present; we are expecting them down on final leave at Christmas, so they are busy at homo baking Christmas cakes, eto. I think we are fortunate, for in many a home will bo found a vacant sea* rendered so by a loved one who is fighting "somewhere in Franco." One of my mother's cousins is expected to arrive back on the "l3th. Well, Dot, I will bring this to a

close with kind regards to all L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLOWER OF BELGIUM (Otaut.au).

[I am very pleased to have you join us, dear. I have posted the badge to you, and trust it arrives safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote to you I have left school and am at homo just now. Wo are having hot weather now, but a week ago there were snow and hail. Most of the farmers are getting their sheep shorn now, but ours have their wool yet. I was down in Dnncdin for a day or two, and I enjoyed myself very much, although it was not for very long. I had the misfortune to lose my badgo one day, and I am enclosing Is 6d in stamps, hoping you will be able to send me another. I have had a cousin killed at the war recently, and another is in England at present. One day we were away for a drive, and before we got home it started to rain heavily, and we got a good drenching. I shall close now. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A SOLDIER'S FRIEND (Kelso). [I hope this badge will share- a better fate than the last, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just been for a lovely bicycle ride with two of my chums. It has been very hot here lately, and sometimes I feel too lazy to do anything. We have a cow and a calf now, and we have plenty of work to do. I see by the last Witness that some of Ihe D.L.F. are going to have another picnic soon. I would like to go to it, but I livo too far away. It would be all right if we could have a picnic over here; but I tlo not know of many D.L.F. over on the West Const. On Labour Day I went to Greymouth, and stayed until the 2-lth. I was nearly blown away one day, and I got soaking wet. I will conclude now, wishing all the L.F. and yourself a- merry Christmas. —Yours truly, NATHALIE'S CHUM (Reefton).

[Thank you very much for your goo'd wishes, Nathalie's Chum, which I heartily reciproca'e.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am going to tell you about our little Carnival which was held in St. Andrews last week. It ..has caused much interest about here for some time, as St. Andrews and eight surrounding districts were each working for a schoolgirl princess. The last few weeks things have been quite lively, as there have been concerts, socials, pictures, euchre parties, and shooting matches, often three nights a week, in aid of the different princesses. For years there have been sports at St. Andrews on the last Thursday in November; but this year they had a carnival instead, and the money taken at it is all to go on our queen at the Waimate Carnival on Boxing Day. We had a lovely day for it, and there_ was a great crowd from the different districts, many of whom had never been in that park before. There wore a number of tents—l think about 12 altogether —with the different refreshment tents and the side shows, and they made quite a show and took up a lot of room. The event of the afternoon was the crowning ceremony, which took place about 4 o'clock. A procession was formed led by the Tiraarti High School Boys' Band, and then came princesses, pages, and flower-girls, and lastly the Queen, with the Lord Chancellor on one side and the Mistress of the Robes on the other, and two little fairies for train-bearers. The whole thing looked very pretty, and was well worth the trouble that was t-r.kon. Of course, some people were disappointed when their princess did not win. as most of them worked very hard; but, of course, someone had to lose. There was a concert, and dance in the evening, which went off very well. The whole day was a great success financially, and we are looking forward to putting our queen in on Boxing Day after this. ' Best wishes for .a merry Christmas to all my correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, SCHERZO (St. Andrews).

[With such great results St. Andrews should, I think, top the list if you can keep your efforts up.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am sure we will be all eo pleased that O.W.W. was such a success, although there were a good many unable to be present. I am going away for a long holiday on the 35th of this month. I am going down to your city, Dot, and if I enn pluck up enough courage I will come along and see you. I am just longing to see my relations in Dunedin, because I have not seen them for six years. The Ist and 2nd of December were Returned Soldiers' Days, and in the evening of the Ist there was hold a torchlight procession, and it was lovely. It was the first torchlight procession I had ever seen. _ Last Sunday was our Sunday school anniversary, and we actually had a fine day for it. We have been having very changeable weather lately; but at last it has taken a turn for the better. I am very fond of gardening, and I have a small flowergarden—quite big enough for me to keep in order; the flower gardens look lovely with_ all the rosea and sweet peas out. I am fond of any flower, especially wild ones; but they die very quickly when pulled. I must say I do not like all wild flowers. Kindest regards to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS GEORGINA (Lower Hutt).

[I have lost no time in posting your badge, Princess Georgina, and hope you receive it safely. I hope you have a happy holiday.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? We have four pet lambs, and they are a nuisance, because we have some young apple trees, and they eat the leaves off them. We keep them over the other side of our lagoon; but they only jump into the water and swim over again. The next time they come over we arc going to put them head first into tho water, and sec if that will give them a lesson. We have three dogs. I have one and my brothers have one each. The weather hero is just lovely, and it is very pleasant driving to school. We have four miles to go. The roses are lovely, Dot. We have some great, big, bright roses. We have threo cows milking—one is a quiet cow and tho other two are terrible for kicking. Well, Dot, I think I have told you all my news.— Yours truly,

FOREST TREE (Wendonside)

[You Jirc very welcome to join us, Forest Tree*. The roses are beautiful; but nil the flowers fieera to be blooming well tin's year. [ hope the sheep behave themselves in fur ure.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was up at Balclutha staying 1 with my aunt for four days. She has a very pretty Persian cat, which has a little kitten the very same colour as herself. While I was there my aunt and I walked over to Kakapuaka, where I saw Dutch Girl. I sec that her sister, Sea Breeze, has shifted from Glenham to Middlemarch. While she- was staying up at my grannie's .at Table Hill I went up to stay with her to keep her company. My father has been shearing lately, and on Monday I went to the shed to watch him, along with somo others, shearing. It is very interesting to watch "the birds building nests and gathering food for (heir young. Our garden is looking very nice just now, because the roses and bright flowers are out. I went, to the Milton Show, and met four D.L.F.—namely, Hora. Uti, Beryl, and Western Bell. Our hens are not laying very well just, now. I sometimes get somo letters from my unci© in France*

He left with the Sixth Reinforcements, and has come through so far without a scratch. As this is all I can think of I will now close.—Yours truly, MARY OF THE GLEN (Glenore). [I hope your uncle continues to be fortunate in escaping injury, Mary.—DOT.] Dear Dot and Comrades,—The comrades will be thinking that I am like the weather —very changeable. The crops around this district are looking exceptionally well. For a while back, in the beginning of November, the ground was so hard that it seemed impossible for the farmers to get it into working order. I think everyone was glad to get a shower of rain—even the fowls,—as water was getting very scarce. Our vegetable garden has turned out a great success. Our potatoes are almost in flower, and the peas and beans have lovely big round pods. Wo had one meal of green peas about a fortnight ago. We have used several rows of our lettuces and unions. The birds here are such a nuisance. The school children are collecting birds' eggs and selling them. I found such a palace bird's nest the other day. I am sure that it must have been a goldfinch's. Hope and I are great churns; we go to school together. Here is a riddle for the L.F.: I wouldn't have it, I don't want it; but if I had it I wouldn't give it away for the whole world. Now, L.F., put on your "thinking caps." Now, Dot, I must close. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, FRANCES (Tuapeka West).

Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather down here just now. I expect I had better continue with the history 1 had started last week. Well, you know, it was only this certain Frenchman that was free. The oihers were still prisoners waiting to be tortured. Perhaps Silver Fox wished he had heeded a young Englishman who had told him that it was wicked to torture one's prisoners. Most likely he did after what happened. Neither he not any of his braves knew that French soldiers were surrounding thorn. It was true. A sudden rush and the Indians were trapped. Yet they fought bravely; but they were soon overpowered, as the numbers were against them. Silver Fox and a few braves managed to escape; but not so with Hawk Eye, as he had been made a prisoner. Now the young Frenchman Hawk Eye had rescued had met these French soldiers, and when he saw Hawk Eye among the prisoners he at once made up his mind that he Would rescue him. A thing like that is easier said than done. It was a very risky job. In the middle of the night he made his way over to where Hawk Eye lay helpless. He quickly cut the thongs that tied him, and, lifting him on his shojrklers, carried him out of the camp into the darkness. He hardly knew where to go; he just went straight on. He met a camp, and seeing it was a British one he made straight for there. The man on guard, seeing that it was a Frenchman, fired. Hawk Eye, seeing wha.t had happened, flew at the man and held him by the throat. It was lucky that the rest of the-men came to the guard's rescue. After explaining matters the men felt sorry for the Frenchman, and understood Hawk Eye's feelings. The French friend was wrapped up in a French flag that had been captured, and buried. Two or three days after, this party of British were attacked by the French, and Hawk Eye was once more made prisoner. They shipped him to France—l don't know why. Years later Fleetfoot, a son of one of Silver Fox's most noted braves, sailed to France, found Hawk Eye, and they escaped to England. In the year 182-1, or somewhere near then, two parties sailed for New Zealand. One was my grandfather, a descendant of Silver Fox. and ihe other party were descendants of Fleetfoot. I may as well tell you that Silver Fox fought harder than ever when ho found he had lost his son. On the night that Quebec was taken—on the night that the great British general (Wolfe) died—another hero passed to his happy hunting ground. It was Silver Fox. Now, Dot, this is all I have 1o tell you, but later on, perhaps, if you like, I will toll you about seme of my adventures. So, with best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, I will close. —Yours truly, IRONHEART (Gore).

[Thank you for the interesting history, Ironheart. I quite enjoyed it, and I am quite sure the L.F. will like to hear of your doings—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The inspector w'as at the Herbert School about a month ago, and nearly all Standard VI won. a proficiency certificate. I received mine, and am looking forward to going to the High School next year. I have an uncle and a cousin at the front. I have two sisters —one three years older and the other three years younger than myself; but I have no brothers. My elder sister is going to the High School and the younger is in Standard IV. I love reading books concerning school life. Some that I have rend are "Ada and Gerty." "For the Pake of a Friend," "A Child Without a Name," and many others. There was a Bible class social at Kakanui on Thursday, and the Otepopo Bible Class drove down. The Otepopo Bible Class arc holding a moonlight social on Dscember 7. Best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy Now Year to you and all the L.F. —Yours trulv, A CAITHNESS LASS (Herbert).

[ must congratulate you on securing your proficiency certificate, dear, and feel sure you will like, the High School.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Once again I have the pleasure of writing you a few lines. Did I eve)- thank you for the badge and let you know I received it? We are having very warm weather up here; but there is a change tonight. I think,, however, most of the farmers are wanting rain. There is a paddock just beside our house, and the owner had to lenve it, as ho couldn't plough it because it was so hard and dry. For myself, I prefer the warm weather. I have been for a short stay at Gorge Road, and while I was there Henri French came and gave an entertainment, if" is very good, and wonderfully clever at balancing and performing on a single wheel and many other things. I enjoyed mvsclf immensely, as he is really funny in his savings also. He told us (of course, this was just a yarn of his) that onee, when he was staying in Duncdin. a certain srontlemnn asked him where he came from He replied, "France." The Gentleman: "Were you born there?" Henri French- " Yes." The Gentleman: "What part?" H. F.: "The whole of me." Not a bad answer. B»\st love to all my correspondents and yourself and other L.F—Yovp-s trulv HAPPY BIRDS (Tapanui).

Dear Dot,—lt is after 9 o'clock, and I have just returned from n flounder-swearing expedition in the sea. Last night'Arms. Legs, and Yell speared one that weighed 81b, measured 2"in from the tip of its tail to its nose, and 15Jin across. I can tell you it roado a grand dinner. So, to-night I went to try my luck, and I must admit my weapon was no.other than a hayfork, and it had n lone; • clumsy handle in'o the bargain. I rather pitied the poor flounders; but I was bent on business, so when I saw a large one I lost no time in getting it. It was not so big as Arms, Legs, and Yell's, but it, weighed 51 b, so that was not a bad catch for me. One of my brothers got a two and a-h<ilf pounder too. Well, as this seems rather a floundering letter, I think I shall

change the subject, I expected to see a letter from Little Miss Vanity in 0.W.W., but she did not write. We are getting very dry weather just now, and it is grand for surf bathing. There is to be a concert and dance at Waikawa next week. It is in aid of the Red Cross Fund, so it is to be hoped it turns out a success. Firefly has finished sowing our turnips, and is at Slope Point now sowing for some of the settlers there. We are making over 1001 b of butter in the week now, and, as we churn three times a week, wo find the churning hard work in the hot weather. I have a pet sheep that is two years old. She has three little lambs, and my brother shore her the other day, and her fleece weighed 161 b. "VVe have four little pets. Hazeklell is back again after spending a long holiday in Melbourne. Love to Black Pansy, Dolly Varden, Billy the Barber, and Hermit Crab, and wishing all the L.F. and yourself a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly,

LITTLE MISS InEDDY COAT (Waikawa).

[That was a great fish Arms, Legs, and Yell caught, dear; but yours, too, was very good. It certainly is great sport, I think. —DOT.J

Bear Dot, —"We have been experiencing beautiful weather lately, and we hope it continues. Our annual show was held last Wednesday, and it proved a great success. Although it rained all the day, still the peoplo came out. The luncheon, which was provided by the Red Cross, caused much trouble and worry. Firstly, various members had to club together and begin canvassing for butter and eggs from the farmers. Then these were given to the people of the township to be made into biscuits, cakes, etc. The Invercargill Pipe Band made its appearance in the latter half of the afternoon. Many musical items were rendered by. tho band, which were well appreciated by the public gathering, who flocked round the band, seeing wiio could be nearest to it. The total amount taken was about ;£l7O. Owing to the rain there were very few amusements for tho little children. We had a missionary from China speaking to us last night in the Presbyterian Church. Her speech was appreciated by everyone who heard her. Many were the hardships she and her companions had to endure while on the journeys front village to village, trying to bring about Christianity into the homes in China. Before leaving the church a collection ' was taken up. I have left school now, Dot; so I may say good-bye to school days. My mates, Verbena, One of the Bulldog Breed, and British Lion, still go to tho High School, and when I am at home I miss their perky remarks very much. I intend to send a week-end with British Lion shortly, eo then I may look forward to having a good time. Love to all your Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—lours truly, TERRITORIAL (Oiautau). [School days have to end some time, Territorial, and at. first one misses the daily companionship of one's friends; but no doubt you will make up lost time when you stay with British Lion.—DOT.] AUTO. Nathalie's Chum (Mary Burley, The Terrace, Reefton) wishes to correspond with Guy, Saucy Joe, Sea Breeze Marquette, and any L.F. willing.