DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 67

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the DominooQ on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations la the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in whioh 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 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 are obtainable from Dot, Witnesi Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

THE SEASON'S GREETINGS, Christmas will be here once again by the time, this issue is in the hands of most readers. To the young folk Christmas is synonymous with holidays, amusements, and presents. When we older folk look hack on our own childhood we would not wish it otherwise. To many, •unfortunately, this Christmas will be tinged with sadness, and I want our young people to try and dispel the sadness to some extent by little acts of kindness and throughtfulness towards their parents. Wo cannot help but mourn for these dear ones who are gone; but we know they died nobly, and 1 am sure their hearts would be heavy if they thought those left behind were too unhappy. So now, little ones, will you try to gladden your dear parents' lives at this time. Give mother a little help when she is tired, and try to do something which will save mother and father, and you will truly be happy yourself and gladden the heart of the little God-child the anniversary of whose birth we are celebrating at this time. In conclusion, dears, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and enjoyable holidays to each and everyone. DOT. SNOW FAIRIES. (By Daphne M'lntyre.) "Have yon ever seen the Snow Fairies?" asked the 'dainty little child of the tall girl standing beside her, gazing out over the farstretching fields covered with snow. The girl smiled the faintly superior smile that grown-up people adopt towards inquiring children. " No. Because there arc not any in existence." "Oh! But there are—l have seen them. They come floating down and floating down, dressed in white, and then they dance upon the earth and cover it." The girl laughed. " Babs. what a very vivid imagination you have. However can you think of such things ? " I'm not imagining—l tell you I have seen them; they aTe real," persisted the child. The smile died out of the girl's face, and sternness took its place. "Don't you remember, Babs, mother, scolding you the other day for telling stories ? I am years and years older than you are, and when I say that there are no ' Snow Fairies,' as you call them, you must not contradict me." " But, Gwen, I am not telling stories. You do not see them because you do not love them. They can only be seen by those who do. You do not understand." The big blue eyes of the child slowly filled with tears. Things were so very difficult to explain when people would not understand. "Babs," admonished Gwen, "you are too big now to cry; it's only little baby girls who cry. And as for loving the snow, well, certainly it's pretty when it's falling on the ground, but if you look up, Babs, it's as dirty as anything and awfully cold." She shivered. " I am going to my room now; you had better remain in here—it's warmer than anywhere in the house." When she had gone Ba.hr-, still stood by the window looking out. In the twilisht the falling snow was not easily discernible, and _ she strained her eye 3 to catch a glimpse of it. " Snow Fairies," the child called softly, "you are there, aren't you? I am not telling stories." She pulled up the window and peered out v A few snowflakes fell among the meshes of her bright curls, and one or two on her pink, warm little face. She laughed happily. They were there all right. Stretching out her hands she caught some; but they melted, the water running through her fingers. Disappointment dawned in her eyes at the sight of the water. " You are not real." she cried. " You are only water, and I thought you were Snow Fairies—and you have melted." It was the first time in all her six years that she had been .disillusioned. Nothing had ever really failed her before. Certainly her dolls had broken, but they had been mended; her books torn, but they had been pasted; her tea sets smashed, but they had been repaired; but these Snow Fairies, the little things clad in white which " floated down, and floated down"—these had melted when they touched her hands. They had become water and had dropped away. Very softly she closed the window and went over to the fire, which was burning brightly, throwing weird shadows over the red walls. Life was so disappointing, she mused—-grown-up sisters did not believe her when sho told the truth. Snow Fairies melted when she wanted to feel them, and everything was very sad. Then she heard a low, sweet voice. It came from her old rag doll in the corner—the doll that was so much older than she and knew so much —knew more even than Gwen, for it had belonged to her mother when she was a girl. Hush! Listen: " You are disappointed and unhappy, Babs, for the Snow Fairies melted, and you did not know. But, dear they are Rtill Snow Fairie3 when they fall upon the earth. Was it not your own fault that they melted? Did you not take them in your hot hands, and thus destroy thorn? Most things are like that in this world, my child. When people or things fail us it is almost always the fault of ourselves. You will understand what I mean \vh c n you aro older. We are all inclined to judge others without thought, a 3 you judged the Snow Fairies, and condemn them for the things for which wo are to blame. The Snow Fairies are the kindest little creatures, in the world, Bubs- Mndn. la of so much value; —they dcs<" ud up-m th« gardens and keep the flowers .urn. lik<. n great cloak covering them. They melt i;i the sun or the heat, for the Snow Fairies •re not needed when the sun shines j they

have fulfilled their mission, and you will not bo so unhappy, dear, now that you understand." Babs was smiling again. A great weight was lifted from her heart. She gathered up the now silent rag doll from its corner by the fire, and took it back with her to the window. White flakes flew against the glass, though it was too dark to see them actually falling. , ,„ Babs rc?ted her face against the dolls painted one. " You dear old rag dolly," she whispered. " I understand now about the Snow Fairies. I do believe in them."

CHRISTMAS AND "THE GRADLE SHIP.'' THE BOOK THAT EVERY BOY ANI> GIRL WILL WANT TO READ. All healthy, happy children look forward to a trip either to the seaside or to the bush as part of the Christmas holidays, whether by boat or by train or by motor car. In this beautiful Dominion of ours there are so many delightful summer resorts that it is difficult sometimes to decide upon a suitable destination; but this Christmas there is offered to every boy and girl the most wonderful trip of them all. It will appeal to everybody since it is taken in an airship, and the trip is a perfectly safe one, so that no one needs feel the least alarm. It is not expensive, either, cofting only a few shillings, and the trip may lie made many times without any additional cost. It can be made singly or in a family party, with father or mother in charge; and, besides affording peculiar pleasure to all who make the trip, it is bound to help the children to grow up into fine noble men and splendid noble women. To let the secret out, it is a trip to Babyland in the Cradle Ship. Miss Edith Howes discovered the trip, and has written all about it in her new book, which sho has called " The Cradle Ship." Almost every youngster in New Zealand and a great many of the children of Australia and the Homeland have read one or other of her Fairy books—" Sun's Babies," " Rainbow Children," " Maoriland Fairy Talcs," or '• Fairy Rings." But " The Cradle Ship " is the best of them all. It is a magic book, too; once open its covers, and, hey presto! you are off on the wonderful trip in an airship to see the surprises of Babyland. It is a real Christmas trip. Christmas is the children's festival, and as every child begins by being a baby it is only right and fair that they should find out all about Babyland, and find out about it in the right and "proper way. So much harm is done in this muddlcd-up world of ours by finding out the right things in the wrong way, and this is especially true of Babyland. Many parents have never learned the right way, while others are too busy or too tired to try and learn. So Miss Howes, who has taken a lot of trouble and spent a lot of time in learning the right way to .Babyland, has put it all down in this magic book. All that the parents have got to do now is to buy a copy of the book, and give it or read it to the children. When hoys and girls go to the pictures the first think they do is to get a programme and find out what they are going to see. It may make them all the mere eager to take the trip to Babyland if they know what the programme is like. The airship in which they will make the journey is a cradle, which by magic power is made large enough to hold all who want to come, and which "has two lovely white sails to send it along. Babyland is a beautiful country, inhabited by fairies of all sorts and sizes and shapes, and these fairies aro eager to toll the little humans all about everything. The first place which the Cradle Ship touches at is where the Trees and Flowers dwell; and there are to be seen and heard the Tree Babies and Flower Babies, of which tho Tree fathers and mothers and the Flowerfathers and mothers are very fond. Next comes a visit to Beeland, which is full of Bee babies; near by are the Spider babies, the Ant babies, and a lot of other insect families, all of which have strange tales to tell. The Cradle Ship visits the rivers of Babyland and goes down to the seashore and sees the haunts and homes of the fishes and other creatures who live in or by the water; and here are millions and millions of babies. Most interesting of all are the talks with the birds, and- so on to the animals, until the end of the trip comes with a visit to the home of the sweetest baby of them all, a dear little baby girl. Not until this trip is made under the skilled and careful guidance of Miss Howe 3 will it be fully realised how much of wonder and beauty Babyland holds. Most important of all, no one can make the trip without having a higher, purer, nobler, conception of what mother-love really means. A. B. G. D.L.F. PICNIC AT ALEXANDRA. Central Otago L.F. are reminded that a picnic, particulars of which will be found in Maharani ke Raputna's letter in this issue, is to be held at a selected spot in Alexandra on December 23. It is desired that the event will be a success, and a pleasurable day is promised to all who attend. This is an opportunity for L.F. to become acquainted with their comrades, and I sincerely hope that all who can will attend and make the day a success. This is an initial effort as far as Alexandra is concerned, and deserves support, since one of the aims of the page is to promote social intercourse. Girls arc asked to bring baskets and cups.

NEWS FROM OUR BOYS ON ACTIVE SERVICE. England. Dear Dot, —It is some time now since I Inst wrote to the page, and I thought I would write, and let you know how I am getting on. Well, Dot, I have just come back after having seven days' furlough. I went to London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, and had a lovely time. I spent two days in London, three in Edinburgh, end two days in Glasgow. While I was in Edinburgh I went through Edinburgh Castlo and Holyrood Palace, which are worth going to see. One day my mate and I went out to the Firth of Forth, which is about nine miles from Edinburgh. We left the Mound at 10 o'clock by motor, and arrived at our destination —Queensferry —at 11. _ We then walked down to the East Pier to have a view of the ships. We heard that our battleship and the Australian battleship H.M.A.S were in, and that there was a chance of us getting aboard one of them. The Australian pinnace came over for stores, and wo were asked to go over and see the ship, so wo jumped at the offer. Wo were not long in the boat before she was sailing back to the big ship. On our way out we passed several large battleships which hnd taken part in the Jutland battle. I cannot mention any nanies. Dot. Well, wo were taken on board H.M.A.S. , and a most up-to-date ship she is, and the crew were very genteel. Wo were shown all over tho h iiip— < tec II engine rooms and gun ; coi);: . like a mass of polished silver. J s in > of the presents which !', -■• have ' Btor< or tho Germans if they care U> vent m ■ ai We had afternoon tea. <::.. board. In iii ■ vening tho ship steamed

into , so I can say I have had a short journey on a battleship. Wo left the ship at 5 p.m., having spent a most enjoyable time. Wo got a tram at Rosyth and went bade to Edinburgh. On our way back we crossed, the Forth bridge-, which is one of the finest bridges in the world, and took seven years to build by 4COO men. It consists of two huge steel girder bridges of 1710 ft span, besides smaller ones on each side, and is able to withstand the enormous rjressurc of 1121 bon the square foot. From the base of the deepest pier to the top of the cantilever is 450 ft, and the clear space under the centre spans above the water is 150 ft. Its total length is over a mile and a-half. "It is a wonderful construction, and I would advise any person if they go to Edinburgh to visit the Firth of Forth. I think Edinburgh is a fine city. I had a grand time in Glasgow, and while there went down the River Clyde. It is a great shipping centre, and one can see all kinds of ships getting built. I also had a good time in London. One morning I went down to Whitehall and Buckingham Palace, and sa-w the Guards being changed. It was a fine sight to see. I have seen a good part of London, but there is still a portion which I have not seorv I arrived back on Saturday at midnight, having thorough!}' enjoved my leave. I haven't been lucky enough to see a Zeppelin raid yet; but I was in London a da}- after the Cuffley raid, in which two Zepps were brought down. I saw the damage caused by one bomb, which dropped in tiie street, causing a little damage to houses. Well, Dot, you will be getting tired of this, so I will change the subject. What is the weather like in Dunedin? I see by the papers that there had been a light snowfall in Dunedin—something unusual, is it not? The weather here has been fairly rough, especially this la=t fortnight. It has rained nine clays out of 14. Last night it came down in torrents, and lias been raining all day to-day. Well, Dot, I will be taking up too much of your valuable paper, so will bring this letter to a close. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. Kind regards to Heatherbloom, Princess Adelaide, Lovelink, Black Pansy, Lady Catherine, and all other L.F., net forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SOMEBODY'S COMEADE (Thirteenth Reinforcements).

P.S.—On the 27th September the New Zoalanders and Australians were inspected by H.M. the King. [I am so glad yon had such a delightful time during your leave, Somebody's Comrade. Many grateful thanks for the photograph and card. Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to let you all know I am still alive and hearty. I am at present attached to the staff of tho above hospital, as I am temporarily unfit. I have too much correspondence on hand at present to write you a long letter, but hope to be able to do so shortly. I have some news for you all when I do, as I have seen a great many sights lately. I will conclude by wishing all the L.F., the editor, and yourself a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.-Yours truly, WASROSm

P S.—lt was a great shock to me to read of the death of Welsh Boy (2/1718, Gunner Albert It. Hushes, of Pukekohe, North Island), Silver Bell's brother. He was a fine fellow, and one of the few " real " mates I have made in the army. "He is gone but not forgotten."—lvanlioe. Third N.Z. General rlosoital, Codford, Wiltshire, England, October 31, 1916. [Everyone joins in thanking you for your good wishes, Ivanhoe, and we trust that the new year may be fraught with blessings for all our bo\-s. I shall look forward to a long letter soon. —DOTN.]

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. ilotto:—Wo write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot, —There are about 100 children going - to our school. I have one cousin at Trentham. My sister is going to write to your page. We have a, nice teacher at our school. There was a concert a while back, and my brother was a nigger. We have a little kitten about a month old. I am glad that the Christmas holidays are near. We did not get books for prizes last year, but we got a card oi the landing at Gallipoli. We are knitting stockings, cuffs, and balaclavas for the soldiers. We were collecting money for the Jack Cornwell Fund. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GOLi. \''"OOT (Seaclifi). . [I suppose the prize money last year went to one of the patriotic funds. Are you getting prizes this year?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 10 years old, and am in the Fourth Standard. I am very fond of reading the letters in j'our page. I have read many books —namely, "Sunsan," ".Rose and Thorn," " Little Cockney," " Mildred Keith," " Tom Sawyer," " Fairy Ring?,'' and " The Little Brown 803'," and they are all very nice books. I have five sisters and 0110 brother. Love to yourself.— Yours truly, CATHEDRAL CHIMES (Seaclifi). [You are very welcome to join us, Cathedral Chimes.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I enjoyed O.W.W. immensely, but missed the soldiers' letters, who all wrote last meeting. I noticed an account of a soldier's farewell social to a D.L.F. Ho was a schoolmate of mine, and I really did not know he belonged to our happy band until I saw that notice. I was at his tend-off, and you may be sure I enjoyed myself, lou will notice that I have shifted from Niagara now. I am working at a place here, and I like it. I have met one of our L.F. since 1 came here; she lives next door to us. I have had some nice cycle rides; and the roads arc much better hero than at Niagara. It is very hot at present, but I don't think it Will lust, as it is rather too hot. One of my cousins was wounded in France a while back, but I think he is recovering from his wounds. Quito a number of my schoolmates were wounded also. I was pleased to see Little Boy's note in O.W.W. I suppose he will be in the firing line by this time. 1 received a long letter from Somebody's Comrade a little while ago, and ho was" having a good time over in England. If you sco this, Somebody's Comrade, don't forget to send in a few lines as promised; it's about lime that that promised letter appeared in print. Lovo to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and my Niagara chums.—Yours tIU 7 ' BLACK PANSY (Fortrose). [I am glad you liko your present place, Black Pansy—DOT.'J Dear Dot, —Do you ever read Kipling's books? I have just lately finished reading his two " Jungle" books, which I enjoyed greatly. The scene of the story is laid in India, and the story concerns the adventures of an Indian boy who, when_ still a tiny child, wanders from his homo into the great jungle. Ho arrives at the lair of some wolves of the Seonee Pack, who adopt him, and rear him with their own four cubs—Grcv Brother and Tbo Three* Mowgli, the Frog,

ns the boy was called, was accepted by tho ' wolves at the Council Rock, and so became | one of the Jungle People. Among his many | Jungle friends were four he loved above all. j They were Kaa, the huge python ; Akela, the lone wolf, leader of the pack; Bagheera, the great black panther; and Baloo, the wise old bear. These four gave Mowgli most of his training, and lie grew as strong and beautiful, as silent and skilful, as wero the Jungle folk them'Selves. Old Baloo taught him the Jungle Law, as only Baloo knew how, and ere Mowgli had been many moons in the Jungle none of the Jungle People would harm him; for how could they when j he could give to all, to each in his own tongue, the " Master Call " —" We be of one blood, ye and I"? Of his great adventures I can say nothing—the killing of Sherc Khan, the great tiger; the day of the Red Dog; the battle with the Monkey People at the Cold Lairs, and many more great adventures, In all of which his friends aided him to victory. Mowgli lived in the Jungle until ho became its master; but, though he loved the Jungle and its people, he was one of the " Man Pack," arid could not live in the Jungle always. When old Akela, just before he died, said, '" Thou art a man, Little Brother, wolfling of my watching; go to thine own people, - ' Mowgli replied, " 1 will never go." " Who will drive me?" he asked, and the answer came, " Mowgli will drive Mowgli." Then eaid Mowgli, " When Mowgli drives Mowgli, I will go." And so he did. Old Akela's words came true, and when spring, tho " Time of New Talk," came, Mowgli left his brothers and returned to his own kind. At the Council Rock, where he had first been broi ght into the Wolf Pack, Mowgli bade good-bye to his friends —Grey Brother and The Three; Baloo, nearly blind with

age; the great Kaa; and Baghoera, " light strong, and terrible as always." Sadly ho said good-bye, sadh turned from them; and as he went' BagheeVa. cried: "Good hunting on a new trail, Master of the Jungle! Remember Baghoera loved thee." " Tho stars are thin," said Grey Brother, snuffing at the dawn wind. "Where shall we lair to-day? for, from now on, we follow now trails." Thus did Mowgli the Frog leave the Jungle and the friends he loved. And that. Dot and comrades, is the end of the story.— Yours truly, LONELY PAL (Dunedin). [Kipling's stories are splendid, as are his poems. There is such a human element in all his work. I enjoyed the adventures of Mowgli as condensed by you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It seems no time since I last told you that we had holidays. Well, we are breaking-up for our Christmas ones today. The weather has been splendid lately, and you may be sure that we take advantage of it, for the tennis courts are always well filled. We have three courts —one for the boys and two for tho girls. When our balls go over into the boys' court there is generally a heated argument as to whom they belong. A few D.L.F. go to the High School here; but they do not write very often. I am glad to see one boy from here taking an interest in the page. I have an idea who you are. Ironheart, but I suppose I will te wrong. However, when I see you wearing a badge I will be certain. As I am beginning to feel the pangs of hunger, and dinner is ready, I will close now. Fondest love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, GOLDEN SHADOWS (Gore).

[Best wishes for a very pleasant holiday, G-olden Shadows,. I trust you receive the badge safely—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We get the Witness every week, and I always read the D.L.F. letters, and the O.W.W. was quite a- treat. I have left school, and am working at home on the farm, and I like it well; but sometimes I go out with my father chaffeutting, and I don't care much about it, as the hours are too long to suit me. Wo are having very funny weather. It has rained these last 10 days, but it seems more settled now. I have two cousins at the war, and they are both among the missing. Well, Dot, I must close now, as it is getting late. Kind regards to all, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv. HALFWAY HOUSE (Athol). [I ehould think you would find the long hours "very trying, Halfway House. A boy wants a good night's rest while he is growing, and it seems to be the rule en a chaffcutter to work as long as possible while the weather is good.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been very hot here today, but it is getting a little cooler now. We have hud two swarms of bees here late]} - , and I have just been getting one of the in shifted into its proper place. Our bees did not swarm at all last year, because there was not enough honey in the flowers owing to tho dry 3'eav. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself. —Yours truly, COOLOOXGATIA (.Maerewhenua).

[Do you not get stung working among the bees, Cooloongatta ? I suppose one becomes accustomed to them; but nothing drives me away from a cosy corner more quickly than a bee buzzing round. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am glad you had a good gathering of Old Writers. I am working down at. Riverside now, and I like down here very well. I am right alongside the river. It looks pretty when the tide comes in. I am milking three cows. The country down here is fairly flat. I was away for a motor ride to-day. I went to Green Island. it vvas a lovely ride. I see by the Witness that Sea Breeze has shifted. Well, Dot, we arc having very funny weather just now. I cannot write a big letter, as it takes up too much space. My finger is better now. Love to Koseleaves, Nurse Ella, Secret of the Seas, Sea Breeze, Postman Henry, and all the other D.L.F., and I wish them all a merry Christmas and a bright and happy New Year, not forgetting yourself.— lours truly, * NURSE ELLA'S MATE (Riverside). [Thank you for your good wishes, Nurse Ella's Mate, which I sincerely reciprocate.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt has rained all day to-day, but we cannot complain, for we have had an unusually good winter and spring. Since I last wrote I have been to Dunedin for a holiday, and had a really good time. My sister was there, and she snowed me most of the places of interest. I like Dunedin very much; but I don't think I should like to live there —it is too crowded for my fancy. I had a bit of an accident some months ago; I dislocated my shoulder. I was earning some rabbit traps, and I tried to jump across a ditch and fell, and when I got up I couldn't move my arm, and it was from about 12 o'clock on Thursday until 6 o'clock on Friday before 1 got to the doctor. I had to wear a sling for three weeks, which wasn't exactly pleasant. However, it is all right now, and I never feel it at all. We are milking eight cows at present; I don't know how many we will have by the time this reaches you> as we are always getting one or two more. Well, Dot, I started this letter last night, and it is still raining very heavily. If it does not stop soon we shall conclude that the flood of Noah is coming again. Tho rivers and creeks are very high, and as tho fords are none too good at any time, we are hoping it will not make them worse. We havo to cross tho river several times every time we go to the nearest township, which is a good 30 miles distant. I

think an aeroplane would be a good investment for that tiling, only they are rather expensive these times. The leading topic of the day seems to be the war* I have a good many friends and relatives away, and a lot of them are either killed or wounded. I see there is a rule about letters being too long, so I shall not take rip too much space.— Yours truly, KEA (Pembroke). [I am sorry to learn of your accident, Kea, but glad to know that tho shoulder is not troubling you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —"Wo had. a welcome shower of rain here to-day, and it was badly needed, as wo have been having very hot weather for the last week. We are having our break-up on the 21st of this month, and some of the children are out with lists collecting money for our prizes. Golden Wattle and I went to tho Qamarui Show, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I knew several L.F. about here, four being in my standard at school. There was a man (who had been to Europe lately) lecturing here on Saturday selves immensely. I know several L.F. others, and enjoyed it very much. "Well, Dot, Christmas will soon be here again. It does not seem long since I was away for my holiday last year. As this is my first letter to your page, I will stop writing now, hoping you will allow me to join your band.— Yours truly,

CUPID (Tokarahi). [You are very welcome, to join lis, Cupid. I have posted the auto cards to your address. I hope you are' among the prizewinners on the 21st.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I received my badge safely, and was very pleased to get it. Wo had our examination on the 14th of November, and I passed in reading and sums, but did not do so well in spelling and composition. I went clown to the township about a month ago, with mother, and had five teeth out, and my cheek and gums were very sore; but they soon got better. Our flower garden is looking very nice, as all the flowers are out. We are expecting my two eldest sisters homo for Christinas —at least on© of them—and then mother is going to Dunedin for a holiday. I will close now, as it is nearly bed time. Best wishes to all the D.L.F., and not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, KOHOEA (Pembroke). [You will have lots to talk about when your sisters come home, Kororav —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I will be 12 on Boxing Day. We have been having lovely weather here lately; but it is raining to-day. I am fond of reading, and I also enjoy reading the Little Folk's letters. Have you been to Gore, Dot? I think that it is a nice little town. I have not been to Dunedin, but I hope to go some day. I savo stamps, and I think it is an interesting hobby, as there are so very many kinds. I think I will close now, as this is my first letter to the page. Wishing you and all the L.F. a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, —Yours truly, O BE JOYFUL (Gore). [I am very pleased to welcome you to our band, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just finished reading the Old Writers' letters, and I found one letter very interesting, although the rest were lovely too. I refer to Eoby's letter, and I thoroughly agree with her in all she «aaya about our brave men and cur feelings for them. I hope she will accept my sympathy in her Borrow. It is very hard to lose an old friend, but a brother whom every girl B.Vou'd be proud of is harder still. I know who you are, Happy Ike, and I am glad you like being where you are. Good old Woodend is still pxilling along, and there is still some amusement, although most of our men are gone. I am going to the beach to-morrow if it is fine, Dot. I promised to take my little sisters, so I will have to toe the mark and go. Our A. and P. Show is on Tuesday and Wednesday, and I am going. There will not be many there compared to other years. We are milking five cows and feeding two calvest, Mother is in town to-day, so I will have to milk, unless I can get my brother to help. My youngest brother cut his toe badly, and he ha 3 been in the hospital a fortnight now, and he was saying he would have to be in nine more days. Christmas is here again, Dot; but such a sad one. We can hardly realise it. Well, I will not trespass on your valuable space any more. I will write again soon. I would like to change my jST.D.P., if you do not mind.— Yours truly, FLOSSIE'S MATE (Awarua Plains). [Thank you very much for the very nice card, Flossie's Mate. I have noted the change of N.D.P.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having very sultry weather tip here just now, and are spending' a great deal of our time, in the river, which is the coolest spot. Christmas will soon bo here. We are going to get our Sunday school prizes next Sunday, and the day school breaks up a week to-morrow. We are not going to get books for prizes this year, but certificates and a picnic, which is just as good. We are having a concert here on Tuesday night, and a garden party later on, in aid of the Red Cross Funds; also a lecture by Mr B. P. Lee on Thursday night, which I think should be very interesting. You see we are quite busy here going to all these functions, of which there seems to be no end. I suppose you are getting ready for Christmas, Dot. I am afraid there won't be much Christmas this year, owing to the sorrow and poverty this war is causing. Well, we will just have to make the best of a bad job. Love and best wishes for a, merry Christmas and a happy New Year to Claudine, Miss Bobbie, A. Country Chatterbox, Dolly Dinks, Dardanella, Corlinda, and yourself.—Yours truly. HINEMOA; (Maheno).

[One feels that the money spent in these entertainments goes for a good cause, JbLinemoa- DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is hard to believe that Christmas is so near; it seems no time since last Christmas. I was at a place working for five weeks while the woman was away. When she came back I stayed at horn© for a week, and now I am out at another place, but I go home every night. We will soon have a lot of tourists over here, so it won't be quite so quiet; they will liven us up a- bit. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers' letters; I think they were very interesting. I received the badge and the auto cards safely, and would you please tell me what to put on the cards. Lovo to all the D.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CAVALLINI (Stewart Island).

[Just fill in your name and address and your N.D.P., or you can add the date of your birthday, if you wish.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, — lam sorry I did not write before, but I have started several letters and never have finished them; but T hope to finish this one. Wc havo had our Red Cross Day, and raised nearly £IBO, and havo also had two socials io belt). I sold buttonholes and collected 7s 6d. We had six dear little rabbits; but they nil pot out, and we have never seen them since. We have another three rabbit", and their pretty pink eyes do sparkle. My undo left with the Nineteenth Reinforcements, so ho would bo a good way over the sea by now. Aly irinnd-

mother is stopping with us now, for she has just como back from Wellington. We will soon have our Christmas holidays, for we break up in a week. Our school teacher has left, so we have a relieving teacher for a while. A friend of mine, who is only 11 years old, is in the hospital with consumption. This is the third or fourth time now that she has been ill, and she wants to come home for Christmas Day, but I am afraid the doctor will not let her. She went into the hospital on the sth, and her birthday was the next day. We have had our examination, and I hope I have passed, then I will be in Standard VI. I wish you all a merry ■ Christmas, in case I do not write before. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, "PUSS IN BOOTS (Alton).

[How very sad it is about your little friend. Poor wee girl, her troubles have started early. It would be nice if she could get home for Christmas.—DOT] Dear Dot, —At present there is a terribly cold wind blowing. Coldl I think that bed is tho best place for little girls like myself. The weather was lovely yesterday. I thought that the letters written by the Old Writers were very interesting, and quite a lot of O.W. turned up. It shows that they haven't forgotten the page. The new Carnegio Library is opened now. I have not been in it since the day of the opening, and on that occasion I couldn't see anything because of the crowd. I will not give you any particulars until I have been through the library myself. I went in for a swim on Saturday. I love swimming about in the water. In the last fortnight I met two D.L.F. members —Highland Lassie and Amelia. Highland Lassie and I had a rare old time together; we even went out shooting. I think that shooting is a lovely pasttime. The D.L.F. members of Alexandra intend having a picnic on the 2Sth of December (Thursday fortnight) at Lane's Reservoir, Alexandra. L.F. from Galloway, Clyde, and surrounding districts are asked to come and make merry. All ■members who intend coming aTe asked to be at the Molyneux bridge at 9.30 sharp. As it is getting well on for II o'clock I will now draw to a close, riest wishes for a merry Christmas and a bright and happy New Year. —Yours truly, MAHARANI KE RAPUTNA (Alexandra). [I sincerely hope the picnic will be a successk There are quite a number of L.F. round about, so it is to be hoped they will turn out in force and spend a day with their comraaes.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having very unsettled weather lately; the glass is skyhigh one day and nearly out of sight the next. Still, we have not had any rain to speak of, although the grass, oats, and turnips conld do with a good heavy shower. We have all the swedes in now. and are preparing for the shearers. Tho chaffcutter was in few days asro, and cut a 12-ton stack. It was hard work carting it in: we had a full day at it; but T escaped half a day, and went rolling. Don't you think, Dot, that the addresses published in the auto column are rather vague. I say, Postman Henry, I have not received that rjhcu" 0 yet. I posted Is 6d 1o you for one. I hope to ser some L.F. in Invercargill a"t Christmas, Dot. It noes not seem a great place for them, but there might be a few country ones in,. Well, Dot, I have not the <rift of letter-writing, so I will close now. Kindest regards to Mamaru's Cousin, Nellie Bly, Little Miss Neddy Coat. Ivy Green, Arms, Legs, and Yell, Billy the Barber, Grey Eyes, and all the L.F., including yourself.—Yours tiuly, SQUIBS (Opio). [I give the addresses sent to me, Squibs; but if you are in doubt about any, if you let me know I could work up fuller details.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Just a line to see if you will accept me as one of your L.F. I am 13 years of age, and in the Sixth Standard at school. I have always taken an interest in the page. We have three horses, one foal, two cows, and one dog called Tiny. Tho horses' names are Kate, Dolly, and Prince. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

DREADNOUGHT (Abbotsford). [You are very welcome to join us, Dreadnought, and I hope you will have an enjoyable holiday—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As it is some time since I last wrote to the page I thought it was up to me to write once again in this old year. Christmas will soon be round again; but I'm afraid there will be a. cloud over the holidays this time. I am at present housekeeping on my own, with Bonnie Mary o' Argyle to keep me company, and plenty of work to make the days pass quickly. We are having very hot weather. Just now one has to be up with the lark, to get through one's work before the sun gets too warm. I have to mako butler, so you can imagine what a job it is. Well, Dot, as I have still some work to do, I will bring this to a close. I wish you and all the D.L.F. a. very merry Christmas. —Yours truly, TIGHNABRUIACH (Hastings). [Thank you for the card, dear. I do not envy you your work trying to make butter in this heat.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Christmas is near now, and I think it will be a very sad one for- those who have lost their sens in this terrible war. Our school breaks up on the 22nd of this month, and we are holding a picnic on the beach for it. We are having lovely weather here at present. We are milking 2-1 'cows for the factory, and feeding about 15 calves. Yes, it is true what Mamaru's Cousin said about me falling off my horse; but aa I was pulled off on to the sand I didn't get hurt much—only my shoulder, and it was pretty sore. I didn't milk for about a week after. It would have been worse if it had been on the road, I suppose. I guess Mamaru's Cousin has fallen off too; I know she was pulled off once like I was. Wishing a merry Christinas and a happy New Year to Postman Henry, Sir Rowland, Lift, Jim, Mamaru's Cousin, Mihi Moana, Firefly, Ivy Green, Little Miss Neddy Coat, Periwinkle, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, STARS AND STRIPES (Slope Point). [I am glad the shoulder has recovered, Stars and Stripes.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather down here is lovely, and the gardens are looking their best. We had some visitors from Dunedin a short timo ba-ck, and they stayed here for u bout six weeks. I drove the milk tb the factory the other morning, and I liked that job all right, as I am very fond of riding and driving. Wo have the telephone shifted closer to our house now, and it is far handier for us. Mamaru's Cousin has left school now, and we miss licr in our games, as there are not many going to school down here. I was at a soldier's social a few weeks ago, Dot, find I saw William the Conqueror there. A few months ago I went to Invercargill for a trip, and Stars nud Stripes lent me her badge; but no D.L.F. spoke to mo. Are ilicre many around there, Dot? Some of the people around hero have finished shearing, but others have noi started. There wan a concert in aid of the church held at Niagara last night, but I haven't

heard how it came off. There is to be a conceit and dance in Waikawa on the 15th, so most likely I will be at that. I hope you are having a good time in Dunedin, Postman Henry, We are looking forward to seeing you at Christmas, or rather New Year. We are milking 34 cows just now, and are feeding 20 calves, so that is not bud. Kindest regards and best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to Lift, Llamla, William the Conqueror, Postman Henry, Sir Rowland, The Wild Blue Pansy, The Wild Irish Shamrock, Mamara's Cousin, Tho Link of Love, Harvest Maid, and Jim, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE WILD HUSH ROSE (Slope Point). AUTOS. Hinomoa (Miss E. M'Queen, Maheno) wishes to correspond with Ruby, Little Miss Neddy Coat, Darkie, Fairy, A Flapper, and any L.F. willing. ' Cavallini (Ada Sherland, Half Moon Bay) wishes to exchange autos with Llalma and any L.F. willing. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. I have to acknowledge with sincorest thanka the receipt of Christmas cards and greetings frdm the following:—Somebody's Comrade and Ivanhoe, on active service; Puss in Boots, Flossie's Mate, and Tighnabruiach.