DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3280, 24 January 1917, Page 65

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominoon ou mutters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of tire district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &o. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.”

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

ON ACTIVE SERVICE. Somewhere in France, Friday, November 3, 1910. Dear Dot and Comrades, —Here I am one? again (although over age) to- let you all know that I am quite well and happy, as I only hope that all of you arc the same. Well, for news: I see- that Ivanhoc lias landed in England, where a lot of us would like to be now out of the routine of work in the army. Lex also has had a good trip, according to his letter, inserted by Possum in the page; and here I am, like u few more, still hanging on and expecting leave every day. About a month ago- the boys had a rather severe testing in the Big Push, as you would all see by the papers. A lot of my mates have gone under facing the enemy for their King and country. Faces that I used to see every day of mv life at home I shall see no more in reality; but, dear friends, shall we forget them? “No; never!’’ This place is very quiet indeed, and one can get a few hours’ peaceful sleep; but in the other fighting zone it was up in the morning at 2 and into bed no earlier than 10 at night, and then very often disturbed by a gas alarm which kept on© out of bed for a couple of hours at the least. I have seen the Tanks which you hear and read so much about in the papers. My word, they are a wonderful invention. Of course, you can read how they are worked without me describing it further. V ell, dear friends, I am writing this in semi-darkness, as candles are scarce at present, so I have to scribble along anyhow. This place is never shelled now, and things are going on just the same as in civil life, except that the women go cut and work now. They work about 12 hours a day in the fields, and then go home and do their housework, while hubby is away in the trenches. The French are the most industrious people I have ever come across in mv travels. The weather here is very unsettled at present, and everybody has been given a part of their winter clothing, but when we shall get the rest is hard to tell. “ ’Tis the war,” they tell us, and we hav; to wait, although our feet have been wet three days now, and we are not the worst off Well, comrades, when the war is over and all the D.L.F. arc settled down again, I wonder if it will bo possible to start our club again, where we can meet and fight out our rights between ourselves. Well, this is all at present, so I will say ta-ta. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, although a wee bit late.—Yours truly, ELBON. [Many thanks for your good wishes, Elbon, which every L.P. joins in sending. Please do not let the question of age keep you from sending us a line. Wo waive that question and warmly welcome the shortest note from any of our soldier comrades.—DOT.J LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto:—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot, —It seems a long time since we got our holidays. All the flowers have died away, and there are no flowers out now. Love to Orana, E. M. A. C., A Wreath of Roses, Princess Bess, Snowdrop Queen, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN DAISY II (Nokomai), Lot your faults be what they may. To own them is the better way. [I have posted your badge, dear, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.J Dear Dot, —Would you please tell me how to fill in auto-cards, as I want to exchange autos with a D.L.F. comrade. If there is anything extra to pay for postage please tell me, Dot, and I will forward rt to you. I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas, Dot, although at _ these times our thoughts “go out in yearning to the boys across the sea,” and we cannot help wondering what kind of Christmas these brave lads are spending in the trenches. How we longed for tins Cliristmas to bo one of peace—peace and goodwill among all men; but we know that, we arc in the right, and can only trust to the King of kings to bring this conflict to a victorious end for us. Those soldiers who departed on Thursday left to join their brave comrades and to help to uphold the glorious name which their predecessors had made for New Zealand, and when victory is won they will return to ns as noble men who have defended their beautiful country from the hands of the ruthless Hvn. We are having om holidays from the evening classes of the Technical College just now, and it s qu k a relief to be able to do a little at home TTcwpvor holidays cannot last foi €vci, and it will not be long before Technical Concgc starts again, so I will have to start on mj shorthand again. I want to fry 1o go ut for tho civil service, ns everyone says Government positions are very good, so I have not much time to bo idle. My sister receiver a letter from ii boy at tho front last week, but 1 never seem to get any. I often sip: a note iu tho parcels when wo are making them up, but, somehow, I never receive an answer. I said that I was not going awaj for a holiday; but my aunty came down from the Taieri, and she took me back with her f or a week, and I had an enjoyable holiday. I hope that the picnic was a success and that all tho D.L.F. who went had r good time. I only wish that I could have gone; hut there are other things foi mo to do, and duty should always come before pleasure. Well, Dot, 1 suppose you have a number of olhei letters to read, so I will close, thanking yov very much for printing my last letter,, ant with best wishes to yourself. Island Girl and all ray D.L.F. comrades.—Yours truly, A TRUE PATRIOT (North Dunedin). [Just fill in your name, address, anc N.D.P. in tho spaces provided and i>os.s

away. The cards are a form or mtiouuc,ion, so to speak, and many warm friendships have followed the correspondence between comrades. I am glad you had a little change, dear; it will freshen you up for tins year’s work.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am always very pleased to see my letter in the Witness. I don t go back to school till the 7th of liebruaiy. Some girls and I go for a swim twice a day. My father is away to Dunedin, and will not bo home until Friday. My brother and 1 learn music from a lady in 1 nlmerston. Lovo to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, „ , ~ HI ELAND LASSIE II (Dunback), [The weather has been ideal for bathing, Hieland Lassie, and the beaches are usually well patronised by the surfers. DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have changed my N.D.P., as you asked me to, and I am also sending my name with this letter. I was talking to another D.L.F. to-day, and eho gave mo the N.D.P. I am now using. It has been very hot weather up this way, these last two days especially. Nearly all the crops ate ripe, and it is not uncommon to meet a thrashing mill on the roads. Lovo to Max Merxinian, Tokarahi, Fireman, Billy Muggins, and all other D.KF. —Yours truly, PATRIOTIC LAD (Maorovvhcnual. _ [I think you are set up for an N.D.P. this time. Patriotic Lad.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote to you I have been out working at VYaitahuna, but as the people I was working for are away for a holiday I am home again. 1 was up visiting Eunice tills afternoon, as her birthday and mine also are to-day. I was at Waitahuna Show last Wednesday week, and had a pretty good time considering I didn’t know very many people there. The Gully School picnic was held on the 29th of December. There was a big crowd there, and I was presented with a handbag and Eunice with a writing-case for collecting. The sports came next; they were held on New' Year’s Day. They were far better than the Show. I was at the concert at night. There was a large crowd there; a lot of the people had to stand outside. I have had a pretty good Christmas this time. It’s been pouring rain here all day, and it is very muddy outside, I hope it clears up for to-morrow, as Lizzctta and I want to go to Lawrence, and we can't go if it’s wet. Wishing you and all Die L.F. a happy new' year,—Yours truly, SNOWDROP QUEEN (Waitahuna Gully). Dear Dot, —We have been having lovely weather lately. We live near a river, and I go in for a- bath every day. Yesterday, when I was in, an eel caught, held of my toe as I was sitting down, and it did give me a scare. Our school broke up on the 22nd, and I got a lovely sot of horns for spelling. We have a pet lamb which has a crooked neck, and ho looks so funny. Our calf is great friends with our white pony. My uncle’s car was burnt in the fire at Woods’s Garage at Invercargill on the 16th of December; but he has another one now. I was at the Gore Show, and I saw a few D.L.F., but I did not know any of them. I will end up with a verse of poetry. LINKS. Are there not voices soft and sweet, And tones of music strangely dear? So lovingly the soul they greet, So kindly steal they on the ear. We know not why they strike go deep, We cannot tell the secret spring Within us which they wake from sloop, Nor how such thoughts their notes can bring us. The heavy night hung dark The hills and waters o’er, When a band of exiles moor’d their bark On the wild New England shore. (To be continued.) I will finish the rest of the poetry, next time I write. I think I will stop now. Love to all the other L.E., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, LADY NANCY LEE (Waikaka). [Many thanks for the card, dear, you were kind enough to send me. I hope this new year may be full of happiness for you.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have our school holidays at present. Wo are having the school altered during the holidays. There is to bo a classroom put up, and the carpenters are busy with it now. There is also to be a new residence for the head schoolmaster. After the holidays there will be a new teacher for the classroom, so Tokarahi will be quite a different place within two or three months. It was a very quiet Christmas and Now Year this year. 1 succeeded in getting two prizes, one for merit and one for conduct. T saw Green Bush on New Year’s Day. Lovo to Tokarahi Herald, Tokorahi, Lorraine, Alsace Lorraine, Green Bush, Golden Wattle, Tokorahi Woolclassor, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours trulv, STARLIGHT RAMBLER (Tokarahi). [You did well at school, Starlight Rambler. The attendance must be increasing when such extensive additions are in course of progress.—DOT.] Dear Dot,. —You will be thinking that I have forgotten the D.L.F. page altogether. We have six weeks from school, and three have gone already. I was in Dunedin for about two weeks, and had a good time, only it was very hot. My mother had been sick from May, suffering from a stroke, and she took another last Monday and died on Tuesday. and we miss her very much. The grass is all burnt up with the beat, and all the crops are spoilt. We are milking one cow now, and feeding one calf. Love to Teddy Boar, Aunt Nell, and May Blossom, not forgetting all the other D.L.F. and yourself. —Yours truly, QUEEN OP THE STARS (Miller’s Flat). [I am very sorry to learn of the death of your mother, dear, and I am sure you will all miss her very much, hut at the same time it must be a comfort to know that all her pain and sufferings are now ended DOT.] Dear Dot, —Yon, as well as all my D.L.F. friends, will ho wondering what has happened to me. Well, here I am, and I have made up my mind to write a longer letter than I have written before,. Wo arc having very hot weather here just now—indeed, wo are" getting too much of. it, as everybody is wanting rain. 1 suppose it is the same in Dunedin. Our tanks are dry, and wo have to use spring water. 1 have left school for good now, and am staying at home. Before wo broke up we (Standard VI) went to Invercargill Middle School for our exam. Only one cut of the three got proficiency, and" I was not that one: but I got competency. It would not be any good to me if 1 did get it, as I am over age. It would beall right if I was going in for office work, but I am not. I received a loiter from a soldier in England Inst night. Ho says he had never soon snow’ before. Ho comes from Auckland, so perhaps that is why. The traction engine is opposite our place here pulling out stumps. 1 had a relative from

For! ifieafion down for .1 holiduy. She is away j it-;; now, but ] tli'nk she is coming back to go to a place- up ai Ben more. Christmiis passed very quietly here, except on New I'ear's Eve, when wo stayed up till about 1 o'clock setting oil crackers and bombs. I aDi not going for any holiday this year, as I can't get away, I think I will close now, hoping you had a merry Christmas and wishir.g you a happy New Year. —Yours truly, DIXIE HART (Awarua Plains). [I have posted the badge to you, Dixie Hart, and hope you receive it safely. You did very well in securing a competency certificate.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been away for a fortnight's holiday. While I was at Bluff 1 went for a swim in the sea, and as it was a very hot day it was very pleasant. W© also went to the Riverton regatta, and had a ride in the motor launch. One poor girl lost her hat while she was out on the motor launch. It is lovely weather here just now, but I hope it will rain soon, as everything is so dry. We have our cousin up from Invercargill staying with us for her health; she is just recovering from, pleurisy. Our school concert was held as usual this year. Last year we jus! had a gathering in the afternoon. Well, Dot, I will have to close, as it is tea time. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOTHER'S IVY (Tapanui). [I hope the bracing climate of Tapanui will materially imurove your cousin's health, Mother's Ivy.—DOT.] Dear Dai and L.F., —It is now about six months since I wrote to the page, and I am beginning to drink it is time I sparkled up and wrote. One of my reasons for not writing is that I was foolish enough to eontract a dose of pneumonia and get carted into the hospital for a month, and now I am spending the last week of a month's holiday out hero on the Taicri. Now, if any of the L.F wait to get a holiday they will take my advice and not go about it in the way J. did, because it is much more comfortable without pneumonia than with it. I don't half like the idea of having to go back to work, because my holiday has been a very enjoyable one, and I have no wish to go-back to dreary Southland. Since the beginning of the holidays the weather out here has been beautiful—in fact, it has been rather hot for my fancy, and, worst of all, I cannot go bathing wiih my mates for fear of getting a relapse. What has become of you, Postman Henry? I have not heard from you for .about three months. It is your turn to Write, old chap. Sparkle up. Well, I must close now, hoping you all had a happy time during the holidays.—Yours truly, PONTIAC (Outram). [I am so sorry to hear you have been ill, Pontiac, but trust the rest and beautiful sunshine will restore von to your usual health.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —As I have a few minutes to spare I thought 1 would write a few lines to the page. Oh! as I read that last sentence ever I find I have written one of those "don'ts" that one of the Old Writers so kindly gave us. I think they are very handy, for 1 know that all, or most of us, are inclined to write about such things as were mentioned by that O.W. But I really meant what I wrote (I didn't mean it in an uncomplimentary maims:), for I am keeping house just now, and I find there are so many 'odd jobs" to do that there seems little or no time to sit down and write letters. I had a glorious time at Christmas and New Year. Each week-end I went in and stayed with Tighnabruick (1 had to> run outside and ask Bonny Mary of Argyle how to spell your *\ D.P., comrade. I wrote it on my hand 60 that I Wouldn't forget it by the time 1 got back to my letter again, but I found some of the letters were blurred, so excuse me if it is spelt wrongly. That's what comes of having such a mouthful of an N.D.P.). She and I came home here for Christmas Day, went back to town that night, and went to the Carnival in Napier on Boxing Day. On New Year's Day she and I went to Mount Erin for a picnic. (There was a church picnic there.) We won't forget the fun .we had, those holidays, for a long time. We thought we were going to have a fine crop of rjlums this year—l shouldn't say a crop, for -we have only two trees. The green plums were such a decent size; but they begin to rot on the tree, and as I heard that the fruit round this way is getting a blight known as dry rot. I suppose that is what is the matter with them. Have you over tried to milk a cow, Dot? My, but it is funny. Before mother went for her holiday she tried to teach nre one night. I got down as ave as any warrior. Then I started. I managed to get milk, but it never got as far as the bucket. At least, it went further —in all directions. Then I started to giggle, and that frightened the cow, who started to kick, and that frightened me, who started to get up, and both of us frightened mother, who was beginning to be afraid that something serious might happen. So that is all the milking I've done. Needless to Bay, I haven't tried to milk our cow again. Luck up, Postman Henry, and send mo a line. Bot wishes to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, SEXTON BLAKE (Paki Paid). [I once tried to milk, but it was such a slow and painful process for me. ami in all probability for the cow, that 1 scon gave up.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Here T am again after a long absence. I am really ashamed to write to the page again. We have been having terribly hot weather. It rained here last night and looks like rain again to-night. I hopo it rains all night, as we need it badly. There was a dance here last night, and 1 went lor a while. II was for a soldier going away. I am going back to school for another year, as I have passed into Standard VI. I got one Sunday school prize and two day school prizes, one for general merit and one for being dux of the school. The Sunday school one is called "The Wonder Workers," and the other ones are called "The Baft in the Bush" and "The Blue Book for Girls." I will stop now with best wishes for a happy New Year. Love to till my comrades, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. Ft) IIX i ET-M K-XUT ((! lenorchy). [I am very pleased to learn of your success both at school and Sunday school, Forget-me-not. You will have a supply of reading matter for a little time. —DOT.] Dear Dei.—l was glad to see my first letter in the Witness, and liked the little note you put at the bottom of it. We had a terrible wind on Saturday, and it blew down four bucketfuls of apples and a lot of peons. We have finished shearing our sheep. Our school closed three weeks ago. I have first place in my class for the three quarterly exams., so I will be in Standard II when I go back. I got a nice prize and a firs -class attendance certificate. 1 did not miss a day all the year. My brother and I take the milk to ' the factory during the holidays. We are having very hot and dry weather just now. We had our auntie and cousins for Christmas Pay. and we vent to the sports after dinner, and I ran in eome races. We went to ivivcrton in our ear on New Year's

Dae witli .seme friends, and had fine fun paddling in the sea. Wc are going i.i to Winton to see Princes,-; Thelma- and Kiss-mo-a!-the-garden-gate soon. Lovo to all D.L.F. and yourself.—Voids truly, SILVER THREADS (Drummond). [lt seems such a pity to sec the frail blown flown so ruthlessly after taking months to form, and just when one expects a reward for one's labours.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l haven't seen the last Witness, so do not know if my letter is in the paper. We broke up on December 19, and do not go back till after the harvest. It has been awful here to-day; the hail was as big as marbles, and one of the shoo windows was broken and all the goods g°t wet. I have no news, so I will cl< so. My regards to all the other girls and yourself.—Yours trulv, ASHWICK FLAT LASSIE (Fairlie). Dear Dot,—l have met two more D.L.F. since I last wrote to you. They came a good few miles from the other side of .1 limed in. They came up here to a wedding, at which I was also present. They were Greveyes and Leo la,. We had very'dry weather hero lately, but it was raining here to-day a little, and I hope it continues, us it will be very acceptable to all the farmer,'!. Nearly all the young men from this district are away now. I had a jolly time at Christmas, so 1 needn't grumble. My cousin was staying with me for a holiday, so we were at all the picnics and sports. I must closenow, Dot, as i can hardly keep my eyes open to write yon this. "Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WILLOCHRA (Enfield). [I have posted the badge, Willochra, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT] Dear Dot, —We are now having our holidays from school, and it is. ail right too. We are milking 19 cows just now, but it is too dry for them to milk much. How did you spend the New Year, Dot? I thought that it was much quieter than last, because, for one thing, we had no crackers; they are making better use of the powder, and I think that it is right, too. Our pony has a foal, which is full of fun. I would like you to give me a nice name for him. Most of the crops about here are either cut or else they are being cut. How do you like living in Dunedin, Dot? It must be very nice. I have never been there, but I would like to go some day. AVe have a parrot, and j he says some funny tilings sometimes. Lovo to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. I think I will end with a riddle: What is the difference between a gaoler and a jeweller? Answer: Because one watches cell's and the other sells watches.—Yours trulv, ARDMORE (Airedale). Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. We have had very warm weather up till to-day. My father and my brother are away to Tuatapere for stores. While I was away for my holidays I attended a school picnic. The Clifden races are to be held on the 23rd of this month. We had three calves, but one died last, night, so now we have only two left. We have a- great many flowers out in the garden. I am enjoying my holidays very much. My sister is going to start school after the holidays,. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, SOLDIER'S DELL (Orawi'a). [I am glad you are making the most of your holidays and spending the time pleasantly.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—l must write and thank you for the badge and auto-cards. I was very pleased with them. We have been having some very dry weather until a fewclays ago, when it began to rain, and wo have been having short showers over since. We do not want another drought like this one again. It has nearly ruined everything already, and if the rain had not come to the rescue when it did it is hard to say what would have happened. A good few people have travelled by the trains lately. The war does not seem to have had much effect on holiday-making. A good holiday does one good, anyway, and especially when they come only once n. year. A person soon gets tired of being in one place all his life, and generally enjoys a holiday now and again. I must close with best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours IRONHEART (Gore). [A change once a year is almost necessary if one wishes to keep fit and well, and the people arc wis> to take advantage of the cheap fares. —DOT.] Dear Dot and Comrades. —We nre having vcy changeable weather up here—one day cold and the next day very warm. All our trees are loaded with fruit this 3-ear. Wo have picked the black currants and gooseberries, and axe going to make jam with them. My two little sisters are away staying with a friend of ours for a few days' holiday. I didn't go to the Invercargill Show this year, because I went last year, and it was my turn to stay a.t homo. I have left school now for a year, and am at home just ! now helping my sister to do- the work. My 1 eldest sister is working in the shop just now. About three months ago my father was away in Invercargill Hospital, but he is home again and working about. We have I only one guinea-pig left now. My mother | let it out the other day, and we haven't seen it since. We have only 16 chickens this year. I was sway at Lochie] for a week's holiday, and had a. really good time. Since I last wrote to you -here have been three or four socials for soldiers: The rae-s are to be held on the ?.?,r<] of this month., .anet 1 expect to go to them if it is a fine day. Christmas and New Year were very quiet here,. On Christmas Day I went to a picnic up at Birchwood, and enjoyed mvself verv much. My birthday was Last Wednesday; I was IG. Kind regards to Black Butterfly, Chip. Hazel Dell, Oval. Smik-r, and Grace L)arling, not forgetting yourself.— Yours trulv, BELGIUM GIRL (OrawiaV [I wi.-h von manv happy returns of the day. dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—-Our school holidays will soon be over; we have only five weeks, and we are getting" three at harvest time. I am not getting music lessons just now, as my teacher is not well. I v i be in the Sixth Standard when I go back to school. 1 have only three pet lambs now, for ail the others died. Father has all his sheep shorn, and is carting the wool to the station to be sent away. I will close now with love to Mother's Torment. Peat Mess, and all the other D L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, GOLDEN FEATHER ((Hokonui)." [lt will not be long now before you are through all your standards, Golden Feather, and then, one has to decide one's future course* —DOT.] Dear Dot, —You will be expecting a letter from mo now. I suppose, so here I am. Don't you think. Dot,* that it is lather hard to keen promises sometimes. Perhaps some are harder to keep than others, and 1 will tell you that this is the third letter that I have tried to get written to you since NewYear. But I promised to write, and 1 will. Sometimes writing letters is the one thing tiiat I can't make up my mind to do. and at other times 1 can ait. and write for hours

if I have material to keep mo going. I am in .1 writing mood to-night, Dot, ko 1 am taking advantage of it to get a letter to you finished. Our annual school picnic was held on New Year's Day, and we had lovely weather for the occasion, though the afternoon turned out rather hot. Lunch was th© first item; after that .came the most important part, to the children at races. Later in th© afternoon began another part of the races, performed on horseback. Did you ever see tins performance? It is very interesting to watch. Each of those going in for tho riding has a horse, then in pairs they raco in and out along a row of poles, placed somo distance- apart, then back again. This is the Stockman's Race, as, with all tho sharp corners to turn when riding in and out of tho poles, it resembles a person riding after stock. Men, boys, and girls may contest this race, and prizes aro given to tli3 winners. "Tilting at the ring" is also gone through, and my brother tied for first in that, but I don't know how ho managed it, because he is left-handed, and he said before that he found it awkward itsing his right hand to take tho rings off the nooks. During tho afternoon I met Wairaki Violet. I used to think that I was bad enough when I had not written to you for over 12 months; but it really didn't seom half so bad when Wairaki Violet told 2no that slio hadn't written for between throe and four years. However, she wears her badge in a very prominent place, so there is still hope that she will turn up in tho page again some day, isn't there? The day after o-ur school picnic the Tuataperc Methodist Sunday School picnic was held, about two miles out of Tuataperc, on the banks of the Orawia River, a short distance from v.-herd it joins the Waiau. A prettier spot than that for the picnic would have been hard to find for miles around. Dinner was served on one side of the river, then the people were taken over to the other side in a dray and a cart. For tea, everyone returned to where we had dinner. After tea a small party, before going home, went for a walk through the bush to where the Orawia and Waiau Rivers join. I wish I could describe this to you in a way that you would understand just what the scenery is really like, where the smaller stream comes cut from the bush and hills, and then, united with the larger stream, they flow on to the ocean. But to know just what the sight actually is one needs to see it oneself, and I can't tell you on paper; but I advise you to spend your next holidays touring the Waiau, Dot. Well, I must close, or my letter will need to be cut down. Am I too late to wish you and all the L.F. a prosperous new year?—Yours truly, FLORA (Clifdcn). [I will certainly bear your advice in mind, Flora, although the trouble is that one has so little time to see all tho places one would wish, and holidays come but once in a year. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print, but was very sorry to have stolen another L.F.'s N.D.P.; therefore I shall change my iS.D.P. from Dardanella to A Mititai Maiden. We had our school break-up on December 30, and I was successful in winning first prize for sewing, and also second in my class. I came close to the first prize winner, as I Was only half a mark below her. We are having miserable weather here at present, and I hope it will soon terminate. Our school teacher has been drawn in the second ballot, and we are all very sorry, as he is a good teacher, and is liked by every one of us. We have two pretty little kittens, and they are such dear little things; they play nearly all day long. One is called Frolic and the other Diana. We also have a dear little calf, and she is so full of mischief that she is always trying to tip the bucket of milk over when we are feeding her, and it takes a little coaxing to convince her that it is better to drink her milk. This little calf is named Minnie. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, A MITITAI MAIDEN (Pine Hill, Dunedin). P.S.—lf it is not too lat© I will send you my best wishes for a prosperous and happy New Year. [Thank you very much for your good wishes, dear, which I sincerely reciprocate.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —After reading the letters of La Bolle and Italian, and duly noting the gentle sarcasm of tho latter, logolhor with your fool notes to I Ik-mi both, I have becomo aware that I am llio poftw>«Bor of some laurels, origin unknown, tho «aid laurels being apparently in a grucelcHfl condition. It was in an endeavour I«j eorruot llmh that I studied tho bu<>lcnhclvcH bc-foro beginning to write, and 1 have now roncherl tho conclusion that Soul hey':! " Life of .W-I.hoii " in bound, in a frivolous light blue, apparently with a view to deceiving the casual reader as to its contents, whilo "Handy Andy" and others of a similar nature are bound in eombrc colours. Everybody has learnt something of Nelson at soino period or other, commencing nearly always with thai story of the lightning and his fearlessness. Thoro is, too, an idea of a statue in London, decorated once a year, and that ho lost an eye somewlioro and an arm somewhere else. Mioat people, too, havo in their school days been given a flag and marched out on to the playgrounds to sing " Hide, Britannia." Generally, too, they forgot when to wave the flag, and, after waving it frantically in imitation of the boy in front, discovered that ho was only doing so in order to create a bra -if ;.<nd so annoy the boy in front of him. too, there was tho local bigwig who explained what a mighty people tho British were, and how we ought always to bo pleased that wo belonged to such a nation. This particular one bad the bad habit of sticking out his tongue before saying* a difficult woi'd, and as he had a partiality for lengthy words, the school children derived considerable amusement from this .small eccentricity. Finally, there is the would-bo funny person, who, when asked to jrive a pianoforte solo, plays " The Statue of Nelson." This is done by banging the lowest notes as the steps, dragging the finger up the keys for the column, and striking tho highest note for Nelson himself. This is particularly effective when played on tho pianos of nervous old ladies. However to begin our homily on Nelson a la Soutney. Nelson, then, was born September 2, 17.58, ono of a family of eipht, and was fatally wounded in action at Trafalgar on October 21, 1805, and the epitome of his life is best expressed in his own words as he lay dying, " 1 have done my duty." In personal appearance Nelson was always Insignificant, but according to the Welsh idea of height—from the chvn up—ho was a great man. Strangely enough, his first voyages were peaceful ones; but so rapidly did he rise that before he was 21 he was appointed to command the batteries of Fort Charles at Port Royal; but the expected battle did not eventuate. Several times, owing to unjust treatment, he was on the point of quitting the service: but the Revolution breaking out he again offered Iris services, receiving among many other honours the title of Earl St v Vincent Nelson for his services in the battle of that name. His rise from then wa.s rapid, and, though marked by occasional dis-

appointments, England received him with open anus. Later came the battle of Copenhagen, when Nelson, who had by this timo lost his arm and eye, was again victorious, and tho closing of the action gives one of tho finest examples of Nelson's gallant conduct towards the enemy. Shortly after came Trafalgar, and the closing scene. One cannot regret his death in such circumstances; it was but a fitting close to such a life as his. Well for us if wo could echo his words at the close of our little day, "Thank God, I havo done my duty."—Yours truly, PAT. [I well know how the minutes slip by, Pat, and how one's day is crowded with necessary duties. Sometimes, viewed afterwards, they scorn, trifling things, that in some manner leave no time for the bigger things wo would wish to do. I suppose I am selfish in wishing to tako a share of your time, but your letters aro so interesting that naturally I wish to exhibit my best goods that tho younger ones may strive to attain better results.—DOT.] Bear Dot, —Wo aro having very hot weather lately, and are all wanting rain, as wo have to carry water. Tho farmers are wanting rain to bring the crops and turnips on. Well, Dot, the holidays are all over again, and a new year has come again. I spent my holidays up at Tapanui, and enjoyed myself splendidly. I stayed for a fortnight. We went to a gully called Black Gully" on Christmas Day, and New Year's Day for a picnic. One day we climbed to the top of the Blue Mountains. It was a steep climb; but I would rather climb than come down, as it is so jerky coming down. It was very quiet up there on New Year's Eve, but there' was a great crowd on tho streets. During our stay there two girls were drowned in tho Pomabaka River not a great distance from Tapanui. I did not go to the Kelso sports, as they are not particularly interesting. Have you ever been up that way, Dot ? The bush is looking beautiful now, but it does not interest us much. The. people who come from town or any other place where there is no bush take an interest in it. The mlstletoo is out in flower, and on some trees one cannot see anything but red mistletoe. It is rather a pretty flower. My auntie and uncle from Alexandra are down spending a few days with us. Well, 1 think I shall bring this uninteresting letter to a close. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, —-Yours truly, TERRA NOVA II (Honipapa). [One of the anomalies of human naluro is that when anything is within reach of us, as when one has the bush close at hand, and can go there whenever ono wishes, it loses its attractiveness for people. Tho mistletoe must be a. picture at present.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 11 years old, and am in the Fifth Standard. I have two sisters and two brothers. I am staying with my auntie for the first half of my holidays. My cousin is cominjr back with me when I go home. Wo nre milking two cows and feeding two calves. I milk one of the cows sometimes. —Yours truly, IVY LEAF (Tokanui). [You are veiy welcome to join us, IvyLeaf.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We had our two aunties, an uncle, and two cousins clown at Christmas. Three of them went away last Monday, and one went away yesterday. Our teacher is not coming back again to this school. It has been raining here this Week. I have two nico dolls. We went to Dunedin one Friday, but I had no time to come to your office. One of my aunties took a lot of ferns away with her. We will soon be going to school again. All the foins are lovely and green this week. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, RED CROSS NURSE (Houipapa). [You had quite a pleasant gathering for Christmas, Red Cross Nurse; a family reunion at such a time is very nice.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band. I am nine years old, and am in the Third Standard. Wo are milking 22 cows and sending our milk to the dairy factory. We are having our school holidays just now. I havo two sisters; the youngest one will start after the school starts.—Yours truly, GRACE DARLING II (Otara). [As the N.D.P. you have chosen is already in use perhaps you would prefer to choose another one-, dear. —DOT.] AUTOS. Tronhear! (A. IX. Matthews, Post Office, Core) wishes to exchange autos and correspond with Golden Shadows, Waipn, Nathalie's Chum, Tom Purr, Squibs, Lonely Pal, Napoleon. Ploughboy, Stingareo, and any Ij.Jf. willing. Sea Breeze (Agnos Hazel Stewart, Middlemarch, Central Otngo) wishes to correspond with A Soldier From Gallipoli and to exchange initios with Tattle, Sun looks, Broncho Bill, and Texas Boy.