OLD WRITERS' WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3313, 12 September 1917, Page 56

OLD WRITERS' WEEK.

OCTOBER 24. CLOSING DATE OCTOBER 13.

In announcing the date of Old Writers Week I do so with the hope that all our old friends—the really old ones, as well as the later ones—will combine to make this meeting a most interesting one.

If Old Writers will picture to themselves the pleasure it will give our boye who are away to read of and about their old friends, E-nd tbus get a taste of home, even though writing a letter may be somewhat of a burden, I feel confident that all will make an effort to contribute something.

Of the war I have not the heart to say anything, except to trust that before another O.W.W. comes round we may have peace, and our dear ones home again. I appeal to all Old Writers to come forward and contribute, and thus make this reunion one that will be not only interesting to ourselves, but a meeting to be remembered and enjoyed by our Soldier Old Writers. DOT.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:—We write for the benefit of others not for oureelvea. No letter to contain more than 450 worde.

Dear Dot, —We are having nic© weather up here just now. I am nine years old, and in Standard 111. W" have a parrot, and it can talk a little. There are just 10 going l to our school, and two are going to leave at Christmas. We are feeding three calves now. Two of my sisters write to the page. Our ducks are laying. On© of my brothers is away to camp. We have a nice little fire in our school now. We have put in a lot of little trees round the garden, and a few of different kinds of flowers in it. We have a goldfinch and a canary. Our teacher has a lot of hens at the school, and she has a nice Kttle kitten. My brother sent away a lot of rabbitskins a while ago. Our teacher gives us some of the country gentlemen's books to read, and we give her the Witness. We take our teacher some milk every morning, and then she pays us for it. There are only four of lis going to school now. We have frost nearly every morning tip here. I get reading every morning I go to school. We never get exercise at the school. Love to all the D.L.F. —Yours truly, STARGAZER (G-immerburn).

Dear Dot, —Thank yon very much for the bad^e: I did not expect it so soon after writing. Our willow tree is beginning to show signs of life again, and so are some of the other trees. To-day has been a lovely day, bufr towards 4 p.m. it began to get rather cold and windy. I have just finished reading " Tom. and Some Other Girls.." It is a school story. I like girls' or boys' school stories best of all, I think. By last Home -mail we received only a Field Service card from my brother. Best wishes to Silvery Chimes, Brown Eyes, Sunflower, and Mountaineer, and heaps for yourself.— Yours truly, ELFIN" (Gore). Dear Dot, —Wo have two pets at home now—a lamb and a puppy. It is a pretty sight to see them, wprm and snug, at bedtime. The Sunday school anniversary is to be held next Sunday, August 26, and the tea is to be on the 7th September. We have had some fine weather here lately. My two eldest brothers have been home from school three or four days with colds. I shall have to stop now. Best wishes to all the not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BABY'S NURSE (Taneatua). Dear Dot, —I am A Returned Soldier's Son's sister. I suppose you are thinking I am a boy, Dot. It is blowing a gale here to-night. I have read most of Ethel Turner's books. I think she is a very nice writer of girls' books; so is Louisa Alcott. Our dog has four little pups. I have chosen one which I would like. I call him Boss. I know Dumpsy Deedle and Robin Hood. Love to all L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly> BENJAMIN (Warepa). Dear Dot, —It has boon very cold here today. We had a slight fall of snow yesterday morning; but it soon melted. My aunt and unole met with a slight accident about a month ago. They were motoring from Invercargill one wet Saturday, when the car skidded and ran into a telegraph pole. Aunty was thrown out on to the road, and her head was cut in three pla-ces and her side was hurt. Uncle went through the wind-screen, and his head and hands were cut. I am ploased to say they are almost bettor now. When they left they said they would bo home before dark, so you can quite imagine my anxiety when they didn't arrive until 10 o'clock. We are expecting my uncle home from France very soon. It will be just lovelv to have him baok with us once more. The doctor says he will never bo fit for the trenches again, as his nerves are completely done. It is just two years in November since he came home the first time. We are hoping he will get his discharge this time, as it would be dreadful to have to go back the third time. I will close with very best love to all.—Yours trulv, LOCH CARBON (Glencoe). Dear Dot, —We had our term examination last week, and broke up on Friday for a week's holiday. The violets, dtiffodils, and primroses are out in flower now; but I think I liko the violets best of all—they have sj sweet a scent. We have liad very rough weather down here. It rained all day

on Sunday. I hope- it will clear off soon, or it will spoil our holidays. A danoe- in aid-of the Red Cross Society was held on Friday night, and a good number of people turned up. Tliero is to be a concert for the same cause about the middle of this month. St. Andrew's Scottish Society is going to provide the programme. Kind regards to Creamola, A Lonely Crepe Fern, Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, > ORANA (Woodlands).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band ? I am 12 years or age, and in Standard VI. The inspector was here last month, and I hope I have passed. About 112 pupils are going to the Waikaka School, and more are coming. I have three brothers and one sister at home, and another brother staying with my grandmother at Gore. I have an unole at the war, and he was wounded; and also a cousin. A bazaar was held here the other week, and not quite £2OO was collee'ed. Love to al the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BEAVER JIM (Waikaka). [Certainly you may join us. The bazaar must have been a great success to realise such a sum.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have had a very bad cold; but I wasn't so bad as some of the other L.F. down here, as they were in bed for a day or two with it. I was at a send-off in Waikawa about a fortnight ago, and enjoyed myself immensely. A good number of people went in from Slope Point to it. I taw Dolly Varden, Little Miss Neddy Coat, Ivy Green, Black Pansy, A Country Muff, The Wild Irish Shamrock, Firefly, Billy the Barber, and two other L.F. there whoso N.D.P.'s I can't think of. There is going to be another sendoff in Niagara shortly for a soldier _ who is leaving for tho front. I am going in to it if all goes well. I have started to get up a concert and dance hero to gal her money for the wounded soldiers. I don't krow if it will be a success or not, but there is nothing like trying. I got a letter from my cousin, Somebody's Sailor Boy, about a fortnight ago, and he and his two brothers were all doing wejl. If the Main Body gets home for a holiday Somebody's Sailor Boy will be home too. We don't have Bible class here now. We used to have it every Friday night; but our teacher has started teaching school at the Six-mile Mill on Friday night, so he had to give up the class. The other morning, coming home from the Waikawa dance, I fell off my horse • but, fortunately, I fell on the soft sand. I wais in Waikawa last Friday, and I went to see The Wild Irish Shamrock and her grandmother. The Wild Irish Shamrock was ill in bed. Kind regards to Gwen, Jim, A Lonely Crepe Fern, Rose of Lucerne, Dolly Grey, Dolly Dinks, Dolly Varden, Salvador, Draw-Egan Squibs, Gip, and all the other L.F.—Yours truly, MAMARU'S COUSIN (Slope Point).

Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather down here now. We set only a few traps now, as the freezers have shut down. The only seeds we have in so far are radishes and lettuces; but we are going to put pur peas and potatoes in some time next week if the weather is fine, as I hope it will be. We have four old hens' and eight young ones, but. are getting only four eggs a day. The Riverton wood-working class starts on the 10th of this month. We broke up to-day for a fortnight and one day; but on the 17th we go to Technical class again. We all like going very much. After school is over at night we fish off the bridge or off the landing-stage. Last year we caught a good many fish, mostly red cod and mullet. Some nights before the train comes in we go for a walk up towards the cemetery. On one occasion we went, as usual, and were about two miles from the station when We saw a train which we thought was ours, so we sot off and ran all the way back; but, to our surprise, it was not our train at all, and we still had another half-hour to wait. My auntie, who went to England before Christmas, in her last letter to us says that England is a sad place just now. She says they are allowed only Jib of sugar a day, 2oz of bread, and are not allowed to have icing on their cakes. We have a coal mine at Orepuki now, and the coal which conies out is very Rood; and, if I am not mistaken, I think it is Rose's father who runs it. I should like to change my N.D.P. Love to'all the D.L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MES SINES (Orepuki). [Possibly it is my mistake, but I did not fincf your N.D.P. among the 230 under the letter S. It does not do to take it for granted that the new N.D.P. is not already appropriated, and I shall be obliged if L.P will be kind enough to ask if they can assume a new pen-name before signing it to their letters.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —In this corner the winter weather has been far better than the spring weather so far. We ha/d our exam, this week, and next week is our term holidays, so I am looking forward to having a good time. I think I shall be going up to Tokanui to my uncle's place for a few_ days before the cows come in. I suppose it will be our last chance off before we get into harness again for the year. I spent my last term holidays in Tokanui, and I enjoyed myself very much. My cousin took me- to se© a hauler pulling logs out of the bush, and to several other pla-ces. Our Sunday school teacher gave me a nice book for good attendance. The name of it is "Peter Trawl." Best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—;Yours truly, ' OTARA EEL (Otara). [All the work at a sawmill is very interesting; but one regrets to see the lords of the forest, that have taken hundreds of years to attain perfection, laid low in a few minutes. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you will allow me to join your happy band. I like reading the L.F. letters. I am nino years old. I have been away from school for a while, as I have betn ill; but I am getting better now. The weather is very cold here. It has been raining all day I wish it would clear up. for I canno+ get out if it is cold. I will write a longer letter next time. Love to a'l tho D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Y ours trulv, RED ROSEI II (Owaka Valley). [You are welcome to join us, dear; but as I already have a writer using the pen-name you have adopted you can, if you like, select another.—DOT.]

Dea-r Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? As my sister is writing I would like to write too. I am seven years old, and am in Standard I at school. We have five little lambs and a lot of hens, and we get a good number of eggs. I have a little brother. I hope my writing will pass, Dot, as I do not write often with ink.—Yours truly, HONEY BEE (Owaka Valley). [Yes, you may join us, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? I have two brothers in France. I** is raining very heavily to-day. The farmers are getting the grmmd ready for their crops. I go to school and am in Standard IV- I am 12 years of age. I

live about a mile trom iho school and half a. mile from the beach. There is a lot of bush about here. I see ships on the ocean sometimes. I will now conclude with love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, THE ROVER (Wangaloa). [You are welcome, Rover. Fortunately your A.. DP. ..locs not appear to have been already appropriated.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 15 years of age, and have left, school over two years. I enjoy reading the D.L.P. letters very much. I have four uncles at the war, one of whom left with the Fifth Reinforcement, and has never had a day's sickness, except a few days on the ocean. One of my uncles, who lives 25 miles from hero, has a Buick motor oar. He has been over in it several times to see us, and he sometimes let me drive. I have a camera. Photography is a very interesting hobby. I took a lot of photos in Timaru; but, unfortunately, only a few were a success. Timaru is a very pretty little town. Is your pony a half-Shetland, Beverley? I did not think she had any of the Shetland blood in her. We have had a very good winter, as we have had only two snowstorms, and the snow did not lie long on the level country. The Aurora Australis a few nights ago was very pretty. Kindest regards to Beverley, Hermit, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—l T ours truly, STATION MASTER (Kokonga). [Yes, you may join us, dear. Photography requires care and patience to make it a success.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? We had our school concert on Friday night, August 31. Our school exam, will be on September 11, and I hope I pass. I am nine years of age, and am in the Second Standard at school. As this is my first letter I will close. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, ' JACK FROM BEYONT (Ngapara). [You are» welcome to join us, dear. I trust you are successful at your examination.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Although I am a few days over the age, I thojght I would send in a retiring letter, as I had not written for some time. I always take a keen interest in the page, and hope that it will continue to be the success it has been. We have been having very nice weather lately, but to-day it has been raining very heavily. Last week we had a very heavy hailstorm, and the hail stayed on the ground for quite a time afterwards. I think that a fall of snow would be very nice, as we could have soma good fun snowballing; but we never get heavy snow in Timaru. I hear that you are trying to start a club, Postman Henry. If it could be managed I think it would be quite a nice idea, as we could have some nice social evenings. My sister News Agent is keeping house at present, as mother is away for a holiday. My sister is quite a good cook, only she does not like getting up in the morning, so she generally gets someone else to light the fire for her, as she thinks about half-past 8 is quite early for rising. I do not blame people for lying in bed in winter; but I think the early morning in summer is the best/part of the day, and we usually go in for bathing it the weather is nice. Last year we were in one or two mornings at half-past 4 o'clock; so, you see, we don't mind an early wash. News Agent never joins us, as she doesn't like bathing. Our Bible class members are ,having a picnio on Labour Day; but we haven't decided where to go yet. Well, dear Dot, I will close, wishing the page every prosperity in the future. Love +o Scherzo, Last Rose of Summer, Golden Feather, and all the rest, not forgetting dear Dot. —Yours truly, LAMPLIG-HTER'S NIECE (Timaru).

[Although many new writers come forward every week, I am always sorry to have to part with old friends. I trust that as years go by you will try to remember Old Writers' Week, and so keep up the connection with the page and revive old friendships.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is raining very hard here to-day. We axe having a week's holiday from school, and I am very glad, as I do not like school. My favourite lessons are drawing and history, and I hate everything else, especially arithmetic, like poison. They are putting up the posts for the electrio lights here. Oui school concert was on Thursday, August 30. The place was just packed. ' Mv brother and I were going to the Public Gardens this morning; but, as it was raining, we off till tlie next fine day. The sea is making a noise like thunder to-day, and I would like to go and see it : but I cannot, as it is too wet. I am reading "Melbourne House." aw* i;} ™ it all right, although it is not the sort of book I prefer. I like reading books about smugglers, of adventure, secret hidingplaces, and perils, and about boys at school. We have a very mischievous parrot which do~3 not say much, but he is very tame. When he is hungry he says "Butcher.' He also- says "Bo quick" and " Pre+t y cocky. We had our inspector's examination last , Mondav and Tuesday. We have a good few more daffodils out now. We did not have any lessons at; school on Friday, but were reading sight-readers and playing all the time. Love to Vanitv Fair, Fairy. Darkie, and all the other L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, BROWNIE (Oamaru). [You appear to have read a number of exciting books, Brownie, judging from the long list ytfti gave. As the concert was noticed in last week's issue I have not given the programme. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is raining here to-day. Wo have a lot of lambs now; one is a pet, and we call it Jumbo. We have a calf, and its name is Tommy. Since I last wrote to the pace we have got a car; we have had it three weeks to-day. The daffodils are coming out now. A concert and dance in our school is to be. held on Friday, and I am <roing if it is fine. I am knitting a pair of socks for the soldiers. We have about 40 hen 3; but we do not get many eggs now. We have had our examination; but I do not know vet if I have passed. I have planted some poppies, wallflowers, and sweet pea seeds. We are milking four cows.— Yours truly, CH AHITY (Levels). Dear Dot, —I am learning music, and my teacher had a concert on August 31, which was a great success. I do not know yet the exact amount of money that they got, but I ihmk that it will be about £2O, which is very good for the district. The proceeds of the concert are to go to the Red Cross, and besides the money our teacher also got each of her pupils to work a square, of which she made a quilt. The weather here has been very fine considering that it is just the beginning of spring. All the spring flowers are beginning to come out and the gardens aro looking very nice. There is a farmer beside us who has a great many little lambs, but my father has not any yet. We had our term examination last week, and we have term holidays this week. I am not going away anywhere for my holidays; but lam going to help my mother with the work, because there is always a

food amount of work to do in a farmhouse. s I have no sisters, my mother is very glad of any help she can get from me. My eousin was up for a few days. She writes to the page, and her N.D.P. is Japonioa. I do not read many books; but I am reading a very interesting one just now. One of my mates at school is very fond of reading, and when she starts a book ehe keeps at it till she finishes it. Love to Japonica, Clover Leaf, Frances, Flower o' the Pine, Golden Bud, Maid of Bute, and yourself.—Yours truly, DORIS MAY (Lumsden). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 11 years old, and am in Standard V. We have two ponies—one belongs to my brother. Wo have a Buick motor car. We have three geese, seven ducks, and two drakes. It is very windy down here just now. We have a large orchard, and we are feeding four calves and milking five cows. We have about 90 wee lambs. I have two Bi3ters and one brother, and they are going to the Convent in Winton. We have a number of daffodils out now. My father has two men working for him at present. This afternoon my father and brother were looking around the sheep. Quite a number of young men from here are away to the war; and I it will scon end. Wee Dot is over here to-day, and she is going to take one of the ponies away with her for a week. Janny Wren stopped here for three weeks. Love to Trentham, Wee Dot, Swanhilda, and Jenny Wren, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GEORGINA (Lime Hills). [Certainly you may join us, dear. Your lambs are early for Southland. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —One of my brothers has been wounded, but the other two axe well. I have been sorting up the flower garden and also trying my hand at the vegetables. We have planted carrots, parsnips peas, cabbage, and parsley. It is a good distance out of the township where I am; but I can always employ my time in making my clothes or fancy work of some sort. There are two Persian cats here. They were very wild when I came here; but I am getting them quiet now. I like riding on horseback very much, and for that reason would not like to live in a town. The epring is here, but it has not brought warmer weather with it. There are a few little lambs about here. Very few eligible men are left here, and what there are will be called up in the ballot now on, I expect. Love to all L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, SISTER OF THREE SOLDIERS (Dipton). [Thanks for the full information given in making the request to change your N.D.P.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been pouring here all day, so I have not been able to go out. I lost my D.L.F. badge. The Maoris gave a concert for patriotic purposes the other night, and it was very good. My brother is going to Dunedin and the Bluff next week on his motor bike. Mother is i going down south at Christmas, but I do not know if lam going. The public school children have a week's holiday on account of diphtheria, which is very bad at present. A military ball was held here a few weeks ago, and it proved a great success. I am not learning music at present, and don't think I will start again till next year. Best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, PIKI TANIWHA (Hawera). [I would advise L.F. to cherish their badges. I have only about a dozen left, and am not at all sure that another supply will be available until the war is over. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here is very good. It was rather cold this morning owing to a severe frost. The lant of the senior football matches was played last Wednesday, the Star Football Club being the winners of the shield. The skating carnival commences to-morrow night. I think I shall go and see what it is like. I attended a dramatic performance given here by all local talent a short time ago. The play was entitled "The Noble Outcast," and it proved a. success owing to the different actors having thoroughly rehearsed their oarta. The flowers are very attractive now. We have a. great number of violets out, and daffodils are very numerous. Some boys came back from the front about a fortnight ago, and it is a pleasure to see them among us again. After a few short addresses by the Mayor the spectators dispersed, and the soldiers went off to their respective homes. Best wishes to all my correspondents, not forgetting vonrsolf.—Yours truly, DRAW-EGAN (Invercargill). Dear Dot, —We are having our winter holidays now—we are getting our two weeks. I have one cousin at the front who is now worfnded in the arm, and I think he is getting it cut off. It will be hard luck for him. I have just written to our old school teacher (G. Swan), who is now a lieutenant. He was a. very good teacher, and was liked very much. I will conclude with love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours trulv, HTNEUMUTAIII (Otakou). Dear Dot, —I am sitting for an exam, tomorrow (Thursday) 6th lust. I expect to be going home for my nnr.nal leave on Monday next. The going home is alwaya something to look forward to. and seeing yor.v parents, sisters, and brothers. Some of my mates went to the war wi+h the last reinforcement. Two of my school mates are coming back from Engßnd when they a.re convalescent. I do not think T shall ever get to the front, as I am just 18. I have not seen a D.L.F. in -own for about 12 mouths, and I do not correspond with any now. I would exchange aut-os with soim*, but I do no* know their ages. I answered one ov two, but found out that they were bo+h very small children. large number of our boys are resigning owing to ilie curtailment of opportunities through the introduction of labour. Rfgards to all the D.L.F. —Yours truly.' ALL BLACK (Dunedin). Dear Dot, —We are having unsettled weather here. It is more like winter now than it was during the winter months; but we get an occasional spring day. I -was down to see Dolly Varden last week, and tad a good time, as it was a fine day. I ad a eood ride home in the lovely moonlight. There is no minister stationed here at present; but one pays a visit once a month. He is preaching to-night; but as it is very cold and wet we did not attend, although we would have liked to go. We have no wee lambs and onlv one we© calf yet.' I suppose wu will have had enough of the calves and cows, too, before the milking season is over. Milking isn't half bad (except for the awfully long hours) when there Is no mud; but the mud is fearful. Since I last wrote to the page (ages ago) I have left school, and like being at home best. The spring flowers are coining out nicely now. According to the paper my brother arrived at his destination some time ago; but we haven't had any letters from him since he left Australia. What an awfully long wait it is for letters after the boys leave Australia until their letters get back from England. My brother-in-law is

still in oamp. Another soldier is expected down her© on final leave soon. Do you know who I am, Mother's Nuraegirl? Your parents and mine were very well acquainted when you were living at Spring Hills. And you, Draw-Eagan, we went to the same school at Woodlands a good few years ago. Best love to Snow Crystal, Orana, Creamoata, A Lonesome Lily, lolanthe, Dolly Varden, A Country Muff, A Country Muff's Mate, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly A LONELY CREPE FERN (Waikawa Valley).

Dear Dot,—We are having very rough weather here just now. The wet weather and I do not agree. My sister is away for a few days' holiday, and she has a bike now. By the last mail from Franco we received 17 letters altogether. We were very pleased to get them. It was Violet Day here yesterday, and I think it was a great success. My birthday is on the last day of this month. I have read a few books lately, including "Eunice," "Alan's Puzzle," "The Cricket Club," and " Ethel a.t Roeolands. There aru s, number <>f pretty flowers out just now—daffodils, jonquils, and numbers of violets. I went to the Middle School concert on Thursday night, and I enjoyed myself very much, as the children gang very nicely. Best love to all my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PEG 0' MY HEART (Oama.ru).

Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather here just now. I know both Pawny Bill and The Little Torment. They live no f , far from us. I should like to change my nom de plume. We are all busy just now knitting and making up parcels for the soldiers. We are having a big jumble sale on the 28ih of this month An organ has been given, nnd it is being raffled. Love to Dad's Girl, Nurse Ella's Mate, Silver Sand, and heaps to yourself.—Yours truly, CORALIE (Romahapa).

[You do not mention what N.D.P you used previously. Please do so the next time you write, so that I can note the change.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy bond? T am 10 years old, and was born on Christmas Day. I live on a farm, and have two miles to walk to the High School. We have two cows nr.ilking, and I milk one while dad is busy with the team sowing wheat. I have a nice calf, which I take for a run at night. We have three black cats, and mine climbs on to my shordder. I have two uncles at the front, and one of them has won the Military Medal. They have been at the front almost three years. Love to. the L.F.—Yours truly, FRECKLES (Milton).

[You are welcome to join us, dear. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become one of yoatr happy band? For many years I have taken a great interest in the page, and find that I know quite a number of Little Folk. I am 12 years old, and in the Fifth Standard at school. I go to the Brunner Convent School, and have lo go by the train in the morning and evening. I have three sisters and one brother. The Coast is a very wet place. We used to live in Southland once, and I would rather live there than here. Love to C-rev Eyes and Leola.—Yours truly, OLGA PETItOVNA (Ngahere).

[Yes, you are welcome, dear. The Coast is somewhat damp at times; but droughts are not unknown even there.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is raining at present, and has been doing so nearly all day nnd al! last night. I was in Dunedin yesterday; I went in on Friday morning and came home last night. I quite enjoyed myself too. I was speaking to a young lady on the train coming from Ravensbourne. She was wearing the D.L.F. badge, so naturally we pot talking about the page. a number of members there must be! T don't think we would be able to count them even if we tried. I suppose you will want to know a little about Outram. I haven't been here long; but I think I will be able to tell you a little. My idea is that it is one of the prettiest little places, especially up Woodside way, on the whole of the Taieri. Woodside is mostly taken up by farmers for cropping, etc. There seems to be a lovely bush on the side of the hill; but as I haven't been through it yet I am not able to tell you anything about its supposed beauties. "The Evolution of Sara," by Evelyn Everett, is a very nice book. Another of my favourites is "Tender and True." I think everyone should read that book. Love to Harp of Erin, Little Sister, and to your own dear self —Yours truly, MAHARA.NI KE RAPUTNA (Outram). Dear Dot,—l am staying in ' Inyercargill just now; this is my second day here. I have two cousins away at the war. We have had our examination, and the teacher said we did very poorly. We play rounders at school Love to all the D.L.F. emd yourself.—Yours truly, NORHAM (Ferndale). Deor Dot, —Since I last wrote there have been a good few changes about here, and two more men from here have been drawn in the ballot. The lambing season has come in again, and we have about 20 lambs now. I ba.ve a fortnight's term holidays, and am busy stumping I am reading "David Coppc-rfield," and find the book very interesting. It is very good, and is highly appreciated by all who read it. It will be my birthday on September 19. when I shall have attained the age of 13 years. Wo had the traction engine here stumping for us for two or three days. The weather has lately become unsettled : but we had a very fine winter all through. Dinhtheria has been going round here lately, and four patients were sent from this district and about a dozen from the surrounding 1 district ; but most of these were mild cases. The school here has, however, b<--cn closed. Kind regards to all the L.F. as well as yourself.—Yours *rnlv, TRUMP CARD (Te Wae Wae). Dear Dot, —As I have taken a very great interest in your page, I have decided to' ask you to please enrol me as one of your happy family. My brother was wounded in France on the 7th of August, but is progressing favourably; he went away with the Eleventh Reinforcement. The skating carnival is on here soon, and I am sure many will attend owing to the number of performers taking part. Best love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SOMME (Invercargill). Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to the page we have shifted from South Hillend to Wallacetown, which is seven miles from Invercargill. Tnri Lad and Faii-y Maid and my other two little, brothers have just got over the scarlet fever. They were about three months away from school. A concert was given up hero in aid of the Sunday school and church choir. I often see Cluaran when I go to town. He is an O.W. I still work at Underwood Factory; I have been there quite ft long time. The faotory is worth going through, as there is a lot of wonderful machinery in it. All the young lads out of this district that were, fit, for active service have been taken. I don't suppose you know, Dot, that Silver Thorn and her people have shifted up to Have-

look, which is in the North Island. They are going to leave my little cousin in the Wellington Hospital. She has been suffering from infantile paralysis for about three years. She was in the Invcrcargill Hospital for 11 months, but she is not much better. We have a good few violets and daffodils out now; but they were all withered at the tops by the frost and winds. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself Yours truly, OLD STATION (W&llacctown).

[lt might have been advisablo to add your own name as there is always a possibility of a mistake occurring where there lias been a change of address.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was going for a ride on my pony to-day, but the day proved to be too wet. Daddy found a dear little lamb to-day, and I am very glad, as I like lambs for pets. We have the telephone on, and we find it very useful. I have six cousins at the war. One went out with the Slain Body and fought at Gallipoli, and has been six months in the trenches in France. Mamma is teaching us the piano, and I like it very much. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself. —Yours truly, RED HEATHER (Rock and Pillar).

Dear Dot, —I received my badge safely, and I am very pleased with it. We had our term examination last week, and this week we have our holidays. Wild Bear is first in my class. I am going away for a holiday Tho cows will be calving next month, and I will have to do my share of the milking; but I like milking. My grandmother is staying with us at present for a holiday. The daffodils, violets, and primroses are coming out and beginning' to make a show in the garden. Love to Silver Violets, Queen of Iho Heather, Pickles, and all tho other D.L.F., not forgetting yciirself.—Yours truly, FIREFLY II (Lime Hills).

Dear" Dot, —One of my cousins hurt his hand rather badly at the workshops. My brother and I ride to school every morning. There is going to be a fancy dress ball at Five Rivers*, about three miles away from here. My mother is writing out a notice now. My brother, who is at the war, has been in the hospital for 12 months. I have another brother; but ho is not fit to go. I will close with a riddle: What is it that has teeth but it never eats'?—Yours truly, A NEW ZEALANDER (Five Rivers).

Dear Dot, —Winter is over now, but it is still rather cold. A good lot of rain fell last Saturday, and we had some snow, which was not very nice. The ground was white on Sunday morning; but the sun came out, and it soon melted away. I went to play with my cousins yesterday. They live ah cut one mile from us. ■ It rained all the way home, but I got ft ridle home with my brother. I was 1] years old last month. I am in Standard IV at school. There are only two of us going to school now. My little brother has just gone to bed, and everything is quiet now, for he is a noisy little fellow. He doesn't like the wet days, as he can't get outside, and we have had a good many lately. We have 22 hens, and they have laid well all winter. We have also three geese, and two of them are sitting and one is still laying. I have read several books lately, which I enjoyed very much. We had a large flood here some time ago. The Water was just at the back of our stable. I am learning to ride our pony; she is a little pet, named Dolly. I have a little guinea pig, and he comes running for a biscuit every morning. We have two cats, and they try to catch the guinea pig; but they are great pets all the same. They are very good hunters, and catch a lot of rabbits. It is getting near bed-time, so I will close. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TUT II (Kyeburn). Dear Dot, —My brother was wounded; but we are all so pleased to think he is quite well again. We had a letter from him last we k. Getting a letter from my brother at the front is as good as passing me a £lO note. The weather has been very wet for the past few days; but to-day was so hot we couldn't walk, so my two sisters and myself went away through the bush. We took the gxm with us, but the only thing we saw was a rat running across the road. My mother's pig had 16 young ones. We were going to milk when the dog found all the young pigs. My father gave me one to take home. I was that frightened that I just stood there and yelled, and my other sisters just stood and laughed.—Yours truly, LONG ISLAND (The Neck) [I should like you to add your real name when next you write. I received two letters last week signed Long Island, and as you say it is a long time since you wrote to the page, it would seem as if someone else wap using your N.D.P.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been very wet for the last month, but to-day is the most beautiful spring day wo have had yet. My mother and I have been busy gnrdeiiing all day; it is the first opportunity we have had, and we have been making the best of it. We had a hard easterly gale for three days, and ns it was spring tides, an awful lot of damage was done to the roads going round the coast. One of the fishing boats was blown ashore and smashed up. One of my good daffodil buds was broken off with the wind, so I put it in water. I hope it will come oiit, as it is the first year we have had it. It is named Van Wavern's Giant, and I am very anxious to see what it is like. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CAVALLINT (Stewart Island).

Dear Dot, —We have over 50 lambs now, and throe of them are pets. One of the pots is mine, and I would like a name for him, as I cannot think of any good names. We have only three cows milking- at pi'esent, but in the summer time there will be 15 milking. Love to Iryell, Mignonette, Corunna, and The I/it tie Torment, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DOROTHEA (Romahapa).

[Try and think of a suitable name youi - - self, Dorothea. Without knowing the disposition of the family, the appearance and nature o-f the animal, suggested names are- invariably inappropriate. If a kindly-disposed pot, how would it do to call him after your favourite general on the Allied: side; or, if of an opposite disposition, rail him Fritz or Hindenburg.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —We hiivo not had our examination yet. I do wish it. was over, a-s I am quite tired of school now. Wo have two cows milking, and two more will be coming in this month. One o[ then! is my cow. so T suppose I will have to milk her. Bride's Cake's sis+er died nboxit a month ago. She loaves a husband and yoimrr family to mourn their loss. I am sure fl.ll the D.D.F. will ioin me in expressing our deepest eymnathy for Bride's Cake and her relations. We ore getting about a dozen eggs a. day; it is not very many eggs to get from 40 hens. It is dreadful to think of all the young soldiers who have gone from New Zealand, the majority never to return;. I have an uncle wounded at the war; he will be going back again, though. What is tho retiring age, Dot? I don't suppose. I have nearly reached that yet. I have lost my D.D.F. brooch. The pin used

to come undone, and one day I put it on my little sister and she lost it. Love to A Lonely Sweetheart, A Lonely Sweetheart'* Mate, and all the rest of the L.F., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, " AN UNWILLING HEROINE (Awamangu).

[I have noted your changed N.D.P. I am indeed sorry to learn of the death of Bride's Cake's sister, and I join with the L.F. in respectfully tendering our sympathy to the sorrowing sister, husband, children, ar.d relatives.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It Is raining to-night, but not very hard. I hope it will stop soon. A concert was held at Kelso (which is about four miles from hero), and my sister played a part in a dialogue—she was the servant. Tho name of the dialogue was "Hoaxed and Coaxed-" The inspector is coming on the 13th of this month. I hope I pass. I will close with love to all my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A SISTER OF TWO SOLDIERS (Tapanui). NOTICES TO D.L.F. A Sister of Two Soldiers.—Send your own name and address. Without these no L.F. can respond to your request for correspondence. The Flower of Dunblane's Friend.—Please send your own name and address. The address I have seems ' incomplete. Joan of Arc ll.—You need not change your• N.D.P. unless l you like, dear. Dot could not well select one of you without knowing your taste and inclinations. AUTOS. AND CORRESPONDENCE. Olga Petrovna (Irene Gillooly, Ngahere, West Coast) would like to exchange autoa with Leola, Grey Eyes, and any other L.F. willing. Ttii II (Kathleen Pearson, Kyebum) wishes to exchange autos with Towser Meg, Father's Pride, Edelwiss, The Little Torment, and any other L.F. under 14. Old Station (Miss Mary Dagg, Wallacetown) would like to exchange auios with Vanity Fair, Mountain Laddie, Clemalis, Brown Eyes, Rose, Island Girl, Taniwha, and Butterfly Dick. Mamaru's Cousin (Christina .Harnett, Slope Point, via Fortrose) wishes to correspond with Lovdy, Gip, Dolly Grey, and Rose of Lucerne. Hineumutohi (Mari Thompson, Otakou) would like to correspond with any L.F. over 11 years of age. Feirfly II (Viena M'Naught, Lime Hills, Southland) would like to correspond with any L.F. willing. Reomoana, (Kathleen Sullivan, Clyde) would like to correspond with any youthful L.F. willing. She received letters in reply to a previous request, but they were all from girls older than herself.