OLD WRITERS' WEEK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3314, 19 September 1917, Page 56

OLD WRITERS' WEEK.

OCTOBER 24. CLOSING DATE OCTOBER 13. In announcing the date of Old Writers' Week I do ao with the hope that all our old friends—the really old ones, a 3 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 boys who are away to read of "and about their old friends, Mid thus get a taste of home, even though writing a letter may be somewhat of a burden, I feel confidei t 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. ■"s. 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 ourselves. No letter to contain more than 450 words. Dear Dot, —It has been raining and blowing to-day, as usual. The water cart is beginning its rounds in the Main street again. I often wish it would come up our road, as it is so dusty. In the winter time it is just like one long bog. All the coal carts go up and down—up and down ©very day except Sunday; and also the milk carts, when the factory is open. The spring flowers are looking pretty just now. The other night when I was coming home I saw something queer on our fence, and when I was quite close I discovered it was an old turnip hollowed out, and a face carved on it, with a candle-, in the inside. I found a mate of mine and her cousin behind the fence, so, of course, I joined them. Some of the remarks people made nearly mad© us give the show away. Even the policeman next door had to look at it, and thought it had a beautiful face. Love to all the L.F. and also yourself.— Yours truly, ELFIN (Gore). Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote I have left Kakapuaka, and am now working in -the twine mills. I like my work, and think it is very interesting. I have to walk up a long hill night and morning; but it is good exercise, and I am always nice and warm by the time I reach my destination. There are some lovely hills round about Romahapa, and we get a lovelv view from where I am boarding, being able to see all th© surrounding districts,. There was a very pretty wedding in Romahapa to-day, the bride being Biddy Malone, an Old Writer. The wedding was well attended, and the happy Wide and bridegroom left for their honeymoon with a pair of old boots tied on to the b*)ck of their motor car. Love to Nurse Ella Junior, Nurse Ella's Mate, The Sister of a Soldier, Bonny Mary of Argyle, and all other D.L.F., not forgetting vourself. —Yours truly, THE FLOWER OF DUNBLANE'S FRIEND (Romahapa). [Please send your own name and address, and repeat your request.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —We have had our examination with Dr Don as examiner. We have three calves, and are milking four cows now. We have one pet lamb, and 50 in the paddock. We "feed our sheep on chaff. We have a very nice teacher, and we would not like_ her to leave. We have had 11 days' holiday; but I went nowhere. We had very heavy _ rain on Saturday afternoon, and it continued on Sunday all day. We have a man +o work the team. We are getting the school garden readv for planting vege f ables. None of the children at our school appear to write to the page. Otir liens are beginning to lay now. We have three dogs, and their names are Rook. Spring, and Mick. I am getting my garden done up to plant seeds in. We are not sending our cream away yet, but are making butter. We have one pig, and we killed another. A boy at our school fell off bis horse and broke his leg, and he is in the hospital. _ We have a little grey kitten, and we call it Pukearero. We have two gardens at school—one for young trees and the other for vegetables.—Yours trulv, SCARLET OAK (Island Cliff).

Dear Dot,—l am 12 Years old, and in the Fifth Standard. We have no lnnilis yet, but I-suppose it is time enough. All the farmers are busy ploughing to get their crops in. I have not much news, so will close. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SPRUNG BLOOM (Moa Creek).

Dear Dot.—The weather was beautiful today, but to-night it started to rain again. The pictures . come here once a woek, and that is all there is to pro to. The footballers had a dance here last Friday nis-ht, so I went to it, and had a most enjoyable time. A car load of ladies came out from Mosffiel to it, and we all enjoyed it thoroughly. We enjoy it more because it is only once in several months that we ever have a dance here. I will bring this to a close. Love to Gwen and all the D.L.F., not forgetting the best of wishes to yourself, Dot.—Yours trulv, ORPINGTON LASS (Milton).

Dear Dot, —My -little baby sister has been very ill, and my mother was up night and day with her. Queen of the May and I

have been ill, and I am not properly bettor yet, so my mother lias had her hands full. We received a telegram the other day to say that my uncle, who had been at the front for two years, dir.-l of wounds. I was getting Ihe latter.?, and received O.is sad news at the same time. Wo did get a shock, My father c;imc homo from Wellington the oilier night; lie is u messenger in the Parliamentary Buildings. My sister is learning dancing, and I am learning music. It is my birthday to-morrow. My little cousin has to go to the hospital. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, KILTY LASS (Barkly). Dear Dot,—To-day is very nicj and sunny. Do you think I am improving in my writing? We have had three lady teachers since our old teacher went away to Melbourne. I hope our previous teacher will be all right when she comes back, becauso she wont away for the good of her health. I have been away from school for two mornings because my mother is in Dunedin for two days. I" have a nice little pup. We have two colours of violets out —purple and white.—Yours trulv, AUGUST BEYRAL (Waitahuna). [Your writing is steadily improving, dear, but. you are still somewhat weak in your spelling; but perseverance will cure that. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having our term holidays at present ; we had a fortnight, and the time is nearly over now. On Tuesday Ahua and I and a friend went to the beach for a picnic. It was a lovely day, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely, except when I managed to tilt the kettle and spill three-quarters of the water into the fire. The others laughed at me and thought it a good joke, but I did not think so, after all the pains I had taken to prepare it. The next day Ahua's brother took us and some friends up the river. When we were going up the launch got stuck on the sand banks, and the men had to get out and push us off. After we had gone about four miles we got out and had dinner at the Government tables. We had our photos taken, and then went faither up the river to see the scenery. There is no doubt the Pourakina is a beautiful river, and people from the towns about here could not spend a more enjoyable day than on its waters. A good while ago you could go much farther up, but a tree has fallen right over it, and therefore stops further progress. _ It is much nicer past this part of the river, and the trees and ferns that grow in abundance are simply beautiful It is often compared with the Wanganui River. The Maori word " Pourakrna" means dirty water, because it' has a brown appearance in some parts. Lucille Love has been busy planting flower seeds lately. My mother and I had an exciting time to-day. We have a little black pig, and as a sty was not ready we put him into the old fowlhouse. He burrowed his way out, and we gave chase. We caught him after we had had not a little bother, and got him by the hind legs, and shovelled him into his house again. We had a rather severe shock of earthquake" on Friday. We had a letter from my uncle in France by the last mail, and we were pleased to hear that he came through the battle,' of Messines sa.fely. . The Appeal Board is sitting her© to-day. Such a lot of the men in this district are turned down. I will conclude, with love to Ahua, Lucille Love, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ANZAC'S NIECE (Riverton).

[All who make th© trip up the Pourakina speak in enthusiastic terms of its beauty.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 12 years old, and in Standard V. Our school garden is looking better 'ust now, as we have been digging it and cleaning the grass off the paths. I went for a holiday to Christchurch last Christmas; but I did not like the town, although the journey was all right. I brought a football to school, and we try to kick it over the top of the school; but I think we will have to stop, or we will kick it through the window. _ I have four sisters —two com* to school with me, one is under school age, and my eldest sister goes to the Balclutha Technical School. I rido my bicycle to school in fine weather and on frosty mornings. I live on a farm, and it is a very busy time in winter feeding all the animals._ I have a pony named Teddy, and he sometimes tries to run away with me, but he has not put me off yet. There is to be a social in Puerua Hall on Tuesday night to a soldier leaving the district for the front, and I think I will go to it. I am not afraid to go out in a dark night, as I have a good lamp on my bicycle; it gives out a very fine, bright light. Mum's Bad Boy is my mate at school, and we have fine fun together.— Yours truly, DAD'S GOOD BOY (Waitepeka). [You are welcome to the page, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I received the badge, and am very pleased witr it. I think it very pretty, and am very pnrad of it. Another of our cows has calved. I am now milking five, and I think another one will be in shortly. To-day is my fifteenth birthday. The ball at Portobello last Friday night was a success, and although there was not an extra crowd there, everyone seems to have enjoyed the function. When my sister and two of my cousins were going up to the ball they met with an accident, and my sister had her arm put out. Love to all the I/.F 1 ., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

TAREWAI (Otakou)

[I am sorry to hear of the accident to your sister, and hope she will soon be all right again.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just come back from a week's holiday, which I spent at Waianakalua. The weather was lovely, and I enjoyed myself very much. I went driving some days, and I liked it very much, as we do not, have many drives in town. Our school concert was a great success. Our school won the banner for football this year, and the players had their photos taken. My brother was in the team. He is writing to you to-night. The weather is getting warmer, and I will soon be able to go to the ba*hs. I will be glad, because I like swimming very much, and can swim 50 vards. Our school has a fife and drum band. I am going in for a music examination, and am practising for it. Love to all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly,

LITTLE DREAM GIRL (Oamaru).

Dear Dot, —A Country Lass is mv mate at school. I have a cycle, and I like riding on it very much, as we have good roads for cycling. I was 13 years old last August. The Ist of September dawned bright and clear, but towards evening it started to rain, and continued all Sunday. Wo have a money box in our school, and we got £1 out of it the other day. We bought knitting wool, knitting cotton, and service bags. We knit for the Red Cross. I have knitted four pairs of sooks. We have QA children going to school; five new pupils came this morning. I gv> to Bible Class every Wednesday night, and liko it very much, be-

cause our minister is a very good preacher, and is also very interesting. I am learning to play the piano, and like it very muck. I have '.o practise an hour every day. The inspector has not been to our school yet. I am entering for my proficiency certificate, and hope I get it, because I can then leave school. My brother was drawn ; n the ballot to-day. Gooseberry Bill is at the war. When Bruce II wrote to the page he bought a D.L.F. badge, and afterwards gave it to me. I have lost it many times, but have always found it again. It is made of very good .silver, because it has never rusted. The violets are coming out in flower. A friend of mine ha 3 red, white, and blue violets, and they are very pretty. We have a nice teacher; she comes from Anderson's Bay. Have you ever been to Clydevale, Dot? It is a very pretty country place. What age have you to be beforo you can become an O.W. ? I have a brother at the war; he used to writ© to the page. Love to my comrades.—Yours truly, STANHOPE (Clydevale). [Yes, dear, I paid a visit to Clydevale some few years back.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo have just had > our second term examination at school, and then we had a week's holiday. By the time this letter roaches you we will be back at school again. On the 12th of this month we are starting cookery classes at school.— Yours truly, SOMEBODY'S FRIEND . (Rdverton).

Dear Dot, —In my last letter to- the page I told you one of my uncles was returning from the front. Well, he is to arrive in Auckland on the 9th of this month. The boat bringing the wounded soldiers, of which my uncle was one, was to have arrived in Wellington, but they did not have enough coal to come to New Zealand, so they called at Sydney. They will have seen a little more before coming back to " dear old New Zealand," for when they arrived in Sydney the strike was on, and they could not obtain any coal, and they have been detained there for 10 days. If my uncle is well enough to come to Wellington, I think he will come down, as he is given a free ticket to travel over any railway lines in New Zealand. I think it is a very good idea giving the returned soldiers a. free ticket to iravel to see their friends, and a trip to Rotorua would no doubt do them good. This letter is all about my uncle, as we axe so excited at him coming home. I will close now, as I am going to " Our Theatre," Newtown, with my sister. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, MOLLIE (Wellington South).

[I can quite understand how the thought of the return of your uncle overshadows everything else.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Stanhope and I are going to join the Returned Soldiers' Club. Have you heard of it, Dot? Will you give my kitten a female name please ? We are having lovely weather here just now.. There are many spring flowers out. I have an uncle wounded in the Walton-on-Thames Hospital. There are 24 children going to our school. lam in Standard VI, and wish to leave school. Many soldiers have left Clydevale to go to the war. We hope the ones that are left will be spared to come back. There is good war news in the paper to-day; it is to be hoped it continues. We are busy in our school gardens. We planted some seeds the other day, so we hope they gfow. Stanhope tried to teach me to ride a bicycle, but did not succeed. We knit for the soldiers at our school every Tuesday afternoon. We are going to have a garden fete here next month for the Sunday School and Bible Class Fund. Stanhope and I have a stall in it, so we are going to see how much we can get. I am very fond of riding on horseback, but do not get a chance now. We had frost this morning, which we have not had for a long time, and it is not very nice getting up when it is frosty. Kind regards to all my comrades and yourself.—Yours truly, A COUNTRY GIRL (Clydevale).

[I am always willing to assist the very young to find a name for a pet, but I think a girl of your age should have no difficulty in the matter. I think the name of a cat should indicate some characteristic or peculiarity of the animal. Set your wits to work, dear, and think out a name suitable—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I notice that a good few children have joined your band since I wrote last. This has been a gloriopus day, and the birds are chirping sweetly. I am sure we must all think how lovely it is that this is spring, and all the flowers are coming out in bloom. The violets are out in great numbers just now, and they have snch a sweet perfume. "When the children take them to school they generally give them to their teachers, and I am sure they must appreciate them. All the yellow flowers are generally out first. Did you notice that, Dot? The people living round about our run have be«n burning grass, and the fires spread quickly if you do not watch them. We have not had our proficiency examination yet; but I suppose it will not be long now, as the inspectors are not far from this district. My brother is up at Hanmer Springs, and .his leg does not seem to be getting any better. I have another brother in Egypt, and one in France. So many men are being killed and wounded in this terrible war. I am sure the soldiers must suffer standing in the snow and water. It seems such a long time since I was home, Dot, and I shall not likely go home until the term holidays. 'My mate and I were over at Dardanella's plaoe yesterday, and we had an enjoyable time. We were right through the flourrnill, seeing the engines working. There is plenty of water about just now, and the ducks are quite content. I went to Otepopo a week past yesterday, and when I was coming home I got wet through, as it was raining very hard; and on the Sunday it rained the whole day. The school children are all knitting socks for the soldiers just now, and they get them finished in no time. I. P. and her mate cycle in and out from Oama.ni (nine miles each way) every Tuesday night. They have been doing this for the last six months. They are studying a course of lessons at the Technical School. I. P. is going to write next month to the D.L.F. page, as it is the month for the Old Writers. Kindest regard to Dardanella and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

THREE SOLDIERS' SISTER (Maheno).

Dear Dot, —I always look for daddy's Oingo Witness, eo that I can read the D.L.F. pages. The letters are always interesting. I should like to know if any D.L.F. can beat my long dav's ride. I was living with my auntie at Waipon Falls, and had to go home to my mother, who was then living in Christcburch. I left Waipori at 4 In the morning in a waggon to catch the train at Henley. Then my # auntie put _ a label on my coat I was put into the train, and soon started on the long journey to Christchurch. That wae last year, and I was then eight yearn old. I tell you I was very tired when the journey waa over. My mother and dad were waiting on the station

for me, and we had to ride three more miles in the tram to Richmond. Dad said I had done about 300 m les in the day. J. went to eee the soldiers getting their kite at the theatre. The people sang a lot of songs, and the band played some nice music.—Yours truly, . MARINE PARADE (Napier). [Yours was a long and wearisome journey, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot;—We had a week's holiday from school, and my mother took me to some nice picnics. I had a frog, but it got away. Some days I go down to the hospital to see my daddy- I wish he was at home. I have hard lessons to learn, so good-bye, Dot. Best love to Go to Bed Early and all the D.L.",?., and a double share for you. —Yours truly, DADDY'S PET (Dunedin).

Dear Dot, —Since I ■ last wrote we have had our term holidays and examination, but we don't know what our places are in our classes yet. Our ducks and hens have started to lay again. All the farmers are getting their ground ploughed for next season's grain. We have two more cows milking now. My brother has been setting traps during the holidays, and I liked going round them with him at night. I do not like getting up these mornings. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HARVEST QUEEN (Dime Hills). Dear Dot, —The rain and floods are over, and it is nice spring weather here now, and we are all looking for a happy time. A playing pond for the children is to be built on the Marine parade, and I think it will he grand. I will soon get my spring holidays, and I intend to go to Petane just for a week. I like- to go from town to the country very much, as some of the Little Folk like to come from the country to town for their holidays. Good luck to all.—Yours truly, SUNNY NAPIER. Dear Dot, —The weather here has been awful lately—nothing but rain. To-day, being Sunday, we went for a walk for about three miles, and quite enjoyed ourselves. As news is scarce we will close with fondest love to Pat, Waybaek, Raupare, Terra Nova 11, Nellie Bly, Watchful, Postman Henry, Black Pansy, Roche, and all the L.F., of course, not -forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GWEN and BROWN EYES I (Takapau). Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have had some rather trying experiences. A few weeks ago I fell down a number of stone steps at the King Edward Technical College, and 9trained my left arm. I put my hand, out to save myself, but as luck would have it I put it through a window, adding to my hand another cut finger. Hard luck, wasn't it, Dot? But I am glad to say I am well and: happy once again. Then the other day I heard the ladies in the Early Settlers' Hall laughing, and being curious to know the joke I popped my head in. Hardly had I done so when I was suddenly confronted by a big, fat pig. It made one dive for me, and. I made one dive for the door, and once again did I take to the Btone steps; but one of the men canght me. I seem to be fond of them, don't I, Dot. The greatest experience of all happened on Sunday morning at a quarter past 1 o'clock. Mother thought she heard someone open the front gate, so she jumped out of bed, and opened the front door, and just caught red-handed a fellow getting off with my brother's bicycle. She called ovtt to my brother, who got up also. We all got a terrible fright. The police are investigating the case. Everyone said it was plucky of mother to grab the man. He must have been a coward, and I hope he gets it hot. I had a letter from A Soldier's Friend. She is ill, and has to go into Tapanui Hospital. I trust she will grow well and Btrong there. My word. Dot, quite a number of new D.L.F. are joining! Some of the old ones are gradually dropping out. I am looking forward to O.W.W. I received a letter from a soldier at the front a few weeks ago. He says he has travelled a great deal; but all he wishes is to get back to the little isles which he loves best. My dear father is still in hospital; h'j is not much better. It seems sad he has to suffer so much. Love and best wishes to yourself, dear Dot, A Soldier's Friend, Marmee's Dishwasher, Patriotic Lad, ' Gallipoli, A Soldier's Daiighter, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, A Bolt from the Blue, Island Girl, Mountaineer, Go to Bed Early, and Postman Henry.—Yours truly, A TRUE PATRIOT (Dunedin). Dear Dot, —We have started going to Technical School at Gore; we go on Tuesdays. I met Postman Henry here. He has been down south for a holiday, and he called in at our place to see me. I was not at home for I was at iichool in Gore. We have had a week's holiday from school, and I can tell you it was a good change. I put in all the seeds in the garden, and have to look after them. The cows will soon be coming in and the factory will start. I work in the factory sometimes. Love to Postman Henry, Gwen, Zena, Iron Heart, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROBIN HOOD (Pukerau).

Dear Dot,—l hope you will allow me to join your happy band. My home is situated in the bush near the railway. I hove tliree sisters and two brothers one being a little boy of two years. Father and my elder brother work on the farm, on which there are about 80 cows, six horses, and a pony, which I call Dobbin. I have a dear little puppy called Kitchener, and an old tabby cat and two little kittens (Frolic and Snowball). I am aged 12 years, and am in the Sixth Standard. I have a little school friend coming to stay with me on Tuesday, as we are now having our term holidays.— Yours trxxlvj FOREST ELF (Edendale). [You are welcome to join ut, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot—Since I last wrote to yo\i I have been staying with Pastrycook and Fluffy, and now Pastrycook is staying with me for a few days. "We were at the pictures on Friday night, and enjoyed them immensely. TVe have had lovely weather hero lately—so different frqm the rain and wind that we had for the previous fortnight. I am going away for a holiday in about two or three weeks' time, and I intend to enjoy myself thoroughly. I was talking to Lady Clarice on the station, and we seemed to be strangers, as we haven't seen each other for about two months. Love to Lady Clarice, Margot. Reomoajia, Nelly Bly, Merit), Iron Heart, Watchful, Draw-Egan, Lovdy, Perpetual "Wanderer, Flagstaff, Pastrycook, and Fluffy, not forgetting your dear self.— Yours truly.

A WESTERN STAB, (Riverton). Dear Dot, —A "Western Star lias been staying: with us ror the last three weeks, and now I am staying with her for a change. 1 wish I could stay here always, a« she is such a sport. We came up in the- train on Friday night, and on the same evening Went to the Empire Fioturen. We were down fit the beaoh yesterday, where we had ft good time. A Western Star and her

mate and I went down the street last night. A Western Star's brother found a sea egg on the beach a while ago. We have to start school again to-morrow. Love to Weeping Willow, A Farmer's Daughter, A Western Star, Mono, and Fluffy.—Yours truly, PASTRYCOOK (Riverton).

Dear Dot,—The weather down here is just lovely, and I hope it will last for about two weeks longer. The Kaik was verylively to-day, as there were a good many motor cars down this way. The farmers are ploughing the ground. My mother is m tho hospital, and we are hoping to get her home this week. My father went up to see hex to-day. We had holy communion to-day. Love to Ferndale, Hineraki, Hineumatahi, Te Wai Rauhikihiki, and Tarewai, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, HINE TOA (Otakou).

Dear Dot,—l like reading the Little Folk's letters. We have just finished our examination, and are going to have our holidays. Ido not think lam going anywhere. I was over playing with Memo to-night. Our cows are quite dry now. I am very fond of gardening; I have a good few flowers in my garden. Violets are my favourite flowers. I had a big bunch of daffodils given to me this week; I think they are very early. Love to all tho L.F. and yourseli.—Yours truly, A FARMER'S DAUGHTER (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —I know a few Little Folk. I was at a birthday party about a month ago, and enjoyed myself very much. I was at A Farmer's Daughter's sister's birthday party. I am nine years old, and in Standard 111. Love to Weeping Willow and all the other Little Folk. —Yours truly, FLUFFY (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —I have left Ruapuke, and am staying here with my grandmother. I have two miles to walk to school. As the dairy factory will soon be opened, I will get a ride to school every morning in the milkcart. We are milking two cows every night and five every morning, and are feeding three calves and eight pigs (three big ones and five small ones), and one of them got out to-day, and I had to chase him. I know some of the Little Folk, who are the playmates I like best at school. Best wishes to the cousins and yourself.—Yours truly. WEEPING WILLOW (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —We have just finished our term holidays. The first Saturday Fluffy and I helped our father to put up a. fence through some turnips. On Friday night I went home with A Western Star, and on Saturday she and I went to the beach. I sit besido Weeping Willow in school, and we are often caught talking.—Yours truly, PASTRYCOOK (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Folk? I have two uncles at the war, and one is wounded. One of my uncles was invalided home nearly two years ago I have two sisters; one goes to school with me, but baby is not old enough yet. Salvador is my cousin, and Heather Bell and Delighlue go to our school. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, LADY OF THE DELL. (Round Hill). [Certainly you may join us, dear. You are all the more welcome as your letter brings a note from La Belle, an Old Writer. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just finished tour term holidays. We had a week, and I enjoyed myself very much. 1 did not go away from home. I was carting turnips on Wednesday and Thursday, and on Friday I was cutting wood. We have five calves now—all about the same age. We have also about 10 chickens - and 60 hens. I will be. leaving school at the end of this year, and will be very glad, because I do not like it at all. My best friend at school is Wild Bear, who is in the same standard. We get the Witness every week, and I was very glad to see my first letter in print. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TlGßßy(Centre Bush). Dear Dot,—We are going back to school to-morrow after a holiday of one week and one day. Norhm and I have some fun at school. We have seven wee lambs, but no pets just now. Sky Pilot is getting a bit better, I think. I have not seen Whfte Violet for a while. Our wattle is coming out now. We have had the telephone in a good while now, and it is very handv. Love to White Violet, Sky Pilot, Norhm, and Daisy Carmel, hot forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, LYNWILG (Ferndale). Dear Dot, —We started our term examination to-day (Monday), and I hope I will be among those who pass. The subjects I like best are arithmetic, history, geography, and science. I don't like composition. Last Saturday we had a " Wheelbarrow Day " in aid of the Red Cross. There was a procession, and hundreds of barrows ' were decorated,- and I believe they gathered quite a large sum of .money. Last Wednesdayweek we received some rather bad news from Sir James Allen informing us that one of my brothers in France is seriously wounded. We are anxiously awaiting' further news of him. I am sure most people will be glad to get their sons and brothers and husbands safely home. It must be very hard for the poor mothers who have two or more sons killed, for I am sure it is bad enough for one to be even very badly wounded. There is a soldier in Greymouth who has just returned from France after being gassed, and one cannot help pitying him as you see him walking around the streets as if he was lost. Some of the L.F., I see, are fighting in France, and it is pleasing to find that they have not forgotten the page, isn't it? I have not had much time for reading lately, but the last book I read was oalled "Paddy the Next Best Thing," and I thought it was very nice. My little cousin has started school, and he likes it very much; although the other dav I suppose he thought he had been at school long enough, for he went home at plavtime. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly,

GLORIA (Greymouth). [I hope yon will soon have good news about your brother, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I wrote to you only once, so I suppose you have forgotten me by now. We are living on a farm at Rotokohu, and I like it very much. I enjoy reading the L.F. _ letters in the Witness every week. I am in Standard II at school, and am eight years old. I have a dear wee baby brother. Wo see such a lot of kakas flying about here. They whistle very nioelv. Love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, LITTLE MISS BOBBIE (Botokohu). [As I have to go through the names and addresses half a dozen times each week, dear, I am always reminded of my correspondents .—D 0 T. ] Dear Dot, —It is over two years since I last wrote to you. Since last writing wo left Reefton, and we now live at Rotokohu, 12 miles from Reefton. We live on a email bush farm. I have now a little baby brother just 18' months old. Be has had eaxaohe for the last two or three days-. ETaraohe

is not a very pleasant companion, is it, Dot? We have school in a private residence here. There are only 15 pupils going to it. It lias been opened only four months. The inspector is coming to our school on Tuesday, so on Wednesday we cleaned the school out. We scrubbed the desks and floor, washed the windows, and blackleaded tho stove. When we had finished we were like niggers. I am going Tip for a scholarship and my proficiency this year. I will consider myself lucky if I get oft' with my proficiency. We are making a garden at school, and as there are no boys big enough to dig it the girls have to do it. We have no playground at school, so have to play and drill on the road. It is a nuisance, as wo have to stop playing every now and then to let cars go by. The train comes out here only once a week, but the Westport cars pass hero twice a day, so that we get our mail every day. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours trulv, KCOB MYA (Rotokohu). [Pleased to hear from you and s"our sisters again, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —When I last wrote to you we were living in Eeefton, but since then we hav© shifted to a farm at Rotokohu, on the Westport road, 12 miles from Reefton. When wo first came otit hero we went to the Landing School, two and a-half miles' walk. We have a new school now in a private house. Fifteen pupils attend it, and my sister and I are the eldest. We have a very nice teacher. In the summer time she is going to teach us to swim. We are making a garden at school. We have dug it and put a few seeds in. I have such a dear wee brother. He is just 16 months old, and can walk He is just beginning to talk. He has six white teeth and curly hair. I meant to tell you before that w© are going to sell the vegetables we grow in our garden, and have the money for school use. The inspector is coming on Tuesday, and we are going to have our examination. I am 12 years old now, and atn in the Sixth Stanadrd for everything except arithmetic. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE BUTTERCUP (Rotokohu).

Dear Dot, —We have one little lamb, and it is a lively little thing. We are having lovely weather here just now. I have started musio now, and am getting on all right. I did not like it at first, but I like it much better now. I have just finished reading " Wee Macgrogor Enlists," and am now reading "The Sun Babies." Love to all the Little Polk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLY (Fairlie). Dear Dot,—May I become one of your Little Polk? I am 10 years old, and in the Third Standard. My sister writes to you. I play in the Middle School football team, and we won the banner this year. A patriotic tournament was held in King George's Park last Thursday, when a large crowd attended, and they took £9O. We have a week's holiday after the inspector's examination, but I did not go away. I am in the-fife and drum band, but we have not had much practice lately. Love to the L.P. and yourself.—Yours truly, DIRTY BERTIE (Oamaru). [Yes, you may join us, dear. As you get older I expect you will want to change your X.D.P.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F. ? I am in the Second Standard at school, and am nine years old. We are having lovely weather now. We have our term holidays from school, but have to go back on Tuesd-ay. I have three sisters and four brothers. Best love to Shells of the Ocean and the rest, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, WHITE ROSE 111 (Gore). [Yes, you may join us, dear; but as there are two other White Roses you may adopt another N.D.P. if you like.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have removed to a place near Owaka called New Haven. I have about & mile to go to school; I row over in a boat. There is an L.P. member down here; her N.D.P. is Sea Maiden. She is a friend of Terra Nova 11. There are a good few people down here. It is a great tourist place. We have about 20 minutes' walk to go over to the beach. I have a little brother, and he was three years old last Sunday. My brother arrived home from the North Island yesterday. Love to Pastrycook, Camp Creek, Terra Nova 11, Sea Maiden, Molly Bawu, and all the ether L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, RED CROSS NURSE (Owaka). Dear Dot, —When I was up at Ranfurly for my winter holidays I saw a cat sit down beside a cow while it was getting milked, and the cat would get the milk squirted into its mouth. " I am sure you would have laughed to see it licking the milk off its face. We have a new teacher now—a returned soldier. I had a ride in a motor car to-night, and it was all right. There are not so many rabbits about here now as there used to be. My brother was up for his term holidays last week. Love to all the LP., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ENGINE-DRIVER (Hyde). Dear Dot,—l am going to a wedding tomorrow; and hope to have a good time. There is to be a send-off to a soldier not very far from here on Friday night, and I am going to it. I was at Foxglove's home on Sunday, and she and Only a. Pansy Blossom and I had decent fun. "Our examination is on the 20th of September, and I hope to pass. I will have to go up for my proficienoy examination also this year. Love to Golden Pern, Foxglove, Only a Pausy Blossom, Doris Hamlyn, Aileen, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SOUTHLAND MARY (Grove Bush).

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote, which is a good while ago, I must confess, I have been home to Dunedin for six weeks. I found my mother badly in need of some one to nurse and help her, as she had poisoned her ankle and oould not walk about. I made pome hot poultices io put on the ankle, but they did) not do any good. Then a neighbour told me of boracic lint, and it worked wonderfully, and in six weeks from poisoning her ankle mother could walk about as well as ever. I will always recommend boracic lint for poisoning ot any cuts. Then, just as mother was better wo got a letter to sav my aunt was ill. so I came away back to Kakanui to nurse her and look after the hoaise and four little children. I only wish I was old enough to train for a nurse, Dot. I always said from a little girl I would like to be a nurse, and now I am having a little experience. My aunt strained her heart, and has been bad now for nearly two months. The doctor said she needs complete rest. What 1 every weather we are having just now; today Is simply perfect. I could not sit inside to write this letter and miss the beautiful sun, r,o took my pen and paper to write outside. We have a lovely view of the eea from our house, and «s I sit and write I can hear, as well as Bee, it coming in so peacefully; in fact, everything to-day 6eems_ eo peaceful. The birds singing in the air ie like combined musio wiih the sea. Oh, how I wish the whole world was as peaceful j hvA «ae cannot

forget what is going on on tho other side of the world. I have six cousins at the war, and so far they are all well, which we arc thankful for. One is a doctor, and he has won the Victoria Cross. Tho six weeks I was in Dunedin I liked it very much. I would like to live there. I think when my aunt is well enough for me to leave her I will go home to Dunedin. My brothers gave me a good time. They took me out at nights to different amusements and for walks up brightly lit-up stre.ets, all of which I enjoyed very much, as it was a complete change from what one sees in the country. The river here just now is a little spoilt for rowing, because the last flood we had washed the mouth out to about three times its usual size, and when the tide is out it leaves the rocks at tho bottom of the river quite dry. We have a lovely sandy beach here, and picnics are often held on it. It is very quiet just now-, but during the Christina* holidays it becomes very lively. Love to all the D.L.F. and vourself.—Yours trulv, ROSE OF THE WORLD (Kakanui).

Dear Dot, —This is our term holiday week, so I have a little more time for writing to the page. We were going to Tokanui this week for a lew days' holiday before the cows came in, but mum is laid up with quinsy, so we won't get this week. 1 have two brothers and one sister. Otara Eel will be 13 years of ago on December 30, and I will be 12. He is just a year older than myself, and our birthdays are on the same day; so tho one birthday oake does for the two of us. The weather here is very cold and miserable. I notice there are a good few lambs about now, and they look very nice frisking about, in the paddocks. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours trulv, WINK (Otara).

Dear Dot, —I am out at a place now, and have not much time for writing except in the evening; and when that time comes I am always ready for bed. I like working out much better than being at home, but it is pretty lonely here, as I have no companions. There are four children, and they all go to school. You seem to have a good few L.F. at Centre Bush and Lime Hills. Centre Bush is about seven miles from here. Love to Rose Mary, Doris Hamlyn, The Wild Irish Rose, Stars and Stripes, Postman Henry, and all the rest of my D.L.F. friends, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GOLDEN LOCKET (South Hillend).

AUTOS. . Stanhope (Molly Dunlop, Clydevate) would like to correspond with any L.F. over 13 years of age willing. A Country Girl (M. Cunningham, Clydevale) would like to correspond with any L.F. of 14 years of age willing. Somebody's Friend (Eileen Harrison, care Mrs F. W. Young, Highland's, Riverton) would like to correspond with any L.F. willing. Gloria (Evelyn Lindsay, 37 Oowper street; GreymoutK) would like to correspond with Smiler, Orawia, and any L.F. over 14 years of age willing. A True Patriot (Mary Holmes, car© Early Settlers' Hall, Dunedin) wishes to correspond and exchange autos with Shakespeare, Robin Hood, Buffalo Bill, Hardcase Bill, and any D.L.F. willing. . Brown Eyes (Kitty Broderick, Waiwhero, Takapau, Hawke's Bay) would like to correspond with Draw-Egan, Roche, Lady Evelyn, and) any L.P. over 14 years willing. Gwen (Isabel Logan, Burnside, Takapau, Hawke's Bay) would like to correspond with Inquisitive Girlie-, Lady Evelyn, Essie, and any_ L.F. ever 14 years willing