DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short letters from her you:ig 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 ' the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &c. Tho letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and* addressed "Dot, care

D.L.F. of Editor Witness." Dot's Little Folk's Badges with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, Is 9d post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25. DIED FROM WOUNDS. Elusive: Corporal Robert W. Hawkos, Seventh . Reinforcements. Military Medal. D.L.F. will, I am sure, read with great regret of the death from wounds of our old .friend Elusive. Elusive was twice wounded—September, 1916, and again just recently. He held tho Military Medal; and while wo are justly proud or his achievements, it is to be regretted his career has ended. I take this opportunity of conveying to his parentis and relatives our gratification at tho honour lie received, and our'■ sincerest and respectful sympathy in the loss of such a fine fellow. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK No letter to contain more than 350 words. Uotto: —We write for the benefit of oiuera. not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —Wc are having good weather at present; but 1 think we will have a change before long. However, it was fine on Regatta Day, but only about half the people who usually come turned out. I suppose it was because travelling is so expensive. I saw a few D.L.F. badges that day, and I saw Margot, Britannia Forever, and Lady Levenside out on a launch. I went to the pictures that night, but they were not anything out of the usual. The Russian musicians are out her© at present, and I think I will go and see what they are like. 1 am going to Dunedin about the New Year. Ahua is away up at Pounawea for her holidays. There are a number of strangers about Riverton just now. Most of them are round at The Rocks. Wishing all the Little Folk a happy New Year, — Yours truly, ANZAC'S NIECE (Riverton).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I a"m 12 years old, and will be in Standard V when the school opens. I go to the Hiwinui School, which is only a little way from here. Independent is a brother of mine. Love to the D.L.P.—Yoiirs truly, SINBAD THE SAILOR (Ashhurst).

[You are very welcome to join us, Sinbad, and I hope you enjoy your holidays.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather ia really dreadful. Everybody reckons it is like winter: it is so cold. The tug didn't come across on Saturday, and we were so disappointed, as I was expecting my brother down on leave, and he said he would be home for Christmas or shortly after. He would have been home last Wednesday only he called at Henley to get two cousins to bring them over for a holiday. I think he is getting 20 days' leave, so that will give him a chance to have a good run around the Neck. I had a long letier from my brother in France last night. He is quite well, and looking forward to coming home. . My sister-in-law's little baby will be five weeks old next Thursday. He is such a fine wee boy, and growing like a mushroom. My brother is also bringing another brother, his wife, and family, so you see The Neck will be kept alive for a week or so. It is a lovely day to-day. Wishing the Little Folk a happy New Year, —Yours truly, •LONG ISLAND (Stewart Island).

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? I have always read the L.F. letters and enjoyed them, so I thought I would like to join also. I am 17 years of age, and I am Oh, Christina's auntie. We have been together up here nearly nine months, and I like the Central very niuch. My home is in Invercargill, but I have travelled a good deal. Have you ever spent a holiday at Stewart Island, Dot? I have been there three summers, and liked it better each time. Last year at this time I spent a very happy holiday at Queenstovvn. My father and I went. This year I have just to stay where I am and look forward to an extended holiday in February. Christmas is very quiet up here this year. I daresay it will be the same everywhere until this war is over? We do hope to have our dear boys home agian by next Christmas. How we have looked forward each Christmas so far! I have three brothers away, and another brother, who has served in the British navy, is now in South Africa. I have several uncles and cousins away. Four of my mother's brothers have served. -One made the supreme sacrifice: he was killed in action on September 15, 1916. Another of her brothers has returned. He was twice on active service, mid his son went away with the Fourteenth Reinforcements and returned about a month ago. It was nice for my auntie to get both her husband and son back, wasn't it ? Well, Dot, I will close now. With best love to all the Little Folk, also yourself,—Yours truly, GREY EYES (Kokonga).

'[Your life seems to be one- long- holiday, Grey Eyes. I am delighted to have you join us, dear.—'DOT.] s Dear Dot, —As it is too late to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I hope you all spent a happy time. The weather has been very hot for the last fortnight, but I am glad to say it is raining to-day. I am going to Luggate on Sunday to spend a fortnight with Viola and Sunbeam, and am looking forward to a good time, as they both are hard cases; and so are their brothers. I had Viola slaying with me for five glorious weeks, and we were all very sorry to part with her; but now ehe is a postmistress, like myseF. I was up at Luggate about a fortnight ago, and had toothache all the time I was there, so when I came home I went to Bannockburn, then to Cromwell, and while I was there I got 14 teeth drawn, and have had no bother- at all with my arums. I waa speaking to Tinv Snowdrift to-day, and went down and stayed

with her one night. Since I lust wrote I have lost one of my cousins, who lived in Dunedin, and we felt her loss very much. Wo also lost a friend who was ' very clear to us. I have not heard from my uncle at the front for a long time, but hope to hear from him soon. The farmers here are all very busy harvesting just now. Many of the boys had their Christmas dinners sitting on the seat of the binders. We have had our house painted, and the post office also; but the dust, which is very plentiful hero, soon makes the bui'dings look shabby. Love to Viola and Sunbeam.—Yours truly, TREAKLE POT (Lindis Crossing). [Was it necessary to have the whole 14 teeth out?—it seems a lot to got rid of.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I would very much like to become a member of your happy band if I may. My horne is in Mataura, but I have been up Central for nearly nine months now; but I do not like it nearly so well as Southland. I suppose it is just what one gets used to. 'Wo have the shearers here just now, so we are kept fairly busy. A good number of the farmers around here have finished shearing, and some have not started owing to the scarcity of shearers. I have three uncles at the front, one of whom is in hospital at present. My uncles have been very fortunate. One went with the Expeditionary Force, one with the Second Reinforcements, and the other with the Fifth, and they have come through so far without a scratch. Hoping you have a small space open for my letter, and with kindeit regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours trulv, ■ " OH, CHRISTINA (Kokonga):

[Home acquires additonal charms when one lias been away from it sufficiently long for the novelty of the new place to wear off.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —A bright New Year to you. The weather is very unsettled just now. Wo have our six weeks' school holidays. We' have had our exam., and I passed into the Third Standard. The picnic is on New Year's Day, and we are all going to it. I was down in Dunedin a good while ago, and I saw whore you lived. The roses are dying away gradually.. Mother was at the Invercargill Show, and it was very nice. I have a cousm who will be called up in the next ballot, for he is just coming 20. Love to A Wreath of Roses, Snowdrop Queen, Nelly Bly, E. M. A. C, and Merle—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN DAISY II (Nokomai P. 0.). Dear Dot, —We have had fairly good weather for two or three days, but it is raining now, and is very cold. I have had my hair cut, and it is thick. Treacle Pot is going to Luggate to see Viola for two weeks; and so is my little sister. The men are busy cutting the crops. Baby is a dear wee thing, and has black hair. I got a good Christmas present. Love to Viola, Treacle Pot, and Tin Lizzie, —Yours truly, POMPY A (Lindis Crossing). Dear Dot, —I am leaving school soon, and I will be glad, because I am 14 years of age. I milk a cow night and morning. We are having lovely weather. I went to the creek yesterday and had a very enjoyable swim. I got two prize books at the break-up of our school. I have read many books. One very good one was " The Castaways." Wishing you a happy New Year. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, WOODSIDE (Grove Bush). [You are very welcome to join us, Woodside. Please remember to write on one side of the paper only.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have left school now, as I have passed the Sixth Standard. We are milking 15 cows, f and send our milk to the Grove Bush Dairy Factory. I am 12 years of age. Love to Warrimoo, Ae-te-roa, Woodside, and H.M.S. Warrior,—Yours truly, ANCIENT WARRIOR (Grove Bush). [You have passed your standards young, Ancient Warrior. Welcome to the page.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been very unsettled lately. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it blows, and at other times the sun shines, but the latter is less seen. The crops are beginning to look green after the refreshing rains. We have finished sowing our turnips, and everyone about is occupied in the same cause. The proficiency exam, is over, and I heard to-day that I had succeeded in gaining it. I was glad to hear it, as I did not expect to get it. Our school i concert is oh Friday, and I am to be one 'of the performers. I have recently learned to dance, and am awaiting the next dance so as to be able to try. 'I have not decided whether I will go to the Technical or the High School ; but I intend to go to one of them. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, TANIWHA (Woodlands). [Congratulations on securing __your certificate, Taniwha. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —My holiday extended over nine months, and I did enjoy myself, too. I stayed at Dunedin two months. It was exactly this time last year I was clown there. I think Dunedin is a lovely place and pretty. I would very much like to live there, and a number of my relations live there; but I think I prefer the country. That is where I was staying the last seven months of my holiday. It is so lovely 'and fresh. I hope all the D.L.F. and yourself had a happy Christmas, and will have a happy New Year. We had good weather for Christmas, and Boxing Day was lovely. I went to Petone Beach on Boxing* Day with The Busy Bee, and went out rowing, and had a good time, We played tennis in the morning, and went 1o the beach in the afternoon, and to-day, being New Year's Day, we made all arrangements to go. to Day's Bay, and it just poured with rain, and we were so disappointed. We intended to have a good time, but it did not come off, and I am writing this letter late in the afternoon, and, of course, it has cleared up, and it makes one feel wild. If it had only cleared tip a few* hours ago we could have gone; but we will just have to take the weather as it comes, I suppose. Last night . (New Year's Eve) Biisy Bee. another friend, and myself went into Wellington and had a lovely time, but when we left the Hutt it was pouring; but in spite of the weather we went, and it cleared up. We were on the watch for D.L.F., but they must have been ,asleep. I see some writing from Wellington, but I have never met om yet. Perhaps they have not badges, or, at least, don't wear them. I would be very pleased to meet one. I go to work at the same office as The Busy Bee, and like it very much. I hope the D.L.F. picnic- turns out a sxiccess. I would very much like to go if I was nearer. With best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, Postman Henry, Grant, Ida, Busy Bee, and Irish Jack Tar, — Youra truly, PRINCESS GEO R GIN A (Lower Hutt).

Dear Dot, —My wishes for a happy New Year to the L.F. and yourself will be a bit late. You must excuse this home-made card, as mother is not sending any cards this year. The money she would have spent on cards she is buying cigarettes with and, sending them to my uncles in France. Nearly every day I go to the beach and have a fine time. We gather small shells to make, necklace*. In my stocking I got a box

covered in green silk, with a pincushion on and a balloon For Christmas presents I got three books, called Esther £aineron's Story," "What Katie Did," and "What Katie did at School." I also got a pocket Testament, a half-crown, a shilling, and a silk handkerchief. I haven't read "Esther Cameron's Story" yet; but I've read the other two. My baby brother is seven months old now, and two of his teeth are nearly through. He lifts his head at the least sound, and it koks so funny. For Christmas 19 got a rattle and a rubber horse with a little boy on it. Now I must stop. Wishing all the L.F. and yourself a happy New i car,—Yours truly, LITTLE POLLY FLINDERS (Dunedin). [I appreciate your thoughtfulness, dear, and think your mother's idea an excellent one; it makes your card all ihe more acceptable.—DOT.]

Deai Dot,—May I join your happy band? I like reading the letters from the Little *olk. I one brothe.- at the war, and be is m the N.Z.P.A. The weather here is not very nice to-day; it has been raining and I hope it will soon clear up. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, BELLEVUE SPUR (Port Chalmers). DOtT are ver y welcome to join us, dear.— Dear Dot,—We are having awful, weather nun now; it has been raining for two or three days. It has spoilt the holidays because we can't go for picnics or anything Kelso sports are held to-day; but I do not think there will be many people there, as it is so cold and wet. We had potatoes and peas ready for Christmas. It is so nice to have one's own. I was at the school concert, and enjoyed it immensely. My sister was taking part. My birthday was last week, and I wa.s 16 years old. I am getting old now. With best love to Tipperary Mary, A Sister of Two Soldiers, Go to Bed Early and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yoiirself, —Yours truly, THORA (Tapanui). Dear Dot,—Our school broke up on Decomber 19. I got one prize boko and a certificate for attendance. We go back to school on February 5. I am not going anywhere for my holidays. I have read my prize book, and I think it is very nice. We went to the Invercargill Show. The morning was very rough, but it turned out a good afternoon. Our fruit is ripe now, so we are busy making jam. We have six pretty ducklings. With love to Anzac's Secret and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, BILLY OAKLAND (Hedgehope). Dear Dot, —Just a few more lines to wish you a bright and prosperous New Year. Hurrah for the old holiday time once again 1 I will be in the Sixth Standard when I go back to the old school lessons again. There were three medals given out in our schools this year—one for the dux of the school, one for the boy or girl who showed the most originality in essays and designing drawings, and the other was for the boy or girl who made the most progress. The one for originality was for Standards IV, V, and VI. It was a gold one, and won by a girl in Standard VI. The other was a silver one, for Standards 111, 11, I. A girl won it also. She was in Standard I. We are oxpecting our soldier brother who is in the hospital home for New Year's Day. His foot does not seem to get any better. He has had a lot of suffering with it. This time last Christmas he was in the hospital in London. Love to all, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, ANITA (Kennington). P.S.—I wish all the D.L.F. a jolly and bright New Year.—Anita. Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote it has been raining pretty well all the time, and the shesp-iarmers have been anxiously looking for better weather. Everything is looking fresh up here, and there is every sign . of a good harvest. There was a concert held here last night, but it came on to rain, so there were not many there. The usual sports were held on Monday, December 31. I did not go in for any races, as I was too tired. The school has closed, and the children have six weeks', holiday. What they are going to do up here for six weeks I am sure I don't know, for everything is very slow. Best love to Anzac Jones and Reamoana, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CECIL OF THE CYCLE Flat). Dear Dot, —We are having, dreadful weather down here. I was at the Port Molyneux sports yesterday, which were very poor compared with other years. The convention down hsre is over, and the people are beginning to leave. We have a little Prince Charles terrier pup; he is such a nice little fellow. Best wishes to Tui and yourself.— ¥ours truly, EEO MOANA (Pounawea). Dear Dot, —May I enrol myself as a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine and three-quarter years of age. I am in Standard V at school. We broke up on the 21st of last month for six weeks' holiday, and go back on February 4. It is raining here to-day, and the Inangahua River is in high flood, as it is about a yard higher than other times, and nearly.twice as swift. I am sending you a photograph of Reefton, taken on the Reservoir Hill. One of my uncles has been wounded twice in the neck—the first .time by a bullet, the second by a piece of shrapnel. I am very fond of reading. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself —Yours truly, GRANDFATHER (Reefton). [I have been studying the photo trying to recognise places I saw when I visited Reefton. I know the post office, and have picked quite a number of. places out. Many thanks for the picture, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Another year entered, and the end of this terrible war seems as far away as ever. Christmas has passed once more, but it was very quiet here compared with other years. Nearly everyone was going home ,about 10.30 p.m.; but, of course, there were ' some, men who over-celebrated the event. On New Year's Eve the streets were thronged with pleasure-seeking children and their parents, and just before midnight there were crackers and all kinds of missiles flying about. Perhaps, for instance, you would be thinking what a glorious time you were going to have when you got ice cream shop, and the next thing you would see would bo a large cracker just about to let you know that it was rather unsafe to be in the vicinity. The weather is beautiful just now—nice and warm in the daytime and cool in the evenings. There are races here just now, and they are well patronised judging by the money which passes through the Jockey Club's hands—something like £27,000 in one day. I also went for a picnic on New Year's Day, and enjoyed myself immensely with my mates. We went for a long ride oh a raft down a river about three miles from Hastings. Kindest regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself—Yours truly, PLAIN BILL (Hastings). AUTOS. Fairy Whispers (Gwen Gillooly, Ngahera, West Coast) wishee to correspond and exchange autoa with any L.F. willing.

Mountain Daisy II (Ivy Campbell, Nokojnai) wishes to correspond with Silver l'em and any L.F. 11 years or over.