LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

Otago Witness, Issue 3331, 16 January 1918, Page 56

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

No letter to contain more than 350 words. Motto:—Wo write for the benefit ot otuens, not for ourselves.

Dear Dot, —We have had very hot weather the last few days. I loft school over a year ago; I was then dux. My sister left school at Christmas, and was also dux of the school. We both got silver • and gold medals; mine is a Maltese cross and my is oval-shaped. I lilca my sister's best, as hers has the most design on it. I have read quite a number of books, including '"Paddy the Next Best ? /king," "Tarnished Silver," and " Scarlea irrjunge." We had a few days' rain here last v?ek, and with this heat the things are growing. The freezing works have started here ; but there axe not many men about yet. They would have a nice day last Wednesday for the Tiniaru D.L.F. picnio, although it was blowing a bit. I wasn't up this year. There are not many flowers out now. We have sweet peas, candytuft, pansies, hydrangea, and a i<-w late carnations. We had a lovely lot of carnations out about six weeks ago. Our alters won't be long in coming out now. We had a quiet Christmas and New Year. My unole lands at Lyttelton on the 7th. He was in the Ambulance Corps. His_ twin brother is still in France. I will be" glad when "both are book. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PINK CLOVER (Pukeuri). Dear Dot, —I wish you all a happy New Year. I wonder what the soldiers in France will be doing on Christmas Day. I guess lots of them will .be thinking of the merry times they had the last Christmas spent at home. We are having awful weather at present. There was a terrible earthquake here last night; it lasted for quite a while. Really, the shock gives one a horrible feeling. 1 was at the Mimihau dance on Christmas Night, and enjoyed myself very much. The farmers are all very busy getting their sheep shorn. Love to Cherry Blossom, A Sister of Three Soldieri, not forgetting your dear j>elf.—Yours truly, OLD AUNT SADLY (Wyndham). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 12 years of age. I am having a really good time spending my holidays at - my mate's place at Puketiro.'* It is a bit lonely out here; but schoolgirls can always make fun, of course. I have my musio lessons to do. I have been going to Columba College for three years now.—Yours truly, WHITE ROSE (Puketiro). [You are very welcome to join us, dear; but please send your own name and address with your next letter. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —As this is the first attempt I have made to write to the D.L.F. page, I am at a loss how to begin. I did think of writing once long ago, but never put the thought into action, and, I daresay, would not have done so now if it had not been for some of the D.L.F. that I -met at their annual picnic. I belong to Invercargill, and came up here to work a little over two months ago. I am quite a stranger here, and spend niosjt of my time on the bay with a book. I love the sea, and could sit and watch it all day. I made the acquaintance of several D.L.F. last week through Postman Henry, and the time I spent with them was the most enjoyable I have had since I have been here. If all the D.L.F. are as kind to strangers as I have found the Timaruvians to be I am quite sure their kindness will be appreciated as I appreciate it. —Yours truly, BELINDA (Timaru). [I am sincerely glad the L.F : . have extended such hospitality to you, Belinda. It proves they appreciate and put into effect the sentiments we wish to encourage.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? My birthday was on Sunday, and I was seven years old. I am in Standard II at school. I live on the West Coast. I am over staying with my uncle for my holidays. My mother and little sister are here also. We have a dear Wee kitten. The Coast is mostly all bush, and looks lovely. • Best love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Youis truly, DADDIE'S PADDY (Waipahi).

[You are very welcome to join us, dear. I have quite a. number of writers from the Coast—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—We had & very enjoyable time during the holidays, although the weather was unsettled. We have two relatives with us at present, one of them an old writer. Our annual picnic was held on the 28th, and the weather being all that one could desire, the L.F. turned out in force. There were Little Miss Neddycoat, Manager, Niagara., Larrikin, Country Muff, Ivy Green, Mamarus Cousin, The Wild Irish Rose, and myself ; In the evening a dance was held, which we all enjoyed very much. On Boxing Day we had a picnic on the beach, and on New Year's Night we had an evening at our home, 20 people being present. We had music, singing, dancing, and games. We are inviled to be present at a social to be held in Otara on the 4th to farewell a soldier from this district. Queen Tottie is still in the hospital, but is, I believe, progressing favourably. Our father is very busy shearing, and we are looking forward to helping him. Last year the Wild Irish Rose shore four sheep, and I did three. Our school teacher has resigned, so we may not reopen at the usual time, as it is very difficult to get teachers now owing to so many going to the front. We were presented with a beautiful Manx cat this morning, and my little sisters and-brothers are delighted with it. Wishing all the L.F. and yourself a happy New Year,—Yours truly, STARS AND STRIPES (Slope Point). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I take a great interest in reading the D.L.F. letters. I was at a picnic on New Year's Day, and enjoyed myself very much. W e have only two more weeks left, and then we will have to go back to school. Well, as this is my first letter to the page I will now stop. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, SILVER BELLS (Pukerau). [Welcome to the page, Silver Bells. I have posted your badge to you, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Christmas has passed again, and it has been a very quiet Christinas for many of the homes in New Zealand. There was a picnic at Hillend o'n New Year's Day, also sports at Port Molyneux; • but it was not at all a nice day. There is to be another picnic at Greenfield next Wednesday. The gardens are- looking very nice now. We have been using new potatoes for a month now. I may be going to Dunedin for a week's holiday before school takes up, and take my two brothers. It is nice to be near the beach for a while. We will stop with our aunt, who lives near Ravensboume. We were up at the waterfalls, and brought home a number of ferns, and had a feed of fuchsia berries. We saw some fish, but didn't catch any, as we had no hook. I am very fond of reading, and have been reading some of Gene Stratton-Porter's books lately. They are very interesting,

especially "Frookles" and "The Girl of the Liinberlosl." We milk five cows and take the cream to a neighbour, who takes it to the Clutba Dairy Factory. "Wishing all the Little Folic and yourself a happy New Year, —Yours truly,

RENETTA (Awamangu)

Dear Dot, —It is a very long time since I have written to the page, but I have by no means forgotten you. Really, when the boat is in the time goes by so quickly that wo never get half our writing done. This will be our last mail until next April, so we will have a long time to wait for news irom the outside world. Lately the natives have been playing cricket a great deal, and a Niue cricket match is a great affair—muoh different from one in New . Zealand. The game itself is, I think, played in much the samegway here as in any other place; but they have no set number of players a-side, and** have been known to have as many as 92 on each side, though the usual number is about 30 or 40. A few weeks ago I saw a match played between the x>eoplo of South Alofi and those of the neighbouring village, Makefu. Between 6 and 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning- all the Makefu cricketers marched in to Albfi, beating drums, blowing trumpets, and ringing bells, and with a large banner floating in front of them. Each man shouldered his bat, which is just a piece of wood rounded at one end for the handle and gradually getting wider till it is about Gin at the other end, where at one side it is made flat. The cricketers were all dressed alike, their costume- consisting of salmon pink singlets, khaki trousers, yellow puttees, and Baden Powell hats, and round their necks navy blue and white handkerchiefs. You' can imagine, then, what they looked like all marching in with a number of women and children following behind. When they arrived at Alofi a large feast was presented to them. This feast consisted of taro (both raw and cooked), coconuts, bananas, and all kinds of native vegetables and fruits, as well as a great many live and cooked fowls, one or two cooked pigs, and all kinds of N'hie delicacies. That day they did not play at all, but just feasted, danced, and gave speeches. In the evening they marched home, taking with them what of the feast there was left. The next day they returned to play in earnest. It is quite amusing to watch them, for, before each man hits the ball somebody gives a speech telling him how well he is to play, etc. The match lasted - : the whole of Wednesday and Thursday and Friday morning. On Friday afternoon the Alofi. people .entertained their visitors by singing and dancing to them, and after many speeches had been given and many farewell songs sung the Makefu people marched home. Nearly every week there is a' cricket match in some village or other, and all are much the same as this one, only each village wears a different" costume. Well, Dot, I will close. Best wishes to all the D.L.F. as well as to you for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly, VIHIMANOGI (Tufukia, Niue). [Cricket as ,it is played in Niue must be a sight worth seeing, Vihinianogi. Patience, if r.ot an inherent, must surely be an acquired virtue of the residents, since the communication is, so spasmodic.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Christmas was very quiet here this year. It was very cold ,this morning, but it is warm this afternoon. Matai s brother is down on leave just now. He got a send-off, and I was at it. My uncle, who left with the Twenty-sixth Reinforcement, is still in England. I have not gone'anywhere for my holidays yet. Mother is outside reading, so I have nobody to disturb me. I have a little dog, and she comes inside and stands at the cupboard door waiting for me to give' her a piece of bread. She eats lollies also; I have a bag of lollies beside me. Our, cows are milking well just now. As it is 8.30 p.m. mother is calling for me to make her a cup of tea. Best wishes to all the L.F., 'not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, . ' LADY HINEMOA (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —The weather here is very unsettled just now; it was windy all day, but ia calm tow. There were sports 12 miles from her* on New Year's Day, and a concert and dance at night. I was at the sports, but not the concert or dance. We are a little further away from school now; w« live on a different side of the river from the school. My brother and I have been absent two days through the river being too high for us to cross. We have three and a-half miles to go to school, and sometimes we drive and at times we walk. We have six veeks' holidays. I think I am going away for a few days. I have a doll's Singer sewing machine which my mother gave me for Christmas. We have two pet lambs, and they are very nice little things, but are always into mischief. They eat- biscuits, and will "iump up on one for them, too. They are both very fat. We were all home for Christmas except one of my . brothers. I am 11, and passed into the Fifth Standard. My youngest brother is three and a-half years old, and. thinks he knows everything. He said to me one day, "I must go and have a yarn with my big .brother." Best love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TUI II (Kyeburn). Dear Dot, —The weather here has been very unsettled lately, blowing one minute arid raining the next. We are having our Christmas holidays at present. I have received my proficiency at school, and am going to the High School after Christmas. Our hay is all cut ready for raking, but as it has been too windy we could not get • it done. I received a day school prize (the name of it is "Dwell Deep"), and also one for Sunday school ("The Finding of Angela") ; they are both good books. My oldest sister plays the piano, and my next sister the violin, and I have the mandolin. As there is nobody about here to teach it I have to try and learn the best way I can. I will close now, wishing you and all the D.L.F. success in the new year. Love from —Yours truly, AYERIL 'Flag Swamp). [The fingsring of the is' practically the same as the violin, Arsril. Getting the right hand to work properly is, I think, the greatest difficulty, and practice overcomes that—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My other brother was down on final leave. At Henley he met my two cousins and a Taieri lad, so they c'ame down with him to the Bluff, and my other brother came over with them. _ As the weather was fine we had a good time. One . day we went fishing for about two hours; then we went ashore, gathered-, shells and native flowers; and finally returned home at 6 o'clock, just in time to milk the cows. On Friday my father took us round Patterson ' Inlet in the launch. We left at 9 o'clock in the morning. First we went to Ulva, and then to Kaipipi. The timber boat Koa. Tara was loading timber. We went ashore, boiled the billy, and had lunch; some went for walks through the bush, while others went rowing In the boat. We were just enjoying the day, when my father started whistling: he said we would leave Kaipipi and go steaming round the inlet. We went up to the river, but the tide was down. It is only when the tide is high that one can go in, so we came back to Brava, a small island not far from the Neck, We all went

ashore and went for a walk along the beach. Again my father called us, and told lis it wag timo we were going home. We milked the cows and had tea. Everybody looked tired and sunburnt after the day's outing. My brother left for camp on Wednesday, cud on Thursday my father received word saying that my married sister, living m town, was very ill, so my father and E erndale are away to see her. A young soldier from here has made the supreme sacrifice. Some time last month the Government steamer Hinemoa visited the island, or, rather, sbe brought Sir Joseph Ward. In spite of the'rain he was given a good welcome. Wishing all the compliments of the season, —Yours truly, ISLAND GIRL. (Stewart Island).

Dear Dot, —Our little mission steamer, the John Williams, has jus* arrived. She will just be anchored now. All is excitement, as you may well imagine. I got this far, and had so much to do that I left off, and have not touched a pen till to-day. We had a glorious time on the 12th. The captain, his wife, and his little girl came up for afternoon tea: they were not the only ones, for about half an hour after they arrived the missionary, three ladies, and five children came. One of the children was a little baby, who belonged to the policeman's wife; she, her husband, and three children went away by the John Williams. We were all very sorry to lose them, as everyone who goes away seems to make such a large gap m our very small number of white people; and, another thing, the baby was the only ■white baby on the island, and we were all very fond of him indeed. I got two lettersone from a girl friend in Rarotonga and one from New Zealand. I did not expect any from New Zealand, as the Commissioner said there were no connecting mails between New Zealand and Rarotonga at the time the John Williams was due to leave Rarotonga; but owing to the great strike in Australia the John Williams was delayed in Sydney. In the meantime a mail went from New Zealand to Rarotonga, and with it our New Zealand letters; so when the John Williams arrived from Sydney at Rarotonga it picked them up and brought them to US. We have been having a very lively time here. Last Sunday week (that was the 4th) "Sail oh!" went up (the natives always call out "Sail oh!" when a ship is sighted. They make a great noise, 'i'ust like crowds of people oheering in New Zealand). Vihimanogi and T- were going to church, and someone said to us, "Have you seen the steamer?" You may well imagine our surprise. We stood and stared for a moment; and the native, seeing our surprise, pointed out to sea, and there, away on the horizon, we saw a tiny speck with a curl of smoke rising from it, and proving the words of the native to be true. We went on to church, but wishing there was no thurch to go to just then. From where we were sitting we Could see the ship for quite a while; but then she disappeared, and we thought, she had but no: she came in sight again, and steered in and then across the bay, but a very long way out —top far for us to make anything of it. Some said it was" a man-o'-war, others that it was a German raider, ara all manner of suggestions were made as to what she was. We were out of church by this time, and hoping very much that she would come in; but no: she went right round ihe point and out of our sight. We turned round, wondering if our fathers and mothers had seen it or not. When we got home Vi asked, in quite an ordinary, tone of voice, if they had seen the steamer. "Where? Where? What steamer?" asked her father "Why, haven't you seen the steamer that steamed right across the bay and round the north point?" we both asked in one voice. "No," he said; "but we can see farther than you could at Alofi, so I am off down to our point." So off he went, and V. and I came running over to tell mother and father. They, of course, had not seen it either. Much the same questions were asked and much the same answers fiven, and then we —that :'s, V., my little rother, and myself—thought we wordd go down to the point as well. We were all running down hand in hand, and v?e stopped half way down and stared in surprise, for there, turned round and coming back, was the steamer. I ran back and told father and mother. Vihimanogi's father was back from the point and half way down to Alofi on his bicycle. He now holds the position of Commissioner of Niue, and, of course, has to go out to any ship before it can anchor. We did not know what to make of it, for the ship did not head for Alofi, the port of call, as we expected, but seemed to be retracing her course, only nearer land. She large, for she was nera enoug hto make out filainly, but we could see that she was very arge, fod she was near enough to make out three funnels. As we watched her she got nearer; and father said that she might get in the centre of the bay and then turn in. His prophecy was correct, for after we had been watching her for about 10 minutes she turned and headed straight for Alofi. She was quite near, and we made her out for a gunboat. Dot, you can't imagine what we felt like. It just seemed as though the Motherland had sent this great gunboat, as an emblem of her power to her "smallest child," as Niue is called. Our two mothers said we could get the children nicely dressed and take them down at once to see what news there was. The children were all as excited as we were. The mothers had stayed behind to put the place in order, for as church is held at 9 o'clock, as the natives liko to be early* there is no time to tidy -first. We have an English service every Sunday evening for the white people, and it is very nice. Vihimanogi and I like the native service, and always go when it is suitable weather. Well, I must not wander away from my subject. When we got do-wn to Alofi we found all the white people eagerly waiting for news. The natives were all crowded on and round about the wharf, just as eager for news as we were. The wharf is not. for steamers or any kind of ships to lay alongside, like the wharves in New Zealand. , There is an opening in the reef, and by it the wharf is built; but this opening is not wide enough for any ship to come alongside, so ships anchor a little way out, and rowing boats and launches go to and from them to the wharf. Directly one is off the reef they are in deep water. About half a hundred yards from the reef you cannot see the bottom. When we saw the groat gunboat anchored just a little way out we felt safe. Before there had been rumours from the back of the island that a ship had been seen linking about, and, of course, the' natives mads- the best of it by saying that it was a German raider. After a time H.M.S. was seen to turn about and steam away. We were all very disappointed Indeed, for we at least expected to see the captain and some men come on shore. The Government boat was seen to bo coming ashore, and directly they landed wo crowded round them to hear the Wat news. The first question asked was "What's the war news? Then, "What's the latest?" Tlie answer was "To-day's is the latest wo have." Really, Dot, we wero dumbfounded. Just think that the latest news we had ever had from ihe otitaide world was at least five days old. imd very often from IS to 80 dava old, and then to be told that it was "To-day's war news"! You do not wonder at tra echoing the word "To-day's," do you? "Yes." they answer*^.

"To-day's news by wireless." Tho Commissioner had with him a copy of the news that had been sent through by wireless, dating from the Ist of October. As we were all anxious to hear the news the Commissioner handed the sheets of paper to our missionary, who read out their contents to us. Then, when we had heard the war and strike news, we were curious to know what was the name of the ship and how many men, guns, and officers she had, and, in fact, everything there was to tell. After wo had been standing and talking for about an hour we thought it was time to be getting home. Our mothers had been down with us from the time that the boat put off from the ship to come ashore, so they did not miss anything, and we were very pleased. We were not going to stay in Alofi any longer, but go straight home; but the ladies of Alofi would not hear of it, eo we stayed for dinner and tea, talked over the news we - had heard, and went to church in the evening, and took all the little ones with us. It was not until we were coming home after church that Vihimanogi's father stated that the captain said he might come back, and if he did he would stay long enough for us to go off and see the ship and for the men to come off and see the island. We all hope she will come back. Good-bye, Dot. This with best love to you and your L.F., —Yours truly, LINGITOA. [I can quite imagine the excitement that prevailed, dear; but it seems like an "oldworld" story.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I will give you a description of my trip to Wataroa, where I spent & most enjoyable holiday for two months. . My father and I left Reefton in the morning and went right through to Hokitika, where we stayed the night and went on to Ross next day. The next morning we left Ross at 20 past 9 o'clock to cycle through to Wataroa, close on 50 .miles of a journey. After we had "left Ross about an hour it started to rain, and it rained all the way through until we reached Harihari, where we stayed for dinner. There is ah awful lot of walking to do between Ross and Harihari, as the road is very hilly. After we left Harihari we went on for about two miles, and we came to the Little Wanganui River, which we had to walk through and carry our bikes. The river was extremely cold and fairly deep. After we got across the river we cycled on for another couple of miles, and we came to Mount Hercules, which we' had to climb. I think it is about five miles over the mountain. We started to climb up it, and I thought we were never going to reach the top; but at last we did so, and then the fun commenced riding down the other side, because if anything went_-wrong with the bike one would more than likelv get killed; but, all the same, I chanced it, and, my word! I did enjoy spinning around the sharp bends and going down. After we got safely down to the bottom we went on nine or 10 miles farther, where we met my uncle, who was waiting with the trap at Dry Creek for us, to take us over the river bed, as it cut off 12 miles for us; and we were not sorry when we met him either, as we were both very wet, and with that and the roads being heavy we were feeling a little bit tired. The next morning we were all right:'not even stiff or tired after our journey. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, JUNO (Rotokohu).

[You had a long and arduous ride, Juno; but such an experience is, on the whole, rather pleasant—to look back upon especially.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —J have passed into the Fifth Standard. We ara milking 17 cows, and taking our milk to the Waikouaiti Dairy Factory. We are getting a new teacher after the Christmas holidays. We have a hen with six chickens. We are having our school picnic at Mr Wilson's on the Ist of February. We have five horses and one pony. We have a lot of sweet peas out and a few Christmas lilies. We have six weeks' holidays. There are five children in my standard at school—three boys and two girls. There are about 50 in our school altogether. I was down at Port Chalmers for a weekend, and I enjoyed myself very much. Wishing you and all the D.L.F. a prosperous New Year, with best wishes from —Yours truly, HAWKESBURY MAID (Flag Swamp).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F. ? I am 11 years of age, and go to St. Hilda College—l have been going for two years. Well, Dot, I am spending my holidays at Balclutha. I have not been able to go out for ,three days, as it has been wet, and I have a bad cold. I am going out to a concert to-night, bo I hope it will be a nice night. My uncle is coming for us, and he is going to motor us.—Yours truly, GREYHOUND (Balclutha).

[You are very welcome to join us, Greyhound. Will you please send your name and address with your next letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our L.F. picnic was a great success this year, there being L.F. present from Gore, Dunedin, Oamaru, and Waimate, and I think everyone spent a most enjoyable day. During the afternoon tion "was made to Postman Henry, who is leaving ehortly for camp en route for the front. Snakey Joe first spoke a few words on the high esteem in which lie was held by one' and all of the L.F., and then called iipon Spring Flower to make the presentation, which took the form of a safety razor. Postman Hcary suitably responded, after which three rousing cheers were given. Christmas was very quiet. On Boxing Day there were a good few picnics and sports on at different places about here, but I did not go to any. On New Year's Day I went to the Timaru sports, and had a very good time. Best wishes for a prosperous new year to the page and all writers. Kind regards to Mountaineer, Green Shrub, and all my other L.F. friends, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

ALISON (St. Andrews)

Dear Dot, —My brother is down on final leave just now. His send-off was on Wednesday night. I was there, and enjoyed myself. It was very warm dancing, as the hall was eo crowded. We have a lady friend staying with ns "just now. Christinas was very quiet this year. Smiler was down at our place, on Christmas Day. I drive the miik to the factory every morning, and I like it. Love to Gloria, Smiler, Gloria's Mate, and Postman Henry, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSKLEAF (Orawia).

Dear Dot,—l am staying with my cousins —one of Grandpa's Girls, Cora, and Bim Tally—just now, and I am having the time of my life. I don't go back to town for 10 days yet, and I have been away three weeks already, bo I am having a long holiday. Dada's Wee Chappy is having hie holidays' just now; he is at Waihola. The weather here has been very fine these last few days. Cora is trying to make a spongecake at present with s'-mo sparrows' eggs. I hope it wijl be a success. Love to Hora., TJti, and Dada's Wee Chappy, and yourself. —Yours truly, TTDUD (Table Hill).

Dear Dot, —We are having our holidays just now. It ha. 3 been very hot to-day. TJdiu't, our cousin, is staying with us, .and

we have lovely times together. Wo had a concert the other night for a soldier who is going to the war. My uncle ie now in Belgium. We have gathered about 140 birds' eggs thia year. On Now Year's Day we went in the dray to see grandfather. We have five pet lamb?, and they are a great nuisance. We' have a nice number of chickens, but some of them come into the house. Wo have not many flowers out just now. We milk four cows and feed four calves. Love to Hora, Uti, Ata, and Ud\id, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ONE OF GRANDPA'S GIRLS (Table Hill). • [I can quite imagine the glorious time you, young people are having together. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Christmas Day was very quiet with us. On Wednesday, the 2Gth, I went to the Wajkawa. picnip and quite enjoyed myself at it. It was a lovely day, and a large number turned out to it. Hermit Crab was there taking photos. After the picnio I had tea with The Wild Irish Shamrock and her people. I went to the dance at night, and arrived home just in time for milking next morning, feeling a little tired. On the 28th 1 was at a picnic and dance. It was a good turn out, but not as larg<» a« the year before. A Country Muff, Little Miss Neddy Coat, and Ivy Green were at the picnic, and Dolly Varden, Billy the Barber, and Niagara Larrikin at the dance. We are having very changeable weather here lately—not like summer at all. Well, Dot, Little Boy's brightest day has come for him to return home, no more to roam, I hope. He landed; on the 7th, I think. . Best of love and wishes to Grant, Hermit Crab, Rustic Squibs, and Striker, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, _ MAMARU'S COUSIN (Slope Point). [I received both the photo and letter; but at present there is little prospect of publish ing it at once. I have a couple of other photos of L.F. which I hope to get published some day soon, so, if you are not in a hurry, I will hold the photo until I can get them all in together.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather here just now. The shearers are very busy just at present. The school has broken up, and we are having our holidays. This year we are having only four weeks and I am very glad, as Ido not like holidays. I received two nice prizes at" school—'"The Quest of the Blue Rose" and "Love Stories of Girl Queens." I will close, wishing you and all the L.F. a happy New Year.—Yours truly, FLOWER 0' THE PINE (Castle Rock). Dear Dot, —Christmas was very quiet here, and it seemed as if the day was so long. On New Year's Day Caledonian sports were held; but it was a very wet day. I' went to the sports, but did not enjoy myself very much, as it was too wet. I met my cousin there, and she came home with me to spend a few days' holiday; and on the Sunday my father and I drove her to her uncle's, about six miles away. As the day waa fine we enjoyed the drive very much. My father has all his sheep shorn now, and all the wool sent away. We have three men cutting Canadian thistles, which are a noxious weed, and which one is compelled to cut; so we are kept busy just now. Love and best wishes to A True Patriot, Daddy's Pet, O Be- Joyful, Go To Bed Early, Starlight Rose, Cherry Blossom, Tipperary Mary, Burnt Brick, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, A SOLDIER'S FRIEND (Kelso). Dear Dot,—Being fond of the children, I cncjlose a little poem which I think will bo appreciated by D.L.F. if you ' will kindly have it inserted in your delightful Witness column.—Yours truly, GEO. M. HASSING. A THOUGHTFUL GIRL. "Oh, mother, you look so tired to-night, Ju.s f . let me sweep the room! I soon will make it so tidy and bright— Please pass me that little broom. I'm "getting a big girl now, you know; Why, to-morrow week I'll be eight. It's time I learned to dust and sew, And even to polish the grate." So Marjory worked with a right good will, And cheerily wielded the broom j Then polished and dusted and scoured until You would hardly have known that room. And the mother's face, bo pale and worn, And lined with the cares of years, With the countless troubles her soul had borne, The numerous doubts and fears, Grew bright as she gazed on her little girl. And she thanked the Father above For the gift more precious than priceless pearls— The gift of a. child's pure love. Otautau, Southland, January 3, 1918. Dear Dot, —I am in Invercargill at present, but by the time this is in print my holiday will be nearly over, and I will be going back to Gore again. I hope everybody has had as enjoyable a holiday as I have had. Since writing last my brother has been gassed. He is convalescent now, but his eyes are troubling him. We are all hoping that he will be coming home soon. Last Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting two L.F. on the Gore station; both came off the Waimea train. I have seen only three badges down here, but I hope to see more. Last night I went for a bicycle ride, and nearly got lost coming back. It was pretty dark and I turned up the wrong street; but when I came to the car line I was all right. This morning I bought a book, "Captain Cub," the sequel of which is "The Cub," and I finished 1 it shortly after tea. I was sorry when I came to the end, as it was such a decent book. I have two more to read yet—" Little Mother Bunch" and "That Girl." I was 17 years old at the beginning of this month. This time last year I was in Timaru, and I wouldn't mind being there now. Best wishes to all my comrades, not forgetiing yourself.—Yours truly, ELFIN. AUTOS. Stars and Stripes (Eileen Harvey, Slope Point) wishes to correspond with' Draw Egan and any L.F. willing. Roseleaf (Grace Manson, Orawia) wishes to correspond with Draw Egan, Boxo, and A Girl of the Limberlost. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Lilac (Hakataramea) and Queen Lilac Belle (Dunedin). Both these loiters were written in lead pencil, and consequently I am unable to publish them. The writers are most welcome to join us, and I trust they will send in another letter in ink.