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DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Cot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominoon on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations la 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. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, care 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 6tamps.

Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness office, Dunedin. Prico, 9d for 25. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK No letter to contain more than 350 words. U«tto:—We write for the benefit ot otoeia not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—l have two lambs now-ft little one and a big one. The smallest I thought I could never rear, but it is the-bettor of the two. The prize I got at the school concert is called "The Pennant Family, vone of Anne Beale's books. Mother 18 always telling me I write too big lor a. Fourth Standard girl. I went down to Waikaka Valley for a week, and came home on Tuesday. It is nearly dark now, so 1 will have to stop. A happy New Year to all L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, BENJAMIN (Warepa). [Your writing is nice and clear, Benjamin, and that is a great point. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—The grass seed harvest is coming in now. Our holidays will soon be over, and I will be glad, too, as I don t like at home working. To-day my brother and J. were getting wood out of the bush, as my father is harvesting. When we go back to school I will be in the Sixth Standard, and I am going to work hard for my proficiency. We spent a very happy Christmas and New Year this time. Another soldier from our district went away on Monday morning. Love to Pickles, Wee Dot, Jenny Wren, and all the other Centre Bush L.F., not forgetting Dot.—Yours truly, HARVEST QUEEN (Centre Bush). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of L.F.? lam 16 years old, and left, school two years ago. It has been raining on and off for. nearly three days, but is clearing up now. The gardens here are looking very nice, and since it started to rain the grass looks a bit fresher than it was before. On the 31st of December the residents of Bannookbum held a picnic out at the station, and there was a good crowd there. At night they had a concert and dance, and kept it up till 4 o'clock on New Year's morning; but I went home at 2 o'clock, after I had had a good dance. We have 21 chickens and 26 hens. We have one cow, and I milk her night and morning. She is very quiet, but, sad to say, the other morning she kicked over the bucket of milk. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, - LOGANBERRY (Bannockburn). [You are verv welcome to join us, Loganberry.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-day has been very cold and wet, and it is still raining hard. We have had some very hot daya lately. The sweet peas look very pretty out in bloom now, and the roses look very pretty, too. Sportswere held in M'iddlemarch on New Year's Day, but I did not go. It started to rain through the day, but it turned out to be a beautiful evening. One of my uncles is coming home from the war, eo that we are looking forward to seeing him. Best wishes to Gipsy Bell, Foulata's Mate, Little Maid Marigold, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, IRIS (Sutton). Dear Dot, —Just a few lines asking you if I may join your happy band of L.F., as I take great interest in reading the letters. I am 13 years old, and will be. in the Seventh Standard when I go back to school. I am spending my holidays down at East Chatton, and am enjoying myself very much. My uncle has a farm. There is a pet lamb called Peggy, and I would very much like to take . her home. We have had very pleasant weather lately. I had an uncle at the war, and he was shot through the hand, and was then sent home. We were all very glad that lie returned home safely. Ho 13 now staying up at Rotorua, but he will soon be clown, to see us all. The day I came south I met Grant at Gore. Before we left school we presented our teacher with a fountain pen, and he thanked us verv much for it. Our school concert has passed, and it Was a success. I was in the Swedish drill, and gave a song. The hall was packed to the door, and I think everybody was pleased with the items. Well, Dot, I think this is a big enough letter for the first time Love to all the L.F.—Yours trulv, TIM DOOLAN "(Mosgiel). [I am delighted to welcome you to our circle, Tim.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am nine years old, and in Standard II at school. We have been having lovelv weather lately, but it is raining to-day We have a cycle here, and I am alwavs ridmg it I have 23 chickens, and they are such dear little things. Best wishes for yourself and all the Little Folk.-Yours truly,

BETTY BLUE (Oreti Plains). [I am very pleased to have both Dauntless Patty mid yourself join us, dear. You DOT teT renund Marino to write again.— Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I enjoy reading the Little Folk's letters very much, so I thought. I would like to join, too. I am going up for proficiencv tins year, so will have to work hard nt my lessons. I learn the piano and violin, and have been up for a number of examinations. My brother (Marino) used to write to the page, but I don't think he does now My cousin also writes, but I can't remember tier name. Love from DATJXTLESS PATTY (Oreti Plains). Dear Dot,—l received my badge the other day,_ and thank you very much for it. Wo won't be long until we are finished shearing; it is over a week since we started. I did not go to the Kelso eports on New Yea-r's Day. It was a wet day. There

were not many there, but I believe there wore a good few at the concert at night. I don't think I am going anywhere during the holidays. I read a bit at night after I go to bed. Best love to Dad's Girl, Mac, W. S. 8., and all the other L-.F., not forgetting yourself.- 1 -Yours truly, BURNT BRICK (Kelso).

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page, and I hope you will let me join your happy band. I am 11 yearn old, and in the Fourth Standard at school. I ride a bicycle in the summer. I was trapping rabbits before we started to shear. Dud gives m® 2d for every rabbit I catch. V\e won't be long until we finish shearing. Best love to W. S. A. and Mac, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, NEW ZEALAND LAD (Kelso). Dear Dot,—Wo left Wellington on Saturday, 29th December, on the Nikau, bound for Nelson. We had one of the calmest trips that the Nikau has had for some time. We went through the French Pass about 9 o'clock, after calling in at a small wharf near by. All the people (about 20 altogether) living there were on the wharf in white clothes. We stayed on deck until 10 o'clock, and then we had to go to bed. The boat was crowded, and we were two in a, bunk. I did not go to sleep. We were not allowed to have the porthole open. We were Alongside the wharf at five minutes to 2 a.m. We hired a cab and went to our hotel. We wont for a walk to the Queen's Gardens before dinner. The trees and the flowers grow lovely there, and there is. a statue erected to the Nelson soldiers who were killed in the Boer war, and their names are inscribed on it. As we had not had any sleep on the boat, we went to sleep in the afternoon. After tea we went for a walk along the beach, while the others went for a swim in the Matai River. The cab called at the hotel for us about 10 o'clock, after we had been in - Nelson city doing some shopping. The voyage from Nelson to Motueka on the Koi was very rough, and a number of people were sea-sick; but I was one of the lucky ones. We were met by Mr Whelan, who owns the raspberry garden at which we are working. We went 13 miles in the cart along the side of the Motueka River, with lovely trees and creepers towering to the cloudless sky. The scenery all the way was exquisite, and I never enjoyed a ride in a cab half so much as I did in Mr Whelan's cart. When we arrived at Mr Whelan's place we had to unload and pitch our tents. We have three tents for sleeping rooms; a fly between two tents is our dining room; and wo have a cookhouse. It is a country place, with two or three houses here and there. We get up in the morning about 5 o'clock, and pick raspberries all day. We have been here a little over a week, and I like camp life very much. The farmers round here are just gathering in the harvest, and there was a cattle sale across the road yesterday. We go swimming in the river when we have finished picking. We went eeling the other night; I caught one and Boy caught four.— Yours truly, A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST.

[Nelson is a really charming place. I have heard of the splendid times one has fruit and hop picking.—DOT.]

■ Dear _J , \—We were kept very busy during tt. Christmas and New Year holidays. cards began to arrive some time beio're Christmas, but we were made extra busy by the arrival of a soldiers' and Home mail on Saturday, 22nd, by the twenty to 1 express. We generally start our delivery about 1.30 p.m., but this Saturday it was a little after 3 o'clock when we got out. As per usual, we had a wet day, so it wasn't very pleasant being " postie " that day. On Monday I started work before 6« a.m. We struck another soldiers' mail that morning. The rain just teemed down, and by the time I got finished I was soaking wet in spite of having a thick overcoat on. It didn't ram very much in the afternoon. Christmas Day turned out to be a lovely day. We had one delivery on Boxing Day. I took mine early, as I had .arranged to go up to Croydon Bush. It was very dulllooking in the morning and a thick, heavy mist hung over Croydon Bush, but before I had finished my delivery the mist had risen, and the sky started to-clear of clouds On the way tip to the bush wo met a chap I knew. He was going to a picnic and wanted me to go with him, but I had made other arrangements with my other mate. When we got up to the bush we stood and talked until 11 o'clock, when I thought it high time to get along the track, so we parted My mate and myself had lunch, and then started along the main track When we arrived at the top of the first high peak we found the sky clear of clouds From here we could see Bluff Hill and Stewart Island. Wo proceeded over the next big peak, and found ourselves at the foot of the highest peak. It was warm work climbing this peak, but we arrived at the top in time. There was a strong wind blowing from the south when we arrived at the top, which was very refreshing after the climb. From the top of the peak onegets a lovely view in all directions. They say that once upon a time this peak was an active volcano, but to see it now one would hardly believe the statement At the top are a lot of great boulders but there is no sign of the crater. The only ..indication of it ever being a volcano is the cone shape of the mountain itself. I'rom here we proceeded to the next peak, along a ridge, and then arrived at the Old Man's Chair. Near the top of the north side of the peak a great slab of rock juts out into space. The top of this rock is smooth. On the surface is another rock, or really part of the same slab of rock, the shape of a chair with a lean back. The rock is all smooth, so that anyone can sit in the Old Man's Chair quite comfortably. From here one gets a grand view of the late Dr M'Nab's estate at Knapdale. The plantation of trees forming the word "Knapdale" is worth seeing. We left the Old Man's Chair for camp, and, after a good feed, we left for home. I can tell you I didn't feel like work the next day, but I soon got used to it. Wishing you and all the L.F. th ecompliments of the season.—Yours truly, IKON HEART (Gore). Dear Dot,—We ara having horrid Weather; the last two or three days have been wet. I have been away for about 10 days, and came homo last night, I am going to the High .School next year. Quito a lot of young fellows from about here are at the war. Best wishes to all the L.F., and especially Dot.—Yours truly, GOLDEiN WATTLE (Tokarahi). Dear Dot, —One more year with its stress and trials, its freight of blessings, has passed oyer our heads, and as I review the blessings of the past year I feel impelled to offer a tribute of sincere gratitude for your " hearty greetings." Well, Dot, I did spend a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year, and trust you did the same. I enjoyed reading the O.W. letters; some of them were very interesting. On Sunday afternoon two friends and I went all over the Duncdin Gardens. I thought they were

beautiful, although, I dare say, they aro at their best now. We did not go through the Fernery, because the track was too muddy. In another 3'ear or two I should imagine one would think they were really " within the 1113,2©" when they get within that Chinese puzz I ©, and by all appearances the caretaker will have his work cut out. I do not think much of Dunedin weather, especially m holiday time. I have a .nice horse of my own now, but so far I have not had the courage to mount her. My brothers declare it is a good job, too; but I noticed they make enough use of her themselves. I have a very comical book, which I am enjoying immensely. The name of it is " Spud Tamson." My brother gave it to me. On Christmas Eve I received such a nice badge from England and a lot of lovely rjost-rards from Sling Camp. Did you see Cyril Maud© in " Grumpy" ? I thought the play was very good indeed; so was "' Look Who's Here." Last night I had some lovely cherries given to me. They looked lovely, but the}' were about the sourest things I ever tasted, because they wer© wild ones; all the came, they were soon put out of sight.. Kind remembrances to yourself, Ta ipo, Alison, Crimson Rambler, Zena., Zeta, A True Patriot, Lucille Love, On© of the Bulldog Breed, Grant, Territorial, Wayback, Matai, Wild Violet, Lavender, Queen Nancy, Pukepito Lasses, Pre-toria-toosh, Spring Flower, Girlie 11, Iron Heart, Postman "Henry, Snaky Joe, The Fireman, Draw-Egan, and the rest of my L.F. comrades. —Yours truly, MOUNTAINEER. [I am delighted to know you had such a happy time, Mountaineer.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —A picnic was held here instead of sports on the' 31st of December, and it was a success; also a dance at night. Christmas was very quiet here this year. We have our six we-eks' holidays from school just now. We did not get prizes this year. A kitchen party was held here on January 8 for a girl who was getting married, and everybody seemed to enjojr themselves. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Vours truly, THE LADY OF LONG-BOURNE (Miller's Flat). Dear Dot, —I ani away from home working at Ferndale House, and having a most enjoyable time. I have been up here a fortnight. The tourists have been having an enjoyable time, and we have bsen kept, pretty busy; but the rush will soon be over, and it will be very quiet again. My brother was down on his final leave last Week. He was home for a week, and it was hard parting with him. He has been working for himself all his lifetime, and has never been home very much. My father and one of my sisters are away to Invercargill for a week's holiday, and I hope they are having a good time, as a week soon flies.—Yours truly, LONG ISLAND (The Neck). Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in the Witness. My brother has arrived at his destination, and yesterday we got two letters from him, and he is keeping well. When they were going home to England they saw a number of whales coming up to the surface to breathe. I am reading "Daddy Long-legs," and it is very funny. I have N read '* Just Patty," "Patty and Priscilla," and " The Wheat Princess," and I found them very interesting. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, BELLEYUE SPUR (Port Chalmers.) [All the stories you named are very nice. There is a freshness and charm about all her books.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —I had a- lovely time at Christmas and New Year. There was a girl up from Dunedin, and we went everywhere together. She is going back to-morrow morning. Our picnic was on Friday, and, with a lovely day, we enjoyed ourselves all right. Two of our young men went back to camp after their final leave on Monday. My brother will be 20 in February. The flower show is to be held on the 17th of this month. We have had lovely weather here for the holidays, except that on New Year's Day it was raining. We drove in to Oamaru on Saturday, and it was about half-past 9 when we arrived home, and it was about 10 o'clock by the time I got home after driving my mate home and then unharnessing the horse. I did feel tired next day. Love to A Little Girl from Nowhere, A Caithness (Tricky) Lass, Father's Help, and yourself.—Yours truly, IRISH COLLEEN (Herbert). Dear Dot, —We have had very nice weather lately. The other clay we all went for a picnic to the sea, and my sistpr and I wont in for a swim. My brother has a big Indian motor cycle and sidecar, and it is very nice riding in the car. We have a lovely little bantam hen with three chickens, and 'she is, very fond of them, and will not let the other fowls go near them. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, A COUNTRY GIRL (Henley). Dear Dot, —All through the holidays the weather was fairly rough, but it shows a tendency to clear to-day. The holidays went by very quietly, and everything has settled down again to its usual course. Nearly ever}' week I see some L.F. writing from Wellington or thereabouts, but I have never seen one here yet. It would give me great pleasure to meet some of them. Well, Dot, there is little or no news here just now so I shall close, wishing yourself and all the L.F. the brightest and happiest of New Years. Love to Gipsy Bell, Perpetual Wanderer, and all the other L.F. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TRIXY SHAMROCK (Wellington). Dear Dot, —We are having nice weather down here at present. We have all our hay cut now, and have it in. The show was held here last Friday; but it rained, so I did "not go. We are thinning the rest of our turnips now. The roses arc about past, and so are the Christmas lilies. The vegetable garden is looking nice; we- have used some of oitr potatoes, cabbage, parsnips, and cauliflower, so we are not doing .so badly. We are milking 26 cows at present. Our pet lambs are quite big now. Wishing the page every success, —Yours truly, WHITE PEARL (Ratanui).

Dear Dot, —These last few days we have had incessant rain, but to-day it has cleared up, and I think it is much more appreciable. One day last week, accompanied by my mother and Prairie Flower, we set out for a. walk to the "Tunnel," a distance of eight miles, going and coming. It was very hot when we started, so wo wore light clothes and straw hats. After we had reached within a mile of our destination we decided to boil the billy, and while it was boiling we Went to explore the adjacent hills. After we had partaken of a hearty lunch we determined to follow the road for a bit; but we quickly perceived the rain on the surrounding mountains. Having packed our baskets, we set out for honie ; but we had not traversed far before the rain'came. We huriied along as rapidly as we could, but the rain poured heavier than we anticipated. Anyway, we got a thorough soaking before

we readied home, and without a doubt it took the pleasure oiit of the former riart of the day. The holidays seem to be passing quickly, and it will not be long before the school reopens. My sister has a Kodak camera, and we often take photos. Kind regards to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, IRISH EMIGRANT (St. Bathans). [I am delighted to hear from you once more, dear, and hope your New Year resolution will be kept.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote I have been able to get up pretty well every day. At present Alice in Fairyland is staying with us, and we are having a really good time together. On Sunday morning we left our place for a- good ride in our motor lorry to a country farm. On reaching there I was surprised to see so many friends gathered together for dinner. There were 27 of us. I am sure the children enjoyed themselves very much. My mother and father leave to-day for Christchurch by the second express. In a week's time Alice in Fairyland will be leaving us. Yesterday Alice and I were invited out for afternoon tea, and we had our photos taken, and I hope they turn out better than the other ones did. If they turn out a -success I will most likely send you one. I have knitted some facecloths lately for myself. I was very sorry to hear about Postman Henry, but hope he is quite recovered now. I suppose you wonder how I pass the time away, as I am not allowed to go to the bay. I spend a few hours visiting the park and our shop. About three months ago my unci© came to stay with us ; of course we had no garden, and now it is a picture. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting, yourself.— Yours truly,

LILY OF THE DELL (Timaru). [The garden will prove a never-failing source of pleasure to yon, I am sure, dear. I am so pleased you are getting on so wellkeep it up.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am xtp in Timaru now for my holidays. We have n6t had good weather these last few weeks, but it, is fine to-day. I was out for a motor ride on Sunday, about 20 miles, and had a good time. I did not go to the D.L.F. picnic at the bay, but went to thd picture called " The Timaru Kid," and it was lovely. One of my aunties was in the hospital, but she is home now. I have been down to the bay twice, and had a swim, and it was lovely. I think I am. going to Wellington soon. I am staying with Lily of the Dell. She has been keeping very well lately and is able to get about. Lily of the Dell and I went down to the quarry last night . for a walk, and it was very nice. Dot, I think the best part of Timaru is the bay. Love to Geneva Nut, Tanawha, Sii-ius. Lily of the Dell, and yourself.—Yours truly, ALICE IN FAIRYLAND (Timaru). Dear Dot, —I have heard so much of your L.F. that I wish to join, if you don't mind. I am in Timaru 'at present enjoying myself, but my home -is in Dunedin., I am 12 years old, and have just passed into the Fifth Standard. I am going back to Dunedin on Friday. 18th.—Yours truly, TOMBOY (Dunedin). [You are very welcome to join us, Tomboy.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —I have read with great interest about your L.F. page, and I wish to join if you don't mind. I am going to Diuiedin for my holiday, and I think it will be lovely. I am 15 years old, and have left school. —Yours truly, SILVER BEAM (Timaru). [I trust you enjoy your holiday in Dunedin, Silver Beam.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I wish to become a member of your happy band, with your permission. At present I am enjoying a holiday in Timaru, but my home is in Dunedin. I think that Timaru' i,s a lovely place for a holiday. I am always at Caroline Bay; I just love surf bathing.—Yours truly, SEASIDE ROVER (Dunedin). [Very pleased to hear that you are having such a happy time. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band ? I take great interest in reading the D.L.F. letters, as we get the Witness every week. I am down in Coln-c Bay for my holidays jaist now, but my home is in Mossburn. I am 13 years of age, and in the Fifth Standard. 1 have three sisters and one brother. My eldest sister is married, and has such a dear wee baby girl and a little boy three years old. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, 10NA (Mossburn). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have been having very wet weather here lately, but it was warmer today. Nearly all the farmers about here have finished shearing. We have finished cutting on© of our crops, but the others are not ripe yet. I was at the sports on New Year's Day, but I did not, see many D.L.F. I saw Dairymaid at the sports, and her leg was still sore. She went to the doctor, and got the stitches taken out of it. We have thinned one- paddock of our turnips, and will be starting another to-morrow. The school children will be going back to school again in three weeks. We have a good few seeds up now, but the roses have nearly all faded Kind regards.—Yours truly, LITTLE MAID MARIGOLD (Sutton). Dear Dot,—We are not having very nice weather up here at present. We have finished thinning about half of our turnips, and w'e have some just ready, and some just through the- ground. Christmas was very quiet this year up this way. There were sports on New Year's Day, and a fair crowd came up by the morning train, and went back by the 5.30 train. There was a dance in the evening, and my sister, my uncle, and myself went, and there was a good crowd there, too. I have had a poisoned finger, and it is just getting better. I wore my badge on Now Year's Day, and saw a few D.L.F. The creeks are high just now, as we have had plenty of rain the last few days. On Friday night the water was running across the road, and over the banks of the creek. Our hens are not laying very many eggs just now. Love and best wishes from FOULATA'S MATE (Sutton). Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print, and to know I had been enrolled. The weather has been very unsettled of late. Many of the farmers around have cut their grass, but. could not get it stocked on account of the rain. Tho harvesting will commence in a week or so. The oat crop has turned from its rich green to almost golden. They cut the oats here almost green, as it makes much better chaff —heavier and more moist—than if the oats are ripe. Best love to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, GREY EYES (Kokonga).

Dear Dot, —We arc at our busiest time now, so one does not find much time for letter-writing. We have just finished shearing, and axe thinking about carting the wool. I would sooner think of it than do it, for my part; but the " boss " has his say. The weather has been very unsettled of late. The glass was jumping up and

down till I wondered if it would do-it much good to tie it lip. I don't suppose it would; anyhow, I did not do it. The ground needed a good soaking, though. All turnips and grass came away splendidly after the ram. We have not finished sowing yet. There are about 38 acres to put down in turnips and grass. It would have been pretty nearly all in by now if it had not been for the rain. I did not have any Christmas holidays—we were so busy. Christmas is quiet now to what it was in pre-war days. Best Wishes to Golden Lily, Postman Henry, the rest of my correspondents, and yourself.— Yours truly, . . SQUIBS (Avondale).

Dear Dot, —Our school broke' up on December 21. "We had a very good concert. I got a prize for general work and one for good attendance. I was at Port Molyneux sports on New Year's Day, and enjoyed myself very much. I did not go to the Owaka Show, as it was too wet a day. I have three pet lambs—Nancy, Beauty, and Lloyd. It is lovely to see them, frisking about; they play just like children. We were sorry to hear of the death of Lord Lovat; the children at our school planted a tree in memory of him. Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours HIGHLAND LASS (Katea).

[I hope the tree will thrive and flourish, and keep Lord Lovat fresh in the memory of his friends.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The weather here is very settled just now. Most of the farmers here have the grass out for seed, and the oats will be ready in a week or a fortnight. We went as far as Kyebum for a drive last night. To get ovsr to the store from here we have to cross the Taieri River. It is rot verv high just now —just over the axles of the gig wheels. I did not like going across at first, but now I do mind. Grey Eves and I went to a soldier s farewell at "Waipiata last Saturday week. Wo enjoyed ourselves very much, but on account of it being Saturday the dance had to stop at 12 o'clock. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, OH! CHRISTINA (Kokonga). [I have posted badges to Grey Eyes and yourself, dear—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The weather here has been very unsettled for the last few days._ I have a poisoe.nd foot at present, but it is nearly better now. There was a small whitehead on it, and I pricked it, and whether there was anything on the needle or in the whitehead I could not say, but, anyhow, next day blood-poison set in. Luckily I put iodine on it, and round the ankle to prevent it from going up my leg, or this letter might never have been written. I then tried plantain leaves to draw it, but they did not do much <*ood; so I got some kind of drawing plaster, and put it on one day, and next day I could put my boot on. at as l was writing this there was a slight earthquake shock. I don't mind an earthquake myself, but still it gives a very uncanny sensation which I would sooner be without. Love to my correspondents, the other L.l<., and yourself.—Yours truly, „„ n rm,a ONE OF SIR ROBERT'S SCOUTS (Wainui).

[You have been unfortunate, dear; hut I am glad the foot is getting better.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l-t has been raining very hard here to-dny, and has stopped all harvesting for some time. "We had just started stacking our oats when the ram stoppeo everything. My youngest brother is going up' the Wanganui River on Thursday. I hope he has a good time, for he has never been that way before. I have three brothers all older than myself, and now I will have only one at home, as one is away at Blackhead. I went to a party tho other evening—a welcome-home to a soldier. I wish 4hey were all- returning and the war over. "I received my badge, although it had been delivered first to another person of the same name. I see that there is a Plain Bill from here writing to the page. I may know him, as I have lived here all my life. Do you like reading, Dot? I think there is nothing so nice as a good book. I belong to the library. I wish all the L..F. a happy New Year, not forgetting yourself— I am late; but better late than -never.— Yours truly, TIN LIZZIE (Hastings). Dear Dot, —I am writing to ask you if you would mind me becoming a D.L.F. Every week I-. always look forward to the letters in your paper, and as my friend Gloria writes I thought I would like to write to you also. It is a most glorious day here to-day, and a number of my friends and myself are going for a walk. I am still going to school; I go to the Convent School here; it is a very large building, with two large lawns in the front. There were quite a number of soldiers home on leave this Christmas, but most of them have gone back to camp by now. I have one brother who has just recently gone to the war, and we all miss him very much. Although I am rather late, I wish you and all the D.L.F. a bright and happy New Year. —Yours truly, EKLEEN (Greymouth). [You are very welcome to join us, Erleen. —DOT.]

Dea->- Dot, —I am very sorry I did not write my last letter in ink. We start school again on February 4, and I will be "lad to sret,. back to the old lessons again. I hope all the Little Folk have enjoyed their holidays. I have been for picnics a great many times since the holidays started. ' When we broke up at school I received a. first-class certificate of meruit for having the best composition in the standard. I will be in Standard V when I go back. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting Yourself, —Yours truly, QUEEN LILAC BELLE (South Dunedin). [I am so glad to hear you did so well at school, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having fairly good weather hero just now, although it is a bit windy at times. I just returned from a very enjoyable holiday on January 14, and now my eldest sister is away for her holidays. Since last writing I have left school, ar.d would nrnch rather be at home than at school. I passed at the proficiency examination in September, and mother gave me a "Girl's Own Annual," in which there are some good stories. Most of the farmers about here have started cutting their grass, but as harvest hands are very scarce -just now progress is very slow. Love to all l the D.L.F., not -forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, FAIR INES. ■ Dear Dot, —It was with deem regret that I read of the death of our soldier comrade Elusive, and extend my heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved ones. He was a young volunteer, and has died nobly. I spent a short time at Fairfield during th« holidays, ana enjoyed myself thoroughly. At the close of the year the Otago Women's Patriotic Association presented' me with a lovely wristlet watch, and you can imagine what a great surprise I got. It was with great pleasure that I rend of the return of Little Boy, and hope that he will soon be etronsr again. A few weeks ago I received a field-card from Ivanhoo saying that ho was

quite well, and had received my Witness. One day during Christmas week a party of us climbed halfway up Flagstaff; we would have gone to the top but the day was too hot. One gets a good view, of the surrounding country, and I enjoyed the climb very much. That piece of poetry by Geoge M. Massing was a beautiful piece, I think, and iust shows us all how "every little helps." I will close now, with kindest regards to all my comrades and yourself.—Yours truly, A TRUE PATRIOT (Drmcdin).

Dear Dot,—Since shearing is over, I find I have a little more time at my disposal to attend to those to whom I have become so deeply indebted. During this busy spell one finds little time for idling, for between mustering and other things time is on the wing. But the labour does not all fall to those employed in and out of the shed, for the housewife, too, inherits a goodly portion of it. She has what must seem everlasting cocking to carry on —tea before breakfast, breakfast, morning lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and then tee again. All these meals embody no small amount. of labour in the preparation of them. How cool the sheep look after they have been robbed of their woolly flesces! So complete a change does it make in their appearance that their lambs can hardly recognise them. This last few days w© have been experiencing very thundery weather, accompanied by Warm showers, which will make the crops shoot up, and refresh the grass, which is beginning to wither. Owing to the scarcity of labour work is in some districts behind; but one can only do one's best in these strenuous times. one of the quietest Christmases ever spent m these parts was spent in the year we have just left behind. On previous anniversaries of this festive day it has been the custom to celebrate the occasion by picnicking or in other forms of amusement, but this year few had the spirit to participate in the " field of play." Judging by reports, things appear as if thev will be very .severe this year for the Motherland as regards foodstuffs. How thankful we in little New Zealand ought to feel, for, -no matter how serious this shortage may be, we can easily maintain ourselves by our own productions.—Yours truly, SHICKERS (Kaiwera). Dear Dot, —I was very pleased when I saw my first letter appear in print, only I was porry I had forgotten to give my name. Nearly all the farmers round about.here have finished shearing; but there are a few who have to sow their turnips again, because the fly has taken them. The grasscutting is in full swing. It is blowing fairly hard to-day, and all the nice flowers are getting knocked about and broken; the oats are also feeling the wind. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, < ANZAO'S SECRET (Hedgehope). AUTOS. Golden Wattle (Ethel M. Beck. Tokarahi) wishes to exchange autos with Edendaleite and L.F. 12 years and over willing. Little Maid Marigold (Agnes Pedofsky, Sutton) wishes to correspond with Ivy Leaf and- A True Patriot. Tomboy (Doris Russell, 6 Reid road, South Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Green Shrub and Burma. Seaside Rover (Edna Russell, 6 Reid road, South Dunedin) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 15 years or over. Silver Beam (Merle M'Lean, 8 Buchanan South Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Texas Boy and Green Shrub. Erleen (F. Braid wood, 22 High street, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with any L.F. over 15 years. Queen Lilao Belle (Miss H. Jordan, 62 Melbourne street, South Dunedin) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing.

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Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19180123.2.166

Bibliographic details

Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 63

Word Count
6,856

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK. Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 63

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK. Otago Witness, Issue 3332, 23 January 1918, Page 63