DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3334, 6 February 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominoon on matter* 0/ 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 nnd home life, holiday trips, &o. The letters aro to bo 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 stamps. Auto.' Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

No letter to contain more than 350 words. Uolto: Wo write for the benefit of oinaca not for ourselves. Dear Dot—We are having lovely weather just now. I have my right thumb cut. J-he ■ut is over lin long, and down to the bone SO I can't, write very well; but I think you can read this. I have also got my left thumb cut, but not very badly. I have been lookine a/ter a. neighbours hens since Christmas Eve, and I go down every night and morning to feed them. I have two wee chickens. I got six given to me, and. A gave my brother three, and one of mine died. I had a dreadful dream last night. ± dreamt that my brother , who is at the war, was killed. I hope my dream does not come true. With best love to Golden Nob and Sunflower 11, not forgetting yourself,—lours tTUy ' KYABRAM (Croydon). [I have been unfortunate enough to mislay your address, Kyabrom. I have only just received a, limited number of the new badges, but have yours away Barely. Jus-, send a note when you see this, and 1 will post it by return mail. I hope the thumb is better.—DOT.] Dear Dot,-As it is too late to wish you a;ll a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I hope you all spent a happy time. The weather has been very unsettled ]^* elv ' and I think it is going to ram to-riight. 1 was down at Dunedin for a holiday, and went to the Museum and the Gardens and a lot of other places, n,nd enjoyed myself very much. Love to Dundee, not forgetting yourself .—Yours truly, „'■■■_*. . , LILAC (Ranfurly). Dear Dot,— Ophelia is staying with us for a holiday. Queen of the Heather is aIBO staying in this district, and will be staying with us before she goes home. Ophelia is writing to nor m ether. Grandmother has been staying up here for nearly a week, but went home this morning. Another friend of ours is \coming out from Invercargi'.l on Saturday. I was successful in the examination all right: I oama first. I lost my badge. Love to A Caithness Laes, Orlm, Pickles, Appl® Pie, Ophelia, and Queen of the Heather, not forgetting yourself Yours truly, . ",.,,. FIREFLY II (Limehilh). Dear Dot, —We aro having' our holidays from echool now. Our school broke up on the 19 th of December, and we have six weeks' holiday. I have not he-en away for a holiday yet, but I think I am going very soon. I passed into Standard 111 and got one first-class prize. My birthday was on December 10, and I was 10. My father gave me a black-a ad-white heifer calf for a pet, and I call her Speckie. My father is away to town to-day. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PICOOLA (Limehills). Dear Dot,—l am staying at Ota Creek for my holidays. Wo are haying very rough weather down here. What sort of weather are you having at Dunedin? We will soon be back at school again I was first in my class, and will be in the Sixth Standard when we go back. We did not have a concert at the break-up; but we got our prizes outside. I got three prizes and an attendance certificate —one for class position, one for neatness in school work, and one' for attendance. Love to Anita and all the other LP., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SADIE (Edendale). Dear Dot, —I passed my proficiency examination, and am going to start at the Gore High School. I am working in my father's shop for the holidays, and am getting £1 a week. I can tell you, Dot, that it is not easy work. I can take the shoes off the horses' feet ; but I have never tried driving them on yet. I went down to Port Molyneux on Now Year's Day, and enjoyed myself. I went into ft race of 100 yarde, and won it. I got JBI for it, so that was not bad, was it ? I went down to my Uncle Jim's place, and went home the next day. My mother and sisters are going: to Dunedin for a holiday- before the school takes up again. I will close now, Dot.—Yours truly, ROBIN HOOD (Pukerau). [You have had a most successful time lately, Robin Hood. Consrratulations on securing your certificaie. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was away for a holiday out in the country, and enjoyed myself very much. I like out in the country very much, and hope, next holidays I get, to go again. My sister is going away for a holiday eoon, and I hope she will enjoy it. It has been lovely weather lately, but to-day it Was raining a little, though not much." I feel very lonely to-day, for my playmates are all away, and I havo nobody to play with. I pa&f*d in our examination, and now I shall bo in the Fifth Standard. Kind reo-ards to Wa.rtimoo, Tulip, Lavender, Pink Violet, and Marigold, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, SHELLS OF THE OCEAN (Riversdale). Dear Dot, —Our school starts on February 4. I got my proficiency last year, and will bo in the Seventh Standard when I go back. Our six weeks of holidays seemed to have slipped past very quickly this year. There Is generally a, picnic to Mount Stuart every year; but as there is no train, I think we may get up a local picnic. My mother and sister are away for a holiday, so I am house-keeping. The weather here has been year warm lately, but it suits the farmers for hay-making. Fruit seems to be scarce round about here this year. We

have very few pears and apples. As for plums, wo have none. Best love to Cherry, Jenny Jane, and the rest of my comrades, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CANZONETTA (Lawrence). Dear Dot, —The weather here at present is all that could be desired. I was at the L.F. picnic up in Timaru, and enjoyed myself immensely. We had a lovely day, and the picnic was a success. V was at another picnic last Ivlonday, a few miles out of Oama.ru. Postman Henry was slaying in Oamaru for a few days, so he accompanied me and my friends to the picnic. We all spent a most enjoyable day. We have a very nice flower garden at present. We have a number of flowers of different varieties in bloom. I have been in bed with influenza for a few days; but I am .now up and getting about. My brother has come home with a bag of fish that he has just caught. My Wster is home at present, having a rest, as she lies had a, complete breakdown, and has to go away for a holiday. We all hope she will soon get better. We had a letter from my brother last mail, and he has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and has won the Military Cross. Kindest regards for the present to Lady Levenside, Postman Henry, A Sister of Throe Soldiers, Draw-Egan, A Day Dreamer, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PEG O' MY HEART (Oamaru).

[You must all be proud of your brotfifer, who hag distinguished himself so gallantly.'— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to ask you if I can join your happy band. The weather here is very fine, and the garden is looking very well. I have a number of uncles at the war, and one is a returned soldier. I am going to work, find like it all right. My father is a surfaceman on the railway, and my undo drives a crane in the railway yard at Dunedin. I went to Sutton School, and am well acquainted with Iris, Little Maid Marigold, and Queen Lilac Belle. Remember me to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself Dot.—Yours truly, GIPSY ' KING (Caversham). [You are welcome to join us, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I suppose Christmas excitement is now over, and people are settling down to their work once more. The echool holidays are nearly over. The results of our exam, are* out, , and Boxo and myself were both successful in passing. We were on the beach bathing yesterday, and the sun was so strong that I got Well sunburnt. The Reefton people came down for their picnic on tha beach to-day; but not many attended on aocount of the** reductions of the train service. I haven't been off the West Coast for my holidays this year; but that has not hindered my pleasures. Love to Texas Boy and Roseleaf and all the other L.F. and yourself.—Your3 truly, GLORIA (Grey'mouth). Deair Dot,—May I join your little band? I belong to Timaru, and am well acquainted with all the D.L.F. up here. I have often looked at the page in the Witness, but felt too bashful to writs before. It is terribly windy up here to-day, and very hot, it is not very nice outside. I have been to Dunedin many times; but I think that you have too much wet weather down there. We are having a trades picnic up here on the 81st, so I hope it will be a nice day. Well, as this is my first letter to the page I had better not take up too much of your valvable space. Best wishes to yourself "and Timaru D.L.F.—Yours truly, TIMARUVLIN (Timaru). [Certainly you may join us, dear.—DOT.] - Dear Dot, —Hurrah! Hurrah! At last it ha® come, and I am off to Trentham Camp. I am simply delighted at the piospect, for by the time this letter appears in print 1 shall be eating Trentham stew. I leave Oamaru on the sth of February. 11 days before I attain the u.ge of 20. This is my twelfth attempt at going, and at last I have succeeded, and now, Dot, words cannot explain the state of bliss in which I am wrapt over the prospect of helping my King and country with th 9 little bit I can do. I am at present visiting Pussy and Tricky of Willowby, end I am pleased to be in the township in which I was born. It is very quiet, after the town, but it's lovely. I must thank- the L.F. of my home town for their kindness and forethought in presenting to me on January 2 an auto-strop safety razor. I , appreciate their kindness very much. Then, again, on Monday, 21st, L.F. to the number of 34 came as a surprise' party to bid me .farewell. It was very kind of them, indeed, and I think one and all enjoyed themselves very much. Anyway, we kept it going till 3.80 in the morning. My address is still Henry E. Beach, 33 North street, Timaru, to anyone who wishes to write to me. I sha.ll be pleased to receive their letters. I will close now. My retiring letter will be most likoly my next one, Dot. Love to Crimson Rambler," Lady Evelyn, Longwood Blossom, Pussv, and Tricky, not forgetting all the L.F. and yourself. —Yours truly, POSTMAN HENRY (Willowby). [Wo shall all miss you, Postman Henry; but we hop© to hear from you from time to time as opportunity offers, as a letter to the page will reach most of your friends. Meantime we wish you good luck and a safe return.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just come home from taking Postman Henry to the train. I think that we are going back to school next week. I got two cards at Sunday school, and one for Christmas. We went to the pictures on Friday night, and had % good time. The pictures were called "The Battle of the Ancre." We saw the tanks going over the trenches, and manv other things. We a.ll liked the pictures, hut they make one's eyes ache a bit. Tricky liked the pictures very much. Love to all the L.F.. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PUSSY (Willowby). Dear Dot, —I have Postman Henry staying with us just now. We went to meet him last night (Saturday). This morning we went to Sunday school, and after that to church; then we came home and had dinner. In the afternoon we went to see Postman Henry's cousins, and spent the evening with them. There are a number of crops laid this year—very few, in fact, ntanding up straight. My uncle went into CI camp on January 14, and we miss him very much. I Lave earned 7s 7d out of birds' eggs this year so far, so I am not doin<r so badly. Love to Postman Henry, Irish Colleen, Snooks, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TRICKY (Willowby). Dear Dot.—The farmers about here have been very busy carting in and thrashing their grass. We finished thrashing our grass a few days ago. It is not a very good day to-day for those who have not finished, for it is raining and blowing nearly all the time. It will not be long before all the holidays are over; but it does not make much difference to me, because I have left echool, and have my proficiency. - I did not go anywhere for my holidays, although I was asked to go to several places. I had a letter from Daisy Caramel, asking me to come down and spend my holidays with her. We finished thinning our turnips a

week ago, and I am not sorry, for I had sortie very warm days of it. A few weeks ago we had a visit from my aunt and uncle from Duuedin. They had a good trip, as they came through in their motor car. A few daya after New Year my aunt and uncle from Waikaka were over in their motor car, so I had a good opportunity of having good rides. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. MATRIA LILY (Otaina). Dear Dot, —The summer holidays axe nearly over now. My little sister will bo seven months old on Saturday. I did not go away for long in the holidays because we were eo busy shearing and harvesting that I did not got time. It is so vory hard »to gut labour now. The weather has not been very good this summer. The friend with whom I was staying is very fond of fishing. One day she caught 33 trout in five hours, but lost the Inst one after it was landed. I am not fond of fishing, but like eating the fish. We get fish once in a while. We have a lovely ro3e bed here, but the roses are done now. I did not go up to Cromwell to see the pillars falling. I would have liked to go very much. 1 believe there were .over 2000 there. It would be a sight worth seeing. Kind regards to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, E. U. H. Dear Dot, —I have been to Dunedin for my school holidays, and am feeling all the better for it. School takes up again on the 4th of February. I am going back for another year. I saw' a few D.L.F. when I was away, but I did not like to spaek to You always intend, when you go away, to speak to them if you see any; but if you see them you always say, "I don't like to sreak." Love to Baby Bliss, Go To Bed Early, Tipperary, Mary, 'and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A SISTER OF TWO SOLDIERS (Tapanui). Dear Dot, —A number of tourists are down here just now. I have another biother. ■ married. My mother is not well just now. The school is opening again this Tuesday coming. I hung up my stocking for Santa Claua, and I got a handkerchief sachet, a box of paints, skipping rope, three toy stockings, some lollies, and fruit. I got a .book prize at school for good work. The title of it is "John of Daunt." The sweet peas are in bloom, and look lovely now. A BV>ldier has returned here, and his well-wishers presented him with a gold medal. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, RED CROSS NURSE (Owaka). Dear Dot, —We have six weeks' holiday from school. I don't know if I passed or not, but if I did ' I will bo in Standard VI. The last few days have boon awfully hot, but to-day it is windy. Princess Helena has left school now, and my brother and I are going to cycle to school. My uncle and aunt were staying with us for a week at New Year. The apples are beginning to ripen, but the plums and pears are quite green yet. As news is scarce, I will close. Love to Shamrook, Silver Threads, Princess Patricia, A Farmer's Lass, G-rannie's Violet, Myrtle Spray, and Mother's Rosebud, not forgetting yourself—Yours truly, KISS ME AT THE GARDEN GATE (Forest Hill). Dear-Dot, —Wo had six weeks' holiday, and we have to go back to school on Mbnday. Wo have had lovely weather down hero lately. I went down to Waihoaka for two weeks, and had a real good time. I went for the cows every night, and after they were milked I took them to their paddock, and when I came back I went over to the, train for the paper. Lady Dell is in Riverton Hospital. I will close now. Best wishes to Daisy, Black Butterfly, Merrivale Maid, and yourself, and my sister. —Yours truly, PUKEMAORI MAID (Pukemaori). Dear Dot, —I have been ill for about seven weeks, but am quite well again now. J. am at present enjoying my Christmas holidays in the country. I live in Invercargill. There are such a lot of pretty flowers out in the garden. I am going to try and get up to see the sun rise before I go back to town again. Love to all L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, CROCUS II (Nokomai). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am five years old, and am in the second book at school. The school starts on February 5, snd I will be glad. We have eight cows milking just now. My sister is holding my hand. Dad is going away for cattle tomorrow morning. It was raining to-day. My little brother is in bed just now. . I have two money-boxes—one is a letter-box, and it is full to the top ; and the other one is an old man with a hole in it to drop nionev into, and this one is half full. My little "tin man that I keep my money in w© call Weary Willie, and my little brother's man's name is Tired Tim. Love to Mr Nobody, Starlight Roso, and Lady Molly, not forgetting vourself —Yours truly, DA"DDY"S BOY (West Plains). [Yes-, you may join us, Daddy's Bby ; but when next you write send your own proper name so that I. may be able to enter it in my address book.—DOT.] „ Dear Dot, —"The Battle of Ancre" pictures were shown in Oaina.ru last Wednesday night, but I thought it was too far to go, although my brothers and my father drove in. Christmas was not the same this year; but nothing else can be expected in time of such a' crisis as is being experienced at present. I have read -three books this year. "The Basket of Flowers" being my favourite, although it is a bit sad. I am not knitting anything a.t present, although I think T drove Sea Maiden and me out to Port Molyecarves, and numerous things to keep them warm. There is to be an army concert on Wednesday night, and 1 think I will go. We have two hives of bees; we caught them in swarms. Love to Mither'a Wean, Woodbine, and yourself.—Yours truly, ARDMORE (Enfield). Dear Dot, —It is raining here terribly today, making everything so dull. We have nearly all the oats cut now. W© have 17 Wee white pigs. We have a dog that eats the eggs. One day it had eaten six eggs before we knew, so my father gave It a good dose of mustard. We have a cow which has a sore leg, and one day she got into the vegetable garden and ate all the cabbages. We are milking 25 cows, and send nine oans of milk To th© factory, and are feeding 10 oalves. I must close now. Best wishes to Hopalong Cassidy and Foultain's Mate.— Yours truly, WHITE PEARL (Ratanui). Dear Dot, —I have not had much time for writing lately. The weather has been very warm, and everyone is wanting rain. We have not had many touristy about here, this year, but I believe there have been a few at Pounawea. Last Sunday my brother should be, as the soldiers need socks, neux. It was a lovely drive, and though the day was not a good one we enjoyed ourselves. Nearly all our young men are away fighting for us. A returned soldier came back to this district about three weeks ago. The people held a picnio for him down on the beach, and gave him a social at i night. He Was presented with a gold medal. We all enjoyed ourselves, both at the picnio and

social, I have another brother married now. He was married at Christmas, and is getting a new house put up. There is going to be a dance when it is finished. I met Ahum when she was down for her holiday at Pounawea. She is away back to Riverton. I spent my holiday at home. I was in Dunedin for a few days in the beginning of December. I am thinking of going to town for a holiday at Easter if I can get away. My cousin was still in Codford by the last letter I had from him; but I suppose he is back in the firing line by now. Love to Shamrock Bells, Molly Bawn, Camp Creek, Sawmill, Brown Eyes, Gwen, Ahura, Postman Henry, Tanawha, not forgetting yourself.-—Yours truly, TERRA NOVA II (Owaka). • Dear Dot,—Please may I join your Little Folk? I am nine years and nine months old, and in Standard 111. I have a_pet lamb. Udud is \ cousin of mine. I have had a six months' holiday for a visit to an unole near Rotorua. I will close now. Yours truly, BOOKWORM (Kahukura). [You are welcome, .dear. We hope to hear from you at regular intervals, as your district J 3 rather far away. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Our holidays are nearly over now. I did not go anywhere this year, but made myself useful at home. When our school broke up we presented our teacher with a silver ink-pot. which she liked very much. Carnival Week here was very busy; but rain came on, and we had to postpone the races one day, which upset the khow Day. In spite of this we had, on the whole, fine weather, but the races and Show were pnt a day ahead. I have been swimming a lot this year, and like it very much. The river here is very nice for swimming, and the Maoris are never out of the water. Our examination was much easier this term, and I passed into Standard VI. My brother went up to Waikaremoana on Saturday afternoon, and came back on Sunday night. He drove out with some boy friends, and they were fishing all day Sunday for trout, but cauglv.. only one. I will close, as there is no news here just now.—Yours truly> POLLY PERKINS (Wairoa). [Notwithstanding the shortage of paper I must ask you, dear, to write on one side of the paper only.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —For many years I have read the letters of the L.F., and to-night finds me ■writing you" these few lines asking if I may join the band. I am 17 years of age, and live in" a little bur.gie hut en the top of Mount Thunder. I know quite a few D.L.F. around the mount, including Mamaru's Cousin and Stars and Stripes. Mamaru's Cousin is at present "having a short holiday in the city of Fortrose. I suppose she goes to the pictures every night. Is Dunedin a very large place? I have never as far as that, but would very much like to spend a holiday there. Next time I write I will tell you all about this wonderful place in which I live. There are some grand fishing rocks around tiiis part, and I often spend many pleasant hours fishing off them, and last Sunday I happened to catch a Port Jackson shark. Some people like to eat them, but I prefer a slice of conger eel. The school here has not started yet; but when I went up to the post office to-night I heard that the new teacher is to arrive on Saturday evening. I used to like going xo school very much, but I left it about three years ago. If this cruel war continues there will be no young men left at all If I wai only old enough I should only be too willing to go and fight the wicked Germans. A number of people seem to think that the war will end next month. I hope it does, don't you? If ever you pay a visit to Slope Point you will have to gather some of the beautiful shells from around Curio. Bay. We get very good weather here at this time of the year, and at present the farmers are all tusy thinning their turnips. As Mount Thunder is a lather quiet place live on, I find it very hard to get news, so I will bring this to a close. Hoping this finds you and all the Little Folk enjoying the best of health. Kindest regards from—Yours truly, , HAMILTON HILL (Slope Point). Dear Dot, —The weather here has been pleasant lately, but it is raining to-night. The school reopened to-day, and I am going back for another year; but I got my proficiency last year. My eldest sister was married on Christmas Day, and she is living about three miles away. I Was staying with her for a week, and I had a lovely time. Wo Were fishing two nights, but we caught only throe eels. I was hi Invercargill last week getting my teeth stopped, and I did not like it. My cousin and some friends of ours from Wellington were staying with us for a while, and it was quite a change for them. Theie are a few mushrooms about, but it is too early for them yet. Petunia is having a holiday at Timaru. She went away on Boxing Day, and she is not home yet. I saw the death of Elusive announced in the Witness. His parents live close to my auntie. A lot of young men have been killed at the front, and the war does not seem to be coming to an end. Love to A Caithness Lass, Firefly IT, Princess Snowflake, Petunia, Pickless, and all the other L.F. and yourself.—You 11s truly, ORLIN (Ry'al Bush). Dear Dot, —Christmas passed very quietly this year, and if this war is not over next year things will be looking very eerious. Nearly every person who writes to the page has some friend away. The harvest is drawing near, so I suppose we can be looking forward to another busy time. We have all our sheep shorn, and I think nearly all the farmers round here have finished." I was at the Riverton tmd Bluff regattas. It wa3 a lovely day for Riverton, but it nearly blew "us' over the wharf at Bluff. I did not see any Little Folk there, but there are a few round about Lochia!. I was at a dance on New Year's Night, but I have not been at one since. My sister. A Bunch of Violets, was etaying at Wright's Bush, but she is at homo row. She was with my younger sister in Invercargill for a holiday. ' I suppose the holidays are all over now. so we shall have to wait till the end of the year again. Well, I enjoyed myself last year, and I hope everyone did the same. Those who have relations at the war cannot enjoy themselves very much. Lo\\» to Kiltie "Lassie, Little Venniee, Queen of the Mays, One of the Bulldog Breed, British Lion, not forgetting vour own dear self.—Yours truly, ENGLISH LASSIE (Loch'iel). Dear Dot, —We had very good weather for the Christmas and New Year holidays. There are a number of tourists still over here. I went for one picnic to a place called Port William. There used to bo a house there, and the people in it had a lovely garden; but it lies all gone to Wreck now. There are still a lot of strawberries down there; but they were not ripe when we were there. I started bathing this year for the first time in my life. I go in nearly every day now, and can swim about three yards. Greenvale and Seafield and the rest of their family arc leaving here to go to Invercargill to lis*?. They will be missed very much, as they have lived, hero all their lives. A number of concerts and dances have been held here, and I went to most of them; but the concerts were very stale, ns there doesn't seem to b# any good singers over

this year. Although there are tos many tourists over ihis year, I have not seen one with a D.L.F. badge. Love to Orpington Lass, Watchful, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—You re truly, CAVALLINI (Stewart Island). Dear Dot,—Letters from the writers who wrote two or three years ago seem scarce. I was at Palmerston, Waitati, Dunedin, and Benio for the holidays. I was a farm at Benio, and had a goo dtime of it. The High School resumes on the sth, and I am going back again this year. I hav-> lately read "Kim," "Commander Lawless, "Pilgrim's Progress," "Middy end Ensign, "Charles O'Malley," and "Two Years Ago." I liked "Charles O'Malley" best. It is a story of the Peninsular war. The hero is a merry Irishman Three of my cousins in the Twenty-second Reinforcements were all wounded about the same time. They were brothers, too. I think the Municipal Baths in. Dunedin are great. I was in them a great deal. I was also out at St. Clair. I have now about 2500 stamps. I get stamps from England, and am going to change with some man in Petrograd. Betty's sister is here for a holiday. Kind regards to Grant, Postman Henry. Busy Bee, Betty, Princess Georgina, Bulldog Tom, Robin Hood, Tricky, Alison, Mamaru's Cousin, Belgian Maid, Fairy, Peg o' the Ring, and all the other L.F.—Yours truly, A LONELY SOLDIER (Invercargill). Dear Dot, —I was so pleased when I saw in the Witness that I was welcome to join your L.F. I received a letter from Queen Lilac Belle this morning, and she asked if I wc/uld correspond with her. I will write to her when I have finished yours, and tell her I am only too glad to write to her. My cousin, Silver Beam, is also writing to Dot. She is staying at my place for a holiday. Silver Beam's little sister is also staying here. Seaside Rover (my sister) is still _ at Timaru, enjoying herself. She is leaving Timaru to-morrow end going to Oama.ru. She will stop in Oamaru till Saturday, 2nd, and then come home.—Yours truly, TOMBOY. Dear Dot, —I am still in Dunedin, enjoying myself very much. A mistake was made in the address I gave, 8 Buchan street South, Dunedin, being given instead of Timaru. I shall be going home on Saturday, 2nd February. I have not well lately; I have had headaches and pains. Well, dear Dot, I have not much to write about just now. — Yours truly, SILVER BEAM. Dear Dot, —I have just come home to a quiet evening after a happy day at the beach. We left home at 9.30 this morning and walked out, and about 12 o'clock we had lunch. We stayed there till 2 o'clock, and then it began to rain, and we got the car home. I very much like reading. I have read "Little Women" and "Good Wives" — two books about the same people. Love to Little Maid Marigold, Tomboy, Ei-leen, and Shakespeare, not forgetting all the other L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, QUEEN LILAC BELLE (South Dunedin). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? 'I am 11 yea,rs old, and will be in the Fifth Standard when I go back- to school again. We are having very hot weather here just now, and I will be glad when winter conies again. I did not go anywhere for my holidays this year; because I don't like going away by myself. I have two uncles at the war; one of them is wounded. I have another one in camp, and a cousin was killed a while ago. Our hens are laying well, and our cows keep us in butter and milk. We have a few flowers out in the garden, but they • are all dying for want of water, and there are a lot of weeds among them. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BUNNY-TRAPPER (Bahnockburn). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very windy weather here just now, and to-night it looks like rain. The annual picnic was held on New Year's Eve instead of New Year's Day, and it was a big success. There were a lot of people present, and they played games and had a good time generally. There were races for the children and for the elder people. There were five soldiers present, and we gave them a race. I went into one or two races and won something. At night there was a concert End dance to pay the expenses of the picnic, and the dance was kept going Until about 3 o'clock. There weie six sets up in the first dance, which is something unusual for dances here nowadays. We had a great time up at the Cromwell Development works. About 2000 people were present, and we don't often see a crowd like that up here. The first pillar went in about 11 o'clock, and it Was a sight well worth going to see. They did not manage to get the second pillar in on Friday ; just a piece came out of it when the shot was fired, and it was left until Monday morning. A lot of people had cameras with them, so there ought to be plenty of photos of the big splash. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BUTTERY DICK (Bannockbum). [The firing of the pillars must have been well worth seeing, Buttery Dick. The novelty of the proceeding would naturally draw a crowd.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am home from my holidays now, and. a.m very glad to get home again. It is raining very hard to-day, and I am not long home from town. Our school does not start till next Monday, and We have had eight weeks' holidays this year, so I think we have been very lucky. When I was at Balfour I met Lovdy, and she and I played together nearly all the holidays. I was very pleased to have someone to play with. I got three prizes at school this year—one for being top in my class, top in home work, and my ordinary prize. I got a lovely writ-ing-case for being top in my class and in home work. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SWEET VIOLETS (Makarewa). Dear Dot, —I am out working just now. We milk four cows night and morning, and I milk two twice a day. I like milking. I have been siok this day or two. My second oldest brother is going into camp next month. Love to English Lassie and your dear self.—Yours truly, WHITE VIOLET (Lochiel). Dear Dot,—My cousin and her two little children are staying here at present, and I think they are going to stop until the school opens. I am teaching the eldest to ride the bicycle, and she is almost competent. Wo have had quite a lot of visitors these holidays. Our garden is looking very nice row. We have' jasmine and "honeysuckle climbing up the verandah posts, and the' pet lambs have a taste of it whenever they have the chance. I put the two biggest pet lambs down in the paddock with the other sheep this afternoon, and they didn't like it at all. They tried to get through the fence, but all in vain. Dad felled one of our gum trjes last Week, and he is busy just now cutting it up for firewood. I like the gums burning, as they have such a clean, her.lthy smell. The leaves are starting to fall off the willows; I don't remember

them falling so early before. Just after dinner on Tuesday my uncle, aunt, and four cousins motored over from Drummond. We didn't expect them, bo we got a surprise. They stopped for afternoon tea only, a*; they had to go homo for the" cows. Cows are a nuisance sometimes. I always hate milking them on a Sunday night. I often start in a groat hurry, and something happens ; the cow treads on my loe and makes mo dance for a while. We have five cows, and I do three, and I think that :'s sufficient for inc. We have a big calf, and my little cousin always gets me to put her on his back when he is getting fed. I think I will try and ride him myself; but I might get a very quick "s<-nd-off." Wo have also another calf; but she won't let anyone come neax hear: she is very timid. Eundest regards to yourself and all my correspondents. —Yours truly, "WILLOW DENE (Dipton);. [Cows certainly do riot leave one a free agent in the matter of time, as they have to be attended to at a regular time. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I live quite close to the Otautau School. 1 am 12 years of a.ge, and am in Standard V at school. The weather here to-day 13 not very nice, but we have had lovely weather up to now. I have four brothers—two older than myself and two younger—and no sisters. With best love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE 80-PEEP (Otautau). [I am very happy to welcome you to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —-The Merrivale School is called again to compete for the groat G.alloway Memorial Shield. I hope they manage to win it again, as it would be hard to part with it. The farmers round about here are all very busy at present, and a great number are harvesting grass. Since last writing I have been away for a holiday. Although it was a very quiet place, I enjoyed myself very much. As the telephone was quite near to the place where I was staying, I was able to ring up my sister occasionally. Except for farewell socials to the soldiers, it lias been very quiet these last few months. I hav« read quite a number of books lately, some of them are "Infelioe," "Elsie's Womanhood," "Three Years with Thunderbolt," and a number of others. Love to Lady Dell, Smiler, Gloria, Postman Henry, and Gloria's Mate, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSELEAF (Orawia). Dear Dot, —I have just turned 14. I got my' proficiency in November, and am now in Standard VII. Duimg my holidays I stayed! three weeks with Mother's La-ssie at Tironicana, where I enjoyed myself. I also went to see Yellow Banksia. I went to spend a day on the island which is in AVoodpecker Bay. It is a little over a mile in length. People sometimes stay on it for a month at a time. They have a cove formed by a large rock over other smaller ones. The sea does not go up near the top, which is overgrown with flax. Every year there are eggs and spotted seagulls all over it. I have a brother 13 years old and a sister eight months old. Best wishes to Yellow Banksia, Clematis, and Mother's Lassie, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FATHER'S LASSIE (Charlcstown).. [You are "very welcome to join us, Father's Lassie, but please send your name with your next letter.—DOT.]' Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote we have shifted' to Christchurch from Southland. The climate up here -.is much warmer than down south. I like town life better than'country life. I did not like the thought of coming to live up here, and now I wonder why I did not. 0113 ne\er feels lonely up here, as there are plenty of places to amuse oneself. I like going out to New Brighton; it has such a beautiful beach. I went to the Brighton Gala and enjoyed myself very much. There was a mock court, and it was very amusing to see the old judge and the jury. The jury consisted of women (or at least men dressed up as women). The weather up here has been warm for the past week, but it was a bit chilly to-day. We did not have very pleasant weather for the holidays, but it was not so bad as that in Dunedin. I have left school this year, and am staying at home helping mother. I was sorry to leave school, as I liked it. Our garden is looking Its best now. The lobelias are all out, and they make a very pretty border. Wo get the Witness every week, and I enjoy reading the D.L.F. letters. With kindest regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, THE LASS OF CRAIGIE LEA (Christchurch). [Very pleased to renew acquaintance with you again, dear.—DOT.] AUTOS, ETC. Peg o' My Heart (Miss May Benningham, New street, Oamaru) wishes to correspond with Iron Heart, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, and any L.F. 15 years of age and over willing. A Sister of Two Soldiers (May Armstrong, Bedford street, Tapanui) would like to correspond with A True Patriot and Gwen. Prairie Flower, (Sybil Fahy, St. Bathans, Otago) wishes to exchange autcs and correspond with Gloria., Gloria's Mate, Puss in Boots, ancli Larola. Irish Emigrant (Hilda Nicolson, St. Bathans) wishes to exchange autcs and oarrespond with ' Wayback, Pink Clover, Mimihau Maid, and Princess Vanada. Polly Perkins (Dulcie Storey, Wairoa, Hawke's Bay) wishes to correspond with Iron Heart or any D.L.F. 13 years of age willing to do so. Sea Maiden (Dorothy G. Harrison, Pounawea, via Owaka) wishes to correspond with any L.F. over 15 years wilhn{r. Terra Nova II (Gladys Fineash, P.O. Owaka) wishes to correspond with Mountaineer, Lord Nelson, Postman Henry, and any L.F. over 15 years. Roseleaf (Grace Manson, Orawia) wishes to correspond with Iyyleaf, Plain Bill, Long Island, and any L.F. willing. Princess Yioletta (Miss M. Page, third house, Valley road, Caversham) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. ANSWER TO CORRESPONDENT. Snakey Joe: The address asked for is Ruth Her/on, 274 Oupua road, Timaru.