LETTERS FORM THE LITTLE FOLK

Otago Witness, Issue 3335, 13 February 1918, Page 56

LETTERS FORM THE LITTLE FOLK

No letter to contain more than 350 words. Uotto.:—We write for the benefit of others. not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—lt is now some considerable time since I last wrote to the page; but better late than never, I presume. Of late I have taken much more interest m it than I did previously. Postman Henry, as you know, has terminated his civil duties, and is at present on leave prior to his donning khaki for somewhere m France. Among D.L.F. and others he will be greatly missed here in Timaru,' the genial way and wholeheartedness with which he carried out everything earning for him many lasting comrades and friends. On Monday night, January 21, a good number of L.F. attended at his home for the purpose of tendering him , a farewell surprise social evening, which consisted of games, etc., and was terminated at 3.30 a.m. with the singing of '"God be with you till we meet again and the National Anthem. Of late a member from here has been writing under the N.D.P. Lily of the Dell (I think). As none of us know who this member is, could you please supply me with the name and address, eo~ that he or she may be invited to some of our social meetings, etc. Things in Timaru are getting quieter every day. With so many young fellows going away, there will be no one but boys, women, and girls to run the town soon. The united picnic takes place in the park here tomorrow, so I suppose there will be a bit of life and bustle in Timaru for once. It is to be hoped the weather remains fine; although very unsettled lately, perhaps we may be privileged to-morrow. Kind regards to' Seaside Rover.—-Youra truly. SNAKY JOE (Timaru). [I do not happen to have the address book within reach at present, Snakey Joe; but please look in the Notice to Correspondents column for the information desired.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since my last letter my father has gone into hospital again. About a fortnight ago he had his left leg amputated, and is getting along very well. "We only hope he will not suffer so much now. Yesterday I received a letter from the Technical College saying that I had received my " senior free place," so that entitles me to three more years' free tuition. Last Sunday my sister, a friend, and myself left home at 8 o'clock in the morning, walked to St. Clair, and then on to Cargill's Castle. It was a beautifully hot day, and from the " castle," the beach looked lovely. I always enjoy a long walk; it gives one an appetite and mokes one sleep well. I hear that Postman Henry is going into camp shortly. He is a young volunteer, but is going to uphold Now Zealand's honour. I had a telegram from him & few days ago telling me to meet the train, but I'm sorry to say I got the telegram too late. Last Wednesday night two of my mates and I were at the Y.M.C.A. Swirnrningi Baths, and had a good time. Just now we have quite a number of carnations and sweet peas out, and the garden looks very pretty. • Kindest regards to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, . . A TRUE PATRIOT (Dunedin). Dear Dot, —I think I have been lazy during the holidays. At school I received a prize for merit and a certificate for attendance. I will be in Standard II next N year. At Christmas I gpt lots of nice presents. My daddy is. away in the hospital, but is coming home when he is better. Best Jove to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, DADDY'S PET (Dunedin). [I think most of us incline to laziness hi the holidays, dear.—DOT.] Doar Dot, —May I have the privilege of writing 1o your page ? I am 13 years of age, end am leaving school at tho end of the year. We have been collecting bottles for the Red Cress Fund, md got, £4 lis for them. I have four brothers and ons sister. We have two cows and two calves. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, ORANGE BLOSSOM (Ross). [I am delighted to accord you a welcome to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am 12 years old, and in the Fifth Standard at school. I have- read a great number of D.L.F. letters, and I enjoyed them very muoli, and would very much like to join. I have one sister and no brothers. We have a school garden, and we grow potatoes and other vegetables in it. We commences school on February 4 for another year'c work. Kindest regards to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, MAYFLOWER (Ross). [While there are quite a number of L.F. on the West Coast, I think you are our first member from Rosa. Welcome dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am 11 years old, and in Standard IV at school. My cousin is Queen Lilac Belle. I am well acquainted with Iris and Little Maid Marigold, for I used to live near Sutton. Love to Queen Lilac Belle, Iris, and Little Maid Marigold, not for-' getting all the othar L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, PRINCESS VIOLETTA (Cavcrsharn). [Welcome to the page, dear—.DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been very changeable up this way lately. Most of the farmers about here have had or are getting the mill. I have read a good few books lately, including " The Lamplighter," " The Old Curiosity Shop," "After School," and " Tho Web of Time." The school children will have to go back to school on Monday. How quickly the holidays seem to have gone! I wa« at a eond-oS the other night,

and enjoyed myself very much. We have had seme friends staying with us, but they are away now. Love to' all my correspondents and D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, * . v IVY , LEAF (Peebles). [One shilling in stamps was enclosed in your letter, but you did not state what they were for.—DOT..] ' Dear Dot,—l "nave an uncle in camp who is in the Mounted Rifles. He is leaving New Zealand soon, and I will be very sorry. I enjoyed my school holidays very much, and spent part of . my time out at the beach. We have had very fine weather these last three weeks.. There are a good many out at Brighton this year. I started school on Monday,, and we have some new* teachers and a new head master, who is said to be a very nice man. I was in town on Sweet Pea Day. I wonder if they got enough money to build a clubhouse for our soldiers. I hope so, because there is a great need of it. Our soldiers want something to comfort them after doing their best to help win this great war. Love to all ihe oth<u* Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, POPCORN JACK (Green Island). Dear Dot, —Wo have been having glorious weather here lately. I did not go away for any holidays this Christmas, but am going up north for a trip soon. I have been to several send-off and welcome-home socials and dances to soldiers since I last wrote, and" had a good time at every one. I got a letter from my brother in France the other day, and he is in the hospital with a poisoned leg through getting tangled up in some bafbed wire. He was getting on all right, so 1 suppose he will be back in tho firing line ere this. Most of the farmers about this district have started, harvesting now. It always seems to be the busiest lime of the year when one hears the reapers buzzing in every direction. My brother, Tommy Burns, is getting a bit excited, as he has received notice to attend the Territorial camp which is to be held in Invercargill. It starts on the Bth of this month and lasts for eight days. Fondest love to all the L.F. and yourself, dear Dot. — Yours truly, GOLDEN LILY (Fairfax). Dear Dot,—l have been in Dunedin six months now, and J like it very much. It is quite a change after being in Oamaru so long. Star Rose is working down here no at, and I think she likes it very much. A party of girls went to Tomahawk Beach last week, and we had the time of our lives. We wont in for a swim, and, of course, got ourselves' all sunburnt. We landed home about 9 p.m., all tired, but happy. We have a real poultry farm here. Theie are some beautiful fowls, and we get quite a lot of eggs. One of my girl friends has just had a brother, home from the front, and she is quite overjoyed at seeing him again after an absence of two years. I suppose I would have been the same had my brother returned. We have been having lovely weather in Dunedin lately, but it is very cold sometimes. Love to all my L.F. friends, not forgetting yourself!—Yours truly, MOONLIGHT MOG (Dunedin). [I am very pleased to see your name shining in the page again, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather has been very changeable . lately—some days raining and some days just the opposite. I was at a send-off not so very long ago, and enjoyed myself very much. Most of the farmers are busy harvesting just now, and nearly all the crops are cut and stacked. I have read a good number of books lately. The names of some are "The Web of Time," "Jennie, the Soldier's Wife," '" What Katy Did," and " The Lamplighter." How quickly the holidays have gone! Most of the children go back to school this week Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HAVE A BANANA ' (Papakaio). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot,—Our holidays have come to an end now, and we go back to school to-day. We went to Portobello for a week, and we had a glorious time. My mother and I went to the Museum on Saturday, and I saw the "sunfish my 5 * grandfather caught many years ago, and I saw many interesting animals, and I thought the peacock was beautiful. Best wishes to all Ihe L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BELLEVUE SPUR (Port Chalmers). Dear Dot, —The holidays have ended before one realises that they have really started; but all good times must come to an end, and holiday time is not an exception to the rule. Our vegetable garden is looking splendid at present, and we also have ~a array of flowers; but we have had weather that things cannot help -looking pretty. We. have a foal nearly old, and it is.so pretty and so full of life that one cannot help watching it. We have a brother of 20 away at the front, and have hot heard from him lately, but 'tis best to believe "no news is good news." "We have a vegetable garden at school. I hope we can sell the plants for patriotic purposes. I got dux of our school .this year, and I was surprised; but everything happens when cne lea3t expects it, and surprises are pleasant sometimes. Kind regards to A True Patriot, Postman Henry, Silvery Moonbeam, A Soldier's Friend, Highland Lass, and my other L.F. correspondents and comrades and your own self.—Youry truly, CANADALE LASfI (Katea). [Congratulations on your success at school, dear.—DOT.] Deair Dot,—l have just come back from Dunedin after being there for a month's holiday. I was down at Port Chalmers while in "Dunedin, and I had a glorious time. I will be going to the Technical College again this year, so I am looking forward to a good old time. There is going to be sports in Invercargill this month, but I don't know whether I will be going or not. The weather here has been very hot lately, but to-day we had a shower of rain which was very acceptable. If we have any hotter weather than we havo been having lately it " is a poor lookout for things. Kindest regards and best lova to Cook's Mate, Grey Stairs, Tommie Burns, Hardcase Bill, Postman Henry ; Golden "Lily, Seekashore, Anzac's Niece, and A Soldier's Sweetheart, not forgetting yourself.—Yourp PATRIOTIC LASS (Fairfax). Dear Dot, —We hava to go back to echool again for another year on Tuesday. AVo had nearly seven weeks altogether. I got a prize and an attendanoe certificate on break-up day. The prize was called "From Log Cabin to White House.". I liked it very much. I also got » book from my Sunday school teacher called " Our Little Ann. Have you read " The Road to Understanding," by Eleanor H. Porter? We have a dog called Mac, and she carries the paper home for us. I have been in for a good many swims this season, but. I cannot swim vet. I saw " East Lynne" at tho piciurea in tho holidays. I saw BroWn Eyes at the beach one day. I went to Bluff in a motor car last Monday, and came back on Wednesday. We walked

up' to the flagstaff one day; we also saw the reservoir. Lovo and ix:st "wishes for a happy Now Year to Grant, Zeta, Timaru Kidd, Mountaineer, Brown Eyes, and Somebody's Friend, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LUCILLE LOVE (Riverton). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? We have been having/ very nice weather hero until to-day, when it started to rain; but wo are all very glad to see the rain again, as we are- in need of it. I am going away to school on the 4th of February. My two girl friends, Gloria and Eileen, write to you, and they wanted me to write also, so I am falling in with their wishes. I suppose you have never been over this part of the world. Gloria, Erleon, and I went for a nice bicycle ride on Saturday, and we had a little picnic on our own. Love to all the D.L.F. and the same for yourself.—Yoiira truly, BEULAH (Greymouth). [I have been to the Coast three or four times, but cannot say I am enamoured with it.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have just turned 14. I got my proficiency certificate last November. During my Christmas holidays I went to' Tiromoana, and stayed >with Mother's Lassie. I also went to see Yellow Banksia. When I came home Mother's Lassie came and stayed for a fortnight with us. I have a brother 13 (in Standard VI), and also a sister eight months old. The school here opens on the 4th of February. Some of the children have over two miles to walk. Best wishes to Clematis and Yellow Banksia, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FATHER'S LASSIE (Charleston). [Many thanks for your name and address, dear—DOT.] Dear Dot, —At Christmas I went up Central Otago for six weeks' holiday, and now I have plenty to tell you about. I left Duncdin at 8 o'clock on a lovely morning. The Taieri Plain looked lovely;) so also did the Taieri Gorge—everything lovely and green all the way up to Lauder. I got there at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and my cousin met me with a horse and gig, and I had another long ride to their place, which I enjoyed. Next morning I went down to the cowbyre and watched her milk the cows, and learned to milk myself. My cousins just lived in the water when it was fine. I went to a garden fete at Matakanui, and had a good time. I liked the wee pups and calves best of all. I could feed them all, but I must confess, Dot, I thought they would eat me at first; but I tried to be very brave, and then I was not a bit afraid. I went to Ophir one day for* a drive, and grandad, was haymaking, so wo all set to work to catch rabbits, but caught only 20. The way they catch- them is to stop up the hole in the fence where, the rabbits come through, and as they cannot get through the netting wire again, we all chase one into a corner; % but one has to be very quick to catch it.' I came away with a good many scratches, but had laughed so much I did not feel the pain of them until we started for home; but it was a 1: great day's sport. My uncle taught- me to ride, on horseback in the oountry. All the men ride horses, even if its only a little way. I v must tell you a funny experience we had with some poly bullocks my uncle brought down from the mountains. We had to go through the paddock where they were kept> and as they looked very fierce we took a sheep dog to drive them away; but instead of that dog driving them away he rounded -them all up and brought them to us. The dog was a "header," not a " huntaway." We quickly got through the fence, but found those bullocks were just as" much airaid of us, as we were of them. When they were first put in with the others they made a great din, roared, and tosed up the .earth and made clouds of dust. I was sorry when my six weeks were up, and I came home as "brown as a berry after a really good holiday. Two of youf new writers ■ (Tomboy and Seaside Rambler) I know very well. Tomboy go2s_to the same school, and we both go to church, and Sunday school together. I hope my daddy will be pleased to see my letter in print. I am sure ho thinks I am very lazy, but the Fourth Standard at school u gets such a lot of lessons to do. Love- to all the D.L.F. and yourself. —Yours truly, * BURMA (Dunedin). [Your holiday in the country was quite a delightful experience, Burma. You must feel in great form after such a happy time.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is on wet» dismal kind of daj's that I find time to write. A person cannot work outside, and when inside one likes to keep cut of the way of those who labour within. To do this he must either read or write, the former being preferred, by me, although the latter is not distasteful. : Give me a good book—one in which the, author has .striven to make his work clear, weighty, vivid, and elevated: with this kind of reading I am content. No doubt you will have read what Frederic Harrison says in " The Choice of Books": "A habit of readingly idly debilitates and corrupts the mind for all wholesome reading. The habit, of reading wisely is one of the most difficult habits to acquire, needing strong resolution and infinite pains." I wonder how • many have proved these words true? Many, I think. Many of -our brave lads -are finding untimely graves—mere youths mail}' of them, and others just in the prime of life. It seems cruel that their lives should be snapped off just when they are at their best. . Lord Byron speaks well when bo speaks of the " Death of Heroes " in the following : "Tlijy never fail who die In a great cause; the block may soak their gore, Their heads may sodden in the sun, their limbs Bo strung to city gates and castle walls, But still their spirits walk abroad. Though years Elapse, and others share as dark a doom, They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts That overpower all others and conduct The world at last to freedom." Our annual picnic passed off very successfully. Quite a large crow! assembled in the school grounds, and whiled away the afternoon by engaging in games and races. There was not such a large entry of events as there had been in previous years, but what there was was very much appreciated and enjoyed by those present. In the evening the hall was brilliantly lit up for the gay crowd of dancers who came to complete their day's outing, and this was prolonged until about 2 o'clock in the morning. Everyone enjoyed himself or herself, and so the picnio has passed away for one more year, and left mo here writing about it at this late hour. Lovo to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, .SHICKERS (Kaiweraj). Dear Dot, —We are having fine weather. Yesterday my brother was stung by a bee on the lip, and to-day his face is swollen, but it is not sore. My birthday is on the 11th February, and I will be nine years old. We have a hen with nine black chicks. Wo had 11 eggs, but one-chick died in the

eheU and another died later. I have been away for my holidays, and we hod such. fun. We were making clover chains, and then' pulling thom to pieces. "We were stocking when we were not void to. I got a birthday card sent to me. I am in the Second Standard at school, and I got second prize—a book called "Work and Play," and it is very nice. I also got a Sunday school prize. Wo had a quiet Christmas and New Year. Kind wishes to the L.F. and yourself.— Ycure truly, DAD'S DAISY (Chertsey). [Best wishes for a very happy birthday, Dad's Daisy.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having very hot weather here lately, but to-day it has been raining. The Tapanui A. and P. Show was held to-day. My father and I drove in to it, and I enjoyed myself very much. It was Gaining at times, and it was very warm, too. When I got tired I went to the hospital to see a friend of mine. While at the show I met A Sister of Two Soldiers, and also met Go to Bed Early. About 6 o'clock it Btorted to rain, and it turned out a wet night. I did not stop for the concert, as I was too tired. My father has some of his oats cut, and is stacking it now. My cousin was over for a few days last week, and we missed him when he went away. " I am going to Dunedin for e holiday soon, and am looking forward to meeting A True Patriot again. The thrashing mills are out thrashing grass seed now, and sometimes have been working nearly all night when it was to windy in the daytime. Love to A True Patriot, Daddy's Pet, Tipperary Mary,' A Sister of Two Soldiers, Go to Bed Early, Starlight Rose, Molly, Burnt Brick, 0 Be Joyful, and Fairy Whispers, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A SOLDIER'S .FRIEND (Kelso). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I was staying out at Hedgehope for a holiday, and I enjoyed myself very much. Our school starts to-morrow. I am 11 years of age, and in Standard IV at school. We are haying lovely weather down here. We have five horses at home. It was a lovely day on Friday, and we were bathing in the river near our' house, and had great fun. I was away for a ride in my uncle's motor car on Saturday night. We have a new teacher at school. We have two cats and three-, kittens. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLAG LILY (Tahakopa). [You are very welcome to join us, Flag . Lily. I am so pleased to leam you had a 1 appy time in the holidays.—DOT.} Dear Dot, —My people have shifted • to Timaru now, so I had to leave Kokonga to join them. We live about 10 minutes' walk from the town and from Caroline Bay. We all like Timaru very much, and I think it is a very pretty place. We . often go down to the beach for a bathe. Grey Eyes is staying in Timaru with us just now. There seem lo be quite a number of D.L.F. in Timaru, but I have no* met any of them yet. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, OH! CHRISTINA! (Timaru). [I am sure you will soon have many friends among the L.F. in Timaru, dear, as they are all very sociable in that respect.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? My two cousins are down from Tahakopa, and we are having good sport. Wo were, bathing on Friday, and I can almost swim.. We have eight little ducklings. Our school starts tomorrow. It is very hot.. to-day, and I feel like gong to sleep, but I nave to write letters to some soldiers. Some of the farmers are busy harvesting. A week or two ago we got quite a number, of letters from the front, Loye to Billy Oakland, Anzac Secret, and all the other D.L.F.,. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, POSTMAN BILL (Hedgehope). [You are very welcome' to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote we have shifted from Kurow to Haka Valley. My father is noiv roadman. We live very close to "the school, which started on February 4. I got my proficiency certificate last year at Kurow, and I also won a medal for most improvement in Standard VI. Love to White Sweet Pea and New Zealand Fern, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A FARMER.'S GIRL (Haka Valley). [Part of your letter has been deleted, owing to the fact that you wrote on both sides of the paper, \, Farmer's Girl.—DOT.] [Roseleaf's address is Eva Uren. Kakapuaka—if that is the one you require. You appear to be having a delightful time, and should be in magnificent form after such an experience.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your band? I am nine years old, and in the. First Standard. I live about four miles from , Centre Bush. The district is bush country, and the school I go to is called Matai. " I have an uncle down here on his holiday. I like living in the country, as.it is far healthier than in the town. I have a sister writing to the page; her N.D.P. is Louvain. I have three sisters and three brothers. Love to Mimihau, Loiivain, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SNOWIE'S SWEETHEART (Maitai). [You are very welcome to join us, Snowie's Sweetheart.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I did not go away for the holidays. We have the grass slacked and the sheep shorn. The weather is very unsettled here, but it looks better to-night. I have s>?ven cousins at the war, two of whom have be-jn wounded, but ara now back in the firing line again.—Yours trnlv. JACK THE GIANP KILLER (Thornbury). [Very pleased to number you among our many friends, Jack.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is five weeks to-day since we arrived at Ngatimoti. We have been living In tents all. that time, and I think it will be about three months altogether before we arrive back at Wellington. The raspberry season is over very quickly this year, as there is not a second crop. Hoppieking does not begin until the beginning of March, so wo will have nothing to do but enjoy ourselves at our camp until we go to Riwaka to hop-pick. The raspberry-pickers in Ngatimoti were given a dancw laat Friday night. Mr and Mrs Whelan drove us to it in the trap. I enjoyed myself very much, and we did not land home until 2 o'clock on Saturday morning. There were a large number of people thoT? for a country dance • but the hall was not very large. It was lovely driving home at 2 o'clock in this morning. It was a lovely calm night, and the hall is three miles away. The weather her* is very hot an 1 calm compared to Wellington. I went to an eeling party one night, and I can tell you It was great fun. It was the first one I had ever been to. Wo built a hugo log fire on the bank of the river (Motueka). Some of the party were not fishing, as there were not enough bobs, but a good many eels were oaugbt, my number being five. We went for a picnic up the river about six miles from our camp in the express on Wednesday. The scenery along the banks of tbo

river is exquisite. We went as far up the river as the Batoi bridge. Some of us went for a swim in the river, and others gathered a bucketful of blackberries. It was rather early, and there wore not many ripe. Love to all my correspondents. Will they please excuse me not answering their letters as soon as I receive them, as I have not much time out camping, and the letters go to Wellington first, and then dad has to send them, down to me. —Yours truly, A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST (Motueka). Dear Dot, —Lady Hinemoa was here for a holiday, and I think she enjoyed herself. We intended going to Fortrose for a picnic, but the day we eet was not fine enough. We went to the bush one day, and had a look round. The' day was so fine it was only suitable for sitting and talking, and, of course, I am 'very good at that. Lady Hinemoa spent only a few days here, as she had to go back to school, so while she was here I made it a holiday for myself, and persuaded her mother to do my work. Ribbon Gras3 and I went for a ride one night to post some letters. I got off my horse to post them, and as my skirt was too tight I could not get on again. My brother and sister, who were driving past, stopped and laughed at ma. I begged my brother to help me on, which he did after the laugh; so I will never go for a ride again unless I can get'on my horse myself. The weather is very changeable, and when the weather changes I usually get a cold. Best wishes to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, THE TRUTH-TELLER. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 10 years old, and in Standard .II at school. My sister's N.D.P. is Brownie. I go to the Middle School, tnd I know Dirty Bertie. Best wishes to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, JACK THE GIANT KILLER II (Oamant). [AnoQier new writer has chosen that N.D.P., and as his letter arrived first I suppose he ha 3 prior claim. However, I expect you will have no difficultv in choosing another.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been very hot lately. It rained a little on Wednesday evening, but nothing much to speak of. Tulip and her sister were staying up here for three weeks. Her sister is a little tease, and is never happy unless sli9 is teasing somebody. She generally gets the worst of it, but it makes'no difference to hex whatever. I went into Gore with them when they went home last Saturday, and had a lovely day. While in Gore I saw Iron Heart and Gypsy Belle, but was not speaking to them. O Be Joyful was ill again, so I went up to see -her. I still milk two cows. Last Thursday evening we motored in to Gore to see a picture called " The Barrier." I did not go into the pictures, but stayed with the children. I Was speaking to Gypsy Belle whan she was going 1o the pictures, and Asked her how 0 Be Joyful was, but she said that she was' just the same. I go to see her- as often as possible when I am in Gore. We are getting the mill in soon to thrash some grass, and the oats will soon be ready for cutting if this hot weather continues much longer. I might be going away for a holiday soon. Best love to yourself, Florence Nightingale, Tulip,- A Soldier's Sister, O Be Joyful, Elfin, Gypsy Belle, One of ' Sir Robert's Scouts, Iron Heart, and Shakespeare from QUEEN OF THE SNOWDROPS (Romney Downs). [I am so sorry io learn of'O Be Joyful's illness, and hope she will soon be restored to good health.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having miserable Weather here. The waterside workers had a picnic here on Wednesday, and it was not a very nice day. They had a tug-of-war for the ladies, men, and boys. The farmers are busy harvesting, but they can't do very miich this week as it is too wet. I have just finished reading a book named "Rainbow Island," and it is very interesting. My sister has gone to Rotorua for a holiday. School has started again; but I have left school. We had a welcome-home for our teacher, Mr Swan, who has just returned from the war on leave. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HINE TOA (Otakou). AUTOS. Golden Lily (Constance Ward, Fairfax) wishes to correspond with Cowboy Jack, Outram Bachelors, and any L.F. over 14 years. Patriotic Lass (Teanie Adams, Fairfax) wishes to correspond with Cowboy Jack and Plain Bill. Lucille Love (Phyllis Bailey, Box 12, Riverton) wishes to correspond with Tomboy, Bonnie Mary o' Argyle, Tighnabruiach, and Smiler. A Soldier's Friend (Lilian J. Park, Kelso) wishes to correspond with Lost Gip. A Girl of the Limberlost (Mollie Shannon, care of Mr W. Whelan, R.D., Motueka) wishes to correspond with Roseleaf, and any L.F. about 16 years. Hine Toa (Roie Kareta.i, Otakou) wishes to correspond with any L.F. over 11 years willing.