DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3336, 20 February 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short letters Irom her young friends throughout th« Dominoon on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions oi anything they are interested in, of the distriot in which they live, ol their school and home life, holiday trips, &o. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, cars 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.

A LETTER FROM THE PROMT

Dear Dot and Little Folk,—Oh, that does not sound nice, so I will say, dear Urnrades, it is such a long time since I last wrote to the page that it may seem to you tbat I have forgotten what the page is like. No, no, dear comrades, although i have not written for something like 11 years, I have not forgotten the page altogether. 1 "et the Otago Witness very often, and the first thing I do is to look up the page and say to myself, " I wonder if So-and-so has Written," and "Who is So-and-so from such-and-such a place ?" It is rather cheering to know that you in New Zealand and other parts of the world are doing your best to keep the pug© going. I know this is all dry reading to you, so I will change the,'subject and tell you of a few of my experiences since coming out. It is nearly Christmas 'Day, and the fourth I have had since leaving New Zealand. The first Christmas I had since this war broke out was in Cairo, Egypt, and had Christmas dinner with a Greek family, who supplied a- real Egyptian dinner. In the afternoon they took me in their car to see the great Pyramids about 12 miles away. Needless to eay, I enjoyed the day very much. The next Christmas was spent on the sea going from Leumos Island to Alexandria; but, though it was on the sea, yet I managed to get a good share of the plum pudding for dinner, which is the main thing at Christmas time. The boat we were on was one of the German boats that wa3 captured, called, the De.vflinger, but the name was changed to Huns Green. The next Christmas I spent was over in London when I was on leave. You will remember that leave to us soldiers IS our only salvation, for we think of nothing else, and many of us make the great sacrifice of not drawing any pay until nearly leave-time, so you will understand how we appreciate our leave to England. I happened to go on leave last December 12, and went up to 'Scotland to visit some friends. As it happened, they had never seen a New Zealand soldier before, and when 1 called on them they got a great surprise. Also, they have never seen a Maori, and as I am one, they expected me to be black; but, thank goodness, I cheated Nature a little. After a few days there my friends took me up to Glencraig to -visit some more friends. From there the next day we went touring around Loch Leven or Lake Leven. as we would call it. We visited the well where Mary Queen of Scots drank from when she escaped from the castle. The well, I believe, is'protected by Act of Parliament, bo it will be there when you visit it. It has a stone wall around it, and the water is from a natural spring which bubbles up in manj r different places at the bottom of the well. From there we went on to Kinross village, and lunched at the hotel. After lunch we went to the lake-side to look upon the castle, which is situated on an island about 500 to 600 yards away. We could not get over owing to the fact that we had to obtain permission from- some town or other that would delay us, so we had to content ourselves without making an inspection. We then took a slow drive around the remainder of the lake, where I saw the Scotch heather growing in abundance all over the hill's. Oh, I forgot to mention that one of the hills is called Bishop Hill; the others I have forgotten. But this particular hill has trees growing on it, or clumps of trees, the shapes of which represents the four of playing cards, such as hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs, all about 300 to 400 yards apart. Of course, they did not grow naturally, but were planted by the hand of man. We arrived back at Glencraig in time for dinner, and after that some of my friends' people came in, and we had a nice Scotch concert. All went well, dear comrades, until they asked me to sing a Maori song, and imagine my feelings when I did not know any; but they pressed me that hard till I gave in and had to favour them. A few days after I had to leave all my pleasures in Scotland behind and journey back to London, en route for France again. I spent my third Christmas from home in London, and went to Westminster Hall for Christmas dinner with a large number of the boys, where we were entertained by our High Commissioner, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, and many noted gentlemen of both New Zealand and England. Oh, by the way, I broke the rules by having' Christmas over there, because I should have left London on Christmas morning; but I could not resist that temptation, and then the thought of having another Christmas Day on the water was too much for me, so, like the bad soldier, I stopped and enjoyed Christmas Day in London. I came back to France on Boxing Day, and carried on until September 10, four months ago, and went back to England and Scotland for leave again. Whilst in Scotland this time I went with another motor party to visit some of the outlying villages away up *in the country; and one village I will ncvor forget, because the hotel-keeper and I did not agree on a certain argument, which I will tell you of. Just opposite to the hotel in a grand old castle, which the hotel-keeper named and which I .have forgotten; but it Was in this castle where he said that the Duke of Montrose was " clubbed to death," which led to the argument I have just mentioned. I always thought, and still think, that the Duke of Montrose was executed by what was known as the "gillot"; but no, this hotel-keeper would persist in snying that the Duke was " clubber! to death "; but ono of my friends trod lightly on my foot, which means a lot in an hotel where an argument is on, > for arguing means drink, and the more one argues the more ho drinks. So I changed the subject and spoke of going home. Now, comrades, can any one of you tell mo who is right, and how the Duko of Montrose met his death?

From that village we passed through Newburgh on the way home, and stopped on the outskirts of it to purchase fruit, which Newburgh can justly boast of. We then came home, reaching Buckhaven a little before dinner after a very enjoyable day's outing. After a few more days thei-e I left to re:urn to France; but I did not overstay this time and get %ev«n days' paokd-rill for punishment. Well, now, to-morrow will bo my fourth Christmas away from home, and I hear that we are having nine pigs and a large quantity of beef and mutton to be cooked in Maori ovens : so you see, although we are so far away from our native land, yet we carry on with some of . the old customs—in fact, I was surprised to'hear one of the sergeants instructing his men in the Maori language, which drew quite a crowd of British soldiers to the spot. Now, dear comrades, rny supply of news of this particular kind of experience is about exhausted, but some other day, when I have the time like I have now, I may write of another of my experiences; but I am not going to make any promises. Although I am too late to wish you all a merry Christmas, yet I think I am in time to wish you all a happy New Year. The same sweet bells are pealing, And the same old flag flies o'er, As the same sweet thoughts come stealing Of the same old friends once more. May Christmas bring you happy recollections and true joy, and the New Year now happiness and greater prosperity. With love to Mamaru's Cousin and kind regards and warm wishes to Dot and all Little Folk,— 1' ours truly, SOMEBODY'S SAILOR BOY (Of Colac Bay, now in France). December 24.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

No letter to contain niore than 350 words. Uotto:—Wo write for the benefit of others. not for ,ourse!ves. Dear Dot,—The boat is dreadfully intense just now —I ani nearly warm enough to be roasted. Our ranks, I see, are gradually increasing, especially in Hastings, and I sincerely hope that they increase so much that we shall be able >to boast of having a membership like Timaru. I am at present writing under very trying circumstances, as you know, I suppose, what it is when Women and girls get together—a real mother's union or something similar. I see Postman Henry is in camp, and I hope' he may be spared to come back safe and sound, end that he will drop the page a line now and again, as his letters were always very interesting. Another draft of recruits for Trentham left here last Thursday, and were given the usual enthusiastic send-off both at the station 1 and at a social on Tuesday evening. I can't say that I know any of the L.P. in Hastings yet, but will soon see someone with a badge when I least expect it. There is an Expeditionary mail in this afternoon, although only a small one, but still it is always welcome whenever it comes. News is not too plentiful just now, so I will close. With kindest regards to S rails r and Roseleaf, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, PLAIN BILL (Hastings). Dear Dot, —The weather here now is perfect—just the weather for bathing. I have been reading the letters of the L.P., and see there is a Kiss Me at the Grate from Forest Hill. My father y/as born there, and lived practically all his life there until ho cam© to Hastings. I have never been in the South Island, but wish to some day. They" tell •me it is very cold down south, but I don't think it can be much worse than here. My father has been to the Waipukurau Show, and won several prizes for fat sheep. He also holds the cup for this year, but will have to win next year to claim it. Last night there was a play here called "Mrs Dot.". I did not go, so do not know how it turned out. I think pictures are very nice. I have to go back to school in Napier on the 18th of this month. The other Saturday a friend and myself went into Napier for the day. It was a very hot day, but we enjoyed ourselves, which was the main thing. I did not go anywhere this Christmas, as we had friends staying with us from Elsthorpe. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, TIN LIZZIE (Hastings). [I do not think many of lis would care for any hotter weather than at present, Tin Lizzie, though, of course, it is sometimes on the cold side in winter.—DOT.] Dear Dot,- —I stay with my auntie here. She has a baby girl now about two weeks old. I have four or five cousins writing to you. Firefly II is one of them. She was down helping me to bake the other day, as my in town, so I am housekeeper till she, comes back. It is raining hard just now. I am in Standard V at the Limehills School. There are only two boys, Mother's Help, and myself in Standard V. It is just about dark, and it is only 10 minutes to 3. I suppose it is because it is raining. I used to live in Dunedin once. Love to Firefly 11, Little Venus, Ophelia, Queen of the Heather, Piekles, and Mother's Help, not forgetting vourself,—Yours truly, LOST GIP (Cen'tre Bush)! Dear Dot, —I have. been away for a week's holiday. I was going to stay a fortnight, but my mother was very ill, so that put an end. to my holiday. I will be 12 years old orr'April 10. My father is planting a few rlow-?r seeds that are very uncommon and pretty. The harvesters are busy getting the hay in and thrashing the cocksfoot. My father and some of the men were building a stack. Molly Bawn and I were on the stack, and the men would throw the hay on us, and then we had to crawl from under tlu> hay. My sister Molly and I have a bicycle. Our baby is growing a big boy now; he is eight months old. Princess Rose is my cousin. My brother plays tho violin for the dunces. I have five brothers and four sisters.—Yours truly, (To Wae Wae). [You evidently forgot to finish your letter, dear, as there is no N.D.P. given.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It han been raining here all last week, but it is fine to-day. Our Gnhool picnic is ov*r. We had a good day, as everything turned out well. I was down at Port Chalmers for a week in the holidays, and enjoyed myself immensely, A hospital ship, a nice big vessel, w«s in at the time. The harvest wijl be soon in •'full swing. Some of the farmers have started cutting their crops already. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, AVERIL (Flag Swamp). [I believe the censor disapproves of the names of any oversea vessels being published. -DOT.] Dear Dot, —The grass about here is getting dried up. Wo started school on Monday. We have 17 cows milking. Wo are having our annual flower show at Waikouaiti on Wednesday, so I hope it will be a success. Wo have two and a-half miles to go to school. Kind regards, not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, HAWKESBURY MAID (Flag 4 Swamp).

Dear Dot, —I did not go anywhere at Christmas except to the. Rivcrton regatta, whore I met Allan-a-dale and Taniwha. I also saw Silver Arrow, Greystairs, Britannia Forever, Margot, and British Lass. On New Year's Eve mj' father, a friend, and I motored into Invcrcargill, where I stayed for a few days. I went to the Bluff regatta, but I did not meet any other D.L.F. there. We have our other cow in now, so I made my first attempt at butter-making on Tuesday night, and it was eatable. I was in Otautau to-day, and saw Topic, and when I was coming home I saw Britannia Forever. The weather down here is not very agreeable at present. With best love to Topic, Margot, Silver Arrow, Greystairs, Britannia Forever, Peg o' my Heart, Postman Henry, Betty the Scribe, Patriotio Lass, British I/ass, Yihimanogi, Lady Otautau, and your dear self, —Yours truly, LADY I/EVENSIDE (Fairfax). Dear Dot, —"We are having very unsettled weather just now. For the past two or three days we have had a few mild showers now and again. On Saturday Lucille Love and I were at a picnic. It was a lovely day, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. Everything is looking fresh and green after the long spell of dry weather. If it| continues raining it will prevent the farmers from getting their crops and grass seed in. We have a fine display of summer flowers out. I have a garden of my own, and like gardening very much. Love to Grant, Queen Lilac Belle, Lucille Love, and yourself, — V-ours truly,

BLANCHE SWEET (Rivcrton). [I have made the aleration ymi wished, though latterly I have had to raise objections to +he procedure.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am back at school again, and am hoping this will be my last year. We are having a school picnic on the 14th, and I hope it will be a fine day. My naiue means " The one that no man knows." Harvest-time will soon be here in Kennington, and it is a very busy time. The apples are getting ripe now, and our plums are all made into jam or eaten. ' Love to Sadie and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, DA-0-SA-NO-GEH (Kennington). Dear Dot, —The holidays are over and I am back at school. We had- our school concert at the end of the year. The main piece was " Aladdin," and I was the Genii. We had some other dialogues and recitations also. The teacher took a photo of all the children who were in "Aladdin." After the concert was over the prizes were given out. I did not go away for my holiday this 3'car; but I enjoyed it very much. I was helping at home with the harvest. One day I rode out to a fete at Matakanui. There were races, end they were raffling things; but!l did not win any. My brother and I rode to a circus at Clyde. This was the first circus we had been at, so we enjoyed it very much. I did not go up to Cromwell to see the pillars falling, because we were busy at home. When we came back to school the gardens were dried up and full of weeds. I got the prize for gardening last year. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, _ , SAILOR LAD (Galloway). Dear Dot,—We have just come back from a seven weeks' holiday. We had a play last year called "Aladdin." Lily of the Valley was the Princess Sadi. Little 80-peep, May Flower, and I were the three tea" girls. It was a very good concert, and a good many people were there. There were prizes given to every boy and girl in the school, and special sewing prizes and a gold medal. May Flower was dux of the school; so, oi course, carried off the medal which Mrs Symonds gave. There were also Nevy League prizes. May Flower got one and Lily of the Valley got the other. We had to write a. composition on " The Fighting at Sea m Drake's Time and the Fighting at Sea loday " The morning after the concert I went away to Gore. It rained a good part of the time; but I had a lovely holiday. , When Mr Richardson, our teacher, was away on his holiday his little boy broke his leg; he fell from a cart. When I was a-way on my holiday I went to the pictures three times, and they were very nice. On Christmas Day we went for a picnic down the Oore Domain, and I went to catch, frogs, but 1 was not successful. Love to Little Bopeep, Lily of the Valley, May Flower, Prince of " Wales, and Hiawatha, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, IF I KNEW (Galloway). Dear Dot,—l am writing to ask if I can become a member of the Dot s Little Folk ? I am 10 years old, and am in Standard IV at" school. I have six sisters and two brothers. We have just come back from our holidays, and have had a very,'good time. We have been in for a lot of swims the last few weeks of the holidays, because it was warmer than in the first part. We have only seven cows milking now, and four of them are heifers; they are all very quiet. We have some tomatoes ripe now, and have sent some away. We have also Japanese plums, as well as beans and peas—Yours truly, SNOWHITE (Galloway). [You are very welcome to join us, Snowhite.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—A week after our break-up I went to Dunedin, where I spent most of my holiday. I went to the pictures twice, spent two days at Woodhaugh, and was out at St. Kilda surf-bathing several times. I often went to see my aunt, who is in Nurse Thompson's hospital; she has been there for over two months now. One day my grandmother, my cousin, and I went down m the steamer to Macandrew's Bay. The day was very dull, and the sea a little rough, but it wad very pleasant on the steamer. We went down at a quarter-past 2 and came back after C. The weather was very unsettled at the beginning of my holidays, but became very warm near the end; but when I came home it was a great deal hotter than Dunedin. We have been very busy lately in our orchard picking and packing the fruit, mostly peaches and apricots. When we came back to school again the school gardens \ver<s overgrown with weeds, and the ground was very hard and dry. The schoolmaster's son fell and broke his leg during the holidavs while he was riding on a load of sheaves; but ho ia getting on fairly well now. Love to Mav Flower, If I Knew, Lily of the Valley, Prince of Wales, and Hiawatha, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, LITTLE 80-PEEP (Galloway). [I am pleased to learn from all the letters that my Galloway friends enjoyed their holidays.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Everybody is busy harvesting round this district, and labour is so scarce that the farmers have to turn out themselves this year. I had a really good time during the holiday. I was at a dance on Boxing Night, and enjoyed myself immensely. Then about a month ago a girl friend and myself drove to. a farewell social about four miles away. We did not mind the drive, because wo had a good time while we wer« there. I was at A Salvation Army concert a, week ago, which was very good. The singers came out from Oamaru in three drags. Love to Woodbine, Gloria, Anzac'B Niece, and all the L.F., —Yours truly, WILLOCHRA (Enfield).

Dear Dot,—l am hero at last in clover—eimply clover, —aa it is lovely. I can assure you that anyone who grumbles is very hard to please. To get on a bit after leaving Tricky's home, I went to Dunedm, then on my way to Balclutha. From ther* I went to Kaka Point, near Port Molyneux. There I saw Mothor'a Nursegirl, Linnet, Honey Blossom, Heather Lassie, Red Ranger, Pear Blossom and Apple Blossom (from Roxburgh). Back to Dunedin. I rang you up, but you were out, and I was told to ring up later; but as I wanted to catch the train I did not have time. That day I also saw A True Patriot and Fairy. I went out k> Water Waif's home, and saw her and Meg. On the Monday I left for Oamaru, my place of leaving. At Palmerston I met A Belgian Maid, and at Oamaru Peg o' my Heart. Tuesday morning we fell in, and later were entertained at lunch kindly provided for us. We embarked at about 2 p.m., and got to Timaru about 8.50 p.m. There I met my father, Te Maru, .and Glutha, and also Alison and her brother. I also saw in the distance Gold Dust and Paperboy Bertie, the latter not noticing my wave. Lyttelton was reached at 7.20 p.m., and we had to wait on the Maori, which eventually left at 9.40 for Wellington. Whilst waiting on the wharf at Lyttelton I met Gwen, of Takapau, North Island, and have to acknowledge her kind gift of a soldier's writing outfit. She went •across with the Maori, but, poor comrade, was sick, and I felt sorry for her. On Wellington wharf we stepped at VI noon. Nellie Bly was there to meet Gwen, and I also saw them both again, and Nellie's smile of Welcome was cheer enough for me. I was glad to see her smile once more. Trentham was reached at 1.80. Lunch took place at 2.30, our first after leaving Timaru on the sth. Never mind ; we did justice to mutton (boiled), peas, potatoes, and bread and butter. Of food we have plenty: As I want to write again before I send my retiring letter I will close. Love to Crimson Rambler, Lady Evelyn, Longwood Blossom, Pussy, and Tricky, and to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, POSTMAN HENRY (Trentham). P.S. —I have left nearly all my addresses at home, so will comrades please write to me here—Private Henry E. Beach, B Company, Fifth Platoon; Thirty-eighth Reinforcements, Trentham.—P. H. [Knowing your keenness to enlist, I congratulate you on at last attaining- your wishes, Postman Henry.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am a real English girl, and am writing this letter from England. I have four sisters in New Zealand. Two of them are married and the other two are at service now. 1 am 18 years of age, and will be 14 soon. One of my sisters sends the Otago Witness every month, and I read the D.L.F. letters. I will be glad if you and all the D.L.F. will write and say I am welcome to the page; and I also wiil be pleased to see my letter in print. We have a canary, and call it Bonnie Dick. He sings every day. One of my sister's husbands has been to England to see us, and now he is in France. Food is scarce in England, and also very dear. I hope the war will be finished soon and we could get to New Zealand. To-day is calm and sunny. Well, .Dot, I will close. With love and best wishes to you and the ju.L.F.,—Yours truly, GOLDEN DREAMS (Hirst, England). [I am sure all the L.F. will join me m welcoming you to the page, dear, and we shall hope for many more letters from vou. — DOT. ,'• '

Dear Dot, —I am back at school again after ms*jj very pleasant holiday. We are having Very hot weather here just now. Frances is away from this school now, and it is very quiet going to school by myself. We have quite a number of flowers out in our garden; some are sweet peas, stock, carnations, -gladioli, and many others. We have a very good garden at school, too. I went to a good many picnics during the holidays, and enjoyed myself very much. Some of 'our fruit will soon be ripe now. Everyone is harvesting about here- just now. I read a book lately oalled " The Adventurous Seven"; it was a vexy nice book. Love to Frances and Zena, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, HOPE (Tuapeka West). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 16, and left school two years ago. We have been having lovely weather lately, but to-day it has been a bit cold. We have a vegetable and fruit garden, but no flowers. I was at Cromwell about six months ago for a holiday, and had a lovely time. Have you read " Paddy the Next Best Thing"? My mates go in bathing every morning. Best wishes to all the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, MARGARENE (St. Clair). [You are very welcome to join us', dear; but please enclose your name with vour next letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was vex-y glad to see my last letter in print. I received two letters to-day—one from Postman Henry and the other from Iron Heart. Our scliool took up on FebniaiT 4, and I was .sorry to go back; but all play and no work is no good. Best love to Gipsy King, Queen Lilac Belle, Postman Henry, Iron Heart, Little Maid Marigold, and Iris; also all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, PRINCESS VIOLETTA (Caversham). Dear Dot, —We have finished shearing. Wc had a machine and two shearers for a week. Have you ever chased a pig through oats. Dot? I had to chase our big black one the other day. I got on to its tracks, and they all led to one place, where he had laid down. I did not get him, but the next morning when I was going over to the back paddocks to see if he were at the stacks, I saw him coming along the road. Well, good-bye, Dot. With love to yourself and all tho D.L.F., — Yours trulv, MRS TICKLE-TOBY, (Wendon Valley). [My acquaintance with pigs is very remote, dear, and I have never had the doubtful joy of giving chose to them.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —'Christmas passed by very quietly this time. I went to Christchurch for a holiday. I wa3 motoring through for the first time in my life. I left Mimihau a few days before Christmas. I did not reach Dunedin the first day. I had trouble with the bike, and could not get any farther than Milton, where I arrived at 9 p.m. I left for Dunedin next morning at 8 o'clock, and it /amed the whole way in to the city. I was in Dunedin four days* but could not have much of a time, aa it waa wet every day. On Christmas Day I rode to Christchurch, which is 270 miles by road. I left at 7 in the morning and landed at my destination at 8 in the evening. I don't think I ever felt so tired in my life before. My arms were tired with holding the hardies, and, in faet, I was tired all over. I slept Boundly that night, I can tell.you. While in Christchurch the weather was perfectly fine, and I enjoyed myself as well as I have ever done before. Seeing I had a good many relations and friends there, it made it just all right for me. At Christchurch I saw two thrashing mills working in the same pad-

dock. You would not think men were scarce when a farmer could get two mills at the same time. The farmers in the Taieri district were very much behind with the work owing to the floods there. Some of them were just ploughing for turnips at New Year, when even the Southland farmers had all theirs in. The harvest is as early this year as I have ever known it. The thrashing mill is at work thrashing grass not far from our place. We have started to cut our oats, but the weather is not very suitable for the work. If we do not get finer weather they will be getting too ripe by the time one binder cuts the 50 acres. The opossums are eating the apples in our orchard. They are very thick about here. The bush is just a mile away. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, WHITE FANG (Mimihau). [Your trip was a novel experience, White Fang; but I do not wonder you were tired.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very changeable weather at present. My mother is in the hospital. We are milking three cows. There was a picnic last Friday, but I did not go to it. W© have our oats cut. We had a letter from my brother who is in England, and he is leaving college, and won't be long before h© will be home. My other brother in Australia is going to India. No boats have gone past lately. The Slope Point School has opened again. A new school is going to be put up soon, as the other one was burnt down. Queen Tottie is out of the hospital and home again; she was in the same hospital as my mother. Love to Grant, A Lonely Crepe Fern, Ivy Green, Little Miss Neddy Coat, Fisher Girl, Shakespeare, Firefly, Arms, Legs, and Yell, and all the rest of the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, THE WILD BLUE PANSY (Waipapa). Dear Dot ; —I have just returned home after a month's holiday. I had a lovely time. Everything passed very quietly this year; it didn't seem a bit like Christmas. We have my uncle home now, and it is so nice to have him back again. He has received his discharge, so won't have to go back. My married uncle was called up in the last ballot, but we haven't heard yet if he passed. He enlisted some time ago, passed, and Was sent up to camp. He was there just a week when they put him out, so I don't think he will pass now. It is such a beautiful evening here to-night. Most of our neighbours are busy cutting their oats to-day, it has been so lovely. Ours won't be ready for a day or-two yet. I met an ' old D.L.F. when I was away for my holiday, but I quite forget her nom de plume. She hasn't written for five years. The Mataura Flower Show is to-morrow. Wo intend going in the evening, as it is much nicer then. My aunt isn't keeping very well just now: she went to the doctor a while ago. With love to all, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, LOCH CARRON (Glencoe). Dear Dot, —School has started again, and I am glad to be. back. The other day I received a letter from One of Sir Roberts's Scouts. Love to Princess Violetta, GipsyKing, Tomboy, Somebody's Friend, One of Sir Roberts's Scouts, Eileen, and Shakespeare, not forgetting all the other L.F. and yourself, Dot, —Yours truly, QUEEN LILAC BELLE (Caversham). Dear Dot,—l am in the Sixth Standard now. My eldest brother, who is a corporal, sailed for England on the Bth. Many of the young men from round here are either killed or wounded. Our school has. again been culled in for the drilling competition. The weather here has been very hot right up till now, but to-night it is raining. ' I have a bicycle now, and it is better than walking. My sister has started to learn to ride it. We got word the other day that my uncle was killed in action. Best love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, PIPER OF THE CLANS (Orawia). Dear Dot, —I have been in the hospital for a fortnight, and am getting on fine now. I liked in the hospital very much, but I would rather be at home. We have been having very hot weather here, but to-night it has changed to rain. I have two uncles in a London hospital. We a.re milking 11 cows, and they seem to be going away back with their milk; but I suppose it is with the fine weather we have been having. My wee brother is three years old, and is such a hard wee case; he never seems to be out of miscnief. I was n.t a welcome home not long ago, and enjoyed myself very much. Love to Elfin, Roseleaf, Chip, Grace Darling, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, LADY DELL (Pukemaori). [I am very sorry to learn that you have been ill, Lady Dell, but pleased to note DOT/ 011 tU ' e making a gaod recovery.— AUTOS. The Wild Blue Pansy (Lydia Bennett, Waipapa, Slope Point) wishes to correspond with Saddler Tommy, Mihi Moana, and any L.l. over 14 years. Piper of the Clans (Duncan Manson Orawia) wishes to correspond with any LF 14 years. ' ' Lady Dell (Susie M. Watson, Pukemaori via Tuatapere) wishes to correspond with Shakespeare, Draw-Egan, and any u.F over 13 years. 'Postman Henry (Private Henry E Beach B Company Fifth Platoon, Thirty-eighth Reinforcements, Trentham) wishes to correspond with A Girl of the Limberlost, any "■*• "»• Wellington and near camp, and anv L.F. willing. .