DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3337, 27 February 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Cot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominoon on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything Ujey are interested in, of the distriot in whioh they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &o. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, car* of Editor Witness."

O.L.F. 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. Motto: —We write for the benefit ot oiuera not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—The weather here is very unsettled, although it is very warm. Benmore is a very pretty little place: it tt surrounded by hills and a big river runnidg through the valley called the, Oreti. There are a lot of rabbits on the riverbeds; but when there is a flood the rabbits get washed out of their burrows, and are caught in hundreds floating about m the river. One night two of us went out srith two dogs to try and get some, but in vain. Most of the farmers about here are harvesting. The railway line fis about three chains away from the housej and the post office and station • are about half a mile. Every day there are four trains run past, and sometimes five. The apple and pear trees aro just loaded with fruit this year. There are two cows to milk, and I generally milk them at night, but there are no calves to feed. There are eight hens, eeven ducks, and three chickens; there were 14 chickens, but the weasels or rats must have run off with the others. The hens are starting to lay now. There are some lovely big willow trees on the river banks. Love to Rifleman, Dixie Hart, White Pearl, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HOP-ALONG CASSIDY (Benmore). Dear Dot,—May I join the D.L.P.? I have been interested in the page for a Ion" time. I am 14 years ,old. Our school opened last Tuesday, and we have a new teacher, whom we all like very much. I went to Christchurch for my holidays, and had a most enjoyable time. Love to Have a .Banana and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE DAY AFTER YESTERDAY. [You are very welcome to join us, dear; but please send your name and address with your next letter.—'DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 13 years old, and am in Standard V at school. One of my sisters writes to the page. We are having a picnic on the Friday after the school takes up, because we did not have a concert at the end of the year. I know Pawny Bill and Iryall and The Little Torment.—Yours truly, THE JOCKEY (Romahapa). J You aro very welcome. to join' us, The Jockey. Your writing is' unusually similar ,to your sisters. I have seldom seen such an exaot likeness as is evident, • more particularly some of the letters.—DOT.] ~Dear -Dot, —We held a welcome home to a returned boy on Thursday night, which took the form of a social and dance. I was at the sports at Port Molyneux on New Year's Day. They were not as good as they usually are. They took *B4 10s' at the gate, not including the amusement tax. Half of it goes to the Red Cross Funds, Love to Aunt Ella's Mate, Iryall, Mignonette, and yourself.—Yours truly, CORALIE (Romahapa). Dear Dot and Comrades, —A few minutes before I started this letter a storm was passing over, and the noise of the rain on the roof made it impossible to hear anyone' speaking, while outside little rivulets were rushing down past the house : but at present everything is quiet again, with the exception of_ a few frogs in some papau trees at the back of the house, croaking their praises of the aaimmer shower. Although the weather here has been favourable for the dairymen, it is against those who have crops of wheat and oats. Best love to Watchful, Pat, Nellie Bly, Raupare, Snakey Joe, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GWBN (Takapau). Dear Dot,—! went to Dunedin for my holidays, and enjoyed nivself very much. I did not meet any D.L.F., although I' wore my badge all the time. I went to Portobello in the Waireka and came back in the Waikana. My mother used lo live in Portobellp when she was a little girl, and I saw the house she lived in. I think it is lovely being on a boat. I went to the vaudeville, and I think it Is/ea good as a pantomime. I didn't like the idea of going back to Oarnaru and school again. Seven of our young canaries got out, but we caught three; we havent heard anything of the others. I have just read a very interesting book called "Dicky, Knight Errant." Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly BROWNIE (Oarnaru). Dear Dot.—l went out in the country this morning i n my father's trap and caught nine frogs. I put them in a tub, and when I came home from Sunday School the.-e were only three left.—Yours truly SUNSHINE BILL (Oarnaru) Dear Dot,-Harvest is in frfc awing now. We have had the null once, and will be getting it again soon. The. weather has been very close and sultry this last week; but ™h, n ere 1S a " eavj ; ; lrizzle > wWoh makes everything very miserable. People who ha,ve the mill will be wanting it to clear up It 13 32* V€ Sr £ loe t 0 have the mi 'l ' wet weather. Maheno , s very quiet Fust now. A farewell social was -jiven to two of our local boys about a fortnight ago. A Paddy's market was held last month in aid of the local branch of the Bed Cross. It was a wet dav; but they did very well all the same. I went to the concert and dance at night, and enjoyed myself very much. Since last writing another of our local men has made the supreme sacrifice, and one has been wounded. We are milking 32 cows new; but they are going back in their milk, as the best of the season is over The boys .have gone back to school, and I can tell you I am not at all sorry. The wee ones have Bruno for a teacher, and they

like him very much. Best wishes to A Lonely Lass, Queen of the Lilies, and all my other correspondents and yourself.— '■ Yours truly,

I SILVERY MOONBEAM (Maheno). Dear Dot, —We have been having some -very hot days lately; but the weather has broken to-day. We aro getting gales for a change now. The crops are beginning to ripen, and in some paddocks the reapers and binders are at work. We are milking seven cows, and sometimes I milk a couple of them. I ride for our mail almost every day. I met a few of the Gore D.L.F. when I was down there. I was at the Tapanui Agricultural Show, and I intend going to the Flower Show if it keeps fine weather.— Yours truly MAHERU (Pomahaka). Dear Dot, —The Makarewa School picnic was held about a week ago, and I will tell you how I spent the day. When we arrived at the place whore the picnic waa to held we sat down and had morning tea. A while after that the boys and girls started to have races, .and as it was very hot I did not feel like running. A little later I met lona and her sister, A Returned Soldier's Pet, and we wero together nearly all day. I was only in three races, and -'I got Is 9d.—Yours truly, SWEET VIOLETS (Makarewa). [Try and remember to write on one side of the paper only, please, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —While we were away on a holiday we met Postman Henry, .Linnet, and several other L.F. I am reading "Tom Brown's Schooldays" .just now, and I like it very much. It did rot seem very nice to have to go to school' after the holidays. The tomatoes are very late this year. A good number of people in Roxburgh are getting the telephona installed. The roses are past their best, and the asters are flowering. The verbena has been flowering a long while, a-id it has not finished flowering yet. Love to Pearl Blossom, Apple Blossom, -and to all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, PEAR BLOSSOM' (Roxburgh). [I have posted the badge, Pear Blossom, i and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had lovely weather lately. On Saturday I went to our Sunday School picnic, which was held at Mount Stuart. It was a good day and I had a food time. I got a lovely card from-my rother in France last week. I am reading a book named "St. Winifred's." Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, SADDLER TOMMY (Milton). Dear Dot, —We have had good weather lately. We are milking 15 cows, but we an letting two dry off. We have been at school three weeks now. I have a brother in Standard V. Love to Bine Bell, Daddy's Pet, Burma, and Fairy Whispers, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WHITE HEATHER (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —I got first prize in my standard this year, and it is' a very nice book. I have a dear wee black kitten. I did not go anywhere for my holidays this year, as I waa away early in December.. I know quite a lot of boys away. Best love to the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LADY LINDEN (Lauder). Dear Dot, —Aii earthquake shock was felt here about a week ago. We have started in our new school now, and I like it very much. The weather is very hot, but we had a shower to-day. VI have a. good many comrades now. Mother caught a bird the other night; it was all speckled, and father did not know what kind of bird it was. There are nine children at our school. The harvest is in full ewing up hero now, and a very good crop it is, too. Love to Iron Heart, A Wreath of Roses, Snowdrop Queen, Ivyleaf, Nelly Bly, Merlo, E.M.A.C., Orama, Gadys L., a,nd Grace Darling, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ' MOUNTAIN DAISY II (Nokomai). Dear Dot, —We have started school again for another year's work. We are milking two cows. Most of the farmers about here have started to cut their oats. Our dahlias and sweet peas are out in flower. It is rairdng to-day. Ladybird, Princess Rosetta, and I were at Sunday School to-day. We had only ons chicken this year, and it is a pullet. Our hens and ducks are laying. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. • LADY HINEMOA (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —May I join your" happy band? I am eight years of age. We have started school' again. It is very windy to-day. Love to Ladybird, Matai, The Truth-teller, and all the other L.F:, not forgetting yourself.— Yours trrSy, ■ . PRINCESS ROSETTA (Thornbury). [You aro very welcome to join us, dear; but please send your own name.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have two little pet chickens, and I think they will be laying soon. My father put. a piece of wire netting across a road to meet another fencs, and he put it up at 12 o'clock, and went down early with the dogs and got 382 rabbits. We- have two kittens and three cats. "We are to have Professor Dickie, of Dunedin, preaching here next Sunday. We are having very dry weather just now, and it is very hot. I know Loganberry. Love to Loganberry and all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, BUNNY-TRAPPER (Bannockburn). Dear Dot, —A good deal of rain fell last night; but there has been a epell of good -weather for a fortnight. The. grass is all cut and thrashed in this district. The crops in some places were very poor, but our own was very good. The oats are nearly ripe now, and in a few days will be ready to cut. The oat crops so far have been fairly good; but the late crops very bad with rust. I have left the High School now, and havo been thinning turnips lately. Love to a.ll the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCE OF WALES (Greenvale). Dear Dot, —I have left school now, and have been working for a year; but I left at I have thres sisters pnd one step-sister, and Christmas, and I am now stopping at home, a brother who is now at the war serving hia King and country. I live out in the country, and I think it much pleasanter than in the town It. is much healthier; but we don't see as much, as_ there are very few shoos out here. My brother has been wounded badly, and we are expecting him home any time, so that is always something l for us to be happy about.—Yours truly, BOY IN GREY (Mosgiel). Dear Dot.. —I received the badsre safely, and was very pleased with it- Christmas was wcceptionnlly quiet here, and I am sure it it h«d not been for the holidays one would hardly think that it really was Christinas. The farmers about ' here are very busy just now cutting their crops and as the weather baa been very changeable they are working early and late to get them in. Some of the crops around hero are not so good -this vear compared with other years, a.» they have the blight raid mildew. The fruit, is just about ripe now, but tho_ birds pre playing great havoc amongst it. I know a D.L.F. in Waimats: her N.D.P. is Waimata

Lass. I was down at her home a few week 3 ago, and we spent a most enjoyable time together. Thera was a good picture in' Waimate last Saturday: it was called "The Barrier." I did not go to see it, its ft fs so late when we get home. I generally stay in tow?i when I go to the pictures; but, of course, it was not very convenient for me to stay in on Saturday. Kindest regards to all ihe L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TUI (Upper Hook). Dear Dot, —We have shifted to another house up on a hill and ovcrlookng the river. It is a bit of a climb up to the house; but we are getting used to it. The view of the rivar and town from hers is lovely, and we can see all the boats that pass up and down. We have 0&2.a here only a week, and are not quite settled cs yet. I started school again last Tuesday after nine weeks' holiday, and I can tell you I have forgotten almost everything I learnt last year. The number of pupils at the Technical School h?.s greatly increase! this year owing to the coming of bo}'s and girls from primary schools. Our church and Sunday school picnio was held to-day; but I didn't go, because it has-been an awful day. We have swimming every day after school this hot weather, and it is very after grinding away at leEsons all day. I haven't -played tennis yet this year, as the weather 'is rather hot; but I intend to start soon. A party of young people from our church gave a concert at the Jubilee Home last month, and the old people seemed to enjoy it very much On New Year's Day I went up the river in a launch with a picnic party. Unfortunately it was a wet day, but this did not make much difference to the number of excursionists, who went up to Hipango Park. Our launch was the biggest and swiftest boat on the river, and although not the first to leave the wharf we were the first to arrive zX the park The scenery along the river is lovely, as everybody has heard; but you cannot realise it until you have seen for yourself. The best scenery is above the park; but not having been so far up, I cannot say anything about it. There axe some very pretty spots along the river, and one is always certain to meet a few Maoris paddling their canoes. They are very pleased if you speak to them, and grin like anything One day last year we went for a picnic up the river in the afternoon, and landed opposite the Maori pa. Three little Maoris paddled across and sung Maori songs to us while we were having tea. One little fellow was very shy, and when he saw any of us coming he would hide. They stayed with us for a long time, until their relatives at the pa began to get anxious, and treated us to a bit o? their language. The little Maoris just paddled the canoa with their feet, and got across quite easily. There are always a few Maori women sitting on _ footpaths or doorsteps smoking pipes, with babies tied to their backs, end it is very amusing to watch them sometimes. I have often seen two Maoris walk up to each other, rub noses or shake hands, and pass on without a word. They are very solemn over it. Wanganui is really a lovely place, and I think I would rather be here than down in the South Island. A lot of people I have > met have the idea that the South Island is a vary cold, miserable place; but I don't think, it is. Well, Dot, as I have trespassed on your valuable space quite enough, I will bring this letter to a close. Best wishes to all the L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, * POUTING PODDY (Wanganui). [I am very pleased to hear from you again, Pouting Poily. Glad to know you like' your new home eo much.—'DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —The other day I was down in Gore, and had a tooth- drawn. My face is a little bit swollen, but nothing to speak of. Last Sunday I '"went for a picnic with some others to Whisky Creek. We were*" going to the Whisky Falls; but as it was wet we did not go. Next Sunday we are going to the Whisky Falltoif it is fine. My aunt arid three cousins were down from the North Island; but- they went back to-day. Our school picnic was held a little over a week ago. All day long it rained; but, in spite of the rain, the picnic turned out verv well; A dance was held at night, and I went to it. Our apples and plums are all getting ripe. Apples are my favourite fruit. I have 66 songs now, and I might be getting some more soon. Love to Sunflower II and Goldea Nob, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, KYABRAM (Croydon Bush). am so sorry for the delay in sending "the badge, dear, and hope you -4iave now received it safely.—DOT.] • Dear Dot, —We have had a budget of letters from our brother at Sling Camp, and we hone he is still as well as when Ibe letters left. We- are holding Bed Triangle Day on the i3th of March, and I hope we raise a,large sum. I think the fund to which it is* to be sent deserves a helping hand, considering ' what a blessing it must prove to those soldiers who have leave from the trenches, and who wish to refresh themselves with the many comforts of which thesecanteens boast. I suppose- Postman Henry will now be revelling in the life which he has long wished' to' lead; but I doubt whether he will find it as he wished. I have be?n for a long ride To-night, Dot; but I do not feel tired, and have already answered a pile of correspondence, and so my.store of .lews' has fiowa away. Kind regards to my L.F. correspondents.—Yours ' * ' ' . CANADALE LASS (Katea). •' Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to find my first letter in the Witness. There are about SO children at our school just now. We have been having lovely weather out here lately. We had a picnic near the beach on Saturday, and we caught 14 fish. There is' a cra3k quite close to our house, and we often go for a dip on a fine day. I cannot swim, but am going to learn. We often go for a ride on our trolleys up to the mill for the day. Wo have a mile and a-quarter to go to school. It is nearly dark about 9 o'clock at night out here. Love to all the D L F, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLAG; LILY CTahakopa). Dear Dot, —We received some letters from my brother, who is at the front. He is in hosmtal in England now, and has.; been ooorated on for appendicitis and an abscess. We have cut our oats and are ready to lead in. We are going to dip our sheep to-morrow, -and I am going to help. I took the milk to the factory this morning. We are taking 10 cans of milk. It is raining very hard just now, but, all tho same, it is very warm. I ha-v* just come in from, looking for a calf, but did not find it, Best wishes to all the D.L F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours tiuly, PUKEMA.OBI ROUSEABOUT -" (Pukemaori). Dear Dot, —The weather in Ngatimoti has been very hot the last few days; but it has beeD raining cats and dogs air- day, and, to make matters worse, we had been asked to go to a dano to-night to a welcome home to a soldier. We were' going to be driven, so we would go if it cleared off; but I am afraid there is no hope of U doing so. I -am leaving Ngatimoti for Wellington on February 18, after a of six months' camping cut. 1 am not going hop-

picking now/ as. mother la staying for it, and I am going homo to keep house for my lather, and two younger sisters and brother who go to school I do not know whether I am going back to school. If I do I will either go in the afternoon or evening until mother comes home. My friend and myself were over in the orchard yesterday picking apples. We picked 20 cases full. The apDh-s are not going to be sent to "Wellington yet, eo we leave them in the orchard. We hardly fill the two bottom boxes, eo that when we put another box on top, the apples will not touch the wood and start to go bad: then wo put a sack over the top pf them. We do this up all the rows, and leave them under the apple trees, as they keep better out in the orchard. The reason we had to pick them was because the birds had started on them, and when the birds peck a hole" in the apples the bees come in ewarms and' ep.t tho applee until there is nothing left hanging on tha trees but the ekui. A well-known spot in Auckland is One Treo Hill ; but Ihat is not the only One Tree Hill, as there ie one in Ngatimoti, ]2 miles from Motueko. The River Motueka is very, high to-day on account of the heavy rainfall." Love to all my .-orrespondents, not forgetting yourself. —Yotirs truly, -. ® A GIRL OF" THE LIMBEBLOST. . Dear Dot,—lt is with mingled feelings of pleasure and regret that I now take up my pen to write you my last letter as a D.L.F.--pleat3ure to know that in future years I shall be able to class myself as one of your happy band, and also to writc> once a year, regret to know that I cannot write always; but, then, we cannot expect to stop young for ever I. am sorry now to think that I did not write more often; and my advice to all young D.L.F. is to write ,b& often as they ca#, for they will soon reach 20. I am teaching school now at the Owen Junotion, up near Nelson. I have only 22 children, and I' find . them quite tonough, especially when they are scattered into 10 different classes. There is plenty of sport here, there being deer, wild pigs, and goats, birds of every description, and fish . in hundreds.. It is also one of the prettiest places I have se-sn as far as scenery is cone-erred. I have no news that would be of any interest to the L.F.,'so I must bid them good-bye.—Yours truly, SAUCY JOE; (Owen River). [I am indeed sorry to lose you froru/the L.F. pages, Saucy Joe; but you may rest assured of a warm welcome' in the Old Writers' gatherings.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been awful this last few days, and to-day it is rough and wet—l think we are in for another flood. One of my brothers ha 3 been aU the' war over three years now. There is quite a peet of weasels and rats getting about, and e, ' little while ago wo eeemed to have a plague of mice: they were everywhere. Love to Reefton Lassie and all the other L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truVj JUNO (Rotokohu). [Many thanks for the- photo, Juno, as soon as space permits I w.ill get -it published.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I become one of your Little Folk? I am nine years old. I have a little pony named Fairy and a number of rabbits. I am very fond of animals, and w© have quite a number "of pets; the one wo like best is a little fox terrier pup named Topsy. .1 live among the hills near the Ruahines, and it is very , windy, and cold sometimes. Love io yourself and Grandma Elsie.—Yours truly, BUSTER GEOFF (Makaretu) [I am delighted to include you among my large family, Buster, and hope we shall become really old friends.—DOT.] Dear-Dptj—l went to Napier for my Christmas -holidays, and had a very enjoyable :tima Wo were on the beach nearly ■ every day, and had a lovely time paddJir.g -arid swinging. We have a prize bull called Retaliatory and we are building a ; shed for him. . I have a little pony which I call Dot, and I am learning to ride her. It has been a very wet day here to-day, and everything looks wet and miserable. I have a little kitty called Tommy: it is'black-and-white. hast' Sunday we "were at a picnic,- which was hold near a waterfall, and we had a lovely t day's outing. Love to Gwen, Tom, and all the L.F.—Yours truly, DULCIE (Makaretu). Dear Dot, —May I join'your happy band of L.F. ? I have a sister writing to the. page: heo N.D.P. is Dulcie. I live in the oountry, 16 miles from Takapau, which is the nearest town. We spent a week in Napier during cur holidays. It was quite a change from the country. . We have a large number of rabbits, which I help to feed. We have started school again now. Well, Dot, I think, as this is my first attempt to write to you, I will close, hoping you can find a little corner for me in your large circle. Well, good-night, Dot. Best love to Dulcie and Gwen—of course, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TOM (Makaretu). [You are very welcome, to join us, .Tom'. You all appear to have had a good holiday. —DOT.] - : Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I always onjoy reading the L.F. letters. I am: 12 years old, and i.ave jus+ passed into the Sixth Standard. I am the youngest of a family of 11. I know several L.F.—.Gloria, Gloria's Mate, and Boxo. Last Sunday our Sunday school teacher arrange'! for us to go for a picnic down to the beach and we were all to bring a friend with us. When we got down to the Sunday school it started to rain, so we went into the pictures. "Tom Brown's Schooldays" was on; it was a very-nice picture, and I enjoyed it iinmensely. I am a great reader, and as I have joined the Public Librai-y I am able to get many interesting books from it.., Som© of those that I have read lately are '|The Little School Mothers," "A War of Girls," "Septima Schoolgirl," "A College Girl," and "Me" ; but I think I liked "A War of Girls" best. Well, Dot, as this is only my first letter to the page I will close. Love to Gloria's Mate, A Poor Little Rich Girl, and all the other D.L.F.—Yours truly THE LASS O* KILLEAN (Greyrnouth). [Yes, you may join us, dear. What a pity the weather was so disagreeable for your picnic—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our holidays have come to an end, and we are again working away at our lessons. I went to our Sunday School picnio last week, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. We left homo at half-past 13 and motored to the picnic grounds—they were only about three miles from town It was a beautiful day, and very soon everyone was playing games in real earnest. First of all we decided to have a game of rounders, end, of course, I had to go and hit our side out first shot. After a while there were a few children's races and competitions. Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves to the utmost, and it was not till the sun had set and darkness begai to appear that anyone started out for home. When wo were going home the cars were full of people and empty picnic baskets, and it took us a long time to secure seats for ourselves. At least, after vigoro.i.s seat searehings and

running to and fro to see 11 any_ cars were in sight, we managed to squeeze into a car, and wo drove merrily homo thoroughly pleased with our day's outing. The Christmas and New Year seasons were very quiet here this year—in fact, one could hardly realiso that it wis Christmas, except for ths hubbub of trumpets,' tin whistles, and crackers on Christmas and New Year's Eve. I didn't go away anywhere for my holiday this year ; but had plenty of fun at home. Well, Dot, there are quite a number of L.F. on the Coast now, aren't there? and about four months ago there were scarcely any at all. lam reading a book called " Meadowsweet," and have just finished "Gray's Hollow" and 'The JVheat Princess": they are all interesting books. Love to Gloria, Boxo, Elfin, Gipsy Belle, Reomoana, Smiler, A Country Girl, Stanhope, all my other L.F. correspondents, and yourself.—Yours truly, GLORIA'S MATE (Greymouth).

[We have quite a large number of L.F. on the Coast, Gloria's Mate, and I am.very proud and pleased with them aII.—DOT-]

Deal' Dot, —A few lines written in a desperate hurry to let' you know I have not forgotten the page altogether. It is nearly three years since I last wrote to you, and since then many great changes have taken I lost my dear mother and one of my brothers two months ago. I have .three brothers in Franca, and another ono going into- es-mp some time in April. The old proverb is quit© true in our case, "Troubles "never come singly." One of my cousins was killed in ' action a while back. Well, dear Dot, I do wish this war was at an end. It is .a sin to seo how many brave men have fallen for their King and oountry. One of --my, brothers was in hospital in England with "connective tissue" legs, but he is quite well again. We are having very unsettled weather lately. I have a cousin writing to the page from Riversdale. My sister used to but I never ee-e her N.D.P. in the page. She is away from home out working, as you may guess. —Yours truly, MAHONE (Kingston Crossing). [You have indeed had a heavy cross to bear, Mahcr.e. Please accept my sincere sympathy in your losses, and I hope brighter and happier times are in store for DOT.] Dear Dot, —May" I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 11 years old, and have passed into Standard V- I have three uncles and four cousins at the war. I think everybody has -some relations at the war. Our annual Sunday school picnic was held a couple of weeks ago, and The Lass o' Killean and myself each won a prize. I am going, to learn painting when I am 12, and am looking forward to 'my twelfth birthday. My mate was up at our place for tea to-night, so after we had finished reading the L:F. letters we both decided to write. I have been reading some nice books lately—" Betty and C 0.," "Miss Bobbie," and "A War of Girls." Well, Dot, as this is only an introductory letter, I will close. Best love to Gloria's Mate, The Lass o'' Killean, all the L.F., and yourself.— Yours truly, THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL (Greymouth). [Welcome to the page, dear. —DOT:] ~< Dear Dot, —The-weather here has been very hot lately. A start has been made with killing at. the freezing works here, and the frozen meat is not half so nice after using fresh meat. We have started school again, at which I. am very pleased. We sent our cow and calf to- the stock sale last Friday, andi' we are very glad she was sold, as she used to butt and rush people. One * day she got out- on the road, and she butted two men-and a lady, so she was very*dangerous, although she was a great loss to us. I have read many nice books lately, some being "Meg Hamilton," "Daisy Snowflake's Secret/' and my last, school prize, which I am reading, "The Last Days of Pompeii," which is very nice indeed. Many of my school mates have gone to the High School this year, but I have still a few left. Love to Rangi, Clyde, Iron Heart, and Mary.—Yours truly, POLLY PERKINS (Wairoa). *

Dear Dot, —The weather here is very miserable just now. ' I have been learning to swim. We have a new teacher at school. I could not go to the D.L.F. picnic because it was too far away; but I hope all the Little Folk enjoyed themselves. I have not met any Little Folk yet. I was at the pictures on Saturday, and saw A Kidd From Timaru. My brother won a bat at-our school picnic. The Bunnythorpe sports are to-morrow, so we -have a holiday.—Yours truly, INDEPENDENT ,Ashhurst).

Dear Dot, —I have been a reader of the LP. page fir many years, and this" r afternoon finds me writing to the page. Before I go any further I must ask you if I may write to your page. I saw Hamilton Hill's letter in print, from Slope Point, so I thought I would try and write too. We are having very changeable weather down this part of the world. Yesterday was a lovely day, and to-day it is windy and showery. Well, now, I am 16 years old, and live a few miles from the Niagara Falls (Southland). It is a very pretty .place. I think I know a few L.F. about this place. I think I know Dolly Varden, Rustic, Hermit Crab, Mamaru's Cousin, and The Wild Blue Pansy. I' wish I was only old enough to go to the war. I have several relatives there, including one brother killed. Well, Dot, as this is my first letter to the page I think I will close with besu wishes to all.— Yours truly, •A BASHFUL SAILOR. [You are very welcome to join us, A Bashful Sailor; but you overlooked enclosing your name and address.—-DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become one of your happy band? I am 13 years of age, and have left school, but not able to go to work for fear I take-a- bad turn, as I do not know when they are coming on. It was Saddler Tommy who asked me to write, and I said long ago I would, but have been too busy while my mother and my sister were in the hospital. My sister died, so that was worse trouble, don't you think? Well, Dot, I am not writing a big letter for the first. I love reading books.- I have- a lot of things to tell you next time. How much is a D.L.F. badge? because I would like to get one. Love to all the D.L.F..—Yours truly SWEETPEiA (Milton). '[The badges are_ la 9d, dear. I am so sorry to learn of all the trouble and. sadness that has been your lot. lately, but liodc happier time 3 are in store. —DOT] Dear Dot, —We have had fairly good weather these last few days, but it is blowing a little to-night. We have our harvest in; it took us only two days to do so. Christmas passed very quietly' up this way. There are hardly any young men left in Wedderbum at all now. The flower gardens have hardly any flowers left now. We had such a lot of snapdragon and carnations out; but- the-wind broke the stems off and destroyed them all. I see that Postman Henry has gone into camp; he will be missed by all the L.F., as he was such a jovial member

of the/D.L.F. page. Well, Dot, I will conclude with kind regards to Miss Bobby and all the I/.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, TANGLES WONNIB (Wedderburn).

Dear Dot,—l have -spent a most enjoyable holiday in Fortrose. I left, home on Sunday after dinner, about 1.30 p.m., and arrived at my destination at 4.30 p.m., go it took me only three hours to go 15 miles. On Sunday night Mihi Moana and I took a walk through the Fortrose Cemetery, where Mihi Moana showed me her brother's grave. I was with Mihi Moana a few days, and then the day came for me to pack up and coma home. That day came all too soon. Yesterday The Wild Blue. Pansy, The Wild Irish Rose, Stars and Stripes, and 10 more went for a. picnio to the Waipapa Lighthouse. The Wild Blue _Pansy, her brother, a friend, and I got out before the others. After all. arrived one of the helpers came and took m> all through the lighthouse. Then we went outside and walked all round, after which we went up more steps and walked round higher up on the lighthouse outside. It was a glorious sight. After we came down outside again we had hinch, then we went for a walk round the beach, where we met William the Conqueror and some of his mates out rowing. They took The Wila Blue Pansy, Stars and Stripes, and me out for a row. Then we got out and made room for some of the rest. I got home about 430 p.m. yesterday, feeling a bit tired after my day's outing, which I must say I thoroughly enjoyed. Kind regards to all my 'correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, MAMARU'S COUSIN". [Would you please send m© the name for tho photo. I wish to put the soldier's name as well as his N.D.P. I have a name for that N.D.P., but am not absolutely sure it is correct. If you can send it in as soon as possible I will be grateful, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is with sincere regret that I pen these lines to the page, for the time has arrived when I must lay down my pen as an ordinary writer, for to-day I attain my twentieth birthday. It is like putting away a part of- my joy and happiness, fox I was much taken up in. the page; its interest I shall never forget, although I am not able to take such an active fart in it as I have hithertofore done. All can say is to repeat that which has been written time after time for those who have taken the belonging to- such a boon to the young people, and elder ones of course —to see that they take interest in it and keep up to the scratch. A very good plan I have found is to write regularly, and ..don't miss a chance of writing to the page. I, personally, am very fond of reading the page. Remember our motto: 'We write for the benefit of others." It is a joy vto see our own letters in print; but what of our friends and correspondents? what of them? They find pleasure in reading them to keep up to our motto, and always abide with it. We must one and all look and see that we make it short iand interesting, as space is very small. Some small note at the bottom from Dot is very encouraging; but don't get downhearted if 'ho note is there. Dot cannot put a note to each one. Thank you, Dot, for "printing my letters from time to time, also the note in. which you . so . kindly v allowed me to write, to the page whilst away. I only hope that I will -not abuse it in any way; but I intend to bear in mind that I am privileged, and I intend to make full use of it. Eric Somebody's Boy is still in the hospital—such was the last advice I had from home. He has been there since January 31, and it was on February TO I heard last. . I must also thank Gwen from Takapau for the lovely cake she sent me for; my birthday; my mates and I - thoroughly enjoyed it, for it was the first cake we have bad) in camp. Well, Dot, I shall have to stop.now. ' Wishing- the page a prosperous time in the future and good health and prosperity to those who form its membership. Love to Lady Evelyn, Crimson Rambler, Longwocd, Blossom, my Timaru oomracfcs, and all tho L.F., not forgetting yourself. Au revoir to the dear old page till England, or perhaps the first port of call.—Yours truly, " POSTMAN HENRY. 72202—Private H. G. Beach, B Company, 6th Platoon, 38th Reinforcements, Trentham.

[The best, of friends must part. Postman Henry, but I want you to remember' that when you have time to send a' line to us, it will be assured of a "warm welcome, and our best wishes will always follow you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been in Dunedin for over three months, and can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday. I always think it is nice to be in one's home town again. I left here (Ringway) at 8 'o'clock one morning in November, and arrived in Invercargill about 10 a.m., and as I had a few hours' grace before the express departed, I went to> see some friends. The station was crowded, owing to the boys going into camp, but although there were so many travelling I managed to get a small compartinent to myself. The express left at twenty-five minutes past 1. s On arrival at G-ore a lady came into my compartment, and after making her acquaintance, I learned that she. also was going to Dunedin. We arrived .at Dunedin at 6.80 p.m., and I assure you I was not sorry. My friends were on the station to greet me, and as they had the car we were soon at their place, where a nice hot dinner awaited me, and for which I was very thankful. 'While in Dunedin I was at a few picnics, and I had a very enjoyable time at each one. One afternoon my friends and I went to Lawyer's Head, and we had such a lovely afternoon's outing that we all rose early next morning and went there again for the day. The day was very hot and we found) the sea water very cooling. I was in bathing nearly all the day, and you should have seen me at the end of the day, especially my face—it was a full moon all right. It was 9 o'clock when we iarrived home,, tired but happy. After a fortnight had elapsed my face began to peel and now I have my old face back again. "We took some very nice photes of the waves as they came in, and some different views of the Head. I was out nearly eveiy evening, either at the pictures, vaudeville, or evenings. I am very fond of the vaudeville and have always been ever since I can remember. I never missed a week. I also went to see Cyril Maude in "Grumpy," which I thoroaighly enjoyed. I was also at Milton for a few days staying with my auntie, who has a fisft-m. I used to go with her to the cowbyre at night while she milked, the cows, and Itried to milk, .-but could not. I am very frightened of cows, so you see I would be no good for a farmer's daughter. My cousins and I drove up to Milburn one evening and climbed a big hill, where wo o-ot a good view of the surrounding country. Best love to your dear self and all my correspondents and other L.F. ROZELLE (Ringway.) I am so pleased' you had siich' a splendid holiday, Rozelle.—DOT.] AUTOS. Brownie (Lucille de No'rville, 3 Eden street, Oamaru), wishes to correspond with Wood-

bine, Nelson. Lady Dell, or any L.F. willing, and would like to meet any Oamaru L.F. Pukemaori Rousoabout (Harold King, Pukemiaori, Tuatapere), wishes to correspond with Jack the Giant-killer, Postman Bill, and -any L.F. willing. .... Gwen (Kitty Broderick, "Wai Wbiro-," Takapau), wishes to correspond with Mamara Jack, Plain Bill, No Surrender, and Essie. Gloria's Mate (Marie Parfitt, Devon street, Greymouth), wishes to correspond with A Girl of the Limberlost and Iris. Rozello (I. L. Toogood, care of M'Calluiiii's Mill, Fairfax), wishes to correspond with Shickers, Timaru Kid, and exchange' autos with any L.F. willing. Tangles Wonnie (Myra D. Dow, Wedder ; burn), wishes to correspond with Lech Lomond, Grant, and British Lion.