DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3338, 6 March 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominoon on mutters of interest to themselves, the result ei their observations ia the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &o. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, care of Editor Witness."

D.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 offipe, Dunedin. Prico, 9d for 25.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK

No'letter to contain more than 350 words. U»Uo: —We i?nto for the benefit ol utiK.se, not for ourselves.

Dear Dot—A few days before Christmas wo went' for a long-promised ride to Xen Avon Station. . I will try to describe our trip. Our party "consisted' of my father, mother, and sister, a lady friend, and myself. The oar just held us, and as the road in some places was very rough it was. as well there was no squeezing. Our way lay through -a narrow gorge—the Ahurin. O-orge. Through* this gorge there flowed a swift mountain stream. Here and there small torrents came rushing down the mountain sides, joining the stream in a lovely cascade at the base. These were marked by a. hue of verdant green, showing up very bright ; against the prevailing browns and blues. Away up the mountain sides we could see great slips. These were caused by avalanches of snow in early spring. Soon we came to a steep slope, at the foot or which a fair-sized creek chattered by on its way to the Ahuriri.- Commonly known as Deep Creek, this creek is sometimes dangerous to cross in spring. It is, however, spaiaied by a bridge, and is easier to cross now than it was a few years ago. The road just there was very rough. Then the. gorge opened out into a wide plain. Until we reached Deep Creek the road had been a gradual ascent, then we began to descend—almost imperceptiple at first, but on looking back W 3 could see quite plainly how much lower we were. . Far ahead we could &ee the region of eternal snow —white-capped peaks, dazzling in tb.9 bright sun, and con traating strongly with the sombr? bush-clad lower elopas. Our attention was suddenly drawn to two dear grazing on the farther I side of ihe stream. On sighting us they ran a few yards, andi, then turning, stared at us with unfeigned curiosity. Our destination was now quite plain to view, and before long we wera resting under the large shady trees surrounding the homestead. We returned home in the evening well pleased with, our day's outing.—Yours truly, "___ i WAYBAGK (Omarama). [Your driva was one well worth taking, judging by your description, Wa-yback, and must have been delightful.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It was Vith great pleasure that I read the letter of our comrade Somebody's Sailor Boy, and I thought it exceedingly interesting Last week I received a letter from a soldier at the Brixton Gamp, England, and he says they were camped on , a cold, bleak spot, where it is difficult to i keep warm. He mentions spending" a week ■'■ in London, during which time he experienced one air raid. He said the womenfolk get very excited, and rush behind a soldier, as they think he can protect them. After all, Dot, we in little New Zealand have a great deal to be thankful for. Postman Henry seems to be enjoying camp life. I had the pleasure of meeting him ere he departed from Otago for Trentham. Technical College started about a week ago, and I am glad, as after over two months' holiday I feel quite ready for j work again. I was delighted to read the letter of our English comrade Golden I Dreams, es it is nice to know that even ■, in the Mother Country the D.L.P. page ! serves as a source of interest. A week or so ago my sister, a friend, and myself left j home early in the morning to go for a ; " stroll." Our " stroll," however, led us ! far over Dunedin's hills, and, passing the Ross Croak Reservoir, we found ourselves well on the way to Wakari. It was a rare summer morn, and everything looked at its best. The birds wer<e twittering in the trees, and the sun was shining gloriously on the ferns and bush. We had a good i ramble round, then decided to make tracks for home. Being eager to see more of the beautiful bush, wo tried taking a "short cut," which, to our ' dismay, led us far from our right path, our only access to oui path being down a steep cliff. At last, to our joy, we arrived at the bottom, and, ; after crossing a stream, we were able to continue our N journey homeward. Right ! glad we were when we arrived heme, tired but happy, and well content with what we j had seen of Nature's beauties. Really, Dot, until one goes rambling among the bush one does i.ot realise what a beautiful place , Dunedin is. My dad is out of hospital j now, and is making good recovery. Fondest lov-3 and kindest regards 1 to yourself and all my D.L.F. correspondent* and comrades. — Yours truly,

A TRUE PATRIOT (Dunedin). [I am delighted to learn that your father is progressing so well, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Everyone is busy harvesting here just now. Some have the mill and some are stacking; but what dreadful weather we are having for harvest I It was raining from Friday till Monday night. The holidays are over, but I am not glad to go back to school again. My sister has started school althoiigh she is not five. "We are bavins? a welcome-home to two of our soldiers shortly. Love to Annie's Mate, Ivanhoe, and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly, JOEY AND NELLIE'S MATE (Duntroon). Dear Dot, —The weather here is dreadfully hot just now. I see that Postman Henry is in camp, and I just wish to say, " Good luck and a safo return." Old Aunt Sally and another schoolmate of mine are home jusk low, and we are having a good time. Christmas and New Year passed very quietly here. There was a pionic on New Year's Day and a concert at night. There was also a Sunday school and day school picnio here about three weeks ago, while

there aro to be pictures here 'on Monday, 25th. If you have addresses of any D.L.F. at the front or at camp, would you please forwarjl me any thi-ee of them. Three of the Clinton boys have made the supreme sacrifice lately. I am reading a book just now called " The Holy Flower," end it is very interesting. I will close with best love to Old Aunt Sally, A Soldier's Friend, Golden Lily, Mamaru's Counsin, Allan-a-Lale, &nd Nurse Ella, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CHERRY BLOSSOM (Clinton).

Lear Lot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 16 years of age, and work in an office in town. I was down at Portobello on Saturday far a picnic, and had a "lovely time. I have three brothers at the front—one wounded; twice and the other two getting on very well. My mate, Marga.rine, wrote to the page last week. Best wishes to all the L.F!, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TRUE COLONIAL (St. Chjir). [You are very welcome to join us, True Colonial.—LOT.] Lear Lot, —Since I last wrote I have been for a holiday to Port- Molyneux. I saw six or seven L.L.F. there, among whom were Postman Henry, and Linne*. Harvesting is in full swing up here. We are having the telephone laid on, and the men were working here on Friday. There are over 70 other places having: it in, so the town is a little bit bney. Love to all the L.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, REL RANGER (Boxburgh). [You will find the telephone a great convenience, I am sure, Red Ranger.— \ DOT.] Lear Lot, —May I join your happy band? I am out working at a farm, and I like it. There are all sorts of animals here. I

come from Caversham, so I am a long way from home. Where I am there are four eons—two are at the front and two work at home. I have no brothers at the front, as they are not old enough. I have five brothers and three sisters; the baby was three months old when mother died, and she must be about six or seven now. Well, I have just corndy home from a nice drive; it is lovely out driving. Good-bye just now. Love to all L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, FLORENCE (Enfield). [You did not sign an N.D.P., dear; but if you do next time you write, just endorse your name again so I will be able to identify it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather hero has been very hot lately. I went to Romney Downs for my , holidays this year, and know all the D.L.F. around there. While waiting at the Gore Station for the Waikaka train I met two L.F.. Their ND.p.'s were Elfin and Leoala. We have started school again, and I am not sorry. We go to Gore to the Technical School every Friday for tbre*> months to learn cookery, and "have good) fun going down in the train. Our school gardens are looking lovely just now with all the flowers out. Love to Shells of the Ocean, Golden Bells, Elfin, Queen of the Snowdrops, Leoala, Florence Nightingale, Bleeding Heart, and all the rest of the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, TULIP (Riversdale). Dear Dot, —A dance was given here last Friday, the 22nd, for a young fellow who has just married. did not' go, as my sister, Only a Pansy Blossom, went. She knows another D.L.F. girl, whose N.D.P. is English Lassie. My father is going to harvest next week, and I suppose my sister fnd I will have to s.took. Julius Ceesar goes to the same school as I do. I have still got my badge. I was working at a place at Hedgehope for f> fortnight before Christmas, and I thought it a very' nice plaoe to live in. Love to Queen of the Hills, Queen of the Valley, Southland Mary, Princess Constant, A Soldier's Nurse, A Sister of Four Brothers, Tiger Jim, and Julius vCaesar, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, FOXGLOVE (Tussock Creek).

Dear Dot, —May I have the privilege of becoming a member of your band of L.F. ? I go to school, and like it very much. Dulcie goes to the same school as I do. 1 have a\ little pony called Tiny, and when my daddy has the time he takes me for rides" with him. I have one little sister; she is a year old. I know Tom and Buster Geoff; they live quite near us. I went to Hastings for a few days during the holidays. Best love to Dulcie, Brown Eyes I, Gwen, Tom, Grandma Elsie, and! all the other L.F.—Yours trulv, DULCIE'.S" MATE (Takapau). [I am very pleased to accord you a welcome to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have arrived home from my holiday. I hid a jolly holiday, and I enjoyed myself immensely and was very sorry when the holidays were over. They seemed to go very quickly, as all holidavs do whan you are enjoying yourself. My brother got influenza, and was quite sick for two days, but is feeling much- better now. I am in ' Fifth Standard now. We started school sometime ago, and I was glad to' get back, although I had enjoyed my holiday very much. Love to Belgium Maid, Peg o' the Ring, and all the L.F., including yourself.—Youfs truly, MERMAID (Palmerston N).

Dear Dot, —It is a lovely morning—really too beautiful to be indoors; but as there is no chance of my getting out for an hour or so I guess I'll have to be content v.*here- I am. I had a lovely time during my holidays, which lasted only six weeks. But arriving home I was ill for nearly a week, but am feeling much better again now. I went .as far south as Invercargill. On my way down I spent three days in Wellington. Wo climbed Wireless Hill, where we got a magnificent view of the city. On Sunday morningg before breakfast we went for a stroll along the wharves. There was one Home vessel in; it was not an extra large one. In the afternoon we went to Lyall Bay to visit a friend, arriving home at 11 p.m. During my &tay thero I went to' " The Marriage of Kitty," and it was very good. On the Monday we visited the Botanic Gardens. When I was coming home I stayed one night in Wellington, and in the afternoon jNTellie Bly and I went out to the Newtown Zoo, where we spent a very- enjoyable time. Going across to Dyttelton I had a lovely trip, and wasn't at all sea-sick; but coming back—oh, don't mention itl I think the least said about it the better. I spent a few clays in Kaiapoi, and then went on to Invercargill. During my stay there I had a lovely time, and will always look back with pleasure to the very pleasant time I spent while in Southland. While in Invercargill I visited South -Hillend, Winton, Centre Bush, and Nightcaps, and we also went out to Benmore Station. I had intended going to the Bluff, too, but as time was limited I didn't get there._ One thing I noticed was the difffference in the evenings from what they are inHawke's Bay. We get hardly any twilight in these parts. I did not see very much of Dunedin, as I was there only two nights—one on the

way south and one when I was coming back; but we went out to St. Clair and a 150.,, to tbe Botanic Gardens, which were beautiful. During my stay in Christchurch I went to the Museum, and also visited the Catholic Cathedral. I did not like Christchurch aa well as Dunedin or Invercargill. I also spent a week in Oxford, and likewise had a good time the Te. During my holiday I met quite a number of D.L.F., but am sorry I missed seeing you, A Soldier's Sisier I. • I have had a schoolmate of mine from "Wniroa down for her holidays, and we did enjoy ourselves, too, as it was over two years since we had met. Brown Eye® is not going back- to High School this year; she is thinking of going teaching. Kindest regards and best wishes to Raupare, Pat, Postman Henry, Nellie Bly, Roche, Brown Eyes, "Watchful, Perpetual Wanderer, and Snakey Jce.—Yours trulv, GWEN (Takapau). [I am delighted 1o know you had such an enjoyable holiday, Gwen.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I hav-=i just come homo from a very enjoyable month's holiday. I was in the sea at Riverton several times, which was very pleasant, and when the time came to get out I didn't like it. The weather is lovely just now. Up country the farmers are; oil cutting their oats while the fine weather lasts. I was 14 on Wednesday, and have left school. Kind regards to Messines, Snowie's Sweet, and yourself.—Yours truly, MIMIHAU MAID (Wyndham). [The badges are now Is 9d : , dear, aa owing to war prices the- cost of making them has gone up.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I was going to write such a long time ago, but did not think my writing good enough. I am 10 years old, and in Standard IV at school. My brother is nearly 12, and is in Standard V. "We live in a pretty valley called Omihi, 48 miles north of Christchurch. *SWe have a vegetable and fruit garden, and a few flowers. I had nine cousins at the war (two. returned and one killed); also three uncles at tho war, and one called up in tbe ballot. "Wo are milking eight cows and feeding two calves, and have just' weaned three calves. My grandmother gets the Otago Witness,, and I love reading tbe Little Folk's letters. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting dear self. —Youts truly, OMIHI LASS (Omihi). [Certainly you may join us, dear, and we shall be very pleased to hear from you from time to time.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. It is very hot here. Do you ever think of coming to Mount Cook, Dot? I have passed through Dunedin many times, but I will call end see you the next time I pass through. My mother's only brother was killed at the battle of Messines. My brother is 17 years and five months old, and he is trying very hard _to go to the war, but they will not take him. Love to Oronoa, Beatxice, and all the L.F., not forgetting: yourself.—Yours truly, LILIAN MAY (Lake Pukaki). [I have often thought how delightful the Mount Cook trip would be, dear,. but so far my thoughts have not materialised.— DOT.]. . ; Dear Dot, —I am still alive, but I suppose everybody has forgotten me Since last writing I have joined the railway service, and have been up here ever since. I suppose you all know that- my brother. Postman Henry, is in camp. We have had some very fine weather up here lately, since the heavy rain we had about a fortnight ago The street in front of the hotel I am stopping at was completely under water, so you may guess that it was not merely a shower. I went to the motor sports last Saturday, and they were very good. We had very fine weather, and the proceeds (about £RO0) will go to swell the Red Cross Funds. Remembrance to Queen of the May, Lift, Stars and Stripes, The Wild Irish Rose, Lady Fairfax, and all the rest, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SIR. ROWLAND (Christchurch). , [I am pleased +o hear from you again, Sir Rowland.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt 'was raining here this after- * noon, but I think it is clearing up now. The davs are getting short end the nights long. My sister, White Violet, is working down at Lochiel; she has been there' two or three months. We have our oats cut and stooked, and we are going to lead them in in another week. The Winton Band gave a sacred concert at Centre Bush to-day. I am going to school until next September and then will leave. We have two cows milking just now, but there is another coming in in the winter. One of our hens sat on five eggs, and brought out three chickens, and they are roosters. Kind regards to Lost Gip, Mother's Help, Harvest Queen, Pickles, and Buttercup, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE VENNICE (Centre Bush). Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my letter in the last Witness, and my mate, A True Colonial, wrote this week. _ Yesterday I was out motoring, and we collided with a man and smashed his bicycle. ' It was a narrow escape for him, as we just missed killing him. I was in for e, bathe this morning at 6 o'clock. I have a pet collie dog, and he has woa several prizes at the show. Do you like music, Dot? Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MARGARINE (St. Clair). [I think it was rather a lucky escape for all parties, as it would have been dreadful if the man had unfortunately bsen seriously hurt—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I went for a holiday at Christmas. I left home on Christmas afternoon and went to Invercargill, and went on to Bluff on the 26th, en route for Stewart Island, arriving at Half Moon Bay about ii'/on. It was a lovely day, and there were a good many peop!e on the boat. It was very calm, and very few people were seasick. Stewart Island is an ideal place for a holiday; the scenery is beautiful, and the sea air is invigorating. If any of the Little Folk are in need of a change, lot them go to Half Moon Bay—it is so restful. There was a concert on Boxing Evening for funds for the library. It was a lovely evening, so there was not a very good attendance, as folk preferred being outside. On Thursday I went around the bay as far as Jensen's Point. The geraniums, fuchsias, daisi'W. and lupins were a picture growing wild along the path. _ On Friday I went to Butterfield's Beach; it is a lovely beach for bathing. I also went to see some friends at Mill Creek.- On Saturday I went to Golden Bay and Thulo, At Thule I saw a beautiful flower garden. I have never seen fiowiro grow outside like they do at Stewart Island. I had some beautiful pelargoniums given to me, and they are growing nicely. Sunday morning I wept to church with friends, and in the afternoon went for a walk, and then to church in the evening. On Monday morning 5 went to Horseshoe Bay, and had. lunch and gathered shells, and in the afternoon went on to Lea Bay. The tide was in, so I didn't get any shells there. In the even-

ing I went to Binga Ringa, and got some lovely shells. On Tuesday it was raining and blowing a gale, bo I did not get out all day, but in the evening there was a concert for school funds, and a crowded house resulted on account of it being too wet to go walking, so the takings were considerably more than at the previous concert. Wednesday was very stormy, and as I was leaving I had to take the good with the bad. I was on the bridge, so did, not get wot with the spray. I arrived m Invoroargill about 7 o'olock. On Thursday I went to the Invercargill races, and had & good time. Next day I set out for home, Arriving about noon, after having had a glorioca week's holiday. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A SOLDIER'S DAUGHTER i 'r "(LoUgwood). Dear Dot, —After on unsuccessful attempt to learn Fxenoh verbs I havo given it up in disgust, and am following ' British Nationality's example in writing to you. It is a true saying, Dot, that pride goes before a fall; and no doubt my mate nas realised this in full, for eho had a bad fal) off hex horse and hurt her arm. The night before she had been telling us about freat rides she had had, and concluded y saying that a good horse knows a good master. The horse she was on evidently thought the opposite, so we will leave it at that. "While on holidays we visited the mine, and I assure you I had a good time. Verbena declared it was lovely, but her teeth ohatttred when she said it, and she didn't look like a person who was having a good time. In some places in the mine we had to walk two double, and it was really alarming at the number of grunts and groans that were heard when one or another of us unsuspectingly raised our heads and so knocked them on unseen coal. At one tine Verbena yelled outright, and, getting desperate, tried to stand up. She failed completely, and she resumed her normal position much subdued. Well, Dot, as British Nationality in her carelessness has spilt the' ink, as no doubt you will see, I will conclude. Best wishes- to An Italian Soldier, Kaitangata, Firefly, Verbena, Territorial, and all the soldier D.L.F., not forgetting, yourself.—Yours truly; BRITISH DION (Nighgtcaps).

[I expect your friend finds little comfort in your views of her fall, true though they may be.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —British Lion is sitting 1 beside me contentedly munching green apples and discontentedly learning French verbs. She used to be a great admirer of Henry French performances, and even tried to ride a wheel herself, which alas! had a very sad ending; but since she has started learning French her enthusiasm has died somewhat. I hope. Dot, that you will excuse the writing, but I had a fall off a horse, and have to keep ray left arm in a sling for three weeks. I was out riding, and the stirrup-leather broke, and I fell off the horse and wrenched my shoulder. It was very sore when it happened, but it is getting better now. During the holidays I went through the mines with Verbena and British Dion. I never realised before what the inside of a mine was really like, and if it had not been for British Lion's joke's I am afraid I would have taken to my heels and run. As" we proceeded further in, I gradually lost my fear and became interested. We all had lights, and walked behind one another—British Lion in front so that we could watch that no tricks were played. It was very beautiful to see the sunshine when we came out of the mine, and I for one was very, glad to be out into the light again. Well, Dot, as British Lion is preparing to write to you, I will close, as Bhe, no doubt, will tell you what I have overlooked. Best wishes to yourself, "Verbena, British Lion, and all the D.L.F.— Yours truly, BRITISH NATIONALITY (Waikouro). i .[l'am so sorry to learn of your accident, dear, and hope the arm is making a good recovery.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is very wet here to-day, and somewhat cold to what it has been. We were going to have our annual picnic some three weeks ago, but as it was raining it was postponed until the following Saturday, but again it was raining. On both occasions the children assembled in the hall, where they played games, danced, and ate the food which was prepared for the picnic. On the third Saturday we had our picnic, and it was a most beautiful day. Races and games were indulged in by the children, and sports by the adults. I won a case of scissors; there were four pairs, all different sizes. It is a useful prize is it not? On the 15 th of this month the school children had a concert and it was very good indeed, under the able management of Miss Watson. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly.

CORDELIA (Blackball). X ?; he far€d Ter 7 in the —DOT ] Pl ° niC in Spite ° f the weatller -

Dear Dot,—This is the eleventh time I have started a letter to yon to-day. I cut my heel with a manuka stick, but it is getting better now. We were, at the Museum in Auckland; there wore a lot of stuffed animals there. I have a cat; she is grey Once one of our cats took one of our ck>"-'s pupa because we killed her kittens.—Yours truly.

BOOKWORM (Kahukura). [Some people hold there is luck in odd numbers, Bookworm; but your efforts deserved to' be crowned with success. The heel must be very sore.—DOT.]

Dear Dot—The weather up here has been very hot, but to-day has been very windy and cold. Rabbits seem to be very plentiful up here, and the rabbitera send rabbits away every day. The fruit is very ripe just now, but some is still green. My uncle » coming home from the front shortly* w we are all looking, forward to seeing him Best wishes to Gipsy Belle, Little Maid Mangold, Foulatta's Mate, Piper of the BSS Ciy, a]l tu L - F - a * d yoJJtl

rTI .„ , IRIS (Sutton). [lt will be delightful to hare your uncle back again, Iris.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,-It was.with much regret that I read Postman Henry's retiring letter However, while he is away I hope we will often have a note from him, letting us know that ho is still alive. The day! are getting very short down here now, and the nights are a bit cold. Last Wednesday there was a bowlers' fete held in the grounds of the Tennis and Bowlino- Clubs The proceeds wore in aid of the Y M C A and French Comforts Funds, and' on lnursday night there were nictures to help to swell the funds. Next Wednesday they are gomg to hold the girls' swimming Bpoits if they can gel enough entries I don t think I will go in for them, but will go up and watch the fun. I have not been reading any stories lateiv—only the ones in the "Witness. Our "apples are not quite ripe yet, bul we eat them all the same, and so do tho chickens", when we let them out. I saw one or two girls with badgeo on about a week ago, but I did not

have a chance to exchange greetings with them. They did not see my badge, as I am sorry to say I lost it; but I hope to have another one soon, and will take fine care I don't lose it. Beet wishes to yourself and all the L.F., especially those out of Now Zealand.—Yours truly, BLUNDERBUS (Gore).

Dear am staying in the country on holiday just now, and am }™-\ m 8 a very enjoyable time. Harvesting is in full swing, so you can guess what a busy time that us; but still it is pleasant work, provided the weather is not too warm. I don't think the farmers have any cause to complain about the weather, as it has been most suitable for harvesting while I have been out here. I have beep out for drives and oyole rides around the district, end It is a great change for me. I am spending the day with Awkward Meg. She is very interesting, and makes one very welcome at her home. One of my cousins has made the supreme sacrifice, while my uncle has been severely wounded, but, J. am pleased to say, that, though still in hospital, he is progressing favourably. Hoping you and all the D.L.F. are enjoying the best of health, —Yours truly, QUEEN OF THE. REDSKINS (Spar Bush). Dear Dot,—We are having terribly hot weather just now, and a bathe in the sea would go all right. Our school teacher lets us go outside in the open air to do our lessons when it is so hot. We haye another cow end calf now, so that makes two cows and two calves. The blackberries are ripe now. Do you like them. Dot? I don't care for them much myself. We have a school garden here, also a school library. I received a prize at the end of the year called "A Lost Needle." .1 have two uncles in the firing line, and one oousin killed and another in camp. Best love to Little Vennice, Young Meg, Pickles, Firefly 11, A Soldier's Friend, Mother's Help, and Little Pansy Faces, not forgetting yourself.--Yours truly, LOST GIP (Centre Bush). [I am so sorry you had a headache, dear. I must admit that I do like blackberry pie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very changeable weather at present. I have a brother home from the front, and another one landing shortly. The latter was very severely gassed; but it is lovely to have them both home safely aprain. I am out at service, and I like it. We have a Red Cross sale in Tuatapere once a month, 'and there is to be a Bed Cross picnic next .month, which is sure to be a success. Pictures are held in Tuatapere once a week, and I often go to them. Love to til the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A SOLDIER'S NURSE (Tuatapere). Dear Dot, —I left school three or four months ago, and am working in the twinemill down here. Another L.F. is working there, too —Nurse Ella's Mate I think her N.D.P. is. We had a shower of rain the other night, but that is all we have had for a week or two, and the tanks are nearly dry. I know The Jockey; he was a schoolmate of mine. I have two or three cousins who have been wounded, and one killed. Most of the crops around here are cut now, and some of them, are in stacks. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgegtting yourself.—Yours trulv, PAWNEE BILL (Romahapa).

Dear of my schoolmates write so please say if I may join your band of L.F., too? I am 10 years old, and go to school. We have a long, wet walk to school, and it won't be nice in the winter time; but the grass won't be so long then. About 60 go to our school, and we ha*e two teachers. On nice days the teachers take us out bathing in the Orawia River, and it is lovely. I know Merrivale Maid, al a o Dad's Shepherd, Piper of the Clans, Roseleaf, ■Smiler, Grace Darling, and Belgian G-irl. Love to Merrivale Maid and yourself.—Yours truly, LAUGHING LASSIE (Orawia).^ [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather just now is not very good for the harvesting. One or two crops are cut in our district. On Friday night, the 22nd, Golden Pern and I went to a dance. It was to celebrate the wedding of a returned soldier. The people gave a few presents to them. The dance started about half-past 9, and ended in the early hours of the morning. There were not many people there when the dance started, but after a while they started to stroll in. My sister, Golden Fern, sang two songs. I saw a girl with a badge on, and I asked her what her N.D.P.- was. She said An English Lassie, so after that we were great friends. I am in the Sixth Standard now, and will be leaving school this year if I pass. Christmas this year was very quiet, but we cannot expect to have a happy one when so many men are getting killed and wounded. I did not go away for a holiday, as we are milking 10 cows and sending the milk to the fac--1- - £ ove A t( > Southland Mary, Queen of the Hills, A Soldier's Nurse, An English Lassie, Princess Constant, Quoen of the Valley Verne, Jvli ™* Caesar, and all the other D.F. —Yours truly, ONLY A PANSY BLOSSOM (Tussock Creek). [There is very little chance of the price of badges going any higher than at pre sent.—DOT.]

Deal- Dot,—Our holidays have come to an end, and all the people have started their work. We are busy shearing the lambs mot now. All our neighbours are cutting their crops at present. My youngest brother who is at the war, has been severely wounded. He is now improving wonderfully. A Sister of Three Soldiers has been very ill lately, but she is bettor again Kindest regards to Florence Nightingale Prince of Wales, and Roche, not forgetting' your own dear self.—Yours truly TIN TOTTENs' (Clinton). [Very pleased to learn that all the invalids are making a good recovery.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.-I have had all my top teeth out—l 6 altogether.—and I didn't envv the dentist, neither did he envy me, because they were both hard to pull and sore to bear. Ihis great calamity hai 3 pened in November last year, so I think we have both fully recovered by now. In January we went to Brighton for a holiday, and it was just Al, between, the boating up the river and the bathe* ,n the sea, which I had twice a. /day for the whole fortnight I was there I am quite like a nigger now. I think holidays make one greedy, for no sooner is one homo than one wants to go back again. The tanners about here are all as busv as bees thrashing. It has been beautiful 'harvesting weather, so tliev are able to get it over. Wo had the thrashing mill last Monday and Tuesday, and we expected to have it longer, _a3 it looked like rain; but our luck was in. We also have about SO acres of potatoes to dig, so our work is cut out for us. I suppose that means about two months' digging, with a good lot of pickers. It, is something delightful sitting here on the verandah to-night, it la so calm; and the

thrashing mill is humming—l love to hear it. I was talking to Patriotic Lass last January. She wa3 up from Fairfax visiting about here,- and I was very pleased to see one of my old mates. I also saw Alice in Wonderland ono day. Love to Patriotic Lass, Alice in Wonderland, Stars and Stripes, Fun and Fancy, and all other D.L.F. comrades, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, PERIWINKLE (Maungatua).

Dear Dot,—Dad and I left Ngatimoti at 7 o'clock on Monday morning for Motueka in the mail car. We gathered up the mail at the different mail boxes*, and then went through th© Orinoco Valley, collected the mail at the Orinoco Post Office, and then went on to Motueka—about 20 miles> altogether. We arrived in Motueka at 8.25 a.m. All along the road men were outting down bluegums, burning gorse, and planting Eine treee for timber to make into fruit oxes. When we arrived at Motueka we thought we would like to go to Nelson overland in the motor car that takes the mails, so we decided to go in th© car. The mail car left the post office at 8.46 a.m. There were then altogether seven passengers when we left Motueka bound for Nelson. Our first stop to pick up the mail was a few next stop was on a bridge at a place, called Kau The post office is a little house and a blacksmith's shop. The blacksmith's wife is the post mistress. Along the road further on we had to slow down on account of a large herd of oattl© on the road. Our next stop was on a bridge at a place called Mouter© Inlet, where a lady brought the mails on a bicycle. A Bareburn Post Office the lady who brought out the maile brought out a plate of apples and peare. Hero faux more passengers boarded the mail car; there were then 11 passengers. It was a lovely morning, but it had been raining two days before, and th© rivers and creeks were very high. We had to go 50 yards through lift of water at one part of the road. At Upper Moutere there is a German OhuTch, and most of th© country round about is settled by Germans. One then passes alongside of thousands of apple trees all along the road In a part of the country called Mildura. The apple trees are not a great smoeesis around the Mildura Estate, as th© ground is not rich, and in this part of the country theiy ore no frosts, like there are in Otago to kill the insects and pesls that infest the apples. In Tasman West we passed one- or two hop gardens, which had baen ruined by the wet and windy weather. At Appleby three more passengers squeezed into th© car, and though the car was a large one, by the time 15 got in there was a good party. We gathered mails at Tasman, Tasman West, Mouter© Inn, Mahana, Harakeke, Redwood Valley, Appleby, and Richmond. W© passed alongside the Richmond Racecourse. The stand was burnt down about two years ago, and it has. no* been replaced. We did not go round the water front past Tahuna Beach into Nelson, but over the hills. We arrived in Nelson at 11 o'clock. Dad and I had dinner in an hotel, had a look at the shops, and went to a friend's place to lea. We left Nelson on the s.s. Nikau for Wellington at 7 p.m. We had a very rough trip across, but I was not seasick and did not mind it. At Nelson wharf we saw the two trawlers that picked up the first mine off Cape Farewell. Love to Forget-me-not, Striker, and all my other correspondents, not goretting yourself.—Yours truly, A GIRL OF THE LIMBEKLOST. LA delightful finish to a charming holiday, dear!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am a little girl, and would like to be. one of your band. I can read some of the letters in the "Witness, and mother reads some to my little brother end me. I go to school, but do not like it much, but mother says I am naughty when I say that. Love from FDORIS CW-aikaka). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. No doubt you will like school better later on when you become accustomed to it DOT.j 3.UTOS. Sir Rowland (It. Beaoh, care of Operating Room, D.T.M.0., N.2.R., Christchurch) wishes to correspond with any L.F. over 15 years.