DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3348, 15 May 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short leitern Itouj her young friends throughout th« Dominoon on mutter* oi Interest to themselves, the result of their observations ia the uuiuial world, deBcriptions of anything they are interested in, oi the district in which they live, oi their school and home life, holiday trips, <&o. Tho 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 office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLS< Wo write for the benefit of other*. not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear Dot, —You will see by the above that I have shifted sine* you last heard from me. We have been living here a good while now, and like it very much. I have work in the Mataura Paper Mill, which I like very much. I am working in the bag room. This week I em working at the machines which make the block-bottomed bags. After we make tho bags they have to stand over night, and next day the other girls at the table count and overhaul them, while the boss of the bagroom ties, weighs, labels, and puts them on the barrows ready to be taken to the big towns. We print the Match and Eagle starch papers. There are four machines in the bagroom. There are the back-blook, block, fruit bag, and the satchel. Tho block bags have cap paper, and the fruit bags are made of samson brown. Each machine is different, and so it makes different bags and sizes. Then there is the rag room, where the girls have to sort out the rags and papers ready to go down into the ohoppeT to be chopped up. After the rags, flax, and paper are chopped up they are ready to be carted down to the big boilers, where they are boiled thoroughly, and run through big iron tubs into a long tube down into the wire. It shakes it along to a certain distance, then it gets dry on big cylinders covered with felt, and runs on to the rolls. It was my birthday on the 26th of this month, and I got many useful presents. Kindest regards to Postman Henry, Lily Blossom, Longwood Blossom, Lady Levenside, Margot, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, JIM'S CHUM (Mataura).

Dear Dot, —We had the mill in on Anzac Day, and, : - being a holiday, I was able to be at home to help mother. We are milking three cows, and have 14 young pigs. Merrivale Maid has just been away for a holiday, and she had a good time. G-lenha-mite has gone away home again, and we all miss her, too.- Love to Merrivale Maid, Dad's Shepherd, Black Butterfly, Daisy, Boseleaf, Smiler, Glenhamite, and yourself,—Yours truly.

LAUGHING LASSIE (Orawia)

Dear Dot, —We have been having rather bad weather lately—three days wet and one day fine. The school from here has been removed to Punahaki; so the children here have no school. I am teaching my brother (Little Lord Fauntleroy). Next Monday I am going to Charleston for a ride, so I hope it does not rain. It is 15 miles from here. We have a pretty black kitten, and its name is Tyras. To-night Mother's Lassie and her mother are coming down here to sleep, as their brother is'going to Barrytown. We are milking three cows at -present, but they are beginning to go off. Some time ago we heard that one of my uncles had frost-bitten hands, but it proved to be only a rumour. Love to Clematis, Mother's Lassie, Sweet Rocket, Father's Lassie, Little Lord Fauntleroy, and yourself,—Yours truly, YELLOW B'A-NKSIA. (Tiromoana).

[Try to remember to -use just o#e side of the paper when writing, please, dear. — DOT.'] Dear Dot, —I milk one. cow night and morning, and separate the milk. We are getting very little butter. I am going out to stay at Stationmaster's place for a few days while he is away. My father and mother motored up to Wedderbum to do some shooting, and were away all day, while I stayed at home. The grass is green, but there is not much food for the stock; I have a baby sister, and she is 10 months old, but cannot walk yet. I have a bicycle, but do not ride it much, because the country is too hilly. I was out gathering mushrooms some time ago, but did not get many, as it was too late in the season. I go down to Middlemarch once a week for music lessons. I do not like practising it for long at a time. I have four uncles at the front now. We have no harvesting here, beeatise there is very little ploughable land. Some of the farmers about have good cropß this year. Dad had just received a new dog, and its name is Moss. Kindest regards to all the D.L.F.,—Yours truly, ■• ' BEVERLY (Hyde).

Dacr Dot, —The frost has spoilt most of brother milks one and I milk the other. My mother and father -went up in the car 1o the Wedderburn shooting match, and they took some friends with them. The harvesting is all over in this district, but the thrashing mill has not been round yet.- Best wishes to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, HERMIT (The Hermitage).

Dear Dot, —The frost has spolt most of our flowers, -but we still have a few violets out. It will soon be time to start to dig our potatoes. Wo won't go short of work for a while. My brother left home for camp on Friday. We had letters from our three brothers with the last mail, and I am glad to say they were quite well. I will be 16 on May 20. I have read several books lately. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self, —Yours truly, MAHONB (Kingston Crossing).

[Minnie Todd, 133 Sycamore street, Hirst, Ashington, Northumberland, England, is Golden Dream's address.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —On Wednesday Relma- and I decided to take a. short visit to Wyndham. All went well till wo came to Edendale. Relrna, who is just learning to knit, is going l to surprise her father by Knitting rum a pair of socks. How he is going to get his foot in the opening at the top is a mystery. Well, she took her knitting with her, and it was the cause of a gTeat deal of excitement.

When the time came to change trains Relma's gloves were missing. After an exciting search she discovered them in her hand. Just as she went to bundle out of the carriage the wool, which had unwound, became tangled in the door. Not wishing to be taken to Invercargill by mistake, my friend went bravely up to a guard to ask him about the train, but on the way alie got the wool tangled round me. Wo had hardly got settled in the right train when Relma announced with a bitter wail that she had lost a knitting needle. A friendly lady, however, told her that it was still in her hand. TheTO was tho missing needle clasped tightly in her hand, where it had been all tho time. Wo had a very enjoyable time, but found it rather cold as we crept sleepily to the train. Love to Amokura, Blunderbuss, Gipsy Belle, Annio Laurie, and Ironheart, not forgetting yourself,—\ours truly, GOLDEN SHADOWS (Gore).

Dear Dot, —We are having very good weather, seeing it is nearly winter. We arc going to have a patriotic concert here next month, and we all hope it will be a success. I hava rend a great many books lately. I love them. I lead one good thick booh in a day, and sometimes start another. My father will not let me read, because if I have a nice book I won't practice. I am knitting a pair of socks for the soldiers. I knitted a pair before, but I took over six months to knit them I had the first ono done in about a week. We are all knitting at school now, even the smallest children. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your dear self, —Yours truly,

MAYFLOWER (Ross)

Dear Dot, —I am 12 years of age, and in the Sixth Standard. It is very wet this afternoon, and it makes things a little dull. Our term examination is next week, so we are all busy revising our lessons. The duckshooting season will soon be open, and we will be able to hear the guns frcm our place. —Yours truly, RUNA (Chatton). [Would you please enclose your name with your next letter, Runa, —DOT.] Dear Dot, —'May I join your happy band? I have not been very well lately, and have not been to school for about five weeks. I am in Standard 111, and am 10 years of age. My father bought me a bicycle to go to school. We are milking 24 cows once a day, and will soon be milking them every other day. We have three young calves. One is mine and one my mother's, and the other is my father's. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, THE SUN PRINCESS (Ruahine). [You are very welcome to join us, Sun Princess.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to the page my brother has been wounded through the thighs, and has died from wounds. He was wounded on October 16, and died on November 2. One of my cousins had his leg crushed in the sawmill, and had to havo it taken off. There are two or three returned soldiers about here. I have just finished reading a book called " Isabel's Secret." Love to Star of Hope, Shells of the Ocean, Shells of the Ocean's Cousin, and Little Mazurka, not forgetting your own dear self, —Yours truly,

IDA TREVELYN (Matauxa)

[I am sincerely sorry to learn of your brother's death, Ida, but one must just console oneself with the thought that perhaps it was the best thing.—DOT.] Dear- Dot, —'One of my uncles has been wounded again, and another haa diphtheria. My auntie was out at our place on Sunday. Our examination is on Wednesday. I am in the Second Standard at school; my sister is in Third Primer, and my brother is in the First Standard. I have three and a-half miles to go to school. We will soon be having our term holidays. I have a little black-and-white guinea-pig; it is very quiet now. I have missed just one day from school this year. I am reading a book called " Find a Way or Make It." Dove to Shells of the Ocean and Shells of the Ocean's Cousin, Star of Hope, Ida Trevelyn, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly.

LITTLE MAZURKA (Mataura).

Dear Dot.—l am 11 years of age, and in Standard V at school. We have three big cats and three small kittens; also a white rabbit with pink eyes, 13 draught horses, a cow and a calf. I go to Sunday school, and haven't missed a day since I started this year. Love to Pollv Prinsrles, Dolly Dingles, Posy Cheeks, White Heron, and Samphire,—Yours truly, TOPAZ (Otautau). [You are very welcome to join us, Topaz.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —When I came home to-night a creek that flows past our place was only a few inches from being over Iho bank. A very little rain will flood our front paddock. For over a week we have had a relieving teacher. We are going to have aMr Lawless as head master, but I do not think he will come for another week. Our term examinations will be very soon. We are going to have hockey this year. We have a little yellow-and-whi+e kitten. There is going to be a large Win+er Show herj about the middle of June. With love to Polly Pringle, Dolly Dingles, Rcsy Cheeks, White Heron, Little 80-peep, Little Actress, Valerie, and Topaz, not forgetting yourself,—Yours traly, SAPPHIRE (Otautau).

Dear Dot, —I have returned from my short stay at Drummond. I was at a party at Golden Lily's place last Friday evening, and enjoyed myself A military ball will be held in Otautau next Wednesday night, but I think I can see mvself stopping at home. I am afraid wo will have a flood—in fact, the paddocks are holding water now, and the creeks are overflowing their hanks. Best wishes to yourself, Grandma Elsie. Elfin, Strawberry Leaf, Postman Henry, Aolea Boa, Watchful, Silence, Stationmaster, Topic, and all the other D.L.F., —Yours truly,

ROZELLE (Ringway)

Dear Dot, —The weather is verv warm for this time of the year. I received my badge with nvuch pleasure, and was very anxious to open the envelope. I was ready to go to Wellington on Easter Tuesday, but father broke his right wrist on Easter Monday, and I did not get. Wo are milking 19 cows by machines —one by hand in the morning and 18 by machines at night. The name of, our machine is the Farmer; it is a good milker, and it does not hurt the cows' teats. Last Thursday evening I went to a farewell send-off to one of our boys. He left as a non-combatant, but we all expect that he vfrill do his bit in the firing-line.—Yours 1U y ' SINBAD THE SAILOR (Ashhurst).

Dear Dot, —I have not very many lessons to do to-night—at least, I could find plenty if I wanted to, but the term examination is coming off shortly, and it always happens that just the week before one begins to think how little one does know. Of course, whenever I do work hard at inything in particular just before an exam. I never get that thing, and then I wish I had looked at something else. I suppose one has to expect that, so I have begun to think that it really isn't

any good trying to " cram". everything at the last minute. Love to Mountain Maid, engine-driver, A Mother's Helper, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, KELVIN (Port Chalmers).

[" Cramming " is a. bad plan, Kelvin. The knowledge does not last, and one often gets hopelessly muddled with it. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I will bo 10 years old on May 14, and am in the Third Standard. One of our pigs had 12 young ones, but four died. There are five sandy ones left, and all the rest are black-and-white. Lovo to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, A FARMER'S DAUGHTER (Makikihi).

[lt might be bettor if you chose another pen-name, dear, as there is already a writer using the above.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here is very dry at present. I was at a send-off to a soldier on Thursday night. I wa« going for a holiday on April 2,, but my father broke his arm wrestling on April 1, so you may bo sure I was sorry. I am going to get 90 marbles on Saturday. My father gave me la 6d for two bags of small potatoes. The cows are not giving very much milk just now, so we are going to put them on to once a day on May 1. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self, —Yours truly,

INDEPENDENT (Ashhurst)

[Since I cannot milk I can hardly express /" an opinion, but I am not particularly fond of in close proximity to cows.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am 10 years old, and my birthday is on July 16. I am in Standard IV. I am setting traps now. I have two rabbits —a black and a white one. I am saving rabbitskins, and have one black one and 50 grey ones. I live about a mile away from school. Lov« to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, THE FARMER'S BOY (Waianakarua).

Dear Dot, —I am 12 years old, and my birthday is on November 15. lam in Standard V. I like going to school. We are milking two cows at night and five in the morning. Love to all the -D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, A CABBAGE, LEAF (Waianakarua). [I am very pleased to include A Farmer's Boy and you amongst our numbers, A Cabbage Leaf.—DOT.]Dear Dot, —We have some ducks, but they stay down at the creek. We will coon be going to have our term examination now. Love to A Caithness Lass and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, FATHER'S HELP (Herbert).

Dear Dot, —It is raining hard now, and does not seem as if it is giong to stop. We have two little pups here, and they make plenty of mischief. We are preparing for our term exams, now at school. My two lambs are out in the paddock, but I feed them on milk at night yet, because they are just across the railway line. I can ride a bicycle now, but cannot sit on the seat, because it is too high.—ifours truly, BENJAMIN (Warepa).

Dear Dot, —I am back home again because my sister-in-law is shifting away from Balclutha. I was down at the dairy factory yesterday, and saw how they made cheese. The men put it in round tins to set, then they packed it. Some of our apples are ripe, and we are eating some of them. The weather here is very unsettled just now. My sister may be here to-night. My brother who worked in the' coal mine at Waronui left and went to Balclutha to work at the gasworks there. Best wishes to Saddler Tommy, Berberis Darwini, and all the others and yourself,—Yours truly, SWEET PEA (Milton). [72202, Private H. E. Beach, B Company, Fifth Platoon, Thirty-eighth Reinforcements, care of G-.P.0., Wellington, is Postman Henry's address.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The rivers are rising, and we are expecting to have a flood. We had our our tenu examii'ation to-day, and I hope I have passed. There was a circus here last week, and I went to it. It was the best one that has been here for a long time. We have a little puppy; he teases the cats, dragging them from one end of the garden to another. We have a nice lot of violets out just now. We have two black-and-white kittens and one grey one. I am 11 now, and am in Standard V. Topaz, Sapphire, Dolly Dingle, Polly Pringle, 80-peep, and I are all in Standard V. I am reading a book called " The Fatal Nugget." We are milking eight cows at night pnd nine in the morning. We have five pigs. Love to Shapphire, Dolly Dingles, Valerie, Polly Pringles, Topaz, White Heron, 80-peep, and yourself,—Yours truly, LITTLE ACTRESS (Otautau). Dear Dot, —1 have had Angelina Spriggs staying with me for a fortnight while mother was away. We are still milking cows for the factory, but only take the milk every socond day. I am going to Waimahaka for a week or two next Friday. I hope I get good weather. Love to The Wild Irish Rose, Angelina Spriggs, Grace Darling, Brownie, and all my other D.L.F. friends, not forgetting vourself, —Yours truly GOLDEN LOCKET (Mabel Bush).

Dear Dot, —The little river, the Waihopai, which flows through this district, has in many places overflowed its banks. As tomorrow is the opening day of the duckshooting season, many sportsmen are pitching their tents at the best swamps and lagoons. During the past two or three week 3 I have often wished that the duck season Was earlier, for I have seen many tempting l shots flying overhead. I have been cutting wood for about three weeks. You can easily imagine how hard I have been working, for I have broken three axe-handles and practically cut to pieces a pair of boots. We received news the other day that another of cur cousins had died of wounds in France. He is my fourth cousin to have died in France. Kindest regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, SCOTTY. [Why not cut the wood instead of your boots, Scotty?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I live in Bendigo now. I was in Dunback when I wrote to you last. I go to school, and am in Standard 11. I like my teacher; she is very good to me. Wo have two horses and a number of cats. I had one uncle killed at the war and one cousin. Wo have to walk two miles to school. There are a number of rabbits here. Love to all tho D.D.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, WEB DADDY (Bendigo). [I am glad you are so happy at school, Wee Daddy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am in the Fifth Standard at school now, and our head master has gone to Bluff School. We had part of our term examination to-day, and I suppose we will have the rest to-morrow. We ar« having very wet weather just now, and the river ia very high, and still rising rapidly. The surface water is all over the road and all over the paddooks. Standard V and VI are all busy knitting socks, face-cloths, scarves, cords, and mittens for the soldiers. Sapphire and I rode our bicycles to a_ friend a place and had a most enjoyable time, but when it came to going home down came th«

rain, and when it did stop it waa gettmg dark, so it spoilt our ride home. Love to Topaz, Polly Pringles, 80-peep, White Heron, Sapphire-, Dancing- Doll, and Little Actress, not forgetting yourself, Ddt, —Yours truly.

DOLLY DINGLES (Otautau)

Dos.r Dot—l am in Standard V at school. We axe milking two cows and feeding one calf. Our head master left about a fortnight ago, and we havo a relieving teacher just now We knit for the soldiers at school. I ha'e killed four face-cloths this year. Love to Dolly Dingles, Sapphire, Little Bopeep, Initio Actress, A Dancing Girl, Polly Pringlea, and yourself,—Tours truly, ROSY CHEEKS (Otautau). Dear Dot,—The frost came early this year and spo't our chrysanthemums before we got them picked. Such a pretty little kitten came to our gate. We took it in and gave it some milk, but it died, and I was very eorry. I rode my pony in the Strath-Taien Show, and got first prize for him. The ground is very dry, and we need rain very much I have a nice little heifer, and its name is Ruby, but it hasn't a calf yet. We havo a few early violets out. Love to all th-> D L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours tr;i;j, RED HEATHER (Rock-and-Pillar).

Dear D©t, —We are away from Dunbaok, and are living a,t Lowburn Perry. I like here better than at Dunbaok, as we get plenty of fruit. Wee Daddie is staying at Bendigo end going to school. He stays with Sweet Sultan and Come In Time. My Uncle Charlie has been killed at the war. My cousin went into camp last week, so we hope he comes baek safely. Love to all the Little Polk, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, WEB MUFF.

Dear Dot, —I am in tho Fifth Standard at school. There are 25 children going to our school now. I have a little black-and-white dog, and he is a good rabbiter. We have two oowa milking just now. I have, one uncle at the war, and several cotisins there. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, DEAK, WEE LADDIE (Bendigo). [Very pleased to hear from you once more, Dear Wee Laddie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have eight little chickens. We are milking three cows, but I don't often milk them. I have two brothers at the war. Love to all the L.F. and yourself, —Yours truly,

QUEENIS (Taumata),

[lt is hard to recommend a book, Queenia. as I do not know what you have read, and what pleased mo may not suit you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The factory closed a few weeks ago. We milk 18 cows just once a day, and I think it is quite enough, too. A returned soldier is coming hack -to this district tonight. I had a letter from Firefly to-night, and he seems to be getting oh all right. The Fortrose regatta was held on the 10th, but I thought it was too cold to venture out, so I stayed at home. Love to all my correspondents, not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly, STARS AND STRIPES (Slope Point).

Dear Dot, —On Easter Monday a party of us went to St. Clair for the day. It was nice and cool; so, after having- a bathe, we decided to climb to Cargill's Castle again, as my couains had never seen it. When we arrived at the top the otherwise angry ocean looked so calm, and peaceful that one would never realise the "mine of wealth untold" it held beneath its billows. We came down a different track, and so we had a good look round, and my cousins were delighted to See the castle. On Easter Tuesday we just.went for a ramble among the bush, but erjjoyed ourselves very much. By the last mail I received an interesting letter from our soldier comrade, Ivanhoe, in which he mentions having received a lovely letter from Mrs White. He had received three big New Zealand mails within a fortnight, and at the time of writing was suffering from a slight cold; otherwise he is quite well. He said they were having some fine weather, and was anticipating 14 days' leave to England in July. Harvest thanksgiving was celebrated at our church on Sunday, and the pulpit was decorated with foliage, fruit of every description, and vegetables, all having a very pretty effect. Last week I was at two intercession services, and they were very touching. Good wishes to yourself, Dot, and all my D.L.F. correspondents and comrades, — Youis truly,

A TRUE PATRIOT (Dunedin)

Dear Dot, —Our picnic at the Reservoir was very nice, and it was a lovely day. One of my little kittens got in the oven, and wa3 neaarly roasted! It was harve&t thanksgiving at our Sunday school on Sunda3 7 , and the church was decorated very prettily. Jit had rosy apples, pears, grapes, wheat, and pretty leaves in it. After the service all the nice things wero given to the little children who have no fathers and mothers. With best love to yourself, Go To Bed Early, A Soldier's Friend, and all the D.L.F.,— Yours truly.

DADDI"S PET (Dunedin). [I am so sorry your eyes are troublesome, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am boarding at the Convent down here, and like the life very much. I am 17 years of age, and take the commercial course at school; also music, singing, and painting. I «.m going for higher local in the piano this year and senior in singing. I hope to bo successful in my examinations. My home is down in South Westland. We have a big farm down there. We have had a holiday to-day, and have just returned from a glorious walk around the Mental Hospital.—Yours truly, THORNLESS ROSE (Hokiitka).

[I shall be interested in the results of the music examinations in Hokitika this year, since I know so many participating.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —For the last two or three days it has been blowing and raining. This morning there was snow on the mountains and higher levels. Although it was a very chilly morning, it turned out a lovely day. It is freezing very hard hero to-night. The farmers aro ploughing fox next year's crops, while some have already ploughed and sown their crops. There are numbers of rabbits around here, so the trappers get good catches. We have not dug any of our garden for tho seeds yet. We are milking one cow, but she gives very little milk. We have another cow, but she is not milking. There was a dance here last Friday night, but I did not go. Kind regards to Dot and all the L.F.,—Yours truly, TANGLES WO-NNIE (Wedderbum).

Dear Dot, —About two months ago I received a lotor tfrom. Queen Lilac Belle, and I answered it with tho greatest pleasure. Just last woek I got a great surprise when I received a lotter from the Dead Letter Office, and it was the letter I wrote to her returned. I thought it rather strange that she had not answered it. I suppose I must have put the wrong address on the envelope. If it would not be any trouble to you, would you kindly send me her address? Last Saturday my father cam© down to take Bulah end I out for the day. We spent a very enjoyable time while out walking, but when it was time for my father's departure I

can tell you I felt a little homesick; but one soon has to go over that. It .has been a very misc-rablo clay here: but no matter how much it ruins, we hardly ever have to get our feet wot, as everything is eo _ nice and convenient. Love to Gloria, Gloria's Mate, Bulah, A True Patriot, Queen Lilac Bolle, Edna Mayo, Sheila, Snow White, Eose Kcd, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,— Yours truly,

ERLEEN (Hokitika)

[H. J. Jordan, third house, Valley road, Caversham, is Queen Lilac Belle's address. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have only two more days to go to the Technical School. Last day we made sausage rolls, and they were not bad at all. Next day we are going to make a walnut cako, and I hopo mine will turn out a success.- I got firet prize for writing this year, and also first-class attendance. Kind regards to Shells of tho Ocean, Iceland Poppy, Pin Violet, Elfin, and Shells of the Ocean's Cousin, not forgetting your own dear self—Yours truly, WABRIMOO (Eiversdale).

Dear Dot, —There was a reception here on Tuesday night for four returned soldiers, and it was very successful. I have an uncle at the war, and he is still well. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., especially Dairymaid and The Flower Girl, not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly, BUDGEEERE (Middlemarch). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of writers? I know two D.L.F. here—namely, Territorial and Chatterbox 11. I am 10 years old, and am in Standard V at school. Our school bazaar is to-morrow, and the next day. I have two sisters and two brothers. One of my brothers, is down in Koxburgh, in Central Otago, in the Bank of New Zealand. My father is in the Cashmere Hills Sanatorium in Christchurch. He has been there a little over 12 months now. I have a cousin at the war and an uncle in camp. I also have a cousin returned home, who is in Fiji now. With best wishes to Territorial and Chatterbox II and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly,

FORTIS (Hokitika).

[As I have been to the West Coast several times I am very interested in my L.F. there.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My youngest sister is 18 months old, and mother has just brought her out of the hospital. She was in a fortnight with a sore back. My mother is up in Winton to-day, so I am keeping house. I have two brothers and one bister going to school. I was down to see the doctor the other day about my throat, but it is better now. I did not go away for my Easter holidays, but was away for a week at Christmas, and enjoyed myself very much. My sister went with me, so I had good company. Love to White Violet, Kiltie Lassie, and English Lassie, rot forgetting your own dear self, —Yours truly, A BUNCH OF VIOLETS (Lochiel).

Dear Dot, —The rain has washeu away 14 bridges of the Sawmill Company's tram, so they will have -a lot of work to do before they will be able to start sawing again. We will soon be having our examination, and I hope I pass. Our teacher has been ill the last two weeks, but is back to school again. I see by the paper that Island Girl's father is dead. My dad knows them well. We had harvest festival in our church last Sunday week, and the church'looked nice with the flowers, fruit, vegetables, and evergreens. All the things went to the hospital at Riverton on the Monday. Our minister, the Rev. H. Parata, is chaplain to the Maoris in France. May God bring him safely home again to his wife and little children. I have not missed a clay, dear, from Sunday school yet this year. I am trying to go every day. They give a special prize to those who go, and only another girl besides myself has not missed. I got such a nice prize last year oalled, "Tom Who Was Rachel"; it is by J. M. Wilfled. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, CAPTAIN ORME (Orepuki).

Dear Dot, —I did not see my letter in the Witness, but some of my friends did. We did not get the Witness then, but we do now. I still live at Matai with my uncle and aunt, and go to the Matai School. There are only 25 going to school. Love to the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, SNOWIE'S SWEETHEART (Matai).

Dear Dot, —I was at a circus in Winton last Saturday night, and enjoyed myself immensely. My uncle is now in the Codford Hospital. I have another cousin away: he is White Violet's brother. White Violet is in the hospital in InvercargiH with diphtheria, but I think she will soon be out. My eldest sister, A Bunch of Violets, went to see the doctor about her throat, but he did not know if it was diphtheria or not. I hope not, as there are too many of our family to get it. With love to Only a Pansy Blossom, Queen of the Mays, Kiltie Lassie, A Bunch of Violets, White Violet, One of the Bulldog Breed, British Lion, not forgetting your own dear self, —Yours truly,

ENGLISH LASSIE (Lochiei)

DeaT Dot, —We had our exam, on Wednesday and Thursday. We are expecting the inspector soma of these days. Wo have the chaffcutter just now. Star of Hope and I schoolmates, so we have some fun together. With love to Star of Hope, Sheila of the Ocean, Golden Bells, not forgetting yourself, —Y r ours truly, SHELLS OP THE OCEAN'S COUSIN (Gore).

Dear Dot,—l broke the catch off my badge the other day, so I am going to sew it on to my hat now. I was sorry when I broke it, for it made a nice little brooch. One of tho D.L.F. went away into camp on Monday. He is an Old Writer now. His .N.u.P. is Eaceabout. He took my photo the day he went away. He is going to get them printed in camp, and send on© down to me. Best love to Molly Baun, A Soldier's Nurse, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly,

CORALIE (Eomahnpa). [One should be able to get the badge repaired, Coralie. lam sorry it has broken, as they seem quite strong.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am in the Third Standard, and my brother is in tho First. There aro 19 children in the school altogether. My uncle was killed three years ago on Gallipoll. There was a very hard frost this morning, and the grass was white with it. Love to Secret of the Sea, Nurse Ella, Nurse Ella's Mate, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, ROSE LEAVES (Knkapuaka).

Dear Dot, —I started at the Waitaki Girls' High School this year, and like it. I don't like going to Oamaru in the train though. I would sooner cycle in. Wo are having term holidays just now from May 2 to 2S. I am nearly 14, so am getting quite old. My mate and I had a rather -exciting time chasing oranges down the street tho other day; but I won't wasto your valuable space telling all our sorrows. I am rather sorry we have holidays, as I am feeling lonely. I don't like holidays unless I go away somewhere for them myself. Rather selfish of me not to think of other people, but I hope they

will forgive me. Our old schoolmaster was drawn in the ballot and passed for active service. The children held a tea party and presented him with a Gladstone bag, a soldier's diary, and two handkerchiefs with his initials worked on them. There are not many flowers out just now, except chrysanthemums. I have read my school prizes for Iffst year, and also my sister's. I was dux of our school, and got a. silver medal with a gold centre, bait I can't get much reading out of that. I also got an Empire Annual for New Zealand Girls, and thero are some good stories in it. Kind regards to all L.P., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly, ORANGE LILY (Pukeuri).

[I am delighted to leam how well you have progressed, Orange Lily. I hop© yoxi are as successful this year as last. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your band of ■writers? I am nine years old, and am in Standard 11. Dipping is over for another year. Pixie and I helped with the dipping, as my father was short-handed. I have a kitten called Puck, and Pixie has one called Tinkerbell.—Yours truly, BIRCH (Nightcaps). [I am very pleased to have you join lis, Birch.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I appreciate and enjoy reading the letters from your numerous L.F., I should like_ very much to become one of your band. I live in the country, more than 15 miles from any town; but as I love the free joys of station life I do not feel lonely although I am away from my home. We get the mail only twice a week, so you can imderstand that mail-day is of no little importance. Birch and I have such a jolly time when we ride for the mail together. I am always so anxious to see my letters that I open them on the way home. I love animals. I had a lovely pet lamb last spring, but it has grown up now, and will soon be put out on the run with the other sheep. Love to all the L.F. and yourself,— Yours truly,

PIXIE (Nightcaps). [I expect Birch and you find plenty to occupy your time, Pixie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? We have six horses and eix cows, and are milking five cows. All the lambs have been sold. We had the chaffcutter, and cut three big stacks. lam eight years of age, and in Standard 11. I like school very much. With kind regards to all D.L.P., —Yours truly, WONGABINDA (Romahapa). [You are very welcome to join us, Wongobinda DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had our term exam., and I am glad it is over. We have all our thrashing done now, which is a good thing, as I do not like' thrashing-time. I have started to take photos, and have taken four, which I hope are all good ones. It is getting quite wintry, and we had enow here on Sunday. It has been frosty three nights now, and it is pretty cold going to school. There are a few D.L.F. about here, and Lovdy is my mate at school. Love to all the other L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly, No. 5 (Balfour).

Dear Dot, —There was a parade her© on Anzao Day, nad then a service was held in the Princess Theatre. After the service was over the Returned Soldiers' Club rooms were opened, and several speeches were given. Mother and I had a look through the rooms; they are three in number. There' is a lovely big billiard room, a reading room, and a committee room. Striker and his mother were up at our place at Easter time. We also had a cousin who is a- returned soldier. He left with the Main Body, and served all through the Gallipoli campaign, and was wounded in Fiance over a year ago. He has been sent out as an instructor, and had some bombs and hand grenades. They were sectional for instruction purposes, and he explained them to us. It was very interesting. It was lovely to see him back safe and well. While I was in Dunedin for my holiday I was at the Mus3um, and thought it was very interesting. I was only wishing I could have spent more time there. I was also at the Art 'Gallery, and think it is a very interesting place, too. There are some lovely paintings. When I was at St. Kilda I went in paddling before breakfast, and it was lovely. I used to have a good breakfast, I can tell you. I think the Dunedin Gardens are lovely, too. It was so nice to go and sit in them. I was away for six weeks, and enjoyed myself immensely. I have been doing a goot bit of reading lately. The Inst book I read was " The Noughts and Crosses," by Lilian Turner, and it. is such a jolly book —just the kind I like. Another good book is " Possum," by Mary Grant Bruce. She is a good writer, too. Best wishes to A Soldier's Friend, Golden Wattle. Striker, and all the rest of the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Yours truly. O BE JOYFUL (Gore).

[I hope your holiday had the desired effect, 0 Be Joyful, and that you are feeling much better now.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has bsen raining part of thig afternoon, and is very cold. I had a letter from Postman Henry last week. He says heis enjoying camp life all right. I like this cold weather very well, and it is a lot better than the heat. I am reading several interetsing books—Chums, " A Little Bush Maid," " Mates at Billubonsr.' and several others. Lovo to all the D.L.F. and yourself,—Yours RED BANGER (Roxburgh). Dear Dot, —We have been very busy getting in our winter supply of wood. I am _ls years old, and work at home. It is raining to-day, and the roads are in a mess. We have an old white horse, and I often have rides on it. Best love to Killarney Rose and yourself,—Tours truly, KILLARNEY ROSE'S MATE. [Please send your name and address in your next letter.—DOT.]'

Dear Dot, —The weather here has been very cold and wet, and snow is lying on the hills round about. There was a social here on Friday night to welcome home one of our soldiers who has returned from the front. "We are having our quarterly exam, at school just now. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself,—Tours t™ly, KILMENY OF THE ORCHARD (Tuturau). * Dear Dot, —It has been very miserable here for about three days now. There is to be a patriotic concert on May 16 in aid of funds. I am very fond of music., and like the violin. Kind regards to A Soldier's Friend, Autumn Fairy, Grape Vines, and yourself,— Yours truly. THE FLOWER GIRL.

Dear Dot,—You will think I am always roaming about, as last time I wrote I was in .Napier, and this time I am in Makaretu. I am staying at Dulcie'e place while her mother is away in the South Island. Last night Gwen,. Dulcie, and I went over to visit, J)ulcie's Mate, and it was very dark, so Gwpii lead us into all the mud she could possibly find going r»er, and then laughed at us; but it was our turn to laugh coming back, becauso as wo were crossing tho paddock poor Gwcn stumbled over a log and fell into the mud herself. Tho motor bus we wero Ln stopped on several of the large bills and backed down to the bottom. Several times both Gwen and I had to got out

and put stones behind the wheels, and I can assure you we were not too keeu on getting in again—at least, I wasn't, because I was afraid I might go over the bank again, which is not by any means a pleasant sensation. Gwen commenced a letter to the page, but as she has a cold she. has put her writing material away and gone off to bed, which I think is the be3t place for hex. There is plenty of rain in Makaretu, Dot. Would you like some down there, as wo could spare a little, I am sure. Best love to Silence, Nurse Molly, Kozella, Brown Eyes I, Wajtlo Blossom, Lovely, A Mother's Boy, and especially Mamaru's Cousin and A Boy in Khaki, not forgetting vourself, —Yours truly, GRANDMA ELSIE (Takapau).

[We get out sharo of the rain, though Grandma Elsie though this is a muchabused place.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Dorinda and L. M. S. are my cousins. I will be 16 years old next September. I have four brothers. There is going to bo a concert here on the 10th. I am going with Dorinda and her sister. I am going to learn dressmaking in Invcrcargill. I have never been to Dunedin. Woodlands is the farthest I have been out that way. I will stop now. Love to Dorinda, L. M. S., Orlin, and Japonica, not forgetting yourself, —Yours truly,

VIOLA (Ryal Bush)

Dear Dot,- —We have been having dreadful weather lately, and the roads are very muddy after the rain. We are having our first term examination now, and I always dread such a time; but I like going to school. Most of the people aro going only every second day to the factory now, as the cows are not milking well in this rough weather. Love to Prairie Girl, Lily of the Prairie, Wild Bed Rose, and not forgetting yourself,— i ours truly, JUSTICE) AND TRUTH (Tuturau).

Dear Dot,; —We have had our Sunday school picnic; it was up at E. A. M.'s. It rained very hard, but did not keep many back, and we had a lovely time. At the picnic I got a bat for running and sixpence for carrying an egg on a spoon. I came in second in that for a wonder. I got a book named, "In Trafalgar's Day." I have read it, and it is a very nice one. We went to church this morning. Mother is away to Timaru for a holiday. Best love to you and all the D_L.F.,—Yours truly, ASTER (Haka).

D.L,F. WEDDING.: BEACH—HANCOX. A wedding of considerable interest in D.L.F. circles took lace at Wellington recently, the contracting parties being Private Henry Edward Beach, of the' Post Office staff, Timaru, and Miss Sophia Fredericka Evelyn Hancox, formerly of Mount Barker, Pembroke, Lake Wanaka. The officiating minister was the Rev. W. Shirer, St. James's Church, Adelaide road, Wellington. Private H. E. Beach left with the Thirty-seventh Reinforcements. Private and Mrs Beach are well known in D.L.F. circles as Postman Henry and Lady Evelyn. AUTOS. Thornless Rose (K. Butler, Convent, Hokitika) wishes to correspond with A True Patriot. Erleen (F. Braidwood, 22 High street, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with The Flower of Dunblane's Friend, A Boy in Khaki, Silence, Orpington Lass, and. any D.L.F. willing. Tangles Wonnie (Myra Dow, Wedderburn, Central Otago) wishes to correspond with Sea Breeze, A Sister of Two Soldiers, and any L.F. willing. Viola (Maggie Stevens, Ryal Bush) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Crown Range (John Galvin, Gardrona Post Office, Lake County) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing.

Gloria (Evelyn Lindsay, 37 Cowper street, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with A Girl of the Limberloat and any L.F. about 15 years.

Josephine (Henrietta Galvin, Cardrona Post Office, Lake County) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Valley" Rose (Ida Hobbs, Mill road, Waimate) wishes to exchange autos with Squibs, Outram Bachelors, Peg o' My Heart, Tin Lizzie, and A Girl of the Limberlost. One of Sir Robert's Scouts (Malcolm M'Garry, Wainui. Banks ■ Peninsula) wishes to correspond with Bush Fairy and any L.F. willing. Mr iNobody (Alex. Mackenzie, Moore's road, West Plains) wishes to correspond with Snakey Joe, Shakespeare. Woodside, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, Theo, and any L.F. over 13.