DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominoou on matters of inter* -t to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions ol 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 LilUij Folks ~ad<>t?3 with pin, for use iis a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, is Sd 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 '•.lotto:—We write for tba benefit of other* not fpr cireolres. No letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear Dot,—l am glad to have no cows to milk, or I don't know where I would be these cold mornings. Shooting is in full swing up here no>v. I hear many ft shot fired, but see no game. I don't think I would care about going out at night or early morning and not getting any game. I have taken a great fancy to reading lately, and a while ago I lever thought of picking up a book; but reading passes the time away, especially if you happen to gel hold oi an interesting book. Love to yourself, Grandma Mais, Nathalie's Chum, Fairy Whispers, Lady Levensido, Golden Lily, Aotea Roa, Silence, Crown Range, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, Watchful Topic, and all my other correspondents.—Yours truly, ROZELLE (Ringway). Dear Dot, —When I was at the Show I met two D.L.F. —Dotterel and Dairymaid. I have been away for a week at Blackstone Hill. While I was there they had the chaffcutter. I often went up to the atacks to watch it working. We are going to play basket ball on Saturday fortnight against Naseby. Ranfurly's colours are red-and-black. We played last year, and were beaten. We got a letter from my brother last Home mail; he is keeping well, and has been in the hospital for a while, and is back to the firing .ine. I have two cousins there and one in Trentham. Love to Dairymaid, Dotterel, Thora, Molly, and your dear self.— Yours truly, PIGKADILLY (Ranfurly). Dear Dot, —I am home for my term holidays, and so far have enjoyed myself. The weather is very 'satisfactory here at present, but th® wind is cur complaint. My father had the misfortune to lose 501 sheep. They were driving a big mob down from the farm and.it was fairly dark when they reached here. A motor car passing by cut off the head of the mob. They think a mob of sheep passing 'may have driven them away in mistake. All my brothers are home now, eo the place ia as noisy as ever. The annual Territorial camp is being held at Woodville this year. My brother has been, and by what he says they are having a good time. At a ploughing match held at Takapau some time back my brother won the championship, but was disqualified. At a recent meeting they have decided to hand over the prize to him. So far we have not heard anything further, a.nd do not think we ever will. There haa been a number of soldiers returned to Hastings lately, some badly wounded One boy I knew looks dreadful; ho was such a bright boy before he went away. Kind regards to Gwen, A Sister of Two Soldiers, and Woodside, not forgetting" yourself.—Youra truly, TIN LIZZIE (Haatins). ,

[I am sorry to .learn of the loss your father sustained, Tin Lizzie. Is there no means of recovery?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I would be glad to join your happy band. Wo have just had .1 fortnight's holiday I am 13 years old, and am in Standard V. We are getting a new schoolmaster in about three weeks' time. In the holidays I was potato-picking. W© got cream horns for lunch every day After I had been potato-picking four days I got the mumps. Well, good-night, Dot, and the Little Folk.— Yours truly, - JOCK THE LAIRD (Oust). [You are very welcome to join us, Jock; but please send your name with your next letter—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having cold weather jiust now, and it is raining to-night. Last week wo had our term holidays, but I did not go anywhere. Southland Mary was at our place to-day; she goss to the High School now. I have just one little sister; she is two years old. and she has a cat and a rocking-horse. We have stopped sending our milk to the fac'ory, and are making butter now. Foxglove has left school now. Love to Southland Mary and A Returned Soldier's Pet, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. A WEB SCOTCH LASSIE (Tussock Creek). Dear Dot, —I went to the pictures in Mosgiel last Saturday night, and enjoyed myself very much. After the pictures were over we came home in the motor car. One of my sisters is working at a farm in Fairfield, and she likes it very much. Wo have not had a letter from my brother for a long time. He is in the hospital in England just now. We hriv.3 had our quarterly exam., and I have 108 marks out of 150 marks. Lovj to Boy in Grey, Tlw Fairies of the Seasons, Nut-brown Maid, Sea Martin, The Flower Girl, and yourself Whea the weather is wet We must not fret. . When the weather is warm We must r.ot sjorm. When the weafchvar is cold We must not scold. But be thankful together Whatever the weather. —Yours truly, AUTUMN FAIRY (Fairfield).

Dear Dot, — We have been having rough weather hero lately, but to-day has been a fine day. The crops were all very early here this season, but the mill was so slow at getting round the district that the farmers were hindered froti. getting finished earlier. Do you like crochet work, Dot? I am learning to crochet, but I don't know whether I will keep at it-or not. I can also knit, but it is trying on one's eyes at night, so I don't caro for it much. I am chief cook and bottlewasher, as the mistress is away for a holiday ; but I like on my own nil right. Cook-

ing is not a bad job after you are used o it. We milk only one cow, so I have no 00-.sm <o t>o;hcr with, as 1 am not very fond of cows, f was at. a welcome home o a returned soldier a few weeks ago. and i enjoyed myself immensely, although I was very tired the next day, and wasn't very inxi&tts lo work. Kind regards to all the D.L.F. and yourself. — Yours truly, QUBEN ADELAIDE.

D?ar Do!, —I am 14J years of age, and would love to join your merry band. I go to the High School, and am very fond of it.. I know a number of L.F. I have just come home from Brighton, where [ spent a weak'a holiday with a L.F. Love to Merrylegs, Wildfire, and yourself.—Yours truly, DADDY LONG-LEGS (Dunedin). [You young people are lucky with all your holidays, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having snow already—not a great deal, but just enough to let one call it snow. We are milking two cows night and morning, the rest being dried off. I see in one of the L.F. letters the writer says that the "ploughboy slowly wends his way homewards." We 1 !, I think if she would just tako another look at Mr Ploughboy she would see he general'y sticks his hands in his pockets, pulls his head into his shoulders, and goe3 home in a quick-maroh-same-eold-style, whistling all the way. I will bo going down to Dunedin at the end of thi3 month, and I hope to see Queechy on my way down. I have been chief cook and bottle-washer to-day, as everybody, baby included, were away at a P.W.M.TI. sale of work, held in Waikaka, eight miles from here. My uncle is a prisoner of war, and my -cousin has bee'i killed. We have two big bunches of white chrysanthemums. Jack Frost has killed most of our dahlias, _ and what is not, already killed will be- to-night, as ; t is so bitterly cold. The dusty millers, pansies, and everlasting daisies are still out in bloom, and the bulbs are fully 4in out of the ground. Love to Queechy, all the L.F., and yourself.—Yours truly, MRS TICKLE TOBY. Dear Dot, —I see there are a few L.F. in Takapau, and 1 have met two of them. Wo have our chaff cut and carted away; and I was glad, ioo, for I had to lift the saeka, and they were heavy. I will be going down home about the end of the month. We have had a bit of fine weather, bu,t it is raining again. Best wishes to all L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A MOTHER'S BOY (Takapau). Dear Dot. —The weather' has been very oold here lately, but seema to have settled now. The 'ihrashing is nearly finished about this' district. We had a Paddy's market here a short time ago m. aid of the Women's Patriotic Sewing Guild, which' added about £3O to tb/' funds. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSEBUD (Omakau). Dear Dot, —My sister, Treacle Pot, _is Working up at Ardgour. The mill is coming around again. My little sister is going to join your ba id of D.L.F. Most of the flowers have died. The snow is low down en the mountains.—Yours truly, POMPEY A. (Lindis Crossing).

Dear Dot, —I am in Standard IV now, and I like going to school. The weather is bad just now, and we can't go to school. My two brothers and I go to school in a gig. Our teacher i» up at Treitham, and we have another teacher now. I am 11 years old, and I have four brothers. One of my brothers will soon bo old enoMgh to go to the war.— Yours truly, A'SHOOTING STAR. (Mabel Bush). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 39ven years old, and in Primer II at school. It has been raining here nearly all day, but has npw stopped. I _ have three sisters and four, brothers My biggest sister is working up at Ardgour. Love to all the dear Litfcle Folk.—Yours truly, GRANNY (Lindis Crossing). [Yoii are very welcome to join us, Granny. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been. for a holiday to Invercargill since I wrote last. I went to the pictures three times, and to two concerts. There was a Paddy s market on, and they had a big tank, like they have at the war. We are having cold and wet weather. Another of ou- boys has returned from the war. There was a concert here the other nieht. and 30 of the school children were the performer?. It was the best concert we have over had here. Island Girl is awav from here now; she is over at Invercargill working. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CAVALLINI (Stewart Island).

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of L.F. ? I am 12 years of age, and in t-be Sixth Standard at school. I do not know any LiHle Folk, but I hope to in .» short time. We have had some rain lately, and everything is ->'ery wet after it. I hope it will clear up, as we have had enough rain for a while. —Yours truly, A SOLDIER'S WEE SWEETHEART (Maitland). [Certainly you may join us, dear, and I am sure vou will scon have quite a number of L.F. friends.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am away from hom« again, and am stoppine with Queen of Messines; and I like here fine, as her parents are very kind to me, so I always keep smiling. The thrasher is here just now, ad we are kent busy, as we have over a dozen men to cook for. Queen of Mossines and I Went to Tarra, ventcrday, and enjoyed our drive immensely. Love and kind regards to all mv comrades, csneciallv Viola- and Sunbeam.—Yours truly, TREAKLE POT (Lindis Crossing).

Dmv Dot. —May I ;'oin your happy band of D.L.F. ? It is very cold hero to-night, as there is going to be frost. I have an uncle at the war, but he is reported missing ; end I had another one killed. I am 18 years old, and in t'tandnrd V at school. J 1 v—t raininfif yesterday, but to-day was a lovely day. My mother has been very ill. Love to all my fronds and D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly. QUEEN OF MESSINES (Linclis Crossing). [I hope your mother is now well on the road to recovery, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo are having thice weeks' holidays just row. We were only supposed to have one week, but, as measels broke out, we were given two more weeks. I was at a social on Friday night, and stayed the nisdit with Tipperary 11. Since I last wrote I hava had some teeth out, and it wasn't very pleasant. The Winter Show will be held here on the 19th and 20th June. We are exoecting to have our new teacher when we go "back to school. We have been having very rough weather lately, and it has been very cold. Little 80-peep is ?.way for a holiday at Mataura, and I miss her very much. We ere only milking three cows now, and we have two pigs. I have a pretty cat. Petrol is getting very scarce, so peor>le will soon have to stop using their cars. The Technical classes have stopped now, and I fi.m very sorry. Wo play hockey at school, and the boys play football. The boys played a game against, Nightcaps on Friday, and boat them by 15 to nil, which was a good

win. Otautau already holds the banner and cup for football. Wo have, two dogs, ono is named Don and the other Sharp. I went to the Winter Show, and enjoyed myself immensely. Kind regards and best wishes to all the L.F., especially Woodside, Little Actress, Dancing Do!!, Dolly Dingles, Topaz, Polly l'ringles, Little 80-peep, Rosy Cheeks, Sapphire, Canberra, Tippcrary 11, Yilarie, A Soldier's Niece, Roslyn, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, • WHITE HERON (Otautau). Dear Dot,—We have had our. term exam, and our term holidays, but I did not go anywhere. The fruit trees have now lost their leaves, giving the orchard a desolate appearance; but the chrysanthemums and violets make the flower-garden a cheerful scene. The Invercargill Show was on the 14th and 15th, but I did not go to it. Inncess liosetta and I went to' see _ White Heatber one Saturday, and we quite enjoyed ourselves playing together. I did not go to church to-day, as it was too wet. Our hens have not been laying since New Year time, but I think they will soon start again. I have read a book lately ca,lled "Better Tha,<i Play," which is very interesting. All the farmers around here are busy ploughing. Kind regards and best wishes to Jack the Giant-killer, Mati, Ladybird, Lady Sybil,.and White Heather, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, LADY HINEMOA (Thornbury). Dear Dot,—l used to set traps and catch rabbits. Once I set a trap at a nest, and I caught all of them, and one of them was black with a white forehead. He used to get out at night and come home in the morning. He was in the garden one night, and the dogs killed him, and I was sorry for him. Love to all the D.L.F.' and yourself, fours truly, CHARNWOOD FORESTER (Queensberry). Dear Dot, —I am head teamster on my uncle's farm now. As I am the only one working the team, it is not hard to be head. The froat is very bad up here just now. I am disc-harrowing at present, and I cannot go out to the paddock to work until it is melted—that is about 9 or 10 in the morning. There was a concert in the Tokarahi Hall last Thursday night, and just as I was ready to go it started to rain, so that stopped mo from goirg. I was very disappointed; but, however, I had to get over it. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WILBER LUE (Tokarahi).

Dear Dot,—My sister goes to Colurnba College, and my mother went as far as Oarnaru with her, eo I was left cook and bottlewasher, which I do not care for. We have a cow just in, and I had to milk her for the first time, and it was a hard job, fo? her teats were that big that I could not get my hands round\ them. We have a week's holiday just now, and I had some of my friends up at our place the other day, when we saw a rabbit run into a very large culvert. Having my ferret with me, I put him in; but, with one of us at each end, the rabbit would not come near us. It jumped over the ferret, and at last we got tired of waiting, so I crawled in myself to get it, while my friend sat at the other end. When I got up as far as the rabbit, and had a good hold of it, it started to kick and scratch, and I have a little bit of a scratch where he caught mtf with his claw. We killed our pig the other day, and it came in handy, as my father has not had time to kill a sheep. 'Kind regards to all the Little Polk,' including yourself.—Yours truly, DREAMY DANIEL (Tokarahi).

Dear Dot,—l am in Standard V at school. My birthday is on Tuesday, and I will be 12. I learn music, and like it very much. I have two brothers, and one is nearly 14 and the other is only three. My eldest brother is in Standard VI. We have three and a-half miles to go to school, and we generally drive. "We have juet had our winter holidays from school, and I enjoyed them. My mother has been in the hospital for a fortnight, and she has just come home. Kind regards to Snowdrop, Daisy, Tiny, Valley Rose, Molly, and White Pearl.—Yours truly. „ ~ SWEET PEA (Kaikoura). Dear Dot,—l live in Kaikoura, up by Mount Fyffe. I am in Standard IV at the suburban school, and am 11 years old. We get the Otago Witness every- week. My grandmother lives in Herbert. \We have a farm, and we keep fowla and cows and pigs on it. I have two brothers and two sisters. Owe of my brothers is nearly five and the other is nine; one of my sisters is seven and the other is 12.; We have three and threequarter miles to go to school. One of my uncles is at the war. My cousin Eddy is just home from the war. I hope you are well, and that I am welcome to join your paper.—Yours truly, CLEMATIS (Kaikoura). [You are most welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Since last writing I have been in the hospital. I was in for a little over nine weeks altogether. The nurses—m fact, veryone there —were very good to me. I used to see Black Pansy fairly often while I was 'in there.. Since starting this letter, Dot we have had word that my brother, who was formerly reported "wounded and missing," has been killed in action. Mother and father have been away for a holiday. They went as far as Hanmer Springs, where they stayed about a fortnight. We have a few chrysanthemums out now, but they are getting badly knocked about by" this wind. Lady Sue is not at home just now, but is away keeping house for my eldest sister Love to A County Muff, Inquisitive Poll, and Star, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, , . QUEE:N t TOTTIE (Slope Point). [I am sorry to leam of your loss, dear, and hope you will accept my sincere sym•i by.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have always taken a keen in+erest in your D.L.F. page, though I know verv few members. May I join your happy band? I intended to join years ago, but, somehow, never managed to pluck up enough courage. I am 19 years of agerather late in the day, isn't it?—but if I am not too old to join, better late than never. —Yours truly, DESERT GOLD (Ashhurst). [I am very pleased to have you. join us, Desert Gold, and hope- to hear more from you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had our term holidays extended to three weeks instead of one on account of measles and chicken-pox in Otautau. The rain is just teeming to-day,' bringing with it the cold air and the wind. I came fourth' in the examination this term. Topaz is my mate; she came third, and Rosy Cheeks came fifth. Most of the farmers are busy digging potatoes now. One of our kittens got killed; it caught it's head in a trap set for rats. I am going in for the. examination in music, and I hope I pass. "We still have a good few apples. I have just read two books called "Possum" and "The Girl Crusoes," which were both very interesting. I am knitting my nineteenth

facecloth. We give in what we make to one of our teachers at school, and she sends them to the- lied Cross Society. I was playing at Topaz's place the other day, and we got some nice ferns and plants. We are milking only two cows at night and three in the morning. "We do not send milk to the dairy factory now, but we separate and make butter. We killed two large pigs on Wednesday last. Love to Topaz, Dolly Dingle, 80-peep, Snooks, Memvale Maid, Molly Mingle, Sapphire, Rosy Cheeks, While Heron, Polly Pringle, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ,„, , LITTLE ACTRESS (Otautau). [I hope you keep clear of infection, Little Actress.—DOT.] Dear Dot—l wonder if you would let me join your band of L.F.? I have not many girl friends, so I would like to correspond with some D.L.F. about my age (16). 1 like riding my pony very much, and am very fond of outdoor work. Hoping some D.L.P. will take pity on me and write, and with beat wishes for your page,—Yours truly, DAIRYMAID II (Pleasant Point). [I am sure in a short time you will have quite a number of KF. friends, dear—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have a cold juot now. Weare going to get ouv winter holidays about the end of June, and it is a long time from now. There were pictures in Tapanui last night, and some on Friday night, and. they wtre very good. I am in Standard 11. and have a lot of lessens to loam. My father has sown 20 acres of oats. It is very cold this morning, cund I got up early. My brother has gone back to school. —Yours truly, TICKLE GEORDIE (Pomahaka). [I hope tho cold is now better, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your circle, of Little Folk? I am nine years old, and am in the Third Standard at school. I hav* one brother away at the war. He has been dangerously wounded, but he is getting on fine now. I have another brother in camp. My brother in camp and my sister are Little Folk. I walk three miles to school, and it makes me warm these cold mornings "running along the roads. Lov-a to all Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, AOTEA LADDIE (Garston). [Certainly you may join us, Aotea Laddie. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Sine© last writing to Dot I have said au revoir to Lyttelton, and come back to Garston. I had a farewell letter from Postman Henry a day or so before he sailed. My brother sent us a Camp Courier from camp, and I pe© Postman Henry made a name for himself while in camp by coming second in the Long Jump. Love to Beacon, Light, White Rabbit, Lady Evelyn, Postman Henry, Sir Roland, Hydraulic, and en© and all of tho Littlo Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MERLO. [Unfortunately I am unable to give you any information about the L.F. mentioned.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had our holidays and are back at school again. I did not go away anywhere. _ My mate, Queen of the Heather, stopped with ua for a few days. I have one cat and a kitten. I had three kittens, but I gavs 'wo away. I have read a number of books lately. I like reading very much, especially in the long winter evenings, when I am sitting in front of a nice fire. There is a large bush on*our farm, and it i» lovely walking through it on a fine day. Kind regards to Queen of the Heather. Foxglove, Glenrose, Only a Pansy Blossom, and all the other D.L.P., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, FIONA II (Tussock Creek). Dear Dot,—We had a week's holiday, and I went to Mataura to spend mine, where I met Tiny. I have been to Mataura twice for my holidays, and I like it very much. There was a school concert at Wendon last Friday night, but I did not go. My mate sang a sonar, and played in a duet.' Kind regards to Tiny, Shells of the Ocean, Pink Violet, Lily of the Wile, Eton, and Shells of the Ocelli's Cousin, not.forgetting your own dear self.—Youra truly. WARRIMOO (Riversdale). Dear Dot, —We have been having terribly stormy weather here at -present, and the creeks are beginning to rise. One of my brothers has to go to Ihe war again soon. I know a good few soldiers at the front- I have four uncles away, end I hone they' all return safely. I have been reading a few books lately— namely, "Molly." "The Trad of the Lonesome Pino " and "The Mis tress of Shenstone." Kind regards 'to A Soldiers Nuise, Lady Dell, Wairaki Daisv, Mab?l.—Yours truly. ■

SLEEPYHEAD (Woodlands). Dear Dot,—l have been learning to rido mv pony, and am petting" on very well I rid© up to the- woolshed every day and mo'lier and my little sis+er and Grandma Elsie drive in the grig. Grandma Elsie is staying with us while the crashing is being done. She came out by the motor bus yesterday afternoon from Takanau. I have jirst commenced school again after mv winter holidays which a week. Best love to Dulcie, Tain, and Buster Geoff, not forgetting yourself.—Yours *rulv. DULCIE'S MATE. [You will be quite pleased and proud I am sure when you ere a proficient rider, dear.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot,—l am still roving about, as this time I am staying at Pukenui, with Dulcie's Mate, and we have been having great sport driving backwards and forwards uo to tho woolshed, where «,«, m * n flre busy tho sheep. Dulcie's mate's mother had to get the men s meals, and as the woolshed is about a-mile from her home we drive up every morning to cook the dinner Mid get their afternoon and norning tea. I am enjoying the experience immensely, Dot, as it is quite a, new thing for mo. This 'ime last y<*ar I was school-teaching in Whareroa, Huntervillo, it does eeem such a short time. We are experiencing verv cold weather out here under the Buahine 'Ranges; they are simply covered with snow this evening. I have only a few more months to write, and T feel quite sorry to be retiring from the page. Best love to Nurse Molly. Rose 11 a, Wattle Blossom. Dulcie's Mate, and not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, GRANDMA ELSIE -n Do j r -a ~ ><>{ '~ 1 recently returned from xfroad Bay after spending a most enj'ovable holiday at our "cottage by tho sea." I love to sit on the shore and listen to the gentle lapping of the waves upon the beach—everything seems so peaceful;— but when the wind howls and the waves dash furiously upon the rocks it is then that our thoughts turn away to those who may be in peril on the boundless deep.' My cousin Beverly is staying here at present'; we great times, and I will be sorry when he has to go homo agam. I would have liked to have gone in to see you, Dot when I was in Dunedin; but I felt too shy, as I did not ask you if I could. Beverly and I intend to do a little photography this afternoon, as he wants to Bend his portrait to some o.f Lis corrcspon-

dents. Best love to Boy In Grey, Mother's Ivy, Chatterbox 11, Polly Perkins, Silvery Moonbeam, and all the rest of my comrades, not forgetting your own dear 'self. —Yours truly, STATION MASTER. [Taere ig not need to wait for an invitation. Station Master.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have a new football at school, and no have some good fun with it. My leg 3 are very More to-night after kicking tho ball. There" was a big fire in Gore on Sunday morning; there were 10 different people burnt out. I think we are going to get a holiday on Monday for tho King's Birthday. I have to walk two find a-half

miles to 6chool every morning, and it is not very ploa&ant in wet weather. Best wishes to Lorraine, A Prairie Girl, Ocean Pearl, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BONNIE PRINCE CHARLIE (Mataura) Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 13 years of age and in Standard VI. My sister and mate write to the page, go I thought I would write too. I know several L.P. down Jiere. Best love to Snow-white, Chatterbox 11, Territorial, Fortis, Highland Jean, end not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HIGHLAND JEAN'S MATE (Hokitika). [We have now quite a gathering of L.F. in Hokitika,—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having terrible weather up here, but it seems to have cleared off now. I had an uncle killed about three weeks ago. Hasn't there been a number of homes broken up since this awful war? Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSE FAIRY (Featherston). Dear Dot, —1 have a cold in my head. Last Friday night my cousin came out from Oamaru, and we all drove to Airedale to a concert and dance, where wo spent a most enjoyable evening. We have a creamy pony rising two years old; he is not broken in yet, but I think he will be very quiet. We are milling 11 cows, but they do not give extra much as the weather is so cold and unsettled. I have a parcel to send to the Belgians, but I do not know what address to put on it. We have very many nice flowers out just now; but we got a lovely, bunch of chrysanthemums in town on Saturday. I was at a bazaar in Enfield last Saturday night. I had a few tickets on some things, but my luck was out. Best love to Woodbine, Red Rose 11, and Mither's Wean, not forgetting your dear self. —Yours truly, ARDMORE (Etnfield). [lf you addressed your parcel to Mr J. K. Macfie, secretary Overseas Club, Dunedin, and state your needs he will attend to n> — DOT.] Dear Dot, —I like to read the Little Folk's letters every week in the Witness. I was over at my uncle's place at Waipahi last time I wrote; now I am at home again at Waiuta. I like here best, because it is not so cold- as Otago. There Is a goldmine here; all the men work at it. Daddy says the shaft is over 1000 ft down. I don't think I would like to go down in the cage. Love to Crimson Rambler and all th.j rest of the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DADDY'S PADDY (Waiuta). [I think the first time down a mine in a cage would be rather a strain on one's tterv<-s.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have left school now, and am at present at home. I attended the Girls' High School at Napier last year; but I did not oare for Napier as much as Wairoa. I know a good lew L.F. around here, and amongst them Polly Perkins. There is a great difference in the length of the days now, and the mornings and evenings are very cold. I sleep in a tent over in the orchard, with my sister, and we notice the cold mornings very much—much more, in fact, than if we were sleeping inside. There was great excitement here a short time ago, when the members of Parliament cam© over to Wairoa on their visit to Waikaremoana. The weather was not very good at that time; but even the weather did not prevent a number of Wairoa citizens from visiting Waikaremoana with the members. They all enjoyed themselves T ery much, and the visitors went away very pleased with their trip. I am very fond of reading, and have just finished reading "The Supreme Desire," "Old Miss Audrey," and "My Friend Smith." Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, CLYDE (Wairoa, H. 8.)

Dear Dot, —I received my badge safely, and was very pleased with it. I have been setting traps lately; but, unfortunately, I have not been catching many rabbits. We have only 24 ducks left now, as we sold some. We are digging our ' garden up for next year's seeds. CHir lucerne is not growing very rapidly, but I suppose it will come on in time. We have our bulbs in; we also have a lot of snapdragon, but wo are going to dig it up and throw it out. Our cow is giving very little milk just now, eo I suppose we will bo turning her out soon. Most of the farmers have cut their stacks, but we have not. I have read a few novels—" The Maid of Mansfield," "Hands Across the Sea," and a few others. I was not down at the Dunedin Winter; Show, but my father was. The school children have not had their winter holidays yet, but I suppose they will be getting them poon. The 12 o'clock train was very late on Tuesday, as it did not arrive in Wedderburn until 3 p.m., so I expect it would bo very lata when it got into Dunedin. Love to Sea Breeze, Postman Henry, and Miss Bobbie, also yourself.—Yours truly, TANGLES WONNIE (Wedderburn). Dear Dot, —I am at present staying with my cousin, Station Master, and I can tell you he is making an awful noise. We have great times together. My mother, fa/her, and brothei- notored down to the Show, but are back now. We are having nice weather, although it snowed but a week ago. I like some kinds of flowers, but I am particularly fond of sweet peas and roses. Several brave fellows from here have given their lives for their country. Best love to Gwen and all the rest of my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BEiVERLY. [Slope Point, via Fortroso; but tho first would, I believe, suffice.—DOT.} Dear Dot, —We have our holidays just now, and my cousin was down at, our place from Saturday till to-day; my sister went home to Dunedin with her to-day. My mother and myself are going up on Friday afternoon, and are going to stay till Saturday, and my sister will conio homo with us. We have had a very enjoyable time, and the weather was very pleasant. There was an English mail to-day, and we received three letters from my brother, and he said that he had received some parcelo. He is keeping fine, and thero are a number of Port boys in the hut that he is in. so he is quite pleased We send him a parcel nearly every week, so he should receive more very soon,, we hope It is my birthday on Saturday, and I will bo 12, so I am quite pleased, and am looking forward to it My eldest sister

went up to Wellington one trip of the Mor.owai not, so very long ago, and she had a good look around, and my aunties gave her - lovely tine. Love to al 1 the ij'rF., not forgelting your own dear self —Yours truly, BELLYUE SPUR (Port Chalmers). Dear Dot, —May I jSin your happy band? I am 13 years old, and am at High School. This last fortnight we have had holidays, but we. go back to school to-morrow. I have two brothers at ihe war, and one went away with the Ninth Rcinforcerucnts and the other with the Fourteenth. We arc having a concert next month, and I am in three items —a quartet, a duet, and a dialogue. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BUNNIB '(Temuka). [I hope the concert is a huge success, Bunnie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been down to my grandma's at Oolac Bay for a holiday. My grandma has my two wee cousins there. Their mother is dead. The youngest one is nearly 12 months old. Our flowers are nearly all dead now. We will be pleased to see the spring flowers when they come. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, DELIGHTS (Round Hills). [You would have a nice time playing with the cousins, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am in Standard 111 at school- We have two weeks' holiday just now, as our master is sick. I try to catch a few rabbits occasionally. I have a little black kitten. Love to Dirty Dick, Bright Eyes, Eileen Allanah, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FANTAIL (Miller's Flat). [You are welcome to join us, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am having my term holidays just now. Igo back on Tuesday next I did not go anywhere, not even to the Show. Warepa is 60 miles from Dunedin. I go to the school in the Kaihiku district, three miles from here. I got 81 1-9 marks out of 100 in the term exams. We ere milking one cow at present. To-night a Returned Soldier's Son tried to milk her, and got about half a dozen cupfuls, so that was not so bad. I knocked at the door to-night to play a trick; but my brother came out with', a cup of water and threw it on -me.—Yours traly, BENJAMIN (Warepa). [Your brother is evidently not easily tricked, Benjamin.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very funny weather up here just now; it does not know whether to rain or not. • At present my father is in Dunedin, and to-day he sent up two new horses—a white one (its name is Gip), the other is black, but we haven't a name for it. I have left school now nearly a year. It will be a year on July 29, which is my birthday.. I will be 14 then. About a month ago I was in Dunedin at the Mace mission ; it was very good, nothing but the Gospel. We are expecting the carpenter on Monday to alter our house. Love to Wavy, Navy's Mate, no't forgetting yourself.—Yours truly., RHODODENDRON (Beaumont). Dear Dot, —It is very cold down here just now. The frost this morning was very severe. My father and sister and I are going to Dunedin to-morrow (Friday) morning, and coming home on Saturday night. It is very cold to-night, and as we have to go up in a coach from 'hare I think We will be pretty well frozen to our seats by the t.ime we reach Stirling. But that is not the worst. It is waiting for the train. You have to stand about or else go into the waiting room, where there is no fire. We are having ,a holiday from school on Monday, as it is the King's Birthday. Our examinations are over, and I am glad to say I did not fail, though I thought I would. It was a pleasant surprise. The Jiifipecto-'- has been on his surprise visit too. I -will miss Friday's school, and I thought I would miss our fortnightly test in sums; but we had it to-day instead, so I am glad. Love to all the L.F., ■- not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BLUE EYES (Kaitangata). Dear Dot,—lt has been very cold to-day, as the wind is blowing over snow. Jus' now we are having our winter holidays, during which I am going to sot traps. I was cut ferreting to-day, but did not get any rabbits. The thrashing mill has been here, And my school mate and I helped to take the chaff away from the end of the mill. We are milking three cows just now; but they are rot giving much this cold weather. Most of the farmers here are Lisy ploughing the ground for spring crops. There are 21 pupils sjoing to cur school. We see a good number of ducks about here, as we live near the river. end there are very few duck-shootists down this way. The roads are very muddy just now. The rabbi's here are very scarce', as <hey have been nearly all caught. We have 13 horses. Why is it : Ih.it potatoes are liketears? Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DAD'S GOOD BOY (Waitepeka).

Deal- Dot,—'May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? I am 12, and in Standard V at school. I am 10 years older ihsji my littlo sister, and five, and a-half years older than my brother. I had two little borfhers, bn+ one died wh?n he was three and a half months old. We have lovely games at school. We are just back from our term holidays. We have a fairly large orchard; but we did not get so many apples this year as last year My cousins vho wor« at our place have just gone home. We did not have much fun, as it was we+ and wo could i t of pet outside. Wo have, only one cow and a p : g, so we haxe not so much to do outside. Some of my mates are writing to fho P.L.F., so I thought I would write too. My mo+her is ill with influenza. Best love to Orlin, SnowffrJ.es, Sylvia, Tona, and Viola, not forgettine vour dear pelf.—Yours truly THE QUEEN OF Amzn^A (Ryal Bush). \1 am very pleased (o have you join us dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The other night I was at o soldier's send-off In th<* Public Hall, and I had a lovely time. The hall was nicely decorated with flags and ferns from the bush. It. was moonlight coming home, and it was almost as clear as day. I wasn't so verv gay next day, so late hours can't agree with nie._ Next Friday night a welcome home social and dance is io he given to four sol" diers, and I am looking forward 'o hnv-Vxi a crood time. Mother was in Invercargfil yesterday, so I was head cook. I was told I was a good cook, so tha* i> a f»«' , --- 'n my cap. Dad is always saying he" will be poisoned one of these days when J-»n •.-~--v but, anyway, it has never happened yet. Mother brought m= home a, .. nice book "Sam's Kid" is the name of it. Dad and another young follow are building a ne-w shearing shed just now. They only started this week, so I expect they will be at It yet for a while. I think I will gej; my skat©3 down one of there days and fix them up. as 'hero is nothing like skating to warm one these cold days. We havo a. nice-sized loft, and it '.a? an excellent floor for skating. Whon I start first I expsct to get a few tumbles, but I will soon get into the

way of it again. My old nag is very lazy just now —I think she is fed too well. I ride her for tho cows every night, and it takes her all her time to crawl along. S'.nee I last wrote I have been away for a holiday, end 1 had a glorious time. First of all I went to Fairfax, and the weather was fairly good so we wont out a lot. One day my two cousins and myscelf drove to Riverton, a distance of 10 or 11 miles away, and wo had good fun. There I saw two of my old schoolfellows whom I had iot eeeu i'or a long time. Coming home we had a big bag of uppies in the trap, and when we were about half-way homo some of the apples fell out. It was pretty nearly dark; but, anyway, I jumped out and got all I could ece. Coining homo I stopped a few days in town, and I had a good time. We went to tee the men away to camp, and what a crowd there was to see them off! The platform was just crowded. We went to the pictures one night, and they were very good. Kindest regards to yourself and all the L.F.—Yours truly, WILLOW DENE (Dipton). [You have had quite a gay time lately, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join the band of D.L.F. ? Sometimes my brother and I go out ferreting. My brother got the ferret's 'cetli cut, so that it could not bite us. My father has a motor car, ind at Christmas we go for a holiday in :t. My brother has a pet lamb, and its name is Daisy. I have four dolls. We have a parrot, and it says many things. We milk three cows. I have a French rabbit. I had a pet hare, and when it wanted anything to eat he would scratch at the dcor. We had a welcome home to the soldiers a atfeek ago. There were seven soldiers presented with gold medals. The school children sang four songs. A dance was held in the hall after the social. Love to the D.L.F, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, TULIP BLOSSOM (Oiurehua). [You are very welcome to join us, Tulip Blossom. Please enclose your, name with your next letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The evenings are long now, and I have more time for writing, as most of the cows are dry. There was a welcome home for two returned soldiers here last Friday night, and I had a good time. Although it was a rough night, • there was a good crowd there. They had a very good concert programme, then supper was handed round, and then they commenc'd dancing. _ They presented the soldiers with a ggld chain and medal each. I noticed a good crowd of D.L.F present, a few being from Slope Point. I am doing a bit of trapping in my spare time, and so far I have got 25 rabbit skins, three ferrets, one stoat, and one hare skin. Wink is waiting on me to have supper with him. He gets awfully annoyed if he is kept waiting for his meals. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, OTARA EEL (Otara). AUTOS. Tangles Wonnie (Myra Dow, Wedderbum) wishes to exchange au-os and correspond with A Girl of the Limberlost, Nature's Autumn Painting, Verbena, Gloria, Snaky Joe, Postman Bill, and Hop Along C'assidy. Station Masier (Rupert Williamson, Kokonga P. 0.) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing over 15 years. Lady Cantrips (Mrs Loach, Pembroke) wishes to exch'inire autos and correspond with any L.F. willing. Rozelle (I. L. Toogood, care of Fairfax P. 0., Fairfax) wishes to correspond with aiiy Dunedin, Timaru, or Invercargill D.L.F. about or over 16 willing. Old Glory (R. Ruper, 8£ Melville st, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with An Old Shoe and Queen of the Valley. Mountain Gen/Man (Josie Bryant, Kinloch, Lake Wakatipu) wishes to correspond with Ismailia, The Herm't. and Beverley. Pebbles (Maggie Finn, Awatata, Nightcaps) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Dorinda (Ruby Tail. Ryal Bush) wishes *o correspond with Foxglove, Julius Cassar, Go To Bed Early, Lorraine, and ::: ; L.F. willing. Black Sheep (Lindo Soper, Athol) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 10 years. Tickle Geordie (Bruce Mackenzie, Pomahaka) wishes to correspond with Peter Rabbit and any L.F. 10 years. Gip (Ev<-lyn Stewort, P. 0., Waikaia) wishes to correspond with Pixie. Beulah (Thelma Russell, Park Hotel, Greymou+h) wishes to correspond with Mamaru's Cousin, Aotea-Roa, Snaky Joe, and any L.F. willing.