DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3380, 25 December 1918, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE < ' FOLK.

Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Docainoon on matters ef 'interest .to themselves, the result ti their observations U the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested ia» •f the district i» whloh they live, \et their school and horn* life, holiday trips, 4e. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, sad addressed '"Dot, oare Of Editor Witness."

Dot's Little Folk's Badges with piQ, for use e* » brooch, obtainable on application to'Dot. Pnce, 1» Id post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps.

Acto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witueas offloe, Dunedin. Price. Id for 25.

Motto:—We write for the benefit of others, not

for ourselves. No Jotter to contain more than 350 words.

'Dear" Dot, —I have been reading/some of the- D.L.F. letters, and havo become... quite in teres Led in them, and so I thought I ■Would like to join your happy band. v I do hope you are quite well and free from this awful influenza. I had it about a week ago; but it was not very serious, and I am on the way to reco7ery again. I am 14 years old, and will be going to the High School when it reopens, as I havo gained my >proficiency. I learn music, and have been in, for three exams., and was successful in passing them. Love to all the D.L.F,. not forgetting .yourself.—Yours truly, A ; KUTE KEWPIE KID (Dunedin). • [Congratulations on your success in .the musical examinations, dear.—Dot.]Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk I am 11 years of age, and anv in Standard 111. I am learning to ride a bicycle, and have had a few tumbles. Is not this influenza dreadful, Dot? "We are ■milking 60 cows, and have 24 calves. With love to. all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, ;]'■&■■■' EGMONT LADDIE (Kapuni).

[One is not a qualified rider until one has had at '-■ least three falls, Egmont Laddie.—DOT.] "

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to you. My mother used to -write to your page. One of my uncles died of wounds in October, and one of my aunts died of influenza. Mother says they both wrote to you. We have a* wee calf, and call it Violet. I am six years old. ■ My sister is four, and our baby is six months. His name is Jack. — Yours truly, ■'

TINKER (Lovell's Flat)

[I am very pleased to welcome the son of ah Old Writer to the page, Tinker. I am sincerely, sorry to learn cf your recent double bereavement. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please may I become one of your Little Folk? I have two brothers and two sisters. X am 10 years of age. It has been very bad weather, not a bit like sum-mer-time. My brother, eister, and I had great fun on peace day;. We have one dog named Sharp, three horses, two cows, an d we ire rearing eight calves.' Our baby is three months old, and I like nursing her. Withjloveto all D.D.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

RED LILY (Glenham)

, Deaf Dot, —I am nearly 13 years of age. I have four brothers and one sister. I have five uncles at the- ;var, and two of them were wounded; Two of my brothers have a, pet lamb each. To-day one of them came into the house. It ran right through our passage and went out the front door. We have experienced some very wintry weather for this time of the year. Best love to Mud Lark, Mud Lark's Mate, and all the rest of the L.F.—iours truly, - .MACHINE GUN (Taieri Beach).

Dear Dot,—l am 10 years of age, and am in Standard 111. I have two sisters and three brothers. I have a pet lamb, and it often comes into the house. Five of my uncles are at the war, and two of them are woundsd. I am sorry I wrote in Old Writers' Week. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, ■ . i

, WARSTEP (Taieri Beach). [Machine Gun and ■ yourself are very welcome to join us, Warstep.—DOT.]

Dear Dot—l have not written to your before, /bul I hope you will let me join your happy band I cnca lived in Otago, but live in North Canterbury now. We get'the Otago Witness, and I like reading the l].L>,k. letters. I have.two brothers and one sister going to school and a little brother at home. We all ride to school, and have nearly two and a-half miles to go; I have a pny, and its name is Lassie. I have not been, to school since peace day on account of the influenza. We live near the sea, so I will call myself Muritai. , I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year Yours truly,

MURITAI (Hurstlea). [I am very pleased to have you join us dear. I have posted your badge to you, and hope it reachea you safely.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am learning music now, so aJI my spare time is used up practising, and I haven't much time to writ© letters. We have some lovely roses out just now. When my brother was in France he sent us some French' clover seeds, which he gathered on JSo Man s Land, and they are growing splen>y aidly. I am very sorry to say that he has been killed in France in action since then. My other brother is still in Palestine, but we are hoping that he will get home soon. Best love to yourself and all the Little Folk. lours truly, QUEEN ELMA Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote the influenza has visited us We have all had it except mother, and she has escaped it eo far The hall was turned into a hospital, and there were Inpatients in it. Barley Queen, Black Sheep Halfway House, and A Musterer were all patients. Athol k a u i e t little place, surrounded/by hills, and it has a draper and grocers shop and one fruit shop. We have not started our shearing yet. I have been learning music, but on account of so much influenza being about our teacher does not come up now. Love to Morlo' Beacon Light, Western Star, not forgetting yourself.— truly, b HIGHLAND MARY (Athol). Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to your page , I am 11 years old, and in the Fifth Standard. We are having horrible weather. Ii i3n't a bit like summer. We have had no school for two months, owing to this in-

fluenza, and we don't go back till February 4. There were great rejoicings here on the day the armistice was signed. . I hope you have escaped the dreadful diseass. Our family has escaped it so far. T have an uncle at the war, but I expect he will be back soon. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Y. ours truly, BELLE OF THE SWAMP (.Cross Creek). [You are quite welcome to join us, dear. DOT.] . x

Dear Dot, —We have been having terrible weather lately—either raining or blowing. The farmers are very backward with' their turnip*'! owing to the weather and the influenza. I am afraid the harvest will be late this season, as the oats are growing very slowly. We haven't heard from our brother since they sailed from Sydney, so' we , don't know whether they have* arrived at their destination. We are anxiously looking the Home mails. Christmas will soon be hero, and our brother will not be here to. spend it with us. We have 87 wee chickens out. Well, Dot, I wish you/a merry .Christmas and a happy New "Year. Kind regards to Alveria, A Red Cross Girl, Pastry Cook, Fluffy, Memo, Weeping Willow, and yourself.—Youra truly, HARVEST MOON (Southland).

[Many thanks for your good wishes, dear, end. I sincerely wish you the same.—DOT.] Dear Dot—Since I last wrote to you we have shifted from Heddon Bush to Inver-car-ill, which I like very well. They say that more have died.from the Mnenza, than from the war"in New Zealand g My : broth** ££. B We are" nothing very here for this time of the year. ■ Christmas will be very quiet this year, owing to this "flu." Sincl I came here I have seen on£ n r, ft T) L'F arid was wondering if that was all ih tntopart of the world. We are. living S North Invercargill which " ff^ rountrv a bit. Just behind us are the KoseMills Everyone working there it <Xwn with tie •#«.' day we came In herTlt was pouring with ram, and_we hada s picnic unloading the furniture. With Heathe? Bloom, not forgetting. yourself.Yours truly,. RITA (Invercargill}. Dear Dot.-Please accept my congratula- • tions on O.W.W. this year. The soldiers ™ tbmiih. they are so far away, haven t S; teen you Mother, who use/, to write 'to r °Dot ago/ spoke of writmg to for OW.W., but didn't manage it in time The mention of eoldiers reminds one that at £t peace has come, and that before so very long the-boys will be coming home/ It is to be hoped the influenza epidemic has passed £fore the soldiers return. We have just recovered from the influenza here. - 1 thinK the Clffden people had a fairly light attack in comparison with some placca. It was getiy oad in Tuatapere. The Presbyterian Church was turned into a hospitaL About the Timo the influenza broke out there was +o be a birthday party for -the usual anniversay S odarof y the Methodist Church, but very few came, out to it, owing to the sickness in the town.. At first they sure whether they ought to, put it off or rot. However, we bad a small social, the principal interest of the evening being the dainty birthday cake which was presented by the minister's wife. There is to be another party when the influenza has passed. Both vegetable and flower gardens, are behind thiTyear. The roses are just flowering, aimthe pansies are making a lovely show. The native clematis, although at is passed now, was very pretty in the bush some weeks ago. Down in the. bush road between here and Tuatapere there seemed to be no end to the great clusters of blooms hanging amongst the green trees. The clematis has one fault, it is no good for inside decorations-it lasts so short g a time, and; looks eo beautiful out in the bush that.it seems a pity to pull it. I have not been able.to go for my musio for three weeks now-in fact, I have not been out anywhere for almost four weeks and am just longing to go tor a ride as fast as the horse could take me. Have you over been out riding, Dot, and suddenly have the feeling come over you that you .wanted to teat your horse's speed powers? I have often, and I must say the sensatiou is not unplesant, especially if,you happen to have a horse you can rely on. Wishing you and all theV'LF. a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.-Yours

Dear Dot,---May I join your circle of Little Folk? I am' 15 years old, and I go to WGH.S I like school, very much, and; am looking forward to the reopening, which is a long way-off yet. I have not had the . flu, and all our family have escaped it, which Is very fortunate. Well, as this is my first letter to the page, I think I shall draw it to a close. Love to Sylva (whom I know very well) and all the other D.L.F.—Yours 11U : " MOLLY BAWN (Oamaru).

[The schools have certainly had a very extended holiday this year, but the first part could hardly bs called pleasurable.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have read the D.L.F. page for a long time, so I thought I would like to write, too. I wrote once before,- about two year 3 ago, so that was . a long time. I am in Standard 111. Our school is closed on account of the influenza. We are having rainy weather here just now. I am glad the war is over, because there will not be any more men killed or wounded. When the armirtice was/ signed, there was a great noise—the whistle* were blowing and the btlla ringing. We are milking four cows. I have two pet lambs, and my brother has one. We had a hen with eight chickens, but on** died. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, YOUTHFUL DAYS (Croydon Bush). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Deaf^Dot, —We get the nearly ever wegjj, and I am interested in the letters which.'are written to you. I thought I Would lilatfcto ba a member of your happy band. have three cows. It is a grand thing the war is over. I think we are going to have bad weather for Christmas. I have not had the influenza yet. I hope you have not had it. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SCOTCH THISTLE (Croydon).

[The influenza is such an undesirable acquisition that I hope you remain free of. it, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have moved from my old home in Ferndale, and now live in Spar Bush. I do not like it so well as my old home, but the people are very kind, and I like my schoolmate so much. There is a pretty little piece of bush on our property, and I enjoy sitting there reading. We have tea ba the bush sometimes, as it is near the hous9. I am very fond of reading, and my mother let 3 me read suitable books. I was 12 years old in October, and am going into the Sixth Standard. In one of my books there is a story about friendship by post,

so I thought I would like to try it. I have three pet lambs—Peggy, Wattie, and Frisky. I give them the bottle, and sometimes they are very unruly, and have to. be smacked. I have a nice little dog named Tweed. He used to come into school to see me, as the school is quite close to our house. I met Molly in town the other day. She is the only D.L.F. I have met, except Lynwilg and Malacoff. A happy' Christmas to you, Dot. Love to Lynwilg, Molly, Malacoff, and tho other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, NORHAM (Spar Bush). [No doubt in time you will like- your new home very much, Norha.m, though it takes some time .to settle down. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you the influenza has spread over New Zealand, and is causing great anxiety. It has been pretty severe down this'way, but I am glad to say that I have escaped it so far, and hope that you have succeeded in keeping the same. It is a good thing that the war has come to an end, but one can hardly realise that it is true. I think that the occasion has been well celebrated throughout New Zealand by what I read in the papers, but it was very quiet here, and it is that at any time. The weather here has not. been too good of late, and it did rain yesterday. It is more like winter weather than summer. I see Lady Levenside every morning. She takes the: milk to the factory, and seems to like the job very well. The boy in the store down here is a D.L.F., but I forget his N.D.P. The trains have baen running very irregularly here of late. This was on account of the epidemic, but they resumed the ordinary time-table this week. Well, Dot, in case I do not write to you again before Christmas I shall now wish yourself and all the L.P. a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year, but I am afraid it will be a rather sad Christmas for many a;- one this year. Kind regards to yourself and all the L.P. —Yours truly,

FAIRFAX BOY (Fairfax).

Dear Dot, —Wo are having very wet weather to-day, . and it is very miserable having to sit indoors. Since I last wrote to you my brother who was fighting in France has been killed. Wo are expecting my other brother home soon, ; as he has been sick, and the sick and wounded get home first. I have not had the influenza' yet,'but my father and sister and two brothers have had it. We have eight cows milking now. One of them is just like a wee calf. It v isn't quite two years old yet. We have some lovely roses cut now. I am going to Moagiel for a holiday next week. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BONNY (Colac Bay).

Dear Dot,—rWe had our exam, in September, but we did not hear if we passed until a few days ago. After the exam. I was anxious to know if I had earned 'my. proficiency. . The school closed so suddenly that the teacher didn't have time to give it to me, so she posted it. I think lam going to go to the Clutha School for further education. We have all escaped the influenza so far. Wishing: all the L.F. a happy Christmas.—Yours truly,/ •~~ - . ' DUMPSE DEEDLE (Eaihiku).

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk?- I am eight years old, and am in Standard I. The school is closed because of the influenza. We have a pet lamb and a ffew chickens. 'My brother and I have been rabbiting, and we have, been catching _ a good many, and have got a patent rabbit trap. I have a pony that I can ride. We have four dogs. to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, , ■•. . , COWBOY II (Kaihiku). ." [lf you object to being Cowboy II dear, you are at liberty to choose another N.D P DOT. Dear Dot,—The weather here has been very wet. We have commenced to shear, and it is very cold for the shorn sheep. What a terrible disease this influenza is! Mum and dad. have just got I think everybody will be glad that the war is over, and the boys get home again. The school has been closed because of the influenza. A picnio was held in Waikaka when the news came that the Germans had given in I did not; go. to it. We are milking five cows and feeding five pet lambs. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, • ■ ' , ■ INFELIGE (Waikaka). Dear Dot, —It was a great day when peace was declared, but I,missed it all, as I was in bed with the influenza. It has been pretty bad in Oamaru. One of our neighbours died on Thursday. BJe was very good in.- the Red Cross. My 'mother and ' sister have been up in Palmerston North for a holiday. They were.only home a week when we got. word that my uncle had died, so mother was away for a week. , She stayed a night in Dunedin on her way, as she had to go right through to Gore. My uncle left five children. The eldest is 14 years and the youngest is two years old. We are going to have the wee one up with us. Her name is Coral. I believe she is a little hardcase-. My mother is going down again in January, and will be bringing the wee one up with her. It is not very safe going away for a holiday just now v With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, > .'-■ MISS BILLY (Oamaru). [Your mother has had a trying time. It ia pathetic the number of children left without parents.—DOT.] . , , Dear Dot, —To-day was a lovely day, and I went for a walk along the breakwater. I am writing you this letter in the hut. We are having long holidays, and I am going to Dunedin. soon. Dirty Bertie has been in the country for four weeks. I have b&en down fishing, but only caught" a- mullet about 4in long. The Dunedin dredge was working, which must have frightened the fish away. None of us has had the influenza yet. When I go back to school I will be in the Sixth Standard. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, « LITTLE DREAM GIRL (Oamaru). [Many thanks, .dear, and the same to you. —DOT.] ....,-. Dear Dot, —I am writing this letter in Sunshine Bill's hut. I have been for a holiday to Waianakarua. I stayed for a month, and enjoyed myself very much., I went to the beach a few times to get wood. The other days I was sowing turnips for a man. I am going to Dunedin. after Christmas with Little Dream Girl, and am looking forward to it. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, • DIRTY BIRTIE (Oamaru). Dear Dot, —I hope you received my last letter". Though it was only my first letter I felt a bit nervous, and did not know what to say. During the last week nearly everybody seerns to have started work again after a fearful struggle against the influenza. The shops have reopened; and so have the picture theatres. I don't think myself the pictures will be patronised for a week or so yet, as the people still hold the opinion that the influenza is not quite clear yet. The weather has not got any better, and I

am beginning to think that wo shall have wet weather for the holidays. But I am hoping that the weather will take up again, a 3 one never seems to enjoy the holidays if it •is wet. Wishing- you' the compliments of the season.—Yours truly, THE HEROINE OP. BJUOOXLEIGH (Invercargill).

Dear Dot, —I am 10" years old, and in Standard 111. A Bunch of Daisies lives, quite close to 113. We have had bad weather for & long time. I had a brother killed at the war. We have a cat, and its name is Tom. We have also 25 chickens. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting • yourself. —Yours truly, PEONY ROSE (Lumsden). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our school has closed for the Christmas holidays here,:.but as the weather is so cold I haven't even had a day on the beach since the holidays began. It is nice that the war is oyer. The feoldiers won't be long in coming home now. We are not milking for the factory this year, but are sending cream to town. Our mails have been stopped running for a fortnight, so we are getting no letters in this district at all now. The" influenza epidemic has not leached here so far; but it is in Fortrose, and that isn't far from- Slope Point. Best wishes.—Yours truly, . CRIMSON RAMBLER (Slope Point).

Dear Dot, —When we get the Witness Tt always look forward to a long read of the letters from the Little Folk, so I would like to join, too, if you will have me. I live four miles out of Lumsden, but we. have a- car, and it does not take long to go in. We are milking four cows and feeding six calves and four lambs. We also have two Persian cats, which are uauirtd Fluffy and Button. Influenza is very bad up here, but we have not had it. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, ROSE OF-PICARDY vLura&len)

[We are very pleased to have you join us. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been raining up here all day. We have 15 ducklings out now, and they love to puddle in jhe water. It is a good job that the war is over now, and all the boys will come marching home. I was talking to Fisherman Jack on Thursday. Our school is closed on account of the influenza epidemic. We have a dear little black, calf, called Bell. Most of the farmers and' run-owners are shearing their sheep now. The fruit trees have an abundance of fruit this year. Love to all the L.F., not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly,' CABBAGE TREE NED . Arthur's Point).

Dear have now taken the opportunity to Write you a few lines. We have all had the influenza, and Longwood Blossom waa the last to take it. , This Christmas will not be a very merry one for us, as we 110 longer have Longwood Blossom. I regret to say that Longwood Blossom departed this life on. November 20, in her year. Dear Dot, it was a dreadful shock to have her taken away so sioon. There are no preparations being made for Christmas like there was last year. .Since we have been in Mataura I have met quite a number of D.L.F. With best of love and wishes to you and the Little. Folk,, and kind regards to Margot, Lady Levenside, and. Lily Blossom.— Yours truly, ■■ JIM'S CHUM (Mataura).

[I-am indeed sorry to ■learn of Longwood Blossom's death, Jim's Chum, and know what a great loss it must be to her relatives and friends. Of course, it is always harder for those left behind, but' we must just do our best to accept our burdens, and keep faith and trust in Providence.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We have- four cows milking, and have five calves to,feed. We have had a lot of rain, and the farmers are having some trouble to get their sheep shorn, as the sheep are no sooner dry than they are wet again. I got the; badge, Dot, and like it. My brother and I were to go to .Milton to our grandma's for our Christmas holidays, but will have to put it off now until the influenza dies down a bit. Grandma has had it, and then took jaundice, and has been ill for a long time. Mother has a nice lot of chickens out to-day. She set two hens, and gave all the chicks to one mother. We are having a long holiday from school, and I miss my mates, but,have my brother and little sister to play, with at home, and help mother with her work. Wishing all my mates and yourself a happy ■ New Year.— Yours truly, ...

OLIVE (Otekura).

Dear Dot, —We have 14 cow 3 milking now, and a few more have to calve yet. Ido not milk. We had our examination on Wednesday by the inspector, and now we all have five weeks' holiday from school. This paper is very narrow.' ■ Love to all the members and yourself—Yours truly, . A SERVANT (Kaihiku). ' [Your letters appear to have been delayed for a considerable time.—DOT.] f •' Dear Dot, —Have you had the influenza yet? All our family have had it, and my two little brothers were in, the hospital with , it. 'My sister is coming home at Christmas to stay for a while, and my mother said that I could go back with her if she will take me. My father is-sitting reading a book called "A Fighting Mascot." We ; are'having terrible weather for this time.of the year.' My father gave me a garden of my own, and I planted. potatoes, beans, and am going to plant some carrots. Our garden is coming on grand, and our roses are going to be cut and sent away: to Fairfield, love to SaddlerV Tommy, Lady Dell, Spring Fairy, Autumn Fairy, and yourself. —Yours truly, SWEET PEA (Milton).

[Those who escaped the present visitation are, I am afraid, very few in number.— JOT.] ■ . •

Dear Dot, —It is about a year since I wrote to the page. The weather has been very changeable these last few days. The fruit will soon be ripe, and then we will have' the pleasure of picking it to make jam. We have all had the influenza eSfcept one. My mother, who had a serious attack, has not quite recovered. The influenza here was not so serious as in the north. Wishing all the L.F. a happy-Christmas and a bright New Year. —Yours truly, APPLE BLOSSOM (Roxburgh).

Dear Dot, —It was a real change to have a lovely day after so much wet weather. The bush grass, etc., looked so nice in the sunshine, but now the sun has set things look a bit dull. Oteknra has had only one case of influenza as far as I know, and I think we should be very thankful. "What a sad time this is I Just now I am reading a book by John Foster Fraser; the name of' it is " The Real Siberia." It gives the personal impressions of the author's journey from Moscow across . 0 Siberia and through Manchuria in the autumn of 1901. Of course, he expected to find almost nothing hut exiles, snow, etc. But what he really saw was a. great land capable of immense agricultural possibilities—stretches of rich land

waiting for the plough, huge forests (which, of ' course, would make splendid timber); and he also saw largo towns with fine shops and theatres gleaming with electric light. I like reading books like this one. They are so interesting. Love to the L.F., and wishing all and yourself, Doty a very . merry Christmas and a bright and happy New Year.—¥ours truly, STARLIGHT ROSE (Otekura).

Dear Dot and Comrades, —It is a long time since I last wrote to the page, and as I havo now arrived at retiring age, this will have to be my last letter for a little while. We have had glorious weather up here lately, and I am glad, to say this frightful epidemio has not visited us so far. A few Maoris died in the back country, but none in this district. Isn't it delightful to think that the fighting is practically over. It was great here the day p&ace -was declared. I think we nearly went mad with joy. How quickly this year has passed by! One can scarcely believe that Christmas is so near at hand. Next year, I hope, will 6ee all the boys returned to their homes, and things settled down to their normal state again. Life is very quiet in the bay at present. Our picture show has been closed for about a week, so that we have had no amusement of "any description to go to. We are expecting a Home boat here any day to load mutton, so things will be busy again. Wishing you and all my comrades the compliments of the season, and hoping my correspondents will continue to write to me as before. Good luck and success to the page.—Yours truly, TIGHNABRUIACH (Waima). [Many thanks for your good wishes, Tighnabruiach, and we wish you a full measure of happiness. Au revoir till Old Writers' Week.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here lately has been very changeable, and: for this reason sheafring operations have not been carried on as usual. To-day it is very warm. The fruit will soon be ripe, but the small fruit, such as cherries, strawberries, etc., have been ripe_ for some time past. This influenza epidemic is simply terrible, as such a-number of people are dying from it. We have all had it here except myself, and, of course, I am considering myself very fortunate._ The numerous flowers in the gardens are in bloom now, and make a great display, especially the sweet pea 3 and roses. I had a letter from Gip last week, and so far she has been free from the influenza. I like reading very much, and have read some good books, the names of which are Beulah, Queechy, Dauntless Patty, and many others. My sister, whose N.D.P. is Apple Blossom, is also writing to-day. Wishing Gip, Iris, Golden Ray, Bush Girl, and all L.F., ndl forgetting yourself, a happy Christmas and a bright New Year. —lours truly, PEARL BLOSSOM (Roxburgh). Dear Dot, —Daddy , has finished his ing, and I was at the shed. Please, would you send me a badge? Christmas is coming soon. We will soon have some early plums ripe. I have a bsd of strawberries; there are 28 plants.-^—Yours truly, BOOKWORM (Kahukura East). [Your plums must be very early, dear. I hope you received the badge safely; it was posted December'-. 17.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am eight years old, and in Standard L It is a very dull-day.. The roses and honeysuckle are out nicely now. We have four sheep; Two' had two lambs each, ffhey would have had the same number altogether if j they had all had only- one lamb each.— Yours truly, MONTHLY ROSE (Maitland). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I wrote to you on the 7th, but as the letter was not in the Witness I thought-you had no room for it, as you had. so many letters to publish. I have enclosed stamps for one of your D.L.P. badges'.—Yours truly, MANUKA BLOSSOM. [Owing to being incapacitated, and tremendously heavy mails, some letters had to be held over.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I havo another pet lamb now. My first pet is as big with his .wool on as tho other sheep are when shorn. One of our hens brought out 10 chicks. The school has been closed for so long that I forget what school is like. l The school gardens are horribly weedy, but the flowers are growing well, too. My mate in our garden is Everlasting Sweetpea. I have not 'had the influenza yet, and don't think I will get it now, as all the people at Maitland who" have had it are better now. Christmas-time is nearly round again; It seems to me to be no time since last Christmas.—Yours truly THALASSA (Maitland). Dear Dot,—l passed the exam., and am now in Standard IV at school. I have not had the influenza yet. I had it the first time, but only slightly. All the roses and other flowers are coming out. I saw Aster to-day for the second time since the school was closed. Love to Aster, Carnation, and Golden Butterfly, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, . QUEEN OP THORNS (Haka Valley). Dear Dot, —The weather has been very unsettled here, but the last four days have been good, and so we are shearing our sheep. . None of us has the influenza yet, and when it was fairly bad in Mataura we were not allowed to go out very often, and, of course, we did not. know how to amuse ourselves. We got up a concert among us, and as we have a big loft, we went there to practice in the afternoon. It was great fun. We have one every Wednesday night now, and that gives us'a week to learn new things for it. You see, we make a programme, and have our names down for 'son.Ers and recitations, and I think it is hard to stand up by myself and have to sing or recite. My sister and I.went for a ride up to Mataura on Saturday afternoon, and we stopped there for only about 10 minutes, as I like to be on the horse all the time, •and when we got home we were told that we must have had a hurried ride; but we didn't think so. My sister usually rides the bicycle, but as I can't ride it I always take the horse. Anyway I like him better, and I don't care whether I ever learn to ride the bicycle or not. Of course, the bike is all right if you are in a hurry and can't get the horse. Best love to all the L.P. not forgetting yourself.—iours truly , , . A PRAIRIE GIRL (Tuturau). Dear Dot,—lt seems incredible, that so much could happen in" so short a space of. time. After weary years of heartache and sadness to :jo plunged into joy, and almost immediately to find ourselves in the midst iof sorrow again. With the declaration cf peace one found it possible to'heave a sigh of relief and to feel free from tho burden which was growing heavier as the years . went on. We had the influenza lightly here, and now it is all over, and the sun is shining again. I have just reading a book which appealed to me very much. It dealt with the struggles of a man who, in the midst of his health and youth, was struck with paralysis. For two years ho lay wishing that he could die, but sud-

denly through tho clasp of a man's hand a change came over his life, and, rising out of his agony and, gazing upon, tho lacerated soul of a fellow-brother, he gathered in the torn edges of his heart and became a blessing to his friends. What a lesson such a book holds for us! Just now we have a great many chickens. One in particular deserves mentioning. He is called Beauty. I have never seen such a funny chicken before. -He is very small, with a large head and an old, care-worn face, is nearly devoid of feathers, except for two tiny oneß for wings, has bow legs, and feet which are so large that they overlap. He is an outcast, but I suppose the other chicks don't like his looks. There is still hope for him, however, as they aay ugly babies grow up pretty, and this might apply to chickens also. I have done as you wished* Postman Henry, and hope that you are feeling more like yourself now. Well, I must close, Dot, but not before wishing you and all the L.F. a merry Christmas and a happy -New Year.—Yours truly, . GOLDEN" SHADOWS (Gore). - Dear Dot,—The weather has been very unsettled, but the last.i three days it has, bsen lovely. Nearly all the flowers in our garden are in bloom, and they • look very pretty. The roses are the best, and we have a lot of rose trees. We have a good many sheep • now, and the men are shearing to-day. None of us has had the influenza yet, and there i'i a chance we may not • get it, as it is not .nearly so bad as* it was. We have an accordion here, and my brother plays_ it put in the hut till my head is sore. I wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. . —lours truly, A WILD BED ROSE (Tuturau). [You are not very complimentary regarding your brother's musical abilities, dear.— .DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have a pet lamb now, and he is growing very big. ; We had a nice little calf, but it died. Our cat has kittens, but we drowned them all. Our horse . has a very sore foot, and can hardly walk. We have 49 chickens now, and they • are mostly roosters, so we will have a good feed of them for Christmas. '••■; Well, dear , Dot, I won't be writing again before Christmas, so will wish all the D.L.F. and yourself a merry Christmas and a' happy and' prosporous New Year. With love; to Loganberry and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ' . BUNNY TKAPPER (Bannbckb'urn). • [Many thanks for your good wishes, dear, and I hope that you may have' a very happy time.—DOT.] . Dear Dot, —I am 14 years old, and am in Standard VI. I know a ;good many D.L.F. about here. I have three brothers and four sisters. Lpye to all the Little Folk, not x forgetting yourself, Dot.—Yours truly, - ORJANA (Ranfurly). Dear Dot, —I have always taken' a great interest in the page," and would very much like to become a member, although I-will have only two years to write; but better late than never. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—lours truly, ROYAL LADI CLARE (Ranfurly). Dear Dot, —Since last ■ writing I have been out at service. I' f am kitchenmaid in the Kiverton Hospital, and like being there very much. . I am home for a week's rest before starting- work again. I' was in bed for a fortnight with influenza before I came home, so the matron gave me a week before starting work again. I am going to Invercargill some time through the j week. The weather is not very nice at present, but I hope it will -be fine for Christmas. We have a lovely flower garden, and there are a good many flowers out. • Not long ago on© of my cousins received the D.O.M. for gallantry. Batchelor has had the "flu," and i* working at a sawmill in Fairfax. I have done a lot of reading lately. Love to A True Patriot, Batchelor, Postman Henry, and. the rest of my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.— lours truly, ~.. A HIELAND BELLE (Te Wae Wae). ■ Dear Dot,—The influenza has been very severe at Gore, but the worst is-now ' oyer. The racecourse was turned' into a hospital, and many of the country cases were brought into it. My mother, father, "and four brothers were all down with it together, and I had to nurse them. . My mother was very bad, but she is now much better. The weather here has been very changeable, but it was lovely out to-day. Our school was closed down .about six, weeks ago till January 21, but I am not,'going back to school because I have now left. I am very fond of reading books, and all my spare time is spent in that pastime. The book that I am now reading is called. " A Queen Among Girls," and it is very interesting. Wishing you a merry Christmas, and a happy New Year, and with love to all the L.F., especially A Girl from the South, not forgetting yourself.—Xours truly, ; A GIBL FROM THE WEST (Gore). [I hope the badge reaches you safely.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am very sorry that you had the influenza, but am pleased it was only a mild attack. We have been having very unsettled weather lately, but it is fine today. It is father's: birthday to-day. I have had the "flu,", and went outside, and had to go back to. bed, but am up again. It is dull staying 1 inside with nothing to do. Wishing the D.L.F. and yourself a merry Christmas and a happy New Year Yours truly, SINBAD THE SAILOR (Ashhurst). [Many thanks for your good wishes, Sinbad,- and I hope you will thoroughly enjoy yourself during this happy season.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is raining to-day. I Wilg w jth the men three days when they were lambmarking. I drove up'in the spring-cart six or seven miles to tak* the swags' and the tucker to the shepherds, and brought home two motherless lamba. ■', We have a little foal which was born blind.'- Mountain Maid and I sold 20 dozen birds' eggs and have earned about 80s from rabbitskin3. I set some traps in the oats. We are feeding a dozen lambs and three. calves. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly, SHEfP"3CE!BD LAD (Glenorchy). " [You will be quite a rich young man by the end of the holidays. Shepherd Lad. I am glad you are such a useful lad.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Otautau has had a lot of illness. My and brother-in-law havs been helping in tho temporary hospital in Otautau. Wa expect -Clover Leaf, The Darkie, Somebody's Lover; and hor husband and three children home next week for Christmas. Stars .and Stripes and 1 have not had the "flu" - yet. j We went for a nde to tho Waipipa Lighthouse We had a lovely rid» along the beach. When we were JKI., 1 " 8 we were Passing a place where ™lv£T° T re bilking with the milking ft- & l d w«. had never seen a machine wenf ™L f£ with our itiquisitiveness we worti™ Sh6d to eei > tho machines work %rA J 3 & r eat th *S> aad sav <* was a Ww ad a .aPka&d Hde home, as it was a lovely evening. I landed, home none tho wore* for my day's outing, and with

a lovely big bunch of roses. They are. so lovely. I have them in the sitting room, and they are quite fresh. We expect Somebody's Sailor Boy and his wife to land in New Zealand to-morrow. It is lovely to be able to have the boys all home again, I am waiting on the Forty-second Reinforcements to come back, as I know more in that lot than in any other. As this will be my last letter to the page for this year (1918) I will close by wishing all the L.F. and yourself a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly, THARLERIB (Slope Point). Dear Dot,—May I have the pleasure of joining the D.L.F. ? I have read the D.L.F. letters for two or three years, and have always enjoyed them. We have had the Witness since the beginning of the war. I am 14 years old. — lours truly, GOOD-BYE-E (Dunedin). [You are welcome' to contribute to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am 12 years of age, and have two brothers and two sisters. We have a pet lamb, which bunts us if we try to go near him. We have a nice little pony, but at present he is to fat for the shafts. _ I am staying in Oamaru at present, but will return home in >time for Christmas. The influenza seems to hs dying out now. Fancy it being only a week till Christmas, Dot. How the time does fly!—lours truly, TUI II (Oamaru). [There is already a writer using the above N.D.P., Tui, so if you prefer it you can decide on. another one.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am carting wood, and as my sister is away I have to cart it all on my own. I went for a long ride yesterday, and brought home my sister. We started to shear to-day. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—lours truly, BUFFALO BILL (Flaxy Creek). Dear Dot, —My sister has just got over the influenza, but I have escaped it so far. We have been having very unsettled weather here lately. The Invercargill Show has been postponed on account of this epidemic. Wishing, you all a merry Christmas and a happy New., Year, and with best love to Autumn Fairy, Wannetta, Rita, Southland Mary, Golden' Fern, Golden Locket, and Doris Hamlyn, mot forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, •■/.,": AILEEN (Mabel Bush). Dear Dot, —Of have not had the "flu" yet, and hope you have escaped it. We have the shearers just now. and it is a very busy time. We are milking 28 cows at present. We have three pet lambs and a hawk. Our school is closed just now on account of the influenza, and it opens on January 19. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. —Yours truly, PICCOLA (Barkly). [Many thanks, Piccola, and please accept my best wishes for yourself and- people. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having holidays here until February 3 on account of the influenza, so I have lots of time. Dunedin had a very bad time with the influenza, and I am glad you only had it slightly. We have not had it here yet, and as we live in the country we are not so likely to get it. 3t is very good that the war is at last ended. How glad our boys will be to get home again! Since last I wrote I have done quite a little travelling. As I was not very well I was sent to the seaside, and stayed with some friends at Port Chalmers. Then I went to an auntie, in Balclutha, and was quite a long while from home. Last year I went to Nevis for a holiday to stay with my grandma, and on account of my brother's accident I stayed quite a long time. I did enjoy myself" oyer there, as it is so nice there in summer. Then I had a little trip to Galloway, but had to come home wheD the influenza broke oue there, but I am looking forward, to going there again. My auntie has a dear wee baby girl, and I do leve babies. I have just joined the Crutch and Kindness : League in London, and have started to correspond with a little crippled girl there. I am collecting to send one of the cripples to the seaside for a holiday I have just learned to ride a bicycle, and I like it very much, so father is goin<* to .??-J 0 * one - Waning you and all the D.L.h. a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—lours truly, LITTLE SNOWDRIFT, (Lindis Crossing). CI i an \-? lad to s<?e 7° n interested in such a splendid movement, dear, and I am sure your letters will bring sunshine into a little sufferer s life. We who have so much in this favoured country can hardly realise what life is like in large cities. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather ig still bad up here, and it seems as if we are voina to have a wet Christmas. We have not° got our lambs shorn yet, but are going to make % w Y e h x av ? not had the influenza yet We do not feed our pet lambs now •as they are about the two eldest on the place. The roses are all in flower; and the garden looks very The hens have not been laying well on account of the cold weather.—Yours truly,

. KARA (Marton). [Since you received your badge I am in topes that GazooEa's may; arrive safely.— Dear Dot,—l have not written to you for a good while, -as we have all had the influenza My mother has been in the hospital with it, but we have her home now, i- of °- W - s You had, Dot! I enioved thattf ihem ?** much - We *™ *« 323 be long lift IhYT"' and T * uppore *■*£* « r™ g • I . h *J?°y 8 are home. Thev had a procession in Riverton «« „ „ \, y T I did not go down! Wish n i von ?* bU * close. With kind regards to all the T) T W and yourself.-Yours truly D-L'F-rT+ . , CATLIN (Thornbury). strength *T t 0 TeCOV ° r one ' s f " ! 1 neSalnT *Jl e T- Rn&nza ' and mother will M" * W>a °° W9 llkhi We%»iV£ lv 1? away frora tt»m.at cigxu. we hmsned shearing to-day It is nearly time to hancr ur> m ,» o+J, i • • ■mv. ™„j. j "•**'*> «P our stockings again. My mate is coming to play with me to morrow. I have a pet rabbit, and feed it on grass and cabbages. My sister ,1™,,, reads the D.L.F. letters, an'S I Sdlff too. W to all the D.L.F., not forgetW truly TULIP BLOSSOM (Oturehua).. Dear Dot.-As Little Snowdrop has settled down to read her book, -Daddy Long IW> for the evening, I thought I woufd writeyou a few hues. We have been having very unsettled weather here this last week or so and to-day we have had a lovely rain, which I have no doubt will do a good deal of freshening up. The influenza epidemic has caused a great deal of anxiety throughout the Dominion, and now that we have completed fighting the Germans, we are now fighting the germs. The deaths in the papor are simply beyond imagination, and it is so hard to realise that so many have succumbed through it. So far our little district

has kept free of the bad penny. "We are shearing here at present, and it is nice watching them in the ehed shearing the sheep, but to hear all the little lambs bleating for their mothers is rather pitiful. Kindest regards to_all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Xours truly, TKLfcJiiiLbE POT (Lindis Crossing). Dear Dot, —There has not been much rain here lately, and everything is getting very dry. We are having long holidays this year on account of the influenza, but there has been no influenza in this district. There are a number of rabbits about here just now. I am glad the war is over, as my uncle will soon be home. I had three cousins killed at the war. Wee Daddie is away home for his holidays. We are very busy carting m our hay just now. Wishing you and all the D.L.Ft a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly, ■ DEAR WEE LADDIE (Bendigo). Dear Dot. —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. We are having terrible weather just now. How glad we are the war is over, and the boys will soon be home; but the "flu" is dreadful. Wee Daddie lost his youngest brother. I am going to the top of the range during the holidays. With fondest love to all the Little Polk.—Yours truly, BUSH PIGEON (Bendigo). [I am very sorry to learn of Wee Daddie's loss, Bush Pigeon. I hope you enjoy your excursion during the holidays.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We. finished our shearing today, so now I will have more time on my hands to get into mischief. I was sorting and rolling up fleeces, and succeeded in getting only one tick on me—at least, I thought It was a tick, and settled the matter by punching the place where- I felt a bite. Whether I hit it -or not I do not know or care, but at any rate I was . troubled no. more. We were cutting chaff to-day with our own cutter and engine. The last time we tried the engine had a "rat," and wouldn't go for nie, but after a careful examination I thought I could see where the trouble lay, with the result that she went all right to-day. I still put in a day's shooting pretty often, and on Saturday shot 200 without bustling, as I was out only five hours. Someone told me that I would have to look out, as the rabbits would plan an attack on me. I don't know about that, but I should think it would be wiser if they planed an evacuation instead. - Best love and Christmas and New Year wishes to A, Girl of the Limeblost, A True Patriot, Gwen,. A British Soldier's Sister, Clementine, Josephine, Mollie, Rozelle, Postman Henry, Sir Roland, Heather Bell, Aotea Roa, and yourself.—Yours truly, ELECTRIC.. [There is no doubt that with a gun you are a quantity to be reckoned with, Electric. Many thanks for the beautiful card, and I trust the coming year may hold a large measure of happiness and good fortune. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote the Spanish influenza has spread over New Zealand, causing much grief and suffering to the people. . We are having a very long holiday this year. I spent a week at Mud Lark's place, and we went for long walks over the hill's together. We are ; not having very good weather and to-day it is raining. The rose biishes in our garden are one mass of roses. The oats, and turnips ; are looking well. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MUD LARK'S MATE (Taieri Beach). Dear are out in the hut writing,and there is. hardly enough room for the four of us to sit. at the table. It.was very warm to-day, and I was sitting out in the garden writing. My second brother has been very badl.with influenza, but he is getting better now. He was not expected to live, so my mother and eldest brother had to go down to-Dunedin to him. My mother is still down there. We are not to go back to Sunday school till .after New Year. Our cherries and gooseberries are very late getting ripe this year. We are not doing much writing m here, but talking most of the time Sunshine- Bill is talking to himself because we won t listen to him. I think I will close now, as I like talking better than writing.—Yours truly, BROWNIE (Oamaru). Dear Dot,—lt has been a nice day to-day. Some of our fruit is getting ripe. I got a dog from a lady in the country, and its name is Grundy. My dog is a good watchdog. I am going to Dunedin with my mother in January, and hope I have a good time. Love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly SUNSHINE BILL (Oamaru).' 1, [I hope you enjoy your holiday in Dunedin, Sunshine Bill.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote to you we haye had our meeting to arrange for the holding of the picnic. It was decided after some argument to hold the picnic at Waitawa on January 2. In this letter I desire with the approval of theTimaru DLF to ask all visiting Little Folk and 'bid Writers to attend the picnic. 'I must also ask them to let me know before the end of the month, so that I can make arrangements for their conveyance. Best wishes for a merry Christmas; and a happy New Year to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, . PENPUSHING COWBOY (Timaru). t £ hos l 4 esirous of attending the Timaru H*. picnic at Waitawa on January 2 are asked to communicate with W L M'Gilli yray, Box 4, Timaru, before the' end of December. AUTOS. . Norham (Marjorie Smith, Woodlea, Spar Bush) wishes to correspond with any LP ebout 12 years willing. Highland Mary (Elsie Price, Athol) wishes to correspond with Kewpie, A Heart of Gold and any L.F. about 15 years. ' Bumps© Deedle (Reta Brownlie, Berridale, IVaihiku) wishes to correspond with any LP 12 years or over willing. '. ' Peony Rose (Freda Robertson, Lumsden) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about J-u years. wtn Hiel « ld ?. el , le f Mar *a Knowles, care of Wallace Hospital, River ton) wishes to correspond with Snaky Joe, Stationmaster, ami any L.F. over 16 years A _ Girl from: the West (Winnie Eveline Davis, Seymour street, Gore) wishes to correspond' with Gloria. t 0 Star Shine (Sara J. M'Cloy, Burn Bank SS£ rhWa) Wish * 3 to correspond S Piooola (Grace M'Naught, Box 2, Barkly) wishes to correspond with any L.F willine Bush Pigeon (William Cameron, -Bendigo, Central Otago) wishes to correspond with Minstrel Boy.