DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3384, 22 January 1919, Page 63

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short letters from her yonng friends throughout th* DomlnooQ on matters o! interest to themselves, the result of their observations ia the animal world, descriptions of SDTthiSf they srs interested in, of the district ia which they live, si their school sad horn* life, holiday trips, Ao. The letters srs to bs written by the UttlS) folic themselves, snd addressed "Dot, e*x» Of Kditof WIbMM."

Dot's Little Folk's Badges with pin, for n&e *» ■ brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Pr»o«i 1» Id post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witn«M offioe, Dimedln. Price. 9d for 26.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:—We write for the benefit of«sothers, not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 360 words.

Dear Dot,—l previously lived up Central. W© have just been here two years, and I find it quiet, as there are not many children. -We also miss the fruit. My grandpa has an orchard, and we used to go and see them packing, fruit. I hope to get a trip up this year some time. There has been a lot of rain and rough weather for the holidays. I hope you enjoyed yours, Dot. We did not go anywhere: but Santa Glaus came, and was very good to me. I was at a birthday party, and we had great fun. I tot 3d out of the birthday cake. Love and est wishes for the New Year to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, -CHRISTMAS LILY II (Clinton).

[Unfortunately there is also a writer with the- present N.D.P., so you might think of another suitable pen-name.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Here I am again; still in the land of the living, still getting three feeds a day, plenty to do, and all day to do it in. I am driving a team now, and I can tell you it is not bad at all, especially when you get a seat on the implement you are working. Well, I think we would have been finished our team work if it had not been for the "flu" and this weather. I won't try to describe the weather, aa anything I could say would be praising it. lam situated about 30 miles from Invercargill; there is really good land around about here, but it is getting pretty dirty owing to the shortago of labour. I suppose the"" boys will soon be back from the war now, and things will be nearly normal before long. The ehows will soon be around now—that is, if nothing happens to put ■ them off again. I am expecting to meet some L.F. there, so I hope I am not disappointed. Wishing you and all the L.P. a bright and prosperous New Year. —Yours truly, - A MOTHER'S BOY (Heddon Bush).

Dear Dot, —I am not able to write very often, aa I have lots of work to do; but I know you will excuse me if I do not write very often. We were all visited with the unpleasant attentions of the dreaded "flu." .'Mother and my little brother suffered very severely from its effects, but dad and myself had it mildly,„the mildness for which wo were both very thankful, as we had sufficient to do to attend to our duties and nurse our two patients. It has left mother and my brother very weak; but I am pleased to say they are both convalescent now, and will'soon be their normal selves again. This influenza scourge has been very cruel indeed, and has ■ caused many sad deaths. I feel sorry when I. read of the little children bereft of their parents. I think it is all too sad. Dear Dot, I will say no more about the terrible epidemic, except to extend my deepest sympathy to those who have been bereaved. I was at the Riverton regatta with some friends, and had a most enjoyable time, although I had a sore foot; I managed to ecald it two days previously, but although I had a scalded foot that was not going to stop me, as I had promised some friends I would accompany them. Riverton, as a rule, is favoured with a nice day, and if ever there was a perfect day it was Riverton Regatta Day. We had a very quiet, but pleasant, Christmas and New Year. Dad is so full of jokes and fun; he helps to keep us smiling. Hoping this new year will bring peace and happiness to everyone, as the last four years have been very sad. Dove to Dot.—Yours ; truly,

LADY CLARICE. [You were very brave to venture forth with such a painful foot, dear.—DOT.]

Dear 'Dot, —I live in Invercargill, but at present I am at Stewart Island for my holidays. I am very interested in the shells. There are lovely fanshella at RingaTinga beach, and .also lamp shells. Some of the lamp shells are bright red. There are lovely walks here, and trips in boats. We went to Ulva in a boat one day; there is a post office there, and it is supposed to bo one of the most southerly post offices in the world. Once we went to Port William, and there was a lovely old garden there! The house was pulled down, but the garden is still left, with all the beaxitiful flowers. An. artist used to live there. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Tours truly, MARGARET (Invercargill).

[There is no reason why you should not write again, Margaret, as you are very welcome to join us. Yon are evidently enjoying your holiday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am staying at Balfour for my Christmas holidays. I suppose you will think I have forgotten you altogether, but that is not so. Wo are having very wot weather just now, and the farmers up hero cannot shear their sheep. I was playing with Lovdy yesterday, and we are very good friends. At a school picnic last year I lost my D.L.F. bridge.—Yours truly, SWEET VIOLETS (Balfour).

[Please remember to write on one side of tb<> paper only, Sweet Violets. I have forwarded the badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am staying with my grandmother at present. I escaped the "flu." I am ill in bed at present, but hope to bo up again soon. I went to Invercargill last Saturday to eeo the doctor. My mother was down to see me yesterday. We are having changeable weather at present. Stumper is at present in the hospital, but wo are expecting him home soon. Molly Bawn, some other friends, and I went to the beach for a picnic last week. It came on very wet in the afternoon. Grapoin© is away to Pahia. for a holiday, and will be home tomorrow. I was at a party on New Year's night, and had a good timo. My auntio

and cousin were very bad with the "flu," but arc quite recovered by now. We will soon be going back to school again. Our school opens on the 28th. Wo are expecting my two uncles borne from the front shortly. Isn't it lovely that the war is over, and the boys will be all returning home again? My father's cousin returned last year. We aro milking 18 cows at present, and have 22 calves. I was 11 years old last August, and am in the Fourth Standard at school. There aro 14 going to our school at Happy Valle-y. My undo has been over to Ireland for a trip. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS ROSE.

Dear Dot, —I had a nice Christmas for Santa Claus gave me some nice prcsenta. We are getting bad weather out" hero. Wo are having a lot of holidays from school. I have two ponies to look after just now. When we were at church this morning a shower of hail came on.®! have a garden with stocks and other flowers in it. The sweet peas are coming out now. I got a nurse-doll two years ago from my birthday. My sister and I received a pretty handkerchief each from Scotland. With kind regards.—Yours truly, CACTUS (Wyllie's Crossing).

Dear Dot, —It is blowing hard to-day. Our three foals are growing nicely. Mother's Mate is writing to you. My little brother is nearly two years old. —Yours truly, MOUNTAIN GLEN (Kinloch).

Dear Dot, —I am going to tell you what I did on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. All of us went up tho road in the waggon, and mummy and Josie rode over the river. While jsve were up there we had a bathe. The next day all of us went over to Glenorchy to see tho crowd. After vro had dinner we drove up to see Mountain Maid and her mother, and daddie went to see a neighbour who was shearing. After the steamer left we had tea; and then drove home. On New Year's Day I went over to Glenorchy with mummy. We were talking to a gentleman, and he said, "Next time you write to Dot tell her you saw the moving pictures—that's me." Love to all the D.L.F.j not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly.

[You had three- very nice outings, dear, and I am glad you enjoyed yourself.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Here - we are at the beginning of another year. How time has flown! It seems no time since last New Year. On New Year's Day my sister (A Poor Dittle Rich G-irl) and myself went down to Hokitika to the sports. The day was not very fine; there were a few showers, but there was plenty of shelter, so we were able to keep from getting wet. I wore my badge in the hopes of meeting some L.P., but I never met any. We didn't stay at the racecourse (where the sports were held) all the afternoon. After we had our dinner we had a look round the town. The train left Hokitika for Grey at 6 o'clock, and we got to Grcymouth at about quarter to 8. Then, after a 20 minutes' walk, we arrived home, very tired, but also very pleased at the enjoyable day's outing. I have my holidays from music, and I do not spend very much time at the piano. Some days I don't go near it at all. I have been going to the pictures a lot lately, and I have seen some very nice pictures. Well, Dot, although the war is just about finished, I think it will be some time before the boys will all be home. Some people seem to think that, now peace has been declared, the boys will leave France right away; but even if they did leave France at once, it would be months before they were all home, as .there are so many of them. Dove to yourself, Amokura, Roche, Miss Pepper, Golden Butterfly, Reomoana, Gloria, and all my correspondents.—Yours truly, GLORIA'S MATE (Greymouth). [There are quite a number of L.F. at Hokitika, but perhaps they were spending the day elsewhere.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—-It is a wet, miserable day. I intended to write the same day as Otara Eel on our birthdays, but I had the toothache, and I was feeling very miserable. Otara Eel and I got a nice lot of Christmas and birthday presents, ~©t. We hung up our stockings and got a watch eaoh, and dad gave us a watchchain to wear with them. Our uncle gave us such a nice blue tie, and we also got a knife, besides several other things, so I think we have been very lucky. A Maid of the Mountain was here for an evening last night, and we had a good game of scallywag. Dad is going to take us all up to our auntie's at Tokanui, and I do hope we get a fine day, so that we can enjoy the trip.. I found a hen's nest the other day, and it had 20 eggs in it. It is the biggest nest of eggs that I ever found, so I think it is a good find. Best wishes to Topsy and all the other D.D.F., not forgetting .yourself.—Yours truly, WINK. [The toothache was not a very agreeable present on your birthday, Wink. I am glad you fared' so well on that oocasion.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been busy vith the influenza, like most of the people around. We had rough weather for Christmas. We live near the sea, and it is nice on fine days. We keep sheep and cattle. I have five brothers all under eight years old. We are all glad the war has ended.—Yours truly, ROSEDALE (Orepuki). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band ? I am eight years old, and am -in Standard I at school. I have a sister who writes to your page. Her name is Queen of the Hills Loye to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, LADY ADELE (Makarewa). nfvr° U are very welcome to join us, dear.—

Dear Dot,—After nearly three years' absence I feel ashamed to make an appearance again, but as delay would only make matters worse, I must hurry and get this written and posted for fear something should turn up to stop me, now I Lave started. What a lot has happened in those three years I Happiness and sorrow mingled together, the war and the plague over. Which was the worst? Why, the plague! It was for us, as it took our sister with it. She was only in her prime, and it seems so hard to think we shall never see her again. It came as such a shock to us all, and the worst of it was we were all ill at the time, and she died in the hospital; but she will be happy now. I havo a brother at the war; he was ill some time ago, and was very bad with malaria fever when last we heard from him, so wo are living in hopes that he may be sent home with the first lot, as I believe t-lio ill and wounded ones are to bo returned home first. I have been in town staying for a holiday, as the "flu" leaves one very weak and tired. I lost nearly a stone in weight, and I was not so very bad either. I stayed in town a fortnight, and was glad to get back to the country again. I don't know how some people live in town, with its bustle and hurry, and everyone spick and spnn from Week to week and year to year. Really, 1 do pity some of th© young men in shops with collars and faultless neck-tie on every

day; it would get on one's nerves, I should say. I was delighted to get home and seo the ploughmen come in dirty. I never thought it such a pleasure before, I can tell you; but after coming from the- town one sees things in a different light: to see the green, fields with oats just through, and others again with clover out in flower, and oows, horses, and sheep feeding or basking ia the sun—everything looked so calm and peaceful and lovely after the busy town. I have stayed in town often before, but never thought it so detestable as I did this time. I felt far more lonely in town with its crowded streets than I do in the country. Another year is on its way, and although I am too lat© for Christmas and a; little behind with the New Year, I will wish all the Little Folk and yourself a very happy one, and may all the troubles of last year go away with the year. Well, Dot, I am getting quite old. Oh, dear! only two more years a L.F.! I hope to write oftener in the future than I have in the past; but jn case I don't, I will wish the dear old page every success in the future, and may it be patronised as well as it has been In the past. With kindest regards to all the L.F. and 0.W., and not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

SISTER MOLLY (Southland). [I am exceedingly sorry to learn of your sister's death, dear, and please- accept my sincere sympathy. No doubt the country m more restful than*the town; but one must remember it is a case of whatever one is accustomed to. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope that you had aomerry Christmas. I have had a very enjoyable one, although it was very quiet this year._ The weather here is very miserable. I think I have almost forgotten what a sunny day is like, 'xne fruit is very late this year. There are no signs of ripe peaches yet, for which I am „sorry. On New Year's Day the Sunday school picnic was held. There was not a large attendance, because bowling and tennis matches were held the same day. I also went to the band concert that night. One day last week I ,was picking cherries at a neighbour's placs. It is a very tedious job. We took nearly a whole afternoon to pick a half-ca®eful of cherries, so you can see- for yourself that the work is not very swift. The gooseberries are ripe now, and every time we go down to the post office for our mail, we gather a basketful. The Coal Creek School is still closed, and I don't think it will reopen until February. Kind regards to A Soldier's Niece and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS BEATRICE (Coal Creek).

Dear Dot,—lt has been a beautiful day to day, and it is quite a pleasure too, as we have not bad a nice day for a long l time. I think We are quit© -welcome to good weather after the rough weather of late. I was up at the Popotunoa Bush yesterday, and I enjoyed myself immensely, although the weather was not too great. "We were going l to the Kowhai Falls, only the weather wasn't favourable. There were some beautiful ferns in the "bush. I took a great interest in everything I saw except the lawyers. My hands were all scratched. They are awfully thick, and they cling on to one. The bush Was fairly dense, and in somei places we could not make a. passage way, as we were not on the track. Hoping j'ou are enjoying l the New Year, and kindest regards to yourself, Dot, and all the D.F.—Yours truly, GLADWIS'EI (Clinton).

[Your cards- were posted immediately on receipt of this letter, so I trust you received them safely.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am at present staying in Woodhaugh, and I like it very much. It is very much different, to Christchurch, because it is all flat there. I -would like to live in Dunedin for a change; but I have not had very nice weather so far. It is very pretty round here, nothing but a mass of native bush and shrubs. I am going to visit St. Clair beach to-morrow if it is fine. I have been down here a week to-day, and am staying for a month. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SriONAH (Woodhaugh).

[You are certainly not favoured with good weather to enable you to get about and enjoy yourself, Shonah. Let us hope it improves soon.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 13 years old, and am only in Standard V. I have three brothers and no sisters. We are milking 14 cows. I have a little 1 n nck pony that I ride; his name is Captain Best wishes for all the Little Polk, not forgetting yourself, Dot.—Yours truly,

BETA (Maungatua). [You are very welcome to join us, Reta.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —"We have been having very bad weather lately, but to-day it is a little better. I hope it keeps fine for a while now, as I think we have had enough rain lately. We were round the beach on New Year's Eve, and when we were coming home we met Brown Eyes. She is staying down here just now for a holiday. Ahua and I are going round to The Bocks this afternoon for a. swim if .it keeps fine. I have only had two swims this year, and both times the water has been lovely. It was pretty quiet down here at Christmas time. What a lovely time we could have had if it hadn't been for the " flu "! We all had it at the same time, but are all right again. There was a lot of it about here, but there are only a few cases now. The hospital was packed, and only one nurse out of seven did not get it. They had to rely on the town people to help at night. Sometimes there were only two or three "nurses" to. look after the whole hospital. A good many people were here on Regatta Day, but not half so many as usual. The Riverton Bowing Club won three races out of six, which amounts to about £l3. ""My brother was rowing in the Junior Pours, and as they won he was quite pleased with himself. All the bungalows round The Rocks are full just now, but lately they would not have much pleasure, as it was too wet. They had sports round there one day last week, but as it rained we did not go. There are a good number of tourists down here too. Riverton is greatly favoured by tourists; people come from all over the South Island, but mostly from Invercargill and district, to its shores. The river is another attraction. It is lovely up there on a summer's day. The ironwood mistletoe and koromiko ai-e all out in bloom just now, and it makes a perfect picture. Every day in the summer boats run up the river with picnickers, and the boats are usually full too. I don't think I will be going back to school this year, but I am not sure yet. I. would like to go for a while, but if. I start I'll have to go all the year. We have not been to school since the signing of the armistice. We hatl great celebrations that day. Wo had the best fun on the Friday when the "rumour" of peace came through. It was nioro surprising. All the bands were out, and the High School boys marched up and down the streets banging kerosene tins. Between the bands, the ting and whistles, and Equeakers, it was very hard to hear what anyone said to you. It is lovely to think that the boys are returning. It was exactly & year on

Saturday last since my brother landed in New Zealand. We are expecting my tiiicle to arrive here about the end of this mo>ith. He has been away four years nearly, so wo are looking forward to some fun. Kind regard to Giant, Gypsy Belle, Ahua, Stationmaster, Blunderbus, Gloria, Willochra, ±sroWn Eyes, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ANZAC'S NIECE. Dear Dot, —It has b©3n very rough weather here lately, more like winter than summer. We are milking five cows and feeding sis calves. I have' seven young ducks, and they are such pretty little things. I did not go anywhere for my holidays, it was safer to stop at home. Wo have a large garden, and I have some vegetable marrows and tomato plants growing. I had strawberries ripe before they cam© down from the north. I am very fond of gardening. We had plenty of green peas, white oabbage, and new potatoes for Christmas, and other vegetables too numerous to mention. Best love to Chip. Queen of the Hills, Queen of Yerlum, not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, lONA (Tussock Creek). [You appear to bo a very successful gardener, lona.—JDOT.] Dear Dot,—l have a little kitten, and I call It SilKy. I did not go anywhere for my holidays, i milk two cows night and morning, and we are feeding six calves. Wo have weaned seven calves. I have bsen quite busy to-day helping to kill a pig, but lona said I was in the road all the time, so that is all the thanks I got. I think our hens must know it is Christmas time, because they are not laying. Best love to Queen of the Hills and Queen of Verlum, and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A RETURNED SOLDIER'S PET (Tussock Creek). Deai Dot, —We have been having bad weather up here lately, but it has been a fine day to-day. A little while ago our school closed on account of the epidemic, and will not open for a long time. I think it will be closed till February. There are, some ripe peaches about just now, but the main crop will not be rip© for one or two weeks yet. The lat© frost did a good deal of damage to the fruit crops, but even so the fruitgrowers will be • busy with their fruit. I have three little kittens—two white ones and one black one. The mother cat was caught twice in a trap, and she has a very sore leg; but it is getting better again now, and I am glad it is. ' It is a good thing that the influenza is going away; it was an awful thing, and I hope it will never come again to New Zealand or any other part of the world. When the fruit season comes I will have to pick and pack fruit, and also eat a good deal of it. Love to Fruitpicker, John Bull, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TEMEIRAIRE (Roxburgh).

Dear Dot,;—We are having very rough weather, and it is raining as hard as it can just now. The farmers who are shearing- won't get much work done, because the sheep will be too wet. We have still three weeks' holidays from school; we have had a good long spell. Wo have two coaches running on this road; one brings the post office mailbag and the other brings the mail that has to be put off at houses which are too far away from the post office. I have been at home all my holidays so far, so,I think it will be a hopeless case of going anywhere- now. Dove ,to Grace Fisher, Golden Shoe, and Silver Shoe, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PETER PINK WEASLE (Redan).-

[Holiday-making under the climatic conditions prevailing is anything but enjoyable, so you are not too badly off.—DoT.l

Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I received my badge and liked it very much. Silver Bell has just gone out with the sheep. Just now I am staying in the country, and am having a lovely time. My cousin, who just lives down from us, used to write to the D.L.F. page. Yesterday I was in bed all day, but to-day I am iip, though not feeling very well. To-day it is scorching, quite a change to the wet weather we have had. I have read a good many books since I wrote to you last—about six altogether. The little kitten that we had was killed by the horses; but we hope to get another, because we want to take onei home with us. My little cousins were up here all vesterday, and they a i T f t Ut r little tricks - Kindest regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

WHITE BUTTERFLY (Waikaka). Dear Dot, —I would very much like to join your happy band. I am 13 years old, and live in the country, which I like better than the town. We do not go to town very often, as we have a shop out here. I like going round the with my father, it is a lovely, ride in the oar. It has been very changeable weather lately. I have two sisters and no brothers. On Christmas lmy we all went to the river, and we had a lovely day. On Boxing Day we went to the bay, and my sister and I went in for a bathe. On New Year's Day we stayed at homo. My little sister would like you to give her a name for her doll. I hope you had a merry Christmas and a happy .New Year. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

LUCILLE (Levels)." [You ought to be able to find a name for the doll, dear; you would have a better opportunity of judging than I have.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have been a reader of your page for quite a long time, and have at last made up my mind, to write and! ask you if you will accept me as one of your many writers? I am nine and a-ha.lf years of age, and I expect to be put •up into the Third Standard when I go back to •chool. I have one sister slid two brothers. It is not very nice weather here to-day. It has been blowing and raining all day. We live about five miles from town. We have a motor car, and often go for nice long rides in it. Love to all cousins, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly RED CARNATION" (Waiinate). [You ore very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We ere having fairly fine weather here, but we could do with it a bit warmer. I hope you enjoyed Christmas all right, although the epidemic was going about. We had a very quiet Christmas, as our father was not at home. It has been raining all afternoon, but has stopped now. Some m'&a. have been at the beach fishing, and, they caught a number of sharks. One was 9ft llin and the others were various sizes. One was a female, and she carried 46 young ones in her pouch. Wasn't that a crowd, Dot! I did not have the luck to be down there when thoy oaiight them, but had seen them afterwards. We never had any crop of any kind in this year, but will grow some next year. The farmers have had eome bad luck with their sheep just after shearing. Some of the farmers have not started! shearing yet. We have one pet lamb, and it is si regular nuisance sometimes. Yesterday I rode a horse to Temuka, a<nd rode again to-day, and I may tell you I have Bore legs

this afternoon. I won't want to ride In a hurry again. I did not go to the D.L.F. picnic this time, as I missed the train. Heather Lily and I were going. It was cupposed to have been good. We had a really good time at Now Year, and would like Now Year to come more oftener. "With very best wishes to Wild West Cowboy, A Maid of the Mountains, Dairymaid, Deadwood Dick, Heather Lily, A Star o' the South, Bunny,

and Penpushing Cowboy, and your own deaT self. —Yours truly, BONETTE (Milford).

[There has been so much confusion, through L.P. changing their N.D.P.'s 'that I have been forced to put a stop to it unless for a good reason.—DOT.] % Dear Dot, —I hope you enjoyed Christmas and New Year. I missed my first letter if it was printed, as wo do not get the "Witness regularly. What cold weather we had! for Christmas, Dot! "We had visitors for New Year, and one diay we all went for a picnio over to Ardlusaa, and it was lovely. "We also bad our photos taken. "We have not started shearing yet, as the weather has not been suitable. Our garden is very nice just now. All the flowers are out in bloom. I was out picking gooseberries yesterday and black currants to-day for jam. Love to all the Little Polk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSE OP PICARDY (Lumsden). [Your letter was printed, dear, so you must have missed it. I hope you are. more fortu--nate this time.—-DOT.] Dear Dot, —I received my badge safely, and was pleased, to get it. The weather was quite like surrumer yesterday, but to-day is quite the opposite. We finished our shearing last night. At present we are milking two cows and feeding two. calves. I have been birdnesting lately, and collected a good many eggs. I have seen one or two D.L.P. girls about, but do not know their names. On the arrival of the "Witness each week I always look at the D.L.P. page. With love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SILVER BELL (Waikaka). [lf you made yourself known as an L.F. I am quite sure you would be warmly welcomed by the L.F.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This year has been very ,quiet compared with other years, but when Spring Fairy comes back it won't be so quiet, here. My father is trying to»get the telephone in, and it will be very handy, as we live four 1 miles from the nearest township. The Taieri River has been pretty high this year owing to so much' rain up country. My mates and I set a few lines in the river, but we succeeded in catching only one eel, which weighed 161 b. Fairy Footstep was down here a few months ago, and we did have a fine time. We drove to Harvey's Flat one day, sjnd nearly got blown away. As there is a good lot of bush up there we brought home as many ferns as pur trap would hold, but we were too lazy to plant them all. We also motored to, Portobello one day, and enjoyed ourselves. I was up at Spring Fairy's place on Christmas Day, and we 6at on the side of the road and watched tre people passing. I had the opportunity of a motor ride to-Oamaru the day, but I could not go on account of so many cows milking just now. Best love to the other season fairies, Fairy Footstep, Wrestler, and all my correspondents.—Yours truly. SUMMER FAIRY (Outram). Dear Dot, —I have taken considerable interest in the page for a number of years, and now take the liberty of asking you if you would accept me as one of your circle of L.F.? I will be 16 years of age next birthday. I know ft number of Little Folk who reside about here. I daresay I am rather asking to join your circle. I am quite certain that had s we not a calendar I should be saying, " Well, Dot, we are having a very wet winter." This incessant rain *s dreadful. Just fancy enow at this time of the year! The surrounding hills were white yesterday morning when we got up. What with the war,. s the epidemic, and the weather, are altogether troublesome. It is terrible to hear of the number of homes bereaved by this epidemic. We say, " Oh, it is worse th as the war," but the fact is, Dot-, that' the epidemic ravaged our own little country a.ni the war did not. Of course, we felt the war, bud indirectly it was not in our midst like the epidemic. Had we been in France we very likely would say, " Oh, the epidemic is nothing, compared with the war." What a number of letters you must have to read! You will not require to join a library while you have so many Little Folk contributors. Though late, I will venture to send yon greetings for the new year. Prosperity ar.d health be yours. With kindest regards to all the L.F., and please accept the same yourself. —Yours truly,

CHBISTABELw [You are very welcome to join lis, dear, and as the retiring age of L.F. is 20 years, you have yet four years ahead in which to write.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot,—l wrote to you last Christmas, but did not do so since. My sister wrote to you to-day, so I thought I would write again. We are milking three cows now. I have a wee kittsn and a little pup. We call the pup Darby. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, • BETTY BLUE! (Oreti). [I am pleased, to see your second letter, Betty.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am 13 years old; "We have three cows milking now. I milk one of them nearly every night. I like milking very much. I did not get the influenza. 1 hop© to see this letter in print. Best love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, SYLVIE (Oreti). Dear Dot, —We <are now at Riverton for our holidays. We have had one- fine day since we cams here. Out school opens on the 28th of this month. A great many motor" cars pass our bungalow on the way to the Rocks, which is a great pleasure resort. We hope to go up the Pourakino River before we go home. We have been here nearly two weeks, and intend to stay until the end oi the month. I only hope the weather will be fine for the rest of our holidays.—Yours truly, o HAPPY JEAN! (InvercargiU). [I sincerely hope the remaining fortnight of your holiday may be blessed with sunshine.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am writing to see if I may join your happy band? I am 13 years old. I know a great many L.F. We are having dreadful weather about here. I trust you are having better. The influenza has been awful. There are many sad homes -everywhere now, Christmas was very quiet about here. It did not seem like Christmas at ell. We had snow ljere the other day, and the hills were white, ft did. look nice to see the trees hanging with snow. My brother writes to the page. His N.D.P. is Hammer and Nails. I will olcso now. Kind regards to •all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, G-LENELDA. Dear Dot, —The weather here is not at all like summer at preaeni. We are feeding! three pigs, .and have two small ones running about. "V£e are milking 27 cows by hand, and are sending the milk to the factory. The influenza has scattered over this little district. There wore eight of U 9 in bed a-t ones, and my mother and two of my brothers were the only ones who were left' to look after us. J was in bed four days, and I thought ;t enough. When, cine of my eisters got up my brother took it, and he wes in bed

far a week. We have all recovered now. We are not getting many eggs, but we pickle the ones we do get. "We have a hen with five half-grown chickens, and another one sitting. The chickens should bo out to-day. We found a hen with one chick, and a fortnight later we found the neat with nine eggs in it. We have four hives of bees. I am going into the Sixth Standard when we go back to school. We have had one meal of our now potatoes. Wo have our turnips up out of the ground now, and are -waiting to get our brother to help us to shear the sheep. Wo have about 40 lambs. My brother passed The Sixth Standard, and he got his proficiency. Ho is thinking about going to a town school. Scotty and Gladolio are my brothers. Harvest Maid and Halcro are my sisters. Norbam is living about eight miles from here. Brentwood is my schoolmate. She lives a mile from me. Our school opens on January 28. With kindest regards to yourself and all your happy members. —Yours truly, " BANAVIE. •[I am glad to know all your family are now better, dear. Many thanks for the card. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been reading with interest lately your letters in the Otago Witness, eo I thought I would like to join your happy band. I am 14 years of age, and am still attending school. When I go back I shall be in Standard VII. We are having long holidays, and I am at present spending a few days with my schoolmate, The Girl Scout, and we are having a really good time. I have already spent about two weeks down a* Invercargill. I have two brothers in France, one having gained the Military Modal andl Distinguished Conduct Medal. I can tell you we are quite proud of him.—Yours truly, THE GIRL SCOUT'S MATE (Clarksville). [I am glad you are so thoroughly enjoying your holiday, dear. —DOT.]Dear Dot, —I am 15 years of age, and am still going to school. I have The Girl Scout's Mate staying with me at present, as my mother is away for a. holiday. I can tell you we have some great fun. The weather is awful. There isn't a fine day at all just now. I have an uncle who went away with the Main Body, and he is expected to arrive in a fortnight. He won the medal for bravery and also the bar to it. My other uncle went with the Sixth Reinforcements, and was there for three years. He came back on duty, but is away again. Lots of love to yourself and the Little Polk. —Yours truly, THE GIRL SCOUT (Milton).

Dear Dot; —The weather doesn't seem like Bummer this year at all. The farmers can't get their turnips sown, as the rain keeps the ground wet. We have 10 cows milking, and it isn't very nice going out to milk on the wet days. We send our cream away instead of making butter. I did not go anywhere on New Year'si Day, but we are going to the Sunday school picnic on the 29th of this month. I was working at a neighbour's place while they shore the sheep, and it , never rained all the time they were shearing, but it was very windy.—Yours truly, JEANETTB (Kaihiku).

Dear Dot,—We had our school picnic- on Saturday. It was a very wet day, but I enjoyed myself all the same. We had a lot of races, and I won a few of them. I got 5s for racing, and also my school prize. My brother and I got two prizes each—one for good attendance and one for diligence.- The names of mine were "On A World" and ' "The Willoughby Captains.' I have a little baby brother six weeks old, and we cannot find "a name for him. Three solders have returned who belong to this- district.—Yours truly, WARSTEP (Taieri Beach).

Dear Dot, —I am spending my Christmas holidays with my auntie in Invercargill. I am having a nice time with my two cousins. I will be going home at the end of this month, when our school reopens. Wishing you. a- very happy New Year. —Yours truly, VOLITA (Invercargill).

Dear Dot, —My father was going to make his bay to-day, but it came on to rain, so he could not do it. I hop© j r ou and all j'our Little Folk aro still clear of the influenza. We have not had it yet/but we do not want it. I was down to the beach on- New Year's Day, and I enjoyed myself very much. Nearly every Sunday we go to a beach, and dad goes fishing. My brothers had a ferret, but they lost it yesterday. We have 19 chickens, and I like them, because they are nice and fluffy. We are milking five cows and feeding three calves.—Yours truly, SAGO PUDDING (Glenomaru).

Dear Dot, —I am 11 years old. I have been to Owaka for Christmas, and have enjoyed myself. It is my little sister's birthday, and we had _ a tea party, and it was nice. We are having lots of holidays. We don't go back to school till some time in February. We were ell excited when peace was declared. The boys broke the school bell ringing it eo hard. I will be in Standard IV when I go back. I got my photo taken in the kilts, with bagpipes, while I was at Katea. I had three uncles who went away with the Main Body, and four uncles went afterwards. They are all back now. One has lost his right arm and another is blind in his loft eye. I don't know what is the matter with the others. I wish you and the L.F. a happy New Year.—Yours truly, FAIRY NELL'S MATE (Bavensbourne).

Dear Dot, —I hope you escaped' the "flu." Trere are not many people who have not had it. It is about 15 months since I last wrote to the page. I have been to Katea for a fortnight's holiday, and have enjoyed myself. I went for two or three picnics, and came home all sunburnt; but one can expect sunburn after a lovely picnic/. The bush is so pretty about Katea. It is raining here to-day.. We have had no hot weather to speak of this summer. It Is either raining or blowing. We are going to make red currant jam this week. Such a lot of flowers ore out just now. I think flowers are lovely. They make such a difference in a rflace. My sister is going to Riversdale for a holiday, andl I nni glad, as she is not strong. Well, dear Dot, I wish you and all the D.L.F. a very happy New Year. With fondest love. —Yours truly, A COUNTRY MUFF'S MATE (Ravensbourne).

Dear Dot, —Slay I join your happy band of I/ittlo Folk? lam in Standard IV, and go to Maknrewa School. I was playing with Sweet Violets yesterday, and it was she who ashed me to write- to you. Would you please send mo a badge at your earliest conveneinoe? —Yours truly, BIiUEBELIiS (Balfour). [Please remember to write on one eido of the paper only, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have left Pleasant Point, and are now living in Levels Valley. We like it much better than the other place, as wo can drive into Timaru from here very nicely in an hour. I sincerely trust you and L.F. were lucky enough to escape the influenza; if not, that you have made good recoveries, It ja heart-rending to think.of the little children left orphans through it. I hatfe 6, cousin returning' with tha draft duo

on Saturday. We are all so pleased to have him back with us again, but we wish his brother was coming too, but he was killed in action in France on September 4, 1918. He used to correspond with me, and, Dot, no one can tell how I miss his cheery letters, and not having to write to him every Sunday. I don't think the fruit will be a success this year, not in these parts, anyway. I suppose the late frosts are the cause, as there are no plums on the trees at all. The frost caught them when they were just coming, and they turned white and fell off. We have had lovely weather this week, but I suppose it will be raining on Sunday, as that has been the usual thing lately. Love to Blunderbus, A British Soldier's Sister, and all L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WOLGA (Levels Valley). Dear Dot, —We have all had the influenza, but are all right after it. I have passed with a proficiency, and I think- I am going to the High Scllpil here. On Boxing Day my cousin, brothers, and sisters went for a picnic in the bush. Wo made a table out of sticks, and had our dinner on it. Afterwards we had a game of blind man's bull, and we ran into trees until we could hardly walk. It was raining this afternoon, but has stopped now. We have a little kitten, which wo call Peace. Love to Clematis and Sweet Pea and yourself.—Yours truly, POLLY (Kaikoura). Dear Dot,—l was nine years old on December 5. and will be in Standard II when I go back to school. Almost everybody has had the "flu," but we didn't get it. My brother is going away for a holiday on Tuesday. He was away for a few days last week and the week before. I don't think I am going my holidays. Best love to Irish Colleen, A Caithness Lass, and yourself, Dot,—Yours truly, WEE WEE (Herbert). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been spending a very happy holiday here, and I will be sorry when school opens again'. I know one of the D.IaF. girls—she ia my friend. It is a busy time at Birchwood with tho shearing. It is lovely to see the lambs frisking about. What age can you write to, Dot? Can boys write too? The weather is dreadful just now. I think this is all this time, Dot.— Yours truly, CRUEGER (Birchwood). [L.F. may write up to 20 years, when they become Old' Writers. One fortnight (usually in October) is set apart for letters from Old Writers. There is no discrimination between boys and girls in the page; both may and do write. Quite a number of our writers are away on active service, and still remember the page.—.L/OT.] Dear Dot, —I have just been reading your page, and would like to join the D.L.F. I am 12 years old, and. go to Christ's College in Christchurch. We are shearing at present. We generally take a week to shear our sheep, but it has rained so much that we have not finished yet. With love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, GREY DUCK (Birchwood). [I suppose the vacation-, will soon be over, Grey Duck, and then back to college and hard work.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just been reading yoxir page, and I want to write. lam eight years old, and in the First Standard. Dad has two purebred red Poleys,, and they are the only purebred cows in the South Island. Love to all the L.F. and yourself from —Yours truly, TUTU (Birchwood). [I am very pleased to receive your letter, Tutu, and hope you will continue to write.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is raining here to-day, ■ and things seem very miserable. We spent a very quiet Christmas here, but on New Year's Day we had a There were very few there, but I think everybody enjoyed themselves. I came home with Gold Branchen, and when we were crossing the swamps she stuck her foot down a dirty hole, and had to take off her shoes and stockings. T watch the Witness for the Tussock Creek D.L.F., but none of them ever appear. I wrote to Only a Pansy Blosorn a few days after we came here. She did not take the trouble to answer my letter, 39 I am waiting patiently until she does. Ophelia has not put in an appearance since she left Tussock Creek, so I do not know whether she is dead or alive. People are just starting their shearing here. They have been very slow this year. My sister was looking for me yesterday, and I am glad she did not find me, for I was down in the long grass eating currants, and I did not want to be interrupted. My mother is not well to-day, so she'went to lie down. Some of our stock is out in flower, and it has a sweet smell. We are only milking one cow just now, but my mother makes enough butter to keep us going. I am reading "Rag and Tag," and I like it very much. Kind regards to Only a Pansy Blossom, Foxglove, Ophelia, Queen of the Heather, A Wee Scotch Lassie, A Returned Soldier's Pet, Glenrose, Snowdrop, Julius Csesar, Abraham Lincoln, The Island Lass, Ribbon Grass, Gold Brancher, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, . FIONA II (Birchwood). Dear Dot, —We have not been to school since peace celebrations, but I think we will be starting on the 28th January. I have a little black pony, and his name is Chum. He will eat anything. "I was out on him for a ride to-day. I have not had the influenza so far, but mother did. Longwood Blossom was my second cousin. We were going to go down to Wakatipu Beach for a picnic on New Year's Day, but it was too wet. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your-" self.—r Yours truly, VENUS (Pahia). [I was sincerely sorry to learn of Longwood Blossom's death, Venus; she will be greatly missed from our annual gatherings DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I wrote to the page, and now I have reached the retiring age I think it is time I wrote a few lines. The chief toplo here just now is the weather. It has been a dreadful season, and crops, turnips, etc, are very backward. Last year the crops were very early, but this jear they will be very late. There are a few people still sowing turnips, and quite a number not started shearing yet. We have been very lucky in getting ours finished. Was not the influenza dreadful? There were a few deaths round here, and there is still a, good deal of sickness about. It is quite a relief to know that the war is over. I don't think my brother would have got to France, as the last word we had was written in October, and ho was then in England. I have a cousin supposed to land in Dunedin to-day. The garden doesn't get much of a chance this weather. The rata ought soon to be out in bloom, but I have only seen one little ]Meco yet. The only things that seem to do well are the birds ftnd rabbits. My brothers have a young? hawk here, and it is such amusement. Ithas nearly all its feathers on now; but I

think there is something wrong with one of its wings. It is very funny watching it trying to use its legs. It wobbles about all over the place, and can only go a short way without falling over. It eats such big pieces of meat, too, that you would think it would choke itself. Bollifer la living about 12 miles from here now. She has three little girls. You would know that Boy has a school in Nelson now. What has happened to you, Jim? I haven't heard from you for a long time, nor seen a letter from you in print. We had an uncle and two cousins stopping here for a week, but the weather was not good for holiday-making. We are only milking seven cows now. It is a change from milking for the factory. Mother and father have gone to Riverton for the weekend; but it won't be very pleasant beside the sea. When my brother sailed four of us went up to see him off, and enjoyed the trip very much. I wouldn't like to live in Wellington. Featherston and Trentham were rather nice. Wo spent a few days in Christohurch, Oarnaru, and Dunedin, and I liked Dunedin best of all. Well, Dot, I must say good-bye to _the page. With best wishes to all the L.P. and yourself, and continued success to the pa.ge in future.—yours truly, THE MAID OP THE MARSH (Glenham). _[l did not know Boy was residing in Nelson. I wish him great success, and feel sure he will like there very much.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have two cats, and their names ar€ Dandy and Spotty. Dandy is mine and Spotty is uad's Shepherd's. We got them off Laughing Lassie, and they are both two pretty wee things. Dad's Shepherd is. going do%vn to Tuatapere to-day on her hack. My mother has a calf, and she groom 3 it and it bucks around her. It has only had one or two grooms, and it gets fed on new milk night and morning.—Yours truly, ROSEBUD Dear Dot, —I hope both yourself and all the L.P. have had a very good Christmas. I enjoyed' myself very well. I was staying at my grandma's for a holiday, andl my auntie and cousins were there, too, so I had plenty of fun. My uncle just arrived home from the war two days after Christmas, and we were all eo pleased to see him again, and quite a crowd came to see him the night he came home, so we Wad a pleasant, evening with music and singing. ■ My uncle ie a yery nice singer, and being away so long does not seem to have spoilt his voice, even if he has had a rough time. I am now down at my auntie'p,; it is a very quiet place, but I always like coming dtown here for a change. We are going to the bush for a picnic on Sunday, and. take a basket, so it will be nice if we get a good day. We have had hardly any summer this year; it has been so unsettled.' Yesterday my cousin and I were picking gooseberries, and managed to pick nearly half a bucket, but it.took us a long time, and I don't suppose we will be asked to pick any more. Best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CROMEL (Athod). N. B.—l am very sorry to have to inform you that ■ Cocoanut died from influenza and its effects on December 4 at the temporary hospital in Balfour. It was very sad. He was always a nice happy boy, and was not quite 15 years old. [I am indeed deeply sorry to learn of Cocoanut's death, Cromel. The influerrza has thinned our ranks considerably, and there are few cases where L.P. have not lost someone through it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having better weather to-day than we have had for a while. Would you please send me a D.L.P. badge? There was a, little hole in. the tyre of my bike, but it is fixed again now. I went to Bahia yesterday for the mail. It won't be very long till my birthday. I will then be 11. I have a little flower garden of my own, and some of the flowers are in bloom. The soldiers will soon be back now. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE SUN PRINCES (Ruahine). [I ha.ve posted your badge, dear, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am eight years old, and in Standard I at school. We have a little pony called Beauty, and I often have a ride on it. Our school will open on the 28th of this month., There is quife a lot of snow on the hills yet. Love to all the D.L.P., not forgetting yourself.— Yours -truly, • *>. NEW ZEALAND'S PRIDEI (Glenorchy). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am seven years old. _ I fell over and hurt my knee. I am in Primer II at school. I have three sisters. We have a pony, and go for wood with it. I have a little black kitten. Love to all the D.L.P., not forgetting yourelf.—Yours truly, SCHEELITE (Glenorchy). [I have put both badges in one box, and i hope you receive them safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My little sister has cut her first tooth to-day, and it is very exciting. I found a skylark's nest with three young skylarks in it. A Bunch of Qpmations, who was staying with me for a holiday, has gone home now. I had a swing up for a long time, but pulled it down, so it has not been put up again yet. One of my mates came over to see me to-day, so we had an enjoyable time playing on the trees. We found a good! many nests .with nothing in them. I got a doll and a ball fromi Santa Claus, and am pleased with my doll. I am going to town every Saturday when school starts again_ to learn music and dancing. I was learning them both before, but stopped because' we came to live here. With ,love to all the D.L.P., not forgetting your own dear self. — Yours truly, mT „„ ,„ A YELLOW SUNFLOWER (Benmore). [I ami sure you will be pleased to renew your lessons in music and dancing again, dear. They are both deirable accomplishments and very pleasurable.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having wet weather here, but to-day is fine. We have two pet lambs and two kittens. Our hens are laying now, and wo get eeven eggs nearly every day. Our currants are ripe now. I was at the show, and enjoyed it. We do not-go back to school till February 3. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, PIKI-ARERO (Owaka Valley). Dear Dot, —We are having very bad weather up here just now. We went for a picnio on New Year's Day, and are going for one to-morrow, and I hope it» i» better weather. There are seven cows milking now, but I have not to milk lliem. We have a cat and a kitten, but we are getting two more from our cousins There are a lot of campers in our place now. I fell off the horse to-day, but did not get hurt. We have two pig 3 nearly ready to kill. We will be dipping soon. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Youri truly, THE FARMER'S: BOY (Waianakarua). Dear Dot, —I went for the mail to-day, and' I saw my last letter in the pa/pen, I found a strange kitten by our shed the other day, and the thing it did was to kill a young clr'cken. The "flu" .has visited our district

again, in on© ox two places. 1 have been cutting firewood, these last two or three days. We have been using our new potatoes for a week now. When I left off writing the kitten got up and Km over the letter and smudged the ink. I planted some pumpkins, and looked this afternoon, and I see there is just one growing. I had to fix a puncture in my bike tube to-day. When I first gotuiy bike ray sister would try to ride it. When she got going she kept on till she fell off. bornetimes the course was a rough one, over thitles and sticks. I have not been anywhere through the holidays, and do not think I will be going away.—Yours truly, KAKA (Marton).

[No doubt you gained much experience in mending punctures after your sister's rides, Eaka. At first it is usually considerably easier to keep going than start or .stop. — DOT.

Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather just now, only it is a little windy. The awful epidemic is over at Wairoa, and all th© emergency party went up to Waikaremoana yesterday for days' well-earned rest. The pictures opened last night after being closed for a month or two. I think a good crowd was there. I didn't go, as I'rc. expecting to go diown to Napier for a holiday shortly. The other night there were a number of canoes on th© river fishing for kawhai, and next morning when I got up there were no fewer than 80 boats, canoes, and launches. Love to Billy Perkins,' Rangi, A Maid of the Mountains, Billy Boy, P.O. 49, and yourself, Dot, and all th© L.F.—Yours truly, SOOT (Wairoa).

[I have' put another auto in, Soot, and hops it is ooxrect this' time. We had better both share the blame, as it is now impossible to say who mad© the mistake.—JX>Tj Dear Dot,—May I become one of your writers? I am nine years of age. I go to school, and am in the Second Standard. I have two .sisters and on© brother. I am stopping at my grandmother's for a holiday at present, and am having a good time. My grandfather is milking 20 cows, and takes the milk to the factory. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, G-BAfNDAD'IS GIRL (Eketahuna). [I am very happy to have you join us, dear—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I wore my badge to Gore on Saturday. It was fin© her© on Saturday, but Sunday it rained, and to-day is another fine day, and we hope it will keep fine for a while now. My father is sowing turnips to-day. H© started on Thursday; but it has rained ever since until Saturday. Our school opens on the 28th of this month, and I will b© glad when th© time comes; My little brother will be six years old in May. He is going to start school when we do again. He is as good as a clown, bo my uncle calls him a clown. I got a box with a compass, pencil, rubber, and pen, also a little box of nibs. I also got the Southern Cross flag from Santa Ciaus, and dad got m© a dolls' retreat. Lester got six marbles and a little French flag. Charlie got a pocket knife and a box of paints, which he - uses very much. Dad bought a bicycle, and I have learnt.to ride. We have been bird-nesting, and mum and dad are giving us 3d a dozen for them. I think we are getting good money. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours, truly, GRANDMOTHER'S GIRL (Waimumu).

Dear Dot, —I hope this influenza is all over now, because if has caused many deaths. In Hampden there have . been 10 deaths—a large number for so small.a place. Many people will be glad to see their dear boys home again, as they have not .seen them for a long time. Hampden was not bo lively this Christmas as last, because so many people dreaded this awful disease. —. Yours truly,

DOLEFUL DICK (Hampden). [I, too, hop© we have seen the last of the epidemic, Dick.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —After reading the letters of some of your Little Folk I thought I would like to join your happy band. I am 12 years of age, and will be m the Sixth Standard when I go back to school. I have had quite a long holiday, because the school has been closed since Peace Day, as the "flu" broke out at that time. It has been very bad at Mataura; nearly everyone had it, and there were 15 deaths. At the present time I am staying at my aunt's. She has two sons at the war, and they have been there for nearly three years. They have been very lucky, as they have never been sick, wounded, or hurt in any way. We are milking 19 cowa, but we have the milking machines. I have a pet lamb of my own, and altogether we have six. My eldest brother has got such a dear little black-and-white dog, which has two dear wee pups. Crocus ia a little friend of mine, and Ploughboy and Little Boy Blue are my cousins. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HIGHLAND LASSIE (Mataura). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band and become one of your Little Folk? "We have been living in Marton a long time, but we. lived in Dunedin before. So we always take tbe Otago Witness, and I always enjoy reading the Little Folk's page. I have 10 pet lambs, and six cats, half of which are Persian. We are busy shearing here now. We have a very beautiful garden and lawns all round the house. We are having pleasant weather here now. Best wishes to yourself and the other L.F.—Yours truly, A LONESOME MELODY (Marton). [You have quite a collection of animals to look after.—DOT.] Dear Dot,— To-day is a beautiful day, the first one we have had for a good while. I have just returned from a drive with my two sisters, which I enjoyed very much, as the day is just suitable for driving. I have been reading some nice books lately, the names of which are "The Gipsy Squire," "The Little Duke," and "The Bed House on Rowan Street." I like reading veiy much. Best love to Convent Bells, Betty Blue, Sylvie, Fisherman's Lass, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DAUNTLESS PATTY (Oreti). Dear Dot, —May I join your circle and help to increase your band of Little Folk. I am 11 years old, and in Standard V. We have a dear little cat, which has three little kittens. My sister goes to the High School, and I think my other sister is going this year. My father is starting boot-making. We got cardboard work at school, and so make many pretty models. There are 18 children going to our school. Our school ia closed just now, but opens again on the Brd February. We have not our sheep shorn yet. We have about eight acres in ridge turnips this year. Love to A Blue-eyed Maiden and Makeru.—Yours truly, ISMARU (Pomahaka). [You are very welcome to join us, Isma-Tu.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am eight years old, and in Standard 111. We have a very nice teacher, and I like her very much. We live on a

farm, and wo have a lot of sheep and lambs. We have six cows milking. lam learning to milk, and will soon be able to help mum with th© milking. My Dada is working away from home, and only comes home on Saturday nights. I have a pet lamb, and its name is Nellie. My sisters have three others which they call Molly, Flossie, and Derry. Love to Maheru, A Blue-eyed Maiden, not forgetting yourself.—• Yours truly, ANFLRU (Pomahaka).

[lt -will be splendid when you are able to milk, as mother must have a good deal to do apart from that.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not forgotten th© page altogether. I hope you have quite recovered from the influenza, Dot. Lady Alexandra was in Dunedin while all the influenza was about, but she did not catch it. She went down for her musio examination, and eh© was successful, and is now an A.T.C.L. Th© fruit is all ripening now, and then we. have to work. Up every morning at 4 o'clock and working till dark is no joke. The train started running with th© mails on the Ist January, r so now we have no coach. We went down in the second train, arid it was quit© pretty coming along the river bank. I suppose Dunedin was very quiet on Christmas Ev© and on New Year's Eve. I don't think anyone realised that it was Christmas because of all the influenza. The peace celebrations were all knocked on the head because of the influenza. My father and brother were the -only two in our family that had influenza, but they only had it slightly. I am reading "The Third Estate," by Marjorie Bowen, and it is very nice. I have read "Freckles Laddie" and "The Girl of th© Limberlost," which are all by Gen© Stratton Porter, and they ar© all very nice indeed. The hills ar© as brown and drylooking as if we had had no rain, and the wind is awful lately. No one can keep a hat on, because on© has to chas© it all the time. The races were at Black's on New Year's Day, and the train was crowded. I was not there, as I am not allowed to go to them. I will be going to Dunedin soon, I hope, and I intend to have a good time. I hav© not been to Dunedin for four years, so it. will bo a change. Two days before Christmas we had a fall of snow on all the surrounding hills, rather late. All the fruit is a fortnight late; no one about here had any for Christmas Eve. Love to Heather Bell and Edna May, not forgeting youreslf. Yours truly, BIDDY (Waenga). [Pleas© convey my sincere congratulations to your sister, Biddy. I am indeed glad to hear from you again; I thought you had quit© forsaken us.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It must be nearly six months since I wrote. My sister, English Lassie, has left her place now, and I hav© taken it. We are getting dreadful weather for midsummer; it is more like whiter. There was great excitement in Winton on Peace Day. I did not hav© th© influenza, but English Lassie and my brother had it. My uncle, over in England, died from it. When I was washing the other day, the window fell out on the top of my head and cut it, and, my word! it did bleed; I thought it was not going to stop. Love to English Lassie, Whit© Violet, Kilty Lassie, Queen of th© Mays, Camp Creek, and Sawmill, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A BUNCH OF VIOLETS (Lochiel). Dear Dot, —Since returning from my holiday *I have not had time to writ© to th© page and so send my regards to your L.F.; dux I trust I will not be out of date, even at this lat© hour, in trying to desoribe my journey home. Fortunately, I met a schoolmate on th© platform before leaving for home, so that relieved th© monotony to a certain extent. We entrained at Middlemarch about 2.20 on th© 4th inst., and soon awoke to the fact that practically all the seating accommodation had been requisitioned by the long-distance travellers. So, rather than inconveneince any of them, my friend and I remained on th© platform. This could hav© been very pleasant had it not been for the fact that a strong nor,'-west wind was very much in evidence. However, wc survived the' periodical bombardment of this wind at every stopping • place, and were very * much relieved on reaching Hindon, where we joined in the usual scramble for refreshments, afterwards stretching our legs by a walk along th© platform. I have often wandered, Dot, why the promoters of the Y.M.C.A. did not establish a "Bed Triangle Hut" here, so that w© poor travelling "Diggers" could get a hot cup of cocoa "Buchshee." I'm sure they'd b© well patronised. At the end of the Otago Central line (Wingatui) we were greeted with a downpour of rain, and some humorous person (also standing on the platform) murmured a few lines of "Home, sweet home." It cheered things up, I can assure you. I arrived "home," downhearted and'alone, only to find that "home" had no occupants. What was even worse, I could not purchase any foodstuffs, as it was Saturday half-holiday. However, I forced a window, and helped to make a miserable life happy by haying tea in my own company. "Tea" consisted of black tea, bread, and strawberry jam. I only needed plum and apple jam to imitate a "Digger" in th© front tr©nch. On the Sunday morning I cycled to our house at the bay, and, after being caught in a hailstorm, arrived there only to be the star aotor in a. blood-curdling soene of family reunion. I found that I wasn't expected home for another two days. Next, time, Dot, I'll be on the go-slow policy in returning. With kind regards to all Middlemarch L.F. —Yours truly, SAPPHIRA (Dunedin). [As on© usually feels one wishes a lot of attention and waiting on after a journey, I can appreciate your sad state, Sapphira.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I think that is a lovely idea of the Oamaru D.L.F. to hav© a picnio on Easter Monday. Do you think it could be arranged to hold one in Dunedin also? I see Timaru ar© having one too. Is it not a pleasure to be having a few fin© days, Dot? This is about the first we hav© had this year. I went to see General Pau last Saturday, and spent a very enjoyable hour and a-half listening to th© spe©ch about our brave boys at the front. It was a sham© that h© should b© welcomed to Dunedin on a very wet day. When I arrived at th© Octagon, before 5 o'clock, tho hall was packed, and th© streets crowded with people unable to get in. Kind regards to Royal Lady Clare and A Dunedin Girl.—Yours truly. LADY CARFAX (Dunedin). [I hav© no doubt a picnio could be arranged if som© enterprising members took tho matter in hand and worked it up.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to your page. I am 10 years of age, and will be in Standard IV when school reopens again on January 28. We had a very bad attack of th© "flu" in the district, but it is all over now. All of us were down with it. It is nico to think that peace has com© after four years of anxiety. I had an uncle killed at Gallipoli, and on© is still on active service.

Christmas was very quiet this year owingto the "flu," and tho disagreeable weather made things no bettor. We have a shop her©, and I help in it. Kindest regards to L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE LAZY BEGGAR (Winton).

[I discover by your letter that your penname is not characteristic of your nature. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The weather has improved wonderfully during the last few days, and we are just beginning to realise that we are having summer weather. I have been cutting weeds to-day, and my hands are blistered pretty badly; but they eay that is only a trivial thing, so I am prepared for some better things yet. No doofct you will have read an account of the OVaka Show in the Daily Times. A friend and I went down and enjoyed the show, though, there were & few showers in the afternoon. The crops are beginning to grow now, and look very pretty; but the turnips are a long way behind this year. The schools will soon be commencing work again, and I suppose the teachers are well tired of their holidays. Shearing operations are over as far as this district is concerned for this year; but other duties are prowding m upon the farmer. Well, Dot, I shall say au revoir, hoping that his year may be a brighter one fox yourself and the L.P.—Yours truly • CANADALE LASS (Katea). Dtear Dot,— May I join your happy band of LF.? ' We have a long way to go to school I got my proficiency certificate, so 1 WiUiK I will bo going to the High School this yea? I waf in Gore some time, ago and enjoyed myself immensely. I was at the Gardens, and found them very pretty. My father is away from home just now and only comes home once a week. We are having very bad weather just now; fortunately, it was fine to-day, although it is rather wet to-night. We are milking six cows and feeding three calves, and I do not enjoy milking in weather like we are having this summer! I am very fond of reading and have read many books We have four pet lambs, but we do not feed them vnth a bottle. They drink out of a basin like calves, and they are not nearly so much bother.—Yours truly, „,„_ >_, , -, > ■ AMELRTT (Pomahaka). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot—l am IS years of age, and am in the Sixth Standard. I am very interested in the D.L.F., - and would like very -much to join your happy band. I am staying out in the country for my holidays, and 1 am having -a good time. The friends I am staying with are milking 12 cows, and they have a great many calves. Hasn t the influenza epidemic been dreadful? Our family has luckily escaped it, and I hope you have too; With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, 6 CARLOWRIE (Invercargill). [You should feel very fit and ready 'for work after such a long holiday, Carlowrie, more especially as it has been spent m the country.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years oi age, and in the Sixth Standard at school. We are having a very long holiday from school this year owing to the influenza, which has spread over New Zealand. We are milking 12 cows, but one of them is not ours. We are milking it for our schoolmaster, who is away for a holiday. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CARLOWRIE'.S MATE. (Isla Bank).

[X am very pleased to have you join us, dear. I trust the badge reaches you eafely.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l ami now at Kaka Point for three weeks for a holiday. "Wo were to coma down on Friday, but it was too wet, so we came on Saturday afternoon instead. I have not been in for a swim yet; but mum says I mustn't go in for a few days. The people we are staying with tell us that the weather has been dreadful since before Christmas; but I think and hope that it will dear up now. ¥o went in for a swim this morning, and had a lovely time. The water was not a bit cold. I don't think anyone feels inclined to go out much this year. There are a lot of people here, but with all the sickness everyone is having a much-needed rest, or just getting over the influenza. I think my two sisters and friend and I will be going for a walk along to Kororo Creek this afternoon. It is a pleasant afternoon, and I hope we do so. Kaka Point has grown so since last year. There are many more crib? and huts. We have three rooms where we stay. The house belongs to Beachworth's parents. I was talking to her yesterday. Dove to all the D.F., not, of course, forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BDTTE EYES (Kaitangata). [Your • hopes for good weather for your holiday are, I trust, being realised, Blue Eyes.-DOT.] AUTOS. Cromel (Margaret Sutherland, Athol) wishes to exchange autos with Pink Violet, Gloria's Mate, and any D.P. willing. A Yellow Sunflower (Jean Grant, Benmore, Dipton P. 0.) wishes to exchange autos with Elvira, Soot (Miss Clyde Johansen, Marine parade, Wairoa) wishes tg correspond with any L.P. 14 years willing. Grandmother's Girl (P. M. Read, Waimurnu) wishes to correspond with Silver Shield. ' Doleful Dick (Basil Could, P. 0., Hampden) wishes to correspond with any L.P. willing. A Lonesome Melody (Edna Gye, Pern Plats, Marton) wishes to correspond with Gazooka and Kaka. Sapphira (Stan Butler, Box 1, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Dairymaid. Lady Carfax (Annie Y. M. Cliristeson, 85 Cutten road, South Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Sea Breee, Sylva, Sapphira, and any D.L.P. 17 years and over willing. Deadwood Dick (R. M'Kenzie, Box 209, Invercargill) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 17 years. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Buster Manager" and "Machine Gun."— As both your letters are written in lead pencil, an infringement of one of our most important rules, I am unable to publish them. "Alaska Jim."—l cannot find any record of your name and address in the address book, so I must ask you to please forward both. "Fisherman," Slope Point.—You have overlooked sending in your name with your letter. Would you kindly forward it to me on receipt of which your letter will be published.