DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3395, 9 April 1919, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

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

D.L.F.

Dot's Little Folk's Badge with pin, for use as a hraaoii, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, la 9dpost free, in penny or halfpenny stamps.

Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Offioe, Dunedin. Price, Bd for 25.

EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS FROM "THE HELMSMAN."

December 22, 1918.—Well, her© we are night in Christmas week, but it's not Christmas we are looking- forward to; it is homo. Oh, we aro very fed up with these times, I assure you. I am living in hopes of some New Year leave, but it is doubtful. If I don't get it, good-bye to my last hopes of seeing Scotland before I sail. I have no idea when I shall leave for home, owing to my job which I took on voluntarily since there was no chance- of joining the others in Prance, and anything was better than doing parades. Our lights are on at 3 'p.m., for, though it's not exactly dark by then, it is much too dull f to see anything indoors. There is plenty of money about now, and business is very brisk iin- the matter of expensive gifts, etc. Business men consider that at least £10,00Q..000 has been spent on Christmas gifts and shopping this year. Possibly I shall be in New Zealand on a filing visit to my nfin folk with the wife before I start work and settle down as an ordinary civilian again. These last few months I have been in the dressing huts, with hands continually in and out of hot antisepticlotions, and my hands are, consequently, very soft. It will be worth a good deal of temporary discomfort to be free once more, though. January 24, 1919.—1 had a really good time on leave, having a final roam round. Had a good look round Edinburgh. The castle is a very fine old place, with.a great view, which I was unable to enjoy to the fullest, as the day was misty and smoky. Edinburgh truly lives up to its name of '" Auld Reekie." Queen Mary's rooms are naturally of the greatest interest, many relics being well preserved, and the banquetiing hall, with its' many trophies of arms and .armour, could have kept me going for hours. I was particularly interested in " Mons Meg," a huge old fourteenth-century cannon of about 24calibre, mounted right up at the summit of the castle. Plenty of dark and dreary old dungeons, too—enough to give .one the,shivers to think of the unnameable tortures suffered there for the name of religion. Holyrood Palace lies a bit over a mile east of the oaatle, through the narrow Ht'gh street, which at one time was lined with the stately mansions of the nobility. But what a scent! To-day they are the slums of the city, filled with loud-tongued women, and children innumerable swarm the streets. It appears that when the new town over the valley was begun the wealthier folk swarmed there, most probably to get some fresh r/ir occasionally, and their old homes were occupied by anyone who came along. Hl-gh street. develops into the Canongate and the Oowgate, and then at one side opens into the palace yard. What a diffedence! Instead of apparently endless slums, one's eye is gladdened by the turreted walls and open courtyard of the famous one-time abbey which every .school child knows. Standing foursquare to the world it has for a background the towering Salisbury Crags, untouched, apparently, by the hand of man, while further on rises Arthur's Seat, a mountain in miniature, and shaped roughly like a sleeping lion. It is really only about 1000 ft high. Some parts of the palace are ancient, but it has been destroyed twice by fire and bombardment, and the bulk of the present building was erected by Charles 11. Queen Mary's bath, standing- on its own, is of greater age. Only about half the palace buildings are open to the public, the ' relnalinder baing roped off and kept in case of use on state occasions. The royal apartments of Queen Mary's date are open, and include her bedrooms, the Duchess of Hamilton's reception rooms, Lord Darnley's room, etc. In all these the original furniture is still preserved in all its glory, and the Queen's bed is especially gorgeous. The tape3try-hung walls were very interesting, with tlntlr scenes of battle, murder, and sudden' death. The long gallery extending the full length of the building is a fine place, but as the pictures are mostly portraits of ancient Scottish nobility, they lacked interest to a certain, extent to me. The old winching stone stairs of both castle and palace are awkward things to handle, especially when they are in total darkness, save tor a narrow slit through the thick walls. The Royal chapel was the only other portion of the palace open, and it is partially* wrecked, arid contains only ■ the tombstones of various Lords, Countesses, and Princesses. I just had time to have a final olimb to Calton Hill, wEth its unfinished National Monument, its bare pillars reminding one of pictures of ancient Athens. In the New Town Princes street is the main attraction, and lives up to its name of being one of the finest streets an the world. On one "side only are houses, the other dropping off abruptly to the depths of the Gardens, where at one time was a loch, or else an arm of the sea. The monument near Waverley Railway Station, erected to the memoiy of Sir Walter Scott, is a magnificent piece of work, towering high over the building opposite, and truly in keeping wlith the man whose honour it oommemorates. Tj|e Bums monument erected on Calton Hill is a fine piece of work, but cannot compare with the Scott monument for grandeur. It is worth the trip alone, however, to see and cross the Forth bridge, the biggest, I believe, in the world. From a great height one looks down on the wide expanse of the Forth, now one of our principal naval bases— Rosyth. Our Grand Fleet has had the Orkneys for its base during the wax, but still the view from the Forth bridge shows hundreds of warships of all sizes and sorts, from battle-cruisers down to lnine-sweepera and motor boat patrols. I don't think I mentioned in writing of Edinburgh Castle that the Crown jewels are still there, lin spite of its being no longer a seat of Government, They aTe certainly few in number—only

the crown, sceptre and orb, the sword of state (gold-hilled), and various jewels presented to King James of Scotland. The crown is a lovely piece of work, and its value in these times would be worth a few thousands. They are well guarded, too —sentries with ball cartridge and fixed bayonets always 'in sight, in addition to the ironbarred, bomb-proof case in which they are enclosed.

[I am indebted to the kindness of Mistress Jean for these extracts from The Helmsman's letters. I am sure the interest with whioh they will be perused will be a small repayment for her trouble. I thoroughly enjoyed them, and I am sure young and old alike will do likewise.—DOT.]

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

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

for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 words,

Dear Dot,—Once again I pluck up enough impudence to wrtte a few lines to the page. What do you think of our past week, Dot, for typical Dunediri weather? Anyone would think that we will have insufficient water here after April 10 without getting it before prohibition day. It makes a heavy (tea) drinker shudder to .think of it. I am very uncertain at present of the whereabouts of Ananias. ' Can you' enlighten me, Dot? 1 heard that he is somewhere in the region of Kcxburgh, so I'm hoping he is not trying to attract public attention by stabbing himself. But I suppose it is all m a life, and probably about 1925 someone will whisper that he died for 'temperance in 1919. Kind regards to all Middlemarch L.F. and yourself.— y. ours truly; I SAPPHIRA (Dunedm).

Dear Dot,—As my sister is writng to the page to-night I thought I would like to wrfcte, too. I am 11 years of age, and am in Standard 111 at school. Wo are milking six cows at present, but some of them are going dry now. The only other animals we possess are three dogs, a horse, and a lovely pet lamb. There are about 150 children going to our school. There are pictures here tonight, but none of ua went. Best wishes for yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, PLUM JAM (Lumsden). [You are very welcome to join us. Plum Jam.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have been home nearly three weeks now. Lunisden's is deadly quiet, even though there was a welcome home last night to a soldier not very far from here. Tonight there are pictures, but I did not go, nor did Igo to the welcome home,. I always think pictures are .very tiresome to watch. I was speaking to Cowboy for a wee while yesterday. After all' my talk about going to see Merlo often I seldom see her at*all, but must take a run along anJ see hew tie is We are having dreadful weather just now, and to-night it feels as if it is freezing Last week there was a fire here an the eariy hours of of the morning. People turned out in numbers to see it. Fires here are a rarity, so when there is a fire there is some excitement. Late last Saturday night I went for a motor drive. On the Sunday I met my cousin who was returning home from the war. I arrived home on Monday night after having qu)ite an enjoyable time. With kindest regards to Stationniaster, Merlo, Gipsy Belle, Belgium Girl, Plum Jam, and yourself.—Yours truly, POWDER AND PATCHES (Lumsden).

[I should think fires are a form of excitement one oould easily dispense with, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Since last writing I have been away to Walikari for a holiday wath_my mother and brother. Every week the Witness comes I have a look at the pictures, then I turn over to the letters and see if there is anybody I know, and if there Mat I start and read them through. I went to Sunday school yesterday. Farmers Orirl is our teacher. We are practising for our bunday school picnic and our day school picmc, which is supposed to come off soon. \\e had an awful wiind here last Sunday, and it Blew away two stacks of wheat, and they were supposed to be the best wheat about here. Our stacks had one side blown out of them, but nothing like that. It is blowing again to-day, and has been blowing all this week. ■ The farmers are going to start dipping next week. E. A. M.'s sister has a little son. They both will be pleased, wont they? There are a number of babies round thjis way. We had a number of flowers, and the wind blew them down. Best of love to Empire Rose, Queen of Thorns, Farmers Girl, Evening Star, and all the other D.-U.h., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, . ASTER (Hakataramoa).

Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote we have 'shifted from Mataura Island to Upper H.utl. I like Mataura Island better than Upper Hutt, for there are so many hills about here. We live about 20 miles out of Wellington. I have been at the Wellington Zoo, and some of the animals are very interesting. With kndest regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, S ISLAND LASS.

[I wondered -"-hat had become of you, Island Lass, as an L.F. newly arrived at Mataura Island wondered if there were any L.F. there.—DOT.]

Dear Dot—lt is « v « r a J*®* suloe J 1& 8 * wrote, so I thought I would start again. I left school last year, and am going to worK now. I like it very nruch, too. My mate Dulcie is away in Quecustown just now, and she has begun to write to your page also. She is very busy, as they have a big fruit garden, and she is picking fruit. At Christmas I stayed with her for the holidays, and we had a good time together. We are having very bad weather for this time of the year, and I hope Jt . is not like this for th© Easter holidays. Kind regards to Dulcie and Tin Luzzie, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, POLYANTHUS (Momiiigton). Dear Dot, —To-day was our annual school picnic. As the morning was very wet and stormy we were not going to have it, but in the afternoon it cleared up, so it was held. I was' the first there, so it was rather lonely until some of the others came. W© had a very enjoyable afternoon, and after tea we had our prize-giving. I did not get any, as they were for last year (1918) and I just came thte year (1919). The harvest is in full swing now. We have cut all our crops except oaie. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, TOM SAWYER (Greenfield). [I expect you will be figuring in the prizelist next year, Tom. —DOT.] . Dear Dot, —I have written only once, and I must say I was very pleased to see my letter in your page. We were leaving lovely weather about a week ago, but it made all the tanks dry. It will be grand when we get word about peace, won't it, Dot? My father got a long tree for a flag pole, as we have a big flag. I think we are going

to have a picnio to celebrate peace hero, so I hope the day turns out to bo fine. We are playing paper chases at school at present. It /is good exercise, but one or two of the children are complaining about sore logs. To-day we had one chase, and we rasi about one mile and a-half. We had a long holiday from schol this last Christmas, aal I enjoyed it very well, excepi ths fire* &n> or six weeks, when the influenza was raginsr. I had it very slightly, but one of my brothers was in bed for three weeks. I live near a D.L.F. Dove to Rainbow Fatiry and Oarlowrie, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, CARLOWRIB'S MATE (Isla Bank).

Dear Dot, —It is a beautiful evening now, although it was a showery day. I mad* a scarecrow, and put it up in an apple tee©. No wonder it keeps the birds off, because lit in frightfully ugly. We are having an afternoon for one of our teachers, who is leaving. We are all sorrv, because sh* has been very good to us. t am going to recite at the afternoon. Our other teacher cut her thumb badly, so we are having bar! luok with our teachers. Our cat got caught in a trap, but its foot is better now.—Yours truly, * TIIALASSA (Maitland). [I have posted the badge, Thalassa, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have two brothers and three aifcter*. I live in Arrowtown, not far from, cur acihoal. I have a pet called Jiip. My ftithar has an oil engine. My mother rears raaay turkeys, and I am very fond of feeding them. I have a littlo sister called Dori*. Sho ia six months old. The weather is very cold here now. I went to a social la3t Monday evening, and enjoyed it very much. We have a piano, acd I am learning inuaic. Lot* to all the D.L.F., nut forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, ODD KITTY (Arrowtown). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I have a pet dog called Rover. I have a brother called Henry. When I am a man I am going to b« a bl'acksmith. I hare a large garden of strawberries. We have a phonograph, and it eingo many comical songs. We have a river near our place, called the Arrow River. My father has on oil engine. We havo many horse*. Love-to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, * WONG (Arrowtown). [You will need to grow up fine and strong to be a blacksmith, Wong; it seems to require strength.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —During the last few days the weather has been very wilntry. I wish we had a longer summer. The farthers are all busy harvesting now, so it is to he hoped that the weather will take up again so as to enable them to finish. We had our sohool pionio at Centre Bush on March 5. I have been trying to get some good photos, but have not been very successful. I think I make some mistake in printing* I wish I could get some good ones. Kind, regards to A Maid of the Mountains, Tom Thumb, and .all D.L.P.—Yours truly, \ THE LAZY BEGGAR (Winton).

[lt takes a little time to become proficient at photography, deaj, and one loams by mistakes—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather here has suddenly • changed again. These last three or four days have been very cold and wet. I am home only for a couple of weeks' holiday. Although I always wore my badge in Dunedin, I never met any D.L.P. I had a letter from Postman Henry by the last mail. He was in Codford, and was keeping in the best of health. There was a welcome home here about a week ago, but 1 didn't go. There is a motor garage here now, also ■swimmling baths, so Clinton is going ahead a little. Love and kind regards to Nurse Ella, Gazooka, Snowdrop Queen, not forgetting- your own dear self. —Yours truly, CHERRY BLOSSOM (Clinton).

Dear Dot,—A few of the farmers have their crops of oats cut, but we haven't got ours cut yet. Sports are being held at Browns on Friday, and I am going, so I hope to have a good time. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TWO STEP (Hokonui).

Dear Dot,—l am staying at Lime Hills for six months, and I like the school I am going to. I go in the train. I was at a picnic about a week ago, and I enjoyed it (very much. I won a set of dishes and 2s 6d. I have become acquainted wiith some D.L.F. about here. The weather has been very unsettled here lately.—Yours truly, KATHLEEN MAVOUKNEEN (Lime Hills).

[You turned to the wrong page to conclude your letter, Kathleen. Please remember to write on one side of the paper. — DOT.]- **

Dear Dot,—l suppose you will be. thinking I have gene west in spite of my good New Year resolutions, but I'm still in the land of tlie living, and I assure you solumiilr it's net laziness this time, as, dear Dot, it you will listen to lay talo of woe, y<-<u will have ample proof. We get liiarveuting ever all right, thisths* and all, ami then ooiiuneaicod dipping, and it was here I had my first mishap. I am a very good little girl _ as a rule, arid try to be frieiids with all animals, jcm know, but thia day 1 earuo to grief with one <&i dad's big fat owes. She must b&vo hfcdi previous arraKrionr-e in dipping, for she knew just as well ae I did where she wa» going, and mstewi of following tho others on i® th* tip t&bl&, dodged round me, and west sailing over the fence—at lea&t, I oaGghk her half-way «sver, and down w> both west on top «f it. For about three minutes w& struggled, that obstinate ao-imal being determined to go one way, and I just Bft tonally determined that she was t<a go another. Well, I got my own way in the end, but that wicked sheer-- WO* not to be outgone, and down went her head and up went her heels with a flourish right onto my ey«. So;, Dot, I had a black eye and a grey esse for soma ticie, and I was teased unmercifully. There were terrible taies going sound about. Having such a bad temper she had actually come to blows with a sheep, and {scene deffisLitoS chuckles here) had got the worst of it. Shortly after that something wont wrong with my inside mechanism, and before I knew what was what I found myself in a heap m bed. I did make soma valiant attempts to preserve my dignity, but my wobbly legs utterly defied any attempts at walking. Mother presided as dooier, armed with a bottle and a apcum, and goodness kiiowß what it was, but it was absolutely the p&st evil-tasting stuff I ever struck. It .didn't take many doses to euro me, I assure you. That was two weeks ag and I am pleased to say I'm quite recovered and kicking up my heels ae vigorously as ever. Daphne has started school again, and we are enjoying peace—perfect peace. She is endowed with what the Scotsmen would call "the gift of tho gab"; but there.Jl had better say no more. There is not very much looal news at present. The hours or the mail service have

been changed. Instead of leaving bors at 8 a.m. and running at 6 p.m., the car now loaves Blenheim P.O. at o a.m., arriving here at 11.30. Soaie of the people aro making a groat ado about lit, as before they were able tc- spend a day in town, but now they have Uj stay in f.-r two days, whether they want to or not. I suppose it ia very inconvenient for them. Thank goodness it does not affect us at all, as we bavo a car of our own. Well, Dot, it is getting late, and I muet, like a good little girl, toddle off to bed. All good wishes and love to all my comrades and yourself.—Yours truly, LAVENDER LADY (Blenheuri).

[I am so sorry to learn of your niiahaps, Lavender Lady. It is surprising how little compassion one receives for injuries met in such a manner.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had rain here to-day. We had our photos taken at school yesterday. We, have two cats called Tnomoa and 'Blackie. We had frost the other day, and it was very cold. Our apples are nearly all ripe now. We are busy pulling apples, and the shed is nearly packed now.—Yours truly, MUDJEKEEWIS. Dear Dot,—We have bad fine weather lately, but it has started raining to-day. I have been in bed with a bad cold. My mother 6ent my little brother for a message, and he did not come home, but .went over to the station instead. My little brother runs away, and my motber does not know where he is. We are going to have a school concert. I went to Invercargill in the holidays, and had a good time. Love to all the D.L.P., not forgetting, your own dear self. —Yours truly, CRIMSON RAMBLER (Waipahi).

[Your mother must get very worried about your small brothers's absences, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My mate is writing to see if she can join, your band, so I thought I would write, too. Have you been in Arrowtown, Dot? It is a quiet little place, but we have a lot of fun. I have one sister, and she works in Dunedin. We had our examination on Thursday, and I felt a little nervous. I am very fond of reading, but am not allowed to read much, as I have weak eyes. There are many soldiers returnlinj to our district. We often have a welcome . home for them, Love to yourself and Lady Warwick, Country Lassie, and New Zealand Lassie.—Yours truly, PEACE (Arrowtown). [You are very welcome to join us, Peace.— DOT.]

' Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 12 years old, and am in the Fifth Standard at school. I go to the Convent School. My mate, if she finishes her homework, is going to write to you. I have three sisters and no brothers: I have no animals, so I cannot tell you about them. My dolly's name is Grace. We have plenty of fruit in our garden. My. favourite frulit is an apple. There are pictures here every Saturday night. I have a flower garden, but the flowers are not very good this year.' Every night I go over to a farm to get my milk. They have a calf over there that they called after me. We are having fine weather in Arrow now. Love to yourself and the Country Lassie, Lady Warwick, and Peaces— Yours truly, NEW ZEALAND LASSIE (Arrowtown).

Dear Dot, —I have only nine more months to write to the page as an L.F., so I vrtill have to try to write more regularly. It seems no time since I wrote my first letter, and wasn't I pleased to see it in print, too. My little cousin always stays here. I have been telling him he will have to hurry up and write well; then he can write to Dot, too. We started harvesting yesterday, but it is iaining to-day, so ha* put a stop to it. The weather is very unsettled at present. One day it will be just lovely; then the next pouring rain. It isn't at all good harvest weather. I was at a picnic at Hedgehope a few weeks ago, and had a very good time, although it was awfully hot. I went to the dance, too, and enjoyed it very much. There is one at Brown's to-day, but it is rather far from here. One of our soldliers arrived at Hedgehope with his English bride last Saturday night. He is getting a welcome home next Friday night. One of my cousins is married, too, but there is no word of him coming home yet. Isn't it lovely to think that all the boy,s will soon be home? I was sorry to see you had the "•flu," Dot'. I was lucky enough to escape it. There were just two or three cases in Glenooe. My mother and sister had it. Mother didn't get over it very well. Even yet she feels the effects of it. Love and best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LOCH CABRON (Glencoe).

Dear Dot,—As this is my first letter to the page I will not take up much of your valuable space. I am in Standard VI at school, and when I get home from school I do quite a number of odd jobs about the farm. Harvest is in full swjng now, and we are having lovely weather. Most of the farmers have cut their crops now, and are waiting for th» mill to come around. We are milking about 64' cows, but they are beginning *o go dry, as it is getting on for winter. Do -you lik* dancing, Dot? I am just learning to dance, and I think it is a good sport, as anyone can indulge in fit. The other Sunday a pal and I went for a long ride on horseback for about six miles, and by the time we got home we were dead beat. Love to An Australian Girl, A Maid of the Mountains, and not forgetting yourself.—Youra trUly ' HIGHLAND LADDIE 11. [Unfortunately, the N.D.P. you hav« chosen has already been taken by another writer, so perhaps you can decide on another one—DOT.] Deaf Dot, —Here I am again back in tha old desk at school, and I did not take very kindly to (it after, our long holiday. Laving in the open air, riding, and driving suits ma best. I must tell you about a nice big fat horse I drive. I can do anything with him: he is so nice and quiet. His namfl i 9 Archie, and I am sure if I put him in the trap he would know the way to the factory and hofne again. Harvest is here again, and almost over.. With a few more fine days the stook will all be in the stacks, and I can hear the thrashing mill humming away in the distance. I like to see the mill thrashing the grain. I think all small boys do. Winter is almost here, as there was frost on the ground this morning, and I did feel it, too. I don't like the long, cold winter. I wish it was all summer and long days. Love to you and all the little Folk.—Youra truly, „„ '_, , , SANDY M'DUGAL (Maungatua). Dear Dot, —We have been having wet weather here lately, but it looks as if it i» going to clear up. I was ii» Dunedin iae.% time I wrote to you, but have landed In Clinton now. It is a bit quiet after bernff in Dunedin, but I am enjoying myself all the same. My sister (Star Bose) is Kettwtf married shortly, so I will be the only apxl left. There are quite a number of soldiera

returning home now, but it always makes one feel sad when one looks at others welcoming their brothers home; and to think that one's own has fallen; but I suppose wo will meet him "some day. A Motherless "Lassie is not keeping well just now. There ig a lot of sickness about, but I always seem to escape it. I must be one of the lucky ones. Wo have a little cat here, and he is sitting on the table purring and trying to catch hold of my pen. I don't like to put him down, because he is such a beauty. Love to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOONLIGHT MOG (Clinton).

Dear Dot,—Wo are. having lovely weather now—a few drops of xain now and again to freshen things up. The influenza was dreadful. It took a great number from here. My sister died with it. I have a brother away nearly fours years, and he is coming home this month some time, and I will be clad to see him l back safe home again. I have another brother away, but don't know when he is coming come. The days are closing in now, and we will soon have winter and those- long, dreary, dark nights again. Best love to WairaM. Daisy, Wairaki Lad, Bind Mable, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. ■ { HETTY GREY (Nightcaps). [l> am sincerely sorry to learn of the death of sour sister, Hetty, and please accept my/ sincere sympathy.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—-We axe having fine weather here at present, and the harvest is now in full swing. I was very pleased to see my first letter to you in print. I am still at home. We have not had any word of my brother coming home from the war, but we are expecting word any day now. There has been a great number of soldiers return!:ng to New Zealand lately.. We have decided to go to Whare Plat next Sunday, so I hope the weather will keep fine. . I am going up to Timaru at Easter, so I will be able to give you a short description of my trip. We have three prize white Leghorn hens. Love to all the members of the D.L.F., not forgetting Taieri Sunbeam's Mate and yourself.—Yours truly, TAIERI SUNBEAM (Mosgiel). [I trust you wiill have a fine day for your outing on Sunday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I wrote to you last week, but do not think you received my letter. We are having lovely weather just now._ I am very busy at work, owing to the big wool season. Are you interested in the big peace celebrations. Well, I am. Our firm is going to have a big lorry in the procession. With best love to . Lady Oarfax, all the D.L.P., and yourself.—Yours truly, AUSTRALIAN GIRL (Dunedcn).

Dear Dot, —We are having some very bad weather lately. The other morning there was about 2in of snow on the ground, but it disappeared very quickly. It' is not very good weather for harvesting, but it is all tight for ploughing. I was at the dog trial dance in Mossburn a few nights ago, and had a good time. I have seen no letters from Nurse Ella, Secret of the Sea, or A Driver lately. I always watch for their letters. I am expecting to see their eldest brother in Mo&sburn in a month or two. If he comes up for duck-shooting I will have a mate, as I go out duck-shooting mjself now. Love to Bed Rube, Marconi, Hydraulic,' and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— ¥oura truly, A HIGHLAND LADDIE (Five Rivsrs).

Dear Dot, —This morning we had frost, and it was not very nice either, because it frosted the tops of our potatoes, aiso our vegetable marrows and French beans. We had our brother, in last night who returned wtth the Athenio. We are expecting word about our other brother, who is married, and is expected home soon; but our other poor brother may never return. Smiler has left Orawia, and is in Dunedin learning singing. Her father has sold his farm, and is going away in June. The fruit is ripe now, and we had a bag of apples given«to U 9 to-day from our grandmother. We all fot hold of one, but we were not allowed to ave any mora There is a farewell social on April 4 to a farmer who is leaving the district, and also a welcome home to a soldier. Love to all the D.L.F. —Yours truly, BLACK BUTTERFLY (Orawia).

Dear Dot,—-The weather during the last few weeks has been real summer weather, but to-day it is raining a little. J have three sisters and three brothers, and I am the baby. I am 13 years of age, and in the Fifth Standard at school. I don't like school very much. I would sooner be at home. I nave a brother at the front and one returned. We are milking 12 cows, and sending the milk to the factory. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WEE DOT (Centre Bush). Dear Dot, —Summer, with its beautiful sunshiny days, has passed away to give place to winter, with its short, cold days. Both my uncles have returned from the front, and our joy in having them with us again is too great to express in words. There was a concert here on the 28th, and it proved a success, there being a great crowd. I am glad to say I escaped the influenza, but I lost two little cousins with it. I am Still. going to music, but on wet days I do not go, as I have to cycle intoj Milton. A short time ago I made the acquaintance of Buster Manager. We knew one another before that time, but I did not know she was a D.L.F. The farmers about hero are busy harvesting at present, and they are getting glorious weather for their work. Mosquitoes are about here in vast numbers, and they bite us something - terribly. We Hvo beside a river, so I suppose that. accounts for there being so many of them. Love to Hora, Uti, Sea Breeze, Heart of Gold, Buster Manager, and all the other D.L.F.—Yours truly, MARY OF THE GLEN (Glenore).

Dear Dot, —There was a welcome home social to a returned soldier (Private Boy) on Wednesday night (26th). A number of outsiders -were there, and as the Bannockburn folk turned out well we bad a very merry time. There was dancing' and an item or two in between. Private Roy sang a couple of songs after he had thanked the people for the concert. Mr J. Ritchie was chairman, and spoke on behalf of the people. Two ladies from town sang a duet, and were loudly applauded, so they sang again. As there was plenty of good -music and young people willing to dance, dancing was contiLuued' into the email hours of the morning. About midnight Bupper waa handed round. At the social I met Nelly Bly, whom I had not seen for a Jong tinte. I know a few D.L.F. there, and on© or two in a neighbouring town. I go to school with Bunny Trapper. Winter will soon be hero now, and at a little place a few miles from here they are already experiencing heavy {rosts. I am afraid we are going to have a lord whiter, Dot. My brother has a little £ony and sledge, and with it we cart all •oris of things from one place to another. ■We are milking two cows and feeding a little oalf. Do you like animals. Dot? Wo

have three horses, two of them ponieß. One is a little darling. It is used in the coal ptit for pulling trucks. Our pet lamb butts us if we go near lit. Love and best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, GINGER-HAIRED TOMMY (B annockbuxn).

Dear Dot,—The harvesting is all finished about here. The early apples and pears are just coming in. We have been having awful weather lately; it has been blowing treribly, wfith rain and snow. The snow was very low on the hills, but it was not severe. There was a hard frost here the other morning, but I don't know if it did much damage. On Saturday a pillar 18ft square was dropped into the Kawarau River up at the Development, and was supposed to rise the river Ift. The dropping of the pillar was not made public, and I didn't know unttil it was too late, so I didn't see it. To-day we had harvest thanksgiving service, and the church looked nice with vegetables, flowers, etc. We are getting a new teacher here at the beginning of the month for the junior room. Easter will soon be here agafin, and we will be having a day or two of holidays, which I am ready for. There are a few D.L.F. about Bannockburn. We had a social.here last Wednesday night for Private W. Roy. He was a Bannockburn school boy, but he had left school before I started, and I cannot remember him. It will be a happy time when peace comes. Kind regards to all D.L.F., and yourself.—Yours truly, KEA II (Bannockburn).

Dear Dot, —I am 16 years of age. I passed my proficiency examination, so I left school. I am helping at home just now, but I might learn dressmaking after Easter. I am at Taieri Sunbeam's place, and she is writtng, so I have decided to write, too. It has been good weather, but it is looking very cloudy to-day. The harvesters are all getting their crops cut before the wet weather sots in. We are practising for our Sunday school social, whlich will be held as soon as possible. I might be going to Kaitangata at Easter for a fortnight, so I will be able to tell you what it is like. I know only one D.L.P. in Mosgiel. Love to all the members of. the D.L.P., not forgetting Taieri Sunbeam and yourself.—Yours truly, TAIERI SUNBEAM'S MATE (East TaierS). [You are very welcome to join us, and I nope you enjoy your holiday at Easter.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I often see a few Waikaka names that ,1 know. I am 15 years of age, and am up here for a while, but I do not know for how long. Have you ever been on a fruit farm, Dot? I was up on one near Roxburgh, and I quite enjoyed being there for the fruit season. I generally made the cases, but sometimes helped to- pick the fruit. . I think I used to eat more than I packed, so that is why I had to make the cases. The people about here are all- quite delighted, as they are to have a welcome home for two of their boys.—Yours truly, FRUIT PICKER II (Waikaka).

[Will you please forward your name with your next letter, Fruitpicker, and remember to write on one side of the paper only.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am 16 years of age, and have left school. I milk five cows, and like milking very much. There is going to be a welcome home here next Friday nlight, and it will liven thiings up a bit. My friend and I are going to ride to it, as we have a long way to go, and it is too far to walk. The farmers are busy cutting their crops just now, so it will be all right if it keeps fine. The crops are dreadfully late thlis year on account of too much rain. I go for the mail'' occasionally. It is a nice outing for me after being inside all day. My sister and I often go for a ride on the horse, and it is glorious-. There are a number of cars about this way now, and it is getting a busy place. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. Kindest regards to Fruitpicker.—Yours truly, FAIRY QUEEN (Waikaka). [Please see footnote to Fruitpicker's letter. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having extra special summer weather now, and the grass has gone off a lot, and there is some anxiety among the farmers as to getting food for their tvlock in the winter, as many of thorn cannot winter all their cattle on their own farms, but get other people, mostly sheep-farmers, to take them in. During a thunderstorm the other day the west end of Wainui met with an unusual occurrence. Some men under Mount Bossu noticed an object about the size of an oil drum coming through the air and go crashing into some bush down by Hooker's woolshed, from whence issued ' a series of crashes. Later investigation showed that it had glanced off many of the trees, which knocked pieces off it, occasionally hitting the ground and ploughing up deep furrows. This meteorite missed Mr D. Wright's house by a few feet, smashing nearly every window, and, unluckily, vanished over the edge of the cliff. The pieces secured were sent to Christchurch for examination. The price of cooksfoot has gone down considerably since the beginning of the season, and does not seem as if it will rise much again. We were one of the unlucky ones who had late crops. But it is no use crying over spilt milk, is 'it, Dot? One.should be thankful one has milk to spill. We have three kittens here which ought to be in the creek, as they are a nuisance multiplied by 10. Although two have gone west, the other three seem to ignore such an idea at such an early age, and as they have carried' out the hands-off-I-scratch-you idea two or three times, ' I have decided to leave them to themselves. Well, Dot, as Wainui was always a slow place, and since the war it is altogether stumped for news', I will draw the curtain. Best love to my correspondents and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ONE OF Sill ROBERT'S SCOUTS (Wainui).

[I am glad to see you are a budding philosopher, dearj it simDlifl.es matters so much.—DOT.] . . Dear Dot, —We have been having horrible weather, but to-day the sun is shining. My father has been making a meat safe, and has nearly finished it. A motor lorry brought digkt desks to., the school to-day. There are about 9-1 children going to the Kapunl School. We have lovely fun at school with the football. With love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, EG-MONT LADDIE (Kapuni).

Dear DoF, —I was looking through some of our old photos the other day when I came across a group of Litlto Folk which was taken some 15 or moro years ago. My word, Dot, this just shows us the number of years there have been D.L.F. I am going to Milton at Easter, so I am hoping to see some L.F. there, as there seems to be quite a number down that way. Kind regards to The Surprise packet. Sea Breeze, Toddie, Lavender Lady, Sylva. Golden West, Australian Girl, Dunedin Girl, Virginian, Lady Clarice, Fiona 11, Yellow Banksia,

Royal Lady Clare, Bonnie Mary o' Argylo, Eva, Constance, and all the other Little Polk, not forget Ling yourself.—Yours truly, LADY CARFAX (South Dunedin). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy hand? I am in Standard II at school, and am 10 years old. We milk 80 cows, and feed the cows on maize and peas. "We hare four horses. We are having lovely -weather just now. Love to Dardanella and Fiona 11, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CLUNY MAID (Trentham). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to eee if I may become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years of age, and have left school nearly two years. We are having very cold weather up here at present. Our cows are going dry very fast now, and I won't be sorry either. My brother and sister write to the D.L.F. page. Their N.D.P.'s are Egmont Laddie and Kapuni-ite. There are to be sports held here in a few weeks' time, and I hope it is a nice day. With Wind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DARKEY Taranaki).

[I hope you are favoured with good weather for the sports and enjoy yourself on that occasion, Darkey.—DDT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather. We wore gathering mushrooms, and got a basketful. On Saturday I went out catching grasshoppers for a man. We picked two bags oi apples and some quinces the other day. On April 6 there is to be a echool picnio and sports at Otorohanga. Our cow is not giving much milk. There has. been a hard frost. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSEBUD .(ESio Kio).

[The picnic will have been held by the time you see this, Hosebud, but I hope it was a great success.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become one of your many writers. I have been reading the DIj.F. letters, and Thought I would like to join. "We are having lovely weather. I have been s home for three weeks. I lost my brother last week, and we miss him very much. My grandmother also died on Saturday, and father is away now at her funeral. I am 11 years old, and am in Standard 111 at school. I like school very much. I have a sister in the North Island, and she has been away nearly two years, but we are expecting her home at Easter. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself .—Yours truly, SALVADOR A (Livingstone).

[I am extremely sorry to learn of the sad times you have been passing through, Salvadora, and please accept my sympathy. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is nearly a year since I last wrote,, and, as 1,, have not'quite two years left before I become an Old Writer., I thought it time I wrote again. It was raining this morning, but it has turned out a lovely day now. Daisy Fern .is very ill just now, Dot. She was a little better yesterday afternoon. One of my cousins has returned home again. He was to arrive in Invercargill last Monday. I have a camera now, and I have been" taking a few photoa w&th it lately. My sister has on©, too, a much bigger on© than mine is. We have not many flowers out. Some of the sweet peas- are nearly done now, but we have still a good many left. The wind has been battering them about the last few days. "Well, Dot, since starring this letter about a week ago, my cousin", who has returned from the war, has come down to see us. I was down to see Daisy Fern a couple of days ago. She is getting much better now. The last two or three days we have been having glorious weather, Dot. I wonder if any of the D.L.F. could supply me with the words of a song called " Mavis." I would be very much obliged if someone could. "We have started cutting our oats to-day, and if all goes right I suppose they will be done with them tomorrow. I was at a welcome home for' a roturned soldier here last Frliday. As it was a rough night there were very few there. There were a few L.F.. there. With best wishes to Inquisitive Poll, Aotea-roa, Ai Country Muff, and Forget-me-not, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, . QUEEN" TOTTIE.

[I ami glad to learn Daisy Fern ie Improving, and hop© ehe will soon bo quite recovered. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been havfoig a good time here lately. A party of us went to a social and dance at Gummie's Bush last week, and w© spent a very enjoyable evening. In the early morning it started raining, and coining horn© it was not so pleasant. Another night w© went to a prohibition lecture. It was both (interesting and instructive. Best lov© to Betty the Scribe and Lady Levenside.—Yours truly, THE. OUTLAW (Fairfax).

Dear Dot, —There has been very bad weather up her© lately. It was. raining very heavily this morning, but it is fair now. My brother /is home now, and w© are expecting my other brother home soon. W© had two lady friends to see us on Sunday afternoon. My brother went out to rob a, bee's hive last night, and got a big lot of honey. I hope it is good weather when the great pea.c© comes, and everything will be looking bright. With lov© to Miss Minta, A Matid of the Mountain, and not forgetting-yourself. Yours truly, MOUNTAIN 1 VIOLET (Wharekehuanui). Dear Dot, —We are having very enjoyable weather just now. The farmers around her© are beginning to cut their crops. Our flower garden is not doing very well. Th© hollyhocks and dahlias are in bloom. Since my last letter I have spent two months in Dunedin and on© month up north. Th© stone fruit is nearly all finished, but the apples ar© beginning to ripen. We are milking five cows, but they do not give much milk. Some nights they get (into the bush, and w© do not get them for a day. With kind regards to Grace Fisher, Silver Shoe, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—

Yours truly, EBOTAEA. Dear Dot, —I see Irish Colleen's niece has joined the page. My mate and I both have cameras. It is very interesting work, and ia th© means of passf.ng away many a pleasant afternoon.—Yours truly, A CAITHNESS LASS (Herbert).

[No doubt you -will wonder at the brevity of your letter, dear, but you wrote on both sides of the paper, and that explains it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Procrastination is a dreadful habit, isn't it? I've been putting off and putting off tho writing of letters for the last three weeks, but by sheer will-power I at length sat down this evening, and this is the last one of several I havo written since tea-time. I suppose the first thing to discuss is the weather. "Well, it hasn't been anything startling to-day, has fit. Dot? But I think the last week or two hare made up for any bad weather there is. in store for us. To-day I had the privilege of being shown the operation and principles of J Marconi telegraph machine on one of the

big shj.ps froin England. Have ;-.c ever seen a wireless macnine in operation, Dot'/ it is very interesting, and ratjier weird, too. One oi' the younger members of our tamily has baen testing her artistic abilities with oil paints. At present I have a hand decorated with blue, caused by my accidentally placing -my hand on the palette. I think I'll stop now and remove some of my war paint. With love to all rny ieliow D.L.F. and to yourself, Dot.—¥ours truly, VIRGINIAiN' (Caversham).

[I am sure you would find the wireless plant most interesting, Virginian. 1 have not investigated the matter personally.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—rWe have had very changeable weather here, ending with a good day a ram to-day. We had our echool picnic at Taieri Mouth this year, and had a most enjoyable day. Jttacing, bathing, and shell-gainering lotrmed the afternoon's sport. About 4 p.m. we bid farewell to the beach and all its beauty and very unwillingly boarded the boat to go home. J. passed my annual examination, and am now in 'Standard VI. Our school teacher is now convalescent, and we hope to soon have him back again. Love to all the U.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— lours truly.

ROSE DAY (Waihola/

Dear- Dot„ —The weather lis very changeable^—one cltty very warm and the next day wet. J. don't know how the farmers will get on with their harvesting if -the weather does not change, bince I last wrote I have had two sisters married. My sister -Margaret has h&r linger broken, and she goes into the doctor to get it dressed. I am takinglesson on the piano now, and lme it all right. 'We had some lovely dahlias, but the frost has spoiled thein, Lovo to Queen oi. Arizona, Sylvia lona, Mary JJoreen, A WHs Ked JXose, ' Fiona 11, and all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DOItUNDA (Ityftl Bush;. Dear Dot, —We have had some tine weather lately, and most of the crops are cue and some are stacked. Weil, Uot, this dreadful war is over, and moat of our boys are returning after being so long and lar from home. Love to Uairymanu, Ironheart, and .beaufort, not forgetting yourself.—Yours toruiyj PLOUGJbLBO*. Uear Dot, —We are having very unsettled weather down here at present —one day is tine ttnd the next rai.nmg; but all we cun ao is u> put up with it. Anyway, winter wiil not come as a suock to us down souin. One can now notice ine days growing shorter and tne evenings longer. J. have resumed my niusio lessons again, and like it immensely, even better than beiore. JNo doubt it is because 1 have a particle more sense than 1 hau when first learning-. ±sest love to The Heroine of xirooiiieign, a Uirl ol the Lmibenost, and Lovebird, not forgetting yourseu'.—lours truly, FLUFF x-TOP (Winton). [I have readdressed the letters and posted them. If you communicate with tne club's secretary, boarlet Pimpernel, she would give you particulars. Tne address is Adeie nunter, Avon street, Gore.—DOT.] ' AUTOS. Cherry Blossom (M'isa C. Anderson, Clinton) wishes to exchange autos and correspond With Keiburn, A Mother's Boy, and any JLi.P. 17 years willing. Moonlight Mog (Elsie .Kennedy, Prince of Wales Hotel, Clinton; wishes to correspond with Torch Lily, A British Soldier's Slater, Rose of Picaruy, Patriotic Lass, Dreamy Lyes, Electric, Mairs IF, and any L.F. willing.

Wee Dot (Vera Nlcol, Limehills P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Postman Henry and any other Little Folk willing. (jueen Tottie (Maud O'Brien, Slop© Point) wisnea to correspond with Wongara, Eva Constance, Vihnnanogii, and any L.F. over 17 years willing.

Australian Girl (Nellie M, Osborn, Box 417, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Little Nell, Or ant, Toddie, Grace Fisher, Telephonist, and any L.F. between th© ages of 15 and 16 years.