DOT'S LITTLE FOLK

Otago Witness, Issue 3397, 23 April 1919, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Doruinoon 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 horns life, holiday trips, &o. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, care of Editor Witness."

Dot's Little Folk's Badge with pin; for use as a hrcaoJi, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, le 9d post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps,

Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

LETTER FROM "THE SCOTCH LAD."

[L.F. readers have a treat in the form of some extracts from "The Scotch Lad's" letters. I am indebted to Mistress Jean for the letter, and as it treats of that most interesting and memorable land which will never bo forgotten by New Zealanders, I know it will be appreciated and enjoyed.— DOT.] - "The Narrows," Dardenelles, December 11, 1918.

After putting in quite an enjoyable fortnight at Kantarah, camped out in the desert with the Seventh A.L.H. Regiment, we got sudden notice one night that we were to march to the canal and embark early the following morning. We eailed somewhere about midnight, and arrived at Port Said just after daybreak. The horizon round Port Sajid was dotted as far as the eye could see with destroyers, motor boats, and mine-sweepers of all the allied nationalities. On the morning of November 5 we passed Rhodes Island, and from then till we hit Cape Helles we were hardly out of sight of some island. On the evening of December 1 we arrived off Lemnos Island, inslide Murdos Harbour, to await orders. The ship received her orders during the night, and we weighed anchor during rain and a cold, piercing wind. The mist was too thick for us to get much of a view of the Peninsula; but we could see Achli Baba, Hill 971, and other prominent land marks. The old River Clyde, with great doors cut out of her hull seemed to be lying peacefully at anchor. The little mine-sweepers \nd destroyers about the River Clyde made a scene something like an old duck with her young ones sheltering round her. We anchored late in the afternoon off Chanak, with dozens of guns from the forts on either side glowering at us. After five days of monotony a motor launch took off our sick to a _ clearing station at Chanak, where a _ brigade of Tommies from Salonica were doing garrison. About half the Australians and half of us were taken ashore on steam lighters the first day to clean up the billets which had been allotted to us, ner Eilid Bahr. The huts we went into were in the usual state " Jacko" leaves his camps—not '-fit for a dog to live in,—so we set to work cleaning up. Near our billet was a big Turkish cemetery, which shows how big the enemy losses must have been. On 31st November 150 from each regiment marched to Anzoc, on the opposite side of the Peninsula. We arrived at Walker's Ridge 'at 10 o'clock,, doing the eight miles in. two and' a-half hours. Here we were split up into parties, an N.C.O. who had been at Anzao before acting as guide. A panoramic vfiew of our old front line made one wonder how our men held on so long. Had wo been in Jacko's. place and he in ours, he would have been pushed into the jEgean Sea inside an hour. At Lone Pine, Walker's Ridge, Quinn's Post, Pope's Hill, etc., the Jacko trenches are witbjin bomb-throw of ours. The few bits of ground sheltered from the view of the Turks by a cliff or bluff were all under fire of enemy guns. We had lunch underneath the bluff which was known as .the famous Snipers' Post. Right along the water's edgo the Turks had constructed a treble row of wire entanglements. We went to several cemeteries where soldiers in our party had buried some of their comrades. The graves had been utterly neglected by the Turks, and in some cases despdiled. Crosses in all cases had been removed, and identification of any grave was an impossibility. Crude Turkish monuments, bordered by "dud" shells and shrapnel cases, have been erected to celebrate the Turkish victory of "driving us into the sea," but when we saw the state of our graveyards the monuments received short shuift. We did not have time to go over Sari Bahr, Hill 60, and Bauchop's Ridge; but the party who went there said that there were signs to show that thousands had died when in sight of the " Promised Land." " The Narrows," December 23. Our camp is a cluster of huts and tents down in the head of a wide gully among mud and olive trees, with rugged, shrubcovered hills surrounding us. One soldier had a great find when ditching the other day He unearthed a bag containing £SO in English coins and a big quantity of rings and other valuables. January 6. Christmas Eve' was fairly quiet with us. Beyond a btit of tin-canning, shooting of Verey lights and ring of rifles no one felt excited. But the fleet of warships, etc., lying off Chanak, seemed to be having a large time judging by the noise they made for over an hour. Syrens shrieked and yelled, big rockets burst hundreds of feet in the air; but when the bug guns on the oruisers started slinging shrnpnol up and down the Narrows a, lot of the Turkish soldiers made for the hills till the noise stopped. 0;n Christmas Day we had a roast turkey, which one of the boy 3 caught a few days before. In the afternoon the French Band came up, and treated the Australians and ourselves to some " tres bon muisiquo" and "La Marseiillaise." New Year's Eve passed quietly, but _ between 12 and 1 the ships repeated their noise of Christmas Eve, and we lay awake in our tents with hands over our ears when we might have been " dreaming of 'omo." On New Year's Day we had rooster Instead of turkey. The traffic up and down the Narrows la getting greater since wo first came. January 16. I have just come back from a very interesting tour over a very big block of the Peninsula that had to be reconnoitred. Our job was to look for guns, batteries, and dumps that had not been reported. At Aohi Bashi Linian wo saw the Turkish transports that had been sunk by the

British submarine Ell. The country over the Asiatic side seemed, through the glasses,, to bo an ideal farming and thicklypopulated country- All along the Narrows were ruined towns, jetties, etc. Looking inland on the Peninsula, in between the rugged scrub-covered ridges, were closely-farmed river flats and villages, khib cf the latter being rather pretty and picturesque. Some of the implements of the farmers were quite modern. At cne homestead we actually came across a M'Cormaek reaper and binder. Unliko Ihe pastoralists of Palestine and Egypt, the Turkish farmer makes uso of good sheep and cattle dogs. The form work is done mostly by buffaloes _ and donkeys. "When passing through a, village we heard the children chanting their lessons, and went in to have a look at_ them. They were well dressed, clean looking, and did not seem to mind ue—the absolute opposite to the' half-starved rag-a-miiffins of Kilid Bahr and Chanak. We got them to come outside and get their photos taken. As is the custom of Turkish schools, the children took off their boots to go back into school.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto:—-We write for the benefit of others, nol for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 380 words. Dear Dot—The• weather is very changeable just now; sometimes it is misty and at other times it is very cold Milking cows is not very pleasant work this weather When it comes to tumbling out of bed at 5.45 a.m., hurrying into one's clothes, basing one's hair because it is all knotted and has simply got to be torn out, because one cannot brush it enough—that is the time to envy the town girl. I was spending a, holiday in Invercargill for a while, and it seemed very odd being called at 80 clock. When one is used to getting up early every morning, a violent headache is the penalty for being lazy. When I was coming home from Invercargill one evenmg I met Lrady Lydia in the train. We had a nice cosy chat together. I also met another D.L..b . while I was tin Invercargill; but her home was in Fairfax. Mother's Ivy is my sister-in-law's sister, and I could never make out who Mother's Ivy could be. Please excuse the many blotches, Dot, for I am minding some neighbour's children, and they are playing on the other end of the table. Dove to Moonlight Meg, Lady Lydl'-a, Silence, Scarlet Pimpernel, A Gypsie Belle, Mothers Ivy, * and yourself.—Yours truly, A. D. H. L. Dear Dot,—My cousins and I have been up at the bush for blackberries, and got a good number. There are a good many not ripe. We had a good time up there. We had a holiday from school on Thursday, and all the other schools had a holiday. also. My uncle has his oats cut, and all the other people round here are harvesting, and I hope the weather keeps fine till they get it in." My four uncles ore all from home now. We have only two cats now; we two or three, and my uncle poisoned one of the best of the lot. There are 21 going to our school, but there are some more to come. Kindest regards to Grace Fisher, Peter Pink Weasel, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A BUNCH OF ROSES (Redan). Dear Dot, —Two of my uncles are returning from the war on the 22nd of this month. I. take my football to school now, and we have some very exciting games. It freezes at mights here now. Some late crops around here are now being cut. I am in the Sixth Standard at school, and like school very well. I have a new cat now, and she is a beauty. There are going to be peace celebrations for the children around here soon. On. the way to school there is a fairly large orchard, and you can bet. that I don't pass that orchard wlith my hands in my pockets. There is going to be a regatta here on Saturday,-19th, and sports on the 21st .of April. Love to Pearl White, A Country Lassie, Mountain Violet, and yourself.—Yours truly, CABBAGETREE NED. Dear Dot, —Last Saturday my auntie and uncle were down here, and I went to stay with my cousin during their absence. I thoroughly enjoyed my long uide of 20 miles. We went fishing, and caught some beautiful fish, which we enjoyed cooking, and we had a nice breakfast with them. Our harvest ie the latest about here this year. My eldest brother went up North Otago to help my uncle with his stacking, and he has not returned yet. I think we are gofing to cut our crop next week, and hope we ».will get fine weather. When my brother comes back w© are expecting Wlilber Lune with him. The last, holiday I had I enjoyed it so much that I am longing for another. I was very sorry to hear or my cousin Dreamy Daniel's sickness, and hope he has quite recovered. Our school examination is over, and I am in Standard V now. —Yours truly, ENGLISH ' CHIMES (Fortification).

Dear Dot, —The farmers around here are all complaining.about the bad weather. They are not getting on with the harvest owing to the continual rain. When the sun does shine the sheaves are not dry enough to be stacked. I have to leave at half-past 8 in the mornings for school, and I do not get home agaiin at night till 5 o'clock. I think the leaves on the trees look very pretty just now, with the autumn tints -of red, yellow, and brown. Have you noticed the lilac leaves—how pretty they are just now? The Kaikorai Band was at Milton playing in the Coronation Hall last night, and to-day (Sunday) they are playing in the park; but I was not able to go. We could hear the band playing quite distinctly from our place, so that was just as good as going down to it. Love to Buster Manager, Tangles Wonnie, and the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FRECKLES (Milton).

Dear Dot,—lt was my birthday last Monday. I went to the sports and school p;'cu>"c on April 5. We are going- to have a school concert soon. I had a holiday to-day on account of the voting. My cousin Willy is coming up to see us. Ho is in the South Island, and has been at the front. Ho went away in the Seventh Reinforcements. It is going' to be a frost to-niight. The cow is not giving very much milk now. We got some mushrooms to-day. We have been digging the potatoes. Best love to the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSEBUD (Kio Kio).

Dear Dot, —Tho weather at present is very unsettled, and is not at all agreeable to the farmers who have not got their harvesting finished. We have been picking up some of our potatoes, and intend finishing as soon as the harvest is over. The school children have been picking up potatoes at the poultry farm the last two Saturdays. I was at the pictures on Friday night, and they were very good. It is only the second or third time thai I have been at them here, aa we have been living here only three years last February. Tho Kaikorai Band came out here

on Saturday night, and then went to the Gardens to-dav. It was very nice in spite of (he rain. We did not have cooking last Wednesday, as our teacher (Miss Melville) met with an accident. We will soon be having our Easter holidays now. 1 0.0111. think I am going anywhere tins time, but mother is thinking of going to Mosgiel. iwrito to a girl in England through the Victoria Leagua, and find it very interesting. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, Dot.—Yours truly, A GIRL SCOUT (Milton). Dear Dot-I am iust writing you a note to ask if you will let me join V o ."* W/ band of L.F. I am * bad hand at waiting, but next time I will try to write a good deal more. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.-^^^fe [You are very welcome to join us, Mohawk.—DOT.] . Dear Dot—An Old Writer (Crimson Rambler) and I are both working at the same place at present. There seem* to be a good many girls wearing D.L.F. badges up this way, but so far I have not had the pluck to speak to any of them.. We have had a good shower of rain lately, and we were badly in need of it. I was out in the biggest part of the shower, and got wet through twice, and both times I allowed my clothes to dry on me. It was very silly, I know, as I had rheumatic fever two years ago. I still get rheumatism if I get wet, and I suffered greatly next day. There is to be a big dance here on the 21st of this month, but a 3 dancing as a pastime that I have no faith in whatever I intend staying at home. My mates all try to persuade me to go, but I always • turn the deaf ear to them. Best love to Australian Girl and King William, not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly, A LONESOME MELODY. [lt is not a wise proceeding to take too many risks with one's health, dear. One invariably has to pay for recklessness in one's youth—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am nine years of age, and in Standard 111 at school. There was ar election in .the school last Thursday, so we had a holiday. We are milking 10 cows just now, and sending the milk to the fac tory. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SWIFT (Enfield). [You are very welcome to join us, Swift DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt gets dark early at night time, and there is not much time for anything. We are having very changeable weather lately—rain one day and fine the next,—so it is not suitable for harvesting. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PEACE (Wyndham). [There are so many wrliters it is almost impossible to avoid duplication of pennames occasionally, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have read the L.F. letters for quite a long time, and _ have only now found courage enough to write and ask you to admit me as one of your members. At present I am on a holiday, and since coming here I have met many L.F. friends. Tharleriie and I have been out for a few rides. On one occasion we went to Slope Point, and while there I made the acquaintance of The Wild Irish Rose and Stars and Stripes. Since I have been here I have had some very enjoyable outings with my new friends. Where I am staying I see No. 13 very often, as he is working here. Best love to Tharlenie, Stars and Stripes, The Wild Irish , Rose, Inquisitive Poll, Rose of Sharon, Grandma's Pet, and No. 13. —Yours truly, CHOW-CHOW. [I am glad you have found the L.F. suoh agreeable companions, Chow-Chow. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—We had a very windy day last week, and it blew the tops off a good many stacks about here. The rain came after the wind, and it is only brightening up now. I suppose we will get one or two days' holiday, but I do not care whether we get any or not. Rabbl'tskins are getting pretty valuable now. They are 4d each now, and they will get more valuable as winter comes on. There are a great many rabbits about this district, and it will be a long time before they are all away. It will soon be chaffcutting and thrashing time again. I always thjinkit is lovely to watch the mill. Kind regards to all the L.F.—Yours truly, PIXIE O' SHAUNTY. Dear Dot, —I have left school now, and am working at home. Most of the farmers are in the middle of their harvest, which is very late this year. We were lucky, and had ours in the stack before the rain came. It rained very heavily on Thursday afternoon. I was at Fortrose, and got soaked to the skin. The dairymen are going to build a new concrete factory down here. The cows are not giving much now, so it will not be long before the factory is closed. A very sad accident occurred here about seven weeks ago, when our neighbour was swept off the fishing rock and drowned. His body has not yet been recovered. My last school prize was " Deerfoot on the Prairies," and I like it very much. I got my proficiency, and was dux of the school. There is going to be a welcome-home social to a returned soldier here shortly. No. 13 lives near here, and is a great chum of Tharlerie's. Best wishes to Tharlerie, No. 13, and Otara Eel, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, y X. Z. (Otara). Dear Dot, —We are having very cold i weather here at present, and we are thinking about preparing for winter.. I spend most of my winter evenings reading. My favourite book is " Treasure Island." Have you ever been in Arrowtown, Dot? I suppose you would find it very quiet compared to Dunedin. I have a bad cold just now, but I suppose it will soon get better. Everybody was busy voting to-day. We had two days' steady rain this week, and all the farmers were overjoyed. My mother is busy crocheting a d'oyley this evening. All the flower gardens seem dead now, as we had a few sharp frosts. I suppose you do not often feel frosts in Dunedin, as everybody says it is much warmer there. Love to Miss Minta, Lady Warwick, Peace, A New Zealand Lassie, and Lady Warrington, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, OLD KITTY.

[Believe me it Is quite cold enough in Dunedin, dear, and frosts are by means unknown—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was at college all last year, and am going back again after Easter. We were very unfortunate about our examinations last year, as the epidemic was then at its height. Needless to say, they were postponed,, and I had to go down to Alexandra for mine in January; but we were at a great disadvantage, being away from etudy for almost two months. However, I got through mine successfully, with about 500 marks to spaoro. It was Intermediate that I dlid last year, and I am going in for Senior Civil Service this year. Three weeks ago I went up to Glonorohy for the athletio sports, which were held on St. Patrick's Day. As per usual St. Patrick wept bitterly, and so spoilt every-

one's enjoyment. There were a number of very fair items, which wore keenly contested. Competitors flocked in from all the surrounding districts, such as Queens town, Arthur's Point, Shotover, and Frankton. The usual danee waa hold on that night, and the citizens turned up in large numbers, in spite of the weather. They had a double object there that evening - ; as well as the dance three returned soldliers were welcomed back to the district by their many Glenorchy friends. We are all eagerly looking forward to the peace celebrations, also a regatta which is to bo held in. Queenstown on Easter Saturday. The Queenstown Athletio Committee have arranged for sports on Easter Monday, eo r are all anticipating a real good time. The deer-stalking is in full swing up the Routeburn at present. There are several parties up there in search of sports and heads. What do you think, Dot? I won the senior good conduct medal at college last year. It is such a pretty gold cross and ohain. We are just on the threshold of winter. Th* tree's ore almost bare. It has been raining and blowing her to-day, and has been terribly cold. Now I must say au revoir.—Yours truly, A DA* DREAMER. [Congratulations on your last year's successes, dear, and I hope you will be equally successful this year.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am 14 years of age and have left school nearly two years now. At I am working on a farm where I have two cows to milk, but as it has been too- dry lately, they don't give much milk. I know a few D.L.F. about here. Dove to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DONGOLA (Enfield).. [I am very pleased to have you join us, Dongola— DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have hod some friends slaying with us for a holiday. Wo have only the one cow milking new. I hope it snowa this winter. I have had a cut finger since Thursday, and it was very easily done. Three more soldiers ore coming back here, but my brother is not home yet. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self.— Yours truly, . CRAGGIE WAR, (Ngapara). Dear Dot,—The -weather is setting in very oold now, so I suppose it is good-bye to the beaoh and bathing till next summer. We have had only on© good' downpour of rain since Christmas,, and it filled all the tanks up, but they are getting empty again. We are getting plenty of wind, and also Scotch mist, neither being very pleasant. It was'a job to get green stuff for my guineapigs, but the grass is' coming on fine now. To-day ia election day, and we have a holiday from school. The town is crowded with people andl motor cars. Everybody is more ox less excited over their voting. Last. Monday being mummie's birthday, we spent the day in Palmerston North, and, needless to say, we had a good time. I was very tired when I got home at night, and it was not very long before I was in bed and asleep. What a lot of our boys are expected home this month. We are expecting my uncle home any day now; he lias been away two and a-nalf years. He has just recovered from a very bad attack of "flu." Ho would have, been homo by this time,-only when his lot left England) he was too ill to leave. He was just recovering nicely after being badly gassed when he got the "flu,' so it has taken him a long time to recover. Another mine was found on the Rangitikei beach, 17 miles from iiulls, a few days ago. It was destroyed, yesterday morning, and we heard the explosion here; some thought it was thunder. Well, Dot, I must not take up any more space, so will close with best wishes to you and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, JERRY JOY (Foxton). [You will naturally feel much relieved when your uncle is safely back, Jerry Joy, since he has been through such troubled times-. DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather hero at present ia beautifully fine, and my only hope is that it will keep fine for "the Easter holidays. Next week is the Queenstown regatta, and as' there ha* not Been one for some considerable time, I think a large number will be in attendance. I see the boys are coming home fast now, and eome of them do look worn out after being away for such a long time. The town its looking a bit more lively now, since the boys came home, and . on© can notice suoh a difference. With kind regards —Yours truly, THjc; HEROINE OF BEuOELETGH (Invercargill). Dear Dot, —As this ia my first letter to the page, I will up much of your valuable space. I am 10 years old and in the Fifth Standard at school. I will soon be 11, as my birthday is on the 20th of this month. Our examination begins on Monday next, and lam wondering how I shall get on. I have a D.L.F. mate in the form above me at school, and it was she who induced nxo to write. Love to Blue Eyes and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself—Yours truly, I LILY OF THE VALLEY (Kaitangata). [Beat wishes for a happy birthday and success in the examination. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Queen Mab and I wrote just before Christmas, but our letters were not posted, and it was a very long time after that we found our letters. I'nat is the reason you have not heard from us. We are having a fancy dress ball down here in aid of our new hall, and are expecting a lot of peopk down for the holidays. Quo: school has started a drum and fife band, and my brother and sister have joined the band, and they are busy practising. They can play "God save the King." With love to all the L.F.— lours truly, PEINC ESS MAVIS. Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather here just now. Most of the farms are busy harvesting. Since last writing one of our sohool teachers has left, and the one we have now is only temporary. The other morning when I was leg-roping a cow sbo kicked out at me and hurt my arm, but it is better now. With love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BESSIE T. (Maitland).. Dear Dot, —What terrible weather w© have been having. It is keeping the harvest so late.. Father has about 20 acres to stack yet; he hopes to be finished this week. We had a holiday on Thursday, being polling day; but it rained through the day. My wee baby brother as walking all over the place, but he does not talk yet. Love to Wee Marguerite and Matria Lily—Yours truly, J. L. (Otama). Dear Dot,—We are having warm weather, but this morning the ground was white with frost. Dunedin must be a nice place to liv* in. Prohibition was not carried m Cherteey. Mum is busy knitting stump socks for ths boys who are home and have their legs taken off She does a lot of crochet. lam working a cushion cover for mum. We have nine hens and a rooster. I am m Standard HI at school and am 10 years old. We had a welcome home here the other night to five of our boys. Each soldier received a nice medal. There was a marriage in Chertsey, and the bride's wedding dress was .lowly. Th* happy

couple went away for a holiday to Ohxißtchurch. Mother told me to wear green on St. Patrick's day because I am half Lpen. I belong to the Presbyterian Church. I am sleepy because I woke at 4 o'olock trufl morning. Mother and my brother axe in bed, and iny dad is working on the mill. Love to all my correspondents and cotmodes, not forgetting your own dear self.—xoura tMy ' DAD'S DAISY. [Thank yon very much for the Post-card, Dad's Daisy. The pansies are beautafully painted.—~-OT.] Dear Dot,—lt fa my birthday on Thursday. I will be 17-getting old. I have only three years to write to the page. Mum and I were out.to-day; we went to a little place about nine miles from here called Dunback. I wee so glad when I got home, the train was so slow. I have had a headache ever since I came back. My mietrees is away for three weeks, so I am having a good long holiday. What a lot of boys are returning to New Zealand; some homes wall be. made happy. Do you know, Dot, it fa a. year to-morrow (the 16th) since my dear brother was wounded and missing? TheTe is a man in next week, so I hope we will get some letters. Marconi is away to the JNortn Island now. I had a letter from him a few days ago. It is Daddy's Boy's birthday to-morrow. He wfill be seven, and he is tun of mischief. Best love to yourself, Marconi, Hydraulic, A Mother's Boy, Thora, Wolgo, Moonlight Meg, Cowboy, Merlo, William Tell, and all the rest of my comrades.— Yours SOLDIER'S SISTER (Palmerston South.) Dear Dot,—l met Waiau the other day. She has been sick, but is getting better quickly. She has sick-leave and is up nere for a holiday. Mother is ill m bed at present so I am nurse. The Kennedy Company are coming here on Wednesday, and X think I shall go to see them. Easter holidays will soon be here, and a fortnight after that is the first term examination. I am in the Sixth Standard now, and trying to get my proficiency. Love to Sapphire, Topaz, and Little Actress.—Yours truly, ,„,__ A LITTLE ACTRESS'S MATE (Otutu.) Dear Dot,—Slince I wrote last I have been to Christchurch for a holiday, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I _ went to Lyttelton and saw many troopships. I went to Sumner and New Brighton, where I spent two most enjoyable days bathing in the sea. I was very glad to get home again. The day I went away I met Grant on the station, and we had a chat for a few moments. I also met Manuka Blossom in Christchurch, and she was the only other L.F; I met. I had a letter from Knob Mya, and I was very sorry to hear about her baby brother's death. The poor little boy died of pneu- , monia. Kindest regards to Knob Mya, Prances, Vanessa, heartsease, and Ah.ua., not. forgetting; your dear self.—Yours truly, A GIRL FROM THE WEST (Gore).

Dear Dot, —The Wairaki school picnic was held here last Saturday, and I'm sure everyone who was there spent a very, enjoyable day. I did for one. The Nightcaps Brass Band came out to liven things up, and it was very nice. We ran races and played all sorts of games until the picnto broke up about 5 o'clock. A few D.L.F. turned up, and I think they all had a good time. I noticed Wairaki Daisy and Mabel were there, also Silver Birch, Mount Rouse, Inverlochy, and Ffiona 11. The weather here is very windy.' Love to Mount Rouse, Pethona, Inverlochy, and Fiona 11, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GOLD BRANCHEN (Wairaki). Dear Dot,—-The weather is very broken now, and the farmers will be very late with their; harvesting. We had a farewell sooial for a neighbour last week, and it was a good turn out. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LAVINA (Pukemoori). Dear Dot, —We have been having terrible weather up this way lately. It has., been raining nearly every day, but to-day it was rather nice. We had two visitors this afternoon, so it wasn't so quiet as it usually is. I went into Lurnsden last night for the mail, and as it was moonlight I had a lovely ride home. They have finished harvesting at last, and have started to dip the sheep. I like watching them, and I like pushing the sheep in, too. I wish we got the Witness every week, but we only get it now and again, when there are any spare ones. Love to all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, ROSE OF PICARDY. Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 10 years old, and in Standard 11. I have one brother but no s/istefs. Igo to the public school every day. My father has a large farm. I was down in Dunedin twice, but I do not remember it, as I was then only a baby. I live four miles from school. The weather is very cold' here now. I remember last winter when the snow covered all the fences, and we used to walk over them. Love to Peace, Lady Warwick, Miss Minta, and Lady Warrington, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BUSH CREEK (Arrowtown). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.]

Bear Dot,—We have teen very busy with the harvest, and are having lovely weather just now. There was a social held in the church on Wednesday afternoon, and all the Sunday school children had to sing-. The fruit is very late in ripening this year because of the bad weather. We are milking 22 cows just now, but they are gliving very littlo milk. There are two teachers at this school now. The farmers are very busy taking in their crops." Love to Thora, Tipperary Mary, and yourself.—Yours truly. LILY OF THE PRAIRIE. Dear Dot, —Those two familiar words " write soon" seem always to awaken me to a sense of duty, and a gentle reminder from a comrade has pulled me together, ready to write again. These cold, frosty nights tempt one very much to seek the warmth and comfort of the home fireside and as I am lather partial to the same letter-writing has been an the background. When we are down the bay for the week-end we can fully appreciate a beautiful frosty morning. The bay resembles a sheet of glass early in the morning, so smooth is the water, and the rising eun over the hilltops is a beautiful' picture. Later in the mo'ning little ripples appear in the water, ..the sun comes out and sheds its rays over the bay, then when tbe ferry steamers ply their way the water becomes rough, and the stillness ia borne _ away until the morrow. I often think imagination is a wonderful thing—that is, if we use it in a good way,— and really on» oan't help using one's imagination over Nature's marvels. We have names for all the nooka, creeks, and favourite spots, and our imagination carries ua into a great deal of happiness. Even 'puch little thinga aa these go a long way to making a happy, contented world. Last week my Bister and I went for a walk along ibe " Track of Beauty," aa we call it, and

we enjoyed It immensely. The reason for the name is this: The track is abundantly covered with bush on either side, the blackberries trail up the sides of some of the trees, while the briar rosea push their way in a vacant spot, seemling very eagerly to want our attention. In the lower ground a creek, thickly covered with watercress, runs between the banks, which claim the weeping willows as their king, and when one has travelled to the top one gets a beautiful view and wild flowers in profusion-. That is a little pliece of " God's Own Countrv'—so little, indeed, as a view, but mighty in the works of Nature. Daddy's Pet is always fishing; but what she gets no one ever sees. She eaye that she is trying to catch a salmon fish, but has not been successful so far—nor ever will be, I think. Her idea is evidently not to "die in despair," as she anticipates having salmon every night for tea when she is marrfied. That " when" needs a double query to it, I reckon. . It will not be long now ere Ivanhoe, Postman Henry, and all our D.L.F. soldiers are home again. Then " auld acquaintance" shall be renewed. When " the bells of peace are ringing" we can look back to the 801 lof Honour, and see the names of New Zealand's sons who have left behind them "footprints in the sands of time." Kindest regards to yourself, Dot, and all comrades. — Yours truly, A TRUE PATRIOT (Dunedin North). [Patience and perseverance are two essential attributes for a good angler, dear, and, knowing how fascinating is the sport, I can admire both qualities in Daddy's Pet.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have been reading the letters in the Witness, so thought I would like to join. I live fin Hawke's Bay. The weather has been very good here lately—no rain for weeks, so there is very little feed for stock. a motor bike, and go for many rides over rough roads. We have a horse and cart; also a cow, which has been milking for nine months, but will be dry soon. I am going to live in a town shortly and drtive a motor car. I think it will be much better than in the country. Love to all the LP., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOTOR JIM (H B.) [Will you "please enclose your name with your next letter, Motor Jim. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —My pet lamb Teddy has been sold, and I miss him very much. One day he came into the pantry and ate mum's spongecake. He used to eat sugar. I go to school with Ladybird, Princess Rosetta, and Lady Hinemoa. The harvest is in full swing just now, and we are very busy. I have a horse, and when my cousin, Ladybird, comes over we have good fun riding about the roads and paddocks. When Lady Hinemoa and Princess Rosetta come down we play outside in the dark. Love to Ladybird, Lady Hinemoa, Princess Rosetta, Matai, White Heather, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LADY SYBIL (Thornbury). Dear Dot, —May I join your band? I am going trapping with my brother next week. lam 14 years old, and have left school. I have been helping with the harvest this year. Wo have, had bad weather. I have been stooking for my father all. this year. He is away at jpresent. Love to Red Rube. Yours truly, POWDER KING. [You are very welcome to join us. Powder King. I hope you have a successful time trapping.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Just a while back I finished two books which were very interesting. Tho names of them 'were " The Girl Scout" and " Girl Crusoes." Summer has passed with its glorious sunshine, to give place to winter with its cold, stormy weather. My'father is keeping quite well since he.landed in New Zealand, and he has been telling us many interesting stories since he came home. Broadleaf has gone out to work, and she says she likes it. A picnic is to be held at Tahakopa next Thursday, and T hope to go. A welcome home was given to some soldiers at Moclennan, but I did not go, as it was too far, and the roads are very dirty at present. Our present teacher is leaving this month to give place to another who has just arrived in New Zealand a few weeks ago. Our Sunday School will soon be closing for the winter now, as very few attend, except in fine weather. Love to Fairy Footstep, Violet, Broadleaf, and Country Belle, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSENRESLIE (Kahudka). Dear Dot, —I have been in bed with the "flu." There is a lot of .diphtheria about Lurnsden just now. I was at the pictures the last time they were up here. While I was in bed some of my mates sent roe over some very interesting picture books to look at. Our little pup goes with my father, and he is getting. very useful with the sheep. My little sister has been going to school sinoe the .beginning of the year, but she will not be five until Sunday next: Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, A FERRYMAN'S BOY (Lurnsden). [I am so sorry "you have been ill, dear, but hope you are now better.—DOT.] • Dear Dot, —I am 13 years old, and am in the Fifth Standard at school. I live near the Arrow River, which is not far from the school. My mother rears geese and ducks. I have one sister and two brothers. My sister is married. My father has a farm and a great many horses. We have very little fruit left in our garden. We are having fine weather up here just now, and we all hope it keeps fine till after Easter. We are giving all the soldiers a welcome home in the Presbyteriaji Church on April 14. Love to Peace and New Zealand Lassie, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ARMISTICE (Arrowtown). [Please enclose your name with your next letter, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am 10 years old. I have a pet horse. Her name is Dolly. I have gathered 16 dozen birds' eggs this year. Arrowtown is very quiet, though we have a lot of fun. It has been very wet weather up here. I have four cats, which like to be always playing. We have a great many winter pears. My favourite fruit is apples. We have four dogs. My mate has left here. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ENGLISH BOY (Arrowtown).

[You ore very welcome to join us, English Jioy. I am sure you must mips your friend. —DOT.3 Dear Dot, —We have been expecting the inspector for a good while now, but he has not arrived yet, but he will pop in some day when we are not thinking. J. know a good many D.L.F. about here. There are a good many flowers, mostly sweet peas, in our garden. I do not know so much about others, so I cannot tell you. To-day I thought it was going to rain, as it was very dull all roimd, and there was one shower, but it did not last very long, and it turned! out a nice day afterwards, but very cold. Winter has set in very quickly this year. I know, because I have chilblains already, and they are not very nice. If you have had

them, you will know what they are like. Love to Scotch Thistle. Shamrock, Smallest, and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting) your own dear self.—Yours truly. SCOTCH THISTLE'S MATE (Clinton).

Dear Dot, —I think it must be three or four years since I last wrote. I am 13 years old, and am in the Sixth Standard at school. A combined social and picnic was held here about two months ago. It was a nice day, and I enjoyed myself very much. A number of people were bathing in the river near by. I have seven of my top teeth out, and will be getting my false ones in in a month f time. Easter will soon be here now, and I am looking forward to the holidays. We a<ro milking four cows at night and five in the morning. I have a brother at the war, and hope he will soon be home now. Best wishes to Pickles, Wee Dot, Mother's Help, and Buttercup, not forgetting yourself.—Yoivra truly,

YOUNG- MEG (Centre Bush). [I am very pleased to hear from you after such a long silence, Young Meg.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have passed into the Fourth Standard at school. I have a little black kitten, and it got caught in a rabbit trap. The weather down here is very changeable. Wo are milking four cows, and 6ending*the milk to the dairy factory. Wo have a pig which is ready to kill. We get in two eggs ©very day. We had a school picnio at Centre Bush about six weeks ago. I have a brother at the war. I hope he will soon be home. I have a cold, which I hope will soon be better. Kind regards to all the L.F., -not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WIMBLO (Centre, Bush). Dear Dot, —I have often thought of writing to the page, but have kept putting it off. I have noticed a few old ones joining up, so I decided to-night to got in a few letters before I am counted out. I. cycled up to_ Central Otago about two months ago, via Milton, Lawrence, Beaumont, Roxburgh Alexandra, Clyde, OmakaU, St. Bathano, Naseby, Kyebura, Hyde, Middlemarch, and Outram, but I saw hardly a member the whole time I was away. I had one puncture and one wet afternoon the whole trip. Three hundred and ten miles in four days, and didn't have a smash-up until I was in town a few days, when one night I went over the handlebws down by St. Leonards. I intend going up to Tapanui and Heriot at Easter if the rain votes against continuance and the weather turns " dry." The weather has been very windy lately, and if it is no better for Easter we will have to get a new weather prophet, and give the old one tno sack. Drill has been "knocked on the head" until June, so I am not sorry. Best wishes to all. —Yours truly, BO AD HOC (Dunedin). [You are evidently one of the lucky people. I think you put up a very good performance. I hope you enjoy the Easter trip: -DOT.]. Dear Dot, —During the last few days the weather has been very wintry. The farmers are all busy harvesting now, so it is to be hoped that the weather will take up again to enable them to finish. We had our school picnic with Win ton on March 5. Do you like mushrooms, Dot? I got a few on the hill the other day. We had a holiday last Thursday. The people were using the school. We had a frost the bther nigJit, and in the morning everything was black. There are a number _ of boats coming in with soldiers. Pickles is a schoolmate of mine. She will be writing this week. Love to Pickles, Jimmy Wren, Harvest Queen, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WEE DOT (Centre Bush). [I must admit I do like mushrooms. Wee Dot.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My father is very busy harvesting .just now, but we are not getting very good harvest weather. A number of farmers were cutting on Sunday. I am in the Third .Standard at school now. On Saturday L was ill. Kindest regards to Rocket, Gasbag, Queen of the May, and A Lass From the Bog.—Yours truly, LYON ROSE (Lady Barkly). [I hope you are now quite better again, Lyon Rose.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Although it is euch a long time since I last wrote I atill take a great interest in the D.L.F. page. Every week Birch and I look forward eagerly to the Witness. Birch and I had a lovely holiday in Riverton. One day we went to Centre Island, about 12 miles from Riverton. We had such a nice time there. The lighthouse-keepers are so jolly, and as wo were the first visitors they had had for six months you oan imagine how we were welcomed. Birch and I have been trapping lately. The money we get fox the skins.comes in very handy for films, etc., fox our cameras. I can scarcely believe we are nearly into winter again. The seasons just seem to fly by, and each one more swiftly than the last. I always think autumn is such an untidy season—trees losing their leaves, fowls dropping their feathers everywhere, and thistledown lying all over the place. A few weeks ago" an opossum came to live here. He is tame, as he. came down from the next station, where he was a pet. He is such a queer little beast, with lovely rich brown fur and a bright pink nose. He is a great nuisance, as he sleeps all day and paradea round at night. Although we are very fond l of him, w© have to shut him up, as it is too much happiness when be climbs in our bedroom windows and pushes everything he can move off the tables, etc. He now lives in a large cage with a huge branch in it for him to do gymnastics on if he likes. -Kindest regards.—Yours truly, KOWHAI (Nightcaps). [K>o doubt if one were disposed to be nervous the nightly visitations of the opossum would be rather trying.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is nearly a year since I last wrote to you. To-day Pixie and I went down to the river, and we caught a water spider. When it is in water it is of a silvery colour, and l out of water it is brown. It has eight legs, and has two tiny eyes. We are not going to keep it, for I am not very fond of spiders. There have not been very many mushrooms this year. I had seven pigeons, but,two died. —Yours truly, BIRCH (Nightcaps). Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Folk? For a long time I have been interested in the" ; letters in the Witness. I am at present staying in Milton, where my cousin, Lady Carfax, is also. I come out to a wedding, at which she was bridesmaid. The wedding was very successful, also the breakfast. I feel the effects of it yet. Well, Dot, I must tell you before I go any further about the night before the wedding. Eight of us arrived by train to find nobody to meet us, so off we set to tramp two and a-half miles in the clear moonlight. When we arrived at our destination we found the house full of relations, who were out to have some fun. After supper one of my aunts brought out the blacklead tin and brush, and prepared to unlace the future brother-in-law's boots to blacken hie feet. But he was not prepared for this, and he fought like a Red Indian; but there being ten on to two he had not much hope of escapling. At last his boots were off, and \ the work began. Two or three of us held

him down, while another of our number blackened his feet and face. He was a sight for sore eyes when we were done. The future bride stuck up for him, getting her share, too. We had plenty to nrnuse us after our long walk. Love to Lady Carfax and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly,

FLUFFY (Dunedin). [You are very welcome to join us, Fluffy.— DOT.] AUTOS. English Chimes (Matilda Fleming, Fortification) wishes to correspond with a Maid of the Mountains. A Lonesome Melody (Miss B. Smith, care of Mr W. G. Rae, Middlennarch) wishes to correspond with Lady Carfax and A Maid of the Mountains. Heather Bell (Robert Hind, jun., 21 Michael street, Buckhaven. Fife, Scotland). Lily of the Yalley (Phyllis Oliver, Eddystone street, Kaitangata) wishes to correspond with Peace (Arrowtown) and Polyanthus (Mornington). A Day Dreamer (Mary Mackenzie, Ardmore House, Walter Peak Station, Lake Wakatipu) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing between the ages of 17 and 18. Bessie T. (Miss Mattie Donald, Maitland) wishes to correspond with Wee Dot, Cluny Maid, and any L.F. 10 years or over willing. A Girl from the West (Winnie Davis, Seymour street, Gore) wishes to correspond with Stationmaster. Lily of the Prairie (Jean Muir, Tutuirau, via Mataura) wishes to correspond! with any L.F. willing. A British Soldier's Sister (Nora Tomlineon, Palmerston, Otago) wishes to correspond with Golden Dreams of Old England, Powder and Patches, and A Highland Laddie. A Ferryman's Boy (Guy Graham, Box 63, Lumsden) wishes to correspond with Old Kitty (Arrowtown). Young Meg (Annie Bromley, Limehills P. 0.) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Josephine (Henrietta Galvin, Cardrona Post Office) wishes to correspond with any L.F. from 16 years to 20 willing. A Lonesome Melody (Edlna Gye, care of Mr Burgess's private bag, Nukumaru, via Wanganui) wishes to correspond with Australian Girl. Tin Tottens (Molly Taylor, Clinton) wishes to correspond with Fairy Queen, Rose Day, Mary of the Glen, and any L.F. willing.