DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3398, 30 April 1919, Page 56

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short lettors from her young friends throughout the Dominoon on matters of interest to themselves, the result of thtir observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything thoy 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, caro of Editor Witness."

Dot's Little Folk's Badge with pin, for use as a hmoali, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, Is 9dpost free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Uotto:—We write for the benefit of others, not i, for ourselvesNo letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear Dot,—We have no relatives to come home now, as my two uncles arrived home at Christmas time, and we are anxiously waiting for them to come and see us when on their leave. We Jiave given up all hopes of seeing or hearing about my other poor uncle who was missing three years ago. Everybody was so thankful that the "flu' did not reach here. Although it is a small, quiet little place, it is a very healthy spot, and ia never troubled with much sickness. We spent a lively Christmas and Now Year here. A picnic and sports were held on New Year's Day, and a dance at night. All were a success. I won 14d at the sports. I ran in two races and got sd, and won the needle race and got 9d. My mate came second. Browny was home for a few days, and we had a great time together. Her sister/, Stormy Petrel, is working at Luggate now, too. One of our Cardrona bays was married three weeks ago, and an enjoyable evening was spent in his mother's house. One of my aunties was married on March 3 at Gore. My brother (Crown Range) lost his horse. He got drowned in the creek, and I was very sorry, as he was a quiet animal. My brother has another horse. Her name is Mag, and she has .a lovely big foal nearly six months old. Lily of Cardrona and I have not been for a ride together this long time, but I guess we will make up for all that when the horses are idle. It has been raining heavily to-night, and is very cold—just like winter. A girl pal of mine and myself are going to Pembroke'"" on Eaoter Monday in the mail car, so we are looking forward to a good time. At present I am milking v five cows, and they still give a lot of milk." I find it hard churning these cold days. Love to Browny, Lily of CardTona, Excelsior, Kosezella, Humming Bird, Clementine, and yourself.—Yours truly, JOSEPHINE (Cardrona).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 13 years old, and in the Fifth Standard at school. I have four brothers and two sisters. We live near the Arrow River. I have many pets. We are having fine weather lately, and most of the crops "are cut and some are stacked. Most; of. our boys are returning after being so long and far from home. I .often go to the pictures on Saturday nights. I have a little flower garden, and there are many pretty flowers in it, but they are beginning to wither now. We have a few fruit trees. Have you ever been in Arrowtown, Dot? It is a quiet little place. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ERIN (Arrowtown).

[I am very pleased to welcome you to the page, Erin.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My two sisters and I wont away over the hills and into the bush this afternoon, and had a very good time. We •also gathered nice green leaves for the vases. This year we are going tor have five days at Easter instead of four, the usual number. We did not get Anniversary Day, so our head master said l he would give us an extra day at Easter. The weatKer here lately has not been as good as it might be. The sun is shining, but the air is keen. We have a veTy easy time at school after 11 o'clock on Tuesdays. All the boys in our class go down to woodwork, and our teacher lets us draw most of the time. With kind regards to all the L.F., not, of course, forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BLUE EYES (Kaitangata).

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 10 years old, and in the Fourth Standard. We have had very wet weather, and the farmers have had a trying time with their harvest. I have an uncle at the front, but I think he will be home soon. My sister is also writing to-night. Love to ail the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv,, SUNLIGHT'S LAST RAID (Edendale). TYou are very welcome to join us, dear DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are going to start digging our potatoes to-morrow, and I think we are going to have a good crop. Some of our apples are getting ripe now. Some of them are fairly big. We have nearly finished our peaches. It will soon be my birthday. I will be 11 then. I think I will have a ride down to put the mail bag in the box. The river runs through a very pretty bush half-way down. The sweet peas are (still in flower, and they are very pretty.—Yours truly,

BOOKWORM (Ruatorea). [I have noted the change in the address Bookworm.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am eight years old, and in the Second Standard. We have a cat and a dog. The dog got caught in a trap, but wo soon got him out. Love to all the other L.F., not forgetting yortrselF.—Yours truly, MOONLIGHT MOLLY (Edendale). [I very pleased to welcome you to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had very unsettled weather this past week in the Wakatipu district. For three days some of the highest peaks were covered with snow, but it has nearly all disappeared by this time. When the sun' rises in the morning it looks very pretty shining on the white snow on the mountain-tops; it makes' it look like pink. This is a lovely _ place to take one's nolidays. It is a Bit lonely at first-, but one soon gets used to that. There is an excursion trip up the lake every Monday, and on Wednesdays and Fridays the steamer calls at any place. Friday is our day. It is not very often she comes here on a Wednesday, unless on special occasions. We

have plenty of hens, dogs, horses, and geene about the place. We also have a boy to milk five cows every night and morning, and feed the 10 pigs that are up in the pigsty at the plantation. Wo have a beautiful garden of flowers. The gardener keeps it very nice. Away up the flat about one mile and three-quarters off there is an orchard with plenty of beautiful fruit in it. Love to The Day Dreamer and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truiy, PLY CATCHER (Beach Bay).

Dear Dot,—We have moved from Marton, and are living at Nukumaru, which is not very far from Wanganui, and I thought 1 would write when we were settled. I met an Old Writer in Wanganui—a lady who came up to mo and asked me if I was a member. She eaid she hadn't written to the page for years. She went away and never told me her name. The weather is very cold here now in the mornings. I feel I don't want to get up because it is so cold. We are going to have three days' celebrations here when peace comes. I am going to play the violin in the orchestra, and I have to practise very hard. I don't like the ideavery much, because I am very nervous. I have been making plaster of Paris placques all the afternoon. I have a very big one of Mary Pickford, and it does look beautiful. Best love to Kaka and yourself.—Yours truly, / A LONESOME MELODY.

Dear Dot, —We are having terrible weather here lately, and it doesn't appear to have any noti.on of fairing up. It seems as though winter has set in already. They are holding the annual Kuriwao dog trial to-day, and it is rather an unfavourable day on account ;of the rain and wind. . But it is usually a success; wet or dry, I think it makes little difference. They are running the two extra express trains now, and it makes Clinton seem a busy little place. Kindest regards to all the'' D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly,

TIN TOTTENS (Clinton)

Dear Dot, —I nave been at work for five months at a place in Clydevale. I like out working; it giives one an idea of life, and makes one feel useful. I have been home only a week last Tuesday. Saturday last I was in Gore for the day, and had an enjoyable day, as it was fine and fairly warm. While in Gore I made up my mind to look up- Blunderbuss, and I am glad now that I have made her personal acquaintance, and she is a very nice comrade. Cherry Blossom went to the place I just left. Love to Humming Bird, Blunderbuss, A Bnitish Soldier's Sister, and Kia Lupato, not forgetting all other L.F. and yourself especially.— Yours truly, CLEMENTINE (Clinton).

Dear Dot, —We finished leading in on Friday, and were glad to see it in the stack, as it has been disagreeable weather for harvesting. We are milking 31 cows at present. I am just learning to milk, but do not care for it much. I was away for a week's holiday at Christmas, and had an enjoyable time. Mother is going to take us to Orepuki at Easter, and I am looking forward to a good time. There are 24 chidren word to a good time. There are 24 children, nice teacher. Love to the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, GLORIANA (Orawia).

Dear Dot, —Most of the farmers have nearly finished their harvest. My sister and I were in Riverton a few weeks ago, and had an enjoyable time. I have just finished reading a book called " Elsie's Holidays." It was very interesting, and I could hardly leave it. I will have to spend my Easter holidays in the cowyard. We had a musical evening on. Wednesday, and had a very good time. We hod great tun at school .on April fools.' day. We tried to get one on to our teacher, but it did not act. .'We pinned a piece of paper to the board with this verse on it:

" Two ducks in a pond, Two geese in a pool,Whoever reads this Is an April fool.'"' But the teacher pretended not to see it, so •we were had. There ar© several returned soldiers about here now. It is nice to see them all home again. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BLUE CLIFF (Orawia).

Dear Dot, —There is a big concert on tonight, and Wild Wind and my brother are away. I did not go, because my mother and I rod© on horseback out to a place named Bockland, and then to the Shannon. I like the ride very rnuoii. I am reading a very nice book called '* Hacks Brat." I have a soldier brother home now, and we are all pleased to have him home once more. Kind regards to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly,

RAT TAT (Sutton). [I don't think the letter could have reached the office, Rat Tat, otherwise it would have been published, unless, of course, it was written in pencil.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —To-day the climate here has not been very agreeable. Since dinner-time there has been a heavy drizzling rain. Last Wednesday (the 9th) there was a gift evening, and over 70 were present. Games were indulged in, and at a convenient interval songs, "recitations, and dialogues were rendered. Amethyst and I said _ a dialogue. Amethyst was a young lady visitor and I was an old Scotch lady. We were both dressed to suit our part. Polly Pringle sang twice —once a solo and once a duet with her sister. I am looking forward to the peace celebrations already. I suppose you are, too. By the description in our local paper it seems we are going to parade and have sports, and also a Christmas tree. The Winter Show will be held in about a month's time. Are not the latest inventions great? In an American paper we got ar day or two ago it showed diagrams and gave a description of how they are raising ships that have been sunk and Snaking them fit for use. It said that the Lusitania is in too great a depth of water, btit that some cargo may be rescued. It is done moslly by divers. They mend most of the holes first: then the vessel is gradually beached and properly mended. With love to Amethyst, Topaz, Winter Violet, Polly Pringle, Rosy Cheeks, Dolly Dingle, A Poor Little Rich Girl, A British Soldier's Sister, and White Heron, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SAPPHIRE (Otautau).

Dear Dot, —I sent a letter, but think it has gone astray, for it is not in the Witness. I go for the Witness every Wednesday, and as soon as I get home I begin to read the D.L.F. letters. We have killed all our drakes except one, which we gave to the garden fete on jEaster Monday. Every morning dad wants' m© to get up and make his lunch, but some mornings I would like to sleep in.—Yours truly, NOBODY KNOWS, NOBODY CARES •■ (Alexandra). [I think you are quite safe in your ohofce of a pen-name this time, dear. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having very changeable weather just now, and this does not suit the farmers who nave not finished harveefeingr. Our Bw©ot pe&s are nearly oil faded,

but there are still a few. Our school picnic was held a good while ago up the Pourakino River. People went to Riverton, where the boats wore. We left at about 10 p.m. to go up the river, which gets narrower as one goes up. Here the water was very muddy, and a number of ducks seemed to make it their home. On one side of the river weeping willows were drooping into the water, and on the other side were bulrushes. Wo landed at our destination, and, after boiling the billy, we had lunch. We then went up stream further, when "pitterEatter" down came the rain. On going ack to our landing-place we had the pleasure of standing under wet trees to have afternoon tea. Then it was time to go home. The tide was going down quickly,, and we could not stay longer. When we to Riverton we hurried off to our carts and cars to get home as quickly as we could. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, and did not mind our " ducking" a bit. We had our Sunday school picnic at a farm called Runemede, but I did not. go to it. Kind regard** to Ladybird, Kaka, Molly, Broadleaf, Jack the G-iantkiller, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LADY HINEMOA (Thornbury).

[lt was rather a pity it rained on your picnic- day, but I am it did not completely spoil your enjoyment.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had some bad weather lately, wind and rain nearly every day. To-night it is very cold. I think it ifl going to freeze. I was at a Sunday school picnic about- a fortnight ago, and enjoyed myself very much. It was such a nice day for a picnic. I got a letter from my cousin yesterday, and he said that his brother is coming home on the 22nd from the war; so when he comes back they will all be back from the war. I was expecting my cousin up for a holiday, but he can't come for a while yet. Snow Queen, Hamilton Burn, and I are having a good time together. The oat harvest is in full swing now. The farmers are working from daylight till dark trying to get their crops in. Love to Nurse Ella, Secret of the Sea, A Driver, -and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND HIM (Mossburn).

Dear Dot, —This ij| my first letter to your page. I *am 14 years, and am in the Sixth Standard. We are having very wintry weather now. The farmers are very late with the harvest this year. I ride a black pony to school. It has two shoes off now, and there is another one just about off. It costs a good bit to get shoes on a horse now, as the blacksmith died with the influenza. We have five dogs and six cats, and they are always in the way. I know quite a number of L.F.. Love to Tin Lizzie and Red Rube, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, MISCHIEF (Nightcaps). [Will you please enclose your name with your next letter, Mischief. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —-The cows are beginning to dry off now, so I will find more time to write. It has been raining a good deal to-day, and the ground is too wet and slippery to cart firewood. In about six weeks all the cows will be dry, and will not come in again for about two months. It will be a rather busy time theil, as the cows will be in fulT milk, and will take the machines longer to milk them. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WILD WEST COWBOY (Auroa).

Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the L.F. page. I go to school, and am in the Third Standard. It is blowing and raining to-night. I have a sister and three brothers. M- eldest brother is a clerk in _ the post office. My sister is Mimihau Maid, and I have a cousin writing to your page. Her N.D.P. is Snowie's Sweetheart. My uncle used to write to the page, but he is an Old Writer now. His N.D.P. is Snowie. I lost two uncles in the great war. I am nine years old. During the war I sold a lot of flowers for the Red Cross. We had a cow, but she got run over one night by the train. She was so terribly knocked about that we had fo shoot her. We have another one now. Love to you and all the L.F.— Yours truly, A RETURNED SOLDIER'S GIRL. [You are verj welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather up this way has been very wintry. These last few days it has been cold and wet. On Wednesday we had a slight fall of snow, but it didn't last long. W e bave our Easter holidays now. but I am not going away. Most of the farmers have their oats cut round' about hero, and also stacked. We have a little cat, and she is sitting on the table purring and trying to catch hold of my pen. I don't like to put her down, for she is a little beauty. Her little sister had the misfortune to get caught in a rabbit trap, but I am looking after her, and she is nearly well again. The stone fruit is nearly all finished now, but the apples are beginning to ripen. I lost a cousin with the influenza. A cousin was married on April 8. Mother went to the wedding. It was at Gore, and the happy couple went to the North Island for their honeymoon for a month. Later they are going to live at Waimate. I like reading very much, and have read a number of books. We have no hens laying now; they are all moulting. One hen had hardly any feathers on her, and the snow killed har. Kindest regards to you and all the D.L.F.— Yours trulv, - MOUNTAIN DAISY II (Nokomai)". Dear Dot, —We got our Easter holidays* to-night, but I am just going up into the bush for a picnic. It was snowing hero yesterday, but as it did not lie I did not have any sport. We are playing marbles at school just now, but as it is not a very warm game I think we shall soon start playing football. My father is setting traps for rabbits now, so he is away from home. We had a letter from my brother to-day, and he is a lance-corporal. When he wrote he was in England waiting for a boat to bring him home. —Yours truly, WARRIGAL (Allanton). [I hope by this time your brother is well on his way home.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been a terrible day here to-day, with dust blowing everywhere, and now it seems like rain. We are having our Easter holidays from work just now, and it is lovely. We will get another one on Friday (Anzac Day), so I suppose that will have to last a long time. I will try to describe a picnio which some of us went to on Friday. There were 10 of us altogether, and we drove up to a place called the Roaring Meg, and as there were eight girls and only two boys I guess they felt rather shy. We left home about 10 o'clock, and arrived at our destination about 12. It started to rain on the way up, but wo kepf on going, and, being well supplied with coats and umbrellas, none of us got wot. Shortly after we arrived there the sun began to shine, and it was much pleasanter. We then boiled the billy k>r lunch, which proved very enjoyable. One of the party had a oamera, and ho took several photos. One was taken up to our necks in ferns, and It has come out splendidly. We left about half-past 4, and arrived homo at 6 o'clock

after spending' a most enjoyable day. lam still feeling the effects of the long climb up the hills. Little Nell, who boards with us, is at her home in Alexandra just now for the Easter holidays, so I suppose she is having a grand time, as she does not need to come back till Tuesday night. There is to be a social and dance here to-morrow night, so I am looking forward to it, as I love dancing. Love to all my correspondents and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL (Cromwell).

Dear Dot, —We got our holidays yesterday. We have 11 days this time. I have a bicycle here (at home), and have lots of nice rides on it. My father is out thrashing just now, but she is not getting very nice weather for it. I have a little pup and a kitten of my own, and like them very much, and have great fun with them. Love to all the D.L.F., and accept a large share for yourself.—Yours truly, BETTY BLUE (Watordale Farm).

Dear Dot, —Although it is near the end of April very few people round about here have finished their harvesting yet, but they will be only too glad when the good weather comes to get it all stacked. There have been quite.a number of socials here of late. The last one was a welcome home to the returned boys of this district. A % very large crowd assembled to bid the guests of the evening welcome, and a most enthusiastic welcome was accorded them. At the end of the concert Mr Malcolm, M.P., gave a speech, and as a memento of their home-coming each soldier wa3 presented with a framed address. After an enjoyable supper was partaken of the floor was cleared for dancing, the young people "tripping the light fantastic" till after 3 a.m. Since I last wrote to the page one of my uncles has returned from the war, and we are very glad to have him home again. There are to be sports at Owaka on Easter Monday, but the weather does not look too promising for any outdoor amusements like that. With kindest regards to Bush Girl, Taieri Loss, Ladybird, and the other JJ.L.E. —Yours truly, NORTH ISLAND LASSIE (Purekireki).

Dear Dot, —I am at my auntie's for the Easter holidays. "We go back to school on Wednesday. It is very miserable weather here just now, : and many of the farmers haven't their crops cut yet. Nearly all the flowers are past now, but the violets are coming l out. We generally have a lot of violets when they are fully out. There is a welcome horn© to /our soldiers on Friday at Pukerau. I have a cousin still away at the war; he'went with the Main Body, and. has never been wounded. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PANCAKE (Pukerau). Dear Dot, —We are having very unsettled weather hero just now. One week it is fine and the next week it is raining. We are getting ready .for big peace demonstrations up here. There are five or six local boys to arrive by the next boat, which is to land on April 22. There are quite a number of Little Folk around this district now, and I know nearly all of them. My mate, Mountain Violet, is learning to ride a bicycle, and she is getting on very well. 'She also has a wee pony, which she calls the Insect. I was at the pictures > in Arrowtown on Saturday night, and enjoyed them very- much. Love to Lady Warwick, Peace, A. New Zealand Lassie, Miss Minta, Silver Maid, and Mountain Violet.—Yours truly,. PEAEL WHITE (Arrowtown). [I have posted your badge, Pearl White, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] ... Dear Dot, —I would like to join your happy band. I am 10 years old, and am in the Third Standard. I live in Invercargill, and it is a very wet place. We are having bad weather just now. I am going to Eiverton if it is fine. I have many mates at school. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, AVENAL LADDIE. ■ [Will you please send your name as well as your N.D.P. in your next letter, Avenal Laddie?—DOT.]' Dear Dot, —It has been good weather up here lately. My cousin is coming home from Palestine. I saw Pearl White this morning. I also saw .Lady Warwick the other day. My pony is getting on well. She is getting very dark in colour. My brother is , in Invercargill, and was to be home on April 5, but he came on April 4. Love - to A Maid of the Mountains, Miss Minta, Lady Warwick, and G-rump, ~not forgetting yourself. —'Yours truly, MOUNTAIN VIOLET (Wharehuanui). Dear Dot, —My uncle has the harvesting finished. My birthday is on the 26th of this month. My brother has three ferrets, and my brother, my two sisters, and myself went out ferreting to-night, and caught three big rabbits. have a little puppy, and he is a nuisance. One day he killed a chicken and ate it. Our hens have stopped laying. My uncle is away to Waimate for' Easter. My cousin is going to the Eiverton races. We have five days for the Easter holidays. The weather has been very wet down here lately. Gems of the Ocean has toothache, and she got a tooth filled. Maureen is having great fun with my cousin.—Yours truly, PEG-EEN (Mataura). Dear Dot, —My birthday will be this month. We have- five days . for Easter, and I am glad. My cousin is away to Eiverton for Eastor, and my uncle is away to Waimate. Maureen is busy practising, and I cannot write my letter for the nose of her. Nearly all the farmers have the harvest in. We got our harvest in about a month ago. The weather has been very rough lately, and it has spolt the Easter holidays. It will not be long till the cows are dry. We have a chicken, and keep it tied up. Love to Pegeen, Maureen, Silver Bell, Highland Lassie, Ceitay Daisy Primrose, The Lady of Longbourne, and Mountain Daisy 11, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GEMS OF THE OCEAN (Mataura). Dear Dot, —Easter is here once again. It seems only a few days ago since I had my Christmas holidays and this year is nearly half gone. It is very cold to-day but fine, although it looks as if it is going to rain to-night. I am not going away for my holidays, as one of my brothers is returning by the Maheno. There. have been a great many'D.L.F. visitors to this city, and I have met a good many of them.—Yours truly, FAIEFAX BOY'S PAL (Dunedin). [Please remember to write on one side of the paper only, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I crave a portion of your valuable space to reply to the malicious remarks of our more or less worthy and apparently irresponsible friend Sapphire? The last two letters he has written to the pags bristle with various sarcasms regarding the country L.F. in general and myself in par. ticular. In a letter published a month or two ago he commenced by hoping to keep in touch with his L.F. comrades, and after some casual remarks he wonders (perhaps wanders would be nearer the truth) why we (the country L.F.) are >, subjected to such visitations as floods, epidemics, eto. He speaks of us in » fordly manner as a bad lot, and then hopes we bars reoeirea <mr

just ahaxe of fine weather. Without wasting space over the first remark I -would remind Sapphire that it is written, Let him who is without sin amongst you first caßt a Btone." Verily is Dunedm a clt y_° f saints and Sapphire an archangel? The second part of Jhe remark obviously means that we deserve no fine weather, but with experience of both places I have much pleasure in assuring him that Middlemarch at least has two fine days to Dunedm s one. Need more be said? His second letter, written before the licensing poll was taken, is a wail of anticipated defeat for his pet cause, continuance. Poor Sapphire! I am almost glad that his treasured, beverage will not be denied to his tea-drinking friends, of whom he speaks so affectionately. He need not fear I ehall ever die for temperance; on the contrary, I shrewdly surmise that had prohibition been carried he would have been the victim of compulsory temperance, and j;hat before 1925. In conclusion, I trust he Will not afflict us with more of these bilious epistles, and hoping this pious wish meets with your accord, I will subscribe myself,— Yours, truly, ANANIAS (Middlemarch).

Dear Dot, —We are having wet weather here at present, and the harvest is at a standstill. I was staying 11 miles out of Middlemarch at a sheep run for a fortnight. After we landed at Middlemarch we Jiad to drive 11 miles in a car ? with nothing but hills around us. One night the enow 1 Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of the D.L.F.? I am 11 years of age and am in Standard IV at school. We, are having our Easter holidays just now, but _. are having cold weather for them. I have a little Scotch terrier named Snip, and in the holidays I go round the paddocks to hunt for rabbits. On Saturday I went down to a farm to see the milking machines working, and they have about 40 cows. Sometimes I go to a farm next to our place to help to get the sheep drafted for the Burnside ealeyards. Love to all the members' of the D.L.F., not forgetting Taieri Sunbeam, Taieri Sunbeam's Mate, and yourself.—Yours truly, TAIERI HARVESTER (East Taieri).

[I am very pleased to number you amongst our many friends Harvester. —DOT.] began to fall, and in the morning everything ■was covered with a whit© mantle, and coming home we had to drive part of the 11 miles through snow. My uncle is coming home from the war. oh the lonio, due here on the 22nd of this month. Love to all the members of the D.L.F., not forgetting Taiexi Sunbeam and yourself.—Yours truly, TAIERI SUNBEAM'S MATE (East Taieri).

[lt will be a great day for you all when your unole returns, dear. He is sure of a warm welcome, I know. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Easter has been very quiet down here. We have four days' holiday from echool, but it has been so wet that we can't set out at rail, so I have started readings "The Children of the New Forest," and it is very interesting. We were at a "hard-up" dance at Waikawa - last week, and it was a good turnout. I saw some L.F. there, and they seemed to be enjoying themeelves. Some of the dresses were very funny. Prizes were given to the poorest-looking lady and gentleman. The men are preparing for peace celebrations. I hope the weather will be fine. When the time comes they are going to have a picnio and dance. Love to Etoid, Tharlerie, Tawanui Hardoase, and your own dear self. —Yours truly, NEVA (Niagara).

Dear Dot,- —There is actually two. or three inches of snow on the ground! Fancy snow at this time of the yearl "We haven't any of our harvest carted in yet, and nearly all our,•"neighbours are in the same boat. The. crops up north are all in, so that may save the situation if the Southland.crops are bad. The Easter holidays are too short to go. away a great distance. Anyway I was away at Christmas —or, rather, February, as people were not on holiday at Christmas owing to influenza. I got my first letter from one of the D.L.F. to-night. Australian Girl wrote to me, and she writes such *v nice letter. I don't like these long evenings. I like the eummer evenings best, when we can have outdoor games after tea. I am veiy fond of outdoor sports, and am always there when a new game comes on the scene. Does one of your D-LtF. with the nom de plume of Lebra. ever write to you now? I never see his letters if he writes nowadays. I also knew Estella, but I don't think she ever writes now either. Zebra was my cousin. Love to Australian Girl and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ' TELEPHONIST (Waitahuna).

[I don't remember having a letter from Zebra, Telephonist, for at least three or four years.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is Easter Monday, and it is raining. It won't be very pleasant for the people travelling on holiday. Dad took uncle to the train this morning. He is going to the races. We have holidays from school, but it is so wet we cannot go out. Since I last wrote I have been to Tuapeka. Dad has a cousin living there. We reached there at 9 o'clock. We left home at 7 in the morning, and it took us two hours motoring. We went by Tuapeka, Mouth, and we had to cross the punt. It was new to me, as I had never seen one before. There was a big sale on that day, and the place was very busy with motor cars. We have not been to the west for over three years, and they did get a surprise when we arrived. We stayed there, and dad went on to the sale. We spent a pleasant day, and left for home just about dark. We came home in less than two hours. As it was dark we did not see much, but plenty of rabbits could be seen by the light of the car. Dad has just come home in the car. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, SMALLEST (Clinton).

Dear Dot, —There was a snowstorm her© on Thursday, and wo had lovely fun at school snowballing. Owing to the snow the school cart did not run, so another girl and myself had to walk a distance of four miles, but we did not mind, as wo were quite warm walking. We are having our school concert on May 2, because there was none held at the usual time last year owing to the Influenza. I have a littlo black kitten, and ho Is very playful. The wea'.her has been very bad lately, and the farmers cannot get the harvesting finished. Witu love to Olive Branch and A Little Siwmmer and yourself. —Yours truly,

ESCALOJSTIA (T&panui).

Dear Dot, —"We have been having cold weather lately, and it looks as if we are going to get an early winter. On March 26 there was a welcome home social to Private Wm. Roy, and there was a largo attendance. During the evening'songs were sung, and all the performers received an envore. After Private Roy had thanked the people for the kind welcome they had given him, supper was handed round, ' and when it had been disposed of dancing was enjoyed by the youngj people till the small hours of the morning. On April 5 there was a cricket match held here*, Cromwell Public Works v. Bannockburn, ending in a win for Cromwell, and to finish the day there was a short dance held at night, My two little cousins

had a birthday party the same day, but we didn't miss much of the oricket, as their home is quite close to the cricket pitoh, and we were able to watch the cricketers as well. Polling day was another day oi excitement for Bannockburn, continuance being carried by a majority of nine votes. We have only one cow milking now, but we are expecting another one in in June. The flowers are beginning to die down now. Sunday, April 18, was harvest thanksgiving Sunday, and the church was very prettily decorated with fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Kind regards to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LOGANBERRY (Bannockburn).

Dear Dot,—All the harvest is finished, and there are no more lunches to take out now. I was at a dance the other night, but it was very quiet. There is to be a ladies ball soon, so that will liven things up. I see Marconi is still travelling. He is having quite a long holiday. The weather here is anything but good—nothing but wind and rain. Easter has now gone, and the days are starting to draw in, so winter won't be long, worse luck. I am very busy just now arguing the point over a few shillings with Snakebite. With kind regards to Marconi, Merlo, Lavender Lady, Starlight Rose, Forget-me-not, A Crow, Sunrise, and not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly,

COWBOY (Five Rivers)

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of L.F.? A number of my mates about here write to you. so I thought I would like to write, too. I am 15 years of age, and work in an office here. I like it very well, too. Well, Dot", it has been raining' fairly heavily all day, but it has gone off a little to-night. I was over in Queenstown for the regatta, and had a very good time. The Lakes district is a very nice place, I think, except when the snow is Bft deep, and one has to go out in it. Wishing your band every success.—Yours truly, HICKEY (Arrowtown).

[You are most welcome to join us, Hickey. A visit to the lakes is a treat yet in store for me.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather here has been very unsettled lately, as it is quite calm one minute and blowing dust the next. W© are now enjoying our Easter holidays, but it is not very good weather for them. We have also a new teacher here, and she is a very nice one. My two pet hens are all right. One of them is laying, but the other is just done moulting. We have a number of pullets laying just now, and some more coming on. Our cow has calved, and she has a bull calf. We get four buckets of milk from the two/cows; and we make plenty of butter. I have two uncles coming home from the war next month, and if they come up wo will have a jolly time. My brother had a black-and-white rabbit for a pet, but it was too- big to tame. It has got out of its cage two or three times, but it was caught and puti back again. The last time it got put it got caught in a trap, so it had to bo killed, as it had its leg broken. We had a cricket match here on Saturday, but our visitors won the day. The apples are ready to be picked now, as some of them are getting ripe. We also have a wee kitten, and she is getting very naughty. I am setting my traps again now, and, though the bunnies are. cunning, I managed to get two this morning. Love to Loganberry and Ginger-haired Tommy, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BUNNY-TBAPPEB, (Bannockburn).,

Dear Dot, —We are having very wet weather just' now. My sister's birthday is to-day. The river is very high, but I do not think there will be a flood. We are having Easter holidays just now. Best love to Maureen, Ceita, Pegeen, and Evening Star. —Yours truly, SILVER BELL II (Mataura).

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote I have been home to my sister's wedding, and had a really good time. We have visitors to-night, and they are having a game of euchre, so I am' sitting at the fire writing a few lines. I was quite surprised to see that Marconi had shifted to Auckland. We had a lot of snow here on Tuesday and Wednesday. There was a social and dance here last Friday night. I went, and it was very good. I was talking to Anne of Green Gables about a week ago. Love to Anne of Green Gables, Hiawatha, Mayflower, Stationmaeter, Marconi, Queechy, Silvery Moonbeam, H.M.S. Hermione, and Belgium Girl, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, LONELY VEEA (Crookston).

Dear Dot,—For the past week the weather here has been most beautiful, but on Wednesday we experiencd a severe downpour of rain, which lasted for two days. There was also snow on the higher levels. To-day it is sunny, but breezy. Harvesting is almost completed here, and right glad were the farmers who were fortunate enough to have their harvesting in before the rain came on. We needed rain in one way, and in another we did not, as the countryside bore a parched appearance, and the farmers are feeling the scarcity of feed for the stock. We held our annual "school picnic some time ago, and it was a great success. There was also a farewell social to Mr and Mrs Law, who are leaving Wedderburn. They will be greatly missed, as they were both prominent in making everything a success. The willows and poplars are beginning to take on their autumn colouring, thus* giving evidence that winter is approaching. I have been reading a good many books lately—namely, " Two Offenders," " The Bov Hunters of Kentucky,'" ' Bashful Fifteen," '.' The White House at Inch Gow," " Bob Lovell's Career," and " A Sweet Girl Graduate." Best love and regards to Stationnnaster, Grant, Ananias, Picadilly, Sapphire, Dairymaid, Humming Bird, Sea Breeze, and yourself.—Yours truly, TANGLES'S WONNIE (Wedderburn).

Dear Dot, —I am 12 years old, and in Standard IV. It is raining up here, and also very cold and miserable. I have two sisters and one brother. We were supposed to go to the Beaumont races to-day, but it is too wet. We have two guinea-pigs, but they are not very tame and quiet. There is also to be a combined picnic in the reserve for the children and women.—Yours truly, BELLBIRD II (Roxburgh). [The weather certainly spoilt all outings these holidays, dear. There was no inducement to leave the fireside.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We had a fall of snow here on April 16, but it did not lie. The weather has been very cold, but it is warmer, and is very nice now. I have read several nice books lately—" Coral Island," " Treasure Island," " The Adventurer," and several others. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, RED RANGER.

[I am sure you would enjoy R. L. Stevenson's, Red Ranger J they are most fascinating.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are getting very cold weather just now. Winter will soon be here again, but it seems as if we have had no summer. Last week the mountain was covered with snow, which made the air very cold. One day my sister, myself, and my cousin Reta went down to the beach and

had a nice time, although it was a little cold. Wo are getting holidays for Easter just now. We get from Friday to Wednesday, bo I have two more days yet. I like reading very much, and have a -number of books, but have read most of thorn. Love to Beta, Maggie Bell, Little -Miss- Muffit, Cherry, and Piccola, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ICE MAIDEN (Maungatua). Dear Dot, —For a while we were having lovely weather, but there was only one dryday last week. Oux music teacher comes once a week to teach my sister and I music We are milking 18 cows, and send the milk to the factory. The fruit is ripe now, and we are busy picking apples. Love to Rota, Cherry, Maggie Bell, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ICELEME) (Maungatua). Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you. We have been having very bad weather lately, and it has ended up in a flood to-day. The Beaumont races are today, but on account of the rough weather not so many people went from here as in other years. The farmers are nearly finished their' harvesting. They would have been finished by now only for the wet weather. There is a dance on Tuesday night fox a young fellow who is going away from the district. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE LADY OF LONGBOURNE (Miner's Flat). Dear Dot, —I hope you have had a good Easter holiday. I have been, spending Easter with A Lonesome Melody at Middfemarch. It was fair weather, but, oh, what a cheerful place! I went out for a walk one morning, and the only living things I met were a man and a dog. But Lonesome Melody and I had a good time all right. I met a few D.L.F. when I was up there. With best love to A Lonesome Melody, Dulcie, Telephonist Grant, Grace Fisher, King William, Dorothy Daydreams, A Country Lassie, Lady Carfax, Surprise Packet Revlis, Piccadilly, Belshazar, A Maid of the Mountains, and all my other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, AUSTRALIAN 1 GIRL (Dunedin). Dear Dot, —The harvesting has all been kept back with the wet weather. Iron Heart and his mother have been here for nearly a week, but thy went away to-day. Mum went to Invercargill this morning to stay for a few days, so I' am chief cook and bottlewasher. Well, Dot, it is a year ago to-day since I met with my accident—the time I was scalded all over my face with boiling honey. It is also 15 years ago to-day since my father died, so April 21 is quite an unlucky day. I went to Invercargill last Thursday, and came home on the Saturday. I had to go down to get.my eyes seen to again, as they had been bothering me. I have two pairs of spectacles now—one for reading and the others are to be worn always. When I was smaller I always used to make fun of people who wore glasses. I never dreamt of having to wear. them myself. That shows that we should never make fun of other-., people. I will be 15 on May 8, so I'm becoming quite ancient. Last birthday I was „blind .in one'eye, so I hope to be better off this time. My mouth was so blistered then (the result of my accident) that I could only get some of my birthday cake in my mouth by crumbling it up and putting a very small piece in at a time. While I was in Invercargill I met one D.L.F. there, but I forget what the N.D.P. was. Love and kind regards to Revlis, Black Gully Boy, Sally Our Cook, Gloria's Mate, Bose of Lucerne, Masterman Beady, Waireta, Cathedral Chimes, and all my other correspondents and comrades, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, ' A MAID OF THE. MOUNTAINS , ... (Mataura Island). [I must take this opportunity of wishing you a happy birthday and many returns of May 3, dear, and trust you will be more fortunate this time than last. Very best wishes.—DOT.] .-..'■' Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 11 years old, and •am in Standard V. My teacher's name is Miss Wright, and I like her very much. There are two teachers at our school. We are having awful weather—in fact, it is more than awful. I learn muslo, and think it is just lovely. My mother has a big flower pot which came from Africa. I am reading a beautiful book called " Willoughby Court." My little sister is sitting reading my book. She is only three years, and can talk like a parrot. . We are learning a song at school, and it is so dry that I think we will have to put it under the tap. My mother went to town, and as the shops were shut she bought a tin of nugget, and 1 it is now in the outfit box. Beat love to your dear self.-: Yours truly, THE FAIRY OF THE DELL (Tuturau). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. We have .auite a lot of fairies now.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is quite a while since I wrote to you. I am very sorry to say that our house was burned down, and I hope you will sympathise with me. With best love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, \ AUTUMN FAIEIE (Tuturau). [I am indeed extremely sorry to learn of such a disaster, dear, and one which is difficult to overcome at the present time.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very cold, wintry weather here, and I don't like it, as we have a long way to go to school, and we sometimes get wet. I passed the examination last year so lam in Standard 111. We have to work hard this year, as it will be a short year. I had a fortnight's good holiday at New Year, and I was picking black currants and got 2s. I had a cousin returned from the war lately. On Easter Sunday'there was a great gale here, and it blew down a tree on top of our house. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, TOPSY (Taieri). [You must have received a great fright when the tree came down, Topsy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 10 years old, and am in Standard IV. I like to read the L.F. letters. Wo are having bad weather here. Best love to your dear self.—Yours truly,

LADY BETTY. [I am pleased to number you amongst our numerous friends, Lady Betty.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am at homo from school, as we have our Easter holidays. I am glad for the road is very dirty. My dad has had a few days off from work, and has been very busy making a pickot fence round 'the front of our house, and I havo been helping him. It looks very nice, and no rabbits can destroy the flowers, as mother has some beautiful roses. We are still milking our cows, but Lady Clarice says that she will be glad when they are turned out, as ehe will not have v to go out in the rain after them. I will miss the cream, and the nice puddings. I have a little camera, and I will send you a photo of" myself. It has been very cold these few days, and it is raining very heavily to-day. Colao Bay has a very pretty beach. On Lake George close by there are swans, and ducka and cola. My dad and

I often go out to the cwks at the beaoh to fish. One day we caught only four. From the rocks we can plainly see Centre Island. Lighthouse; also Stewart Island. Love and best wishes to you, Dot. —lours truly, LoKjl> GLENCOJSTNER (Colac). [I have heard a lot about Colac Bay, dear, and hope to include it some time when on holiday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —More than six months have now elapsed since I last wrote to the page", and as I have only about two years left to write as an L.F. I will have to try to write more regularly. We are having very bad weather for harvesting up this way—in fact, it has been a very trying year for those on the land. Some farmers who sowed turnips _in great quantities were greatly disappointed to find that none grew, or, perhaps, only a few. On account of this they were forced to sell their, stock at fairly low prices. We had a social here about a week ago, when a large crowd assembled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the churoh. It will be a great time of rejoicing when peace is signed. The days are now drawing in, and soon we will be into the dark and deary winter once again. It is lovely to think that the war is over and the ooys will soon bo returning. With kind regards to Daffodil, Flag Lily, Starlight Rose, Navigator, and all my other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, AiMZAC'S SECRET (Hedgehope). Dear Dot, —Winter is again making an appearance by severe frost", a week of rain, and a fall of snow. Harvest on this farm has not yet begun. The season is very late this year, although in some parts of Southland farmers have begun to cut their crop at a particularly early date. I have such a funny little black kitten called Fatty. If I say, "Fatty, are you hungry?" it sits on its hind legs and gives such a piteous "mew," and it can scratch some when I give it anything to eat. With love to my correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, MRS TICKLE TOBY (Wendon Valley). AUTOS. Mountain Daisy II (Ivy Campbell, Nbkomai P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Darkey, Rosebud, and any L.F. willing. Fairfax Boy's Pal (E. F. Wilson, Box 415, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with A Confirmed Bachelor, Pen-pushing Cowboy,'; Moses, Road Hog, and any L.F.. 18 years and over. . Snowie (A. G. Heydon, Ferry street, Wyndham) wishes -to correspond with any L.F. willing. Fairfax Boy (T. Toogood, 27 Maitland street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Grant, A Confirmed Bachelor, and any L.F. over 17 willing. Tangles Wonnie (Myra Don, Wedderburn) wishes to correspond with Merlo, Ikawai, Lady Carfax, Territorial, A Confirmed Bachelor, Railway Joe, and any L.F. 16 oils years. Telephonist (Beatrice M. Bartlett, Mount Stuart Waitahuna) wishes to correspond with Gladwise, Hieland Bell, Frances, and any L.F. willing. Cowboy (Jessie Gleh; Box« 46, Lumsden) wishes to correspond with Snakey Joe. A Maid of the Mountains (Margaret E. Florence, Woodslee Downs, Mataura .Island) wishes to correspond with Mountain Violet, Lovdy, Mountaineer, and any L.F. willing. The Fairy of the Dell (Grace Taylor, Tuturau) wishes to correspond with Cowboy's Mate, Brown Ted, France, and A Sportsman's Son. Autumn Fairie (Bell Muir, Tuturau) wishes to correspond with Egmont Laddie, A Cowboy's Mate, Patriotic Lad, and Brown Ted. Lady Betty (Lizzie Muir, Tuturau) wishes to correspond with Fisherman Jack, Topsy, Bunny, and Silver Cress. Ikawai (W. Allan, Box 71, Dunedin) wishes to correspond and exchange autos with Wayback, Grace Fisher, and a few L.F. 15 or 16 years willing. Reta (Annie Beattie, Maungatua) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. . Mavis II (Mavis Bain, Wairio) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing Curly (N. Pirie, Isla Bank) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. A Rainbow Fairy (Maggie Pirie, Isla Bank) wishes to correspond with any L.F.' willing. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Letters from the undermentioned have been received, but as they were written in lead pencil cannot he published:—May Blossom, Mavis 111 (Kaitangata).