LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 56

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

iiotto write for the benefit of others, no! for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 360 words. Dear Dot, —Easter is over once again for another year. The weather we had for the holidays was not very startling. We are having the fine weather there was in store for us now that the holidays are ended. On Easter Saturday my two eisters, brother, and I went for a picnic up to Flagstaff Mountain, and T can assure you we had an enjoyable walk. As the weather in the forenoon did not look as if it could be depended upon, we thought that we would not go, but, seeing that the rain clouds cleared away about dinner-time, we prepared for our journey. Leaving home shortly after dinner, and arriving at Kaikorai within the space of an hour, we immediately began the long ascent of several miles of beautiful bush land, dotted here and there with houses and grassy fields. After travelling a few miles we began to feel warm, so sat down for a rest. After a while when a little refreshed we resumed our march up the rugged slope. Soon, however, we arrived at the foot of Flagstaff, and saw in the distance th<? small, lonely-looking hut of the hermit. After travelling a little farther we turned about and retraced our / steps, thinking we had reached our destination, arriving shortly at Kaikorai again, where we had the pleasure of being shown through the power-house. This building is about 100 ft long by 30ft broad. Entering the power-house "the first great sight that met our eyes were several enormous wheels of about 20ft in diameter by Ift or 2ffc across the outside, along with a few others of various smaller sizes. All these wheels have their work to do, and do it well. The machinery, which is driven by two large boilers, each about 6ft in diameter and about twice as long, fills up almost the whole of the building. The cable, which is worked mostly by the larger wheels, doe 3 marvellous work in drawing the cars, along with their many occupants, to and from Kaikorai. I once saw one of these cars run off the rails on a steep part of the line, but it was soon put back again. Kindest regards to Postman Henry and all the other D.F., also yourself.—Yours truly, IKAWAI (Dunedin). [lt is a good climb to Flagstaff, Ikawai, and the distances look very deceptive.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? I will be 15 years old in Njovember. I have left school, and am working at home. I have two sisters both younger than myself. The younger one is 18 months old, and she is a lovely little girl. My is 10 years old. We by hand, but when we have more we milk them with the milking machine. We have been having very rough weather here for the past week, but to-day was not so bad. I often see Everybody's Friend. She lives quite close to us. I learn music (piano), and am very fond of it. I have been in for one examination, but I do not know the result of it yet. I have to practise a lot, because practice is the key to success in music. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself and Everybody's Friend.— Yours truly, A FARMER'S DAUGHTER II (Inch Valley). [I have posted your badge, dear, and hope you receive it safely. You will notice there is already a writer using the pen-name you have chosen, so if you wish you might prefer to change.—DOTj Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am in Standard 111 at school, and am II years old. We have not had our examination yet, but are having it the first week of May. There were three deer-stalkers who came to Makarora Yalley, and they got four heads. My brother went out and got a

21-pointer. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SILVER MOONBEAM'S FRIEND (Makarora). [I should think deer-stalking must be very fascinating, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Although this is my first letter I have always taken an interest in the D.L.F.. I know The Girl Scout and The Girl Scout's Mate very well, and I am also acquainted wi + Ji Buster Manager, Freckles, and Machine Gun, and a number of other girls who have joined the D.L.F. We often have school socials, and we hope to have one very soon. As the weather is very wet the farmers who live near us have great difficulty in getting in their crops, but to-day was fairly fine, and all the farmers were working till late to-night so that all their year's work would not be spoiled. With love to The Girl Scout and The Girl ; Scout's Mate.—Yours truly, THE GIRL SCOUT'S MATE'S SCHOOLMATE (Milton). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here is very wintry just now. The harvesters are busy leading in their crops before all the wet weather comes. I have been away for a holiday since I last wrote to you, and enjoyed myself very much, although it was wet weather most of the time. Mr Nobody is out working now, and he said he liked it. He ie working at the brick kiln. Daddy is away to the Otautau sale to-day. The babies can stand up by themselves now, but cannot walk yet. The boy is a little hardcase. Love to A Paririe Girl, A Wild Red Rose, Maggie Bell, Little Miss Muffit, Gloria, Lady Hinemoa, Marconi, Sir Roland, Deadwood Dick, Postman Henry, and Humming Bird, not forgetting your own dear self, Dot. —Yours truly, MOLLY (West Plains). Dear Dot, —I do not know whether you still count me as one of the L.F., for it is a long time since I wrote, but I hope to mend my ways in the future. The harvest is in full swing-, and most of the farmers are stacking. The weather has been rather boisterous lately, so there is a good lot of crop in the stook. We are expecting my brother home soon. Love to all L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, STORM KING. Dear Dot, —We have just finished our examination (in which I passed), and it was not very easy, so it took a lot of studying. There are a great number of L.F. here, but I know only one in Wairio—my uncle, an Old Writer, who used to ba at Kaitangata, called Sparrowhawk. Wairio is a little township which is situated not very far from the mountains, and is used to snow, frosts, and plenty of rain. I am going to Timaru soon, and am going to stop in Dunedin for a night or so. Just now I am working at the hotel at Wairio, and there is a racecourse, at which races are held every year. I milk three cows night and morning. Love to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, MOHAWK (Wairio). [There are quite a number of L.F. round Wairio, Mohawk. —DOT.] f Dear Dot, —The weather is very changeable just now. Some mornings the ground is white with frost, which makes my hands and feet very cold. It is npt very good weather for the harvesters. Two soldiers arrived here to-day, and we are expecting others to arrive any day. I know some of the D.L.F. about here. One has shifted to Dunedin. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, ORAGGIE VAR (Ngapara). Dear Dot, —The weather down this way has been very wet and windy lately, and has put a stop to all harvest which was. in progress. Last week I received word from my mother to say that my uncle and aunt were coming home from England in June. My uncle went away in the Eighth Reinforcements as a pioneer sergeant, but now he is an officer. My auntie, his wife, went over to England about a year afterwards, and she has been working in the V.A.D. tea rooms, and also in the Y.M.C.A. tea rooms ever since. The blackberries were more plentiful this year than they were last year. We picked enough last week to make six bottles of jam, and there are more to be picked yet. The Thornbury Daily Factory ia not working just now on account of the boiler bursting, and now tho suppliers have either to separate their milk or send it to another factory. There was a welcome home down at Thornbury last Friday night to five returned soldiers. Most of them went away in the earlier part of the war. One man, who held the rank of sergeant, was home on leave, and then went back again, and another, who held the rank of corporal, had been away for nearly four years. Love to Lavender Lady, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MESSINES (Thornbury). [You will be pleased when your uncle and aunt return, Messines. No doubt they, will have some interesting experiences to re-count.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am very much interested in the D.L.F. letters which appear in the Witness every week. I am 15 years of age, and have left school over a year now. .We had a slight fall of snow yesterday and frost last night. I am very fond of reading, and have read a good number of books. I have two brothers and two sisters, and my youngest sister has started to write to the page, too. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

MURIEL. [You are very welcome to join us, Muriel

Dear Dot,—Paddy and I did not see our letters in print, as we didn't get the Witness, so Paddy is unable to write with me. Paddy does not know whether he will be able to write to you, as some other D.L.F. might have the same N.D'.P. When I see this letter in print I will be able to tell Paddy when he can write. I have been working at .naurimu, Dot, and it was a very nice place. It has been very cold up here, but we haven't had much rain. Kind regards to H.-A. P., Lily Blossom, Lady Levensides, Margot, and Postman Henry, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, JIM'S CHUM (Owhango). [Certainly Paddy can write any time, dear —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 10 years of age, and am in the Fourth Standard at school. Yesterday it was snowing, and the snow was about lin deep. My uncle is coming home from the war about the 22nd, and I am glad. We have a little dog, and we call him Spot. We are having our Easter holidays for a week. There are a few flowers still iin our garden. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Y<sjurs truly, * LITTLE SON ERIC (Fruitlands). [I am very pleased to welcome you to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having very stormy weather here lately—raining and blowing terribly. It was not very good weather for the holidays. I did not go anywhere at Easter. I was going to some sports

at Owaka on Easter Monday, but when, it was so wet I did not go. They did not hold any sports, and it was rather funny to see a special train which they had engaged to take all the people back going back with "only about six on it. I "had a letter from Postman Henry and one from Rouseabout, both in the same mail, a little while ago. Postman Henry had just come back from his leave, and Rouseabout was in Codford, I think. I suppose they will both be, home again soon. There was to bave been a social here last Wednesday night, but it was put off on account of the weather, _ and there was to have been one on Friday night, but it was put off because it is Anzao Day. Kind, regards to all my D.I*.F. comrades.—Yours truly, CORALIE (Romahapa). [I trust you have better luck with this badge, Coral ie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was thinking that if I didn't soon write I would become an Old Writer. Nearly 0,11 my cousins are L.F., but I never see any of their letters in the page. Best wishes to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, REBECCA FROM SUNNYBROOK (Pukerau). Dear Dot, —For a long tiime I have read the letters in the Witness, so I thought I would like to write too. I am 15 years of age, and I attend the Timaru Technical College, where-I take commercial subjects. I have two cousins who write to the Witness (not very often, though), and also a good many friends in Timaru. We went for a picnio out to the river a few weeks back', and we had a very nice time. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, CHEERO (Timaru). [You are very welcome tc* join us, dear.—■ DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very wintry weather out here just now. The people round about cannot get their crop thrashed because it is too wet. We are milking 14 cows. Best love to Ice Maiden, Icelone, Maggie Bell, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ' RETA (Maungatua). Dear Dot, —I am in Standard IV, and- 11 years old, There are a lot of D.L.F. down here; my cousin's name is Highland Jean. I hope you are having good weather. We are not having very good weather on the coast. Such a lot of strangers have come over here to go to the glacier. One car that went down got stuck rn one of the creeks for eight hours. Our teacher left school last week; she has been teaching for such a long time. My mother has made such a lot of jam this.year. We have two canaries. Love to Bonnie Jean, Highland Jean, and all the rest.—Yours truly, A SCOTCH LASSIE (Hokitika). Dear Dot, —I thought I would like to write to the page. I am 12 years old and in Standard' V. I live near the school, and •go home for dinner/ It is very nice to get a warm diinner on a cold day.—Yours truly, CLIO (Orawia).[I am very pleased to welcome you to the page, Clio.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The winter is setting in early this year, and the farmers "are backward with their work. I am in the Sixth Standard now, and I am working hard to pass my exam. My brother is in bed wiith a bad cold, and my -sister Mavis II is better. We seem always to have trouble in our family, but I suppose a lot more have as much trouble. We have two pet lambs and four cows, also one pet calf at home, but have some cows and calves turned out. Love to all D.L.F., also Mohawk and Mavis 11, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, BRAVE BELGIUM (Wairio). Dear Dot, —We are having terrible weather here, and the farmers are very backward in getting -in their crops. With love to Brave Belgium, Mohawk, and not forgetting your own dear self, Dot.-—Yours truly, MAVIS II (Wairio). Dear Dot, —The weather is very cold and wet lately. Most of the farmers have their crops in, but the ones that have it in stooks are wishing for dry weather. The river is in flood, but it is going down now. It was not a large flood. My little sister has a pet rabbit of which she is very fond. It has long white fur and pink eyes. We have also two canaries *and two' bantams. The canaries sing beautifully in the fine weather. The trees are very pretty with their golden leaves. The garden has very few flowers out just now. The birds were very bad on the fruit this year. I have left school, and l am working at home. My brother returned from the front a while ago, and he is looking well. The soldiers are returning very quickly now, and', it will not be very long before they are all home. Mother has a kodak, and she takes some good photos. It must be about four years since I last wrote. We are milking seven cows, but they do not give much milk now, and we send the milk to the factory, where it is made into condensed milk and the* cream into butter. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly,

LITTLE JIM (Southland). [Very pleased to hear from you again after such a long absence.—DOT.]"

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 10 years old, and am in the Fourth Standard at school. We have a phonograph, and we are having a holiday to-morrow from school, as it is Anzac Day; but we are going to school in the morning to salue the flag. We have a pig and two cats. One of my sisters is in the North Island. Tho weather is very wet and cold here, as it has been ha/iling this morning. There are a fewflowers out now. I will close.—Yours truly, JENNY WEEN (Southland). Bear Dot, —There was -a laTge sports gathering held in Queenstown on last Monday; but it rained, and that was a great pity, because there was a good programme. There was also a regatta held" last Saturday, but I did not go, as my horse was lame. The weather was beautiful the day of the regatta. I am setting 22 traps, and am getting a good many rabbits. We had very windy weather for Easter. The nights are getting colder and longer now, and I do not like the cold nights. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FISHERMAN JACK (Lower Shotover).

Dear Dot, —I have just been reading the Witness, and was struck by that "black" trick perpetrated by Fluffy. I have used burnt cork, but this blacklead must have been "grate." I didn't get as far as Tapanui at Easter, as the wind was dead against me oh the Saturday and Sunday. I left town sharp on the tick of 1 o'clock, and in the hurry left the camera at the shop. That was half of the sport lost. I only arrived at Milton that night on account of the head wind. Next day I went on to Lawrence, arriving at 3 o'clock. I had a head wind that day also, bo I stayed there the night. The hotel was as full as a "tank" on account of the races at Beaumont. The next morning I was awakened by someone trying to find out where a small boy was sleeping who had to be up at 5 a.m.. to

take some horses up to the Taceoouxso. I was just feeling as though I could have slept -hill Doomsday, so it is lucky for him that he was away before I got up, no matter who he is. It rained all the morning, and the best part of the afternoon, and it.was not till 4.80 o'clock that I was able to strike "the road that leads to home. At several places on the road I had to sp l * l^ l through flooded creeks, and "pot-holes. At Waitahuna the river was surging across the road between the town and the traffic bridge. I tried to ride through, but the current was too strong, and when half-way across I had to jump into the ice-cold water and push the "mangle" to the other sr.de, much to the delight of the Waitahunaites who had come to see the flood. I went straight through Milton (without a light), and arrived home at midnight none the worse for the ride. Love to all.—Yours truly, ROAD HOG (Dunediln).

Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the page. I am nine years old and in Standard 11. This is Easter Monday, and it ia pouring with rain. I was going to Middlemarch Show, but the rain stopped me, and I am glad now I did not go, as I would have got wet, and' the train does not get here until after 9 o'clock. My brother and I have been trapping, and we got a good many rabbits. We send them to the canning factory at Alexandra, and we got about £8; but the factory is closed just now for the Easter holidays. The farmers have nearly all finished their harvest; but it is not so good as last year, il often go and help our neighbours. He and I are great I run messages for hiim and do a lot o± little jobs. Hoping you will accept me as one of your numerous Little Folk.—Yours truly,

JOE'S CHUM (Wedderburn). [I am very" pleased to number you among our friends.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 11 years old, and am in Standard 11. The weather here is very changeable. We ■were lucky to get our harvest in, as some of the crops round here are atill in etook. I have a little brother a year old; he is euch a dear -wee chapl—Yours truly, PRINCESS MARITZA (Orawia). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.]

. Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? lam nine years old, and in Standard 111 at school. We are going to have a picnio here to celebrate peace. I have a •white kitten called Snowy, and a black one called Nigger. How would you like to live on a big farm, Dot ? I would rather live in the town. It is raiining while I am writing. I know Carlowrie's Mate. A Rainbow Fairy is my sister. She has just written to the page, and I asked her if I.' could join the page also. I will write a bigger letter next time.—Yours truly, CURLY (lala Bank).

Dear Dot, —I attend the Limestone Plains School. We have not had our school teacher very long. I suppose the Ot-ara D.L.F.. will know him. Carlowrie's Matte's father has a great big flag. The weather is very unsettled to-day. Isla Bank is a very small place, but it is a nice place to live in. I know Little Actress's Mate, Carlowrie, Greystairs, and Carlowrie's Mate, and also Curly, who is my sister. Love to Carlowrie, Little Actress's Mate, and Carlowrie's Mate.—Yours truly,

A RAINBOW FAIRY (Isla Bank)

Dear Dot, —I have left school now, and am out working. We have been having ternibly wet weather here lately. I didn't go away for Easter. Pickles went to Riverton for her Easter holidays. My uncle is getting married on the 9th of this month. Best wishes to Pickles, iloung Meg, Wee Dot, Harvest Queen, Mother's Help, Inquisitive Poll, and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly.

LITTLE PANSY FACES (Centre Bush). [Very pleased to hear from you agaiin after such a long absence, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am nine years old, and the oldest of the family. I have two brothers and two wee sisters. My eldest brother (who is eight) and I go to school at Pukerau. We both like our teacher very muoh. We used to stay with our aunty at Waitati, and go to school there. My little sister Ruby went to stay with our aunty at Waitati a few weeks ago, and started school, and Likes it very much now. A little cousin named Molly eleo stays at auntie's place, and goes to school there with my little sister; they are both learning the ABC. Our auntie's place is a big white house just across the road from the Presbyterian Church. We have a lovely wee black pony which belongs to my brother, and me, but he isn't quiet enough for us unless daddie is with us. We ride a dear wee bay one which belongs to my two wee sisters. My youngest brother is only two months old, his name is Roy. He has two other names as well—daddiie's nome and granddad's name, —and he is the dearest.wee fellow. I just love nursing him; he smile 3at us so lovely. Love to yourself. —Yours truly,

GRANDMA'S GIRL (Pukerau)

[You are. very welcome to join us, dear. You must be very proud of your baby brother.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It has been very wet lately. My playmate at school is Pancake. I am 11 years old. There was going to be a Sunday School picnio, but as the weather was very wet and the place where it was to be held was under water it was postponed. I did not go anywhere at Easter. I like reading books, and I have read' a great number lately. Love to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,

PICCOLA (Pukerau)

Dear Dot,—l am 11 years old, and in Standard IV at school. I go to the Waihopai School. I have been reading the D.L.F. letters, and I thought that I should like to join too. We are having some very wet weather. The influenza, took a great number from here. My sister died with it, and also my auntie. I have a brother corn~sng back from the war, and I shall be pleased to see him back safe and well. Kind regards to Sister _ Molly and Everybody's Friend, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A FAIR GIPSY'S MAID. [We are pleased to have yoti join us, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-day is Good Friday, but it does not seem like it. We have hod some very bad weather lately. Really, Glcnorchy is an awful place in the winter. My brother is nearlly better now. He started to work a few weeks ago in the scheelite battery. Schcelite is going down now, and the men are kept very busy sending the sclieclito away. One of our cows calved the other day; but she is too wild to milk yet, so wo will have a hard job to traiin her in. Wo are only milking one cow now, and she does not give enough milk to keep lis going, so ■we havo to xiso unsweetened rrnilk, and I don't liko it. Thore are about 18 L.F. up here now. Wo havo a wee black-and-white kitten. Best wishes to Shepherd Lad, Mountain Maid, Red Riding Hood, Mountain Lily,

Sailor Boy, Soldier Boy's Mate, Sailor Boy's Mate, Forget-me-not, Mountain. Gentian, Daddie's Right Hand, and Mother's Helper, not forgetting yourself.—Youre truly, SOLDIER BOY (Glenorohy).

Dear Dot,—We had sports here on Eaeter Monday, and it was a very rough day. My mother has not been very well lately, and: has gone to the South Island for a ? han g«> and I am staying at my grandmas. We have a week's holiday just now from school. My grandma has a black cat, and she calls it Sandy, and -it can jump through ones hands. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GRANDDAD'S GIRL (Eketahuna).

Dear Dot,—Last Thursday it was snowing, and we went to school. There were only 10 children there, cud our teacher let us out at 11 o'clock. When I got up this morn ng there was snow on the ground. It is very frosty in the mornings and nights. It has been very cold these last few days. It has been raining a few times too. Since I wrote last my pet lamb got her leg broken, and dad put it in splints. It is getting better now. It is a month since it got broken. I have an -uncle home from the war and another one on the water. Our Sunday School teacher landed on the 22nd of April, and he will be up here to-morrow. I had another pet hare, and it died. On Election Day we had a holiday. We will have a half-holiday to-morrow. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TULIP BLOSSOM (Oturehua).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and in Standard IV at school. We are having v.ery bad weather just now. The harvesters who have not got their oats in stack are having a bad time. We have most of our oata stacked, but we have a little more to stack. With kindest regards to Carlowrie and Carlownie's Mate, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE RAINBOW MAIDEN (Isle, Bank). [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —I would like to become one of your Little Folk. I am 11 years old, and in the Fourth Standard at school. Seme of your D.L.F. may be interested to hear a little about Kaiitangata. It is a larger place than mvsst people imagine it to be. There are nearly 400 children attending school, and we have a Technical School, where the girls learn sewing and cooking, and the boys woodwork. There are three coal mines—Kaitangata, Castle Hill, and Taratu. There are pictures shown here m two different halls every Saturday night, and both places are always crowded. My father has a motor oar, and we often go to Dunedin and other places. It is nice to see different parts of the country. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, MISS BILLY (Kaitangata).

[Kaitangata seems to be having rather more than its share of flood water, 'Mies Billy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —During the last two or three days we have been having awful weather: it has been like winter. We are having sports up at Tahakopa to-morrow, and if it is fine I suppose we will be going. Broadleaf is out working now, so she has not much time to write. It was my birthday on the 7th of this month, and I quite enjoyed myself. Best wishes to all the' Little Folk, including vourself. —Yours truly, VIOLET (Kahuika).

Dear Dot, —We have been having very wintry weather for a few days, but to-day it has cleared up. We are going back to school to-morrow after a week and two days' holiday. It was very wet for the races this year. It has been very wet for harvesting lately. The school examination will be coming off shortly. We are having great fun down in the swamp here on a raft. Kind regards to all the Little Polk, not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly,

A MOUNTAIN LADDIE'S MATE (Riverton).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 15 years old, and go to the Convent School. I am in the Siixth Standard, and have four mates with me. I have four brothers and six sisters. One of my brothers is in Egypt. We are hoping he will soon return, as it seems so long since we have seen him. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, Dot.—Yours truly, A DREAM OF SPRING (Arrowtown). [I am very pleased to have you join us, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have finished our harvesting, although most of the farmers round here have just started theirs. My mother didn't go anywhere for her holidays at Easter; but I went to Clarksville for mine, and enjoyed it very much. My mate's brother came home from the war on Wednesday night, and they were pleased to get him safely home. On Anzao Day our head master described to us what Anzac meant, and then we received a half-holiday. My schoolmate came to our place and stayed the night, so we had some fun. I have strlll one uncle at the war, and received a letter from him on Thursday; he expects to be back soon. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A GIRL SCOUT (Milton).

Dear Dot, —I have started to do the garden now. I have been planting sweet pea seeds and attending to the other flowers which are going to seed. I have quite a collection of flower seeds now. It is fine to-day, bxit it started to rain yesterday afternoon, and it rained steadily all night. The rain has made everything very muddy and dirty, and I get my boots very dirty in the morning going to school. The school here is busy getting ready for the peace celebrations, which I hope will come off very soon. I was not able to go anywhere for my Easter holidays this year. The frost which occurred some small time ago had taken the dahlias when they were in flower, and they have not flowered ' since. We are going to have our term examination some time about May, and I will not be sorry when it is over. Kind regards to Buster, Manager, Tangles, Wonnie, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, FRECKLES (Milton).

Dear Dot, —Tho winter seems to be drawing near already, and tho evenings get dark Quito early now. The weather was fairly goocf for Easter; it just managed to keep from raining,''and that is all. Easter Monday was the worst day: it blew a hurricane, and was so cold. Easter Saturday was a glorious day, and my friend and myself wont into Seatovm, a suburb out of Wellington, to visit th> Boys' Biblo Clas3 Camp, which was bo'ng held there this year. They had nice programme of sports, etc., and our afternocn's outing was most enjoyable. Wo had nearly a week's holiday from work, going back only yesterday (Thursday)—qu/.te nice to bo away from tho office all that time. Tho day before going back to work was a nioo day, so mother and myself went into town, and after doing our shopping wo went io tho Wellington Zoo, where I havo not been for a long time, and then we •went to

visit some friends, and home, sweet home at the end of a perfect day. To-day being Anzao Day we got a half-holiday. There was to bo a parade of returned soldiers this afternoon, and to-night there is to be In Memorian services for those brave lads who lost their lives on Gallipoli. It is lovely to have the boys back with us again. Two troopships came in yesterday, and the town seems full of returned boys. Although it is a happy timo for many, it is very sad for others. In The Busy Bee's last letter she received from her bother he said he had just met Postman Henry—rather a pleasant surprise for both of them. Last he saw Postman Henry was when he was in camp at Trentham, many months ago. Last mall I received some nice books of views of Cologne, on the Rhine, from my cousin, who, with lots of New Zealanders, was stationed there, and by this time I hope ho is on his way home. It is a long while since my cousin Vihirnanogi has had a letter in, but diiring the hurricane season, which lasts about four or ■ five "months, no boats can travel to and from the Island; but we ought to be hearing from her soon. I don't think I would care to be living in such an cut-of-the-way place; but, judging by her letters, they seem in love with the place. I suppose it is just what one gets used to. I am still living in hopes of meeting some D.L.F. in Wellington. Although The Busy Bse and myself always pro about with our badges perched on our hats, we have not had the pleasure of meeting any so"- far; but there ere not many D.L.F. 'in the North Island. I suppose it is because the Otago Witness is a South Island paper. I am anxiously looking forward to my annual holidays, which are not due until September, worse luck; but I suppose the time will soon fly, as I am hoping to get down to Gore and Dunedin with mum and dad and have a good time with my cousins. I will never forget the glorious nine months I spent down at Gore and in the out districts, and also Dunedin, where I spent two out of the nine months. Best wishes to all the D.L.F. and yourself, not forgettiing Busy Bee, Ida, Betty, Postman Henry, Grant, Vihimanogi, and Lingitoa.—Yours truly, PRINCESS GEORGINA (Lower Hutt).

[I was wondering how Vihimanogi was faring during this time, Princess Georgina, and hope we shall soon have a letter from her.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having very unsettled weather here at present, and it does not seem a bit like Easter, as we usually have beautifu weather at this time. I was down at Green Island for' a few days lately, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. While I was there we visited the Botanical Gardens and the Museum, in Dunedin. As it is the first time I have ever been to the gardens I saw much to interest me. Harvesting operations are almost completed about this district, which is a great boon, because, had crops been left standing, the wet weather would have spoilt them. Sports, organised by the football club, were held in Milton a short time ago. At night an entertainment was given by the Kaikorai Band dn the Coronation Hall. The sports were very good, but I did not wait for the concert at night. Tho autumn leaves do look lovely just now with their gay colours of red and yellow; but soon they will fall off the trees. Love to Hora, Uti, Sea Breeze, Heart of Gold, and Buster Manager.—Yours truly, MARY OF THE GLEN (Glenore). Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to your page. I am 11 years old, and fin Standard IV. I have three sisters and three brothers. We have our Easter holidays from school, and I am staying at my auntie's for -a fewi days. We are not having very nice weather for Easter. I had three uncles away at the war, and two of them aTe' home now; one is still in the hospital. The flowers in our garden are all dying now.—Yours truly, HEATHER (Balfour). [I have posted your badge, dear, and hope yoa receive it safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Easter has passed once more, although very quietly. We did not go to the Queenstown regatta, as the trains weren't suitable. My father is. leading in his grain to-day. Everything seems to be behind this year. East year at this time we had the thrashing over, but that is to come in the middle of winter I expect. The weather has not been at all favourable for the farmer, as it rains about every second day. We had. a spinsters' ball here on the 11th April. Dodger, Starry Clematis, and T went, and we all enjoyed ourselves very much. Most of our boys will soon be back in dear old New Zealand again, and I am sure they must feel prlad to be able to return. Love to all D.L.E., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, EGLANTINE (Garston). Dear Dot, —Easter has passed once more, and it was very quiet up here. My father is harvesting now, although it is very late this year, because the weather has been so cold and wet up here. We are soon going to have our peace celebrations here, but the people of Garston have not decided what we are going to do. My little brother Douglas is now a year old; but you were right saying that he might not walk for some time, beoause he can't walk properly yet, although he can stand by himself and walk a few steps, but one could hardly call that walking. I had to write a composition on "Anzao Day" for school to-day, and I think I needed an Anzae here to tell me, as I am a very poor one. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting your own sweet self.—Yours trulv. STARRY CLEMATIS. Dear Dot, —We are having very wot weather here at present. To-morrow is Anzao Day, and there is to be a memorial service held in East Taieri Church. The faliners who have not got their crops thrashed will bo greatly kept back by the wet weather. With love to Taieni Harvester and Taieri Sunbeam, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TAIERI SUNBEAM'S MATE (East Taieri).

Dear Dot, —We have been having very wet weather lately. The harvest is very late this year. Some have not got their props cut yet. I was up with Mud Lark for a week. We have just finished our quarterly examination at school. I was away for a holiday at Easter, but I did not see much, as it was wot nearly every day. There is another soldier back here now. There was a preat number down here for Easter, although it was wet. Love to Mud Lark, Blah'dale, Machine Gun, and Sunburst, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MUD LARK'S MATE (Taieri Beach).

Dear Dot, —My father is petting 1 on with his harvest once ruoro; I think everybody ia almost finished now. My best mate, Queen of the* May, was irp hero for her Euster holidays ; she wont away on Saturday. Wo or© expecting' visitors to-day; but it is too lato now, bo I don't suppose thoy will como. My brother Dodgor is out fishing- to-day, and I do hopvj he will catch somo. My dear wee brothor oan almost walk now. Ho is a year old, and ho can do a great deal of talking) for his age. Th© crook has com© down through my playhouwi B» I can't play to-

day, and lam very sorry. Our pet lambs are going to be sold soon: but I wish they were not, as we have such fun with th«m. The other day my kitten, had a great mishap, as a large post fell on it and killed it. Love to Queen of the May, Kilty Lass, Gasbag, Merlo, Cowboy, Princess Pussiwossi, Forget-me-not, Starry Clematis, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, SWEET JESSAMINE.

Dear Dot, —I anv 12 years old, and in the Fifth Standard. We have had very rough weather this month, and we have not been ablo to ferret. We have five ferrets, and they are very quiet. Love to the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, SAILOR JACK. (Tuturau). [You evidently forgot to stamp your letter, Jack.—DOT.] AUTOS. Alice in Fairyland (Alice Dawson, care of Mr H. O. Dawson, Outram) wishes to correspond with Gloria's Mate and any LF. under 14 years. Mary cf the Glen (Mary Mills, Glenore, via Milton) wishes to correspond with Dongola, A British iSoldier's Sister, and a Girl from the West. Mud Lark's Mate (Beta Whalan, Taieri Beach) wishes to correspond with any D.L.F. willing. Sailor Jack (Dudley Taylor, Tuturaii} wishes to correspond with A Maid of the Mountains, Sweetpea, Cowboy, Golden Dreams, and Egmont Laddie. Patriotic Lass (C. Adams, Fairfax) wishes to correspond with A Dunedin Girl, A Confirmed Bachelor. Autumn. Fairie (Bell Muir, Tutuva-u) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 12 and 13 years of age. Bonette (Jean Henderson, Chape Pest Office, via Temuka) wishes to correspond with Buirijny, Penpushing Cowboy, A Dunedin Girl, A Girl of the Limberlost, Snakey Joe, Ikawai, Mountaineer, A Confirmed Bachelor Bunny Trapper, Bluecliff, and Telephonist. Queen Sunbeam (Victoria M'Kay, Pine Farm, Luggatfe) has /lost Princess Constance's address and wishes her to write. Heather Lily (Lily Henderson, Ohape Post Office, Milford, via Temuka) wishes to correspond with Warrigal, High Commissioner Machine Girn, One of Sir Robert's Scouts. Cowboy, and Taieri Sunbeam. Australian Girl (Nellie M. 0 shorn, Box 417, Dimedin) wishes to correspond njrh Nobody Knows, Nobody Oaiw, and any L.F. about 16 years.