DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3403, 4 June 1919, Page 63

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

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

D.L.F.

Dot's Little Folk's Badge with pin, for use as a brooah., obtainable on application to Dot. Price, la 3d post free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Auto. Cards arc. obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

ilotto:—Wo write for the benefit of others, not

for ourselves.

No letter to contain mere than 350 words.

Dear Dot,—The*© wag a concert here, last Friday night, and it was for a harvesVhorne, and I enjoyed myself. I am stopping Wltiv my auntie, as w© sold out up at Wairalu There was a bazaar up at Nightcaps last Friday and Saturday. I am going to the Scott's Gap School. There are four cats here, and we are milking .two cows. My uncle has sheep away to tha. sale. My little oousin has been in bed for three days with a cold. There are two boys going to school with me. Dove to Gold Branchen, Fiona 11, Inverlv=key, Mount Rouse, Minioso 11, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting* yourself.—Yours truly, ~-'..,-/■, \ A PETUNIA (Scott's Gap). Dear Dot,—l have been away for a short holiday. It is the first time I have been away, and I enjoyed myself very much. It is very cold her© in the morning, and very hard frost at night. There was a social last week for some of the returned soldiers. I think wo will soon bo going away from . Arrowtown. I have three pet lambs, and on© will ohase us whenever he gets the chance. My mat© and I' climbed a l>.g hL'.l on Sunday, and we got a good view Of Arrowtown, and could see the people coming in and going out of the town. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, ENGLISH BOY (Arrowtown). Dear Dot,— My birthday is to-day, and I am 10 now. There are quite a number of D.L.F. about her©, and I think we could form a club. The mill was hero from Saturday to Wednesday. To-day my brother was carting in the bags of oats from the paddock. Three of my schoolmates have 'started to write to the page, so there are six writing from our school, and only 10 going altogether. "We ar© going to have a good time at peace time. We are gorng to have a picnic in Queenstown Park: bub it is a long time in coming. Love to A Maid of the Mountains, Pearl White, and Peace, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN VIOLET. Dear Dot,—The weather here is lovely, but we have had a few hard frosts. Dad is conihic home, on- Saturday after being on the West Coast for 10 months. Mother is going to the Dunedin Show, and she is taking my tw4 brothers. I have had two or three letters from Australian Girl, and they ar© very interesting indeed; but I cannot say mine are. We ar© breaking up on Friday for' a fortnight's holiday, but I don't think I am going anywhere. I went to Dunedin at Easter time, but did not have the pleasure of meeting any D.L.F. Bennetts's birthday was yesterday, and she received! many presents. »Best love to Orange Lily, Bunny, Australian Girl, Cowboy, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, Star o' the South, Doris May, and all the other L.F., not for--1 setting your own dear self. —Yours truly, D * HEATHER LILY. [lt would be impossible for m© to say why the L.F. do not arfswer their letters, dear. It is rather bad form on their part, I think.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We ar© having w©t weather just now. I have a little black-and-white kitten, and I call it Blackie. We are having our tezm holidays just now. Love to Wanda, .Queen of Verulani, Bluebells, Queen of the Hills, Sweet Violets, lona, Returned Soldier's Pet, Chip of the Old Block, Sunbeams, and! yourself.—Yours truly, LADY ADELE (Mafcarewa).

Dear Dot, —Most of the boys are coming home now. My brother came home last Thursday. We have been having- lovely weather here lately—what we should have got in Slimmer; but the nights are verycold. I had a slight touch of influenza this week, but am better now. I haven't seen a Witness for a long time. I have read a few books lately; some are "The Law Bringers," " The Dion Tamer," " Hannah as a Woman." My brother brought home poetcards of places where he had been when on leave, and it is very interesting to see them. There are some pretty places in England and Scotland. I think I would like to go over there for a holiday. There are about six or seven more boys from here to come home yet, andi then there is to bo a wel-come-home and presentation of medals to them all at once. Fleetfoot'a brother came homo last week, and brought a wife with him. Love to A. Caithness Lass, Father's Helo, and yourself.—Yours truly, IRISH COLLEEN (Herbert). Dear Dot, —-I was out at the Home last night to a concert and dance, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Orange Lily was there also. Wo each missed only three dances all night, so wo were doing all right for beginners. There is a euchre eocia.l and dance coming off on the 29th to farewell our school mistress, who is shortly leaving to take up duties in the Pine Hill School. I suppose Orange Lily and I will be at that social too. Love to Guiding Star, White Sweet Pea, Cinderella, Texas Boy, Postman Henry, Sir Rowland, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, PINK CLOVER (Pukeuri). Dear Dot, —We have gone back to school again after a fortnight's holiday. There have been largo alterations going on at our school; there are new rooms being built on to the school. During the, holidays I walked over to Governor's Bay from th© tram terminus with some of the SundaySchool girls and teachers, and wo had an enjoyable time When we set out in th« morning we intended to go to Kennedy's Bush, but when we reached tho rest house— <

that is, the top of Cashmere Hills—wo looked down into the bays round Lyttelton Harbour, and saw a beautiful sight. After having some .lunch, we could not resist walking a little way towards the bays, till at last we found ourselves not turning back to go to Kennedy's Bush, but walking right on to Governor's Bay. We had afternoon tea- there, and after a little rest we started back. We reached the tram terminus nearly exhausted after our long walk, and were glad to take a seat in the tram and proceed on our homeward journey. I suppose you have heard of the terrible accident that occurred on the Sumner line, A trailer turned completely over, throwing many people on to the road and injuring a large number of men, women, and children. Are there any other D.L.F. in Christchurch, Dot? I have not chanced to meet any. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GLENKAE (Riccarton). [I do not think there are many L.F. in Christchurch, dear. No wonder you were tired after your walk—it .is quite a good walk to the rest-house.—DOT.] Dear Dot—FoY some months past I have been endeavouring to pluck up enough courage to write to the page, so here I am at last making an attempt. I'm rather late in joining, but will have to make up for thg lost time. I am sorry to say that I have only 18 months in which to contribute my letters, but I suppose it is better late than never. I fear our Greyinouth L.F. are not very good correspondents, for_ I haven't noticed any of their letters in print lately. Am there many writing from here? Have you ever been to Greymouth, Dot? I have lived here all my life, and rather like it. The people in other parts seem to think that this is a dreadful place—nothing but rain all the time; but it isn't as bad as it is painted, for when the sun does shine it makes up for all that preceded. We have bean having glorious weather here this last month, so I hope it continues for a while: It is dreadfully cold here in the mornings, but is lovely during the day. 1 work in a shop, and have a hard job trying to keep my hands warm; but one has to get used to that kind of thing here. One thing, wo have plenty of dances to go to these cold nights, for there is one nearly every night of the. week. My mates and I generally attend two a week, "and I think dancing is a lovely pastime. The Coal Creek Falls are a great attraction to visitors here. Have you ever had- the pleasure of seeing them, Dot? A crowd of us motored out to them a few months ago, and as the day was all that could be desired we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The cars left town at 9.30, and we arrived at the camp station about '2O minutes later, after which we had to proceed two miles through the bush before we reached our destination. You can imagine the time wo had in trying to find the falls, for there .were two tracks, and, of course, we took the wrong one; but after two hours' tramping we discovered them, and really, Dot, they looked beautiful, with .the water flowing from them. We took some snaps, which turned out very nice. After we had finished lunch we went exploring, and then finished up by playing games. At 4.30 we packed our belongings for home, and started on our journey, and I am thankful to say that we found our way "feut in half the time. We walked back to town for a change, and arrived home about 8 o'clock, all tired and dusty, but sorry that our day's outing was ended. Kindest regards to Postman Henry and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WGENEEi (Greymouth).

[I think one needs- to live in Greymouth all one's life to get used to it, deax. I certainly was not greatly impressed with it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just come home after a holiday of two months, and after flyinground for that length of time one feels dissatisfied trying to fit .into the everyday life at home, and in such a desolate hole as GTeymouth. The overland journey from here to Christchurch is very picturesque, and one could wish for nothing batter for a sight of unique surroundings as tho Otira Gorge on a winter's day, with the sur-. rounding mountains capped with mow. The weather is getting frightfully cold, and in tht mornings I think twice before I get out of bed; but the worst of the cold„ is yet to come. What a host of soldiers are coming home now, Dot. The streets seem always crowded with soldiers. Isn't peace a long time coming? What a long way off August seems. We an Grey are all looking forward to the celebrations to come and most of us to take part in same. I expect all our soldier boys will be back by then, and surely it will be a glorious time for most. I have not seen Gloria's Mate for quite a time. I wonder if she is still here. Love to all the L.P. and yourself.—Yours truly, GLORIA (Greymouth).

Dear Dot, —We are getting good weather at present. We have had our examination, and have a week's holiday. Mayflower is away for a holiday just now. There was a show down at Tuatapere not very long ago. Winter Daisy is my sister. I know a good many D.L.P. Igo to Orawia School. It gets dark early these nights now. It ,was hard frost the other morning. I like our school teachers. Love to Mayflower, Rosebud, Dad's Shepherd, Merrival Maid, Pukemaori Maid, and your own dear self.— i Yours truly, I LAVINA. ! Dear Dot, —We have been having lovely J weather here lately, but it looks very much like snow to-day. My sister has been home ; for her term holidays, but is going back to j Invercargill on Monday. My uncle cam© i home from the war about a fortnight ago; but he is not keeping well, as he was i gassed. Peace and A New Zealand Lassie are my mates in Arrowtown, and Mountain "Violet is my mate out here. Love to Lady j Warwick, Mountain Violet, Erin, Peace, A i New Zealand Lassie, Breath of Spring, Miss I Minta, Cabbage Tree Ned, English Boy, I and Flo.—Yours truly, I PEARL WHITE (Wharehuanui).

Dear Dot, —The weather has broken again. It has been beautifully fine all the month. I hope it will clear up soon, because I do not like rain. I must go home soon, because school starts on Tuesday. I enjoyed my holiday at grandma's very much. Love to all th© D.L.P., not forgetting yourself. — Yours truly," GRANDMA'S GIRL (Pukerau).

Dear Dot, — ~Wo havo had some badlyneeded rain to-day, and everything will no doubt bo much the better for it. The dust here has been simply awful Lately. I had a very good time at the dance on Thursday, but I paid for it next day. I could hardly walk; but all the same I intend going' to the next one next Thursday. I wonder if I'm to have doleful news everytime I write. "We all got a nasty surprise tonight. My sister (Black Pearl) was playing with some other girls, when she managed to put her arm through a pane of glass and got horribly cut, and hao to go to a private hospital. My goodnes?! wherever she went there was a trail of blood. I wender eho didn't faint at once; buj; sha

never said a word all the time at homo or at tho doctor's. Th© doctor thinks her hand wi.ll bo .•stiff, as all the tendons are cut. She will*be home to-morrow, though I guess she will ba some time before she's as lively. as she was tin's morning. My father just came home last Wednesday from "Wellington. He goes there every year to a conference, and I wish I could have his trips. I have read a fearful lot these holidays; it seems about all thore is to do. Thursday and Friday .wo had the Oamaru rnces. The days were good, and the patrons of the racecourse—the lucky ones, at least—would be satisfied with their outing. When going in to the doctor to-night Black Pearl just said, "Well, ; t's a good thing my head didn't go through." Give me an optomiat for a companion. Love to all my L.F. correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, ' ORANGE, LILY (Pukeuri).

[I am very sorry to learn of Black Pearl's mishap, dear, and hope the arm is healing satisfactorily.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am nine years old, and in the First Standard at school. We live 20 miles from Oamaru, up on a hill. It is very cold in the winter, but just now the days are nice and warm. I have three kittens; they are very lazy, and lie in front of the range most of tho time. I also have a little pup. Wo call him Teddy; ho io like a teddy bear. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, TE PUKI LAD. [You are very welcome to join us, dea.r. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,—This is Sunday afternoon, and the sun is just beginning to shine out. after being concealed by dark rain clouds all morning. I s<vw Everybody's Friend yesterday, and saw A British Soldier's Sister in Palnierston a week or two ago. I am going for a holiday to Tiniaru next week, and hope I enjoy myself. I am in charg;o of my "two younger sisters while mother is out visiting. I have not much news to tell you this time. I have a cousin returning from the front on Wednesday. He has not been wounded, although he has been in France three years. Another cousin had his right arm taken off with a piece of shrapnel in tho Somme battle. Best wisnes to all the D.L.F., especially Everybody s Friend.—Yours truly, NGAIO (Inch Valley).

[You might either give your previous N.D.P. or your name, please, Ngaio, as I can hardly be inspired to know- what it was previously.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is some time now since I wrote "to the page, but I have such a large number of correspondents that it.takes'mo all my time to answer all their letters. My two 'cousins are staying with us at present, eo things .are a we® bit lively just now. Dot, I don't think you could imagine how 6low Lawrence is. I am sure if the Germans were to fire a "cannon up the street, there woiild be only v about two men and a dog out to see what the noise was. It is simply the "dizzy limit"! I am learning to. play the violin. My sister is teaching me, and she is just o bit too strict, • and ' gives me a good few smacks across the knuckles when I forget to hold tho bow properly. I had tonsilitus a few weeks ago, and I must say I did, not enjoy .it. My sister had it before me, so -I euupose I must have causrht it from her. Love to King William, Rcv.lis, Margaret, Kathleen Mavourneen, Willow Dene, Frances, Australian Girl, Pearl Blossom, Starling, Lynwilg, Fruit-picker, Fairy Queen, Vanessa, and all my- other correspondents, not forgetting yourself Yours truly, DOROTHY DAYDREAMS.

[Evidently you are in the. hands of a hard taskmistress, Dorothy, so you should make goad progress. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—At present we are having rather rough weather, and yesterday it was dull all day, but to-day the sun is trying to shins. 1 think it is hopeless, aa the sky is cloudy all round. On Friday I had a good time celebrating my fourteenth birthday. I had a wristlet watch given me, besides a large cake (which I cut to-day) and some other small presents. In the last troop boat which arrived a cousin and his wifo arrived. I have a sister who is collecting money for Dr Bamardo's Homes. She has a great deal of money in the box. Last night Sir James Allen came to Kaitangata, and presented two medals to the fathers of two soldiers, as both soldiers had won Military Medals, but had died before receiving them. Love to all ..the L.F., including yourself. —Yours truly,

MERRY MISCHIEF (Kaitangata).

Dear Dot, —The chief event of local interest in our district lately was a euchre party and dance, which took place on Monday night. The district was' well represented, almost everyone turning up, also two motor loads of people from Alexandra. The ladies' prize was won by one of the visitors, and the gentlemen's by a local boy. The dance, which took place after the euchre tournament, was most enjoyable. At present we are having splendid weather, but I suppose there is plenty bad weather to come. I only hope it will be fine for the show, as I am going to have a fortnight's holiday then. There ia a boy returning to this district next week after four years' active service, and his parents will be delighted to have him home. There have been several parties out here quail-shooting, but the birds do not seem very plentiful this year. Most of the trappers out this way are now' trapping for skins, as the price is more satisfactory. Best love to yourself and Gip, Dairymaid, A--Maid of the Mountains, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, Little Son Eric, Jockey Henry, Muriel, Charineuse. and all ray other correspondents.—Yours truly, . KELBURN.

Dear Dot, —The past week has brought forth real winter weather, and makes the outside world look very dreary. I was away for a few days at my cousin's, where I spent a very enjoyable time. While away I met a D.L.F., her N.D.P. being Loch Carron. Wo had a welcome-home social hero on the 16th, when we welcomed three of our soldiers homo again. I'm looking forward to the peace celebrations, as I think it will be a time of great rejoicing for many, although it will be a sad time for some people. Wo are now into the sixth month of the year, and there seems to be more grass about than in December, so those who were unlucky with their stock will be able to buy .at a low price now, and make something out of them later on. Kindest regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ANZAC'S SECRET (Hedgehope).

Dear Dot, —'Guess it's about time I shook myself up, and wrote a few lines, for it must be months since I last wrote. How is life up north this weather? It is not nearly so quiet hero now on account of so many soldiers being' back, and they liven the bliow up a bit, too. I am thinking- there will bo •a- big day here next Wednesday, when a football match is taking' plaee between a Maori team and a team picked from all Southland's teams. The Maoris are supposed to be returned soldiers, and

all tlve business places are closing .'or an f i hour to give the visitors a good reception | at tho station when, they arrive, 1 think myself that Southland will hold their own, although the other team "walked over" ] Hawke's Bay some time back. Southland beat the Maoris last year, and I think they'll do the same this time. It will be a, feather in our caps if they do. With love, — ' Yours trulv, ' ! DEADWOOD DICK. | . Dear Dot, —I am seven years old, and in j ; tho Second Standard. We have a. mile to ' j walk to school, and 'it is not very nice I | when it is wet. I have a doll, and its name .is Vida. We have four dogs and a little pup nnd the pup's name is Jack. We have 20 hens, but only three of them are laying just now. Our little baby brother is 15 months old, and has 12 teeth. Love to the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours ti'.uly, ' ;

MISS FUKNYBONiE (Wyadham). [You .are very welcome to join \ia, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I do enjoy reading Bome of the letters, especially those written by Wayback. Many times Have I asked myself the question A Surprise Packet asked of you, Dot, re the L.F., or, rather, som© of them; but eince I have some very good correspondents I am not worrying. The weather is doing its best to make us sure it is winter time, and it is no joke getting up at half-past 5 these mornings either. How nice it is to see the soldiers coming honio. Two of our uncles are expected to arrive in New Zealand shortly, and it will be lovely to welcome them horns. Some people are saying there will be more fighting yet. Let us sincerely hope not. How dreadful it will be if there is! No, it was not painful getting my teeth extracted, Dot, because I "went through a gas attack,'/ but oven so I was very nervous, and I'm very much afraid the dentist thinks I am a firstcLass one for kicking. A party of us went to the pictures, the other night, and, after running for a. mile to catch a car, it left just before we landed there, eo we had a wait of 20 minutes until the next one came.' Wo enjoyed ourselves, but it was a very dark night, and when we loft the car on our way home wo discovered we had forgotten to bring matches to light the lantern we had taken. However, we were lucky enough to get a "loan" of two. Two of us went- to got the lantern, which we had hidden in a hedge, and the rest of U 9 warned them to take care o*' those solitary matches. How often, Dot, do' we say that such a small thing like a match is of no value? I was given the other match this night, and I did treasure it, in oase the lantern went out. Fondest love to yourself and my correspondents.—Yours truly, STARLIGHT ROSE. Dear Dot,—We are having terrible weather. There was a* welcome home to a soldier last Friday night, and a good many were there. I am chief cook and bottle-washer now. We milk the cows only in the mornings, as they don't give much milk. Slope Point is very quiet at present compared to the big town of Otara, where Thar.lerio is staying. However quiet it"*" is, I make the best of it by working. My brother, Manager, and' his mates are experienced hands at pighunting. . Ono of my brothers is still over in England. Love to Dixie Hart, A Lonalv Ciepe Fern, Grant, Fisher Girl, The Wild Irish Rose, Niagara Larrikin, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE WILD BLUE PANSY (Slope Point). Dear Dot, —I suppose you have come to the conclusion that I have forgotten the dear old page, but that is not the case. Many times I have taken up my pen with the .intention of writing,, but the fire has always been the post office. Now I intend to see this one in print, and not let the fire have it. We have been having frightful weather lately, and' it is tiring having to sit by the fire all day long; but I don't mind a holiday occasionally. Kind regards to Fisher Girl and your own dear self.— Yours truly, * MANAGER.. Dear Dot, —Willie and I were down at the beach most of the day to-day, and had good fun playing- in the pools catching small fish. We have had a ohange of weather lately, and it is to be hoped' it continues for a while longer. We expected to see the Kotare in to-day, but she did not come, so I suppose 6he will come to-morrow morning. My little cousin Nancy is almost walking now. She is 10 months old, but she has no teeth. She is very slow with them. The inspector was at school last Thursday, but I was absent because I had a sore foot. There is a man trapping rabbits about here, and they are squealing' in every direction. It seems as if the influenza was coming back again. My uncle and cousin were down here to-day, but did not stay long, because they wanted to get home before dark. After dinner my cousin went down to the rocks to fish, but did not got anything, as it was too rough. There are some lovely -white orchids in the bush, and they have a sweet perfume. The mistletoe berries are at their best just now, and are very plentiful about here. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours trulv, MERMAID (Pounawea").

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see you had accepted me as a member of your Little Folk. We have been having lovely weather lately, but it is .raining to-day. We have picked the last of our apples now, and the last of our Japanese plums we picked a few weeks ago. I arn learning to bake now, and made my first cake a few days ego. I made sonic shortbread, too, but I don't think it was a great success, as the oven was too hot for it. Love to Kelburn, Cha misuse, and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—-Yours truly, MURIEL (Fruitlands). Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in the Witners. It has been raining here to-day, so it is very wet. There was a euchre party here a few days ago. I have read a book called "Betty's First Term." We have had our term examination, and lam very glad. Love to Kelburn and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE SON ERIC (Fruitlands). Dear Dot, —The days are drawing in very much now, and we have very long: evenings ; but I do not mind them at all, for I practice for about two hours. I learnt music for about 18 months, but have not had any lessons for some time, for my music teacher left hero about 10 months ago. However, I shall learn again scon. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting your dear self. — Yours truly, CHARMEUSE (Fruitlands). Dear Dot, —I nearly 10 years old, and in Standard 111 at the North School. We are not having very fine weather. It is winter time though, so wo cannot expect it to be fine. I have been staying with my auntie during the term holidays. My sister is writing to the page, too. My mother used to writs to the page when she was o. girl. My father has both a lovely flower and vegetable garden, but the frost will soon spoil them. I have a nice playmate at school. I mus"t try and persuade her to

writs to you. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MA RIB ADELAIDE. [I am very pleased to have you join us, Mario.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This is th© first letter I huvo written to you. I am 14 years of n.ge, and will be 15 in June. Wo have- had ouc term examination, and I think I have passed. There aro 2G children going to our school now. My uncle is homo from the war, but I have not seen him yet. I have just finished reading A. book called "The Welsh Singer," which was very interesting. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, • MISS QUEEIUBUS. [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] .

Dear Dot, —I am 11 years old, and in {ha Fourth Standard. I go to the North luvercargill School. I have two sisters and one brother. I am the eldest of our family. Our term holidays aro over now. I spent r» week in Dunedin last Christmas. I think tha Botanical G-ardcns there are very beautiful. I was in Luinsden for a few daya in our term holidays. Wo are having wot weather. I an auntie in Gisborno who used to write to you. I am calling myself after a ■rose.—Yours truly, AvOCA (Invercargill). - [ls Avoca a particularly nico one, dear? I don't remember having seen it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo are having wet woa-ther just now. Our school teacher, Miss Kinsc, is leaving the district, and is going to Nelson. The school children presented her with a suit case and a jewel case. Sba was a very nice teacher, and the pupils all liked her. When peace wo are going to light a bonfire up on tho hill. The farmers had very bad weather for their harvest this year. My brother haa ft iittle black dog, and. it got" caught in a* trap tho other day. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,. LITTLE PANSY-FACES (Centre "bush). [I have posted your badge, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been reading" the Dittlo Folk's letters, and I have taken it into my head to write. May I join your happy army? I have left school now, and am 13 years old; but I'am going to the Technical College in Christcluu-ch. I live in a pretty little valley called Omihi, our house being almost at the of it. I have quite a number of pets' Charlie, the magpie" which can talk, being the main pet, and then come a pair of bantams and three hens. My birthday is in June, the date being the 13th—an unlucky number; but I laavo always been lucky. Well, Dot, I was just thinking' to myself to-day what a lot of letters your eyes pass over. The animals that I 'like best are horses and cows; but I do not like sheep much, because I am always amongst them. Dove to all the D.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MOUSETRAP. [Thirteen is not unlucky for everyone, and evidently you are not one to whom it applies. In case I hxv© no better opportunity, I extend my best wishes for a very , happy birthday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had some weeks of fine weather, and some days have been quite warm. We are having a heavy shower to- ' day: it is the first since Easter Monday. Mother and I went to Oamaru on Easter Monday to the Victory Fete, which wes to have been held in the gardens, but it rained so heavily it was held in the drillhall. It was the ■ tamest thing we ever saw, but the ride in tram was all right. We have a black kitten called Smut, and it jumps , into the toy pram., and my '. little sister gives it • a ride, which it likes very much. We shell be getting our winter holidays next week. There was a. welcomeheme here lately to two of our soldier boys, and they each received a gold medal. There is to be a big welcome-home hero shortly to ,& number of soldier boys. We have a lovely yellow canary, and it puts up it 3 feathers and picks mother everytime she goes near it or feeds .it. Dove to Charity and Joey's and Nellie's Mate, not forgetting yourself—Yours truly, ■ QUEEN OF THE BUSHES (Duntrc-on). [I suppose the alteration in the arrangements would help to make the fete unsuccessful.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am writing these few lines in the hope of being permitted to join your bamd of D.F. I am 16 years of age, and have a few friends writing to your page, and they have persuaded me to become a member. I think this is sufficient for my first letter, so will conclude. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yoiirself.— Yours truly, CHARDIE CHAPLIN. Dear Dot, — : The weather these last few days has been very bad. To-day about 3 o'clock the snow came in a gale, end the flakes were very large; but it lasted only a few minutes. Now it is blowing from the south-west, which is the coldest wind we have here, and always brings snow or rain. The temperature at 3.30 p.m. was 38deg. The fog is very ugly, and lately it has been down around the doer every morning, which makes it very disagreeable for people who have to work outside. My sister is not very well just now, but I think she will be able to go to school to-morrow. On Friday night, 23rd May, there was a welcome-home to three returned soldiers at Bannockburn, and the evening was spent very pleasantly. Al while before a welcome-home was given to Sergeant A. Smith, who went to the Bannockburn School; and another soldier wlio> went to the Bannockburn School is coming! home soon, and the place is quite lively. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting), yourself.—Yours truly, KEA. II (Bannockburn).

Dear Dot, —It is very wet to-day, and on I Monday and Tuesday T was not at school. ! I am reading a very nice book called i •' Buffalo Bill, the House of Whispers.” Wo I are going to have a holiday soon. My birthi {lay is on the 30ih of May, and I will bo ! nine years old. —Yours truly, | SAGO PUDDING-. | [Best wishes for a. happy birthday, and i many returns, dear. —DOT.] | Dear Dot, —I have read a funny book | called “ Tommy Green,' the Naughty Boy.” I Wo are going to get our winter holidays ; next week. I will help mother with hc< ■ work, and then I will play with my dolls. On Tuesday it was raining and snowing. - I did not go to school as it was too wot. I I hope you will have a good time on Peaco i Day.—Yours truly, 1 PERN. I [I hope you enjov your holidays,, dear.— 1 DOT.] j Dear Dot, —I received my badge; it came ] as a big surprise to me, as I did not know j mum had sent for it. There is to be a welj come-bome social to some returned soldiers j on Friday night. Wo have our term holidays i now. I went dow T n to Colao to eco my granny on Saturday, and I saw two of my cousins from Tuatapere. Salvador was there j also. She is coming up to our place for i the social. Our baby sister goes to cchcoh ' so mum has no one at home. There are not

many flowers out in bloom just now, but wo have a pear tree that looks lovely with its brown, red, and golden leaves. Best wishes to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LAD? OF THE DELL.

[lt was good of mother to think of such a- pleasant surprise for you, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo have had very bad weather. On Tuesday we had a fall of' snow, and it was very cold on Monday and Tuesday. I did not go to school on Monday, but went on Tuesday. One morning when I got up I went .into the washhou.se, and I saw six little kittens lying 'beside their mother. Their mother's * name is Tibby, and the kittens are yellow.—Yours truly, FIR TREE.

Dear Dot,—We are going to have our winter holidays next week, and I hope it will be fine. We had three little kittensone black and two white, —and they all died. Wo do not know what was the matter with them. We have now a little grey-and-whito one. On Monday and Tuesday it wos very wet, so there were not many at school. I have just been reading a very nice book called 'Dorothy's Birthday."—Yours truly, WILD VIOLET.

Dear Dot, —We have three cats at home, and wo coll them Topsy, Black, and Fluffy. It has been very wet these last few days, so we got home from;- school early. We are expecting peace this month. Some of the soldiers are home from the war. It is winter now, and it was snowing on Tuesday, so it was very cold going to school. I was reading a book called " Cinderella's Prince."—Yours truly, GOLDEN DAFFODIL. Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 12 years old. We live Up among the mountains. In the winter . time it is very cold. We have great fun when it snows, oa we go tobogganing down the hills, 5 have a pet lamb. I had two pet rabbits that I dug out of a burrow, but I had to let them go. I go to the same school as Little Bed Biding Hood, and have a mile and a-half to walk. We have a very nice teacher. Have you ever been up this way? The scenery is really beautiful, especially at this time of the year. The mountains are all tipped with snow. This place is very healthy; wo did not have one case of influenza. Love to a.ll the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, VERONICA.

[You are very welcome to join us, Veronica. "Will you please enclose your name with your next letter—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We have been having very frosty weather here lately, and it is not very pleasant to get out of bed. Our teacher puts on a fire every day, but she does not always let us go and get warm. "We then have to sit at our desks, and are occupied by blowing bur fingers to keep them warm. I will tell you about a ramble that my friend and I had one day. We left after dinner, and went away down a creek. After a while wo reached a fence, and we had a look round. We saw some tutu and other trees and shrubs, but we did not know the names of them. It was a very rough walk coming up the creek, and we were very tired when we came home.—Yours truly, MONTROSE LASSIE (Arrowtown),

Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the Witness. I am in the Second Standard at school, and am nine years old. We have just had our term examination. We have"one mile to walk to school. We have a motor car, but I have not had a ride in it for a long time. We are having cold and wet weather. .Love to all the D.L.F., not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly, ISLA 11.

[You will notice you .are the second writer using the pen-name of Isla, so if you wish you could choose another.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having very rough weather lately. It is snowing-, raining, blowing, and hailing %-ll together.- This last week we' have had holidays from school, and I had a fairly good time only for the wet. The farmers up here haven't very much winter feed this year. I was down at Milton at Easter time for a week and two days, and had a good time, except for the rain. I saw a good few D.L.F. when I was travelling down the line to Milton, but did not speak to any, aa I did not know them. We have had our term examination, but -1 don't know how I got on yet. My father is away just now for a holiday to Milton, and I don't know when he is coming home, but I think it will be this week. Kind regards to Grace . Fisher, Golden Foot, Silver Shoe, and A Bunch of Roses, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PETER PINK WEASEL.

Dear Dot, —There was a welcome-home here on the 16th to a returned soldier, and I enjoyed myself immensely, and I think everybody else did. It was 6 o'clock when we got home, and I was very sleepy next day. We had a returned soldier friend staying with us for a while, and we miss him very much now, as he was very lively. He and the Wild Irish Rose were very anxious the other night for me to make some toffee. I wasn't very anxious, but after a while I made up my mind to. First of all I went to get the sugar, and, like a silly,, didn't take a light, and I didn't know that the sugar was in a tin, so quite naturally I went to the salt bag, and thought, it was sugar. I put some in the pot, and the other ingredients, and put it on the firo. I kept stirring it, but could not get it thin or anything like toffee, so I kept adding more cream, but that didn't make any difference. After a while The Wild Irish Rose asked for a little to taste, and I gave her some, and she bsgan stirring it, but couldn't make any improvements. She then tasted it, and, oh, didn't I get a rally! I had put salt in instead of sugar! At about 12 • o'clock The Wild Irish Rose began to make some, but she made hers with sugar, and it wasn't half bad. I am going to Tokanui on Friday, and am looking forward to having a good time. The weather here is awful just now, and I don't suppose wo can expect anything else this time of the year. My brother has a ferret, and it is very tame, but I haven't picked up courage to pick it tip yet. Best love to Chow Chow, Pcrriwinklo. Emerald, The Highland Lass, and The Wild Blue Pansy.— Yours truly, STARS AND STRIPES. Dear Dot, —We have had some very frosty mornings lately, but yesterday (Sunday) it was raining in the morning, which T did not exnect. I expected frost. To-day is a different day altogether; it is trying to snow. The snow is halfway down the mountain side now, and I think there will be enow on the ground in the morning. My two brothers went away for good about three weeks ago; they are going all over New Zealand, and then are going to settle down to work. My brother (Sailor Boy's Mate) had his birthday yesterday, and ho is now 11 years old. I hope peace will soon bo signed- so we can have some holidays. We are all invited to the nearest town (Queenstown) for peace. I do not like Queenstown very much. It is all right if you are going there for a holiday, but I would not

1 Owing to unseasonable weather, the vintage in all vine-growing parts of the dominion was fully a month late this season. The make of wine is estimated at 48,000 gallons, or about ono-fifth less than that I

of the previous vintage. The production of table grapes has also been loss this season owing to the same causes. The yield from 850 glasshouses is estimated at I a total of 457,4051 b.

like to live there. We are milking only two cows now, and they do not give very much milk, and we give them turnips, too. Wo have finished digging our potatoes now. I had to pick them up. I picked up five bags in the morning and five and a-half in the afternoon. My brother picked up the small ones and I took the big ones. We have a zonophono now; it is one which my brother left hero till he came back, but I think that will be a long time. Love to Cabbagetreo Nad, Sailor Boy, Sailor Boy's Mate, Mountain Maid, Shepherd Lad, Railway Joe, and Soldier Boy's Mate, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SOLDIER BOY.

Dear Dot, —I have been too busy to write, and I'm afraid my old D.L.F. friends will be thinking that I have died a natural death. I think my sister has just finished writing to you, so no doubt she has given you all the local news. There isn't much doing in this busy centre, Dot, so I find it no easy matter to write very often. The winter seems to be gradually coming on, and I will not be sorry when the days begin to lengthen, a 3 these evenings are so long and dreary. I have to go to Tokanui twice a ' w-cek, and there is not much daylight left by the time I arrive home, and our roads are so sloppy at present. I wonder how Nellie Bly is getting on, and if she is still in Wellington. Best wishes to all my old friends. —Yours truly, THE WILD IRISH ROSE.

Dear Dot, —There hag been a sort of trouble in Wyndham lately, and some of the people have had it, but not very badly. We did not have the "flu," but my cousin had it. He was in the same house, and we did not get it, so don't you think we were very lucky, Dot? I am getting on fine at my music, , and like it very much. Wo had a welcome-home on May 16 for two returned soldiers, and I enjoyed. myself very much.- It was held an the school, which was packed, and there were a lot outside. The school was decorated with ferns ii) each corner, and it looked very nice, too. Kindest regards to Grace Fisher, Silver Shoe, Peter Pink Weasel, and all the otheT D.L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly,

A BUNCH OF ROSES

Dear Dot,—The weather is not very fine up here just now. My brother drove up to Paradise to-day, and he had to. walk nearly all the way to keep himself- warm. I am in Standard 11. My birthday was yesterday, and I am turned 11. I asked some of my mates for tea. The snow was about halfway down the mountain side. We have had a few frosty mornings lately, and we do not catch very many rabbits. —Yours truly, SAILOR BOY'S MATE.

Dear Dot,—l am now in the Third Standard and getting on fine. I like going to school, and my sister is in the Third Primer. Our teacher is leaving at the end of the month, and we gave her a. present on Friday last. We have had our term examination, and I passed. One of my mother's hens made a nest in the bush, and we found it with 16 eggs. Love to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DADDY'S PADDY (Wamta).

[I am so glad you are getting on so well at school, dear—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—For some weeks past I have been wanting to join four happy band, but I kept putting it off and off until my friend Ugenee informed me that she had made a start, and then I could not resist following her example. I hope you will accept me as one of the D.L.F., as I fear that Greymouth is lacking in its support of the page. I am nearly 17 years of age, and, seeing that I have a number of years to o-o before my time is up, I hope to write regularly to the page. You seem to have quite a number of D.L.F. down your way, and, judging by. some of their letters, they seem to enjoy themselves very much in the society. I often wish that there were more of them here. Have you ever been over to the Coast, Dot? It is not a bad little place, although we do have an occasional shower of rain. I suppose you will like the way I say that; but until yesterday we have not had any rain for ages. I suppose that, now it has started, it will forget when to stop. We have winter well on us now, and in the mornings it is fearfully cold getting out to work. But one consolation is that we always have the evening to look forward to, as there are either dances or "evenings" to go to, otherwise it would be deadly. I am sorry to say that I will have to lead a quiet life this week, as I have a terrible cold, and can hardly speak. I think that Ugenee is acquainted with Postman Henry, and we were more than sorry to hear that he has to undergo a serious operation. Both Ugenee and myself sincerely hope that it will prove a success, and that in time to come he will be about and himself once more. Good wishes to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, COLLETTE.

[I hope the cold is nearly better, Collette. A cold always successfully contrives to make one feel rather miserable. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I have turned 11 now, and am in Standard V. You must excuse this bad writing, Dot, as the' horse got her leg over the trace -and broke both shafts. There were no serious injuries, except that my brother got a black eye and I got ditto, with ihe addition of a bruised collarbone, so my hand is stiff and sometimes sore. One of our neighbours had <a loan of the Witness, and his son is going to write. All the farmers will be smiling now, because we are getting a much-needed rain here. My cousin took some snapshots, so I will send some to you when they are developed. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., and heaps of love for your own dear self and heaps of luck. — Yours* truly, A MAID OF THE VALLEY (Omihi).

[I .am so sorry to learn of your accident, dear, and hope the,eyes are no longer black and your hand ami collarbone are better. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-day it has been snowing and hailing off and on all the day. We were clipping the horses, and as we were starting one the clipper would not work, so we had to let it go. We are starting school tomorrow after our term holidays. On Saturday we went to Wallacetown on our bicycles, and came back on Monday. We are now milking only three cows at night, and they are net giving much milk. The factory runs only four days a week now, |and it is a good job, too. I know two or three L.F. in Winton. Wo had three relations staying with us, one of whom was once a D.L.F. Kind regards to The Lazy Beggar, A n z ac ' s Nephew, and yourself. —Yours truly, A YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER.

Dear Dot, —We are back at school once moro after a fortnight's hoiiday. The first week the weather was just like summer, but tho second week was real winter weather. I went to Riverton, and had a lovely time in spite of the weather. School seems very cheery after holidays. I suppose it is the excitement of seeing one's mates aga.in. We have started our winter games, but I don't think we will get many games. It is no good playing matches if you have no practice. I see by tho Witness that Postman

Henry is homo in New Zealand again, and I join many of tho D.L.F. in welcoming h:m home, and I sincerely hop© he gets over his operation ail right. Our director at tho college is leaving, and we are all very sorry, as he is a capable man, and has made himself liked and respected by his kind and thoughtful manner. In our first-aid lesson next Friday our mistress is going to pretend to scald herself and faint, and wo have to bandage her arm and bring her back to consciousness. It is a good way to teach us to bandage burns and bring people out of faints, don't you think? The Maori footballers arrived yesterday with a draft of soldiers. We were excited, as one of our great friends came home. He waa a prisoner in Germany, and on the homeward journey stopped three days in America, so you may be sure he has plenty to tell us. My music teacher's son also came home yesterday. I joined the Athenaum a little while ago, and so I am never out of a book, as I invariably used to be. It ia all right being able to get one at any time. Love to all the D.L.F. and yoursef—Youra truly, BROWN EYES (Invercargill). - [I have not the address haridy at present, Brown Eyes, and am sorry I cannot give it to you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo are having very cold weather these last few days, and bad a few snow showers this morning. The farmers will be thankful that the harvest is over, as they would have been kept back by tho rough weather. The Winter Show will bo held next week, so we all hope the weather will be fine. There are a large number of soldiers returning to their homes, and many of them are looking well. Love to Taieri Harvester and ail the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Youra truly, TAIERI SUNBEAM'S MATE. [You can make the change you suggest, dear, Dot.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been charming for the last month, but it has been snowing here to-day. There have been a good many dances about here lately, and I have been at most of them. I simply love dancing. Some of tho farmers round here have not yet had! the mill, because the harvest has been so much, later this year than it usually is. There are a good many returned soldiers around here now. My brother returned after four years' active service. We are getting a good many eggs now, and they are very dear to buy. We had our term holidays last week. We have a new teacher at our school. The days are very short, and it will soon be the shortest day. Love to Tabs, Brown Eyes, Queen Tottie, Linnet, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Ycurs truly, PEBBLE'S. Dear Dot, —At last I have decided to join your happy band—that is, if you will have me. Week after week I read all the letters in your columns, and I think there will be room for mine, don't you, Dot? Eagerly I scan the signatures-of all your little people until I discover the ones I know. Long Island and Island Girl are both intimate friends of mine, and l I am always delighted to read their letters. They give you good descriptions of * our little island, Dot. If you ever have the good fortune to pay a visit to Stewart Island, you won't feel the least bit embarrassed, after all yo uhear about it. —Yours truly, LORETTO. [I think we can find a corner for your letter, dear. Will you please remember to write on one side of the paper, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having wet weather just now. I meant to write on Saturday night, but found that all our black ink was gone, so I had to wait till my father could bring home some more. There is goingi to be an anniversary concert on Friday night, and some other boys and girls and I are going to sing. Last Sunday I did not go to Sunday School. We go to the Methodist Church. Every Sunday we can take a library book from the Sunday School. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, TIGER TIM (North Invercargill). Dear Dot, —We are having very miserable weather lately. Our flowers are very pretty just now. My teacher has given us some home work. My mother is away to see the Maori footballers. There was a batch of soldiers came home on Monday. There will be great excitement when peace is signed. Wo have a little cat, ■ and he is very. funny. I went back to school on Monday after our term holidays. We could not go out because it was too wet, but I stopped at home and helped my mother, and had a good time. My birthday is not very long now—only another week. My brother is in Standard I at school. My sister learns music, and she likes it very much. Love to all the D'.LLF., not forgetting yoursellf.—Yours -truly. HAPPY JEAN (Invercargill). [I must take this opportunity of wishing) you a happy birthday and many returns, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been haying good weather lately, but last night it began to rain, and did not stop. I was at the lantern lecture in Orawia Hall. I rode my pony down. I like reading very much, and have read a number of books. Some of the nicest were called "Children of the New Forest," " Far Afield," " The Rose Book for Girls," etc. • Our hens aore laying, and we get about four eggs daily. I know several L.F. about here. I have not seen anything of Bluecliff or Trenches for some time, but saw Bretson the other day.—Yours truly, • CLIO (Orawia). Dear Dot, —We have been having splendid weather here lately. The Rev. Mr Burridge, of Invercargill, gave a lantern lecture on the war on the 12th of May in the Hall. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the hall was packed. The rev. gentleman is a splendid speaker, and he had some very good slides; it made one realise what an awful war it has been. One of the soldier boys from this district returned by the Arawa, and we were all glad to see him safely home again. ■ We are starting school again to-morrow .after the term holidays. The name of my school prize was "Kathleen." I have just finished reading it, and liked it very much.—Yours truly, PRINCESS MARITZA (Orawia).

Dear Dot, —I am sure I must be quit© a stranger among D.D.F.'s by now, as it ia ages since I last wrote. During the epidemic my cousin, Eileen Allannab, of Jflapanui, her father, brother, ana sister died. It was a shock to lis, as we had no idea how things were with them until we were informed of their death. That was a dreadful time for man}'. My brother was the only one in our house who had the influenza, and he wasn't very bad. Of course, the schools here wero closed down, and the Technical College was made into a hospital. They took elaborate precautions here in Wanganui to prevent the spread of infection, otherwise things would have been much worse. In the town cno could not get away from the smell or disinfectants. We had very long holidays—nearly three months from " tech." _ A public service shorthand-typist examination

Jbad been fixed for early in February, so sorno -'of ua poor unfortunates had to roll up at " school rather sooner than was expected, and wo had to work. I was lucky to pass, as we did not get much of a chance. I am attempting a senior shorthand examination at the end *of thi3 week, and so am going to school although this is holiday time for most others. If I pass I shall probably leave school, and become one- of the many girl clerks. I spend all my mornings in tli9 *' tech." office, where I am generally supposed to be working. I have work to do in connection with the night school, and I find it really interesting. In the afternoons I, take commercial subjects. It has been a miserable day to-day—showery, but not 'very cold, and every tiling seems so damp and dull. I went with a picnic party up the river on Easter Monday, and we had a glorious time. We went to such a pretty place—some old Maori graves with quaint, carved -tombstones overgrown with blackberry; bush-covered hills, a creek, and, last but not least, two or three orchards. It was really an ideal place for a picnic, and we enjoyed it immensely. My brother came homo from the front in February, and has started work now. He once wrote to the page, but I forget what he called himself. He ha 3 an idea- that he can sing, but nobody, else agrees with him, and he ia constantly inflicting some old song on us. I went to a Maori concert last Thursday night, and it was 'very good. The Maoris here are very patriotic, and this concert was in aid of the Returned Soldiers' Club. It was a great time for).the Maoris when the Pioneer Battalion returned. There were- great re- ' joicings at Putiki Pa, and an immense sum of money was spent in providing entertainment. I have never been to the pa, though Inkpot and I sometimes go for walks out that way. It is surprising to see the abodes of some of theso Maoris. There are families living in the most dilapidated and dirty houses one could imagine, and yet -many of them are directly opposite as regards cleanliness. We are now quite used to seeing the old wahines sitting on the footpaths, dressed an all sorts of gay clothes, and smoking pipes or perhaps cigarettes. There have been lots in town last week for tho races, and my brother was saying that they -get very excited watching the horses, and if they get a win they are really great. The little children are lovely, I think. I often feel sorry for the poor little babies tied on to their mother's backs. One little girl gave me a poi once when we were up the river. We have started a sheep farm up here. At least, to be exact, we have a sheep," which is more or less blind. s Some kind drover left it to us as a legacy, but the pity is wo don't know who he is to thank him for it. Ho ia in no hurry to claim the sheep, however. There is a lot of gorse on our place—all over a hill at thd back of the house,—and one Sunday morning it caught fire. It was very exciting, indeecf although they won't all agree with me there. The fire engine honoured us with a visit, but it was rather late. I wonder when the peace celebrations will take place. I am beginning to think they never will. .We went to a Y.M.C.A. • lantern lecture last night by Mr Hughes. It was very interesting. He had lots of slides and some moving pictures of our boys in England. Well, Dot, I am afraid thia letter will be too long for you to print, but I hope you will forgive me, as it is so long since I wrote.—Yours truly, . POUTING- POLLY (WanganuiV [I hope may not have to wait quite so long again for a line from you, dear. I trust you have been successful in the examination.—DOT.] Dear ,Dot, —I have two aunties and two uncles back from the war, and another uncle coming back. We often don't get the Witness until Friday, so I have a week to wait to see my l&tter in print. Our school is going to get up a gunboat, and we are going to be the crew. All tho children are to be dressed in white trousers and middies, and are goingi into Geraldine to be a part of the procession for the peace celebrations. Best wishes for the prosperity of all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly,

INEZ. [Dorothy Lacey, 166 Toviot street, Invoroargill, is the address 'asked for.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am eight years old, and will be rime in June-. My dad has three dogs. We have two cows, and they are not giving much milk. My dad has a farm, and I would like to he a farmer. I know some school children who write to you.—Yours truly,

BUNNY BOY (Waiwera South). [I am very pleased to have you ioin us Bunny Boy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The weather hero to-day is miserable—showers of rain and such a cold wind. The mountain is covered with snow, and I hope it stops up there. I have three cousins returned from the war, and have two more to come yet. My sister, Dutch G.ir], is in Dunedin Hospital at present with 'appendicitis. She went through an operation, and wo received word yesterday that she is getting well. She is coming up for a holiday once she .is better.. We have three cows, and are getting another one, as we don't think we will have enough milk to supply our customers winter.. I was at a Bible Class social here last Friday night, and enjoyed myself. I think I will go to Dunedin when I know my sister is coming out of the hospital, and go home with her for a few weeks. I didn't go to the show that was held here at Easter, as the weather was very wet. I think there was a good few there. A Heart of Gold is in the Third Standard at school. They have just had their examination. One of my nieces is coming up here to go to school. Love to Lady Carfax, Hydraulic, Niagara Larrikin, Striker, Aotea Roa, A Heart of Gold, and yourself.—Yours truly, SEA BREEZE (Middlemarch). [I hope Dutch Girl is making a cood recovery, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—! am really ashamed to write to you again, as it is such a long time since I last wrote. I am writing to Grape Vines She lives at Te < Wae Wae, Southland I have never been there, but I was told it "is a very nice place. I have my sister home now: her N.D.P. 19 A Lonesome Melody. I have been home from school lately on account of y a sore throat, but it is quite better now Love to Grape. Vines and all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LADY ESMA (Clyde). Dear Dot, —I do not know whether you ntill count me as onp of the L.P., for it is a long time since I wrote. The weather has been boisterous lately. I am vexy fond of reading, and have read a large number of books. Love to Ckarmeuse and Princess Snowflake, not fOl getting yourself.—Yours truly,

A BROKEN DOLL.

Dear Dot,—To-day the sun was shining, and I hoix> it will keep fin© for a few more days. "Wo had an examination to-d«y, hilt have not finished yet, because there are e> few more things yet. My uncle is returning from Prance on the 30th of this month, and we will be glad to see him safe in our own country. My father is Bids to-night, but he has only got a bad oold. One of my cousins is going to start

writing to the page. His mother was on L.F. writer, and her N.D.P. was Henley West. Our cows arc nearly dry now, and we are going to stop delivery to the factory in a few more days. Love to yourself and the L.F—Yours truly, TTn EGMONT LADDIE. [I hopo the rest of you are fortunate enough to remain free from colds.—DOT.]

AUTOS

Mountain Violet (Barbara M. Dagg/Wharehua.nui, via Queenatown) wishes to correspond with Peace, Hicky, and Flo.. Pink Clover (Moaa Tumbull, Pukeun, near Oamaiu) wishes to correspond with Golden Dreams, Jilted John, Snakey Joe, Gladiolus, Alan-a-Da.le, Silvery Moonbeam, and any L.F. willing. Gloria (Evelyn Lindsay, 37 Cowper street, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with any L.F. over 16 years. Heather Lily (Lily Henderson., Ohape P.O , Milford) wishes to correspond with Dorothy Perkins, Silver Locket, Tlmaiu's Lover, A Mountain Bell, and Piccadilly. Pearl White (I. M. Grant, Wharehuaaiui, via Qucenstown) wishes to correspond with The Heroine of Brookleigh and- A Kuto Kewpie Kid. Dorothy Daydreams (Dorothy Leslie, Boss Place, Lawrence) wishes to correspond with any Invercargill L.F. about 16 of 17 years. Kelburn (Lily Davis, Fruitlands, via Boxburgh) wishes to correspond with Heather Lily, Orange Lily, A Caithness' Lass, and any other L.F. willing. Anzac's Secret (Miss M. M'Deiuald!, Hedgehope P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Thsrlerie, Stars and Stripes, and any L.F. about 17 years. Mermaid (Alice- Lumsden, The Heads, Pounawea.) wishes to exchange autos with any L.F. about 12 or 13 years. Muriel (Lily E. Hesson, Fruitlands) wishes to correspond with Piccadilly and any L.F. over 15 years willing. Little Son Eric (Phyllis Hessom, Fruitlands) wishes to correspond with A Yellow Sunflower and any L.F. about 10 or 11 years. Charmeuse (Edyth A. Symes, Fruitlands) wishes to correspond with A Young New Zealander.

Soldier Boy (Harold Knowks, Glenorchy) wishes to correspond with Heather Bell and Lady Carfax. Sailor Boy's Mate (David Knowks, Glenorchy) wishes to correspond with Oraaige Lily, Timaiai's Loveay and Black Sheep. Charlie Chaplin (Maud Fraser, Orepuki) wishesi to correspond with any L.F. over 16 years.

Loretto (Cis Naismith, "Struan," Stewart Island) wishes to correspond wiih any L.F. 16 years of age. Happy Jean (Jean jStrang, 202 Cranial* street, 'lnvercargill) wishes to correspond with Miss Billy. Sen. Breeze (Miss H. Stewart, Railway, Middlemarch), wishes to correspond with Glcnhamite, Nobody Knows, Nobody Cares, Telephonist, A Surprise Packet, and any L.F. willing. A Broken Doll (Anita, Purdue, Orepuki) wishes to correspond! with A Broadkaf Cockatoo.

Lady Esma (Alma Smith, Clyde) wishes to correspond whh Milkmaid (Middlemaa-ch), Pink Forget-me-not (Tirnaru), and any L.F. willing. Bonette (Jean Henderson,, Ohape P. 0., via Tem.uka) wisbcis to correspond twitih Stella Maris and any L.F. 15 ox 16 yeans willing. Powder and Patches (Katie Allison, Lumsden) wishes to correspond with Ohum.