DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3415, 29 August 1919, Page 63

DOT'S LITTLE FOLK.

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

Dot's Little Folk's Badge with pin, for use » s fcradah, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, la 9dpost free, in penny or halfpenny stamps. Into. Cards are obtainable from Dot* Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

TIMARU D.L.F. CLUB. On Tuesday, July 29, a meeting of the club was held at Gang Awa Hame'e home, Highfield, Timaru. Those present weTe Alison (in the chair), Gang Awa Hame, Storm-toaaed Barque, Pipque, Shming Light, Raynor Delargo, Marama Jaok, Snakey Joe, Te Weka, Pen-pushing Cow-, boy (secretary), and Cinderella's Step-sister; also eight visitors., Apologies were received from the following'members:—Lamplighter's Niece, Newsagent, Otipua Percy, Letty, Euby, and Timaru's Lover. The meeting was called at the request of Gang Awa Hame, who wished to organise a social evening in connection with the D.L.F. and friends, to be given to the soldiers of the local orthopaedic hospital. Gang Awa Hame put the proposal to the meeting, and it was duly seconded, and carried unanimously. It was arranged that the evening be held on August 13. Mr Ronnie (a visitor) was asked to carry out the duties of M.C., and, in accepting the position, said that anything he could do to make the evening a success he would do, and told us that his services would be at the disposal of the D.L.F. on Wednesday, August 13. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Eertnie by those present. As some of the patients of the hospital had previously informed us that they were getting tired of too much music, and would like something more lively, it was arranged that games would be played part of the time, the rest of the time at our disposal to be spent in either musical or vocal items. All girls attending the evening were asked to bring a basket, the boys to supply prizes for the games. Alison proposed that we should all meet at. 7.30 p.m. at the Hdghfield store, and that Gang Awa Hame would pilot us to the hospital, which is about half a mile from her home. The proposal was seconded by Pen-pushing Cowboy, and it was agreed that we would all be there punctually at 7.30 p.m. The business of the evening being finished, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Kennie, to the chairwoman, and to the secretary for their offices, also to Gang. Awa Hame for the privilege of holding the meeting at her home. The meeting was then brought to a close, and we all departed for our homes once again. T.D.L.F.C. (per Cinderella's Step-sister). LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto :—Wa write for the benefit of others, not • ' for ourselves. No letter to contain mere than 350 words.. Dear Dot, —I am sorry to inform you that another of our band of L.F. has crossed to the "Great Beyond." Princess Yarra died at South Yarra (Melbourne) during the latter part of last month. She was only 22 years of age at the time of her death. I'm sure the L.F. will join with me in offering our deepest sympathy to her parents in the death of their only daughter. Until a fewyears ago Princess Yarra was a frequent writer to the page. Many of the older writers will remember- her interesting letters, to which many of us always looked forward. —Yours truly, BELLA DONNA. [I am exceedingly sorry to - learn of the death of Princess Yarra, dear, and extend to her parents on behalf of the L.F. our sincere sympathy.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? i I am nine years old, and in the First Standard at school. My two sisters and I have three miles to go to school every day. Our father or mother dnives us to school in the car in the mornings, and we walk home at night. I like school very much. We are having very hard frosts up here lately, but the days after a hard frost are very sunny and bright. I had a good time at the peace celebrations. Our teacher made us hats with a red, white, and blue flag on them, and we all marched from the Pembroke Hall up to the grounds, where we had sports, dinner, _ and afternoon tea. After that we went home. The night before the sports there was a dance and concert. After the concert there were fireworks, which looked very pretty. I was second in two races. Love to Parrot, Pinkie's Sister, and all the DJL.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, PINKIE (Mount Barker). [You are very welcome to join us, Pinkie. DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had a lot of holidays this year, as there was a lot of sickness. I am in Standard 11, and go to school with Wee Muff. I have a wee sister, and she is not very well, but I hope she will soon be better. My dad is away to a meeting to-night. Love to all the Little Fo.lk.— Yours truly, WEE MUFF'S MATE. Dear Dot, —There are quite a number of children in the dr'strict wearing badges. We are having beautiful weather here just now. The mornings are cold, but the days are beautiful. Bugler Boy and I were out for a -walk to-day, and we were on top of a hill from which we got a beautiful view of Lake Hayes. We also watched a number of boys sliding on a- sheet of ice which was on tho side of the hill. They were having . great fun. They each had an armful of tussock, which they put on the (ice, ' and then sat on it and slid down. My brother is to be home next Friday. We are very excited, as it is nearly two years since wo have seen him. There was a welcome-homo social on Thursday night for some of our returned boys. I was not there, btit Bugler Bay told me that it was a good dance. We have great fun on Thursday at school seeing who will eeo tho "Witness first. Love to Bugler Boy, Princess Mary, Peace, Erin,

Doreen, Bagdad, New Zealand Lassie, Mountain Eose, and Pearl White, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WHISPEEINGS OF SPRING (Arrowtown). Dear Dot, —One of the L.F. has ,been kind enough to use the same N.D.P. as I have been using, so I hope yu will permit me to change mine. We are experiencing splendid weather for this time of tho year, but I am afraid we generally fall in for the worst of the weather during the second month of spring. The celebrations -in Otautau wero all that could be expected, considering the size of the place. I saw where some of the L.F. have been making some proposals in regard to a memorial to our fallen soldier comrades, and I must say that it is altogether a fine idea, and I hope that one and all will be of the same opinion. Love to Broadway Bell, ..Fairfax Boy, A Dunedin Girl; A Soldier's Sweetheart, Betty the Scribe, and Smiling Polly, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FAIRFAX GIRL (Fairfax). Dear Dot, —We are having' glorious weather in the daytime, but there have been some very hard frosts at night, making the roads very disagreeable to walk on. All the soldiers who went from this district will fc*> home- by the end' of this month. _ Tli&re are eight still away, so I am looking forward to having a good time at ' their wel-come-home. I suppose you will find it very awkward living on margarine, as the soldiers did, owing to the scarcity of butter; but it will give New Zealand people an -idea of what the soldiers had to come through while fighting for us. I am going for-a motor ride in my brother's car when the roads dry up a little, and ■ hope they won't be long. I had a good time at the peace celebrations. A motor lorry conveyed all the school children to take part in the procession. Love to Kelburn, Little Son Eric, and' Muriel, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, ANGEL OF PEACE (Fruitlands). [Ahough we are on short commons, we have not yet reached margarine.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am seven years old and in Class 8. I am just about through my book. I live two and a-half miles away from the school. My brother got a- ride up the road for about a mile in a motor car to-day, which was towed by a waggon. We had a good day at peace time. We went to the town of Cromwell in a motor lorry. My father is busy pruning just now. He has between 2000 and 3000 trees.. They will soon be out in bloom. The lambs will soon be coming, and I will be glad. We have a little calf, and I ride it and have great fun. We have had a lot of sliding this year, as there has been a Jot of frost. I have a tabby oat, and it can jump _2ft high We have a horse which is very quiet, and we can pet it put in the middle of the paddock. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, STARLIGHT (Lowburn Ferry). [You are very welcome to join us, Starlight—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had peace celebrations at Drummond on. July 19 in the form of sports. Everyone enjoyed the day very much. We finished the proceedings by burning the Kaiser on a huge bonfire. There were several bombs placed under the Kaiser, and when the fire came to them the Kar'ser got a hot time. After that was finished we all had supper and went home. We are having lovely weather just now, and there is every appearance of an early spring this year. I have joined the Young Worshippers' League, and stay for church every Sunday 4 Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SASANOF (Drummond)). Dear Dot, —I know a lot of D.L.F. I play with Maid of Athens and Silver Threads at school. We are having lovely weather just now, and I hope it still keeps fine. My mother has potatoes planted in the garden. I have joined the Young Worshippers' League, and I stay for church after Sunday School every Sunday now. Love to Srlver Shamrock, Reta, Sylvia, Maid of Athens, Silver Threads, Storm King, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TANGLEWOOD TALES (Drummond). Dear Dot, —The pin in my badge was not very strong, and one morning it dropped off, but I did not notice it, and when I picked it up again part of it was bent in. Yesterday the weather was lovely, but today it (is cold and showery. We are expecting my brother and aister home for their term holidays soon. Kind regards to Kapuni-ite, Darkie, and Patty, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, ALICE BENBOLT (Kapuui). [I have made inquiries regarding the pins, Alice, eaid the maker assures me that they are the best procurable. He suggests a little care in fastening.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have a little calf and a half-grown bull, and he is very savage. I was .in Dunedin to see the peace celebrations, and thought everything beautiful. We have a lot of apples left yet; they have kept well this year. It will soon, be blossom time now. —Yours truly, MUDJEKEEWIS. [ln a little while the country will be a glorious picture with all the blossom.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is real spring weather just now,' and is quite a treat after all the bad weather. I was at the peace celebrations in Invercargill, but they weren't very good. I am still learning music, and practising is the worst of the lot. I go twice a week and have half an hour's lesson. Love to Sylvia, lona, Queen of Arizona, Scotland's Flag, A Wild Red Rose, and all the rest of my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DORINDA (Ryal Bush). Dear Dot, —I rarely read your section of the Witness, but the other day when turning over the pages my eye caught your footnote to the letter of Princess Margaret in the tissue of July 23. My curiosity was aroused, and I read that letter. Now I don't .know that I can tell the name of the tree on such a slender clue, but perhaps I may. Kirk's "Forest Flora of New Zealand," page 141, describes Pennantia corymbosa, known to the Maoris as kaikomako. The Maoris used ■ this hard wood rubbed' on sonic soft wood to start fire. The berry has a peculiarity that will settle the matter. "The fruit is fleshy, ovoid in shape, |in long ... It contains a hard nut, w"tk thre'3 flattened sides." Near the apex of the nut is a hole, and through this hole passes a kind of cord ("process" Kirk co.lls it) to which the kernel is fastened, and which lies flat on one side of the nut. Some years ago I was working a parish that touched the outskirts of the forest near which is your correspondent's home, and thero I found some of those trees. Riding under one of them one day I noticed that pigeons had been feeding on the berries, so I sampled them. There was not enough flesh on the nut to indues a man to eat them,

but some children I saw ate all I had. I was collecting seeds oi the forest trees at tho time, and all I wanted was the nuts, and it was this "curious flat, column-like process," as Kirk describes it, that attracted my attention. If Princess Margaret recognises this description of the seed, then this is the tree, and further particulars about it will be found in Kirk's "Forest Flora of New Zealand."—Yours truly, A FRIEND OF THE CHILDREN. [I am deeply grateful to A Friend of the Children for supplying us with such interesting information, and on behalf of Princess Margaret and the L.F. I take this opportunity of tendering our sincere thanks. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had lovely weather these last few days, but to-night it is.blowing quite hard. I hope it keeps fine until Wednesday is over, as we are having a bazaar in Balfour in aid of the soldiers. I am going if it is fine. We are all thankful that peace is signed. Three of my brothers are home again. I did not reign very long in Edievale; I was out there a month, got "full up" with .it, and came home. It is one of the coldest places I have ever been in. All the time I was there I saw nothing but mud and hills. They were not very interesting I can tell you. My brother-in-law drove into Beaumont one Sunday. It is a nice little place. Love to Tomina, Silent Threads, Railway Joe, Uncle Toby, and all my other comrades, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, MAHONE (Kingston Crossing). Dear Dot, —We are having some lovely weather here lately. My mother and father are away to a conceit at Tuatapere to-night. I was at a social on Wednesday, and enjoyed myself very much. My brother is learning the bagpipes. We have 13 hens laying now. We are fattening up our pig, so we are going to kill him soon. I have read several books lately. There have been two fires at Tuatapere lately. Lady Warwick and Pearl White are my cousins. Love to a Soldier's Nurse, Sleepy Head, Pearl White, Lady Warwiick, and all the other L.F.j not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A STRAY SUNBEAM (Te Tua). Dear Dot, — We are having miserable weather here at present, and I hope it will soon be fine. We have a phonograph now, and it is nice to play in the quiet evenings. The butter shortage is awful, Dot;— lib to last a week. Our cow gives a lot of milk, so we make a little butter every week, and it all helps. The bush here looks very pretty, wiith the red subblejack berries just now. We have two more cows coming in soon, and we will be glad, as we will be able to make our butter. Love to Pocahontas and Lady of the Forest.—Yours truly, A FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER (Stewart Island). Dear Dot, —We have been having awful weather lately, but to-day is a fine day. I have not been keeping well. I was down at the --d3luff last week, and stayed there a week and five days. I was at the peace celebrations, and I thought they were very good, but the bonfire was not much. 'One of my uncles is in the hospital with a cut in his foot, but it is getting better now. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, VENUS. [I hope your health as improving, Venus, and that you will soon be quite strong again.—DOT..] Dear Dot, —Tho snow ia clearing off the mountains around here. My brother is to arrive at Lyttelton on the 19th of August. My. youngest sister intends to write, but sho does not like to. My eldest sister rowed my sister, a couain, and myself over to see the Mountaineer on the slip. We walked over to tho lagoons, and had a skate on the pond.—Yours truly, THE LONG WHITE CLOUD.

Dear Dot,—-The peace- celebrations here were not so bad. On the Saturday wo had the prooessrion, sports, and a dance, and on the Monday night wo had fireworks and a dance. It was very pretty to watch the fheworks, as it was a- very dark night. The weather the last few days has been cold, and to-night it is snowing hard. An inch of snow has fallen since 6 o'clock, and when we get up in the morning we won't be a bit surprised to see about lOin of snow on the ground. I am very sorry to say that one one of my friends died in Mossburn the other Saturday. She waa a D..LF. when she was going to school, and her N.D.P. was The Little Princess. Snow Queen has a terrible cold at present. I think everybody about here has colds. I have just got rid of one myself after having it a fortnight. Best love to Aotea Lassie, Cowboy, A Ferryman's Son, Dover Laddie, Red Rube, and all the other L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE GIRL HE LEFT BEHIND HIM (Mossburn). [I am extremely sorry to learn of the death of The Little Princess. I do not recall receiving any letters of late from her.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather here just now. Two of my mates promised to write to the page, but I do not know if they will keep their promise. A Pink Rosebud, her cousin, and myself went for a walk on Sunday. They wanted to take me to the cemetery, but I would not go, as I shall go soon enough. My brother is going to a boarding-school soon, and I shall miss him, as he is always teasing me. Best love to Ladybird, Queen Lilac Belle, Will Kcmrnen, and all my other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, AOTA LASSIE. Dear Dot, —We have been having very frosty weather here lately. We have had good fund sliding. Veronica and Mountain Maid are my playmates. Veronica, goes to the same school as I do, and we have great fun. We all had a good time on Peace Day, although the weather was so bad. My brother, Sailor Boy, went to his mate's birthday party last Saturday. My brother has a camera, and I think I have been taken about a dozen times. I have a pretty tortoiseshell cat, and it follows me nearly everywhere I go. Sometimes it tries to follow me to school. Glenorcby will be like o, little town when the bridge is built. I suppose the motors will soon start running then. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE RED BIDING HOOD. Dear Dot, —We have had most awful weather hero the last week or two, but it has cleared up wonderfully to-day, so I hope to goodness it will keep on improving. I received two or three letters from some of the L.F., but I hope some more will write too. It is so interesting to receive letters from the other members that I quite look forward to mail day. My sister, Willkorumen, and my best mate, Boronia, have both joined the page, Dot, so I suppose they will soon be as interested in it as I am. There is always a grab for the Otago Witness hero, and the D.L.F. page as the first page to be opened. Did you enjoy

yourself at peace time, Dot? I did, and only wish peace celebrations would come oftener. We have hockey clubs here—tho Ladies' Club and the school one. I was asked to join, but thought I'd better not, as I am at work on Saturday afternoons, when all the matches are bei'.ng played. My mate and I have lovely times together; there is always something missing when one is seen without the other. Do tell me some news, Dot. I am afraid tho L.F. and you, too, all think tlv's a very uninteresting scribble. I nearly always seem to have plenty of news to chronicle—that is, when I begin tho letter; but it all slowly "departs in peace" as I get further on, and then by tho time I have half a page written I can't for the life of me think of any more to put in. I wrota a letter to Australian Girl, and addressed it to the wrong box, so it was just my luck that it was returned to me through the Dead Letter Office.. Well, dear Dot, I have absolutely used up all the news I can think of, so I must ring off, with very best love to Australian Girl. Charmouee. Jockey Jack ( Sweetbriar, Varmetta, Muriel, Tangles Wo'nnie, Merry Midgets, Lady Esma, King William, The Milton Boy Scouts, Ngarita, Willkommen. Boronia, Rangi, Egmont Laddie, Jilted John, and all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours, truly, CLYDE (Wairea, H. 8.). [You transposed the figures, Clyde. Box 417 is the number.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My I join your happy band? I am 13 years old. and in the Fifth Standard at school. We had our second term examination last Friday. The weather up hero has been very fine, although there ho,s been very hard frosts in the mornings. I went to the peace celebrations, where I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I sometimes go for a row on the river if it is not too rough. I have a bicycle, and I sometimes ride lit to school—that is, if tho mornings are not too frosty. Love to Fisherman Jack and all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly,— ULIMAROA (Kawarau Falls). Dear Dot, —I am seven years old. We have a cat. It is asleep <in the eun. We have a dog, and it is named Sparky. I have two sisters, and they are writing too. My. grandma lives in Fiji. We have Borne hens and Peking ducks, and w© have a tricycle, and I can ride it. We have a big tractor and a big motor car, and we have lots of horses and cows. Lovo from, —Yours truly, CANARY (Queenstown). [I am verv pleased to have you join us, Canary.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your page? I am eight years old, and have two sisters. W> have a governess to teach us. We live just by the lake. We have got geese and ducks. We have a Jersey cow that gives us cream. We have two launches to go to Queenstown in, and one is called the Lion. We have a lot of dogs and a cat. Love from, —Yours truly, '. PRTNCESS SNOWWHITE (Queensown). [I should think you have practically everything one could desire to make residence in the country enjoyable, dear.— DOT.] . • Dear Dot, —May I write to you? I am six. I have two sisters—one ds Peggy and the other is Phyllis. We have a tractor and a motor car. We have geese, and niy mummie can pick one up. We have a nut tree. Good-bye. Love from, —Yours truly, BUTTERCUP (Queenstown). [Certainly, you are most welcome to write to us Buttercup.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather is not bad at present, but the glass is falling. On Friday night I went to a' concert at Tuatapere, and I enjoyed myself very much. We went up in' the train and came back in a motor car. _ I enjoyed the motor ride very much, as it only the second time I have been in a car. The programme was lengthy, but enjoyable. _ A demonstration of club-swing-tng was given, which was very graceful; also a poi dance, which was very nice. There is to be a send-off to some- people who are leaving the district next Friday might, and I am looking forward to going to it. It was very quiet here on Peace Day. I was in Riverton on Peace Day, and things were very lively. The Hibernian Band came out from. Invercargill, and added to the day's enjoyment. I was at the danca that night, and there was a large attendance. There were many fancy and picturesque costumes. I did not see the proceseron I have just finished reading a book entitled "Tho Memoirs of Corporal Keeley," by Stelle Rudd. It was very amusing. Love to Queen Tottie and Stationmaster. —Yours truly, FANCHEA (Te Wee Wae). Dear Dot, —I set traps, and get two rabbits every day. I have a bicycle to rido to school. My married sister and throe nephews are staying with me. My mother is in Arrowtown staying with my aunt and Queen of Peace. We have hens. We get eight eggs. We did not have very much snow this winter. —Yours truly, SNOWFLAKE. [You might enclose your own name as well as the N.D.F. in your next letter, please, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,-—My mother is in Arrowtown staying with Queen of Peace's- mother. My married sister and my three nephews are staying here just now. My two pets are growing quite fat now. The roads are muddy these days going to school. We have eight hens laying, and we are milking four cows.- I was at the peace oelebrations, and enjoyed myself very much.—Yours truly, RED LETTER DAY. [Too many changes are apt, dear, to lead to endless confusion; but, of course, if you do not care for your present N.D.P. I suppose you might as well alter it. Please enclose your name and address with the new one.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —If all your correspondents were as lazy as I am you would not have many letters in print. The weather here has been something awful. And the mud! Don't mention it. Rain, rain, rain, all the time. Our teacher is leaving- this week, and we are giving him a &snd-off. We are all very sorry he is going away. We are having a week's holiday from school, and don't go back till the 19th. I am about the only D.L.F. child about Eketahuna, I think. I go to Sunday School just about every Sunday up here. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GRANDDAD'S GIRL (Eketahuna). [I believe you are the only L.F. there, dear; but our numbers are always increasing.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I do enjoy reading the L.F. page. I found a page of a 1914 Witness the other day, and found it very interesting. Tho weather is very unsettled. We do not like drivring to school when it is cold and windy. I will be leaving school at the end of the year. The days are getting longer. and the birds and flowers are looking for spring and sunshine. I think spring is the most interesting time of tho year. All tho

birds and insects—indeed, everything outside—is so busy whenever there is a bit of sunshine and warmth in the air. The Birchwood Hunt grave a short run in Dipton a

week ago. It was a perfect day, and there was a good crowd of spectators. I think it is nice to watok the hounds following the scent and to see the horses jumping. There wall be two runs during the hunting season next year. My youngest sister is staying at the Bluff. Mother intended going for her, but cannot get on account of the trains running so inconveniently. I wonder when they will be running normally again. Love to A Yellow Sunflower, Orange Blossom, all the other D.L.F., and always including our Dot.—Yours truly, CKIMSON FANIGER (Dipton). [lf your sister is enjoying herself, she may possibly have no 1 objections to raise against the train service, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having beautiful weather just now. There was a great day in Queenstown on the 19th July. I started to walk in at about 9 o'clock in the morning, and got a little way down the road' when my luck turned up again. Along came four in a gig, and kindly picked me up. Five in a gig was a little overcrowded; but it was Peace Day, and we arrived in Queenstown in safety. I formed up with three of my mates in the procession, and marched about 100 yards, when I saw a four-horse drag ready to form up in the procession. I hopped into the back seat, followed by five other beys. The procession marched round the streets, and then proceeded to the park. Sports were given for the children, and I went into the first race (a three-legged one), and came in first, for which I received a pair of braces. Lunch was then provided, and then came more sports. At 12 o'clock there was a period of five minutes' silence in memory of the fallen soldiers. A bag of lollies was given to each child, and afternoon tea was then provided. In the evening the young men and boys about the town set off some basket bombs. The Mayoress gave a dance in the Garrison .in the evening, and it was kept up till 11.45. I did not stay to the dance, because I cannot dance, but intend to learn as soon as possible. I won the prize that our teacher offered for composition. It is a "stunner" book called "With the Green Jackets," by Percy Groves. Love to Pearl White, Peace, Fisherman Jack, Mountain Violet, Winnie, and yourself.—Yours truly, CABBAGE-TBJEE NED, Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Folk? We get the Witness every week, and I enjoy reading the L.F. letters. Are there many L.F. in Christchurch, Dot? We have a few spning flowers out. Now that spring is here I shall have to get my camera into working order again. I am very fond of photography, and do my own developing and printing. There is a very pretty bush called Deans's Bush not very far from our place, and we often go there to spend the afternoon. Several paths are being made to enable people to' inspect the many pretty shrubs and trees more fully. The weather has been very good for the races. I am very fond of ni'usic," and have been learning for five years. The last school I attended was the Schoolof Art. Beading i 3 a favourite pastime of mine. I have read a large number of very good books. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, .. WOODLAND WHISPEBS,

[There are three or four writers from your city,, Woodland Whispers. To my mind all the pleasure derived from photography consists in the developing and printing.---DOT.] Dear Dot, —The question of a memorial to our fallen comrades has been brought up recently by a number of L.F.. Lavinia made a few suggestions which I thought very good, especially the little booklet.' Even if it was only something on a small scale it would be thought a lot of. Perhaps some of out boy members may be able to suggest something. Some of them seem to have died a natural death or they have forgotten the page. On Peace Saturday we went into Geraldine to see the celebrations, and they were very good for such a small towq. All the surrounding districts were represented, and that made the procession very much longer. The Pleasant Valley people had a lorry decorated with farm produce. They had everything that can be produced on a farm on the lorry, even the animals. The cat did not like the idea of riding on the lorry, and she made good her escape before they reached Geraldine. Teinuka was very well decorated for the occasion. The Maoris roasted a bullock, and also a pit of potatoes. They dug the pit, and put in some heated Btones, then the bullock (which was rolled in calico); then they covered it with wirenetting, stones, and earth. They put it into the pit at half-past 5 on Friday morning, and took it out at 3 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. Three women sat up overnight to watch it. On the Tuesday night we went to a peace dance at Rangitata. The children were nearly all in fancy dress, and they took part in the dancing. We have been having real spring weather up here, and the spring flowers l are all beginning to show through the ground. Kind regards to Silvery Moonbeam, Glonia, Maid of the Mountains, Sea Breeze, and all my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, OH! CHRISTINA (Oricklewood). Dear Dot, —The weather has been fairly rough for a few days, but it seems to have taken a change for the better. We have finished poisoning the rabbits now, and I am not sorry, as it is such a lot of labour. W© are going to be ohaffcutt>ing for a couple of days, and I don't mind a bit, as my job is very easy. My camp mate and myself are living away out miles by ourselves, and we only see anybody when the "boss" brings the food, aoid comes to give us more work to do. It is a life worth living, as we know each other's ways, -and there is nobody lo_pester our solitary life. Love to all the D.L.F. and 1 yourself.—Yours truly, GIPSY KING. [Do you never feel too solitary away out by yourselves, Gipsy King?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was up with Queen Sunbeam for a little holiday at peace time, and I had a _ very nice time there. The winter bore, taking it all through, has been a very wet winter, with a good deal of hard frost, which I can safely say was very cold. We had very little fog, and lately we have had real spring days. At present we have seven men workrlng here, so we are fairly busy. We had a very exciting experience the other day. One of the men here left one of the barrels of treacle running into a bucket, and in the meantime went to finish another Job. Buring this time the treacle in the jvucket had run over, and, as luck would have it, there was a little gutter which the treacle could run into. When I was working about I heard a scream for "Help! Help I" and, running to grive assistnce, found my mistress standing horrified. She said to me, "Look at this!" And what do you think I saw before me? A poor little hen eiaaK in the freaole, and a horrid little turiey had picked its poor little head to pieoee. Chasing away the turkey, I rolled up my sleeves, and set to work, along with someone else, to gather up the treacle into iho other buckets. When I went into my zoom and showed my mistress my arms and

face smeared in treacle, she laughed and said: "No wonder you're called Treacle Pot. Now I know how you got that N.D.P." Love to all my comrades and yourseUr.—Yours truly, TREACLE POT (Lindis Crossing.) [Certainly rather an apt name for you. Treacle Pot. What a cheerful business it must have been. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote my father has died, so wo have- broken up our home, and my sister and I are living at Abbotsford at present. I am still woiking in Dunedin, and am getting on all right. I have a brother coming home at the end of this month, and we are all quite excited. Most of the boys are now returned to their homes, and they are glad to see dear old New Zealand again. I notice the spring flowers are making their appearance. Most of the plants are frost-bitten, and it makes, the garden look very dull until the violets and crocuses come in sight. Best love to Spring Fairy, Autumn Fairy, Summer Fairy, Japonica, Sea Maiden, and Stationmaster, not forgetting your own self.—Yours truly, BOY IN GREY (Abbotsford). [I am extremely sorry to learn of the loss you have suffered, dear, and please accept my sincere sympathy.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Is it not a good thing that spring is here? The weather we have been having has been changeable. The celebrations here were not very good, but they were good enough fey a place like Gore. My uncle was telling mo that the procession in Christchurch was four miles long, so it must have been worth seeing. My D.L.F. chum, A Girl from the South, is going to live on a farm, so 1 will miss her. I have been reading some very interesting books lately—- " The Madcap of the School," "The Motor Boys on the Pacific," "Brae Farm," and "The Maid of the Barge." Best wishes to Mary of the Glen, Vanessa, Frances, Ahua, A Girl from the South, Maid of Gowrie, Ribbon Grass, Somebody's Mate, and-' Knob My a, not forgetting your dear -self.—Yours truly, A GIRL FROM THE WEST (Gore.) Dear Dot,—We spent a very enjoyable time at peace. We had lovely weather, and that was the main point. We will soon have some cows in now, but I wish they would not be in. for a long time. I had a letter from Rangi and King William the other day. Best wishes to King William, Rangi, Maid of the Mountains, Australian Girl, Dunedin Girl, Happy Jean, Doolan, Snapshot,. Auld Lang Syne, Ikawarl, Perriwinkle, and all my other D.L.F. comrades and friends.—Yours truly, BONETTEE. Dear Dot, —I have intended to write to your page for sometime, and at last I have made an attempt to start. I hope you will let me join your page. I am 13 years of age, and in Standard V Moss Rose is my sister, but I have two other sisters and one brother. We have six miles to go to school; but I drive seven children besides myself. The weather here lately has been very wet. The creeks are twice as high as usual. Most people were glad when the Peace Treaty was signed. We lost two cousiins at "the war—one at Gallipoli and one at the battle of Passchendaele. Love to Pansy Girl, Peggy, Everybody's Friend, and Moss Rose, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROSE TRALEE (Palmerston S.). [You are very welcome to join us, Rose.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is my sincere regret that I did not made acquaintance with you before, and I now beg your permission to join your happy, youthful band. As a girl at the age of 13 and in the Seventh Standard, I consider it shameful to be so backward in answering your call for all the Little Folk to enjoy your correspondence. I have lately studied the letters, and the true patriotio spirit shown in the writings has stirred in me a renewed interest for the L.F. page. Though we live in the country we are not farmers. My father is overseer of the P.W.D. We had a great time at the peace celebration's. We rejoiced as only happy hearts can, impelled by a patriotio spirit, at the cessation of a ceaseless flow of lives and a rich stream of blood, staining purple the blank pages of history. Fond love to your L.F. and your dear self. —Yours truly, THE EMBLEM OF PEACE. [I am very happy to include you among our numerous friends and writers, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have boen having very cold and wet weather here lately. It was raining nearly all day yesterday and nearly all day to-day, I was going to see Evening Star to-day, but it was too wet. Nearly all the soldiers are back from the war now. My brother ,is coming on the 2Sth of this month, and I have three cousins back, and. one is landing to-day. We have nine cows;, but we are msilking only three in the morning and one at night just now. I am learning music now, and my sister is learnings, dressmaking. We go into Timaru every Tuesday. I went into. Timaru for the peace celebrations; but the procession wasn t as good as the one at armistice time. Love to Charity, Chiddy. Mother's Youngest, Evening Star, Ngaire the Fairy, Nova Aquilea, and White Violet 111, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BRITANNIA Olosewill.) Dear Dot, —We are • having _ rather nice weather down here, though it is rather windy. Do you like being the editor of the D.L.F., Dot? You must be kept very busy reading letters and answening them. But you do not know how much we appreciate your hard work, because I, for one, am never so interested in anything as when I am sitting in the run or by the fire reading the D.L.F. part of the Otago Witness. My mother used to belong to your Little Folk. Well, Dot, I must close now. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, SNOW QUEEN. [*The cards are filled in with one's N.D.P., name, and address, and despatched to those with 'whom you wish to correspond or who wish to exchange autos with you. The notices are put in the auto column at the end of the page.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been raining here all afternoon. There was a social and dance here las* night in aid of the Western District Pipe Band. My sister is saving all her pennies, and she has 7s 4ts. I am very glad that t)ie cow de dry. We have a ferret now. Th« two inspectors were at the school on the 12*h. Love to Princess Mavy, and all the other LF.. not' forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, NURSE BOY. Dear Dot r -We are several miles away from the nearest town, and our mails are taken away by packhorse. As the river* ar<* not bridged and rainy days are very frequent, we sometimes do n«t get any letters for a fortnight, so it is very exciting when the mailman comes. Our home is five miles from the soa. There is a nice road down to the beach, and wo often go there for a ride. Two vessels come into the bay every three months—ono is the Hinemoa and the

other the Paeroa. Nearly everyone goes to the.bay when these boats come. There is no wharf, but small surf boats are used to bring the cargo ashore, where horses and drays are waiting to take the things to the store sheds or "futters." Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, AOTEA ROA. [I am sure the arrival of the boats are the events of the year, dear, so no wonder everyone turns out to see them.—DOT.]"' Dear Dot, —I have not written for a long . time because we had an accident and I" broke my collarbone, but it is quite well again now. I am learning a duet to play at the concert. Our examination is near, and I am working hard to try and pass. If I do I will be in the Third StandardLove to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE BETTY (Kerrytown). [I sincerely hope you do well at the examination, Betty. I am. so sorry to hear of your accident.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather her© to-day is not very satisfactory; it is sc wet and cold. We finished our examination at " school yesterday, and everyone is waiting anxiously for the_ results. Before we break up we are having a bazaar at school. I have just finished reading a book named "Roland Yorke," and .it was very interesting. I know Snow White, who has just joined the L.F. page. She goes to the S.G.H. School, the same as I do. I think we get two weeks' holiday this term. We got three last. term; but we must not be too greedy, and want three weeks again, because we get eight weeks at Christmas Love to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, , CHERRY BLOSSOMS. [I have a, writer wiith that N.D.P., dear, also from Invercargill; 'so your wisest plan-*" is to send your name with the new N.D.P.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your merry band? I have been going to write to you for some time, but have kept putting it off. It haa been wet here the last two days, but it will do good, I hope. At a bazaar held here about a. fortnight ago I won a sevenand sixpenny box of Lowney's chocolates, which a young gentleman friend put mo down. for. I also had a kewpie given me, so my luck was in. Well, Dot, as it is time all "flappers" like mo were in bed, I will close with fondest love to A Haka Valley Girl, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, KISSES (Kurow). [Very pleased you have made a beginning, Kisses. Don't let the matter end there. — DOT.] -;■'.; ' Dear Dot,—We have had a very wet week, and our concert was put oflV We have' three more soldiers returning this month. Our examination will be soon, and I hope that I pass. Most of our spring flowers are out now. There are a, lot of wee lambs about now. I have just finished reading a book named "Time Tries," and it is a very nice one. There was a dance last Friday, and one to-night. Sunburst is at home from school, as her brother was sick. My brother's lamp just went on fire, and gave .. us all a terrible fright. Love to Blairdale, Mud Lark, Machine Gun, Warstep, Sunburst, Ladybird, Captain Mugford, and Queen of the Lilies, not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, MUD LARK'S MATE (Taieri Beach). Bear Dot,—Since I last wrote to your page five more soldiers have returned home to this district. We had our school concert on Friday night, the 15th, and I enjoyed myself very much. The night before the concert I went over from school with my cousin to get some decorations. On . Friday we had to decorate, and the school looked beautiful after we had finished. After the concert was finished a dance was held. The rain came on about the middle of the night, and it rained all >the way home. Love to Blairdale, Silver Shoe, Sunburst, Machine Gun, and' Grace Fisher, not forgetting your own dear self.—Youre truly, MUD LARK (Taieri Beach). Dear Dot,—lt is now 5.30, and it is raining very hard". We were supposed to have our examination this morning, but one of the inspectors took ill, so it was postponed, and I am not sorry. I think I will be leaving school this year—anyway, I hope so. I had to visit the dentist's last Wednesday to get five teeth out; but he pulled only three, and is going to stop the other two next Monday. I don't like going there; but it is all right getting away from school,, and I will probably miss arithmetic.—Yours tXU ? THE LITTLE . KNITTER'S MATE. [I am sorry I cannot give you the address. particularly wishes his name not to be divulged.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have left school, and started to earn my living. I am ploughing now. It has always been my ambition to be a farmer. How would you like to live on a farm, Dot? It is a fine free life. I intend to have a farm of my own when I am older. I do not like the towns at all. I have not seen any letters from the Tapanui D.L.F. lately. .1 like reading their letters, as I was born there. I have no brothers, and only one sister, and she will write to you next year, as she is too wee yet. My mother used to write to Dot when she was little. Love to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, BUBBLES. [Keep your thoughts fixed' on your ideal, Bubbles, and you are sure to win through.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here has been very changeable lately. Maud's Pet just arrived home on Friday, after spending two months in Timaru. She was going to stop in Dunedin for a few weeks, but she couldn't owing to the way the trains are running. We have shifted since I last wrote. Best wishes to Gipsy Belle, Annie Laurie, Sunshine Girl, Tui, and all the other L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, BRIDGET M'SWEENEY (Gore). [Would you enclose your name with your next letter, dear, so I can make the necessary alteration. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is raining very heavy here to-day, and it was too wet -for me to go to school. The Maerewhenua River is very high. This rain will fill everybody's tanks. Ours is full, and running over. My grandmother is stopping at our place. On Thursday night the Salvation Army Band from Oamaru paid Nus a visit down at the Defence Hall, and we enjoyed the musio very much. There are a ' number of little lambs round about here. My mother used to write to you when she was a little girt I have to walk a little over a mile to school. There will be a social here on the 12th of September, and some of the school children are going to sing. There is an owl somewhere about here, and it comes round at night and keeps us awake. The river W rising fast—the river bed and the road and 8om« of the paddocks are all in one. It W just one big sheet of water. My father came home on Saturday morning by tne train from Hakataramea. He has been away nine months. Love to Charity and Jooyf

•nd Nellie's Mate, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, „_„__,, QUEEN OF THE BUSHES (Duntroon). Dear Dot,—l have not had ranch time to spare lately, as I Lave been rabbiting and gardening. I have about 100 skins, and when I get a few more I will sell them. The weather has been fairly good here lately, conscdering this time of the year. The picture entertainments have stopped now on account of the trains, so the only amuaament here is the skating- rink. A hockey match was played on skates last Monday night between Mataura "and Gore, and Mataura won by 15 to 9. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, .... • HIAWATHA. Dear Dot, —I have a brother coming home from the war. He iff supposed to land at Auckland on the 28th of this month. My Sunday School teacher is getting married aoon- To-day was her last day, and! she gave every child in her class a little book. I am reading a book called "Masterman Ready," and it lis a very nice book. There "is going to be a welcome-home social to some soldiers on Friday, night. Best wishes to Darky, A Bed Cross Norse, Niobe, and Dolly Grey, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SUNSHINE GIRD. Dear Dot, —The weather has been wet for this last week, but it was not wet to-day. There are a lot of young- rabbits about now. The farmers will soon be sowing their oats and wheat' again. There is going to be a .social this week, and I, think that I will go to it. The soldiers who went away from Tutnrau are nearly all back. There are about 40 children going to - school. The will be starting 1 next month, and I ■will get a ride to school in the milk cart. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BURLINGTON BERTIE (Tuturau). Dear Dot, —I was in Owaka on the day of the Peace Celebrations and I enjoyed myself very much. The procession was very good, iand th© whole day's work proved a great success.- We had a football match and races for die children in the afternoon, and a concert at night. It was one o'clock on Sunday morning when I went to bed. There are some lovely -supple-jack berries in our bush at present. I did not go to school on Thursday or Friday as I had a cold. I thought I would be able to go to school on Monday, but on Saturday I fell off the swing and hurt my back, and now I can scarcely walk at all. Love to The Lady of Longbourne, The Happy Princess, and The Rose of No Man's LandL —Yours truly, MERMAID (Pounawea). [I hope your back is better, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am writing this letter, as I wish to become a member of the D.L.F. •I live at Jack's Point Lighthouse, Timaru. I have a big, black dog named "Rover" as well as two kittens—a Persian and tortoiseshell. Their names are Ginger and Flos3. We keep a cow (Nancy) and a calf (Violet). Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. .- —Yours truly, TEDDY BEAR (Timaru).' [I am very pleased to enrol you as a member of our band. You will find there are' quite a number of L.F. in Timaru.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am keeping quite well now and hope you are all the same. I have been to service at a farm for six months, and I am home just now I have had a poisoned hand and am glad) to say it is quite better. You will have to excuse me for not writing to you sooner as I have not had time I still enjoy reading the L.F. page, and I am very sorry to learn about the influenza spreading in New Zealand. It was very bad in England last year, but it is not so bad now. Many people have died of it. Well, dear Dot, I am taking too much room up in the page so I will have to stop and 'will nay good-bye. Love to all the D.L.F and yourself.—Yours truly, GOLDEN DREAMS (England). [I am glad you findl our Page so interesting, dear.—DOT.] : Dear Dot, —This is my first letter to the L.F. I would have written a long time ago, but I thought it was only Otago girLs and boys who could write. I am 13 .all but two months, and would love to join your happy band. Will you please send me a badge. Beat love to Violet Blossom, hot to forget yourself.—Yours- truly, LAUGHING WATER (Christchurch). [We have writers in many places besides Otago, Laughing Water—several in Australia, England, Scotland, and the Pacific Islands being a few of the number. I have added a few names to your one, anal, think you will like them.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since last writing, the Orawia -people have welcomed home several soldiers. •Most of the welcomes this winter have been very well attended considering the great ■ number of people who have passed through sadness during the last year. Although many of these, such people do not feel very nruch inclined for dancing, they feel . that they could not stay away while so many of our gallant boys are returning after nobly fighting - for their country for so long. Some of the r 'boys from here have com© back after three and a-half years' service. I have an uncle who returned home some time ago and is now settled down to farming again which must be very hard to dto after travelling so much. Smiler and her parents have left Orawia and are now farming at Aparima. Although the winter set in early this year, it has not been so bad as most people thought it would be. My brother, who, for the past two years, has been employed in this factory as first assistant is going to Thornbury as first assistant there. Peace celebrations were very exciting in Orawia. They held a danco on Friday night, and on Monday they held sports. Seeing that there were no entertainments at Clifden, FJastern Bush, or Tuatapere, a large number turned up to help us to celebrate Peaco. Towards the evening, when thing 3 began to get a little bit dull, the people were soon in their highest spirits" I 'again when the Tuatapere Pipe Band marched, on to the Sports' Grounds on a surprise visit, To finish the day, since that most of our visitors (including the Pipe Band) stayed,' the young people gave a dance which proved to be a great success, a-3 the hall was over-crowded. Best wishes to yoTirself, Dot, and all the other L.F., especially Heather Bell, Nurse Molly, and Martin Rattler.—Yours truly, KOSELEAF (Orawia). [I am delighted to learn you had such an enjoyable time recently, Rose-leaf.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It has been raining here every day this week, and if the mud gets any deeper we will not be able to walk through it. The lambs will be coming again, but I think if it keeps like this the poor things will die. Somo people are setting traps about hero now. Our cat has been away from home for ,a long time now, but he came home to-day holding up ono of his front paws, -as he had the misfortune to be caught in a trap Our hons are laying very well just now, but to tell you the

truth, Dot, I think some of our ducks have forgotten how to lay altogether. I notice that the daffodils are pushing up out of the ground to let us know that spring is here or supposed to be, anyway. The farmers have begun to plough up their paddocks for the next year's crop. You can notice that everywhere around the grass has a faint tinge of green in it, and it will be better when it is properly green so as the cattle will be able to have good feed again, as there is hardly a turnip to be seen anywhere. With best love to Scotch Thistle, Shamrock, Smallest, and Gladwiso, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, SCOTCH THISTLE'S MATE (Clinton). Dear Dot,—The weather is nice and warm now. The Peace celebrations were very good—■ the motor cars, prams, and carts were all decorated. There were races for the children and I won the egg and spoon race and got a hair clasp.. We are going to get our garden in next week. I am reading a story oalled the Flax Plant. Dove to Primrose, The Long White Cloud, Rbsaleen, Queen of the Dell, and Rose Queen, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, VOLITA (Frankton). Dear Dot,—'May I join your happy band of L.F. I know many D.DF. in Queenatown and they have often asked! me to join. I am 12 years old and in the Fifth Standard at school. We have had very nice weather lately, but it is raining this afternoon, so I will not be able to go out and play. I learn music and I like it very mucn. —Yours truly, A PRINCESS OF THE DELL (Queenstown). [Please enclose your name with your next letter, dear.—DOT.] AUTOS. The Girl He Left Behind (Tryphena, C. Beer, care of Mr G. P. Ohewings, Glenelg, Mcssburn) wishes to correspond with Jockey Jack and any L.F. 'about 17 years. Little Red Riding Hood (Dcrothy Clingin, Glenorchy) wishes to correspond with Bed Heather and any other D.L.F about 12 years willing. Clydte (Molly Bowie, Schoolhouse, Wairoa, H.BJ wishes to correspond with King WilEa-ru, Otipua Percy, The Milton Boy Scouts, and any L F. oyer 16 years. " Oh, Christina (Chrissie Walton, Rockwood Station, Cricklewood, via Timaru) wishes to correspond with Lavinia and Australian Girl. Bonette (Jean Henderson, Ohape P. 0., Temuka) wishes to correspond with Snapshot, Doolan, Radium, Grace, Fisher, Stars and Stripes, and any other Southland L.F. Gipsy King (James Page, Clark's Junction, via Outrarn) wishes to correspond with A Maid of the Mountains and any L.F. about 17 years. Bubbles (Chris Hooker, care of Mr J. MTlwrick, Browns) wishes to correspond with Soldier Boy and any boys over 13 years. Sunshine Girl (Missi V. Collie, Tuturau) wishes to correspond with Nib and Nob, Egrnonfc Laddie, and The Lady of the Forest Mermaid (Alice' Lumsden, The Heads, Pounawea) wishes to correspond with Island Lass. Laughing Water (Flora Watt, 56 Warrington street, St. ■ Albans, Christchurch) wishes to correspond with Hiawatha, Lavender Lady, Gwen, A True Patriot, Otipua Percy, and Snakey Joe. Scotch Thistle's Mate (Ethel Tily, care of Mrs Watt, Popotunoa, Clinton) wishes to correspond with Dorothy Daydreams, A Dunedlin Girl, and Mrs Tickle Toby. Mother'3 Pet (M. M'Kinlay, Wigan street, Gore) wishes to correspond with Grandmother's Pet and any L.F. under 15 years. Farmer Boy (Alexander Dickie, 'Washpool," Gore) wishes to correspond with Rorke's JJrif t, Wild West Cowboy, and Telephonist. Beaver Jim (James Dickie, "Wash/pool," Gore) wishes to correspond with Belvue Spur, Machine Gun, .and Egmont Laddie. Autumn Fairie (Bell Muir, Tuturau) wishes to correspond with Read Hog, Prairie Girl, A Wild Red Rose, and any L.F. willing. Pink Rosebud (Mary Small, Box 56, Lumsdten) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Mountain Violet (Barbara M. Dagg, Wharehuanui, via Queenstown) wishes to correspond with Australian Girl, Heather Bell, and any L.F. 12 years Marigold (Miss I. Green, oare of High School, Gore) wishes to correspond with any D.L.F. over 13 years of age. Anne of Green Gables (Agnes Reid, Waimoimoi) wishes to correspond with Buster Manager, Erin, Pearl Blossom, and Carlowrie. Ice Maiden (Ella Carruthers, Maungatua) wishes to correspond with any girl 12 or 13 years. NOTTE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Will L.F. kindly note that letters in lead pencil cannot be considered. This week there are four written in pencil, and hardly a week go©3 by but there are at least a few. I am continually remarking on this point, and in future any offenders will not be notified of the fate of their letters.