LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLIC.

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 63

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLIC.

Motto:—Wo write for the benefit of others, nC« for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 360 words. Dear Dot, —I have not written to you before, but as there is always a standing invitation for new members, I thought I would, like to join the band. At present I am staying with my aunt and helping her to pick fruit. I am enjoying myself very much, although we are very busy. We live in a very quiet, secluded glen, and a, lady visiting here some time ago said it resembled a Highland plan she had once seen in Scotland. I am going back to school, but not for long, because my help is needed at home. My sister does not go to "the same school as I do; but she got she prizes, while I got none, because •we seldom get prizes at our school. However, I got a first-class certificate for attendance last year. My brother and I have three certificates each for attendance. Some time ago there were two prizes given at Sunday School—one for the boys and one for the girls—for attendance, conduct, and lessons, and I managed to secure the girls' prize. The hot weather we are having here now is ripening the fruit quickly, and as we. have a good-sized orchard we will soon be busy picking apples and plums and also pears and "quinces, although we have not nearly so many as usual. Well, as this is my first letter I will close now. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, PIKIARERO. [You are welcome- to join us, dear. —DOT.] Deaar Dot, —I have often read the L.F. letters in the Witness, and would like very much to become a member of your happy band. I am 17 years of age, and I work at dressmaking, which I like very much. We are having lovely weather in Gore just now, and I hope you are having the same. Well, Dot, I will have to close now, as news is scarce down this way. Love to Digger, and Hazel Dawn, hot forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, DIGGER'S COBBER. LI am pleased to enrol you as a member, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Yesterday was a beautiful, sunny day, and so a party of us caught the train for Puketeraki, which is about three miles from here. We cut over the fields to the beach, where we tools: off our shoes and stockings and paddled along. Have you ever been to Karitane? It is a very beautiful seaside spot. ' We all bathed in the breakers, and stayed in for quite a long time. Of course, after the bathe, we were very hungry, so we quickly got the lunch ready and settled to it with a will. There is nothing like a bathe for one's appetite. After lunch we went for a ramble round the cliffs. There are two good blow-holes on the peninsula-; but as the tide was out we did not see the waves dashing through the opening and scattering spray in all directions. I wonder when the schools will reopen. It seems still lather uncertain. I go to school in Dunedin, and am a boarder. Love to yourself and all the L.F.—Yours truly, JOY (Seaclifi). [The badge has been posted. Karitane is a lovely seaside resort, and I spent an enjoyable fortnight there.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather here for some time past has been almost unbearably hot; hut last night it changed, and we .have- had wet and showery weather. The rain was badly needed by the farmers, as the ground was becoming _ thoroughly dried up. The fruit in this district is ripening wonderfully now, but I suppose that is on account of the warm weather. A short time ago my sister and I went into one of the gardens not far away to pick fruit. As the day was hot the pastime was not too pleasant, as—though it seems incredible—it is very hot reaching up to the brandies for the fruit. Nevertheless, when one sees a few cases of luscious peaches picked it gives one heart to go on with the good work. Isn't this influenza awful? If it comes round this year with the horrible results of last year it will be simply awful, but the doctors and the Health Department seem to have it under control. It was rather a pity that the epidemic should have come on at Carnival time, although it does not seem to have affected the Show yet. There are not many flowers in bloom just now to grace the gardens with their bright colours, except a few roses" and asters. Love to King William, Ikawai, Texas Boy, Telephonist, Heather Lily's Mate, Hydraulic, Starling, Dorothy Daydreams, Europena, Red Ranger, Golden Ray, Pear Blossom, and all my other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, PEARL BLOSSOM. [lt is satisfactory that so far most of the influenza cases have been comparatively mild, and that- the trouble appears to be in hand' —DOT.] ' Dear Dot,—l am still going strong, and still likely to be, I think. It's quite an age since I last wrote to the @ear old page, or many of my correspondents either. But I'm very sorry, comrades; but every minute for the last few months seems to have been so full of excitement, etc., that I have had very little time for letter-writing. I am afraid I have left my correspondents in the lurch; but keep on_ hoping, all, and I'll come to life some bright day. I've -been having a most glorious time lately, thoroughly enjoying myself. First, I got my teeth out — that's not one of the joys of life, though,— and after that I went for a fortnight's holiday • into the country. Oh, the scrumptious times I had! It's been a good new year so far, though Wairoa has been very quiet lately, only pictures showing. _ On Friday and Saturday nights "The -Kiwis"- are corning. It's a play consisting of returned soldiers, I think, and I've heard there are two plays going by that name—one, a regular "first class," and the other—well, a regular

break-down, not -worth going to see. But the worst part is we oan't tell which one it is that's hero out of the two. So we'll just hope for the best. The week before last the heat was simply unbearable. I was very nearly reduced to a grease-spot. But last week the weather suddenly changed and became bitterly cold. The result was that numbers of people had very severe colds. I guess changeable weather such as wo experienced, would help on the Anyway, we've had some good swims _ in the river. The river is good for swimming, and you can be sure we always enjoy ourselves. "Well, Dot, I'll have to close now with love to all my correspondents, too numerous to name, but especially Muriel, Snakey Joe, No. 813, Australian Girl, Motor Jim, King William, The Wiry Worker, Alex, A Country Lad, Kilburn, H. V. H., Gipsy King, Left Wing, and" Otipua Percy, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CLYDE (Wairoa, H. 8.).

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old, and in Standard IV. I have five sisters and two brothers. Our school is closed down for tho influenza just now. We are having lovely weather up here since Christmas, but all the people are short of wafer. I know a good few D.L.F. at our school. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. — Yours truly,

MRS JIM (Lintley). [Certainly you may join us, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I. join your happy band of L.F. ? Many of niy mates write to the page, eo I thought I would write. We have had fine _ weather here lately, but to-day it" is raining. We have a little pup, and its name is Bob. There was a ball here on Tuesday. I have two sisters and four brothers. We are having- our church picnic next Wednesday, and I hope it will be a fine da3 r . I will close with love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, MOONLIGHT WALTZ. [You are welcome to the page, dear.— •l'.]

Dear Dot, —If it. is fine I might be going' to the Bluff on Saturday with my. grandmother and aunty and ray mother and father and my sister. My white pigeons have laid two eggs. The young ones are due out on the 2nd of April. I went over to onr poultry farm for a walk yesterday afternoon. I went to church last Sunday. My grandmother showed me- how to crochet a doily, and so I made one. It started to rain late in the afternoon yesterday, and it has been blowing very hard to-day. My aunty and uncle went away in the train at 10 past 6 on Tuesday morning. I must close now. Love to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, GOLDEN BELLS. Dear Dot, —I am going to Thompson's Bush to-morrow, if it is fine, with Golden Bells and my mother. I passed into Standard 111 at school. My sister, Golden Bells, a-180 passed into Standard 111. I am eight years' old and my sister is nine. Golden Bells and one of my playmates are going to write to you. The school we go to starts on Monday, the 23rd of February. My daddy has got a sore arm-, and he had to go to the doctor to get something to make it better. My grandmother showed me how to crochet a doily. I have a nice big English setter named Newborough Bell. She shakes • hands with me. I will have to go to bed now.— Yours truly, GOLDFISH (Invercargill). Dear Dot, —All the schools over, here are closed in consequence of the "flu." So far Greymouth is still clear, and I hope it keeps so. I am up again -and able to get about a little, but I am not able to go out yet. Swimming is in full swing: over here, and there are crowds on the beach every day. The Fire Brigade are out in front of our place practising. They have the fire engine out, and it is so interesting to watch them. All the men have their uniforms on, and they look so nice. Love to yourself and all my correspondents.—Yours truly, PRINCESS ALMA (Greymouth). ' [I trust you will soon be afble to get about again, dear.—DOT.! . Dear Dot, —I have just been telling a friend of mine all about your paper, and she is so delighted at my suggestion that she should join the L.F. that she is going to do so too. We are very busy at present practising for a concert which we a-re going to give out at the Old People's Home at Parke Island. You would not believe how delighted the old folk are to see a number of bright young children who can sing and recite and dance. I think that old people must like to see children happy. Anyway, I am sure our concert is going to be a success. It has always been so before, and we have given a good number of concerts out there; but we have not been since the war, and you may be sure we are looking forward to it as much as the old people are. My mother and I do the teaching. I think it is very interesting. We wfgit down to the river for a. picnic last Sunday. We cooked some beans and potatoes down there, and they were delicious eooMd on an open fire. ,We were going to have a swim in the river, bxzt we changed our minds, as the water was- rather cold. The two operas we heard at the end of last week—the "Tales of Hoffmann" and ''Faust," — were both very enjoyable. I think it is going to rain to-day. It is terribly dark. It has been like this for three or four days now, and I am sure we must be going to have a storm or something. The picture "The--White Heather" was here this- week, and the diving scene in it was very good. Two men had a fight under water at the bottom of the sea,- in fact, and one man, thinking he was cutting the man's life-line, really cut his own. The -audience were terribly excited waiting to see which one was left at the bottom of the sea and which one had been saved. Of course, as you will susnect, the light one ■was saved, but it is a great suspense waiting to see which it is. Well, Dot, as I have no more news juet now, I shall have to close. Love to Clyde, Lavina, and Fairy Goldbeart, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, MUSICAL MAID (Napier). Dear Dot, —It is raining here to-day. We have a pet lamb which we call Nanny. We also have a white rabbit, which we have had a littl-0 ovor two years. Dyola and Lady of the Lake are away from; here now. Miss Jasamine had a letter from Lady of the Lake the other day, and she likes her new place. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—You.ts truly, AUTUMN LEAF. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am seven years of age. We have fowls, geese, ducks, pigs, and horses. We have a pet lamb which we call Nanny. Two of my sisters write to the page, but they have not written for a long time. I will close with love to all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv, LADY MORELL." [Certainly you may join us, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just been reading a book entitled "The Light of Western Stars," by Zane Grey. It is a lovely story, but I didn't care much for the way it ended. Yesterday my sister and I went to' Riverton Beach with, some friends to the fruiterers' picnic. We had. a delightful outing, as the beach there is just lovely for bathing. We took a good few snapshots, but they are not developed as yet. Everything went well until about 2 or g o'clock, when it came on to rain, and you,,

can imagine what a lot of "drowned rate" we looked Hke as we stepped off the drags at ilie Post Office. However, we did not let that spoil ike day, and it was with tired feet and happy faces tha we arrived home in time for a good tea. Sleep came very quickly, and it seemed no time before we were wakened up for work this- morning. It has been a miserable sort of day, but tonight looks a bit brighter. lam feeling dead tired, go must close now with best wishes to yourself and ray correspondent, Pearl White. —Yours trulv, RE NEE. Dear Dot, —"We have been having some fine weather here lately, and many people are out of water. I have been down for _ a swim nearly every day. Rene©' (who is writing- to you to-night) and I went to Ocean Beach on Saturday, with some mates, and we had a very good time. "We took quite a number of snapshots there, but we have not develox>ed them yet, so we do not know what they are like. I was going to go to Thompson's Bush to-day for a picnic; but the weather changed, and we have had a wet day. The Technical School takes up on Monday, 23rd, and so it will be another year's haad work for me. Then it will be work; I want to go to work very much. I have just finished reading a book called "Queechy," by Elizabeth Wetherall, and it is a very fine book. Rendezvous has just got word that she panned one of her theory examinations which Ehe went in for last year. She has just one more theory examination to pass before she gets her letters. Fend love to all the L.F.j and 1 the same for yourself.;— Yours truly, DESTINY (South Inver car gill).

Dear Dot, —I have only a few more months left in which to write to the page before I reach the retiring age. I have been for another big tour on the bike, and had the- usual good time I always have when I go cycling. I left Dunedin about noon one Monday, and arrived in Oamaru that night. Nothing very startling happened that day. The next day, about 10 a.m., I left for Oamaramo. I travelled by the Waitaki River most 'of that day, so- the going was not so bad, as I had a. cool breeze from off the water to keep me fresh On tha other side of the Ahuriri Pass I had my- first puncture; but as it was getting dark, and I was too lazy to fix it up, I walked the rest of the way to Oamarama.. The hotelkesper was up when I arrived there, waiting for a waggon to turn up with some stores, so I had no trouble in getting a bed. The next day I fixed up the puncture, and wended my weary frame on towards Pembroke, but the road was not as I had anticipated, and I only arrived in Lindis that night; but I will write about that later. I will now close, with love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, ROAD HOG (Dunedin).

Dear Dot, —I have been away on a very enjoyable holiday, and forgot to write, but now I am going to make up for loss of time. I received my badge, and I thank yoix very much for it. Has the aeroplane been down to Dunedin yet. It has been flying round Timaru to-day, but it was. too far away to see it properly. It has been 'showery all day to-day, so I have been inside all the time, except when the aeroplane was flying over, and then I was outside watching it. The weather has been warm, and I have spent most of my time in the water. I can swim now, and swimming is about my best sport. On account of the influenza, we have had three extra weeks' holiday, and in those three weeks my brain has got rather rusty, and I think I will be glad when wo go back •to school. Love to all the L.F.—Yours trulv, GRACE DARLING.

[Up to the time of receiving your letter the aeroplane had not arrived, but was expected.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l often read the Little Folk's letters in the Witnuess, so I thought I would like to write also. I have a- twin sister, and she is very fond of reading, so she doesn't want to write. I am in the Sixth Standard. I have two sisters, school teachers, and one going to the High School. As the school is closed at present I go . for a dip every day with-"my sisters; but I can't go to-day, at? it is raining. My father went to town on Monday, and my youngest sister and I went as well. We went to the gardens, and had an enjoyable time for the flowers were most beautiful. A big groper was washed ups on the beach on Monday morning. I was at a picnio yesterday at the seaside. I went in fo?' a dip, and the waves were lovely. There was a great carnival held down here at the mouth of the river a while ago, and there were sports as well. I have two pet doves, three kittens, and a pup named Floss. We have eight hens, and I feed them every morning and night. My sister had such a pretty tomato-coloured bathing' cap, and when we cam© home from the saa yesterday we- left it on a box at the back door. In a few minutes Floss the pup had the cap in her mouth, and that was the end of Margaret's cap. Well, dear Do%, I hope to see this letter in print next week, and .1 intend to writ© often to your page. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. THRUPP (Kakanui)'. [Yes, you may join us, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print I am back from my holiday, and have enjoyed myself immensely. My sister and I went to a picnic at Ocean Beach. It was a levely day when we started, but about 4 o'clock it came on to rain, and we went home. I had the toothache when I reached home, so I went to bed. My mother brought my tea in to me. I have just finished reading a lovely book named Sibil's Message." Really, Dot, I am sorry I have finished it so soon. I hope that you and all the L.F. are well.—Yours truly, LITTLE FRIDAY (Bluff).

Dear Dot, —Several of my correspondents having been making inquiries of late as to whether I still continue to reside in land of the living"; but when one has such a lot of correspondents as I have, it is rather a difficult matter to remember everything. Yet I do not think I could part with any of them, as they are all such good writers. I have had influenza slightly, and it was miserable enough while it lasted. I had a letter from a D.L.IT. in Australia a while ago, and, needless to say, I was delighted to correspond with a- D.L.F. from my own country. One of my favourite correspondents, Telephonist by name, did me the honour of coming to see mo while she was here in Dunedin, and, despite our brief companionship, I have grown to like her, very much. My younger brother recently returned from Tapanui, and for the last week or eo he has been talking about nothing else but Tapairui. And talk about the stuff he brought homo, Dot! Oh, gracious!—a huge, clumsy sack of all kinds of vegetables, a dead rooster, four cabbages, a miserable, starved Utile rabbit, and last, but not least, a funnylooking little dog of rather doubtful pedigree. My brother first of all assured me that it was a real cocker spaniel, and I declared that it was nothing more than a. dirty little mongrel; and believe me, Dot, we were having a rather heated argument over it. After a white my brother seemed to become dubious over it, and said ho thought it might possibly bo a "collie." But poor me, Dot, having to get along the street trying to drag along a sUlkage. cabbages, and sundry other

things. Jack's attention seemed to be wholly absorbed in that funny dog. But it might have been worse, so I can't grumble. I waa very sorry to hear that A Lonesome Melody, from Wanganiu, has been ill with diphtheria, and I hope she will soon be better. Well, dear Dot, I must close now with my best love to dear you and my equally dear correspondents, Dulcie, Trilby, Motor Jim, Lady Carfax, 'Fairfax iioy's Pall, A Lonesome Melody, A True Patriot, Mickey, A Little Knitter, Daddy's Little Pet, No. 813, Australian Girl's Pal, A Yankee Lad from New Jersey, Girant, Ikawai, Roses of Pioardy, Toddie, Clyde, Heather Lily, Bounette, Stella Maris, Bunny, A Maid of the Mountains, A Lonesome Melody 11, A Country Lassie, Surprise Packet, Marconi, Whitburgh Lass, Baronia, Kelburn, La, Reine, Pearl Blossom, Nurse Cavell, Fluffy Top, Digger, Nobody Knows, Nobody Cares, Road Hog, Piccadilly, The Eanga.. Left Wing, Sunshine Sue, and especially Bevlis, King William, Grace Fisher, Jack Livingstone, Telephonist, and Dorothy Daydix-ains. I know that I have omitted some of my correspondents, but my best wishes and kindest regards for them all the same.—Yours truly, AUSTRALIAN GIRL. Dear Dot, —We are away from school again. We only attended four days, and were dismissed on the Friday. My sister Ngareta is away to the dentist to-day to get one of. her teeth filled. My father has been cutting thistles all the week, and as he was further away yesterday I had to take out Lis lunch, and the day was hot—just enough to roast one. My sister and some of her mates went over - to Roxburgh last Sunday. They went away from Heriot about a-quartei- past 5 in the morning, and reached there about halfpast 9. They had dinner at 1 o'clock. After that they went along to an orchard, and they said that they ate and at® that much fruit that they could hardly move afterwards. After that they went and ordered six cases of fruit. I think my mother is coming home on Saturday. She would have bean home' before only my brother took the "flu." I have been lucky enough so far not to get it. Nearly all Heriot had it, so I must not crow too much, eh, Dot? Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self, Dot. —Yours truly, RAMBLING ROSE. Dear Dot, —I think it is about six months since I last wrote, but I think Rambling Rose has kept you well supplied. Just fancy, Dot, we are cutting our crops already—thistle crops, though!" Some of the crops are turning colour now, but they are very late; but what can you expect of a place like this? It is that hot one day it's enough to roast you, and the next day you are almost frozen with the cold—that's a sample of autumn weather if you like. Last Sunday, when I was up Roxburgh way, I noticed that some of the farineirs had finished leading in, and were _ ploughing up the ground. Well, Dot, I think this is all the news. Best wishes and kind regards to all the L.F., yourself included.—Yours truly, NGARETA. Dear Dot, —We have been having very hot and dry weather lately. We had a little rain on Friday. Our school has not taken up yet. We all drove to Tapanui Show, and enjoyed it; it was a lovely day. I go out fishing sometimes, but I can't catch anything. I was out with lunch to father and Earnie yesterday, and while they were having lunch I began cutting thistles. I told father he would have to pay me. Mother often sends me for the cows, but I can't milk yet. I set the tea while mother milks. We took our auntie for a sledge ride up to the back paddock one night after tea. My little brother said he would cling on to auntie in case she fell off. When we came to a steep hill mother and auntie got off, but I stayed on. Love to Little Miss Muffet, Smiling Polly, Silver Shamrock,, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MAGGIE BELL (Crookston). Dear Dot, —I was veiy pleased to see my first letter in print. It is very hot weather up here just now, and a shower of rain would not do any harm. We are milking six cows, and feeding four calves. We are selling over 20lb of butter a week. My eldest brother was down at the Show last week. Our school was open for a week, and had to close again owing to the influenza. It opens again on Monday, 23rd February. My youngest sister and I. are going to ride to school when it takes up again. We have seven miles to go to school. One- of my aunties is coming up to stay with us for a fortnight or threo weeks. _ Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly. - MILKMAID (Rongahei-e). [Seven miles is a long distance to have to go to .attend school, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I received my badge safely, and was very pleased with it. I was away for a holiday last week, and' I had a good time. I think our school will start on Monday, but we are not sure yet. It will be a pity if it does not start soon, because we might be another year in the same standard. The weather here has been very hot lately, ■ but I don't think it will last very long. Love to Montrose Lassie and all the other D.L.F. —Yours truly, ORKNEY LASSIE. Dear Dot, —I wrote a long time ago, but I had taken' somebody else's N.D.P., so I have changed mine. We have- been living up here six weeks now. I have three cats —Tom, Snowie, and Mickey.' We are starting school to-morrow, and I am in Standard 111. My cousin is writing to the page too. She is going home to-morrow. As it is bed-time I will close. —Yours truly, BANTAM PULLET (Tutapere). Dear Dot, —My cousin is staying here just now, and I am trying to get her to write too. My sister Rose Pink is in the hospital. Since last writing we have shifted to Tnatapere, and I like up here very much. All the schools are starting to-morrow. I w»? at the pictures last night, and they were very good. My mother and father are away to church to-night, so we are all on our own. We have a wee white kitten here, and he is a nice wee thing. Love to Pearl White, Lady Warwick, A Soldier's Nurse, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, A STRAY SUNBEAM (Tuatapere). - Dear Dot, —I am just home from a holiday in. Dunedin. I came out on Thursday morning with the express, and my cousin came with me for her holiday. I was over a fortnight in town, and I like it very well now. I used to hate town, but I enjoyed myself so well this time that I couldn't, help liking' it. Dunedin was favoured with good weather while I wa» there this time; last time I was there it snowed and rained all the time. On Thursday afternoon my cousin and I went to the gardens and poultry farm. Although the gardens are not large, they are very, pretty just now. A "send off" was held in our bam last night, and -.although the night looked stormy, and a strong wind was Mowing, a good crowd turned up. Lady Eleanor and Mud Lark were there. Silver Shoe has seven little rabbits "just m- I, but I suppose they will get away as u«ual. She is not at school, as- it is closed on account of the influenza. I went to the Show while I was in Dunedin, but I didn't enjoy myself at all, as it was! too windy and dusty. I caw two of the accidents in the jumping. It

was the first Summer Show I had. been to in Dunedin, ilrid. I think it will be the last, I lilc- the V.'inier Shows far hatter. As it is getting late'l %vill close with.beat wishes to yourself, Lady Eleanor, Shining Ligi ,

Mud Lark, Ikawai, Erotaka, Silver Shoe, Climbing' Ivy, Laurel Leaf, Peter, Pink Weasel, Berniersyde, and A Bunch of Roses. —Youra truly, GRACE FISHER.

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I have often been going to write to the page, but somehow I have postponed it till now. During the last week I have been staying at A Stray Sunbeam's place, but I am going home to-morrow. I have to go to night Technical on Wednesday, and as I gained my proficiency I have two years free education. I am the eldest of a family of six, and I have only one brother. Well, as this is my first letter to the page,, I will close with love to Rose Pink, A Stray Sunbeam, and Bantam Pullet, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulyj BELGIAN MAID (Inveroargill). [I shall have much pleasure in enrolling you, dear.—DOT:] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my letter in print. I like reading the Witness very much. During the holidays I went up to Gore, and had a good time. We went to Tapanui for a day. French Maiden is away home now. The weather is very hot at prcßent. I have learned to ride a bike now. Nearly all the oats round about here are ready for cutting. The Wyndham Show is on next week. We all have to go back to school to-morrow. I wish we had another week or so. Dove to French Maiden and the other L.F.—Yours truly, ICE'PLANT (Wyndham). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 10 years old -and in Standard IV. Our school opens on Monday. I have two sisters and three brothers. My youngest brother is 10 months old. I have not had the influenza, and I hope Ido not get it. I go to Gore every Saturday. We milk 24 cows and I milk three. We are having fine weather here. I will- close with love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self. —Yours truly, THE MUSIC GIRL. [Certainly you may join us, dear; but you overlooked sending me your proper name. Please add it when next you write, so that I can include it in my roll.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather up here is just perfect—in fact, it is too hot. I have had a very bad cold, but it is better now. I waa down at a picnic yesterday for the school children, and I enjoyed myself very much, but I feel very tired to-day. Since I last wrote the holidays have gone past, and people have started work again. We are very busy just now picking off fruit. It is very tiresome, but it has to be done by someone. Everything is getting burnt up for the want of -rain up here. Fancy the influenza epidemic back again. It quite alarmed some people. There are not many cases up here, and the one 3 there are are of a mild form. It is hard to realise that we are m the new year of 1320, although two mantb.3 have passed. Lot©" to Clyde, A Maid of the Mountains, Australian Girl's Pal, Fisherman Jack, Bcob Mya, Grump, Primrose, White Shamrock, Jessie Frae Islay, The Silver Star, The Yellow Buttercup, Jumping Jenny, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MERRY MIDGETS (Lower Shotover). Dear Dot, —As I have repeatedly read the most delightful letters in the page, I have decided to ask to become a member of your happy band of L.F. I was born in Dunedin, and we were all brought up about there, eo, you see, when we are away we get the Otago Witness to read the news. I am 14 years old now, and I have just left school, but I go to the Technical School on certain evenings. My father has a baker's shop, and I help mother to serve in it. I like being in the shop. My father has two horses; one is grey, the other brown. I learn the violin, and my next sister learns the piano. I have three sisters altogether; the youngest, Launa, is five years. Well, good-bye, dear Dot. — Yours truly, (Ashburton). Dear Dot, —Since writing to you I have received several letters from L.F. writers, and I was very pleased I oan assure you. I now almost require a secretary to answer them for me. However, I guess I shall manage. -We are having glorious summer weather, and the harvest is now in full swing. This is the busy tourist season, and it is surprising the numbers of people who pass through Fairlie on their way to Mount Cook. Have you ever been there, Dot ? I hope to go soon. Is it not terrible .to think that thfcv dreadful influenza has' returned ? But I think that most of the cases are mild, >and that it is abating. Pictures are now shown here every Thursday evening, and they are very well patronised. I must now oonclude with kind regards to Silvery Moonbeam, A Country Chatterbox, Fair Dinkum, and ais my correspondents, and not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, JOCK 0' HAZELDEANE. [Like you, dear, I hope to" be in. a position to make a closer acquaintance with the Southern Alps.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I hope you enjoyed yourself in Carnival Week, and did not contract the "beastly flu." I was to go for my holiday then, Dot, but seeing I had the "flu" I could not do so, so you can. imagine how disappointed I was. I see by the paper that the Prince of Wales arrives- in Dunedin on the ISth, so I have decided to go for my holiday then. We had Lady Turpin and her husband up to our place last Sunday for dinner, and, my word, Dot, ©he is a. sport. I am to go down to her place on the 17th tth'e day of the Ranfurly races), so you can imagine how anxious I am for that day to arrive. We have been having roasting weather here lately, and I hope it remains bo for the rest of this week, as the Early Settlers' picnio is to be held here on Friday. Best love to Australian Girl's Pal, Piccadilly, and Snapshot, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. A-GNES'iS MATE. [lt is always a convenience if, when inviting correspondence with other L.F., the proper name is signed as well as the N.D.P. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Here I am again, always turning up like a bad penny. I suppose you forget there is such a name as mine is existence, as- it is nearly three years since I last wrote. I am in the North Island with my brother (Hard Case Harry). His name was in the D.L.F. Roll of Honour in November. 1918. My mother and I were greatly distressed, as he is my only brother. We never knew or could find out in what reinforcements he went by, and even after the notification of his death the military authorities couldn't trace his enlistment. Anyway, Dot, in January, 1919, the transport Tahiti arrived in Port Chalmers with troops, and among the names was a Henry Barrett, Dunedin. We nearly went frantic with joy, thinking it was he; but it turned otit to be a young man for South Dainedin. All our hopes fell to pieces until one day we received a letter from Hard Case Harry saying he returned on the Tahiti not as a soldier, but as a fireman. He had been in England over 12 months. He went ashore eick just before his boat left for Niew Zealand, and couldn't get another bound for here until July, 191 a, when he joined the Australian Transport Barunga in London, bound for Sydney. They left Plymouth, their final gort, on the 14th July, and were torpedoed

the next day, making it his second turn during three months. They had 950 invalided soldiers, but all were saved with the exception of four, who were drowned. My brother had just returned to Liverpool from Norway, where he had been for three months on an English vessel, when the armistice waa signed. He went to the docks looking for a colonial boat. He met an old shipmate belonging to the Tahiti, and on being told there were some vacancies he joined the ship the same day. I will leave you to imagine his joy on being on board a New Zealand boat again, and getting plenty of food after living on the- lowest rations daily distributed to each man on the Home vessels. He is now in the North Island, and has five children (another surprise for us). He has given up the sea life and settled down again on the land. He was on the Ferry wharf at Wellington to meet my mother and I when we arrived on the Maori. There was a large crowd of passengers aboard, and wo were near the end, and he almost gave up hopes of seeing us,- or thought perhaps he had missed us. We had a very happy New Year this time comparing it with the one before. ■ He has a small farm up here, and is doing well. This is his first start on his own in country life, and everything has turned out well. I only came here for a holiday, but I am very much afraid, Dot, this is home for good, and it will be a long time before I set foot -again in old Dunedin. My mother has gone back, but 1 stayed. Now, dear Dot, I hope you will excuse mistakes, as my brother has a friend here, and the talk is all about ships, so I cannot write. Well, dear Dot, I am afraid I have taken up a great deal of space and time, so I will close with best love to all the D.L.F., including yourself.—Yours truly, HARDCASE HARRY'S SISTER.

[I am almost as pleased as you were that your brother has turned up safe and sound, and is doing well.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is raining hard 1 , and we have to play inside, so I thought I would write a letter to you. I am thankful to say that none of us got the influenza. Love to Moss Rose, Spring Fairy's Mate, and all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self— Yours truly, PEACH BLOSSOM (Pukeuri).

Dear Dot, —The weather up here has been very bad, but to-day it is a little better. Don't you notice the day's getting short, Dot? Before you can look round it is dark. "We had a very enjoyable school picnic. We started out at 8 o'clock in the morning to the train, which took the party _ about 10 miles up the Northern Wairoa line to an island with a gorgeous creek and lovely bush. There were races asd sports and numerous gamea, .and, best of all, a nice swimming pool. I went for a swim, and enjoyed it, because it was so hot. Then my girl friends and I went and sat in the shady bush, and at 4 o'clock the train returned to take us home. The ride home was glorious. •We were going against the wind, so there was a nice breeze. At last we all arrived home tired after a splendid day. I have not long been home from town. I had a glorious holiday, and hope you had the same, Dot. I think this is all the news. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truily, GREEN LIZARD. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F.'? I always read the L.F. letters, and enjoy them very much. lam in the Fourth Form at the High School. I am very fond of school, and will be very glad when it starts -again. I soon get very tired of the holidays. I was at the Hampden Flower Show last Thursday. It was a very good one. There were good exhibits in _ all sections. I have been reading a good' number of books during the holidays. Reading is a favourite hobby of mine. I am very fond of Florence Barclay's books. We have 15 little roosters. They are going to be fattened up and then killed. The fight and try to kill each other. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE BLUSHING MAID. [You are very welcome to join uc, dear.— DOT.] v Dear Dot, —I went to Riverton and Bluff. I was playing shops to-day with Golden Bell and her sister. We have four heno and they lay well. Our school takes up on Monday. I am in Standard II at school. Miss Dundas is my teacher. Our Sunday school starts this Sunday coming. Mr Waugh is my Sunday school teacher. I think this is all I have to say. Love to all L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SILVER TINKLE (Invercargill). Dear Dot, —The weather has been very warm up here lately, and some of the farmers have started to cut the crops. Father has started to cut his 'crop. This letter is being written in bed, because I am not allowed to get up, for I cut the top off my big toe. I was taken to the doctor on Thursday, and he cut some of the bone off. The Mossburn School opens again %i Monday, but I will not be able to go. Love to Ml, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, /SIR WILLIAM (Mossburn). Dear Dot,— -Many times have I thought of asking permission to join your company, but somehow I have never quite brought my pluck up to the right pitch. I live in a small, but rather important, township, Patea, about 20 miles from Wanganui. The main railway passes through here. The .expresses cross here, which probably accounts for gome of its business. Then we have the creek—begging its pardon, the Patea River. Quite small boats come up to the wharf to help carry away some of its manufactures. Yes, Dot, we have manufactures. I believe we have almost the largest freezing works in Taranaki, besides refrigerating works and iron sand works, from which, quite a lot of pig-iron has been obtained. It seems such a pity to spoil the sand; it ia so pretty in the sun, dead black in patches, with a fine covering of brilliant sparkles of all colours—glass in wee, wee specks and bits of coloured stones. Oh, I wish you could see It, it ia so very pretty. The sanda around Dunedin are white, are they not? We have rather a small township, but good roads. The main road forms our main street. Besides the conveniences l , electrio light and-water supply from the Patea Tower. Then there is the harbour works, and, of course, the farming around about. We are about a mile from the beach, the only opening being at ths river mouth. The other parts of the beach are edged by huge cliff4j, which stretch for miles on either side. Then there is the mountain. . Mount Egmont looks as if it were just at the top of the main street, though in reality it is about 40 miles away. It ia a beautiful mountain in shape, but if you could only see it in the early morning or at sunsot sometimes it almost takes away your breath; the beauty of it makes everything seem so small and insignifloant m comparison. Why, I must not break a rule so soon. I did not realise that I had written over 800 words, arid I have so much to tell you. I had my chum staying with me lately. Now she has gone back to New Plymouth, and I miss her very much; but I realise how little my loss is in comparison to one of your Little Folk, Mary Doreen. My mother has just recovered from a serious illness, and it makes you realise slightly how dreadful it would be to be left. I am 17J, but I

would not lik© to have the care of ray two brothers—Pat (five) and Jack (four). Although father could help me. Twelve years is a great difference between brother and sister, is it not? But I have lost two brothers older, and now- am the oldest child, besides the only girl. Well, Dot, I must stop, as I must get tea. in, a _few minutes. Love to all L.F., and especially to you.—i Yours truly, FATE'S DAUGHTER. LYou are welcome to join us, dear. I hope to have more interesting letters from you.—« DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have the mill with us, and are kept very busy. I cannot say that I am fond 61 milking. The last time I tried) the cow Tricked that much that it nearly lay down, so I had to give milking up as & hopeless case. About three weeks ago I had to take some draught horses to the smithy, and it was real good sport. When I landed there I went into the store and bought a* book named "A, Child of the Jago." My uncle has returned from the North Island, and, oh, dear me! Dot, we hardly knew him, as he had grown so fat. Our ploughmen used to write to the page when he was a boy; his N.D.P. was Cowboy Bill. Best love to Iralene, Joker, Violetta, Iriq, HopScotch, Bush Robin, and especially Maid of the Mountains, Mae Marsh, Adventurous 1 Girl, and Telephonist, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MARIONETTA (lucbolme). Dear Dot, —It wa3 very hot here to-day. The Maheno School was open for a week, but it was closed again on" account of the influenza. There have been no . capes around here yet, and I hope we escape it. Our crop is cut and stooked, and the mill is coming l to thrash it to-morrow. One of our heifers had a calf last night, and we had a great time persuading her to go into the bail. There was a flying exhibition in Oamaru today, but we did not go, as we were too busy. We went to Kakanui Beach the other day, and I went in and had a bathe. The Maheno Flower Show is on Thursday; but w© will have the mill then, so we will not be going. Our early pears are ripe now, and the blackbirds and thrushes are eating them. My brother set a trap for them, and he caught a few. Wbile we were harvesting he caught a young hawk, • and it is tied under the tree to frighten the birds; but it only sits still, and they are not afraid of it. If you give it a- dead bird it plucks all the feathers off before it begins to eat it. We gave it a live one once, and it started to pluck it before killing it. Love to Iralene, Marionetta, Violetta, Iris, Tomboy, and yourself.—Yours truly, JOKER. Dear Dot, —Our school has been closed for about a fortnight on account of the influenza. I am in Standard V now, and find the work very hard. We have been having very hot weather, and all the grass and oats are getting dried up. A Maid of the Mountain was in Otara a while ago, but I waa not speaking to her very long. I went up to Sprig o' the Heather's place, and enjoyed myself very much. I have been at a good few picnics lately. I also was at Fortrose regatta and sports, and enjoyed myself very much. We had our school picnic a while ago, and it was a fine day for a wonder. Wo had a dance at night, and my cousin, Cream Rose,- and I did the Highland fling. We are milking 50 cows, and it takes us about an hour and a-quarter to milk them, as we have a milking machine. One night the machine would not work, and mum/ milked 24 cows by hand. She was very tired of it when she finished, about 9 o'clock'. Love to Cream Rose, Rose of Sharon, Inquisitive Poll, A Basket of Roses, Water Lily, Tom Toddy, and especially Rose of Lucerne and A Maid of the Mountain.— Yours truly, LITTLE QUEEN MAB (Atara). Dear Dot, —Since last writing to the page I have left home, «and am working in Gore. I start work at half-past 8, go to dinner at half-past 12 to half-past 1, and cease work at half-past 5, so, you see, I am a busy person. Blunderbus is working in the same room as I, and I like her very much. "I have met several D.L.F. in Gore, but forget their names. One of my mates and I went up to the Waikaka sports, and mother and father did get a surprise when we walked in for dinner, aa I had told them that I wasn't going. After dinner my mate and I set off for the Recreation Grounds, where the sports were held. We were surprised to see such a crowd. It was a lovely day, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. We made up our minds to stay for the dances'; but we went down to the railway station in a car to see some of our friends off. Afterwards my uncle said he would take us up the town in his car for the mail, so you may be sure we didn't object, but jumped in, and were soon gliding off. On arriving at the Post Office we found that we had missed the mail. Great was our delight, -however, when uncle said he" would take ua for a motor ride, so six of us jumped in and we set off. It wa# simply glorious, Dot. We arrived home at 20 minutes past 7, had tea, and my generous uncle took us back in time, for the dance. There was quite a number of people at the dance. At half-past 1 father told us to get our coats and coma home. We reluctantly obeyed, and limped home tired and weary. Next .morning, after breakfast, we set off to catch, the tram, and arrived in Gore, and started work at halfpast 9, and we were not sorry when halfpast 5 struck. We went to the Twelfth Regimental Band picnic last Wednesday, and had a lovely time. The music sounded lovely in the bush. We are looking 1 forward to the Gore excursion now, and I think it. will be soon. I have had the pleasure of having had my top teeth out, Dot, and my uncles and cousins tease the life out of me. I am in a hurry to get my false set in, ■as I have had mine out six weeks now. Love to Blue Eyes, Destiny, Benee, Love Lies Bleeding, Norham, A Little Soldier, Revlis,'. Harvest Maid, Gladiola, Fairy Nell, Blunderbus, Dorothy Day Dreams, Alveraion, Grace Fisher, and especially Pearl Blossom and yourself.—Yours truly, - PRINCESiS MARJORIE (Gore). [I have had to curtail your letter, dear, as you considerably exceeded the limit.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have taken great interest in the L.F. page for a long time, so I thought I should like to join your merry band. We are having very hot weather in this part, and cculd do with isn, as the crops are getting quite parched for want of it. The holidays are over now* till Easter comes, and schoo] will soon be an every-day buaine«so. I was up at the Waikaka sports, held there on llthi February. A special train left Gore at a-quarter to 12, and arrived at Waikaka. at 1 o'clock. ... I thought the* dancing the bee* item of the programme. It .was very pretty to see some of the very small girls dancing and going through without a mistake. _ J have not been doing a great deal of reading lately, but hope to get <jome interesting books for the winter evenings.' The last book I read was "The Harvester," by Genrt Straten Porter. It was rather an Interesting book, but I should imagine the Harvester to be ci man in a million. I am, going to try and keep my identity unknown, just aS Mysterious Boy and those other mysterious folk are doing. I think it 4uite a novel

idea. Kind regards to all the Little Folk.— Yours- truly, CORINNA. LYou are welcome to tlie page, dear. — DOT.] Dear 'Dot, —I have been out I'or a few bicycle rides with ray cousin, who is stopping here at present. She rides my bike, and I ride my brother's bike. Wo have mado whits currant jam, red currant ipJly, black currant jam, and raspberry jam, also some strawberry jam, and it was hot stirring it. I have read a number of books lately. Lovo to Pearl White, Mountain Gentian, Princess Marv, and Lady Warwick. —Yours truly, MOUNTAIN violet. [Your letter appears to> be .a month old, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very beautiful weather here lately. I sent you a Christmas card, and hope you received it. I had ia letter from A Fisherman's Daughter lately. She writes a very nice letter. We have a, great many flowers" out just now, which makes the garden look gay. I have had a happy Christmas this year. We are going to Coal Point on New Year's Day, and hope to enjoy myself.—Yours truly, SLOW COACH (Kaitangata). Dear is so hot to-day that we are all nearly roasted. I just came back from Dunedin yesterday after a. week's holiday, and do not feel like starting work again. I- went to the pictures a good few times, and to Fuller's once. The Wyndham Flower iShow is to be held to-morrow and Thursday. I read a. nice book lately, by Annie Swan, "The Mystery of Barry Ingram." I wish it would rain soon, as everything is getting scorched up. I'll close now with best love to all the L..F. and yourself.— Yours trulv, CHICKEN (Menzie's Ferry). Dear Dot, —Last Sunday Dreamy E3 _ es and myseilf, _ accompanied by a few others, went for a ride in a motor car to Mosgiel. It was a lovely day, and .after travelling for three hour* we reached our destination hungry and tired out. We then wandered about tlie town, and l as soon as half-past 5 came round we went to a hotel and had dinner, after which we started on our homeward journey, arriving home at aquarter past 9. This Saturday the miners are celebrating their thirty-sixth annual picnic at Mount Stuart, and I hope it will turn out a success. At present we are having splendid weather; but there is one thing that makes one disheartened, and that is shortage of water. Love to all the D.L.F., especially Erin's Girl, Gasbag, Kiwi, Princess Mary, and My Mate, including your own dear self. —Yours -truily, MERRY MISCHIEF (Kaitangata).

Dear Dot, —I live 80 miles from Dunedin. Our home is situated in a ramsill gully between two mountains—or, strictly speaking, hills, as they axe not the height of mountains. During the influenza period my mother and we children have gone for many walks up these hills, as mother so-'d fresh air and proper food;—not cakes and lollies—are the only .preventive© she knows* of against this disease. I am sorry this is blotted, but our cat pushed my arm; but he is such a favourite that I do not whip him, for he is like the proverbial baby, king of the ca.-jtle. We are very fond of him, a® he is a fine big fellow. At Christinas I was away for my holidays. Part of the time I was at my aunt's. This I enjoyed very much. Aunty has fouT .pet lambs and two oalves, and I spent my time playing with them. . The latter half I spent in Dunedin, but I did not like this so much. This was the first time we. have been down since grandma died, and everyting seemed so different. with her gone.—Yours truly,

MEAH. Dear Dot, —I have spent three very happy weeks in your old Dunedin; and although I'm sure it is unbelievable, we only had one wet day and two dull ones. It is quite a record for Dunedin. I could have cried when I (left, because, you know, Dot, there are some awfully nice people down there. Isn't the- "flu" terrible? Everybody.'s out tonight, and it is such a glorious night. I'm all on py lonesome, and I wish I had somebody nice to talk to. The dances are gradually coming on again, although it is still rather hot for dancing. I have a brother and a sister older than L> so I did not find much trouble in the dance line, as they both can daiice fairly well. What do you think, Dot? I'm coming down to school next year, although I have my pro. now. Won't that be stunner. Love to The Girl Beyond the Trail, Carolina, Pocohantas, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LADY HERMIONE. Dear Dot, —I am becoming very tired of waiting for the school to open. There has only been two or three hours' rain here for a long time, so that most of the people are carting water. There is an easterly wind blowing here to-day. We had a dear wee Puppy, and it was a little mischief-maker. It tore our couch and a pair of stockings, so when we were going away we did away with it. - There is a big fruit sale here to-day, and mother and I are going down to get some fruit. I was l thinking about going to Dunedin to get my eyes attended to, but I think it is wise, to wait till the influenza is a little batter. My oldest brother is away at Owaka just now, so I hope he does not bring back the "flu." Best love to yourself and the L.F. girls.—Yours truly, CURLY CHOP. [Please only write on one side of the paper, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,, —We are having lovely weather just now, and it is no uncommon .'sight seeing people carrying water from the nearest source, as the tanks are empty. I think our school is opening on the Ist March, as we have had a month extra. I have not seen any L.F. in. Balclutha- yet. I saw Sleeping Beauty last Friday,, but I did not like to speak to her. Best love- to' Silver Shamrock and other L.F., not forgetting your own 'dear self.—Yours truly, MIGNONETTE. Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather. Most of the people, especially farmers, are crying out for rain. It is not very nice when one has to cart water. Tuatapere is very quiet just now. I wish something would happen to liven things up a bit. Tie people of the Methodist Church here held a jumble sale some time ago, and made £'63. I think that was good for a small place like • this. The schools have started again, and I think it is quite safe to open them. Mum is glad they have started, as my brother is always a worry to hex. The Waiau River is very low just now, and I think it will get a good bit lower, a? it does not look as though it is going to rain. Love to yourself and my correspondents.—Yours truly, A COUNTRY CHATTERBOX. Dear Dot, —We are back to school again to learn more lessons. The plums are about ripe—ripe enough to make jam. The apples will be a long time before thoy will be ripe. We had to pull most of ours because the birds were eating them. The roses are past their best now, and the garden looks lonely without the roses. The leaves of the willows are beginning to fall now. Everything is scorched with the heat. All the farmers around here are crying out for rain. The grass harvest will soon be over. We are getting the mill in some of these days

to thrash the grass. The oats are beginning to ripen, ours will be ready to cut in a little while. It is nice to see the men cutting the oats, and how nice a, paddock looks when it ia all in stook. We often make whistles with the straw, and they turn out fine. When the -oats .axe being carted in to stack we always look forward to having rides in the dray. We have about 48 ducks altogether. They are >a trouble' when they get too tame. They are apt to get squashed or tramped on when we run after thorn. Love to Yiolet and Buster Manager. Violet, I think you have forgotten me. Best love to yourself. — Yours truly, DOLLY'S DRESSMAKER.

[The N.D.P. you suggest adopting in making a change is already appropriated, so you must try again.—DOT.]. Dear Dot, —Last week we had very rough weather, with hail on Thursday, but thi3 week the weather is beautiful. Tlie crops up this way are. just beginning to ripen, and so it will not be long until we have the busy harvest with us once; again. Our school will be . reo'peniiig in about a fortnight's time, and I will be very glad when it does open. If I passed at the examination I will be in Standard VI. Love to Ginger, Chaps, Father's Baby, and A Maid of the Mountains, not forgetting- your own dear self.—Yours truly, HEATHER LILY'S MATE (Tenruka). AUTOS. Digger's Cobber (Miss K. Martin,_ Wigrtn street, Gore) wishes to correspond with Australian Girl, Telephonist, and any L.F. about 17 willing. Clyde (Miss Molly Bowie, Wairoa., H. 8.) deeires to inform all L.F. writing to her that her address is Box 39, Wairoa. * Renec (Renee Bridges, Maitland street, South Invercargil'l) woujd like to correspond with Better Late Than Never and any other L.F. 17 or 18 years of age willing. Musical Miaid (Dorothy Spinka, P.O. Box 108, Napier) wishes to correspond with Silver Shoe and Mae Marsh, and also wishes to know Clyde's address, as she has lost it. Australian Girl (Nellie Osborn, Ecx 417, Dunedin) would like to corves nond with Digger, Allan-a-d.ale, Little Flirt* The Mysterious Boy, and any Gore D.L.F. about 17 years of age willing. Also she would like Fluffy Top and Sunshine Girl-to wri'uo again, as she has mislaid their addresses. Merry Mischief (Bella Gadsby, Berry street, Kaitangata) wishes to correspond with any Clyde D.L.F. (14 or over) willing. Mignonst.te (Gladys Stewart, street, Bnlclutha) would like to correspond with Blue Eyes. Princess Ma-rjorie (Miss Mary M'Kiy, care of Mr G. M'Kay, Duke street, Gore) -would like her correepondents to note her change of address as above. Mountain Violet (Barbara Mary Dagg, Wharekuanui, via Queenstown) would like tD correspond with Lonely Vera, L<c-ii&r<ome Love Maid, Queen of Thorns, Annan las, Road Hog, Merry Mischief, and Better Late-Than Never. Little Queen Mai (Gwen Blair, Otara) wished to> correspond with Mud Lark, The Dream Girl, Roid, Tomboy, and any D.L.F. willing. Lady Hermione.—You did not forward your own name and address with your request. Whether the fault is mine in omitting to enter up your address, or yours in not sending the name and address with your first letter, I cannot say, but the fact remains that, after running through the 231 names under the letter L, your address was found. Merry Midgets (Beatrice Jartsen, Lower Shotover, via, Queenstown) wishes to corretspond with Telephonist, A Girl from the West, and with any -L.F. willieg.