LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3443, 9 March 1920, Page 63

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Uotto:—We write for the benefit of Others, nos for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 360 words. Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote you I have been having some good times. My brother arr.ived home about three weeks ago; he has been away nearly four years. Last week-end we went to Riverton Beach and hod a picnic. We went right over the hill to the back beach, and had such a lovely time. ' My sister-in-law, my brother, and I went to have a paddle as soon as we got there, and we left our shoes on a rock not far from tho water's edge. For a few minutes all went well, the water was only coming up to our ankles, then all at once an extra big wave came up to our waists, while the ft spray came up over our faces. I think we would have been' drowned if it had not been for my brother, for there is euch a strong backwash. As it was my sister-in-law lost one of her shoes and we all got soaking wet. We had to go round the corner and undress, and put on our coats till our clothes were dry. We left Riverton about 10.30 a.m., and arrived back about 1.30 p.m., and we then had tea, and started for the 18-mile drive home. We have started harvesting, but •.he crops are very miserable Best of good wishes to D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, STORM KING. [I am glad you all got off just with a wotting, Storm King, and fared no worse.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —My brother is going to Waiv/era this afternoon, and I am going to Mtfl Grant's to-morrow. My uncle Is staying here, and is working at the harvest just now. The children had to take the lunches out when, they wera cutting oats. Our school has not taken up yet. There are sports on Saturday, but-1 don't know if we are going or not. We are having warm days. I would like to be at the seaside. I was a fortnight at the Taieri Beach last year, «ind five weeks the year before. We get our lunches made up, and take them down to our playhouse. Love to yourself and all D.L.F.—Yours truly, CHRISTMAS. [You will no'doubt enjoy yourselves dining at the playhouse. It makes a picnic of things.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Just now Tangles's Wonnie is visiting here. The pin on my badge haa broken, (but I put a pin in. Sometimes I lose the pin, and have to put a new on© in. Tangles's Wonnie told m© that she Jh id 100 correspondents to write to. Just at this minute Tangles's Wonnie and Angel Jim are sitting listening to our gramophone. These last few days it has been very hot. Best wishes to Billo, Tangles's Wonnie, and all other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, NOBODY KNOWS NOBODY CAEES (Alexandra). Dear Dot, —We started school on Monday. The weather down here is very hot and windy, but I like it -very much, as we do not have to wear any thick clothes. On Thursday we went up to the school gardens to do a bit of digging and weeding. The weeding was the worst part of it, as we had to pull out every bit of weed. X Bar B is going to the High School now, and I suppose she has forgotten to write any letters, as she is patiently doing lessons for Friday. My brother works up at Farmer Boy's place, and comes home on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mother is avjay, and Blunderbuss is keeping house. Love to all the L.F., and not forged ting yourself.—Yours truly, JACK TAR, Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather, but we could do with a shower of rain at present, as a number of people are out of water. School has started again, after being closed on account of that dreadful disease "flu," but I am pleased to sav it- has not made its appearance : &. this * district yet. There is a cricket match to be played at ,the Island to-night, and I am looking forward to the Island winning. As this is my first letter to you I will conclude. Love to all the Island L.F., and most especially Maid of the Mountains and A Mysterious Boy's Cobber.—Yours truly, A MYSTERIOUS BOY'S COBBER'S SWEETHEART (Mataura Island). [You are welcome to join us, dear. Your pen-name is somewhat cumbersome.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been for our trip to Invercargill, and I must say we enjoyed ourselves very much Mother ordered a buggy up to take us to Queenstown, but before getting into it we have to ride or walk nine miles. It was a very hot day, but we enjoyed the drive to Queenstown very much. The best part of it was going down the saddle. We drove right round to the place where we were staying for the night. After breakfast we caught the boat for Kingston, and then the train to Lumsden, where we had to change trains. We were very pleased to get out of the train, because it made us all feel very sick. We motored to our auntie's, where we were staying, and, oh! we thought it was lovely. Then we had tea, and went to bed, and didn't wc sleep soundly that night! We went shopping for two or three days. On Saturdav we went to see the pictures, and they were very interesting. In there it seemed as if it was night time, Dot. Sunday morning we went to church. Afterwards we went to a friend's place for lunch. We_ only stayed a week in Invercargill, and while we were there we went up a lift. By the time we got up it made us feel giddy. I like going down better than going up. Next day wo went to get our photos taken early in the morning, before we came home. My little sister Gwennie had tho influenza, and she was lying down all the time in the train and boat until we got to Queenstown, then she went to bed. I stayed at my auntie's, and mother and my ' two sisters

stayed at a friend's place. With heaps of love and best wishes for happy v.mes.—Yours trul, RANGHILDA. [You had quite a number of novel sensations during your trip, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are getting some we+ weather now: it is raining to-day. An aeroplane flew into Oamaru on Tuesday, but I did not go in to see it. The farmers up this way are all busy with their harvest. Most of the fruit is getting ripe now. The schools are going to open on Monday, as they were all closed owing to the influenza. I have been away from school over eight months now. I have learned to milk since I left school: Best love to all the D-L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WALNUT (Awamoa).

Dear Dot,—May. I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 12 years old, and in Standard IV at school. I have a sister who writes to the page, her N.D.P. is Bonny Loch Lomond. Love to Silver Moon, Bell Bird, and Craigie Var, not forgetting your own dear self Mid all the other D.L.F.—Yours truly, KIRKINTILLOCH (Ngapara). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have had very hot weather lately, except the last two or three days, when we have had rain and wind. It is terrible the influenza breaking out again; but it is not.quite so bad, thank goodness. We have escaped it so far, and hope we always do, as it is an awful thing to have. Our cow had twin calves the other day, and they are quite big compared with her last one. Last week a thrashing mill was burnt down, and scome stacks which were near it. It was a great loss for the owners of it. Treacle Pot is working at Tarras, at a boarding-house, and she was home to-day. Love to Treacle Pot, Granny, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, POMPEY A. [I am sure you must be interested in the twin calves, Pompey.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather lately. Our cow had twins the other day, and their names are Billy and Barney. Our school is closed now, and I think it will not open for a while, as there is a lot of influenza about, but I have not had it yet. My little sister is asleep, and my brother is making enough noise for half a dozen of his size. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, GRANNY. [I trust you remain free of the complaint, dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The rain is something dreadful where there are little ones. We have not had rain up here for a long time. Our cow gives a bucket of milk in the morning and half a bucket at night. We have two pigs, two horses, and one cow. Our auntie is staying up here just now. She was going away to-night, but it is raining, and she could . not get away. Our little baby girl can crawl along fine now; she can pull herself up by anything. Love to Wee Muff and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, CANARY (Lowburn).

[I suppose the-children become fractious when they cannot get outside, Canary.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —¥c have had a lovely lot of holidays. I'm sorry they are all over now, but we are having more holidays owing to the influenza, scare, end I don't know when, it will take up again, as we have influenza oases .all around us. They Bay it is mild, but I hope we don't catch any of it. We did not go to town for Carnival Week, as I don't like a crush. My mate and I were in town over a fortnight ago, and had a good time looking around us. We went to the Early Settlers' Hall and saw a lot of unique things there, and a lot of photos and paintings. A gentleman showed us a flail that thrashed the first sheaf of grain in the Taieri. What a difference now, with our thrasniyg mills, etc., after 60 years! Then we got along town as far as the Museum, asd saw such a lot of rare animals, birds, flying fish, etc, and euoh a big collection of interesting things. We did enjoy ourselves. We saw lots of country children in at the same time, but no D.L.P. that I knew. We are having very hot, dry weather, and everyone is busy harvesting now. Love to Wee P.rown Puppy, Tom Thumb, Egmont Laddie, and 'Machine Gun, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SANDY M'DUGAL (Maungatua). "

[You are very -welcome to come, Sandy, and no doubt will see much to interest you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am eight years old, and am in the Second Standard at school. I have a little black kitten called Nigger, and a white rabbit. .Axe there, any L.F. about here, Dot? I have not seen anyone with a badge yet. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours trulv, SLIPPERY SAM (Kakanui).

[I think, if I remember correctly, there are some L.F. in your district, Sam.—DOT.] .Dear Dot, —I have been out working for six _ weeks this- summer, but I am home again, and am gjlad to, as I used to have to get up early in the morning, and that is something unusual for me. Since I last wrote I have left school. Well, Dot, I don't know what sort of a letter this will be, as my sister - and brothers are real tormentors. They are shaking me and telling me all sorts of things. You would have laughed to see my little brother. There was the crust end of a loaf of bread on the table; he got hold of it and took the. centre out of it and put it around his neck for a collar, and then he told me to "shut up." He is only three years old, and such a little hard case. We all think the world-of him, and he does love mother. If one asks him anything he will say, "I am mummy's good little boy." The heat here is enough to roast anyone; but we had a lovely little drop of rain to-day. Everything was drying up something terribly for the want of rain. Since I came home I have taken great interest in fancy work, and now I have started crocheting. I was doing a few days' work lately for one of our neighbours^—she has been ill, but is recovering a little now, —and she showed me how to do a nice little camisole edging. I do e lot of reading. £>oys a*e awful creatures and I will be glad when the school opens again, as they are so mischievous. The school only opened about a week, when the teacher got word to close it on account of the "flu." We have been very lucky: we escaped it last year, and this time again so far. Last year mother's brother lost his wife with it, and left seven little children. We had two little boys, but only one is staying with us just now, and the other one is helping his. father. Auntie Ada has got the other five little ones. We havo three cows and four calves, but are only milking one cow just at present, and she is just about dry, so we have to buy our butter. We have to buy such a lot for our crowd; we will be glad when our other cows come in. Mother and father both have a horse, and I have a bicycle. I like riding it all right. We can nearly all ride a horse now. We have two pigs, 20 sheep, and about 70 fowls. Sugar is scarce this season, and we won't be able to make nearly enough jam

this time. We generally have to make about a bottle for every day in the year, as there is such a crowd of ns. The harvesters up here have nearly all their harvesting done now, and the mill has been at some of the places. The other day, when it was working, a spark flew out of the chimney and set I 't on fire, and the mill and nearly all of Mr Smith's grain was burnt. Very best love to Queen of Messines, Britisb Boy, British Girl, Treacle Pot, Bush' Pigeon, Little Snowdrift, Oomintime, Sweet Sutton, Pompey A, Pink Viola, Grannie, and your own dear •■•elf.— Yours truly, TINY SNOWDROP. [One finds such a few good writers among the yong people I cannot refrain from commenting on your neat handwriting, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have eight little chickens and four nearly hens and roosters. To-day was Technical, and I went for the first time, and I think it is just lovely. We made shortbread and scone 3. My shortbread was just lovely, but the scones were too nard on top, and they hadn't enough salt. We are in autumn now, and the leaves snd flowers are dying' away. All tire fruit is beginning to ripen—in fact, most of the fruit bias ripened. We are having • wet weather at present. We have an oilworks here, and they have been boring for five years, but haven't struck oil yet. All - the boys are returning, and they nuake hearts happy. Our school has been closed on account of the influenza. I was 11 a few weeks ago, and I got a good few presents. They were a ball,, handkerchief, silk handkerchief, skipping rope, card, and a clip, saucer, and small plate from one little girl. Love to your own dear self, A Poor Little Rich Girl, The Secret of the Sea, and all the rest of the Little Folk.—Yours truly, DAD'S DAISY. [Not until November, dear.-^DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have three sisters D.L.F. Their N.D.P.'s are Red Wing, Poetess, and the Adventurous Girl. I was up at A Maid of the Mountain's place for a fortnight's holiday, and enjoyed myself very much. Some of my sisters and I drove down to tbe Wyndham Flower Show. I ,will be 15 in April. Love to yourself, Maid of the Mountains, and Honeysuckle.— Yours truly, KURAWA GIRL (Glenixam). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is very cold to-day, and has been raining for about three days now. It is not at all favourable weather for aeroplane flights, but Captain Dickson had a good day for his visit to Tamaru. We had a good view of the aeroplane coming to Oamaru, as it flew almost ever our house. I couldn't go to see the performance, *vs I still have my ankle in plaster-of-parie, but I saw all the flights and "stunts" from a window here, so I didn't miss very much. 1 would have enjoyed a flight. My mother find Black Pearl went to see it, ejid Black Pearl was going to take photos, but ehe didn't do it. I went to Kakanui Jast Sunday, and as it was a lovely day we enjoyed our drive, and arrived home at 7.30. The aeroplane went from Oamaru to Mosgiel in 68 minutes yesterday. The schools here reopen next Monday, and I daresay many of the children will not be pleased. I uhink I will feel like a stranger in a strange land when I get back to school, because' a batch of new teachers has arrived, I hear. The influenza has nearly gone now, but we had. a lot of cases here. They were nearly all freezing works employees, and there was a temporary hospital for most of them, with a trained nurse< in charge. There were only a few sever-a oases, but there was one death. We 'have had good weather until this week, although it rained on the first day of the Oamaru races. The harvesters have been very busy lately, and there are some good crops about here. We were greatly disappointed when the school picnic to Caroline Bay was indefinitely postponed on account of the influenza. When a harmless affair like that was postponed I was surprised when Carnival Week was held in Dunedin. I shall have to stop soon, as I am almost frozen stiff. The only advantage I see in this weather is ths> comparative absence of flies. We are almost tormented to death in hot weather. Some flies must think they are .canaries, and try to sing .accordingly. Do you know how nice it is, Dot. to _ lie on a sofa and listen to half a dozen horrid, big, brown bowflies tearing at full speed round and round the room? If you don't, then come to Pukeuri for a holiday in the summer time. There's a plague of earwigs here too. The nasty, ugly things crawl about and appear in the most inconceivable places. To sit down on the grass here means that you feel earwigs crawling all. over you in five minutes' time. I. was expecting a visitor to-day, but I expect this rain will put a stop to thai I have no more news at present, bo I will bring this to a well-deserved end. Love to Heather Lily, Princess Beatrice., Mountain Bell, The Adventurous Girl, and yourself.—Yours truly ORANGE LILY.

[Your ankle is taking a long time getting better, Orange Lily, lou must be very tired of being an invalid.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —School is opened again, and we are back to porridge and old clothes. I was away for a week's holiday, and enjoyed myself immensely. We have one of the best crops in the district. We have had a very, very dry season, and the tanks are empty, and we have bad to carry water. I am in Standard II this year, and I am nearly always top of my class. I got the prize for keeping top the longest last year, and also one for highest marks, and I am going to try and get it next year.—Yours truly, THE SILVER STAR.

[I hope you are- as successful this year in maintaining' your high position as you were last.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Only the other day Mother M'Cree and I were talking about the page, and saying that we would have to reform and write again. I wonder if she has kept her word, or am I to set the example? I have not seen or heard from' Vanessa, sines a week before the school closed. "We are having very dry weather, and most of the grass is withered. Most of the people around here are carrying water. In fact, I heard one lady say to-day that they had' been carrying water for six weeks, so you can imagine the state that thing* are in. The crops, if not ripe, axe fast ripening, but, according to the fanners' views, the crops this year are very poor—in fact, they say that thesa are the poorest crops they have had for about 10 years. I have been to most of tho picnics around here. Greenfield is very well, named, and is a very pretty place to hold a picnic. Clj'devale, on the banks of the Molyneux. River, is also a very pretty ypak, and I enjoyed the day at both places very much. A few weeks later I went to a bush picnic, held at the Black Cleugh, Rongahere. No doubt some of the comrades will wonder what the meaning of the "Black Cleugh" is. Well, this is a name given to a fairly rapid stream which flows down the side of the Blue Mountains, and as far as I can understand there is a place in Scotland called after the Duke of Buocleugh. Have you ever seen the New Zealand ribbonwood, Dot ? It is indeed • a very pretty

flower—not unlike a cherry blossom, with leavos like that of the violet. This, tinged with rata and mistletoe, made a very pretty picture. I have read several books lately, some of which are "Into Temptation," "Will Staunton, Junior," "Trevelyn Hold," and "Allan's Wife." I would advise all who are fond of reading to read "Trevlyn Hold," and I think it a very interesting book. I wonder if any of the comrades collect postcards. We had a gentleman here last week, and really one could spend an enjoyable evening with him, as he has a collection of post-cards —cards from nearly all over the world. Another hobby is seed-colleoting. I do not suppose many of the comrades collect seeds. I know a Lawrence girl who has a great variety of seeds, and who knows the names of them all. I should think it would be a very interesting pastime. Love and best wishes to A Girl fioin the West, Ahua, Broadleaf, Hear'.cease, Bonnie Gallowa, E. M. A. C, Va.riEflsa, Starling, Doris May, and Hope.—Yours truly, FRANCES. [I should think seed-collecting would be very interesting, Frances. Don t fade into silence for another long period after this burst of energy.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you we had an accident. Coming heme from sohool one night the old pony which we used to drive dropped dead with us, but none of us got hurt. My mother is in bed now with influenza. Last time it was about my father was in bed for a long time with it. The Show here was on the sth, and my father took down five horses, and he got eight first prizes, one second, and the champion ribbon. The farmers around here are all busy cutting tbe crops. Some of them aren't very good, as there wasn't enough rain, but yesterday we had a good drop. I went up for my violin music examination in December, ,and I passed. I got 73 marks. My sister is learning the mandoline now, pnd she is always practising. We have a new sohool teacher now. We have had a good few teachers since I last wrote, but they were all relieving teaohers. I failed at school this year, eo I am still in Standard V. Love to Lady of the Lake, Dyola, Miss Morell, Lilac, Piccadilly, and all the otber L.F.-, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MISS JASAMINE. [I am pleased to know you passed yourmusio examination, Miss Jasamine, and hope you will be successful at school this year.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I fell off a tree, and I bled my nose and cut but I am better now. I have a black cat, and its name is Tom. It is a wet day to-day. I am seven years old, and am in Class LV. This is the first time I have written to your page^. —Yours truly, SNOWBALL. [I am very sorry to learn of your mishap, dear.—DOT.] Deai Dot, —My age is 16, f and for a long time now I have been reading the letters on your page, and would be glad to join your happy band if there ie room. We have been having some hot weather here lately, but tbat is gone for a while now, I think; the sky looks dull, and I think we will get some more rain before long. Love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, * RASTUS. [Please send in your name and address with your next letter, Rastus. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old, and in the Fourth Standard. There are about 50 children going to my school. I have two sisters and one brother, my two sisters l are going to Echool. We are milking 30 cows, and we have the machises. We have a wee pony, and we ride it to school. We have a saddle for it. I ride it to Wyndham to post the letters and get the Witnes3. Love to Ice Plant, French Maiden, and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, COOK (Wyndham). [I am pleased to include you among our many writers, Cook.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our brother Jack is with ns now; he came in the mail car The baby is nearly crawling now. New Potato lost his horse, up tha creek. My father is rabbiting now, but he is not in for tea yet. I hear sugar is rery scarce. We have a new school teacher here, and she is very nice. Our other school teacher went away, and she gave us all a prize. My auntie is away now. All the schools are closed excepting Cardrona School. There are 16 going to our school. I have two playmates. It does not get dark for a long time. My sister vj going to write to the page next year. We have not many hens laying now, but we have only 12 hens. My birthday is on Sunday, and I am going to ask some friends up. Mr Scurr has a good rrop of oats. The ground is very bard up here. We have cricket, and I like it very much. I have a pet kitten, and it is black. I call it Toby.— Yours truly, WHITE-ROSE COTTAGE (Cardrona). [I hop© you had a very happy birthday, dear, and I am sure you and your friends would have an enjoyable time.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I bave been away black-berry-ing to-day. We are starting to dig our potatoes. We have eight little pupa. We cows are going off their milk lately. We con easily tell that winter is coming on, as we can see the leaves coming off the trees, and the weather has been very cold and wet here lately. Last Sunday my brothers and sisters and I walked up to the North Peak. I take a great interest in reading the letters in your page. We start school to-morrow. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own self.—Yours truly, A BROKEN FLOWER POT (Hampden). Dear Dot, —After a spell of about four weeks I have to start work arain. I am going to learn the carpentering trade. There was an Early Settlers' picnic here last Friday, at which I had the luck to meet The Duke of Kyebum. The weather has been very wet and cold up here lately; but it is a good job, because it will help to keep down the influenza.. There are a few cases of influenza up here,, but it is a very mild type. Love to Marie, A Mountain Belle, Shepherd Boy, not forgettmg yourself.— Yours truly, DUKE OF NASEBY. Dear Dot, —The weather here has been very windy for the last day or two, and I really thought it was going to rain yesterday morning. School starts to-morrow, and in a way I. won't be sorry, because I am getting sick of holidays. Mary of the Glen was in Milton yesterday, and we had a good time together. I persuaded her to go to the station to see the train come in from Mount Stuart with the Kaitangata picnic party on it, because I expected to see a correspondent of mine (Blue Eyes) o.; it. I did not, however, see her, but Mary of the Glen and I had tbe pleasure of making tbe acquaintance of five Kaitanga-ta L.F.—namely, Merry Mischief, Dreamy Eyes, Detective, Boolan, and Doolan's. Mate. I waited until Mary of the Glen's train went away, then went to the pictures. I have read one or two nice books lately— "Tbe Ldttl'et Lover," by Ruby M. Ayes, "Paddy the Next Best Thing," "The Great Splendour," and "Tbe Edge o' Beyond," by Gertrude Page: and two lovely school yarns—"A Fourth Form Friendship"

and "For fc/i-r Sake of the School," both, I think, by -diigela Brazil A packed hjoueo here greeted the screening of "Daddy Long 1 Ix-es" Last week. I saw it, and liked it very

muck. It was awfully funny where the girl and boy and the dog got drunk with cider. I have not read the book, but I have read "Dear Enemy/' the sequel to it. I will close now with best love to A Maid of the Mountains, Marie, Saddler, Tommy, A Girl Scout, Freckles, Bemersyde, The Girl Beyond the Trail, Knob Mya, Black Beauty, Blaok Beauty's Mate, Blue Eyes, Etrioa, Dolly's Dressmaker, Machine Gun, Tea Cosy, Railway Joe, Merry Mischief, Dreamy Eyes, Warstep, Warpl'an©,- Old Bill, A Girl from the Week, Montrose Lassie, Detective, Doolan, Dooian'e Mate, and most especially to Some Kid and Mary of the Glen, aiiid, of course, your dear eelf.—Yours tiuly, BUSTER MANAGER. Dear Dot,—We are experiencing some rain at present, though we have been rather lucky lately, as we have had some really good weather. The Flower. Show held here yesterday, and it proved a success. I have never been to a flower show, although I am very fond of flowers I met Ivanhoe some time ago, and I often have a chat with him. A garden fete is to be held here next month, and I a.m hoping we will be favoured with better -weather than was experienced at the • last one, which, was held on Easter Monday. Silvery Moonbeam came in to town for it, and although the weather was disappointing, we enjoyed ourselves very much. I spent a short holiday in Timaru at New Year, but it waS rather ekort, and the time seemed to pass too quickly. I paid a visit to the park while there, and foumd the different animals rather interesting. Kindest regards to yourself and a few of my correspondents whose N.D.P.'s I can remember—Silver Efeho, A Maid of 'the Mountains, Martin Rattler, One of Sir Robert's Scouts, A Lone Star Ranger, Pickwick, Terra Nova 11, Silvery Moonbeam, and Highland Jean.—Yours truly, SYLVA (Oamaru). [I am (sincerely sorry to learn of your sad loss, Sylva.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —For many years I have read with pleasure the letters written by L.F., and I wish to become a member. I am staying at a friend's place in Central Otago, and up to the present I have had a most jolly time. As I expect to remain here for an uncertain period, I decided to go to school. I have two and' a-half miles to go along a railway line, and when school reopens I hope to get a ride to and from school with a railway surfaceman. My eldest brother is one of your members, but he will eoon reach the retiring age. My second brother is a pupil at the Timaru Boys' High School. The mice are rather plentiful here, so my friend has offered mo 3d 1 per head. I have caught 23, and hope to catch many more Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Your* truly, MARIEUX (Lauder). [Will you please enclose your name and" address (not for publication) with your next letter, Marieux. You will be an experienced mouse-catcher soon.—DQTJ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have often read the letters and wished to join. I am 17 years of age, and have now left school. I have been Irving in Taramaki over 10 years. From our home we get a very fine view of Mount Egmont (the Sentinel of Taranaki, I have heard" it called). Although 'I have lived here so long, I have never been up it—not even to any_ of the mountain houses. It is raining again here now, and I thought it was going l to be fine for to-day. There is to be a swimming Carnival to-night, so I hope it will be fine. I am in four events, and I hope to win something. As this is my fhret letter, I will not make it very long. Lore to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, " SANCHO PANZA. [Some >of the walks up the juountain side are pleasures still in store for you, Sancho though it is a peculiar thing ihat one seldom takes full advantage of the pleasures and beauty close at hind.—'DOT.] Dear Dot, —We live in the Waimata Valley, and my father worksi on the station. We are milking two cows— on& is black and white and one is brown. Their names are Pet and Darky. My mother, has a little pet foal, and his ham© is Nicko". We .have a horse na/ned Dot, and she is a nice little pony. We tV'.ve also a black oat, and bia name is Pompy. We have two little yellow canaries, whose names are Jack and Jill. I have a nice little vegetable garden of ray own. I have a tent and fly, 10 x 12, all my own too. There is a river not far away from our house. This is _ the first letter I have written in ink Willi you accept me,as one of your writers? lam 11 years' old. Love to you.—Yours truly, JOLLY (Gisborne). [I am very pleased to number you- among our friends, Jolly.' You are a lucky boy to have so many nice -pos.sessions, and I am sure you. are very happy and contented.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last -wrote I have been away for a little holiday down to Colao Bay. I had a beautiful time down there, and when one is holiday-making, especially by the sea, one does not feel like writing. When I came back from my holiday mother got word from Christchurtch to aay that her father was very ill, and she must go there, so sue left me at home to look after the house. I am kept very busy looking after all my pets and the house too We are having dry weather down this way, and all the land is dried up. We have to carry our water because our tanks are empty. We have nearly finished cutting our oats, and j] will be gladl when we are finished, because I have to take afternoon tea to the men, and it is such a long way up the paddocks to them. Well, Dot, I will have to say goodnight, as it is getting late, and I must be up early in the morning.—Yours truly, SWEET LAVENDER. [I am sure you must be kept very busy at present, Sweet Lavender, as it is no light task hoiiisekeeping during harvest time. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was in Dunedin for five weeks 'a while ago. I went up on the Brd of January with my aunt and unole and three cousins, who were' staying down here. I enjoyed myself very much up in town, but I had to come home because the influenza started in town. I was at my mate's birthday party on the 16th of February, ami' my own birthday was on the 17th. The weather has been lovely down here until last Wednesday, when, it started to lain, and it has been dull and wet since. We were going to the beach last week, but it was too wet. One night there was a terrible windi, end it blew the roof off one or our eheds. Before the rain ■ stai-bedi, when everything was very dry, there were "fires all round here on the hills. .Love to Little "Poetess, Buster Manager, A Girl from Arizona, Ohape, and yourself—Yours truly, * ERIOA. Dear Dot, —Jt has been very cold and. windy to-day. quite a. change to other days. One feels the cold after the warm days of late, I was out this afternoon, and if you had eeen the beautiful bunch of dahlias I had you have liked them. I had a lovely bunon, and when 1 arranged them in the vases they did look cnarmtng. lam extremely fond of flowers. We have very few flowers oui at present, and thd plots lool; as deisolatefe W« cava fluite & numbef- 01

pot flowers out, especially geraniums, so they do not make things look so gloomy. I am reading a book by the name of "The Three-cornered House." It does not seem bad as far as I have read. I have just finished one> —namely, "Cliff House," and really, Dot, I do not think I have ever read any book so interesting as it. It is about the lives of girls at college. There was not one chapter—or, rather, paragraph—that was not interesting. If I am not reading a story I am. trying to write one, which I enjoy immensely. I call it "sport" trying to com-pose-a story. Isn't»it a pity the "flu" has broken out again. It iseems a little brighter just now. Kindest regards to Highland Jean and Highland Jean's Mate and all my correspondents, especially Humorous Ann.—Yours truily, GLADWISE. Dear Dot, —It is wet to-day, and dad and Bob can't go to work. It is a very lonely place down here; there are only four houses besides ours. My mother has a cockatoo, and he is such a funny one. He will kiss us, shake hands with us, and, jumps up and danoes. He is sleepisg just now. lam learning to milk, and I like it all right.— Yours truly, ~ BOXWOOD (Mount Cargill).

•[I would suggest Snowball and you should put your letters in the one envelope, Boxwood, and thus save postage.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have shifted from Mosgiel, and lam now living in jumnedin. I like living in the country best, so I notioe a difference now. We have been having some rain for a few days, and it has made everything inconvenient, for the picnics. lam still working, and I like it all right as long as it is not too hot. There is a crowd in Dunedin just now eagerly waiting for the band contest. I was at the Bofanioal Gardens on Sunday afternoon, and I heard the Christchurch Band playing. It was very nice. The flowers in the Gardens are looking at their best just now, except a few that are now nearly pact. Love to all the D.L.F.— Yours truly, BOY IN GBEY (Dunedin).

[I have forwarded your badge, Boy in Grey, though the price is now Is 3d.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just arrived home from town after a stay- of three days. I had a glorious time. It rained for a couple of hours, and then cleared up. I wish it would rain as hard as it could, as the turnips are all drying up. My friend and I went on horseback for a ride last. Sunday, and had a lovely time.' I have three brothers and one sister, who is very delicate, and is also under the doctor, but this last month or two is picking up splendidly. We have seven cows anid two ponies; the names of the ponies are Trixie and Barni©. Last Thursday we had an evening, and a good number of young people came. It was rather early in the morning when we got to bed. There seems to be quite a number of Mysterious people writing to the page. Kindest regards to The Mysterious Boys and Telephonist, not forgetting yourself:—Yours truly, A HARD CASE (Waitahuna). .

[I do not recollect your request. I notice Telephonist had one sent on February 14. Could I have maidie a mistake there?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been writing ■ to the page for a year now, and I am not sorry I joined it, Dot. I have enjoyed writing to you and my correspondents very much. Some of my correspondents write such nice I have several photos of them, and it is nice to have, an idea of the persons one is writing to. We are having a party here to-morrow night in honour of my father's birthday, so w© hope to have a good time. How about coming, Dot? Guess it is rather far. There is a bowl of lovely roses on this table, and they have such a beautiful scent. They com© from Lawrence out of a noted rose-grower'® garden. Have you any L.F. in Lawrence, Dot? I never see any letters from thai part of the world or from Waitahuna either. I believe there are several D.L.F. in the latter oity, but their 'letters to the page are few and far between. The weather has changed. Last week we were glad to get into summer olothes; to-day we are trying to keep the fire warm. Could you find out for me what the name of the secretary of the D.L.F. Club in Timaru is—or whoever runs the club. If this weather keeps up it will be ideal for dancing these nights. Do you lilt© dancing, Dot? I must confess I am very fond of it, and do practically all the dances 1 now. I haven't been to a dance for quit© a while, but I am always practising at homo. Love to Australian Girl, King William, 5.0.5., A Mountain Belle, A Highland Laddie, Maid of the Mountains, Cathedral' Chimes, Ivfarionetto, Pearl Blossom, Aotea Lassie, Hazel Dawn, and' especially A Hard Case, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, y TELEPHONIST (Waitahuna)., [The secretary, I understand, is Marama Jack, and J. Keene, Heaton street, Timaru, is the oddress>.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am nine years old, and would like to join your page. I am in Standjard 11. We have two classes, in our room, and three teachers. I like my teacher very much. Wei had eight weeks' holidays on account of the influenza. I was out on a farm for a week, and enjoyed myself very muoh. We have had very hot weather, but it has changed, and now is very cold and windy. As this is my first letter I will net writ© any more.—Yours truly, DADDY'S DARLING. [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been thinking for a long time of joining your happy band, and would be pleased to be, able to do so. I know one or two of the D.L.F. My ago is 17, and I am working on a liarm, which work I lihe fairly well. I .am like many of the am fond of books, such as "The Gorilla Hunters," "The Last War Trail," and others.—Yours truly, A MYSTERIOUS BOY'S DOUBLE. [Please enclose your name and address in your next letter.—DOT.]:

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 12 years old, and am in the Sixth Standard. I know a few D.L.F. around hero. There' are about 20 going to our school, of which two are new scholars. My two brothers go to school. On© is in my standard and th© other is in the same standard as J. L. We have two pet lambs, and are milking 16 cows. Kind regards to all the D.L.P.—Yours truly,

EGG POWDEIR - [You are well advanced in your education, Egig "Powder. I am delighted to include you ad a writer to the page.—'DOT.] Dear Dot,—We ore at present experieming a long spell ojt dry weather. \\ started to rain £ little Jo-day-) and I am do pleased as we have had to carry < water from the nvex, which, I must admit, is not at all easy worlj. X*ast Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting' some Kaitangata D.L.F.—namely, Detective, Dreamy Eyes, Merry Mischief, Doolan, ftnd Doolan'a Mate, They hod been to the miner's picnic, which was held at Mount Stuart on that day. -Had it not been for my mate, Buster Manager, I would probably not have had the pleasure oi speaking! to them. She was wearing her badge, and go Petective came, akmg and spots ta he%

while I was with her. I have now com© to the conclusion that, by wearing the badge, you are recognised by many D.L.F. writers. I think the "flu" has been suddenly, but surely checked in this -locality, and. so the Glenore School reopened to-day after being closed for over, two months. Kindest to Sea Breeze, Heart of Gold, Tin Tottens, A Girl from the West, The Sister of a Fallen British Soldier, Hora, Uti, Buster Manager, Merry Mischief, Dreamy Eyes, Doolan, Doolan's Mate, and all the rest of the D.LJSV not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, i MARY OF THE GLEN (Glencoe). i [I am glad you have enlarged your circle of L.F. friends, Mary.—DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —It has been very wet and foggy I weather here the last few days, but I think it has made a break for the good. The trapping season is just about to begin, and a lot of local trappers are • being beaten out of blocks by greenhorns coming out from town with unsoued hands. If they are going to Btick to the trapping for the season some Oif them will go home sorry-looking spectacles.— Yours truly, GIPSY KING. [You do not appear to hold a high opinion, of city dwellers, Gipsy King, but perhaps they may yet prove their worth, as number of lily-handed men is not great these days.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to- you I have had the influenza, and it is not a very nice thing to have. There were a lot of people- down in Kelso with it this time, but it was not severe. About the end of last month we had a big picnic up at a place called Leithan Gorge, and as it was a fine day a large number of people were there*. After we had our dinner we all walked round the hills about as far aa we could' get, and by night we were all pretty tired after all our rambling about. At night a good dance was held in the hall to finish up the day, I have only two D.L.F. who write to me. When I was at a show I bad the jsleasure of meeting Rose Mary, but I wjij not speaking to her very long. I saw several other* but I was too shy to speak to them. I would like you to send me another badge, for T had the misfortune to lose mine iat Gore Show last December. Dove to Burnt Bock, Europa, A Soldier's Friend, Beta, and A Maid of the Mountains.—Yours truly, MEG'S' FRIEND (Kelso). [You evidently forgot ' to enclose the stamps, dear, as none reached me.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have just come to Otago recently, and having found the* D.L.F. .page in the Witness very interesting I thought I would like to write to you too. I like living in this part..of. the country very much, as it is very pretty with its hill© and valleys. Before coming here we lived at Chrietchurch, and as the country is very flat up there it was quit© a pleasant cha-nap to come and live amongst the hills. I was 13 last Thursday week, and I have .been in Standard VI for a long time now. I have a -caster 10 years old who is going, to write to the page too. ' My little brother is seven .years old, and he enjoys farm life very much, and is always riding the horses. We have a very pretty pony, which we are going to drive to school now. My brother is sorry school starts on Monday, but I am not, as I like; going to the little school here. There are only U pupils, and we are just like one big family. We do have some jolly times together. We all like our teacher very much indeed. My auntie and three cousins were staying here for a month i in the Christmas holidays, and when they went home my sister and'l wen? with them. -We went to the beach one day and had a lovely bathe. We had our school picnic by the river, and received our prizes there. Mine, is,,a big book called "Love and Lcveday" (Loveday is the girl's name). Have you read the book, Dot? Well, I think it is time' to say a-u revoir for the present.Yours truly, \ MINNEHAHA (Wharetoa). [Will you please forward your name with your next letter, dear.—DOT.] ■'•; Dear Dot, —It is very dull to-day. and it looks like rain. While I am writing this Chiddy is feeding the Imby; she is four months old, and is very cheeky. The school opens to-morrow, but I do not feel like going! back after three weeks' holiday. We were at school for a month. I have not had the "flu" so far. Is it very bad. down there, Dot? I am in Standard IV now, and I am 10 years old. We have a man teacher now, and he is very nice. I. am learning music, and like it very much. I have teen reading, a few books; some are "Ruth Fielding. Down in Dixie," "Scribbling, Sue," "Ne'ta" and "Two Boys and a Bird." Love to Bluebelilv White Violet, and all the other LF.-Yours truly, . MOTHER'S YOUNGEST (Tycho). [Your pen-name is evidently a misnomer now, dear; I tee you have a rival now.—i DOT.] Dear Dot,—W© are having horrible weather up here just now, but to-day it is -much brighter. We started school a week ago, and the master said we would have to work very hard to pass. My little kitten is getting l quite big now, and is also getting clever. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your iown dear self.—Yours truly, QUEEN OF THE VIOLETS (Manaia). [You will notice I have made the change you desired, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Things are very quiet at the present time, although the /band contest, which is now on, should be all right. I have not been yet, but I intend to go some night. The aeroplane has been attracting a Jot of attention for the last week. I was thinking of going up, but that is as far as I got. ' Last Monday night I cycled out to Green Island end met a fellow, with whom I went to the Gravel Pit, as it is called, for a swim. It was cold, but when we got out and stood beside a big gorse fire it was absolutely kapai. We were soon warmed up, and as it was dark. I decided to beat the trail for homo. I did not have a lamp, 'so I could not very well see where I was going, and when I was coming down the Main South . road from the top of the hill, eyes out, somehow or other I took a trip into the bank to see what it was like, and that was the end of the penny section. I was'not huri much, but when I got on again and let th* bike go I kept my eyea well skinned, and slowed down when I thought I was nearing a corner. I arrived home safely, however, but next time I go out I think I will take: my lamp. Well, Dot, I will close now witS best wishes to all., the D.L.F., inoluding yourself. —Yours truly, NE'EB-DO-WELL (South Dunedin), [You were fortunate in escaping injuryv Ne'er-do-well; also, I should think. deted> tion.—DOT.] y Dear Dot, —The.weather has at last brokeak and we have experiened a whole day's heavy rain. It looks as if it is clearing up again now, and I hope so, for to-morrow is Sunday and we are going swimming. I can swim 4 little bit f but that is all; but I hope tp b# able to swim quite a long way when I go to-morrow. Oh, Dot. Greymouth Is a slow place 1 Really, it_ gets on one's nerves, an<J yet there are always heaps of visitors in town spending their holidays visiting th* beauty spots around here They are pretty, i'U .admit J but one© .vou'to eeen tbeia jrpw

cannot be bothered with them again, and to live in Grey—well, one may as well get buried and be done with it. I shall be glad to get away for a few weeks next mont.a when I go for my holiday. There was a revue here last week er-JJed "Greymouth "Dp to Date," by a crowd of singers, to brd f.vrdwell to one of the pidure pianists. _ ihe revue was dreadfully tame, and quite a crowd of people were very disappointed; but they had only been practising for a month "or so. "The Diggers" were here last week, and I enjoyed them very much. The music was glorious, the "female impersonator was very good, and caused a great deal of amusement. Altogether it was a splendid show, with the programme very well arranged, and not dragging anywhere, which J 3 very univmal in many s-hows of its kind. If all goes well we are going next week to. Lake Kanieri. Have you ever seen the lake, Dot? It is the only "place here that I could go to every week with pleasure. The eoenic part is glorious and worth looking at. Last Sunday we went out to Point Elizabeth for a picnic, and also went for a "dip," and 1 don't think I ever spent such an enjoyable outing. We motored out at 10.30 and arrived home at 4.50, just in time to have tea and get dressed and go to church. Kindest regards to yourself and the L.F. —Yours truly, ' HOO liOO PAT (Greymouth). [Yes, I have been to Lake Kaneiri, and it is a glorious spot. I, 100, would enjoy going again.—DOT.J " Dear Dot, —It is raining, and it is also very windy over hexe to-day. "We have isix children staying at our place, and they all go to school. My two brothers go to school too, so there are eight of them to get ready every morning. I have two married sisters. ony of them lives in Ghristchuroh and the other sister lives in Wellington, and I have four brothers; my eldest brother is in Tima.ni. I am very fond of reading, and I have read quite a lot lately. Love to Funny Feather, Princess Beatrice, Zena, Lonely Girl, and yourself.—Yo-irs truly, PRINCESS ALMA (Greymouth). [Margaret Molloy, Wairio, is the address. — DOT.J Deao- Dot, —I often read the Little Folk's letters in the Witness, and I thought-I would like to join. I go to the Girls' High School, and I like it very much. We, went back to. school to-day after about two months' holiday. There was great excitement, because the new girls did not know where to put their hats, and so they put them on someone else's peg. When dinner time oame everyone ruvshed to the big cloakroom to get their hats, and it was so crowded that one could hardly turn round. We had to go' out into the corridor ,to put on our hats, or else they would have been broken in the crush. My friend and I went to buy some books this afternoon, and we went to the Savoy for afternoon tea. I want to play one game at school this year, but mother . says I will have to stop going to choir practice if I want to play games. I wonder what I had better do, Dot? I certainly do not want to leave the choir, but I want to play a game. Our teacher told us this morning that she would like the girls to take am interest in sport, as the class she had last year won the junior net ball cup, and also the hockey cup. We have a bracket on the wall for the cups, and it would' not be very pleasant if we did not win them this ■year. I seem to be thinking of. nothing else but school. I like reading very much, and I think my favourite authors are Charles Dickens and Jean Webster. I suppose there is no comparison between them. I am reading "David Copperfleld" 'just. now, and last week I was reading "Martin Chuzzlewit." I think Sairey Gamp was such a queer woman. She_ must have had a Wonderful imagination to invent "Mrs Harris." Mrs Gamp was always saying, "As I says to my friend Mrs Harris." "Nicholas Nickleby" is a very interesting book too. I love reading about Mr Vincent Crummies, the actor, who, when he heard that Nicholas was leaving him, got up one night to take a public farewell of him. He did not love Nicholas very much, but Mr Crummies thought it would make an impression on the publio. Now I think that is all I can say to-night. Best wishes.— Yours truly, A HOME BIRD. [You certainly have a difficult choice before you, dear. I think, personally, the sports would be more beneficial to you at the present time. You can always return to the choir latex, and then, too, the games ara a bigger relaxation after school and study.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—This being my first letter to your page, may I first aak to join your happy band? We had our annual picnic on Wednesday, 25th, and I enjoyed it very much, although the weather annoyed us a good deal at times. Really, Dot, you would have laughed at the sack-racing, I had a, try at ft myself, but could not run for laughing at others falling. The, weather here has been simply awful lately. They say Wellington gets its summer in the autumn, but I'm beginning to differ in opinion. I spent my Christmas holidays at Waitahuna. Beautiful weather prevailed there during the Show picnic and sports, and one could have a real good time. I noticed Telephonist and Snowdrop Qjeen were enjoying things very much too. Ihe flu seems to have died down again up this way, and I'm lucky to have escaped it so far. I love reading the LF letters because I'm a late Waitahuno-ite myBelf. Kindest regards to Telephonist, Snowdrop Queen, and all the other folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ONE OF THE FINEST (Wellington)." [The sack and obstacle races always provide an immense amount of amusement to the spectators.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have finished our harvest and have stook-thnashed our wheat The weather has been very unsettled for the farmers. I went to the pictures last Thursl ay ,oif h tv h ¥ d them vel T much. On the 18th March a bazaar i© going to beheld m aid of the brass* band. The bazaar is going to last for three days, and I am helping with the Christmas-tree. Love to all the D.L.F., not'forgetting yourself.—Yours truly A MOUNT COOK FLEA (Fairlie). nnT' ilope tix ° ba:ja,ar is a great success.— -«,.Dear Dot,—We have started school ogain and I am very glad. I hope our district escapes the influenza. I have read one or two books lately, but I think I like "Chums" as well a© any. We are getting our crop cut, but the rain to-day stopped the cutting. We were glad of the rain, as everything was b-d dry. The turnips needed rain badly. Love to all the Taieri Beaoh Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WARSTEP. Dear Dot, —It is raining here just now, and we are all very pleased to see rain, as all the tanks are about dry. Most people about had to carry water for washing, etc. Our school is open this week; it has been closed for three weeks on account of the influenza. I was watching for the airship the other day, but did not see it. My brothers went to see the circus when it was in Dunadin. They liked to see the elephants, bears, eaa, but I think the; liked the pretty little

pony best. Love to Kapuni-ite, Mudlark, Mudlark'3 Mate, Sunburst, and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting . yourself.—Youns truly, MACHINE GUN.

Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band? It is raining here to-night. We haven t had any rain for a long time. Everything was getting dried up, and the potatoes and turnips were getting blighted. Grace Fisher, Silver Shoe, and I were over at the creek fishing for lobsters. When wo were coming up the steep hill out of the creek my cousin slipped and rolled right down the hill nearly into the creek. I am having a holiday just now. I have been down at Bowler s Creek and Milburn, and now I am staying with mv cousins. I have left school: The schools have been closed because of the influenza, but they aire opening to-morrow, so the flu must be getting better. There is a . big barn up here, and we do have some fun m it. We have bad a good few dances in it now, and there is another one on Friday night. We are giving our school teacher ja send-off, because she is going away to teach at another school. Love to Grace Fisher, Silver Shoo, and Mud Lark, but not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, CARMYLLIE (Glenledi). [I am very pleased to have you join us, Carmyllie.—DOTJ Dear Dot,—The weather here is very unsatisfactory, it is raining, off and on, the whole time. All my bunnies have got away, and I don't know if I'll ever get them again. Our garden is very poor now, as everything is seeding. At present all the farmers about here are leading in and stacking their harvest. School has started here again, but 1 guess the children would rather have holidays. We have five wee black puppies now. Trapping will soon be starting .again, and the prices are very promising too. f~ m< £ regards to Road Hog, Little Queen Mab, A Lonely Girl, May Flower, and Black Pearl.— Yours truly, WATER LILY.

Dear Dot,—We are having splendid weather here at present, although a shower of rain would be very acceptable. The great majority of the farmers roimd about here tare busy cutting their crop 3. My sister and I go out rabbiting, and we have about 20 traps. As it is something quite new to us to go out rabbiting, we rather enjoy the fun, although if a trap goes off suddenly when we are setting it we get an awful fright; but I suppose we will soon get used to it. There are such a lot of trout in the river near our place, and tho men. have some great sport fishing. They sometimes get flounders and perch, but not very often. We have some great eeling parties com© out this way, as many asi 12 at a time, so you can imagine" what fun. we have. Love to Hazel Dawn, Prince Arthur, Digger, A Girl from the Weet, Fairy Goldbeart, Look Who's Here, A Maid of the Mountains, and especially Bachelor, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, j. HEARTSEASE.

Dear Dot, —At present We are having very changeable weather, raining one day and fine the next. To-day it has been raining; but it will do a lot of good, as the grass was burnt up around here. I have been away for a week's holiday, Dot, getting teeth out, and it is not a very nice thing. All the same I enjoyed myself very much, and I was also away for a week at New Year too. Everybody's Friend is home just now; rah© has been up nearly three.weeks, but is going home to-morrow, I think; we will miss her too. . Isn't it terrible this epidemic coming again? There are no cases here so far. Did you escape it. Dot? How did you enjoy Carnival. Week? I was not there, and a good job too, I think, when the "flu" was there. Have you seen the aeroplane yet, Dot? I would have liked very much to have seen it, but I left Palmerston too early on Thursday morning to see it. I _ would not care to go up in one; such a height Would make me sick. I see someone else has taken my N.D.P. in last week's Witness. I think Buttercup and Rose of Tralee have forgotten the page altogether, as they haven't written for quite a time now. Well, Dot, as it is getting late and near bed-time, I will close. Love to Buttercup, Erin's Girl, Green Lizard, Everybody's Friend, Peggy S. G., Rose of Tralee, Mother's Wee Darling, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PEGGY (Palmerston South). [I was not one of the fortunate ones, Peggy.—DOTJ Dear Dot, —We are having fine weather here now, and I only hope it lasts, as I always go swimming on the fine days. Chautauqua has just been here, and has been a great success'. It is worth buying a season's ticket for. There are over 60 guarantors for next year. I have just received a photo of Mary Pickford, and I think it is lovely. I have read some lovely books lately; some of them are "Against the World," "For the Sake of the School," Christabel," "A Girl Governess," and "A Patriotic School Girl." Bonnie Jean and I are going blackberrying to-morrow, so I hope it will be fine. Kindest regards to Bonnie Jean, Sylva, A Scotch Lassie, Snow-white, Highland Jean's Mate, Madge Evans, Chatterbox, Highland Peggy, and not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HIGHLAND JEAN (Hokitika). Dear- Dot, —As I think nearly everybody else about here must be writing to your page, may I be in the fashion and join the L.F. too? The Mysterious comrades about here are having great difficulty in keeping their N.D.P.'s from being known. If there is a group of young people gathered together they are almost sure to be wondering who some of the mysterious people are. . The young men of the district have a cricket club now, and I have been along to watch several of their matches. They have only won one so far, but we live in the hopes that they will make a name for themselves gome day. The young ladies have a hockey club, and they gj to the school grounds every Wednesday night for practice. I think they have a little to learn before they can play matches, but they are always improving, and I shouldn't fancy a "crack" with the ball if it was travelling at the pace I have often seen it go. Love to all L.F. and yourself, especially Mysterious Kid and Mysterious Kid's Pall.—Yours truly, JUST SOMEONE (Mataura Island). [You are evidently very much alive at Mataura Island.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I would like very much to join your happy band. I am H years of age, and am in Standard VI. I have lately road two very good books —namely, " Penelope Intrudes" and "Molly." The weather here has been very hot, and I think that if rain does not fall soon our gardens will go to ruin. I am very fond of out-door sports, aDd I think they are essential for every person, young and old. We have a tennis court, in which we spend many a long twilight playing, tennis. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ' PENELOPE (Invercargill). [There is no doubt a certain amount of exercise is essential, and if ono combines pleasure with it, the result is still better.—■ DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —Tho time has now come for me to flay farewell to the L ; F. page. I have celebrated my twentieth birthday, so the next

time I write it will be as an O.W. I lave always taken a great interest in the page, although I am afraid I was never a very regular writer. We are having very changeable weather lately. There has been a lot of rain, and if the weather does not clear up soon the wheat that is out in stook will be ruined. Our annual Flower Show was held last Thursday; but as it waa a very cold, rough day, there were not many peop'le there. There was a lovely collection of flowers, fruit, and vegetables at the Show. My mother and father are away for a holiday just now, so we are all on our own. I was at a social the other night—a farewell to Bruno, who is going to college in Dunedin. I had a very enjoyable time, although it is rather warm for dancing. The school ha<? started again. It is to be hoped that the influenza has died down. It would have been terrible if we had had another epidemic. I will now close by wishing the page every success. Best of love to Erleen, Red Rose, Sylva, Lady Noggs, Fluffy-top, Canadale Lass, Oh Christina, Jock o' Hazeldeaue, Hydraulic, A Highland Laddie, Gold Dust, Martin Rattler, and Heather Bell, not forgetting your dear self and all my other correspondents and L.F. —Yours truly, SILVERY MOONBEAM.

[One always feels parting with an old friend, Silvery Moonbeam, but in your caoe I hope it is. jxist au revoir till O.W.W. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather is very hot and sultry at present, and Tain is wanted very badly. The other day "it"—whatever that is—made several .attempts to rain, but was not successful. There was a public . meeting at Roxburgh the other night. The subject for discussion was "Hydro-electric Energy." Some very straight- speeches were given by some of the local residents. They said that Roxburgh was being left in the lurch, and that they—the "people—were going to strike out for themselves. We were pickingpeaches yesterday afternoon, and packed them this morning. . The turnips are nearly all thinned G-ood job too. I set my traps to-day, and I will have to go round them in a couple of hours. The lorries are still running all the day long. I met one when I was coming home from a ride on the bike. They do not turn to the side off the road, and cyclists have to take to the gravel. Best wishes to Rosenreslie, Rose* Hannah, Violet, Mrs Hippo, Farmyard Bill, and the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SALTBTJSH BILL. Dear Dot, —The weather has been very hot here for a long time, and the creeks near the house are almost dried up. We have finished the haymaking, and have started to cut the oats. If the fine weather continues we will very soon be finished' the harvesting. Our school has reopeed again after _ the holidays. We have not had our examination yet, but expect to have it in about a month's time. Both my father and brother are setting traps, and they catch a good many rabbito. My eldest brother is coming home for a holiday soon.—Yours truly, EIDEL WEISS. [I hope you are successful in the forthcoming examination.—DOT:] . Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote we have had one or two rather'stirring times. Last week one of my little brother!? fell off ahorse and hurt his head. He and another little boy and girl were on the horse, which. is very, very quiet, when a boy threw a stone at it, hitting it. The horse naturally started, and the three, of them fell off. The little girl broke her "arm; the other boy was not much hurt; but my brother fell on his head, and dad isaid he must have had a slight concussion, for he was quite silly in his talk, and could not remember being on the horse oar anything before that. I went to a surprise party last night, and had a, very good time. There were about two dozen of u<» altogether. Winter will soon be on us again now, Dot. What a shame it is to have to say good-bye to all those lovely long evenings ; but still it will not be for so very long. Best wishes to Wannetta, Motor Jim, Ne'er-do-well, Princess Mary, Clyde, and all my other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BORONIA. [I am sure you must have felt very wrathful at the imp who threw the stone, Boronia.—J>OT.] AUTOS. Piccadilly (Miss Eileen R. Dugan, Ranfurly) wishes to correspond with G-ipsy King and any D.L.F. 17 or 18 years willing. Gipsy King (James King, Matarae Private Bag, Middlexnarch) wishes to correspond with Vaudevillite. Orange Lily (Olive Turnbull, Pukeuri, near Oama.ru) wishes to correspond with Blue Eyes and Black Diamond. Dad's Daisy (Daisy M'Cann, Chertsey, near Rakaia) wishes to correspond with any L.F., willing. Kurawa Girl (ChrLssie M'Bean, Pine Grove, G-lenham) wishes to correspond with any L.F. i 5 years or over. Agnes''s Mate (Pearl Churchill, Naseby) wishes to correspond with Australian Girl, Uncle Toby, and Railway Joe. White Rose Cottage (Andrew Galvin, Cardrona), wishes to (orrespond with iany L.F. II or 12 years willing. Buster Manager (Eleanor I. L. Wilkinson, Osgian street, Milton) wishes to correspond with any of the Kaitangata L.F. met, also Bridgid of Billobong,- Lavender' Lee, Icemaiden, Tomboy, Dauntless Patty, Destiny, Lily of the Prairie, and any other L.F. willing. Duke of Nlaseby (Charles Churchill, Naseby) wishes to correspond with Trixie, Telephonist, and Mountain Maid. Sancho Panza (Frank Grant, Ketemarae road, Ha-wera, Taranaki) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 16 or 17 years willing. Erica- (Ida Havard, Ahuriri Flat, Otago) wishes to correspond with. Humorous Ann and Handy Andy. A Hard Case (Miss Gwendoline M. Clark, 40 Co'wlishaw street, Avonside, Christchurch) wishes to correspond with Laughing Water, King William, The Lone Star Ranger, and Silvery Moon.: Gipsy King (James Page, Matarae Private Bag, Middleniarcli) wishes to correspond with Amethyst 11, Mysterious Boy's Cobber's Mate's Mate, and wishes Vaudevillite's address}. ■ Meg's Friend (Reta Davies, Kelso) wishes to correspond with Rosemary and A Red Cross Nur3e. A Maid of the Mountains (Margaret E. J. Florence, Woodslee Downs, Mataura Island) wishes to correspond with Chicken, Mysterious Boy's Cobber, Mysterious Boys' 'Cobber's Mate, Find Out, Minetta, and Island Lass. Heartsease (Melva Smyth, care of Mr J. Smyth, Wyndha-m P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Snapshot, Vanessa, Mary of the Glen, and Oh! Christina. Highland Jean (Doris Stevenson, Hall street; Hokitika) wishes to correspond with Laughing Water and Trixie. Trixie (Ethel Gibson, 49 Catherine street, Timaru) wishes to exchange autos with any L.F. 13 or 14 years. Little Flirt (Clive _ Beissel, car© of 864 George street, Dunedm) wishes to correspond with Destiny and Thrupp.