LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3468, 31 August 1920, Page 56

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Uotto: — VV e write for the benefit o< ethers, n»t lor otarseiTee. No letter to contain more than *6O words. Dear Dot, —-We are having a lot of rain here just now. I went for a holiday a month ago. I left Hastings at 9 a.jn. in the train, and arrived at Taumarun'ui at midnight. It was a long, lonely journey by oneself, and terribly cold going over the spiral. I oould see the smoking mountain by the moonlight. The next morning I took a slow train to Okahuknra, • a distance of 10 miles, where I caught a horse coach at 8 a.m. The roads were axle-deep with mud, so progress was slow, and I arrived at the end of the journey (30 miles) at S p.m. It was then getting dark, and my cousin met me with a horse., and we had five miles to go in the dark> which was awkward on account of the condition of the read. I was there a fortnight, and it rained all the time. nevertheless I went riding and shooting, which I enjoyed. I intended to go'on through the Ohura valley to New Plymouth and come back via Wanganui; but ths weather was so bad I returned the way I went, and I am going to take a run up there at Christmas. I am also going to Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill. Best love to all my correspondents, not forgetting your own dear self and all the L.F;—Yours truly, MOTOR JIM (Hastings). . [Your holiday was an experience. Jim; but it was a pity it was spoilt by bad weather.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My hands are simply smothered with chilblains. At night they swell up so much that I cannot shut my hand. There is a cousin of mine staying here at present, and he is always playing some prank on me, so to-night I thought I would pay him back. I saw a pair of his boots, so I put a handful of thistles in each. I didn’t say anything about it, and he was going out, so when he went to put his boots on I started talking at a "great rate” to try and attract his attention away from the boots. I succeeded in doing so, but all of a sudden I heard him give a great jump. Of course, I made out I wondered what was up and looked quite innocent; but he didn’t take ■any notice of that, and be is planning how he will be able to play a trick on me in return. We get a lovely view from here. Last night my mate and I went out, and we could see the lights at Bluff quite plainly, also the lighthouse light on Dog Island and the one at Waipapa. Point. If you watch carefully you can see the lights flashing out over the sea. I have read quite a number of Charles Dickens's books lately. I like them very much; the only fault I have with them is that there are too many characters to remember. ‘‘Little Dorrit” is the one I am reading just now, and I get quite muddled up with the different people's names. Fondest love to all my correspondents and your dear self.—'Yours truly, SYLVIE. Dear Dot, —I have had a very bad cold, which is not quite better yet. I have been away from school for four days on account of it. I may not be at school to-morrow either—l do not know yet. On Friday it began to snow, and snowed off and on until Saturday morning, when it w>as from 2in to 3in deep. Are there many lamba down your way, Dot? There are a few about here now. One of our sheep has one, but I have not seen it yet. When I first went to school I had two of the beat mates. The three of us were in the same class and worked together. After a while w© had to part, for one went to the North Island, and the other (Grace Darling III) went to Timaru. I was lonely without them for a while, but now I am quite used to being without them. There is to be a spinsters and bachelors’ ball at Wiaihao Downs on Friday evening, and on the following Wednesday evening there is going to bo a church social. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, CANTERBURY BELL. [I have not had an opportunity of getting cut into the country recently, dear, and, except as meat, lambs might not exist as far as the town is concerned.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —There has been snow on the ground here since Friday. Mr Timmins was showing pictures her© on Friday, 6th, and I went to see them. Sam© were of the Boer war and some of the last war. There is to be a jumble sale on the 25th, and j am going if it is fine. There 1? a lot of bush on our farm, and I know the names of all the trees. The fuchsia, hinehfne, rib bon wood, and other trees are getting their leaves. We feed qur cows op. turnips when the weather permits;, but give them straw; In the byre on stormy days. W© hav© about

20 hives of bees, and got about a ton of honey during- good seasons. 1 help with the extracting. It is very nice to have bees crawling up one's sleeves. They do not sting unless one squeezes them, as is generally the case. During the holidays from school . I set traps to catch rabbits, . and generally got a good many. I sometimes catch cats, ferrets, stoats, and weasels, which are not very easy to let out. When a rabbit gets away with a trap it is not easy to find them again, but the dog can generally find them. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WAUGiITAUK . (Awatea).

Dear Dot,—As this is my first letter I hop© you will not put it in the waste paper basket. I have just arrived home from the pictures this afternoon. I happened to meet The Dud, Snakey Joe, and Gwen on their tour round the Patangata district. We have been havin.g real winter weather here lately. Regards.—Yours truly,' ! . LASSITER (Patangata). [I have forwarded the badge, Lassiter. — DOT.} Dear Dot,—We are having a flood here just now, and the place is in a. filthy state, with children coming in and out carting bootfuls of -mud each time. We are going to play Frasertown hookey on Saturday, and I think it will be a fairly hard game, because we have played them four Saturdays now, and each time the result has been a draw. The winning team receives the Brandon ' Cup, it being "in the hands of cur opponent at present. I am going to a fancydress party on Thursday week, and am looking forward to it very much. I enjoy myself immensely at those kind of things. Inspector Stevenson has just ' returned to Napier after inspecting the schools around here; but ever since he came up it ha 3 been raining, so he could not have thought much of Wairoa,—Yours truly, Yv r ILLKOMMEN. [Unfortunately the change you wish is impracticable, as someone else has already appropriated that name.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having lovely weather lately for this time of the year, .and there are signs of early spring, but perhaps it is a calm before a storm. W# have had a good many dances lately, but I have not been to many. We also had a plain and fancy-dress, ball, which was a great sucoess. I go to the pictures- every Saturday night; but there are three nights each week given to pictures. I have just finished a book called "The Harvester," which I liked very niuoh. I do a lot of reading—in fact, too milch, so I am told. I am expecting Smiles down to our place to-morrow, and hope it keeps fine, for we intend going over to the beach for a walk. I started to knit a scarf about a month ago, and got half-finished, and could not get any more wool. It is very scarce here at present. Love to Smiles, Suhkist, and Clyde, not forgetting your own dear sel£— Yours truly, ? ARLINE.

Dear Dot,—l am 14 years of ago and in Standard V at school. The nights have been very frosty here, and this morning there was a very slight fall of snow. I am going up for the competitions here in October. I am going to play a violin solo. They were very good last year, and I hope they will bo just as good this year. The Music Girl is also going up for the competitions this year. She is a very good player, and I suppose she will come first in her grade. Best love to all the L.F. and fond love to yourself, Dot, and The Music Girl, Ginger M'Glusky, and especially Koselea. — Yours truly. _ LASS 0' GOWEIE. [I hope you are successful in the competitions, dear, and I shall bo interested to learn the results.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have a cold, but am getting rid of it. We had a very slight fall of snow about a week ago. I am pleased when Friday night comes, I like reading the Cocoa N'ig's adventures. I am reading a book named "Wolf Ear, the Indian." One of cur cows had a calf about two weeks ago, and I named it Duko. Dove to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self. — Yours truly, _^ T A HEART . OF GOLD.

Dear Dot, —I am 12 years old and in the Sixth Standard. "We play football at school, and I think it is the best school game. We have a foal, and it has just learnt to load. It is a very good trotter, but is only eight months old yet. I have a brother who is learning the violin, and he rj going in to Invercargill for an examination soon. We have a new teacher at school, and I like him very much, as he is the first man teacher I have had since I started school. Love to all the L.F., especially yourself.—Yours * rUy ' HARRY HARDSKULL. [You are very welcome to join us, Harry. —DOT..]

Dear Dot, —I was away from school last week, as I had a cold. Some of the flowers are starting to come out in bloom already. The doctor was coming up to the school. last week to vaccinate us, but he did not come. Pictures were shown at the school last Friday to gather money for the soldiers' memorial. There is to be a jumble sale soon. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HIG-HLAND DAS3 (Eatea).

Dear Dot, —We bad a very good winter, but it has been very cold this la?t week. My birthday was in July, and I bad a party. There were about 30 people at it, and I got a number of presents.- "We had a very good time. Highland Lass and I ride our pony every day to school. I feed my pet sheep on turnips, and they are very fat. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, • . EMERALD (Katea).

Dear Dot, —The Cha-ffcuter was round here last week. I am in Standard 111. I have six sisters and two brothers. We are milking .threei cow?, and I milk two of them.. There is a. hookey girls' concert this week here. We are getting 20 hen eggs a day, and the young duoks are laying. The inspector will soon be here to examine us. I have just sot rid of a cold. There are three hacks here. Love to all the D.D.P., not foro-ettincr yourself—Yours truly, SIBERIA LASS.

Dear Dot, —It started to snow on Wednesday night, and the snow is still on the ground. To-day I have been out sliding on the ice, .and had a good time. This sort of weather is keeping the farmers back from their work. Our hens have started to lay, and we get about three eggs a day. My uncle has two greyhounds! they are fast runners, and can catch rabbits. These cold days I have been doing some fancywork, and like it very much. My birthday was three weeks ago ? and I got many also a birthday cake. Love to all the D.L.R, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BRITISH GIRL (Lauder).

Dear Dot, —The quadrilles are still • held here once a weeki pub I suppose it will be time for the danomg to stop soon. Last Sunday my mates and I went for a romp in

the bush, and we had quite a good time. We took plenty of snaps of different places. One comes across one or two nice waterfalls in the bush, too. My mother has been in bed lately with a very bad back. I think it is a of the influenza, as it is going about. The place does not seem to have go rid of it yet. The school commiltee are going to start and hold euchre parties once a week, and I hope they will be a success. It is rather pleasing to see the days growing longer and the nights shorter. Kindest regards to all my correspondents, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, PATRICIA.

Dear Dot, —The folk in this place are absoluetly "struck"" on dancing lately—three or four dances every week. It seems as if everyone is having a regular "fling" after those weary years of war. Never mind; it's an opportunity, I suppose, so why not make the best of it. Oh, the weather in Wairoa has b&en just killing lately—nothing but cold, rain, and wind. We began to think a flood was coming, but no such luck. Ever since last Monday—a week to-day—it has been raining enough to try the patience of Job. The A. and P. Society held a bazaar in one of the "empty shops up town last Friday, and although I was not present I heard they did exceedingly well. It was a change lor Wairoa, as everything is usually Co very dull. There have been no boats in for a number of days now owing to the bur. Oh, that bar! It is the worry of our lives. I only wish some of you Dunedin L.F. could have the pleasure of depending on it for your mails, etc., for a time. You wouldn't want it for long! Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, CLYDE (Wairoa, H. 8.) Dear Dot, —I am a very busy girl to-night. I got a book from the library this evening, and I have been tot> busy to start it. This is the third letter I have writen., and when I have finished this I have to mend my coat. In some unaccountable way the cuff has been ripped half way round, so 1 to sew it on again. A Digger's Son is talking about foofball, that is his pet subject. I think I shall be glad when the football season is over, for you hear nothing but "football, football" in our house from one wee&'e end to the other. Kind regards to Lady Rosalind, Ginger M'Cluiky. The Girl He Left Behind Him, Engine-driver, and the Mossburn L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Ycurs truly, DADDY'S SWEETHEART (Dunedin). Dear Dot, —I have two little brothers in bed with thee whooping cough. We are minding a parrot for my auntie just' now. It oan't talk yet, because we have only had it for about a, fortnight. My brother can play the violin, and my other brother can play the accordion. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, PAINTER.

Dear Dot, —I have another little baby sister, and the is 12 weeks old. Her name is Fanny May, but wo oall her May. My father met with a very bad accident three v.eeks ago. He was felling trees when a branch cam© down on hi» head, and he had to have two big cuts stitched up. It is getting much better now, and the doctor took ths> stitches out again. It is a great wonder he was not killed. He was working about two miles away from home when it happened, and a man had to bring him home, and the doctor came soon after. Some Lass Bind I have both very bad colds. I hope we do not get the- whooping cough, as it is going about just now, and the school has been closed for over a weak. My mother, father, sister, brother, and I all had the "flu" at the one time, and my mother was very ill with bronchitis and pneumonia, so we have had a good bit of sickness lately. My grandma and my little sister are away for a holiday just now. Love to yourself and all the L.F.—Yours truly, WEARY JACK (Mokoia).

[Your family seem to have had rather more than your share of sickness, Jack, and I hope the colds are better.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Up here, in the morning?, the ground is nearly always white with frost, and it is a wonder that we don't wake up to find all our clothes frozen hard. I, have been for a bicycle ride round the block, and enjoyed the outing very much, but when I arrived home I found that I had forgotten to get some stamps, so off I had to go up to the township. When I arrived there I met Clover's Mate, and we both rodo home together. Clover's Mate and I have both left school now, and we are not at all sorry. I have just finished reading a book named "The Fifth Form at St. Dominic's," and I enjoyed it very much. Best wishes to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, CLOVER. Dear Dot, —We have a boat, and I like to go on the river in the evenings. I am nine years of age. I have a little brother, and he is six years old. We have not far to go to school, and we have a good teacher. We have three cows, one heifer - , and two big calves. We just milk two cows. I feed the cows in the morning and at night. Wo have just four hens and one rooster. —Yourstruly, THE HAYMAKER. Dear Dot, —I am staying down at Kaka Point with my mother and my sister, oznd we are down here for our health. It is lovely sitting at the table writing and watching the waves come rolling in on the beach. We've had quite a number of visitors here, although it's/ the off season for visitors jusi now. We go for a walk every day, and never get tired of it. There are the beach, the bush, and a dozen and one other places to go to. If we don't get tired of it I think that we will stay another week. We piay rounders with a seaweed ball, and it's jii#t lovely running about the beach after the ball; but the best fun is when the ball rolls into the water, and we have to scramble in somehow after it and get it out. The other visitors have all gone away this afternoon, and it is very quiet just now, but I suppose some more will soon come, as it seems that somebody is here. The mail comes here only three days a week, and so there isn't the joy of getting letters every day, but I think that when the mail does oome we get more letters. As we have cats at home it is very quiet here without them, but to-day I have' made friends with a very nice grey-and-white cat with no name, also a very nice brown, curly dog whose name is Jack.—Yours truly, LADY CASEY.

[I a.m. sure you will all feel rejuvenated after your holiday, Lady Casey, amd I am glad you are enjoying it so much.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have a lovely «siide at school, but I would not go on it, as it is too slippery for my liking. My big brother sat 'down to write, but instead of writing he played the tin whistle. He was 15 on the 12th of this month. My little brother is such a hard case he is always getting into mischief. The snow is half way down the mountains again, and it is very oold in the mornings. I was not at school this afternoon as I had to stay at home and help mum. My bigeisiter is" talking about going to a dance In Hyde. The boys play marbles at school now, and every step we take we

nearly twist our ankle in the holes they make. I am working- a table centre now, as I have finished my nightdress top. Love to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly,

WITCH WINNIE (Middlemarch)

[You evidently get through a fair amount of needlework in your spare time, Winnie. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have bean in the hospital for six weeks. I had to go under an operation for goitre, as I had it pretty bad. I am jusr home three days, so I have not started work yet. My neck is not very pretty to look at, but the shirt covers it up. You will notioo that we have changed our address since I last wrote*, and are at Longwood—that is to say, we are about 12 mile? in the bush from the station. It is far enough back, nothing to sec but bush and hills. Wo are having very hard frosts here now, with fine days after them. The summer will goon be round again, and it will be a good job, although we have had a good winter. Well, Dot, I hope to be starting work egiin, as it is no good lying about at borne. My father and brother are worldng at the mill we are living at, but I will have to go over to the other one, about a mile away. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself—Ycur? truly, A SAWMILL HAND. [I hope you don't start work too soon before you fully regain your strength, A Sawmill Hand, though it is irksome doing nothing.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last week a steamer called Ihe Fanny brought our settlers round the district their cargoi, but left ours on the Napier wharf. Our Uncle Jack, who has a large launch, was going to Napier with a load of wool, end he brought our cargo back with him. I like reading very much, and the book I am reading at present is called "John of Daunt." I have read "Little Mother," "Meg," and "Seven of Us." My two brothers, John, Pat, and I have fenced in a garden with, poplars. They will look pretty when they grow. We are going to plant everlasting sweet pen?- all round our garden. We have a nice lot of violets out in the home garden. My- brother Bob is sitting, with me, and he is drawing. Ye are having a "dance here on the 27th of this month. Kind regards to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FAIRY RINGS. [Though I am not very fond of dancing, I might be tempted to accept your invitation were I near at hand, dear.—DOT.] , Dear Dot, —I go to the St. Augustine Sunday School, «ind get a different book ■ every Sunday. The Sunday before last we had our new baby christened, and her name is Helen Joan. She did not cry when the water was put on her head. I did not go, I came home to take Alice down to the Nelson Park.—Yours truly, MARINE PARADE. [I am sure everyone was pleased baby behaved so well at the christening.—'DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have, the best room at school, and we have a photo of the Prince of Wales on the wall, "We are saving up at school to make the playground bigger. I am in Standard 11. We are having cold weather these last two or three days. . We cannot have drill, because the playground is too wet. Miss Corbet teaches i*s drill. I go to the Napier South School.—Yours truly, QUEEN PIT-A-PAT. Dear Dot, —'Our class ore going to ; bs examined to-morrow. It is very cold up here just now. Our church is going to get a sum of money ,to get an orgaai in memory of the men of the church who were killed at the war. Love to all the D.L.F.., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SUNNY NAPIER.

[I think tli© organ -will be a splendid memorial, and I hope a large sum is collected.—DOT.]

Dot, —"We have had a heavy fa.ll_ of snow, which I was sorry of. Golden View goes to the same school as I do, amd.wevare good friends. My little sister lias been ill with a very bad cold; I was up staying with my cousin, Christmas Bells, and had a lovely time. Love to .all the D.L.F., not forgetting- your own dear self.—Yours truly, VINILLA'S SCHOOLMATE.

[You enclosed a threepence with your postal note, dear, and we were fined 6d for compulsory registration. I have pa-ssed the 3d to the accountant as part payment of the fine.—.DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The weather is still very cold, and everyone that come* into the shop complains about it. I have been at home with the influenza, but- feel better now. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours .truly, A DIGGER'S DAUGHTER: •

Dear Dot, —We have just lately moved into a new home, and wo all like it better than the ome in Woodhaugh, and find it more convenient. We have all had heavy colds, and are not rid of them yet. We all get free passes for my dad is a railway mam, and I hiavo been nearly all over New Zealand, so I shall tell of some of my travels. I am all over ink; it is a terror when one gets a pen that leaks. With love to yourself amd all L.P. —Yours truly, POLLYOP.

,Dear Dot, —We had cur examination on Monday. There is a social here to-night for the Catholio Church, but I am not going. There was supposed to be a football i&atch between Lumeden and Mossburn Schools on Saturday, but Lumeden did not come up. There was a sale here last week. Love to Sir William, Daddy's Sweetheart, Dover Laddie, The Girl Ho Left Behind Him, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ENGINE DRIVER (Mossburn).

Dear Dot, —I wont into a township near here on Monday, and enjoyed myself immensely, although it was a cold day. The Oddfellows of this district hold -quadrilles hero every v waek, but es I don't dance I don't go. Kind regards to my L.F. correspondents and friends, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, MYSTERIOUS GUY. Dear Dot,—l have not seen my last letter in print yet, and I was wondering if you had received it. Do you. think I am improving in my writing? Mother is now cooking. We had a storm last night, and it is just showery now. The boys are having gardening at; school while the girls are sewing. The special things we are going to set are onions, potatoes, and pumpkuis, and a few flowers. I have got a weather-glass; it is made out of a pickle bottle and a Worcestershire sauce bottle. When, it is going to be fine the water goes right up into the neck of the sauce bottle, and when, it is going to rain there is a bubble in the bottle. There are a good many lambs about I made some soup for dinner to-day, amd H was good.—Yours truly, JOLLY. [Pleaise write on only one side of the paper, Jolly. I am very interested in your weather-glass.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am going vo tell you abouf some of my outings. I look my ex-teacher up the JLouteburn Valley. We left Koine ai half-past 10, and re&ohed Millet's Camp at

half-past 1, where we fed our horses and boiled the "billy." After we had had lunch we left for the Routeburn Hut. The scenery was beautiful. The frost and snow on the trees were like multitudes of white blossom. The Bouteburn Eiver looked very blue and cold beside the pure white snow. Unless one has been up there, Dot, one cannot imagine what the scenery is like, it is so beautiful. In one place the icicles resembled a heron standing 1 on. one leg, asleep; and in other places the icicles were like flowers. We intended going right up to the hut, but when we got on to the flat we found snow there, and it looked so blue and cold that we did not go any farther up,, and so started on our homeward journey. "We were feeling very tired, so were glad when we arrived at Miller's ' Camp again. We arrived home safely that evening, after a most enjoyable day's outing. We were very stiff and tired next day. Our concert was held on August 6. My two sisters, my brother, and I sung two songs; but as we had had only one practice in three weeks we forgot some of the words, therefore the singing was not nioe. I also recited, and as it was the first time I had been on the stage by myself I was very nervous. The next Sunday the Salvation Army held church in the Glenorchy Schcolhouse, and mummy and I vent. Our next concert is to be in six weeks. Kindest . regards to all my correspondents, the Walter Peak D.L.F., .and Phil, not forgetting your own dear self. — Yours ruly, MOUNTAIN GENTIAN (Kinloch). [You must have seen some beautiful sights on your expedition, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had a concert. We sang two songs, but wo could not sing very well, as we had colds. My eldest sister recited. Have you ever seen an icicle growing upwards, Dot? The tap on our tank was leaking, and after the bucket was.full each drop froze until the iciole was about Bin high. The frost has been extra hard lately. I have been busy carting home turnips and wood, and helping dad to draft the sheep. It will soon be time to get the garden dug, eo as to have early vegetables. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DADDY'S EIGHT HAND. [I have seen, some rather fine icicle effects round Central Otago in winter time.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —There is a dance here on Thursday night, but I don't know for certain if I am going yet, but I suppose I shall reach there. I am very fond of dancing, and nearly always enjoy myself. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DARK STAR. [You placed only one penny stamp on your letter, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather her© lately has been very cold, and it has been raining all day to-day. We have a dance here ev£ry Saturday night now, and a ball now and again. There will be a reunion of all returned soldiers here shortly, and I expect to have a good time at it. One hundred and twenty-six soldiers left this district, but not that number returned. Love to Milkmaid and Ananias, not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly, THE CROPPY BOY (Middlemarch). " [I have posted the badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was trapping rabbits until it got' too frosty for the traps to go off. I am now working a team for my father. I like working horses very well. My father intends sowing some wheat this year,.as well, as oats and green crop. Our cows will be in in about a month, then we will be very busy Tip till New Year. We milk about 40 cows in summer, but we have milking machines. It takes three of us about an hour and a-half to milk and feed the calves. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, CULTIVATOR (Waitahuna). [I have made the necessary alteration DOT.] ■''-..- Dear Dot, —The roads and paddocks out here are very dirty. I have finished .my jersey now, and it looks very nice. I am going to knit a hat the same.to match my jersey. I got a new overcoat the other day; it is a grey one. My brother has another , dog now—he has two fox terriers, one is called Trixy and the other Glen. Did you go to see "The Man They Could Not Hang"'? My mate and I went to see it last Saturday. I thought it was lovely, but it was sad in some places. My sister ha® finished her gloves now, and is going to start and make a scarf for my mother. Love to all the L.F. and also yourself.—Yours truly, A SEA SHELL. Dear Dot,—-We have had two falls of snow but it is nearly all away again. It has been very cold these mornings as it has been hard frost, I have just finished reading a book called "Nancy's Fancies," and now I am reading another called "A Dweller in Tents." Love to all the D.L.F., not forge ting your own deaa- self.—Yours trulv ORKNEY LASSIE (Arrowtown). Dear Dot,--I am 12 years of age. It has e^ n , ve , r y fros ty these mornings going to school, but the weather is improving The eggs are getting more- plentiful now, but they_ are still scarce. Love to Montrose Lassie and Orkney Lassie, not forgettin*yourseli.—Yours truly, WHITE BABBIT'S FRIEND. DOtT arS Very Welcomo to Joill va ' dear.— Dear Dot,—Jean Armour and I were at a football match to-day, and we met Sweet Lavender. I am staying at Music Girl's place just now, and I like here. Jean Armour and I cycle in to Balfour to Sunday school every 'Sunday mow,.but I think Motor Girl is going to start teaching out here, soon, so wo will not have much longer to go to BaLour. We are all looking forward to tho fine weather, as wo want, to «ro bathW Love to all the L.F.-Ycurs trulf Damm& - CAMPFIRE GIRL (Balfour). Dear Dot,—As I expect to go to the Heorthftre Camp some time soon, I have decided to write to you in case I hadn't time before I , I . e , av «- st «rday we played hockey „ n Jubilee Park, and instead of running- we slid up and down the field, it was so muddy We have to turn out to practise on Wednesday morning at 7.30 o'clock at the Oval The prospect isn't particularly alluring, is it? I have been reading a book called "Boy Scouts of the Air ; " and it's awfully decent. When I have finished it I am going to read "Boy Scouts of the Air on Flak head Mountain," which seems to bo exciting , J read "Paddy the Next Best Thing" not so very long agct, and it is very nice. Are you fcoing to the Capping concert? My sister iried to get tickets at 'Varsity, but impossible, and everybody else has given it Up as hopeless. Have you ever heard those Jieces of musio called "Crescendo" and "Berceuse"? The girl next door has them, tnd she lent them to me. Also, I have found »ut that there's more than one "Humor-" •3que"—one by Grieg and one by Dvorak. I like Dvorak best, probably because I can Ijlay i it better than the other j but I love the music and melody in it. My sister brought home a print of Elmer Keeme's picf

tare, "Thf- Tempest." It was black and white, and someone had tinted it with water paints. It is pretty well done, and the sea is natural-looking. The surf is dashing high in the distance, and a boat is just visible. Dark clouds hover over cliffs, and gulls, aro flying about above the rocky points. I like pictures, especially ones done in oils. Our flowers are beginning to show again. We have lots of bulb© up, and it is nice to watch them grow. I feel a thrill of virtuous pride when I think of the garden I have dug and cultivated. It's not very big, but its flourishing. Love to my correspondents, the rest of the L.F., and yourself.—Yours truly, MARIE. [I think I prefer Dvorak, too, Marieit is so haunting.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Things are pretty quiet up here just now; but we are having hard frosts —l4deg to 17deg and 4deg below zero is pretty cold. There was a concert and dance here the other night, so I went and enjoyed myself very much. There was a hard-up social and dance last night, pictures tonight, and a dance on Saturday night, so we have plenty of amusements. Dad is still pruning, but it's so cold he does not get on very quickly. There were three exciting football matches last Saturday, and there were a lot there. I am going for a holiday next month, so I hope the weather is fine. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgeting. yourself.—Yours truly, NAMELESS ONE. [I hope you enjoy your holiday, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am eight years of age, and in Standard I. I have one mile and a-hali' to walk to school. We get the Witness every week, and I like reading the letters. — Yours truly, SEA HOLLY. [We are very pleased to have you join us, Sea Holly. Now you will have the additional pleasure of seeing your own letters printed.—DOT.] Dear -Dot,—The general topic for conversation down this way is, as usual, the weather. Southland is having a good innings of fine weather. We can easily see that spring is at hand once -more by the lovely flowers that are coming into bloom, and the birds that whistle and sing overhead. Who is going to win the inteirpro. football match to be held at Invercargill on the 25 th, between Otago and Southland? We are starting to play tennis down here again, eo I will be kept out of further mischief for some time to come. Best love to Tom Moore's Sweetheart and all other Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, TOM MOORE. . Dear Dot, —We are having har-d frosts in the mornings, but the days are nice and fine. Wo have 20 hens, and we got 11 eggs a day. I go to the Gore Public School, and am in Standard 111. I have a lovely pussy cat, he is nine years old, and I call him Peter. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, TOM MIX. Dear Dot, —We are having very frosty mornings here, but the days are always bright and sunny. I am reading "The Harvester," .and I. am so interested in it that I can't put it down. The last book I read was "A Girl of the Limberlost." It is a lovely one. I was up at 5.15 this morning seeing my ' uncle off. He> is going to Malay. Ethne is my sister. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, COLLEEN RHU. Dear Dot,—l have a little pony, and I ride to school. There are 24 children going to school just now. My brother has a little chestnut pony, but he very seldom rides it. I know a good many D.L.F., one of which is an Old Writer, her N.D.P, is Linnet. There is going to be a bachelors' ball at Waikaka Valley. There will also be a spinsters' ball here on September 3. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, EVENING CHIMES. [Linnet is an old friend of ours, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are .all very busy just now. My brother is at home with us now, so. it is not so lonely. Mother and my brother are tap and tailing swedes just mow, while I am busy in my garden and minding little Ivy, my sister. I have a small garden of my own, and I trenched it, so it ought to grow something. I am only going to grow vegetables for the salad, such as onions, radishes, and lettuces. My back gets ve.ry sore at night. My father is away out ploughing with a boy who works tor us. He used to write to the page under the name of A Gorilla Hunter; do. you remember him? Love to all the D.L.F., especially Gladys L., A Rainbow Fairy, Eva, Gloaming, A Soldier's Belle., and Somebody's Friend, not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly, IVYDALE (Awa,rua Plains). [Your garden should do well, Ivydale DOTJ Dear Dot,—l am 10 years of age. I set four traps at might when I come home from school. My brother has two ferrets and a dog, and ho goes out rabbiting on Saturday. My brother and I have 53 rabbitskins between us. lam in Standard 111, and I think that I passed my examination. Love to all the L.F., not forgeting yourself. Yours truly, PLOUGHBOY 11. [Will you please send your name and address with your next letter, Ploughbov DOT.] 6 '" Dear Dct,—l am 12 years old, Fnd am in Standard V. We ha.xe had our exam. We have two ferrets and a dog. The weather this winter has been very mild. I notice the days getting longer. I know one or two Little Folk. I have a bicycle, and often go for a ride. Wo are having holidays just now. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly. DAINTY DORA. [I think you should have saved 2d and used only one envelope, dear. . One must think of the pennies these days.-r-DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am 13 years old, and in Standard VI. We have bad our annual examination, and I have gained my proficiency certificate. We have two fervets and a dog, and catch a good many rabbits. My brother sets five traps. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly HORATIOUS 1 . [Congratulations on gaining your proficiency, Eoratious.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have been having awful frosts here lately, and now it is raining and blowing enough to frighten a. person. Our examination will bo taking place soon, and if I do not pass 'I think I shall cry. We have just had a week's holiday from school, and I went away for two or three days of the week, and in all my travels met only one D.L.F., whom I knew, as she is a neighbour of ours> so I did not feel so lonely then. I was at a. bachelors' ball a while back, and enjoyed myself immensely; and now there ia another taking place soon, but I do not think wo will be going, because it is too far. There are mot many conoerts

here this year, but still a concert is a great deal of worry for the secretary. _ I nave just bean reading a very interesting book called "Pearl of the West," written by Mabel St. John. With best love to all my correspondents, including yourself.—Yours truly, BIDE-A-WEB. Dear Dot, —My mate and I were out ferreting on Saturday, and brought home 11 rabbits. We are having very hard frosts here. I h**ve not been at school the last few days. Love to the L.F.—Yours truly, BLUEBEARD. [Letters written in lead pencil cannot be published, Bluebeard, so please write in ink and on only one side of the paper.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I will be 16 years of age in October. We are having fairly mild weather here just now. The cows will be in again in a week or two. We will be milking 60 by machines this year. I know some of the Mysterious Folk down here. Love to Island Lass, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MEADOW MAID (Island). [You are welcome to join us,, Meadow Maid.-dDOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very frosty weather here. I « 12 years old, and in Standard V. I have one sister and one brother. We have such a dear little kitten, and I have a nice bluish-coloured cat which I call Diamond. My brother has a nice little fox terrier dog called Tiny. Our hen-s and geese .are laying very well; we get sis or seven eggs a day. We had cur examination last week, and I don't know if I am top or not. Love to Piokles, Sulky Boots, Jean from Aberdeen, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgeting your own dear self.— Yours truly, THE PRAIRIE FLOWER (Mossburn). ' Dear Dot, —I am 16 years of age, and I have left school. I am learning to do some fancy work now. We are having lovely weather lately. Love to all the. L.F., not forgot ting yourself.—Yours truly, THE WOUNDED DOVE. * [Welcome to the page, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Th© measles are going about just now, and 12 children are away from our school with them. I know an Old Writer, her name is Possum's Friend. Our dog is trying to catch a. blowfly just now. He does not like them ever since he was stung by a bee. I had a birthday on Sunday, and got several presents. I hope yon do not catch th© measles, Dot. With love to all the L.F. and your own self—. Yours truly, ISLET. [I am not nervous about measles, dear, and 1 hope you escape infection.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am 10 years old, and am "in Standard IV. We have a young calf, also a young lamb. I walk to school on frosty mornings, and slike most of the way. Once when I was sliding where the ice was thin it broke, and I got my feet wet. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TUI (Wairio). [You are very welcome to join us, Tui.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am writing to ask you if you would allow me to be a member of your D.L.F. We are having strong westerly winds here just now, and have just got rid of five weeks' constant rain. I suppose it is still cold over there: As this is my first letter I will draw to a close, hoping you are well, as it leaves me at present.—Yours truly, WARATAH GIRL'S PAL. [We are very pleased to welcome you among u®, dear.—'DOT.] Dear and Captain Mugford have just come to this district. I am 10 years of age, and in the Fourth Standard at school. Our examination is to-day, and if I pass I shall be in the Fifth Standa/rd. The Albaaiy Street School Band was out here, and gave us a concert about a month ago. We are getting a belt of trees put round the school in memory of the fallen soldiers. Love to all the L.F.., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LOVE IN A MIST (Milton). Dear Dot,—We have had very heavy rain during these last two months. The saying is, "More rain, mora grass." I fail to see the grass, Dot: it is "more rain more mud " I am seriously thinking of attaching pontoons to my boots, so as to enable me to cross the mud pools. An incident happened this morning, which I never experienced before. I let a oow out of the bail, and at the same time forgetting to undo the leg-rope. The cow walked as far as the rope allowed her, then she sat down. After a few minutes of this amusing performance she managed to regain her footing, and—talk about lack! Love to Motor Jim Railway Joe., Irish Colleen, and especially Old Station, Qum Abbey, and yourself.—Yours truly, REDWINGS (Waianakarua). Dear Dot,—l was at ih& bachelors' ball on ruesday night, and enjoyed myself immensely, although it was morning when I arrived home. Dorinda and her sister were here on Thursday evening; it was the first time I have met her. On Tuesday my only sister is to be married, so it will be a great day for- me, I e,m only hoping that it will keep fine, as there is church, to-nitrht and I must try and go. It will be a great day m Invereargill on Wednesday, as Otaeo is to play Southland football. It will not be long now before the tennis season comes in again Iw in town yesterday, and saw several D.L.F., but did not speak. Kindest regards to all the D.L.F., mot forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, ROSALIE, D. 0 ff* days ago we were startled at school by the news that we were to have our exam, in less than a fortniebt and as I am going to try and get my proficiency I am shaking in my shoes lest I should fad. We had a visit from the organiser not long ago, and he said we had dona very well considering we he.d lost so much time _ I have been teaching my little brother to slap this afternoon, and although he is a boy and is only eight years old, he can skip two or three different ways. Wc have a hen sitting', and she has one little, yellow chicken out already. I suppose we will soon have some more pet lambs row. Love to yourself and all the L.F., especially to Bonnie Doon Princess Patrioa, Daffodil, and Ngaire.—Yours truly, MINNEHAHA. [I sincerely hope you gain your certificate, dear, and feel sure yoii will be very successful.—DOT.] . Dear Dot, —I wonder if there is as much football talk going on in Dunedin as there is down in Invereargill at present. We were given a half holiday from work last Wednesday to see the match between Canterbury and Southland, and it was gxeat. I had never taken much interest in football before,, but when they got going it was all my mates could do to keep me on our side of the railings. I don't ever remember being so excited 'before, and what with a pack of schoolboys on one side and excited men on the other yelling out, "Go it, Southland," "Come on, Southla/nd," "Bods/' etc., and

an occasional barrack for Canterbury, I can tell you it was hard for me to keep from joining in with them. Indeed, I did come out with a few whoops of delight as Southland scored, but as my mates didn't get very excited I had to content myself with clapping, as they did. It was "some matcjv" to my idea, and, seeing that Southland won, we are all holding our hopes high for the next big match—Otago v. Southland,—which, I believe, will be a "tough go." We went to a dance after th© match to finish up the day, where my sister, Rendezvous met a D.L.F., but I dtooi't remember what his N.D.P. was. There are a number of D.L.F. in South Invereargill, but I do not know them all yet. I have met <a> couple of Old writers at dances here, and they still have a great interest in th© page. Good wishes to the L.F., especially to yourself, Fluffy Top, Whitburgh Lass, Hoo Hoo Pat,. Pearl White, Peggy of the Y.M.C.A., and Princess Marjorie.—Yours truly, RENEE. Dear Dot, —I have not been at school for two days, as I was not very well. I went to-day, but had to oomei home in th© afternoon, as I had a terrible headache. • My mother is in bed ill, and is very weak. I wish I were back in the North Island, as it is not _so lonely as this country place. Do you like pet lambs, Dot? I am very fond of them. W© have no sheep at present, but mother is going to buy m© on©. Best wishes to all the L.F. around this district, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, PRINCESS PATRICA. Dear Dot, —I am 11 years of age. I have a sister who writes to your page. lam staying with my aunt at Woodlands till Christmas. I have four brothers and one sister. My oldest brother has been working at Underwood factory for seven years. I am in the Fourth Standard at school Yours truly, CAMELIA. [You are welcome- to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am 16 years old, and I go out contracting with my father. We have seven horses and 17 head of oa+Je. I have to feed the_ •cattle on turnips and straw. I am harrowing the stubbl© paddock so as to give the grass a chance to grow. Mother' and I hav© just about finished trenching th© garden. Father is ploughing out at Hedgehop© just now. Lovo to all th© D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, KING OF THE PLAINS. [We are delighted to welcome you to the page, King of th© Plains.—DOT.] • Dear Dot, —I have just returned from a visit to my sister e,t Woodlands. I was at a dance at Kennington with my cousins on Friday night, and w© enjoyed ourselves immensely. Since'l last wrote there have been 10 people from Ryal Bush married. I think that is very good considering this is Leap Year. W© have a very gcod football team here. They have played four games this season, and although they have not won any, they played a splendid gam© in each case. Love to Camelia, Viola, Jolly Major, Dorinda, Margaret, and all th© D.L.F.—Yours truly, FIRESIDE LASSIE (Ryal Bush). Dear Dot,—l have not been well lately, and hav© not been abl© to go to school until to-day. W© had a juggler at our school today doing all sorts of funny tricks. Th© thing I was mostly interested in was that he spun a wheel, with fire in the middle of it, round an umbrella. All the school children paid 6d each to get in. Th© money is for the Week of Pity Fund to buy clothes and food for the starving children in Europe. Don't you think it was a good way, Dot, to spend our sixpences instead of buying lollies? Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear Yours truly, PEANUT. [I think it was a splendid way of spending your 6d, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —W© had snow her© last week, and we did have fun tobogganing down a steep hill. W© are just beginning our second term examination, and for a Navy League essay w© have "The Life and Work of Captain Cook." W© have played three football matches, one against the Middle School, Oamaru, and beat them by 43 points to-nil; another, against the South .School, Oamaru, and beat them by 11 points to 3; and another_ against Waianakarua and Hampden combined, and _ beat them by 14 points to B.' W© ar© going to play .return matches shortly. There are numerous balls ■ and jdances coming off about Herbert soon.— Yours truly, WEKA (Herbert). [Your team must be a very strong- one Weka.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—There was a football match at Balfour last Wednesday, and we got a halfholiday from school. We are' Having fine weather just now. I hav© not planted any ceeds in my garden yet. We had our exam, last week, but I don't know how many marks I got. I was at Gore on Friday, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I went to see th© Gardens, and they had a good many flowers out for this time of the "year. I am reading a nice book that one of my mates lent me, th© "Girl's Own Annual." The Busy Bees will soon be starting again, and I will bo glad. I saw Lovdy on Wednesday. We set a trap to try and catch a rabbit, but we did not catch it. Golden Curls lent me a very nice book. The birds will soon be laying now. I used to go up to get th© paper at night with a lantern, but.there is a moon now. My pet sheep jg always getting into mischief; she won't let th© fowls eat their oafs. We will be getting our term holidays in September. Love to Golden Curls and all L.R, not forgettinsyour own dear self.—Yours truly, GENTLE ANNIE (Balfour), AUTOS. Marin© Parade (Emmeline Graham, 17 Sale street, Napier) wishes to correspond with Miss Innocence. Marie (Maiaie M'Gill, 15 Pacific street, Rosryn) wishes to correspond with Hoo Hoo Pat, Hoo. Hoo Pat's Cobber, and any L.F. interested in music or outdoor sport. Ivydale (Monica Bell, Awarua Plains) wishes to correspond with Gloaming (whose address is lost) and any L.F. 14 years. Waratah Girl's Pal (Doris Stephens, "Cairo," Watson street, Waratah,, via Newcastle, N.'S.W.) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 17 yeaa-s-. Minnehaha (Clarice Weir, Whnretoa, via Balclutha) wishes to correspond with any North Island L.F. 13 to 15 yeuis. Lochella. (Ada Miller, Papakaio) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 17 years. Weka (Andrew Frame, Herbert, North Otago) wishes to correspond with The Captain of a Football Team. Daffodil (Ruby Morrison, Wharetoa, via Balclutha) wishes to exchange o-utos with Ev© and Wildfire. Dark Star (E. Murphy, Te RusJ sell street, Waipukurau) wishes to correspond with Koxadi and Two Mysterious Lassies. Irish Mosis (W. Marshall, Moa Creek) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 17 years' or over.