IMPORTANT NOTICE TO D.L.F.

Otago Witness, Issue 3487, 11 January 1921, Page 56

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO D.L.F.

BADGES. PRICE 2a 6d. We are reluctantly compelled to raise the prioe of the badges as, owing to the increased coat of labour and material, the manufacturer is unable to supply them at the old rate. The badges will now he supplied post free at 2s 6d. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. 'Ccjtto:—We write for the benefit of ethers, not for ourselves. No letter to contain mere than 1160 words. Dear Dot,—As I was reading with a real interest your newspaper Otago Witness, I look at your place, the Dot's Little Folk. This institution pleased me very much, and if you admit foreign members I shall be glad to send at regular terms very interesting letters on Paris, France, to your folk, and also exchange with them post-cards and stamps of our respective countries. I am 21 years old, and i was a soldier for two and a-half years. Now I am at school, the Superior Commercial School in Paris, as .a student for two years. More, I am at the disposal of any of your L.F. to send them descriptions of our landscapes, indications about our birds, animara, flowers, and so on, and chiefly about Paris, which I know perfectly. So, as my country is just at the opposite of yours on the earth, and I could not receive the Otago Witness, I pray the boys .and girls—chiefly the girls about 17 and lover—who would exchange some things with me, post-ioards or stamps, to write me at the address you see at the foot of my letter. About the relations you want let me know, and by the return of the mail you shall have it. Of course, you’ll be kind enough to correct the mistakes, which yi6u will find among them, to publish it in your newspaper, because I don’t speak English as Shakespeare does. So, my dear Dot, I hope you’ll agree to my little collaboration, and in this hope I pray you to send my best regards to all vour folk. —Yours truly, LH MONTMARTROIS (Paris). Address: Mr Emile Niool, G 6 Doudeauville street, Paris XVIIIth, France. [We shall be most happy to receive letters from France, Le Montmartrois, and your letters will be warmly welcomed.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was glad to see that Jerry Joy liked my explanation of the birds travelling long distances or migrating from place to place.' I am waiting with interest, however, to hear more about the birds in his neighbourhood—will he not tell us a little more about the kakas and parakeets ho has seen. "What about the little birds of different sizes in the nests? He says he was fishing—for what kind of fish? Are there any “native trout” —black speckled fish, which lie near the bank and are hard to catch —left in his streams? Any eels, or lampreys—'funny-looking snaky things with holes down the sides like “suckers” of the octopus, but really breathing holes? Any crayfish left under the big stones —chaps with big nipping claws? Any stonefish, or “co-ckabullies” so-called, which lie in the mud and dart in little jumps from place to place? They have very big heads, and are quite rough like a file to handle. Will Motor Girl at Ardlnssa tell us a little more about the bird she asks information of. Thor© is no bird like it, native or introduced, that I can think of unless it is a redpole or redpoll, which is much smaller than a goldfinch. The English tree sparrow has a reddish-brown head and a whitish breast, but I never saw one in this country. We have no red-headed bird except the parakeet, which everyone knows. Send down one of the white eggs, and I will try and identify it for you. What is this gigi that Joilv Jack Tar writes of? We are all anxious to learn of things other jreople know. There must be some other name for it. Wishing you all a happy New Year, and apologising for the length of this, — Yours truly, O RNITH OL OGIS T. Dear Dot, —It has been a glorious day, but a bit too hot, as it made one feel lazy. I am going to spend my holidays in Dunedin that I may go to the beaches round there. There is such a lot of people away from here holiday-making juat now. I suppose you have many L.F. in the vicinity of Dunedin. Have you ever read any of Louisa. Aloott’s books. Dot? I think they are just lovely. Wild Irish. Rose seems to bo quite pleased with herself, ns her father's racehorse won on Monday. I suppose the gardens in Dunedin arc looking lovely just now. Wishing yourself ar.d all the L.F. a bright and happy New Yea.. >nd with best wishes to Wild Irish R. so. T omie’s Girlie. Kim, Sirius, The Masked Oirlaw, and all my correspondents and your clear self, — Yours truly. A WILD ENGLISH ROSE. [I hope you enjoy your holiday, and have good weather to indulge in bathing.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I passed my two examinations. I am home again from Gore, which I am very glad of. Love to Campfire Girl, Motor Girl, Jean Armour, Heather, Fern Leaf, The Musical Maid, Prince of Wales, Lovdy, Lass o’ Gowre, and yourself.—Yours truly, THE MUSICAL GIRL. Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather down here just now, but it is rather too hot All I feel like is sitting in the shade reading. I have been reading a good many books lately, all about Indians. I must wish all the D.L.F. and yourself a happy New Year. I am a bit late, but better late than never. I was at a cricket match hero on Christmas Day; it was Garston v. Fairlight, and Garston won by seven runs. We have six weeks for our school holidays. Our annual school picnic was supposed to be on New Year's Day, but I think it is

put off on account of the whooping cough. My mother and I have bad colds. I have the croup as well, and it isn’t very nice. Love to all —-.Yours truly, A SEA CAPTAIN'S COUSIN. [Please remember to write on only one Slue of the paper, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Here I am once more -o pen a lew lines to say farewell to 1920. J net iancy, 1921 will be along m a few weeks, and 1 wonder what she shall bring forth, it seems ages since 1 made an appearance, and 1 expect you are wondering whether your Fiji pen is going- to drop out of your happy circle. No, not she I 1 always look forward to getting the Witness, and read the letters with great enthusiasm, and hope to do so for the next three years. I have been away for 10 days, and have had a most exciting time from the moment we left until our return. When going down in the launch we girls had been crocheting, and carelessly left cur needles about, and one unfortunate person sat on one, and it took some time to remove it. The sea began to get rough, and the launch did bounce about. One o*f the ladies became hysterical. However, we reached our destination safe and sound. After tea we three girls- spent three hours on the beach in the moonlight. It was simply beautiful, and the coooanut trees seemed so. tall and weird with their shining leaves swaying so gracefully iiv the breeze. It was so lonely, and all was still, save for the tinkling of tile cow bells in the distance and the rippling of a little creek close by. All our evenings were spent that way—just listening in silence, or sometimes we’d sing, and a little bird would often burst forth with its bell-like voice when all was still. One afternoon we were cliashed by a stallion, and had to scramble through thick bush to get on to the beach, where we were safe. Another time we were frightened out of our wits when we bumped into a herd of cattle down from the hills. They were most ferocious looking animals, and until wo had safely passed our eyes were on the lookout. I had one eye on the cattle, and the other on a lookout for an easy tree to climb, and there wasn’t one in eight, so goodness knows what would have happened if they had chased us. I enjoyed myself immensely. Oh, well, Dot, I must close, wishing you and yours and all the Little Folk a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Au revoir 1920!—Yours truly, COOOANUT PALM. [Though envy is not considered nice, I must admit I should like to experience some of those delightful evenings you speak of. Best wishes for the New Year.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you I have been ill with influenza and pneumonia, but I am quite recovered now. On Christmas Eve I went down town -at halfpast 7. I took two little friends with me-Thc-ir mother had to go to the shop, as their- father has the music shop here. At 8 o’clock I took the little girls to the pictures, but came out at half-time, and took the girls to their mother, who was going home. Then I met my sister and her young man. I then discovered I had left the Otago Witness at the Theatre, so I went back upstairs and got it. We had ioe creams, and just a-s we were coming out of the shop we met mum and dad and the children. They went home, but wo went and had supper, and then to midnight mass. My mother and sister have gone to tile Wairau Valley raoe.3. I might be going to my father’s uncle in Sydney for my holidays. Last time I had three months' holiday. We have bought a house, and have shifted into it, so I will have to -change my address. I was at the pictures four times last week. I also went to a party. My sister is going to the Sounds after New Year. I hope you liad a merry Christmas, and I hope you and all the L.F. will have a happy New Year. Love to Betty, Morning Star. Gloaming, The Croppy Boy, Trixie, Buster Manager. Oroanoa, Lady Peri-aero, The Fair-haired Lassie’s Sister, Bide-a-wee, and A Lonely Heather Maid.— Yours truly, A JUNE ROSE (Blenheim). Dear Dot, —I now ask permission to join your band of Little Folk. I was staying in Suva, the capital of Fiji, w.ith my aunt, and I was going to school there; but I came home on the Bth of this month for our Christmas holidays, and am looking forward to Christmas now. I have three brothers'and one sister, who used to correspond with the D.L.F. as Coooanut Palm. I am 12 years old, and the youngest in our family. I have two pet cats of my own; their names are Cheeky and Pinknose. My mother’s cat is called Kitty Wee, because it was such a tiny kitten. It is 11 years old —just one j’ear younger than I a.m. It has been very wet here for the last two or three clays, and has quite spoilt the ground for tennis, as it is all sloppy; but I hope it will be fine next week. We don’t live far from the water, and sometimes, when the tide is suitable for a decent- swim, at 5 o’clock a.m., my sister and another girl and I go in, and we also go in for a swim in the afternoons. My brother has .a pulling boat, and we often go cut for a pull of an afternoon. When I was in Suva I saw the Prince of Wales, and I also went on board H.M.S. Renown. Mother has about 12 dear wee ducklings and about 50 clear wee chicks; but the” mongoose are bad here, and if one has any chicks they will walk off with them, if one does not catch them in traps or shoot them. Love to the D.L.F., not forgetting vour own dear self. —Yours truly, SNOWDROP QUEEN. P.S.—I wish you a- merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—S.Q. [We are delighted to include you am-ong our numbers, clear, and hope formally interesting letters from you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are leaving for our holidays on the -Ith*of January. We are going to Christchurch and Dunedin. Racing engagements claim the time until then. Barcoga won the Final Handicap at Gore. She started in the Cup, but by some accident the- wheel of the sulky got all twisted. The driver had to stop her and wait until the race was finished. I received a Christmas card from my cousin (Horse-lover) the other morning. I didn’t know that she wrote to the page. I suppose I shall find j cut that some of my cousins in Africa or ; Australia write too. —Yours trulv, A WILD IRISH ROSE. [I hope you enjoy vour holiday, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am pleased to tell you that I got my proficiency certificate. I will be going to Timaru next year, and I hope to meet some D.L.F. there. There are a good few in the High School, are there i not ? We went, into Timaru on Christmas | Day, and I went in for a bathe. It is the first one I have had this year, and it was lovely. One of the L.F. was describing a bush tree and asking its name. I think its name is the m-akomako, or Maori currant. Its leaves are of an oval shape, with serrated edges. The flo-wers are very email and hang down in clusters like currants. They are of four colours —namely, red, pink, white,- and cream. It comes out in November, and I think it is one of the prettiest of bush flowers Do you like reading, Dot? Gertrude Page’s books are very nice. The

last one I have read is called “The Great Splendour;"’ but I do not like it as well as the Edge o Beyond” by the same writer. Hoping you have had a very haopy Christmas and will have a bright New Year, I will close.—Yours truly, INEZ. , if tried to think of the finish of the verse, but the heat 13 too great for concentration, Inez.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I thank you very much for letting me join the page. 1 thought I would like to join and have a- few correspondents. Billy the Orphan’s Pal and I went to the pictures last night, but they were nothing startling. 1 was at Eden'(ale for the sports on Christmas Day, but the weather was not very nice, as it rained heavily about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and we had to go home. But wo are having! lovely weather here at present, and I hope it will test. I had some girls at our place to-day, .and, I got some lovely snaps of them with my camera. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BILLY THE ORPHAN. D-e-ar Dot, —This is my last letter before I return from my holidays. A Wild Irish Rose is going to college for a few years longer. Barroga won the Final Handicap at Gore races. Although she started ln the Cup, she had to pull out, beoause a horEe ran into the sulky and the wheel got all twisted. B-arooga’s stable-name is Dot. fell© has won two two-mile races, a mile and a-half, and a mile race. Best love to Droamikins and Beautiful Star. —Yours truly, LIGHT OF THE WESTERN STARS. [I hope j-ou received the badges saielv. — POT.] Dear Dot, —We have our school holidays now. Wo had a picnic at the beach on the 2nd of December, and the prizes were given out. I got a lovely big book for a general prize and a nice seif-filling fountain pen for a prize for arithmetic. There were some little children at the picnic who were too young to go to school, and they also got a nice little book. Our cow has been calved nearly three weeks, and she is milking well. We get a bucketful of milk every night and morning. She has a nice little black-and-white c-alf. We are having! good weather here, and to-day it was very hot. The hens are not-laying very well just now, as they are starting to moult. We have some nice little chickens out; they are just like little balls of fluff. Wishing .all the D.L.F. -a happy New Year, and also yourself,—Yours truly, MOTHER'S HELP (Tahakopa), [I hope you have a very happy time during the holidays, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have onr holidays now. All our wee ducks got sunstruck and died. On Tuesday I saw the aeroplane, and it was up above the clouds. I have some crackers and bung-bungs to let off to-night. B-est love to the Mate of the Wild Deer and yourself.—Yours truly, SAGO LILY (Sawyers Bay). Dear Dot, —For some time past I have been interested in the letters of Dot’s Little Folk, so I have decided to join, if you will accept me as a member. Personally I know only one member of the D.L.F., but I would like to know more. The weather here is wet and cold to-day, though it was beautifully sunny for the Christmas holidays. I went with a friend for a bathe yesterday, and w© were cfi-uglit in a heavy shower of rain before we reached home. Can you swim. Dot? I hope you will accept me as a member of your band. Wishing you and all the L.F. a happy New Year, — A ours truly, MADCAP. [You are very welcome to join us, Madcap.—DOT.] » Dear Dot, —I have taken an interest in the page for a considerable time, and have 1 often said I would join. There are 23 going to our school. I am nine years old, and in Standard 111. My eldest brother is in Standard IV, and my younger sister in Standard 11. We are milking eight oowa and _ feeding seven calves. My eldest brother has 10 young ferrets. Did you hang nn your stocking?—Yours truly, FAIRY BELLS. [I am afraid I am past the stage of hanging up my stocking, dear. It is now rather large to fill.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I jo-in your happy band of L.F. ? I am 12 years old and in Standard V at school. Our examination is over, -and I think I passed. We have two cows milking; their names are Beauty and Cherry. I have three sisters and four brothers. My sister is go ; ng to write next time, too. My little baby brother can nearly walk; he can walk along the edge of the sofa. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, GOLDY LOCKS it. [As we have a writer with tße above pen-nanfe, to avoid confusion it might be advisable for you to choose another, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—There has been a school picnic and a school.concert, both of which were splendid successes. The hall was a little crowded; but it is such a poky little place that nobody expected anything else. Also during the dance there were several complaints made about “mere infants” taking possession of the floor, for, goodness knows, there was little enough space for the crowd of grown-ups to get moving room without being puni-pc-d into every little while by a couple of youngsters who thought they were dancing. In spite of all that, and the heat, we managed to enjoy ourselves quite well. The picnic was at Timaru, and we couldn’t have had a better day if we’d ordered the weather for the occasion. It is hot here. Yesterday and to-day nearly settled me completely. I do pity invalids this weather, for when one lias to sit or lie about all {he time in this heat it must be pretty awful. Even when one can just get about a little it would be a horror, I should think. I find it beyond me to keep cool at times, and there’s nothing of the invalid about me. Wliat sort of weather are you enjoying, Dot? We badly need some rain here, and if we don’t get it soon the crops will be ruined. Every person here who owns a garden is wailing about the birds. Nobody is bird-nesting this year—even the small boys have become torpid,—and they (the birds, I mean) are flying about in swarms. My garden seems to be singled out for their big tangis, but my friends assure me I haven’t any more woes than anyone else. Moss Rose was dux of the Pukeuri School this year. There never was a dux medal for boy or girl before here, even when there were larger classes. This year the Sixth Standard consisted of about four boys and one girl. Different peoplo hold different opinions about the two medal stunt (for this is really only a country school), but then one can’t expect everybody to be satisfied, can one? I am too hot to write much more. I’d enjoy. a stroll immensely, but these warm evenings are infested with big moths and brown bugs that fly about ana seem to have a peculiar fancy for exploring one’s ears. They are hard _ little things—sort of beetle with hard wings, and they make a curious buzzing noise when they fly. They are generally called “buzzers,'

and are flying about in swarms in the evenings. Do you have them in Dunedin, Dot? I think they must come out- of the grass, and. it is real agony to get one down your neck. They spoil one’s enjoyment of the lovely evenings. Wishing all the L.F. and yourself particularly a happy New Year, —Yours trulyp MYSTIFICATION (Pukeuxi).

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your band? I am 12 years of age. I wish I was finished school, for I don’t like it at all. We are having- terrible weather up here. Every time ,t% rains it always blows for a long time. I have a dear wee block kitten; he is as black as jet, and his skin shines in the sun. Dove to A Waihola Dass, Monkey, and all the other D.P. —Yours truly, DOST HEART. [Please send in your name and address with your next letter. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been beautiful this last week or so. The farmers are longing for rain. I had a good time on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The Sunday School gave a picnio at the Burn to-day, and there was a big crowd, but not eo many as last year. It was a lovely day—in fact, too hot. Thursday was windy. Every afternoon I always take the baby out for a walk, so I took him out although it was windy. A Highland Daddie is away to Dipton sports to-day. Dove to all the Mossburn D.D.P. and my correspondents, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yonrs truly, JEAN FROM ABERDEEN (Mossburn). Dear Dot, —Thanks kindly for permitting me to join, as now I am looking forward to having a few correspondents. Well, as very little of interest happens in this die-

trict, I will go back to my first experiences at a certain place on the Blue Mountains. My brother and I set out riding about midday one Sunday—a ride of about six miles. The road is not formed half the way—in fact, the last mile is juef a track wide enough for a dray through scrub; then it opens out into a large, bare puddock lying down to the foot of the mountains, where stands the remains of a hut. Well, we tied our nags up under the scrub which surrounds the bare paddock, then set out on foot for the back creek, which comes down out of the hills with terrific force, then takes a turn and runs along the foot of the mountains. This creek we followed up into the hills, and I thought it was very pretty. Such a number of falls—not very high,—but tic- water made quite enough noise rushing through. The trees up that creek are mostly beech, and some of them are extra big round, and they look so tall. I think the iancewood is a rather extra-ordinary-looking tree, .' with its one trunk and Jong green leaves drooping from the top and down the trunk. Well, we didn’t go far up that creek till we crossed, and came down on the other side. Then we set out up the hills further down, and, Dot,

what a walk, for we walked constantly up hills and down for over an hour, until at last we reached a bare place on top of a ridge. Then we could see out all across the country. By this time we wanted a rest, so sat down, and spotted out the different houses and places in the surrounding district. We could even get glimpses of the Pomahaka and Clutha Rivers, miles away. Then we began our homeward journey, and sometimes my brother said he didn’t know whereabouts we were. He would then climb a tree to get the lie of the hills; but at last -we reached the bottom, to find we had come out about a mile further down than where our horses were tied. When we reached them they were in good trim, so it didn’t take us long to reach home, sweet home again. I felt tired for a day or two after, but that soon wore off. I hope you enjoyed Christmas, Dot. I am too late to wish you a merry one, but I wish you and all the L.F. a. bright and happy New Year. —Yours truly, A -STARRY NIGHT. [Your expedition must have been very interesting.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am away from home, and am staying up at my grandmother’s at Enfield. I always help to milk the cows; they are milking ‘25. My uncle takes the milk to a cheese factory at Enfield every morning. My grandmother has a lot of dear little chickens —some white and others black. To-day there were sports at Oama.ru, but I did not go. My uncles were in, and eaw my sister and brother. Very shortly my grandmother is putting up a new house. The carpenters were supposed to have started by now, but they have not. Dot, are there many L.F. abrut Enfield? I don’t suppose you will have heard 1 have another little eister. ;She is a fortnight old, her birthday being on 'he 18th December. Everybody is saying, “Don't you wish it was a brother?’’ but I say, “No; one brother is enough.” We are coifing her Margaret Alice. We have had lovely weather lately; it has been sunshine and no rain. On the 22nd December we had our break-up, and it was a success. When we had received our prizes we were taken outside, where we were given some lollies. We were given our proficiency certificates there, too. " Our picnic is going to be held some time in January. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PATCHES. Dear Dot, —I am writing to see if you will let me join your D.L.F. band. I am just 13, so I suppose I am not too old to write. We are having some magnificent weather down this way just now, and I am enjoying my holidays to the full. We go swimming every afternoon, and in the evening we go for motor drives. Hoping you will have ma in your D.L.F. band,—Yours truly, SWEET KID'S MATE. [You are very welcome to join us, dear. I am delighted to know you are having such a happy holiday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We went to the Tuapeka Mouth sports on New Year’s Day, and are going to the sports at Clydevale next Saturday. We have about 10 minutes’ walk from the Molyneux River, which is the largest in New Zealand. I received first prize for the best in my class at school. It is blowing hard now, and all the birds’ nests are being blown down. I have a doll called Liiy, which has a pink hat and dress and golden hair; and a teddy bear called Ted, which is dressed up in baby’s clothes; but, best of all. a big pram. When we went to school one wet morning we found two little kittens there. I took one home, and my mate took the other one. Mine is a little black one, and I call him Tommy. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, NGAIRE. fl am so glad you did so well at school last year, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—One of our cats started eating the young chickens, so we tied her up like a little dog. If she is let loose she goes down in the yard, and if she sees any })erson coming down she gees up to the louse as hard as she can go, because she knows she has done wrong and does not want to be tied up again. We had a school picnic about 11 days ago, and had a very pleasant day for it. I came first in one race and eecoud in another The name of the

prize 1 got was "The Australian Boy’s Annual, 1921.” I spent a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year’s Day, and hope most of the L.F. and yourself spent the same. On New Year’s Day we went round to the Waitaki River for a picnic with some friends, and we had a very pleasant day there. There is a place where we usually go, and any time we have gone we have not found any people there. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ROB ROY (Waihao Downs). Dear Dot, —I am writing to you to see of you will let me join your D.L.F. band. I am just 10 years of age. My sister writes to the page: her N.D.P. is Tommie’s Girlie, and she is 16. I know a good many L.F. here, ro I won’t be stuck for mates. I know Somebody’s Darling, Bill’s Sweetheart, Wild. Irish Rose, Wild English Rose, and Mountain Lily. Hoping you will have me in your band, —Youth truly, SWEET KID. [You are very welcome to join us, dear?— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very fine weather up here. My mother has 34 chickens and six young ducks. We are milking 21 cows and feeding eight calves. I went to Tuatapere sports yesterday, and enjoyed myself very much. I was at the Invercargill Show, and I enjoyed myself verymuch looking at the cattle and watching the horses jumping - . My two brothers and I went eeling the other day, and we got one eel. Our two ferrets got out one night, and we found them in the garden. I have 17 kinds of birds’ eggs. My cousins are coming up on Saturday, and I am going to set rabbit traps all the time they are here if it is fine. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— lours truly, - HERD LADDIE.

Dear Dot,— I know several D.L.F. about here. I was up .at Edendale sports, and had a good time. I did not go to the Invercargill Show, as it was on a school day. 1 passed into Standard V this year. Nearly all my relations live near Dunedin. We have 10 horses, six calves, and 30 cows milking. We have also a black and white cat called Growler, a white kitten called Snowy, and a tan dog called Mack. My brother has a ferret, but does not go rabibting with it very often. I was at a wedding the other day—the first I have ever been to. My auntie has been staying with us for a while, but went away to-night. I suppose you get a good many letters a day. Dot ? We have our - school holidays now. About a week ago nearly everybody about here were saying, "I wonder when we will have some summer weather?” We have a good many flowers out iust now, but not many different kinds. We had our school picnic the day we broke up, and we got our prize books in the morning and ran races in the afternoon. We got our Sunday School prizes the next Sunday. —Love to all the D.L.F. I know.—Yours truly, COPPER NOB. Dear Dot, —I think the most important thing I have to tell you is that I have passed, and have gained my proficiency. I have not been anywhere for my holidays yet, but I hope to do so before long. I hope you received the Christmas card I sent you. I suppose you got quite a- large number of them. 1 was at the Riverton regatta on Boxing Day, and we had a very good time, although we had to stand all the way there in the train, and sit on the floor in the guard’s van coming home. If the weather permits, we are going to Bluff on New Year’s Day; but at present it is very windy, and shows no signs of clearing no. Love to Pickles, Silver Star, Smile-a-little, Caroline Bay, and yourself.—Yours truly, SILVER LINING (Invercargill). [I have made the alterations you reauost. dear.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have been up in Dunedin for a holiday, and I can tell you I had a jolly good time. There was only one fault, and that was that the time passed too quickly. The holidays are finished now, so I suppose it is a case of going back to work till the Easter holidays come round. Things have been rather lively here lately as far as amusements, etc., go. We’ve also had regattas, and the Invercargill races were on here to-day, but as the latter don’t interest me greatly, I played tennis all day instead of going out to the course. The weather here during the holidays has been all that could be wished for, but. I think we’ll be having a change shortly, -tor it is looking very threatening just now! For a moral, we’ll have to pay for the good weather we’ve been having lately. Wish ing you a prosperous year for 1921,—Yours truly, DEADWOOD DICK (Invercargill). [Unfortunately your choice has already been taken up, so I leave it at the old one till you make another decision.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —1 am 12 years old and in the Fourth Standard. We have six little kittens, and they are darling little things. I am enjoying my holidays, and I hope you are, too. I learn music, and like learning very much. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly BETTY BLUE. Dear Dot, —I have been at home for my holidays for a week, and am having a good time. We all went to Port Molyneux on New Year’s Day, and it was lovely. It was reported yesterday thot there was a big fire going, and five houses burnt. It would* give the holiday-makers a fright. I have met a good few L.F. this week in Balclutha— over a dozen. Each one seems to be looking for a badge. It is raining to-day, and it is needed very much. My sister and I went for a long walk on Sunday night over the top of Stewart Hill, and it was very lato when we reached home. It is a good job we can get sugar to make some jam. We had not one bottle left. Best wishes.— Yours truly, SILVER SHAMROCK. Dear Dot, —Lf I do not hurry up and write to you someone else will be taking my N.D.P. I see there is a Broken Melody, and often wonder who she is. I have been in Wanganui for Christmas and the New Year, and have had a splendid time. I have not seen A Lonesome Melody for ages, and will have to stir her up, as she° is neglecting her correspondence, which once was good. Well, Dot, I will have to end my short note, hoping you had a merrv Christmas and a happy New Year time. Love to A Lonesome Melody, Motor Jim. Gloaming, A Masked Outlaw, Leo, Quin Abbey, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A SIMPLE MELODY (Maxwelltown) Dear Dot, —Southland is having a good innings of fine weather at present. Once I was an expert at corresponding, but now my chief characteristic is laziness, and the result is my correspondents suffer. The Invercargill races are on to-day, and this morning cars, buses, etc., went down wholesale. I wonder if Star of Hope and Sylvia can guess who I am? Think of the “Inquest,” the "Book," and especially the manners, etc.; that will put you on the right track. I was planting some cabbage plants last night, but I thought that it was a detestable job, and was soon tired of it. Ginger M’Glusky is staying out at Knap-dale for a while, but I often see her in Gore, as she rides her bicycle in for

the messages sometimes. I know 16 c£ t-he Gore L.F. new, Dot, but there are some more whom I don’t knowfi Madaline has not found out who Motor Girl is yet, but I think I have an idea. Love to Lonely, Daphne, Star of Hope, Sylvia, Bill’s Sweetheart, Ginger M’Glusky, Bemersyde, Kohitere, Mae Marsh. Mayflower. A Wild Irish Rose, The Sport, Minnehaha, Gloaming, and most especially Smiles and Wanda, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PATRIOTIC PAUL, Dear Dot, —We are milking nine cows, and we have 12 c-alves I was 10 years old on the 3rd of December. I got a book for my birthday. The name of the book is "The Misdoings of Micky and Mac,” and it is a hard case of a book. I got two prizes this year—one from school and one from Sunday School, —and their names: are “The Crimson Book for Boys” and "The Wild Cotters.” I milk two or three cows each time. We have 10 chickens and abo-ut 40 hens. I had a calf given me, and I call it Lady. We finished shearing on the 31st December, and we got seven bales of wool. We are having lovely weather just now. I was at a picnic on New Year’s Day, and got 2s for running.—Yours truly, THE RACER BOY (Hillend). [You will not be short of reading matter for a time, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—-May I join your happy band ? We are having very hot weather up here. We have two pet lambs and three calves. I am in Standard I, and am eight years old. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CANDLESTICK. [You are very welcome to join us, Candlestick. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —'Since last writing to you we ! have had cur proficiency examination, and I am glad to say that I passed. I will have to go to the High School this vear I suppose. I received 'first prize in Standard VI last year. Our currants aie ripe, now, and I can’t say I look forward to picking them; it is such tiresome work. We are having very nice weather here now— ! rather hot if anything. There was a swimming carnival held in Alexandra a short time ago, and a great m any people were present. The cigarette race was very amusing. Our Sunday School picnic was held in the. Recreation Grounds on Boxing Day. It .is quit© a novelty to have white sugar, isn t it. Dot? We can have as much as we like now. I expect I am rather lato with my blew Year greetings, but “bolter late than never,” so I wish you and all the L.F. a happy - New Year. —Yours truly, MISS OPTIMIST. [Congratulations on your success. Miss Optimist.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have just got over the holidays.. and am back to the office again. It is tiresome to have to worh again after the welcome days cff. but, as tlie°old saying goes, there is “no rest for tiie wicked.” 1 had a splendid time down at Riverton regatta on Boxing Day. and, it being such a beautiful day, I enjoyed myself immensely. Brave Allies is a wav to the Invercargill races to-day; but I don’t think she will have a very gco-d day for them, as it is very wet here to-day - . However, I hope she enjoys herself. British Lion and myself ware round at Tuatapere sports on New Year’s Dav. They were « great, success, so, needless to say, we had a lovely time. The- Bluff regat.a was on that day also, but it had a very sad ending for many, as one of our 'neighbours was run over by the Bluff train just when he was coming home from the regatta. Well, Dot,. I am very sorry I did not writebefore Christmas, but I was kept busy all the time, and so never found time to write; but, dear Dot, allow me to wish y - ou and all the D.L.F the best of luck and all good wishes for 1921. Best love to British Lion, Girlie, and especially Gloaming, and your own dear se’f.—Yours truly, * MYSTERIOUS GIRL (Wairio). [Many thanks. Mysterious Girl, and we wish you the best of good things.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I went to Port Molyneux on New Year’s Day, and I was talking to a D.L.F. from Kaitangata, when we saw two girls with badges on, but es we did not wears ours we did not like to go and speak to them. My mate and I went to Kaitangata on Monday for the afternoon, and we had a really good time. —Yours truly MIGNONETTE. Dear Dot, —We are having fine weather jut now. It is quite a treat to start wearing light, dresses again. The holidays ar© all . over, nearly everybody is home again. We had a very quiet Christmas here, as nearly all Gore was away holidaying, and as mother had visitors I haven’t get away yet, but hope to soon. I often go for long - drives in our phaeton with my pony, and sometimes I go riding and other times cycling, so yon see I live. an idle Ife. I am very fond of muse and also singing. I am learning music, and it is good pastime in the evenings to sit down and play a tune or run over' a song or two. My mate and I are going to the bush for til© day. I remarked that wo would, take our bicycles, as they can’t run away, for

if my pony got loose she would just' come horns, and leave Billy the Orphan and I (o walk, and there would be no fun in that. Best wishes to you and all the L.F.— Yours trulv, BILLY THE ORPHAN’S PAL. [Ycur life seem® one big - holiday clear DOT.] ■ Dear Dob —Christmas and New Year are over once again. We had lovely weather for the _ holidays. A picnic was held here on Boxing Day, but it was not fine in the morning, so we did not leave till the a.f.ernoon. On New Year’s Day we went to the BerwicK sports, which I enjoyed immensely. The goo'cherries are nearly “ripe now, but there are not many on our trees now, as my mother made them into jam. How long the days seem now, Dot; it is not dark till after 9 o’clock. Though I am a bit late, I will conclude by wishing you a- v ory liappv New Year.—Yours trulv,' TINY. Dear Dot, —As it is such a lovely evening I thought I would take a seat outside and write a few lines to the p-age. The Kakanui Carnival was supposed to be held on tlie 27th of December, but owing to wet and miserable weather it was postponed until the 23th. There was no need to grumble about the weather on the 28tli, as it turned out to be a lovely day, and I enjoyed myself very much. It was great going down the toboggan and water chute. Of course, when one goes down the waterchute on© gets terribly splashed, but that is in the fun. I was also in the motor boat. The only fault I found with it was that the ride was too short. My brothers have a mouth organ and tin whistle, and you hear nothing but these things going all day, unless they get lost for a short time, when we get a spell. I suppose they won’t have them long, as they nearly always break up everything they get to see what’s in the inside. Sometimes they get the pup barking, and the more the noise the more they enjoy themselves; but I suppose it’s boys’ natures to be rowdy. Of course, girls I are not. Ob, no! at least judging by my-

self. I reading a bock called Domby and Son. It is my school prize, and I am enjoying it. It is written by Charles Dickens, and I was go pleased when I saw that he was the author, as I am very fond of his books. They are so sad in places and so jolly in others. The Maid of the Mountains sent, me a photo of herself and her pal, and 1 am so pleased with it. It and Mae Marsh’s are the only D.L.F. photos I can boast about, besides two snaps of Neptune’s Daughter. Best wishes to you all, not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, MARIONETTA (Incholme). Dear Dot, —I am staying at >St. Clair for three weeks, and having a lovely time. Lady Betty is making an attempt to write to you also. She has burnt three pages already, and I think the fourth will be burnt also. St. Clair is a very pretty place. The house we are stopping m is up on a hill, and we have to climb about 20 steps to get to the front door. We have had lovely weather so far. It was so hot to-day I didn’t know what to do with myself. I met Halfway House in Invercargill a while ago. I bad a loan of his D.L.F. badge for a, while. We had a very quiet Christmas and New Year here. I can hardly believe they have passed. I am going up to Maori Hill to stop on Sunday. I am not looking forward to getting there, as I hate tramcars, and they say it takes threequarters of an hour to go up the hill. I have been about two hours ever this short letter, so I had better clcs© now or it will be 12 o’clock before I get to bed. Love to all the D.L.F., especially Bonny and Lady Betty.—Yours trulv, QUEEN ELMA. [You did not finish your letter, omitting to sign your pen-name, ' dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of the D.L.F.? I am nearly 14 years old, and have left school. I have two brothers and no sisters. Mv home is in Christchurch, but I am staying at St. Clair just now with Queen Elma, and I like here very much. We are having a most glorious time, and I will be sorry when the time comes to go home. Just now a boy was sampling’ a few red currants, when he fell through the glasshouse and broke three or four panes of glass. We were at the gardens the other day, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. Love to yourself and all th© D.L.F., especially Queen Elma. — Yours trulv, LADY' BETTY 11. [You are very welcome to join us, dear. We have several writers from Christchurch. —DOT.] AUTOS. _A June Rose (Miss Doris Campbell, j Walter street, Blenheim) wishes to correspond with The Nightrider, Lonely, and any other D.D.F. boy from 15 to 18, and also wishes to notify her correspondents of her change of address. Snowdrop Queen (Kathleen Barrack, Nakama Hill, Savu Savu Bay, Van.ua Levu, b iji) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 12 or 13 years old. A Wild English Rose (Molly Cox, Hyde street, Gore) wishes ho correspond with Clyde. Penelope, A Maid cf the Mountains’s Pal, Motor Maid, Kiss Me at the Garden Gate, Monty, and the uuko of Nas-ebv. Inez (Cora Lynn, Te Mcana, Geraldine) washes to correspond with A Maid cf the Valley and Kilmony of the Orchard. The Music Girl (Susie Kcown, Box 6, Balfour) wishes to correspond with An English Girl. Somebody's Friend's Mate’s Sister, Maid _of the Valley, Black Sheep, Blue Eyes, The Sunshine Girl, and Maialine. | Wild Irish Rose (E. O’Connor, Salford street, Gore) wishes to correspond with any L.F. over 14 years. Light of the "Western S’c.rs (K-.thie O'Connor, Salford street. Gore) wishes to correspond with any L.F. under 14 y.ars. Lo Montmartrois (Emile Nicot, 66 Dondeauville street, Paris, France) wishes to correspond, exchange post-card views of New Zealand, and New Zealand stamps with any L.F. 17 years and over. A Starry Night (Linda E. Powell, Whare-t-o-a. via Balclutha) wishes to correspond with Grant and any other L.F. over 16 years willing. Ngaire (Eunice Morrison, Wharetoa) wishes to correspond with Larina. | Patches (Mildred Buzan, care cf Mrs | Buzan, Buckingham, Enfield) wishes to I correspond with Minnehaha, Gloaming, Lass ] o’ Gowrie, Island Girl, Montrose Lassie, and any L.F. over 13 years. Mysterious Girl (Margaret Molloy, care of Post Office, Wairio, Southland)'wishes Draw Egan to write, „also wishes to correspond with any boy 17 or 18 years willing. A Simple Melody (Edna Hatcher, cars | of Mr W. G. Moore, Oaraaranui, Waxwellj town, via Wanganui) washes to correspond i with Motor Maid, Queen Telephassa, Tom 1 Moore, The Sport, and Kim. Patriotic Paul (Ri’a F. Whittingham. Main South read, Gove) wishes to corre-

spond with Arline, Grace Fisher, Busier Manager, Robin Adair, Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter. Waratdh Girl’s Pal, and Fair Ines. Miss Optimist (Esther Percv. Alexandra) wishes lo correspond with unv L.F. 14 years of ace. Mignonette. (Gladys Stewart, Elizabeth strc ' - , Baidu’ha) wishes to correspond with Bnr-';"’ Manager. Mrr o’vetta (Mnrv Wharton, Incholnic, via Oamnru) wishes to correspond with A Lone y Girl, Ginger M’Glusky, Buster Wtni’gcr, Trixie, and any L.F. willing. A N ACK N() WL ED GMEN T.

In addition to the- list previously published 1 have since received many beautiful card; from the undermentioned L.F. 1 essur< them that I appreciate their kindness, anc wish it were in my power to assure then personally of ray thanks: Woodbine and Nancy Stair forwarded 2i views of Stewart Island, which make on< long to explore for oneself its man) beauties. I have a collection of beautifu cards containing lovely thoughts and senti moils from th? undermentioned:—Moot tain Gentian, Guilder Rose, Now Zealanc Fern, Jean from Aberdeen, Powder King Trixie, Bessie T. Xialist. Clover. The Mush Girl, Monkey, Waihola Lass, Oh Christina Highland Peggy, Mahinapua. Camomile Tui 11, Gloaming. Ngaire, Daffodil. Om of Sir Robert’s Scouts, Bide-a-wee. / Lonely Girl, Musical Maid. Cleopatra. J Carthaginian Maid, Lone Wolf, Luerctia.