DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3488, 18 January 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dol invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Do mi noon on matters of interest to themselves, the result ca their observations is the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the distriot in which they live, ol their school and home life, holiday trips, Ac. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness."

Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for use as brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d, in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO D.L.F

BADGES. PRICE 2s 6d. We are reluctantly compelled to raise the price of the badges as. to the in* creased cost of labour and material, the manufacturer is unable to supply them at the old rate. The badges will now be supplied post free at 2s 6d!

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto:—W e write for the benefit of others, not for curse! <-«■«. No fetter to contain more than 350 'words. Dear Dot, —We are having beautiful j weather just now. We have 14 calves, and I are milking 39 cows. My father and I were fixing a fence this afternoon. I was up to the sawmill in the waggon for timber. Wo will b© soon starting to thin, our turnips, and then I will be kept busy. Love to Kiimi, Red Maple, Grace Fisher, Joyce’s Little Maid. Climbing Ivy, Bunch of Roses, and Peter Pink Weasel, not forgetting your own se-lf.Yours truly, LAUREL LEAF (Redan). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am seven years old, and I will be going into Standard II when I start school again. I have two brothers and one little sister. We have a Buick motor car. My brother and I have a pony 'each. I am staying at Climbing Ivy’s place for my holidays. She is my cousin. We are having nice warm days now. Best love to Kiimi, Rod Maple, Laurel Loaf, Climbing Ivy, and Peter Pink Weasel, not forgetting your own dear self.—'Yours truly, JOYCE’S LITTLE MAID (Redan). [You have made good progress for, one so young, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having simply glorious weather down- this way at present; but Gere is very quiet during the holidays. My mother, my mate, and myself motored to Waikaka last Sunday, on.il os it was a glorious day we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I noticed Bill’s Sweetheart and Tommie’s Girlie at the pictures last night. The Gore Show, was a very poor cue this year, but it might not have been quite so- bad if the weather had been agreeable. Bill’s Sweetheart is a friend of mine, and she js a very nice girl, too. It was a good thing that we had good weather for the Christmas holidays, as it would have boon disappointing for the holiday-makers if the weather was rough. My sister, Arhanui, used to write to the rage, but it ]s a good many months since she last wrote. Love 1o Bill’s heart. Tommie’s Girlie, and all the D.LF not forgetting yenr own dear self.—Yours truly, A LOVER OF THE SEASIDE, Dear Dot, We have had some, most beautiful days here; but that horrid wind is r.p to-day. I simply bate the winds, they are so disagreeable. I didn’t gr> away anywhere for Christmas or New Year holidays. ‘ There was a large crowd travelling through Cora during the holidays. The gardens are most beautiful now with .all the summer flowers out in bloom. I am -awfully fond of flowers” especially ro-ses .and Christmas lilies Thob perfumes are beautiful when walking’through the gardens. I know nearly all ’the- L.F. in .Gore, and when they are all looked over quite a number write from. Gore. Ginger M’Glusky is away from Gore just new. bui I don’t think she will be long away. Rind regards to yourself, Dot. and love to ?.l]"my correspondents.—Yours truly, MABALINE. Dear Dot, —I am at present spending my holidays at Awarua. Plains, and I like it very much. We are having very good weather here- for .a wonder, as it- is generally cold and windy. I went for a, ride to Avarua Bay with Ivv Dale, who is our next door neighbour. . I did not go to the races, but my two sistr.ee went, and did very well 0,, Yew Year’s Day Ivy Dale and myself went to Bluff regatta, and enjoyed ourselves splendidly. We went out in the motor launches, and ns I bad rmver been on -sea b-f-oro it wias lovely. The- nan*res ar© out beautifully down at present Strawberries* do very well down this wnv. It is very hot. sometimes, bib as n o-umpU rule it is cold. Love to The Flower”’of Edinburgh. Tv M. A. C„ Ivv Dale, and ad! the other L.F., not ku King yourself.— Yo-urs truly, MOUNTAIN DAISY 11. Dear Dof —We have had very nice w-nflwr and these last few daws T ham been” bath-’ ing 1 had a vest happy Christmas and birthday. I got three very nice books thb Christmas, and a.s I love w.v1i,,.. I was very glad. T got lots of c.t!,->,• things as ’roll. Did you see the Hew Year in, Dot? I went to bed, and woke up fust on 72, and heard the bells ringing and the buzzers ffoing, hut, alas! I was too sleepy- to net out, so I turned over and went’ to sleep Love to your dear self. May Blossom, D-reomv Eyes Pear! Blossom, A Bush Fab-v aiwi ~n the D.L.F.—Yours truly. ’ ’ ” THISTLE BLOW. [I think you did a very wise thing. Thistle Blow, in turning over and cent inn in" emir sleep.—DOT.] ’ " Dear Dot, It has been raining this morning, but. has started to ” break out into sunshine. We had a very nice Christmas this year. 1 still hang up my stocking for Father Christmas, and this year I received some nice useful things. Last week we had some very hot days, and on Christwais Day it was so hot that our “jellies” would not set, so we had to do- without them. My brother has been to Wellington for a holiday, but is back now. Our gooseberries, black currants, and raspberries are getting rip© now, so we one making jam. I am crocheting a camisole for myself, and am getting cm with it. Tlie farmers about

1 here are very busy haymaking at present. We have -a, little rabbiting dog, who is very fond of fruit and lollies and sweets. There is going to be a fishermen’s picnic on New Year's Day, and if it is fine we are going. We learn French school, and I like it very much. Dove to all tho D.Li.F.—Yours truly, ELSIE. Dear Dot, —I have been away on my holidays, and have had a good time. I saw Puss in Boots II on Sunday, and she is not going for any holidays this year. I have two more cousins writing to the page. I have left Waihola now, as you will see by tlie address. I have left school, and am going home, so I will have to go to work. I was up at Wendcm Valley to see my cousins, and had a lovely time up at the farm. They milk 16 cows, and I learnt to milk while I was up there. Christmas and New pear are over again, but they were very quiet. Everything seemed quiet compared to what they did a few years ago. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self. —Yours truly. A LONESOME BABY. Dear Dot, —How did you spend y-our Christmas holidays. Dot? I had a glorious time going picnicking and swimming and so forth. We had good weather on tlie whole. Our garden is looking lovely just now, with roses and sweet peas out, and the vegetable gardens look well too. I went to a picnic tlie other Saturday, and had a good time racing and playing games. I came first in a race, and got a nice leather handbag. Love to all the D.L.F., and especially Golden Eagle, Queen Diana, and yourself.—Yours truly, AUSTRALIAN LASS. Dear Dot, I went to the show on Saturday, and enjoyed the outing very much. It was a very hot day, and there was a good crowd there. My sister and I went to the beach on Sunday, and our brother went with some of his school friends, so w© drove him home, and enjoyed sunburnt faces and necks for a few days after. Mine isn’t quite better yst. I went to Riverton with mother yesterday afternoon, and quite enjoyed it, too. It was a lovely day. I think if there’s anything on and it’s a fine day it adds a lot to one’s enjoyment. We have quite a lot of flowers out, and they make a pretty show, too. Love and best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CAMOMILE. [You are evidently having a delightful time during your holidays, Camomile.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have survived Christmas, although there’s a doubt what we’ll ba like after New Year. We have Snakey Joe staying with us at present. You see, Dot, Gwen is working up here, and naturally S nukey has come up for a holiday— too see the beauties of Wairoa. I have two girl friends from Dannevirke staying with us, too, and my brother is home also, so you may well imagine the time we all have. We give the boys a lively time. On Christmas Day it was too hot to do anything except eat and sleep, but on Boxing Day two boatloads of us went up the river for a picnic. We had a scrumptious time, only poor Gwen frightfully nervous. To-morrow (New Year’s Day) wo are going out by car to the. Morere Hot Springs for the day. It is a distance of about 27 miles,, so we are looking forward to a jolly time. The other night we gave Sna-key Joe’s bed rather a lively time, what with flour and thistles, etc. He was out, and so was Gwen. But about 2 a.m. we didn’t get half a fright when my brother had to ring up the doctor. Poor Snakey hod a Insert attack, or something like that. It frightened us though; the next morning he was quite himself again. Just a.s well for him! We will miss him when he goes, though, as he is a real sport. We practically live in the water this weather; it s the only place where one can feel cool. Last night we went to the pictures to see Bert Lytell, but got the disappointment of cur lives when we found the film had not arrived, so they screened "The Life of John J. Pushing.” We could hardly sit- i t out, it was so dry. We are looking forward to a good time to-night—-to see the old year out and the New Year m. Last year we had the iSdotch Pipers and others round at our home, and didn’t we have a time! Good-bye, everyone, and a. very happy New Year to’ all, especially to No. 813, Muriel, Gloaming, ABC, Snakey Joe, and Gwen. Same to you, too-, Dot.— Yours truly, CLYDE (Wairoa, H. 8.). Dear Dot, —Many things such as concerts and picnics have passed away. W-e a-re having lovely weather just now. I went to the picnic on New Year’s Day, and enjoyed myself. There was a great gathering of both, old and young people. The man from the factory, Mr Taylor, is going away from tl'is ■ I strict. H; is going to another ’factory near Dunedin. The head teacher is also leaving the school, and is giving up school teaching altogether. My eldest sister ha.s gone away to Christchurch for a holiday while 111/ -other sister is at home. In a few weeks my youngest sister (Shalma is her N.D.P.) i.s going to Auckland. Nearly everyone is shearing just now. I think that nearly all our sheep are shorn. I passed my examination—in fact, the whole school passed. The oat and wheat crops are coming on, and the turnips are also ready to thin. Love to Cherry Ripe and Princess Patricia, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly GLAXO. Dear Dot, —I was out to a picnic or a party nearly every day during tlie holidays. I have my cousin from Colmnba Col La-c-staying -staying with mo, and we have great fun riding on every horse that comes about the place. We had such a lovely ride on the hard sand down at the beach on Christinas Day. We had our Christmas dinner down there. I did not leave the beach until 6.39 p m., so you can guess it was late when wo arrived home. I also had a swim before dinner was quite ready, so I enjoyed it. We will be starting school again on the Ist February, and I am looking forward to it. I eta also looking forward to the fruit, as it will -soon be ripe. We have just, arrived home from a picnic, so I am very tired. : Love to Airs Hippo, Mistletoe, and also Mrs Croggin. not forgetting your own dear self. —- Yours trulv, * j PRINCESS PATRICIA. | Dear Dot, —We are having fairly good weather here at present, and we hope it keeps fine till the farmers get their grass cut. Since I last wrote I have been away for a holiday. I went to Balclutha, and stayed there a few days, and then came to Invercargill for a few days. I had a lovely time. I saw only one D.L.F. on my travels, and that was Dead wood Dick. I am going away at Easter time for a few days. Wo had sports her© on Christmas Day, -and I came third in my race, and got 2s 6d. On New Year’s Day there was a picnic, and I won 3s in prizes. I got second in the threelegged race, and second in the stepping, and i second in another race, so I did not do so i badly. When I was coming back from the picnic on New Year’s Day I was riding along the road, and when I turned the corner to go down home my horse stumbled, and I came off and skinned my nos© and got a pair of black eyes, bo before the day was over I was sick of things My face is all right now, hut my eyes are still black. Jean

from Aberdeen is in mv place again, as T left and got another job, which I like very much. 8 u Iky Loots is going away shortly to leave u ’\ Gie is comg io me North island tj stay, and we vili b ■ sorry u hen li • cs. L >vo to Hydraulic, Road Hog, Wyoming, Ilolden Rose, Tne Lady of the IVi.es;, Deadwood Dick, A Highland Laddie, Jean from Aberdeen, Everybody’s Friend, Eunice, Mysterious Girl, Powder King-, Curly Locks 11, IVuMv’s Sweetheart, A Lass that Loved a Sailor, Boko, Red Rube, Dover Laddie, and especially A Wild Colonial Lad, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE GIRL HE LETT BEHIND HIM. (Mossburn). [Your day ended rather disastrously, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather has been very nice this week so far, but the farmers need rain badly. Our school concert was on the 16th of December, and it was a very good one. Standards 111, IV, and V were put together for sewing (in our school), and I was in Standard 111 and got first prize. I got a book for the first prize, in Standard 111, so 1 did not do so badly. I have holidays from music just now. Our school broke up on the 17th of December, the day after our concert. I was down at the seia on Monday with miy mother. There is a lot of bush down at tlie sea. Some people had been there on the Sunday, and had made a fire to boil their billy, and had gone away and left the fire. Some sparks had gone from the fire on to one of the trees, and tne fire spread to a good few trees, so it took them a whole day to put it out, and it is still smoking yet. They felled a great many trees. It started about 7 o’clock in the morning, so not many of the man had had their breakfast. A good many men fainted, auci there was one woman I know of who fainted, too. They had to keep wet bags round the store to prevent the sparks irom ignitng it. A good many people were burnt. The fire was under one of the houses before the people were out of bed. The people had to take all the things ouf of their houses in case they would be burnt. A great crowd came to see the fire; but we didn't know there was a fire till we got there. We are milking tlrree cows just now, and feeding two pigs, two calves, and three dogs. We have five draught horses. My second youngest brother will be five this month, and .will be going to school when it starts again. I am not going anywhere for my holidays this year. Best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS MARY 11. [The shocking carelessness displayed by some people is almost incredible.—.DOT.] Dear Dot,—The school children held their annual picnic on Boxing Day, and at night a dance was held in the hall. On New Year’s Day a picnic will be held down at the beach, jjl- hope it is a fine day. Now, Dot, every Witness you see someone wanting to join our circle. I always enjoy reading gfrnitijO.ogist s letters, also Jerry Joy’s. I wonder when we shall hear from Grant again. I haven’t the pleasure of knowing her, but I do like reading her letters; they axe always so jolly. I haven’t read many papers or books lately, for the simple reason tha-t I have road almost everything that is worth reading in the house. Wish ing you every gladness in the coming year, also best wishes to Mistletoe, Eairy Footstep, Summer hairy, Country Belle, and Mountain Daisy, who is an Old Writer. — Yours truly, MRS GROGGINS' (K.a.huika). Dear Dot, —Please accept my rather belated New Year greetings. All the holidays, Dot, I saw only one, single, solitary badge, and that was yesterday at Balclutha. I was in Dunedin on New Year’s Eve, or, rather, the aay of it, for we didn’t wait in this year. We stopped at Mosgiel on the way in, and Old Bill and I started to walk the'length of the mam -street, but we gave it up when we got along about half of it. We went to the Crown Hotel for dinner, the Strand for tea, and in the afternoon, after doing some hasty visiting, we went to the pictures. After tea we strolled around till train tims (8.30). We also went to Taieri Mouth twice—. one trip on the Tuesday after Christmas, and. the other last Monday (3rd). I don’t Hunk I made it. quite clear before that Mudlark s Mate is coming to our place cm Wednesday, 12th, to stop for a few days. My two rather rowdy young brothers are away down Gatlin’s district at present—-la-hakopa, to b-o exact, —so Mudlark’s Mat© and I ought to have a jolly time on our own. In all -probability I will be in lrumedin far a week before I go back to school, and then during l the first week after we go back there is to bo a combined schools picnic at Houipapa. Dad gave me a lovely writing-case for Christmas, while irom friends and relations I got two brooches, a string of beads, three hamdkerchiefs, ss, ribbons, a collar, and other things which have for the time slipped my memory. Well, Dot, its time I closed, for I’m .going to the pictures, so I will wish all the Little Folk, and of course your own dear self a prosperous and happy New Year.—Yours truly, BUSTER MANAGER. [Many thanks for the card and good wishes Luster Manager.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have had a very busy time here, as there are many people staying at the seaside for their holidays. The school concert was held a few weeks ago, and there vvas a large gathering. We had a busy time getting all tiie dresses ready. We had the break-up the following week, when the prizes were given out. I was dux of the school, and received a medal. I got a big book for second prize attendance. The caxliival was supposed to be held on Boxing ° ut ’* W£s w nt it was postponed tnl the next day. The sports were held on tiie 3rd January. It was a very hot mornmg. and m the afternoon the wind changed and it blew down the refreshment tent there was one man who got his head cut open I got a pen, lead pencil, a half-crown a cake of soap, a hair clasp, a wristlet watch a silk handkerchief, and two other handkerchiefs. Love to Montrose Lassie, Milkmaid, Jack of Ail Trades, Dannabroy, Nypthclia, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THRUPP. [You have done very well, Thrupp, and I congratulato you on securing the dux medal. Dear Dot, —I was sick on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. I did not get to the Tutatapere sports, that I had been [coking forward to. I have been having a good time lately, as we have some hard cases staying with us. New Year’s Day was most beautiful, but I had to spend it in bed. I am going away for a- fortnight's holiday next week, and won’t I have a good time. I have been picking gooseberries to-day, to make jam, and it is lovely. I a-m over 13 years old, and I suppose it is only like ye sturdy since my birthday. It is four weeka before our school opens again, and I will be in Standard VI. Calpbumia’s Mate has left here now, and she likes the place where she is now. I broke the pin off ray badge, and I do not know what to do with it. My father is cutting bay now, and will soon be finished. My cousin won three first prizes •and a second at the Tuatapere frporta for

step-dancing. I was at the Invercargill Show, and enjoyed myself very much. My mother and sister are milking the cows, and I have to see to the housework and the baby. Love to Independent, Calphurnia’s Mate, Grape Vines, and Molly Bawn, not forgetting your own dear self.—You re truly, CALPHURKL A. [I am sorry to learn that you were ill on two suoh important days, dear. A jeweller will fix the pin on your badge in a short time.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have had a good time lately, as there have been plenty of amusements cm. I was singing at the school concert in some of the pieces. I got a prize at school, and as I was at school every day I got a nice book for first prize. Our school picnic will be held later on. I was at the River Carnival, and had a great time going down the toboggan ever so many times. I did not go down the water chute, for I was afraid. One of my cousins got dragged into the water by getting a rope round his leg. I was at the sporte on Monday, and I ran in three races, and came second in one, and got Is. This morning I saw an aeroplane going over towards Dunedin, and when I was in town to-day I saw another aeroplane very plainly. We were in the Oamaru Gardens to-day, and they were lovely with roses and other flowers. I go for a bathe in the river nearly every day. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours trulv, MERCEDES. Dear Dot.—We are still having lovely weather here. I had a good time at Christmas ; but the holidays will soon be over, and we will soon be starting our toils. I am not going for a holiday till Easter, so I hope to enjoy myself. Love tp Lass o' Gowrie, Madaline, A Maid of the Alenin tai ne’e Pal, Lonely’s Mate, and all the other L.F.. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BILL’S .SWEETHEART. Deer Dot, —This is the third start I have made to write to you, and I hope to finish this time. I have taken a great interest in your page for a considerable time now. but I have never been able to muster courage enough to write before. I have turned 17 now, and I thought I would be too old to write, but I see there are several other L.F. even older than myself. We are having lovely summer weather up this way now, but very dry, and everybody seems to want rain. Harvest will soon be in full swing, and all the farmers are mote or less busy cutting the earlier crops of oats, and the wheat will not be far behind. I don’t think the harvest ■Hull bother me much this year though, for I have been having rather a smash-up lately, and I doubt whether I will be well again in time to do much harvesting. I live on a sheep farm when I am home, but just now I am slaying in town. King regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, STRETCHER BILL. [You are very welcome to join us, and I hope you are making a good recovery'. — DOT.]" Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F. ? I am 10 years of age, and will be in Standard IV when 1 go back to school. My sister has written, and she called herself Caroline Bay. We have seven hens, and we get from three to six eggs a day. On Monday nearly all our gooseberries were baked and spoilt on the bushes. My other sister, Kitty, has three doves, and another hatched out the other day. On Friday we went to the park, and there were a lot of children there. There are swings, chutes, maypoles, climbing ladders, and the merry-go-round. On New Year’s Day we went for a picnic down on the bay. When we were having dinner on Christmas Day a calf came bolting round the side of the house, and father had to go and chase it out before it got on mum’s garden.—Yours truly’, HYDRO (Timaru). [You axe very welcome to join us, Hydro. You are having a nice time during the holidays.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is a very long time since I wrote to you. I have left school now for good. My father took me to hear one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s lectures, but we were both disappointed. We had thought that he would have been much more convincing. As a friend of mine said, “I am very sorry to think that the man whose genius created the most wonderful character in modern fiction—Sherlock Holmes—should have come down to being a wandering fakir, preaching a doctrine in which no man of learning would place the slightest credence.” Personally I would rather keep my own ideas as to the next world than exchange them for his. There is nothing to look forward to in the future existence Sir Arthur shows us. Evidently we are going to live in the lap of luxury—no pain, no striving for higher things; all jokes and boring happiness. Wha.t a life to look foiward to! I wonder what your views are on This subject. Love to yourself and all the D.L.F .—Yours truly JOY. [I am satisfied with the old beliefs. Joy, and have no desire to change them.—DOT.] Dear Dot —I am 13, and in the Fourth Standard at school. I went for a trip on New Year’s Day to Portobello. Jt was fine in the morning, but began to rain in the afternoon, but I enjoyed myself till it was time to coins back home again. Love to all the Little Folk and y’ourself.—Yours truly, M&TORBOY. [You are very welcome to join us. Motor Boy.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather just now, and the glass is very high. Tomorrow we are going to Port Molyneux if it is fine. We were down there on Neve Year’s day, and my cousin and I who wero together had a good time, especially towards the end. It was very hot and dusty, but I enjoyed it all the same. There were about 4000 people there, and the grounds were crowded. Love to A Lonely Heather Maid and Little Poetess, also " yourself.—Yours truly, ERICA. Dear Dot, —We are having our holidavs now, and they are gradually slipping past. When our school broke up, we had a picnic, where we were given our prizes and proficiency certificates. I got my proficiency, and I think I a-m going to the Technical High School this year. About three days before Christmas, when I was going for a motor cycle ride, I had an accident and got very badly skinned. My shoulder was hurt most, as my collarbone was very badly bruised, and isn’t properly right yet. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, SASANOF (Drummond). [You had an unfortunate end to your ride, Sasanof I hope the shoulder in better now.—DOT ] Dear -cot, —Christmas is over, and we are into a new year. 1 gained my proficiency certificate, so I am going to the Southland Technical College. I am having a holiday in the country just now, and as it is beautiful weather I am having a good timet Just now tt is so hot that I can hardly write. I went m Riverton regatta on Boxing Day, « and 1 met Jolly Major, Or, Nev; Year’s

Day I went to Bluff, and had a lovely time, but the day seemied all too short. I write to four D.L.F. I hope I am successful when I go to the S.T.C. in learning my lessons. I g ( ot two books for prizes when I left school. One was “History of Sootland,” a very interesting book; and the other “Greatheart Lincoln,” which I have not finished reading, so I am not quite sure what it is like. Love to Silver Star, Pickles, Joyful Joe. Viola, Jolly Major, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CINDERELLA. [I am quite sure you will be very successful at college, Cinderella,—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am just home from my holidays, which I spent at Christchurch. I enjoyed myself very much. My cousin Cinderella and her mate (Cinderella's Mate) a-re out at Waianiwa. We are having lovely weather just now. I hope you had a good Christmas and a merry New Year. A bey living next door to us caught a hawk, and he is going to make a pet of it. I came top of my class, and received a lovely book called “The Secret of Oakland.” —Yours truly, CINDERELLA'S COUSIN. Dear Dot,- —I got my proficiency last year, and I am going to the Technical College at Invercargill for two or three- years. It is very hot to-day. I have been having a good time lately. I was at Riverton regatta on Boxing Day and at Bluff cn New Year’s Day, and at present I am staying at Waianiwa for a week. The boy who lives next to us caught a young hawk, and it is a lovely little bird. He is going to make a pet of it. I was dux of the school this year, and got a gold medal and chain, besides a bock entitled “Tales from Shakespeare,” which is very nice, as it is Shakespeare's poems put into prose. Kindest regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Youra truly, CINDERELLA’S MATE. [I congratulate you on your successes.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here has been glorious, but, if anything, a little tco hot. I am enjoying" my holidays to the best of my ability. I went to the Riversdale sports, and enjoyed myself very much. Best of love 1 ° Lonely, Lonely’s Mate, Topsy, Tommie’s Girlie, The Mysterious Lassie, and your own dear seif. —Yours truly THE MYSTERIOUS LASSIE’S COUSIN. Dear Dot, —We are having glorious weather for the holidays, and there are quite a number of holiday-makers here. Do you care for bathing, Dot? 1 am mad on it; it is my l.a'est fad. I went to Ocean Beach yesterday with some mates of mine. We cycled there, and the sun was scorching. Luckily' we did not have many hills to climb. We had to lift our bicycles over a fence, and push them through the sand a good way. By’ that time we felt hot and dusty, eo we went for a dip in the briny. Quite a number of bathers were swimming- about, and no matter which way 1 swam I bumped into someone. Some of the younger boys had lifebelts. The beys would sit in these and paddle themselves along with their hands. It was considered a good joke when a big wave came and toppled them under. Of course they were in shallow water; it would be too dangerous to get out. further, as they might drift away. One of my mates had ii-er cumera, so we had some good fun i-ak-ing photos, especially funny ones. I landed home at a quarter past 6. I won’t forget that day in a hurry, because I am so sunburnt. My -arms and legs are still stinging. Kindest regards to -Pastrycook, Fluffy, A Y\ ild Irish Rose, and your pelf.—Yours truly WEEPING WILLOW. Dear Dot, We are having most glorious weather lately. It is so hot that one would iike to go for a dip every minute. Las® o Cowrie and myself were in for a dip today, and we did not like to come out of the water We- have a bag of ’Frisco kisses on the tab.e, and if you were here vou could help us to eat them. Lass o’ Gowrie is goinc/ to Dunedin on Wednesday, and she is "look” mg forward to calling upon y-ou. We went to Gore from Kuapdale in ” a motor ear yesterday', and we were singing go in” in Ihero were very few on the" streets yesterday, and goodnss knows what- i« becoming of poor old Gore lately. I think it £ fading away. Tile only amusement here is pictures, and they are stale old things I met an L.F in Gore the o-ther day” her jVI’•'A, 1 ’•'A, ts Dorothy Daydreams. Lass o’ Gowrie s pet calf has died, and she was very sorry, as it was such a pretty little thing Kindest regards to Patriotic Paul, Madaline, Cupid, Mae Marsh. Meg’s Friend and all my other correspondents, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv GINGER M’OLTJSKY (Gore). Dear Dot, —We are having very hot weatner at present. We have 12 little pigs and two of them are black and while. Our horse died the other day. I caught a thrush and have two black rabbits, which arc quite tame. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting > ourself.—Yours truly, CHARY-WOOD FORKS TEH. Dear Dot,—l had a very happy Christmas, i had a. girl friend from Gore staying with me, and we had a delightful time seeing the sights of the city together. We took a delight m taking a joy ride in the cable cars each time we were in town. We vent to. the Gardens, but I was rather disappointed with them; but I thought the Winter Garden lovely. We took a walk to St. Clair and St. Kuda. What a desolate beach there is at St. Kilda, but I thought St. Clair very pretty. On New Year’s Day I went to Woodhaugh Bush with friends, and we had a delightful day. We walked up the creel; to the waterfalls, and the scenery was glorious. My cousin too-k a number "of snaps at different times, and I hope they turn out all right. I went with a girl friend to the swimming baths to-day. and spent a most enjoyable hour in die water. I am very fond of swimming, but just now I have the diving craze. Aeroplanes are becoming quite common in the city of Dunedin. J would just love to go up’ in one; perhaps one day I may. I am not going’ away for a holiday just, yet, but in March 1 hope to get to Christchurch for a month. 1 have been picking cur gooseberries and currants and it is such tiring work, and I will bo very glad when they are all picked. Hoping it is not to late to wish the page a prosperous New Year. Best wishes and kindest regards to Pouting Polly. Madaline Buster Manager. Mae Marsh, Wanda, Dorothy Perkins. and especially Tulip and your dear self.—Yours truly, A GIRL FROM THE WEST. Dear Dot, —Our brother ha® just gone away, and we miss him very much indeed. Ha only came down for a fortnight, and we said good-bye to him yesterday. We hadn’t seen him for a whole year, anil though he hasn’t, changed much we hardly knew him when lie jumped off the train. He never gets time to write to the page now, and soon he will be too old. The flax is out in bloom everywhere just now, and the Maoris sav it is the sign of a good summer. We hope it is so. It seems a pity that so much native bush is being cleared away, and not many people seem to value it as much a® they ought. The trees we plant ourselves

are nothing compared to our beautiful native bush, and it cannot be right to burn and destroy it. These nights are so lovely, and it is a real pleasure to be out in the evening. Everything is so quiet and cool, and one can hear sounds for miles around. The fields are so nice to walk on, too. and one could almost say it ie the best time of the day. If it was always so one could hardly wish to live away from the country and go to the city instead. Well, dear Dot, we must close now, as time flics* so. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, TWO LITTLE GIRLS IN BLUE. [As I can lay no claim to a real knowledge of art, I showed your sketches to our artist. His opinion is that you have evidently an eye for “form,” and he suggests you work on. You will acquire a lot of pleasure, and, of course, it is only by continued efforts one can reach the goal. The shading is very good, and. while not making a drudgery of your work, persevere.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have had the measles. We went to a ploy called “The Geisha,” and it was lovely. We have bought a place across the river, but we are not living there yet. I have a bicycle, which my mother gave me for Christmas. I have passed, and am in Standard V now. We are having lovely weather. I am going to the pictures to see Snowy Baker in “The Shadow of Lightning Ridge. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Tours trulv, A RUSTIC BEAUTY. [I have posted the badge, dear, and hope it reaches you safely.—DOT.] Dear Do;, —Since I last wrote to you I have travelled a. good many miles, and I like dLrtvn here. One can see the pretty native bush from our verandah. Monkey and I were up through part of it on Sunday. It was dreadfully hot yestordaj', and is dull and inclined to be cold to-day. 1 am housekeeper just now and Monkey is baker, and we’re doing all right. My grandmother is very ill in Dunedin, and mother is away up there. She lias been away a fortnight to-morrow. We had a great surprise on .New Year’s Eve. My cousin (An American Despatch Rider) came south with me for a holiday, and was staying at a friend’s for a day or so. On New Year’s Eve lie said: “I am going first footing to-night, and might be along.” We only laughed, arid at 10 we wanted to go to bed, but dad said we always see the old year out ancl we started playing cards to keep us awake. At five minutes to 12 I was shuffling the pack for a new game when we heard an awful clin. Then the ball on the door began to ring, and peal after pea] echoed through the rooms. Dad said that’s someone who knows the rim, of the home, and when he opened the door, in less than three minutes there were over 20 people in our kitchen. My hand was sore for they all wanted t-o shake hands. I see a French writer now writes to the page. I wish I were 17, for I collect foreign stamps and have several belonging to each country. I have over 60 old! New Zealand ones; I have all the Victory stamps but the sixpenny one, so* am keeping my eyes open and am looking for it. It is a very interesting hobby. There is only one Russian stamp yet that I have seen. I know several collectors who have only one. Love to Laura of the Lake, Night rider, Berbidis, Darwiner, Montrose Lasssie, A Pale-faced Queen, Queen Tellaphassa, Eretoka, L-arv Rosalind, American Despatch Rider, Motor Bov, Queen Diana, Sophronisba’s Slave, and all the other L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, A V AIHOLA LASS (Down South). Dear Dot, —As mother is away I am liclping to keep house. The weather has been very hot lately, but it is cold to-day. I have not much time to write as my brother is going to post it for me now. Love to Wild English Rose, Queen Tellaphassa, Pineapple, Laura of the Lake, Lady Rosalinds. and all the other L.F., not forgetting 3’our own dear self.—Yours truly, MONKE Y (B row ns). Dear Dot,—The weather here for the last fortnight lias been very hot. and I h-ave spen! much cf my time in the- water I have been reading some nice books lately and I am very fond of reading. I had the measles a little while ago, but I have recovered from them now. 1 go to the pictures once a week. We have them every night, are a matinee on Saturday and Wednesday sf.ernoons. Nearly every afternoon we go for a, picnic, and! it is lovely. I had a very merry Christmas, and T ’ hope than yon had the same. We have our school vacation for two months. I do not think there are any L.F. here, because I have never seen a L.F. badge being worn here, ft I am not too late. I will offer to you and to the L.F. wishes for a- most bright " Year.—Yours truly, HERA. QUEEN OF IMMORTALS (Blenheim). . [Lavender Lady wrote from there, but it is some lime since we heard from her. eo she may have moved.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—A year has now elapsed since I last penned a few- lines to the dear old page, bu, all the same I don’t think I am quite o,s bad as a few of the L.F. around here because some of them have not written for two years. Yell. Dot, I really have no news because nothing very startling ever happens here. We now have our holidays from school, and I think it is lovely to bo once again home on the farm away from I, V’ KUy /tyets and noisy towns. During the time I attended the Technical College . me., several UK—A Lonely Girl. Destiny and numerous others. I was at the InverMFI T ,UnV ' /T l met A L °u < ?ly Heather 4 1 .I? nt tc , t,ie . Regatta and I £ot a terrible sunburning. There is to be a picnic here on January 11. and I hope it to A loTl r 7 ’t )V th W ™d wishes UYd T V ' T N7 lny ’ A Ix>n clv Heather Brevet ; p p. cra ri’ Ma, Y- American, The Braie.t of the Brave, and all my other oorrespo :i dents, not forgetting yourself.-Yours

OH CHRISTINA’S COBBER. (Hrdgebope Lower). PA e arc pleased to discover we are not entirely forgotten.—DOT.] Dear Dot, I am nearly roasted to-doy, it is so hot. I think we are going to have an©.'her very dry season. It is a. terrible shame to sec the grass and even the turnips drying up. I went up the Otama Hill with my mate yeterday. It was very hot for climbing. ue went up a spur, and there wasn t. any bush on it at all to sit under tor shelter. When we got a little more than halfway up my mate stopped, and wouldn’t go further, so I went on, thinking she would follow. I went, up to the top and met my two brothers, and they asked me what I had done with my mate. I told them she was coming, ancl we went down to meet her, and we couldn't see her anywhere. Shs had a dress on the colour of the tussocks, and I thought I could see her away down where I had left her, so I ran down. ’When I got near the spot it. was only a heap of earth, so I called out and whistled, but couldn’t make her hear. I thought she had gone down to the river for a swim, and I went down, and. when I was just about at the foot I looked back and saw her at the very top, so I went up to meet her. It seems

she made for the two trees I told you about, and 1 went the other way. so that is how we missed each other. I think this has been the hottest day yet this season . I think I will close now". Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A WHITE MOSS ROSE. [You are energetic to go climbing during this heat, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 11 years old and in Standard IV. It is so hot we cannot work. We are going out for a drive in the oar. We are milking 13 cows, and sending the milk to the faeterry at present. Best love to Princess Marjorie and yourself.—Yours truly, HEARTY LASSIE. [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — JOT.] Dear Dot, —We have our school holidays now". We had our examination, and I passed, so I will be in Standard IV. My two brothers and sisters are just better cf the measles. I was up at Rangiora on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. My uncle gave me a big doll for a Christmas present. We are having very hot weather here now The farmers are starting harvest. The crops are very good this year. The terrible heat last Afonday ruined mos* of the gooseberries about here. Love to all the D.L.F., net forgetting your own dear self. — Yours truly, JUANITA. [I have posted the badge to you. dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May 1 join your happy band of L.F. ? I aui eight years old, and in Standard 1. My sister writes to veu, and her N.D.P. is A Rustic Beauty. We went to a play called “The Geisha’"’ last night, and it was simply lovely. AVe aro going to Greymouth on Monday for the day. I have only one sister and no brothers. Aly sister and I have had tile measles, but we are better now. We have been having lovely weather lately. Best wishes to all the L.F’., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly MONK EY-AIU.-.K. [We are delighted to have you join us, Monkey-musk.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo are having very hot weather this last few days. Our tank is completely dry, and carrying water is a bit of a. nuisance these days. My two sisters aro learning Scotch dancing, and what I get to learn is to keep my shoulders up. I never get peace night or day over it. I met one cf the Dunedin L.F. in the library; Road Hcg is his N.D.P. 1 know Mignonette very well. Aly father is at Ow aka for a month or two. He cloe3 not come ho-iue at night. He has a trolley, and has to pull it’ 18 miles, which he says is no joke in this hot weather. Love to Pickle, Gwen, Alaggie Bell, Read Hog, and all the other L.F,, including the one at Rangiora,—Your truly, SILVER SHAMROCK. Dear Dot, —Allay I join your happy band? I have heard so much about it that it has made me wish to become a member too. I live at Balclutha, and am very near the railway station. Quite a number of D.L.F. live here. On Saturday last I went in a mo'or car to (': yde-vale. I had a very enjoyable trip there and back. It was a very hot day to-day, and mum said there would be a month. or more of this hot weather. I have my sister (Silver Shamrock) staying at home rust now. I am going down to AY inter next Tuesday for my holidays I am in Standard V, and Curly Crop "is my schoolmate. I have one brother and three sisters. I have a pet bantam, and mother says it i- a plague lor coming inside the house. Can you give me any recipes for making jam without sugar? It is a very serious problem in this township. Myfather works o-n the railway, and is" at mesent stationed at Owaka. ” Love to Silver Shamrock, Maggie Bell. Curb- Crop, am; -o a D.L.F. at the Cam Dairy Factory, Rangiora.— Yours truly, A SCOTCH DANCER. [The only way to do is to pulp the fruit and make the jam when sugar is more plentiful.—DOT.] Lear Dot, —AVe are just about finished turnip-thinning new. I was "58 Balclutha on I rid ay. Yve are having holidays now. I was away fishing to-day, but did not catch anything; I saw only a trout and an eel a foot and a-half long. The name of my school prize was “The Mystery cf the Ash Tree.” Heaps of love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, DEERFOOT. Dear Dot, —I am spending three weeks of my holidays with an aunt." I have already been here two weeks, and J am going home on Saturday. We are bavins? verv hot weather here. There were two c-omoanies of first-footers here about half-past ‘l on New Year’s morning. I l.ad just gene to bed when they arrived, and was very sorry I had not stayed up r. little longer. Hoping 1921 will be a prosperous and happy year to the L.F. and yourself,—Yours truly DREAMIKINS. ' Dear Dot, -May I join your happy band of L.F.? I am 14 years of age, and have left school. AVe are milking 46 cows with the £ealnndia machines. It takes us an hour and three-quarters to milk. The country is looking splendid and the crops are all so green. Aly brother and I are busy thinning turnips, and I can tel! you that it is tiresome in this heat, which i"s sickening; but 1 suppose it has to be done. AVe are enjoying beautiful weather down here. I have a Brownie Camera, and I like taking photos very much. I took it wit.i me to the beach on New Year’s Day, an I got some good snaps at the sports, which were held cn the Sports Ground. L . you like motion pictures? I like them ve y much, especially the AVild AVest ones.--Your® truly, THE LONELY RIDER (Paretai). [Working in the fields must be trying in this heat-—DOT.] Dear Dot, —1 was in AY a i mate on Christmas Day, and T got a (rencil case, a whistle, a book, some lollies, and a compass. AVheii we were going we got two punctures on the road. The school broke up on the 17th, and 1 got a prize called "Peril and Adventure.” It is raining to-day, and it is the first time we have had a good shower of rain for a month. Are there any Liitle Folk around Waim ate? I have sold 200 birds’ eggs this year. I think wo will start shearing this week, Aly birthday will be next month, and then 1 will be 10 years old. We are milking four cows just now, and one gives a bucketful of milk They are making five silos, in Wa ini ate just now.’ and work dav and night.—Yours truly, BATES (AVaihao Downs). [AVe have four or more correspondents from your part of tho country, Bates.— DOT.]' Dear Dot, —It is blowing hard here to-day Aiy mo I her and my auntie were going to pick apricots to-day, but they are not ripe. We have three dear little kittens. One kitten is all black and the other two are grey and black. 1 call the black one D-arkie. Aly father is spraying now. 'JI t have three little pigs. On New Year’s Day we were going out, and we had some fun catching the pigs. Tho other day they got out again,

and the white one got into the old sty, and the old pig bit it. Mum is ironing, and the table is shaky. The weather is very hot now, and my arms are sunburnt. I have an ; almond tree in front of the house. My | kittens are full of mischief. The bia-ck kitten ! bit rue this morning. Mv amities and ‘wo | cousins are up for the holidays. Are ihero many flies about down your way ? There are ! plenty here. Aly garden is very clean just : now, but there are not many flowers out. ; Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, JONQUIL. I [I have posted the badge, Jonquil, and I hope it reaches you safely.,—DOT. j Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? ' A Wild English Rose is at, my place spendi ing the day. It is very hot down this way. I My sister cycled into Gore this morning, end I Ras just arrived home. A AVild English Rose jis going to Dunedin next Tuesday. I suppose there are crowds of people at the beach j every day, seeing it is such lovely weather.— I Yours truly, I THE MYSTERY OF THE FAMILY. ! [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— . DOT.] j Dear Dot, —(Since last writing I have gained my proficiency certificate, and next term I am going to High School with my* brother. For the last few weeks lie has been telling me what to expect at the house ■ if I do not do as he tells me. but all the same I am going to please myself m that I respect. Palmerston North’s Fiist Eleven ! are a specimen of good cricketers. In the first challenge for the Heathcote AVilliams Shield they won by an innings and 70 rune. My brother is away working at the Glaxo Factory at present, and he likes it very ; much. My sister is supposed to be working : now, but as she has a bit of the “go slow” :in her she is loafing. Love to all the Little Folk.—Youre truly, INDEPENDENT. j [People are apt to lorget they were once , first-year students themselves, Independent, ■ and I have no doubt vour pen-name suits yov.—DOT.] j Dear Dot, —I am writing to you to see j if you will let me join your D.L.F. band. I am 12 years of age, and in Standard V. I went to Dunedin for one week, and am staying down at Mataura for the rest of m ybolidays. I know a few L.F. here. I |my holidays. I know a few L.F. here. I and Bill’s Sweetheart.—Yours trulv, A LITTLE MERMAID. ! rY«u are verv welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] AUTOS. Madaline (Eileen AYliittingham. Alain road. Gore) wishes to correspond with Monty, j An Anzac's Son’s Mate, Motor Girl, and j Queen Esther. | Clyde (Alcliy Bowie, Box 39, AYairoa) wishes ]to correspond with Perpetual AVanderer, I Robin Hood, and The Dud. The Girl He Left Behind Him (Tryphena I C. Beer, care cf Air J. Henderson, Centre Hill Station, Private Bag, Lumsden) wishes | to notify correspondents of her change of addiess. Princess Patricia (Doreen Al’Cullough, i Kahuika P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Mistletoe. j Buster Alanagcr (Eleanor Wilkinson, I Ossiart street, Alilton) wishes to correspond I with A Highland Laddie, No. 818, Inveri cargill Girl, Pigtail, Allan-a-clale, Tin | Tottens, Pearl AA’hite, Humorous Ann, and | Rangi. Also wishes Kelburn and Road Hog j to write again as their addresses have been : mislaid. j Bill’s Sweetheart (Bessie Price, Traiford street, Gore) wishes to correspond wilh Lonelv's Mate. Sirius, A Maid of the Mountain, Alotor Af a id, ancl Cosmos. Hydro (Alerribelle Wilson, 25 Raymond street, Timaru) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about. 10 years. Motor Boy (Arthur .Lukin. 15 Lindsay road. Caver sham. Dunedin) wishes tc correspond with any L.F. 13 or 14 years. Erica (Ida Havard, Aliurlri Fiat) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 14 years cr over. AVeeping AA illow (Frances Parrv Point ! “ft Bluff' wishes to correspond"’with A I AA ild English Rose. Ginger Ai’Glusky (M. M’Kiniav. Wigan street, Gore) wishes to correspond l with bmiies, Gloaming, English Chimes, Sulky Boots, Jean from Aberdeen, and anv L F between 16 and 18 years. A Girl from tho ’AVest (AYjnnie Davis, 2 Lamg street, Cavershani, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Billie the Orphan, Starry Marionette, Coconut Palm, a’ Lonely Girl, Highland Peggy, and Far Inc-s A Scotch Dancer (Christina M’Dermid, Renfrew street, Balclutha) wishes to correspond with Maggie Bell, Ua, and Patches. Deer-foot (Jack Stiven, Paretai) wishes to I correspond with Th* Masked Rider, Sulky -boots, and Golden Eagle. Independent (AVilliam Frew, Watershed road. Ashurst) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. J A Waihola Lass Down South (G. F. Andrews, Browns, via. AVinton) wishes to notify correspondents of her change of address °h Christian’s Cobber (Christina Macdona Id, liedgohope Lower) wishes to oorrespond arm exchange autos with Lonely’s Mate A Maid of the Mountain’s Pal, Tom Moore, Cheero, Mimihau Maid, ancl anv I,F over--16 years.