DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3494, 22 February 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout th, Dominoon on mutters of Interest to themftelves, the result of their observations in . the animal world, descriptions of anything; they are interested in, of the distriot in whloh they live, of their school and hone life, holiday trips, <ko. The letters are to be written by the littte (olic -themselves, and addressed "Dot, care of Editor Wltneaa."

Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for nse aa brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Prioe, 2s 6d, in stamps or postal notee. 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, owing to the increased cost of labour and material, tie 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. Uotto:— We write for the benefit of others, coi for oorselree. Nr teller lo contain more than SSO words. Dear Dot, —White Pansy is here just now for her holiday, and I have been trying to get her to write again, but she thinks she won’t, for she is almost 20. It is wonderful how much teasing she stands. I can’t make her angry, even with dad helping, and dad can make me go off pretty quick unless I can get one in on him as well, which is not very often. There was great excitement here this morning when we had a visit from an aeroplane. I was half asleep when it came over first, and thought it was dad starting the car. I wondered whatever could be wrong with it making such a noise, then it gradually went away, and after a short time it came back again. Mum called me then and asked me if I wasn’t going out to see the aeroplane. When I got out it was just in front of the house. Dad and my sister had gone out at the first to have a look at it. It came right over the house, they said, flying very low. Dad said the first time it came ever it came over the house, and then they shut off the engines out by our barn, and he thought they "were going to land. Our calves almost had a fit, and nearly, went over the fences. We were down at Invercargill about a week ago, and had a very nice trip through. We were out at Mallacetown also to see some cousins, and we had a good time, os they arc a big family and hard cases. My cousin, sister, and I went over to where they are going to build the aerodrome. Instead of going round by the read we cut .across padMy sister fell down in some rushes and jagged her knees; she also had a small pane, and, of course, she had to break it. When we got cut of the rushes and were scrambling through a fence which was mostly made of barbs, we were in a paddock among 20 or 30 cattle. We had socks, but my cousin began wondering what, she would do supposing there happened to be a bull amongst them. When half-way througn she wondered which wav would be tli- best to run, but. anyway, we 'got through safety We arrived at the paddocks met alter tne second aeroplane had arrived The second aeroplane was a good bit larger than the one winch arrived first. They were not taking any passengers except early in the morning and in the evening We went home just as the people were making up tor the grounds. We were up at Whisky Gully, at Tapanui, one day. We called in on some friensd at Tapanui, and made cur inn-cl nn to nine. AVo were packed, bu f it was only a short distance, and we ’didnt go fast. We boiled the billy and had tea there, and we didn t even manage to smoke the wa.er. My sister was the only one who met with an accident; she sat down in a. pool of water m the stream, ha vim. slipped on the stones. White Pansv was U " at block Gully, and she told us' the ok! <mido up there took her shoes to put nails in to climb with then she saw him go to take the heels off. She guessed she g o t over the fence and grabbed her shoes pretty quick. Didn t she got a lecture for wearing high heels climbing hills! She said she S' V hav ? ™ i r vdod Jum taking the heeds. cIT if they ha<J keen old ones, but they were comparatively new; but a*W she rescued them she said she kept hold ‘ of them, for he would have taken the heels off m spite of her. We were along visiting Madeline and Patriotic Paul the other Sun(!ay, as they are cousins of ours. I did not know they were L.F’. until quite lately tnev were on their own, too, when we arrived, their mother being a wav for a f»-v days. Dove to all the L.F. and yourself Yours truly, GRANT. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I -am 11 years old, and in Standard V It !ms been raining slightly to-day. We have been having a few mushrooms new and again, but not many. I went to a place called Nokomai for my Christmas holidays The grass is all cut and stacked now. We started school on the Ist of February. Love to ad the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—. Yours. trul v, THE LITTLE BUSH ELF. [Please send me v. ur ows name as well as your N.D.P.—DOT.] Dear Dot,— It is raining at present, and t am at home from school to-day because I was riding for our cows, and iny horse fell with me and hurt my head. We are harvesting to-day, and it is nice and cool, but I ant inside suffering with a sore head’. I am going to school to-morrow, and hope it won’t get sore in school Love to all tho L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, SCOTCH MAC. [I hope your head is better, Mac.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last night I had the D.L.F’. pages sent to me, as usual, from A Yellow Sunflower, and I noticed a letter from Montrose Lassie. Her letter was very interesting. I think I can supply the missing name for her aeroplane insect. Wo often see vast numbers of them about this time up here, especially in riverbeds. They are dragon flies. I caught a beautiful specimen of one live* year. It took me a long while to oaten it. 1 didn’t want to catch it by putting my hands on it for fear it would sting. Father aaid I happened to be up turning water on at the head of the race. H® gave

mo his hat to put over it when I could get a chance. I was a long time before I could capture it,, but when I did I took it home and put it in a box. Its wings were magnificent. Best wishes to you -and all the D.L.F., especially Kim, Peggy. Pickwick, Morning Glory, A Yellow -Sunflower, Mae Marsh, Ladybird. Snowy, A Lonely Girl, Driver, and all mv other correspondents too numerous to mention.—Yours tvulv, ERIN'S GIRL. Dear Dot. —I am back at school now. It started on the- Ist of February. My eldest sister and youngest brother wont for a fortnight’s holiday to town. It is my turn next year Since I last wrote we have had the school group taken, and we all said that we would break the glass, but it was broken before we started. I am in Standard V, but I am only doing Standard V sums, and all tho rest in Standard VI. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly. TOO tATE FOR BREAKFAST. Dear Dot, —I am 11 years of age, and I am on trial in Standard V. Will you accept me -as a member of your band? I have a m-ate at school; she will be 11 years old on the 3rd of February, and is in Standard 111. Her mother suffers from, very bad legs. Do you like Dunedin? Mv mother was there about 20 years ago. f have a coin of German money with a “2" on. Do you know what it is equal to in English money. Love to all the L.F. —Yours tvulv, IVY 11. [There is already a writer with the above N.D.P., so perhaps you might prefer to choose another. It depends on the German value of the coin. What else is on it besides the “2’’?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having very fair weather here just at present, and I ho-pe it keeps like this for a while. I was at an excursion last week, and I had a really good time, as it was a glorious day. I went in for a swim, and I also went out for a sail in a boat, which I enjoyed very much. Love, to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, BILL’S SWEETHEART. Dear Dot. —We have been having lovely weather here lately, but it looks very much like rain to-night. I suppose one cannot -always expect good weather. I met A Wild English Rose in Gore on Saturday, and had a good old yarn to hear. My sister, a few friends and myself, went to the school excursion to Bluff, and we had a glorious time. The only fault that we had to find was that the day was not long enough. A steamer was in port unloading her cargo when we were on the wharf. Love to A Wild English Rose, A Wild Irish Rose, and Bill's Sweetheart, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, THE MYSTERY OF THE FAMILY. Dear Dot, —How are you faring for weather in Dunedin? It is very hot here. Harvesting is in full swing just now, and I have to drive to the factory every morning with the milk, as all the men are" too busy. I have just read a good book, the title of which is “Freckles.” The one I am reading now is “Oh, You Tex.” My sister and I intend going south for a holiday at Easter, and I think we will have a good time. My sister writes to the page; her N.D.P. is Nevavore. The parrot is making such a noise I cannot think properly. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, STEAMBOAT.' Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to see if I can join your -happy band. I am 15 years of age, and am going to the Waitaki High School, and have to go for two more years yet. I have my holidays now, and they last for another month, so I will be sorry when school takes up again. I am going to the show to-morrow morning. Love to all the Ltitle Folk, not forgetting yourself.— Yours trulv. SLEEPY JACOB (Hampden). [You are very welcome to join us, S leepy Jacob.—DOT.] " Dear Dot—The holidays are over, and work has begun for another year. Wo are having lovely weather lately, but we c-ould do with a good day’s rain, a-s everything in the gardens looks so dried up. The Gore schools had an excursion to the Bluff on the 2nd February. They left Gore at 7.30 a,.m., arriving at Bluff at 10.20, and left for home at 5.30 p.m. after a delightful day. The weather was perfect—neither too hot nor too cold. There was a steamer (the Port Melbourne) in port unloading benzine, so we were not allowed to go aboard. We arrived home at 7.55 —the end of a perfect day. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A MYSTERIOUS LASSIE’S COUSIN. Dear Dot, —May I have the pleasure of joining your happy band of L.F.? I am 11 years of age, and in Standard IV. As this is my first letter to you. I have not much to say. I hope it will be longer next time. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Your3 truly, GRETCHEN. [You are very welcome to join us, Gretchen, find we shall hope to hear further from you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is of my annual letters to your page. My good intentions always come to nought. It has been very warm here lately. The weather hasn’t been really summer weather so far. We have had only about a week of baLmy weather. It has rained for the best part of three days. Wanganui is certainly some place, but everyone doesn’t appreciate it. We were generously allowed 10 whole days at Christmas time, gso we were very lucky. The worst of the Government is that they never give anything for nothing, for there are four days to come off our next annual leave. Our tennis club is in full swing. We have 70 members, and, sad to say, we have only three courts in a very dilapidated condition; but we manage all right. It is decent to be able to have -a game in the evenings. I suppose you Dunedin folk hear quite a lot about the Maori miracle man at Rata. He is doing a great work if the results are permanent. Many white people are going to him to bo cured of various ailments. I know a little crippled girl who, being unable to go to Ra'ana himself, wrote to him. I was at Castlecliff on Saturday afterno-on. It was lovely in bathing. The Oastlecliff Beach is very dangerous in places; people are always getting into difficulties. It seems to change about every day. There are always crowds fishing from the breakwater and wharf. On Saturday evening there were a great in,any fish caught. Due could see shoals or them. My little brother informed ins liow a boy of his acquaintance saved another boy from being pulled into the sea by a 10ft shark which lie had on his line—presumably a herring line. That was rather a tall story, wasn't it? IT© was very offended when we didn’t believe him. I think that nearly every D.L.F. lately has been passing examinations. How energetic some people are. I am stranded now. I cannot, go any further in my examinations until I am 21; by that time I suppose my shorthand rate will be pretty low. It is not fair to make a girl wait so long before s ho can have a chance to at t-eni-pt the examination. My slater (Flower Girl II) has been successful in her shorthand exami-

nations so far. She is still at school. I went to Wellington for my annual leave, and I had a very good time. Wellington is a decent place, isn't it? f There so many places of interest. I am sure that down there never a day passes without it blows. I had bad weather nearly all the time I was there, but still I enjoyed it. Yell, I have taken up quite enough of veur valuable space, and will now make way for some of tho young enthusiasts. — Yours truly, POUTING POLLY. [lt is very nice to get even one letter a W ar - Pouting Polly. The strange thing is that those who can write suoces-sfullv so seldom do.—DOT.] Dear Dot, We are having lovely weather own here at present. The men are cutting the oats to-day, and I’m- sure I don’t envy them their job. Last night a truck went off the line, and the guard didn’t know. It did not take very long to get it on again, r lor a came home last night; she is one of my mates, and has been away for a holicuiy. i did not get aw-av at all. Father is -away to Invercargill to'-day. but I think he will be home to-night. If this sort of weather keeps up we will hive to stair (allying water. The flowers are very pretty just now. The weeds are very plentiful, to-o, 03} >001:1 Ily decks and Canadian thistles. Lore to all the L.F., especially mv correspondents, -and not forgetting yourself Yours truly, CAMOMILE (Te Tua). Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have been out working, but I am "liomo again, as I didn’t like the place I was at. I find it very quiet after being used to stripping cows, but I suppose I will soon get. used to that. There are races on at Tokanni to-morrow (Friday), but I don’t think I will be going, as I don’t like races very much. I am going to the dance at night, and intend to have a good time. News isn’t very plentiful down this part of th© globe, Dot, so I don’t think you will get a very long _ letter fro-m me this time. Love to Wilkie Lass, The Wild Irish Rose, A Wild Blue Pansy, and all the rest of the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, DEAR LOVE. Dear Dot, —My mates and I went down to the Tokanui River fishing for trout, but we did not get any. Then we went fUTiing for flounders with the spear, and we got 13. We are having very good weather down here just now. The Tokanui races are going to be held on the 11th c-f February, but I am not g'OmfT up to them, for it is too far away. K Girl from Arizona is going to the High School, and I hope she likes it. Carolina is going to the Technical School. Love to the L.F. and your own dear self.—• Yours trulv, HIMIONA. Dear . Dot, —I am again housekeeper ; mother is away helping to nurse mv grandmother. I recevied an interesting letter the other day. It was signed M , alias An Unknown Friend. Aa there was no address and no other clue of the writer’s name and address, for the post mark on the envelope was blurred, I can only thank that D.L.F. through the page. The Browns sports were held here a few weeks ago, and there was a fairly large turnout. The P.W.M.U. held their bazaar the same day, and thereby had a good sale. There is a picnic to Colne Bay on the 16th, and if I go I must remember to wear my badge. Mcmkev wlil wear hen’s too. I haven’t met many L.F. down this w-ay. I see two new writers from Waiholn. Lost Heart is a puzzler just now, but maybe it won’t bo long before I can' pla-ce him or her. Love to all my correspondents and all th© other L.F., not. forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv A WAIHOLA LASS DOWN SOUTH. Dear Dot. —School has started, and our head mistress is leaving this year, so we are all going to a new school. The school picnic is to Colac Bay next Wednesday. The farmers are cutting their crops down this way new. Love to A Wild English Rose, Lora of the Lake, Pale Ice Cream, and Queen Tellaphas-sa, not forgetting ycur own dear self.—Yours truly, MONKEY. [I hope you enjoyed the school excursion, Monkey.—DOT.] Dear D-ot. —I am 18 years of n.v.g and at present am working on the cliaffcutter. It has been raining very hard to-day, so I did not get up till late, for I knew the chaffouter wouldn’t bo niff. I think Hampden is a very nice place for a holiday, as it has a. lovely bush at the back and a beautiful sea for swimming in. Have you ever boon to Hampden for a holiday. Dot? I was cut pig-hunting with Happy Bob a week ago, and we did have some thin. We managed to catch three pigs, so we didn’t do badly. Love to all the L.F., not *■ targeting yourself.— Yours truly, RTF.P-A-SIDE (Hampden). [You had a very successful day’s sport. Step-a-side.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is now over a year since I last wrote t-o the page, so T think it is time I mad© another start. I have been down south for a long time drying a team, but ns teamwork is nearly nil over I am having a holiday. I don’t like Southland very much, as it is very wet and cold. It lias a different climate altogether to Nor J h Otago. Harvest- is in full swing, so tho farmers are very busy. I was at the school picnic. last week, and thought it very nice, ns it was a fine day and we had plenty of games. A new bowling green wa3 opened here on Boxing Day, but as it was raining a bit I don’t think there were as many visitors ns there might have been had it been fine. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, HAPPY 808 (Hampden). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 19 years of age, and has'© always liked reading the Little Folk's letters. I am at present very busy harvesting, and feel very tired at nights. The turnips are looking pretty well up here just now. and were freshened a bit to-dav bv a big shower of rain. I was down town the other day, and enjoyed myself very much. I was sorry I could not stay for Carnival Week. but ns the harvest had to be done, of course that was impossible. Love to Doleful Dick, Uncle Tobv, Blushing Maid, end the rest of the L.F., not forgeting yourself.—Yours HAPPY JACK (Hampden). [lt appears Carnival was just a trifle earl v for a good many country people.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—To continue my last, River Princess was naturally and justly annoyed with the “idiotic bounders” who robbed the wild ducks’ nest. First they committed a crime, and broke one of our laws against taking the eggs or young of our indigenous or native birds, and deserve gaol; secondly, they committed a graver crime in robbing a -poor mother, who, after all her toil and trouble and perseverance, was on the verge of enjoying the happiness of tending her little ones, and leading tho lively little brood to the water, and guarding and tending them until they ooula battle for themselves. Thoughtless, fatuous fools, who had not th® sens© or tho imagination to

think of tho beautiful creatures they were destroying, probably pelted each other wi'h the eggs, that were already vibrating with life, and for this they deserve the horsewhip. Have we any proof that tho outraged parent has not the feeling of grief and anger when she finds the home despoiled by the human ruffians? I hope they will read this, and know the contempt all lovers of Dot’s pages have for them. Be careful in collecting eggs for the county clerk, who is carrying out the endeavour to combat t lie small-bird nuisance, to take only the eggs of the sparrow, green linnet, skylark, yellowhammer. blackbird, and thrush—birds which are destructive to fruit and grain, and are not natives of New Zealand. With regard to these brids, if we killed them all, they could be replaced from other countries, but if we allow our native birds to bo killed off we can never get others to replace them, and those who know will tell you that they are unique, beautiful, and wonderful, and found nowhere else in the world. Ask your teacher to tell you something about them, and never allow anyone to destroy a tomtit, white-eye, mocker, robin, tui, canary, warbler, parakeet, pigeon, or kaka. These birds are still in many districts where you, readers of Dot’s pages, live, and it is up to 3'ou, as the soldier would say, to try and keep these lovely birds alive and common in our bush, instead of letting them be uiped out. Some day one of you little girls wiU be asked by one of your lilftle girls, "Y hat is this pretty bird in my book, with the white feathers at its neck like a minister's necktie or bands?” and you will have to say, “Oh, yes, I remember those bird 3, called tuis. They were quite common when I was a little girl, but we did not bother about them, and the people shot them, robbed their nests, and now they have all gone. They had such lovely notes, and sang so sweetly, and had such antics when you saw them disporting in the yellow-blossomed khowai tres; and they sometimes bobbed tlieir heads, and simply threw out of . their mouths such a slang, clang, clang, just like a blacksmith’s anvil. They, too. were called ’ bell ’ birds, though the modest little mocker was generally the one which bore that name. And now they are all gone.” I am glad of the c-hance which Dot has kindly given me to talk to some o-t you children and to show you or your teachers how to save these pretty creatures, and where I saw in Dot’s page that occasionally you get their eggs—quite unintentionally, I am sure—l felt that you ought to be told about them. Motor Girl, Ardlussa, j*our birds are undoubtedly stilts, and you will find they run up and down and “yap” just like little puppies. The little black bird with the white breast must be the tomtit, one of the dearest and cheekiest and most fearless of our natives. Venus and Montrose Lassie next week.— Yours truly, ORNITHOLOGIST. Dear Dot, —At present I am staying on my uncle's farm; but my holiday is nearly over, as I am leaving to-morrow. I was Winton on Wednesday. Although the drive there was pleasant, I was very disappointed with Winton. I think I was" going too much by Solicitor’s descriptions. I was at the Ryal Bush sports on Thursday, and had a splendid time there. I did not see a. badge, but I saw one girl there whom I was told was an L.F.. Her N.D.P., I think. is Petunia. We are having nice weather here. I went to see one of my correspondents, and she is a verv nice girl. Her N.D.P. is Happy Jean. I think I will be going to Stewart Island next to see my comrades there, I suppose you will lie looking forward to Easter now; it won’t be long either. 1 have a long drive before me—over 20 miles altogether—in a cart. Best wishes to yourself, Lonely Vera, Inez! Mud Lark and her mate. Sirius, Happy Jean, Pocahontas, Lady ef the Forest, Waverley, and the others.—Yours truly LENORA ARRAY. Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am. 12 years of age! and in Standard V. I live in the country at present. Tire paddocks of waving yellow corn are to lie seen getting cut. Best love to all the Little Folk, especially Redwings and A Dandelion Flower, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, FLOWER OF THE DUSK. [Vnu are most welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —T can hardly realise' it is 1921. Christmas and New Year passed very quietly here. On Christmas Day I was at a picnic, while on New Year’s Day I was at the Oamnru Caledonian sports, which were a great suceeus. We are having showery weather at present, which detains people from fheir harvest, but most of th© crops around this district are cut. T was down at Wuianakarua at Christmas time. I think it a lovely place to live in, as there is quite a lot of bush down there, which helps to improve the appearance of ?. place. I am knitting a juniper jersey for myself. I think I would rather crochet than knit, as it is much quicker. Have you over read “The Shadow of Asshaldyat,” by Mrs Henrv Woods? I think it is a lovely book. I have lost my badge; but I am going to wait until they get cheaper. I think they are too dear at 2s fid. Love to Woodbine. Copper Top, Red Rose 11, and Mither’s Wean, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, LOCIIELLA (Papaka-io). Dear Dot. — We had our school picnic on the 28th January, and it was very nice. There were a good number of people present, and we nlayed a number of games. We had our dinner, then we ran races. I ran in the single race, and got Is, fid for the three-legecWrace, Is for the wheelbarrow race, and Is 3d for another race. I have a little brother who has been in bed for nine months with hip disease; but he is quite hinn y. I must be off to bed now.—Yours truly, A DANDELION FLOWER (Waianakarua). [Poor ivp» man, it seems hard lie should have to suffer so; but it is a blessing he is so contented.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had some lovely weather here lately. A few weeks ago I met one of my correspondents from Miller’s Flat. She was down here for a holiday. T also saw another D.L.F., whose nome-de-plume was Destiny, but she didn’t recognise me. Loretto was over here for her Christmas holidayys, and I saw quite a lot of her. I have started to learn the violin now, Dot, and it seems to me to be a very hard instrument to play; but practice makes perfect. Mv sister is learning the piano, and she likes it very much. Things are prettv quiet here now. I hear that Grandmother’s Pet is working in Invercargill now. She seems to have forgotten the page. Lev® to A Lonely Girl, A Maid of tho 'Mountains. Brownite, and Woodland Whispers, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, QUEEN ESTHER (Stewart Island). Dear Dot, —Heather was staying over here for a week, and we had. a very good time together. 1 was very sorry when the time came for her to go away. Sweet Kid’s Mate has been up to eee Mountain Lily and Crimbo. I am keeping house to-day, and dud it very lonely with no on® near me;

but it is only for on© day, so I can’t frowl. I went home on Sunday to see ow my relations were, and I found them all well. My little brother wanted me to stay at home and let Motor Girl come here. It has been raining here all day to-day. I suppose it will stop some of the harvesting for a while. Love to Motor Girl, Heather, Jean Armour. Music Girl. Sweet Kid’s Mate, Beautiful Ohio, Mountain Lily, Dad’s Manager, and my Mate, not forgetting your-self.—-Yours truly, CAMPFIRE GIRL (Wendonside). Dear Dot, —We go back to school on February 1 after very enjoyable holidays. The weather here is very changeable. This morning it was raining, and this afternoon it was so hot one did not know where to go to get cool.—Yours truly, KAIKORAI. Dear Dot, —For months I have seen the letters of your Little Folk in the Otago Witness, and have always meant to write. I am 16 years old, but although I have left school I attend a commercial college, learning shorthand and typewriting. I nave two sisters older and two brothers younger than myself. At present I am working in the Guardian shop here, taking Clyde’s place, as she has left. I am hoping to get some correspondents—boys as well as girls. Love to all the D.L.F, especially yourself.—Yours truly, PIXIE (Wairoa, H. 8.). [I have put a notice in the auto column, Pixie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having a kind of drought here until just recently, and now it is raining like mad. It is probably too late to do any good to grain crops, but roots that were almost dead are growing so much one can almost see them. The fruit didn’t suffer much though, and now there are several boys wanted to make apples disappear. The aeroplane mail and passenger service here is now in full swing, though we are just out of the line of route, and don’t see much of them. I suppose you will have seen one of the “buses” when it went from here to Invercargill. The company have about nine planes—some big and some small ones; and they haven’t had any serious accidents yet, though they sometimes mn through a wire fence; but I suppose that is included in the “stunts.” Work has been very slack since Yew Year, and we are just having a good time. We have put a springboard up at the river, and it iB some fun being thrown off it. Very few of us can dive off a springboard, and it generally turns us head over heels. The water is so hard when one hits it sometimes, too; but it is great fun. We have played several cricket matches during this season, but we have no one to teach us to play, and we generally manage to lose. Last Thursday the runs were 131 to 13. Of course, wo had the 13. Kind regards to La Reine, Ginger. Motor Maid, and yourself.—Yours truly, PUSSYFOOT. [With such a score a coach is urgently needed, Pussyfoot.-—DOT ] Dear Dot, I have been awav to Dunedin for my holidays, and I had a splendid time. Me had good weather the most of the time. When I came home I was so pleased to see my mate Madaline. I have started music again, and this will be my fifth year. My mate Madaline has some new music. I am going down to her place this week so we will be able to try them over together. Love to Madaline and the other D.L.r.— lours truly. BAX VIS TER BRUSH. Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I have written to the page on account of my illuess. I hare not to do any work for a long time. I had pleurisy and rheumatic fever. It has been blowing to-dav, but the wind has gone down, and I thrnk it, is going to rain now. I 6a w Beautiful Ohio at a cricket watch which was played at Balfour Athol team was playing Balfour, and the Athol team was beaten I have a coniera now', and I took a snap of Motor Gnl and Campfire Girl’s Mate at the cricket tt.atcli My mother is busy taking- off phonos and they are very good. We saw a black ant white fantail m our apple trees I* has a white breast and white tail, and the Test of it was a bluey-blaek. There are oniv one or two about here. We have a creek just a few yards from the door and there are a good number of trout in it Motor Girl and I saw about six in one rC V‘w ot i her ■ My dad is a to Castle Rock, which is eight miles past Lumsden He left home abfut 2 o’clock day, so I suppoee he will be there bv now. Love to Fern Leaf. Heather, Beautiful' Ohio. A F®ir-haired Lassies Sister, and yourself i ours truly, ' 4 jeax armour. [I am so glad you are now gettin<> bctte" Jean. \ou will need to take the greatest care of yourself.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l was at a dance .lie other night, and I met a few D.L.F. there that I knew. We are starting to cut our crops this week so everybody will bo fairly busy foi a while. We are having rerv hot weatner but the turnips could do with some ra,n. I did not know for quite a long time who The Rose c.f Xo Man’s Land is but I am quite satisfied now. Kind regards to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.- lours truly, A XX VERONICA. Dear Dot.—lsn’t the weather glorious & h rifl ® hot > but better hot than cold! Music has started again, and my teacher informed me that studies, scales and arpeggios are to form my musical practice for the next year or so.' Some studies are very pretty, but others are the opposite and the fingering, whether foreign or English, is awfully tricky. H owever, th<?v nro good for one, so I suppose I shouldn’t'complam. Before I forget, Dot, I must wish you the compliments of the season and hope you have a nice Easter. It j 3 rather late to wish you a happy JCew Year, so please accept the aforesaid. Did you go to the swimming championships? Mv sistor anci I went on Thursday and Friday,"anil enjoyed ourselves immensely. We were in favour of the Aucklanders and Otagoites. Kronfeld, of Auckland, swam a great' race for second place in the 440 yards in the finals. It was a race where one held one’3 breath every two minutes. It was exciting! Otago is, to use a slang expression, “going to wake up” in the swimming direction. Several of my girl friends are entering for the championships next, year, so I must come down to hard work. I shall do a lot of practice at the overarm, in which I’m hardly efficient enough for racing. The side stroke is my favourite of all strokes, but the overarm and trudge are the best, for racing purposes. I am going out to Milton for my Faster holidays, so I hope to see Buster Manager There are a good many L.F. there, are there not 4 ? I must be on the alert for badges, as I love meeting any of cur band. Have you ever read Fitzgerald’s “Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam 4 ’? 1 have read it. not once, hut half a dozen times. The lines “ ’Tis all a chequer-board of nights end days. Where Destiny, with men for pieces, plays” I thing arc most beautiful. My sister harl “The Dream of Gerontius,” by Cardinal Xewman, given to hex as a Christmas present. It is ale-o a

wonderful poem. I have been reading "Gascoyne,” by R. M. Ballantyne. Aren’t his books good? especially “Coral Island” and “The Red Eric.” Boys’ books are much more interesting than girls’ hooks, I think. However, that’s a matter of opinion, don’t you think ? Best wishes to Koi Girl, Mops, Nameless One, An Anzac’s Son, and Sirius (all of whom have given me up as a bod correspondent, I suppose; hut they will hear from me some day, although that is very vague) and yourself.—Yours truly, MARIE. [Uninteresting though one may think them, close attention to scales and arpeggios are the only means of perfecting one’s technique, Marie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is a very quiet place—nothing ever happens. The grass is looking very green now. Some places are cfried up, but our place is very good. We are milking 80 cows, and there are the sheep to draft, so everybody is busy. The crops will soon be ready. The birds are “terrors” on ths oats; they will not leave them alone, and some are quite white. There are three D.L.F. around near me, and I have also been to see A Maid of the Mountains. It takes just over an hour to ride there. When I went it was my first long ride, and I was stiff after it. Love to A Maid of the Mountains. Motor Girl, Golden Eagle, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting 4 your own dear self. —Yours truly, QUEEN DIANA (Fine Bush). Dear Dot, —Nearly a year has elapsed since I last penned a letter to the page, and really I am ashamed to let my correspondents see my signature after so long an absence. However, after several gentle reminders, here I am. and I hope to continue writing regularly. I had a glorious holiday at Stewart Island. What more could one expect, with ideal weather and solitude after the noisy, smoky city ? The Island was swarming with tourists, all on pleasure bent, glad to leave all work behind them. The launches were at our disposal, and every morning numbers went forth laden with pickniokers to the different beaTity spots of the Island. Dances were held every evening, and the hall was always packed. Some of the tourists’ faces were simply raw; the skin absolutely peeled off. As regards myself I was as brown as a berry. Nevertheless that didn’t prevent us from having' a good time. The only cloud that marred our holiday was the thought of its approaching end. However, when the time did arrive, it was with regret that we left for town once more. Anyway, Dot, after such a lovely holiday' we were quite prepared to settle down to work again. Best love to all my correspondents and heaps for yourself.—Yours truly, LORETTO. [This is the first word we have had from you since you left. Stewart Island, Loretto. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last time I wrote I promised to send you some photos; but there was something wrong with our camera. We took it into Invercargill, and were told that iho light was not getting into it properly, so that whenever the negative was developed one end was blank. Wo are ge-tting it to-morrow, so- I will get my photo taken on Sunday. I like developing the plates in the darkroom. The last time I was developing some plates my red lamp went out., and left me in the darkness. We are having good weather now, so dad and my brother have nearly finished their contract, and I am glad, as I am about tired of going backwards and forwards to Motu Rimu. Our cows have gone back in their milk lately, and I would rather milk them when they have a good flow of milk. I have to take the cows down to the road to the pond every night and morning for a drink. We feed only four calves at night now, and that is enough. Mum and I chopped very nearly all the rag weed, as we call it—we don’t know the exact name. We have to shut all our doors and windows early at nights now as there is a big insect down here. It has hard brown wings, and if one is standing outside at night it comes right for one’s face, and, my word,, they can sting. Could you tell me the name of this insect, please. Dot? They have all sorts of names down here for it. I have seen some fully 3in long, with hard brown wings, like wood, we call them. I have never been very close to them, but my brother catches them. If you would like to see one I could easily send you one. Mother, my wee sister, and myself are going to town to-morrow, and I hope to meet A Lonely Givi. About a fortnight ago I' met A Maid of the Mountains and A Lonely Girl, but. I did not have a long talk to them, as we were in a hurry to get home. Lady Betty II has not written to me yet; but I saw where she was away for a holiday, and I suppose she hasn’t seen the Witness. I would like to get a letter from her, as we used to live in Christchurch—in fact, I wa s born there. Mother and I find it. awfully lonely here by ourselves. We listen to all the sounds at night. I am glad we have no dog, as we don’t like to hear dogs around the house. Kindest regards to Gladys L., A Rainbow Fairy, The Bravest of the Brave, Gloaming, A Lonely Girl, Somebody’s Friend, ami King of the Plains, not forgetting your ownself.—Yours truly, IVYDALE (Awarua Plains). [Personally I could not identify the insect, as, like you, I am never curious to see them at close quarters. If you send one 1 can have it identified for you. dear. DOT] Dear Dot, —We are having rough weather just now. 1 went to Invercargill on Monday to get two teeth extracted. The holidays are over, and the scliool lias reopened. I am in Standard IV this year. Mv two cousins from Winton were staying here, but went away last Friday, and I miss them very much. They are beautiful singers. I went to the school picnic and won a trumpet. We have nine ferrets. I got two prizes at Sunday Scliool, and one at school last year. Love to all the L.F. —Yours truly MOTHER’S PET 'll. Dear Dot, —1 am nearing the retiring age. so 1 had betfer make up for lost time. I feel ashamed fo think I have written so few letters since I joined your band two years ago. 1 am not a good writer, Dot, so I (rust you will excuse me. I am stayin'l- - an aunt of mine at present, and urn enjoying myself immensely. Of course, il is a busy time just now’; but 1 don’t, mind, for I rather like the harvest time. I feel rather lonely sometimes, as there are not many young people about and I haven’t many correspondents. I had a lovely trip down south last. October. My father and I went down to Gore, and then back as far as Waiwera, and then wo drove from there to Ciydevale. W© left home on a Friday, and arrived in Dunedin on Friday evening, and thence from there to Gore on Saturday morning. We stayed in Gore till Monday afternoon, and then caught the express to Waiwera, where my uncle met us and drove us to his place at Ciydevale. I spent three weeks there; my father stayed only til] the Saturday. I didn’t like him going home and leaving me there. 1 had never been so far from home before, and I didn’t like the idea of corning home by myself. However, I survived. 1 spent a few days at Palmerston SouHi with A Sister of a Fallen British Soldier, who made me very -vTbl-

come. 1 felt quite at home. No need to say I was pleased to arrive home again after my long journey. I think it does one good to go for a trip; one sees a lot of new’ sights. I would have liked to have had a look round Dunedin, but we hadn't time. It is a beautiful place, and we got a fine view of it from the express. Good-bye just now, trusting you are quite well. Love. — Yours truly, WOLGA. Dear Dot,—l have ben very busy lately cutting grass and oats. I was up at Quenstown laet Thursday, and had a good time, and met a number of D.L.F. I have two sisters out working and two brothers. I always stop at home and do the work. We have been having some good weather here lately, but it has changed to-night, and is now raining. We are starting to cut our own oats •to-morrow, hut I think the way the weather is to-night there won't he much doing to-morrow. Love to Aotea Lass.—Yours truly, PARLESVOUS. Dear Dot. —I was very disappointed at not seeing my last letter in print. My brother, who is coxswain for the skiffs, came home from Dunedin yesterday. He enjoyed himself immensely. We have been having glorious weather lately. I go for a swim every day after school. Love to Rose Pink. Ragtime, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, HAWAIIAN MAID (Bluff). [I was sorry to disappoint you, hut it was unavoidable.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I had a most enjoyable time during my school holidays, and was not very glad when school reopened again. During the last week the days have been very hot, and some of my mates and I often go swimming. My brother (Snowy) is away working just now, so I don’t think he will be able to write to you this time. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, BONNIE PRINCE EDWARD. Dear Dot, —You will no doubt have forgotten that, such a D.L.F. as Sweet Marie exists, as it is ages since I last wrote to you. 1 have been out working this long time now. and hardly get time to write a letter; but I am not quite so slow as some of my correspondents. We are having beautiful weather here lately—quite a treat to what we had been experiencing. February is always the hottest month here I think it is up to us to get some hot weather, for w© get more than our share of King Winter, when lie reigns. Have von ever been here in the winter time, Dot? It is real sport watching the curling, etc. We had a very quiet Christmas and New Year up cur way, the only event being our annual sports, and then they were nothing to boast about. I enjoy a good book, and as I am a member of our library I am never short of books. 1 notice quite a number of D.L.F. are “bookworms” like myself. I wrote to Ls Montmartrois, but don’t know when I will. get. an answer —not for a long time yet anyway. Love to all my correspondents, especially Salvador and Quilp, and, of course, yourself.—Yours truly, SWEET MARIE. [Very pleased to hear from you again. Sweet Marie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —You may have forgotten that I even exist because it is ages since I wrote last. Well, any way, I am still in the land of the living. Pouting Polly is my sister, and she was writing to-night, so I thought I would write too. I go to the Technical College here, and this is my third year. I have just passed the Junior Public Service entrance examination, and also the Education Board s examination in shorthand and typewriting. I could do 90 words a minute in shorthand and 40 words a minute in typewriting before the holidays, but I have gone hack a lot in the holidays. We started scliool to-day, and this year I am going up for the Senior Public Service examination, and also the bookkeeping diploma, so I have to work this year. We had nearly 10 weeks’ holiday, and I was so glad to get back to school. My sister is in the Public Trust Office here. They have been having a lot of swimming here lately, and on Saturday last tbev had the annual bridge to bridge race, which is two miles. There is a large Home boat in just, now, and there are. such a lot of sailors in town. The Chatauqua is here just now also, but I don’t think I shall go. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLOWER GIRL 11. [I am so pleased to hear from you again. Flower Girl, and am very interested in your successes.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last Friday night I went to “Irene” with my father and mother. I did not think it was a good play, but I liked til.* dresses, and thought (he music v.-qs very bright and pretty. It is not a play I should care to see again, such as “Peg o’ My Heart.” which, although I have seen it twice already in Sydney, I would thoroughly enjoy going to see it again. An interesting book I read lately is “The Cross Pull,” by Everts. This book describes the life of a wolf-dog in Northern America, the “cross puli” being; the tie betwen its two natures — the one half of him longing for the companionship of man, the other leaning toward the roaming 4 life of a wolf. The story is very well told, with good descriptions of the bush life in that part of the world. It reminds orm of Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild ” and of “Kazan,” by James Oliver Cur wood. I am looking forward to a visit to Christchurch soon, and then I am going to live in Wellington for a few years, so perhaps I sh-all not be writing to the page again. Wishing you and ail the D.L.F. a successful year,—Yours truly, JOY. [Unfortunately you forgot that it is an unbreakable rule in newspaper offices that only one side of the panel* must be utilised, Joy. I hope you may find wave and means of sending us news even when veu are in Wellington, DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is some considerable time since 1 wrote to the page, but it is not forgotten for all that. I have been in Oamaru for my holidays, and I never enjoyed a holiday better. I thunk Oamaru an ideal town for a holiday—ever so much better than Dunedin. If Oamaru only had a beach it would be just “the” place. I was shown round all the interesting sights, and between them ail I thoroughly enjoyed myself. One fine afternoon my friends persuaded me to go for a- row in the harbour. 1 considered a good while before* J went, as I never had a very strong liking for rowing boats. Nevertheless 1 scrambled in, and they laughed at me for being nervous. We went right round the harbour and when nearly at the entrance, and the boat began to heave, then 1 wished to goodness I’d stayed on the wharf. But no, I was in tin* beat, and there 1 had to stay till it pleased the rower to let me out. However. I got over rny fears, and enjoyed the row; but, just quietly, Dot, J wasn’t, sorry when f stood on dry ground again. The biggest attraction those hot days was the ‘Rendezvousthe ice-cream parlour. Oh, weren’t they delicious! We had one every day. As there were <i good number of young people where I was staying, we could entertain each other quite easily without going out. We used to have un audience standing on

the street sometimes when the family were holding an impromptu concert, and, if by chance the Highland schottieche was being played, there were dancers on the street. It was a lively house while we were all there. Another day three of us cycled out to Kakanui Beach. It was a very hot d*ay, and we were nearly roasted when we got home. There were some hills, too—quite as steep as these up here, —and pushing a bicycle up them wasn’t the cocleet game. But we enjoyed ourselves, and that’s the main part. I didn’t like settling down to Lard work after the good time I Lad, but I am quite used to it now. Holidays are very nice, but* I think one would get tired of doing nothing but eat, for that’s practically all I did. Last Thursday I went to laieri Mouth, and ha-d a good time down at the beach and coming home in the boat. Everyone seined to have had a good time, judging by the sounds of them. We had quite a concert on the train and boat. My cousin and I went for a ride on Tuesday. She wasn’t very keen on going too going down, but coming home she couldn’t make the pony go fast enough. Mine went just the reverse—a little too fast sometimes. He believes in having the lead every time, and if he doesn’t get his own way then there is a row between the two of us. But I come off second best sometimes, with a stiff arm next day. I saw several D.L.F. the other day on the train, and they were wearing their badges. A Highland Laddie was inquiring what had become of me. 1 am still in the land of the living and waiting for a letter. Best love and kind regards to Sylvie A Maid of the Mountain’s Hal, King William, Mother Machree, and all my correspondents, not forgetting your own Bwet self.—Yours truly, TELEPHONIST (Waitahuna). Dear Dot,—l am 14 years old, and have left scliool. I know a good many L F in Cromwell, but they seldom write to the page. The trees up here are loaded with fruit. A large branch broke off one of our trees last night. It is Show Day here on Saturday, but I do not think I will compete As this is my first letter to the page, I will close now, with love to Plain Jane Novice, Moonlight, White Bunny, Ethene’, Champion Liar, Nellie Bly, Daddy’s Little Girl, Australian Girl, Magnificent Medlar Mysterious Bachelor, and your own dear sell.—Yours truly, SWEET REVENGE (Cromwell). [You are very welcome 1o join us Sweet Revenge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather up here has been splendid up till this last week, when some of the days have been rather cold and dulllooking. The farmers round here are all very busy harvesting 4. Several of them have had a part of their crop thrashed. One day last week an aeroplane passed over here, and as it was flying verv low 4 down one could see it very plainly. ' As we are not more than four chains from the sea coast, we can see the steamships passing 4 by, and it is nice to watch them on a clear ciay. The geraniums in our garden are looking very pretty at present, as they are ill full bloom. There are also some carnations in bloom. I was 17 years of age yesterday. I am very fond of reading, and }v ive J ust reading a book called “At the Moorings,” by Rosa N. Carey, and liked it very much. Kind regards to Olga, Danobrog, Micky Free. Tlirupp, Jack of All trades, and Patches, not forgetting your clear self.— lours truly, PIKIARERO. Dear Dot.-I am going to the Timaru bouth School now, and am boarding in town 1 live close to the park, .and go over nearly every night after school. I have a few lessons to do, Dot, but that is nothinWe have been having lovely weather, only to-day was cold and dull. We went to Jacks Point on Sunday, and we got -some lovely shells We- stayed on the beach a Willie, and then we went up and boiled the billy for tea After that we got ready for home. All Standard VI girls‘go for cooking. and we have such fun. Some of the girls threw some paste on the ceiling. Love to all the D.jj.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A ROSEBUD. Dear Dot—l am in Standard V now, but I do not like it much. There is a picnic to Riverton on the 22nd of February and I might- be going to it. I can swim and I go m when the days are fine. The weather ! S ,YI2 t\ n ° down h-re - 1 did not go for a holiday this year, lor my mother is in the hospital, but she is getting on all rio-ht now. Kind regards to Jolly Major’s Mate and yourself.—Yours truly, DEERFOOT THE SHAW A NOE (Kennington). [Please enclose your own name as well foot y —DOT]’ llaiUe ln yOUr next k ‘ Uer - DeerAUTOS. Camomile (Eilen M. Smith Po Te Tua) wishes to correspond with any L.F over 13 years. A Waihola Lass Down South (Georgina F Andrews, Browns) wishes to correspond an TtT y F lm ' e ur U ' g,n L ’ K 35 and also any D.L.F. willing. Monkey (Marjorie Andrews Browns) wirii"s to correspond with any L.F about 19 vp ” v,?™ , Love , M- Davis. Sea' View! Jor.ro ) Wishes to correspond with any Australian L.F. and any LF 17 or is years willing. 4 or 18 Hirni 011:1 (Master Mans Davis 4 : wishes 1o correspond with any L.F. 14 to 15 years’ old willing. Leonora. M’Kay (Mina H-nrvcv. Awarua ss rtt w# “ d Lmß to - >- V.'olca (Violet Kee. care of Mrs R ,j E'irr, Sutherlands, via Pleasant PoiiV) v.mhcs to correspond with any South Canterbury or other L.F. 19 years Hawaiian Maid( Molly Tall, Barrow street. Lliiff) wishes to correspond with Head Ho®** An Anzacs Daughter, Yellow Bansia, and Hirotee. Kaikorai (Margaret Forrest. Box G 7, Alexandra) wishes to correspond w.’li A Mml-orl Rider. A Masked Outlaw, ami A ’Lonely Pixie (Rana Crarer, Box 39. Wairoa JIB) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 16 years. Jean Armour (Annie Dawson. Ardlussa Balfour) wishes to correspond with Grant and Sinbad the Sailor. Marie (Maisie M’Gill, 13 Pacific street, Roslyn) wishes to correspond with Tarat.i and any L.F. willing. Queen Diana (R. G. Jenner. Pino Bush, Southland) wish© s to correspond with Aviator’s Pal, Lost Heart, Pixie O 4 ,Shanty. Sir Lancelot, and any North Island L F willing. Tvydale (Monica Biel, Awarua Plains. Southland) wishes to correspond with Maid of the Mountains, Rose Wreath, Lady Baity 11. and any Christchurch L.F. willin'*. Pikiarero (Laura. Barnett, Cairnfield, Kakauui) wishes to correspond with Lizetta.