DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 1 March 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short fetters from her young friends throughout the Dominoon on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations is the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested la, of the district in wbioh they live, ot their school and home life, holiday trips, &oThe letters are to he written by the little folic themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.''

Dot's Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for nee as brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d, in stamps or postal not-ee. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 26.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO D.L.F. BADGES. PRICE 2a 6d. We are reluctantly compelled to raise the price of the badges as, owing to the increased 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.

A LETTER FROM A NATURALIST. Dear Dot, —Please tell me if you think I am butting in too much into your valuable page, for if so you have only to say the word, and I shall close down Venue is rather afraid of beetles. She need not be; there are no biting or stinging insects in our country of any consequence, except the katipo spider, which is a little chap with a red spot on his back. He is found further north among tlio sand, and sand-growing plants of the sea coast. Our beetles and caterpillars and centipedes are all harmless ; they look fearsome, but if you have been taught when little that they will not harm you. you will lose all disgust and fear of these animals. You understand that why I call them animals because they have locomotory life and are not vegetables. 1 Montrose Lassie wants to know where the yellow hammer builds-—in shrubs of any kind, gorse, broom, hawthorn hedges, manuka, or mingi-mingi. The nest is small, round, and cup-shaped, and has a good man? horsehairs in it, with moss and wool fibres inside and moss and lichens all over the outside, with four or five white eggs scribbled all over with black, so that the bird is often called the writing lark and the scribbling lark. The litle bird with a white t-ail may have been the tiny grey warbler, an active little chap which trills by itself in the garden all the winter months, and can never be mistaken for anything else. It is very busy round chrysanthemums after the green blight or aphis, and on rose trees, and builds the most wonderful, cosy, m-ouseproof, bagshaped nest, hung from a fine branch or spray of a tree. The most beautiful bird of all, so far as plumage is concerned, is. the chaffinch, with its rosy breast, deep greyblue crown of the head, sulphur-yellow under the tail, and with two conspicuous bnrs of white showing on the wins'-. It has n prettv rouAd head with thick beak, and the hen bird is quite easily known by *he same shape, the same white cn the wings, but without the bright colours of the .rock bird. The nest is the most perfect “cup” ima°inab!e, and made of mos 3 ornamented with lichens stuck on. The cogs are pinky brown wnh purple spots The birds seen by Bubbles must be redpolls; these are also like the chaffinch, imported birds, not natives. I will try and get the curator to have some o, these birds “assembled” in -a case at the Museum, where you children can see and Pick out the birds you have noticed in the fieuls Don t kill one on any account, but try and get a little closer, and see what you can of the colour and shading of head, breast wings, tail, appearance of beak, etc 1 trunk that answers everyone. Ooodoye.— Yours truly, ORNITHOLOGIST. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Katto:—W e write for the benefit of others, not tor ourselvfMP. S?* fella* to oonfcain mere than SSO word* Dear Dot, I h-a-ve learnt t-o : play tennis this year, and I like it very much indeed. I have been to quite a lot of picnics lately. I .went to at least five in two weeks, and I think they are all over now. I went to the “Diggers” last Tuesday night, and I thought they were splendid. It was their farewell visit before they go back to the East. The Prime Minister is arriving here on Thursday afternoon at 3 o clock, and on Thursday night there is a concert for him, but I don’t think I shall be able to go, because my mother is ill, and my father and sister are both going. I think I enjoyed the Combined ■ Trades’ picnic best of all. We arrived at • Totara Flat, where the picnic was held, at 20 past 11, and after having some dinner wo discovered that they were having a dance in the hall, which was in the same paddock f as the picnic, and we danced from half-past 12 till o o’clock, and after that ws had to run the whole length of the picnic train of 29 carriages, and I think it was one of the hottest days we have had this summer. My sister and I went to Ilunanga to stay with , our auntie, and while we were out” there my uncle took us up to see the new mum Wo went up a steep hill in a hoist, and when we reached the top we were shown through : the engine room, which provides the men ‘ working down the mine with compressed air * The miners have little lights fastened** in 1 their hats, and if these go out they have 2 to grope their way to a man stationed a Ion" ! the track and have it lighted again. They are on no account allowed to lieht it them- { selves. YV T e went un the river in a canoe 2 the other clay, and it was lovely. I would c have liked to stay there all day. My sister’s 1 music teacher is leaving tile district, and I \ think mother is going to- let her learn at ’’ the Convent. There is a sweet pea and rose 4 show here next Thursday, and I think there f is going to be a nice collection of flowers. 1 Lots of 10-ve to all the L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, A POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL. 4 lit is quite a pleasure to hear from vou t again, clear.—DOT.] a Dear Dot,—My mother and two sisters are d away at the picnic to Colne Bay. As I am I just getting better of the measles I conld n not go. 1 was very disappointed, as I in- o tended going np till the time I took the p measles. It is a dull, misty day, and it v won't be very pleasant down there to-day s

My brother is going out to Orawia picni to-day with the band. The insect Montro* Lassie ?vas describing as the aeroplane in my father brought one home the othe mgnt. out it got away; but as he works al vvu 2n 4be busb be . will easily find another W hen he does I will send it i o you for m spection. He dees not know what it i either, as it is a strange insect. I liav< ■ 4o ’ a 4ew bathes in the river lately and it was lovely. There was a small office burnt here last night. I went to Invercar gill for a fortnight’s holiday, and had i lovely time. I was down at the Bluff re gatta and there was a cargo boat in fron: Dunedin. I was all over it, but there isn’l much to see on a cargo boat. I also mel ’ down at Bluff < bllt 1 forget hoi IYD.P. at present. I noticed quite a lot oJ bad ®: e3 m Invercargill. With love to Sweel \\ illiam, Erin’s Girl, Laverna, Lily of the Belgian Maid, Pearl White, and all tho L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A STRAY SUNBEAM. H have been wondering if there are any hypos in fhe bush in Southland. I saw several on the West Coast, and I think they were called hypos. They were uncannylooking objects, and I gave them a wide berth. —DOT.] Dear Dot, I was 11 years old in January. My sister and I are m Standard 1Y We passed our examination. When last I wrote to you we were up at Upper Shotover, but now we have shifted down to Skippers. Alter school goes out in the afternoon my young sister Gwennie and I go about a mile for fruit sometimes. Nearly every day tourist traps come up to here. They walk up a little way to see the bridge. " Have you ever seen any photos of the Skippers suspension bridge? If you have not, Dot, J can tell you it is hundreds of feet high I do like living in the country, and never want to hear the thought of going away Ye have two cows in milk this season Father milks one, and I do the other. The one father milks is far too rough i me, but the one I milk is a little dear. Skippers is a very dangerous country for cattle and horses. There are rocks everywhere; but nothing has happened to ours yet, and I hope nothing does. Love to all the other little D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, RANG HILDA. Dear Dot, —I have just come home from Port Molyneux, where we have been since last ! riday. The w'eather was splendid down there, and we spent a most enjoyable week. I was 16 years of age last Tuesday and father sent me a lovely wristlet watch. My cousin Eva’s birthday was also on Tuesday, only she is two years younger than I am, .so uncle gave us a birthday party, making it a double event. I had a dear little dog called Tiny, which I brought down from Dromore with me, but it got run over yesterday by a shunting train in the Balclutha railway yard. I was so sorry to lose my dear little pet. With best love to all the L.b including your own dear self.—Yours truly, SYLVIA. [You will miss your dog, Sylvia, and I am sorry it met such a tragic end.' DOT.] Dear Dot, We have had most enjoyable weather here for the past six weeks, but there is a change to-day, and I am sure people won’t be sorry to see rain, for everythin<» is so dried up. I went to Bluff with the school trip. There were seven boys and six girls in our party, and we all enjoyed ourselves very much. I was the only one who had a camera, and I got some lovely snaps with the sea and rocks for a background. t ' v as very , > ancl we wer e very sunburnt. . d°n t think 1 ever had so much colour J! 1 n r7 l lf ?, befor<! - There was a big boat—the Tort Melooume—in when we were there but no one was allowed on board, for they were unloading benzine. Billy the Orphan’s I al was down there too, but I did net have tho luck to meet her until we were comine home I am going up to her place on Frn clny, for I think she is going away on holiday soon. Love to Grace Fisher A Girl from the West, Leo, Kim, Tom Moore Gloaming, and A.8.C., not forgetting yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, BILLY THE ORPHAN. Dear Dot,—To-day is the Mataura Flower bhow. I have been home nearly three weeks now. I have been away up to South Canterbury for five' weeks’ holidays, and enjoyed myself immensely. I went'to Timaru and Caroline Bay. The day waa very hot, and there was a large number of people on tho bay, and a number of men and boys were diving. The stay there was too short, as w© had to catch "the train about halfpast 3. Some of the children are practising a song for the farewell social to Mr J Bishop, the minister for this district, who is giving the ministry up. We are very lorry to lose him. The social is to be held n tne hall on the 22nd of this month \\ hen any of our letters are in the Witness grandma sends it to us to let us see them i.nd we are always pleased to get it It s lovely. Dot. when a hot day comes along list to- be able to go over a paddock and ump into the creek; but I have not had the diance to go for many dips this year vet. oately we have been out eeling, but we had iqt much luck, as we got only one eel two lights. The first cut we caught mum hung t up, and while she was inside the pup cept jumping up at it and taking a bite sach time. By the time mum returned the log had eaten half the eel. Well Dot this ’veiling seems quiet, as the boys have’gone o bed, and mum and dad have gone out ° •'< meeting, so there is only mv rain tnd my sister, Red Cheeks, here at present, * o I can write in peace and quietness With and regards to nil the L.F., not forgetting ourself,—Yours truly. GRANDMOTHER'S GIRL (Waimumn;. [You are writing a fin hand now. clear, nd it is a treat to read vour letters DOT.] ‘ Dear Dot,—l fear bv this time you will II think I have deserted the page. This Ot weather, which we have been "enjoying itelv (or enduring,' I don't know which! ends to make one lazy. Ever since Christos we have had only a few showers of :.m, and. of course, the lawns are rather ' rmvn. We were rather disappointed at ' hr is tin as, it was so quiet here. I have ‘ >med the Public Library, as reading is one ' f my favourite diversions. I have bum 1 jading a number of the Baroness Orczy’s 1 ooks, and think they are rather interesting ’ l so far as they describe other lands and 1- peoples and their customs. I am very 1 md of French history, and am at present i, jading Marie Antoinette,” by Imbert de , amt Amand, and find it very engrossing mugh perhaps rather sad. I have heard ‘ nit Burke wrote a book on Marie Antoin;te. Gould you give me its name Dot? should like to read it. The next book I i n looking forward to reading is “Catherine l s Medici and the Reformation,” by Sichel. t received a moat interesting letter from t iv correspondent at Chatham Islands the e :her day, and have just answered it. The r mds in the Public Gardens a.re a mass of ] ater-lillies just now, and make a pleasing! s gbt for the eye, though the lawns are e

C browned with the heat. However, the garf a L e attractive, and lots of people take their lunch and a book, and spend the day m the shade of the trees. We all went for a picnic to Foxton (30 miles disxant) the other day, and came home “well I ™ nned and very sandy.” We all enjoyed p j r ., e immensely, as the reads are good and the country is pretty. Well, Dot, I ’ must close this letter with promises for a better one next time. Kindest regards to ' the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours 1 truly, j MINERVA. k [I know the book you are reading, but t try to find the one by Burke, Minerva, r as I have not yet discovered it.—DOT.] f Dear Dot, —I have been enjoying myself t very much. I went to Dunedin for my liblii days, and I was very pleased when I saw I the beautiful flowers at thS gardens. I en--5 joyed, going to the pictures with my two cousins, and after an enjoyable fortnight’s holiday I came home. I have been to a ■ concert, a picnic, and a day at the beach which was held by the miners. At the * Picnic my sister Dreamy Eyes won a most . beautiful enlargement of two big dogs, which >. J®° ked vel T pretty. Best wishes to A Little j Cuckoo, Blue Eyes, Merry Mischief, Road Ho ?; Lady Carey, and A Rose From No • Man s Land.—Yours truly, \ SLOW COACH (Kaitangata). j Dear Dot, —We have started school again, . anc * our teacher went away, so we have a - relieving teacher just now. Mother is away j with our grandmother, as she is sick—a bad time too, just at harvest. My brothers have : a lot of young ferrets. My youngest sister . will be six on the 23rd of this month. I learn music, and I like it very much. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, MOREPORK (Riversdale). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have three cousins who *?• le P a o e —Ocean Pearl, Erica, and W lid iolet. I spent six weeks with my cousins at Ahuriri Flat, and. as you can pess, I had a lovely holiday. I am 14, and have left school. I am not at work yet, but I think I will be starting after Plaster. I have three brothers and one sister, but none of them write to the page My sisetr has pneumonia, which is not a very pleasant disease. Dove to Ocean Pearl, Erica, Wild iolet, and all the other L.E., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, A LITTLE FORTUNE-HUNTER. ill you please enclose your own name a-s well a 3 your pen-name with your next letter, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, After a long silence I am again writing to your page. I got my proficiency at Christmas time, and have now left school. The weather has been fearfully hot here lately. Everything is in a burnt-up erato. I ho cows are going back quickly, because there is no substance in the grass. The Limehills School children are having an excursion to Colac Bay on the 16th of February. It is a lovely place for a picnic, and I would like to go, as I have been there before and enjoyed it. Kindest regards to all the L.P., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, AUI43 LANG SYNE (Southland). Dear Dot, —We have had lovely weather. I was at the Mataura Show yesterday, and there were a number of people at the Show. Ye are going to Gore every week for music, and it is a good trip for us. We have a mile to waik to school.—Yours truly, HEARTY LASSIE. Dear Dot, Y : e have had a few showers down here to-day, so things are a little bit freshened up. I was at a concert on Wednesday night, and I enjoyed myself very much. I waited for part of the dance. I will l>e going to music to-morrow morning and in the 10 to 7 train too, and I have a mile to walk to the station. I will be going down to the beach to-morrow afternoon with my mother and father in our car. I have a bad cold in my head just now, but if I go down to the beach I will go in for a dip, I think. Our postmistress is going away scon. Dad has been cutting his crops these last few days. Y 7 e have a pig ready for killing. We have a good many flowers out in our garden at home. There are a lot of new people coming to our district. There was an aeroplane passed in •iront of our house on Tuesday morning about 8 a clock; it was flying very low, but it was going fairly fast. It was a very misty morning, so I suppose that’s why it was flying low. They will be getting quite common soon, and we won’t bother rurpiing out to see them as we do now. Our vegetable garden is coming on' well. Y'e have been going to school for a good while now, but all the children are not back to school yet. Y r e have been having very hot weather down here lately, and it has ripened the crops nicely. The Balclutha Freezing Works are opening soon. Y r ith best love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, PRINCESS MARY 11. [You must have to make a-n early start on your music lesson day, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—The farmers about her are busy harvesting. I have six voung chickens and 10 ducks. My pet lamb had two lambs, and I sold them to-day. It has been raining here to-day. I am in .Standard IY at school. Mv uncle is coming up to-night. Love to ail the D.L.F., net forgetting vourself.—Yours trulv, LITTLE MAID MARIGOLD (Duntroon! Dear Dot,—l have just returned home from a holiday at West Plains, which I enjoyed very much. I saw the aeronlane several times while I was staying there Would you like to go up in it, Dot? I don t think I would. They are charging 2gs for a 10 minutes’ ride down here ° It has been very hot weather lately. . 1 have Lft school now. Dot. Kind regards to Venus. Honeysuckle, Norham, Fairy of the Forest. Suspiria, and all the o'hor L.F., not forgetting vourself. —Yours truly, KATHLEEN MAVOUREEN (Spar Bush). Dear Dot,—As I have only 18 months to go before I will be an 0.W.. I thought I would make the best of my time, so here I am again. The Rval Bush School trip to Colac Bav was on Wednesday. It was too cold to enjoy it thoroughly, ” but the children did not soem to notice it. The sports and dance held here on the Thursday before the trip was a great success. The grounds are against a beautiful native bush, so the wind was not felt at ail. My sister is home from Woodlands again. She writes to the page too. but, like my own, her letters are few and far between. The Ma.karewa Freezing Works are holding a picnic on the 26th. They are going to Riverton. Best wishes to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, FIRESIDE LASSIE (Ryal Bush). Dear Dot, —The weather here is very unsettled at present, and it looks as if it is going to rain again. The harvest is quite a general thing here just now. Some of tho farmers have done their stooking, and some are just beginning to cut their crops. The paddocks look very nice in stook, and [ also like to see the crops being cut. The tummer visitors are nearly all away now, except the ones who come out at the Week-

ode. In the summer time Coanpbe-ll’e Bay nd the river are well patronised by the ommer visitors Every morning I go up to Caheno for the papers, as my brother is arvesting. I ride my bicycle, and like it ery much. Love to all the D.L.F., espeially Lady of the Dell, The Dream Girl, Juzzer, Pert Minx, Pikiarero Thriepp, Meredea, Patches, Micky Free, Jack of All hades, Nylepha, not forgetting yourself.— Tours trulv, DANNABROG. Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to the page have been to a picnic. It has been lovely leather for the holidays, but it has not keen very nice this last few days. I have keen in for a good many swims this year. There is a lot of sickness going about just iow. A good few excursions have been to Jolac Bay lately. It is not very far from lere. and we see all the trains going up he line. I did not go anywhere for the lolidays. Beet wishes to all the Little Folk, specially yourself, Dot.—Yours truly. K.ONINI. [I have posted the badge, Konini. —DOT.] Dear Dot, — We are now driving to school xnd are taking a neighbour to school Uso, so have quite a cart-load. I went away for a week at Christmas, and had a very Bnjoyable time. I got a prize at school Balled "A Pair of Schoolgirls,” which is a »ery good book. I am in Standard V now, while my brother is in Standard 111. My mother and father are away in Waimate just now for the evening. Grandmother’s Girl was uo at my grandmother’s in Waimate a while ago. There seemi to be quite a number of L.F. in Waimate, but I only know Silver Shield, who told mie about your page, but it is ages since I saw her last. We have been harvesting to-day, but the' men are going to a neighbour’s on Monday. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, RED CARNATION (Waimate). [I am glad you are doing so well at school, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having terrible weather in Balclu+ha just now. To-day it is blowing a hurricane. I hope it does not blow off all the fruit just when we have sugar to make jam. Mignonette is a great pal of mine. We went for a ride to-day in the oar. I don’t think I will forget it in a hurry. What with the wind and dust it wasn’t very nice. There is a dance in Clutha to-night, and another friend of mine wants me to go. I have 13 chickens of my own. They are very tame little things. We have a bantam hen sitting just now, and we are anxious to see the chickens. My grandfather is having a bee demonstration at his place to-day. There were a good number of people at it. An aeroplane passed over here the other morning about 6.30 a.m. Love to Mignonette, A Speckled Beauty, A Scotch Dancer, Road Hog, Maggie Bell, and A Mountain Gowan.— Yours truly, SILVER SHAMROCK. Dear Dot. —As I have only a year and a few months to go before I am 20 I think I’l! have to write a bit more regularly. The weather is lovely just now. I have not been keeping we'l lately. I was given a week’s holiday, but I ended up by having) two weeks. When the week was nearly up I got worse, and had to take to my bed. I have been doing a good deal of reading lately; I have just finished reading “Rising Fortunes,” “My Love’s But a Lassie.” and “A Spinner in the Sun.” I have started “Hop-along Cassidy,” and I think it is areally good cowboy yarn. A few days ago an aeroplane visited Riverton, and a good many people went up. We had quite a good view of it as it was flying fairly low’ once. It stopped- three days, and then went on to Otautau. Did you ever go for a flight. Dot. dr did you feel it safer to stop on land ? There is going to be a big picnic on at Moore’s Mill to-morrow week. I anr not going to it, although I v’ould like to. Love to Cathedral Chimes. —Yours trulv, FANCHEA. [I hope you are uow quite better again, Fanchea.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May 1 become a. member of your happv band of L.F.? I am 10 years of age, and I ami in Standard II at school. I got a prize called "What Katv Did.” I have to go one and a-half miles every night for the milk. Every night after tea I go bathing with Bibboty Bob and Peg of My Heart. Love to the L.F.. not forgetting your* own dear self. —Yours truly. MISS GLADEYE. [You are very welcome to join us. dear. Will yon please tell Bibboty Bob to write in ink, and to send his nam? and address with his next letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —Since last writing to the page I have ben for a very enjoyable holiday to Naseby. While in town about the middie of last month at a wool sale with my father I kept my eyes open to see the aeroplanes, but I neither heard nor saw them. Pearl Blossom had to go to Dunedin for an examination at New Year time, but we haven't heard whether she was successful cr not. Pearl Blossom is going to the High School this year, so I suppose she will meet some L.F. there. I saw by a late Witness that one of my schoolmates had joined the page under the N.D.P. of An English Rose. Are there many L.F. in and around Naseby? I only saw one, The Duke of Naseby. We are having lovely weather here. We have finished our harvesting. There is not much fruit here now, but I suppose we will have plenty when the late peaches are ripe. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, APPLE BLOSSOM (Roxburgh). [There are several writers from Nasebv DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote to you I have been away for a glorious holiday, and during that time it was very hot weather. On New Year's Day we motored out to Port Molyneux, some 36 miles from Glenore. to the sports, and to get to the grounds we had to go about half a mile along the beach. It was a lovely day, and everybody seemed to enjoy their day’s outing. It was a better place than I thought it would be, but there are not extra many houses. We took our lunch with us, and laid our cloth out under the tall trees, where it was cool. There were eight of us altogether, so we ?uite enjoyed it when we were all together. saw two D.L.F. badges, but the girls who were wearing them to my knowledge were too proud to speak to me, for when I was going up to them they walked behind some people. I did think that it was a mean thing for them to do. While I was in Dunedin I walked past the Witness office, but did not have enough courage to come in and see you, for the building was too big to enter. I went to the pictures one afternoon, and they were lovely. It is a long time since I was last at a picture theatre in any town. One Sunday the people I was staying with went up to Mount Stuart for a picnic, and we had a glorious time. It is a lovely place to go to for a day’s outing. I took several photos while we were up there. While four children from Milton were paddling in the water up to their knees I snapped them. It came out very well, and in oouid distinguish them very plainly.

Not very long after that the biggest boy j was trying to keep on a willow branch, and it broke, so he eat down in the water up to his neck. The poor kid was wet through, but be didn’t seem, to care. The orchestra has started in Gore, and nry teacher wants me to join and play first violin, _ but I am sorry that I can t do so, for I live too far away to attend the practice. I think it is lovely to be able to play the violin. Every week I have solos to be played with the piano, and it encourages one who can’t play to learn. I know several who are learning and won’t do a ser-ap of practice, and they - can’t expect to get on when they do that. I could tell you, a lot more, only I suppose you will be cutting it short if I do. Love to Madaline, Mae Marsh, Patriotic Paul, Ginger M'Clnsky, and Buster Manager, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MEG’S FRIEND (Kelso). [I am glad you are so interested in your violin, dear. The orchestral practise would be good if you lived nearer.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are back at school now. It has been blowing very hard these last two or three days. The school mistress of our school has resigned, so we have a relieving teacher. Some o.f the farmers are cutting their crops. The aeroplane often passed over Clinton on its way to other places, and one morning had to laud because of the fog. Several cars full of people started to go and see it, but it was away before they got there. If it is fine I am going for a picnic on Saturday. Our school gardens were in an awful mess when we went back, so we have had three days a week to clean them. Kindest regards to all L.F., including yourself.— Yours truly, PICOTTEE (Clinton). Dear Dot, —I hope I am not too late to wish you a happy and prosperous new year. We are having glorious weather here —the West Coast isn’t all rain entirely. School opened on February 2. I think teaching is splendid. It. is cool in the summer, for I ’take my pupils outside, and we sit the shade. In the winter it is nice and warm sitting by the fire. Is Ornithologist a D.L.F.. or just writing the same as Le Montmartois? This corner of the world never seems to bo free from diseases. At present the English cholera, measles, and whooping cough are on all sides. I haven’t had them yet. but one of my pupils seems to be sickening for the measles. I suppose, if it is the measles, the school will be closed. I haven’t seen Mother’s Lassie since she went to Westport to live, but I suppose I will spend my next holidays there. Little i Lord Fauntleroy came heme for his holidays, j but hasn’t gone back yet. Love to Mother's \ Lassie, Father’s Lassie, Dad’s Daisy, Cle- I mafia, Little Lord Fauntleroy, Lady Carfa, j Willow Dene. Stationmaster, Le Moat-mar- j tois, and my other correspondents whose j N.D.P.’s I l’crget for the moment. —Yours | truly, YELLOW BANKSIA (Tiromoana). [I am glad you like your work, Yellow Banksia, and trust the sickness leaves your flock immune—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are back at school again, j I received two prizes at school last year j called “The Empire Annual for Girls’’ and j “The Girl Who Lost Things,” and I like j them very much. I was in Dunedin at 1 New Year time for a week-, but I was glad 1 to get back. With love to Mr A. B. C. and Miss Gladeye and all my other correspondeißs, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours trulv, PEG OF MY HEART. Dear Dot, —Our school excursion went to Colac Bay last Friday, and we had a splendid j trip. We entrained o.t Morton Mains at 8.45, and everybody seemed to be in holiday mood. It is all plain until one gets to Riverton, and then the scene changes. There the Aparima flows into the sea. From the carriage window Riverton looks very pretty. The scene beyond Riverton is beautiful; there are some deep gullies along the line, and it is so nice looking down on the native bush. 1 saw quite a number of tree ferns. When we got half way up the Long-wood range the load was too much for the engine, so they unhooked half the train, took it to the top of the hill, and then came back for the other half. Once we got going again it was not long be.fore we reached Colac. It did not take long to have dinner, then shoes off and into tlie water. Colac Bay gets the name of being the safest beach in the South Island. I had a really good time wading, as I cannot swim yet. The Maori women were making baskets and flower-pots with flax on the beach. I went to watch them at their work, and it was very interesting. However, train time came ail too soon, and we arrived home tired, but pleased with our day’s outing. Love to Peggy 111, Vivo, Piccola. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, ICH DIEN.' [I have posted the badge, Ich Dien.— SOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been back at school three weeks. There are 21 children going to our school now. I went to Invercargill and Milton for my holidays, and had a. lovely time. I was up the water tower in Invercargill, and had a lovely view of the places all round about. I went to Bluff on New Year’s Day, and enjoyed myself very much at the seaside. We had lovely weather all the holidays. There are to be sports here on the 24th. and I hope it is a fine day, as I would like to go. I have not ■ 1 ten to Dorthy Daiton yet, but 1 am going to write to her to-night. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv MOTHER’S HELP (Tahakopa'.' Dear Dot, —We have been having some good weather lately. There was a school picnic on Saturday, and I went to it. I only went in two races, and I won one. We have three pet lambs, and they ar- a great nuisance. Last Thursday they got into the oats, and on Sunday into the garden. I am in Standard V this year. We milk nine cows and feed two calves. I go to the technical classes at Riverton. Kind regards to Star of Hope. Little Ivy, Keystone, Walnut, and yourself.—Yours truly, TUI. Dear Dot, —My sister baby has (he whooping cough. 1 have had many lessons on nry violin, and I like it very much. Whirlwind and I go to music together. I am in Standard V at school now. The football season will soon be started, and then won’t there be some fun here? I was at a Mohawk concert last night, and I enjoyed myself. My brother and several others were niggers. When it was nearly over my brother dressed up as a swagger, and sang “Have a littl£_bit of my wife’s cake.” Love to Whirlwind, Campfire Girl, Jean Amour. Mountain Lily, Silverfern. Sweet Kid, Sweet Kid’s Mate, Prince of Wales, Dad’s Masie, Jean from Aberdeen, Goldfinch, and Belgium Girl, not forgetting your own" dear self, Dot.—Yours truly, ORIMBO (Wendonside). Dear Dot, —I have left school now, and I am at home helping my mother. I wasn’t a bit sorry when I left. The school picnic was held on the 16th of this month, and also a dance in the evening. I went to both the picnic and dance, and I enjoyed myself very much indeed. There was a large crowd of people. Clifden race* will be held in three more days. I don’t think I will go

this year, as I went last year. I also hope it is a fine day, so that the people will enjoy themselves. Most of the crops around here are ripening now, and a few people have some cut. We cut ours cn Friday, 18th, but we did not have much to cut this year. The frfEit will not bo very long before it is ripe, as we have one early apple tree. I ami very fond of fruit. My mother is milking seven cows, and feeding six calves. Best wishes to Kiss Me at the Garden Gate, One of Sir Robert’s Scouts, Trixie, Black Pearl, Brave Allies, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear ©elf.—Yours truly, SOLDIER’S BELL. Dear Dot, —May I join your page? I am 10 years old, and in Standrad I. I walk five miles to sol 00l with my two brothers and sister. They are younger than I am. We live bv the lake, and it is very lonely up here. I have two little sisters who cry to go to school with us. I like school very much. Love to all D.L.F. and yourself.— ROBIN REDBREAST. [You are most welcome to „oin us, Robin Redbreast.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have been away for a holiday. While I was away we had lovely weather, and I enjoyed myself very much, as we went for a picnic to the bush, also for a swim. My mother is milking eeven cows and also feeding six calves just now. The flower garden does not look so nice now as most of the flowers are dying away. My little sister is going' to school now, and she is in Primer 11. All the cherries are done now, but the apples and plums are nearly ripe. On the 16th of February there was a school picnic here. I got a pen, but I lost it. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, TRUMPET LILY. Dear Dot, —We are milking five cows just now. but we. have only four calves. We had no pet lambs this ve-ar. The pears and apples are getting ripe just now, and so are the plums and blackberries. Dad is just beginning to cut his oats, but he has not begun to cut his wheat. Mv garden is looking very nice just now. I -am nine years old, and am in Standard IV at school. Dad bought us a pony a few months ago. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own self.— Yours truly, FINGERPRINT. [I suppose von have some splendid rides on the pony, Fingerprint.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am staying in Invercargill now. and attend the Technical College. I like going to the Technical School, and I have made a number of friends since I went there. I met a girl at the Technical College who belongs to the D.L.F. During my holidays I went to Orepuki, and I enjoyed myself there very much. Love to all the D.L.F. and to your dear self.—Yours truly, RATA BLOOM [lnvercargill). Dear Dot, —It is a very busy time just now, and tim see ns to go before anythin o, is done. 1 have started, ‘ work, and like it very much. We ore having lovely weather for the holidays. It is so much better when the weather is fine. I am starting music on Friday, so I will be kept busy. Mv sister ha. 3 learnt music before, but she has started again too. I met Laura of the Lakes, and she is going to etoy at home now. I got two prizes from school before I left, so I shall keep as it will be the last I will get. We have visitors just now, and so we are kept very busy. My mates and I were at a play) last night, and it was very good. It seems so different living in the town after living in the country. Love to Lady Rosalind, Ro.seday, Puss in Boots 11, and all the L.F., not forgeting your own dear self. —Yours truly, A LONESOME BABY (Caversham). [I have posted the badge, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having warm weather this last week, but it was fairly cold to-day. The farmers around here are busy harvesting just now. We have all outcrop cut. and will be stacking some cf it scon. I was down at the beach this afternoon, and had a good time. I was in paddling, and got pretty wet; but that generally happens when one is in paddling. I have a- white rabbit, it is one we found When we caught it it had lost the sight c-t one eye, and the looking- after it fell” to me. I went to pick it up one day, but it scratched me. so 1 have not attempted to pick it up since. We see a few banded dotterels here; they are rather pretty birds They are grey along the back, and have a black band on the breast, and have another band below the black one of a reddy-brown colour. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, PERT MINX. Dear Dot, —It is raining very heavily here tc-day, and Brown Eyes and mvself were not at school. My two brothers' are away just now. I am in Standard 111 at school. I was at Gore for my Christmas holidays, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I have not seen the aeroplane yet, but I would like to. 1 do not think I would like to go up in i(. There was a picnic here the other day. but I did not go to it, as it was raining. Love to Beabolt, Daddy’s Shepherd, Daddy’s Jockey, Brown Eyes, Leading Star, The Digger’s Friend.—Yours trulv, A BUNCH OF BLUE RIBBONS. Dear Dot. —It is raining in torrents today, so we did not go to school. The people round about here wih soon be harvesting. We have a good few apples on the early t’ees this year but the birds are catin°them as fast as they begin to get ripe. Dot. what is the matter with Mrs Hippo? She lias not written to me for a long time. We went to Gore for our holidays and had a good time. We have two pet lambs, and they are big. and they know "when it is feeding time for them. We have a lot of goldfinches caged, and they are such dear wee things, and they sing and whistle all daylong. Lore to Bill’s Sweetheart, Mrs Hippo Leading Star, The Digger’s Son, Daddy's Shepherd.—Yours truly, BROWN EYES. Dear Dot, —As soon as Tuesday comes the Witness makes its appearance too. and is eagerly scanned for all those letters which, besides being ever so interesting, are happy ones too. To-niglit it is raining and blowing great guns, and I do not envy anyone who is compelled to face this weatlier. Last Friday the Katea School picnic was held in the school grounds, and everyhing was very much enjoyed by the large number who attended. The pillow-fight never fails to "draw,” and one gets many a smile by watching the various ways ino which the competitors contort heir faces, to say nothing of their bodies. In fact, they use their limbs to keep them from falling", in much the same way as, supposed by some, our relative the monkey. I do hope the competitors don’t subscribe to the Witness. Also, at night, there was held a dance, which everyone enjoyed, and quite a number stayed till the end in the wee sma' oors. Have you ever eeen paddocks of yellow weed in bloom, Dot? It looks very pretty—on someone else’© farm, hut not on one’s own! It reminds me of a riddle I heard some time ago: “Why is gorse like an afternoon tea?

Because it spoils one's propert-ty.” Some resemblance. Are you going anywhere at Easter, Dot, or do you prefer to break the Easter egg at home? There are to be sports out at the end of this line on Thursday, and, judging by accounts, there will be a phenomena] attendance. There are a great variety of competitions at sports down this way, and one invariably enjoys a day's outing The night is drawing in, so-, with kind regards to all my correspondents, I shall conclude this with lots of love to vourself.— Yours .truly, CANADALE LASS. [I have not the address handy, so have added the reque t to the auto. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our school holidays are over, and we have started into another year’s hard work. -I find the lessons harder than we had last year. I was dux last year, and got a big book. Last night, at 8 o’clock, my mother heard a noise like a mill working, and called to me to run out and see if it was an aeroplane. I went round the back of the house, and, looking up, saw a large aeroplane flying low. We got a splendid view of it. It was going to Invercargill, and I was sorry to hear that. Cultivator had such a sore eye, and I hope it is better now-. My mother is making potted meat, and it smells all right. I have 550 birds’ eggs. Our oats are ripe, and father intends cutting them on Monday. Love to Cultivator, Vivo, and Peggy 111, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FRANK. [The hum of the aeroplane engine is unmistakable, Frank, and it is a pretty sight to see them in the air.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—When the aeroplane was here it was something to look forward to. I have had my ride in an aeroplane, and it was lovely. I am sure it was worth the money, and if I got the chance again I wouldn’t say no, I can tell you. My brother Taniwho, had an accident the other day by getting scalded very badly, and was to the hospital immediately, and was operated on, and had to get 6craped, so he had a bed time of it; Dut he is getting on all right now as far as we know. There is a croquet dance here next Friday, so that will shake things up a- bit, as it is a good while since they have had a dance, and the young people around here are keen on dancing. Love to Laverna, Stellamaris, Lady Hinemoa, and all my other correspondents. not forgeting yourself.—Yours truly, A SOUTHLAND GIRL. [I am sorry to learn of Taniwha’s accident. and trust lie is making a good recovery.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I still have an interest, in the D.L.F. page, though I have been a long time in writing; but now, as I have passed my proficiency examination and left school. I hope to keep to my good intentions and write more regularly. We all went down the sounds on Christmas Day. We went to a place called Torea, also to some other bays near by. My father took us ashore in the dinghy, and we had lunch under the trees. After lunch we went for a walk along the beach to look for shells, and then pulled back to the launch. After cruising round for Pi while we went to the point to fish. By the time we caught a few blue co-d it was time to boil the billy for tea, then we returned home after spending an enjoyable day. We had some fun on New Year’s Day, a 3 some friends came down from Blenheim, and as they seldom got fish we went out to catch some for them. When we arrived home, in the hurry to get tea and for them to get home early, they forgot the fishr The next time we saw them they said that there was more fun about the fish than if they had taken them home with them. Thp championship regatta was held on the 16th. It was a lovely morning, but the wind rose in the afternoon, and made the sea choppy, so some of the races had to be run next day. Hundreds of people came from Blenheim, but most of them were disappointed at not seeing all the races. Love to Stockholm Tar and Daddy’s Helper, not forgetting yourself and the other L.F. —Yours trulv, HUM’S THE WORE [I am so glad you have not entirely deserted us, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to thank you for my badge. Now that the holidays are over, how- quiet everything seems to be. I have an aunt who is very ill, and mother took her to the Hospital on Saturday. My little brother and sister are playing with the engine he got from Santa Claus at Christmas, and are making a terrible noise. I have learnt my lessons, and it is now bedtime. Love from —Yours truly, BUSY BOY (Belleknowes). Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last wrote to you, but I hope to be able to write more frequently now I am back to school again. The aeroplane has been carrying passengers down in Wyndham. and we got a- good view, as we were on the top of home hills. It. is getting quite a common sight now, as we set it twice a week. Have you ever been in a runaway, Dot? If you have you will know what it is like holding' on to the reins like grim- death and the horse galloping. One day my mother and I went up to Mataura in our gig, and it was dark when we set off home. We went through the town at a good pace, and after we had gone about a. quarter of a mile the horse broke into a gallop, and as my mother could not hold him I caught hold of the reins and helped, but we did not stop until he had galloped about three miles. Love to yourself and all the L.F.—Yours truly, MASIERMAN READY. [I ani glad you reached home safely after such an exciting drive. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather seems to have changed very suddenly after the fine weather we live had of late. We had some lovely weather for Carnival Week. Instead of going to the races on Cup Day, my mate and I walked to Saddle Hill, and we were nearly ro. s.ed, although it was not a very warm day. We brought our guns, and he shot two rabbits, while I only shot one. From the top of Saddle Hill we could see Brighton and the Taieri quite plainly.. Next Sunday, if it is fine, we intend to cycle to Taieri Mouth, so 1 hope we will have another good time. Love to ail the D.L.F. —Yours truly, AVIATOR’S PAL: Dear Dot, —May I join your happy family? My mate at school, who is in the same class, is a D.L.F. 1 live on a farm. I am in Standard 111 at school. I have no brothers or sisters. Love to your L.F., and not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, SWEET DAFFODIL. [You are very welcome to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot. —Winter has made its appearance, I think, as it is raining and blowingsomething terrible. It is also very cold, and one does not like leaving bed these cold mornings, but we cannot stay in bed if we are fit to get up. I had a letter from Leo, and he was eaying that he went up in the aeroplane, and he enjoyed himself immensely. He said next time he goes up he hopes it will be longer, as it was a very short ride. Nellie’s Pet is getting two teeth extracted under gas to-day, and I guess it is not a very pleasant opeartion. Dad is out at Merino Downs working, and we miss him vrey much. After he comes home from Merino Downs he is going down to Mataura for about a year, so he will be away for

quite a long time. I often see Revlio in Gore, and 1 had a good yarn to him the other day. He said that he spent five weeks at Christchurch at Christmas, and he was sorry when it was over. Love to all my correspondents, especially Leo, Quc-en Esther, A Lonely Girl, Laverna, Gleaming, Napierite, Ocean Pearl, Princess Helena, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GINGER M’GLUSKY (Gore). Dear Dot, —It is blowing here to-day, and I think we will soon nave some rain. We have been having very hot weather lately, and everything is drying up. The school picnic was held at Colac Bay on Wednesday, 16th. There ■was a great crowd there, althoug-Ji it was rather cold. The train had about 20 carriages and trucks. We reached Colac station about 11.30. then we walked down to the beach, which is a lowely flat one. After we had dinner we went for a walk round the beach. There were a good many people in bathing, but I think it would be rather cold. There was a great crowd of mutton-birds flying round looking tor fish. The train left Colac at half-past 5- Although there were two engines on, they stopped going up the Longwood Hill. Then half the carriages had to' be left behind. We were in one of the front ones. The first half was taken to Longwood station, where it was left while they went back for the rest. The two engines were on until wo reached Lochiel, when one was taken off. It was just getting dusk when we reached home. The Winton Band went with the picnic, and played on the beach and in the train. There was a picnic out at Spring Hills on Friday, and a dance in Winton on Friday night. The Khaki Rovers are holdmg a picnic at the Oreti River on Wednesday. Love to Myrtle Spray, Mother’s Rosebud, A Wild Irish Rose. A Wild English Rose, Madaline, SolcLer’s Bell, and Silver Thread, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. KISS ME AT THE GARDEN GATE. Dear Dot.,—lt is very wet weather down, here, but it will do a lot of good to the turnips, but not to the farmers who are getting in the crops. I have been getting some mushrooms here, and they are very nice to eat. I saw the aeroplanes which passed over here the other day going to the West Plains aerodrome. I like reading very much, and read a lot of books. My mother was a little better when I went to see her, and I hope ehe will get better soon. —Yours trulv, DEERFOOT THE SHAWANOE (Kennington). [I am glad to hear of your mother’s improvement, Deerfcot, and hope she will soon be quite recovered. I have forwarded the badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, — I have two sisters older than myself, and they both used to wrP.e to the page when they were going to school. I am fond of reading. I am reading a very nice bock just now, ‘‘The Foundling,” by Paul Trent. My favourite authors are Ethel M. Dell, Annie Swan, and Paul Trent. Yesterday afternoon I went for a ride on a horse. It was such a lovely fast one, and the place I went to was six miles a wav. I spent the afternoon with my mate. I also "had tee with her. then I rode homo in the -cool. I never enjoyed a ride on horseback so much as I did that one. I had not been on a horse for a long time, and sfter riding 12 milee I was surprised to find how tired I felt to-dav. We had our annual Show in Clyde last. week, but I did not go. -and I am not sorry, as I heard it was not very good. My mate went to Dunedin to-day. so I shall miss her. I might go in a week for a short holiday, but am not sure. With l>cst love to all the L.F., net forgetting yourself.—You re trulv, WHITE IRIS. Dear Dot,- May I join your happy band? I am nearly ]4 years of age. and with much interest read the letters of the D.L.F. in the Witness. I have left school, and at present. I am stopping at home. I take a great interest in boa tins', and as we have a motor launch, mostly all my week-ends are spent down the bay. where I have a really good time. During the Christmas holidays I went down the bay for about three weeks, and when I returned home I went to the pictures nearly every day. Fond regards to all the L.F., not forgetting vourself. —Yours trulv, OTAKOU. [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— L\] AUTOS. A Stray Sunbeam (Maggie Frew. Box 59, Tuatapere) wishes to correspond with Taieri Sunbeam and any L.F. about 17 years. Grand-mother’s Girl (F. M. Read. Waimumu) wishes Little Son Eric to write, f Auld Lang Syne (Mary M'Naught, Lady I Barkly) wishes to correspond with any L.F., especially Invercargill L.F., willing. Slow Coach (Janet Smith, Dartmouth street, Kaitangata) wishes to correspond with Powder King and any Dunedin L.F. 13 or 14 years. Fireside Lassie (Maggie Stevens, Ryal Bush] wishes to correspond with A Masked Outlaw. Kathleen Mavourneen (Kathleen Ryan, Spar Bush) wishes to correspond with Bide-a-wee, Mrs Hippo, Rose Pink, and any L.F. 14 years. Apple Blossom (Alice Wilson, Box 5, Roxburgh) wishes to correspond and! exchange autos with Doolan and A Masked Outlaw. Meg’s Friend (Rita M. Davies. ‘Pine Hill,” Kelso) wishes Tangles’s Wonnie to send the addresses of the French Girls, and wishes to correspond with Oarati, Avo Maria, and Hera, Queen of Immortals. Miss Gladeye (Ena *S a vile, Chatto Creek) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Peg of My Heart (Miss M. Bates, Chatto Creek) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Trumpet Lily (Elsie Smith, Orawia) wishes to correspond with A Basket of Roses, Snowdrop, Mistletoe, Water Lily, and Cinderella. White Iris (Olive Attfield, Clyde) wishes to correspond with anv L.F. 15 or 16 years. Ginger M'Glusky (M. MTvinlay. Wigan street. Gol*e) wishes to correspond with A.8.C,. Lonely, Bemersyde, Kohitere, Belgium Girl, .and Tvydale. Pert Minx (Kate J. Barnett. “Cairnfleld,” Kakanui) wishes to correspond _ with A Waihola Lass Down South. Brown Eyes (Hilda White. Dun robin, via Heriot) wishes to correspond with Bill’s Sweetheart and wishes Mrs Hippo to write. Aviator’s Pal (W. J. Brown. Box 1‘24, Dunedin) wishes to correspond! with A Lonesome Melody, Horse Lover. Milkmaid, and anv L.F. 16 vears in the North Island. Canadale Lass (Elmn Blackie, Katea) wishes to correspond with No. 813 and A Highland Lad. Would Cathedral Chimes please send her address, as it has been mislaid. A Southland Girl (Alice Dawson, Outram) wishes to correspond with Hera. Queen of Immortals, and any L.F. 16 or 17 years. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. Bibboty Boy. —Please write in ink and send your name and address.