DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3495, 8 March 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short lettera from her young friends throughout th« Dominoon on matters of interest fco theanselvea, the result of their observations is the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in which they live, ai their school and heme life, holiday trips, So. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed "Dot, oar® of Editor Witoea*o M

D.L.F.

Dot’s Little Folk's Badge with pin, for use aa brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2b Bd, in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d lor 28. 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, the manufacturer is unable to supply them at the old rate. The badges will now be supplied post free at 2s 6d. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. UaUe: —We write for the benefit of others, ncf for oureelve*. Ne letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 14 years of age. I have a little dog called. Flossie; she is a good little dog for hunting rabbits. I have set a lot of snares to catch rabbits and hares, and have caught seven hares and two rabbits. —Yours truly, WILL O' THE WISP. [Please remember to write on only one side of the paper. I have forwarded the badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have read a good many books lately. Some of them are “Mates,” “Little Miss Joy,” “Who Did It?” and “The Daughter of the Land.” I spent my Christmas and New Year in hed with the mumps, so the holidays seem to have been terribly short to me. Billy Unlimited is working hard at her sums now, as she is in Standard Y with Golden Hair. Carolina, is going to the Technical School at Invercargill now, and likes it. The Girl from Arizona is going to the Girls' High School; but I have not seen her since the holidays. We have quite a number of cows milking now — over 50, I think; I have not counted them for a while, and the number keeps going up. Dad and my brothers were cutting hay about a fortnight ago, and Billy and I were helping to turn and toss it, so as it would dry. I liked the job, but it was scorching hot. Where we were working there were some raspberries growing, and we used to get a few at lunch time. Our oats are nearly ripe enough to cut now, and down at our old' home they were cutting on Friday last. I like living up here at Green Bush quite as well as down at Fortrose now, although I didn’t at first. There was a tennis mutch last Friday between Green Bush and Fortrose, or, rather, between the ones that practised at Green Bush and Fortrose, and Green Bush won. I did not go to see the match, although my brother was playing in it, because I cannot play. My brother just learnt to play a week ago. We saw an aeroplane on the day of the match, and four people from Fortrose went up in it. It just looked like a big bird from here. The Fortrose .’School had their picnic on 4th February, and I can safely say it was the best school picnic I was at. I can’t remember ever having a school picnic before this one after the new teacher came. Love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, JUST SOMEONE. [I am sorry you had to have such an g time at Christmas, dear.— Dear Dot,—l would like to join your happy hand if you will allow me I am 13 yeara old, and in the Sixth Standard at school. I do not know anv children who write to the page. I have a pretty little pup, and l he can do lots of tricks. I will have to close now. Love to all the D.L.F. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly WATTLE BLOSSOM. [You are very welcome to join us. Wattle Blossom.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are going to school now, and I think it. is lovely. There is a girl at our school who will not stop talking when the ieacner tells her. Our school is not very big, because half of it was taken to , ive It orks to build a new school. We had a picnic a.t the beach on the 17th February My hat blew off into the sea, and I had a hard job to- get it again I went into the water for a swim, and it. was nice and warm. Love to Jack of All Trades Nyleptha, Thrupp, and yourself.—You 4 truly, A DANDELION FLOWER. Dear Dot,—l was at a social on Tuesday, and enjoyed myself very much, and we played many games. The weather here is not worth speaking of at present as it raimng very heavily. I have had a gumboil. and it was very painful. I heard there is to be a bachelors’ ball held very shortly so I suppose a few of them will lie « oon paring for that. There wore sports'up l at lahakopa on Thursday, and it rained nearly ah day, so I don t knew hew they got on A few went from our wav. I will be. Ifi m another two months. Dot, Then T will be looking for work, I suppose. The only troub,e is, one can’t get a. house in town at present. My sister is crocheting just now so that will keep her out of mischief for the t unis being. Beet wishes to nil the L.F., especially A Fair-haired Lassie’s iJ er v arid no t forgetting your own dear self. — \ ours truly, SO M EiBO I >Y’ S DAJ; L INC. [I hope the toc-thache is quite gone now dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —-I am writing to see if you would let me join, your D.L.F. page, as I have taken a- great interest in it. I am 13 years old, and in Standard YI. The weather is very bad down here, but I th.nk it is going to clear up now. I know only a few L.F. down here. Love to Princess Patricia, Mrs Hippo, and also Mms Groggin, not forgetting your own dear self. Yours truly, WILD BILL OF WYOMING (Kahuika). [You are very welcome to join us. Wild Bill.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I do believe it is quite a long time since I lust wrote to the page. Wo are having very cold weather here, whroh is something unusual. There is to be a dance here this week, and I am looking forward to it Do you dance, Dot? We have an agriculture inspector here every week now. I think science is very interesting. I know several L.F. around here—in fact, quite a number go to the secondary department. As I am going for a swim at 6.30, and it is 20 minutes past 6 now, I will close with love and best wishes to you and all the other L.F.—Yours truly, A COLLEGE GIRL. Dear Dot, —’Dad and m.y brother are harvesting just now; they were out stooking till 10.30 last night. It was a good job “Paddy’s lantern” was shining, or they would not have been able to have seen at all. Pink Lady got all her top teeth out a month ago. iShe is an O.W. now, Dot. She was going to write for Last 0.W.W., but we had such a lot of sickness at the time and letter-writing was out of the question. Our school excursion was to Riverton last Tuesday. It was a dreadful day here, but at Riverton we only had one shower, and the rain did not stop us from enjoying ourselves. I have left school, and this is my second year at home, and I would rattier be at home than go to school. We are milking 25 co.vs, but they have gone back Lately on account of the bad weather we are having. It i» not very nice going out to milk on a wet night, Dot, as before one is finished one cow one is just about wet through; but such is life when you axe a farmer's daughter. Mum takes all the while sugar she can get to make jam with, and makes us use the brown, which I sin; ply detest. Not a pound can be had from any of the grocers in Invercargill, so someone will be going pretty short before the boat comes in. My brother is coining down at Easter from Wellington, so we are quite looking forward to seeing him. I went to Gore for a holiday after Christmas, and had a good time. The only fault was that it was not long enough. I was bad all day yesterday and the day before with a sore throat. I thought I must be getting quinsy, as it is an old complaint of mine; but, pleasant to say, I am a little better to-night. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GENEVEA (Woodlands). [I am glad the sore throat eased off, and your fears were groundless, Gnevra.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your L.F. ? I have four sisters and three brother©. We have a small farm (about 35 acres), and have 10 cows, but there are only seven milking. We have six horses, eight pigs, two cats, one dog, and about 30 fowls. My father was cutting chaff to-day, and yesterday he. was cutting wood. Sometimes when he goes very far aw.ay from home to cut chaff he has to camp, and then we are all on our own. Love to Mrs Tiggie Winkle and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, WILDFIRE 11. TYou are very welcome to join us, Wildfire, but you will notice you are the second, as another writer had chosen that pen-name. -DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather wo are having lately is very cold. Sulky Boots and A Highland Laddie are away now, and it is lonely without them.. There is no fun without A Highland Laddie. Sunday School has started again. There is a send-off for the student oa Friday. I see there are quite a number of L.F. about Mossburn. The farmers are not having very good weather for harvesting. Mum lias 105 chickens, but she has only one duck left out of seven. I was away for a holiday, and had a good time. Love to Yellow Sunshine, A Highland Laddie, The Girl He Left Behind Him, Jean from Aberdeen, Sulky Boots, and Powder King, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE LASS THAT LOVED A SAILOR (Mossburn). [I am so pleased yo*u are taking a little trouble with your letters, dear. You write quite a good hand, and the extra trouble is well repaid.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? We are milking seven cows just now, and I milk two of them. I am in Stanadrd V at school, and am 11. I have not fail' ! in any of the classes yet, and came out top of Standard IV last year. I have four sisters and three brothers. My two } r oungest sisters are twins, and are five and a-half years old and in Class II at school. My youngest brother stays with my grandmother. He is seven in April, and is in the Lower First Standard. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, YOUNG COW-SPANKER. [We are very pleased to have vou join us, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, — The last time I wrote I told you I was going out to the aerodrome at West Plains. Well, I haven't been out yet. The weather down here has been windy lately, and the aeronlanes have not been mailing passenger flights. I go to the Technical College now, and if you can read shorthand I will send you a letter written in shorthand when I get accustomed to writing it. I was very glad to get back to school, and make new friends. It gets monotonous being at home for six weeks. I wonder if you have ever tried it, Dot?— Yovlt3 trulv, ROYAL STAR. [I must confess I am not an adept at shorthand, Royal Star.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is blowing very hard down tin’s way at present. We were having beautiful weather for a time, and then, of course, it started to rain. My uncle went up in an aeroplane which flew over Bluff. He said it was just all right. I wish I ' could go up in one. don't you, Dot? I think it would be “just nil right,” too. Ever since I started to write to the page T have not missed once, as I enjoy writing. I am going to get a badge as soon as I can. I went in for a. music examination, and I passed it. I am thinking of going in for another one. but as I have to work for my proficiency this year I think it will be a little bit difficult. I have a little tabby kitten about nine weeks’ ola, and it is very plafyul. The oy storing season starts this Tuesday, so w© will have oysters again. I would not like to be the men hauling in the cold, wot dredges on a cold morning. No wonder they get ©ore hands. My uncle owns the s.s. Despatch (a boat which goes oystering), so you see we are able to get plenty of oysters. I had to write this letter over again, as I wrote on both sides of the paper. Best love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours trulv. HAWAIIAN MAID. [Perhaps it might be wise to allow the music to stand for a year in view of the proficiency examination. Too many musical ex a mil nations are not good, as one requires wider experience than they give.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? It is very windy here to-day. I am in Standard 111 now. We axe milking

15 cows. I have two sisters and a broth-r writing to the page. Love to ell the Little Folk.—Yours truly, JEANNETTE. [Will you please send in your name as well as our N.D.P. in your next letter. J eanette.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of writers? I live on a farm about two and a-hall miles out of Otautau. We milk about 11 Jersey cows, and we separate the milk and send the cream to the Waitaki creamery. Most of the oows and heifers are prize-winners, and have been shown at Otautau, Wlnton, and Invercargill, i his year we took tho cattle to Otautau, Wmton, and Invercargill, and we took our shore of the prizes. We have about 10 acre© of oat© this year to cut, so it won't be a big harvest. Last year there were about 40 acres. I was round at Chore staying at my uncle’s place, and I had a good time, although the weather was nothing startling I have two cousins at Gore, too, and their N.D.P.'s are Patriotic 1 aul and Madaline. Gore is a busy place, and there is always a fair crowd of people on the street every day. When I was in Gore the electric light men were putting the wire in readiness for the electricity from the Monowai. Best wishes to all the truly ’ anC * n<>t yourself.—Yours JOHNNIE COMELATELY. —DOT V6ry welcome to -> oiTl "«• Johnnie. Dear Dot,—We are having- lovely weather, i went to the pictures last night, and enjoyed myself. There was a dance after the pictures, but I did not stop. I went to a school picnic last Wednesday, and there was a big crowd. It was a cold day, and I went in for a paddle, and the water was warm. There have been a lot of picnics lately, i am going (o the pictures to-night I am reading a hook called “Kitty Tremre,” by Quiller-Couch. I have left Sunday School now. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear eelf.—Yours trulv THE WOUNDED DOVE (Tuafa^re). Dear Dot.—lt was such a wet day to-day 1 did not go to school. I have a wee white rabbit and also a pet foal. It drinks ont ?/ J} bucket for it has no mother. I call it I unch. I shall soon be going to another school, and am going to stay with my sister Uur crop is ready to cut, but there has been too much wind and rain to cut it. Last Saturday I was out mustering the sheep with my dog. My little cousin Daphne was out staying with us for a few days, and we had some good times riding the pony. Sh« is very fond of horses, but does not like tho °°™ 3 - „ a H the D.L.F. and yourselt. —Yours truly, JOCKEY BERT. . tDear Dot, —I went to stay at my cousin's in Oamaru for a fortnight, and enjoyed myself very much. While I was in Oamaru my auntie and I went to Bushy Beach and collected some funny little shells, which are called cat’s-eyes,” and some other big shells. We also went to the Gardens, and they are very pretty indeed, especially tho sweet peas and the beautiful big red and white roses. There are also a great many other trees and flowers. There are 11 ducks 111 the Gardens. While I was there we went up to Timaru to the Oamaru Woollen Mills picnic, which was held up there It was a very hot day, but still I enjoyed myself. There were races on, but I did not go ill for any, as it was too hot, but it must have been very nice for those who wore bathing. There were two aeroplanes circling over our heads. I think I would like to go up for a ride. Timaru Bay is a lovely place, and it is very nice to spend a picnic there. While we were in Timaru we went down to the wharf, and there wore two big steamers in, the Waitomo and the Somerset. We watched the men loading the Waitomo with frozen mutton, and it was interesting to watch them. Our train left for Oamaru at 6 o’clock, so it was quite a long day. After a fortnight’s stay Oamaru I came down to Dunedin on~4he Wednesday, and went home on the Friday, so I had quite a long holiday. The weather here now is very warm, hut it is better to be warm than cold. Love to Witch Winnie, Golden Glory, Golden Daffodil, and Red Heather, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours trulv, WHITE LILAC (Hyde). [I am delighted to learn you had such a pleasant holiday, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very windy weather just now. I started school again some time ago, and am now in Standard Y. My sister. who attends the Southland Technical College, also writes to your page. I went to Dunedin for my holidays, and had a lovely time. I went to the beach, and it was glorious, for it was such a beautiful day. The result was a sunburnt face and neck, which was none too pleasant. Best love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, SHAMROCK. Dear Dot, —Holidays are now over, and school has once more taken up. I attend the Southland Technical College, and like it very nmiich. This is my second year, so you will see I am well broken in. It was a lovely day here yesterday, hut to-day it is slightly windy. Tennis and cricket are both in full swing now. I think tennis a verv interesting game, both to play and to watch. Are there many L.F. in Invercargill? I have only had the pleasure of meeting two down the street this last year, but there are a few who go to the Technical College. I was up north for my holidays, end enjoyed myself immensely. The aeroplanes were very interesting to watch getting higher and higher as they went out of sight. My big brother has the bagpipes now. and can play them rather well. He has had them over a year now, so you will see that it is an awful time since I last wrote. I hope you will excuse my long absence. I feel quite ashamed of myself for asking your leave to let me join and then writing so few letters in that period. Best love to A Lonelv Girl, Oh Christina's Cobber. Cinderella, Destiny, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Youra truly, BUSTER. [I would prefer your home address for the auto, Buster.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our school has started again, and I have to go. I am now in. Standard 111. I was at school to-day, but the teacher sent me homo, because it was too wet,. The nights are drawing in now. We are milking 11 oows at present. We are having wet weather, but we want it. We are getting a piece of our road metalled. The contractors are working at it. They get tile stone out of a pit not far away. They let off a lot of blasts every day, and sometimes I get a fright when a big one goes off.—Yours truly, DUART CASTLE. Dear Dot, — We are having fine weather here just now. I was talking to Campfire Girl’s Mate to-day. My fuchsia, is la flower. We went to Invercargill about a fortnight ago, but we did not stay long. t saw an aeroplane in, Inveawargfll, end 14

looked just like a big bird up in the air. I am reading a lovely book just now; it is called “Little May's Friends.” We are getting five or six eggs a day at present. Love to Motor Girl, Heather, Dauntless Patty, Golden Bose, Campfire Girl, Campfire Girl’s Mate, Lovdy, and all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, GENTLE ANNIE. Dear Dot, —I had a trip to Timaru on Wednesday. At 8.30 we left to catch the 9.80 train, which stops at every station. We all took lunch with us. When we arrived at our destination we went up town for a while, then to the bay, where we had our dinner. We took oft our shoes and stockings, had a paddle, then went to the seesaws and the swings. When we were on the sea-saw I had my shoes and stockings on, and getting on tne sea-saw I tore a large hole in my stocking. After that we had something to eat. I did not like leaving the bay, as I have not been up there for 13 years, and I am 14 years of age now. We were in the train a long time before it left. I bought myself a cream straw hat, two hatpins, and a string of pearl beads. We have been haymaking, and have just fiuiehed. I did not go anywhere for Christmas. It is very hot here to-night. I have finished raspberry-picking now. My mate wrote a letter to you but would not post it. Jeanette of Bon Air is a long time putting in an appearance. There is still a' shortage of sugar. I received a post-card from one of the nurses in the Orphanage Home of 20 girls, and it is very nice. The

Hook School opens on Monday. I don’t think I will go back again. My eldest brother is home at present helping with the hay. We don’t use drays for our hay, as w-? have a hay-stacker. It is a long pole that is put in a hole, and it stands up by being tied to posts with three wires. Then there is a pole near the top, called the jib, with a number of ropes. There are two big forks that you put in the heap of hay, then pull a rope, and away go the forks. The one on the stack has another rope, and gives it a jerk, so that the forks open out and the hay falls just in one place, and no forking is needed, as we can pull the forks wherever it is wanted. We also have a hoTse with a rope on to help the forks on to the stack. We never nee drays or waggons to fetch the hay to the stack, as dad bought a hay sweep, with a number of wooden forks on it, and this works in front of two horses. It is hard at first if the horses are not used to it, as they jump about and shy. If we get a photo of the stacker I will forward one to you. Dot. Love to The Sport, Patriotic Paul, An English' Girl. Lonely, Lonely’s Mate, Silver Shoe, Milkmaid, Madaline, Bob Roy, Jeanette of Bon Air, Canterbury Bells, and your dear self. —Yours truly, CAPTAIN JACKSON BARRY’S DAUGHTER (Makikihi). [lt must be evry interesting watching the Stocker at work. I have never seen one.— DOT] Dear Dot, Lou will think I am never going to write to the page again. At Christmas we had 16 people here for over a fortnight so we were kept busy. We have just finished oar harvest, which has taken a lon- - O ,S the weather has been sS unsettled. About a fortnight, ago we were ge ting quite a lot of mushrooms, but tk> w they have all .gone off. Love to all the D.L.b., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly A MOUNT COOK PLEA. ’ [I know what a busy time this is so appreciate your note all the more.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have been very busy bavin- a holiday, but now I have settled down °to »o.k again and Im having a pretty busy time here, ton You will see that I have changed my address. I am up in the Canerbury Plains now, and so far have found the climate quite agreeable. Oraii is a eiy quiet place. Have you any DDF in ! Oran or Geraldipe? There are some' good crops of wheat and oats up here and "here are some bad ones, too There ere il thrashing mills about a.' the present ti'me and one can hear whistles all over the X7e 1 d particularly Vat dair - v frrms about til’s • •.T- ' flfrrent nloces 1 , -i VP 4i.. m.,kmg machines in. Best luck" to all not THE MASKED RIDER he^ a, hl DO - ~~ AVe j re havin " terrible weather here—blowing and raining half th~ !! My grandmother died on Tuesday !’ t couJdift go to school. As she n for some time, we expected ft. I t our school picnic at Mount Qt r ,'° »’,r d l time “il enjoyed it ' mow “ seeteT thT/ 1 / , R, ’ p P CS€ 1 been there before There L ne '; er of sickness about here now. Kearh° a fl the children seem to ill i aJi “ ie Older people t° f / he seem to be getting better now Fv R he > seems to be quiet to-night. Lm-l f ’"fi my correspondents and all ti,. a n °‘ forgetting LF ” to , T , . THE G «EY DAWN. at present, and ah 'the firm wcat l ler llsro harvesting. I sep ti.„ t £ mers about are writers from Kennington now" an? I* Q fZ very bad with rheumatics. The Kennington school excursion was to Riverton on the 22nd of February and we motored out to it My splendidly I cam? twentieth in elam," ?v a°n rfrtt ye Th SO 1 «to Standard milk them with the machines M v m,ther° two sisuers, and I milk them every night aid morning, so we do not do badly, „ h ™ are six machines to look after I h,r, i a lot of books in the eveningj the title of one is “Red Eric ” and It ;' “ very interesting story. I have quite a boxful of photographs now, and I take my camera to the picnics, so you may depend I have a good many photos. My big brother was teaching me to steer our car, and it is very hard to do. We have had the car for a year now; it is a Maxwell. Often when w« are ffoing’ along the rough roads we get n P™ C l” re ;, to T , Deerfoot the Shawnnoe and all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself. -Yours truly. • SCOTCH MAC (Kenuington). Dear Dot—The weather has changed again, and it is raining and blowing here to-day. After the hot weather I think everyone feels the cold; but still the rain is doing the garden good, so wo must not T ,. T , Ve been two nights to see the Great MEwen, and I thought he was very clever. When he hypnotised the boys it' was funny, and I could hardly stop laugh ing. Mother is away on holidays, and° I am head cook. It is very lonely in the house all dav with nobody to talk to, so I am looking forward to mother coming home again. Best love to all my correspondents, aleo your own dear self. —Yours truly, BILLY THE ORPHAN’S PAL.

Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of your happy band? I am 10 years old, and in Stanadrd V. I got first prize in Standard IV last year. I have four brothers end one sister. My youngest brother is only five days old. I ami the eldest, and have to look after the house, as my mother is away. We had a school concert on Friday night, and I was in all the things. One of our teachers is leaving, and I am very sorry, as I liked her well. Our school picnic was ou Tuesday, but I didn’t go, as it was too wet. Love to Hollyhock, Princess Rosetta, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MAC (Kennington). [You are very welcome to join us, Mac. I am sure you will be delighted to he relieved of the housekeeping, and will weloome mother’s return. —DOT.) Dear Dot, —The weather here has been just like winter. The rain and wind prevents us from going swimming, and we have 28 swimming lessons to make up before the season is over. As my dad has started the flaxmill again, I often have to drive the waggon and horses. I like driving horses, so I don’t mind, and it is a great help to father I got quite a surprise when my sister brought to me at the cricket field a parcel containing a soldier's cap, which came from a soldier friend who is at Wellington for a holiday. Love to all the L.F.,

not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE BOY SCOUT AVIATOR.. Dear Dot, —I am writing to see if I can join your happy band. I am 12 years of age, and in Standard IV. It has been blowing here all day. One cf my schoolmates writes as Lost Heart. We went down to Taieri Beach for our school picnic, and I cams in first in the race for girls. Best love to Lost Heart, American Despatch Rider, Monkey, Lady Rosalind, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trul v, THE STRANGE GIRL. [Please send in your own name as well as your N.D.P. in your next letter.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I succesde-d in getting you one of those insects. It is only a baby one, for they are not so plentiful now, as the weather is too cold for them. I thought I had better send you this cue, as I may not get another chance till next summer. I would not like to be the one to identify it, as they are horrible things to look at. The weather has broken again. It might have hung off a little longer till my father had finished his contract, as it has upset the roads for thorn. I will be glad when they have finished, as I am looking -forward to : having a few clays at Wyndham with my j mate Sweet Doreen, but if this weather keeps j on they will have to start another contract j right away, so I won’t get a holiday then. ] Sweet Doreen has not written for a good while; but she has cows to milk, too, and I suppose she doesn’t feel like writing. I am always getting on to my brother, King of the Plains, to write, but he is always tired after working in the nit and riding on the drays. It must be a tiresome job. I know that milking cows gets very tiresome at times when I don’t feel like it. and they will be milking right on till August. One of them will he going out in June, but another will take her place. My brother and I are going to start trapping’ rabbits in the winter time for a while, and my brother is also going to shoot some. I cannot get my photo taken at all now, as it is so dull. I am going to town to-morrow morning. Kindest regards to all the L.F., especially A Lonely Girl, Gloaming, A Rainbow Fairy, The Bravest cf the Brave, Gladys L., Somebody’s Friend, and yourself.—Yours truly, IVYDALE (Awarua Plains). Piolessor Benham kindly supplied the following particulars.—The insect sent from Awarua Plains is the common beetle (Priouoplus reticularis), the second name referring to the network-pattern on the upper hard, brown wings. It is common in late summer in the neighbourhood of forests. The specimen sent is not a ''baby”—it is full grown, or the norma! size. No insect grows after it is fully formed. Your correspondent says, “I have seen them fully three inches long,” but <his must include the antennae or feelers. People usually exaggerate sizes of animals, and your correspondent says, “I have never been very close to them.” Like all beetle-, and most insects, it presents three distinct stages in its life history. From the egg there hatches out a white grub, which feeds on wood of j trees, and grows to a size of 3in or more — | the Maoris esteemed it highly. as an article of diet. It lives in rimu and matai logs, and does a good deal of damage to sound timber, although eating also decayed wood. They may be found on splitting up logs. After months or even a year, the g‘rub or j larva come to rest and changes into a pupa, | while still in the burrow. Here it rests, and from the »skn of the pupa the imajo, or fully formed beetle, issues. Its wings are at first soft, and shrunken, but the insect remains resting on tree or lo" till the w r ings are dried and hard. They are night fliers, and are like all insects, attracted by lights; hence they fly in at open windows when the lamp is lit. So far as I krow, there is no recognised popular name for the beetle. Some people call it ‘cock chafer, as it is something like the beetle so named m England; but ours is bigger and belongs to a totally distinct group of beetles. The best name for it would be Big Brown Beetle—as i* is the largest of your New Zealand beetles. Dear Dot, I have not had lime to- write as mother and I have been visiting oul ’ relations in the South Island. We“ wore down south for five weeks, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Three days after 'our arrival home my sister was marric-d. having a friend of hers and myself as bridesmaids’ and a niece of the bridegroom was flowergirl They were away only 10 days; but wo had great fun cleaning their new house before they came back. I got my proficiency last year, and am not going back to school 1 am glad m a way, because it is no' so nice to be shut up doing lessons as it is to be out and doing nothing. Love to Prmoess Mary, Somebody’s Darling Somebody’s Friend, Penelope, Silver Shoe Jean Aim.our. Likle Tickle, Motor Bov, Sinbacl the Sailor, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, the FAIR-HAIRED LASSIE’S SISTER. [I am. glad you had such a charming holiday, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, He are having very dry weather up here at present. Our turnips are all dying .for the want of water. There was a shower of rain the other week, but thal waa not enough. Have you many birds in Dunedin, Dot? There are plenty of 1 them up this way, and I think they will be hard ou the fruit this year. I sold one hundred dozen birds’ eggs this year. Our apricots are all ripe now, but the peaches are not. The apples are riddled with the codlin moth, which are very destructive insects. We have a good few flowers out; but tJje garden is very dry. I have no correspondents yet, but my sister has a good

many. Yellow Buttercup is in the Invercargill Hospital just now; she has to go under an operation. The thrashing mill is now busy thrashing the crops about here, which are better this year than they have been for a long time. It will be no time until Easter now. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, OSTRICH FEATHER. Dear Dot, —I feel almost ashamed of myself for not having written to the page for such a long period—in fact, I think it is nearly four years since I wrote. Although I have not kept up correspondence, I haven’t forgotten to read the letters each week. I have left Waikaka, and ami working in Gore at the dressmaking, and I like it much better than domestic work. Ginger M’Glusky works with me, and she seems to be _ very interested in the D.L.F.. She hae quite a number of correpondents. I was in Dunedin for six weeks last winter, and enjoyed

myself immensely—in fact, I would like to. live in Dunedin; I think it is such a nice town. I went to Bluff to the school excursion a few weeks ago, and we had a glorious day, with hardly a breath of wind. I went to the Waikaka sports, and waited for the dance. I enjoyed the dance very much, but I am not keen on sports at any time. The weather is very changeable at present—one day fine and next day cold. Harvesting seems to be in full swing in the country now. It is only a few more months until we- will have winter here again. I don’t like the winter months, especially Ihe frosty mornings. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, BROOMBUSH. [We are very pleased to hear from you ■again. I am sure Ginger M’Glusky will not permit you to subside for oiioth©r four years.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having glorious weather here. I had a- really good time up till about the end of January. Our nextdoor neighbour had a girl friend up for a holiday, so she and my sister and I had a good time together. There is going to- bo a bachelors’ ball here shortly, and I am looking forward to a. good time. I am- getting a. new dress made for it. I was not very well last week; I was getting round like a snail, but I am quite all right again now. Kindest regards to Clementine, Mignonette, Lady Hinemoa, Clyde, Mistletoe, Frances, and all the o‘her L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLACK-EYED SUSAN. Dear Dot, —We have been having rather dull weather lately, and though to-day is fine it is a trifle windy. To-day is a big day here, as the races are on, and I am so glad that we were given a fine day for | it. The Riverton people are coming up to Mataura to-day for their excursion. Bill’s Sweetheart -and I were going to go down, as we expected to see the Masked Outlaw when we got there, but we forgot about the races. There is a big dance coming off here soon, and I want Bill’s Sweetheart to wait and come with me, but she does not think she will be able to wait for it, as she is shortly going to Dunedin. Love to all miy L.F. comrades, especially Maid of the Mountain’s Pal. Kim, The Masked Outlaw, and Lonely’s Mate, not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly,— TOMMIE’iS I GIRLIE. Dear Dot, —There was a concert here on the 23rd of February. It was going to be in December, but owing to the measles and all the children being away they had to put it off till this year. There was a large attendance at the dance; but that does not concern mo, for I cannot dance. The Gore races are on the 2nd and 3rd of March, and the Invercargill races are on next week. I I have two brothers and two sisters. One | of my brothers was away to the North I Island for a good while, and we missed him ; very much. We are expecting our mother J home next week if all is well, and we will be very glad to, for we are not getting on very well without her.—Yours truly, DEERFOOT THE SHAWANOE. [I have posted the cards, Deerfoot,—DOT.] j Dear Dot, —T am in Standard VI now, and | like 1 1 very miocli. My mother and sister | have gone to the pictures to-night. I wish ; it would rain, for we need water. I sup- > pose everyone is wishing the same. I was no in the country with my sister for the Christmas holidays. I was net glad to come home again, as J like in the country. ; We cannot get any sugar down here hut ! black and it is net nice. I live quite near t a D.L.F. .whose N.D.P. is Booty. She is j my smaller sister’s mate. Booty fs over •at our nlace now. and she is full of tricks, j She makes me laugh, for she says funnv 1 things. I have a co’d just now. but I think ; it is getting better. Love t.e Booty, j Hawaiian Maid, and yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE FRIDAY (Bluff).' rT hop© tin cold is quite hotter now, dear —DOT.] I Don,- Dot,-I am glad r have started ; school. I am tn S'sndarrl V. I was sit- ] ting by Little Friday’s sister, but our | teacher shifted us into different seats. We ; cannot gp* an- sm> ir here nn account of the strike, as the boats will not work. I am I a friend of Little Friday’s and her mate, j The L'tlo baby of one of the teachers died j the other dav, and I was very sorry. We I have not had much rain down here. I went ! up to the country for mi holidays, end | enjoyed myself very much. Love to' all the Little Fclk. -Yours truly, BOOTY (Bluff). Doer Dot—hone© last writing I have been touring the country. I was up at Queenstown about a fortnight ago. and 'hen one Sunday T was up at the top of .Lake Manapouri. It was a lovely day. and the lake was a bit rough goinsr up. but it was perfect coming home. Have you ever been up the Lakes. Do'? There were 15 went up on the boat 'lie dav we went up. I am teaching fin day School, and I like i+ all right. This is a stale place just now. There are n'> pics places to go to on Sundays. I would like to live in Timaru; I think it is a beautiful place. It is very dry down h”re just now. We could do with a shower of rain. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting voursHf.—Yours truly. BEAUTIFUL OHIO. Dear Dot. —We have had a. whole week of wind, and it. was a, terrible gale. We have Keen getting some fish in the net, and the big eels come and eat the fish out of the net, and get it in such a knot that we cannot get it cut. Sometimes we managed to spear an cel, and when we put them in the boat they come sailing up the bo-y and make such a noise. Love to American Despatch Rider. A Waihola Lass, Monkey, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE. LOST HEART. Dear Dot.—During the Christmas holidays my mother took my sister and I to Balclutha to see some beautiful shells belonging to Mr Guest. He lias many shells, and some are monsters and some are tiny ones. My brother caught a pretty little kitten > in his trap. He brought it homei, and it is very quiet indeed. I passed my examination, and now I am in Standard IV. I shall be 11 years old in May. There are only

20 children going to our school now. We have eight small ducks and four big ones.— Lours truly, BAGO PUDDING. Dear Dot, —It is a very hot day to-day. I went to the flower show, which was held on the 21th, and I enjoyed myself. There were some lovely flowers. Our oat has some kittens. There are some more girls here who are talking about writing to you. I was down seeing the grape vineries at Knkanui, and the grapes look lovely. Love to Red Rose of England, Silver Moon’s Pal, Bonnie Loch Lomond, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, SILVER MOON. Dear Dot—We have been having very nice weather lately, but at night it gets windy and miisty. I am going to a picnic next Saturday. I was at our .Stinday School picnic last Saturday, and I had a lovely

time. I am very fond of animals, but I am sorry I have none to keep as pets. I used to have a big black dog, but it is dead now. Love to Ocean Pearl, Erica, Wild Violet, and all the L.F., not. forgetting your dear self. —Yours truly, A LITTLE FORTUNE-HUNTER (Knikorai). Dear Dot, —I am ashamed of myself for not writing sooner. We arc having awful weather here just because all the farmers are in the middle of their harvest. The last three or four days it has been colder than mid-winter, but before that it was so dry that the turnip crops were almost ruined; but perhaps there may be a chance for them yet. I went for a ride yesterday and coming home it was almost dark and the wind was blowing in my face, and I am not going to try to say anything about my appetite when I arrived home, because it was beyond my power to stop myself. Living away out in the back-blocks as I am, it is hard to find anything of much interest to writ© about, so that is principally the reason why I do not write very often. Best love to all my correspondents, including yourself.—Yours trulv, BIDE-A-WEE. Dear Dot, —The weather up here has bean very hot and dry, and the roads are very rough. We are milking five cows but they are not giving us much milk, as the grass is all burned with the sun. Our cron is nearly ripe, and father will scon be getting his sheep dipped, so the busy time will soon bo starting. I have left school now, so I will be able to help mother with the work. I am going to Waipahi for a few days at Easter, so I hope it will he flue, because wet days are no good for holiday-making. Oil Sunduy my sister, brother, and I were watching our hive of bees killing drones. Five or six bees get on to one drone, and in two or three minutes they have him killed and pushed over the edge of the box. We have a lovely vegetable garden, but no flower garden. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, COWBOY 7 JIM’S SISTER (Heriot). Dear Dot, —I take great interest in the Little Folk and would like to- join them. I am 15 years old, and have left school. I have passed Standard VII. I know some of the Little Folk. 1 live with my father and mother and sister on a farm. We milk cows for the creamery, and I detest them, especially on wet mornings. Nevertheless it is all in life, I suppose. The weather in Southland seems changeable at the present time. Sometimes we have a fine sunny day, and then perhaps the next day is cold and windy. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SHAKY PADDIE. [You are very welcome to join us, dear. I ami afraid most of us have a- good many things to do that may be described as irksome.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have just arrived honm from a most delightful picnic up at the Lakes. It was lovely on the boat. As we were going along in it we saw goats on the hills. We'left home at 6.35 a.m., so you can jmaerine how we felt when we got home at night. There was « holiday from school the next day, because we were tired. When I was on my way home in the boat I met some D.L.F., and I spoke to them. V© have started school now, and I like it. I am in Standard VI now and I notice the work a bit hard. 1 had a lovely time at Christmas and New Year. Love to Elvira, Little Son Eric, ’A Maid cf the Mountains, A Bunch of Carnations. and especially Erin’s Girl and The Lass that Loved the Sailor. —Y'ours truly, A YELLOW SUNFLOWER. Dear Dot, —My auntie has a lift!" bLv girl, and I think she is going to call her Florence Agnes. My six little cousins have the whopping cough, and three of them were very Kiri, but thev are getting better now. Silver Fern is away to Dunedin to go to school and she is getting on all right now. I think she will like it better after a little while. Crimbo is away to music, and so is Whirlwind. There is Sunday School to-day down at Freshford, and Campfire Girl, my sister, brother, and I are going in a gig. I drive and Crimbo is going to ride a horse. My music teacher was at my home last Saturday, and I thought it was all right not [ having to go> into Waikaia. Love to Campfire Girl and her Mate, Motor Girl, Jean Armour, Little White Lily. Silver Fern, Heather. Lovdy, Prince of Wales, Crimbo, and Whirlwind, not forgetting your dear self. —Yours teu'y, MOUNTAIN LILY (Wendonside). Dear Dot.—Everything here is very quiet just now. There is no amusement in Kurow at all at present. Really, I think a country place at some parts of the year is nearly enough to send one silly, and at other times one can enjoy oneself more than in town. We had a visit from the Circus last Monday, and, of course, it was something to relieve the montonoy of country life. I have now taken up singing. I have nearly finished my second quarter, and I enjoy learning very much. My only drawback is that I cannot play the piano. If I could play i could teach myself songs, lout now I just have to be content to learn them when. I go for mv lesson. My latest songs are “There’s a friend in every milestone" and “I’m forever blowing bubbles,” and both are very pro!tv. I was in Oamnru the other week, and (was speaking to Mae Marsh. I was also speaking to Black Pearl; she came t> the station to see me. Love to Mae Marsh, Flycatcher. Lonely, Leslie, ABC, Orange Lily, Black Pearl and Pink Clover, also heaps for yourself. —Y'ours truly, SWEET VIOLET. [lt is a drawback not being able to play the piano, Sweet Violet, as you may not always be able to- get an accompanist.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We hav« had our school picnic. It was a nice day, and everything went off well. I cam© in first in several of the races, os also did my brother, for which wo got prizes. We also got a nice prize book towards the close of the picnic. The name of my prize is "A Basket, of Flowers,” and it is a very nice story. I had a letter from Pandora, and she was telling me about Ithati awf*ul wtreck that happened

close by Pencarrow Heads. Last Saturday a crowd of us went for a picnio in the bush, and we enjoyed ourselves very much catching lobsters. Have you ever tasted them, Dot? They are very nice. Of the native birds we have here, the tuis come first, and there are plenty of them; but there are more bell birds. Every time we go into the bush they are singing in every tree at this time of the year. They have a different no e to the one they sing in the spring time; When iny father is digging in his garden the tomtits sit on the fence with their cunning little heads on one side, and when they see a grub or worm down they dart, and always come back with one in their mouth. There is also the bird with a red top on his head—redpeies, I think they are called; and the little fellows that seem to have no tail —we call them wrens. We have never found the nests of any native birds. There are quite a lot of little brown owls getting about now. Love to Pandora and all the other Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MAU MAIT (Nuggets). [The bell bird has quite an extensive range of notes, all beautiful.—DOT.] AUTOS. V attle Blossom (F. Ba-dger, Main street, Pahiatua) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 13 years. Genevra (Nita Hughes ; Box 11, Woodlands) wishes to correspond with anv L.F. over 10 years. Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter garot Croft, Jersey Farm, Makikihi) wishes to change autos with Hinemoa and Prince of V, ales, and also wishes Lonely, Lonely’s Mate, and Independent to write. Johnnie Comelately (Robert S. Norman, Box 9(fo Otautau) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 16 years or over. The Masked Rider (Clias. Henderson, core of Mr G. Fitzgerald, Belifield, Orari) notifies correspondents of his change of address, and wishes to correspond with any L.F. in Geraldine 17 years. The Grey Dawn (Jane Sinclair, Box 20, Waihola) wishes to correspond! with Red Riding Hood, Silver Shoe, and Grace Fisher. Billy the Orphan’s Pal (Bella Soott, Thistle street, Gore) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 18 to 20 years. Yellow Sunflower (Jean Grant, Dipton) wishes to correspond with The Lass that Loved a Sailor and any L.F. willing. Sweet Violet (Mies F. Harris, Post Office, Kurow) wishes to correspond with Ginger M’Glusky, Road Hog, and tuny L.P. over 18 years. Black-eyed. Susan (Edie .Roberts, Kalruika P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Silver Shamrock and any girl L.F. 17 or 18 years. Tommie’s Girlie (I. Holland, Surrey street, Gore) wishes to correspond with Motor Maid, Anzac's Son’s Mate, Queen Esther, and any L.F. between 18 and 20 years. Little Friday (Ealeen Morrison, Liffey street, Bluff) wishes to correspond with. F rank. Booty (Eileen Medder, Barron street. Bluff) wishes to correspond with Aviator's Pal. Beautiful Ohio (Olive M. Henderson, Box 11, Lumeden) wishes to correspond with Grant, Telephonist, Pouting Polly, Wolff*, A Southland Girl, and 1 Grandmother's Girl.