DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3509, 14 June 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short tetters from her young friends throughout ib* Dorn moon on matter# of interest to thejafrelvefl, the result oJ their observations ta the animal world, doscriptions of anything they are interested ia, of tbe district in which they lire, of their echooi and home life, holiday tripe, Ao. The letters are to he written by the little folk themselves, &«<1 addressed "Dot, oa/e of Editor Witoeee."

Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for a?e as brooch, obtainable cn application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d, in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 26.

IMPORTANT NOTICE. TO D.L.F. BADGES. PRICE 2« 6d. We are reluctantly compelled to raise th® price of the badges ae, owing to the m* creased cost of labour and material, the manufacturer is unable to supply thorn at fcho old rate. The badges will now b« tupplied post free at 2s Gd. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. tiotto:—W« write for the benefit of others, no* j for oorselree. ! K# letUc to contain mere than 850 words. j Dear Dot, —We have been home a fortnight yesterday. We have very bad colds. There are only two children in my class. We have four cows and one bull. We had five pigs, but a man came and killed three of them, so we have only two now. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly, RANG IT AT A LASS. j [I hope the colds are better now, dear.— . XJT.J j Dear Dot, —The tuatara lizards eve having their winter sleep now. They stay under tLe ground in winter time, and they come out when the sun is shining brightly. The hawks come and destroy the lizards, so the men have to kill the hawks. The Hincmoa brings cur stores every three months, and we get our mail once a fortnight. Love to all the D.L.F and yourself.—Yours truly, TUATARA LIZARD (Stephen Island)

[I suppose the lizards are in danger of becoming extinct, like so many other of our rarities. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just had cur term holidays, and I am very sorry that they •are over, as I do not like school. Wo started school again to-day, but we did not do much work, as the teacher was very busy. We have been having fine weather lately, and we are thankful, as we have had some very stormy weather. We are playing hockey at school just now, and we have entered i’er the school banner. —Yours truly, MORNING STAR. Dear Dot, —I was very anxious to write to you because all the children in the house where I am staying are always talking about Dot’s Little Folk. There are two writing now —A Welsh Maid and A Cockatoo. I am just staying here for a holiday, because 1 am not keeping in good health. .The country is much different from the town. The weather lias been fairly good these last two or three da vs.—-Yours truly, ' DAIRYMAID [You are very welcome to, join us, Dairymaid. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We arc having good weather row. There are a good lot cf v ild ducks up here. We are having our first i*nn holidays, and are going back to school on Tuesday. Most of the farmers about here are feeding their cows or. turnips now. Wo are milking five cows and making butter.— Yours truly, A COCKATOO Dear Dot, —We have left the factory, and are making butter now. We have had cur first term holidays. We will be starting school tomorrow, and I will be glad. A calf belonging to one of our neighbours came in through our gate, and get into a paddock. A Cockatoo chased it round and round the paddock, but could not get it out. At last, after a long struggle, dad went to help. He got the calf into a corner, gave its tail a twist, and sent the calf cut of the gate in double quick time. We have not seen him back since Best love to Sun Princess, A Bucli of Roses, Tommie’s Girlie, D. I. C., and Sun Princess’s Mate.--Yours truly, A WELSH MAID (Pallia). Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my letter in print. It was the first time I wrote in ink- Y\£e have had our term examination, also our holidays, and we go back to school on Tuesday. We had lovely weather all the time. I have been learning how to knit, and I like it very well. I am making a hat for my little sister’s doll. I made a dress for it some time ago. I planted some sweet peas a while ago, and they are up now. There was a spelling competition at the sole of work last Friday night. Five girls and a boy got up on the starve to spell, and the bov won the prize. He got a pocket knife We have 20 hens, and I feed them every night. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A VILLAGE GIRL (Mabel Bush). [You will soon get accustomed to using ink, dear.- DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was at a circus last night, and although it was rather small the performance wasn’t bad, and the tent was crowded. Second term commences next Monday, and I am not sorry. I did not go away from home this time. We were going to Wellington, but we changed our plans. A sacred concert was held here last Sunday night, and it was very good. The theatre was full of people. Many came and could not get a scat. We are having stormy weather just now, and tin’s morning it rained quite hard. People around here have been short of water, because we haven’t had any wind. Since yesterday, however, the wind has been blowing fairly hard. Kind regards to all my correspondents, including yourself Yours truly, HERA, QUEEN OF IMMORTALS. Dear Dot.,- We have had our term holidays, and the weather was fine all the time. My brother and I used io go with our father to get posts out of the bush. Some times I used to drive the horses, and one time I drove them over a big log, and was nearly bumped off the seat of the

waggon. I am very fond of driving horses. My brother has a big whip made of flax, and ho likes going for the c.ows; he always takes his whip with him There was a sale of work held in the hall last Friday. A Village Girl and myself went to- it with our mother, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. It was 2 o’clock in the morning when we get home, and so we did not get up very early. I have to get up early and help to milk the cows in the morning. Dove* to all the Little Folks, not forgetting y o u rse-lf. —You r s truly, A SHETLAND LADDIE. Dear Dot, —I have been so busy studying for the examinations. I am very glad they are over now—examinations are so wearying. We have -our term holidays from High School just now. We usually have three weeks in May, and a fortnight in September, but this year the order has been, changed, and we are to have three weeks in -September and two weeks in Mav. Anzao Day was very wet and cold, but still there were crowds of people on the streets. There was a very impressive ceremony held at the Show Grounds, and the grand stand was one mass of people. The Soldiers’ Memorial Committee have not yet got the required .-£15,000 for tlie memorial, but they seem hopeful of getting it. The aeroplanes have been up nearly every day for about a week, and they no longer cause + he excitement they used to. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Y-ours truly, A LONELY HEATHER 'MAID. Dear Dot, —Our neighbour has just finished digging his potatoes, and I am rather sorry. In my term examination l get 325 marks of 400; but I could have done better, con t you. think? My sister i.s going to the Convent in Riverton. I correspond with a girl m England, and it is very interesting. I j-oined the Victoria League,* because cur teacher was a member. I will cycle to Tu a taper© every _ Saturday .for music'during the win- er. It is a long tme sine-* 5 I was at a dance, and I look for all kinds of chances to come that would enable me to get to one. The measles have been ru in" about Tuatapere and the surrounding country. I am reading a good book called Quooehy, and I have just finished one caned Young Blood,” which was written ■)y Afliiie Swan. My uncle has been staving with us for about three weeks, and it seems lonely without him. Love 'to Bush U hacker, Independent, and all the D.L.F, not forgetting your own dear self—Yours truly,

CALPHURNIA. Dear Dot,—This is the last day o t on r rf ™' holidays. Wo had fine weather during- the holidays, and so I war, able to go out every day. I came fourth top in the examination. Our hens are starting to lay now. We have commenced playing hockey and basket-ball at school, but I" like hockey best. The hockey matches are to start tills month. I have read a few interesting nooks lately; the last book was “Over the Sea Wall.” I broke the pin off my badge, and I took it to the jeweller; lie soon put another pin on for me. Love to- all the L.F., nnt forgetting vourself. —Yours truly A YOGA [I am pleased to learn you gained such a good place in the examination, Avc-ca DOT.] Dear Dot, Our term holidays have come to an end. We had fine weather, and I was able io go -out every day. Now we will have to start hard work again. We start cooking on Thursday, end it will be my first year. I think I will like it, be.cause I like cooking at home, or trying to. There is a picture of the school I go to in this week’s Witness, shewing us at physical drill. I was in Dunedin f-or a holiday during the summer holidays, and I liked there very much, ns there were plenty of places to go to. I will be 12 years old next August. I do- not like these long winter evenings; one gets tired cf reading, playing games, etc. I like 'out-of-doors best, as that is where we havethe best fun. Love to all the D.L F„ n-ot forgetting your own dear self,—Yours truly MALE? E ADELAIDE. Dear Dot, —There are six D.L.F. here that I know of, but I only know throe of their names, \Ye had very bad weather about a mouih ago. We had a slight fall of snow, v.-hich lay a long time on the hills, and some of it is not melted yet. We are having fine weather new. Wo had two or three frosty mornings and had lovely da vs after. There are a good few wild ' ducks about now. Awhile ago we all had stilts at school! I had the highest pair. Some of us had short ones, only up to cur knees from the blocks, and fastened to our legs with straps. A Sawmill Hand is lemming to play the fiddle, and is getting on grand. Wo have had our term examination. “ I do not know whether I passed or not. I am in Standard V now, and have not failed yet since I started school. We had a very thick mist on the hills to-day, .and one that had not been here before "would have thought the lulls had vanished. We have not found our cc-w since Monday, 23rd. She was always a terror for wandering away in the bush. Love to O Sawmill Hand, A Bush Settler, Weary .John, and all ’ the other L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly, A YOUNG MIDSHIPMAN. [I hope the cow has wandered back home again, A Yeung Midshipman.—DOT ] Dot. —I am 11, and in Standard Y. We are milking six cows, and sending the milk to the factory. in aeroplane landed here the other day, and we all went to see it. My little sister is away to Greymouth for her health. I did not go away for my term holidays, but two little girls came to see mo. We had -a go-od time Tiding and driving about. My little brother is starting to walk. Ho is 15 months old, but lie likes to creep better than walking. We are having ibvely weather lie,re for winter time. We killed cur pig about a- week ago. The Busy Beo Bazaar was on the 13th of this month. I had a stall and I had a lovely time. —Yours truly, A GREEN IXIA (Balfour). Dear Dot, —We have started to play hockey at school now, and it is a good game to get one warm these cold mornings. I do not like the cold frosty mornings. White Iris is my cousin. She lives a mile away from us, but I often go up to her place. We have just finished our examination, and I am very glad it is over. One day mother and I vent to feed our little chickens, and they wer-S all hidden in a- big bush My sister is away for a holiday just now. We have five horses and 12 ferrets. 1 was learning- music, but my music teacher went away, so I have not started again yet, but I would like to. It was very windy to-day. I was raking j leaves, ' P the wind has blown them away, j Love to White Iris and all the other D L.F.., ; not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours 1 trulv, -GOLDEN FOOT (Clyde). | Dear Dot, —We have finished our term - examination, and have had cur holidays, but we are back at school again. I was helping my father to dip sheep on Tuesday,

and I nearly fell in Motor Girl’s father is trapping on our place, and he is getting a lot of rabbits. There was an aeroplane at Balfour on Thursday, but I did not see it. I hope to if it conus again Love to Motor Girl, Campfire Girl, Heather, Jean Armour, Music Gir s , and Dad’s Manager.— loins truly, MOHICAN. Dear Dot, —We have just had our term holidays, but I do not know if 1 passed or not. I went to my auntie's place for my holidays. My uncle lias a motor cycle and side-chair; he also owns a sawmill. I like going for rides in the motor. My sister and I saw the aeroplane on May 14, end we could re-ad the numbers cn it. I have never seen one on the ground, but I would like to go up in one. Love to Nancy Leo, The Mayflower, -and all the other L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, BRIAR ROSE (Gorge Road). Dear D-ot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have" just turned 10 years of age, and am in Standard 111. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, STARLIGHT (Gorge Road) [You are very welcome to join us, Starlight.—DOT.] Dear Dat, — We are having changeable weather lately, and a few severe f roots. My mother is milking six cows just now, and we have to feed them on .a few turnips. There is to be a concert- and dance held in Orawia Hall on Friday night, the 27th of this month, in aid of the Tuatapere Hockey Club. I hope it is a fine night, as it- is lovely going to concerts and dances when it is a lovely moonlight night. I think that I will be- going. There has been something nearly every w-e-ek in Orawia. My brother, who is working over at the sawmill, ran a nail in his foot. He 13 longing to get to the- dance, if his foot gets better in time. He can’t get a boot on yet. This last three days he lias been learning to play the violin, and he can play it almost by ear. He is a great lad for music. Since I last wrote my un-cie has ben staying with us. A young man who works in the- Wanganui Dairy Factory is down our way again. He used to work in Orawia Factory before he went to Wanganui lie is a great friend of ours, and he stayed nearly a fortnight with us. Wo had some good fun with him. I am making .a crochet jumper. We have two white kittens anti cno white cat. They are lively little things. Love to all my correspondents, not fo-rgelting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, SOLDIER’S BELLE. [I hope you get to the concert, and that it comes up to expectations, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am out working at present; but I will be leaving this place soon, as the cold weather is setting in now, and I do not want to b-e up here when there i 3 about 3ft of snow cn the ground for about four months of the year. I am head cook here just now, as the manager’s wi: is | away for a holiday. I have been up here seven months at the end of this month, and never been down-country at all. It is no joke being stuck in a back-block station all one’s life. Wo have some great times here, with dancing, music, and all sorts of songs. I have just learnt two songs.—Yours truly, MUSTARD KEEN [You will no doubt be pleased to get back ■ to some excitement after the quiet of y-our * present place.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have left Maxwelltown sothought it bast to write to you first, so as to let the D.L.F. know of my change of address. I broke out in a skin disease, •and got very bad through n-ot treating it when it first broke out. Then, as soon as I got better from- that, I broke cut in boils, and have had them from the tip of my head to my .ankle. I was a month in a very bad state, and am only getting better now-. I have still one boil left.. A Lonesome Melody lives in Haw-ea, and I hope t-o go up and see her swon. Best wishes to Dot and all my correspondents— A Lonesome Melody, Gloaming. Aussy, Flycatcher. and my Hekia and Atlantan correspondents.—Yours trulv. A SIMPLE MELODY. [I hope you have now quite recovered, A Simple Melc-dy —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very dull weather up th’s way just nmv. I wish we could have some nice warm days for a change. There was a Farmers’ Union social in the Otakelio Hall last Wednesday, and we had a lovely time-. The hall was simply crowded, and there was not much room for dancing. Mr Tarrant's quartet came out from Haw-era, and they gave a most enjoyable evening. There is to be another dance next Friday night, but I don’t know whether I -am going or not,. 1 saw a letter in the Witness from Merry Jack last week, but I didn’t see one from Some Lass. Their mother is in the hospital at present, so I suppose she hasn’t time to write. Love to Some Lass, Merry Jack, Machine Gun, Alice Benbolt, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, KAPUNI-ITE (Otakelio). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? My friend, Kapuni-ite, has asked me to join, and I would like to very much. We are having very dull weather here just now; it hardly knows whether to rain or keep fine. My mother is away on a holiday, and Kapuni-ite is over helping me housekeep. We both went to the football match last Saturday, and enjoyed ourselves very much. Dad says lie may lake us to the Taranaki-South African football match, which is to be played off soon. I went to the Farmers’ Union -dance, which was held last Wednesday, and had a lovely time. There was such a crowd there. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, GLEN CANNY (Otakelio). [You are very welcome to join us, Glen Canny.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having beautiful weather up here, except to-day. It has been raining all day, and you can guess what the cow-yard is like. All the farmers up this way arc finished their harvesting now. and the mill has been very busy lately. Football has started now, and we (the Country) are going to play Queenstown on Saturday. We played them five times last season, and were defeated -every time, but hope to have better luck this year. There are a good few Paradise and grey ducks about here. There was a dance on in Queenstown last night, but I <•! not go to it. I have been doing a bit of rabbiting lately. Tilings ate very quiet up this way now that the tourist season is over. Kindest regards to all the L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, CABBAGE-TREE NED. D?*.r Dot, —My brother came up to sec us about two weeks ago for his term holidays. He is -at the Technical College in Invergi.l], and likes it very much. On Saturday we went for a picnic with our two teachers, Miss Bowie and Miss Tait, to Diamond Lake. We went round the lake

fishing, but did not get any. Wo all enjoyed ourselvc-s verv much. Mr brother line! Miss Tait went over the hill, while Mi=« Lewie and five of us went round the road. Did you see the Auro Australis, Dot ? It v-xs vc-ry pretty lien , the lies', night was the best—pink, green and red streaks came over the Remarkables. The second id -lit was very quivery ; the streaks were flashing across the sky like flashes cf lightning, the weather has been very good, though the last three mornings hr. ve been very dense fogs. To-day was very hot, but the sun leaves our place at half-past 2 during the winter. My youngest brother was five last Tuesday, and he will be going to school m the spring. We have three "cows milking, but they are going off now. My brother sets traps, and prets a jjoed catcli in the mornings. We drive to school every morning, and drive home again at nights. It is very cold driving home when the sun is gene. It begins to got dark very fi non now. _ My father has been taking the honey just now and seems to have a good leal this time. Ail the garden is getting dug, and the potatoes are nil picked up. The chrysanthemums r.re -ill coming out just now. Love to- all the D.L.F. and y o u ts o If. —Yours t r u 1 v , ' YOLITA (Frankton.) Umi would see the aurc-ra under ideal con d itio ns, Yo] it a.— DO T. ] Dear Dot, —We have had very good weather down here for tin’s time of the year, but it won’t last long, as it is looking like a change to-night. One of the New Zealand Transport Company’s arcop lanes visited here a fortnight ago It stayed two days, taking people up for flights. Both days were quite calm, and they were kept busy, as quite a large number went up for such- a small place. 1 did not go up, for I think one is safer on the ground. Th * English Church had their bazaar last week, and they had a concert and dance on the second night. I went to the dance, and had a good time. I am looking forward ta the Returned Soldiers’ ball on the 27th of this month. A year ago there were very few amusements to go to here, but now we have dances, skating, and pictures three nights a week. Kind regards to all the Little Folk, especially my correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, TRE VON Dear Dot, —I have been in town for nearly three weeks. I went out to Out ram to see my grandmother. I went up the bush with my cousin, and it was just my luck to fall 'in the creek. I had a letter from my mate, Miss Oladeye, the other day. I went to see the big warship, and I thought it was lovely, especially the hospital ward. I have not- met any L.F. since I came down. I don’t think there can be- many in town. With love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PEG OF MY HEART. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D L.F. I shall be 19 on 29th June. I am at present working with father and my brother in a gold mine up at Victoria Gully. Our family consists of nine, and I am the second eldest. I feel lam getting quite old now. My sister Ermine is a first-class girl with the need'e. I think she intends taking in classes, but cur mother says that as she wears, glasses she won’t allow her to take them in for some time yet. Wo have a few cattle, but ve just milk three, named Dora. Biddy, and Bessy. Wo are thinking cf getting a piano for one of my brothers named Hector. He seems to think that Ihere i. 3 tWi S in music, so he will find that out when, he starts to learn. I know when I was at Timaru I just loved learning. I can play all right now. We have a horse called “Old Rooby,” and as for going she simply fiie3. The best rider in our family is Ermine. She took two firsts and a special at the last show with “Old Rooby ' V hen I was up in the bush with my wee brother he picked up a peculiar fern, the like of which I have never seen before. I have a pet bantam, and such a pretty litle thing it is. Among other collections I have two pet rabbits. Mother taught us to dance, and I do like a circular waltz. I was at a dance the ether night, and sang “The Rose of No Mans Land. I was encored, so I got up and sang a. short song named “My Mother Said One’s voice gets gruff if one sings too much. M y eldest brother lias a camera. Kind regards to Greens II and your own dear THT r S KITE. [Many thanks for the photo, Puffing Tom. —DOT.] Dear Dot—May T join your happy band? I am 13 years of ago, and in the- Sixth Standard. " I have one sister, and she will bo seven years old to-morrow. V>» van see all the steamers going across the sea to Bluff They come from Sydney. v,e get a good * "view of everything from our house We are milking '2B cows new We cart turnips to them every day. Love to Ihe Sun Princess, A Welsh Maid, and Konim, and your own dear jeU.-Yours truly A MOUNTAIN RATA (Patea.) [You are very welcome to join us, dear. —DOT.]

Deart Dot.,—l will be 12 on 11th of next month, and I am in Standard Y. My chief excitement at school is getting chased by a boy with a long stick and it is very unp’easant when he catches us. Last Wednesday Star played a football match against Invercargill for the Galbraith Shield, and Star won by 18 to nil. In my term holidays I went out to Waianiwa to my grandmother’s, and had a good time. The !<>.- lowing Monday we started woodwork—Yours truly ’ ROB THE ROYER. [You will no doubt develop great speed running, Rob. —DOT] Dear Dot, —Our term holidays are now over so to work again we have to go We hud a fortnight this term, but we get three weeks next term. I don’t know how you like Saturday half-holiday, but I am sure I will hate it. There will be a late night on Friday night; that, of course, will bo strange for a while, but I suppose we will get to like it. I think the weather in Invercargill has broken now. I don t care if it rains every but Mondays, because we have sports every Monday, and I play hockey It is a lovely game, but l don t hate mm fi to do as I am a full-back.—Yours truly K 1 Ulna l . [Will you please remember to write on only one side of the paper, Kilmeny.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am 11 years old. and I have a brother and sister. I like school, as we have a. wood teacher. T have not been out ferreting this week. It is very wet down here. There are about ten teachers to teach two or three hundred children. The Gore hockey girls came down to play the Mataura girls, and the Mataura boys went up. Mataura won both gomes. Love to all the little D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self —Yours truly, SCOTCH MAC’S MATE. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am nine years of age, and in Standard IV. There are five in niv standard at school. We had our examination

the other day. We have « pretty piece of manuka growing at the side of our house. With best wishes to- Sun Princess and A Welsh Maid, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly,

SEA QUEEN. [You are very welcome to join us, Sea Queen. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —My little cousin is also going to write to the page to-night. Igo to work now, and like it very much, and as my mother and father are living up Central, I have to lx>ard with by aunty. Peg of My Heart, who is my sister, is in Dunedin just now for a holiday. My mate and I shall be going to the show next week, so I hope we shall have a good time Dove to Peg of my Heart and Fairy of the Moor, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, H.M.S. CHATHAM. Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years old, and I am in Standard II at school. I like school very much. I have two brothers, but no sisters. As this is my first letter I think I will close now. With love to Peg of My heart. Miss Gladeye, Big Lizzie, and H.M.S. Chatham, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, FAIRY OF THE MOOR. [You are very welcome to join us, Fairy. —DOT] Dear Dot, — I can hardly believe it, but I have been right down past Dunedin, and I had a gorgeous time. I didn’t want to come home one little bit. Up in Wairoa, hero we are shut away from the world, the bar being unworkable, and the road route is impassable, as the Mohaka bridge was partly burned down a week cr two ago, so you can realise how pleased I was to get away from “Old Wairoa. Well, we reached our destination after much excitement. We had three days in Dunedin, and we went and saw No. 813. He was very much surprised to see us. 1 can’t explain all in this letter. We lied a beautiful trip down on the Wahine: it was as calm as a mill pond. We bad bcau'iful weather most of the time we were away, and we were away just on 10 weeks. I saw quite a lot of D.L.F. in Dunedin and Mcsgiel, but in a big town like Dunedin one is really ready to notice the badges more quickly, at least I do. Clyde stayed homo and kept house for dad and the boys, and by the time we i-anie home she was ready to go for her holiday, and she saw that she did got away. She is still away, but is coming back next week When I was away I

think I painted Ihe towns “red.” We made a number of breaks in the journey, having a number of relations on the line, and 1 think they were all glad when I said goodbye. At least my two aunts down in Lovell’s Flat were because I punctured one of their bikes, and the other one had a cow which did not like me a bit. Oh. Dot, j’ou should have seen me streaking it across the paddocks and Peggy after me. Everybody knew I was coming. Well. I have once more settled down to work again, and now we have a Higli School here, and I attend it and like it very much. We have just been having a week’s holiday, but return to-morrow. Well, Dot, by the time you read this you will want to read no more of my letters. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting vourself. —Yours truly, BUZZER. [I am glad you had such a delightful time. Buzzer.—DOT ] Dear Dot, —On Anzce Day father took us up to Timaru for the day, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. 1 have left school. We have a darling wee baby boy. He is such a nxi«hevions little bov that it takes one all one’s time lo 'king after him. When lie wants an egg lie keens on saying gug. Next Thursday week a dance is to be held here, and I ani geing with my sisters. Do you like pictures, Dot ? I like them best whmi Marv Pickfrrd is acting. T am reading a book just now: it is called “Elsio Dinsmoro.” Have you ever read the book about “Victoria the Go.:l. Some parts of it are very funny, and otlk-r parts are very interesting. I suppose I had better stop writing nor;, as I have not a very good pen. With best wishes to the L.F., net forgetting your own dear s r i.. \ovrs truly, MOTHER'S FAIRY (Weston) Dear Dot, —We have had very good weather tin her lately, and no rain for v >:ks. The farmers are wanting rain very Last week there was a dance here. My sister and I went to it, and enjoyed . 'selves very much. The Rev. Howard 31 1 It t preached in the Church on Sundav night, and I think lie was very good. " The church was packed, and I think evervoue liked the sermon. Mv sister and I went to the pictures la«t Saturday; the name of it wns"“Th?= White Heather,” and it was just lovely Saturday half-holiday is carried m Oamaru now, and last Saturday was the time. It seemed very quiet in the afternoon, because it was always a crowd in the town. At Easter time 1 went for a holiday, and enjeyed mys f very much. I went 1 Pa ston to Port Chalmers for a few days, and then up to Christchurch by the first train from Dunedin., and got there at 5 o’clock. I was very tired v;lmn I reached my destination. T wont to the Christchurch gardens and museum with my cousin. I don’t think the gaidons are as nice at the Oamaru ores, but I thought the museum was very nice. Miss R ka went with nit?, and we had a lovely time together, but our holiday was tco short. I hope that next time we go to Christchurch our stay will be longer, as we wore just beginning to enjoy ourselves when it was time to come home. My father used to at Port Chalmers, but he i - in Dime-din just now. There was a f'Otbat! match here last Saturday. hut Weston were beaten. They will play again I hope they win this time. I saw the Aurora Australis, and it was fo p • ttv, and such a lot of lovely colours. V ‘ d to see mr re of it, but i r only lasted two nights. 1 hope to ece the comet when it com- There is b> be a lantern k dure here on Monday, but l don’t think 1 will be i»oin«r. ns T mi'di* go to *own with Miss IP ha. Love to ai! the Little Folk, not forget thug yourself.- —Yours truly. MO R FC) ItWY X (Weston.) 11. : r Dot. — I am 12 years old, and in Standard V. We nhiv football at school row, and last Saturday we placed a match j r weie beaten. Next Saturday we are gf r.g to ; 'av anoth r match, and we hope to win. It is very cold up her, and we Ilk** to go to school early an get warm, ready for our lessons. T like this school very much. 1 know most of the D.L.F. about hero. My small sister wanted to write to vc u to-night, but my mother said she would write another time, as she is in Standard IT. and has a lot of lessons to learn. I am going to the skating in Oamaru next Saturday if J do not £o to the football match. Love to all the L.F. an d you reel f. —Yo u i s t rul v, ARMSTRONG. [Wo are very pleased to welcome you to the page. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very rough weather here at pie cut. We are having A fairly easy time of it just now, a,s nearly

all our cows are dry. They will all be coming in again scon, I suppose. My auntie (Henley West) has been in the hospital for a week, but I think she has gone home again. I am thinking of going for a few weeks’ holiday before the season starts again. Football is in full swing new, and I go nearly every Saturday, and generally ve see some very interesting matches. sister is away from home at present, and I miss her, but I suppose she will be home in a week or so. The Farmers’ Union held a social a week or two ago, and there was a large crowd turned out. Kind regards to all my comrades and vonrself —Yours truly, DARKEY (Otakeho.)

Dear Dot, — The weather here is very change; ble at present, and it is cold in the mornings. Most of the farmers round here are milkinsr their cows once a day, but we are still milking ours twice. I was in Greymouth for a few days ] ast week, and I enjoyed myself very much. A girl friend of mine and I were going out for a vide on the horses last Saturday, but it turned cut wet, so I suppose we will be going soon. My brothers are away to a- football match today at Te Kinga. I have been reading some good books lately—“ Sonia,” “The Judgment of the Sword.” and the “Veldt Trail.” Love to all D.L.F., and not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, " VIVIENNE. Dear Dot, —Frances was out at cur church last Sunday, but though I knew it must be her, I was too shy to speak. Perhaps if she sees this she will remember seeing a girl with a High School liat on at the Te Moana Church. There are four L.F. in the rectory, though I think Hermie has left. After ihe Chant aqua was round here we had an imitation one on our own. Formers wyde made a very good Captain “Dinny” Upton. She wore white tennis trousers and coat, and a boater witli a very small brim. The hat was on, as we generally sav, at an angle of 45 degrees. Two girls dressed up as Syrian ladies; one as Sumayeh Attiyeh and the other her sister. They boHi looked fairly like the originals. The High School boys have baths, so I don’t see why we shouldn’t have seme too. We had a concert near the beginning of last term to raise funds for them. The concert was a great success, and I think everybody enjoyed it. The baths were supposed to be ready in October but the excavation has not been commenced yst. Last month the High School girls played tennis aga : nst the ex-girls. The ex-girls won by 37 points to 30. Affer this match the nets were taken down and basketball start'd I can’t play either tennis or basketball, so at present it doesn’t matter to mo what they play. I asked Lenora MTvav to write if she sees my letter. Whether she thinks it is worth it remains to be -seen. With love to yourself and all my correspondents.—Yours truly,

INEZ. [I am sure Frances would have been pleased to meet you, Inez. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have cur winter holidays from school for a week. W-o have bad some hard frosts lately, and I do not like going to school, as I have to get up early in the morning to catch the train at a quarter to 8, and I do not get home till 8 o’clock at night. When it is good weather cycle. We have had cur quarterly examination at school, and I got through all right as far as I know. Mv sister is av-riy to Tapanui for a week’s holiday, and I feel quite lonely. Our cows are nearly dry now. and we arc not getting much milk. There arc a lot of cars passing this way for the Win'or Show. I have never been to one, but I hope they will have a good day. Love to Mary of the Oku, Irish Imp, Queen Mary’s Mate.—Yours truly FAIRY SNOWDROP. Dear Dot. —I was at the opening of the sawmill on Monday, and had a good time. We went to school in the morning, and all j the rest except five went away at dinner i time. My uncle came for his children and ! us in his motor car, co the teacher closed J th-' 5 school, and we went with him. The | other girl went home because her father was sick in the Invercargill Hospital, and I 1 am sorry to say be died the next day. ; My father was at Hie funeral to-day. My j grandmother has just come back from her 1 holidays to-day. Our nearest neighbour | was burnt out a while ago, and is building | a new h:use now. My little sister is beI ginning to tc.lk, and is very funny.—Yours ■ trulv, GLENCO LASSIE j [I have forwarded the badge, dear.—DOT.] • Dear Dot, —It is a horrible day. It is j blowing and raining bard, but we shouldn’t grumble as we have been having such beautiful weather. 1 go to Tech, new, and j like it very much. We start cur hockey i matches on Thursday, and pfav High School ! B. I hope wo are successful in being the winners. The schools in Invercargill are i getting up boys hockey teams this year. I have been reading a great many books lately. They are the Ruth Fielding series, and I enjoyed them very much. Love to Tommy Atkins, John Dull, Biddy. Hiss Mischief, Blossom, not forgetting the other L.F. and yourself. Yours truly, SISTER ANNE. Ear Dot I am just writing to ask you if I may join your band. 1 am always glad when Thursday conics, because I like to read the Infers that have been written during the week. Would you kindly send me a D.LF. badge? J am nine rears of age, and 1 am in Standard 111. Love to all the D L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours trulv, BUNNY BOY. [T have nested the badge, Runny Boy, and we ere glad to welcome you among our numbers. -DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been very changeable down Imre lately. Our dairy factory is still making cheese, and w: are milking cows annd sending our milk to it. We have had a week's holiday after our examination, and I had a very enjoyable time. I had 72] marks, but was no* the top of the class I am in Standard V and find it very hard for the present. We are milking 14 cows, and have to milk them in the lantern light in the morning. Our yard and gateways are very dirty. I was in the hospital with a poisoned foot for about a week, but I am all right now, and am going to school again. I have just finished nailing a very good book, which is all about the Great- War, and it is called "'Scarlet Scents.' Best love to all the D.L.F. writers, not forgetting vour own dear seif —-Yours truly, AN OTARA JOCKEY (Otara.) Dear Dot,—We are milking nine cows once a day. We had cur examination last week, and J think that, 1 got on all right. We .are having very bad weather this week'. We are learning to play a game at school called basketball. There are not many flowers out in cur garden just now. My little brother line not been well these last few days. 1 have two big sisters who go to school I have two an a-half miles to write to the page. J know a good few D.L.F. about here. I had the measles about four months ago. The doctor was nt our school last week I am not going anywhere for my holidays this week. Love

to A Rainow Maiden, Blue Viola, Mousegrass, and Holly Berry, not forgetting ycur clear self. —Yours truly, CURLY. Dear Dot, —We are having splendid weather down here for this time of the year, hut I suppose it won’t keep up very long. Me had the mill thus week, and had good weather for it. It generally rains when it comes here The quadrilles have started here now, so that will liven things up a bit. b ootball is all the rage just now. There was a match played here last Saturday, but Is la Bank was beaten by one point. I think it must be a rough game as there have been a few accidents. Lonely Girl sent me a snapshot of herself, and I was pleased L? S€ ° The cows are nearly dry now. vk i os^H ar€ making their appearance now, which makes one feel winter is with us ag?ain. Kind regards to yourself, A Lonely v« ul, Salvador, llini Minau, Ivydale, Sasanof, Tanglewood Tales, Silver Threads, Lavina, Beautiful Ohio, A Country Chatterbox, and Carlo-urie’s Mate.—Yours truly, A RAINBOW FAIRY (Isla Bank.) Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 14 years old, and 1 am in Standard \I at school We have our term holidays now. The weather has been bad this last week. I have two sisters who write to the page. Me are playing a game called basketball at school. AVe have not dug our potatoes yet. AA e are milking nine cows, and send our cream to tile factory. Ido not like milking in the winter, because there is too much mud. My father has not started ploughing yet. AVe live two and a-half miles from school. Love to Holly Berry. Mousegrass, Blue- Viola, and A Rainbow Maiden, not forgetting yourself.--Yours truly,

A BASKET BALLED. [A ou are very welcome to join us. A Basket Bailor.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May 1 join your happy band °. D.L.F.? I c, m in Standard 'VI at school. I am 13 years old. I have not very far to go to school, so I walk. I stay with a lady at Fortrose, although my home is at the Bluff. I have been here nearly one and a-half years. I have five brothers and two sisters. I went down to Mope Point fer three weeks at Xmas, and , d a enjoyable time. I know quite a lot OI J ’. • about here. I write to a few friends ot mine at the Bluff, but thev always take sue!! a long time to write back. AVe have three cows, hut one is dry. AVe have a, horse, and often go driving out on a Sun“a7- I wish you could come too, Dot i\ U ' wishes Kora of Bilabong. Bii.y Unlimited, Hawaiian Maid, Little hnday, Booty, with heaps for yourself.— lours truly, BItOAVNIE. [I am sure I would enjoy the drives B row n le. —DOT.] Dour Dot, T am the Government mail carrier from Park Hill to Heriot. It Ins been good weather for the work lately. AVe had a fall of snow about a fortnight am but it was nothing to talk about. I am dong a bit of rabbiting just now. The other night I got a wild cat in the trap. There was a bit of fun for a while. There are pictures in Heriot every Thursday and skating three night a week, but I have not been to any of them yet. They say it is grxid fun at the skating in the Town Hal). V. it h lc\ & to all the D.L F. not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, ROYAL VICTOR. Ocar Dot, —Our playground at school is going to be altered. A Farmer's Girl’s Sweetheart is in my class at school. I crten see Lovdy in Balfour. AVe started pawing at school on Friday. Love to Lovtlv, Campfire Girl and her Mate, Motor ii], Heather, Jean Armour, Grace Lariing, A Farmer's Girl Sweetheart, Dauntless 1 atty Gentle Annie, Golden Curls, and Balmy Bill, and all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly ° ° MILKMAID II (Balfour.' Dear Dot. I am staying at home just now but am going back to AVendonsids on bunday. Motor Girl and I went to Gore last Monday. I got some teeth out. AVhilc we were _ there we met Bill's Sweetheart, Lovers Dream and another L.F whose name I have turgor.ren. Jean Anucur is coming down to see us to-morrow, and Motor Gill and I are going in to Balfour on Frioay to see ray mate. The Balfour Busy Bees made over £IOO. Love to Motor Girl Heather, Music Girl, Mountain Lily and my mate, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, CAMPFIRE GIRL (Wendonside ) D, ar Dot, Motor Girl’s Sweetheart and I went to he Busy Bee bazaar last. Friday, and I had a good time. AVe load quite a lot of apples on our trees this year. AVe have just finished our school examination, and I passed. AVe lost our minister a. week ago, and we were very sorry, as he has been here for five years. \’’e gave him a purse of sovereigns before he left. Love to Motor Girl’s Sweetheart and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting vour-'-If fours trulv, DAD’S MANAGER (Balfour.) Dear Dot, —AA inter is fast approaching now. and the fields look very bare. The weather has been very warm of late, but the frost_ is making its appearance, .and the mornings and evenings are vei v cold On May 18th the Cluiha 'Valley Show was held here at Tuapeka Mouth, and it was a great success, there bring over 1000 entries Our school has closed for a week’s holiday' and several of the children are going to the Dunedin show. The Clutha Valley football tc-am played Crescent on Saturday and won bv 24 to 6. I am reading a book named ••Captain AVarven’s AVard.” Much love to Losepink, Mjilkmaid. Daffodil, %nd Milkmaid’s Mato.—Yours truly BEAUTIFUL STAR. Dear Dot,—l ne Busy Bee bazaar was a great success, and they got over £IOO, so they did very well, don’t you think? AVe hare had some nice showers of rain here lately', and every thing looks fresh. I managed to win a nice cushion at tin? bazaar. There were eight different stalls. They had meals ready from half-past 11 till about 10 o clock at night. There were also amusements for the children. I am busy in the garden now, but as it has been raining I won't be able to dig for a few days. I am verv fond of flowers, especially violets, roses, carnations .and sweet peas There are not many flowers out now. There was a small ball here the other night, but l was not there, as I am not a dancer. There was a small aeroplane here ihe other week, and it caused a little excitement. 1 did not »o up in it, but 1. would have liked to. 1 had a nice ride to Gore in a motor car last Tuesday. I was a. bit lonely going down, as I was in the back scat by myself. Cominghome I bad -a very nice gentleman to talk to, so I did not feel the time so long. I have done a little photography lately, but I find it is a little expensive to keep up. I think it is going to blow a gale now, as the wind is rising. Love to Teddy AVoodbine, Mointroso Lassie, Smiler’s Sweetheart, A Basket of Roses, A Bunch of Carnations', lienwife, Grace Darling, Gentle Annie, Golden Curls, Mrs Jim, Memories, A Maid of the Mountains, Jean Armour,

Heather Motor Girl, Campfire Girl and her | ,0 » ]II N ' K'Jets, Sweet Violets, and A k a mice's Girl, not- forgetting vourself 1 ours truly, ' [■Many thanks for the photo, Lovdy. i like you and your dog.—DOT.] LOVDY (Balfour.) Dear Dot,-AVe have had verv dry weather wilTuD m;my “iSi uh 3 Past. '>'ll I think it • ./am soon. We need rain, as everybody fromYlL Cf - "' al - cr ' an d wc have lo cart it 1 went If''?) "' hlch lsn ’t an easy matter, a wrnit into Oamaru on Thursday and my photo taken. Silver Moon's’ Pal has r!; !K-j> t , out i« lias noi arrived vet. Love to I not €l fo MO °f- S Pal ’ Tllru PP. nnd all the LE truly/ g Ung yOUr °'"' n <le-ar self.-I’oiui SILA’ER MOON. Dear Dot,—AVe arc getting verv dry ™AS., K', “ J 11 to , the Dunedin show. 1 sun"..' -,?> "Ont doin? 6 a ' r) ?° od , number Horn Oamaru *' ‘ 7 J , rie or my cousins v;as out ■uXV S to - da >’-- She lives not very tar “,"V froI!1 us. The school children have p!!; 1 " Jm< u holidays now. GTfr tanks are D 1 C! "Pty. and we will soon havWALNUT. Ya a bnc to let you know thhDp , ° llCe a " aln arrived back in t iis dud town. Fhmgs are very qu : ct. just cw every day y ou will notice nYe i,c ,- i- , , 7, m , ou harbour work just now Mr >t”s p dY? V raT 11 !, JCa,,i , t?,e Jf - M S - Chatham"; there I met t l , ? lclK * c ' U3 crowds have been 1 mct . Jl rec or four officers, and evei-v tiobt Pr iiR y .. U ' timc 'o;. ether; out course fhJ J ,! T y ° clcKk - »nd of Tie dun T g °° d Sh °"' roaijd the ship. ii ApS„; Slil™ ? r:> WN,- .1™ ‘MS. weather 1 a“in # for . su,nn,er tropical coin., tr 7 ' Ta V lwna ’ >«y brother, is Dwight ; S;dhul,f'S 6 f;t ’iVT not say. AVell, Dot, news has ,n' out- a i love a to SU ain’r° "Y Ciose " lth i°\e to all L.jb. and yourself.-Yours trulv, ALLAN-A-DALE.' ’ AUTOS. I oppy Pink (Margaret Fountain, 21 Afalai spend withY/’ ? wishes to corren ’ ' th ,n llc .*P° rt - aad any L.F. willing. Point'o?'Tn. Jiate -n l ' t d In tvre, One Tree widi HiinM Wishes to correspond T> ; yV. >ld *he Printer and Ploughman, rid! ,-h" X 'f' “Cairnfield.” KakaBoy lohcs to correspond with An Only AVatcr Lilv II (Molly Lusk, Box 2. Cro kiv r *’ l' 13 ci tot) wishes to correspond with Dimples, ami any L.F aV ~t 12 yenre. Pincl IKle 1 K le Ic J iMiss H. Mahuika, j, 7 Bay, South AA'«sthindl wou’d like 1 cnc.opc -and Little Queen Mab to write again, .also wishes to correspond with Th<* C.ansman, and any other AVestport D.L.F.

Stella the Star (Stella Stanton, Preston A° a a o reymouth) wishes to correspond with An Anzocs Son’s Mate, Aviator’s Pal and Happy Maurice. Bluebells (Cecilia Hart, Reid street. Blaketown (.reymouth) wishes to correspond with An Anzac Son, Paddy-tho-n-ext bestdhipc I ;*rles A ous, 5.0.5., Cinderella II The V,a, ns ;i an ’ Broadway Bill. Tom Mix. Balmy Bkl. kLonkoy, Alfred, and any North Island I* : -k and any L.F. overseas ' Pineapple (Mary J. Mahuika. Main Smith road, Bruce- Bay P.O . Westland) widws A Sprig of Heather, Rosy Checks, Gipsy Gii-l, Neptune’s Daughter, and Pussyfoot to write again, also wishes to correspond with Mrs Hippo and Buttercup. Queen Telephassa (Miss S. Mahuika, 8.-m-e Ray, South Westland) would like Nellie’s let Ginger M’Glusky, A Basket, of Roses and A Cream R:«-e to write asrain. Pulcaki (Donald Grant, Incholme. Mah-m) w - s lies to correspond and exchange autos with any, L.F. between 9 and 11 years ■willing’. A Ba-sk-t of Roses (Lilv Blair, Otara) wishes to correspond with any L.F. from 1 - to 14 years. Love in a Mist Louisa- C’orston. Chaucer street, Milton) wishes to correspond with Qu-een A 1 c-xandra. Rnneliilda (Elsie R Smith, Skippers, via Queenstown) wishvs To enrv; spend with any L.F 10 to 12 years willing Australian Boy (Jas. A. Porter, Duke, street. Core) wishes to correspond witli A o • :« of the Mount.’.in. S’\a Queen (Isabel Harrington. Pallia) vis-i-os lo correspond with Lnav Bones. Joey and Nellie’s Mate (Hannah Tallent're; Aighburth, Duntroon) wishes to correspond with Snowdrop Quen and any L.F. ]3 to 16 years willing. Gipsy King (Jas. Page, Matarao, via Sutton) wishes to correspond with anv L.F. 17 or 18 years, and also wishes Muriel's address. Cohlon Eagle (Miss I). R Harwood, care of Mrs J. Brown, Sea View Farm. IVaianakarun) wishes to correspond with Tarati. An English Girl, Hawaiian Maid, The Clansman. Awawekn (Miss Marshall, “Awawoka." Enfield. Oamaru) wishes to correspond with any L.F. about 15 or 16 years willin'?;. Flora M‘D?hald (Florence Stewart, Park Hill, via Heriot. Otago) wish. - to correspond with The Sport and lolly Jack Tar. Mr-'. Jim (A. bee \ arcoo, Lint ley) wislies to’ sorrespond with Jumping Jack. A vice’s Noiee (Violet Walker. Ivaweku P. 0., via Li vers cl ale) wishes to correspond with Hammer and Nails, and any oilier L.F. 14 or 15. Maid of the Lakes (C. Walker, Pcmhro-ke) wishes Sunshine Girl to write as licr address is mislaid Mareehal Neil (Florence Perrow, Pembroke 1 wishes to correspond with Mud Lark. Postman’s Niece, and any ether L.F. 11 or over. Cloth of Gold (Marjorie Perrow. Pembroke) wishes to correspond witli Mother’s Pet. Mud Lark and any L.F. over 9 years. Queen Alexandra (Rebecca M‘Lcod, Stewart Island) wishes to cor id pond with Lovdy and Little Queen Mab.