DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3523, 20 September 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in which they live, oi their school and home life, holiday trips, &e. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.**

Dot’s Little Fo’k’s Badge with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, ltd for 25 8 M PORT ANT NOTICE TO D.L.F. BADGTCS. PRICE 2s 6d. We are reluctantly compelled to rai.-e the price of the badges us, owing to the increased cost oi 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. OLD WRITERS’ WEEK. TWENTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. LETTERS MUST REACH THIS OFFICE DECEMBER 10. This year it has been decided, on the suggestion of Boy, to hold the annual ieunion of Old Writers during Christmas and New Year. It is hoped that by doing so we may get in touch with some of our very early writers. As this year marks the “coming of age” of Old Writers’ Week, it is hoped a special effort will be made to make the meeting a Letters must roach this office no later than December 10, ns owing to the holiday® it will be necessary to go to press earlier than usual. Little Folk are reminded that their letters cannot be published during those two weeks, and are asked to assist by not sending in any letters. Their letters will be closed down on December 8. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, nol for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear Dot, —The weather this last week has been very wet and cold, and we have had to stop indoors. I have a pony called Maori. She is very frisky, and she has thrown me off four timei. I had a little pet lamb called Bubbles, but the wee dear got c-aught under the stable door, and we found him dead in the morning. My pet kitten’s name is Sylvia, and she catches mice. Last Saturday we went to the competitions in Gisborne, and they were very nice. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SNUG GLEPOT. [Poor Bubbles had a sad -ending, Snugglepot.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here has been glorious lately—just long days of sunshine. It makes one feel as though one wants to spend all one’s time in the parts, or by the seaside. Nearly all the bulbs are out now. My g-arden ia simply overflowing with jonquils and daffodils. We had some violets, but they are nearly all gone now. I had planned tc make a small vegetable garden this year as a pastime. I had planted some seeds, and had everything _ in nice order. “When my seeds came up 1 was delighted with my success, but as the old proverb Bays : “Pride comes before a fall,” so I had my fall.- One morning when I went into 1 he garden I found my mother’s hens carefully picking the heads off every small plant. I was very angry, and very disappointed, because I am afraid I won’t have a garden at all. But one cannot growl at the fowls when they lay 16 eggs a day; of course, we have 21 hens. The Springboks played against Napier yesterday, and beat them 14 to 8. Best love to Somebody’s Darling, Silver Shoe, Jean Armour, Sinfcad the Sailor, Somebody’s Friend, Lvkle Tikle, and a June Rose, not forgetting your own dear self. — Yours truly. THE FAIR HAIRED LASSIE’S SISTER. [I hope the garden recovers, dear. The hens have discriminating taste, but one forgives much when they lay well.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My brother, Hammer and Nails, has just returned home from a very enjoyable holiday. The only thing it was rather too short- for him, as he would have very much likedVto have seen through the Witness printing works. He has settled himself, too. Oh, well! never mind. I will see through next time, that is if Dot docs not object. Spring is here again, and I think we are worthy of it after the desolate winter which we have had. It seems lovely to see the golden heads of the daffodils waving in the breezes, also the birds building their nests. The influenza seems rather prevalent in many parts. Such is the case here, and I think everybody here has had it. Mother has been very sick, but I am glad to say she is recovering a little. My brother is writing, but lie has not made his mind up yet as to what his X.D.P. is to !>e. My N.D.P. is after a book which mother read when she was a girl. So now I must conclude with best wishes to all the L.F., also you, Dot.—Yours trulv, CLENELDA. [T was sorry I was not able to spend more time witli Hammer and Nails, but we shall hope to do so next visit.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Wo had a fall of snow since T last wrote, and it stayed for about a week. It was frc-7.cn, so I could not play snowballs. Someone let the horses and cows get info the garden, and they ate almost all the vegetables. My mate and I are setting 18 traps, but it freezes so much that we can’t got anything at all. It has been fine weather for about a week, but now it is showing signs c-.f rain and bad weather. On Tuesday last we had a wedding; it was the first one L have !><'en to. The young couple went, away by the boat after they had celebrated their wedding breakfast. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear- self. —Yours truly, DELCO. Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band ? We have a few spring flowers in bloom just now. My father is at a meeting just now.

I am glad winter is ov-er. We have had fine weather here lately. We will soon be having our examination, and I will be glad to get it over. lam 12 years old, and lam in Standard V at school. I like reading Bessie Marchant’s books, and I have just finished one called “Molly Angel’s Adventures,” Kind regards to -all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LILLY FILIAL [You are ■ very welcome to join us, Lilly. —DOT.] bv?.; D?v, —I have been very busy lately, ana V*ve net had much time to write to anyone. It is said that troubles do not conic singly, and to he sure, Dot, I have proved it these last two weeks. Mother has had all her teeth out, and Dapline her adenoid's. DajnhiUe* isoevi got well, but. mother had rather a rough time, and as it happened I li-au promised to make some children’s dresses lor a wedding. It would not have been so bad, but the bride and bridegroom took it into their heads to get married earlier than they originally intended, so you see I’ve had my work cut out. However, Dot, all’s well that ends well. My invalids are better, my dresses> despatched, so I’ve a clear conscience, and 1 intend to enjoy what is left of my holiday. 1 have joined the evening classes at the Technical School since I last wrote. I am taking shorthand, typing, English, and mathematics. Shorthand, I think, is very interesting. I noticed in one or her letters June Rise said she intended taking shorthand. I wonder if she does, and if she knows me. i have not load the good fortune to meet any of the L.F. here yet, but hope 1o do so some day. The general topic in Blenheim at present it football. The Springboks play in Nelson on the 10th, and as Marlborough beat Buller yesterday our anticipations for success run high. Well, Dot, the sad toll of war was painfully brought home to- many recently. About two years ago a piece of land adjoin ing the new racecourse was donated to the borough by a well-known landowner here, and now, under the skilful and capable management of the Marlborough Beautifying Society it is first promising to become one of the most beautiful spots in Blenheim. The latest step towards completion has been the planting of a memorial avenue. Each tree is in memory of a fallen Marlborough soldier, and wa3 planted by his parents, or next of kin. Daphne and I went with father and mother to plant ours, and oh, Dot; when I saw the length of that double row of trees I very nearly broke down altogether. The avenue is to be called The Walk of Remembrance. Do you think anything could be more beautiful? In years to come when the trees are full grown, and Waterlea. Park unfolding' the beaulies that as yet are but promises, people and little children will walk and rest in shady spots fragrant with rich memories, and those noble lives given for King and Country in the great struggle for liberty and justice will not be forgotten. Many homes have been left desolate, but at least we have the consolation that the sacrifice lias not been in vain. Well, Dot, already I have written m-ore than I intended, so will close with kindest,, regards to Heather 8011, all the other L.F., and your-wlf.—-Yours truly, LAVENDER LADY. [Grove Bush is the address I have Lavender Lady, but I will put a note- in the column and it may bear fruit.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have found verv much pleasure in reading the L.F. letters, and would very much like to join the interesting band. I enjoy rea ding during these lovely days. lam reading “Anna of Avonlea,” which was written by L. M. Montgomery. We are now enjoying some of Nature’s glorious gifts—sunshine and rain. I think that the scene Nature paints in spring is the prettiest of all. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting- yourself.—Yours truly, THE SOUTH AFRICAN LILY. [You are m-ost welcome to join us, South African Lily.—DOT,] Dear Dot, —There was an aeroplane here on the 26th of August, which roused great excitement among the people, as there were a great many who had never seen one before. My youngest sister celebrated her fifth birthday on the 3rd of September. We have a small po-ny, who goes up to my youngest brother and jubs its nose on his back when he wants him to pat it. The weeping willows are getting green, and the blo-aom is coming- on the fruifl trees, which brightens things up a bit. We have just bad our e-econd term examination, but we do not know our marks yet. We are milking three cows. We have a number of little lambs nova. It is lovely to sit on a hill and watch the little lambs playing together. My mother has been in Dunedin a week to-day, and we don’t expect her home until next Saturday. The cold frosts have gone off now, and we are having nice fine days again. Best regards to- all. —Your truly, MISS NOBODY OF NOWHERE. Dear D-ot, —I am still at the office, scratching away all day long with the old pen, and it gets rather monotonous at times for all that lam very fond of my work. It is very cold here to-day, raining all the time, but I suppose one can’t complain, as we have had beautiful weather up till now, but I shan’t be sorry when summer comes again, as I cannot stand this weather at all. I was out to a dance at Wreys Bush about two weeks ago. A crowd of us went out to it in the “store” cart, as it was the only conveyance largo enough to hold the- crowd of us. We arrived home at 4.35 a.m., after having -a good time. lam going to another one which is to be held in our "city on the 16th, so- if I have as good a time there as I did at the former I shall be well satisfied. Whatever has come over British Lion and Girlie. I often see British Lion, but never seem to see any of her letters in print. Girlie still gees up and down in the train to High School. Love to Brave Allies, Hope, A Wairio Wonder, Skipper, and Skipper’s Mate, Brave Belgium, and especially Gloaming, Mickey, and Threasa, British Lion, and Girlie, not forgetting your dearself. -Yours truly,

MYSTERIOUS GIRL (Wairio). [lt is a pleasure to- hear from you again •lysterious Girl. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F. ? lam 14 years old, and go to the Wairoa District High School. We are having our holidays now, -and I am staying at my uncle’s station in the. country, and lam having a lovely time. Every night and morning I help my cousins to milk the cows, and during the day my little cousins

and I feed the poultry. I have also had many rides on the ponies. We have not had very good weather lately, but it is a beautiful day to-day. Uncle’s station is just--12 miles from Wairoa, and it takes half an hour to go in the car from one place to the other. Kind regards to ail the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, ’ APPLE BLOSSOM. [lt is splendid to spend one’s vacation away from the town, and I mn sure you must be enjoying yourself.—DOT.] Dear Dot,- May I join your happy band of D.L IP? I am 10 years old, and I am in Standard 111 There are 28 children going to oar school. Our teacher left at the end of this term, and ihe children presented her with a nice writing case. Love

to Apple Blossom and all the D.L.F., not forgetting- your own dear self.—Yours truly, APPLE BLOSSOM’S PAL. [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Id!ay I join your happy band? I am eight. My auntie. Frotaka, is here just now, and I am sending this letter with hors. 1 have one brother and two sisters. My mother used to write to the page; lier name was Erica, and I was going to have Erica, hut I see someone else writes under that name. Love to Smallest and Erotaka and all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, ERICA’S DAUGHTER. [Certainly you may join us, dear, and you can remind mother to send in a letter for O.W.W.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It lias been raining here today, but it looks like clearing off now. It is miserable on a wet day when one cannot venture outside without getting wet. 1 am staying at Clinton for a holiday, and I am having a lovely time. So’ far I have only met one L.F.; I think her N.D.P. was Black Beauty, but -she says it is several years since she last wrote to- the page. The spring flowers are now out, the violers, daffodils and crocuses make us feel that spring is here at last. The plum trees are white with bloom. I often think what the city people miss never to see the wild flowers in spring and summer. I lev • the country and hate the town. The oK-iff cutter and mill are at work in this- disi •• • at present. The farmers are also buy* big their crops. Football seams to A rnso just now, as there are football r•. id] over the country. 'Well, Dot, Loot Kv- to Revlis, Gloaming, Perpetual Wanderer, The- Masked Outlaw, Bubbles, Hen them e, White Iris. Grace Fisher, and Erica’s Daughter, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, EROTAKA (Clinton). Dear Dot, —After an -exceptionally good winter we are having a good spring, and all the grass paddocks- are looking quite green already. The gardens are looking very pretty now with nil the spring flowers out, especially the daffodils, which always make a grand show. Most of the fruit trees are beginning to come out in leaf now. Our plum frees is out in bios-som at present, and it looks very pretty. Wo li-ave over 80 young iambs so far. I have two lovely big pet- ones, which are almost four weeks old. Th'-po seems to be a few early lambs everywhere this year. Wo intend taking the milk to the factory this year instead of separating and only taking the 'cream, as v.-o have been doing these last few years. We have four heifers and one cow in so far. I milk three of the heifers, and two of them are very fond of kicking, although they are very «Piiet every other way, and they go into the shed like old cows. I think spring is the n-cest season of the year, when everything looks so bright, end the air seems so fresh after -Hunter. Kind regards to all L.F.— Yours truly, LESLIE. N-B I saw by the lest witness that somebody else had chosen mv N.D.P., and would bo pleased if I m .ay still keep mv former one.—Leslie. Dear Dot.—On Monday ihe boys offered to challenge u-s for a game of hockey, n f course, we consented. We didn’t intend’ tout first., but they westered the life out of us uutd we- did; when we had realised the after effects i <>.. a block eve or some such other misgiving—we were mffihty eorrv that we had -accepted the challenge. Tn due course of time the -fun began. Some of the boys didn’t have hockey sticks, but they pro.erred lumps of wood, which sewed the purpose os well, in their case. The boys did act well, especially when they all happened to be novices at the game. T? be sure, their desperate measures were adopted to meet decorate need*, and therefore a despairing rally ensued. The bovs tVim-h* we

w-ere ploying wrongly, and we ‘were’ simwosod to be depriving them of their goals They were absolutely contented with" the b.nws they landed and never a thought ot apologising; therefore we had to ha enrr ~ ’ Vlth 11 mantel message to the disabled, as it were. The haot was terrifying and we had to he constantly on the alert’ because if we happened to be classed among -lie unfortunate stargazers, woe betide the one who struck so-ue noor unfortunate's leg instead of the ball. Dot. I can assure yos that the blows we received were far from. Pleasant owing to the force that was behind it al We were the winners; but allow me to add, though we won the ronyh-aud-iumble go W.e were the nmoh-to-be-nitied martyrs, ending with two goals to nil. Them has AT? ,T7 1e . te k “ ere aT,rrut the “Gilds’ Footer Unb, but some People seem to think that odrU A T T m ?' ,P S t ' ,oy term ;t - lor girffi co play “footer.” Have ton anv opinions to express on the. matter, Dot? I think it would be a striking and lucrative innovation, especially when it i s a winler game. and -as it would afford much amnse-ent-d-' F T ?l ’i d hav b « ’-'imaing time aocoidinsly Kind regards to all the- D y pecially Tarn.ti (I wonder jg she will write to me?), The Sport, Mae Marsh. Kohitere ilia Lovers Dream, and Patriotic Pud's Sweetheart, with heaps for yom-self.-YoAs

PATRIOTIC PAUL. [Since you ask ay opinion f think one should draw the line at fuffball. Patriotic i aid. To mv mind it w hardly desirable to emulate the boys fg this matter. DOT.!

Dear Dot.-They/ - 18 a. circus coming to Lumsden on hr..-ay night, but Ido not know yet whether I am going to it or not. Most, of the farmers around here are getting their ground ready for sowing, while some of them have their e-ops sown. I have b~en reading some nice books lately. Wo are veiling our holidays on Friday, and I will not be sorry. We have had cm- term exam and f came -second in my class. There ’have been a lot of hares about here lately On a warm day they cogue out of the swamp and about, 1 here was a football match here on Saturday, and our team won by 17 points to 3. It was a seven a-side game. There w-as a sale here yesterday, but the prices were very low. Some people say that it was a bettei sale than there has- been down south. Have you ever been in Lumsden, Dot? T have never been in Dunedin, but T would like to go there. Lave to Powder King, A AT os sb urn Girl, Beautiful Ohio, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly THE PRAIRIE BOY

[T have never stayed in Lumsden, and found the time there waiting for trains* quite long enough.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is lovely to see the ground nice and dry after so much rain. I was at a footballers’ ball about a fortnight ago, and I had a really good time, although there was a big crowd there, f am looking forward to the next dance, which is coming off in about •a week’s time. There .is also to- be a fancy dress ball at Momona very shortly, and I hope to go to it. 1 am very fond of dancing, and think it is a goed pastime for young country people, hut L suppose it will be getting too warm for it soon, and then we will have to wait patiently until next winter. ‘We had our eldest brother homo for a week-end a while back. Wo had not seen him for over two years, and as lie came unexpectedly

we were very excited at seeing him. I do hope that New Zealand wins the final match.

It will be something to be remembered by those who take a great interest in the game if they do. One of my brothers is at present learning the bagpipes, and he is blowing his chanter every lew minutes ho has to spare. We get it for breakfast, dinner, and- tea, as the sayin is. 1 rather like the bagpipes myself, but at a distance. There seems to he quite a lot of -sickness going abf-ut lately, qr.d.e a lot of people are complaining of different diseases. Kindest regards to Pouting Polly, Primula, and Steamboat, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, NE VA VO R E (Ma ungat ua). | Dear Dot, —I have just got up out of bed ; after being ill. We are having lovely weather down here, and it is a treat, though very ! windy. We will be having our school exam. ; any day now. I think I am going to play at a- concert in Balfour on September 2. It will bo some fun. Grace Darling is still at our place. Wo have three cows in just now, but we vyill bo milking about 55 next month with the machines. Love to- all the D.L.F. and your own dear self. —Yours truly, THE MUSIC GIRL. j [I am sorry you have been ill, dear, and j hope you are quite better again.—DOT.] ; Dear Doc, —Wc- have daffodils out up here already. It started to rain to-dav, but is ! slopped again. Musical Girl ha-s been very ill, and has just recovered. She had the “flu.” There is a big B.D. concert here on ’ Friday next, and Musical Girl is going to 1 play. Our vegetable garden is not sown yet. : We get over 30 eggs every day. The geese j are laying* now. Ardlussa Sunday school j children came first in the exam., and they j beat Balfour ones this year; I was very I pleased they did. Love to Campfire Girl, ! Motor Girl, Heather, British Bey, Musical | Girl, Rose Mary, not forgetting your own - dear self. —Ycurs truly, | GRACE DARLING. j Dear Dot, — Our school teacher has left, and j now we have a man teacher, and he is pretty strict. I have only had the strap four times a-t school, and I do not like it. On Saturday my mates and I went for a walk down by the creek, and we got stuck in the mud. I am reading a book called “Knights of the Red Cross,” and it is lovely. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your won dear seif. —Yours truly, PRETTY POLLY. Dear Dot, —I am staying in Dunedin now, and going to Fo-rbury School. * I like it very much. We are getting* 10 days’ holidays at the end of this week. Love to ail the D.L.F., -and not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, MOTHER’S DARLING. Dear Dot, —We are having some lovely weather here just now, and the fanners are •able to get their crops in. My father was in bed for over a- week with catarrh in the head., and this hindered him from sowing his crops. We were lucky in getting a man for that week, but he left to-day. The,flower garden is lovely just-now with the primroses, violets, and narcissi coming out in flower. The crocuses are nearly all past, although there are still a few in flower. The fruit trees are bursting* into leaf, and on some cf the trees the blossoms are out. It is now the? time for the lambs. We have a dozen lambs so far, but when we go round them in the morning there are usually four or five more. We have 37 sheep altogether. Two sheep had twins, but one lamb died. Last week another cow came in, and next week we are expecting four more in. We are now having our spring holidays, and my sister went to Abbotsford on Tuesday for a week. Love to Freckle’s Mate, Red Lancer, Love in the Mist, Saddler Tommy, Sonia, Napierite, Hera, and all my correspondents.—Your3 truly, FRECKLE’S (Milton). Dear Dot,—l have been away for six weeks down at Waimuhaka, and I do not like there at -all, as it is too cold I like Wyndliam belter, but I would like to go back to Middl©march again. We have been having terribly cold and wet weather down this part just now, and it makes me long more for Middlernarch. Love tc all the D.L.F., especially R-oid, Lone Wolf, Dolly Grey, Auntie’s Little Companion, Mimihau Maid, Arizona, Lord Allan’s Daughter, Anzac Forever, Lady Joan’s Companion, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LUCRETIA. Cl probably made a mistake, Lucretia. There are so many names to go through it is easily done. I am sorry.— DOT.] Dear IJbfc, —I go to the pictures nearly every night Our daffodils are coming- on very well this spring. “Chu Chin Chow” is not coming any further south than Dunedin - now. In this term examination I got 269 marks, and last time I only got 233. Every Wednesday afternoon my bro ther digs mv father’s garden for bkn. My fatbci is out at \v aikaia. My father has two turrets, and goes out ferreting every Sunday with them. One Sunday he went out and got 20. My eldest brother will be 20 on Saturday, September 'but he has a ]«a,s way to go yet. I ara. reading a booh called “Whipping Tick,” and it is very interesting. We are

getting our ‘etm holidays this week. I have had my bicycle six wntlis, *..nd have not had a puncture in .It. I midkt be going to •sell my bicycle lor ,-Ct 7fe. Christmas Till b-e here in three jysatitW I am going away for my tnv.a holidays.—Yours truly, TOM MIX. [I can’t the. necessity for changing, Tom, and it invarjjbly causes confusion DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having most beautiful weather here lafetfy, and the daffodils and violets are out Violets are my favourite flowers,, as tfwsy V..av« a beautiful scent. J)o you think ck.-.odils are poisonous. Dot? Some people, in Gore -say they are, so I thought I *v.-ald ask you. There is a big masked. on in Gore to-night, but I am not goinr to it. I have seen several little lambs f• joking about in -he paddocks lately. I cycle.,, out to Wyoming’., j lace on Sunday, and. had a lovely nine. Dad is away out to Wrikaia working, and we miss him very much. It is so lonely at- nights without him. He will be away a morth. I have not been doing much reading lately, my chief delight is playing euchre at night. We have a. pigeon, and he is getting a cheeky little thing, as he comes inside, and when you look -at, him he is off as quickly as he can go. We have a fruit shop next' door to us, and it is a nuisance, as (lie boys are always saying “I want a penny.” I "had A Wild Irish Rose up the other day, and we had a good time. Best wishes to Lea, Wyoming, P-at-sonia, Beverly, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, LOVER’S DREAM. Dear Dot, —I went to the Waitaki Girls’ High School for about three months, but I had to go in the train, and it was dark when I got home, so I didn’t go back for the winter. We are having lovely weather here just now, but to-night it started to rain. Everybody up this way has colds, and they are not very nice things to have. I think I will go to town to-day, but if it rains- I suppose I will have to stop at home. We are going- to sell our pony soon, so I will be able to get a bicycle then. We went down to see some friends the other night, and we had some great games of consequences and lingers. There is to be a fancy dress ball

here on the 22nd of September, but I don’t think I will go in fancy dress. We live about six miles from Oamaru, so it does not take us long to go in the car. We have some vegetable seeds in, but they are not up yet. Wc liav« some sweM pens just coming* through the ground. I did not go in to see D rd J elite©©., he-enus© 1 laid a cold. Mum is f.v.ay to bed because sh? has a liendaclie and is getting a coiu. Football is rill the rage here just now, but I don’t take much interest in it. Our hens are laying better ! now, nnd to-day we got 19 eggs, Love to all j the D.L.F., not forgetting ycur own dear | self.—Y ours truly, ; PETER PIPER. i Dear Dot, —It lias been lovely weather I lately. We started .school to-day after a fortnight’s holiday. We are hay ing our proficiency exam, cm Friday week, and I hope I get mine. We are expecting our cow ill next week. There was a dance here on Friday night. My birthday was a fortnight to-day, j :a ' n J I had a lovely party and dance at night, j and I got some lovely presents. A girl friend • °f ours has just gone from here, and a i surprise party went te her place and pre- ! sen led lier with a jewel-box.—Yours truly, MAID MARION. Dear Dot,--The holidays will soon bo over now, and I am very sorry. I leant music, and I like it. I have now finished another j book called “The White Elephant.” I have i a ban!. “in that is sitting on eggs. This morning I have been selling bottles. Love ' to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— i Yours trulv, INKY FACE. Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote I have been 1 up in Canterbury for five weeks. I would | lik-c- to live up there, as the climate is much j milder than, down here. One afternoon we I motored round Peel Forest, and we saw the I most beautiful scenery. Andther day we I went over a sheep run, and when we arrived up at the top of it we could see right over to Christchurch. I think it was worse coining down again than goins up. I have persuaded my brother to join the p-age. We have been having beautiful weather here, but yesterday afternoon it started to rain. With best love to all. —Yours truly, MARY. Dear Dot, —We are having very dry weather up here, but it looks like rain tonight. I have s-uch a dear wee pup, and we call him Hollo. He is very mischievous indeed, and we have to keep a look-out for our shoes, otherwise we would not be able to find them. Our school examination is next Monday, and I hope I will pass, because if I do I will be in the Fifth Standard. With love to Monkey, A Waihola Lass, Grey Dawn, and American Despatch Rider, and not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE LOST HEART. [I hope you are successful in the exam., dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo are having lovely weather just now. We have a brown and white dog. I ha ve been reading a 10-t of books lately, some of them are “Arabian Nights,” “A. Stray Sunbeam,” “Cas-sy,” and “The Carrol Girls.” We are going to have our exam, in October. We have no pigs now. We have to buy our milk, as our cow is dry. All the spring flowers are beginning to come out. Love to Wee Muff and all the other D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly. VIOLET.

Dear Dot,- —AVe are experiencing lovelylovely weather at present, but it is a bit too hot. The grain crops are mostly in now, and the farmers are anxiously watching the weather, which continues mild and dry. A spring growth is noticeable, but it will not last long un less we have some rain. Mostly all the spring flowers are out, and it is a picture looking at the gay colours. The Enfield bachelors had their annual ball last Thursday night, and as it was a good night I went, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I saw Locliella and Awaweka- there, and they seemed to be enjoying themselves. The Airedale Club held their final dance last Tuesday night, but owing to it being a dull night I think it stopped a few from coming. I have started going to the Technical School in Oamaru to learn dressmaking, and I like it very much. Best love to all tho D.L.F., especially Lcchella, Awaweka, A Winter Night, A Sunny Southlancler. Crimson Taniger, Camelia May’s Daughter, and Treacle Trousers, 7iot forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, COPPERTOP (Airedale). Dear Dot, —We are still having good weather now. There is to be a social at cur school on the 14th September, and I think I am going to it. Jessie Frae Islay is to give the present to cur teacher. There is also to be a social in Queenstown soon, but I am not going to it.—Yours truly, A LAD FRAE CALEDONIA. Dear Dot, —My letters have not been too frequent lately, as mother said you are too busy. I have been very busy with the Competitions, and I am very glad that they are now over. I entered for two recitations, and out of 44- competitors came fourth. Best love to all folks far and near, not forgetting your dear self. —Yours truly, GRETCHEN. [lt is something to secure a. place, Gretclien, and is encouraging to continue work.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —At present we are having very mild weather. The weeping willows along the creek near our house are very pretty just now. My auntie was here for a few days, and she was doing some very pretty crochet. Purple Rocket was down here tonight, and when my. mother went to my cousin’s wedding she came down and stayed with me. I am knitting myself a jumper. I am reading a very interesting book (when I am not knitting), it is called “The Light of Western Stars,” by Zxino Grey. My little sister has a lamb which follows her about. Love to Links of Love, Purple Rocket, Joy Bells. Rose of Erin, England’s Red Rose, Bill, Foxglove, Bellbird, .Silver Stream, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yo-urs truly, THE GUINEA STAMP*. Dear Dot, —It is nearly a year since I wrote to you and the page, but I never miss reading the other letters that are sent you. I have quite a large number of D.L.F. friends; some of them come to our place. Angel of the Chimes was here for tea today, and we were goin» to church with another girl friend, but (there is always a but) a, young man friend claimed Angel of tho Chimes’s company, so we had to go without her. A Lonely Heather Maid and I met in town yesterday; she is still at High School. I wonder how Sylvie is getting on? I have not heard from her for ages. I think my last letter to her must have gone astray. Dear old Maid cf the Mountains, hew are you? Love to all my correspondents, especially Cheero, Sylvie, Angel of the Chimes, Bill, Bill’s Sweetheart, and wishing Leo many happy returns of the 10th, with love to yourself and all the L.F. — Yours truly, A LONELY GIRL (Invercargill^ Dear Dot, —It is a lovely summer’s day today. I am sitting on a rug with my brother and sister, and writing at the same time. I am working at the Oamaru Hospital. Last Monday night we went (o a vaudeville concert in aid of the hospital funds, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I met one of my correspondents (Paddy the Next Best Tiling), and I went to a Bible class social

with her, and we had a good time. My brother 1© getting married soon, and he used to write to the page when he was email. It le my Sunday off to-day, and I am having a good time. 1 have Friday for my halfholiday, and every second Sunday, so I enjoy coming out to the country after being in the town all the week. Kakanui played Ngapara last Saturday 7, but I don t know 7 who won the match. My brother plays football, and nearly every time he hurts himself. Hast time he played lie hurt his leg. and the doctor ordered him to go to bed foi a while. With kindest regards to Telephonist, Paddy 7 the Next Best Thing, Tarati, Sweet Adeline, Lady of the Dell. Maypole Queen, Hera, Queen of Immortals, Thrupp, Jack of All Trades, Pert Minx, Pikiarero, Nylephia, and Bill the Hard Case, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, DANNABROG. Dear Dot, —We are having cmr term holidays at present, so I am having a good time. The weather has been tip-top, and so 1 have been out weeding in the garden. It is gay now with the spring flowers out. Everyone would be glad to see a good fall of rain, as everything is so dry. It is a long time since we had any rain, and the tanks are about empty 7. The fields are beginning to look green, and it is lovely to see the little lambs ficlicking about their mothers. I was down at the beach for a walk to-day with my sister and one of my mates. We got a boat and rowed up the river as far as the church, where we met my little sister and her mate coming from school. We rowed them down to the mouth of the liver, and we all enjoyed it immensely. After tea we had a game of rounders, and went to the top of a iii 11 to have a view o-f__ the country. We were at a small social last night, and had a good time. We are going to another social next week, and that will be the end of my pleasures for a while, for school commences again on Tuesday week. A very sad fatality happened here*. A boy of 10 was killed. He was riding on a Cambridge roller, and when going over a rut he was thrown <»ff. The roller went over him and killed

him. It has cast quite a gloom over the district, and what makes it doubly sad is ihat his eldest brother, a nice y T oung lad, died at the beginning of the year. It was a very large funeral, as everybody 7 felt go much sorrow for the parents. With love to the L.F., especially Montrcse Lassie, Jack of Ail Trades. Nyieptha, Milkmaid, Olga, Dannabrog, Blushing Maid, Mercedes, Patches, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, THRUPP. [I am sure everyone must feel sorry for the parents, Thrupp. Two losses in eucli a ehort time.—DOT.] Dear Dot. - We have a turkey with six chickens, and also three sheep with four lambs. I was at a social last night, and played many amusing games. We had a cow in about a week ago, and it had a red and white calf. The inspector is coming to our school tin’s week. The flowers are all out just now. The farmers are beginning; 1o work up the ground for crops. The chaffcutter was at our place, and it cut a stack of oaten sheaves. Yours trulv, RED POPPY. Dear Dot, —I am at home at present for my term holidays, which I am enjoying very 7 much. I have a cousin from Christchurch staying with us, and she is going away home to-morrow. I think we will miss her very much, as she is company for us when we go anywhere. Little lambs are seen frisking about in the fields now. We have one or two. Last night wo were out to a Bible class social, and enjoy r ed ourselves very much. We did not get home till 20 minutes past 12, eo to-day 7 we were very tired. We had another heifer in the other day, and the milk that we get from her is nice. It makes a difference to the cream teo. It looks like rain, which I think the farmers are wanting very much, as the ground is terribly dry’. To-night there is a returned soldiers' dance in the Huzelburn School, but none of us are going to it. With love to Patricia's Carnation, Ivydale, Maid of ihe Valley 7, lot forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, A GIRL FROM THE RECTORY. Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather lately’. To-day is beautiful. I go to a Sunday school up at Herbert, and I am going to-day. Wo were given two pet lambs, and they 7 are dear little tilings. My little e.stcr is getting so knowing, and she is growing like a mushroom. Our spring flowers are beginning to bloom now. I have just had a week’s holiday 7 , and I liked it letter than going to school. With love to Bill the Hard Case, Golden Eagle, and ail the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, PATCHES’ LITTLE MATE. Dear Del.—May 1 join your liappy band of D.L.F.? We are having cur term holidays now. I have three dolls and a cat. I often go to Bushev with my father for a drive. J often go and play with A Wattle Flower on Saturday's. I have some daffodils out in my garden. I am nine, and in Standard I. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vor,r own dear self.—Yours trulv, A SPRING CROCUS. [’You are verv welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, -We have got our term holidays at present, and do not go back to school until the 13th of this month. I have a nice collection of spring flowers out in my 7 garden. I went for a walk down to the river, and I noticed that, the willow trees are again covered with soft green leaves. I am knitting a jersey 7 for my doll, and T think it will look very nice. I have a number of dolls, and I like sewing for them. I went for a chive on Saturday*, and I saw some wee lambs. Love to Trumpet Lily and Bill, not forgetting vour own dear self.—Yours trulv, A WATTLE FLO WEIL Dear Dot. We are- having lovely weather here just now; it is just like the middle of summer. 1 was at home a few Sundays ago. Mountain Lily and I went for a walk one Sunday after Sunday school, round the sluicing claim I went up to Mountain Lily’s place this afternoon and had a game of tennis, it is the first game we have had this year. Love to nil the Little Folk, especially my Mate and Sweetheart. —Yours trulv, CAMPFIRE GIRL. Deai Dot. We have had cur holidays, and we arc going to school to-morrow. The daffodils arc- blooming now, and the gardens look very pretty*. We have finished our epring cleanin'.;. We will soon have chickens now. The weather is very hot at present. Football ha" not stopped yet. Love to Phi he Sweetheart. Just Judy. A Maid of the Storm, not foi getting yourself. Yours truly, KESTER’S DAUGHTER (Tapanui). Deal* Dot, — I am going to the Milton District Jiigh School now. We just finished our term examination to-day. I think I will pass, although it was hard, especially the geometry. Our holidays start on Monday, and we get a week and a day. Owing to the trains being altered I can only go to school two days a week. The weather is awful today, it is very cold. I have a very bad cold myself. and I cannot shake it off. When the holidays come I nm going to go to my 7 uncle's place in Waitahuna Gully. He has h gold mine, and while lie works the claim part J work the graved with water in the

cradle. Love to all L.F., especially Aus- g tralian, Tom Mix, Nuggety, not forgetting e yourself.-—Yours truly, £ KILLOWEN (Waitahuna). t [The train service does not give you a fair ® chance at school Killowen. —DOI.J g Dear Dot—We have had lovely weather v lately; it is getting quite warm, like summer c weather, but we still have a little Dost j some nights. I will be glad when it is warm f , enough to go swimming again, as we go to j the river to have a swim and have lovely t times. We have been playing marbles lately, but one soon gets tired of them. 5 mother gave me a piece of ground to make a garden for myself, so 1 have been busy putting in some seeds. I put some m a while ago, but as no seeds came up 1 dug it up again and put some sweet peas and Sweet William in until 1 get some more plants. Last Saturday my brother and 1 went out ferreting. We had two- dogs wit 1 us, but we did not Ret many rabbits, as tne r ferrets were very slow at. coming out. j set some traps every night and catch a few rabbits sometimes, and other times I just, get one or two. I have a horse to ride round my traps. I like riding very much, as the horse I have to ride is such a. nice qu et one, and I can do anything with it. I was up at my brother's farm, the other day, and 1 lie has some little lambs up there. They 1 arc such nice wee things. I don t like going 1 to school very much, as I am no good at a arithmetic. I get off very lucky sometimes, as c there is a girl friend of mine in the same . seat; she is good to me, and shows me how r to work them. Love to all the D.L.h., not \ forgetting voursel.f. —Yours trulv, A LITTLE GREY COB. [Arithmetic is quite often a stumbling- ; block. Little Grey Gob. 1 was never anything approaching a genius at it.- -DOT.] * Dear Dot, —Did you go to “Chu Chin Chow"? I did, and 1 thought it was lovely, j ( although I have heard lots of grown-ups say , ( that it was not much. I think I liked the ] “Night in the Desert” scene best of all. I ] was down at the Library the other night looking at an Australian weekly paper, and ; I noticed that the- children write to a “Cm- , dereJla,” not a ‘ Dot." I also noticed that Cinderella has competitions for the Little Folk. When I read it the competition was a little story and some poetry made up by 1 the little one-s themselves. 1 wao wondering A if we could have something like that in our 3 paper. Love to you and all the L.F.—Yours « trulv, CAPRICE OF THE MOUNTAIN. ; [Unfortunately we have not the space to consider innovations, Caprice.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having our term holi- , days, and I am going into Dunedin to see my grandmother. A football team came ; from Dunedin to-day to play W aikeuaiti. The game was won by the visiting team by II to 9. I belong to" a Busy Beehive, and we meet every first Saturday in the month ; my mate, a Busy Beeite, is our queen beo. We are going to have a bazaar before Christmas, and the proceeds are to go to an • orphanage, so we will all have to work very hard if we want our sale to be a success. We are also making a with all our names on it, and when it is finished we are - going to send it to a liosmtal. We have a lovely lot of violets and oilier spring flowers out just now. Love to all D.L.Fnot for- ' getting yourself.—Yours truly, MUGGINS (Waibouaiti). [I hope Die bazaar is a great success, Mug g i ns. —1) OT. ]

Dear Dot, -Mother is away on a holiday, and we have a lady looking after ns until she comes back. Our hens arc not laying very well this year, we only get two or three eggs a day. I am reading a book, and the title of it is '‘Little Talks About Birds and Beasts,” and it is 'u very nice book indeed. ; I went to Tiie football match on Saturday at Pembroke, and I enjoyed myself very : much. The subject I like best at school is arithmetic. It blew very much on Friday and Saturday. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, SUNSET i,L;iO (Mount Barker). [Unfortunately, dear, that name is already a p p ro p r i a ted. —]) O T. ] Dear Dot, —We were playing football at school, and I ran into a boy and got a black eye, but it is getting better now. Our tomcat goes out, and it is fun to see him going into the holes and bringing out young* rabbits. The trees are all cut in their green | leaves, and they look lovely beside the blue j I water of the river. Wo live quite close to j the river now, and it is lovely to see the punts going over the river, but I am glad | I have not to cross over it now going to ! school. Love to all -.L.F., not forgetting- j vourschv- Yours truly, KEA [A b-ack eye doesn’t add to one’s beauty, ! Kea ; it must have been sore.— DOT.] i Dear Dot, —It is a nice day here to-day. I am still top of my class, and I hone to keep top. 1 like going to school. Every week some of us have to go to get the eggs. The willows are getting green, and the poplars are getting catkins. The grass also is green. This morning we were ?daving hide-and-go-seek. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and Farm Lassie. —Yours trulv, .ROBIN R E D B R EA S T. Dear Dot, —May 1 join your page. I am l eight, and in Class 111 at school. My J brother and sister write to your page. We have not far to go to school now, and T ; like going very much.. It is a lovely day : to-day. Dad made us some lollies last night, and we did not take long to eat them, as they were very nice. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, SILVER POPLAR. [You are very welcome to join us. Silver Poplar.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Time has passed so very quickly for me. 1 suppose it has been the change. My badge, Dot, has been the source oi a great many inquiries. The various people I have explained it to were very much interested. I always wear it, no matter where I am. It is very cold up here. Dot, in 11 io mornings, although during the day it is very nice. I. would very much like to know what has happened to some of my old correspondents. If some of them see this letter they will know I'm still thinking of them. Oh! Christina, Motor Jim. and A Simple Melody were my best correspondents. Do you ever hear of Australian Girl now. Dot? A Broken Melody is getting married this month. Dot. She was not a very old member. In fact, I think she only wrote about two or ihree letters to the page. I hope she will be happy, and somehow T think she will bo. Best wishes io yourself and all the L.F., especially A Simple Melodv. -Yours truly, A LONESOME MELODY. Dear Dot,—We anxiously await the arrival of ihe Otago Witness every Tuesday evening, and the D.L.F. page is thoroughly read in our home. I got through last term at school very creditably, and am looking forward to doing as well next term. Our flower garden is looking beautiful now. with all the spring flowers blooming in profusion. Mother lias a choice assortment of flowers. The orchards in this district are looking very nice the apricot and peach blossoms make a fine display. We have a lot of little lambs

already, and they seem, to be enjoying themselves frisking about on the hillsides. The grass is coming away well, and dad says there will be enough to spare for all the extra little months. We had a nice shower of rain on Saturday. We have had our auntie and cousin staying with us a few weeks, but they went home to Ashburton on Thursday. We are expecting our sister Pearl Blossom home, as her school has closed for term holidays. Love m all the D.L.F., and also vour own dear self.—Yours truly, PRINCESS NATALIE (Roxburgh). Dear Dot, There was no music this morning. and we are having it on Monday. I like our teacher very much. I am top of my class, and also in the term test. Our violets and primroses are out, and are very pretty. I was playing with Wanaka Lass to-day, and she had her doll up. It i 3 a very nice day to-day. One of my correspondents has been laid up with the influenza. There was a football match here to-day. We had a- visitor to-night for tea. He had been playing football. Our cow had a calf about as big as a dog.—Yours truly. CLOTH OF GOLD. Dear Dot,—Our Busy Bee concert was a week ago. All the Busy Bees are getting their photos taken on Wednesday. We arehaving our term holidays just now. We have had cur exam, and I came top again with 325 marks. Standards Y and VI go down to ‘'tech.” now. We started on the 2nd September. I have daffodils out in my garden. 1 have another little cousin. He was born on the 28th of August. I have been reading a few books lately, such as "The Family at Misrule,” “Two Bright Shillings, ' Robinson Crusoe,” *The Wide, Wide World, and others. We have sewing cn Thursdays now, ns we go to “tech.” on Friday. We made rock-cakes last day, and we are making Yorkshire pudding next Friday. Love to all the D.L.F. and all mv correspondents, especially Pineapple. The Pale Ice Queen, Lily of the Nile. Billy Unlimited, The Boy That Loves the Girls, Water Lily IJ’.s Mate, Tea Cosy, and A banner’s Girl’s Sweetheart, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A FAKMEIv’S GIRL (Balfour). Dear Dot, —We have been having lovely weather just now, and the grass is growing very quickly. There are a lot of lambs about now. We have a week’s holidays just now, and I wish it was al! holidays. I was playmg in a football team on Friday again-st Ardiussa, and we beat them bv 21’points to nn. Milkmaid II and A Farmer’s Girl o- 0 down to “ tech. now. The fishing season will soon he open. J am looking forward to catching some fish and eels in our creek. My father lias sown his oats and wheat Love to The Boy from Llanarth. Balmy Bui, and ail the D.L.F., not forgetting* yourself.—Yours truly, UR JIM (Balfour). Pear Dot, —Y\ e have had our exam., and I think I passed. We gof a week’s holiday after it, hut we go back to-morrow. My brother is going to school to-morrow for the first time. I have a little sister now; she is about two mouths and a week old.’ We hove a great lot of daffodils at home, and they make a good shew. I have my hair out the American clip now. I made a light chocolate cake on Thursday, and it turned cut well. It e have three pet lambs at heme now. I have just finished reading a book called “Tire Ne’er-do-well.” and it was a very good one too. My father is verv busyjust now attending to the lambs. 1 have been weeding our flower garden at home in the holidays. . It is getting- warmer for me

to go lo music on Saturday mornings now; hi the winter time it was coid and dark when 1 left home, but it is light now. My mother has not been very well lately, but she feels a little better to-day. With best love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS MARY 11. Dear Dot, —I thought I would see if I could shape a presentable letter to the page not that thc-re is much news at present in tins pait of tile country, but I will give you what there is. i hose long fine evenings are just the right kind for tennis, and we had a very eii jcyaole game last evening. It is ci pleasant pastime, and gives one a good appetite, worse luck, sometimes, but that counts as a frifle when the count stands at deuce. Dancing is another favourite pastime of mine, and we are having a dance here on the ‘2lst, so I hope to be there. Did von learn music, Dot? Well, I learnt for about IS months, and well I knew what practice was, but never have my arms ached so much with playing as they did when I played all nigiit for a dance at Beaumont a few weeks ago. It , was hard work made harder bv there being no music available till nearlv 11 P-ra. Nevertheless, J suppose it was good exercise for my fingers, anv wav. I was at Beaumont for {lie week-end,' and lmd , a good time. I got some good snaps of the footballers at the match, and somo verv good ones of ihe spectators. The new railway to Roxbm gli is steadily progressing, and Beaumont is a busy place with all the "navvies” and their families. Football is the chief amusement in this district just now—a Saturday afternoon is often a rendezvous at the Reercation Grounds for all these interested in the match. I expect Sylvie to come up to The Braes ’ very soon for a trip, so you may be sure I am hoping she can come. I have corresponded with' her for nearly three years—regularly, too. —but I have never yet met her, so you can imagine ■ 1 am looking- forward to seeing her. I think there are several D.L.F. about here, but I only see one badge now and then. 1 always wear mine—it is a nice ornament, and I would sooner have my badge than any brooch. Mv sister is away for a ride tonight. I have been out two nights running, so I didn’t go to church to-night. It's ~n lovely evening—just the night for a good ride. Do you ride, Dot? Yon won’t have the same chance in the town as we have here in the country. It is a fine exercise, and there’s nothing- like a ride to liven one up. Best wishes to Mother Macbree, Damiabrog, Olga, King William, Sylvie, One of the Finest, and all my other D.L.F. chums. Yours truly, TEL EPJIOY. I ST (.Waitahuna). [lt is lack of opportunity lire vents me indulging in riding, Telephonist. I am very fond of it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —In the middle of July J went for my holidays down the other side of Hawtra for three weeks, and had a very enjoyable time, indeed. 1 was very disappointed I missed the Springboks’ match against Taranaki, which waa a very interesting game. I saw a lot of old pals while away, and enjoyed talking of old times spent together. I had very nice weather also. Wc also went to the. llawera Show, which was far before the New Plymouth one, as the latter has not much accommodation. A friend also cam back with me, and we have had some good times together. -She has nowgot a job here, so we have someone to go out with. We are going to a sacred hand concert to-night. This is the third one, and they are very nice indeed. They are holding them to clear expenses, as they are going to play in the contest to be held at Thames shortly. The weather has been glorious lately, but the last few days there have been occasional showers, i have a terrible cold at present, and can’t get rid of it. There

is quite a lot of sickness about here. We went to a flower show last Thursday, and really the bulbs were beautiful, and there was such a large collection, which were very interesting. We still have cm nine boarders, and could take heaps more, especially now Christmas is coming. People are advert is- ‘ ing already for rooms and board, as it is so hard to get here, and very large numbers flock here on account of the seaside resort. We have been to the pictures quite a lot lately, and among them were some very nice ones. We generally go every Tuesday nigiit, as we are following a. serial called "The Silent Avenger.” which is very nice. About a week ago there was a band recital at the Breakwater, and the Home-liner Durham was also there. Another big boat called the Dorset is coining on Tuesday, and the Port Lyttelton later. Love to al! the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, PUSS IX BOOTS (New Plymouth!. [You have seemingly been enjoying life lately. Puss in Boots. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Goodness only knows how many letters I have started, but never got finished. Generally 1 write in school when our teacher is not looking. We have been having some good games of tennis lately. It is over a month since we had cur proficiency exam., and we don't know our results yet. Freckles, another mate, and 1 went to the pictures on j Friday night to see the Prince’s tour to the overseas colonies. Towards the end of the pictures w-e got rather tired of it, but altogether we had a good time. Our football boys’ team is very keep on getting the banner. They have won all tire matches they have played, and I think they have only cue more match to play-. I do hope 1 they win. We are going to have a school j social if they v.-in the banner.—Yours truly, j CINDERELLA II.‘ | [Please write on only one side of the paper, Cinderella.—DOT.] Dear- Dct, —The inspector is coming on the IDtn September, i hope J will pass this year, because I have passed every year so fav. Our teacher is a very good teacher. V are feeding two calves and one horse. We have 11 lambs (four pairs of twins) and •19 sheep. At school we have a rounder team, but I am not in it. With love to all the D.L.F., pot forgetting vcur own dear self.—Yours truly, PIGEON.

Dear Dot,— May I join your liappy band of D.L.F.? I am 11 years old and in Standard JY at school. Wc have had a very dry season tins year, and would like to g-ef wet in a shower of rain. There is a farewell to be held here sc-cu. V\'c have 50 chickens five days old, and expect 100 ducks out soon. Me have two clogs and a cat. I milk two cows, but they are going off their milk. There is no green grass here yet. We hope 1° lday a football match against Glenavy. Me have 14 lambs. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, WILLIAM FAKXUM. [I cry pleased to welcome you to the page William.— DOT.] Dear Dot,-— please will you accept me as one of your happy band of L.F. ? We live at I\ yndha.ni, and we are two- miles out of the township. It is just a nice distance cut. We have a dairy farm, and we are going to milk j-j. eaves this season. The factory opens on Monday. We have four new cows in, and another which we milk once a day. I have four sisters and one brother. My youngest sister was just one year old last June, and she can take a few steps by herself. I left school three years ago. I am 17 years old. My cousin, Lenora M’Kay, writes to you. We are having some- hot "days; it is such a treat -after the cold days. We have a goon few spring flowers out. Love to Lenora M‘Kay, Cook, Lassie of the Hills. Joyce, Little Maid, and all the rest of the D.L.F., not forgetting vour only dear self—Yours truly, WILD ROSE. [You are very welcome to join us. Wild Rose.—DOT.] AUTOS. Nevavore (Miss V. M. Boyer, Post Office, Maungatua, Taieri) wishes to' correspond witii The Masked Rider. No. 819, Torn Mix, The Sport, Bluebell’s Mate, No. 31S, Bim, and The Ploughman. Peter Piper (Myrtle Morgan, care of Mr C. Morgan, Tctara P. 0.) wishes to correspond with Red Bil-ch, Horselover, Mud Lark. Tea Cosy, Blazing Arrow, Madcap, and Lady Evelyn. Killowen (Master Angus I fine Ryan, care of P. 0., Waitahuna) wishes to correspond with any L.E. boy willing". A Lonesome Melody (Edna Gve, 2 Little j Queen street, Auckland) wishes to correspond wild any L.F. 17 to 20 years, and notifies correspondents of the change of address. Dr Jim (James Roy, B_x 17, Balfour! wishes Black Sheen and bis other correspondents to write, as lie has lost their addresses. Princess Mary II (Ellen Murdoch, Toiro) wishes to correspond with Kimi. Wild Rose (Katie Dunstun, The Ridges, Wyndham) wishes to correspond with The Sport. Dunedin Girl, and any L.E. between 115 and IS years. One of Three (Jean Hawthorn. Wairio) wishes to correspond with A Soldier's Lassie, j Silver Lining, Soldier's Love. True Emblem of Peace. Euterpe. Tommie's Girlie, and euv 1.. F. willing. J.imejuiee (May MTby s,’r. Mount Alfred, G-lenorehy) wishes to e n-rospend with The Boy That Loves the Tabbies. Grace Darling. Silver Star. Kiss Me at the Garden Gate, Blue Bird, Cow Boy, Sailor Boy, Mary, the Wild Swan of Fairyland, Charlie Chaplin, and any L.F. willing, and would Madcap Horselover (Mae M'Glusliun, .Havelock street, Ashburton) wishes to exchange -autos with Smtgglepct, Love’s Young Dream, The Dancin’ Fool, and Burma, ami wishes to know if Terras received her auto-card. Cloth of Gold (Marjorie Perrov. Pembroke! wishes to correspond with Goldie Locks. Queen Diana (Ruth G. Jenuer, care of Mr D. Dunlop, Pine Bush) wishes to correspond with Parlezvous. Josephine, A vice'a Niece, Independent, Briar Roc.?, and would A Lonesome Baby write, as her address is forgotten. Australian Boy (Jas. A. Porter, care of Mr E. A. Cameron, Wendonside) wishes to correspond with Golden Branchen, A Lonesome Melody, Lady Evelyn, The Girl He Left Behind Him, Silver Lining, Burma, Queen Telepliassa, Bluebell’s Mate, and any other L.F., 16 ve-avs and over. Would D-annabrog write again. Daisy (I. E. Hawke®. Kveburn Diggings, via Nasebyf wishes to correspond with Nibs, Jot. Moss Rose, Bonny Jean, end any L.F. willing.