DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3525, 4 October 1921, Page 63

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short let- j t-ers 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, of their school and home life, holiday trips, &c. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.”

Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Brice, 2s 6d in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO D.L.F.

BADGES. PRICE 2s 6d. We are reluctantly compelled to raise the price of the badges as, owing t-o the increased ccst of labour and materia!, tho mannfi.icti.rer is unabls to supply them at. the old rate. The badges will now be supplied post free at 2s 6d.

OLD WRITERS’ WEEK

TW EN T Y -FIRS T AY NI VE R SARI. CHRISTMAS AYD NEW YEAR. LETTERS MUST REACH THIS OFFICE DECEMBER 10. This year it lias been decided, on the suggestion of Bov, to hold the annual rewni'c. of Old Writers during Christmas and Now Year. It is hoped that by doing so wo 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 success. Letters must reach this office no later than December 10, as owing to the holidays it will lie 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 1-'- assist by not sending in any letters. T.hflr letters will be closed down on December 8.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 -words. Dear Dot, —Spring lias come, and the trees are coming into bud. We have a. large number of violets, primrc-scs. and crocuses out, also some daffodils and snowdrops. Or:* holiday,-j begin next week. Snowflake is my mate at school. We have hod very little snow this year; the only fall worth mentioning was about the time the Springboks were at Invercargill. There is a most awful storm raging just now, and the rain is coming down in torrents. I have read several books lately. Love to Snowflake and all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear soli. —Yours troiv, CORDYLIY MAID (Tokamii). Dear Dot,—The committee have decided to improve our school. The hed.os are i J eiior cut down, and a picket fence "reeled. Recently the school has been painted, and ; i; will lack quite nice when it is finished. We are haviug lovely woniher i list now. Our factory si vied to-day. 19th September. All the people are busy with their gardens, i We milk one cow, on# we have u good few ; fowls. 1 have a cat, which is called Fluff, and a calf named Snowy. We have a good : few daffodils cut, besides primroses.—Yours trulv, NEW POTATOES. I [The school will look very nice with all the recent iruprecommits.— - I .’OT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? ! I am seven years old, and in the Third Primer. We have a young calf, and Nairn,' and 1 teed it. I have two miles to walk to school. \\Y have a lb tie pup; its name i is Help. We have a nice grey cat called Tom. Best, love to the L.F., not forgetting vourself.- -Yours truly, DE VALERA. i [You are very welcome to join us, De Valera. You have wri'i- n a good letter for j so young a venter- -G -.1 Dear Dot. —We have another cow, and we milk her night and morning. Our hens have ! started to fay well now. Ten eggs have | been the most we have had. We have just ; finished our examination, and we have holii days, but we will be starting school toj morrow. I have another little sister who is i starting to write to- the page. 1 know two ! D.L.F. writers about hero. We have great 1 fun with our little baby brother. Love to j D.1.C., Hhylock, end all the oilier L.F. | Yours truly, NANCY. j Dear Dot,—lt must be months since I Inst i wrote to you. but I think you will uncier- ; stand that letter-writing has been rigid out j of the question with the little or no time ; that 1 have had lately. I wonder if any Little Folk could ted me where 1 could 1 purchase a bock called "Uncle Remus." ! This, was one of my favourite books, but my copy was lost about five years qgo at Pnkekolio. Since then 1 have tried to purchase another copy from local and city booksellers, j but without success. Another book that I j r cad recently and which I can place on my j shelf of fa voin i os was "The Miracle of Right j Thought/ by (). S. Mard-en. "Birds oi the I Bible," bv Gore Slr-dtot Porter, I think. ; would bo much appreciated by my tomrack - specially those who love oiu feathered friends. I simply can’t write nnothci pa Dot, so I will couclucle now. A rob a mi: to all the LI-’., especially our “Dear Dot.” —Yours truly, KID M'COY. Dear Dot, —We are having real spring wea-tlier here, and everything is beautiful. I The birds have started building. It is , c , wanil and ill Id that it main oiii hate 1 The las! rain did th - ground evei so much good. Ttr helped to germinate the seeds, : too. It is lovely to listen to the hcll-ldrd : sing 11 . You can hear it above .all ihe j othm- birds, for if has sin-h a loud, clear ! voice. 1 have a few flowers out in my ! garden. I have not been out for a rid’ I for ages. Two of our horses arc lame. | We found a nest of lit'le rabbits in the j garden the other day, and gave them to the

log. Erotaka i« away for a lmliday, s-o 1 L am chief cook. The contractors are net ailing the road, and ha ve a gcod bit lone. It is very rough to walk over. Bust love to Erica, Erica’e Daughter, Golden boot, Robin Adair, Cow -Boy, Jim’s Sister, k Eair Haired Lassie’s Sister, The Flower >f the Family, and Silver Shoe, not forgetting yourself and all the oilier L.F. — fours trulv, LICKLE TICKLE. Lear Lofcj—-The weather has bec-n very lot lately. _ Gi mdi Uhe - . ' a ■ 1 his eighty-first birthday. He Ims been 00 years 11 I aland. H * n oil in th< Piata- m 1801. Wc wonder how many of his shipmates are alive now. We have a school to ourselves now, and it i? not so far away from homo as the other school was. The equinox will soon Ire- here. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, DELOO. [Grandfather must have some interesting stories to relate of the early days, Delco.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I went to the concert which I last spoke about, and 1 enjoyed my sell very much. I did not go to the one in : ’ w’o teown, as it was too far to go. Next Wednesday, the 28th, is our teacher's last day, and we are getting a relieving teacher. Our third term examination will be held on Monday, an .1 I hope I pass. It has been raining lately, and, the farmers will be very glad to have it. We have the great:-r part oi our garden sown now, and the flower garden has also been fixed up. Tho willow tree is beginning to get its leaves, and at a distance it looks very pretty. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A LAD FRAE CALEDONIA. j Dear Dot, —We have two weeks’ holidays so I will tel! you about the gannets not I pen quins) we saw at Cape Kidnappers. Cape Kidnappers is whore tin Maoris stole a little black boy, a Tahitian from Captain Cook when he was vi jitii g . ?oun I New Zealand many years a<r >. The skip’s gun was fired, and tho- Maoris were so scared they ran j away and left the little- black boy. Captain 1 Cool: was very kind and fond of tin's little boy. That place- was called tho K : Inappers, and is about 3B miles from Napier. Over 2-:J of us left in cars about nine o’clock in the morning of Boxing Day. The cars were left on the beach, and we then proceeded to walk seven miles to where the gannets live for a few months each year. The last two miles is up a ste?p hill, and the path is sometimes very narrow, and a flhp in s nte ] a< s* i land you into the sea. As I was the youngest one of the pnr y I had a si rap attached to n safety. When we arrived at the gannets’ place- of abode we were glad lo find them and all their families -still at home. They are beautiful bird-, pure white, except for a f:w black feathers on their win.'. . and g'>lden heads and beaks. The - : 11 s:o :iii; • cliffs is where they build. Tho nests are all in even rows —thousands upon thousands of them. They lay one egg each (the female, I mean), and she and her mate take turns in caring for the egg. As the ge,nnot is a lit'le larger than a goose you can guc-ss tho size of an egg, and they are pure white. Some were still sitting on their eggs, others jusfc ha tolled were exact! v like lii tie bl ck india-ru! r b ills, oth r were covered*with beautiful while down, and larger ones were getting their feathers. Th - gannet decs no' a -ter.pt to run away, and on the bare cliff there is no place to hide, sc- it is very curious to see tho large young ones trying ?o hide under + he parent bird. No one is allowed to touch the birds or eggs. We just walked amongst them, ami I could not help -treking some of the dear wee ones on their rests. We got several • >shots. We ah > saw son cu pigeons 1 h / • re- i v ith their y o 11 n g. While v: e w o t e looking at these one young one rolled down tho cliff ; nt-o the ven. when the mother immediately flew down and bore it back in hoi* Iwik to its hole in the cliff. I am not quite sure, but I think Kidnappers is the only place in New Zealand where the gannet come to nest. Do you know of any other place, Dot? After a short rest and some fruit we began our seven mile wa k back to the cars, where a nic • lunch war. ready for us. You can also go by motor launch, which lands you at five foot of the cliff, and you then have just two miles to walk up the- steep cliff to gannet land. It was a very warm day, but I will never forget it. —Yours trulv, T RO i TIE. [All photos are not suitable for reproduction, Trottie. but if they were sent they would certainly be returned in good order. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Sine. I last wrote I have been on a visit to Yclnter, and had a, fine time. We spent an amount of money on cars going to end from town. Invercargill is a prettv place, but it is a little dull in the winter. We had the cutter in last week, and when they came in for breakfast we were- still in bed. Nearly all our family have been ill—my li'de sister, brother, and h iher have been in bed. We have had h-Mill if til weather this last fortnight, but i; in cold te-dav. I think the D.L.F. in filet looks nice. I am going to try it. I am fairly good at crochet., and I haw* knitted two and a-half pairs of socks. We have given up our f; rm, but hiu e made n > arrangements vet. I will tell yen if we change our address. L-.-v.-_ to all my correspondents and the L.F., not forgettim. v o u r so 1 f. —Yo u r s 1 r u 1 v, YELNA. [1 hone the familv are now quite better, Yelna. -DOT.] Denr Dot. May 1 joii ; v< ha] I go to Ca vers ham School. 1 ye a vs oi d. and an; i n wni da 1 Tl. Wo spent a holiday a* Brighio.:. and 1 enjoyed myself very much. Love to tin* b.'-.. not forgetting vourself. —Tours i nilv. MOUNTAINEER. [You are most welcome to j in in. Mountaineer. Are you a budding alpinist, os what significance attaches to vonr D.D.P.? Tell us in your next letter.— \ Dear Dot.—] have been tYr my tern: hoddays away down past Wuimatv to th.1 fought - Set Demerit and v< ry murh. r l : n ai thev taste ton muddy. Th> weather has been v<-ry dry ln-rc. and there is not much raining, and the grass is looking quite green already. 1 am reading a book called “Six Id it! ’ v Z< n ; " • 1 : 1 think is a very nice little story. I have just had two little dove- eiven lo me, and I must feed them well. We have n -t be tight, n gra u m phono, a w cl w o on j o y f 1; e 11 . r be ve r y much. I have m t seen any more letters from Bov Blue in the Witne-w Love to all the D.L.F., mid much for vourself.— Yours truly, BOATING BERTIE. Dear Dot, —“May I join your, happy band of L.F. ? I am 11 years old. and i am ii Standard ill. We have 12 hens, and w< I get about nine eggs a day. We ha e <mi i potatoes planted. 1 have to walk thr< o an a-half miles to school. We have ten cows

My uncle is staying ho i-e just now. Our - - . d wa like him very much. — Vctirs truly, FLAX BUSH. JYou are very welcome to join us, Flax Bush. -DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just hwun school after our Urm holidays. J will tell you how 1 spent them. 1 gathered cones all one day. We had the cutter in, and had :o carry the lunch up to the pc :ldc>c*k ill the gig. Then I helped dad cart the chaff down to the house, and superintended, the hauling of the hut up the paddock. 1 went io Nightcaps and raihd mu skins to Dunedin, and accompanied dad to Win ton. Wo were nearly frozen on our w sy. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, EZRA. [You certainly had rn interesting time during your holidays, Ezra.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since I last wrote very little lias happened; in this dreary place called Orari. This month being the second month, oi spring everytlung is at its best, the crops arc looking extremely well. The lambs are doing all right with the lovely spring weather, which only broke yesterday, and wo have liad a regular downpour both yesterday nnd to-day of much-needed and longloo hod-lor rain. There will be plenty of gra-5 irom now cn. Best love to Kim, A Soldier’s Love, Dreamy Eyes, and White Iris, not forgetting your clear self.—Yours truly, THE MASKED RIDER. Dear Dot, —May I join vour happy band? 1 have lour brotheis—two have left school, and two are going. lam in Standard 111, and have 3.j miles to wall: to school. A\ o have our potatoes in. We have I*2 hens, and got about nine eggs a day. Wc have four horses, and one i s yet tO i be broken in. My brother is trapping rabbits. One of our dogs got caught in a trap this morning. Wc did not go to school to-day, as it was raining.—Yours truly, LATA blossom. [Certainly you may join us, Rata Blos-som.--DOT.] Dear Dot, —There a<*re a lot cl lambs about here. We have a brood of chicks hatched. Oul baby is ten months old. 'there are a. lot of paradise duel . > :1 lot of pigeons. Tho ducks make tlieir nests in a Ire 2 ; when the little ducks ha cl: the old ones- carry thorn down to the water 'on their h; ck' : The ducks make their nests m tho spring. My sister and J have been help mg’ dad b’- n some send) and stumps. 1 have chopped a lot of wa a! to-u;ght. I found a* duck's ik to-day. We lave some peas coming up. and we have some primroses cut. V • n kii eggs. Tim re will coon be u lot of daffodils out in. I ha ther shed to-day. Wcv have a !\:ii sitting on some c . - ; -be will ■ f in two we< ks. —Ycmrs truly, MBS . Dear Dot.—May I joii ur bappy 1 and ? l (hr Jlfl . .' . i. 1 am 10 v''ai> old," an • iv. Stazfi •.1 11. We have liati bud tveatber r th la it lev i at to-iiav lias U.-n wry fine. I have a B°.? culled W Lf, and 1“ ii full ot nnachief. I have a rabbit '-o, ai.d every da.-' I father iliistles for her. Love to all tlie L.F., not i fometlfiig yotiv. 1 sif. —Yotira truly, < rOLDFINCH. ry 0 u -.|.pn:l,-ivc no diln.-ufi -in securing plenty" of irreen .Vv.fi at present. Goldfinch. —HOT.] Dear Dot.—-M..v I join ".ur happy band? ] [j v< sst, and I s ball b-e in tho Sixth St and* ul at school ii 1 pass. Misa |{ bn , n < 1 in m every Monday n> teu::fi danciny. a d then home with the 5.50 p.m. train again. 1 go ;° the Hi ah School, and I h ve only a Ultk. v .., v if , ~0 . 1 ji ■ i a r,ir.r.il farm, imdi tixorfi. is“p’entv of r< : o ab n 'ur nlace. Cur examination is l ■ ■■ ;■ ‘ " ‘‘g o , > by c camii d I >y i ’ headi ;-a sr, Mr the end oi the* four a in * L enjoy re.> ling “Comic C uts” m I o*h r boohs. There are a (j u .:il number of child..- -n eomj, to the High School who vrite to you. \Y< ha\- finish I or: holidays n>w and aro ~ . . . ...... Love lo the L.F., and' no- forgetflu- your own d.ur self lo;irs lr: ■ ’ bcttekfly. [Pie;;enclose your own nan- as well as your N.D.ifi in your next letter. Butterfly. DOT.] i), ir j JO (- i a . : , -seven years old. Ido r. -o i„ school’, as die nearest school is 14 miles irom here, but my little brother ind I 1 urn oui lessc at borne. e used ~, ; :• VIV V. ra! ii, but ay< ai ago we came to Africa, and got a farm in Rhodesia. The i .i: Lie are J.M libs tn • mans m Yev. Zealand. 11 r arc no ices here, and little black : ’ ■ ' "G? cattle all day. and .hey are put in a M'd at night. I b - ro --‘ >l 1 '' l '. V‘ I ! leopards in Rime! -aa. but not in this pait ! Ti fir- art a bv of amm; 1- here tha . wo did not see in N w Z a» 1. Tli « an, monkeys, jackals, hyenas, porcupines wild ostrich, tonoise, and a tunny an _ ' like a small kangaroo called n spring na There are a lot of sm ill ever ao..ltw A , ~u l sliot a tirrer cat on our farm. D v.r.;. v M v - d • ■" f] e ‘ni ali -. ' One’ A?y diddy saw a i t ’ in" liis mealies, and some of them bad .PlcUm oik-vs on their backs. They always k, i, avutinel on a high place, and when jf, I are disturbed they tuck some meahe ciibs under their arms and skamper off. s. -..1e1in." they try vo taae too many, and fi,.; , ,h.-’n as thev i un. V. hen t:io monkeys ~. mo'liif* from one place to anotner they inarch in a cohmm,, four ab,vast , ... , „ r-icli There ate cio aura fn the rivers here a: ; wc 1"". sen ; ‘I 1 , - Tin., -re like duck only V’l" ... Vio+‘- si th. P< pie uso Wil , "her* in to .. t hors , It takes fourteen Rocks to pu. *: nil a donkev i-hat we rid-e a. .", vl times ii * s under ara am brushes t 3 t VI 1i vc two pigs i, ; . “ . a ! \V< .-..vc . \v< • : a pet t. ’-oFr." but 1 ’ it did not eat. so we let tt j. Y-bcm T can wil I ;v ".in and tel! :"i ' the 11 here. Yours truly, y y;/ u j K : *;sIAN. ' l ‘ St TO : ' : 1 i id raid wo lid like to -u 11 Bug re.- -DOT.] Dear i)ot-Ma'* I je*in v«mr .i.i - l Littie F„lk’> lam eight years obi. and am m llte Seco, 1 S, laid Our t m bolu - have come to an m l. ■ H i T n hack t id n a= I have had a j,. a [cold V. >co - and milking two. We have . n calf now. 1 mt.cn led two night - at the •, zaar here, ami it was a gr< a suecc 1 do not know :: vD LF about 1 •bl t 1 think some sc"bool friends vt min Vie goovr .- w, te to the I'iio-e. The in-', ct. r .vat '. '• "" at school , ,; ;i . I. 11 the D.L.F. writers and ' r,T rt nL-rpi7 CAD RIGAN Th. [1 hope the ccld U better, dear.—DOT.)

Chinese properly deeds or leases often have a hundred .• u natures. The reason is that land is usually owned by syndicates, and agreements must I,© signed by every member of an organisation,

Dear Dot, —Tangles Woimie is an Old Writer now, so- I hope she will write to the page in Old Writers’ Week. The-re is a new writer to the page who lives next door to ns, and we have a hard job in finding his xST.D.P. I know about 20 L.F. aboait here, but I don’t know their jNT.D.P.’s. It is hard to remember all of iheiT names, eo I often watch the autos to find them out. Dreadnought Diok lives beside us. His father is a gardener. We have all been down the coal mine, except mum. Have you even been down one, Dot? We still have the whooping cough yet. It is horrible. There are a few spring flowers cut about here. The fruit trees are in full blossom. Dost wishes to nil Dittle Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, NOBODY KNOWS NOBODY CARES. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? My Eister has been writing- to the page for two years. Me have a few spring flowers Tlie fruit trees are in blo-seom, and they make the plsce look pretty. Best wishes to all Dittle Folk, not forgetting , your self.—Yours truly, j LADY BURS TALL (Alexandra). ] ixlt ] a? ° M °tcome to join us, dear. i Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote I have had my top teeth out, and have still two to be taken out. I expect to get my artificial sot just before Christmas. My birthday is on Wednesdayand 1 will bo 13. We have been working in the garden at school lately. \Ve had our term examination reports home the other night, and I passed. It will not , be long before the proficiency examination, and I hope I pass, as I would rather bo at. home than school. The school hockey team ; had their photos taken about three weeks j ago. and we got our politos yesterday., T here , was a large house destroyed by fire a few weeks ago, and the people got out safely.— Yours truly, MORNING STAR. [I hope you are equally successful in the proficiency test, Morning Star.—DOT. 3 L)oar Dot,—lt i 3 blowing very hard tonight. We have just finished our term I holidays. I can walk on stilts, and’ have i some good fun. One day a boy was here j &tid he fell off the stilts into the manure j heap. He washed his clothes in the horse ! trough before- he could come into the house, j There is a new factory manager at the facj tory. We have 16 clucks, and we get about I six or eight eggs a day. Two of our clucks : are sitting. We have four chickens—two i white ones and twq black ones. We are i Milking- one cow. \Ve have two pigs, and j they are black. I sometimes go bird nestj ln o> but I cio not euceee-d in getting' many j ®Sfeß. I will be going to the dentist some of those days to get two or three teeth out, and lam not anxious tq- go*. Marbles are all the go at school. I sometimes win a few.— i. ours truly, MR. NOBODY. [Your friend picked a rather disagreeable place to land, Mr Nobody—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is glorious weather here at You will see by this J have changed my address. I like up here oil only it is a bit lonely, but I suppose T will get over that. There is a- bazaar in Rox- i burgh this week, but I am not go in g, as it is too far away. There was a ball here last week, but I was not at that either, but I heard it was a suocess. My sister passed her examination at school and got her pro- ! ficiency, so sh© will be leaving school" at ' Christmas, I suppose. My father is very l bad with rheumatism at present, and hobbles I about with a stick. The people lam with i have fowls. ke got 22 eggs to-clay and 26 t yesterday, so that is not bad. With kindest ! regards to A Simple Melody, Eunice, Gabriel Grub, Highland Lacidic, Kim, Parsons a, , Siivey Dining, Lady Joan’s' Companion, Mind i Lark s Mate, not forgetting yourself.—Yours i truly, LIZETTA. j Dear Dot,— May I become a member of your happy band of writers? I know a good many D.L.F. in this district. We had our examination a few weeks ago, and 1 I felt pleased when it was over-. Spring has | found her way round again, making ©very- j thing look so nice and fresh. All the fruit ] trees are out in bloom, but some, however, j have not many blos-soms. Dove to Freckles, j Freckles’ Mate, Dove in a- Mist, and yourself, l —Yours truly, ONLY A GIRD. [Examinations are always a trial, and it is ' a relief when they are over.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have gained my proficiency, and I am now 12 years of age. ~ We have been having real spring weather lately, and the garden is full of beautiful spring flowers. The young lambs are skipping about the paddocks now, and they look so happy. All the paddocks look so- green, and the fruit tress are in. blossom. We have been having j frosts lately, but whether the fruit trees are j spoilt or not Ido not know. lam read- - irrg a book named “The Lonesome Trail,” ! the author of which is B. M. Bower. There are quite a number of D.F. write to you from such a small locality as this, and I I think I know them ail. With love to Poor ’ Pidge, Lickle Tickle, Milkmaid, Daffodil, and ' all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.— 1 Yours truly, BEAUTIFDD, STAR. ; Dear Dot, —I am nine years old, and I am in Standard lat school. We had some rain ; here last week, and it has clone a- lot of j good. We are six cows just now, j and are getting a lot of milk. Love to all i the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours j truly, THE PEA BLOSSOM. j Dear Dot, —We have had our examination, ! but I don’t know if I have passed. The carpenters are at the dairy factory building a separating plant on to it. My brother and I are going to Tuatapere for our holiday. Our holidays will be in another week. My brother got a book called “Little Folk’s Sto-v Book” for winning a spielling race, j This book has lots of stories and songs and poems in it. My mother kept me at home to-day to help her with the washing and mind the dinner. Last month wo had very snowy weather. Love to all the Little Folk, and best wishes to Sea Queen, Welsh Maid, Sun Princess, A Mountain Rata, Little White Lily, A Rosebud, Little Miss Mullet, j —Yours truly, SWEET VIOLET. j [I hope you enjoy your- holidays, Sweet j Violet.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have had (quite a lot of rain lately, but to-day was lovely and sunny. | There was a football tournament her© about I a fortnight ago, and I had a splendid time. The school was closed down for- two weeks with influenza, but is opening again on Monday. The inspector is coming on the fifth of next month, and I hope I shall pass. Most of our fruit tree© are in blossom now, and our daffodils are out in, full bloom. There are a good few lambs about now, and I like watching them as they play about in the paddocks. My brother has a dear wee black pup, and we call him Nigger. lie. and our pet lamb or-© great friends. There was a concert here last Wednesday, but wo did not go as it was very wot and the roads are very slippery. My little brother has a hock of sheep of Lis own, and two of them Dad triplets, and he ra very proud cf them.

! love to all the Little Folk, especially A Wattle Flower and yourself.—Yours truly, BILL (Ngapara). Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather here just now. The dairy factory has started again, and is receiving quite a large supply of milk. The farmers are very busy planting potatoes while the fine weather is on. About two months ago I went for a holiday to Gore, and enjoyed myself very much. There are quite a lot of young lambs about here now. My brother and a friend of his have bought a dairy farm about a. mile from here. I was at a fancy : dress ball in Momona last week, and it was | very nice. Love to Kehilere, Gladwise, A Simple Melody, and all my correspondents, i not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, GLOAMING. Dear Dot, —There was a spinsters and bene- | diets’ plain and fancy dross ball held here last Friday week, and it turned out a great : success, the hall being packed with people. It is a beautiful day to-day, and as I thought it was too warm to be sitting inside : I have taken the opportunity to write my ! letters out on the verandah. Although I like ; school very much I will be glad when w© i are given our Christmas holidays, as I am looking forward to having a good time. Our flower garden looks very pretty now with all the spring- flowers out. The pansies, primroses and daffodils all look very pretty, both in the gardens and in the vases. The birds are now beginning to build their nests, and they seem, to be very busy, as they are seen flying backwards -and forwards to their nests carrying pieces o-f straw and sticks. Love to the Little Folk. —Your 3 truly, MARECHAIL NIEL. Dear Dot, —It is with much pleasure I read the D.L.F. letters, but I think I should read them with more if I have a letter in myself, so I have decided to ask you. if I may join your happy band. The Wanganui Amateur and Dramatic Society have just finished a season of six nights cf their play caliod ‘‘The Ciugalee,” and I believe it was very good. I work at dressmaking, and we made several dresses for some of those who took part in it, and they were lovely when finished. I did not think so before because I had to forfeit my half-holiday to finish one of them. I read in one of the letters where the daffodils and jonquils were coming out. Ours have bloomed and gone, and our ixias are in bloom now, but up north here tire cold is not so severe and the bulbs bloom quicker. W.e had large beds of frea-sias, and when the doors were shut you could scent them in the house, but they are all gone now, whereas they will be just flowering down your way. Have you ever read “The Harvester,” Dot'?; it is one of Jean Stratton Porter’s books, and it is absolutely lovely. There are a few people who do not like Zano Grey’s kooks, but I like them. Love to- all the Little Folks, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, DESTINY 11. [The north is much earlier than wa are, but we are able to enjoy the beauty Of our flowers a little later.—DOT.! Dear Dot, —It is raining her© to-day. I am- reading a bock named “Jean of the Lazy A.” The last book I read was “The Gold Girl,” and I liked it very much. That great explosion at Oppau on the French border must have been an awful thing when it wrecked the whole village, and the concussion felt miles away. There is a dance here on Friday, and I think I will be going. Love to- all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours trulv, WILDFIRE OF TEXAS. Dear Dc-t, —We have had quite a long spell of dry weather, and everyone was crying out for rain. They got it; it has simply poured down, in torrents since last Sunday. Tanks that were empty are overflowing now, and there are lakes of water everywhere. The birds are all very busy building their nests. I was up in the bush very early last Sunday morning, and was quite amused watching therm. When I scattered crumbs for them what a merry party they ha-cl. They all knocked off work to com© to the feast. The little tom-tits and fantails are very tame, and will come close up to me. One cheeky little fantail hopped up and picked a crumb off the toe of my boot. Up on a tall birch sat an old kaka, watching the performance. I don’t think he quite approved of it. I heard the cuckoo this morning as I was going for our milk. He is up to time as usual. Football is over for the year. They irlayed their last match last Saturday. The Rangataua team have clone splendidly, being the winners of two cups and a shield. We have just finished our term examination, but I am sorry to say I did not come top of my class this time. [ have been busy to-day sawing wood in blocks for the range. The wood is birch, and it is full of holes, made by a grub that is found in it. The first time I saw him he gave- me the creeps. He is about two inches long, .with two horns on his head with which he bores his way through the wood. He starts at, the root and goes right to the top. The hole is about as big as a shilling, and perfectly round; you would think it was done by an auger. He can give you a nice pinch, and he is the same colour as the birch, but won’t live long- out of the wood. 1 quite enjoyed reading the Cosy Corner letters to Esther. Mother- is very interested in “Medical Practice in Otago and Southland.” Grandad was at the Gabriel Gully gold rush, and was with the first lot of diggers that found gold at Round Hill. Grandma saved a man’s life there. A fall of earth came down - on him, leaving only liis hee-d out, and grandma scraped the earth, away with her hands, cutting them dreadfully. She g-ot enough earth away to let him breath© till help came. He rewarded grandma by giving her a brooch made out of the first nugget he found. My dog Nigger is very useful now; he helps me to carry in the wood. He just loves to carry the basket when I go a message. The Witness comes by post every Saturday morning, and he is so proud when the postman gives it. to him to carry in to mother. Dad and mother are very busy making a garden. We can't put potatoes in till nearly Christmas on account of the frosts. You get them any old time here, and usually when your garden is at its best. My garden is doing well; this rain brought all the seeds us. I have some very pretty pansies coming out, and I shall have a nice lot of lilies out later on. Kindest regards to- all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself, JERRY JOY (Rangataua). [I have seen the holes in the birch, Jerry, but have not seen the grub, and I am not particularly anxious to, as they don't appeal to me.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Although I have often read the letters of the L.F. 1 have not written. Now I ask you. if 1 may do so. lam working hard for my proficiency. I enjoy reading very much. The last book I read was called “Sweet Stranger.” Do you know what La Montmartrois’s address is? The inspector is coming to our school next Thursday. Best wishes to the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, HEATHER. [You are very Welcome to join us, Heather. —DOT.] Dear I)ot, —The schoolboys and I had a, good game of football yesterday against Ardlussa boys. Ardlusea boys played very

well. \\e played the football match over in my raid© Bill's paddock. Ardlussa- beat t* S *°i nib Campfire Gill is away home |? J 1 ?*? her father and mother to milk cows. I think they- are going to milk 30. We are going to milk 40 cows for the factory this year. We are getting the cowbyre ready. Crimbo my brother, and I went to Sunday school to-day, and we rede on horse-back, biivor Fern is up homo for a holiday; I thmk she is going to stay a week. We have a. cow sick, and don’t know what is wrong !" 11 “er. My auntie and uncle are going <> open their tennis court next week, and ion we will get a good game of tennis. T'other took my little sister down to the hospital get her adenoids and tonsils cut. f iy brother 13 away over to get Silver Fern to come over and see me because dad and mother are away down the paddock to see 1 he cows. 1 ire flowers arc looking very nice just now. I V. as over at my auntie's place lor my hoadays about two weeks ago,' and •also went over to Motor Girl’s place.’ Our man got ail Jus, teeth out on Thursday, and lua gums are sore. Love to Campfire Girl and Her Mate, Motor Girl and Her Sweetheart-, Silver Fern, Heather, Sweet Kid's Mato,, v/i-imbft, Dad's Manager, Music Girl, Jumping; Jack, Dreamy Mick, Aunty Girl, Little Y hit© Lily, Beautiful Ohio, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN LILY. Dear Dot, —-We have had our term holidays. We v.v-re given three weeks this eim, but if Jubilee- Week had not been then we would only have had two. School s "V.^G?ain on September 20, and it seems a bit different after holidays. One of cur teachers has gone away for a holiday, as lie bad a bad tune- with pneumonia. In his place we have one of our old teachers. Ho is going to some university, but as he had holidays he came back to teach us while the other teacher is away. Wo are having splendid weather down this wav, but some days it 13 pretty windy. Love to all the L.bnot fongetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, BLAZING ARROW. Lear Dot, It is fairly warm here now. 1 told you m my first letter that I had five brothers. vYcl], the smallest one is sick, and I have to stray at home. Wo usually get out of bed at seven o’clock, but this morning three of my brothers did rut yet up till nearly nine. One of them is married. Cecil is 13, and he has been cutting the grass. I will be playing at the compel” tiona on Saturday, the 2-lth September, in the morning at 10 a.m. .Love to all the D.L.F, and yourself.—Yours truly, "OH BY JINGO. [I see you secured second place, Oil By Jmgo, and I congratulate you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I will relate to you some of my holiday experiences. I arrived at Wuikcuaiti at about half-past five. From the station I proceeded to my auntie’s place, which j. reached about a quarter to six, and as it was nearly dark then I did not sec much of the place that night. ft was nice and sunny next day, and I had a good look round. The Waikouaiti River flows quite close to the house, so- ,youi m-ay be sure I spent a good deal of timj© clown there. I was also on the river for a row, and I think rowing is very pleasant. In the mornings I often went over to the eheds and hcljud 'my aunt with the separating, and sometimes I he.ped her to wash up the parts of the separator. I think separating is very interesting work. One Sunday I went for a walk with my cousin, and i am sure I don’t know how many miles w© walked that day. I was a little tired when we reached home, but not much, for I am used to walking', and I am very fond of it, especially if my walk leads me through bush. As my auntie’s pi-ace was a good distance from the township my cousin and I rode in for the mail every day on the bicycles, and sometimes the ride home was pretty stiff work, as we often had a head wind. I enjoyed the rides very much, and I miss- them now that I am heme again. On© afternoon I went out to Karitane Beach, and although I was not there long I enjoyed the hour or two immensely. I love to sit on the beach and watch the waves com© tumbling and tossing on the- shore and to- hear the steady boom of the waves lashing against the rocks and cliffs. I could spend hours on the rock-3 exploring in the crevices and little pools, finding all sorts of curious tilings. My idea of an ideal holiday would be onespent at the seaside where I could spend all my time on the beach or among the rocks. Altogether I had a lovely holiday, and I was very sorry to leave it all. It is very nice here to-day, and it makes on© want to stay outside; it is so lovely -and sunny. There is to be a fancy dress ball here to-night, and I am going along for a while. -.ext month there is to be a bazaar; I hoqio it will turn cut a success. Love to Australian Boy, Roseday, A Girl of the .Bush, Milkmaid, Pancake, Peg of My Heart, ’Maypole Queen, and all other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MAID OF ATHENS. [I am glad you had such a delightful holiday, Maid of Athens. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Southland's jubilee week is now over. We had a week’s holiday for it, and I enjoyed myself very much. The weather was good, and as I was able to go out it made my holiday more pleasant. On Monday I went to a. birthday party, and on Wednesday to a procession. My sister has had the mumps, but is now getting better. I am reading a, book by Mrs Henry Wood called “The Channings,” and it is very good. Love to all the IDF., especially- Miss Mischief and yourself.—Yours truly, MISS INNOCENCE. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am six years old, and in Standard I. W© have two cows in. I have on© sister whogoe» to school, and two brothers going to school, too. We are having our holidays to-morrow. I have one brother not going to school yet, but he- is going to school next year. He is four. We had a lamb, but it died. —Yours truly, LITTLE BLUE VIOLET. [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band ? I am eight years old, and I am in Standard 11. I have one sister and two brothers going to school with me. Wo are having lovely weather just now. We are having our holidays now, and I am glad. We are having a game of football to-morrow, and my two brothers are going. We had a pet lamb, and it died. We are milktwo cows. Our trees are all in blossom, and nearly all our flowers are out. I like the flowers. I have a mile to go to school. The inspector is coming to school after the term holidays. My youngest brother is starting school next year, and ho is four yon rs old. We have a. great big sleeping doll, and it is a pretty one. My brother has an accord-eon, and he- can play a lot of tunes. My mother lias a baby, and she is a year old. There are thirteen in our family. My sister did a painting, and it was verv good.—Yours truly, NARCISSUS. [Yon neglected to stamp your letter, Narcissus, and the office has had (o pay fourpence deficient postage. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—lf a person should climb a little way up the hill at the back of Maangatua he would be well rewarded for his

exertion, for the view that meets the eye, especially at this time oi the year, is a picture that will long remain in that person’s memory. For in the springtime one can see the squares of green dotted all over ; with grazing cattle. Occasionally a blaze of red or white miay be seen; these mark the dwelling places, alongside of which may be seen the more sombre barns, stables, etc. On© can also see the glittering ribbons of silver which mark the streams flowing under numerous white bridges, with the roadways almost as white stretching away into the distance, and away to the south the rippling surface of Lake Waihola can be discerned glittering like molten silver in the sun. But I suppose, Dot, this picture is only one of many to bo seen in New Zealand in this season. I don’t know wliat- mad© me say all this, Dot. but still one baa to say eomefhing. We have four chickens so far; they are a-obufc a month old now. My brother and sister went to a fancy dress ball at Momona on Friday night, mv brother as a soldier and my sister as a menry-go-round. I am supposed to be a regular book-worm, but still I like reading. I have read a few good books recently, including “Chip of the Flying U,” “Her Prairie Knight,” “The Great Round Up,” “The Man Trail,’ and am just about to read “The Snow Burnet.” The two last named are -about the timber industry of the Great North-West. Love to Primulu, Burma, Neva wore, all the L.F.,' and yourself.—Yours trulv, STFAMBOAT. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am eight years oil. and in Standard I at school. I like school very much. We have a dog called Nelly and two dear little pups called Tip and Tweed. I have a dear little rabbit, and it is a trick. We have a cat called Tiddlcs, and she is one year older than I am. We have three cows, but only one is milking just now. Love to yourself.—Yours truly, 6 KEWPIE. [I have posted the bedew clear, and hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having good weather. Since the rain last Saturday the grass has become much greener. The farmers about here are busy working up their ground to sow their sparing crops. Last week two of our cows calved, and now they are giving a good quantity of milk. Last Wednesday week we gave our teacher a farewell social and dance. She will soon be leaving the district, and I am very sorry, because I do net think that we shall get a much better one. I am in Standard Y, and will soon be 13 years old. To-morrow night lii-r© is going to be a big picture on in Arrow-town, and I am going to try and g-o to it.—Yours I i nly. THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIYER. [I have made the change and posted tile badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am back at school again. I cannot say that I am glad, for I do not like lessons very much. There was a seven-a-side football tournament in Oamaru last. Saturday, and we were all allowed down to see it. The school had two teams entered, and in the final they had to play against, each other. After a hard fight the B team won by 15 points to 10. At _ the end of last term we bad to go into a militant camp. We had to drill for more than five hours a day, but the time passed very quickly. The last clay the artillery fired off about 20 sheds at a barrel out at _»ra, but it was never Lit. The cricket, season has started now. and we were all divided into different groups to be taught by the masters. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Y’ou rs truly, EDITH. [The artillery will need to improve their aim, Edith. —DOT.] Dear Dot-, —I have left Hakataramea, and I ami on a milk run in Oamaru. It is a better job than the other. I left my other place about four months ago. lam going to a school concert on Wednesday night. Beet love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, ' STAR OF THE DOWNS (Oamaru). Dear Dot, —I am going to write you a letter. lam in Standard lat school. We live on a farm, and have about 100 wee lambs, and two pet ones—Peter and Molly. We are feeding seven calves. All the fruit trees are coining out in flower now. We get about 50 eggs a day. We have 11 young! ducks out of 13 eggs. Love to Mud Lark and all the other Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, SNAPDRAGON. [Will you please enclose your name and address with "your next letter, Snapdragon. DOT.] Bear Dot, —Will you accept me es on- of your L.F.? I live on a small farm about three-quarters of a mile out of Milton. I am 13 years of age, and I shall be in the Sixth Standard at Christmas if I pass. I know several of your L.F. in Milton. I have four brothers and two sisters. One of my sisters has left school, and is now at work. We have five cows, but there are only- two milking just now. My father lias a large vegetable garden with a path all round it. We have had our examination holidays, and are back at school again. I learn step dancing from Miss Robinson, who comes out from Dunedin to teach us every Monday. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, SPECKY. [You are verv welcome to join us, Specky. —DOT.] Dear Dot,- —Some of the boys here were in bathing yesterday. My baby sister can cay cat now. There is a bazaar here soon, and it is lasting for two days. lam putting some sewing ill the show to-morrow, so is Moon Moth and Madcap Molly, but we are not putting in the same thing. lam entering a book cover. There is a new teacher here. Ho teaches the secondary school. A plav ©ailed “The Haunted Room” went down to show at Waikouaiti to-night. The gardens here are looking very pretty with daffodils. We are having oru examination at school now, and w© will lie promoted at the beginning of next month. I hope to pass into Standard 111. Love to A Spring Croons, Moon Moth, Madcap Molly, and A Wattle Flower, not forgetting your own self.—Yours trulv, RED RIDING HOOD. [I hop© you are successful with your sewing, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here has been very hot lately. “Odds and Ends” from "Sinbad the Sailor” pantomime were showing here on Saturday . night. I went, and I thought it was very nice indeed. We write our Navy League essay on Admiral Blake on Friday, but as we have to get all we know about him. off by memory I don't know much to write about. There is a cricket club being formed here. The Palmerston spring flower show ia on to-morrow; I have entered for several different things, _ hut I don’t think I will carry off any prizes. The hockey season ia nearly over here, and J sha-11 be very sorry, as I like hockey. There was a basketball match here some days ago between Hampden and Palmerston, Hampden winning with 10 scores to 8. My m-ollier is back from Wellington after an enjoyable holiday. The daffodils and other spring flowers are look* ing very pretty at present. We have nob a very nice garden here, although most t>4

our house is covered with roses, hut they are not out yet. Love to Sunshine Girl, Madcap Molly. Led Kidinq- Hood, A Wattle Flower, and A Spring Crccu.s, and all other L.F. —Yours truly, MOON MOTH. Dear Dot, —The weather here has been lovely lately. The boys were down swimming yesterday. St. Leon’s Circus was showing here last Wednesday, and I went. To-morrow there is a flower show here. We are having cur Navy League essay on Friday. On Saturday ‘'Odds and Ends” from “Sinbad the Sailor” were showing, and Moon Moth and I went, and we liked it very much, j On the Ist of October there is going to be a bazaar in aid of St. Mary’s Church, so there is plenty on here just now. Love t-o Sunshine Girl and Moon Moth, not forgetting your own dear self, also Spring Crocus, A Wattle Flower, Hod Hiding Hoed. —Yours trul v, MADCAP MOLLY. Dear Dot-,—May I join your happy band? I am eleven years old, and I am in the Third Standard. I like going to school, as we have a nice teacher. I have been staying at Raurekau with my sister, The Maid of the Mist. There is some beautiful bush out there. I had five ducks, but one died. I am preparing for our examination, and I think I will succeed. Love to all the L.F.. not forgetting vourself. —Yours truly, WEE WILLIE WfNKIE. [You are very welcome to join us, Wee Willie.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk ? I am 1:1 years old. and I am in the Sixth Standard. T have about half i a mile to go to school. I have been staying at Raurekau for a short holiday, which I enjoved very much. Whip out there T nvt Co Pen a, The Flower of the Family, Silver Sh •. and J a Sym - n We ar< ! having our examination in a month’s time, j and I hope 1o get my proficiency. All \ • - is a: •. this is sprii g. ■ i, etc., have j made their appe-amneLove to oil the D.L.F., not forgetting vn-rsolf.—Yours truly, MAID OF THE MIST.' ,r C h w i. sh , meets* in the examination, Mu id of tli" M- . -HOT.] Hear Dot. —Wc were- on! onr r.-v-Vs ronco on Sunday, ami n:v r .-isin granted to hurry up and v.-rito. ‘ My cousin is out ■wcrkmsf f>-r such nio? pe-. nle. She e<ris home every - - - I, ' , ' . n ,; ( ... 5 ,,.; ■ s :c • r rain, which is verv welcome :t.:er so much dry weather. Tiie wardens are 1c kinsr beautiful at present and* ther° - such a loveh- show of daft ,’iUi. They are r welcome after the lone- wm+ai-. I think I, know who Hongi and Bubbles are; I see them passing every we civ f< r music'. AW hev - most of onr vegef seed- in. and a few potatoes. AVitli best love in Kon-d and Bubbles, Milkmaid. M d0,....w ; oj n i,. Housekeeper, A Beautiful Star, and all t-,? res!, not forgetting your own dear self 1 ours truly, PIGTAIL (AVlv:nuakou'i. i _ 1 1 is . ry quiet Irere at present, ’ on Friaav the returned -- ;.p j lO i r j their annual ball. The hail was rV-„n' V wiih fines and Chinese lanterns. \ s ‘ as dances, etc., go tin's 1 - for. md tliey • > a lons- Vav towards re ' ' the monotony of "vet un in the morning, work all dav, and come home + o • ■ J /-■ riight." One of the tend era «ho *®asrl i at the s hool here was married retook a tri » < awn here with bio b.-me ef course. The train arrived at I n fj 0 . 10 ;,' 1 A n of us went up to ‘ h .--I’lion and tm-cannpd them home. ” "C V a le and I -. nl out shooting As ihc rabi'us are scarce down here we had ? s oc:i time clambcrinc over burnt ■ - 3 * ■ n ;■ thr ugh several barlvedArlre “ fences and t< re our coals. TS e rabbits V e s* very timid, and were hard to get a L. :i ' tl’.cv were always on the move ,‘V e -hi sec no more rabbits to ---y ' -- - - pnt c-artridse shells up on stunms and I at them. Tiie lc-uiKs of (he aftm- ] 3 8 - r « two raid its m d e dozen ST. 30 ol three-corned tears in onr is i st regards to cl! the L.F f , s asa > an '• of < ui mr’self.—y ".C lIAIYAIIAX BIUEBIRD Kahuika). . P .- 11 - - , , v. c ’flier up here has boon d 'V 119 ! 2A? \ '■ "■ has been a bit windv to-oay We nan our echos! examination th/°'A IS3t and r ' stalled io do ,' 1 .st*”!* a few days ago. brothei s starting school on Monday OTl '-n T T' :illV '’' V ' S ’? yS ‘ lO 19 to I,C bo can v- rife praperlv. I ' ' 1 ; - in my gan n. The hare ■ kens, and it, - , c , v „ rv fm ' ' ’ - We Imi fiftv hens, anil i ' ' ; eges a day WV have - - and T 1 >ve rea ' i ' siing. J • ?* Ve finished renriing* a book ‘caller] : Washington.” and' if ‘ was ’■ Yo°ur1 !I truh LF ” not JUXE. ft a« , yon have liad su h a suecessVI.' DOT] y °" a,e J '°' V 111 r ? t ’ — F®. Jlav ® J >cen having- glorious e ' ,t , h' lt f. h- - ; I feel a.s if 1 could go and bask in the sun all day lorm Have ’-on ever read •'The Girl of the Li.nberlost It ia just perfect. W'e had an arithmetic te-.t at school tne other night, but I do not know how I got on. Most of our daffodils are about done now, but our narcissi ore just beginning to flower. Our plum trees are green now instead of white. 1 am going to a birthday party on Saturday, so I h pc to have a good time. I went “to a barn-- p social last Saturday, and enjoyed m ; very much. Mother has gone out for a motor ride with some friends, bo f :: ' ■ I hav ■ t i be at auntie’s at el -veil, and it is now five minutes fo, so 1 ! a e to fly. Love to all the D.L.F., lad forgetting v'ousclf. — Tours iruly. CASTAWAY JESS. Hear Dot.—Our liens arc laving well now t 20 eggs evei j da v. We are niie.iiig i vo cows, and the faciory will soon district. Wo are hav*.ovely weather. Our spring flowers are I’ yonim With love to White Rabbit’s 1 !i . A Maid oi St apa Flow, tru: -. '" U k oui ALP] ■ v EA RT - 1 v-f »>'••••• v.-e arc experiencing fields and : b' ; ’ ” - - • ’iy l l idcing^'or 0 b.-tb than swimn -- ; stn rt - 1 ]' 0 aot at at to and I y oui j Ravs that this time is tho best time of . life time, and althou; I I don’t agr< c with ivhi I have. left. Bhould like to be a .-teiii.ernplier, luit not til! the end of next year will I be competent enough to do real work. Onr shorthand teacher told us the other day that at th< end of the next year we shall have finished our shorthand course. AV-x 1 Thursday wee!’ wo are going to have our annual sports, the boys and girls have them on the suing day,

\Ye would have had a holiday to-morrow (Dominion Day), but we’ll be having one on Bports day, s » we can’t be having too many holidays. With my kindest regards to yourself and all my correspondents.—Yours truly, HERA. [I hope the sports are a great success, Hera.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The spring flowers -are coming out now, and they Look very pretty. Mother made some lollies last- night, and they were very nice. 1 like writing letters. We take turn about going for the letters. One of our cats got poisoned, but the other one escaped. I have not far to walk now, and I am glad, because 1 don’t get tired. There are 25 children at school. I like watching the punt going across the river. Dad is away up the lake for six weeks, and. I will be glad when he conies home, because it is lonely without him. It is just like summer here. I am going away at Christmas to Hawera for a holiday. Some of the children get driven to school, and some of them walk. It is light for a long time at night now, and we play outside for a long time. Love to Farm Lassie, Pinky, and all D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. — Yours truly, ROBIN RED BREAST. Dear Dot, —Here I am again, but not with a black eye. I am glad to say it is better. Football is off now, and we are- gardening instead, and it is of more use. Our seeds are coming up, and everything is looking fine. My father went away up the head of lake Wanaka to work. It is lonely without him, and we will not be sorry when he comes home. I am going to help mother with the gardening, and to put up a fence. I went for a ride on Sunday, and packed som rabbits home for our dogs. Our cat Fiuffy ’ < ' youi de-ac self. Yem-s truly, Fi:v 1 Dear Dot. —It was blowing Ik-re to 'lay. I . i is a way to the lu Lid of L ) W. ■ dm, ! and 1 wi h lie v«as coming home -• < just going away, as it is lonely wivimm. hum j 1 have a garden Lit school, and I like look'u 1 ' after it. 1 help my sisiev to v : i 1 - d 1 hr • at night. "We have a playhouse in t he sc ru b. \Ve ha ve not far to . t now. and it is nice to come homo for our dinner. Love t > all D.L.F., not foryett'.i.g vourself. —Yours truly, SILVER POPLAR. Dear D.t, —AVe are having lovely weather just now. but there was a big shower of rain to-day. I was quite wet when I got lion e from rcliool. Must oc tiie school children did not take their coats, so they won id get a good wetting. The willows round our way do look beautiful now. I do wish our holidays would hurry up and come so that vo could go batiiiiu;. There are willows growing on each side of the bank. Last 'Christmas when onr cherries were ripe we did have fun. All the ripest cherries were ban gang over a pond, but. we were determined to get at least nr st or them. My auntie and two o-f my cousins were frightened, and would not go into the pond because there were crabs Em re. So one of ivy cousins find I w< ii into nd. My ct usin put on an old pair of gum bcots, and I had on a pair of slices with lug holes in them. B> the time we had ui-ked all the ripe cherries we had a bbr ba'-’-etful. Our reward for picking the chcrri's for each of us was a plate with a let of cherries on it to eat with is now. He is a very intelligc nt little h ihiw. Til a short time be will bu abl ■ t-> walk. T have had neural; :a a go- 1 b:i, so I w ’ ‘ ' 1 1 tor a 1 liad my ndoi tonsils, and a growth in the nose taken out. T was in the hvsptal for about four davs. About a week or two after J went to the dentist and had nine teeth taken out v. ii . gas. AYitli much lov • to all the D.L.F. and vourself. — hours truly, VIOLET EYES. [lt is to be heped you will be free of tumble now, Violet Eyes.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —AVe are liaving lovely weather ircsent. Tiie garden is locd-;intr very nice now with all the flowers out in bloom. Since last writing Teddy AVoodbine was staying with me for a week-end, and we liad a most enjoyable time. I don’t think I hmghcd so much in my life as I did when she wl-s here. The fishing will soon be in now. I am going to get a licence, but whether I will use it or not I don’t know. I had one last year, and J did not go out once. Green Txia often gw?s out fishing with her father. I am all on my own to-day, sc I have plenty to do. The other day T went out for a ride with Milkmaid TE and her sister, and we saw a wild duck with me a. My father is still rabbiting- ever atAVer; don side, and lie i-s getting a good many. No. 5 ones to the Gnr: High School now. I do not tliink 1 would like t ■ have to go up and down m the train every day. I suppose I one gets used to it in time. There is a big bazaar at Riversdaie this week in aid of the school. They are going; to fix up the school ground as it is awfully wet. Tho Baltour school ground is the same in the winter time. Love to all my correspondents. especially Teddy Woodbine and Smiler’s Sweetheart, not forgetting yourself. '—Yours trulv, LOA T DY (Balfour). Dear Dot,- AVe have a new library at our school, and I am reading the book “Beautiful Joe.” It is a lovely book about dogs. AVe are having lovely weather for spring. I have been ill for some time, but 1 am better now. 1 suppose you have a lot of work to do, so I will not write much more. I am very fond of reading now. Love to all your band.- -Yours truly. KIDD E IU IIN S TE R C A R p ET. [I am sorry to learn you have been ill, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—Tho daffodils here are -a glorious sight to see AVe will be soon having our proficiency examination, and I hope that 1 will get my proficiency. At school we are all beginning to sow seeds in our flower gardens. It is lovely to see the little lambs frisking al> ut in the meadows. I wish that it was our school holidays, so that we could, go for picnics to the bush. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your dear self. —Yours truly, SINGING CANARY. Dear Dot, AVe have 11 cows in, and wc are feeding nine calves. I have a roan heifer which I call Beauty. We had tlie chafTculter not long ago, and had a good few bags. I have read som-a books called “Dropped from the Chuuk,” “Lad of Devon.” “Camping Out,” “Taken or Left,” and “Danes! uy I >us< I gD “YE Own Annual” and “A Stout English Bowman” from school. My cousins were down I o few months ago, and we liad good limes. 1 went to see the Springboks v. Southland match. I also went to see Southland v. Otago. Dad was backing the Blues (Otago), in-‘i L harked Shut Id and, who won by two point and rmuiimd the shield. Southland luff 1!!*.- shi-Ed at AVcllincton. who- won bv i t- to Woodend Waikivi. and Urn former won by It points to AV'.odcnd Inis not got tho shield, but \Viuh.ii i as if. Crir-kel will soon be m full swni'-. Wood end h-is a cricket team. WVri'ldid’.-, colours an red a>d blue. I am 12 years old. and am in the Fifth Standard school. - ir third t holidays, and I did nut Jtu towa duiing

the Invercargill jubilee. Best wishes to all L.F., not f -rgetiing* yourself.—Yours truly, BILLY McGOOSELY. Dear Dot, —AVe are having lovely weather again. The paddocks are looking so pretty and green. Lambs seem to bo very plentiful. At present we ere milking 10 cows at night and 14 in the morning. Our factory will be starting soon, but I would rather separate for tho- creamery. There was a football match hero last Saturday, W end v. Waikiwi, and Woodend won my 14 to 3. AVinlo-n got the shield for the Second Grade. The cricket season is starting now. Ivydale left here to-day. She is now going to live at Roslyn Bush. I have just finished reading- a book, “The Story of Charles Strange,” by Mrs j-xenry Woods. I rather like her books. The milk suppliers of the AVoodend cheese factory gave a dance last week and presentation to Mr G. Lilley, the manager. Two of. my cousins came to. see us not very long ago, and one has joined your band. AVe are roaring eight calves this year. I called one of them Springbok — a long name for a little calf. AVe have planted potatoes in the garden, but we have not planted any in the paddock vet. You have changed Old Writers’ week, haven’t you? It will be five more years till I join those ranks. I love reading their letters, because they are so- long and interesting. Best wishes to Dunedin Girl, Wavenley, Mud Lark, and Her Mate, Paradise Queen, Happy Jean. Pochonotas, Lady of the Forest, Treacle Trousers, Poppy Pink, Sirius, Inez, Island Lass, and vo urs e 1 f. —Y r ou r s tml v, LENORA M-KAY. Dear Dot. —AYe have been having fine weather lately, but some rain would do the ground good, as it is hard to plough. AVe have sown 45 acres of oats, and one paddeck is up. I was at St. Leon's Circus this last lime, and it. was nearly the same as at Christmi.c. I am thinking of voing to see C/rEY Cl:-mho in “A Dog’s Life,” ns this fb d one 1 h /o n for a 1 im-e. Brown’s daily fac sy started on the 2G:h of io m nth. an 1 go -r every second day .- arc supplied with more milk. Love to all Ihe D.L.F., n-t forgetting your own dear self.— iours truly. MAILBOY (Brown’s). Dear Dot,—There was an aeroplane here on tho 22nd o-f September, which caused great cc item o. n t a men g the pw opl e . It landed in a paddock just across the road from the school; a large crowd of people turned out to see it. Captain Fowler made a number of flights, taking up 36 passengers j a'together, also giving an exhibition flight, j which was much enjoyed by everyone. There was a school concert here on flic 9th of September, and near!v all. the items were •given by the ch "M icn. Nearly everybody that was the e sGd that d v. as ere of the best coi arts hold hero. ! v irk r h \rd at sElo'-I iu l iv.w trying h> got my profiriency. D ove to Ml-id cr Athens, Silver r ! M ’ • • : . Sil\ d.i inr»>ck. Ho-e A' Kin . p.p.g and ! 1 the other L.F..'not for- ■ •ti • your < .• rlca;• self. Your! 1 1 uly. TANGLE WOOD TALES (Drummond:. AUTOS. Marechal Niel (Florence Per row. Pcmhroiro) wisli.es- to correspond with Lily of tho Nile, Dimples, ahd any L.F. over 11 years willing. Heather (Rutli Adams, Livingstone) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 13 to 15 veers. Mountain Lily (Lily MTEmald, AVondonsido. Soul bland) wishes to coi rcspond with A Farmer’s Givi, Lover’s Dream, Australian Hoy, Freck’es, Auric* Blossom, and A pule Blossom’s Pal. The Masked Rider (Chas. E. K. Tfendcrson, care of J. Fitzgerald, Bel field, Ora id, Can tcrl> ux y' w i she s t-o corr-espo i, i d with Patricia and Ngaio, and any L.F. IS to 20 years willing. Boa niFul Star (Phyllis Allan, Tun e! a Aloutlf) wishes to correspond with Glen Foot, Robin Redbreast. Queensland Fairy. Gloaming (Robert- C. AValker. Allnnion, Taicri* wisli.es to correspond with any D.L.F. gir] 16 years or over willing. Me id of Athens * Annie Moore. M mono. Taii-ri'* wishes to correspond with Silver ra M ‘ Ray (Mina, ID r vcy, Awa ru a Plains. ■ uthhmd) desires Island Loss to write as l;er address is unknown. Lovely (Miss M. Math-?sou. Box 52, Balfour) wisho-5 to correspond with AATrite Rose Cottage-, Bide-a-wee, and a Girl From Arran. Singing Canary (Miss E. Tray nor, AVyndhauG wishes t-o correspond with A Canadian Despatch Rider and Kill-oven. Billy M‘G oosely (AVm. Harvey, Awama PE ins) wishes to correspond with Delco, Ivillo'.vcn, and any L.F. over 12. SOCIAL AT ROXBURGH. Ii is not given to many to occupy the position of choirmaster for upwiuxh of 36 years, but such is the experience of Mr John Bennetts, who has filled that position in the Roxburgh Methodist Church, and lias now retired. A complimentary social was tendered I.ini on Mop day, 26th ult., in t lie Athenauim Hall, which was well filled. This in itself Imre excellent testimony to the esteem in which Mr Bennetts is held. The Rev. Vs'. Hocking occupied the chair, fie read many telegrams and letters from former ministers testifying to the good work and musical ability of the guest of the evening. A fine musical programme was provided. Air Hocking, on behalf of the members and friends of the Methodist churches of the district, presented Mr Bennetts with a fine oak clock, suitably engraved, expressing the hope that the district would still enjoy the benefit of the musical and other abilities which had been so ungrudgingly given over so long a term of years. Mr Bennetts suitably replied.