DOT’S LITRE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3526, 11 October 1921, Page 56

DOT’S LITRE FOLK.

Dot invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters ol' 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 “Dot, care of Editor Witness.”

Dot’s I/ittle Folk’s Bodge with pin, for use as a brooeli, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, Dd for 25

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO 1 -V F. P,A DC KB. PRICE 2s 6«1. We are reluctantly compelled to raise the p* >.!*-*• of the badges as, owing to the increased cost c i 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 reunion of Old Writers during Christmas and New Year. It is hoped that by doing so we may get in touch with some of cur very early writers. As this year marks the “coming of age’ of Old Writers’ Week, it is hoped a special effort vs ill be made to make the meeting a success. Letters must reach this office no later th-an December 10.. as owing to the holidays 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 arc 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, not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear Dot, —I wish to ask you, as I am so interested in reading the D.L.F. page, if you would be so kind as to mark me down as one belonging to the band. It has always been my wish to be a member, but I kept putting off writing to you, that I am leading it rather late now, as I was 18 years Utst July, and I am beginning to feel a little bit old, although they say 18 is quite young, which I admit is quite right. 1 know quite a number of D.L.F. in my little city, and quite a number have often asked me to join in with them. At last my opportunity has come. Well, Dot, as it does not seem right for a new member to trespass too far for the first letter, I shall bring this to a close. With my best love to yourself, Dot, and all D.L.F., especially No. 813 and Road Hog.—Yours trulv, THE NIMBLE ONE [You ore very welcome to join us, The Nimble One. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is blowing a gale to-night, and we can see a bush fire. Our exam, was held about two weeks ago, and my sister passed into the Second Standard and I into the' Fifth. We bad a week’s holiday, and we enjoyed ourselves very much as we went several times to the hot baths and for many long walks. To-mirrow Katana, the- Maori faith-healer, is expected to arrive at a little Maori village about three miles from here. A good many Natives journeyed to that place to-day to see him. Mother taught my sister Nonna to knit, and she is very fond of it, and is going to make a scarf soon. I am very fond of reading, and have read quite a number of books lately, some of them being Ivanhoe, Gipsy Dick, and the Coral Island. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly. MA KOTIRO. [I am glad you did so well in the exam., dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Looking through the Witness two or three weeks ago I saw that another D.L.F. had chosen niv N.D.P. too, so it made me suddenly realise that it was quite on age since I had written to the page. I shall be finding myself an Old Writer soon if I do not wake up. I have neglected my correspondence dreadfully of late. I a in quite sure Flycatcher thought I did not intend tfriting again. It is a beautiful day here to-day. and not before time. Nearly all this last week it rained incessantly. All tlie came rain was wanted badly, but it never rains but it pours. I thought there would h? a flood. There is great excitement here just now, as the races are being held next month on Thursday, 6th. I hope it is a o-ood day. Last year it was a lovely day. There are two special trains from O-amaru and oa* from Timarn. One lias to mind the 1 raffle that day, I toll you. There is to be a dance on race night and pictures the night before, so Kurow will be quilo busy. Most nf my time just now is spent in reading books! I have just lately joined the library, and I get. throe books a week, and usually road the three. No wonder I get no time to write! I am sure T shall need spectacles before long. I have just finished a very nice book called “Seventeen,” by Booth Tarkington. and it was funny! 1 think 1 laughed until I nearly cried when I was reading it. Kindest regards to Mao Marsh, Golden Butterfly, Flycatcher. Leslie, Pink Clover, Black Pearl, Orange Lily, all my other correspondents and D.L.F. friends, and, of course, v our so If. —Yours trill v, SWEET VIOLET. Dear Do!.- We had our exam, on 1 he 28th of Soyibembor, and I have* naos.ed and am in the Sixth Standard now. My eldest brother has passed the Sixth Standard and gained his proficiency. Wo have three coy/s milking, and they all had heifer calves, and we are keeping them. Wo will have some chicks out this week. We have a lot of vegetables up now. My brother had a nice letter from Happy Maurice. One of my aunties came down from Timaru. T wish she would have stayed, longer, but she said she will come back Again soon and bring uncle with her. The birds have started laying now. and f

go bird nesting eometimes. We had a lovely rain last week, and it was welcome as the farmers were beginning to fear there was going to be a drought. We had a concert last, year, and I think we are going to have another this year in aid of tlie school prizes. My brother got the progress prize last year, and it was in money, and lie also got a 1 got a lovely book too, and it is called “The Romance of the King’s Army.” Love to you and all the L.F. —Yours truly, LUCKY JIM. Dear Dot.—'We up this way have all had terrible colds. Nothing new; one must be in fashion, 1 suppose. The weather is very good up here, but it all depends how long it will last. Timaru is very quiet just now, but I suppose in about a month or six weeks’ time there will be a good many visitors about. The football season is just about j over. The™ will only be a few more rep. matches now I have been reading a lot lat ely—most of the books by Joseph Hocking. He is my favourite author. I also am very fond of Bertha Rucks. This week I have read Ihe Jesuit, ' “The Ring of Destiny,” “Dearer than Life,” and am now reading Ihe Spirit of the West-all," bv Joseph Hocking. I heard to-day cf a very good book of his, “The Dust of Life,” but I tried in town for it, but was unable lo get a copy of :t. I was very surprised to see “A Lo-nelv Girl s letter in last week. I wonder whatever made her wake up so suddenly! I wish she would wake up and write to me again, as she knows my address from the last letter. I here are not nearly so many letters in the page from the writers*' noV as there used to be. What has happened to Ivim, Owen, and Quin Abbey these times? Rend along a line and again -and keep nn to iho mark. Kindest regards to Quin Abbev, Queen, Kim. No. 813, No. 318, Bim, A Lonely Girl, Erin s Girl, and all the rest of my correspondents, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, PATRICIA (Timaru). [As I do not know that Zelma wishes her name published I feel diffident about doing so. Why not put in an auto?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo have been having lovely weather. Nearly all the children play ball at school. Tennis is also in full swing. The gardens look lovely just now. There was a fire here this morning. It was a very old house. Love to Cowboy, Miss Nobody of Nowhere, and all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— r-Yours truly, FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE (Gore). Dear Dot,—l think it is going to rain tonight. It is very badly needed, as things are fairly dry and our tank is nearly dry. We have started going to Tech. now. We are making catina biscuits next day. Lovdy. A Farmer’s Girl, and I went for a ride on Sunday, and we had a lovely time. Our ducks and liens are laying very'well just now. We nn'lk three cows and I milk one. Milkttifdd IPs Mate, Mrs Jim, and A Farmer’s Girl’s Sweetheart are my mates at school. I have just had a letter from Lover’s Dream, and she and I want to try to meet each . other on Friday. Jessica's Niece is going away for a holiday on Saturday, and I hope she has a good time. Love to Milkmaid ll’s Mate, A Farmer’s Girl's Sweetheart, Mrs Jim, A Green Axia, Jessica’s Niece, The Boy from Llanartli, Dauntless Patty, Lover’s Dream, iCed Cheeks, Rose pink, and all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MILKMAID II (Balfour). Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am rabbiting with my uncle, and I am getting about 30 a dav, but seeing the season is just about over I am going ploughing. We are camped in a tent, and it is lovely these fine days, when we can wake up about 5 o’clock and hear the birds whistling above ns. I had two ferrets, but I let them go last week, as they are better at liberty this weather. The flies are beginning to annoy us now. I see plenty of lizards lying on the tops of rock 3 enjoying the sun. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A GIRL’S SWEETHEART. [You are very welcome to join U 3, A Girl’s S wee the a rt. —D O T. ] Dear Dot,—l am -Dill ’-cm.? from school, -■u’f- got over the influenza yet. It has been a lovely day, and 1 have been sitting out in the sunshine. The garden is looking nice with the spring flowers out. I was at a church social last week, and it was very good. My auntie and wee cousin were staying with us, and they thought the beach was lovely. Our exam, will bo in n month. I don’t know if I will pass, as I have lest a lot of schooling through sickness. Love to Cloth of Gold. —Yours trulv. MOTHER’S PET. [I hope vou will soon l>e quite better again, Mother’s Pet. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —The other week I was in Gore, and I stayed for a few days—l had a glorious time. I saw Chrystal Bell and A Wild English Rose. The latter I saw at the pictures. Last Friday I was at a dance with Ton a, and had a glorious time. Sylbie’s brother was there. Princess Majorie, Beatrice May, and Cherry Blossom were there also. It was 5 o’clock when I arrived home. The dance stopped at 3.30, and after that I walked six miles. I must say 1 was very tired next day. I was also at. another dance in Kelso. Golden Spray -was there, and several other D.L.F. My father has some oats through the ground, and i 3 putting, or rather preparing, some ground for .more We are milking eight cows, and expect to have 13 soon. lona is staying with us. She is teaching at GJenkenic School. She has just had her term holidays, which she spent at hoi* home at Broad Bay, but she took up school to-day. Love to lona, Coronation, Golden Sprays, Lonely Vera, Meg’s Friend, Svlbie, A Wild English Rose, Beatrice May, Cherry Blossom. Chrystal Bell, Possum, and yourself.—Yours trulv, EURO PA. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F. ? Lt lias been very dry weather in South v. Canterbury during tlie last few weeks, but on Saturday the long, dry spell was broken, when a heavy downpour of rain set in. and for the last four days its presence lias been welcomed by the farmers here. The South Canterbury football season was brought to a close to-day, when South Canterbury played Southland. 1 mud say that the ground was like a duck pond; nevertheless the plav was very g'.od. Smith Canterbury plavod the best game that they have played this season. It was a very hard and close game, Southland winning by the narrow margin of 2 points, the score being 5 to 3. Love to all D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv. TELEGRAPHIST. [Your letter appears to have been delayed somewhere, Telegraphist, though it has the Timaru postmark of the 22nd. It must have happened here, and may be in the office.— DOT.] Dear Dot,- We started at the factory about a week ago. The inspector is coining' to the school, and I wish he would not come at all. We have three little pet lambs. The weather has been v-erv hot lately.—Yours Indy, HEARTY LASSIE. Dear Dot, Yesterday our college was invited by Mr Tannock to visit the Botanical Gardens. We arrived at our destination at :? o’clock, and after looking over ihe gardens and visiting the maze we climbed the hill •and went up to Mr Tannock’s, where we

liarl afternoon ton, kindly provided by Mr lannock. When we were leaving to return home lie gave us a hunch of .spring flowers each, also the root of a sweet pea. The games we play at school are tennis and basket-ball. Last Saturday wo went to Tomahawk for a picnic, and we had a lovely time. We had three weeks for the term liondays, and I had a lovely time at home, but v, as very sorry when the time came for me to return to school. We are having a concert in Burns Hall on the 20th October, and I hope it is successful. I am reading a very interesting book called “Castles in Spain," by Ruby M. Ayers. I think it is the best rook I have read written bv that authoress. Last week we had to write the Navy League composition on the Life and Work of Admiral Blake. Love to White Lilac and your own dear self.—Yours truly, RED HEATHER. Red Heather.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather here. Music Girl is away up to Dunedin now to the and I hop? she oms well. W e have 10 cows in now, and are milking with machines. It is far better and quicker than by hand. One of Music Girl’s £i +n 55 , yjun - houses broke its neck the other day. It was such a n:ce one too. We J,aa ebaffeutter yesterday, and I was g-ad when it went away. Music Girl’s mot her is in Ijocl ill. Love 1o Music 'Girl. •Jean Armour, Mill-maid If, especially Artii iio.ee, and Liinejuice.— Yours tru’v, GRACE DARLING. i-eai Do 4 Me have had our examination, ■md we all passed. Silver Shoe and Jack Simcns did not yet their proficiency, but ;,"’y> got their competency, so they did mb no badly. I have not been at school these mst two days, as I have not been well. I got up, but I had to go back to bed ami in, as I got giddy, and everything’ went black m trout of me. I also have « sere he a( J and ,t seems to be getting worse instead of beOer. Mo have all cur oats in now, and we are glad too, for we have had such love.y weather. It was a beautiful day today mt it seems to be getting cloudy and w indy now. I here, was a soldiers' ball some woeics ago, and it was a lovely night, and j o- joy. d my«elf very much. There was a big crowd cf people there. I have mv bicyc.e fixed now, and it is enamelled, and • ooks like new. Love to Licldc Tickle, Lretaka, Coleena, Carmyllie, Meg, Cowboy, I Jims Sister, Treacle Trousers, and all niy correspondents and yourself.—Yours truly, THE FLOWER OF THE FAMILY (Raurekau). [I hope you have now recovered from your indisposition, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, There are several new corre- ! spondents in Milton now; we also have a I L.h. who is the daughter of our new head master Mr Bowie, us in Standard ; 11. W e are milking 17 cows, which are doing very well. One of our old cows has _taken an incurable disease, and we are afraid she will not live more than two davs. We, the Junior Seventh Class at, school, have formed a debating society. We have had two debates—namely, “Should Charles I have gone into London during the Civil War or not ? and “Should the Chinese anl Japanese be allowed to enter into New Zealand ■and Australia?" Both these were very exciting. We are to have another debate on Thursday if the examination which is on Tuesday dees not hinder us. I have now several correspondents who are very good at answering letters. Our garden is "looking better now than it has for a long time. My cousin, who was recently married, visited us yesterday, but is away back to Dunedin again. Love to all D.L F., especially Frc-ckles, Buzzer, Sadler, Tommv, S -pocky, Sonia, and Meg’s Friend, and yourself, Dot. —Ycurs truly, FRECKLES'S MATE. [I am sure the debates must be very interesting, and instructive as well.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—First of all, I wish to ask a f-a\our oi you, and here it is. I have found Avliat I reckon is a good nom-de-plume, so will you please allow me to change from \\ eary IV illio to The Gay Deceiver. X don’t suppose there were many L.F. saw the third test New Zealand v. South Africa in Wellington. I saw the Wellington v. Springboks game, which v.*as played during a strong gala accompanied by several showers, including one of hail, and so I naturally wanted to see them cn a fine day and dry ground. For j about a fortnight before the third test Wellington experienced almost perfect summer weather, and -Athletic Park was so hard that it was being watered up till two days before the match. I bought my ticket a week before, and we were given a holiday from work, so you can imagine how disappointed everybody was when il commenced raining Friday and never stopped all dav Saturday,"September 17. If the weather had been fine tiiere would have been four curtain-raisers, tlie first at 9 o’clock; but they were all postponed, because there is only one ground available •at Athletic Park. Large numbers of enthusiasts were there by 9 o’clock (some say 3000), and most of these waited there for fire hours in the rain to see the test. I got there about I.Bo—quite early enough too. Yesterday I saw the last liahfur’y Shield game this year, Otago v. Wellington, and although Otago were defeated, I believe tb.ev ought to have won. The Avro plane, which has been making “joy flights” from Lyall Bay Recreation Grounds all day, has just circled over the town, and is now on its way to the aerodrome at the Hutt. I am afraid I will have to make an abrupt stop, because it is getting late, but I still have time for a few more lines, so will repeat one of the amusing things I heard at Fuller’s Saturday, 17th (after football): “Have vou ever done anything in your life which you have been sorry for afterwards?” "Yes, stood ill the rain all day to see a football match.” (Everybody understood it to mean the third test.) Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, THE GAY DECEIVER. [I have made the necessary alteration. The Gay Deceiver, and hope we shall get mere Wellington news from you.—DOT.) Dear Dot, I saw Eut-oua at Kelso P.O. on a recent Tuesday. I did not speak to her, but she looked and smiled. She used to know me one time, but I think she forgets who I am now. I answered 23 letters in a fortnight, so I am out of debt for a while. I received -a letter from Kid M'Cov last week, and she said that my letters had gone astray, and she never saw anything of them. She answered my auto in June, and I wrote two answers in return, but neither have reached her, so T suppose someone else has had it. The schoolmaster is going away from here after teaching for five years. Every child is sorry to lose him, for lie was such a nice man to all about him. I am going to play a violin solo in the (lore Competitions in October, so I am wondering how I shall get on. I think Patriotic Paul is competing in them also. I have never played iu front of the public before, so I will be too nervous unless I can pluck up enough courage before then. My little sister (Prince Imperial) is back home with me again. She lias had a. long holiday of six months. I was very sorry to hear of the death of Joey and Nellie’s Mate’s mother. Tt came with a- great shock to us. for she was my auntie, and we could hardly believe it. Best regards to Gloaming, The Masked Rider, Kid

M Coy, Sunny Southlander, and Tom Moore, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MEG’S FRIEND (Ivclso). [I hope you are successful in your solo, Meg's Friend.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since 1 last v.ro’e I have celebrated my eighteenth birthday, and received qu te a lot of nice presents for it. Everybody's Friend is cut cf the hospital again find keeping splendid, although her wound is .--til] stiff. She cam© home yesterday. We are having lovely wenthar here at present, but iT look 3 very dull to-night. It will do good if it docs ran, I am working about a mile from home just now, taking my sister’s place, and I like here very well, and have some really good times. I am milking three cow-s .lust now, but will have more later on, and I have a Pt cf animals to look after. Buttercup. 1 think, has forgotten the way | to use a pen. I often see her. She works at the next neighbour’s; and I haven’t heard from Queen of the Downs for ages noiv. I have been suffering from toothache lateiy and it is_n.it the best of companions, is it; The fruit trees around here are a pel tect picture with blossom. With love to Buttercup, Queen of the Downs, Rosebud’s Ma*e Peggy 111, Rose of Tralee, Omen Lizard, and especial l -,- Erin’s Girl and Evervt'ldys I-riend, not forgetting yen;- cwn dear sell.—Yours truly, PEGGY (Palmerston South). Dear Dot, It is blowing here fo-dav, but we have had a nice rain, and everythin 0 * is looking green again. We have laid our school examination, ami I got my proficiency certificate Since 1 last wrote to the page my mother has died. Stic suffered great pain, hut_it was only f:r a few days.' Mv sister. A Young Taffy, is in the Oamaru Hospital. . ? went under no operation for appendicitis, and afterwards developed double pneumonia. She was operated on for that, and lies still to go under another operation, so she in having a rough spin, but she is e 11 ito cheerful. II is only her spirits that kept her up. We Juice a newly-calved cow. and J’ 01 '. c:, lf won’t drink. Our hens have been laying well, knit they have not started to cluck yet. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, JOEY AND NELLIE’S MATE. [I am exceedingly sorry to learn of your sad loss, dear, and trust A Young Taffy will soon bo better and strong again.—DOT.] Dear Del,—May I join your hanpv band? I am seven years of age, and have just passed into the Second Standard. I have a little brother, and mv sister writes to you; her pen-name is Ma. Kotiro. We are having glorious weather, and we were gardening after school to-day. I think this is enough for the first letter, so shall close.—Yours ! truly, DAPHNE. TYou are very welcome to join us, Daphne. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather here has been tiptop, and the gardens are lookirfg well with the spring flowers out in bloom. I think everyone would be glad to se.e a good fall of rain, as everything seems to be so dry. The fields are looking quite fresh, and it i 3 lovely to see all the little lambs frolicking about their mothers. A Wild Irish Rose and I met a D.L.F. whose N.D.P. S. O. S., and we had quite «. good chat to?,im. I was speaking to Motor Maid on Monday; she yv-as down getting her teeth out, and I guess it wasn’t a very pleasant operation, as she took gas. Nellies Pet is going up for her “pro.” shortly. I guess she is a bit nervous; but, all the same, I wish her good luck. Last Friday the Balfour girls were down for “tech..” and I met Milkmaid. On September 21 I cycled out to Wyoming's place for a dance. While at the dance I met Revlis. Last Wednesday I was helping at a bazaar, and had a good time. Fishing season started yesterday, and a good few anglers were out. My brother is away out to-day, but I suppose he will come home without any, as he "never has much luck. The Gore Competitions are on this month, and Buttercup is reciting this year. I was pleaded to see that design of the D.L.F. badge which was done by Gelignite, end on° of my mates is going to crochet me one. Love to all the D.L.F., especially Revlis. Leo. Wyoming, Campfire Girl, Motor Girl, Milkmaid, Robin Adair, and not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, LOVER'S DREAM. Dear Dot, —The fishing season opened on j the Ist of October, and caused great excitement among the people up here. Most of the pretty flowers are now in full bloom, and mostly all the litMo lambs -are about. Since I last wrote to the page my sister has been married, and lives up at Roslyn. She has been married nine months now. We set a. lion on J.t eggs about three weeks ago. and she only brought cut three chickens. It is hard luck, is it not. Dot? I have a cousin writing to the page, and her name is A Soldier's Lassie. I saw her letter not so long ago, and I hope she sees mine. We have had lovely weather lately, but to-day it is blowing and raining, which is nothing unusual for Catlins. Love to A Soldier’s Lassie and all other D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Ycurs truly, WHITE ROSE OF THE MOUNTAIN VALLEY' (Tawnnui). Dear Dct, —I have my mate Konini staying with me for a day or two, and v,-e are having a good time. The people are getting up a church social, so Konini and myself went along to practise fer it. There are a great many people going to it. Of course, when we were coming home we ran into a clog. W'e have been having lovely spring weather lately, but it seems to have changed to-day, and 'it is blowing very strong. We have a great many daffodils and other flowers out in bloom. I have made a lovely plot of violets, and they are all locking fresh and green. I think that was a lovely design of the DiL.F. badge done in crochet, and my sister is going to take it off. Love lo Lady Tritomi-a. Masked Outlaw, Marewa, Konini, and all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, HIGHLAND LASS. Dear Dot. —Please may I join your happy band cf L.F.? For quite a long time 1 have beer, a constant, reader of the page. Lately I have found out two of the L.F.—namely. Castaway Jess and Secret of the Sea. I vender if they will guess who 1 am. At present I am not going to exchange autos with anve.no. as 1 have quite a lot of lessons to do. My mother used to write to the page, and still takes an interest in it. I am very fond of reading, cycling, and of fancy work, and at present I am working a table-centre for mother Love to Castaway Jess, Secret of Due Sea, Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter. Dari’s Daisy A Girl Beyond the Trail, and yourself.—Ycurs truly, ICIT.MA. [You are very welcome to join us, Icilma. You might remind mother to write for O.W.W.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I left school a fortnight ago. I like working on the farm much better than at school. We are milking 17 cows now, and have about 14 cows to come in rot. We will be pleased when the factory starts. At present we are stumping ground for some turnips. We will have about 30 acres to plough this year. We have 217 acres in our farm. 1 do not like milking the cows on cold mornings. Did you go to see the match between Otago and the Springboks? 1 did

tk4 go t-o them, but my father did.— You re truly, A COCKATOO. Dear D.t, —YYe are having very windy weather here lately. It was very calm yesterday though. Nearly all my seeds are tip, and all of my mother’s seeds aie. My eister is coming home about tlie middle of the month. I will be glad to see her, as I haven’t seen her for three weeks. My lambs are quite big now. Their names are Daisy and Billy. YYe have seven cows in now. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, BUSH CLEMATIS. Dear Dot.-May I join the D.L.F. page? 1 enjoy reading the letters. YYe are having nice weather just now, and the spring flowers are lovefy. I have a garden of my own, and have put in a lot of vegetables, some of which are up above the ground. I have eonie bantams for pets, some of which are laying. AA T c have had our term holidays, and are hard at work again. AYe had to write a Navy League essay on Friday, the subject being “The Life and Work of Robert Blake.” Love to a, Leith Valley Girl and yourself.— Yours truly, THE FAT BOY. [I hope you have written a good essay, Tlie Eat Boy, and shall watch with interest for the results as a great number of L.F. arc concerned. —DOT.] Dear Dot, — Sport here is brisk at present, what with the boating, fishing, swimming, and cricket seasons open, one is kept busy and health}'. The New Zealanders kept their fame at the masthead while the famous African Springboks were in our country, and I think that the final draw they had was mo'! satisfactory to both supporters of South Africa and New Zealand. November will 6oon be lie re, with our show and the usual race meetings, which attract many visitors to our Garden City. The "Wellington football girls came down and played cur girls football last Saturday week, and the match proved a novel attraction to our sports -here, who responded to the appeal for ban-ackers, and turned out in hundreds to cheer and encourage the teams. The girls came out fresh and spruce, and the spectators were rewarded with a good display of footer (as it should be played with women). The match was the first of its kind to be played in Australasia, and it reflects great credit on tlie girls who bad against them those of whom objected to women playing. Love to all the D.L.F., including your dear self. —Yours truly, LON EL Ah [The ladies’ match would no doubt draw many from curiosity.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —I have always been interested in the L.F. page, and have often been going to write and ask if I could join, but somehow it has never come off. But now I take the opportunity to do so before it is too late. I have been going to the AYaimate High School for the past two years. I like it fairly well, and although I have to go in the train, I get home about 4.45 p.m. AYe went down to On mam last Saturday to play the Waitaki girls at basket-ball. Our A team won by a good score, and the B’s were equal, the scores being 4 all. The heat was intense, but we managed to play, and were very pleased when the sky clouded over. Last Thursday there was a hockey mate!? placed in AYaimate. The Kurow team played AYaimate. but T think Kurow won. Are you interested in stamp-collecting. Dot? T have about 2000 different foreign and colonial ones now. I seem to do most of the c'die tillg in the winter, and then the craze eeein- to drop for the summer. With love to all the. L.F.. not forgetting yourself.—Yours tmlv. STAMP COLLECTOR. [T have posted the badge. Stairm Collector, and hope it reaches veu safely. DOT.] Dear Dot. —I always enjoy reading your page, and I hope you will receive m.e as a member of it. I am 18 years of age, and I work in a printing office in Hobart. I lived in New Zealand for about six years, and I have been back there for a holiday since I came to Hobart; but I think we are eoing over again for good next vear, and I won’t be sorrv. as I hate being here. AYe are having awfullv bad weather here at present for spring. WeR. as this is nr first letter to the page I will close. With best wishes to Brereton and Golden Branehen and the other Little F.lk. not forgetting yourself. -Yours tmlv. MARGARET. [You are most welcome to join us, Margaret.—DOT.] Dear Dot. I am nine years old, and in the Third Standard at school. AYe have two calves, and we are milking eight cows now. AYe have more to come in. AA T e have one horse and a dog. My two brothers go out rabbiting with the dog, but they have never got any rabbits yet. My sister, Mary the Wild Swan of Fairyland, rode down to Riversdale op Sundav.--A”ours tmlv, GOLDEN CURLS. . • Dot. —The weather up here has been v.,.’ lately, but it is nice and sunny ail i s; me. It is very dry up here; all the i - .* l paddocks are so hard that the fa.."' rs have to wait, for rain before they can work them. Father lias two paddocks worked, and he has started sowing his oats. AYe have a lot of little lambs, and one pet • re. All the paddocks are nice and green, the grass has come on splendidly, and the cows are looking well, and they are giving a h t of milk. AA’e only milk three, but one is just about dry. They keep us in butter bc-j-ides selling 21b one week and 31b the next, e: they do not do badly. AA T e have over 30 goslings out, and live geese 1o come oft yet. AYe have a hen sitting on a dozen eggs, but they are coming out now. There is a man teacher at our school, but he is only here for a short time. Ho is a very nice man too. Our Sunday school prizes are going to be given out about October 21; but I do not know who will get the first prize, unless it is mv small brother. Three other girls and myself had lists to go collecting money. The three of them collected about .£'l 6s, and I had £3 6s 4d myself. Our teacher told me 1 did exceedingly well. My father and another man had a great calamity not so very many days ago. They were breaking in a three-year-old horse, and they had it nice and quiet, because they had a pair of leading chains on her with the spreader taken out. Then they got a big log, and they were going to tie her to it when she gave a kick to one side and fell on her side. This caused lier to break her leg; no one knows how it was clone. They shot her and dragged her away. Love to all mv correspondents, not forgetting your own clear self. A r ours tmlv, COWBOY JIM’S SISTER (Heriot). [Tt was a bad lose, dear DOT.] Dear Dot, We are having very good wrathe ! up hoc. The spring flowers are looking vo y lieautifu] just now. The mads •re very dusty now. AYe have no little eh ckeus out vet, hut we have a hen sitting. AYe are milking 13 cows just now, and will have another one in eoon. One of my sisters is working in Queenstown, and she likes it very much. Love to Ostrich Feather, Moss It-ose, Vale of Avoca. Juliette, A T olita, Tui IT. A Lad Frue Caledonia, and all the others tod joureelf.—Yours truly, BLACK BEAUTY.

Dear Dot, —May I join your page? We ' had a shower of rain yesterday morning which will do a lot of good. A\ T e are staying in the country just now, for mother’s health. We belong to Dunedin, but I am going to school in the country. I am in Standard II at school, and I am eight years old. The pink blossoms of the apple trees will be out in flower soon, and there are a few early ones out already. I have a little baby brother, and he is such a lively wee fellow. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, PROFESSOR. [I hope the change will improve mother s health, Professor. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 11 years old, and am in Standard 111 af school. I have three brothers and five sisters. My little brother does not like school. AYe walk three and a-half miles to school. My sister is reading a book called “The Peer and the Woman.” My sister is staying at our teacher’s place. There are 32 children going to our school. Love to Bellbird, Buttercup, Mudlark, Daffodil Lady, and Brownv Beaver, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, QUEEN HEATHER. [Y’ou are very welcome to join us, Queen Heather.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —1 hope you will let me join your happy band. I am 12 years old. AA e are having our exam, on Monday, so I hope I will pass, and all the rest of my schoolmates. I wish them all good luck as well as myself. We are having real spring weather. I will be glad when summer comes, as 1 can go bare-footed all the summer. 1 have a married brother, and T have a wee nephew, but I have not seen him yet. T hope to see him this Christmas. AA T e ore getting a week’s holiday after our exam. AA e will soon have Arbor Day, when our teacher gives us nuts and lollies. There are six oi us going to school. My youiigester brother is six years old. He is the baby, and goes to school. He drives to school. The pony we drive belongs to my little sister, and she looks after her pony so well. She doesn t like to see any of us boys be cruel or ride hard. My two brothers and I set traps, but we are not getting many rabbits. Best wishes to all the L.F. —Yours truly, bagpiper. [You are very welcome to join us, Bagpiper, and I hope you are successful in the exam.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—My sister is busy washing, so I am cook. A\ T o are having very hot weather up here at present, but I suppose it will be worse yet. The weeping willows are looking lovely now with their green leaves. 1 had the toothache for three days, so I went to the doctor to get the tooth out. I can ten you it took some pulling. It was the first one 1 ever had out, so I will be frightened to go to the dentist next time. I have only two cows to milk now, so it does not take long. The paddocks up this way are. beginning to look green again. I have been doing a good bit of crochet work lately, and 1 have now finished the D.L.F. badge which was in the AY it ness. I see that some of the other D.L.F. are doing it too. It will not be very long now before O.AV.AY. comes round. As the months <ro on I think the days seem to go quicker. The fruit trees are nearly all out in blossom now, and they make a very pretty sights Love to Jessie Frae Islay. A obta, Bill’s Sweetheart. Tommie’s Girlie, Josephine, and Sunshine Girl, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, OSTRICH F E A T H E R. Dear Dot, —We are having very fine weather just now. AYe have eight chickens out now. T am learning music again. 1 like it better this time. My brother was in bed for three days, but he is all right now. I know a good many L.F. about here. Love to White Shamrock, Little Miss Mullet, and Jessie Frae Islay, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours tmlv, YALE OF A YOGA. Dear Dot, —AA’e have had our term exam., and we are having our term holidays now. The days are very warm up here. Our new teacher*will be coming uo on Saturday. Our fruit 1 roes are out in blossom. My eldest sister is down in Dunedin. — A ours truly, MOSS K 0 S E. Dear Dot, —It was my father’s birthday yesterday. It has been very hoi to-day, but to-night it is very windy, and I think it is going to rain. One week my father said he did not think that there would be any pet lambs for us this year, and tlie very next week \vlu\t did we see but -a little lamb coming trotting along the track to our house, and no one knows how pleased I was to have a pet lamb. AA’e just had our exam, lost week, but I don’t know how I get on. It will not be very long before the Timoru Show, and I hope it is a nice day. AA’e did not go last year, because we were all sick, but I hope we will go this time. Love to Xi:aire the Fairy, Ereka, and all the other D.L.F.. not forgetting your own dear self, Dot. —Yours truly, ROSEFUL FAME -Levels Talley). [I hope nothing untoward happens to prevent von going this year to the show, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —AA’e arc having very dry weather up neve, and we have to cart water. However, I hope it will rain coon, but I think i it will be frost to-night. The weather-glass is falling, and I hope it will bring rain. I am learning music, and 1 like it very much. We had a dear wee pup, and we called him Hollo, but my uncle took him awav to a man, and we miss him very much. Love to Monkey, A AVaihola Lass, Motor Boy, American Despatch Rider, and the Grey Dawn, and not forgetting vour own dear self. Yours truly, LOST HEART. Dear Dot,- The weather here Las been glorious for the past few days, and J think we are going to have an early summer. The gardens are just coming into bloom. The fruit trees are all in blossom, and -are just pictures to look at. The Salvation Army is holding a bazaar in the Town Hall to-night. The Commercial Travellers arc having a concert on Saturday night, and there are the pictures on to-morrow night. Things are looking up a little for i’a Imei ston. AA’e could do with n bond down here to liven things up. 1 have passed my term exam., and am now in the Sixth Standard at school. Kindest regards.—A’ours truly. F LAN NE LI, FLO AY HR. Deal' Dot,--The weather here is very boisterous <it present, but it looks very much like rain to-night, and 1 hope it does, as 1 would sooner have rain than wind. The aeroplane was in Dipton for about a week. AAV only expected it to be here for a day, but it br.’lvo down twice, and was here for a week. Noie and my youngest sister spent their term holidays in Invercargill, and they saw the jubilee procession, and they said that it was a very pretty sight. Mother was in the garden all clay yesterday, and put in various seeds. AVe have some autumn-sown sweet peas out, and they are very pretty. Our daffodils are nearly all finished, but we still have a number of primroses out. We have two sittings of chickens out, and they are very pretty. 1 always think little chickens are. 1 am reading a book called “Mrs Halliburton’s Troubles”; it is one of Mrs Henry Wood’s, and I think it is a lovely book. I have also read “East Lynne.” The little lambs are beginning to appear now, and they k«>k very pretty dotted all over the p*d<te«k«.

I had one pet lamb, blit it died. The birds are beginning to build their nests now, and it is very interesting to watch tlie- little j creatures gathering grass and straw for the nests. I noticed a sparrow fly past the j window this morning, and it had a large j piece of string in its mouth that one would ! have thought too heavy for it. I noticed . three sparrows one day, and they were trying to get- a piece of string that was tied to a piece of board; they tried several ways to get it away, but could not, and finally they started to pull it to pieces, as it seemed the only way to get it. Birds are very industrious. With kind vega ids to Cop per top, Bluebird, Nancy Stair, A Rainbow Fairy, j Gram a phone Player, The Girl He Left Be- j hind Him., and all mv other correspondents, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CRIMSON TANIGER. Dear Dot, — May I join your happy band? I go to Melrose College, and am in Standard IA . I was 11 years of age last April 20. ' I have swollen glands, so I am not at school just now, but they are getting* better. Hob- i goblin is writing just now. She boards with me. We have a lien sitting on 14 eggs. She has been Sitting a week past now. 1 am going to The Rocks, Riverton, in about a week for a holiday. Tins has been a very wet day. Everybody in Ihe country lias been wishing the rain would come, so they got what they wanted to-dav. My hand is a iit l l o shaky, as it is the first time I have written to you. Everything is growing very well in the garden. I have a little vegetable and flower garden this year. T just love flowers My aunty said that she likes little gills that love flowers. The daffodils in the garden are all faded now. There is a lady who lives in the same street as we do, she has i an incubator; so she often brings out chicitens, and I often ro down to see them. It is a very pretty siplit lo see the chickens when they are young in flic sun. Don’t you c h them, Dot? Love to Daffodil," A ioe-a Shell, Brownie, Beaver. Buttercup, and Hobgoblin, not forgetting yourself.—Tours truly, BABY BLUEBELL. T, ol ’ P C<?( 1 r.ol he nervous writing to me. Biiuv Bluebell, and I am delighted to inDOT] ■' CU 111 m - v man -v correspondents.— Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard -U at school. 1 have been in the hospital xor two months, and the nurses were very good to me. My mother had a wee baby °lrl on Thursday. We are having verv " good weather just now, and T think we could do W dl 'T„ nt ram ,10W - Love to all the u.Li.l?., not forgetting your own dear self xou»s truly. rT , FAITtV OF THE HOOK. DOT * m 8 !U yOU are boUr;r agwin, dear.— Dear Dot, -Ye are having glorious weather here, just now. and everything- Jg nice and green. VV e are having- a social and dance here on Tiuday njsrht. 7th October, to finish up the -ootball. Many football enthusiasts were disappointed with the game the Dunedin boys played here a few weeks back They all expected to see football, but the Dunedin team nut up a. very poor game. Love to all L.F.. not forgetting yourself lours truly. THE DUKE OF KYBTJRM. Dear Dot,—lt must be about two years smee l last wrote. AVe are beginnbm- to »o for picnics now, as the weather is verv fine, -tennis is in full swing at school, also cricket and' rounders. Everyone at school * is anxiously waiting for the weather to become hot- enough for bathing, which affords most of the summer fun for us. Our garden is well full of seeds. Some of which are above Die ground. Our peas and potatoes are well on, as we like to have, them tor Christmas. I ooard m Invercargill with Baby Bbiebell who is at present writing to ask "you if she can become a. Little Folk. We have had our bachelors and spinsters’ balls here. J attended Ihe former. Nearly every Friday night X go to Fairfax to the quadrilles. Small c.uldren are busy bird-nesting at present to get pennies for ice-creams. My sister and I have been busy gardening just now. Our sweet peas are quite high. YVe are very sorry that the netball season is over. Our school Junior A wen the cup for not losing amnia tones. the orchards are a beautiful sight just now. Dolly Dingle has not written B to you for a long time. Iras she 9 Love to A Poor Little Rich Mr id. Dolly Dingle, Baby Bluebell, and yourself.—Yours truly rT ; , HOBGOBLIN. it am verv pleased to hear from vou after your long silence, Hobgoblin. DOT.}' Dear Dot,-- T am working now. n nd feel quite independent. I go for mv ’cello lesson on Friday evenings, and my piano lesson on Wednesday afternoons. Since mv arrival from Dunedin J have met quite a number of the L.F. Silver Fern returned to school on Lie Ist of October. She gained 90 marks m her theory and passed her secondary exam Her last piece of music was “Bethoven's Adieu to the Piano. I have had “BarcaI.?.!! -0, , ‘‘Arabesque. ‘‘Humoresque,” *' J. n on guts,” “Dreams,” and “Autumn Leaves” since I came to Gore. I think Queen Telephassa and A Poor Little Rich Girl owe me a letter. I am waiting pal iontiy for one. I have not nvany friends, so when practice is over J have nothing to occupy my time, so T am appealing* now to some of the L.F. to write to me. Best love to Silver Fern, A Young Basket-bailer, Horse-lover, Princess Gwendoline, not omitting vour dear self. Yours truly, M. A’. O. B. [I have made the necessary alterations DOT.] Dear Dot, —M. Y. O. B. and myself ride to the- training track every morning, but as yet 1 have not ridden in any very fast work. AA’e are preparing for the Gore Competitions, but I am doubtful, if T shall outer. My sister secured two firsts last year. We are expecting Horse lover and A Young Basket-bailer down soon. My mother is ill, but she is going for a holiday as soon as she is stiong* enough. Love to I Learn ik ins, A Young Basket-bailer. Joy, Sweet Kid, and also yourself.—Yours tmlv. 1 0 RIN C E S S *G AY E N DO L J N 1 7. [I hope the change will benefit vour mother’s health.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —AA’e are having lovely weather at present ; it is just like summer weather again. AA’e have 11 cows in, but I don’t milk, and everybody says 1 am very lucky. 1 went for a- ride on Sunday, and enjoyed it immensely, and 1 might be going for another ride to-morrow. AVe have one hen sitting, and by the time this note is published the chicks will be hatched. About a fortnight ago The Wild Blue Pansy and 1 went to a. dance at Otara, and had a good time. It broke up at 2 o’clock in the morning, which was too soon for my fancy. Love to Inquisitive Poll, Tliora, Brownie, Queensland Fairy, and Queensland Darkey, not forgetting yourself.—Yours t ruly, DAISY’ FERN (Slope Point). 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 all the spring flowers out, especially the daffodils and jonquils, which always intake a grand show. Most of the fruit trees are coming out in leaf now. Daisy .Fern and myself went for a ride on Sunday, and we had a great spin along the Waipapa Beach te> Otara- We have started "wwsp&nking”

again. All the farmers are busy getting the ground ready to put their crops in. AYe have our oats sown, and also our potatoes planted. With live to A Lonely Crepe Fren, Ivy Green, Grant, Fisher Girl, Stare and Stripes, The AA’ild Irish Rose, Dixie Hart, Mechanic, and Heather Bell, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE AA’ILD BLUE PANSY (Slope Point). AUTOS. Florence Nightingale (Miss Jane MTntosh, Robertson street, Gore) wishes to correspond with Cowboy, Miss Nobody of Nowhere, and any L.F. willing. Milkmaid II (Nellie Roy, Box 17, Balfour) wishes Sonia and Red Cheeks to write. Sweet Violet (Miss Harris, Post Office, Kurow) wishes fo correspond with any L.F. over 18 years, and would A. B. C. please write again. Lucky Jim (Frank Wilds, Tokarahi) wishes to correspond with Smiling Jack. A Girl’s Sweetheart (Alister M'Millan, Jun., Pukeraugi) wishes to correspond with any L.F. from 15 to 17 years willing. Telegraphist (S. F. M'Kenzie, Telegraph Office, Timaru) wishes to correspond with Patriotic Paul, and any L.F. between 14 and 16 years. The Flower of the Family (Marion Kennedy, Raurekau, via Milton) wishes to correspond with Olga, Scotch Lassie, Chummy, Rod Fox, New Potato, and any L.T. from 14 to 16 years. Lover’s Dream (M. M'Kinlay, AA r igan street, Gore) wishes to correspond with Zelma and Winona. A Cockatoo (George Dud field, Pa hi a) wishes to correspond with Steamboat, Springbok, and Scotch Mac. Margaret (Bessie AA’right, care of Cox, Sons, and Kay. 161 Collins" street, Hobart, Tasmania) wishes to correspond with Clyde, Maid of the Mountains, No. 813, Australian Girl, Grant, Road Hog, Alan-a-dalc, and any other L.F. abo u t 18 ye a rs. Golden Curls (Jessie M'Math, Balfour) wishes to correspond with The Rose of No Man’s Land, Flower Girl 11, and Mr Baggy Breeches. .Daisy Fern (Miss Aera. Bennett, Slope, via Tckonui, Southland) wishes to exchange autos and correspond with Mysterious Girl, Patriotic Paul, and -any L.F. willing. The AA’ild Blue Pansy (Lydia Bennett, Slope Point, via Tokonui) wishes to correspond with Roid, Wild Rose, and any L-h - willing.