LOTTY LUPIN

Otago Witness, Issue 3574, 12 September 1922, Page 63

LOTTY LUPIN

[All Rights Reserved.] No. 9.

BY

Edith Howes.

On the sand-hills below the little garden nothing would grow. By day and bynight winds blew the sand about, now tins way and now that, sometimes heaping it up against the brushwood lence, sometimes lilting it over into the garden itseli. Then the tender garden plants were stung and cut by the driven grains, and were sometimes halt buried under. its piled roughness, they hated the sand. “I'iie wind irom the sea below is a tearing wind,” they said, “'and its salt spray hurts our faces ; but nothing is so bad as the drifting sand. What a hard late is ours, to be planted in this garden next the sand-hills! flow we have to battle for our lives! Perhaps in the end the sand will win the lung light, and we shall die, smothered and broken and famished.” But they did not die, for Lotty Bupin came. iliere was nothing about her to show that she was to save their lives. She was a very ordinary plant, so far as they could see. Indeed, tile Iriliy sweet-peas thought her decidedly common, thougli they were far too well-bred to say so aloud. "Such thick petals!” they remarked in their own minds. ‘‘Queer, those little white balls on her roots!” the larkspurs whispered to one another. “And how -coarse her stems are!” She was a big plant, well-grown and strong-rooted. Sue had been brought in a sack, but had been taken out and laid on the path. Now the owner of the garden cut her up. He cut off all her blossoms and most of her stems, down almost to the roots. It was terrible to see. Every flower shuddered. “Poor thing!” they whispered. “Oh, poor thing!” She was taken out to the sand-hills and planted there. “Well, that is tile end of her!” sighed the pitying flowers. “Nothing can live in that sand.” But it was not the end of her, lor strangely enough she could live in the sand. It whirled and stung and blustered, but her cut-down stems stood still and patient through its fierceness, and presently they put out little grey-green buds. These opened into grey-green leaves, soft and beautiful, like manyfingered hands spread eagerly to catch the sunshine and the air. She was alive; she was growing! “Well, that is wonderful!” exclaimed the honeysuckle climbing over the fence. “How brave and strong she must be.” She can’t be fine and delicate like us,” thought the frilly sweet-peas, “or she could never exist in such a dreadful place.” But they did not say it aloud. Lotty Lupin said nothing; she was far too busy growing. And how she did grow! Little tufted shoots peeped from her sides, shot far out into slender stems, grew thick and branched and leafy till she was a bushy plant. Buds formed on the tips of the branches. They swelled and grew, and swelled and grew, and at last opened one by one into pale, yellow blossoms set on fine stalks down a centre stem. “Those flowers are rather like ours in shape,” thought the sweet-peas, “but they are not so large, and they are not at all frilly, and t-hey are so dreadfully thick!” “That brave thing out there has actually blossomed!” reported the honeysuckle. “Isn’t it marvellous?” “There’s a sweet scent in the wind,” said the bees. “It seems to come from the sand-hills.” They flew out to look, and found that the sweet scent came irom the new yellow flowers. One by one the flowers withered and shrivelled and fell off. Where each had shone there stood now a grey-green downy pod, slender and small. The pods grew, turned brown, turned black, cracked and twisted in the hot sun, flew open with a pop, and scattered their seeds far over the sand. Winter came. Rains soaked the seeds, winds flung fresh sand upon them. In spring they sprouted and grew and shot up into stem and leaf and bud ; they grew quickly into hushes. Now Lotty Lupin’s children were dotted all about the sandhills. “This year the sand is not so bad as usual, the garden flowers remarked to one another happily, and they smiled and were very gay. The lupin children blossomed and set their seeds and scattered them, and soon the sand-hills were quite covered with the grey-green plants. Under the surface the roots wandered this way and that, holding the sand togetherabove the surface the thick stems branched and spread and trailed and sagged, till tiie sand was quite held down. No wind could reach it, now, to lift it in clouds and fling it over the brushwood fence. The garden was saved.

The first sweet-peas and larkspurs were gone, but grandchildren bloomed in their places. “Queer how those lupins grow out there in the sand and wind!” said the larkspurs. “Coarse things! But they are very useful to us,” thought the sweet-peas, though they did not say it aloud. Several years passed by. One spring the owner of the garden pulled down the brushwood fence and set it up again far out among the lupins, extending the side fences to meet it. Lotty’s children and her grandchildren were now enclosed within the garden. But they were not to stay there. They were dug up and planted out again beyond the brushwood fence, on the lower sandhills near the sea. “Did you see those strange little white halls on their roots?” the larkspurs whispered to one another as the grey-green plants were lifted. Only one was left. “You shall stay, in memory of I witty Lupin, who saved my garden and turned the sand-hills into soil,” said the owner, and he raked the earth about her and left her sitting like a queen in the "middle of the garden. The garden flowers bent their heads before her. “We honour you,” said the honeysuckle, “for we have seen how you have saved the garden. But how have you done this other thing? How have the sand-hills been turned into this soil, lying here as we gee it now, ready for the growth of us all?” “It is our little servants who do that,” replied the lupin. “There are thousands of them, far too small for you to see, living and working in their round, white houses on our roots. We draw in a fine gas from the air and send it down to them, and they change it to rich food that is spread through the earth when we die. So we bind the sand and enrich it too, and in time it becomes good soil, fit for plants that are to come after us.” “You are very wonderful,” said the honeysuckle : and the other flowers agreed with her. The owner dug and planted the new ground. ‘ “My garden was little, hut it is now big,” he said, “thanks to Lotty Lupin.” LETTERS FRGhS THE LITTLE FOLK. Kotto.— We write for the beneßt of others. lor ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 words. Dear D*ot, —It is nearly a year since I wrote to the page last, so I now take up my pen for the purpose of writing iny retiring letter. As I shall no longer be a member of the .Little Folk, and. be numbered among the Old Writers, so I can look forward to Old Writers’ Week, and have the pleasure of writinr to the page once a year. Although I will be an Old Writer, I can still read with interest the letters of the Little Folk, especially the letters of those whom I ‘know. Last month I spent a- week and a few days in Gore on a holiday, end I roust say I‘had quite an enjoyable time. I was lucky to strike fine weather while I was' away. If one strikes wet weather when on a holiday it spoils the enjoyment. When I was in Gore I went to the railway plain and fancy dress ball, and also to the Highland Society’s ball. I had a good time on both occasions, although I vats a stranger. I a'ln very fond of dancing. Dot, and I have been to a good many dances this season. I always enjoy myself at a dance, and I think dancing is a real good exercise for a person, as long as they don’t carry it to excess. We have had a very good winter down here this year, although there was some very hard frosts. There has been no snow here this winter, so we shall very likely have some during the spring. For two. days last week we" had a strong north-west gale, and now that spring has come round again we can expect many more of them. They are very disagreeable, especially when a person is out working in them all day. Most of the farmers round this district have finished rheir ploughing, and some of them are busy cultivating the ground for sowing their grain crops. The farmer has a busy time from now on till after the harvest is over. Wishing' the Little Folk every success, and may the page long continue, and with kind regards to all the Little Folk,- not forgetting yourself, Dot, —Yours truly, THE VON. [I am glad you purpose writing during Old Writers’ Week, Tre Von, as we Like to keep in to rch with our old. friends. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last time I wrote was about the Winter Show time. After the show was over we received three prizes—one for cabbage, a collection, and for potatoes. The euchre parties started about a month ago, and many pleasant evenings are spent m playing and dancing-. Football finished some time ago. Even at school the toys used to play football, and take -a great interest in it. Although winter is past, the weather has not been nice, but we have had a fewfine days, with a little warmth. At school we have just had a quarterly examination. In the school garden the flowers and plants are beginning to show signs of life. Before long we are going to start to weed the* flower garden and plant more new seeds, as soon as the inspector’s examination is over. We have coloured crayons and a drawing book, and we have drawing every Thursday afternoon, which we all enjoy. At home w 7 e have 80 lambs. Two are black and one is spotted. I am looking forward to having a pet lamb. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vour own dear self.—Yours truly, FORGET-ME-NOTS. Dear Dot.—How are you? May I join vour happy band? 1 have never wri.l ten to you before, but 1 like reading the letters very much. I will tell you about myself. You will think from my name that I am Scotch. Truly, for 1 was born in Edinburgh; but 1 have spent seven roars in Now Zealand, and besides my mummy and daddy are both New Zealanders. My daddv is a doctor in Wellington, and he sends mo the Witness every week. 1 went up to London to Princess Mo rv’s wedding, and I saw everything. In the spring we ' went up to Scotland, and I enjoyed it very much. In a fortnight's time we are going to France for a year. 1 am looking forworn to it very much. I had a bad cold so l cannot go to school, as 1 have !-- -•■;•, j n bed. A typewriter is o easy L, i s ’ to work, so I have got mine on a table beside the bed. Yon will he v. mid • I. v ! --•■ T got mine. I wiii LL yon. 1 v. pi i„g week, and I got it for a birthday present 1 must stop n ,w. Lots of low 1 1 tic. R.R and Yourself.-Yours trulv, SCOTCH HEATHER. [1 am sorry you are confined to bed with a cold, dear, but hope it will be relegated to oblivion by this time. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our school won three first prizes at the Winter Show. At the Clydevale Show we received one first for cabbage and another for the collection. We also got another first for potatoes at the Dunedin Show. It is spring now, but the weather is no better than it was in winter — in fact, it is worse. Since I last wrote there have been several football matches, but the Blackburn Rovers, our team, have not won any matches except by default. There was a euchre party not very long ago, and although it was a wet night there were 16 or 17 who turned’ up to play. It will be the inspector’s examination scon, so 1 am hoping to get my proficiency. The plants in the garden are beginning to shoot up now. We have planted a hedge along the fence of our garden, and the arch is made larger. We have crayons at school now, and every Thursday we have coloured drawing, which is very nice. We are milking one cow now, and very soon another is coming in. The one that is milking now gives 14lb of butter in one week. Love to all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Youis truly, MISS PRIM. Dear Dot, —I am writing to ask if I may become a member of the D.L.F.. We have just had our quarterly examination. We had our winter holiday in June. I had a very good time, as I went out with my father ploughing, or often I rode about on my pony. The weather just now is very wet, also cold. Many birds just now are making their nests, because we can see them taking the straw up the trees. We are getting a few lambs now, but as the weather is bad they die with the cold.—Yours truly, BILLY BUNTING. [You forgot to enclose your own name with your letter, Billy, so will you please send it in with your next letter. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join yo-ur happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old and in Standard 111 at school. I got top of the girls in the class. 1 have two brothers and no sisters. We have 10 cows and three calves. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, GOLDFINCH. [You are very welcome to join us, Goldfinch.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Spring is here now, but the weather is just the same as in the wintertime. Some of the plants- are beginning to get buds on. The gurse also is out in flower. The farmers are getting - their ground worked up for sowing their grain, and everyone is busy. Tire bees can ue seen getting the pollen out of the flowers to carry to the hives and make honey. In some places we can see a few young lambs running ■about. The birds also -are busy getting their nests made. The football here is finished now for the season. Tennis will soon be taking: its place for summer. A while ago Mr Tennant, Government lecturer, gave a lecture on “Manures” in the school, and he will be giving another one in about a week’s time. The roads were drying up nicely till Monday night, and rain fell, making] them wet again but to-day the sun is drying them up. The quarterly examination is now over, and we are waiting for the inspector’s examination. Kind regards to all the other D.L.F., not forgetting yo.ur own dear self.—-Yours truly, WANDERING TUITS. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have five sisters and three brothers, and lam 11 years old. We walk to school every day. The daffodils are coming out now; 1 counted 300 buds. We are milking two cows in the morning and one at night. There ar® 27 going to school here. Love to ail the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, A BUNCH OF BLUEBELLS (Taieri Mouth). [There wiil be a blaze of yellow when all the buds open up, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is springtime now, and the bees are buzzing about, arid the flies have come out oi their winter places. We ore having very bad weather. The birds are very busy gathering straw's lor their nests. The teacher is going to show us how to play basket-ball. He has the two poles. and a flagpole. One day lie said that he knew we were good at pulling the bark oil the trees, so he said that we could pull all the bark oft the poles. When we were let out we got our knives and cut the baric, and some pulled the bark wiiile the others cut it. The flagpole is 44ft. Last summer I went with Logan De Mingo to build a raft. We made six bundles and tied them together, and put them in the creek; but wt had not enough, and the raft sank, so we left it. Football is now over for the season, but tennis will take its place. The other Saturday 1 went up to play with Wandering Tuits. We hud good fun catching birds. We would put some oats under a box, and we propped the box up with a stick, and tied a string to the stick. When the birds came under the box wc would pull the string and the box wuold fail down. We caught six birds before 1 went home. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vour own dear seif.—Yours truly, LEATHER FACE. "Dear Dot,—l have been very busy practising dancing ior a concert we were having, but it is over at last. We are having our school holidays at present, just for a fortnight. it has been raining here to-day, much to my sorrow, as we were going to the country. My little sister is getting a little pony, and we mean to have great fun. 1 love panics. I am learning the sword dance now, and it is more difficult than the rest. I have been reading a very nice book culled “The Iron Sacrifice.” 1 have just finished it. and it was very interesting. When 1 started reading it 1 could hardly leave it alone. We have just hud our piano tuned, and it made such a difference; you would not know it was the same piano. The girl next to us has two little pups, and sometimes when she is playing with them I go and watch her. 1 rather like little pugs. 1 am not going away ior my holidays this time. 1 generally g‘o away, but motner lias not been very well. Love to all the L.F. and yourself Yaws truly, F U ZZ-BU ZZ [Ashburton). Dear Dot. —1 have not written since before the show, so i wiil be able to tell you flow we got on with tire show things. We got first* 3 ior cabbages and first ior collection at Clydevale 'Show, in Dunedin we got first ior potatoes, in the winter holidays it was very wet, but some days were line. One day 1 went with my brother to the creek, and \ve made a raft of sticks, and we put straw on top of the raft. When it was ii id shed wo got on it, and went down the creek oil it. When wc went back to school the weather was fine, '.l'lie other day we got our ; addock ploughed up, and we are- going to gi i it put in turnips. A few weeks ago some chickv-ns caine out of the incubator, and we have am4 he. - lot .vet, and they will be out in a week. We had our quarterly examination, and 1 came fourth, out of seven ■ . :d; mi. A little while ago our cow calved. It was a brown calf with white spots on it; but we killed it, because it was a bull. Love to all the D.L.F. and G-len-quoieh. Yours truly, VASCO DE BULLET.

Dear Dot, —We had lovely weather for a ■while, but it seems to have broken now, and it is quite damp and showery to-day. The farmers about here have been wanting rain badly, so they will be glad of it. But 1 am not glad of it, because we were to motor to a country friend’s place to-day. 1 am still progressing favourably with my latest craze—ear-driving. Mother has had a bad back these last few days, so she could not come out yesterday; but as dad had to- go up-country on business my sister (FuzzBuzz) and I went with him. There was a very cold wind going out; but as dad gave me the wheel after a while, I, at least, was" too busy driving to feel the cold. 1 have been giving our crockery a smack up lately, Dot. Everybody about here cails me the champion dish-smasher. In the middle of la-st week I broke a saucer and plate, and on the Saturday following, as my mother and her lady friend were talking in the yard, I decided I would give them a surprise by taking their afternoon tea out- to them.. It was bright and sunny outside, so I set a small table to take out. Fate, however, was against me, for as 1 was arranging the cups I moved my foot, and over went the table. I got rather a shock, so I just stood and watched the afternoon tea set smash to •smithereens on the fire-grate. 1 then proceeded to take out the fated afternoon tea in plain cups. Two more cups have met their doom at an earlier date than was expected, and 1 have not yet decided what is going to be my next victim. As mother could not get up for dinner to-day, 1 arranged it all on a small table (not the unlucky one) and carried it upstairs. My baby sister, who reached the bedroom first, called out to mother that- I was carrying the table of dishes and 1 had reached the top of the stairs and had not broken anything so far. She has not a very good opinion of me in regard to crockery. 1 have discarded my small violin now, and have started playing on my full-sized one. It is a- Stradivarius, and it has such a lovely deep tone. I like it ever so much better than the little one, although I thought 1 should never "get accustomed to it. We had a musical afternoon. at the Convent last week, and in one item there were five violinists and two pianists. 1 was in three items —all with my violin, as I did not learn the piano. We bad a perfectly glorious time, which came to a conclusion with a dance. I simply love dancing, and we had a great old waltz. I have not been to any public dances yet, but I intend to go as soon as I can dance properly. There was a concert here last night in aid of one of the school bazaars. It was held in a garage, and the seats were minus backs; consequently we have all got sore backs to-day. We four girls went, and we made things as bright as possible, which was not much, as the performers were very stale. We had a little community singing, but 1 am afraid the three or four men who were on the stage made more noise than the audience. I want to practice a new piece I have called “Souvenir,” so will close. Love to you, Dot, and all the L.F., especially A Girl from, the Rectory, A Young Basket-bailer, M.Y.0.8., Girl o’ Dreams, Fuzz-Buzz, The Powder King, Silence, Malachy, The Woodland Princess, Queen of the Snowdrops, and 1001. —\ours truly, HORSE-LOVER (Ashburton). Dear Dot, —I have a nice little calf to feed every night and morning. I have a little sister and a brother. Our school is closed for a week’s holiday. We went for a picnic to-day, and were catching crayfish most of the time. We have nine pigs.—Yours truly, THE BRAVE COW MAID. Dear Dot, —We are having fine weather here lately, and th.- spring flowers are beginning to come out. We have so many daffodils that we are planting them everywhere we can. We are having holidays from school just now. The farmers are busy ploughing their ground. We have all our ground dug, and have planted some seeds. We have had no snow yet this winter, but have had a lot of frost. I have three dogs, and their names are Roy, Black, and Toss. Love to .all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, JOLLY JOE. Dear Dot —We are having lovely weather here just now. Our garden is looking well tills year, and we have a great many daffodils and primroses coming out in flower. We are having a week’s holiday from school. Our new teacher is coming on the 4th of September. We have three cows, and only two of them are milking. My brother and I were out rabbiting on Wednesday, and we got nine rabbits. We only had three dogs and a ferret.-Yo.urs truly, ROgE Dear Dot, —Spring is upon us once again, and we are having exceptionally good weather for this time of the year. The daffodils which are in flower at present make a nice show in the gardens. Since I last wrote I have left school. There is a modern school in this locality to which about 90 children go daily. My sister, who is in Standard VI, is hoping to obtain her proficiency certificate at the end of the year. There have been three shops and a billiard saloon opened here recently, so you can see that Tahakopa is going ahead. The roads have been very dirty for a long time, but j bey are drying up beautifully since the fine weather came. There is going to be an Oddfellows’ ball here on the Bth of September, to which 1 am going if all goes well. I was learning music for a- while-, but I stopped, about a- year ago. Red Cross Nurse does not live far from us, so you may guess I often see her. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLAG LILY. Dear Dot, —The weather is very miserable here at present, and there have been severe frosts the last few mornings. We are milking six cows and feeding nine calves. We separate the milk and send the cream away. We have 17 hens altogether, and get from 10 to 14 eggs daily. O'ur duck has laid 14 eggs. My mother set a hen about fourweeks ago, and three days before the chickens were due out the hens left the eggs, and there was a chicken in every egg. We had our exam, at school last, week, and I parsed all right. Our chief game at school is “tig,” as tiie ground is 100 wet to play basket-ball. There was a- ball in the hall about, a fortnight ago, and there was a big crowd there. My little brother is cutting his teeth, but he is very lively. The flowers iu the garden are out now, and they make everything look bright. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, KREMO. Dear Dot, —Since last writing to the page I have been away for a holiday for two months, and had -a So veil- time, as the last holiday I had was over four years ago, just after I left school. I think one enjoys a holiday better after having been at home for so long. Winter isn’t a very nice time for going away, as it is generally so cold, but we have to think about the cows before we go anywhere. While away two friends end I drove to a dance at Lovell’s Flat, then another night we went a distance of about eight miles into Milt . the; being the first time I had been there, although I had been past in Uie train often enough. I was expecting to see some L.F. in Mi! ton, but 1 think they must have forgotten to wear their badges. There us a Forresters’

dance on here to-night, and my cousin wanted me to .go, but as I am not keen on dancing just now I thought I would rather stay at home and write a letter to the D.L.F. page. I saw a letter from Curly Top a few weeks ago, but did not know who she was until I saw her name in the Auto, column. I used to know her well when she lived down here. I wonder what has happened to all the Mosgiel L.F. ? I haven't seen a letter from many of them for a long time, so perhaps they have all gone to sleep till the cold weather is post. Yesterday and to-day have been just like summer, but I don’t think it will last long. With love to Nghyoline, Taieri Harvester, Taaeri Sunbeam, Bluebells, A Stray Sunbeam, Curly Top, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BA VERNA. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F.— I am in Standard V, and am 12 years old. We are having our spring holidays now, and I am enjoying myself very much. I have less than a quarter of a mile to go to schooL We are having nice spring ' weather now, but we had a cold winter. Wo have about 20 cows milking, but we milk them by machines. We have about 30 fowls, and we get more than a dozen eggs a day. We get the Witness, and I spend a lot of time reading the Little Folk’s letters, but I have not had the courage to start writing before row. I do not know many people who write to the page, but I have three sisters who used to write. Love to Green Apple, Wild Rose, Biddy’s Son, and Robinetta, net forgetting your own dear s-e: f —Yours truly, ARDEN. [We are pleased to have you join us, Aiden.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Spring is here again. The biids are beginning to sing and the spring flowers are coming up. It is time we had some rain, because if we don’t get any there will not be any grass for the later spring. We will be getting, our holidays soon. To-morrow tlbere will be 15 hockey teams down here playing. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, FLUNKIE. Deer Dot, —I suppose you have forgotten that I ever existed, but I have read with interest the letters of the other L.F. Our term holidays will soon be at an end ,and I will be very pleased, as I like school very much. I have been top for tlie last two terms. We have been playing bosket-ball at seliool, but as yet have not managed to win a game. I am going to the football match on Saturday. Otago v. Southland, and I hope that Southland will win. We have had a period of glorious weather, but last night it began to rain. Love to »fi,li the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours trulv, CROSS KEYS. Dear Dot, —I have not written to you. for over a year, but “better late than never.” We have holidays from school just now, and I am glad that I am not sitting for a teacher’s examination (D exam..), which several of the others are doing. We are having real spring weather now, little or no frost at night ,and warm, sunny days; but it will not be long before we will be grumbling about the heat. I much prefer the summer, and the only thing I like about winter is hockey. Everyone is taking great interest in hockey now. This season, the same as lost’ year, there were four teams competing for a silver cup, and Clyde again carried it off. There was a hockey tournament here a fortnight ago, in which 15 teams were playing, and Clyde won, Alexandra Club being the runners-up, although there was not much difference between it and Cromwell. I have very few correspondents, but intend to get a few more. —Yours truly, LEANING ROCK. [Please write on one side of the paper only, Leaning Rock, as otherwise your letter has to be curtailed.—DOX.l Dear Dot, —I have been reading your page for a long time, and am always interested in the letters. I am 12 years old, and I am in the Fifth Standard. I was away to-day getting some ferns for a fernery, which I am making. We have our term holidays now, and we are having a lovely time. My sister and I put up a swing under some trees. We made a see-saw, and we play on it every day. I have one sister and two brothers. I do not think I am going anywhere for the holidays. I was first in my class at the exam. I have a very nice teacher at this school. I will have to close now. Love to all the little folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A LITTLE GREY BUNNIE, [Wo are pleased to welcome you as a member, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Jt is a long time since I wrote to the D.L.F. page. Since I last wrote I have a little sister, and we call her Margaret. Our school teacher is leaving this school, and we are all very sorry he is going away. I have just finished a book called “The Stepmother,” and it was very enjoyable. We have a few spring flowers out just now. My brother and sister have not been at school for a week, as they have liad sore throats. Love to Smallest, Erotaka, Lickle Tickle, and yourself.—Yours truly, ERICA’S DAUGHTER. Dear Dot, —Our sheep are starting to have lambs now, but we have no pets yet. We have our term holidays now. The school closed on Friday, when we had a concert that night after school time. They are all away to church to-night but father and I. Love to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours trulv, BRIGHT STAR/ Dear Dot,—Spring is here once more, and spring flowers are out again. Would you like to be on a farm, Dot, and feed all the hens and ducks. Next time you are up this way you are very welcome to come and stay with u.s, Dot. We are having our spring holidays; we get 10 days. Our examination is coming very soon, and 1 think it will be a pretty stiff one too. In the morning the birds are singing sweetly. The blossoms on the fruit trees are all m buds. W© are having lovely weather up hero now.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S ONLY GIRL. Dear Dot, —We have been having lovely weather of late in this district, and hop© it continues, as it is such a change from the hard frosts, although the sun shone brightly during the day. We get frosts in the mornings even yet, but they are not to bo compared with the previous ones iSince last writing I have been for a trip to Queenstown with my father, and I enjoyed myself immensely. We rode down/ and arrived there at 5.30 p.m. Wo left there next day about 2.30 p.m., and did not arrive home until 11 o’clock that night, so I was quite tired. I am now in bed with a cold, but I hope to recover soon. I suppose it was being out so lute at night that brought it on. It seems so quiet to me to-day, the others being away to school, and only father and I left at home. It is a lovely day outside, and it is so nice to see the sun shining My coums found a little white goat some time ago, and it- is in milk, so that helps a lot. lhe other day they let it loose, and it; ran far away, and we thought, it was lori, but, fortunately, the next day they bm.id it. lam looking forward to my trip

to Invercargill at Christmas, which is not long now. My sister and I are still working up for the exams., and hope to succeed. It was my sister’s birthday a few weeks ago, and mother bought her a “Chatter-box.” I have been reading it to-day while I have had the opportunity, and find it a very interesting book. I have very little of my time to spend on reading, but at night I find a little time. The days -are getting much longer now to what they were a few months ago. It is light until 6 o’clock at night now, and is also light at 6 in the morning. We get the sun six hours now after a ; long absence of six weeks, so we appreciate it very much. I suppose you have seen plenty of views of the Skippers road, Dot. One day, when I was bringing the horse down for father, I believe I met you at the junction of the roads—one leading to Skippers and another leading to Upper Shotever. We have *once more got our electric lights in working order, and they are so different to the kerosene lamp. Kindest regards to Elsie, Tea Cosy, Princess Molly I, Dorothy 11, Florence Nightingale, and Beauty, not forgetting your own dear self. — Y ours truly, PEARL 11. [I do not think you saw me, as I have not been out that road.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is about a year since I last wrote to the page, and I hope now to continue writing. At last I have arrived at my destination —'Wellington. When 1 left Cafclins 1 travelled to Dunedin, and after spending a few months there I made up my mind to go to Christchurch, so I left Dunedin on the sth of May and travelled from there to Oarnaru, and stayed there two days and one day at Timaru; then I travelled to Chris bcfuirch. After being in Christchurch for a day I caught the tram car and travelled out to New Brighton Beach, The scenery was just beautiful, and the beach is far lovelier tlian the Dunedin ones, though that is not running the Dunedin ones down, of course. When 1 left Christchurch I went up to Lyttelton.; it is just as big as Port Chalmers, but its wharf is far better than Dunedin. 1 caught the Maori at 8 o’clock that night. I had a good trip from there to Wellington; the sea was calm, and it was beautiful sitting out on the deck at night watching the Maori ploughing her way through the water. Now and again I heard some of the seagulls crying out. We landed in Wellington Harbour aoout 7 o’clock in the morning. I was surprised to see all the people on the wharf out of work. I should think there were about 200 odd. After being in "Wellington for about a week 1 could almost find my way about anywhere. Wellington has some beautiful buys, such as Lyall’s Bay, iSeatoun, etc. Wellington has a pretty good Zoo. My uncle said that I should iiave stayed up there with them'. I do not think that the Wellington Museum can beat Dunedin. Well, the weather liaiS been pretty fair since I have been up here; now and again it rains. I am learning the knitting trade, and I hope to be able to knit soon. Love to all, and not forgetting your own dear self. — lours truly, RED FOX. [I am glad you are so pleased with your new abode, Rod Fox.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have had lovely weather for quite a while, but rain has started again to-day. Our school holidays are on just now, and I am spending a most enjoyable time at home. I will not like to*'go back to school aguin. The days are beginning to lengthen now, and I will be glad when the long nights are over. We have a number of flowers out just now, and the garden is beginning to look pleasant again. I read a book lately called “Wildfire,” and I enjoyed reading it very much. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, STAR OF THE WEST. Dear Dot, —Just now we are having our term holidays. This week I have been sitting part of the D examination. During the first week of our holidays I learnt quite a lot of lesons; but after the exam, is over I intend to enjoy myself. Examinations are not much pleasure in the holidays. As a matter fact I don’t like them at any time. Everything is looking quite springs like now, and the gTass is beginning to look p-een. The weeping willows are bursting into leaf. I think weeping willows growing along the banks of a stream are very pretty*. Many of the early plums and aprioot trees are out in bloom. Many people are busy planting their early vegetables and potatoes now 1 planted quite a lot of seeds a little while ago, and only two came up. They were planted in a very dry place, and I hadn’t watered them. We are beginning to have warmer weather now. There lias been very little rain this winter. The ground is very dry. Love to Christmas Bells, Morning Star, Colleen Gully, Forget-Me-Not The Gipsy King, and all the other L.F. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truy, THE BLUSHING MAID. [I hope the result of the examination is quite satisfactory.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having our term holidays now, and 1 am enjoying the warm days very much. The daffodils ore coming out now. We are milking two cows, and they are fed on turnips. I have a little kowhai plant growing in a tin. Best wishes to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself Yours truly, JEANETTE. Dear Dot,—We have had a lot of weather about here lately. We are having term holidays now, and we are ourselves On Monday the chaffeutter was at our place, and we cut 186 bags of chaff. On Tuesday evening we went to the pictures and saw “Heart String” and a Sunshine comedy. We have the telephone in now and it is very handy. The men put it in yesterday mormng, and there has been a lot of ringing between us and our neighbours My brother and I were out rabbitmg the- other day, and we caught seven rabbits. lhe rabbitskins are down a lot in price, and so we do not go out rabbiting very often. During the whole winter we only missed one Saturday from rabbiting and we caught about 2(10 rabbits.—Yours truly, THE RIDIN’ KID FROM POWDER RIVER. Dear Dot, I am staying in the country for the September holidays. J. ride a pony called brownie, and it is very small. W© have had over a week of gorgeous weather. My home is m Dunedin . One of the girls has measles, and I expect wo will all have them before we -go back to school. We went after a bull the other day, and I was expecting every minute for it to turn round and charge us; but it got over a fence, much to my relief, f have a sore finger, and can’t write any more Love from—Yours truly, MONICA. [Pie age write on only one side of the paper, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo are having lovely . weather up here just now. Our examination is to- ■ morrow, and I am dreading it. There was a great football match hero on Saturday. I killed my little yellov/ rabbit. I was at a dance on Friday night and another on Saturday night, and enjoyed both very niiudx. Love to aJI the D.L.F.—Youmrs truly, LITTLE REDHEAD.

Dear Dot, —We are having our holidays at present, but we have only a week, as we start school on Monday, the 4th. The weather is getting warmer now. The daffodils will soon be out in bloom. Our school teacher, Miss Foster, had a send-off in the hall last Friday night. She got three presents, and of them two were given to her by the school children. I saw in bust week’s Witness that another D.L.F. has chosen my noon de plume, so I will change mine. There is a ball on to-night in. aid of the footballers. I have not read very many books lately, but I like reading very much. Love to Margaret, Wee Muff, Velvet Pincushion, and all the other D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, WHITE ROSEDear Dot, —Our hockey team have been very successful this season. They beat Waimate (which had an unbroken record until they played Kurow) by 5 points to nil. You may guess our surprise when one of the girls sent a wire. At first I thought it was only a rumour, but it turned out to be true. The last match they played was against Totaratahi, where two of our girls were knocked out. One of them (Moreen Butler, o-r Lily Queen) is still in bed.—Yours truly, THE RABBITER. Dear Dot, —We are having gorgeous weather here these holidays. I ride a pony called Kodak, or sometimes an old horse. We have had 10 days of fine weather. My sister has the measles. I hope someone else gets them-, as then we b© able to go bock to school so soon. We have all been chasing bulls lately. It is great fun. We are all at home now.—Yburs truly, MARGO. [Please write on only one side of the p v per.—DOT. ] Dear Dot, —The weather we are having* lately is changeable. Once again I have shifted my big frame, and now I am at home. I want to stay at home and let Sulky Boots go out to work, but mother said as soon as she gets a piece in Messburn I have to go out again. We have Mummy’s Man and Heather Queen home this week for a holiday. Parlezvous came home on Friday from* the back-blocks for good. Father and Powder King came home on Saturday, and are going to rabbit about here. There is a ladies’ ball on Wednesday night, I am sorry to say that we won’t be there, as our mother’s father died in July, and we won’t be dancing until November or December. Another tiling, we cannot go to dances when our auntie is in the hospital ill. Parlezvous and Powder King have started to fight, so mother told them to get outside, but Parlezvous stopped, and now he is playing the zonophone. Mummy’s Man has cleared outside, and is playing with my puppy (Mae). One thing I am not used io, and that is cooking in the colonial oven. Everything I bake turns out a failure except the bread, and my hands are burnt. Well, Dot, I do not think there Is any more news. Love to all my correspodents, especially The Pale Ice Queen, Tickle-Me-Quick, Sulky Boots, Mummy’s Man, not forgetting your own dear self.—You is truly, AN OFFICE GIRL. Dear Dot,—The weather is very unsettled lately. I have finished rabbiting now. I have to start working for my cousin on the 18th of this month —that is, a fortnight from to-day. I don’t know what 1 am going to do with myself till then. I might go away for a week, it will help to spend the fortnight. We have sold our rabbitskins for £4 per 100—quite a good price. There is a ladies’ ball here on Wednesday night. I don’t know if I will be going or not; it is over nine weeks since I was at a dance. The farm work in this district is farther ahead this year than it has been for a couple of years. Love to Black Pearl, Erotaka, Konini, The Lily of the Nile, Ngoreta, Daisy Fern, and The Beautiful Rebel, not forgetting yourself.—-Yours truly, PARLEZVOUS. Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather now, and my sister is much better, and able to go out to play with me. I have two dolls at home —one tho£ I call Phyllis, a big doll with sleeping eyes, and another little doll called Marjorie. I got ray big doll from Santa Claus, and I was very glad, for it is a lovely doll. My auntie dressed her so nicely and fluffed out her hair. She has blue eyes and dark eyelashes, and her hair is white and curly. Best love to all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, WILFUL ALICE. Dear Dot, —We are having very delightful weather,, and it is so nice to think that spring is here again. I have a few flowers out in the garden, ancl the cherry-plum trees are loaded with blossom, and they make quite a picture. I had a little black kitten given to me last week, and to watch the antics of the little creature is really very amusing. It is at the present timelying asleep in my bed, which is its favourite resting place. Kind regards to Velmer, La Caritii, and all the other L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly. SUNFLOWER. Dear Dot, —Last time I wrote I was in a different part of the word to where I am now. We all shifted to Herbert about a month ago, but I don’t like up here very much. I would sooner be down south again. Since I have been here the weather has been beautiful, and as the evenings are beginning to lengthen out now it gives one more time to be out in the fresh air. Six o’clock in the morning is quite bright now, wherea few weeks back one had to use a light to get around. Heavy dew fafls at night, but that is a sign that the day will be clear. The open sea is not far from us, and night and day it keeps roaring. On clear bright days Moeraki looks very pretty, especially when the sea is a deep blue. The white breakers give it a charming effect. I was at a big ball held in the hall a fortnight ago, and enjoyed myself immensely. There are quite a number of lambs frisking about now. It looks very spring-like to see them again. Witli love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own self.—Yours trulv, SWEET MARIE, Dear Dot, —Spring is well advanced now, and the flowers are showing themselves. My father is going t*o sow some peas to-morrow, and I hope they turn out all right. I have one cat, and so has my brother. We are milking two cows now, and we are going! to send our cream to the factory when the other cows come in. We have our term holidays, and a week of them is gone.—Yours truly, THE FOREST KING. [The address will be in the Auto column, The Forest King.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —-May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? I am 11 years old and in Standard 111. There are 89 children going to school. We play football at school, and it will soon be over, and then we will play cricket. —Yours truly, J ACK-A-LA NTER X. [You are very welcome to join us, Jack.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —No doubt you will get a surprise when you receive this letter from me, as it is close ou 14 months since I last wrote to the page. Sweet Marie and I correspond most regularly, and in the near future I hope to meet her. Football will soon be

out again, now. I think the people from around about here have taken far more interest in it this year than ever before. The mills about here are closing down for Saturday, so as the men can go to Invercargill to see the match between Otago and Southland. My companion and I went to Riverton to see a match played between Otautau and Orepuki. Both teams had the same number of scores, so it was the final match. Of course, my companion and I had to barrack for Orepuki, and, as luck would have it, we were amongst a crowd of Otautau barlackers. It was great to hear us yelling out to try and deafen the others. At half time there was no score on either side, and at the very last quarter of an hour Otautau won by 8 to nil. The weather here has been simply glorious for the last week or 10 days, but it has started to rain again to-day. I think we would all frizzle up if we didn’t have rain every fortnight. Some people growl about the rain, but I think it is just as good os a very hot day—that is, if we don t have it for more than a day or two at a time, and there is nothing extra special on. On September 8 and 9 there is a Scottish fair in Tuatapere, to pay off the debt of the band. It was to lie a month ago, but on account of the death of the president of the band it was jx>stponed. This winter I have only been to about three dances. .Somehow or other I have tired of them, and don’t care if I never go to another. Last winter, if anyone told me that I wouldn’t go to any this year I would not have believed her, as then I was as mad on a dance as anyone. In fact, I have gone to dances 18 miles from here; but now 1 often think how foolish a person is to go that distance. At present I am reading a book called “The Black Douglas,” by S. R. Crockett. Love to yourself, Sweet Marie, A Rainbow Fairy, Berenton, A Stray Sunbeam, R-oee Pink, Jolly Jack Tar, and A Country Chatter-box. —Yours truly, SALVADOR. Dear Dot, —May 1 join your happy band of Little Folk. I am nine years old, and in Standard 11. I attend the Melrose College in Invercargill. Mv home is in the country, and we are having term holidays. IN e have three weeks’ holidays from school. My sist©T is writing to you to-night. Kind regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MEDDLESOME MATTY. [You are very welcome to join us, dear DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band or Little Folk? I am 11 years of age and in. (Standard IV. I board at Melrose College m Invercargill, but I am at home for my holidays just now. The weather has been very undecided these last few days. Otago played football against Southland to-day. The Otago players won the game, but “l do not know what the score was. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.— lours truly, QUEEN BOADICEA. [I hope you are enjoying your vacation, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? 1 am 19 years old, and am in Standard IV at school. X live close to a large stretch c;f native bush, where there are hundreds of birds, which seem to have community singing both morning and evening. It is lovely to listen to all the different notes. There are GOO pupils in our school. Our teacher says that- she has all the donkeys in her class. I don’t know if it is true or not. We axe having our holidays at school now. Have ’vou any rain to spare? We have been carting water for six weeks now.—Yours truly, SAVOLOY. [There is seldom a shortage of that commodity here, dear, though we cannot complain at present.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —lhe weather # here is very unsettled. I have a yellow rabbit and a block and white calf. The violets, primroses, and daffodils are out in flower. I was in Mat/aura last Tuesday, and I enjoyed myself very much. We are milking four cows just now. We iiave a few vegetables in, but they are not up yet. I am going into Wyndham on Tuesday. With love to 1001, Ralph, Pearl 11, Love’s Golden Dreams, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, PRINCESS MOLLY. Dear Dot, —I am 10 years old to-day. May I join your happy band? We have \ milk run, and we get a ride to school every morning on the cart. We have three mi lea to walk home every night. I went to Timaru last year, and 1 liked it very much. We had a picnic on the beach, and we had great fun. I hope to go back some day. We have had a very hard winter this year, the hardest and longest frost there lias been for 20 years. I learn music, and I like it very much, but I do not get much time to practise, as it is late when I get home from school. We have a lien witli nine little chicks and another one sitting. Last year a ferret ate our first batch of little chickens, and killed the mother, too, and another hen all the same nig*ht. A lot of our neighbours lost hens and chickens with ferrets last year. I hope .there are not any about this year: they used to come into the houses. One got behind our cupboard, and it was hard to get it out. Another one was under the boys’ bed. If we put the porridge pot outside the door in the morning there would be one or two come out every morning from under the house to eat out of it. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, CUDDLE CLOSER. Dear Dot, —It is a few weeks since I wrote to you, and since then the flowers are all very nearly out. There are lambs starting to appear everywhere, and we have about seven. It was raining all day Saturday, but to-day is fairly fine, and I think it is about time again. The days are nearly twice as long as they were in winter, but still we have had a good winter. All the farmers about here are ploughing their ground and sowing their crops. The fanners are nearly all finished rabbiting, but 1 am still trapping, and I won’t finish for a long time yet. I am getting about 12 rabbits a day. All our cows are going out, but there will be one in very shortly. The creek and river are very high now, as all the snow is melting up on the hills, and it is the first big flood of the season here.— Yours truly, VIXEN. Dear Dot, —Since I wrote last my sister had her seventh birthday, and my cousin, A Lonely Girl, gave her a nice party, and •she got quite a lot of nice presents. We had our term holidays from school, and we went back on Monday. We have five new chicks, and they are three weeks’ old. Love to A Lonely Girl and all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A MECCANO BOY. Dear Dot, —For the last time I am writing to the page as an L.F. After this 1 suppose 1 shall have to be content with a yearly contribution to O.W.W. However, I will admit that I have not been what one would term a regular writer, and no doubt the space which my letter would have taken was utilised by a more efficient writer. The weather hero lately has been ideal spring weather, and the days are becoming noticeably longer. Although it is a general deci-

®ion that August is as severe as any winter **onth, I guess that the opinion will be altered as regards this year. We have had mild days and some rather chilly nights, but no hard frosts. The little lambs are becoming numerous, and it is such a pretty sight to see them frolicking about the fields. The orcbardists are busily engaged spraying and pruning their trees ready. for the fruit season, which will net be long now. The football season is drawing to a close, but it is now that the interest is keenest. We have had the Gore, Tapanui, and Otago teams visiting here, and the latter •flowed our teem how to play football. They were badly beaten, but I suppose they can’t Always win. The hockey finishes up here next week, and as yet the Roxburgh East team have the most points for *tli£ banner. I saw' where Doolan had been injured in the mine. I only hope it is nothing very serious. Kindest love to all Kaitanguta L.F. and all my old correspondents, chiefly Hydraulic, Kin" William, Texas Boy, Gip, and Bead wood Dick, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, PEARL BLOSSOM. [I am always sorry when the time comes to read a retiring letter, Pearl Blossom, but there is still a chance of keeping in touch with, you once a year.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have four horses and one dog, and the dog’s name is Roy. I’m very fond of reading books; we have about 200 bound books, so I have plenty to read. I am aiso fond of knitting and crocheting. My mother and sister were at the pictures on Thursday night; the picture was “Way Down East,” and they enjoyed it very much. We have a phonograph and about 60 records. We have not been examined yet thi3 year, but we will be soon. Our teacher is going to be examined on Monday, so we will have a holiday. There are about 20 children going to our school, and we have sewing at our school now. My friend was staying with me while my mother and sister were at the pictures. Do you like reading Zone Grey’s books, Dot? I have only read one, “The Roaring W.P. Trail,” and I liked it very much.—Yours truly, SALLY FROM THE TREACLE WORKS. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have often read your letters, ancl thought them very interesting. I am 14 years old, and live five miles from the nearest township. We are having lovely weather here just now. We are milking seven cows. There are many girls near here who write to the Little Folk, but there are not many boys. We have three weeks’ holidays from school just now, and we go back on the 19th. I have three brothers and one sister. There are 200 or 300 children going to our school. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, BOWLEGS. [Will you please enclose your name and address with your next letter, Bowlegs.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are not having very good weather just now. I am going to the pictures on Saturday, if it is fins. Last Wednesday the Auckland footballers played the Scuthlanders, and the latter won. ibome of the Auckland footballers came down to the South School and presented us with the hockey cup and the football banner. Some of the members of the committee made speeches, and after that the visitors were taken in and given morning tea. We were allowed to go home, as it was very cold outside. We have our term holidays, but we will not be able to enjoy them much if this bad weather continues. Community singing has been held here for some time, but this was the last day of the season. We had our exam, and I think that I have passed. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, MISS INNOCENCE. Dear Dot, —We had the Otago footballers here on Saturday, and, of course, I wore blue, and everybody said I would have the blues by the time the game was finished, but Otago won 14 to 10. I said iSontliland ought to learn to play football. Love to all correspondents, not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, A LONELY GIRL. [Please write on only one side of the paper, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in the Sixth Standard, and at the examination which takes place at the end of October, I hope to ggt my proficiency. There is stall a considerable amount of snow on the hills, but it is fast disappearing. I have lived here for over eight years now, and am familiar with a great deal of country round about. Lately we have been spraying our orchard, which contains about 200 apple trees. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, “BLUE AND GOLD. [You are very welcome to join us, Blue and Gold. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having splendid weather here at the present time. My brother, Horatius, when he wrote last time said he was going to a doctor in Dunedin, and he is nowr in the hospital. He is coming home to-morrow. My sister. Dainty Dora, who has just returned from a holiday of five months, is nowr in bed with a cold in her back. We have just lately lost one of the best teachers that has been here for many years. Last Friday and Saturday there was a bazaar in aid of the Milburn Public Hall, and it was a great success, but I do not know yet how much money was taken at the doors and by selling artices. There were over 1000 tickets sold on a mirror. Many tickets were sent away to ether districts, the farthest pace that I know of is Hawke’s Bay. 1 am reading a book now-* about a boy who has broken his leg, and took a trip to the West Coast when he was nearly better. It is very interesting, because he visited many good mines while he was there. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, OLD BLACK JOi-.. [I hope your brother i 3 getting on well. Old Black Joe.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—l ha/e been away for a while, and I am just home again. I am pleased to pay that I enjoyed myself very much. When I was coming home they gavj me a send off, and my cousin and I had a singing, competition. The prize for the better singer was a great big bunch of violets, and 1 got it. and I was very pleased They told me that I was wasting my time tip here at Tuatapere, and that I should be in town getting my \oice t joined. Love to Jim’s Chum, and liosi Wood Lassie.—Youra truly, BLEEDING HEART. DcaT Doh —Please may i join your happy band? 1 am only seven, so J cannot write very well in ink. Igo to the Waiki wi School, and am in Primer IV. We have two block cats at home, and we are very fond of them. Best love to the L.F.—Yours truly, COLIN. [I am more than delighted with vour ■writing, Colin.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? 1 am eight years old. I go to the Waiki wi School, and I am in Standard I. I havo two sisters and two brothers. Ember is my Abler. Best love to the L.F.—Yours truly TOM MIX IL

[You are very welcome to join us, Tom, but you will notice you are the second.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is two years or more since I last wrote to the page. I am living ill Waiki wi now. Otago played Southland on Saturday and won. I am not working anywhei*e just now, but 1 am going to start on Thursday. We are having lovely weather here lately, and all the fruit trees will soon be out in flower again. I was at skating the other night. I think it is better than dancing. I know A Fallen Soldier’s Niece, and I used to work with her at the Underwood Factory. Kindest regards to all the D.L.F.—■ Yours truly, EMBER. [I am so pleased you have decided to continue your interest in the L.F. page, Ember. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having a lot of rain over here. We get 21 eggs some days. Wo have a lovely flower garden. My sister has just got out of bed, where she has been, for a week with the measles. A fortnight ago I was at a picnic, and won 9d. Love to Rakiura and Gollywog, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, RATA. Dear Dot, —I have not read a "Witness since I left home. We started off at a quarter to 7, -and arrived in Alexandra at 9. it was a horribly cold night, and as we came along we could see the glow-worms glittering on the sides of the banks. Two Little Wooden Shoes came too, but she returned home the same night, although she wanted to stay with me. This happened two months ago, so some of my D.L.F. correspondents will be able to take this for an excuse for me not writing. There is a football tournament here on Saturday, and I am looking forward to it, likewise the dance at night. I have not met any D.L.F. writers since I came here, but I hope to before I return home. We went out along the river bank the other day, and when we came to an old shovel and basin my brother washed seme silt from oaat of the river, and found a tiny piece of gold and some colouring for his trouble. Would A Fallen Soldier's Niece write again, as I have mislaid her address ? Love to all the L.F., also yourself.—Yours truy, THE SOUTH AFRICAN LILY. Dear Dot, —As my mother and auntie wrote to your page when there were girls I thought 1 would also like to join your L.F. I am over 11 and in Standard IV. I have two sisters, and we have five miles to drive to school. It is lovely in summer, but very cold in winter. I have a pet lamb, and I call her Nan. My cousin, R. K., has also joined your page. As this is my first letter 1 will not make it too long. Love to R. K. and all the L.F., not forgetting your dear seif.—Yours truiy, UNCLE’S PET. [I am glad you are following such a good example as set by your mother and auntie. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having our term holidays just now. My brother has had the “flu,” but he is better now. I am knitting myself a jumper of fawn and red. We are having lovely weather, with fog up till about 9 o’clock, then the sun com-gs out, and we have hot afternoons. The boys from Brainwell Booth Home, in Temuka, are coming to Ashburton on the 7th and Bth of September to do Maori haka and drill etc. We axe milking three cows, but the}' do not give much milk, as there is not much grass. Love to Hazelnut and all the other L.F., not forgeting your own dear self.—Yoon-s truly, FLOWERING STRAWBERRY. Dear Dot, —There is to be a flower show here next month, and at present I have every intention of going to it. I went to one about two years ago and enjoyed myself very much. I had a painting in, so I was interested in it. My painting took first prize. I we-it for a ride on Sunday, and enjoyed myself very much, as it was such a nice day. We have been having beautiful weather here just now. To-night it is as clear as day. It is freezing pretty hard too. I had my photo taken the other day, so I am hoping it will turn out all right. It was just a snapshot, and the sun was bright, so it ought to be good. I can do nearly all the dances now, so that is not so bad for a beginner. My oldest brother is' a good dancer, and he is very steady when lie is waltzing. There is to be a spinsters’ ball in Lawrence to-morrow night, so if it is a-s good a night as it is to-night it will be rery enjoyable. Writing on paper like this is it necessary to write on both sides '> Please tell me, as they are telling me to write on both sides, but the D.L.F. rule is just one side. We luave four daffodils and one narcissi out just now, also violets and primroses and blue match-heads. The spring flowers are all very nice, and they make the garden look cheery. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly COUPONS FOR KISSES. Dear Dot, We have had lovely weather up here lately. Our daffodils will soon bo out in blossom. We are having a week’s holiday from school. There is going to be a dance held her© on the Bth of September. It very windy to-day. Love to all th© D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. Yours truly, BROWN EYES. Dear Dot, —We are having our holidays at present. In our second term exam. I was third out of a class of 38. I am going in for my proficieny and scholarship jhis year. We play basket-ball at school, and in July we went to Greymouth to play, but we were defeated. The scores were 8 to nil Our kittens (Tiger and Sandy) are growing quit© bl ?i I went to a picture called - ay Down East;” and it was very sad We had a lot of fine weather last month, but it- is now raining. I have to >r o to the dentist on Thursday to get som« teeth stopped. There is to be a heath and heather day to-day, and it. is in aid of a memorial. We have community sin°ino. here now, and I like it very much. I have a badge, but I have not met any L.F. yet. Love to Queen Telephassa, Thnipp, Silver Moon, Aussie, and all the other L.F not forgetting yourself.—Yours truiy, A KUSTIC BEAUTY. Dear Dot, —I started to write a letter to you the night I returned from Putangahau about a fortnight ago, but I didn’t, to get any further. I spent several enjoyable weeks up there. It is a very nice place for those who like the native bush and hilly country. One night my cousins rook mo to a dance at Niagara, and I had quite an enjoyable evening, and I made a number of new friends. There is to Pe a. dance in the Long Bush School on Thursday night but, I don’t think I will go. We have been’ having beautiful spring weather here lately, and I do hope it lasts. We have a beautiful lot of Daffodils out in flower. They are in the orchard, garden, and on the road just, behind our house, they seem to be evervvvbcre I have not done much gardening yet.. I have a few vegetable and flower seed in, and coming up. I have sweet peas up and coming on nicely. I do hope the slugs don t eat them off. Father has his potatoes up already, while most people have just put theirs in. I intend putting a few potatoes in soon. My auntie from Timaru is coming

out to see us to-morrow night, and is going through to Timaru on Thursday by the express. The fowls have been laying well lately, and eggs are very cheap and plentiful. We are only milking one cow just now, and she just gives enough milk to keep us going. We are expecting some more in very soon, though. It was a very good season for the bees last year, and it looks promising for >nother good season this year. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, BERBERIS BARWINII. Dear Dot, —The weather here has been lovely, but to-day it has been raining. We have violets, primroses, and daffodils out just now, and the garden looks lovely. We hod our term holidays; mv brother and I set nine traps, but we only got three rabbits. The factory opens to-day, but w© have not got a start yet, as we have just got seven cows in yet. Two of them had twin calves. We will have over 30 cows in this year, but I do not have to milk. We have six lambs, and they are dear little tilings. The hens are laying now. Love to all the L.F., and not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, MOTHER’S DAISY. Dear Dot, —We have been having good weather here, but yesterday it broke; but I hope it will soon clear up, as I do not like the rain and wind- The factory o-pened here, but we are not going, as we have not enough cows in, but I nope it won’t be long before we do start. We have five cows in now, and two of them had twin calves. We have a great number of daffodils out, most of them are the plain double ones. Our hens am laying very well; we got 15 last night, and I hope we get as many to-niglit. Our teacher has left us, but we have another one coming. She was supposed to come yesterday, but she did not arrive. We went to-day, but she did not come, so wc hod to com© home again. I think we will be going to-morrow, so hope she will come. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, CASILDA. Dear Dot, —I have just finished reading the page and noted very many interesting things. Really, Dot, 1 don’t think I know three D.L.F„ and I would like to correspond with some. Could you give me the address of one from Australia or the North Island? It has been very sunny here to-day just real spring weather. I don’t think it will last long. I am reading a book just now called “Mary Marie,” and it is very funny. I read a lot now*, but when I was at school I did not have much time for reading, as we had so many lessons to do. Isn’t it lovely to se© the spring flowers coming out. I have had quite a lot. of violets given to me this year, and I think they arc mvely. We have not a garden, as there is no room where we live right in the Main street, but at the back of the workshop we have a nice lawn. I don’t like oats, I think they are wild animals; but I love white rabbits, dogs, and horses. Love to all D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, INVICTA. Dear Dot, —I went out white-baiting the other day, and did not get any. 1 got tipped out of the boat twice, and got very wet. We are having an afternoon parade on Saturday, the 9th September, which I would like to dodge very much. Love to Lovdy and your own dear self, and aiso The Office Girl and all other Little Folk.—Yours truly, KIS*S!-ME-QUICK. Dear Dot, —Mother is in Dunedin, so J have to look after the hens. I got I*2 eggs on Friday and 11 on Saturday. I went up to the town on Friday. Mother got a housemaid. Love -to all the L.F.—Yours truly RED MOUSE. Dear Dot, —May I join your halpy band of Little Folk? I read the letters with much interest, and so I thoug-ht I would like to become a member myself. We are having glorious weather here just now, proper spring weatlie’*. I have had a bod cold, but it is nearly better now. Nearly everyone lound here has a cold. Mv brother is going to a ball at Hillend on * Friday. I wculd like to go, us I am very fond of d&ncirg; but I just can’t. We are only milking three cows now, but we were milking nine :n the middle of the season. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, DUN A. [Will you pleas© enclose your own name as well as yo u: N.D.P. in your next letter.— DOT.] AUTOS. Cross Keys (Sibyl Falconer, Mai ca-rewa Junction, Private Bay) wishes to correspond with Cupie and any other D.L.F. from 10 to 12. Lochinvar (Frank. Plietatra, Wharekuri. Kuxow) wishes to correspond with Boy of the Bush. Laverna (Miss Winnie Wilkie, Ricoarton road, Mosgiel) wishes to correspond with Wiltshire and Orpheus. Leaning. Rock (Miss Flora Turnbull, Clyde) wishes to correspond with any Mangaweka or L.F. 14 to 16 years. 1001 (Miss G. Thomson, care of Mrs C. O Shea, Riversdale) wishes Correspondents to note her change of address. Princess Molly (Molly Johnston, Mantle Bush, Sorrthland) wishes to correspond with Blue Golliwog, Scotch Lassie, Boots, Lonely Girl, and Sweet Briar. Flowering Strawberry (Doris Petrie, Tinwald) wishes to correspond with Sweet Melody. Berberis Darwinii (Miss L. T. Froggatt, Longbusli) wishes to correspond with °any L.F. 18 veers. Old Black Joe (Leonard Harris, Milburn) wishes to correspond with King of the Redskins and any other Little Folk willing (11 or under). A Rustic Beauty (Miss V. De La Mare, Box 78 Hokitika) wishes to correspond with Princess Mary 11, White Clematis, Ragged Blossom, Cupie, Aloha’s Mate, and any L.F. II to 13 years willing.