LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3613, 12 June 1923, Page 71

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Kofcto. -We write for the benefit of others, for ourselves. letter to contain mere than 350 words. Dear Dot, This is my first attempt at writing to the page, so will you please excuse any errors. lam 11 years old, and am in standard VI, so I am looking forward to gaming my proficiency this year. There is a footballer s ball on to-night, but altlioucli it is raining I do not think it will affect the attendance. Wo have a cat without a tail. She has five kittens with tails in all stages of growth. There was a heavy frost here last night, and the ground was very white this morning. Football i 3 in full swing here no?/. We have a school team, ior which I play wing forward. We have played two matches, but were beaten in both, although we put up two good fight 3. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, STOCK AGENT. [There is no disgrace in defeat, Stock Agent, and no doubt your team will soon discover its weakness and rectify it. —DOT.] - Dea T .Hot,—Just a few lines to see if I may join your happy band. I have four sisters and one brother, who used to write to the D.L.F. page. Their N.D.P.’s are Curly Locks 11, Prairie Belle, Dreamy Eyes, Slow Coach, and Dookm. Curly Locks 11, Prairie Belle, and Doolan arc married. I am 10 years old, and am in Standard I. vve have 11 hens, four ducks, a dog, a H l ®* cow, and four cats. The cats’ names are Banders, Trixie, Mousie, and Moggie. Ihe cow’s name is Poley and the clog’s name is Glen. As this is my first letter to the page 1 will close. —Yours" truly, A MOUNT ZION BARR ACKER (Kaitangata). -r>J^n 0a ar ° VC *Y welcome to join us, dear. — LOl.]

Dear Dot,—There has been a lot of rain np here since I wrote to yon last. The leviot Creek rose, and the water was rushing down. It was a glorious scene The water was running round the claim from a smad creek, and the men were up to their knees in water. A small creek up at rtroad s, whicn ran through a culvert, washed :he culvert away, and ran through Broad's house. Afterwards there was mud on the floor. The inspectors cam© on Tuesday r curs truly, GREED A BILL (Roxburgh). [Even a creek in flood is rather an aweinspiring sight, Bill.— DOT.J Dear Dot,—The weather up here has been something frightful for the farmers One or two mornings lately there have been very / ro£ .‘ s - In another month or so there w j || bo ice on the water, and then the children will be sliding oil the ice goi: i rT to school. The Bells of Peace has gone home, and wo do miss her. I liop e she C.'ill scon come back again. Best love to The Bells of Peace,, and Golden Shoe, Midniglit Chimes, The Flower of the Family, Grace Darling, and Ink Pot, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, PEGGY O'NEIL. [Please send in your own name ami■ n DOT.] " ° ‘ ' Dear Dot, —We have bad very bad luck lately. On I riday night we were going to a concert, when we came to a broken culvert ?° Y i? r had to get out and put scrub all ever it._ vvhen wo were getting over the back wheels of the car went down into the mud. Ws were three hours getting out. \v hen we got to the hall the concert was over, but my sister and I played cur piece when we got there. I am 10 years of age, and in Standard II at school. We have had two teachers this year, and we are getting another cno at the end of the term. At the term exam. I was top of the school, and I am pleased. \Ve had 20 young ducks, but they all died. Mother was down at Otara a while ago, and my auntie gave her a young duck and an egg. The duck died before sko got home, but the egg came out all right. We used to call hiin'Cheepy, and he used to follow us outside. One day lie followed mother outside when she was talking to father, and when she was turnin' 1 * to come in she squashed its little head. Ob”, it was awful. Love to Meg and all the L.F., not forgetting your c-wn dear self.—Yours truly, JOT. [You have had a chapter of accidents, Jot, especially with your ducks; but perhaps the next lot will bo more successful. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am eight years old, and in Standard I at school. I have a sister writing to you also. We are milking four cows just now. We have three dogs and six horses. We have not very many flowers out just now, as the frost is killing them all. With love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, QUEEN LILY (Isk, Bank). [We are very pleased to have you join us, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Once again I am writing a few lines to the page, in which I have for some months past been an absentee. This morning it is freezingly cold here, and every-

one is affected (visibly, shall I say?) by the “red nos© and cold toes” complaint. Luckily, though, I am sitting inside by a big cosy fire, and have not got to the “red nose” stage of coldness. We have been very fortunate up her© on our somewhat ridiculed “wet West Coast” regarding the recent floods and bad weather, as we have escaped it all, while poor old “dry Canterbury” has had a complete ducking. By the pictures seen recently in the weekly papers one can imagine what a great loss and destruction some of the settlers have had to contend with. So we up here, have been able to “blow our own trumpet” to a certain extent because, with all our reputation of being the wettest place in the South Island, we have come off the luckiest of all. The other evening I went to the pictures to see “Omar Khayyam,” and thought it was very fine indeed. The majority of here, though, thought it was “a horrid pict\re,” while a few managed to get an interpretation of it which was ridiculous, and seemed to cause them amusement the whole way through. Some pieces of the “Rubaiyat,” however, were not at all what I imagine them to be like, still they showed the producer's imagination, which must be very vivid indeed. It was very romantic, though, and in the mundane, every-day life cf most people it would appear rather ridiculous. To-night the “Queen of Sheaba” is being shown. The setting will be much the same as in “Omar,” I should think. Last week-end I spent with a friend up in Ileeftcn. Although I have lived on the Coast all my life, I had never been there before, and it is only' a few hours’ train journey away. But, oh, Dot, talk about “Sleepy Holjcw”—well, it and Reefton are one and the same, I think. Business seems to bo simply at a- standstill, and the streets are deserted. Still, when the tunnel is opened it may wake up and get a bit blighter and busier. Well, Dot, time presses, and I must close. Love to all L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly KIETA. [Apart from the mining industry there is practically nothing else in 1 Colton, but I suppose it is a hopeful sign that it is hanging on to existence, waiting for the tunnel.—DOT.

Dear Dot, —■We are having very hard frosts up her© now, and it i 3 not too nice getting cut of bed in the morning. We are only milking' two cows now, but we shall have more in the spring. There was an English Church social up hero the other night, but I did not go. I went for a. ride the other day, and I enjoyed myself very much. I will be 16 years of age in October, so I have not got long to wait for my birthday to come now. Football and Hockey are in full swing up here now, but I have only been to one football match in my life. I am thinking about learning the violin, but I don’t know if I will like it or not. Love to A Lonesome Lover and all the other Little Folk. —Yours truly, THE SWEET KID.

Dear Dot, —You will be thinking I have deserted you, as it is a long time since I last wrote. I have a friend staying in Dunedin, and she likes the place very much. There is a spinstei'3 and bachelors’ ball to be held here on June 8. I suppose the quadrilles will be starting scon. I noticed there are two more Little Folk writing from here. One. of them. Dancing Days, is one of my schoolmates. We have both left school now, so we don’t see each other very often. I don’t like the idea of getting up and milking the cows thes© frosty mornings. However, it always turns out a fine day. Love to Royal Fern, Sea Queen, Fairy Rings, Dancing Days, and yourself.—Yours truly, A WELSH MAID (Bahia). Dear Dot,—l am writing this letter in the hot sun. It is lovely to see the sun again after so much wet weather I have been doing a lot of crocheting and knitting lately, as I am not well enough to do any work yet. You should have been here to see the big fire that occurred in the district over a week ago. It was a two-storied house of 10 large rooms, so yen can imagine the blaze it made. Tire fire could be seen for miles. It belonged to one cf our neighbours, but, fortunately, there was r.o one living in it at the time, and consequently no one seems to be able to tell how it started. My brother rode in to the Highland Society s dance on Tuesday night, which was held in Gore. It was the first Gore dance he had been to, and lie liked it very much. I have three brothers and one sister. There is a bachelors’ bail coming off near here on the 22nd of this month. My brother is one of the bachelors; but I don’t think I will be going this time. There is also a churcn social near, here to-night. We have two lovely little ponies, one is grey and the other bay. The bay is too flash for mo to ride. I have only had one ride on it, end declared then that "it would be my last. IVe also have a motor car, and it is very handy to go long drives on a cold day 1 suppose Dunedin will be quite a busy town next week when the show begins. None of us arc going down, as it is too far away. My uncle from Wellington is coining down to judge the piping, so he will have a busy time. There are no D.L.F. in this locality, so, you see, I am ail alone. Best love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, HOME FLOWERS (East Chatter,). _ Dear Dot, —We have been having very wet weather up this way lately, the _creeks are very high up here just now. IV e will not be able to get across the creeks for a long time. It is very cold going to school these mornings. I have to leave at half-past 8 in the morning, and it is very frosty. I think I am going down to the Winter Show this year, because I have not been to a Winter Show before in my life, and I want to go this year. Lov e to Maggie Bell, Jane, and"yourself.—Yours truly, A PEA BLOSSOM. Dear Dot, —The weather down here is very nice at present. I have just read a good bock by" Zano Grey called “To th e Last Man.” There are a good many D.L.F. in Milton now. The Hockey Club is going into Dunedin to play hockey. Best love to all my correspondents, especially Freckles, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, MIDNIGHT CHIMES (Milton). Dear Dot, —I am 13 years old to-day. Venus and her sister came over to our place to-day, and w© went for a walk up a hill. We are still milking 13 cow 3 that we feed on hay and turnips. One of our ducks is laying, and four of the hens, cn e a pullet, are also laying. I am learning painting, and Ponto is learning music. We are having holidays from school now, but I will bo glad when we are back. In our term exam. Venus and I tied for tbe highest per cent. (77). My brother has a little goldfinch that whistles lovely when we put it in the sun. Best wishes to Venus, Ponto, Mermaid, Cockle, 'and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SAGO PUDDING. [I hope you held a very happy birth!,ry, and I wish you many returns, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My father is up in Dunedin for a holiday, and he will be coming home on Saturday night. We have finished our examination, and I came third in our class. I am reading a book called “Norman's Good

JSame, ” and it is very interesting. I am going to knit a jersey for myself. Sweet Eileen lias finished hers, and it looks very liice. . IVe play basket-ball at school, and I Eke. it very much. My little brother says ho i.s going to write to you. but I hardly Hunk you will be able to understand his writing. There are a number of D.L.F. about here. Lore to Daffydowndilly, Betti's Mi, Forget-me-not, Mother’s Little Angel, Bonny Bluebell, Sweet Eileen, Eugunine, and your dear self.—Yours trulv, BROWN EVES (Wairio). Deer Dot, —Thor© was a Sunday School concert here this week, but I did not go to it. We have had our first term exam., and I came fourth in my class. I did not go anywhere for my holidays this year. I knitted myself a jersey for Sundays. 1 bar© just finished a book called “Our Great Adventure,” which was very interesting. My father went to Dunedin for a holiday, which I liope he will enjoy. We got our photos taken the other day at school, and 1 cams out all right. Two twin sisters started school the other day, and we were all very excited, as we have very few n-w pupils. Basket-ball is. my favourite gam© at school, and we play it every day. Our teacher told us to-day that he would like us to write to Dot's Little Folk’s page . Love to Daffadowndilly, Brown Eyes, Betty's Ma, Bonnie Bluebell, Forget-me-not, Mother’s Little Angel, Euguniiie, and all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours t: uiv, SWEET EILEEN (Wairio). Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? We have two do-rs called Dick and Paddy. There are about 613 acres in our farm, and we have on it eight horses, two hacks, one pony, and five draughts, with other unbroken ones in the bush. I am in Standard IV at schco-1, and have two miles to walk. I am 10 years old. and came first with an easy majority in marks. I have read many books, such as “The Last Trail,” “Desert Gold.” and a lot of others by Zane Grey. I will give you. Dot, and, the D.L.F., a puzzle: “If a horse's head is pointed northward, where will his tail be pointing to?” Love to all, not forgetting l yourself.—Yours truly. LORD OF THE JUNGLE. [I am not a bit of good at guessing riddles, but I believe I know the answer to tli© cne you propound.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —My sister's birtlidav in to-day, and she is 13 years old. Venus, her sister, and ivy two little cousins were here, and we had a good time. W© are having our holidays just now. and to-merrow we are going to Owaka. We all like our teacher. We are milking 13 cows at present. We have four hens laving, and a duck. Fa go Pudding is learning painting, and I learn music, and I think it is very nice Miss Cooper teaches us. I have just finished reading all the L.F. letters that wave in the Witness, and they are all very interesting. IVe have our road metalled now, and it is nice. Best regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, PONTO (Hinahina). Dear Dot, —I came third top of our standard this term. I spent my term holidays at our farm, and I enjoyed myself very much. Father and mother arc going to the Dunedin Winter Show, but I am not. I went to the pictures about a fortnight ago, and I enjoyed them very much. How do you like these cold frosty mornings, Dot? They are not very pleasant, are they? They are making some great improvements on the bar. It will be very nice when it is quite finished. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vourself.—Yours truly, LILY OF THE lIILLS (Timaru).

Dear Dot. —Mav I join the happy band of D.L.F.? Wo get the Witness, and I have been very interested in your page. Moiher is very keen that I should join, because when she was at the High School she wrote as Petunia, and dad wrote also, but we cannot remember wbat bis N.D.P. was. I am 12 vears old, at least 13 on Sunday, and I am in the Sixth Standard at Waihopai School. I don’t know any gir=3 who write to you at school. Could you tell mo any. Mother drew my attention to the competition, which I mean to go in for, although I am a town girl. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trUiJ ’ PETUNIA JUNIOR. [I am delighted you are going to write to us. Petunia- Junior, also that ycur mother still retains her interest in the page. DOT.] Bear Dot,—l have continually put off writin°- to the page until I almost (in fact, I del feel ashamed of penning a few lines again. I have no excuse to offer but hep© rou will net judge me too harshiy for my neglect, and will try to alone for my silence by discoursing a little on nirm bfs. b ntu one lies experienced the absolute hopelessness of a wet wintry dawning, and the beastly discomfort of dirty water dripping off the cows on to one’s knees, one does not know how disheartening farm lire can be. Most town people are confirmed in their belief that farmers have a good time-miflc cows, and then stroll round the paddocks watching the cows make money for them, in the winter, sit round big rearing fires and reckon how many hundreds they are on the right side cf the ledger for the year. This seems exaggerated. Dot, but stiiL it 3 true. I used to thinl: the same myseh. Now' I am experiencing the reality. In hot. weary days employed in haymaking and milking, and wet, muddy days when everything is damp and clammy to the touch. Yet 1 would not change my occupation for town work of any kind. There is something about “the oldest and noblest profession in the world” which attracts me, and I oiten feel very thankful that I am not m an office listening to the clicking of typewriters and ringing of ’phones. There are plenty of drawbacks, disappointments, and iast, but not least, plenty of mud but it is a healthy though strenuous life. I mtend ha\in„ a shot at the competitions, but there is only one bird I could write of, and that is tlio hawk, who is. I’m sure, Fainted much blacker than he really is. With kind regards to all L.F. and Dot.-lours truly THL HAW iv. [Why not let us hear tho extenuating circu instances in that gentleman’s muchmaligned life, The Hawk. DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your band of L.F.? T -am 13 years of age. and attend the Greymouth Technical . College. _ . I have one brother and no sisters. We are having rather too changeable weather lateiy. There are a couple of L.F. in my form. Well, as this is my 1111=1 leHer I shall now conclude. Love to all the L.F. not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, N D P [Before reading your letter, X. D. P.. I was first greatly impressed with tile beautiful writing. We are delighted to have you join us, and I am sure will soon have aomo nico correspondents.—DO!’.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 11 years of age, and in Standard IV at school. There arc 21 children going to our school. We have Iff hens and one horse. I know several D.L.F. up liero. M yleister and I sleep i na tent, and I think it is far better than sleeping in the

house. We have just finished our term exam., and I did all right. I have just finished reading a book called “ The Enchanted Doll,” and it was very interesting. Dove to Dime Juice, Bubbles, and all the rest of the Dittlo Folk, not forgetting yourself. —Yours truly, KISS A MISS 111 (Glenorchy). [I am afraid you will have to think of another pen-name, dear, as you are the third.—DOT.J Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.F.? I am in Standard VI at school, and I shall be 13 years of age on the 25th of June. I read your D.L.F. letters every week, so I thought I would like to join. We have had very cold weather here lately, and the mountains are generally covered with snow. I lived at Mosgiel last year, and I liked Dunedin very much better than up here in the country. I have two nice mates at school, ono is in Standard VI and the other is in Standard V. We have just had our first term exam., and I passed. Love to all the D.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, SYMPATHY (Glenorchy). [You will no doubt find it much quieter where you are now, dear-, and, I expect, colder.—-DOT.) Dear Dot, —May I join your band? We just received an Otago Witness, and I was saying how I would love to join you and the D.F., so mother gave me the half-crown for a badge, and told me to write. I am 12 years oi age, and my name is Florence, my friends—and everyone, as a matter —call me Dovio. I got first prize for writing last year, and first prize this year. Dast year I got a corking vase, and this I got 10s. Well, Dot. this is my first letter, so I must close. Dove to ail D.D.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, CLIVE BELL. [You certainly are a very nice writer, Clive. I have posted the badge, and hope it reaches you safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The weather is not so bad here Just now, hut early in the mornings it is very cold. We have just finished our first term, and- now we have cur holidays. I am Dot going away for my holidays, so I am gning to tako my little nephew out all the week. He was christened on the I9th of May. I know only one L.F., that is Queen jßabe, who lives over the read from us. .a always go over and play with her. I told her that I had written to you, and she said that she would like t-o write also. My brother was playing in a football’ match 10-day, and his side won. After our school holidays we are going to play a basket-ball match, and I hope wo- win. Love to all the lJttl e Folk, not forgetting your own dear seif.—Yours truly, DIMPLES (Oamaru). Dear Dot, —We are having wet and frosty leather here now, and it " is real winter waather. Our winter holidays commenced yesterday, but I do not think I shall go fcwav for them, although I should like to go to the Dunedin Show. We have finished our term exams, now, and they were fairly hard. They have the Literarv and Social Club here, and I have got a ticket for the "cason. There are hardly any flowers out now, as it is too cold. Love to all the L F., especially Mild maid, Beautiful Star, Jinks’ Comrade, Silver Thimble, and not omittm°Jour dear self. —Yours truly, JINKS. Dear Dot, I was very pleased to see my .otter in the Witness so soon. I was out lor a ride to-day on our pony. We have two pomes, one is a chestnut and the other is a bay one. Coupons for Kisses has been away for a holiday. She was away for a weck, and_ had a lovely time, so she said. »y little baby sister will be two years old on the 13th of June. She is a funny little «; n ?-L, and 8 . can sa y almost anything. little cousin and I were away down the grtly to-dav, and we got a lot of ferns and «*bcr bush plants. We got a bracken fern, it was higher than I am, and I am *wt Bin, or thereabouts. I was weighed on Friday, and I am 9st 71b. Love to all the 't 1 ' -> n °t forgetting your own dear self — lours truly, JENNY WREN. . must be very tall, Jenny, as that ia a goo/, height for an adult.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have been rparned. I was married on the 14th of Ajxil, my birthday was on the 15th, and we were tin-canned on the 16th, so we were naving a gTeat time. We had the time of rmr lives on the 16th. We had four or "'five of the nursery men over, and thev san°. and did the Highland fling. We made supper, thinking to get them away by midnight, but it was of no use. We got them away at last about 2.30 a.m.. We are having terrible weather up here. We had three or four very hard frosts a few days ago, but these last two days we have had heavy rain. With best love to all my L F mates , especially Ladybird, Hazel Dell, The Flower of the Family, Licklo Tickle, Y. Y and -lea Cosy.—Yours truly, COWBOY JIM’S SISTER (Heriot). [Please accept our best wishes for all happiness for your married life.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—-It has been a lovely day, but I think it will rain to-night. We have our nol.dajrS now, a week and a few days X was reading a very rice book called Gin-er We have a few patches of daffodils °up through the ground, and a few primroses arid violets out. It will soon be time for planting seed again. If the days keep on going us quickly as they are doing it will not be long betore spring comes around agam Love to all the L.F.. especially Carowlie The Poor Little Rich Girl, The He ? S lf j’ ? el , , - bird - Tom Buck Jones, and Maid of the Storm, not forgetting your own. dear self. —Yours truly, AVERIL. [What is wrong with the present name, dear? I think it would be hard to improve on it. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am in Standard 11, and am nine years of age. We are having our winter holidays at present. There are not many flowers out in the gardens at present. There are a great many wild ducks flying about just now. Every morning, when we are going to school, we see about 20 of them. Love to all the L.F.. —Yours truly SNOWBALL. .[You are very welcome to ioin us. dear DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having fairly cold weather just now. A Rainbow Fairy is still •working at the Fairfax Hotel; she is looking forward to having a holiday up in Canterbury. We have an uncle ur> there just married, and she will be stopping with him. We milk 10 cows in the mornings and one at night. There have been a few football matches here, but I don’t go to any of them. There is to lie a concert here this .month in aid of hall funds. Kindest regards to Hera, Fairy Moonbeam, Mousegrass, Mavis 11, Little Dorrit I, Blush Rose, A Scotch Lassie, A Rainbow Fairy, Helga the Fair, and Verandah Fairv.—Yours truly A BASK.ET-BALDE.R. Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you we £*ve had our term examination, and I got

288 marks. We are having good weather down here at present. Although it is frosty in the mornings it is fine in the afternoons. We are milking 11 cows once a day, and sending our cream to the Federation. I have not been to any football matches here lately. There is going to be a concert and dance here soon, but I do not knew whether I am going or not. I have an uncle up in Canterbury who reads my letters, ad he says that he gets a lot of news. With love to Mouscgrass, Holly Berry, A Rainbow Fairy, Blue Viola, and yourself.—Yourd truly, CURLY. Dear Dei, —May I join your band of D.L.F. ? I am in Standard VII at school. I like reading, and I have just finished a book called “Peggy the Dreamer.” It h&s been very cold down here lately, and one doesn’t like going to school these mornings. I am making a blue crocheted cape this winter, and it is taking me a while to make it. There have been some lovely pictures in the Witness of . Tutankhamen’s tomb. We are having a Busy Bee bazaar here next month. I did not go anywhere for a holiday this term. I went to the picture “Silver Wings,” and I thought it was a lovely picture.—Yours truly THE GIRL THAT WAS TOO GOODLOOICING’S MATE, [You are very welco-me to join us, dear. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having our winter holidays, but we have only a week. Our schoolmaster is going away from here, and w - e are very sorry, as he was such a good teacher. His social was last night, and he was presented with a travelling rug. In the mornings there is always fog and frc3t, and it is very cold going- to school for the ones who walk a long distance’, which many do, V© are getting a relieving teacher until someone else comes. About a fortnight ago some of the girls in our school played a basket-ball match against a neighbouring school, and we won by 7 points to 3. The boys also played football on the same day, and won by 20 to 6. I am not going anywhere for my holiday, but my brother has gone away. Th© holidays are not long enough to go far away. We get books at school from, the library, but there are not many good ones in it. I got a good one named “The Howe Boys.” I like reading very much if only I could get a good book. Our baby is getting on all right; she weighs 13|lb, and is only four months old. My mother is knitting a dress for her, tlie colours. are pink and blue, and they look very nice together. We have two cows milking, and Ic milk one in the mornings. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own. dear self.—Yours truly, TASMA. Dear Dot, —It i 3 ages since I wrote to the page, but I have not forgotten you altogether. X have left school uow, and I would rather be at home. We have been having a few hard frosts lately, but a nice day generally follows. The head master of the school was given a send-off in the hall lest night. Everybody was sorry to lose him, as he was such a good teacher. He was presented with a beautiful travelling rug. He is going to another school only four miles away from acre hall was nicely decorated by some of the ladies of this district. The farewell was opened by a musical programme, which was ■ very nice. _ There was also a dance aiterwaras. I waited until the dance wtvs nearly finished. It was close on 2 o'clock in the morning when we arrived home. Wo didn’t feel inclined to get up very early in the morning. I like reading the stories in the Witness by Edith Howes. I read the first three chapters of “Silver Island,” and I was very much interested in them, but, unfortunately, I missed a chapter, so I do not, read them now. I have just finished knitting my little sister a dress. My mother is also knitting one for the baby. We have two pigs nearly ready to be killed. We nave two cows milking in the mornings, but w© only milk one at night. Do you know what lui3 become of Margaret ? I have not had a letter from her for ages. I was going to write two more letters to-night-but I am feeling too sleeply to write after having only a few hours’ sleep last night so I will close. Kindest regards to Velvet Pincushion, Margaret, and A River of Dreams, not forgetting your own dear self Yours truly, WHITE ROSE. Dear Dot, I thought it was about time mat I wrote a few lines to your page. "We ar© back at school again after having our usual three weeks’ term holidays I did not go away for my holidays, but enjoyed myself all the same. I finished a blue" jumper for myself, and am now knitting a tammy for the cold days. Mother hag knitted a dress for my youngest sister, and has more than half-finished another one. On the last day of last term we held a sale at school and with the money which we raised we are going to get two new basket-ball courts and a lawn tennis court. We had over £4O clear and what goods were left over will be kept till the next sale. There is going to be a ball here on the 15th. I think it is the bachelors There haven’t been any dances here yet this winter. I think they are gettmg fewer and fewer every year. I was & at a Sunday school rally at Duntroon to-day and had a very enjoyable time, only the ride to and from was cold. We played games before lunch, and after lunch we had a service in the church. While we were waiting for the billy to boil we had sem© more games, then afternoon tea, and home. It was about half-past 5 when we reached here after a drive of about 18 or 20 Dove to Lolita, Cordelia, tSilene, bilene s Mate, and all the other L.F., not -oigetting your own dear self.—Yours truly ZITELLA. ’ Dear Dot,—l was indeed very pleased to be able to show mother and father my letter m the Witness. We will be starting our term examination shortly. There was a dance and social held in the Drill Hall in honour of Mr MacPherson on Monday night. I did not go, but mother and my married sister went, and did not get home till 2 o clock in the morning. Well, Dot, I think I will close now, as I have my lessons to learn. I learn music at the RosaTy Convent, and I like it very much. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting yourself Yours truly, TOPSY. [lf you like your music there will be no question about you making good pro-mess with it, Topsy.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was very pleased indeed to see my first letter in print. We have just returned from our two weeks’ holidays. We are going to begin our term examination this week, and I hope I do well enough. We have a large mare, and as she has only got one eye dad calls her “tho One-eyed Gunner.” She is a very strong and powerful animal. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, COWBOY BUCK. Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your band of D.L.F. ? I like reading the many letters on your page. My sister has also written to the page, and her N.D.P. is Azure Fairy. I am 10 years old, and I am in Standard II at school. I like going to school very much, and I have not missed a day this year yet. Love to Cordelia. Silene’a

Mute, Azure Fairy, Azure Fairy's Mate, and Silene. —Yours truly,

SrLENE’iS FBI END. [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I went to see the ladies’ seven-a-side hockey tournament to-day, and, talk about mud!—it was simply awful. It was like a quagmire. I was barracking for Clyde ladies, and was very disappointed when Clyde were beaten by Otago I. My mate. "Weary Willie, went to Wait at i for the week-end, and 1 was left to roam around all on my lonesome. I went to see the football match between Union and Dunedin on Saturday, and witnessed. Union winning their second match tins season. Union seem to be ‘"‘bucking up” this year. I have not been able to participate in any of our harrier runs for three weeks owing to the fact that I have bad the “’flu.” Town is an awful place when it is wet. Kindest .regards to Blossoms, Coupons for Kisses. Fiona 11, Sweet William, Lenora M‘Kay, Billy M'Goo&ely, White Fleece, Bluebell, Queen Estha, Scotch Bluebell, Veins*, and Freckles, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, TIRED TIM (Dunedin).

Dear Dot, —What terrible weather we are having lately—cold and rain. We are having holidays from Tech, just now. My father, who is in the Hospital, is keeping fine, and we hope he will soon be able to come home. It was necessary for him to get his right eye taken out. My youngest brother, who is now in the Convalescent Home, is expected to come home next Wednesday on condition that he is kept in bed for a week, as his leg is not yet strong enough to walk on. i am at work now, and like it. If Dew drop notices this letter she may keep the snap enclosed in my last letter to her. I wonder what has become of Resell a lately. I think she must have forgotten me. Love to all the L.F., especially Sally from the Treacle Works, Robin Red Breast, Rosella, Lenora M‘Kay, Buly M'Goosely, Trooper Tom, Autumn Fancies, Dija, Dewdrop, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LONESOME (Dunedin). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am in Standard IV. vVe are having our winter holidays just now, and I was helloing a neighbour of ours to put up a fence round three wheat stacks. The weather here is very frosty and cold. When I come home from school I can see flocks of starlings coming from all directions to roost in the plantation. Before they settle down their movements are beautiful “to look at. Love to all the L.F.—Yours truly, BLACK PANCAKES. [lt is a picture to watch a flock of birds circling round and acting as if each had i ns true ti o n s. —DO T. ] Dear Do-t, —We have our winter holidays. I have a bad. cold, so mother is keeping me inside to-day, as the weather is so cold. It looks as if it is going to snow. My mother was going to take my sister Gwen and I to town, but now she thinks she will wait until the weather is finer and the days are longer. Do you like the winter, Dot? I will be glad when summer is here again. We had a hard frost about four nights ago: it spoiled all the chrysanthemums in the garden. We had our half term exam, before the holidays. I am getting well through my Standard I Loot. Love to Fanny’s Mate and all the L.F., also your own dear self. —Yours truly, POPPY OF FRANCE. [I non t like the intense cold of the winters here, Poppy.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l would like to join the D.L.F. C, I am 10 years old. I went away for our first term holidays. We have two ponies, one’s name is Phiz and the other is Tiny. We have four cows and three calves. We have one dog- called Dingo. We have a little wild pig. Dad killed one of onx pigs abont a fortnight ago. My sister has a little bicycle; I can ride it. My sister is going in for a competition. I would like to see my letter m print. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, TOKO JOCKEY (Tokomaru). [We are very pleased to have you join us dear, —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I would like to join the D.L.F. ara u el §ht years old, and I am in standard 111. I have a little bicycle. We have a shop. It is a confectioner’s shop There are over 109 pupils at our school’ There are only three shops here We have two motor lorries, one is a big one and the other one is a little lorry. I would like my letter in print. Love to all the D. and yourself.— Tours truly, THE ROOiSTER’S WIFE (Tokomaru, North Island). [Evidently Tokomaru has a good population, though the township must be small dear.—DOT.] ’ Dear Dot,—lt is blowing here to-day We have ; a teacher now, and we have had a week s schooling, and we like her. We haven’t had a teacher for five months It was raining last night. We killed two pigs about one month ago, and they were fat Some mornings we have some bacon for breakfast. It will be best when the ducks and fowls lay eggs, and then we will be able to have bacon and eggs for breakfast We have seven ducks and one drake. It is time they were laying, but neither ducks nor fowls are laying. The Teweka post office has closed, now. Love to Kea.—Yours truly SLUG’S EYES. [lt is a good thing you have a teacher again, as it must keep you back bein<* so long without one.—DOT,] Dear Dot, —I began to tell the D.L F about the Wairau Massacre in one of iny letters, but not being a prompt writer I had not continued with it. But I shall start and try to continue more often with it. Here ia another extract from Old Marlborough, The Wairau Massacre. I got up to where the pakehas began to clear and cultivate the land, and Raupnraha, the chief mainly mentioned, used to come over and coolly help himself to anything eatable. This -went on for a while, but Rauparaha soon got tired of talking to the pakehas about taking their land. They began to gather all the surveyors’ instruments, etc., and any vegetables and placed them in the Maori pa. They then burned down the pakehas’ huts, which were made of the Maori toi-toi. This soon aroused the pakehas, and they were determined to get even with the Maoris; so they came over from Nelson, Captain Wakefield being the leader went first. They got to the Wairau River, and the Maoris were also there. The Maori tribes, however, wanted to be peaceful and settle the argument otherwise, but the pakehas would not consent, so this, as we all would suppose, led to the massacre, where nearly all the pakehas were slain. A large number of Natives also perished. I will go into details later on, but as it is getting near bed time, I must soon, close. We have a new teacher now, Dot, and we like her very much. We are expecting her to soon leave, Dot, as she only promised to stay a month. Sho has been granted, another school down at Westport, hut we are expecting another one to take her place here when she leaves. It has heen an awfully rainy day to-day, Tho whaling season has begun

here. Dot. Did you see the photos of the whaling industry iu Tory Channel, Dot? That is not many miles from where I live. Love to all D.L.F., including yourself, and especially Persephone 11, A Maid of the Valley> Waikato, a.nd Thrupp.—Yours truly, A MOUNTAIN DIMORPHOTHECA (Erie).

[I thought the photos very interesting, dear, nave you seen the actual work? —• DOT.] Dear Dot, —As we are having our winter holidays and have no lessons, I think it is a good chance to pen a fe-.v line 3 to your page. The weather was somewhat unsettled, but was better to-day. We have a now game, scallawag, and my two brothers and my father are busy playing just now. Since I la3t wrote I have begun getting music lessons on the piano, and like it very much. As it is cold weather just now sliding is all the craze at our school. Nearly everybody is talking about th© show, and there aro a. good many away to it. We have been working in the garden all this week, and finished ploughing it to-night. W© are milking five cows, and on© of thorn is mine—a pretty little pure white one with red ears. I was up at tli© blacksmith's this morning! on a horse that would carry one as fast as the wmd. My sister and "i were down at a neighbour’s place last Thursday night, and we were on two very fast horses, and. we “spanked” home like tho wind. The ink is getting pretty low, and it is nearly bedtirne, as it is striking the last stroke of 9 o’clock. The fire is nearly out, and I am as co-id as a piece of concrete, so I had better close. With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE RACER BOY (Hillcnd). Dear Dot, —When the duck-shooting began the ducks would get a great surprise. Altogether I have seen seven, and very early in the morning yc-u could hear the guns going in all directions. My sister won’t allow me to write, she is generally up to some mischief or other. We have a lovely variety of chrysanthemums this year. I believe they would have taken a prize at the show. There is a show at Warepa to-night. There was an evening for the Bible Clas3 members. We all enjoyed ourselves greatly, playing games, etc. Love to all the L.F., especially Firefly, Jessie Frae Islay, Flannel Flower, and much love to yourself.—Yours truly, sleeping Beauty. Dear Dot,—l suppose you think I have forgotten the page, Dot ? My only excuse is that I had no news to write about. We had our term holidays last week. We do not go to school on Monday because it is the King’s Birthday. I am reading an interesting book called “Peter’s Peach.” Do you like reading, Dot? We have three ferrets—two white ones with pink eyes and a black one. Wo have three cows milking at present, but we are only milking them once a day, because they are not giving much milk. We have three pups—two black ones and a little brown greyhound pup. There are not many flowers out now. We have picked nearly all the fruit now. We have had a lot of rain here, and the ground is very wet. My father is up at Ashburton for a holiday, and we are expecting him home soon. We have two big pigs. We have three ducks and a drake. The hens are not laying many eggs now. This is all the news I have to say. With heaps of love to all my correspondents, especially The Hen Wife, Dorothy 11, Our Bessie, Gentle Annie, Mary, the Wild Swan of Fairyland, Mrs Jim, Mother’s Help, An Old South Island Lassie, and not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS. [When there is duplication of pen-names Ido not mind ono making a change. To save me time would you just enclose your own name in your next letter once more, please, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having very hard frosts these last two or three mornings. When my sister was going to school she was ska-ting on the ice, and she fell back on her head, and we thought she was killed. The teacher brought her home. We are having our winter holidays at present, so I hope the weather continues to be fine. Our cows are going off their milk, so sometimes we do not milk them at nights. Most of the farmers about here are busy getting their ground ploughed up. There are only 11 children going to our school now. We are expecting a surprise visit from the inspector any day now. There is to be a wedding here this week. My father is teaching me to play th© accordeon. Well, Dot, I will have to close now as it is getting near dinner time.—Yours truly, PINK ROSE. Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. My mother and my three sisters are away for a holiday. Thero was a dance here last Friday night. The weather is very cold just now. Our cow is going dry. We have our winter holidays just now, but I did not go anywhere. I know another member here who is writing to the page. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Y’curs truly, BUSY BOY II (Artlnirton). Dear Dot, —My mother and sister went to town to-day for the Winter Show. I wrote to Golden Foot the other night,' but I have not got an answer from hex yet. My mother bought me a nice doll up at the bazaar. My father and brothers are poisoning now. My sister-in-law made me a Highland dress, and it was very nice. We have o-ur winter holidays from school. Love to Lilac, Lonesome, Milkmaid 11, Inkpot, A Human Hatpin, Golden Foot. Fluteplayer, Th© Fairy of the Gorse, A Lonely Soldier’s Girl.—Lours truly, THE BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY. Dear Dot, —A few months ago my cousin Begonia, who also writes to the page, was reproaching me for not writing oftener, but I have been reading the letters in the Witness, and have not seen one in from her, so I hope she.-will not leave off writing to the page, as I did a few months ago. I am sure she has plenty of news to tell," and is a better writer than I am. On Tuesday next, the day we get tho Witness, I shall celebrate my thirteenth birthday. We had the inspector's surprise visit last week. He took irs quite by surprise, as we had been expecting him sooner, and we had nearly forgotten about his visit. Love to Silene’s Mate, Cordelia-, Rosella, Lucinotte, Azure Fairy, Zitella, Azure Fairy’s Mate, Silene’s Friend, and Begonia, not forgetting your own, dear self. —Yours truly, SILENE. [You can please yourself about the mattex. What suits you, deax, send.—DOT.] Deer Dot, —I have a little baby brother now, and he is three weeks and five days old. We have a pup named Bob, and he chases the ducks and geese about." Ha also chases u 3 round tho yard and teaxß our dresses. We had o-ux term holildavs a week ago. Our teacher, Mr Fraser, is leaving on the Ist of July, and is going to Timaxu to teach. We do not want hint to leave because he is such a good teacher. We are having winter now, and all the branches on the trees are bare.— Yours truly, KEWPia

Dear Dot, —For §ome time past it has been my greatest inclination to write to you and ask to become a member of your happy circle of oorresjiondents. In this, my first letter, I think I shall tell you about my favourite hobby—photography. 1 have had a kodak camera for sime time, and it haa proved one of my greatest pleasures. My camera is a true friend to mo, it accompanies me on most of my pleasure excursions, and is able, through tho pages oi my snap album, t-o recall to my memory many incidents which I otherwise might liaY r o forgotten. Well, Dot. the short days of winter are with us onoe more, and as the friends I am staying with are all musicians, tho evenings pass quickly with music and song. If to-morrow is a suitable day my friends aud I intend motoring through to Monowai, and as I have never visited that so-much-talked-of spot I am looking forward to the trip with pleasure. During the winter one gets plenty of time for reading. Among the books I have recently read are “East Lynne,” “Kenilworth,” and "The Girl of the Limberlost, ' all of which I thoroughly enjoyed. As this is my first letter I think I have taken up enough of your valuable space, so I will conclude.—Yours truly, PASSION FLOWER. [Now you have started I hope you will continue to brighten up the page with interesting letters like this one, Passion Flower.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —A week or two ago I saw a letter from An Egyptian Marigold in the page, and also the footnote at the bottom reminding me that I had not written for some time, so I thought I would write to J’ou to-night.. This is my second year at High School, and I like it very much. I am going up for my senior free place at the end of this month, and I do not like the thought of an exam, very much. There was a carnival held here last week, and it was a great success. I was only there one night, and then I did not stay long. I entered for the “K” Kewpi-e competition, and received a book, the name of which was “An Unexpected Hero.” When I first saw it I thought it was a boy's book, but it is a lovely book for girls. I am staying with an Egyptian Marigold to-night, as we go back to school to■ morrow, and I have a. long way to go to catch the train. I would not like to have been in Dunedin when the floods were on, and I saw by the photos in the Witness lhat a great deal of damage had been done. The High F'chool children went to hear Andre Skalski while he was in Invercargill, and I thought he was mast wonderful, and would have given anything to sit and listen to him for hours. We presented him with a bouquet, and a greenstone knife with “5.1.H.5.” on it. Love to A Dark Damsel, Little Son Eric, Egyptian Marigold, A Maid of the Mountains, and Erin's Girl, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly. A IELLOW SUNFLOWER (Dipton). [Naturally, after watching writers through the primary schools, a.nd being interested in them, one does not like to be forgotten just at the time v.-e need our old friends to set * a standard for the young people to aspire to, A Yellow Sunflower. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been in the hospital since I last wrote t-o the page. I fell on glass, and I cut my right arm open. I had over 30 -stitches in my arm. There was a carnival here last week in aid cf th© hall funds. My mother and father are up in the North Island, but thev will be home next Friday night. “A Yellow Sunflower” came up on Friday night and went down home on Sunday, and came back to-night. Verandah Fairy came up to Dipton last Thursday night. I did not see her, as I was getting my arm dressed, but I suppose I will see her before sho goes away. I am going back to school to-morrow. I only missed a fortnight from school. I missed half my term exam., but for all I did here I got 279 marks. Love to A Yellow Sunflower, A Dark Damsel, Verandah Fairy, Crimson Tangier, Noie, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, EGYPTIAN MARIGOLD (Dipton). [You have been unfortunate, dear, and I hope the arm is< making a rapid recovery.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —It was a very nice day here to-day, but it started to rain this evening. We have a holiday from school to-morrow, and lam not sorry. Did you like school, Dot? There was a hunt down here on Friday, but I did not go to it. I think I will have to stop now, because it is bedtime. Love to Night Owl and all the L.F., not forgetting vour own self. —Yours truly, ROSY MORN. [I am afraid I cannot lay any claim to being a model child, Rosy Morn. 1 was no fonder of hard work or school than any average healthy youngster.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—iSince last I wrote there has been a carnival in Dipton, and it was very enjoyable. It is very cold and dark these mornings when it is time to get up, but I take care I don’t get up too early. We had our first term holidays last week, and I enjoyed them very much. I was staying at Lyon Rose’s place down at Lady Barkley. We are walking to school just now', and by the time ws get home it is getting dusk, but, of course, we do not hurry. I am rending the story in the Witness called “Silver Isfand,” and I like it very much. 1 always look forward to Witness day. lam also reading a book called “Patricia Pat,” and it is a very good book. Once I sit down to read a book it is a hard job to get me away from it. I see A Dark Damsel is getting one or two correspondents. I think I will have to do the same. With love to Lyon Rose, A Yellow Sunflower, A Dark Damsel, Daisy in the Field, The Beautiful Land of Nod, Crimson Taniger, Noie, An Egyptian Marigold, Rocket, and yourself.—Yours truly, AN APRIL GIRL (Dipton). Dear Dot,—We have been "having wet weather lately. I will be 12 on the 10th of this month. We have had our term holidays, and are getting another holiday tomorrow for the King’s Birthday. I am crocheting an edging around a handkerchief at present. There are not many flowers out in the garden now. We had some friends from Mataura staying with us, and they went away yesterday morning. I was top of my class in the examination. My mate is leaving in about two or three weeks, and I will be the only ono in Standard V. Our teacher, who is at college, came down here for a holiday, and she was at the school to see how we were getting on, aud wo were very pleased to see her. We are milking 10 cows Wo have onr garden all done up for the spring. There is no Sunday school hero next Sunday because our teachers are going to the Dunedin Show. Most of the trees have lost their leaves. Wo play skipping at school, and are going to start hockey vexy shortly. Love to Climbing Ivy and other D.L.F.—Yours truly, v HOLLY (Morton Mains). Deax Dot, —We are having very frosty weather just now. There is a lot of sickness going about, it is a sort of “flu.” I am crocheting a camisole at preeont, and it is very nice too. It is said that Douglas Fairbanks is coining to Now Zealand to act al picture. I hope he comes down here. I would lTko to see him. 1 like reading. W« often get Motion Picture Magazine. It ifl

a very good beck. My birthday 13 on the 13th cf this month. X may have a party. My sister*s birthday was last month, and siio got a few presents. There was a sendoff last week. I was there, and it was very good. There was a dance after it also. Our exam, is finished, and I did very well. Mo had a holiday for the King’s Birthday. Love to Matador and all of the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, VAQUERO. Dear Dot, —I have just arrived home from a trip to Dunedin. 1 wa3 only there was a week, but the weather was lovely. As soon as I left Doncdin I went to Oamaru. AVe still have colds, but my youngest brother is the worst. The weather has not been very nice lately, but it locks like clearing up now. The Paradise <1 tick.-, are plentiful just now. Ac it her cur hens nor ducks are laying. We are having very hard frosts, and it is killing our sweet peas. There was no school to-day because it is tho King's Birthday. The mcki moki is singing as if it is summer. My brothers have two ferrets, but they have only caught three rabbits yet. Tho roses are •Still out in the garden, and the holly has red berries. Ail the leaves are off tho trees and their branches are bare. It makes me wish spring were here again. Love to all tho D.L.F.—Yours truly, LYC A PODIUM. Dear Dot, —It was raining last night, but it was a very nice day to-day. Wo left sci.col to day for our winter holidays. "We had a man rabbiting in our place, and two of our "cats got a foot each caught in the traps and are lame. There is a iat down in our stable, and dad set a irap in a box, but the rat did not go inside it. One cf onr kittens got its foot caught m it, but it is getting better now. We have to walk to school, but when we go back a mar is going to lend us a pony . He lent m# sister a, ponj-, but it is going back when we get this one. I like reading “Silver Island.” Love to the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, JOHNNIE GIRL. [The cats have been very unfortunate lately, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I intend to compete in the bird competition, but the bird I am going to tell you about does not come till spring. I hope that- will not be too late to begin. Being high up, Ngapara suffered no furthre loss during the flood than a thorough soaking. I hate cows at any time, but when the mud is lying inches deep in the eowyard they are an abomination; but I ought to be very thankful when I read of the terrible flood in other areas. My sisters are having holidays from school next week, but I do not know whether to be glad or not, for as soon as I wash the floors in they come with their muddy boots. Hockey is in full wsing here, and I have joined the ladies’ club, and think it a lovely game but for the sore and bruised ankles, but plenty of Eiliman’s embrocation well rubbed in soon puts them in the background. I have learned to drive our motor car, and as yet have not come to grief, only it is hard work cranking it when it is cold. One day I took a lady to hockey, and, of course, we forgot to cover the engine. It was a good quarter of an hour before I got it started. Then I proceeded to turn it around, but the road was just graded, and I got stuck in the shingle. The lady tried to push it out, and when it was out we had a dispute as to whom the honour cf getting it out should be given. When the Strasburg clock was in Oamaru I went to see it, and thought it was worth seeing. I am crocheting a myrtle green jumper for myself, and as I have never had an attempt at one before I will be anxious to see it finished. One of eur neighbours always reads my letters, and because I mentioned him in one of my letters he teases me dreadfully about it. I hope the gentleman reads this, because I put it in for liis benefit. The fair which our French correspondent describes so vividly must have been glorious. If Averil sees this note will she please write. Love to all the L.F., especially Silverstream, Pirie Girl, Dija, Foxglove, Vivienne, Sally from the Treacle Works, and Averil, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, BELLBIRD. Dear Dot, —We are having wintry weather now. "We had a frost one morning last week, and the ground was very white, and we have had a lot of cold showery weather. Fred Greig is staying here now. and he is teaching me how to play clock patience, crib patience, and thirteen patience. I often play cards at night. I can play crib, euchre, old maid, donkey. I like playing crib the best. Dad went to the Hamilton Winter •Show, and brought me heme a brooch with “Sheila” on it. Some men are putting electric poles along our road. I like to see them pulling the jioles up with a horse.— Yours truly, SHELDA. [Patience is a very interesting game, Shelda, but I don’t know the two varieties cf it you name.—DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am writing to the page today as I have a holiday from school. The weather in Wellington is terrible, and to-dav is pouring with rain. Y\’e started school last week, end I was sorry, because I like holidays best. My mother is having a holiday in Dunedin, and she said it is very bad weather there. I have my dancing lessen on Wednesdaj-3, and my music too, so that is my busy day. I haven't been reading very many books lately. Could you tell me some nice ones, Dot?. I do net go to the pictures much because I didn’t like them. I would far rather stay at hmoe and read an interesting hook. I have a camera now, and I am always anxious to se e how the photos turn cut. Best love to Freckles, Lenorg. M‘Kay, and yourself.—Yours truly, POPPY PINK (Wellington). Dear Dot, —May I join your little band? I am nine years old, and in Standard II at school. I have a ponv. liar name is Dolly, nd I ride her three miles to school every day. I live in Taranaki, quite close to Mount Egmont. I used to live in the South Island, and I liked it better than up here. I have a baby brother, and he is five months old, and he weighs 20),!b. I am Icaring to plav hockey, anti we have some fun skipping. With love to the L.F. —Yours trulv SLIP-ALONG. [We are very pleased to have you join us dear—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Last week was Carnival Week in Dipton. I went down one night when the bazaar was on, and I liked it very much. Whi'e we had our term holidays Progress and I went cut rabbiting with onr dogs, and wo caught a large number of rabbits. Rabbits are worth chasing now, as they are a good price. There are three new pupils going to our school. There are 15 pupils going to our school, and they are all boys. Father and mother are away to-night, so wo ere all on our own. With love to the L.F. end yourself.—Yours trulv, A DUSTY MILLER. Dear Dot, —News is so scarce* here that one has to wait a long time before one can gather enough to write a letter. The mncli-talkcd-about carnival has passed, end, according to reports, has bepn a great success. Over £2OO was gathered at the carnival, so X suppose the hall and library will be sonre-

thing- worth seeing after £2OO has been spent on renovating them. The hunt is coming here on Wednesday, and there is going to be a dance tile same night. I don’t think i will go, as it is rather cold out driving these nights. What kind of weather are you getting up in Dunedin just now? To-day has been the first sunny day we have had for a long time. Our eowyard 13 something awful. Every time I go out in it with gum boots on I have to hang on to the tops of them, or I wouid he leaving them behind in the mud. Our cows are going off their milk now. "We are only milking three at nights and 11 in the mornings. I noticed that there are quite a number of new L.y. writing from here now. Some ol them write very interesting letters. With love to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, PEGGOTY. Dear Dot,— May I join your interesting band of L.F. ? I am thinking of the winter nights to come, and the big roasting fire to sit around. It is very nice to see the birds coming home to our plantations loi rest. They come in great flocks, and look very like a, black cloud from a distance. Loro to all the L.F., not forgetting youi own dear self. —Yours truly, SCONEuk [You are very welcome to join us, Scones. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt has been raining here a lot lately, and the mornings are very frosty, l am expecting a letter from one of my correspondents soon. My mother and sister are away to Dunedin ter Show Week. I hope there are no more floods in Dunedin, as the floods have done enough damage. It wouia be very nice to go to Dunedin for bhow Week. Kindregarcs to ail the D.L.l espe daily Tern Mix, The Hen Wife, and Llossoms.—Yours truly, n ttTT THE POOR LITTLE RICH GlicL. Dear Dot—May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am nine years old, and m standard II at school. There are aocut GJ gom to our school. The mornings are getnn very frosty, and I do not like getting up out of bed. We have had the “flu,’ and are JOot getting better. We have five cows but we are oSly milking one. We have had our church bazaar, and it went efi very well The farmers are starting to plough the ground so that the frost will break the clous Love to all the Little FoJc, not fo-rgeitmg your own dear self.-Yours truly, MAORI _ [You are very welcome to join ns, A Maori. —L O T. 2 Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather now after all the rain, but it is very cold here at nights, as the sun sets early. Our holidays finished last week, ana I was sorry too. We are going to have a holiday on Monday, because it is the King s Birthday There was a bazaar on the Ist June, and’ it was very good. Clovedean won a jersev and La Reins won a doll by guessingRuth ter its name. My brothers went out catching rabbits to-day with the ferrets, and got 48. The hotel here was burnt down on Wednesday, and the people did not save anything, because it burnt so quickly, the place was burnt down in 20 minutes, and it was lucky no one got burnt. 1 am reading a good book called “The feeven Australians.” There was a football match here to-day between Mossburn, Balfour, and Mossburn won by 20 — 0. They have won every match here so far this year, and I hope they win more. The mountains are just covered with snow do.!, and my sister and. I find it very cold when we ride to school. One morning we walked, and we were tired when we got there, but we were far warmer than if we had ridden. Vv T e have four cows milking, but only milk them at nights because they don’t give enough milk. We do not separate the milk now either. Some of our friends and neighbours have their sheep in the turnips, but we haven’t so far, altiiougli father is going to soon, a-s food is scarce now. I like watching the birds, and have noticed that the robin has gone away, because the old birds, at the end of summer, go away to some place to moult. I imagine it must be painful for them to lose their pretty feathers; so they keep out cf sight till their new feathers have grown. Robins build their nests in banks, low bushes, and hedges, and line them with dry leaves, grass, feathers, and anything soft. During the year, sometimes twice or even three times, as many as six or seven eggs may be hatched at a time. By tne time the robins return the young ones have grown up, and there is no room for the parents in the old nest. They have often a fight for possession, which makes them jealous, also of the young birds taking food from the spot regarded by the old birds as their own. For the robins do not like any other bird of their own kind to go near their nests. The robins stay in their old spot to gladden everything when the cold winter comes. Kindest regards to Robin Red Breast, Queen Heather, Prudence, Daddy’s Sweetheart, Milkmaid 11, A Lass that Loved a Sailor, and all the L.F., especially your own dear self. —Yours truly, FESQUE QUEEN. [I should think the hotel would burn ouickly, as it was an old building by the look of it. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am very fond of writing letters, and now that I am in such an out-of-the-way place I get plenty of practice. I have lately been about three months in North Otago, and though they say the country is quiet, I didn’t find it so. They have pictures once a week, and if one has nice company they're very nice. I was very sorry indeed to leave the nice friends I made there, so I hope you’ll welcome me to your D.L.F. You’ll excuse my first letter being short, won’t you, as I have another one to write, which will take some time. With love to all my corespondents and your dear self. —Yours truly, LONELY .SCHOOLTEACHER, ["We shall always be delighted to hear from you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F. ? I am 12 years of age, and I am m the Fifth Standard, at school. We had our examination lately, and I was first in my class. Tho weather has been very wet lately. At present we hav e six dogs—three sheepdogs, two fox terriers, and one greyhound. W T e are playing football at school just now. W r e have two sides, and there is very keen rivalry between them. There is a. concert coming off soon, in which the school children have to take a part. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, SCOTTISH CHILD. [I am glad you did so well in the recent examination, Scottish Child, and you stand a good chance of heading the list at the end of the year.—DOT] Dear .Dot,—May I become a member of your happy band? lam 11 years of age, and am in Standard 111. My brothers are out rabbiting to-day, and they took their dinner with them. We have four ferrets, and they took them also. I have four sister and three brothers. Three of my sisters write to the D.L.F. page, and I make the fourth. It is a fine day to-day, only for a cold wind. I am learning music now. I have learnt about five songs in my new book. My sister's baby was walking about the floor, and now and

then he used to come up to me and look at. mo writing. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, RITORNELLA (Mossburn). [Ycu are very welcome to join us dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy hand of D.L.F. ? We are having frosty weather hero at present, and the mornings are very cold. The fishing boats have not been out fishing for a while, but have made a start again. 1 have two sister 3 and two brothers. One of my sisters writes to the page. The Island is very quiet just now, but will be lively again at Christmas time, when the tourists are here. The gardens are locking very bare just now without the flowerings being in bloom. Love to A Fisherman’s Daughter, Queen Alexandra, Queen Esther, not forgetting your own self.—Yours truly, EVENING ISLAND (Stewart Island). [You are very welcome to join us, dear.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having fine weather lately, but it seems as if it is going to rain again. We have had no floods so far, and I think we ar© very lucky. My brothers were out rabbiting yesterday, but they did not get many. 1 have been doing some fancy work lately, but I couldn’t leave my book for long. I like reading, and every wet day I get a book and sit by the fire. I was at the bazaar on Friday night., I had a very enjoyable time. We arrived home at 2 o'clock. I made my nephew a pair of slippers on Saturday—they are grey and red. One of my brother's terriers is not very well; it is a little better to-day; we do not know what is the matter with it. La Koine and I rode for the mail on Wednesday, and we had a good time, although it was raining and very cold. W« were going for a walk on Sunday, but it was too cold. La Reino has a very bad cold. We have net got the “flu” so far, but a few people in Mossburn have. My youngest sister is writing- to you now, but between the three of us we can’t scrape up any news, as it is *ery slow down this way. My brother goes to see the football. I went to see Mossburn and Lumsden playing, but have not been to see any more yet. My father and mother are going to Invercargill on Wednesday if it is fin©. My brother is going to drive them down in the car, as he is going to got it fixed. My brother does not go out ferreting so often now, a 3 the afternoons too short, and the ferrets do not work much after 4 o’clock I have not been to Nightcaps yet, although we are not very far from it. I noticed a few L.F. from there write to you. My brother cures all black or yellow rabbit skins, and sends them up to ajt sister in Christchurch. He generally gets a black on© every time he goes out. With love to all the L.F., especially Heather Queen, The Lass that Loved a Sailor, Rita of Malveen, and all the rest of my correspondents, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, CLOVER DEAN (Mossburn). AUTOS. A Welsh Maid (Miss G. Dudfield, Pallia, Southland) wishes to correspond with A Little Vincennoi3 and Fluteplayer. Brown Eyes (Molly Small, Wairio) wishes to correspond with Verandah Fairy. Ponto (Grace Laughton, Hinahina) wishes to correspond with Verandah Fairy. N. D. P. (Minnie Chow Fong, P.O. Box 66, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 13 to 16 years of age. Cowboy Jim’s Sister (Mrs W. A. Benfell, Parkhill, Hcriot) wishes Tea Cosy, Bluebird, Grape Vines, Hawaiian Maid to write again, as their addresses are lost. A Basket-bailer (Ada Pirie, Isla Bank, Southland) wishes to correspond with A Young Baslcet-baller, Royal Fern, and Laughing Eyes. Curly (Nellie Pirie, Isla Bank, Southland) wishes to correspond with Stamp Collector, Daughter of the Land, Auntie Pinkie Girl. The Girl that was Too Good-looking’s Mate (Margaret M’Ewan, Florence street, Wyndham) wishes to _ correspond with Flunkie and any L.F. willing. Zitella (Rose Ramsay, care of Mr J. Ramsay Papakaio) wishes to correspond with a Lonely Girl, A Lonely Boy, and Coconut Palm, and wishes her Timaru correspondents to Tircd 8 Thu (Chas. F. Freeman, 322 King Edward street, Dunedin) wishes his correspondents to notice his change of N.D.P. Lonesome (Lizzie Freeman, 322 King Edward street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Lonesome Lover. The Racer Roy (Douglas Hallum. Rural Box 12, Balclutha) wishes to correspond with any L.F. from 12 to 14 years. An April Girl (Effie Evans, Dipton, Southland) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 13 to 16 years. A Mountain Demorphotheca (Miss M. J. Baxter Erie, P. 0., Picton) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 15 to 16 years, and notifies correspondents of her change cf address. Averil (Agnes Gilligan. To-panur) wishes to correspond with Charlie Chaplin, Doctor Jim, Rabbiter, Buck Jones, The Clown, Blossoms, Ploughman, Bonnie Prince Charlie. Jinks’s Comrade, Silver Lining, Little Mother, King James, Bunty 11, Azure Fairy’s Mate, Squib. Princess Olga, and Pinkie. Carowlie (Miss Rose Keeley, Tapanui) wishes to correspond with A Ploughman from the Boys of Ireland, A Human Hatpin, Coupons for Kisses, Miss Innocence, A Lonesome Melody, Plain Joe. Lover’s Dream, A Scotch Lassie, Jinks, Patriotic Paul, and any L.F. willing 15 to 16 years of age. Johnnie Girl (Joan Hood, Ngapara) wishes to correspond wilth any L.F. willing. Poppy Pink (Margaret Fountain, 21 Matai road, Hataitai (Wellington) wishes to correspond wth Lovesign. The Poor Little Rich Girl (Frank Keeley, Tapanui) wishes to correspond v.-ith Charlie Chaplin, Doctor Jim, Ploughman, and any boy L.F. 12 to 14 years. Cloverdean (Enid Gallagher, Stoncytown, Mossburn) wishes to correspond with A Little Vincenncis and any L.F. 14 to 16 years.