TOPSYTURVY TOWN.
(All Rights Reserved.; No. 8.
By Edith Howes. CHAPTER VIII. The bowling green was crowded. People walked about, telling each other what a lovely spring day it was, or they sat on the garden seats or the steps of the pavilion or the edge of its verandah. But among them all Isabel couldn't see any girls she knew. Kenneth was in better case, for Clive Banks was there; but even Clive couldn't make Kenneth happy, for by this time he was quite nervous about his speech. “It’s all right when you’re asking for something, or saying what is to b? done, or replying to something that somebody else has said,” he confided to Clive, “but it's jolly hard to get up and make a set speech about something you’re not very keen on, I can tell you.” However, when the dreaded time came lie nerved himself and mounted the boxthat had been thoughfullv set for him on the highest step. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the smiling president of the club called out, “our young Mayor will now address you.’ ’ The eyes of the whole assembly were turned on the young Mayor, and for a moment he caught his breath. All those eyes, some smiling, some mocking, some simply staring! But he had to begin. “Ladies and gentlemen,’’ he said, “a few years ago Karcourt was only a stretch of paddocks, with houses dotted here and there. Then the paddocks were cut up into sections, and roads were made and houses went-up thick and fast, and it became a suburb. At first the fathers were too busy- making their gardens to have a bowling green, but when the gardens were made they said: ‘Let’s have a bowling green!’ and the mothers had a bazaar and got money and the fathers paid money too, and now here is this fine bowling green and pretty pavilion and the tennis courts. And I declare them all open, and I hope you will have some jolly good games on them.” He jumped down from his box to the sound of laughter and loud applause from the crowd. “By Jove, I wish every mayor’s speech was as brief and to the point,” said the club president. “Now we can get on.” In high delight the bowlers went off to their games on the green and the tennis players to their courts. Afternoon tea was served, and friends stood round Mr and Mrs Graham an* discussed Kenneth. “He is making quite a good thing of it,” they said. “Aren’t you rather proud of him ’ He said’ all that was necessary and then left off. So. few know when to leave off.” “Yes,” said Mr Graham. “He doesn’t seem afraid to tackle things, and he doesn’t ask for help.” He laughed. “We’re giving him his head, but he’ll come a cropper yet.” “I shouldn’t be so sure,” said a friend. “He is doing so well that we may all live to regret having given these youngsters the upper hand. They may want to keep it.” Mrs Graham shook her head. “Not while they don’t know licw to feed themselves,” slie said. “Some of them are going to be ill presently.” She looked rather anxious. “Oh well, they must work out their experiment,” she decided. In the meantime Kenneth and Isabel and Clive had met together on a corner of the verandah. “Thank goodness that's over!” Kenneth had said fervently. Now they were all heartily engaged with cream cake and tea and jam tarts. “Let’s go to football,” said Kenneth to Clive. “There’s still time.” “And what am I to do?” asked Isabel dolefully. “They’re all grown-ups here, and it’s dreadfully slow. I wonder where the girls are.” “Gone off for a picnic to the Falls,” Clive told her. “They were going to ring you up, but somebody said you would have to be here because you are Mayoress.” “Oh bother! Then there’s nothing to do.” “Come and watch the football,” Clive invited. So Isabel went off contentedly enough with the two boys. But they had scarcely reached the football ground When the lovely spring day clouded over, as lovely spring days are apt to do, and soon it was raining heavily. Everybody hoped it was “only a shower,” but it continued so steadily that the hope had to be given np. Footballers, bowlers, lookers-on, picnickers, all wended their wet way home with disappointed steps. “Oh well, let’s go to the conjuror to-night,” suggested Clive. “Good idea!” agreed Kenneth and Isabel, and they took Clive home to tea with them. When the time came there was no sign of a meal. “But you didn’t say anything about tea, and you didn’t tell rne
what you would like,” Mrs Graham said when' Isabel went to her. Isabel thought hard. “Banana fritters, and scones, and strawberry jam,” she decided. She knew the scones were made, but that the fritters would take some time, so she kindly set the table for her mother. When tea was Over they went to see the conjuror. The hall was crowded with children, the conjuror was wonderful, and they had a jolly evening. Mr and Mrs Graham were in bed when they returned. “It might be as well to lock up,’' called Mr Graham. “You left both doors unlocked last night, and the cat was left in, ail'd the kitchen light was left burning all night. Perhaps you’ll look after these things, now that you; are up later than we are.’’ “Oh yes,” said Kenneth; but he was very sleepy, and he would much have preferred to tumble straight into bed. Next morning the two woke jubilant. “Sunday!” Kenneth called through the wall, “and breakfast n bed!” They had their sausages and pikelets in bed, and they lay and read till twelve o’clock. Then they wondered why they felt dull and heavy all day, and why the rich dinner and tea they ordered were not as nice as they expected. The rain poured down all day, so they did not go out. Kenneth had decided “No church and no Sunday School” ; and though Isabel rather liked Sunday School and would gladly have changed her book from its library, she abided loyally by her brother’s decision. By the middle of the afternoon, however, their reading matter gave out, and they began to look round for something to do. Kenneth had a great idea. “I’ll ring up the conjuror and ask him round lor tea,” he said. He rang, and the conjuror came, jolly and smiling as ever in his dripping macintosh. “Well, and how goes it?” he asked genially. “How is the thing turning out!” “Splendid! Thanks to you,” replied Kenneth. “We go where we like, do what we like, and eat what we like. It’s just the thing !” Isabel looked thoughtfully at her brother. “You know we don’t exactly go where we like and do what we like, Kenneth,” she said. “You didn’t get any football yesterday, after all; and i would much rather have gone to the picnic than to the bowling green.” “Oh well!” said Kenneth. (To be Continued.) BIRD COMPETITION. IMPORTANT Dear Dot, —Will you please note that the birds I want the L.F. to write about for the competition are the native birds, not the birds imported from Great Britain. Although some of the writers have made quite a good start, and their accounts of th e habits of sparrows, goldfinches, etc., are pretty good, it is obvious that a good deal of their material is from books and not from direct observation. Write about what you see, not what you read about. Native birds available are wild ducks, wood pigeons, ground larks, dotterells, seagulls, muttonbirds, bitterns, red bills, pied stilts, pukekos, terns, snipe, shags, blue cranes, tuis, mockers, warblers, riflemen, etc. What a chance one of you had of watching the ncst-building of the wren! Al s! a chance thrown away!— Ycurs truly, ROBERT FULTON. Dunedin, July 21, 1923. BIRD COMPETITION. L.F. are requested to put their ages on the letters sent in to be judged, as the manuscripts are - being kept, and marks will be awarded for neatness and literary style. In judging one must take age into consideration, and a prize will be awarded to the best junior essays. DOT. PRIZES. We have much pleasure in notifying L.F. that we aro carrying cut the suggestions proposed by Dr Fulton, and are offering the following prizes: First prize, £2 2s and the book prize donated by Mr Oscar Coliings, entitled "Animals of New Zealand,” by Hutton and Drummond. Second prize, £l Is and a book priz9 "Wild Life in Australia,” by Le Souef. Third prize, 10s 6d LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit of ethers, not for ourselves. No letter to contain more than 350 words. COMPETITION LETTER No. 1. Dear Dot, —We have a native bush on our farm, and there are a great many birds in it. First of all is the tui, a wonderful song-bird and mimic. It is a beautiful bird with black glossy feathers, and has two tufts of white feathers hanging at its throat like little tassels. It is a lovely singer, but the notes are very full and soft, and do not carry far. In spring you can see them in orchards sucking the honey from the blossoms on the fruit trees and sending the delicate white petals in showers to the ground. They are also very fond of the Kowhai, a tree witli beautiful yellow flowers and small ferny leaves. I have never seen their nest, so I cannot describe it. Then there is the parrakeet, a beautiful green bird. The male bird has a red head, and the head of the female is yellow. Their beaks are hooked like a parrot. When you have them in a cage they talk splendidly. They build their nests in the hollow trunk of a broadleaf or a black pine tree. If we want to get the young birds we have to fell the tree. Years ago they went in crowds of about 20 or 30 together. You could hear the merry “Tweet, tweet” for quite a long distance, but now yon scarcely ever see parrakeets, as weasels and stoats kill all the young ones. There is also the wood pigeon, which are about the same as a tame pigeon, and the feathers on their beaks are a slate colour, with a white breast and red beak. They are very innocent, gentle birds, and should always be protected in shooting season. Their nests are built of a few thin twigs put across each other. They seldom lay more than three white eggs, a good deal larger than a thrush’s egg. They eat the berries of black pine, white-wood, lawyers, scrub, and also leaves of scrub. The bell-bird, or mocker, as it is sometimes called, is a peculiar green in
colour, and comes to the plantation near our house. It sings its beautiful song, and is also a honey-eater. I must close now, 03 I will be taking up too much space. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Youffrs truly, MARY FROM GLENARY (Mertzie’s Ferry). COMPETITION LETTER No. 2. Dear Dot, —I have been watching, the pair of dotterels mentioned in my last letter. On going down the paddock one day both birds were running in front of me, occasionally bobbing their heads as if to pick up something. After watching them closely for a while I noticed one had a brighter chestnut hand tli-n the other, and this one always gave the “Twits”; this, then, was the male bird. 1 soon concluded that this pair were mated for nesting, and that the nest would he near about.. I visited the place several times. Sometimes the female was about, but not often. The first sign that they were about was the sharp “Twit,” and on looking up there was the' male. This “Twit” must be a warning to its mate that clanger was near. As soon as the male saw me look up it would start and. run and I would follow. Now and again it would stop and glance round, and on again, as much as to say. “Come on. you can follow.” I always followed this bird till I discovered that I was being led away from the nest. These birds must he very cunning—no wonder it seemed satisfied to see me follow it. A week ago, feeling determined to find the nest, I set off in search for it . First of all neither bird could e seen at the usual place, but on going a few chains further on there the male was feeding away. Then the warning was given and off it set at a swift run. Thinking it was no good following. I started to search for the nest. I thought it would ho easy to find, as the paddock is very hare, the only concealment being tiny mounds, the ground having been ploughed once and left. After searching about for a while I turned my attention to the bird, which had been giving its twits at intervals. It had evidently been watching me, because as soon as I looked round it started to run. so I followed it; hut it did not go far, when it started to fly away into another padock. It settled after going about- six chains, and I went after it. When nearing the. place where the dotterel had settled it ro-se into the air with “Twit, twit,” and started to fly hack, not direct, hut circling well out before it settled. It settled before it came to the place where it had been first, and then ran on the rest of the way. When I got back l-oth birds were running about as if nothing troubled them. I thought . they hod been troubled enough for one day, so left them. One thing that attracted my attention was the way that the dotterel flew when it loit the first time. It did not seem to fiy in the ordinary steady way; it appeared t-v sort of stagger, at times seeming as if it was going to settle, then change its mind. Several times it must liave partly turned, && the white of its breast would flash for a few seconds. Next night on paying the usual place a visit, the first greeting being “Twit.” on looking round I found the male swooping round at the side of me to about two chains in front. On going to the spot where it seemed to have settled no bird was to be seen, so I began to search about in hop? of finding the nest, and after a while I heard little short “Twit-a-twit-a-----t-wit.” Looking up, there were the two birds not far away; then off they, ran m ttie usual manner. They- had evidently been calling me to follow them; but, thinking they could call, I kept searching about me. However no nest was t.o be found, so it had to he left again. I was beginning to despair of ever finding the nest, but thong,-it perhaps I had been near it., so would co next night. Next night found me at the same place, hut I was more lucky. One bird flew up - a few yards in front «o I went to the spot and started looking ver, carefullv especially beside the tiny mounds. The same calls as the night before were given, hut, taking no notice of them l kept up my search. I had gone a fe.i yards, turned, and was going back, when suddenly I stopped-thero t the sue of m+ue nest, if it could he callea one. The dotterel certainly does time making a n^t-a^ tin,were four eggs in the nest; they arc about wimMm so I wondered it tms 11 r A I think 3 this^-fl/do 'this time, so will close luh love to all the L.F. and yourself.Yours truly, -p E p T MINX (Kakanui). COMPETITION LETTER No. 2 Dear Dot,-This time Ii will . toy J [ 3 niing on swamps m dull, duck builds its nest, sunny days. ine » •> ; n the reeds in swamps or by a , l °v >us j leg The nest and rushes or m lone y grasses, and is composed of reeds and rougn g all is lined with feathers. numbers of eggs up t ■* anc i the same are smaller than a h - »= duckEngs are in colour. Y hen jjedour and feed hatched they are gi«W « “° ' home . The on insects that live and will little duckling® can . * ‘then/ up. They are Peck y°Y if near 1 water, for they very hard to eaten 1 and CO me up far dive underneath the mother is apaway from you. , e j. en ds to be hurt, proached by anyone s ? ~ afetv. The fullwhile the ducklings swiftly, and large grown duck can fly tl y mo nths of May and numbers are shot m ith love to all the COMPETITION LETTER No. 2. 1 Tv, this letter I shall tr >" and Dear Dot, vore 0 f our native birds, write about som among our native Another W* l ® /ite-eye, so called because of birds is the * 3 d ;tg eyBS . it is the plain white for it may also taov-Ln feeding “on the blight that often be seen 1 j? f T uit trees in the iS Wei 36 It° U to d o, is a most useful bird, and orchard. Ft,, Among the smaller i/g to/ h in rdl c y ts an Lntg the and companion! the hush cata?y,'seems * always in a hurry, dashing after some insect on the wing and turning upside down as if delighted at having made a. dainty meal from some elusive quarry. The weka is a very quaint bird, and alway-s comes round , j p 3 y a. visit when a camp is pitched in the bush. Alas! he must be carefullywatched, for he is fond of bright, shiny
things, and will run off with spoons, forks, pieces of soap, glass, or anything that glitters. He will even try to eat such things, but he feeds mainly upon rats, mice, and insects, while he is very fond of the grassgrub {list does so much damage to our lawns and paddocks. The little green pari-a-kects were at one time very numerous, and ever, causod damage among the crops of wheat; but this was not a frequent occurrence, and happened only when the supply of insect food in the forest dwindled so greatly that they were brought to the verge of starvation. They feed mainly upon berries and insects. By going far hock into the wooded ranges, where settlement has not yet reached, we may see many other charming birds that have been driven farther and farther back by- the destruction of their old forest haunts. There is the wood pigeon, one of the most beautiful birds in the world, and very ta-rno. It also enjoys what protection the law affords; but none of these charming creatures should need the authority of the law to save them from destruction. When it is feeding on the berries of the trees it scatters the seeds to the ground, and the young plants spring up in readines to takes the place of the ancient trees. The kaka. or brown parrot, is another bird that is fast disappearing. It feeds mainly upon berries and insects, and helps to preserve the forest by boring into tho wood to capture those grubs which do so much harm to the trees. The pipit, or ground lark, is similar in appearance to the skylark, but is not nearly as common, except, in lonely country districts and among the mountains. It is really not a lark at all, though its eggs are laid upon the ground, hut it belongs to the pipit family. A more friendly little bird could hardly be found, for it is fond of human company, and will run along in front of us, wait till we nearly -each it, fly or run on again, and continue in this fashion, keeping just in front of us all the time. It walks very smartly, moving its head as it walks and giving an occasional jerk of its tail. Like the fantail and the warbler, it lives entirely upon insects, and should never be harmed. We have in New Zealand two species of cuckoos—one known as the shining cuckoo, a beautiful bird about the size of a skylark, and the other the long-tailed cuckoo, which is more often heard than seen. The shining cuckoo is very handsome with its beautiful green back and its golden barred breast; but it is also meat useful, for it foods almost entirely upon these hairy caterpillars that other birds will not eat, and which are so harmful to the crops. The long-tailed cuckoo is hardly ever seen away from the bush, but his long trilly whistle may be heard during the spring and summer months. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting vour own dear self. —Yours truly, DIAMOND PRINCESS (Heriot).
COMPETITION LETTER No. 2. Dear Dot, —In this letter I will tell you about the skylark. He i 3 a small greyishcoloured bird. Every morning a sweet song can be heard, and on looking up we can see a small bird, the lark, climbing higher and yet higher. All the time he is singing. The nest is built on the ground. It is very difficult to find, for when one comes along the grass Mrs Lark hops a few yards away from the nest and then flies away-. The nest is lined with dead grass and small pieces cf tusock. Eli#-lays four or five eggs, which are a brown colour with spots of darker brown on them. When hatched the young ones are so lovely and fluffy. It is amusing to watch them hop along. They peck at an insect, and give another hop. When the little ones are hatched the mother and father have a busy time fetching worms and other insect?. Their mouths are constantly open asking Tor more, like Oliver Twist. They have little yellow beaks, which turn brown later on. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, DAD’S DAISY (Chertsey). COMPETITION LETTER No. 3. Dear Dot,—l am now going to tell you about the kaka. It is a fairly large bird cf the parrot species, and so is classed as a climbing bird. In this order of birds the toes are in two pairs—two toes in front and two behind. That is to say, two are directed forwards and two backward*, so that the branches of trees can be strongly grasped. Climbing birds feed mostly on fruit or insects, live mostly warm countries, and are generally brilliantly coloured. Kakas are to be found in both the North and South Islands cf New Zealand. They are not very often seen nowadays, except away hack in the dense forests. The kaka is certainly very brilliantly coloured, being- olive brown with a purply--red breast. The under surface of the wings are bright red, the wings themselves are loilg and pointed and taper to a point. The legs are short and stout, and each leg has four toes, formed -■n the way before mentioned. Also the kaka has dark brown eyes. These birds ere sociable, playful, and are very- noisy. They generally live' in flocks, and warn - one another of approaching danger by uttering cries of ‘‘Kaka, kaka.” often repeated. The kaka’s nest is built in a hollow tree. Generally three or four white eggs about l|in long are laid in the nest. In about three weeks’ time after the mother bird has laid the eggs the fluffy little kakas appear. The kaka is very much attached to its young, which it feeds on honey, insects, and fruit. The kaka is a very useful bird, as it helps to preserve the forest hv boring into the trees to capture those grubs which do so much harm to the wood. For this reason, end also because it has been fast dying out. the kaka needs all our protection. The kaka, generally one of the noisy ones of the forest, is difficult to locate during feeding hours, except by the falling fragments of moss and hark which it dislodges from th- Infiv boughs of rimu and totara trees. The first flush of dawn is the time to make acquaintance with the kaka, whose underwing feathers reflect the rose colour of the eastern sky as though the God of Morning had painted it there. From some high ridge a flock of kaka3 wakened by the growing light launch themselves into the air with a chorus of whistling notes, for all the world like a troop of schoolboys let loose for play. For a brief snell the silent aisles of the forest ring with their melodious notes mingled with harsher cries, and then the flock scatters to some feeding ground amid the treetons to And their breakfasts. Well, Dot. I think that ‘this is a. suitable nlace to leave the kaka, so I will close.—Yours RED RAGGER (Te Karaka) COMPETITION LETTER No. 4. Dear Dot, —I will write to you this week about the shag. This bird is a water bird which frequents coastal and inland waters. It is most, common in Australia and New Zealand. It has a plumage of black beautifully decorated with green and bright coloured feathers, a -long, stiff tail, and curiously formed feet. These feet are webbed with four toes connected to the web of the foot. The external nostrils in the adult are absent. The shags are splendid divers, and are also to he seen floating on still waters, such as bays and lakes or rivers. You will see them .dis-
appear suddenly without even a splash, then reappear some distance away, with or without a fish. This bird lives on small fish, and is therefore an outlaw in New Zealand’, a shilling a head being offered for all shags-’ heads. It is hard to say whether this bird deserves such severe treatment or not. Shags build their nests on lonely rocks out of reach of tides or breakers or in any other almost inaccessible places. Their nests, therefore, are rarely seen or obtained. The nests are made of seaweed and rubbish found on coasts. I cannot tell you about a shag’s egg, as I have not seen one, the shags I saw being in the inland rivers. This i 3 a shy bird and very wary. It is so quick of sight that it will dive as quickly as the flash of a gun. I t hink I have told you that this is the bird from which the gannet partly originated. I will tell you what little I know of the pelican, the other bird v.-hieh brought about the origin of the gannet. The pelican is a large white bird with an enormous beak. The skin of its throat hangs down like a bag end will carry as much as 10 quarts of water. This bird also has air-cells all oyer its body, and can blow itself out to the tips of its wing feathers. It has a short stumpy tail, large webbed feet, and large wings. It lives on fish, which are quite easily caught owing to tlie large beak ho nosseses. They feed their y-ouug by disgorging fish from this large skin bag hringing from their throats. These birds are said to inhabit the tropical islands, but whether they are found further south I do not know. In Persia the pelican is regarded as sacred, because when Ali, after a battle, lay sick and faint with thirst, this bird brought him water in his capacious pouch. That is all I can tell yon of the pelican. I do not know if it is right to write of the pelican or not, but I thought it may interest the L.F. to know of the gilnnet’s ancestors. Kind regards to all th? D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, A LASS FROM THE LAND OF LOGS (Te Karaka). COMPETITION LETTER No. 4. Dear Dot, —In a former letter I wrote about a strange bird that was seen in the swamp near my home. This was an Australian moorhen, as I sea by the paper that a similar bird was shot near Riverton. Last week a whits crane also was seen. This is a beautitul white bird, larger than a bittern and much more graceful in apaparance. It was not very- timid, for one could get within 50 or 60 y-ards of it before it flew. This is also a very rare bird. A Maori, speaking of a visitor from a neighbouring tribe, would use the expression "As rare as a white crane” when speaking of the visit, and when it snowed they would say, “Tlie white crane is dying,” likening the snowflakes to tho bird’s feathers. The other day when walking under the willows I saw a small grey bird which I took to be a grey warbler, which are plent.ful around my home, but there was something about its movements and appearance that drew my closer attention to it. Do you know what it was? A wren. It is a pretty bronze green, similar to a ring-eye with a bob rail. It was peering into cracks—either looking for a suitable place for nesting or for spiders. Dad says they build a nest like a grey warbler, but, whereas the latter’a hangs fro?, the wren’s nest i 3 always placed in a narrow ciack or hollow, its eggs are oval and white. If it had not been for writing to you about our native birds I do rot think' I would have noticed the difference between the wren and the grey warbler, so I think alter all, Dot, that your idea of drawing our attention to cur native birds will have the desired result. I have been trying to find a suitable definition of a native bird, for, on reading an old school journal about this subject, the writer refer* to the ring-eye as not being a native of New- Zealand but of Australia, and that it was supposed to have been blown over here some years ago, and for this reason the Maoris' call it by the name of ‘dtranger. We have also occasional visits cf seme Australian birds —cockatoos, parrots moorhens, and albatrosses; buj you could hardly call these natives cf New Zefila.nu, so where are you to draw the line? I will tell you about the albatross One very wet evening dad was going through the sheep, and walking against a heavy gale of sleet and ram, something big rose up in front of his* for nil the world, he said, like the Angel Gabriel, though where he had a previous acquaintance with this gentleman it is hard to say. He got a bit of a scare at first but on closer inspection he round it to be a young albatross, which, fully grown, was yet grey like a young seagull He took off his overcoat, threw it over the bird, and carried it home We tried to Led it but it wou!d not eat anything. It could not rise off the ground, so wc took it up to the loft and heaved it out to givo it a start on its journey; but it was too fat to flv, so we put it in a pool in th creek, but it could not swim properly. At first it would give a stroke with one leand then with the other, going round in a circle It had evidently been blown oy Jie south-westerly gale from the cliffs ou the Auckland Islands and it had been Kept going by the wind till it reached New Galana, and tired out, alighted in our paddock. You would not term this bird as a native, would you?—Yours trnlv. v.cuia you. JULIE (Invercargill). Dear Dot—May I join your happy band of DL F ? I am 11 years old, and in Standard IV My sister and I cycle to school every morning. I have two alters and one brother. I am reading a book called lhe Daughters of To-day,” by L. T. Meade. Ye are milking two cows in the morning and ““ M We are getting 10 hens’ eggs and one duck egg. Y'e shall be having our term examinations next week. Y e Fave all h'id tlie “flu.” We are having frostj weather just now, and I do not like getting mR / bed to go to school. Love to all the D U - not forgetting your own dear self. Your 3 truly ’ SPRING BLOSSOM (Lochiel). [We are very pleased to welcome you to the page, dear.—DOT.l Dear Dot.-May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I em 18 years of age Ihe.e i, if he a ball here on the 17th. I hope it is a fine night, as I haven’t been to a dance for a considerable time, and I think it woud do mo good to have a dance and keep mjse f active I hope we win the next football match, because if we do the slue Id is Mossburn’s and that will be something to be proud ’of. The snow is all away from here Tiow and it is not freezing so hard. the days are a. lot warmer-, and all the birds are building their nests. Yitli love to all L.F. and ( , Wmrn) . [You are very welcome to join us.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is good to think we are out of the cold winter months and can be expecting finer days. I like frosts at tune-, but I think we are getting over nmch of it. Most of the farmers are getting behind witn their work, and it is a worry in the country, as it doesn’t do to he backward with tlie cultivating, etc. My brothers are busy cartin„ chaff to the barn at present, for we have just had the chaffeutter, and they did have a time getting ycross the paddocks. It was
dark when they finished, and they couldn’t Bee their way, and, of course, they had to get into a bog. We couldn’t do anything else but laugh when the men came in to -wash ; they were covered cap-a-pie with chaff, dust, and mud. We could hardly see their faces. Mum is busy puzzling how' to start a baby’s jacket. She has made two attempts at it and had to unravel it again, but I think she lias it now. I hope so, for I know how annoying it is to be unravelling instead of going ahead. She is very quick with the needles, so I expect she will make up for lost time. I am very fond of needlework, but I only do it when I am in the mood. I make meet of my summer blouses and jumpers, and I have offered to make Cloverdeen’s for her, for she hasn’t the patience to sit down and make them herself; she would sooner take the terriers and go out rabbiting or some such thing. - It is good to taste cream again; we have five cows in now, so we have started to separate again. I am very fond of milk, and am always at it, so Cloverdeen calls me a calf, for she doesn’t like milk, but she makes sure she gets some cream for her cocoa. We have cocoa every night now, and we race to the billy to get the cream first. The other day we thought we would get a joke on to Fescue Queen and Ritornella when they came home from school, so we got up a large tree alongside the gate which they come through intending to drop some small nut 3 down on them, but as they neared U 3 we laughed and moved about. We didn’t think they saw, but Ritornella seemed to be all eyes, ior she spied us, so we were had that time. Love to all L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, LA HEINE. Dear Dot, —My two brothers went out rabbiting to-day; they went in the morning, so they took their dinner with them. It is a fine day to-day, so ray sisters and I went for a walk up a hill which is not very high and is only a little way from our home. We had a white cow and my father sold it to a neighbour. We are milking five cows just now, and there will be more coming in soon, cl was learning to milk, but the cow I was learning to milk went dry, and I have not milked since. Fescue Queen and I are learning music. Fescue Queen has a new book; she got it last Wednesday. The music teacher said she would get me a new book, too; it will bs my second book. My last music book had the words in it. Winter months are over now, and I am glad, but \t does not freeze so hard and we can’t get any slides. My brother trained in a fool the other day; he did not train it properly, but just trained it in to lead. Dove to all the L.F., especially Daisy in the Field and yourself.—Yours truly, RITORNELLA (Mossburn). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? I am 10 years old and am in Standard 111. I have a dog; we call him Mick. He is full of tricks, and he shakes his paw and begs. He is also very fond •if taking the shoes away. I have a pony celled Trixy; she is also very naughty, 1 hough she takes prizes at the show. It is mich a business getting her ocat ready. She sometimes takes a fit into her head not to be caught. We have planted cabbages in the garden and some seeds of peas. My mother sb making marmalade, so I think I will sign my name Marmalade. —Yours truly, MARMALADE. [Ponies seem to acquire more cunning than other horses, Marmalade. I wonder is it because they are petted and thus spoiled ? DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have read Dr Fulton’s letter about the native bird competition. I know a few native birds, about which I may write later. Just now I would like to know about the “mocker’’ mentioned by Dr Fulton. Does he mean the makomako (bell-bird)? — Yours truly, ROCKET. Dear Dot, —We are having splendid weather up here at present. We have just been here a fortnight, and we like it very mneh. We are living two miles out of the town of Te Awamutu. Have you had the influenza, Dot? I hope you haven't, for it is anything but pleasant. I was in bed for a fortnight with it, but am quite well again now. We haven’t any cows to milk here, and we are not sorry either. My dad does the farm work. The people for whom we are working milk by electricity, and it is grand. We can Bee everybody passing along the roads here, and it is so different to living away back off the road. Dove to all the D.D.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A GIRD FROM KIO KIO. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.F. ? lam 11 years old and am in Standard V. Wo have two very tame, pretty pigeons, and we used to have a very pretty little pup. His colour was white with black ears. My brother and I used to take him with us on Saturday evenings when we went out rabbit-hunting, but, alas, one day, when my father and my brother were carting mangolds to cows, tide tricky young pup was run over by the dray and was kOled. We were all very sorry to hear the sad news. Love to The Nigger, The Nigger’s Mate, The Lonely, Indian Chief, The Lonely Indian Princess, rot forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, A BONNY HINDOO. [You are very welcome to join us, A Bonn-v* Hindoo.—DOT.l Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of D.F.? I have beerr reading the D.D.l*’. letters for quite a long time, and thought I would like to join. I am 13 years old and am in Standard Y. As we have a long way to go to school, we drive. I have not Been any letters from Ribbon Grass or Island Lass for quite a long time. I know quite a number of D.L.F. writers about here. We have a yellow cat, and we call him Sandy. He is also a good hunter. Love to Ribbon Grass, Island Lass, Cluny Maid, The Blacksmith’s Daughter, The Blacksmith’s Daughter’s Mate, Patches, Patches’ Little Mate, Village Bells, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, A LOVELY LITTLE NEGRO GIRL. [We are pleased to include you among our many correspondents, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather is just lovely in the middle of the day, but it is very cold in the morning. There was a hard frost this morning, and I felt it very cold. We will be having our examination soon. We have all escaped the influenza so far. I will be glad when the summer comes, so as I will be able to go for a bathe. Love to Silver Moon’s Fa!, Patches, Patches’ Little Mate, Thrupp, A Blacksmith’s Daughter, The Nigger, The Nigger’s Mate, A Lovely Little Negfo Girl, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, V VILLAGE BELLS. Dahr Dot, —We are now having lovely weather after all the snow and frost we have had. Since the first of August the days have been real spring ones, and the daffodils and other bulbs are coming up in the garden. There is still a lot of snow on the mountains, but as the warm days have come we are hoping it will soon go away. My •unty sent me a lovely fountain pen, with which I am writing this letter. It is only two more weeks until our term holidays are due,, and we are eagerly looking forward to
them, because we are going to Invercargill. Mummy and daddy gave me a nice big doll for my birthday. It is about 18 inches long and has dark hair and nice brown eyes. 1 call her Betty, as that name seems to suit her. My garden is not looking very nice, but wlyn the flowers come cut it will look much Better. Love to ail the D.L.F. —Yours truly, LITTLE MOTHER. [I hope you enjoy your holidays, Little Mother. Town will prove attractive for a holiday, I am sure, as it must- be quiet- where you are during the winter months. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I wonder if any other D.L.F. know any tiling about green This winter my three brothers 'and dad felled the remainder of our bush, and they found a great many of these slugs. About a year ago a girl took one to school, as it was the first one she had seen, and none of the school children nor the teacher seemed to know what it was. Not long ago our teacher was reading ytl.e. paper, and she saw’ something about these slugs. She told us that she found out what their name was, and that they were very scarce in the North Island. The scientists know them by two very long names, but we just know them as green slugs. They move along like ordinary slugs, although they are mucfl larger (sometimes about 3in in length), and have veins on them like a leaf. They are greenish-brown in colour, although I saw one yesterday that was almost yellow. Well, when I told dad and the boys that these slugs were very scarce, they said they couid get a syrup tin of them for me in a day’. They took a matchbox with them to bring one home to show me, and brought a great big one. The next day they were at the bush again, and Ted found a great many under the rough bark of a fuchsia. The same day Hob found some under a heap of moss that was growing on a kamai tree, and he counted them, and they numbered 20. They are found chiefly in semi-circtilar holes, which they make in soft trees, principally hinihini. As this is all I can write about the slugs, I will fill the rest up with general news. We have 1-1 ' ; , and one rooster, and they are all Rhode Island Reds. Last year we had eight of this sort and some others, so we sold the other ones and reared six lovely pullets. My youngest brother has three tame pigeons, and I like them very much, as they look so pretty as they flv and strut about the house and sheds. Pcnto and I are very interested in the story called “Topsy-turvy Town,” and that is about the first thing that we read when we get the Witness. We give our cattle 10 loads of turnips every day, and we give them a good quantity of hay besides. We begin to milk our cows about » quarter pest 6 in the morning, and about the same hour at night. Our shed holds 24 cows, but we have - only 18 in so far, and we keep them tied in at night. We often wonder w r hen Dot’s page began, a.nd I wish yon would- kindly tell me. There are 17 pupils going to our school now, but there are four in Standard VI, so there will most likely be four less next year. I like painting very much, and often paint a little bird or flower in my spare time. Dad and the boys are busy stumping a paddock for turnips'. Kindest regards to all the L.F. and your own deer self.—Yours truly, SAGO PUDDING (Hinahina) [Some little time ago we published a history of the D.L.F. pa<*e, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having awful weather just now. Yesterday was a lovely day, but to-day big black clouds came round the hills : and then down came hail and rain. The hailstones were very large, and there was thunder and lightning, and it is awfully cold. The school has been closed for three weeks on account of the “flu.” Our teacher has had it. and most of the people about We have 18 cows calved, and we kept only one calf. I will tell you about the wild ducks in my next competition letter. Wo have four horses, and their names are Dick, Dolly, Tom, and Pat. We have three pigs with little piggies, and they are "Bo nice and clean. We bave some of the road metalled now, and one can walk over it in one shoes without getting one’s feet wet-, but on tile road where it is not metalled one needs knee-boots or else leggings. Sago Pudding is writing to you tonight, and she is telling you about some green slugs. I often get a letter from Moana, who was my best mate at Glenomaru School. The garden is beginning to look brighter now, as we bave some primroses and pansies cut in bloom. The daffodils are also coming out now. Kindest' regards to Moana, Golden Daffodil, Fern, and all the rest of the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PONTO (Hinahina). Dear Dot. —I have a correspondent and bis N.D.P. is King of the Veldt. It is so nice lo get a letter from him. as lie is my only correspondent. What lovely spri*!g weather we are having just now! It is a change from all the wintry days of the last three months. I think the springtime the nicest months; the surroundings are so beautiful when the spring flowers a.ro . abloom. I am learning to dance, Dot, and \I am having such a lovely time at the classes. It is such a nice pastime. Love to all the D.L.F.,, and especially King of the Veldt.—Yours truly, ROSEMARY (Kaikorai). [Please send in your own name again, as you bave given no intimation what you have changed from. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing I bave left down south and am now at Hillgrove. I went for a drive on the beach and enjoyed it immensely. Our house is situated on a hill which overlooks the sea. Do you like the sea, Dot? I love it. We go to the lighthouse at times, and the lighthousekeeper take,s me for a row. I do enjoy it, especially if we row in the breakers. There has been a homing pigeon up here for three weeks. It roost 3in the stables at night. In the daytime, when it is feeding the cats try their best to catch it, hut never succeed. The garden is looking nice with snowdrops, white and blue violets, and a few crocuses in flower. Four of the cherry-plum trees are in blossom, and they do look nice, as all the other fruit trees are bare. I am just over the “flu.,” and I’m not sorry either, as I was in bed for nearly a week, and I hate lying in bed in the daytime. I went to Oamaru one day, and I thought it was a pretty little town. I was walking to the wharf to see a boat, but by the time I got there the boat was well out at sea, so I turned back to the town feeling quite disappointed. Mother told me that I should have been a boy, as I am so fond of the sea and looking over boats, watching the men working.. I am wanted to play euchre, so I will stop. Love to all the L.F.. especially Golden Key, Silver Bells, and Golden Eagle, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, PEGGY THE TEASE (Hillgrove). Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 12 years old, and I go to the Tuapeka Mouth School. I have two brothers and two sisters. I am in Standard V this year. We are having our quarterly examination this week. I have not had “flu.” yet. As this is my first letter, I think I will close now. Love to your own dear
self, also Sea Anemone and Bunyip.—Yours truly, STAR OF THE WEST (Tuapeka Mouth). [Ycu are very welcome to join us, dear.—• DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are milking only two cows now. I have a little baby brother. Daisy is working at our place. My uncle 13 in the Riverton Hospital; he was run over by his waggon. Black Butterfly and another uncle are also in the Riverton Hospital with the influenza. We have a little foal. There was a fancy-dress ball on Saturday, but I did not go. We get about 20 eggs a day now. We are having nice warm days, as it is spring time. The daffodils will soon be coming out in flower, and the snowdrops are out already. I was at Invercargill for three months. Love to Snowdrop, Daisy, Black Butterfly, and Amelia, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, LILLBURN PRINCESS (Clifden). [Hone all your invalids are- recovering, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last night there was a fire on the mountain, and to-night there is a fire on another one. It was a glorious day to-day. Thera was no frost in the morning; that was why it was so nice. I like reading “Topsy-turvy Town.” There are some funny tilings in the Editor’s Wallet. We can see a difference in the gardens, because the bulbs are appearing above the ground. We have a pretty crocus out in flower to tell ns spring has come round again. Our school attendance has increased to 18. I think we will soon have our second term examination. Three of my brother’s ferrets died. Love to Little Maid Marigold, Honeysuckle, A Highlander La-ss, Cox’s Orange, Little 80-Peep, King of the Air, and all the rest of the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLUE RIBBON.
Dear Dot, —I am just getting better after an attack of influenza. Wo do not go back to school till Monday, as wo closed down on account of the influenza. The Havelock North Public School get three weeks’ holidays, but their term holidays are included in that period. I have not been outside for nearly two weeks now, but intend to go out for a while to-morrow. It has been awful weather here the last week or so, preventing influenza patients from getting outside. My little cousin from Gore is at present amusing herself playing with a pram on the concrete path. Wo ore all getting dosed with Lane’s emulsion now. Our term examination will soon be on again, and I hope to gain a, higher place in my class this time. Last time I was away a month before the examination, and so missed a great deal of work. It would not matter so much about the subjects I took in the primary school, but it is the subjects like geometry, French, algebra, and chemistry that pull me down. I am trying for a Junior National Scholarship this year, but I have not much of a chance to get one. The subjects I am taking for it are arithmetic, English, geography, history, civics, and science. I am not sure of the last two, but in the others I have a chance. Hawke’s Bay players are having a good season for football- this year. They have defeated Waira-rapa, Wellington. Poverty Bay, and they’ are going to beat Canterbury on Wednesday. Ido not think that Hawke’s Bay will hold the Shield this year. Love to Curly Top and yourself.—Yours truly, BUNTY (Havelock North).
[I am sorry you have been ill, Bunty, and hope yon will make a quick recovery. It is a difficult matter to retrieve time lost where study is concerned. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l don’t suppose you know who this letter is from, as I have changed my N.D.P. (Lady of the Lake) owing to having taken someone else’s pen-name. I had been writing quite a while under Lady of tho Lake before anyone complained, but if the other Lady of the Lake should see this letter I can only say that I am very sorry I had taken her pen-name. As the late Mr Jeffrey’s funeral was to-day we got a halfholiday to show respect, because he taught in our school for 26 years. Although Mr Jeffery taught in our school before I was of school age, I knew him well, for his daughter was my music teacher before she went to Blenheim. I sometimes dance at concerts, but I have not danced at one for some months now. At the last concert I danced the Highland fling, and they clapped so much that I had to come back and do the sword dance. At school my mates are forever asking me to dance; but the worst is they are net content with one or perhaps two dances, but make me do all I know, and by the time I have done the Highland fling, the sword dance, the Sean Tribius (which is pronounced “shon trues”), and the sailor’s hornpipe I am quite tired. As I am the only one round about here who can do Highland dances T am asked to dance at concerts often. One of my mates is going to learn dancing, and I think she should, because she has the kilts of Stewart tartan,’ and kilts aren’t much good without dancinv. On Saturday, which was my thirteenth birthday, I had a party, and my schoolmates were there. Several people remarked how sweet A Wood Fairy looked, and indeed she did look dainty, for she was dressed in pale pink. My brother is asked outout to a party on Friday,. and as I am not asked there will be nothing else for it but to stav at home. Love to all my friends, especially' Lochend, A Wood Fairy, Boyal Fern and Lady of the Dell.—Yours truly, ’ NAUGHTY MISS BUNNY (Tomahawk). [I don’t know that you should change your name, dear, as, if I remember correctly you have some competition letters in, and you should certainly retain Lady of the Lake for them.—DOT.] Dear Dot—May I join your happy band (l r Xj F. ? I am 11 years old end in Standard II at school. /We are having hard frosts up here yet. We have pictures up hero every Saturday night, and I sometimes go to see them. Love to all the Little Folk, not f or netting your own self.—Yours truly, ° A CHOCOLATE FISH (Kurow). [You are very welcome to join us, A Chocolate Fish.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The weather has been nice' and fine lately, but I think it is going to change, as it is getting very windy, I am knitting a pair of slippers for my brother. I always look forward for the Witness to read the story and letters. Wo have not had music for two weeks because our teacher has had the “flu.” My brothers have a ferret, and have earned about £2 selling l-abbitskins. Love to Evie’s Sister and all the D L.F.—Yours truly, PLUMSTONES (Lochiel). [I have posted the badge, dear, and hope it reaches you safely.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having fairly good weather here at present, but it is starting to rain to-night. There is a church social here on the 14th of this month. I am reading a hook called “The Heroes,” but it is not as good as the last one that I read. I noticed in last week’s Witness where someone has taken my N.D.P. I have been writing for about five months now, and she is just joining. Please will you correct it, Dot? I have so far escaped the influenza, but I suppose I will get my turn. None of us has had it except my niece. The
cows will soon be milking again for the factory. I received a very interesting letter last night from A Basket-bailer. Love to all the L.F., especially A Basket-bailer and A Welsh Maid, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly,
LAUGHING EYES (Pallia). [I am sorry tlie duplication of pen-names escaped my notice, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I would like to write to you. I have thought of another name. We have a lot of games at home to play.—Yours trulv, SWEETIE (Maheno).*
Dear Dot, —On Sunday we were out for a motor ride, and we did enjoy it. The car went very well until we were coming home, when it must have thought it had gone far enough, for the clutch would not hold, and we had to get out and push it up all the hills. My mate ;i!i(j I laughed so much we could hardly push at all. However, we managed to get it to the hotel, and had to wait there until the hotelkeeper (who is very good with ears) got it fixed up enough to take us home. There is still a good bit of snow on the ground, but I don’t think it will last long now, as there has a warm wind blowing nearly all day, and everything is getting very wet with the melting snow. I had a lovely long letter from Roughrider Bill last night. I will have, to take tune-'to answer it soon. The “flu.” seems to be quietening down again. A good few of the people about here had it, but only in the mild form. Love to Squeak, Pip, Raphine. Roughrider Bill, and all the other L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly, MAGPIE (Poolburn). Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote we have had very wet weather and hard frosts. I had the “flu.” and was away from school for three weeks. IVe have a new teacher. We were out rabbiting on Saturday, but we did not get any, for we saw only about 12 all the time. There is a big football match for the Flag here next Wednesday. Our cat got caught in a trap, and got some of her paw cut off. We have seven hens, and two are laying. Our dog is getting old now. Every night after school we take him out on the chain and he pulls us along. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLUB GUM BILL (Wyndham). Dear Dot, —We have had glorious weather for nearly a week, but it has been raining to-day. All the spring flowers are through the ground now, and some cf our daffodils are nearly out in flower. Isn’t it great how the spring flowers escape the frosts? We’ have had" awfully hard frosts here, too, but none, of the daffodils are touched. All the winter games are almost over. The football teams here have to play off the final matches a second time, as three of the teams drew. There were a good few deaths here with the influenza, but it wasn’t awfully bad. I was sorry to hear of Bush Clematis’s death. She was one of my correspondents, and, although I never saw her, I always enjoyed her letters. I started to play hockey this season, but our team, being such a champion, never won a game. I rather like hockey, although some people consider it is rough. But it is not so rough as fooibaH. I see Koi Girl has come to light with a letter at last. I like the letters about the. birds in the Witness; but as I don’t see many unusual birds about this pari of the country I cannot enter in it. Did yoit see the big Strasaburg clock, Dot? I went to see it, and it w-as rather good. The dancing season is coming to a close now. I have been to a good few dances, and there are some more yet to go to. Do you efver have any letters from A Girl from the West now? I used to write to her, also to Driver, We didn’t enjoy ourselves in the snow this winter, as there was no snow here—not even one fall, —but we had plenty of rain and mud. Thero was a wee bit of a flood, but not very much. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself, Dot.—Yours truly, LONE WOLF (Wyndham).
Dear Dot,—My cousin is staying with me to-night. She i 3 going away to-morrow in the first express. Have you had the “flu.”? It has been very severe up this way, but is just about over now. My mother is going to choir practice, and won’t bo home till 11 o’clock. We are milking four cows at night and five in the morning. I am going to a tennis social and dance to-morrow night, and I am looking forward to having a good time. Love to Patches, Patches’ Little Mate, and Elver Princess.—Yours truly. QUEEN OE THE GOLDEN EIVEE (Maheno). [Please remember to write on only one side of the paper, dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I must tell you this time about the Tima.ru Park. It is lovely in the summer time when all the flowers are in bloom. There was a new house built iu the park for the caretaker, and it is a nice brick building with a pretty garden. There is a monument of Eobert Burns not far from the house, with flower beds round it shaped like the Scotch thistle. When the bulbs are out they make a pretty show. There are the tennis, courts, bowling green, and p place •whlene they play football, and hockey; also swings, mervy-go-ronnd, and slide for the children. Flowers of all description are to be seen everywhere. In one of the corners of the park are the animals—namely, the deer, emus, magpie, monkey, and opossums. The deer like clover and green grass, for they haven’t much in their paddock. Then there are the lakes, with ducks, geese, and swans on one of them, while the other has ducks only. Across one of them is a pretty rustic bridge covered with creepers. There is an island in the middle of the lake, 'and water lilies all around, where the baby ducks play. Part of the grounds are laid out in native bush. I like the scent of the shrubs, and think it is one of the best parts of the park. There was a new tea-house built there not long ago. Have you ever seen the begoniahouse. Dot? I believe it is one of the best in this Dominion. When they are in bloom they present a magnificent sight. There are all kinds and colours; some are plain edges, while others' are frilled ones, The hanging ones are very beautiful; but it is hard to choose which ones you like the best, for they are all so lovety. Love to Silene, Wild Clematis IT, Music Girl, and all the L.F.—Yours truly, BEGONIA (Timaru) [I have not seen the begonia-house, dear, and I am sure it must be an exquisite sight—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are not having bad weather here just now, although it started to rain to-night. I received a letter from Inkpot the other day, but „ I have not answered it yet I was out staying at The Bells of Peace’s place for nearly a week. The day that I came back home again The Bells of Peace and her mother came as far as Gore with me. I have started to do my flower garden up again. I have been following up the stories in the Witness, “Topsy-turvy Town’ and “Silver Island,” which I found very interesting. There seems to be a number of the D.L.F. entering for the bird competition. Some of them write interesting letters. W© are milking only two cows once a day now,
as they are going dry. Best love to Music Girl, The Bells of Peace, Grace Darling, Diji, The Flower of the Family, Granddad’s Mate, and Inkpot not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, PEGGY O’NEIL. Dear Dot, —The weather up here is very miserable on account of so much snow being about. There was -a thaw to-day, and it cleared away a good deal of snow. It must have been a very severe winter up country, os some of the farmers found their cattle frozen to death. The degrees of frost were three below zero. As the evenings are very long and quiet I do a gcod deal of reading to fill in the time. The most intereeting book I have read was “Miss Lou.” The school children have not been to school for nearly two months on account of the bad weather. Love to all the L.F., not omitting your own dear self. —Yours trulv, MEMORIES (Poolburn). Dear Dot, —We are having most beautiful weather just now, but in the mornings the frost is terrible. I read some of the competition letters, and some of them are lovely. I am in Standard 111, and my teacher is very nice. Love to The Nigger’s Mate, The Lonely Indian Chief; and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, THE NIGGF.R (Maheno). Dear Dot,—The weather is awfully oold at present, but there was a thaw the other day, and it took a great deal of the snow away. My uncle has about nine little lambs running about the paddock, and they are just lovely. I love to see the little lambs playing about the paddock; they make one feel as if it is really spring. I read a gTeat many books these long nights, as there is nothing else to do. The winter up country was very severe, as there were milking cows frozen to death. Love to Marigold, Yanila’s Schoolmate, Gorse Cutter, and Midnight Chimes, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, GLEN IRIS (Poolburn). Dear Dot, —As we got a half-holiday this afternoon I thought I would take the pleasure of writing to you. I am over at Naughty Miss Bunny’s place, and as she was writing to you I thought I would like to write also. We lined up on the road this morning to pay respect to Mr Jeffery, who passed away on Sunday evening. When we were dismissed Naughty Miss Bunny asked me to come over to her place, as she was lonely. We have been making lollies, and after we made them we went to the lagoon. When we got tired of paddling we came in and started to write. Naughty Miss Bunny had a party on Saturday in honour of her thirteenth birthday, and we had a lovely time. We played many games before tea, and when tea was over we had music and dancing. There were some nice boys there, and one was a beautiful dancer. We were driven home at the close of the party, as it was very late and also very far. I must close now, as it i 3 almost time for me to go home. —Yours truly. A WOOD FAIRY' (Anderson’s Bay). Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? The weather up here has been very frosty lately, and there is a lot of ice about. I go to the Winton School, and lam in Standard II We have a flock of black sheep and 26 black lambs. Love to Lyon Rose and Rocket, not forgetting yourself. —Yours trulv, PETER (Lady Barkly). [You are verv welcome to join us, Peter.— DOT.) Dear Dot,—The only two incidents worthy cf note are that the river has flooded its banks, some of the flats being under water, and that the “flu.” is going its rounds in our district, as ■well as everywhere else. Sporting Boy and my youngest brother are not up to-day, and we think they have the “flu.” The other day I took my little sister for a walk, and the two dogs came with us. I was looking into a tree where I thought I saw an old bird" nest, when all of a sudden there was a commotion beside me, and the dogs rushed away chasing something, I didn’t know what. I thought I would go and see what it was, and called the dogs in, hut as they seemed eager to he off again I let them go. They rushed away again, and you can imagine my surprise when" a great big tom cat dropped out of a tree ju3t in front of them. It fell on its head, but was up and away again before the dogs could catch it. It disappeared into the bush, and up another tree, I expect, because the dogs came back looking very disappointed after their fruitless chase. Kind regards to A Scotch La3sio, Blue Golliwog. Sulkv Boots, and the rest of the L.F.—Yours truly, RED RAGGED (Te Karakul. Dear Dot, —I did not go to school on Friday because it rained too hard. All the flats near Gisborne are under water owing to the heavy rains. It will be hard on the farmers who have crops to put in. . There is a drill competition to be held in this district this month, all schools competing. T hope the home school wins, of course. My two brothers a.re sick in bed at present; I expect they are following the crowd and getting the “flu.”- It is very prevalent about here at present. I take more interest in the letters on birds than ordinary letters. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Youra t A 1 LASS FROM THE LAND OF LOGS. Dear Dot. —It is a lovely day to-dav. Have vou had cold days down there? We have bad very bright days and hard frosty nights. The snow is melting away, and I am very pleased, because I don’t like it. We have a dear little cat, which a friend of ours o-ave us last Christmas, and it has grown such a lot. Have you got any animals? We have a horse, cow, dog, and pussy cat-; and two ferrets. I am making a pair of stockings f-or my brot-hpr Lauri. and it, is the first lot of knitting I have done. Have you a flower garden, Dot? We have one, but it is all over snow just now, but some of the flowers are springing up. Yesterday I went with dad, and we took one ferret, and it could not get one rabbit out. It was awfully cold coming home. Love to Princess Olga, Baby Bluebell, and your own self.— Yours truly. MAY (Skippers). Dear Dot.—lt is very cold up here these days, and has been so for some months; but ’i hope the weather abates soon now that the spring months are round again. W" have had about 2ft of snow and a horrible dose of frost. We have been lucky enough in not getting our water pipes burst. My father turned it off in time, and since then we have had to put up with the kerosene lamp, so will relish the electric light when it appears again. My father says he is enjoying this winter much better than last, but it is just as bad to us. Ha has a dog, rifle, and two ferrets, besides some traps for rabbiting, so he is well equipped. I have not been outside very much since the snow came on, and neither do I wish to go. Our fowls are not laying very ■well at present, but I hope they come on better in the future, as it is lovely to have eggs. I am going to make a proper flower garden this year, and look after it, so that it will look nice, instead of having the flower 3 bloom too late in the season like last year, although I had not much time to spare for it. I am very fond of flowers,
especially pansies, mignonette, and forget-me-not, which I cultivate more than anything else. I have also a few strawberries, and this year I am going to plant more from the runners, which I did not cut last year. Oh, Dot, what a lot one intends to do in the summer time! They may as well 6«3' they are going for a holiday to Europe with their pockets empty! My cousin is coming up again this year, and I hope it is for a good few weeks. Since last writing I have been to see the dentist in Queenstown. and have to go again, but I am not certain when that will be. I rode down, and had an enjoyable stay out at my auntie’s in Frankton, although it rained nearly all the time, and I was wanting to have a look round, as I had never been there before. However, one Sunday my cousin was going in to Queenstown to post letter, eo I had a ride in with him, and on our way home again it began to rain. The “flu.” has been going about again, but it has not reached here yet, and I hope it never will. Every time the mailman comes up here we fumigate everything, even the eatables, because they have had the trouble at Long Gully. When anyone goes to my cousin’s they say they can barely breathe, because of the sulphur, and up here I thought mum did not have g, sufficient amount on, so 1 took a stick of wood out of the hre that was smoking and threw sulphur over it in the storeroom. You can imagine now, Dot, perhaps, why we have not got the “flu.” The eun comes into the kitchen now after an absence of two months, so it is much brighter in here, although it is seldom very cold, l>ecau3e we take care to keep a hot fire on. The boys seem to enjoy the winter. They have made sledges for themselves and go tobogganing up and down dale, and think it great fun. Indeed, it is, too! I have been on a sledge a few times about the yard or on the road, and once I took mum, and she thought it was lovely; but it is a very cold game, and I tumbled off more than once, getting my feet and bands so cold that I hardly knew whether I had such things. I suppose Dunedin is looking its old self again after the floods, which I heard of and saw the pictures of in the Witness. I have never been there since I was one year old, and that, you may be sure, I remember nothing of. I would very much like to see Dunedin, and in the future some time I hope to bo able to go. I have read a good number of books lately, some of which were “A Grape from a Thom,” “The Nest of a Sparrowhawk, ” “Love Unlocks the Door, East Lynne,” etc., -fill of which were very interesting. I like reading very much, and so does my mother. The library is just round the corner from our house, so we - can get any book we went at any time. We have been doing a lot of faneywork in this house lately. My sister has just recently finished a nightdress bag, with a border of lace about. 6in deep round it, and is doing a very nice piece of lace for a piano-runner. I have also finished a traycloth with a- lace border the same as my sister’s, only it has an edging on, which makes it about 7§in deep, and has 14 picots on each side, with a large spray of mountmellick work in each corner. It took me ft long time to complete. I have now commenced another traycloth lace, which lias picots a little larger than the last I did. so I will put 12 picoia on each side, making it a square oue. A few days ago I finished some handkerchief edgings, but I have not made a etart to sew them on yet. Mother lias finished a jersey for 1 erself. and it looks lovely on her. My youngest sister is most Mkoly going to Invercargill for a holiday this summer with some friends, who are coming up, and she is awfully excited about it If anything goes wrong she will sometimes say, “Anyway, I am going to Invercargill,” and content herself with that. It will be lovelv to see the tourists here again, offer fh’ lonely and dreary winter which we ore having, although there are some eunnv days now. What sort of a winter is Dunedin experiencing? I daresay it i 3 cold, as is Invercargill. Best wishes to all trie D.L.F. and vourseli'.—Yours truly, RANGIIILDA (Skippers).
Dear Dot, —I was so pleased to see fir t letter in print. Some of the L.F. wiite very interesting letters, don’t they 9 I was very interested in An English Rose s letter, and would like to correspond with hei if she is willing. However, I do not want to have my real name publisl ed if it is possible, so I will have to give up the thought. AVe are having an operetta called “Cinderella” ns soon as thp “flu.” subsides—at least we will start practising then. We are most likely having a club social end dance scon, too, and I am looking forward to having a good time. I am learning millinery at the Technical School here, and like it very much. It has always been my ambition to become a milliner, but in a small place like this there is no chance of getting apprenticed. I used to learn dancing—different kinds, you know, —but I only do Highland dancing now, except occasionally, when I might do a fancy dance in a concert. I did the tambourine dance with another girl in a Y.W.C.A. concert last June, and the sword dance in the same one. My favourite dance is the hornpipe; it is so nice and lively. I expect I am really too old to dance in competitions, but there might be a few classes for girls 16 and over in the New Year sports in Timaru that I could enter for. AVell, Dot, I don’t expect you are very interested in dancing, so I will close. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, A HIGHLAND DANCER. Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? We live in a very pretty district. Most of the trees are willows, but they look lovely just when the little leaves arc beginning to come. We are not very far from the sea, so we often spend our Sundays lying on the sand reading books. We are not very far from the Kakanui River. We have 11 cows milking, but soon will have enough in to start the machines. I have two sisters and oue little brother. My elder sister has been eway to Christchurch for three weeks, but came home about a week ago. Love to Patches. Nigger, Patches' Little Mate, Village Bolls. Polly from the. Country, and A Blacksmith’s Daughter, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly A LONELY INDIAN PRINCESS (Maheno). rYon are very welcome to join us, dear DOT.]
Dear Dot, —My mate and I have been greatly interested in the Little Folk’s letters for some time now, but we feel rather shy about writing ourselves. However, here I come armed for the fray with a huge school “scribbler,’ a relic of my sister’s ancient days among the classics. She has presented me with it to write out dialogues therein, as we have quite a busy time every now and then getting up eocials and concerts, just to show that our little district is alive. We can really boast of some talent, though and our concerts ore well woi til attending, but would be helped greatly bv the addition of a larger variety of musical instruments.' How we are all longing for the summer weather! After these colds that have been going the rounds we don’t seem to have any backbone left to stand the frosts. However, it will not be for much longer now. Did you ever try your hand at painting, Dot? It’s great fun
I have been brightening up old furniture; but it’s just a good thing' you can’t Gee me, for my hands bear very pronounced evidence of my labours. How qinynt are many o fthe L.F.’s N.O.P.’s. I haven’t the faintest notion what to use for mine. My eye has just alighted upon rather a bulky birthday present of mine, thus reminding me of the fine “spiller” I came in bringing it home, for it caught in my bicycle wheel. The worst of alighting in such a hurry from “they bikes,” as an old Scotch lady terms it, is not the skinned knees, for they mend themselves, but the darning which it necessitates. —Yours truly, MRS M'SWEENEY (Pleasant Point). [I am quite good at painting baths, staining floors, etc., but cannot manipulate the smaller brethren used by artists.—EOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? The weather is getting better, but there is still snow about yet. I am in Standard I and am nine years old. We are milking three cows. We have nine horses, two foals, and a calf. Our hens have just started to lay again. I have two brothers and three sisters. One of my sisters is in the Dunedin Hospital; she i 3 not able to walk. My brother likes to tease me. Love to the Little Folk, not forgetting your dear self.—Yours truly, RED TULIP (Paerau). [Brothers look upon teasing as one of their manly prerogatives, Red Tulip, and I don’t think it does us very much harm. They are really useful in some respects, and one is, they invariably rid one of superfluous conceit.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been having very fine weather lately, but it is raining now. We are having our second term examination at school now, but have not finished it yet. My brothers went to some quadrilles the other night, hut there were only 11 there, as it was a rough night. We were all down with the “flu.” in our house, hut I did net have it very bad. Most of our spring flowers are out now, but not the daffodils yet. We have four dogs now, because my father bad a very small one given to him, and Lis name is Toby. The cats seem to get bigger every day. One, a big black one, is mine, and the other, a big yellow one, is my brother’s. Love to Queen Bee and your own dear ee!f.- —Yours trulv. BLACK BEAUTY (Greenfield). Dear Dot, —We have been having very hard frosts lately. It starts to freeze when we are coming home from school; but after the frosts we always look forward to a lovely day. We have not had our term examination yet, but I think it will be some time this week. We have started to piav basket-ball, and I like it very much. I noticed in last week’s Witness that a Dark Damsel had a competition letter in. Love to A Girl from Caroline. An April Givi Kbie, end A Yellow Sunflower, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truiy, AN IRISH MAID (Dipton). Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band of D.L F. ? I am 14 years of age and have left school. We have been having hard frosts here lately. I have two lambs, und I like them very much. My father has a racehorse. I knew a nimber of D.L.F. who write to your page. Kindest regards to all the D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly. ALPINE BELLS (Dipton). [We are very pleased to have you join us. dear. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—My mother has the influenza, and Engineer, Flower-lover, and my little sister have had it. We have all had bad colds. We had our second term examination on Thursday. There is going to be a social evening hers on Thursday night, and I will tell you about it in my" next letter. It will soon be time for bird-nesting again. The girls are getting up a hockey team. The schoolboys played Clinton boys on the 11th, and beat them by o points. Our cows are not giving very much milk just now. Our teacher is going away at the end cf this month. The primroses and daffodils will soon- be out. Best wishes to Athene, Sheila, .Tack Frost, Queen Mary, Michaelmas Daisy, Queen Heather, Flowerlover, Flower-lover’s Mate, Flower-lover’s Other Mate, and Engineer, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, CHRISTMAS (Waiwera South). Dear Dot, —May I join your hand of Little Folk? I am nine years old and in Standard II at school, f'ride a pony to school, and I call her Peggy. I have two brothers and one sister. I learn music, and 1 have been learning for three years. We are going up to Dunedin for our spring holidays. We have all had the “flu.,” but are better now. Love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, THE ELF OF THE ORCHARD (Te Houka) rl hope you enjoy yonr holidays, dear, and get good weather for them —DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy hand of D.L.F.? It has teen nice weather up here lately. I was at a football match. My brothers are v< ry keen on football. Well, I think this is all the news.—Yours truly, KONA (Kelso). [Will you please enclose your own name as well as your N.D.P. m your next letter, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather at present, but I think we are going to have some rain soon. I have started reading “Topsy-turvy Town,” and I think it is very good. There is going to be a .bachelors’ ball here soon, but I don’t think I am going. We are going to have school holidays soon. We were round the gully yesterday gathering wood, and we had great fun jumping over the creek. I am reading a nice hook about the “Bower Bird ” My mother heard a tui the other day. Kind regards to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.— Yours truly DOUGLAS BIG-SIX (Miller’s Flat). Dear Dot,—The weather is looking very dull and cloudy. We do not get the Witness regularly. There is not much news up this way. The Little Blue-eved. Maiden is staying with us. Love to all the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, A EABBITER’S MATE. Dear Dot, —My mother and father are both away, so I am on my own, except for the wind and rain, which is very' good company, I can tell you. It is raining and blowing as hard as it possibly can. The best place I can find this weather is sitting beside the fire with a book or some needlework. 1+ is no joke having to spank out these mornings to milk the cows. Spring is here once again, and with it will be the birds, beasts, and flowers. The birds will soon be building their nests again—in fact, I have seen several flying around with straw or wool in their beaks. The children are in from school, so I will have to lay aside my pen and paper and continue this another time. Well, Dot, it is a true saying, I think, that “time and tide wait for no man,” for time lias not waited for me. It is three days ago since I started this letter; but I mean to carry it out and finish it before I go to bed to-night. We have been visited by the Frost King He spares no pains on bis work; he'puts some beautiful patterns on the window pane 3. Hope, Faith, Charity does not like
going to bed at night, and then she does not like to get out of her warm bed in the morning. My mother was in town some time ago, end Hope, Faith, Charity and I kept house. AA e had a very merry time, you may be sure. The farmers about here are rather backward with their ploughing, eo they are now taking the opportunity of the absence of the Frost King, and are making rapid progress, working with might and main. I was at a dance the other night, and enjoyed myself thoroughly. It is long past my bed time, so I will close. Love to the L.F., not forgetting yourself.—Yours trulv, AUNTIE PINKIE’S GIRL. Dear Dot, —The weather has been very pleasant lately, but it looks as if it will rain to-night. My mate at school i 3 The Little Blue-eyed Maiden. She is staying at our place just- now. AVe have three cows, but are milking only one. We play at making house and skipping at- school. The birds are all starting to build their nests. Love to the L.F. and vourself.—Yours truly, HOPE, FAITH, CHARITY.' Dear Dot, —When I got np this morning I found the ground white with snow about four inches deep. It was a great surprise, as we never expected to be snowballing today. The “flu” has been very bad here. I had it- quite a while ago, and am trying to dodge getting it again, a-s some of cur neighbours have had it three- times. I hope you have escaped. Dot, as it is not a nice thing to have. I wonder why Dorothy 11 lias not written to me lately. I hope she see 3 this. I think it is a splendid idea of getting up a ball for all the L.F. to meet. 1 am living too far away to be able to go, and I am very sorry. I have not been reading many books lately, as I have been busy sewing, but about- a month ago I read the following: “Old Rose and Silver,” by Myrtle Reid, and “Captain Desmond, V.C.,” and “The Amulet,” both by Maud DiverThey are all very good books. I hope An Office Girl’s thumb is better now. I expect to be going for my holidays at show time to Invercargill. Love to May, Hobgoblin, An Office Girl, and Dorothy 11, not forgetting 3‘our own dear eelf. —Your 3 truly, BABY BLUEBELL "(Lumsden). Dear Dot, —AVe have been having exceptionally gcod weather u> these parts, and I believe that Dunedin also has been having fine spring days. Spring this year seems to have come in with the month, for all th« flowers are well advanced. Our violets were out the last week in July, and that is well on to what it was last year. I also hope that with these bright warm days that the dreaded “flu” will take its departure. We have been lucky so far as the “flu” goes, although some of us have had rather heavy colds, and 1 hope that is as bad as we’ll take it. I have had some delightful rambles in the bush this last fortnight. I could stay for hours, in the bush; it has such a comforting responsive kind of feeling that one is made mere brighter or sadder on entering. The many different kinds of birds, with their different plumage and different songs and antics alone a delight. 1 am sorry I do n-ot know enough about these pretty little things, or I would enter into the competition. We had an interesting little object to study one day last week. It showed us how clever and how intelligent Nature makes her children, the big trapdoor spider, anyway. Dad brought a broadleaf stump out of the bush to burn in the open fire, and after he had chopped it up on one piece there was a . big white ball as big as a pigeon's egg. AVe thought it would probably be full of some yo-ung insects of some kind, but when I cut the soft webbing out fell hundreds of tiny balls of earth, a little larger than a pin head. We took a pin and separated the balls cf earth, and in the very centre was another webbed ball many times smaller than the original, and on opening it we found that it was full cf tiny spider eggs. Was it not a wonderful scheme of Nature? No doubt the earth was for protection for the eggs, but what was the spider's idea in making the earth covering in separate particles? AVas it for ventilation, do you think? It must have taken the spider some considerable time to collect the earth and construct the earthen hatching place for her young, as there was no earth near the place where she had placed it. I think it was altogether marvellous. AVell, dear Dot, I think I will have to draw this to a close, as I yet have some work to do. With kind regards to all L.F., not forgetting your own self.—Yours truly, SAA’EET MARIE.
[I am sorry X cannot enlighten yen regarding the spider, Marie, but for some unaccountable reason I have a horror of insects of practically all descriptions.] Dear Dot,—l think this is the last day of our examination. I had three, mental sums right to-day. Yesterday was a rainy day, and to-day there was a bit of snow. My birthday is on the 30th of March. My brother reads some school library bocks. I read a good book called “One Primrose Day.’’ Love to all the D.L.F., especially A Scotch Lassie, Golden Bells, Tea Leaves, Rain Fairs 7 , Meg’s Friend, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, PRINCESS TINY TOT (Fortrose). [I hope you have done equally well in all the subjects as you have in mental arithmetic, dear.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since la-st writing I have had a tooth pulled. Waihola Lass Down South has her false teeth, and she will be all right after they go back into place. We have all had the “flu,” and are all better now. I like reading all the letters about the bird competition and the short stories. Blue Golliwog and Scotch Laasie write very interesting letters to the page. I sc© that one of my school mates writes to the page under the mine of The Missing Girl. lam reading a book called 'Desert Gold,” by Zan© Grey, and I like it very much. With love to Palm Lily, Nirvana, Stick to Me Kid’s Mate, Silver Lining’s Cobber, and Lost Heart, n-ot forgetting your own dear self. —Yours MONKEY (Winton). Dear Dot, —We have started our examination at school, and I will be glad when it i 3 over. I am looking forward to the term holidays. Did you like holidays when you were going to school? My brother came home the other day from Manapouri, and he lias had a good experience with the snov. 7 . Have you ever been up at Dipton or round about the district? There was a football match in Lumsden between Dipton and Lumsden. Dipton won the match, so they are a bit proud. We have not been playing basketball at school,- as only about half the team are able to play. Ido hope I pass into the Fifth Standard this year, as I would like to leave school when I am 14. lam dreading the essay for the examination, but I suppose the sooner it is over the better. At the end of this year I am going in for a music examination, so lam hoping I will pass. Noie is in my class at school. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, ' A GIRL FROM CARiOiLL [lt would, I am sure, be very nice to think I was a model child at school, d©ar, but it would be contrary to fact. You may be sure I liked holidays much better than school until I almost grew up.—DOT.]
IJear Dot, —It is raining heavily hero, and it is just what was wanted. AVe have been having very hard frosts for the last fortnight. Last Friday night there was a cocial here, but it was not a very great success on account of so much “flu.” being about. Those who went had a good time, and I know I enjoyed myself. AVe have not had the “flu.” in our family yet (touch wood!), but nearly everybody round here has had it. AA r e have been busy in our garden lately. The daffodils aro well up now. Some of them are in bud already. Our grandmother and grandfather are celebrating their golden wedding on September 6, and we hope to be able to go up to it. If all the grandchildren come there will be 53 there. Tho oldest is 21 years and the youngest six months. Grandma is very proud of so many grandchildren. AAtell, Dot, I can’t think of any more to write about, so I had better draw to a close. I wish I could write like Blue Golliwog and A Scotch Lassie; their letters are always so interesting. Love to all the L.F., especially AVhite Clematis, Golden Butterfly, Mustard Keen, and Dan Cupid, not forgetting your own dear self. —Yours truly, PHIL (Hunter). [lt will be very nice if all the family can be reunited for tho golden wedding, Phi!.—DOT.] Dear Bof,—May I please join your happy band of L.F. ? 1 ani 15 years of age, and I left school 12 months ago. AVe used to have a farm about- three and a-half miles from town, but father sold out about three years ago and moved into town. I do not like living in the town. I like the country much better. I am a member of the second section of the Y. V.C. A.. called the Sunshine Club. Our colour* are blue and gold. We are going to start a church parade in summer. Our real club name is the Blue Triangle Gi 1 Citizens, and we are all quite proud of it too. 1 am also a member cf the Gymnasium Club, and we are going to hold a social and dance in a little while, so we are all looking forward to a goodtime. Love to yourself and all the L.F. —Yours trulv, ONLY A PANSY BLOBS Oil (AY aimate). [Will you please send in your own name, not necesarily for publication, but to be entered in the address book—DOT.] Dear Dot,—AYe had the inspectors at school last Tuesday. I think I passed; but we are going to have our term examination this week, so that will tell if we pass. I am going for a music examination next month, and lam practising hard. lim Sport is in the hospital witn t-ne flu. hue has been in three weeks now, and has not been up yet. I have been m bed with the mumps this last week, but I am bettei now. They are very paimul things. I have been reading a book called The Rignt Note from our -school library. Do you like readircr Dot? I am very fond of it. it is very cold these mornings getting up to catch the train for school. Ihe fla L..s been very bad here and in the town. Theie are a few Little Folk about here, but I really fowmt their names. Love to rU Sport and Maureen Playmate, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly, * MAUREEN (AVaihao Forks). [I am sorv to learn of The Sport’s illness, and hope she is now making a good recovery, dear.—DOT.]
Dear Dot—As I haven t quite forgotten there is an L.F. page in your I am taking this opportunity to let you %U T E-n very well and very much alive. I have not had very much time for lsjtt-er-v-iti„" as we have all been going back to the”'office after tea for stock-taking. AA e are all very glad it is over, especially as now, after having beautiful weather for a couple of months, we are having a change. Since last writing I have been through the Coast to Westport. In two years, n the abte’ te' EO to through a 'by U car.’ I left GreyCft&rf 6 II onte way to Charleston, to play ft mate-i on the Saturday In Charleston that night tnere was a ball —the farmers’ annual,-so wo went to that, and had a good turn. Tn match was both exciting and amusing, and on Sunday morning we all left about >0 o’clock 1 went as far as Barrytown that night 'got up at 5 next morning, rode +o !nnan4, and came the last seven miles by Mr a£d was in time for work. I rode about 96 miles during, the week s +l,O weather was glorious we all sp-nt one of the'meet enjoyable week-ends any of us bid ever had. Since going through the Coast I have been up to Ikamatua. I wer.. up there when we had a holiday, on the 4th August, for the Otira tunnel opening. I am looking forward to my annual holidays which will be due in October. I have been doing quite a let, of reading, too, an.l have iust finished “The Long Chance, by P. B. Kyne “The Roaring U.P, Tra.L” % Zane Grav and “Tetherstones, by E. M. Dell. -Well Dot- I shall close now. but will write move next time. Should A Ploughman from the' Bogs of Ireland see this, I should like him to write. Kindest regards to all.—Yours tlu,y ’ EMERALD (Greymouth).
Dear Dot —The weather here at present is very squally, and there is a lot of snow on the high country. AVe have not had any here but vve have had some sleet. rhere is a’lot of crop beginning to show tlirougn now but there is still a lot c-o go m yet. The wet weather is hindering the farmers a lot Two farmers are putting in milkm* machines in this district, and there are tb?ee or four in other districts. Some magpi escame and warbled on top of one of our trees the other day, but tlie-y soon flew away alafn A number of god wits arc in our neighbour’s swamp, and when they were there last year they laid some eggs The pictures, which were closed owmg to the weather, reopened here last Friday night My brother and I went and I thought it was a- good picture. It was cold coming home, as it was freezing; but it was all rteht once we got warmed np. AA e shall he° starting the machines soon and I sliflll be glad, because it is no joke milking a lot ff cows by hand when you are used to machines Love to Hazel, A Lonely Indian Chief, and all the other L.F., not- forgetting y £^g lf (Maheno). Dear Dot,—The quadrilles _ here have stopped owing to so much sicuness. My mother is doing up the flower garden just now and we hope to keep the weeds down, as they are not so thick as they .were. We hare a pretty red creeper plan.ed m the bush, and when it is blooming it- is like a red carpet thrown over the tree. We used to have a wattle tree, but one night the wind broke it down. I was disappointed, as the buds were just about out. Have you seen “the fairy bell,” Dot? The leaves are long and narrow and the flower is a purple bell. The birds are beginning to fly about now’. It is lovely to roam through the bush and listen to the chirp of the birds. The little robin is my favourite. Some of c-ur cows will be in at- the end of this month, and then you will see us in gum-boots and a bucket over our arm plod-
ding along to the cow-shed. I was very anxious to learn to milk, but no v, like the rest, I wish I had never learnt; but, I suppose, someone has to do it.' Best wishes to A Bunch of Roses and yourself —Yours truly, A WELSH MAID (Pahia). Cl have posted the badge. dear, end hope you receive it safely.—DOT.] .Hear Dot. —May I join your happy hand °f L.F. ? I am 11 years eld and in Standard 111 at school. We are milking 35 cows,, and we have live horses and one pony. We also have 33 pigs. My brother had a white’ rabbit with pink eyes, but a neighbour’s dog killed it. It would go and have its tea and then it would come back to its hutch. One day it went too far, and the dog came along and killed it. The school children are playing hop-Ecotch jnst now, but I would rather play skipping. The weather has been lovely, but we have had some sharp frosts. I have had the “flu.,” but I have recovered after about two weeks in lied. I would sooner be playing than be in bed. Love to all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours trulv, THE SON OF A DOUBLE DUTCHMAN (Windsor). [You are verv welcome to join U 3, dear. — DOT.] Bear Dot, —Would you give me a little space in your valuable page? I am in Standard II at school and am II years old. I have been in the hospital twice with sickness, and have been away from school a- lot. Our teacher is a’.my from school with a poisoned foot just now, and I hope that it will get better soon. My father has not been long out of the hospital with his hand. He had the first finger of his right hand taken off. My mother's right hand was also poisoned about seven years ago, and is paralysed now, so we haven’t been very fortunate with poisons. Beet wishes to Yellow Pansy, A Wee Kentish Lassie, and Mum’s Nurse, not forgetting yourself.— Your 3 trulv, SUSIE (Lady Darkly). [You will all certainly have to take great care and try to avoid such a state of affairs, Susie.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—The weather up here has been very wet, and everything is miserable. I cycled to Winton on Saturday night, and when I got there I was splashed from head to foot with mud. Have you ever been down in muddy Southland, Dot? My two sisters are going to write. We are having our examination at school just now. but I don’t think I will pass. Did you like school in your time Dot? I do. I am going to leave school next month, I think. I will not be glad though. Best, wishes to Mother’s Simar Bun. Monkey, A Bunch of Carnations, Sweet Apole, Lyon Rose, Mum’s Nurse, A Cookie Farmer’s Daughter. Arizona, A Wee Scottish Lass, An Ayrshire Lassie, Yellow Pansy, Queen of the Lilies, Stable’ Bov. and yourself.—Yours truly. THE MISSING GIRL (Lady Barkly). [I have iust passed through your part of Southland ‘in the Hair, dear, but like Southland, or sucli parts as I know. —DOT. 3 Dear Dot,— May I become a member of your ha op v band of L.F. ? I am 10 years old and" in Standard 111. We milk three cows, and A Missing Girl milks them before she goes to school. I used to go to Lin ton School this time last year, and I liked it better than tbs school I go to now. We might play Winton School girls basket-ball, but I don’t think we will win, as Winton has a good teem and haven’t been beaten these last two years. The weather has been very unsettled up this way. It-snowed last night, but was nearly all away by morning. Best wishes to Mum’s Nurse, Sweet Apple, A Wee Kentish Lassie, A Missing Girl, Yellow Pansy, and A We? Scottish Lass, not forgetting yourself.—Yours truly, NOBODY’S PET (Lady Barkly). [You are vevy welcome to join u 3, dear. — DOT.} Dear Dot,—Our school has now reopened after being closed for the influenza; but I have not been yet.. I am at. present embroidering a cushion-cover in floss, the design being daisies and roses. I am very fond of reading, and have just finished a, book entitled “The Mystery of Castle Yeor ’ which was very interesting, being about the adventures of’some girls during the war. I enjoy reading the stories of Edith Howes in the Witness. Can you get them in book form? The bird competition letters are, very interesting, and I might write a letter or SO, though there ore very few native birds about here. The spring is here again, and the daffodils will soon be out in flower. Our primroses and violet 3 1 -—V ” be°n blooming' mostlv all the winter, even tlie pretty blue and white scented ones. Love to Lovedav. Michaelmas Daisy, and yourself. Yours trUl> ’ SMALLEST (Clinton). [The stories of Miss Howes that we ar9 publishing are not to be had in book form yet, Smallest. Perhaps later they may be procurable.—DOT.] AUTOS. Magpie (Ada Weir. Poolbdrn. Central Otago, N.Z.) wishes to correspond with A Scotch Lassie, Blue Golliwog, A Highland Laddie. Hera, Jinks. Harps Larry, Ormonde, A Trim Up, and any L.F. from 16 to IS " Laughing Eves (Miss Maud Crow. Pahia, Southland) wishes to correspond with Erotaka Girl of Dreams, and The Hen Wife Pe’goy O’Neil (Totty Larsen, Longridg© ■p o 'Kingston Crossing) wishes to correspond with The Ploughman from the Bogs of Ireland and King of the \eldt, and would Midnight Chimes write again, as his address has been lost. _ Memories (Myrtle Penelase Poolburn P O.) wiplies to correspond with rainmirnt Chimes, Red Lancer, King of the Veldt, Merva, and any D.L.F. over 16. Ranghilda (Elsie R. Smith, Skippers via, Queenstown) wishes to correspond with A Blushing Maid and Meg’s Friend. An Irish Maid (Ena, Murphy Dipton) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 13 to 15 years. . ~ . „ Diamond Princess (Flossie Barclay. Box 41 Ileriotl wishes to correspond with A Rexona Girl, A Highland Dancer, and Grannie’s Bonnet. , Dad’s Daisy (Miss Daisy M. Cann, Cnertsey, Ashburton) wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Silver Tail (Davie Kennedy, Cosy Dell, Sutton) wishes to correspond with any L.F. 16 to 17 years. Black Pearl (Nellie Turnbull, Pukeuri Junction, via Gamaru) wishes tc correspond with Cowboy Jim’s Sister, Girl o’ Dreams, and wishes Koi Girl to please write again. Fair Nair (Mavis Hume. Glenorchy) wishes to correspond with Ruby. Sago Lily (Millie M’Leay, Rotomanu, Otira Line) wishes to correspond with Snowdrop, and would she please write first. Vivienne (Bessie Robertson. Rotomanu, Westland) wishes to correspond with Cowboy Jim’s Sister, A Ploughman from the Bogs of Ireland, King of the Veldt, and any L.F. 18 to 20. Woo Muff (Lizzie Reid. Bendigo) wishes to correspond with Sympathy.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19230828.2.223
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 3624, 28 August 1923, Page 63
Word Count
18,796TOPSYTURVY TOWN. Otago Witness, Issue 3624, 28 August 1923, Page 63
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