DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3713, 12 May 1925, Page 70

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot invites short let* ters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, 4a. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, cure of Editor Witness.”

Dot's I.ittle Folk’s Badge with pin, for use as • brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, Sd lor 25

THE “S.S.” MEDAL.

By Ruth Hertslet. (Copyright.—For the Witness.) There was sorrrow amongst the fairies, for Kublar. merry little Kublar, had refused to obey the Queen’s commands. Now, the Fairy Queen, though a sweet, charitable little person, will not brook disobedience, so Kublar was banished from Fairyland. It had come about like this. Kublar was chief of the Flower* Fairies, and the Fairy Queen had sent for him. “Kublar,” said she, “I want some new flowers.” “Certainly, your Majesty,” said Kublar, doffing his green plumed hat, and bowinjf very low. 'What colour and shape would you like?” “I want snowflakes,” said the Queen. “Have them ready by next week.” “But, your Majesty,” stammered Kublar in astonishment, “ it’s late spring. It 3 nearly summer. Its out of season for snowflakes !*' “Have them ready by next week,” said the Queen coldly. “But, your Majesty, it will displease Dame Nature so,” pleaded Kublar.

“And you are displeasing me now,” said the Queen impatiently. “I’m sorry,” said Kublar, “but snowflakes in spring is not a fair thing. The crocuses would shut up again—they’d think the winter had come back. The blackbirds and thrushes would stop singing and nest building, thinking it was too early in the season. The raspberries and strawberries wouldn’t bloom—they’d think it was too cold, and their new, tender buds would get nipped. It would upset everything.” ‘Be quiet!” said the Queen angrily, “and get about your business of making my snow'd ikes.” Kublar looked at her sorrowfully. “I m very sorry, your Majesty, I cannot upset things so.” The Queen looked at him in surprise. “Dismiss him!” she said curtly.

So Kublar was banished—banished from the fairy looms, when the costly Tyrian purple robes are woven for the violets, and the golden garments for the daffodils; banished from the “furnishing rooms,” where the many flowers are fashioned into shape, and from the chambers where the scents are made for the honeysuckle and the rose—banished altogether from that wonderful Underground City where the fairies work at night. You didn’t know the fairies worked all night, did you? Yet you see hundreds of little green shoots peering through the earth on a spring morning. It’s Kublar and his army of workers who make the small tunnels, through the earth, foT the shoots to appear through. Next time you see a whole paddock of wheat showing green in the morning, just remember what a busy night Kublar and his people have had.

But Kublar was banished from all this. “But its better than hurting all the things th*vt look to me to help them,” he muttered bravely. It grieved him sorrlv too, to see Oman placed in ohafrge. For he knew Oman well. He was voting, and bold, and gay, and verv ambitious, and wouldn’t care whose feelings he hurt, as long as he gained the Queen’s favour. Tie threw his plumed hat in the air for joy, when he heard of his new appointment, and went to interview the Queen. “Sillv -old ass,” ho thought when he hoard how Iv-üblar had refused to make the snowflakes.

• “I specitfflv want these snowflakes to be a great success,” said the Queen. “We must show Kublar he is not such a ‘Knowall.’”

“I shall spar© no pains,” said Oman, earnestly. “I, myself, shall go to the North Pule for the snow.”

Next morning he set out on his journey, and a gay and dashing figure he cut in his Arctic outfit. He had a white woolly cap, that came down over his ears, and a sweater that muffled high round his throat, and showed saucy little face. Smart “plus fours” he had, and thick woolly stockings, and gloves with bright green gauntlets. Boots, too, he wore, with a dashing pair of sox, with blight green tops that folded over his boot tops to keep the snow out. He had been lucky enough to borrow, for a whole day, the golden sandals of Mercury, the messenger of the Gods. Mercury was having a rest, and his sandals are magic you know. Perhaps you’ve heard about them. All you have to do is to fasten them on your feet, and you float through the air to anywhere you like.

So Oman packed his skis in his bag, took his stall in his hand, fastened on his borrowed sandals, and set off singing, “I’m Burlington Bertie from Bo.” By nightfall, he was back again, wiih two bags full of the whitest snow. All night he spent making fairy otiemicais, that would preserve the snow in all its whiteness, and prevent it from melting. This done, he himself, fashioned the snow into small cups, with six small petals fjo resemble the six rayed snowflakes. Then he visited the furnishing rooms, and gave orders for some special leaves to be made. They were to be like the leaves for the daffodils—

“Only,” said Oman to the foreman, “dip them in Shine-O. I want them greener and glossier than the daffodil leaves?” ' In two nights everything was ready, and Oman took the new flowers to the Queen for inspection. She was delighted. She pmisefl their whiteness, and the shape of the little six-lipped cups that fastened cunningly to the green stems, and the glossiness of the green leaves. Oman had done his work well.

“This will show Mr Kublar that he doesn’t know everything,” said the Queen. That night a large army of fairies, planted the snowflakes in great clumps on the earth. Next merning, when the Sun rose, he looked in astonishment. Oman had planted such large clumps of snowflakes, that they looked like patches of snow.

“This won’t do,” said the Sun. “The Snow King has no business sending snow this time of the year.” And he shone fiercely, determined to drive the intruder away. The crocuses opened, when they felt the warm rays, but on seeing the snowflakes, shut up quickly with a shiver. The blackbirds and thrushes sang no songs that morning, but kept cltisely to the trees.

“More horrid snow,” said the poor old woman, as she looked out her window.

“Just when we were expecting fine weather, too! My poor rheumatics! I’ll stay in bed to-day.”

The snowflakes were certainly not a success, and the Queen was puzzled, and disappointed, and not a little angry. It was then that Kublar came forward, and again offered his services. “Your Majesty,” said he, “I think, perhaps, I can put tilings right.” The Queen swallowed her pride nobly. “Very well,” said she, “you might as well try.” Next night Kublar took a bucket of green paint, and a small paint brush, and visited the clumps of snowflakes. All

night he worked hard, and before daylight all was finished. ‘When the Sun

rose again determined that to-day, at all events, he would melt the snow, he was again astonished. The snowflake, you know, has six rays, but each of these rays was tipped with green. Kublar had spjnt his whole night painting green tips on eacli petal of every flower, knowing then, that they could not be mistaken for snow.

“Flowers!” grinned the Sun, “what a joke on me!”

“1 hat’s not snow,” whispered the crocuses gladly.

Once more the birds sang their mate calls, and went on feathering their nests. I( Alary,” said the old woman eagerly, there are some new flowers out in the garden. Do get me some ! • They look so pretty!”

And this time the snowflakes were a great success. The Fairy Queen was very pleased, and sent for Kublar. She was really a good Queen, and, once she saw her mistake was not too proud and silly to own up. “Kublar,” she said, generously, “you were right, and I was wrong. I was only selfish. But vou were so honest and loyal, that you would be banished rather than do a thing which you knew would hurt others. You have taught me, your Queen, a lesson. I will give you back your position, if you want it, and I have great pleasure in pinning on you, the highest of Fairy Medals—the S.S. for Splendid Service. “Gladly will I come back,” said Kublar, “for I love my work and my people. This medal will always be mv most valued possession,” and he saluted smartly, amid, the cheers of all the fairies, for Kublar, with his unselfish wavs, was loved by all. Every year since, the green tipped snowflakes have come with the other spying flowers. Next season when veu see them, just remember the story of Kublar, and how he won the Splendid Service Medal. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE * FOLK. Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —May I join your band of happy folk? I have been reading the letters in the Witness, and thought I should like to join. I am ten, ahd am in Std. IV. I have a little fox-terrier. His name is Spot, because he has spots on him. We have had great fun in the holidays for we had picnics, and paper-chases all over the hills. Love to all# the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, PEG OF THE PRAIRIE. .[You may join our band, Peg of the Prairie? Did Spot accompany the paper chases ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —A stray cat came to our place to-day. It was very hungry, go I gave it some milk. My sister ana I went out setting rabbit traps to-day to pass the time away. There are not many flowers out in our garden at present, a few dahlias and white Michaelmas daisies. There were some very interesting letters in O.W. week. I should have liked to have seen the H.H.S. Dunedin, hut owing to the restriction, we had to content ourselves seeing others go by in motor cars and trains. We are milking only two cows at present—Yours truly, LITTLE LORNA DOONE. [The stray cat will probably come back again for some more milk, Lprna L'oono, I am sorry you could not see H.M.S. Dunedin. See notes. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The infantile paralysis has been a dreadful thing. There has been one boy taken away from our valley, and he is faring nicely now. We are milking 31 cows, and I milk about ten or eleven of them. I have just learnt to ride a bicycle, and think it 13 great fun. We are practising for the pingpong parties at home just now, and it is a lovely game. I have one and she writes quite often. Love to all the D.L.F. friends.—Yours truly, MILK MAID MAR*.

[I think your waiting would be better if it were larger, Milk Maid Mary. Do you have Ping-Pong competitions?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have two correspondents so far, but I hope to have more soon. The two are Music Girl, and A Strange Lover of Old, and they write very nice letters. My father is going to Monowai on Friday. He has four passengers for the car. We are milking ten cows just now, and we are drying some off. I am glad that we can go to the pictures now. 1 go every fortnight. My father runs up to t-own every Saturday night, and he ha 3 a fair load sometimes. He has a number of runs to dances and lodge parties. Love to all tho L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, FAT AND LEAN. [You must write under your old N.D.P., Fat and Lean, or I shall have to cross you off the books. Do you sew?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—One day gome mates came to our place. There were eight of us altogether. Blue Mountain Mystery, two others, and myself were on a raft in the middle of the river, when in wo all wont. One girl’s head was under water for a minute or two. She made for shore. Another was soaked, while two of us escaped scot free. Nearly every fine day this summer we were at the river. We have two rafts. One wo called the Unseaworthy Craft, because it wag always tipping, the other was named H.M.S. Hood. I go to Dunedin twice a week for dressmaking lessons, but the train is very slow*. Last night we left tho guard at Mihiwnka. He blew tho whistle a few times, but tho loss was not discovered by the engineers until we reached Purakanui. We had to wait about ten minutes for him. With long stops at every station, at last we reached Palmerston an hour late. A friend has invited mo to stop a week end in Dunedin, and wo intend to ride up Flagstaff. At Easier we had some snaps taken. I was taken on my pony, but its head was missing. Love to all.—Yours truly, STILTS. [I know you must have had fun on “The Unsoaworthy Craft,” Stilts. I pitied the guard, but I laughed all the same.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have been milking 16 cows throughout the summer, but they are almost dry now. We only kept one calf this year, and I am wondering if you could give mo a name for her? She i a a pretty white one. We have the electric light and iron in our house, and the light is much better than the kerosene lamp. We had our iron yesterday, so wo have not done the ironing with it yet but I suppose it will be no trouble to find someone to do it the first time. It does seem funnv for the schools to be open again. I have left school now, and am at home. There is another lady teacher at our school this year, a a there are too many children for the two teachers to teach. Our head teacher ia leaving the district very soon. He has

been here a very, long time, ever since I was in P. I. In one of my other letters, I wrote to you, I think I told you about the Lime-Kiln. They used to cart the lime to the station in motor lorries, but now they have made a railway right in to the LimeKiln. which is much handier. Our Sunday school started last Sunday, and I was very pleased to be back agaiu. I was staying in town at a friend's place for a holiday, and had a lovely time, but I was very sorry when the day came that I had to go home. Do you keep hens? We do, but I think our hens must be of a kind that don't lay for we are not having any eggs just now. Love to all your L. F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A WEE SCOTCH LASSIE. [Call the calf, Cally, Wee Scotch Lassie. My hens join the ranka of the non-layers, too.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —All the children in this part of the country are very glad that the schools are opened, and i know and so does mother, what a quietness is. 1 am almost sorry that the long ho.iday didn’t come While 1 was at school. But 1 remember tne holiday we had in 1918, when tho influenza epidemio was here. Wo have a Buick dive sealer) car now, and on Good Friday we went to the Beads, which is along the Peninsula. My two brothers und father caught la hah between them, and 1 caught one, the first fisii I have ever caught. Aren t the hibition buildings growing large? Won't there be a large number oi peopie there the day it opens V Our dog "Glen’ died the other day. He was 13 years and 8 months. Ho was half eskuno, pure white when he was young, but as he grew older he became yellow. Tom, the cat, has more to eat now, and is growing fat. Have you ever walked out to the Soldiers’ Memorial from town? Everyone thinks it a very delightiul walk, afterwards having tea at the Caie. It is a very beautiful place really. Have you ever been? We live just next door to it, so we seo the cars all lined up on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. My cousin sometimes writes stories for the Witness. The- last one she wrote was "Why Mmky was Pardoned.' During all my e c fio°l lif e > I re_ ceived 13 prizes, and have read them all. Love to all' the L.F. and yourself.— -louts truly, DAME dURDE'N.

[I have walked the walk you mention, but I went to the wrong cafe, Dame Burden. I suppose you were ©orry to lose Glen. DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have a fairly large correspondence, and my friends ai - e always saying they think I have "left the land of the living.” I have been to the pictures twice this last week, firstly to see "The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” It was very good, but it is a very old time scene. It is taken Irom the time of Christopher Columbus. Personally I rather liked the devotion of the Hunchback to Esmeralda, the dancer. Only he was so deformed. On Friday we went to see the famous horse, Silver King with its owner in "North of the Nevada.” It was very good. I think I liked it better than on Wednesday night. The kiddies are all back at school. I told one of the teachers, I shouldn’t be a teacher for a fortune. I hear all the others around here saying- the same. I think they are all glad to be back at fechool. Do you do any of the cross word puzzles? I always try them all—lours truly, A WAIHOLA LASS DOWN SOUTH.

[lf you were a teacher you would see that teaching has its pleasures, Waihola Lass. I have not much time for puzzles.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is quite a treat to see the children going back to school once again after their long holidays. The football season is here again. There are the rugby, soccer and league, so Kaitangata has a fair share of sport. I don’t see many Kaitangata letters in the page. Do you read many books? I have read quite a number. I was counting up how many I had read, and I counted 33. Those belong to my father, but I should not like to count any others. Best love to all L.F. members and yourself.— Yours truly, SLOW COACH.

[Are you very interested in football, Slow Coach. I read when I have time. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just started school and lam not sorry. We have six little pups, and they are dear wee things. They try to bite one’s legs. We had the mill last week, and my brother and I had to take the lunches. We had to cart the dinner out in the dray, and we had some fun. Our cat has four kittens, and they are pretty.—lours truly. BUTTERCUP LAD 1 . [I had to alter your name, Buttercup Lady, og it was taken. Are you going to keep all the pups?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —A big crowd of children went to the pictures on Saturday night, but they were not allowed in, as there was a girl very ill at the hotel. I have been back to Queenstown since I last wrote to you. I was there seven weeks with my auntie, as she was not well. I wonder what has become of Rexona Girl. I have not had a letter from her for a long time. There was a service over in Haka on Anzac Day, and there was a nice crowd there, but it was not a very nice day. The football season has started up here# again. Kurow played the Marists from Waimate, and they were beaten by twelve points. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly,

THE SWEET KID. [Would you rather live in Queenstown than in Kurow, Sweet Kid? You ride a pony, do you not?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our school is opening to-mor-row, and we are looking forward to it. Our teacher is very Btrict, and when he sees us playing outside when we should be doing work, he makes us do something extra to make up for it. Dad took three photos of our little brother this morning, and he gave him his watch to keep him ouict. In one he was sitting on a chair with the watch up to his ear listening to the ticking. He is only a year and five months old, and is learning to talk so nicely. He will say anything we tell him to. Our chimney caught fire the other morning, and tho schoolteacher oaroe in and put it out. It gave ue such a fright. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

FIDDLE STICKS. [Your teacher is quite right to make you work, while you work, Fiddle Sticks. Children don’t seem to like to sit still.—DOT.] Dear Dot, We are learning by correspondence just now, but wo don’t mind, because it takes about three hours to do the lessons. We are still milking thirty-one cows twice a day. I milk six or seven of them. Winnie and I can. ride a bicycle now. but when we were learning we fell off it. We have had to have the sports put off this year because of the infantile naralvsis. One of ray school mates has it, out luckily it is only a mild oase. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.— Yours truly, FARMER HAYSEED. [Do you find it easier to learn by correspondence than by school, Fanner Hayseed? I hope the school mate is well soon.—DOT.) Dear Dot, I see quite a number of my old friends have written to the page. I was at Stella Rudd's Cobber's place on Tuesday, and had a very enjoyable time. Will you kindly tell me the names of the “Anna"

books, which come after “Anne of Avonlea” if you know them, as I have read “Anne oi Green Gables, and Avonlea?" We washed to-day so there’s a big ironing for me tomorrow. I am busy at fancy work now, when I haven’t a book to read. At the library we can have four books a week to read. The schools have opened again, and I think everyone was glad to have their children away to them. Our cows are going bSck in their milk now, and will be dry soon. My cycle is mended again. I had to have a now tyre and tube for it. Love to all the L.F. and yourself. —Yours truly, SHEILA FLEETWOOD.

[The books are “Anne of the Island,” “Anne’s House of Dreamß," "Rainbow Valley,” and "Rilla of Ingleside,” Sheila Fleetwood. The ironing will soon be done.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my first letter in print. My big sister was married a fortnight ago in Dunedin, but I didn’t go to the wedding. I have four married sisters and two single ones. My little sister is away for a holiday up to Lowther, and I shall soon have to go and bring her home, as the school is started again. I am housekeeper and I like it very much. Hockey has started agaip, but I do not play it. I have a nice white cat, and it is great company for me through the day, when my father and brother are at work. The cat caught a mouse the other day and played with it for about a quarter of an hour, and then the mouse ran away. It crawled up the wall, and pussy saw no mom of it. I am very Kind of reading. 1 enjoy reading the L.F. letters and the story. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ALTON LAUREL’S COBBER. [I suppose you like to go and visit your married sisters, Alton Laurel’s Cobber. Do you read many books?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The hockey club held it annual meeting this afternoon, and made the necessary arrangements for the coming season. It will bo my fifth season, and 1 am looking forward to many matches beinjj played this one. Do you play? As it is the only game the girls have m the winter, we are all very keen, and it is to be hoped we will be successful in our year's matches. Nearly all the tourists are away now, and Queenstown has settled down into her smooth old winter tracks, and will continue in the same groove, I suppose, until spring, although the working at the Kawarau Falls will always have a certain amount of interest. I have ten correspondents now, and I find they keep me quite busy, although I manage generally to keep their letters answered.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN VIOLET.

.[I do not play hockey, Mountain Violet, but it is a good game. Tell me how the games progress.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—These are very long holidays we are having from school, but I should sooner be at school, because I do not like doing correspondence lessons at home. T did not go for a holiday at Christmas time, although the weather was glorious for holidaymakers. We had a very enjoyable day at our school concert, as it turned out to be a lovely fine day, after a very wet day the day before. There was no A. and P. Show held in Murchison this year on account of the infantile paralysis, and I was rather disappointed as I had a few things entered for it. Don’t you think the 1924-25 All Blacks have done remarkably well? Some of the Maruia footballers have started practising football to play against Murchison, but I don’t think they will have much of a chance, as they have not enough men. I have had such a number of sweet peas this year, but the wet weather came on and it has spoilt the lot. Love to all and your own dear self. —Ycurs truly. QUEEN CATHERINE. .[I think the. All Blacks did very well, Queen Catherine Tell me how the Maruia and Murchison footballers fare.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —A Cabbage Tree Rider’s Ocbber owes me a letter, so please send one. the weather is windy (Heriot) lately, nearly hurricanes. I went to Heriot yesterday and could barely sit on the horse foT the wind. It nearly blew me off once or twice. I am expecting to go to the Foresters’ Ball on the Bth of May, so I hope to have a good time as I haven’t been to a dance for nearly two years now. I bought a new record for my gramophone.. It is a guitar. I am very fond of them, I have two of. them. I had a very good one, but the baby broke it. He pulled it out of my brother’s Grafonola with a number of his and broke one of mine, and two of his (my brother’s) records. Father is expecting the chaffcutter to-day, and I am cook. Kindest regards to all and your dear self.—'Yours truly LEYCESTERIA FORMOSA. [Mind you do not allow baby to break the new record, Leycesteria Formosa. Tell me if you enjoy the dance. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —My uncle is away with lambs to a sale to-day, so I had the three cows to milk this morning. My _ brother is busy ploughing. They have finished dipping and are having the land ploughed and ready to sow rye-corn. My aunt is out of the hospital now and has been staying with us fox a fortnight. The children are going home on Saturday. My brother and mother are taking them home in the car. We have a car of our own now (a Ford), and I am learning to drive it. I am going in to Lawrence to-morrow night to the induction and welcome social to our new minister. He comes from Waiwera. Little Wooden Shoes is very slow at writing. The trees are pretty well all bare now, and it makes one think of the long dreary winter. It seems as if it is going to be a hard winter this year, because if one looks at the hawthorne, one sees how laden they are with berries. Love to all the L.F. and yourself. — Yours truly, A READER. .[Tell me when you learn to drive, Reader. Do you play hockey to keep you warm in winter? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Last Sunday two of my friends, A Rose in Spring, and another girl, came in the afternoon, so wo decided to go for a ride. Essie and I who prefer riding, had horses, while Bee rode my bike. We had a good time, and iffy pala stayed to tea. After tea we went for a stroll and by the time we reached home it was time for the girls to go home. We went for another ride to-day (Sunday), but this time we all had horses. We went up to Puha, a distance of four miles. When my sister came in on the Saturday morning and told me that school was to start on «■? Monday, I just "Kicked up my heels” and did a war dance round the kitchen. On the Monday while I was going to school, I could see a string of my schoolfellows coming to meet me. Their tongues were wagging, and we have not yet finished talking about our holidays. When we arrived at school, we found it to be nine o'clock, and as we don’t go in till 9.30, we decided to go and meet the train. Most of the pupils from other places corns by train and such a number arrived by it. There and fifty-one pupils in all coming to school, and of these 23 are new ones All the new pupils are quite “at home” now. and the seoond day, the boys had to run the gauntlet. We have not decided our medicine for the girls, but last year they had to sing or else take a “dope.” Best Love to yourself and your members.—Yours truly, MISS IMPUDENCE.

[Your letter was too long, Miss Impudence, so I had to cut it. The first day back at school is always more or less exciting.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There is going to be a tennis dance (Tokanui), cn the Bth of May, and everybody is looking forward to it, as it is such a long time since there has been anything. Since last writing to the page, I iiuvt- nad the pleasure of spending a few days at Sweet Carnation's heme at Waimahaka, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. \Vhile there I went to a school concert, and had a good time. I am looking forward to having Sweet Carnation out anytime l< see me. We had my grandma staying with us for a fortnight, aria were ail s-jiiy when she wont away. She is a great crochetei, and has done some lovely work. While here she was crocheting a border for a bedspread, which she had crocheted, and I think it will look beautiful when finished. She had flowers, animals, and the Lusitania, and‘many other designs worked in it. I only wish 1 could make one like it. I am working a table centre in embroidery work. Many thanks for the cake recipe which you Bent me, Maruys. I have not tried one yet, but hope to sometime. Mum has made it three or four times, and the part I liked best was eating it. My lambs are quite grown up now, but they still know me. I have two kittens and call one Shadow, and the other, Snowy. Best wishes to all L.F. and your own dear self.—Your truly. HEART OF GOLD.

[I like to see that you admire your grandmother’s work so much, Heart of Gold. Are you a good cook?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my first letter in print. The schools have all reopened, and I am back to school, and am not sorry, as we are backward with our school work this year. We shall all hat# to work very hard. A Yeddish Queen is in my class at school. Our cows are nearly dry. I milk three every night, and then I help my father to put out the turnips for them. I also set ten traps and a fortnight ago I sold 36 rabbit skins. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, COUNT CAVOUR. [Have you ever won a writing prize a 1 school, Count Cavour? Do you know any other L.F.?—DOT.} Dear Dot, —I have plenty of time to play the piano. I have a new piece called "Burand’s lere Valgt,” and I like it very much. Harry Lauder is singing in Gore on May 7th, and I think the theatre will be crowded. Skating has started again, but I have not been yet. Can you skate? I can remember the fun I had when I was learning. There is to be a Paddy’s Market at Matauia on the 7th and Bth. It should bo very good, as people have been preparing for it tor a long time. There is also to lie a dance in the Charlton school on tho 7th. As there is no hall is Charlton, all the dances are held in the school. I have not seen any lettere from Breezy Ben or Tom Thumb lately. I hope they have not deserted the page. Best love to all.—Yours truly, THE SNAPPER. [How long do you practise a dav, Snapper? I cannot skate. You are more clever than I am.—DOT] Dear Dot,—We have had an extra long holiday this time- I don’t forget to take my coat to school. My brother, Cour de Lion, lias had infantile paralysis, but he is faring splendidly now. He is in the Nelson hospital, which is about a hundred miles away from where we live, it seems sueh a long time since we saw him. We heard from him last night, and he i* going to a picnic

with one of the nurses and another little friend of his in the same hospital. We have two dear little black kittens, and two pet pigeons. We have named them after the All Blacks, one is “Nepia," and the other “Ail Black.” Love to all your D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FATHER'S CURLY LOCKS. [Tell Coeur de Lion we hope he is better soon, Father’s Curly Locks. The kittens should be proud of their names.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I have one sister and three brothers. My sister and two of my brothers are married and away. One of my brothers came home unexpectedly last night. I was at Skippers when I was twelve months old, but I don t remember anything about it. We have finished harvesting and will be having the threshing mill shortly. We had a fall of snow of about ten or eleven inches p few weeks ago (Arrowtown) but it was all away in a day or two. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly. ONLY A SILVER BELL. [Have you ever made a big snowman, Only a Silver Bell? Are you not late with the threshing mill?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having our examinations a week from Monday, hut I do not like them. I am going up ior ray profit / this year, and I hope I pass. My sister and I have a doll each. Will you please give me a name for them? What kind of weather are you having in Dunedin? We are having frosty weather. In the morning it is cold but it turns out nice in the afternoons. Our chrysanthemums are starting to come out now. I think flowers are lovely. I have grown some sweet peas, and they are about an inch and a half high. We had the mill last week and I liked to go down and watch them threshing and chaffcutting. Have you ever seen the mill working? I have just finished reading ‘A Little Bush Maid” which came from the school library, «o I am going to have “Tho Black Princess of Woods," on Monday. We have a little foal called Prince and he is very quiet. We had no school picnic this year on account of the epidemic. We are milking twelve cow 9 and feeding one calf and eight pigs. The farmers have to give their cows tile turnips now because there ia not much grass. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself—Yours truly, FLOOD FRIGHT. [Call the dolls, Vi and Vic if they are twins, short for Viola and Victoria. I have seen the mill working. Flood Fright.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have started school again after four months holiday. There are quite a number of now children going to our school. Standard five and six havo to go to manual classes every Monday this year. I am in Standard VI, so last Munday after cooking, dad and mum took me to cnoose a camera for myself. I chose a Koduk Brownie, and took my first snap to-night. The camera takes a snap not quite the size of a postcard. I have just finished reading ihe Lone Star Ranger” by Zane Grey, iiave you read it, Dot? It is a very good book. In niy last letter you asked me if it were the McKay tartan that my uncle gave me. Yes, it is. My auntie is staying with ub just now, 'but in a few weeks she is going to see another aunt in Taranaki, and is going to stay up there for a good while. The bowling is stopped now fo- \the %dnter, and it seems very quiet without,'the awn going past. I have a cat called Jasper, and he is as black as jet, not a white hair on him anywhere. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SONG, THE HALF-MOON GIRL.

[I have not read the book, Song. Are you going to learn to develop your photographs yourself?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last Wednesday the Tuatapero girls’ hockoy team to which 1 belong travelled out to Cliiden by motor-lorry to play the Western Star team, who defeated us by six goais to nil. The ground we played on was very good and level. Wo lc3t the toss, and had to play with the sun in our faces, which wag a great draw-back for the first half. The Clifden team (Western Star) won the Western District Banner last season, therefore they are very good and hard to beat. The day was hot and although the game was not very fast owing to players either standing on the ball, or turning on it, and “sticks," making a number of free hits on both sides, I was nearly rcasted alive. I play in the half backs, who have much work to do as they have to feed both centre and wing players with the ball. After the game was finished we were asked around to the hall to have tea after which was a dance. Our chaffeur motored us round to the hall for tea. To put in time until the dance we went for a walk after we had bad a wash, ajnd changed our dresses for the dance. Jellyman's Orchestra came round from Otautau to play for the dance which was very good, although there were not many men present, as moat of them were away to Otautau to a hunt, and also a football meeting. We left about ten o'clock a$ our chaffeur wanted to go home. We reached home about a quarter past eleven. Coming home was the worst part, ns it wa* pitch dark and one could not find one’s belongings, which were strewn all over the floor of the lorry, and we must have wasted nearly a box of matches looking for them. I could not find my boots, but did so after a long hunt. Best wishes to you and the L.F.—Yours truly, A STRANGE LOVER OF OLD. [I know tho work the half backs have to do, Strange Lover of Old. It is fortunate that you managed to find your boots.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l wonder who this Piki Aerero’s Mate is? I seo Empire every Wednesday. He brings the groceries around the valley He has not written to the page for a long time. I received a letter from The Welsh Goosegirl a few weeks ago, and I do like her letters, they are interesting. Our school started here on Monday (Ida Valley.) I have twelve correspondents. Do you write to very many people? To-day i s the Ist of May. The shooting season is in. 1 heard a number of bangs. My little baby brother is growing a nice wee boy. He has two teeth and he 13 seven months old. Fondest love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.— Yours truly, DOT’S SWEETHEART. [You must not hurry your letters to me. Sweetheart, as I have to use my blue pencil many times when you do. I do not write to L.F. privately.—DuT.] Dear Dot,—Our school started last Monday (Ida \ alley). I have been setting traps lately. I set twelve traps and caught ten rabbits in the morning. My mother has a very sore leg, and I help iny sisters to do the work. I milk two cows before I go to school in the morning. Love to all the D.L.F., and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DADDY’S LITTLE KELP. [I cannot put your auto in "unless I put m your private name and address, Daddy's Little Help. Note that there is but one “r” in “very.”—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My brother and I are learning music, and I like it very much. I have three books to practise out of, and I think I shall be having the fourth one soon. Do you play the piano? My elder sister plays the piano too. The electric works at Monowai are finished now, and my father and brothers were up there t-o-day at the opening ceremony. Have you ever been to Monowai? I have, but I was only at the power house. Our garden i s very bare just now—Yours truly, SCHOOL GIRL SPORT. [I can play, School Girl Sport, and I am very glad I am able to. I have not been to Monowai.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We live four miles from Temuka and one from the school. We spent a good time at Peel Forest on Good Friday. We left at nine and arrived there at eleven. From the distance we could see the Rangitata river gleaming in the sun. After dinner we walked along the beach until we came to a nice sandy patch by the river. We played there for an hour and then went back to the forest where we had afternoon tea. At Peel Forest there is a beautiful little waterfall 25 feet high. It is so funny going over the Orari bridge, for in the middle it goes ten feet down and then up. —Yours truly, GOLDEN MOSS. [Thank you for telling me about Yellow Sunshine, Golden Moss. You must not mix “there” with the possessive “their.”—DOT.] Dear Dot, —In the holidays we used to go out ferreting and we had good fun. Dad sent the rabbits skins away the other day. School has started again, and I am very glad. I like school. I am in Std IV. I know a number of L.F. The days are very short now, and the nights very long. It is freezing (Matanr ra) to-night. It was very cold this morning. The men are concreting the school grounds, and they are looking very nice. It will soon be basketball time. Fondest love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, LETTIE OF THE hALLS.' ,rYou can always find fun in a holiday if one has a companion, Lottie. You will be glad when basketball is here I suppose.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having very wet weather (Otiake) just now. We lit a fire in the dining-room to-day, and nearly all my brothers and sisters are sitting round it. We are putting one of our cows dry just now, and we have weaned our two calves. We were at the township yosterday just for a day’s outing, and I went over to the river bed with a man shooting rabbits, and we didn’t come back till two o’clock, and then we had to go home. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, CAPTAIN COOK. [I like winter time because of the cosy fire side, Captain Cook. How many rabbits did you shoot?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Emerald Is away at High school now, and it seems quit© Btrange without her, but, of course, she comes home every week-end, as she 1b only five miles away. There was a danco here (Katea) on Friday, and although the attendance was not aB large as usual, wo spent a very enjoyable evening. Are you fond of reading? I supposo you do not havo much time to read. I am fond of it. I am interested in art, and do much sketching in my spare time. What a large family you must have! There seems to be quite u number of now ones joining in almost every Witness. Soma of them write very interesting letters. I am having my music lesson on Fridays now instead of Thursdays, as we have to go in to Owaka every Friday for Emerald, so it would not be convenient to do eo on Thursdays also. Fondest love to all the L.F, and yourself.—Yours trulv. HIGHLAND LASS. [I like to retfl a good book, Highland Lass. Do you like slmleMng people or scenes or what?—DOT.) Dear Dot,—lt was rainy Ohal last night. What kind of weather have you in Duneain, Dot? I am glad the infantile paralysis is

Nearly over. Love to all the L.F. and your Vn dear self.—Yours truly. A HEBREW MAID. [We are having wintry weather here, Hebrew Maid, and we have to wear coats and gloves.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are back to school (Weston). We have two new teachers at our ichool. 1 am in the Second Standard. 1 was second top in test on Friday. There ere many new children coming to our school this year. On Good Friday mother, my auntie, and I went up a big hill for a p ionic. We took our lunch with us, and had a good time. The other night, school, I went gathering mushrooms with two of my mates, and we found a big basketful. Our cat was caught in a trap, and hurt his paw, but it is beiter now. We are going back to Sunday School to-day. Love to yourself and all the L.F.— lours truly, JOANNA. .[Try to keep near the top, Joanna, all through the vear. Does the cat limp still?— DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am working at a different place now, and I like it better than the last. The night before last it rained (Otiake), and this morning it rained again, and it has been raining all day. Our two pigs which are supposed to be in the sty are roaming around the house. My master and three other boys are out mustering on the hills to-day, but it is not a very nice day for that kind of work. My eldest sister is going to Christchurch on Wednesday, and it will be a change as she has been at home such a long time. Gracie has a little grey and white kitten which she thinks the world of. She puts it in front of the fire, and covers it up, and it sits there and sleeps, j milk six cows every night, as our cowboy U away fencing, and he does not come home until six o’clock or after. My girl friend, Lass from the Hills lias left Otiake, and has gone to live in Mosgiel. About three weeks ago I was in Oamaru, and I spent an enjoyable week there, and I was sorry to come home. All the flowers have passed away except the chrysanthemums, and they make a pretty show. Best love to all the L.F., and your own dear self. —Yours truly, SOMEBODY’S SWEETHEART. [I knew a tiny grey kitten, which would go to sleep curled in the china plate on a cake stand, Somebody’s Sweetheart. Are you lonely without your girl friend?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We had about five or six inches of snow (Parley Downs). I 6tayed indoors and didn’t have a slide or go toboganning. Did you ever go toboganning? It’s the best sport there is, and I love it. My sledge was broken, but dacf promised to make me a new one. Dad, Ena and I are intending to go up North lor a trip in June, calling at Dunedin on our way up, to the Winter Show. I was trying to do a puzzle last night and Jack was there so I asked him how to put it together. He put it together right enough, but not in the right place. I had eighteen cat§* but two ran away, and three kitties died so I’ve only thirteen left now. Two wee kitties which are generally called “The Twins” are for ever in mischief. One simply delights in going round the corner and springing out at one, if it hears one coming. Best of love to one and all.—Yours truly, TOMBOY BESS. [I w r ent toboganning in my young days, Tomboy Bess, and enjoyed it. 1 laughed at the number of cats.. See notes.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of your happy band of D.L.F.? I have read the letters with great interest. I have been weeding my strawberry bed to-day. 1 had a fairly good crop of them, this year. We have bush around out home, and it looks very pretty in the spring time. You must have a very large number of correspondents? 1 have just been reading a Girl’s Own Annual of the year 1901. It has some very good stories in it. What a contrast the fashions of to-day, and the fashions of 1901 make, don’t they? Love to all.—Yours truly, A SCOTCH DAUGHTER. [You may join us, Scotch Daughter, but your name was taken. Yes there is a great difference in yesterday and to-day.—DOT.] Dear *®Dot, —We have, been having frosty weather down here (Invercargill) lately. 1 wrote the letter with the fountain pen. Sometimes a small boy helps me with the papers. My brother takes a Southern Cross run, but he does not take many customers. Love to all.—Yours truly, EARL KITCHENER. [1 think it muot be cold for you on winter mornings on your run, Earl Kitchener. I suppose you play football. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It takes me an hour to walk the five miles. I am glad school started once more, as I was tired of staying at home. When I was at home, I used to ride my father’s horse to the mail, and I didn’t fall off once. Hie name was Duke. I used to ride him bare hack. One day, Rexona Girl was on his back and Duke started to trot, and she fell over his head, and she nearly was tramped on. I was at a football match to-day and the side I thought would win, lost, and so I was down-hearted. I had a letter from my cousin, Cottage Girl, an 0.W., and I enjoyed reading it. My two dear wee sisters have had a bad cold, hut they are nearly better now. My sister, Rexona Girl might be going for a holiday soon. Love to all.—Yours truly, JIM THE FLAPPER. [Rexona Girl had a narrow escape, Jim, didh’t she? The little sisters will be better soon I hope.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have been at four dances. We were at one on Friday night. It was throe and a half miles away. About an hour after the dance started, it began to rain. All the creeks were high when we left to come home. We all arrived home safe and sound at a quarter past three after enjoying ourselveg very much. 1 was in Oamaru last week having the impression taken for my teeth. I wont with a neighbour in his car. We left at half-past eight in the morning, and came home at. half-past five. It is over GO miles from here (Morrisons) to Oamaru. At present I am crocheting a duchess set. It is the second I have done now, and I have another to do. Do you like football? I do. There was a match at Dunback on Saturday, and they won. They have only had two flag matches and Dunback hag won both. Two of my uncles play. One of them is captain. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A LONELY COUNTRY LASS. [I suppose you slept in next morning after the dance. Lonely Country Lass. 1 like football.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Tonight it is raining a real down pour, and it is very cold (Falmerston South). I havo three correspondents now •ince I wrote to the page, and they all write nice letters. Hill Daisy was taken away to the hospital with appendicitis on Saturday. We wore at a dance on Friday night, and I had a most enjoyable time. I didn't miaa a dance, no I was a little tirod at the finish. Football, golf, and hockey ere all the gafnes now. Do you like football? I do. I should go to every match, but we have to take turns in going, a fl we have the Post Office, and one has to stay at home. We are milking five oqwa, and

they give a very little drop of milk at night. Best love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, • KEEP SMILING. [lf you write to Hill Daisy tell her we sympathise with her, Keep Smiling. How many cows do you milk.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have started school again (Weston). I have just jumped out of bed. My foot is alright again. Love to all— Yours truly, OAMAR THE OUTLAW. [You did not tell us what time you jumped out of bed, Oamar. Was it late or early.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wc have two little dorset lambs. It is very changeable weather here (Seadown), and very cold. Jack is a good little chap, but is very fond of throwing stones. I also have another brother, James, and a sister, Veda. James and I bike to school. He is in Standard I. Our teacher gives us stars far good work, and I had two last week. We have four pups just three days old. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, QUEEN HAB’S MAID. [You must teach Jack not to throw stones, he may break a window, Queen Mab’s Maid. See liow many 6 tars you can week.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is raining here to-night (Island Block). I am in Standard V now at school. We have to be up early in the morning, as we have to be at school at 9 o’clock. My brother is away to bed, as he has sore teeth. Our pup and cat are very friendly now, and the pup likes us to play with him. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

RUNNING WATER. [Pups always think we are here especially to play with them, Running Water. What time are you out of bed each day?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Hasn’t it been cold lately? Sunday School started to-day. I am in the Senior Class and next year I shall be in the Bible Class. Yesterday was my sister’f, birthday. She was 12, and I shall he 14 next Friday. Best love to you all.— Yours truly,

DOROTHY DIMPLES. [I understand about your name, Dorothy Dimples. You will find Bible Class work very interesting.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Having decided not to return to school, I am now staying at home, and, although I like it very well, I am looking out all the time for a position. Last Wednesday I had a most enjoyable time. The Riverton hockey team journeyed to Ohai, and defeated the Ohai girls by two goals to one. It was the first time I had played this year, so rather stiff for several days afterwards. I have been reading several books lately, among which were “The Dust of Life,” ‘‘The Man Who Almost Lost’” and “Dearer Than Life,” by Joseph Hocking. A large number of people travelled to Monowai last Friday on the occasion of the official opening of the power works there. We shall be very pleased when we have the power. Our house has been wired up for more than six months now, but it will be some time before we have the light. The Masked Outlaw is working at Fortrose, wiring up all round there. While on his Easter holidays, he spent a short time at Stewart Island, and enjoyed himself very much; Kiud regards to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, LADY TEITOMIA. [I always frown when the L.F. have been reading Joseph Hocking as there are far belter authors for you young folk, Lady Tritomia. What place do you play in in the team?—DOT.] Dear Dot, — the Next Best Thing came down for a week at Easter, and Gold Kewpie and Faddy and I had a lovely time together. On Easter Monday night we went to the Druids’ Ball at Waikouaiti, and we did enjoy ourselves. Mother’s Fairy and Miss Rika were there too, and we all had a good time together. We didn’t arrive home so very late, as we went by car. Paddy and I took five dims between us. I wish you could have seen the snaps. They caused amusement for us all. There is a dance here to-morrow night, and I’m looking forward to it. I’m having a new evening dress when the balls commence. Our baby is oldfashioned in his ways. He is almost walking. I have two new correspondents. I am going to the pictures to-night. It is a special one, so I think it ought to be good. Love to all the L.F. and your dear self.—Yours truly, JUST SIXTEEN. [Will you give me Paddy’s address, as I have only her N.D.P. in the roll book, Just Sixteen. Tell me what the new dress is like.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are back at school again (Whakarongo), and are settled into our year’s work. No I do not do stencil work. We also started Sunday school to-day, and I am in the junior .vjßible class now. My mother is learning to' drive the car, and she is going to take ug to town some day. I am going to work a spray on a night-dress at school this year, and also one at home. At school I have to mark the weather chart, which I like doing. Love to all the L.F. and yourself—Yours truly,

COLUMBINE. ,[I have put an auto in for you, Columbine. The we.iher here is typical winter weather, —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —In my last letter to the page, you asked me if I had ever dressed up as a baby, and I must confess that I have. It waß when I was boarding at the G.H.S. Rectory in Timaru. We had our photos taken, and when I have a print I will send you one. The lady principal gave a dance, and we could dress up if we liked. Four of us went as babies, and we had great sport in trying to have our clothes to fit us. We had very short dresses, short white stockings, with black shoes, and handkerchiefs pinned to our dresses. We had our hair hanging over our shoulders, and a great big bow of blue ribbon tied on the top. We enjoyed our dance that night. One Saturday morning, when we hadn’t anything elso to do, five of us dressed up in Japanese clothes. We had Jap. umbrellas, which one of the girls lent us, and we liud our photos taken. The weather here has been "Very cold and ehowory at times. Haven’t the school children had a long holiday? Our girls were all glad to go back to school, even my litle sister (the baby), who i» five years old. My auntie is up on a holiday from Invercargill. She had been very ill, and is still very weak. She has been ill for about three years. Much love to all and your own dear Belf.—Yours truly, ROSEBUD.

[You made very good babies, you look wee enough to nurse, Rosebud. I am pleased your aunt is to have a holiday.—DOT]

Dear Dot,—l am glad our school has started again, because I don’t like doing our sohool lessons at' home. We have 81 little pigs, and they are fat. We are milking eight cows, and one came in the other day. My auntie is staying here just now. Hex little girl is going with us to and she 13 In Standard 11. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LITTLE DUCK.

.[Do you feed the 31 pigs, Little Duck? You will find your school work easier now you are at school.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Last Monday I went to the dentist to have four teeth pulled. I had them out. 1 have had an exciting game of football this morning, and my side won. Yesterday we were playing? cricket, but we didn’t finish the game.* I am very glad we are back at school, for I am tired of working. Dad and I have been stumping and ploughing all these long holidays—Yours truly, CHON DUBARIUE.

[Do you like football better than cricket, Chon Dubarrie? It is not pleasant for anyone to go to the dentist. —DOT.] NOTES. Little Lorna Doon. —Your name was taken dear, so I changed it.—DOT. Tomboy Bess. —The address you ask for is, Cora McNeill, 16 Albert street, Palmerston North—DOT. AUTOS. The Sweet Kid (Kate Linwood, Kurow), wishes to correspond with Scottie 11, The Artful Dodger, and any L.F. willing. Will they please write first ? Dame Durden (Marion Bell, c/o Higheliffe P. 0., Dunedin), wishes The Welsh Goosegirl, Silvery Chimes, Dorothy Dimples, and Love Lies Bleeding to write to her, and please to write first. Will The Panther’s Daughter write again please? Highland Lass (Florrie McNeill, Rural Box, Katea), wishes to correspond with any D.L.F. 16 years or over. A Hebrew Maid (M. Johnstone, c/o P. 0., Ohai, via Nightcaps), wishes to correspond with any L.F. girl from 13 to 15. She requests them to write first* Jim The Flapper (Jim Kuvanaugh, c/o P. 0., Lower Shotover), wishes to correspond with any D.L.F. between 12 and 14, and requests them please to write first. Morvcn Lass (,Yera M. Woods, c/o Mrs Milne, P.O , Hunter, via Waimate), wishes all her correspondents to notice her change of address. She wishes any D.L.F. from 17 to 20 to write. Fat and Loan (Eva Sycamore, George st, Clifton), wishes t-o correspond with A Swis3 Maiden, and Beautiful May Blossom. Please will they write first? Count Cavour (Garfield McDonald, Ten Acre road, Edendale), wishes to correspond with The Piccaninny, and requests that Chief Ruhi, and any other L.F. boys from 10 to 12 willing, will please write. Will they please write first? Miss Impudence (Beryl Allan, Te Karaka, Gisborne), wises to correspond with Siki, Tomboy Bess, A Bolt from the Blue, and Flannel FJower. Earl Kitchener (Wm. Ladbrook, 93 Eye street, Invercargill), wishes to correspond with A Bush Maiden, and School Girl. Please will they write first? Columbine (May Pye, Whakarongo, North Island), wishes to correspond with any L.F. 13 to 14 years of age. Please will they write first?