DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3726, 11 August 1925, Page 70

DOT’S LITTLE FOLK.

Dot Invites short leW ters from her young friends throughout tho Dominion on matters of mterest to them* selves, the reeuit of their observations in ihe animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and horns life, holiday trips, Ao. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed “Dot, care of Editor Witness.”

Dot's Little Folk’s Badge with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, Ss 6d in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d lor 25

BIG BEN BULLDOG’S BIRTHDAY.

By ILutii Hertslet. Illustrated by Dorothy Law. (Copyright. —For the Witness.) Jimmy stood looking at the fluffy white poodle with a puzzled air. “Which ends him, Nan?” ho ashed, when turning round he found that Nan had disappeared. Pompey, the fluffy white poodle, laughed. “I am well got up, Jimmy, arent I; Don't you admire my blue bow?” “My hat!” said Jimmy, “where did you learn to talk?” “You’d wonder,” Pompey replied. ‘Vi e know lots of things you don’t give us credit for. But, honestly, don’t you think I look rather nice for the party?” “You’re very fluffy, certainly,” sai.l Jimmy. “I can’t sec which end of you, is which. X—l—don’t kuow whether you’re coming or going!” “Well 1 this end is me,” laughcu Pompey, showing-a saucy black nose anu a pair of beady eyes. “And I’m going, and you're coming—to the party, 1 mean,” she said thinking herself very “Oh! thanks,” said Jimmy politely. “Now I see which end of you goes first. But tell me whose party are we going to?” “Big Ben Bulldog is having a birthday party. Look what I’ve got for his birthday present!” She unwrapped a parcel, and showed a beautiful leather collar with shining brass fastenings. “It fits exactly, too,” she said proudly. “I measured his old one when he wasn’t looking. But come on, Jimmy. I’m glad you’ve got your white suit on! Is my blue bow straight? We must look nice for the party, you know.” “Hadn't I better take a present, too?" asked Jimmy. “Yes. Get that new rug your mother bought the other day. It'll make him a splendid bed 1” “Good idea!!’ said Jimmy, and ran off for the rug. He was back in a few minutes with his present rolled up into a neat parcel, and Pompey led the way to the party. She stopped in front of a beautiful big house, and marching boldly up to the front door, rang the bell. “What did you do that for?” asked ” Jimmy in a scared voice. “I can’t go in here! This is Mrs Tnpper’s house, and I’at and Phil have whooping cough.” “Don’t he alarmed! It’s alright. They're better, and have gone to the seaside for a holiday, and the house has been fumigated. They left Ben behind—said he'd be a nuisance in lodgings. That’s how he’s managed to give the party.”

The door opened as she (hushed speak lng, and Jimmy gave a gasp of astonishment. There was Sammy, his own png dressed in a smart footman's livery. Sammy was walking on his hind legs as Jimmy had taught him to do by holding up a piece of cake just out of his reach. And Sammy looked at him as tho' he’d never seen him before, and gravely led tho way to the drawing room. “James and Mrs Pompey," lie announced, and Big Ben dressed in Mr Tuppcr's dress suit came gaily forward to meet them. “I'm glad yon'vc come, Mrs Pompey," •aid he shaking hands, “and you, too, Jimmy: You’ro tho last to arrive, and dinner is ready. Jimmy, will yon give Mrs Pompey your arm, and follow me. Cook doesn't like to be kept waiting. She

says it spoilj her cooking, you see!” Jimmy had often had dinner in Mrs Tuppcr’s dining room with Pat and Phil, but he had never sat down to a meal like this. There were all the dogs of the neighbourhood at the table. Kiwi and Lassie, the rough haired collies, were there, and Kuri, the Aberdeen terrier with the bandy forelegs and pointed ears, and Shot, the big bl <*k retriever. Shot belonged to the big policeman, and Jimmy had often seen him stand 011 his hind legs, put his paws on’the big policeman’s shoulders, and take his hat off. And here was Shot dressed in the policeman’s old uniform. Cheeko, the rough haired Irish terrier, was there, too, and Dinkum, and Joker, the wiry fox terriers. In fact many dogs that Jimmy knew, aud many that he didn’t know were there, and all were dressed for Big Ben Bulldog’s party.

Big Ben sat at the head of the table, and made a splendid host. Aud the dogs sat up and ate like girls and boys. The table was set with Mrs Tuppor’s best silver and cut glass, and Sammy, the pug, walking daintily on his hind legs, a table napkin flung over one foreleg, acted as butler. And what a merry dinner it was! There was jugged hare and rabbit pie, and sausages—strings of them. There were sweets and fruits and fizzy drinks, and when Big Ben cut the birthday cake and everyone pulled bonbons with his neighbour, the merriment knew no bounds. Jimmy laughed till the tears rolled down his cheeks at the sight of all the dogs in different coloured paper hats. For there were paper hats in all the bonbons, and Big Ben set the fashion by wearing his—a big red dunce’s cap. Then up jumped Mrs Pompey and cried: “Here's many happy returns to Ben! Let’s all drink his health!” and everyone stood up and clinked glasses. But to Jimmy’s surprise Ben wasn’t taking any notice, and Shot, too, was acting in a peculiar manner. They had both dropped an all fours, and a low growl came from each chair. “Jove! I hope there isn’t going to be a dog-fight,” thought Jimmy. Ben got out of his- chair, and was busy taking off his dress suit. Suddenly he stood up and said quietly: “Ladies and gentlemen, will you excuse Shot and me for a few minutes. We have a little business to attend to. Listen!” Shot uttered a low growl. “It’s the Shiner,” he whispered. “My master has been after him for a long time. He must know the family are away, and has come to rob the house. Come on, Ben!” “Keep your uniform on, Shot,” Ben answered. “He’ll think you’re a policeman, and try and bolt. I’ll wait on the doorstep, and catch him as lie goes out. We must have left the front door open. Then when you hear me growl, bark for help—loudly! If I don’t get a good hold, and he tries any monkey tricks with a gun, I’ll give three short barks. You’ll have to grab his arm then before he can shoot.” Shot nodded his head wisely, his tail moving backwards and forwards with excitement.

“I’m sorry, friends, to interrupt the dinner, but just go ahead and we’ll be back soon,” said Ben, as the pair of them walked quietly out of the room. They discovered that the burglar had entered Mrs Tupper’s bedroom, and had pocketed her jewels. “Now then,” whispered Ben, “in you go and give him a chance to get to the door. Wc don’t want our party spoiled.” Shot crept quietly in standing on his hind legs just as Sammy did, and in the half light looked exactly like his master, the big policeman. He walked away from the door, and made a slight noise. The burglar turned round, and found himself looking at what lie thought was a big policeman with a revolver in his hand. It was really Shot holding a cooked sausage, but there was so little light he couldn’t see that. “Jumping Jehosophat! A cop!” he muttered, and fled for his life. Down

the passage and out the door he went thinking he had cscapod ip the nick of time. But ns he reached the step ont darted Ben, and with a growl launched

himself at the Shiner. Down he went, and before he had time to defend himself Ben was on top of him. Shot arrived on the scene almost immediately, and barked furiously. A policeman hearing the noise came to see what it was all about, and saw Ben on top of the burglar. Shining his bull's eye on the man’s face he uttered a cry of surprise. “By Jove! It’s the Shiner. Caught at last; red handed, too, by the look of things, Good old dog! Good old dog!” and he patted Ben’s head. It was not long before the polioman marched the burglar away, and Ben and Shot went buck to the party. How the party cheered them! and what fun they had until it was time to go home. “Good night Ben,” said Jimmy, as he and Pompey took their leave. “I have enjoyed your party.” “Just listen at this!” said Jimmy’s father, as ho read the headlines of the paper next morning. “Sensational arrest of the ‘The Shiner.* Faithful bulldog tackles burglar in empty house.” Sammy, the pug, lying half asleep in front of the fire looked up at Jimmy and deliberately winked!

AN APPEAL TO OLD WRITERS,

Dear Old Writers, —The year is now passing quickly, and we shall soon be thinking of Old Writers’ Week again. We in Dunedin are expecting unusual attractions ere Christmas. The big Exhibition will be booming, and among overseas visitors no doubt there will be quite a number of Old Writers. Of late years many of our circle have been conspicous by their absence—viz., C. O. P., Pat, Daisy Primrose, and many others I forget for -the moment. Our motto is: “We write for the good of others. 1 ' Therefore, comrades, it is up to each of 3'ou to lend a hand by contributing to the page, if only to set an example to the Little Folk. Do let us have a bumper attendance for Old Writers’ Week, 1925. Yours truly, CAVERSHAM LAD (Dunedin). [Caversham Lad’s appeal is a very sensible one, and I think that special attention should he paid to it. Owing to the Exliibition { we want O.W.W. to be the host ever this time. So, Old Writers, look to your laurels.—DOT.] A NEW RULE. Dear Little Folk, —I have a suggestion which I hope you will all try to carry out. Let each L.F. put the town or district he lives in after his N.D.P., euch as Butterbali (Dunedin), or Lady (England). Thig will make each letter more interesting, especially to outsiders. Do not be afraid that so-and-so will know who you are, for even in a small place each one ca-i hide his N.D.P. J he wants to. Why be curious at all I If your home is in a very small town or country village, you may put Otago or Southland, as the case may be. So-and-so cannot possibly know who you are then, can they? I hope each one will try and remember this. Yours truly.—DOT. LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Ifto.—W« writ# for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—Our garden is looking very bare, as we have only a few primroses out. My little sister had a white rabbit given to her the other day. We had three pet opossums—two grey and one black. They escaped, but the black one came back, stayed one night, and went away again, and ia back again this morning. My little brother is writing his first letter to you tonight. I am expecting my aunt through to-morrow. Love to all the D.L.F. and vourself.—Yours truly, CHARMING IRENE (Romahapa). [The other opossums will not come back, I think, Charming Irene. Have you any daffodils ?—DOT,] * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of D.L.F. ? I am 10 years of age and in Standard 111 at school. We are naving examination at school. We have four cows milking at present, and we are feeding two calves. My brother ha 8 a ferret, which snaps at him. Three of my brothers work at a twine mill. We have about 45 hens, and receive six eggs. Love to all the D.L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly. THE -MANAGING MAN (Romahapa). [Welcome, Managing Man. Your name was taken. Could you tell us about the twine mill?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band? I am seven, and I am in P. 3. I have never written in ink before, so my sister i a holding my hand. It is hard work. • We have seven cows and two calves. We have Jen, the pig, three horses, three cats, one ferret, and four dogs. The smallest dog catches bunnies, and we call him Boke. I have to be up early to go to school. Heaps of love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BONGHY-BO (Balfour) [Yes, you may join, Bonghy-80, and you may write in daik pencil, seeing you are so wee. Is Boke a great pet?— DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your band of L.F.? I am 10, and I am in Standard II at school. We are having examination at school, and I like school. I hope I pass. When I leave I am going to help dad to catch bunnies. We caught 400 bunnies in the last Christmas holidays.—Yours truly, ALL BLACK FOOTBALLER (Balfour). [Yes, you may join, All Black Footballer. Did you sell the rabbitskina?—DOTJ Dear Dot,- May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? 1 am nine years of age and in Standard II at school. I have been reading a book called "The King of the Golden ltiver,” and it is very nice. There are pictures held in tho Maksrewa Hall every fortnight, and they are very good. I will close now, with love to all tno D.L.F. your dear seif.—Your ß truly, BLUEBELL IN FAIRYLAND (Maksrewa). [Welcome, Bluebell in Fairyland. Your name was taken. “Bluebell in Fairyland” was a oharmiiig little play written by Seymour Hicks.—DOT.l

Dear Dot, —My sister and I have read several letters in the Otago Witness, which we have from a friend. We should very much iike to join your happy band of D.L.F. lup (iny sistei) and I are very fond of dancing, and we have several dances during the winter. It is just a small village with about 130 inhabitants. I am going to a dance on k riday night, but Tup thinks she will stay at home this time, as she has a bad cold. V\ e are glad the summer months are not far off, for we are both very fond of swimming, and wo go for several picnics. I left school about five yearg ago,'but Tup left last year. She gained her proficiency certificate, -but I just missed it. Best love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.— Yours truly, TUP and BUNNY BUNTING (Napier). [Welcome, Tup and Bunny Bunting. lour name was taken, Bunny Bunting. Where do you swim in summer ?—DOT,] Dear Dot, —We are having our term examination, but have not quite finished it yet. e shall be having our winter holidays in about two weeks. The competitions are over now. Our teacher put a squad of 12 boys in, but they only had second place. The girls were more fortunate, and were first. Our school is playing their final game of football for tho season to-morrow, and if they win they will hold the banner. Last Saturday my uncle and I were going to the show ground to see the football match; but when we reached there the ground was flooded, so they had it in King George's Park. Before we went to the park we went to the harbour, and saw the big Home boat the Matatua, which was in port. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Your9 truly, SOMERSET (Oamaru). [I hope the school is successful, Somerset. Were you in the drill squad?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have just finished knitting a dress for myself, and it is the first knitting I have ever done. I am the captain of our hockey team this year, and on Friday afternoons we are allowed to go to the hockey ground for a game. Love tr all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly RAIN FAIRY (Clyde). [What stitch wa s the dress, Rain Fairy? Have you much work to do as captain?— DOT.] . Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I hope you will excuse bad writing. I do not write with a pen at school, so someone is holding my hand. Bongh}'-Bo is my wee sister, and she told you about our pets. We walk one mile and a-half t-o school, and it i s cold these frosty mornings. I have two sisters and two brothers going to school with me. My eldest brother has a car, and he takes us for a spin sometimes. He likes his Lizzie Ford, and we love her. Love to all.— Yours truly, MAUDIE’S MOT (Balfour). [Yes, you may join, Maudie’s Mot. How long do you take to walk to school?—DOTJ Dear Dot, —We had real pictures on Saturday night. They were held to collect money for the abolition of the liquor traffic. There were comic ones for the young people and more sedate oneg for the older people. When the comics were on I nearly split my sides laughing. Y r ou were asking me if I should like to live in town. I don’t know. I think if I were there long I should be wishing for a breath of country air. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BOB’S SWEETHEART (Milton). [What was the funny picture, Bob's Sweetheart? I should not iike town if I had lived in the country.—DOTJ Dear Dot —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I go to the Cave School. I am seven years old, and am in Standard I. I have one little brother and one little sister They go to bed at 5 o’clock, but I stav up till 7.—Yours truly, J. O. N. (Cave). J. O. N. Your name was taken. I used to go to bed at 7 once.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are having lovely weather m Southland tills winter—only two or three very bad days; but we may have it bad in October to make up for it. They have started a hockey team now, and are intending to play a match against Mataura Island on the Bth August, so I hope the team is not beaten. About 19 members have joined so there will be a few over from the first team The Girl from Arizona is bully on one side, and Just Someone on the other but only for practices. Jockey has also joined the club; and, Rose Red, Bush Fairy, and Apple Blossom; you are well represented, though you don’t receive many letters. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.— Yours truly, BILLY UNLIMITED (Fortrose). [Tell me how the team fares, Billy Unlimited. I am pleased to see the L.F. play hockey.—DOT.] Dear Dot, Haven t we had a glorious winter this year? There is a terrible amount of sickness in this district. Almost everybody has had sore throats and colds. I have had a sore throat three times this winter and tho last time I had an ulcerated throat. My mother is very ill at present, so I am chief cook. There is a dance to-night, and I am disappointed, ag I cannot go. I shouldn’t enjoy myself if I did go when mother i s sick. Do you like dancing? I do. I’d go to every dance if I could. There is a seven-a-side hockey tournament at Balfour on Saturday, so we are putting in a team. I hope we have some luck, as we are a young team, only started this season. We’ve had a few beatings, but we’ll have to put up with that for a while. About a fortnight ago we journeyed to Waikaia. It was a beautiful day, and the road was in perfect order. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely, although we didn’t win. ' I wish we had a tennis court to pass the time away in the summer, a 9 I like tennis better than hockey. We will have the electrio light in about a week, as tho men are putting in the transformer to-day. I am looking fonvard to it. as it is so clean, especially tho range. I shall always be wanting to bake then. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE ROSE OF NO MAN’S LAND (Dipton).

[An electric oven is excellent for a housewife, Rose of No Man’s Land. I like dancing when the music is good.—DOT.J Dear Dot—l was very pleased to see my fust letter in prist. I am very pleased that winter is nearly past, because it is bo cold and my favourite flowers come out in spring. My favourite gamo at school is prisoners’ base. I saw the eclipse of the sun on the 21st July. Did you see it? It looked like a half-moon, and it seemed to turn right round on the right side and then round to the left. Mother is teaching me to do crochet, and I like doing it very much. Gold Pansy Blossom has not written to me. Love to all the- L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, RED MANUKA FLOWER (Lawrence). [I did not see the eclipse, Red Mitnuka F)ower. What have you crocheted ?—DOT J Dear Dot,—Ws are having our term examination at school. It Is our first term exami- • nation, and I hope I pass. I have a little cousin staying with me from Hawke's Bay, and he is in Primer 4. I received my badge a few days ago, and I like it very much. I

went to the beach on Sunday, and the sea was very rough.—Yours truly. EGMONT (Kaupokonui). [Do you wear your badge to school, Egmont. Can you bathe on that beach when tiie sea is nbt rough ?—DOT ]

Dear Dot My four brothers want to the pictures. Our two little cats died, and I Wi fl ? rry for tllem » because they were « 0„ e rT’ i Ve !‘ ave ‘““tiler cat b|n‘ l , eVat?ir 1 t„ m L b vfa he S i^ d aueh tun W r °f d t ,°S ether - '““I «o have \vfi » 'Jt Phy > ng dow » *>“> -*£>Tt3£ our g ”' e p,ay °“1116I0ad-

bONAY SWEET ROBI.V (X g , para ) [Perhaps you will have another cat soon Bonny Sweet Robin. Is it a high bank?Dear Dot,—l am busy-doing my garden in lut “anTZ; , W l? haV * a “““her of violets Uir’i hulbs are beginning to peep through the ground. There is to be a ball do > not* I danc thl TV, lam going ’ al,l 'ough I no not dance. There are pictures fn-nia4if and my brothers are away at them I was sorry when I saw that “Chums in*xL™y Land was ended, but in this week’s Wit fresh 1 p\U lhat “u 67 haVe Staned something atorv af the ” y 81s , ter a " d 1 read the two e at ‘ ‘. ha He P ,| lnlllg Our . cats aie dead now. Our hens nro laying very well, as they were verv late ,n S o ?™ f lone ha ', e had a from garden tl.it 8 1 ne ’ } > ve a bu,b my fike aYsff Vr'uu °"‘ 111 a Wtl ° rod flowei telf metife dl Wlth ?l* ' 1 ‘rnmpet. Could you HU me the name of it? We have ei-hf little \y? 3 h t ° feed ' a . nd w e are milking eight cows and mv '.veil lad “ , flo ? d " ntil lil “ winter, school ’ T I T 3 and Blsler could not go to school. Love to everyone.-Yours truly, m e SY PANCAKE (Ngapara). cake HoT , may be a Colvillii . Bsnsy Panfrom achool V ?—DOTJ 610 ° hlldlea a " ay lesions, ““fri dSTke “ y ScW Mv’iiiUrhWs 1 k . them ver >' much. Ido not life A 4O a , hb !' al T social to-night, a little !kl i i-.. school teacher. I have have 1 a kltten , and I call it Smut. We was a fortnielu'^m 143 ther died ' vh ™ it a fortnight old. Kind regards to vmir JK* JP“ hand.—Yours tnfly 7 DAHE STRAIGHTLACE (Tomahawk). T 11 ncver like >’ ollr lessons if you face* “wif t IP I 7 ™ 1 ' mind t0 ' Dmne StraightDOT ]" h 1 haVa you llamed tlle foal?—

or,Sf ar h are milking only seven meet’ < ut an , otbe r month we shall have billers have' 1 "' 1 “t’v T £ e "'“imahaka. f»t! Shield again tMs” year S ° U^ e, ' n have only started Twire up 6 sS mas V ° Everv'f ele f ricit >' in before Christ- . ibye ry farmer about here has his cattle on turnips Farmers are starting to plough frost elri b hr e fit 168 P, addock3 . so that the ircst can break the soil up. The grass Ins become greener since the rain, so roots must be having a drink for once this veer hext month little lambs will start to make their appearance, but in some places thev M a vesr ldy ’- EabW . tß so plenti-1-.1 ear ’ si nee poisoning has started and rabbits are worth catching just now as we receive from Is up to Is 6d for midwinter skins. I think there are as many hares aoout as tnere are rabbits. I ain learning to play the bagpipes, and I like it Yours 11 truly, to L ’ F ’ “ d

DALLAS (Waimahakah not proud of your footballers, Dallas' Are bagpipes hard to play?—DOT.] Dear Dot,-Did you see the capping procession? It was very good, wasn't it? I see Dija is back in Dunedin. She didn’t stay _ong in America, did she? It seems no tune since I read her letter stating she was in America. I have been attending dances mock Ia Tk Wnt - l ” g ’ and 1 en i°y them very S)1. In grea t beadwa Y being made at the Exhibition. I have never seen it except when passing in the train, but judging by the photos in this week’s "Witness it is very geed- We shall soon have the American I loot here, and I think it will be worth seeing It was my birthday a tortnignt ago, and I received some lovely presents. To-morrow is “Big Day.” I saw the special prizes arranged in a shop and. anyone who win a them will be lucky I think Ladybird and Sally from the Treacle Works have forgotten me. Love to all the D.L.fc. and yourself.—Yours truly, LONESOME (Dunedin). [I saw the procession, but I thought it was not as good as it was last year, Lonesome. Did you have au envelope for “Big Day” ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There was a shooting party at grandma’s to-day, and they shot 46 hares and one rabbit. Captain Cuttle may write to you. There are a few D.L.F. up here. Dad has gone to a shooting match to-night. We live near Pink Sweet Pea who used to write to you. She has two little girls. Kind regards to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, WEE WALNUT (Kurow). [Can you shoot, Wee Walnut? Do Pink Sweet Pea’s daughters write to the uase?— DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy hand? I go to school, and I am in the Second Standard. I live in the country. It has been a very mild winter. There have been several falls of snow, but it did net last very long. It is lovely fun to slide on the ice and snowball my mates at school in winter.—Yours truly, GLORY (Ida Valley). [Yes, you may join Glory. Have you any pond to skate on wlien the ice is nard? — DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have a football at school, and we are going to play a football match with the Owaka School on Saturday, Ist August. I have to walk three and a-half miles to school, and I am fairly tired by the time I am home at night. One day Flax Bush and I went into the bush to look at some opossum traps. We walked for about 10 minutes, when we came to a trap with an opossum in it. We then went out of the bush, and climbed up on to a big rock, and stood up, and we saw all Owaka township. We then made down through the bush for homo, which we reached about 4 o’clock.— Yours truly, RATA BLOSSOM (Catlins). tAro your brothers in the team to play Owaka, Rata Blossom? Do you often catch opossums ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have been away from school with a bad cold. We feed the cows with turnips. One day Flax Bush, Rata Blossom, aud I went for a walk to a sheep run. We went up on to the top of one hill. From it we could sco Owaka; from the top of the next hill we saw the see, and from the next we saw Blackburn. My mother used to write to the L.F. page. I have five brothers, but no sisters. Three of my brothers write to the page. My youngest brother will bt

three in November. My big brother is away working near Edendale.— Your a truly, HAWK HILL (Gatlins). [What was mother’s N.D.P., Hawk Hill? Will you be pleased to see your big brother when he comes home?—Hot.] Dear Dot,—lsn’t it lovely to think this is the first day of spring and that we have left winter behind us for another year? Yesterday I noticed a yellow crocus in our garden, and also a number of primroses. It i 3 nice to see all the flowers coming out again, and this year they seem to be Z et J e * r Ow i n o to the fine winter we have had. I have had a girl friend staying with me this last week and as she just left this morning the nouse seeing very quiet. Last night we had some friends in for the evening, and had a delightful time playing table tennis and “Bobs.” “Bobs” is a miniature of scallyway, and last night we took sides and had great fun. The side I was playing for won the first game, but, ead to relate, the next game we were badly beaten, and had more “ducks” than scores in our column. One evening while playing table tennis there was quite a tragedy. My sister and another girl were just about the middle of a set, when, whiz—the ball landed in the open fire, and wag soon gone, but not forgotten. It was so annoying, especially as we had no spare balls, and so our game • was finished for that evening. But now, ■when we have quite a number of balls, the spiteful things won’t think of going into the fire. I was very pleased to see a letter from Marietta in the last Witness, as I was wondering what had come over her. The kittens aro still at large, although I tremble to think of their fate, as they are very mischievous, and also are rather fond of taking things which don’t belong to them. Love to all L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly A COURTEOUS COON (Milton.)’ [Scallywag is fun to play, Courteous Coon. The only ball will always lose itself.—DOT.] j seaT,5 ea T, cara arc Ending it very difficult to travel owing to a snowstorm. If some tourists were to travel through Central Otago at present, they would not be calling it “Sunny Central.” On Sunday I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Arrowtown and I enjoyed myself immensely, although we had to travel very slowly in places owing to the state of the roads. In one place in the Kawarau Gorge we just managed to squeeze past, as a large rock had fallen partly across the road. The Kawarau and Clutha Rivers are very low at present. We can sec the bed of the Kawarau River. It is rumoured that it is the lowest the Kawarau Oliver has been for 30 years. There has been great excitement in this district lately. Everyone seems to have a craze for prospecting. The river banks are simply crowded with people. One man found 35s worth of gold while digging with hi 8 pocketknife. Some people „are foolishly expecting another gold rush. It is a case of history repeating itself. Now would have been the timo to dam. the river, if everything had been prepared. Prospecting and rabbit trapping are two of the best occupations in the country. It would be nice to go catching rabbits in this frosty weather. The football and hockey seasons are nearly concluded. Alexandra had the luck of winning the football premiership this season, after some very hard games. The hockey premier has not yet been decided. It is certain that Alexandra High School will have a good chance of being top of the list. Since last writing my eldest brother has left for Auckland to join the New Zealand railway service, and he likes his work very much. Best wishes to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, ANGELA (Bannockburn). [The river must be very low, Angela. How often does your brother come from Auckland?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my letter in print. I also received the badge safely. It wa s my brother’s birthday to-day. He is 13. We have one little lamb so far. We are not milking any cows now. We have one little grey kitten. Could you please give me a name for it? Best wishes to all.— Yours truly, BABY’S NURSEGIRL (Ida Talley). [Were you first to wish brother “Many happy returns,” Baby’s Nursegirl? Call the kitten Smoko.—DOT.] Dear Dot—May I join your happy band ? I went out rabbiting and caught 11 rabbits. I have three dogs. There are plenty of rabbits up this way and it is good fun catching them. I am coming down your way in about a fortnight to see the Fleet. Are you going to see the Fleet? Best wishes to all.—Yours truly, AERATED WATER (Ida Talley). [Yes, you may join. Aerated Water. Your name wag taken. I suppose I shall see the Fleet.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Football and hockey are nearly over for the season, but still there are a few games to be played. The Tuapeka Subunion sent a football team to Heriot to play the Eastern Districts, but I am sorry to say our team returned beaten, the score being 19 to nil. I have read a few good books lately, some of which are “The Light of the Western Stars,” “Desert Gold.” and “The Young Pitcher.” These are all by Zane Grey. I think his books are lovely, because they are full of adventures. W© are expecting my sister (Princess Natalie) home for holidays on Monday, and we shall all be pleased, as we have not seen her for ages. Kindest regards to yourself and all the D.L.F.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S DARLING (Roxburgh). [lt was hard luck for the team, Mother’s Darling. Won’t you and .Princess Natalie have a great deal to say to one another ?—<- DOT.] Dear DotMy elder sister and I spent a delightful holiday in Canterbury just after New Year. We enjoyed ourselves immensely, and were very sorry when it was time to come home. My brother and I motored through to Dunedin (or Show Week, and I spent another month in town. There were four of us, and we had a good time. I was through the Exhibition buildings while down at New Year time, but didn't go again in June, as I shall be down when it is opened, and will be more interested then. There is a dance at 'Miller’s Flat on Friday night to bid farewell to the school mistress, who is shortly bejng married. Our Tuakepa hockey team is going to Alexandra to play Tincent on the Ist, but I don’t think we have much hope of winning, as we have not had much practice. What has beoome of all our L.F.? None of them hae written to the page for ages, and one. The Carrier Dove, has been absent from the page as long as I have. If Airship Andy secs this, I hope she remembers that I am waiting for a letter. Kind regards to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours trUli ' STRAWBERRY ACRES (Roxburgh). [Wo pleased to see you back after six years, Strawberry Acres. Are you in the hockey team? —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am reading a book called "Little Women,” written by Louisa May Allcott. It i* very interesting. I have a piece on tho piano called “The Garden of Dreams.” Our hens have begun to lay again. We have not been having very nice weather, and I’ll be glad when it ie spring.

I am going for an examination (preparatory).—Yours truly, FLOWER O’ SPRING (Southland). [You should read “Good Wives,” by the same author, Flower o’ Spring. Do you find the examination difficult ?—-DOT.] Dear Dot,—l can play the violin. My brother and I have a football between us. We have a car now. There ig a foal at our place. I can play “Highland Laddie” on the violin, also “Grandfather’s Clock,” “Nellie Bly,” and “West End Hornpipe.”—Yours truly, THE MOON MAN (Wendonside). [Do you ever play duets with violin and piano, Moon Man? Can you drive the car?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have read “Nicola Silver.” It is very nice and interesting. It ie written by Ethel Turner. I cannot play “Pixie’s Spinning Song.” It was snowing on Friday, but it melted very quickly. My birthday was on the 18th July.—Yours truly, A DREAM DAMSEL (Southland). [Do you like Ethel Turner’s books, Dream Damsel? We can feel spring in the air.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am reading a book called “jNioola Silver,” written by Ethel Turner, and it is very interesting. We began digging the garden at school last Friday. I have a big. quiet ferret, and I call him Jock. One day he escaped and hid himself, and my pet dog found him. I am going for a music examination in November. —Yours truly, DAD’S PAL (Southland). [What is “Nicola Silver” about, Dad’s Pal? Is it a practical examination you are sitting for?—DOT.] Bear Dot,—l am going to see the Fleet. I have had bad luck with my cycle. I can ride it. My brother was 13 yeterday, and I shall be 10 in September. My father has bad hands.—Yours truly, JAZZ BO (Ida Talley). [What bad luck was it, Jazz Bo?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—My mother is coming home from Australia in another week, and won’t we be glad! Our dog was poisoned on Saturday, but it lived through it all. We thought that it would die, because it was kicking and groaning. Our spring holidays will be coming soon, and we shall be very sd a d. I am going in for a music examination in October, and a prize is given to tile player.—Yours truly, GOLDEN SUNSET (Alexandra). [lt is a wonder the dog did not die, Golden Sunset. Tell me the results of the examination when it is over.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band of L.F.? I am 12 years of age and in Standard V at school. I have been reading the L.F. letters, and decided to write at last. We were playing marbles at school to-day, and I won nearly every game. We have two cows milking, but they are not giving very much. Another one should be coming in soon. I have two dogs, and they bring tho cows in in a hurry. I am going out rabbiting to-morrow, and I hope to have good fun. The D.L.F. family 'becomes larger every week. Love to all tho L.F. and your own dear self.—Youis truly, GINGER TOP' (Kahuika). [You may be a member, Ginger Top. Do you play for keeps at school? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are milking six cows, and five of them are young heifers, and are nice and quiet. Our ducks and heng are not laying yet. We feed them well, so we hope they will soon lay. My sister is going in for her examination, and she has to learn many lessons. She has to go to Invercargill for it soon. We have two foals; one ig a chestnut with white legs and a white strip down her nose, and the other is black. He only has a little white patch on his forehead. Could jou please give me names for them? Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PARADISE BIRD (Lake Wakatipu). [Wish your sister “Good luck” for me, Paradise Bird. Call the first foal Cinnamon and tho second Black Prince.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—My brother's wee pup’s name is Fluff. She is very mischievous sometimes. She runs away with anything she can find. Our hen a are not laying yet, but we are feeding them three times a day. so I think they should start soon. Do you like eggs? I like them very much. I hope to write an essay on “What 1 expect to See and Learn by Tisiting the South Seas International Exhibition.” It is very misty on the lake anflat, so we won’t be able to see the steamer coming until she is nearly here. The sun is rising earlier than it used to. This morning it rose at half-past 8. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FLUFFY (Lake Wakatipu). [I like eggs, especially indigestible, hardboiled ones. Fluffy. When are you to write your cßsay?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I do not go to school now. I am very glad, too, because I do not have to worry about any lessons. That was a very nice name you gave me for my little kitten. I am reading lovely school yarns just now. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yourg truly, SWEET DIMPLES (Otago). [Write your auto out again, Sweet Dimples, and I shall print it. Do you help mother?— DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are living in Stirling now, and I like it very much,as it is much livelier than where we came from. We live quite close to everything. It is only about ihree minutes’ walk to the railway station, and where we were before we had over seven miles to go. The flowers are peeping their little heads above the ground. We have only a few primroses out in bloom, but will soon have some daffodils out. Do you like gardening? I like it very much. My mother and I do most of the flower garden. We were at the pictures the other night, but. they were not very nice. There is to be a gift afternoon held in the Presbyterian Hall on Thursday, and I think I shall be going, as I have made some little baskets for it. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MISTLETOE BOUGH (Stirling). [I like gardening, Mistletoe Bough. What did you make tho baskets of?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have four correspondents through your page. Throo of my schoolmates write to you. Thank you vory much for tho cat’s name. We are haying a library in our school, bo it will be just the thing, as I love reading. I am reaaing a book now, and its name is “The Campfire Girls.” It Beems a very interesting book. Have you road it? My birthday was to-day, and I received a purse and a set of beads, and both were very pretty. Your page is increasing every week. Best love to all your L.F. over the Dominion.—Yours truly, DADDY’S OWN PET (Waikaka). [I have not road the book, Daddy’s Own Pet. Were they red beads?—DOT.! Dear Dot, —There is to be a farewell social and dance on Wednesday night, the sth. I think I ehall be going. Some of my correspondents have not written for quite a few weeks. Can you ride a bicycle? I can. I learnt to ride on my brother's bicycle. You will think I am a tomboy. When I was

learning to ride I had a number of spills, and when trying to go over the gchool bridge I turned too quickly and nearly went into the ditch. 1 have quite a number of correspondents through the page. You asked me to tell you the names of some of our gramophone records. We have three of Sir Harry Lauder’s, and they are “Rocked in the Cradle of the Dwp,” “Kilty Lads,” “Message Boy,” and “Breakfast in Bed.” I think they are very good. Y»’e have some Highland ones, too, and they are just like bagpipes. Best love to you and all.—Yours truly, MISS WEE PINNY (Paretai). [I can ride a bicycle, Miss Wee Pinny, and had just as many tumbles as you did when I first learned. Are you fond of Sooteh records ? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Some of the flowers are out already. Dad says we could do with some more rain yet, as the ground is still rather hard. A hockey tournament is going to be held at Balfour on Saturday, and at night a dance to follow. The English Church is holding a euchre party and dance next Wednesday night. I have a ticket, but I don’t know whether I’ll go or not, ag I can’t play euchre. I was at a dance at Mossbrirn a fortnight ago, and had a jolly time, arriving home at 5 a.m. on the following morning. We are receiving about 23 eggs a day, which is very good this time of the year. I suppose Dunedin will be very busy these days preparing for the Exhibition. It will liven things up for a few months. The football season is almost finished now, and tennis is starting. It was rather hard, the North Island beating the South at football, wasn’t it? There was a large crowd there, too, in spite of the snow and rain. all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yoiirs truly, MUSIC GIRL (Ardlussa). [The North Island team proved itself the better one, Music Girl. Will you play tennis?—DOT.] Dear Dot,— My brothers are away to Invercargill to see tho football match between the North and South Island. My mother and sister have gone to town too. I hope the South Island team wins the match. On Wednesday last I was in Invercargill at my cousin’s wedding. Man Jimmy was there too. It was a nice day, and I enjoyed myself very much. At the breakfast after my cousin’s wedding the minister said that the bride always dresses herself in a way to show how happy she is, and that the bridegroom dresses himself in a way to show how he feels, too. He always wears black. We motored into town in the morning, and were back in time to see the finish of a hockey match at Orawia. The match was between Nightcaps and Western Star. Nearly everybody turned out to see the game. I have never seen so many at a hockey match before. Our team (Western Star) won with 3 goals to Nightcaps’ 1. Last Saturday the Star team played Gore, and won by 4 goals to Gore’s 2. I am reading a book called “The Campfire Girls in the Mountains.” There aro six books of that series. This is the fourth one I have read. I like reading very much.—Yours truly, SCHOOLGIRL SPORT (Clifden). [You will be disappointed, for the South Island has not won, Schoolgirl Sport. A bride always looks happy, doesn't she ? DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just received the Otago Witness, and I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I should be very pleased to have a pet squirrel. We have just finished our term examination and I hope I have good marks.—Yourg truly, LAUGHING SQUIRREL (Masterton). Did you find the term examination very hard, Laughing Squirrel?—DOTJ Dear Dot. —Since last writing to your page I have been in many places in New Zealand, but have eventually arrived in Queenstown. When leaving my last place (Edendale) I thought the weather was rather cold, but it was very warm compared with the weather experienced on the Waimea Plains. There was over a foot of snow nearly all the way, and in some places it appeared to be many feet deep. Queenstown with its surrounding hills and valleys entirely covered with snow, is really a sight worth seeing; but the scenery is its main attraction. I was very sorry to leave Edendale, more so because the football team in which I was playing had had so far this season an unbeaten record, and I should very much have liked to stay until the finish of this round, which will decide the season’s winner. I am to play for Queenstown next Saturday, however, so I shall not be out of practice. Kindest regards to all L.F. and yourself—Yours truly, THE PATHFINDER, [Are you going to like Queenstown in spite of the* snow, Pathfinder? Your team will miss you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are now in the first week of spring, and it is quite cheerful after the snowy winter we have had. We are starting school to-morrow after five weeks’ holiday. My sister and I went with a friend the otherday to see Fairy of the Snow-capped Mountains. During my holidays I worked my mother a cushion cover. It was a Dutch scene. Love to all the L.F. and your dear self.—Yours truly, CHEERY CRECHE (Blackstone Hill). [The snow is unfortunately the cause of many holidays, Cheery Creche. Was the cushion worked on brown holland?—DOT.] Dear Dot —May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? I like reading the D.L.F. page, and some of the letters are very interesting. We milk one cow once a day. I know a good few D.L.F. around here. I like going to school these nice mornings. Springtime is here. We did not have very hard frost in Otago this year. The creeks are up high. Love to all the D.L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, EXHIBITION (Otago). [Yes, you may join us Exhibition. Does frosty weather give you chilblains?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of L.F.? I am in Standard V at the Masterton Central School. We played basket-ball to-day, and were beaten, 3 goals to nil.— Yours truly, DADDY’S DARLING GIRL (Masterton). [Yes, you may join, Daddy’s Darling Girl. It was hard luck about the basket-ball. — DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of D.L.F.? I like milking cows and catching rabbits. My brother and I were pulling turnips to-day, while dad was ploughing. We have two cats called Tiger and Fluffy. My brother is home to-night with a new bicycle. Love to all the L.F. and Y°ur own dear self.—Youis truly. PAT SNEEZER* (Waipabi). [Yes, you may join, Pat Rneezer. Have you ridden the new bicyclo yet?—DOT.] Dear Dot,— May I become a member of your happy band? I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard Y at school. We have somo little lambs, but they are not fiots. It is a lovely day, so wo shifted the &inbs to a different paddock. Lovo to all L.F. members.—Yours truly, SHIPWRECKED CRUSOE (Kuri Buah). [Welcome, Shipwrecked Crusoe. Your name was taken. Did you play football this season ?—DOTJ Dear Dot,—To-day we received eight eggs. We are going to Lawrence to eee the daffo-

dils in the springtime. We were up the hill on Sunday, and saw the kowhai, and I saw a tree just covered with blossom. The wattle will soon be in blossom. Maungatua is covered with snow, and in the gullies it will be about 6Jft deep. I take My Magazine, and we often take Punch too. I did not go to school to-day, because it is very wet, and the roadmaker has just put gravel and clay on. When it rains it is very muddy*. All the other roads are made of clay in AH ant on. I didn’t see the Capping Carnival, but daddy told us all about it. Our naughty little dog, Polly, sleeps on a cushion every night, and sometimes barks in the night and wakens us up. She does not run aiter cars, but rum after the butcher. When we go to the shop to buy some meat, Polly always comes with us, and takes away a sheep’s head. Would you like to come with us up to see the daffodils in the springtime?—Yours truly, A LITTLE CARPENTER (Allanton). [I should very much like to go with you, Little Carpenter. Is not My Magazine interesting?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I find it very quiet here, as I have just returned after spending three happy months in Dunedin. I wasn’t keeping very well, so I came home for a little rest. I have been home three weeks now, and it seems like three years; but I fully intend to be back in Dunedin before many days are up. I am not keen on Dunedin but I have nice friends there, who all help to make the place lively. There are such a number of places one can go to. Lycestria Formosa has another little son. That is two boys she has. Her time will be well occupied now without having to write letters or anything else to fill in time. We have seven canaries at present, and they are starting to build, so by the time the season is over we shall have quite a number. Our farm consists of seven canaries, one cat, and a most impudent puppy called Trixie. Trixie is a perfect pest at times, because she carries everything away and worries boots and and clothes. She is particularly fond of doing this. She loves playing with the cat. She is at present sitting in front of the fire having a great game with mother. She is not often allowed inside, but, to-day being cold, she was givcgi the advantage, so she ig making the best of it. In the garden are snowflakes, primroses, pansies, and violets out so far, and a number of bulbs in bud, so things are not so bad after all. Love to the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly BLACK PEARL (Pukeuri Junction). [The retiring age is 21, Black Pearl. Trixie and the cat must be excellent friends. -DOT.] Dear Dot —My little baby brother can creep now 1 , and has five teeth. He likes playing with a ball. We have 19 little pigs and four big ones. We milk six cows in the morning and two at night. Our cat is grey and white, and it is a funny little thing. 1 do not like going to school now. My schoolmates and I have good fun at school. Love to all L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, WE ARE EIGHT (Ermedale). [The baby must be very interesting to watch while he is growing, We Are Eight. You will like school better as you grow older. -DOT.]Dear Dot, —My grannie buys the Witness every week, and I have- been reading the letters from your Little Folk. I should like very much to become one of your Little Foit also. I am seven years old, and 1 am in Standard I. I go to the Mangapapa School, and my daddy thinks I should be top of the class, but 1 am not quite yet. I have three sisters and one brother. I suppose you will feel it very cold in Dunedin. My mother used to be one of your Little Folk. Her name was Bush Nightingale. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself. — Yours truly, KOA (Gisborne^ [You may be a member, Koa. Give my regards to mother. Tell me when you are top.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l should like very much to become a member of your band of L.F. I have often wondered on reading some of the letters whether I should write to you, but somehow I have never done so until now. I was 19 years old on the Ist of August, and I hope I am not too old to join. I have five brothers, two of whom are married. I was at a wedding in Oamaru last Wednesday, and I enjoyed myself very much. There is only one member of the L.F. whom I know personally, and that is Live Wire. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self—lours truly, TANGLE FOOT (Airedale). [We are pleased to welcome you, Tangle Fcot. You are not too old to join.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —At school we have just finished our half-yearly examination. I dpn’t know the results. The musical competitions aro taking place in Palmerston North at present. There were 600 entries (nearly). I think spring has begun, because the willow trees are beginning to show their green coats, and all the spring flowers are out in bloom. We have six cows in, and we have a nice little calf, which we are going to keep. My mother is back from her holiday, and she enjoyed it very much. I have my hair bobbed. All the girls are in the fashion, so I wanted to be too. Love to the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, COLUMBINE .( nakarongo). [Your printed letters are very easy to read, Columbine. It is quite true that epring is here. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l ask the correspondents to whom I ••we letters to accept this apology. Building operations are now in full swing. We have no real kitchen, as the old kitchen is pulled back, and because of this we use one of the bedrooms. Barney Google’s Girl has lost all her cats, and I am afraid my pussy is going also. Each Wednesday from 3 to 3.30 we play basketball. This year 1 think that I have failed in my examination. Sometimo ago I moved all the crocuses I could find, and yesterday I noticed that one was out and another half out. Hasn't spring come with lovely weather? Love to all of your band.—Youis truly, NORAH HAYSEED (Clinton). [You must enjoy Wednesday afternoons, Norah Hayseed. You will pass next year, so do not be downhearted. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have had to doctor again-, but I am all right now. I heard from Silver Moth last week. She split her finger at hockey a while ago, and it is still very bad. Last Saturday afternoon I went to the pictures. They were the first ones that I have seen for months, and were very good. I may go to the Plaza Theatre this week, as there is a good picture showing there. This afternoon I am going to Momington, so I hope it keeps flue, as I want to take some photos of my little cousins. Dame Durden has just left our place. She generally comes to see me on a Tuesday morning. Fondest love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, LONESOME LASS (Dunedin). [Tell Silver'Moth we sympathise with her, Lonesome Lass. Did you go to the Plaza?— DOTJ Dear Dot,—l am 11 years old, and I am in Standard IV at school. David Ha rum

is writing to you. I have just finished wriv ing to Auntie Minnie. I was at a dance last night, and I like dancing very much. I was at our other place to-day. I see by the Witness that you have another rule. I like reading the D.L.F. letters and some of them very interesting. There are only 16 going to our school, so it is pretty small. I may be buying a badge next time I write to you. We are receiving about four eggs a day. I fell off the pony tlie other night, but I did not hurt myself.—Yours truly, DIANTHUS (Redan). [You must be careful not to fall off, or you may hurt yourself, Dianthus. Do you go to many dances?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are milking only two cows, and I milk one and mum milks the ot!ier one. I am 10 years old and I am in Standard IV at school. We have four ducks, but they are not laying. I like reading the D.L.I*. letters. I set three rabbit traps to-day, and I have just been round them, and caught one rabbit. We have a ferret, and we call it Mick. There are only 16 children going to our school. Mum’s birthday is just past, and I gave her a butter dish for a present. We still ride the pony to school. Thero is a dancing class every Friday night, and I like dancing. I reared six pullets 1 and four of them are laying.— Yours truly, DAVID IIA RUM (Redan). [Does Mick catch many rabbits, David Ha rum. Mother would like her butter dish.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am very interested in tho letters in the Witness, and I wish to become a member of your happy band. I am the second eldest of six, and I am thirteen years of age. We have a baby fourteen months old, - and since she has learnt to walk she is very mischievous. Her name is Gloria. Our house is right opposite Dame Durden's. We have eight acres of ground with som* lovely native bush. We do not milk any cows but my father has two racehorses, which are in work.—Yours truly, MONEY SPIDER (Higbcliff). [Welcome, Money Spider. I suppose Gloria is the pet of the family. Tell me about her.—DOT.[ Dear Dot, —I was out rabbiting to-day for about hall an hour, and I caught four’ rabbits. W’e have a cow with a little roany calf. Could you please give me a name for it? I have been reading a very interesting book, and it is worth reading. The name of it is “The Islanu Sportsmen.'’ I shall be glad when our Christmas holidays are here, because I am going to the Exhibition, which I think will be very exciting. Love to all the L.F. and your own deal self.—Yours truly, TAR BABY (Whenuakoa). [Call the calf Ronish, Tar Baby. What is “The Island Sportsmen” about?—DOTJ Dear Dot,—l was quite excited to see my letter in print. W'e have two jonquils out, and the garden is yellow with crocuses. There was a chidren’s fancy dress ball on Friday night, and I went as a sunflower, but i received no prize. There were two swaggers, and one of them won the prize. Love to the L.F.—Yours truly, JINNi JUNES (Tapanui). [Describe your sunflower dress to me Jinny Jones. Did you enjoy the dance?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Your family is growing every day, so that you soon will not be able to find room for the letters. 1 have met a good many L.F. since last writing to you, and some of them are very nice. Everything will be bustle in Dunedin preparing for the Exhibition. I don't think I shall be going to see it. The only outing we have is to dances. My two sisters and I were out to one at a place called l’ahia last Friday night about twenty miles away. We were tired the next day. There is a troupe of Maori singers coming on Friday next. I think they will be nice. The picnics to the seaside will soon be starting again if this lovely weather holds good. My sister and I went for a ride on the motor cycle last Sunday week, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. It must be lovely for town people to come out to the country to stay. The country boys and girls do not appreciate the scenery, having lived amongst it all their lives. Love to all the L.F. and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SILENT THE SAHIB (Southland). [Most Maoris are very musical, Silent tho Sahib. You people in the country should be thankful for the fresh, pure air.—DUT.] Dear Dot, —We have finished playing hockey, and I am very sorry, because J. liked playing. Last Friday night my sister and brother and I went to Pallia to a dance W© had a lovely time, and arrived home at about half-past four next morning. There are some Maori singers coming here soon. I don't know if 1 shall go and hear them or not. I think they will be good. Since last writing to you, I have had my teeth out. I have my others in now. They felt a bit queer at first. Alton Laurel was married a while ago. I suppose you will have heard about it. I met Prairie Rose some time ago. J don't suppose she will know me, as I don’t think she knows what my N.D.P. is. I met a D.L.F., but he wouldn't tell me his N.D.P. so I don't know who he is. Dad and mum are away to a meeting to-night, and Shulatna and I are supposed to be ironing, but the irons won’t heat. Naomer is away for a holiday. She hasn’t written to you for ages. We have the electric light in Tuatapere, but we haven’t it at our place yet. Kind regards to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, WARATAH (Tuatapere). [ls Alton Laurel still living in Tuatapere, Wsratah? If you have an electric iron, you will find you dg the ironing much more quickly. —DOT] Dear Dot,—The D.L.F. page is increasing everv week. Mum and I were at a dance on Friday night, and we didn’t arrive home until four o’clock on Saturday morning. There is a bachelors’ ball on the 13th of this month, and I am looking forward to it. The footballers are going to play on Saturday. I am at home now. and I am teaching the children their lessons at home, as it is rather far for them to walk. We have been looking for a horse, ns we have a gig of our own, but no horse I am going to the. - dentist as soon ns he comes. I think he will be here about the middle of the mouth. Tt won’t be long before we shall be able to go in swimming again. I have been doing much reading and fancy work lately. I have worked two night dres3es. Heaps of love to nil the D.L.F. and your own dear self.— Yours truly, ROBIN RED BREAST (Makarora). [A gig is no use without a horse, is it, Robin Red Breast? 1> you do much swimming in summer?—DOT.] Denr Dot,—Last Friday dad and I went to Nelson, and we had a very nice time there. We went bv the mail car. and it ia shout 36 miles’ drive. There wo went to the gardens, and they have some very pretty shrubs in them. There is a river which flows through parts of the town, and its name is the Matai. The Governor was over in Nelson yesterday. We shall be having our school holidays in a week or two. I learn music, and I also have a new bicycle. I go for a music lesson twice a week. There are a number of spring flowers coming out

now, and they are very pretty. We have a number of rhododendrons out, and they are very pretty. There is only one tree out, but it is an early one. Love to all the L.F. and yourself.—Yours truly, NELSONIAN (Kiwaka). [Do you ride the bicycle to music, Nelonian? Do you prefer spring flowers to Autumn ones?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having our first term exam., and will soon have our term holidays. After the holidays I am going to bike to a different school. My cousins were pig hunting for nearly two weeks, and they shot 48. Last Saturday there '* s a big football natch for the Seddon Shield at Blenheim. Marlborough defeated Buller by 15 to 3, and next Saturday I think there will be another match against Nelson. Love to ail D.L.F.—Yours truly, BLACK FACE (Blenheim). [Will you like cycling to school, Black F*e«? Did you see the big match?—DOT.] Dear .'Jot, —I am working on mv father’s Item ti Ashburton, and I don’t like it very •much. Lad won two cups outright tins y#ar at different dog trials, while 1 rvon a trophy at Ashburton Dog Trials for youngest competitor. We keep about twelve dogs, so there is a nice noise when they start howling. There was a fancy dress ball last Thursday, but I did not go. Young lambs are appearing in the fields, but we have not any so far. There are plenty of hares, but we do not. shoot many, as they are very cunning, and are too fleet of foot for an ordinary dog. I sent my dog Ned away to Mount Hut-t Station, about thirty miles from here, but Ned thought one week among the snow was enough for him. When we were up on Sunday morning, Ned was lying at the door waiting for a welcome home. I am very' fond of reading, and I prefer Zane Grey’s bqoks to any others that I have read. Love to all the L.F. and vourself.—Yonrs truly GINCER MICK (Ashburton).

[Does your trophy occupy the place of honour, Ginger Mick? Ned must be an intelligent dog.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The flowers and fruit trees are beginning to show appearances of spring. The days are also beginning to lengthen a little. I was in Dunedin for two days during the Capping Carnival week. I had a lovely timfi. The Capping Carnival procession was very good. Some of thh take-.offs were rather good. There were some quaint costumes. Kindest regards to all the L.F.—Yours truly, GLORIA (Lawrence). [Capping week is always one of excitement. Gloria, even if we are not students.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—l went .to see Lilburn Princess and Amelia to-day. There was a hockey match yesterday between the Western Star tnd the Clifden footballers, and the footballers had to be dressed up as ladies, and it was real good. They had a draw. There was a dance in the evening, and it turned out all right. It won’t be long before the daffodils are out ho we ehall have plenty of flowers then. The Western Star hockey team played Nightcaps a few weeks ago, mid Western Star won by tour points to one, So Woetern Star won the banner again. They have won it two years now, and they are quite proud of themselves. They are the best players in this district. They were onl/ beaten once this year, and that was

•their own mistake as they could have won if they liked. Love to all the L.F., and yourself.—Yours truly, MIDGE (Clifden). [Western Star hockey players deserve our Congratulations, Midge. Have you any flowers?.-DOT.] Dear Dot, —I went to a hockey match on Saturday. I shall be 10 years old on September 2. We have a new teacher at our school now, ■’•w.hom I like very much. We are milking one cow night and morning. We have no pigs as we killed our last one. My father and cousin broke in a horse to-day.—Yours truly, TOSSMALONE (Lillburn Valley). [Do you play hockey, Tossmalone? It makes school more pleasant if you like your teacher.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are going to learn to play basket ball at school although there are only eight children going. The roads are very wet because there was snow the other night. Spring bulbs are up, and many of the daffodils are nearly out in flower. Are the Exhibition buildings near completion 9 They wem. not very far on at Christmas time. Kind regards to all the L.F., and your own dear self.—Yours truly, REX (Park Hill). [You will have fun at basket ball although there pe only eight of you, Rex. The buildings are almost completed.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having our term exam at school just now, and it is fairly easy. I am learning two new pieces, the names of which are “The King Pippin Polka,” and ‘ Retreat March.” There is going to be a bachelor and benedict ball on Friday night, but Ido not think I am. going. lam looking forward to going to a social on Thursday night, and another at West Plains next Tuesday night. Then there is to be the ‘Kiwi Ramblers” ball on Friday week. I am wishing Christmas would hurry up and come., as I am going to Taranaki to my cousins. I am also going to the Exhibihon. At term I am going to my relations at t airi ax. I have just finished reading a book called ‘‘Curiosity lvate.’ and I am starting another called “Old Rose and Silver. My camera is out of use as the sun is not strong enough for taking photos. My poor cat’s foot is not-'better yet, but it is a good bit better than it was. Love to all the D.L.F., and , your own dear self Yours truly, SONG, THE HALF-MOON GIRL. (Waikiwi) [You are not lacking in dances, Song. Have you been to Taranaki before ?—DOT.] Deal Dot,—Midge was at our place to-day to see us. On Saturday the hockey ladies played a match against the men, and the men Jiad to wear skirts, and we couldn’t help jaughing at some of them. The scores were four to four. I cannot play basket ball. My father has just finished painting the wash-house, and he is going to paint the house too. Yes, I hemmed the handkerchiefs bv hand. I saw School Girl Sport at the hockey match on Satuitfay. We have some daffodils in bud.—Yours truly, AMELIA (Lillburn Valley). [You would have enjoyed seeing the Capping Students wearing skirts and ladies’ hats, Amelia. What colour was the washhouse painted?—DOT.]

NOTES. Sweet Sixteen. —You wrote on both sides of ihe paper, dear, do I could not print your letter.—DOT. AUTOS. Billy Unlimited (M. White, Fortrose, Southland/ wishes A Silver Lining s Cobber to write a&ain, and also A Farmer’s Girl, formerly living at Kv.row, to write again, as thoir addresses are lost. Sweet Siateen (M. E. Bartlett, c/o Mrs H. N. Winmill, Whitehaven street, Lawrence) wishes to correspond with Just Sixteen, Lovely iluia, and Froserphine. Will they please write first? Till We Meet Again’s Mate (Ivy Pirie, Eastern Ter., Queenstown, Otago) would like to correspond with World Wanderer and Puss in Boots, and would tliov please write first? Pansy Pancake (M. Watson, Ngapara) wishes to correspond with Sunlight First, Jean from Aberdeen, and Moana. Will they please write soon? Bonny Sweet Robin (B. Watson, Ngapara) wishes to correspond with Missing Girl. Music Girl (Susie Keown, Box 6, Balfour, Ardlussa) wishes to correspond with Fegev the Tease. Miss Wee Pinny (Mary Pilgrim, Paretai, via Kaitangata, New Zealand) wishes A Bunch o’ Kisses and Scotty II to write. She wishes to correspond with any overseas L.F. A Dream Damsel (Ismay Paterson, Wendonside. Southland) would like to correspond with Wild Rose Girl. Will she please write first? Ziska *ll (Mabel Webb, Library, King street, Temuka, South Canterbua\y, New Zealand) wishes to correspond with any foreign L.F. in France or Afiica. She wishes her New Zealand correspondents to write Cheery Creche (Hazel Martin, Blackstone Hill) wishes' to correspond with any L.F. eight to 12 years of age. Lonesome Lass (Doris Wilson, 371 George street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with The World Wanderer, A Scotch Lassie, Galloping Kid, Pan Handle Kid. Fond Mother, and any L.F. over 15. Will they please write first? Hine (Stanley Hine, 3 Connaught Mansions, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, London, England) wishes any New Zealand L.F. to write to him as soon as possible. Robin Red Breast (Hilda Johnson, P.O. Box 4, Pembroke) wishes to notify her D.L.F. of her change of address. She also wishes to correspond with any L.F. willing. Will they please write first?