GOLD OF THE PINES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3757, 16 March 1926, Page 83

GOLD OF THE PINES.

By Gwen M’Laben. (Illustrated by Dumble.) (Copyright.—For tiie Witness.) ‘‘Croon, croon,” sang the tiny breeze through the pines that reared their tall dark-green columns against the night sky. David lay in his- little white bed in the house among the pines and tried to sleep. He was so hot, and he tossed about trying very hard to shut his eyes tight, but they always popped open again. The open window swung lazily backwards and forwards, and he could smell the fresh fallen needles under the trees. How David w ished he was lying on the soft cushions of green moss at the great roots of the tree! He was quite sure he would be able to go to sleep there. Then outside his jaindow he heard a ecuttering and a scraping, and suddenly into the room over the window sill hopped a little black rabbit. David shook himself to make sure that it was not a dream. The rabbit gave a great bound on to the bed, then he actually stood up on his

hind legs and, bowing, handed David a tiny white square. It was a very small letter written on a shaving o f sweet-smell-ing pine wood, and David hau to sit up in bed and hold it in a moonbeam that had strayed through the window in order to read" it: Your help is needed Under the great pine. P.P. ‘‘P.P.’’ said David aloud. “I wonder who P.P. is?”. ‘‘Pine Prince,” said a voice. David jumped. Then suddenly he realised that the black rabbit was speaking. “Come on !” went on the .rabbit. David was so surprised that he s:ot out of bed at once and followed the messenger out of the low window and down one of the winding paths among the trees. The black rabbit bobbed along in front of him so quickly that he could hardly keep the little white tail in sight, and when at las they stopped in front of the trunk of the largest tree in the p ine wood David was quite out of breath. Then the rabbit sat down and pricked up his long ears. “They are coming,” he 6queaked. although David could hear nothing; but suddenly part of the bark on the great thick trunk swung back as if on hinges, and out trooped a little process: a of the strangest people. Leading them was a little man not much . Jler than the rabbit, and dressed in tree and brown, with dusts of gold. Behind him came nothing more nor less than pine cones. Pine cones with legs and arms and the quaintest little faces. "I am the Pine Prince,” said the little man, ‘‘and there are my People of the Pines. We have called you to aid - s tonight because we have watched you playing in the wood sometimes, and heard you talking, and you are so big and strong we think you could help us if you would.” “But, your Majesty, I mean your Highness,” stammered David, very surprised. ‘‘What can I do?” *‘l will tell you,” said the Pine Prince. “You'know that every spring the little pire flowers are loaded with gold, dusty pollen that helps us to make our winged seeds?” “Yes,” said David. “I know, go on.” ‘‘Our worst enemies,” continued the Prince, "are the Toadstool Imps, who live at the tree roots iir the great brown toadstools that are spongy and yellow underneath: We cannot drive them away, and every spring on tins very night they make a raid on our trees, and always manage to carry away our gold dusty pollen. They use it to make their old toadstools yellow.

This season we have not very much pollen, and if they take it we will not have any seeds, but the worst of it is that we do not know how to stop them. This is why we sent o» i friend Furrikins, the black rabbit, to you, because we have no one to help us.” "I will try .to help you,” said David thoughtfully. ‘‘When do these Toadstool Imps come?” “Any moment,” said the Pine Prince, “and down in their factories at the roots of their toadstool homes they make a poison gas that turns The People oi the Pines into Toadstool Imps themselves, and so we all have to hide when they come, and they will take every bit of our gold dusty pollen.” David sat on a moss cushion and leant his head on his hands and thought. Then he sprang up with a shout, and all the People of the Pines, who had been standing round looking very anxiously at him, got such a fright that they all jumped up very high into the air. “You grow gum in your trees, don’t yon?” he asked eagerly. “Yes,” they cried in a chorus.

“Well, could you spare some to make a great ring round the trunk of every tree that has any gold dustv pollen? Becauee then when the imps climb up they will get stuck in it. and not be able to go any further. 11l see about them after that.”

“Oh, wisest of mortal boys,” said the Pine Prince. “Take as much gum as you want to help us!” “Thank you,” said David, and he issued directions to all the People of .is Pines as to what they should do. For the next quarter of an hour they were to be seen clustering round every pine tree in the wood husilv making wide rings of ticky, strong-smelling gum round the gnarled old pine trunks. When they had finished tho lost ring they all disappeared into the trees as if bv magic, and David was left alone among the tall trees that showered down the gold dusty pollen at every whisper of the wind

Then as he stood there under „he great pine tree lie heard a soft padding of tiny feet, and out from a little thicket came d 'zcns of creatures that looked like spongy vellow bal’s with thin thread-like legs As t’-ev ta-'e nearer David saw that they

had ugly little faces with squinting eyes and turned up noses. They did not notice him standing there in the moonshine, but rushed helter-skelter to the trees and commenced to swarm up the trunks. But when they reached half way up what a screaming and a tugging there was! They were all stuck last in the pine gum, and pull as they might they could not break away. Some stamped with rage because their arms were caught, and that only made their legs «tick, too. They looked such little furies that David could hardly help laughing at the hideous faces they made, but he siopped himself in time and stepped to the nearest tree trunk where they were stuck. They blew out their poison gas at him, but he did not even notice it, and seizing them, foui under each arm, he ran down to the swamp at the lower end of the nine wood, and tumbled them all into the middle of it. They were not 'mrt, but they could not get out again, and he journeyed backwards and forwards until all the Toadstool Imps were deposited in a struggling, kicking heap of yellow in the middle of the swamp. Then he returned *o the great pine tree, where he found the Prince, the People of the Pines, and Furrikins all waiting for him.

“Oh, brave mortal,” said the Pine Prince. “You have delivered us from our deadly enemies, and we are so grateful to you that we do not know how to thank you. We can only give you this cone filled with gold dusty pollen, and tell you that wherever you are, and whatev« you may be doing if you take this in your hand you will be carried back here under the great murmuring pines on th*» 6oft couches of fragrant needles at their feet.” When he had said this he gave David a little green cone which opened up. and was filled inside with scented gold dusty pollen that gleamed in the moonlight. David did not know whatever to say, and he was feeling verv uncomfortable, and rather cool, too, for although the night was warm yet he had been out for some time.

“Your Highness,” he began, when suddenly he felt very sleepy, and the scent of the fallen needles seemed to grow stronger and stronger. Then he knew nothing move till he woke in his little white bed in the house among the pines, and heard a thrush singing on the top of the big pine tree welcoming in the dawn.

He lay for a while wondering if last night's adventure had only been a dream, but when he sat no he found that he wsa holding, tightly clasped in one hand, a

little green pine cone full of golden pollen, and as he went to school that morn-

ing, crossing the swamp at the lower end of the pine wood he saw a great heap of spongy yellow toadstools gleaming in the morning sunshine.

LETTERS FROM THE LjTTLE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit oi others, not ior tursclves. Dear Dot, —I was at the jubilee procession this morning, and quite a crowd turned out to it. My brother has just returned home from the Old Man Rock, and lie said he had a good time while he was away. I have not managed to reach the Exhibition yet, but I hope to see it before it closes. There is a good bit of fruit leaving the Alexandra railway station to be sold at the market. A crowd of children still go in swimming, although the wgather is not often fine. To-day Google Barney and 1, accompanied by some other friends, went for a walk, because there was 'nothing else to do to pass the time away. There are not many people who write to the Page from Alexandra. My brother is away at the Exhibition. He is a delegate for the fire brigade of Alexandra. I think that the Rider of Golden Bar and the overseas Litt'e Folk write the most interesting letters of all I have been quite busy answering the letters which I received from my mani oorres pondents. I have often read id the letters of the Little Folk, where they ask if you were a man or a woman, but I now think that I have found out the right answer We have quite a selection of colouis in the dahlias this year, and they are simply beauti ful. We have been having a tune on the gramophone, and I think that if we played all night and day for about a week, we -would not be finished all the records, because we have such a crowd. Kindest re garris to all, and yom own dear self.—Yours tm'y, TWO LITTLE LOVE BIRDS (Alexandra). 'Are you sure you know whethei I am a man or a woman, Two Little Love Birds. Du you often go to swimming.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have been to the Exhibition just six times, but I could not 3tay there any longer, as I had to go home and stait school. I was not on the Scenic Railway, as I did not like the look of it. I was in the Fun Factory three times, and had seventeen rides on the slides. ] was on the Water Chute, and thought it good. I was all splashed the fi-et time, but I did not mind that at all. Have you been on everything in the Amusement bark yet? 1 did not fancy the Whip, so I did not go on it.— Yours truly, PINK GERANIUM (Otago). TI have not been on nearly everything in the Amusement Paik. Pink Geranium. The slides are great fun.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am writing to ask you if I may join your happy band. The letters interested me so much that I thought 1 would write, too. I was at the Exhibition for a week. Tbe Southland Court is the one which I favoured. My mother has also been there She bought my sisters and myself a camera. It is great fun snapping people when they do not know. Dad is busy cutting oats to-day. I do not go to school. I went two years to the Wyndham High School, and I am working at home now. I have two sisters and two brothers. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk, and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MALVENA, THE COOK (Wyndham). fYes, you may join, Malvena, the Cook, but send your private name and address. You are lucky to have a camera. — DOT.] Dear Dot,—Oh! Fvhibit'o" beautiful, glorious and awe-inspiring sight. What brains someone must have to design and make some of those interesting, and lovely sights. When amongst those sights, hours soon flv, before nr.e realises ore has been there long. I have not been as often as I wibhed, but I don’t seem to go away much. We have been 90 husv with visitors, and people popping in unexpected Iv. that we often fly into a muddle, and it takes hours to become right again. At present we are free from visitors residing heie. Since last writing I have been up north, and was glad to once more be back amongst my own folk. I went home on Boxing Dav, with a strong nor’-wester blowing; and the heat beyond description. I quite enjoved reading the Old Writers’ lettera, some of which were very good. One letter, which seems of great interest to numbers, and was eagerly looked for, was, my old friend Black Watch’s. What an interesting and lovely letter he wrote. He has never missed one vear of Old Writers’ Week since he joined their ranks, which runs into a good few years now. I don’t tliink I shall be writing before April again, when Black Watch and I shall be settled in a home of our own, and I shall write and say how we both are. I have two very nice mates in town now, Sweet Marie and Tea Cosy, Greetings to all, and best love.—Yours trnly,

CATTAJN JACKSON BARRY’S DAUGHTER (Dunedin) TI suppose vou were very glad to be home again, Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter. Black Watch is a very faithful writer.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I often read the letters in the Witness, and some are very interesting. Have you been to the Exhibition? I was in for a day yesterday, and enjoyed it very much. I am not staying at home. I have just been here for a holiday. Love to all and yourself.— Yours truly, CATHERINE MAYOITRNEEN (Adams Flat).

fWelcome, Catherine Mavourneen, but aeiu your private name and address at once. The Exhibition has claimed many entry shil* lings from me.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your band? I Sm thirteen and a-half, and have left school, know two Little Folk. They are Tussocky 'ora and Red Tulip. I have been to the Exhibition, and I think it is very interesting. I have three sisters going to school, und one who is just two years old. I love reading the letters of the correspondents. I went in for a Junior Scholarship, but 1 won only a free place. Love to all, and your own self.—Yours truly, MONICA'S MATE (Waipiata.) (■Welcome, Monica’s Mate. Your name was taken. Tell me more about the little sister. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Your family is becoming larger and larger every week. I have not been to the Exhibition yet, but I think I shall be going later on, and would rather go *n a car instead of going in the train through the tunnels. I passed into Standard V at school, and next year I shall have to use my brains, won’t I?—Yours truly, PICCANINNY (Morven). (Car riding is much nicer than train riding, Piccaninny. You will have to use your brains this year, too.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Most of the farmers around here have had to send their stock away to grain until the grass comes on again. There was a wedding here to-day, but 1 did not bother to go to the church to see it. A Little Bush Maid was invited to the reception this evening, so she is away to it now. A dance was held here on Tuesday evening, to farewell one of the residents who is leaving here. I did r.ot go. Somehow 1 did not care whether I went or not, so I decided not to, but went to Winnie’s for the evening instead. It is Fae’a birthday on Monday. It is some event, being her first one. Winnie is making her a big cake. Last Saturday our tennis team journeyed Li to Gisborne to play a match against the Mangapapa Club team. We' spent a very jolly afternoon. The players were so kind and hospitable, and made us at home at once. We had some very good games, although we lost the match by 106 games to 66 games. It was the first time I had played in a match, consequently I was feeling rather nervous. But I played better than I have played this season, although I lost my singles 6—l Such a disgraceful boating, wasn’t it? Never mind, my partner and I won our mixed doubles 6—3, so that wasn't so bad. Perhaps we will manage to defeat them when they return the visit to our courts. On Saturday next, the Te Uarpara Club team is coming out here to play a match with us. I expect we shall be defeated again, as i'heir team is much better than the Manga?apa team. We will do our best to win, all the same. Last Sunday we had to miss our tennis, as it rained hard all day. Colds are very prevalent about here at present. I have had one, but it is nearly better now. A Lass From the Land of Logs seems to be enjoying herself hugely. As I write, she sits bfside me with a large water-melon beside her, and seemingly she relishes it. I don’t fancy it myself. Love to all the Little Folk and vouraelf.—Yours truly, RED KAGGER (Te Karaka). [Losing 6—l is not so bad as losing 6—o, so cheer up, Red Ragger. Tell us s.bout Fae’s birthday.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I think you will have to forbid the Little Folk to write about the Exhibition until it is over, and then have a competition, each one writing on what he liked best. All the letters are the same, and one becomes tired of reading the same thing over and over again. I was at the Exhibition yesterday, and met a cousin who was competing in the Fire Brigade demonstration. Did you know we have a scenic railway in Henley. At least everyone calls it the switchback. It is a huge bank built ly the Public Works for flood protection, and where it crosses the road, a huge mound 12ft high, we have our switchback. One has a good view of the district from the top, and feels so high up in the air. It was constructed by a “very" energetic-looking gang of men, with shovels, drays and scoops, who usgd to wdve and yell at every person who passed through, while the more rude ones just stopped and I suppose it was a change from the usual monotony of work. The work has progressed very quickly during the past few months, and the bank will soon be finished. Sweet Lavender is back at tech, again, and I miss her, as she and I used to go every day for a swim. We were perfecting ourselves in the crawl and back strokes, but one day for a change 1 swam across the lake. It is oval shaped, and I swam the narrowest uart, which is about 300 yards. Our district is beginning to look busy, as most everybody is harvesting. I think we have better weather during the autumn than during summer, mostly hot., breezy days, with clouds of "robber' thistle seed-j flying before the wind, and finding their way into odd corners, making work for the housewives’ mop. I like harvest time best of all the year, and even though it is hard work cooking for the men, it is a change from the usual dull monotony of housework.—Yours truly, IONE (Henley). ["Robbers" have a knack of hiding themselves in the corners, lone. Harvest time is a nice time of the year.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since last writing we have sold the bus and car, and have bought a taxi, which dad is doing very well with. Dad and mum went for a fortnight’s holiday to Christchurch and Dunedin, and they think the Exhibition is lovely. I may go to the Exhibition at Easter if I am lucky. I was working in some tea-rooms for a month. Love to all, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FAT AND LEAN (Clifton). [I am pleased vour father is doing well, Fat and Lean. Teli me about your work in the tea-rooms.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Dame Trot goes to the King Edward Technical College now, and is taking the commercial course. After staying nt home for a year she is finding school life very pleasant indeed. Did not the holidays go quickly Ibis year? 1 suppose that it was having such long holidays last year that made this year’s seem to fly. My father lias picked up some very interesting specimens of Maori curios, among which are needles, lish hooks, curiously shaped and of different shapes, sir.es and colours of stone, probably carried from all over Now Zealand, lie has often picked up flint with which my younger brothers arid sisters amuse themselves by rotriking against steel to see the sharks fly. He has never had any luck with greenstone, and has only picked up tiny pieces of no value other than that ol curio 3. He gave a perfect bone needle to tho museum. At the camp, which is situated at Sandfly Bay, there are different heaps of refuse showing that the Maoris must ha\«« had workshops where they each worked at their different tools. For instance, one heajA consists of stone chips, another of bono, and bo on. In wet weather a spring comes up at tho top of the camp and runs down among the different heaps to the ocean, showing that at one time there must have been acreek there. This camp, seventeen or months ago, was covered over with

I sand, but the strong winds which we have i been subjected to, have blown the sand far- ' ther inland, so uncovering this most interestting place. The bay itself is an ideal place for 1 a picnic. Its only drawback is the steep 1 sand slopes which one has to climb before reaching the road.—Yours truly, A SCOTTISH DAUGHTER' (Highcliff).

[Yes, the holidays went quickly, Scottish Daughter. The camp must be an interesting place.—DOT.] v Dear Dot,—l wsa so pleased to see my first letter in print. We have just finished leading in the hay. To-day mother and father were out ’'-siting, and I was left in charge of everything. The first silly thing I did was to allow the hens and ducks out, and about ten minutes after I was wondering where the ducks could be, and I began calling them, and, lo and behold, I heard them quacking from the centre of the oat paddock, and it took me fully a quarter of an hour to persuade them back to their run. We are going to hold a queen carnibal in Riverton, and we are beginning to raise funds. I think it will cause much excitement. I hope the country princess comes first. Her colours are green and white. My brother is coming home from Dunedin t«» moirow, and my mother is visiting Dunedin next week. We have three dogs and two cats. The dogs’ names are Glen, Nip, and Flossie, and the cats’ names are Fieetfoot, and Sunshine. My little brother is at this minute trying to tease the billy goat, but if he continues I think he will be the worse for it. We have sixteen cows, ard only one Jersey cow, and we call her Larky. I wish all the Little Folk the best of luck.—Yours truly, PRETTY REDWING (Riverton). [Ducks are very silly birds, Pretty Redwing, and naturally would go straight for the oat paddock. Do the cats fight or are they friendly?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have four dear kittens. They are very playful little things. I am in Standard 111. I passed in my examination. We are going to the Exhibition for our school excursion. We have a new, teacher. She is very nice. We are having a basket ball match on Saturday with Lumsden, also a tennis and cricket match, so it will be quite a big day if it is fine. What has become of Mummy’s Little Man? Best wishes to all the Little Folk, and your own dear self.—Ycrtirs truly, PUSSY’S MATE (Mossburn). [What are the kittens’ names. Pussy’s Mate. Where do you play in the basket ball team?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since lust writing I have tried living in Dunedin, but I have come to tho conclusion that the country is the best. 1 Glink town well deserves the name, Rainy Dunedin; anyway, I came back to the country again. I was working at the Exhibition for a time, but , did not like it very much. Stilts, Blue Mountain, Bell, and myself spent a few days’ holiday in the merry hills of Stoneburn. We spent the night on our own in a six-roomed house, our nearest neighbour being about four miles away. We rode there and back, the journey totalling about 40 miles. It was a good ride, although the scenery wasn’t very picturesque. It consisted mainly of tusocks, mushrooms, and plenty of gorse. Our indigestions suffered a bit. There is an old saying, “Too many cooks spoil the broth," and I think it is true. We all were in one another's road when it came time to prepare the meal. We had a good time, a d are still the same as ever. Love to all.—Yours truly. BLUE MOUNTAIN MYSTERY. (Palmerston). [I think Dunedin is very sunny, Blue Mountain Mystery. Did you cook mushrooms?—DOT.] Dear The Exhibition will soon n e closing Dunedin will be very quiet. Daddy’s Little Help has a poisoned hand, and it does not look nice at all. There is a new traffic bridge being built across the Ida Burn. I am going to the Exhibition on the 22nd of this month. Last night 1 thought Empire, my sister, was coming down the road. I was coming home along the road when 1 noticed this lady. When 1 arrived home I received such a shock when I saw who it was. Do you know who it was? It was a man dressed up in our girl friend’s clothes. This man was like a real woman. How mother picked him was that she noticed his walk, and his trousers wei-e longer than his skirt. He had a knitted silk jumper on and a tartan skirt, and a pink silk scarf around his neck, and also a big furry black hat on. Mother thought there was something wrong when she saw all the people out looking from the house he came from. Daddy’s Little Help, is bathing his poisoned hand. It was very bad, because there was a red mark going up his arm Mother and my two brothers are away out'in the car for a joy ride. I suppose they will be home soon. lan seems to climb up on my knee when I write to you. Love and kisses to all, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DOT’S SWEETHEART (Ida Valley). [The man must have looked comical. Sweetheart. I am sorry Daddy’s Little Help has a poisoned hand.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age, and in Standard II at school. We have not been to the Exhibition yet, and we are going to it in April. Love to all the Little Folk, and your dear self.—Yours truly, TREE BOY (Wendonside). TYes, you may join, Tree Boy. April will be a busy time to visit the Exhibition. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —The farmers are all very "busy with their harvesting around here, but. we haven’t any to do. I suppose you have been to the Exhibition a number of times. I am not -joing, but everybody seems to like it verv much. I enjoyed reading the Old WriJsrs’ letters very much, and they are very interesting. Do you like readine? 1 do. I am reading a book named “Grandpa's Selection,” bv Steele Rudd, and it is very humurous. Best, wishes to all the Little Foik and yourself.—Yours truly, BLUEBELL WILD (Waituna). n enjoy reading, Bluebell Wild, but I have not much time. What standard are you in this year?-DOT.] Dear Dot,—The garden is looking lovely, and the lambs seems to be tired of eating the flowers. Most of the, people around here are going to the Exhibition. Thirty pupils went up for the school trip, and two teachers wont with them. Love to yourself and all.—Yours truly,

PETER POTATO (Waituna). [lt is well tin lamb has tired of eating the . flowers, Peter Potato. There is still Exhibition crowds in town.—DOT.]

Dot, —I didn’t go in for the flower show after all. The flowers weren't nice enough. My sister, Fairy Flute Player, won a first prize for a Victorian posie. I expect she will be writing to tell you all about it. I’m not long home from a holiday on the A lovely loliday it was too. We had a great time, and brought home all manner of shells, that we didn’t ever find at St. Clair beach. Althought wo live in Blenheim, we know Dunedin quite well, having been born and schooled there. I, for one, waa

very sorry to leave, but one becomes used to a new place in course of time, and, of course, one ioesn’t want to live in the same town all ore's life. You surely haven t been there all your life without a change, have you, Dot? Love to all.—Yours truly, HELIOTROPE (Blenheim). [Congratulate Fairy Flute Player for me, Heliotrope. I have not lived in Dunedin all my life.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in print. I am going to the exhibition on Saturday, and I am looking forward tc going very much, as I have not been yet. We lost our bunny for about a week, but it came back. We have about twenty hens, and they are laying very well, seeing that they laid all last winter. We have a ferret ana a clog. Their names are Fanny and Scott. Ninny is not in the least frightened of Scott, and they often lie down side by side. We live next door to Ann L’ann's Aunt, and when they were down to see the Exhibition they were staying there. Ann Pann is rather a bard case. Love to all, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, NINKEY PuO -Dunedin). [Bunny must have found that home 13 the best place after all, Ninkey Foo. ft is well that Ninny and Scott an friends.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We are back at school again after the Christmas holidays. My 3ister gained her proficiency last year, but she did not go to High School, because she is studying her music. I am in Standard VI at school. The North Otago schools are having an excursion to the Dunedin Exhibition, and 1 think I shall go. My father has his harvest finished. I won first prize for the Navy League at school last December, and alsc second prize in catechism at Sunday school. The marks I had for catechism came to 99 J per cent. I spent my Christmas holidays for one week at my grandfather s in Oxford, and three weeks at my auntie’s in Christchurch. One day I went with my uncle and father in the car to the Ashley gorge. The Ashley River runs between two hills. We climbed up to the top of the hill, which was covered with bush, and a little stream flowing down, among the rocks, and great flat stones. All is very cool and silent, except for the singing of the. birds. As one goes up, one comes to the waterfall, which is thirty feet in height. It is also very pretty and cool, after the long climb. There are many trees atid shrubs, such as birch, lawyer, tnisthioe, clematis and konim. 1 visited the museum while I was in Christchurch, and saw many wonderful things. There were stuffed animals and birds of different kinds, Maori carvings, many curios, and implements of all kinds used in war. The things the Maoris used years ago are very peculiar compared with the ones used at the present time. In Christchurch I went to Sumner. My cousin and I made imaginary things on the beach. There is a big cave on the beach, which my aunt, cousin, and myself went through. This cave is very dangerous for anyono to venture througV when it is high tide at sea. I also went to Lyttelton, and on the way there, we had to go through a tunnel. It took the train six minutes to go through. The day was very rough and stormy, so it mado the journey very unpleasant. There were many ships and steamers in the liar-

bour. Love to all, and your own dear self.— Yours truly, VERA’S TRUST (North Otago). [Go with the excursion if you have time, Vera’s Trust. A museum is a very interesting place.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —1 am going to the High School now, and I am not sure if I like it or not. Isn’t the Exhibition wonderful. I was surprised to see the mass of buildings. I was on nearly all the amusements, and 1 think the Scenic Railway is simply beauti ful. I enjoyed myself very much, and the time passed very quickly; I shall be down again shortly, and I hope to have oq >">od a time as before. The fruit is all ripe up this way, and I have done nothing but eat peaches and pears all dav.—Yours truly, PETER THE FERRET (Cromwell). [Y’es, the Exhibition is wonderful, Peter the Ferret. Do you not tire of eating pears and peaches?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Since last writing I have been to Oamaru to spend a holiday, and I enjoyed myself very much. On my way home 1 went to have a peep at the Exhibition, and thought it was lovely. I was on the Dodgem cars, the Caterpillar, the Whip, and in the Fun Factory. I am going again with my mother and brothers sometime in April. My uncle is coming through here on the •22nd, from Oreymouth. He is going deertalking on No. 7 Block in the Landsbury We are all anxiously waiting for him 1 wrote to Gwen, my correspondent, to-night, so am feeling tired now. I gained my proficiency last year at school, and I am very pleased. Love to all, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, 2DLEWEISS (Makarora). (Are you at % home this year Euleweiss? Have you many correspondents?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have shifted from Bannockburn. I am going to a new school which I like very much. 1 think the Exhibition is very beautiful, and it is lovely when it is lit up at night. I am living near the Exhibition, and I go to it very often. I am reading a very interesting book called “The Wide Wide World.’’—Yours truly, THE RISING SUN (l)unedinl. [Which school do you go to, Rising Sun? Have you a season ticket for the Exhibition ?-DOT.] Dear Dot,—May 1 join your happy band of Little Folk? I feel that I have missed a great deal of pleasure in not joining sooner, as I am now twenty years of age. I must endeavour to use the short time I have to the best? of my advantage. 1 have been employed for the last two years in one of our leading shops. 1 find the work very interesting, to say nothing of the various people one meets in the daily routine. I think the study of human nature a very interesting one, don’t you? My favourite pastimes are dancing, and swimming, although 1 am sorry to say, that the weather has not been all that could be desired for the latter. However, I have my cold tub every morning at home. I am taking elocution this year, and although I have only had a few lessons, I am finding it very interesting. I have not been to the Exhibition yet, but hope to £o at Easter time. Best love to all the dltle Folk, and your own dear self.—Yours truly, , “K” THE UNKNOWN (Oamaru).

TYes you may join -K" Tho Unknown, lea, the study of human nature is veiy interestuig.—DOT.] y

Dear Dot. 1 have been to the Exhibition since I wrote. My mother, wee sister, and wee brother have been home nearlv a week after going to the Exhibition. 1 lik*d everythmg and I thought it was most beautiful. Love to all the Little Folk, and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

FLUFFY (Lake Wakatipu). I Did you go and see the funny organ which played tor ihe merry-go-round ?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l had a good holiday at Dunedin, and saw the Exhibition. It was nicer than I thought it would be. It was tine whan it was lit up at night. I aaw tha shawl the Queen sent. I liked the watercaves, and the Dodgems. ily brother, Ashanti Stool, and 1 had a ride on tho lJoclg ems. My brother was steering, and didnt bump. We had a look through tho Witness office. It was very interesting to see them making the type and to see them printing. The electric range is good. We have had no bother with it. I baked a cake, m it and did everything myself, and it turned out all right. Love to all and yoursell Yours truly,

FAIRY (Glencoe). [Most people distinctly refuse to “dodgem,” kiiiry. ihe priming office is most interesting.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my first letter in print. 1 have been to the Exhibition, and it is good. My sister and 1 were on the Scenic Railway and Helter-skelter. \Ve were also on the Merry-go-round and the Merry-mix-up. In enjoyed the Scenic Railway and Whip immensely. My other sister and her mate are at the Exhibition. One of our neighbours was burnt out the other night, and the chimneys still remain. We came home on Saturday night from the Exhibition, and on Sunday morning we were roused up to save our stock, as there was a big flood. My aunt bad the water in her house, and it wa3 such a mesa to clean up, as they hadii t lifted anything. Kind regards to all Little Folk, and your own dear self. — lours truly, ZORAIDA (Kelso). iFire is a most destroying element, Zoraida. Your aunt would have much work to do* cleaning up.—jjuT.J Dear Dot,—We have been trapping here, and we caught a hare. 1 went to Otekaike and back in the dray. We have not had the mill yet. There have been a number of intresting letters. They all have something to say about the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. I think it is just lovely. The attendance seems to be keeping up.— Yours truly, CREAM ROSE (Duntrcon). TWas it a big hare, Cream Rose? How long did your ride in the dray take?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? My sister is writing to you, so I thought I should like to write also. I go to the Exhibition every week, as I do not live very far from it. I have two sisters and one brother, and they all go to school. I like reading the letters in the Witness, as most of them are very interesting. Love to all the Little Folk, and your own dear seif. —Yours truly, AN EXHIBITION LOVER (Dunedin). [Welcome, Exhibition Lover. Send your private name and address. Do you like the children’s slides ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk. I am eleven years of age, and in Standard V. I have a teacher from Canada teaching me, and I like her very much. I think the Exhibition is wonderful, and I have been many times. Love to the Little Folk and yourselt. —Yours truly, JAPANESE CHERRY BLOSSOM. (Dunedin). (Welcome, Japanese Cherry Blossom. Y’our name was taken. Send your private name and address.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am in the fifth standard now, and I don’t like school very much. I am still persevering at music, and will be going for junior practical examination and theory examination in June. Our hen has ten chickens. Eight of them are yellow and there are two black ones. The cat went to eat one of the chickens, and the clucker went for her. We are having a new bakehouse over the river. They started it on Monday, and the roof is on and half of the aides. There are going to be tea-rooms, a shop, and a bakehouse combined. Love to all the Little Folk, and yourself.— lours truly, SAMSON SAWDUST (Westport). | Are you going to High School after you have passed the sixth, Samson Sawdust? It will be bandy to have tea-rooms, a shop and a bakehouse, combined.—DOT.] NOTES. Silver Thread.—\ 7 ou wrote in pencil dear, so 1 could not print the letter.—DOT. The address you asked for is R. Pickering, Waitepeka. AUTOS. Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter (S. M. Crolt, care of Mrs Hunter, 155 St. David street, Dunedin) wishes her old correspondents to write, such as Patriotic Paul, Piain Joe, A E O U, the Cabbage Tree Rider’s Cobber, and the others. Two Little Love Birds (Sibena Carline, Alexandra) wishes to correspond with Riding Kid, Rider of Golden liar, and any overseas Little Folk. She also wishes any boy or girl 14 years or over to write. Will they pleuse write first and soon? Fat and Lean (Eva Sycamore, George street, Clifton, via Invercargill) wishes to correspond with Jerry Joy and G.W. She wishes them to write first, please. She also wishes Bridget and A Strange Lover of Old to writ© again and soon. Blue Mountain Mystery (R. Roberts, Carrick Farm, Palmerston South) would like to correspond with any boy. Please would he write first ? Peter the Ferret (Daphne Scheib, Cromwell) wishes to correspond with Peter tho Painter and A Sweet Kid’s Mate, and any Little Folk willing. Will they please write first? lone (F.nid M. Irving. Henley, Taieri, Otngo) wishes to correspond with Hibiscus. Gwen (Gwen Hewton, Hina Hina) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from II to 13 years of ago. . „ A Scottish Daughter (Edna E. Aitken, Highcliff; wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 16 to 19 years of age, and will they please.write first, as she does not take the Witness. Lady of the Mist (Alice Stewart, 127 Surrey street, South Dunedin) wishes all her correspondents to write and any others willing.