THE PIXIE’S MISTAKE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3764, 4 May 1926, Page 82

THE PIXIE’S MISTAKE.

By

K. Watson.

(Ilmjstbated bi Dumble. )

(Copyright.—For the Witness.)

The expectant smile which broadened the pixie's funny little face as he skipped merrily along the grassy path faded in a twinkling when, rounding a bend, he saw the glistening waters of a broad stream.

“Oh, dear,” he cried, “the search is leading me farther than 1 expected, and I’ll have to swim for it, but,” he added, ”i must get rid of this first.” So saying the pixie seized the large, hollow button that fastened the neck of his new leather tunic, but although his fingers were slim and supple he was unable to loosen it. “Ha! Ha!” he laughed, “I'll pull it ofl rather than be beaten,’’ and seizing the button between his thumb and forefinger he screwed it round and round until, unexpectedly, it flew from his grasp, and fell on to a large stone that lay at the bank of the stream. “Sakes alive! What do I see,” exclaimed the pixie, when in place o 4 the button, which had been split by the fall, there poised a huge, black moth. “At last 1 At last, lam free,” she cried, fluttering round in her delight.. “Who are you?” asked the pixie, shrinking from the huge insect. “I am the Queen of the Night-flies,” answered the moth, who was no such thing, but a witch in disguise, “and,” she continued, “as you have freed me from the enchanted button I am going to reward you.” “In what way?” asked the pixie. “I shall give vou the means to find anything you desire.’l was the answer. “Hey, that’s good news,” replied the pixie, “for,” he added, “I’ve been ordered to find a purple moon, and although I’ve hunted for days and days I’ve had no luck, no luck at all,” and he shook his head sadly. “Wish, blow three times, and your search will be rewarded,” said the moth, handing him a small ivory whistle. “Ha! Ha!” laughed the pixie as an idea struck him. Then, turning to the moth, he asked: “Why should I bother about a purple moon w v hen I can have the Palace of Rare Delights ?” “Please yourself,’ replied the moth, but she determined as she flew awav to punish the pixie for giving up his search. “Veil, here’s for the Palace of Rare Delights.” cried the nixie, and he turned a somersault in anticipation. Then he wished, and blew three times on his whistle. Alas, instead of the wonderful palace he had expected, there appeared

it had no windows, and over the door hung a spider’s web. “What does this mean? Have I made a mistake?” the pixie asked himself, and being anxious to find cut, he again wished, and blew three times on his whistle, lie was both surprised and bewildered when a row of large, square stones all joined together appeared opposite the building, and falling into a rage he cried : *‘l believe the moth has lied to me.” M Not at all, the moth is a witch in disguise,” answered a voice, and the pixie looking round saw a giant spider lying at the door of the hut. “Then where is my reward, and what is thjs gloomy place ?” he asked. “inis, the House cf Discontent, is your reward, and in it are imprisoned all who have displeased the witch,” was the answer. “Well, there must be some mistake,” said pixie, “for I have not displeased her, but f must find a way of escape,” he added, preparing to run. “Stop! There is no way of escape,” answered the spider, “and- ” “My word, things are moving,” interrupted the pixie, when suddenly in the twilight he saw that the House of Dis content and the wall of stones were moving towards each other, threatening to crush him where he stood. “Help! Help!” he cried, bounding forward and crouching beside the spider. “Inside, quick!” cried the spider, pulling the filmy curtain aside as he crawled backwards into the hut. The pixie dashed after him just as the stone objects bumped together, and oh !—what a noise followed when the inmates, who had all been asleep, were wakened bv the impact. The pivie stared with wide-open eyes when, by the faint moonlight, he saw that the place was packed with insects cf all sizes and descriptions. What a noise they made! Grumbling as they knocked against each other when settling into their places again. “Heigho,” sighed the pixie, quickly brushing away the bee that buzzed on to his little nose. “I am the doorkeeper,” whispered the spider who stood beside him, “and although so many have come in none have ever °;one out again.” “Why is that ?” asked the pixie. “Because,” answered the spider, “the spell that has been cast on them bv the witch cannot be broken until the Queen of the Night-flies is found.” “O-o-c-o-oh !” exclaimed the pixie as he suddenly remembered the charm he held tight in his little fist. He at once cried: “I wish that the Queen of the Nightflies will come here,” and waited for the result; but this time there was no result, and the pixie, feeling very foolish, groped his way into a corner. Immediately a voice near him called: “Discontent! Discontent! That's what brought us here.” “And that's what brought me here,” said the pixie to himself, realising in a flash the mistake he had made. “Hev,” he cried, *‘l wish for the purple moon the hobgoblin ordered me to find.” Then he blew three times on his whistle. Dead silence reigned, when there streamed through the skylight the dazz ing rays of the loveliest purple moon from Fairyland; then the moon itself appeared, and the occupants of the room gazed in wonder and admiration, as it grew paler and paler until in its place there appeared a large fire-fly, glittering like some priceless gem The witch’s spell is broken, and vou are all free, for I am the Queen of the Night-flies,” she called in a loud voice Then she waved her dazzling wand, and instantly the roof of the hut vanished The noise that followed was deafening, when the insects with a great buzz of de light hurried off to their haunts “Ho, ho. I’ll do as I am told in -future,” called the pixie; but no one heard him. so lie turned a somersault, and skipped towards the dewy dell.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—W« writ** for the benefit oI others, aok •or Nirtdres. Dear Dot,—l went to Sunday school on tho pony, and my sister walked. We bad a test at school on Friday, and I did fairly well. To-night at ray uncle’s they were just finished a paddock of oats There were a number of rabbits in it, and we caught seven. I skinned three, and gave the carcases to the ferrets. We started leading *n to-day, but didn’t have much done. Some of the children of our school are going to the Exhibition with another teacher. Kind regarda to all.—-Yours truly. SAMMY DOUGHNUT. [Do you often ride to Sunday school, Sammy Doughnut?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am atill on crutches, and it will be aix months on the 36th of this month since I started with them. I had a bone broken in the ankle with falling off a horse, and bad my leg in plaster of Paris for five months. I had the plaster taken off te go M the Exhibition and on the

Thursday before Easter when I was goinff to catch a train, I tripped and sprained tbs same ankle, so it will be some time before it is right again. I went, to the Exhibition and enjoyed myself very much indeed, especially in the amusement park, although I could not indulge in the fun the same a* the others 1 could see the funny side of everything, which, I think, most young folk cun. I had some great experiences in Dunedin, especially on Easter Sunday morning at six o’clock. I was staying at the corner of Cumberland and Dundas streets, and a. big sedan car ran into the front gate, and smashed one of the gate posts, and also a front wheel of the car, so there was some great excitement for a while. I went to our rifle club's first shoot last Saturday, and had a shot, but I am ashamed to tell you my score, as it was disgraceful. I think I will stay away for a while until I learn how to handle a rifle. I think I shall be going to Dunedin to stay for a couple of months shortly, as ray aunt wants to go to Sydney, and want 3 someone to look after the house while she is away. Kind regards to yourself and all.—Yours truly, CAPTAIN ARMSTRONG (North Otago). [We are soiry for you with your acre leg, Captain Armstrong. You will soon improve with practice.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l suppose you have been to the ExhilTitiou quite a few times now. It will not be very long till it closes. We have a new school mistress. She board* with us. The other teacher was married. There are three people writing to the page 1 know. The letters of the Little Folk are very interesting. 1 am following up the story of “The Chums’ World Tour.” It is verv funny, 1 think. Whooping cough ie spreading round about here, although it has not come to our school.—Yours truly, CUTICURA GIRL (Otago). [I am sorry you have been ill, Cuticura Girl. The Chums are truly funny little things.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since 1 last wrote our guinea pig has had another young one. We play hockey and echo at playtime. H. and J. Smith sent an Easter egg to every town in Southland, and a* boy found it here. Inside it was a coupon for a picture entitled “What Will Daddy Sav?’’ I went to the Exhibition, and 1 liked it very much. I went in the fun factory and on the dodgems, and I thought they were lovely. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, FLORENCE THE NIGHTINGALE (Edendale). [How do you play ‘echo,’’ Florence the NigbtingMe? Easter eggs contain some queer things.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —On Monday night 1 went to a birthday party, and we had a good time. It rained. Still, we all turned up. On Good Friday a girl friend and I went to a Little Folk’s place for the day in the country. On Easter Monday a party of us went out to Runanga. a little coal mining centre not far from here, and quite enjoyed our outing. We found some birch and other greenery on our travels. Last night being the 20th I expect quite a few were puzzling their heads over the census. One old lady was asked what was the length of her residence in New Zealand, and said 34 feet, that she had measured the front of her house with the tape measure that morning. Greymouth is mat having the electric light installed. It’s 150 per cent, better than gas. It’s just a case of press the button. There was a fire here last night, a house being burnt down and a part of a garage, nine cars being destroyed. Last night a friend and I went out to an evening, and we had a good time. All the school children from here returned from Dunedin on Saturday last, and by their accounts they had a real good time It was an eye-opener for them all. The Exhibition seems to be coming to a close all too soon. There are still a good number of people going down. Football is in full swing asrain. T like to watch a good game of football—Rugby, for preference. I am going to the pictures to-niglit, so I hope there is a good programme on. It is quite cold here in the mornings We feel it in our wav to work. I've been meeting quite a number of Little,Folk one wav and another, and they are all verv nice. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly. SMILER (Grevmouth). I Tell us about the little coal mining centre. Smiler.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—There is really nothing but Exhibition talked about everywhere. My father and an uncle have gone to Dunedin to-day to pay their first visit to it. There was a verv successful euchre nnriv and dance here last Friday night. Mother won first • prize for ladies, and father boobv for go*,!;. It is really only luck List night was census night They have euoh a number of Tunny things to fill in. They even want to know how manv hens and ducks we have. The football season has started aeain. I have two brothers plaving. They plaved the first match at Riversdale. and won. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, HEARTY LASSIE (Mataura). [No, there is no charge for autos, Hearty Lassie Many people were busy on census night.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I enjoyed my Easter holidays very much. I did not "o anywhere, hut stayed st home and helped mv mother. We are milking four cows, and I usually help. On Fridav mother and father went to Gore. To-day mv sisters and I walked to church. The church is about three and a-half miles from our nlace. Our flower gardens are nearly all over this vear. T have been reading several books latelv. !*"d some of them are “Isabel’s Secrets,” “The Gorilla Hunters,’’ and “The Tale of an Old Yew Tree.’’ Have, you read any of them? Kind Tegards to yourself.—Yours truly, ANOTHER LITTLE HOU«FKEFPER (Pukerau). [No, I have not read the books, Another Little Housekeeper Did you keep house while mother and father went to Gore? — DOT.] Dear Dot.—My playmate has a dear wee kitten. Will you nlease I el I me a name for it? Our cat died. I thought the Exhibition was simply beautiful. Did you go? I went on nearly all the amusements, and I thought thev were lovelv.—Yours truly, MOTHERS LITTLE MATDEN (Cromwell). [Write your auto out on a separate piece of paper, Mother's Little Maiden. Call the kitten Acorn.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is a glorious evening out to-night. I have been sitting on the front verandah for over half an hour listening to the brass baud playing in the town. It is three miles away, yet I could hear it beautifully. The Exhibition is coming to a close. I guess Dunedin will seem very quiet for awhile nftor. There is another excursion from heie on the last dav. That will be our second one. I went up on the first one, and though I had been up before, 1 thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was at our annual lodge ball about a fortnight ago, and enjoyed it very ranch. It waa not such a success financially this year as last. Next lodge night will he a bur night for our Mataura Lodge, as all the lodges from Tokanui to Pukerau wiff be here* and kto

Grand Master of New Zealand will meet them. Hockey is once more in fuil swing, and we have been so buag aft home with harvesting and chaffcuttinc, I have not had a game this year. I am delighted to say I have just had word to say I am to play in the team to-taorrow. We journey to Hedgehope. It is just a friendly game. Love to all and jourseH.—Yours truly, YOU KNOW (Mataura). [This is a busy time for all, You Know. Tell me the results of the hockey.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —1 have only one correspondentWhat has happened to Captain Jackson Barry's Daughter? It is months since I heard from tier. Easter was delightful. 1 was at the Maneno Sports on Easter Satur day. Mother and Careless Biddy and Black Onyx were at the Exhibition yesterday. They left the gate at 7.30 in the morning in a char-a-banc from Oamaru, and arrived home at 4 o’clock on Sunday morning. The fog delayed them coming over Mount Cargill and the Kilmog. They drove at a walking pace. One motor car ran off the road at Shag Point, but none of the occupants were hurt. I have been to the Exhibition. Who hasn’t? 1 went down by char-a-banc too. The road journey itself is worth going for. We arrived at the Exhibition at 10.30, and we bad till 10 o’clock at night. We walked through the whole Exhibition, and then went round to the amusement park. Of all the courts, 1 like the British Court best. The Canadian and Southland Courts came next. Of course people’s opinions differ. The map of the world is splendid, is it not? The band is perfect. My grandfather was with us when we heard the band, and he is a very deaf old gentleman, but he said afterwards, that although he could not hear the music, ■ he knew what they were playing, because he could tell by the attitute of the bandmaster. 1 was on all the amusements once, but they were not worth going on twice, because they had lost all their thrill. Of them all, the ecenic railway was best. Bow many times have you been on it? There is a char-a-banc "load of school chiidien going down from here on Wednesday. Very few from here have not been. There will be quite a lull in Dunedin after all its visitois go heme. The six months have passed all too quickly. The Oamaru W T ar Memorial is to be opened to-day. Best love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, COREOPSIS (North Otago). [I wish your grandfather could have beard the band, Coreopsis. 1 have not been very often on the amusements.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—The Exhibition is drawing near its closing days. Dunedin people will be pulling it down and demolishing all the lovely gardens. 1 hear they were going to put the women’s rest room in the Botanical Gardens, so it ought to be fully appreciated. We are going in with an excursion tomorrow. It comes from Waikaka, so it will be a big train. It leaves here at 9.30 a.m., arriving in Dunedin at 11.45 a.m. For the return journey the train leaves Dunedin at 9.30 p.m., and arrives here at 12.15 p.m. It will be a long day, especially tor those with children. There was a smash here at the beginning of the week. A car ran off the road, went on to the bank, turned a somersault, and landed upright on the road again. The car was knocked about; the hood and the windscreen were smashed to bits. The man was thrown out on the side of the road, escaping with three ribs broken. Be ought to consider himself a lucky man, don’t you think? I had some Witnesses given to me just recently, one being an Old Writer one, so I must read the letters, as they are so long and interesting, and quite a change from the usual routine. Football and hockey will be ip full swing again soon, if this weather continues, so the summer games will be put aside for another year with mingled feelings of regret. It vyas my birthday on Easter Monday, and F received a. number of presents for that da?.— Yours truly, BETTY JO (Clinton). [Yes, the man was lucky, Betty Jo. Birthdays are generally happy days.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have often read the interesting letters of the Little Folk, and I think I should like to pin your happy band, i am a boarder at the Waitaki Girls' High School. Although there are only thirty-one hoarders, we have a good time together. Tennis is gradually going out, and basketball taking its place. A few weeks ago 1 played tennis, but now it is too dark to play after tea. Last night the girls gave a parly for some of the day girls, and we had a very enjoyable evening. We played a number of games, and then we danced until the party came to a close. 1 have started a stamp collection, and I think it is a very interesting pastime. —Yours truly, A WAITAKI SCHOOLGIRL (Oamaru). [Welcome, Waitaki Schoolgirl. Are you a junior or a senior? —DOT.] Dear Dot,—How are all the- Little Folk? I have just been to the Exhibition, and enjoyed it very much. I went on the river caves three times, and the caterpillar twice, and other things. Topaz has grown a beautiiul little cat, and I just think the world of him. His fur is two inches long. Is Topaz the name of a yellow stone or a blue stone? I am collecting cigarette pictures, and have two sets, namely ‘Birds, Beasts, and Fishes,’’ and “Cars.” We are now collecting “Ships” and “Scenes,” and “Children of All Nations." Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LITTLE BLUE RIDINGHOOD (Oamaru). [A topaz is yellow or blue, mostly yellow, Little Blue Ridingkood. Mow many ‘Ships” have you?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is ideal tennis weather just now, so that is something to be thankful for. 1 was at tennis last Thursday afternoon, also on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. I spent some very enjoyable hours there. The first hockey practice is on today. I am going to join the club, and see how I like the game. I have never played hockey before. There "ieems to be a big number of rules and regulations about the game. I should rather play football, I am afraid. There was a picture “Quo Yadia” screened here last night, but I did not go. I went on Saturday night. Charlie Chaplin was on and he was fairly good, but the other picture was very poor. We had a heavy earthquake here on -Sunday evening. Our visitois had left, and we were settled quite comfortably in our beds when our comfort was somewhat shaken by the ’quake. It lasted for some little time, and rocked violently. It is the heaviest we have had this year. But earthquakes never won? me. Arc you afraid of them? Terence O’Mailey has been fighting, and the result is a sore leg, but it is not very bad. One night last week I was busy writing letters when 1 heard growls and snarls issuing forth from outside. Terence’s growl was distinguishable, so I expect that was when it was done. If there is a dog fight on and he is about, be is almost sure to have a word to say a'bout it. He very seldom is hurt—generally emerges unscathed. He went up to the mill with Goldie one day last week. As Boon as he arrived he had a cat scaling for dear life up a tree. Terence has never outgrown his love for cats I He had a great time at the bush that day. Love to all and AouiMli.—Yonrs truly, f BED BAGGER (Te Baraka).

[I have not felt many earthquakes, Red Ragger, but as long as the ground does not open and swallow me up, 1 am not afraid. Terence seems to be into many scrapes.— DOT.I Dear Dot,—l am back at work again, I am pleased to aay. Last Wednesday night we had the annual hockey meeting. 1 am on the committee this year. We had the first match to-day, and found we had quite a few new players. We were wondering if we could manage to scratch a team together, but our troubles are over, as we have almost enough for two. We persuaded Red Ragger to play this year. ’ She didn’t want to at first, but I think she will now. Winnie says she may play, too. The school is losing two of the teachers. The headmaster of the primary school leaves in the term holidays, and the High School teacher ie also leaving for a higher position. He will be missed very much, as he is very popular with the children. We are holding a hockey dance here on the 20th of next month. I hope it goes off all right, but if it is anything like our last dances it will be a success. The Cub says that she will have to write to you again. At present she is trying to write music to her songs. It is great music. Now she wants to sleep with Red Ragger, bu that person won’t hear of it. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A LITTLE BUSH MAID (Te Karaka). [I am pleased you are all playing hockey, Little Bush Maid. I should like to hear the music.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Our exams, are coming off next, week, and we have been revising all this week. That is, we are supposed to have been, but 1 can’t sit down and swat, and it’s useless to ask me to. We are also expecting inspectors next week, but 1 like inspectors. The drill inspector should be here soon, too, and we are ail looking forward to his visit. Our two headmasters are ieaving soon, one next month, and the other the next. It is bard luck. The . hockey season has started now. The first practice was to-day, but 1 did not go, as 1 nave to lix my stick. A Little Bush Maid has joined, and Red Ragger and 1 are going to. Winnie is joining, too, but she will not be able to play very often because of Fae. Fae is coming on very well. She cannot walk yet, but she crawls. The fust unusual word she said was ‘paper.” She can say quite a number ol words now. Terence O’Mailey is just as mad as usual, and just as fond of sport. To-day, when he was coming home with me down the street, he saw two other dogs, and he was booh rushing everywhere. When he came back his eyes were sparkling, and 1 was almost sure be was grinning at me. I think dogs are nearer human' beings than any other animal. On Easter Monday the usual sports were held here, and they were a great success, as was also the dance held that night. The next day Sporting Boy, Angel Jim. and 1 went out to Hanakanaia on the lorry to pick mushrooms. I was very tired that day, but I had promised an old man some mushrooms, so we went. While we were going out, it began to rain, very drizzly rain, but enough to make one wet. We worked our way up as far as the old mill, and, as it was then raining heavily, and we were wet through, we sheltered in Winnie’s old house at the mill. It is a worn-out old place now, but it was dry inside, and that was the main thing. We waited there until the lorry came down. We had a fair amount of mushrooms. The next day at school everybody was tired and disinclined to work, but we have recovered from that now. I have not been .at the bush for a long time now, as we did not go so far when we were mushrooming. I should like to go again, though. The‘week after next Maida is staying- here instead of going home for the week-end, and we are going up to see Rose in Spring. We are going to walk, but it is only about three miles, so I don’t think it will hurt us much, and the exercise will do us good. Love to all and vourself.—Yours tiuly, A LASS FROM'THE LAND OF LOGS (Te Karaka). [Terence would sure to be grinning, Lass. I should like to see the bush.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I have always wished to become one of your members, but I was too shy to write. I am sixteen years of age, and this is my second year at the Christchurch Technical College. I take the commercial course, and hope to turn out as a shorthand typist. Very soon Dunedin will be quiet again All the rushing crowd will be away, and one won't know what has happened. I was at the Exhibition, and I thought it a wonderful si°;ht. I shall never forget the scene I saw of the dome one night when I was there. Love to all and your own self.—Yours truly, A CANTERBURY LASSIE (Leeston). [Welcome, Canterbury Lass. Do you like shorthand?—DOT.] Dear Dot,---I was out rabbiti to day, and caught seventeen. I have caught a hundred rabbits this last week. I left school last year, and was not sorry. Dad and 1 are breaking in a young horse, and we are having some great fun. He is such a wild thi lg. I spent a week at the Exhibition, and had some good fun. Love to all.— Yours tiuly, HELTER SKELTER’S MATE (Lawrence). LYou must have good dogs, Helter Skelter’s Mate. An unbroken horse is a wild thing. See notes.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was at my uncle’s wedding on Wednesday the 21st. I was at the monument on Sunday. Our hens are not laying very well. We have about seven eggs a day. I read Dot’s Folk nearly every week. There is a funny picture of “Chums at the Zoo.” 1 have been at the Exhibition twice. I bad my cousin, uncle, and aunt from Hamilton. They staved for five days. I am reading a book called “The Flying Boat.”—Yours truly, CREAM ROSE (Duntroon). [Have you read “The Flying Fish,”’ Cream Rose? The Chums have some queer adventures.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Mum and dad are away to the Exhibition, which will soon be closing. My two sisters and myself have not been, but we do not mind so very much. All the Ljttle Folk who have been seem to think the scenic railway a great thing. My youngest brother went, but be liked the dodgems best. We have four pups, and they are such funny wee things. We had seven, but we gave three away. We are milking eleven cows, but we do not have much milk, as the grass is a little scarce. I went to the Enfield sports on Easter Monday, and quite enjoyed myself. We have a pet goose, and he is such a funny fellow. My brother is back at school studying hard, lie is in Standard IV, and is nearly always top of his class. 1 wonder if the Little Folk take as much interest in their lessons as they do in the Exhibition ? I may be foing to a dance in Wednesday night, so if go I hope to have a good time. I hope you and all the Little Folk are in the best of health, and all are on joying yourselves.—Yours truly, DOLLY DIMPLES (Ardgowan). [I am quitf well, thank you, Dolly Pitn-dos. Tali us about ilia pet goose.— DOT 4

Dear Dot,—May 1 join your happy band? I am thirteen years of age. 1 am secretary of the Dunedin Meccano Club, and I received a medal from headquarters in England for good work in the club. It is very interesting working with Meccano, constructing looms, bridges, and many other fascinating models. I am a great one for saving up stamps Do you save stamps? I have been to the Exhibition about twenty times, and I have seen nearly everything there is to see.—Yours truly, A MECCANOIST (Dunedin). [Welcome, Meccanoist. Write in ink. No, I do not save stamps. Tell us about the club.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have been wondering if Imay join your happy band. I am interested in photography, and do much gardening. I am now sowing antirrhinums and polyanthus for the early summer show. I hope they will prove a success. It is my first attempt at growing flowers. Later I intend to dig up a strip of the lawn, and plant a rose bed with a trellis work fence along the path for climbers. I spent a week at the Exhibition, and enjoyed it very much I think the Canadian and Southland were the two best courts. Of the amusements I liked the whip best of all.—Yours truly, PLEASURE LAD (Invercargill). [Welcome, Pleasure Lad. Write in ink. Who taught you to take photographs? — DOT.] Dear Dot, —My sister, Copper Nob, still writes to you. 1 have left school now, and l like at home. I was at a concert and dance about a fortnight ago, and I enjoyed myself immensely. I work in the store, and I like the work, but I have to cycle back and forward every morning, and it is not nice when it is wet weather. I was at the Exhibition about a month ago, and l Had a good time in the amusement park, but id not come home with a big box of chocolates. I was at church yesterday, and as it was Anzac Day the church was full. We have a seuioi Bible class in Seaward Downs, and Copper Nob and I go to it. My mate used to write to you. Her name was Blue Pigeon, but I have not seen a letter from her for a long time. My brother has a camera, and he has taken some good snaps, also some funny ones.—Yours truly, AGNES’S C.OMRADE (Seaward Downs). [There were somo verv impressive sermons on Anzac Day, Agnes s Comrade. What snaps has your brother taken?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have been travelling since I last wrote to the pago. I have been as far up as Ashburton, and down as far as Riverton, .and now I have been settled in Queenstown for six months. Queenstown is an ideal little place to spend a holiday in. There have been thousands of people here during the tourist season. Have you ever been at Queenstown? I have met one Little Folk, and she is quite a friedly girl. Since I last wrote there seems to be quite a number of new Little Folk. Like the rest of the Folk, I have been to the Exhibition, but you will be tired of hearing it mentioned, for practically every one has the same opinion of it. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LONG BUSH (Queenstown). [No, I have not been to Queenstown, Longbush. Why do you want to know about tM Little Folk?—DOT

Dear Dot,—l have been to the Exhibition, and enjoyed myself very much. 1 think it is wonderful. 1 was on most of the amusements, and I liked the scenic railway and the merry mix-up best, but- they were all very exciting. The slides in the fun factory are very good. I came down them several times. When I was there the band was not playing, but most people say it is worth hearing. I noticed that the page has not been so full lately, and I thought 1 bad better write again. We have a small flower garden, and the stock is beautiful now. We have twelve different colours of it. We grew it from seed. Fondest love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, QUEEN MAB’S PAGE (Southland). [Stock has a sweet smell. Queen Mab’s Page. I have seen a girl come down the helter skelter head first.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The school is having a holiday on the 26th, and the teacher is taking us for a picnic to the river if it is a fine day. I have paid a visit to the Exhibition. I went for ten days at Easter. I was on all the amusements but the helter skelter, the merry mix-up, and the water caves. I liked the joy wheel best. The court 1 liked best was the British Government Court. I was on the scenic railway twice and the caterpillar twice. Miff’s family are growing bigger. Her kittens have numbered six, seven, and eight. Smut (on® of the seven) is almost crazy. There is a mound of grass outside the back door which was covered with grass, but now, sad to say, it is only half covered, Tor Smutty tears the grass off and carries it away. Joe, the crippled lamb we had, is much better now that he is shorn. While we were in Dunedin dad killed one of mum's pet ewe lambs, and whea she came home she was very sorry. Mum and dad have both had the ’flu. — Yours truly, NORAH HAYSEED (Clinton). [I am pleased Joe is better, Hayseed. Smut must be a queer kitten.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not seen a letter from any Tokanui Little Folk for an age. The days are fairly short. We have put off eight cows, and are now milking only twenty twice a day. There was a harvest festival in the hall’ last Wednesday evening. Mum and I drove there in the afternoon, and helped to decorate the hall, and then we went back to the service, and the hall looked very nice indeed with the lovely display of fruit, flowers, and vegetables of all kinds. On Thursday we had a social evening with songs and dancing till twelve o’clock, and I enjoyed it very much. I suppose the Exhibition will soon be closing. An excursion train went up from here on April 10. It left at half past five on Saturday, and returned at half past four on Sunday morning, but I did not go. My elder brother went, and he had a good time. He arrived home at 6 o’clock, when we were all just up, had a cup of tea, milked the cows, then had breakfast, and went off to bed and slept till cow time at I am writing this letter with a fountain pen he bought at the Exhibition. Wink is very busy having his supper.—Yours truly, HEART O’ GOLD (Tokanui). [We can never have too much sleep, Heart o' Gold. It is well that your brother can •leap in the daytime.—DOTj

Dear Dot,—l cau hardly believe that five months have passed since Buunie and I wrote to you. The time passes too quickly for us. Bunnie is having a holiday soon, so we hope the weather will behave itself. The surrounding country is in need of rain. I went to Napier for a few hours on Friday. It was quite chilly, for a sea breeze was blowing. The Exhibition will soon give its final tall, though it will not fade altogether, for some special thrilling incident will still be new for "memory sake.” We should have liked to have been to see the crowds of people who passed through the gates day by day. 1 have six correspondents. I have sewing to do. I am expecting to go to a dance on May 7. We are looking forward to it. The last one the same club gave was a huge success. I am. making a new dance dress for myself. I am fond of reading. I very much like Gene Stratton Sorter's books, but what attracts me more are the famous books of Zane Grey. I have not read “The Thundering Herd,” but Bunnie says it is ripping. I like books wherein one can never guess what is coming. I must add that nearly all the younger Little Folk are very fond of the pet cats. Best love to all.—Yours truly, TUP (Napier). [There are a number of North Island Little Folk writing, Tup There is great excitement when, the time draws near for the “lucky” visitor.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l have a cold. T did not go to school on Tliuisday afternoon or Friday. My sister and I have joined the Girl Guides here, and we think it will be great fun. We have not our uniforms yet. We are having a meeting every Wednesday evening at seven o’clock, and are bringing twopence a week to save up for our uniforms. The Girl Guides went for a ~i C nic out at the Waihou Springs to-day, but I did not go on account of my cold. I have been there before, and the Springs are beautiful. There was a conjurer entertaining the people last night. I stayed at home with my little two-year-o'd brother. As he was in bed and fast asleep, I felt a bit lonely by myself. I am reading a book out of our school library called “Not Like Other Folks,” and I like it very much. Fondest love to all and your own dear self.—* Yours truly, FIDDLE STICKS (Mangatapu). [The Girl Guide movement is a good on© for you to join, Fiddle Sticks. Do you often have books from school?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and in Standard 111 at school One of my sisters also writes to your page Her name is Yellow Moon Moth. Love to all Little Folk and yourself.—i ours trulv, BILLIE THE FERRET (Duntroon). [Welcome, Billie the Ferret. Have you a ferret?—DOT.] Dear Dot—May I join your happy band of correspondents? What a jolly band they really are! Everyone seems so impressed with the Exhibition, and it is very fine. The weather in Christchurch has been simply glorious for the last few weeks. It seems as though it will never rain again. In Christchurch we have a wonderful river, the River .Avon. It flows through the veiy heart of the city, and all along its hanks grow beautiful willow trees. It re not a very deep river, so just lately men have been working deepening it, and now launches and pleasure boats can go up and down.— Yours truly, REX ROY (Christchurch). [Welcome, Rex Roy. .Your name was taken. Write in ink next time.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The farmers up this way are backward with their crops. We have a good bit more to lead in yet. My brother, sister, mother, and I went to Dunedin on Wednesday with the excursion. We boarded the train at Lawrence, ard there .was a large crowd of people. We had a good few stops on tlie way. The other people went straight to the Exhibition after they came off the train, but we went up the town and did some shopping, and then went in the. afternoon. We went through some of the courts, then went out into the amusement place. 1 went on the merry mix-up. the caterpillar, the scenic railway, and dodgems. Then I tried the hounlas, and won a cigarette case and a stick of chocolate, and a pin cushion. My sister won a kewpie and a soap box and a box of chocolates. I think the courts are lovely the way they are set out.—Yours truly, LITTLE WOODEN SHOES (Lawrence). [You were lucky to win something, Little Wooden Shoes. Was it big pin cushion? —DOT.] Dear Dot—My father has just been rid of the mill since Saturday morning. I was at it once, and I love watching it. It is at one of our neighbour’s. At school our gardens are looking lovely. We are expecting the inspector any day. Soon we shall be having our term exam. Nearly every Friday we have a test in sums and spelling. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly, SUNSHINE FAIRY (Southland). [Tests in sums and spelling are very good for you, Sunshine Fairy.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was very pleased with my badge, which I received some time ago. We had the surprise inspector at our school last Thursday. My youngest brother, Billy the Ferret, and I walk to school every morning, but it is not far away. Mother does not like cats in the house, so we do not allow ours to come inside. Winter is drawing in now, is it not? The days are also becoming shorter and colder. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, YELLOW MOON MOTH (Duntroon). [You will be warm bv the time you reach school each morning, Yellow Moor Moth.— DOT.] Dear Dot,—lt is seldom I see the Witness, but when opportunity offers I read all tit© letters, and there are some very interesteing writers now members of the page. How this year is flying. It seems no space of time since the Exhibition opened, and now all is in preparation for the closing ceremony. A great number have passed through the gates of the Exhibition, and it has been an education for The thousands who have viewed tlio different courts, etc. Winter is to many a time of work, but I always look forward to the pleasurable time spent after working hours. I love a game of cards occasionally or a good book. At present 1 am reading “Adam Bede,” by George Eliot, and it is a very fine story, one really worth reading, in my opinion. Of course, many do not caro for old-time stories, but I prefer George Eliot's works to any modern author. I have been off work a few days with a swollen face, consequently I shall have to pay a visit to the dentist, ft placo I do not like having to visit, but who does?—Yours truly, MARIETTA (Wright’s Bush). [Have you read the book where Marietta is the heroine, Marietta? The fireside is tbei cosiest place now.—DOT.]

NOTES. Andrew Guthrie.—Did you not write under: another nom de plume before? Do not change it without my permission.—DOT*

AUTOS. Hearty Lassie (Runa Scott, Ferndale, Mat aura) would like to correspond with General Manager, Te Kauparaha, and Fat and Lean. Will they please .write first and Coreopsis (Daisy Watson, Maheno, North Otago) wishes to correspond with Peter the Ferret, Portia, Malone Mary, Lorraine Todd, Lady Clarice, Tony, and The Rider of the Golden Bar. Will they please write first? Betty Jo (M. Irving, Wairuna Bush, Clinton) wishes to correspond with Beauty, Clover Red, Columbine, Till We Meet Again, Amphtrite, and requests them to write first. Will Strange Lover of Old and Forest King please write soon? Nor ah Hayseed (Bertha Collins, Collingwood, Popotunoa. Clinton) wishes to correspond with Michaelmas Daisy, Spray of Heather, and Pan Handle Kid, and wishes them to write first. Heart o’ Gold (Dorothy Thomas, Tokanui P. 0., Southland) wishes to correspond with. The Lass from the Rivers, and requests that she write first.