POOR DOCTOR SPARROW.

Otago Witness, Issue 3801, 18 January 1927, Page 77

POOR DOCTOR SPARROW.

By

Katherine Mercer.

(Illustrated by Dumble.) (Copyright.—For the Witness.) “You hear birds singing all the day, and think a bird’s life is all pleasure, nothing but pleasure,” said Dr Sparrow, perched on~ the big gate-post where he receives his patients. ‘‘But really we have some very sad cases. Ah yes —” He broke off abruptly to speak to a thin, unhappy-looking bird who, without a chirp, neld out to him a fat, wriggling worm. The doctor considered it gravely. “Yes,” he decided. “That is much better than either of the last two. Keep up to that standard, my dear fellow, and soon we shall have you flying as gaily as you did in your first nesting season.” Then, still more gravely, he picked up the worm from the flat ton of the post, and swallowed it. The other bird, looking more unhappy than when he first appeared, flew away, still without a note.

“Yes,” continued the doctor. “Now there is an example.” “He has no appetite?” I ventured. Hie doctor shook his head.

“On the contrary, a month ago he came to me complaining that he never could eat enough. Hungry .all the; time. However much he ate, never satisfied. And so fat that the -linger birds, all sangchoruses of jokes after him. That was what brought him to me, though he confessed he had felt unhappy over not being able to fly more that, a few wingbreadths above the ground, and then only very short flights. I took him under my wing at once. Put him on a strict diet, three grains a day, no meat, and after every grain to go at once to a lemon tree near by, and peck hard at the fruit. Very good reducing effect, lemon juice, taken frequently.” “It sounds an effective diet,” I agreed, hoping I should never come under Dr. Sparrow’s care. ~ ~ “Very. But the exercises are still more so. He was to take his first meal, of one grain—l allowed him. any . kind of grain he could find—hanging upside down from a branch. After the second, he was to fly twenty times in and out between the nearest telegraph wires, till he had gone so often through the whole set- The third meal he could have as he liked, but during the day he was to show that he had become master of the spirit of greed that had caused the trouble. How ? By catching twenty fat worms and giving

them away. This, you see, a new form iof-;Vexßi'cise' I; h&ve - invented -.spfeei'dlly,

keeps him from getting slack as a foodfinder, and keeps his muscles and eyesight in good order, but, much more important—” He paused so impressively that I ventured, “Yes?” “More important than anything else, it strengthens his moral courage by making him feel he is master of his appetite. For, indeed, you can think that when one is hungry on a reduced diet, the knowledge of a- worm in one’s beak is tempting.” “It must be,” I agreed, though to be honest 1 have never tasted a worm, nor do I wish to do so.

“In other circumstances,” the doctor went on -rather sadly, “it is not so tempting. Still, one must do one’s duty.’! “I do not quite see—” I started. “No. At first I did not see the necessity, and had him commence his treatment by taking the worms to his mate. Would you believe it, at first she refused to keep count, and made him toil all day to help feed a nestful of unfledged youngsters. Simply crowding her own work on to his beak. Then, when they grew up and flew off, she lost interest in hia case. Took anything in the shape of a worm he had happened to see, without a thought for its quality. Yet as you can see, to have to hunt for a fat worm was. much more value to him than to pick up any trifling specimen that waa close beside him.” “Of course.” “So I told him he must bring them to me.”

“And now I can congratulate you on an almost completed cure,” I said wondering where was the sadness of the case. He sighed. “As far as over-weight is considered, hia cure is long complete. But as to mastering his weakness, his hour-long craving < for food, it almost seems to me that that increases. And worst of all is its effect upon me.” I had thought him particularly robust, almost over-developed. I hinted as much. He shook his fat little head again. “I know it. But a doctor must do hia duty by his patients. I am too busy to spare time for exercises. Even the lemons are too high for me to flv to easily, now. And here he comes again.” — I felt I could do nothing to help such a martyr to duty, so said goodbye, and left him perched on his gatepost. Presently I looked back. The doctor, his beak wide open, was unselfishly receiving another worm.

The patient, though certainly his stoutness was a thing of the past, looked more savage than I had thought possible for a sparrow to look. A really ungrateful bird, I was afraid. What do you think ?

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Hollo. —W« write for the benefit ot other*, act lor onrselve*. Dear Dot, —All the Christmas festivities are over, ajid some of us are sorry. I •’am, for one. We are having glorious weather here at present. It seems too good to last.. The races were on here last week, and there were good attendances each day. I went yesterday, and there was a crowd at the park. There were some lovely frocks there. I think the majority of us like to go and look at them. It was my birthday on Christmas Day, and we had a great time. There were about twenty to tea, and I received such a number of presents. On Christmas Eve the town was quite busy. Don’t the children love that night! After work a party of us went down town and had. an ice,- etc. On New Year’s Eve I went over to the New Year dance at Cobden, and it was a great success. Such a crowd was there! On New Year’s Day a party of us went up to Rewanui, a coal-mining place, for the day. We were very tired after climbing up to the mine, but we made some billy tea, and were soon revived. It’s great how different ths tea tastes in the •open air!. We then climbed up to the top of the hill, and what a height it- was! Our legs were stiff next day, but it was worth going to the top. We could see the Grey River.; We called out “Hullo,” and the echo was quite plain. They could hear it down on the flat. We came down for afternoon tea, and had- the gramophone on, too. The scenery was beautiful. It’s wonderful to look down into the valleys and undergrowth. Whilst . .on oiir travels we came across a huge flat rock overhanging a valley, so we christened it Prince Charlie’s Rock, and sang some old Scottish songs on it. -The Beefton races are on to-day, consequently most of ’ the people are out of town. This year I we are all. making good resolutions, but I wonder if we shall keep them. Well, I must conclude. Wishing you and all a prosperous new year.—Yours truly, SMILER (Greymouth)

[What a wonderful day you seem to have had, Smiler! I am sure, you will never forget it. I liked your calling the big rock after ths Bonnie J'-jnce.—DOT.] . Dear Dot, —‘It is now quite a while since I last wrote to’ the page, but I have been bu?y writing to Little Folk friends in and _out of . New . Zealand. I have- four pen frisnds now, and enjoy receiving tlfeir let-

iet* very much. I have not seen the “Witness for some time now, and I hope I haven’t missed any aut-os for myself. I very nearly missed Scotch Girl’s. It was just by accident I saw it. I was at a friend’s place, and she gave me the W'dness to look at, and of course I turned af once to the Dot’s Little Folk page, and saw her auto. I was so pleased to see it, as I Shouldn't like anybody to think that I didn’t wish to write. “Well, I will close now, wishing all the Little Folk and yourself the best of luck for 1927.—Yours truly, YORKSHIRE LASS (Dunedin).

[You have the right spirit towards -your correspondents, Yorkshire Lass. I wish that more Little Folk would follow your example. —DOT.]

Dot, —I enjoy reading the Old Writers’ letters every year. The weather here has been splendid for the last few days, but to-night has sprung up a cold southwest wind. I cycled into Timaru for the second time to-day. The other day two cars besides ours motored to Lake Tekapo, where we spent a very enjoyable day. We left home at 8 o’clock, and arrived there at 10. We had dinner, and went for a walk to the top of a steep hill, whexe we could get a lovely view of the lake. The last time we went up was in 1922. There are trees almost right down to the water's edge. Coming home we were caught in a heavy shower of rain, which lasted from Burke’s Pass to Fairlie. I wish all the Little Folk and yourself hanpy New Year.—Yours truly, » . BONNIE JEAN (Timaru).

[How beautiful Lake Tekapo must be, Bonnie Jean! I c>n quite believe that you enjoyed your picnic there.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not written for a long time, so I thought I would write. We have six little ducks. What kind of weather did you have on Christr.ias"~D&y ? The" weather up here was very bad. It rained all day. It looks as though it is going to rain now. The clouds are travelling past. We went to the Bay on New Year's Eve, and were listening to the wireless till about half-past 11- t The fireworks were better thajj last year’s. As news is scarce, I mustf close now, with love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LITTLE DUCK (Pareora West).

[How lucky you are to have six new namesakes, Little Duck. Our Christmas Day weather was bad also.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I take the pleasure of writing again to you, and shall try and write oftener this year. Christmas has came and gone once again, and we had nice weather for the holidays. The Witness is fairly old before we see it, so I have not seen the Old Writers’ letters yet. My mother was going to write for it, but it was too far on in the month, and the time was passed Lefors she knew about it. Our baby is growing to be a Wg- boy now, and will be a year old next month. We called him William Gavin. I suppose the next excitement will be the Duke of York’s visit. Mother is going to Bluff to see the battleship Renown, in which they sail, so I may have the luck to go also. I should like very much to see it. The ferry boats will be taking crowds of picnickers up and down the bay in Dunedin these days. There were sports to-day out at the end of the line. I don’t think I should ever tire of Dunedin, as there seem to be so many places to go to and so much to see. We had a nice picnic on Boxing Day here, and I eifjoyed myself very much. ■ Well, Dot. I will conclude by wishing you and all the Little Folk a bright and prosperous New Year.— Yours truly,

COSETTE (Waimahaka). [I like baby s name, Cosette. If you are fortunate enough to see the battleship, you • must write and tell 'us all about it.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Here we are in another year. I must wish you and all your Little Folk a, happy and prosperous New Year. I hope our work and deeds will all bo better than last year, and next year better than this. The years are slipping by, aren’t they? It is no time since January, 1926! Mell, Dot, we spent a very quiet Christmas at home’. Little Wooden Shoes and I went into the Tuapeka Show on the 27th, but did not. go to the Waitahuna Show, as it was raining. On Friday last we were going' in to Lawrence in the afternoon, but couldn’t get ■ Elizabeth' to start, so we had to wait -till Jim camo home at night. He coupled her on behind the waggon, and pulled her round a bit with me sitting in steering. She started in the long run, so mum and I went in on New Year’s Eve and did. our chopping. I had then to meet the train at Forsyth, as my aunty and two cousins were coming up from Dunedin for New Year. We spent New Year quietly, too, but went to Tuapeka Flat sports o'n Monday. I took a few snaps of the races out there with my camera. My brother, came second in the polo race. Coming ... home .from the sports the car stopped on the big hill, and she wouldn’t start again Very well. She did start again, however, and camo home pretty well. It has been very wet here lately. Nearly all the holidays b*ve been wet this year. Well, Dot, I will have to close now and get my dishes done, ac I’ve been writing this while my uncle is having his tea. I will close now with love and best wishes for the New Year to you and all.—Yours truly, A READER (Lawrence). yon for your good wishes, Reader. WmM in amount of trouble your car seemed to fclva you. Congratulate your brother for —DOT.] L«ar Dot, —As it is -ages since I penned % few lines to your page, I thought I would do so now, in case you were thinking I had deserted you. It is somewhat dull around these parts to-day, and by the looks of it I think we must be going to have some more rain. I think the weather clerk must be prolonging his holidays. A girl friend and I went for a ride lately, and we had a great time, and then when we came home .another friend and we two girls went for a walk. On New Year’s Eve we were letting off crackers and enjoying ourselves generally. I had two lovely big pet lambs this year, but one died last night. I tried to give it tome medicine, but I did not \ succeed, so it died. Love to all my correspondents and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

BOB’S SWEETHEART (Milton). [What a shame about the lamb, Bob’s Sweetheart. Did you rids on horseback? How I envy you if yojf did!—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote I have been out working. First I was working in a post office as assistant post mistress. I was working there for quite a while but mow I am waitress in a boarding- liouse. My mother and two little sisters are going away for three weeks’ holiday, so my father, my elder sister, and I will have a good time. Yesterday my sister and I went to .the beach, and we are both suffering from sunburn. My arms are covered in blisters. Well, Dot, I must close- now, ae my arms are too sore to write, because every time I move them they sting. Love' to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours

HAPPY WHISTLER (Otago).

[You must I'm careful about sunburn, Happy Whistler. Too much is very bad. indeed, and bo-vonaes really dangerous.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will have almost forgotten that such a person as Tanglew-ood Tales ever existed. Although I have not written to the page for a long time, I still have the same interest in it. I have been reading the letters of Old Writers’ Week, and the faithfulness of these Old Writers reminded me of my duty to the page. Down here in Southland, Mr Fleming, of Gore, is giving a prize for the most beautiful dairy factory. The factory and house have to be painted white with a red roof, and the grounds have to be laid eff with gardens and shrubs. We are trying to make our factory look nice, as we have entered for the competition. Wc have gardens laid off and shrubs planted. We have more to do to it in the way of improvement, but all the same it is much better than it was before we started. It is hard work, but I think it is well worth it, even if we don’t win a prize, as nothing looks more dreadful than the country full of old factories. Mr Fleming has a book with illustrations of factories over in the Old Country, and they look like beautiful homes, with creepers climbing up the walls and a lovely drive up to the stage, winding through beautiful gardens. Mr Fleming is very fond of beauty, and his idea is to make the factories of Southland as beautiful as the factories in the Old Country. We have a tennis court here, and it is a great pastime for the long summer nights. Well, Dot, I shall close, with love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly. TANGLEWOOD TALES (Southland).

[I think it is a splendid plan, Tanglewood Tales. You will take an added delight in living in beautiful surroundings, while outsiders will be charmed at the sight of them.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was going to write before the Old Writers’ Week, but we were having our school examinations. I came top of my class. I shall be in Standard VI when we go back to school. You will see by the address that we have shifted. We came here on the Tuesday before Christmas. We like living here. We have a farm. There is some bush. The house is a two-storeyed one. It has nine rooms and two passages. The bush looks very pretty. There are foxgloves all through it. Wo are only about five miles from Invercargill. We went to town on New Year’s Eve. Have you ever visited Kennington. You had a good many Old Writers’ letters this year. I have not read them all yet. I have a sister now, and we call her Maggie. I have read two books lately. One was called “The Life and Adventures of Robin Hood,” and the otjier “Ungava.” I also received one for.my birthday. It is called “Fighting with French.” I liked reading them very much. Have you read any of 'them? We have part of an old buggy, and we go down the hills on it. Yesterday wo ran into a ditch and it took us nearly an hour to get out. I think this is all I can write this time, so I will stop now, wishing you and all happiness in the new year.—Yours truly, TOBY II (Kennington).,

[Congratulations on your class work, Toby 11. “Will you be dux next year? I have not read any of the books, but I have heard cf them, and know that they are very good. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been spending most of my holiday time in playing and looking for birds’ nests. My brother found a lark’s nest with three eggs in it, and after a week, when I looked at it, I saw two dear wee young ■ larks. be have a number of roses out in our flower garden. I went to the sports on New Year’s Day.—Yours truly, CHERRY PLUM (Kelso).

[Cherry Plum, you are not to write on both sides *of the paper. Otherwise the. printers will not be able to put your letter in the Witness. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Christmas is over once again. Did you go away for Christmas? We are milking five cows now. We send our cream to the factory. My little brother had a grey rabbit given him, but one of our cats pulled it out of the box and killed it while we were away up the paddock. Thanks for the names for the calves and kittens. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, STARGLEAM (Kahuika).

[I did not go away, Stargleam. How sad about the rabbit. Do not change your name, dear. It is not allowed.—DOT.] Dear Dot, — The gardens are coming on well now. We had our school picnic at the “Upper Nevis this year, and we went up in Harper’s lorry. We are milking four cows, and we make our own butter. Our teacher and my brother and father went to the top of the Remarkables. The drifts of snow were six feet in some places, and ice was everywhere. They saw Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, and they could see away down the Otago Central line.-. There is a small lake on the top of the Remarkables, with pretty wild daisies and mountain lilies. They were away for two days, and camped out all night. Our teacher took some nice snaps. We will send some down to be put in the Witness if" you will accept them. Our teacher has left here. We shall miss him, as he was a nice teacher. We received some very nice prizes this year. I had a ’ special -prize for Nature study, and my brother a big book called the “Boys’ Own Annual.” and a -special prize for brushwork. My little brother received a special for plasticine Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TOMMY SPARROW (Nervis). [What a splendid climb your people had, Tommy Sparrow. You can send the snaps, and if they are good we will use them. You did receive good prizes!—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have shifted my place »>f abods from the Lilburn Valley, and am now working a mile or so out of Otautau. I have been here three months, and like it all right, though not so well as my old home. There’s no place like home, is there, Dot? I %imply hated leaving all my pet-s, but, of course. I couldn't bring them with, me. Before I came here my sister and I went for a trip to our uncle’s at Wendonside, and we had a lovely time. I had to come back earlier than I expected, though I managed to snatch a day or so off and go and see Sheila Fleetwood at Mataura. Needless to say, I enjoyed it immensely, as we always have fun when we meet. We met at the last day of the- Invercargill Show, and spent the day there together. The only drawback was that it wasn’t long enough, and the days simply flew past. We had visitors for Christmas and New Year; .it was a case of “the more the mer-rier,” and we had a good time. I received some lovely presents and cards. I also had a birthday 3 week before Christmas, and am now seventeen. I had some very nice things given me for it. I am sorry to say I missed the Old Writers’ letters in this year. We don’t get the Witness here. At home I always looked for it, and never missed reading all the letters. 1 went to the Riverton regatta on Boxing Day, and I was terribly sunburnt. I was afraid to move for about three days after, but nevertheless I hpd a

good time, I went out on a launch, and it was lovely, Then another girl and myself went in for a dip, The, water was so cooling, but it hurt my poor sunburnt neck. Love to all.—Youra truly, TOMBOY BESS (Otautau). _ hope you do well at your new post Tomboy Bess, You must take care not to become too sunburnt, or you may become really ill. —DOT.]

enjoyed reading the Old Writers letters very much. A number of them are married, and have Little Folk writing to your page. Christmas week-end was very disappointing, as we couldn’t have all the good times we had thought of; the ram spoilt all our plans. On New Year’s Day my sister, brother, my mate, and myself went to the Oamaru sports, and we had a '-ty enjoyable day. I took two films, and the snaps all came out very well. I have been playing tennis a good deal this season Our club is having a dance next Friday night, and we hope to have a good attendance, we are trying to raise money to asphalt the courts ready for next season. 1 do hope we get them done, as they will be ever so much nicer to play on. Candle Bight has her holidays now, and she is a good .help to her mother. She is learning to milk now, and she thinks it great fun. I tell her she will be sorry she learnt in a few years; experience teaches, doesn’t it, i, ■' . m . . vcr Y busy in the shop at present. Everything vs behind owing to the holidays. — lours truly, BERBERIS DARWINJT’S COBBER (Hampden). [I wish you good luck in your dance, Berbens Darwinii’s Cobber. Why will Candlelight be sony she has learnt to milk I wonder?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—On New Year's Day we all went up to Kurow for the day. There are measles up there, but we have not caught them. Have you ever had the measles, Dot? 1 have not had them yet, and I hope never to have them. We are harvesting just now about 78 acres of oats.- I have just finished reading “The Golden Road.” 1 ??. ad „ the firsfc b °ok> too. called “The Story Girl. We went for a drive this afternoon, and ran out of petrol one and three-quarter miles from home. Muni, my sister, and myself waked home while the driver got some petrol. Nectarine and I are going to Timaru by car to-morrow, so I hope it is a fine day. It was very wet here on Christmas Day. so, we all stayed at home. In Miss Curly lops letter I saw that she writes small stories. I am always writing short stories. I wrote an extra long one this morning. We have been down here since July, and I like it better than Kurow. 1 often wish we received the Witness, but dad says, “Wait a little longer." Captain Cuttie is down in the harvest field. He likes being down there. Well. I must close, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, WEE WALNUT (Waitaki South). [Yes. I had measles when I was young, Wee “Walnut. Persevere with your stories, DO’.^t 311 may bave one published some day.— Dear Dot, —Once again Christmas and New Year are over, and we shall soon be looking forward to another Christmas, as nowadays time flies so quickly. It was a horribly wet Christmas this time, but the weather prophet favoured iis with good weather for the New .Year. I did not go away for any holidays, as my grandfather from Christchurch was down, also Oran»e Lily (my sister) and her husband and babv. Orange Lily is still with us, although she went to a friend’s place yesterday for the week-end, and we do miss the baby to-day. I took some very nice snaps of him one day last we 2k. Orange Lily and I may go to Timaru for a day one day' next week, so we are both looking forward to it eagerly. Father . Christmas did not altogether forget me this year, as I received a few. nice presents. Orange Lily and I went in to tne large city of Oamaru on New Year’s but there was such a crowd along that we were quite tired out just by being pushed about by the crowd. Then we climbed into our bus early to get a seat, thinking it left at the ordinary time, only to find ourselves being toured around Oamaru for about an hour before we really set off for home We had quite a joke over it with the bus driver, and we called it our “observation trip (in and around Oamaru free). However, we duly arrived home, too tired and exhausted to wait up and see the new vu a -\. ‘"’i,, 1 did en i°y reading the Old Writers letters. Some of them write such interesting letters, and there was such a number this year! I read every one of them. My two sisters must have forgotten to write, I am afraid. Well, dear Dot, I must close.—Yours truly. BLACK PEARL (Puketiri Junction). -pj 1 1 sll ° uld life e |° 3<>e Orange Lilv’s baby, Black Pearl. What is his name? I was greatly amused at your “observation tour m and around Oamaru.”—DOT.] 7°? very much interested in t “.® old Writers letters, and it seems they still have an interest in your page. The Christmas holidays were spoilt by the rain, but tne New Year holidays were a pleasure after the Christmas ones. I have been to a gooa many picnics, and have had fine weather for all of them. You have a number of new writers, and I am sure your time is quite occupied, so I shall close. Best Io ;; e Oie Little -Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. 1 THE PINK LADY (Otaio). [I am glad that your picnics were a success. Pink Lady. New Year’s Day here was very pleasant.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had our school picnic on December 21 at Kelcey's Bush. Waimate. It was drizzling all day. At Kelcey’s Bush we saw Saunders Falls. The names of my pnzes are, “The New Zealand Girls’ Annual” and Empire Girls’ Annual.” I have just home from my grandmother’s place. Hillside Lass and Grandma's Girlie are there at present. We are having four week’s holiday at Christmas time and three weeks later on. The flowers in my garden are pansies, forget-me-nots, violets, cosmos wallflowers, and roses. I will close now with best wishes for the new year.—Yours truly ROSEBUD’S PAL (Otaio)’

[What a lucky girl to receive two sufch big books, Rosebud’s Pal! Have you read them through yet?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I read and enjoyed every letter u l u ten by tlle a old Writers. How glad I shall be to read next /year’s reunion letters! We are lucky with the weather, as we arc having some beautifully fine days. Pictures are on to-morrow night. Tom Mix is appearing in “The Everlasting Whisper.” My cousin and mum and I are going to the pictures, I think. There is a circus on to-night, but we are not going. < I shall have been learning music for three years in Juno coming. This year, seeing I have attained my proficiency, I am going to the Mosgiel High. What nice days these would be for picnics! These last few davs we have been relishing ice creams. Dp you

like ice creams? Can you play tennis? I can, and like it very much. I will close now, once again expressing my enjoyment of reading the Old Writers’ letters. Kindest regards and best wishes for 1927. — lours truly, DUNIRA (Central Otago). [Good luck at high school, Dunira. Yes, I like ice-creams and I can play tennis. Both agree with me well.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Barney Google’s Girl and myself rode over to Clydevale last Friday to have our ponies shod. Clydevale is about eight miles from here. We left at nine o’clock in the morning, and did not get home until six o'clock at night, so we had a long day. Then at night we went to a dance, which we enjoyed very much, although we were very tired. The annual picnic and dance are to be held on the 19th of this month, so I hope we shall have a fine day. Norah Hayseed, her two cousins, my three sisters, and myself went to the river one day last week for a picnic. There were seven of us and only three horses, but coming home we met a man with a gig, so he gave two a ride home, as he was coming the same w-ay as us. Dad is away in Dunedin just now for a few days, but will be home to-morrow night. Lots of love to all.—Yours truly, ESMA (Otago). [I am sure you would enjoy your ride, Esina. Eight miles seems a long wav to go. I hope the picniq and dance are successes.—DOT.] N Dear Dot, —It is ages now since last I wrote to the page, but here I am again, like the bad penny. I had a very pleasant Christmas. Did you hang up your stocking, Dot? We all do at home, mother, daddy, and all, and we each- get a little present, and. the children, of course, get heaps. A few of us went for a good long ride on horseback, and it was very enjoyable, especially’ a race or two on the way home. New Year I spent with a friend on a sheep farm “away back,” and it was lovely. Going out we had a puncture, but it was not long befors the boys had the spare wheel on, and away we set again. The old year passed out and the new in while we were at the supper table. Some of them said, “What you do on New Year’s Day you do all the year.” They thought it must be eating, for one tiling, for us. I had some great rides on horseback around the sheep, up and down gullies and around the sides of the hills nearly all the time. It was also fun going for the mail to the rural boxes in the evening. About three miles we had to go. The Old Writers’ letters were ■ all very nice indeed, but if I were to start trying to find which I liked best, I don’t think I could. I enjoyed them all very much, and only wish it was twice a year. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, YOU KNOW (Mataura). [We all hang up our stockings," too. You Know.. It is such a jolly practice. What a splendid time you seem to have had on the sheep farm.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are having glorious weather just now, and I know it, as I stand over a roasting hot fire cooking for men. We have just finished shearing, and I am not sorry, for they kept me busy. We have been cooking for as many as seventeen people

lately. I have been taking some snaps lately, and when I get a good one of myself, I will forward it to you. I have been to a good many balls this year. I was at a hard-up one on e night, and some of the costumes were vel-y “hard up.” All we had for supper were water biscuits without any butter on and cheese. Another time I waa at a hard-up and fancy dress dance. I went az a yellow rose. We had .bread and butter and saveloys. So you see I have had a. gay time at the dances. I was at sports on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Well, dear Dot, as news is scarce and I have to prepare the shearers’ supper, I will close, with best wishes to all, especially your own dear self.—Yours truly, EMPIRE (Patearoa).

[I am pleased to welcome you after your long silence, Empire, but must request you not to use so much slang in your next letter. It shows bad taste.—DOT ]

Dear Dot,—lt is now about six months since I wrote my first and only letter to you, and as I am having my annual holidays I have plenty of time to write. After enjoying a good Christmas dinner, two car loads of us started out for the Hokonuis intending to go to the little bush up a gully. The men thought that the best way would be to climb the hill and get into the bush at the other side. They’ succeeded, but we, after being almost at the top, had to turn back, because we were stung by nettles and jagged by thistles. We went down the gully and followed up the creek to the bush till we came to a beautiful waterfall in two leaps. It was falling over the face of solid rock, overhanging with ti-Qes, and looked just like a lovely picture. On our way down we saw two green lizards, between 10 and 12 inches long, basking - in the sun on a rock. The grey ones were everywhere.—Yours truly, THE TUATARA LIZARD (Knapdale). [What a charming picture, Tuatara Lizard. I should have liked to see the waterfall. The grsen lizards must have looked beautiful.—DOT.] Dear Dot, At the school break-up I received three beautiful books. The names of them were: “A Heather Holiday," “The White Cross and Dove of Pearls.” and “Emily Climbs.” I have two of my cousins from Dunedin down staying with me for the present. One day I caught the 1.30 train to Port Chalmers, and from there caught the boat to Portobello, and then took the ferry steamer home. I. thought it was & lovely round trip. Best wishes for 1927 to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly AUTUMN FAIRY (Otago). [What nice books, Autumn Fairy. I have read “Emily Climbs.” The round trip vou. Waa ° nQ ° f 1116 be3t iU Dunsdin> Dear Dot,—-The Old Writers’ letters were very interesting. We have just finished thinning our turnips to-day. We have had very nice weather lately," so we cut our hay. As long as the weather keep 3 drv it will be ready to stack in a few days. Our pet fox terrier has six dear little pups. Do you like pet dogs, Dot? Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yuors truly,

TOM ASS (Otago)i [Yes, I like pet dogs, Tom Ass, but not lap dogs. I wonder what you will call all

the pups. They must be dear -wee things.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Christmas has come and gone again, and I hope you enjoyed yours ae I enjoyed mine. This year was the best we have had sines we came to New Zealand. I congratulate you on the large reunion of Old Writers this time. I can assure you I enjoyed their letters very much, as they were vary interesting. The black currants are ripe now. I don’t like picking them, as it takes eo long to fill the dish. The latest bit' of excitement down here was the finding of a new cave. One of the men who found it broke off a bit of stalactite, and gave it to us. It is very pretty, and shows many different colours when a strong light shines on it. I should like to go on an exploring expedition some fine day and sea it for myself. Well, Dot, as it is getting rather late, I will close now, with kindest regards. —Yours truly, TAMBOURINE DANCER (Southland). JHow thrilling about the cave Tambourine Dancer! I wish it were possible to be with you when you begin exploring it. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —The holidays are over and things have settled down again. We had a very poor spring this year, but it turned out hot for the holidays, and the weather was beautiful. I haven’t been away for my holidays yet. I came home the day before Christmas, after being in town ill for three weeks. Southland is looking beautiful just now. We motored out through the Western District on New Year’s Day, and enjoyed ourselves very much. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, SPRING SUNSHINE (Mabel Bush).

[I hope you are quite better again now, •Spring Sunshine. Three weeks was a long time for you to be away from home jll.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I have written to you so I think I will write now while I have the pen in hand. I have left the Technical College, and I am working on a milk cart. We have shifted to the North road now, and like it very much. We have four and a-half acres, three of which are bush. I collected 134 eggs last season. A few weeks ago we had my aunt anduncle staying wUi us. We went out to Riverton beach fishing, and caught 24 i flounders. As it is near bed time I must close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, EARL KITCHENER (Invercargill). [You are lucky to own so much bush, Earl Kitchener. You will be able to plaj- all _ sorts of splendid games now.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. One of my‘ sisters from Dunedin was home for her holidays, but she went back on. the 11th. Three of my sisters went up to the head of Lake Hawea on Sunday. I was very glad I did not go as they returned badly sunburnt. Have you ever been up round the Lakes? The farmers are busy reaping their corn. It must be trying for the harvesters to be out working in the. heat. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, THRALDOM (Otago).

[I have not been round the Lakes, Thraldom. That is a treat to come. Yes, it must be hot in the harvest fields in fine weather. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Grandma has been reading the Little Folks letters to me, eo I thought 1 would like to write a letter, too. I have ni>t written for a long time. Jerry Joe had a bad time that day, didn’t she? I have had a very bad cold, but it is better than it was. Annie, my sister, is not very well, and she is in bed. To-day we went to ees if our neighbour's children could come to play, but they had to go raspberry-picking, eo we had to turn round and go home. Our potatoes are not ready to eat yet. Our "pet lamb is getting big now, and I have to feed its sometimes. I will tell you what I got for Christmas: a book of stationery, an Eversharp pencil, a ribbon, a cake of soap, ' and-a sixpence. I think that is all now. — ' Yours truly, BLUE HYACINTH (Morven).

[Welcome back. Blue Hyacinth. It is nice to hear from you again. You were very lucky at Christmas time, weren’t you?— DOT-.]

Dear Dot, —We went for a picnic on New Year's Day, and it rained. We are going for another picnic before we go back to school. We have a wee pet rabbit. Its name is Daisie. Most of our flowers'arc out in our garden, and they look lovely. Lovo to all the Little Folk and .your dear self.— Yours truly,

ALICE BLUE SOWN (Otago). [Always be kind to Daisie, Alice Blue Gown, and don’t forget to feed her and keep her hutch clean. I used to keep rabbits. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The Old Writers’ letters were very interesting to read, and they were all full of news. We did not have very good weather for the Christmas holidays. It rained most of the time. My brothers caught a weasel in their trap this morning. It was the thief that was taking our uncle’s chickens. Alice Blue Gown is away for a bathe to-day, as if is a lovely day. My Pal was up seeing us the other day, and she and I went for a walk. Love to all and your self.—Yours truly, MARY GOLD (Otago). [You would be pleaded to catch the thief, Mary Gold. Can you swim, too? You should learn if you cannot. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We had a very wet and a very quiet Christmas. I had never before spent Christmas without any children in the house, and I think it’s awful without them, no- fun •whatever. My two brother's are out of the One of them, Peter Hedgehog, is in Balclutha for a holiday; but the other one is at home. I was staying with Katherine Queen of Flowerland for a few days at New Year. An Indian Chief is in the country for a holiday and likes it very much, as it is a change from the' town. I did not see either Harvest Moon or Robin Patrol, as I think they ars away camping with other Guides. I received a number of nice presents for Christmas, including a carrying case for my camera, a sunshade, four pieces of music, a book, a bottle of bath salts, and many other nice presents. The weather has been glorious since New Year, and the bay has been covered with people. From the top of the hill they look like flies. Hundreds of people come to Timaru every summer, for it has a beautiful beach. As you have not been to Timaru you have not had the pleasure of seeing this splendid little town. To my way of thinking Ashburton- is equally as good, as I was born and brought up there. Indeed, the town itself is nicer and prettier, because the people of Timaru put all their ■work into the beach, whereas the Ashburton people have r\o beach to beautify, so make the town itself look nice. We have a long row of sweet william out in our garden, end they are simply beautiful. There are 20 different colours. Love to all and yourself, —Yours truly, A. FLOWERING STRAWBERRY (Timaru).

fit is . gratifying to hear somebody speak so enthusiastically about places they have lived in, Flowering Strawberry, I know neither Ashburton nor Timaru, but am sure, from what you say, that they are both beautiful.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was very glad to ses my first letter in print. I took ths scissors and cut it out as eoon as I had read it. I went home yesterday for the day, and my sister, mother, and myeelf went into the hospital ,to see 'my brother, who met with an accident a few days ago. We are having lovely weather here just now. It is lovely for those epending their holidays at the sea. There is a picnic at Otama on Wednesday, and a concert and dance at night, but I don’t know whether I shall be going to any of them or not. I am leaving the place where I am working in a fortnight’s time, as I have to go home and help while my sister goes out for a while. The shearers are going to start here again this week, so we shall be very busy. I have two pet lambs, and I had my photo taken with them the other day. I will stop now, with love to all the Little Folk and your "Own dear self.—Yours truly, RED, RED ROSES (Chatton). [I hope your brother is better, Red, Red Roses. Will you like being at'home again?I am sure you and the lambs make a pretty picture.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have about 50 chickens. Eight of them were bantams. I have a pair of bantams, one hen and one rooster. 'I. am collecting stamps, Dot, and I have an album to stick them into. Do you collect them? When you have a lot like I have they become very interesting. My cousin has sent me nearly 200. I have a pony which I ride for the mail every day in the holidays, but I an/ not allowed to ride him to school. His name is Ginger. He is quite quiet, and we can also drive him in the gig. On, New Year’s Day we went for a picnic to’ the Otaio Gorge. I do not expect you have ever been there. Have you? It is a lovely place for a picnic. I will close now with love to all the little folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. PUSSY WILLOW (Southland).

[I do not collect stamps, Pussy Willow, but I think it must be a very interesting hobby. No, I have not been to Otaio Gorge. Did Ginger t go with you there? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please may I join your happy band? I am 12 years of age. I have read your letters in the Witness for a long time, and I have often thought of joining your page. Clover Red is my sister. I ride five miles to school. We are having holidays from school, and we go back to school on February 1. Our master has retired, and so we shall have a new one when we go back to school. I am reading a book called “The Deer-hurst Girl." Have you ever read it, Dot? I must close now, as this is my first letter to you.—Yours truly, FLOWER OF THE MAY. [Welcome, Flower of the May. Your name was taken. I have not read the book. What is it about? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have taken the notion to write to you. I hope you will accept my poor effort. I am enjoying my holidays; 1 have plenty to eat, and nothing to do, and that is what I like. I am going to Invercargill for the last week in the holidays, aind 'I am sure I will enjoy it, as I have been there before. There is no need to tell you about the outing this Christmas, as my sister lias told you, so I will tell you about the one we had last year. We went to

Black Gully. It is on the Blue Mountains near Tapanui. We had a swing, and then went up the hill. As we were going I saw a young deer, and I would have liked to take it home with me. I managed to get to the top with the Test, and when we were there the view was just lovely. When we' were coming down it started to' rain, and as I had left my coat down at the car I was soaked. All the same we enjoyed ourselves immensely, and were none the worse of it.—Yours truly, BUNTIKIN (Knapdale).

[You may certainly join, Buntikin. Your name was taken. Thank you for the description of the outing. I am sure it must have been most enjoyable.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you we have shifted from Mandeville, and are now living at Croydon. I went to Croydon Bush for the Sunday school picnic. I came first in a race, and won a comb. I received sixpence and a black kewpis for other races. I went to the Christmas tree at Mandeville. I received three prizes. Their names are “Winnifred Avon,’’ “Margie at the Harbour Light" (for attendance), and "Queen of the Abbey Girls” (for spelling). I "had a black cat from the Christmqs tree. The weather is very wet and cold just now, and it was thundering last night. Two of my brothers are away working, but will be home again to go to school. I got my proficiency, but I don’t think I shall be going to High School.—Yours truly, NETA LYALL (Southland).

[Have you read all the prizes yet, Neta Lyal£? -You did well at the picnic, didn’t you? Once I used to win races, too.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I often read the letters in the Witness, and often wished to become a member I have two sisters who write to you. One is an Old Writer now. I am 13 years old. I have a pet lamb. He was lucky not to be killed for Christmas dinper. but I would not like to let anyone kill him. as he is so funny at times, and playful. He likes to chase our hens into their fowl house every night.

and after we go to bed at (night lie runs at the back door and bunts it with his head. He always calls out every three hours for Iris bottle of milk. So he is as good as a clock to tell the time by. We have six

weeks’ holidays from school. Wo have two dear wee kittens. Their names are Beauty and Joyce. I like reading about Teddy and Golly enjoying their summer sports. Al] the people are coming home from their holidays now. There are about six sawmills hero. -They start to work next Monday. We miss their whistles blowing in the mornings for the men to etart work. Well, Dot, as this is my-first letter to the page I will close. With kindest regards’ to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SINGER JIM M'KEE (Tahakopa). [You are welcome, Singer Jim M'Kee. 1 should like to see your pet lamb. Is he friendly with Beauty and Joyce?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am just going to pen yon a few lines to see how you are enjoying your holidays. The weather here is very warm. I have been going to write to your page for a long while, but kept putting it off. We are milking four cows here, and they give a bucket of milk each, and we send the cream to the factory. We have a cricket team here, and we play Oturehua on Saturday. We have a good vegetable garden and strawberry plants, which my mother planted, and they are growing very well,' so I suppose we will have some strawberries on them. Seeing this is my first letter I will close.—Yours truly, I DADDY’S HELPER (Weddsrburn).

[I am enjoying my holidays very much, thank you, Daddy’s Helper. Welcome to our page. How many strawberries can you cat at one time? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and will be going into Standard IV when we go back to school. I am writing this letter from Pembroke, as I am here on holidays at present. I have two brothers, one seven and one three, and a baby sister 17 months old. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours t.aly, DALNAHINE (Otago). [Welcome, Dalnahine. Did you enjoy yourself at Pembroke? Can your baby sister walk yet?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and in Standard 111 at school. Love to all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, EYES OF BROWN. [Welcome, Eyes of Brown. Your name was taken. What are you going to be when you grow up?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please may I join your band of Little Folk? I am in Grade 3* at school and I am seven years old. Love to all the Littla Folk.—Yours truly, CURLY PATE (Victoria). [Welcome from Australia, Curly Pate. Your name was taken. Do you like school? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 10 years of age, and in Standard 11. We walk three miles to school. It is not very .nice going to school in winter. We have four ferrets and five dogs. Sometimes we take the dogs out rabbiting. Love to all and your dear self. —Yours truly, BOY BARONET (Otago). [Welcome, Boy Baronet. You live right in the heart of the country. I have -been to, and like, Oturehua.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy Land of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age, and in Standard V at school. While I have my holidays from school I go around the sheep for my uncles. Just now lam helping them with the shearing.—Yours truly, KUBLAR (Otago).

[Certainly you may join, Kublar. What a help you must be to your uncles.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am going to pen you a few lines to ask you if I may become a member of your Little Folk. I enjoy reading the other letters, of which some are very interesting, especially the Old Writers’. My sister is writing to your page. I have been going to writp, and have kept putting it off until now. We had a very wet Christmas here, but the weather has changed a good deal since that. We have very warm days now. I was in for a bathe to-day, and the water was pleasantly warm, and I enjoyed it immensely, as it was such a hot day. You have a large number writing to your , page, Dot, and you may have a great number of folks writing before the year is out. I , received a number of useful presents at Christmas, and I suppose you rsceived a great many things, too. I am not out working. I just work at home, but I suppose I shall go out to work some day. Well, Dot, as this is my first letter I will conclude now, wishing you every suedess in the year.—Yours truly, GENERAL SWEETHERAT (Weddsrburn). ' [Y’ou are welcome. General Sweetheart. My Little Folk band is certainly a large one. I have posted your badge.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—My sister has been staying in Southland for ths Christmas .holidays, and she brought an Otago Witness, back with her. I read all the Little Folk letters, and then I. wanted to be one of them. I am nearly 17. and I am English. I came from England three years ago. I rather like New Zealand. The country is so beautiful. Just my sisters and myself came out, and wo are quite content with life at present. Noreen, my sister, is too old to write to you. -but.she encouraged me, and I am very keen. W e live on a sheep station of 13,000 acres. We are very busy shearing at present, but next week ought to see us through. I roll and pick the fleeces, and I am kept busy all day. Noreen and I are going to a private dance to-night, fancy dress. I am dressing as a King’s Jester, and Noreen as a Picrette. We are very excited. I do not carer for ballroom dancing. I am content to listen to the music and watch the dancers. I shall not make my first letter too long, as my welcome will be dqubtful. I hope that you will find room for me in your nage.—Yours truly, * .

KING’S JESTER (Cheddar’Valley)

[Y’ou are very welcome, King’s Jester. 1 hope you will write often. Someday I hope that you will decide that you not only like but love. New Zealand.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Mary is still in the hospital. She was sitting on a eofa last week, but has not had her foot on the ground yet. YVe are having our holidays now, and I am enjoying them. My auntie and two cousins from Dunedin wers down seeing us, and on Saturday they went into Gore with my sister to see Mary. My two sisters and myself were down at the river on Sunday paddling, and it was great sport. When 1' go back to school I will be in Standard VI. 1 received a prize at the end of the year, and • the name of it was “Barbara in Charge,” by M. E. Fraser. It was a very good book. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly JAPANESE ROSE ((southland). [I hope Mary will soon be quite well again, Japanese Rose. She will be pleased to see you on visiting days. Please give her my love.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been reading the Little Folk's letters for a long time, and 1 thought I would like to join your happy band. 1 am eight years old, and in Standard I, and will be into Standard II after the days. Our school opens on February 3. We are milking two cows and feeding two calves, whose names are Snowy and Pansy. We have 34 chickens and one hen sitting on eggs. We have two kittens. Please will you give me a name for them? Our roses are all out ill blooni. . We have been birdnesting. I go to Glenkenich school. Santa Claus brought me a doll who will walk and talk, and I’ call her Wata. I have two little brothers, and one has an animal story book and one a train. I have been reading a book named ‘Daddy’s Lad.” We have all been home from school with whooping cough for two months.—Yours truly, DADDY’S QUEEN OF HEARTS (Kelso). [Welcome, Daddy’s Queen of Hearts. Your : name was taken. Call the (kittens Caramel and Ju-Jube You seem to have a happy home.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I enjoy reading the letters in the Witness every week. Christmas is over now, and I thought it was very quiet. I went to the Bluff regatta on New Year’s Day, and enjoyed myself immensely. We have been enjoying lovely weather lately. It would almost melt one away to nothing, but to-night it looks very much like rain.. We could do with a little how, as everything is becoming very dry.

We have one cow, and I have to milk her. I am very fond of dancing, and I go to most of the d..i.ces round here. My brother arid two of my sisters also go to dances. We have pictures here every week,, but I do not go very often. I do not care about them. Do you read very much, Dot? I do. I just love it. I have read a number of good books lately. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters. I will close now, with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SILVER ECHO (Southland). [Welcome, Silver Echo. I read as often as I have time. I am pleased to hear that you like good books. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It was raining h,ere on Christmas Day. We go back to school on February 1. The harvest is very late this year, and we shall miss it, for we have to go back to school soon. We have the telephone at our place, and as it is a party line it is ringing all the time. I have a bathe every day at the river. We had 19 geese, and we sold them all at Christmas. The rain spoilt a lot of our crop.—Yours truly, ..BLACKEST ONYX (Southland). [You will be sorry to miss the harvest, Blackest Onyx. Do you help to stook when you can? I hope that you can swim.—DOT.] NOTES. Smiler.—You may certainly type your letter if you wish to. —DOT. A • Buttercup Lass.—You wrote on both sides of the paper, dear. I was therefore unable to print vour letter.—DOT. Bonnie Jean. —The address you ask for is A. Mercer, Waitepeka. « Curly Top.—You wrote on both sides of the paper, dear, so that I was unable to " print your letter. —DOT. A Lass from the Land of Logs.—Thank you very much for your pretty card, dear.—DOT. z aut6s. Sweet Peony Rose (Rose Dickey, Nevis) wishes to correspond with Just a Sailor’s : Sweetheart and any other Little Folk willing from 10 to 14 years of age. Will they please write first and soon? Japanese Rose (Annie Milne, The Terrace, Edendale South) wishes to correspond with Blue Hyacinth and any other Little Folk willing. Will they please write first? The Pink Lady (Nelly Allan, Hillside, Otaio) wishes to correspond with Dorothy Dimples and Two Little Love Birds. Will they please write first and soon? A Buttercup Lass (Betty Gray, Whitehaven street, Lawrence) wishes to correspond with American Rose, Gumnut Girl, /Hibiscus, and Queen Mab’s Maid. Will they please write first? She also wishes The Queen of Hearts to write again. Earl Kitchener ("William Ladbrook, Wellesley, North road, Invercargill) wishes Deadshot Dean, Gem. Grandma’s Ann, Poachy, Lady Rowen, and Paradise Bird to write to him, please. Berberis Darwinii’s Cobber (Miss M. Green, Waianakarua, via Oamaru) wishes to correspond with Betty Jo, Lorraine Todd, Cook’s Cobber, Jerry Joy, and any oversea writers between the ages of 18 and 20. Will they please write first ai.d soon? Rosebud’s Pal (Grace Hall, Otaio, via Timaru) wishes to correspond with A Lass from Sunny Southland and any Little Folk willing (girls) from 10 to 13 years of age. ■ Will they please write first and soon? Cherry Plum (Miss M. Winslade. Kelso) • wishes to correspond with Lady Alice. Will , she please write first? Florence Moir, c/o Aitkens Bros.. Rural . Delivery, G re, would like to correspond with My Pai and Sweet Sixteen. Will they please - write first and soon?