THE BROAD BEAN.

Otago Witness, Issue 3802, 25 January 1927, Page 77

THE BROAD BEAN.

By

Ruth Hertslet.

(Illustrated by Dumble.) (Copyright.—For the Witness.) “I say, Radi, I’ve got an itch!” ‘‘Plum, don’t be vulgar!” “Well, it’s a fact, anyhow. I’m feeling prickly all over. Radi, let’s get out of this.” Plumule and Radicle were twins t and Miss Coty' Ledons, their nurse, had guarded them carefully. Never had they been allowed to leave the castle. Often Plum and Radi had peeped out the little window, trying to see the world beyond, but Coty had a strict eye. “Radi,” said Plum again, “we’ve got to get out of this castle. We’re getting big now. I think old Coty might let us go this time. There’s nothing like asking, anyhow.” “You bet,” said Radi. “Lead on, Plum, and I’ll follow.” Old Coty was kind and wise, and smiled as the children came to her. “Coty, dear,” began Plum boldly, “I’ve got an itch, and I want to get out of the castle.” Radi looked rather startled, Such lam guage in front of Coty! Really, Plum was bold. “A ‘what’ have you got?” asked Coty sharply. “An itch. A dinkum itch,” replied Plum.

Radi looked more startled, but Coty was looking hard at Plum. “You needn’t be so slangy, Plumule,” jshe said, “even if' you do feel prickly. What about you, Radicle? Have you the same complaint?” “Well, Coty, really I do feel a bit—er—prickly,” said Radi nervously. ‘lt’s the Magic Sign,” said Coty quietly. “Where do you feel this complaint?” “Top of my head,” said Plum quickly. “Tip of my toes,” said Radi in the same breath. Coty smiled. . “Children,” said she, “you are children of the great gods. Father Sun and Mother Earth are calling you. r Long have I waited for the sign, for I could toot let you go before it car . To-morrow you must journey forth. It is a long journey, and for a little time I will send you food by special messengers. After that you will be big and strong enough to find your own food.” “Hurrah!” said Plum. “Me for Father Sun!” “And me for dear old Mother Earth,” said Radi. ' “How can we get out, Coty? The doors are locked !” Coty only smiled. Plum and" Radi 1 awoke next morning, and looked round in ' surprise. The castle walls were soft ' and the window was wide open. A '-." ’ “Good-bye, Radi,” called Plum, “give my love to Mother Earth.” ? ( ■■■"' “Good-bye, Plum! I’ll send you a wireless message when I find the gold mine.” - And off '..they-went. Down and .dbwn Radi. >Tt was weary wprk digging /at times, but old Coty never forgot«his‘meals, and Mother Earth was soft and /damp..Y He spread out. his arms aSd’dpdked. ground,\ ari(T fils . eyes glistened. Treasures he- found-- on every~side, : and eagerly he collected-ithem. Bigger and bigger grew, his mines, more .and. more treasures. : did ’Mqlfip.r E&fth ;giv.e' ; . i him- He'3v:as : a ; chappie,- Radi, sentmost of ' -his

treasures to Plum. He was x big and strong now, and. could look after himself.

'• And , Plum became a grand lady. Father Sun was glad to see his little daughter, and she grew big and strong and beautiful. Dresses of shimmering green she wore, and delicate white nosegays with black tips. Father Sun gave her presents, too, and never did she forget her brother Radi working so hard in his mines. Always she shared her presents with him.

- Plum was so beautiful that she soon got married, and like the “old woman who lived in the shoe,” she ..had lots of children. . tucked them all in soft, fluffy beds with green quilts. When the weather grew cold Plum put on her golden dress. Her children grew bigger, and they now had big, hard beds with brown quilts. There were lots of tiny Radicles and Plumules, and plenty of nurses called Coty. Soon the little Radis and Plums would grow up, and have adventures like their father and mother. For the castle was a broad bean. Radi was the tiny root that grew downwa.ds, and became big and strong enough to feed the plant. Plum was the green shoot that grew upwards, . and developed into a tall bush with pods of broad beans; and Coty was the seed on which the root and shoot fed until they were big enough to feed themselves.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Mokto.—We write for the benefit of others, act - tor ourselves. ’ Dear Dot, — I enjoyed reading some of the Old Writers’ letters, especially Harold’s. 1 had a good laugh at some of it. We have been having lovely weather, but this morning it rained. I was at . the pictures last Thursday week to see “The Golden Princess.” They weren’t bad, but . next Thursday is going to be “The Ten Commandments.” ltrs supposed to be good. I received a good many presents for Christmas. Two of them were from Little Folk. We have our niece staying up here for her holidays. She had the whoooping cough, so she came up here for a change. _ A Hebrew Maid is shifted from Ohai to Gore. There was an excursion to Queenstown over a fortnight ago, but I did not go; I will close now with best love to all.’—Yours truly, LILY OF THE PRAIRIE (Athol). .[“The Ten Commandments” is a good picture, Lily x cf the Prairie. It contains some very good lessons for. those who will read them.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—AVe had a very quiet Christmas and New Year, and I did not go anywhere We had Molly Malone, an Old Writer, staying with us. I go to Biddy Malone’s, another Old Writer, nearly every night to milk the cows, and I think it is great fun. I have passed, and I-am in Standard V at school, ;and my mother bought me a new bicycle for passing. I did not win a prize at school last year, but I am going to try to this year. I liked readihg the Old Writers’ letters very much. Love to the Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly, MALONE MOLLY (Balclutha). , .- [You must be a great help to. Biddy Malone, .Malone Molly., I hope you ’do win a prize this year. Work very hard and you may.—DOT.] »

Dear Dot, —We shall soon be going back to school again. The weather was fine for the races. I. went Tto them in our car, and enjoyed, myself very much. The grass is drying up about here now. ' I have a bicycle and am sending down for a new frame for it. . We. had, a dull day. to-day, and it looks like rain, but I hope not. I am catching rabbits. My.two lambs are away,' and come home nearly .evejy day. Our '. tutkeyaj-are growing .big.. We .sold all our this year, except.. the . mothers. ; It. is. getting near bed time, 'Doye to all and your own deaf self.—Yours truly' - ’. ‘ - ■' 1 TOM THE RABBITER (Otago). .

[Do the lambs belong to you etill,. Tom the Rubbiter? If' not it must bs a’worry to their . owner when they leave him so often.—DOT.] .

Dear Dot, —I am ashamed to write to you. I expect you crossed my name off ths roll, but if you haVe will you please add it again. Nearly every day here for a while was rainy. We cannot go for a bathe, as the river is high and dirty. Our school holidays will soon be over now. When I go back I shall be in Standard V. This year I received three prizes, two at Sunday school and one at-, school, - At Christmas we had a cousin with us, and she is staying here still. I shall be sorry when she goes away. Well I will close now with love to all your Little Folk and your own dear sslf. —Yours truly, DADDY’S LITTLE FARMYARD GIRL . (Clandeboye). [I am glad to hear from you again, Daddy’s Little Farmyard Girl. What were the names of your prizes ?—"DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am writing you this letter with Bos e the Red, but we do not know, what each other is putting. No, the fish were not trout, but herrings. I was at a party .to-day, and enjoyed "myself. There were 22 there altogether, so we had some fun. One of my cousins 'is playing the piano, but she is going all wrong at times. I went to Christchurch for my holidays, and enjoyed 'myself. I am reading a book called “Warne’s Pleasure Book for Girls,” and it is very interesting. The roses are_ very pretty just now. My cousin has a girl friend staying with her just now, and she is the best drawer I have seen. I will send one or two specimens of her work. It is growing dark now, so I will close.— Yours truly, QUEEN MAB’S MAID (Temuka). EThank you for-the drawings, <206611 Mab's Maid. They are very well . done indeed. Your friend may be an artist if she perseveres. —DOT.] f Dear Dot, —I am having a lovely "time just now. My cousin, Queen Mab’s Maid, is staying with us to-night. We had some fun tb-day. We invited nine children besides our three cousins. There were 18 of us altogether. .Please may I change my nom de plume ? I am reading a book called “The Deceiver.” Have you read it? We have the drawing craze. ’We could not find anything suitable to draw, so grandma found us a “Lady’s Realm.” It has some lovely pictures in it. Have you sesn one? We like drawing ladies’ heads best. It is Queen Mab’s Maid’s birthday to-morrow.—Yours truly, ROSE THE RED (St. Andrews). (DoYiot change your name, Rose the Red. Besides the one you suggested is taken. “Yes, I have seen the “Lady’s Realm.” Your drawings were very good.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The Old Writers’ letters were very interesting, and I have read a numberof them. It has been very windy here to-day, and it is raining to-night. My sisters and 1 went to the Waitahuna, Gully picnic, and enjoyed ourselves very much. We stayed for the dance that night. We do not hear much about the Exhibition now, as it is over. At our school break-up I received a nice prize’ ■ named “The Great Book for Girls.” I have a little brother starting school this year. He has been wanting to go to school for a long time, but he was too young. I hope he progresses well when he does start. We have some blue Christmas lilies, violets, pansies, and roses out. Well, Dot, as 1 have no more news I shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A BUNCH OF CLARKIA (Waitahuna). [The Exhibition is a pleasant memory of the past, Bunch of Clarkia. Do you like gardening? Wish little brother good luck for me when he goes to school. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—At school I received second prize for the Navy League essay. The name of the book is “The Great War.” It is .a very interesting book. At present my big sister is away for a holiday to Timaru. I have not raised a night from tennis this* week yet. I like tennis very much. Will you please ( give me a name for my model yacht?—Yours truly, RUMPEL-STILTS-KIN THE DWARF (Otago). L'l am sura your prize must be z very interesting, Rumpcl-Stilts-Kin. Are you on the tennis ladder'? Call the yacht the Dimple.—DOT.] , Dear Dot, —Wasn’t Old Writers’ Week lovely! I did so enjoy reading some of the letters. They were ever so interesting. Poor Lady Evelyn! How she must miss her husband. I feal so sorry for her. Last Tuesday my friend and I went for a trip in? the launch out fishing, and caught 12 kingfish. Didn’t _we have horrid weather for Christmas? ' People talk about “The Winterless North,” but don’t you believe them, Dot, for it’s not all summer time up here, I can tell you-. I have been in for a number of swims this year. Do you ever go in for swims, Dot? We have apples and plums ripe now. I must close now, with love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ' CAPTAIN TOM (Lower Matakana),

[‘The weather everywhere has been bad, Captain Tom, but we hope that it will clear now. Yes, I often go swimming. I like it very much. —DOT.] ' .. Dsar Dot, —I now have time. to write a letter to your page, as it is holiday time. I suppose most of the Little Folk are holiday-making. Time does pass quickly. It will not be long before school starts again. My school days have just passed, but I would like to be back at- school again. The weather down here has been beautiful, and all the farmers are busy with their hay. I liked reading the Old Writers’ letters, as I gained so much news from them. I spent many minutes rca’ding them. I know a number of Little Folk in Gore now. They seem to be increasing every week. I have read several books duringertlic holidays, as I am fond of reading, and I spend most of my spare time either reading or sewing. I suppose there will be many strangers in Dunedin for their holidays, but there won't be as many as last year. We are busy . just now pulling the black currants and gooseberries. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly. SUNFLORET (Gore).

fl am glad that you liked school, Sunfloret. You will have nons but pleasant memories about it, now. Reading and sewing are both good for you. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —As it is about, nine years ago since I first and last wrote to the page I thought, as I would be 20 on January 23, that I would write my retiring letter. When I first wrote to the page everyone in this little yillage wondered who it could be who wrote the letter under the name of Tossie. But as far as I know, it still remains a secret. Cardrona, which was almost dead, has brightened up tremendously, and with a .few , miners sluicing for gold on the river is a picture to see. .The land that was .unoccupied' for years , and years has. been . taken in hand and ~ worked up by the settlers here. A new tea room and shop, have been put up lately. It is a good thing

tor the town. There was a concert held here J k. month ago. It was lovely. I took part in the first performance, played two violin koloe and sang one song. The crowd encored me to sing again, but as I had a bad cold it was best for me to stay where I was. Shearing is in full swing now. I sheared for about a month, -and I can tell you I was glad when it was finished. I will now conclude -by’ saying farewell to you and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, TOSSIE (Cardrona). fil am glad to hear from you again,' Tossic, and-, congratulate you on ' keeping your identity so well concealed. But I am afraid thaj you have told the secret in this -your last letter.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I always take a long time to write to you. I have gained my proficiency, but I don’t intend to go to the • high school.' My favourite occupation during the holidays is gardening. Now is the time when all sorts of berries are ripening, and ths fruits, though yet green, are forming favourably. When the Duke and Duchess of York come to Dunedin, children from different schools will.be going to see them. I like reading the letters every week,, and notice your page is increasing.—Yours truly, A SPRIG' 0’ WILD HEATH (Otago). [Your handwriting is very good, Sprig o’ Wild Heath, and a pleasure to read. Will you help mother at home?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We will soon be back to school now, as the holidays are nearly over. We were unfortunate this year, as we did not go for our holiday into Dunedin, because, my sister took measles about two or three days before. We have had our school concert, which, I think, was a great success. We made £27 as well as some odd money. Buttercup Lass is very pleased with herself in coming first for the Navy League essay and for passing her proficiency examination. I have played six games of tennis during the holidays, which I enjoyed very much. I have a pigeon which is very fond of music, and whenever we play the piano he always comes in and walks up and down the sofa, and sometimes comes up to the piano and talks when we stop. Then we have to play _ again to him. He is very fond of music. Everyone is excited about the coming of the Duke and Duchess of York to New Zealand." There will be some great excitement when they come to Dunedin. I shall . now close my letter, hoping this finds you and all well.—Yours truly, WIRELESS (Lawrence). [How lovely about the pigeon. Wireless. It must be so pretty to watch. You did very well at your school concert, didn’t you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Many thanks for my dear, Sweet budge. I think it is very neat. We have had such lovely weather. There is rain to-day. I think it will clear up again soon. I don’t want to go back to the boarding school. Could you do with a little girl to run messages? And I could sweep up and do your dishes. If you would like me to come just let me know. I am going to have a picnic down at the river soon”. We have a dear little pup called Flossie. She sleeps in the coal house. We have just finished shearing, and the sheep are so happy to have their wool off this hot weather. A little girl came yesterday afternoon and played with me. Her mother wanted to take me to her place for a holiday, but mummy did not like me to go. I am going to go to the Oamaru Gardens next time I go to town. I wil go on the swings. We have two cats, and their names are TobyPatrick and Michael. They are nice cats. I shall close now with love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, TESS OF THE STORM COUNTRY (North Otago). [I should very much like a little girl to run my .mesages, Tess of the Storm Country, but I am afraid your mummy would say “Certainly not!” I liked hearing about Flossie and the cats. —DOT.] Dear _ Dot, —The haymakers are busy carting in their hay after being delayed with the-wet weather. Harvest is near at hand. Soon the farmers will be busy cutting their crops. Some have started already. We have been having nice weather lately, which is very much appreciated-by all farmers. .The holidays will soon be over now, and all the children will be ready for another year’s hard toil. There were only three boys in Standard VI last year, and they all received their proficiency. Did you see'"the sun eclipse, Dot? Our currants and gooseberries are Hpe now, and the plums will soon be ripe. We went to Friendly Bay yesterday, and my brother and I had a paddle in tni Bea. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters. Most of them were very interesting, especially A West Coaster’s, Blue Violet's and Jack Tar’s. Love to all the Little- Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MOON-BEAM (Weston). [No, I did not see - the eclipse, Moon-Beam. Did you? I. suppose you spend a good deal of your time in the orchard these davs. — DOT.] Dear Dot, —Here is 1927 with us, and what good resolutions we make! The last few days have been perfect, but to-day is like winter again. There is plenty of work to do on - the farm just- now with thinning taznips and hay-making. We put the rest ct» the seed in after Christmas. Everyone «d»nut here was late this year, and a number hftve not finished yet. We have not much fny in yet, as the machine broke. At present WM is a quiet house, as two of my sisters •tv down south spending their school holidays. We went to the Waitati Show on Saturday, and were having a very enjoyable thne till - the rain came on. However, it cleared to let us reach home dry, so we did not mind so much. Our two little brothers are just recovering from -the measles. I really think they enjoyed them, and they liked being waited on. I must close now with very best wishes for the new year.—Yours truly, - CHAUTAUQUA (Otago). EHow amusing about your little brothers, Chautauqua. They could not have felt very ill. I hope by jiow they are quite better again.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just arrived back from —reading our neighbour’s Witness. The weather has turned cold again. Yesterday, in spite of the cold, my cousin and I had an. ice cream each. Mum has made raspberry and gooseberry jam, gooseberry jelly, and cherry jam.._ The evening sports commence to-morrow night, with a dance to follow. I don’t know if we shall go or not. It looks as if the Chinese turmoil will, come to a war, but I hope it doesn’t. The last time we played cards mum, my cousin, and I were successful. As there is no more news I will conclude with love to Dot and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, DUNIR-A (Otago). [lce cream on a cold day! It ie easy to see that you are still young, Dunira. Grown-ups are inclined to baulk at such luxuries.—DOT.] - ,U® ar Dot, —The school had its annual picnic and dance on the 'l7th -of- last, month. It was a lovely day, so there was quite * there.- .We played . rounders while children rah races and had their jumping

contests. At night I had a lovely time at the dance, although T was very sunburnt. On Christmas Day we went to the Edendale sports, asd bn Boxing Day we attended the Menzies Ferry picnic, but didn’t enjoy either very much. We spent New Year’s Day at Fortrose, a seaside place about 16 miles from here. There is a lovely beach there, and .a good many people took adof the fine weather and went in bathing. I like reading very much, and often <wish I could s.wim. On January 4 my two brothers and I motored through to Clyde, a trip of about 120 miles. It was all new country to me, so I enjoyed it very much The road is practically straight until Gore is reached, but afterwards it is just the opposite. I thought it was great fun going down the gorge. The Devil’s Elbow is a very sharp and dangerous bend. 1 thought the orchards looked very nice indeed They are kept so tidy, and the ground between the fruit trees is all cultlvated, too. We saw the first of these orchards at Island Block, and they continue right up as far as Clyde and farther too, I suppose. The road from Miller’s Flat to Ettnck is flat and pretty good, but from Roxburgh onwards it is over steep rocky mountains and hills. On one hill before we reached Clyde the road has a high stone wall on one side, sand as you go down you gain an occasional glimpse of a house or two away down below you. I thou"ht Clyde was very lonely,' and it seemed as if it was shut -.off from everything bv the mountains. There was very little snow -on the ranges We stayed only half-an-hour l a C N de ’ we bad to return to Ettrick tor the night. I enjoyed my ’ stay there with our friends. Their house is situated very close to the Clutha River, and one has a lovely view from their verandali.'—Thev have a lovely big Edison gramophone. Tennis is going strongly here these fine evenings and we have some lovely games. Apple Blossom s Dryad and her mother, father, and brother came and had a game on our court the other night, so we had a lively time. Mv sister and her mate are spending their holidays at Broad Bay, and, as both my brothers are in Central Otago, our family 13 . very sniall just now. Our busy time will soon be here, for, if this good weather keeps up the crops won’t be long in ripening. Cove to all and yourself.—Yours truly COPPER NOB (Seaward Downs). [Thank you for the description of your trip, Copper Nob. It was most interesting You were very fortunate to be able to travel eo tar for your holidays.—DOT.] i vj ai ■ Do *> —l bad a good time over the holidays. I was at Port Molyneux sports ™,, ■ X ear ® but 1 didn ’t see any Dots Little Folk badges, though I saw a. few Little Folk whom" I knew. lam ln ? T an interesting book, just now called lhe Harvester,” and I have another good one to read after I finish it, called “In Self Defence, by Silas Hocking. I love his books, and there is another one of them I’m going to read named “The Great Hazard.” 1 had a letter from -'Sylvie the other dav and she was saying that she “was at Port Molyneux, but I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting hec. I hope, meet her soon. I haven’t heard from Queen Heather of White Fleece for ages. I hope nothing has happened to them. My-two brothers are going to town some day tins week for their holidays. My other brother has been away since Boxing Day, and my uncle told me that he was going to bring him home to-day. But it was very” rough so they couldn’t have ventured out, as they have not yet arrived. The Clydevale sports were last Wednesday, but I did not go I was going to cycle over until the day came, and it was so hot and dad said the road was too rough, so I stayed at home and did my work and went and played tennis all afternoon. I was down playing tennig last and had a good game. I can play a. bit now, but I can’t count yet, but hope to learn before long. Well, 'I must close now with much love to the Little Folk — lours truly, t MICHAELMAS DAISY (Waiwera South). j s difficult to count in tennis, Michaelmas Daisy. Find somebody who will explain it fully, and then master it before again. You will soon learn.—

Dear Dot,—lt is a few weeks now since I penned a few lines to your page. I spent an enjoyable time reading the Old Writers’ letters, as they were all very interesting ones, especially those of Black Watch, Ivan-, hoe. Captain Jackson Barry, and a crowd of others, which would require too much of your space to mention. There wag a number of visitors here for the holidays, and one could see quite a crowd of tents being pitched for camping purposes. For the last few days we have had some really good weather in Central Otago, but to-day it hag changed round about, and become quite cold. We are having a circus in Alexandra on Tuesday, and I am thinking about going, because we see a good circus very seldom. The flower gardens are looking beautiful just now as the Christmas lilies,- roses, and . different kinds of blooms are out., I spent"an enjoyable time during Christmas and New Year owing to tlie visitors being here. They helped Alexandra to 'become more like Dunedin. These last few days 'the peopA b £ en flocbin » to . tb e swimming baths. Well, Dot, as news is scarce in this, town I will conclude, with love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, J TWO LITTLE LOVE BIRDS (Central Otago). [You seem to like visitors. Two Little Love Birds. It must have been fun for those who St DOT ]** t erds ’ Camping is such good fun.

Dear Dot, —Dorothy Dimpleg came home from her rholidays four days before I did, and my word! I did miss her. We spent a few days with Red Carnation on a farm a few miles from Waimate. We were motored around everywhere. I had been round most of the places before, but it was quite a novelty, to Dorothy Dimples, as it was her first trip so far north. I managed to have a few games of tennis while with Red Carnation, as both she and her brother play. The rest of our holiday was spent at Timaru with an occasional “day’s outing to a farm at Fairview. . We went to a dance out at the latter place, and had a splendid time. We stayed over night at the farm, as" it was too late to go back into town. The following morning I donned a pair of boy’s trousers, and helped make ..hay. It was great fun, especially when riding on top of the hay cart. Later on I had my first ride on a horse. The first time I tried to mount I managed .to slide right under the horse. I did- not do it again, as the gee-gee didn’t seem to like me under him. They warned me J;hat I would be very stiff the following day, but I wasn’t. I thoroughly enjoyed my ride, and for once held quite a high position in the world. I also learnt to ride a bicycle. They put ma on, 'and instead of holding on to me, the girl gave a push and let go. It was either fall ..off or ride, and I rode. So I was initiated,, into! the art of riding without coming down to Mother Earth. We were down at. the bay . during carnival week, and went in for a number of swims. A party of

us went fishing two or three times. The first night a friend, who had never been fishing before, caught a small fish, and in the midst of her war-dance stopped vith such a look of dismay on her face. “We have not brought any salt,” she exclaimed, and when we asked her why she wanted the salt, she said in tones of disgust, “To put on its tail to kill it, of course.” We did not catch any more fish that day. Perhaps our laughter sent them swimming. Something did, anyway; I read all the Old Writers’ “letters this year, and found them even more interesting than at Exhibition year. Black Watch seems to have been very popular in the days of picnics and debating clubs. I write to his wife, and always receive such nice, chatty letters in reply. -.Since Saturday I have answered 15 letters, and there are still a few waiting to’ be answered. Fondest love to all and your dear self.— Yours truly, LONESOME LASS (Dunedin).

[You have written a very good desscription of a very interesting holiday, Lonesome Lass. I Lope you will have many mere similarly happy vacations. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Dad and his mate are away fishing to-day to the Manorburn Dam, so I hope they come home with a good catch. My father is building a glass house just now. He has a man from Alexandra helping him. We stacked our hay last week. I am glad it is. in, as it makes so much of extra work. There will be great excitement in New Zealand when the Duke and Duchess of York arrive, and I suppose they will have a good reception wherever they go. I have four correspondents. They are Irresistible. Stella Rudd’s Cobber, Erica G, and Lily of the Prairie, who hasn’t written for a while, so I hope ..-this will remind her she owes me a letter. We had the first-footers here on New Year’s Eve. Did you go first footing, Dot? I have a good many flowers out-just now, which include several kinds of roses, sweet peas, marigolds, Virginian stock, pansies, violas, godotias, candytuft, carnations, sweet williams, shamrock, Canterlyny bells, and Iceland poppies. We have nine young ducks. They get into all the mischief possible.—Yours trulv, LADY CLARICE (Central Otago).

[■Your garden must be very beautiful, Lady Clarice. Do, you attend to it yourself? I should like to see your nine mischievous ducks.—DOT.] \ , Dear Dot, —Christmas and New Year holidays are over, and I hope you enjoyed yourself. I did not go anywhere for a holiday, as my ' married sister was ill, and I could not go there. We .had our school picnic down at the Horse Range, which is a lovely place for picnics, and we alt enjoyed ourselves. Christmas Day was very wet here, so we had to remain indoors. New Year’s Day was a bit batter. We spent the day with my grandma and auntie. We still have our baby friend. He is growing fast and becoming stronger. One of the Little Folk living here has lost her mother. It was a great blow to the family, and as she is the oldest all the work will fall on her shoulders. Her sister is a mate of. mine. I receive very nice letters from my correspondents. I have five now. I have lire black half Persian kittens, which cannot walk about yet. They are funny wee things at present, all fluffy. I received a cup and saucer and plate and

two pairs of stockings for my Christmas box, also a very nice money- box in the shape of a gas range I am starting to keep all my pennies in it, then mother is going to put it in the Post Office for me. It will come in handy some day. Well, Dot, I -will close now, with love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, TIPPERARY SHOES (Maheno). J am sorry' to hear about your friend’s bereavement, Tipperary Shoes. Please give her my sympathy. I should like to stroke those kittens of yours, I think.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am in Oamaru now, and I am going home on Saturday week, perhaps. I like Oamaru very much, because if is near the sea. I wrote a letter to Hibiscus, but have received no answer. I wish the holidays would be longer, because our school starts on February 1. I received two prizes from Sunday school. They were “Enid’s Ugly Duckling” and “The Last Days of Pompeii.” Have you read either of them, Dot? I read the former one when I brought it home. Pong Wong the Chow received two, and Billy the Scout three. I have read some of their books, too. I have been for many exciting trips in the car. They were to the Waitaki Bridge for a picnic, to Waimate, Kakanui, and Timaru, besides to otherplaces. Seeing this is' a short letter I will close.—Yours truly, — i ~- FAIR ROSY (Milton). [I have read “The Last Days of Pampeii,” Fair Rosy. You will enjoy it more when you are older, than now. "What lovely drives you have been.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I think it is time I penned you a few lines. It has been very .windy here to-day. . Christmas and New Year arc over once again, and it is very How did you enjoy Christmas? I was at the Bluff regatta on New Year’s Day. What has become of all my correspondents? My sister is away for her holidays. She has been away a fortnight. I will bring this short letter to a closed—Yours truly, _ SWEET LILAC (Mabel Bush). [I enjoyed Christmas very much, thank you, Sweet Lilac. Perhaps if you wrote to your correspondents they would tell you. —DOT.] ' Dear Dot, —The weather has not been too good lately. We have been very busy carting rocks to make rockeries. I shall be glad when school starts again, as I do not like holidays. We are going to Kaka Point to-morrow. Well, I will’ close now with love to all the Little Folk .and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ANOTHER LITTLE HOUSEKEEPER (Pukerau). [How interesting about the rockeries, Another "Little Housekeeper. I hope they prove successful and make your garden beautiful.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since . writing last we have all been very busy .making rock gardens. We are going away to Kaka Point for our holidays to-morrow, if it is fine. August Maid, Another Little Housekeeper, and A ’Possum Trapper milk our six cows. A ’Possum Trapper’s brother, King of the RabbitersXis coming over to gee him one day. Please, Dot, are the Little Folk whom you wish to correspond with supposed to write? I have some very regular writers. Amongst them are A Maid of the Mountains, WillowFay, and Harvest Moon. Many kind thoughts

to you, Dot, to my correspondents, and to> all other Little Folk.—Yours trulv, MAID MARGARET (Kkiwera). IfThe Little Folk who ask for correspondents are the ones who must write for certain, Maid Margaret. The others should reply from courtesy.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in the Witness. I like sewing, and I have taken four prizes at the show. I have one sister out at work and one brother. We have three cows milking. We have four dolls. Do you like strawberries, Dot? We have a large quantity of strawberries this year.—Yours truly, NEEDLE WORKER (Mataura). _[>How well you must be able to sew, Needle Worker. Your name is very apt. Yes, thank you, I love strawberries.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in the Witness. I am in Standard I now. Our school trip is on the ,29th of this month, and we are all going. We have a pet -Lamb, and hig name is Barney.—Yours truly, MOUSE (Mataura). [•I hope you enjoy your trip, Mouse. You must write and tell me all about it. —DOT.] Dear- Dot,—l have left school now, and, needless to say, I am not sorry. I gained nly proficiency, and I was dux of the school as well. We are into our new house now. It is a very nice one, being much easier to keep tidy. At the house-warming wo entertained 150 people, most of them being neighbours. The sports on December 28 were spoilt with the rain, though there was a big crowd. My uncle took a car load of us to Fortrose on New Year's Day. We had a most enjoyable day, getting all sunburnt, and wading up and down the beach gathering shells. I am going up to Dunedin for a short holiday, so I hope it keeps fine. I~"enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters. While making some sweets the other day I picked up the Witness and started to read the Old Writers’ "'letters. They —Were so interesting' that I forgot the sweets and let the fire out.—Yours truly, - MATA (Mataura). ['Congratulations on being dux, Mata. I am pleased - for the sake of the Old Writers, but sorry for the sake of the sweets, that you were so interested in the Witness that day.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in the paper. Two of my pct sheep are shorn now. I have a little black duck for a pet. Janet gets in to my garden sometimes and eatg the flowers. I was at a birthday party on’Friday, and had good fun. Two playmates of rpine are going away to-day. I hxtVe a big bride doll.—Y’ours truly, DELCO’S SISTER (Paradise). [I like your pets, Delco’s Sister. Pet sheep, a little black duck, 'Janet, and a bride doll—how lucky you are!—-DOT.] Dear Dot, —I hope you spent a merry Christmas. I am enjoying my school holidays watching my big brother cut hay, and going for rides in the gig. My calf is growing big. We have 33 chickens. —Yours truly, MINNIE (Glenorchy). '•When you are older perhaps you will cut the hay too, Minnie. Can you drive the gig yourself?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Some of the farmers up here have their hay cut. We get 20 eggs a day now. I have been in for a number of bathes this summer, and I enjoyed them very much. We have finished our shearing now, and we are very lucky, because we did not have one wet day until long after the sheep were shorn, and the wool sent away. There is a. new tennis court up here now, and I have played a few games on it. I hope all the Little Folk enjoyed themselves at Christmas and New Year, for I did. Was it raining in Dunedin on Christmas or New Year’s Day? We had beautiful weather up here. Mother has made gooseberry jam this year, "and it has turned xout very nice. We aro milking 13 cows just now, and they make a lot of work. We start school on February 1. It will seem funny_ having to go to school, after having six weeks’ holiday. With best wishes to all in the new year.—Yours truly, PARADISE BIRD (Lake Wakatipu). [Do you bathe in the lake. Paradise Bird ? I" is very cold, isn’t it? _ You will like school when you begin again.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our holidays seem to be going very fast, don’t you think. We have.only one more fortnight left. I have not been away yet. I suppose I shall nbL be able to go. We went for a picnic to-day, and enjoyed yourselves. It was 64 miles altogether, 32 miles there and 32 miles back. We had our .little cousin down here to stay with us. She stayed a fortnight. They were feeling lonely without her, and she wanted to go home. She can come down here some other time. I have another baby cousin in Fairlie. We had a very-quiet Christmas. The weather was warm, only there was too much wind. You asked me how old Chrystal is ? He is two years old, just the age to make us laugh. Love to all and yourself.—Yours trulv, QUEEN OF HEARTS (Southland). [•I cannot print your letter if you break a rule again, Queen of Hearts. So remember. How lovetv about the new baby cousin. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —It is a very long'-time sinc.s I last wrote to your age. ,Ws have been having very hot weather lately, and yesterday and to-day were dreadfully hot. I have had my hair cut again, and so have my two sisters. My cousin came up on Friday, and mum took her to the train this morning. We have two of our cousins staying up'here, and we have good fun. I have to go back to school again this year, as I gained only competency, but I do not mind, as I like school. My sister has started school now, but she is not five years old until February. One day before the school starts again my two cousins, my brothers and I. M. R. and myself are going to try to climb the mountain that is just near us. Love to all and your own dsar self.—Yours truly, THE SWEET KID’S MATE (Haka Valley). [■lt will be cool with your hair off in the hot weather, Sweet Kid’s Mate, I am glad that you like school. Tell me about the climb, won’t you?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —With much interest I have " just looked through the Old Writers’ letters in the Witness, and found them very interesting. Christmas;; was very quiet here. It rained ths whole "day and kept us indoors. I have joined a most enthusiastic tennis club, Haka Valley. I have bought a new racket called “Victory,” and I have had many a fine game with Queen of Thorns and a Blakesworth,. Girl. I often see them, and also have many a long talk over the telephone. On Saturday afternoon we motored down to see the finish of the Haka clay bird shoot, and it was very interesting. In the latter part of the day they shot off for tho cup, and we were very pleased to see it stop in the Haka Valley, as a local man won it. Shearing will soon be finished here, and no doubt the poor farmers won’t bo sorry. Harvesting yill be the next operation, which I think is the- happiest of the year. On February 3 we are journeying forth to Caroline Bay, Timaru, for our annual school picnic. Before I close this epistle I must heartily congratulate you, Dot, on your

immense success in being able to collect such a great number of those faithful Old ' Writers who have written such interesting and newsy letters for us thia year. I will soon be an Old Writer myself, and hope that I can write such newsy letters as they have done before me. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TANGLE FOOT (South Canterbury). [I am glad that you liked the Old Writers’ letters, Tangle Foot. Of course you will be able to write interestingly if you set your mind to it. I hope that you enjoy your picnic.—DOT.] , Dear Dot, —I am writing to tell you that I saw my letter in the Witness. I am just recovering from the whooping cough, and my brothers and my dsar, wee baby sister are just recovering. Father Christmas brought me something—two balloons, a jug filled up with eweets, a banana, and two sticks of chocolate. My father and mother gave me a set of toy knives, forks, and spoons. We are busy picking fruit now.. Auntie’s garden looks so pretty from the road. My auntie has a little baby girl, whom we do not want to got the whooping cough. The Christmas lilies are all out beautifully. I received two nice books last year from Sunday School and school. Our cheep are all shorn now, and they do look bo white. The wool has gone away to Dunedin to be sold. I have passed., into Standard II now. We have only two more weeks’ holiday till we go back to school. Our dahlias are all coming out in flower, ue have lovely bunches of lobelias.—Yours truly, / FAIRYDELL (Otago). [’l hope the wee baby does not catch whooping cough, Fairydell. What jolly Christmas presents you received. You will be able to play at house with your toy eet.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is some time since I have written to the page, but I always read ths letters with great inteerst. The calves which you named for me are quite big now. They do not know their names, but both answer to the rattle of a bucket, and the call of “Sook, sook.” I received a book called “The Second Violin” for Christmas. Have you read it, Dot? I enjoyed it very much. I will how close with best love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, MOLLY O'BAWN (Milton). GI have not read the book, Molly O’Bawn. I suppose names are not really necessary to answer when meal time comes.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Have you ever been away for rv holiday and had to come back before j'ou need to, because you got sick? That is what I did. I went down to Menzies .Ferry on a„ farm, and I had just been there a week when I developed measles. It was such a nuisance. I was having such a jolly time. The days were fine, and the fun and laughs we'had made it all the worse to come away. It was very silly of me. I’m all right now (it does not take me long to get better when I want to). Christmas has come and gone, and I hope j’ou had a good one. I had a splendid time. In the afternoon, I went out to a friend’s place on my bicycle. It was about five or six miles, and I took Ihr smm to - get out in a nasty head wind. Coming back I took half an hour, so you see there was a lot of difference in the speed. Have you ever been to sea? I have, but hardly far enough to my liking. Father was a first-class marine engineer in the mercantile service. He has left the sea now, but when he joins again he has promised to take ms on one of his trips. 'My brother went for a’ four weeks’ trip when dad was going to sea before. Whirlwind Paddy is a pen friend of mine, and every time we write a letter to each other we always bewail the fact that we are not boys, so that we could go to sea. I would certainly join the navy if I was a boy. I love the sensation of a beat under ma, and as I’m a good sailor it’s just splendid. Well, Pm afraid I must close now. with love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv, JERSEY LILY (Gore). [’Yours was an - unfortunate experience, Jersey Lily. I am so sorry that you were ill and had to leave all the. fun. Perhaps your wish to go to sea will take place Borne day.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It seems a long time since I wrote to the page. Since I last wrote to you I have lost my dear daddy. He was such a lovely daddy, Dot. He was always full of fun, and we used to have such good times. Mum and I miss him such an awful lot. It isn’t nice to have no daddy, is it, Dot? Mum and I are living at Dunedin now. I wrote to Blue Jeans to-day. I miss her, as we used to live close together in the same street. Mum had a letter from Eric Somebody's Boy the other day. He says he likes his new place, but he likes Waimate best. It won’t be long- before the holidays are over and school starts again. It will be strange going to another new school. Well, dear Dot, I must close now, with dove to Blue Jeans, Brio Somebody’s Boy, and all the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.— Yours truly, MARCIA, DUCHESS OF ALLANHOLME (Dunedin). [•Poor little Marcia! I am so sorry, dear. But you must remember that daddy would not "wish you to -grieve for him too much. It is your duty now to keep mummy bright apd happy.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had three Christmas dinners, as we had visitors -for Christmas Day,_the day after, and Boxing Day. Our black and red currants are ripening as fast as we are picking them. There is a whole paddock next door to us, planted in currant bushes, but the people who own it sell the currants to the fruit shops around about. Dorothy Dimple’s Pal and I are still Charleston crazy. Thia isn’t a -very big letter or by any means interesting, but I shall have to close now. —Yours trulv, TOMBOY MOLLY' (Dunedin). [I am very fond of red currants and cream, Tomboy Molly. Do you ever have them like that?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have my cousins down at our > place for a week, and wjien they are going home Day Dreamer and I are going to go back with them. To-day we were paddling in the creek, and we went in up to the hips. I was in town last Saturday.’ and I bought a painting book, so I -had an afternoon’s'painting to-day. I think that is all now'.—Yours truly, BLUE HYACINTH (Morven). [I hope you enjoy your holiday, Blue Hyacinth. Did you get your clothes wet jyhen_you paddled ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —From December 27 to January C I was at the Salvation Army Young People’s camp at Karitane, and had a most enjoyable time. The girls camped in the school, and the boys Tn the fisheries, while a large marquee with a small tent for a dressing room for concerts insids” it was pitched on a piece of ground near the fisheries between the beach and .the main road. At any time between 6 o’clock and 7.30 in, the morning we. used to get out of our hammocks (mine was on the school veranda), and if we had time we had a swim- before 6 o’clock breakfast, after which we had

prayere, and went and made our beds for camp inspection. Then we amused ourselves until dinner, From 1 to 2 o’clock we had compulsory rest, a great boon, as we had too much fun at night for over. much sleeping. In the evening we had socials or concerts, and on the first Tuesday and Sunday we had real Army meetings instead of a rowdy evening. At 9.30, or shortly after, we had supper and went home to bed, but it took such a time to go to sleep, as we had' to talk over ths day’s events. Sometimes we went out in launches and boats, and on New Year’s Eve most of the big ones went to Waikouaiti, while half-a-dozen others went to Palmerston. In the evenings we had numerous visitors in the form of residents and other campers. Two of us left in the early train and spent the last day in Palmerston. I was very sorry when the camp ended, and I am eagerly looking forward to next year’s. Ths picnic was held while I was away from home, so I missed both it and the dance at night. I it is -the first dance I have missed for a"tofig time without deeply regretting it. Well, Dot, I will close now with love to all.—Yours trulv, C.O.D. 10, 20 (Otago). [What a splendid time you must have had, C.O.D. 10, 201 I envy you. Camming is one of the most delightful ways of holi-day-making I know. —DOT.] Dearr Dot, —We went to Timaru yesterday. I spent one week of my holidays up with my grandma. I received two books for prizes at our school, a box of handkerchiefs for sewing, and a box of soap for raffia work. We are milking five cows, and I am learning to milk one. A swarm of bees came to our place to-day, but they have settled now. We have not many flowers. We are not having very fine, weather lately. Maitel is sitting up in her pram watching me write this letter. Yesterday when we went to the bay we had a bathe. —Yours truly, ’’HILLSIDE LASS (Otaio). [What nice prizes yours were, Hillside Lass. Are you afraid of bees, I wonder? 'Will you keep the swarm at your place?— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was learning to ride our bicycle last night. Our bees swarmed to-day. I won ninepence arid a plate at our school picnic. My two youngest sisters have whooping cough. We went to Caroline Bay , yesterday, and are going to the park tomorrow. Santa Claus brought pre two handkerchiefs, a clasp, and' a tooth brush. I have been spending my holidays at grandma’s. I am having* a—tooth out next week. — Yours truly, GRANDMA’S GIRLIE (Otaio). [You seem .to be having happy holidays, Grandma’s Girlie. Will you be given a sixpence when your tooth comes out? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am asking you to forgive me for not writing sooner, but when I first joined your happy band I was staying with friends at Birchwood, and they receive the Witness, whereas we do not. This year I am holidaying with people at Poolburn, and they take the Witness too, so I am able to read the letters again, and thus write again. But before I. go any further, Dot, I have forgotten my pen-name, but in any case I would like to change it to Paddy-Waddy, if I may. When I go back to Dunedin, which will be very soon, I will go to the Dunedin Public Library and read the letters in the Witness. I was 15 yesterday. I am going to Archerfield College now. Well, dear Dot, as news is scarce I must conclude this letter with best love to all. —Yours truly, PADDY-WADDY (Dunedin).

[lt is nice to hear from you again, PaddyWaddy, but the name you wanted was taken. I hope that you will write- often now that you are in town for school.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I become one of your happy band of writers? I shall be 17 shortly. I often cast my eye on your page and wish I was one of the writers. My cousin, A Lonely Indian Chief, is living with us, and" when I see him writing to you, I wish that I was, too. At last I have taken this opportunity of beginning. 1 sincerely hope I shall-become good pals with your happy band, ae I am fond of making new friends. As this is my first letter, I think I shall close now. — Yours truly, THE MERRY SNOWBALL (Temuka). [Certainly yon may join, Merry Snowball. Whether you remain with us for a long or short time depends entirely upon yourself. —DOT.]

.. Dear Dot, —May I join your band of happy folk? I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard 111 at school. Please, will yorf give me names for a yellow and a black rabbit? I am writing from Lauder, but I live in Dunedin, as I am staying here for my holidays. I will close now with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, - - A BOY FROM ANDERSON’S BAY (Dunedin). [You may certainly join, Boy from Anderson’s Bay. Call the yellow rabbit Nugget and the black one Ebony.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have four brothers and three sisters. My eldest sister is away, and my wee sister writes to your page. -It is raining to-day, the first drop of rain we havs had for a week. I went down to the. shop on Christmas Eve, and had a good time letting oft crackers. The farmers around here are busy with th sir hav I have seen Too Late for Breakfast, and she is very nice. We had a school concert this year, and I was in it. Our school teacher is away to Dunedin for her holidays. We have 20 cows, 10 calves, and two pigs. I have a heifer calf. Will you please give me, a name for it. I also have a pct lamb. Will you please give me a name for it also. Best wishes for the new year to all the band and yourself. —Yours truly, BELLS-OF SILVER (Lake Wakatipu). - [Welcome, Bells of Silver. Your name was taken. Call the calf Moolie, and the lamb Tippit.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have two pat lambs. I am only nine, and have passed into Standard 111. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly,- APPLE BUD (Otago). [Certainly you may join, Apple Bud. Do your lambs know you when you call them by name?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May; I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk ?_.<■•£ enjoy reading the letters in the Witness every week. Last Sunday week Gf went to St. Clair beach with my brother and sister, as it was a lovely eunny day. The St. Hilda Band rendered some beautiful items, which were highly appreciated by the people sitting along the Esplanade. I havs three sisters and two brothers. We are having our annual picnic in February, and we are all looking forward to having a good timev One of "the nicest of the books that I received for Christmas was called “The Girls of St.- Olaves.” Havs you read it, Dot? I did not go away for the holidays, but I had »• very happy time at home. The

weather has been very hot''•during the past few days, but a nice cool wind hajs • sprung up to'-day. ,We are having our holidays at present,. reopens on February 1. I will conclude now with love to all the Little Folk and your dear eelf.—Yours truly, COLLEEN OF OLD IRELAND (Dunedin). [Welcome, Colleen of Old Ireland. Your name was taken. No, I have not read ths book. la it "a school etory?—DOT.J--AUTOS. Hillside Lass (Catherine Hall, “Hillside” Farm, Otaio) wishes to correspond with Pink Honeysuckle. Will she please write first and soon? Colleen of Old Ireland (Eileen M'Carthy, 368 Castle street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with any girls between the ages of 14 and 15. Will they please write first? Buttercup Lass (Betty Gray, Whitehaven street, Lawrence) wishes to correspond with London Fog, American Friend, Spray o’ Heather, A Failsworth Lassie, A Little Pincennois, Ross-shire Rosie, and American Church Girl. Will they please writs first and soon? Michaelmas Daisy (Coila M'Kenzie, Fleet Bank, Waiwera South) wishes the Little Folk to know that if any of them want to correspond with her, they must- write direct, as she does not sse a Witness now. Copper Nob (E. L. Arnatt, Seaward Downs, Southland) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 18 to 20 years of age, willing. Wireless (Doreen Eing, lona street, Lawrence) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk girls willing from 12 to 13 years old. Will please write first? Queen Mab’s Maid (Mabel M'Cully, Seadown, Temuka) wishes to correspond with Smiling and A Lass from the Land of Logs. Maid Margaret (Margaret Copland, Otaraia, via Pukerau, Southland) wishes to correspond with Coreopsis, Missing—Girl, Scotch Girl, Taieri'Lass. and Queen Mab’s Maid. She wishes them to write soon. Queen of Hearts (Miss N. Livingston, Titiroa, Southland), wishes all her correspondents to write again, and soon. Lonesome Lass (Doris Wilson, '371 George street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Yorkshire Lass and King’s Jester. Will they please -write soon? Grandma’s Girlie (Mavis Hall, “Hillside Farm, Otaio) wishes to correspond with Mother’s Brown Eyes and Roly Poly. Will they please write first and soon? Lady Clarice (Mary Craw, Chatto Creek, Central Otago) wishes to correspond with Lonesome Lass’s Pal and Midge and Patches Mate. Will they please write first and soon, if possible? - _- Sweet Lilac (Susie Ogilvie, Mabel Bush) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk 15 to 17 willing. Will they please write first? Molly o’ Bawn (E. Carnegie, P. 0., Milton) would like to correspond with South African. Will she please write first?