THE PETS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3806, 22 February 1927, Page 79

THE PETS.

By Ruth Hehtsi.et. (Illustrated by Durable.) (Copyright. —Fob the Witness.) Old Bob came slowly home on his old white horse, and behind him came his dog. Across his back, by means of a double piece of binder-twine, was slung a knapsack made from a sugar bag. And out of the bag popped two small heads. For it was lambing, season, and for nearly a week the rain had fallen steadily. It was hard on the sheep and young lambs, and old Bob, the shepherd, was out amongst them all day doing everything in his power to help them. This day one of the valuable merino ewes had died from the cold and wet, and had left her twin lambs motherless. Gently, old Bob had packed them in his bag, and taken them back to the homestead.

Job and Bean, as the children were nicknamed, saw him coming. “More pets to-day, Bean,” said Job. ‘‘How many have you, Bob?” “Twins,” said Bob, “the puir wee niitherless bairns.” “We’ll soon mother them,” said Bean, and went for some warm milk. Under the children’s care the lambs began to grow strong, and were soon great, pets. “What’ll we call them. Job?" asked Bean. “We’ll call the wee joker Nippy. She’s so nippy on her pins. Looks as though she were jazzing half the time.” “And we'll cal] the big chap Bustle. He’s always in such a bustle at mealtime,” Bean said. So Nippy and Bustle the lambs were called, and soon it was nothing but Nip and Bus. Nip and Bus were very happy at the homestead, and followed the children everywhere. Bus got into disgrace one day. He followed Bean into the kitchen, and, when no ope was looking, quietly scoffed the eggs, which cook had beaten to make a marmalade pudding.

“Drat that lamb,” said cook, and Bus bustled off. He found Nip, and off they strayed into the garden. It was a hot day, and the rhubarb leaves were cool and shady, so they lay down to rest. Soon Nip spied some tender shoots. A line of roses had been heeled in the ground, ready for transplanting. The shoots were soft and juicy, and the greedy lambs were enjoying themselves when Job saw them. “My word!” Dad will be cross! Here Fly ! Put them out.” At Fly’s -bark the

naughty pair fled into the grass paddock. Now, Novelty, the old Shetland pony, lived in the grass paddock, and Novelty was a jealous animal. He’d soon shift those lambs from his paddock! What business had they there, anyhow! He’d shifted lambs before, and up he trotted. He stamped his foot, but Nip and Bus never moved. He neighed angrily, and still the lambs went on eating. Then he made a vicious dart, and gave Nip a shart bite. With a started cry the lamb took to her heels, and never had she been so nippy on her pins. Novelty chased her, and it was only by clever dodging that she escaped his cruel mouth. Bus ran alongside, and tried to draw the pony’s attention from his small sister, but Novelty was intent on Nip. At last the poor lamb gave a despairing leap and landed in the big dam which supplied the stock with water. Novelty turned and galloped down the paddock. Poor Nip! Her wool was wet and heavy, and she could not swim far. “Get your legs over that big log, ’ called Bus.“ It will keep you from sinking while I get Job. With a desperate effort, Nip got her forelegs over the log. “Hurry up, Bus,” she called, “it’s dreadfully cold.” Bus was off like the wind, and soon found Job. “Why, where’s Nip?” said Job in surprise. Bus gave a piteous “Baa-Baa,” and tugged at Job’s leg. The boy looked surprised. He had never seen Bus behave like that before. “Something's wrong,” said he, and started to follow the lamb. Bus led him quickly to the dam, and before long Job had rescued Nip and carried her home

It is two years now since Bob brought Nip and Bus to the homestead. Nip has grown into a small but pretty merino sheep, with curly horns. Bus is so big and beautiful, that Dad takes him to the shows, and Nip is just as proud as Bean and Job when he comes home with a blue champion ribbon round his neck.

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK. Uottc.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —The cows arc giving a great quantity of milk, although the grass is very dry and dusty. Mother and my sister milk 14 cows night and morning, and it is not very nice jumping up at about 5 or a little after in the moring and running round the paddock yarding them up. My sister, Gowan Princess, is being married soon, so the happy family is becoming smaller. My mother’s pet goose died last night, and mother is taking it greatly to heart. When he was a little younger he would drink milk as it was flowing from the cow. Whenever mother was leaving for town or going away anywhere he would run after her crying out, but the poor pet can’t do that now. Christmas is over again for another year, and I received a mandoline and 10s, so I did well. For New Year I received a purse, and I was given a lucky shilling to put inside it. For my birthday I received a fuji silk dress, a watch, a brown coat with fur collar, a hat to match, a pair of stockings, and two pairs of fancy garters, so I think I was a very lucky girl. I went for a holiday to Sawyers Bay to my married sister’s, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, as it was the first time I had ever been away for a holiday, so it was quite a novelty. I also went to the Timaru Trades’ picnic, and enjoyed myself. Our garden is looking lovely, and the sweet peas are looking pretty, too. My sister, brother, and I went to Oamaru beach—Friendly Bay it is called—and we saw a big boat which was at the wharf, and the name of it was “Karetu.” School is open again for another year, and Bertie does not mind in the least, as he likes school. Love to all and your own

dear self. —Yours truly, DOLLY DIMPLE (Ardgowan). [I am sorry the goose died, Dolly Dimple, I am sure he was a pet. You received a nice number of presents.—DOT.)

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote Princess Natalie and I have been away _for a short holiday. We epient Christmas and New Year at home, and started on January 4 for our train journey to your city of Dunedin. As we wanted to put all we could into as little time as possible, we stayed only one night there. We caught the. express for Christchurch, where we arrived very weary from the long journey. Being a little tired for the first two or three davs we could not find anything to suit us, wilh the consequence we did not think much of Christchurch. The more we saw of the suburbs the more wo seemed to like the town. One day we set off and walked up Cashmere Hills’, and really I we must have choosen the warmest day of our holiday, as we were nearly melted when we arrived at the top. Sumner and New Brighton we visited two or three times, but my pick of the many little seaside resorts is Corsair Bay, os one has such nice grass nearly down to the sands. In this way wc snent our holiday and the last week simply flew. You have no idea how hard it was to have to be content with country life although we were only away a month. Tire ground is so dry now that the farmers yvill

gladly welcome rain, even if it came only in small quantities. Nearly all the stone fruit is ripe, and the fyuit growers are having rather a busy time, as the warm days are ripening it a little too quickly. We have the electric light on now, and we find it an improvement, as one does not have to run round at night looking for candles. We also have an electric iron, and we are all highly pleased with it. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S DARLING (Otago Central) [I am sure you enjoyed your holiday, Mother’s Darling. Christchurch is a lovely city I have heard. I have not visited it — DOT.) Dear Dot, —We are back to school once again. I am in Standard V now. We are kqpt busy at nights with dur lessons. My brother is in Standard 111, and my sister is in Standard I. We are harvesting here this week. There were five men working, so there was a crowd for dinner when we were all there. The stocking is all done ready to be stacked. There is only one crop not cut, and it is not ready. 1 am saving up cigarette cards, and have 40. The sweet peas 'and roses are out, and look nice. ' The plums are nearly all done, but there are a few left. I am going to gather some to-night. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, QUEEN MAB’S MAID (Temuka). [Did you have to cook for the harvesters, Queen Mab’s Maid? Have you made plum .'jam?—DOT.) Dear Dot,—l have four correspondents. There are only 10 pupils going, to our school. We have a big crop of strawberries, and have been eating them for a long time. I am going to learn to play the piano, and so is my sister. I am reading “Anne of Green Gables.’’ I am 'in Standard IV now, and my sister is in Standard I. I have 149 cigarette cards. —Yours truly, ELM (Gimmerburn).

[You are lucky to have so many straw berries, Elm. They are a luxury to town people. I am sure you will love your music. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—l am just telling you how we spent Christmas. It was raining all the time. We didn’t go anywhere for Christmas, but my married sister came un for a week. We are busy hay-making. The. crops are becoming yellow for cutting. Our school went to the Oamaru gardens for their ffchic. The roses wcra lovely, and so were the pansies. I won two prizes last year, one for school and one for Sunday school. We are milking 31 cows, and I milk five of them. Do you like milking ? I have left school. I received a few Christmas presents. I like reading the “Chums’ Summer Sports.” I think they are interesting. We have a pup, and it’s name is Chum. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters. I liked Black Watch's the best. We have three little kittens. —Yours trulv. HOOK-ITE (Makikihi). [Remember your spelling now you have left school, Ilook-ite. T cannot milk.—DOT.]

De.nr Dot, —I have been in for a number of swims this summer, and I have enjoyed them all. School started on January 31, so we cannot go in for many swims now. We have not finished our harvesting yet, but. we will be glad when it is finished. Measles are going around up here just now, and I hope we don’t get them. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv, PARADISE BIRD (Lake Wakatipu). [You will be very glad when the busy harvesting season is over, Paradise Bird. Have rou swimming baths at ycur school? —DOT.]

, Dear Dot. —I received a pair of champagne shoes, a pair of stockings to match, and a number of other things for Christmas It was my birthday on Christmas Day, and I bad given to me a box of half a dozen hand kerchiefs, a manicure set. another box of handkerchiefs with three in it. a string of ivory beads, and an ornament for the duchess. I am just home from Christchurch, where I spent a very nice holiday. I was in Geraldine and I had a rood time there for a few days. I went to Dunedin from Geraldine. The nisrht I arrived we all went to the vaudeville, where there was a very nice programme. One night we went to the Savoy, and another night, we went to the Ritz. I enjoyed myself all the time. I was away, but I was glad to be home. Mother and father did the Milford Track, and mother said the scenery was beautiful.. Thev were up to their waists in water going through the rivers.—Yours trulv. NEARLY SEVENTEEN (Invercargill)

[You were luckv to receive such nice presents. Nearly Seventeen. Have you a dress to match the shoes- and stockings? DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have been having an enjoyable time lately, going down the bay in a motor launch about three times a week. I was down to hear the band at the gardens the other night, and it was verv good. Ouite a large number of people were there. Best wishes to all and yourself.—Yours trulv, THE STARLIGHT RANGER (Dunedin). [A motor launch is a handv thing to own, Starlight Ranger Can vou play any instrument?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This is mv first letter to your nage. Mummv is helning me to write, as I am only a little girl yet. I am past five years old, but have not. started school yet, ns we live a long way from the school. My brother goes to school. He is seven years old. He writes to you and call himself Billy Buttons. I am the only girl in our family. There are three boys. Our babv is a dear wee fellow, and is eight months old. I would dearly love a wee sister. Billy Buttons is sick, and he is awav to bed. I am-supposed to be in bed, but daddy is away, and I am writing this letter as a sin-prise for daddy ♦o sec when he comes home. We have a wireless set. but I don’t hear it much, as I am in bed when daddy sets it going. Billv Buttons and I have a wee garden beside mummy’s, and we have many seeds in. I planted peas, and the birds nicked them all out. are emiim to nut in some cabbage

plants when Billy Buttons is better We like helping mummv. I set the tea table nearly all mvself to-night, and made th<f toast by rnvself, and mv little brother who is nearly three years old ran off with a. big slice of toast covered with butt'r. He i= very funny. Best wishes to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, BETTY BUTTONS (Morrisons). [Welcome. Betty Buttons. I am sorry Bilv is sick. I am sure daddy thought you wrote a nice letter. —DOT.) Dear Dot, —I have been back at school again for a few days, but was not at school to-day. as I have been sick. I have over five miles to go. but my daddy takes me half way, as I have no mates to go with. My'wee sister wrote to sou last nisht, and she is quite proud of lierself. Of course mummy had to help her. We have a nupny, and we call it Star. My brother Bobby has great fun with it. He carries it about all day lone-, and puts it to bed in a box to sleep. He likes animals. I didn’t go anywhere for my Christmas holidays-.this year. Santa Claus came to our house and brought us many nice things. He brought me a. nice tricycle, and T like to ride it when T am home from school. We often see Keap

Smiling. She lives just a mile away, also A Lonely Country Lass, who lives just down the road. We had 14 cows milking, but daddy took eight away to-day. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self.—Yours truly, BILLY BUTTONS (Morrisons). [lt is kind of dad to take you half way to school, Billy Buttons. Bobby must be a dear little boy. I am sure Star likes him.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years of age, and have left school two years. I know three Little Folk around here. Momica’s Mate is one of them, and it was she who persuaded me to write. I suppose you have plenty of letters to fill your page now that most people are back from their holidays. I spent my holidays in Waikouaiti with the rest of our family. We went down in our lorry and camped out for a week. . My mother left for Australia last week, so I am keeping house until she comes back. Monica’s Mate and I go down to the river after school hours with some of the school children, and some days there are about 15 of us. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, A MAID OF MINERVA (Waipiata). [Welcoms, Maid of Minerva. I have plenty of letters to answer. How long is mother to be away?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I received some lovely presents for Christmas. We ate breaking up tomorrow for our school holidays, and I am very sorry.- I 'did not feel very well to-day, and I could not eat my lunch. We have three trees of ripe cherry plums. Mum and dad are going for a trip to the North Island this Easter, so 1 think we will be very lonely. The electric light men are working along our road now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, GREENPURSE (Morven). [Which were your presents. Greenpurse? Do you eat the cherry plums?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have just caught another cold, and I have a sore throat with it. Do you ever have a sore throat? We have just finished picking our peas, and I am glad. The harvest is rushing in. My father is out at a neighbour's place. I did not go away for my Christmas holidays this time. We have a number of cherry plums, and they are dropping down off the trees. We received four calendars, and they are very pretty. Our two pet lambs are big, and father says he is going to kill them, but I won't allow hinr. Mother and father and I were at Waimate yesterday, and they bought

me a new coat and hat. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, A LITTLE JAPANESE' (Morven). [I have not had a sore throat. Little Japanese. Was it a pretty coat? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you 1 have left school. I passed my proficiency and won second prize. The name of my prize was ‘*rhe Wonder Book of Empire.” There was a dance here last night. It was held in honour of a young couple who were married that day. To-morrow dad will be leading in grass, and we will have a busy time cooking for the harvesters. The Limehills school won the sports shield again this year, I often go for a bathe in the river that runs through our place. We have a horse here, and I always ride him for the cows. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly NOBODY’S PET (Southland).

[Was your prize nice, Nobody's Pet? Where do yon swim in the river? Is there a hole?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I suppose most of the people who have been holidaying have returned home and have settled down to their daily work. Time does fly. Fancy this being 1927 It seems only a week ago since 1926. Arc you going to see the Duke and Duchess of York when they come to town. Won’t it be an exciting time for some of the Little Folk? Your paper will be full of news about them from different people. I have not seen Charming Irene’s letter in the Witness for a long time. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MY PAL (Gimmerburn). [Holidays are over now, My Pal. I suppose I shall see the Duke and Duchess.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I don't think 1 told you in my last letters that I have been working in a draper’s shop here for nearly three months, and I like it very much. At first I thought it dreadful after being in the country 1 don’t know if I will be able to stay very long as mother says they need me at home, but I won’t mind if I have to go, as I like the country best. I have beeu having quite a holiday. 1 don't think one gets half as tired in the town, even though the life is so gay. I was at Queenstown for my first visit. I think it is a glorious place. I fell in love with it at first sight. I enjoyed the trip over in the boat very much, though it didn't seem long enough. What lovely walks there are, and heaps of place to go for motor trips. I have been to one or two picnics held in districts around here, and also to the dances. I have also been to a few private picnics up to the bush, about six miles from here. It is lovzly there, and it is such a glorious walk through the bush. The falls are so cool and shady, and is quite a rest after the hot toil one has to get to them. I was also at a moonlight picnic. It was .great fun. I was home for the week end. We had nearly 18 visitors, so you can «raess we were busy. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly, YOU KNOW (Mataura).

[I am glad you don’t mind working in town, You” Know. You must have enojyed your holiday at Queenstown. —DOT.] Dear Dot,—We have started our harvesting now, and I have to help cook. My ' father took A Sweet Kid’s Mate and her brother and my two brothers and myself up the mountain. We rode part of the way, and after fastening our horses to some snow bush we started off with the help of our sticks. We saw many uncommon plants, such as eidleweiss, voronica, vegetable sheep, snow grass, snow berries, and kea berries. The eidleweiss is an everlasting flower, and is •only found in Switzerland and New Zealand, and only grows a certain height above sea level. The vegetable sheep looks like a sheep from a distance, and is very hard. There are two berries we could eat. The snow berries are verv sweet and white. The queen berries arc yellow, but they grow on low lands. The kea berries are small and red, but we did not cat auy. It was harder work than we thought, but we got to the top. We saw the Waitaki joining the sea, and also part of Oamaru. As there was ro water to drink, we had to melt snow. We all put our names up on top with some others who had also been up. Love to all. —Yours truly, I. M. R. (South Canterbuy). [What an interesting journey you must have had up the mountain, I. M. R. You seem interested in Botany.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my first letter in the Witness. I am in Standard VI this year. We had a Sunday school picnic here yesterday, and we bad a lovely time. I won two race, and received 4s. There was a merry-go-round and a swing. It was a nice day for a picnic, and there was a good crowd there. There is great excitement about the royal visit, isn’t there? The book I am reading is the “Seven Little Australians,” and is a very good book. Have

/ou read it? Love to all the Little Folk and Jourself. —Yours truly, THE DEWY ROSEBUD (Southland). [I have read “Seven Little Australians.’’ It is- very interesting. What races did you *vin. Dewy Rosebud ?—DOT.) Dear Dot, —I will try and tell you about Fine or two exciting incidents which, occurred ately. Last Monday wo were driving along ft quiet country road when we met a mob of shorn sheep. Behind the sheep were a man, a dog, and a horse. It was the dog that made us laugh. The man was very fieaf, and of course he could not hear if the dog barked at the sheep, no* he tied a kerosene tin to the dog. Every, time the dog ran at the sheep the poor things fled for their lives. When we saw the dog we just Eat and laughed. 'I know it was very rude to laugh at the poor fellow, but really, Dot, one could not help laughing, for the dog looked so comical*. We have the funniest turkey gobbler. In the first place we had two gobblers, but they were always fighting to see who was king of the yard. Peter always came off best, so for a long time peace reigned in the fowl yard. At last Jock got tired of peace, so he thought he would start another war, and one day they 'had a real fight,- %nd it ended in Peter getting the worst of it. Poor Peter, I felt very sorry for, him, for he was ill for days. We always fed him and gave him water, but at last he died. Jock was pleased with himself for he had no one to boss him. One day we sat a turkey hen on some eggs, and ■when Jock discovered this he broke Jhe eggs and killed the hen. Then another turkey Bat, and when Jock discovered where she ■was, he chased her off and sat on the eggs himself. We locked him up for a while, but the other day he got out, and straight away he went to where the hen was sitting. He found some straw and feathers that once belonged to a sparrow, and made a nest for himself. One other day he chased a hen off the nest and sat on her eggs. He was not only destroying turkey eggs but the hen’s as well. One day the people here were cutting hay, so I. went down and drove the mower The man’ put some oil in the box part, of the mower, and when I looked down at my white stockings I discovered that they ■were all spluttered with oil. I live in the •water these days. The other day I was in a deep hole with water up to my neck, when I happened to look down, and I saw a great big eel. That ended my swim. I haven’t been in since. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, EMPIRE (Otago).

[What an interesting bird Jock is, Empire. I think the dog must have hated to have the tin tied to him.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —It won't be long before we go back to flannels and jerseys once the frosts come again. Our summers are very short. On Saturdaj’ I went out stooking, and I quite enjoyed the change until I had a straw poked in my eye. I had to sit down under the hawthorns and nurse it. It was sore, and the sun didn't improve it. After a bit I went back, and I- worked all the better after the spell. My lamb must have thought I -too high in the world the other morning, for when I was heading in a calf she came after me and tripped me up. I fell on her back, and then the hard metal grazed my ■arm and hit my head. didn’t think it was a joke for a bit, but I ■laughed after. The Clinton school had thenpicnic in our bush last Wednesday, and it ■was very wet all day. Most of the children ■were with barefeet, but a few had shoes on. Very few of the parents and not all the children came. They ran races and played games, but they couldn’t go through the bush. The Sunday school picnic is next Saturday, so I hope that they have a good day. The bush looks pretty with the ribbonwood trees in bloom. The touches of white among the green seems to brighten it up. I love the bush and the sea. I think with the two combined one could go camping and spend an ideal holiday. They are having more bush fires in Victoria again. I pity the homeless ones. Love to all and yourself. —Yours truly, BETTY JO (Otago). [I am thankful the Australian bush fires cannot visit New Zealand, Betty Jo. Your eye must have been sore. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was at Queenstown the other day with the and had a lovely time. I went to the Waikaka excursion last Friday. We are having lovely weather here lately. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, RED ROSE LEAFLET (Gore). [Tell us of the oxaursion, Red Rose Leaflet. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have toothache very badly, and I can hardly write for it. We were at the beach one Sunday night, and dad picked up a young shark. It was alive, and there ■was another big one jumping about just out from the shore. We have visitors here to-night, and they want us to go to the beach to-morrow night and take tea for a picnic. A Wee Fairy is back at school again—now, and she is doing alright. Love to all and your own dear self.— Yours truly, SOME LASS (Mokoia). [The shark was ugly, was it not. Some Lass? Are you going for the picnic?— DOT.] Dear Dot, —I went to the pictures last night, and 1 enjoyed myself very much. The picture was a very interesting one, showing the old settlers looking for gold-mining claims. Next week I am going to see the “Phantom of the Opera.” Different ones have said that it is a thrilling picture too. A few days ago we had an illuminated swimming carnival, and the champion swimmer of New Zealand and his sister gave an exhibition of swimming. Since last writing to the page I have a new correspondent. Her nom de plume is The Pink Lady. I have been in swimming this afternoon, and I felt much cooler in the water

than I do now. My brothers have Just been away gathering wild honey, and if is much nicer than the honey that we have from our own beehives. I have just finished reading the Witness, and there are some very good letters in it. The firemen ars busy training for the demonstration which is to be held at Gore next month. My sister is going to Queenstown for a holiday, and she hopes to have a good time. We have some beautiful flowers out in our garden, especially in red hot pokers. There is very little fruit being sent away this*year. My little niecs is quite a character now. She is not two years old, but no matter which word we say to her she will always repeat it. Love to all and vourself.—Yours truly TWO LITTLE LOVE BIRDS (Alexandra). [The little girl must be a dear. Two Little Love Birds. I have not tasted wild honev.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —Most of the. flowers in our garden are past. Have you ever seen a daffodil-yellow’ sweet pea? My mother planted some seeds of one in the spring, and we were very eager. to see the first flower. Think of our disappointment when it turned out to be just a plain creamy colour. Still it is a lovely big bloom, so that is something to be thankful for. Have you read “Pollyanna” or “Pollya-.v- Grows Up?” I think they are lovely. We have 19 little pigs, and St is lovely to see them all lying together, v* r on their bodies is as fine as silk, they are clean. Of course they will not

stay like that long. We have two little grey and I call one of them The Prince of M ales and the other The Duke of York. Best love to all and vourself.—Yours truly, MOLLY-O-BAWN" (Milton). (In answer to your question, Molly Bawn is a Little Folk who writes still. I have read the books.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Many people are taking the opportunity to bathe, as it will not be long before’ it will be too cold for swimming. The Bluff watersiders held their picnic at Waimahaka this year, and everybody seemed to be enjoying himself. We went down to it, and although the day was scorching we' had a most enjoyable time. The school cliildrsn here go to town 0r.4 a week to the manual training school for woodwork and drawing. The girls, of course, take cooking. Thsy all seem verj’ keen on it, but I suppose it will soon wear off like other things. It will not be very long until the farmers are busy harvesting again. We have only three acres of oats in, so ours will not be a big task this year. I did not go for a holiday this Christmas, as my brother was away, but I may go for a week later on. My cousin was staying with, us for a while in the holidays, and we had some rare times. We went out every afternoon that was fine. The Sedward Downs tennis players came and played us on Thursday last, and we won, the scores being 10 to six. We are going there in about a week’s time.—Yours truly, CLEVER MARY (Southland).

[Picnics are jolly things, Qlever Mary. I suppose your oats will soon be cut.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have lvi*n watching the bush fires. Thev are all around. It is nearly dark now, so they are at their best. One of our neighbours has just been in to see us. She said she thought we might have been melted to-day. We have had to carry water lately. We have not all the conveniences you town peopls have, but I wish we did. ’ I have started at a new place now, and like it very well. It was not very pleasant trying to work this morning, for it was so hot. Last Sunday my friend and I cycled to Jack’s Beach, or, to be exact,, we cycled where ths sand ■ would allow us. When we came to a deep patch of loose sand we would go all over the road, and then have to jump off. We had a good time, but wers ’verytired, for we walked to the blow hole, which is a good distance through the bush. Have you ever been to a>ny of the places about here? I wish you could see the fires tonight. Have you ever seen the bush fires? Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, WHISPERING FAIRY’S MATE (Owaka). [I have not seen bush fires, Whispering F dry’s Mate. They are bad in Australia. I h<>ve not been to the places you mention.— DOT.] Dear Dot, —'Six of my brothers and sisters have been in bad with the .measles, and there are only two of us now who haven’t had them yet, but I suppose we shall have them later on. I am thankful to say the

others are better. I have never been in for a swim, and if I don’t hurry up it will be too late for swimming. We are milking two cows, and they are both easy cows to milk. One of the cows we never put in the bale. She is very quiet. We can milk her any'where. One of my brothers went away to work on the mill yesterday, so I suppose it will be some time before he comes home again. Best love to all and your own dearself. —Yours truly, SOMEBODY’S 'SWEETHEART (Otiake). [Measles are very unpleasant things, Somebody’s Sweetheart. She must be a quiet cow. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —My sister, Copper Nob, and 1 have just come inside from trying to chip the grass off our tennis court. We have some very enjoyable games these fine nights. Mv little sister has been away for a long holiday at the seaside, and she had great fun paddling in the water. Last Wednesday this district had its annual school excursion at Riverton. We were about two hours in the train, but when we arrived we had a lovely time round on the beach, and as it was not very hot we did not become very sunburnt. The little boats were going out all the time, so we went out on one for a trip, and we did enjoy it. It was 7.45 p.m. when we arrived back at Edendale, so we were tired after our long day’s outing. 1 was at the pictures one night not long ago, and it was called “Her Big Night.” It was very funny, and we had a good laugh. The comedy was also very funny. There is another one showing here first Tuesday, and it is called “Rolling Home.” As it is a special one we are hoping to get to it. We have some lovely roses out, and quite a number of the other flowers are out too. I had my mate up staying with me for a few davs before she started going to the technical college in Invercargill. I have left my work now, and I am at home. I was at a dance last night, and I had a good time. The bovs of this district fixed it up, and we were pleased to see them draw a crowd.— Yours truly, AGNES’S COMRADE (Seaward Downs). [ls your little sister brown, Agnes’s' Comrade? Do you often go to pictures.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Sweet Peony Rose and TommySparrow are my cousins, and I also know A Maiden of .the Deep Blue Lake and Lady Rowena. I have almost GOO cigarette cards, and over £5 in old stamps. I am looking after a puppy for a friend of my father’s. Would you please give me a name for it? I am reading a book called “The Luck of Ledge Point,” by Dorothea Moore. Have you read it? Some of the children write interesting letters. Best love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THRALDOM (Hawea Flat). [I have not read the book, Thraldom Call your puppy Roman.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am back to school again. We had six weeks’ holidays. I am in Standard 11. One of my brothers started school last year. In the holidays he had to be operated on for appendicitus. We have a puppy.

Please could you give me a name for it? My father is busy harvesting. All the wheat is cut. Love to all.—Yours truly, 808 .(.St. Andrews). [Call your puppy Caspar. Did you help father with the harvesting?—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l went to Queenstown during the Christmas holiday’s, and had a glorious time. I stopped at a little boarding house. I was very sorry when it was time to come away. The farmers are busy harvesting, cutting fescue and grass. It is lovely to see the golden corn in the meadows. It seems a pity to cut it, as it seems to make the farms look so pretty. I went to the Lumsden sports last Saturday, but it rained nearly all the time, so I didn’t enjoy myself vgry much. I was at the dance at night, and had a good time. I missed only one dance. There were over 400 teritorials camped at Castle Rock, and about 30 of them came to the dance. It was great fun to see a pair of “terries” doing the Charleston up and down. I had a lovely swim in the river yesterday. Do you like swimming? I always enjoy myself when I go for a swim in the lovely fresh water. I’ve swam in the tepid baths in Dunedin, but I like-the cold water better. There is to be a swimming carnival in Lumsden next Saturday, but I don’t think I’ll enter for any races, as there are too many good swimmers there for me. I went for a lids’ on the back of a motor bike on Sunday, and we went over such a rough track that,, I thought there would be very little of me left when I arrived home. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FATTY (Caroline). [I like swimming, Fatty. It is a good sport. You must have enjoved the dance — DOT.] Dear Dot,—Most of the farmers are cutting crops. I went on -an excursion train to Queenstown this Christmas, and I had a lovely time. The gardens were looking very nj.ee. I went to the Lumsden sports last Saturday, and had a good time, although it was raining. I stayed for the dance that night, and had a good time. I came home on Monday. There were some territorials there from Castle Rock camp and they were making a great noise. All the rain that came down during the week end put the New River up. Some of the people had to rescue their sheep out of the water. Not far from our homestead there is a lovely swimming pool, and many a time we go in for a dip. 1 have often gone in swimming in the ’’Devil’s Pool” in Invercargill, but I do not like it very much. A crowd of us went for a joy ride in the car the other night, and on our way home we had a puncture. Therefore we had to sit on the side of the road until the car was ready. Kindest regards to all. —Yours trulv, MY DARLING (Southland).

[Crop cutting is a busy time. My Darling. The “Devil’s Pool” suits its name. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —My sister, Joyous Rider 11, has been in the Southland Hospital. She has been home a week, but to-day she is back in bed. There were a number of picnics at Colac Bay this season. The farmers are busy cutting their hay and oats. I have sold my pet lamb. She was nice and fat. One doesn’t like parting with one’s pet, but she was such a nuisance. She used to come into the garden. I had a letter from Betty Jo, and she writes a'-nice letter. Joyous Rider II and myself have been in for a big picture puzzle. I don’t know what we shall win. There were two car here camping, and the people caught five and a-half dozen flounders and 10 blue cod. They had their tents made over their cars. They were very, keen on fishing. They had a lucky catch of fish. They did enjoy themselves. Fondest love to all the Little your dearself —Yours truly, RIPTARE (Slope Point). [Thank you for the photograph, Riptare. Most fishermen are keen. -Tell Joyous Rider II to write out an auto.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I’m still tired after a 21st birthday party. Some, of the presents were beautiful. You don’t know what fun we had. Mum told my girl friend and I to be home before 1 a.m. You see I said, “Oh! We’ll see you sometime to-morrow.” Mum said in reply, “You be home before 1 a.m.” The party was only half way down our street. I knew nearly all the lioys and girls, as we used to go to surprise parties all last winter. I am going to see if I can have a party this year. In last week’s Witness I saw where my great-aunt Alice had died. Last October my uncle Jack died in Florida out at his ranch. My girl friend and I are watching a serial called “Fighting with Buffalo Bill.” Have you ever been to Christchurch? Every week-end we have friends of mine staying with us. Tomboy Mollie must have enjoyed -herself on the moonlight harbour trip. It is such a long way to go to Lyttelton for just a trip like that, but’boating on the river is fun. I’ve never been on, but I’ve had some snaps of friends. During the dinner hour I took some snaps of my work mates, as one of them is leaving to be married, and we have all been friendly. We have some fun. We take it in turns of buying a 3d loaf and some jam, and we cut it up between six of us for afternoon tea. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, VALENCIA RAISIN (Christchurch) [ln answer to your question—There are some Little Folk who will answer if you put an auto in, Valencia Raisin. I have not been to Christchurch.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We had our combined school picnic on Friday. We had it down at Colac Bay. We had a lovely day. We left here at five minutes past nine, and left Colac Bay at half past four, and arrived home about half past five. I was away from home on Saturday and Sunday. I was staying with a woman. Her husband went to Gore on Sunday, so I went to keep her company, and we went to bed about 11 but the two men did not go to bed at all, and about 4 o’clock I woke up. I could hear something. It was a gramophone playing, and it was lovely. -I listened to it for two hours, and then they went away as they wanted to leave the town by six. Did Santa Claus leave you anything? He left me a box of handkerchiefs, a pinafore, a comb, a toothbrush. and a cup, saucer, and plate. We have been having some great fires around here, and some of the mills were close to the fire. I hope you and all your Little Folk are in the best of health.—Yours truly BUTTER AND CREAM (Tuatapcre). [Santa left me some nice presents, Butter and Cream. You received some useful gifts, did you not?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The holidays are over, and school is open again, but it does not trouble me now, as I left at the end of the year. My sister, a friend, and I rode to Tautuku Beach one day, and had a lovely time. As we live near the river, ..on hot days we take a basket and spend the day there. ' The other day we caught a cunnie-cunnie. It is a strange-looking fish. It is good fun trying to catch eels off the . rocks. They will follow the bait round, and one can see” them so plainly in the day time. My brother has a little _ black pup, and would like if you could give him a name for him. I saw a letter from Monkey Eyes in last week’s Witness. I was talking to her the other day aild she was showing me some snaps she

had taken, and they were very nice. My sister was home at New Year, and a party of us climbed to 'the top of one of the big hills here. If was lovely, climbing through the bush, and looking at all the beautiful ferns and all the different trees. We were very hot when we reached the top but we enjoyed ourselves very much. Do you like mountain climbing? I do. Love to vourself and all the Little Folk—Yours truly RIBBONWOOD (Tahakopa). [Yes, I en J°y mountain climbing, Ribbonwood. One is always hot after a big climb. Call the puppy Scout.—DOT.] Dear Dot, It is such a long time since I -.ast sent in a letter to the page, over six months ago, and I have only one and a-half years more to write. I must be more regular F? w - A llad been very ill at Christmas’ and Ney Year, so was away to Timaru for two weeks, and I enjoyed it very much. Everyone is very busy here bringing the harvest in, and the weather is very good for it. We shall be glad when it is done, as -it means extra work. Mj- mate and I are going to a dance to-morrow night, and hope to enjoy ourselves. It is eight months ago since I was last at one, so I think we’ll have a good time. Best wishes to yourself and all. —Yours truly, POST MISTRESS '(Dunedin). [I am_ sorry you have been ill, Post Mistress. You are luckv with good harvest weather.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We are well into the school swing, and I am not sorry. I am in the high school, and the lessons are rather interesting. I have about five correspondents. I am waiting for letters from overseas Little Folk. The page seems to be more and more popular, and Little Folk increasing every week, with very few retiring. I have been trying for a long time to persuade my chum to join, but she is very obstinate, savin" she doesn’t like writing letters. Perhaps I shall, through patience and perseverance, persuade her some day. I am lookfng forward to a trip to see the Duke and Duchess on March 17, so if you are there you will know our school by our brown and yellow colours. I saw a photo of the Duke and Duchess with their baby. It looked a lovely wee thing. I thought the Duke resembled the Prince, and the Duchess was verv pretty. Kindest regards to all other Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A BUTTERCUP LASS (Lawrence). JY’c arc all anxious to see the Duke and_ his dear little Duchess. Tell me about your high school work, Buttercup Lass.—DOT.]

NOTES. Ritornella.—Thank you for sending Katliie’s address. —DOT. Empire.—l understand, dear.—DOT. I. M. R.—Thank you very much for the specimens, dear. Thev were so nicebpackcd.—DOT. Colleen Gillie.—The address vou asked r or is "Whatare,” Balclutha.—DOT. AUTOS. Elm (Mary Helm, Gimmerburn) wishes to correspond with Fairy Dell, Jillies, and Puss in Boots. Will they please write first and soon? ~ The Starlight Ranger (Thomas M. Stewart, 19. Main North road, N.E.V., Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Colleen of Old Ireland, Queen of Hearts, Lonesome Lass Tomboy Molly, Fair Rosy, and Rose The Red. Will they please write first? Nearly Seventeen (Margaret Denton. 215 Gala street, Invercargill) wishes A Scotch Girl to write again. Will any Little Folk willing, between the ages 17 and 19, writs? My Pal (Alecia Dow, c/o Mrs Scott, Gimmerburn) \vishes to correspond with anv oversea Little Folk between the ages of 16 and 20. Will they please write first and soon ? Thralddm (Winnie Woods, Hawea Flat, Otago, New Zealand) wishes to correspond with Red, White and Bins, Magpie Bird and any other Little Folk from 11 to 15 willing. Will they please write first and soon? Agnes’s Comrade (Alice Arnott, Seaward Downs, Southland) wishes to correspond with Little Folk girls 15 to 16 years of age. Will they please write -first? Betty Jo (M, Irving, Clinton) wishes to correspond with Ranghilda. Will s he please write first and soon? A Little Japanese (Annie Woods, Morven, South Canterbury) wishes to correspond with Sweet Blue Violet. Will she please write first? o® c . e ®.°y (S- Roberts, 6 Cannington road. Maori Hill, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with E. A. T. and Royal Deeside and any other Little Folk from 12 to 14 willing Will they please write first-and soon? ■n>'s? vo -o Little Lov3 Birds (Sibena Carline, I ,O. Box 89, Alexandra) wishes to correspond with Red Ragger, The Lone Star Ranger and any other Little Folk 16 vears or over. She also wishes any Little ’Folk from overseas to write. Nobody’s Pet (Ethel’ Dowler, Hedgehope) wishes to correspond with A Sprig o’ Wild Wealth and Wireless. Will they please write first ? Some Lass (Annie Lee, Mokoia Rural Delivery, Hawea) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 15 and 17. Red Rose Leaflet (M. Henderson, c'o C. N. Cooper. Knapdale road. Gore)’ wish’s Girhe o’ Mine, Lorraine Todd, Tulip, Mary Gold, Queen of Thorns and all her other correspondents to write again, and also any Little Folk between 16 and 18 years of Riptare (Margaret Killand. Slope Point) wishes to correspond with Tomboy Bess and Smiler. Will they please write soon and first, and also Bob’s Sweetheart? Butter and Cream (Freida Simins, Box 68, Tuatapere) would like to correspond with any Little Folk 13 to 15 years of age. Would Gir ] and Little Xurse Girl write to her ?