THE PUNISHMENT OF SLINKER THE STOAT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3823, 21 June 1927, Page 77

THE PUNISHMENT OF SLINKER THE STOAT.

By

Ruth Hertslet.

(Illustrated by Dttmble.)

(Copyright. —For the Witness.) Bun-Tub ran for his life, and after him came Slinker the Stoat. Bun-Tub s ears were laid well hack, and his eyes were wild with fear. Closer and closer drew Slinker, and more and more desperate grew the fear in Bun-Tub’s eyes. His breath came shorter and shorter; he could not last much longer. Soon, he knew, the fear would grip him, and he would sit still and squeal, while slinker circled round and round him, closer and closer, till at last his sharp teeth would sink into the back of Bun-Tub’s neck. Bun-Tub knew that it must be so! Tales he had heard of aunts and uncles, who had sat paralysed with fear, while Slinker circled round them, always nearer and nearer, his wicked eyes gleaming at the thought of the feast he would surely have. Bravely, Bun-Tub kept the fear from him; blindly he ran on, and the Spirit of the Hills looked down and smiled.

“’Tis a plucky little Bun-Tub,” said he, “and I cannot let a plucky little Bun-Tub die.” Then he frowned. “Slinker has disobeyed me! I told him he-must kill only to satisfy his hunger, and to-day already he has killed four rabbits! This must not be.” The Spirit of the Hills was angry. Disobedience he would not have, and, frowning, he watched Bun-Tub running for his life. Hoppity! hoppity! hoppity! Quickly, at his command, came old Mother Wallaby to Bun-Tub’s rescue. “Come, Bun-Tub,” said she, “hop into my pouch.”

No second bidding needed Bun-Tub, and with a' bound he was snugly in the pouch of old Motlrar Wallaby. Hoppity! hoppity! away she went in great leaping bounds, and Bun-Tub crouched closely. He felt a little sea-sick with the movement, but at all eva"*s he was safe, and, snuggling close in ilie warm nest, he fell asleep. Slinker raised his head quickly. Where had Bun-Tub gone? He was tired out; he could not have run far. And yet he was nowhere to be seen! Slinker nosed the ground. No scent could he find of Bun-Tub. If was annoying. One more minute and the juicy young rabbit would

have been his! He must be somewhere near. Vainly he searched around, his sharp eyes missing nothing, his quick ears catching every sound. But no BunTub could he find, for Bun-Tub was “over the hills and far away,” where old Mother Wallaby had carried him in her soft, warm pouch. Crossly Slinker sat down by a clump of snow-grass. “One rabbit a day, and no more,” the Spirit of the Hills had said, .but Slinker had forgotten that. Four rabbits he had killed that day —four nice, juicy rabbits, and he had almost caught the fifth. What matter to him if he killed the hill people! What matter to him if he broke the rules of the Spirit of the Hills! But, for broken rules there is always punishment, as Slinker was soon to find. Jackie was out shooting on- the Kills with his new Winchester rifle. A repeater, it was, too —10 bullets Jackie had slipped down the shining chamber. And Jackie was a crack shot for a small boy. As yet, he had seen no hares or rabbits to shoot. Suddenly he caught sight of Slinker. Had Slinker not been so cross, he would surely have heard Jackie sooner. His sharp ears caught the strange sounds just a moment too late. He moved quickly, but Jackie had fired, and, though Slinker moved in time to save his life, his hind leg was hit. He managed to crawl quickly away and hide in the snow-grass, and Jackie, a little disgusted, went on to try his luck further along the hills. .- Slinker lay there for two days, until his leg was partly healed, then slowly limped away. His leg has healed now, but it is crooked. Never again will he run so fast; never again will he break the rules of the Spirit of the Hills. He is lucky now if he catches one rabbit a day, for Bun-Tub can easily outrun him.

If you are ever walking on the hills and see a small brown animal with a limp in the off hind leg, you will know that it is Slinker the Stoat, who disobeyed the Spirit of the Hills.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —I suppose you read about the train smash at Timaru. A friend of ours, who is a guard here, went up on the relief train that went from Oamaru, and he was saying that there were hundreds round looking at the smash. 1 saw a letter in this week’s Witness from Pixie Bells. I persuaded her to write to the cage, so now she is started it will be all right for her. She was most anxious to become a member of the page, but could not pluck up enough courage .to write till I would help her. Our jubilee celebrations were a grand success. There were a number of photos in the Witness, which were very good. Word arrived from Auckland the other day advising us of the death of a friend. T was very sorry to hear of it, as he was such a nice man. He always took a big interest in all the sports and the school band I have been doing a great deal of reading lately. Last night the lona Girls’ Club had their annaa.l evening. They were practising for a concert, which is going to be held at Victoria Home. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, PRINCESS TOKIO (Oamaru). [I am pleased the jubilee celebrations were a success, Princess Tokio. The smash must have been a bad one. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have a club here, and have great fun. We had a hard-up night a good while ago, and we had a book evening. Last night we were at the club we had a pirate evening. Did you go to “ No, No, Nanette? ’’ I did, and liked it very much. We went to a lantern lecture on Dr Barnardo’s Home, and enjoyed ourselves very much. We make toffee about every day, and sometimes it turns out all ritrht. I have a hedgehog, but it sleeps all the time. Did you go to the Show? Best wishes for vour own dear self and all.—Yours truly, LOVE BIRD (St. Leonards). [I saw “ No, No, Nanette,” Love Bird. 1 did not go to the show. What are you doing next at the club?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have a rooster at home, and I cannot go outside because he flics and pecks ms. We have cooking at school, and I like it very much We have cooked shortbread, scones, steam pudding, Irish stew, and many ether things.- I know many of the Little Folk who write to the page. Thank you for the names You will have to keep a list of names for animals and dolls, because you are asked for so many. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A DANCING DEWDROP (Oamaru).

[You will be a good cook soon, Dancing Dewdrop. I have to keep my imagination ready for all the unnamed dolls and cats. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —"We have a roany calf. We started school on June 6. I had some teeth stopped last .Saturday. I received . a Hoty Bible for my birthday. We had church hero on Sunday, and the minister gave me a New Testament. On Saturday tne train went off the lines. I have my holidays from

music, but will be going back on Wednesday. Love to all.—Yours truly, GOLD TOOTH (Hakataramea).

[I think you received a nice present fqx your birthday, Gold Tooth. It is well no one was hurt when the train went off thd rails.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We started school on June 6, and I do not like it. I have a calf, and I named it Ramo, and it is a roany one. I thought I had filled my pen. and it would not write just now, so I have dipped it in the bottle. I have about 115 cigarette cards, and I am buying an album the next time I am in town. The school teacher gave my brother a Holy Bible for his birthday present. Did you go to the Winter Show in Dunedin? I did not, for it is too far to go. We had the minister here for church, and be gave us a New. Testament. The train coming from Ashburton went off the lines, and our school teacher -was in it. and the train was about an hour late into Waimate. We have not a wireless set in yet. Have you one in? It is an expensive thing. I bought an atlas on Saturday with which to start school. Dad and I are sawing wood into logs for the fire.—Yours truly, RAT CATCHER (Hakataramea)

[Perhaps your pen needs cleaning, Rat Batcher. I have not a wireless set, but I have listened in.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —1 was very pleased to see my first letter in print. Thank you very much for the name for my kitten. I think Podge is a nice name. About a fortnight ago Goose Gander and I went to a neighbour's, and we took Podge with us. When we left to come home we couldn’t find him, but he was brought,here to-night. We have finished our term holidays, and I wish we hadn't, because it is too cold to be out of bed early these mornings. My sister took a photo cf Podge and me the other day. I did iot come out very plainly, but the kitten did I must do some sums now lv>fore T go to bed. Love to all.—Yours truly. INA’S FDAYMATE (Pareora West).

[Do not lose Podge. Ina’s Playmate. I should lire to see a photograph of th-» kitten.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have had a very hard cyclone here. It is very cold these mornings to jump out of bed to go to school. I am glad that to-morrow is Saturday, as I want to take the baby out in the sunshine. I have a cold. I think that colds are going about.'-■■lt is going to be a lovely night tonight, as the stars are shining brightly. I have just had my hair off, and it feels n bit funny around my neck. I have always been used to long hair. I am in Standard V at school, and think it very easy just for history Our head master at echofl is very nice som=times, and when ho takes a fit he gives us the strap. I have not received it vet. Love to all. —Ycnrs trulv QUEEN OF THE MAYPOLE (Otago)

(I hone von find nU 'the subjects as *-asv as von find historv, Qu.ocn of the Mavnole. I am sure yon deserve the strap when the teacher uses it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l saw Brave Joan of Arc's letter in the Inst Witn’ss. My sister and ’wo of my brothers were nt the show. Wo have a little pup, and I would bo vary pleased if you would give mo a name for it. There ore 2G children going to our school. Did you go to the show? I hope to see my letter in print. Love to all and your own d n ar self.—Yours trulv, GLORY (Tda V.dlev'. [Cali your puppy Pilot. I did not go to ! the show. How many children aie in your I class? —DOT.] ' I * * * Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my last • letter in print. The nights ure drawing in quickly now, and they ar-s very liosty. It is good fun sliding down hills on a sledge these frosty mornings. We have three pigs, one big one and two little ones, and one of the little ones tries to bite our legs. There is going to be a send-off for one of our friends soon. Dunedin will be busy at present, and 1 suppose the peop.e are sorry that the Exhibition is closed. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FATIMA (Otago). [See you do not fall out of the sledge, Fatima. Have you had any accidents so far?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Yes, I am helping my mother, but I am still going to school. Our term holidays aie over, and we are back at school again. Holidays soon go past when they are enjoyable. I saw in the page that a Little Folk wanted to correspond with A Sprig o' Wild Wealth, so I think it must have been me, but 1 did not write to her Please tell me if you know if it were Wild Heath, instead of Wild Wealth she meant. It was very disappointing that the Duchess of York did not come to Dunedin when we were all expecting her. We had a good time in the train going to see the Duke, and it was nice being up early in the morning to catch the train. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv, A SPRIG O’ WILD HEATH (Otago).

[lt was Sprig o’ Wild Heath the Litt’s Folk meant, so you may correspond without fear. You write very well.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —There is a play on to-night entitled “ Mariette." It is acted by local psople and in aid of the Ambulance Fund. By all accounts it is very good, so I think 1 will go on Thursday night. I went to the Brighter Grey mouth ball, and it was a huge success. The only trouble was that the hall was overcrowded To-morrow afternoon there is a sevm-a-side hockey tournament on, so, weather permitting, I intend going to see the' games. On the King’s Birthday they held sports in the park, so ths visiting teams had a good day. I went to the football at the Recreation Ground, and it was a good game. What a crowd was there—pl.sntv of country people, too. I suppose they like a change. I went to the danos in aid of the tech, last Wednesday, and it was good. They held a euchre tournament. I am going to one to-morrow night also. A friend and I went, to a good picture the other night, Richard Dix in “ Womanliand'ed Mon.” It was comical. Every now and again I could hear :nv young brother laugh outright. These evenings I like a good book and a bright fire. I’ve just been buying some new gramophone records, and they seem Al. I love listening to “ Rose Marie ” and “ Indian Love Cail ” The Canadian Soccer team will be playing here soon, and we are all eager to see tie game. Every Saturday they, have good crowds at the park to witness the matches. We shop assistants very seldom have a chance to see any games, seeing Saturday is the late night, and we don’t have any half-holiday that day. I've been making myself two warm dresses. I need them this weather, as the wind pierces. Trade was quite brisk on Saturday. - It’s none too cheerful running around dusting all the time. I’d heaps sooner sew. I met an Old Writer the other day, and she was .very nice. I was wearing my badge, and she eaid sLs

used to write years ago. Kind regards to all and yourself.—Yours truly, . SMILER (Greymouth).

[lt is unfoitunato you do not have Saturday half-holiday, Smiler. You are clever to be able to sew your own dressea. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There was a fire in this oistrict about a month ago. My father nnd brother went to help, but it wasn’t much use, because the fire had too big a hold on the building, and it was completely destroyed. The garage was saved, although it was charted very much at one side. We have been having dry weather lately, and all the farmers are saying they need rain. The ground is almost too hard to plough. We have an invitation to the Pareora East bachelors’ and spinsters' danco to-morrow night, but I am not allowed to go. I couldn’t go to the one at St. Andrews, either, but ■ better luck next time. I have been reading quite a number of books lately. Some of them were, ” Kindred of the Dust, The Gill Who Proposed,” “ Cecile," " The Girl Next Door,” and also some magazines. To-day I was sewing a new dress for myself. It is of navy blue rep, and has a pintucked front in it of fawn crepe de chine. It ie very cold these frosty mornings I can’t grumble, though, as I have my breakfast in bed. and it is lovely and warm when I jump out. The glands of my neck were swollen. One side was worse than the other, and it was very sore for a time. I am much better, but I suppose I will have to bo careful for a while. Best wishes to the page and vourself.—Yours trulv, ROSEBUD (Pareora West). [Your dress should look very pretty. Rosebud. I hope vour nock is better soon. — DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—When I had successfully taken clfurge of the Witness, I remembered ray letter, and, after hastily scanning the various letters, I caught sight of my name. I sent it with my brother to mum. I did not have it back for nearly five minutes, and began to wish I had never sent it away, but it soon turned up. It rained slightly here on Tuesday, just making enough mud to be unpleasant for two cars, which did not make very swift progress through 'he mud. I have been reading a book called “Handl’ Andy, which gives a>n instance cf fun in showing the many faults of an Irish boy, Andy Rooney. I like reading very much, and am always content with a good book of adventure or b.nmonr. Love to all md your dear self.—Yours truly, ARIZONA JOE (Otekaike). [I believe “ Handy Andy ” is a funny book, Arizona Joe. A book is a good- companion on a wet, cold night.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,--We have had a fortnight's holiday from school, and we go back again on the 13th. Dad killed a pig to-day, and v.e are going to cure him for our own use. 1 do not like to h’ar the pigs squealing when they are being killed, but I like to eat he bacon, especially when the hens are laying. We have a few eggs every day. We have about IGO hers. Our cows are all dry but two. We have still seven pigs left. I have a cold and a sore throat. Last winter I had whooping cough and influenza. My eldest sister has had mumps. I hope I do not. My second . eldest sister is away to Ashburton for a holiday. My brother was ploughing to-day. He helps dad when lie has his holidays from school. My mother used to write to Dot when she was a little girl. Her noin de plume was Twinkling Star. She said she used to wear a badge on her hat in front Did you go to the show? None of our femily went. Love to all. — Yours truly, SILVER HEELS (Five Forks'. [You will have more eggs when the weather is warmer, Silver Heels. I did not go to the show. It is interestint’ that mother used to write to tha page.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please may I join your happy band? We haven't begun school yet, but we go back next week. I have been reading a set of books called the “ Dolittie books. They are very interesting. I have been going to the skating rink lately. It is very nice. Have you ever been? Love to all tha Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, DON RICKY-TICKY (Wellington).

[Welcome, Don Ricky-Ticky. I have not been to the skating rink, Don Ricky-Ticky. I liked the little r’lrsery rhyme on your writing paper.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We are going to shift from here. We are going to Kurow. Dad and Jim went to the house and brought the two milking cows, and they came home very wet. We call our cows Topsy and Dot. Dot is very quiet, so is Topsy. Dot has had a little calf, but I never saw it befora it died. We are all sitting around the dining room fire writing letters. I. have .ot been to the house we ara going to yet. Bunty is not as quiet as Topsy. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self — Yours trulv, A COUNTRY ASTER (Otago). [ls the new horse a big one, Country Aster? I am pleas’d to hear that Dot is a quiet cow. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—We are going to shift from here to Snringhills, above Kurow, so we will have just as far to go to school. I am reading a book called “ What Katy Did Have you read it? I am sitting by the fire writing this, letter. My sister and tier boy and her friend came home on Sunday, and we had (rood fun Mum is away ‘or a holiday with my big brother I don’t want to leave Otiake. We have started 'o pack up. It docs seem funny without mother. B’st love to all and vour own dear self.—Yours trulv, A RED RED ROSE (Otiake). [I have road the book, Red Red Rose. You will like vour new home, I am sure.— DOT.] . * * * .. Dear Dot, —I am in Standard IT this year. Tho Winfsr Show was held in Invercargill at the end of May arid I gained a first prize for modelling. My brother won a Second for cardboard work. There were 17 prizes altogether for our school. I am home from school to-dav with earache. love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self —Yours truly, SCAMP (Southland). [Congratulate your brother for me. and take some praise for yourself, Scamn. What did you do with the five shillings?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-night the power is cut off. so w*e are using the kerosene lamp, and there is a big difference in the light. The Winter Show was held in Invercarrill at tho end of last month. Scamp gained a first prize for modelling, and received 5s fid, and my brother won second for cardboard work,- and received ss. Seventeen nrizes came to this school, so I think we did very well. We have played three hockey matches

this season, and won them all. There were an English Church social and dance cn Friday night. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, JUST A GIRL (Southland). [The school did very well, Just a Giri. You must have a good hockey team. —'DOT.] * *■ •StDear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eleven years old, and in Standard V at school. We are having hard frosts, and it is very cold walking to school. My brother and I have a ferret, and have caught over 300 rabbits. I have a calf at home. Will you please give me a name for it ? The power is cut off here tc-hight, and we have to use a kerosene lamp. My sister has earache, and she stayed at home to-day. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GREY WOLF (Southland). [Welcome, Grey Wolf. Have you read “ Hazan the Wolf Dog ” ? Call your calf Alabama.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Mother and I live in Gore. I am going to the Gore School, and I like it very much. We have just had our holidays. The competitions are just over here. I was in for elocution—two test pieces and two own-selection pieces. I was recalled for them all, and received two special prizes for being the youngest competitor (I am six). One of the prizes was a dolly with white hair and blue eyes. Would you give me a name for it, please? Mother and I were home to the farm for a few days. We were busy. Mother and dad dug the potatoes. The cats were very pleased to see ns. I played with the kittens all the time I was home. Teddy, the Persian, nearly went silly with joy. You will see my photo in the Witness with the competitors. I am dressed as a bridesmaid. Love to all.— Yours truly.' WIN OF THE MOUNTAINS (Gore). [We will look for your photograph. Win of the Mountains. Call vour dolly Lyle. You must recite well.—DOT.] ■K • * -XDear Dot. —I am reading a book now called “Johnny Nelson,” written by Clarence Mulford. I think he writes some very good books. Have you ever read it? I was at a football match at Kurow on Saturday, between Kurow and Ngapara, and Kurow won by 20 points to nil. Kurow is about seven miles away from where we are living, and I think it is a very nice little township, only the sun set far too early, because there is a big hill just behind Kurow. My brother came home for a holiday the other night. He is working on the railway at Lumsden, and ho has leave once a j-ear. We are glad to see him home. He went away this morning, and took my mother away to Dunedin and down scuth for a holiday. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, CAPTAIN COOK (Otiake).

[Mother will be glad of the holiday, Captain Cook. I hope she is quite well when sire conies home.—DOT.]

Daar Dot, —We are shifting from the district this week. We were to shift tomorrow, but it will be too wet, so we will have to wait till Thursday or Friday. I have to do the shifting this time, as mother went away yesterday for a fortnight's holiday with my brother. My brother came home last Friday night on his annual leave. He works on the railway. He took mother back with him, and I’m sure she needed a holiday, and I hope she is feeling better when she comes home. On Saturday night v e had some good fun. We cleared the dining room, and had some dancing. We had two visitors here, and they made more fun. My eldest brother and father gave the music cn the accordeon. My eldest sister and a girl friend came to dinner on Sunday. A young man brought them out in the sidecar of bis motor bike. We had a lovely day, only they didn't stay long enough, as they wanted to go back to be in Oamaru before dark. I wonder what has become of Billy’s Sweetheart, Dorothy Dimples, Silver Fox, and Flowering Strawberry? I haven't had a letter from any of them for a long time. Best love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, , SOMEBODY’S SWEETHEART (Otiake).

[I hope you have a fine day for moving, Somebody’s Sweetheart. How long did your sister take to motor from .Oamaru? —DOT.] * * / ll-

Dear Dot. —I was very glad to see my first letter in print. I play football at school, but I don’t play for any team. We have three cats. One is yellow and white, and the others are grey. Will you please give me names for them? We had a gale here on Monday night. It blew down trees, and I thought I was never going to go fo sleep. I hope all the Little Folk and your own dear self are well.—Yours truly, BEN GOLD (Otama).

[Call your kittens Agate, Cosy', and Hop, Ben Gold. Wc had some bad gales here also. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my letter in the Witness. I have two correspondents now, and their names are The Little Bridge Keeper and Micky the Middy. My brother has a ferret, and he was out rabbiting with it to-day. I have had a letter from my sister in England, and she thinks she will be coming home in September. I was at a dance last Wednesday night at Rock and Pillar, and I enjoyed myself rery much. Do you like playing the piano, Dot? I do, as I am vary fond of music. I was not at the Winter Show, as I am staying with lay sister just now. There are a few Little Folk round here. My chum, Irish Jockeyette, has not written to you for a long tima, and I am trying to compel her to write to you once again.—Yours truly, DOLLY VARDEN’S DOUBLE 1—- • (Middlemarch). [I am very fond of music, Dolly Varden’s Double. Do you learn the piano? You will love to have your sister home again.—DOT.] * * * - Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard VI, and I am twelve years old. Thare was a fall of snow here to-day, and we had good fun snow fighting, but it was pretty cold. We have a football and a hockey team. Our footballers beat the Southland team by three points. Ths scores were 9—12. They also beat Queenstown in the first cup match by 4 to 3. The hockey team beat Queenstown in a friendly match last Saturday, the scores being 4—3. I was at the pictures last night, and they were very good. The picture was Charlie’s Aunt.”—Yours trulv,' PEGGOTY OF THE PRAIRIE - (Arrowtown).

[Your teams both seem to be winning all their matches this season, Peggoty of the Prairie. Your name was taken, so I had to alter it slightly. “Charlie’s Aunt” was in Dunedin last year.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I have only written to von once, I thought it was about time I wrote again. I have been at school a year now, but I do not like it. Dad’s Second Man has been two years longer than I have. I am six and a-half years old. Dad’s Second Man is eight.—Yours truly, A LITTLE TOMTIT (Otekura).

[What a funny person you are not to love school, Little Tomtit. Does Dad’s Second Man like it any better than you do? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band ? I am in Standard I at school, and my sister is in Standard IV. We hav-e a very good teacher, and so we are lucky. It is very muddy just now,' and is also very cold. We live on a farm in Southland. Love to rll the Little Folk ami yourself.—Yours truly VIOLET ORANGE (Southland).

[Welcome, Violet Orange. Is your teacher a man or a lady? Do you live on a big farm or a small one? Do you like going to school?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just written throe big pages to Empire, so I think by the time I finish this note my poor hand will feel tired. I hope I do not have bad luck with the ink to-night, because when I was writing the last letter I tipped the inkpot over. The lamp seems as if it is going to go out. We havs started our euchre parties. The first one was held on Wednesday, and I went and enjoyed it. On Friday night I went to a school concert, and it was quite good. Milk Maid Jean, Baby’s Nurse Girl, and Joan of Arc went, in the same car as I did, and they had a lovely time, and I suppose all the others did, too. We stayed for two dances, and then came home. On our way home we had a puncture, so the driver had to get out and mend it. We got out, and kept on walking until he caught us. There was a football match and a hockey match on in the neighbouring town, but I did not go. Oturehua was playing against Patearoa, and Oturehua won, 19—6. The Oturehua hockey team played Poolburn, and Oturehua won—2 goals to nil. I wonder what has become of mv correspondents. I have not had any word from them. I am finishing this note to-day, Sunday, and it is snowing heavily. I like snow. Do you, Dot? Wo will have some fun now snowballing one another.—Yours trulv, DOT’S SWEETHEART (Ida Valley). [How often do you attend euchre parties, Sweetheart? There is a keen interest taken in sports round your districts, isn't there?— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have been having very hard frosts here, and I would much sooner stay in bed than get up. Once the sun rises fairly high in the sky, it is not so bad. Tho school children are having a fortnight’s vacation. About a couple of months ago I was away for a fortnight at my aunty’s place. She lives on a dairy farm, but. they don’t

separate the milk. They send it to the factory, and get the whey back for the pigs. They breed pigs, and they need a good bit of feeding. We are milking eight cows at night and eleven in the morning, but they are not giving much. In the summer time aunty has 51 cows milking. They milk with machines. I would like to see two men start on 54 cows and milk by hand. My cousin and a man they have helping work the machines. Have you ever seen the milking machines working? It is interesting to watch them in action. My word, Teddy and. Golly in the Treasure Hunt must be having some good fun. How would you 'ike to be them? I haven’t had a letter from Little Maid Marigold for ages, and I do not know her address. She has been in Dunedin for a long time now; Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLUE RIBBON (Rae’s Junction). [Yes, I have seen a milking machine working, but it was a long time ago, Blue Ribbon. I would love to have such adventures as Teddy and Golly.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It was nice to sec my first litter in print. We have had a great many frosts this winter, but we enjoy nice days after them. It is very cold walking to school in the frost. I have been at school only for a week since the holidays. I was ill and in the hospital for a week. My grandma is staying hero for a few weeks. I am losing some of my school friends, who are going to Little River. They keen tbo post office here. My chum. Apple Bud. goes to school with me. She lives about half a mile from our place.—Yours trn’v. SILVER TULIP (Otago).

[You will be able to correspond with your friends, and they can tell you all about Little River. Silver Tulip. Is Apple Bud in the same standard as you are? —DOT.]

Daar Dot, —This is my first letter to the page, but I have always enjoyed reading the letters of. other Little Folk. I am eleven years old, and in Standard -V at school. I live on a farm three miles from school. Wo keep twelve cows, six horses, four pigs, four dogs, five cats, and 50 fowls. We gather from 12 to 18 eggs a day from the fowls, which is not bad in the winter time. Although we k-aep twelve cows, we milk only nine in winter, and we make seven pounds of butter a day from the cream. I like summer better than winter, because I play tennis. My sister is very fond of hockey, but I do not play. I like summer to go to school, as the winter is too cold. T like to read the Otago Witness, because I used, to live in Otago.—Yours truly, SIP (Southland).

[Welcome, Sip. How long have yon played tennis? Hava you an overhand serve? — DOT.]

Dear- Dot, —It is about four years since I last wrote to the page. During that time I have put in two years at high school, end

am now working as a cadet in the Railway Department. It is a good, billet, and I like the work. I am lucky in being posted at a station only about ten miles from my home, so that I can bike home every weekend. I’m sure I’m very patriotic, and say there is no place in New Zealand like the Catlins district, but when I bike on the roads about here I do grumble. I have been to a dance or two lately, but although I’m not much of a dancing sprite so far, I hope to have mastered the art before the Beason is finished. There are not many amusements about here, but I guess I haven’t anything to grumble about, for we have pictures onos a week, and there is also a card party every week. I do not go to the card parties, as I have not yet taken a great liking to cards, unless it is a friendly family game. Everybody about here is catching (or trying to) rabbits or opossums. Ons wonders if the present high prices for skins will keep up for long. I think the trouble is, now that the price of skins is fairly high, there are very few rabbits about. At least, that is what I always find out when I go shooting. I have a good rifle, for it is a Savage. Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, THE BUSH BOY (Otago).

[You must have some cold rides on your bicycle, Bush Boy. I have heard it said by many that rabbits are scarce when prices are high.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Mum and dad are at a ball, Bo I hope they enjoy themselves. We held a bazaar here in order to raise funds f< r asphalting around the school. Did you see the Duke -while ho was in Dunedin? We did not sse him, but went to the beach instead. There are some very hard frosts here these last few mornings, and, as our tap is outside, it is generally frozen. I think we are very lucky for we have only one cow to milk. We children play football at school, girls against the boys, and some days there are some arguments. Dad has been rabbiting this winter, and has already caught 1259 ekins, so he has not done so badly, has he? W-e receive the Exporter, and it is nice to solve the puzzles. I am in Standard VII this year, so I miss the exams. These long evenings we play draughts, ludo, and snakes and ladders, bo we have plenty to amuse ourselves with. The doctors have just visited our school. We have sewing at school, and I like it very much. Are there many flowers out in Dunedin? We have not any.—Yours truly, PINK GERANIUM (Waitepeka).

[Yes, I saw the Duke, Fink Geranium. There are chrysanthemums here, but the frost has nipped many of them.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —We have had our exams., and I came third in -my class. My little sister and I have good fun these frosty mornings going to school, for there is some nice thick ice, on which we like to have a skate. Betty and I have a little cat each, so will jou please give us names for them? I have also a nice wee pup. Would you find a name for it, too, please? We have two cows in. and they give half a bucket cf milk each. We went to Riverton Beach for our excursion, and had a good bathe. I have a ferret, and sometimes dad and I go out rabbiting.—Yours truly, DADS MATE (Waikaka Valley).

[Call the puppy Boatswain and the kittens Trumpet and Trip. Did you run any races on the beach, Dad’s Mate?—DOT,]

Dear Dot, —My cousin, Bush Boy, is here for the week-end. We made up our minds to make a fresh start. I 1/ive been attending. ths Technical College at Invercargill for over a year, and am now home trapping opossums until I start work. ’Possums are not very plentiful this year, and as Boon as the season is over, I am going to trap rabbits We are having very cold weather, consequently there is plenty of mud about, some of the roads being almost impassable. Pigeons arc very plentiful in the bush, but as they are protected we cannot shoot them. The evenings are very cold and long, so we have some good games of cards. Kind regards to yourself and the Little Folk.— Yours truly, OAKLEIGH (Tawanui). [lt must he very muddy where there are cows and horses, Oakleigh. Who is the winner of you and Bush Boy at cards?— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I received a nice long letter from Day Dreamer, which I must answer Boon. I have started school again after a long holiday, and find it hard work learning my lessons. We are milking four cows, and it is enough for the milker this cold weather. I don’t like leaving my bed these frosty mornings, do you, Dot? Bells of Silver Fas not been well. She has had toothache and Bore throat, but will be better soon. We have two little pups. Their colours are black and tan. Could you give me names for them, please? My brother's eye is better. Our hens are laying, so we have eggs and bacon for breakfast on Sunday morning. —Yours truly, MINNIE (Glenorchy). [No. I do not like leaving my warm bed these mornings, Minnie. Call your puppies Tangerine and Tip.—DOT.] * * -st-

Dear Dot. —I was in Dunedin a few days at Easter. My auntie took me to Opoho, Tomahawk, and the pictures. I am back at echool again after the winter holidays. I am in the Third Standard. I find the lessons hard. We are milking five cows, but they do not give very much milk. Tire farmers are busy ploughing their land. I gave my cousin two mans cats. Sho put them in the show, and won first and second prizes for them. I have a doll. Please give me a name for it? —Yours truly, LEAF OF STRAWBERRY (Woodside).

[Call the doll Lola, Leaf of Strawberry. Your cats must be beauties. Work hard it your lessons. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —On Wednesday, June 8, I went to a euchre party and dance, and I enjoyed myself very much. I played cards, but I did not win a prize. The lady who won the prize had ten points, and the gentleman nine points. The lady who won the booby prizs had one point, while the gentleman had none. Supper was served. round, and then the floor was put in dancing order. I was sitting with girl friends watching the people dancing. A young man asked me for the second last dance. It is the first time I have danced in a hall. There were over 100 people there. I did not arrive home till half-past two in the morning, but it was three o’clock when I went to bed. I am going to the next one, which is on June 22. I will tell you how I fare at the next dance. Love to all and yourself.— Yours truly, QUEEN OF THE HIVE (Dacre). [I am pleased you liked your dance, Queen of the Hive. I hope you have all the da-noss next time.—DOT.J

Dear Dot, —I had fine sport to-day snowballing with my sisters. There have been a great many amusements here this week. The picture last Saturday night was “ Charlie’s Aunt,” but I did not go. My sisters went, and they said it was very nice. There is a concert on to-morrow night by the Salvation Army girls, and I think I will go. A bazaar is to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and I hope to be going. We have not our holidays yet but I am looking forward to them. I have a new ferret, and have ten rabbitskins. The . football team here beat Queenstown last Saturday three to four. My father will not let me play football, as I have a broken ankle. Best love to all.—Yours truly,

SILVER ARROW (Arrowtown). [Your father is quite right to forbid you to play football, Silver Arrow. Do not slip in the snow and hurt your ankle.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I like snow at a distance, so I am glad it has stopped snowing. There ■was a euchre party and dance here on Friday night. Five ladies had to cut for the ladies’ first prize. I wasn’t one of them. I had only s j x points, while the highest was seven points. My heels are covered with chilblains. They are very painful in the morning. This is the first time I nave ever had them.-... We take the Exporter, and I write to Wendy (of the children’s page) and do the puzzles. I have only one brother going to school now. He is nine years old, and in Standard 111, so he seems to be faring well. I have read a few books lately, the titles of which are “ The Homesteaders,’’ "Neither Storehouse Nor Barn,” “ A London Girl,” “A Heritage of Peril,” "The Brooding Wild,” and " Carroll O’Donoghue." Have you read any of them? I haven’t taken many snapshots lately. I developed a film last week. It turned out not badly. Kind regards to all and yourself.—Yours truly,

LADY CLARICE (Central Otago).

[Why do you want the address, Lady Clarice? I have not read any of the books you mention. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been inside all day , yesterday and to-day, as I have a bad cold. I have not had influenza yet. I spent my last Christmas holidays at Oamaru. Thanks very much for the doll’s name. There are , not many flowers out. Wc are at our second term's work. I went in .with the school to see the Duke. All the trees are bare except the evergreens. I will be glad when spring comes, as the garden will look brighter with all the daffodils in bloom. It seems no time since it was summer. I have been reading about Sir Francis Drake, as +hat is the subject for the Navy League essay this year. I am at present reading the book called “ Anne of the Island. When I have finished that I won’t have any more cf that series to read. I do my practising cn the piano at night, as it is too cold to sit in a room without a fire every morning Kind regards to -all and your own dear self.—-Yours truly, WISTARIA (Milton). [The piano keys take all the heat from one's fingers. Wistaria. You need to go out for a walk and be thoroughly warm before you practise.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have been fairly busy, and now, with the shooting season in I’ take every chance I can to go away from the office to have a shot. It’s very annoying to see your friends going off to some duck pond or other and coming home with full bags. Sometimes they come in and stand about the counter and talk about shooting, where they are going to-morrow, what they will kill, what they did kill, and so forth. I will stand it for a while, then chase them out, lock up the office, take the gun, and go and pepper some hares, or unoffending quail, of which there are mobs. Then I coms home and have a “ growling ” over the phone for not attending, receive many “ Explanation, please ” memos next day, and finally end up by losing my half-holiday. In this village, twenty miles from Stratford, life is just one long, grand song, but sadly out of tune. I have a motor bike and the use of my cousin’s Dodge Spec, but I can go into town only twice a week I’ll wipe the tears away and stop my tale of woe, and be comforted by the thought that every post office official has to do " gaol ’’ before he is promoted. We have an old Ford to carry parcels and hampers between Te Wera and Strath, and one has to «alk in whispers when one goes to crank her up. I have to turn the handle, and then turn hard, so as to catch her unawares. When she’s firing properly she sounds like ten machine guns gone mad, but when she is not, she sounds like a traction engine with the whooping cough. Talking of whooping cough, there is a lot of it about at present. One woman here lost one of her little children, and now to-day the baby is not expected to live. The poor woman has not slept for eight days, and they are afraid to leave her by herself. One reads of these things in the paper, but one does not realise what it is until brought into actual contact with it. I ’ost my mother when I was five years of age, and now my aunt, a second mother to my brother and me, died two months ago. My aunt never stinted us in money, clothing, education, and so forth, and even when wo went to Wellington to live with the pater, she would often come down and see how we were. Eventually she got me this billet, with good prospects, in the post office in Taranaki. It is a peculiar ■ thing that one does not appreciate what is i dear to him till he loses it.—Yours trulv, A TARANAKI COW PUNCHER i (Stratford). [You speak truly in your last sentence, s Taranaki Cow Puncher. Your aunt must : have been very good to you.—DOT.] i'* * *

Dear Dot, —Mummy’s Darling is reading and taking an inactive part in everything going on. Last night we went to the pictures and saw Dorothy Mac.kaill and John Harron in “ What Shall I Do ? ” A man sang “What’ll I Do?” and “It’s Too Late to Be Sorry.” Your page is growing every week. Last Wednesday I was taught how to play chess, and it is complicated. Do you play? I like it. Last Tuesday morning, as you will know by now, there was an accident at Colombo street crossing. Wasn’t it lucky there were no- lives lost? I am going to the pictures to-morrow night with two friends of mine to see Lon Chaney in “ The Monster,” and Edward Everett Horton in “ The Whole • Town’s Talking." I would like to go and hear Paderewski, but it is too dear. Twenty-three shillings is a lot of money to spend like that when there are eo many unemployed. My two brothers have gone to the band. Thsy are due down there at 5.50 p.m. Have you ever seen our papers here? It took us quite a long time to remember they were not like Dunedin papers. I don’t think our shows here can beat Dunedin. A few weeks ago my brothers had a number of loads of wood given to them if they liked to bring it away from Hagley Park, where the men were cutting the trees down. A spark from the fire

burned a bole in one of mum’s cushions. On Thursday night mum and 1 had dreams that, when we looked to see what chey meant, foretold that we would be hearing of the death of a relative. On Friday morning mum came to see mo at work, and I wondered what had upset her. She told me that my auntie in the North Island died last Sunday. Just fancy the Duke and Duchess were here exactly three months ago, and now they are nearly home! We don't hear a murmur about them now, only through the papers. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, VALENCIA RAISIN (Christchurch).

[I do not play chess, Valencia Raisin. Yes, it was lucky there were no lives lost in the accident. I have seen some of your Christchurch papers.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I wrote that the Little Folk will think 1 have forgotten the page. I am working in a garage now. My brother and I went to Dunedin in the bus yesterday. We have had bad weather lately. Love to all. —Yours truly,

THE HIGHWAYMAN (Palmerston).

[How long did your Palmerston-Dunedin bus journey take, Highwayman? If you bad ridden in a stage coach in the old days your namesake might have held you up.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our head master is going away this month, because he has to be in Dunedin on July 1. Everybody is downhearted, because he was such a good teacher. We went to Ardgowan to play a game cf rounders, and we won. I was in the team. I always read Teddy and Golly’s adventures, which I think are very interesting. We have eight cats and two dogs. I have 107 cigarette cards. We ought to be having our winter holidays now, as the weather is cold and it is often raining. I am reading a book called " Tales of Lonely Trails,” by Zane Grey. Some of the people around here have crops of wheat coming through, as well as green feed for the cattle. The trees look very dull, because they have lost all their leaves, and the brown branches are showing. There was a fall of snow on 'he mountains the other morning. We are learning a new song at school called " My Boy Billy” Do you know it? I was top out of the Standard V girls in the exam, with es. 4 marks The New Zealand cricketers are doing well at Home. I do not like jumping out of bed these mornings. I have not heard from Yiddish Queen for. a long time.' I hope she will see this and write soon. Love to all and your own dear Belf.—Yours truly, MOONBEAM (North Otago). [I am . sorry you are losing your good teacher, Moonbeam. I do not know the song, but I know one about Billy Boy. It is a sea chanty.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The Exhibition is never heard of now, is it? I was looking at some photos of it to-day, and it brought it freshly into my memory. I have not seen a letter from Pansy White lately. I must tell her to write. Can you skate? I can. I think it is lovely. I can skate backwards, frontwards, and I can go round and round. I learn the violin at music, and I think it is lovely. I have been learning a year now. Standard V and VI from our school go to the T.M.T.C.* at Timaru once a week. Ths boys learn carpentering and the girls domestic work. I am the only girl from cur school. We leave about 1 o’clock, and return about 4.30 p.m.—Yours truly,

PANSY WHITE’S MATE (Studholme). [No, the Exhibition is scarcely ever mentioned now. Pansy White’s Mate. I cannot skate at all.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I forgot to tell you that I enclosed the stamps for my badge in my last letter. It is raining and snowing very hard to-night. We have a cow called blossom, and blis is very hard to make go out of bail. One morning she would not go out of the bail, so I took the leg-rope and put it round her horns, and then I stood up on the bail and pulled her, but she did not- bother. She has a cover that just about covers her all over. I am looking after three dogs. Their names are Glen. Toby, and Bob. Love to all and your . wn dear self.—Yours truly, DELCO’S SISTER (Paradise). [Are you quite certain you enclosed stamps, Delco's Sister? I have no record either of seeing them or of Bending on a badge to you. Make very certain, and write and tell me. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. Thank you for the names fcr th? pigeons. I think they suit very well. They are very big now, and will bo flying in a few days. Our teacher bought 295 books for the library, and now we will have plenty of books to chocee from. They had a dance last night at our school, and the electric light gave out in the middle of the night, and they had to have lamps to finish the dance with. Our bovs had a football match last night, and our boys won. The score was 9 to 3. They played the Mission. The dredge sunk in the river, and the fire eno-ine is trving to pull it up. Some one said that the bottom is out of it, and they cannot pull it up. There is a cut in front of our place, and it saves the river from comin"- over. —Yours truly, TEA FOR TWO (Hawke’s Bay). [Tho poor old dredge’s days have come to an end, Tea for Two. Which books do you like best in the library ?—TWYT.] * * *

Dear Dot. —About two years ago I asked if I might become a member of your band. As I was not living at home and the people I was staying with did not receive the Witness, I do not know whether I was accepted. I have kept the same nom de plume, however, and hope that, if I was not accepted before, that I may now become a member. I am fourteen years of age. and go to the Technical College, which I like very much. As I live out in the country I have to go into school in the bus. which leaves the depot at 7.45, and passes here at 8.30. Quite a large number of school children go in the bus to schools in the town, as it is too far to-go to the country school further out, and, as the bus is used bv tho workers, -it is usually very crowded, and we have great fun when we are packed, as the road is very bumpy. I was dux of my school last year, and received two lovely books, a “ Schoolgirls’ Own ” and a “ Girls’ Own Annual.” My sister has just joined tho band, and has suddenly become very interested in the letters of th-s-nage, and is reading out aloud. Before the swimming season was over we had our long distance swims. I went in for the ouart-er-mile. but ended up by doing the half-mile. Wc are -practising for our concert at school, and have- the sinning every time it is too wet for sports.—Yours truly, TANGLEPATE (Hawke’s Bay). [Welcome, Tanglepate. Your name is down on the list of members. You received two lovely books.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We will be going away soon, and I am glad. We are having a fancy

dress ball at Otakeho on June 17, but I am not sure what 1 am going as yet. We have been milking our cows once a day for about five weeks. We have started football. but we have won only one match out of three. The Hawera Winter Show is coming off soon, and I am going to it. My brother sold his motor cycle and bought a Ford car. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, EGMONT LADDIE (Kaupokonui).

[Where are you going, Egmont Laddie? What will you wear to the bail if you go?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It snowed here yesterday, 'lie first we have had so far. It was only about an inch thick. There was not enough to make a snow man with. It has been freezing pretty hard for a month, and we have good times on the ice sliding. It keeps us warm, only it is cold jumping out of bed in the mornings. We had a big bazaar here about a month ago to pay for the doctor’s residence, and it was a great success. My mother won a box of chocolates. They did not last long, as my eisters and I were always wanting some. One of our dogs has three pups, and they are starting to follow us about and are very playful. I would like a name for one of them. The other two will be going away. I want also, please, a name for a greyhound pup my brother brought home. It is a brindle. The pigeons are doing well. They have not laid any eggs yet. They know where tho hens’ feed is kept, and will fly into the place and settle on the bags and fight to see who is to stand on the bag and who on the floor. Love to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly TOM THE RABBITER (Otago). [Call the puppy Jollv and the greyhound Agate, Tom the Rabbiter. See that you do not slip on the ice. Chocolates ar-e meant to be eaten. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have a pup, and he is a trick; one of these kinds that eat grass with one eye open and watches the snow coming from the eky with the other. I have often tried to leave here on some errand without him, but I am not very far away when he is at my heels, and his teeth are sunk playfully in the leg of my pants. I have christened him Mac. I am going to have another pup soon. His name will be Chanc't, meaning Chance. I think', if 1 remember rightly, that is the way Tom Mix says it. It is Sunday morning, and it is snowing, so I am writing in bed. I am getting on in years now Time is taking me away from the page. I don’t suppose I will write to you any more as a TJtti-, Folk. I have not long to wait now. I am looking forward to being promoted and drafted off into the band of Old Writers. The next time you hear from me I will be one of them, 1 hope. Nor do I altogether wish for the time that is drawing near, for I have had some good days in the Little Folk circle, and hope I have as good when I become one of the Old Writers. As I may not write to you any more before I join the Old Writers, please permit me in this letter to say good-bye to all the other friends that are coming up along the trail behind me. I wish them all the joy and prosperity that shall be given to them. Heaps of love to the ones I am leaving and to your own dear self also.—Yours truly, - A TRIM UP (Lauder).

[Your puppy must be a funny little thing. A Trim Up. 'We will be sorry to lose you from the page. We wish you good luck.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have two lady visitors staying bare from Dunedin, and we will miss them very much when they go away. Since last writing to you there have been big changes in our family. One of my sisters died five years ago, and two of my brothers and another sister have since been married. Two of them live in Wellington, and I am looking forward to a holiday up there. Now ’ there is only myself at home, as my other brother is away working, and comes home for week-ends. I am very fond of dancing, and go to many dances in the winter time. The cows are nearly dry, and ths factory will soon be closing down for the winter. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly. LADYBIRD (Southland). [You will enjoy your holiday in Wellington, Ladybird. When arc you going?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I had a nice letter from Failsworth Lassie, who lives in England, a few weeks ago, and last week I had a letter from a girl in Canada. There were trees and branches blown down a few days ago, and some sheets of iron blown off roofs, but fortunately we had no damage done. It will be the twenty-fifth anniversary of mother's and dad’s wedding on Saturday. To-day at school we began having phonetics, which look very uninteresting. I wish we could have extra literature instead of them. ’Chrysanthemums do not grow very well here in winter, so that holly is the only pretty thing in the gardens, and our trees are covered with red berries. During the last few months there have been three or four new Little Folk, all of whom live quite near me. I have a cat, which has no name, though I have had it quite a while, and so would you please suggest a name for it? It is grey, and its stripes make it resemble a tiger. When it has some meat it is easily seen that it belongs to that family. I have over 250 cigarette cards. At school we have a collection of weeds, of which I have over ninety pressed and mounted. I havs quite a few Little Folk correspondents—namely, Tipperary Shoes, Japanese Rose, Moana, Jerry Joy, Johnnie’s Girl, The Quean of Hearts, Queen M-ab’s Maid, Daddie’s Wee Woman, and Failsworth Lassie, but I do not know what has become of Queen of Hearts, Johnnie’s Girl, and Tipperary Shoes. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly, BUTTERCUP LASS (Lawrence).

[Call the cat Bagheira, who was a dear panther in tlia “ Jungle Books,” Buttercup Lass. Have you read the “ Jungle Books ”? They are excellent stories. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —-We have our winter holidays. My mother and father were at the show. I was not. We had a girl here cooking while my mother was away. While ths girl was ■at sewing on Saturday I had to cook the dinner and tea. Everything went well. We had two bullocks at the show. One won a second prize and the other a third priz-3. Wc had some sheep in, too. The prizes were first, second, and third.- There were come more, but they did not win anything. We have just finished our exam., and I had 310 marks. It is not as good as I used to do when T was. in the infant room. On Thursday the taps were frozen, and we could not have any water. There was only one tap running, and it was cold, but it happened that if we ran it for a while it Tan hot, through being connected up with the super heater. Ths ice on the horse trough was 2ip thick. We had a tub out in a paddock for the young horses, and in aboutthree days it. was 3in thick with ice. We have, some friends just about a-quarter rf a mile away, and my brother and sister 'and I sometimes used to go over and play on the ice. One day when we were there another girl and I were climbing along the fence.

One place there was no place to put our feet down, so wo had to walk along the fence. My dress caught on the fence and tore. After that wo were carting etonee. 1 had a wee cart, and I had only’ ten etones. The sun was going down, and I was cold, so I put my arms under my dress and ran home. Love to all. — Yours truly, E. A. T. (Kelso).

[1 am sure the tea and dinner were cooked nicely, E. A. T. Was it a big tear in your dress ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Wo are having a fancy dress ball here in Seaward Downs this Friday night. I do wish I were going, but as my grandfathsr diet! last Monday night, we are not going. He was a very old man. His age was 82, and he was just six days oS his 83rd birthday. I am living in hopes of going to our bachelors’ ball on July 1. I am going to Invercargill next week to make my ball dress. 1 was down seeing Copper Nob and Agnes’s Comrade last Friday afternoon, and when I went I caught them cooking dinner on the front fire, because it was a cold day. I had better not say any more, because ‘ley may be reading this letter. Copper " and I were in Invercargill for a night i e the Winter Show was on, and we had a most enjoyable time It was lovely being away from cows. I wouldn’t like to mention the time we rose in the morning. We went to the nictures the night wo staved in town, and they were very good. That was a reason for being late up in the morning. . Love to all and your own dear self.— Yours trulv, APPLE BIXWSO-M DRYAD (Seaward Downs).

[Tell me about the dress for the dance. Apple Blossom Dryad. You are excused if you rise late on holidnvs. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My cousins from Christchurch came to spend the term holidays, and we all had a good time. The country was a novelty to them. At Christmas time I spent a most enjoyable holiday at Christchurch. While I was there I met two cousins, both of whom I had never seen before. Th?y live in the North Island. I a'so went to Woodend. and during my stay there my cousin and myself biked through’ the Maori pa. although we never knew we had done so until afterwards. It shows how observant we are, doesn’t it? At school we play basket ball, and it is a nice game. The boys play football, and I think they are going to have a match against some other school. Our schoolmaster is a good sport, and he encourages all the children to play games. We are to have a holiday to-day and to-morrow, because the school teacher has ’flu. The subject on which we are to write our Navy Leasue essay is to be “ The Life and Work of Sir Francis Drake.” Last year we wrote about Lord Nelson. This year’s subject ought to be verv interesting. The girl who won the Navy League prize last year also won the dux medal. The electric light -vill soon be switched on here, and everybody will be glad. I have just finished reading two books called “ The Story of the Tower of London ” and “ Hetty Gray.” They were both very interesting, although the former does not sound much. Have you read them? Love to all the T.u+'o nml vourself.— Yours truly, DANTE’S BEATRICE (Otago).

[I have read ‘‘The Tower of London,” Dante’s Beatrice If your teacher encourages you to plav games he must be a good Sport himodf —’'(Vr -

Dear Dot. —Lately we school children have had a fortnight's holiday. I went to Dunendin, and Beautiful Beulah went to Gore. Norah Hayseed and I went to Dunedin together, and had a good time. I went to the pictures twice and once to the vaudevil’e. When we were coming home by car we noticed that one of our neighbours vas selling out. Our neighbour came to Waipahi and staved for about a month, and then be sold. He had four children—two girls ini two boys. The children did not want to go. as they enjoyed themselves verv much. When we are at school Norah Hayseed. Beautiful Beulah, Dad’s Bag of Rubbish, and mvself go to our neighbour’s to bring some milk, as we have cocoa at school. We went to church and Sundav school on Sunday, and. as I wore my badge to school, the minister noticed it and told me that he took a great interest in the Dot’s Little Folk page. Love to ■v""- o—r dear self.— 4- — VIRGINIA ‘Ot.w“x». [People are very kind to be interested in our page. Virginia, and we all need to be careful what wo write, as so many outsiders read our Wters.—BOT.!

Dear Dot, —Mar I irin vour happy band? I am eleven years old and in Standard IV at school. I have a sister writing to you. Her name is Dollv Varden’s Double. Wculrl you please give me a name for a doll’ I am reading a book called “ Katy’a Misfortune.” Have you read it? It is very interesting. Dolly Dimple Dee and I have great camas at school. I do not live far from the school. Best of love to all the Little Folk and your o’«n s«-lf.—Yours truly, nnr.TV DIMPLE DEE’S MATE (Middlemarch). [Welcome, Dolly Dimnle Dee’s Mate, but Bend your nrivate name. I have not read the book. Call the doll 01-n.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I do not like creeping out- of bed in the morning. I go to First Aid now on. Sunday mornings, and I am going up for my certificate. I am one of ‘he Girl Guides. At Guides we learn many useful things. We learn to cook in the open air, the care of babies, how to sew. and other useful things. Did you go to ‘■he Winter Show? I didn’t. I have not s-’en a Winter Show yet, but I hone to some dav. I am. going to a social evening on Thursday night. We go to one once a month, and we have good fun plaving games and telling jokes. My younger brother is going back to school in the morning, as he has been away with a very bad cold. Do you go in for sport of any kind? I don’t, but I am very interested in football. Love to all and yourself.—Yours trulv, NIGGER HEAD (Waihemo).

[I take an interest in all sport. Niggsr Head. You learn many useful things at Guides.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join vour happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age, and am in Standard I at school. Mv two sisters write to your page. We have electric light in,' and it, is excellent. We have a dog, and we call it Twinkle. Do you like honey? I do. It is so sweet W--» «-.o having frostv mornings. Love to all ‘he dear LitHe Folk and vourself.—Yours truly PEPPER AND SALT (Waihemo).

(You may join. Pepper and Salt. I like brown bread and honey. Is Twinkle a wee dog?—DOT.]'

Dear Dot, —It is over twelve months since I last wrote to you, and many changes have come mv wa- since then. The last time I wrote was when I was convalescent after

five weeks in hospital. I had to return to the hospital a second time for a fortnight, us I had a nervous breakdown. The doctors in Oamaru then told me to leave and have a change of air. I came to Riccarton, and had two months’ glorious holiday. Just as I was feeling ready for work again I had the misfortune to dislocate my right elbow. I was preparing to jump off a tram the instant it stopped, but unfortunately 1 stepped on an orange skin and fell off (quick way of jumping off a tram). I had to go up and down to the hospital for a few weeks. I commenced work here last August, and am in a lovely position. A month after I came here my father met his death by being poisoned in the Timaru Hospital. I now have to battle along on my own, although the day is fast approaching when I shall have a mate to share my joys and sorrows. I think Queen Tellesphassa is the only Little Folk I have T old of my engagement, but now I may as well let Dot and her Little Folk know of sue news. To-day I went for a walk with one of the children, and I saw the loveliest whits violets. It is so unusual to see them at this time of the year. There is a lovely garden here, and there seem to be bulbs shooting up everywhere. That is strange in the winter. Sumner is such a warm climate. There are no frosts here to speak of, and there has been no snow here for ten years. A while ago there was a slight fall of snow on Richmond Hill, and everyone was outside with their mouths and eyes wide open looking at it. They thought it was wonderful. The beach here is lovely I often take my camera with me and take a few snaps. I had two taken of me the other day, and they turned out pretty well. If any of my correspondents want one they had better write and ask me for one. I wonder what has happened to my older correspondents. Secret of the Sea, Cantain Jackson Barry’s Daughter, Ngareta, Sally From the Treacle Works, and Miss a Kiss? I know a Little Folk who will have a shock when she sees me come tumbling in to see her some day. Her nom de plume is A Young Basket Baller. I had a letter from one of the first Old Writers. Her nom de plume was Guililia. She is my aunty, and many Old Writers have inquired as to her whereabouts. I had all my teeth cut a month ago, and haven’t been having a very pleasant time since. I am feeling better now, though, Love and best wishes to all. —Yours trulv, DAD’S DAISY (Sumner).

[I hope you will be very happy now you are engaged, Dad’s Daisy. You have our sympathy over your father’s death.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have a fox terrier called Pip and a cat called Tiger, who is us lazy as a cat could be, and hardly ever catches a mouse. Pip is a little terror to the rabbits in the neighbourhood, as well as in the Ashley River bed, which is about a-quarter of a mile from our house. The four bantams which we had before were killed by a weasel while I was at the Exhibition. We were lucky last year becaue we won every match exoent one. That record was due to our teacher, who is a great sportsman. To-day we played a match wi+h Sefton. Wo won by 14 to nil. One Wednesday two or three months ago we went to Otira with an excursion from Waikari. The train was to have gone to Otira along the Oxford branch line, but as the Waimakariri Girge bridee was not strong enough, the train had to go right down to Addington, and then along the main West Coast line. The country between Addington and Springfield was mainly farming, but on passing Springfield we began to go into the mountains. At Arthur’s Pass my mother and I walked through the gorge to Otira, a distance of eleven miles, and then back to Arthur’s Pass through the tunnel in the electric train. At Arthur’s Pass cur other two engines took the train to he destination. I wish the Little Folk and yourse’f best of luck.—Yours trulv. HATUPATU (Ashley). [I hope you win all your matches this year. Hatupatu. Are vou going to have any more bantams?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-dav Esme and I went for a ride, but the roads were very muddy. We are trying to have a dance here on Friday nisrht but I am afraid that it will fall through. I sold mv six pet lambs, and received twentv-five shillings each for them, and Barnev Google’s Girl and Esme sold theirs for 275, but as they were July lambs they were nearly twice the size of mine We have another cat inside now. We call him Nisrger, for he is jet black, and has a bad temper. Mum cut her thumb very badly the other week while she was cutting some meat, and then this mornin'’ she cut her finger. Both bled verv badly. The other day I went to heln Virginia and Beautiful Beulah to catch two geese, and after some bother we lodged them safely in .‘■he hen house until Virginia’s mother camo to help her take them home. It was very hard making them go to the hen house, for one continually threatened to fly. At the onening of the duck shooting we saw a number of ducks flving over, and once some wild swans. Kindest regards to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, NORAH HAYSEFD (Clinton) [You will have plertv of pocket money for some time. Norah Hayseed. Mother Las been having some bad accidents. I hope these are the last.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I a.m in Standard IV. and mv teacher is verv nice. The South School ’ubilno was held last month, and it was a “veat success. I was in the conoart on Monday night. I have a little doll, and would you please efive me a name for it? It is very cold Irkin sf to school these cold mornings. My brother and I bike together. Love to all.—Yours trulv CROSSWORD PUZZLE (Awamoa).

[Call vour doll Columbine, who was a urottv little ladv in pantomime. Crossword Puzzle. What did you do in the concert?— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—You will think I am a poor correspondent not writing sooner and thanking vou for enrolling m'» as one of the Dot’s Little Folk. Do you like skating? I did until I fell and skinned mv ankle. I wasn’t so fond of it then. We have been having very hard frosts up here lately. Love to all the Little Polk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, WILD SHEBA (Waimate). FT like skating, but I have never tried. Wild Sheba. I am sure I should fall cn my nose if I tried. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Weather conditions in Dunedin at present I consider highly satisfactory, peeing that is has such a bad name in ’ that respect, and fortunately our winter sport has not been interfered with so far. Hockey for the girls this season has been taken up with endless enthusiasm, esnecially on (he event of the great seven-a-side tourney held at the Caledonian Ground on June 3, when 36 teams from all over Otago took nart in the exciting competition. Our team. Triangle, did wonderfully well, seeing it was our first attemnt at A Grade hockey, resulting in ‘■he fnrney fourth in our section with six points. Beally the results were most decidedly to

our satisfaction, and to begin with we didn’t expect to do so well. Varsity is to be congratulated on their success in winning the competition, for their play throughout was of an exceedingly high standard, and much credit is due to them. It was such an exciting day for all of us, and although we were absolutely fagged out and done after playing seven matches, we could not help expressing much regret at having to conclude our wonderful day’s sport. I was fortunate enough to go to that lovely play entitled “ Abie's Irish Rose ” last week, and ever since I have seen it I have raved about it. I am looking forward to hearing Paderewski when he gives his one and only recital here in Dunedin <n the 21st inst., and I’m sure it will be a rare treat. Are you going to hear this wonderful pianist?—Yours truly LORRAINE TODD (Dunedin).

[I am going to hear Paderewski, and I am looking forward to hearing him, Lorraine Todd. It is unfortunate that we have ’lot the chance to hear world artists more often. -DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am a long time in thanking you for letting me join your happy baud. I have just come back from a week's holiday at Evansdale. The time seemed to pass too quickly, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly while I was away. My friend takes the mail to Merton, and three days I went with her for company, and we had a good time. The Glen looks very gloomy and cold just now, so we did not bother going there. I was learning to drive the horse, but one day we had another person with us, and she would not let me drive, as she didn’t think I was a safe driver. That is the worst of being of a nervous disposition. I don’t think she will want to drive with us any more. I see that there are two or three others who write from this district. I know their names, but that is all. You see, I am far away from the rest of the people, and sometimes I find it very quiet. We often see the Moeraki fishing boats out if the sea is calm. The mau here found a lovely big frostfish on the beach on Saturday morning. It is the first time I have ever seen one. I am only milking two cows just now. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, MONKEY PUZZLE (Waianakarua). [What is a frostfish like. Monkey Puzzle? You should try to write for some correspondents. Can you drive well yet?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am ten years old, and in Standard 11. I came second in my examination, having 300 marks. The highest marks were 301, so I didn’t do so badly. It is my second year. I failed in sums. I have two sisters and a brother who used to write to you. My sister is in Dunedin. This is how I spelt cat when I went to school first, “ Pheo.” Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, P. H. E. O. (CAT) (Otago). [Welcome, P. H. E. O. (Cat), but send your address. You must have had a queer notion in your head to spell cat in such a manner.—DOT.] NOTES. Dolly Dimple Dee.—You wrote on both sides of the page, and it is not allowed. AUTOS. Captain Cook (J. M’Kay, Strachan’s Siding, Otiake P. 0.) wishes to correspond with A Trim Up, Connie, and Petit Choir A Mountain Dimorphotheca (M. J. LandallBaxter, Erie P. 0., Picton) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 18 to 21, and requests that Paloona Fish please write again, as his address has been mislaid. Dancing Dewdrop (Violet Cooper, 67 Humber street, Oamaru) would very much like to correspond with White Starlight. Will she please write first and soon? Princess Tokio (Winifred Gray, 31 Ure street, Oamaru) wishes Captain London to correspond with her. Would he please write first and soon?

A Red Red Rose (Dulcie M’Kay, Strachan’s Siding, Otiake) wishes to correspond -#ith Betty Buttons, Thraldom, and Rose the Red. Will they please write first and soon? Oakleigh (Kingsley Goodslr, Tawanui, Catlins) would like to correspond with Billy Can, Herbert Strang, Riptare, and any other Little Folk from 14 to 16 yeqrs of age. Pink Geranium (Fernie Cook, Waltepeka) wishes to correspond with Little Duck and any other Little Folk willing 13 to 15 years of age. Peggoty of the Prairie (Alice Milne, Box 45, Arrowtown, Otago) wishes to correspond with Clever Mary and Redan Lass. Will they please write first? Dolly Varden’s Double (Doris Cogger, Middlemarch) wishes to correspond with any boy or girl from 14 to 16 years of age. Will they please write first? Bush Boy (Harry Goodslr, Owaka) would like to correspond with Failsworth Lassie, Betty Jo, A Little Bus’ Maid, and any other Little Folk willing. Will they please write first and soon?

Silver Arrow (George Milne, Box 45, Central Hotel, Arrowtown, Otago) wishes to correspond with Captain London and Galloping Gallagher. Will they please write first? The Highwayman (Arthur Wilson, Tiverton street, Palmerston South) wishes to correspond with Lonesome, The Starlight Ranger, and any other Dot’s Little Folk between 16 and 17 and 18 years of age. Will they please write first and soon?

Virginia (Violet Watkins, Waipahi) wishes to correspond with .e Lass from the Land of Logs and any other Dot’s Little Folk willing. Will they pleas j write first and soon?

Dante’s Beatrice (Josephine MacPherson, Herbert, North Otago) wishes to correspond with A Bunch of Gypsophila, Connie, and any other Little Folk willing. Will they please write first and soon? Norah Hayseed (Bertha Collins, Collinwood, Popotunoa, Clinton) wishes to correspond with Captain Blood. Will he please write soon?

EAT (Edith A. Thomson, Kelso) wishes to correspond with Jacko the Monkey and any other Little Folk. Will they please write first?

Dad’s Daisy (Daisy M’Cann, c/o Mr Langdale, Heberden avenue, Sumner, Christchurch) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing.