LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3829, 2 August 1927, Page 78

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am going to school at Otekura, and I like it yery much. Mv sister goes to school, too, with me. AVe have about half a mile to go to school, but it is all down hill, when we go in the mornings, and up hill when we go home at night. . It makes us warm running to school in these frosty mornings. We have a lovely teacher with us at Otekura. I can’t spell very much. I ask my big sister to spell hard words for me. She is watching me writing, and helping me, too, as I. can t write much with ink. I have seven sisters and three brothers, but my voun"est brother is dead, and so i s my second oldest sister I have a wee mec», and she is a dear wee tiling. She has just come cut of the hospital. My sister is going away, and is taking her with her, and we won’t see Wee Tnn a tU ? e ’ WC WiH aU miSS hei ’’ Wee Tom Tit wrote a nice letter last week, mA/ v ° n °2 S l een one from Dad ’ s Second Man.—Yours truly, RED, WHITE, AND GREY (Otekura) vonY e ru? le ’ — .™*. and Grey. I hone your little niece is qmte bettor when she comes back from her holiday.—DOT.] »

* * * Dear Dot,—l like reading yofbr page. I am learning music, and like it all exceui the practising. The last- snow fall wo had here was seven inches deep, and most of us had a good snow fight. It looks like rain to-night. My father was at the sevenInlo e t n a l? en v- at , ™ Saturday. fc, 1 - 111 ' r ° ,k LOW TIDE (Southland). [You will never be good at music if you do not prachse, Low Tide. Did vou win the snow fight?—DOT] * * *

F.UV9 ? t,_ ,^ ay 1 3O! ? your band Little vt al “ years of age, anfi in Standard V -• , * P’esent my mother and two brothers in < on holiday. I saw the picture The Better ’Ole” last Wednesday and it was very funny. Have you seen , J started school to-day after three J f h ;V day -. °? T local football team defeated Alexar.lra by four points, and wen

the banner. The frosty season is over new, and we are having nothing but wind and rain. I do not know the writers of the Little Folk letters, but I hope to soon. £ hope you will accept me as one of your Little Folk. —Yours tralv, STEEL OF THE ROIA.L MOUNTED (Matakanui). [Welcome, Steel of the Royal Mounted. I did not see the picture, but have heard it was very good.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years of age, and I have left school. My home is at Lovell's Flat, but I am out at work. I have a cat called Twinkle, but it does not twinkle much as it is a lazy old thing’. I have a terrier called Whisky. I am doinij, a piece of crochet, but it is taking me a long time to do it as I do not keep at it. Can you play the piano? I can, and I am trying to teach my sister to play. I have three sisters and two brothers. There is football here on Saturday, and I am hciing we will win. Love to" all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, PIANOLA (Milton). ( [Welcome, Pianola, Perhaps the cat twinkled” in its youth. I can nlav the piano.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We shifted again on the shortest day to our new home away in the backblocks. Our nearest shop or township is 12 miles away. I have cycled there twice to buy some stores, and the road was very unn Vy ’ 3? iele 13 bush all around us on the hills, which are snow-capned. Durin" the week we had a heavy fail, and the °snow P’ as . Slx seven inches deep on the flat. It is all thawed now except the snow on the hills. We had good fun snowballing one another. We took an old sledge, and pulled, it to the ton of the hill, and then wo slid to the bottom of the slope. Deerstalkers are frequently seen going out in the hopes of killing some of those animals. Sometimes they are successful, but other times their search is fruitless. The venison is rather tasty to eat. Have you ever eaten it? There are numbers of pigeons flying about. I expect they are wild ones out of the bush. This bush consists chiefly of red birch. There are quite a number of men felling the timber for posts. I have read three books this last few days, entitled “Queen of the Abbey Girls,”' “The Heart of a Friend," and “Little Lord Fauntleroy,” all very interesting, although I latter the best. I haven't been lo a dance for ages, as there are no dances near here. When I go back to the Gore district, I intend going to the dances there. Dorothea, my baby sister, is not very well at present, as she is cutting her eye-teeth. She has not started to creep yet, but she loves us to hold her and allow her to walk around.—Yours truly, KREMO (denary). [I have not tasted venison, Krcmo. Dorothea will be smiling again when her little white teeth have cut through.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,— I was very pleased to see my letter in the Witness last week. Fleas?. Dot. would you alter iny private name f-r my correspondents, as it was “ Wrenn,” which 13 a / 31 ! stake, and I cannot receive any letters until it is right. I am busy knittino’ a. jumper for myself. It i s very cold up ifere „ ? va kave hard frosts. I have a pup called Flossy. We are milking one cow. I have a cold, and have had it a long time. I yas in to see my little brother’s "rave Yesteyhiy. I belong to the Girl Guides in rairlie, and enjoy them very much. Love and every success to all the’ Little Folk — lours truly,

NUNNY (Cricklewood). [I have altered your name in ‘’Notes." Nunr.y. Tell m e what, you do at the Girl Guide meetings.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, May I join your hannv band. TTT a!U T nn i e years '- f a S c - and in " Standard 111. I have a little black kitten. Will you please give me a name for it? I am very fond of animals. It has been snowing here, anil I made a snowman as bi" as myself. The electric light has gone out" and I am writing this letter by lamp-light. 1 have one mile to walk to school, and I have a lady teacher. She is a very nice teacher Love to yourself and all the’ Little rolk.—yours truly, HIGHLAND LADY (Wendonside). [Welcome, Highland Lady. Your name was taken. Call your kitten Bolt.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Folk? I am nine and a-half years of age, and my birthday is on December ‘2-3. I, live at St. Clair, and I go to the St. Ciair school. My father a sheep farm and he has over 3.030 sheep. 118 cattle, and a bull with a white face and a red body. I go to my father’s farm every time I have holidays, and I have a pony, a dog, and a calf, lie had a bit of a bother takingthe calf away from the cow because it was a wild one, and It tried to rush us every time we went near it. After a while we put the cow in the byre, and took the calf avzay into an old stable. When wo went in with a bucket of milk to feed it, it butted into the bucket and snilled seme of the milk, and so it had all the less to drink. In the morning 1 went into the garden and dug up some worms to catch fish with. When I had a tin full, I went to the creek, which was a little way from the house I put a worm on my' hook and began fishing. I caught a snag at first, and it broke the hook, so I put another on. I did not do so badly because I caught nine trout and we had them for tea. Next day I went cut mustering the sheep with my father, and he began to gallon, and my pony followed. When weTstopped I was a bit shaken up because I had not galloped before, but dad said I would soon be used to it. p “ . w s nt l io ™c for dinner after we had finished mustering. It was sunny the next day so I went for a bathe. After it I went to the byre to see them milking the cows, Lest- wishes to all.— truly. t RED INDIAN (Dunedin). [ Y e l C ? me ’ Ked In< lian. Yon must be a. now ?—DOT J 3 "’ ATO y ° U U<s * d to S all<> l ,in - * * * Dear Dot,— Since last writing, the snow has all shifted, that is one good thin" because it made everything look very miserab.e. We had some good fun out of the snow. I made a snowman, and one day. when Old Winter was passing it, she knocked it over. I have just come in from catching the horse, as we are going out visiting. It is a lovely day for driving. My little sister is awake, and I will have to go and rock her off to sleep. I am sitting out in tdic sun finishing this letter to the page. Our daffodils are peeping their green heads through the ground, so' you can see spring is not far off. The rooster is crowing. Ho is up on the gate, $o I think we must be haying a visitor. We have three hers laying. Have you any hens? Empire will

be coming home in August, and I will be glad as we have good times together. I was at a euchre party the other night, ana had an Al time, but did not manage to bring home the prize. I wen six points, and the highest for the ladies was eight points. A girl friend of mine won it. In the ladies’ prize there was a cui. UJory s sister was in it, and Glory's father won the men’s prize. I had my photo taken at s. friend’s place with two little children. Hie children’s aunt took me. My mother is not very well. She has a very sore loot. My mother has just finished knitting my little Eister a silk dress, and it does look love.y. The colour of it is cream, and the baby has a bonnet to match. On Saturday Ida Valley footballers played Patearoa at latearoa, and lost for the fii-st time this year, but better luck next time. They still hold the banner and the cup. Oturehua played hockey against St. Bathans at Oturehua, and St. Bathans won. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, „ ~ , DOT’S SWEETHEART (Ida Valley). [I have some hens, and they lay well, Sweetheart. I hope mother's foot is better soon.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot,—We had some relatives from Waimate here to-day, and they have just left for home. Are you having very hard frosts in Dunedin ? We are going to have a concert in a few weeks’ time, and every Saturday we practise for it. 1 like going io the practise. Last Friday the 1 leasant Point High School played the Temuka High at football and basketball. V e won the basketball, and lost the football. I think the Temuka primary is playing Geraldine on Tuesday. The latter aro coming to Temuka. Last week I was at the dentist to have some teeth extracted. I have still two more to have out. My youngest brother has a nasty eore on his knee. Do you work out crossword puzzles? I am very fond of doing them. Some of them are easv, while others are very hard. I haven t done much reading lately. The last book I read was “ The Helt-on Scholarship. it was a good story, and I enjoyed ’ reading it There is a beautiful library in Temuka. On Saturday night three other girls and I went in and had a look at the papers. I am very keen on stamp-collecting. I have about 800 stamps. Ono or two of them are fairly old. Stamp-collecting is my pet.hobby. Love and regards to all the Little Folk ana yourself.—Yours truly A PINK CARNATION BUD (Temuka).

[We have had some extremely frosty mornings, Pink Carnation Bud. I have no time for working crossword puzzles—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Since writing to you, I have had a letter from White Starlight, and 1 think she is a very nice girl. I am reading a book called “ A Credit to the School, and it is very interesting. Have you read it? We are going to write an essay on Sir Francis Drake for the Navy League prize. We play basketball at school, and I am goal thrower sometimes. We have not played any matches yet, but I think we will be soon. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, A DANCING DEWDROP (Oamaru). [I have not read the book, Dancing Dewdrop. You must practise goal throwing if you are to be in a team. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I saw my letter in the last Witness, and I was pleased. There have been euchre parties here every Friday, and I have been to every one. I saw Old Winter’s letter in the Witness last week. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, GLORY (Ida I alley). [You will bo good at euchre if you go -to so many evenings, Glory. Are you playing any game this winter. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have had several falls of snow thia winter. I read in the Witness that this has been the coldest winter for many years. We had a hoarfrost one morning, and the trees and fences looked so pretty with the frost all over them. We had a. very heavy fall of rain yesterday, and the river rose so quickly that we were afraid there was going to be a flood. Although I am not called early in the morning I do not like having to jump up and leave the warm blankets behind. I am in Standard VI this year, and I hope to pass my proficiency. I think we will be having our term examination soon. My sisters and brother have all had influenza. I am very fond of reading, and have started a book by L. M. Montgomery called “ Emily of New Moon.” Have you read it? I have read a number of that writer’s books before, end thought they were lovely, especially the “ Anne" series. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, ANN PAN (Otago).

[I have read the book, and there are two more about Emily for you to enjoy, Ann Pan. Work hard now and you will not find your proficiency examination hard at the end of the year.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been home from school all week with the mumps, but I may be home another week yet. Most of the Little Folk say they have had snow, but we have not had any yet. We had ice on a pond, and we school children went at dinner time, and slid on it. I have just been reading a very interesting book. I think Teddy and Golly are having great fun with their “ Treasure Hunt.” Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, ENGLISH JUMBO (Longwood). [Your ice slide must have been great fun, English Jumbo. I hope the mumps dieappear soon. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—My father was out this afternoon ploughing a line for the rabbits. There was a fall of snow here last week. There was about half an inch of enow, and I made a snowman. Did you have any enow ? It is my birthday to-morrow. I will be 12 years of ago. Love to all the Little Folk and your self. —Yours truly, DINKY DEWDROP (Lake Wakatipu). [We have had a little enow, Dinky Dewdrop. Were you warm when you were making the enowman? —DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and eti.ll go to school. We have a mile and a-half to walk to school, and it is cold these frosty mornings. I have a brother who write® to you. His name is Troddles. I have also several cousins. Their names are Twinks, Little Japanese, and Green Purse. We have all had colds, and also have been ill, but we are better again. SNOWTOP’ (Morven). [Do you run any of the way to school, 6 now top? You must not catch any more colds.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have gat’-ed 12 new oorrespendents. I met on: of my new correspondents last Suuuav, and went to ha* piace

and had a lovely time. We aro looking forward to a trip to Arthur’s Pass with the next railway excursion. These excursions are held on an average of once a month, and I have been told that they are lovely. I have started taking the Otago Witness every week now, and I am glad. Before I used to have only an odd copy. The other day I went out' on a shopping expedition, and I bought some lovely material, of a raisin colour, for a new frock. I am making it myself, and I am trimming it with fawn. With a fawn or raisin hat and fawn stockings, it should look nice. Have you had a cold yet? We have all had one, and I have had a touch of bronchitis, and am still under the doctor. The cherry plum is in bud, and bulbs are shotting up everywhere. I have been told that a few early lambs have been seen out in the country. Do you know Christchurch at all? The . town itself it not much to talk of, but some of the environs are really nice. Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake are little beaches, and New Brighton is rather nice. I would not care to live at Brighton. Upper Riccarton is nice, especially the racecourse, which is kept in beautiful order. I have friends who live about 100 yards from the course, and we often go over for an afternoon. Addington is a nice place, and the Cashmere Hills aro beautiful. Linwood is a dear little place, and I like Spreydon and Merivale. 1 have not yet been to Papanui, St. Albans, Fendalton, North Beach, Opawa, or Sydenham, but I do hope to go to these places shortly. Sumner is such a popular seaside resort. Last Sunday, being a fine day, quite a number of cars were going down. On my road to town in the tram, we passed at least 100 cars going to Sumner. That was as many as I could be bothered to count, and there were more besides. The hills, which form quite a eemi-circle round Sumner, prove to be very attractive to visitors. The hills, known as Scarborough and Richmond, form a part of the Port ■Hills. Of course, as every one knows, the Port Hills were made by a volcano which blew, itself inside out. The crater now is the Lyttleton harbour. One needs only to look at these lulls to find out they were the lava and rock from a volcano. The colour of the rocks is a reddish brown and grey in parts. There is plenty of growth on the hills, and they are used for sheep farming. Love to all and your self.—Yours truly, DAD’S DAISY (Sumner).

[I have not had a cold, Dad’s Daisy. I do not know Christchurch at all, but must visit it some day.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There was a football match at the Ferry last Saturday, but our team did not win. There is another one next Saturday, and I hope they have better luck. My sister Ginger II goes to Gore to-morrow for cooking. I have just finished writing to two of my correspondents. We are having a bazaar in September, and the committee holds socials every week in aid of it. The last book I read was the ” Adventures of Carlo.” Sometimes I knit when my lessons are over. We play hide-and-seek at school. We have cocoa at school now, and arc very glad of it on a cold day. Love to all and your own self. —Yours truly, GILLIES (Menzies Ferry). [I used to have some good games of hide-and-seek, Gillies. You will be glad of the cocoa. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age, and lam in Standard II at school. Father and Lassie from Lancashire have gone to the school dance. When I am older I hope to be able to go as well. Love to all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, MYTIL’S BLUEBIRD (Longwood). [Welcome, Mytil’s Bluebird. Your name was taken. Mytil was a little girl with a name something like your own “ Myrtle ” and she was looking for a blue bird wlrich was difficult to find. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will perceive that I am another new correspondent to your admirable little page, or to be more exact, to your admirable large pages. I should have written before, but formerly I detested letter writing in every shape and form. It is only quite recently that I have become reconciled to it. I have seen 14 summers, and have only recently left school. School, in my humble opinion, was a bore. Of course, I know it is essential, and all that, but . When I attended the aforesaid school, I considered it “ heavenly.” Now, looking back, I often wonder where the “ heavenly " came in. I hope no other correspondent has taken my nom de plume. It has a nice romantic sound, I think. I lived in Dunedin until some months ago, when I travelled by rail to Timaru. Although our Timaru weather is excellent in every way, I yearn for Dunedin again. It was there, five years ago, I experienced the saddest day of my life. My mother died. It is sad to lose one’s mater. I mis® her very much of late. I am fond of literature. I could read all day. I have been writing stories ever since I was 10 years of age, but (happily) my earliest works have not been preserved. I love music, too. I often wish I owned a piano. Writing to you helps to fill in the long winter evenings. —Yours truly, DON Q (Timaru). [Welcome, Don Q, but send your private name, please, at once. Is there no piano that you can practise on? —DOT.] * * St-

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and in Standard 11. I know Little Wanda Lady Mary, and Lady Mary's Mate. We nave just started school after five weeks’ holiday. I like going to school for the master is very nice.—Yours truly, G-OLDEN FAY (Hakataramea). [Welcome, Golden Fay. Your name was 1 taken. Did you enjoy your five weeks’ holiday?—DOT.] ’ -5t St- # I Dear Dot, —I received a letter from one of my correspondents, and he wrote a very nice letter. Our school started again on - the 19th of this month, and I was quite ; pleased. Wo have new desks a school, and only two pupils can sit in each one. The " Chums ” are having a good time, aren’t f they? The snow has all shifted. Do you 1 save cigarette cards? I do. I have 87. 1 I have nearly a set of “ Pirates and Highi waymen.” Love to all and your own dear r self. —Yours truly, i. THE GIPSY GHOST (Hakataramea). s [Yes, the " Chums ” axe havihg a good a time, Gipsv Ghost. I do not save cigarette 0 cards. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Aunt said to tell you about Whangarei or some of my North Auckland experiences, and I am going to take her advice. Whangarei is a beautiful little town, su< rounded on three sides by ranges of high, bush-clad hills. It has a busy river-port, being the centre for all North Auckland shipping, chiefly butter, cheeee, and coal.

There is still a small amount of kauri spun sent to Auckland. The diggers are chiefly Maoris, Slavs, Dalmatians, Pole-s, and Greeks who lived in settlements in the bush. The hulls were made with roofing iron and plaited flax. Some of the Maoris had bullock wagons for doing heavy work in place of horses. There was a Maori pa not far from where we used to live, and the men used to set cel traps in the creeks and catch eels in the pools where we used i to swim. We often used to fish in the creeks sitting in boats that we made ourselves. The boats were guaranteed not to sink if no water went in, but more often than not there were shipwrecks. Several boys caught an eel about five feet long, and the Maoris gave them flax mats and bags for it. They put it in a tub of water with some other cels till they were ready to eat it. They didn’t invite us to taste it, although we saw them cooking it. During an epidemic one Christmas, I went to Ruakaka for a holiday. There is a lovely ocean beach just outside the heads, and far along the coast one can see the blazing scarlet of the pohutukawa or Christmas tree. Some of the branches look very pretty floating on the water. Have you ever seen them? We used to decorate the launches with them when we went for picnics. I have been so busy writing that I have allowed the fire to burn down, and I am becoming too cold to write any more. Kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly,

NEVER MIND (St. Andrews),

[I have seen the red flowers of the Christmas tree, but have not seen them floating on the water. Have you ever tasted cels? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was glad to see my last letter in print. Our school . teacher gave us a race, and I came second, and won a pen. The first prize was a lead pencil. I did not win the last puzzle teacher gave us. but Elsie, a friend of mine, did. Dad has not gone pukaki shooting for a good while. We are making raffia baskets at school. We all have colds, but we are not laid up so far.'' I am going to learn music. We have not a piano, but I am going to practise oa the school teacher’s. We are having bright spring days now. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly, FINK ROSE BLOSSOM (Cental Otago). [I am pleased you are going to learn music, Pink Rose Blossom. It is kind of the teacher to allow you to practise.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —1 have two little pups, and would you please give me names for them? We had some hard frosts a few weeks ago. I have a brother 10 years of age, and he goes to school, and is in Standard 11. We milk four cows in the morning and none at night. During our next term holiday, Gore is holding a gala carnival. Please could you tell me what to dress in? We are all supposed to be in fancy costumes. Are you coming to see our demonstration? We would be pleased to see you.—Yours truly, 1 FOREST GIRL (Gore).

[I should like to come to the demonstration, Forest Girl, but I am afraid it is impossible. Dress as a flower with a pc tai cap. Call the puppies Tinker and Tailor. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was in Dunedin for two weeks’ holiday, and I enjoyed myself very much. I rcceNed a letter to-day from Thraldom, and she said that she had measles, and that she had to stay home from school for a month. I made some toffee to-day, and it turned out well. I am reading a book called “ The Black Knight,” by Ethel M. Dell. Have you read it? Some of the spring flowers arc coming out now in the garden, and they look very pretty. While my father was shearing his eheep, a strange dog came along, and it had a fight with our dog, and it broke our leg. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, COTTAGE FLOWER (Waihola). [I have not read the book. Do not read Ethel M. Dell’s books. Cottage Flower, if you can read any good school or adventure stories instead.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We played a basketball and football match against Milford on Friday. Clandeboye boys won by 16 to nil. The girls’ score was 20 to 20, and we were equal. I went to the pictures one Saturday night, and the picture was a good one. A “ kitchen ” evening was held in our hall on Monday night. I did not go. I will be going to a dancing class on Monday night, and I think I am going to a send off on Wednesday night, and to a dance on Friday night. We have our new school teacher. She comes out and plays basketball with us every afternoon. At present we have only one cow milking. I am in the “A ” team of basketball, and am a defence. Can you play basketball? Do you like reading? It is one of my favourite pastimes. Just now I am reading a book called “ The Better Fart.” Love to the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly, A COUNTRY DWELLER (Clandeboye).

[I like reading. Country Dweller. I used to play basketball, in the defence position where you play.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —May I become one of your Little Foik? We have a beautiful black cat called Mils. He is petted. Some of the other cats bite his ear when he fights. I am in Standard 11. Our teacher is nice. I will be nine on August 15. —Yours truly, PETER PIXIE (Dunedin).

[Of course you may join, Peter Pixie. You have a very pretty name. I wonder if Mite is a fat pussy? Do you like school. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My letter will be a little bigger this time. Many things are happening about the district lately. I wish to thank you for the nice name for my playhouse. I like the look of the lambs frisking in the paddock, but it is not time for the lambs yet, but it soon will be. What kind of weather are you having in Dunedin? We have had plenty of sunshine these la-st

few d .ys. C-ould you please name my pretty little cupie doll? He’s a very smart looking fallow.’ Love to you all, and to you, Dot, meet of all.—Yours truly, A BLUE LILY (Southland).

[Oil your cupie Dan, which is Cupids naiu>, Blue Lily. We are having very cold wea-'.her here. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our school is closed just now for winter holidays. We have a month. Three weeks of it are already gone. I’m not looking forward to going back. I don t like echoof much. I would rather be trapping rabbits, as the skins bring such a good price. We have had a very long, cold winter, six weeks of frost without a breaK. All the pipes and taps were frozen, and when they did thaw, there were pipes and taps burst everywhere. We also had a good fall of snow, about four inches, and we boys had a good time. We built sledgee, and had lovely rides down the hills. Do you like watching football, Dot? I’m keen on the game, and go to nearly all the matches played here. Our bovs have had a few wins, but I don t think they will win the banner. Two of our men have been picked to play in ths county matches. I have learned to play cards thio winter, and like it very much. I play with my brother. Love to all Little Folk and yourself. —Y’ours truly, GAUDY WINGS (Otago Central).

[I like watching a good game of football, Gaudy Wings. You must be proud of your picked men. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just finished reading; the Little Folks’ page, and I thought £ would just write a few lines. Some of th* Little Folk deserve credit for the interesting letters they write. We have just been, rid of the chaff-cutter. They make work, cutting lunches and dinners, although they are not half the work of the millmen. W» had a fall of snow a few weeks back, it was a good depth, too. Our teacher lj»ft about a month ago. We are having a lady teacher. We gave cur other teacher a. little afternoon before lie left, and mac. 4. him a presentation of a travelling rug. Another Little Housekeeper made the presentation. I am going up for my proficiency certificate at the end of this year, Bo I hope I gain it. I will likely be going ko High next year, at least I hope so. R«Je Elf goes, and ehe says it is lovely there. Wc have’ a library in cur school. I have read quite a number of the books. I have such a dear wee red calf, so will you be kind enough to give me a name for it, please? Love to all the Little Folk—Yours truly, LITTLE NURSE GIRL (Kaiwera). [Call the calf Lipton, Little Nurse Girl, I hope you can go to High School. Ifhe teacher would be glad of the rug. DCXD.j

Dear Dot,— My fingers have cracked, tho cause being my hands being in water too much. I am hoping they will soon be better now that I have started my new occupation, which is helping my father in a grocer’s shop. I am reading such an interesting book at present, “ Gladys or Gweneth.' llave you read it? One of the Dot’s Little Folk is at present staying here. 1 have been speaking to her. Do you go to the pictures? They arc on here to-night, eo I am going. What a lovely morning Sunday was. • Dad took some photos of our family. I do hope they turn out nicely. Do you take photos? Would you think it very rude of me to ask you for a photo of yourself in exchange for one of myself. You will know which is me by a cross. Love to you and all.—Yours truly, ROSEWOOD (North Otago).

[I have not read the book, Rosewood. I do not go often to the pictures. Thank you for the photograph. Of course it was not rude to ask me for a photograph of myself, but I do not give photographs to tho Little Folk.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Mum and I went to the pictures to see Buster Keaton in M Srt'en Chances.' It was a scream (joginning to end, about a youn? ar 27 who had to ho married by ’i r ; -_aock. X\e had just gone over to the .Jiiiter-shed in the Square when pit-a-pat doxm came the rain. We had a. full 20 rjiriutes to wait for a tram going our way, so I said I would walk home. B had my mac. on, and I did not care. Wo were home a full five- minutes before the tram was even due at our corner. Last Saturday night Mum and Eddie and I went to Brighton, and saw our friends, and Eddie and I have to go to-morrow night again. Mum is playing crib with a friend of ours. Can you play crib? I can. 1 beat my grandfather years ago when I was quite small, 10 or 11 years ago, I think. This coming Saturday we arc going to a “surprise” party in Sydenham. We know we are going to enjoy ourselves because we always do when we go to this friend’s home. Last Sunday morning my friend and I went for a walk round the gardens, and took a snap of the Antigua boat sheds, with the proprietor in the doorway, and another ono of the Y.M.C.A. Mum has been making jam and sewing all the day. Do you know what our cat did to-night? When his bedtime came he hid under the sofa in tho basket, and went to sleep. We discovered him when wc were pulling the slippers out to warm by the fire. The chess problems in last week’s Witness were exciting, weren’t they? Love to all and yourself.—Y’ours truly VALENCIA RAISIN (Christchurch).' [I do not play cribbagc, Valencia Raisin. Do you work all the chess problems in tho Witness ? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard VI at school, and I am 13 years of age. Last Tuesday the boys played football against Geraldine, and won by 12 points to 6. The girls were beaten by five points to four. I am reading the book “ Boys will be Boys.”Have you read it?—Y’ours truly MR NOBODY (Timaru). [Welcome, Mr Nobody. I have not read the book, but the saying “ boys will be boys ” is very tru^ —IJOT.J * * *

Dear Dot, —We have been taking the Witness now for 10 years, and I enjoy reading your large page which grows bigger each week. I am in Standard V at school, and I am now 12 years of age. I have three brothers, all younger than myself, but no sisfc ts. I saw the Duke and Duchess of York. It was a pity the Duchess could not go to the South Island, and I suppose most of the people were disappointed. Sorrp time ago eeven children, including myself, went to the gardens (which are about o miles from here) on bikes, and coming home the axle on one of them broke, and it was dark when we reached home. We have just had our inspectors’ examination at echoc!-, but wi don’t know if we have passed or not yet. Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, MABEL (Eltham). [lt was fortunate the owner of the broken axle was not hurt, Mabel. We were disappointed at not aceing the Duchess. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l lov o to be out on a fine day on my horse Lasca, with the wind in my face and the sun on my back, short stirrups, no hat, and going at a good pace, but today is too wet to go out. The Palmerston Dog Trials were run four days in June. I tried to run a header the first day, but was unsuccessful owing to not having trained the dog beforehand. The Collie Club was formed six years ago with trials every year, but until this year, when I ran my dog, no women had ever competed. We have the greatest boon to the housewife that ever I saw, an electric range. It is clean, never burns anything like cakes; makes very little noise, as the lids are not lifted off. There is a switch for each ring, which can be turned to high, medium, low, and off, so thatif the kettle is wanted quickly the power is turned to high. Dad bought a Grebe wireless set, the wonder of the age. I like listeningin to Australia. It seems more marvellous than New Zealand. One night I got 18 stations. Most were in Aussie, and I think I found an American station, but could only hear it with my head to the loud speaker. It will be great when one can see pictures by wireless. The queen Carnival is over. My queen the country queen won by many pounds. Do you visit the movies? I like pictures very much. These long winter evenings are the ones for books, and I have read many, the best being “ Light of Western Stare, “ Wildfire,” “ Lone Star Ranger.’* by Zane Grey, “ The Everlasting Whisper,” by Jackson Gregory, and “ Skyline.” I have two more letters to write, to girls in Jamaica and Tasmania. Altogether I have seven correspondents overseas, and enjoy receiving and answering their letters. Love to all.—Your.’ truly, STILTS (Palmerston). [Do not change your name, Stilts. You need not be ashamed of your noni de plume for it is one of the most original of Little DOT ] n °t °° *° °ff en -

Dear Dot, —I have received my badge, and was very pleased to receive is so soon. Last week we had the chaffcutter for about a day and a-half. When I am feeding the hens in the mornings, I have to watch the sow and boar, which are at present roaming at large. They both like boiled wheat, vwi wou ea t it all if they had the chance. When we put the dogs out to them, the boar goes behind the sow, and pushes her first, but the pup goes for him, and chases him over to the straw stack, and he (the boar) hides under the straw so that they can’t bite him. Now that the sea ia calmer, the fishing boats are once more to be seen 1 have . just finished reading “ To-morrow’s Langle, by Margaret Pedlar, and have J’.-a.V of Rogues’ Harbour,” by Grace Miller white, to finish. I love reading when I have nothing else to do. Wild Sheba is about as good as I am at writing to you, as L hardly see a letter of hers. Kind regards to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, MONKEY PUZZLE (Waianakarua). [The boar must be a big coward, Monkey 1 uzzle. It serves him right that th e puppies chase him to the straw etack.—DOT.]

, XT P c ?’ r —^’ e milk our cows at ni<*ht. v e have only one pig. We have a new pup, and call it Glen. We have muddy roads to go to school, and they are not very nice. On G girl in our class has left the school. I have chilblains on my feet and hands. Did you see the eclipse of the moon? I saw only a bit because I felt the cold. It was a bit cloudy to see it. \\ e are having a Young Helpers’ League garden party soon for we have sent in our boxes. I am a Young Helper, and my brother and sister are too. I will be 11 years of age in September. The schoolboys have a seven-a-eidc football team. They played against Port, and won 30 to 3. They are going to play another match on Saturday. I have toothache after meals some„H! e3 ’ 1 >’ kc e °mc of the letters in the Witness. The story about Teddy and Golly is very exciting.—Yours truly, BEE BUSY (Romabapa). [I saw the eclipse of the moon Bee Busy Keep warm gloves on your chilblains this wont her.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Do you like reading? Ido I am in Standard VI now. I have had a bael cold this winter. Did you catch the cold, most people did? Our little baby brother is very funny. Bee Busy is just looking at a book with him. He hit one or two pictures for fun. He knows all our dogs by name. I cani G top in our first term exam Our teacher has just recovered from an illness. V e had a relieving teacher for a week. He was more strict than our usual teacher. I am making a nightgown at school. 1 have just the fancywork to do. Love to the Litt.e Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. FROSTY’S MATE (Romabapa). 3Y!i' C , a c °ld, Frosty’s Mate. A 10 little boy must be intelligent to know the names of all the dags.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band, i *11" H yoars of age. I have only one brother. His name is Eric. Did you like going to school? I like if. Thank you for the reply to my letter which I saw in this week’s Witness. I will write to the o f, rlca T ”. Church Girl next week. Lovg to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly lIGER TILLY (Waikaka). [Welcome, Tiger Tilly. I liked school when I was young. I suppose vou are very fond of Erie.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I vc just finished writing to a Little Folk girl in Napier. Apple Blossom Dryad was visiting 113 last Friday, and we had a good time with her. We’ve had quite ' a number of dances recently. First was our fancy dress and hard times dance, which was very good. I went as “ Miss 1900,” and found my high, stiff collar and long, full skirt rather awkward at first. Agnes’s Comrade went as a waitress. My uncle gave a, dance in his new , barn, and, although it lias very crowded we all enjoyed ourselves very much. The local bachelors held their annual ball the same week, and it was an immense success. Mv brother and I motored to Mataura Island ball, which was given by the bachelors and spinsters there and had a good time. We’ve just started a choir m this district, and I think it is good fun practising the anthems. We’ve only about a dozen members so far but hope to have more later on. I haven’t’been to the pictures for ages, but they’re coming here on Wednesday night, and I hope to go. It is Jackie Coogan in “Johnnie Get lour Han- Cut,” so it ought to be good. *’ ® saw C-nfirlic s A.imt ” a g’ood while 1 a ‘"?’ ,?, nc L a \ so “ The Ten Commandments, and liked them both. My youngest sister is in oed sick, and, as mumps are goin°* aoout the district, I suppose she will have them. Last Sunday three of us went to Mnlvena the Cook’s place, and had a lively time. We don t take the Witness now, so I miss seeing the Little Folk letters. I am going to cycle to Edendale this afternoon

to meet Miss Wee Pinny, and also to visit my sister and her wee daughter.—Yours truly COPPER NOB (Southland). ’ [You have been to a great number of dances, Copper Nob. Tell me about the little niece.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Will you accept me os one of your Little Folk? I enjoy reading your page in the Witness, and think some of the letters are very interesting. I have three cats and three dogs. One of the dogs is a pup. Will you tell me a name for it? I have a little sister called Margaret. She is very pretty, and bas beautiful long eyelashes, but -I don't think she will be so pretty when she grows up.—Yours truly, SIMPLE SIMON (Southland). [Welcome, Simple Simon. Send your private name and address. Call your dog Officer.—DOT.] NOTES. Rabbiter’s Mate.—The address you asked for is M. Drummond, Five Rivers. Nunny’s correspondents.—Violet’s name is Violet Nunn, not Violet Wrenn, and her address is Cricklewood.—DOT. AUTOS. Glory (Cecily Dundass, Ida Valley) wishes to correspond with Lilac Lassie. Will she please write first and soon ? Dad’s Daisy (Daisy M’Cann, care of Mrs Langdale, Heberden Avenue, Sumner, Christchurch) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing. Copper Neb (Edith Arnott, Seaward Downs, Southland) wishes to correspond with any Canadian Little Folk from 18 to 20 years of age.

Mabel (May Russell, 46 Castle street, Eltham) would like to correspond with any Oamaru Little Folk about 11 or 12 years of age. Will they please write first? Cottage Flower (Elsie Orlowski, Waihola) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 13 to 15 years of age and any others willing.

Ann Pan (Annie Beaton, Lindis Pass, via Cromwell) wishes to correspond with any Dot’s Little Folk between 13 and 15 years of age. Will they please write first and soon? Dancing Dewdrop (Violet Cooper, G 7 Humber street, Oamaru) would very much like to correspond with Ripper Flapper and Bush Boy. Will they please write first and soon? Kremo (Evelyn Moffatt, Glenary, Waikaia, Southland) wishes to correspond with uad’s Daisy, Valencia Raisin, and A Taranaki Cow-Puncher. Will they please write first and soon?

Low Tide (Janies Muir Five Rivers) wishes to correspond with Earl Kitchener. Will he please write first and soon?