LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3830, 9 August 1927, Page 77

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourst’v >. Dear Dot,—I was very pleased to see mv letter in the Witness. I think there will be a flood to-morrow. It is too cold to go out to-night, and it is raining worse than ever. I am sitting in the dining room by a nice warm fire, and my sister is playing the piano. She can play it well. I am going to leam soon. I have • nice big sleeping doll that I bought at L. bazaar two ago. Will you please give me a name for it? My brother is in Dunedin for a week. Love to all.—Yours truly, SUNBEAM RAY (Palmerston). [How long has you sister been learning, Sunbeam Ray? Call your doll Princess who ~„n remember, the sleeping beauty. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having more than our fair share of rain this month. Three weeks ago our temporary bridge was washed away, cutting us off from town. Fortunately the two service cars- were thia side of the river.

1 Our main highway bridge was washed away j in the 1924 flood. It was a very high bridge, too Another temporary bridge is built in pl tee of the last. It is exceptionally low, ar d has no sides. Before it was completed, presenters from the service cars were pulled al rose in a little box on a pulley by ropes. II was much better than in the boat as tie river was rather swift. Bunnie Bunting thought so after she stepped into the water up to her knees, instead of on the bank. Wo have listened-in to quite a few wireless concerts lately. , It really is a wonderful thing, don’t you think so? We have been to three weddings in the last three months. They were ail very pretty weddings. The brides were all cousins of Bunnie Bunting and mine. Bunnie Bunting is doing some more fancy work. This time it is a cushion. The last one she made was a big grey spider web on a pink ground. It is very pretty. I am at present doing some Next time Bunnie writes it will be to say how sorry she is to retire and become an Old Writer, as she will be 21 years of age on August 4. We intend having a young peoples’ party cn Saturday. I had a party for my 17th birthday. It was very jolly. I like a party, especially when things are kept going. Bunnie and I both have new dresses for her party. Mine is pink brocaded satin, while Bunnie’s is a pretty blue aileen de chine. They have straight sleeveless bodices and rather full skirts. We do all our own dressmaking. Best of love to youiself and all. —Yours truly, TUP (Hawke’s Bay). [I hope Bunnie Bunting has a very happy 21st birthday, Tup. Wish her “ good luck ” from me. Yes, wireless is wonderful. —DOT,} •» * * Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see mV first letter in print. It is weeks since 1 have written, as I have not had time. Thank you very much for the kitten’s name. I think it was a very nice name. I was at; a dance last Friday night, and I enjoyed myself very much. It has been a very miserable day to-day, and I didn’t go to school a-s it was raining all day. We haveno cows milking. We have six cows and a calf. We have a dog and its name id Lut. We play basket ball at school. You have a great number writing to your page, and I like reading the letters very much. Love to your happy band of Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MONTEREY LASS (Pareora East).

[lt was too bad of the rain to keep yoif from school, Monterey Lass. Are you in & basket ball team ?—DOT.) * * * Dear Dot, —I vra-s very pleased to see my letter in print. My hobbies arc fancywortand reading. I have a cat. Could yoii give me a name for it? We have been having very wet weather, and the river is beginning to rise.—Yours truly, LITTLE WANDA (Hakataramea). [Call your cat Whisk, Little Wanda. Id he a big cat ? Have you any mice for him. to practise catching?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I become a writer to youff page. I have a little puppy, and its name, is scot. I have a cat. Could yon give me a name for it ? It is raining, and the river is becoming high. We have a cow, and a garden. I nave five '' neats ” in my spelling book. I have one sister and no brothers. I have chosen Little Diana for my penr name.—Yours truly, LITTLE DIANA (Hakataramea). [Welcome, Little Diana. I named the cab in Little Wanda’s letter. You must be a tidy girl to have “ neat ” marked on youff work.—DOT.) * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? Do you like rain? I don’t. It has been very cold this winter. I have three pups. Have you had measles? £ have. Love to all. —Yours truly, A YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYER (Hakataramea). [Welcome, Young Football Player. Youff name was taken. I like rain when I any inside. I have not had measles. —DOT.) ■» * * Dear Dot, —May I join vour happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of ago, and in Standard I at school. We playbasket ball. I am knitting a scarf just now. I have a calf, and would you give me a name for it? My brother is writing to you. My brother has 200 cigarette cards. There was a dance here last night. Love to all and vour own dear self. — Yours trulyt. BONNIE RENNIE (Hakataramea). [Welcome, Bonnie Rennie. Call your call Willie Winkie. Your brother will soon have a' fine collection of cigarette cards.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I am 10 years of age£ and in Standard 111 at school. Thank yoii for the names for the cats. I know a few Little Folk about here. We received our wireless back on Monday night. Have you a wireless? It is raining here to-day. I am knitting a scarf. I have a brother and. sister. If we want to correspond with anybody do we have to buy auto cards off write out one on a piece of paper? Kind regards to. all.—Yours truly. LADY MARY (Hakataramea).

[I have not a wireless. Lady Mary. You do not need to have auto cards. Write your autos out on a piece of paper.—DOT.]. # 41 #

Dear Dot, —We could not go to school today as the water from the gutters was running like a big stream across the road. ( A short while ago we had quite a big fall of snow. We made two snowmen, and my little sister tried to make some little ones. She said they were old daddy snowman’s children. Have you ever noticed the pretty patterns on the windows after a hard frost? One morning my mother's bedroom window had ferns all on the bottom pane, and my window was covered with flower designs. They were so pretty, I was sorry tha frost melted off so quickly. I had an accident a while ago, and nearly chopped two of my toes off. They are nearly better again, and my boot is mended, so I can go to school again without having wet feet. Fop two or three weeks I had* to wear' gvm. shoes. Love to yourself and the Little Folk. Yours truly, WANDO (Otago). [There are some beautiful frost flowers on the windows these mornings, Wslndo. Y’ou must be careful as your toes will not grow if you cut them off. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Spring is nearly here. I think we are all glad, too. We have a swimming pond which was covered with ice this winter, but one could not slide on it. I tried to, but. did ..not do so again because I shouldt have been hurt if I had slipped. I have just finished writing to my brother Charlie, the second eldest in the family, a good sort, too. —Yours trulv. MAID OF THE MIST (Otago).

[Do not go sliding unless the ice is quite Safe, Maid of the Mist. Is your brother ewav in another part of New Zealand? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Your page is increasing every week, so you will soon need a whole Witness for yourself, won’t you? The St. Bathans Hockey Team have won the banner, and are going to try and win the cup. I play right-wing. Hockey will Boon be over, and tennis starting. I play tennis, but I do not like it so well as hockey. The leaves are corning on the trees and bushes, and flowers are up through the ground. There is to be a card party here in a week, and I hope to be going for there is to be a dance to follow. I still take music lessons, and I like it very much. Do you like that Bong “Lay My Head Beneath a Hose? " I think it is lovely. It will soon bo time for swimming again. We have a number of snaps that our cousins took at Christmas, and some of them are really good. One of them is my little sister and cousin on a big black sheep. One of my girl pals is in Australia. That is her home, so I miss her very much. I have just finished reading “The Girl of the Limberlost,” written by Gene Stratton-Porter. Love to all your big familv and yourself.—Yours truly, HELL OF SHORN MILLS (Otago).

[I do not know the song you mention, Nell of Shorn Mills. I have a very big page to look after. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l should like to be one of your Little Folk. We have been having bad weather, and I hope you are not having tho same. It has been snowing, and we have been having great fun at school. It stopped me from playing hockey. We have had ’flu, and have recovered from it all right. Love to all.—Yours truly, SNOWFLAKES (Balfour).

[Welcome, Snowflakes. Your name was taken. How would you like to play hockey on skates as they do in Canada? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I saw my letter in the Witness. You asked me if I saw any flowers on the windows on frosty mornings, and I did. They are very pretty sometimes. It was nice and warm this morning, but it taowj' out cold this afternoon. It will

soon be spring again, and all the flowers will be ouA The men are all ploughing now. Thep» are a very few flowers here just now as t’ne frost has nipped them all. We have all had a very bad cold, and have just recovered. There have been a number of pupfls away from school with bad colds. We htul a fall of snow, about two inches deep, last week I am nine years of age, and in Standard 11. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trtily, FAIRYDELL (Otago).

[What are the men going to sow when the fields are ploughed. Fairydell? Have you ever made an Eskimo hut in the snow. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have been having bad again here. Last month we had a heavy fall of snow, and most of it was almost gone when there came another fall. We are milking three cows just now, and are making about seven pounds of butter, besides having cream every night for our tea. It is r-* so cold here now, bo I have to get u>- 4 -- breakfast in the mornings. —Yours truly,

WESTERN SUNSET (Fairlic). [Do you not rise for ikfast on cold mornings, Western Sunset? no you have cream on your porridge?—DOT.] •

Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you. I Lave made several new pen friends, and they all write good letters to me. The weather up here is good just now, but I think it is time the sun shone, because wo did not see much of it this winter. We etill have very hard frosts, but, as the days are fine, I do not mind. You must have a busy job, when you look through all the Little Folk, letters before you print them, because there are so many. Thq Vincent footballers played Tuapeka at Cromwell last Saturday, and Tuapeka were the winners by four points to three, so it was a fairly even game. I have just finished reading a book entitled “ The Land of Big Rivers," and I enjoyed it very much. I went to our hockey dance, and I enjoyed myself immensely. We have Girl Guides in Alexandra now, but I did not join. It is some months now since “ Google Barney ” wrote to the page, but I suppose she will write again sometime. I am going to the pictures on Saturday. The name of the picture is “ Faris.” We have only one more hockey match to plav. and we go to Lowborn. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear eelf.—Yours truly, TWO LITTLE LOVE BIRDS (Central Otago).

[How many hockey teams have you entered for the competition this year. Two Little Love Birds? Wouldn’t you like to bo a Girl Guide?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —We did not get the Witness for years, hut we have now begun taking it again. We arc now living in Balclutha, and we like it very much. I have leftschool, and I am learning shorthand and typing. Shorthand requires much practice, but it is very interesting. We have a gramophone, and we enjoy the music very much. “ Kathleen Mavourneen " is one of my favourite records. I have only one sister going to school now. She is in Standard 111. I have two sisters at home, but one works in the town. Sometimes she works in tho morning, and sometimes ehe is on night duty. We are having our new house built, and Irope to go into it very soon. The weather here has been very good up till two days ago, when We had a whole dav of lain. The ground is verv muddy about here, and that makes us wish the weather would clear. Balclutha is increasing in size, and there are revets! new shops and houses. 1 am working a piUow-sham now. I like fancywork verv much. I have just finished making two mats —one a stocking-mat, and the other a rag one.. We can make a lot of uscul things for our new house. It is petting late, so I must stop now. Love to all the Litt'o Folk and your own dear self. ■—Yours tniiv. MOTHER’S PET (Balclutha).

[Are you going to go into an office. Mother's Pet? What school docs your sister attend? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Although I don’t write very often, I always read the interesting letters written. We are having terribly wet weather here, in fact, I think there is going to be a flood. The river is very high" and it is still raining, with no signs of clearing. Our place, does not get flooded, so we arc rather lucky. I go over to Outram one dav a week, and learn dressmaking, but I did mH go to-day as it was too we.t to bike. I play euchre, and I think, it is a lovely pastime. We have progressive euchre here once a fortnight, and I always go, but 1 have not succeeded in winning the prize yet. I generally have two or three games ffom

the winner, but my luck might change some of these days. I was at a spinsters and bachelors’ ball at Momcna on Friday night, and enjoyed myself very much. I was looking forward to going to a fancy dress ball at Outram to-morrow night, but I am afraid if this weather continues, I will' Ire sitting usi'.-e the fire instead of at the dance. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TAIERI LASS (Taieri).

[I see that the Outram line is under water, Taieri Lass. You will surely win the prize some time. —DOT.]

7? 7T Dear Dot,—Since last writing, my sister, Far Away America, and I have started learning music, and we have had five lessons. Last time I told you about our new house. We are living in it now, and it has nine rooms. Our school team played another school, but neither side had the right number of players. It was five against five. We all like our new school teacher. I am reading a book called “ The Heir to a Hundred Kings.” Have you read it, Dot? If Otekura Lass and Olive see this letter, I hope they will write. Y’esterday was windy. I see that a girl writes under the name of “ Anne of Green Gables.” I have the book, and the one after it called “ Anne of Avonlea.’’ —Yours truly, WHITE LILY OF THE MOUNTAIN (Southland). [Have you read “Anne of the Island” and "Anne’s House of Dreams?” White Lily of the Mountain? I have not read the book.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I had a sore finger last week, The crowning of the queen took place on Friday night, and it was a success. We had a holiday from school to-day because of the bad weather. I am reading the book “ Little Women," and it is interesting. The spring holidays are not far off, and I am going to the country.—Yours truly, BUNNY BROWN (Palmerston).

[You will not find a nicer name than Bunny Brown, dear, so do not change it. Have you read “ Good Wives ” bv the same author as “ Little Women " ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Isn’t this terrible weather? Our place is awfully muddy, and I nearly grow distracted trying to keep it clean. There is a bazaar at Green Island soon, and I don’t know what to make, but I’ll have to hurry up Do you like fancywork? I am reading a, book called, “New Zealand at the Front, ’ written by the New Zealand soldiers, and it has some very humorous passages, although others are rather sad. I am going to see “ The Black F'irate ” on Saturday, so I hope that it clears up by then. I like going into town by the bus a lot better than bv the train. Love to all the other Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, NINKEY POO (Dunedin). [I have not much time for fancywork, Ninkcy Poo. I have not read the book, but it must bb very interesting.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are milking five cows now. My sister and I are learning music just now, and it is nice. I have a cold, and I hope to be rid of it soon. We have a new teacher here, and I like her. I am 12 years of ago, and am in Standard V. There are 3G children going to our school. We have a Bible class society here. There is a Salvation Army meeting here on July 27.—Yours truly, FAR AWAY AMERICA (Southland).

[What arc the names of your music pieces, Far Away America? Do you belong to the Bible class?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have to milk nine cows twice a day, and it is quite enough. The young people held their- ball here, and it was a great success. There was a waltzing competition at the first, the winners receiving a shaving mug and a cup, saucer, and plate. There was a luckvapot waltz, and the prize was a lovely kewpie with a big yellow ribbon, quite a memento. Between, they held a confetti and streamer waltz, and everyone had paper hats and some confetti, and the streamers were nut round while the waltz was in progress. The orchestra was good, too, and also tho hall, which had laurel and paper decorations. There is to be an Oddfellow’s ball on Friday night, so I hope it is fine. We have some berries here, a pretty shade of red, about six on a stem, and the stem is bent with the weight of them. They are pretty. Then there is another tree of which I was given a branch. It has leaves like rosemary, and little knobs on it like pin cushions. It is uncommon. I went last week to see a correspondent of mine, and we had a happy afternoon. There were six of us for dinner. Afterwards we had a look round, and about 5 o’clock I set tracks for home, so it was dark by the time I arrived back. I was going out this week, but the weather has been too wet. We had a Bible class debate a few weeks back, and tho debate was very interesting. The week before we had our travelling secretary, and she gave a short but most interesting address for our benefit. Afterwards there was a social. We played a few games, had supper, end closed with “ Auld Lang Syne." We are to have some more socials before the close. The davs are lengthening, but not much yet. No, I have not finished my bag yet, but have not very much to do. I had a letter from a Pitcairn Island friend to-day, and I suppose she is always pleased to bear from me. The orange season is just coming on now. so they will be busy. A short time ago she sent me some bookmarks made of leaves with paintings on them, so I will send you one, and I wonder if you could fell me what it is? Our football team has won two matches this fortnight. The first match was played against Milton. and we won 11 to 3. The last one was played against Balclutha, and we won three to nil. Wc may yet win the cun; at least I hope we dd. I received a letter from Dad’s Daisy yesterday, and her letter had an adventurous career, as she addressed it “ Clifton." but eventually it reached me. She knows Valencia Raisin, too. Our snowdrous are in bud now, but they are in a sheltered spot. Last year they flowered in July, and quite a number remarked how earlv they were. It is lovely to see all the spring flowers after having none all winter. Love to yourself and all.—Yours truly, BETTY JO (Otago).

[I think the leaf looks like a melycitus leaf, Betty Jo. Thank you for it. You must have had a very nice young peoples' dance. —DOT]

Rear Dot, —I am in Standard VI at school now, and we are kept working verv hard so that we may pass our proficiency. The people about here at present are working very hard for a bazaar which they are going to hold in September. They were going to hold a Princess Carnival, but they changed their minds, and now they - are holding an art

imion, which, I think, will prove very successful. Our school teacher has had a big sleeping doll given to her t-o raffle at the bazaar. Our gardens at home are looking very bare with no flowers in bloom, but the daffodils are beginning to show themselves. Every Friday Edendale school and ours go up to Gore in the train to tech. The buys learn woodwork, and the girls cooking, which we are all very fond of. We have two exams in cooking through tho year, and to-morrow wo are going to have our first one, which, I hope I do well in. Love to your many members and yourself.—Yours trulv, SUNSHINE FAIRY (Southland).

[I hope you pass your cookery examination, Sunshine Fairy. Which dainties have you learned to bake? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —This is the first of spring, and what a beautiful day it is. Before sunrise this morning the birds were twittering rnthe hedges and trees, while the skylark was singing up out of sight in the blue sky. How nice io think that in a few short weeks there will be an abundance of lovelv spring flowers everywhere. I alwavs think they are the ones most longed for, don’t you? Since last, writing, my mate (the one who was with us learning to ride on New Year's day) and I have been away holiday-making together for over thrc-» weeks, and had a most enjoyable time. We were at Waikouaiti staying with a cousin of mine, who about, ages with ns, so you can imagine what kind of a time the three of us would have. Shortly after we came home, mum was awnv for a short time, and I was left as chief cook. My mate came to stay with me, to help mo. so we had some great experiences. To start off with, the mill and chaffcutier came just an hour or so after mum left. Neither of us had ever been left on our own before to cook for a crowd of millmen, so. naturally, we wore a bit anxious as to how thin""» —onld turn out. Things turned out all right, however, and the men finished their work with us the next day. seemingly nor» the worse for our ccoking. My wild brothers gave us a "reat ” barracking ” abort cur cooking and baking though, but wo it all. Mv mate baked some reallv vice scones which one of my brothers christened “ poisoners." Tho name he gave them, however, did not stop him from eating a good many more than his share of them. You wondered what the native shrubs were that we found in the gullies. They were broadleaf, native manle. flax, cabbage tree, and a few more I don’t know tho names of. Most of them have <rrown. and I am going to plant them out into their permanent quarters some of these days.—Yours trulv. 'SELINA (Otago).

[I supncee vou know the beautiful Greek myth about the. return of snring to tho world. Selina. I should like to have eaten one of the famous scones. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am back home again, after being away three and a-half months. Its ,nite a change to be back again. It has rained ever eince I came home, and the river is overflowing its banks, too. I was at a noultry show last week, and saw -some very fine birds. I' found it. very interesting as I had not been to one before. A cousin

of mine entered a cat which received third prize. At present a hen, belonging to one of my uncles, is fourth in the Christchurch e»g laying competition. Doesn't everything look bare? There is hardly any green about at all. The only flowers we have in bloom are primroses and winter roses. We have 12 cows milking, but hope to have 30 later on. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly GOLDEN SUNDOWN (Otago). [Yes, everything is bare just now, Golden Sundown, but Boon there will be a great bursting of green leaves on the trees. I —dot' y ° u are sla<l to bfa back at homc ’

Dear Dot —lt was my 12th birthday this month, and I received some nice presents lhe gramophone is playing, and it is a <mod record being played. Golden Sundown came home on Sunday, and we sent mum away , a holiday, but we do not know when she will come back home. Our hens are just beginning to lay now, but the ducks have not begun yet. Love to all and yourself. — leurs truly,

GUIDE TO HAPPINESS (Otago). [Many happy returns of your birthday Guide to Happiness. Which record is bein-r played * I hope mother has a good holiday.—DOT.] °

Dear Dot, —It is nearly the first of spring, and I hope we will have better weather than we are having now. The Kawarau River Sto be closed shortly, but I don’t they have found much gold. The electric light is coming to Bannockburn but I don t think we are in the area. Love , r a *\J“ e kittle Folk and your own dear self.— 1 ours truly, HYPATIA S MATE (Bannockburn). fit is a pity you are not in the electric light area, Hypatia s Mate. Which games ar « >_ on P la >’ in ° at this weather? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are going to have our second term examination at school in a few weeks, and I am wondering where I wi'l come in my class. Al! the older girls a’t scaool play cricket, and we think it is a Rood game. We do not play with a cricket ball because it is too hard. The Kawarau River is going to be let go some time in August. I do not think it will be closed again this year. I do not think many people have made their fortune on it. The men are putting in the poles for the electric light in Bannockburn. 1 went to my mate’s place to a party the other night, and I had a good time. I did not arrive home until past midnight. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. HYPATIA (Bannockburn).

[You must have been having a good time at the party if you arrived home so late, Hypatia. Do you play cricket with a tennis ball?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 11 years of age, and in Standard II at school, and we have household school. I have three sisters and one brother. My brother is three months old. He smiles at us. We found two hens’ nests. The hens haven’t laid for two or three months. We have a pun called Lark. He is alxint four months old. He svOfi trying to bite

me to-day. We have a little calf called Lady. Daddy bought a creamy roan pony tor us to learn to ride on. We have 10 horses, Wc call them Gcordie, Sam, Bell, Prince, Duke, Robin, Dot, Meg, and Toby. Wo reared 16 lambs this year. We called them Sam, Dick, Richaid, Ann, Wooly, Whitey, Eva, May, Raymond Borney, Edith. Collin, Fluffy, Betty, and Ruby. The daffodils are coming through the ground now. My birthday is on March 19. Two of my eistera were away for 10 weeks a while ago. Wa have two hens called Hoppy and Sophia, and three chickens called Fido, Sandfly, and Garry. We reared five calves this year. £ collect Golly’s and Teddy's pictures. Wo have plenty of hot and cold water. There will soon be some little lambs about. £ made a stool out of a kerosene box. I have 131 cigarette cards, and 1 put them in an album. We had very hard frosts for several nights. It burst one of the outside pipes. The water comes from a spring away up the hill, and daddy made us keep one of the taps running all the time to keep the water from freezing. I will be glad when the warmer weather comes again. I will be able to work in my garden. My aunt helps me with it, and gives me flowers to plant. It looked very nice last summer and autumn. Best wishes to all.—Yours trulv, A BUNCH OF CHERRIES (Otago).' [Welcome, Bunch of Cherries. You have original names for your pets, especially liio hens. You must be a good carpenter if you made a stool. —DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 10 years of age, and in Standard 11 at school.' We have a household school. I have a sister writing to your page. Wo are milking two cows, Duchess and Beatrice are their names. They are very quiet. Wa have a little pup, and we call him Lark. He is always chasing us and tearing our clothes and stockings. We have a little porty, and his name is Toby. Daddy has the boat up on the beach putting a new engine in it. My sister, Helen, collects Golly and Teddy. We have a great big shorthorn bull, and his name is Johnson. He has with him a little Jersey heifi;r called Janet. We reared nine chickens this year. Quite a number died when a day or so old. We reared 16 pet lambs this year. I have a little baby brother. He is threo months old. We reared eight calves this year, Corel, Judith, Florence, Violet, Dolly, Daphne, November, Lady. We all had bad colds in May. I suppose there will bo some little lambs about now.—Yours truly, REBECCA (Otago). [Yes, you may join, Rebecca. I like tho names you have given your animals. Tell me about the baby brother.—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot, —I was at a euchre party and dance a few nights ago, and I was luckyenough to win the booby prize. 1 am veryfond of dancing, but in these country places there are not enough dances. Do you like dancing? Lady Clarice and her parents and brothers were here the other night tn hear a Scotch concert from Christchurch on the wireless, and it was very good. Lady Clarice showed me some, photos of her correspondents. I have had a sore finger, but it i.s better. I have three correspondents, and they write very nice letters. Kindest regards to all.—Yours trulv, JUST A COOK (Otago Central). [I like dancing. Just a Cook, if there is good music to dance to. You. must hear some good concerts over the wireless.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Wc have 11 little chicks, all white. We cannot dig the garden very much for the frost. We have new lights in now. It is a wizard light, and is very bright. The roads arc very muddy when wo walk to school. I am seven years of age, and in. Standard I. We had some snow here, but I did not go out in it. Love to all. —Yours trulv, PINKY ROSE (Taieri). [Do you like school. Dinky Rose? Do you ever feed the white chickens. How maiiVrr<|o 11 chicks and one ben make? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, — I should like to be one of your Little Folk. We have had very hard frosts up here, and the ground has been covered with snow. We have been having great fun at school snowballing. It was eight inches deep. I am enjoying hockey very much. We have had many matches. Love to yon all and your own dear self, —Yours truly, I-UNCH (Balfour). [Welcome, Punch, but send your private name and address. Where do you play oi\ the hockey field? —DOT.] * * » Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote my elder brother was accidentally killed. It came a, great shock. We’ve been having very rough weather, but I suppose we're to expect it this time of the year. We are shifting this week over to East Gore. It’s a new house wc arc going into. Wc have a new captain at Guides now, as our other one. went to Wellington. Our loss is their gain, and to us it is a gain worth having. We had a social in her honour, and presented her with a clock, while the committee gave her a Thanks Badge. Wc miss her very much. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, JERSEY LILY (Gore). [I am deeply sorry over your brother's death, Jersey Lily. You must miss him very much. —DOT.] » * Dear Dot, —I was just telling my sister the other day I would like to have a Girl Guido correspondent, and at last. I have found one. I see she has been hurt in an accident, too, so I am not the only one. Next, Saturday the two best football teams meet to see who is to have the banner. ShagPoint and Duuback are the two teams, and I do hope Shag Point wins. My brother plays for the Shag Point team. A fewmonths ago everybody was asking you, “ Haro you seen the Duke," “ Have you seen tho Winter Show.” and now I think it is about time something new cropped up. I have been away from home working for a fortnight. but I am homo once again. I was relieving. I see, in this week's Witness. Gollv i.s caught by an octopus. I would not like to be in his shoes. I suppose the Chums will soon be back again in tho nursery, and something new will come into force. Did you see my name in the Otago Daily Times'last week? I passed my First Aid examination It was a fairly hard examination. The theory being the hardest part. I am hoping to go to the pictures next Saturday night because mother and father are going out. Last Saturday the. picture was Conine Griffith in " Syncopating Sue,” and I enjoyed mvself vervmuch. Next Saturday night it is " A

Lunatic at Large.” It has been in Dunedin, Have vou seen it? Love to all and your-, self.—Yours truly, - . NIGGER HEAD (Palmerston South),

[No, I did net see your name, but congratulations to you for passing, Nigger Head. 1 have not seen the picture.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in the Witness. Thanks very much for the names you gave my two dolls. We take the Witness every week, and I like reading ' The Chums’ Treasure Hunt.” They are very interesting. I have been reading a bock called “ Fluffy and Jack.” We will soon be having our carnival. It is called Gore's Gaiety Gala. Some of the people are busy already talking and making arrangements for it. I hope it turns out a success. We have a new cow. Would you please give me a name for her? Dove to all.—Yours truly, SILVER TEDDY (East Gore). [Call the cow Ambelina. Do you read many books, Silver Teddy? You have a pretty nom de plume.—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot, —At school we play “ gag.” It is a very nice game. -Have you ever played it? We had a dance here on Friday night, but I did not go. Do you go to dances? Ido not. I have just finished a book called "Harold Friends.” We have a little red calf. Wculd you please give it a name? Our school is going to be enlarged soon. We have two ferrets, and we feed them on meat, bread, and milk. We also have a big tabby cat whose name is Topsy. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, JOAN OF FRANCE (Waikato). El have not played the game. I dance ■when I feel I want to dance, Joan of France. Call the calf Bricky.—DOT.]

* » * Dear Dot, —I have not been to school for two months now, as my leg is bad again. We have card parties at Clifden every week, and also barn dances every month. Lillburn Princess is away for a holiday, and we are expecting her home on Sunday. We are having spring weather here. The only flower we have out in our garden is wallflower, but the daffodils are starting to peep through the ground. Our hens are starting to lay now, and we receive three and foureggs a day. Our old horse, which we use to drive to school, is dead, so w c drive our white one now. While I am home from school, School Girl Sport writes letters to me, and I write letters to her. Kind regards to all and vourself.—Yours truly, AMELIA (LiUburn Valley).

[I hope your leg is better soon, Ameiia. You will be pleased to eee the first daffodil bud.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have started our second term examination now, and have not much time to spare, as I am going in for my proficiency at the end of the year. My friend, Faddy the Romp, and myself are in the same class at school, and we don’t like the examinations very much. In September Paddy the Romp and myself are going to play in a piano duet at the Timaru Competitions, and we are often very busypractising for it. I must not forget to thank you for allowing me to join your happy band of Little Folk. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, WHITE MAYFLOWER (Timaru). I_\Vhieh duet are you and Paddy to play, White Mayflower? Nobody is very fond of examinations.—DOT.] , * * *

Dear Dot, —Did you go to see the Capping? I did, but I don’t think it was as good as last year. Although it was very cold, a good crowd turned out to see the procession. There were not many students out to-day as the weather was so wintry. Two of my correspondents are engaged to be married, bo there will be another Little Folk wedding ehortly. I had a trip outside the heads just the other day in a fishing trawler, and I was sick from S a.m. to 4 p.m. because the sea was very rough. Sea sickness is not a very pleasant sensation. I am going to the crib for a week-end providing the weather is suitable and no snow falling like we had to-day. I went to the pictures last night, and had quite a surprise when I came out and found the ground white. Best wishes to all and yourself.—Yours truly, THE STARLIGHT RANGER (Otago). [Yes. I saw the Capping concert, Starlight Ranger. I hope we do not have any more white days.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —This is the first time I have written, so I hope you will accept me as one of your Little Folk. I am 18 years of age. One of your little people has been pestering the life out cf me to join, eo I had to give in at last. What has gone wrong with Dunedin wireless station? We cannot get it at all. I have just been listening-in to Auckland, but it is not much good. 1 have been to one dance, but I expect to go next Friday. I went to Clive last Thursday night with the Bible class, and I had a good time. I did not arrive home till a quarter to I'2. Love to you and all your Little Folk. —Yours truly, ABIE'S IRISH ROSE (Hawke’s Bay). [Welcome, Abie’s Irish Rose. Did you see that play ? Ido not know what has happened to the wireless.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —I have just recovered from being ill. My brother and I were in bed for a week. We have two little black pups. Could you give me names for them please? Wc are having a month’s holiday up here, and our teacher is away to Dunedin. Dad and my brother were away rabbiting to-day. We have hid very calm weather up here this winter, but a few hard frosts. We had 30 bags of coal to-day, and I lifted them out of the wagon. I am the only one who is not playing ludo at present. Kind regards to ail and -yourself.—lours truly, TOMMY SPARROW (Nevie). [Call the puppies Boy and Bango. You must be strong to lift coal out of the wagon. —DOT.] * w * Dear Dot, —I wish to join your happy band of Little Folk. I am nine years "of age, and am in Standard 111 at school. I was first in the last term exam, this year with 192 marks. I ride three miles to school every day. I have a cat, and would you please give me a name for it? Do you like this cold weather? Dad and his men chopped down three or four trees, and split the trunks up with gunpowder. After that he sawed them up with the saw bench. I anr making a night dress for myself. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly, WHITE HEATHER (Wendon). [Welcome, White Heather. Gall your cat Softy. Are you hand-working the nightdress ? —DOT.] * * -StDear Dot, — On July 9wc went to Blenheim to see the football match between Nelson and Marlborough in which the latter •won 16 to 11. They had a perfect day and ground. Play was very even throughout. In the local paper from a diagram showing

the players’ names, the goal posts and the ball, one can easily understand the respective positions of the respective players. Lately I was at the pictures, Jack Hoxie in - The Demon.” The comic preceding it, opened up showing a row of University students (of whom one was the hero) sitting listening to someone speechifying. To enliven the proceedings, one of them trod rather heavily on the toes of the hero, causing that worthy to bend double with pain, and wrest the shoe from his foot to reveal his toes protruding through a large hole in his sock. At this critical moment he was called upon to receive his diploma, so, confusedly putting his foot through his cap which had previously fallen to the ground, and placing the shoe on his head, he walked proudly up to the dais. There was another earthquake . tremor here, but all that 1 remember of it is that someone called out ” earthquake," A short time ago we were at a kind of carnival where all had a lovely time. In one of the competitions one had to be blindfolded, then : go and stick a pin (which represented the j tail) into the side view of a big pig drawn on a piece of paper, where one thought it would be. I once placed the pin in the region of piggy’s heart. For a time there was a lady here who had not long come from England. Among other places, she told us of the Morris-Oxford and Morris-Cowley motor workshops there. It was interesting to hear of the places on the All-Red Route. Often as we are working, a dear little fantail floats in, and, perching itself on the door or on the bookshelf, sw-ings gaily .to and fro. Of late someone has been shooting rabbits about here. Judging from the shots, I sadly fear that the bunnies’ powder puffs betrayed them badly. I am enclosing two pictures taken by my camera —one of Point Halswell, the other of myself. Love to you and all. —Yours truly, PETIT OHOU (Marlborough). [Students are funny sometimes, Petit Chou. I I have shown your Point Halswell picture to the Editor of the Otago Witness. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—-I hope you are quite well. We have two snowdrops and one crocus. The paper-hanger was here on Thursday, ant. papered the spare bedroom and the kitchen. We had the dressmaker a few days ago. We went to hear the wireless last night at a friend’s place. My grandmother is going away to-morrow, so the house will be empty. I slept in our tent for the first time last night, and we have had it for about a year. We are thinking of having a mill to grind our meal. We went to Sunday school to-day. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours trUly ’ GRISELDA GOOSE (Otago). [[Have vou far to walk to Sunday school, Griselda 'Goose? Tell me more about the mill.—DOT.] 44- 44- -98Dear Dot, —The farmers round about here are busy having their ground ploughed up to the frost. We have had a good deal of frost this winter, but on the whole it has not been a very’ severe winter. I am milking two cows, and feeding seven with hay. One of them, being a cow from the run, takes a notion now and again, and goes away to see her old comrades, thus giving me a nice cold ride in froet looking for her. I have started to read a book called “ Ivanhoe,” by Sir Walter Scott; but I cannot become interested in it. I like reading Mrs Henry Wood’s books, and have read five of her books. Could you please tell me the name of another good book by a good author? I have not been out to any amusements lately ae I very seldom know when there is anything on. No one from here goes into the township, and we live away off the main road, down in a hollow. Our hens have laid well all this year. We receive from six to eight eggs a day at present. Kind regards to yourself and the page. —Yours truly, ATTAR OF ROSES (Mossburn) i [Read “ The Amateur Gentleman,” by - Geoffrey Farnol. You will probably like j “ Ivanhoe ” when you are older, Attar of j Roses. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is very sorrowfully tfeat I pen these few lines to the dear old page to-night to sever my friendship as far as Little Polk are concerned. I’ll do my very utmost to appear once yearly in the reunion of Old Writers, because to-dc.y I have celebrated my 21st birthday. I have been connected with the page two years, and, though it is not very long, I have made the acquaintance of three very faithful girl correspondents. I haven't met any of them personally, but they all write very regular and interesting letters. I’ll admit I haven t written very often to the page, but still I have never failed to turn to the Dot's Little Folk column as soon as the Witness arrived. Elease excuse my writing, Dot, as I am in bed with ’flu, a nice place for one to epend one’s 21st birthday. I’ll remember it for the years to come. It is the first time I have had 'flu, and I hope :t is the last, as it is not a nice thing for anybody to have. My fourth eldest brother was married on the Ist of last month, and I enjoyed myself very much, especially at the evening function. We were going to motor through to Oamaru yesterday (Sunday), but, on account of the driver having ’flu, we had to abandon it till another Sunday. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TANGLE FOOT (South Canterbury) [We are sorry you are leaving us, Tangle Foot, and hope to see you at Old Writers’ week. . I am sorry you have influenza. Yes, you will remember your 21st birthday.—DOT.l

Dear Dot, —There are a good number of children away with measles at our school, but I did not take them, as I have had them before. I am goalkeeper for our basket ball team at school. I was at a football match on Saturday. It was not a very fine day. There was a ball in our hall the other night. There was a good crowd of people there, although it was a wet night. It will not be very long before our fruit season will be in. I like very much when it comes in, as I like plenty of ripe fruit. 15est love to all the members and your own self. —Yours truly DESERT STAR (Otago). (Fruit is good for you. Desert Star, especially anplee. Do you find goalkeeper a responsible position in the team? —DOT.] # * » Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I milk four cows every morning and night, and feed two little calves. I feed the cows on turnips, and sometimes hay. We have a little Shetland pony called Gladys, and she has a little foal whom we named Gloaming. I have just finished reading a book called “ Masterman Ready,” and I am now reading “ Paul Gerrard,” a very interesting book indeed. Have you read either of them ? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trnlv, PEARL O’ MAIHO (Woodleigh). r.I have not read the books. Pearl o’ Maiho. I am sure Gloaming is a pretty foal.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One thing about a cook is that he is always missed. Still the proverb: “ Self praise is no recommendation ” is very

true. Cook’s Cobber has gone to Australia for a holiday, and I am glad, because he was always criticising my cooking. A friend told me the other day that he had gone, and I jumped with joy as I can now cook with peace. There may be gramophone needles in the scones, but there will be no more said about it in the matter. I think Valencia Raisin writes good letters. I wish you the best of luck.—Yours truly, THE NOTORIOUS COOK (Wedderburn). (Write your autos on a separate piece of paper, Notorious Cook. You will miss Cook’s Cobber.—DOT.]

Dear Det, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I will be 11 years of age in August, and I am in Standard IV. We take the Witness every week, and I look forward to reading the letters from the Little Folk. I like reading, and I have several good books such as, ” Chatterbox,” “ Boys’ and Girls Own” annuals, and the “Chicks’ Own.” We have four cows and five pet lames. We have about 25 hens, one of which is sitting, so we are receiving quite a number of eggs each day. I have about 110 cigarette cards. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE GOLDEN TOMAHAWK (Gore).

(Welcome, Golden Tomahawk. I like your nom de plume. Read as many good children’s books as you can. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I go to the High School, and I like it very much. The lessons are much more simple than those of the primary school. We have a very nice teacher. I like French very much, it is co simple. Did you go to the High School? We are haying very bad weather just now, and there is a small attendance at school. I am reading a book called “ The Houseboat on the Styx.” It is a verv good book. Best wishes to all the Bittie Folk and vourself—Yours truly, FRIAR TUCK (.Otago). (I went to High School. Friar Tuck. It is well that you find French easy. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, — 1 was at a Girl Guide fancy dress social last Saturday, and enjoyed myself very much. The girls over the road from us are Girl Guides, and they invited my sister and me. Football is very interesting this season, isn’t it? I wonder who will be "Miss New Zealand, 1927 ? ' I should very much like to see Miss Otago win, but 1 don t suppose we can expect to see Miss Otago win it twice in succession. I went to the Empire Theatre to see them acting last Thursday, and thought Miss Auckland and Miss Otago acted their parts very well. The others, too, were good, but I don’t supi>ose they are as used to acting before the public as Miss Auckland and Miss Otago, who have both appeared before the public before. I hope the rain clears off now, as it makes everything so miserable. but we must remember that we are having winter, so we can't expect sunshine all the time. Love to all. — lours truly, TOMBOY MOLLY .Dunedin). [Of course you feel patriotic to Otago when you think of Miss v Zealand, Tomboy Molly.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I have a sister older than myself, and one younger than myself, and a brother. I am in Standard 1 at school, and I am seven years of age. My youngest sister is nearly 20 months of "age, and she can talk very well. She repeats everything. I ride to school with my two sisters. We have two ponies. We are having lovely weather juet now. This is the first day of spring. Our crocuses are coining up through the ground. 1 was in Dunedin two years ago on a holiday with my mother, and I quite enjoyed my trip. Heather Sprig was at church yesterday. We have three hens laying, but our ducks are not laying yet. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, DOLENA (Southland). [Yes, you may join, Dolena. Does your elder sister write to my page? Don t you love ducks eggs?—DOT.] »

Dear Dot, —To-day is the first day of spring, and we had a. little sun, so it was making a good beginning. Some of my mates are writing to you, so I thought I would, too. We go to Gore to cookery, and have a very enjoyable time. Edendale school goes with us. Wo have violets, primroses, snowdrops, and crocuses out, the colours are very pretty. The lilac trees are beginning to shoot now. It was my birthday on Saturday, and 1 received many very nice presents. Boadicea left here some time ago, and I was very sorry to sec her go, for we used to have some gay times. We saw Naughty Pinkie on the train on Friday with her mother, and we were speaking to her | for a few minutes. We are having a bazaar j in September, and I am looking forward to it. I have already a guess on a lovely doll, but do not expect to be lucky. We shall be having our term holidays in a month or so, and I intend to go to my uncle s at Colac Bay. Are you very fond of reading? I am especially fond of ” The Camp Girl” stories. Have you read any? My favourite anther is Isabel M Peacock, and I had one sent to me by her, and the name is ■ His Kid Brother.” I had a letter from Dante’s Beatrice, to-day. Sh e writes very interesting letters. —Yours truly, A BUNCH OF GYPSOUHILA (Menzies Ferry). [I read some Camp Fire stories a long time ago, Bunch of Gypsophila. You may just be the lucky on e to draw the right number for the doll.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was at the Dairymen’s Ball the other night, and Telephone Girl and I had a great time. There was a large crowd there, and the music was very good. The bachelors’ and spinsters’ ball is on the lOtn of this month, and we are all looking forward to that night. The ex-pupils annual social and dance is also coming soon, too. We are going up to Gore on Friday night to a social, and Telephone Girl and I hope to have a good time. We have visitors to-night, and they are all playing crib, but when they finish this game we arc going to have a game of euchre, so I’ll have to hurry as they are nearly finished. Our wireless is away just now as it is being altered, and we hope it will give better results than before. I have just finished reading a book named “ Once Bitten, Twice Shy, and I liked it very much. With love to all and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, SWEET VIOLA (Mataura).

[When - I read _your sentence about the spinsters’ ball, it seemed as if you were an “ old maid,” Sweet Viola. Do you enjoy playing euchre?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How are you and your Little Folk? It is a long time since 1 wrote t-o you. We are milking six cows. I have seven bantams, five cate, and 11 ducks. The

roads are awful down here with mud and .slush. The weather is better than it has been. I am just recovering from mumps. I 'have read a book called " The Rainbow Trail. Have you read it? I walk to schori now, because my pony died. The factory will sjon start again, and then 1 will have to work. I do not like working on a farm. Dad has a lorry now, and it is a Dodge. He is going to take our milk to the factory in it. —Yours truly, THE EARLY BIRD (Southland).

[What a number of pete you have. Early Bird. Weren’t you sorry your pony died? I suppose you don’t want to work in the factory ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am working at Haldane. It is near Tokanui. I am having a good amount of shifting about, but I shall settle here for a while. We are having terrible weather. The roads are terrible. My uncle ■was caught in the mud to-day with his lorry. He had a load of timber, so he had to go right to the sawmill to get a horse. When 1 finish my work, I always like to go for a short walk. My auntie has a wee baby girl, and when we have nothing to do we pick her up, and talk to her, and she does laugh. I was at Colac Bay for a week or so, and I enjoyed myself very much. I hated leaving my parents and sisters and brothers, and I was such a big baby that I cried. I couldn’t help it for I do miss them. When I finish this work, I'll go home and stay home till 1 am married, or an old maid. The Chiuns are having a good time, but nearly every time the poor things have a fall' or else something catches hold of them. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. -—Yours truly,

RIPTARE (Haldane). [Perhaps you will grow to be very fond of the work you are doing just now, Riptare. I am sure you must enjoy playing with baby as much as she does. —DOT.] * * »

Dear Dot,—One of my cousins is in the hospital, and another of my cousins has just come out. There was an accident outside our • gate to-day. Dad and my brother were picking over potatoes, and when my cousin’s horse come around the corner, it shied at the bags, and, of course, ran away, and my cousin tried to hold it in, but the reins broke. The horse fell down, and started to struggle and groan. They pulled the tarness off as quickly as possible, but by the time it was all off the horse was dead. Dad said it had heart failure. Our horse, which was yoked into a sledge nearby, also ran away. This morning Dad tried to get to Morven in the car, but the roads weie so flooded that he had to turn back, and go down with his nephew in his cart and horse. There will be no more rides with the horse now as it is dead. There are pictures down here to-night, but nobody will be going as the roads are so awful.—Yours truly, GREEN PURSE (Morven). [At times I am very thankful that I am not a poor horse, Green Purse. 'Your roads must be very bad. —DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —I received by badge quite safely, and I was very delighted with it. Thank you very much for it. I have four brothers, and they are making the most awful noise just now. I was 16 a few weeks ago, and I received some nice things. I won another prize at the euchre party. Thia time it was a pretty little clock. . I was lucky again, wasn’t I? Topsy was staying with me last week, and we had a great time. Last week, when I was in for music, I went te the pictures, and I car joyed them very much, but I nearly' lost my’ train. We had our ball, and I went to it, and enjoyed myself very much. It was about 3 o’clock when I arrived home, so you can imagine how tired I was next day. Love to all tile Little Folk and your own dear self. Yours truly. >- UKULELE DREAM GIRL (Momona). CDo you like being IG, or w’ould you like to be 15 again, Ukulele Dream Girl? Did you enter for a music examination?—DOT.] * * » Dear Dot, —We have had very rough weather lately, but to-day is just beautiful. All the gardens are beginning to look beautiful again. We are holding a bazaar in September in aid of the hall. I am looking forward to an exciting time, as tnost of the children like bazaars. We are very unfortunate in losing our secretary (Ginger Il’s father) who died a week ago. He will be greatly miesed by everyone. Standar! V and VI go to Gore every Friday for cookery, and I enjoy it very much. We have made wheatmeal scones, vegetable soup, date shells, and some other things. Our teacher said she would make sweets Some day.—Yours truly, POPPY (Menzies Ferry). £T suppose you would much rather make sweets than everyday eatables like scones, Poppy.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —We are all well in Westport. I have a little fawn-coloured rabbit for which I would like a name, please. I have just sat for mv senior division examination, and passed with honours. I had 84 marks. The gardens are all covered in snowdrops, primroses, polyanthus, and stocks. Some gardens have gladiolas flowering in them, too. The weather has been fine lately.—Yours truly, BLACK TUI (Westport). [I hove no room for the riddle, Black Tui. Call the rabbit Snuff. I congratulate you on passing your examination so well. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My sister is writing to you. We all had our photos taken oh Sunday. We were at the bush to-night when we were coming home from school. We gathered some curly maple and some broadleaf and some other leaves. We didn’t know the names of all of them. My youngest sister will soon be in PIT at school, and she is six years of age. The other sister is seven years of age. I will soon be 10 years of age. The ones that are not going to school are three years and 20 months. Our baby .is about four months old. It will not be long before we have our examination. I ■will be glad when my birthday comes. The daffodils are through the ground now. I have a stye in my eye, and so has my second youngest sister. Are you having good weather in Dunedin? Love to Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, HBATHFR SPRIG (Southland). CMost people are glad when their birthdays come, Heather Sprig. Do you gather skeleton and autumn leaves? What are you going to call the baby?—DOT.l * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of aee, and am in Standard IV. I am also second in the class. There are five girls and three boys, and they .all go to school except two. Bunny Brown is in the same standard as I am, and we are very good friends.—Yours truly, > BABY BUNTING (Palmerston).

(Welcome, Baby Bunting. Does you mummy wrap you up in a white rabbit skin? Try and be top next term.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am very pleased that you liked the snap. The creeks rose while the rain was on, but I did not stay away from school. I think we will soon have our examination. I am second top in my class this month. I like school very much. 1 am having a birthday soon. My two sisters have had a birthday, and they received many pretty things. My sister is going for a holiday by herself. I think snow is cold, too. Love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk, —Yours truly, DODGER (Enfield).

[Congratulations on your place in class, Dodger, but could you not work a little harder and be first next time? When is your birthday to arrive?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Last Tuesday night we held our Plunket ball. The hall was full, and was beautifully decorated with blue and gold streamers. We had lovely music. We all wore paper hats. During the evening, we had novelty dances. We had the following : the balloon dance, streamer and confetti dance, and lucky spot dance. Before supper we were favoured with a recitation on ’ Babies.” The person who recited it was a bachelor, which made the recitation all the funnier. On Saturday a hunt was held, but I did not go, as I do not like hunts. I was at the dance at night for an hour or two. To-morrow evening is to be a euchre party. I am going if the night is not cold, because I do not want my cold to become worse, as I have had it a while now. We are all preparing for the carnival at Gore. We are planning out what we are to wear and do while it is on. Carnival is the only subject one hears while in Gore. We shall be tired of it when the time comes for it. A Little Folk goes to Gore on Wednesdays with me, and we both go to the same music teacher. She comes from Balfour. I was not the lucky one, or unlucky one, to receive the booby prize. I am learning to tat now, and I would far sooner do tatting than fancywork. Love to all.—Yours truly, HENRY VIII’s SISTER. (Mandeville). [You can do some very pretty work with tatting, Henry VIII’s Sister. Tell me what you are going to wear to the carnival.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —It has been very hot these last few days. My sister is knitting the baby a dress. I think the baby’s name is going to be Evelyn Joyce. We have singing at school, and some of the songs are very nice. Will you name two white kittens, please?—Yours truly, GILPIN’S WIFE (Wendon Valley). [Call your kittens Snowball and Floury. You must not write on the back of your letter, Gilpin’s Wife.—DOT.] w j Dear Dot, —My lather died on July 22 in Gore Hospital—with appendicitis. We spent three days at Blue Bells of Scotland’s place, and on the Sunday we went to tha river, and went for an exciting ramble through the bush and round about the lagoon, and saw the mimis that the men used in the shooting season. We also went over to sec one of the neighbours nearby, and, coming home, we were stuck in the ploughed paddock, and it was adventurous trying to drag my little sister out of it. My hobby now is gathering cigarette cards, and I have nearly 200. At present I am reading “For the Good of the School," by Doris A. Peacock, and it is an interesting tale abouf school adventures. I now have a lovely correspondent, and her nom de plume is Never Mind. She writes very nice, interesting letters. I also have a correspondent in the Exporter, and she writes nice letters, too. My cousin went away to Dunedin on Friday, and I hope she enjoys her holiday of six weeks. We are having our term examination at school soon, and I hope to be somewhere near top of the class. Influenza and colds are prevalent in his district, and everybody seems to have a cold. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GINGER II (Southland). [I am sorry for you about your father, Ginger 11. Work hard and try and be first in your class.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are milking four cows at night and five in the morning, and we have two calves. One is only a fortnight old. We allowed him to go loose the other day, and he butted my wee brother over, so we tied him up again. 1 am looking forward to Gore’s Gaiety Gala, as I have never seen one before. Our hens are laying very well. I like learning the violin, and 1 am sitting for my primary examination at the end of the year, and I hope I pass. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear seif.—Yours truly, QUEEN MAB’S PAGE (Southland). [Good luck to you in your examination, Queen Mab’s Page. You must keep the calf tied up if he knocks over your little brother, —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. We live three miles away from school. I have a nice doll. I would like you to give me a name for it. I am top of. Standard 111 at school. We live at a sawmill, but it is closed down. We learn music, and I like it very much. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SWEET LUAJ7A (Haldane). [Call your dolly Hermia, who was a little lady in one of Shakespeare’s plays, Sweet Luana. How long do you practise music every day ?—DOT.] * * «- Dear Dot, —I have been busy latelv—doing nothing, so I haven’t been able to write to the page. There’s not much fun in staying indoors all day, and still less in. going outside and being soaked these rainy days. T have been home from school to-day and yesterday, so I suppose I ought to ring up one of my mates, and ask her what the homework is, but I won’t, because I’ll have some good excuses for not doing it—absence and no books.—Yours truly, ’ NO HOPE (Waihao Downs). [I always smile at your nom de plume No Hope. Does it mean there is no hope for you or for your letter writing?—DOT.] NOTES. Will the Little Folk who sent stamps for a badge last week please send her private name and address?—DOT. AUTOS. Jersey Lily (Edith Lovejoy, Canning street, Gore) would like to correspond with The Lone Guide. Will she please write first and soon ?

Western Sunset (Helen Muir, The \volds, via Fairlie) wishes to correspond with Moon Silver (Fairlie), and also wishes her to write first and soon.

Gilpin’s Wife (Alice Henderson, Wendon Valley) wishes to correspond with Gem. Will she please write first ? Queen Mab’s Page (E Henderson, Wendon Valley, Southland, New Zealand) wishes to correspond with Waxflower or any other Little Folk in Australia. Ginger II (Eileen I’rss, Eden Terrace, Menzie’s Ferry, Southland) wishes to correspond with The Lone Guide, Valencia Raisin, Anne of Green Gables, and also any Little Folk between the ages of 13 and 16 years. No Hope (Myrtle A. Christie, Waihao Downs) wishes to remind Mischievous Fred that he has not answered her letter. Never Mind (Barbara Lawrie, care of J. Hall, Pleasant Valley, St. Andrews) would like to correspond with Football Captain, Bob’s Sweetheart, Betty Jo, Valencia Raisin, and any Little Folk over 15 years of age. Notorious Cook (P. Nichols, care of Post Office, Livingstone) would like to correspond with any Little Folk 17 to 20. Will they please write first ? Silver Teddy (Helen Black, East Gone) would like to correspond with any Little Folk from 8 to 10 years of age. Sunbeam Ray (Hilda Trotter, Coppenshaw street, Palmerston South, Otago) would like to correspond with Fairy Bells, Just a Girl, and any other Little Folk willing. Will they pease write first and soon? Sunshine Fairy (Mary Weir, Menzies Ferry, Southland) would like to correspond with any Dot’s Little Folk from 12 to 14. Will they please write first? Nell of Shorn Mills (Agnes Harley, Cambria, Central Otago) wishes Miss Wee Pinny to write, as her address has been mislaid, and she also wishes all the rest of her correspondents to writ's. A Bunch of Gypsophila (Lilabel Fenton, Menzies Ferry, via Wyndham) wishes to correspond with Wixflosver, Never Mind, Henry VIII’s Sister, Nigger Head, and A Northern Maid. Will they please write first and soon? I’bppy (Aggie Christie, Menzies Ferry) wishes to correspond with Football Captain, Mother’s Pride, and Ukulele Dream Girl. Will they please write first? She also wishes Flowering Strawberry to write again, as her address has been lost. Attar of Roses (Catherine Buchanan, “ Braxton,” Mossburn) wishes to correspond with Hibiscus, Waxflower, and Green Shamrock, and any other Little Folk 16 and over. Will they please write first and soon if willing? Ukulele Dream Girl (Violet Johnson, Momona P. 0., Taieri) wishes to correspond with Cook’s Cobber, Old Winter, Just a Cook, Egmont Laddie, and any other Little Folk Nigger Head (Myrtle Ross, Ronaldsey street, Palmerston South, Otago) wishes to correspond with Waxflower and A Lone Guide. Ninkeypoo (Winifred Johnson, Fairfield, Dunedin) wishes Peggy O'Neil to write to her. as the piece of paper with her address has been lost, also The Riding Kid from Powder Stream, and any other Little Folk from 17 to 20 willing. Pearl o' Maiho (Elizabeth Harris, Woodleigh, Waikato) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 14 and 16, also Sweet Sixteen. Will they please write first? Joan of France (Lily Harris, Woodleigh, Waikato) wishes to correspond with A Little Fairy and any others from 11 to 13. ..ill they please write first?

Tomboy Molly (Molly Sheehan. 5 Eton street, Kaikorai Valley, Dunedin) would like Bush Boy and Arizona Joe to write soon, and any other Little Folk between 13 and