LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3833, 30 August 1927, Page 78

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not tor ourselves. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk ? The weather has been cold these three days. My cousin from Gore came last week. They live on a farm in Gore. I’m going to Christchurch for Christmas holidays. which I am spending with relations. I have a piano. It was given to me. L ant very fond of music.—Tours truly, LOVESHIP (Dunedin). Loveship. Do you learn music? You are lucky to have a piano for yourself. —DOT.) * * * Dear Dot, —T have been in bed with mumps for about six days. Dad killed a calf yesterday, and I claimed the money for the skin. I have correspondents in England, Australia, and Pitcairn Island. I enjoy writing letters to them and receiving letters from them. The term holidays are soon, end I hope to have one of my mates staying with me. went to the fancy dress ball as “ Carnival." There is to ,b e a Soc-ut and Guide social in a few days’ time, and I hone to be going. Our Sunday _ school tea ard concert will be coming off in a few months, and I am looking forward to it. Our headmaster is leaving in September, and we are giving him a presentation. I think everybody is sorry, because _he did a good bit towards the school. M e had some floods hero not long ago, and we had some fun, but many sheep were drowned. I am fancymvorking a. tray cloth with baskets of flowers on it. I write to a page here and it is “ Kiwi . Pf- I have just finished reading "Betty in Canada,” “ Gerda in Sweden.” and “ Kathleen in Troland," and they ore very nice, i eum and I made some wool flowers yesterday, and they look pretty when pinned on a fur. I quite enjoy goin-r to cooking now. We nave made broad, macaroni cheese, Scotch broth, and many other dishes. W e work in pairs, and our recipe is enough for four persons. The bus comes right to the gate of the school, and brings us to the gate of the High School, where we have our lessons. Kindest regards to all and yourself. — lours truly, ERIN-GO-BRAGH (Havelock North). [I hope your face has resumed its normal shape and size, Erin-go-Bragh. You will soon be a good cook if you practise.—DOT.]

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 am a twin to Golden Fay. I was over to hear Lady Mary’s father's wireless. There were pictures and a play here on Saturday night, but I did not go. My hobbies dra helping mother. I have 10 “ neats ” in my spelling book, and six in my copy book. We have eight hens, and are having eight eggs a day. My sister, Marking Time, is saving Gold Leaf Tea and has 21. She

is saying for a wristlet watch. Kind regards to ail. —Yours truly, PRISONER’S BRIDE (Hakataramea). [Welcome, Prisoner's Bride. Mother must be pleased of your help. How many coupons has your sister to get?—DOT.] * * * Dear Det, —We have been having rain this last few days. My brothers and sisters did not go to school on Friday, as it was wet. My little sister, Dorothea, is creeping no .r. She was sitting on the veranda to-day, and when I went cut she was lying on her back in the garden. The school children played a hockey match against Waikaia the other day, and it was a drawn game, no score at all. I cycled to the township last Tuesday. I went in an hour and a-half. There are a number of pigeons flying about. I went for a walk through the bush with lunch for my father one day. The track was very muddy, but the scenery was nice. It was very cool in the bush. I will be 14 on the 29th of this month. Lov e to all the Little rolk and yourself.—Yours truly, NETA LYALL (Glenary). atch that Dorothea does not crawl into mischief, Neta Lyall. Do you do much cycling?—DOT.]

Dear Det, —I have had a very busy week this week, as we have been shifting. Our new home i a two miles out of Havelock i orth. There are 47 acres, and a five-roomed house, so it is not so bad. We are goin CT to milk 30 cows. There is a big lawn, and we are going to make a tennis court out of it. lie have a large strawberry bed so don t yon envy me when they are npe? I walked from Havelock to home and back twice yesterday, so I was tired when I went to bed. I was at a dance last Friday night, and I had a good time. I did not leave till the dance ended at 20 past 1. I go home nearly every night. All mv brothers and sisters have had mumps. When I went home yesterday, I found that mv eldest sister and the baby were in bed, so I am the only one to catch the mumps now. I hope I will escape them, but I don’t think so. Have you many violets out? Ours are' beautiful. ErinfeTter ag f 1 13 beside me writing a letter, too, so I had better not nut anything in my letter that she has written.. The Bible class have been asked out for the th!m ng T? n rue3da /' 60 , X will be g° ill B w >th them. Haie you been having nice weather? 1 have been doing much reading lately Reading is my favourite pastime. I have the T 8 HI PH 6 f °f tea ’ BeSt Wishes to aI l 1 Airrre’c Y°"- lrSclf •—Your a truly, ABIE S IRISH ROSE (Havelock North). [I said you might join, Abie's Irish Rose. U'Z We are haVin °

Dear Dot—lt is freezing very hard here now and the water is freezing, too. Shim Point won the banner thi 6 year, and now Tile 13 1 • F ! ayin " “gaist another, rains here ar2 i lug T- 1 ° wi P g to the reccnt lams here, and I'm afraid they freeze cry quickly, but that won't matter much. — Yours truly, -BKOIHER, BUNNY (Palmerston). T> *■ j, ave y<iU llad an y frozen water pipes,

Dear Dot,—Me will soon have electric light. >ye have just finished our term examination, and I am top of my class. We have finished basket ball, and very soon we will b-2 playing tennis. We are beginning to have warm long days. There are more biids now. Please, Dot, do you eave stamps? B you don t, please will you save for me 9 —Yours truly, PLUM DUFF (North Otago). ~ not be fair to save for olle Little rolk, Plum Duff. Congratulations. Have you a school tennis team?—DOT.]

Daar Dot, —It is very cold to-day, and looks as if it may rain. There was a big dance here last Wednesday night, and the Gaiety Band from Invercargill supplied the music. Tiiere was a hockey and football match here last Saturday. The hockay was Eastern versus Northern, and Eastern won five to four. The football was played between Lumsden B and Balfour, and Balfour won. There is a football tournament at Lumsden on Saturday, and Balfour is sending two teams to it. My friend. Peggy O’Neill, is away from here now. I have been reading more books lately, and som e of them were “ The Harvester, ‘ Pawned,” “ Their Marriage, ’ and two or three of Edgar Wallace’s.—Yours MARY THE WILD SWAN OF FAIRYLAND (Balfour). [Have you read " Treasure Island,” “ The Jungle. Books,” and ” Children of the New Forest? ” You 9 eem to be very interested in football. Mary the Wild Swan of Fairyland.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The farmers around here are busy having their ground ploughed up to the frost. We have had a good deal of frost this winter, which ha« not been a severe one. It has been raining here all day, and looks a-s if it is going to continue. The creeks have risen about two feet, and are overflowing their banks now. This district football team played Tuapeka district last Saturday for the Popp Cud, but were beaten by 20 points to 17. Football has been interesting here this year, but the good old Heriot team won the banner. I have all my top teeth out at present. Hockey will soon be over now, and tennis starting once again. Our hockey team has plaved six games this season, and won four. We are at present busy preparing for our annual dance, to be held next \\ eanesdav nieht.—Yours truly DIAMOND PRINCESS (Otago). [Did vour hockev team win the banner or ciin. Diamond Princess? I suppose you will bi vary glad to have your- new teeth in.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Vie are having cur examination, and, I do not like it. I ani looking forward to toe holidays, as I am going to the Gore Gaiety Gala, and I am going to dress up. Mj little sistcy is 10 months of aeo and she can stand bv herself. I like reading th.a -otters of the children who have fust joined your page, and I think I shall have to write more often nivself.—Yours trulv, DADDY’S JOY (Southland). [What standard, are you in at school. Daddy s Jov? What is your baby sister’s name ? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I go to Slope Point for the week-end. and the roads are bad. I was coming from Slops Point last Monday on a horse with a friend, and the horse put its foot in a pothole and stumbled, and I had a fright, as I am not used to horses. I had my little cousin out for a walk to-day. She was having fun. She would talk to the trees and laugh in her wav. She is only four months and one week old. Shs is quite a big baby. My sister and X had our photos taken about a week ago so if thsy arc good I will send all my correspondents one. I made my shoes wet to-day, and I put on another pair. I put the wet ones up to the fire, to dry and) 1 started to read the pajier. I forgot 'all about

them, and, when I did think of them and had a look at them, the strap was burnt off °i\ e ' and the other one was all frizzled up. They did look a fine pair of shoes' Lovd to all and your dear self.—Yours truly, RIPTARE (Tokanui). [lt was unfortunate abo-ut the shoes, Riptare. Shoes are dear to buy, and you must be careful not to burn another pair.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I should like very much to Ire a member of your happy band. I am 14 years of age, and in Form 111 at the High School. As I am taking the professional course, I am always busy, and still more busy just now. because we are having examinations. I went to a euchre party last night, but did not win a prize, although I was not far behind the first. Being a relation of Ginger 11, I was very grieved to hear of her great loss. It was very cold this winter, and for the last few days thero have been dense fogs. Hoping to see my first letter in print.—Yours truly, MAPLE TREE (Cromwell). [Welcome, Maple Tree. I had to alter your name, as it was taken. Do you like school work? —DOT.] * » * Dear Dot, —It is lovely to think that winter is nearly passed, as I love the bright sunny days. 1 noticed in last week's Witness there was a letter from The Happy Quartet. Their mother is my cousin. Since last writing, the Kawarau dam gates have been opened, so the river is very high at present. They hold quadrilles at the Shotover every Friday night. I go, and I enjoy them very much.. Jim the Flapper has been ill in hospital now for a month, and he isn’t improving very much yet. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, REXONA GIRL (Shotover).

[Tell Jim the Flapper I hope he is well soon. Rexona Giri. Be outside in the sun as often as you can.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—My father has a sprained foot, and my eldest sister a sore throat, but she is better now. We are having lovely afternoons up here. What kind are you having? I am progressing very well at school. We had our term examination last week, and I think I passed. I went to a children’s dance in Clyde, and enjoyed myself very much. I have over 200 cigarette cards. Kind regards to all and yourself. —Yours truly, WEST CLIFF ON SEA (Alexandra).

[We are having some beautiful afternoons, West Cliff on Sea. I trust the sore throat and sprained foot will bo better soon. J -DOT.J

Dear Dot, —Yesterday I was out selling tickets for a conceit in aid of the Ladies’ Guild funds, and I sold 21. On Saturday wc had a party for Dodger’s and my birthday, and we had some of our girl friends. Although it was wet. we had a good time, anj played games. Dodger’s was on tins 17th. and mine the 21st. We will e oon,__!><■> having our second term holidays. My oldest brother was home for a few days, and wo were pleased to see him. We are milking 11 cows. My sister came home from Tiniam on Tuesday. She enjoyed herself very much. Our daffodils and violets are beginning to flower, also other spring flowers. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv, BUSYBODY (Enfield). [You must have had a jelly birthday party. Busybody. Which indoor games did von play?—DOT.] * * 41Dear Dot, —We arc having more (han our fair share of rain this month. Nobody would ever think it is spring, because it is raining so hard. \\ c are milking two cows justin the morning. I suppose it will not be long now before all the cows will be in again. We have the machine to milk them with, so it is not so bad. I do not go to the shed, and I am very glad. I went to see a big hockey match yesterday, and it was very good. There is going to be a ball here on September 2, and I hope it will be a big success. I have been in Stanlard VI two years now, so I hope I will pass my proficiency this year. Last year I passed competency. Wa are having our term holidays next week, so I hope to have a good time. I_,ove to all.—lours truly, BETTY BLUE CAP (Southland).

[Remember that better weather is ahead, Betty Bine Cap. I hope von pass your proficiency examination.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The Toko River i a hiuh, and is ov-ar the road in some places. There was some snow on the hills the other day. but none down on the plain. The daffodils will be out soon, and the garden will look quite pretty. We are having holidays next Friday, and I hope it will be fine. It is not very nice to walk to school these davs, as the roads_ are very muddy. Wa had to write our Navy League essay , last Friday about Sir Francis Drake. I have not seen any of Fair Rosie’s letters in lately. 1 am Sony the “ Chums’ Treasure Hunt ” has ended, as I enjoyed reading them. Could you tell me what day th? "letters have to be in to be put in the Wincss? I have over 1000 cigarette cards now. I have had them given to me from different people I know. Our taacher i« at present in the. Dunedin Hospital, and is very ill. We have a relieving teacher in his “place. We may basket ball and hockey at school. Hockey will soon be over, and the girls will be plaving tennis. I like basket balL I think hockey is a rouph pame. We cannot play any games at school, as the ground is too wet. For sewing nt school w e are. making a small girl’s petticoat. The page is growing larger every week. There are always a few new writers in the n.i>-e —Ycurs truly, WISTARIA IMilton). [■) our letters must reach me bv Thursday to be printed on the following Tuesday Wistaria. I wonder if you will win a’ Navy League prize.—DOl'.]

T pA ai J?°A’T^ av 1 your happy band of Little I-oik. My birtlidav has not loiix' ?une, and I received a wristlet watch and live shidinirs. I was very pleased. The Chums must be having’ a. good time. They in-ust have boen very excited when they climbed the mast to have a better view. 1 tin in Stvidard IV at school. There are on!-,--1 to the school. We have a lovelv new gramophone. We bought it. not ye r ".- long ago, and have 35 records. My favourite singer is Herbert Payne. Love for you and the Little Folk.—Venire truly. HALDANE LASS (Haldane). r\\ elccme, Haldane Lass. Your nam** was taken. Thank you for the photograph. You both look very- hawnv.—DOT ] ** * * Dear Dot.—Wo practise music, every dinner hour till 20 past 12. Thank vou for the name for my doll. It is a very vice name. My sistsr is thinking about, writing to your vase. We have muddy roads to go to school. I know Hiptarc. She is a nice girl. Wo have two cows. One is my sister's, and the other is mine. The mill lias started. Love to all and your own dear self.—Your* truly. SWEET LUANA (Haldano).

[Have you strong boots to wear to school, Sweet Luana. Is the flaxbush in the photograph in your home grounds?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Our school teacher is going to leave, and .we are all very sorry to lose him We are having our examination, anti I hope that I will pass. I have been very bad with toothache this week, and my face was all swollen, but is a little better now I alwavs look out for the IS itness, as 1 like reading the Little Folk letters, and also the Te Kooti Trail, as I think it is very interesting. We had about one 1110 , O 1 snow, but it all cleared away the next day. We have a new pup, so would you please give me a name for it? I read the Little Tolk letters to my grandmother at night, ana she thinks that they are all nice. W e have a new heifer in, so we milk two cows. Love to all Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GRANNIE’S SWEETHEART (Kimbell).

[Call the puppy Bosker, Grannie's Sweetheart. Notice how “for” is spelt. DUI.J

Dear Dot,—We are starting our second term examination, and I Trill be glad w’hen it is finished. We will be having a fortnight’s holiday then. Did you like school? I don’t We had a school concert on August 12, and I think it was a success. There were 26 items on the programme. I was in 10 of them. I sat for a music examination on August 5. I passed with 6J marks. Dad gave me a big stick of chocolate for passing. Spring is here. There are a few little lambs about, and the willows are becoming green. I wish you and your luittl? Folk the best of love.—Yours truly, PUSS FUSSY (Marlborough).

[Which music examination did you pass, Puss Pussy? I liked school very much when I was there. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Winter is over, and the flowers are coming out. Our daffodils are in bud, and there are som-s yellow’ violas in bloom. We have three little bantams, one rooster and two hens. We have had quite a number of bantams’ eggs. We havs 32 other kinds of fowls. It is usually my task to shut them in and feed them at night time. My brother, White Rock, likes to do it when ae is home from school, but he is rather late, as a rule. I have not been at school myself for a few weeks, as I have not been well. —Yours truly, VIOLET WHITE (Cave).

[We are pleased to sec signs of spring after ths cold weather, Violet White. It must take you seme time to feed all the fowls. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have passed out of primary school, and now I am going to High School. It is altogether different from primary school, and far harder. We are just ending our football matches at school, and we will soon begin cricket. Early this morning we had heavy rains, which soon made the rivers and creeks rise. I belong to the Scouts, and in a week’s time there is to be a Guide and Scout social. Our headquarters are right up on the hill, and it is very refreshing to walk up there on hot nights. 1 also belong to the Bible class. Every fortnight we hold socials, which consist of games and musical evenings. Every Tuesday there is pictures on, and they are always very good. The Sunday school social and tea will soon be held. Then Children's Sunday follows. I am in the middle of a most interesting piece of music, which is called “ The Gondoliers,” by Arthur Sullivan. I think that music is a very interesting occupation. My sister. Erin-go-Bragh, is now playing the piano. She started about three months after me. Kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, JOHNNY WALKER (Havelock North).

[Have you seen the opera “ The Gondoliers, Johnny Walker? Do you not think High school is nicer than primary?—DOT.[

Dear Dot, —My father has bought a gramophone since I wrote last;' and I enjoy it very much. One of the records is one of Harry Lauder’s. “ It's Nice to Get up in the Morning.” Do you know it? At school we have started our examination in reading, and I had 70 per cent, out of 100, and some of my mates had 80. There is a trapper here, but he is going away to-morrow. Our servant is just home from her holidays, which I think she enjoyed very much.—Yours truly, BEN GOLD (Otama). [I know the record you mention, Bui Gold. Have you many records? Do vou know how to put on the needles? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of you? happv band of Little Folk? For some time now I have taken an interest in your page, so to-night I will endeavour to contribute a few lines towards it. I am writing under difficulties, the supper dishes. rattling and the gramophone playing. This is a very quiet little place, but, between dances and pictures in the surrounding districts, I lead quite a passable life. Dancing will coon be over for the season, and I won’t be very sorry. Dancing, like everything else one has "too much of, becomes monotonous. With the summer comes summer sports, my favourites being tennis, swimming, and running. I usually follow all the sports meetings round, and have run a few running races. As soon as the weather takes up a little, I shall have to start training again. Kindest regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, THE LIMITED MAIL (Otago).

[Welcome, Limited Mail. Have you won any running races? Are you a member of any tennis club? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have spent a fortnight’s holiday in Dunedin. I enjoyed it very much, and was eorry when I had to come home again. It was very wet one week, but I enjoyed it just the same, as it is always a change of scenery, and a great rest from home. I was at the vaudeville once, and at the pictures twice. I cannot cross the front bridge of the creek here at my uncle’s, as the stream is so high. I have to go round through all the mud (over the boot tops) to the back gate. We have had five days’ steady rain, and there is no sign of it. clearing yet. T can hear the creek roaring and tumbling from where I’m sitting in the kitchen. I was in Lawrence yesterday afternoon. I just hurried through the shopping and came home again. My brother drove us in. as the roads are in puch a. mess. Parts of the road are nearly impassable. I was at the pictures in Law rence a fortnight ago. It was a good picture, “The Biack Pirate.” Have you sech it? Do you read much? I am reading “ One Increasing Purpose,” by A. S. M. Hutchinson, at present. While in Dunedin on holiday, I spent one week at North-East Valley, and the other week at Leith Valley. The gardens are soaked, and it will be a while before we will be able to put anv potatoes in. The cows are going off their milk, and we are milking only one once a day just now. Another one comes in next month, so we will be right then. It is DO good being short of milk, but we are

better off than if we had to buy it, aren’t we? Best love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, A READER (Lawrence). 11 did not e ce the picture you mention A Reader. I read when I have time. You are lucky not to have to buy milk.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —This is my last letter to your page. I am now 21 years of age. I shall never forget the page. I think it is a most wonderful page to bring friends. I have come to know such a number of girls now through it. I think that we Old Writers ought to have a dance or something to meet one another. I am- very sorry to leave the page, and I hope that you get more writers every week. I notice such a number of new ones lately. Good-bye till Old Writers’ Week. —Yours truly, 11. F. B. (Otago). [I cannot see your name in the Roll Books, H. F. B. We all wish you good-bye, and hope to see your letter in Old Writers’ Week.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my letter in the Witness last week, and I thought I would write to you to-night while I had the time. We have nearly finished our examinations at school, and 1 shall be glad when they are over, because 1 don't like them very much. We arc having our holidays from school on Friday, but I am not going away. Yoii asked me the Dame of the piece I was playing in the Competitions. It is called " Rondo Militair. ' Do you know it? It is not a very hard piece, and I nearly know it. I am going to Mount Cook Boon for the week-end, and I am very excited about it. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, WHITE MAYFLOWER (Timaru). [I do not know the piece you mention, White Mayflower, but I hope you ’have good luck. Tell me about your Mount Cook trip. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am going to the pictures tomorrow night. Yesterday I went home and did some gardening. We have 14 little Tamworth cross pigs, and they look so funny with little black spots all over them. I have to walk home now, because my bike broke one day when I was going to town. I went to a social evening with the Bible class last Tuesday, and I enjoyed it very much. I did net arrive home until a quarter past 12. We had a game called table football. First of all there were sides of six picked, and then the sides had to kneel round the table, one side at one end, and the other side at the opposite end. Then they took a pingpong ball, and set it in the middle of the table. They had two boxes at each end of the table for the goal posts. Ths people round .the table had to see if they could blow the ball into the goal. If they put it in, it was one point against the other side. I am the only one who is not playing crib Love to you and all your Little Folk.—Yours truly. ABIE’S IRISH ROSE (Havelock North). [The pigs must be like little liv-e plum puddings, Abie’s Irish Rose. Table football must be great fun. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Spring is here again to cheer us up. I think it is lovely to hear the spring birds singing, and to see the daffodils

poking their golden heads through their thick coat of green. The orchardists are busy pruning their fruit trees while the farmers are busy ploughing up acres of ground ready for the seeds to be sown. We are having our holidays at the end of this woek, and you notice it is a week earlier than other schools. I am not going away, but I am going to Dunedin to my auntie’s wedding a week after c-ur holidays. We are in the want of water, as our tanks are very low. The first one who wanted to correspond with me is Ginger, and I think it is very nice of her. I have written to her, and 1 am expecting a letter from her any day. Wo are having our next term examination in September, and I hope I will pass. At Christmas I ain going to stay at my auntie's, whom I have just mentioned. There are free pictures in Roxburgh tonight, but thoro is no hopes of my going unless I walk nine miles. Love to all the Little Folk and to your own dear self.—Yours truly, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (Otago;. [Tell me about the wedding, Anne of Green Gables. You are not going to be bridesmaid, are you?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. It is pouring rain here to-day. I suppose it is the same ir Dunedin. Ths Vincent second grade footballers played Maniototo second grade here yesterday, and Maniototo won eight to three. I have about six correspondents. The football tournament is to be held at Ranfurly next Saturday, so I suppose that will be another big day here, because there is to be a bazaar here, too. There was a dance here last night, but there were not many girls. There were about twice as many boys as girls. Love to all and vourself.—Yours truly, A FOOTBALL CAPTAIN (Otago Central). [Football is almost over, Football Captain, and I have already seen a tennis racquet in action. Are you going to win anything at the bazaar?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have liad our school concert, and we raised £8 15s 6d for the pictures. For every pound we make, the Education Board is going to give 30s. It has been raining for about four days, and the ground ie very wet. The primroses are beginning to show their heads, so are the daisies. We have some little lambs, but it is so wet and nii<rable that dad puts some of them in the woolshcd. We have seven dogs, and their names are Bruce, Boss. Blue, Bounce, Glen, Tweed, and Dick. Did I tell you my white rabbit died? My white kitten died. too. I- am having no luck with my pets. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y’ours trulv, SWEET SCENTED LAVENDER. (Clinton).

[I am sorry about the pete, Sweet Scented Lavender. I think it is very hard to make a pet rabbit feel " at home ” in a little wirecovered cage.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Last week. National Week, went off beautifully, although there was a’ dull appearance on Thursday. I have 26 correspondents now, so am kept busy answering letters. Every day I receive a letter or two, and if there is a mail in which I have no letters I seem quite lost. Last Thursday fortnight Valencia Raisin and I went to the

Grand Pictures to see ’’ Up in Mabel’s Room,” | and it was funny. Wc enjoyed every moment of it, and we were highly amused at a: gentleman, sitting next to Valencia Raisin, , who nearly took a fit. He would not sit still, as he was laughing so much. Last Thursday I went out to Riccarton, and hau a most enjoyable day. I am going to Ashburton for a few days’ holiday, and am looking forward to a good time. Whilst down there, I am going to a birthday party, and have been asked to recite. I shall try Kipling's “If” if I can say it. One of these fine Sundays I am going to Arthur’s Pass, and am looking forward to an enjoyable trip. A month or so ago 1 had one of the nicest walks I have ever had. I took two of the children in the tram as far as the loot of Mount Pleasant, about three and a-hal£ miles from here. We then walked up a smooth, even road for about two miles. The Mount Pleasant road is a gradual slope, and there are very few parts at all steep. We had a glorious view of the city and New Brighton. The only thing I was eorry 1 did not have my camera with me, as 1 could have taken some lovely snaps. I was quite sorry when it came to the time to return. It was fairly dark when we returned home. We were tired, but happy. Last night I went to a church meeting, and enjoyed it thoroughly. One ]ady sang “ Cherry Ripe,” and it was beautiful, while a gentleman gave a humorous musical monologue, and we simply shrieked with laughter. The rest of the evening was spent in discussing business, and we had supper about 10.15. The evening commenced at 7.45 with the singing of “ Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow.” Last Sunday I went to Lower Riccarton to sec some friends of mine, and had a nice afternoon. My friends have a wee daughter, Ellen May, and she is such a darling. Love to yourself and all. —Yours truly, DAD'S DAISY (Sumner).

[Kipling's “If” is a hard poem to recite, Dad’s Daisy. That, must be a beautiful walk you describe.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age, and 1 am in Standard I. I like reading the “Chums.” Three of us-drive seven miles to school. In wintertime it is very cold. 1 like playing football. My older brother is in the school team. Some day I hope to be in the team. We arc having our examination. I am looking forward to my holidays. Love to all.—Yours truly, SMILING ONE (Balfour). [Welcome, Smiling One. Your name was taken. You will be in the school team when you are older and have grown bigger.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age, and in Standard I. I am going to Lumsden for my holidays. I have two kittens. I lost the mother cat, but found it again. My sister is at hockey at Gore, and my other sister is at Ficton. I was very interested in the “ Chums’ Pleasure Hunt.” I wonder what they will be doing next week? I cut out all of them, and put them into a scrap book.—Yours truly, ICEBERG (Balfour). [Welcome, Iceberg. Are ycu as cold as your namesake this weather? Where did you find the kittens’ mother?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —It it a beautiful sunny day, and I am sitting with my sister in her playhouse writing this letter. I have still my kitten, Pirate, who likes sleeping with my sister's dolls. Our big tom cat was caught in a rabbit trap, and had its foot hurt. We have a pet yellow rabbit, which I have to feed sometimes. It is not a very nice task on a frosty morning. We are receiving a good few eggs now. 1 found 16 eggs nt dinner time to-day. The highest amount that we have had lately is 17, but I do not know how many more wc will find today. Kind regards to all. —Yours trulv, REX’S SWEETHEART (Eyreton). [Pirate must be meek at heart if he likes to sleep with the dolls, Rex’s Sweetheart. Your bunny must be thankful to be fed these cold mornings.— DOT.] vf" TV TV Dear Dot, —Thank you for allowing me to be a member of your happy band. It takes me about three-quarters of an hour to walk to school. I made a mistake about my standard. I’m in Standard V. We are having our examination .at school. So far I have 227 marks. We have to have 210 to pass. I had 92 marks out of 100 for my Sunday school examination. Love and best wishes to yourself and all the others.—Yours truly, TROUSER BUTTON (Winton).

[I hope you pass as well in the school examination as you did in the Sunday school one. Trouser Button. Do you find Standard V hard?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of your happy’ band ? 1 am nearly 15 years of age, and am the baby of the family. Last year I attended Southland Technical College, but I was only at school about four or five weeks this year, when I had to go into th e hospital with appendicitis, so I did not go back to school, as I had missed too much. I like staying at home much better than going to school. I write to one of your members called A Bunch of Gypsophila and she writes very nice letters. My sister, Silver Thorn, used to write to your page nearly 12 years ago. She is married now, and has a little girl and boy. 1 have three brothers and two sisters, and my youngest sister, who is nearly 18. ha« infantile paralysis in both legs and the right, arm. but she learns painting, and does some very nice pictures. I have a little black and white puppy. Could ycu give me a name for him, please? Love to you and your members.—Yours trulv. SILVER THORN’S’SISTER (Southland). [Welcome, Silver Thorn’s Sister. Call the puppy Checker. Are you going to stay at home or go to werk? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and I am in Standard 111. We have three lambs at present. The daffodils will soon be in flower. Wc are going to milk 15 cows this year. We have four ducks, and they are laying very well just now. We have been having very wet weather lately. I think your page is very interesting.—Y’ours truly, GENERAL JOHN (Owaka) [Yes, you may join, General John. You are lucky to have eo many milking cows. I love ducks, and always enjoy’ a duck egg, don't you?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your barmy band of Little Folk ? I have a dear little black pup. Could you please give me a name for it? We play lovely games at school. It I is not long before we will be having an examination. We have a few little lambs now. We feed the sheep every day. It has been snowing a little to-day. My sister . is not at home. I do not like reading very much. My brother is reading at present. One of our neighbours has a very funny

little pup. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, RIVER’S END (Canterbury). [Welcome, River’s End. Call the puppy Earflop. Do you play basket ball and hockey ?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The last two or three mornings it has been foggy, but in the afternoon it has been hot. I have a garden, but there are not many flowers out. I have some violets and primroses out, and they are two of my favourite flowers. Do you like reading? I do. The last book I read was “ That Gibbie Galbot,” and I have not started another one yet. We have about 12 eggs a day or more from our hens now, and wc are milking two cows, but wc milk one of them once a day. I have to leam my school lessons now.—Yours trulv, EYRETON LASSIE (Eyreton).

[I am glad you learn your lessons, Eyreton Lassie. Have you had your examinational yet? I am very fond of reading when I have time.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You have a large family, and it is growing larger every week. I think it is very interesting reading the Little Folk letters in th e Witness. I see a few letters from Balfour, but I do net know any of the Folk, as I have been away at school for five years, but have now been home two. We have started doing our garden, but, a-s the frost is not g- ne yet, the ground is very hard to dig. Signs of spring are here. Some of the fruit trees are in bud, and so are the daffodils. The place round here will be a bright yellow mass, as the daffodils grow wild. The hockey season is over now. I do not play, as we live too far away. Best wishes to the Little Folk and your own self.—Y’ours trulv, ’MOON GLOW (Balfour). [I have posted your badge, Moon Glow. One of the most beautiful things I have seen was a mass of wild daffodils growing.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age, and I am in Standard IV. My mother has eight children. Six go to school. We have a cow, two pigs, 14 hens, and a calf. Will you please give me a name for the calf? I have a doll. Will you give me a name for it? Can we ask for a badge, Dot? If we can, will you send me one? We have a. hothouse with 10 grape vines and tomatoes growing in it.—Y’ours truly, DAPHNE’S LITTLE NURSE (Palmerston). [Welcome, Daphne's Little Nurse. Y’on may have a badge if you send 2« 6d. Call your doll Mcg Merrilces, who was a gipsy, and your calf Caliban, who was a slave in " The Tempest.”—DOT’.] * -X * Dear Dot. —Our test is over now. I received a nice long letter from Oak Apple. My sister plays tennis. Can you play? Wa have new desks, and I like them. We have a. piano and a gramophone at school, and I like them. I was interested in the ’’ Chums’ Treasure Hunt.” Love to all your Little Folk and vour own dear self.—Y’ours trulv, RED LETTER (Waipahi). [You must write your autos out on a separate, piece of paper, Red Letter. I can play tennis, but have not had any games for the coming season yet.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —Spring is here again. There will soon be quite a quantity of spring flowers. We have a few violate, primroses, snowdrops, and crocuses. Our ball was a> huge success. The hall, which was full, was beautifully decorated for the occasion with ferns and other greenery, also coloured paper decorations. There were four spinsters’ dances, and it wasn't much fun having to ask for the dances. Mum and I were at a wedding last week, and we had a good time. The bride, who was dressed in white, looked very nice. When we came back from it, I went to see the football match between Eastern and West Otago, and it was a very good game. Eastern were beaten. Tho players were funny looking when the game was over, as it had been raining, and tho ground was very wet. One thing wae that it would be nice and soft to land on. Yes, I like playing euchre very much, but don’t like crib at all. Love to all and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, SWEET VIOLA (Mataura). [Footballers do not mind how ugly they look, Sweet Viola. Brides should wear white if they can. —DOT.] * * Dear Dot,—l am eorry “Chums’’ has ended. We have two pigs, 14 hens, and a rooster. Two hens are set, one on 13 eggs and one on 14 eggs. We are having our examination, at school. The book I am reading is “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” which is very interesting. It is very wet weather here, and our gate ia flooded. —Y’ours truly. BABY BUNTING (Palmerston).

[Write your autos out on a separate sheet, Baby Bunting. Are you doing well in your examination ? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am now an aunty, and have two nieces, and they are little darlings. I have now left school, and work at a situation, which is better than school. My mother (Kitty Clover), an Old Writer, often sjeaks of her Dot’s Little Folk days, and the many happy days spent at picnics, etc., and she has most of her autos form her many correspondents in the good old days. We are looking forward to the summer and the good times at Caroline Bay bathing. We live only a few minutes’ walk from the Bay, and spend much time there during the summer months. Have ycu ever been to Timaru? I was 16 years of age on August 7, and my eldest brother (Kitty Clover's Son), also a Dot’s Little Folk, will be 20 to-morrow, the 23rd, so you see w c are gradually growing up. Some day I am going to send for a. badge, as I am always wanting one. 1 think they are very nice. No doubt you have many other correspondents from Timaru, but I have never met any as yet. Best wishes to yourself and all. —Yours truly, STUMPY’ (Timaru). [I have not been to Timaru. Stumpy, but would like to go some day. Our badges are very neat.—DOT.] * * -StDear Dot, —Last Friday evening the bachelors and spinsters of Otipua held their annual ball. My sisters and brother and m-oMf went, and I enjoyed myself immensely. Tho bachelors and spinsters of Scuthburn are holding their annual ball on September 2, and 1 think we are going. Our ducks and hena are laying well. The children of the Pareora West school played a friendly basket ball and football match with Fairview last Tuesday. The girls lost, but the boys won. Fairview is to play a return match at Pareora West this Wednesday, and I think I will go an*’ -fee them play. Love to all and your ox-n dear self.—Yours truly, BONNIE JEAN (Timaru). [Dances are almost over, Bonnie Jean, for it is becoming too hot for such strenuous i exercise. Tell me the results of the matches, —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are just about finished our lerm examination, and we are locking forward to the term holidays. At school the football season is almost over, and the boys »,re not playing many matches. There, are Hot any Little Folk about here I know of, Bxceot the Bush Boy, who is at present staying with us. The electric light has reached Romahapa, and we are hoping that it will come to Owaka in the near future. Kindest regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Youre truly, MARTIN LIGHTFOOT (Otago). [You will be sorry football is over, Martin Lightfoot. You will find electric light a great boon if you have it installed. DOT.) * « * Dear Dot,— May I join your happy band. I am 11 years of age, and am in Standard IV at school. It is raining hard to-day, and I did not go to Sunday school. We had rabbitere on our place, and they' poisoned e,- number of rabbits. I nearly had my dog poisoned. My brother is at high school. He is coming home for the term holidays. We liave two black and white kittens. Will you please gice mo names for them? There is to be a big football match next Saturday. Love to all and your own dear self.— Yours truly, THE CASTAWAY (Wcndon Valley). [Yes, you may join. Castaway. Call your kittens Smudge and Roily.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I see by the page that there are quite a number of Taranaki correspondents. We have 78 cows in now. They are all Jerseys. The men are kept busyfeeding out to the cows and milking. My little brother has IB calves to feed. I spent my holidays in the King Country this winter. My uncles were at our place in the Easter holidays, and I went back with them. It was a long journey. On our ; Way up we stopped in Wanganui, Marton, | and Hunterville for a few minutes. From I Hunterville on the road went winding through hilly bush country. The bush reminded be of our old home in Southland. We arrived in Mangaweka about 6.30 p.m., and it was fairly' dark then. Our next stop was in Taihape. We arrived ther o at 8.30, and wo stayed there for a while. We journeyed on again, and arrived at Ohakune about 9.30 p.m. We stayed there the night, and went on to my uncle’s sawmill next day. The mill is at Erua, 15 miles north of Ohakune. It is a very quiet place. About two miles further on is the Waikune prisoners’ camp, on the Waimarino Plains. There is some beautiful bush, especially what is in the National Park The National Park is at the top of the spiral. I did enjoy my holiday*. I used to watch the. mill hands sawing the huge logs into timber lengths and planing the timber. One nice fine day two of my cousins and I went about two milee into the bush on the log tractor, and watched the hauler hauling in the logs to the tractor. It was all so interesting. We had to walk back home, as there were too many big logs on the trolly-. The bush was beautiful. I stayed with my uncle and aunt nearly' five weeks. My aunt cooks for 20 men. It is a great deal of work for her. The morning I was coming home my uncle called me at 3 a.m. It was early to lie up, but the train wouldn't wait for me if I weren't there. We arrived at the station in plenty of time, the express was just climbing the spiral. It w*os 8.30 when the train arrived at Marton. I was going to wait for the New Plymouth express, but T would hare had seven hours’ wait, so I caught a slow train to Wanganui, and then another one to Hawera. I arrived in Hawera at 2.30' p.m., after a long, tiring journey. If I had waited for the express, it would have been 6 o’clock before I would have arrived in Hawera. I met my sister. Island Lass, and a girl friend, so we went and had tea. In the evening we went to the pictures. It was all I could do to keep awake. I was glad to be. home and in Led. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv. CLUNY MAID (Okaiawa, Taranaki).

[You must have had a splendid holiday, Clunv Maid. Snwinil's are verv interesting. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —Mumps are all round the district just now, and the men have suffered most. Our factory manager is at present laid up with illness, and he has been verv bad. The men are waiting for him to be better, so thev can make cheese. Wo had a fancy dress ball here last Friday night, and it was a great turn out. There were 70 children in fancy dress, and it was hard for the judge to pick the dresses. A Little Gold Sunbeam won a second for the most original costume. She went as a skeleton, and she looked so funny. A Little Fairy went as an Irish Lassie. A Little Gold Sunbeam is at present writing to you, and A Little Fairy is writing to Paddy the Romp. Kind regards to all. —Yours truly, SOME LASS (Mokoia). [I wonder if the skeleton was as funny* as the Capping students’ skeletons. Some Lass? I hope the factory manager is better soon. —DOT.] X * * Dear Dot,—l was very pleased to see my first letter in the Witness, and I am going to try and write often to the page. We are having our second term holidays at the end of the week. There was a children’s fancy ball at Mokoia about two weeks ago,, and I went as a skeleton, and won first prize. A Little Fairy went as Night, and at the children’s fancy dress at Ohangai I went n-s a skeleton, and won second prize. A Little. Fairy went as an Irish Lassie. .She has four correspondents, and she is w-ritincr to one to-day. Love to yourself and all.—Yours truly.

A LITTLE GOLD SUNBEAM (Ohangai). [You must look very nice as a skeleton to win a first nrize. Little Gold Sunbeam. Is Little Fairy's Irish dress pretty?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The lower part of our property is alongside of the Otamete River. It does not rise as quickly as the Waimea. The Waimea and Otamete Rivers are tributaries of the Mataura, and they join about one mile from here. Last Tuesday night was the Young People’s ball. We had a wet night for it, but it did not stop the crowd, whicn was present from coming. The term holidays are coming on, and the children are more than pleaded. They are all looking forward to the carnival at Gore. Various shops are decorating their windows with the object of drawing the people from near and far to visit them and partake in the carnival bargains. Ihave two correspondents. One I have received a letter from, and from the other I am expecting one this week. My three sisters and brother write to “ Cousin Betty ” of the Southland Times. One of them entered a drawing competition in Wellington, and when time came for her to receive a letter, it was found that she had won the special nrize. Her prize was a. lovely box of paints, about 12in by 9in. She is very proud of it, and any visitors here it must be brought out and shown off. She deserved Jomething. because she tries in everything. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, HENRY VIII’s. "ISTER (Mandeville).

[I am pleased your sister won the paintbox, Henry VIII’s Sister. You must be popular young people to have such a good dance cn such a bad night.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and am in Standard 111 at school. We are milking one cow morning and night. It is very wet this afternoon. My brothergoes to the -High School. At school we have singing, and some of the songs are very nice. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear eelf.—Yours truly, SHEER OFF (Wendon Valley).

[Welcome, Sheer Off. Which songs do you like at school? Will you go to High School, too. some day?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is springtime again, and 1 hope we will have better weather than we have been having lately. We have one little calf now. Would you please give me a name for it? Our first calf died a few weeks ago. Wc have an extra cow to-night. I have not seen her calf yet. On Saturday our maid tvent away, but came back to-day. Our hens have been laying for a month now, but the ducks have not started yet. On Saturday I went to see a fooball match. I saw some good playing. Our school has not a football team yet. I have not been well to-day, as I have had asthma for nine years. We are having our examination at present. My father shot a wild pig three weeks ago. Love to all the Little Folk anil yourself.—Yours trulv, CARROTY BROOX (Southland).

[Call the calf Cloppy, Carroty Broon. Are you doing well in your term examination? You will be glad of holidays.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I am very interested in the children's letters, I would be very grateful if you would accept me as a member of your band of Little Folk. My father takes the Witness, and says New Zealand is the best country in the world. Dad was with the New Zealanders at the war, and was badlv wounded in both legs, but is only a little bit lame now. We live in central Victoria, and have two farms, and keep nearly all sheep'.' We have just experienced a bad. drought, and much of our stock has died. About 100 lambs died with us, but we have over GOO alive. Our nearest town is- nine miles away, and we go to the football every Saturday. Dad has a Dodge car, and we go for long rides sometimes. I like mustering the sheep with dad, but mum says little girls should help their mother. I have one little brother, Willie, and baby sister, Carmel. Are there any aeroplanes in New Zealand? One passes over our house twice a week carrying mails and passengers from Melbourne to New South Wales. It goes over about 8 in the morning, and returns about 4 in the evening. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, AUSSIE (URL (Victoria, Australia). [Welcome from Australia, Aussie Girl. We have not many aeroplanes here. Your baby sister has a sweet name. Tell us about your school. —DOT.] NOTES. Irresistible.—Cissie’s other name is Wood. If you waut her letter send an addressed envelope, and I will return it. —DOT. AUTOS. Neta Lyall (Lily Moffatt, denary, Waikaia, Southland) wishes to correspond with Attar of Roses. Will she please write first and soon? She also wishes A Sparkling Dew Drop to write again, please. Brother Bunny (It. Trotter, Palmerston South) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing 14 and over. Will they please write first and soon?

Some Lass (Annie Lee, R.D., Mokoia, Hawera) wishes to correspond with Ukelele Dream Girl, Just a Cook, and Football Captain. Will they please write first and soon ? Aussie Girl (Sylvia O’Sullivan, “ Killara Park,” Alia Alia, Victoria) wishes to correspond with Stilts (Palmerston) or any other Little Folk willing. Carroty Broon (Archie Drummond, I-ive Rivers) would like to correspond with Low Tide.- Will he please write first and soon? Moon Glow (Evelyn Chapman, Box 13, Balfour, Southland) wishes to correspond with IV ild Blue Bell. Will she' write first and soon ? Red Letter (Jean Bain, Waipahi) wishes to correspond with Number Seven and Alytil’s Bluebird. Silver Thorn's Sister (Nancy Rae, Box SG, Orepuki, Southland) would like to correspond with members from other countries. Will they please write first and soon? Sweet Luana (Freda Hatton, Haldane) would like to correspond with Tomboy Molly. Rexona Girl (Irene Kavanaugh, care of P. 0., Lower Shotover, via Queenstown) wishes to correspond with Lucky-go-Happy, Mustard Keen, Wax-Flower, and any Little Folk between 18 and 20 years of age, and requests that they please write first and soon? West Cliff on Sea (Norine Paton, Alexandra) wishes to correspond with Sweet Blue Eyes Will she please write first and soon? Betty Blue Cap (Rebecca Jennings, Otara, Southland) wishes to correspond with Joan of France, The Sunshine Fairy, and any other Little Folk willing between 12 and 14, and requests them to write first and soon. Diamond Princess (Florence Barclay, “Toropuke,” Kelso) wishes to correspond with The Arab Sheik, Low Tide, The Starlight Ranger, and Valencia Raisin. Will they please write first and soon? Mary the Wild Swan of Fairyland (Alary M Math, Balfour) would like to corerspond with any Dot’s Little Folk between the ages of 17 and 19. Will they write first and Boon?