LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 79

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit cl others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—Ths weather seems to have taken a decided change, and has been very cold. To-day it is much nicer, and I am sitting outside in the sun writing this letter. Since last writing 1 have a new correspondent, named Gordon. She wrote a long letter, and I was very pleased to hear from her. I have . just finished answering her letter. Queenstown is still a gay little town, as there are a good many tourists- about yet, and there have been crowds coming by the boat. I saw a letter from Volita in the Witness. She lives two miles from here. I hope to be going back home to Invercargill Soon, and I am looking forward to it very much. I am longing to se e my old friends again, and have no desire to spend a winter here. There is a beautiful piece of bush quite close to our house.. We often see beautiful birds here. There are many different varieties, and they fly out from the bush, and. some are so tame that they will fly right in at the door. I love watching them. The sunsets here are too beautiful to describe. There are so many colours and lights which seem to be ever charmin'-. —Yours truly, VERANDA FAIRY (Queenstown). [The sunsets in Queenstown are quite renowned, Veranda Fairy. Do you go for picnics into the bush? I am glad you like your latest correspondent.—DOT.] « • ' # * Dear Dot, —We have had eome very hot weather, and I used to do a lot of bathing in the river that_ is near my home. 1 started school again, and I am in Standard V. I will be 12 years of age next April. Our flower show was held last Friday, and mother won eome first and second prizes, The A. and. P. Society’s Show is on March

14, and I hope it is a good day, as I intend to go to it. Mother may put in some entries. I go to Sunday School. Our neighbours are settled in their home again, and I often go and see them when I am home. Our school garden is just beautiful. I see the Happy Quartette had a letter in a few weeks ago. I hope they see mine. 1 did enjoy reading the Old Writers’ letters. Some of them were very good. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, COTTAGE GIRL’S MATE (Arrowtown). [Ho you attend a boarding school? You seem very much interested in gardens and gardening, Cottage Girl’s Mate.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, I am in Standard V, and I thought I might be put into Standard VI before the end of the year. There are only 16 going to our school How. There were 17 at the beginning of the year, but one pupil left. There is no Standard VI or ■Standard 111. I think everybody is glad, because the clocks are to be put back on Sunday morning. Everybody is busy with their crops around here. The fruit is ripe. This year the frost seems to be coming earlier. We have four cows milking just now. One of them it not long in. We hav e two calves and two pigs. Weliave a good teacher. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly A COUNTRY MAN (Tokarahi). [Will you be the only pupil in Standard VI if you are promoted, Country Man? I liked daylight saving.—DOT.] * * * . Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to you, which is a very long time ago, my brother met with a serious accident. He was badly injured, and he was motored to Balclutha hospital. I am glad that school has taken up once more. I am in Standard VI this year, so I will have to work hard if I want to gain my proficiency. I have been for a bathe several times lately, but I can’t swim yet. Can you swim ? Some of the Old W liters’ letters were very interesting to read. We have a few of our apples “and plums ripe. I will have to write to my correspondent some time soon, else sh e will be wondering where I am. The farmers about here are busy stacking their oats. V. e have ours done. It won’t be very long until winter is here with its cold weather. There ar e not many pretty flowers in our gardens. I wish that some of the Little Folk here would hurry up and write to you again Kindest regards to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, FAERIE QUEENE (Owaka Valley). [Do you play hockey in the winter, Faerie Queene? I hope ycur brother is recovering now from his accident. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —As my mate, Desert Moon has written to your page, I thought I w’ould write too, hoping you will accept me as one of your Little Folk. I am 15 years of age, and have left school two years. We have two cows, but no horses. I read the page regularly, and enjoy the letters written by the Little Folk. My sister, Snowberry, used to write, to your page.. We have a lovely beach here, so we often go for a swim. We have a little black and white kitten. Could you please give me a namfor it? Kindest regards to all and yourself. —Yours truly. RAMBLING STAR (Orepuki).

[You may bo a member, Rambling Star. Would Tumble suit the kitten? Do you help at home?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Most of the farmers around here are busy cutting their crops, so I hope they have nice weather. There was an excursion to Riverton on this line to which I went, and had an enjoyable time. The train left Kelso at 7.33 a.m., and arrived back at U. 30 p.m. We had four hours in the train each way. I generally find travelling by train tedious, but I quite enjoyed the journey. One cannot b e dull on an excursion train. To my intense disappointment the morning turned out to be very cold and dismal, and I pictured a crowd of shivering, dejected people alighting on Riverton platform. . However, by the time we reached Riverton, the sun had appeared, and was smiling cheerfully, and continued smiling all day, enabling each to enjoy herself. If we have a nice day we are going up the Lcithen soon, so I’hope the sun will again show his generosity. I have had a number of songs lent me lately, and I am busy practising them. I have been learning music for quite a while, but have stepped recently. My elder sister was learning for a while, too, and our music teacher thought it would be nice if we learned 1 o play a duet It sounded very simple, so we selected one called “ Where Ari Thou? ” We persevered with our separate parts, and soon learned them to perfection Then came the ordeal of playing together, and it was on ordeal. We would sit very determinedly before " Alice,” but. no matter how we tried, we were always confused. It really was funny. I am afraid it was often “ lolanthe 11, where art thou?” wnen the tiin P for practising came. However, we made “If at first you don’t succeed ” our motto, and eventually coaxed our fingers to play correctly. Great was our triumph over “ Alice,” and when we were requested to play oiir duet we complied cheerfully. My sister is not at home now, so the duet lies unmolested and forgotten. As I sat down to write to you, Dot, 1 heard a loud buzzing noise, and looked cut to see a swarm of bees disappearing over the treetops. Sometimes a swarm will alight on the branch of a tree, and can be secured again by shaking into a box. They look so peculiar hanging from a branch in a large, moving brown mass. We have two hives, and have taken quite a bit of honey from them. Two of niv brothers have Trium-oli motor cvcles, and I often have "rides on the back of them Sometimes I ride them myself with my brother on the back. I was thrilled the first time I rode one, but it is quite simple. I would like to own one myself some day. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly. IGLANTHE II (Kelso)

[1 should-like to bear “ Alice,” lolanthe 11. bou must have shed some tears over her. It was fortunate you had a good day for the picnic.—DOT.] ** - *

Dear Dot, —My sister or my cousins and I have some good games of tennis at the courts behind where I am living. I went for my Sunday school picnic’ last Saturday, and had a good time.—Yours truly, WHITE STOCK (Dunedin).

[Where did you go for the Sunday school picnic, Whit- Stock? Do you ever go swim-rning?--DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been 'away for a holiday. I spent a week at Gore, another at Heriot, and another at'. Centre Bush. Now I have decided to settle down to work. We have been at school -for 'three weeks. I am in Standard VI. We have a nice school teacher. The weather is jbvely. Everybodv is busy leadingfin and shearing. We went for out school picnic, sind enjoyed it immensely. We went to Bluff. Wo" could have paid extra to go to Stewart Island, but we did not. I am reading'a nice book now ctlled “Pink Sugar,” by O. Douglas. Have ..you ever read any. of the “ Polly-

anna. books? They are lovely. Love to all othe r Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, rv =. , T { lOV ’ SER I BUTTON (Winton). [ J , ve rend somo of Hie ‘ F'ollvanna books. Trouser Button. Have you to Stewart Island? It is a very delightful place.—DOT.] J

Dear Dot, —My mother has been in the hospital. I was dux of the school last year tbird CeS Ti I ! a » e | Cam ® second > an d her brother third. It has been fine weather lately. Babv has grown since 1 last wrote. Princess Isaoel 1S at high school now, so ol!y her sister and brother are going to our school now. Baby was away B for? a while when I was at Riverton. All “our ri:e ln V Ull b l°°?’ and mCSt Of tho iruit is npe.—Yours truly, PRINCESS ISABEL’S MATE (Gore). [Congratulations, Princess Isabel’s Mate. How big is your baby now? Have you a great many fruit trees?—DOT]

P icni cs are nearly all ?“ 1 !£ ed l “ ow -* 111 “ ext ycar ' mother ia m the hospital again, so I am chief cook. Lr aS ?- n Biverton on Tuesday to see her. 1 100K II ? t tbe I think it is now hL la a Ser ’ • ‘\ e are havin g some rain wlrnf 11 =*l W ° n 1 l laSt f -r° r Ion £’ 1 wonder wnat has happened to Joyous Rider. She hasnt written for a long time. Sh e is mv and T Slle doesn’t say why she hasn’t written Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self.—Yours truly, r RIPTAKE (Tihaka). H am sorry to hear that your mother is ill again Riptare. Do you like being —DOT’’ OI6 f ° r the tldiness the house?

Dear Dot,—We were up tlie hill picking black oernes to-night. Minnie sent me a little chicken. Last night- we set the net or trout, but we didn’t catch any fish, this morning I saw a red deer. My grandma has been ill for a long time, but she !s better. She is not to do anv work. 1 have a bantam hen with six little chickens, hair Nair nas gone to high school, and I hope she likes it. We were carting in some of the oats the other dav. Love to ad and your own dear « P K—Yc-ns trulv DELCO’S SISTER (Paradise)/’ [Does the littl e chicken like its new home Fhe Mli?-DOTJ 1C b!ackberries on

* * * Dear Dot,—There should be plenty of mushhave a peach tree noir +l, , wa which hss Tv V r the b’tohen window, ?S"’ Tte I !'’ T 1” "now ar. toulj truly 6 F ° k and y ° U 1 Own dear self -—Yours

r LINNA (Parera). Wili r vou l bn tee \ h QU ’' te fixed up now > Linna? town Z-IdoT.j tO mak ° any more “to

oJr -ramifath S w lb wntln = w e have lost °sn't' = it? H He w ? s . B8 > a ri pe old age, is.it it? He was just m bed a fortni<?hi when he was taken. It was a relief as you must Know how hard it is for a man who nas never, one might say, had a dav’s iLness, to stay m bed. We have had new neighbours since Christmas. Thev are veiw nice people, and w e all like them. They aie carrying on the butchery business, and Shoes t t ade ln a t Y rent : e Little Wooden bhoes and I were at the pictures last Saturday night. It was very good. " The Wreck ” was the, name. We also went to Lawrence laay ! niSh , t ' t 0 tile Methodist Bible class social, and enjoyed it. They plaved a 1I en ‘i ng ’i aUd ha<J su PP e ’’> then more nV-Urt tv br ° ke • , up shortly after 10 o clock. Me went with our new neighbours. 1 was in Dunerun a few weeks ago with the Lawrence and Waitahuna schools excursion to mu C J j 1 dldn 1 go out to s t. Clair, but stajed m town and did some sliooping We had a lovely trip both down and up, and it being a lovely day the school chi.dren enjoyed the day at the beach I wonder wnat has come over Copper Nob? bear< ? from ber for a tune, g) hank goodness we are out of the daylight saving. I agree with the person who termed it as a - noxious weed.” I hope-it aces not come in another year. The men storted cutting tho oats yesterday so 1 hope the good weather lasts till the harvest is oyer. W e want fine weather, yet a"-ain we want ram to make the creeks run to dip the sheep We have a bdteh of Ancona a , re 6uch P’-’ ett y wee things with backs, and black and white breasts. There are seven chicks, and out of the seven I think we.-have one pullet. It is our luck every time. Y'We also have four black Orpington chicks, )aUd only one of these is a pullet. Kind/regards to yoursea and ail.—Yours truly, . A READER (Lawrence). [Your grandfather must have been a stron-v o.d man, Reader. Yon missed a good day at St. Clair, but your shopping had to be done.—DOT.] * '

■ Dear Dot, The annual school excursionwas at Riverton this year, and I think all enjoyed themselves, as I know I did. Leaving home about 8.30 a.m. we arrived at our destination about 12 o’clock, after a fairly long journey. On jumping off the tram, we found to our disappointment that it was raining. We then thought that we would not have a very enjoyable time, but wo were mistakefi, because .by the time we had finished our lunch, wc Were very pleased at finding it had cleared, and tbe sun beginning to conie out, with the prospects of a fine day ahead of us. Most of the people seemed to be sea bathing, and I think* it was about the best place, too, although 1 didn’t go in. About 5.30 p.m. a crowd of happy excursionists made tboir way to the train, which was crowded. There was hardlv sitting room for all. After a very pleasant journey, we arrive home tireci, but happy. Wo ar e very busy harvesting, and have had fairly good weather for it. I have several new correspondents, and they all write very interesting letters. Le Montniartion writes very interesting letters to the page. Kindest regards to all and yourself.—Yours truly, A MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS (Balfour). [Riverton is very bleak if it ie raining, but is a good picnic -spot on a sunny dayj Maid of the Mountains, Were vou very tired next day?—DOT.] ■-

Dot, —I do not like the cold, do you? You asked me to tell you what Santa Claus gav e me. He put in my pillow case a big kewpie doll with pretty blue ribbon round it, a doll, a balloon, and a handkerchief. Our wee calf yon gave a name for ia growing quite big. iou remember you gave

Eo for his name, We have a number of wee chicks, but they have grown quite big. 1 hope you are quite well.—Yours truly, BLUEBELL (Paiera).

[I am quite well, thank you, and I do not mind the cold, bluebell. You mus*, put on your warm dresses now, and play plenty of games.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We no'tice a difference now we are back to the old time again. Ona is up early enough in the ccatiAVp without having to be up an hour earlier. It makes the days too long. We have had the null for three days. We were fortunate enough in having lovely calm weather a'l the time they were here. It was very tiring being up from 5.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. I have started keeping a diary this year. It is very interesting looking back through it. I sometimes forget about it, and have to write two or three days at once. I am afraid the swimming season is over. I can manage to swim a little, but there haven’t been any warm days suitable for swimming lately. 1 was at church last night. Doctor Jim drove us in the car. He has driven only a few times, and can manage well. I have only three correspondents now. I write to a Dot’s Little Folk in Oregon, in U.S.A. She is very nice, and writes regularly, and we send each other snaps. I often send the Witness over to her. I also write to Ziska Il’s sister, and she is a true correspondent. She writes nice letters. She sent me a snap of herself, and it is very nice. I have also a few snaps of Ziska, 11. I received a large number of presents and cardc far Christmas. Kindest, regards to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE" HEN WIFE (Southland). [I am pleasea to hear that you have an overseas correspondent, Hen Wife. Has she ever sent you an American paper?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your band? I often read your letters, ajiz] I find them very interesting. I work with Smiler, and we have some great times together. It is Jubilee Week here at present, and the town is quite gay. The Trotting Club held a great ball last night. There was a very large attendance. I went, and had a good time. I didn’t miss a dance a'l night. The warship Veronica is in port. It is a great attraction. Kind regards to you all. —Yours truly, TOLLEY (Greymouth). [You may be a member, Tolley. What g.me are you going to play this winter? ave you been over the warship?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I have a twin sister. Her nom de plume is Jf£>’»miko. I have a little brother. His name is Rex. I was 12 years of age on Friday.—Yours truly, BURNING STAR (Koromiko). [Many happy returns of your birthday, Burping Star. How did you spend youday after school ?—DOT.] * * * Dcjr Dot, —I was very glad to see my letter in print. We have four kittens, and are keeping two, and will you please name them? It was my birthday on Friday, and I was 12 years of age. I received Ils 6d and a purse. No, I have not read “ The Mysterious Twins.” Have you read “ Cleo’s Conquest ? ” I am readifig it now. Love to all.— Yours truly, KOROMIKO (Marlborough). [I have not read the book you mention, Koromiko. Call the kittens Carl and Copper. • —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—This is the last time I will pen those two familiar words as a Little Folk, for the time has come when I, too, must join the ranks of the Old Writers, the veterans, of the page. It is with much regret that I write tills letter, for it seems as though I am putting a part of my youth behind me. I wish that I could st ly a Little Folk for ever, but anyway I shall always be one at heart, even vzhen I am very old and grey. I could never forget ♦he host of pleasant memories that are connected with the page. I have delayed writing this letter for nearly two months, as my twenty-first birthday was on January 2. I could not settle to write it before, as I was so reluctant to break the connecting link with' the page, but it had to be done sooner or later, and so I am doing it to-day. It is now five years since I wrote my first letter to you, and how I longed for the Witness . to come, so that I could see it in print, and how eagerly I looked to see w hat Dot had put in the footnote — and the first letter from another' of the Little Folk, what, excitement it caused! I very soon had a host of correspondents, but Booie did not write for very long. Tnoso that are left are my good friends, though I have never seen them yet, and we have exchanged letters for years now. I have neglected_.them a little lately, but have not had much lime for letter writing. It is one of my hopes that I will be able to go to the South Island to see them some day. My association with the page has been very pleasant, and it ,has benefited me a great deal. never lose interest in it, and will atill look forward to it. I want to go to Gisborne when the Australians play Poverty Bay at. cricket, but do not’ think I will manage it. We have had quite a few dances here lately, and had some jolly .times at them. We still have the pictures every Saturday night, and I don’t know what we would do without them. Nearly all our Sundays are spent at the lake, and we have some very pleasant times there, as there ia always a crowd of us. YVe huvo the engine in our launch, and it ntakas a great difference. It can travel fairlv fast, and 1 love going over the water at • food pace. I like to sit and dangle my legs ever the ride in the water—it is good fap. We had a nice long trip over the lake on Sunday- We took .our afternoon tea with as, and landed in a bay to boil the billy. We didn’t arrive back at Sandy Bay until € p.m. We arp planning to oot evening, and take our supper with us, bo that will be a novelty, won’t it? Sporting Boy and A Dass From the Dfvnd of I/ogs were home for the holidays, »ni are away again. We missed them when they went, and they did not want to go either. Sporting Boy is back in Te Karaka at high school. A Dass From the Da nd of Dogs is teaching at the Awanuni school in Gisborne, and seems to like it very much. Sporting Bov had a great time during the holidays, and he was away somewhere every day. He thought Tuai was a grand place. One day he and I set out in the morning to explore up the creek. We had a very interesting trip, and went as far as Kaitawn. We had our lunch in a beautiful spot beside a laughing waterfall. We arrived home very pleased with ourselves and all that we had seen. When he conies home again, we will have some biora excursions. We have plenty of tennis these days, as almost every fine day sees Bs on the tennis court after lunch. I • have mostly singles row, though, as A. Little Maid has been ill and unable b play. We have some very jolly games.

too. Cricket is all the go here, too, and the Tuai A team hepe to win the shield. Whether they will be successful or not remains to be seen. We had a girl fidend staying with us all last week, and we did miss her when she went home. She liked our place so much that she says she is coming back again as soon as she pcssibly can, and we don’t mind how soon that is. Anotiier friend is coming out as soon as he has his holidays at the end of April, and we are looking forward to his visit. This is rather a nice spot for a holiday. The school children are giving a concert in the hall to-morrow. The evenings are shorter now, and don’t we notice it now the clock is put back! I thought the daylight saving was a great idea, and hope we will have it again next year. Our French big Little Folk’s chatty letters are very interesting, aren’t they? We all look forward to them every week. This letter, being my last, you will forgive its length, I know. 1 must bring it to a close now, and bid you all farewell. So, an d my Little Folk comrades, I “ dips me lid,” and depart to join that pioneer band, the Old Writers of the page. Be sure you will have news of me when our week comes round next time.—Yours truly, RED RAGGER (Waikaremoana).

[I cannot realise that you are an Old Writer, Red Ragger. We all miss you and your happy letters to the page. Write a long letter at Old Writers' Week, and tell us your news. You must send us messages by The Lass sometimes.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print, and to be admitted into your happy band. I have four nephews, but no nieces. We have a Girl Guide company here, although it’s not very big. I suppose there are quite a number of companies in Dunedin. We had a lovely time at Bluff, and climbed the Bluff Hill. ' We had a view of the sea. Have you ever been to Bluff? We live on a farm, and there Is plenty of native bush round about us. We have a beautiful beach, but I tlunk I prefer the bush, as it’s so cool in this hot weather. I enjoy reading Le Montmartion’s letters. They are so interesting. Love to you and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, DESERT MOON (Southland).

[I have climbed Bluff Hill, Desert Moon, and had the view of the sea. There are numerous companies of Girl Guides in Dunedin, and some companies have three and four troops.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —At present I am staying with my cousin on her farm, helping or hindering her with the harvesting. She has two children, Iris, aged three years, and Neville, aged one year and five months, and they are always into mischief. They have an old horse called Bob, and I go for rides on him. Our school excursion was to Colac Bay this year. I went with some friends, and had a good time. We have a tennis court here, and all the young folk club together, and have great fun during the long cool evenings. My eldest sister is away working at Invercargill, and she seems to like it. I know a number of Little Folk, and one seems to meet them everywhere. My little brother was climbing a tree the other day, and the branch be was using for support broke, and he fell and broke his arm in two places. At present he is in the Southland Hospital. I hope he is well soon. The annual dog trials will be held in three weeks’ time, and we all enjoy ourselves then. My ejdest brother will be coming home from Wanganui for his holidays, and I am looking forward to seeing him, as we see him only once a year. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters. They all seem so interesting Le Montmartion writes quite an interesting letter, too. All the children are back to school, and seem quite contented once more. Harvest is in full swing. Farmers are busy with their crops everywhere, and one sees nothing else but golden sheaves. The evenings are cold. I suppose it is a warning that winter will soon be here. A Little Cyclist has not written for a long time. I will have to tell her to do so. She is in Standard I this year, and feels quite big. Iris says she is going to write to you when she is. older. Love to all and yourself.—Yours trulv. A MIN-r.S DAUGHTER (Southland).

[I am sorry to hear of the little boy’s accident, Miner’s Daughter. I know there will be much wagging of tongues when the brother comes home. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Last Wednesday it was our school picnic to Parau, and we had a lovely time. It was a good day, and that made things better. We arrived at Lyttelton, and boarded the launches, which were to take us to Parau. We had four launches, and they were packed. After dinner Beta Fela, two of my mates, and I walked over the hills to another little bay, where we bathed again. At last at 4 p.m. we once again boarded the launches, and arrived at Christchurch station at 5.10 p.m. At present only my brother and I are at home, as mother, father, and my two sisters are out, but should be home soon. 1 have had a sore throat, but it is nearly better now I suppose many people have them after the sudden change of weather. Doesn’t it seem funny going back to old time again because it’s quite dark now at S p.m. My brother was trying to tell me last night that it would be the same light, but I said, “You wait and see, time will tell, and so it has. Last Wednesday my music teacher told me she -wanted me to play a solo at her evening at the end of this term, and I nearly collapsed with fright. On Friday at our “A to Z” Club, we discussed the daylight saving, and it was very interesting. Much love to all. —Yours truly, BEAU FAIT (Ellesmere). [What piece are you going to plav at the recital, Beau Fait? How long have you been learning music?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —About a week ago, when my eldest brother and I were playing with an old tank, I fell off, and hurt my arm. I had to keep it in a sling for a few days, as I had strained a muscle. It is very sore now and again if I work it too much. We have our auntie staying with us. She will, be going away soon. I will be sorry, as she is great company for my mother and me when the children are at school. Winter is drawing near, so we will have to begin and prepare for it. I don't like when winter comes around, as it makes things very sloppy and muddy. We are just free of the mill, which we had here threshing bur grass seed. Most of the farmers around -here are cutting their oats, but this weather will keep them behind. In about another month’s time the euchre parties and dances will begin. They will help to liven things up a bit. Kindest regards ’to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THUMBELINA (Southland).’ [Do you skate in winter, Thumbelina, ; or have you no safe ponds? Do not put too much strain on -your arm for a while.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l hope to become one of the band of Little Folk. I am in Standard IV, and I came second in my class. 1 find Standard IV harder than Standard 111, and more to do. We have seven cows, but I do not milk. I might learn this winter when the cows don’t have so much milk. I have been out gathering mushrooms these last two days, and found two basketfuls. I drive the cows one mile and ahalf each morning, and go for them at night. Love and wishes to yourself and all. —Yours truly, BUFFALO BOY (Waikaka). [Welcome, Buffalo Boy. Your name was taken. You are lucky to have so many mushrooms.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have been for a trip to Invercargill. I liked the place very much. I left here on a Friday, and stayed at Queenstown that night. I caught the boat next morning, and I thought it was lovely, as it was the first time I had ever been on a boat. When we arrived at Kingston, we jumped off the boat, and into the train, where we stayed all the time until we reached Invercargill. I enjoyed myself very much, but the only thing I didn’t like was coming home again. There was an Indian show here about a fortnight ago, and was great to see it. The Indian made smoke come from a glass into another glass, and he “ ate fire,” and did several other tricks. When he ate the fire, he pulled paper from out of his mouth, and then two old flags. I am feeding a nice calf, and its name is Edna. My little brother has toothache, and it is not a very nice thing to have. I hope our cousin comes up again this year, as we hart a good time with him last year, as he used to play his guitar nearly every evening. We never used to feel the time go by. I had a letter from The Singing Prisoner’s Sweetheart, and she seems to be very nice. My brother is away camping, and he will feel lonely, as he is by himself. I was at Irish Dimple's place the other day, and we had fun. She came down the road with me so far, and then we sat down, and we were talking of days that were passed. I like reading about the “ Chums in Pantomime Land,” as I think they are so interesting. Best love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, STORM COUNTRY POLLY (Cardrona). [You will have fun when you are old recalling your school days, Storm Country Polly. Perhaps you will go to Invercargill sometime again.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was at the sports on Friday, and my sister won three medals. There are 19 going to school and seven entered. I have been for a holiday in Belfast, and went out to Waikuku Beach. I am in Standard II with two others. We had a concert at our break-up, and I sang two songs. Mum went for a holiday and had a serious motor accident, and is in the hospital with a broken leg. The car fell 50f- It is very dry weather, and all the creeks are dried up except one that there is for the horses. We milk four cows in the morning and three at night. We are just making a culvert. We’ve a gramophone with a number of records.— Y'ours truly, UKULELE LADY’ (Ranfurly).

[lt is fortunate that the creek for the horses has not dried up, Ukulele Lady. Mother has my sympathy over her accident. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Daylight saving has finished at last, and a great number of people will be pleased. It seemed to be dark very quickly to-night, and it will take a while to grow used to tire old run of things after such long evenings. We young people organised two eeling par' es not long ago. At the first one I think there were about 20 of us, and we had a great time. We didn’t start eeling until nearly dark, and we eeled on till 11 o'clock, with the result of only seven eels. We girls took baskets with us, and as it was a lovely moonlight night we decided to have supper where we were. The boys boiled the billy, and we squatted down under a huge willow by the creek, and we did justice to the eatables. There weren't so many at the next one, but we all enjoyed ourselves. We held it in a different place, and somehow or other the eels didn’t seem to be biting at all. One girl and I lit a fire on the edge of the creek to see if that would draw their attention to our bait, but it didn’t take any effect on them. At last we were disgusted, and gave it up. We wondered what we would do next, when someone suggested having a concert, so we all sat round the foot of a big tree and sang till the moon rose. We then went to one of the girl’s homes for supper. When we satisfied our hunger we made tracks for home, tired but happy. The tennis court is being well patronised this year, and, although it is only a chipped one, there are some very good games played on It. The headmaster is a good player, and as he is very willing to show or explain anything about the game, he is a great help to us learners. There is going to be a “ hard times ” and fancy dress dance on Friday next in aid of the tennis funds, so we all hope it is a success. With love to all and your own dear self.—Y'ours truly, SWEET VIOLA (Mataura).

[Eels are stupid creatures, but they know that all worms are not to eat, Sweet Viola. What did you wear to the fancy dress dance? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I passed my proficiency last year, and I- am helping at home. My last Sunday school prize’s name is “ The Cock House of Felsgarth,” Have you read it? I like to read the stories in the Witness. I think “ Lawless Days ” is as good a story as any. ■ I have been at the beach several times this year, and always have a good time. Our Sunday school picnic was at Pounawea. We are milking 10 cows, and I help, milking three. I am rabbiting too, but I am not catching many. Love to you and .all your Little Folk.—Y'ours truly, PEPPERCORN (Owaka).

[I have read the book, and it is a good one. Peppercorn. Have you ever tasted a peppercorn? Are you liking the change from school?—DOT.]

Dear Doi, —I am very sorry to say this is my last letter as a Little Folk, but I hope to put in an appearance every year when Old Writers’ Week comes round. I go back to work to-morrow, after being off for nearly six months with a broken leg. I was in hospital five and a-half weeks, but, I am pleased to say, I can go about the same as ever again. Mother and I went to see Eterybody’s Friend. Dad took us to Pxlmerston to catch the train. We arrived at Oam'arU at 2.30/ caught the Tokarahi bus. arrived at Tokarahi at 5.30, and had to drive five miles nearly all up hill. We were very tired when we arrived. Everybody’s Friend had a lovely tea ready. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters very much. Some were interesting. Harold’s letter was very sad. The poor boy has my sympathy. Gilbertha, where were you? I suppose she is too busy, as she is married and has four little children. Peggy is at home. She has had a poisoned face, but is quite better again. Keep Smiling and I were at church to-day. Kind regards to yourself -and all the Little Folk.—Y’ours truly, A LONELY. COUNTRY LASS (Otago). [You are the second Little Folk I have had to say good-bye to this week. Lonely Country Lass. We wish you good luck, and hope to see your name in the December list. —DOT.] •

Dear Dot, —It is very dull here to-day, and it rained this morning. We have not finished harvesting yet, but expect to finish this week. I have to take the lunches up the paddock with ■ the school horse. The Sweet Kid is helping us with the housework She came up to start her duties the same day as she did last year. There are a number of Little Folk writing to Le Montmartion, 3 ° y readin K his letters. I wonder what The Chums ” will be doing next. After the harvest I am going down to the school to have a game of tennis with Lint Hills or A Blakesworth Girl. Lint Hills is going for a fortnight s holiday soon, so I will have no chum for a while. Can you play tennis? Love to all and your own dear self.—Y’ours

THE SWEET KID’S MATE (Haka Valley). Mate a n. Zh ry £ ot tennia - Sweet Kid’s Mate. Is the school near your house? Harnot?—DOT J® 3 heaVy W ° rk fOr all; does U

* * * t ? lay 1 l° in happy band of \ aD t 14 y ° arS 0£ ase - and Will be 15 in September. Two of my friends wrffe to you. They are Two Little Love Birds and Barney Google. To-day I had a most wonderful trip to Pembroke. Did you care for the daylight saving? I did not like it. My little baby sister can walk by herself now, and she is just 10 months old 1 wish the cold weather would come because I am wanting a game of hockey, and I do not think I am the only one waitins — Yours truly.

THE BUTCHER’S SWEETHEART (Alexandra). [Welcome, Butcher’s Sweetheart. I enjoyed the months when daylight saving was in. I suppose you are in the Alexandra hockey team.—DOT.] •

, Bear Dot,—lt seems so funny being t 0 £he 01 5 time agaill after the day? light saving. One notices the difference It grows dark so soon. Last Wednesday a car load of us went to Mount Egmont. It was a beautiful day, so we had a good view of the country around us. We did not climb very far up, as we had car trouble on the road up and that made us late in arriving there. However, we made use of the time we had My sister and I set off almost at a run, but we soon had to slow down, as the track was very steep. We were told we climbed up about two miles. It was beautiful looking dawn or. the countryside. I would like to climb to the top of the nrountain, if I could fly down. I think it is harder work coming down than going up. y' ® had two days rain at the beginning of the week. The rain was very acceptable, but it grew very cold, and made us feel a bit miserable. We will find the winter rather cold this year, I think, after all the warm weather. Most of the farmers are busy cutting their boxthorn hedges, so that is a sign of the ■winter coming. One year we stacked the dry boxthorn and burnt it at night. YVe girls had a great fire YVhen it burned down we and some friends sat around it and talked. Then we took our supper out and had it there. We also baked potatoes and onions in the red embers. I think potatoes baked that way are simply beautiful with butter on them. Love to all the Little Folk amd yourself.—Y’ours truly CLUNY MAID (Taranaki). [Potatoes roasted over a campfire have a flavour of their own. Cluny Maid. When DOT]° U clinlbins the mountain again? * * * Dear Dot. —It will soon be winter again. I. was in town for my Christmas holidays, and I enjoyed them very well, I have three miles to go, but I ride. I have a wee black and tan pup, and she chases the hens and geese. I have a wee bantam, and she has three chicks. Love to all the Little Folk — Y'ours truly, MOUNTAIN DWELLER (Clydevale). . your ’ s a collie pup. Mountain Dweller? Would you like to live in town?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I went in for a swim to-day. The men have been busy lately carting in hay. Now they start leading in the oats. I was watching the men taking in the hay with the sweep, and it was very interesting to watch. I could have stood for hours watching them. Quite a number of our plums are finished now, as the birds ate about three trees of them before we had tune to puli them, and they were not properly ripe.—Y'ours truly, NETA LY'ALL (Glenaray). [The address you asked for is Mr E. Nicol, 66 Doudeville street, Paris. Birds are great thieves, Neta Lyall.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —On the other side of the valley the hills are lit up with fires, and now look like a town lit up at night. Our fruit seems to be ripening quickly, as nearly all the plums and some of the apples are ripe. YVe were at the pictures last night and enjoyed ourselves very much, the picture being a war one. I have read one or two good books lately, and at present I am reading “ Good Indian.” Have you read it? One of our hens brought out nine chickens' the other day. They are very pretty. There is a wee grey one and a red one and seven cream ones. We have been leading in our oats this week, but there are-still a few to be stacked yet. Our garden is very dry, with the result that the flowers are not looking their best. I planted some carnations the other day, but I do not know if they will grow. Love to all and yourself.—Y'ours truly, GOLDEN SUNDOWN (Owaka Valley). . [I have not read the book, Golden Sundown. Y'our carnations will' welcome the rain.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I am progressing at school. My brother becomes more mischievous every day. I think the autumn crocus is out early this yean Our school is having a concert in May. I have a number of lessons to do. I went to our school picnic, and had an enjoyable time. I went in for a swim. It is a good place. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MOUNTAIN SCRUB (Invercargill). [Are you taking part in the concert. Mountain Scrub? Y’our brother will grow out of his mischievous ways.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I saw my cousin’s letter in the Witness last week. She had intended to write for a long time. I went to Bluff for the annual school picnic, and had a lovely time. We could not have wished for a better day. As there were no boats-in we went round the bay in a motor launch. I often see my ieces, as one lives here and the other lives in Invercargill. My sister is home from Dunedin, and she finds it a very quiet place. Have you ever been down this far? I have been in. Dunedin once—that was the. time of the Exhibition. We have a'lovely beach here for bathing, but it is nearly a fortnight since I have been down. Kind regards to all. —Y’ours truly, BONA VISTA (Orepuki). [I have been to Orepuki, Bona Vista. Did you think Dunedin quiet? Is it not too cold for you to bathe?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I had such fun the other day. I went for a ride on a draught horse without any saddle on, and I have been stiff ever since, but I enjoyed the ride for all that. I am here on holiday. I am having a great time. I was at a dance on February 29. It was not a Leap Year dance, but was held in aid of the Wendon hall funds. I enjoyed rayself very much. Do you like mushrooms? I love them. The children where I am staying are always bringing a few home. Some morning we Intend to be up early and go out hunting for them, while the dew is still on the grass. They are supposed to taste

sweeter them How did you like the extrtj hour in bed oh Sunday? I would rather it had been on Monday. The lady at whos? place I am staying used to write to your page; Her nom de plume was Golden Brin? cess. She did not write to you last reunion, but is going to remember and do so for next Love to all and to yourself.—Yours truly, MOLLY O’BAWN (Riversdale). [I feel as you did about the extra hour iq bed on Sunday morning, Molly O'Bawn. { shall be pleased to hear from Golden Brin, cess.—DOT.]

* * « Dear Dot, —We are back to school again, and I’m in Standard 11. Harvest is nearly finished, and the mills are busy threshing, and the lorries are carting the grain away to the railway station. Gipsy Ghost is home again after a long holiday down south with his sister. Our teacher has a baby boy only about two months old. Our duck? have started to lay again. The hens have pretty well stopped. We have only two or three eggs a day. They are all shedding their feathers, and what a mess the hes house is in with feathers! Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, HAPPY JOHN (Hakataramca). [Your ducks will be in favour now tha( the hens have ceased to lay, Happy John, Have you seen the baby?—DOT.]

♦ * * Dear Dot, —We have had good times witlj picnics, socials, and concerts, and they liven the district up. I was at a picnic at Evansdale Glen on Saturday, and I think it is at} iceal spot for picnics. There were either two or three other picnics there the same day, so you can guess the lively time we had in the train. it was after 9 o’clock when we arrived home, and as it was about 8 in tire morning when we left, it was a long but enjoyable day. What a difference it makes having our clocks put back aij hour. It seems to grow dark so early at night., I am quite in favour of “ Sidey’x time,” and hope we have it again next summer. In this district they all seem very much in favour of it, as it gives them a good long evening to themselves. I suppose there are some people who will growl whatever happens.—Y'ours truly, A MYSTERIOUS MYSTERY (Otago). [Have you been for many picnics te Evansdale, Mysterious Mystery? What de you do these dark evenings?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was very glad to see my first letter in print. I have just finished writing to my uncle. I have been reading a school library book called ” Joan’s Adventure,”'by Alice Corkran. Mum and dad are milking while I write this letter. I won second prize for scones. I went to the Mataura flower show. There were many pretty flowers there. It is a quarter to 7. We go to bed between 8 and 9 o’clock. My two brothers are outside playing. Did-you go anywhere for your holidays? I didn’t. I help mum with the work. I have one correspondent in Dunedin. She is a girl. Mum and dad are finished milking. YVe have one mile to go to school. Mum wrote to you when she was a little girl. Her nom de plume was Little Bright Eyes 11. One of my brothers is away with my father to put the sheep in the paddock. I have not had the strap from school this year. Y’ou had a good muster of Old Writers. I loved reading tlieir letters. Some were interesting. YVe have a pet cat which we call Topsy. He runs after us wherever wc go. My two brothers are down the paddock picking mushrooms now. My pair of pigeons come inside. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DO ALL (Mataura). [I did not go away for holidays, Do AIL YVhat prize did you receive for your sconesf —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Y'osterday some of my friends and I went for a dip, and it was just lovely. It was the first time it has been fit for some weeks. There have been quite a number of picnics about here lately, and there is to be one next YVednesday, I think. I don’t know if I shall be going or not. We had a trip to Colac Bay for a picnic some time ago, and I enjoyed myself immensely. A crowd of us had our photos taken several times. I met a Little Folk girl, but she did not tell me her nom de plume. It was lovely in the water that day. I was very sunburnt. I did not have my arms sunburnt much, as I wore a dress with long sleeves, which saved them. When we arrived there it was raining, and I thought it was going to be a cold miserable day, but, however, it turned out to be the opposite. YVhat interesting letters the French Little Folk writes, and also The New Zealand Girl. There are some very daring adventures in “ Lawless Days.” The hockey season will be starting again soon. In my hygiene book at school it says hockey is too strenuous a game for girls, but I never found it that way.—Yours truly, NURSE ROSEMARY’ (Southland).. [lt depends on how you play hockey. Nurse Rosemary, whether it is too strenuous. It seems to be strong girls who play the game better than weak ones.—DOT.] NOTES. Nobody’s Pet.—The address you asked for is A. Hopewell, 71a Sligo terrace, Roslyn, Dunedin.—DOT. AUTOS. Tolley (Elsie Peillon, care Box 170, Greymouth) would like any boy aged 18 to 20 in Christchurch to write to her. A Maid of the Mountains (Millie Brown, St. Patrick’s, Balfour, Southland) wishes to correspond with Jerry Joy, Arero Piki, and any other Little Folk willing, and requests that they write first and soon. Storm Country Polly (Teenie Scurr, Cardrona) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk aged 15 to 17 years. Neta Lyall (Lily- Moffatt, Glenaray, YVaikaia, Southland) wishes to correspond with The Office Boy, and any oversea Little Folk about 15 years of age. Will they please write first and soon? Miner’s Daughter (Hazel Soper, “ Corination Villa,” Garston, Southland) wishes' to correspond with A Little Bush Maid and any. Little Folk from 15 to 17 years of age. Will they please write first and soon? Burning Star (J. Brew, Koromiko, Marlborough) wishes to correspond with some of the Dot’s Little Folk between nine and 12 years of age. Desert Moon (Vina M’Kenzie, Orepuki) would like to correspond with Nannette, if she is willing. YVill she please write first? Riptare (Margaret C. Kelland, Tihaka) wishes Little Missionary to send her address, as she has lost it. YVill she please send it soon? Koromiko (Miss Brew, Koromiko, Marlborough) wishes to correspond with some Little Folk between 11 and 12. Rambling Star (Katie Houlihan, Orepuki) would like to correspond, with any Little Folk willing. YVill they please write first? White Stock (N. Wahrlich, 91 London street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Mummy’s Darling and Forget-Me-Not Blue-. Will they please write first and soon?

That the Lest apples can be grown in Jlawera is shown by the produce of one tree in the garden of Mr P. H. Trim (states the,Star). Me has one that turned tho scale at Ijlb and 10 on a small tred averaged lOoz. “ A man can drive as hard a bargain as he likes. That lies with the purchaser. But you have no redress unless you oan prove that he told some mean lies to force the sale,” said Mr Justice Ostler in thd Napier Supreme Court.