PEEPS OF FRANCE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3868, 1 May 1928, Page 79

PEEPS OF FRANCE.

(Special for the Otago Witness.) These articles, from the pen of a New Zealand girl, who has gone to France to complete her education, have been specially written f° r m y Little Folk. We hope that after reading them, yon will bave a new idea of a country which, to many of you, is known only as another place to be learned about in a sreooraohv lesson.—DOT. ° 1 y XIII. Mes Petites, —“ Bonne Annee 1 ” So say the French, and, indeed, nowhere is the old time-honoured custom of exchanging’ New Year greetings gone di rough with more familiarity than in France. .It is a day of solemn family gatherings, i isits to friends, salutations among people allied in business, and among even the most distant acquaintances also. As a rule the people begin their round of New Year visits early, carrying with them tiny gifts for their friends—a ■bouquet of flowers encased in paper, a box of chocolates, or some other little token of goodwill. Men in important positions of State make a special point always of observing the New Year, and receive many visits from friends, colleagues, or employees, while the amount Oi handshaking that goes on is tremendous. The French are just as demonstrative as tradition paints them, although the popular idea of Frenchmen falling on one another's necks at every street corner and kissirg is slightly exaggerated. But they are certainly very cordial and hearty in their greetings towards one another, and on this particular day of the year there is always great merrymaking. At family luncheon, however, things are still more gay, almost equalling in merriment and fun the equivalent of French New Year’s Day luncheon—English Christmas Day dinner! And everybody greets you with “Bonne Annee,’’ even your most distant acquaintances, or your concierge (caretaker) whether you are on particularly friendly terms with him or not. As for the French President, Monsieur Doumergne, he seems to have had the busiest time of all yesterday. He received many distinguished visitors at the Elysee, in Paris, among them the Premier, Monsieur Poincare, and members of the Cabinet, also various representatives of the Upper House, and of the Palais Bourbon. A very bright and lively scene, we may imagine, for all the visitors were to be formally dressed for the occasion, and were to wear their decorations and medals. In the afternoon there was a reception in the beautiful Salles des Fetes of the Elysees, to which many ambassadors and important government representatives came; and the whole assembly was a blaze of rich colours—blue, crimson, and gold. With the French also, religious observances always form an important feature of New Year’s Day, and at Paris yesterday, enormous crowds flocked to the churches. At Saere Coenr, one of the big Basilicas, dense crowds collected at a very 1 early hour to observe the religious custom of lighting a candle in church as a symbol of hope for peace and goodwill for the New Year. Most of the candles were of great length, and as the day went on the crowds swelled so that long queues were formed outside in the street, and as evening came on there were two continuous streams of people moving in and out, each person carrying a candle. Inside,- the countless lighted candles, together with a dense mass of worshippers, presented a very wonderful sight. In spite of its being New Year, Pere Noel, or Father Christmas, seems to have lengthened his stay in parts of Paris, especially in the British quarters there Of course, you know 7 there are many Britishers in Paris, that is to say, resident Britishers; quite apart from the crowds of holiday-makers. The British part of the city is known generally as the “ Paris British Colony,” and a day or two ago the British Legion headquarters had a second visit from Pere Noel, who distributed presents there. He also visited many orphanages and children’s homes, and on. Christmas Day itself there was great rejoicing in some of the poorer quarters of the city, where many little mites were made happy with specially organised Christmas dinners, fetesy and Christmas trees.

As for winter games, they are being played with a will in spite of the snow. At a hockey match recently near Paris, the Snow had to be raked away from the line before the game could begin. Even then the players found it impossible to .use the regular hockey ball. It could not be seen. A cricket ball had to take its place. Football also is in full swing, and an exciting match is taking place now not far from Paris between the French and Scotch teams. It will be interesting to see the result. "Je vous souhaite une bonne annee.” Jeanne, COSY CORNER CLUB AND OLD WRITERS. Dear Old Writers, —The following letter has come to me from Elaine of the Cosy Corner Club. I give it to yon as It was sent to me, and hope that some of you will feel disposed to do as Elaine asks.—Your friend, DOT. Dear Dot, —I have been reading the letters sent to you by your Little Folk, and have come to the conclusion that you are a very fortunate person indeed to have such a large and loyal following. But what happens to your contributors when they become 21 years of age? I know that they send you aa Py Writer’s letter once a year, but kmm hap » e .? s in th ? meantime? I wonder if some of them would write to me, and help to swell the ranks of members of my Cosv be r fon n 4 ,‘ b ' .i T F e P ro « ran >nie. which will wJm the i badl<!B Page, is attractive JL would only mean one letter a month for six months of the year. Do you think they would? It would be very gratifying in the Xki’® SO “, C ot your ex -Little Folk club—-any who are no longer children re lnt ® res ted in the programme I have E 5?P ared ' hoping that this appeal will meet with a response.—l am, dear Dot, ELAINE, of the Cosy Corner Club. LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK. Mott*.—W« writ* lor the benefit of others, not for ourselves. r ■R Car l <P ot ’ — 1 j° in y°ur happy band? L.l® ,J 8 , years age ’ aud 1 work on my , arm ’ . At Easter I went camping and shooting with Aero and Sunny Napier. th had <- a - good time ’ aDd intend to make another trip together some day. I have a motor bike, and rode it up to Napier f r< i^ B >, Cart ' er . t i Oa . for tho Easter holidays. I wish you the best ot luck.—Yours truly LIVE WIRE II (Carterton).’ [Welcome, Live Wire 11. Your name was taken. Are you tall like Sunny Napie? and Aero, or are you like the saying “ best tilings are done up in small parcels ” DOT 1 * * *

1 }° sn yol!r ha PPY band of Little Polk? I am 15 years of age, and We Av Se ™? d year sinco 1 ,eft school. We take the Witness every Tuesday and I always enjoy reading the Little Folk’s letters, for they are very interesting. I also enjoy reading the short stories. It Is too cold now for swimming. I have gone for a few swims this season. The Waitaki River is in flood, and we can hear it roaring from where we live, although we are not near it. I like reading very much and I have finished a few interesting books’ ?imJ°Pniv lke , readin S ? Love to all the untie Folk and your own dear self.—Yours

EULALIE (Oamaru). [Welcome, Eulalie. You have a pretty nom de plume. I am very fond of reading, but do not have much time to read many books.—DOT] * * «

T imJF swn -J .—May I join your band of Bittle Folk. I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard 111 at school. We have started our examination tests, and I am working very hard at my lessons. I have two sisters who write to the page Their noms de plume are Rose Marie and Mary S?F?. 3 Aw US1 “’ -nJ 2 ike readin S Little Folk s letters. W e have three canaries, and the youngest is only three months old We had a prize one. but it died. My father caught a number of goldfinches, but he gave them to a friend of his. After school I take my brother to the St. Clair playground. I do not take him on anything J^?. a . US< L. h 1? 13 a cripple. Love to all the Little Folk and also your own dear self — xours truly, . u . QUEEN OF THE SOUTH (Dunedin). [Can your brother walk, Queen of the south.' I am sorry to hear that the prize canary died. Yes, you may join.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, ——My eldest sister has been married, and most of us were in th° wedding. It turned out well. We had a nice they r W A nt - to Dunedin and up Central Otago for their honeymoon, but they ? re ,, bac ? K now ’ and are livin S ia Oamaru. I did the washing last Tuesday, and it started to rain when I finished, and it has rained every day since, except to-day, but I think it will rain before night. L Ft' oon , be a first-class housekeeper. Mother has been away for a week’s holiday, and I have been at home keeping house for the children, and packing them all off to school in the morning, and it is no easy work sending five ot them to school. I have spent three months near Christchurch since I wrote to you last, and also three months in Omarama working, but at the present time I am at home, but hope to have work again soon, as it is no good beln § e a!I tbe time - Last Sunday A Red, Red Rose, my brother, and a friend and myself went up the bills to climb to the top of a mountain in our way of things. We started off at 8 o’clock in the morning, but we turned to home before we were near the top, as the focame down, and we didn’t want to be lost* —Yours truly, SOMEBODY’S SWEETHEART (Kurow). [House-keeping will do you no harm. Somebody s Sweetheart. Perhaps you will have another chance to climb the mountain when there is no fog.—DOT. J » » » Dear Dot, —I have left school, and I am, not sorry. I did not pass into Standard VI last year. The school teacher who was here went away before Easter. There was a social for her. and they gave her a beautiful rug. My sister, who is cook l n i< j r °urwell Hospital, was home for a holiday, but she went back on Monday I received letters from both Cottage Flower and Lady Mary to-day. They both seem very nice girls. I have not heard from A Red, Red Rose for a long time. 1 am reading a nice book called "Black Beauty.” There are to be pictures here on Thursday, and ! hope to be going. I have 808 cigarette cards, but I have only one set, and I want only a few to make other sets. My sister, who is in Dunedin, is sending me some, and I may have a set out of what she sends me. My youngest brother, Stanley, has a wireless set, and sometimes when he is nofr at home to work it, I work it I like Wellington and Christchurch best truly l the station 3 ln New Zealand.—Yours ’ THRALDOM (Hawea Flat). [Were the children sorry to lose their teacher, Thraldom? I hope you have the required number of cigarette cards for the collection soon.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Wo will soon be having our first term examination, I »m i n standard

V at school, and hope to be In Standard X 1 ?it ar ' Wo bave a little I ,U P> a “ d * uld b £. e y ou T very much to give me a Th/? inft 1 .T K has beeu ver y cold here I kt!. 8 ? nf eW dayS L 1 hope you and Little Folk are well.—Yours truly, GLORY (Ida Valley). [Call the puppy Knock, Glory. If y ou on7 e r/> lear ? ed your lessons the examination should not worry you.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We had our first hockey r Ce esterda y> a nd lam feeling stiff ♦°; day ; EUre you will forgive me F ot writing sooner, but, as Easter came, tn n t Vary bnsy ’ Ever y week ftni seem the b Olrl h M V -> 1 F S n lnOre writers - On Sunday T Range was coated with snow. There was also a good deal of rain last Yours lUtha RlVer rOSe 13ft 6in ’ THE ’BUTCHER’S SWEETHEART (Alexandra). [Has the river gone down yet, Butcher’s Sweetheart? Did you have any knocks —DOT J 6 Stick or ball at tbe practice? * » » HrHn ar n„? Ot 'T _S l I l ce last writing I have a thFnt b T? y brother. He is a dear wee lle Emi f? 3 at us already. We call n tb Ga n ry ’.. , My otber Jittls brother is w t ht h ? sp 1 ta at Present with a broken leg, but he is progressing. I went to the pictures last Saturday night, and they were « The £. were greening Tom and The Man They Couldn’t Hang.” Love -o»f all v the Littl . e Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, UKULELE DREAM GIRL (Momona). b i J H Ft, the l poo £ child in fbe hospital seen his little brother, Ukul.le Dream Girl? Remember you older children are a pattern -O the baby.—DOT ] » * » »

Hear Dot,—-May I join your hapny band fh P L ?rth < 1 was J 5 years of age on the 26th of this month. My father and ray sister are away for a holiday. This is my first year away from school. I live on a farm, and we milk 32 cows. We have hens, ducks, turkeys, geese, and a le have a grey and white xfr 11 y° u Please give me a name for it. We have a Ford lorry. My brother has a motor biko, and my sister and brother have push bikes. The wireless is very plain and clear to-night. I read the Little Folks letters every -week, and enjoy them very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ALTON PRINCESS (Alton). [Welcome, Alton Princess. I like the way your family of Little Folk put in your home name in the nom de plume. Call the cat Chaser.—DOT.] » * » Dear Dot, —We received the ’Witness today, and I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. Thank you very much for allowing me to join your happy band. The wireless is very plain and clear toAt present there is a banjo pl?vine the song " The More W’e Are Togetner ” and it is very nice. My brother is away to a concert and dance to-night. My father and Midge are on a holiday. My sister has her hair cut off. I read all the letters In the Witness every week, and I think they are very interesting. We are having a show on May 10. My brother slabs at the mill, and my father trollies. I have been busy weeding the flower garden. I have a flower garden and a vegetable garden uf my own. I do not read any books, as I do not like reading them. The gala day, which was supposed to be to-day, was put off so I don’t know when it will be held. I don’t know if I will be going or not. \our page is growing larger every week. Alton Princess has just finished writing to you. I know a good number of Little bolk about my district. It is 11 p.m., so I will have to close and go to bed, as I have to be up at 5.30 a.m. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self —Yours truly, ALTON BEAUTY (Alton). [Try to read some books, Alton Beauty. You will feel very ignorant when you grow up if you have not read anything.—DOT.] * * <j. Dear Dot,—Please may I join your band of Little Folk? I have left school, and I am staying at home. I often wish I were back at school. I have some of my cousins here, and they make the place lively. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, A ROSE OF YORK (Otago). [You may join, Rose of York, if you send yoitr private name and address. How many cousins are there to add to the fun? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my last letter in print. I am a sewingclass girl. I think the new minister’s wife is going to carry on the sewing class. The minister is going to start a Band of Hope soon, and I think It will be very good. —Yours truly, FLOWER CHILD (Stewart Island). [Have any more whaling ships been to your Halt Moon Bay, Flower Child? You will be a Baud of Hope girl, I hope.— DOT.] * ♦ * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age and in Standard IV at school. 1 am very interested in reading the Little Folk’s letters. We have missed our sewing class since the minister went away. I have found out my mate, Flower Child, is also writing to your page. Love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, COTTAGE GIRL (Stewart Island). [Welcome, Cottage Girl. How often did you have sewing meetings?—DOT.] * •» » Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age, and I have left school. I have two sisters and four brothers. The oldest is 16, and the youngest is two years and 10 months. My cousin went away on Tuesday morning. He lives in Greymouth. He said we may never see him again, but if he has any luck to have any more holidays, lie will be down. Dad is working in Invercargill. He has been there nearly three months. I am a Girl Guide, and we have our meetings severy Tuesday. The Guides went to Winton a while ago, but I did not go, as I was not well. I had been looking forward to It, and I was very disappointed. because I could not go. I won first prize at Sunday school. The name of the book was " The Loneliest Girl in the School," an Annual for church, “ Camp Fire Girls ” for lessons, and a book from the Christmas tree. We had 16 books between six of us. For Christmas I received 16 new handkerchiefs, a box of chocolates, and a bottle of scent. -Love to you and your Little Folk.—Yours truly, SWEET PEA GIRL (Orepttki). [Yes, you may join. Sweet Pea Girl. Are you a second-class Guide yet? llow many badges have you?—DOT.] * » * Dear Dot, —I have just finished reading the letters for this week, and was quite surprised to see one from Queen Iris. I know her quite well, and recognised her letter instantly. Toodles and Queen Iris learn from the same teacher. I enjoyed a recent holiday very much. I am hoping to meet Riptare in Dunedin shortly, and we will have a great time. During last week I had a birthday, and received quite a number of presents. While I was down the bay, I climbed with a number of other girls to the top of Harbour Cone. Looking from the foot of it, one would not imagine that it was a mass of thistles and rocks, and it doesn’t look half as steep as it really is. Have you ever climbed it? It is, I believe, an extinct volcano. We also walked to Hooper’s Inlet one day, and had a pajjer chase home. The night

before, when we were cutting up the paper, I nearly went to sleep, as we had to cut suea a lot. I was late for everything. One morning I missed breakfast altogether, but I did that purposely. ' Ngaire the Fairy and Nova Aquilae will be quite proud of their wee nephew. They, wrote to me shortly before Easter, but I could not answer their letters until I came home again. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE MISSIONARY (Dunedin). ft have climbed Harbour Cone, and I missed the ferry boat through taking too long in the descent, Little Missionary. You must have had plenty of energy to paper e±<lse home from Hooper’s Inlet.-—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I had a delightful time at Easter. Sports were held on Easter Saturday, and horse events, high jump, long jump, hop, step, and jump, races, Highland dancing, boxing, and a few other things. Last Saturday there was a Girl Guide shop, and wo raised £23. I am entering for a theory examination in May, so I hope I will pass. A boy under the same teacher had full marks for theory last year. I am entering for the Dominion Sunday school examination soon, too, so I will be busy. Yesterday some of my mates and myself went for a walk on the hills, and I went running down a hill right into a large bog. When I came out, 1 was just like a nigger, as I was covered with mud, A few nights ago I went to a Bible class social, and had a good time. A mate of mine is head girl of the school, and 1 am a monitress. We are again playing basket ball, and I am in a team, although 1 am not quite sure which one yet. The Girl Guides went to the opening of the new hospital in Hastings. It is a very nice hospital. My cousin is just up from Dunedin on holiday. Love to all.—Yours trulv. ERIN-GO-BRAGH (Havelock North). [You have numerous examinations on your mind. Erin-go-Bragh. I hope you pass as well as the boy did. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I do not write to you very often now, as we 'do not take the Witness. Our old teacher is away for a trip to England, and so we have a new one now. The deer are coming down from the hills on to different people’s turnips. Andy is a little nuisance, as he is walking. He is into everything he meets. We had a hard frost on Thursday. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. —Y’ours trulv, GREY’ MORNING MIST (YVaikaia). [Have the deer over-run your turnips, Grey Morning Mist? Andy needs a big grass paddock with no mischief possibilities in it.-—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The last teacher we had is away on a trip to England, so we have another one in his place until he comes back. We do not take the Witness. There is another little girl going to this school. We went to help dad to take away the manuka from the bottom of a stack, and we caught some mice. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, PINCUSHION (Otago). [ls the little girl in your class, Pincushion? Your teacher will be some months before he comes back from England.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —The Mataura River is 2ft Gin above normal. We are milking two cows My brother says the calf is his. My mother is quite recovered now. My grandmother is ill. I hope you are all well.—Yours truly. PRINCESS ISABEL’S MATE (Gore). [ls the river down yet, Princess Isabel’s Mate? Tell mother I am pleased she is keeping better.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not written to your page for about three years. YVe are milking 14 cows, but they are going back in the dry weather. YVe have live big pigs and 29 young ones. YVe have two bush farms, but we have not \gry much cleared I am trying to learn to play the piano. The tune I am practising is “ Beautiful Isle of the Sea.” My favourite tune is “ Garden of Dreams,” because it is the best tune I have heard. Love to all and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, GENTLEMAN JIM (Southland). [Have you no one to teach you music Gentleman Jim? Do you feed the pigs like young Tom in the song? He is up every morning at half-past G.—DOT.] * * * Dsar Dot—The Molyneux River is rising fast. My little sister is writing a letter to one of her old school teachers, and she is spelling every word out loudly, and it takes me all the time spelling my own words correctly. Dad and Lanette are away in the dining room playing billiards, and it is very cold in there these wet, rough nights. _ I have just this year to write as I will be in the Old Writers’ list next year. YVe have started to give our cows turnips, and they look forward to having a good tea when milked YVe are having our road gravelled this winter and it will be a great relief, as it has always been so muddy and sticky for the car. My sister and I are going to Brydone at the school term holidays for about a Girtnight, which I will be looking forward to. I like taking the YVitness, and there js always a great rush made for it when tna , ll conies - I was reading one of the little letters in the YVitness to-day. and noticed that one of the writers is a Highland dancer, and she has won a cup for dancing. If there is one thing I do like it is Highland dancing, as it is good exercise, and also the thing for warming cold feet. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk —Yours truly, A COW SPANKER’S DAUGHTER (Otago). [Do you dance Highland dances, Cow Spankers Daughter? Make the most of this year, and write as much as you can.—DOT.] Dear Dot, We have been having our examinations lately, and have almost finished them. I am corresponding with Rambling Star, and from her letters I like her verv much. My brother writes to this page and he has received piles of correspondence.’ I have had ’flu lately, and had a relapse. • —Yours truly, SPORTY’ SCHOOLGIRL (Napier). C c r t ful , , ke€p warm a£ter influenza. Sporuj Schoolgirl. I wonder if you will ever meet Rambling Star. —DOT.] * «■ « Dear Dot,—This is just my second letter to you. I have a little baby brother who is as playful and talkative as anything YVe are milking 20 cows by machines. I know a new Littlo Folk who lives in ’our district. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.-—Y ours truly, QUEEN OF THE RIPPLING WATERS (Lumsden). [I have posted your badge. Queen of the boy?—DOT? ‘ H ° W ° ld iS the Httle * * • Dear Dot, It is a long time now since I was last at school. I have been ill for four days. My mother and father and two sisters were going to Kurow on Saturday, and the horse fell down and tipped them all out, and my sister had her arm broken. It was not her right arm luckily. I am nine years of age, and I ;am -in Standard IV' at school.—Yours truly, QUEEN IRIS (Hakataramea) [I am sorry you have been iIL Queen Iris. YVas it a bad fracture? Was the trap damaged?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I went for a holiday about; ■5 a njl. had a lovely, time! 1’ Went to Clinton with our sister. The otherday mum, dad; "and two of-our sisters were going to Kurow. The horse fell down and

broke the two shafts, and threw them out. One of our sisters had her left arm broken between the wrist and elbow. It seems to be mending quickly. Mother had her ankle slightly hurt. The Sweet Kid was lifting a dish of hot water, and, when she lifted it up, she spilt it on her husband’s feet. He was in the hospital for a day or two. His feet were very bad, but are nearly belter again now. There has been a terrible amount of rain up here. YVe have all had gastric influenza. Our nearest neighbour has _such a darling wee baby girl, and she is growing. Are mushrooms plentiful around Dunedin? They are growing everywhere around here. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, A BLAKESYVORTH GIRL (Hakataramea). [YVe can find mushrooms in some parts of Dunedin, Blakesworth Girl. You have had some accidents at your home lately. —DOT.] « ♦ » Dear Dot, —When I wrote last, I told you about our climb to the top of Mount Cardrona. Of course, I did not mention the height of the mountain, or all the mountains, lakes, and rivers of which we could catch a glimpse. Some we saw quite plainly, while others were only just discernible In the distance. Y’ou asked me if Mount Cardrona is as high as Ben Lomond? I have since found that the latter is 5747 ft high, while the mountain we climbed, which is the highest peak in the Crown Range, is 6218 ft high. Both this peak and the Crown Rock, which is 5675 ft high, can be. seen distinctly on a fine day from the boat on Lake YVakatipu as it steams to Kingston. I have not actually seen them, but we could see quite a lot of Lake YVakatipu from Mount Cardrona. We could see three lakes—Lake YVakatipm Lake Hayes, near Arrowtown, and Lak? Hawea —as well as part of the Kawarau, Shotover, and Cardrona Rivers. YVe could distinguish Albert Town, a small township cn the Clutha, about three miles from Pembroke. One great disappointment was that clouds prevented us from seeing the very summit of Mount Aspiring, which is not a great distance away. This was also the case with Mount Earnslaw. YVe could also see the Remarkables and Mount Soho, which stands close to Macetown, the Criffle Range and Mount Pisa, the Dunstan Range, and many other lower peaks of less importance. One member of our party seemed to know quite a lot about all these places, and it was from him that I gathered most of this information. I hope that it will be of interest to you and many other Little'Folk. Perhaps some of them might come some day to try and climb this same mountain. I should be quite delighted to take any of them up. YVe are on the main tourist route between Queenstown and the Hermitage, and so' see lots of holiday-makers and tourists. YVe have some snaps taken on the mountain, and If you would like to see them I shall send you one. —Y'ours truly, MEADOYV SYVEET (Cardrona). [lt would be interesting to see some of the photographs, Meadow Sweet. Y’ou must have enjoyed yourself'very much. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —YY’e have 19 hens, and one of them brought out 11 chicks. YVe also have 32 pigs. I am just out of bed. I was sick, and had influenza and bronchitis. I am in Standard IY' at school. Chicken pox has been here. I have a little dog, and I call it Spot. It chases me everywhere. I have a little kitten, and I do not know what to call it. Could you tell me a name? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y'ours truly, RUEN (Papatotara)’. [Call the kitten, Scamp, Ruen. Y’ou must be careful to keep dry feet when you go to school every day.—DOT.] # * # Dear Dot. —YVe had a " parents’ day ” at school last Tuesday. All the parents were invited to see the alterations made. It was a windy day, and dust was flying everywhere. YVe happened to start our first term examination that day. Our teacher didn’t tell us till the Tuesday morning, and we were all surprised, as the teacher that we had before told us we would be tested at the end of April. The winter holidays are drawing near now. I have read 15 books this year. YVe have a book each at school, in which we have to write the names of the books we read and the authors. YVe play basket ball at school now. There are five teams picked, and each team plays against the other team. The team with the most points wins the shield. It has been very windy lately, and nearly all the apples were blown off the trees. My auntie has finished cleaning up the garden. She usually does it about Easter time. I am going home for the winter holidays. In the second last letter 1 received from njy American friend she sent me a piece of soft leather on which was painted an Indian head, and it had written on it “ Books are Silent Friends.” She said that the Indians make all kinds of trinkets, calendars, and purses, and sell them. The school has a Guide club room down the road, and they have to march in fours down there every YVcdnesday night. There are four patrols. The town in which my friend lives is called Duncan, and is half-way up the.lsland of Y'ancouver. Have you read the book called ” Emily Climbs,” by L. M. Montgomery? I started it this afternoon, and find it very interesting. I went to cricket at Lovell’s Flat at Easter time. It was not a very nice day, but I enjoyed myself. ■ —Y’ours truly, WISTARIA (Milton). [I have read “ Emily Climbs,” YVistaria. Have you read “ Emily’s Quest ” from the same collection?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —This year I am going for the intermediate examination, which means a good mgny home lessons. -Swimming has finished now, and tennis is nearly over, so we are starting hockey and net ball next week. I like all kinds of games, especially tennis, though I am not a wonderful player. I went for several very nice picnics in the Easter holidays, and went for a few bathes. Blackboy’s Rider and A Little Spring Onion had a week at Timaru, and enjoyed their holiday immensely. They usually take turns in coming out to our place every Sunday, so we see them quite a lot. I have been reading a book about “ The Abbey Girls," by Elsie Oxenham. Please could you tell me the title of the latest in that series? I collect ’Varsity packet fronts, and have already received nine big film stars’ photographs in return for them. Some of them are very good photos. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y'ours truly, MINNEHAHA, LAUGHING YVATER (Otago). .[I am afraid I do not know which book comes last in the series, Minnehaha. Laughing Water. Perhaps some of my Littlo Folk could tell you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —YVe are living in Cromwell. I like living down here very much. My sisters and myself go to the Cromwell High School. At -present we are having our first term examination, and I hope to gain full marks. Tour page is growing bigger every week. At Easter I went out camping with the Boy Scouts to Queenstown. The scenery was beautiful. Some of the boys climbed Ben Lomond. Love to all.—Yours truly, BALDY’ (Cromwell). [Were you an energetic Scout too, and did you climb Ben Lomond, Baldy? I have changed your address in the book.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —-There was a destructive tiro in the business paia of Otautau. It destroyed three shops and on" hotel, and caused great excitement among the residents. To make matters worse another fire occurred in a beautiful home two nights later. I like staying at homo now, although I wanted to go back, to/..school when? it re-opened. There was a bazaar here last Friday night, and I was in the soft drink stall. The

money, which was over £5O, was to go to the hall. I spent Easter at YVinton, which is about 26 miles away from here. My little brother, who was two years of age, can talk-quite plainly, and is great company for me. We have an old pig with 10 wee ones, land they are such funny looking little things. The threshing mills are very busy, as all the crops are in. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Y'ours truly,. MERRY’ SPRING (Otautau). [How much did your stall earn, Merry Spring? Do you ever tell your little brother the of the three pigs?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The dog trials have been on here for three days, each day being worse than the last. YY’e had a holiday for the trials, but I did not go, as it was so cold. Dolly Dimple Dee is away home to England for a holiday. YY’e had our A. and P. Show here on Easter Monday, and our dog took first prize. Aren’t the Chums jolly little fellows? I enjoy reading “ Peeps of France.” Did you see “ Ben Hur? ” I didn’t, but my mother is going to read the book. I have just read “ Peg’s Patrol.” It is about a Girl Guide who is in charge of a patrol of Guides. One girl does not wish to go to camp, and leaves the Guides, and will not be a Guide any more. Peg cries all night about it, and at last the girl is persuaded to join again. Peg cheers up, and tells her Guide master, who is pleased at Peg for persuading the girl to join again, and the master takes all the Guides to camp for a month YVinter will soon be here again, and frosts will be biting our toes. The Cosy Corner Club w’lll be nice for the ex-Little Folk. The girls are playing basket ball at school now, and the boys football. YVe have had one frost already, and the taps hesitated to run for a few minutes when turned on. Love to all the Little Folk.—Y'ours truly, LADY' ARABELLE (Middlemarch). [Are you proud of the dog, Lady Arabeile? I saw “ Ben Hur.” The Chums are friendly little things.—DOT.] Dear Dot,—l was very pleased at seeing my first letter in print. “ Ben Hur ” is coming back to Invercargill for two nights. I do not know if I will go to see it. My pal and I are going to dress up for mayfair. YVe are going to dress up as pierettes. I have been reading an interesting book called " In the Cradle of the North YVind.” Have you read it? Love to yourself and the Little Folk.—Y'ours truly, SWEET VIOLET (Southland). [Y'es. I have read the book, Sweet Violet. Have you a black and white pierette dress? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —YY r e have started our examination, so it will not be long till we have our terra holidays. YVe have given up swimming, and started hockey. It is drawing near winter, and we are having heavy dew in the mornings. Now the day draws to night about 5 o’clock. There are a great number of new houses being built in Alexandra. The Easter football was held here just the same as any other year, and was won by the home team by 11 points to 10. Southern nearly every year come up to play here, and make the first football match of the season. Love to your Little Folk friends and your own dear self.—Y'ours truly, THE LITTLE BUTTERFLY (Alexandra). [YVere you sorry to leave the swimming baths. Little Butterfly? Perhaps the home team will continue winning matches now they have started so well.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—My eldest brother’s birthday was the 23rd, and my mother’s was on YVednesday, Anzac Day. My two cousins were here last night, and played . cards with us. One of our pigs, named Joan, had 15 little pigs, but two died, so we have 13. YVe tie our kitten up in the daytime, because she chases the fowls. YVe like the electric range better than the coal range. I think I will be a Plunket nurse when I am 19 years of age, because I love little babies. YVe feed our cows on lucerne. ' My brother is minding a farm while the owner is away for his holiday. YVe have 340 pullets altogether, and 400 hens. I am reading a book called “ Madcap Judy.” My brother’s dog, Charlie, is very clever. YVhen Sam puts the bridle on the horse, he will lead him (the horse) wherever he is told to. He will catch and carry rabbits. Our chrysanthemums are coming out, also the stock and autumn violets. I have two roots of white violets in my garden. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly, CHARMARY (Otekaike). [Y’ou will enjoy the nursing, Charmary. Thirteen little pigs make an unlucky number, but the old pig will not mind. —DOT.] * * jiDear Dot, —YVe have started our examination . at school. YY’e have done drawing and sums, and we have only two more things to do, spelling and English. My brother and I have just made, a kennel for our dog, Spark. He likes his kennel very much. YVe were all at Gore yesterday, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. YY’e will soon be having our term holidays. It is near our Sunday school concert, and we w’ill have to learn something for it. I hope it will be a good one.—Y'ours truly, BLACK EYE (Otama). [Spark will feel warm in his kennel these winter nights. Black Eye. Do you have many spellings wrong?—DOT.] * ♦ # Dear Dot, —YY’e have started our examination at school, and we have done drawing and composition, and we have still to do arithmetic, spelling, history', geography, mental, and agriculture, which I like sometimes). I am hoping to be among the first ones of my class. YVe have been dipping sheep at home for a while, ’’but wo are finished. The wind blew one of our trees down, and I am busy chopping it up. The carpenters are coming to our place at the end of this month to build’ a woolshed. —-Yours, truly, BEN GOLD (Otama). [What did you have to draw, Ben Gold? I shall be pleased to hear that you are first in the class.—DOT.] 2 * * <■ Dear Dot, —My married -sister, Alton Laurel, had all her top teeth out and five on the bottom; I am in Standard VI at school, and I am 12 years of age. There are a great many Little Folk around Tuatapere. There was going to be a gala day, but, as it was wet, they did not have it. My friend, with whom I go to school, does not write to your page. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Y'ours truly, ■s" FANNY’ THE ORGAN GRINDER (Tuatapere). [I hope Alton Laurel has recovered from the tooth pulling, Fanny. Do you play tennis at school or have you no court? —DOT.] * * Dear Dot, —A social was given the other day for our church organist, wh’o has now left the district to take up nursing. She received some very nice presents, one of them being a lovely travelling rug. The Bellringers were here and gave a concert, which was very good, especially the conjuring tricks A large number of people were present, and many of them stayed for the dance which followed. There were a large number of monkeys on view in Owaka last Thursday, also a Punch and Judy show, which proved to have great attraction for everybody. I had not -seen/a Punch and Judy show before, so I went to see it. I thought that it was very amusing. Guide to Happiness has won two prizes for drawing at the Owaka school sports. She is very pleased about it. Quite a number of the Owaka Valley school children won prizes'. YVe had a lovely batch of ducks hatched out about three months ago. They were a nice

size when one disappeared, then two more, and a while later ’a few more were lost, and now. the last one has gone. It was quite big. YVe think that it must be weasels and rats, as one or two have been seen about. Love to all.—Yours truly, GOLDEN SUNDOYVN (Owaka Valley). [YVhich prizes did Guide to Happiness win, Golden Sundown? . I am sorry about the ducks. I wish you could kill the weasels. —DOT.] . .... * * * Dear Dot. —Just a line to see if I may join your page of Little Folk. I am 13 years of age, and I am in Standard V at the St. Clair school. I learn music, and I have passed my preparatory examination. I have learned for five years. Among my pieces I have Beethoven’s “ Minuet in G." Love to the Little Folk and best wishes to yourself.—Y'ours truly, MOUNTAIN ROSEBUD (Dunedin). [Welcome, Mountain Rosebud. Y'our name was taken. ■ Can you play the “ Minuet ” from memory?-—DOT.] X * * * Dear Dot, —I have written to you before, and I thought I would write again. I have another pet called Michaela. Do you think it is a good name? I am told it means “ good fairy." My pet dog, Michaela, is a cocker spaniel. I have several dolls, called Marigold, Ivy, Primula, Nanette, Girlie, Millyi and Princess. Do you think they are all good names? YVe went to school on the morning of Anzac Day. The President of the R.S.A. spoke about the troops landing at Gallipoli. He told us how the Turks put barbwire in the water and over hedges. The soldiers were very brave, and it is right that we should remember. Our school bought two wreaths, and we sang “ Our God Our Help in Ages Past,” and “ For All the Saints. ’ The school band played very nicely. Love to all the Little Folk.—Y'ours truly, PETER PIXIE (Dunedin). [I think Michaela is an excellent name for your dog, Peter Pixie. Is she inside this wet day, or is she outside making her paws muddy? Y’our dollies’ names please me. YVhich is your favourite one?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Our Sunday school teacher invited the people to his place for a picnic. We spent a lovely afternoon there. The young people had games, and the older people talked to each other. Then the teacher asked them to sit inside the front gate. The Sunday school children received lovely prizes. The name of mine was “ Missionary Heroines.” Then followed afternoon tea. After an enjoyable time, we had to leave. On Eater Monday we motored to Fairlie Show. When we were going we went over many hills. Away up on the hills is some lovely scenery. We kept going up hill and going down hill. YVhen we arrived there, we enjoyed ourselves the whole day. Dad had just showed Arthur the place where he shoots, when out darted three pigs and a mother one. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, SYVEET FAIRY' BELLS (Milford). [Have you read your book yet. Sweet Fairy Bells? Did the young pigs squeal when they saw you?—DOT.] ■ir ib & Dear Dot, —I am learning music since I wrote last. The train was two hours late to-night, and my brother was on it. We were away at Riverton at Christmas time for a fortnight, and we were camping beside the beach. The fortnight before that I stayed at a dairy farm, and I tried to learn to milk, but I did not succeed. The other three weeks of my holidays I had m» cousins from North Canterbury, and so my holidays were Well filled up. At the beginning of the year I went to Gore to have my teeth stopped. Our school team have started practising hockey already, and everyone seems very keen. I hav'o just had my hair cut, because everyone said that it was very long, and I do not like long hair very much. Best love to all the L ! ttle Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly. CHERRY' (Southland). [Are you a hockey girl, Cherry? Riverton is a good place to camp at if the weather is line.—DOT.] * *■ * . Dear Dot, —YVe had a bazaar here on April IS. Scottish Blue Bell Flower and myself went to it. The autumn tints on the leaves are very pretty. I liked reading my letter in the YVitness last week, so I thought I would like to write again. YVe still have our pet rabbit, and dad made a larger hutch, and now he can run about and have a great time. YVe are trying to arrange a basket ball team this year, but I don’t think I am in it, as I am too small. Scottish Blue Bell Flower is knitting a pair of slippers for h’arself. The mornings and evenings are very nippy. There was ice on the water this morning. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y'ours truly, LADY’.,ALICE (Arrowtown). [You will be in the team when you grow a little, Lady Alice. YVarm slimvers are needed these cold mornings.—DOT.] »• » * Dear Dot. —I did not go to Sunday school to-day, as it was too cold, I know Queen Iris. YVe learn dancing from the same teacher, and she is the best dancer I know. I am going to write to a little girl in Greymouth. whose sister is one of the Littlo Folk. I had eight teeth out on Thursday with gas, and have not been to school since YVednesday. I am writing this letter in bed, and my sister is helping me to spell the big words. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.—Y'ours trulv’. TOODLES (Dunedin). [You must be careful not to catch cold in your gums, Toodles. Be cure to have a warm wrap on when you sit up in bed.— DOT.] . <• * * Dear Dot, —It is a lang time now since I have written to you. How is the dear old page? I have been away from home, and have not seen the YY'itness for a month. I was having a great time this afternoon. A girl friend and I were riding two boys’ bicycles up and down the road and round the yard. Then we took their hats, and they chased us until they captured them from us again. After that I dressed and went to church. It was Anzac Day on YVednesday. I went home on Tuesday, and was pleased to see them all again, as T have not seen them for a month. My youngest sister’s birthday was on. Anzac Day, and she was seven years of age. Love to the dear old page and your own dear self.— Y'ours trulv. BASHFUL FIFTEEN (YVaimate). [Do not tease the boys too much, Bashful Fifteen, or they will think you do not live up to your nom de plume. Can you ride well ? —DOT.] * , , * , * Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my first letter in print.. I have a nice big baby doll called Noeline. and its arms came off, so I took it to the Dollies’ Hospital in town, and I am longing for Friday night to have it home again. I like to read the Little Folk letters in the YVitness. Thank you for sending my badge so quickly. I wear it everyday. YVe went to tire Anzac service in First Church. Love to all the Little. Folk and yourself.—Y’ours truly. MOTHER’S GOLDIE (dunedin); [I hope dollie’s arm is quite mended when she comes back from the Dollies’ Hospital, Mother's Goldie. lam pleased that yoil like the badge.—DOT.] > .' i ■{ ' .Dear Dot, —Yes, we gave our teacher a present. YVe gave him a book and his.wife a salad bowl.-- The children received' a 'ball; cpmb, and a cigarette card,.album, v I-have another little cousin called 'Betty. I am going to Hamua for a holiday in Mav, and then after that I am going to Miramar. I

have been working out a crossword puzzle. I have not had a letter from Periwinkle Fred. —Yours truly, BURNING STAR (Koromiko). [YVrite your auto out, on a slip of paper. Burning Star. I have not heard of a crossword puzzle for a long time.—DOT.] * n Dear Dot, —I have a bad leg. Mum is writing a letter to a friend. I like my new teacher. I am going to Hamua fpr a holiday in May, and to Miramar. YVe are going on May 8. YVe are receiving a little pup 1 -r,V ave .„ rec eived two letters from Gillies, we will soon be having our first term holidays.—Y’ours truly, KOROMIKO (Koromiko). [Does the leg keep you indoors, Koro—DoT ] IIOW 10nS arG y ° U B ° inS t 0 be away 7 „- D ? a r Dot ’, —1 ha ''e just come home from First Church. YVe went with mummie to the Anzac service, and it was very nice only sad YVe also went to see the parade in the afternoon. lam going to recite in a wireless concert in a fortnight, so I am practising hard for it. My little sister is very proud of being one of the Little Folk, and loves her badge. I have read such a 'cvciy book this week, called “ Taken or Left.’ I love reading, and always read the Little Folk’s letters. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). [YVhat piece are you reciting, Little Jean? Be sure to speak right into the microphone or you may not be heard well.—DOT.] NOTES. Till YVe Meet Again.—Thank vou for the address.—DOT. AUTOS. Gentleman Jim (Jacob Thompson, The Birches, Tokanui) would like to corresWith any boy or sirl over 15 years of S’weet Pea Girl (Olive Popham, care of F. Popham, Orepukl) would like to correspond with any’ Little Folk from 14 years of age up. YVill they please write first and soon? Live YVire (I. S. Moody, care of Mr A. Moody, YVaihakeke road, Carterton, North Island) wishes some girl Little Folk to correspond with him. A Blakeworth Girl (Lila Cairns, Hakataramea) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 17 and 20 years of age. YVill they write first? _The Butcher’s Sweetheart‘(Rita Riaeh, Box 45, Alexandra) wishes to correspond with Diamond Princess (Otago) if she is willing. YVill she please write first? Glory (Cecily Dundass, Ida Valley) wishes to correspond with Hither Jock. Prisoner’s Sweetheart, and any Little Folk willing from 10 to 13 years of age. Thraldom (YVinnie YVoods, Hawea Flat, Otago) wishes any North Island boy or girl about 14 or 15 years of age to write to her. YVill they please write first and soon ? Queen of the South (Margaret A. YVilson, 108 Richardson street, Forbury. St. Kilda, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Queen Iris and any other Little Folk from 10 to 13 years of age. If willing will they please write first and soon? Alton Beauty (Zilphia Lemon, Alton, Tuatapere) wishes to correspond with any girl Little Folk between 16 and 17 years of age. YVill they please write first and soon ? Ukulele Dream Girl (Y’iolet Johnson, Muritai, Momona) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing from 16 to 19 years of age, and wishes them to write first and soon? Baldy (A. J. Beaton. Cromwell) wishes to correspond with any boy or girl between 10 and 13 years of age.