LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 78

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —Wo write for the benefit ui others, not tor ourselves. Dear Dot. —We have a little black and white fox terrier at home, and he is a funny little fellow. He is always in some mischief. Teddy and Goily seem to be enjoying themselves. We have some lovely chrysanthemums. W’e are having a school concert soon. The girls are having a play called “ Incomprehensible." It is all about Bessio Bunter. I won the first prize for writing at the Ward Show. We have the wireless on, and it is so nice to listen to. My brother is going to a concert in Blenheim to-night, and it is teeming with rain. I don’t suppose he cares whether he is wet or not. My biggest sister is in Wellington on a holiday. She rang us up one night, and we could hear her quite plainly. I don't think she will be enjoying herself much, because it seems to bo always raining there. Lexie seems to be sleepy to-night. He is curled up on the armchair trying to go to sleep. I wish you aud all your Little Folk best of love.—Yours truly. PUSS PUSSY (Marlborough). [Are you in the play, Puss Pussy? It is wonderful how the telephone can “ eat up ” the miles.—DOT.] » e » Dear Dot, —Our poplar trees are very, tall, and their leaves are all turning a golden colour. Our chrysanthemums are nearly all out in flower, and we have a good few varieties. Thera are only a few odd roses, out. We have a new school teacher, and we like her very much. We have had a good deal of wet weather here lately, but the summer was dry and hot.. Our music teacher has left this district, and I am sorry, as I liked learning music very much. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, RILLA-MY-RILLA (Luggate). [Chrysanthemums are beautifully described by "Materlinck in his “ Double Garden," Rilla-My-Rlila. Have you no one to teach you music? —DOT.] • • . Dear Dot, —My three sisters are doing homework, and asking each other to help with their lessons. It has rained here almost continuously for the past month, and we will be glad to see the sunshine once again, although we cannot grumble, considering the beautiful summer we had. There seems to be nothing to do now that the swimming baths are closed. We used to swim morning and night. I am at present reading a book by E. M. Dell. It is called “ By Request." Do you read much? I do. I am very fond of reading, and read almost anything that has print on. My little nephew Is 11 months old, and he Is just beginning to say a few words. He crawls about all over the place, and we have to be care-

ful we do not stand on him. The river has been flooded a bit lately, and the bar has almost been scoured, so now almost any boat can go in or out. On Anzac Day me territorials and Guides paraded to the opera House, where the memorial service was held. During the service one of the ministers delivered the address, and it was nice to listen to his experiences as a padre at the War. Love to all and yourself.—-fours truly, MAID OF WAIHUNA (Greymouth). [I read as much as I can, Maid of Waihuna. You should put a label on the lune boy " Beware. 1 am here; do not tread on me ! ” —DOT.] s • • Dear Dot. —The C. A. Larsen must have been badly damaged. I should have liked to have seen her in dock. The first hockey match was pia.ved on May 5. 1 see that more starting, and some writing their retiring letters. We had an excellent Anzac ........... iu. u. tittle country place, and many wreaths were placed on the memorial. Tue Giri Guides and the band, a.nd also the mounted troops took part in the procession. The river has started to go down a little. Love to all and your own dear self.— Yours truly, THE LITTLE BUTTERFLY (Alexandra). [The Girl Guides paraded here on Anzac Day, Little Butterfly. 1 am glad I did not see the damaged C. A. Larsen, as I went over her at Port Chalmers when she was whole.—DOT.] • « « Dear Dot, —My sister, Jean, her friend, and I went camping in the Easter holidays. At first our mother did not want us to go, but at last she gave in. We have* had our examinations. 1. am going to a dance to-morrow night as a treat. We are going camping again, so I am hoping that me tune will pass quickly. I am reading a book called " Willie and Lucy at the Seaside.” I made a bunch of paper flowers on Saturday. I like making them very much, but 1 have not many colours. They are light coral, leaf green, primrose, red, and black. My big brother, Tim, who is a school teacher, is coming home on Frlday,and I am very glad. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GOLLY’ GOGGLES (Para). [School teacher big brothers are nice persons to have home for holidays, Golly Goggles. Save silver paper and sweet wrappings to use as decorations for your flowers. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —There is a bazaar in aid of a church ui> here on Friday night. My mother is sitting beside me making things for the bazaar. My eldest sister is going to the Technical School in Dunedin, and she has my young sister with her. We are looking forward to their coming home. The Chums could not manage old Bingo and the sheep very well. We have five cows milking, and besides them we have three calves and a horse and two pigs to feed. We finished our examination at school on Friday, and I came third. I

have been to my father’s camp twice this year, and, am hoping to go these coming holidays. Tops is a common game at school. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, CURDS AND WHEY (Bannockburn).

[Your nom de plume makes my mouth ■water, Curds and Whey. Your little sister will have many things to tell you of her trip to Dunedin.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have Just been sorting out my stamps, but still they are in half a dozen different boxes. I am making little packets for the stamps of different countries. They will bo easier to find then. I have just sent to Le Montmartrols some New Zealand and Australian stamps. My brother laughs at me, but I tell him that one good stamp is better than a lot of ones of no importance. I believe I am having a cold, as my head has been aching all day, and my throat is sore. We have experienced Some heavy gales lately. A few nights ago it rained and blew all night. It is a beautiful moonlight night, so I went for a walk with a friend, but came back early, as I didn’t want to go to the pictures. Swimming is over for the season with us, as our river is very cold. It comes from the mountains, and now Is nearly always muddy. I have neglected my pen-friends lately, but will try and write to-morrow. I have not heard from Bunnie lately, but do hope she received her dress safely. I made her a green flannel dress, and posted it nearly a week ago. I have ' done such a lot of sewing lately, fixing up winter clothes. I spent a lovely time in Hastings last Tuesday. It was a very nice day. I was sorry to leave. I do not like Hastings, as it is too flat, but I like the hills. Cohen is growing such a nice big cat, and has long hair. He catches birds and mice, but hardly ever eats the latter. Our gramophone is out of order. I do miss it, and we have new records that I am dying to hear. My brother fixed the spring once, but it broke again, and now it is too short. My brother from W’aikaremoana was here for about five minutes to-day. The flower gardens are looking lovely, but, when the anemones and Iceland poppies are out, it will lock pretty. I am going to sow some ranunculus and aster seeds. I have not taken any snaps lately, but Mollie is sending me some soon. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly. TUP (Hawke’s Bay). [Bunny will be pleased with her warm dress. Tup. You must buy a new spring for the gramophone and have it fixed up. —DOT.] * » » Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band? I am 20 years of age. I have often been going to write to you, but always put off doing so. However, I am making an effort to write now. Your page seems very interesting, and it seems to be growing bigger every week. The hockey and football season is here, but I do not play hockey. I love to watch it, as sometimes it is very exciting. I wish you good luck with your page.—Yours truly, WENDY (Otago). [Welcome, Wendy, but you must send me a fuller address. Do you play any winter game—basket ball, for instance?—DOT.] # * * . Dear Dot, —The people I work for are in Timaru, and I have ,to cook for six children. I am expecting them home to-night. My sister, Queen of the South, was very excited at seeing her first letter in the. Witness. I think my friend. Jazz Bird, has written to you again. We have just to stand up on the fence to see the races, so you may be sure that we did not miss the opportunity. The last race was a very close finish. I have 13 correspondents, so I am kept very busy letter-writing. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MARY GOLD’S COUSIN (Dunedin). [Are you superstitious about the number 13, Mary Gold’s Cousin? You will be thankful to see your mistress back again.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print. I am In Standard IV at school. There are pictures here to-night, but I did not go. I save cigarette cards, and I have 140. Some of them are lovely. Kublar has left school, and he is working for our uncle. He likes there. At Easter we had a week’s holidays, so I went rabbiting with Kublar, and we caught a good few rabbits. My sisters, Alice Blue Gown, Mary Gold, and my youngest brother are writing to you to-night. I was at a football match 'at Oturenua last Saturday, and it was raining. There is to be another match here on Saturday, so I might go.—Yours truly. BOY BARONET (Oturehua). [Rain spoils a match, Boy Baronet. Are you going to play for the team when you grow up?—DOT.] Dear Dot. —We had a week’s holiday from school at Easter, and we had a lovely time at home. We went to Oturehua last Saturday to go to the football match, but it rained, so we had to come home with our uncle in his car. There is to bo another football match next Saturday, so we may go. Since I wrote, we have a new school teacher at our school, and she is very nice. I am in Standard ll.—Yours truly, ALICE BLUE GOWN (Otago). [Have you thought of all the lovelygames you can play these, holidays, Alice Blue Gown ? I am pleased that you like your new teacher.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard I at school. We walk three miles to school every day. I bring in my auntie’s cows every night when I come home from school. We have five dogs, two cows, and two calves. The cows’ names are Daisy. Pansy, Rosie, and Nancy, and the dog’s names are Ben. Rough, Gyp, Glen, Floss, and Fly.—Yours truly. JOE OF ALL TRADES (Oturehua). [Yes, you may join, Joe of All Trades. Are you as clever as your brother. Jack of All Trades is? Which dog is vour favourite? —DOT.] * * * ■ Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk. My brothers and sisters all write to you. so I should very much like to also. I was 17 years of age past in March. We have 12 wee chickens, and I always feed them. We have also a blue Persian kitten, and could you please give us a name for it? I was going to the Deaf and Dumb School at Christchurch for seven years, and I liked there.—Yours truly, FASHION QUEEN (Otago). [Yes, yon may be a member, Fashion Queen. Call your kitten Caliph.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —I am home again from Ranfurly. I was there for three weeks, and 1 rather liked it. I didn't meet any Little Folk at all there. My cousin, Mary Gold’s Cousin went- home to Dunedin when I came home. There were pictures here last night. Rin Tin Tin was acting, but I didn't go. They have pictures here once a week. I was at the opening of the new hall a few months ago, and it was a success.- There were two concerts, and I went to both, and they were very good. There was a grand hall last Thursday, and there were over 280 people there. The ball was to raise money to pay for the hall. We had our auntie and lady friend here staying for their holidays, and we missed them when they went away. Football and hockey have started once again. I like watching football. They have a first and second, grade here. The second grade played here against Middlemarch on Saturday.—Yours trulv, MARY GOLD (Otago).

[Did you enjoy the ball, Mary Gold. You would see some good football if you lived here. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The name of the piece I am reciting In the wireless is called “ If You Meet a Fairy,” and I have said it several times through the microphone. I hope I will say it well for my teacher’s sake, as she goes to such trouble with her pupils. I am reading a book called “ The Adventures of a Three-guinea Watch,” and it is very exciting. Have you read It? I wrote a letter to Fairy Cupid to-day, so will bo looking for an answer in the holidays. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). [I may “ listen-in ” for your recitation, Little Jean. I have read the book.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your Little Folk? I am nearly 15 years of age, and I am in a fifth form at the Girls’ High School. My favourite subjects are botany, home science, and ’English literature. I am the second eldest in our family, and L have two brothers. and a sister and a young stepbrother, a'ged eight months. His name is William—Bill for short—and he ‘has two teeth. We live in front of the Town Belt, and several mornings lately we have gathered mushrooms for breakfast. My brothers have five guinea pigs, which live in a hutch in the back garden. Three of them are young ones. There used to be six, but one died. Two are white with pink eyes, and the others are a mixture of black, white, and brown, and have black eyes. When they are fed, they give funny little squeaks. We used to have a white rabbit, but we sold it when we went away for the holidays. We also have a cat called Smoogsr. We gave him this name because he is very affectionate, and rubs round our legs. He fights with the other cats in the neighbourhood, and keeps us awake at night sometimes, with his caterwaulings. “ Caterwauling ” is a very expressive word. One fully understands its meaning when one is wakened in the small hours of the night by a cats’ concert. We have an old glass aquarium tank in our garden, with waterweeds in it. We used to keep tadpoles and water-boatmen and other Interesting things in it, but now it has only weeds, and a few mosquito larvae in it—at least, so it appears to the naked eye. My grandfather showed me some of the stagnant water in it under his microscope, and it had numbers of tiny, almost transparent worms in it, and unicellular animals and plants, too. We play tennis, circles, netball, and hockey at school. Tennis and swimming arc over for the season, and we have started netball and hockey for the winter. They are both good games for a cold day. I am very fond of reading. I have just finished “ The Days Before Yesterday,” by Lord Frederick Hamilton, and I have started to read “ Shirley,” by Charlotte Bronte. Have you read any of Lord Frederick Hamilton’s books? He must be “one of the race that knows Joseph,” as Anne of Green Gables says. lour Little Folk write very nice interesting letters. I should like to pond with some of them. Those of Jeanne and Le Montmartrols are specially interesting. I hope “ to roll to Rio,” and all round the world some day before I’m old, but to luote William Hazlitt, “ I should like another life to spend afterwards at home." Kind regards to all Little Folk and to yourself. • —tours truly. KIPLING’S KIM (Dunedin). [Welcome, Kipling’s Kim. Your name was taken. I enjoyed your letter. I have read some of Lord Hamilton’s books. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I received my dolly back from the hospital, and it is quite well now I have nice new shoes. My sister. Little Jean and I go to gymnastics on Saturday mornings, and we like it. We are going to have our examination, and then a fortnight’s holiday. On Anzac Day we dressed our wee kitten up with some doll's clothes and a bonnet, and it is such a dear wee thing It didn’t scratch us. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv MOTHER’S GOLDIE '(Dunedin). [The kitten must have a very good temper. Mother’s Goldie. Are vou going away for your holidays?—DOT.]' » « » Dear Dot, —May I join your "happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard 111 at school. I won 200 marks in this examination. I have three miles and a-half to ride to school. My sister has been very ill these last three days. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Years truly' BROWN WALNUT (Titiro’a). [Welcome, Brown Walnut. Your name was not taken. I trust that the sister is well now.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We finished our examination last week, and we ’are now receiving our marks. I found tho examination much harder than we have had before. How did you like French when you began? This is my first year at it, and I do not like it at all. I find it very difficult to pronounce the words. I have just finished reading “ Patsy Carroll at Wildness Lodge,” which I enjoyed very much. I have just started one of Ellis’s books, called “ Deerfoot on the Prairies.” We have been having very good programmes from Wellington lately. It has been very clear and distinct. I love reading Le Montmartrois’s letters. He will be kept very busy in answering his letters.—Yours truly, WIRELESS (Lawrence). [I liked French when I began, Wireless. You must try to grasp the first lessons or you will never understand it.—DOT.] * * ♦ Dear Dot,—Our bitten was sick. I was eight years of age on April 26. I was glad to see my last letter in the Witness My father is camping out at the claim. We have a new teacher. We like him very much. We play hockey and football. We have a hanging lamp in our kitchen. We have violets out in our garden. My mother is cleaning up the garden.—Yours truly BALDER THE BRIGHT (Patearoa). [ls the kitten better now, Balder the Bright? I have not seen violets for a long time. Have you a nice garden?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I ajn writing to ask if I may join your Little Folk. I am on a farm although it is only tempora’rv. I like farm work. I think it is much better than the town. Do you like dancing? I like it although I can jazz only a little, and that I learned through watching others. We have apples growing here. They are nice I hope this letter arrives in time for next week’s Witness. I am looking forward to seeing my letter in print. It is my birthday to-day. Love to you and all the Little Folk —Y’ours truly, COUNTRY KING (Dunedin),. [Welcome, Country King. Y’our name was taken. . Apples are good for your teeth. I like dancing.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —We have just finished our term examination, but I don’t know where I came in my class yet. Our holidays began on May 4, and I was glad to have a change, as school was very tiresome, especially when I had two miles to walk. YVe arc having a free trip to Invercargill to see the May fair. We go in the bus that runs through Orepuki at 8 o’clock in the morning. The cosmos are blooming, as there has been no frost to kill them. Once there is a frost now they will be done for. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y'ours truly, TWO GOLDEN WINGS (Southland). [Tell me about the May fair, Two Golden ■Wings. I think you wall find your flowers dead one of these cold mornings.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It has been raining here for nearly a week, and it is so wet we can hardly walk to school. I go to music once a week, and I like it very much. Our school is being painted, and it is going to be painted inside in the holidays. Best love to tho Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, ORANGE (Waimate). [A ou need gumboots for school, Orange. Is your school being painted the regulation red-brown colour? —DOT.} * » # ??? ar —I am home again for my holidays. Bob and I came home last night. School does not recommence till May 22. We had a social on May 3, and I went. There was hardly anybody there. There was a social for the Sunday school last Friday, but, as it was raining, we did not go. There were pictures here last night, but we did not go. Our neighbours were here last night for a game of cards. The book I am reading at present is ” Undo Tom s Cabin.” I like it very much. I am going to write to Fairy Cupid to-day. I have not heard from Pink Carnation Bud for a long time. I wrote to Tangle Pate last Sunday. I was at North Taieri last Sunday afternoon, and, when looking at the Witness, saw Tangle Pate wished to correspond with me. I am going to our neighbour s to-morrow to see the Witness. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, DUNIRA (Otago). _ o OU va “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” ijunira. Try and be out in the fresh air as much as you.can these holidays.—DOT i * * ir Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my letter in print. I have had my examination, and I was second. My sister’s bantam is set on nve of its own eggs, and they are coming out on Friday. I was at Lovell’s Flat tor my summer holidays, and, when we came home, two girls came with us, so w’e had a good time. My sister is away for more holidays. Love to all your Little Folk and your own self.—Yours truly PINKY ROSE (Taieri). [Are the girls staying with you these holidays, Pinky Rose? I wonder how many bantams there will be.—DOT.] * * * . D .® ar ?. ot ’ — 1 suppose it is still raining in Dunedin, as it did when I. was there a week or two ago. I think I must have struck the weather when it broke after a dry spell. I have been home a week from my holiday. I don’t like working now, but a n ° can I ? I left home on Monday morning. I left Timaru at 11 o clock, and it rained from there to Oamaru. I stayed there for a while, and then left for Dunedin at 3 o’clock, and arrived there at 6.15. I stayed there the night, and next morning set out for Greenheld, 14 miles up river from Balclutha. I arrived home last Saturday night wet but in best of spirits.—Yours truly, THE FOREST KING (Canterbury). [lt is not raining in Dunedin, Forest King vve have had some beautiful days. Those < of us who have work to do are often happier than those whose life is all idleness.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,- —I am going to a dance soon, so I will be excited until it Is over. I have been to a number of dances this year The fancy dress is generally in July so it wont be long. Now that the school children are on holidays, the place is noisy. They nearly drive one silly staying inside all day Me cannot go to the beach or for walks, because we are frozen or soaked to the skin. I am going to have all my teeth out soon, so I will be nervous until I do. ", ?T r clothes are being worn. It is too cold for summer frocks.—Yours truly ROSEWOOD (North Otago). [Keep a scarf over your face when your teeth are out, or you may catch cold, Rosewood. What are you going to wear to the fancy dress dance?—DOT.] , n T ° a T, D^’7T' lay 1 ioin Your happy band °f Little Folk. lam eight years of age, and I am in Standard II at school. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, OATMEAL JOY (Southland). ' [Welcome. Oatmeal Joy. Do you like porridgo? Have you any pets?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I like reading the Little Folk’s letters. I am In Standard 111 at school and I am nine years of age. I am reading a book called Sinbad the Sailor.” There are a number of cats here, and I do not know what to do with them all. Would vou g'Y 6 , two names, please, for my two cats. We have had our examination. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly BLACK POT (Kelso). ” [Call your cats Furze and Fairy Black Pot Do not change your nom de plume Write out your auto.—DOT.] * * * D , ot ’~ We are digging our potatoes, and Black Eye and I have a groat time picking them up and pitting them. W’e have to cart straw in the sledge to the pit, and that is where we have the most fun. Our first term holidays have started and we are having great fun. I am going to Gore to-morrow to stay with my cousin and I hope we have some fun. We are having our Sunday school concert on May 2.,, and I am learning a piece of poetry. My father bought some sheep at the Riversdale sheep sale last Friday, and I had to go and collect them on Saturday Yours truly, BEN GOLD (Otama). [Tell me about your trip to Gore Ben —DOT 151(1 y ° U haVe trouble with tlle sil eep? * «■ # Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age, and I ain in Standard V. I have four brothers and two sisters. I am reading a book, and the name of it is “ Seven Little Australians.” I like it very much. Do you save cigarette cards? We have a fortnight’s holiday from school. Love to you and your Little Folk.—Yours truly, VALLEY LILY (Orepuki). [Welcome, Valley Lily. Your name was taken. I do not save, cigarette cards.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We Intended to go to a Band of Hope concert to-night, but the weather was stormy, so we stayed at home, and I think I shall fill in the time by writbpto you. My mother is working the Dolly Varden design on some pillow shams. She is doing them in colours, and I think they will be very pretty. Wo have a good many chrysanthemums out at present, but this weather is not doing them much good. We have dried two of our cows off, and have stopped sending milk to the factory I have just learned -to play crib, and like it very much. About a year ago we took a cat and some kittens, about eight or nine miles away, and left them there, and the other day the cat came back. I suppose we shall have to keep her now. I save cigarette cards, and have over 500. Love to all tho Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, LAUGHING WATER (Orepuki). [The cat deserves to be kept now, Laughing Water. Dolly Varden should be nice in colours.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —For months I have read your page, and at last I have found enough courage to write. I am in Standard VI at school, and we have just finished our examination. Do you like hockey? I do. We play it at school, and It is splendid. I am reading a book called " Flower of the Pine,” and enjoy it very much.* Best wishes to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MOLLY NOBODY (Otago?.

[Welcome, Molly Nobody. I like hockey. are very keen on it here.

Dear Dot, —I have a sore finger. I cut it with a knife when I was cutting a piece of bread to eat. We arc having our Sunday school concert on May 23, and I hope we will have a very good time that night. Our holidays have come to us for two weeks. We were in Rivcrsdale yesterancL.V,° bought sheep at the sale on Friday. arrived home, we had to pick up potatoes. I have to take out lunch to the men, and then I wait till tea time. —lours truly, BLACK EYE (Otama). are you doing in the concert. Black Eye. Potato-picking makes the back sore.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Mum has a record of the Great War. We are having a good holi'’"”. I have a little pup named Tiny. Our baby is nearly walking by himself. I am in Standard II at school, and top in my class so far. When we are at home we have to look after the little ones. My pony has a foal, and I have to ride another pony. J 2 VOU ' C ' like to go for a holiday. Our baby has five teeth. Our cows are not giving much milk. Most of us have colds. I saw a stoat to-night playing on the tank stand, and it frightened my wee sisters. Love to yen and all my comrades.—Y'ours truly, DOLENA (Southland). [ls baby proud of her five teeth, Dolena? Have you nothing with which to kill the stoats?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Thank you for enrolling me as a member. Our term holidays began on Monday, but, as I am not going away from home, I shall have plenty of time to play with my Meccano set. and my friends. Y'es. Dot, I know that part of Dunedin is called Mornington. My father used to live there, and also our house is called Mornington. —Y’ours truly, MORNINGTON (Napier). [lt is quite homely to hear of Mornington, Mornington. What things have you made with the Meccano ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —’After an absence of about, eight years, I once more try to write a few lines to the page, in which I have never failed to take an interest. I was up Central for a lovely holiday some time ago, and will try to tell here something of my journey. We left home about 7 o’clock on February 1 by car, and landed at Ettrick about 9.30 in time for a cup of tea that I enjoyed very much. I wouldn’t like to say how many beautiful big. juicy peaches I ate. We stopped there about an hour and then pushed on to my aunt’s orchard nearer Roxburgh, wher- I made another raid on peaches and apricots. We left Roxburgh about 12.15. and went on to Alexandra, and what hills were passed over! There did not seem to be much vegetation about those parts. All I could see’ was huge rocks everywhere. We passed through Alexandra, and landed home at my sister’s place in Wedderburn about half-past 5. I -wasn’t altogether sorry to be there, although I enjoyed every bit of the journey. I was beginning to feel a wee bit tired. I spent over two months on the sheep farm, and enjoyed every minute of my stay. I used to ride my brother-in-law’s hack, and a hard case I must have looked in his riding strides. I was happy. I went to Dunedin for a fortnight at Easter time, and then back home, after being away for nearly three months. I spent a week at home, and then came here to work, and so far I like it very much. I went home last’ week-end, and, although it was too miserable to go out, I enjoyed having a long talk with mother. Things are very quiet in Lawrence, but most little country towns are quiet, I think. I have not been to a dance for ages, and at one time I was a very keen dancer, but lately I would just as soon sit at home with a book or crochet. I very seldom bother going to pictures either, possibly because the seats here are too hard to sit on for a couple of hours at a time. What has become of Effie Bell? Best wishes to all and your own dear self.—Y'ours trulv, SWEET VIOLET (Lawrence). [Peaches are meant to be eaten, SweetY’iolet. YVhy do you not write to Effie Bell? Y’ou arc wise to like to crochet. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—l hope you and all are keeping well. Last night three -sows and -two other pigs came down on the train, so we, therefore, had to go after them when we had finished milking. We put a net over the dray, and then I scrambled into the truck and drove them out, but, when we were pulling the dray out from the truck, one of the sows escaped before we could put the tail-board up. Dad and my sister started to d ive It home. It crossed one bridge, but refused to cross the second, so dad said he would drive it to one of our neighbour's, but there again it refused to cross another bridge. It ran this way and that, but to end up it ran into the blackberries, and they could not find it again. It happened that the neighbour I mentioned was to have two of the sows, so dad thought it would save time and bother to drive there then. This morning dad and I went to hunt for her. I went down to the station to make sure she did not find her way back to the truck, while dad went in the opposite direction. He found hcr, so went to bring the sow’s new owner. Together they arrived. We thought we would not run the risk of her not crossing the bridge, so we started her up the paddock. By that time one of our other friends arrived, and, as she went well to begin with, and, as there were three of them, they sent me home. At last they were out on the road, this time the main road, there was still another bridge to cross, but it being a short one they thought they would have no further trouble. She was determined she was not going to cross that one’either. • She made an attempt to run away, but dad was lucky enough to c"tch her by the tail, and held her while one of the others put a rope in her snout. Dad let go her tail and held the rope, while the others put another rope round her body. They simply had to drag her, and they even had to have a rest when they had her half-way across. Good wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Y’ours truly, MATAI BELLE (Matai). [Y’ou had an exciting pig hunt. Matai Belle. Y’our father must have looked a hero holding on to the tail.—DOT.] * » » Dear Dot, —Just lately there has beeu a changing of school teachers, and that has made it awkward for having an examination. Our May holidays have begun, and it seems as though the Christmas ones have* just ended. The house in which Piper’s Lass lives was shifted from Chaney’s to Belfast. Both she and I are in Standard V. My cousin, the bicycle rider, has gone to France for the great race. He has been to Australia twice for tho Grand Prix. We are all very proud to own him as a relation. At present we are milking two cows, as we are allowing the other to dry off. I have a swing by the cowshed, and my little brother and I often have fun on it while the cows are being milked. Now that the cold evenings have come we sit around the fire and read. Love to all.—Y r ours truly. KAPUTONE LASS (Belfast).

[I am sure you are proud of your clever champion cousin, Kaputone Lass. I wish I could come and swing on your swing. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I don’t think I have written to you since I passed my proficiency. The only subject I was to sit for was science, and, as the papers did not come, I had no work to write out. I spent my Christmas

holidays at Luggate. My aunt has a lovely big orchard, with a great many fruit trees. The apricots were the only fruits that were ripe when I was there. My cousin, Rilla-My-Rllla, and I had great times in the orchard. We had a picnic at Lake Wanaka, and one at Hawea. I thought Lake Hawea was the prettier. It was a dark blue, and Lake Wanaka was a light green. I am going to Gore High School in the bus. The bus stopped on Saturday, so I don’t know what I will do, as the train leaves Waipahl at half-past 6, and Is not home until 8 o'clock. Our examination Is over, but we have not our reports yet. Love to all the .Little Hoik and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ANNE OF AVONLEA (Otago). [Picnics by the lake are the most delightful of all, Anne of Avonlea. Do you like the orchard when the apples are ripe? —DOT.] Dear Dot, —We now have holidays from school for a fortnight, and though I like school I enjoy holidays also. My baby sister is growing quite a big girl, though she is only six months old. She can speak a few words, and is very amusing. She is fond of music, and loves me to play the piano for her. We dance with her sometimes, and if w-e jazz she jumps up and down and kicks her wee feet. If, however, we waltz she is as still as possible, and never even smiles. My sister and I take alternate days in minding her. To-day it was nly sister's turn, and I went for a game of tenuis with my friend. The days are growing very cold, and one can feel the approach of winter. I have not read many books lately, as we have been busy at school. We have been having a school concert, and the theatre was packed both nights. I have received a letter from a girl correspondent in England. She is a cripple, and has not had much education, but she writes lovely letters. She also draw's well, and sent me some of her drawings. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, PIERRETTE (Canterbury). ' [Baby shows a natural instinct for rhythm, and will probably play well when she grows up, Pierrette. What does she do if you play a march?—DOT.) * * ■» Dear Dot, —Although the frosts are very cold, especially the hard ones, I like them. It's glorious going to school without a hat then, although tho wind does nip your ears a bit. We have had three half frosts this year so far, but they were not very hard. At present the children are having their examinations at school. I have only one brother going to school, and he is in Standard V. I managed to go through school life without failing. I gained my proficiency last year at 13 years of age. I won first prize in my class last year, too. The boys have started with football again this year. My brother is very keen on it. Sly two elder brothers are also going to play football on Saturday, and they are travelling to Ohai this time. Their team was second in the banner contest last year, Ohai being the winners. I was at a hockey match on the domain some time ago, and enjoyed myself immensely. It was a wet day, or, at least, it had been in the morning, so the grass was wet, and our toes were cold. When half-time came a crowd of us went to have a hit at the ball to get warm. We didn’t bother to take our coats and gloves off though, for all the time we were it wasn't worth while. Before the game started we w-atched several of the team practising. A girl friend of mine was also playing for a while. A Strange Lover of Old was playing that day, and she is one of the best players they have. The travelling team won by a point.—Yours truly, NURSE ROSEMARY (Southland). [Be sure the wind does not give you earache, Nurse Rosemary. Hockey in the wind can be a cold game as well as a warm one.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—We broke up for our term holidays to-night. I have seen ail the whaling ships. The whalers' base is very pretty. One Sunday I went to the whalers' base, and I had a very enjoyable dinner and afternoon tea. While I was there I went over the Star boats, which were beautiful. I am going to say a recitation at the Band of Hope, which I like very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FLOWER CHILD (Stew'art Island). [bo you ever find fan shells, Flower Child? Which recitation are vou saying?— DOT.] «• * « Dear Dot, —I started to write twice to you, and I have never finished the letters, but I am going to make sure I finish this one. We have our term holidays, and I am very pleased. We have a fortnight and a day. We are having rather cold weather. That is a, sign that winter is not far away. I notice that my mate has not written to your page. She had better hurry if she is going to write or she will know the reason why. I am glad that the winter is near, as I like winter best, don’t you? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, HYPATIA (Bannockburn). [I like spring best, Hypatia. You are the first Little Folk who has told me she likes winter best. You must be an energetic person.—DOT.] * » » Dear Dot, —It seems ages since I last penned you a few lines. I think it is well all your Little Folk are not like me, or you would receive very few letters. The days are becoming colder, with slight touches of frost in the morning, which is a sure sign that winter is fast approaching. I like the high school very well, though we always have a good many lessons to do at night, but I suppose they keep us out of mischief. We have finished our examination, and are now, as I suppose are all the other school children, enjoying our holidays. We have just had a new assistant teacher appointed to our school, and she is well liked. There was a bazaar here on the 4th ( and though the rain slightly marred the evening, there was a good crowd, and wo had a most enjoyable time. There is a concert here on the 19th inst., and I hope to be going. We do not have many amusements except dances every fortnight, so that when a concert comes it is generally well patronised. The hockey enthusiasts will bo glad that winter will soon be with us, and, though I do not play myself, I like watching a match. I may commence playing before tho winter is over, as ono does not feel very warm just looking on. Girls tell me I am old-fashioned, because I have still my hair on, but I toll them that they will be sorry they cut theirs off when the time comes to let It grow again. What do you think, Dot? Best love to all Little Folk and yourself.—Ycurs truly, DOLLY DINKS (Central Otago). ■ [You are right to keep your hair on it you want to, Dolly Dinks. Girls seem to have some trouble with their hair when it Is growing.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little-Folk? I have a sister writing to your paper. I am In Form IVa at the Marlborough College, and am 13 years of age. Did you like going to school? I do, although sometimes I feel like staying at home. I have to go 12 miles In the train to college. I have a brother who Is a school teacher, and he teaches a school at Te Pangu, which Is in the Queen Charlotte Sounds. We are milking four cows at night and six in the morning. Some of my friends and I formed two tribes of Indians The tribe I am in is called the Iroquois and the other tribe the Apaches. In the Easter holidays our tribe went camping in an

old whare, and we did have fun. We sang and recited and talked nonsense. We felt a bit scared to go to bed, and the place abounded with mice, but nevertheless we slept soundly. Aboiit 3 o'clock next morning we all. woke up. Two went to sleep again and my cousin and I jumped up, lit the fire, and sat wrapped up toasting our feet over the fire. When the others woke up we had breakfast ready, and they had quite a surprise. As the day wore on my cousin and I began to feel a bit tired, so we went to sleep, and when we woke up it was our turn to be surprised. For they had potato chips and fried bread ready for tea We went homo next day, for school started again the following day. Love to all the Little Folk and to you.—Yours truly FIREFLY OF THE IROQUOIS (Para). [Welcome, Firefly of the Iroquois. I liked school very much. I wish I could have come camping with you.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Our first term holidays have commenced, and I have my cousin staying with me. We are having a great time together, riding the pony, whose name is Dinah. Blue Hyacinth is staying at a friend's place for the holidays. I went to the Hook sports, and I saw Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter and her little son. Gavin. These last few days the ground has been so wet that I have not been able to go outside. Spotty and Micky are having a fight. Of course, Spotty wins, but when I am about Micky wins. My favourite hobby is stamp collecting. I have about 110 foreign stamps. If the rain clears, off my cousin and I will be going for a ride to-morrow. Heaps of love to all.—Yours truly, MORVEN LILY (Morven). [Have you exchanged stamps with Le Montmartrois. Morven Lily? What do vou and the cousin do when it is wet?—DOT.] ■K' -ifDear Dot, —T have two cameras. One is just a new one, and the other is new, but it was given to me. One takes a medium photo, and the other takes ones as large as a,'post card, so I have quite a nice hobby taking photos. One is a box camera, and tlie other is a folding one. My sister is just making herself ready for technical school for cooking. I have just finished making a lace table centre, and it looks quite neat. My father has a large mother pig, and she has 10 little ones. They have Just started to run about, and what fun they do have. Love to all the Little Folk •and your dear self.—Yours truly, RIPTARE (Tihaka). [1 ou are lucky to have two cameras, Riptare._ The mother pig must have her hands full looking after her 10 piglets. —DOT.] * * ft Dear Dot, —It is my birthday to-day, and I am 13 years of age. I received some useful presents from my friends, including a stationery box, a bag complete with mirror and handkerchief, two hair clasps, and a pair of stockings. I have written to Le Montmartrois once. Before the Anzac service the people marched to the memorial, where many beautiful wreaths were laid. Pong Wong was with the cadets. Our pear tree was laden with fruit, but now the pears have all fallen, and are very sweet and delicious. We have beautiful wine chrysanthemums out. The other coloured ones are either past or are only in bud. There aro about six varieties altogether. We had our examination, and I came fifth out of 34. Practically all the vegetables are done. We had good cabbages this year, the largest drumhead weighing 2Slb, and the others ranging from 121 b to 211 b. I have to write to Marigold and some others. Best love to yourself and all.—Yours truly. FAIR ROSY (Milton). [Birthdays are a joy, Fair Rosy. Is it a leather bag with the mirror in it? Did you have any of those pinky-brown chry-santhemums?-—-DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Our examination is over, and our holidays are on. I had a good pass in my examination. I have not had a letter from Oak Apple for a long time. My sister goes to Gore High School. She likes it very much. Our holidays will be nice it the days keep like to-day. Have you had many fine days-in Dunedin? I have a doll's house. I made it myself out of two boxes nailed to-gether. and we have fun playing. The gardens are looking bare. I hope to be going to Gore to hear my friend play in the competitions. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, RED LETTER (Waipahi). [We have had our share of fine days, Red Letter. You are clever to make a doll’s house. Has it a window? —DOT.] Dear Dot,- —Last Sunday I went to a nice lady’s place, and had tea. She gave us a big bag of walnuts, and also a bag of apples. We took a long time to pick up the nuts from the ground. We have two little Persian kittens, and a big one. We call one Mike, the other Fluffy, and the other Jane. I am In Standard 11, and I can play the piano very nicely. I have another new music book. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, TESS OF THE STORM COUNTRY (Otago). [You will always remember the nice lady now when you eat walnuts, Tess. What is the name of the new music book?—DOT.] **■*s■ Dear Dot, —I have just finished writing to Wild Sheba. Yes, we went out in the new fishing launch, and had a good time. The sea was rather rough, but I did not mind. Last Monday week it was blowing a hard north-east, and there were three mill men working In the bush making a new bridge. They must have been working very near the trees, and before they had really enough time to escape the wind blew a standing tree down right where they were working. The small boughs caught two of thorn, and they were both badly hurt. Their backs and legs were the worst. They seemed to have been partly crushed. Some say it is marvellous they weren’t killed. They are progressing slowly. One has to be very careful in the bush on a windy day. The fishing boats have been out twice in three weeks, so that shows you how rough the sea has been. My little pomeranlan is waiting to go to her bed, so I will bring this letter to a close. Love to all and your own dear self.—-Yours truly, MERMAID (Nuggets). [lt is a wonder the men -were not killed, Mermaid. It must have been very windy in the bush.—DOT.] * ft « Dear Dot, —My sister, Punch, has gone to Gore to hear her mate play at the competitions, and I hope to be able to go at the end of the w'eek. We are having some great games of hockey this year, but I am too small to be in the team. My little baby sister will soon have a tooth. Her gums seem to be very sore. I play ping pong every night. We have a nice big table for it. " I hope all the Little Folk are well, and your dear self, too.—Yours truly, SNOWFLAKES (Balfour). [Punch will be pleased to see you at Gore, Snowflakes. Poor baby I Her teeth will hurt the tender little gums.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am very pleased to see my letters in the Witness. Our school broke up on Friday for a fortnight. Our teacher is leaving, and we are having a man teacher. He is going to teach after the. holidays. Our other teacher was a lady. The play mum and dad went to was “ Rip Van Winkle.” and they enjoyed it very much. Have you ever seen a mouse swim ? Dad and I were burning thistles, and a mouse

ran out of the heap and swam across the creek We have the electric light, and i v . e ,, 1 ink I s lovely. Love to all the Little hoik and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FAIRY TITANIA (South Canterbury). [I have not seen a mouse swim, but believe the little things would save their lives as other animals do. Fairy Titania. I erhaps the teacher will help you with basket ball.—DOT.] ft » « D .^ lr P ot ’ — 1 am sorry that the wet weather has spoilt the blackberries. On Sunday we went for a long walk by the river called the Dart, and we wrote our names in the sand. One of my girl friends is coming here to-morrow. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yot-rs truly DELCO’S SISTER (Paradise). [I like the name of the river, Delco's Sister. Vou will not be able to have any more blackberry tart now'. —DOT.] NOTES. Cottage Girl (Old Writer).—There is only one Cottage Girl on the list—Eliza Hicks, Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island. You are of course an Old Writer, so the name was open again for choosing. The addresses of tlie two other Little Folk you asked for have not been sent, so are not in the book. —DOT r ° til<! llappy Quattet and yourself? peyr'’' riter. —Thank you for the clipping. ALTOS. Mary Gold (Janie Beck, Oturehua, Otago) wishes to correspond with Texas Kid, The Butcner s Sweetheart, and any overseas boy Little Folk willing. Will they w'rite first and soon ? Country King (A. Williams, 48 Calder street, St. Kilda, Dunedin) would like to correspond with any girl Little Folk 18 or over. Will they please write first? Kipling’s Kim (Nancy Thomson, 99 EgI inton road, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Avenal Lass, Storm Country Polly, and any overseas Little Folk willing. Will they please write first? Mary Gold’s Cousin (A. Wilson 108* Richardson street,' Forbury, St. Kilda, ’Dunedin) is willing to corespond with any boy from 16 to 21 years of age. Will he please w'rite first and soon? The Little Butterfly (Linda Travis, Box 89, Alexandra) wishes to correspond with Nugget Lass, Joan of France, Ladv Ruth, and any Dot’s Little Foik from 'l3 to 15. M ill they please write first and soon? Wireless (Doreen King, lona street. Lawrence, Otago) wishes her correspondents to answ'er her letters which were written some time ago, and she also wishes to correspond with any overseas Little Folk between 13 and 15 years of age. Puss Pussy (R. Boniface, care of Mrs Stag, Spring Creek, Marlborough) wishes to correspond with Queen Iris, Gem, Bantam, Jazz Bird, and Brave Tom Mix. Will they please write first and soon? Curds and Whey (J. Menzies, Bannockburn) wishes to correspond with Le Montmartrois and any overseas Little Folk Willing. Mornington (David Findlay, “ Mornington,” Napier) would like some Little Folk to write. Valley Lily (M. Popham, Orepuki) would like to correspond with any Little Folk from 13 years of age. Will they write first and soon ? Delco’s Sister (J. Heffernan, Paradise) would like to correspond with any Little Folk II to 12 years of age. Red Letter (Jean Bain, Waipahi) would be pleased if Number Seven would write again, as she lost the address. She would like any Little Folk from 7 to 10 years of age to correspond with her. Will thev please write first and soon ? Dolly Dinks (Marjorie G. Robertson, Bannockburn, Central Otago) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing. Will they please write first and soon?