Dots Little Folk

Otago Witness, Issue 3875, 19 June 1928, Page 78

Dots Little Folk

PEEPS OF FRANCE.

(Special fob 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 for my Little Folk We hope that after reading them, you will have a new idea of a country - which, to many of you, is known only as another place to be learned about in a geography lesson.—DOT. - XX CANNES. Mes Petites,-—Spring has come—or rather is nearly here, and the mimosa in the gardens is a blaze of gold. Soon the roses will be here again.’. The purple stocks are in flower, and tiny gold and purple irises are pushing their heads up through the grass. The fruit trees are in blossom, and look perfectly beautiful, with their delicate pink and white flowers, and before very long now, the orange trees will be in the flower, too, and the pickers at work in the fields gathering the roses and jasmine and the orange blossom and violets for the perfumes. May, June, and July are the busy months for the parfumerie at Grasse, seven miles away, and the work of gathering, distilling, bottling and pricing the scents involves an enormous amount of labour. Tn the meantime, Cannes has been celebrating its Bataijle de Fleurs, or Battle of the Flowers, and last week everybody turned out into the Croisette one sunny afternoon to see the sights. The battle consisted really of a lons procession of beautifully decorated carriages and carts, from which crowds of pretty girls threw bunches and tiny nosegays of flowers to the passers-by. The spectators in their turn threw back the flowers to the occupants. of the carriages, and a constant flower fisht was carried on during the afternoon. It was all ■ very pretty to watch, and the sunshine and blue sky and sparkling sea seemed thoroughly in keeping with the scene.

The carriages were decorated for the most part with mimosa, which is really very like wattle, only with bigger, fluffier flowers. There were also roses and pink and white fruit blossom, and some of the horses had little bunches of violets fastened on to their head straps and reins.

One specially attractive vehicle was a tiny rickshaw drawn by a little donkey, and decorated with bunches of deep purple violets. Tn the rickshaw were two pretty dark girls, dressed in Nicois costume —that is to say, in the typical dress worn by the peasants of the district of Nice. It seems such a pity that these dresses are not worT? more often, for they are so particularly pretty and picturesene. The sists of a full, flounced skirt, with a closely fitting black velvet bodice, and round, flat hat fastened under the chin with ribbons. It is not at all uncommon to see donkeys drawing carts here,' and quite often, in the little narrow back streets one may see pedlars’ carts drawn by these donkeys, or “mulets,” as the French call them, and laden with all kinds of brightly coloured articles for sale. -

On the Croisette one frequently passes “ balloon women,” always very much to the fore whenever there are any children about —and sometimes when there is a strong breeze blowing, one would almost expect these women to fly out to sea, so heavily, are they loaded with coloured balloons of every size and description. Now and then, too, Turkish pedlars pass along the parade, displaying brightly embroidered mats and bags and kits to all who may care to buy; A- new? attraction, was offered one day to- the:

tourists by a pedlar in the form of tiny : coloured volumes containing the Gospels translated into all languages. Now, as the weather is becoming brighter, the Croisette and the beach are becoming more and more rushed by the punshine seekers and swarms of visitors

who keep arriving, for the North is still cold, and England has again been swept by devastating storms. Preparations are being made, too, for the carnival which is to be held very shortly, and the shop windows are full of faclnating fancy costumes > and domino suiQa and. frocks. 1 •

[Esa- real carnival costume seems to conaiat-— for a man of a white or

(vJuljjHG, 1686.

Dot Invites short letters/f&iti her young friends throughout the Dominion, on matters of Interest to themselveS? tho result of their observations In the animal*’world, descriptions of anything they ; are interested In, of the district In which t they live, of their school and home life, {holiday trips, etc. The letters are to be. written by the little folk themselves, and addressed, " Dot, care of Editor Otago Witness.'-* / . - Dot's Little Folk’s Badge, with pin, for use? as a brooch, obtainable 'oh application to Dot. Price, 2s Gd in stamps or postal notes'. 1 !- •. _ ‘ Auto. '{Cards are obtainable from Dot, Otago Witness Office, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25. ■

gaily coloured tunic and trousers adorned with dominoes; arid for a girl, of a; fully skirted dress and pointed cap with dominoes, and with a black mask covering the eyes and upper part of the face. It is to be hoped that the weather keeps fine, and that nothing happens tp- spoil the fun. This is the gala season, and everybody is “ en fete.” Jeanne.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Hot to. —W« write for the benefit «i others, nor for ourselves. NEWS FROM FRANCE. My Dear Friends, —A fortnight ago I wrote you my last letter, and I hoped I could tell you " more about Paris owing to the weather, which must be better and better. But, alas! it is wretched l —rain, fog, and wind, quite as In winter. Only yesterday I could spend all the day long in the country about 30 miles from Paris, and I'll try to tell you about that little voyage. We took a train in the East station, which will be next year the largest in Paris. Twenty minutes later we are in a small village, and my place is one mile away. Then that’s the curious thing. We took a little train, quite a toy, and it lasts 20 minutes to reach my place. You easily imagine the speed of that train. When the weather is good and there are flowers in the Wood, we go down from it and gather some flowers, and, running behind the train, we have time enough to join It and go In it. But the return is not the same. Every Sunday 300,000 Parisians overflown the country surrounding Paris, and every one returns to town from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. In the nine or ten stations 'of Paris all the trains are assaulted by a deep crowd, crying, singing, laughing, and the wagon, which must usually contain 64 travellers, holds about 200 people squeezed as herrings in a cake. Yesterday so was the elections of all deputies in France. It was very quiet, but not many were designed. The other will be next Sunday. In my district there was no ballot, but in manv places of Paris, and chiefly in Province, it'll be very hard. Our poor France is so fond, of political complications. Does the woman vote in New Zealand? In France no, there are no many countries so. I send a photo of my wife-with her favourite dog. Tweet. Well, mv friends. I’ll now close my letter written from my office. Ah ! Le Montmarirois asus ooi if sue win agree one proposition. A great deal of my unknown friends asks for the photo of my baby. - As I' can’t send you all, shall I send Dot one to be printed In the photo paer°s of Otago Witness? If so let me tell that I’ll send you one as soon as possible. I've seen yesterday your boxing heavy-weight champion Tom Heeny, the challenger of the world’s champion. He is a splendid boy, and I wished him a full success in U.S.A. Wfiat a good thing to your country to have a boy world- champion boxing “ all weight;’’ I have no , more to ( relate you, and I hope I interest you again. I remain your faithful friend, ' LE MONTMARTROIS (Paris, France).

[-Thank you for the photograph of your wife, Le Montmartrois. I think she is a pretty lady. She is a “ kindred spirit" if she likes dogs. Women vote in New Zealand. We shall print the baby’s photograph if you send us one.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—My mother, father, brother, and sister are all away to D.unedin. I am making some coloured My Sunday school teacher was here on Wednesday.’ My teacher went away for the weekend. I was sick yesterday, but I am up again to-day. My brother rode behind me on his pdny, and trod on my heel. I was at Sunday school to-day. Do you save cigarette cards? I do. There are visitors here to-night, and they gave me some cigarette cards. Princess Isabel and Pretty Cockie are staying in Gore. The people round Croydon have all cut their hedges.—Yours truly,' - - - .. _ . PRINCESS ISABEL’S MATE (Otago). [I do not save cigarette cards, Princess Isabel’s Mate. Do Princess Isabel and Pretty Cockie like Gore ? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —It is raining this afternoon. Tuatapere held a school concert on June 1. I went to it, but it was not so good as last one. I have not seen School Girl Sport’s letters in for a long time. We are milking one winter cow just now. Midge was home to see us on Sunday. Our turkeys are laying well. My brother and Sister have six miles to go to school.' Alton Beauty Is busy sewing my wee sister a pinafore on the machine. The doctor has gone away to be married. Fanny the Organ-Grinder’s sister, and A Young Fawn are engaged to be married.—Yours truly, ALTON PRINCESS (Alton),. [P’erhaps the school children did not have sufficient practices, Alton Princess. You must have been very pleased to see Midge. —DOT.] * * - * ' Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? - Our teacher is , nice. In school I. like. many subjects, but. I like arithmetic best of all. My father owns a hotel here. I have four brothers and one sister, who is sick. There were pictures here, to-night, but I did not go to them. A storekeeper lives quite near us, so we have not far to-go. for'our-eatables. -I am. reading a very interesting book now, which I can't leave alone. —Yours truly, TOM MIX THE PIPER’S LAI> (Otago Central). [Welcome, Tom Mix the Piper’s Lad. - I had to alter ~ your name. I know some people who dislike arithmetic very - much. —DOT.] - . .. . : - . * * * - Dear Dot,——The weather is very cold, and- , all- the cows are going back. We play hockey at school, arid. T like it. I have l a brother, working In Weston. - My school--mate writes to your page. The pteturea come every-Tuesday, but I do not like going; I like reading “The Adventures of Mickey

Mouse." I have read a number of books. Do you like reading books?—Yours truly, DADDY'S JOY (Walkaka). [I am very fond of reading, Daddy’s Joy. Are you in the hockey team?—DOT.] ,'s * i '■■■ * : ' * ■ ' ■ ■ . Dear Dot, —I like living at Willowbridge much ' better , tjian ,at Wa.lmate.- We have yery col,'d days after the' frosts, as there is,a breeze .from, the' sea. It is very cold when I .am driving the children to school. There, are five younger , sisters going to school, but none of them is able, to drive the horse. Dad and Sausage have been busy pulling mangolds and carrots. Sausage is preparing his farm produce for the Winter Show. Some of ,the ; mangolds weigh over 601 b. ‘' The - carrots are good ones, too. We had a carrot measuring , 2ft 6in, and a parsn.lp. 2ft'Bin. Around here just now one sees nothing but potato heaps, which are often many' chains . long. The Maoris do ’ up of the potatoes. Five of them camped in a little tent in our paddock — They live on smoked eels, which are caught in the -river at the front of the. house. These'eels are called “tuna,” and the Maoris think they are lovely. To look at and feel you would think that they ...were strips of leather. The Maori women go round the paddocks' and cut tho sowthistles. Theso are gathered into a basket, or kit, and taken- to the camp and boiled. These are eaten in place of cabbage. Dad used to write to the page under the name of Black Billy. It is 34 years since he last wrote, but he is going = to write for next ■•. Ol- Writers' Week. For weeks dad spent'all his spare time at the beach‘trying to catch: cod. Sometimes he didn’t-catclx anything, while other times he caught ling, cod, and skates. Sharks are often caught by the dozens around here. Next time I write I shall tell you all about white-bait-ing.—Yours truly, :-■’ ■ • SAVELOY (Wiildwbridge).

[I anti glad you like your new home. Saveloy. It will be very interesting to hear DOT*] white_baitln S- Do Ash, too?—

Dear Dot, —The weather lately has been very changeable. I have a pretty blue kitten. Would you please give me a name for it? I was at Invercargill for May fair, and I was disappointed. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, '-i THE SINGING PRISONER'S BRIDE ’ ’ : ~ ‘ ' (Southland). ' [Call the kitten Chintz, Singing Prisoner’s Bride. Tell me why. you were disappointed May Fair Week.—DOT.] .... '•’; : .- * ' . * . * Dear I)ot, —This is the second time I have written’ to you, and I like writing. The fairy story is nice. I can ride. Barney to school. I like reading Dot’s Little Folk’s page in the Witness. I have four sisters and one brother, who writes to you. We are milking only three cows, arid we are feeding them on turnips. Our teacher has gone away, and we shall -.have a new one. Love to you and your Little Folk. —Yours truly, . . ... - / . ■ DOTTIE DIMPLE (Otago). [Do you want a lady or a man teacher. Dottie Dimple? Can you write fairy stories. —DOT;] * * * Dear Dot, —We have shifted to Kakapuaka, four miles out of Balclutha. ,1 am going to the Kakapuaka school, which is two miles and arhalf from our place. I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard V. There are 28 children Since our arrival the teacher has left, and we have another teacher. There are two Little Folk who have joined the happy band. Their noms de plume are Yellow Crocus Flower and Yellow Crocus Flower’s Friend. Forgetful Lover said she had joined a week ago. At home we milk one black and white cow. Her name is Darby. I live on a farm. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear. self.—Yours truly, MARCIA DUCHESS OF ALLANHOLME ' (Balclutha).

[Do you like your new home,- Marcia, Duchess of Allanholme. Have you any near neighbours you can play with?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just been reading some of the letters in this week's Witness. We have been working in the garden. My hands were so rough after it that I found it rather unpleasant trying to sew to-day. We have five ■ little calves, and when my brother is taking the milk to the dairy, the calves follow 'him to try to drink ' the milk. They have not managed to yet, although one of the cows put her foot in the bucket when I was milking her one morning. The calves had to’ drink that. I don’t like milking, but I have to do it, as- I am not out working. There was a wedding here to-day, but I did not go, as we had visitors. My friend was one of the bridesmaids. We have had some lovely michaelmas daisies this year, but they are just about past, although the chrysanthemums are out. We have to pick the chrysanthemums sometimes before they are quite out, as the frost spoils them. Our little visitors to-day have left things behind them; They are such lovely wee girls.-' T am very fond of' children. Love ’to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, WHISPERING FAIRY'S MATE (Owaka). [What was the bridesmaid’s dress like. Whispering Fairy's Mate? The calves will not be content till they spill all the milk. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been for a holiday to Riverton. We had a good time wading in the sea and going down the slide and swinging. One day we went round to The Rocks for a while, and had a good time. Another day we went to the river and paddled in the water when the tide was in. There was a show here the other week. I put some baking in the show. I won one second and two thirds. I did not do badly, did I, for the first time? There was a good deal of sewing in. I entered with a hemmed handkerchief as well as in the drawing and writing sections, but I did not win anything. There were lovely cut flowers and buttonholes at the show. Our hall was full of things. The Balclutha band came.

The show started at 2.30 n.m., and they closed at, 8.30 p;m., but we did not go home till later. I have another cousin, auu sue is a dear wee-thing, six days old. There was a football dance the other night, but I did not go. My little sister can say' all kinds of words. She is two years o£ age. The eclipse of the moon was on Sunday night. We did not stay up., to see it, but I saw it half covered. . It did not start till 9.45 p.m., and finished at 2.45 a.m, We looked through a telescope at the moon, and it looked like a globe that we have; at school with all the maps of different countries of the world. The flowers are all done. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, l FAIRYDELL (Otago).

(You did well in the show, Fairydell. Perhaps you will win something for . your needlework next time. Do you know the Maori legend about the moon? —DOT ]

Dear Dot, —It was my. birthday to-day. I received three handkerchiefs and a clasp. I was playing hockey at Wedderburn on Monday. Wedderburn beat us by 7 points to nil. This Was only our first game. We also play hockey at school, and I think it is a very good game, because It keeps us warm on the cold mornings. We have not had our winter holidays. My little brother is growing funny. My sister has not written yoa B , i , nce Christmas. Love to all the Little rout and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

ELM (Gimmerburn). pe .^ ba P 8 bcat Wedderburn next n TeU me what the little brother says.—uui.j I

if is .such a long time since D £ d said he will write to you at Christmas if he has any luck. He has not written for 34 years, and his name is on nviaiU 7 ’ \* Whlt S Puddln B'B birthday was on Friday. Mum has given her a cigarette card album We have the lets dogs! manv Ancl ® nt Chinese. Theremre not “ any papp ’ e ™ bo take the Witness, but fir hh™.! 4 Bad you gave bim four names long a F.°,’ Patch - Scratch, Scatter, T A ll tho potato picking is T K 1 atn J. n Standard IV at school. th? Tim?ri n w rea^ ng Peter Pa “’ B letters in mo nl^« arU , Eerald - Would you please give Wo onn° r .. my doll and three kittens? We have 200 sheep.—Yours truly, STARFISH (Willowbridge). hl 0 ?’ , doll E ® me ralda, and the kittens s°?i P ’x Rlp ? le ’ ? nd Runabout, Starfish. -X Old Wr?to P . ea ™ d , to bear from father at Old Writers’ Week.—DOT.)

are . sta £ing our concert toP s bt 11 fo F tbe hrst time, and are expecting a T4 1 ’ 1 house, as there is said to be a booking. We had a full dress rehearsal last night in the theatre. There ' mistakes, but I think we shall • ® a > r ! g ht to-night. In the dress re?h?t rS t a h- Of | May tl™ e ” the teachers thought SLMf WoUld be a fa,lure . but on the pr ° pe . r . ni Sht we attacked it with such zeal t ?TO.^ aperS ald that U was one ot the best amateur shows staged in New Zeafwi many years. We can only hope t“ a t this one will ■be successful too. What with corrections, etc., we did not leave for home until 11.15 p.m., so are tired to . day Trot i„ a i,< Cold 7> wet day to-day, and we are TO-li?? in^r f 0 L ward t 0 draughty stage to-night. We have to be at the theatre at It’ Vilroe tbe , re are , 200 puplis and it takes a long time to dress. The proSj er ? B . ou , r elocution teacher. She has . had about, six weeks to train us. It must be a great strain on her. We had 0ur’1927 swimming certificates presented to us last week by an- M.P. They were rather late l^TO C 0“r n ?’ bu f we welcomed them all the ? apie - 1 ha X e lust read two books, Sheila’s inheritance, a Sunday school prize, and From Jest to Earnest,” a prize which ’LT ln 1925 ‘ 1 dld not care for it then, but lam able to appreciate it now. In K b,B . p !, ay nT are having "The King of ,?^2 re aro four acts > while in M ayti “® '? ere , wcre only thl- ee acts. The scene of the tea plantation was the prettiest or all, while the court scene was also lovely. The canvas that the scenes are painted on is very thin, and has tiny holes here and there which are excellent peep-holes. One likes to see what is going on on the stage, 5? 18 rather monotonous waiting beb J n , K tb ? acenes in the semi-darkness. Some ■ tbe boys played cards to pass the time away, while others danced to the music of the songs. If we made the least noise a voice would say, "Silence there,” and that S T a while, but- we cou,ldn’t keep still for long. When the scenery is being cleared away there is a general scatter, as it is tall, and is inclined to be topheavy,.so the men move it quickly, sliding it along the floor at a great rate. Best regards to all and yourself.—Yours' truly, TANGLE PATE (Hawke's Bay). [I hope you have good luck in the play, Tangle Pate. You must not be seen peeping behind the scenes.—DOT.] •

Dear Dot, As I am a regular reader of your page, may I become a member? I am 13 years of age, and I go to the EpB '?® , G1I ; ls Grammar School. There is a Children s Budget in the Auckland Star and it. is very interesting.- I have been twice to Dunedin. We were there two y ea.rs ago in the September holidays. My grandfather lives In Queen street. I have lust finished reading “ Norah of Billabong ” by Mary Grant Bruce.' I like her books very much, A number of spring flowers are out in the gardens. I have a little sister who is eight years of age. She likes reading about the Chums. I hope that you will accept me as a member. Love to yourself and your Little Folk.—Yours truly, WAITEMATA (Auckland). _ [Yes, you may be a member, Waitemata. Would you like to live in Dunedin?—DOT.] * * * , -G? ar —Please may I join your happy band? I am in Standard 111 at school. I have three brothers and five sisters. We have five cows and two calves. My mother and one of my sisters milk the cows. Love to all your band of Little Folk.—Yours truly, YELLOW CROCUS FLOWER’S FRIEND (Kakapuaka). you may join. Yellow Crocus Jsower’s Friend. ,1 Do you ever milk the COWS ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am six years of age, and I am in book five at school. I had six teeth pulled the other day. I have a pig, and he is a big one; . Would you please give me a name for him ? I have two sisters and two brothers. One of my brothers goes to school in Dunedin. He likes it very much. Love- to all the. Little Folk and your dear self.—Yours truly, BILLY BLUE BOY (Gimmerburn). [Welcome, Billy Blue Boy. Your name was taken. Call the pig Tom.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band? I have read and enjoyed your letters for a long time, and at last have plucked up courage to write. I am 13 years ,of age, and I am in Standard VI. Our teacher is a good sport, and is not too strict in school. The games we play at school are hockey, hide-and-seek, and basket ball. My favourite game is the latter. I know a number of Dot’s Little Folk around here. The rabbits are numerous. They seem to know when their skins are a good price. In the winter holidays. I went away, and enjoyed myself immensely. There was a good view of the bush scenery where I stayed. There are not many. flowers t out at present, but we have some lovely roses and. chrysanthemums. My little sister is a little trick, and if

any one is scalding her she says, " Cool down.” A book I am reading ait: school is entitled " Masterman Ready,” We have one dog ■ and two cats. I enjoy reading the' letters, from our French correspondent. I was very sorry when I saw the serial “ The Lawless Days ” had ended. Golly and Teddy are having thrilling experiences. I suppose your city will be busy on account of the Winter Show. Sewing and reading are my favourite pastimes. I have plenty books to read, as we have a good library at . school. I hope you will allow me to become a member.. Best' wishes to you and your happy band.—Yours truly, MINNEHAHA (South Otago).

[Welcome, Minnehaha. The bunnies will have to -stay in itheir mud housed if they want to--keep their lives this season.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt rains, and the creeks are all bank-high, and then it stops, and when they are almost normal again it starts to rain once' more. It grows dark early now, and by the time I leave the train it is almost dark.- At the back of my house there Is a valley where my father has a sheep farm, and where we often go picnicking. In this valley there is a creek that dashes and foams along over rocks and stones. If you follow it into the hills you will see stones piled neatly up into what looks like a wall, and looking down oyer it you will see a shallow hollow, which is the remains of a gold mine. .There are numbers of these stone piles. The last time my friends and I went up this creek there were Clusters of small red berries hanging above üb. It was a beautiful. sight, . the rich red of the berries showing up amongst the green of the foliage. The ferns, too, are very pretty; ranging from light green to dark green in colour. Have you ever seen tree ferns? They are very pretty. There were numbers growing on the hillside. All the tree trunks were covered with moss and tiny ferns. The water was like amber that' day, and the foam was a rich amber. We had had dinner, and I was walking up a huge sloping rock, when I slipped and broke one of my lenses, and thought that I had broken my nose, but I hadn’t. We went home then, because I was fairly blind without my glasses. I will tell you more about our adventures in my next letter, so , love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FIREFLY OF THE IROQUOIS (Para).

[Have you any special games to play in the valley. Firefly? I have seen tree ferns, and have been perched on them when I was very little.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I went to Dunedin before school started,,; and attended a football match. I liked it very much. We have a football at school, . and have some good games. We like when the teacher plays with us. Sometimes we pick sides, and call one the All Blacks and the other South Africa. I was sorry the All Blacks lost a game, weren’t you? I am setting three traps, but have caught only one rabbit. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly. BYE, BYE, BLACKBIRD. (Milburn). [I was sorry to see that the All Blacks have again lost , their match, Bye, Bye, Blackbird. I suppose it is a great honour to be an All Black at school. —DOT.] * *' . .* ./ Dear Dot, —Just a few iines to say I came second in Standard 11, and my friend is first. We are receiving more eggs, because the pullets are laying about seven or sometimes three. We are milking two cows, and one gives a full bucket and the other about half a bucket of milk. My sister has a little calf to feed, and its name, is Jimmy. I have a dog called Roy, and my sister’s dog’s name is Don. My cow’s name is Rose, and my sister’s cow’s name is Bluey. We have 30 pullets; and we have 23 in the run.—Yours truly, SWEET PEA FLOWER (Waikaura). [ls Jimmy a nice little calf, Sweet Pea Flower? How long does it'take you to mlik the cow? Congratulations to you for your places.—DOT.] ~* * * ' Dear Dot, —We have .had our examination test, and I came ninth. My neighbour, Daddy’s Little Housekeeper, came eleventh. On the first Thursday of the holidays I went to Mataura, where I stayed till Saturday. On the following week I went to Lumsden for a week with my father. He is rabbiting.—Yours truly, GOLDEN TOMAHAWK (East Gore). [What would you do if you owned a golden tomahawk? Would you like to stay in Mataura and help father? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have started taking the Witness, so I thought I had better begin writing again, and here I am. I have been for a holiday lately, and stayed with my cousins, Copper Nob and Agnes’s Comrade. We are • organising a concert and dance, in aid of the Dr Barnardo Homes, to be held on June 21, when we hope to make a nice sum to send away. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.-—Yours truly, PEAR BLOSSOM (Portobello). [You will give some poor child much joy with the money from your concert, Pear Blossom. Write your auto on a separate slip of paper.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have a new school teacher. We have also a new lady teacher. " I am going to junior high school next year if I pass, and I .hope that I shall. A good while ago our big cat that we call Blggy went away, and, when I was coming home from school last night, I saw him up on the hill, and I went up and captured him. My sister, Firefly of the Iroquois,' was very glad to see him, because he used to be her cat before he went away. I have to wear glasses, but I hope. that my eyes will soon be better so that I shan’t have to wear them, but they are better than nothing, so I must not grumble. My brother, Basil, who is grown up, works at the factory. He has a gramophone, and he leaves it here, for he does not live with us. My sister is going to a dance to-night, and I hope she will enjoy herself. Our Alladdin lamp has a big black spot on it. Love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, GOLLY GOGGLE (Para). [Biggy must have been longing to come home, Golly Goggle. Are you very proud of Basil?—DOT.] « * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk ? I am seven years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. We walk two ‘miles and a-half to school. I also go to Sunday school every Sunday. . We have two farms, and we milk two cows. Dad bought a- new cow. Please give me a name , for it? Mum and dad are away to the Winter Show. Best love to all the Little Folk and your dear self.—Yours truly, ROSE MERRY (Gimmerburn). [Welcome, Rose Merry. Call the cow Ribstone. Do you milk her? —DOT.] * * .. . Dear Dot, —Please may I join your band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IV. Seventeen children go to . the Purakauiti school. —-Yours truly COWBOY BILL (Catlins). [Welcome, Cowboy Bill. Have you a fiery little steed to ride? Have you had any adventures with Indians?— DOT.] * t* StDear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk ? I am seven years of age. and I am in Standard II at school. I have two dolls. I have a bantam rooster and a hen. We milk three cows in the mornings. We have-40 sheep-and one ram. I am reading a . book called . Laddie?’ I wonder, if you. have read t it yet.. We have three .dogs .and five cats. Love to all. —Yours truly, s- ' - / MAGIC BELL (Catlins).-

vs-■[•Welcome,-t. 1 have read the bClok - Are the " DOT] n^ams ver y lend of themselves?

* * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have a new cow in since I - last wrote to you, and we could not do without it. Dad .and one of our neighbours and the man working here killed , a pig last week. I am fond of bacon, aren’t you ? The man and dad have been’ busy lately cutting down; trees, and it lets more light in than there’used to be before they were cut down. Dad 'was ■' sick 'to-day, but he is better.- We still' have fires in''the dining room sometimes. We have' been gathering cones' off the trees that are cut down. I like'climbing up trees Jo knock the cones off. Two of bur dogs ;Were' taken away a week or two ago,' so 'we~ do not have too many to feed. To-day my. brother and a schoolmate- and myself took our horse in and rbde^it;—Yours truly, - ! ; ■ 'LANCEFIELD (Windsor). '[Fib cones .are fine, burners, Lancefield. Be careful not to. fall from the trees. Yes. I like bacon.—DOT.] ' ■ * ■* * Dear Dot, — : I was in Alexandra yesterday, and took - some Snapshots Of the soldiers’ monument and > the’ Presbyterian church. I hope they come out well, as I am going to send some :to a friend in England. Royal Blue, Coreopsis, and Jack o’ Lantern have- not written to me for ages. I had letters from Stella Rudd’s Cobber and Houdan (my-cousin) a few days ago. Everyone about here is complaining of colds. I ;have had one for some time, but it seems to be growing better. I am reading & book called “ Spoilt Music,” by Ruby. M. Ayres. It is very much like “The Street Below,’’ by the same authoress. Just a Cook was hero last week. I had not seen her to speak to for some time. <Love to all and yourself. —Yours truly,, , . LADY CLARICE (Central Otago)’.’ [Have you read, any historical books, Lady Clarice? People-in England are always interested in. photographs of our . New Zealand towns, no matter how small they be. —DOT.] ...

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of-- Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I. am in Standard V. We have a basket ball team at our school, Shd I enjoy playing very much. We are making ready for playing a match. Our two kittens can run very hard, and they are very fond of mice. Love to all the Little-Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, CURLY WIG (Tahatika).

[Yes, you may join, Curly Wig. Topsy in “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin ” had hair like your nom de plume. Do the -kittens ever play with a ping-pong ball?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 16 years of age. We have had dull weather here for the last week or two with an occasional shower. The yard was very muddy, so we had it shingled, which was a big improvement. The pigs had rings .put in their noses to stop Ciem from rooting. We have a pup about seven months old. Before he was tied up he used to chase the cat everywhere. The only safe place - the cat had was up the tree. Now the cat has a grand time with the pup out of the way. Loye to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly ROSE ASHES (Canterbury). . [You may join, Rose Ashes, if you send ■your name-and address. Your name was taken. You would mot like a ring in your nose,, would you? Poor puss will be sorry when the puppy is untied.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—Please may I join your happy band of Little, Folk? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard 111 at school. I have a :black and white kitten, and will you give me a name for it, please? My sister g:oes to high school, and she likes it. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Y’ours trulv,' SUNBONNET SUE (Wyndham). [Welcome, Sunbonnet. Sue. • Are you as happy as your name? Call the cat Rattle. —DOT.] *. * -StDear Dot, —Thank you for enrolling me as a happy member. My brother rides a bicycle nine miles to .high school every day, I am doing some faneywork, and I think it wdll be very ‘ pretty when it is finished. My little brother, who is 16 months old, has eight teeth. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. Y’ours truly, NANETTA (Southland). [lt is a great honour to have eight teeth when one is a baby, Nanetta. Y’our brother will be rewarded when he reaches school each day,' for high school is a fine place. —DOT.] . ’ * * * Dear Dot, —I have finished my homework. Scamp is writing to Rosy, while my other sister is reading a book called ” Ronald's Burglar,” which she won for a prize for having the most marks for the month. I have six sisters and two brothers. • One is 14 months and the other is six months old. Have you ever seen such a big family of girls before? I am reading a book called " The Last of the Chiefs.” Have you' read it? We have two ferrets, and call one Joe, but we haven’t- a name for the other. Will you please give me one? Joe is not trained yet,' but he is going to be a good ferret. YVe are playing rounders at school,. and the sides are the boys against the girls. We are leading by ,41 points to 24. There are 10 girls and six boys, but I think the boys the the better ones in founders. Love to all. —Y’ours truly, GREY WOLF (Southland),

[I know a family of five-girls, but your family wins for sisters, Grey Wolf. I have not read the book. Call the ferret Sandy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my first letter in print. We are back at scnool again after an enjoyable holiday. My little sister fell-off a pony and broke her arm. She was five-weeks in the Southland .Hospital, and .while she was away we missed her very much. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly DRUMMER’S BOY (Southland). ’ [Do you use the reading book with the story of the little drummer in it, Drummer’s Boy? He was half buried in an avalanche of snow, and sounded the " charge ” to tell his general of his whereabouts.—DOT.] * * -StDear Dot, —I am in Standard IV this year, and I am. nine years of age. I have a nice Persian kitten, and J-’d like you to give it a name if you please. .We have started hockey, and -we are' having a team, and are going to play at Dipton on the 16th of this month. I won a silver cup for-riding at. Gore Show last year. I am the second oldest of our family. I have a little sister -.and two brothers.—-Yours truly, - MARY’ MARIGOLD (Wendon). [Call the kitten Sinbad. Have you read any of the stories of “ Sinbad the Sailor,” Mary Marigold? Y’our pony must be a clever boy if yoiuwon a silver c»p. Do not write on both sides of the paper.—-DOT.] -X- -x- -5CDear Dot, —I am crocheting an edging for a: towel. I like crocheting and fancywork very much. I had a bad cold last week, and was two days in bed, but X am almost rid of; it again. I play, hockey, arid. 1,-think it is a lovely winter game. The quadrilles and euchre parties are on, but I cannot go by -myself. My pony is-always in mis-chief-My mother had to be up. twice during the night, last night and take him away from the back door. .Best love to. all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y’ours truly, - CASABI (Edievale).

[The pony wanted to tell you all how fond he was of you, and just thought of it in the middle of the night, Casabi. What are your hockey colours?—DOT.] * * * . Dear Dot,—" The Adventures of Mickey Mouse ” and " Peeps of France ” are interesting to read. We have very few flowers in bloom at present, as the frost took all our chrysanthemums. Our winter roses are just in bud. Did you see the eclipse of the moon on Sunday night? I saw it when the moon was almost covered. I have not seen many letters from any of the Little Folk at' Owaka Valley lately. We have still some apples on our trhes. It was very hot walking to church to-day. I have been learning music lately, and I like it. I did not go anywhere for my winter holidays. I received a letter from Dolly’s Friend the other day. She writes interesting letters. Loye to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y’ours truly', guide to Happiness (Owaka). . [Think of the pleasure you will have when you are able to read songs and other .music at sight, Guide to Happiness. I saw ■the eclipse -of the moon.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I was at the Catholic social on Friday, and had a good time. The footballers are having their ball , on Wednesday, as there is to be a seven-a-sida tournament that day. Have you seen the picture the “King of Kings?” It is coming here on Saturday. I am looking forward to seeing it. There has been another fire in our little town, and there is no ,knowing how it started. As I have only two more years to write to your page, I had better write more often. Love to all the Little Folk. —Y’ours truly. BONA VISTA (Southland). [I have not seen the"pic-’ure. buna vista. Have you read the story of Hoti a:fc Bobo, who. burned down their Chinese house to roast a pig?—DOT ’ - * * * Dear Dot,—l was rflad . see my first letter’in print. We do not take the Witness, but we look at our neighbour's. The saw bench came here and cut a heap of Wood. We are expecting the chaffcutter to-night. Last year our school played two basket ball matches, one against Tawanul and the other one against Purekireki. We defeated Tawanui by 16-2 and Purekireki ■by 14-6. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, i DONALD DINNEY (Tahatika). [I should like to play ..in your basket ball team, Donald Dinney. Is you football team successful, too? Have you seen a circular saw? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —These last two days have been lovely, although we did not have very good weather before. My birthday was last month, and I received a number of presents, including a No. 2 Brownie camera. There was a- wedding in Owaka the other day, and one of the bridesmaids, being a friend of ours, stayed two nights with us. -For the wedding she wore a lovely dress of powder blue crepe de chine. I have not long finished reading two books, namely "Timber” and •’ Kindred of the Dust.” I enjoyed them very much. The other night we had a few neighbours over to spend the evening, and before the night

was finished we were trying to see who would wash her face cleanest, for most of us had them blackened with' nugget and black from the saucepans. I don’t know when I laughed so much as I did when I saw some of the faces. Our garden is looking bare, but the roses are almost in flower, and; we have one or two primroses out. Love’ to all and yourself.—Yours truly, r GOLDEN SUNDOWN (Owaka). [Powder blue is a sweet colour, Golden Sundown. It seems to be one of the bridesmaids’ favourites. How did you wash your face clean when you were a nigger?— ; DoT.] ■ * * * Dear Dot, —A Bunch of Bluebells and her rnate are visiting us at present, and many a gay evening we have. It is exciting having A Bunch of Bluebells home again, as she is such a chatterbox. We all tf-ent to a euchre party and dance last ’ week, and had an enjoyable time. -I had no-luck in playing euchre. v . It is seldom we play it—honk and koori kan, being more in favour with kiddies. The shortest day will soon be here. I am working a. pair of pillow shams at present, and I think they will look nice when finished. I am not much of a hand at fancywork, but one has to do something now that the long winter evenings have set in. Since I last wrote to you wq have had Buttercup and her boy to see us. They stayed here for nearly a week. Buttercup will be joining the ranks of the Old Writers soon, as she is 21 next month. It is years since she wrote to the page last. I have been reading a few good books lately. Some of them are "The Riding Kid From Powder , Riv.erj” “ Hopalong Cassidy,” ” Protege,” The Iron Trail,” and ” Dan Forge, Gentleman.” They were all interesting books to read. I have just started to read "If Winter Comes.”, It isn’t very interesting so far. I have a good many correspondents, and they all write interesting letters. It keeps me busy answering’ them. We’ had intended to go to the island to-day, but didn’t manage it. We met some friends who had just come., baek. an' 1 thev wo’-g nearly caught by the tide. We were, not louging co up’enu a uigm Lu. mere:, Go ~o didn’t go. My father was out fishing last night, and caught five red. cod. He is out again to-night. We had our net set for a good while, but I do hot like mullet. We caught 10 dozen the first night we set it. I had a look out two or three times at the eclipse of the moon, and the moon was a pretty coppery colour the last time I looked at it. The kiddies are all outside to-night, so I think I’ll close and go out and have a game too.. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear seif. —Y’ours truly, -.- ■ QUEEN HEATHER (Taieri Mouth). [I read an excellent school story once about some children ■who were trapped by the tide, Queen Heather. Are you working with colours or plain white thread? —DOT.] ■S * * Dear Dot, —I cannot push the big barrow ■with a load on it. Donald Dinney pushes it, and my sister and I pull it. The winter is here, and it is cold. We all have colds, arid we don’t like them. We have a holiday from, school. I like playing “ snakes and ladders,” but I don’t like when I don’t win. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, LITTLE PANSY (Tahatika).

Have you tried going up “ snakes " and down “ladders," beginning at “100” and having “1 " for the winning number? It is very exciting.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —I have such news to tell you about my holidays. I had a lovely time. We went to Hamua, and we had to go over the Rimutaka Mountains. We had a lovely trip across to Wellington. We stayed one night in Wellington, and next morning left to catch the 10 minutes to 8 train for the Wairarapa district. We arrived at Hukanui at 12.30, where we went to Hamua in a car. We stayed at Seatoun. for over a week. While we were there we went to the Newtown Park and to the zoo. We saw the Hons, tigers, sea lions, and guinea pigs. Mother is writing a letter to her friend. My sister and I go to cooking classes every week. We go for the whole day. My little brother is busy drawing. When we were at Wellington, we went to the Botanical Gardens. There is also a park for children. My brother stayed with my aunt while we were on our holiday.— Yours truly, KOROMIKO (Marlborough). [What a very fortunate little girl you are, Koromiko. I am sure your brother would have wanted to accompany you if he had been older,—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l have news to tell you, as we have been for a holiday. We went right to Hamua. It is in the Wairarapa. When we were staying there we went to Eketahuna and Pahiatua. Mum, my sister, and myself stayed at Hamua for a week. We left home on May 8, and arrived home on May 21. When we arrived at Wellington, we took a tram out to Seatoun. We stayed there the night. Next morning we left for Hamua at 10 minutes to 8. We went through a number of tunnels, including the Summit, where a bell rings. We went over the Rimutakas. We went to the Newtown Park and the Wellington Zoo, where we saw an elephant, two lions, two tigers, monkeys, birds, and other little animals. We saw the Hons and sea lions being fed.—Yours truly, BURNING STAR (Koromiko).

[Did you have a ride on the elephant. Burning Star? The sea lion Is a funny big thing, is he not? —DOT.]

. Dear Dot, —I have left school, and I am enjoying myself at home better than I did at school. I have again started music, and I like it. I love' to hear an organ being played. We have been having bad weather. I think it is better to have a wet winter, and then to have a lovely summer. We have not had enough snow to lie on the ground. I like the last month of spring and first of summer better than any other season. I must teU you about a little fight my brother had with a big ram. My second eldest brother was mustering the sheep, and one ram became fastened, so my little brother ran to it. It freed Itself, and bunted him, and then it turned to us. We had to hurry away as quickly as possible, while one brother climbed a tree.—Yours truly, GRANDMA'S ANN (Otago). [Was your brother very much frightened. Grandma’s Ann? I am glad you are happy. Some people dread leaving school. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —My music examination was last week. I have been kept going, but now it is over I shall have more spare time, though I shall have to practise very hard for my practical examination in September. Just lately we have had our wee nephew Alfie staying here. He was a bard case, but he was very good. His baby brother is progressing. He is going to be called Melville, I think. What a number of new Little Folk join the page each week ! I think It Is very nice when one can make correspondents through your page. Nova Aquilae is at present embroidering a pair of pillow shams. She is working a number of nice things, including a tray cloth, embroidered with little baskets of coloured flawers in each corner. She also worked a toilet set, a table centre, and a black satin cushion cover, with a largo basket of violets. It does look nice. At present I am reading “ Emily of New Moon," by L. M. Montgomery. It is very nice. I also want to read “ The Man of the Forest,” by Zane Grey. I have read a number of Zane Grey's books. We are milking only two cows at present, so they don’t take much time. Have you had many chrysanthemums this year? We had a few ourselves. They are lovely, aren't they? My sister's son, Edgar, is growing a hard case. He is just 18 months old. He rides a stick all round the kitchen, and pretends it is a horse, and shies and jibs and carries on just as he thinks a horse does. He can say my name quite well, but he finds my sister Nova Aquilae's a little difficult to pronounce. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, NGAIRE THE FAIRY (Levels Valley).

[I have had a few chrysanthemums, and they are lovely flowers, Ngaire the Fairy. Have you seen those new table cloths with a little pocket for each table napkin at the corners? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thanks so much for allowing me to join your happy band. The jubilee celebrations weren’t very startling owing to the fact that many of the business concerns would not close down for the whole day, and thus many were unable to join in. The dance was very good, except that there were rather many there, and the floor was somewhat crowded. The King’s Birthday week-end was very wet, and all oflr arrangements to go pig shooting had to be postponed, and instead we went to the races at Addington, where we witnessed some very good sport, and some hard-fought-out finishes. We are having excitement over the removal of the guns, and the latest is that the R.S.A. have started to take names on a petition against the removal. What are they doing regarding the guns in Dunedin? The council will be a lively place to-night when the final discussion will take place. I think I shall go along and hear what is to be said regarding the matter. Best wishes to yourself and your band.—Yours truly, BARON DE BEEF (Christchurch).

[ln answer to your postscript, I do not ghre photographs of myself away, Baron de Beef. I have not heard anything concerning the guns. See Notes.—DOT.]

Dear . Dot,—l suppose the snow will come soon, and then we can have great fun snowballing. My sister. Meadow Sweet, is reading a book, and she says it is very interesting. The name of it is “ The Heart of a Ranger.” I am reading one called “ Margaret Jermine,” and it is also very interesting. The Girl From Pine Hill is still working in Arrowtown. She likes her place very much. The Rose of No Man's Land was here to-night. She came up in our car, but she generally rides up on Sunday afternoons. My sisters and I were at a card party and dance at Pembroke the other night, and we had a great time. The Man From Snowy River is still camping. I was cooking for him for- a week, and I thought it great fun, as it was the first time I had ever camped away from home. My twin cousins are growing Into funny wee things. My other cousin, Marjory, is growing, too. I had a snap taken of myself and the twins, and it came out nicely. I have an album which a friend gave me, and I have it nearly full of snaps. Pretty Little Golden Locks is in Dunedin for a fortnight’s holiday. I hope she has an enjoyable time while she is there. My mother’s birthday, is on June 20. She was telling me to-day that her mother died on June 19. She was 45 when she died, and she died of heart failure. I have no grannies alive. and.l have only one grandfather. . I wrote. to A Pink. Car-

imuwL. mi i mu had yet. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. STORM COUNTRY POLLY (Cardrona). [I am quite sure that Pretty Little Golden Locks will enjoy her holiday, Storm Country Polly. Have you bought your mother’s present ?—DOT.] * . * reDear Dot, —We have nearly half done the year already. It does not seem possible. I have been trying to learn to ride a bicycle lately.. I can ride a horse, but not a bicycle. Do you like playing cards? I like 500 ” best, and then “ donkey." I am reading “ Patty and Priscilla,” and I like it very much. About the best book I have read is “ Mrs Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” I like reading the Little Folk’s letters. I would like very much to buy a Little Folk badge. I wish the electric light would come up to our place, but I think there is no chance. There are only my mother, my brother, and I at home, so things are quiet. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A MAID OF THE SOUTH (Otago).

[I have not time to play cards. Maid of the South. Wasn’t the “ Cabbage Patch ” a higgledy-piggledy place? Have you ever played “animal grab”?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I enjoyed reading “ Lawless Days " very much, and I yas sorry when it was ended. We walk to school every day, as our school horse is ill. We have three miles to walk, and we are very tired when we reach home at night. The inspector Ib to be round at our school very soon. We are milking three cows night and morning. Thumbelina doesn’t like milking cows, so she leaves them to mum and me. We play euchre every night to pass away the long evenings. We play basket ball at school while the boys play football. It is very lonely at nights, as dad is away contracting for three weeks. We had Sip here on Saturday night, and we had great fun. We haven’t had many frosts, and I am sorry, as I like skating on our pond. I didn’t go anywhere in our holidays, as dad was away. Every one around here has started ploughing. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PIPI (Southland). [I hope the horse is better soon, Pipi. Who is the clever one at cards? Give father a big welcome when he comes home. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I am head man of the farm at present, as dad is away contracting for three weeks. X have the sheep and spare horses to look after. I leave the cows for the others, as I don’t fancy them. The euchre parties are in full swing. I have not been to any yet, but hope to go later on. They are a great pastime. Dunedin must have been very busy with the Winter Show. One would meet hundreds of Little Folk there. There are a few in our district. The All Blacks must be good footballers. It was a pity they lost the second match. I have made a number of paper flowers. I like making them very much, but I have not many colours. Roses are very easy to make. I don’t like making carnations. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—-Yours truly, THUMBELINA (Southland).

[Have you any chrysanthemums, Thumbelina, or do you have to make paper ones? Do you use crepe paper?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I become a member of your merry band of Little Folk? I have left school now, having gained my proficiency a while ago. I enjoy reading the Little Folk’s letters very much, and have been an Interested reader ever since we started to take the Witness. Hockey is in full swing, but I am not playing this year.

as it means a walk of four miles to every practice match. I spent my Christmas holidays in Gore, and enjoyed myself very much. I think Gore is a very nice place. Dad used to write to your page. His name was Rustic. We live near a lovely beach, and many tourists visit it. The road leading to it is covered on either side by beautiful native bush, including many tree ferns. I love to walk through it on a hot day, and listen to the birds singing. I am very fond of reading, and have read many interesting books. I received “ The Oxford Annual for Girls" as a prize last year. I think “ The Family at Misrule ” is a lovely book. Have you read it? I was in Invercargill a while ago, and went to see “ King of Kings." I thought It was very good and well worth going to see. We have a new hall, and it makes a big improvement to the district. It has electric light in, and that does away with the old lamps. A charabanc passes our door every night and we have a paper thrown off. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SOUTHLAND LASS (Southland). [Yes, you may join. Southland Lass. I have read the book. “ Misrule” must have been a jolly house. Will father write for Old Writers’ Week?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have not been writing to your page for a long time. I went to the Bluff, and saw a big ship named the Somerset. We have started football at school, and the girls play hockey. I must go and learn my lessons. . Love to all and the same to you.—Yours truly, ICEBERG (Balfour). [Did you see the pictures of the polar bears in the Witness, Iceberg? I wonder if you would like to be a sailor on a biz ship?—DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot, —Winter is here again, and such a lovely one too! It is nice jumping up in the mornings to see the window panes painted by Jack Frost. There has not been much frost here yet. The mountains look pretty with their snowy coverings. What fun the children have after a fall of snow! I have to be on the look out for a snowball every time I go outside. I know some of the Little Folk, but only two of them know I write to the page. There are a concert and dance out here on Friday, and I am going if it is a fine night. So I will tell you about it next time I write.—Yours truly, — A TRUE NEW ZEALANDER (Clinton). [Frost flowers are as beautiful as summer flowers, but they melt with the first sun. True New Zealander. I shall like to hear about the dance. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am six years of age. and I am in PI at school. I cannot write very well, so my big sister is helping me. I go nearly four miles to school in a car. My sisters are Little Folk. We live near the beach, and I like to play on it. Sometimes we see ships go by.—Yours truly, GIMCRACK (Owaka).

[Yes, you may join, Gimcrack; Are you frozen at the end of your long car ride? Do you find fan shells on the beach?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age and I an! in Standard VI at school. My sister. Rosy Wings, is at present in bed with influenza, so she cannot write this time. My friend and I go to school by train The train leaves at about half-past 7, and we have a mile to walk to reach the station. I am in the basket ball team at school, but we have not played any matches yet. There are four lady teachers at school, and they all come and • play with us. There is an interesting little township about 14 miles from here called ArapunL They have changed the course of the Waikato River to use it for producing electricity I have been there once. First we visited the dam, but, as it had begun to drizzle

a P r . al “ i we could not see far.- Wo then 9 1 ® s PDlway. By that time the weather had cleared, and the river made a glorious picture as it rushed over its rocky bed. A little further down its bed became so narrow that it was only a few yards in width. It then suddenly leapt over a precipice, where at the bottom it once more became the wide clear river. We enjoyed our visit very much. Around our Place there are many steep hills, which a ‘ B ideal spots for picnics. The bush is . J av ?? rt . t 0 P ,ace for picnics. , Love to all the Little Folk.—-Yours truly, E. PARI RA (Mangatapu). [Welcome E. Pari Ra. I like your description of the Waikato River. You must feel very warm when you have walked the mile to the train. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I have just finished read- • s .. a , rat £. er interesting book. The name of it is Good 'Wives.” Have you read it? We have played two basket ball matches at school. The first school we played was Moray Place. We won by 18 to 1. The next school we played was George Street, and we won by 11 to 1. Thank you very much for the name for my kitten, but about two days after I had written to you it must have run out in the street and been lost or else somebody picked it up I have not seen the little thing from that day to this. I told my sister to write to you. and she said that she would. She was pleased to see her first letter in print. —Yours truly, WHITE STOCK (Dunedin). [I have read the book, White Stock. I am sorry about the kitten. Perhaps it will come back some day.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is winter time, and Jack Frost is starting to paint the windows. It 13 Y ery £? ld havin S to jump out of my bed early. There have been no frosts here for a week or more until this morning. We have just finished our holidays, and it seems stale going back to school, but we have a new teacher, and that is always something fresh to look forward to. I did not go away for my holidays, but my brother did. He went to Dunedin for the Show. My father collected a number of prizes. He won first for his bullock, any age, second for sheep, and third for wool. We went out crabbing to-day. and we caught 61 crabs altogether. They are very easy to catch. We take a piece ot string and tie a piece of meat to it and cast it into the water. When we are pulling the crab in we must be very careful not to jerk the line. One cannot catch crabs in the river. It must be a very quiet pool with stones in it. We have put new tanks in. and made our place different, and I think it was not before time. Of course, it made a mess m the / house. The men had to shift a number of pipes and put new ones in. The men in Kelso have started a card tournament. and that is the way they fill in the nights in winter. Some nights they spend a very enjoyable evening. My birthday is on, the 24th of next month, and I am looking forward to a party. Hillock Princess’s birthday is the day after mine. Now that the fishing season is over the people are always using guns for duck shooting. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly E.A.T. (Kelso).

[I should like to come to the birthday party, E.A.T. I’m sure that day next month will,be a very happy one for you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was in the drills display which was held on Cranmer square during jubilee week. I am a patrol leader at Scouts. On Monday we went for a tramp over the hills, and I enjoyed myself very much. You mustn’t think that we played the “ wag ” from school, but Sunday was the King’s Birthday, and a holiday was given on Monday. To-day it’s raining “ cats and dogs," but that makes no difference to me, because I’ve plenty of books to read. I have a book out of the school library, entitled “ The Young Fur Traders.” and it is a very interesting book. My little brother is still in bed, lazy isn’t he, but that’s just like a brother. Love to all — Yours truly, THE MURDEROUS VILLAIN (Christchurch). [Scouts do not play the “ wag ” from school. Murderous Villain, because they have a sense of honour. Would you like to be a fur trader in a cold country?—DOT.] * * ■* Dear Dot,—My brother is nearly better and home again, and he plays the gramophone all day. I have a bad cold, but I am not away from school, but have to go to bed early, so I will say good-night. Love to all.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin). [That was sweet paper on which you wrote to me. Mother’s Goldie. I am glad your brother is better.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l received my badge safely and I think it is very nice. I wear it to school every day. Since last writing to the page I have had the pleasure of meeting a Little Folk. We have three miles to go to school. I gained high marks in the term examination, having 408 out of 525. We live at the seaside, and on Saturdays we play on the beach. Our school teachers teach the children how to swim and I shall probably learn next swimming season. I am progressing well with my music, and the piece I am now learning is called “ The Fairies’ Carnival." I am also learning theory. We went to the Punch and Judy pantomime when it was here Love to all.—-Yours truly, DAISY’S FRIEND (Catlins). [Punch and Judy shows used to be very common, but we hardly ever see one in New Zealand. Daisy’s Friend. Try to learn the “ crawl ” when you are taught to swim. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —We have six draught horses and three hacks. I have a pet calf, and would you pleaso tell me a name for it? My sister is in Standard V at school, and my other sister is in Standard I, and I am in Standard 11. We have been busy with rabbit skins this last week or two. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

VIOLET ORANGE (Southland). [Call the calf Moodle, Violet Orange. Which is your favourite horse?—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—The baby is growing, and is such a darling little thing. We are going to take a snap of her some day, and if they turn out any good I will send you one. The baby is nearly five months old. We have 10 cats, and five of them are black. One is black and white, one a slatey colour, and three are grey ones. We aro milking six cows in the morning and 12 at night. My brother has a friend staying with him, and they are having great fun among the rabbits. I wish I could have a fur coat made out of my brother's skins. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

TRIANGLE JENNY (Southland). [I have seen, a lovely black coat made from bunny skins. Triangle Jenny. I shall like to see your baby’s photograph. She must be a dear wee mite.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I was pleased to see my letter in print. My mother and some of my auntios and uncles used to write to you many years ago. I have a brother who will be coming to school soon, as he will be five years of age this month. We have two dogs, and their names are Togo and Sam. Love to all and yourself.—Youra truly. ELLIE RHEE (Southland). [Togo and Sam are lucky dogs to have such nice mistresses and masters, Ellie

Rhee. • What were the names of'the aunts and uncles who wrote to me? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The people I am working for do not take the Witness, so I miss seeing the page, as it was the only part of the Paper that Interested me. I pimply hate reading, but love sewing and doing fancywork. I was at a dance last week, and had a very good time considering I was a stranger in the district. I sat out only three dances, and was pleased to have the chance to do so. There are pictures at Kurow every Saturday night, so that I went last Saturday, and we had a groat adventure. First of all the man I am working for could not make the car lights go, so that we had to take the motor lorry. Anyway we arrived there safely, but. when we canje out of the pictures the lorry would not start, so that we had to push it down the road to make it start. After that we arrived home safely, had supper, and went r? .? ed ' am soing to another dance on r rlday night, and I am looking forward to a good time, as it is a good place to go for dances. It was Tiddlewink’s birthday last Sunday, and he was 10 years of age. I bought him a writing set, but do not yet know whether he has it or not, as I am waiting -for a letter from him. He has not written to the page for a long time. J. P ia y six-handed “ 500 ” last night for tne first time, and found it interesting. . I like playing grab and euchre best, though I am not very good at them. It is bedtime. I am very tired after a late night last night. Kindest regards to ail and also your own dear self.—Yours truly, BASHFUL FIFTEEN (Hakataramea).

[you must have been popular at the dance. Bashful Fifteen. The lorry must have been heavy to push.—DOTJ

Dear ot ’ —Wo are having our winter holidays. They are later than most of the other schools, but I would rather have them now. I am in Standard 111, and the work is harder than last year. I gained 510 marks in my examination, so I think I didn't do badly. We are having great excitement in our family, as my sister Is being married on June 21, and ~, . residents'of Enfield are giving her a kitchen " evening. I go to my grandmother a place and do her messages for her, as my aunty is in Timaru. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, DODGER (Enfield). ar ® lucky to have your holidays ? ow ‘. Dodger. You will miss your sister. Is she very happy?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—l hope you are quite well. I nave had toothache, and had two out on Monday, so I missed school that day I do love my elocution teacher. My borTther came home from the hospital on Tsjbday, aad w? , all feel ha PPX again. Love 'to all the Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). [I am quite well, thank you. Little Jean. Your elocution teacher must be a dear lady If you love her so.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print? - I received my badge, and I was so pleased with it. My work is very nice, and I like it very much. I hope to be in Christchurch for my Christmas holidays. My sister is a member of your happy band, and her nom de plume is White Stock. She told mo to join, so I am glad I took her advice. Love to all* the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, COMIC SONG (Dunedin). [You will make many pen friends out ot the page. Comic Song. Would you like to live in Christchurch?—DOT.] ■K' * * Dear Dot, —Hiawatha, who goes to our school, has spent the week with me while his mother and father went to the Show. He went home to-day. Our mother came home from town yesterday. I saw my letter in the Witness a few days ago. I have a little black kitten at home, so will you give me a name for him.—Yours truly, A CAREFUL SCHOLAR (Matakanui). [Call the kitten Othello, Careful Scholar. Were you very pleased to see your mother again?—DOT.] * * -SiDear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have had a canary given to me. It has some black on it. We have had our examinations with our new teacher, and I was second in the class. My cousin beat me by three marks. We like our new teacher very much. My cousin. Poppy Day, who writes to your page, has had scarlet fever, and she has not been able to write to anybody. She is well again, but has not gone back to school yet. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FAIRY TITANIA (South Canterbury). [Be sure to put the bird out in the sun whenever you can. Fairy Titania. Try to be first in the class this term.—DOT.] NOTES. All Little Folk.—Le Montmartrois’s address at his business is Mr Nicot, Roidot and Nlcot, 23 Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France. J. Newton. Nightcaps.—Thank you for the story.—DOT. Baron de Beef. —Please send your private name.—DOT. Till We Meet Again.—lf you will send the stamps and your address to the “ Commercial Department. Otago Witness, Lower High street, Dunedin.” and give the dates of the Witnesses you need, the papers will be sent to you. I do not know nersonally the Old Writer you mention, although my predecessor did.—DOT. AU'TOS. A Maid of the South (Edith Hallum Rural Box 12, via Balclutha, Otago) wishes to correspond with Golden Nugget, Lucy Lockett’s Mate, Flower Child, and any other overseas girl from 9 years to 12 years of age. Will they please write first and soon? A True New Zealander (D. Scott, P. 0., Clinton) would like any Little Folk between 17 years and 20 years of age to write to her. Will they write first and soon?

E.A.T. (Edith Thomson, Kelso) wishes to correspond with Farmer Jock, Guide Ruth, and Agnes's Comrade, j JL ’ Dame Durden (M. Beil, Balfour, SrJßland) wishes to correspond, with 'Texas Kid, Just a Cook, Lanette 11, and D.O.D. Will they please write first and soon? Lucy Locket’s Mate (Mabel Geary, Talert Mouth) wishes to correspond with any boys between 13 and 16 years of age. Queen Heather (Lillian Geary, Taierl Mouth) wishes to correspond with Sonny Napier, Vale, Baron de Beet, General Manager, Just a Cook, and A Lass From the Land of Logs. Guide to Happiness (Marjorie Falconer. Owaka Valley, Otago) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 12 and 13 years of age. Elm (Mary Helm, Gimmerburn) wishes to correspond with Tea For Two, lolanthe 11, Sue Sunshine, and The Kitchen Clock. Will they please write first and soon? Tangle Pate (A. Burns, Riverbend road, Meeanee, Hawke’s Bay) would like Alton Princess to write to her, also Silver Shoon, if they are willing. Tea For Two (O. Burns, Riverbend road. Meeanee, Hawke’s Bay) wishes to correspond with Nanetta. Will she please write first and soon ? Golden Sundown (Rebie Falconer, Owaka Valley, Otago) wishes to correspond with Wax Flower and any North Island girl Little Folk between the ages of 15 and 16 years. * Comic Song (Myrtle Wahrltch, 91 London street, Dunedin) wishes, to correspond with Rose Marie. Will she pleaso write first and soon? ... -