LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 78

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—W, writ* lor the bcnoQt oi oth»:-», not for oursolvoo. Dear Dot—l was pleased to see mv first letter in print. My sister and I went out for a skate on the ice, and w u h / d « ( £? d fu ?i l am reading a book called Edgar the Ready,” and I like it very much. I have three lovely cats and their names are Dot, Jessie, and Patch. They are three generations. The people are working in their gardens. Your page seems to be larger every week I like reading Elaine’s letters. They are so interesting. Best wishes to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly PAM THE LAVENDER GIRL (Southland). [ls Dot the grandmother cat, Pam the Lavender Girl ? Do you know a kin" who was named “Unreadv”?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. On Fridaj' night Princess Nata and I went to the pictures They were “ When a Dog Loves ’’ and “The Reckless Lady.” Thank you very much for the name for my kitten. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly. LIGHTNING FIRE (Otane). [Dogs are very faithful. Lightning Fire, as was proved in the war. Have you many correspondents?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I did not see my last letter in print, so I don’t know what you put in answer to it. We nearly always buy the Witness in Goge, but somehow . we missed that one. I read all the letters on the page, and enjoy them very much. I noticed in the autos that Singing Prisoner’s Sweetheart wished to correspond with me, so I have written to her. Nothing of very great interest has been happening here lately, so I won’t have much news to tell you. Dances are held every fortnight in the school. I don’t go, and haven't much fancy to. We also hold church and Bible class, both of which I always attend. We had a Bible class social here about a month ago, and had great fun. All the games were funny, and everybody said he enjoyed himself immensely. The only fault I could find was tlfat it all came to an end far too quickly. The Charlton School football team expect to be playing Waimumu next Saturday, and I hope they win, as this is the first

time they will have played in a match. I don’t think the Waimumu bovs have ever played either, so they will‘have a good chance, although Waimumu has about twice as many pupils. I haven’t been doing much reading lately, and I am about half-way through a book named “Priscilla,” but I don’t like it very much, as it is too- old-fashioned. I like Zane Grey’s books best, and some of my other favourite- authors are L, M. Montgomery, Ethel Turner, and Vance Palmer. About a month ago we had a good fall of snow, 2in deep. We had great fun at school. Some of the girls were wet almost to the skin, and the boys were not very sparing about putting snowballs down our necks. I saw the “ King of Kings.” Though it was wonderful, it was too sad. I know of one man who had a weak heart, and, on coming home from seeing the picture, he went to bed and died of heart failure. I hope you are in good health. Best of good wishes to you and your inerry band of Little Folk. —Yours trulj', CHERRY RIPE (Charlton).

[I wonder who will win the match, Cherry Ripe. Have you read “Seven Little New Zealanders ”? —DOT ]

Dear Dot,—l like reading the Little r oiks letters very much. Everyone’s tanks are empty, so I think all people will be glad of the rain. Mickey Mouse had a great adventure. We have two hens sitting, and hope soon to have some Huffy chickens. My sisters and I have a long way to go to school, and it is not pleasant going on these rainy mornings Hockey, basket ball, and football are m ah 1 I , la Y e ,a Photograph of the All r>lacks, and I liopo they win every game from now onwards. I ‘was in Dun-' edin for my last term holidays, and had an enjoyable time. Everything looks bare. AH the autumn-tinted leaves have fallen to the ground, and have been trodden in. We have only one cow in, but another one will be in in the course of a week or two. My sister, who finds much pleasure in reading these interesting letters, is going to join your page. Love to you and your Little Folk.—Yours truly,

PERTHSHIRE (Otago). [W’e all want the All Blacks to win, especially as two Otago men are in the team, Perthshire. Mickey was ;t clever mouse.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, Ton must have a large number of children on your roll, as every week there are several new ones joining. Hockey will soon be over now for this season. Our team won only one match and drew one game. Perhaps next year we shall have better luck. I learn dressmaking. and I like it very much. It is very useful to be able to do one’s own sewing. The annual hockey ball was held a few weeks ago, and was very successful. It was a fancy dress one, and. as it was the first fancy dress one I have been at, I enjoyed mj-self very much. Some of the dresses were comical. Kindest regards to yourself and all.—Yours truly, A MAID OF THE MOUNTAINS. (Balfour).

[M hat have you learned to make at dressmaking. Maid of the Mountains? Did you wear a pretty fancy costume? —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I become a member of your Little Folk? I am nearly eight years of age. My birthday is in September. I am looking forward to a nice party. W’e have a number of pets, a big black cat, a dog, two white rabbits, and pet rats, also two guinea pigs. I am very fond of the pets. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, BREEZE (Dunedin). [W’elcome, Breeze. You have many different pets. Is the cat friendly with the rabbit?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I hope you have room to squeeze another letter into . the Little Folk’s page. I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard VI at the Island Bay School. I am in the B basket ball team at school, and I always look forward to "Friday, when we play the matches. I have a sister just one year old. I saw the photographs of the fun you had in Dunedin at capping. It must have been good. Love to you and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, BASKET BALL GIRL (Wellington). [Welcome, Basket Ball Girl. Do you play defence? Tell me about the little sister. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join your band of Little Folk? We have a little kitten, and .could you tell me a name for her, please? We went out to a big ship called the Rotorua yesterday. The captain gave us afternoon tea. —Yours truly, GIPSY EYES (Otago).

[Welcome, Gipsy Eyes. I had to alter your name, as it was taken. Do you like Tinlin for the kitten’s name?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I had chilblains very badly at the beginning of the winter, so I took some chilblain tablets, and I was soon cured, and have not been worried with them since. W’e are having a concert and dance here, so I shall probably go. I am very fond of dancing, but I do not go to many, as we are too far away from other places. I am still learning music, this being my eighth year. I have just finished with examinations, and I am very glad too. We were expecting my eldest sister home to-day, but so far she has not arrived. My second youngest sister has been away from school for a week with a bad cold, but she is going to-morrow. We have electricity installed here, and it is very handy, especially in the morning, as we can have an extra half hour in bed, which suits me very nicely these cold days. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, AUTUMN FANCIES (Timaru).

[Which examinations have you passed. Autumn Fancies? You are lucky to have had eight years at music.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I enjoy reading the’ letters very much, as some of- them are so interesting. I am 11 years of age. and I am in Standard IV at school. I like school very much. We play basket ball, and I like it. We played Wai-

koikoi a lew weeks ago, and lost?-—Wa are going to play again soon, and'hope will L Bick. Our examination will be in about another week, and I hope to gain a good pass. I came first ih the writing competition. I shall receive liuuTll 01 IGs 6d. Love to all the truly * lk and ’ O " r ° Wn dear self -~Yours

BIG BLACK SWAN (Pukerau). ■ [ i Y f S ’ y ,° u n,ay Join ’ Bi S Black Swan. I *>ad to alter your name. Was the competition for your district only or for a number of places?-—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot,—lsn’t it good to be alive on such a sunny day as this? The time niT «H InC ?• L e i n J. J? ust 8° the wa y of all other Little Folk and join up with the ranks of Old Writers. I can scarcely believe that I shall be 21 years of age when this reaches you, but, however, such is the way of things. HoW time passes! It seems no time at all since I was going to school, but. as I had just turned 14 years of age when I left, it wasn’t only yesterday. My sister has a friend irom Dunedin to spend the day with her and at dinner time the friend asked what it felt like to be 21. but I am airaid it won t make much difference to me, although I feel I have left a certain amount of my youth behind. I am on my own this afternoon, as the others are out. for it is much too nice a day to remain indoors. I only wish I could go out too, but my turn will come. 1 had a month in bed, but, although I am allowed to be up now, I can’t walk about much, and to go out is out of the question. However, as I am improving slowly, I must not complain, but it will be sonic considerable time before my legs are better. I do wish I could run round. This is the first real illness I have had since I was a baby, so that is most likely why I am not taking kindly to it. There was a bachelors’ ball here. Although I wasn’t there I heard all about it from my sister, as she went. I have been reading lately, but I have read all I can find in the house, and my friends have lent me several books. I was reading “The Life of Gene Stratton Porter,” which was continued in the M’Call Magazine, and it was very interesting, but. as a friend lent them to me, I haven t the one with the end of it in. She has kindly promised to look to see if she has it, and will send it alonj? if she finds it. I am very fond of doing ciochet, and lately I finished an edging for a supper cloth, and now I have half finished another piece for a tray cloth. As I have bad eyesight and have to wear glasses. I can’t do much at night. I am very fond of sewing, and make nearly all my own and my sister’s frocks. While I was in Lawrence I made a coat for one of my mates. I have a lovely fox terrier dog, and she is such a pet. When I was in bed mother used to bring her in to see me every day. and if mother did not keep hold u t r "'ould take one leap on to the bed and make such a fuss. There is no need to say what happened if she had been outside in the mud a while before. She would lie on the mat beside the fire in my room for hours (when she was allowed to, I should say). One night I was. having my tea when she heard me speak. She made one bound, and landed right on my plate, which was fortunately empty. I think dogs make very faithful friends if we are kind to them, and I don’t see how anyone with anv feeling can help being kind to them. I am very fond of all animals, particularly dogs. We usually have a cat, but at present we haven’t one. I like cats to keep the mice down. There is to be a band concert here shortly, and the band members are busy practising for a play they are having that night. I think the ladies are going to have a ball, so there will be plenty of amusement for those who care to go. I wonder if I am making this letter too long, but, as it is my last as a Little Folk, I feel that I don t care to stop. I wish the page every success in the future, and all going well I will be with you for Old Writers* W’eek. Best wishes to Effie Bell. Persophine, and all the rest of the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. SWEET VIOLET (Otago). [We are sorry to lose you, Sweet Violet. Hurry and be well again. You must feel impatient to have to be in bed sometimes after scarcely a day’s illness in your life. Tell us about your little dog when you write in -Old Writers’ W’eek.—DOT.] * «■- «

Dear Dot, —W’e have a tiny hare about three weeks old. and it drinks milk out of a spoon. Last night two of my brothers and I went to my uncle’s for the evening, and we had a good time* We have a new gramophone, and 11 records for it. Our liens are laying better. The highest number we have received this year is 303 eggs from 560 hens. I was at the Otekaike Special School for Boys’ concert,. and it was very pleasant. It was the juniors’ concert, and the seniors will have one. at the end of the year. Would you please give me a name for the tiny hare? One of the records for the gramophone is called “ For the Term of His Natural Life,” and, strange to say, we have a library book called “ For the Term of His Natural Life.” They are both about con- , victs. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly.

NIPPER’S MISTRESS (Otago). [Call the tiny hare Dean Swift, after, a famous writer, Nipper’s Mistress. Do you learn to play the piano? If so try to buy some piano records. —DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot.—Last Saturday I went with some friends to the football match at Omakau. Matakanui played Heriot, and I was sorry to see Matakanui beaten. Heriot has won the White Horse Cup. At a euchre part}' and dance held here some time ago I was fortunate enough to win the ladies’ first prize. It was a box of toilet soap. I have been doing a good deal of reading lately. Some of the books I have read are “ Red Ashes,” “Jealous Gods,” “The Rebel Bride,” “The Rainbow Trail,” “Bluff Stakes.” and “ The. Wliite’ Flag.” They are all fairly enjoyable books. Mother and father are going to Christchurch at the end of the week to my cousin’s wedding, arid my aunt from Invercargill is coming here to keep us in order. There were a good many children at Sunday school to-day. Just a Cook did not go to the

dance on'-Friday night.' Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv, . k- LADY CLARICE (Central Otago)." [Have you ever won a euchre prize before, Lady Clarice? Did Heriot win th J OT l ]* 0 llorse t ' up ,jy ma,l - v points?

Dear Dot,—l enjoy reading all the ' v : hlch are written by the Little *olk. We are having very cold winds in Lore. We played East Gore at hockey and won by 9 points to 1. There is £° ln B to be a gala in Gore this year, the All Blacks had another win. Mickey Mouse has had an exciting adventure I have read an interesting book called * ora ’ W ho ’v ®, ache l- Have you read T P e school is going to have a jubilee in October. Love to all the Little roJk and your own dear self.—Yours truly SNOWYMINT (Gore). aVe that book. Snowy Mint. whVrh X? U i tel v? 10 ab , Out the adventures which Mickey Mouse has had?—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot,—l have been Jiving at home since my uncle died in March. My grandmother is hying with my aunt now. I 111 for a month not long ago, and I had a very good time. I met two of my correspondents: I spent an afternoon in the city with Dad s Daisy. Then Valencia Raisin took me to her home it l Vhen I was going home f terribly foggy, and I left the s t 0 P s before the right one. I aiant see the jubilee procession. It was ® day ’ 80 my cousin and I went to the pictures. I went to three picture theatres that day. We went to Satu ;}' da y ™ght to see High School Heroes/’ and it was funnv. 1 have some film stars’ addresses, and mv chum and I are going to write to some ot our favourites. Are you glad daylight saving was defeated. AVe are all sorry about it up here. My brother is busy making a wireless set, and he has the room littered with catalogues and parts. Bob’s Sweetheart and the Silent Shadow haven't written for a long time. The Timarii jubdee was on July 13, and I went to the ball with two girls. None of us was an expert at dancing, but we had a great time, and I arrived home at halfpast 2 on Saturday morning feeling verytired. Love to the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly.

NEVER MIND (Timaru). [I am sorry that we are not going to have daylight saving this season. Never Mind. Yoii would be glad to meet your correspondents.—DOT.]

. -oe ar Dot, Yesterday- while mother was in Kurow my two smallest sisters, thinking of having some fun, picked up some rabbit traps, and went out into the paddocks to set them. Y’ou may wonder what a surprise they had when they found that they each had a rabbit in their traps. They came running up to mother so excited about the catch. One of my sisters is in the hospital with a sore leg, and, as she is in a -ward by herself, she feels very lonely at times, but all the same sbe is happy. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

A RED, RED ROSE (Kurow). [I can imagine the excitement of the children, Red, Red Rose. Your isister is lucky to have a ward to herself—DOT.]

Dear Dot, I shall be 13 vears of age on August 23. My little sister Gracie is sitting out in the sun reading one of her books she received for her birthday, and my other little sister is lying on the green grass playing with her pups. Jessie asked me if you would please give her a name for her pup. My big sister is in the hospital with a sore leg. I wrote a letter to Steele Rudd yesterday. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A COUNTRY ASTER (Kurow). [Many happy returns of your birthday. Country Aster. Call the puppy Whirlwind.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —My mistress is in the hospital, and I am chief cook. I miss her very much, as she is so lively,' and if I do my work she never grows cross. We have the electricians in at present, and they keep me from my work by talking. We are having a stove and iron as well as electric lighting. There are two electricians, and they have the gramophone on until I am tired of it. Yesterday one of them took some apples and put them in my bed. There is a dance here tomorrow night, but I am not sure whether I shall go or not. If it does not rain I think I shall. I have a corn on my little toe, and it is very sore. At present I am making a dress, and I am also -forking a table centre, which I have almost finished. Sewing is my favourite pastime, as I don’t care for reading. Love to all the* Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BASHFUL FIFTEEN (Waimate).

[I am very sorry to hear that your kind mistress is ill, Bashful Fifteen. You will find electricity very useful. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We played football on Friday, and won by 7 points to nil. It is the first game we have won this season. It is raining to-day. My sister went to Nelson on Friday with the basket ball team, and they had a lovely time. On Sunday night they came home. When my sister came home she had her finger all bandaged up. Love to you and your Little Folk. —Yours truly, WILD BILL FROM SPRING CREEK (Otago).

[Did your sister put her finger out .when she was playing basket ball, Wild Bill From Spring Creek? I am glad you won this time. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —Since I last wrote to you many interesting things have happened. First of all one Sunday afternoon we had several visitors. My sister and I were feeling down-hearted because they were talking on subjects that did not interest us. We slipped out unnoticed, and decided to go for a bicycle ride. We went all round the back roads of Palmerston, arriving home just in time for tea. We were invited to an evening last Saturday, but, as Saturday is picture night, my sister and I decided to go there instead. Last Saturday the picture was titled “ The Heart of the Yukon.” I rather liked it.

but everybody seemed to disagree with me. The council has taken over the pictures lately, ami nearly everybody patronises them. We have better music now, too. Aly mother is in Oamaru at present, staying with her sister, so Mother’s Pride is chief cook now. I am reading a very interesting book called “ Red Ashes,” written by Margaret Pedler. Have you read it? Love tq you and 'all your Little Folk.—Yours truly, NIGGER HEAD (Palmerston).

[I have not read that book, Nigger Head, Did yoii leave your poor'ihother to entertain, the visitors?—DOT.] ■

Deal - Dot, —I. should like to join your merry band of Little Folk, please. I have two miles to walk to school m Purakauiti, and I am in Standard VI. The road is bordered with banks that are covered with ferns, small bushes, and creepers. There are 16 children going to Purakauiti Schoo], and five of them are Little Folk. I am. 13 years of age, and I came from Portsmouth when I was five years of age. I have chosen Isle of Wight for my name, because it brings back memories of England.—Yours truly, ISLE OF WIGHT (Otago).

[Welcome, Isle of Wight. Are you entering for your proficiency this year? I was born in England, too. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been in bed all day to-day, and I was absent from school. I have a very bad cold, and have not been allowed out of bed for two days. We have completed one set of cigarette cards, and there are only seven to gather for another set. Aly brother was playing at school, and he broke a boy’s arm. It is broken and dislocated, and the boy is in the hospital. We have a new Studebaker sedan car. Aly small brother told a neighbour that he had it, and she said she would steal it, but he said, “ You dare.” Queen Harriet is going away for a week’s holiday. I am taking emulsion for my cold, and it does me good. I hope to be able to go to school tomorrow. It has been very mild to-day. Pretty Cockie came in on her way home to-night. Two school teachers are coming for tea on Wednesday. Dad has been in the bush all day. Aly brother is milking .the cow. I have not heard from Olva for a long time. Pretty Cockie had some chilblains, but I have never had them. Love to all and your own dear self. -—Yours’ trulv. PRINCESS ISABEL'S AIATE (Croydon).

[I am sorry you have had such a horrid cold, Princess Isabel’s Alate. Emulsion is very good for helping to cure a cold. —DOT.].

Dear Dot, —Golden Hair, A Little Gardener, Dad’s Little Cowboy, and I went over to the school to see some pictures of the North Island of New Zealand last Tuesday night. The pictures were shown with a lantern. We saw’ two of the active volcanoes, and many other different places in the North Island. The pictures started at 7 o’clock, and finished about 9 o’clock. At present I am reading a book entitled ‘‘ Betty Zane,” by Zane Grey. I think it is a very nice book. Another good book is “ East Lynne.” I have not read it yet, but I am going to. Len can walk properly now. Alother bought him a pair of boots, and he goes outside while it is warm and fine. It is freezing here to-night. I have been receiving letters from my correspondents all this week. AVe have had scarcely any snow. A woman was here, and she gave Len a nice little comb. I saw that one of the members of your page had taken the name of Brave Nurse Cavell. I went to Balclutha yesterday’ with my father, and took Len with me. He was very good, as it is the first time he has been away unless mother is with him. When .1 took him into a shop to buy him a pair of socks he looked round to see what he could play’ with. Nearly a W’eek ago mother and I were in Balclutha, and we bought some wool for Golden Hair and myself to crochet a petticoat each. Golden Hair’s is a red colour, and mine is a pretty blue. I have done about 2in of knitting. I am doing it two purl and two plain. We have not started Sunday school yet. The serial about the “ River Baby ” appears to be very interesting. Aly eldest brother is playing the mouth organ. The Little Gardener is making a noise with paper on the comb. Alother cut our hair about a fortnight ago. and I held Len while she cut his. —Y’ours trulv. A AIAID OF THE VIOLETS (Par etai).

[I am sure that Len must be a very amusing little brother, Alaid of the Violets. Can Golden Hair knit as quickly’ as you can?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —It is freezing very hard to-night, and the taps will have to be turned on. Yesterday our school boys played Sutton and Ngapuna combined. Our boys won by 8 points to nil. I learn music, and my last piece was named “ Evening Thoughts.” My brother has a pony, and he has a ride every night. We have a black and white cat, and would you please give me a name for it? —Yours truly, LADY ARABELLA (Middlemarch). [Call you/ cat Scupper, Lady Arabella. Does the water ever freeze in a long icicle from the taps?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The weather is lovely just now, although there is frost through the night. Queen Heather has not finished the pillow shams she is working yet. Aly sister, Buttercup, is coming here on Tuesday. We shall be “pleased to see her, as she has not been home for a long time. There was a dance here last Thursday night. It was held in aid of the queen of the carnival. There were 50 people at it. AVe all went, and did not arrive home till 2 o’clock in the morning. There is to be a dance here next Thursday week. I have j'ust been reading a book called "Jerry,” by Jean Webster. Have you read it? I think the new story in the Witness is going to be a good one. The page is slowly increasing. AVe shall soon need a paper of our own. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours, trulv, LUCY LOCKET’S AIATE (Taieri Alouth).

[I seem to remember having read "Jerry,” but I am not certain, Lucy Lock-

ets,Mate. Buttercup will be pleased to see you al], too.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, I have not been home from my two months’ holiday for long. I travelled on my own, and consequently was quite tired of my own company by the time I arrived home. I had a glorious : ti me. 1 stayedtwo weeks at Invercargill, ope at Queenstown, one at Waikaia, one at Pyramid, and ended by staying a fortnight in Dunedin on the way home. I saw capping carnival in Dunedin. 1 here was a great crush, and after starting out somewhere near the Octagon I found myself away down Lower Stuart street. In the course of my tour I met only one Little Folk. It was hard'work starting back in the orchard again. The weather at present is not good for outside work, such as pruning. While m Dunedin I noticed with interest the new Otago AVitness Buildings, also the Star Buildings. AVhen one looks at Dunedin one realises what a number of large buildings there are compared with many others large towns. Football is popular in New Zealand, as is shown by the interest taken in the All Black’s matches in South Africa. They have not given a display of their real worth, but I suppose they have stronger opposition in South Africa than in the Old Country. Love to all the Little Folk .and yourself.—Y’ours truly, BUNTY (Havelock North). ’.[You are fortunate to be able to have such a long holiday, Bunty. Had you seen a capping carnival before?—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Last week we had some rainy days, but to-day the sun came out from its hiding place. A lady and I went to a plain and fancy-dress dance on Friday night. There were not many with fancy costumes, but all the same it was very good. AVe stayed till the end, and arrived home at half-past 2 feeling tired. Do you like dancing? On Saturday night we went to the pictures. They were very funny in some places. At present I am making myself a dress. Love to all _ the~ Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours trulv, LIGHTNING FIRE (Otane).

[I enjoy dancing with a good partner, Lightning Fire. Did you wear a fancy costume to the dance?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To play “ AVhose Afraid of Black Peter ” we stand in a line, and a boy calls out, “ AVhose afraid of black Peter?” Then we say, “Not I,”.and run across before they catch us. I have a football and a cigarette card album. Alolly was seven years of age to-day, and she received three coloured handkerchiefs and two little gramophone records with nursery rhymes on them. I made a railway signal with the Aleccano set. AA z e had three poor little rabbits whose mother was caught in a trap. AVe tried to feed them with milk, but they died.—Yours trulv. BALDER THE BRIGHT (Otago). [I think the records with nursery rhymes on them are charming. Balder the Bright. Y’ou must be a good runner to run so quickly.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,- —Princess Isabel’s Alate’s brother fainted to-day at school. She was at school only two days last week, because she had a bad cold, and had to stay in bed. AA’e have cocoa every day. One boy at our school broke his arm about a fortnight ago. The teacher took him into the hospital in her car. AVe are learning a piece of poetry called “We Are Seven.” Have you heard it? The teacher read it out to Standard 111 and IV to see whether we liked it or not. There were only seven at school for lunch to-dav. —Y’ours trulv, PRETTY COCKIE (Croydon Bush). [I have heard the poem, Pretty Cockie. Are you all learning the same piece of poetry at school? I hope Princess Isabel's Alate’s brother is better now.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have a cow that came in the other day. Could you please give me a name for it? Do you read many books? I was disappointed when I heard that Tom Heeney did not win the big fight.—Y’ours truly, AIRMAN (Pukeawa).

[Call your cow Signal, Airman. I read as many books as I have time to. Perhaps Heeney will win next time.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Alay I join your band of Little. Folk? I read the AVitness every W’eek, and I have been going to join for a long time. I am 13 years of age. and I am in Standard V at school. I have been in bed ill for a little over a ’week. and this is my first day up. I think this is, about the coldest day we have had. I have a small black kitten. AVould you please give me a name for it? We play Rugby and soccer at school. I have just finished a book called “ Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Have you read it?—Yours truly. THE SKY AV AYMAN (Invercargill).

[AA T eleome, Skywayman. I have not read the book you mentioned. Call your kitten AVaney.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have missed only one Sunday at Sunday school so far. I gained first prize at Sunday school for the last three years. The gaiety gala will be here soon. My little sister can walk, and she is growing big. We shall soon be having our holidays, and I shall be glad, because I hate school. Aly father has not quite 200 hare skins this year. Aly brother has a number of hare skins, but mostly rabbit skins. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly.

GILPIN’S AVIFE (Southland).

[Try to win a first prize at Sunday school this year, Gilpin’s AVife. Tell me about the gala.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thank you for enrolling me. AVe have had a few’ pleasant days already, and at the end of this month we shall welcome the glorious spring time. AVe milk a cow which we reared ourselves, and her name is Shona. Aly w;e brother is greatly excited when he sees Teddy and Golly, and he carries the picture round for • days. ’ He is two years and a-half of age. We have some great times

playing on the hay stacks. AVe climb up and then slide down again. I have a number of cousins in the North Island. Some live in Taranaki and Hawke's Bay Province. I correspond with one of them. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y’ours truly. A RAMBLING ROSE FLOAVER (Southland).

[Did your brother enjoy following the adventures of the Chums, Rambling Rose Flower? Do you make houses in the hay stacks?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I should like to join your band of happy Folk. I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. A new school has just been built. AVe live four miles from the other school. Dad has a large sheep run. I am the only girl, and I have two brothers. —Yours trulv, A LITTLE MOON FAIRY (Pukerangi). [AVelcome. Little Afoon Fairy. Have you polished your moon extra brightly lately? It has been beautiful.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l wish to join your band of Little Folk. I have read the letters several times in the AVitness, and I thought I should like to write. I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard V. We are having a new school built, as the other school is three miles away. A cab is provided to drive us to school, but the majority of us walk. Our school teacher is leaving at the end of the year to be married. I should like to have Full Aloon for my pen name. Aly famous hobbies are skipping and reading. I- am reading a book called “ The Rebellion of Afargaret,” by Geraldine Afockler.— Yours truly. FULL MOON (Pukerangi). [Welcome, Full Aloon. You are a clever person to pull the tides as you do. You will be sorry to lose your teacher. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l wonder if the winter weather is over yet? One can notice that the days are longer. The garden is barren of any flowers, except for some French stock and a few' early primroses. I am making myself a new green dance frock, and my sister, HeTter Skelter, is making a similar one for Violet Spray. We have not had a dance here for ages, so we are w’aiting for the next one at which to wear our new dresses. We can have a good view of the road the Government is building up the side of the Blue Mountains from our farm. We can also see a number of the canvas tents in which the men who are employed live. I.was told by Snap that one of. the Dot’s Little Folk family was wanting to correspond

with me. It is rarely I see the AVitness. Kindest regards to all and yourself.— Y’ours truly,

VIOLET SPRAY'S AIATE (Tuapeka). [Y’ou will always be interested now watching the road growing, Violet Spray’s Alate. I am sure the green frock will suit you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am going to high school, and so I generally have a good many lessons. I entered the competitions this year for prepared reading, for which I gained 75 marks, and a recitation (test) for which I gained 73 marks. I am learning elocution, and the last two pieces I have are “The Tempest” and "Captain Oates.” AVe are having our term examination the week after next. Last examination I failed in algebra and geometry. The subject in which I gained the most marks was French. I like learning French, and find it very interesting, although some of the grammar is confusing. This term we came to the new school. There is one big classroom and a laboratory ami a smaller room in it. AVe first-years are in the classroom in the morning and the laboratory in the afternoon. On Wednesdays we have two periods of home science, and we do experiments, in alphabetical order. Little Bell and I are first to do the experiments. I sit beside Lurlien in school. She has not written for about three years. AVe have just read a nlay at school called “Oliver Cromwell.” When we read plays we are allowed to take parts. Our Guide company competed for the Galloway Cup in Alarch and won it. I have gone for the domestic badge, but do not know whether I have passed or not. At Guides each patrol has a garden plot. I am in the Robin Patrol. We have three ducks . and two are laying. Last Saturday night we went to the pictures. The name of the picture was “ The Ten Commandments.” I liked the picture very much,' especially the second part, which was modern. Love to all and your owm dear self.—Yours truly. ZELDA (Southland).

[I should like to see the school, Zelda. Do you like making the experiments? —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —AVe are milking one cow at present, but it generally falls on me to go to the bush to fetch her. I had to chase all over the place for her. She would run through the bush, and I would fall over’ ferns. Then I’d catch her, and sure enough she’d go away from me. I didn’t give in till I caught her. Just about all the people here are rabbiting. I would try too, but I can’t kill them— I’m too frightened. I used to go round my dad’s traps and let the rabbits out, but I don't think I’d do it afein. Love

io all tho Little Folk and your dear lelf. —Youia truly,

RIPTARE (Tihaka).

[You should tie a bell round the cow’s Meek, Riptare. That is done in some cases p New Zealand, and it is a custom in lhe Highlands.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band #f Little Folk? I have just turned nine {rears of age, and I am in Standard 111 {it school. I know Alton Beauty, as she comes to our school. I started music this year, and I like it very much. My best friend is Betty Jo’s cousin. I have been reading the children’s page very often, and at last I thought I would join. We have a dog, a cat, a lamb, and some bantams. Love to yourself and merry band.—Yours truly, DADDY’S PET CHILD (Tuatapere). . [Welcome, Daddy’s Pet Child. Your name was taken. What have you learned >t music?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I have the pleasure of joining your happy band? I have one sister and one brother. I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. I read your page every week, and I Hke it very much. I know a few of your Little Folk. We have one cat and a dog. Last year we had a pet lamb, and when we go to sec it in the field it will not leave us. —Yours truly. SPRING’S YELLOW DAFFODIL (Tuatapere). [Welcome, Spring’s Yellow Daffodil. Your name was taken. What is the name of the cat?-—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have a wireless set, jmd, as it has five valves, we can hear long distant stations with it. We separate twice a day, and I nearly always have to wash the machine. Last Saturday I helped my father pick two loads of turnips for the sheep, so in return he took me to the theatre to see the pictures. The name of the picture was “ The Ten Commandments,” and I liked it very much. A few weeks ago our football seven-a-side team won the cup. Our football team is competing for the Springbok Cup. We won the second match by a margin of 14 points. Last year I entered for a writing competition, and to my surprise I came third for New Zealand, my prize being a book called “ Twenty-six Adventure Stories for Boys.” Love to all and your dear self. —Yours truly, IRVINE (Southland). [Have you read all the adventure stories, Irvine? You must be proud of your football team.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have a wireless set. We have three calves, which we call Star, Ina, and Brownie. I am in Standard II at school, and I came first last examination. My prize last year was “ Brightest Annual.” My brother was excited to know who was going to win the Tunney and Heeney fight. We are going to have a library at school. I was out playing with some friends to-day. We had great fun playing games. We are hearing church on the wireless, but one can’t hear what the man is saying very well. Irvine is writing to you. Zelda has just finished her homework, and she is going on with her letter. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. WEE DOROTHY (Winton). [Have you heard any bedtime stories over the wireless, Wee Dorothy? You should send your birthday date to the storyteller, and he will wish you “ many happy returns.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have just finished practising. My new piece is called “ The Bee’s Holiday,” and it is very pretty. I am reading “ Elsie’s New Relations.” I like the Elsie books. My school teacher is going back to Canada, and I am sorry, as she was such a nice teacher, and used to tell us very interesting stories about Canada. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin).

[Perhaps you will have another Canadian teacher some day. Little Jean. How long do you practise every day?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been away from home for a fortnight, and I have just returned. Everything seems so different. My little brother can walk, and he seems pleased with himself. The bachelors and spinsters of Otipua are holding their annual ball in the Otipua Hall on August 3, and I hope to go. I am pleased to see the All Blacks winning so many games. When away from home I read some good books. I like reading very much. Le Montmartrois writes very interesting letters. I always *read them. I have some good correspondents through the page, and I always look forward to receiving their letters. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BONNIE JEAN (Timaru). [lt is a great event when the little ones walk, Bonnie Jean. Which books have you read. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I should like to join your happy band of Little Folk. I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard IV. We are haying a new school built, and I am very glad, because we have three miles to go to the other school. We have 16 pupils in our school. I live on a sheep run, and I often have a ride on a horse. We have many trusty sheep dogs. My father lost a very valuable dog with distemper.—Yours truly, ROMANY LASS (Pukerangi). [Welcome. Romany Lass. Father would be very sad to lose his good dog. Tell him to read about Black Wing on page 32 of the Otago Witness for July 24. —DOT.] AUTOS. Riptare (Margaret C. Kelland, Tihaka, via Riverton) wishes to correspond with Baron de Beef and Tangle Pate or any Little Folk willing from the ages of 16 to 19 years. Will they please write first and soon? Pretty Coekie (Mary Bannerman, care of J..F. Grant’s Box, Croydon Bush, via Gore) wishes to correspond with Lincoln Green and any other girl Little Folk between 10 and 13 years of age. Will

Lucy Locket’s Mate (Mabel Geary, Taieri Mouth) wishes to correspond with Steele Rudd and any North Island Little Folk willing between 13 and 17 years of age. Gilpin’s Wife. (Alice Henderson, Wendon Valley) wishes to correspond with any overseas Little Folk 10 to 11 years of age. Will they please write first and soon?

Autumn Fancies (May Barbour, Tycho, via Timaru) would like to correspond with any .Little Folk 19 or 20 years of age. Nipper’s Mistress (Lizzie Wilson, Rosebank, Otekaike) wishes to correspond with Daddy’s Pet and any Little Folk 12 to 14 years of age. Sweet Violet (Cathie Pennell, Waitahuna Gully, Otago, wishes to correspond with Mary Gold, Cook’s Cobber, and Effie Bell, and any Little Folk from 20 to 21 years of age. POINTS IN GRAMMAR. The following notes are made in order to help Little Folk to write purer English:—

Got—get.—These are two words which are better left unsaid. There is always another word more preferable, and that is the one to use. For instance: “I caught a cold,” not “ I got a cold.” “We found or received five eggs,” not - " We got five eggs.” Quite. —Almost everybody uses this word wrongly. It means “ completely,” not “ very.” For instance, you may say “ I was quite covered with soot when I fell down the chimney,” because you mean that you were completely covered. But you may not say “ I was quite cold without my coat,” because you men “ very cold,” which is a different matter. Only.—This word must always come immediately before the word it is describing. Say "We are milking only one cow,” not “We are only milking one cow.” Shall. —Every time you use the pronouns “ I ” or “we ” use the verb “ shall ” instead of “ will.” Use “ will ” with the pronoun “you.” For instance: “We shall be pleased if you will come to tea.” Very.—Strangely enough “ very ” cannot be used by itself before a past participle —that is, a word ending in “ ed.” Say: “I was so pleased” or “I was very much pleased,” but not “ I was very pleased to see my first letter in print.” Nice.—The real meaning of this word is a mixture of “ dainty,” “ precise,” “delicate,” “perfect,” and many other similar adjectives. Most of us use it quite wrongly. We may say “It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that it was exquisitely done. But we may not say. “ It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that it was “ pretty,” or “ becoming.” Hence it is wrong to talk of food as being “ nice.” We should say “ tasty ” or “ delicious ” instead.

Paragraphs.—A separate paragraph is not required for each sentence. In one letter received recently there were 16 sentences and 15 paragraphs. None.—This means “ no one,” and so refers to only one person. Hence it must have a singular verb. Say: “None of us was an expert at dancing,” not “None of us were experts.” Number. —This word also takes a singular verb. Say cither “ A number of visitors was coming to see us,” or “ Numbers of visitors were coming to see us.” For.—lf you become confused with this word, take the sentence to pieces, and you will soon seen the right way to use it. “ Mother bought some wool for Golden Hair and I.” Would you say “for I”? No. So you see that the sentence should be “ Mother bought some wool for Golden Hair and me (for me).” DOT.