LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK

Otago Witness, Issue 3883, 14 August 1928, Page 78

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK

Motto. Wo writo for tho benefit qj otlioi’B, nor tor gutboltob. v May I join your happy o? nd i 11 yeara of age and am in btandard IV at school. My sister, Flowering Cherry, writes to this page. I like looking at the Chums, Golly and Teddy. My father is busy digging the vegetable garden. We are milking five cows. We play, football at school, and before our holidays we shall be playing some other school. Best love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, VALLEY OF GOLD (Oamaru). [Yes, you may join, Valley of Gold Do you ever help your father to dig the garden? Are you captain of the team ?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to your page I have been for a holiday to town, and I enjoyed myself very much. I have a new teacher and I like her very much. It is nearly spring and all the flowers a y e coming out. My little cousins are all coming here and we are going for a picnic. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly MOUNTAIN DWELLER (Clydevale). [What town did you spend your holidays in.. Mountain Dweller. I wonder if your picnic will be in the wood?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We are having lovely W'eather here and we hope it will continue. Last Monday a kitchen evening was held in the school for a man who is just married. He was presented with a clock from the residents of the district. There was a dance to follow. There are numbers of Little Folk around here as well as some Old Writers. I have never seen their letters in the Witness for Old Writers Week. To-day my mother,father, Esma, and Barney Googles Girl ■went to Gore in the car, and did not arrive home until 6 o’clock. We have Bible Class, and my sisters, Norah Hayseed, and myself attend regularly. There is to be a Bible Class social here next Wednesday night, so I hope it will be fine. I have not seen a letter from Dad’s Bag of Rubbish for a long time. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, VIRGINIA (Waipahi). [Have you a good leader for your Bible Class, Virginia? I suppose you kept house while your people went to Gore.— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age. I am in standard 111. I am a member of the Brownie Pack. We meet every Wednesday after school. I have been learning music for 18 months. I am a member of the Mustard Club. Love to your self and all the Little Folk.— Yours truly, BILLY SAILOR BOY. [Welcome, Billy Sailor Boy. I had to alter your name, as it was taken. When will you gain your wings? Did you write your letter all by yourself ?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The weather seems to be much better lately, but one can hardly realise that to-day is the first of spring. What did you think of Heeney losing the fight? I was very much disappointed with Heeney. Do you like reading? I like it very much, and I spend many enjoyable evenings reading. I have just finished a book called “Benita,” written by H. Rider Haggard. Have you read it? The All Blacks seem to be doing very well, and I was pleased that they won the last Test match. I am knitting father a pair of socks. I have finished one and I am on the foot of the second one. Love to the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly, NEARLY SEVENTEEN (Invercargill). [I think that Heeney was very plucky to fight for so long, Nearly - Seventeen.. I like reading, but I don’t think I have read that book.— DOT.] < * * * Dear Dot]—l am second top in my class. The carpenters are at school. Some of the children are taught at a house near by, and some are at the hall. I have a -white rabbit, and I call it Snowy. I have a friend who would like to join so I told her what to do. I am hoping to see her letter soon. We play basket ball at school, and I think it is lovely fun. Did you ever play it? I have seen about two lambs. Are you glad that it is spring? We have had very little snow. We are gathering only 16 eggs a day. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A FAIRY LADY (Enfield). [I have played basket -ball once or twice, Fairy Lady. I am glad it is spring, but we .have had a very mild winter.—DOT.] - . * « ■ •. Dear Dot,—We are having : excellent weather at present/ The frosts are very hard; but -we haves good days to follow them. We had a few falls, of snow some

time ago, so about a dozen of us went out on the skis. By. the end of an afternoon I could move along well, and I am now anxiously awaiting the next snow. I went to the pictures a fortnight ago, and they were very humorous. I was at a Ball on Thursday night, but as I had been out fairly late the previous nights; I wished I had stayed at home and gone to bed. I have a new piano, and we spend some very enjoyable evenings dancing and singing. I don’t know what ■ we should do without music away out here in the backblocks. My sister has returned home for some time, so I shall have someone about my o.wn age for company. All the-people have been away for holidays during the easy season. The local school hockey team played a match the other day "with Waikaia School, the score being 3 to l ! '-in favour of the local school teani. There are very few deer stalkers about lately, so the deer are coming in closer to the homesteads. I saw a dead deer for the first about a week ago. I think them verj- pretty animals.—Yours truly KREMO (Waikaia). [Deer are very sensitive animals, are they not, Kremo? Do you play for either of the hockey teams? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We ■ are having foggy weather here just now. My little sister has written to you to-night. She is delighted to think she could join. Her nom de plume is Billy Sailor Boy. The All Blacks are doing much better now. Two of the Alexandra footballers were picked for the travelling team to go up to Nelson and round the West Coast. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.— Yours truly, THE BUTCHERS SWEETHEART (Alexandra). [You must all be proud of your representatives for football. Butchers Sweetheart. I have entered Billy- Sailor Bovin my book.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We were told our places in the Sunday School examination a week to-day. Four girls received 100 marks out of 100. I was -one. I am looking forward with much pleasure to Children’s Sunday on October 10, when we receive our prizes. I hope we are given a book, as I thoroughly enjoy reading. I am now reading a book named “Just Patty," by Jean Webster. My favourite authors and authoresses are Gertrude Page, L. M. Alcott, Amy Le Feuvre, and Lindsay Russell. At school our winter game is basket ball. I have joined the club and like playing very much. I am never in the teams, but act as an emergency. We have won two or three matches this year, but we have not played many. This week we commence our term examination. After that comes a fortnight’s holidays. I am then chief cook, as mum intends going for a holiday. I am looking forward to being my own master for a while. On Wednesday it was my mate’s birthday. She did" not have a party, but she and I went to the pictures together instead. I enjoyed them immensely. I do not like many pictures so I do not often go. I prefer sitting by a cosy fire and reading. I tied for second with a girl friend for the essay in our competitions. I nearly always come first in the examination for that subject. Our garden is looking very dreary. A bunch of wallflower is the only flower out.. What is your favourite flower ? , Mine is either violets or wallflower. Our winter amusements in the town are skating and pictures. Love to you and all.—-Yours trulj-, TROUSER BUTTON (Otago). [I have no favourite flower, but I think delphiniums are very pretty. Trouser Button. You have been winning a number of prizes, and need congratulating.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I went to a friend’s place for the week-end, and enjoyed it very much. I go to school with my friends every day, as they drive a horse. We have two and a-half miles to go, so we have to leave early. We have a new teacher and she is very nice. She is vdry talr. ; We are going to have our term examination next week, so we shall be busy. I won a Sunday school prize a few days ago, and the name of it is “ Clarie’s Charge.”—Yours truly, FLIP’S CHUM (Patearoa)., [I hope you pass in the term examination, Flip’s Chum. You are lucky that your friends drive you to school.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have just read the book “ What Mother Said,” and I am now reading " The Fisherman’s Grandchildren." They are both interesting. We have a new 1 ton truck Reo lorry. I have a new push bicycle. I went to the picture “King of Kings” when it was here, and as I was going I fell off my bicycle and hurt my knee. The next day I could hardly walk. We are receiving two eggs a day. Our spring flowers are beginning to come out. My sister and father played my brother and myself at 500, and we won three games. x They won two. I can play cribbage, euchre, and 500. Midge is going to come home on Thursday. A Young Fawn is fingaged to be married. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. ALTON BEAUTY (Alton).

[Be careful to have a good light on your bicycle when you ride at night, Alton Beauty. You must be clever at 500.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having our quiet season. ‘The cold weather is with us, but fortunately, when everyone is able to make; her own amusements,- we are seldom lonely. There are three of us girls at home, and we are always . up to something or other, especially my two sisters, who are both not long home from Queenstcwn and Glenorchy respectively. They have such a lot to talk about, and the heated arguments that sometimes ensue leave me an amused by-stander. My mother wants me to go for a holiday in the Spring, but I am not very keen just yet, I’ll wait; until later on. . Last year hundreds of travelling tourists took the opportunity of a morning’s dr an afternoon’s car drive bn the Skippers road. Theythought everything so wonderful. ' Some even said the scenery ouf : rivalled that of Switzerland; and numbers came for

a second trip. We keep the tea rooms, and enjoy the work very much. It’s lovely to have such entertaining work in one’s own home. I h'avd never been away from home to work, and do not intend leaving home until we move. I had’a very pleasant surprise last Easter Sunday. You will understand how busy we were. Well, with every car that arrived we all had the inward thought, “Are there any of our friends here?” I have had a number of correspoDdents through your page, but had never seen any of them. This eventful day, however, one of my long-forgotten correspondents asked my dad if I were here. I wondered whoever she was for the minute. Since then we have renewed correspondence. We are very quiet these days—we sit out in the sun all the afternoon doing fancy work, and pass the evenings reading, or playing the piano when it is not too cold. This is an exceptional winter, however. There has not been any snow, and until recently we were having mild spring weather. My wee’ sister Myrtle is such a hard case. Of course, she is daddy’s pet, and it’s really fun to see and hear her ringing up Santa Claus on dad’s ear. If you please, one ear is Mr Santa, and the other Mrs Santa. The latter often speaks out, while the former is always mild and gentle, but baby has such a hearty laugh when Mrs Santa is in a temper. Will you tell “ Elaine,” of the Cosy Corner, that I simply love her letters and will be so sorry_ when the last meeting is over. Likewise, I greedily scan the pages of Old Writers’ Week, and always look forward to reading all the letters. You have some interesting letters from France, and that article about the Nevis by a Standard V student was not missed by me. The dredge at Maori Point has been idle for a long time. It has been in liquidation for the past four or five months. It is now waiting to be sold, but the sale is not yet advertised, although it will not likely be long. Capping Carnival in Dunedin must be an exciting time. —such characters some of them are. those twins, for instance. Kindest regards to you and all.—-Yours truly, R ANGHILDA (Skippers).

[lt mtist have been a pleasant surprise to see your correspondent, Ranghilda. Myrtle must be a darling. Children are verj' fond of make-believe.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in print. There is a young peoples’ ball here soon and we are all looking forward to it. How do you like jumping out of bed these mornings? We have a pup, and he will do nothing but nark if we are not up early to feed him. 1 am reading a book called “ Kilmeny of the Orchard," by L. M. Montgomery. Love to you and your Little Folk.—Yours truly. JESSIE, THE FLOWER OF DUNBLANE (Arthurton).

[I am pleased to wait an extra five minutes before jumping out of bed these mornings, Jessie. What are vou to wear to the ball?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-day makes one prefer the fireside to any other position. It is blowing almost a gale, snowing, raining, and hailing’. There is another newlymarried couple in this district. They were given a tin-canning the night they came home and a clock last Monday night. There were large crowds at both evenings. The school floor has been levelled and we have a good dancing floor. Mum -and I are milking five cows between us in the morning, and one at night. I see that one of my cousins is writing to you. There is another Old Writer in this district, but I am not sure of his nom de plume, as he told me one name and someone .else another. At the gift evening Virginia, Daddy’s Little Bag of Rubbish, her sister, and myself gave a playette, “ A Sudden Betrothal,” and I was the old maid— Susanna Speckle. I have net read many books lately. The last few I have read were "The Joker,” by Edgar Wallace, “John Gresham’s Girl,” by Concordia Merrel. and “ The Watchers of the Plains.” Bible Class is still being carried on here, and there is going to be either a social or a lantern lecture next Wednesday night. The primroses and violets are coming out. The slugs are playing havoc with them. —Yours truly, NORAH HAYSEED (Otago). [I should have liked to hear Susanna Speckle in the playette, Norah Hayseed. Was she a very prim old lady?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I do not like going to school and I shall be glad when I leave. The big schoolboys play rugby football, and I play too. Last Saturday I was learning to ride my cousin’s bicycle. My oldest brother went to Balclutha on a bicycle. I am - pleased when Saturday comes, but I am not as pleased when Monday comes. The two best books that I have read .in the school are “Bunny Brown and His Sister Sue in the Big Woods,” and “Boy Scouts of the Air .at the Eagle Camp.” We shall soon be having our spring holidays.—Yours truly, DAD’S LITTLE COW BOY (Paretai). [Have the boys won any matches, Dail’s Little Cow Boy? ■ Would you like to be an airman?—DOT.] * * -s Dear Dot, —I like reading the Little Folks’ letters very much. . I read all the letters in every Witness. I have caught a bad cold lately, but it is going away. We have a big cart about 3 feet wide and’ about 6 feet long, and it has odd wheels. On Sunday afterpoon my brother aiid I went to the river to gather coal from the gravel beach with our cart. We are milking seven cows in the morning, and four at night. My older brother went to Balclutha on a bicycle this afternoon. Every night when we come home from school we have to bring the wood in. Our tank is empty. We have eight pigs, and we feed them on whey, potatoes, and the scraps from the house.—Your* truly. z ’ •■ ’ the LITTLE GARDENER ’" . (Paretai).

[lt must be handy, to have a’-pile of wood ready for the fire. Little Gardener. Did you fill the -cart with coal?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We shall soon be having our spring holidays, and then I shall be going home. To-day was the first of spring, and it was a lovely day. My bi other has a good deal of his garden sown. I have a little garden of my own, and last Saturday I planted peas, lettuce, radish, and turnips. I also planted kome kowhai seeds, so I hope they will grow. Wc play hockey at school as well as football, but I like football better. We have new books in our library, and I have read several of them and enjoyed them. I am fond of reading. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yourh truly, BYE BYE BLACKBIRD (Milburn). [Have you a good goalkeeper at hockey, Bye Bye Blackbird? I hope your seeds grow. —DOT.] * 4 * Dear Dot, —We are having our examina-. tion at school next week, and I hope I pass well, as I do not want to do any schoolwork during the holidays. The carpenters are at our place building a woolshed, which is going to be all iron. They have only the foundation up yet. and will have to wait a few days for it to set. There was a poultry show in Gore last month, and my father’s workman received four prizes, one first, two seconds, and one third. Don’t you think he did well? His hens were all white. My grandmother bought two pigeons, and they do look pretty. Would you please tell me what is a good thing to feed them with? There was a bazaar at Otama not very long ago in aid of the hall. I won a box of chocolates. They collected about £2OO, which will help them nicely. There is a Sunday School concert at Wendon to-night and my cousin is reciting, I hope they have good luck. I was at Gore on Saturday, and I stayed at night to hear the great singer. William Heughan. He sang his songs better than any singer I have heard yet. Gladys Sayer was with him, and she could play the piano to perfection. I enjoyed-, v it very much. —Yours truly, BEN GOLD (Otama). JT* [The workman did very well, Ben Gow. He must have good hens. Mixed bird seed is said to be good for pigeons.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. Our bulbs are peeping above the ground. Spring is here again, and I am eager to see the first lambs. My sister, White Mist Maiden, and I went to a Salvation Army meeting last night and we had an enjoyable time. Wc were home at half-past 9, and then White Mist Maiden made supper. My little brother has a sore toe. He was not at school to-day, as he could hardly walk. Our school examination is to be some time this month. Love tq all the Little Folk and your own dearself.—Yours truly. SWEET BUNCH OF DAISIES (Dipton). [I hope the foot is better now, Sweet Bunch of Daisies. I hope the lambs have a mild spring.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have four hens, and I receive two and three eggs a day. Would you please give me names for the hens? I was interested in the Tunney-Heeney fight, and I was disappointed that Heeney was beaten. I shall now tell you about Wanganui and our journey down south. Wanganui is a lovely town, and the river is wonderful. One Sunday a party of us went to the rapids in a motor launch, and from there we went through the bush for five miles and saw a great number of wild pigs. A wild boar chased us and we had to climb up trees. We had to stay there for four hours till help came, and we were glad to be safe back in the launch. On the morning I left for the south I was up and ready very early, I was too excited to eat any breakfast, and I hired a car and drove to the junction to catch the express for WeL lington. When I arrived in Wellington, I took my ticket and went on board. It was a glorious evening, and everything was calm. At half-past 7 W'e iveighed anchor and swung out into open sea. We passed one boat going. I did not go to bed till 10 o’clock, and I slept soundly till morning. When the boat came to the wharf I was very glad to be back on land again. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, WHITE MIST MAIDEN (Dipton). [Call the hens Cluck, Speckle, Pickwick, and. Fluffy. I can imagine your excitement at the journey you were about to take. —DOT.] Dear Dot, —I have not been to a football match this year, but we have a good team this year, as they won the * banner. The second grade team is not very special, but this is only their first year. Last night I went to the Young People’s Ball and had a lovely time. There was a crowd there, and it was crushed for dancing. One received plenty of bumps and kicks, and gave more in return. The hall was very artistically decorated with streamers and three hoops with paper flowers on them. An orchestra from Gore supplied very good music, played all the latest songs, and sang some of them, too. We didn’t stay late, only for three dances after supper, and that was just when I was beginning to enjoy myself. I always think it is nicer then. We have Bible Class every Wednesday night, and I always go. This winter we have dealt chiefly with missionary topics, and some have been interesting. Sometimes we senior members have to write a* paper on a certain subject and then read it, and another member takes the chair. I took the chair once, and I felt nervous at first, but I soon conquered it. I was relieved when it was over. Of course, it is only right that we should help, and not leave the responsibility all for one. There is a lantern lecture’ by a missionary next Thursday night, so I may go to it. We have had two socials at our class, one in June and one last week-end. We also went to one at Clinton a few weeks before. The secretary drew up a programme, and we played some good games and had a lovely time, but those entertainments, never continue long enough for me. Do you read much, or’- is- your time taken up with other things? I am a bookworm, but I

do a little fancywork and this winter I’ve excelled myself in that line, but I haven’t done any to my crocheted supper cloth for a long time. The book I have just finished is “Wee Wifie,” by Rose M. Carey, but it was sad. Others I’ve read are “The Man Under Authority ” by Ethel M. Dell, “ The Garden of Allah,” by Robert Wickens, and “ Desert Thoroughbred,” by Jackson .Gregory. I brought two home from the library yesterday, and I shall read one of them next. We have new books at the library, but there are no papers for them, so they will have to wait. My brother was down at the end of June for only a few days. He cut a pile of firewood for our open fire, and we have just about finished it. We have gome good fires at night, and we need them, as it is so cold. We have snowdrops and crocuses out already. They have been out over two weeks. I think they must have thought spring weather was here as well as the month of spring. Last week, we went away up on the hill and had big gorse fires of the gorse the men had grubbed out. There is still more to burn, and more to cut out. I don’t know whether it is childish or not, biit I love a big bonfire.—Yours truly, BETTY JO (Otago). [I read when I find time, Betty Jo. 1 like to see a good gorse fire if it is doing no damage.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —My brother’s dog has four little puppies; We are going to have a Sunday School . concert in September. Some of the children are going to recite at the concert. My eldest brother is a member of the military police who went from New Zealand to Samoa. We have two cows milking. We are going to have our term examination on Wednesday. The cat we have is just called Pussy. Can you give me a nice name for her? Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, YELLOW CROCUS FLOWER’S FRIEND (Kakapuaka). £ [Call the cat Pounce, Yellow Crocus «*3/r lower s Friend. Does your brother tell interesting tales of Samoa?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The farmers are -very busy, ? a they are ploughing their ground, and it looks so much like spring to see the terns following the plough and to hear the birds whistling in the tree tops.— lours trulv, THE RETURNED SOLDIER’S GIRL (Athol). [Spring is a beautiful season, Returned Soldier’s Girl.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—To-day I picked a big bunch of violets. They are very early, lhey don’t come out very quicklv, as they grow at the back of the house and it s very shady there. ‘Last night we were all at a concert at Pleasant Point It was very goo d. Nova Aquilae must be feeling tired, as she has already gone on to bed. Next Tuesday night there are to be a concert and dance held at lycho, so I hope it keeps fine. Our wee nephew Alfie is staying with us. He was three last May. He talks away to himself just baby talk. I am embroidering an afternoon tea or supper cloth. It is made of salmon pink Indian head cloth. I crocheted the edge, and I am now working (all in black) a sugar basin, cup and saucer, cream jug, and teapot. I have half the jug to do yet. It takes a good time working it, as each article has lazy daisy Howers in the centre. I have still the teapot to do. It is the hardest, so I left it till last. 1 hope it will .look pretty when I have finished it. What an interesting letter Stilts wrote to the page last week. She evidently did have a good time. . I go to 1 leasant Point four times weekly to music. I drive, so it takes a good while, as I have about five and a-half miles to go. I saw Poppy Day’s letter in a while ago. Nova Aquilae also wrote lately, so I think it time my letter arrived. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours, truly, NGAIRE THE FAIRY (Levels Valley). [What are you learning at music, Ngaire the Fairy? Your chochet work should look very pretty.—DOT.] * » ” » Dear Dot, —Our neighbour has crocuses and violets out in Hower. The rose bushes and all other trees are having leaves on them. The Glenaray arid Waikaia schools have played two hockey matches this season. Glenaray won the first by 3 goals to I, and Waikaia the other one by 3 goals to one. Two of Glenaray’s players are going away, so they may,, not have any more iriatches, unless they find two more big children, i- The Waikaia ladies have won the cup again this year. The young people of Waikaia held their annual ball on July 26, and it turned out to be a success. The Benedicts are holding tlieir ball in August, and they hope it is a success. I may be going. Love to all and yourself. —Yours truly, NETA LYALL (Glenaray). s [I hope two hockey players can be found, Neta Lyall. I have seen some lovely violets.—DOT.] * . * * Dear Dot, —We had a fall of. snow this afternoon. Are you having good weather in Dunedin. We are having our term examination just now. l am in Standard V, and hope to pass into Standard VI this year. I- have a white pigeon and a dark blue cat. I used to have a white rabbit, but it died very suddenly one day. I have a nephew about four months old. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, . • - J -PETALS OF A ROSE . (Winton'). [Have you seen your . small. relative, ' Petals of'a,.Rose?. -The weatlier, is •very mild in Dunedin. Is the pigeon jealous of the cat?—DOT.]' ■■ - Dear Dot,—My father is. biisy setting traps ' and.j feeding a line at the same time. He says the rabbits will not eat the carrots he put but for them, because there is too much grass • about. . I think the bunnies are wise, too. There were an ■ Oddfellows’ dance arid euchre party in Pembroke about three wooks ago. My

brother drove us down in the car. I received first prize for playing euchre, so I was rather lucky, wasn’t I? There are five men from Henley pulling the old dredge down. It is something new for here to see a lorry passing to’ and fro every day. They are pulling the last of it down. to-day. I have just heard some of it falling. A party of us went down last Sunday to have a last look at the dredge while it was standing, and we took a few snaps of it, I hope they will turn out all right. We had Stormy Petrel to see us this morning. She told us she is going to write to you in Old Writers’ Week. She has been an Old Writer for the past few years now. My little brother fell from the seat of the wagon the other day and landed on his nose. I think he must have nearly broken it. It has turned all black. He looks comical with his black eye and nose, so we call him “ the boxer.” I am thinking about taking a ride up the creek to take the cattle away, because they eat the feed we put out to our milking cows. I have just finished making my brother a pair of mittens. He came from camp last night, and I gave them to him. He was pleased with them, because he said it is so cold driving the car without them. I have to make some for dad yet. The cricketers are holding a meeting in the school on Saturday night to decide for the coming season. Cricket is the only game they play in Cardrona. I often wished there was a tennis court or something for the ladies to have a game. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MEADOW SWEET (Cardrona).

[Yes, you were lucky to win a prize, Meadow Sweet. What was it? I shalli be pleased to hear from Stormy Petrel. —DOT] * * * Dear Dot, —There was a good game of football at Athol on Saturday, but it rained very hard during the match. On Saturday night there was a large number at the dance. Everybody is busy ploughing before the spring.—Yours truly, GUNPOWDER BILL (Athol). [Do you help to drive the team for ploughing the paddocks, Gunpowder Bill? Did you play in the match on Saturday? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We don’t play basket ball at school, but we play hockey, rounders, football, tennis, and plenty of other games. We are having good weather now, but we had a hailstorm on Thursday. We made a bow and arrows yesterday and we had great fun to-day, but we did not shoot anything. Pink Rose Blossom is my sister. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—-Yours truly, A MAID OF ROSES (Otago Central). [Have you made a quiver to carry your arrows in, Maid of Roses? The girls do not play football, do they?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Those Chums are hard eases. Do you crochet? I do and find it is grand for filling in the winter evenings. I have done two traycloths and I am on my third. I have also done a good many camisole tops. My mother was good at crochet. I think everyone should learn. My word. Jazz Bird didn’t keep to her wterd. _ She said she would send the instructions to make a sleeveless cardigan to anyone who would send her instructions to make' a . pair of slippers. That is a good while ago. I sent her the instructions I had to make mine, and she hasn’t replied yet. That is a bad principle. Have you seen pigs a day old? We bred five this year, and I thought they were darling wee things when they were a, day or two old. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLUE RIBBON (Rae’s Junction). [I have seen young pigs, Blue Ribbon. I have no time for crochet, I am afraid. —DOT.] * * * Deal 1 Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and in Standard IV at school. I enjoy reading your Little Folks’ letters. My father has a big sheep run near Mount Nimrod, and that is why our place is called Nimrod Downs. I have a pony called Tricky, and she is very “ flash,” because I have not been riding her for a long time. I like milking cows and riding horses. I have three sisters and two brothers. My father has gone to Dunedin to see his father, who has not been well. ; I am riding six miles a day to school, and like it very much in fine weather. Love to all.—Yours truly, MAID OF THE MISTY GORGES (Albury). [Yes, you may join. Maid of the Misty Gorges. Tricky must enjoy the ride to school as much as you do.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I suppose you have heard of the farmers’ visit to Greymouth? Considering the season of the 1 year, they are exceedingly lucky to have such nice weather. They all seem to be enjoying themselves very much. One farmer said his people persuaded him to buy a raincoat, which is only a nuisance to him here. Most of the farmers have enjoyed the different trips we have raised for them. Last week we had eight ships held up in our harbour. There was not enough water at the bar. Our tug was put up on skids to have a new plate put on her. Something went wrong and the tug could not be taken off, and is still stranded high and dry. Some schemes have been arranged to improve the bar. The ships were held up for a week, but went out to-day. The bar gnd beach have changed- greatly during the last two years. Shingle seems to have- banked up everywhere. On Sunday the memorial for that sad Dobson disaster was unveiled in the cemetery, arid practically, everyone showed their respect by attending the unveiling ceremony. ■ To-day at technical school we cooked the dinner for the hostel children. There are numbers of them besides the teachers. ’ The menu consisted of celery- soup, boiled mutton/carrots and potatoes, and treacle pudding or canary-pudding. -We still practise basket ball at lunch hour and after school. On Saturday we played the Convent school and won by 9 goals to 4.

I have had a letter from my cousin, Sweet Pea, and she is pleased to have some new correspondents. One of my friends had a birthday celebration during last week, and we spent an enjoyable musical evening. There were some beautiful pianists and singers present.—Yours truly,

SUNSET OF THE GOLDEN 1 WEST (Cobden). [There must have been a great number of sailors in your town when so many ships were stranded, Sunset of the Golden ” est. Have you any Little Folk correspondents ?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Yesterday we motored to Kurow and visited the site of ■ the new power development scheme on the Waitaki River. There is not very much to be seen as yet. Houses for the accommodation of the engineering staff and workmen are being erected, but more accommodation will be required before any additional men can be taken on. At present there will be about 100 men working there. It is planned to complete the new power installation in three years. The power station is to be built inside the dam. Yesterday there were about fourteen carloads of people looking round the place where the men intend damming the river. We have experienced a considerably mild winter here this year, and for- the past few weeks it has been like spring. Since last writing I have passed my fifteenth birthday. Just recently I read a lovely book entitled “ St. Elmo,” by Augusta J. Evans Wilson. Could you please tell me whether A. J. E. Wilson is a man or a woman? A friend of mine always speaks of that author as a lady, but I always thought the opposite. All my favourite books are by A. J. E. Wilson—“ Infelice,” Beulah.” “ St. Elmo,” “ Macaria,” “Vashti.” I have been unable to procure “ Inez,” by the same author, but I should very much like to read it too. At present I am working a pair of pillowshams in lazy daisy stitch. I am very fond of sewing of any kind. Dad went to the West Coast with the Otago farmers, and had a splendid trip. Although he has been home to England. Scotland, etc., and nv°r tn .Australia, he had never been to the West Coast ber?- Stilts’s letter was very interesting, giving the account of the holiday. I have entered for a music examination which is to take place about November. My entry may’ not be accepted, as it was sent in a day after the entries closed. If it is too late this year, it will do for next year’s examination. About a fortnight ago the Herbert School football team travelled to Maheno to play the school team there, and defeated them by 14 points to nil. My brother scored the fourteen points for the winning side. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv. GORDON (Herbert). [The author you inquire about is a woman, Gordon—Mrs Augusta J. Evans Wilson, who was born in America in 1838. You are a useful person to have in the house if you like sewing.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and' in Standard V at school. I had a birthday party on Saturday. I had 17 quests at it. We have three cows milking, and. are feeding two calves and 11 pigs. We had 20 pigs onee. I enjoy reading the page very much. What a number of Little Folk you have writing to your page! Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. AUNT JEMINA (Herbert). [Welcome. Aunt Jemina. Tell me about the birthday party. Did you cut the cake?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—l am staying with my grandmother. I left Central Otago some time ago, but I am going back later on. The night before I left I stayed with Lady Clarice, and we went to a dance and enjoyed ourselves. I missed only one dance, and I felt pretty tired the next night after travelling all day in the train. On Saturday night my uncle put the. wireless on and we heard the description of the boxing. The All Black footballers seem to be playing a better game now. I. supnose they are used to the climate. My cousin does not play in every game now. Sometimes he plays full-back and sometimes five-eighth. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly. JUST A COOK (Taieri). [How proud you must be to have one of your relatives playing for the .All Blacks, Just a Cook!. Do you prefer living at Taieri?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—l am pleased to know that I am accepted as a Little Folk; but am sorry that I shall soon have, to be an Old Writer. I wish to confine this letter to an account of cheese-making, and do not know how I am going to tell it all without making it too long, farmers bring their milk to the factory in cans on spring' carts, and it is taken over the stage,- weighed, and run through a pasteurizer into a vat. A vat generally holds about 800 gallons. Colouring is now added in the proportion of 3 ounces to every 100 gallons of milk, and the milk is heated to the temperature of 84deg. Rennet is added in the same proportion. In about half an hour the milk has set into a junket, and is ready to cut. This is done with two sets of knives set in a framework about 1 foot wide and. 2 feet long. The first, the horizontal knife is drawn, up and down the vat, and then the vertical knife cuts across and up and down. The whole is now in curds one Quarter of an . inch square, and the whey begins to come out. With fan-shaped agitators, worked by machinery above, the curd is kent separate and the whey worked' out. The temperature is now'. raised to lOOdeg. When the vat is cut, the whey is tested on an acidometer for acid, and it should register about 14 c.c per centum. The curd is kept stirred for approximately three hours; during which time the acid germ-.is growing and tire curd is;cooking. When the acid registers about 18 c.c. the agitators are taken out,the curd flushed to the top. eiid.. of the vat with a yake, and the whey is'run off.. The curd is piled along each side of the

vat in two long slab), and at this stage is not unlike white rvbber. In 20 minutes it is cut into smaller pieces and turned every 20 minutes fcr two hours. It is now put through a mill which cuts it into curds about the length of one’s little finger. It is kept turned until the acid germ registers 100 c.c. on the acidometer, and then it is. salted. Three pounds of salt to 100 gallons of milk is about the amount. The salt takes about half an hour to work in, and then the curd is placed m hoops, previously dressed with cheese linen, and pressed in a long steel press for about 18 hours. This completes the cheese-making part of the day’s work, and it generally takes about 10 We st a r e work at 7 o’clock and finish at 5 o’clock. Love to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, ACE OF SPADES (Wairoa). [My little Folk will be so pleased to read, this interesting account of cheesemaking, Ace of Spades. Thank you very 1 You will still belong to * DOtT When yOU are an Ol<l Writer. * * * Dear Dot, —It is raining and I think it will rain for some time. My sister is in bed with a bad cold; but my cold is not so bad as hers. My little brother is going to town to-morrow for the doctor to take off the plaster of Paris I hope he will be all right. I have to look after the farm, as I am the eldest at home. We had a kitchen evening last week, so you may guess I enjoyed myself. Love to you and the Little Folk. —Yours truly, THE STORY GIRL (Clinton). [I hope the little boy is well again when the. plaster of Paris conies off. Story Girl.. Did the bride have a big number of kitchen presents?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Our ducks and hens are laying well. We receive nine dozen eggs a week. We have 26 hens and 11 ducks. All our cows are dry. but they will soon be milking again. I have a dear kitten. Its name is Nigger. I have three net sheep. I had four, but one died. We take the Witness every week. We gathered mushrooms this year, but they are all done. Do you like mushrooms? Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours trulv, HIGHLAND MARY (Southland). [I like mushrooms. Highland Mary. Does Nigger catch many mice?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Mum gave me a ferret and six nets for my birthday, and I have not caught anything with them yet. I have only had it for six months. Dad made me a good cage for the ferret. I give it a big bit of meat 4in square and a cup of water a day. I have a ( dog, and it is good for heading pigs. Gentleman Jim’s dog followed him down to the bush, and - he caught a crayfish from the dam. Gentleman Jim put down his slasher, and the dog was playing with the crayfish. Then the dog cut . his foot. Love and kisses.—Yours truly. MUM’S CHICK (Tokanui). [Gentleman Jim must have a good dog, Mum’s Chick. I am pleased that you care so well for the ferret.—DOT.] , * * * Dear Dot.—We have shifted to a bush farm in Tokanui. Igo to Fortrose School and have a ride in the bus, and walk four and a-half miles home. I am in Standard V and I think I am going to leave this year, because I don’t like school. We do not milk any cows, but when the milking season comes on we shall milk 16 cows. I do not milk, because when the cows kick I run away. Gentleman Jim is felling bush, and dad is helping him. We have 15 hens, and only one lays. We have a little pigeon. If you do not wat'-h him b- will q v inside and knock everything down. We had a bantam, but dad shot him because he used to chase the hens. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly. DAD’S OLD LADY (Tokanui).

[The pigeon must be a friendly little bird, Dad’s Old Lady. You must feel very warm when you arrive home at nights. Would you not like to nass P-o--ficiency before you leave school?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have moved from Balfour to Te Wae Wae. We have two little lambs already this year. Daddy has bought a new deg. His name is Bob. Love to yourself and all . the Little Folk. —Yours trulv. DEAR LITTLE SHAMROCK (Te Wae Wae). [ls Bob a quick worker. Dear Little Shamrock? Do vou like Te Wae Wae? —DOT.] ** - SiDear Dot,- —I went to a football match yesterday. It was the final match this season between the senior® teams of Queenstown and Arrowtown. The latter team won by 20 points to 6, and now they have'Yhe cup for the fourth season in succession. The footballers in Arrowtown are good, but we girls are very poor as yet at basket ball. We have had a mild winter, and to-day, the first Sunday in spring, is beautiful. All our bulbs are high above the ground. Our second term test starts to-morrow, and. I am wondering if I shall pass. I suppose we shall have holidays next week. I shall be very busy gardenin'!. I have a doll dressed in white silk. Would you please find a pretty,name for it? Love to all the. Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yonrs trulv: - LADY ALICE: '(Arrowtown). [Call the doll Elaine, Lady Alice. The Arrowtown footballers are lucky to have the cup again this year.—DOT] * * * Dear Dot.—l suppose all the Little Folk are looking forward to the holidays. I know I used to'look; for them weeks before . they came. There are several dozen lambs to be seen frolicking about the paddocks. The weather is like spring. It . is so mild. I. don’t, think - we have had more that two- dozen frosts so far this ; season. My daffodils are all up. Dad hopes it won’t rain,, because he wants to do a bit of .liming before he-, goes-to Nelson,- and he has only a . week to do it; in. This morning when we’ were feeding the cows, we (dad and I)

saw dozens of ducks on the river bed My grandmother and Water Lily went to Gore and Invercargill and surrounding places to see their relatives last Ihursday. I expect they will be away until the end of September at the least. Uad has almost finished the barn I mentioned in my last letter.-' You may think he is taking a long time, but he has been working at it when it has been too wet to do anything else. He has to put down a little bit more flooring and put in a loft. Perhaps next time I write to you I shall have been for my holidays at Rotomanu. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. MATAI BELLE (Matai). [Father is sensible to work on the barn when it is too wet for other work' Matai Belle. Was the liming done before the rain came?—DOT.] - * * * . Dear Dot, —Lanette is away for a fortnight s holiday. The Bible Class members of this district were at a social at Lovell’s Flat last Tuesday night, and I had a very enjoyable time. I saw a letter in the Witness last week by Wrindy, and she is the same age as I am. I enjoy reading Wendy’s letters very much. -We were in Dunedin in the car last Friday. It was cold and wet when we left home, but when we arrived in Milton the sun was shining. I have a piece of music from Lanette, and the name is “ Moonbeams on the Lake.” It is very pretty. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A COW SPANKER’S DAUGHTER (Otago).

[Write your auto on a slip of paper. Cow Spanker’s Daughter. Do you ever practise studies? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Pretty Cockie, my and I are the only ones at home to-night, as my mother and father have gone to Gore. We are sitting beside the fire. I have just done my homework. I like the High school. I take shorthand, and I like it. I am making a machine cover, and after I have finished it my mother said I could work an afternoon apron. I read “ Golden Flower ” and “ The River Baby ” every week, and like both stories. It was a pity that Tom Heeney could _ not gain the championship. I saw in the paper that he is married. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, PRINCESS ISABEL (Croydon). [What will the apron be made of, Princess Isabel? You should try to make a tea cosy.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —My mother is in bed sick to-day. My little brother is five years old, and I suppose my two younger sisters will be lost without him when he goes to school. The Orawia schoolboys journeyed to Clifden on Friday to play football, and were defeated by 29 points to 3. The Clifden boys are Lading for the cup, as they have not lost any games yet. We are receiving from 30 to 36 eggs a day, and we find it a change after having none at all two or three months ago. Lillburn Princess and my brother are going to a dance on Friday, held at Tambourine Dancer’s place. I have left school, and I like at home much better than at school. I always read the Little Folk’s letters in the Witness every -week, and also the Cosy Corner Club letters, which I think are very interesting. I think the new serial named the “ River Baby ” is very interesting. Love to all and yourself.—Yours trulv, AMELIA (Lillburn Valley).

[I wonder if the Clifden footballers will win the cun. Amelia? Do you help much at home? —DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot, —Nearly everybody in Spring Creek has caught influenza. I hope I don’t catch, it, for it is a horrible thing to have. We are starting our second term examination on Monday. Have you seen any lambs in Dunedin ? I have seen a good many in Spring Creek. The Otago representatives are going to play the Marlborough representatives to-day. I think they will win. The sun will shine for a little while, and then it will look as if it is going to rain. Our school concert turned out to be a great success. Best of love to all. —Yours truly, PUSS PUSSY (Marlborough). [I have not seen any lambs in Dunedin, Puss Pussy. Will you be glad when the examination is over?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I t was pleased to see my second letter in print, also yom - kind remarks. I have six correspondents, who all come from the South Island. There is a special week-end in our town every, four weeks —pay day in the neighbouring forestry work. My father and two brothers are working there, and are all 15 miles apart, but are on one end of the block only, so a large area is being planted. There are about 50 camps and about 20 hands in each. Thousands upon thousands of little pines are planted daily during the planting season. The tiny plants are so small that 2000 of them are packed in a benzine case. Every four weeks the men are paid their wages and are allowed to have the whole week-end to enjoy themselves. Great lorry loads •of men come in every few minutes. The majority of employees are Maoris, who, with their wives and children, who are dressed in brightly coloured clothes, wander around, appreciating the rush, and bustle around them. The drapers’ shops are crowded with sturdy workmen, who try to purchase garments fit to stand the rough wear at the heavy work of treeplanting. The music shops are generally crowded also, for Maoris have a passion for music. “ E Pari Ra ” is the name of a pretty Maori song which was sung to their Royal Highnesses the Duke ' arid Duchess of York during ' their visit , to Rotorua. It was sung by a Maori who has a beautiful voice. It has been recorded for the-gramophone. Have you heard it? I shall write the legend in another letter. Love to all the Little Folk and —Yours truly, ' - ~. ; E PARI RA (Mangatapu). [I have not heard the song, E Pari Ra. I shall be pleased to hear the legend.— DOT.] - ■/. -* ■ . * * . - Dear Dot,—l must thank you very much fori .the pretty name you gave my kitten. Yes, he is. very playful. -We play football in the winter, and ~in summer we haw

good fuu sailing our ships at the beach. My brother went to the winter show with the school. I shall be able to go next year if I pass into Standard 111. We have a library at school, and by paying 3d half-yearly we have good books, and can change them once a week. I had a ride on the elephant at the zoo one day. There are some lovely birds, including a beautiful white peacock, which is very rare. The Japanese warships are coming to Auckland to-day.—Yours truly, BILL THE BURGLAR (Auckland). [I shall have a ride on the elephant when I visit the zoo, Bill the Burglar. What is the name of your good ship?— DOT.] * K- * Dear Dot, —My little brother is in the hospital. He likes it because he does not have any lessons to do. We played for the semi-final on Wednesday, but we were beaten by 5 to 2. Our term examination is nearly over, so we shall soon be havingour holidays. I like “ The River Baby,” don’t you? Your page is growing larger every week. Our school exhibition came off well. Have you been to Ross Creek? Last Saturday a stray black cat came to our place, and has stayed here ever since. Have you seen “ Ben Hur.” I saw it twice, and I enjoyed it very much. I er.joy reading the French correspondent’s letters. We call the cat Nigger because it is all black. I like reading “Peeps of France ” and the Little Folk’s letters. 1 am reading a book called “Judy the Tramp,” by Christine Chaundler. We have a number of books at school by that author. —Yours trulv. RAINBOW FAIRY (Dunedin).

[I have seen “ Ben Hur,’’ Rainbow Fairy. I have been to Ross Creek. “The River Baby ” is a good story.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. Thank you for the doll's name. It was very suitable. “ Plucky Patrol ” is a Girl Guide book. I like it very much. My cousin has been away for a week at one of my auntie’s. She is coming home to-morrow. I have just finished learning my lessons, so I thought I would write this. There is to be a gaiety gala in Gore this month. I think I shall be going. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PEARL QUEEN (Gore). [Tell me of the gaiety gala, Pearl Queen. Have you read any of the excellent school stories in “ Little Folks ”?— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —My mother is just recovering from influenza, and was up for the first time yesterday. Have you been to the new picture theatre? I was there last Saturday afternoon, and enjoyed the picture very much. I do hope we have a nice summer. We shall miss the daylight saving this summer, won’t we? I loved it last summer, especially when I was away on my holidays at Christmas time. I am not looking forward to Monday, because we are having some more c'f our school examination. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly, SILVER MOON MOTH (Dunedin). [I have been to the new picture theatre, Silver Moon Moth. Yes, we shall miss daylight saving this summer.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 17 years of age, and I always read your page in the Otago Witness. I have four brothers and two sisters. I have also three step-sisters and one stepbrother. We are milking five cows, and I milk two. I have a sister who writes to Dot’s Little Folk page. Best of iove to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv. HAPPY SUSIE (Clifton)." [Welcome, Happy Susie. Your name was taken. You have a big family. Which games do you play together?—DOT.] Dear Dot. —I trust I may become one of your Little Folk, for I have been reading your page for a long time, and have enjoyed it very much. We have a fowlrun and a motor car. We have an incubator and a number of little lambs. Can you tell me a good name for a ewe? Dad gave me one the other day. The daffodils are coming up, and the hens are starting to lay. Love to yourself and all.—Yours truly, AVA BANANA (Clinton). [Yes, you may join, Ava Banana. Call the sheep Mother Mag.—DOT.] x * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and in Standard V at school. We have four little pigs, and they eat the crop. When we put the dog on to them they turn round and chase it. I am greatly interested in> football, and follow up the tour of the All Blacks, and I sincerely hope they win the next two test matches. Arrowtown senior team was lucky enough to win the football cup for the fourth year in succession. Love to yourself and all.—Yours trulv, MAURICE BROWNLIE (Arrowtown). [Yes, you may join, Maurice Brownlie. The piglets must be courageous little things.—DOT] NOTES. Thank you, Lonesome Lass, for the poem. Do not give up writing. This one is not up to publication standard, but you will always imnrove, and I am pleased when a Little Folk writes or paints or learns music. May I keep the poem’-r DOT. AUTOS. Gunpowder Bill (William Parker. Athol, Southland) wishes to correspond with any. Dot’s Little Folk from 16 to 18 years of age, and requests that they please write first? The Returned Soldier’s Girl (Effie Parker, Athol, Southland? wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 15 t-> 17 years of age. Will they please write first? Krcrno (Evelyn Moffatt, Glenaray Station, Waikaia, Southland) wishes to correspond with Cook’s Cobber, Dad’s Girlie 11, Egyptian Marigold, Sweet Violet, and General Manager, and wishes to remind her old correspondents to write again.

Nearly Seventeen (Margaret Denton. 215 Gala street. Invercargill) would like her old correspondents to write again, and any Folk from 18 to 21. Will they please write soon?

A Maid of the Mountains (M. Brown. St. Patrick's, Balfour, Southland) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk over 15 years of age willing. Jack’s Cobber (Ethel Simpson, Woodend, Awarua Plains, via Invercargill) would like to correspond with any boy friend between the ages of 19 and 21. Will they write first and soon, please? White Mist Maiden (Ida Dipton) would like to correspond with any -Little Folk from 16 to 17 years of age. Will they write first and soon? The Butcher’s Sweetheart (Rita Riach, Box 45, Alexandra) wishes to correspond with Lady Mary. A alencia Raisin, and any overseas Little Folk. Gordon (Violet Cameron, Herbert, North would like to correspond 5(Rh Kipling’s Kim, Avenal Lass, and any Dot s Little Folk about 15 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 either “ 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).” Everyone, everybody.—Each of these words stands for only one person, so it has to be used with a singular verb. Do not say: “Everyone (or everybody) was able to make their own amusements," but “ Everyone (or everybody) was able to make his (or her) own amusement.” They are sometimes awkward words to use, so, if you wish to speak of more than one person and to use a plural verb, say “ all of us,” or “ people,” or some other word or phrase which conveys your meaning. DOT.