Dot's Little Folk
Ipaxidurod'ed qJulzj 16, 1886.
Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout tho Dominion on matters of interest to themselves, the result of their observations in the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested In, of the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, etc. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed, " Doi, care of Editor Otago ’Witness.’' Dot’s Little Folk’s Badge, with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot. Price, 2s 6d in stamps or postal notes. Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Otago Witness Olhce, Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.
THE RIVER BABY By Al. Poynter. (Copybight.—For the Otago Witness ) CHAPTER IX.—PHIL’S PROPOSAL. So it was that the River Baby became a permanent part of their life, much" to the satisfaction of everyone. Even little Evelyn—who, as baby of the household, might reasonably have felt some jealousy at being supplanted by a nameless waif-—was overjoyed when it was officially given out that she was to remain at the, station “ for always.” Puppies and kiltens were delightful little things, but the prospect of a real baby playmate was a joy that she had never before experienced. “ Aunt Sibbie’s baby,” as she called her, was an unfailing source of interest, and she was never tired of practising her motherly instincts in lier service. She was ever at Aunt Sibbie’s right hand, ready to fetch - and carry if desired, or content only to sit still and watch if there was nothing to do. Her own doll babies received even a greater attention than of old, because they became the River Baby for the time being, while Evelyn herself was transformed, in make-believe fashion, into the most tender and careful of foster-mothers.
Willie’s interest in the baby was of a different nature. Tales of goblins and fairies were always uppermost in his mind, and he was fully convinced that the strange entrance of the baby into the family circle was the realisation of a fairy tale, or that one of Hans Andersen’s friendly storks had carried it from beyond seas, and had dropped it by the riverside specially to benefit Aunt Sibbie. The wind and the birds and the tussocks told him strange tales of the baby’s origin, all of which he repeated from time to time to Aunt Sibbie while she watched over her wonderful child, but in spite of many odd theories they never managed to give him any hint of the real story. To Donnie, too, the baby was a strange romantic being, and her imaginative brain wove many pretty tales of both its past and its future. She was very loath to leave the shepherd out of its past, and when Aunt Sibbie laughed at the high-flown stories in which he figured she gave up her ideas with reluctance, clinging instead to the belief that the baby must be a child of noble blood, who had been kidnapped by some revengeful woman, and abandoned at the little lonely hut where she would be successfully hidden from her friends. Some day her relatives would seek her out and claim her, and she would grow into a wealthy and talented woman. She’was concerned, too, that Aunt Sibbie should choose her a name that befitted her future lot in life, but Aunt Sibbie refused to consider the subject at all. “ We will just call her the River Baby for the present,” she said, “and if her wealthy friends turn up they will let us know her name.”
So the River Baby the little one remained. Phil, in town, in the midst of school studies and school sports, also found time to remember the baby with interest, and all his letters . home *. contained speculation or inquiry about her. When the baby’s adoption was finally arranged he was keenly approving. “ She’s a jolly little kid,” he wrote to Aunt Sibbie, “ and she’s precious lucky to find a mother like you. I wonder often how she is growing. Just wait till I come home for holidays, and won’t we have « good time together again!”-.
Phil’s few holidays at Easter were spent with a boy friend, but his longer vacation in May was spent <at home. May was very mild that year, and the weather was perfect, soft still autumn days, with white mists'at morning, and warm sunlight following. Phil came home rejoicing, with little presents for Willie and his sisters, and a roundeyed indiarubber doll for the River Baby She gurgled delightedly when he gave it to her, and Phil’s heart was hers straight away. “ She’s a real beauty,” he said, as she beamed upon him and patted his cheeks with one hand to show her approval, while she clutched her doll tightly in the other,- “and I am glad the pater let you keep her here, Aunt Sibbie. ■ Mother said you would have Heft us if he hadn’t. Would you, really ? ”
Aunt Sibbie nodded smiling though -her eyes were grave. “Yes Phil, but—l didn’t want to.” “ I should think not!” he cried impetuously. “And we couldn’t do without you. Aunt Sibbie, it would have been—just awful!” The smile had found its way into Aunt Sibbie’s eyes. “ Well, dear old boy, I'm glad to know it,” she said. “ Here we are still — both of us—and my little one is as good and happj’ as the day is long.” She bent her head over the baby as it sat in her lap, and her lips touched its curly hair tenderly. Phil’s arms went in a rough but affectionate embrace about her and the baby together, but he said no more. It was that evening that Phil suggested a repetition of Donnie’s scheme for the slimmer holiday. The weather was. beautiful; why should they not go again for a few days to the hut by the river ?, . The children, with Aunt Sibbie, were sitting out on the veranda beside the schoolroom window. Within the room the River Baby lay sleeping in her cradle. The garden was all in moonlight, and fhe night air was mild and sweet with the scent of flowers. Phil’s proposal met with hearty approval, and he grew enthusiastic. “ It was the jolliest time we ever had,” he said. “Do you know, Aunt Sibbie, the thought of it just seems to have haunted me down there in town. I’ve dreamt so often that I was out fishing for a trout for breakfast, br that I was lighting up the fire tc boil the billy. And one night, when it was raining, I woke up, and it took me quite a long time to remember where I was. The rain sounded just like the river running, and there was wind in the garden trees that seemed like the wind in the ’flax bushes. I sat up in bed, and felt all round to find out what had become of* Willie. And I made up my mind that when I came home we woulc go to the river again. What do you say, Aunt Sibbie ? ”
Aunt Sibbie leant back to the open window and parted the white curtains so that she might peep at the sleeping baby.
“I am willing, Phil,” she said. “ I should like to go again.” “ Then we’ll go,” cried Phil delightedly, “ for a day or two, at least—for as long as we can. Will you speak to mother, Aunt Sibbie, and we’ll fix it up as soon as possible.” . . •' So it was that they went for a second time to the hut by the river, little dreaming wliat a momentous thing the expedition was to be to all of them. (To be continued.) PEEPS OF FRANCE. (Special for the Otago Witness.) These articles, from the pen of a New Zealand girl who has gone to France to continue her education, have been specially written for my Little Folk. We hope that after reading them you will have a new idea of a country which, to many of you, is known only as another place to be learned about in a geography lesson.—DOT. XXXIII. CANNES. Mes Petites, —Still the mistral continues, and the days, though sunny, are far from warm. The season has been, for this part of the world, an exceptionally cold one, and for the moment the bathing is at a standstill. A few enthusiastic people venture -in daily, but that is all. The town itself looks rather deserted now in parts. So many of the shops are shut, and likely to remain so until October, when next season’s trippers arrive. The Galerie Fleurie, however, which, as I told you, is one of the fashionable shopping centres here, still carries on, and a dancing floor has been erected in the cleared space around which the shops are built. Here the rank and fashion assemble for tea as before—those of them who still remain—and dancing takes place every afternoon between 5 o’clock and 7. It is very pretty to watch.
The are coming on now, and the cherries too, and very tempting they look in the shop windows, packed artistically into pretty baskets of all shapes -and sizes. Ice creams, too, are
popular just now, and the ice cream carts in the streets are well patronised by the children passing by.' In winter time these ice cream carts are replaced by chestnut stalls, which, needless to say, are very well patronised on the cold days and nights. One can buy a beautiful big bag of hot roasted chestnuts for a franc, and they arc very delicious indeed. Speaking of the franc, it is, as I expect you know, the standard coin of France, amounting at the present time to about the value of an English twopence. Its value has gone through many ups and down since the war, for France’s finance has been in a very sad plight. The value of the franc used to be equal to lOd in our money, so you see what a big drop there has been. The French Minister, Monsieur Poincare, has been working hard to try to put things right, and there seems at present some chance of the franc’s value remaining fixed and not going up or down again for a time at least.
It may interest you a little to hear some more about the French money. It is so different from ours. There are, as I have told you, the francs—yellowish coins about the size of shillings, with the words “ Chambres de Commerce de France ” engraved round the outside. There are also two-franc pieces to be had, about the same size as florins and of the same yellowish hue, and in the way of paper money or notes there are 5-franc, 10-franc, and 50-franc notes —also 100, 500, and 1000. As for smaller coins, these range from 50centime pieces (half a franc) down to the sou, which is worth five centimes and takes the form either of a wee silver coin the size of a threepenny bit or of a copper coin the size of a halfpenny. Of banks there are plenty everywhere, and most English people seem to go for their money to the Societe Generale, which has branches all over France. French postage is most expensive, that is to say, postage out of the country is expensive, amounting in our money to about twopence halfpenny. Postage in the country is cheaper—it amounts to 50 centimes per letter, or a penny —which makes all the difference.
Most French people take a keen interest, I find, in New Zealand, and, as I believe I have already told you, think we Britishers are very enterprising in the way in which we move about the world.
The French, of course, have their colonies, but on the whole their population does not emigrate so much as the English population does. There is not the same necessity, for there is not the overcrowding in this country that there is elsewhere.
'Algeria, of course, is one of the principal colonies of France, and has been most successfully handled and developed by the mother country. “ The Land of Romance,” it is sometimes called, and it certainly sounds most fascinating and “ Eastern ” —so utterly different from Europe, and from European wavs and customs.
It seems to be an entirely new world, full of sunshine and music, with darkfaced men and women clad in long white robes, shady palm trees, and desert, not to mention camels and all the glamour of the East.
There are many French shipping companies, some of which afford delightful trips to Algeria, Morocco, Tunis, and other parts of the French dominions and the East. By one route it is possible to go by a French liner as far as Singapore, afterwards changing and going on to New Zealand or Australia by another boat. For a New Zealandbound voyage it sounds a novel way of going out, and a good opportunity 'for continuing one’s French studies at the same time. You should try it yourselves when you coine for your trip! “ Au revoir.”—Yours, Jeanne. LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK. Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —I have a pussy, and his name is Twinkle. He is a tom-cat. We have no lambs, because we have no sheep. e have had three relieving teachers because our permanent one was ill. and was in hospital. I like reading the Little v oik’s letters. Love to all.—Yours trulv MYTIL’S BLUEBIRD (Longwood). [Does your Twinkle pussy play with you, Mytil s Bluebird? Let us hope your teacher is well soon.—DOT.] * * * _ —^ ay j° in your band of Little Folk, please? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. Poppy of France is my sister. We are playing rounders at school, and I like it very much. I have an old black cat, and his name is Sweep. He is 10 years old, just as old as I am. I went to the brass band concert the other night, an< ? enjoyed it. Love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv MOTHER’S LITTLE WORKER (Dunback). [Welcome, Mother’s Little Worker Mother will be pleased that she has a willing daughter to help her. Does Sweep find his 10 years a burden to carry? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have finished our holidays now, and are back at school again. I am reading a book called “The Cabin in the Clearing.” Have you read it? We are playing cricket at school now. I have a kitten called Tom. Do you think it is a nice name? We have about 30 lambs now. My sister is making a rag mat. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,
THE VALLEY OF GOLD (Oamaru). [I think Tom is a jolly name, The Valley of Gold. I have:not read the book yet. —POT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk, please? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. Poppy of France is my sister. We have three cows and a calf. Their names are Clover, Cherry, Peggy, and Darkie. I have a grey kitten called Digger, and my sister has a black cat called Sweep. It has a sore paw. It was caught in a trap four times. We have eight hens. One hen has eight little chickens. We have a rooster. We are playing rounders at school. The infant mistress started them. We had a chipped .tennis court last. year, but are having a hard tennis court this year. We have just finished our fortnight’s holiday. The boys at school are playing marbles, because they have finished football for this year. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, SILVER-TIPPED FERN (Dunback). [Welcome, Silver-Tipped. Fern. Your name was taken. I hope Sweep’s paw is well soon.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We do not buy the Otago Witness now, but I sometimes see it. My sister and brother both write to the page, but I think they are as bad as I am for not writing. I have been reading some very interesting books lately. I am very fond of reading. I have left school now, and 1 like being at home. I was dux of our school. Aly two sisters are generally dux of their respective classes. The term holidays are over now, and the children are back at school again. It will soon be Christmas again. Many little lambs are to be seen frisking and playing about in the paddocks now. I see the All Blacks have Avon the fourth test. They will soon be home again. Football and basket ball will be mostly over now, and tennis will be starting. Do you play tennis? We have a few flower seeds in the garden, and two or three rows of potatoes. We' have a large number of violets this year. I think spring is the best season in the year. On Sundays we see car after car. going away down to the river to catch white-' bait. Have you tasted whitebait, Dot? I think they are good. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and yourself—Yours truly, SILVER BIRCH FAIRY (Gorge road). [I have not read any of tlie books mentioned, Silver Birch Fairy. I am sorry that I cannot allow you to change your nom de plume. Yes, I play tennis. — DOT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I have often read the letters from other Little Folk, and they are very interesting. My mother was a Dot’s Little
Folk. Her nom de plume was Briar Rose. She has often told me to write, but I have never plucked up courage till now’. I am in Standard VI at school, and I am going up for my proficiency at the end of the year. One of my brothers is talking about writing to you, but hasn’t decided yet. Love to yourself and all. —Yours truly, SATIN SLIPPER (Mabel Bush). [Welcome, Satin Slipper. Does mother ever tell you tales of her old Little Folk dT ‘ :1 b e pleased if your brother writes. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —The farmers’ busy season is here once more. The name spring fits the season well, for we seem to be springing to this wwk and the next all the time. When the cows are in it means springing up in the mornings, springing into one’s clothes, springing out to the shed to milk and then separating, and feeding calves and lambs, too, perhaps. The garden too needs plenty of attention if we W'ould have a garden with anything growing in it. I planted a few seeds to-day, lettuce, carrots, parsnips, and peas. I have the ground ready for cabbage plants. The flower garden is looking all right, although there aren’t many flowers out, just a few primroses. The daffodils are coming into bud, and I ani looking forward to their flowering. The first flowers of the season are always most welcome. The hens like gardening, too, and often give the garden a little stir up, mostlj’ in the wrong places, though. I put an extra piece of netting round their run the other day, and I caught several of them, and clipped one wing. I made sure that I had settled them, but some of them were down in the garden again in about five minutes. The only thing to do with them is to tie them up by the leg. The netting round the run is three widths high in some places, and yet with a clipped wing they manage to climb over. I am breaking-in a black pony cob. Gipsy is her name, and she lives up to her namesake. She is very fond of walking backwards, and if she doesn’t want to go and I try to force her, she goes backwards at a great pace. She isn’t particular about where she backs to either, creeks, fences, banks, and a motor cars are all one thing to Gipsy. She is a great little show-off, for when she sees anyone approaching her on the road, she arches her neck and steps along so daintily. People admire her. and one would almost think that she .knew. To-day she made a dart at dad in the stable, and gave him a nasty knock on the head with her head. Tennis is starting. The daylight saving would be appreciated more at this time ot the year than in summer time. I don’t think I shall have much time for tennis before
Christmas. With spring cleaning, gardening, and the sheep I won’t have very many spare afternoons. Mother and Win of the Mountains were at the Invercargill Competitions during the term holidays. Win was competing, and gained a second place in r class of 20. She was highly commended in all the other sections. She was danciqg at the Gore Gaiety Gala, and won a first and second place, and also a silver cup for the most points under 10 years of age. She is a bit bigger now, and her hats are in danger of becoming too small for her head. I have a pair of horn-rimmed ’ glasses. I don’t care for them very much, but I suppose I shall become used to them. Sometimes when I have_them off I imagine they are still on. One person told me they were like gig lamps.—Yours truly, GIRLEEN (Pukerau). [I had not thought of your meaning for spring, Girleen, but it is an apt one. Your glasses are not nearly as big as those gig lamps, so do not worry.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —It will not be long until I am an Old Writer. I am out working at present, and I like it very much. I was at a Band of Hope on Monday night, and it was enjoyable. Otautau is a quiet place. It is rather flat, but is - surrounded with hills. I am working with a barber at present. We live on the bank of the Aparima River. They are dredging at present. Such a crowd comes on a Sunday to see it. My sister, who is older than myself, is at present in the Tirnaru Hospital. We have a billiard room in this place, and sometimes the players do make a noise. Best love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly/ SISTER SUSIE (Otautau). [Do you shingle hair, Sister Susie? I hope the sister is better soon, and out of the hospital.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We are having our school holidays, but we are going back soon. My brother and sister are starting school after the holidays. A new bus is running from Kaka Point to Balclutha every day. We often have'"a ride in it when we are going to in the morning. It has written on the back of it “ The King of the Road.” The trees are beginning to look green again now that it is spring. A Maid of the Violets and I planted some peas last week, but they are not up yet. We have two little calves. One is black and the other is red and white. Will you please give me names for them? The farmers are busy working in the fields making the ground ready to sow the crops for the animals in winter. The cows are all calving. We supply the factory with milk. The Paretai factory is a cheese factory. Every night after school, the three oldest girls have to sweep the school, each taking a turn, and I am one of them. We are digging the school garden ready to sow vegetables later on. I love reading the Little Folk’s letters. On Wednesday, when the Otago Witness comes, we all make a rush to see it. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GOLDEN HAIR (Paretai). [You will not like to sweep the school •when a big wind blows all the dust back again. Golden Hair. Call the calves Blinker and Domino. —DOT.] " . * * * Dear Dot, —All the spring flowers are out again. We have daffodils, primroses, and shamrock out now. We are going to put in some, sweet peas soon. We have some peas up, but that is all the vegetables we have in. The cows are all beginning to come in. We have six in so far. We feed two wee calves. One is black and white, and the other one • red and white. We have commenced Sunday school after seven weeks’ vacation. The school here has been closed for a week, but the children are going back on Tuesday. One of my brothers was six years of age on August 21, and my smallest sister was five years of age on the 29th. I should very much like to see your new office. I think it must be a very pleasant one. Aren’t the Chums a pair of mischiefs, especially when Golly called an eagle a “whopping chicken”? We receive one or two eggs a day. We have only seven hens. Whitebait are beginning to come up the river, and many people are netting them, I am very fond of whitebait. I baked some buns yesterday, and they were good. I have not had much experience at baking yet. I wrote to Riptare’s sister to-night. I received a letter from Gordon last week. I don’t know what has happened to Cottage Flower and Cuticura Girl, as they have not written for a long- time. I am looking forward to the Old Writers’ Week, but that will not be for a white yet. The serial about “ The River Baby ” is very interesting, also some of the other stories in the Otago Witness. The All Blacks are doing better now. Heeney did his best, although he did not win. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A MAID OF THE VIOLETS (Paretai). [Two rivals cannot both win, Maid of the V'nlnts. pn4 von spoke correctly about the boxer. Did the brother and sister cmebrate their birthdays together?— DOT.] * * * Dot.-—Mv sisters are going to write to you. We had eight little chickens last Sunday. Our fooball team won the banner this year. It -is the second year that they have had it. We have started Girl Guides in Dunback. We have not our uniforms yet. We went back to school this'-yveek, after a fortnight’s holiday. I had a fluffy cat, and it went away last year. On September 1 it was my father’s birthday, and I gave him a tie. We have a photograph of the All Blacks. Our tennis season will soon be started. We had chip courts last year, but we shall have hard ones this •'year. I am working a duchess runner.—Yours truly, POPPY OF FRANCE (Dunback). [Write an auto on a slip of paper, Poppy of France. Are you working the runner in colours or is it a plain white one?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I am seven years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. We are milking one cow. I have a little tiger cat, and will you please give me a name for it? _We start school on Monday. I passed in my examination. We have a crystal wireless set. —Yours truly, - BLUE BUTTERFLY (Ida Valley).
[Call the cat Tibet, Blue Butterfly. Can he catch mice? Which stations can you hear on the wireless?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,- — "We go back to school this Tuesday, and worst luck it is my birthday. We had three weeks’ holiday this time. We werd all at Middlem'areh on Tuesday. I am just recovering from a bad cold. Yesterday when they were putting bags of lime in the woolshed the floor broke. There were about six tons on it. Our boys’ dog, Jack, has distemper.—Yours truly, A LITTLE MOON FAIRY (Castle Hill), [I am sorry Jack is ill, and I hope he does not die, as so many dogs have, through distemper, Little Moon Fairy. You will have to work well at school the first day, as you must not spoil your birthday.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have been, in town for a long time. I went to nearly every picture, and I liked them. I came home on Thursday. Our pups are big and fat. Mother brought home two new records. They are called “What Will We Do On a Dew. Dew, Dewy Day ” and “ My Treasure.” I like them. Thank you for the badge. We had a. canary. We put it in a cage, and in the morning it was dead. _ I was sorry. Love to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, ROMANY LASS (Pukerangi). [The canary must have fretted himself to death, Romany Lass, for I am sure you were all kind to him. Have you worn your badge yet?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have a six-valve wireless set. I am staying at my friend’s place. I had a tooth pulled on Monday. I took painless. I am nine years of age, and I am in Standard 111 at school. There are only two of us in Standard 111. We are milking four cows. We start school to-morrow, and I am glad. My two friends have just written to you. I hope to see my letter in print.—Yours truly, TALL MOUNTAIN DAISIES (Ida • Valley). [I am glad you like the school, Tall Mountain Daisies. Did it hurt to have the tooth pulled?—DOT.] _ * * * Dear Dot, — May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have just come home from my auntie’s place. I was over looking after the little children. They were very good when she was away. We have only one cow. as we had a sale about a month ago, and sold all our cows, horses, and sheep. I like our new school master. I have five sisters and five brothers. My sister is going to Australia soon. Love to your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, NANCY LEE (Waikaka). [You are welcome, Nancy Lee. You must make a good nurse.—DOT.] * * -StDear Dot, —I have my mate staying with me just now while my sister is away. We have had a fortnight’s holiday. My brother has a crystal wireless set, and can hear many different places. We have not many flowers out. We have only primroses, pansies, and wallflower. My eldest sister has a Brownie camera. I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard IV. On Sundays I go to the Sunday school. I passed in my last examination.—Yours trulv, BRAVE JOAN OF ARC (Ida Valley). [Can you manipulate the wireless set, Brave Joan of Arc? Did the holidays pass quickly?—DOT.] * * -stDear Dot. —We are milking only one cow at. present. It will be the last euchre night in our district on Friday night. I passed in our second examination this year. We collect between 13 and 14 eggs a day. I was up at my friend’s place to-day. I have had a cold this year. I am in Standard V at school, and I hope to be in Standard VI next year. We have a man teaching at present. There are 25 going to our school. —Yours truly, GLORY (Ida Valley). [You are lucky to obtain so many eggs each day. Glory. Do you like going to school?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. My big brothers have chickenpox, and hail to stay in bed for a few days. I am reading a book called “ Peg at the Rookery.” We receive the Otago Witness on Thursday, and I like reading the letters. I live on a fruit farm, and the early plums are in bloom. Dad is very busy just now spraying the apple and pear trees. Spraying is not very pleasant work. Very soon the orchard will be in full bloom, which is a pretty sight. The meaning of my name, Riwaka, is “ a resting place for canoes.” We have many spring flowers out, primroses, violets, pansies, daffodils, and a big bed of anemones.—Yours trulv. RIWAKA (Nelson). [Welcome, Riwaka. I think Riwaka sounds well, and has a beautiful meaning.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I notice your page is becoming larger week by week. Our school teacher has been seriously ill, and we had two relieving^teachers. As they had to go away, we are having another one after the holidays, which are now drawing to a close. We shall be so glad when our own teacher comes back, as we do not like a change of teachers. The spring flowers are beginning to bloom, and we have wattle, violets, and daffodils out. Love to all and your own dear self.— Yours truly, LASSIE FROM LANCASHIRE (Longwood). [ls you school a large one, Lassie From Lancashire? Spring is in some ways the best season of the year.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I think this is my last year at school, so I intend to sit for my proficiency, and I hope to obtain it. We shall have six cows milking this year, and I suppose I shall have to take the milk to the factory, and fell bush. We are having a new teacher after the holidays, but he is only for a few months. We played Thornbury at football, and lost by only 3 points, the score being 6 to 3. It was a good game. We hope
to win when we play the return match. I was sorry Heeney lost in the championship boxing, but let us hope he will win next time. Love to all.—Yours truly, ENGLISH JUMBO (Longwood). [ls there much bush round where you live, English Jumbo? I hope you pass your proficiency examination.—DOT.] » * * Dear Dot, —I am back in town once again, having been at several of the outstations, and also had my annual holidays since last writing. I was on night duty-for six weeks until I foolishly caught influenza, and that ended those nights, which I did enjoy. It is. great to be creeping around the darkened ward with everyone sleeping both there and in the world around, but I must have cat’s eyes, I think, as I liked it greatly. We have started tennis. I have had a number of games, and it’s good to be once more on the freshly-marked courts. When home one day I went to the last day of the gaiety gala at Gore, and enjoyed it too. The afternoon wasn’t too exciting, the weather being windy and fresh, but the night was great. I enjoyed every minute of it. Of course I was dressed up for the evening, having a Red Devil costume with bells all around and black feathers in my cap. My sister was pretty. Her costume was an Hawaiian one, and the boys were the usual cowboys with fringed pants and. pistols in their belts. It was 12.15 when we left Gore to the strains of “ Auld Lang Syne,” played upon the cornet away up about the sixth story of the flour mills. I have been to a number of balls and parties this season. Our annual ball here was the usual success, and we all enjoyed it immensely. There is some talk of the boys giving us a return one. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly. YOU KNOW (Invercargill). [You are an unusual person to like night duty, You Know. Most tennis players have begun the game here. See “ Points ” with regard to “ quite.”—DOT.] Dear Dot, —I am going to the Gore High School, and I stay at the hostel. We do not start school until Tuesday. We have had very windy weather here lately, and the wind has not gone down yet. A gala was held at Gore last week, but I was not there. The people are thinking of having swimming baths at Edendale. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly. FLORENCE THE NIGHTINGALE (Edendale). [Which subject do you like best at school, Florence the Nightingale. Will you be pleased if swimming baths are put in?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your page? I am eight years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. I have two small sisters, Phyllis and Evelyn, and two brothers, Leslie and Lex. We have a mischievous wee pup, and we call him Rix, and we have a black and white cat. His name is Spotty. My birthday was in August, and I received three fancy handkerchiefs, a ■ pretty pinafore, a green comb, a cardigan, and a pair of stockings. I was a flower girl at my cousin’s wedding, and I had a gold bangle given to me. My father started shearing on Wednesday, and he shears till after Christmas. My nom de plume is the name of my uncle’s race horse.—Yours truly, DAPHNE DE ORO (Balclutha)., [Welcome, Daphne. Have you put your bangle safely away that it may not be lost? Write in ink next time. —DOT.] * « * Dear Dot, —I was pleased when I read last week’s Otago Witness to see my first letter in print. We are having a basket ball match on Wednesday, and I am playing jumping centre. Do you like basket ball? The ground was covered with a slight fall of snow this morning. I went to the Gore gala, and spent a very enjoyable evening. I have finished reading “ Miss Billy,” which is one of my favourite books. We have ,a - wireless set, and have very good results.— Yours truly, VIOLET VALE (Southland). [I have often -watched games of basket ball, and it seems to be a very interesting game, .Violet Vale. Is “Miss Billy” written by the same author as “ Miss Bobby.”—DOT.] * * •* Dear Dot, —Our holidays are over, and we are at school again. Lambs are to be seen about the countryside. On Saturday I went to the tournament on my bicycle, and it was a long way. I read a great number of books. The last I read was “ The Heritage of the Desert,” by Zane Grey. We received 500 fruit trees from Australia the other day, and they were in blossom when they arrived. My father has a new bicycle, and he thinks it is a good one. He gave me his old one. Best wishes to you and all.—-Yours trulv, OLAF THE OUTLAW (Clyde). [You are lucky to be given a bicycle. Olaf the Outlaw. Have you planted the fruit trees yet?—DOT.] * * # Dear Dot, —We are having changeable weather here. One minute the sky is cloudless, and the next minute it is pouring. so it isn’t safe to go out without a- coat. I went to a party last week, and had a good time. I also went to a dance. Have you seen the picture “ Seventh Heaven? ” I have, and I thought it very good. I have just finished two books “ The White Dove ” and “ A Study in Shadows,” by William J. Locke. I read “ Jeanne’s ” letters from France, and I think them most interesting. Our basket ball season has now ended, but tennis and swimming will soon be here. Love to you and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly. ANGELINE (Hawke’s Bay). [I shall print ’•our auto, Angcline. I saw the picture, and enjoyed it also. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, — ~We started school last Tuesday. I am sewing a nightgown at school. Dad went to Dunedin on Friday morning to see the football. We played basket ball against Lowburn and won. Lowburn are coming here soon, and we hope to win again. It is very windy to-night, and I think it is going to snow. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, A PRAIRIE CHILD (Central Qtago).
[Tell me the results of tho return basket ball match. Prairie Child. Is your sewing coloured or is it white? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have taken an interest in the page for a long time, so I am asking if I may become one of your members. I am 16 years of age, and I am at service. I am housekeeping, and like it. It is cold, but I don’t feel it, as I’m sitting in a big armchair by the fire. I go to dances, but I have had a bad cold, so I have not been to any lately. There are numbers of people wearing the Mustard Pot, and I’m included. I have the washing to do to-morrow. Love to your page.—Yours truly, CANDY SUGAR (Canterbury). [Yes, you may join, Candy Sugar. I had to alter your name, as it has been taken. Do you wash all by yourself? —DOT.] » * * Dear Dot, —I received 18 letters yesterday and seven two weeks ago, and I can’t possibly answer them all, so I doubt if I shall answer any, as I should not like to answer some and not answer all. I appreciated every letter that I received, and I thank you one and all for writing. As it is not possible for me to write to all of you, I shall try and answer the questions that most of you asked. First, my name is Helen, so you see I am a girl, as a number of you asked if I were a girl or boy. I am 20 years of age, and I-am sft 2in in height, have brown wavy hair (long), and hazel eyes. I weigh about 1001 b. I like to read a great deal, and my favourite authors are Temple Bailey, Grace Livingston, Hill Lutz, Harold Bell Wright. Zane Gray, and James Oliver Curwood, so you see my taste is quite contradictory, as I like a mixture of books. I also like to read magazines such as The American, Good Housekeeping, Liberty, Saturday Evening Post, and the daily papers. It has been so long since I last wrote to you that I have almost forgotten what I told you about the shipyard. Did I tell you that in the laboratory where I work we test paints that go on the ships, and also test copper, tin, iron, steel, etc.? It is very interesting to watch some of the tests. I have to write up the reports on some of them. We have a contract for the sister ship of the Virginia, which was the sister ship to the California. We are going to launch the Virginia on the 15th. so I suppose we shall have a big day of it. I shall try to write to you all about it. Have you ever seen a big launching? They have a band or two playing, and the yard is open to all the public. There are exhibits from the different departments. If there are some small boats and then a large one to be launched, the small ones are launched first, and it is very exciting when they start knocking the props from under the boat, but the most exciting part is when the boat starts to slide into the water. You hold your breath until it is floating safely, because there is always a danger of its capsizing. I do not remember any of the boats built here doing that. We have a big oil boat- in here now being painted. It surely is a nice boat. We are having some hot weather here now. Last week the thermometer registered 105 deg. in our office. Do you see how we could stand that heat? I don’t, but it is much better now. as we have had some rain. I haven’t been in swimming very much this summer. It is dog days now, and it is dangerous to go in. The stinging nettles are terrible this year. So far I have been rather lucky, because none have stung me. I am going in to-day after work, and I hope that the stingers will let me alone. If the Little Folk and others who wrote to me will each read this letter I think most of their questions will be answered. If they will continue to write I shall write you, Dot, in answer to their letters, as I cannot write to each one separately. Every once in a while I will write about the things of interest that are happening over here in America, so maybe some shall write to me anyway, and who knows maybe sometime I shall be able to answer some of the letters.—-Yours trulv, AMERICAN ROSE (Hampton, United States). [You must be fond of animals if you like to read James Oliver Curwood, American Rose. We should like to see the big ship launched. Tell us about the stinging nettles. Have you many good places for bathing?—DOT.] * * . * Dear Dot.—The ground is covered with snow, and it is bitterly cold. It’s lucky it was not like this last week or Gore’s Gaiety -Gala would have been a failure. The gala was a great success. I went on Wednesday afternoon, stayed in Gore all night, and came home the next afternoon. One of the boys at the place I was staying at plays in the brass band, and, as he was wearing a fancy costume. I was dressed in his band uniform. It was just the right size for me, and looked very’ nice.. I had a lovely time that night, and it was about half-past 12 when I went to bed. Next morning I could hardly walk, as my legs were so sore. I went again on Saturday night. I wasn’t in fancy costume on Saturday. I am still learning dressmaking, and I think I shall make my summer frocks. I am thinking of saving up my money and buying myself a steel guitar. We have had our house done up lately, and we installed an electric range. It is a great boon compared to the coal range, but this morning when I went to cook the breakfast I found there was no power as the result of the storm last night, so I had to cook the breakfast on the open fife. I have been to a number of dances lately, including two balls at Mataura. We held a ladies’ Leap Year ball here, but we had it the same night as the hockey ball in Wjmdham, and we were about £3 out of pocket. Our bachelors’ and spinsters’ ball is on Wednesday night, and I am looking forward to it. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SWEET VIOLA (Mataura). [Has the brass band been playing at any’ concerts. Sweet Viola? The Albany Street School Band has been giving concerts at different places in Central Otago. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Our holidays jfre over, so we are back at school. I went away for nearly a fortnight, and I enjoyed myself. My sister has been married, and she received a number of lovely pre-
sents. We are busy spring cleaning. We have seven cows in, so we shall soon be starting the factory. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv. SUNBONNET SUE (Wyndham). [Do you drive the milk cans to the factory when it opens, Sunbonnet Sue, D< DOT < ] llr SiStCr Hve at Wyndham > too? *. * * Dear Dot, —I have been reading the letters lately. The Oddfellows had a church parade at the church to-day, but the ground was covered with snow, so the attendance was not very good. I have been back at school a week since the holiday's, which I spent in Dunedin, Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FOXY (Warepa). [lt was unfortunate that it snowed for the parade, Foxy. Did you visit the site of the Exhibition when you were in Dunedin?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at Archerfield College. Just at present we are having our three weeks’ holiday. I am staying in the country for a holiday. Last week the. chaffcutter came here, and I took the men’s lunch down to them. It was a great pleasure to see the machine cutting the hay. We have a little pet lamb here, which has lost its mother. The mother was paralysed in the back legs, which prevented her from walking, In the end she died. The little lamb is fed about five or six times a day. Will you please give me a name for it? We have two geese sitting and one laying, I love the country. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE SEA SLAVE (Dunedin). [Welcome, Sea Slave. Yours is a fine school. I am sorry' to hear that the* sheep died. Call the lamb Gambol.— DOT.] * * -itDear Dot, —I have been to the beach since I wrote to you last, and I had a good time. My two brothers went to Dunedin for their holidays. I stayed at the beach for three days. I had toothache both nights, but when I went home I had the tooth out. Then when I came back home another tooth began to ache, so I went back the next day and had that one out, and I had no more toothache. I wish Maid Muriel would hurry up and write to me. Yes, I am performing in the concert. Before we had our holiday we had our examin-ation.—-Yours trulv, YELLOW CROCUS FLOWER (Kakapuaka). [Did you find any shells at the beach. Yellow Crocus Flower? Did you pass your examination? —DOT.] « • • Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I first wrote. I am in Standard IV at school. We have a good teacher. There are 18 children going to the school. I do not read much. I have read “ Treasure Island,” and I found it a very' good book. I am now reading “ Huckleberry Finn.” I was away for a few days in the spring holidays. I enjoyed, them very much. I was in for a swim about a fortnight ago, and the water was very cold, so I did not stay' in long. I am glad the All Blacks beat the Springboks. Love to all.—Yours trulv. LONG JOHN SILVER (Otago). [I like your choice of books. Long John Silver. You are a brave child to be swimming in this weather.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We are enjoying beautiful spring weather, and I hope it continues. I am taking the commercial course at Columba College, and I like it very much. My favourite subject is bookkeeping. I think it is very interesting. We commence our third term on the 18th of this month. Last term I had the good fortune of being in the A hockey team which won the cup for the season. Next term we shall be playing tennis, which I like very much. I expect y r ou will be interested in the Tasman flight. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.— Yours truly. A SPORTSMANLIKE GIRL (Southland). [You are a' sport to be in the A hockey team, Sportsmanlike Girl. You will be pleased to know that the aviators landed safely.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —Queen Heather was in town last week having her teeth out, so I was chief cook. 'I like reading the stories in the Otago Witness, especially “Golden Flower.” Most of the farmers have lambs, but I have not _ seen any yet. The daffodils and narcissi are in flower. I have just been reading a book called “ Carpenter and King,” by Anna Maxwell. We have most of our vegetable garden in. Queen Heather went in for a swim the other day. She said the water was cold. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, LUCY LOCKET'S MATE (Taieri Mouth). [Have you been for a swim yet, Lucy Locket’s Mate. Queen Heather must not swim until her teeth are well. —DOT.] * * * - Dear Dot, —We are having cold winds these last two days, and it rains at night. I have just come back from a holiday. I went to my’ married sister’s place on the Taieri Plains, and I minded the baby for her while she was washing. He is a big baby’ now, and can nearly walk. I was.in Dunedin twice, and the second time we went to the Gardens. They were beautiful, but not so pretty as they are in summer. We were in the fernery’, too, and the flowers were pretty The goldfish are pretty when they are swimming about in the water. When yve came from the Gardens, we went to catch the train for Port Chalmers. It is an interesting place too when tho harbour is all lighted up at night. I had lovely weather all the time I was away. We had a frost nearly every morning. We are milking 23 con’s, and I milk tyvo of them. Can you milk? It is not nasty in fine weather, but it is ayvful when it is raining. All the fields are looking green, and the little lambs are frisking about. The floyver gardens are pretty’ with the daffodils, violets, and primroses. Love to all and your owndear self.—Yours truly, HOOK-ITE (South Canterbury).
[I cannot milk, Hook-ite. Were there any big ships in the docks at Port Chalmers? Did you go in the maze at the -Gardens? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have been having very cold weather these last few days. There are a number of people wearing Mustard Club badges. The All Blacks did well in their matches against Africa. Do you like football? I wonder -when Russian Violet is going tw■write again? The fire engines were kept busy on Sunday with fires 'Have you read “ Sisters of Silver Creek”? The gardens are looking pretty now that the primroses and daffodils are out. Love to all.—Yours truly, STARGLEAM (Roslyn). z [I enjoy watching football matches, (Stargleam. No, ■ I have not read that story. Do you like watching the firemen gt work?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join .yom’ happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age, and I am in Standard IV. My mother is in Oamaru having a holiday,.but she is coming home on Sunday night. We have about 50 lambs, and most of them are twins. I like reading the letters from the Little Folk, and I like looking at the Chums’ Adventures. I am reading a book called “ Dog Crusoe.” Have you read it? I was at a football match between Five Forks and Weston Pirates. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SUNDOWN SLIM (Oamaru). [You may join, Sundown Slim. Yes, I have read the book you mentioned. Have you any pet lambs at your place?—DOT.] X * * Dear Dot, —It has been miserable for the little lambs in the snow. We have a number, and it is a busy time for all the farmers. The cows are starting to come in, and the factories are all started ■About here. We are lucky. We haven’t any cows in. We are milking three,, at present. I went in to Invercargill to see Southland and Otago play football, and it was an interesting game. Dad and a cousin of mine from Dunedin went to see the boxing in the evening. My cousin and I went to the pictures. The name of the picture was “ Mother Machree.” It was a very sad one. I am going in to see “ The Belle of New York.” I think it should be very good. My sister knows the young lady who is acting. I have just finished pen-paint-ing two cushion covers. I have never had any lessons. It is just what I have learnt myself. I was at Copper Nob’s place a week ago visiting her, and she has some beautiful tatting done for herself. Anges’s Comrade has done some stencilling on cushion covers, and I think I shall start it also. We are having an “ old timers’ ” ball on Friday night. It is the finish of the quadrijles. I hope it is a huge success. We were all at a tin-canning a week ago, and had a most enjoyable evening. A girl friend and myself were at a send-off out of our district playing for the dance. It is quite a distance from here. I find it very hard to find suitable waltzes. I should be very pleased if any Little Folk could tell me some names for the dance mentioned.. —Yours trulv, APPLE BLOSSOM DRYAD (Seaward Downs). [I hope the bad weather has passed when the lambs appear. Apple Blossom Dryad. Perhaps some of the Little Folk can name some waltzes. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Thanks very much for the badge. I often wear it. This morning when I awoke I saw, instead of a green, a white world. The people about here have very little water, so I suppose they will be glad of this. Yesterday we played basket ball against Milton, and we finished with a draw. I was at Gore for my last holidays, and there is no need to say that I enjoyed them. I saw my brother’s letter in last week’s Otago Witness. I am reading an interesting book by Zane Gray called “ The Heritage of the Desert,” and I have just finished “ The Lone Star Ranger. Kind regards to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours trulv, SUE SUNSHINE (Stirling). [Which other books have you read, Sue Sunshine? Have you won many basket ball matches?— DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard .IV, We are milking seven cows now, and at the end of the year we shall be milking about 40. The' tennis season has begun. It was snowing here to-day, so it was very eold. v There has been no Sunday school for two or three Sundays, as most of the children are away for holidays. My playmate and I sweep the school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday nights. Love to all. —Yours trulv, INK WELL (Southland). [Yes, you may join, Ink Well. Do you help to milk the cows at night and in the morning?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —As I, have been reading the page for some time, I thought I should like to join, too, if you will accept me. I am not working at present. I am going to a fancy dress ball in a fortnight’s tune. I am fond of reading, and I have read some good books. We have been having cold winds these last two or three days. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, GOLDEN HOOF (Dunedin). [Yes. I accept you as one of my Little Folk, Golden Hoof. I Jiad to alter your name, as it had been taken. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —It has been snowing thickly off and on all day. It is comforting to be able to sit inside toasting one’s self beside a good fire. Since taking up school again after the term holidays, we have played neither basket ball nor hockey, as it was rather hot. We have had our tennis meeting, and elected the members but haven’t played yet. There are all new rackets to be bought this season. Some birds have begun and some finished building nests. Some have even laid eggs. When I was smaller I used to go bird-nesting, but, of course, I am too old to bother about birds’ eggs now. There is in our place an upturned kerosene tin on a post in which a sparrow has built a nest. It must be rather a wise bird, "I think. It will be well sheltered from the snow, whichxjs still falling heavily. At school we are commencing to make a flower garden, as wc haven’t
had one before while I have been a pupil. YVe have a thick border of snowdrops, which were very pretty, but which are now going off. The crocuses were pretty also.—Yours truly, BUTTERCUP LASS (Lawrence). . [I hope you have good new rackets, Buttercup Lass. The sparrow must know that the owners of the kerosene tin will not harm her. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —This is the last time I shall write as a Little Folk. I first joined your page over five years ago _l_ have always been keenly interested in all the letters, and shall continue to be, although I shall be an Old Writer. During all the time since my naihe first appeared on the page, it has remained a mystery, and causd a great deal of speculation as to who the writer could be who seemed to know so many names, but I’ve managedto conceal my identity right up till now, my time of retiring. I have been having a good time, and have spent a number of days motoring about the countryside. _ The weather has been ideal for motoring, and a number of people have been taking advantage of it to go picnicking. They are not expecting it to stay so good all through the spring. The young lambs are making their appearance everywhere, and it is great watching them frolicking about the paddocks. I wish the page the best of success in the future. —Yours truly, A MYSTERIOUS MYSTERY (Otago). [We are sorry to lose such a Mysterious Mystery. We shall look for your letter in Old Writers’ Week. Tell us about your adventures.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ • Dear Dot, —I have left school now. The weather is very bitter here, and it has been snowing all day. We have a few little lambs, and it is not pleasant weather for them. The wind is so cold. I like reading your page. My sister was in bed for two days. She had influenza. Whooping cough is bad in the town, and a number of the children are away from schoolWe have another cow in now. She gives a good quantity of milk. I have another little brother, and his name is Fredrick John. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours trulv. LITTLE BUSH WREN (Otago). [Send me your private name and address, Little Bush Wren. I hope your sister is better again.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. My sister and I went to the beach for the first week of our holidays. Our daffodils are coming out in the garden. We are not going to Sunday school, because it is snowing. We have two pet calves. We have had our second examination, and I was second top in my class. X our page seems to grow bigger and bigger every week. The cherry plum trees are coming out in blossom. We have two pet pups. One of my grandmothers is in Dunedin staying with my aunt. —Yours truly. PURPLE PANSY (Romahapa). [I hope you are first next term. Purple Pansy. Do you know the legend of the cherry trees?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We have nine cows milking, and two calves. My brother and I were at the beach for the last week of our holidays. We started school on Tuesday, and my sister and I were glad. We are practising hymns at Sunday school to sing at a concert. My youngest sister is dressing her dolls, and my brother is playing with his Meccano. I know Little Yellow Crocus Flower’s Mate, and Little Silver Princess. I have just finished knitting- a woollen dress for my doll. Love to all the Little Folk anil your own dear self.—Yours truly, RON ROSE (Romahapa). [Which hymns do you like best of all, Ron Rose? Your doll will be pleased of the woollen dress, as it is still cold in the mornings.—DOT.] ♦ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Please may I join vour happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age. and I am in Standard 111 at school. One of our sheep has twin black lambs. My baby brother. Yorath Crosley, is a bright, merry little chap. He is nearly 20 months old, and when you tell him to be a good bo.v he answers back. We have one cow milking out of five, but. as she does not give much milk, we have to borrow some from a neighbour. I like reading the letters from your Little Folk, and also “ Churns.”-” Alsop’s Fables,” and “ The River Baby.” Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv. MEDDLESOME MATTY (Greenvale) . [Welcome, Meddlesome Matty*. I hope you are not as inquisitive as your namesake. Have you read any’ fairy talcs? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We are just beginning to settle down at home again. During the last fortnight we have been staying in town at night, and coining out to the farm during the day’ until we engaged a suitable married couple. This -winter I have done a great deal of riding. One day several girls and myself -went for a 22-mile ride away back into the hills. We took our lunch and boiled the billy. We saw several wild pigs. As I had not seen any before I was thrilled. YVe have been for two other long rides lately. ■ So far this season we have two pairs of twins and three triplets of lambs. While we were in town we went to the competitions several times.. Most of the items were good. I have stopped learning music this term. My last piece was " Marche Militaire.” The other day I bought myself “ Misere and Romance ” from “ II Trovatore.” It is a pretty piece. Last Christmas I spent a jolly time at Kakanui with bathing, rowing, and tennis. The friends with whom I was staying had a tennis court. Once we went eeling, but did not succeed in catching any. We went up the river as far as a boat is able to go with the result that we were half the time lying in the bottom of the boat dodging the branches of trees. I have been cleaning my tennis shoes, as I am going to a friend’s place to play tennis to-morrow. —Yours truly, HAPPY HAWKINS (Canterbury). [lt must have been exciting going up the river in the boat. Happy Hawkins. Did you make a fire when you went eeling?—DOT.] . __
Dear Dot, —The ground .is white with snow. I was ■working at Orawia for a fortnight, and I liked it very much. I am going to work for my auntie. We have 30 wee lambs. My brothers went out pig hunting on Saturday, and killed two wild pigs. We have been ploughing and stumping. I have, my hair cut off, and my neck feels quite cold to-day. Last week a young man came to stay with us from near Christchurch. My cousin made me some artificial roses, and they are very pretty. I went to see Tambourine Dancer last Sunday. We are receiving nine hen eggs and five duck eggs a day. I am working an apron with coloured cotton for myself. There is a show at Tuatapere soon. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv. ALTON BEAUTY (Alton). [lt will be pleasant to work -for your aunt, Alton Beauty. Do you still use the artificial flowers or have vou real daffodils? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —The bachelors of this district are holding their ball at the end of this month. I hope it is a fine night, as it spoils it if it rains. Mum, dad, and I received an invitation to a dance and presentation at Monowai Electric Power Works on Friday night. I am going to a dance at Ohai in a fortnight’s time, so I ought to enjoy myself. I like dancing very much. Mum has just started the gramophone. "Il Trovatore ” is the name of the record. Have you heard it? I like it. .The flowers are beginning to come out in our garden. Kindest regards to all and your own dear self. —Yours trulv. TAMBOURINE DANCER (Southland). [I have heard the record you mention, Tambourine Dancer. Tell me all about the Ohai dance.-—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am six years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. My brother and sister write to your page too. Isn’t it lovely to think it is spring again? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, THE BEGGAR-MAID PRINCESS (Sou till and). [Welcome. Beggar-Maid Princess. Are you the maid King Copbetua turned into a princess? Yes. it is lovely to have spring again.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —All the holidays I have been practising for the musical examination, which will come off this month. The long spell of dry weather has been broken this week-end. We have had rain these last few days, and this morning it was snowing. The japonica bush in my garden is out already, while there are some in bud. We have picked a few bowls full of daffodils. There are a great many still out. The Only other flowers out are snowdrops, primroses, and crocuses. I planted a great many flower seeds this season, and now they are coming up well, so I hope to transplant them soon. Best love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, FAIR ROSY (Milton). [I hope you pass your musical examination. hair Ros.v. Japonica bushes arc a sight when in flower.—DOT.] * * * ■ Dear Dot.—We are enjoying our term holidays. We had our examination, and I came second top of the school. We are receiving from 10 to 12 eggs a day. It is full moon to-night. We have most of our garden in, but it rained to-dav. and the ground was wet. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, NANETTA (Southland). [Full moon is the time for fairies and goblins, Nanetta. Have you quite finished planting things now?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We had a heavy fall of snow last night. Our school football team has won the cup this year. We lost only one match (by default), because we could not procure cars to go in. The team my brother plays in won the first grade banner. The hunt was held here a while ago, and some of my boy friends and I took the drag. When my father clipped the horses, I helped to turn the clipping machine. Kindest regards to all and your .own dear self.— Y’ours truly. A SCHOOLBOY FOOTBALLER (Southland I. x r* ust have a splendid football team, Schoolboy Footballer. Footballers must run in your family.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l am in the shop all day. so I am always busy. I have written to a friend in Melbourne thanking her for the lovely present she sent me for my birthday. My friend- left here about two years ago to live in Melbourne, but she does not like there, so I am hoping to see her back in Dunedin soon.—Yours truly, COMIC SONG (Otago). • [I yY on <ler if you would, like to live m Melbourne. Comic Song? \Perhaps you may spend a holiday with vour friend and see what it is like.—DOT.] * * * J y° ur happy band oi Little folk? I have become interested in your page since I came to New Zealand about a month ago. Until then I lived in South Africa, where my father kept an ostrich farm. When the ostrich feathers were fashionable, father was prosperous, but he found in later years it wasn't payable, so we decided to come to New Zealand. Just before our departure we witnessed the first test match played between the All Blacks and the Springboks,, and we were glad to see our own team win. Bennie Osler, the talented South African footballer, is my cousin. My father vvas about the biggest man in South Africa. We have now taken up farming in Southland. My uncle is a New Zealander. There are 14 of us in the family. My twin and I are about the youngest. I am 13 years of age. I ride a 1915 model B.S.A. motor bicycle to school, while my little sister rides a donkey, which one of our neighbours gave us. We live 12 miles from the school. How would you like our daily ride? It is snowing here to-day. YVe have 11 sets of twin lambs, and 11 singles. We have five cows in, and feed four calves. Father is going to buy us some cows to milk during the summer. We never saw a cow or a sheep excepting a frozen one till we came here. Our neighbours sent
five kittens to us, and we have kept one. Can you suggest a name for him, please? Our uncle gave us a St. Bernard dog. Have you ever seen one? He is a beauty. I have just finished reading "Round the Moon,” by Jules Verne. Mother won’t let us read novels. Mother bakes her bread in a camp oven. Father has had his beard removed. It was long and black. Our clock only goes face downwards. Do you know what will be wrong with it? I should very much like a Little Folk correspondent. Do you think .some of them would write to me? People thought us strange when we came here first, and we thought them extremely ignorant, but now we have changed our views. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours trulv. THE IMMIGRANT- (Tuatapere). [Welcome, Immigrant. Call the puss Capey, to remind you of Capetown. A jeweller will fix your clock. I have never seen a St. Bernard dog. I am sure my Little Folk will write to you if you put in an auto. Your letter is very interesting.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —One morning there was just enough snow to cover the ground. At Arthur’s Pass they had 3ft of snow. According to all accounts the concert which was held in the hall that same evening was not up to expectations. One or two of the people present had to ride home on bicycles several miles in the snow. The Trans-Tasman flyers have been successful. We jvent away to cut chaff one afternoon a day or two ago, but we j did not _ start the engine till after 4 o’clock owing to trouble with the magneto. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly. ROSE ASHES (Canterbury). [lt is a pity the concert was a disappointment to those who came so far. Rose Ashes. You must have been worried when the engine would not start. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Some of my mates and I went for a ramble over the hills, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. YVe took our lunch with us. so we were not in a hurry to come home. YVe have just come home from our term holidays. My mother, sister, brother, and I were at our grandmother’s for our holidays. One day I went to the bush with my uncle to find straining posts to make a fence. While we were there we saw a little lamb which had lost its mother, so I carried it down to the house, and gave it a drink. In the afternoon we found its mother. I was very sorry, as I wanted to have it for a pet. My mate. Charmary, was with us for a few days. I enjoyed her company very much, and I was sorry she could not wait longer. We had a few rides on a quiet horse. It was the first time I had had a ride on a horse. YVe were at the sea twice, and i once we had a paddle, and we enjoyed it. Charmary and I walked ami posted the letters one day. The post office is about two miles away from grandmother’s, but we had a drive back. Kind regards to all and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, PUG’S DAUGHTER (Kaitangata). [You would be warm after your walk. Pug’s Daughter. The lamb would be pleased to see its mother.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I become a member of the happy band? I am 10 years of age and in Standard 111. I have a Shetland pony_ which I ride three miles to school. When I sent my 2s 6d I did not receive the badge, but I received the card. I have many uncles and aunts in the South Island. Love to yourself.— Y’ours truly, RAINBOW PIXIE (North Auckland). [Welcome, Rainbow Pixie. Does the pony run very quickly? What do you mean about the 2s 6d. dear? I have no record either of receiving it or of sending you the card you speak of.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard I at school. I was at the gaiety-gala, and liked it very much. I saw the big surprise. It was King Roly-Poly. He came in a motor lorry. I stayed at home for my term holidays this time and helped mother. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Y’ours truly, JOCK GILPIN (Otago). [Welcome, Jock Gilpin. Your name was taken. King Roly-Poly must have been a funny sight.—DOT.] * * % Dear Dot, —I have been away for a fortnight’s holiday to Dunedin. The first Saturday I was there I went to the vaudeville, and it was good. I -was at the pictures twice. They were good. I was staying with my grandmother, and my auntie was there, too, with her little baby son. I did not go to the gala, but I heard it was not as good as last year. We started school last Tuesday. We have five cows in, so we are sending the millk to the factory every second day. It is not very warm outside to-day, because the wind is blowing. My father is in Gore. Mother was in Gore with my brother to the dentist, so while she was there she bought us some lucky packets. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DO ALL (Mataura). [How old is the baby son, Do All? Did you find anything interesting inside your lucky packet?—DOT.] * * * Deal’ Dot. —We are having a return of winter weather at present. YVe don’t see many aeroplanes here, but I expect we shall see more when the aerodrome is built at Hobsonville. Have you ever been in an aeroplane? Tom Heeney will be given a great reception when he arrives to-morrow. I am reading the story in the Otago Witness, and I like it very much. I am also reading “ The Fisher Village.” The name of my good ship is “ The Saucy May.” How do you like it, Dot? Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, BILL THE BURGLAR (Auckland). [I have never been in an aeroplane, Bill the Burglar. I think that is a jolljname for your ship.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,’ —We had snow here last Sunday, about five inches deep, and we had great fun at snowballing and making snow men. I was at the gaiety gala in Gore, and enjoyed myself very much. The children's races with their pets were
amusing, and the maypole dance was Pretty. My grandfather is in the hospital, but he may be coming home soon. I spent my term holidays at Edendale, an dhad plenty of fun.- Love to all the Little I‘oik. —Yours truly, SIR GARETH (Ot ago). [What animal tame first in the pets’ race, Sir Gareth? Did the snow stay DOT] daJ ' B ’ ° r d ‘ d mClt uickl >' ? — * * * Dear Dot, I do love the fine davs. 1 reading a very sad story called Beckie’s Mission.” YVe are entering for two pieces at the Competitions, the test piece under 11, and the nonhumorous under 12 items. We had such a good time af the play on Saturday night. After it was over. I received five boxes of chocolates, and Mother’s Goldie received six. I have another pen friend now, and I wrote to her yesterday I write- to four of the Little Folk I received a lovely photo of Till YVe Meet Again. She is a most beautiful girl, and „J°y e h P r ver y much. I like reading Points m Grammar," as they help me. -L/oye to all the Little Folk and your dear self. — lours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). ain t^ points in grammar are helpful. Little Jean. Did you enter for Competitions last year?—-DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We are having very cold weather. Last week we had heavy gales of wind, which caused great damage. There was a number of fences, and trees blown down. My friend and I went to a euchre party and dance in Otane. YVe had a lovely time. It ended at 12 o’clock. There is a picture here to-night, and it is called "The King of Kings.” Have you seen it? I have finished reading a book called “ The Story of John Pound.” Have you read it? Love to all Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LIGHTNING FIRE (Otane). [I have not read the book you mentioned, Lightning Fire. “ King of Kings ” has not been shown in Dunedin, but I believe it is coming here soon.—DOT.} * * * Dear Dot,—We had a heavy fall of snow last night, and it is still snowing to-day. Lazyhead, my sister, is back at school again, but this will be her last year at. school if she passes her proficiency. YYe have a number of lambs now, and I think they are lovely when they are about three months old. The cherry blossom looks pretty when it is in full bloom. The daffodils are making their appearance, but the crocuses will soon be done. Mother is talking about spring-cleaning next week, and I am looking forward to the time when it is finished. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, JIM’S COUSIN (Balclutha). [YYill Lazyhead be sorrv to leave school, Jim’s Cousin? Are vour daffodils —DOT T 68 ’ ° r are they really good ones? •XDear Dot, —YVe were acting in a play called " To-morrow ” on Saturday night, yery tired. I like reading the Little r oik's letters, and I just love playing in the sun. I don’t like going to school, but then we have to, because mv mummy says we would not know anythin”' when we are grown up. Love to all.— Y ours truly, MOIHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin). ere yon one of the chief actors in the play, Mother’s Goldie? I am glad that you see how important it is to attend school.—DOT. ] Dear Dot, —YVe have begun school again. I came fifth in the class at’ school. I have three correspondents. Do you like reading? The book I am now reading is called, "Guides of Cliff House.” Have you read it? I am so glad that the Southern Cross has arrived. Can any Little Folk call to see you? I know Charlie s Aunt and Mayflower, and have written to Jessica and Pam and The Lavender Girl to-night. Love to you* and your Little Folk.—Y’ours truly, STORY GIRL (Dunedin). [I enjoy reading, but I have not read that book. Story Girl. Anyone can call at the Otago YVitness office.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your band of writers? I am nine years Standard 111 at school, this term I came top of my class, and i hope to gam the same position next term. Recently I have been reading about Maori history, and I have chosen my name from the name of a noted warrior in the tribe of the dreaded Te Kauparaha dwelling in Kapiti Island. It is nearly five years since I last visited Dunedin, and I can remember only the Railway Station, Braithwaite’s toy shop, and the Gardens. I hear there are a number of new buildings being erected at present m Dunedin, and I hope some day 1 shall again visit the town to see them In my next letter I shall tell you what is going on in our district and of some of our school life. Love to all.—Yours truly, TE YVHATANUI (Riwaka). [YVelcome, Te YVhatanui. I hope you are not as fierce as your namesake.-There are many more buildings now in Dunediii than those you speak of.—DOT.] -• NOTES. Marnys (Ohl Writer) .—Thank vou for the address. YVith regard to Jazz Girl, I have received more than one complaint that she has not sent the promised pattern in return. I hope if she sees this she will post it to you and thank you for yours.—DOT. • To the one who was enquiring for the address of Love Lies .Bleeding.—This address is Mrs S. Tait, Greenhills, via Bluff.—DOT. AUTOS. Brave Joan of Arc (Joan Small, Ida Valley) wishes to corespond with _Paddy Boy and Jim’s Sister. Please will they write first and soon? Tall Mountain Daisy (Ruby Wilson, Ida Y’alley) wishes to correspond -with Jim YVhistle Breeches. Please will he .write first and soon? Sister Susie (L. Dowler, care Mrs Blanchard, Main street, Ota'utau) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing from 15 years to 17. Will plcasd write first?
Angelin® (Elsie Jillings, 41C Brunswick street, Hastings) would like to correspond with any Little Folk 16 or 17 years of age. Will they please write first and aoon ? Olaf the Outlaw (Walter Cherry, Clyde) wishes to correspond with Omar the Outlaw and Westcliff-on-Sea. Apple Blossom Dryad (Ivy Drysdale, Seaward Downs) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing from 18 to 20 years of age. Will they please write first and soon? Hook-ite (Miss Lucy Croft, Box 49, Makikihi, South Canterbury) wishes to correspond -with Johnny From the Shotover, Gunpowder Bill, Captain Armstrong, and Midas. Will they write first and soon? Blue Butterfly (Gwen Small. Ida Valley) wishes to correspond with Tom Heeney. Lucy Locket’s Mate (Mabel Geary, Taieri Mouth) wishes to correspond with Johnny from Shotover. Will he please write first and soon? Daphne de Oro (Gracie Washington, North Balclutha) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from 8 to 10 years. Will they please write first and soon? Jim’s Cousin (Flora Dippie. Balclutha) wishes to correspond with Johnny from Shotover and The Cuticura Girl. Will they please write first and soon? Story Girl (Frances M'Namara, 3 Dundas street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Sleepy Maggie, Hokonui Queen, Isma’s Playmate, and Gold Sunflower. Will they please write first and soon? POINTS IN GRAMMAR. The following notes are made in order to help Little Folk to ■write purer English:— w 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 mean “ 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 arb 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 ihy “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 ore 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. —If 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 Gblden 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. Lot.—This, like “got,” is a word for which there is generally a substitute. Often we use it when we mean “a considerable number or amount,” or “ a good, or a great deal,” and in this sense it .is better to say something other than ““lot.” For example:—“l have read a number of books,” not “ I have read a lot of books.” Crepe de chine.—Do not spell the last word of this name “ chene," which means “ oak.” Say “ chine,” which stands for China, and makes the name of the cloth “ Chinese crepe.” And,.—The verb following a group of words joined by “ and ” must be plural. Therefore, you should say “ There were a concert and dance,” not “ There was a concert and dance.” DOT.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19280918.2.247
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 3888, 18 September 1928, Page 77
Word Count
15,024Dot's Little Folk Otago Witness, Issue 3888, 18 September 1928, Page 77
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