LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3892, 16 October 1928, Page 78

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves.

Dear Dot, We have a wee lamb which has lost its mother, so we are feeding out ?£ a bottle. Our daffodils are dying. My father bought two more cows and five heifers. The children here make little boats out of flax koradis and sail them about in every’little pool they find There is going to be a “ bring and buy ” sale here on Labour Saturday. One has to take something and buy things too. At Christmas time there is going to be a carnival. We have not seen any boats for a good while. My brother is. ploughing. Our horses’ names are Dick, Bloss, Bob, Kate, and Nell.—Yours truly. QUEEN OF DAUNT (Kuri Bush).

[I am sure that the pet lamb knows its keepers, Queen of Daunt. Have you tried to make sweet baskets from -.chocolate boxes and fancy paper?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —My brother .gave the dog away to one of my school mates. My brother’s birthday is to-morrow, and he will be 16 years of age. I made a little boat to-day, and I was sailing it on the dip. The wind blew .it about so that it rocked. I am receiving a little pup to-morrow. Would you please give me a name for it, as it is hard for me to pick and choose a good one? I am reading a book called “ Cow Country.” When th? cow was out of the bail the first time she broke the boards on the side of the bail. I wish kindest regards to you and your happy band. Yours truly, KORADI (Kuri Bush).

[Would Tousle suit the puppy, Koradi? Did you make the boat from a koradi stick?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —The people will soon be starting to swim. I suppose the All Blacks will be home soon. Isn’t it wonderful that Kingsford Smith and his men were able to fly the Tasman? My little brother tries ‘to make plasticine models of aeroplanes. He is trying to make the Aotearoa. I suppose he will make the Southern Cross next. I wonder how Teddy, and Golly will fare now they have joined the Scouts. They always seem to be in some sort of mischief. Do you save cigarette cards? I have two albums full of them, but I haven’t the full set of anything yet.—Yours truly, PUSS PUSSY (Marlborough).

[I do not save cigarette cards, Puss Pussy. Yes, it is wonderful that the airmen flew safely over the Tasman.— DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I was at the fancy dress ball on Friday night and I enjoyed it. We were having bad weather, but it has been fine these last few days. My birthday is on the seventeenth of this month. I have written to Laughing Water to exchange cigarette cards. Love to all the Tattle Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, FLOWER CHILD (Stewart Island). [Have you been in bathing yet, Flower Child? Many happy. returns of your birthday.—DOT.]

. X * * » Dear Dot, —I suppose the swimming season will soon be in full swing. I have been in ’Dunedin for a while, and I liked it. My sister is coming home from Christchurch shortly. I shall be very glad to r see her again, as it is six months since she left home. The Orepuki .Girl Guides are going to Invercargill to a Girl Guide rally on Labour Day. My

cousin, Bona Vista, is a nurse in the Riverton Hospital. I am 17. It does not take long for a year to go round. We have three pet lambs. I have just finished reading a book called “The Knave of Diamonds,” by Ethel M. Dell. Kind regards to you and all the Little Folk.— lours truly, DESERT MOON (Orepuki). [Are you lonely without your sister. Desert Moon? Are you going ‘to the Guide rally? There was a large one in Dunedin last week.—DOT.] " * * * Dear Dot, —We have finished playin'* football and we are starting cricket. I have an engine, aeroplane,. cart, and a cricket ball to play with. I shall be glad when Christinas Day arrives. There is a photograph of the Southern Cross in the Otago Witness. I wish you and your Little Folk best of love.—Yours, truly.

WILD BILL FROM SPRING CREEK (Marlborough). [Would you like to be an aviator. Wild Bill? Do you bowl well, or is battin<* your chief part in cricket?—DOT.] Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 12 years of age and in the second form at the Waitaki Boys’ Junior High School. I Have a garden of my own and have radish, potatoes, and peas up. Lately I have been making ready a run for a hen and chicks. The chicks should be out on Saturday. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly. WOLF GANG (Oamaru). [Welcome, Wolf Gang. Are you as famous a musician as your namesake? Which subjects do you like at school?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Mav I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old and I am in the fourth standard. I am hoping to go to Waitaki Junior High School next year. My sister, Hawaiian Smiles is busy writing to her correspondents, and my little brother is writing to you also. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LAUGHING STREAM (Oamaru).

[Welcome, Laughing Stream. Your name was taken. You will like junior high school.—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot, —Your page is growing every - week. The whole of New Zealand is interested in the Tasman flyers. They have been to Rotorua by motor car. A gentleman arranged for 10 taxis to take a number of children from our school to a small township which is on the road over which they were to travel. There were 11 people in the ear in which I rode. As the distance is six miles, we were soon there, and a few minutes later

the Tasman flyers drew up. They had but a* few minutes to spare us, so tliey could' hot stop to talk to us long; Squadron-leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-lieutenant C. Ulm came out of the car and spoke a few words of thanks to the people for the hearty -welcome they had 1 received. When their cars drove out they were farewelled by the rousing cheers of the assembled crowd. - Some of the children had come 20 miles to see them. I think they are wonderful men to have flown so far. The local papers have many pictures and graphic descriptions of these men, and some of the pictures are good likenesses. When we were going home we met our teacher, who unfortunately had missed the event owing to a puncture. We drove home at 50 miles an hour to catch the express, which stopped for a few minutes at*=the station. We hurried up to school for our bags and " rushed to ths" station with a few minutes to spare when we arrived. We consider ourselves lucky to have seen the Tasman airmen. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. E PARI RA (Mangatapu).

[The airmen have many hero worshippers, E Pari Ra. You must have had to rush for the train. —DOT.] : ’* * * Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my\ first letter in .pront. We have a pet lamb, and his name is Peter. We heard of the landing of the Southern Cross over the wireless. Our teacher takes Sunday school class. —Yours truly, . LADY SMOCKS (Queensberry). [Do you feed Peter, or is he old enough to attend to himself, Lady Smock?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —A flower and industrial show is being held here in aid of the Dipton Anglican Church. The gardens arc pretty with violets, pansies, spring flowers, and daffodils. Lambs are plentiWe have two small lambs, one of vMI (is black. Love to all the Little rmx>snd to yourself.—Yours truly. A-YELLOW PUP (Southland). [I am sure that “ Baa, baa, black sheep ” is a great pet, Yellow Pup. Tell me of the show.—DOT.] - * * * Dear Dot—My sister and I went up to Middlemarch on Saturday for music. We stayed there and saw the football and hockey. We went home in the car. The larches and willows are green. The plum trees have blossoms. I have been having some good rides on our best horse. Dad has been mustering the sheep. Love to all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, WATER LILY FLOWER (Pukerangi).

[Are you going to have laden plum trees this year, Water Lily Flower? Where did you ride to on the horse? — DOT.] * Dear Dot, —One morning it was hot, and we had school outside in the shelter shed, where it was cooler. I have made a flower garden, and have put in sweet peas, marigolds, and stock. I can see some little green shoots. There are numbers of daffodils about, and they are very pretty. I am going in for a music examination -'this month. I am doing some fancywork with red and green silk, and it is pretty. Love to you and the Little Folk.—Y’ours truly, ROMANY LASS (Pukerapgi). [What is your fancy work, Romany Lass? Do you often have school in the shelter shed?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I had my first swim and sunbath to-day. I wonder if any Little Folk have beaten me? Frankly though, it was mostly sand bath, as the water was cool and I swam only a few strokes. The best bathing pool in the Shag River is quite close, so at the end of the season I hope to be a famous swimmer. An old Maori has predicted a perfect year. I really believe he is right, although the rainwater tanks are low. I, for one farmer, am sorry there is no daylight saving this summer, but all the same our clock is half an hour fast already. Mv favourite :author is Jackson Gregory, and I am reading his “ Bab of the Backwoods ” at present. Both “ The Everlasting. Whisper ” and “ B.<b ” are splendid. . My dog Kep is a good hen Catcher. I did not know how good he was until he had distemper, when I tried to run down some hens myself, but did not succeed. My mate and I are going to climb Puketapu (sacred mountain) soon. From the top one can see our sheep run back in the hills, also Otago Peninsula. Another day we are going to a bush near my mate’s place. I was tuned in to 3YA. Christchurch. the morning of Kingsford Smith’s arrival from Australia. Four Bristol fighters rose with a roar to meet “ Smithy,’" then gradually the noise faded, then came another roar as the Gloster Grebe took the air for some stunts, loops, glides, and dives. They flattened out to race along just above the microphone. It w/fsreally exciting. The announcer talked wr jvell, one could imagine the scene.— Y’ours truly,

STILTS (Palmerston). [I hope the Maori’s prophecy is true, Stilts. I" should like to come with you on your walk.—HOT.]

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 five calves, and I should like a name for the youngest one. It is black and white. We have from up to 13 eggs a day from about 20 hens. It seems to be no time since the last Christmas, but now there are only two more months of school. I am not sorry, for I like holidays as well as school. Kindest regards and best wishes to yourself and the Little Folk. —Yours truly. TREE CLIMBER (North Otago). [Welcome, Tree Climber. You will be blown off if you climb this weather. Call the calf Lanna.—DOT.] « * *

Dear Dot,—May I join your happyhand of Little Folk? We live in-South Africa, but we always take the Otago Witness because mother is a New Zealander. We have a cow, 10 chickens, two cats, and two dogs. The last test match between the All Blacks and the Springboks is to be played to-day-, and everyone is excited about it. Fish Hoek is a beautiful place to live in. It is a little seaside village on the False Baycoast, with mountains all round it, and there is a river which is so shallow that we can walk-right up to its-source with-

out the water coming above our knees. At its source there is an old disused silver mine. There is also a lovely beach here, with big rocks and caves, where shells are to be found. I go to Wynberg School, and I am in Standard VI. My sister is in Standard V. We have our Sunday school anniversary in about three months’ time, and we are already practising for it. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, MAIRS (Fish Hoek, South Africa).

[Welcome from South Africa, Mairs. You must send your private name that the Little Folk may write to you. Have you ever been to New Zealand? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk. I am nine years of age and in Standard 111 at school. I like Sunday school very much and I have not been absent one day this year, and I hope I shall not either. We have five calves, and my one’s name is Gem. We have one pure black cat and one black and white one. We used to have another black and white tom cat, but he went away this winter and has not come back again.—Yours truly, LITTLE JAMMY FACE (North Otago).? [Welcome, Little Jammy Face. Perhaps the cat will come back again soon. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years of age and in Standard I. We have 11 cows milking. I have a little sister two years old. We have a lovely situation. We can see the ships go to Port Chalmers. Love to yourself and all. —Yours truly, DAFFODIL DOWN (Warrington). [Welcome, Daffodil Down. Y’our name was taken. Are you a Girl Guide? — DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age and I am in Standard IV. We have a pet lamb at home. Would you please give me a name for it? Please giye my love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—[Yours truly, C. D. (Orepuki).

[Welcome, C. D. Would Ruffle suit the lamb? I hope you have not taught the lamb to butt?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —We saw our last letters, and .my sisters were pleased to see their first ones in print. I have not been at school for three weeks, as my mother is not well. I like reading the other Little Folks’ letters. I was reading the one written in the United States, and found it interesting. It has been dry, and everybody is wishing it would rain. There are people carrying water, but we are lucky. Our neighbours were receiving drinking water from us. The Girl Guides held a concert, and made a good deal of money. We would have liked to join in the Girl Guide rally, but as we have not yet_ our uniforms we were unable to do so. In my last letter I told you that we’re going to have cement courts. They have started, and we shall not be able to play on them for a good while. _lt will not be long until the swimming season starts again. I help with the washing, and keep the boiler fire going. Love to yourself and all your Little Folk. —Yours truly, POPPY OF FRANCE (Dunback). [I hope mother is better soon, Poppy of France. It is a pity your courts are not hardened for this good weather. — DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was delighted to see my first letter in the Otago Witness. We have 11 young 'chickens. They are all brown except one, and that one is black. We have 19 chickens altogether. Dad pays great attention to the fowls. He has another hen sitting with 12 eggs under her. My mother has been ill for three weeks, and I have not had time to write to anybody. _My mother was up for a little while sitting in the sun today. We had three little calves. Two cows calved on the same day. The Girl Guides had a concert, ami people said it was good. When I went out to-night I found Sweep with dirt on him; I think he had been fighting with the other kitten. Love to your own dear self and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, MOTHER’S LITTLE WORKER (Dunback). [You must name the black chicken. Mother’s Little Worker. Sweep should try to be friendly with the kitten.—DOT.]

.Dear Dot, —I have a number of correspondents. I saw Girleen’s letter in the Otago Witness the other day. I like reading “The River Baby.” There is a number of little lambs in the paddocks. I like young lambs; do you? If they go in the garden they have a great time. We had a hen sitting on duck eggs. She went away from them and they were all spoilt. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DELCO’S SISTER (Paradise).

[I like to see young lambs frisking, Delco’s Sister. I am sorry there are no young ducks.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Dad brought another lamb home- on Saturday, and we have three pets. Willie and: I helped dad muster. I attend Sunday school ( each Sunday. The Sunday school picnic is held on November 1, so I am looking forward to it. I have been reading a book called “ William in Trouble.” It is amusing, and it tells of what the boys do at a boarding school. I like “ The River Baby ” story. There are five new children coming to our school. A friend took Willie and me to see the Southern Cross on Friday. It circled round- the town and then down to the aerodrome. The people cheered when they: saw it coming. Mum made Nola three new dresses, and Nola thinks they are pretty. Love to you and your Little Folk. —Yours truly, . THE FERN FAIRY’S DIATE (Para).

[Have you a Bible class, Fern. Fairy’s Mate? I am sure Nola’s dresses are pretty.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It has been a great spring for the lambs so far. We have some lovely flowers out. in the garden. The wallflower is beautiful, and if the window is open we have a lovely perfume. One would think the wallflowers were inside. Becks did well this football season. They won the county banner and they, held

the Richard Young most of the. season, but Gimmerburn played them at the end of the season and won it back again. The Becks cricketers’ season opened last Saturday, and . the tennis opens soon. There have been great numbers of Little Folk joining the page. We are busy spring cleaning, and it is not at all pleasant, as there are about 20 rooms in this hotel to do, so one is soon tired. There is a Masons’ meeting here to-night. They hold a meeting every month. The Becks footballers are giving a ball some time this month, so I hope it is a success. We are milking four cows and feeding four calves? They are pretty. One is pure black, and two black and white, and one red and white. I have taken some good snaps of two of them. I went to see the “ King of Kings,” and it was a sad picture. It is the only picture at which I have ever cried. I nave seen some sad ones too. It is being shown in Dunedin, and I hope you go to see it. I am reading a book called “ The Long Shadow,” by B. M. Bovver. It is taken from the song called “Billy Boy.” • Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, BILLY CAN (Central Otago). [I have heard that the picture is sad, Billy Can. You will have finished the spring cleaning by now, and I hope will have missed these winds.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 16 years of age. I have had pleasure in reading the Little Folks’ letters, as some of them are very interesting. We have a dairy farm about four miles from the station and factory. We milk about 40 cows. I carry the milk to the factory. I know several of your Little Folk. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, FASHIONABLE LONG AGO (Southland). [Y r es, you may join, Fashionable Long Ago. You will feel quite at home now that you know some of the writers to my page. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years of age and am attending the Southland Technical College, taking a domestic course. All the flowers are out in the gardens, and daffodils are blooming in great profusion everywhere, so it is pleasant to take a short walk among these flowers, with the green grass springing up quickly. We have two dogs, one named Floss and the other Sandy, and both are fond of rabbiting with my father. I love pets, so my two rabbits and myself are great chums. We have a new wee calf, which is a dear little Jersey, and please will you be so kin.l as to give me a suitable name for her? The Bluff citizens held their carnival last week, but owing to the dubious weather I did not go. —Y’ours truly, A SHINGLE SHORT (Southland). [Welcome, Shingle Short. Call the calf Gassy. Father would be lonely without Sandy and Floss. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join -your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age and in Standard II at school. I went to the dentist and had my teeth out. We have 40 chickens. —Yours truly, DADDY’S COBBLER (Athol). [Welcome, Daddy’s Cobbler. Are your teeth better’ now ? —DOT.] ._* * e Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band,of Little Folk? lam nine years of age and in- Standard II at school. I am learning music, and shall be going to Invercargill this month for an examination.—Yours truly. ' MOUNTAIN VIOLA (Athol). [Welcome, Mountain Viola. Y’our name was taken. For which examination are you sitting?—DOT.] * * ■* Dear Dot, —May I join your happy baud of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age, and am keenly interested in the letters of your happy band. Some of them are interesting, especially the ones which tell of voyages or trips from the holidays.—Y’ours truly. ROUGH RIDER OF LINTON (Southland).

[Welcome, Rough Rider of Linton. Your name was taken. Will vou write me an interesting letter about - your holidays?-—DOT.] » ♦ »

Dear Dot, —Would you please enrol me as one of your members. We take Rhe Otago Witness every week, and I enjoy reading . the Little Folks’ letters. I am 15 years old and working at home, and like it. We are going to milk five caws and send the milk to the factory. We have 30 sheep and about 15 lambs, and I go round them every day. Where’d You Get Those Eyes generally comes with me. Y’esterday, as we were on our way home we found a sheep in a deep race. We lifted it out. It was heavy, but we"managed it all right, and it is none the worse for its adventure. Do you like reading? , I am reading a book named “ The Girl Who Defied the World. I find it interesting. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. LAUGHING BILL (Orepuki). [Welcome, Laughing Bill. I like reading, and would like to know- which books you enjoy. It was kind of you to lift up the sheep.—DOT.] ' *. -» *

D,ear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years? of age and in Standard IV at school. We have one cow and five hens. I have three sisters and brothers. I have a big walking and talking doll, and its name is Violet. It is 24in long. A fortnight ago the spring flowers were beautiful, but now they are dying off. My youngest brotherwas burnt yesterday. He was lifting-'a .tub’ of water and it capsised. Best wishes to your Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, PEACEMAKER (Owaka). [Yes, you may. join, Peacemaker. I hope to hear in your next letter that your brother is better. —DOT.] . * * *

Dear Dot,—This is my first letter to

your page. , I -have a lamb. Would you please give me a name for it? My brothers and I have two miles and a-half to walk to school. . I shall be glad when the Christmas holidays come. • I am eight and I am in Standard II at school. — Y’ours: truly, MADAM BUTTERFLY (Duntroon),.

[Welcome, Madam Butterfly. Your name was taken, so .1 have given you the title of a well-known opera by Puccini. Call the lamb Amble. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Isn’t it lovely that spring is here once more? It is my favourite season. Everything seems young. The spring flowers are out and the garden looks like a fairyland scene. The lambs are so pretty frisking about in the paddocks. We have over a thousand. Would you please give me a name, for my four pets? I hope you are not having nor’westers like we are having. They are dreadful. Everyone is crying out for rain, as the - ground is dry and the tanks are going empty. J enjoyed myself at the school dance, as I had nearly every dance. The school was prettily decorated with red and orange streamers and fernery. I read “ The Bill,” by H. A. Vachell, not - long ago, and it is one of the most interesting books I have read yet. Have you read “Candytuft—l Mean Veronica”? It is amusing. I like reading Mrs Henry Wood’s books. A friend of mine has all of her books. I go to Bible class once a month, and I like it. Another social is going to be held soon. It is a pity that Kingsford Smith and his companions were unable to come south, as it would have been interesting to see them. It is to be hoped that they will be successful in flying back to Australia. Kind regards to you and your band. —-Yours truly, NANNETTE (Timaru). [Call your pets Pickle, Pat, Wendy, and Warwick, Nannette. I have not read the book. “ The Hill ” is a good book for you to read.—DOT.] * « * ' Dear "Dot, —It has been very wet here lately. I went down to see my aunt today and I had to walk two miles there and two miles back. I haven’t heard from Dad’s Daisy for some time. I hope she will write, as I should like to hear from her. I am going to a social afternoon on Wednesday. Y’our page is growing larger than ever. There was great excitement when the Tasman flyers landed at Christchurch. I was at a bachelors’ ball, and I enjoyed myself. We are milking 20 cows. I like reading the children’s story about the River Baby. My little cousin won-third prize for her costume at the Gore Gaiety Gala. I have a photograph of her in it, and she looks very sweet. I was not at the gala. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Y’ours truly. PIANOLA (Southland).

[I suppose you would have liked to see the famous airmen, ; too. Pianola? Were you tired after your walk? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print, I notice that your page keeps growing every week. The weather has been very changeable here lately, and it is not safe to go out without a coat. As my father or brothers are not home very often I have been doing a little gardening. I planted one row of potatoes some time ago, and they are up about 3in. I am sorry now that I did not put a few more rows in. I also planted about 60 cabbage plants, but I do not think there is one left, as the rabbits nibbled the tops off them. I planted another 50 yesterday, but I am going to put wire netting round them this time. I have not put in'any small seeds yet. I 'bring a book - from the library once a week, and some of them are veryinteresting. Just now I am reading one called “ The Big Four,” and it -is a mysterious book. Have you read it? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. WHERE’D YOU GET THOSE EYES (Orepuki). [I have never read the book you mentioned, Where’d Y’ou Get Those Eyes. The rabbits are very troublesome in some places.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We go to cooking classes in Gore every Friday, and I enjoy them. One of my mates has left the school, and 1 miss her. My sister is also writing to you this week. The school inspector visited us on Thursday. Our proficiency examination will soon commence, and I

hope to gain mine. We have pictures every Thursday night, and the last one was “ Mother Machree.” Did you see it and “ Ben Hur ”? I am reading a book called “ The Testing of ’ the Torment,” and I enjoy it. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Y’ours truly, HOKONUI QUEEN (Southland).

[Have you made scones at cooking, Hokonui Queen? I saw “Ben Hur.”— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There are many lambs in the fields. One of my mates has left the school, and I miss her. There are many children away from school with bad colds. The flowers are out and they look beautiful. I have a little flower garden of my own. I have a black kitten, and would you please give me a name for it? Did Kingsford Smith come to Dunedin? Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, A LITTLE BLUE BIRD (Balfour). [ln answer to your private question—"No,” Little Blue Bird. No, the airmen did not come to Dunedin. Call the kitten Ebenezer. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l am doing a piece of fancywork, which I think will be very .pretty when it is finished. There is a concert in Clinton, and I am in some of the items. There is one that I am in alone. I am playing a piece of music called “ Bird’s Echo.” I did not go to see the exhibition site, but I went to the gardens with' my cousins. I shall.-be 10 years old this month. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Y’ours truly, FOXY (Warepa). [I like my Little Folk to be busy with sewing, Foxy. Which other pieces of music have you learned? —DOT.] .

Dear Dot, —I have three correspondents, and one lives in the North Island, one in Gore, and one in Balfour. There is a fancy dress ball on Friday night, and Queen Harriet is going. My mother won a prize at euchre one night. I was dressed up as a posy for Gore’s Gaiety Gala. We had a ride home with our teacher to-night. Queen z Harriet is working a nightgown at present. She is dressing up as a gipsy for the ball. I went back to music on Saturday; afternoon.

I notice your page growing every week, but now it occupies more than a page. —Yours truly, PRINCESS ISABEL’S MATE (Croydon).

[What was mother’s prize, Princess Isabel’s Mate? Describe your fancy dress to us—DOT.] * * • Dear Dot, —What a thrill the Tasman flight gave the people of New Zealand. It is to be hoped the gallant airmen arrive home safely. We had a dear little pet lamb, and it died. We have two cows milking. We call our calf Benita, and she is a pet. I shall soon have finished my second quarter at music. I don’t think I shall ever be able to play as nicely as my mother, but when I have a few years’ learning I should be able to play better. My brother is going to learn the violin.—Yours truly, RAMBLING ROSE FLOWER (Southland). . [Do not be discouraged, for with practising you will soon improve at music, Rambling Rose Flower. You will be able to play your brother’s accompaniments. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I was so pleased to see my first letter in print. The body of the lamb is white.' It has been very hot here, and strong north-westerly winds have been 'blowing. These winds have been spoiling mother’s flowers. There have been numbers of parties, dances, and concerts at the surrounding districts, ami the people are finding it rather monotonous. The last concert was disappointing, and so have been many others, so I am glad we did not attend them. My brother is driving the tractor, and has taken two photographs of it. Our cows are put on a paddock of lucerne every day at 4 o’clock. Kindest regards and best wishes to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Y’ours truly, , A .CANTERBURY’ ROSE (Canterbury). [Perhaps it will rain soon, Canterbury. Rose, and then the flowers will revive. I suppose the cows enjoy their lucerne meal? —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.—May I become one of your Little Folk? I am 12, and in Standard VI. ,1 am delightea that spring has comeat last, with the birds and bees and the dear white.woolly lambs. We have only three pet lambs. Fift.cn of them have died, and last ir ’• 1 when mv brother and I were looking at the sheep we discerned a lost lamb, and a little while later, when we went to rescue it, we found to our mortification, but not to our surprise that the poor little thing had taken up its abode in lamb heaven. I received to-day another pet lamb, which I call Boadieea. That’s a nice name, isn’t it? I have done a great deal of bird nesting lately. It’s interesting to search trees and hedges in the hope of finding birds’ e<igs, even though one does have one’s hands full of -mrse prickles.—Yours truly, MOON THOUGHTS (Dnnrobin).

[Welcome, Moon Thoughts. Your name was taken. Boadieea must be a brave lamb.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am still going to high school at Winton, and I like it. I take shorthand and typewriting. T like writing better than shorthand. I di<r not go anywhere for my term holidays as I am only home for the week-ends all the term, so it is like a holiday to come home. We have a wireless set, and I like it. I like hearing the children’s services on Sunday ght. On Saturday night we heard that the Daylight Saving Bill was passed. I am very glad, only I wish it were the same as last ’-ear instead of only half the time. We were listening-in to Dunedin the day the CtagoSouthland match was played, and although it was not very plain we heard all we wanted to hear. We were disappointed in Southland that’day. We heard nearly all Kingsford Smith’s receptions at the different places. There is a number of Little Folk in Dipton. I know most, of them who write. Love to all and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, NOIE (Dipton). [Home is a delightful place, Noie, and we appreciate it best when we are away. You are lucky to have a wireless set. — DOT.] » * * Dear Dot.—May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age and I am in Standard 111. I was at church to-day. I have a little sister. She is three. She will not be going to school for a while yet. She is a little dear. We are milking 15 cows. My mother and father and brother milk them. We have a pet lamb. We had it from one of our neighbours. Love to the Little Folk and -your own dear self.—Yours truly, BROKEN GLASS (Otago). [Welcome, Broken Glass. Your nom-de-plume was not pretty, and I' think you would have disliked it in a few years’ time. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —YVe have a pretty little calf. It is white, with a red neck. We are inilking our cows for the factory, and they haVe to be milked early. It will not be very long till it is Christmas again. Do you like reading books? I am very fond of it. The name of the book I am reading now is “The Jolliest Term on Record.” We have a gramophone, which is just lent to us, and there are some good records. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN ROSE (Re-nd Hill). [What have you named the calf. Mountain Rose? I like reading, and am still fond of school stories.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —Our teacher is going away from the school this week, and I am sorry. We are going to have a relieving teacher from Pahia. One of our bantams is sitting on four eggs. We are receiving about seven eggs a day from the hens, but we have only a few birds. We have a gramophone, and we have some funny records. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Vrers truly, MOUNTAIN LILY (r J Hill).

[Which records have you. Mountain Lily? I am sorry your teacher has gone. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am in Standard V at • school. I have been reading letters

in the Otago Witness, and I enjoyed them. We are Just home from school, and have to walk fjvo miles. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, CAPTAIN OF THE FOOTBALLERS (Southland). [Welcome, Captain of the Footballers. How long does it take you to go to school ’—DOT.] .

Dear Dot, — fortnight ago four of us started out to walk to the top of the hills. We were going along in great glee until some of us sat down and had a rest and had our photograph taken. We started up again, walked up the hill about 20 yards," when our plans all changed. We went down into a gully in which lawyers were growing thickly.' We crossed a spring, and ascended another hill covered with ferns, which were hard to scramble through as there, was no track to follow. We descended -into another gully. We followed a creek and found it misleading, as we were on a deer track, which was winding and crossing the creek all the time. We arrived home in time for afternoon tea after an enjoyable walk. The river rose about 4ft. It and another small creek overflowed their banks. The water was about 6in deep over the road. I went to the station on the bicycle, and had to ride through it. The Glenaray school children have had their proficiency examination, and the teacher told them they did well. The school concert is next month, and we are all looking forward to it. as it is the only dance we have here. Love to all the Little Folk, Old Writers, and yourself.—Y’qurs truly, NETA LYALL (Glenaray). _ [Your plans were changed charmingly, Neta Lyall. The school children will be happy if they have done well.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I am always interested in your page, although I do not write often. I have enjoyed the story of “ The River Baby.” I am always eager to see the next part when the Otago Witness arrives home. W’e have a number of lambs, which are playful. I think lambs are lovely wee-things. I have two pets. One my cousin gave me is a very big one. I have four cows in, and one is a heifer that is petted. That is all I am going to milk for the summer. You have given me names for both my last year’s and the year before’s calf, so would you please give me one for the little red calf I have at present? Mother’s hens are laying well at present. She is receiving 46 eggs a day. We have two mischievous pups here which are in their glory when a hen escapes from the hen run. They run it to a standstill, and then both pups jump on its back and bite and bark away at it till it is exhausted. I have left school a year, and I like it. I had such a long letter from Rose Elf on Saturday. Rose Elf and I used to go to school together, but she is going to the Gore High School. Sometimes we write to each other every week, and I enjoy receiving her letters. ‘ Best wishes t° Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly.

LITTLE NURSE GIRL (Kaiwera). [ln answer to your private question, keep your name, Little Nurse Girl. I have made the other Little Folk “ Little Nurse Girl II.” Would Rufus or Mookie suit the calf? Do not let the puppies hurt the hens.—DOT.]

Dear Do.—VI e went to Brighton on Sunday and enjoyed ourselves. As we did not leave home till late we could not go in swimming, but I should have very much liked to. You asked me in my last letter what coloured bathing suit I was having. I think I shall choose green and white, or blue and gold. Which colour do you like? The daffodils are dying off, and the narcissi are in bloom. I like the latter best, as they have the sweeter scent. Tennis is in full swing, and I generally see some person carrying a racquet on a fine day. Do you play? I think it has not enough pep in it. Love to all the Little Folk and your own self.—Yours trulv, TIP TOES (Dunedin). [I like green and white, as it is uncommon and a true sea colour, Tip Toes. I .play tennis. Have you not made a mistake when you say it has no “ pep ” in it?—DOT.]

Dear; Dot, —May I join your happy band of .Little Folk? I am eight years old and in Standard I. I have’ two brothers and one sister. We have 30 cows in, and we have about 1700 sheep. We keep one pig. This has been bad weather for the wee lambs. We have four pet lambs. Love to all and your dear self.—Yours truly. SUN SHINY LADY (Thornbury).

[Welcome, Sun Shiny Lady. Your name was taken. How' many lambs are there?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have three -pet lambs, and one of them is mine. My friend came to see me, and we had a good time. We had our flowers and vegetable seeds in before it started to rain. We have peas, beans, radish, and -carrots. It is too wet to put any other seeds in. We are milking four cows, and I milk two night and morning. We are having a spring show at Tuatapere on October 10. and I am going to it. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, ALTON PRINCESS (Alton). [How do you distinguish the lambs, Alton Princess? Are you putting in anything for the show? —DOT.] '. — « « * Dear Dot—My two sisters are away to town to-night to do some shopping. I am going, to a wedding soon, so I hope to enjoy . myself. My mate is coming to stay with me to-morrow night, and my sister, who goes to High School, will be “P? 16 too. We have two little foals. Would you please give me names for them? Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly, CHARMAINE (Otago). [Call the foals Fleet and Fred, Charmaine. You will be a merry household with your sister and your mate. —DOT.] ** > * Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you I am married, and am living in Weston. I am living quite close to my sisters and mother, so I do not feel quite so lonely as I would if I were far away from them. Kingsford Smith and Ulm made

a good flight, and they have proved brave men, but Hood aijd Moncrieff have' this honour, that they were the first men to attempt the unknown Tasman by air. I went to the pictures on Friday night to see “ Simple Sis,” and thought it rather comical in places, but sad in others. My sister, Gowan Princess, lias two children, and the eldest, a girl, is so loving. She can walk, and is just beginning to talk and she comes out with such funny sayings and words. Everyone who sees her passes the remark, “ What a bonny child she is, and how clever for her age! ” The nights are so long, it is really too good to stay inside. The bachelors of Weston are giving a ball to-night, and I hope to be going, as I am fond of dancing. My brother is doing wonderfully well at school. He is top of his class, and ever since he started school lie has received a prize at the end of the year for - being first in his standard. I call that a record for any boy or girl.—Christinas wishes to all.—Yours truly, DOLLY’ DIMPLE (Weston).

[The little girl must be a dear, Dolly Dimple. Y’es. your brother-has a record shared only by clever pupils.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Some of the creeks are washed out, and there have been large numbers of slips. My mother is -away in Dunedin for two weeks’ holiday, and she is enjoying herself. We have a number of lambs, also five pets. YVe used to receive from 16 to 20 eggs a day, but the hens, have gone off laying at present. We are milking eight cows and feeding seven calves, and it is unpleasant milking the cows when it is raining. My eldest brother is going out mustering soon. The inspector has visited ns once this year, but we haven’t had the final examination yet. I shall be pleased when it is over. I hope to go to Invercargill for part of my holidays this summer, and I am looking forward to having a good time. —Yours trulv. PARADISE BIRD ’(Lake Wakatipu).

[I am glad that mother is away having a holiday. Paradise Bird. I do not think your final examination will worry you if you have worked.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —We went to a gymnastic display in His Majesty’s Theatre last night, and enjoyed it. Our twin girl friends were in it, and you couldn’t pick one from the other, and they looked very pretty. I am looking forward to meeting Till We Meet Again. She hopes to he in Dunedin soon, and I shall be happy then. I have been reading a sad, but interesting book. It is called “The Mermaidens.”—Y’ours trulv. LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). [Gymnastics are good for you, Little Jean, but they. must not be overdone. Have you read the fairy tale about the prince and the youngest mermaid?— DOT.) r * * Dear Dot. —Your page is growing so big we shall sortn have an Otago Witness to ourselves. We had a basket ball match with the ladies last Wednesday afternoon. We won, the points being 22 —14. I play in the centre. We are having an examination at school. I hope I pass. The Girl Guides went for a picnic up to the bush last Saturday and had great fun. They came home piled with clematis and ferns. I shall soon lose one of my best friends. A House of Dreams. She is going to Rotorua to live. Last Sunday two friends of mine and I went up a hill called 59. It is called 59 because the clay shows up very plainly as 5 and 9. We saw Mount Ruapehu ' and Mount Tongariro just as if they were a few miles awav.—Y’ours trulv, ROSY’ WINGS (Mangatapu). [Y'ou are younger and find it more easy to jump- about • than do grown-up people, Rosy Wings. That must be an interesting hill.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am reading a book named “ The Wonderful Journey.” It is interesting. It is about pyramids. We have books out of the school library to take home and read. One Sunday afternoon when we were coming home from Sunday school a man gave us a dear little lamb. Will you please give me a name for him? Whenever he sees me with the teapot he drinks from, he runs at me and waggles his tail. He is beginning to eat grass. Our garden is lovely with daffodils anil primroses. At school we have planted all our seeds. I am second top in my class at school. Love to all the Little Folk and your own self.—Yours trulv, A SOUTHERN MAIDEN (Paretai)/ [Try to read books of travel, Southern Maiden, I can see that you love the lamb. Call him Waggle.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Do you like this windy weather? I don’t, and neither does my mummy. I am progressing at school, but looking forward to the holidays. We may have little chicks on Sunday, as one of my big brother’s bantams is sitting on six eggs. I like chickens, they are so soft and fluffy. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self.—Y’ours truly, MOTHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin).

[I do not like too many blowy days, Mother’s Goldie. I hope the chickens are fluffy, seeing that you like them so much.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Some of the factory carts could ’ not go to the factory because of the flooded river. One of our neighbours had to go through our paddocks, as the river is over the road which leads to his house. There is to be a social in the hall at Stirling to-morrow evening, but if the water is still on the road I think the social will have to be put off till next week. . I _ see by the "papers that the Summer-time Bill is carried again by half an hour. I was staying with M. P. for a week, and it rained all the time I was there. I am hoping to have D.O.D. staying with me for a few days, and I hope she has better weather than I did for my holiday. Kind regards to all and your dear self.—Yours truly, A COW SPANKER’S DAUGHTER (Otago). [Are you pleased that we have the summer hours, Cow Spanker’s Daughter? It is unfortunate that the social will have to be put off.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I shall tell you about my trip to Nelson as ’ I promised you. I

left in the service car, at 8 a.m., and had a short run through to Blenheim, where we changed into another car. It was a lovely morning, and I did enjoy the trip all the way. The driver pointed out all the interesting places, including the Pelorous bridge, where the Prince of Wales had lunch on his trip to Nelson. It is such a lovely spot, and we should have liked to stay there. We made our first stop at Havelock, a small seaport town. Then we stopped at a tiny township called Flat Creek for morning teathen went straight on over the beautiful bush-clad hills of the Rai Saddle and the Wangamoa. The Wangamoa is three miles up the Blenheim side and five miles down the Nelson side. There are houses scattered about through these hills, and cords of wood. I should not like to live in those lonely places. We reached my auntie’s three miles from Nelson, at 12.30 p.m., quite ready for the nice hot lunch she had ready for us. I stayed only a week. It would take too long to tell you about it, but I did enjoy myself. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.—Y’ours trulv. A WILLOW PIXTE (Koromiko). [Thank you for telling us of your trip. Willow Pixie. Would you like to live in Nelson always?—DOT.] * * * Dear’ Dot, —May I become a correspondent of your page? I am a member of the Owaka Boy Scouts. YVe have great fun on- Saturday afternoons. Last Saturday we walked to Pounawea. After going through some work we cooked fish for tea, and walked home in the cool of the evening. I enjoy reading,’ and have just, finished “Coral Island ” and “Ivanhoe.” I am hoping to read “ Westward Ho.” My sister is also joining your band of happy people as Little Lady Clare. Best regards to all.—Y’ours trulv, THE PATH FINDER (Owaka). [Welcome. Path Finder. Did you catch the fish, or are you not a fisherman vet? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am not at school to-day, as it is too wet to go. Last week we had the inspectors for half a day. My brother and sister and I are making carts out of boxes so that we can ride down the hills. I have not finished mine yet. but I might get it done to-day. Would you please give me-a name for a little pup? .It is black, with a little white on it. We are milking two cows just now, and we have two calves. We have two little pigs, red and black ones. They escaped yesterday, but they did not go far.—Y’ours truly. OGEYIAQUAY (Otago). [Did you have fun chasing the pigs. Ogemaquay? I should call the pup Pottles.—DOT.] NOTES. Story-:, Girl and Charlie’s L Aunt.—l am sorry I was out when you called, -dears. Thank you very much for doing so. —DOT. AUTOS. Koradi (R. Harraway. Kuri Bush) wishes to correspond with Lady May, Big Black Swan, Tip Toes,.Tom Heeney, and Farmer Jock.

Flower Child (Vera Yl’Crystall, Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island) wishes to correspond with Fair Rosy. Will she please write first aiid. soon? Laughing Stream- (Joyce Fraser, 10 Derwent street. Oamaru) would like to correspond with some Little Folk. Will they please write first? Wolf Gang (T. Fraser, 10 Derwent street, Oamaru) wishes to correspond with some other Little Folk. Well they please write first?

A Mellow Pup (Xi. Eteveneaux, Dipton) wishes to. correspond with any Little Folk from 12 to 15 years of age. Will they please write first? Poppy of France (Lorna Rouxelle. Dunback) wishes to correspond with A Flower Girl, and requests her to write first and soon. - •

,C. D. (Stella Shaw, care of J. C. Shaw. Orepuki) would like to correspond with any Little Folk from 12 to 14. Will they please write first and soon? Where’d Y’ou Get Those Eyes (Miss L. Shaw, care of G. Shaw, Orepuki) would like to correspond with Midas, Captain Armstrong, Excuse. Satin Slippers, and any other Little Folk from 17 to 19 years of age. Will they please write first and soon?

Fashionable Long Ago (Ivy Paddon, Waimahaka) wishes to correspond with Matai Belle. Neta Lyall, Beau Geste, or any other Little Folk about 16 years of age. Well they please write first and soon ?

A Shingle Short (Mae Roff. George street, Clifton, via Invercargill)) would like to correspond with any Little Folk from 15 to 16 years of age. and with Omar the Outlaw and Jim Whistle Breeches. Please will they write first and soon ?

Laughing Bill (I. Shaw, care of J. C. Shaw, Orepuki) wishes to correspond with Thistle Fluff, Cowboy Bill,’ Ginger 11. and any other Little Folk from 15 to 17. Will they please write first and soon?

Pianola (Ella Junge, care of Linton Hill Dairy, Gore) would like Matai Belle, Copper Nob, Omar the Outlaw, Lady Clarice, and any Little Folk from 15 to 16 years of age to write to her. Paradise Bird (Eileen M.. Bryant, Kinloch, Lake Wakatipu) wishes to correspond with Tip Toes, White Stock, and Fairy of the Snow-capped Mountains. YVill thej- please write first and soon? Charmaine (Bertha Marshall, “Clifton Farm,” Kuri Bush) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk from the ages of 11 to 14 years.

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 “ L 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 . .ean that you were completely covered. But you may not say “ I was quite cold with-

out inj' coat,” because you mean- “ very, cold,” which is a different matter. Only.—This word must always come immediately before the word it is describ--ing. 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 “ eel.” 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,” ar.d many other similar adjectives. Most of us use it quite wrongly. We may say “ It' was a nice piece of embroidery ” if wq mean that it was exquisitely done. But we may not say, “It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that it waq “ 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 111 sentences and 15 paragraphs. None.—This means* 1 no one,” and so rej fers 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 singu : lar 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, anj I 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 be “ Mother bought some wool for Goldeq Hair and me (for me).” Everyone, everybody.—Each of : these words stands for only one person, sq 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.’* Thej’ are sometimes awkward -words tq use, so, if you wish to speak of more tbaq one person and to use a plural verb, say “ all of us,” or “ people.” or some other word or phrase which conveys your mean: ing. . Lot.—This, like “ got.” is a word for which there is generally a substitute. Often we use it when we mean “.a coni siderable number or amount,” or “ a good or a great deal,” and in this sense it is better to say something other thaq “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 jneans “ 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 bj’ “ and ” must be plural. Therefore, you should say “There were a concert and dance.” not “There was a concert and dance.” Learn and. Teach.—Remember that “ tq learn ” means to obtain knowledge, and “to teach” means to /give knowledge’. Do not say“ He learned me my lessons,” for that puts the matter upside-down. Say either “He taught me my lessons.” or else “I learned the lessons which he taught hie.”

Abbreviations.- —To cut a word short in conversation is often permitted, aL though it is not a good habit into which to fall. But to do so in writing shows bad taste. Therefore, do not write such abbreviations as “ bike," ’’ exam,” anfl “Witness,” but "bicycle,” “examination,’' and “ Otago YVitness.” DOT.