LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 77

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—School has conmmcnced once again, and I am glad, because the holidays were becoming rather monotonous. I did not go away any great distance from Temuka. About the middle of January I was working at Winchester for a fortnight. I have not been at school this week, because I have a slight touch of appendicitis, which I suppose will develop as time goes bn. I have been reading a number of books and magazines while I have been in bed. I am fond of reading. I have played tennis a great deal this season, as I am very fond of it. The school tennis courts are not marked out yet, but I generally play on the St. Peter’s Club courts. The Tuesday after school reopened my youngest brother had the misfortune to fall and cut his throat a little. It was really his own fault, because he should not have been on the bicycle shed roof at all. When the doctor was stitching it, Leith told him that it would be a lesson to the other boys not to climb. However the sore is completely healed. The school picnic was held at Ashburton Domain last Thursday, but none of us went. It was a beautiful day, but in the afternoon it became a bit chilly. The annual Sunday school tea and prize-giving took place a fortnight ago. All of us went and had a great time. It was fairly late when we arrived home. At present the main road is rough to walk on. It is being tar-sealed from Temuka to Geraldine. Not long ago the big boiler caught fire. It was a great blaze, and lasted nearly all night. I was 16 years of age on the 13th, and I feel old. My brothers seem to think so too. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A PINK CARNATION BUD (Temuka). [I feel sure that the little boy will not elimb on the roof again. Pink Carnation Bud. Are you going to sit for matriculation?—DOT.]

Dear J)ot, —My father rose about 4 o’clock this morning to muster his sheep, as we are sending our lambs away tomorrow. I went, to the motor races at Waikouaiti. and I enjoyed it very much, as I could see everything I wanted to. Some of the motor cycles would not go, so they missed the races. Have you ever been at the beach to see the motor cycles racing? I have a little black kitten at home. Will you please give it a name? I enjoyed my . holidays very much t although I did not go anywhere for them.

Kind regards to you and the Little Folk, —Yours truly, GARDENER (Moonlight). [I have seen cycles racing. Gardener. Would Hamlet suit the kitten? He used to dress in black.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —My brother found some honey to-day. He has six hives of- bees. I have been to Kaiti Beach for my holidays. I am in Standard 111, and we go to the high school baths every Friday. I received a bicycle for Christmas, a waterball, and a number of other things. We had many peaches this year, but we have nearly finished them now. Love to all. —Yours truly, ‘ MISS HOKEY POKEY (Gisborne). [ls Kaiti Beach a beach for shells, Miss Hokey Pokey? Did you use your water i ball in the waves?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters very much. The salmon are coming in now. "An old man caught a 241 b quinnant salmon to-day. and another yesterday weighing about 181 b. He caught them both at the Rangitata Mouth. Dad has not been fortunate enough to haul any out yet. It is fine fun watching the men. Yesterday we went to Rangitata Island fishing, but caught nothing. Golden Moss and mum and I found a nest of young rabbits. The little rabbits did not have their -eyes open, so we fixed-the hole up and sent the mother back to them. Last Thursday we went to Ashburton for the day. We had a picnic in the Domain. After lunch we went to the town, and afterwards had afternoon tea, and we then made for the railway station, having a look at the roses on our. way. .1 am pleased to say that I gained my proficiency certificate. I received a number of prizes last year —for merit, “ The Girl Who Wouldn’t Make Friends,” hy Elsie J. Oxenham; for attendance, “Olive’s Story,” by Mrs O. F. Walton; sewing (second), a silver Eversharp pencil. I received 5s for a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals essay competition with which I bought a oook entitled “ The Best Book For Schoolgirls,” by Collins. Kind regards to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly. SWEET FAIRY BELLS (South Canterbury).

[Perhaps father will catch a big, fish soon. Sweet Fairy Bells, You have a number of good books. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Thank you very much for the name for the calf. We have started school. again. It is jolly to be amongst our own schoolmates again, although I hate sums. They are the only things at school I do not care for, and am not good at. Most of the summer flowr!

are withered, but autumn ones’ are coming out. We have a few dahlias out. We went to Colac Bay with our school the other day for a picnic, and, although it was very windy, we enjoyed ourselves. Pip the Second and Gold Dawn were there. They went with us in our bus. We waved to every one, even our teacher when we met her on the road. We were sopped in our last paddle for the day, so had to ride home in partly wet clothes. How we all slept that night! Satin Slipper snored. She was so tired that night, and poor wee Curly Whirly had to have supper in bed, she was so tired. I have had a horrid time to-night, cutting figs for jam. They were sticky things, but were not as bad as dates. We have a dozen new rolls for our player piano. Eox trots and songs are the main ones. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly JOYOUS JUNE (Southland). 51 am sure you enjoyed yourselves at ac Bay, Joyous June. Did you play with Pip the Second and Gold Dawn? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l spent an enjoyable Christmas. I received a cup, saucer, and plate and a box of chocolates from my mother, a mirror from my aunt, and a bottle of scent from my cousin. We are busy haymaking just now, and I carry the. lunches to the harvest field. All the farmers are . pusy cutting their crops. We are having some lovely weather, but it grows cold in the afternoon. My youngest brother has started school, but he does not like going. We are milking 30 cows and feed seven calves. We have seven little chickens, but we had bad luck 'with our chickens this year. My sister, Dark-Eyed Lassie, did not gain her proficiency, but she passed her competency. Our cherry plum tree had numbers of plums on it this year. I was strawberry picking this year, and I like it. better than picking raspberries. I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters, especially those from Black Watch, Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter, Boy, Secret of the Sea, Caversham Lad, and Ivanhoe. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, HOOKITE (Makikihi). [You must try to be a little morethoughtful over your grammar, Hookite. Do you like carrying out the dinner to the hungry workers?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Bahs is a lovely fat lamb. We are having bad weather here. We had a lovely picnic at Colac.Bay on Thursday. It was lovely swimming in the rough water. Do you like swimming in the rough water? When all the oats were cut Babs ran into the paddock and started running and jumping on the sheaves as if he was pleased they were cut. Now that I have left school I can help mother with the work and lunches for the school thildren.—Yours truly, SATIN SLIPPER (Southland).

[Yes, I do like swimming in the sea, Satin Slipper. Is that the first time you had been in the surf?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have returned to school from a good holiday in Southland. I went away a fortnight before the school started, and after a long and tedious journey arrived at Invercargill. I stayed at Invercargill that night, and on the next day went to Riverton, and stayed there a week. The weather was very rough, and prevented us from swimming, but I was in bathing nearly every day.

I saw a number of penguins, but they were only small ones. While sitting on the beach one day I noticed a girl with a red frock, and it was while I eat looking at her that she came towards me and sat down beside me. She was my friend at school. She was staying at Brydone, and had come down to Riverton for the day. I was very pale when I went away for my holiday, but I was soon rosy and sunburnt, and looked as if I had been away for a month. 1 xeturned to Invercargill after my Holiday at Riverton, and stayed there till a day or so before the opening of the school. My mother and father came down for me, and took me home in the car. During the holidays I had my tonsils and adenoids out. Have you had yours taken out? There is to be an excursion to Dunedin from Kelso on Friday the 22nd, but I am not going. Love to ail the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, E.A.T. (Kelso)

[I have had a similar operation to yours when I was small, E.A.T. I am glad you look and feel brown and healthy now. Did you like Riverton?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was going for a picnic up the river to-day with some of my friends, but it was very cold and wintry, so I_ did not go. I went to the council picnic yesterday, and had a good time. There were many races during the day. but I went in for only three events. I came second in the sack race, and received a slip entitling me to a trophy valued at ss. I am going into town to-morrow to choose it. Ice creams, drinks, fruit, and sweets were given free in the afternoon. While we were sitting down to dinner, one of the girls noticed a blue insect on a piece of grass. It was very much like a ladybird, but was a brilliant deep blue instead of red, and had no spots on it. On Friday we went to a school picnic. They had all kinds of races, the obstacle race being very amusing. The school teacher was a sport, and went in for the events too. The competitors had to wriggle through sacks partly full of chaff, mud, flour, etc., each sack being different. The school teacher chose the mud sack, and stuck, much to the amusement of the onlookers. Another amusing event was the treacle and bun-eating. The buns were suspended from a beam, and covered with treacle, and without touching them with their hands the competitors had to cat the buns. They all had bathing costumes on, however, so had a good wash afterwards. In the middle of the excitement the beam came down, and buns and children were mixed in a heap. I think that cats really have nine lives, because my eat has exhausted about seven of his already. He caught mumps once, and would have been killed, but I shut him up out of the way of the kiddies, and fed him regularly, and he soon grew well again. He is a very faithful cat, and often conies to meet me when I go for a walk, sometimes waitin'' over an hour for me. My sister, mother, and father, and I walked to the store one night, and he followed us—a mile there and a mile back. We can’t keep dogs here, as they would worry the sheep, so we appreciate the cats. Our other cat disappeared for over a month, and we hadgiven up all hope of seeing him again, when one night mum noticed him on the other side of the river. My father went round by the bridge to bring him, but meanwhile the cat swam across the river. Every night just at dusk, Tea for Two, two of our friends, and myself go for a swim. The river is about 50yds from our

house, so we dress at home. We explored the river, measuring the depth with sticks, and found an ideal swimming hole not quite up to dur chins. The current is fairly strong, so we can swim only across and down stream. I think that salt water is much easier to swim in than river water. I can swim half a mile in salt water, but I doubt if I could do half that distance in the fresh water of the river. Along the front of our place there are many willow trees, large and small, so every summer my sister and I build a hut out of the willows by bending the branches down to the ground. We don’t break them off the tree, so they keep green and fresh, making it delightfully cool within. It is pleasant to sit in the hut on hot days.—Yours truly, TANGLE PATE (Hawke’s Bay).

[I wonder what kind of insect that could be, Tangle Pate? Would you not grow to be a much stronger swimmer if you practised a little each day against the current? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I returned home last Friday from Waitawa, where I have been spending a week’s holiday. I stayed with my sister, who works there, while her master and mistress were away camping at the West Coast. My mother and father have celebrated their silver wedding. My brother and father cleaned out the shed two days before, and decorated it, and the people all went down that evening and danced. The music for the dance was played by a violin, bagpipes, and an accordian. When the dance was over the guests returned to the dining room, where my mother had a beautiful supper laid, and in the middle of the table stood the wedding cake, surrounded by 25 kewpies. The dining room where the supper was held was decorated with coloured streamers and silver horse shoes. After supper the guests were returning to the sitting room to have songs and music when one of the guests covered mother and father with confetti. Mother received some beautiful presents. We had Nova Aquilea and Ngaire the Fairy and their mother here on Wednesday. It is very hot here. We have not had rain for a long tinm Our tanks are nearly empty. It is hot weather for the people who are harvesting. The farmers around us are all busy. I have not heard from Ginger II this year. I think she must have forgotten me. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. POPPY DAY (Tycho).

[How many water tanks have you, Poppy Day? Do you depend wholly on the tanks for your water supply?—DOT. •

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age. and I am in Standard V at school. Dad has a sheep run, and I help him to muster, and again at dipping time, and by picking up at shearing. We have three ponies whose names are Spot, Nellie, and Bruce. I have four ferrets, and when I was out ferreting one day I lost one. The rabbiter caught him in a trap, and later I caught him again myself. He seems to like escaping from his home. We _ are too far from school so our teacher lives with us, and we have school here. There are no children on the neighbouring farms, so that my nearest mate is five miles away.- Whenever I ride for the mail I see him for a few minutes, and sometimes he comes here on a Saturday to play. The farmers are becoming a little anxious about their turnips. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —-Yours truly, SUNNY CENTRAL (Tarras).

[Welcome to Sunny Central. Your ferret wants his freedom back again.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard 111 at school, and I like it. I am eight years of age, but I shall soon be nine. I have a sister and two brothers. We have a number of pets on our farm. There is a dear little black rabbit named Binkle and some little kittens. My sister and I like playing with our baby dolls and prams.* Love to all.—Yours truly, SILVER LEAF (Tarras).

[Welcome, Silver Leaf. Tell me about Binkle. Are the baby dolls good when you put them to sleep?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? Dad takes the Otago Witness, and I like reading i letters. I am in Standard IV at school, and I am 11 years of age. We live on a sheep farm in the country. We have three dear wee ponies, two black ones and one brown one. We have a puppy, an it is.always in mischief. My cat is called Rags, and she is black. I have two baby dolls and three kewpies. In the last fortnight I have been for two 10-mile rides on horse back. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, TIGER LILY FLOWER (Tarras). [Welcome, Tiger Lily Flower. Your name was taken. I like your pets’ names. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are busy harvesting today, and it is very hot. We have been having such fine weather for the harvest although we are beginning to think the countryside needs rain. I do wish this weather had arrived at Christmas instead of now, as we had wet weather all through the holidays. We have very little crop left out, and we expect to be finished tomorrow night. Ngaire the Fairy is away with the lunch. We have not far to carry it. Last year we had to drive the pony up to a far paddock, and we notice the difference this year. I received a note from my correspondent Little Missionary yesterday, and I was very sorry to hear she was in the Warrington Convalescent Home. I hope she soon grows well and strong again.. I have not been able to do much gardening in the flower garden lately, as everything is so dried up. Ngaire the Fairy has had the vegetable garden to look after this year, and she has done well. We have watered the seeds and plants well with all the water left over from washing, and it has kept them fresh. Vegetables are so much needed, and it is loyely to have a good garden. We shall miss our apples very much this season, as the sun one very hot Friday baked a large patch on every apple. It will render them useless for storing, as they are already beginning to rot where the patch is. We usually have our own apples till well on towards Christmas, and always till September, so you can imagine what

a loss it will mean, A tree of plums suffered the same misfortune, and the plums are nasty to eat. It was my birthday yesterday. I have two more years to write to the page. I had a pleasant birthday. My mother gave me an oval ebony hand mirror. All my seven little nephews are doing well. Two of them are going to school. It does not take long for them to reach school age. We had little Arthur here for a month. He had gone through an operation a week before Christmas, and his mother and father thought a month’s holiday would help him to grow quite strong before he had to go to school again. We went to a silver wedding a little while ago. The bride and bridegroom were Poppy Day’s parents. We had a very happy evening dancing and singing. Love to all the dear Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. NOVA AQUILAE (Levels Valley). [I know how you will miss your own apples Nova Aquilae, as I like eating them too. Is Arthur quite strong again? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Last Thursday evening a swimming carnival was held here. We were fortunate in choosing a beautiful night. A number of swimmers came from Alexandra. During the dance which followed the firebell rang, and, as the musician was a fireman, he ran out of the hall. Someone had evidently dropped a cigarette butt when coming from the carnival, and it caught the grass beside the baths, spreading very quickly. The first fire had hardly been out for an hour when the alarm went again, and the fire was found to be in the same place. I had my friend staying with me from Thursday until Saturday, and we had a great time. Last Saturday we played a tennis match against Alexandra High School, and they beat us by five games, although the sets were even. We enjoyed our matches vn-v much, as their players are such good st s Our new high school is now in the course of erection. It will be finished next month. We are all looking forward to being in it. I am leaving shortly. I shall be sorry to leave, as I have grown to love our school, and I shall miss all my school friends. I have taken a commercial course, and I am now looking for a position in an office. For five weeks of the Christmas holidays I was in Southland. Three weeks of the time I was in Invercargill. I was not staying right in the town, but a few miles out at Waikiwi. I made a number of friends. The rest of my holiday was spent in Otahuta, and Mossburn. In Mossburn I was staying on a farm,- and everything was new to me. I intended staying only a few days, but nearly a fortnight passed before I left for home. In Otahuta I was also on a farm. One day I went to Riverton Rocks. I liked there so much that I have been trying to persuade dad to take a crib there next Christmas. Tuatapere is another notable spot. The entrance to the sports ground is very beautiful. The drive from the mouth of the Waiau River to Clifden was wonderful. It was such a change to see the bush-covered hills after the dry, rocky mountains surrounding our district. I was sorry to return here. I did not meet any Little Folk that I knew on my travels. I had the misfortune of missing one girl by one day. She had just left Mossburn the day before I left for there. However I met her sisters and brother. I was in Bluff three times, and liked there very much. The sea air was lovely. Have you ever been there? Regatta day was lovely. I could watch the yachts all day. I was greatly amused at some Maori children playing in Argyle Park. They said such quaint things. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, PETER THE FERRET (Cromwell).

[I have been to Bluff several times, Peter the Ferret. I suppose you were not lucky enough to go to Stewart Island, were you?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am in Standard V at school now, and we have cookery lessons. We had to stew some fruit last cookery day. We are making a princess petticoat for sewing this year. We had a lovely holiday up in Tiinaru. There was a carnival on when we were there, and there were a merry-go-round, a merry-mix-up, and a boat-swing. I did not go in for a bathe, but I went for a paddle in the sea. We went to the gardens, and they were beautiful. There were deer and emus there. It rained only when we were going home, and we were up there a fortnight. For the rest of my holidays 1 went to Wangaloa. When I was there a bee stung me on the arm, which became poisoned. As soon as my arm was better, I poured some boiling water over my foot. Love, to all and your own dear-self.—-Yours trulv. ' PUG’S DAUGHTER (Kaitangata). _ [Do you like the deer, Pug’s Daughter. You have had an unfortunate time lately. —DOT.] 'J’ Dear Dot,—l am still working, and I am beginning to wish I was back at school. We have had good weather here for over a week now, which is unusual, as it is generally blowing or raining. I was at a dance last night, but it was a failure, as there were very few girls and about 50 men. Everybody was rushing to obtain a partner. I have been reading some books latdfy, and I liked them very much. The school picnic was held last Friday, and the school sports will be held next Friday. There will be a dance in the evening, and I hope to be there.—Yours trulv, ONE OF THE DAUNTLESS THREE (Otago). [We shall hope that the sports dance is more of a success than the last one, One of the Dauntless Three. Do you begin work at 9 o’clcok?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am writing to ask you if you will accept me as a member of your happy band of Little Folk, please? I am 15 years of age, and I have left school. As it has been very hot here lately, I usually go in for a bathe in the river every day. The swimming pool is not very far from our place. The picture “ Sorrel and Son ’’ was screened in Arrowtown last night, but we did not go, as we were entertaining visitors. I have been reading a number of very good books lately. Can you play the piano? I can a little. The Horticultural and Industrial Society held its annual show here on Wednesday last. Another show is to be held on March 13. A concert

will also be held on the same day. Have you ever been in Arrowtown? It is a pretty little township, surrounded by hills on all sides. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, NOBODY’S LOVE (Arrowtown). [Yes, you may join, Nobody’s Love. I Had to alter your name as it was taken. 1 Have not been in Arrowtown.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have often thought of y °’> £ ut 1 llave not had opportunity of doing so till now. My P l T t^.i t<> r- y 1 O i U ’ and recei ves letters from bei Little Folk correspondents. There nave been four picnics here, and we had our picnic at Bluff during last week It was a big picnic, the train having 19 carriages on it. The bathing season is now drawing to a close, and I shall be sorry to have to give up bathing. I read the letters of the Little Folk every week as soon as the Otago Witness is brought into the house. Many of mv triends around here write to you.—Yours

WILD WOOD FLOWER (Orepuki). [Welcome. Wild Wood Flower. 1 have altered your name, as the other was DOT] Di<l y ° U Hke be ‘ ng at

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my Hist letter in print. Me have been very busy at school these last few weeks. I passed into Standard IV this year. I went for a car drive to-day. and it was pleasant. The weather has been very hot here lately.—Yours truly, SWEET PEA (Queenstown). [Have you all your new school books. Sweet Pea? Do you find the Standard I\ work difficult?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. I was on a farm for my holidays, and I had a very enjoyable time. I went in for a bathe sometimes. There were 17 of us on the farm all the holidays, and 22 for Christmas dinner. We were up at 4 o’clock on Christmas mornfo see what was in our stockings. I had crackers on Christmas night, and I had some more on New Year’s Eve. We have a holiday on Friday for the miners’ picnic, and it is going to be held at Gore It has been miserable weather, but I think it will clear up now. I am in Standard "V. I have started woodwork. Love to all the Little Folk and vourself. —Yours trulv,

FARMER JOCK (Gibson). [How many teachers are there at the school you attend, Farmer Jock? Have .vou ever spent your holidays on a farm before this year?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I have been answering some correspondents. I received five answers to my auto. Do you go to the pictures much? Last week my friend and I went every night except Friday, when I had to attend drill. I am still unemployed. I have been so for the last three years. Have you seen the picture “ Uncle Toms Cabin”? I saw- it when it was down here. We thought it very good, but very sad.- We have a shower of rain about every half hour. My friend and I were going to go out to Oreti Beach to-day, but it rained. Do you go to many picnics? There have been one or two at Bluff and Oreti Beach during the past week, but my mate and I have been too busy to go. As yet I have heard nothing more about the navy, but I hope to hear soon. A friend of mine is going to try to obtain a position in the merchant navy, but he is at present working in a foundry.—Yours truly, EARL KITCHENER (Invercargill). [I do not go to see many pictures, but I saw “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin ” when it was here, Earl Kitchener. I hope you are employed soon.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The annual flower show wag held last week, and it is really wonderful where all the flowers come from, especially when we are having such erratic weather. We were all at the pictures last Saturday night. ' “ Annie Laurie ” was showing, and it was very enjoyable. The music was such a treat too, all Scottish, a change from the usual run of music one hears in a picture theatre. How would you like to live in the country? One has far more liberty than the town, people. I do not think I should like to live in town again. We live some miles from Kurow. and we are surrounded by hills. If we climb one at the back of the house we are able to see Oamaru. Our nearest neighbour lives about a mile away. The farmers are all busy with their harvest. I’m sure they do not want to see rain till they have finished, but it would do the country good to have a good downpour. The school children held their annual picnic in Timaru again this year, and by what we hear, they had a splendid day for it. They were to have had it before the holidays started, but owing to the weather had to postpone it till this month. We have had two Kurow girls married this month. One girl was married in Kurow, but the other one was married in Oamaru. The fruit season is now well underway again. Everyone I meet tells me she has been making jam or pickles. We have made a fair quantity, but have more to make. It is hot work this weather. About a fortnight ago we motored to the public works to see the damage that the pontoon had done when it broke away, and I was surprised at the number of huts and tents that are therel They have a small township. They Mold dances sometimes, but we have not gone yet. We may go some time just to see what it is like. I am reading a very interesting book by Rex Beach. “ The Iron Trail ” is the name of it, and |here are one or two fine characters in it. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, GEE GEE (Hakataramea). [I should like to live in the country; Gee Gee. You should try to make all your jam before you are too tired with the other work. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am going back to the Southland Technical College again this year, but from first impressions, I do not think I shall like it as much as I did my first year. We leave school at 3.50, and have to wait about until 5.10, which is the time our train leaves so we become tired of waiting, and it is exeeedinglj’ cold during the winter months. I joined the tennis club this season, and, although I am not a good-

player, I enjoy the games, and next year I hope to improve, or I shall take a dislike to tennis. Have you ever tried to return a serve which seems too easy, and, on making a gentle hit at 'it, you see it calmly pass over or by your racket? During the holidays I went to the Riverton and Bluff regattas, and had an enjoyable time. We had rather a funny incident while we were out on one of the many launches at Riverton. My two chums and I were sitting by the side of the launch, which was rather low in the water, and on arriving at the starter’s boat, the men decided to go out a little further. By this time we had reached the breakers, and the launch was tipping up and down at rather dangerous angles. We were glad to be able to cling to the rail. Just as w r e were turning I jumped up on to the engine box and prepared to take a snap of the starters and the beach, but a few minutes later I heard screams, and, on turning round, I saw my two pals had water dripping from their clothes. I guessed what had happened. and, unable to restrain my laughter, I started everyone on the launch laughing.. You see, on turning the side was against the waves, and instead of rising and falling like the bows, the waves broke against the launch with such force that it threw a great shower of spray over the side, soaking the clothing of my chums. After a hearty laugh, in which the two joined, the people left the launch, and we borrowed coats while the wet clothing soon dried in the brilliant sunshine. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A SCREW LOOSE (Southland).

[We all make mistakes at tennis, Screw Loose. Can you not do your home lessons while you are waiting for the train? —DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —We ape at school again. We do not take the Otago Witness now, but my aunt does, so I borrow it. I have not been in swimming lately, as it is too cold. lam just learning to swim. To-day it is very rough. The last three or four mornings we have not been able to see the Remarkables for mist. —Yours truly, FLOWER MAIDEN (Queenstown).

[What stroke are you learning to swim with, Flower Maiden? It would be warmer learning in river water, perhaps.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We arc back at school. I am in Standard 11, and I like it very much. We have two foals and some dear little chickens and ducklings. My baby brother is growing up. and soon he will be two years old. My sister jammed my two fingers in the door yesterday, and it was so painful. I did not go away for my Christinas holiday.?, but I might go next year. As we were going to school this morning we saw a black rabbit with a white band round its body. We had a bathe in the Cromwell swimming baths on show day. Aly sister gained a few prizes in the show. Do you find the weather hot.—Yours truly, ARROWMIR (Bannockburn).

[I have not often been in tepid baths, as I prefer fresh water, Arrowmir. Did the bunny bring you good luck? I hope your fingers are better now. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I had pneumonia in the holidays, and was not well for a long time. I am coming to live in Dunedin, but I do not like leaving the country. Did you receive many Christmas presents? I did. Thank you for the badge. I like it very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly,

FOXY (Warepa). [I received some presents, Foxy. I am glad you are not ill now.—DOT.]

DS&r Dot.—We went to a picnic on Quarantine Island, and enjoyed ourselves immensely. The train left Balclutha about a-quartcr to 10, and stopped twice between Balclutha and Port Chalmers. There were nearly 900 passengers on the train. We went on a boat from Fort Chalmers to the island. We arrived at the island about 1 o’clock, and left about half-past 3. I enjoyed on the train, but the boat was much better. It is the first time I have been on a ferry boat, and - also about the first time I have been past Dunedin. We boarded the boat at Port Chalmers. As soon as we reached the island we bought a bottle of lemonade, and then had our lunch. After lunch five of us walked back to our luncheon place, and, after resting a while, we went to see the rabbits. There are Angora and Chinchilla rabbits caged up. After an enjoyable day we arrived home about 8 o’clock. We went to Balclutha in the bus when we -went to the picnic, and it was crowded with two or three men standing on the footboard. Last night A Little Gardener was coming home from school, and cut his knees, so he has to stay at home. When we went to the picnic at Quarantine Island, I met two of your Little Folk, but I do not write to either of them. The _ Summer Time Bill will be going out soon. The relieving teachers here are leaving this week, and the new ones are coming next week. My eldest brother is home from his holidays, which.be enjoyed. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A MAID OF THE VIOLETS (Paretai). [I am pleased that you like the boat trip, Maid of the Violets. Where did your brother go for holidays?—DOT.] - * * Dear Dot, —I like going to school, but I did not at first. I am in Standard V. I do not know what the work is like, as we have not our books yet. The library book I have at home is “ Silver Skates.” I won three prizes at the breakup of school, one for poster work, one for general excellence, and one class prize. The names of them are “ Esther’s Charge,” “ A Summer Holiday,” and “ The Courage of Jean.” Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A PRAIRIE CHILD (Bannockburn). [All the school books are late in arriving this yeqr, Prairie Child. I suppose you have read all your school prizes. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ *

Dear Dot, —I find great pleasure in reading the Little Folk’s letters, and have now met four of the Little Folk. I was excited the night I met Caversham Lad, and we had such a pleasant evening. I lost Till We Meet Again this morning, and did nat. like saying good-bye, but

we may go and see her in the school holidays. I think it must be lovely living in Queenstown. I am reading a book called “ Polly,” by L. T. Meade. I went to elouction and music to-day, but I am going to elocution on Alondays after this, as it is too much for one day, and I feel tired to-night. I may be going in for the junior elocution examination, so I am going to work hard. You said you thought my mummie was very good to me, and so she is. I love her. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin) [lt will be better for you to have music and elocution on separate days, Little Jean. You will like Queenstown. —DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot, —Aly sister’s wee boy is walking now. and he is one year and one month old. A Sweet Red Rose is better. I have a girl friend who would like to write and take the name of “ Nobody’s Darling.” I have been to Wellington for a holiday, and I enjoyed myself very much. I had a girl friend with me. I am reading a book named “ The Phantom Lover,” by Ruby Al. Ayres. The children are all back at school. I have left now. I was at Evansdale on Saturday. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, A BONNIE ENGLISH ROSE (Milton).

[You do not need to send your private name every letter, Bonnie English Rose. That name was taken. Could your friend find another?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I. did not go back to school, but I am taking private lessons in shorthand and typing. All I know about my- name is that it is the name of a piece of music I have. It is a pretty piece. I have been learning music for three years, and I like it very much indeed. I have passed five examinations, and I am going in for another theory one in June, and a practical one in November. After I came home from Timaru I went out to the country to stay with my cousins, Alountain Lily and Mountain Rose, so I had a very good holiday. I write to a girl in Australia whom I have never seen. The first leter she wrote to me she said she had never heard of Invercargill before. I think nearly everybody must have heard of it, although it is not a very large town. I also write to a girl in Christchurch whom I have not seen. It is very interesting, and if I happen to go for a holiday it is good to have a girl friend who can show me round the town. We have 14 apple trees, so I am having a good time. I was at the baths twice last week, but although I have been going to them a long time I have not had courage enoughto dive. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ANGELUS (Invercargill). [ls your music by Cuthbert Harris, Angelus? The Augelus was a bell rung in France at sundown. Every peasant left his work and prayed when it was ringing.—DOT.] NOTES. Little Blue Waves.-—You wrote in pencil so I cannot print the letter. —DOT. AUTOS. A Screw Loose (Mavis Hunter, Cushen street, Clifton, via Invercargill) would like to correspond with Lucky-Go-Happy and Caversham Lad. Will they please write first? A Pink Carnation Bud (Ursula Baxter, 370 King street. Temuka) wishes to correspond with Story Girl and any Little Folk between the ages of 15 and 17 years. Will they please write first and soon? Peter the Ferret (Daphne Scheib, Box 12, Cromwell) wishes to correspond with Just a Cook, Tutanekai, and any other Little Folk.

POINTS IN GRAMMAR.'

The following notes are made in order to help Little Folk to write purer English : —

Got —get.—These are two words which are better left unsaid. There is always another word more preferable, and that is the one to use. For instance: “ I caught a cold,” not “ I got a cold.” "We found or received five eggs.” not “We got five eggs.” Quite. —Almost everybody uses this word wrongly. It means “ completely,” not “ very.” For instance, you may say “ I was quite covered with soot when I fell down the chimney.” because you ,ean 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 are only milking one cow.” Shall.—Every time you use the pronouns “ I ” or “we ” use vhe verb “ shall ” instead of “ will.” Use “ will ” with the pronoun “ you.” For instance: "We shall be pleased if you will come to tea.”

Very.—Strangely enough " very " cannot be used by itself before a past participle —that is, a word ending in “ ed.” Say: “ I was so pleased ” or “ I was very much pleased,” but not " I was very pleased to see my 'first letter in print.” Nice.—The real meaning of this word is a mixture of “ dainty,” “ precise,” " delicate,” “ perfect,” and many other similar adjectives. Most of us use it quite wrongly. We may say “It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that it was exquisitely done. But we may not say, “It was a nice piece of embroidery ” if we mean that it was “ pretty,” or " becoming.” Hence it is wrong to talk of food as being “ nice.” We should say " tasty ” or “ delicious ” instead.

Paragraphs.—A separate paragraph is not required for each sentence. In one letter received recently there were 16 sentences and 15 paragraphs. None. —This means “ no one," and so refers to only one person. Hence it must have a singular verb. Say: “None of us was an expert at dancing,” hot “None of us were experts.” Number. —This word also takes a singular verb. Say either “ A number of visit-

ors was coming to see us,” or “ Numbers of visitors were coming to see us.” For.—li you become contused with this word, take the sentence to pieces, and you will soon see the right way to use it. “ Mother bought some wool for Golden Hair and I.” Would you say " for I”? No. So you see that the sentence should be " Mother bought some wool for Golden Hair and me (for me).” Everyone, everybody.—Each of these words stands for only one person, so it has to be used with a singular verb. De 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 i 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 jt is 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 sister and brother,” not “ There was a sister and brother.”

Learn and Teach.—Remember that “ to learn ” means to obtain knowledge, and “to teach ” means to give knowledge. Do not say “He learned me ny lessons,” for that puts the matter upside-down. Say either “He taught me my lessons,” or else “ I learned the lessons which be taught me.” Abbreviations.—To cut a word short in conversation is often permitted, although 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, “ ’flu.’ and “Witness,” but “bicycle,” “examination,” “ influenza,” and “ Otago Witness.” DOT.