LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3944, 15 October 1929, Page 75

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. Last night I went U u dance and enjoyed myself. One day last week dad and I went into Napier for the talkies. We saw “The Broadway Melody,” and it was very good. At present we have a man staying with us. who is a composer of music, and he is composing a piece called “ The Henpecked bather.” Dad asked him to do this so that he could sing it to his friends. Our tennis club opened about a fortnight ago. and 1 hope to join later on. All our spring flowers,are out, and the garden is looking a picture. Our fruit trees are also out in blossom, and by the look of them I think we are going to have plenty of fruit this year. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly.

LAVENDER LAD (Hastings)

[Tell me about your dance frock. Lavender Lad. Play as much tennis as you can. How glad you will be to have a big crop of fruit.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have two pet lambs and one black and white calf. The spring flowers are coming out. and they look pretty. I am looking forward to the sum-mer-time. We shall have longer days. I am working two aprons for myself. Madame Butterfly lives about three miles away, but Red Hot Poker lives near here. I was speaking to Falling Snowflakes the other day, and she said she was going to write to you. There are 12 children going to this school. I think they are expecting the inspector any day. One of my mates is in the Oamaru Public Hospital. She has been in for three weeks. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly.

RED FLOWER (Maerewhenua)

[Do you visit your mate in the hospital, Red Flower? The pet lambs will soon be big, and then you will miss them when they go out into the paddocks.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have primroses out in our garden, which looks very pretty. I have made an apron and a pair of slip pers at school, and I am going to do some fancywork this term. I hope it will not be long till the swimming season comes on again, as I like swimming very much. One of my brothers is learning his lessons while the other is playing cards. Two of my elder brothers ar? out working. One has been out for a long time, and the other went away last night.—Yours truly. PINK CARN AT JON'S PAL (Duntroon).

[Primroses are so dainty that it seems a pity to pick them. Pink Carnation’s Pal. I hope al] the Little Folk will learn to swim.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May I join vour happy band of Little Folk? I shall be nine years of age on Saturday, and in Standard 11. I am very fond of music, but we have not a piano at home. I have two sisters and three brothers. I am making a laundry bag at school. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly.

WARM SUNBEAM (Duntroon).

[Welcome, Warm Sunbeam. Your name was taken. Are you able to learn music though you have not a piano?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I shall be 16 years old next week. That seems old! I was only eight when I wrote my first letter to you, and I told you why I chose my name. Grandad’s Ruby. Grandad is still one of my best friends. My wee sister, True, who

is two and a-half, sometimes tells me I am “ dandad’s pet.” Grandad has done our vegetable garden up. It has rows of potatoes, peas, and cabbages. True used to think she was helping grandad in the garden. She used to dig with the little fire shovel. She has her own wee flower garden, and she is very proud of it. Mum made it for her. We have a good many pet lambs, and it is my work to feed them. I like animals very much, but horses most of all. Our black pony, Maori, is more like a dear friend than just a pony. He is the most sensible, affectionate fellow that I have ever seen. Dad says I am too heavy to ride him much more, and I’m very sorry.—Yours truly.

GRANDAD’S RUBY (Pukerau)

[Yours is a beautiful friendship with your grandfather, Grandad’s Ruby_. Give Maori a pat for me. You would not care to hurt the pony by riding him. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have been away for my term holidays, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. We started school on Tuesday. We had a week and two days’ holiday. We are having a children’s dance this month. The Matakanui footballers are giving it to us. I have passed in this examination. We are going to start tennis soon at school. My oldest brother plays for the Ophir team. We have about 20 eggs a day. We are milking only two cows. The Matakanui second yyade have won the cup. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, QUEEN OF THE PRAIRIE (Omakau).

[How proud you must be of the team. Queen of the Prairie. Will it be a fancy dress dance? Try to watch your strokes at tennis.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Wc have a good football team at our school, and consequently the last two matches we have played were won by us. I hope to gain my proficiency certificate this year, and then I shall be going to the Otago Boys’ High School. I shall join a football team at the High School, for football is my favourite sport. M e also play tennis, and sometimes takesides against the girls at baseball. My brother is practising high jumping to compete in the Otago High School sports at the end of this month. I do not notice many letters from the older writers. They all seem to be new ones, and such a number of them too. our page seems to be crowded each week with very interesting letters. I go to a farm near my home every night, and I have been learning how to milk, and as one of my school chums works at this farm, I spend a lot of time with him. I took my dog. Dash, up the hill last Saturday to try to catch a rabbit, but I saw very few rabbits, and over in one paddock I saw four hares. They are the first ones I have ever seen, and they can run. Dash was too slow to catch any of them I also saw wee lambs playing along the hillside. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. PERRIWINKLE FRED (Broad Bay).

[Dash would have to be very speedy to catch a hare, Perriwinkle Fred. I hope you pass your proficiency. You will like high school.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have finished reading nearly all the Little Folk’s letters this week, and there are some very interesting ones. It will be Jimmy the cat’s birthday next Sunday, so he will be one year old. Dad says he thinks he will catch a rabbit for Jimmy's birthday, and I say I shall make a cake specially for him. He is such a dear. My new correspondents seem to have all answered at once, so I am having a busy time writing letters. I sec it will soon be Old Writers’ Week, so 1 hope to enjoy reading their letters. The Maheno Guides went to Oamaru last Saturday to the gardens as th »re was a Girl Guide inspection. We had a lovely day, and each company had its photograph taken. There are a good numbe” of autos in this week. There seem to be baby lambs in every paddock, but we have none. To-night I watered the garden as the flowers were beginning to vither. Although nothing else is growing, our lettuce plants are shooting up iike magic and we have our potatoes in too. I shall be glad when daylight saving comes in again, as the nights are stretching out now. 1 love to watch the sun setting, when the clouds turn from blue to pink, and if I watch I can make pictures in them. I went to church on Sunday night, but it was so dark we could hardly see a hand in front of us. The willows arc fresh and green with their spring leaves. The children will soon be looking for Santa Claus as there are only three more months to go. I am going to a concert and dance to-morrow nignt, so I am looking forward to an enjoyable evening Have you ever seen a lizard? The other day I lifted up a stone, and this thing scurried into the grass. It was such a time since I had seen one so it gave me a start. They say they make good pets I had two once, but I thought, it was rather cruel to cage them up. When J set them free they ran along, and then looked back as much as to thank me. I noticed a number of lady birds lately among the flowers. Tipperary Shoes and I nearly always go for a long walk on Sunday afternoon, but last Sunday all our family went to see my sick brother, who is at last on the way to recovery. Did I tell you that we look after the post office? I have to fetch and take the mail bag, which is often very heavy. All the boys and girls here used to play “chasey” after tea in the summer, but as they have all grown up and disappeared, we have to make the best of a small game of rounders, which is

not nearly so exciting. We used to hide up trees or in hedges. I think one can have most fun in the country. I suppose if one was born in the town it -would be all right, but it would not suit me. I enjoy frolicking in the trees and sun like a lamb. When we go bathing we always sit in our bathing suits to be sun-burnt. I notice all the girls are wearing longer dresses and allowing their hair to grow, but mine will stay shingled for a while yet. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly.

HAPPY GUIDE (Otago).

[I can understand how you miss the games you could play with a large number of friends, Happy Guide. Wish Jimmy the cat a happy rabbit birthday for me. I think your name suits you admirably.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print, and thank you very much for the name for my canary. Besides my flower garden I also have a strawberry garden. My two playmates are thinking of writing to your page. I have just finished reading a book called “Our Lil.” Have you read it? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, MERRY MEG (Dunedin). [No, I have not read the book, Merry Meg. What a feast you will have at strawberry time! —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —There was a fire here last night on the hill behind our house. It burnt a number of sheep. I have not had a letter from my two last correspondents. I know three who are writing to your page from here. I have a wee calf, and I call it Starlight. Your page is incro->*m~ every week. Now we are receiving 70 eggs every day, but that is not much i.n about 150 hens is it? The farmers are putting their crops in. I am sending you a painting of the Chums. They are having great fun. Kind regards to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours trulv, HIGH MOUNTAIN LADDIE (Arrowtown).

[Perhaps you will find the egg total increases later, High Mountain Laddie. I liked the way you coloured the Chums. They would make a good booklet, collected and pinned together and coloured. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have read your page for a long time with much interest. I am H years old, and in Standard V. I came third in my examination. I have a good chum, Joan. I bad two lambs, but they both died. My father is away bringing in sheep My little sister, aged five, was riding a pony, and she broke her leg. She has been in Gore hospital for eight weeks now and is very bright. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, TOWSER (Five Rivers)

[You should try to go right through school without having one quarrel with Joan, Towser. I am sorry to ln-ir about the little girl’s leg.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is cold for the wee lambs. We have two pet lambs, and their names are Sheila and Annie. We have 17 sets of twins, and one set of triplets. I have received four presents for my birthday. Mum and dad gave me a camera. It is a 2A Brownie, and I have taken 12 photographs with it. One of the hens has hatched out five chickens, and they are over a week old. The fowls are laying well. We gather from 28 to 38 eggs a day from 38 bens. I was at the pictures last Saturday night, and they were very good. I have not heard the talkies yet. The garden is not looking well, as we have no flowers out, except primroses and violets. The vegetable seeds are coining up. We have carrots, parsnips, onions, and peas up, and the potatoes should soon be through the ground. I knitted my grandmother a bed-scarf for her birthday, and she is pleased with it. The Presbyterian bazaar was held last Friday, and they made fl 10. At the Bible Class stall they made £33. 1 have been reading a few books lately, and the names of some of them are “ Betsy Hale,” “ Daisy.” “ Daisy in the Field.” “ Ohl Rose and Silver.” and “ The Daughter of the Chieftain.” L. M. Montgomery is my favourite author. Kind regards to all.—Yours truly. SHELDA (Southland).

[That was excellent for the bazaar people, Shelda. I wonder if you have read all that author’s children’s books? The flowers will be in bloom soon. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—We have a number of lambs, and we also have had a lew ewes tied up in the garden to make them take their lambs. We have two ewes tied up now. We had a pet lamb, but it died. I have 10 kewpies, called Lizzie. Bertha, Martha. Roy. Barbara, Peggy. Ivy, Evelyn, Dora, and Edna. I had another, but my brother Hughie put his foot on her and crushed her. Her name was Christina. Our hens are laying well, and mother is going to set some soon. Our daffodils are flowering, also our primroses and violets. I had a crocus bulb given to me, and it had eight yellow flowers on it. I am looking after a black and tan pup, and his name is Star. My black and white one was taken away two or three months ago. My sister is playing the gramophone. I came top of my class with 366 marks. I was 20 marks exactly ahead of A Bunch of Cherries, who was second. Our favourite games at school are Germany and England and Chip. My two sisters and I are up early each morning to look round the ewes and lambs.—-Yours truly,

REBECCA

(Timaru Creek).

[That was sad about the crushing of Christina, Rebecca. I wonder what hour rou are up? Tell me about Star. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I have just finished reading some of the letters in this week’s Otago Witness. I notice there are a few Little Folk from here. We have some pretty primroses and daffodils out in flower. We have a hen with six young ducks, anil she is very proud of them. We have a number of little lambs, but only one pet so far. We are milking only four cows, hut there will soon be some more in. My sister, Cow Spanker Bess, was married a month ago. The Tahakopa School was burnt to the ground a fortnight ago. They have built the plav-sheds bigger, and they are teaching the children in the playsheds until Christmas. It will not be long till that happy day. I am looking forward to Old Writers’ Week. I like reading the letters, as they are so interesting. I am very fond of fancywork. I have just finished two aprons, and I am working another one at present. I am fond of reading, and I have read some very interesting books lately. The days are growing longer. Since last writing. I have another nephew. He is a healthy wee chap, and is growing fast. Love to all the Little Folk and vourself. —Yours truly. RIBBONWOOD (Tahakopa).

[The hen will be worried when the ducklings begin to swim. Ribbonwood. I remember a funny picture of poor old mother hen on the bank of the pond. Lessons in the playshed are a but how glad the children will be to go into the new school. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The sun is so strong it dries up all the vegetable gardens. Twinkling Stiir and Pretty Little Dear are neighbours. We do not take the Otago Witness. but Pretty Little Dear often shows us the Little Folk page. Tasma is ward's maid in the Cromwell Hospital. She likes it very much, because the matron and patients are kind: also the laundress, who is a great friend of hers, and has been since they were at school. My father is a rabbiter, and has been rabbiting on Pisa Station for 28 years, but rabbits are scarce.—Yours truly.

THE FIRST CHERRY BLOSSOM (Lowburn Ferry).

[Do not write on both sides of the pages. First Cherry Blossom. It makes a difference if people are kind.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —The farmers are busy making ready their ground for their crops. 'The bush is growing very picturesque with nil the wild flowers coming out. On Sunday I went to see Nugget Lass in the Balclutha Hospital. I found her doing well. Our flower garden is looking well with all the spring flowers out. There have been a few big steamers passing lately The fishing industry is improving slowly. The paddocks look green with all the little lambs playing in them. There are a few motorists coming to the Nuggets on a Sunday to watch the fishing boats coming in. There would be more coming if there were a road from Kaka Point to the Nuggets, as they are held up at the Karoro Creek with the tide. The Romahapa footballers have done well this year. I am doing a pinafore for the bazaar now. Kindest regards to all.—-Yours truly.

BROWN-EYED ALICE (Nugget Bay).

[I am glad Nugget Lass is doing well. Brown-eyed Alice. It is a pity that the tide hinders the motorists. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have had my hair bobbed, and I like it very much. My two sisters still have long hair. I am reading a book called “ Life—and Erica.” Have you read it? I am doing a raffia basket just now. Pug's Daughter showed me how to do it when I was staying at her place during the holidays. I go to the Ladies’ Miniature Rifle Club's weekly shoot, and last week I shot 66 out of 80. I am the youngest member. I read your page every week, and enjoy doing so. We have a wee lamb over two months old. We have five records for the gramophone by John Henry and Blossom. They are very funny. We have over 80 records, and we have had our gramophone for over a rear. It is an His Master’s Voice portable. Our spring Howers are finished blooming now. But I have a Bleeding Heart out in my garden. Have you seen any? They are lovely. The Kurow Races were held yesterday, but I did not go. as my two cousins came up in one of the buses, gnd stayed at our place till after the races. My uncle has nearly 200 Angora and Chinchilla rabbits, and I go over to his place once a week and brush the ones that are ready for brushing. I like doing it. —Yours truly.

NIPPER'S MISTRESS (Otago)

[I have not. read the book you mentioned. Nipper's Mistress. The rabbits must feel very soft and silky. Do they like to be brushed? I have seen one or two Bleeding Hearts this season.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are back to school after the holidays. I did not go away, as I enjoyed being home after being away at school. I am learning to play tennis, and have just received a new racket. It is a “ Sykes,” and seems to be a very good one. Do you play? There have been two aeroplanes in Oamaru during the last week, and some people wont up in them for rides. T have just finished reading “Fire Mountain.” and started “The Soul of China,” but did not like it. Our spring flowers have been very pretty, but they are nearly over now. About three weeks ago we motored up to look at the “ works.” Dad and Captain Cuttle went over the bridge. The tanks on the AVaitaki Bridge have been made higher to allow some machinery to be railed up to Kurow. It will be interesting watching it passing, as it will be very big. There is a great amount of sickness about just now. I am going to be a nurse when I am 18, so I am looking forward to that birthday. There are a good many Little Folk in our form, and we all try to keep our norn de plume a secret. —Yours truly. WEE WALNUT (North Otago).

[I suppose you will take the thorough public hospital training, and gain your

medallion. Wee Walnut. I play tennis as often as I can. You will be coached by your sports mistress at school.—DOT. |

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I shall be 19 on December 7. To-day it is beautifully sunny. We have a kitten, and its name is Pat. My mother used to write to this page when she was a girl. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. -—Yours truly.

HAPPY LAD I Dunedin)

{Welcome. Happy Lad. We like to enrol members who are children of Old Writers. Is Pat a very mischievous kitten ?—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Last night I went and saw the “Greene Murder Case.” I wrote to Fairy Dreams a long time ago, but I do not think the letter reached her. as I have not received a reply. I am going to Green Island Beach on Labour Day. Have you ever been there? It is a lovely beach, but it is such a long way out of the way that some people do not knfiw it exists. Mum is starting to make my summer dresses, and my sister has made me a fuji hat. In the Girl Guide sports our team came third equal. 1 did not go, as I helped mother to do the washing. For sport 1 have taken up tennis, and it is astonishing how hard it was to hit some of the balls. I see by the papers that they arc running a train to Lawrence for people to see the daffodils. 1 went last year, and they were beautiful. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv. SPANGLES OF THE CIRCUS (Dunedin).

[I do not think I have been to that beach. Spangles of the Circus. I must go on your recommendation. Most games are much harder to play than they appear to be. I think. Have you joined any tennis club?—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? 1 am 13 years of age, and in Standard VI at school. My younger sister and I have about two and a-half miles to walk to school. On our way we see many little lambs. They are darlings. I should love one for a pet. I suppose all the school children about will be preparing for school concerts. We are soon going to begin. There are only 12 children at our school. Some of the Little Folk write interesting letters. We are not receiving many eggs from our ducks, but the hens are laying well. My sister writes to you. so I thought I would also She goes under the name of The Rose of AAaipiata. 1 wish all the page good hick. -—Yours trulv, A POPULAR SCHOOL GIRL (Waipiata).

[Welcome to A Popular School Girl. Please send your private name. Lambs are really happier in the fields with their mothers than as pets. Are you top of the 12 children?- DOT.'

Dear Dot, —Have you a garden? We have a hen sitting on 13 eggs. Star of the East is 15 this month. Cromwell and Bannockburn played football in Cromwell last Saturday, and they are to play the return match here. There is going to be a tennis court opened soon. We have a new gramophone record, the name of which is

“ Do You Still Remember.” and “ I Tore up Your Picture When You Said Goodbye.” Have you heard it? I am reading a book named ” Elley and Kangy.” and it is a very humorous book. Kind regards to the page. —Yours truly.

PRAIRIE BLOSSOM (Bannockburn).

] I have a garden, and enjoy working in it. Prairie Blossom. Wish Star of the East many happy returns for me. I have not heard that record. You should buy some of the children's records.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Are you having fine weather in Dunedin? My sister will be 15 years old this month. My father is thinking about coming home this month for the rest of the year. We are to have term examination soon. Two of our cows calved on Saturday, and one on Sunday, and the calves were bulls. Love to the page. — Yours truly, KEEP LAUGHING (Bannockburn).

[Yes, our weather is like summer weather, Keep Laughing. I hope you are studying hard for the term examination. Hoiy pleased you will all be to have father home.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard I at school, and I am seven years of age. I have a cat. and I call it Nigger, because it is black. We have a dog. and we call it Davie Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, DAD'S BOY (Cromwell).

[Yes. you may join. Dad's Boy. but send your private name. You are at a lucky number of years. I wonder if Nigger and Davie are friends. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —-Here I am in Wanganui. I am returning to 'Wellington on Saturday next. Perhaps you would like me to describe my trip. We left Wellington in sunshine last Saturday week. The train steamed out into the countryside amongst hills. We passed through nine or ten tunnels, but they were short ones. It was good travelling along with hills on either side, and on one part of the journey the train follows the sea coast along for a long distance. It was lovely to look out and gaze into the blue sea and on the hills on the other side. We passed many swamps, and what thrilled me was to see huge clumps of arum lilies growing in them. .Some of the lilies were wonderful. We passed a real Maori pa, and 1 was delighted. as I had heard about these pas, and yet had never seen a real one. At Palmerston North I had the pleasure of meeting one of my correspondents. I had never met her before. I was so excited, and we spent a delightful 10 minutes together. We went on our journey up hills and down dales, around bends. To be on the edge of a cliff. and to gaze down into some plain, sent a funny feeling through me. At last after leaving miles of this beautiful scenery, we arrived at Ara-

moho where our carriage was transferred on to the Wanganui train. Eventually I arrived here. On the Monday after I arrived my ambition to see the wonderful M anganui River was gratified, for my work was down by that way. I can never describe it. It is so calm and peaceful, and trees and shrubs grow on both sides of the banks. Little boats dodge up and down periodically between Wanganui and Aramoho. This is a good place for growing flowers. I have seen some of the loveliest gardens imaginable since I have been here. Many excel any that I have ever seen. Things seem to grow very well here. The soil is excellent and so is the climate. Ihe town itself is very neatly laid out, and is a large town, much bigger than what I had thought it would be. It is not smoky. On the whole it is a clean town, and has every appearance of being healthy. I shall be sorry to return. Kindest regards to all.—Yours truly.

DADS DAISY (Wellington)

[We are pleased that you had such a good trip. Dad's Daisy. We wish your holiday were longer. I have heard about those swamps of lilies. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—These warm spring days are bringing the Howers into blossom. Lambs are starting to be a very common sight around here. AA e can see them playing on the grass, but we have not many ourselves. I was at a dance last. Friday night. I have just finished reading a book called “ A Daughter of the Land.” which was very interesting. We are sitting for our proficiency some time this month. Love to all. —Yours trulv.

MOTHER'S ANGEL (Eyre Creek).

i I wish you good luck in the proficiency examination. Mother’s Angel. How glail you will be when you have safelv passed —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—AA e have a pet lamb, and it is a fortnight old to-day. 1 think we are going to Glenomaru for our term holidays. I have just finished reading a book called “The Lucky Girls’ Budget.” Have you ever read it? I have started to fix and tidy up my garden, and then I shall plant seeds. I have written to four of my correspondents, and three have not answered my letters. Love to all the Little Foil; and your own dear self.—Yours truly POPPY FAIRY (Port Molyneux)

[I have not read the book. Poppy Fairy. I am sure it is a good one. There is no need to write any other letters to the correspondents if they will not answer. - DOT.]

Dear Dot. — I passed in the last term examinations, coming first in shorthand and typewriting. We have given up basket ball at school, and we are taking up cricket. AA e shall soon start swimming again. The Mangatapu tennis court was opened a few days ago, and there was a large gathering present. My eldest brother and my father have caught influenza. It seems to be going round again. I hope I do not catch it. We had great fun at school to-day. Each one of our form had to stand up and lecture on his or her favourite poet. I chose William Blake. We drew to see who was to speak first, and I happened to be that one. It was easier than I expected it to be. AA’e spent a very enjoyable evening not long ago. We took part in a fancy dress pageant which was held here. I was Night, with a black dress and silver stars on it. My father went as a potato grower, and my two elder brothers as a nurse and a schoolgirl respectively. My sister was dressed as a Highland lassie. A few of my friends and I walked to the bush one day last week. We must have tramped for miles. In the bush we picked some ferns, and decorated ourselves with them. Unfortunately I put my foot in a bog. and sank down over my ankles in sticky black mud. My footgear was ruined. We carved our initials all over the walls of the tunnel. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly.

E. PARI RA (Mangatapu)

[You will not catch influenza if you make up your mind not to, E. Pari Ra. That was an interesting poet you chose. How funny your brothers would look' — DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Pretty Cockie and I have joined the Riversdale Girl Guides. I was enrolled to-day. I am reading “ Maori and Settler.” by G. A. Henty. It is a story of early New Zealand. Our history teacher is reading “ Old New Zealand ” to us. She reads it after she goes over onr history. I like it. Next Wednesday we are going to celebrate the coming of ago of the school. The girls are baking. The girls are giving two old-fashioned dances, and there is to be a show of the garments we made this year. The boys are drilling. We are starting to make a child’s dress at school. It has to be made from a commercial pattern. We have japonica. hyacinths, primroses, cowslips, jonquils, violets and several different, kinds of daffodils out. We have peas, beans, and lettuce up, and we have cabbage and shallots planted. Our parsnips, carrots, onions, and potatoes are not up yet. Love to all and yourself.—Yours trulv. PRINCESS ISABEL (Riversdale).

[The school birthday will be interesting. Princess Isabel. You have a good garden. Is it a folk dance you are giving?—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was pleased to see my first letter in print. Thank you very much for telling me a name for my pet. lamb. We have over a hundred lambs. , We have two pet kittens, and also a brown calf. AVe are milking three cows, and we do rot have a bucket full of milk from them. I have two brothers, and they both go to the high school, and nave some very hard lessons to do. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv.

DUNAEG AN (Southland)

[High school is worth hard lessons. Dimvegan. I like your pet kittens. I suppose they arc always in mischief.- DOT.]

Dear Dot. —To-day my brother and I went bird-nesting, and we Mere very successful bringing home 32 eggs. While we were out we came across a rabbit’s nest, and I brought five of them home, and put

them in a hutch. There were six altogether, but we had to kill one, because we had hint it pulling it out. vVe held our annual flower show here a fortnight ago, and compared with our last year's show it was very poor. Last Wednesday night the spinsters and benedicts held their annual ball, and it was a huge success. I am sure everybody enjoyed himself immensely. Do you ever go mountaineering? My sister and I and a girl friend set out to climb Puke-Tapu, a hill on the outskirts of Palmerston. The two with me, who were dressed as if they were g >:ng to the Pole with Commander Byrd, had thick winter frocks and cardigans. They were stifling before we were half way up. 1 Mas certainly- hot. but I had a summer frock on. ami it was not so hot. We took several snaps up the top, which I hope will turn out a success. We came through the bush, and it was much cooler coming home. Haye they started swimming in Dunedin yet? We have not here. It is too cold although of course, we have started ice creams. On Friday last, a few girl ft lends and I hired a car, and we went t > Oamaru. Some of us went to the pictures, and it was altogether a lovelv evening’ Last Saturday night I went to see Dolores Del Rio in “ Ramona.” I thought it was ici y good. Kind regards to all and vour own dear self.—A’ours truly. NIGGER HEAD (AA’aihemo). [You must be very kind to the babv rabbits. Nigger Head. AA’e have started swimming, and a number of brave ones may be seen on the beaches. I am fond of climbing and walking.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—AVe had two weeks’ holiday, and I went to the Invercargill competitions, but did not receive a prize. I was very highly commended. After that 1 went to the farm for a while. Mum stayed for a fortnight, and my sister Girleen. came back with me to Gore as I had to go to school. I like school, and I am m Standard I. I like my teacher. He used to go to school with my sister. Mum is not very well. She is in bed ill. The doctor came out, and she had to stay in bed for a while. Girleen had her pony here, and it ran away. It was a week before we found it. Girleen was pleased to find her. AA e have a number of daffodils out. One of my mates writes to the page. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — A’ours trulv, AVIN OF THE MOUNTAIN (East Gore).

J A farm is a dear place for a holiday. AVin of the Mountain. Tell mother we hope she is better soon. flow relieved you would be to find the pony.-* DOT. ]

Dear Dot. —Have von a garden? AA’e ha\e a good assortment of flower and vegetable seeds planted, so we hope to have'a good garden this year. I have a cold, and I had to stay in bed for a while to-day. The lodge to which my father and mother belong, held a successful ball last week, there being over 200 couples at it. The music for the ball was supplied bv a band, and was very good. Balclutha school won the most points at the sports to-day I here are a number of lambs running about, and some of them are growing big. The talkies were in Balclutha last AA’ednesday night. A number of people did not like them. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—A’ours trulv, DAPHNE-DE-ORO (Balclutha)

[I like to see lambs practising physical jerks. Daphne-de-Oro. Good music makes a dance enjoyable.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May 1 join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age. and in Standard 111. 1 have three miles to walk to school, but it does not seem so far as I have a girl friend, who goes up and down in the train with me. AA’e are milking nine cows at present, and we started to send our milk to the factory this morning. I have one brother, ami I am the only daughter. Do you not think I am lucky? Kind regards to all—A’ours truly.

SUNLIGHT FAIRA . (Southland)

[AVelcome, Sunlight Fairy. A’our name was taken. Yes. you are a lucky girl to have a brother for a pal.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l wish that I had written to you more often in the past, because I am celebrating my 21st birthday this month. I am going home for the day, and mother is asking my girl friends along for afternoon tea. I liave been in Tapanui nearly two years, and like here very much. I have several good girl friends. I do not. thing that I should like to go back to town as I think that people in the country are so sociable. 'I here are always dances here, and I like them all very much. Tapanui is a pretty little place. There is bush around here. I went up the mountain once as far as the first falls. I was very much the worse for wear when I returned home, but it was worth it all the same, although I had several spills, and often caught hold of some nasty brambles trying to save myself from falling. Some of these days when I have enough energy. I shall try and reach the third falls, which I have been told are pretty. They are making a sports ground at AVhiskey Gully, which’will be very good, as it will attract people from the surrounding districts in the holidays. Last year there were several camps up at the bottom of the gully. Red Ragger is the only correspondent I have left, and I have written to her for nearly six years, and she writes regularly. I always look forward to her letters, as they are always so interesting I often wish that I could describe things so well. Best of love to all and your own dear self.- A’ours truly.

CRIMSON RAMBLER (Tapanui).

[I am sorry to lose you from the Little Folk list. Crimson Rambler. A’ou will be able to write at Old AA’riters' AA’oe'-. I am glad to hear you have good friends — DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l go to school, and I am in Standard IA r . AA e are milking one cow, and her name is Pansy. AA’e have about 200 lambs. 1 have two cats. One is white and the other is grey. I am nearly 12 years old. I am reading a book called •‘Booty.'' Have you read it? Joey is my

cousin, and wc play together at school. Millties goes to our school too. AA’e receive the Otago Witness every week. Mum set four hens last week, two on ducks’ eggs, ami two with hens' eggs. AVe have three turkeys sitting and two geese. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—A’ours truly,

BRAESIDE LASS (Oturehua)

JI have not read the book. Braeside - 'dot ] ll t,ln " >U ' ind do< ,v nins *- have!

Dear Dot.—l also, like Riptare, have felt disgusted with my pakeha Little Folk correspondents, though I do not lose interest in the page. Seeing that mv pakeha sister has taken an interest in us Maori sisters m the last Otago AVitness. it has given me courage to write once again. . ls to know there are some who Will cross the colour line. Though our tares are not white our hearts are pure with aii everlasting love of sincere friendship. Since last writing we have had the misfortune to lose our dear grandmother, who passed away peacefully. AVe miss her sorely. AA’e have another baby sister, and lier name is June Hinerangi, which means a girl irom heaven. The school children's concert, winch was held here in August Mas a gieat success. Most of the items were m Maori, and performed bv Kith pakeha and Maori children, who were dressed as old time Maoris. Some of the children gave items over the Mireless, ami it came Mell through the air My brother, who is 11 years old. plavs the mandolin tor some of the performers He pla.vs by ear only. It will be better for him to learn music. He has been asked to play again this month for the 4A’A station. Dad told us he had bought a piano a few hours before it arrived, but Me could not be convinced at the time until it really did come. The piano has no list, as there are 10 of us all eager to see who can make the most noise. None ot us can play . One day when mv uncle was going to Port Chalmers in his boat, there Mas another fishing boat stranded on the sand banks. They had been there since the previous night, and the people had nothing to eat from Saturdav until Monday morning, when uncle gave them a fish he had caught. They floated off the sam bank a few hours later. Kindest regards to all ami yourself.—A’ours trulv TE MAHANA (Otakou).

e • 11 o Pleased to hear from voq ■'gain, le Mahana. I hope your brother can learn music 'I here was excitement. I •mi sure, when the piano arrived.—DOT.]

Dea. Dot.-I have left school, and I am Moiking at home for my mother, as mv tMo sisters are working i n Dunedin. AVe lune a good many lambs, and I have a wee pet lamb. Would you kindly give it i l n II A? e ti °i‘ le ° I ,"’ 1 V brothers is Morking in Auckland, and he thinks it is a hot <' --te for him. He is a long way from ti n A'’ i" aS a J a con,e!t ami dame J-tl-cr mght. and I liked it very much Avl ’ .i K ’ le are matly ,neu o,lt fishing, e 'wl’t l 'r' -T' 4 ° Ut 0,1 S; ‘turdav and aught only eight perch. AVe have no cows ".’ip. C aS " e soM thel » all.—Yours

NANCY LEE (AVaikaka)

[fall the lamb Gamble. Nancy Lee f am sure Auckland is a good climate, but your brother will feel it hot at first. How no”] 1 ' “”>«

Dear Dot.-I was glad to see mv first letter m print m the Otago AVitness I put some sweet peas in a tin of wa’ter and yesterday I saw the first appearance ot young shoots peeping out. I learn daneiug, and go every Saturday afternoon, and hke it very much. Our school is I s 3 ‘ l aVe i ° Ur laminations, and I shall be glad when the holidays come as I am going away. AA’e have a’wireless het, and I enjoy listening to the children's session. Love to all the Little Folk and youi dear self.—A ours truly. LAZA DAISY (Dunedin). [Dancing will keep yofl in good health it you do not overdo it. Lazy Daisy I days!— DOT r ] e y °'‘ Ure g °‘ ng tGr the hol>-

Dear Dot.-—May f join vour happy band of Little Folk? I am 17 vears P ' of age I have just returned from a trip to ‘ n T’ an jt - har<l tO Bettle S'- V. aW T the piet,lre “ The Singing 1 001,, while I was at Auckland, and als h e g T ]t Wa ? T Sa< 1 it. LancaHiH tVT S aIU ! "i ent - for a tram ’ 1 ”P Pine of n ' I'’ - an< . ol ? ta,lled a beautiful view of Dunedin, which rewarded us for our climb. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—A’ours trulv. JEANNINE OF LILAC TIME (Dunedin).

[Yes. you may be a member. Jeannine of Lilas lime lam pleased to hear you like — J ' e cxereisc is b'ood for you.

Dear Dot--Having read many of the interesting letters of the Little Folk. I wish to become a member of vour happy band. I am 14 years of age, and I have tour sisters and a father. Mv mother died tour years ago. My eldest sister, who is 16, keeps house, and we all help her before M-e leave. AVe have been living at the Hutt tor just over a year. Our old home was in AA’anganui. where I left many dear friends. AA’e live in a good house. It used to be a boarding house, and it is rather old-fashioned. The plum trees have just finished flowering. They were a M-onderful show in their white array. Do you play the piano? I learnt for three years, and 1 love it. Love to all the Little Folk and your omii dear self. —A’ours truly.

GOLDEN SHORE (AVellington)

[AVelcome to Golden Shore. It is deaf of your sister to take care of you. Help her all you can. I have seen some pretty plum trees also. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Mother and father camo home from Oamaru yesterday. They wont to see Patearoa play Oamaru at cricket, bnt Patearoa lost by about 46 runs. I ant going to start to ride a bicycle to school very soon. My little brother was given a pony a little Mhile ago. and Mould you

please give it a name? About a month ago I won a doll at a bazaar, and its name is Jean. I was reading a book called “Hetty Grey.” It is a very interesting book. I am making a pinafore at school, and it is very interesting to make. Do you like sewing? I love it. We have many flowers out at home and at school. —Yours truly,

LITTLE BLUE WAVES (Patearoa).

[Call the pony Prance, Little Blue Waves. How sorry the people would be to lose the cricket match. I hope you find Jean gives you sewing to do. Yes, I like sewing.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —We are milking two cows. We shall have another one in soon. 1 have caught a few rabbits lately. I sent seven to Winton and received Is (Id. I sec “ The Chums ” and "’ Freddie the Frog ” has ended. My birthday was on September 25. I received a book entitled Before Adam.’"' by Jack London, and a fishing rod, tackle, and licence. I am reading a book entitled “ The Hunters of the Ozark,’’ by E. S. Ellis. It is a very exciting book. I caught two fish the first day, one weighing 111 b. and the next night I caught a large eel. —Yours truly. KOBIN HOOD IN GREEN (Dipton). [ Those were good presents to receive, Robin Hood in Green. I see you are making good use of your fishing licence. — DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old and am in Standard IV. I go to the Gore Public School. M e have a cow called Connie and a calf called Jean. I read your page every week. Have you read Charles Dickens's books? I have read a number of them, and I liked them very much.—Yours truly. BLUE PRIMROSE (Gore).

[Welcome to Blue Primrose. Your name was taken. I have read some of Charles Dickens's books. lie is a (lever writer of character studies. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am 16 years of age, and left school two years ago. My mate is going to write to you, too. Her nom de plume is Another of the Mysterious Pair. We had a great time trying to think out names for ourselves. We work together, so as we see the Otago Witness there, we both thought we would write to you. I was going to write before, but mother put me off, saying I was too old. I see in this ■week’s Otago Witness a girl joined at 19, so I do not think we are too old. We arc into our summer frocks. It will soon be beach weather now. I like to go to the beach, the sea breeze is so cooling. My cousin. Happy Guide, writes to your Page. Love to all the dear Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. ONE GF THE MYSTERIOUS PAIR (Oamaru).

] Yes. you may join, One of the Mysterious Pair. You are not up to the Old Writers’ age yet. People here arc wearing light clothes. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join you happy band of Little Folk? I was 16 years old last month, and I left school two years ago. My mate. One of the Mysterious Pair, and 1 work together, and we have a good time. We have had two aeroplanes here for about a fortnight, giving people rides. They charged £1 Is for a ride of “min. 1 should have loved to go tin in one. but I thought £1 Is was too much. Have you ever been in one? I saw by this morning’s paper that there was a big fire in Dunedin. We heard about the lire over the wireless yesterday afternoon. The Oamaru Gardens are looking lovely with all the spring flowers out. It will not be long till Christmas. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —• Yours truly. ANOTHER OF THE MYSTERIOLS PAIR (Oamaru). [Welcome to Another of the Mysterious Pair. 1 have not been in an aeroplane. How lucky you are to have your mate working where you do. — DOl’.]

Dear Dot. —I sit at night reading over the letters of other Little Folk in different countries and towns to myself, and I think how interesting it would be if we could all meet and converse together. On V ednesday there is to be a great function. It is" our school’s twenty-first birthday, and we are celebrating it by asking all our parents along for the afternoon. Several of the girls have been cooking all day for days, preparing cakes for the afternoon tea. Good-bye to all Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. QUEEN OF THE RIPPLING WATERS (Southland.)

[You may see some of your foreign correspondents some day. if you travel. Queen of the Rippling Waters. Cakes we bake ourselves have an extra delicious flavour.- —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Before long we shall be wearing our thin clothes. I went to the talkies when they were here, but I did not think they were very good. In fact. I think I should rather have the silent pictures. Our gramophone has been broken for over a month, and we all miss it, as we are very fond of music. We have about 60 records, and the last one we bought was called “ Jeannine, 1 Dream of Lilac Time.” There was a big revue shown in Cromwell about a fortnight ago, and I went to see it. It was a good concert. and it is going to be given again on Monday evening. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. TWINKLING STARS (Central Otago). [What a pity the gramophone is broken, Twinkling Stars. Sometimes the break is easily fixed at home, but careful handling is needed. Tell me about the concert. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We could do with a shower of rain, as the ground is very dry. The flowers look pretty all out in bloom, but the wind is knocking them about. I have done much fancywork of late. At present I am working a toilet set for an aunt of mine. I am giving it to her for Christmas

if I have it finished. T am looking after the post office for a fortnight, and I like it. I cycle home every night, and I have four miles to go. Keep Smiling wrote me a letter a few weeks ago, and I was pleased to hear from her. I have some good correspondents through the page. Do you read much? I have read two or three good books lately. The names of them are “ The Bridge Builders.” and “ A Maid of the Isles,” both by Annie Swan; "The Knave of Diamonds,” by Ethel M. Dell. Now I am leading “ Christian’s Cross,” by Annie Swan. I am allowing my hair to grow, and it is just at a horrid length. I felt ashamed of my hair the last dance I went to. but I was not the only one with hair which is growing. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly. BAMBINO (Southland).

[I am fond of reading. Bambino. Your hair will soon be grown. Then you will feel it was worth while having it at an awkward length for a while. —1)0’1 .]

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard I at school. I like our teacher very much My mate writes to your page. I gave her a present for her birthday. She gave me one for mine. We had a pet rabbit, but it ran away from us, and that was bad luck for it. as the dog caught it and killed it. We have a big gramophone, but it is broken. We miss it very much, because we are very fond of music. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —■ Yours truly. WEE RAMONA (Otago). [We are sorry for bunny, though he did run away. Wee Ramona. Yes, you may be a member’. I wonder’ what present you gave to your playfellow.— DOT.] Dear Dot,---! see there are more and more Little Folk writing every week. 1 like reading about the Chums. 1 hey seem to have a good time. 'There are such a number of lambs running about in the pad docks. It is easily seerr that spring is here again. The green grass and trees look very pretty when the sun is shining on them. 'The Awakino Works are crowing every day. One of my brothers is working there. It is a large townshiv, now. Have you been to the Waipori dam? I went once with my father. It was a dangerous road, but very pretty. There was a high hill on orre side covered with bush, and orr the other side there was a gully witir a river running down it. The gully was also covered on both sides with native bush. Most of the farmers are wanting rain. We are milking our cows. I like reading if I have a good book to read. Do you read much? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yorns trulv. BABY FACE (North Otago).

[I have been to Waipori dam. Baby Face. It is a pretty drive. I read when I have time. I like to receive neat letters from the Little bulk, such as you sent. »OT.]

Dear Dot.-- I shall soon be an Old Writer. Work is not very plentiful at present. I have been oft work lor’ this last fortnight. Up till then I was hardly a day oif. The whitebait have started to run at last, and I have had some fair catches, though not as good as other years. The Maoris fish on the river. 1 went to see if I could catch a trout to-night, but I did not manage to have any luck. I had two on, and both wriggled oft. Best wishes to all the Litt]e Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. JACK O’ LANTERN (Temuka).

[A fisherman must always expect disappointments, Jack o’ Lantern. I hope you can find work soon. —DOT.]

Dear Dot—We shall soon be able to go barefooted and wear thin clothes. Standard V ami VI go to Cromwell every Wednesday, t e girls to learn cooking and the boys woodwork. My father brought a wee lamb from the paddock, but it died when only a few days at our place. I went to the talkies last Friday evening, and enjoyed them very much. Our gramophone is broken, and I am sorry, as 1 like music. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, FLORIDA (Otago).

[Summer days mean barefoot children, Florida. I have seen some here with sandals and bare legs. It is to be hoped the gramophone is soon mended. —DOT.] NOTES. Norah Hayseed.—l have given your cat’s photograph to the Editor, and he will tell you whether it is accepted or not. I am holding your letter over, hoping to obtain some information about the beetle. —DOI’. AUTOS. Sunlight Fairy (Christina Dawson, Riverton-Tihaka rural delivery, Riverton) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 9 and 12. Will they please write first and soon? Crimson Rambler (Mavis Murray, Tapanui) would like her old correspondents to write again; also some of the Little Folk from IS to 20 years of age. Queen of the Rippling Waters (M. Fotheringham, Lumsden) would like to correspond with Pirate and any other Little Folk willing. Will they please write first and soon?

Wee Walnut (Gertie Chapman, Waitaki. North Otago) wishes to correspond with Barnacle Bill, Happy Guide, and Red, White and Grey. Will they please write first and soon? Jeannine of Lilac Time (Jeanette Anderson, 23 Ramsay street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with any other Little Folk between the ages of 17 and 21. Will they please write first and soon? Grandad’s Ruby (R. Herron, Pukerau) wishes to correspond with Prairie Child. Will she please write first and soon? Happy Guide (Ruby E. Rawson, care Post Office, Reidston) wishes Olaf the Outlaw to write first and soon.

August Maid (W. Copland, Otaraia. Pukerau, Southland) wishes to correspond with Singing Prisoner’s Sweetheart, and requests her to write first and soon.

Poppy Fairy (Phyllis Scott, Port Molyneux) would like to correspond with Puss Pussy, Little Jean. Pale Rose, Mother’s Goldie, and Father's Little Girlie.

Lazy Daisy (Jessie Russell, 39 Corstorpliine road, Caversham, Dunedin) wishes any Little Folk between the ages of II and 14 to please write first and soon. Nancy Lee (E. Ronald, Waikaka. Southland) would like to correspond with Little Jean and Polly Nanna. Jack o’ Lantern (Jack W. Jones, Milford, Temuka) wishes to .correspond with A Pink Carnation Bud. and any other Little Folk about 18 years of age. Will they write first and soon? POINTS IN GRAMMAR. The following notes are made in order to help Little Folk to write purer English: -

Got—get.—There are two words which are better left unsaid. There is always another word 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 ” nor “ considerably.” For instance, you may say “ I was quite covered with soot when I fell down the ch’mney.” because you mean that you were completely covered. But you may not say "I was quite cold without my coat.” because you mean “ very cold.” which is a different matter. Neither may you say “There was quite a number of people present,” because you mean there was a “considerable” number of people present, which is not the same thing.

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

Shall.—Every time you use the pronouns "I ” or “we ” use the verb “ shall ” instead of “ will.” Use “ will ” with the pronoun “you.” For instance: “ We shall be pleased if you will come to tea.”

Very.— Strangely enough “ very ” cannot be used by itself before a past participle—that is. a word ending in “ ed.” Say “ I was phased ” 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 embro'dery ” 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.

Quicker. —Be careful not to put this adjective in place of the adverb “more quickly.” For instance: “I run quickly” or " I run more ou’ckly (not quicker) than you"; but “That was a quick run” or “ That was a quicker run than the last.”

None. —This means “no one,” and so refers to only one person. Hence it must have a singular verb. Sav “ None of us was an expert at dancing.” not “ None of us were experts.” Number.—This word also takes a singular verb. Say cither “A number of visitors was coming to see us” or “Numbers of visitors were com l ng to see us.”

For. — If you become confused with this word, take the sentences 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. Do not say “Everyone (or everybody) was able to make their own amusements,” but “Everyone (or everybody) was able to make his (or her) own amusement.” They are sometimes awkward words to use. so if you wish to speak of more than one person and to use a plural verb say “ all of us ” or “ people.” or some other word or phrase which conveys your meaning.

Lot. —This, like “got.” is a word for which there is generally a substitute. Often we use it when we mean " a considerable number or amount,” or “ a good or a great deal,” and in this sense it is better to say something other than "lot.” For example: “I 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 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 me.”

Can and May.—“ Can ” and “ could ” come from a verb meaning “to know how,” or “ to be able to,” and should not be confused with “ may ” and “ might.” in which the sense of “ permission ” is implied. For instance, you would say: “ I can clean father’s gun,” because you know how to, or are able to clean it; or “ I may clean father’s gun, he says,” because he has given you permission to clean it. Further, you would not say, “ Can I leave the rooni? ” because of course you are able to leave it, unless you arc forcibly detained, but “May I leave the room?” which means: “Will you permit me to leave the room? ” “ Could ” and “ might ” are used similarly, in a past sense.

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,” “ don’t.” “ can’t.” “ gent,” and “ Witness,” but “ bicycle,” “ examination,” “ influenza.” ‘do not.” “cannot,” “gentleman," and “ Otago Witness.” DOT.