Dont's Little Folk

Otago Witness, Issue 3946, 30 October 1929, Page 74

Dont's Little Folk

Dot Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of interest to themselves, ths result of their observations tn the animal world, descriptions of anything they are interested in, of the district in which they live, of their school and home life, holiday trips, etc. The letters are to be written by the little folk themselves, and addressed, " Dot, care of Edltor“Otago Witness ” Dot's Little Folk's Badge, with pin, for use as a brooch, obtainable on application to Dot Price. 2s 6d In stamps or postal notes.

Auto. Cards are obtainable from Dot, Otago Witness Office. Dunedin. Price, 9d for 25.

(special for the Otago Witness.) LIL Yoh will remember that last week I managed to get Billy’s mind off selling me “ kites ” for the Ark at £lO each by telling him that we proposed taking him and his brother Fluffy with us for a holiday. Well, as you may imagine, the news of the holiday spread like wildlire. Whether our Bears have some secret signalling system with the home of their parents (which is in a little unused field about a mile away from our house) I don’t know; but certainly news reaches from one house to the other in a remarkable way.

So really I was not at all surprised when, half an hour later, Mummie Bodgers Bear came along, holding by the hand little baby Sally, and followed by Horace, Boris, Ferdinand, and Whistler, who, I should think, had all been instructed by their mother to look particularly miserable, for I have never seen a more dejected looking crew. Rosemary seemed to think so, too, for she said—- “ What’s the matter with them. Mummie Bear? Have they all got measles?” (Measles is the only thing Rosemary has had, with the exception of chicken-pox, which Billy called “ the chicken’s box,” so she always thinks anyone who is ill must have one or the other!) Mummie Bear looked at her family as if she had seen them for the first time. “ No,” she said, thoughtfully, “ they hasn’t got measles, but T should think they might all get it if they doesn’t have a holiday!” “ Mummie Bear,” said Rosemary, very sharply, so that the poor old” thing jumped, “your grammar is awful!” “ Not half so awful as my cough is. dearie,” said Mummie Bear, giving a most dreadful bark which nearly blew us all off our feet. “ What we all want,” she continued, speaking to me very confidentially, and mentioning the matter as if she had thought of it the first time. “What we all want is a holiday! ” “ Well,” I said, trying to look unconcerned, “ If they want a holiday, why don’t you and Mr Samuel Bodgers Bear take them for one?” Mummie Bear blinked at me reproachfully.

OLD WRITERS’ WEEK, 1929. Old Writers’ Week falls this year from December 24 to December 31. Letters should reach me at no later date than December 19, and should be addressed Dot, care of the Editor, Otago Witness, Dunedin,” and marked “ Old Writers’ Week.” * * * Dear Old Writers.— Here it is nearly Christmas again, and what have we all done with the year that has flown so quickly past? I shall be interested to know of your doings. For myself, of course, it has been a .fig round of work, though by no means devoid of its “ play ” side in idle moments. I feel sure there are many things you want to talk over, and the Little Folk are always keenly interested in your annual page. Whenever a Ijittle Folk becomes an Old "Writer. I think as I cross the name from the roll book, “Will she write at Old Writers’ Week as regularly as she has written in her Little Folk days? ” Now. think hard, and let us share with you all you have to tell us about the year. 1 wish you great success in the reunion. - Your sincere friend, DOT.

Dear Ohl Writers, —Time is passing swiftly, and our thoughts will shortly be concentrated on Christmas, and, more important still, on Old Writers’ Week So with Dots kind permission allow me to appeal, more especially to those overseas, to each of you to remember your duty to the p.lge this year. There is nothing so worthy as being punctual and “ on time,” so that it is to be hoped that you will take the hint, and help us along by contributing, and ensuring a record success You will, wont you? Thank you.—Yours truly, CAVERSHAM LAD (Wellington). Dear Little Folk, — ou know that during Old Writers’ Week your letters are not printed Therefore you will not need, to write to me during that time. Any letters which have, been written will be held over, and put in after the reunion is finished. Are you all working hard at school? Here is a wish of good fortune for those endeavouring to be top of the class, to pass standards, to succeed in proficiency, matriculation, and music examinations and to reach other goals. What a splendid rest you will have when they are finished!. —Your sincere friend, DOT.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. ■ Dear Dot, —We have no pet lambs this 5 car because dad has leased his farm. It was my birthday last Wednesday, and I received a comb, a box of paints, a tussore silk petticoat, and some money. There were fires here a few days ago, but there was no damage done. We have a few little chicks.—Yours truly. SPRING S YELLOW DAFFODIL (Tuatapere). [How excited you must have been on your birthday. Spring’s Yellow Daffodil. Those were useful- presents. You should draw and paint a daffodil.—DOT.] Dear Dot.—We have a pet lamb and it is a month old. My brother and his mate have been out fishing, and they brought home a number of fish. I have ’started”to play tennis this ye«ir, and I like if very much. I have been up early and have been going to the school ground to play. I think it is a very interesting game. All the girls are wearing their light frocks, because it has been hot. I have been reading a very good book entitled “The Pride of Tyson.” It is not very long, and I read it in four nights.—Yours truly. ’THE GAY CAVALIER (Waikaia). [Early morning is the best time for tennis, Gay Cavalier, Do not go before breakfast, however, if you have not had a good sleep in the night. There are some pretty tennis frocks to be had here — DOT.]

Dear Dot.- May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years of age. Nearly all our apricots and peaches were caught by two nights of frost. All stone fruit from the North Cape to the Bluff seems to have been destroyed. A night or two ago the apples were caught, but not so severely. There are many camps in this district. The hens are laying well. We are receiving 200 eggs from 250 hens daily. Last week a consignment of 37 crates of eggs left Jiere for Dunedin. Love to all your Little Folk and vourself.-—Yours truly, THE LAD FROM TIPPERARY (Otekaike). [Aon may join. Lad from Tipperary. I hat is bad news about the frost. I hope I ] os al<2 n °t au y extent. * * * Dear Dot. May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 vears of age. I am in Standard IV. I go to the Alakarewa School. I ride a bicycle to school. We have six pet lambs. We milk 12 cows. I have a football, but it is burst. I love reading the other children’s letters. We live near a bu«h. We have lambs running in the paddocks—Yours trulv VIOLET LOVER (Makarewa). [A. es, you may be a member. A 7 iolot Lover. I wonder how long it takes you to go to school each day.—DOT.] * 4? *

Dear Dot, I was to have been at sea since I last wrote, and would still have been there had it not been for an accident, which I shall not forget in a hurry because of the pain I suffered from burns. I was firing on board the Ruapehu, and the stokehold is a regular oven. The first week saw me sick, and I could do only short shifts for the next, but by the time we had taken all the cargo aboard I was beginning to harden to it. It was all right' till wo went into the tropics, ami the beat rose so much that it had the bettoe r.f m-> in the fir-t watch. I managed with the help of the second engineer to

stick the next one out, and every opportunity I had I was under th? vontila s for air. I was well hardened to the heat by the time we reached London. Every time I went ashore there I managed to be lost. It is a wonderful place is London. We had the experience >1 being ashore in one of London’s famous fogs, and what a fog it was! Between smoke, soot and fog we could hardly see a yard ahead of us, and by the time we managed to go back to the ship we were the colour of the inside of a boiler tube. I was not sorry when we sailed for Southampton, which is, in my opinion, far ahead of London. As far as London or any other town in England goes, 1 would not give a square mile of New Zealand for them. It was wonderful when the day came for the return trip. It was a perfect trip til', we were a day’s sailing from Auckland, and then we ran into a howling south-west gale. One needed glue to stand on his feet with. I managed to stand up all right for tiie first watch, but it was in our next watch that 1 came to grief. I was stoking up one of the tires when a hi avy sea struck the ship, and she seemed to heel right over, and the next thing T knew was that I went into the furnace door. One of my arms seemed to go on fire. I then took a nose dive on to the deck, and slid half the length of the boiler room into a heap of coal. What happened after that is a mystery to me. as it seems I went to sleep and did not wake up till a day ami a half later in the Auckland hospital. I then found out that I had a roasted arm. and the right ear half off. and on top of that all. a broken leg. so I spent nine weeks in Auckland, and it was nine weeks too many for me —A’ours trulv. THE RIDIN’ KID FROM POWDER STREAM (Otago). [I am sorry to hear of vour bad accident. Ridin’ Kid. I am thankful I have not had your experience. Is the arm healed properly ?—DOT.] Dear Dot, -Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I was 15 J ears of age last June. I have read your page tor a long time with much interest, and I thought I should like to become one of your happy band. I have two pe's. One is a cat which is called Tommy, and the other js a magpie. It is just learning to talk, it is amusing to listen to it. I L have no brothers or sisters, but mum is looking after a baby boy. and he is a dear i'n' t in !ng ’ ls >' I ,am T e is Xoel - and I,e !S . U't 10 months old. Love to all the Little trulv an< yO " r °" n (lear self —Yours

A PIPER'S LASS (North Otago). [Noel is your baby for the time beimLa '* ? ' join. I hope —DOT j mnl ‘ V an< the magpie are fl ien ds. * * * 1 join your happv banil of Little I oik. lam 13 years old. and in Standard A I at school. I have three brothers and one sister. I am setoil(l eldest I know three other children who go to the same school as I do who write. I have a flower and a vegetable garden at home, and have all coloured daisies out. I here are young lambs about. Have you ever seen an Angora or a Chinchilla rabbit. I have. They are lovely to look at. We may be having some. Alv brother said he may be going to write' to you soon. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. ANGORA RABBIT (Otekaike). [Yes. you may join, Angora Rabbit. I have seen both your namesake and his mate. Aou will enjoy looking after the bunnies.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I was delighted when I opened the Otago Witness last mail day to see that my first letter to you had been printed; and I am proud to feel that I am one of your band of Little Folk. [ always read the letters and stories in the Little Folk s pages, and I find them very interesting. The fruit trees about look glorious, especially the apple and cherry trees, which are bright with blossoms. Our house is surrounded by trees, and it is impossible to describe how beautiful they all look. The cherry trees look as though they are weighed down by snow. There can be heard the busy hum of bees and the chirping of birds among the flowers. The garden looks pretty too. as it is brightened by pansies. arum lilies, irises and polyanthuses. The May and lilac bushes are also flowering. Since I left school I have spent much more time in the garden. I like always to have heaps of flowers about. If the weather keeps fine we shall soon be able to bathe again. My friends and I went for a walk around the beach this morning, and as walking made us rather warm, we looked very longingly at the water. We have eight little calves to feed. They have names, but it is hard to remember them all at the same time. I think of new names for some of them every day. We are milking 11 cows, and we are sending all the cream which we do not require ourselves to factory. The farmer’s busy’ season has begun. as the sheep work has started too. My brother’s pet lamb has grown very fat and lazy. It likes to lie in the warm sunshine all the time until it feels hungry again. Best wishes to yourself and to all the Little Folk.-—A’ours trulv. PELOROUS JACK (Picton). [Cherry blossom trees have truly been called bridal trees, Pelorous Jack. A’ou would like to have gardening work to do. Many girls learn it now. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The days are much longer now that the daylight saving has commenced. and in the evenings after tea there is plenty of time to play tennis or cricket. Swimming has not started yet. but. if the hot weather continues, it will not be long till everybody sees that his swimming suit is in good order. The blossoms are nearly all gone, and the fruit trees are looking green. There are not many dances here, about one every three weeks. The irrigation works arc nearly completed, and they expect to have the water on by December. The pipes up the Arrow River are very interesting to see. especially where they cross the river on piles, and the men employed are at present cementing the pipes in. Arrowtown is a very quiet place, but it is all right where I live, as it is about three-quarters

of a mile from the town, ami the country is never dull, at least I think so. Christmas is drawing near, and most people are busy spring cleaning. The Little Folk page is increasing every week, and there is always somebody wanting correspondents. I am going away for a few days at Christmas to Dunedin, and I hope to meet some of the Little Folk who correspond with me. Love to all.- A'ours trulv. PRINCE (HARMING (Arrowtown). [I agree with you about the country. I rince ( harming. Many people would be interested to see the big pipe line. It is too hot now for dancing.—DOT.] * =2 * Dear Dot.—AA e have a garden, and ail the spring flowers are out. It will soon be Christmas again. All the fruit trees are out in blossom, so it will soon be the fruit season. I have had a bad cold. I have a white cat and could you please give me a name for him? Last night I had a wee chicken, and he was nearly dead, but I took him in and warmed him. and he is all right. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — A’ours truly MOUNTAIN DAVELLER (CTydevale). [I am thankful the chicken is warm and well, Alountain Dweller, (hicks are such tiny things that the cold soon freezes them. Call the cat Person.—DOT.] * ❖ * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band ef Little I* oik ? I was 10 years of age on niy last birthday. AA’e have numbers of lambs now, and I had a little pet to feed for a few days. I have a cat which I would like a name for. Could you give me a name for her. please? I like reading about Teddy and Golly and also Billv Bear. I have read a number of books. AA e have numbers of daffodils and narcissi out now. and the lilac is in bud. I have a dog which I call Flirt. I have found about a hundred thrushes’ eggs, but not so many blackbirds’. 1 will close with best wishes to all.— A’ours truly. AA H ITEBAIT (Southland).

[I have your name in the roll book. Whitebait. A’ou could call the kitten AAateha. A gentleman I know had a dog called Flirt, who would guard the baby in her perambulator.— DOT.] Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 .vears old. and in Standard IA at school. There is a relieving teacher here at present. AA’e have some daffodils out and some primroses. AA’e have numbers of pigs, calves, and lambs. Aly sister is a Gill Guide. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.— Yours trulv, DOUBLE E (Gore). [AA elcome, Double E. Perhaps you are a Brownie, are you? I am sure your sister enjoys the Guide meetings. Are your daffodils single ones? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. AA’e are having good weather here. I am very fond of gardening, and yesterday afternoon 1 planted some aster seeds, and some zinnia seeds. I also planted some anemone and tenweek stock plants. I am waiting for them to bloom, so that I can see what colour they are. The sweet peas that I planted some weeks ago are about 3in high. At present I am reading a book called “ Jennifer J,” by Ethel Turner. My favourite authors of girls’ books are Ethel Turner, Lillian Turner, Isabel Al. Peacocke, AlarjGrant Bruce, and John Montgomery. Have you ever read any of their books? Have the AA 7 estminster Glee Singers been to Dunedin yet? They are in Gisborne just now. and I am going to hear them tonight.—Yours truly. PL NCHINELLO (Gisborne).

[The Glee Singers have not been to Dunedin yet, Punchinello. I am sure you will enjoy their concert. I have read books by all of those authors but the last one you mentioned. —DOT.] # — Dear Dot.— I have seen the Little Folk badges, and I think they are very pretty. 1 should like to have one of my own. Since I wrote to you last most of our lambs have arrived, and we have six pets. A week or two ago my brother and I went to the birthday party of one of our school friends. AA’e all arrived there about halfpast two, and had a very jolly afternoon Haying games followed by a lovely tea. Love to all the Little Folk ami yourself. —Yours trulv, TAVINKLER (Otago). [I shall forward your badge. Twinklei. Do you usually have more than six pet lambs? I am glad you enjoyed the birthday party.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Aly bii thdi ty was on October 15. and I was 11 years old. AA’e have two calves and two lambs. AA’e have finished tailing our lambs. AA’e have a new teacher at our school, and I like her very much. There was a send-off in. the AVendon Hall for our teacher on October 11. I was there and enjoyed myself very much. —Yours trulv, BLACK EYE (Otama). [I am glad you like your new teacher, as you often miss other teachers you are fond of. Black Eye. I hope you had a happy birthday. I suppose you played games at the send-off. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.-—AA’e are luiving beautiful weather, with sunshine in the daytime, and a bright moon at night. The clocks are put on half-an-liour now. Sir Charles and Lady Alice Fergusson and their son were visiting Blenheim last week. At half-past two he went to the Anglican Church, and then visited the hospital. At half-past three he gave a speech in the rotunda, and then he opended the new Plunket Building. He is going back to England in two or three months’ time. I have seen him only once, although he has visited Blenheim a good many times. It does not grow dark now till about 8 o’clock. I cut my- leg on the axe about a fortnight ago, and now I have a big scar. I went up Tor my music examination last Alonday. and I am glad to say I passed, but 1 do not know Tmw many marks I gained yet. Have you played any games of

tennis yet? I have played only at home One of my brothers is working down the bounds on a sheep farm. He has been there for five months now.—Yours truly, PUSS PUSSY (Alarlborough). [I l* a 'e had a few sets of tennis, Puss Fussy Have you a tennis court at vour home? Aou are very lucky if you have. Does jour brother like working down the Sounds?—DOT.] -n * * Dear Dot,—You are enrolling more and more Little Folk every week. Daylight saving has started once again. Do you like it? Aly brothers are making drawings and cutting them out. The gardens are looking beautiful. Tennis and swimming will soon be starting again. Do you like playing tennis? I do. I have three correspondents. '1 here was a show three stations from here, and I put something in, but did not win anything. I like to watch the lambs playing in the evening. AA e have such a dear wee pet lamb. AA’e are expecting a cow in soon, and are milking a few. Can you milk cows? I can no't. I have been watering the garden, as we have not had any rain for weeks. T know a few of your Little Folk. Aly father has a small black pup. and he has not named it yet. AA e have some Leghorn chickens to feed. A man was at our school, and he took our photogjraph. I do not like being taken. It will soon be Christmas again. I have a vegetable garden with peas and turnips up. Love to all the Little Folk ami your own dear self.—A’ours truly, FATHER’S LITTLE GIRLTF, (Southland). I A es. I like the extra half hour of day : light, bather's Little Girlie. Tennis is ona of the most enjoyable games. I have not tried to milk a cow. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.— Since I last wrote to you I have started to learn swimming, and I like it verj' much. Last AA’ednesday night I received a prize from Trinitj" College for being the highest candidate in Intel? mediate elocution. I am working an apron at school, and the pattern is pretty. 1 edd.v and Golly have some exciting adventures in Calendar Land, and 1 should not like to be in charge of Bill.v Bear an t his mischievous brother. Love to al! the Little Folk and your own dear self.—■■ A'ours truly.

AIERRA’ AIEG (Dunedin). [I think Bill.v Bear needs a spanking at times, Aferiw Aleg. Those were excellent results in theory. You must tiw for the first prize next year too. —DOT.] * .y. Dear Dot. —Al.v sister goes to school, ami she just loves it. I have one hen with nine chiekens. Thej’ are a fortnight old, and are doing finely so far. Do you think chiekens are pretty little things when thc.v are just out of the shell? Our daffodils are all past now. The flpwers seem to go off for a while after the daffodils are past, do the.v not? Love to all and, your own dear self. —A’ours truly, CUTICURA GIRL (Balclutha). [Aes. I think chickens are pretty, but little ducklings are such fluffy sillies, Cutieura Girl. The tulips in the district are marvellous this season. AA’e miss daffodils when they go.— DOT.] V V Dear Dot. —The two wee pet lambs died, but we have four more. 1 thought I was going to escape from influenza this year, but I have it now. I have not been at school this week. AA’e have had the telephone in for a good while, and now we are having electricity. I received 47 eggs to-night, and found a nest with eight more eggs. The farmers are hoping it will rain to help the crops on. You have a number of correspondents from Duutroon I am wishing the swimming season would hurry. Pink Carnation’s Pal and I often have a picnic. On some of our daffodils this year we had long stems. Also we had some lovel.v primroses all along one side of the house. Aly wee pony will be hard to manage, as I have not ridden him for a week. Last Sunda.v we went into town to see my sister. She is in hospital, but she is improving. Alj’ eat used to come with me when I was catching nij' pony, and would ride up to the house on its back. —A’ours truly. PINK CARNATION (Duntroon). [Puss needs a good stroke for being so keen to ride on the pony’s back. Pink Carnation. Aou are b?ave if you have begun to swim. The sea water is icv cold here. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l have only about a year before I shall be joining the ranks of the Old AA’riters. I am at Invercargill working. I have been here since Julj’. I am working in a fruit shop. It is a change from milking cows. Since living in Invercargill I have only met one Old AA’riter, and have not as yet seen any Little Folk about. I nearlj 7 always wear my badge,, and that is how I met the Old AA’riter. I met Sweet Lilac last night. She is working at Ryal Bush. During September I went up north for my holidays. I spent two days at AJilton. The rest of my holiday was spent at Dunedin and Evansdale. I stayed at Bill.v Blue Boy’s place whilst at Evansdale. Her sister celebrated her 21st birthday- while I was there, so her father gave her a dance in the hall. Billv Blue Boy and I had great fun decorating the hall with coloured papers and greenery. I had very good weather while I was away, so I enjoyed my holiday. This last year I have gone to many dances, and I am looking forward to a few more before dancing for the year ends. I have still a number of correspondents, and I think it is Star of the East from whom I receive most letters. I seldom see the Otago Witness. and at first I missed it verj- much. I must try and have the Otago AVitness during Old AAriters AA eek. as I think some of them write bea-«>iful letters. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself. —A'ours truly. MONKEA PL ZZLE (Invercargill). [A es. that work is different from what you have been used to do. Monkev Puzzle. A ou may meet some Little Folk soon, and make up a friendship. The holidays are being promised good weather bv nianv.— DOT.[

Dear Dot, —I hope you and all the Little Folk are well. We have 17 little white chickens and another hen sitting on 16. I have a little bantam hen sitting on nine eggs, and they will soon be out. My big Persian cat has two little gray kittens There was a big fire in Heriot last Wednesday week. Six buildings were destroyed, including two shops. Would you please give me a name for a little calf? Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly. DOLLY DIMPLE-0 (Heriot). fl am in excellent health, thank you, Dolly Dimple-0. Call the calf Clamp. Fire is a hungry thing when it begins to eat houses.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I was pleased to see my letter in the Otago Witness. My brother has a little pony. He is such a dear. I love animals. Cats. dogs, horses, and lambs are my favourites. I have a little lamb to feed, and it is lovely. We had the inspector to-day. He was giving Standard VI their proficiency, so we had a good time. We had our teacher to play with us. He is a sport. We are going to Lawrence for Labour Day. That is where we used to live. We have been here seven months. I have a hen and four chickens. The chickens are bantams, but the hen is not. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly. TOWSER (Five Rivers). [Those tiny chickens will look pretty with their big mother, Towser. I notice you have a dog’s name for your nom de plume. You are a "kindred spirit.” as Anne of Green Gables would say, for you love animals. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have a wireless set at home. We have had it about a month. We had the opening of the new 4YA Dunedin last Wednesday night, and we heard the Dunedin Pipe Band. I am very fond of pipe music. One of the Mysterious Pair and I are going to the pictures to-night to see “ The Woman Disputed.” Have you heard the talking pictures? I believe they' are very good, but I have not heard them yet. We have a jolly gardener working with us. We have a number of tulips out in our garden, but they are nearly all blighted. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. Yours trillv. ANOTHER OF THE MYSTERIOUS PAIR (Oamaru).

fKeep on learning the bagpipes. Another of the Mysterious Pair. Those instruments have a big historical interest. T have heard the “ talkie ” pictures.—DOT ] Dear Dot. —T was pleased to see my first letter in print. What a rush for the Otago Witness there was when it came! Another of the Mysterious Pair has the wireless in. I went with her on Friday night, and we heard a good concert from Christchurch. 1 am learning to play’ the piano, and T like it very’ much. I have been learning nearly a year. I was given a new piece last time. It is called “ The Cuckoo.” It is very pretty. My teacher played it over to mo. Another of the Mysterious Pair is learning to play’ the bagpipes. She has not been learning long. We tease her, but she takes it all in good part. We call them weird noises. The lady for whom I work has been away' on a holiday to Australia, and she is coming home in a fortnight's time. AA e shall all be glad to have her back. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. -—Yours trulv. ONE OF THE MYSTERIOUS PAIR (Oamaru). [You will like the piano better and better as your lessons go on. One of the Mysterious Pair. It is good to hear a clear wireless concert. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,— I have written to Wee Walnut. My last letter in the Otago Witness looked larger than I thought it would be. I am starting to learn for my second class Girl Guide badge. I shall have to go stalking and tracking too, and we shall have some fun then. My mother has been in bed with influenza for nearly’ a fortnight. I am looking after the post office, and doing the house, so I am kept very busy. To-day has been so hot that I had to put a summek frock on. People are beginning to count the weeks till Christmas, as it is drawing nearer and nearer. I made up a little piece of poetry the other day’ while I was sitting in the sun. I have written it at the end of my letter, and I want you to tell me what you think of it. as it is my first effort. I was at Bible Class last Tuesday’ night, and there is going to be a Bible Class picnic on Labour Day. to which I hone to go. Ginger IT writes to me. and I like her letters, for they’ are so friendly. I bought some new floor polish. T put it on with a paint brush, and T have don" the mantelniece and chest of drawers. They look new and shiny. I have a big doll of mv own here and I am cutting peanut shells in half and glueing them on one of her drosses. You will think I am a big babv. but I have to do something to pass the time We were doing exercises at Girl Guides the other day’, and as T had not done anv for some time I became stiff th" next dav. I see in last week's Otago Witness that one of my’ cousins has started to write to the pace We gave one of our cats awav the other day. and th" on" which had the birthday is very lonely. He comes un to my’ window sill and meows to be allowed in. I was so glad to s"“ a letter from Te Malmna in the Otago Witness again. Love to all the band and heaps to your own dear self. —Yours trulv. HAPPY GUIDE (Otago). (The rhvthm of the poem is good. Happv Guide. One fault is that “ nay ’’ cannot rhyme with “maid” or “goes.” I hope yon will go on writin". Be careful of ypur rhyming though.-—DOT.] * * Dear Dot.—How the years roll on! It will not be long before we are into 1930. will it? What kind of weather are you having? It is dry up hero and everybody is praying for rain. We b"d a lift!" shower last week, but it lasted for about an hour only. We are going to start

shearing to-morrow if the weather is permitting. The flower garden was pretty with all the spring flowers out, but they are just about finished. I have asters and sweet peas up. We have not any pet lambs so far. Last year we had six. We have about 20 goslings out. There is a footballers’ ball on Friday’ night, then a children's dance on Saturday night. I went to the hockey ball, which was about six weeks ago, and it was good. The slipper was delicious. There was a crowd of people there. The school children have not long to go before the examinations come off. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly. CI N D E R E LLA 'SSI STE R (Central Otago). [Yes, the year has laced past, Cinderella's Sister. We are having good spring weather, but it is dry here also. After examinations come holidays, and the children know that fact. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Last Wednesday and Thursday the Hawke's Bay Spring Show was held just out of Hastings. Jack, my brother, went and won some boxes of chocolates, but. as I was sick. I was unable to go. My cousin. Bunty, had seven rides on the chair-o plane one night, but he wished he had not afterwards. I like the joy’ wheel. I went on it at the last year's spring show. The Girl Guides had a “ shop ” about a fortnight ago, and it was very successful. I have obtained a few more badges, and I hope to go to the Wellington camp. I have been put up as a patrol second. Have you been to the talkies? They are not at Hastings yet, but Jack, Bunty, and my uncle have been several times to hear them in Napier. I think “ Broadway Melody ” is lovely. I like “ Saxophone Waltz too, it has such a nice swing to it. I also think “ Sultan’s Grand March ” is a good tune to march to. There is to be a Bible class sports day at Havelock, where members of the Presbyterian Bible classes from Waipukurau, Waipawa. Napier, Taradale, Clive, Hastings, and Havelock will compete against each other in running and jumping, to try and win a banner. Last Labour Day’ the sports were at Waipukurau, and Havelock won the banner, and I hope they win it again this year. Kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. ERTN-GO-BRAGH (Havelock North).

[I know how sick Bunty would feel. Erin-go-Bragh. You are a lucky Guide to be going to the Wellington camp. I have heard the talkie pictures.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? It is nearly Christmas. All the apple trees about here are in blossom. The daffodils are dying. A bus went from Roxburgh to the daffodil plantation. It is near Lawrence. I used to live in Dunedin. One soon grows tired of the town. I like the country better than town. Our cat catches plenty of rabbits. We see many lambs when we are going to school. We have a number oi twins. My’ birthday is on October 24. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv. THE WHISTLING THIEF (Otago Central). [Yes, you may join. 'Whistling Thief. I wonder what you search for. and why you whistle? Are you a bird feasting from a forbidden apple orchard?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —The Waimate Borough Council celebrated their jubilee this last week. They had a great affair, and the town looked pretty’ at night with all the lights on. They had 2000 coloured lights. I yvent in to town four times, and enjoyed myself immensely every time. On Monday night it was “ Dark Town,” and all the actors were black, and some were dressed in old-fashioned dresses. Thursday was the big procession, and it had some oldfashioned bicycles ami buggies and dresses. Yesterday’ was the children’s day. They looked magnificent in fancy costumes. Two little boys dressed as sailors, and they’ had a yacht. It won first prize. After the judging was over they marched to Victoria Park, where they had their photograph taken. Last night it was the last night, and they had open-air dancing in the main street, and the Maoris were acting hakas and singing. We are milking 33 cows, and have six to come in yet. There is not much grass about yet, as we had a late spring this year, and everything seems to be all behind. We are receiving 30 eggs a day from our hens, we have one sitting, and are going to set another. Love to all your Little Folk and kind regards to your own dear self.—Yours trulv. HOOK-ITE (Canterbury). [I have posted the badge. Hook-ite. There is something attractive about Maori singing. How different the town must have looked with the “ darkie ” people in the streets. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot.—Since last writing to you we have had a big fire, and our house was nearly burnt down. Several of the fruit trees were spoiled by the smoke anil flames. -On Thursday the day-was so hot that in the afternoon I went fishing, but as I had no bites. I wandered off birdnesting. and as I was walking along a creek out of the rushes flew a wild duck. My blood went Jiot and cold, but when I realised what it was I looked for the nest. There in the rushes was the cosiest nest I have ever seen with nine eggs in it. We have started the factory now. and how pleased I am. as there is no separating and washing up to do. A mate and I went eeling to-night, but the eels are still in the creek. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ENGLISH JUMBO (Longwood). [I hope the duck was not sitting on the eggs or it would have been frightened. English Jumbo. Do you often go fishing and eeling? I am sure the factory’ saves a great deal of work.—DOT.] V Dear Dot,—You must have a big roll book now. because every week when I read the page there are more and rnm r- — bers joining up. Everything in the garden is looking fresh and green. Our apple and pear tre.es are all out in blossom, and they look pretty. We have a good show of ranunculus and tulips out. and we are proud of them. We had five pet rabbits, but we gave two of them to a friend, and one little fellow died one frosty night, so we have only two left. One of the rabbits squeezed itself out of a hole in the hutch,

and was running round the garden. Dad had a hot five minutes trying to catch it, | and when he did put it back in its hutch again he made sure the hole was well shuttered up. We have not decided on any names for them yet, so would you please suggest two likely names? Where my sister and I work, we have very’ queer nicknames for each other. The cook is known as Snooks, my sister as Kidums. and myself as Smullet. One of the girls was in favour of calling me Smiler, and one for Smullet, but being fond of something out ot the ordinary they called me the last-mentioned name. I have been for two trips to Oamaru on a Friday night during the past month, and I have enjoyed them immensely. I have had a day in Dunedin, and I went to hear the talkies, and I like them very much. Dancing is practically over now, but swimming has come to take its place. A few Palmerston people have been down swimming in the Shag River this last week or so, but we have not tried it yet. because we think it too cold. Love to all and your own dear self. —‘Yours truly. MOTHER’S' PRIDE (Palmerston). le . la bbits, Skip and Scamper. Mother s Pride. Anyone who has tulips may be proud of the lovely flowers. The weather will be warmer towards Christmas for swimming.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Since last writing I have changed my name and address, and am very’ happy. I like this place very’ much, only it is very windy. There is a princess carnival on just now . and the procession was held on Saturday. The cars looked very pretty decorated up, and some of the people in fancy dress were really funny. My father-in-law and another man were dressed up as mum and dad, and they were very funny. They are talking of having another, but it is not settled yet. My husband and I went to a boxin" tournament on Friday night, and I enjoyed it. Love to all and your own dear self. — 1 ours truly. TAMBOURINE DANCER (Southland). [Congratulations. Tambourine Dancer. Is <i piiucess carniv«il hold each year or more Ilian once each year? 1 wonder if you helped to make any of the fancydresses ?—1)0 I’.]

Dear Dot. Christmas will soon be here and the Santa ( bins of the small children will be coming. They look forward to ( hristmas, and so does everybody else, bearing will soon be here ‘again and we shall have a busy time then, starting early and finishing late at night My mate and I are thinking of going to Oamaru at Easter for holidays. I have a dog named Black, and he is funny, but hi' is a very good worker. Love to you and the Little Folk—Yours truly, OLAF THE OUTLAW (Clyde). [I like an impudent dog. Olaf the Outlaw, especially if he is a good worker. That should be a pleasant holiday at Easter—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have one correspondent j through you, and her nom de plume is The I Rainbow Girl. Pretty Polly has a little lamb, and she cals it Reenie. Last night dad brought it in from out on the run. and its mouth was cold; we thought it would die, so we made a bed for it in a box in front of the fireplace, and put the lamb in that. This morning, before we were up, it was out of its box and was bleating in the kitchen. I have been reading a book called “ Anne's House of Dreams,” and liked it very much. Have you ever read it? I have books to read from the correspondence school library, and they’ are all very interesting. Wo have a pup called Wag and a kitten called Rewie. A Little Butterfly put an auto in your page asking Pretty Polly’ to write to her. AA hen Pretty’ Polly’ wrote, it was in the beginning of winter, and she has not had her letter answered yet. Pretty Polly and I am learning to milk. It is blowing hard to-dav.—Yours trulv. ROSE FLOWER (Fairlie). [I have read the book. Rose Flower. I am glad to hear that the lamb did not die. The poor things have a hard time in the cold nights.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot.- —I think swimming is good sport, and I am always pleased when the Christmas vacation comes and I am able to go for a swim as often as I like. During the term holidays some friends and I went for a walk over the hills. AATien we returned we wondered how far we had gone, and were greatly surprised when we calculated it to be 15 miles. We were not tired, and wished afterwards we could have stayed away longer. I went for a picnic to Hampden with some of my friends a week or two ago. We had a good time, and were disappointed s when the train approached the station and we had to go home. I shall have to begin and Ichrn first aid. as the final examination is to be held at the end of the month. I hope I shall be as successful in this examination as I was in the Junior Red Cross one. Love to your own dear self and al' the Little Folk.—Yours trulv. THE MOUNTAIN DAISY FLOWER (Herbert)

[I agree with you about swimming, Mountain Daisy Flower. Walking makes a good holiday if one can stand the vigorous cxerc’w. You must learn hard and pass with high marks. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,- —Last night our school fancy dress ball came off—you will be thinking we have Nothing here but balls —and was a great success. All present were girls from Standard VI to Form VI. I went as a gipsy, and there was a georgeous display’ of dresses. At half-past nine we had supper, and then went home. The Grand Queen Carnival is taking place next month, affd the bazaar is lasting for seven days. There will be a dance entertainment every’ evening, in which I am taking part. There are girls from our school as well as from other convents, and also a good few young ladies, and it is promising to be very pretty. There was an earthquake here last night, but I did not feel it. It was not very long, but it was a sharp shock. Tlte swimming season has commenced, but I have not had a swim yet. We play cricket at school, and a

few of the girls play tennis. Love to all the Little Folk ami yourself.—Yours truly, POLLY NANS A (Wanganui 1[We do not want to hear of any more earthquakes, Polly Nanna. We used to enjoy cricket nt school. You must tell me more about the bazaar. —DOT.] # ¥ Dear Dot.— AA’e have been having a very dry spell in Christchurch; the longest for many years. I see or I should say hear one of the Little Folk is to be married at Christmas time. Star Gazer is also married, and has a wee son. I have not long to write. 1 met Miss Mee Pinny when she was in Christchurch, also Kremo. We have a little kitten and an English setter dog. He is a real trick. ’I his year has gone quickly. We have had many spring flowers out in our front garden, and we have sweet peas nearly 2ft high. Show day is almost here again, and I hone that nothing happens that T < Something has happened each year that I cannot go. The talkies have come io stay. I cannot say I am very keen on them. The other Sunday we went to Tai Tapu drive, and it was lovely. Love to all and vourself. —Yours truly. VALENCIA iIATSTN (Christchurch).

[We have not heard from you for many weeks, A’alencia Raisin. I hope you can go to the show.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot. —A New Zealand lady sent me a copy of the Otago Witness recently, and I enjoyed reading the letters in v"’" - corner. I was wondering whether any of your readers who are stamp collectors would like to exchange their duplicates with me? I started only a year ago, but 1 have over 7000 stamps, five albums, and loads of duplicates. I hold three silver cups won at tennis this year. I won the Singles Championship of my tennis club, the .Junior Tennis Championship of Scotland (second year in succession) and the Junior Tennis Championship of the North of England. I correspond with 70 boys and girls in various parts of the world, including New Zealand. Enclosed you will find a sprig of Scottish heather for luck. I expect summer time will just be starting in New Zealand, as here the days are growing shorter and the nights longer, which heralds the approach of winter. Best wishes to all.—Yours truly. BONNY BLOOMING HEATHER (Edinburgh. Scotland). [Welcome from Scotland. Bonnie Blooming Heather. I am sure that some Little Folk will exchange stamps with you. AVe are proud to have a tennis champion

in the page. Thank vou for the heather. —DOT], « * * Dear Dot, —I am sure you are surprised at receiving a letter from an Irish boy, but some relations of mine were staying with us. They came from New Zealand, and they were telling me all about your Little Folk. I wonder if one of them would write to me and tell me all about themselves. I am 12 years of age. and am very interested about music, stamps, etc. I go for a swim each day when it is possible. The name of the school which I am at is Saint Andrew's College. 1 won a scholarship for five years into this school. I am now going to try for a scholarship of music, into the Royal Academy of Music for one year. AA’e are having very fine weather since last week.- —-Yours truly, IRISH SHAMROCK (Dublin, Ireland). [I am glad you wrote. Irish Shamrock. You must have worked hard to win such a splendid scholarship. Do you intend to be a music teacher when you are older?— DOT.] y Dear Dot.—l have a number of pets now. I have two little rabbits about a month old. and I would like you to give me names for them, please. I have four bantams, and I have more hatching. We have 17 chickens. —Yours truly. PERT PETER PAN (Palmerston).

[Bobbit and Peak might be suitable names for your young rabbits. Pert Peter Pan. Have you any ducklings? 1 think they make beautiful pets.—DOT.] Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine yearn of age. and in Standard II at school. \V( have two cats with three kittens each so we have six kittens altogether. AA’< have a horse and a cream pony, ten hens, and five dogs. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. NOELA JUNIOR (Oamaru). [Welcome, Noela Junior. Please send me your private name and address when you write next time. Do you mean that the pony is white, or that it carries cream to the factory?-—DOT.] * * # Dear Dot, —I am looking forward to the Old AVriters’ Week, as I like reading the interesting letters written by them. AA’e had a shower of rain, which the fanners were very pleased to see, as their crops are all in. and the ground was sa hard and dry. Some of the farmers have started to shear. Our garden is so hard that we find some of the small seeds are

not growing very well. We have to water it every night. Our garden is very bright with spring flowers, although the daffodils are all past. This morning I was trying to milk the cow, but I found it harder than 1 thought it would be. I have just finished reading a book entitled “ The Trampled Cross,” and I have started to read another entitled “Good Words.” It contains many short stories. Have you read either of them? I was at the dentist the other day. and had two teeth filled. The school children will be looking forward to their Christinas holidays, as it is only about two months till then. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv, LADY OF OCTOBER (Otago). [I have not read either of the books you are enjoying. Lady of October. T am sure you are thankful that your visit to the dentist is over. — DOT.] * # * Dear Dot,—We are having a lovely time at school now. 1 have a big Moth aeroplane at home to play with. 1 made an aeroplane at school. Tarzan hurt his leg the other day, but it is better now. We are playing tennis at school and 1 like it very much. I had toothache yesterday, but now it is better. I have another tooth coming through. I ride a bicycle to school every morning. It is about two miles from our place to the school. Mv eldest brother has about 50 pigeons. He has had them HI years. We have seven young roosters and six pullers about six months old. Mv garden at school is full of young seedlings. It was very hot yesterday, but it is raining today. We do not have Sunday school >f it is raining. Wo are going to buy a sheep dog. and will you p’ea.-e give me a name for it? My youngest brother is working on a sheep farm down the Sounds. —Yours trulv. WILD BILL FROM SPRING CREEK (Otago).

[You could call your dog Snap. Wild Bill from Spring Creek. How big is your (Moth aeroplane? I suppose that tlm pigeons are all font! of vour brother. — DOT.) Dear Dot. —I have a position as housekeeper. There are live children, four boys and one girl, who is 16 years of age. The boys' ages range from 7 to 14. 1 have been here a month, and I rather like here, although it is very quiet. 1 was at a dance at Chatto Creek about a fortnight ago. and had a most enjovable time. I stayed with Lady Clarice. There are a number of lambs about here, but lambing seems to be very late here compared with other parts of Otago. I had a pet lamb at home, but when I received a letter from mother last week she said that he was dead. He hae a piece of mangold stuck in his throat. I was upset about it. as he was a lovely lamb. Of course, it was a last year's lamb. Everything is looking green, especially in the country, considering that there has been so little rain this spring. The boys have just come in to do their- lessons. —Yours truly. JUST A COOK (Central Otago). [I am glad that you are happy in your pew position. Just a Cook. I suppose that the girl is able to help her mother a little now. I anr sorrv voilr pet died. - DOT.] NOTES. Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter.— 1 have inserted your auto, and will be pleased to hear from vou at Old Writers’ Week.—DOT. Twinkier. —I cannot send the badge until you send vour private name.— DOT. Bonny Blooming Heather’s address i.s Myrtle Morrison. Hamilton House. Priestfield road. Edinburgh. That of Irish Shamrock is J. Havelock Nelson. 3 Sandygrove avenue. Kingston. Dublin.—DOT. - Mis Paulin. —Thank you for the addresses. —DO 1.

AUTOS. Captain Jackson Barry's Daughter (Mrs H. N. Sprott. " Glenallan,” Otokia ) wishes . Jerry Joy to write or send address, as she lias lost his last letter. Merry Meg (Margaret Scurr, 92 Musselburgh rise, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Snow Queen Dahlia. Will she please write first and soon? Cuticura Girl (R. E. Wilson. Rural Box 28. Pukepito. via Balchitha) wishes to correspond with Te Alabama and Grandad Ruby. She also wishes E. Pari Ra to write to her. as she has lost her address. Wi l. they please write soon? Olaf the Outlaw (W. Cherry, care ot S. Spain. Clyde) wishes Wee Walnut and One of the Mysterious Pair to write first and soon. Happy Guide (Ruby E. Rawson, care of P. 0., Reidston. via Oamarul wishes Cowboy Bill and Te Alahana to write first and soon. Punchinello (Joyce Neilson. 282 Aberdeen road. Gisborne) wishes to correspond with The Rainbow Girl. Mark Antony. Morven Lily, Riptare, Irvine, and Who Am I. Red Flower (Ella Adams. P. 0.. Maerewhenua) wishes to correspond with Mother's Goldie, Poppy Fairy, and Baby Face. Will tl-ey please write first and soon ? Neta Lyall (Lily Moffatt, care of Commercial Hotel, Waikaia) wishes to correspond with Matai Belle, Mossburn’s Mystery, end Victorian Mountaineer. Will they please write first and soon? The Gay Cavalier (Thelma Berryman, Commercial Hotel. Waikaia) wishes to correspond with Father’s Best Jockey and Prim j Charming Eyes, also Crocus. Will they please write first and soon? English Jumbo (Eric Robinson, Riverton. Tihaka, R.D.. Riverton) wishes to correspond with Farmer Jock, and wishes him to write first. Hookite (Lucy E. Croft. Box 19, Makikihi. South Canterbury) wishes to correspond with the Last of the Dauntless Three and any Little Folk between 17 and 19 years. Snowy’s Lazy Niece (Dulcie Bell. Bayswater. R.D., Otautau) would like any Little Folk about 14 years of age living in Winton to write. Will they please write first and soon?