LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3975, 20 May 1930, Page 72

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves.

Dear Dot,—l am writing to ask von if I may join your happy band of Little Folk. I am 15 years of age, and am at present in the Waipiata Sanatorium. I v have been here 16 months, and hope to go home for good about the end of June. Today one of the patients gave me two Otago Witnesses, and while I was turning the pages J saw your page, and it was very interesting to read the Little Folk’s letters. It is very miserable here to-day. It has been drizzling off and on since early this morning. I have several pen friends over in Australia, and every time the boat comes to New Zealand I receive some very interesting letters. I hope. I am not boring you, but 1 can never write an interesting letter, so I hope you will forgive me. I am passionately fond of reading, and I think Zane Grey writes interesting books. Have you read any of his books? Ruby M. Ayres also writes good books. Do you like music? I adore it. I do not see the Otago Witness very often, but I am writing to my parents to have it sent to me every week. Could I have Autumn Leaves for my pen name, please? I shall

close now with love to all the Little Folk and your own self.—Yours truly LEAVES OF AUTUMN (Waipiata).

[Autumn Leaves has been chosen before. Leaves of Autumn, so I have changed it round, as you see. Certainly you may join. I hope that you are recovering your health at the sanatorium, and that you will, as you say, soon be home. And do not -say that you cannot write an interesting letter. For instance, you could tell us about hospital life, which would be interesting to many of us. Yes. I have read some of Zane Grey's books. and I like music.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I become a member of of your Little Folk? I am 14 vears old, and I work at home. We take the Otago Witness every week, and enjoy reading the Little Folk’s letters. We do miss the long days, to which we looked forward in the summer. My sister is a Little Folk, and has two correspondents so far. I was at Invercargill staying with my sister last month, and I had a most enjoyable ? went into our neighbours every rriday night, and had a game of cards. I shall close now. hoping you will enrol me as a Little Folk, with kind regards to all and your own dear self.—Yours trv.lv, MADEMOISELLE JEANNETTE (Waipahi). [Welcome, Mademoiselle Jeannette. I had to put a French title to your name because, as you had it, it belonged to another Little Folk. I am glad that you like reading the page. What sort of card games do you play at your friend's house? Were they serious games or fuiniv ones like grab, and old maid, and donkey? —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l thought that my name would be off the roil. Please will you give me a name for my doll? She has fair hair. My little cousin who stays with us was four to-day, and we made him a cake.—Yours truly. DOLLY GREY (North Otago).

[You are certainly a stranger. Dolly Grey, but your name is not yet “ off the roll.” so do not be afraid. Call your doll Clarissa or Kissa for short. Is she a sleeping doll? And wish your small cousin many happy returns of his birthday. Did he have candles on his cake? — DOT.]

, Dear Dot, —I am working in a place in Farnham now. I have an enjoyable time here, and I can go out any time I like. My brother and sister came home from Wellington on Friday night, and my sister brought me a necklace home. My brother brought three records, and they are all very entertaining. I am afraid I shall not be able to send you a photograph of myself this s time, but I shall send you one the next time I write to you. I have six letters to write yet, so I suppose my wrist will be aching when I finish. I was in bed for two days last week, and I simply hated it. I do not .really know what was the matter with me, but still I had to be in bed all the same. A big football match was played on Easter Monday, and it was exciting. It was impossible to keep a straight face—it was so funny and exciting Two aeroplanes were flying over 1' arnham on Saturday, and I could not proceed with my work for them. Every time I went to do something they would start and do some stunts. I had a pile of books sent to me last night, and I did not go to bed until I had finished them. t e i le i, IS n a " ;ier °P li ‘Ue up now, so I think 1 shall finish my letter so that I may T V - a AV 1 i t- n l° ye X° u an d vour Little rolk.—Tours truly, PL bS PL SSY (Marlborough). [Lou are fortunate to l»e able to go out whenever you wish. Puss Pussy. Not many girls can say as much. I should like to see a photograph of you if you have one to spare. I have almost a picture galleij of Little Folk now. I am glad that you are better now. Staying in bed is not good fun on a fine day. What were the books tnat were sent to you? Did von DOT ] 1<?!U ll " ht tllrough tllat evening'?—

J?'?!'; inter is here again with its cold chilly mornings and cvcuiims. We are Having frosts these mornings” There are not many flowers out in the ‘garden. Ihe frost has killed most of them We have five cats. One of them is ' a big beauty. He will shake hands when we ask him We have just received the Ota-o Witness. It comes every Friday I lif-n reading the Little Folks letters.' ‘Most of them are very interesting. We are wanting rain. Our tanks are nearly empty. The ground is very dry. The Dunedin bhow will soon be on now. It seems no time since the last one. I will close now with love to all. — lours truly,

LONG TONGUE (Otago). [I think that most of us prefer risiim on a summer's morning than on a winter’s one. Long Tongue. What cowards we all are! Winter is as good for us as summer is. if we take sufficient exercise I am sorry tliat your flowers are dead' Were they chrysanthemums? I should' like to see your big puss. What a beauty he must be! Let us hope that it rains DOT ]* y ° Ur tanks alc liearl >’ empty.—

Dear Dot. —On examination day we had spelling and I was correct, and my teacher gave me a pencil. At our school the boys play football and the girls play basket ball. We have sewing on Fridays now, and the little girls have sewing too. Standard 111 come into our room for sewing. We go into their room for singing. I passed in the examination last year. I wrote this letter at 20 minutes past 2. two little girls came to our place to play wit.) me one morning. I gave dad some slippers for his birthday. I went round to the store to buy some ice cream, and they had none.—Yours trulv. MONEY SPIDER II (Sockburn).

[You are a clever person. Money Spider II and I congratulate you on receiving the pencil. Can you spell " receive ’’ and “believe?” Do you play basket ball? It is a good game for girls. How glad your daddy would be to receive the slippers. ■When you have learnt more at sewing you will be able to make him a pair all by vourself. It is too frosty for ice cream now. —DOT. |

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? 1 am 11 years of age, and we live three and a-half miles from the town. We walk to school each cold and frosty morning. If you will allow me to join your page will you please let your Little Folk, who are between the ages of 10 and 12. know that I would like to correspond frith them? I hope you will allow me to join.—Yours truly, RING-A-DING (Otautau).

[Certainly you may join, dear. You forgot to send a nom de plume, so I am calling you Ring-a-Ding. which, I think, is a pretty and suitable name. It is good to. walk to school on frosty mornings. The exercise makes you warm, and keeps you so all day. I have put an auto in for you—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Since I last wrote to you my mother has been very ill, but she is better now. I was nurse, and I had all the housework to do. My sister is joining your

Little Folk band, ami her nom de plume is Mademoiselle Jeannette. I have written to my two correspondents. I know two of your Little Folk, and their names are Red Letter and Lightning Flash. I have just finished reading some novels, and the stories in them are very interesting. The names of them are “Where Folly Led Her. ’ ]>y Eleanor Gray ; " What Men Don t Know.’ by Marion Maran; and " Sealed Lips.” by E. G. Davis. The mornings are very cold now, and we do not like jumping out of our warm beds. My birthday is on Sunday, and I have already received an evening frock of purple crepe de chine. Well, as news is_ scarce I shall close with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.-— Yours truly, DIVINIA (Waipahi). [f Qui glad that mother is better again, Divima. You would feel important as a nurse, and I am sure you did your work " ell. Please give her my good wishes. I do not know the books you mention. lhey .sound somewhat “grown-up”—but ,' )e mistaken. Many happy returns ot Sunday, rhe evening frock sounds as if it will be very pretty. Are vou dark or fair that you can wear purple?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—*l he days are now very short. 1 hate the thought of the whole winter before us. I think, it is far more' pleasant going out to milk cows in the summer than in winter. My father has started to plough. My sister and I were at a hard-up and fancy dress dance last Friday night. My sister went as " Hardp, and won prize. I went as a rainbow. We are going to another big fancy dress dance to-morrow night. We are both going dressed as niggers. Violet Spray is also going as a nigger. I have just read a good book called “ The Fighting Edge,” by William MacLeod Raine. I am at present reading a book called “ Light of the Western Stars,” by Zane Grey. Do you ever ride horses?’ I am very often on horseback. I rather like riding, especially if the horse goes fast. There was a beautiful sunset to-night, i

think nothing looks more lovely than the skj clad in fiery colours. I ] ove ... the ton of a hill after sunset and "a-c -it the country all around. I think 1 it tooks bca^^ en ' You,s truly U lQ ° kS \ lOLEI SPRAY’S MATE (Otago). . >• I have very little opportunity for ri<’much T* S pi y‘ s ->J ate - bllt I like it very much. I wonder if your sister o>- vou mH win first prize this time when vou go as niggers. Have you a bi“ hd near your house?—DOT.] “

Dear Dot, M e have numbers of little ptts runmngTound our house. One is a it*i b P aj i S OU our front ,aw " and it io better than the ones we used to have doTto it VT ha ? PJ V nd can close to it. We have two kittens. One is a black one, and one is a grey one and they always come down to the school There is a little fantail which comes into our house to catch the flies. One day we saw a big hedgehog, and it ran away because it was frightened. Not long after we sau a baby hedgehog, and now we feed it in a tin by the back door. It sleeps under the house, but we do not know v here. One day a boy said our bunny was run over by a train, and we were very ’X’ ' bUt neX 1 t day 5Ve Sa "’ i<: Paying on the ,aiui and we were so glad. We are very close to the trains here. I think pets are happier when they are free Do you?—lours trulv,

EDDIE A (Oh an). . A' 0 ’ 1 JJV'st try to write your letters in mk Eddie A, because they cannot be printed it they are written in pencil. I think you are absolutely right about animals being free. Some people are so cruel to their pets although they r often mean to be kind. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, The nights are growing’ colder and colder. We finished our examination this week. We broke up to-day and we are having a fortnight’s holiday. Chummy has grown into a big dog now, and he is so funny;. We are n~ilking only one cow now, and it will soon be going dry.

The Girl Guides and the Boy Scouts had to parade on Anzac Day. I like reading the story called “ Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip.” I am going to read a book called “ Happy Hour Stories.” Have you read it? I have about 12 or 13 correspondents writing to me, so I am kept busy answering their letters.—Yours truly, TIPPERARY SHOES (Maheno).

[I have not read the book, but I am sure it is very convenient to have a book of stories, which do not take too long to read, Tipperary Shoes. Have you had the results of your’ examination yet? I am sure you are all pleased to be enjoying your holidays once more. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have had frosty mornings and lovely clear days lately. We have only one more day now until we have holidays. One of my sisters and I were making a playhouse, but we finished it to-day. The pony has not gone lame again. I have a little red and white calf to feed now, and I call it Tiny. There are not many flowers out at present. I fed a lamb out of the bottle this year. I call it Lexie. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. WHITEBAIT (Southland).

[How do you make your playhouses, ■Whitebait? I wonder if you have the same architecture as I had when I was young and built playhouses. I suppose that Lexie has been promoted to a position with the other sheep in the paddocks. Are you as fond of Tiny as you were of Lexie? —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I have been going to write for some time, as I was 20 a day or two ago. so T have not long before I shall be an Old Writer. The last morning or two have been very frosty, and the blankets seem too warm to leave. Pyvas away for a month’s holiday, and enjoyed it very much. The weather was good almost ail the time, and it is so easy to enjoy yourself in fine weather. I have made two bead necklaces, and am going to mak” a few more, as it helps to pass away the long

evenings. We live a long way from anywhere, so the onlj- way to keep ourselves amused is to play cards, or some game, or read. _ When two girl friends were staying with us for Easter we found the oldest fashioned clothes we could and had our photographs taken. Sun-bonnets and long, wide skirts look very odd nowadays. Our wee dog, Fido, likes sleeping in the house when she can, but I like to tease her and keep her running about.—Yours truly,

FORASSESTOPONDEROVER (Southland)

[Welcome, Forassestoponderover. Do you make your necklaces with different coloured beads? I have seen some very pretty ones lately, as most of the school children are making them. I am sure you caused great amusement when you changed your age and dressed in the old-fashioned clothes. I am glad you enjoyed your holiday.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are in our winter months again, and the frost will be nipping our toes and fingers if we do not keep warm. Do you have chilblains? I very seldom do. Yes, my sister is very proud of her walking, and likes everybody’ to watch her. I was at a Bible class social last Wednesday night, and I enjoyed myself very much. There must have been about 40 of us altogether. Some of the items were very good.—Yours truly, SILVER HEELS (Five Forks).

[Unfortunately I am one of the people who do suffer from chilblains, but I hope I may not have any this year. Silver Heels. Did you help to render any of the items at the social, or were you one of the audience? I am sure your sister must realise how interested everyone is in her progress. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. My pony is very strong. He has carried three people. No, I cannot tell a fortune. We have a new’ teacher, and I like him very much. The Look I am reading is “Little Lord Faunt-

le r °y-”. Have you read that book? I like the Little I 1 oik’s page. It is very interesting, and I like reading the letters too. — lours truly,

GIPSY PRIDE (Oamaru). [I am glad you are reading that Look, as 1 know you will enjoy it, as I did when 1 read it, Gipsy Pride. I have never tried to tell anyone’s fortune, but some people seem able to. \ou must not allow’ too many people on your pony at once or he may strain himself.—DOT.] * ¥ ¥

. Dear Dot. —Winter is very close now judging by the number of frosts we have been having lately. The wonderful part of it is that we have had some beautiful days. Usually after a good white frost heie it is. cloudy by lunch time and rainby night. All the dances are conimencing now’, so that is one sure way of keeping warm. Yesterday we commenced our hockey competitions here, and untortunately our team yvas defeated 3—l. However, we shall be having the services of a very good coach from now on, so that will make a great difference. Next time we play Norsewood perhaps we shall be the victors. . Last Tuesday I was to have ?i° ne itt o Deilding, but my cousins from the West Coast arrived here on their honeymoon, and as they were only stayine one night I could not miss the opportunity of seeing them I have just finished one of Edgar Wallaces books. I am very food of C » Cl i in( V - and n ß’sterious books. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self — lours truly.

lIAEATA (Dannevirke), [We have had exceptionally good weather too, for this season of the year, Haeata. Have you been to many dances yet, or are you still waiting for the winter to come in more before you begin? I am sure that you will notice great improvement in your team now. A good coach is so essential before good results are noticed. What position do you like to play in?—DOTI]

Dear Dot.—l srt my traps four days ago, and I have not caught any rabbits

yet. There are very few rabbits 'about here. We are having very good weather. Are you? We are going to have swings at our school after the holidays, and we shall have great fun then. We have a new car, and another car ran into us and broke our mudguard. We have a telephone also, and it is very handy. I am in Standard 111, and I am nine years old. Our examination is soon, and we are all working very hard.—Yours truly, BYE BYE BLACKBIRD (Milburn). [Perhaps the rabbits are too clever for you now, and know better than to go near the traps, Bye Bye Blackbird. I wonder how many people will use the swings each day? It would be interesting to keep an account of the numbers. What a shame that your beautiful new car has had its mudguard smashed. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I enjoy reading the letters in the Otago Witness, and I am writing to ask you if you will accept me as a member of your large band? My friend, Lady Ruth, has asked me to join your band. I am 14 years of age. and attend the Greymouth Convent High School. I am the youngest of a family of seven, having five sisters and one brother. The sports of which I am most fond are swimming and tennis. We have left school for a three weeks’ vacation. Lady Ruth, another girl, and I are going to a dance, and another night to lhe talkies. Do you like the talkies? I think they are wonderful. Cobden is separated from Greymouth by the Grey River I live in the first building from the Cobden bridge, so I have not far to go to school. I learn the piano, and like it very much. Love to all the Little Folk and vour own dear self.—Yours truly. LADY RUTH’S MATE (Cobden). [Yes, you may join, Lady Ruth’s Mate. \\ hat game do you intend to play during the season when swimming and tennis are not played? I suppose it will be either basket ball or hockey. I enjoy the talkies when the actors and actresses speak well. > w ,’„ na ’! y years have you been at high school ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I becom'e a member of your page? I am in Standard I at school. I have a garden of my own, and in it are wheat, oats, turnips, grass, and cress. I call it my farm. I have been out on the hills mustering sheep. There are wild pigs out on the run. They were taking our wee lambs last year. Love to the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly,

BILL BOLT (Southland).

[Tes, you may become one of our page, Bill Bolt. I had to alter your name, as it had been taken before. You should be a good farmer when you grow up after having had all the experience your farm will give you. Dr vou like mustering sheep?—DOT.]

Dear- Dot.—l was pleased to see my last letter in the Otago Witness. We have had some very hard frosts here this last day or two, and I do not like rising very early on the cold mornings. Our flowers are all past except the chrysanthemums, and we have not very many of them. I saw in the Otago Witness to-night that Fairy of the Golden Lily wished to correspond with me. so I must write to her soon. The shooting season has come round again-, ai.d +here- is Quite a number of shooters on the river near here. My three brothers went down to W inton to-day for the dog trials. They arc all going to run dogs. One of my brothers won two seconds at the Nightcaps dog trials. It was my sister's birthday a day or two ago. and she received a number of useful presents. I have a Brownie camera, and I have taken a number of photos with it. One of my sisters plays the piano, and my youngest brother is learning to play the violin. We have a number of records for the gramophone. I have read a few books lately. The last one I read was M inde of the World,” by Ruby M. Ayres. During the long winter evenings we often play cards to pass the time away.—Yours truly.

FIDO (Nightcaps)

[The dog trials always arouse keen interest among men and women, do they not, Fido? I think that the dogs all seem to realise their importance on such occasions. Do you find that your photographs improve as you have more experience in taking them? You will soon have an orchestra in your home. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band °f Little Folk? I am 15 years of age. and I am cowboy at the home of The Last of the Dauntless Three. I do not like up h’ere because it is too cold compared to Dunedin, especially on frosty mornings. —Yours truly. SATAN’S PROTEGE (Oturehua).

[Yes. you may join. Protege, but I must say that I do not like your noin de plume. Has a cowboy on a New Zealand farm similar duties to those on an American farm? If you take plenty of exercise you will learn to enjoy the cold.—DOT.]

Dear Dot/ —We are having our school holidays just now, and I am pleased. I do not think I am going anywhere for my holidays this time. In my examination I gained 287 marks, so I think I passed. The flowers are all dying down in our garden, as we are creeping into the winter. I had a letter from one of my correspondents on Wednesday, and I was pleased. The weather here is cold now, and we have to put on winter clothing. lam reading a book called “ Little Nell.” and it is very interesting. Have vou read it? There is a dear little girl in Mossburn who buys the Otago Witness and reads the letters, and she told me to write so that she could see my letter. Well I must closv. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly.

MAIDEN OF MORVEN (Mossburn). [I am glad to hear from you again. Maiden of Morven. If the total marks were 300 I certainly think you have passed, and passed well. Yes, I have read the book. Have you met Mrs Jarley in it yet? She will make vou laugh when you come to her. The little girl who asked you to write to me will be able to see that you have obeyed her.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.-—T am going away to a friend’s place for my holidays.’ ami I hope I enjoy myself. 1 am. going for

the first week, and Princess Blue Eyes goes the second week. I did not go anywhere at Easter time. Three very good books I have read lately have been Roger the Ranger,” “Little Mother Meg,” and “The Wide, Wide World.” Haye you read any of them? We have had beautiful days lately, although there has been a slight wind. The other day 1 saw eight bellbirds on our wattle tree, they stayed for at least half an hour, this morning I saw two fantails, and on luesday I saw 10. They stayed for a ,, e (“tting about and tweet-tweeting all the time. The morning when I came in from milking one flitted right up to me. We have some cosmos we were given by a friend, and they are not dead yet. Last Saturday mum and I went to Gore. Mum had seven teeth taken out, and I had two. Mum’s face is still swollen, and her gums are not healing, but mine are all right. One of my brother’s birtha ys ., was on 1, and another’s on April 25. I hope your Little Folk and your own dear self, are well—Yours truly’ MAID MARION OF SHERWOOD (Southland). [I am sure you yvill enjoy yourself at your friend's home. Maid Marian of Sherwood. Let me knoyv if I am right. I have read tyvo of the books you mention, but not “ Roger the Ranger.” Hoyv lucky you are to have so many birds in your garden—both bellbirds and fantails. They are charming birds. Mother's gums yvill heal with time. I hope they are not paining too much.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —Since I last wrote to vou many things have passed. At the present time I am working on a farm, and like it very much. We milk 50 coyvs in the height of the season, but we are milking only about 43 just now. We have the milking machine, which is much quicker than milking by hand. The cows are going back a lot lately. The weather has been good lately, and I onlv hope it remains so, as I do not like the wet yveather, especially when one has coyvs to milk. Since I last yvrote to you I have had a small experience of being in the hospital. I was only there a week and a-half, which I thought was long enough. I had a bad ear, and I could not stand up without holding on to something. I was supposed to go under an operation, but, as I’ recovered more quickly than was expected, I did not have it, and I was not sorry. I did not go anyyvhere for Easter, as I had just come out of hospital and was not fit for travelling far, so I stayed at home. Our Winton School is celebrating its golden jubilee on the 19th to the 22nd of this month. Tlrere have been many jubilee celebrations lately. I have several correspondents through the Little Folk s page. I have only three more years to go now till I am an Old Writer. Doesn’t time pass? It seems no time since J TT J o ' tlie page. The Invercargill W inter Show starts on Tuesday. I do not think I shall be going. I went to a lodge dance at Heriot last night, which is over 50 miles away from here. That is the longest distance I have ever gone to go to a dance. It took u s two hours to go and tyvo to come back. There yvere four of us in a car. and yve left here at 7 o'clock, and arrived there at 9. We left there at half-past 1, and arrived back here safely at half-past 3. I am feeling rather tired to-day. Well, dear Dot, I shall close now yvith best love to al] the Littbe Folk and vour own dear self.—Yours truly,

SISTER SUSIE ’(Edendale)

[I am sorry to hear of your illness, Sister Susie, but glad that you are better now. Anything wrong with the ear is very painful. No wonder you felt giddy when you tried to stand up. You surprise me when you say that you drove 50 miles to attend a dance. I hope you enjoyed yourself when you were there or you would feel as if the four hours’ drive were scarcely worth the trouble. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l am sitting out in the sun writing this letter. I have four correspondents now, so I am kept busy ansyvering their letters. One of my yvee cousins has been in the hospital having an operation. The school children have their holidays now. Madam Butterfly yvas here on Friday for her teacher’s mail. I have just finished reading a book called “Kathleen’s Adventure.” Have you read it? I did not go away anywhere for Easter. On Anzac Day dad, mum, and myself went to the memorial service. As I have more to write, I shall close yvith love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly

RED FLOWER (Maerewhenua)

[The sunshine is wonderful for this time of the year. Red Floyver. I am glad that you sat in it to write your letter. I hope your cousin is better now. Was it a serious operation? I have not read the book you mention, but by its name it sounds as if it should be exciting. Is it a school story?—DOT.]

Dvar Pot.—lt is very hard getting up in the mornings. I stay in bed till the last minute, and then have to run all the way to work. My girl friend and I both leave together and come home at night together, as it is very cold and dreary by oneself. My father is still in hospital, and is not much better. The children have brokmi up from sr-hord for their annual holidays, and mother is yvondering yvhat she is going to ( t<> with them all at home. Do you do faneywork. Dot? I do like it very much. I have made several aprons for my sisters, and I also have worked runners and suppercloths. After I finish my supper-cloth I am going to do a cushion. I like seiving. and could seyv all day. Football is all the “go” here, also hockuy, soccer, and basket ball. Did you go away for Easter. Dot? I did not, as I yvas working. My mistress is ayvay just now, and I am housekeeping for her father. We hadvisitors for" Easter, and yve yvere favoured yvith beautiful yveathvr. We yvere at pictures on Thursday night to sec “ The Glad Rag Doll.” and it yvas very good. Next week yvill be good, as the 1929 Follies are on-. “ The Black Watch ” yvas on here about two weeks ago, and it is the best picture I have ever seen. I would gladly like to see it over again. “Disraeli” was also good. The Timaru High Schools had their jubilee at Easter, and a great muster of old girls and boys were there. There yvere a great many in Timaru for it. Our garden is not much just noyv, but our chrysanthemums

are a great success. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly.

QUEEX CHARLOTTE (Timaru). [I hope that your father will soon be well again. Queen Charlotte. It must be very wearisome for him to have to be in bed on such fine days as these. I have little time for fancywork, but I admire those who can do it. You seem to have done a great deal and to like it, too. No, I did not go away for Easter. I see that you are a judge of good pictures.—HOT.] ■

Bear Dot.—Since last writing I have had my sixteenth birthday. I received some very beautiful presents. I received a lovely present from One of the Dauntless Three, and I had presents from Puss Pussy, Fleur de Lys, and others that do not write to the page. I had one of my correspondents staying Irere for a fortnight. and we used to have some exciting times together. At night sometimes when we had become snuggled in bed we would decide to go down to the orchard for apples, so we would pick a basketful to eat in bed. We woke up one morning with a cold each, and my sister told us it served us right for parading in our night attire. At Easter there were three girls staying here, so the one as old as myself us-ed to come with me. One day the other two went for a car drive, and, as they objected to our company, we remained at home. In the afternoon we took the camera, and walked down to the river. We must have walked miles till we could not pass a huge rock which stood in the way. My mate said she was not going back that way, as it was just one mass of bush. So we started to climb up the bank, which was almost straight up. She told me I could lead tire way seeing I am a Guide. I don’t think I ever have done so much climbing and scrapeing to reach anywhere in all my life. At last we reached the summit to have a quiet rest. We arrived home in time for a tea which we appreciated very much. Next day we were very gore and scratched. I have- been very busy learning for my second class badge at Guides, which I hope to receive next Saturday. I went to Oamaru one night to hear the talkies, but I would sooner hear Dunedin ones. The name of the picture was “ Night Dreams.” We are having very frosty mornings now, and I do not like leaving my bed at a-quarter to 7 to wait for the train with the mail. Everybody is wishing for rain, and people are just realising how scarce water is, especially in Dunedin. I was at Bible class on Tuesday night, and we are going to have our usual monthly

literary evening. For the second one we are to read two plays, and another girl and I are to dress as boys. As my brother is on holidays at present I am very lonely, and will be glad when he returns. I write to 17 Little Folk through your page, and enjoy reading and answering all their letters. I read some of the letters in the page, and ask myself why I cannot write an interesting letter, but somehow I cannot. On Anzac Day the Maheno Girl Guides. Scouts, and Cubs attended the service, which was very impressive. Afterwards we marched over to the monument, on which we placed a wreath. We were then dismissed to go home. Best love to the page, and heaps to your own dear self.—Yours truly HAPPY’ GUIDE (Otago).

[Many happy returns of your birthd.'V > , a PPy Guide. Sixteen is one of the ages to be. I wish you joy in it. No wonder you caught colds in tiie orchard. Your sister was quite right.. I am sure that you enjoyed your scramble Truly you were a Guide that daj and on the morrow the scratches and bruises would not matter very much when compared with the adventurous way in which you had received them.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—-I am going to the Gore High School this year. We play basket ball at school, and it is a very pheasant game when one knows the rules It is not rough like ' hockey. Hockey is not really rough if one plays it properly, but some girls are extremely rough. We have had no ram for a long-time, and farnrers are all in need of rain for the stock. We are milking throe cows, and they do not give much milk. Betty Blue Bonnet is away for her holidays. We have just finished our examinations, and I do not like them. I was up at Queenstown with some other school friends for a week-end, and we had a very enjoyable time. I am reading a book, the name of which is Reg’s Company.” Have you read it. lam in the Girl Guides, and we marched in the parade on Anzac Day. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—lours truly,

SWEET BLUE EYES (Gore)

[I am glad that you play basket ball, and enjoy it, Sweet Blue Eyes. As you say, hockey is not necessarily a rough game, but it can become so if its players are not careful. 1 hope you did well in your examination. Why is it that all Little Folk dread to be examined? Did you visit the water works at Queenstown? No, I have not read that book.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l wonder how many people realise what a comfort ligh> is. I know I

did not until last Monday night when coming home from the picture theatre. The streets were so dark with no street lights burning, and the air itself was so still and quiet, that I began to realise how many people take the city lights just as a matter of course. I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw the lights of home, and quickened my steps so that I would arrive there more quickly. Fine days and nights are all very pleasant, but I would prefer to have the streets lighted. I went up to Oamaru a week or two ago, and had an enjoyable time. Oamaru is a pretty atrle town. I think for natural gardens Oamaru Public Gardens take some beating. They are lovely. The time I was there tne begonias in the glasshouse were wonderful. I walked over to Ross Creek Reservoir on Sunday, and I do not think I have ever seen the supply of water so low as it is now. What a large town Dunedin seems to be! Everywhere one looks there seem to be new houses either just built or just being built. As this is all just now I shall close with best wishes to the page and yourself.—Y’ours truly, TOMBOY MOLLY (Dunedin).

[Yes, an unlighted city is an eerie place at night, Tomboy Molly. We are fortunate to have the moon with us just now. But when is it going to rain? That is the question. Oamaru Gardens are certainly extremely pretty. Did you admire the statuary group of the little boy and girl? Yes, the town is quickly growing. How long do you think it will be before it is as big as London?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I spent my holidays in Dunedin again this year, and had a good time. I stayed at A Girl of Luck’s place. She has a lovely little baby girl, and it was such a good wee mite. I do not know how it is faring now, as I have not had a letter from A Girl of Luck since I came home, but I suppose she will write sometime. While in Dunedin I heard all rhe highland bands and the C and B grade brass bands, and thoroughly enjoyed them. I had never heard so many before. I took a few snaps, but they are not very plain as my camera was too small. I heard Leslie Harvey play the organ, and I Thought his playing was wonderful. The country seemed very quite after the noise and traffic of the town. My brother spent a few days in Dunedin too a few weeks ago. Since last writing to the page I have started dancing, and now I attend all the dances held in Mossburn. I went to the tennis dance on Wednesday night. Though the attendance was not nearly so good as usual I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Last year I went to Invercargill every Friday in the bus to take dressmaking lessons. It was very cold getting up early curing the winter months, but it was all right once one was in the bus. I was very lucky, as I had only to miss three or four Fridays with wet weather all the time I was going. I missed the weekly outing when I stopped. Rain is badly needed up this way. We have been carrying water from the spring for over a month. The farmers are complaining about all the feed for their stock being dried up. Our egg supply is very low this year. The hens have not been laying at all well. We received only one egg a day. We have had some fairly hard frosts, and they have cut down most of the flowers, but the chrysanthemums are still making a good show. Though I have not written to the page for a long time I do not seem to have any more news, so will close with best love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, ATTAR OF ROSES (Mossburn). [You were fortunate to hear the bands while you were here. Attar of Roses. Perhaps your snaps could be enlarged. Were they of the bands on the field? Would you prefer to live in the town to the country? I should not think so. I can understand how you would miss your weekly outing. Did you learn to make many useful garments at your class?— DOT.]

Dear Dot.—We are now in the middle of winter, and are having our share of the hard frosts. The days are quite short already, which seems to throw us into the winter. The children have their term holidays. I do not think that many of them will bother with their books, which will be pushed away into the furthest corner. The duck shooting season opened on May I, when all the sportsmen about were out with gun and bag at a very early hour to fire the first lucky shot. We were successful in having three dinners of the tasty dish. The Invercargill Winter Show is to be held on three days, so it is to be hoped that the weather is on it best behaviour. My brother who met with an accident some time ago is getting on nicely, and can almost stand on his foot now. I went to the talkies last night, and-enjoyed them. The picture showing was “ Their Own Desire.” I do not go often, so it is a pleasure to see a good one. The farmers about here are all busy threshing just now. We were one of the luckj l - ones this time, because we had them for two meals only, which is quite enough when there are 16 men to feed. Euchre parties have begun once more here, and there have been large crowds so far. —Yours truly.

PANSY PAN (Longbush)

[No, I do not suppose many lesson books will be read during these holidays, Pansy Pan, and I think it wise too, for holiday-time is play-time—or rather, a time of recreation. I am glad that your brother is better. How happy he will be when his foot is really well again. I did not see the picture you mention. Was the heroine beautiful?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —I am now writing my last letter to you as a Little Folk, having attained my majority in January. I have intended writing ever since. I have not written so regularly latterly, but I take a great interest in the page, and I always read some of the letters every week. I made some friends through being a correspondent. One in particular, Lady Joan’s Companion. She is my special chum. It is oyer 10 years since I became a member, and it seems but yesterday to me. I have been in Dunedin over two years now. I rather like town, but I think I prefer the country. I worked for two years in a private mental hospital, and I was very happy there. The surroundings and the staff were so pleasant, and it was such a comfort to me when I had never before been away from home. Five girls lived at a cottage, and we had such good times there. It was good to be away from the building in off duty hours, and it was more homelike also. I am very fond of home life, and I did not

go out much when I was there. There is most beautiful bush about the place, and there was a lovely little creek running through one part of it, and we used to have lovely rambles through the bush. There was a tennis court, and golf course, and various other pastimes. I \vas at Warrington for Easter. It was the first time I had been there. It has a very nice beach, but as Easter was so late not many were staying out there. I had a week-end off on Anzac weok-end, and I washable to go home to Tuapeka. I did ® n joy the holiday. It was all too short. 1 had to be back at work on Monday morning, so I was motored to Milton on Sunday night, and caught the night express there. I have felt more settled since. 1 had my annual holidays in February. I spent most of my time at home, and went up Central Otago for the rest. I am yerj fond of Central. I think the climate is very good. The people are sociable and fond of entertainment. Of course the farming is different there, and not so much work attached tq it as where my home is, so people have more time for enjoyment. 1 have been to a few concerts in the new t°'vn hall, and I think it is such a splendid building inside. The large ballroom is very grand, and also the dancing hall. Ihe surroundings are so pleasant. We went to see “ Disraeli,” and thoroughly enjoy ed_ it. The speaking was so good, and the acting wonderful. I am fond of history, so knew I would enjoy it. I was through the Otago Daily Times and Witness Office last year, and I think it is most interesting to see how our papers are printed. I am sure we scarcely realise how many processes our printed matter goes through. Th# gentlemen were so nice, and showed us everything that was there. I really enjoyed that afternoon. We have had a marvellous autumn, nave we not? It is a pity we cannot carry on without rain and cold weather. I am not fond of winter. The flowers have been so pretty this year. I was through the Gardens some time ago. and they were beautiful there, and I have noticed they are so everywhere. A schoolmate of mine died last winter. She was a very dear girl, and was such a help to our district. She wrote to the page as Bubbles. I do miss her when I go home. We used to teach Sunday school together just after we left school. I am working a richelieu supper cloth just at present. 1 have not done much white work but have done a lot of coloured work. I am fond of sewing by hand. I heard that A Reader was in the hospital. I am sorry. I do not know her personally, but very well by sight. Well, I think I shall close as I have very little news, and shall say. farewell till Old Writers’ Week. Love to all. —Yours truly, EARMONT (Dunedin).

[I am sorry to lose you. Earmont. and yet what is my loss is Old Writers Week’s gain. I hope you have a very happy future, and do as much with your life as, no doubt, you have ambitions of doing at the present day. I always envy young people who are just setting out on that interesting stretch of years which follows after one is 21, and wish them clear heads and courageous hearts to meet the ups and downs which are awaiting them. To keep oneself steady is the great ideal. Thank you for your letter dear, and again, good luck. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —At Easter we had a week's holiday, and mother took my two sisters and me Oamaru to see our grandparents for a few days. My sister and I are trapping rabbits, and are catching a few. We have built a new henhouse, and have a great task every night to make the fowls go into it. We feed them in it, and some stay, but the rest have to be chased in. School Boy Sport's brothers were here yesterday, and we had a good day’s sport with their rabbiting dog, Brownie. We are having a few hard frosts, but the days are good. Our term examination was last week, but we have not vet heard how we fared. The local dog trial was held last week, but I did not go to it, though we had a holiday for it. Now I must toddle oft to bed. with love to all the local writers. who I think must have migrated, as there are not many letters from them of late.—Yours truly.

HAPPY JOHN (Hakataramea)

[You are a real farmer, Happy John, with your traps and your dogs, and all the other parts of your equipment. The hens will soon learn to recognise their new home, but at first they need to be treated with patience. I hope you passed in your examination. Dog trials are very interesting, are they not? Have vou been at many?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thank you very much for answering my letter. I shall write to Tui s Mate soon. What kind of weather are you having? We are having very cold nights and mornings, but rather warm days. In Fairlie, a few days ago, there were 17i degrees of frost. I am studying a course of dressmaking by post, arid I enjoy learning every bit of it. There are four sections of dressmaking, three of ladies’ tailoring, and either one or two sections of millinery. The people from here went to the Hakataramea Dog Trials Ball on Thursday night last, and they said that it was the biggest dog trial ball they had ever seen at Hakataramea. Well, I must close now, as there is no more news, and I must not stay up too late to-night. With love to all.—Yours truly, WESTERN SUNSET (Kurow).

[Our weather is delightful, thank you. Western Sunset, but too fine for people who need water. I think that your dressmaking sections sound very interesting. What fascinating garments you will be able to make for yourself, and at what a cheap price! So many people at the ball would make it a success. Are you old enough to go to dances yet?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —-To-night when I had no lessons I thought I would write to you. Our holidays begin next week, and I am glad. We have manuka on our farm, and we sawed some of the dry stuff up with an engine and a saw. I did well in the term examination this time. The threshing mill has been busy in our district. I have been practising shooting with a dart. Sometimes at night we play cards and draughts and Indo. A man come round the school taking our photographs. The frost has cut down our flowers.—Yours truly, DOBBIN’S MISTRESS (Gore). [You must tell me how you spend your holidays, Dobbin’s Mistress. 1 shall be interested. Will you burn the manuka? I expect so. Congratulations on doing so well in your examination. How many marks did you receive? Y’ou will soon be

as good as a Red Indian if you practise long enough at shooting your dart.—DOT 1' ¥ * * Dear Dot,—Since last writing I have finished work in Queenstown. Yes, I shall be pleased to get home once again. I have been over here two weeks now, spending a holiday with my auntie. The country is very rough over this way—there being a' nhnnf na «- y "IK ar , ld Plenty of stones about. Since Saturday the weather has been excellent, and does not seem like Minter at all. However. I suppose the change will come later. The time does go : quickly, as it will soon be the Winter bliOM 7 in Dunedin again. I am intending, to go in while it is on, and finding another: position. While working in Queenstown I Had tne opportunity of seeing through the Gardens in all their splendour and beauty. as^er there was a big crowd about,’ W!th the regatta being held on Easter! Saturday, and an excursion to the head ofthe lake on Easter Monday. The excursion from Invercargill up to Queenstown on Raster Saturday brought a good crowd, and we were kept very busy. However,’ although w e had a good bit to do, I managed to go down Jo see the boat off on its' return journey. After the Easter holidays' ■were over, the people soon deserted the place. Aly two cousins have finished work at their place in Queenstown also. I anf intending leaving here to-morrow for. Queenstown, where I shall be staying for. the night, and then proceeding on my. journey by boat next morning en route for Kingston, where I shall board the tram for Gore. If time is spared I may stay at Gore for the night, and then con--tunic on my way home next day. I shall now conclude with the best of good wishes to all.—Yours truly. NEW ZEALAND RATA (Cardrona). [I have been in Queenstown at this time ot the year. New Zealand Rata, and know, how sorry you will be to leave there. The natural beauty of that little township; with its mountains and ever-changing lake, is something of which New Zealand cap be pi oiid. Let me know if you succeed in obtaining another position. I shall be interested to hear. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I was in Christchurch two weeks ago. and I had a good time there. 1 went to Lyttelton, and Maori Chief took a photograph of a big ship. I went to the races at Christchurch, and I saw the aero! plane. When I was going to Christchurch a wheel came off the carriage. Love to all the Kittle Folk and your own dear self— Yours trulv, FRIENDLY RED INDIAN (Makarewa). T , was an exciting trip, Friendly Ked Indian, anil one which you will not easily forget. Was the photograph a sucj cess. 1 hope so. I suppose you wanted to tty in the aeroplane when you saw it; ■*•. should not have liked to be in the cari riage you were in. Did you feel the bump ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am nearly- forgetting your page, but I must not do that. It will be nearly two months since I last wrote to you. 1 have another little sister, and she is a darling. We have not a name for her m et ‘ rea<l ing a book called “The town Alice in the Country,” by Al. E. braneis. Have you read it? lam longing tor the School Girls’ Weekly to come, but ci° hot suppose it can come any faster than usual. I may be going away for my holidays this time. Well. I think I shall elos-e now. I hope this letter finds all the Little Folk and yourself well and happv. —Yours truly.

GOLDEN SPANGLES (Southland). es ’„ do not f o r get me altogether, Golden I should not like to lose you just yet. You lucky girl to have a baby sister. I wonder what vou will call her. Please tell me when you decide I have not read the book, which sounds a humorous one. Is the paper verv interesting?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, We are having dry weather fiere lately, and our neighbours are "ettin™ water from us. I am going to the "inver" cargill Winter Show, and I hope it is a fine day, as 1 am looking forward to enjoying myself. I met a Little Folk girl writer by accident the other day, and I was pleased to have another pal I am learning raffia work now, and it is very interesting. I have another little sister, and she is a dear wee mite. I am readim* a book called “Good Luck.” Have you lead it? Some of the trees are looking very scraggy now, as they have lost their leaves. I here is very interesting work going on at our Kura’s lately, and it is very good. Our page is working up well noir We had a tea party, and it was one ot the jolliest tea parties I have ever been to. —Yours truly.

SATIN‘SLIPPER (Southland)

[How interesting for you to meet the Little Tolk, Satin Slipper. I hope the pair of you are very good friends always. No, I have not read the book you mention. Vi hat is it about? I should like to hear more about the work which is “ going on at Kura’s.” I wish I had been at your tea DOT] Tell Wliat y ° U at it- —

Dear Dot, —I am enjoying my school holidays immensely. We are digging potatoes just now, .and it is enjoyable. Our term examination is over. It is the easiest time of the term. We have a very pleasant teacher at our school. There are 15 pupils going to our school, but the biggest boy may be leaving in a month’s time, and we shall miss him very much. We are milking seven cows, and we feed three calves. The foal we have is a big one, and we call it Bess. Our threshing is over, and I am pleased, because it is a busy time. Since I have taken an interest in your page I know many of the boys and girls who -write to it. I am in Standard VI at school, and it is an easy Standard. I am 12 years old. My second eldest brother is working at Heriot, and my eldest sister is in Dunedin. Love to all your Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, LITTLE DOT (Tuapeka West).

[Digging potatoes can be hard work sometimes, Little Dot, so I am extremely pleased to know that you make a pleasure of it. Is Bess friendly? I suppose that, like all foals, she likes sugar lumps? If you are in Standard VI you will be preparing for your proficiency examination. I suppose: I hope that you pass it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—We have had a gale here, and everybody is in need of rain. We have been carrying water for a long while. There liAve been hard frosts here, and it is very cold getting out of a -warm

•lied in the mornings. Dad has been carting oats. There are not many flowers out in our garden. The trees look very pretty with their autumn tints. I saw in the paper where the city of Dundin has not been lit up at nights, as there is such a shortage of water at Waipori. The harvest is all over now, and the farmers are beginning to plough their ground. There is to be a bazaar at Tuapeka Mouth, and I hope I can go. Love to all the Little •Folk and your own dear self. —Yours .truly, PIRI PIRI (Lawrence). [lt is a strange autumn, Piri Piri. Generally we are moaning because we have .too much rain, and this year we are moaning because we have not enough. Yes, the city is left unlighted in the meantime. Let us hope that we ishall have more water soon. I hope your bazaar is a success. Tell me about it next .time you write. —DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —It is a long time ago since J‘ -wrote to you, but I always read the Little Folk's letters. We are having our holidays now, which we were looking forward to after our examination. The -Weather has been very fine, but we need rain badly, because the tanks are becoming empty. 1 My little sister will be eight inonths old on May 24. Her name is Jane Florence, and she has two teeth. Our vegetable garden is looking well, but the flower garden is not so good, because the frosts have been very bad on the flowers and cabbages these last two months. We had some very large sized cabbages and cauliflowers this season. AA’e have hollyhocks this year nine feet six inches high, and sunflowers about the same height. We have carnations out, and some of them are very large ones. There have been many strong winds up this way lately. Dad shot a deer. It was an 'eleven-pointer, and had such a lovely head. I am going to send a snap of it to the press. I have collected several New Zealand stamps for Bonnie Blooming Heather if she sends me her address. I -went to church and Sunday school on Sunday, and received three big cards and one little one. When I have a snap taken of myself I shall send you one. Do you put ■them in the press? Love to all. —Yours ■truly. ' BLACK-EYED SUSAN (Southland). [Wish your little sister many happy returns of her monthly birthday, Black-eyed Susan. She will be at one of her sweetest ages just now, I should imagine. How pretty your hollyhocks must be. Have you read the poem in which they are (described as “ blovvsy girls?” I do not give pictures, submitted to me, to the press unless the sender wishes it. Then, whether or not they will appear in print is left for the editor to decide. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is very sharp and frosty at night, but we always have a good day after a frost. Everything has a very wintry look with it though, and one is glad to have a good warm fire to sit by. The dairy factory here runs every second day now, and I suppose before very long it will stop altogether till another season icomes along. Our cows have held up very well considering the unsettled weather we had and feed being so scarce. We still milk 26 twice a day, and will have another .one in soon. AA’e have to start milking fairly punctually at night to be finished before it is dark. Hockey and football are in full swing down this way just now. The teams have played a few matches. I do not play. I think they are both rough games, especially hockey. On Thursday night was the school concert and dance. For a wonder it was a lovely night, and a large crowd turned out. An Old Timers’ dance was held in the Waikawa Hall on April 16. A carload of us went, and we had a good time doing all the old dances. There was a dance at Quarry Hill on Friday night. Last week was Invercargill ■Winter Show, so I suppose things would be busy in the big city. I have read two books lately, namely ■“ Stepsister Stella,” by Evelyn Everett Green, and “An Officer’s Wife,” by Louise Heilgers. They are both very interesting books. Have you read either of them ? Grandma has been staying with us for a while lately. While she was here she was busy working a pair of pillowshams in embroidery work and doing crotchet to put round them. We missed her when she went away. There are not many flowers out just now. Chrysanthemums are about all we have out. Kind regards to all and your own dear self.— Yours truly.

HEART O’ GOLD (Tokanui)

[To milk 26 cows twice a day must surely take a long time, Heart o’ Gold. No wonder you have to start punctually' in the evening, especially if you are going to a dance when the work is all done. You evidently are fond of dancing. Do you prefer the old-fashioned dances to the modern ones? No, I have not read the books you mention. Are they for children or for adults? I know how you will miss grandma. Grandmothers are the very’ dearest kinds of relatives. —DOT.] n* v

Dear Dot, —I was at Christchurch two weeks ago. I went to the races there. There is a river running through the town. It is full of goldfish, and other fish as well. When I was coming through Dunedin I noticed that it was much bigger than Invercargill. We are having our holidays now. And I am that glad we have finished our examination. I have two correspondents. Violet Lover is in Standard V. The nights are growing long now. —Yours truly, MAORI CHIEF (Southland).

[Did you not think the river a pretty sight as it flowed between its willowshaded banks. Maori Chief? The fish look so lively, do they not? Have you seen the trout in the lake at Queenstown? Yes, Dunedin is bigger than Invercargill, but Invercargill is growing more rapidly. Did you do well in your examinations?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are having lovely weather these days. It i.s more like summer than winter, and to-day' I noticed sparrows with feathers in their beaks flying to the tree-tops, as if to build nests, so they- must think it is spring. Nokomis of the Moon i.s my best friend, but she lives a long way from where we do. A neighbour gives us the Otago Witness every week, and I love reading the Little Folk’s page. Father’s Best Jockey writes regularly to your page. I used to go to school with her. Well, as it is growing late I shall close with love to all.-—Yours truly. CARILLON OF SCARPA (Toiro) "

[The dear sparrows, Carillon of Scarpa! i es, perhaps they 7 do think it is spring.

But I hope not, for they will have a severe shock soon when the really wintry' weather comes. I suppose you wrote to Nokomis of the Moon. That is the way best friends talk together. I am glad that you like reading the page.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We shall soon be having our first term holidays from school, and I shall be very glad. On Saturday my brother will be coming home from Timaru for his holidays. My mother find father arc away home to England for a trip. They will be away for six months. AA’e have a new brick bank being built here. Our annual show 7 was held on Wednesday and Thursday. I did not put any entries in, however. There were over 100 entries of poultry. I know Spring’s Yellow Daffodil and some other of your Little Folk. We are having very cold mornings, and it is not very 7 pleasing rising from our warm beds. All the children are playing marbles at school. I am sewing an apron. It is a blue one, trimmed with yellow binding.— lours truly,

ALICE IN WONDERLAND (Tuataperc).

[You must tell me how you spend your holidays, Alice in Wonderland. But certainly you will not be as fortunate as mother and father, and sail off to England while the are on. I think your apron must be pretty. I like blue to be trimmed with yellow.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope this finds you well. It looks as though we were going to have some rain at last, but we must not grumble, as the weather has been lovely for a long time. I just passed my examination, being somewhere in the middle of the class. Little Jean did very well, but she learns more quckly than I do, and I wasted a good deal of time, but I love fun, and the time won't wait. I hope to do better next time, and intend to work hard and give everyone a surprise. We have shifted now and like this house much better than our last. AA’e have a new kitten, and we call him Roley, because he is so fat. Now I must close, as we hope to go out soon.—Yours trulv. MOTHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin).

[I hope you keep your good resolutions about doing better in your school work next term, Mother's Goldie. What a delightful surprise it would be for mother if you came top of the class. See if y'ou can manage it. I should like to stroke Roley under his ears. Is he a playful kitten, or a purring one?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I wrote to you, but I was so ill, and then had lessons to make up. I was away' from school close on five weeks, but am glad to be able to tell you that I came second for the girls in the examination, and was just one mark behind the first gnl. I have many 7 nice school friends, but there is one I am very 7 fond of. Sheds a dear little mischief, and her name is Irene. AVe are having a good time for the holiday's, and the weather is wonderful, only it is growing serious about the water supply. I have had to neglect all my correspondents lately, but shall write to them now the holidays are here and I am well. AA’e went to see “Disraeli” on a Saturday 7 night, and I enjoyed it very much, and we went to the “ Bon Bon Revue Company 7 ” one night, but did not like it at all, only it was for a good cause. Our grandpa will be 77 on May 27, and we are giving him a dinner and musical evening, and I have just written to Big Brother Bill to see if he will send the Radio Postie. as grandpa can listenin here. I must close and try to write some more letters. Love _to afl the Little Folk and your dear self.— Yours truly. , LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin).

[I am glad that you are better. Little Jean. I do not like my Little Folk to be ill, especially 7 for nearly five Weeks. And how well you did in your examination! Congratulations. AVhat is Irene like to look at? Does she love you, too? AA’ish grandpa many happy returns of the day for me. and tell him that ± hope he enjoys the wireless concert. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was ever so pleased to see my first letter in print. The nights are growing cold now as winter is progressing. The trees have all lost their beautiful autumn leaves now, and arc quite bare, we can look forward to the spring time with the beautiful green leaves. There is a big carnival and tug-of-waP being held this month, and, as I live next door to the hall. I shall go. I was up at the AA’aitaki Hydro Works on Sunday afternoon, and noticed a big difference in it. although I had been up a week previously. I will certainly procure those two books you mentioned. Thank you very much for telling me about them. I have been to another dance, and enjoyed it better than the first one. Mother is going to Dunedi 7 in about a fortnight, and I hope she has an enjoyable time. The dog trial ball was held last Thursday, and there were 150 couples there, a great number for a country 7 place. I saw the picture “Dawn” last Wednesday, and the acting was wonderful, although it was very sad. Now I must close with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, SUNSHINE SUE (North Otago).

[Yes, Sunshine Sue, “if winter comes, can spring be far behind? ” Do you know who first said that? You are evidently fond of dancing. Can you do solo dances as well as dances with a partner? I did not see “ Dawn,” but I .heard that it was a very good picture.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy 7 band of Little Folk? I am six years of age, and I am in Standard I at school. We have two little red calves and a black one. My brother is boning a pig to-night. AA’e are digging our potatoes, and I am picking up the little ones for the pigs.— Yours trulv, BEAUTIFUL BELLBIRD ' (Lawrence).

[Certainly you may join, dear, but I am calling you Beautiful Bellbird instead of Bellbird, because that name had already 7 been chosen by a Little Folk. I should like to see your calves. How glad the pigs will be to receive the potatoes!—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—This ie my 7 first letter to the page. We receive the Otago Witness every' week, and I always enjoy reading the letters of the Little Folk. I am 17 years of age, but I hope I am not too old to join your happy band of friends.

I really belong to Dunedin, but I am working up this way just now. I have been up here for 14 weeks, and can remember it raining only about three times. One morning when I got up the moon and stars were still shining. The moon was really wonderful. It was, as the saying aays. “ A picture no artist could paint.” I think if an artist could paint that morning s scene he would be perfect. Do you know any of the Little Folk who would care to write to me? I feel very lonely up here sometimes, as I do not know any young people. Last Wednesday there was a euchre party and dance in Arrowtown. I went up to it, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Hardly any of the young people played cards. I did not. I danced most of the time. AA’e had two set dances, lancers, maxina, millwheel waltz, excuse me one-step, and Highland schottische, and a number of others. AVe did not have supper until 10.30 p.m. The lucky-spot waltz was started just at midnight, but I was not lucky' enough to win a prize. Do you dance, Dot? lam very fond of it. Well, I think I must now dance away to bed, as it is nearly 11 p.m., and I am tired. Love to each Little Folk and yourself.— Yours trulv. A BLUE BELLE (Cromwell).

[Welcome to A Blue Belle. Yours is an uncommon name. Have you a blue frock that suits you? You are certainly not too old to join—not, in fact, until you are 21, when you can be an Old Writer. I have put an auto in for you. and feel sure that some Little Folk will write to you in your loneliness. Some of the dances you mention are new to me. AVhat is a mill wheel waltz?—DOT.]

Deal 7 Dot, —Since last writing I have been to Dunedin. I went to school there for a while, and I was in the hospital for three weeks. I had two abcesses in my left ear. and on the Thursday before Good Friday the doctor let me out to come back home. On Thursday evening my aunty and uncle and two cousins and myself left for Mossburn at half-past 6, and arrived at 12 o'clock. I was extremely excited when I arrived near Mossburn. It is blowing and raining here just now. AVe are. very much in need of water. The animals are all wanting water. AVe have been carrying water from the river, as our tanks are dry. Kind regards to all the Little Folk, and best love to yourself.—ours truly.

MOTHER’S RIGHT HAND GIRL (Mossburn).

[I know how painful your ear would be, Mother’s Right Hand Girl, and hope that the trouble will not recur. Look after your general health and you may not be ill in that way again. And I also know how glad you would be to be near your home again. “ East or west, home is best.” I hope it rains soon. The whole country is crying out for water. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. One of my friends at school and I are learning a duet, and we enjoy it very much. Last week we scrubbed the school, as it was breaking-up day. It is my little sister’s birthday on May It), and she will be three years old. AA’e have a hockey team, and I play goalie. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv. RED APPLE (Orawia). [AA’hat fun it would be scrubbing the school. Red Apple. I suppose you grew delightfully dirty, and when you arrived home caused your mother to hold up her hands in horror. I wish your little sister many happy returns of the day. Do you wear shin-pads when you play goalie? — DOT.] Dear Dot,- —I was busy putting a border in my garden to-day, also some roses, so between them and the seeds I have saved I am hoping to have a good show of flowers next year. I picked a large bunch of violets to-day with such lovely big heads and long stems. They look so pretty when they are all out in bloom. There are not many flowers out now owing to the hard frosts we have been experiencing of late. Last night the men's hut on our neighbour’s place caught fire, and as the flames were too far advanced when it was discovered, all attempts to put it out were of no avail, so none of the men saved anything at all. My brother and brother-in-law, who live over the road from them went to help, but they too, were too late to save anything in the hut, although my brother, with his tractor, helped pull away another hut close by, which, had it been left, would have soon caught fire. The blaze illuminated everything so that although we live two miles away we could see it quite plainly. A fire of that kind is a terrible thing, is it not? The other day Ritornella and I, taking advantage of the glorious day, rode for the mail. Ritornella on the bicycle, and I on my brother's young horse. Although that was just the second time I had ridden him he was very quiet, and had no objections to the bicycle at all. AA’e thoroughly enjoyed, our ride. Our little niece was disappointed when she saw that we did not have the car, as she looks forward to the ride on mail days. Both our nieces are staying with us at present. AA’e shall miss them when school starts, as children are always so entertaining. My two sisters, cousin, two nieces, nephew and I motored to Invercargill during the Easter holidays. The weather being perfect helped to make our holiday enjoyable. My nieces were greatly taken up with the water tower, as it was the first time they Ifiid been up. AVe motored out to Rimu one night to see mother, who was staying with friends there. Although it was the first time I had driven in town I managed very well. AA’e set off for the return journey on the Sunday, but had the misfortune to get two punctures. When we arrived home my brother-in-law took the car for another journey of 10 miles to collect our brothers who had been away three days deer-stalk-ing. Some time ago my brother was given two guinea pigs. He made a run for them, so I put my canary out too. He likes his extra bit of freedom, and strongly objects to being caught at. night. At first the guinea pigs were frightened of him; but now they all feed contentedly together. To-day the canary managed to scratch a small hole under the netting, and get out. He was necking away beside the coop when Ritornella discovered him. However, he was easily caught, and put back again Luckily there were no cats about at the time, as for days thev had been sitting round watching him. There was a ball in aid of the tennis held in Mossburn on Wednesday night, but we did not go. Cloverdeen is still in Christchurch. She will not be home for some time yet. At

present I am working a supper cloth. It helps to pass away the long evenings, as one grows tired of reading. Ritornella ana I wish to thank all our correspondents and your own dear self for your kind sympathy in our recent sad bereavement. — lours truly, I'ESCUEQUEEN (Mossburn). [That vas a very sad fire, Fescue Queen, and what a great loss it would mean to the men. It was a good thing that your brother was there to shift the other hut, oi it might have been destroyed too. ±low pretty the guinea pigs ami canary must be when seen together. I see that you believe in giving such pets as much frecdoin as possible. I am very glad indeed.—DOT.]

J? ot ~ 1 ’ ike reading the Little rolks letters. AA e have not had rain for a long time, and it is very dry. «AVe are having our term holidays, and I am hav>bg good fun. Our hens are not laying. * llke . r ,? adln - about “Peter, Pattv, and Mr Pip/ Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly SHINING SOUTHERN CROSS (Southland). [H°'v are you spending your holidays, Shining Soutnern Cross? Are you being good or mischievous? A little of both, I expect. Your hens will lay again soon. vr eX u- W Y eks story of Peter. Patty, and Mr Pip is a very good one. You must not miss it. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —AA e are having very dry weather here, and many people are setting haystacks and grass alight to make rain. Most of the work of the year has been wasted on account of the "dryness. AVe had the chaffcutter in to-day," and we were very busy all day. There is a little baby where I am working, and her name is Elsie, and she is a darling wee thing. I love babies. AA’e have an old cat. He is 16 years of age. AVe also have many chickens, and they come inside and eat the bread if it is not kept out of their way. AA’e have three cows, but are drying one off. There is always a rush for the Otago AA’itncss every Tuesday, as everyone likes reading it. I must" close now with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv FLOWER OF THE RANCH-0 (Southland).

[Does setting a stack on fire cause rain, r lower of the Ranch-o. I have not hea r d of that custom before. I think Elsie must indeed be a darling. Can she walk yet. If your cat is so old he will need very gentle treatment so that his last years can be happy ones. I think yours must be very cheeky chickens. Fancy their coming inside like that!—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Aon will be thinking I have forgotten you, but I have been waiting for some news to tell you. The names suited the cats all right, but one died. I have just come home from a holiday at Invercargill. It rained nearly all the time. 1 went to the “ talkies ” twice, and I also heard the Maori singers. They were very good. AA’e did not have the Sunday school picnic, as it was too wet. One of my aunties at Invercargill has a parrot, and it caught hold of my dress three times. AA’e used to laugh at it laughing and dancing to the gramophone. I went to a_ dance at Otautau on Easter Monday. AA’e had a long ride there. Love io all the Little Folk and your own self. — Yours truly,

SAVEET ROSE MARIE (Southland).

[I thought you would write again some day, Sweet Rose Marie, and am glad that it is now. I am sorry the puss died. Is the other one quite well? You seem to have enjoyed yourself at Invercargill in spite of the rain. AA'hat colour was the parrot. He must have looked quaint when he danced. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May I join your happy baud of Little Folk. 1 am 18 and a-half years of age. AA’e have a hockey team, and it has not lost a match yet. It is playing at Riversdale. AA’e have two football teams, and they are very good. too. I know Hanover Girl and her sister. They live four miles from here. I am going out to service. I should like to go nursing, and if I do I am going to Seacliff Mental Hospital. I know one or two nurses there. I think I shall close now. with love to you and your Little Folk. —Yours truly,

YOUNG HIGHLAND ROVER (AA’aikaia).

[Yes, you may join. Young Highland Rover. Your hockey team is one to be proud of. Have your football teams won every game they have played, too? If so, they must be very good indeed. If you become a nurse in a mental hospital you will find the work very interesting.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The men are busy dipping the sheep just now, so we hope it keeps fine till they are finished. AA’e held a bazaar in.aid of the Presbyterian Church last week, and cleared over £l6O. The mock court caused great excitement both for young and old. If one was caught there was no chance of escape. It was “ pay the fine and go.” They also had men’s hat trimming and wool-winding competitions, which caused great excitement. My eldest sister is at home again now, but I think is going to go away to work soon. My baby brother is nearly walking. He can stand by himself, and walk around a chair. I went for ’ a bicycle ride one night, as my master was away, and I enjoyed it very much, as it was so clear and warm. 1 will bring this to a close now, as it is getting late.—Yours truly, NETA LYALL (AA’aikaia). [I should have liked to be at your bazaar, Neta Lyall, especially to see the men trimming the hats. How funny it must have looked. I suppose the hall was in a simmer of merriment all the time. Your baby brother must be a darling. Can he talk yet? See “Notes.”- —DOT.] Dear Dot, —AA’e have our term holidays now. but I am not goinfg anywhere. I do not know where I came in my class, as we did not receive our report cards. At the end of the term there was a school concert’ followed by a dance, and there was a fairly large sum of money raised, which is to be spent on more improvements for the school. The local people also took part in the concert, but out of 22 items the school children took part in 15 of them. The relieving teacher at our school is away, and we are having a new one after the holidays. AA’e are having frosts here now, and it is very cold in the mornings,

but after 10 o’clock it is quite warm. The boys have started playing football, an-1 after the holidays we girls are going to play basket ball. The Anzac Day service was held here, and some very pretty wreaths were laid on the monument. Some were round and some crosses. After the service Gold Sunset came up to my place, and we had a happy time to-getlier. lhe annual AA’inter Show is to be held , F. e , soon - Before we broke up for the holidays at Gore. Tell me about them next painting for the competitions. AA’e are milking only one cow now, but expect another one in in about a week’s time. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and jour own dear self.—Yours truly, EYES OF BLUE (Otago).

bbprovements does your school need, Eyes of Blue? It must have been a good concert. Did you have a part? Have you played basket bail before? If so, what is your place in the team? You must tell me if the show is a success and it you won any prize in the writing, drawing, and painting you did for the competitions.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I suppose you think I have forgotten to write? But I have been very busy, j am going for my holiday on Stmaay. 1 am going to Gore, and 1 am going to stay four or five days. It is raining here to-day. AVe go back to school on a Monday. AA e have two weeks’ holiday, but 1 wish we had as much again as that. My father is away to Oamaru, and will be coming home to-morrow night. AA’e have a black dog, and would you please tell me a name for it?—Yours truly. MISS BUSY BEE (Southland). [I like to hear that my Little Folk have been busy, Miss Busy Bee. I suppose you were working hard at school. That was good of you. I hope you enjoy your holidays at Gore. Tell me about them next tune you write. Why not call the dog Zulu, seeing that he is black?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —AA’e were picking up potatoes to-day. There was a bazaar held in aid ot the Presbyterian Church. My sister won a picture. AA’e are milking 34 cows V . ‘2, factory is going every second aay. the Gore Competitions are on now. so 1 suppose there will be a number of visitors Aye had our examination, and I came third. The holidays will soon lly past after tnis week. AA’e have not started hockey yet, but the ladies will have finished their first round on Saturday. 1’ resh Apple Blossom and Hoover Girl are friends of mine. I have been reading a book in the school library called “The Deerslayer.” There was an accident at one ot the sharpest corners on Friday A car coming from Invercargill crashed" into a telephone post, but nobodv was hurt. \\e have now received the limited number of telephone subscribers. 101 which means that we can obtain the'fi a.m. to 12 p.m. service. Before it was 7 a.m. s ° there is a difference. The Waikaia second grade footballers defeated the Balfour second grade by 17 points to nil. Nearly all the threshing is done up this way now. AA’eir. my news bag is empty. Best love to al the Little Folk, not forgetting your own dear self.—Yours truly,

SNOAVY MINT (AA’aikaia).

[AAhat was the subject of your sister’s Picture. Snovyy Mint? AVas she pleased with it? I hope the competitions are a s' ou .. taking part? 1 read Jhe Deerslayer when I was youii"cr. It is an exciting tale, is it not? lam glad that nobody was hurt in the motor accidcnt. How splendid about the telephone! You will be very glad, I am sure.—DoT.[ NOTES. Neta Lyall.—No, dear. It costs nothing to join the page; but if you wish to possess a badge you must paj- 2s 6d.—DOT. AUTOS. Flower of the Raneh-o (Miss N. Kennedy, care of Airs 11. Alackay, RD., AVaipounamu. Gore) would like to correspond with Florida, Flood Fright, and helix the Cat. Please will they 7 write first and soon? Sister Susie (L. Dowler, care of Air A. C. Ward, Box 32, Edendale South) wou'il like to correspond with any Little Folk over the age of 17. AVill they please write first and soon ? Lady Ruth's Alate (Aladge Kells, Hamilton Hotel. Cobden, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with any 7 girl or boy between the ages of 15 and 17. AVill they please write first and soon? Tomboy 7 Alolly 7 (Alolly Sheehan. 44 Ross street, Roslyn. Dunedin) would like to correspond with any Little Folk from 19 to 21 willing, and also as many of her old correspondents as see this auto. Red Flower (Ella Adams, Alaerewhenua) wishes to correspond with any overseas Little Folk willing. AA’ill they please write first and soon? Golden Spangles (Estella ATLeod, Alabel Bush, Southland) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk overseas between the ages of 12 and 14. AA'ill they please write first and soon? Alary Gold (J. Beck, care of Airs F. ATKnight. R.D., Oturehua. Central Otago) wishes to correspond with Bunty, A Trim Up, Happy; Lad. The Forest Ring, The Stern Sheriff, Lightning Flash. A Swiss Alaid. Jolly Glad, and any Little Folk over 19. Will they please write first and soon?

Sweet Blue Eyes (Alinuie Pollock, 96 Hamilton street. East Gore) wishes any Little Folk who live in Scotland or any other foreign country to write to her, also any Little Folk between the age of 13 and 15.

Happy Guide (Ruby E. Rawson, care of Post Office. Reidston) wishes to correspond with Alother’s Pride and Hook-ite. AA’ill they please write first and soon, and semi a photograph if they have one? Aladamoiselle Jeannette (E. AVhite, “ Braemar.” AVaipahi) wishes to correspond with Shelda, Just Ale, and Alton Beauty, and requests that they please write first and soon.

Ring-a-Ding (Annie Thompson, Ringway Ridges, Otautau) wishes any Little Folk between the ages of 10 and 12 to write to her first and soon. A Blue Belle (Elsie APConnochie, care of Airs E. Saunders, “ Craigroy.” Arrowtown, via Cromwell) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing, and asks them please to write first.