(LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3979, 17 June 1930, Page 76

(LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the heneOt of others, not

for ourselves.

Dear Dot, —We are in the second month of winter, And I do not like it at all. We have had one fall of snow, but it was a very slight one. We have more snow towards the end of winter than at the beginning. The are all bare and forlorn looking. We always have big fires these nights, and its what one needs. A fortnight ago 1 went to Invercargill from Saturday till Tuesday, and 1 thoroughly enjoyed myself. 1 was sorry when it was time to come home again. I went to the talkies on Saturday night and again on Monday night. I think they are wonderful, and I prefer them to the silent ones. I went to the Salvation Army on Sunday night, and it was very good. There was a good crowd there, and the music was lovely. I had some snaps taken of myself, and some of them turned out alright. I won a guinea out of a bargain competition, and I was pleased, because I did not expect anything. ‘We have had a man carting our wheat. His bus was stuck twice, and they had to bring the horses to pull it out. He is coming back soon to take the rest of it away. I have just finished reading two good books lately. The names of them are “ Yesterday s Harvest,” by Margaret Pedler and

“The Master Revenge,” by H. A. Cody. I like Annie Swank books best of all. My fancywork has been sadly neglected of' late, but I shall do some more now that the nights are long. 1 suppose Dunedin was a busy city during Show Week. It is four years since I have been to a show at Dunedin. I do not like them, so that is why I do not go. 1 am going to the pictures at the weekend if it is fine. I-like pictures, so 1 hope it keeps fine. My father has shot five wild ducks since the season opened, and they were lovely. I kept the wishbones, and wished with them all. Best wishes to you and all the Little Folk. —- Yours truly,

BAMBINO (Southland)

[You should have good luck with five wish-bones, Bambino. Did you wish for five different things or just for one badlvwanted one? Of course, I know that wishes are supposed to be opt a secret. When roads are muddy horses are the safest means of transport. They are generally brought to pull out the bogged cars.-—I)OT.J

Dear Dot. —It takes me all my time to roll out of my warm cosy bunk these mornings. I have not heard from anyone in Dunedin for a week or more. 1 have received 11 letters from Little Folk 1 so far. The Bushboy wrote, and I have answered his letter. He writes a very interesting letter. You will notice I have changed my address. On Saturday night I was in Arrowtown, but did not go to the pictures. I did a few messages, and then went visiting. Do you like oysters? I had never tasted them until the other day, and I think they are delicious. You asked me what a millwheel waltz was. There is one extra man, and the partners waltz round until the music stops, and then we change partners. Of course, the odd gentleman of the time before picks a partner something after the style of the “Jolly Miller.” The Remarkables are white. I am very glad that I am a few miles away from them. I noticed the Bushboy's letter in this week’s Otago Witness. It is interesting. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. Y’ours truly, TRUE BLUE BELLE (Gibbstoj). [There are some peculiar dances in these times. True B’ue Belle. It is. so cold in Queenstown in the snow time, but it is a dry cold which is invigorating. Yes, I like oysters. Do you like your new town?- —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—There are 20 at our school this year, and there were only 14 last year. I came first in my class this term, and I 'am very ambitious to pass my proficiency examination at the end of the year. I am making a dress at school this year. I have just started again after two weeks’ holidays. I was at the show on Tuesday night. Our garden is not very pretty this year. It seems to have more weeds than anything else in it. We had our Salvation Army harvest thanksgiving. There was about half an hour’s programme, which was followed by a produce sale. We are having cocoa at school. We are milking five cows, but they are not giving much milk.- —Y’ours truly.

LEAF OF STRAWBERRY (Weft Taieri).

[Extra pupils mean extra teams. Leaf of Strawberry. If they are girls, thebasket ball team will benefit by them. Proficiency is not difficult for a hard worker. It is clever of you to be making a dress. It will teach you to sew straight seams on the machine. I have posted the badge.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—My sister. Joyous June, had her birthday on the same day as the King’s. We call the baby Isla. Do you like it? I was writing a letter to my correspondent, and when I went to find her address. I could not find it. The euchre was held on Tuesday, but only Ivory Tips went. I am going to town on Saturday, and I hope it is a fine day. We Lad two nights’ frost lately. Our pond will be frozen over soon, and we shall be sliding on it. We are milking our cows in the mornings, but not at night. I do not like milking much. Can you milk? I milk just? one cow, and it is a Jersev.—Yours trulv. GOLDEN SPANGLES (Southland).

[Yes, I like baby’s name. It goes prettily with your surname, Golden Spangles. Joyous June was honoured in having a holiday for her birthday. How lucky you are to have a pond for skating. Do not slip and break your arms. I have not tried to milk a cow.— DOT.]

Dear Dot.- —Our holidays are nearly over. I have had some of my mates to stay, and have had a jolly time. We are milking 10 cows, and have four calves, 64 sheep, and three dogs. One is a spaniel another is a “ pom.” The other is a sheep dog. It was mj®l>irthday last week, and I had a girl to tea. and .1 received many presents, and had a good time. —Yours truly, MISS HOKEY POKEY (Mangapa).

[We have finished our holidays, Miss Hokey Pokey. It was a good -way of spending your days to have friends to

play with. Y’our dogs are all different. I expect the little pomeranian is an impudent fellow, as all small ones generally are. Many happy returns of the day. We all like our birthdays best of all days in the year.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band? 1 live in Rawene, 280 miles north of Auckland. It i< a beautiful place situated on the banks of the Hokiaima River. It is sunny, as one can tell by its name, which in English means Rising Sun. It is an up-to-date place. We have the talkies and two or three large bus services connecting with the Auckland express at Kaikohe. I have been here for three and a-half years. Before coming here we lived in Central Otago. Our winters are very mild, a vast contrast to Central Otago. Although our summers are very hot they are not nearly so hot as the Central Otago summers. Rawene is 104 years old, and one can spend many an interesting afternoon examining many historical spots. The schoolhouse near our home was the scene of the last Maori raid in the history of Ilokianga I have travelled all over New Zealand from Riverton to 25 miles south of Cape Maria Van Diemen. The Ninety Mile Beach, upon which was broken the Australian racing car record, is a beautiful one. When the tide is out the sand is as bard and smooth as concrete, and one can motor along the beach for fully 50 miles. It is a pleasant sensation whizzing along. On the regatta day it wa~ wonderful to see the many thousands of ears (everyone having to travel by car) that raced, heedless of speed, along the beach. The Australian and New Zealand sculling championship was held on the river here, and 4000 people attended. It was , a memorable day for everyone, especially the Maoris, who danced hakas and prepared hangis. ' Some Maori chiefs made speeches in Macri, which were interpreted by other men. In these speeches the Maoris’ humour came to the front. 1 am 15 years of age, and this is my tlvrd year at high school. -, Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, PUKAHU (Rawene).

[Yes. you may join. Pukahu. Wc welcome such an interesting writer. That beach is a famous one. and racing cars can make very fast time on it. The regatta must have been an unforgettable sight. Maori dances, if done well, are full of rhythm—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—-How are you enjoying the winter weather? 1 am not enjoying it very well, because I have some painful chilblains. My baby sister is an hospital. She has been ill ever since she was three weeks old. but. will be well soon. I think. There is a social here on Friday, in aid or the tennis club, and we are hoping it will be a success. We have electric lights here, but no tramcars. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yourc trulv, STAR OF THE EAST (Bannockburn),

[I do not mind cold weather if I can keep away the chilblains. Star of the East. I am more fortunate than you are, for I have none so far. I am sorry to hear of the little girl's illness. If the tennis club needs funds for next season, now is the time for the concert to be given.—DOT.] -

Dear Dot. —Our gramophone is playing “The Bride's Lament. Winter is here in earnest. The hills are white with snow. We are feeding our cows with hay. My sister and cousin are singing in a concert on Friday night. We have cocoa made at. school in the winter time. It is good to have a hot drink with our lunch on cold days. Love to all the Little Folk and vourself. —Yours truly. ' KEEP LAUGHING (Bannockburn).

[You would like the “ Playways " records arranged by Alec Rowley, Keer Laughing. It is cold enough to snow here also. Cocoa, is comforting at most times, but after one has been in school for a few hours it is also invigorating. Can you accompany your sister on the piano when she sings?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Have you had any snow this winter yet? We have had two slight falls. We have cocoa at school. My baby

sister. Gwen, who was eifdit months old the other day, is in Cromwell Hospital to have an operation. We are to have a tennis concert and dance next Friday night. Dove to the page and your own dear self.—Yours truly.

PRAIRIE BLOSSOM (Bannockburn). [You must pray that Gwen will soon be better. Prairie Blossom. She will i;eed all your thoughts. When will the operation be performed? No. we have not had any snow. The. children are hoping for some snowballing.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l have a cold, but how I caught it is a mystery to me. I have had it for over a fortnight. Teddy and Golly seem to be enjoying themselves these days. I have 12 correspondents. I had only about four three weeks ago. My brother has a little kitten and, if I am not mistaken, he is going to ask you to name it for him. I took a photograph of my birds the other day, but 1 do not know whether it will turn out alright. Both of them were perching on the swing when I snapped them. The winter show was -held recently, and it is the first winter show we have ever had. Men were riding steers, and any boy under 16 who could catch a pig could keep it. 1 did not go to the show, but I went to the football instead. I think football is more exciting than a show. Love to all. —Y’ours truly.

PUSS PUSSY '(Marlborough)

[I shall be pleased to name the kitten, Puss Pussy. All your spare time will betaken up with letter answering now. That should be a pretty photograph of the birds having a swing. Y’ou are lucky if you saw the big match. We have been hearing them over the wireless, and they were exciting even then. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —I wish to express my thanks to you for pointing out the fault in my writing Last year though a teacher asked me to write some copies for her class, because my strokes and loops were so parallel. The reason they are uneven in my letter writing is generally because I have to write in a hurry. Since last I wrote I have been sick. The dining room and hall

have just been re-papered, and the painters are here. I have two correspondents. I told you in my last letter that my cousins were coming, and they came next day. My father owns a business here, the Palmerston North Sash and Joinery Works. The two eldest kiddies, six and four, go and take tools from the bench in the workshop, and run away ■with them. The other day one of my cousins took my father's tobacco and hid it. He would not tell us where he had hidden it. At last we said we would take some of his daddy’s tobacco if he did not give it to us. I have bc»n learning music from mother for about four years, and have played three times for the wireless. I do not have many practices nowadays. I am writing this letter huddled up by the fire, as the window is open to try and dry the paint. There is a new theatre being erected in Broadway. It is hoped to be finished soon. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TE MATAI (Palmerston North). [Many faults in writing are made through hurry. Te Matai. This letter was very well written. The smell of paint, clings round a building for a long time after it is dry. You are a lucky little girl to have a mummy who is able to teach you music. Work well and try to practise for her.—DOT.] ¥ V ¥ Dear Dot.—lt is so cold going to school these mornings. Our relieving teacher is away, and we have a permanent teacher. Aly sister had a birthday party yesterday, and some of our school mates were here and we were so pleased to see them, but, the afternoon seemed too short. My little cousin Fay can nearly walk and she is such a dear little girl. We expect the chaffcutter in to-morrow. Our tanks are nearly dry as it is_a long time since we have had any rain. “ Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S ALMA (Otago). [Run part of the way to school, Mother’s Alma. There is nothing like exercise for keeping one warm. The time generally Seems too short when we are enjoying ourselves. Fay, I am sure, is a darling baby.—DOT.]

, P^. ar P°t, —Having reached 21 years last March I think it is about time I wrote my retiring letter to the page. Being a member for 13 years and having some v^ r y. interesting correspondents, I have to thank the page for introducing manv people who are personal friends of mine now. Among my correspondents I have never had the luck to have an overseas writer lam looking forward to seeing tha English match and the first test. There will probably be a big attendance there. We have had a very good winter this year, but it is highly probable we shall suffer during the spring. Still I think I prefer the frosts to rain. My two sisters used to write to the page, but they are also classed with the Old Writers. I wish yourself, page, and all Little Folksuccess in the future.—Yours truly, THE STARLIGHT RANGER (Otago). [I have crossed your name from the book. Starlight Ranger. You have heen a faithful member. You may have a correspondent from overseas if you wish for one. The matches should be very exciting. Do not predict a wet spring for us. We do not mind a cold winter if the summer is dry and warm.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have just bad our term holidays. I went to Waipahi for my holidays, and I had a jolly time. We used to have two cats, one named Nigger, and the other named Smuts, but Nigger died, and we have only one. About a week or two ago a man asked dad if he wanted two white Angora rabbits about three weeks’ old, so dad said yes. Last week he brought them to our place. They are the loveliest little beings I have ever seen. Could you give me names for them, please? When I was going to clean their hutch out, I put the hoe in, and they began to nibble at the hoe! We have found that our hens are eating their eggs as fast as they lay them, so dad put an egg soaked in kerosene in the nest to teach them not to eat their eggs. I am in the A basket ball team at school, and we played St. Clajr School, and it was a draw with three goals each. Love to all and yourself.— Yours truly.

SEA SLAVE (Dunedin)

c? kcns will not eat the eggs now, Sea Slave It is not pleasant to think they will be “April-fooled” with a kerosene egg but it will show them they must not touch the eggs. I like those little rabbits. Call them Mop and Hop. How you must have laughed when they nibbled the DOT ] ey would not find i(; appetising.—

Dear Dot,—! was at Sawyers’ Bav in the holidays, and I had a good time. I walked to Port Chalmers, and saw a number of ships. I went to the talkies in Dunedin one day, but it was not a very good picture. My mother is going away to-morrow, so I shall have to mind the house. I have missed two days from school, and two from Sunday school. I enjoy reading the story of “ Peter. Patty, and Mr Pip. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, SELDOM FED (Wendon Valley). [Sawyers’ Bay is a popular place for holidays, Seldom Fed. I always laugh over your nom de plume. See how like mother you can be when you are keeping house. If you have to miss any more days, you will be able to make up for them by working hard.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was pleased to see my first letter in print. We have a lovelylarge garden at home,' and it is just ablaze with flowers. I have not been home long, as I have been to Moeraki for my school vacation. The first day I was there I went to the Kartigi lighthouse, and it was interesting there. I went up the stairs right to the top, but I soon had to come down, as I was feeling giddy. A girl friend took my photograph, and it turned out well. Our teacher is going away, and I am very sorry, because he is good to us. I came third in my standard, but hope to do better next term. I am reading two books, the names being “ Little Nell ” and “ The Boundless Ocean.” I have a little white and grey cat. Could you please give me a name for her? I enjoy reading “Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip.” I think they are very funny. Best wishes to the page and yourself.—Yours truly.

RIPPLING STREAM (Karitane)

[Call the little cat Cosy, Rippling Stream. You will please your teacher if you are first next term. Third place is a creditable one, however. Can you describe the lighthouse to us? You must be content to stay at the bottom of DOT] 5 anJ stairs lf you grow giddy —

. Dear Dot,—l have just finished reading this week’s Little Folk’s letters. Every week the page is growing larger, and I am sure you must receive a huge mail every week. I think it is wonderful to receive five or six letters in a week, but I love receiving letters, and always try to answer them as soon as possible. There are many men out of work, and during this week the men working on the mills will be out of work, too, as I think the mills are finishing. There was . a football match here, Queenstown v. Arrow, the Arrow team winning by 15 goals to 6. It was a very exciting game, especially towards the end, as Arrow forced two tries during 8 minutes. Everyone was excited and nearly evervone was hoarse with barracking. Arrowtown is leading for the cup, as they have won three matches so far and lost one, so the} 7 have not done so badly. We have started playing basket ball again, and last Tuesday we played a friendly game with the Queenstown Rovers, but we were badiy beaten, but we hope to do better on Wednesday, when we play our first cup match. This year we ‘have a new court to play on. a concrete one, and it does make a difference. It is in the school grounds, ami as we senior girls helped to raise enough money to have it done, we are able to use it, too. Some of the girls have fallen on it. but so far no one has been hurt, only the knees of our stockings have a sad' time if we fall. There was a short dance here the other night after the pictures, and it was very good. There is another dance soon, which should be very good, too, as there has not been a dance here for ages. So we shall have to make the most of the ones we do have. I have been doing fancywork lately, and have a eollection. but it comes in handy at Christmas time, as it eaves buying a good many Christmas presents, although last year I did a great deal too and gave it all away, and said I would not do it again. I suppose if I go on working things and keeping them I shall be able to etart a sale or something oi the kind. I am still working at the same place, and have been here nearly three years now. The time does fly. It seems no time since I started here. It seems the older one grows the quicker the time goes. We have had some very hard frosts during the last week, and all our chrysanthemums arc frosted, although we had them covered, but one morning it was 12deg below freezing point, so we could hardly expect not to find the flowers frosted. Kind regards to all Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly.

TYNE LASS (Central Otago).

[That must have been an exciting match, Tyne Lass. Your team has done very well, and it is no wonder you are all proud of them. It is to be hoped they continue their good play. The time flics past if one is happy and interested in ones work. The frost has nipped most chrysanthemums.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our school football nact their matches the other day. and they lost, and the girls had their basket ball, and I do not know how they fared. Aly brother plays football. I 'do not play basket ball, as I have to wear glasses, and I might be hit with, the ball and break them. I just play when they practise, because we always have one or two short games. I was going to watch the girl’s play basket ball, but I was in bed. My sister. Queen of Hearts, plays hockey, and she is playing this week. My second and youngest brothers and I have colds, and we are just up. Aly little brother has croup, and is lying down on the sofa with blankets over him. Mum is going to put him to bed soon. Mum was not well, but I think she is alright now. Aly cousin has had a birthday and dad also.' Your page is growing larger every week. My brother is thinking about joining. He is eight years old, and is in Standard 11. I like reading Little Fo'k’s letters, “ Teddy and Golly,” and “ Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip.” I am making a pillow case. This is the longest letter I have written for a long time. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly.

DADDY’S EARLY RISER (Southland).

[The team will do better as the time goes on, Daddy’s Early Riser. You are wise not to play basket ball. Mother will not allow the little boy to catch cold. If he has croup she will keep him warm. Help mother all you can if she is not well. —DOT.]

Dear Pot, —It is cold jumping out of bed in the morning. We do not, as a rule, have such heavy frosts. I was at the seven-a-side tournament in Timaru on June 3, and it was very cold standing. I was Christchurch for a fortnight before Easter, and I had a good time. I was favoured with good weather all the time I was there. It was raining the morning I left for home, so I was lucky. I am still learning music, but I am going to give it up soon as it is dark when I arrive home. Any two sisters have just recovered from the whooping cough, but they did not have it very badly. It is a bad time of year to have it, as they will have it all the winter. Since I have left school I have learnt to dance and I am very fond of it. I have not an evening dress yet but I am going to have one soon. We have not very many flowers out at present, but we cannot expect many this time of the year. Our chrysanthemums were spoilt with the frost this year. I think it was a pity, as we had some very pretty ones. I have not read any books lately, as my music has taken up a good bit of my spare time. We have a book here called “ Susan Outside,” and I intend to read it. Have you read it? I correspond with three girls in Vancouver and they all write very interesting letters. I also write to another girl in Otago. She is a correspondent through your page, and she writes interesting letters. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly.

DOLLY’S FRIEND (Lyalldale). [Yon did not bring bad weather back with you I hope, Dolly’s Friend. Choose a simple evening dress. There is nothing more charming than a plain frock at nights. It is a pity tl”-t you arc late home

from music. Try to learn again next term when the days are longer.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have come to town to live for some time. 1 like down here very much. We used to live here once, so I am used to town life as well as country. I have been to the talkies a few tunes. Last Monday night I went to an evening in the country. I am staying with one of my aunts down here. Aunt has a grey cat. Would you please give me a name for it? The aeroplane is Hying about to-day. I might be goiiw to a dance to-night at Bluff. We all went for a ride yesterday in my uncle’s car. Love °ir J,‘ le kittle Folk and your own dealself.— Yours truly, SWEET ROSE MARIE (Southland). [You are fortunate to be able to say you have lived in both the country and in the town, because you must realise the advantages of both lives, Sweet Rose Marie. Call the grey cat Snoodles. You seem to DOTY’ 118 a Very gay time ptst now -“”’

Dear Dot, I was pleased to see my hi st letter in print. There has been frost on the ground for three mornings. I know I akeho Lass and White Pansy. I’akeho Lass wants to know if her name is off the r ?"- 7 e . have slides at school, and at nights before we leave we put water on them, and when we come to school the next day there is ice on them, so we have a gay time. We are having a very hard frost to-night, and it is very cold. We have a piano, and I am learning music, We have not many flowers out just now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, A LASS FROM THE LAND OF CLOVER (Southland).

[Pakeho Lass’s name is still on the roll, Lass from the Land of Clover. Do you ever put cups of cocoa outside to freeze? The cocoa tastes just like chocolate icecream. I am glad to hear that vou are learning music and am sure you are pleased to have a piano.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It has been hailing and raining for over a week. Mother and dad are away at a euchre party to-night. Dad won a booby prize one night, and it was a wooden top. The book lam reading now is “ Jane Eyre,” and it is written by Charlotte Bronte. Have you read it? Some other books I have been reading lately are “ A Slender Clue,” “Middlemarch,” Hope Glynne’s Awakening,” and “ The Soul of Susan Yellam.” They are all very interesting books. Have you read them? A girl friend of mine is thinking of joining your page and her name is going to be Lieutenant Polly. There is going to be a send-off in the Rimu Hall, and I think that we shall be going. There have been numbers of ring-eyes around here lately, and the boys have been trying to kill them with stones, but they hardly ever hit any. I had a letter from Pelorus Jack the other day. She writes a very interesting letter. We have some red and some white chrysanthemums out now, and they are very pretty. I am letting my hair grow, but it is very slow. Dad has the contract for the Longbush South road, and he will begin work in about a fortnight’s time. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—■ Yours truly.

CAPTAIN POLLY (Southland)

[I have read “Jane Eyre,” but none of the other books you mention, Captain Polly. I am so sorry that the boys want to kill the ring-eyes. They are such pretty birds even if they are a nuisance. Hair always seems to take a very long time to grow when you want it to, but always grows too quickly when you want it kept short. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My brother, Sunny Central, has gone t» Waitaki Boys’ High School, and I look after his dogs and ferret. I milk the cow, and it is very cold milking in the mornings. We took the dog out, and he caught a rabbit. Our two ponies Bruce and Spot come to the window for a piece of shortbread. Dad is just home from Dunedin, and he brought home some fruit. We were just going to bed when we heard the car, so we were all excitement. Aly little brother Lindsay will be seven in June. He is looking forward to his name called out over the wireless. Love to all the other Little Folk and yourself.—• Yours truly.

TIGER LILY (Tarras)

[Take good care of the animals while your brother is away, Tiger Lily. I should stroke Bruce and Spot if I saw them come to the window for a piece of shortbread. There is no excitement like that which reigns when anyone conies home late with some gift in the car. Wish the little boy a happy birthday for me.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is very cold here, but at night we love to go in by a big fire and listen to the wireless. We have heard America and, of course, many other stations in New Zealand and Australia. We have a friend who rides on her pony, Prince, to play with us. Love to the other Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, SILVER POPLAR (Tarras).

[Do not run about on the cold floors without your slippers, Silver Poplar. You will keep warm if you remember to put on your gloves and coat when you go outside. Do you ever see the red-hot castles and funny shapes made by a fire when it is nearly in embers? Burning logs grow into peculiar animals sometimes. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Alay I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and in Standard VI. We had some visitors from Wairounga. It has been freezing here, and the ice is thick enough for skating. We are having our school and shelter shed fixed. I have not been very well this last week, so I have not been going to school. There are a great many Little Folk in this district. I am reading a book called “An Old YewTree’s Story,” by Henry Laurence. Have you read it? Aly father and mother went to hear our neighbour’s wireless. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, QUEEN .OF THE SWANS (South Canterbury).

[Yes, you may join. Queen of the Swans. I expect you know the fairytale of the seven princes who were turned into swans. _ Do you wear skates when you are having fun on the ice? No, I have not read the book, and should like to know some of the yew tree’s history.—> DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am now in Standard VI. At school I am sewing a white nightdress, and going to work a spray on it. There are three girls and six boys in my standard. I have a cat and I call her Tubby, also a bantam which I would like you to give me a name for, please. I have a rockery in a corner which mother dug for me. I play basket ball at school, but do not know if I am in the team. Have you read any books by L. M. Montgomery? I have read “Anne’s House of Dreams,” “Anne of Avonlea,” “ Rainbow Valley,” and I am going to start ‘‘Anne of Green Gables.” I grudge jumping out of my bed these mornings, as the ground is always covered with frost. While writing this letter Tui, a cat, is sitting on my knee purring. Kind regards to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly. MOTHER’S BROWN EYES (Southland).

[Tui sat very still on your lap I think, Mother’s Brown Eyes, for you wrote very neatly. Call the little bantam Strut. Yes, I have read the books you mention. You have read them in the wrong order which is a pity. Keep your rockery free from weeds or it will be spoilt.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Winter came in very early this year, we have had frosts since the middle of April. It played havoc with the gardens. I am still at home working with father. At Easter time 1 motored through to Thames and spent two days at Turua on the farm where I used to work. I arrived home on the Wednesday, and started work in the afternoon. About three weeks ago we motored to Putaruru to see a triend. They were just sitting down to lunch when we arrived. We left again about 5 o’clock, and we were home having tea before 7 o’clock. Recently we motored to Morrinsville. The road was very rough in one place, just a clay road. There was a long deep rut right in the middle, and I was glad when we were over it. Coming home we took a different route, and the road was good all the way. It was very cold coming home. I was driving, and, when we arrived home about 6 o’clock, my fingers were stiff with the cold. We motored in to Hamilton to the Waikato Show. One could scarcely walk around for the crowd. I was interested in the machinery. Mezzo spent most of his time and pocket money on the merry-go-round. When we arrived home in the evening we found some stray sheep in the garden, and they had cleaned up all the cabbages,

and cabbage and cauliflower plants that mother put in a month ago. They were coming on well. They also ate the tops of the swede turnips and kumeras. Our garden is bare, and we shall have to buy vegetables all winter. I joined the Cambridge library recently, and have had some good books. Mother and I are very fond of reading. Mezzo is following suit. Father reads the newspapers and occasionally a magazine. We often tell him what pleasure he misses. The Karapiro school children are having their term holidays. They had a break-up party, and it was very enjoyable. One young lady brought several socks with enormous holes in them. These were for a darning competition for the men folk. The first prize was a pair of fancy- socks, second prize a pair of working socks. The judge (the headmistress) laughed when she examined the socks. Both prizes were awarded to married men. Afternoon tea was handed around, and then there was a general rush to go home to milk. The farmers are busy feeding out turnips and ensilage. Owning to so much dry weather there is very- little grass, and the paddocks are very- bare. Kind regards to all the Little Folk, including Dot.—Yours trulv, JERRY JOY (Cambridge).

[Have you motoring gloves, JerryJoy? They keep the cold out a little. You have been motoring everywhere you can. Men can darn well if they want to, but, as the women do most of the darning, it is natural that their husbands should be awkward with a needle. I know a famous man whose hobby was fine-needle-work.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —I am sick to-day, and I have missed two. days now, so I do not want to miss any more days if I can help it. We ate the roosters, but not the pullets. My brother is having a ride in the cart with daddy this morning. These mornings my sister does not like jumping out of bed and going to school. Love to all your Little Folk and your ’own dear self. — Yours truly.

QUEEN OF THE ROSES (Southland). [Do not miss any more days if you can help it, Queen of the Roses. You will be behind in your school work if you do. Daddy is a dear to take the little brother out in the cart. Does he allow him to hold the reins and pretend to drive?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our holidays are over, and we are back to school once more. In our examination I came top, and I also had the

highest marks in the school. They were 330 out of 400. My sister came second in her class. We have been walking to school these frosty mornings, as it has been so cold. We are having cocoa at school, and four girls make it. I am one of them. We are milking six cows. We have all our stock down from our bush farm now, feeding on turnips. The road to our section is going to be gravelled. I have a Jersey calf. Her name is Pet., Love to all. — Yours trulv. QUEEN DEWDROP (Southland). [Pet is a good name for the pretty calf, Queen Dewdrop. Those were splendid results. Where did you lose the few marks? Walking to school is better for you than riding these mornings. A gravelled road will be an improvement on a clay one.— DOT’.]

Dear Dot, —I am writing to thank you for the badge that I received a few days ago. A party of people who live near us were going to Kurow the other day, and as they did not know the way very well they asked dad to go too, so we packed a hamper with lunch and started off. It was a good drive. We were all disappointed in the Stone Wall, for we all thought we would see a rocky cliff, but instead we saw a wall two feet high» and a few willow trees. About 15 miles from Kurow at lunch time I explored a stretch of the Waitaki River, which is very beautiful, and low at present. When we arrived at our destination we went to explore the hydro electric works. A cold wind was blowing, and we nearly froze, and were very thankful to return to the cars again. We left home at 10 a.m., and returned again at 5 p.m. The talkies are on in Wairnate. They started last Monday. Love to all and your own dear self. — Yours truly.

A DARK-EYED LASS (Makikihi). [lt is chilly now for open-car motoring, Dark-eyed Lass. You would have liked the old stone walls the Romans built in England. Exploring is such good fun. One never grows too old to enjoy it. — DOT.]

¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, and I am in Standard VI at school. I am reading the book called “ Marjory in Command.” at present. We have a Dayton wireless set in on a fortnight’s trial. Our favourite game at school at present is sliding. I know Pakeho Lass. We have had some very severe frosts here lately. We are milking only seven cows. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. GAY LILAC TIME (Kauana).

[Have you decided to wireless set. Gay Lilac Time? Your name had been taken. You will like being, a member of our page. Do be careful not to slip when you. play at sliding.- —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have a black bobtail cat, and I call him Bob. I was 13 years of age on Anzac Day. I have a wee sister eight months old. and she is a lovely wee darling. We have gone back to scho'ol, and I do not like going to school. I am doing a duchess set. Do you like doing fancywork? I do. I am reading a book called “The Carroll Girls.” Have you read it? I like it. Love to all the Little Folk and vour own dear self. —Yours truly, P. H. E. O. CAT (Herbert).

[Anzac Day is a famous day for a birthday, P.H.E.O. Cat. You will always remember our soldiers now. What is the little girl’s name? I like fancywork. I have read about Kitty Carroll, but not about the Carroll girls.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IT. We have two black cats, and they are lovely. I went to a party last Saturday, and enjoyed myself. I am doing fancywork. I had infantile paralysis just when I started school, but it did not leave any effect. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv, POT SCRUB (Otago).

[Yes. you may join. Pot Scrub.. It is fortunate that your leg is not crippled from your illness. How can you tell which is which of the black cats? I saw one pussy lately sitting right up on the roof of a house in the sun. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Lately we have had some hard white frosts, and it is far from pleasant having to jump out of bed in the morning. I usually walk down to the office and cycle home at dinner time. I leave my bicycle in the office all night. Yesterday a party of us motored to Waihoarunga. We left Temuka about 10 o'clock, and arrived in Timaru at half-past 10. We had a few calls to make on the way. so it was nearly 12 o’clock when we left Timaru for Waihoarunga. We motored round Wairnate. and had lunch at a restaurant there. We came home round Morven, and arrived back in Temuka a little after 8 o’clock, x Yesterday was a good day for motoring, not too cold or too hot. I had a long letter from Captain Jackson Barry’s Daughter this morning. We used to live in the same district as she does (Otokia), and it is lovely to hear news of the place again. I suppose Dunedin was crowded out during Winter Show Week. I have been to one Winter Show only, and that was about eight years ago. I should like if I could go to see the first test match between New Zealand and England. The Englishmen are fine players. I have been reading a number of books lately. The last one was “ The Scarlet Pimpernel,” by Baroness Orczy. I did not care very much for it. I have been trying to read “ Little Dorrit,” by Charles Dickens, but it takes a long while to understand it. I received a leather-bound* copy for a prize some years ago. and have never bothered to read it. The book contains over 900 pages, and is in very small print. I shall read it when I am older, I suppose. I had my photograph taken at the photographer’s the other day. I have not seen the proofs yet. I hope they will look all right. Last evening on the way home we called at the Timaru Herald printing office, and watched them preparing the morning paper. It was most interesting to watch the men working the machines. Kind regards to all and yourself.—Yours truly. A PINK CARNATION BUD (Temuka).

[There are generally many opinions as to the selection of' the photographs. Pink Carnation Bud. It is rather a good plan to have both a smiling and a solemn one taken. Charles Dickens is difficult to understand at times, but becomes easier as each book is read.- He is a clever por-

trait writer. You will probably pick up the book later and enjoy it.—DOT.]

¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age, and have left school. I had six miles to go to school. I am interested in reading the Little Folk’s letters. We are milking one cow, and I feed her with turnips and hay, and milk her. There have been very- hard frosts these last few mornings, and it is cold when we are up out of our warm beds. W’e are receiving two eggs every day. We have a crop of turnips near the house, and the deer come in every night and eat them. We are digging our potatoes, and pick them up when dad digs them. There are not many flowers out this time of the year, but the daffodils are seeing light above the ground. Love to all.—Yours trulv. NEIGHBOURS AT SCHOOL (Tuatapere).

[\es, you may join, Neighbours at School. If the whole family depends upon your milking of the cow you have a responsible position. Are you up very early at your task? Sore backs with bending usually accompany turnip and potato picking up.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I enjoy reading “ The Chums in Wonderland,” and “ Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip.” The weather is very dull down our way. I hope you will find me a pen friend, please.—Yours truly, QUEEN OF THE ROOKS (Waitaha).

[I have inserted your auto. Queen of the Rooks. It is against the rules to write in pencil.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Only this year left for me to write to the page. Then I shall have to join the ranks of the Old Writers. We have had three or four very hard frosts. I was working at Milford Sound this year at the hostel. It is a very pleasant place, and there is some maiden bush there, and good tracks all the way through it. There are plenty of native birds there, but they are very shy. The tourists who come through are greatly taken with the scenery and the great mountains. Mitre Peak is the most notable one of all. It stands out by itself, and it is about 6000 ft high, and seems to be king of all the mountains. There are pretty -waterfalls. The most notable ones of all at the Sound are the Stirling and Bowen falls. The Bowen is the best one of all. It is a very pretty fall, and it has two leaps. The first leap is into a basin, and then the water spreads out fan shape and falls into the Sound below. There are two graves on Bowen Fall Island below the waterfall, and they belong to two sailors who were killed at Milford Sound. They are buried in a lonely spot. The hostel is about 13 miles from the entrance of the sea, and is situated in a lovely spot. The Sheer Downs rise at the back of it. They are from 3000 ft to 4000 ft high. There are plenty of fish to be found in the Sound, so there is any amount of sport for the tourists. There are also lovely walks along the rivers and through the native bush, or climbing the mountains. I shall write more about Milford Sound next time. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly.

STEELE RUDD (Ryal Bush). . [We shall be interested to hear more of Milford Sound, Steele Rudd. Those wno have never had a chance to visit it can picture its beauty only in their minds. People who are used to quiet places do not mind the solitude of the track. The time is slipping past, and soon you will write only once a year, so you have many things to describe before' that time.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have been ill again, and now the doctor will not let me go back to school again this year. I miss seeing my teacher, whom 1 love very much, and all my schoolmates, especially Irene. She is a wee fat girl with such a lovely colour of red hair and such t mischievous face. My mummie likes me o have nice companions and be particular. Another girl I liked very much was called Phyllis, and then I have another girl friend who was one of the new ones, and her name is Maisic. We had very sad news from my uncle in Auckland last Thursday. My cousin, Joan, who is just on 19 years of age, died that morning, and it was just six weeks that day that my baby cousin. Lennie, was buried. Poor Uncle Bill, he lost the youngest and the oldest if his family in that short time. There are just the two boys left now, and we feel very sad and sorry for them. My mummie, Mother’s Goldie, and 1 spent such a pleasant day at Queen of Daunt’s place at Kuri Bush, and were sorry when it was time to go home. It was the first time Mother’s Goldie had been there, and she was greatly excited. Queen of Daunt’s mother came to town last Tuesday, and I met her and brought her up to our place for lunch, and we enjoyed her visit very much. Now I must say good-night, with love to all the family of Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yo-irs truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin).

[Poor Little Jean! You are always ill, it seems. But if you -bey the doctor carefully you will soon be better and able to play with Irene and Phyllis and Maisie again. I am sorry to hear about your uncle’s bereavement. What a sad loss for him. Has he any others in his family to make up for his loss?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —1 have to go to school pv myself now, as little Jean has been sicK again, and the doctor says she is not to go. I am working harder now, but I am not going to make myself sick about it. I have great fun on my tricycle after school. I sometimes give my teddy a ride, but he is so big that 1 cannot hold him much. I bought a painting book at a bazaar, and mummie brought me home a box of paints from town, so 1 have been busy painting. We had a great time at Queen of Daunt’s place one day in the holidays. I had lovely fun with her and two of her brothers. My big brother is at band practice, and the other two are at a St. John Ambulance meeting. One plays football every Saturday. and the other goes to help look after any .who are hurt. I must close now, as I have to go to bed. —Yours truly, x MOTHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin).

[I am sorry about Little Jean’s illness, Mother’s Goldie. Yes, do not make yourself sick with work. That would be a bad state of affairs. We used to have

painting books dealing with fairy tales and ver.y charming. You must have had a jolly- time with Queen of Daunt. Did you meet her through the page?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l received my proficiency last year, and I am now attending the Normal Secondary School. We play both hockey and basket ball at school. I am reading a book called “ Little Heroine ”■ Have you read it? Did you go to the Winter Show? I did not go this year. Now the frosty mornings have come I like my bed, and getting up seems an agony, till one is up and about. Strange weird designs adorn the windows while the ground is white with frost. I now. have my certificate for swimming 66 2-3 yards, and hope before long to gain my 22Q yards one. Our Navy League Essay this year is about Sir Ernest Shackleton. My brother is home for a holiday, and spends a good deal of his time at the pictures. The district high schools of Otago held a sports at Logan Park on May 31. As it is bedtime I must close with kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear selu —Yours trulv, CHARLEY’S AUNT (Dunedin).

[Congratulations pn receiving your proficiency certificate. I hope you are one of the people who like being at a secondary school. I have not read the book you mention. Is she a brave heroine? When you can swim 220 yards yon will want to swim 660. That is the way with success. I hope you soon can do so. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is such a time since I last wrote to your page. When I first started to write I intended putting a letter in the page once a month. I am afraid I have not kept that up. Since last writing I have been out working and am home again now. I was over at Milford working. I was helping my mistress through the harvest, and I was there two months, but the harvest did not last quite as long as that. My employer had the mill in to stook thresh one of his crops. The cooks; had to be up in time for breakfast at ai quarter to 6. Tea at 9 o’clock at night. The hours are very late at harvest time. I liked my job very much, and was sorry when I had finished up there, There was an electric stove, and it wag such quick work with no lighting fires when I was up in the morning. They also had the telephone on, and I missed that when I left. My sister was working just a little way down the road to my job, so we used to see and ring each other very often. My sister is at present working up in Winchester. I hope to stay home for a while. I think it is a holiday to be at home after constant work for a good while. The annual Winchester Show was held here. 1 have not missed going to that show for many years. Every year it is generally crowded with people and cars. I always enjoy that day's outing, and generally meet some of my old school mates. When my cousin who works on the trams in Christchurch had his annual holidays he came and spent it down with us. He always enjoys himself while he is here. He thinks it is a great change to get out in to the country after being in town so long. One Sunday the boys all went shooting out at Rangitata. They arrived home that night with a good haul of rabbits. I wonder what has become of Daddy’s Little Farmyard Girl. Perhaps when she sees this letter she may write again. I must bring this letter to a close, and go to the land of dreams, Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly.

A COUNTRY DWELLER (Clandeboye).

[lt was pleasant to bear from you again, Country Dweller, and I hope you will not let there be so long a silence in the future, What an exciting time you must have had at Milford! I can understand how you would enjoy using the electric stove. You would be as glad to see your cousin as he would be to see you. Is Daddy’s Little Farmyard Girl a correspondent of vours? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Some mornings there were frosts, and it cut down many flowers in the garden. We are milking two cows just now, and they will soon be dry. We are putting our butter down for the winter, I passed my fourteenth birthday on May 26, and received some useful presents. Wa have started to play basket ball at school now, and I like the game very much. At the end of May I had my teeth out, and so did A Lad from Tipperary. We have a small black and grey kitten, and the older ones play with him. Kindest regards to von and all vour family.—Yours truly, ANGORA R ABB IT (Otekaikc).

[Frosts generally spoil even the hardiest flowers. Angora Rabbit. It is a pity, because flowers are so scarce at winter time. Many happy returns of your birthday. Do .you like being 14? When will you be read} 7 for your new teeth. I should like to see your kitten.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have 14 Chinchillas and six Angora rabbits. Angora Rabbit, myself. and my two brother's and my sister had some of our teeth out a fortnight ago. I have one more to have out yet. It is a very painful business having them out. We have not all our apples picked yet. We started pruning two days ago. Pruning our peaches is a slow job, one tree every 20 minutes. The hills and mountains are covered in snow yet. I dislike getting up out of bed in the morning. The Waitaid hydro-electric works is advancing more and more each week. A special train was run to the hydro-electric works. It had a small engine and six wagons. In the middle was a huge iron affair resembling the turbine that went up a while ago. Have you read “ When Love Called,” by A. W. Marchmont, or “The Disturbing Charm,” by Bertha Ruck. I shall close now with love to all Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, THE LAD FROM TIPPERARY (Otekaike).

[Twenty furry rabbits! How lucky you are, Lad from Tipperary! I wish I could see them all? Do they require much attention? I know how painful it is to have teeth extracted. You will be glad when it is all over. I have not read the books you mention. They sound rather sentimental if one can judge from their titles. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our fruit harvest is practically over now. We have had a very busy one this year, as most of the tree's were very heavily laden with fruit. We exported over 4000 cases, and this involves much work, as the picking, grading and packing have to be done carefully. The"

big grader helped ns a lot, as it is very quick. The fruit is tipped on to a shute or elevator, from which it passes to a sorting table (consisting of padded revolving rollers), where it is sorted according to its colour or class: fancy, extra fancy, good or reject. Whatever class predominates, fancy or extra fancy, are passed on to a belt, where they are picked up by pockets travelling on chains. These carry them to the bins, where they drop when the weights are suspended at intervals, for each bin corresponds with the weight of the apple on each pocket. The minority or other grade are picked up by the sorter, and placed on a belt on the opposite side, where they are carried in a similar manner to the bins on that side. The good and reject are placed on another belt taking them back to a ease. From the bins the apples are packed, i.e., wrapped in printed paper, and placed in an already labelled case, (labelled cither with fancy or extra fancy labels) according to a packing chart. I pack all the season, so I know a little about it. One grows quick "at it after some practice, and I can average from three to five minutes a case on some lines. When packed the eases are placed on a conveyor, which takes them to the lidding press, where they are lidded and stamped with the name of the variety and the number of apples in a case, and afterwards stacked ready for subsequent wiring and stickering. “ Stickering ”is pasting cn the label at each end of a case; a small label, either red, green, or blue, and with either an A. C. or D on it. according to the size and destination of the fruit. Lastly, the cases are wired and lorried to the central inspection shed at Hastings, where, if passed by the inspectors, they are stamped and railed to Wellington, and thence phipned to the Continent, South America, or England.—Yours truly, NECTAR (Havelock North).

[Thank you very much indeed, Nectar, for your highly interesting and instructive account of the work done in a packing shed. Yours is the sort of letter which really fulfils the aim of the page —to write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. You have taught us much by what you have written. Again thank you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I am seven years old, and I am in Standard I. I like school very much, also iny teacher. We are having winter holidays. I went up north at Easter, and had a good time. I have a little sister two and a-half years old, and she makes us laugh. She says all sorts of funny things, and she likes when I am home from school. She plays all day with me. We have been making hens’ nests all day. The hens are looking at them, so I suppose we shall soon have eggs. Our old dog has two pups. W e have a heifer milking called Bonnie ”. ean - ■ brought us day pipes from Dunedin, so we are having a good time blowing bubbles. We have a white rabbit, and he likes eating carrots. My birthday is in May. I should like to be called May Bird. Love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly,

WHITE MAY BIRD (Balclutha). [Bubbles grow a wonderful colour with certain kinds of soap, White May Bird. you may join us, but your name had been used before. Bunny will keep his little teeth strong with nibbling at the hard carrots. I h'ope'the puppies do not give their mother much trouble as she looks after them.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —When I went away for my holidays, I went with Little Primrose and my brothers to a farm, where we fed the calves every morning, and played on an o’d horse called Lil and a sledge. We got the turnips for the cows. too. On wet days we played on the bales in the barn. and. when we grew tired, we went inside and read our books. That is all I have to tell you. dear Dot. —Yours truly,

PALE SILA ER FERN (Southland)

[Yours was not a long letter, but a very pretty one, Pale Silver Fern, for you made one see you quite plainly enjoying yourself on that farm and. ‘when you were tired, sitting round the fire and reading your books. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote there has been a fall of snow. Jolly Rover and I went over to the hills in a snowsledge. I do not like jumping out of the warm blankets these frosty mornings. Last Saturday Jolly Rover and two friends went down and had a slide on the ice. The chaffcutter and crutchers have been here, but owing to bad weather returned home. We found a dog the other day.—Yours truly, BLACK-EYE (Otama).

[Great fun can be had with snow and ice. Black-eye. Do you wish there was snow all the winter? I wonder what you are going to do with the dog you found. Be very kind to him. because he will be looking upon you as his friend.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard V at school. We have a Persian kitten, and will you please give me a name for him? My wee brother has a baby foal, and he wants to call it Dougal, but we do not like that name, but seeing it is his pony he will be allowed to call it that. I wrote to you about three years ago. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self.—Yours truly,

CHRISTMAS LILY (Mossburn).

[Your name is still on the roll, Christmas Lily. Call the little kitten Kim. The little pony will not mind what its name is, and the wee boy will feel so happy if he names it himself. You are in a difficult standard, so you want to put every snare minute you can to your lessona —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There lias been thick ice on our pond, and my brothers have been eliding on it. I have been to a dance since I last wrote, and I went to a bazaar, and enjoyed myself very much. I carried round a cake for the weight to be guessed.- I had a birthday on June 2, when I was 15 years of age, and I received some very useful presents. There are five in our family with birthdays in June. The days are very short now, so we have to light the lamps at 4.30 p.m. The chaffcutter is in the district and we shall have it in two or three days. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly,

PIRI-PIRI (Lawrence),

[Do you know the rhyme about Peter Porker who slid on the ice and wished it were hotter, Piri-Piri? Did yon know how heavy the cake was? I expect not until the guessing was over. You are indeed a June family, are you not? Are you all alike in character?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will think I am a poor writer, but I am doing fancywork just now for the mission box, so 1 owe al! my correspondents a letter. The weather, as you will know, i<s pretty cold, and the frost has not melted from our backyard all day. I was at the Winter Show, and, as it is the first Winter Show I have seen in Dunedin, I was greatly interested in it. I must go and make up the fires tor everyone coming ,in. Please give my °yp the little folk and your dear self. —Yours truly.

A GLASGOW MAID (Dunedin)

are doing good work with your needle. Glasgow Maid. What type of fancywork are you most interested in? And what section of the show did you like best? I shall be interested to hear. I hope the people were pleased with the fires you made.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was 12 last Tuesday. 1 am in Standard V at school. I obtained top place last examination. It is very cold these mornings and one does not like leaving a cosy bed. I walk a mile and a-half to catch the bus at half-past 8, and I reach school at 8.45 a.m. We basket ball, and I enjoy it, though I am not an expert player. 1 have a pony named Star, and he is ‘2. d e ? r Vttle animal, although he is full of nfisehief sometimes. We have a Pi’P, and he simply detests being tied up. lie tries to hide and dodge us when it is time to tie him up. but he is different wh en h e knows we shaT not tie him up. Ihe cows do not give much milk now m these cold nights and moi .lings. I was up at Ngapara in my holidays, and I did enjoy myself. Much love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, A FAIRY LADY (Enfield).

[Many happy returns of your birthday, Fairy Lady. Did you receive many surprises that morning? And congratulations on your place in the class. I hat was splendid. I suppose that your morning walk keeps you warm for the rest of the day. _ I wish I could see Star and the pup. No young animals like to be tied up. They love their freedom too dearly—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—My sister and I were at a dance in Thornbury recently, and enjoyed ourselves very much. I met an Old \\ riter there, and I thought her very charming. It was between half-past 2 and 3 o clock when we arrived home from the dance, as we did not wait until the finish. I went to the skating the other night, and spent an enjoyable evening. It was such a lovely clear night, and I enjoyed our walk immensely, although it was very cold to start with; There was a fair crowd at the hall, although it is a very quiet district. The gravel lorries are gravelling a clay road down this way, so the road is very busy just now. 1 asked my sister when she was going to write to you again, and she said that she might some day. as she does not care for letter writing. My little brother has a pencil and some paper and says he is writing to you too, although he is making only a few marks with the pencil. He can say almost anything besides giving cheek ”in his way, which is very funny to hear. He can sing any parts of songs we ask him to, so he is very clever for his age. My sister and brother are busy mending skates, and every now and again they call out to me to go and help them. My sister and I have had a few quiet days lately, as we have been home by ourselves. My little brother says lie wants to write everytime I write.'so J suppose I had better let him. He is very tired now at nights, seeing that he has started school again after a month’s holiday with sore legs and feet. We have three new records lately—“ Tip Toe through the Tu’ips.” “If I had a Talking Picture of You,” and “You and My Old Guitar.” The factory down here goes only every other day, so I suppose it will close down about the end of this month, and I do not think the farmers will be very glad. Little Blossom’s Xiece is keeping house in Riverton while her mistress is in the hospital. _ She is longing to go back home again, as she is tired of Riverton, and likes out in the country best. There is to be another dance in Riverton soon, and my sister and I are looking forward to going to it. as we were not at the last one. Well. I shall close now. as this is all the news. Love to all.—-Yours truly, WE ARE EIGHT (Southland).

[How interesting about meeting the Old Writer, We Are Eight. I am sure that your tongues wagged together. Is she going to write for Old Writers’ Week this time? Roller skating is great fun. Can you also skate on ice? Tell your baby brother that as soon as he is old enough he shall write to Dot every day. I wonder how he would like that? — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I was home from school early to-night, I thought I would write you a few lines. It was raining one day, and I did not have my coat at school, so I had a ride with our grocer. My little .brother and I play cars with our skates. I am receiving a wee book at school, so I shall soon be able to read all by myself. I went to our neighbour’s place the other day, and saw some dear wee pups. I shall close now with love to all the Little Folk and yourself,— Yours truly,

M. A. C. (Southland).

[Are you the little brother who has been away from school with sore legs and feet, M. A. C. ? If so, do be careful when you are skating or you will hurt yourself again. It would be jolly riding home with the grocer. Did he let you drive? When you receive your book you must tell me what it is about. I love wee pups. Do you?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in print. The euchre parties have started here, but I have not been on account of my sore foot. Do you play euchre. Dot? I have had two letters from Flood Fright and two from Florida, and I find them both good correspondents. Do you like pictures? I do. I am going to see “ While the City

Sleeps,’ on Saturday. Have you seen it? It is very cold here, and it is hard to rise out of bed in the morning. Do you not find it so? It is raining here just now, and it is very cold. I shall close now, as there is not much news.— Yours truly,

FLOWER OF THE RANCH-0 (Southland).

[Take care of your foot, Flower of the Ranch-o. I hope it is soon well. 1 play euchre very seldom. I like some pictures, but have not seen the one you mention. Yes. it is certainly an effort to leave one’s warm bed these mornings. But it will soon be summer again.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l promised to tell you all about our trip to Feilding for the hockey tournament. We left home at 7 a.m., but at Ashhurst took the wrong turning, but after a very roundabout trip arrived safely at 8.45 o’clock. There were players everywhere in Feilding—at the hotels (many arrived the night before) —on the streets, and making their way along to the beautiful polo grounds, where the torn nament was held. Our team managed to come out winners equal of our section, but in the play off Carnavon defeated us 2 — nil. Our old friends, the Petone boys, were on the line and barracked for us whenever we played, as also did the other Dannevirke teams, and this certainly helped us a great deal. We changed at our hotel, and after dinner went along to the hockey ball, which was a briliaut success. The cups and badges were also presented there, and altogether everyone had a great time. We left for home at I a.m., and after taking another wrong turning (our driver seemed to have a weakness for them) we arrived home just before 3 a.m. Xo, I did not see any Little Folk there during tiic day, but there do not seem to be many up this way, not as compared with the south anyway. I close with love and best wishes to all the Little Folk and, of course, your own dear self.—-Yours truly, HAEATA (Dannevirke). [Thank you for the account of your trip, Haeata. I can imagine the fun you had and the joy of the friendly _competition when the games were being played. Then, how delightful when the real object of the trip had been gained, to be able to indulge in such social festivities as a ball. lour account is a very interesting one. —DOT.] NOTES. Onion Pickle.- —Your letter was written on both sides of the paper, so I could not print it. —-DOT. Henry VIII’s Sister.—l have posted your badge. Tell me if vou receive it safely.—DOT. AUTOS. A Pink Carnation Bud (Ursula Baxter, 370 King street, Temuka) wishes to correspond with any Southland Little Folk over the age of 17. Will they please write first and soon? Queen of the Rooks (Madge Ellis, Waitaha, South Westland) wishes for a boy correspondent. Steele Rudd (James Gill, Wallacetown Rural Delivery, Winton P. 0.) wishes some of the Little Folk aged between 17 and 21 to correspond with him. Will they please write first and soon?

Angora Rabbit (A. Peevers, Rural Delivery, Otekaike) would like to have these Little Folk for correspondents: Hatu Patu, Puss Pussy. Brave Joan of Arc, Xeta Lyall, and Violet Spray. She requests them to write first and soon.

Rippling Stream (Violet Pile, Kar:tane) wishes to correspond with White Stock and Hatu Patu. Will they please write first and soon?

Golden Spangles (Estelle M'Leod. Mabel Bush. Southland) would like Aunt Jemima and Tipperary Shoes to write to her, as she has lost their addresses.

The Lad from Tipperary (T. A. Peevers. Otekaike Rural Delivery) wishes to correspond with Dunira. The Bushboy. Office Boy, and Barney Buttons. Will they write first and soon?

Sea Slave (Gladys King. 3 Calder street, St. Kilda, Dunedin) wishes some lai tie Folk between the ages of 13 and 10 to correspond with her. Will they please write first?

Christmas Lily (Joyce Beer, Mossburn, Southland) wishes to correspond with Louise and Sunshine Sue. Will they.write first and soon?

Flower of the Ranch-o (Xgaire Kennedy, care of Mr H. Mackay, Waipounamu Rural Delivery, Gore) would like to correspond with Silver ■ Moon Moth, Lady Ruth, and any Little Folk willing. Please will they write first and soon?