LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK
Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—The other day I received three letters, all from correspondents, and was pleased to receive them. Some of the Little Folk must think that I am a boy, because I have received one or two letters addressing me as “Mister.” We have been experiencing some very wet weather, and. the yard is like a lagoon, it is so wet. ■ I am fancy working a. lemon crepe petticoat at present.. A while ago I knitted the top of a pair of slippers, and I am going to sew them on to a pair of leather soles. I have not been to Bible (Sass for a . while now. I was .going recently, but I had a cold, so stayed at home. These last few weeks there have been many writers joining up -with the Old Writers. I shall be pleased when Old Writers’ Week comes along, as 1 always look foryvard to reading their letters. . The photographs of the Middlemarch jubilee were very good, and 1 enjoyed looking through them to see how many of the people we know we could pick out. Of course, it is fairly hard to pick out the ones with hats on, but nevertheless I could tell a great many of them. I shall close now, as I have to prepare the tea. Best wishes to you and your happy band.—Yours truly, DUNIRA (Mosgiel).
[lt is hard to tell from, a nom deplume whether the writer is a* boy ; or*a Jgirl,’Dunira. The petticoat sounds as it it’ will be very pretty. - I know • someone else who is’ fond’ of making ’slippers,'but
she uses leather tops instead of knitted ones. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —You will be thinking that I have forgotten you, but, as I have been very busy lately, I have not had much spare time to write letters. I have not many letters to write, but I hope to have more correspondents soon. I shall be leaving this place soon, and I am going to work near my sister, Queen of Otago. I have 25 Bournville coupons, and I am sending them away soon to get a box of chocolates. I have not been home for a while now, but I hope to soon. I think you will have to excuse me for writing a short letter, but I shall -write a long one next time, as I will have to go and make tea ready now. Love and best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv, DTVINIA (Gore).
. [Will . you like working near your sister, Divinia? I think I can safely say that you will. You will enjoy the chocolates when they come. Certainly, I shall excuse you for your short letter. Better a short letter than no letter at all. — DOT.]
Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I wrote to your page, but I always read the Little Folk’s letters. I have left school now, and I am rather pleased, as I did not like lessons very much. I sat for a shorthand examination before the end of last year, and I am pleased to i say I passed, and gained a certificate,. ( My eldest sister is home for a holiday at present, but hopes to leave to take up the position as sub-matron in a private hospital in Invercargill. My other two sisters are also away, and I find it very quiet at home without them. Mother had the misfortune to have a poisoned foot about a fortnight ago, and it was very painful, but she is going about again now. She trod on a very rusty nail, and it went into the ball of her foot.’ It is nice to see the new green grass making its appearance again, and to know that summer is coming, as I do not think there are many who like the winter' months. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, PARADISE BIRD (Lake Wakatipu) / .
[How time flies, Paradise Bird! Fancy your having left school! I hope your sister does well in her responsible position. A poisoned foot is very painful. I am glad that your mother is better again.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —This is my second letter to you within a month, so I am doing very. well. I have not been a regular writer, -so I am going to make the best of the seven remaining months. By then I shall be 21. It does not seem long since I was 14. At present we are experiencing rather wintry weather, but the daffodils do not seem to mind, as they are coming out quite early. I must tell you of our experience one Sunday. Five of us left here for the Nuggets Lighthouse. We arrived there about naifpast 1 as hungry as hawks, after having a bit of trouble to follow the track through the bush. We had lunch, took some snapshots, inspected the lighthouse, and climbed up to the signal station. From there we could see six fishing boats far out at sea. After looking around the station and over cliffs, we bent our footsteps toward the Boats, where the boats come ashore. They seemed to be a very long time coming. A fog came over very suddenly, and the foghorn started to blow. It was not very long then till the boats came in. The sea was very choppy near the shore, and as one or two of the boats were cruising, round waiting till the first one was being hauled up on the land, they looked as if any moment they would go down never to be seen again. After seeing the last boat being hauled up we. started off for home. The fog was. thick, but still we could see quite plainly as rwe walked along the beach. We followed a sawmiller’s tramline up to the end. and w’e were lost. None of us knew what way to turn. We did not lose any time in talking, we walked or rather ran most of the -way down the line, and found a track through the fog, which was by this time very dense. As we. were nearing home the moon shone brightly, so we were all right. We eventually arrived home at 8 o’clock. It took us three hours and a-quarter to get home, whereas it should of only taken us about one hour and a-half. We were tired and hungry, but happy. Next time three of us are thinking of going to Kaka Point. It is a long walk, but road most of the way. If it is fine we should have a very enjoyable day. We shall take a lunch basket with us. Don’t you think one gets more hungry at the seaside? I do. We seem to eat twice as much when spending a day at the seaside. Scarlet Pimpernel has left Otekura now, and is living at Port Molyneux. We. see him quite often, and have some jolly times together, especially when we nave the day to ourselves to do as we please. We used to go to Cannibal Bay curiohunting. Scarlet Pimpernel is very interested in curios. I am only interested in them when he has found them.. Some are truly great. I like the pieces of greenstone -best.’ Do not you think -the Maoris are 1 a fine --race?; .I think "they are the finest' of all the dark-fekinned -races.' I think’ the white 'people *of New
Zealand should be prourid of their darkskinned sisters and brothers. It is very late, so I think. I shall conclude, with love to all and yourself.—Yours truly,
OLIVE (Catlins). [You are keeping your promise and writing frequently, Olive. I hope you will be as good a correspondent when you are an Old Writer. Your adventure in the fog was exciting to read about. The feeling of being lost is a hopeless one, is it not. Take care of yourselves when next you go a-walking.—DOT.]
Dear Dot,—l was ■ pleased to see my first letter in print. , I must thank you very much for allowing. me to join. I have one Little Folk correspondent, and her name is Queen Adelaide. I have just come home from Oamaru, where I had a very enjoyable time. On my journey up I stayed one night in Dunedin, and my grandma and auntie tool? me to the talkies, and I went to the talkies in Oamaru also. We went to the Gardens twice, and .saw Peter Pan. Then I went also to the beach to see the boat Middlesex, "which was at the wharf. It was very interesting watching it being loaded with frozen mutton. I went with my auntie twice to the hospital to see my cousin, who is in there.—Yours truly, QUEEN AVALON (Otago).
[lt is pleasant to hear of two queens being correspondents, Queen Avalon. Is ?ueen Adelaide a good correspondent? ou were lucky to have a grandma to take you to the talkies. I know how you would enjoy watching the loading of that boat. I hope your cousin will soon be better. — DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I am now 16 years of age. and my birthday was on July 26. Red Rata has now left school, as she is 14 years. We are miking five cows, but expect to milk 15 in the summer, so we shall have to rise early. My sister Daphne has been away for a month, and we do not expect her home for a long time, as she is staying with our grandmother. We have a dance by ourselves in the evening, as we do not go to public dances. Red Rata and I went to the pictures one Saturday. The pictur V. were “ Modern Girls ” and “Chasing Through Europe.” I did not think they were very good. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—■ Yours trulv, RIPTARE’S SISTER (Riverton).
[Many happy returns of your birthday, Riptare’s Sister. Sixteen is one of the happiest ages to be: Is Red Rata sorry to have left school? Fifteen eows seem a large number to milk. A dance, such as you mention, is perhaps the jolliest dance of aII.—DOT.
Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter in print, and I must thank you for your kindness. I have left school, and I am glad. Father is milking 15 cows in the summer time. Mother used to write to the page. The Little Folk are very interesting. I was at the pictures on Saturday night, and they were splendid. Have you heard the talkies yet? I have, and they are very good. e The sea is very high and rough. We have a lamb and a calf for pets. Do you like animals? I will close with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ! RED RATA (Tihaka).
[The sight of one’s first letter in print is really a thrilling experience, is it not, Red Rata? I wonder [what mother’s nom de plume was? Will: she write for Old ‘Writers’ Week? Yes,. I have heard the talkies. I like animals very much, especially lambs and calves. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Some years have elapsed since I last wrote, and I ought to be rather ashamed of myself. I still have some very interesting letters from my Little Folk correspondents, and have met quite a number of Little Folk either by arrangement or accident. When I was in Christchurch at the second test match 1 noticed a girl about my age wearing a Little Folk badge on her blazer. She was sitting in front of us in the stand, and at half-time I plucked up enough courage to introduce myself. She was pleased, however, when I did. She was just over from Wellington for the match, and her party and my two friends all came to tea with us at a restaurant in town. I enjoyed myself immensely at the match. It was the first thing of.its kind I had ever been to. One cannot help growing excited in such a crowd of people. On the next day I'went for my first aeroplane ride. The friends I was with knew a pilot at Sockburn, and they had both been up several times, so they had some enjoyment seeing me feeling a trifle nervous. Have you ever been up? If so, you will remember the sensation you had when the plane left the ground. Words will not describe mine. The climbing up was so interesting that I forgot to_ be frightened. We flew right over Christchurch, and when we dropped 100 ft or so in the first air pocket I was certain I was going to fall out. I shall never forget the wonderful view of the town I had when the machine banked, and the wing hiding my view’ before, fell away, and let me see straight down. We were just at a nice height. to distinguish things, and I was sorry I had no one to talk to about it all. The time passed all too quickly, and strange to say I was sorry to see the aerodrome appear. I shall never forget my first hour’s flying, and hope it will not be long until I have another opportunity. We have two visitors from Blenheim and one from Nelson. One lady visitor from Blenheim has her license entitling her to fly solo. They are very keen on flying in Marlborough, and the aero club has three ’planes of its own, also a Government one, and an instructor. Our visitors are feeling it very cold down here. They were surprised to see so few signs of spring. They are a month or six weeks ahead of us. They brought such a lovely lot of spring flowers in boxes w’ith them. We have only such a few out up here. I went to see J. -C. Williamson’s production, “ Love Lies,” playing here for one night. We laughed the whole three hours. Perhaps you would see it in Dunedin, and enjoy the music and dancing. It was a change for us because it as about six months since a touring company visited this town. During the winter I have done a good deal oi knitting. I am fond of it, and am more successful at it than sewing. I like • reading too. Captain .Jackson Barry’s Daughter. will-.be .pleased to see -this? letter, Jta sure." JShe-- is -very: often reminding’me of ~my duty ' to the page. Well, even although I have not
written for so long I shall not be allowed to monopolise all your space this time, so I will .close with kind regards to yourself and writers to the page. —Yours truly, COREOPSIS (North Otago). [You were lucky to meet another Little Folk so easily, Coreopsis. I can imagine how busily you talked to each other. I was greatly interested to hear of your flight in the aeroplane. The experience of the air pocket must have been a startling one. Do you wish to fly again? Perhaps you will have even more adventures next time.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I have not written to you .for a long time, so I thought I would write now. My auntie gave me a new blue fountain pen -with a silver nib, and I am writing with it now. We went up to Timaru in our holidays for a day. A Young Football Player is putting in a post. The Little Folk’s letters are veryinteresting. We have a pretty wee black and white kitten, and would like you, please, to give us a name for it, We have just about all our seeds in. The Waitaki River has risen a little this last fortnight. We have not many’ flowers out yet. We have several little lambs now. One of our old pet lambs has twins. We had one wee pet lamb this year, but it died. We shall soon have three cows in again. I have three correspondents, to whom 1 wrote the other day. As I have no more news I will close now with love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly’, BONNIE RENNIE (Canterbury).
[You are a lucky Little Folk to have a new blue fountain pen, Bonnie Rennie. It writes well, to judge from your letter. I think Fan-Fan would be a pretty name for your kitten. Is it friendly with the lambs? I am glad that you wrote to your correspondents.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —We recently went to Sumner. It was a lovely day down there, but when we left home there was a cold south-west wind blowing. Three little boys and their mother from up the road went, too. We made a large sandcastle, and paddled afterwards. The current is washing the sandhills away at Scarborough. It used to be lovely when the sandhills were there, but now it looks bo bare. The following Wednesday, mother, my little sister, and- I went to sec ■a-friend who lives, at ..Redcliffs, on the iiQute to Sumner. In October-there are motor boat- races .there. .-It was-fine.
enough to go on the beach for a while, where we built a sand-castle, but it was too cold to paddle. After enjoying ourselves we came home, tired but nappy. Since last writing the Winter Show and Exhibition were opened in Christchurch, to which I went twice. Some of the exhibits were there -last year. There was a huge butter churn, which churns a ton of butter at a time. There are 40 of these in use in butter factories in New Zealand. At half-past 2 we were introduced to a Punch and Judy show, which everyone enjoyed. I went with the school and again with my little sister and mother, who had not been. We sold our last year’s pet lambs. The next day we received two more little ones. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, CROSS PATCH (Canterbury).
[You write a letter singularly free from errors, Cross Patch, and one which it is a pleasure to read. What fun you had on the beaches! Building sandcastles is one of the best parts of a day at the seaside, even though the waves do destroy one’s work. What a monstrous churn that must be! Did you like Punch and Judy?—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —There are many little lambs around this district, and I am sure they must feel the cold. I was away for a holiday, and had a very happy time. I hope the weather clears up when school takes up again. Some of the crocuses are out, and the others are in bud. —Yours truly. _ MOTHER’S TIPTOE THIEF (Maheno). [lt is a pity the lambs could not carry umbrellas and wear little goloshes on their hoofs, Mother’s Tiptoe Thief. Then, they would not need to fear the weather. Are crocuses your favourite spring flowers? You will be glad to see them, if they are. —DOT.]
* * * Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. There are only 12 when we play, but the teacher often comes to play with us when we play hopscotch. We have nine hens, and sometimes we have six eggs a day. -I know Lady Clarice. She- lives -about ■ a mile from us. I have two sisters and one “brother. We have •begun: our third- term at'school. Do you play cards >at night? I-have a -plot of -flowers at-school, and through the holi-
days I had a lovely show of primroses, but they are nearly all dead now. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, PALE APPLE BLOSSOM (Chatto Creek).
[Welcome, Pale Apple Blossom. No, 1 generally read at nights. There are so many books to be read that the evening soon goes. Hopscotch makes us agile on our feet and is a good game for a cold day.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Our cow is milking again, which is a good thing as, although there is not a great quantity of food, we have plenty of milk, butter, and cream. The paddocks have been so bare through the winter that one is able to notice the difference since last month. I have been working a duchess set in white zampa, and as it has a number of little birds on it, I am working them in blue. It is a very small design, so it makes one’s eyes sore to keep at it too long. The other Sunday I had much pleasure in meeting Mother’s Pride. The same Sunday my brothers and I walked to the beach. It was a good long walk, but we remained there for some time, passing the time by digging up the sand in which were hundreds of crabs. My nephew saw their, long claws. We looked along the water’s edge finding one or two very tiny flounders. As my mate is over her illness we now go to Bible class again. There was a literary evening one Tuesday night at which two plays were read. My mate and I were both in the one called “ Tickless Time.” There was a crowd of people present who, I am told, enjoyed the performance. I received very interesting letters from King of Borneo, Puss Pussy, and Quick Silver. They all seem very friendly people whom I hope some day to meet. I have been occupying my spare moments by cleaning the grass off the paths. They look neat now that the lawns are so green. I have some winter roses and primroses blooming in my garden. I think flowers are all beautiful, and I often think life would not be very pleasant without them. As I was in Oamaru the other week 1 saw One of the Mysterious Pair. Although we were not sitting together we both saw “ The Gold Diggers of Broadway,” which was most beautiful. I must thank you for the auto cards which I received quite safely. I notice the plum and apple trees are coming out in bloom. We have had a number of the branches cut off our trees this year, as they were too woody. While looking under some stones one ' day I noticed numbers of young lizards about. They seem to go away in winter, and when Ihe spring and summer come they venture out. I think some of them must be very brave to come out these cold days. I have been reading some books lately, but the one I liked best was called “ Three of Hearts.” The Maheno Church social is to be held, but I do not think I shall go. Do you not think it is rather mean of the Little Folk not answering Rose of Waipiata’s autos? 1 do, as she has put in several autos, and received no answers. I write to her. and find her one of my best correspondents. She not only tells one all the news, but writes regularly. I do hope the Little Folk will answer her autos, as they have no cause not to do so. I must now close, with best love to all. —Yours truly. HAPPY GUIDE (Otago).
[The set sounds as if it will be very pretty, Happy Guide, but do not work at- it so long that you ruin your eyesight. I can imagine how frightened the little boy would be at the sight of the crabs. I am sure that my Little Folk do not mean to be unkind to Rose of Waipiata. Probably bi' now some of them have answered her auto.- —DOT. |
Dear Dot. —I have not forgotten you and your Little Folk. but. as mother has been ill and the school examination been taking p’ace, I could not find time to write. I have been absent from school for a month looking after mother, who has been ill. My sister. Winnie, is home now. A girl who went to Dunedin for her holidays was sent to hospital with scarlet fever. She will not enjoy the holidays much. There is a fancy dress ball here soon. My sister is going as a flower girl.—Yours truly, ONION PICKLE (Seacliff).
[I am glad that you have not forgotten me, Onion Pickle, and especially glad that you have been spending your time so helpfully. I hope mother will eoon be quite well again. You must tell me about the fancy dress ball. A flower girl's should be a pretty costume. —DOT.] ¥ *
Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you my mother has been in tiler hospital, but she is home now. While she was away 1 was chief cook. All the school children will be going back to school now. It is easy to see that it is spring if we go into the garden, for there are wallflowers, daisies, violets, and pansies in flower. We have daffodils in bud. so it will not be long before they are in flower. The last two books I read were “Lights Up” and “The Copper Box." Have you read them? I see that Falling Snowflakes and Jolly Glad had letters in last week’s Otago Witness. I have been making handkerchiefs, for myself lately in the fancy work line. On August 1 at 9 p.m. our school was burnt down. We are getting 10 or 11 eggs a dav from 21 or 22 hens. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MAID MARION OF SHERWOOD (Southland).
[I am glad that mother is with you once more. Maid Marion of Sherwood. Take great care of her lest she becomes ill again. I see that you are fond of spring flowers. I have not read the books you mention. How distressing about the loss of your school!—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —We have had another heavy fall of snow. I made two snow men. but they did not last long. They melted away. We are back at school again after two weeks’ holiday. My uncle went to Christchurch, and bought me a football. I like it very much. We have good fun with it. It will soon be too hot for football, so I am going to put it away until next winter. We have a goose sitting on 11 eggs. The goslings will be out in three weeks. If they live they will be big enough for Christmas. We have two lambs. They would feel it cold in the snow. I have my little pup now. He is a funny little dog. He play all day, and runs away with our boots and stockings, and drags the mats outside. He has a nice warm kennel, and I shut him in every night. I took
him down to let granny see him, and she liked him so much that she;wanted to keep him. We have a new Post Office by our gate. The bus comes out three times a week. It is close to post letters and receive our mail. I am going to - make a garden and sow vegetable seeds in it, so I hope they grow. I like digging in the garden. My daddy has a new sheep dog. He is not old enough to work yet, and just plays with my pup. His name is Glen. They both chase the cats, and make them run up to the top of the fence, where they know they are safe. I helped mum to burn rubbish and dead grass. We made a big blaze,’but we have a lot more to do yet when the grass dries _ again after the snow. Good-bye. Love to all and yourself.— Yours truly. GREEN STRIPE (Mossburn).
[Snow men have a habit of payin" a very short call. Green Stripe, and then hurriedly leaving us. A football is a splendid plaything. Glen and your puppy must be darlings together. I suppose the cats know that they chase them only in fun. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I saw my first letter in the Otago Witness, and was proud of it. We have been having beautiful spring days. We have over 22 lambs. One of our neighbours has 16. Dad is over at our other place ploughing. As soon as be is finished he is going to sow oats. “ Petty, Patty, and Mr Pip ” are _ having an exciting time. _ “ The Chums ” are also having a gay time. Our daffodils are peeping up out of the garden. We have 22 hens, and we receive 11 eggs a day.—-Yours truly. CLEVER PUSS IN BOOTS (Southland).
[I should like to see the 22 lambs, Clever Purs in Boots. Are they growing very quickly? A crop of oats is a beautiful sight in the summer. Your hens must each lay* half an egg a day. —DOT.] V * ¥
Dear Dot. —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I see many of my friends writing to your page. We have two little lambs, and their mother died, so we are going to have them for pets. Our cow had a calf. Could you please give me a name for it. Our bulbs, primroses, pansies and violets are looking very pretty. We start school again this week, and I shall be glad. I like school. My sister has a week longer holiday at high school. We have about 75 chickens. We also receive about 180 eggs a day. I shall close now wishing you and all the Little Folk the best of wishes. —Yours truly, RIO GRANDE (North Otago).
[I hope your lambs are grateful for being pets. Rio Grande, and behave nicely to their mistress. Call the calf Moora. I am glad that you like school. What a large family of chickens vou have! —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter printed. It was my birthday on August 28, and I received many lovely presents. I am writing on some paper with a fountain pen I was given. Pukaku gave me a big party, and I had 30 girls at it, and not even one boy. Pukahu had two friends one from Omanaia and one from Kohu Kohu. I received a hair comb in a leather case, and an electric torch, writing paper, a fountain pen, an Eversharp pencil, 25 handkerchiefs, a hanka doll, a red and white woollen sports jacket, an apron to work, a book, a bottle of seent, two cakes of soap, a comic book, a cup and saucer, a bottle of bath salts, two pairs of fancy - garters, and an ornament for my dressing table. Pukahu made me a black sleeveless velvet party frock with a flared skirt, and lace at the collar and edge of the arms. She gave me a pair of socks and a belt to match the lace. I will close now with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —■ Yours truly, HUIARANEGI (Rawene).
[What a lucky Huiaranegi you were, to have such a happy birthday. And what splendid presents you received. You made me envious when I read about them. I am sure you are grateful to your sister Pukahu for being so kind to you.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote my sister Huiaranegi has had a party for her ninth birthday. She received many beautiful presents. As she is writing to you she can tell you what she received herself. I have four correspondents through the page, and many camp, Bible class, and general letters to answer. Our Sunday school anniversary is soon. We have two services then, and a week-night meeting the following Friday night. We are repeating the play “ Gossip ” for the benefit of the fathers, and children, and those mothers, who were unable to attend our banquet. I shall describe Huiaranegi’s party to you. We had the room decorated with coloured streamers, and had coloured' table napkins and name cards round the table. We had a marble cake for a birthday cake (as Huiaranegi does not care for fruit ones) and decorated it with pink roses and silver balls. Against the white icing that covered the cake they looked very pretty. She also had her name written on it, and nine different coloured candles arranged round it. We had 10 varieties of cake, many sandwiches, and bread spread with hundreds and thousands. The children seemed to enjoy themselves very much. It was a terrible day, but. I had a girl friend from Kohu Kohu, who was able to help the children to enjoy themselves by having many novel games and competitions. She and her brother came in for lunch and tea. The girl came all the way from Kohu Kohu to the party, but her brother came down to school to study, and so spent the rest of the time at our place. For dessert they had a round of pineapple with a piece of banana stuck on to it, a piece of angelica put in the top of the banana, and a curved piece put on the pineapple. They were supposed to represent candles. The plates heaped with jelly and whipped cream looked very pretty. Huiaranegi had a friend who motored 14 miles to the party, and three others who motored seven miles. One little girl of about six was going to walk the three miles here on a very wet and windy day, but luckily I was able to arrange to have a car meet her and take her home again. I went to the pictures to see “ Under the Southern Cross,” which has an all Maori cast. It was very good. I do not care for pictures, and so very rarely go. Frosts were unknown here until just lately. Mangakahia Gorge, which is noted for its puriris, is now a sorry sight. The leaves have become black, and have
fallen off leaving the trees quite bare. Old Maoris, who have lived in the district all their lives, say that there has never been so severe a frost since the winter of 1882. They fear that the recovery of the trees will be a slow process, as all the small twigs have died, and no leaves will appear until fresh wood grows. Taraire trees nave been similarly affected. The growth in the Mangamuka Gorge has been also affected, but to a lesser extent. It hailed one morning, and the arum lilies ■were weighed down. I will close now, with kind regards to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, PUKAHU (Rawene).
[Yes, Huiaranegi told me about her presents, Pukahu, and seemed full of de light with them. You gave her a verj charming birthday party. I suppose you enjoyed it, however, as a crowd of children is always worth while working for. I am sorry to hear about the destructive frosts. —DOT.]
Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. I have one brother and one sister. The three of us go to school in the mail bus. We are not going to school until Thursday. because the painters are painting the inside of our school. We are milking three cows at present, but we shall be milking more soon. Mother has 29 hens, and she has 23 and 24 eggs a day. She has five little black chickens too. I have four bantam hens, and a bantam rooster. Two of the hens are sitting on six hen eggs each. I spent a week of my term holidays at my uncle’s in Roto-Manu. I like reading the Little Folk’s letters very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—-Yours truly, ■ EMPTY PICKLE (Ngahere).
[Yes, you may join. Empty Pickle. The mail bus should take you speedily to school. The hens are laying well. Those dear little bantams are so proud of themselves. Tell us about Roto-Manu.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am six years of age, and am in Primer 111. I have three and a-half miles to go to school. It has been raining here; and I have had to be inside all day. I have three sisters and two brothers. We have two calves. Their names are Mick and Dick. We have two pet lambs. Will you give us names for them? We have a number of spring flowers out. Best wishes to all.—Yours truly, DADDY’S EILEEN (North Otago).
[Yes, you may join. Daddy’s Eileen. We do not feel friendly to rain when it
makes us stay inside all day. Call the lambs Bobby and Buster. They are little lambs yet I suppose.—DOT.]
Dear Dot.- —I noticed my name in print, and I thank you very much for the name you gave me for the calf, and I am sure it will suit her very much, and I also saw that you instructed me to write to you in ink. which I will do. The weather has been very cold, and is bad for the stock. There are a great many lambs here, and I trust that we shall soon have some fine weather. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, PEACH PIE (Herbert).
[lt is easier for the printers if the letters are ink written. Peach Pie. The weather will mend now for the animals 1 think. Are you going to play tennis this season ?—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I did not wear wings at the ball, but I wore an aviator’s costume. The baby's name is James Albert. My auntie and cousin have been staying with us in the holidays. It has been snowing here to-day. but not very much. The daffodils are coming out in bloom, and they look pretty. The people are digging their gardens. We have a bantam hen with three chicks. We have seven to ten eggs a day. I am reading a book called “The Best of Intentions.” It is very good. Have you read it? I am working a duchesse set, as I have just finished making a supper cloth. We are not having very good weather. “Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip,” “ The Chums in Rhymeland,” and “ Billy Bear ” are interesting to read. I hope to find you aud the Littie Folk in good health.—Yours trulv, PRETTY LITTLE DEAR (Lowburn Ferry).
[No, I have not read the book, Pretty Little Dear. Is it a school story? If you have a garden, now is the time to be working in it. The daffodils here are late, and I have seen very few.—DOT.] * ■¥ ¥ ’
Dear Dot, —I saw my first letter in print, and I was pleased. The place I live in is called Tokanui, and it is a small settlement situated at the foot of a low range of hills. They are covered in bush, and every spring one would see bunches of starry clematis. In the bush are wide outspreading ferns and rata vines. The rata has small, red flowers, which are very pretty. _ Our most important industry is sawmilling. Some of the others are flaxmilling and cheese-making. We send milk to the factory every year. We are going to have a cow in soon, and her name is Lucy. Already we have 19 lambs, so we are kept busy going around them. Lambs
are such gentle things, are they not? I am just learning to bake, and I like it very much. Do you? Every penny I have I put it in my money box, and when I have enough I shall put it in the bank. It comes in handy soonei - or later if one is in need. Peter and Patty are always up to some mischief, and they always amuse me. I hope the Little Folk and you are in the best of health. —Yours truly, DOT'S JANE (Tokanui).
[Have you ever seen blue clematis, Dot's Jane? It looks so lovely in a vase with white clematis too. Yes, lambs are gentle. Every housewife likes baking, though she is often so tired she cannot really enjoy it.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Many weeks have passed by since I last wrote to the page, anil each week I notice there are new members joining. The winter months soon glided by, and now we are enjoying the spring weather. The spring flowers are all out at present, beautifying our surroundings. Our primroses and violets have been flowering ever since the middle of May. After there has been a shower of rain, the violets have a most beautiful smell. There has not been an extra deal of work put into our vegetable garden. Still there is time enough yet for it. It will not be long now until summer will be here, as already one month of spring has gone. At present I am interested in taking photographs. Both my sister and I have cameras. Since I have commenced to take photographs I have used five films, and there were only three photographs that did not turn out to be a success. My camera is a size smaller than my sister’s one. I have had a good collection of photographs given to me from different people, besides ones I have taken .myself. When the brighter days come, it will be a perfect delight to take snaps of interesting places. Dunedin would be the scene of many visitors when H.M.S. Dunedin was there. Last year when H.M.S. Dunedin was in Dunedin, I had the privilege of being shown over the ship by one of the officers. He did not hesitate to explain different parts of interest about the ship. Sometime ago, when I was at Invercargill, I had the opportunity of going for a ride on the chair-o-plane ana the big wheel. I had never been on these respective amusements before, and it was indeed a big sensation to me when I was on the chair-o-plane. When on the big wheel one can have a wonderful view below) It is my little cousin’s birthday to-day, and she is four. My birthday is October 9. Then I shall be 20. The best of wishes to all.— Yours truly.
NEW ZEALAND RATA (Clinton).
[Yes, there is plenty of time for working in the garden. New Zealand Rata. You could have camera competitions between yourselves. If you have been taught to develop your own films the pleasure is doubled. Those amusements caused great pleasure at the exhibition.— POT.]
Dear Dot, —The kiddies are back at school again after their fortnight’s holiday, and both my little brother and sister were glad it was open again. Daffodils and violets are again flowering in the gardens, and making a pretty show, especially the violets. The people around here play euchre every Monday night, but, as I cannot play it I do not go. My brother won a pretty little clock at a euchre party not very long ago. Last Thursday night my sister Lovely Blue Eyes and I went to the picture called “ Gohl Diggers of Broadway,” and I thought it very good. H.M.S. Dunedin was in Bluff for three days, but as the weather was too cold I did not go to see it. Pansy Pan and my brother have both just gone to a euchre and dance held not many miles from here. We have a number of lambs now. Although we have no pet lamb this year yet, I think it is one of the prettiest, playful little animals one could have for a pet.—Yours truly, NIGELLA (Southland).
[lt is cheering to hear that the children like school, Nigella. Cards do not have any pleasure to us if we are not really interested in the game. A clock is a useful article to win for a prize. It is a good sign if there are no pet lambs, although they are such friendly animals to be cared for. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —It is more than three years since I last wrote to you. When I last wrote I was still at boarding school in Marton. We lived in Hawke’s Bay, but, as you see, we now live in Timaru. At the end of 1928 I left school, and went to Dunedin for the Christmas holidays, which lasted for nearly four months instead of six weeks. I went back to Hawke’s Bay. but we left after I had been at home six weeks. On my way to Dunedin I stayed the -week-end with a friend in Christchurch, and for a fortnight with relations in Timaru. In the middle of July last year I started my training at the Karitane Hospital at Anderson’s Bay. I finished my training about six weeks ago, and was very sorry to leave. Our film examinations were the Thursday and Friday in Capping Week. I did not go in to the Capping procession, for it -was not a very good day, and the examinations were the next day. However I was lucky enough to go to the ball on Thursday night, after coming off duty at 10 pm.
Unluckily I had to go on duty again at 5.30 a.m. on Friday morning. There were only three of us in one term, so after we finished our examination on Friday we went to the Capping concert. I finished my duties the following Sunday, and on Monday I came home. Last Friday it was a fine day. and we all motored to Lake Tekapo. It was beautiful seeing the blue lake, surrounded by the snow-covered hills, and the little patch of green trees round the Lake House. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, CURLY TOP (Timaru).
[You did not have much time to sleep on the Thursday night, Curly Top. However, I expect you were used to staying up on night duty. Your holidays did lengthen themselves out in Dunedin. Describe Lake Tekapo to us.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I did not come first in my class. My aunt and cousin were staying with us for their holidays. I did not go anywhere for mine. We have one cow milking, but we shall have two soon. The daffodils and primroses look pretty when they are out in bloom. My sister and I took our cousin to the plantation, and we just reached home when it began to rain. We went back to school from our two weeks’ holiday, and I did not feel like climbing out of my bed so early. I have two miles to walk to school, and we do not leave home until 8 o’clock. There are a number.of little lambs about, which look such darlings chasing after their mothers. Kind regards to all.—-Yours truly.
MISS AMY JOHNSON (Lowburn Ferry).. [The holidays pass pleasantly if there are cousins to play with, Miss Aniy Johnson. What kind of trees are in the plantation? School generally seems long the first day we go back. Lambs have a happy knack of enjoying 'themselves even on a dull day.—DOT.]
Dear Dot. —Have you been having fine weather in Dunedin? Everything is looking fresh and green now that spring is here. We have a good many flowers out in our flower garden. I love the little purple viplets. as 'they have such a sweet scent. The fruit trees will soon have blossoms on them. They look very pretty when they are covered with a mass of white. The bees fly about in dozens from flower 'to flower gathering the honey. I suppose the Gardens in Dunedin will be looking very beautiful. The flowers in the hot-houses are pretty, as there are such pretty shades. Your page is increasing very quickly. I like reading the letters in the Otago Witness from Little Folk who live in a different country from ours. They are very interesting. I have been taking some more snaps with
my camera, so I hope they turn out all right. It was a very sad happening when the ship Tahiti sank. The passengers would be very thankful that they were saved. I saw by the papers that a car belonging to two men who were going round the world in it had gone down with the Tahiti. I suppose they will have to postpone their journey now, and buy another. My favourite book is “ The Big Book for Girls.” Have you read it? Love to all.—Yours truly FAIRY OF THE GOLDEN LIL'S (Port Molyneux). [The weather is becoming most springlike, Fairy of the Golden Lily. Little Folk in other countries like to read your letters from New Zealand. Yes, that wreck was a misfortune. I have not read the book, but I know that it has good stories in it—DOT.] * ¥ ■¥ Dear Dot, —There is a dance in Orepuki, and my two sisters and brother are making ready to go. Lady Jane Grey’s brother is going with. them. Our mother went away this morning for a fortnight’s holiday, and my eldest sister is housekeeping- There are little lambs about. We have only a few sheep, and have one lamb. I am very fond of reading books. I finished the one I was reading to-day, and the title of it was “ Rose of Paradise.” 1 like receiving letters from my correspondents. I also like writing them, but not so well as receiving. Mountain Lily and I often cycle to Colac Bay. We enjoy cycling if the road is in good order. We have three new records for the gramophone The gramophone belongs to our butcher, but we have had it for nearly four months. Last night our two elder sisters and Mountain Lily and I were dancing to the tunes of the gramophone. Best of love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MOUNTAIN ROSE (Round Hill).
[Housework is very tiring for our mothers, Mountain Rose. It is good for them.to go for a holiday sometimes. If that is the only lamb it is an important animal. What are the names of the records? Are they dance ones? If so, it is no wonder you dance to the gramophone.— DOT.]'
Dear Dot, —I am glad we have started school again, as I like school very much. Dad brought home a little lamb the other night, but it died, because its mother starved it and she was butting it. Uncle brought home another wee lamb, because its mother had three lambs. It is such a dear wee tot. It jumps about everywhere, and it plays too. One of my correspondents posted me a letter about a week ago and I have not written to heryet. I think I had betterdo so, to be
fair. I was saving the “ Amber Tips ” coupons, and I saved until I had 80 points, and I sent them away, and I received a combination fountain pen and pencil. It has a fountain pen at one end and a pencil at the other end. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, POPPY FAIRY (Port Molyneux).
[That was cruel of the mother sheep, Poppy Fairy. You are right about the answering of letters. It- is certainly unfair to be continually receiving letters and not answering them. It does not take very long to save tea tin coupons, but one needs patience.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your happv band of Little Folk? I am in Standard I at school, and I am eight years of age. I have three and a-half miles to walk to school, and a part of the way is on a beach a mile long. Sometimes I have a ride home, which I enjoy very much. There are a few lambs about, and I saw a very pretty black one the other day. Love to all Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, MUSICAL MACK (Stewart Island).
are already entered in the book, Musical Mack, so you have written two entrance letters now. I know the long beach you mention. It is a very smootfi one. Yes, you are lucky to have a ride home, but walking on a beach is also pleasant.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years of age, and in Standard I at school. I have three and a-half miles to go to school, and some of the way is on a beach a mile long. We have some hens, and we have five and six eggs a day. We have rain here often, so we are glad when we see fine days. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MUM’S LITTLE HELPER (Stewart Island).
[Yes, you may join, Mum’s Little Helper. That beach is worthy of its name. I know that it rains often in Stewart Island, but it is often fine too. When it is really fine there the days seem more hot and enjoyable than in other places.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I have only one correspondent in the_ page, and she is my cousin. It is very windy here to-day, and as we are on a corner we have the full benefit of the dust. I -was at the pictures last night, but did not enjoy myself much, as it was one where people were being shot. I do not like those kinds at all. There is an aeroplane flying about here this afternoon. I used to think I should hate to go up in one, but I do not think I should mind. If I ever have a chance I think I shall go up. Father is busy in the garden. He dug it over some time ago, and limed it, so is now working it up to put the seeds in. I love watching the growth of tiny plants. It is good to know that the ground can produce such wonderful things. Can you play euchre? I can a little. It is a good game, I think. We go to a euchre party held at the school every Saturday night. It is great fun, and exciting if two pjayers have to play for the prize. Does Red Ragger still write to the page? I have not seen a letter from her in for a long time. I always enjoy reading her letters, as they are so interesting. Did you see the photographs of some of the nurses in last week’s Otago Witness? My sister is in them both. She loves being a nurse, and has been at the hospital for about 15 months. Love to all and yourself.—Yours truly,
0.X.0. (Otago). [Some of the pictures shown are really too impossible and gruesome, 0.X.0. If you were asked quickly, and decided to go up in an aeroplane on the spur of the moment you would not have time to worry over it. I can play euchre. Red Ragger is an Old Writer now. Yes, I saw the photographs.—DOT.]
Dear Dot. —My sisters and brother are making ready to go to a dance, which is at Orepuki. Our cousin, Lady Corinna, went away from here last Sunday, and we miss her a great deal. All my brothers and sisters used to write to you. My brothers’ nonis de plume were Canny Boy and Glenelg, and my sisters’ were Lady Sylvia, Delightes. and Mountain Rose, but Mountain Rose, and I are the only ones who write now. I have just finished a book called “ The Country Beyond,” which I thought very interesting. Our eldest sister is back from working at Colac Bay Post Office, and is now housekeeper while our mother is away for a holiday to Dunedin. There are several daffodils out. and I think they are lovely. Lady Jane Grey said that she -was going to write to your page to-night. I think it is going to freeze to-night, but I hope not. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. .
MOUNTAIN LILY (Round Hill).
[I cannot think of you and Mountain Rose apart, Mountain Lily. I am sure you should be twins. Are you really alike? Your names are side by side in the roll book. Mother will appreciate this spring weather for her holidays.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —The catkins are starting to come on the willows, and also on the poplars. My little calf is mooing for me to go and put it in its shed, as it is cold. I have just finished writing to Eyes of Blue. About a fortnight ago my brother and I went into Oamaru for our new truck, and I stayed the night at my cousin’s place. She and I went to the talkies, and I liked them very much. My mother has not been very well lately. Our daffodils are not out yet, but we have a good many violets out. also some matchheads The mountains were thickly covered in snow last week, and still there is a thick coating left. Dad caught a grey bunny in' the garden, and we put it in the cage with some Chinchillas its own size, but somehow it escaped out of its cage into another one, and one of the Angoras killed it. We have 400 chickens, and my brothers have 200. We are having more chickens to-morrow. ’ Dad has two I.X.L. (I excel) brooders, and they seem good. My youngest brother is poisoning rabbits. Mum has a cactus out in bloom, and it has about six flowers on it. There are four wee lambs in a paddock just over from us. and they are very playful wee things. It is becoming dark later now, and it is light when the train comes in. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self—Yours trulv. NIPPER’S MISTRESS (Otekaike).
[Snow lies a long time on mountains,Nipper s Mistress. Have match-heads any other name? That poor gray bunny! How unhappy he must have been in that cage. Wild rabbits always fret if they are shut up.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I am in bed -writing tin's letter, because I am sick. This morning my young sister came running in with something in her pinafore. She asked us to guess what it was, but after several attempts we had to give in. She was so excited she could not tell us -what it was, so she opened up her pinny. Can you guess what it was, something soft and x 4r rry ‘ was a dear little baby hare. We received such a surprise, because it is very, very seldom that we see one about here. She was looking for birds’ nests,, and she happened to roll over a log, and saw the hare curled up asleep. Dad made her take it back, and put it under the stump again. My sisters cross over the river by a swing bridge. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, MOUNT EGMONT PRINCESS (Taranaki).
[Bed is not a place to be in when the days are becoming so pleasant. Mount Egmont Princess. I -would not have guessed that it was a hare your sister hid in her pinafore. It was good that your father told her to put it back. I W °DO el " if WaS Very muc h frightened.
Dear Dot, —Spring is here again, and everything is beginning to look fresh and green again after being so bare for such a long time. The flower gardens are beginning to look gay with daffodils, violets, and primroses out. We sowed several different kinds of flower seeds, and they are all up. We are milking 21 cows, and feeding 13 calves. There are not many lambs about yet, as it has been cold weather here lately. September is our month for wet weather. My brother’s birthday is .shortly, and mine is on September 23. and I shall be 18 years of age. Myrtle Blossoms is staying with my cousin, and I see her every day. She has been ill for a long time, and she is up here for her health. I have just finished work-: ing a pair of pillowshams, and I am going to work a cushion next. All the crew and passengers were lucky to escape off R.M.S. Tahiti _ before she. sank. When H.M.S. Dunedin was in Timaru she -was sending out searchlights, and it was great how you could see places. All the streets are in darkness, as they have no electric power to spare, as Lake Coleridge is growing lower every day. It is blowing a nor’wester tonight, and it will melt the snow on the mountains at the back of the lake. The New Zealand footballers won in the end. My brother went to Dunedin to see the first test. Kind regards to all the Little Folk, and best of love to your own dear self.—Yours truly.
HOOK-ITE (Makikihi).
[Primroses are such sunshiny flowers. Hook-ite. After this month we shall see the sun often. Searchlights of the powerful kind can pierce through clouds or smoke. Did you see over the cruiser?-— DOT.]
Dear- Dot, —Last week we had a fall of snow, but it did not lie long. There was no school on Monday, as it was snowing. My wee sister had whooping cough, but is pretty well better again. Willow Blossom and I -were out all day yesterday burning in the paddocks, and had a good fire sometimes. Our bantam is hatching, and so is one of the other hens. We have two cows in. The hens and ducks are laying. We had a pure white runner drake, but the hawks killed him. There were many hawks about, and we set rabbit traps, and caught some. Love to all.—Yours truly, HAPPY JOHN (Hakataramea).
[Ducks fear hawks. Happy John. I remember the way the ducklings would turn their heads sideways, and look up at the big birds. Then they would waddle to shelter. I hope the whooping cough has disappeared now. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —-We have five calves. When I come home from school in the afternoons I help to feed the hens and ducks. There are about 80 fowls and 13 ducks, and we have many eggs. My uncle hurt his leg a few weeks ago. One of my mates has another baby sister, but I do not know what her name is to be, as they have not decided on one yet. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly,
WILLOW BLOSSOM (Hakataramea). [lt takes a while to feed the stock. Willow Blossom. Your help will greatly aid your father. The naming of the baby is an important event. When we realise the name is to be always with the child we need to choose it with care.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —The other day we had about 6in of snow, and snowballed each other. Our daffodils are all out now. We have no lambs yet. We have a new pony, and I have been for two rides on her. We call her Betty. Our little Shetland pony Trixie is a slow little thing, but coming home she travels at a great pace. We have three hens sitting. One’s chicks should be out any day. I have a wee baking board and rolling pin. I tried to make scones, and I put in flour and water, but I forgot whether I was making pastry or scones. I was folding the dough several times instead of rolling it once. I must try again some day.—Yours truly, GAY GIRL (Waimate).
[I hope yo.ur baking will be most successful next time you try, Gay Girl. I, suppose that Trixie realises that she is foing home to be fed by her kind owners, hope your chickens are all healthy. I wonder whether your side won the snow, fight?—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Thank you for naming my kitten. The ponies’ names are Victor and Ginger. We have two black and white calves named Tip and Star. My brother had his cousin staying with him recently, and they were a pair of tricks. They played all day at the haystacks trying to make smaller stacks with a garden fork and a little cart. We have nine pet lambs at present, but I expect in a few days dad will have them mothered up to new mothers. All the spring flowers are bursting into bud. Mother’s garden will soon be a pretty sight with the narcissi, tulips, and primroses. We have a large plot of violets, and mother sends bunches to her sick frSends. Love ’to you and the Little Folk. —-Yours truly.
SAUCY WAVELET (North Otago). -
. [I hope your mother has not many sick friends, Saucy Wavelet. How they must appreciate your flowers. Are Tip and Star very much like each other? Your cousin must have enjoyed his holiday.— DOT.]
Dear Dot, —We have had some very bad weather lately for the lambs, and a number have perished with the cold. The other day the land surveyors flew over our way, and we watched them go away over the mountains into Central Otago somewhere. They came back in the afternoon again. The paddocks round about us are green again, and some crops that have been sown for 10 nd 11 weeks are just showing green. The rain and the few hot days that we have had made them grow. The farmers here are losing a lot of ewes with some disease. The ewes stand around for a day or two. and then they die. They have tried all sorts of cures, but they seem to be of no use. We have not started tennis here yet, but there is to be a meeting soon. Do you play tennis? I think it is a good game. I have just finished ploughing, which had been delayed by rain, but I shall not be able to. work the ground as it is too sticky. I have been reading the letters in your page, and. I notice there are many more Little Folk since I first started. I have two sisters and one brother writing to your page too. Three of us went out pig-hunting, but we did not see any.' We had a good time out on the hills, and saw some good scenery. My cousin and I went to see the picture “ The Shannons of Broadway,” and we thought it was good. Dunback is playing Maheno on Saturday, and I hope to be able to see it, because it will be a good game. I was out with the shotgun, and shot three rabbits. There are not many rabbits about, but there are plenty of hares. A party went out not far from our place and caught 95 hares.—Yours truly.
DASHING DICK (Five Forks).
[I am very sorry for the poor lambs and ewes, and I do hope that a cure for the disease will soon be found. Dashing Dick. I suppose you do not like to be stopped from working, when you have begun to plough. Does your whole family ■write to the page? Once there used to be great numbers of rabbits too. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I have a very bad cold. I have been in hospital since I wrote last. My. brother and I.had our tonsils out. I was at Dunedin for ray holiday, and I had an enjoyable time, but it was not long enough. My mother lives in Dunedin. She is working, because my father is dead. He died when I was three years old. Our little dog Barney r died. I had my photograph taken in town. My brother has joined your page. I am 12 years old this month. My_ cousin has four wee hares, and they are dear little things.— Yours truly.
YELLOW CROCUS FLOWER (Kakapuaka).
[I hope that you write many letters to your mother, Yellow Crocus Flower. lam sorry you have been in hospital, and hope that you are in better health now. You must miss little Barney very much. Have you another dog? I am sure your photograph was very good. Was it?—DOT.]
Dear Dot.—This will be my retiring letter, as I shall be 20 on December 23. I have left my place now. I was there 15 months, but I stay at home to help my mother. _ I am learning to milk. We are milking three cows, one in the morning. and three at night, and we make butter. We are busy with the garden just now while the weather is fine. We have peas and potatoes in.—Yours truly, DAD’S GIRLIE II (Invercargill).
[We shall hear from you during Old Writers’ Week, I hope, Dad’s Girlie 11. You must be glad to be home again, are you not? The people you were working for must miss you, I am sure. Are you interested in gardening, apart from the vegetable growing part?—-DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I think it is lovely to have spring here again, with all the flowers. I did not go anywhere for my holidays, but had a girl friend staying with me. We went to Clydevale to play hockey, and were successful in winning the Powley Cup, although it rained very heavily. We have a hen sitting on eggs. My girl friend has four pet lambs at home, and six chickens. We have a lovely Persian cat, and we call her Fluff, but she is too fat and lazy to be a good hunter. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.— Yours truly,
D.I.D. (Milton).
[Congratulations on winning the Powley Cup. D.I.D. Has Milton ever won it before this year? I do not think you told me what position you played in in the team, did you? I am sure your friend and you must have both enjoyed your holidays.—DOT.]
Dear Dot.—l have just finished writing to Lady Mary and Isle of Beauty’s Daughter. Isle of Beauty’s Daughter is my cousin. Our kitten, Cheeky, is learning to box. One night in the holidays Cheeky was inside, and had jumped on dad’s shoulder. My father was sitting by the fire, and Cheeky kept looking at the range. All of a sudden he jumped on it, but the next minute he was under the table. His feet were cracked for a few days afterwards. This morning mum was giving the calves some hay, and Cheeky •went over to the stack too. Cheeky hates the pigs. We have two wee black pigs, and they are growing fast. We have two geese, and the mother goose has nine eggs of her own, and two duck eggs. We are milking four cows at present, and have three bull calves, but one is going to the works to be killed. About a week ago I made some toffee, and it was delicious. Last term I was at home for about three weeks with pneumonia. We have started school again. I am in Form I now. The fruit trees are beginning to have buds and leaves. We are not receiving many eggs yet. The flowers we have out at present are dark blue violets, light blue violets, primroses, and pansies. Do you like flowers? I do. My favourites are violets, roses, and pansies. It is only about three and a-half months till Christmas. Love to all Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, DO ALL (Mataura).
[I love flowers, Do All. I should like to see Cheeky. He must have been frightened when he burned his paws. Do you often make sweets at home? I am
glad you are not kept away from school this term. You will try not to miss any days at all, I suppose.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have been working at a sheep station 30 miles from home. I assist with the housework here. Once a month I go home, and I look forward all the month to my visit home. Last time I went dad brought two new cows home. One is a roan coloured one, and the other a deep red. Could you give me names for them, please? While I was at home I had 11 teeth taken out, four at the front on the top set, and seven at the back on the bottom set. It was not at all painful, as I had ether. I have read some very good books since I have been here. Some of them are “ The Bitter Heritage,” “ Helen.” “ London Lavender,” “ The Enchanted Hill,” and “ The Man of the Forest,” by Zane Grey. Have you read any of them? At present I am working a duchesse set, and have just finished a cushion. I am not very far on with it, as I prefer reading, and when I am interested in a good book it is hard to leave it. The weather at present is fine, although September here has been mostly “ real September weather.” My mate has scalded her two legs, and she spent her holidays in bed with linseed oil wrappings on her legs. I am going for a week’s holiday next month, when I shall be sixteen. The time flies when one has left school. —Yours truly, TROUSER BUTTON (Southland).
[Call the cows Ron and Moon, Trouser Button. I do not think I have read any of those books. I can understand how you enjoy going home. I suppose that you will soon finish the duchesse set when you are really interested in it. I am sorry your friend had such a painful holiday.— DOT.]
Dear Dot. —We have some violets and many other flowers out in the garden. Our seeds are coming through the ground, and all the bulbs are forward. Your page increases every week, does it not? I know a man who used to write to your page when he was small, but I do not know what his nom de plume was. The flowering currant is out in bloom, and it looks so. pretty. I hope I gain my proficiency this year, because my sister had two attempts, and then she did not pass. The gorse is beautiful with its yellow bloom. It is all along both sides of the road for a-quarter of a mile from our place. I sweep out the school every night before I go home, and I like doing it out very much. There are numbers of little lambs frolicking about. I saw a little lamb with a black and white face and black legs this morning. I have six correspondents. but I shall soon have eight. I have not finished my brooch yet, but it will not take me very long. I have been reading a great number of books lately. We were playing rounders at school, and my side won by 63 points to 34 points, so what do you think of my side? Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly,
BLACK-EYED SUSAN (Southland).
[I think that your team must have been too quick for the other side, Black-eyed Susan. You must be happy to see all the young lambs playing in the paddocks. Do the school children take it in turns to tidy up the school before they go home? — DOT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I shall be 15 on September 30. I have left school, and I am at home housekeeping. I have six brothers, three of whom are still at school, and two sisters. One sister is away from home, and the other one is Dear Darby. Cupid Asleep is a friend of mine, so is Daddy’s Little Housekeeper. I play tennis and hockey. Do you ever go to the talkies? I have been only once. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, ”• BRIGHT SUNBEAM "(M'Nab).
[Yes, You may join, Bright Sunbeam. Your popular name had been chosen before. You lucky child with six brothers! How they must tease and pet you in turn. I go to the pictures sometimes.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age. and I am in Standard V. I go to the East Gore School. I have two sisters who have left school, and six brothers, three of whom are still going to school. Cupid Asleep is a friend of mine, so is Silver Teddy. I play basket ball at school. Do you ever go to the talkies? I often go to them. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, DEAR DARBY (M‘Nab).
[Yes, you may join, Dear Darby. Your name, like that of Bright Sunbeam’s, had been chosen before. Sometimes Igo to hear the talkies. It is growing too hot for basket ball now. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I should like to write to you about my holidays at the seaside. We had splendid fun playing on the beach and gathering shells. Last Sunday we went for a bicycle ride. I was very sorry when school started, because I was enjoying myself. The school I go to is at Ruahine, and I am in Standard V. I shall be 12 years of age this October. — Yours truly, PINK PRIMROSE (Wakatipu).
[Seaside holidays are the most enjoyable of all, Pink Primrose. The air is so good for you too. School has to be at-tended,-'however, but it is really fun too. —DOT.] * ¥ ¥
Dear Dot, —Please my I join your happy band of Little Folk? I,am 11 years of age. I have two pet lambs called Mrs Massey and Mrs Seddon. I have a pony named Winsome, but I cannot ride her, as she is too tricky. My hobbies are gardening and reading, which I like. I like to see the flowers. Do you? The boys call me a bookworm. The last book I read was “Madcap Judy,” which I received as a Sunday school prize for learning the commandments first. Please may I have Mary of Argyle for my nom de plume, if it is not taken?—Yours truly, SWEET MARY OF ARGYLE (D ar field).
[Yes, you may join, Sweet Mary of Argyle. Your name has been taken. Your hobbies are good ones, but do not sit too long over your books. Yes, a garden without flowers is a sad sight indeed. How d‘d it take you to learn the Sim’ ' ’ ''■■-on?—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you I have been in bed with a bad cold, but I am better now, which is a blessing, as I do not like lying in bed. It makes one feel so out of things. It is good to watch the little lambs frisking about in the paddocks, and to see the flowers springing up all around. There is plenty of work for me to do in the flower garden, but I like it, as it is such healthy work, and keeps one fit and strong. I have not heard from Sconny for ever so long. We receive a good number of eggs from our hens, and we are preserving them in tins for next winter. There are two talkie theatres in Gore. My sister went to see the picture “ Sunny Side Up,” and enjoyed it very much. I have three correspondents, but only one of them writes to the page. I have just finished reading a book called “ Rilla of Ingleside,” by L. M. Montgomery. I have also read “ Anne of Green Gables,” which is by the same author. Have you read either of these? I am not learning music, but I like to keep practising. I bought some new pieces of music on Saturday, and I am longing to master them. I know a good number of the Little Folk, who write to the page. Kindest regards to all. —Yours truly. GOLDEN SUNBEAM (Gore).
[There are other interesting books about Anne, Golden Sunbeam. She was an original child, and her adventures are very amusing. It is a pity you are not learning music when you are so fond of it. What are the pieces you are so keen to learn properly? I have posted the badge to you.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in the paper. I print the letters myself. Mummy helps me with the big words. I can read some of the letters in the Otago Witness. My brother’s pup is a naughty little dog. He chases my kitten and takes its bone. We have a new calf. It is a pretty red one. We have only three lambs yet. I like when daddy takes us with him around the sheep so we can see all the pretty lambs. Sometimes we see black ones. I should like a black lamb for a pet. The pet lamb that we have eats bread and scones. It chases us when we go out the gate. My uncle gave my sister and me a big Teddy bear each. We like them very much. We have some violets out in the garden. The other flowers will soon be out. I like to see the bees and butterflies which settle on them. My brother was at another birthday party. I was in bed when he came home, so he told us about it next day. My sister will be six next month. Then she is going to write to you. I am sorry Jack Frost has gone away. It was lovely sliding on the ice when we went down to see our granny. Cloverdeen took our photographs on the ice. Best love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, BROWN TOP (Mossburn).
[Puppy indeed needs a spanking, Brown Top. Kittens generally have a hard time when a dog bullies them. I have not heard of a lamb which likes scones to eat. I like black lambs too. They have such funny faces. —DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I did not go away for a holiday this term. I do not think I will be going away for the Christmas holidays, either. There are six in my class, and I came top. There were nine new children at our school on Tuesday. We have primroses out, and our daffodils are nearly out. Have you any daffodils out? I was busy covering my books, and I have every one covered. Now I shall have to close. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly.
QUEEN OF THE ROSES (Southland) [Holidays can be just as happy at home. Queen of the Roses. One does not need to go away to enjoy them. You did well to be top of the class. We have two clumps of daffodils out now. They look so gay and dainty.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Our music teacher was married at the end of last month, and my sister, girl friend, and I motored into Balclutha to see her married. On leaving the church there was snich a crowd that we couldn’t get out in time to shower her ■with confetti. However, we went down to the tea rooms where the wedding breakfast was to take place, and on their return from the photographer’s to the tea rooms they were given an extra showering of confetti In fact, people stood in the way so that the bridal party could not enter the tea rooms until the supply of confetti gave out and they were allowed to pass on and do full justice to" the breakfast which wae> awaiting them. They left on their honeymoon tour in the bride’s own car. which had been decorated with coloured paper streamers. About a week prior to our music teacher’s wedding we pupils gave her a six o’clock tea and presented her with a bronze flower bowl. After our little banquet (set out on a smaller scale than is usual, but nevertheless enjoyed by all) we donned paper hats, and then each pupil had to give an item of a kind, so my sister and I gave a pianoforte duet. We then played games and enjoyed ourselves until the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” brought our delightful little evening to a close. Our dressmaking mistress gave up her Balclutha class when the schools terminated for their spring holidays. During the afternoon of her last Friday in Balclutha we pupils joined together in making our sewing mistress a presentation of a crystal vaee and a black and white etching. It seems rather a coincidence that we should lose both sewing mistress and music teacher within a fortnight. Others have already taken their places, but to us they are not the same as the previous ones, which we were sorry to see leave us. One Saturday night my sister, girl friend, and I went to a party in Balclutha given by a girl friend of ours. We played cards, games, etc., and as one of the party brought his portable gramophone with him, a dance was started, and it was not long before we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves. My little nephew spent three weeks of last month in the Balclutha Hospital, and. being only a wee chap of 21 months, he didn’t take at all kindly to the nurses. When we went to see him on visiting days we could only look through an opening in the door at him. All the nurses and sisters, on passing this door, used to look in and speak to my nephew, so that very soon he grew cunning, and used to lie in his cot and w-atch the door, and when we went to see him it was hard for us to see him without him seeing us. We have just had radio installed. My brother put it in himself, and we quite look
forward to the evenings, when we have most time to listen in. So far I think the best music we have had is from Sydney. Kind regards to all. —Yours truly,
D. O. D. (Waitepeka)
[Your letter was so long that I unfortunately had to cut some of it, D. O. D. The wedding you describe must have been a very successful and jolly one. And what a happy party you had }vith your drecsmaking mistress! The poor wee nephew in the hospital! I hope he is well now.— DOT.]
Dear Dot, —I was second in my school examination, and in my theory examination received 98 marks. My father landed home one Tuesday, and brought me home many very beautiful presents. I was pleased to see him, and I enjoy hearing him tell about Siam. One can buy a baby girl for almost nothing, and yet for a boy you have to pay over 50dol. Mj brother’s dredge has closed for two months, and he, with a party of others, are away elephant and tiger shooting in the jungle. My sister Sally From Our Alley had a birthday one Friday, and at her party received very many beautiful presents. The Radio Postie sent her a lovely cake with eight candles on it, and also a pencil case with everything required in it. There was a ball here, held by the bachelors. I did not go, because it would have been too late for me, and there was school next day. My uncle and aunt are still living with us, and uncle has a cold. We have one cow, and a calf. I enjoy going for her every morning and evening. My grandmother in Australia knitted mother a very pretty bed-jacket and my sister a pair of stockings. It is very plain that the spring is here, because the bulbs and other plants are all through the ground. Love to all Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly.' YOUNG HOCKEY PLAYER (Waitahuna).
[Congratulations on your place in class, Young Hockey Player. Whit a time you would have when father came home! I should not like to be a baby girl in Siam. Would you, too, like to shoot big game? Your grandmother was kind to knit those pretty things.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —During this last week there have been no street lights, and one finds it very inconvenient, especially in the back streets. We were very lucky to have our winter show over before the electricityfailed. My cousin from Wellington was down during the show, and went with us one night, when we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Each night there was an hour’s concert given by different dancing and gymnastic classes. On the night we went the Tuahiwi Maori troupe gave a much appreciated programme. The hakas by the young boys were moat amusing. Recently I went to a lecture given by the Trinity College musical examiners. The medallists gave solos during the evening. The examiner improvised a fugue on seven notes of a scale chosen by a member of the audience. One could pick the subject coming in in the different voices very easily, and I thought it most interesting. I had one pupil entered for junior grade, and she passed, so I was very pleased. We went to a concert given by the postmen to aid the Poor and Sick Fund, and enjoyed every item immensely. At the beginning of the school vacation I assisted at a children’s party given to about 40 of our Sunday School scholars by our deaconess. The tables were most beautifully decorated with table napkins. The cakes, too, made a most colourful display, as many of them were coloured jellies. The children were given many interesting games, there being two charades. T[ie children were divided, and while one half were preparing theirs the res»t learnt a folk dance. They chose “carpet” for their word, and acted .t very well, although w e could not guess it. The other half acted “ window,” and it was guessed The scene at the supper table was indeed an impressive one. Many of the little guests did not belong to homes used to luxury, and to see their radiant faces as each delicacy was produced was indeed inspiring. After supper a missionary sister from the Solomon Islands who happened to be visiting our city told the children a little about her ■work, and closed the party 7 by repeating the Lord’s Prayer in the language of the Solomon Islanders. I assist our infant mistress, who is a Maori deaconess student, with the little folk at SundaySchool, and find the work most interesting, as they say such unexpected things. With best wishes to all.—Yours truly, RETA PETA (Christchurch).
[I had to cut some of your letter out, because we were crushed for space, Reta Petat. I know how unpleasant it is to be in a city where there are no lights. What a happy time th e children at the party seem to have had. I should like to see you teaching your little folk at Sunday school.—DOT.]
Dear Dot, —Hastings held its Mucic Week Festival a few weeks ago. It opened with an organ recital on Sundayevening, and a concert by the band in the afternoon. On Monday evening a chamber music concert was held, to which we went. Two orchestras or classes of violins played selections, which were very good. A string quartet, a trio, and come vocal music were also given. Backhaus gave a recital on Wednesday, and on Thursday a demonstration concert was held in the theatre. My brother and I played in one of the orchestras that night. Our orchestra played “Nell Gwyn,” an overture byEdward German. In my tea-tier’s little orchestra we are learning “Waltz No. 1,” by Cyril Scott, and two minuets bv Handel. I am very fond of Handel’s music, as it has co much melody and tunefulness that all can understand. Last year we heard a performance of Handel’s “ Messiah ” for the first time, and I do not think we had ever before enjoyed a concert so much. It is-a work that stands out on its own, it is so grand. Dur garden is coming on now, although we have had a spell of cold weather that has retarded growth. I have planted a border of pansies and violas round one -side, and they are flowering now. They are such pretty colours, from deep, velvety purple to yellow._ We have a small rose bed planted too, with a sweet pea fence at the back of it. The sweet peas are up a few inches. We have a tractor now. The horses were getting too slow and old. It is a track type one called a “ Caterpillar.’’ I have read a few of Countess Russell’s
books now, and I like all her writings that I have read very much, especially* “The Enchanted April ” and “In the Mountains.” Kind regards to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, . NECTAR (Havelock North).
[I can appreciate the feast of music yoq describe, Nectar. You have been in luck’s way lately-, particularly in having Back--hans with you. I also am very fond of Countess Russell’s books, but my favourite is “ Expiation.”—DOT.
Dear Dot, —Please excuse me for not writing, as I have not written to you for nearly three years. In my last letter to you I said I was sitting for my- pro* ficiency examination, but I did not get it, having missed it by a small number of marks. I went to school until May of the next year, then sat for it again. This time I was successful, so I now have a competency and a proficiency certificate. I have been driving a lorry for my father for a little over a year, and am quite used to it now. We have three lorries now, two speed trucks and a three-tonner. I drive one of the speed trucks, and my lather the big lorry. For the last n : ne months we have been contracting, having carted about 8000yds of gravel, and we still have another contract to go to. We a [ e P resen t carting calves to the Mataura Freezing Works, and will be until about the middle of November, having 19 factories to cart from. Last year We collected about 9000 calves, but this y-ear I think there will be more, as ?2? , P eo l’^ e are not keeping their calves. We have a two-deck crate for carting, and take about 80 calves a load. W’e have had a wireless set for about three and a-half months, and it is a good set. At times we get Japan, but cannot understand their language. The Southland football team was havjng great success this seawn in J ts wrestle to hold the Ranfurly Shield, and like a true Southlander. I would have liked to see them hold it, but when theyplayed V ellington the best team won. I nope you are all well, and wish the page the best of success in the future.—Yours truly,
IVORY TIPPED (Southland). [D at first you don’t succeed ,” i °J y Tipped. You know the rest. I am "lad tha.t when you tried again for your proficiency you did succeed. "What pleasant work it must be driving big trucks like those, yours must be a good wireless it you can sometimes hear Japan.—DOT.]
Dear Dot,—l suppose that you think 1 am not writing to you again. I came top in my examination again. I received 300 marks, and first term 299. There are new children at school now. Our two wee nanny goats went away last week. I had a good holiday in the term holidays. Tho Ca j I cam e home I caught the mail car, a - j! ” le time I was waiting for it it rajjjed. I was in town for a -week, and I was at “The Cingalese.” Love to all the little folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly.
LUCKY LAST (Winton). [Congratulations on your place in class, ; dear. You should be called not Lucky Last, but Lucky First. Seven new children will make a good addition to your echool. What a shame that the rain caught you like that! Were you very wet?—DOT.] J NOTES. Do All.—Thank you very- much for returning the badge.—DOT. Annie Ure.—As all the'Little Folk are indexed under the initial of their nom de plume, and not their private names, I cannot tell y-oti y-our old nom de plume from your private name.—DOT. O.X.O.—Did you receive the badge safely?—DOT. • DOT wishes the following Little Folk a happy birthday:-—New Zealand Rata, Hookite, Bright Sunbeam, Prairie Maid, and Prairie Child. AUTOS. Bright Sunbeam (Rose Byron, M'Nab, via Gore, Southland) wishes to correspond with any- Little Folk between the ages of 15 and 17. Dad’s Girlie (L. Winter, M’Quarrie street, Seaward Bush, South Invercargill) wishes to correspond with any Australian writer between 19 and 21 years of age. Blossoming Cherry (Ena Thompson, Ringway- Ridges, Otautau) would like to correspond with any Little Folk between the ages of 14 and 17. Queen of Daunt (Freda Harraway, Kuri Bush, Otago) wishes to correspond with Lady Mary, Jack Ginger, and Lady Corinna. Darby (Doris Byron, M'Nab, via Gore, Southland) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between the ages of 13 and 15. Black-eyed Susan (Marion Munro, Eastern Bush, via Otautau, Southland, New Zealand) wishes to correspond with Gaucho Juan and a Little Folk in Australia. Do All (Margaret Aim, Seibourne street, Mataura, Southland) would like to correspond with any Little Folk between the ages of 12 and 15, and especially those overseas. Trouser Button (Betty Morgan, Garthowen, Winton, Southland) wishes to correspond with any boy Little Folk in Canada or any foreign country. Poppy Fairy (Phyllis Scott, Port Molyneux) wishes to correspond with Betsy, Fair June Rose, and Daddy’s Wee Girl. Fairy of the Golden Lily (Eileen Scott, Port Molyneux, Otago) wishes to correspond with any overseas Little Folk. Hockey Player (Molly M'Kenzie, Waitahuna) wishes to correspond with Wild B’ll From Spring Creek. Black Eye (D. Mackay, Otama) wishes to correspond with any American Little Folk.
Queen Dewdrop (M. Nicholson, Isla Bank) would like to correspond with any Little Folk between the ages of 13 and 14. Fernery (B. Rae, Totara) would like to correspond with Mother’s Goldie, Cuticura Girl, and Gipsy Pride. Ginger II (Eileen Ross, Eden terrace, Menzies Ferry) wishes Happy Guide, True Blue, and Dante’s Beatrice to write again, please. That Certain Party (M. Bradbury, Wylie’s Crossing, Mosgiel) wishes to correspond with any Old 'Writer. Also would they please write first? Also would Sweet Sweet Sixteen please write again? Ron Rose (Lily Kilgour, Romqbapa, South Otago, wishes to correspond with Koromiko and any other Little Folk from 12 to 13.
Permanent link to this item
https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW19300923.2.290.2
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 3993, 23 September 1930, Page 71
Word Count
16,386LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK Otago Witness, Issue 3993, 23 September 1930, Page 71
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