LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3994, 30 September 1930, Page 72

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves.

Dear Dot, —We-have just, gone back to school after our term holidays, I did not go away, as I had chicken-pox, but I am better now. It was my birthday last week, and I was nine- years ■ old. I received a blazer for one of my presents. I have a little black and grey rabbit, and I have to feed them. I am buoy just now with my vegetable garden. I have peas, White Stone turnips, and cabbage plants in. I have carrots, parsnips, radishes, andbeetroot still to put in. Our flower garden is beginning to look very nice, and we have violets out in blossom. I shall have to close now, as it is bed time. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly,

BARNEY BUTTONS (Invercargill). [I am glad that you are better, Barney Buttons. Chicken-pox is an unpleasant ailment. Many happy returns of the -day. A blazer is a very sensible kind of present. I see that you like gardening. Your garden must be a tidy sight.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—School has again started for another term. The days are becoming longer. The chaffcutter will be coming here, as we have one stack to cut. My brother has been taking down some fences and putting up new ones. Our garden is dug, and there are some seeds in. Do not Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip have some great adventures? We are receiving 12 or 13 eggs in a day. The horses got in one Monday night, and were tramping the lawn down. I went to the talkies at Gore, and enjoyed myself very well. The name of the talkie was “Sunny Side Up.” Did you see it at Dunedin?—Yours truly, BLACK-EYE (Otama).

[Do you like watching the chaffcutter, Black-eye. lies, the trio you mention have some astonishing times with their friends. What a pity about the horses! L suppose their big hoof-marks were dented all over the lawn.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, The little lambs are coming. We have a number of lambs. We J ' a £ e ,a pet ]amb - and 1 feed it- The daffodils are coming out. Maori Chief and 1 went bird nesting this week, and Maori Chief has 18 eggs altogether. The weather is very dry here, and I hope it is not wet up where you are.—Yours

FRIENDLY RED INDIAN (Makarewa).

[I he double daffodils, the “ common ” ones, which grow everywhere, are beginning to bloom. Friendly Red Indian. I like the way pet lambs think they are the most important animals on the farm. e are tasting the first spring winds. J.hey herald the coming of warm, fine days.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are back at school again after the term holidays. I did not go away anywhere for my holidays, but we went to the river for a picnic one day, alld la , d a R°°d time. There was a dance held here, and there was a fairly good crowd at it. There is a football tournament in Cromwell this month. Bannockburn is having a B team, and the school is having two teams. It is Prairie Maid s birthday to-morrow, and Prairie Child’s is on September 28. Have you had any violets-this spring? Rising Sun gave nie a big bunch one day.—Yours truly. KAWARAU SUNSET (Bannockburn). [yes, I have had some violets, Kawarau Sunset. They are such big ones too, and smell so sweetly for their size. Let us hope it is a fine day for the football. There have been so many wet Saturdays for the matches. Was it not cold for your picnic by the river?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in the paper. We have been having fairly good weather lately. Since I wrote to you before mum, my two wee sisters and I were in Tuatapere, and we had _ a lovely day for our drive. We receive about four or five eggs some days, but I think that some of the hens are laying away, although we cannot find any trace of their nests. It is lovely sitting by the fire on a cold night. There are a few wee lambs running about now. I have finished niy fancy apron that I was doing, and now I am working a fancy table centre in all different coloured cotton. Our two geese are sitting now, so I hope we shall have some ready for Christmas. Our garden is beginning to look lovely with a few different coloured flowers out in it. and the flowering currant tree is beautiful too when it is out in flower. We have a number of seeds up now. The sweet peas are up about two or three inches out of the ground. I have heard a few children's records, and they were very pretty ones. The mountains are covered with snow these days, so we are likely to have another fall of snow. Love to all and your oo dear self.—Yours truly,. RED GERANIUM (Southland), , [Can you drive the car. Red Geranium? Tuatapere is an interesting place. The naughty hens to have secret nests! I am sure ytiur apron is a pretty one. Poor geese, to be reared only so that they may later be killed!—DOT.] ¥ ¥ . Dear Dot,—l was not at school last week, nor shall I be' this week. Mother has been very ill, so I have to stay at home, and help with, the housework. I was down to see the teacher about my lessons, and the school children were playing hockey, so I stayed and had a game. I wished then that I could stay, not to do the lessons though, but to play hockey; Love to all the Little Folk and'your own aear self.—Yours truly, . ’

QUEEN DEWDROP (Southland). [To miss school in order to help a sick mother ifi" to do a good deed. Queen Dewdrop. I hope you will soon be well again. The game of hockey would do you good.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is cold weather here just how. We have not any lambs yet, but there are some round about here. I am reading a book, and its name is “ Animal Life in the New World." I have read several. Some of them are “Animal Life in the East,” “ Animal Life in the British Isles,” "In the Forests of Brazil,” " In Far-away Africa,” and “Rambles in the Park.” I like doing' fancywork. We

make baskets, trays and other things out of supplejacks. New Zealand Fernery made a lovely shopping bag out of raffia at school. We have only two cows in yet, and one of them had a bull calf, and the other had a heifer calf. Would you please give me a name for the heifer. Our fowls are not laying very well just now. The birds will soon be building their nests again. There are not very many flowers out yet. but I shall be glad when they do come out. I like listening-in to a wireless. Silkwork is in my class at school. 1 must close now, as I have no more to tell you. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

FERNERY (Otago). [The shopping bag will always be useful. Fernery. Call the heifer Sweet Lips. I have not read the books you mention. Some items on the wireless are well worth listening to. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was third in my examination. I was eight years old a few (lays ago, and had a party. I received many presents. My father came home after three years in Siam, and he brought me many beautiful presents. The radio postman sent me a big cake. We have a black cat that sleeps under the black hen’s wing. My teacher is being married next month, and I am sorry. My sister is away for a holiday. My only brother will be home next year. He is at present away hunting wild elephants and tigers. Love to all. —Yours truly, SALLY FROM OUR ALLEY (Waitahuna). . [Because you did so well in your examination. Sally From Our Alley, you would enjoy your birthday party more than ever. You would be glad to see your father after all those years. How sweet of the hen to befriend the kitten so. Perhaps your DOT ler send you home a tiger.— ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot—Nearly every farmer about here has lambs. We have four sets of tv ins and no singles. The hutter and cheese factories will be working again, because the. cows are coming in. The birds are beginning to build x their nests again. I have just finished writing to Pip II in Invercargill. She writes very interesting letters. The first letter I had was addressed “Miss .” We live about three miles from the Manuka, and I saw her mast. I do not think there will be much left of her by now. We saw an aeroplane one day not long ago, and it looked pretty in the mist over the coast. —Yours truly.

COWBOY BILL (Catlins). [I hope the eight lambs are all good friends. Cowboy Bill, otherwise they may prove hard to manage. You are not a nest, robber, I hope. Birds are the farmers friends. I suppose your correspond: ent thought you were a girl. I can imagine how pretty the aeroplane would look.—DOT.]

. n2 ear rn^ ot ’ — am reading a book called the Testing of the Torment,” by Elsie Jeanette Oxenham. Have you read it? My mother and sister were digging up the flower garden, and it looks very fresh and neat. We have nine pet lambs. Koradi has the job of feeding them. My sister bought me a new book called Rhoda,’, by E. L. Haverfield. You asked me if Georgie Merton was burnt and fell out of a tree. Yes, she was burnt, and as she was climbing up the tree she fell and slipped on to the bull’s back. Our big plum tree is coming out into blossom n . ow -, If l°°ks.beautiful. One can notice the days growing longer now. We shall soon be able to go to the beach again after tea. I am saving up the coloured pictures one gets out of a paper. I have 10 now. The pictures are of famous men and woifien. I have a lovely one of Miss Amy Johnson. My father is going to tail and earmark the lambs one day soon. Our house is up on a hill, and from the veranda one can get a good view of the ocean. The ivattle tree in our lane is nearly out, as it is covered with blossoms. It is a silver wattle tree. My father was in at the wrestling match between Tom Ray and Walter Logan. He enjoyed himself very much. Mother has a Crown Imperial lily. growing in the garden. . I shall try and describe it. The lily itself grows on. one tall stalk, and the blossoms on it, which droop downwards, are orange red ’2 ctdour - There are five petals on each flower on each of which is a crystallike drop resembling a tear. At the end of the stalk above the flowers is a tuft of leaves, which gives the whole plant a very peculiar appearance. I will close now, wishing the page every success.—Yours truly,

QUEEN OF DAUNT (Otago). [No, I have not read that book. Queen of Daunt. What is it about? And who is the torment? To feed nine pet lambs must be something of a task. It will be fun to go on the beach after tea. I wish I could see your lovely wattle tree. That must be a very unusual lily.—DOT.]

¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—-I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I have two miles to go to school. I see that your page is growing larger and larger. AU the birds are beginning to build their nests, and we have found a number of eggs also. In the bush three, miles from our place there are beautiful -violets, but this year the horse ate them all. We are back at school again after our holidays. I did not like going back very much. Love to all Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, WILD THYME (Warepa).

[Do you walk or ride to school, Wiki Thyme? Either will be good exercise for you on a told morning. When you find the birds’ nests do not touch the eggs, for, without our birds, our forests will never flourish. How greedy of the horses to eat the-violets! But what a sweet-scented meal!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt .is a long time since I wrote to your page. The sunny spring days are with us again, aTid the spring flowers are-all coming out. We have two long .rows of daffodils, and when my two sisters counted them the total in flower was 764. We have four wattle trees, one of which is out in full bloom, but the other trees are not so far out. We have about 20 fleecy lambs, but no pets. We have four calves, and are milking eight cows. I have not been milking lately, but I shall soon have to when more cows come in. ' We have a foal, which we call Trixie. Our cat had two black Persian kittens, and she went away and left them. We call them Roy and Bran. Last Sunday we

went to Kaka Point to my grandmother’s. We went down to the beach, where seagulls were busily eating little pink fish called whale feed. At school for handwork I knitted myself a sleeveless cardigan out of kingfisher blue wool which one of my aunts sent me. One day my grandfather gave 'ine some match-head bulbs, which I put in a fl.ywc-r-pot, and now there are a lovely lot of flowers out. My sisters have some match-heads too. but I have the most blooms. Since I last wrote to you, I have been in bed with jaundice. While I was ill I read the books called “Little Women" and “For Muriel’s Sake.” Have you read them?:.'. I enjoyed them very much. Kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yours truly, RON ROSE (Romahapa).

Wattle trees in bloom are one of the fairest sights in spring. Ron Rose. And you have four! How lucky you are. I wonder why your puss deserted her kittens. Perhaps she knew that you would look after them for her. I have read “ Little Women.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l think I must be one of those Little Folk, who are playing truant from writing to the page, as it is nearly four months since I wrote last. Our garden is looking pretty with the spring flowers blooming, -while in the winter we had only a few marigolds out. We have a good number of polyanthus and violets out, and the bulbs will be flowering soon, so there should be a fine show when all the flowers are at their best. The other day I received a postcard from a pen friend who is holidaying with her father in Germany, Finland, and Denmark. The scene on the postcard is of a castle surrounded by trees on an island near Helsingfors in Finland. During the winter I attended card parties fortnightly, and enjoyed them very much. One night I won the bobby prize, and received a pin cushion, which was very pretty. My luck was out completely that night, for whatever I did, I did wrong, but ever since I have been near the winning points. Sometimes I would miss the prize by one point, and other times I would just miss the booby. One girl has won the booby prize three times. But she did not come the last time. I used to have three Little Folk correspondents, but I have only one now. Her nom de plume is Punchinello, and she is a very interesting correspondent. Kindest regards to all. —Yours truly. MORVEN LILY (Morven).

[Your garden must be very pretty, Morven Lily. I am fond of polyanthus. How interesting for your friend to be travelling in Europe. You should .read “ Seventh Heaven.” by Nina Murdoch, if you want a thrilling description of the Mediterranean countries. A booby prize is better than no prize at all, but a first prize is best.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was pleased to «’?e my letter printed in the page, and I also hope to see it in again. I buy the Otago Witness every week, and I enjoy reading the letters written by the Little Folk, and also about Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip. I suppose you know that the situation of the electrical power is rather critical in Christchurch. I went to a party on Saturday n’ght, and enjoyed myself immensely. I have read two books lately called “Betty and C 0..” by Ethel Turner, and “ A Loyal Little Maid,” by Sarah Tytler, and they are both very interesting. Have you read them? Well. Dot, I shall close now. with love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly. MARCIA. DUCHESS OF ALLANHOLME (Christchurch).

[You will see your letter printed every time you write, Marcia. Yes, I have read about the loss of electric power in Christchurch. I hope the situation will soon brighten. I have read “ Betty and Co..’’ but not “ A Loyal Little Maid.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you are well, and you will no doubt be wondering what has happened to me all this time I have been very busy working. I have to go out to Fendalton, which is two miles away from my home. We have snow and aloo floods up here, I had to wade kneedeep to reach my tram to go to work. I have been to a good many dances lately, and I do enjoy them very much. Well, I will not be so long in writing next time, so I shall close now-, as it is bed-time. With all good wishes.—Yours truly.

NUNNY (Christchurch;

[I am very well, thank you. Nunny, and yes, I had been wondering what had happened to you. To wade to the train Bipst be a most unpleasing experience. Did you take off your shoeo and stockings? DOT 1 ] 0 bear from- J’ ou aga’n soon. —

t tb ’ s ’ R m - ' a - st year as a Little l*o!k writer, I shall have to write to the page more often thau I have done previously. We have just one paddock to sow in wheat, and one in rape and turnips. They are much earlier this year, .owing to a drier winter. Dad is verv busy in the garden, planting vegetable and flower seeds. Last year the flower garden was a mass of blooms of all descriptions, roses, stocks, miters, and sweet peas making the biggest chow. He was not going to have so many annuals this vear but judging from his supply of seeds saved from last year, I think he will have more In fact, the garden will have to be 'enlarged to hold them all. I do love flowers, and a farm is not a farm without a nice flower and vegetable garden. Roses army favourite flowers. Do you like them? We have some 50 bushes, all different colours. We also have a large orchard, consisting of apple and plum trees, black currant and gooseberry bushes, and a plot of strawberries. Our apples are lovelv and juicy, and we still have some left from last years crop. We cannot use them all, so give them away in boxfuls My two sisters are married now, so I am the only girl left, and'have the housework to do on my own, but I like it. Mv mother died two years ago, and I feel very lonely sometimes, but I just pucker up and whistle, for I still have my da<' and two big brothers. Lawn tennis will soon be starting again, but I do not think our club wall have many, members thi«= year, as there are very few young, people living here. My two brothers are keen fishermen, and they go long distances for a days sport. We have many a tasty meal of trout in the season. They fiph mostly in the Taieri River, and have gone to Waipori, but the fish do not bite so well there. We still have Sandy, the cat.

He has grown into a lovely big fluffy puss, but like most pets is a poor hunter. He so heavy that the mice and birds hear him coming. He also enjoys the fishing season. I shall close, with love to all m J^ and Yourself.—Yours truly, I HAT CERTAIN PARTY (Taieri).

i ti’ t here is not much of the year left. That Certain Party. You will have to hurry if you want to write to the page otten. 1 can imagine how beautiful vour garden must be. Have you bees, too? And that lovely orchard! Yes, I love roses. I am glad that you do not let s ’..°PP ress yon- You are a sensible gm to think of others when you are tempted to be despondent.—DOT 1 * ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—We are back at school ar ? v bu ?y Putting the seeds in wl M have none in at home. Vte lost 10 lambs in the storm, but our neighbour lost 30 There is going to be da J’ held here in aid of the foote?,ter?d ln the seven-a-side tournament, but had no luck. We went up m our car, but it was not a very good’ daj. It was held at Kurow. It is 27 the r e i . bave 350 lambshome of our daffodils will be out soon. It’ was- very windy this morning, and we were nearly blown off going to school. We have a new sheep dog, and we bought him from our neighbour. Our old dog Rover is done. He was a good dog for sheep.’ 1 see in the last Otago Witness a girl writing from South America, so I think sne will soon have some correspondents. I have no birds’ eggs, but some round here have. Vv e gather about a thousand every year—Yours truly. GIPSY DICK (Ngapara). [Tell me about the gala, Gipsy Dick. You may have more luck in the nexttournament. What hard luck to lose the 1- lambs. I always feel sorry when I hear of children taking the eggs, for, though the birds do steal the fruit. theV also kill the insect pests, which annoy the farmers.—DOT.]

• .i.^ ar .^ ot ’ —£ s , the nights are longer I shall write. I have a number of correspondents whose names are Dolena,’ Red Hot Poker New Zealand Rose, A fr ret J > \A el,ow Butterfly, and A Beggar Maid Princess, We have a basket ball team at qur school, and we played one match against Duntroon, but we lost 13-11; It was all right for the first. We expect to play them again shortly. I ani Phiynm. We have over 200 lambs now] an u,, tuvee, black ones, which are very pretty. We have no pets, but I am having one this year. I am reading a book called Lari the Coward." Have you read it?—Yours truly. ‘ DOTTIE DIMPLES (Ngapara).

[No, I have not read the book. Dottie Dimples \Yhy was Carl a coward? You will probably have a draw or a win next tune you play. What a large number of lambs you have!—DOT.]

._'9® ar c J/" bas been a good day-to-day for all the young, lambs, although there is not much feed yet. but there should be soon. As I was riding round the lambs this morning. I caine across an under-runner, and, locking in, I saw a wee lamb standing down on some big clods, tie was very pleased to be lifted out, as he was very hungry. There are such a number of under-runners on -our place, that it is not very safe for one to ride ov ?’.- Some of our daffodils are coming out in flower, also Jappnica and flowering currant. As I have so much sheep work to do, 1 have not much time to spend in. the garden, _ but I like gardening very much. My sister has three birds’ eggs, but there do not seem, to be many about. The benedicts ball was a great success so I suppose they will have one next year. The r*gapara School is having its jubilee some tune «ifter Christmas. Out of th<> first four lambs this year we had a black one. but we have three- now, and they do look so queer among all the white ones. Lasf year we had a piebald lamb for a pet, and he was lovely.—Yours truly. TUI’S MATE (Otago).

[Do not change your name. Tui’s Mate. It causes confusion in the roll book. If is a ousy time for you when the lambs arrive Black lambs are lucky, so they say. That poor little thing among the bi« clods!—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l am progressing very wel( with my violin. I am learning a new piece. It is called “ \ alse Romance.” Re.cently I have had a letter from my aunt, 18 , s P e ' ld * n K «■» pleasant holiday in Uahfornia. She hopes to return about ths end of October. I went to see H.M.S.. Dunedin oft. My mate and I were for, tunate in going upon another boat, and we had a splendid view of her. Kindest re, gards to the Little Folk and your owij d'ear self,—Yours truly. * t JACK .GINGER (Dunedin).

[A violin is a difficult instrument ts play well,. Jack Ginger. One needs a clever ear for the correct pitch of the notes. What a number of things your aunt 'will have to tell yon when she returns from California. You were lucky to be on another boat.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I had a better from a Little Folk the other day, and she was asking me when I was going to write to the page, and as I have just answered her letter it, reminded me that I simply must write. At this time of tire year I am always busy with my music. I am sitting for senior grade in November, and it requires two to two and a-half hours’ practice a day. With work also it takes up nearly all my spare time. For eight months this year I was amongst the unemployed, but I am working again, and it is good after eight months of leisure. Sometimes we say we would like ona long holiday, but I think you would soon tire of it. I did anyway. I have not nearly 33 correspondents now. I have about eight regular ones, and that is sufficient. Last Christmas I went to Timaru for two weeks, and had a most enjoyable tinw. It is a very pretty little place in the summer time. If all goes well I think I shall be there again this Christmas. The football match between Southland and Canterbury was played here, and it was the only fine day we have had for a big match here. All the other times it has been raining. It was a very busy week when the.hockey girls were here, and it was New Zealand Industries Week also. Jxr v [ as no * ; as good as Mayfair Week though. The procession was very good, but that was all. An aunt of mine .wer.t to Sydney two weeks ago, and she is going to stay till after Christmas. It

fe good to go for a holiday to Australia, but by the news in the papers Sydney is in a bad state at present, and I, myself, would rather be in old Invercargill, I have been reading a good bit lately. A week or two ago I went to see “ Cingalee,” the play the Invercargill Operatic Society put on, and it was very good, but I have seen better ones played by the same company. Love to all the Little Folk and your own clear self.—Yours truly, ANGEL'D S (Invercargill).

[Yes, you need to practise consistently if you wish to pass a music examination, Angelus. We should soon grow tired of ourselves if we had no work to interest us. 1 You have picked a sunny spot for your holidays. You were lucky to have a fine day for the football. Sometimes things are not prepared well enough, and that accounts for their failure.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—About a week ago I joined the Public Library. The. book I am reading now is “ Camilla’s Castle.” Our cat has just come in out of the rain, and he is very wet. On September 2 I went to the children’s party on board H.M.S. Dunedin. First of all we assembled at the Octagon at 1.30 p.m. Then we marcbed to the wharf. As soon as we arrived at the warship, sailors took us round tbe boat. At 4.30 p.m. we had tea. After tea the sailors’ band played a tune, and then we were given more cakes and biscuits. When tea was over the lucky numbers were read out. I was not one of the lucky ones. Then we went home.—Yours truly. PETER PIXIE (Dunedin).

[Pussies, dislike to be out in the rain, Peter Pixie. Their fur is so uncomfortable to wear when it is wet. You know how you feel yourself when your fur collar becomes damp. What an enjoyable party you must have had. I wonder exactly what happened to the luckv ones.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —There was snow on the hills. We have three pet lambs, Billy and Nanny, so will you please give the other one a name? We.have three calves. Our hens are not laying very well, but we have, seven chickens. We have a tractor, and it is a Cletrac, and I ride on it. The wireless is going well, and we had a concert from Dunedin last night. There are 10 children at our school, nine boys and one girl. My brother, Gold Tooth bas glasses, and so have I. We have had our holidays from school, and I enjoyed them very much. My three brothers write to Peter Pan, but I do not. Love to al) and your own dear self.—Yours truly, » LITTLE JOHN (Hakataramea).

[What a shame for the third lamb to have no name. Little John! Call him Lono. The chickens will enjoy these' sunny days. They seem to shiver so when the wind blows. . If you are lucky you may be able to discard your glasses when you grow older.—DOT.]

. Dear pot,—As I have taken a great interest in your page, I want to know if you will allow me to be a Little Folk. I shall soon be 15 years of age, and have left school. I have two brothers and two sisters. We have a gramophone, a harp, and a piano. I used to learn music, but have stopped now ( I should like to be to play a banjo. We do not take the Otago Witness, but a friend lends it to us. I live on a small farm 17 miles from Oamaru. We have a Chrysler ear. and bave been up to the Waitaki Hydro Works six times. My father works in the flour mill. I know many Little Folk. We have not many flowers out, but a number of violets. I have chosen my name from my music book. Do you do much fancywork? At present I am making a table centre.Yours truly.

K FAIR STAR OF HOPE ' (North Otago). [Yes, you may join, Fair Star of Hope. Your name had been chosen before you wrote, so I altered it. What a pity you do not learn music now. One needs to be continually taking lessons. Can you give impressions of the hydro works?

t I join your band of Little I*oik? I am 14 years of age. and am in Standard VI at school. Gipsy Dick is one of my mates, and so is Texas Jack I took a great interest in the matches played between Britain and New Zealand, especially the test matches. We play football at school, but will soon be playing cricket. It is funny to see the mischievous young lambs frisking about in the field. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, SEA WOLF (Ngapara).

[Yes, you may join us. Sea Wolf. Are you very fierce? Cricket is already being played here, and people can be seen enjoying. it on Saturday afternoons. Have you any lambs belonging to you?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is about three years since I wrote to you last. I am now nine years of age, and in Standard 111 at school We have three cows milking. My litth brother is going to school, and likes it very much. When there was snow at school we made a large snow man, but the teacher and school boys took pieces off to fight each other. Mother made us a large swing, which we all love very much. Good wishes to all.—Yours truly, FAIRY FOOTSTEPS (Waitepeka). [What a jolly mother to make a swing for you. Fairy Footsteps. Things seem to go in threes by your letter. Snow men do not mind having pieces 'of their coats taken off. They are cold creatures anvway.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years old, and in Standard 111 at school. The spring is here, and I like it better than winter. Do you? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MOUNT PISA RANGER (Wanaka). [Yes, you may join, Mount Pisa Ranger I have posted your badge. Did you receive it safely? One cannot really compare the seasons, for each has its own attractions. I like them all, but spring is really a fresh time.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am working an apron with a basket of flowers. I am doing:, the basket in gold, cotton, and the flowers in. blue, pink, lemon, and the knots in green. I was at the Hardens the otherl day. They look bare at present, but there will soon be a large display of daffodils.' as they are in bud. The hot and cold houses are very beautiful. A lady gave ' u,--. book* tlio other day.- The names of them are “ Ursula Finch ” and “ Heart

o’ Gold.” The name of the book I am reading at present is called “ Pixie O Shaughnessy,” by Mrs George de Horne Vaizey. The next time I go to the library J am going to try and see if I can find More About Pixie.” The competitions begin this month. The girls in the secondary department at our school are going into the competitions for a test song, so I hope we win a prize. Last week we went for a motor drive to Port Chalmers. The wind was very keen, but in spite of the wind we enjoyed ourselves. Tennis has begun again. I am going to try and learn properly this term. Last night I made some toffee. It was a bit sticky, but nevertheless it was eatable. I have been to the baths a number of times this season, and enjoyed myself every time. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, JOLLy GLAD (Dunedin). [That is a pretty thing to be doing at fancywork, Jolly Glad. Pixie’s namesuited her well. The schools are all keen about their song competition. That is a wise statement about your tennis. You will enjoy it twice as much if you know all its ins and outs.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —-My cousin came here for a holiday. She is 12 years old, and she goes to Wellington College. She did not like going home on Tuesday. We bave started cricket at school, and I like it very much. Bradman must be a wonderful cricketer to make all those runs. I am going to write an essay for the Marlborough Show. I am also going to enter two calves for our neighbour, and I can keep what I am given for them. My kitten jumped into the oven to be warm, and some one shut the door on him, but he was not burnt. I wish you and your Little Folk the best of love.—Yours truly, WILD BILL FROM SPRING CREEK (Marlborough) [None of us wants to end an enjoyable stay in another town, Wild Bill From Spring _ Creek. Good luck in the essay competition. What is the subject? The calves should bring you good luck. I tremble when I think of the kitten’s danger.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —We have some daffodils, primroses, and crocuses out in the garden at home now. I have just been reading a book called “ The Green Diamond Mystery.” It is very good. Have you read it? Have you read the book by Edgar Wallace? It is called “ White Face.” My brother has been in the hospital for four months, and there is no improvement in him yet. My little brother is in Standard V at school, but they have no headmaster, and only three of a proper staff of teachers, as the others are all relieving. I know some girls who were presented as debutantes at the recent ball. I went to “ The Green Goddess,” and enjoyed it very much. There is much sickness about, mostly colds. The three children, who are staying with us have croup. It is very annoying at night. I think Lucky Last’s letter had a good Elace in the Otago Witness last week. ove to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.-—Yours truly, eein sfs ecfHzdK iflig ISLE OF BEAUTY’S DAUGHTER (Dunedin).. [I have not read the books, Isle of Beauty’s Daughter. I do not care for the author. Debutantes wear some pretty frocks. White ones are prettiest of all for such an occasion.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —The flowers are a sign of spring. We had a lovely patch of violets this year. Our daffodils are only coming out. We have had rather wet weather here lately.. Our factory has started once again, and it is such relief from separating. How did you fare' with chilblains .this past winter? I had them pretty bad all over my feet. I can see-that your page is increasing steadily. You would require an enormous space if all your Little Folk were put together, would you not? We have done all our ploughing, except one turnip paddock, which the sheep have not finished feeding from yet. Kind regards to yourself and Little Folk.—Yours truly. NATUNA (Southland). [We welcome the daffodils if they are shy at unfolding, Natuna. I was lucky and did not have chilblains much. Yes. we should need a -whole Otago Witness to ourselves if all the Little Folk -wrote at once. The turnip field will not take long to be eaten down.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are all settled down to our school work once more. I passed in our examination, but I had come down. I was top of the school. Such a number of the children failed. I shall have to work this term, as I am going for my proficiency *We have such a lovely crowd of violets this year. I think they are such pretty flowers. Do you like them? Some of the Little Folk write such interesting letters. do they not? Steele Rudd’s last ones were very interesting. I have been rather slow in writing to you, but this is the third letter I have started. Spring has been showing about here for a while, as the result of the mild weather we have been having I suppose. Kind regards to all and yourself.—Yours truly. NATUNA’S MATE (Southland).

[Aim for higher passing marks next examination, Natuna’s Mate, though you were top. Yes, violets have a double attraction, because of their delicious smell. It does not take spring long to peep out. We see her where we are least expecting her.—DOT.] ¥ * ¥ *

Dear Dot, —We live three and a-half mjles from school, and I have to walk all the way, but our schoolmaster picks me up sometimes, and gives me a ride on his motor bicycle, and it is good. My playmate and 1 were both on one morning, and we were soon at school. We are playing cricket at school, and I like it very mueh. My sister, who started school, likes it, and she enjoys riding the pony. The pony is very quiet, and my two sisters can manage to ride home themselves without any trouble. We have no potatoes or vegetables through the ground yet. It has been too cold, but the violets and snowdrops and daffodils are blooming, and They look pretty. Love to all the othew Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yours truly, JOLLY ROVER (Otama).

[He must be an understanding schoolmaster. Jolly Rover." He remembers probably that he liked a lift when be was going to school. It allows you more free time if you have not to. supervise the children on the pony. If the pony is

S °IJOT*] you can trust her.

Dear Dot, — : We have only three little lambs. The wind is blowing to-day and it is showery. The school holidays are over. My cousin came for the holidays. . I did not go anywhere. It will soon be Christmas. How time flies! I am reading a book called “Bosom Friends.” Have you read it? A few of our daffodils are out. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BLUE EYES BEAUTY (Waikaka Valley).

[No. I have not read the book, Blue Eyes Beauty. Do you know of tbe two bosom friends in the -Bible? Doubtless you enjoyed your holidays at home with your cousin there. Daffodil yellow is such a fresh colour.—DOT.] '

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old, and I am in Standard 111. I have three miles to walk to school. There are little lambs in paddocks. We set a duck on hens’ eggs. We have over 20 hens laying, and we milk two cows.. My sister and I are allowing our hair to grow. I have two brothers. One is six, and the other is three. My sister is 11. I am making a baby’s coat at school for my wee cousin Daphne. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv, GOLDEN SYRUP (Southland).

[Yes, you may join. Golden Syrup. Delicious little cookies can be made of your namesake with nuts and raisins added. You are a clever child, if you are knitting a baby’s coat. Daphne will appreciate it when she is cold.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was at a send-off one night, and my sister was at a ball at Oturehua. There are numbers of flowers coming out just now. Most people around here are digging their gardens, and putting seeds in them. Dad has dug all bis garden, and there is a large area to dig. Just about every night now I go down and watch Glory feed tbeir calves. They have seven dear little things. At school we have been burning the grass. All the wet ground about is drying up now, and people are able to burn all their hill properties. There are fires on the hills every night. The Idaburn, which runs right through this valley is in flood just now witb the snow melting on Mount Ida. I have been reading a book called “What Katie Did,” and its sequel, “ What Katie Did at School,” and they are very good. There is also _ “ What Katie Did Next,” but it is not in our library.—Yours truly, BRAVE JOAN OF ARC

(Central Otago). [Perhaps you may be able to borrow What Katie Did Next,” Brave Joan of Arc. Are there just three books in the collection? I suppose you helped to plant some of the flowers in your gardens. The farmers will be glad when all tbe burning is finished. Does it take long for the hills to grow green again?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have started school again after a fortnight’s holiday. I did not go away for my holidays, but I enjoyed myself very much. We have been having good weather lately, but it is raining to-day. Dad has been busy in the garden. He has a number of seeds in, and some new potatoes. I have a garden of my own this year. I have some peas, beans, radish, and carrots in it. I have five correspondents.—Yours truly. SWEET CINDERELLA (South Canterbury). [You -will feel very proud when the vegetables are ready for use, Sweet Cinderella. Have you ever had a garden at any other time? Your correspondents must keep you well supplied with letters of news from different places. I am glad you enjoyed your holidays.— DOT.] * Dear Dot, —My friend is over staying with me to-night. At school we play hockey, but in the summer term we are going to play tennis. I did not go away for my holidays, but my sister did. We burnt grass at school. The inspector is coming to our school any day now. There are only 20 going to our school now. I have more letters to write. The birds are all building their nests now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yours trulv, BLUE BUTTERFLY (Central Otago). [How many pupils used to go to your school last year, Blue Butterfly? I suppose that the school children are excited about the visit of the inspector. Can you tell which kind of bird each nest belongs to?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age, and in Standard VI at school. I know a number of Little Folk. Mother’s Brown Eyes, goes to the same school as myself. We play basket ball at our school, and we have won two games and lost one. We have still two games to play yet. I have a pure black cat, and I call it Smutty. I have a flower garden of ‘my own, and I have daffodils and primroses out in it. There is to be a picture nere. It is Bebe Daniels in “ What a Night.” but I do not think I am going. Golden Spangles and Curly Wurly stayed with me for their holidays. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours truly, ■ GORGE ROAD PRINCESS (Gorge Road). -

[Yes, you may join, Gorge Road Princess. lam glad that you have friends who belong to my band, and hope you will make many more through tne page. I wish you success in your basket ball matches. What position do you plav in the team? —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —Recently our school boys played Conical Hills at football, and much to our joy our boys won, the score being 20 to 12. It is sad to relate that our basket ball team did not win, but as we are only a very young team it did not matter. Do you love the springtime with its bulbs, flowers, primroses, and violets? All the trees are bursting into leaf, and wee lambs are frisking round the paddocks. We have no chickens, but our bantam is sitting on five eggs, so we hope for some wee chickens soon now. I went for a ride round the paddocks one morning. I do love riding. It is my favourite pastime. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. . —Yours, truly, ROSE FLOWER (Waipahi). [Look in Notes for the address you wanted. Rose Flower. Spring certainly is a wonderful season. I am glad you are sensible enough to realise that you can

win matches only after experience and practice. Perhaps next year you will beat Conical Hills team. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard 111 at school. When summer is here I paddle in a creek beside our place. In the long summer evenings my friend and I go for walks along the road. Sometimes we do not come home until dark. We have just gone back to school. We have one big cat at home. The birds are beginning to build their nests. The wee goldfinches’ nests are the neatest. Starlings are too big for my liking. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, THE SUNSHINE LADY (Otago).

[Welcome to the Sunshine Lady. Please send me your private name and address next time you write. You are a lucky person' to have a creek so close to your place. Are there any pools deep enough for swimming in? Goldfinches’ nests are always very neatly and cosily built.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? lam 13 years of age, and I am living at Fairlie, and we have to cycle to school five miles each way. I anr in Standard Vat school. We live on a big station where there are many thousands of sheep, and 130 horses, many bullocks, and about seven milking cows. I should like Viking; as a pen-name. Best love to yourself and ’all.—Yours truly. THE SEA VIKING (Fairlie). ; [Welcome to The Sea Viking. - Your name was taken. Do you. know the history of your namesakes. Have you com--panions to cycle with you?—DOT.] ¥¥ ■ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I • join your Little Folk’s page? I am 19 years of age, so I have not very long to write, before joining the Old Writers. I know a number of'the Little .Folk. There are ‘three in my own district. I am working away from home, but go home every night. We take the. Otago Witness every week, so I read all the Little Folk’s letters. Next time I write I shall send for. a badge. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.-— Yours truly. OLIVE BOUGH (Ryal Bush).

[Yes. you may join, Olive Bough. Is that your nom de plume or your private name? It makes it interesting if you know some of the Little Folk. You are a

lucky girl to be able to go home every night after work.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join vour happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old. My mate and I ride together to school on my pony. I am in Standard I. A gang of men are busy at present building steel towers past here to carry a main power line from Kurow to Glenavy. Best wishes to yourself .and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, DOLLY’S LITTLE MOTHER (Waimate). [Yes, you may join us. Dolly’s Little Mother. You are unselfish to share your pony with your mate. Do tell us about the steel towers. If you can describe them to us we shall be interested.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my first letter in print. We have a pet lamb called Tom. He plays with the kitten. There are a good many flowers out in the gardens. No, I have not named the wee pups yet. I have read many Little Folk’s letters in the Otago Witness.—Yours truly, ? GOLDFINCH BIRD (Brighton). [Tom and the kitten prove that big and wee pets can be friendly together, Goldfinch Bird. Perhaps the puppies will join in the games. You should cut out your letters, and paste them in an old exercise book—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am in Standard V, and I do not think Standard V is any harder than Standard IV. In my second term examination I was top of the school, so this term I am trying my best to be top, because dad has promised my sister and me a special treat at Christmas -time. We ' have a good many daffodils out, and it gives one a feeling that spring has come back once more. Everywhere one goes now one sees tiny baby lambs tuning by their mothers’ sides. - Dad has a number of wee lambs, and last night he brought in a twin that was too weak to keep up with its mother and other mate. We have six black lambs already, and perhaps when they are sold we may have a share of the money. People have come to live in ourschool house again, and they brought dear little twin girls. They are just'six weeks’ old,, and I go to see them every morning when I take the milk in. Their names are Margaret and Isohel. They have'some beautiful presents, which have been given to them. We played a basket ball match

on Friday against Greenvale, and we were beaten 24 to 21. The Greenvale master said it was the fastest game of basket ball he had ever seen. About a month ago we played Kelso, and were beaten 9 to 6. Kelso is going to return the game very soon, so we hope to make a name for ourselves then. We are just learners yet. This is our first season. We had our ball after our new teacher came. We have had two falls of snow lately, and the second one lay for over three weeks. We are going to put entries in the Tapanui Flower Show, which is to be held very shortly. Last year we took 16s in prizes. I received first prize for a pencil drawing, and second for a plasticene spray. With the 16s we bought a revolving globe for the school. Kindest regards to all. —Yours truly. MUMMY’S LOVE (Kelso). [Do you know what the treat is, or is it a big surprise, Mummy’s Love? Fancy having six black pets! I hope the little weak lamb is stronger next time you write. If the twins are like each other, it will be difficult to tell them when they grow older. That was a sensible thing to uy for the school. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Practically everywhere we go we see yellow daffodils. They make a very pretty show when there are a number of them growing together. The shrubs and trees are beginning to burst into leaf, and soon they will be a mass of green and white. It is very picturesque to see the little lambs frolicking about in the paddocks. One of these fine days our friend and us are going for a walk to the beach, and I am taking my camera to take some snaps, as one can take some lovely snaps at the seaside. I hope to send_ you a photograph of myself soon. I suppose it would take you a long time to count your Little 1' oik, as there must be dozens. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yours THF golden LILY - (Port Molyneux). [Do you remember the poem about the daffodils under the trees, Fairy of the Golden Lily? Wordsworth must have loved and understood flowers. I shall be pleased to see your photograph. I am always interested in seeing the Little r oik. There are hundreds of yon entered in the roll book.—DOT.]

Dear Dotl have been an age writing, but it is better late than never. It is very cold to-day, so I am not venturing outside. Your page grows bigger every week. It must take a while to answer the letters. I have one pen friend from your page, and her pen-name is We Are Eight. Aly sister also writes to your page. Falling Gold is her name, I hope you will excuse this short letter. Mother is away, and I miist go and see about dinner Love to all. —Yours truly,— LEAVES OF AUTUMN (Stirling).

[lt is better to stay inside on tire cold days if you cannot be walking or doing some exercise outside, Leaves of Autumn. If the letters are neatly written it is a joy to read them. Probably you and We Are Eight will continue to write to each other for a long time. It is an ideal way of making a firm friendship.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Heather Sprig is sick. I enjoyed my holidays very much. Teddy. Golly, Peter. Patty, and Air Pip are still having their exciting adventures. It will not be very long before shearing time. Blue Winter Rose and another girl were ?ut into Standard 111 after the holidays. 'he men are finished at the bridge, and they are fixing another bridge on the low road. They painted the bridge white. Our ponies do not like crossing it.- Our hens are laying. Dad has over 100 little lambs. All our cows are in except two. I shall be 11 on October 7. Dad, mum, Blue Winter Rose, and I are going to Wyndham. Every day Heather Sprig and I wanted to take a snap of the foals they would either run away, or come up and put their heads right in front of the camera, so that we could see only the one foal. Every- day when we did not have the camera they would stand up straight with the little one in the centre. We play rounders every Friday at school. The side I am on always stays in the longest. I have six little correspondents. The days are longer, and the gardens arc bright and gay with spring flowers again. I think violets are the sweetest of all the spring flowers. Heather Sprig is working hard at all her school lessons, as she will soon be going for her proficiency. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv.

DOLENA (Southland)

[I am sorry to hear about Heather Sprig, Dolena. Tell her I hope she is soon well. That is a rise up for Blue Winter Rose, and your other friend. The ponies will grow used to the bridge. It will be easy to see at night, if it is painted white.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is with regrets that I pen these few lines, my last as a Little • Folk. Although I have not been a regular writer there is never a •week which passes, but I read all the letters. Some of them write very interesting letters. 1 celebrated my birthday on September 11, and we had a very enjoyable evening at homes with games, competitions, and dancing. I received some lovely presents. The weather has been very wet lately with the result that the team work is kept back, but it seems to have taken up again. There are many lambs about. The violets and daffodils are out, which is a good sign of spring. Hockey and football are over for the season, so I expect tennis and cricket will be played. I have been to a few dances this year, and enjoyed myself. I went to Gore to hear the talkies “ The Desert Song ’’ and “ Sunny Side Up.” I liked “ Sunny Side Up ” the better. I am hoping to see “ Gold Diggers of Broadway.” It is said to be very good. I~re- ■ ceived a lovely necklace and a pink and cream_ apron from an auntie in Canada for my birthday, so I am rather fortunate. I .wish the Little Folk every success, and hope to see a good muster of Old Writers. Best wishes to all and yourself.—Yours truly, • FAITH, HOPE, CHARITY (Balfour).-[Good-bye until Old Writers’ Week, Faith, Hope.’ Charity. We shall hear from you then, I hope. Those were dainty presents from Canada. > The weather is better now for team work. Some of the talkie pictures are marvels of colouring.— ‘ DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is now a number of weeks *ince I last wrote to you. You truly have a merry multitude corresponding ‘to your

ever-increasing page, and some are so very interesting with letters of adventures of far and near. We have a number of spring flowers in bloom, but the snowdrops are beginning to wither. We, here, have had- beautiful weather during the daylight, and almost immediately the sun goes down in. the evening it begins to rain, and continues so until morning. I spent a most enjoyable week in the country during the term holidays, and was really sorry when the time came for my return. The evenings will soon be light enough for after tea sport.—Yours truly, JUST ME (Invercargill).

[We do not mind the big family, as we are the best of friends] Just Ale. When we read a well written letter we think we too are having the adventures described. It seems queer to think of the snowdrops withering already. The rain is behaving in a snorting way for you.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Alay I join your happy band of Little Folk? We take the Otago Witness every week, and the first thing I look for is your page, to read the letters. We have a garden of potatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, and cabbages. I have two bantam hens sitting on 15 eggs. One has seven, and the other has eight. The one with the seven has four wee chickens. The others are due out at the end of the week. We have two cows, one horse, six sheep, seven lambs, and three dogs. We have a motor car. —Yours truly, DAVE'S AIATE (Grassmere).

[Yes, you may join, Dave’s Mate. I expect you had a hand in weeding that garden. It seems to be well stocked. If the other bantam has more than four chickens she will be puffed up with pride. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have taken a place in Riverton as housekeeper. I have four children to look after, and two men to cook for as well as all the housework to do, so you may be sure I am very busy at times. All the same I like here very much, as there is plenty of enjoyment. I do not see the Otago Witness now, they do not take it here. I miss it very much. I have been home only one Sunday night for one hour and a-half, and it seemed about six hours. I was at a dance, and spent a most enjoyable evening. I am going to one again soon, if it is fine. It is the extended night of the dance club. I have my teeth now, and they did feel rather funny at first, but I never know any difference now. We have had only one fine Sunday since I came, and I simply detest a wet Sunday. I was 16 on September 6, but I do not feel one day older than I was two years ago. There is a football match here soon, the married men against the young men. I am not going, as I do not have any days off. The new bridge, which is being’ built, is nearly finished. I have not seen it yet, although I would like to very much. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. WE ARE EIGHT (Riverton). [Yours is a hard task. We Are Eight. You will need all your patience at times I should imagine. Now that you have your new set of teeth you will have no more worry. It is a good saying “we are just as old as we feel.” —DOT.]

* ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I have one correspondent through the page, and she is very pleasant. Theer are a good few round about here who write to the page. Our nearest neighbours are building a new house. The foundations and framework are up. There are two other new houses going up in the district too. I have left school now-, and and am at home. I should have liked to have gone to high school. I am fond of drawing and sewing. We have two new cows. Their names are Mist and Holly, and we have little calves. One is much more frisky than the other. I have a grey and white cat, and I took a photograph of him the other day. I hope it comes out all right. He will stand on his hind legs, put his paws away up in the air. and try to catch my hand. He jumps from the ground on to my shoulder, and lies round my neck, and plays with my hair, but he does not have the chance very often. He is not the least frightened of the dogs, and he is friendly with the bantam hen. We are putting a lawn in front of the house this year, and we had to shift many flowers, so they are not coming on very well yet. Love to you and your Little Folk;—Yours truly, OGEAIAQUAY (Southland). [lt is much more pleasant writing to the, page if a group of children .write from the same school, Ogemaquay. T like to see the stages a house goes through before it is really built. Those are fanciful names for the cows. Yours seems to be a model pussy. He deserves to have many friends.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thank you very much for the name for the cat. I was at Tokarahi, and I saw A Country Alan, but I do not think he knows who I am. I know FailApple Blossoms, as she lives not far away from us. I notice that the willows are nearly out in leaf. Our daffodils and the sweet little violets are coming out. We have over 100 lambs and one black one. I went in for the Navy League Essay on Sir Ernest Shackleton, but I am not expecting to win a prize. I had a letter from A Lass Frae Auld Ayr. and I was pleased, as it was the first' letter I have had from overseas. We have two newly calved cows, so that will be three we are milking now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, FALLING SNOWFLAKES (Alaerewhenua).

[Why do you not make yourself known to A Country Man, Falling Snowflakes? What a joyful surprise it will be if you win a prize for the essay. Did A Lass Frae Auld Ayr describe her town to vou? The cows do not take long to be milked if everyone helps.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thank you very much for the' name for my doll. I like Dora for a name. The same teacher who teaches me used- to teach Dottie- Dimples, who is my correspondent. I think she is a lovely teacher. We were going to go to Oamaru recently, but it rained. We have planted seeds in boxes at school. We girls helped the boys to sow their seeds to-day. The daffodils are coming out. and so are the violets and primroses. I have' three pet lambs, and I call them Peter, Patty, and Air Pip. Falling Snowflakes has three too, and she calls hers Tiny, Tottie, and Tinker. I love to see the little lambs frisking about in the meadows. One of onr hens is sitting so I hope she brings out good hatch of chickens.—Yours truly, RED HOT POKER . : ■ (Alaerewhenua)'

[Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip would be pleased to know that the lambs are named after them, Red Hot Poker. I am interested in those seeds. Some I grew in wet flannel, and they sprouted well.. A little garden can be made in an old cracked plate.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Aly father was ill, but he is better now. _ I have canaries now, and they have laid one egg. We have a new Jersey cow and a calf. Could you please give me a name for the calf? I was down at Invercargill for my last school holidays, and I enjoyed them very much. There were a few aeroplanes flying about, as it was Industries Week. We have several lambs here now. There are six pets to feed. One of my brothers has a poisoned hand. Aly eldest sister is down here just now. I took the cover from the pony about a month ago, as he was being caught in the fences. I like reading about Teddy and Golly, also Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip. We are feeding four calves now, but two will soon have to be weaned, There are about 18 eggs received a night from the hens. We put our ducks in a run at night, because we do not get the eggs if we do not. There was an egg no bigger than a bird’s egg brought in this morning. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours trulv, WHITEBAIT (Southland).

[I am glad that father is better, Whitebait. How sweet of your canaries to lay an egg! I think Primrose would be a pretty name for the Jersey calf. I hope your brother’s hand will soon be better. I suppose the pony will be glad to be free of his cover. What a tiny duck egg that was.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in.the Otago Witness again. It is hard weather for the lambs, but most of them have grown bigger and stronger now, so they are able to stand the cold better. We have three pet lambs now. The last one brought in is still a little frightened, but when it sees the other two run for the milk it slowly follows. _ Puppy is growing now, and loves chasing the hens and ducks. He is such a cunning little rogue too. He is not allowed in tbe kitchen, but he creeps up, and lies in the doorway, and “ falls asleep ” with one eye open, watching. When he thinks no one is looking, he creeps in a little further, and lies down again. _ He sometimes goes quite a distance in before he is noticed, but he retreats hastily when he sees a broom after him. _ The seedlings in the garden are growing quickly, and there are still good shows of bulbs and primroses in flower. The japoniea bush is a mass of yellow flowers, and looks very pretty on a sunshiny day. In the bush there are heaps of clematis out. They look like big snowballs on the top of the trees. The last books I read were “ Silver Island ” and Catamount Camp.” I liked them both, but the former was the more interesting. I am working a design for an apron for fancywork, in black, orange, yellow, and two shades of green. The design is of a blackbird beneath some maize plants, from which cobs are falling. It will look bright when it is finished. As news is scarce I must bring this letter to a close. Love to the Little Folk and vourself. —Yours truly.

PELORUS JACK (Picton). [I can imagine I see that cheeky puppy stealing into the warm kitchen, and pretending not to be there, Pelorus Jack. I suppose you have many a good laugh at him. How beautiful the clematis must be. DOT^ Ver I ” by Edith Howes?—

Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to thank you'for printing my letter. I received a letter from Golden Star some time ago. We have daffodils and snowdrops in blossom. We have about 80 lambs and 50 calves. The boat called Elsie that used to trade between Hokitika, Bruce Bay, and Okuru went on a beach a little distance the other side of Bruce Bay one Sunday night at 1 o’clock. No lives were lost. The boat would not have gone up on the beach only’ the engines stopped, and thorough seas washed it ashore. The Gale is going to take the Elsie’s place. We have a horse without a name, so would you please give me one for her? I have 85 correspondents, so I am kept busy writing letters. I have a book to keep their addresses in as I cannot think of half their addresses. I am working a supper cloth for the Afelbourne Competitions, but it is not half finished yet, but I have to have it finished by December 6. I will close now, as I cannot tell you much more.— lours truly.

GOLDEN STAR OF WESTLAND (Haast).

[lt was sad about the Elsie, Golden Star of Westland. What a blessing that no lives were lost. Eighty-five correspondents are a large number. No wonder you need a book to keep their addresses in. Call the horse Duchess.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was glad to see my last letter in print. Aly birthday was on Thursday, September 11. The Shamrock V was well beaten by the Enterprise for the America Cup. I have just read a book called “ Detective Donald,” by Annie Al. Severs. Australia recovered the ashes when she defeated England by an innings and 39 runs at the Oval. Hobbs the best English batsman hoped to make over 50 runs in his last test for England, but he

was dismissed by Fairfax when he had scored only nine runs. Don Bradman has made over 20 records in England this season. In the term holidays I went to a picture called “ The Mounted Stranger.” The chief actor was Hoot Gibson. Did you see it? In the holidays I often went down to the railway line and helped a man to cut wood. He took two photographs of Red Pen and .two dogs and myself. Temuka won the senior seven-a-side football tournament, thus performing the ‘‘hat trick.” You_asked me to tell vou something about “Pioneers in Australia.” Well I will do the best I can. There were two men, Guy and Afauriee Bracewell, who were trying to find their uncle’s cattle ranch. After many exciting adventures with bushrangers and blacks they reached their destination. They received a very civil welcome from their uncle, and at

night had a feast. In the morning their uncle asked them if they would like a job. They accepted the offer at once. Soon a. mob of horsemen were galloping over the' rough ground. They used decoys to catch wild cattle. Occasionally they went hunting kangaroos, which ate the grass that was required for the sheep. Wejl, I must close now as news is scarce.—Yours trulv PAUL DARING (Temuka).' [Yes, Shamrock V had very poor luck, Paul Daring, but she accepted her defeat in a very sporting manner. Australia de-

serves to recover the ashes. I have not seen the picture. Thank you for your description of “ Pioneers in Australia.” It was very interesting to read. —DOT.] NOTES. i Dot wishes the following a happy birthday:—Dolena, Faith, Hope, Charity, We Are Eight, and Paul Daring. Jolly Glad.—Write to Al. Wood, 33 Spoger street, Dunstan-on-Tyne, England. Till We Aleet Again.—Thank you for the addresses. I have sent in your question to the “ Notes and Queries ” column.—DOT. To the inquirer for Dad’s Daisy’s address .—The address is Daisy APCann, 25 Papanui road, Christchurch. Lady Olive.—l have posted tbe letter to Alaureen.—DOT. • Flower. —The address you wanted is J. Rolfe, Redcliff, South Canterbury. AUTOS. Sea Viking (J. Isbister, Fairlie) wishes to correspond with Caledonian Laddie and Earl Kitchener. Fairy of the Golden Lily (Eileen Scott, 1 ort Molyneux, Otago) wishes to correspond with A Lassie Yet? Jolly Rover, Sister Susie, Arno, The Little Bush Wren, ■£P“. e the Toiler, Fair Forget-me-not, pothers Right-hand Girl, and any other Little Folk willing. Jack Ginger (J. Peters, 25 Brownville crescent, Alaori Hill, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with Gaucho Juan. Alother’s Angel (Alma Dorricott, Eyre Creek, Five Rivers) would like to correspond with Steele Rudd, and any other Little Folk interested in reading and out-of-door sports. Dave’s Alat (A. Taylor, Drury lane, Grassmere, Invercargill) would like to correspond with any girl Little Folk between the ages of 15 and 17 years old. Just Ale (Mavis Hopgood, 80 Victoria avenue, Invercargill) wishes to correspond with Haeata, Arrowmir, Forest King, and Kia Ora’s Son. Ogemaquay (Beryl APLay, Wendon Rural Delivery. Gore) would like to correspond with The Last of the Dauntless Three.

? s le of Beauty’s Daughter (Alolly Michael, care. of Alorrison and Warren, Roslyn, Dunedin) would like to correspond with Steele Rudd. Ivory Tips, Ploughman’s Alate, Old Shylock, Dashing Dick, and any Little Folk in America willing.