LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 71

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

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

Dear Dot, —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age, atd I am in Standard V at school. As I was going to school this' morning I saw a little lamb nearly dead, so I took it home. It is growing lively. Would you please give me a name for it? We have two cows, but there is only one milking.—Yours truly, JOHN’S DARLING (Hakataramea). [Yes, you may join, John’s Darling. How thoughtful of you to rescue the lamb! The poor little thing would have died if you had left it in the cold. Would Nod suit it for a name?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of your happy band? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard V at school. I have three sisters and one brother. We have three horses, and 1 like riding the white one. We have a wireless set, and we spend many an hour listening-in. We like listening to the children’s session. My little baby , sister can talk, and says many funny things. She wanted me to take her to-my grand-

mother’s place to-day. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, FOUR LEAVED CLOVER (Mihiwaka). [Yes, you may join us, Four Leaved Clover. Will you bring us any good luck? When you see your white horse do you wish every day? I wonder if the baby understands what the wireless is. She must be fond of her grandmother.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —I would very much like to join your happy and ever-growing circle. I am 12 years and eight months old, and my birthday was March 14, and I live five and a-half miles from school. I am cycling to school for a short time. We have three dogs, but mother does not allow cats. Next month there is to be a flower show, and next time I write I shall describe it to you. The mountains are still snow-clad. Do you like reading? I do, and my favourite author is Montgomery.—Yours truly. HALL STAND (Fairlie).

[Yes, you may join, Hall Stand. Be sure that you put your bicycle out of the wet at school, or it will soon rust. Dogs make good pets if they are not fondled too much. Yes. I like reading, and your favourite author writes some happy books. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am working about 20 miles from home, and it is a change. The lady I work for has seven young children, and the baby is just three months old. He is a very good little boy, and he is at an interesting age. I have been intending to write to your page, but I have found other work to keep me occupied in the evenings. My friend Father’s Best Jockey, often writes to your page. Spring is here, and it is good to see all the young lambs playing about. We have had lovely spring weather, and I hope it lasts for a while longer before we have rain. I was 16 this month, and my mother gave me a very pretty purse for my birthday. I left school nearly three years ago. and it just seems like yesterday to me. I have never wished to go back to school again. Tennis will be opening again, but I shall not be able to play this year, because there are no courts near to me. I have not read a book, or found time to do any fancywork for a long time. I am very fond of reading, and the last book I read was called “Miss Billy.” Have you read it? I miss the Otago Witness very much, but my mother sends it to me sometimes. The first thing I do when I open it is to turn to the Little Folk’s letters. My friend Forassestoponderover has not written to your page for a long time. I went to a concert a fortnight ago, and I enjoyed myself very much. I have not had a dance for a while, but the dances are nearly all over, and tennis is the craze again. Kind regards to all.—-Yours truly,, NOKOMIS OF THE MOON (Otago). [You have a responsible position, if you care for seven children, Nokomis of the Moon. I suppose they help you, though, all they can, and are as good as the baby is. Sixteen is a very happy age to be. Yes, I read the book a long time ago.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is now -many years since I last wrote to the page. I now take the opportunity of writing my retiring letter to, you. Although I was not a regular writer I always took an interest in the letters that were sent in by other Little Folk. When I reached my majority, I received some very good presents, besides some useful ones. Hockey is over for 1930 now, and the team, in which I was playing, was again victorious in winning the cup for the third year in succession, being premiers in the Vincent Hockey Tournament. The fruit trees are beginning to burst into bloom, and will make a spectacular sight if the frost keeps away. yWe have our little niece staying with us. She goes to school every day, and enjoys it very much. I was pleased that the New Zealand footballers beat the British, and also that the Australian cricketers were successful. What a wonderful cricketer Don Bradman must be. I should love to see him playing. My mate went to Dunedin to work about a month ago, and I miss her very much, because we went together for about 16 years. Our junior footballers won the silver cups at Ranfurly tournament, and they are going to Cromwell to try their luck once again. We had-four Dunedin hockey teams up to the Maniototo Hockey Tournament, but the Alexandra six put the strongest team out by three goals to one, so the girls were proud to think they had defeated all of the teams, Kindest regards to all and yourself, and the best of luck to the page. —Yours truly, PRINCESS MAYROSE (Central Otago). [I hope you will write for Old Writers’ Week, Princess Mayrose. I am always sorry to cross the Little Folk off the list when they become Old Writers. Lucky girl to have good birthday presents! Mothers generally try to give something special for a twenty-first birthday. Perhaps you will come to our town sometime, and see your mate again.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Most of the flowers have their blooms out already, and the trees are beginning to have new leaves for the summer. Our garden is coming on well. We have cabbages, potatoes, peas, beans, and

lettuces in so far. I have five little chicks with a bantam hen, and the way the chicks run around is very amusing. I could sit and watch them all day. It is a pity the wee chickens could not stay yellow all the time is it not? If they did we would not have arty eggs from them. My friend went out fishing last night, and caught nine dozen flounders, so that was not bad for a night’s work. -I am the only son at home now, as my brothers are all on farms, one at Kapuka. Edendale, Pebley Hills, and another in Waverley in the North Island. Love to all and your own dear self.—Yours trulv, THE LION MAN’S MATE (Invercargill).

[I noticed some trees bursting into blossom recently, Lion Man’s Mate. Chickens are so pretty when they are young. That friend must be a clever fisherman. You must be the man of the house now that all the other boys are away.—DOT.]

Bear Dot,—My mother is very busy in her garden and orchard, planting seeds, and pruning the trees. Last year we received many peaches from our peach tree, and we enjoyed them ever so much. The mill here is just about closing, so many of the men, who are employed there will be idle for a few weeks until it opens again. We own 20 hens, and we receive 11 eggs a day from them. The last book I read was “ The Flame of Hate,” and it was exciting. We have no cows in at present, but there will be some very soon, and once more we shall have to visit the milking shed night and morning. The other day, when I was walking up to the post office to collect our mail, I had gone only a few chains when a man in a big Dodge sedan car came along and picked me up. I was lucky, as I did not care for walking that day. I have one lamb, and I call it Joey. He knows his name. The best fancywork stitch I like is the “ bullion ” stitch. Have you done if or heard of it? The usual spring floods have not begun yet. I love receiving One of the Mysterious Pair’s Pal’s letters. She writes very interesting letters. The school children are again buried in their school work after having two weeks’ holiday. My sister’s friend, Jessie, is in the hospital with appendicitis, but is progressing well. I think it must not be pleasant to be lying in bed these spring days, do you? My favourite subjects at school were drawing, reading, spelling, and writing. I left school in 1929, so I am deprived of those joys. Queen of the Rooks has just completed hemstitching a powder blue supper ’ cloth, and I, am starting a pink d’oyley. I think it will look very pretty worked in orange and green. Steele Rudd will have a splendid trip, and I suppose many of the Little Folk will be envying him. My sister and I belong to Uncle George and Aunt Molly’s Radio Circle, and have had our names called out from 2YA, Wellington. 4ZL, Dunedin sends out good programmes. and many a night I have tuned in to 4ZL to hear the records. Our small pup called Don, has already killed one hen and a pullet, but I suppose lie is not the only animal of his kind who does that. Best wishes to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TASMANIAN GIRL (Waitaha).

[lt is to be hoped the peaeli tree bears well again this season, Tasmanian Girl. It is unfortunate the mill hands cannot find work when the mill is closed. I have not heard of the stitch. Can you describe it to-us? It is indeed unpleasant to be lying in bed these days.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have bare feet at school now every day. Nine cows have calved, and one sheep has two lambs. Our school had a concert a while ago, and I was iii one of the items with some of mV mates. Best love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. WHISKERY FACE (Wendon Valley).

[Lucky children to have bare feet. Whiskery Face. It is a sure sign that summer is near. Sheep look so proud if they have two lambs. What were the items you were in ? I am always interested in hearing of them.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —To-day it does not know whether to rain or not, but my idea is that I think it will end up by raining or blowing. I sowed some vegetable seeds the other day, and they are beginning to appear above the surface. There was a send-off for the school teacher and her mother, who have lived in this district for 40 years They had a very good concert first, and we ended the evening with dancing. The dear wee lambs are to be seen dancing and frolicking about the paddocks. and up and down the straw stacks. We all went to Balclutha and Gore for the week-end. We enjoyed the stay immensely, seeing we had such beautiful weather, but sad to say it rained, and poured on our way to Gore. We had to pass over a clay road part of the journey, and if we had been 10 minutes later we would have been stuck, and by the time we reached our destination the car was covered in mud. I ceased music last May, and now I seem to regret it, I liked music, but I disliked practising, which was main thing. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours trulv. GRANDMA’S RIDDLE GIRL (Edievale).

[lt is a good reward when the seeds begin to shoot. Grandma’s Riddle Girl. There is something sad about a send-off for a school teacher. We grow so fond of our teachers. Lambs are comical around a straw stack. I am disappointed about your music. Perhaps you will take it up again soon, —DOT.]

Deaf Dot,—May I become a. member of i your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years of age, and I left school at the end of last year, as I gained my proficiency. I look forward to the coming of the Otago Witness every week, for I am interested in your page. Spring is here once again, and all the trees are bursting their buds, and in the green fields lambs are becoming numerous. The flower gardens are looking delightful with all the violets, primroses, daffodils, and crocuses out. Our vegetable garden is doing fairly well with all our time we spend in it. I stay with my grandmother, and we are just home about a week, from spending a holiday with my uncle at Kaka Point. Although it was very quick I enjoyed myself strolling on the beach, and exploring the beautiful bush. I like doing fancywork, and at present I am working a table centre in colours. We have the talkies here, and they are being weP patronised. The last one I went to was “ Sunny Side Up,” which I thoroughly en joyed. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours trulv. MISS NOBODY (Otago).

[Yes, you may be a member. Miss Nobody. Do not forget to send your private name and address. Spring flowers are the daintiest of all. That is a good holiday spot. One should be quiet if one needs a complete rest. —DOT.]

¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Since I last wrote to you I have been to Christchurch twice, and last term holidays 1 went to Ashburton and Timaru. I enjoyed myself. While I was in Ashburton I had the pleasure of being able to visit the glassworks. Perhaps some of your readers will be interested to know how the glass is manufactured. The silica sand (obtained from Methven) is mixed with sodium carbonate, nitrate, and sulphate, and calcium sulphate. This mixture is then put in a furnace where it is heated to a temperature of 2000 deg. C. In the furnace the sand mixture becomes a viscous fluid, which is gathered by the gatherers on hollow iron rods. These rods are a means of conveyance for transferring the glass mixture to the moulding machine. In the earlier years of glass manufacturing these rods were used for the blowing process. In the moulding machine the glass is moulded and by air compression they are also blown. The bottles are then moved from the moulding machine to the lear where the annealing or baking process is carried out. From the lear the bottles are taken to the packing room where they are’packed ready tor distribution. Our first fifteen Rugby i team won the Newman Shield for the fourth time in succession. Our tramping club held a tramp along the Omoto road nearly as far as Wallsend. The school dramatic society is going to produce “ Little Make-Believe ” at the end of the year. In October we are holding our annual exhibition, fete, and procession. Our form is to be represented in the latter.— Yours truly, V. A. (Greymouth). [You arc fond of Christchurch I see, V.A. Thank you for your interesting description about the glass. Congratulations to the Rugby team. You need to be proud of them. That should be a good play to act. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —The spring flowers arc commencing to bloom, beautifying our surroundings. The weather has been unsettled, with heavy showers of rain and hail. The Awamoko School football team played off for the cup, but they were beaten by 11 to nil. This year is the first time they have been beaten for years, but they may do better next year. My father

is busy, as he has to attend to about 500 lambs. Eyes of Blue is sitting for a music examination, and I hope she passes. There is a fancy dress dance soon, but I do not think I am going to it. Love to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, HIGHFIELD LASS (Georgetown). [1 hope that Eyes of Blue passed her music examination, Highfield Lass. Has she ever entered for one before? The school will play all the more keenly next season, and I hope they win the cup back. The team which holds the cup must feel very proud to have won it at last.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our second term holidays have ended, and I had a splendid time, and I was sorry—in one way—when, after a period of three weeks, the time came to go back to school. One fine day during tbe holidays a girl friend and myself decided to walk to the beach and take our lunch. We determined, for fun, not to spend any money, to walk all the way, and to accept no rides. We took a long way out and reached the pier. We walked nearly to the end of it, and thence-along the beach to Castlecliff, where we had our lunch.' Then we had two games of tennis on the courts, aigl a few swings, after which we set out along the beach once more, this time in the opposite direction. We went along to some cliffs, which we climbed, and 1 came back on the other side. It was lovely to feel the fresh sea breeze on our faces and feel T the soft sand beneath our bare feet. We made several minor discoveries, which, although they interested us, would not be noteworthy. We walked home, and when t\e reached Gonville we watched the last race from the hill overlooking the racecourse. We arrived home tired indeed, but we had thoroughly enjoyed burselves, and were well satisfied that we had fulfilled our resolutions. During the holidays I learned to play tennis, and I can count now too. Do you care for that game? I like it now that I am able to play. We have taken up cricket at school, although one or two usually occupy the tennis courts. We have baths at our school. They’ have just been finished lately, and they are to open in a few. weeks. I am looking forward to the swimming season, and I think the public baths all open in a week or so. Usually in the evenings we all go out and play cricket in the paddock behind our place, but the evenings are still short. There is usually a big crowd of boys and. girls from Springvale playing there. The ages vary from four to 18 years. Next Saturday week the Springvale girls are playing the

Springvale boys in a seven-a-side cricket tournament. It is to be played in the came place, and the girls are providing afternoon tea for the boys. You may be sure we are looking forward to it.. .If you were here you would be barracking for the girls, would you not? I am sitting for my intermediate examination at the end of November - , and I shall have to work fairly hard,. We signed our forms before the holidays, and to my delight, 1 found that mathematics (algebra and geometry) were not compulsory. I took French instead. Best love to yourself and the Little Folk. —Yours truly. POLLY NANNA (Wanganui). [Tramping is great fun, Polly Nanna. The beach makes a good place if the sand is firm. Yes. I am very fond of tennis. It is an excellent game, for it exercises every part of the body. It is always good to barrack for_the weaker side.—DOT.] * * V

Dear Dot.—Hay I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and in Standard 111 at school. There are 20 going to our school, and the chief game is making mud houses. I have just " finished reading some of your interesting letters in your page, and I thought I should like to join. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, WAIKIKI MOON (Southland). [Yes, you may join. Waikiki Moon. Fancy your making mud houses! Do you not dirty your hand and frocks? An Eskimo child could teach you how to make a snow house if you lived in his land. They are such jolly_ looking children all wrapped up in their fur clothes. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot. —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. I am eight years old, and I shall be nine next April. I went to a fancy dress dance recently. I went in fancy dress. We have daffodils and violets in the garden. Our baby is eight months old. He had his photograph taken. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. ■—Yours truly. MISS OAMARLT (Oamaru). [Could you ‘ describe the fancy dress that you wore to the dance. Miss Oamaru? I suppose you helped to make and plan it. The baby will feel very proud when he realises that he has had his photogranh taken. Was it a good one? Do you like violets and daffodils?—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is raining here. I miss our dog very much. We have not another dog. I am 12 to-day. and I received a manicure set from mother, and a pair of crystals from my uncle, and a few other things. Yes. I write to mother every Sunday. We are in the best of health now. My photograph was very good. A lady took it, and she wanted me to stand up, hut I was too tall, I am sft tin in height. My cold is better now. We are busy with the garden, and we have plenty of daffodils out. We have only one cow, and her name is Topsy. We have 22 hens, and 12 are laying. There are about 35 children going to. our school. My brother cut his leg with an axe before he went away.— Yours truly. „ . YELLOW CROCUS FLOWER (Kakapuaka). [I am glad you are all well now. Yellow Crocus Flower. Your mother’s birthday present to you was an excellent one, and I know you will find it most useful. I do not think you are too tall. Always remember to carry yourself well, and do not stoop as so many tall people do. I hope your brother’s leg is better now. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot. —-I have just been reading the Little Folk's letters. My sister is doing her practice. The Salvation Army man is playing out in front of our place. We have a flowering currant tree growing in front of our place, and every morning a bellbird comes and sings in it. There are also two goldfinches which come and feed in our garden. Our annual spring show is soon, and mother is putting some hyacinths in. I have been weeding my garden. Our big cat had a sore paw. and it was all swollen through a burn. We went in to hear the talkies during the holidays, and I liked them very much. I had not heard them before. I went with uncle when he delivered the bread, and I saw an albatross. —Yours truly. SPRING’S YELLOW DAFFODIL (Southland). [Your noin de plume is most suitable at present, when daffodils are everywhere, Spring’s Yellow Daffodil. Is it the piano or the violin that your sister plays? The bellbird probably enjoys your sister’s music as much as you enjoy his sweet notes. I hope your mother is successful in her entry at the show.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —Miss Oamaru, my sister, is writing to you. I was at a fancy dress ball a week or so ago. I went as a night fairy. A girl who went as a bunch of rhubarb won the prize. My brother was 10 years old in September. We have daffodils, violets, crocuses, and primroses in our garden. The spring flower show is soon. We had a hailstorm here recently. I shall be glad when the baths are open again, as I shall be able to have a swim. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. MAPLE LEAFLET (Oamaru) [Are you a good swimmer and lifesaver, Maple Leaflet. I hope you have, never needed to save anyone’s life, but I trust that you know how to help a person who is in difficulties. How were you dressed for the night fairy? Are you entering any flowers in the show?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —I did not come first in my class, but fourth. I was very sorry one morning when dad came and said that my calf and its mother were going to be sold. Our other cow will soon be in. and I am having that calf instead. We are having good spring weather up here, and nearly all the school girls are in summer clothes. Dad has been making races in all our paddocks, and the grass is so green. Our daffodils are nearly out. Most of them have buds on them. I am going for a holiday to Dunedin, and I shall tell all about it in my next letter. I hope all the Little Folk and yourself are well. —Yours truly. MY BEST GIRL (Otago). [I am sure you are looking forward to your holiday in Dunedin, and shall be interested to hear how you spent it, My Best Girl. I hope you will not have to give up your new pet calf. How deep are the races that your father makes in the paddocks? It is too cold in Dunedin for summer frocks at present.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —We have 24 chickens out, and three more hens set, so we should have

some more yet. We have nine cows in, one of which is my pet one whose calf is red. Could you suggest a name for it, please? I am reading a book called “On the Banks of the Amazon.” Have you ever read it? It is very' interesting, I am going to learn to play the organ soon, and I shall be very glad. I came- top last term, so that is two terms that I have been top. I like Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip. also Golly and Teddy, and always read about them. There was a thunderstorm one night, but it was not very bad. I went away for my holidays to Dunedin, and saw H.M.S. Dunedin, but I did-not go on it. Were you on it? I went through the hothouse in the Gardens. I saw the deer also. The Gardens are beautiful. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly. PINKY ROSE (Otago).

[Perhaps Bricky would do for a name for your calf. Pinky Rose. I have not read the book you are enjoying. I was not on H.M.S. Dunedin, but saw many sailors from it. It seems as though you are going to gain first position in the class this year. I think you will find your organ lessons extremely interesting.— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —All the spring flowers are out here now. There are numbers of lambs running around too. We have started the spring-cleaning. The mornings are always sunny, but it usually clouds over in the afternoons. There were two dances in Duntroon lately, but as 1 had influenza I could not go to either. The Duntroon Hockey Club has won two cups and a shield this year, and the footballers won a cup. The school children have played several games of basket ball, and have not been beaten so far. We have all noticed a difference in the growth of the crops and grass since the last rain. We have no cows milking, so we have to buy our milk from our neighbour. Our hens are not laying very well. One of our neighbours has two settings of chickens out. I have just been reading all the Little Folk’s letters. They are very interesting. I like reading letters from people in other parts of the country. I also like reading about Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip. It will soon be time to change into summer clothing again, but just now the weather is so changeable that I should not like to go far from home in a light frock. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. BABY FACE (Duntroon).

[You must have very keen players and good coaches to have such good results in your sports. Baby Face. You will be glad when you can use your own milk again. You will find the cool weather is better for soring cleaning than the veryhot days.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my first letter published in the Otago Witness. I always read your pages, and find them very interesting. Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip have some fine pranks sometimes. We have a lovely black and white calf, which is growing big and strong. Would you kindly give me a name that would suit her. please? We have six little yellow chickens, which were hatched about three weeks ago. Dad took us all to Port Molyneux Beach for the day, and we saw Olive and An Otekura Lass walking along the beach towards the the Nuggets Point. We did not spend a very enjoyable day, as it started to rain about 2 p.m., and we were compelled to return home. We arrived here about 3.45 p.m. very- hungryafter - the salt sea air and the long motor journey. Some of our school children and the Balclutha school children are going to give a drill demonstration at the Balclutha sports, and I hope I shall be able to go Our garden looks very pretty with all the daffodils waving in the wind. Daffodils are the chief flower in dur gardens. I should like to go to Lawrenee when the daffodils are out in bloom, as people say they look very beautiful about this time of the year. For sewing at school I have just finished making myself a cooking apron for next year.' and my next work will be a tea-cosy. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. LAUGHING BLUE EYES (Owaka).

[Call your black and white calf Pierrot, Laughing Blue Eyes. Pierrot always wears black and white. I am sorry that your day’s outing to the Nugget Point was spoiled by the rain. I think the drill display should be exceedingly- interesting.—Dot.]

Dear Dot. —I was pleased to see my first letter printed. We are living near the Mataura River, so we shall be able to have picnics there in the summer. I have not any now summer clothes made yet. but lots of last year’s clothes still fit me. We planted some annuals, so it will not be long until they are up. T have just finished working a table centre. I sent it to my aunt for her birthday. Have you started playing tennis yet? I have not had a game this year. I have just read “ Rustlers x>f Wind River.” Have you read it? It is’ about cowboys. Love' to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly,

DAUGHTER OF A SOLDIER (Gore).

[I have had some sets of tennis, and most of the clubs have either opened. Glare opening next week. Daughter of a Soldier. I have not read that book. I am sure that your aunt was pleased with her present.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —That time I asked you to put an auto in for me, for some Old Writers to correspond with, I received one reply from an Old Writer at Hawea Flat. I forget his now de plume now, but, anyway, I still write to him. I was out last Saturday, and I was soaked to the skin. I do not know, but we folk in New Zealand seem to have nothing else but rain. I do not think we shall ever haw any summer. Do you like Dunedin? It is certainly a very beautiful city, but I prefer the country life. I should just love to be living on a farm again. Still, one never has anywhere to go in the country. I mean in the real, free, open country. The workmen have been cleaning most of the shrubs and native trees away up near our home. Mother says it is such a pity, because the bush is so cool and shady looking. I went to the Technical Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Hockey : dance in the Embassy Salon. I had a wonderful time. The presentations were also made— The cups were beautiful. The Southland team was entertained. Did you see the picture entitled “ All Quiet on the'Western Front”? I did. I wish “ Rio Rita ” would come to Dunedin again. I have heard so many people say what a beautiful picture it was. I was

at Arrowtown both times that picture was on in Dunedin. Employment is so difficult to find just now. 1 applied for a position in a shop a short time ago, and before I had left the place there were 52 girls waiting. I can speak French a little bit. I was out at Allanton for a day, and left there about 10.30 p.m. for home. We had gone only about as far as Mosgiel on the Homeward journey when the rain came down. I was on the back of a motor bicycle, so you may imagine what I was like. My brother-in-law was riding the motor cycle, my sister and niece were packed into the sidecar, and I had to be contented with the pillion seat. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly, A BLUE BELLE (Otago).

[I am glad some of the Old Writers corresponded with you, Blue Belle. Soon we shall be saying we have nothing but sunshine in New Zealand. Of course I like Dunedin. It is always a sad event when the native bush has.to be cut down. No. I did not sec the picture.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —I wish to thank you, and to let you know that I received my badge safely. Are we not having funny weather at present? It is sunny in the mornings, and in the afternoons it rains very hard. Do you play tennis? I love it. but have not decided where to join yet. We are having new courts made in our district, and I am waiting to see if they will open them this season. My racket has four or five strings broken, so I shall have to save up, and have them mended. I am working an apron. Do you like fancy work? I like it if I can do it without hurrying. I am saving the Ardath certificates for a watch. I have .always wanted a watch, and now I am to have one. I require 600 certificates, and I have 488. Give my love to all Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, O. X. O. (Otago). [Yes. I play tennis and heartily enjoy it, O. X. O. Join a court if you can. It is no use your playing with a racket which has broken strings. Mend them before you have your first game. I like to see people interested in fancywork.—DOT.] A* X. AS 4

Dear Dot, —It does not seem as if we are going to have any summer this year. O. X. 0., a friend, and myself went to Mosgiel to visit some friends. We had to go in a bus, as there were no trains running. It was funny in a bus, and it is

the longest journey I have been'in one. They were all full too. A number of people do not like the buses, but I do not see anything wrong with them. Do you like reading? I do. I spend all my spare, time at it. In June I spent about a week out in the country, and it was lovely and quiet after the town. It reminded me of our own farm. Tn town one has to be so quiet, and often one forgets. I know I do, and starts to sing and whistle.—Yours truly.

AUSSIE (Otago).

[The buses arc quick means of transport, Aussie. For anyone who becomes car-sick, however, they are not suitable. Yes, I like reading, and. like you, put my spare time into it. One cannot really compare, town and country life, as they are so different from one another.—DOT.]

Dear Det.—l. was pleased to see rodletter in print last time. What a pity your poor pussy died. It would be a great loss to you. Tabby is very funny still m her ways. My sister Betty was home from school bccaties of toothache. The lilies of the valley are coming up. I am going to look out for the planet Saturn. It wilt not appear again for 40 years. It was very stormy one night. There are many spring flowers out in flower. I am reading “Ivory Child,” by H. Rider Haggard, and 1 also have finished reading “ Pearl Maiden,” which is very interesting. I have also read a few of Ainsworth’s books such as “ Tower of London,” " Old St. Paul’s,” and “'Lancashire Witches.” Was not it sad about the ship Tahiti, but it was good that her passengers did not go down as well as the mails. While I was in town I went to a talkie picture called “ The Vagabond King,” which was very good.—Yours trulv, A DOONHILL LASSIE (Gisborne).

[Cats, which have been kindly treated, will generally play when they are old, A Doonhill Lassie. 1 trust that Betty’s toothache is now all gone. Tell me if you have seen the planet. Yes, it was sad about the Tahiti.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —My birthday was August 17, and I am now 15. You asked me last time the names of the women in the book. “ Fotn- Noble Women and Their Work.” They were Sister Dora, Frances Willard. Catherine Booth, and Agnes E. Weston. The last books that I read were “Anne of the Island,” “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” and

“ The Heritage of the Desert.” Dad is gravelling the_ Longbush South road. One day he left his tools, and when he went back the next day his best spade had disappeared. There are manv spring flowers about. The daffodils at Daffodil Bay were beautiful until people began to tug them up, and take the flowers and bulbs away. They were not content doing that, but plucked thousands of the beautiful blooms, and left them Iving on the ground. We have bees, but we' hardly ever have anything from them except stings. We can always have them whether we j'them or not. I see that a girl who used to go to manual training with me lias joined your page. There are two Little Folk around here, but I do not know who they are. I am working a table centre. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self —Yours truly. CAPTAIN POLLY (Otara). [That was too bad about the spade. Captain Polly. Some people have no sense of sportsmanship at all. It is a pity those who took the daffodils did not take away the blooms if they were going to pick them. The bees do not sting van if you do not annoy tlmm, do thev?—DOT 1 ¥¥ ' ¥

Dear Dot, —I hope you are well these days, \v e are building a new house, and there are six men working at it. We are haying a new teacher. At school we play cricket. We girls played against the boys, and beat them by two runs one day. The last three books I have read are “ Pollyanna.” “ The Girls’ Budget.” and “ The Scholarship Girl.” I am making a turkey wool mat, and lam nearly finished. I am working a duchesse set too. Your page grows bigger every day. In the last examination I was first in my class with 333 marks. We have had the inspector at our school. He gave us our reading for proficiency. I was very glad we had our reading in our own school instead of Riversdale, where we shall have the rest of the proficiency examination. At the last hockey tournament our team won the medals, which were for the winners. Other years we were usually runners-up. I made toffee, but it did not set enough. We have a wireless, and we often listen-in to the children’s session, and the concert, which is after it. We heard all the test matches when Britain was playing New Zealand, and some of the other matches, which were all very interesting.—-Yours truly,

MAID MARIAN (Wendon).

[I am in excellent health thank you, Maid Marian. How’ clever of you to defeat the boys. It is really their same, and perhaps they did not really do their best. There is a great deal of w’ork in the making of a Turkish mat. Congratulations to you on your place in class. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Each time I read your page I see new’ members writing. I have a wee red and white calf, and will you please give me a name for it? We have several daffodils out and other spring flowers. I am reading a book named “ Little Megs Children.” Have you read it? Mum was making new curtains yesterday, and they look neat when they are up. The South Otago Schools are going into Balclutha to do drill, so I hope w’e bring back the shield, nut W’e have not much chance against the bigger schools. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MAID OF THE ISLES (Paretai).

[Call the calf Andy, Maid of the Isles. No, I have not read the book. I expect it is an interesting one, or you would not have enjoyed it so. You must all work very hard, and try to win the shield. It really does not matter that yours _is a smaller school than the others. —DOl'.]

Dear Dot, —I must thank you very much for the badge. I think it is pretty. Our teacher thinks it is a very good badge too. Mum and dad and my brother went to Invercargill, but they had a wet day. The poor little lambs are standing up in the paddock with the rain pattering down upon them. I have two pet lambs. Their names are Daisy and Sammy. They are lucky, because they have a box with straw in it to sleep on, and the poor little paddock lambs have nothing but their mothers to'lie beside. We have a goose with some goslings, and they just came out this morning.. We have another one, but she is still sitting. I forgot to tell you how many marks I received in my examination, but I shall tell you now. I had 269., and my brother, who is in the same standard as I am, came top with 275 marks. All those who were top and those who did not miss a day from school all the second term went home early on Friday afternoon, and I was among the ones who did not miss a day. Mum has all her garden in, and dad has his and the ones he plants for selling in. We have seeds at school to put

in our flower gardens, but we have not them in yet, but hope to have them in soon. Mum and dad will soon be home now. Best wishes to you and your happy band. —Yours truly, MAGPIE BIRD (Orawia).

[There is really not much pleasure in taking a trip in the rain, Magpie Bird. Did they go by car or train? Yes, the pet lambs are fortunate to have cover while they sleep. You and your brother both show a good term’s work. —DOT.[

¥ ¥ * Dear Dot, —On having read the many interesting letters which appear in your page of the Otago Witness, I thought I should like to join your happy circle, if you will have me as one of your members. I am 16 years of age, and I hope to be able to write to you for a few years. I came to New Zealand with my parents and my brother and sister about two years ago, and we are colonised now, although we found things very different from what they were in Scotland. I thought it very interesting to see the children ride to school on ponies, as we do not do that at Home. I am learning to ride, but I am not very good at it yet. We had a good voyage out, although I was seasick a few times. We came out on the Mataroa via Panama Canal. I brought a canary out from Home with me, but it died about a month ago. It was 15 years of age, and I had it all those years, so 1 missed it very much. I write to a few of my girl friends in Scotland, and they find it very interesting to read my letters telling them about the New Zealand ways. I find the New Zealanders very pleasant people, and they are all very homely. There are many lambs round about here, and there are spring flowers too, but it is very cold for them all; I trust this finds you well, and that you will allow me to join your happy circle.—Yours truly, SUNNY SIDE UP (Gore).

[You may join, Sunny Side Up. You would find our schools -different from those in Scotland. It will not take you long to learn to ride. Did our climate disagree with the pet? ■ It seems a shame that it died after making the long voyage in safety.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, ; —Our lovely holidays are over, and we are back at school again. I like school very much, as we have such great fun, and all our teachers are very

kind to us. The basket ball season is over, and tennis has taken its place. I think I enjoy a game of basket ball much better than a game of tenuis. It- is very dull weather just now, not very suitable for going out. I suppose the country is in need of some rain to freshen up the crops and the grass. My little lamb is pleased with its name, which is very appropriate for him. I have another little lamb, but I think father is going to'find a stepmother, so I shall not need to christen it. —Yours truly,

FAIR APPLE BLOSSOMS (Oamaru). ' [Teachers try to be kind, and an important part of their work is understanding the cliildren, Fair Apple Blossoms. It is cooler playing tennis than basket ball It will be better for the lamb to have a stepmother than a pet name. The country needed rain, but now it requires sunshine. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I should very much like to join your band of Little Folk, if I may, please. Where I live is 19 miles out of Invercargill, and there is a large sawmill here, as well as a dairy factory and a store. I am in Standard 111 at school, where we play basket ball, a game I like very much. I am very glad winter is over, as we shall have longer and brighter days. I have two cats, Chum and Fluffy, both grey ones. There are lambs in the paddock by our place, and they are lovely. I like watching them playing. I should like one for a pet, especially a black one. The Gorge Road Princess, who wrote to you, is a school mate of mine. We have a motor ear, and we have a great deal of pleasure out of it these warm days. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, HONEY GOLD (Southland). [Yes, you may join, Honey Gold. Your name had been taken, so I altered it. If Chum and Fluffy are both grey, it is a wonder you can tell them one from the other. Black lambs seem such friendly little things. I wonder if you can drive that car yet.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —At last I have managed to nestle down and drop you a tiny note. I have been very busy spring cleaning, and it made me so very tired that at night T did not feel like writing letters. We are having real spring weather, and everything is coming out in gay colours once

again. My sister Divina is working near me, and it will be company too, seeing we are both away from home. Dances are few and far between now, and tennis will soon be in full swing. I have not had the pleasure of learning, but hope to before long. I have been working an apron for mother’s birthday, and also one for my sister Madamoiselle Jeannette, who was 15 on October 3. I have five pet lambs now. Best wishes to all Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, QUEEN OF OTAGO (Balclutha).

[Spring cleaning is a very tiring process, Queen of Otago. No wonder you were unable to write to me. I hope you will learn to play tennis soon, for it is a delightful game. Wish your mother and sister many happy returns for me.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Our term holidays are over, and I am very sorry, because I do not like school. My father has been ploughing, aud "I think it would be a tiresome job -walking round the paddock so many tunes. We have daffodils, primroses, grape hyacinths and Japanese primula out in our garden. Little Shepherdess and Cross Patch have not written to me for a long time. Sometimes I hear the cuckoo. I know where there is a pigeon’s nest with one egg in it. There are eight children going to our school, and seven are Little Folk. We have 70 lambs. In our neighbour’s paddocks we often see numbers of lambs playing together. We have a gramophone, and about 43 records. There are a great many daffodils out in the school gardens, and they look beautiful. —Yours truly, MAGIC BELL (Purakamti).

[You seem to be a person of dislikes, Magic Bell. You do not like school, and you do not like ploughing. But perhaps you like other things. You will keep the pigeon’s secret, won’t you? Do not harm the nest or the egg.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am afraid I have been long m writing, but still I have been thinking of you. You will see by our new address that we have moved, and are now much nearer to town, although still on" the rise, as it is much healthier. This is a very nice house, and we have a splendid view of St. Clair from our front porch. We have all had influenza, but Mother’s Goldie was the worst, and bad to have the doctor call several times. I sat for the Navy League essay, and managed to write 10 pages, but I do not expect I shall be one of the lucky prize winners. Mother’s Goldie and I have joined a singing class, and enjoy going every Saturday afternoon. Our teacher is very kind, and we are to be in her play, and are to sing together. I must hurry up and write to all my correspondents or they will be thinking I have forgotten them, but I have many lessons to work up since my illness. Since writing to you last I had a very interesting letter from Caversham Lad. I am going to try to write a few lines now to Queen of Daunt, who, I am sorry to say, has been ill. I think she writes very interesting letters to the page. I must close now, as this is my music day. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). [So you like your new home, Little Jean. I am glad to hear it. I hope you did well in the essay competition. Do not work too hard, or you will be ill again. I wish you good luck in the concert. — DOT. |

Dear Dot, —I have had gastric l , influenza, but am better now. I do not like to be sick. It is much better to be well, and able to play. I am getting on all right at school, but still I could be better yet, but anyway inummie says I am trying. Our elocution teacher has had the studio altered, and it is lovely, and we have started again, and we go on Saturday afternoons to a singing class, which also is lovely. I am to be the Queen of the Fairies in the play, and am to sing with Little Jean, and we are to wear pyjamas, so we have new ones. My mummie and big brother are going to see Queen of Daunt at Kuri Bush soon, and I wish I were going too. One can have such heaps of fun there. I have to go to bed now. so will close with love. —Yours truly, MOTHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin), [1 am glad to hear that you are well again, Mother’s Goldie. I should like to see the concert. What colours are the pyjamas you are wearing? Perhaps you will go to Kuri Bush some other day.—DOT.

Dear Dot.—Magil join your happy band of Little Folk. I am eight years of age, and in Standard II at schdol. I like reading all the Little Folk’s letters in the Otago Witness. I have a pet lamb, and I should like you to give me a name for him. He is such a frisky little chap. My uncle came to meet me in his car. My mother and I went to Invercargill on Friday and stayed at my aunt’s until Sunday. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE (Southland). [Yes, you may join, Princess Margaret Rose. You are an important lady in the land. Call your lamb Chum. There is no need to ask you if you enjoyed your trip to Invercargill.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am afraid you will be thinking I have deserted your page altogether, but I have not, as you are able to see by this letter. The reason I have not written is because we have shifted. This year we all have to sit for our proficiency, for they say that there will be no more exemptions. I do not know whether this applies to all the schools or only the schools of the Wanganui Education Board. We have four dozen chickens, and they do look funny now they are beginning to get their feathers. There are two dozen black Orpingtons and two dozen white Leghorns. Mother gave them a piece of minced meat the other day, and talk about a football scrum! Well, it is nothing to be compared with these chicks when they were all after one piece of meat. Mum also gave them some worms, and two tried to eat the same one. There was a real tug-of-war with a chick at each end. I pitied the worm! The Manawatu Metropolitan Show will soon be here again, and I am entering for the monogram writing and printing, also drawing and sewing, so I have my work cut out for me. I am afraid my 15 correspondents must think I have forgotten them, as I have not written for a while. The other day I came home from school and found a letter waiting for me, which was from a friend I bad not heard from for about a year, and so I was very pleased. My uncle ! has just come back from To Matai after going to the farm to help finish milking.

I was coming home from school the other day when I saw a double rainbow. When I reached home I went down the paddock to meet my auntie, who said she had stood in the centre of the end of it, and she said it looked so pretty to see the colours sloping away from her. I asked her what she had done with the pot of gold, and she said she had buried it! I am afraid I shall have to go to bed as it is getting late.—Yours truly, TE MATAI (Palmerston North). [Shifting house is a weary business, Te Matai. What pets your chicks must be. 1 also pity the poor worm! I hope you dp well at the show. How beautiful the raiu.bow must have been. Your aunt has evidently a sense of humour.—DOT.]

* * -’f Dear Dot, —I am writing to ask you if I may join your band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age,, and attend the Reef.ton District High School. We have been taking the Otago Witness for as long as I can remember. I have often meant tp write to you, but have been always putting it off. I write to girls all over the world, and enjoy reading their letters. I also enjoy reading the letters of your Little Folk. Some of them are very interesting. I have two brothers and one sister. For a pen-name I should like Pussy Willow. We have a Jersey cow named Peg and a calf. Love to yourself and all. the Little Folk.—Yours truly, YELLOW WILLOW (Reefton). [Ye?, you may join, Yellow Willow.. j our name had been chosen by a Little Folk some tinie ago. The girls will enjoy your New Zealand letters as much as you enjoy theirs. Are your brothers younger than you are, or are they older?—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l was pleased to see my first letter in print. Since last writing I have attended a football match at Waihao Downs between Waihao Downs and Douglas school teams, the score being nil. After the game a football team was picked to represent the two schools in the local s’even-a-side tournament, Waibao DownsDouglas combined teams being beaten by Kapua by three to nil after playing 15 minutes over their allotted time. In my first letter I promised to describe the Waitaki hydro-electric works, which I had. visited. We left home about 12 o’clock tor the works, the first three miles or so being through sheep country. Our first glimpse of the Waitaki River was Ikawai c? itideliff, as it is more commonly l.jown. Then we turned, and followed the . ver upstream on the South Canterbury < le. From here begins a beautiful car drive, that-is worth coming far to see, ami with the hydro-electric works to be viewed a: the end of it, it is a drive of double interest. After a while we reached the Stone Wall so named after a ston-' wall built by the pioneers to keep the Waitaki from washing away the road. At the time of writing workmen are engaged in widening the road from 12ft to 22ft to make it' convenient for motorists to go to and from the works. About three-quarters of an hour after leaving home we arrived. at Hakataramea, and instead of crossing the river continued about two chains up the slip road, when mother said the works were four miles above Kurow. We turned round, and driving back, crossed the bridge to Kurow. I hope to finish the description of the works in my next, letter. I must close now with love to all.— Yours truly. - ARNO (Waimate). [The football you describe seems to have been well played, Arno. Nil all is an unusual score. Thank you for your very interesting description of the Waitaki hydro-electric works, of which you are going to tell us more next time. I had t® cut out the last page of your letter.— DOT.] - NOTES. Dot wishes the following Little Folk a happy birthday:—Nokomis of the Moon, Captain Polly, and Yellow Crocus Flower. Meg’s Friend (Old Writer) says that if Till We Meet Again will kindly send her address she will receive a letter from the Old Writer soon.—DOT. Queen of Otago.—l cannot tell you the nom de plume from the name.—DOT. Baby Face.—What is your private name? You forgot to send it. —DOT. To the Owner of Barney.—l think yours is a very clear photograph. How happy he looks with the cats and hens! Thank you very much [or the snap.—DOT. Nirvana (Old vVriter). —-The address it »

not in the book. —DOT.] AUTOS. Nirvana (Old Writer) (Mrs F. E. Aspray, care of Mrs A. Gutsell, Chaslands, via Catlins) wishes to correspond with New Zealand Rata, Ivory Tipped. Cowboy James, Fair Forget-me-not, and any Old Writer willing, also Caversham Lad. John’s Darling (Ethel Smith, Hakataramea) wishes to correspond with any Canadian Little Folk. The Lion Man’s Mate (David Ladbrook, 43 Lowe street, Avenal, Invercargill) wishes Sea Slave to write again, also any Little Folk between the ages of 15 years and 17 years old. Doonhill Lassie (care of R. Henderson,

1 Private bag, Gisborne) wishes to correspond with any Canadian Little Folk, V. A. (Esme Whyte, 72 Tainui street, Greymouth) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 18 and 20 years of age. Maid of the Isles (M. Dippie, Paretai, Balclutha) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between 10 and 11 years of age in the North Island.

Captain Polly (Lesley Shand, Section I, Otar a Rural Delivery, Invercargill) would like to correspond with Grey Morning Mist, and any Little Folk willing. She also wishes all her old correspondents to write again.

Magpie Bird (B. Rayner, PukemaoriTuatapere Rural Delivery) wishes any Australian Little Folk to correspond.

Highfield Lass (Jessie Strachan, Georgetown, via Oamaru) wishes to correspond with any overseas Little Folk.

My Best Girl (June Keegan, Hotel, Patearoa) wishes to correspond with Daddy’s Wee Girl and any other Little Folk from the ages of 10 to 12 years. Fair Apple Blossoms (Hazel Barnes, 25 Dee street, Oamaru) wishes to correspond with Falling Snowflakes, Madam Butterfly, and Mother’s Little Chatterbox. Te Matai (D. Blaramberg, care of 56 Napier road, Terrace End, Palmerston North) wishes her correspondents to note her change of address, and wishes AppU Blossom to write again.