LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4041, 25 August 1931, Page 69

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

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

AN AUSTRALIAN SHEEP STATION. Dear Dot, —I was very pleased to see my letter in the Otago Witness. Perhaps the Little Folk would like to hear about a New South Wales sheep station. “Brookfield,” where we were staying for a time, was about six miles from Wellington, a pretty little town near the Macquarie River, with the Bell, a tributary of the Macquarie, running right through the town, the willows on its bank forming a lovely- background for the park. The station was well watered with springs and running creeks. In front of the house was a road, and in the paddock adjoining this was a creek, the Red Creek, which was almost always dry. its red clay- banks rising from a red sandy bottom. Wattle trees stood on the bank, and when the wattles were in bloom the gold formed a lovely contrast against the red. After heavy- rains—and these were few when we were there, for there was at that time a drought-—the water in the creek was a shallow, whirling, brown stream, and my sister and I delighted in sliding down the bank and paddling in the water. Under the ledges of the Red Creek, martens had built their nests. The female’s nest was fairly long, and shaped like a bottle, and all this was formed of daubs of wet mud pasted together, with the body of the bottle lined with soft feathers. The father builds his home in a shallow mud nest, lined with feathers, next to his mate. Alma, my sister, and I used to like most of all mustering the sheep- It was lovely- to force the horse among the rocks and long dry grass hunting for the sheep. One of our favourite rides was out to the Dickerton Paddock with dad. Through this paddock ran the Dickerton Creek, and here we had many- joyous picnics. We would tie our hacks in a group of slender gum saplings, and lunch beside the running spring under the gigantic wild apple trees. (I have no idea why- they were called that. They- did not bear apples). Near by- were the massive, tumbled heaps of grey- granite, among which the creek sparkled and danced. In some places clean, white sand sloped to the water’s edge, while in other places the banks were covered with a tough kind of grass tnat mingled with the tasty watercress in the stream. Somewhere about September shearing took place. This was the busiest month in the year. The sheep were mustered, penned in the sheepyards, and finally placed into several little pens near the shearers. The latter would seize a sheep each, and shear the fleece (which looked so dirty and matted when on the sheep) from its back, revealing the fine snowy folds next the skin. When he had

finished, the shearer thrust the sheep, which was uncertainly staring around now it had lost its heavy winter coat, through the little aperture into a tiny yard, where more white sheep were huddled, and, no doubt, feeling seared without their wool. Then a boy- would take up the fleece, pick out the dirty pieces on a sorting table, and put the fleece into a wool press. After a great number of fleeces had been put in, the press was worked by a kind of handle, and the wool was compressed. In a very short time there stood a big tidy bale of wool. Dipping came about a month or six weeks after shearing. The sheep were yarded, and then hunted up one “ race ” to a narrower one. They were then forced to step on a slippery niece of tin and slide into the concrete “ dip.” I used to like standing by the side of the dip with a long stick in my hand to dip the bobbing heads under the water. As they came up, spluttering and shaking their heads, they looked very funny indeed. During shearing and dipping a dust seemed to hang over the woolsheds all the time, and an exceedingly “ sheepy ” smell filled the air. The continued bleating of the sheep was indeed pathetic. In a muster a good dog usually does most of the work, while a horse knows what to do if it has been reared on a sheep station. Station life 1 is very exciting, and I could never grow I tired of it. Love to yourself and the . Little Folk.—Yours truly. DOT FROM AUSTRALIA (Megalong. N.S.W.). ’ [Yes, we are most interested to hear ; about your sheep station, Dot from Aus- ’ | tralia. Some of our sheep stations here

have streams running through them, but they are seldom dry. Even in Central Otago we are free from drought, although the grass there is very brown some summers. What an interesting little bird the marten is. Shearing and dipping time are busy months for our farmers, too. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you are well. It is very hard to find news. Everything is the same as usual, only it is mother’s birthday. I think it is pleasant preparing things. Do you? I have two things for her and so has Robin. There are no sports or anything to tell you about. 1 do not know of anything that will interest you or your Little Folk. There was an earthquake one Monday night. Have you felt any lately? I did not feel it, but some of the others did. There has been enow around here on the hills nearly down to the house. Every way I look I see snow. We are in a valley, and hills are on every side. You will have to excuse my writing, because I have a bad nib. My sister is making me a beret. There are many little lambs in the paddock, and when we go to school we count them. —Yours truly, LAUGHING STREAM (Gisborne).

[I do not think your nib was as bad as you thought it was, Laughing Stream. One of the best things about a birthday is the excitement of preparing a gift. You forgot to tell me which things you gave mother and Robin, too. No, 1 have not felt any earthquakes. We are lucky here, for we are really out of the earthquake zone. You will feel as if you are in the Snow Queen’s regions when you look out at those white hills. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I always mean to write more often, but, as I keep up a correspondence with a boy in India and another in England, I do not have much time. It is great fun receiving letters from people in other countries. I do it through Chums. My brother, Colin, had a dance one night. There seemed to be people everywhere and they made a tremendous noise. They sent me to bed while -it happened, but as there were ice cream and fruit salad left over I did not mind much. Now mother wants me to have a party, but I am not having one. I told you last time I wrote that one of

my fox-terriers had died. Well, one day dad came home with a tiny spaniel in his pocket. It had lost its mother, and we have to look after it very carefully. I called it Roland, but it is called Rakes for short, because it- is so small. A cousin of mine is staying with us. She is seared of dogs, and we have keep Rex tied up when she is about. We were playing cricket, and she had a hit on her knee when she was fielding, and promptly began to cry. After that, Jill would not have anything to do with her, because she dislikes “ milksops.” Such numbers of girls are silly, do you not think so? I am certain that some would cry if they cut their fingers. When Colin, my older brother, cut his finger, someone said she could not stand the sight of blood and that it made her feel all sick. I am read- , ing a splendid book called “ Scissors,” and I have just finished “ Barlasch of the Guard.” Have you read them? They are good. I am in bed with a cold, and it ie rather hard to write. I have just finished my letter to the boy in India. His name is Felix, and his father is a major in the army. He is going home to England to school soon, and he says he would rather stay in India. John, my English correspondent, lives in London, and is going into the Navy, and he hopes he will be able to go to Osborne. He is lucky. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, THE FLIGHT-LIEUTENANT (Dunedin).

[Y’es, it is interesting to receive letters from correspondents in different countries, Flight-lieutenant. You will appreciate a dance when you are older. Do you not think it ie unkind to laugh at a little girl because she is afraid of a dog? The best thing is to show her patiently that Rex will do her no harm. An older person might have cried, too, if she had been hit with a cricket ball, and yet not have deserved to be called a “milksop.” No, I have not read the book—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We are experiencing bad weather. It has been raining steadily, and the water is lying on the surface of the ground all around. The wind, which was blowing at a terrific pace, blew one of our old tanks off its stand and hurled it against the barn a short distance away, but no other serious damage was done such as has happened to many more less fortunate people. The garden is very bare with only a few stray primroses peeping out between the green leaves here and .there, and one or two little violets with bowed heads trying desperately to

struggle on, but the daffodils are sprouting up now and will soon be in bloom. My sister is busy making a supper cloth, and has just completed a pretty little table centre for a card table, and another cream poplin table centre, around which is crocheted a mauve edge, for her “ bottom drawer.” There are two brick and rough-cast houses being constructed not very far from here, and one is almost completed. I greatly admire the roughcast houses, especially the cream-painted ones with brown brick insets at each corner. I noticed in an Otago Witness that Blossoming Cherry wished to correspond with me and one or two other Little Folk, and eho also mentioned she would ausw&r all letters, so 1 answered hor invitation soon after, but so far 1 have not received an answer from her. Perhaps she may not have received my letter, or maybe have forgotten me. My youngest brother, who had a plot of chouniollier, was pleased with himself when he read in the paper that he had the honour of gaining a special prize, a prize for coming first in his group, and also the reserve championship. He had an excellent plot of it, and carted the remainder to the cows two months ago. I think it is a very good idea the boys and girls agricultural club and also the calf rearing club, as it teaches the children a great deal about the planting, sowing, growing, aiid cultivation of seeds and soil, and also teaches them to know the manures to use with different seeds. Also it helps them to know what kind of food, and many other different things about the care and feeding of animals. All the children who were successful enough in winning a prize were to attend a meeting in Invercargill, where the prizes were to be distributed. I am afraid I have not kept in mind our motto, “We write for the benefit of others —not for ourselves,” but please forgive me, as we live a very plain life here • and nothing very unusual happens that any Little Folk would like to hear. The baker has arrived, and I want him to post this letter. Love to you all. —Yours truly. NIGELLA (Southland).

[That was a terrific wind to move the tank. Nigella. There has been more damage done by wind this season than there has been done for many years. Have you sewed anything to contribute to the glory box? There are little things such as kettle holders and dishcloths that a young sister can always make. Congratulate vour brother for me on his prizes.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I always read the letters in the Otago Witness, and I think they are very fascinating. I am 11 years of age. and I am in Standard VI at school. As I am in bed with rheumatic fever, I do not expect to pass my proficiency. We have five lambs, two sets of twins and a single one. We are milking five cows, but we are not having much milk. The thing I miss most while 1 am in lied is football, but the last time I played we won 28 points to nil. I shall be unable to play again this season, but it cannot be helped. 1 have four little cousins who live about four miles away, and thej' are most funny, especially two of them who are five and three, and all I can do is laugh at them. The place on which I live is a farm about S miles and a-half from Pembroke. It is a pretty place, and the mountain summits are covered with snow practically all the year round. Love to the Little Folk and your own self. —Yours truly, SALTBUSH JOE (Pembroke).

[Yes. you may join our band. Saltbush Joe. Your name had been chosen, so I had to alter it. Did you overheat yourself at football, and did that bring on rheumatic fever? If you ever play you must change your damp jersey as soon as you can. Some children have a way of making us laugh at their doings.— DOT.]

Dear Dot.—lt has been raining hard these afternoons. We have had our term examination, and I came second. Our incubator, hatches soon, and we are expecting a good hatch. We have been having very windy weather this winter with very little rain. We have been carting water for a long time. We have a cat which rattles the door handle when he wants to cqpie in. It is very good to See the wee lambs frolicking about the paddocks, and to hoar the birds singing. The trees are just budding.—Yours truly, DADDY'S EILEEN (Georgetown).

[Now is the time you rest after the examination. Daddy’s Eileen. What a clever pussy that is! Cats soon grow to know how to be given what they want. You will be glad of the rain to fill your tanks. Green trees are the most beautiful sign of spring.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am very fond of horses and simply love riding, it being my favourite pastime. I am also very fond of reading and sewing. I am at present working a traycloth. I have no correspondents _ from your page, but I have several in New Zealand and England. I like writing to anyone in far-off countries, because our countries differ. I am very fond of sport, especially hockey, in which I am a keen player, though not an experienced one, as I have not played very long. I like going to dances, though I <t > not often go. Some of your Little Folk apparently had great experiences in the snow by their letters to you, though 1 cannot say I did, as we had only enough to make the place uncomfortable. I cannot skate, although I should love to learn, but as I do not live in a town there is no way. Here we do not have ice thick enough to skate upon. Best love to all.— Yours truly, A ROSE (Otago). [Aou are a tomboy in spite of your poetical nom de plume, A Rose. You yould not be able to do so much riding if you were in town, so do not fret about not being able to learn to skate. Many people have had broken ankles and wrists through skating, so you are perhaps lucky to be unable to learn. One needs to be really warmed up with walking or snowballing to appreciate snow.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —We are having a very dry season in South Canterbury. We are hoping to have rain to make the grass

grow. Some of the spring bulbs are in bud and will soon be blooming. We have had our second term examination at school, and we shall have broken up by the time this, is in print. One Wednesday our B team is to play a basket ball match against Longridge. My sister and I shall not be playing, as we are in the A team. My brother, White Rock, is captain of the B team, and my sister, Violet White, is captain of the A team. The boys of our school have to play basket ball, too, because there are not enough girls. We are expecting to go to our grandmother’s during the holidays. Wfe hope to have a good time spoiling our auntie’s babies. We three children are learning to drive the car, as dad does not like driving. I have two correspondents in your page, Ring-A-Ding and Happy Mairi. Love to all. —Yours truly, PEACHY (Cave). [I think you will have rain sooner or later, Peachy. I imagine how dry it must be in Australia at times. The laud soon parches up if it has no moisture and the rivers become much smaller. You are a family of sports, I see. Do not spoil those children too much when you stay with grandmother.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. Our pet rabbits have some babies. There are three black ones and one white one. I do not forget to feed them. I just give them turnips, because there is nothing else to give them. We are milking four cows, one at night and three in the morning. My brothers and I had a pet lamb. It was two or three years old, and it was very fat. One day we were out for an afternoon, and when we came home the (logs had pulled some wool off its sides, and after a long time its sides became very sore. It would not eat anything, and afterwards it died. I was sorry to see it going away to be buried. Dad shot the dogs that pulled the wool. We have finished our term examination, and 1 think 1 have passed. We are going ( to have a penny concert, so I hope 1 enjoy it. Kawarau Maid is going to play basket ball with the Arrowtown team, so if we win we have the cup. My brother may join your band. He has started to write to you. and he said he might finish it soon. We have been having some fine days lately. Dad is thinking of putting in his garden. I like flowers. Do you? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PREMIER BLOOM (Queenstown).

[lt is a pitiful thing when a dog begins to worry the sheep. Premier Bloom. Good dogs have to be killed if they commit this offtnee. I expect bunny enjoys the turnips. Tell me if 'you won the cup. Which was the other top team you had to play? Yes. I like flowers. Some of the little wild ones are like fairv-tale flowers. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May 1 join your happy band? I like reading the Little Folk's letters in the Otago Witness. I am in Standard I at school. My birthday is next month, when I shall be seven years of age. My sister and I have a little pup called Roy. We have a black cat called Nibby, who has three little kittens. We also have a tortoise shell kitten. Mould you please give me a name for it? lie is very playful, especially with my young sister. —Yours truly, ’ 'MOTHER'S MIDDLE DAUGHTER (Cromwell).

[Welcome to you, Mother’s Middle Daughter. Is Roy friendly with the cats? Tha black pussy will be busy now looking after her three kittens. Do you remember the story of the pussy who wore boots and was so handsome he could visit a marquis? Call the kitten Goldie.—-DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Since I last wrote we have shifted to Winton. I think Winton is a good place, as one can go shopping without crossing the street, as all the shops are on one side of the street. Since coming to live here I have not had any work to do. but I hope to obtain some soon, as I do not like to be idle. It has been raining, but I hope it will not last long, as we have had a very bad year. Love to you and your happy band. —Yours truly.

J. A. T. (Winton)

[That is_ a friendly little town, J. A. T. You will enjoy living in it. 1 think. Have you advertised fop work? One needs to be willing to undertake any type of work these hard tithes. Better times are coming, however. Are you a tennis player? If so you will be looking forward to the dry' days.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard V at school. I was 13 last Tuesday. Fairy Dell was nine years old recently, and had five of her friends at our place on Saturday. She received nine presents for her birthday. We have about 19 sheep. It will not be long till we have little lambs. I have only seen one this year. We have been milking three cows all the winter, but I think dad is going to dry one off. We have had a very cold winter this year. We had three falls of snow here. At school we were snowballing, and it was great, fun. There seem to be more Little Folk writing every’ week. I enjoy’ reading the letters very’ much. Spring's Yellow Daffodil is one of my best friends at school. I notice our daffodils and crocuses are coming up. We have one yellow crocus out and a number of primroses. The garden looks very bare without any’ flowers. We have finished our examination. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, FAIR SNOWFLAKES (Tuatapere).

[Welcome Fair Snowflakes. Your season is almost over for this year, for we are now having warmer days instead of snowy ones. I have not seen any’ lambs so far. They are a sure sign that spring is with us. Your garden will very shortly be a “ gladsome spot ” as a poet has said. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Our weather has been good. We had the heaviest fall of snow for years, and besides the snow, it blew, rained, and hailed. It was very hard on the animals, but we children liked it. We had a lovely time snowballing each other.

The trees looked lovely with their white coats. The daffodils are beginning to peep above the ground, and soon the garden will be clad with golden daffodils. I love flowers. At present we are practising for our Busy Bee concert. We meet for our practice every Monday night, but we have such a long programme that sometimes we had to meet twice a week. I am to be a nurse in a play called “ The Baby Clinic.” I have to bath'the baby dolls, and my pall has to dress them. It seems so funny. I like playing basket ball very much. My position in the team is goal shooter. As this is our first year we did not join the association, but we intend to play the Outran! team. I wrote to Janet from Skye, but, of course, I havenot had time for an answer yet. It wfll be good if she writes to me, as I like receiving letters from far away. Master Punch and my sister and I have been having a lovely time making kites and putting them up. It amuses the children who live near us. We are busy making one for a little boy, as his mother has no time. I think it is lovely to make little ones happy. During the holidays I am going to take a baby out who is ten months old and a lovelv wee chap. Kind regards to the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours trulv. TOODLES (Otago). [Many times I have seen children enjoying the snow. Toodles. The horses seemed to like it least. I think they were afraid of falling. Such golden daffodils grow in my garden. As yet, they have shown no signs of unfolding. You must joiu the association next season.—DOT.] •f ¥ ¥ " Dear Dot, —I am making a raffia tea stand at school. I think it will be pretty when it is finished. I made a raffia mat with pretty colours of green and white. My mother took my little sister and me out visiting. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Yours trulv, LITTLE SKYFAIRY (Dunedin).

[I am sure your tea stand will be an attractive article when it is finished. Little Sky Fairy. How mother will enjoy having afternoon tea with its aid. Have you ever tried to make a raffia basket as the soldiers do?]

Dear Dot. —We have been busy with our examination, and I tried hard to pass. I have had plenty of lessons to learn at nights, which is a change for me, as our teacher does not give us many lessons as a rule. I suppose all the Little Folk will be pleased that holidays have come. I know one who is. Can you guess who it is? I am a cub, and we have great fun every Tuesday night when we meet. Cubber took us for a picnic, and we had such a good time and a little excitement also.

Two bulls thought we had had a long enough day. so they started after us. and what a scatter there was. We did not know what to do. Our cub master ran one way, and we ran the other, but he took dry land, and we all made for the stream, so you may be sure we were pretty wet and cold by the time we arrived home. We were lucky the stream was not very high. Cubber has promised to take us another picnic in the holidays, but I hope there are no bulls in the paddock next time we go. as they do not seem to be fond of cubs. I .passed my tenderpad examination some time ago, and I have two wolves’ heads to wear. We have to wear one on our cap and one on our jerseys. We had a good time in the snow when it lay here. I wish we could have another fall of snow while our holidays are on. It was good of you to put the photograph of my calf and myself in your page when it is so much taken up with the letters. Muni is hoping I will be able to milk the calf when she comes in. as she has two cows to milk. My sister and I may be in town in the holidays, so I will ask her to take me up and see you.—Yours truly, MASTER PUNCH (Otago).

[Yes, I can guess easily, and I think the name of that person who likes holidays is Master Punch. I cannot help laughing over your Scout picnic. How your mothers would hold up their hands in astonishment when you returned. With two wolves’ heads to wear you are truly a Cub Tenderpad.—DOT.]

• Dear Dot, —I hope you are keeping well. In our examination one girl missed all that we had. We had poetry, and half of the children did not know theirs. Have you read “ Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates?” It tells about Holland and what they do. It is a very interesting book. My eldest brother came top in painting in Standard VB. Love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self. Yours trulv. LUMPY CARROT (Riccarton). [What a pity the girl missed some of her examination, Lumpy Carrot. No, I have not read the story. Do tell me about the silver skates. Congratulate your brother for me. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —“ Time and tide wait for no man.” I think I have proved it. It seems such a short time since I last wrote to the page, but it was before Easter. The farmers here are all wanting rain. The ground is very dry. It is impossible to do any work in the garden. It has been trying very hard to rain. Dunedin had its share- of fun in the snow this year. There were some very amusing pictures of the ski-ing in the illustrations. I have been trying to persuade my cor-

respondents to write 'to you, but they say they will write when I do. I have been pestering Apia for a while now, so perhaps you might hear from him soon. One of my most interesting correspondents was Steele Rudd, but I have not heard anything of him since he returned from the Ross Sea. He wrote a very interesting letter about the whaling expedition. I have read a number of interesting books lately. Reading is one of my favourite hobbies. I am also knitting myself a jersey. I started with the intention of haying it for this winter, but the winter is practically over, so perhaps I shall have it finished by next season. We are holding our bachelors and spinsters’ ball in September. I am a member, so I hope to have a good time. The picture “ Song o’ My Heart” is coming to Waimate. I am told John M'Cormack is a wonderful singer. The last picture I saw was “ Devil May Care.” and it was very funny. . The spring flowers will soon be out. Violets are my favourite flowers. Love to all the Little* Folk and your own dear self.— Yours trulv, SCHOOL GIRL'S MATE (Waihao Downs).

[We are always proving that proverb to be true. School Girl’s Mate. Steele Rudd will doubtless have some interesting things to tell us at some future date. Wfll you tell me about the ball later? No doubt you have a pretty frock ready for it. You will find that jersey useful in'the summer too.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—We have had a great deal of snowballing lately, and also sliding on the ice. We have finished our term examination, and I am pleased to say I have passed in the two examinations we have had. I am 10 years of age. and I am in Standard V at school. I turned 10 on June 2S. ami I received a number of presents, and Big Brother Bill, of 4YA, called my birthday over the air. "We have six chickens out, and they are very pretty. We had a pot pig. and it died with the cold cne night. It was only two weeks old. We. have a little grey rabbit, so will you please give me a name for it? The community singing was very good in Dunedin. and in Wellington they hold one from 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m., in aid of the relief work. Best wishes to all.—Y’ours truly.

BUTTERCUP FAY (Waipiata)

[I think snowballing time is over for this year, Buttercup Fay. Now you can have a good holiday, because you have passed your examinations. Big Brother Bill has a delightful way of wishing a per. son a happy birthd’v. Call your bunny Finn. I am sorry the little pig died. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. No, I do not carry a crook like Bo Peep. My youngest brother is 13 months old. His birthday was July 12, and he is walking. My oldest brother is married. He has a son, so I have a nephew. We have had some hard frosts, but we usually have fine days. I go to school with A Penny Stamp, and we are both in Standard IV. We are having our term holidays. We have finished our examination, but I do not know if I passed. Kindest regards to yOur Little Folk 'and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BERGERETTE (Arrow Flat).

[We have dogs these days in place of crooks. Bergerette. The little brother will probably fall over everything in his path until he has true control of his little legs. Are you proud of the nephew? I wonder what his name is.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you do not think I have forgotten you altogether, as such is not the case. We have not had a heavy fall of snow here this year, but, I believe Dunedin has been visited by a few falls. The country up this way is very dry, and is badly in need of rain. Have you seen any of this season’s lambs yet? I saw a number in a paddock while I was going to Oamaru. We have a few daffodil bulbs peeping out through the ground, but I suppose many people have them out or nearly coming out in their gardens. The schools are having their second term holidays. and Bonnie Rennie is going away for her holidays. I am learning dressmaking, and I like it very much. A Young Football Player has been setting traps lately, and has caught a number of rabbits. Did you see the play “ Happy-Go-Lucky O’Flynn ” while it was in Dunedin? It was here, and it was very good. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly.

LADY MARY (Hakataramea).

[I know you do not forget the page. Lady Mary. There are so many things to occupy a Little Folk’s time. No, I have not seen a lamb yet. No, I did not see the play. I believe it was very funny. You will be able to make your own frocks soon. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I shall endeavouv-to 1 -pen you a few lines. I enjoyed the letter A Quaker Literary Scholar had in the Otago Witness. I have just finished writing to The Valley of Gold and Moonland Fairy. I still have three faithful correspondents, and I try to write to them regularly. I am staying with my auntie to keep her company, as grandma is away on holiday to Hampden. I went for a ride on my uncle’s horse, and had a lovely gallop. Red Hot Toker has been busy with her examinations. She will be 11 on September

10. I have left school, but I find plenty I to occupy my mind at home. We have no ! lambs, although some of the farmers round here have a few. It is raining here, and we hope it will continue, as things are dry. We have had some gales here. One couid hardly see the hills for dust. My grandmother, who stays with us, is knitting booties for my baby cousin. I have worked sprays and crocheted round several handkerchiefs. They make dainty little Christinas boxes. I have also worked an apron with a big spray on it. I think this year has flown. We shall soon have Christmas with us again. Mum and I have commenced to dig our gardens. Mum has the vegetable one and I have the flower garden. I have no spring flowers out yet, as the cold has been too severe. I am very fond of flowers, and I am sure you are too. I shall be glad when the daffodils come forth in their frilly dresses, and sweet little violets appear. I have just finished reading “ The Second Violin ” and “Judy the Guide.” I have read several Guide stories, and I am very fond of them. I find plenty of time to read these long evenings. Best of love to you and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, FALLING SNOWFLAKES (Maerewhenua).

[lt is better to have a few regular correspondents than a big number who will not write. Falling Snowflakes. How glad auntie will be to have you as a companion. Is he a big horse or a pony? There are many things to keep one busy about a house. It is now the time to be making Christmas presents.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will never guess where I am at present. It is such a nice place. I am in bed. One Friday mum and I went to Oamaru, and I had 15 teeth extracted. I had painless, and I did not >feel any coming out except the one which had been aching very badly. The dentist had to plug two. It is painful when the feeling is coming back into the gums. Have you ever experienced the horrible sensation? I hope you never do. I have not seen my other letter in print yet, as we do not take the Otago Witness, so I do not know your answers. You must excuse me, please, if there are questions to be answered. I do enjoy reading Funny Face’s letters. The day I was in Oamaru I bought a book, “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” by Baroness Orczy. It is a very interesting and exciting book. Have you read it? “I Will Repay” is another of her books, and it is similar. Do you like William Le Queux’s books? I do. T think he and E. Phillips Oppenheim. Edgar Wallace, J. Fletcher, and “ Sapper ” write exceedingly good stories, and whenever the onnortunity comes my way I read them. We have' a

number of Oppenheim’s, Le Queux’s, and Edgar Wallace’s here. We have one or two by “ Sapper,” too. I am very fond of reading, though my taste is not girllike. Sometimes I read books suitable for a girls’ library, but 1 generally fall back on my favourites. Of course, there are others I like, and any book is good to me as long as it is wholesome. If 1 talk about books I shall finish this writing pad. Drawing is my hobby, and 1 have completed a number of sketches. I love looking at copies of the masterpieces of the Old Masters. I have never been fortunate enough to see an original painting by a famous artist. I do not know if Gabriel Ferrier is famous or not. We have one of his paintings here. It is Mary Queen of Scots coming down the stairs on her way to be executed. It is a wonderful picture. I almost expect her to speak. Several people have come to our place for the express purpose of seeing it, and many have told mum that it is very valuable. Mum's mother gave it to her for a keepsake, and mum does not wish to part with it. I hope that this finds you and all the Little Folk well. — Yours truly, THE LADY" OF THE VALLEY (North Otago).

[Bed is the best place for you at present, Lady of the Valley. Keep under the clothes and do not catch cold in your gums. No. I have never had to have my teeth pulled out. so I am a lucky person. Does someone allow you to have a glimpse of the Otago Witness? It is a pity you cannot see your letters in print. Yes_l have read “ The Scarlet Pimpernel.” He was a true English gentleman. No. I am not fond of Le Queux’s books. Painting is an artistic hobby.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.- —May I join your happy band of Litt:e Folk? I am 11. years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. We have been having very hard frosts lately. We have a white Angora rabbit, and its name is Snowball. I am learning music now, and I can play a number of tunes. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MAID OF THE SNOWDROPS (Kyeburn).

[Yes, you may join our page. Maid of the Snowdrops. You will notice I have had to alter your notn de plume, owing to the many Maids of the Violet who have wanted that name. Which is the whiter, Snowball or the frost? I canpicture him these cold mornings all huddled up in his furry coat. Now ie the time to practise hard at your music. It is the first year of work which helps so much afterwards. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am still staying with my sister. Her baby is eight months old and has been ill, so she had to take him to the Karitane Hospital in Wanganui, and we miss him. We have one cow in, and we are keeping the calf. My granny has been bad with the influenza, and has been in bed. We have been having our examination at school. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, BRER RABBIT (Mangatainoka).

[What a lonely house it must be without the baby, Brer Rabbit. Tell me how he is progressing at Karitane. I expect he will be missing you all, too, but if he comes back strong it will be worth his stay in the hospital. What have you named the calf? Bed is a cozy place for granny if she has influenza.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I trust you are well. How did you like the snow? I thought it was lovely, especially the snowballing part of it. That was the only way to keep warm, and we had some good fun, although it was not as good as a few years ago when we had a good fall of snow. Of course I was at school then, and felt more like snowballing, but now I am too stiff. Still, for all that, it was a change, and the town looked very picturesque the first day, but when the snow began to melt, it was slushy. How much have I to send to buy a badge? I have had one, but I just cannot remember how much it cost. The pin was looge, so apparently it Slipped off my coat. No, I am not sitting for a music examination. I was going to go in for higher local, but changed my mind, al l though I have passed some examinations. I sat for five practical and four theory, and passed them all. I am still learning. I am having Fluffy to stay with me for a few days, so I am excited about it. It is lovely to think that it was through your own dear page that Fluffy and I became friends. 1 have been going to skating here a good bit lately. We have a new rink, which is very good indeed. I suppose you have heard all about. One night I was at skating from 8 p.m. till 2 o’clock in the morning, so you can see that I am pretty fond of it —but oh! my feet were sore next day. Do you skate? I was at the talkies on Saturday, the first time since April. The name of the picture was “ The Bachelor Father,” and it was very good. Our senior and intermediate Bible class combine every second Monday night, and we have a happy evening together. It is only girls, so we call it the girls’ club. In September we are putting on a concert, and we are hoping it will be a success. We are acting a play, in which I have a part. Love to all the Little Folk your own dear self.- —Yours" truly, ANGELUS (Invercargill).

[I liked the snow, Angelus, but I was glad to have a warjn coat to wear. The badges are half-a-crown. We are never too old to learn music. There is always something we cannot do, and we need to practise it to master it. I do not go to skating. You must not stay too long at nights skating, or you will look so tired next day.—DOT.] z

Dear Dot, —I have been reading the Little Folk’s letters, and some of them are very interesting. I love to read about Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip. We are having oui' holidays, and I am going to Dunedin, and Heather Girl is going with me. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. CALEDONIAN BLUEBELL . (Oturehua). [Peter and Patty are always having some fresh adventure, Caledonian Bluebell. Mr Pip is there too, and does not leave them for long. You will enjoy a holiday in our town.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —If you have a black book I am sure my name must be the blackest printed there. It is about four years since I last wrote. What do you do to such Little Folk who nearly desert you? 1 do not think any of them lose all affection for the page. I have not anyway. Last time I wrote was from Gore. We have been here three years and three months, and like it no better than when we came, though we have grown used to it. Father is engine driver at the mill, but at the present, like many others, he is out of work. He has not had permanent work since the beginning of the year. We have found what numbers of things we can do without, but it is the having to do without that has impressed it upon us. I am enclosing a snap taken recently. I am 20 in two months. When I was about 12 it seemed such a height of ambition to be 20, but now I am nearly there it is quite different. My brother, aged 16, has finished school, and like many wants work, but cannot find it. It is so very hard on the young boys who would have started j work this year if things had been normal, i I find things very quiet here. We live I right at the mill in the bush. Years ago j how we enjoyed a day at the bush—boiling i the billy and such like! Like everything ' else it is altogether different from actually I living year in and year out in the same conditions. I do not think I should have made a good pioneer. However, the pioneers did not like the conditions they lived in. but hoping for something better to come, struggled on. One has to go where the “ bread i and butter is.” and that is my I way. One cannot say there are not great beauties in the bush. There are in the spring the beautiful native flowers and birds, and summer and autumn have their individual loveliness. It is the winter we dislike most with days of continuous rain, misty rain that blots out everything. I think a special medal should be awarded to bush dwellers unless a special tax on them would be more appropriate. Well, I had better cease, or I may make you feel gloomier than the depression warrants! I always think what a good thing hope is left for all of us. Be assured I use it very freely. It takes times like these to show the best of people, for everyone is endeavouring to help the less fortunate along. We certainly experience it here in more ways than one. I very rarely see an Otago Witness, but I must see my letter, and your answer. I send my’ greetings, and hope you are all well. To you, Dot, I will show my penitence over the long silence, and will write again soon. Love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly.

JERSEY LILY (Tokanui)

[I do not put your names in a black book when you do not write, Jersey Lily. I always hope you will remember me and the pleasure you give others when you

write. Thank you for the photograph of yourself. What is the name of the cat? The spirit of the pioneers was a marvellous thing. It enabled them to carry on in the face of all difficulties. You would probably have made a good pioneer, though you do not think so when you feel unhappy.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am eight years old, and go to school in Bombay, which is 29 miles south of Auckland. ’ I have a little dog, and its name is Toby. We are having our holidays, and I am going to Pukekohe West for a few days. Last year my mother and little brother and I went to Dunedin to my grandma's place for the August holidays. I am the only one who has not missed a Sunday at Sunday school this year, so I hope to win the prize for the best attendance at the end of the year. Love to all.—Yours truly,

ODD EYES (Auckland).

[M elconie. Odd Eyes. Does Toby miss you when you are at school? Are you a boarder? You must tell me about' your holidays. I wonder if you can keep up your record of attendance until the end of the year?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Since I wrote to you last we have had three additional falls of nnow, the first two being fairly slight, but the third much heavier, Gumboots were very plentiful in the snowy weather, and it was an everydav occurrence to see people wearing them. At one time we thought that they looked funny and odd, but now one has grown accustomed to seeing them. These last few days we have been having calm mornings with rainy afternoons and nights, which make everything around look dull and miserable. Nevertheless, we have had some spring weather previously, so we cannot grumble. Some of our primroses and garden daisies are out. and the daffodils, too. are pushing their heads up above the earth. My favourite flowers are pansies, primroses, violets, and roses, and springtime is my favourite season. There was a concert held in the Princess Theatre here called ** The Gore Follies.” to which 1 went and enjoyed myself immensely. It was held two nights to assist the fund to provide a wireless set and equipment for the Gore Hospital. There were 60 performers, all of whom acted well, giving a delightful display of ballet dancing, humorous sketches, seaside and Hawaiian numbers, and spring scenes (colourful), which thrilled and amused everyone. Some of the photographs of them were in the Otago Witness. The school children are having their term holidays, and most of them have been looking forward to a rest after the extminations. My sister is working hard for her proficiency this year, and I hope she succeeds. as I should very much like her to attend high school next year. There is to be a high school concert held soon, and I think I shall go. We are not milking any cows at present, and we obtain our milk from a neighbour. We miss the usual plentiful supply of cream, which we usually had in our porridge in the mornings, but I suppose one has to put up with it whether one likes it or not. Some people rarely taste cream, so we are very lucky. Unemployment is just as bad as ever, if not worse, and one begins to wonder where and when it will all end. I am having work in less than a fortnight, and I think I am very fortunate, as there are a great many girls looking for work, but cannot find it. There was a tramping club formed at Gore, and a good number of people joined it. People have now begun to see the need of walking, and that it is the best exercise one can have for making one full of health and strength. There has also been a ski-ing club formed, which I think has also a great many members. I received a letter from True Blue, and I thought it very interesting. I hope you and the Little Folk are in the best of health and spirits. —Yours truly,

GOLDEN SUNBEAM (Gore).

[Your nom Je plume reminds one of the spring and summer months. Golden Sunbeam. Yes, it is nothing new to see gumboots now. Many of the children wear them to school in the rougher weather. That was a good cause for the giving of a concert. In all probability your sister will pass if she is working hard. Yes, you are a lucky person to be able to find work. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—As I have a few minutes to spare I thought I would fill them in by describing a “ hike ” that I did with five other boys in our Scout troop on August 15 and 16. As I wanted to start out as soon as possible, I took my haversack to work with me on Saturday morning. I left work at 11.45 a.m., and went to the Scout rooms, where we had our lunch. By 12.30 we were at the foot of the Cashmere Hills, and we left our bicycles at a petrol bowser before we started to climb the hill. Our first rest was at the Sign of the Takahe. where we stopped for five minutes. Off we went again until we came to the Sign of the Kiwi, where we paid a penny to pass through the toll gate. Up. up. up, we went to the Sign of the Bluebird. By this time one of us had blisters. Having had a drink of cordial we set out again up hill and down dale. By 3.30 p.m. the

road had narrowed down to a sheep track. We had to climb fences, jump

creeks, and push through tmvocks. Gradually the sun set in the west away

beyond the hills. We sat and watched the sky change from blue to red and to orange. One by one stars came out, and we eat in silence with birds singing occasionally. Then off we went again, but in the darkness we wandered off the track and were lost. We must have covered a wide space of ground trying to find the Kaituna Rest House in the dark. By this time we were all very tired. Suddenly the leader called at the top of his voice. We had found the house, which had three rooms, two bedrooms and a kitchen. Lo and behold, who were in one bedroom but four students we had passed on the way. As they had had their tea and had an extra billy of boiling water, they gave it to us. Having had tea we sat round the fire in our room, and the students round theirs, and sang songs until 11.30 p.m. Then we turned in. After a bad night, in which we all shivered, we were glad to be up. We climbed Mount Herbert and had dinner, then set off home via a short cut. As we dipped down the hill from the Kiwi on Sunday night the sun was setting on the horizon. That was 5.30 p.m. I reached home at 6.5 P-m. after a good hike. “ Thank goodness,” I said, ‘‘for a feather bed! "—Youre truly, THE MURDEROUS VILLAIN (Christchurch). [I cannot help laughing over your last sentence. Murderous Villain. Walking is such good exercise, and though we do not mind hardships when we are tramping, we do appreciate our comforts when we come home. It is fortunate that none of you jumped into a creek instead of over it.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I am penning you a few lines to help to increase your host of -letters. I am afraid that I do not like writing letters, but I like receiving them. Most people do. We have finished our examinations, but we do not know where we came. .1 passed in two of the main subjects, arithmetic 75, and essay 69, the passing marks for both being 60. I have not been to the talkies for a while. The last one I saw was “ Tom Sawyer.” Another two I went to before that one were “Manslaughter” and “The Border Legion.” Have you seen any of them? I am receiving a new piece of music called “ Minuet in G.” I have been going to music for about two years and a-half, and I intend to keep it up as long as I can. There was a concert held in Gore to help provide a wireless set and equipment for the Gore Hospital. There were 60 performers, who presented their revue of song hits, ballets, spectacular dances, and sketches. lam working a fancy apron and cushion cover, which should look exquisite when finished. It will be lovely to see the little lambs frisking about in the green fields again. Our daffodils are peeping above the earth, and the primroses are out. Basketball matches will not be played any more this year, as the season will soon be over, and next term we shall play baseball. In an Otago Witness I saw Cupid Asleep's letter and Daddy’s Little Housekeeper had one in. I hope you will not judge this letter too harshly. Good wishes to all. —Yours truly, SILVER TEDDY (Gore). [Yes, we all like to receive a letter. Silver Teddy. The. best plan if one is not fond of writing letters it? to jot down the news beforehand on an almanac or calendar. Then it is an easy thing to fill a sheet. Those were good marks in your examination. No. I have not seen the pictures you mention. Tennis will be beginning soon, also. —DOT.] * ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —One Friday the Gorge Road basket ball team played Seaward Dow ns. and won by 22 points to nil. The boys played football, and also won by 9 points to nil. We have finished our examination. and are having our holidays. . I intend to go to Invercargill. I have finished making a petticoat at school, so I am knitting a pair of slippers. One Sunday my cousin and I went for a walk through the bush. The sun was shining brightly when we set off. After we had travelled for some distance we sat down for a spell under the trees. After a while we continued our journey by passing into some denser bush, where the trees looked beautiful swinging in the wind. We found recently-chopped-down trees._ as if some one were making a track. We thought we might be lost if we went further, so we retraced our footsteps. We had not gone far when it started to rain, so we took shelter. As soon as we were out of the bush it came on heavier. We ran all the way home, but being without coats we were wet through, but we enjoyed the walk. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, GOLDEN DEWDROP (Southland). [Your basket ball team has done well, Golden Dewdrop. What a happy girl you will be when you wear a petticoat of your own making. The beginnings of track making are the hardest. The big trees have to be felled, and then the stumps have to be dealt with. - Yes, wind and rain are a bad combination in the bush. —DOT.]

OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have yritten to the page for the first time this week: — Maid of thd Snowdrops (Kyeburn). Saltbush Joe (Pembroke). Mother's Middle Daughter (Cromwell). Fair Snowflakes (Tuatapere). Odd Eyes (Auckland). MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — Beauty Dimple, who will be 9 on August 24. Billy Bear, who will have a birthday on August 25. Dimples O. who will be 11 on August 27.

Huiaranegi, who will be 10 on August 28. O. K. Baby, who will be 17 on August 28 The Lady' of the Valley, who will be 15 on August 29. AUTOS. As the Little Folk inserting the following autos do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond, it is necessary that those whose names are mentioned in the autos should send the first letter. —DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ The Lady of the Valley (Hazel Woolford, Hampden) wishes to correspond with Funny Face. ¥ ¥ Peachy (Joyce Wisely, Pine Terrace, Cave, South Canterbury) wishes to correspond with any' Little Folk between the ages of 13 and 15. ¥ ¥ ¥ J. A. T. (John Thompson. Kirkside, Park street, Winton) would like to correspond with any Little Folk girl living in Winton and surrounding districts.

Buttercup Fay (June Hodgson, Orangapai. Waipiata) wishes to correspond with A Penny Stamp and Milburn Rose.