LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4043, 8 September 1931, Page 68

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. A MESSAGE FROM ITALY. Dear Dot, —Only a few lines to thank you for your kind communication or April 28. I enclose herewith a photograph of our Crown Princess, Maria di Piemonte, daughter of the King of Belgium. I hope soon to send you a long letter, and also an essay on “ Snow in Ancient Writings ” (Latin or Italian), which will appear in an issue of a London magazine. Also Eutimio Bottiglioni, 2 Viale 11 Febbraio, Pavia, Italy, wishes to correspond with any Little Folk. He is the son of Professor Bottiglioni, of the University of Pavia, one of the most distinguished Italian scholars of glottplogy and comparative philology.—Many kind regards, ERMINIO TURCOTTI [Thank you for your note and the two photographs, Erminio Turcotti. That of the railway station is iu our illustrations to-day; the one of your beautiful Crown Princess I am keeping for myself. I -am sure some of my Little Folk will be willing to correspond with Eutimio, for they like overseas friends. I shall be glad to receive your letter and the article.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here I am again! What a summer we are having here in Scotland! Nothing but rain, rain, rain. One week there was a violent thunderstorm followed by a torrential downpour of rain, which flooded the whole place. A house was struck by lightning not far from here, and several landslides occurred. Would any of your readers care to join the Caledonia Correspondence and Exchange Club, which I formed several months ago. and which is turning out a great success. There are hundreds of members (whose ages range from 6 to 75) in all parts of the world. Members will be pleased to exchange stamps, coins, slogans, postmarks, autographs, post cards, snapshots, film stars’ photographs, match brands, etc., with other collectors. To become a lifemember, send me sixpence (I am the secretary and treasurer) and give particulars as to your age, hobbies, if any, and in what countries you want pen

friends, or what you want to trade with other members. Enclose a stamp for reply, and addresses. Your name and particulars will then be inserted in the Membership Volume, and other members will be entitled to write to you. The badge of C.C.E.C. is a sprig of Scotch heather. Caledonia is another name for Scotland. I managed to win the open singles championship of my tennis club. Waverley, for the third year in succession. Along with the cup I was presented with a suitcase and hat box to match from the president. At my golf club, Prestonfield, my partner and I won the mixed foursome bogey competition. We were five up on bogey! The prize was a chit for 12s 6d. We have just returned from a week's holiday at our uncle’s estate in Dunfermline. We had marvellous feasts of the strawberries, peaches, and cherries there. Best wishes. —yours truly, BONNY BLOOMING HEATHER (Myrtle Bona Morrison, Hamilton House, Priestfield road, Edinburgh, Scotland). [You certainly seem to have had a rough summer. Bonny Blooming Heather. It must have been more like winter than summer, I think. I am leaving your address at the end of your letter so that if any Little Folk desire to join your club they will know where to write to you to do so. Congratulations on your successes at tennis and golf. You seem to be a real open-air girl.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I suppose you are thinking I am neglecting your page, but I have not forgotten it. Our pigeons hatched two eggs, but we gave the young pigeons away. I came second in the examination at school. My brother, who was the highest, beat me by four marks. We have finished our school holidays now. I know and also write to Arrowite. She used to live here and was my playmate. I think I will close now, with kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, PALE APPLE BLOSSOM (Chatto Creek).

[You are luckier than I, Pale Apple Blossom, for you have seen baby pigeons and I have not. Congratulations coming second in the class. Your brother did splendidly, did he not? Do not write on both sides of the paper next time, as it makes extra work for the printer. I am glad that you know Arrowite.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —Once again I write a few lines to your page. We have had our school holidays now. I was 10 years of age on August 11, so some of my school mates came in for afternoon tea, and it was delightful. There are numbers of Little Folk writing to you page, are there not? Have you ever been to Clyde? I was there one Saturday recently. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly, DONNA' (Chatto Creek).

[I hope that you enjoyed your holidays, Donna, and grew well and healthy with your fortnight’s play. What fun it must have been at your party! Were any of the children there Little Folk? Yes, I have been to Clyde, and liked it very much. We had afternoon tea at a charming place.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Do you think you have room for another member in your happy band of Little Folk? Ido not go to work, as I live on a dairy farm, with a milk run in Dunedin, and there always seems something to do, so I could not be spared. Perhaps I am lucky, as there are so many girls out 'of work. We have 12 little lambs and one pet one, which is progressing much more quickly than the others. Have we not had terrible weather this last week or two? I have not been able to go out anywhere. How I envy you with your nice clean streets in town! Where I live we have to wear gum boots when we visit our nextdoor neighbour. Love to your dear? self and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, GIRL OF THE CLEMATIS (East Taicri).

[I am sure that I have room for another member, Girl of the Clematis (the name you wanted was chosen), and I hope you will write several letters to the page. You are lucky to have work to do, for as you say, many girls nowadays have no work to do at all : Yes, our streets are clean, but visiting in gumboots must be great fun. Do you not think so?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thank you for the good wishes for my birthday. I received a dress, a box of soap, a pair of fur-lined slippers, and a one pound note. You must have been delighted in receiving the flowers from Kimber Lee. On August 10 we noticed the first snoavdrops in blossom.

Now I shall tell you about a day’s outing and the first aeroplane to land at Okuru, which was piloted by Captain White and Mr Mackay. On August 10 at 9 a.m. we left on our journey of about 11 miles to where the aeroplane was going to land in a paddock north of the old racecourse. When we arrived at the Okuru River the tide was still in a good way. While we were there we were told that the aeroplane had left at six minutes to 10 o’clock. After that we trotted along to the next river, the Turnbull, and when we crossed the creek near it we could see away in the distance the aeroplane, which looked like a black swan. When it came closer we got off the horses, because it was thought they might be frightened of it, but they . were very good. The aeroplane reached the landing just before we arrived there, but from where we were we could see it. After it circled round it landed. It was really wonderful to see it coining. When it came in sight it was coming in a straight line for the landing, as if it had landed there many a time before. After a while more people arrived. I then rode back to the Upper Okuru Post Office with some telegrams. Although I had the horse going at a good pace lunch was nearly over when I arrived back. After lunch passengers were taken up. The aeroplane was a two-seater, and its letters were ZK —ABN. One passenger went at a time, so after it had taken off and landed a few times it came my turn to go up. My head was covered and a pair of glasses covered my eyes. After I stepped into the aeroplane, into which I was strapped, the aeroplane went to the other end of the landing and then started off like a racehorse till it started to rise. I could see it going up all the time, and then it was level. By looking out I could see the school that I went to last year and a few houses. The trees and rivers and all beneath looked very small. The turns in the rivers could be seen very clearly. The nicest part of the flight was when the aeroplane went a little to the side in turning, then I could see that we were getting nearer the earth, and at last the aeroplane was back in the place it was before leaving. Then after watching the others, go up we started for home, as the aeroplane was in rest for the night. When I got on Dollie she must have been feeling very gay, as she tried to buck a few times, but I managed to keep her head in. She was like this till we crossed the rivers,

and then I went on. She shied a number of times at the sheep, and once I was not very far from being off. I arrived home at 6.30 p.m., thus ending a perfect day, which I hope will come soon again. On Tuesday afternoon at 3.15 p.m. we saw the aeroplane passing on its way to Hokitika. It arrived there 2J hours later, although they had a strong head wind. To do that journey overland it takes three days, so the aeroplanes are the things for places like this. It came from Hawea to Okuru in 75 minutes. When it was passing here we could see a flock of wild ducks flying south from a lagoon up north. After a while they turned and all went back again. I like the aeroplanes very much, as it is beautiful up in the air with everything underneath. I was told that some people get sick when they go up, and when the aeroplane is taking off that the earth seems to be falling away instead of the aeroplane going up. but I could not see that at all. I would like travelling in an aeroplane much better than in a motor car. I think it would be beautiful to be in an aeroplane when it is doing stunts, so the next aeroplane is welcome. I read in the paper that there is a new record up between England and Australia. I will close with love and best wishes—Yours truly, , GOLDEN STAR OF WESTLAND (Haast).

[You are a very fearless person, Golden Star of Westland, and I admire very much your courage and excitement in connection with the aeroplane flight. If you are as fond of flying as you say, you may some day have a chance of indulging that fondness, and become a second Amy Johnson. What a saving of time if aeroplane travel could be really established in New Zealand! Yours is a very good letter. — DOT.] * ¥ *

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and in Standard 111 at school. There are only two in Standard 111, a boy and a girl. The school has one room, and a porch. A river flows past our school, and it is very pretty. We have a lady teacher, and we all like her very much, I would rather be at school than at home. We have a lamb, and would like you to give me a name for it, please. We live near two beaches, and we like to go for swims in the summer. I have three sisters and

one brother. Well, I think I will close, with kind regards to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE QUEEN OF THE RAINBOW (Southland).

[Certainly, you may join, Queen of the Rainbow. Is your throne made of seven colours, and do you wear a crown of sunlight on your hair? Your school sounds a very happy one,, and I do not wonder that you like attending it. In after years it will give you many pleasant memories. Call your lamb 80-Peep.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You -will be thinking I am a strange member to have if I never write, but I have been so busy gardening and giving the place a general clean that I have not had time for much else. I sowed some sweet pea seeds in a box a week or two ago, and had no sooner turned my back than Fifi had scratched them out again. I was in to see the football match between Australia and Southland the other day, and enjoyed it very much. I suppose tennis will be starting again soon. Tennis is one of my favourite games. I would just about live on the court if I had my way. I have a number of correspondents through your page now. I dislike writing letters, but I love receiving them. We are having another game of cribbage soon. We lost the last we played by 57 games to 53, but never mind; one cannot always expect to win, can one? Well, I will cease now. Love to yourself and all the Little Folk. —Yours truly, SPORTING MAID (Kapuka).

[lf you have been working so busily, of course you could not write, Sporting Maid. Are the house and garden clean and tidy now? How naughty of Fifi to scratch up your sweet peas! Did you scold her? I am glad that you have made some good correspondents by means of the page, for that is one of the benefits the page gives to its Little Folk.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I please join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and in Standard II at school. Thank you very much for naming my rabbit Fluffy Top. When my brother was mustering he found a little motherless lamb, which he brought home to me. I have named her Patty. I found a duck’s nest with eleven eggs in it. Mount Eg-

mont Princess is my sister. I hope you will let me -join.—Yours truly, ’POSSUM UP A GUMTREE (Stratford ). [Of course you may join, dear. I am delighted to have a ’Possum up a Gumtree as a member of my happy band. I am glad that you liked the name “Fluffy ’lop,” and I also like the name you have chosen for the lamb. I wonder whether Patty and the rabbit will be friends. What did you do when you found the duck's nest?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Once again I take up my pen to write to the dear old page. It is just 12 months since I first penned a few lines to the page. My youngest sister is busily writing her first letter to you. The children have had their term holidays, and we did have a jolly time. The other day some of our girl friends came up to our place, and it being such a nice day we had a game of rounders. Up in the hills the other day my youngest brother heard some noises like penny squeakers, . and on investigating he discovered two strange birds unknown to us dipping their curved beaks into the wild fuchsia flowers. They both had dark green backs with lighter green bodies and black heads, and also black wings with two white feathers on each. He said they were sipping the honey out of the flowers, and they had a nest high up in a tree. Could any Little Folk please tell me the name of this uncommon bird? When flying these birds make a whir-r-r like a quail. The day I was up there I saw a sparrow-hawk on the wing. He flew right over my head. It is the first and only one I have seen. Dad said he had seen plenty of pheasants around here, but I have not had the luck to see one yet. The little rain-bird is a dear little grey chap with such a powerful voice. I heard one when I was feeding the calves the other night, and it has rained ever since. Thank you so much for naming our pups, and I am sure they are proud of having such famous names. Although they are only three weeks’ old they are beginning to growl at each other. Was it not kind of Mr Norman to send you Elizabeth’s letter? It was interesting too. was it not? I wonder if I might write to her, because I would very much like to do so. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MOUNT. EGMONT PRINCESS (Stratford). [I am glad that you enjoyed your holidays, Mount Egmont Princess. It would be splendid to have your girl friends with you and be able to., play rounders. Were the birds you saw tuis? I am sure that Elizabeth would be delighted to hear from you, and I hope that you will write as soon as you have time. Give the pups a pat for me, the rascals! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. We broke up for our holidays. I did not go away, as I was wanted at home. We have finished the first round in basket ball, and the High School A team is second in the competition. The Frasertown Ladies A team ate first. Frasertown is a small town about five miles from Wairoa. We often go out there, and play after school. I am a Girl Guide, and attend meetings every Friday night. I am a Second Class Guide, and I am going for First Class Guide this year. 1 am studying for an examination in it now. I hope to pass it. We had our fancy dress ball a fortnight ago, and it turned out very successfully. The small children looked very pretty in their fancy dress costumes. The spring bulbs are out now, and they make a very pretty show in the garden. I have had my first game of tennis this season, and enjoyed it very much, although the season has not opened yet. A girl friend of mine who lives not far from my place is going to write to the page, too. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, O.K. BABY (Wairoa). [lf there is another round in the basket ball competition your team may be first, O.K. Baby. I wish you good luck in the coming matches. I am glad that you are a Girl Guide, and am sure you will pass your examination, and be a First Class Guide before very long. The fancy dress party must have indeed been pretty.— DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Holidays have been again, and beautiful weather with them. I was out of doors all day long. Mummie has the garden in good trim. Some of the seeds are through the ground. We are preparing the potato patch, and have it almost ready for planting: There are numbers of pheasants and quail around , here. I have never found a pheasant's nest, but I found a quail’s. It was in a hole under an old poplar tree, and had 20 eggs in it. I saw the mother, and there were 17 baby chicks. Is not that a large family for one little mother to take care of! The birds are all busy building their nests. There are numbers being built in our hedge. I am not allowed to rob birdies’ nests. Big brother says it is very cruel. Boys and girls would be very, very sad if their wee brothers and sisters were stolen from them. " Hush, hush,” said the little brown thrush. To her mate on the elder tree. “ Keep still, don’t open your bill,

There’s a boy coming birdnesting over the hill. Let go your wings, out so That not an egg in the nest shall show. Chee, chee, it seems to me I’m as frightened as ever a bird can be.” Then, still with quivering bill. They watched the boy out of sight o’er the hill, Ah, then in the branches again. Their glad song rang over vale and glen. Oh, oh, if that boy could know How glad they were to see him go. Say, do you think next day He could possibly steal those eggs away. Do you know what I do -with the stories that appear in the Little Folk’s page? Mummie cuts them out, and pastes them on cardboard. I take them to school, and give them to the other children to read. Our teacher says they are charming stories. I call them my lending library. It was mummie’s idea. I am very fond of reading. Like my brother, I take books from our school library to read. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and yourself.— Yours truly, MEZZO (Cambridge).

[I am glad that you are a lover of birds, Mezzo, and that, even though you live where there are hundreds of them you never wish to rob a nest. Yours is a letter that may do a great deal of good in the page, for I like to think that my Little

Folk are all kind to animals. I like your idea about the stories in the Otago Witness, and think your mummie a wise lady to help you with it.—DOT.] »£ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? We do not take the Otago Witness, so I do not have the pleasure of reading the Little Folk’s letters. I have a brother in Standard VI who will be leaving at the end of the year, and I am 12, and in Standard 111. We have had our examination, but we have to sit another examination yet. We have a teacher who gives us the strap. I stayed up at Centre Bush with auntie for my term holidays. My eldest sister is working in Tuatapere, and my other sister is working at home. I have no pets to tell you about. Ido fancywork sometimes. I have worked four aprons, two for my mother and two for myself. There are a good many lambs about. The cows will soon be coming in for the factory. The flowers . will soon be coming out. My father has plenty of work to do. My mother has not been keeping well lately. We have a , pup at home called Tiny. She is a quaint dog. My brother has another one called Pup. He is a ; sheep dog. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly

SUNNY DAYS (Gap Road). [You may certainly join, Sunny Days, and I hope that you will write often and keep the clouds away from the page. I am sorry that your teacher straps, but do you not. deserve to be, strapped? I mean, are you not naughty in school sometimes? It is sad to know that your mothei’ has not been keeping well, and I hope that she will be better soon. I expect that she is very glad of your help.—DOT ]

Dear Dot, —Time seems to have flown lately, and examinations and holidays are over once again. We have been having very changeable weather, and so far have ? n i a fi-’w flowers, and one or two lambs. Do yon not think collecting stamps is a very interesting hobby? I am a very keen collector, and have my album nearly full. My sister is beginning school this term, but unfortunately she does not u ish to go. Lately I have been reading a number of The one I am now readnig is called “ Barclay of the Guides.” It is a story of the Indian Mutiny, and I like it very much. We have an owl in one of our trees, and.it keeps us awake nearly every night. We have'often looked for it, but so far have not seen it. As it is nearly time for bed I shall have to bid you and your happy band farewell.—Yours truly, LISETTE (Fairlie). [I certainly do think that stamp collecting is an interesting hobby, Lisette, for it teaches so much to those who practise it, and gives a wide idea of countries and peoples.. What will you do when your album is full? I myself have never collected stamps. Your sister will probably like school when she has grown used to it. See “ Notes.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I again take my pen to write to you. I am afraid 1, have not written for the benefit of others; but I will try my best to do so in the future. We had a great deal of rain here, and the place is muddy. The rain was much needed by the fanners, and already the grass is looking green. The days are beginning to lengthen now. The other day we all went to Oamaru by the car, and as we were going down a hill we stopped to pass a mob of sheep, and a car comjng behind us skidded and ran into our car. Fortunately there was little damage done. The flower garden is very bare. We have some daffodils nearly out. The birds will soon be laying now. Two blackbirds are busily engaged in building a strong nest in a gorse hedge not far from our place. It is very interesting watching them fly in and out, carrying straws from a nearby haystack. It was my birthday last Thursday, and I was 14 years of age. My grandfather has undergone, two serious operations, and is getting on splendidly. My sister came second in her examination. Much love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, • PALE ROSE (Herbert)

[Rain that spoils a holiday is often the very rain a farmer needs for his soil, Pale Rose. I am glad that the showers you have had have been beneficial. You were fortunate not to have come to grief when the car hit you. Did you receive a big scare? I am glad that your grandfather is doing well. Congratulate your sister for me. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years old, and in Standard II at school. I have a wee brother who is five months old. My chum spent his holidays with me. I have one and a-half miles to go to school. We play football in the winter, and the girls play basket ball. In the summer we play cricket, and do not know what the girls play. We are milking two cows, and we are expecting two more in this month. My little sister sent 47 rabbit skins, and I sent 96 rabbit skins to town. We are going to buy boots with the money. Have you ever seen Lake Wanaka? It is very pretty just now with snow low down on the mountains, and with the reflections at sunset it is most beautiful. There is a playground on the shore of the lake in which there are swings, slides, see-saws, merry-go-round, and ocean wave.—Yours truly.

ILL-TRICKED JOCK (Pembroke). [You may certainly join, 111-tricked Jock. Where did you find your humorous name? I am sure you had good fun in

your holidays and played a number of jolly games. I hope you receive enough money from the rabbit skills to be able to buy some very good boots. Yes, 1 have seen Lake Wanaka. It is a very beautiful lake, and you are lucky to be able to see it so often. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years old, and in standard V at school. There are live children in our family, two boys and three girls. One girl has left school. We have had our fortnight’s holidays, and I spent them at Lake Wanaka. I have to drive four and a-half miles to school, and it is very cold driving up in the winter mornings, but we are used to it. We are milking two cows just now, but two more are coining in next month. I have about 80 rabbit skins, and I am trying hard to get a hundred, so as to sell them and buy a watch. Rabbit skins used to be worth a shilling each, but now they are not worth threepence each. —Yours truly, CARDRONA LARRIKIN (Pembroke).

[Welcome to Cardrona Larrikin. Are all the members of your family as happy as you? It is good to belong to a family of five. I am sure you enjoyed your holidays, and saw many beautiful sights at Lake Wanaka. You must tell me if you are able to buy a ivatch, for I am greatly interested.—DOT.]

_ Dear Dot, —It must be over six years since I wrote to you under a nom de plume, which I have not forgotten, although I still remember my delight upon seeing the first- letter which 1 wrote to you in your page. I am 14 years of age, and I attend the Otago Girls’ High School. The work is made so interesting there that it hardly seems like school at all. We have dancing and gymnastics, and in the winter we play netball, basket ball, and hockey. When playing basket Lail last term I put my finger out of joint, and it was very painful. At the end of last term our school A netball, basket ball, and hockey teams went up to Ashburton to play the teams of the Ashburton girls. This is an annual event, the schools taking it in turn to visit the schools which they play. This is my third year at high school, and I am sitting matriculation this year. The work is extremely hard, but I hope to pass. We had a fancy dress dance at school, and I went as an Eastern lady. I enjoyed myself immensely. This dance was held to celebrate the breaking up of the dancing class, which is held in the school gymnasium every Saturday morning during the winter term. I went

to another dance earlier in the year. Al! the schoolgirls were dressed in long, anklelength dresses. I have a new dress, which is quite long, but mother would not allow me to have it to my ankles. It is made of green georgette and is very pretty. Al the end of this term the match, of the season, the school A team against the staff, was held. It was a very good game, the staff seeming to be much more popular with the onlookers. The match ended in a draw, seven all, and the next morning the staff was presented with a shield as a reward. I went to the Dunedin Competitions. and found the dancing and other items very enjoyable. Some of the little girls who were singing seemed oniv about four years old, but they sang be t itifully. We have a canary, and it is my duty to feed it, which is much harder than it sounds, because greenery for the wee fellow is scarce. When he sees me coming with food for him he pokes his head through the bars of the cage. I read a great deal in my spare time. I have read some of Donn Byrne’s books, and also articles of his in the Geographic Magazine. I enjoy reading those magazines, and I would love to visit some of the countries which are so skilfully described and illustrated in those books. Do you speak French? My mother used to learn French when she was a girl, but she has forgotten most of it when I began to learn French at the high school. However. we have been through the first few books of French together now, and I have found that it has helped me a great deal at school. Uncle has a wireless set, and we have it going nearly every night. We can reach about 60 stations on it. and we often hear very good concerts. I play the piano myself, and I am very fond of music. This has not been a very interesting letter, as I am not a good Utter writer. Very good wishes.—Yours truly, BONNIE LESLEY (Dunedin).

[lt seems that I must treat you as a new member, Bonnie Lesley, so welcome again to our happy band. You are young to be sitting for matriculation, and I hope you pass. I am glad to hear that you are fond of all aspects of high school life, and know that you will always be glad that you have been able to be so. I can speak French up to a point, but would much rather write or read it seeing that I have never been in France. I am glad that you and your mother are working together. It will help you both. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I suppose you are counting the weeks since I last wrote to you. I am in Standard V at school, and am the only one in my class, as there are only 20 going to our school. We play basket ball,

but it has been too wet this year to play at all. In the winter time we have cocoa in school. We have a little white calf, and we call it Snowy, because it has not a coloured hair on it. Mother used to write to your page when she went to school. Her nom de plume was Jonquil. Have you any spring flowers out? We have violets, primroses, anemones and crocuses. We have daffodils in bud, and it will not be long before they are out. The little lambs are beginning to come now, but there are not any in the Glenkenich district, although there are some in Kelso.. The little twin girls who used to be in our schoolhouse have a little baby sister two months old. Her name is Joyce. I have a new little baby cousin, whose name is James Alexander. I am at prei<*nt working an apron for myself, with a design of two great big butterflies. I like doing fancywork. It is a good pastime when one has nothing else to do. I also like reading. I have been reading “ Anne of Avonlea.” by L. Al. Montgomery. I like her books, though I read only three of them. At present 1 .mi reading “The Dare Club.” by Irene L. t’tunker. Have you read it? Well. I must cluse now, as I have no more news. Best lov*-- to the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, l’\. IFIER'S PET I Kelso)

[How very snowy your calf Snowy must be. Father’s Pct' She must be very pretty. Docs she keep her coat nice and clean? I have a few crocuses out. l.ut no other spring flowers. Perhaps mother will write to me for Old Writers’ Week. Joyce and James Alexander seem to be darling babies, and may like to play together. I have not read “The Dare Club.” Do the girls in it “ dare ” one another ?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I had a few minutes to spare I thought I would write to you. We had a good time in our holidays, as we were outside most of the time. I will tell you later how 1 spent my holidays. There was a hard frost the other morning, but it was a fine day afterwards. We shall soon be able to wear our summer dresses and go without shoes and sox. —Yours truly, DAD’S JEAN (Oainaru). [Thank you for writing to me. Dad’s Jean. It was good of you to spend your few minutes by doing so. I shall be glad to hear how you spent your holidays. What a lovely thought that soon you will be able to go with bare feet!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —Although I have not written to you for a long time, 1 have been a constant reader of your page, and I find some of the letters extremely interesting. During our holidays I had a girl friend staying with me, so I spent Them at home. L have a new brown horse, of which I am very fond. His name is Togan. He can travel very fast, and he is delightful to ride. I taught my girl friend to ride, as we have another quiet horse. One afternoon my friend and I decided to go for a walk. We took some afternoon tea witn f us,' and after driving as far as Duntroon in the car, we set off down the bed of the Maerewhenua River. After walking about a mile we came to where the Aluerewhentia joins the Waitaki River. We walked along the bank of the Waitaki River, until we decided upon a spot to boil the billy. Having collected some small sticks we soon had a roaring fire blazing between three big stones, on which the billy was balanced. When the billy boiled we moved to a calm spot where we enjoyed our afternoon tea. As it was necessary to be back to the township at 5.30 p.m. we lost no time in returning. This was the end of a perfect day. I still am keeping up my music, as I hope to be a teacher of music some day. I have entered for only one music examination, and I received 9!) per cent. Aly last piece of music was “ Polish Dance, No. 1.” Do you know it? It has been raining heavily to-night, and wili do a lot of good. The country has been very dry for a long time, but, owing to some recent showers of rain, it is looking brighter. Duntroon has raised a senior and junior hockey team this year. Both teams have been very successful, for they both won the cup. I play in the junior team. On September 23 we are going to be presented with the cups. The Duntroon football team also won their cup. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. PINK CARNATION (Duntroon).

[Holidays are always more pleasant if we have a friend staying with us. Pink Carnation, and I can imagine what fun you had with your friend when you were teaching her to ride, and especially when you were boiling the billy together. Yes. I know that piece of music. I am glad to hear that you practise regularly. You must tell me about the presentations when they are made.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have been having wet weather here. I do not know if I have passed in my examination, because our teacher has not told us. I like reading the Little Folk’s letters, and about the Chums. Aly eldest sister is in Palmerston North, and I think she is having a good time. I do not like when the holidays coipe, as I like school. I am in Standard 111 at school, aud I shall be 10 years old this month. I think I am going to have a birthday party. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly.

GOLDEN PIPPIN (Port Molyneux). [I hope you have passed, Golden Pippin, because I am sure you have worked hard. Let me know results later. Fancy your not liking holidays! You must be a very unusual Little Folk. I hope you will tell me about your birthday, especially if you are going to have a party. See “ Notes.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —I was very pleased when I saw my first letter in the Otago Witness. During the holidays my brother and I were trying to fly our kites, but the wind was coming only in gusts, as our house is in among the hills. It is very cold weather here just now. There is snow on the hills, but it is not down as far as the houses. Aly sister is baking, as mum is not well. I will close now. with kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, MASTER JOCK O’ HAZELADEEN (Whare Flat). [Flying kites seems to be a very popular pastime, Master Jock o’ Hazeladeen. It is good fun, and makes one feel very proud when one’s kite soars high. I am sorry

you could not fly yours. I hope your mother will soon be better, and that your sister’s baking was a success.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old. and am in Standard IV at school. We were playing cricket at school before the holidays began, and I enjoyed it very much. I will close now, hoping you will let me join.—Yours truly, THE IRON OUTLAW (Whare Flat). [You may certainly join, Iron Outlaw. Have you a fleet-footed horse, and can you swing a lariat and rope a steer? I hope you will play cricket this term too, as it is a good game for you. Write again soon. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —We have been very busy with our examination or I would have written to your page sooner. Every week when the Otago Witness comes the first thing I turn up to is your page, because I like to read the Little Folk’s letters. They are very interesting. Peter, Patty, and' Air Pip are funny sometimes. The weather has been very disheartening down here this last few weeks. I do not know how some of the farmers keep cheerful about it. We have about 22 liens, and are gather ing round about 10 and 11 eggs a day. All the little birds are beginning to build their nests again. One morning I noticed a starling carrying a piece of straw and feather in his bill along to the roof of the cowshed. For my fancywork I am making an apron, which has a basket of flowers on it. Dot’s Jane is making an apron too, with wild rose blossoms and robins sitting on the branches. I have just read the book about “ June, the Girl Guide.” and it is very interesting. Have you ever read it? I see all the willow trees are in bud. as well as the things in the garden. The daffodils are nearly out in bloom, so when they come out the garden will not look so bare. The primroses are all in bloom, and I think they look so lovely, don’t you? Mother is very busy in her garden every fine day. so there is not much time for anything else, is there? Best wishes to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, THE ALARAI (Tokanui).

[I am pleased to hear that you like reading my page, Alarm. Yes, Peter, Patty, and Air Pip have some very funnyadventures. I am glad I do not have to share them all. It is charming to see the birds building their nests, and is a sure sign that summer is coming. I have not read that book, but am sure it is a good one. Y’our garden must be very pretty. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot,—When you see this letter you will see that I have not forgotten you. My sister is in'Alexandra. Our cows are coming in now, so we are starting to be busy. We have had our holidays, so we are all feeling glad. We see many lambs now. Aly photograph was in the Otago Witness with my calf, which I reared myself. I am going to help with the tea now, so I will close, with many kind regards to yourself and the Little Folk. — Y’ours truly, FLOWER AIAIDEN (Galloway).

[Can you milk.-Flower Maiden? If so you will certainly be busy during the next few months. I remember your photograph in the Otago Witness, and congratulate you on being so good at rearing your calf. Afe you as clever at setting tlie table for the tea as at helping in tlie farmyard?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I penned those two familiar words. The Little Folk will almost have forgotten that su'h a writer ever wrote to the page. Olive, when writing her retiring letter, asked me to write soon, but. I am afraid, procrastination is the thief of time. I have been out working since the beginning of the year, and have been in two different positions, both of which I liked. The first one was only a temporary one. I was supposed to be there only a week, but five months had elapsed before I went to the p'ace I am in at present. It is a farm I am on, and although it is the kind of work I am used to (having lived all my life on a farm), I prefer the town, if Alilton can be called such. I spent a day in town last month, but I had not my badge on or I might have met some Little Folk. I have been learning to ride a bicycle lately, and even though I did not enjoy the learning part, others seemed to do so when they saw the bicycle and me part company, and I landed head first into the nearest ditch. I can ride fairly well now, however, for I have learnt to balance myself. It is seldom that I see an Otago Witness now, and should it happen that any of the Little Folk have wished to correspond with me and not received a reply it is because I have not seen the auto. I have not done very much fancywork lately. I do not seem to have the time, but I must make an effort to begin again. The last I did was a pair of pillowshams and a supper cloth. The former I gave away. A friend

and I spent the week-end at my home about three weeks ago. and it did seem quiet after here, as there arc eight of us here, and at home there are only mother and dad. I was at the Alilburn-Clarendon bachelors’ ball, held last month. The hall was rather crowded for dancing in comfort, but I think all enjoyed themselves. There are pictures in Alilton three or four times a week, but I do not go very often. We also have skating twice weekly, so what with pictures, skating, and dances, and an occasional concert, Alilton has plenty of amusements. I seldom patronise any, however. I have had several books lent me during the past few weeks, so I guess that is one of the reasons I have not done much in the sewing line. Bunty, my pct Angora rabbit, died a few weeks ago. One morning when dad went out he found poor Bunty lying dead. I think a strange cat or dog must have killed him. None of our cats or dog would touch him. In fact, I have a snap of Bunty and Uncle Pete (the cat) lying together in the hutch. We are milking only three cows once daily here. Ido not have to milk, but will do so when the cows are all in. I wonder what has happened to Little Wooden Shoes? It is a long time since I heard from her. Perhaps if she sees this I may hear from her again soon. I -went up home tlie other Sunday. I left here at 11 o’clock, and it was a quarter to 1 when I reached home. I cycled halfway and walked the rest, as the roads were not too good for cycling. Dad brought me some of the way down . in the evening, and I cycled the rest • into Milton, and spent the evening at a

friend’s place. It is my birthday on the 16th of this month, and A Little Nurse Girl’s is six days later. I am going to spend the -week-end after the 16th at home, and will celebrate my birthday then. I think my stock of news has come to an end. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BOB’S SWEETHEART (Brcoklands). [You are certainly a stranger, Bob’s Sweetheart, but I am sure you have not been forgotten by any of the Little Folk who were writing when you joined the page. I was amused to read of your adventures on the bicycle. Do not attempt too many long rides until you are really proficient, or you may come to grief. I am sorry to hear about Bunty. and hope the poor little animal did not die in great pain. You must tell me later about your birthday.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Here I am at last, penning a few lines to you and your Little Folk. It is some time since I last wrote to the page, but I have. often thought of the motto: “We write for the benefit of others—not for ourselves.” I have quite recovered from the dance, and am looking forward to another. There is a question I want to ask you: Will you kindly tell me how I can receive a badge? I am going to send you a bow made of fibre that Pretty Pond Lily made. We have a relative staying with us at present. She is very nice, and we also have her brother. They are from Arahura. While they were here mj- sister took the lady for a ride to see the hot spring and down to see the bay, where the boat comes in. They are going to have a look around before they go back. Well, as I think I have told you all the news. I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, SILVER STAR OF HEAVEN (Westland).

[To receive a badge. Silver Star .of Heaven, you send me half-a-crown—either as a postal note or in stamps—and I in return post a badge to you. Thank you very much for the bow. It is quite the quaintest bow I have ever seen, and I like it exceedingly. It is pleasant to have relatives staying with one. especially when they are friendly and likable. I should like to see the hot spring—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written to the page for a long time, so I have made up my mind to write to-day. Holiday time is over now. We had two weeks, and I enjoyed them immensely. In the recent, examination I came twelfth, which is the lowest I have been since I started school. On 1 hursday Temuka School is holding a football and basket ball tournament in aid of the school funds. The new Sunday school is built of wood, and is much better than the old one. The story I am reading is a serial, and is very interesting. Have you read “ Tales of Grey House,” by R. S. Warren-Bell? We have had some heavy frosts. One day it was so very rainy and cold that I was not allowed outside to play. As I have no more news, I will close now, with kind regards to yourself and all the Little Folk.—Y’ours truly. RED PEN (Temuka).

[How did you spend your holidays, Red Pen? I expect you found plenty to do, and had some very jolly fun. Now that you are back at school again you must work extra hard to MHn a higher place in the class than twelfth this term. I have not read that book. What is it about? I expect you read it when you were not allowed outside to play.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —When we finished our second term examination, I came top of my class. We then had our holidays. We had a parrot, and we called her “ Cockey.” but a few weeks ago she flew away into the bush, and we have not seen or heard of her since. Aly little sister had a birthday on August 18. and received many lovely presents. She can crawl, but not walk yet. We have a little bull calf, and do not know what to call him, so I would like you please to give him a name. I stayed at my grandmother’s place in Woodside for my holidays, and I enjoyed every minute of them. I have a cat' at home, and I call him “Alick.” I think that I have told you all the news, sj I will close, with kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—• Y’ours truly, ANOTHER FOUR LEAF CLOVER (Ou tram). [Congratulations on coming top of the class, Another Four Leaf Clover. I am proud of your success. I hope Cockej- has found a safe home in the bush and will not be caught by a cat. Give your little sister a birthday kiss for me, and call the calf Sultan. Is Alick a good mouser? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I know that you will excuse me when I tell you that I have been too busy to write to you. I was away working for a month, but am home again now. We are having bad weather here just now. I think it is the same everywhere. There was a dance here on Saturday night after the football and basket ball tournament. Dances and pictures are the only amusements here. I do not often go to the talkies, as I do not care for the ones in the country. They are either too loud or not loud enough. I have not received an answer from the girl in Italy yet, but I expect I will get one some of these days. I wrote to Professional Runner, and received a letter from him which I answered, but so far have not had a reply to it. Alaybe when he sees this he will write to me. I must close now, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, BELLE OF LYNN (Southland).

[Of course I will excuse you, Belle of Lynn. I like to know that my Little Folk have been busy, for there is nothing like work in these hard times. Do you like being at home again? Y’ou will soon hear from the girl in Italy. Probably there is already a letter on its way to you. And Professional Runner may soon write to you, too. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —Will you please enrol me as a member of your happy band? I shall not be able, I am sorry to §ay, to read the letters on our page, as I will be away at college and only home for the holidays, but I should like to feel I am one of many happy boys and girls who belong to the Little Folk league. I should also like to

have a badge, so I am enclosing half-a-crown in stamps for it. When you get this I will probably be back at college, so will you please send the badge to me tuerc. I am 12 years old, and am in Form IIIA. I shall be 13 on October 15. I have two brothers and two sisters, one of my sisters being only a baby. I live by the sea, and I love it very much. Daddy has a launch, and he sometimes takes us out in it, although not very often, except on Sundays, as on week-days he is busy on the farm with the sheep. It is an especially busy time now, because the little lambs are just coming with the spring. We milk cows, but at present we milk only two, Petling and Blackie. I wonder whether we will have any pet lambs this year. Last time I had four, and I used to have to get up early in the morning so that I could save the milk for them from tac separator. Well, as I am in rather a hurry, I shall stop, with love to you ;iiid tne -L/itile j?ulk whose band 1 am >o proud to join.—Yours truly, SEASIDE GIRL (French Pass).

[Certainly, I will enrol you, Seaside Girl. I am sorry that you will be unable to read the letters, but glad that you desire to be a member despite this drawback. I have sent your badge, and hope it reaches you safely. Tell me later if you ’lave any pet lambs, for I shall be interested. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I become a member of vour happy band of Little Folk? I shall be 12 years of age on November 4, and I arh in Standard Iv at school. There are 46 pupils attending our school, and we have two very nice teachers, a headmaster and a mistress. The mistress teaches us physical culture, and I must say I am very fond of it. For sewing at school I ammaking a fuji petticoat for myself. I have four sisters and me brother, and I am the eldest of our family. Aly mother has been ill for eight months, and is just home two months from die hospital. We are all hoping to see her well and strong again very soon. Since being ill she has done some beautirul crochet, including lace for three supper cloths. The last lace was 11 inches wide, and was a daffodil pattern, and the other two were water lily and rook patterns. Mother also crocheted us two petticoats each —that is 10 altogether. Mother also knitted slippers for the three, youngest girls, and she knits my brother s sox for aim. We live at a sawmill in the Catlins district. Dad is tallyman and yardman. Perhaps it may interest some of the Little Folk to know how the timber in our houses is procured. First the trees suitable for building purposes are marked, then two men saw them down with a big cross-cut saw. The branches are then cut off, the logs rolled on to a big iron shoe, and secured by things called dogs and chains. The shoe has wire rope attached to it, the other end of the rope being rolled around a drum on an engine, named a hauler, which is driven by steam. A man called the shoeman pulls the rope, which is attached to the whistle on the hauler, and the whistle blows. Then the hauler driver knows thejog is ready to be pulled to the loading bank. It is then rolled on a trolley and a tractor, driven by petrol, and steered like a motor car. draws the trol ley into the mill. The tractor and trolley run on wooden rails. The log is then put on another loading bank, then rolled <sn to a big bench and sawed into pieces, commonly called flitches. These are slid on to skids, when the sawyer balances them on a wee trolley run on small rails. They are then pushed into a big circular saw driven by belts on wheels which the engine drives by steam. The boards are then sawn into lengths required for the orders, stacked on a trolley, and taken by the tractor to the yard, where they are unloaded and stacked. The rough pieces of timber are used for firewood. My dad has the timber to stack into trucks, ready to be taken away by train. He has to keep an account of how many feet of timber he stacks in the trucks. Aly brother and I spent our holidays with my auntie, Red Cross Nurse. She has a farm, and it is lovely to have plenty of milk and eream. As my brother is going to write to you I will leave him to tell you of our stay on the farm, for I think I have overstepped the limit as it is, but I do want my letter to be of interest to you and the Little Folk. Well. I will say good-bye just now, with kindest regards to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, CHEERIO (Catlins District). [I am delighted to welcome you. Cheerio. Are you as happy as your name? But, judging from your letter I think you must be. I hope mother will be better soon, for though she spends her time in bed so profitably I am sure she would much prefer to be doing outside work. Your description of the timber industry is very interesting, and will delight the Little Folk who read it. Thank you very much for it. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Please can I be one of your happy band of Little Folk? I shall be 10 years of age on November 11, and I am in Standard 111 at school. I spent my term holidays with my uncle and auntie on their farm. This was the first holiday I had spent on a farm, and I enjoyed every minute of it. When I am a man I am going to save my money to buy a farm. When I was to go home uncle asked daddy to let me stay another week, and I was so pleased. Uncle told daddy I wanted him to buy a farm, but daddy thinks I would be too interested watching the animals to do any work, but I do not think so. I am the only boy in our family, and have five sisters. One of my little sisters is Just out of hospital, and my mother is ill too. It is lovely to have h?r home again after being in the hospital for six months. I help daddy to get the wood when I am at home. I always got out of bed when uncle did, and he let me milk a cow. I am not a very good milker yet, but uncle said I was improving. We had five cows in in one week. Three calves were nice wee heifers. One night we' found one of the pet sheep with a wee lamb, and as it was raining, we brought her home and let her in the garden for shelter. Uncle separated the milk every second morning. He tipped the milk into a big bowl on the separator, and I turned the handle. A wee bell tinkled when I was turning fast enough, then uncle turned a tap on. and the works of the separator separated the cream .from the milk. The milk came out of one spout and the cream out of an-

other. The cream was put into a can to take to the factory, and the separated milk we fed the pigs and calves with. I fed the horses with turnips and sheaves of oats. I also collected the eggs for auntie if my sister did not race me for them. We found 21 one day Well, I will close now, with kindest regards to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, TOM FROM THE IRONWOODS (Catlins District).

[You may certainly be a Little Folk. Tom from the Ironwoods. From your noin de plume I should think that you are a strong, silent bushman. But your letter suggests that you are an eager, busy farmer. I can imagine what a good time you had on the farm, and what a help you were to your uncle. Is j’our little sister better now? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here am I again. We are wishing the ground would dry up a bit. There is mud everywhere. Dad was shifting netting on the turnips the other day, and when lie came home at night mum had to turn the hose on him and take the scrubbing brush to get the mud off. We had too many turnips this year, so we sold some. Guide Ruth’s father bought them. A relative from Canterbury was here a few days ago, and he said he wished he could take some turnips and rain home with him. They are having a bad time np there. One morning our dray rolled down into a gully. The horse went with it too, but they got him out. After dinner they took three horses and tried to pull it back up the hill, but when it was nearly up the wires broke, and it fell back and broke the fence a little more, so they put the horses on to the back, and pulled it the other way. It had a ditch to cross, and just as the wheels got into the ditch the wire broke again. Next time they used only chains, and it came out without any more breaks. There is no news to tell, so I will close. Love to all.—Yours truly, OGEMAQUAY 7 (Southland).

[Your poor father, Ogemaquay! He must have felt very uncomfortable when he was being subjected to the hose. I was interested to read about the accident to your dray, and am glad you managed to pull it out safely after all. What a good thing the horse was not hurt.— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —It is so long since I wrote to you that I suppose you will have forgotten me. When we had holidays from school I spent a few days with my aunt. Most of the birds here are laying. There is a number of little lambs now in this district. We have a little black and white calf at home. Do you think you could please give me a name for it? The daffodils wilt soon be flowering here, as they have large buds. When I was reading the Little Folk’s letters I saw Flower Girl’s letter, which was very interesting. There are only 11 going to our school now. We have a new teacher. The teacher we had before the holidays was a lovely teacher. I must close now. with kindest regards to the page and yourself. —Yours truly, ROMANCE (Ardlussa).

[I have not forgotten you, Romance, though it is certainly some time since I last heard from you. I shculd'like to see your black and white calf, and think “ Marble ” would be a good name for it. I hope you like your new teacher as much as your old one. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Despite your warning I did catch cold in my gums, and oh! it was painful. You are a lucky person to have, kept -your pearlies. I wish I had been more careful of mine, but it is no use crying over spilt milk, is it? I see my letters sometimes, as a kind friend brings us the Otago Witness occasionally. I have just finished reading a very nice letter which I received from Nigella. She very kindly sent me the Otago Witness with my last letter in it, and I wag so pleased, as I did not know what your answer was. As soon as I finish this I am going to write to Nigella and Nectar. The latter will be thinking I am not going to write, but I saw her auto only the other day. The weather is very rainy at present, but the water was badly needed. I like lying in bed at night and listening to the rain. First there is the pitter-patter of the preliminary drops, then down comes the deluge. The well is just near my bedroom window, and when it is raining I can hear the water tinkling as it drops into the black depths. I am really in a hurry this time to catch the mail. Next time I write I shall have to start the letter on Monday and then surely I shall be in time. —Yours truly, THE LADY OF THE VALLEY (Hampden).

[I am sorry to hear that you caught cold, Lady of the Valley. It must have been very painful. Take more care next time. I see that you are a lover of sounds, and that the rain on the roof is not* noisy but musical to you. That is as it should be.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old, and In Standard IV. My sister is writing to you too. Will you please pick me a name for a brown calf, a .white calf, and a brown and white calf, and a white lamb. Aly little cousin has been ill. My oldest sister is 10, her birthday being on the same day as mine. I am the oldest in our family. My youngest sister is nine. I have two other brothers too. The youngest brother is a baby. His name is Andrew M‘Lay Leslie. I have been wanting to write to you for a long time, but I have not had time. Love to your Little Folk and your own self.—Yours truly, 'SUNNY SUMMER (Hunt’s Road).

[Welcome to Sunny Summer! I hope you will bring good luck to the page and give us the sunniest summer we could desire. Call the brown calf Russet, the white calf Velvet, the brown and white calf Agate, and the white lamb Tip-toe. Andrew sounds a dear baby, so give him a kiss for me. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I please join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years old. and in Standard V. I am also a Girl Guide. At school I play goal thrower for the A backet ball team. We are having dur holidays just now, but we have to go back to school on September 14. I have been learning music for two years and a-half now. We have a very large black cat. which weighs 201 b. He is a monster. My little brother, who is nearly

five, can hardly lift him. Well, I had better close now, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, PINK TULIP (Oamaru).

[I should like to have a Pink Tulip in my band, so certainly you may join, dear. I am glad you are a Girl Guide. Have you won any badges yet. Your eat must indeed be a monster, and I wish I could gee him. Can he catch mice, or ig he lazy?—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and in Standard 111 at Katea School. I have two sisters and two brothers. We have a pet lamb. We have three calves. We are milking four cows. Their names are Spot, Dollie, Daisy, and Rosy. Love to your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. HAPPY HAILSTONES (Owaka). [Welcome to Happy Hailstones! 1 had to alter your nom de plume slightly, dear, because it was already taken. But I do not think you will mind. I like the names of your cows. What do you call the lamb and the calve*?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and in Standard IV at Katea School. 1 walk two miles to school. We have two young pigs, and 22 young lambs. My oldest sister is 11 years of age, and my o'dest brother is. six years of age. Good wishes to all. —Yours truly, WET WEATHER (Owaka).

[Certainly, you may join, Wet Weather. I am a very funny person to be able to welcome Wet Weather and Sunny Sum mer both on the same day. But one can do many funny things when dealing “with Little Folk. Walking to school will keep you fit and healthy.—DOT.] OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week: — Girl of the Clematis (East Taieri). Queen of the Rainbow (Southland). ’Possum up a Gumtree (Stratford). Sunny Days (Gap Road). 111-tricked Jock (Pembroke). Cardrona Larrikin (Pembroke). Bonny Lesley (Dunedin). The Iron Outlaw (Whare Flat). Seaside Girl (French Pass). ■ Cheerio (Catlins). Tom from the Ironwoods (Catlins) Sunny Summer (Hunt’s Road). Pink Tulip (Oamaru). Happy Hailstones (Owaka). Wet Weather (Owaka). MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — Donna, who was 1) cn August 11. Pale Rose, who was 14 on September 3. Golden Pippin, who will be 10 tai* month. Red Hot Poker, who will be 11 on September 10.

NOTES. Gohlen Pippin.—The address you wain is unfortunately not in my book.—DOT. Lisette. —The address you ask for is F Shaw, Orepuki.—DOT. Bob’s Sweetheart.— (1) Gloria Cox. •‘Denmark,” Oregon, Box 67, Curry Co.. U.S.A. (2) Alairi Fraser. Islemore, Skye, by Kyle, Scotland.- —DOT. Ogemaquay.—l am afraid I cannot tell you what you ask. Where did you find the name? —DOT. Red Cross Nurse (Old Writer). —Thank you for your letter. I felt my interest going out to you as soon as I read it, for I could imagine so easily the scene that prompted it. The letters in question were beautifully written, and gave me much pleasure to read. I hope I shall receive many more of them.—Your friend, DOT. 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.

Silver Star of Heaven (Lena Wilson. P.O. Box, Bruce Bay, South Westland) wishes to correspond with Nobody’s Darling. O.K. Baby, Te Matai, Geranium. Mother’s Right Hand Girl, and A Quaker Literary Scholar. She promises to answer all letters. Would her correspondents also write to her again?

Mount Eginont Princess (Heather Watson. Huiroa P. 0.. Stratford) wishes Cuticura Girl and My Daddy’s Darling to write to her, please.

Father’s Pet (Joyce Jenkins, Meadow Bank. Kelso) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk between the agca,. of 11 and 12.

Pale Rose (Betty Finlayson, Herbert) wishes to correspond with Dot from Australia.

Golden Pippin < Mavis Scott, Port Molyneux) would like to correspond with Odd Eyes, Maid of the Snowdrops, and Little Sky Fairy. •

Bob’s Sweetheart (I. Al. M'Laren, care of A. G. Finch, Back road, Mil ton) would like to correspond with any Dunedin Little Folk from 19 to 21 years of age.