LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4057, 15 December 1931, Page 68

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE. Dear Dot, —“Sing a Song of Sixpence? is a favourite nursery rhyme, and every child who knows it probably thinks it a rhyme and nothing more. But it has- a meaning of a very beautiful kind: The 24 blackbirds are said to represent the 24 hours of the day. The bottom of the pie is supposed to represent the world, and the top crust the sky. When the pie is opened day breaks and the birds begin to sing, and then such a sight becomes a dainty dish to set before the king. The king counting money in his chamber is the sun, and the golden coins he so lovingly handles are golden sunbeams. The queen in the parlour is the moon. and. of course, the honey represents moonlight. The busy maid in the garden is the peep of day. and the clothes which she is hanging out are clouds. The

blackbird which takes such liberty with her nose is the sunset. Thus, in the homely figure of a pie, we have a representation of one whole dav.—Yours truly QUAKER LITERARY SCHOLAR (Dunedin). [What a quaint notion, Quaker Literary Scholar! I wonder who thought it out. For my own part. I would rather have the old rhyme left as it is without an interpretation: but what you write is very interesting.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l wish to thank you for me first equal in the competition. “ Why I am Looking Forward to Old Writers’ Week.” I also wish, through the medium of the page, to thank Quaker Literary Scholar for the beautiful book which I received from him. It is a volume I have long wished to possess, and I was delighted when I saw’ it. Many thanks. —Yours truly,

LORD LOVAT’S NEPHEW’ (Katea). [Thank you for your thanks, Lord Lovat’s Nephew. I am glad that you liked the book, whjch, as you say, was a beautiful one. The Quaker Literary Scholar will be happy to see this letter from you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Once again I take up my pirn to write you a few lines. We have had very hot, dry, and dusty weather, and the farmers have been looking for refreshing showers. Nor’-westers tend to dry the country very much, and the outlook as far as farming is concerned has been very disheartening. On reading the Little Folk’s letters the other week I found them particularly interesting, as there were several from overseas writers among them. While out driving a short time ago. my uncle pointed out to me a rock which was called “ the pig.” It is a peculiar name, is it not? There is a big rock, lying along the top of which is the shape of a wild pig. In fact, one would think it was a real pig. It has ears, head, four legs, and body complete. I will close now, with heaps of love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. : A ROSE (Otago). [I have felt one of those hot nor’westers, A Rose, and know how ruinous they are to crops and flowers; so I hope

you have rain soon, as you need it so badly, and that your soil benefits from it. i .? ln £ that you liked the overseas letters, which, as you say, were particularly interesting. How quaint that pig rock must be! I should like to see it for myself—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I last penned a line to the deal* old page, so while I have the opportunity I think 7 la< k, bet ?. er . “i an appearance before Old Writers’ TVeek. AVe have had perfect weather here recently, and it was just what we needed, as shearing and dipping were in full swing. Since I last wrote to you I have shifted once more, and I am now at Lake AVakatipu. I like up here very much. I have been riding a good deal since my arrival, and I enjoy it very much. I went for a ride in a car—out nearly to one of the huts — the other day, and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is rather pretty going out, as one looks down ,on the river, which has high banks on eiter side, covered in beautiful green trees. I must bring this to a close, with best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy New Year to yourself, Old Writers, and Little Folk.—Yours truly, NETA LYALL (Otago). [I a ' n glad the fine weather suits you, Neta Lyall. How fortunate vou are to be living in such a beautiful place as Lake AAakatipu! You are lucky to have the use of a horse, for you will thus have a chance of going about more freely u ou were . dependent on a ear. vyill you be spending Christmas and New Year there?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —We have been having glorious weather, and I hope vou have had the same down your way. The gardens look beautiful with all the different coloured flowers out. The scent of the roses perfumes the air, and all too soon their beautiful buds blossom into full-blown blooms. Yet. there are always more to follow on. In the. water garden in the square the water lilies are fast opening their buds. I went to the show, ■which was held here a month ago. They had steer riding, goat racing, horse jumping, and speedway events. Have you seen the steer riding? During Show Week one of the aeroplanes belonging to the Aero Club, and piloted by Major Cowper,

made flights over the citv at ni"ht The aerodrome was brilliantly illuminated by powerful floodlights, which enabled the aviator to take off and land splendidly, lhe passengers had perfect weather conditions for securing a view of Palmerston North from the air at night. Illuminated, the plane presented a pretty sight in the starlit sky. The aerodrome was recently officially opened, and the occasion was celebrated by an aerial display. The other AA ednesday the Terrace End School pupils held a gala day, which was most successful. In the evening they were going to have a swimming carnival, but, owing to the cold day. it was postponed. 1 will close now, wishing the Little Folk and yourself a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.-—Yours truly. HUME PIPE WORKS (Palmerston North). [Our weather is very good, Hume Pipe Works, though not so settled as it was a little while ago, and, like yours, our gardens are charming. I have not seen water hhes yet this year, so you are more lucky than I. No, I have not witnessed steer riding; I do not think I should like to do so very much. It would be very interesting to see Palmerston North from the air. Have vou ever had a flight?—DOT]

Dear Dot,—Once again I have the privilege of writing to your page. Our weather clerk is continuing to favour us with good weather, although the other Saturday night we had a complete change. The day was sunny. and at ni"ht heavy rain, and heavy thunder, and vivid flashes of lightning visited us. My school (Wanganui Technical) terminated its school year last Tuesday. I do not mind school, but a change is necessary, don’t you think? I came thirteenth out of about 25, so it was not so bad, although I have come down some places from last term. Did you like school? Wanganui challenged Wellington at cricket here, and the Hawke Cup match was played in Cook’s Gardens. During the election a number of people did not vote here. In only one place the member was returned unopposed. We had two candidates here, and Mr A r eitch was returned. One of the boot shops caught fire the other week. A great deal of damage was done. The people moved two doors further up in temporary premises. They

commenced a salvage sale, and there were such a number of people waiting for the door to open. My brother works .there. They admitted so many people and then closed the door until that lot was served, I think I have told you all for this week, so once again I close.— Yours truly.

INFLUENCE’S VICTORY (Wanganui). [That storm would indeed be a change, Influence’s A’ictory! How it would thrill you if it was really a fierce and heavy one! Did I like school? Yes. everv moment of it, good as well as bad. I think I had the happiest school days anybody could wish for. The sale you describe must have been a very popular one. How busy the assistants would be until everybody was served!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—We have had a terrible amount of wind this year. It has broken most of my Christmas lilies down, and I am sure I do not know how anything else is growing with it. It makes one feel it is not worth while spending much time in a garden if it only means seeing everything smashed to pieces just when it is ready to flower. I planted single and double asters in pots early in the spring, but I was disappointed, as they did not do rr.y good. I also have a small bunch of strawberries, which are don.g very well. I am pleased about them, as it is the first time I have managed to cause them to grow. It was my sister’s birthday at the beginning ot the month. She received a lovely birthday cake, also a string of pearls and a xylonite toilet set. One of my brothers is at present spending his holidays with us. We both went to a dance one night, and had a really good time. We have a new gramophone, but have not many records yet. The name of my favourite record, is “ Painting the Clouds with Sunshine.” One of my cows jumped through a barbed-wire fence a few days ago and tore all her udder. I had to put the needle in one teat, which was badly torn. I hope you will have a good muster of Old Writers this year. I will stop now, and leave _ room for a better pen than mine, wishing you and all the compliments of the season.—Y’ours truly.

A LONELY SOLDIER’S GIRL (Otago)

[I am sorry that the wind has been so~ destructive, A Lonely Soldier’s Girl. Wind and I are good friends, but do not always agree when it comes to boisterousness. I hope your flowers are not so badly hurt as you suggest. Y’our sister seems to have spent a happy birthday, and to have received some useful gifts. What a pity about the poor cow! I hope she is not in pain with her wound, and am glad she has you to look after her.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here I am once again. It is so near Old Writers’ Week that I thought if I wanted my letter printed before Christmas it was about time I posted it to you. We have not had very nice weather down here lately, as there has been a good deal of rain' and fairly strong wind. Our show was held recently, but it passed off very quietly this year. It was a cold, wet day, and so there were very few people there. Then there were no side-shows, so with al those drawbacks, it really was very poor. The jumping event was very interesting, and there were many entries. There were some spills, but no one was seriously hurt. It is a great sensation riding a horse over jumps. I have never ridden a horse over a high jump, but have been on our pony’s back when she has jumped ditches and gorse, etc., and I liked it. Wirth’s Circus was here the other night, and was very good. We all went to it, and mv small sister was delighted with the animals. She did not want a ride on the elephants, as she thought they were too high. My youngest brother has sat for his proficiency, but whether he will gain it or not remains to be seen. If he does, there will be only one of us at school next year. Does not the time fly quickly! It seems no time since we were all children at school, and now we will soon be all grown up. I shall be 18 on December 18, but I feel little older than when I was 15. My flower garden is looking fairly good just now, but should be much nicer about New Y ear, as by then mv asters, stocks, and other annuals should be flowering. . My pansies have flowered very well this year. They have been very big flowers, too, as well as there being plenty of them. Old Writers’ Week will be with us soon again. I hope this year is a record, and that every one of our grown-up comrades will answer the call and so make use of the one week thev are allowed each year. Our Old Writers have always such interesting things to tell us of—their travels, work they have done, and the life they have lead through the year—that our Otago Witness cannot. come quickly enough for me to read their letters. Personally, I think from December 22 to .December 29 the most enjoyable week of all for our page. The school here is to break up on December 17 this year. They are having a picnic instead of a concert, as the children are rather small to act. On election dav there was much excitement here, and all were backing their own man. The one dad worked for got in, so he is quite satisfied. Are you going away at Christmas? I think I might go to Dunedin for two or three weeks, but that will be the furthest. However, I always have a lovely time when I go there, as I have several friends as well as relations in the city. Well, I think I shall have to finish now. Best wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to yourself. Old "Writers, and Little Folk.—Yours truly, CUTICURA GIRL (Balclutha).

[I am sorry the show was so badly attended, Cuticura Girl, and hope you have better luck with the next one. Yes. horse jumping is very exciting. I did it once, and was thrilled from head to foot. I. hope your brother receives his proficiency certificate and passes well. Yes. I too look forward to Old Writers’ Week, and hope for a record entry this year. I am not going away for Christmas, but may do so later. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —We had a very destructive frost the other day, and all our potatoes were so badly frosted that, very few, if any, will.be ready for Christmas. They w-ere coming on well, too. The peas were touched, too, and a good many were wasted. Our fruit was not touched, though a neighbour lost a large quantity of his. The loganberries and black currants suffered slightly. My lamb Billy

is growing very big now, and is very heavy to lift. He butts pussy, and pussysmacks his cars with his paw. Everything is very dry here, and plants are dying foi w ant of water. W e water as many as we can, but our garden is too big to ■uater it every day. It takes a good amount of water to make any impression on the soil just now. Every dav we have a strong wind, which dries everything up in a. very short time. My eldo?? brother was married on November 30. My third brother was best man. Our new sister is very nice, and they live about half a-mile from us. Mv •'O' ln K f ‘ s t sister, New Zealand Rose, was 12 on November 29, ami I was 17 on December 10. YYirth’s Circus came to Kurow, and a carload of us went to it. 1 was at the circus the last time it came to Oamaru in December. 1929, and 1 enjoyed it very much. There were white polar bears and brown bears doing an act then. Our cat considers mice too common to catch, so he catches rabbits. He has brought home four small ones, and they come in very handy for our dog when we have nothing else for him My sister has six guinea pigs called .June, Jack. Sybil. Pat, Erie, and Pansv. She had two baby hares, but they both died. It is said to be practically impossible to bring baby hares up in captivity. We have tried twice, but none of them hag lived. There are several baby rabbits here just now, ami thev look wee darlings in their wild state. I love all animals. Do you? Kindest regards.—• Yours truly.

NIPPER’S MISTRESS (Otekaikc). [How disappointed you will be about the potatoes, Nipper's Mistress! The frost came at the worst time, and caused a great deal of damage. I do hope that it has not ruined too .manv fruit farmers. And now you want rain? It is so difficult to regulate the weather to our needs, ig it not? I am glad to hoar that you like your new sister so well, and hope that you tvill congratulate your brother for me. 1 would not try to tame any- more baby hares if I were you. They are too wild by nature to endure captivity, no matter how kind their master be.—DOT.]

P ot - —’Ylay I join your happy band. 1 shall be seven years old on December 16. I am in primer four at school. Glcnice lives next door, and we are mates. My mother is ill in be'd, but she is getting better now. I have one brother and no sisters. Me will soon be having our Christmas holidays. I do not know if I am going awav. I hope I may join.—Y’ours trulv, HAPPY JOYBELL (Invercargill). [You are welcome, dear, but your name was already taken, and I have called you Happy Joybell instead. 1 expect it describes you just as well —if not better. I hope your inother will be really well soon, for jt is sad to have a sick mother, is it not? I suppose Glenice takes the place of a sister to you.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will almost think I have forgotten you, as it is a long time since I last penned a few lines to the page. It will soon be Old Writers’ Week, and I suppose you will have a good muster again this year. 1 am looking forward to reading their letters. Since I last wrote I have shifted from North Balclutha, and am now working in Owaka Valley. I have been here about two months. I am going to learn to play tenuis this season, but so far it has not been very good weather. I have been busily spring cleaning and dressmaking lately. I made a white fuji dress, and trimmed it with green, and it looks very pretty now. I am now making one for afternoon wear, and it keeps me busy. The garden here is delightful, and the pansies and violas are beautiful. The roses are all coming out now, and they make a good show. I like the Red-letter Day and the Fireflame. There is a wee puppy here, and he is a lively little thing. Every time he sees me he comes racing after me. The Owaka Valley School is just opposite us, so it is very cheery. We will miss the children’s voices when the school is closed, and that will not be long either. Christmas will not be long till it is here now. There is a big lawn to mow here every week, and with the vegetable and flower garden we are kept busy with the weeding and cutting. I have not heard from any of my correspondents for a long time. I am looking forward to Christmas, as I am going home for a day or two. I was at the show at Balclutha, but I did not enjoy it very much, as it was wet and there were no side-shows. I did not "O to the circus, as I had to come back the same day. There would be a bit of excitement with the election in Dunedin. There was not much here, only we had a few visitors that day. Well. I must close now. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Y’ours truly, A MAID OF THE VIOLETS (Owaka Valley). [Do yon like your new place of work, Maid of the A iolets? You are wise to decide to learn tennis, for it is a very good game for you to play. Y’our sewing sounds charming, and must keep you well occupied, though I suppose the puppy often wants you to leave it and play with him instead. Perhaps your correspondents will write to yon now that you have given them your new address. How pleased you will be to be going home for Christmas! —DOT.] -Y- » V Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in print. I receive the Otago Witness every week, and I think that that aroused my interest in your page again. AVe still continue to have broken weather over here. I do not think it will settle till after Christmas now. It was my brother’s birthday ,un December 6. He was just 20. Do you wish you were 20 again? I presume you are over that, of course. AVe have a wireless over here, and listen to 3ZR Greymouth. Have you a wireless, and do you ever pick up our station? It is not a very far advanced one yet. I take, from your answer, that you are very fond of cats. Is that so? I am fond of them myself, but among my few friends on the Coast, none possesses a really nice pussy. I alwavs say the Coasters cannot rear nice cats: either that or they keep their pets well hidden. We have a cat- at home, and he is a most knowing cat, too. The onlv on" he really is friendly, with is my father. When dad comes home at dinner time or night time Tommy (for that is the cat’s name) runs along the road to meet him and

rubs his face against dad’s legs. But if dad takes no notice of him he scratches him, so you see it pays to take notice of our cat. He will not let any others c-f us handle him much, because he is afraid that we will illtreat him. You see, lie came to us as a stray, and dad petted him, and gradually tamed him. I think he must have been badly treated before he came to us. Well, after I have been home I will be able to give you more news of the antics of our cat. I must close now, as it is time for me to be off to bed, in readiness for work tomorrow morning. I wish you every- success for Old Writers’ Week, and love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, PUSSY’S FRIEND (Greymouth). [I liked being 20, Pussy’s Friend, just as I have liked being every age. But I should not like to go back at all, for it is much more fun going forward. No, we have no wireless. Nobody in our home likes it. Nor have we a cat now, though we are all very fond of them. What a wise one yours must be. and how pleased he must feel to know that he lives with kind people at last. Tell me more about him next time you write.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since J last wrote to you, so I thought I would write again before Old Writers’ Week. I am looking forward to that. 1 must see if mum and dad will write. Mum usually does.but I do not think she did last year. We have finished our examination at school. I do not know if I have passed or not. I hope so, anyway. We have two dear little black and white kittens. One we are giving away. Will you please suggest a name for the other one? He is so lively and such a pet. He has one toe missing on one foot, and it looks so queer when he spreads his foot out. It has been lovely weather lately, and the gardens are looking so nice. YVe have a big garden this year. The circus was here recently, but it played only for two nights. I did not go this time. While it was here one of the elephants died. The show will soon be on. I hope to go if it is fine. I do not know if I told you that we have a lovely yellow Persian cat. I have not seen any other like him. He likes to sit at the window and watch people pass One would think he sits there to be admired. for he looks so pleased with himself. I have not been doing any fancywork lately, except at school. I am doing a tray cloth there, for sewing. I have an apron to do, but I have not made a.start yet. My sister and I went to the pictures a few nights ago. We started off to go and see “ Daddy Long Legs,” but it was full up, so we went to the other ones instead. They were very good too. The motor cycle racing has started again. They make a great noise. I like to watch them. What a number of overseas correspondents you have now! I write to one io America. It will very

soon be Christmas, will it not? Well, as it is bed time, 1 must stop. To you and all the Little Folk I wish a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly, GLENICE (Invercargill). [Try to persuade your mother and father to write for Old Writers’ week. Glenice. Their letters will be very acceptable. and will give great pleasure to the other- Old Writers. I think ‘‘ Minus ” would be a good name for the kitten, seeing that he is minus a toe, the poor mite. Does the Persian play with the kittens, or is he too grand to be in their company? If you go to the show I hope you will tell me what it was like next time you write.—DOT.]

P? a l —As the year is closing, 1 think it is time to send a letter again to the Little Folk’s page. We had a long and very cold winter, and even yet we are having cold snaps, which are not good for the gardens. Our flowers are later this year. I was very busy the other day in the flower garden, trying to plant out all the seedlings. I did a good deal of fancywork during the winter, but I was most.interested in a supper cloth. It was one of Mary Card’s “ Grape Vine and Butterfly Design,” and will be a beautiful piece of work when finished. I have one corner almost done. I am working it in Clark’s mercer cotton No. 100, and it is very tedious. Our horse. Lady Rupee, bad a little foal a fortnight ago be are calling it “Thurlby.” Do von not think it a pretty name? I took a snap of the mother and foal, and I hope it comes out all right. I still do a good deal of reading. The last two books I «mu \?- re of . an Ea “ le ” an(l Lhe Knot. I liked them very much. The other afternoon a friend called to see us and took the family for a joy ride in his car. We went down to see tlw works at the Swift Burn. It will be a great improvement on the old road when finished. We then drove back round Lake Hay<s and up to see the Shotover weir m connection with the Arrow irrigation works. It was all very interesting, as we had not seen anything like it before. The country is all looking so pretty and green just now. We returned via Miller s Hat. and had a most enjoyable afternoon. I am looking forward to Old Writers’ Week, as the Old Writers are always so interesting. The Town Hall which was burnt down last March is being rebuilt. They hope to have ’the opening early next year. I will now draw to a close, wishing all the Little Folk and your own dear self a happy Christmas and a bright ana prosperous New Year —Yours truly.

LUCY GRAY (Arrowtown). [Planting time is an anxious period for all gardeners, Lucy Gray, for it seems so much easier for a plant to die than to live, does it not? Yet I suppose it depends on o-.it methods more than the weather. I hope your seedlings flourish

well. How delightful about Lady Rupee's foal. Yes. Thurlby is a very pretty name for it. Who made it up? The motor ride you describe must have been very interesting, and given you a great deal to think about.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —It is a long time since I last wrote to you. We had not had a good fall of rain for nearly three months, but the other day it was coming down steadily all the time. The farmers who had just sown their rape were glad. We have roses just coming out now. Is it not hard to believe that Christmas is nearly here again. The rain will help the plants to grow. I will close now, with best love to you and all your Little Folk —Yours truly. ENGLISH ROSE FLOWER (Pukeuri Junction).

[You would rejoice at seeing the rain. English Rose Flower. Before it rained here we were wondering whatever we should do; and what a welcome we gave forth when the first cool, health-giving drops feli! The rain will certainly help your plants to grow, and will make your roses smell more sweetly.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is some time since I last wrote, and I suppose you will be forgetting about me. YY’e have 17 wee black chicks. They are so nice. We are having some fine sunny weather now. but we are not having enough rain, and the garden is too dry. YY’e have a dear wee kitten, and are milking seven cows. I will close now. with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TINY CHERRY’ BLOSSOM (Airedale). [lt is certainly a long time since you last wrote. Tiny Cherry Blossom, but I have by no means forgotten you. How could I when you have such a pretty name? But I should like you to write more often in the future, if you can. I can think of many happy things to see, but nothing so pleasing as 17 wee black chicks and a kitten like yours.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I think the prize letters on “ Why I din Looking Forward to Old VY l iters’ YVeek " were splendid, especially YY bite Pigeon’s letter. YY’e have seven darling little kittens, three of which are Persians. YY’e are keeping the Persians, as we think them very pretty, their colours being ginger, ginger and white, and tabby. Do you like kittens? Some time ago. when dad was coming through our orchard, he found the gate open and the cow in the orchard. Of course, he thought that my sisters or 1 had left the gate open, and so he reprimanded us severely. This continued for about a week, and so dad then determined to investigate. After watching for half an hour he saw our black cow go to the gate and rub her head against the wire, until she secured her horn under the wire. Then she pulled her head up. and by doing this unfastened the gate, which she then pushed open. YVe were al] very much surprised when dad told us this, and even more so when we saw her do it. Djnl secured the gate. Have you heard of a cow finding out how to open a gate before? I wish you and all the Little Folk a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.-—Yours truly. SAUCY’ YVAVELET (Kia Ora).'

[I am glad that you liked the letters, Saucy YY avelet, for they were certainly very good, and deserved the prizes they won. Y’es, I am very fond of kittens. I like all members of the cat family, tigers and lions included. I have not heard before of so clever a cow as yours, and was greatly interested in her cunning trick. How did you cure her after she had learnt it so thoroughly?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —YY ill you please excuse me for not writing sooner, but we have been very busy with proficiency, and as it is over, we have no lessons, so I have plenty of time to write letters. I do hope you have not grown disgusted with me and stroked my name oil’ your roll, because it is such a long time since I last wrote, but I think you will forgive me when you know that 1 have been busy trying to gain my proficiency. YY’e are milking 18 cows, four of which have been milking all the winter. We are taking about 5501 b of milk daily to the factory, so dad thinks that the cows are milking well. YVe have six calves, one of which is a bull. We have had only four bulls out of 18 calves, so we have had good luck as far as the heifers are concerned. We have four pet lambs, whose names are Snooks. Bonny, Tot, and Bright. Do you like those names, or could you suggest more suitable ones? I think the lamb called Snooks is well ..suited to its name. We have 20 chicks, six of which we have to rear ourselves, because they were black, and the old hen would not take them. Mum just saved one poor little thing from being killed. The old hen was chasing it round and round the pen when mum went to feed them, so she took the black ones away from her. and is rearing them herself. They are getting on better than the ones with the hen. They are comical little things, especially if they are allowed to run about inside. Mum brings them in at night and locks them in ”a Ijox, but she always lets them have a run round, and they jump up in the air and run round and round the floor. It is fun to watch them frisking about, as they are just as funny as lambs. I think I have hold you all I can about our little family of chicks. We had our proficiency on December 1, so we have been having an easy time since. We put in some flower seeds in our school gardens, the name of my seeds being noppy and Virginian stock, so I hope I have a good show, for both flowers are very pretty. The boys’ vegetable garden at sclrool is looking very good. It is very dry all the same, but that is the way everywhere. We have been experiencing glorious weather lately. It has been so hot that it made the water in the river warm enough for swimming. I have been in twice this season, and I enjoyed both swims immensely. The water was very warm. On Fridays the boys go in at dinner time, and the girls go in after school, and the girls always ask the boys if it is warm, but sometimes they just tell us we will find out when we go in. Our school teacher is going away, so perhaps the next teacher we nave will not take us for a swim so often. I. of course, shall not be there, because I am leaving, but I hope to be able to go in for a few swims yet. I like going to school, but I am 14

now, so mum said I can leave. I was 14 last October. I received a lovely rubber apron, and I was delighted to open the parcel, for I knew that there was something rubber in it. I was wanting one for a long time, so you can imagine how pleased I was when I saw that it was a , *. r a P r on. It is coming near to Old YY riters’ YVeek. so I hope you have muster. I do not know any Old YY riters, but I always enjoj- reading their letters. I will close, with the best wishes of a merry Chrsitmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly. MAGPIE BIRD (Tuatapere).

[Of course I am not “disgusted” with you, Magpie Bird. I am glad to think you have been working so hard, and on’v hope you have passed well as a reward for your labours. Y’our cows are be having excellently; and as for the names of your lambs, they- are so good that I could not possibly think of better ones. How pretty the black chicks must look and how grateful they- must feel to your mother for rearing them! I should like to see you swimming, and hope that, even after you leave school, you will swim as often as you can. That was a delightful present for you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —It is such a long time since I last wrote to you that I am afraid you and all the Little Folk have forgotten me. I have only eight more months to write to the Little Folk’s page. I have not been a very regular writer, but I hope to make the most of the remaining months. I have two brothers and one sister all in the ranks of the Old 'iters. My sister is going to write for Old YY riters YY eek. and I am trying io persuade my brothers to write, too. YY’e have been having very dry weather lateiv, and the ground is very hard and dry, and badly in need of rain. YY’e have nine chickens with one hen. and one chicken with another hen, and have two more hens sitting. YY e are going to have a picnic amongst ourselves at Black Gullv dunng the Christmas holidays, as it ;s such a nice place for picnics. YY’hat has become of all my- correspondents. They have all stopped writing, one by one. till I have only one left. I do hope they wid all write again soon. All the schools will be breaking up shortly for their Christmas holidays. There are only 11 children going to this school. Nearly all the farmers up hero have started to shear their sheep. YY’e have not started yet. Our hens are laying well. YY’e have two kerosene tins full of eggs, besides what we sold. There is a Bible class un here now once a fortnight. Our vegetable garden is not so good this year. Even the black currants were no good, as the hailstones knocked them all off. T am anxiously waiting for Old YVriters’ Week tn come round, as I like reading their letters, as they are so interesting. YY’ell. I must dose now, wishing you and all the Little .Folk a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Y’ours trulv. HEATHERDON (Park Hill).

[You have not been forgotten. Heatherdon, but I am glad that you have written again at last. Try to persuade vour brothers to write, as their letters will be read very eagerly by the other Old YY riters. Y’ou must tell me about the picnic at Black Gully, and I hope von have fine weather for it. It must' he fun belonging to a school where there are only- 11 pupils, and you must seem to be just one of a big family. Youi hens are laying very well. YY’hat a pity about your vegetable garden!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you have not forgotten me, as I have not written for many- mouths, but I have read the letters every .week. I am looking forward to Old YVriters’ YVeek, because their letters are very interesting. YY’e have finished our proficiency examination, but I do not know whether 1 have passed or not yet. I have been around lately with a moneylist collecting money for our school prizes, and four other collectors and myself received £8 15s fid altogether. YVe haw such a dear wee foal, and we are going to call it Molly. How do you like its name? I also have a pet lamb, and its name is Mabel. The other YVednesdav some friends and I went for a ramble up to the Awamoko Creek, which is about a mile from my place. YY’hile we were climbing over the rocks we saw some lovely native ferns growing between the steep, rugged rocks of the valley. When we were going home we also saw two wee wild ducks swimming under the water. Most of the farmers have put their stock on to their crops, for they are all dying. YVe have not put ours on vet. I was up at Eyes of Blue’s place 'recently. and I saw Old Shylock, The Young Woodcutter, Master Snowy, and Nepia. and I had some lovely- fun. The cherries on our trees . are nearly ripe, but the birds are eating them as fast as ever. My mother has 56 chickens, which is .< good number for us. I am in a plav in our concert called “ Counting Eggs.” and my- part is called Mrs Jones. As news is scarce and breakfast is ready. I shall close now. Love to your Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, GOLD SUNSET (Georgetown).

[You and your friends did very well as collectors, Gold Sunset, and should be able to buy some very good prizes with so much money to spend. I like Molly's name very much, and should like to make her acquaintance. Are she and . Mabel good friends? It must have been prettyup at the creek, and you must have had a jolly time. It is a pity about the dying crops. Good luck in “ Countin'* Eggs.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—As this is the last week before Old Writers’ Week, I am going to write to you. I hope there is a record reunion of Old Writers this year. I entered for the competition, but was not lucky enough to win a prize. However, better luck next time. Everything is looking green and fresh now, as it has rained at last. The Agricultural and Pastoral Show was held in Oamaru, but although the entries were good, there were not as many- side-shows or amusements. I saw “ The Merry-makers,” which were verygood. The performers were a fire-eater, a tight-rope walker, an elastic girl who could twist into all different positions, and as American cow girl. One Thursday night there was a pianoforte recital given by the music teachers’ pupils. I had a solo and part of a duet to play—- “ Coryphee ” and “ Linden Leaves.” This Thursday there is the school concert.

Our garden is looking fairly well just now. I have some lovely carnations out in my plot. Although our peas are flowering, I do not think that they or the potatoes will be ready for Christmas. It really seems no time since last Christmas. ~i • birthday is only- four days before Christmas. The last books that I have „ are “Pen’s First Term,” “ Pris- , . al ‘d “ Tapestry Adventure,” which were all very good ones. They were lent to me. As this is all the news shall close, wishing all the Little r oik and your own dear self a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly, EYES OF BLUE (Georgetown). [I, too, hope that there is a record reunion of Old YVriters this year, Eyes of Wine. 1 am very anxious that this fortyhrth anniversary- should be a good one. How glad you would be of the rain! I can imagine with what joy you welcomed the first shower. I hope you did well at the recital, and enjoy the school concert. Do you have a part to play there? I have not read those books, which sound very interesting ones.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I once again take up my pen to write to the good old page. If plenty of rain comes grass and food for the animals will be a bit more abundant. My birthday is drawing near, for it is on the fourteenth of this month. YY’hen IS n° u r rs ' tbir school garden is looking well, for we have almost every vegetable growing in it. Our annual examination is over, so I suppose we shall start to practise for our school concert, which is to be held on Thursday. Our school collected eight pounds fifteen shillings for the school prizes. He play* tennis at school, and it is a game I like very much. e have not shorn our sheep yet, hut hope to do so before Christmas. I shall now bring this letter to a close, wishing you and all the Little Folk a merry Christmas and a happy Nev Y’car.—Yours, truly, THE YOUNG YVOODCUTTER (Georgetown). [I hope you have the rain you need. Young Woodcutter, for the soil is parched up your way. ami every- drop of water is precious. My birthday- was on the same day as yours, so you arc a sort of birthday present to me. I should like to see jour concert, find hope it is <i grout suo cess. I am glad that you like playing tennis. Practise hard and you may- become a champion.—DOT’.] Dear Dot, —I have been reading the dear old page, and I am writing to you a few lines to wish a merry Christmas and a happy New Y’car to all. YVe have been having perfect weather, here. I trust you are well, and all the Little Folk. who will be looking forward to their holidays. YY’hat a lovely time they will have! I really must not lose so much time in writing after this, as I shall soon be an Old YY niter. I have onlv six more months to be a Little Folk. Everybody is getting ready for Christmas, and all the shops look beautiful, decorated up with gifts for all. I must close nowwishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Y’car.—Y’ours truly, NUNNY (Wellington). [lt is delightful to hear from yon again, Nunny-, and I hope that you will keep to your word and send me several letters during the next six mouths. I am glad that your weather is so good, and that you are looking forward to Christmas with such pleasure. It is one of lhe happiest times of the year, is it not?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I wrote to you, so I thought I would write before Old YY’riters’ YVeek. YVe have seven pet lambs, and seven ducks which are four weeks old. Everything is becoming withered with the hot. dry weather, but I think it will soon become green again, as it rained very heavily last week. YVe have killed our two pigs. One weighed IC5lb and the other 1771 b. The other day we went to Oamaru, where we bought two tiny black pigs. After this we went to the gardens, where we had our dinner, a game on the swings, and a look through the beautiful hot-house. YY’e are now practising songs for the prize-giving night. I was sick for three days, and my mother will not allow me to go for a swim until the holidays. YVe have had our examination, and I am glad, as I like neither school nor examinations. As news is scarce just now, I will close, with love to you and your Little Folk.—Y’ours truly. BONNIE RENNIE (Hakataramea). [YVhat darlings your lambs and duek» must be, Bonnie Rennie! You are lucky to have seven of each. Do thev- follow you wherever you go? I should‘not like to be a pig, would you? You seem to have had a good time in Oamaru, and enjoyed yourself very much. Did you see the famous children’s statue? Your mother knows what is best for you, and will let you swim when you are able to. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have intended writing te you for such an age, but I am afraid my intentions are not as good as they seem. It started to rain here the other day, and it was good to see rain after such a spell of dry weather. Everything was so dry about here. It took us a fair while each evening watering the garden, but we are lucky, as we have plenty of water in our tank. YVatering is not so beneficial as the rain, but still it keeps the plants alive. YY’e have seven pet lambs, seven ducks, and five calves. Next year there are to be two dog trials held here —the annual one in May. and the championship one in June. YY T irth’s Circus visited Kurow on YVcdnesday, and I think it was really worth seeing. Did you see it while it was in Dunedin? I have been in for a few bathes this season, and found the water very warm. I do not suppose it could be anything else with the warm days we have been having. YY’e were at the Oamaru Show, and there was a fair crowd there. There did not seem to be such a number of side-shows this year. I have finished my dressmaking lessons now, and while I was going I liked their very much. YVe. have an electric sewing machine, and it is easy to sew with. The school children are having the break-up on Friday night this time. Our peas were kept behind this year, as the birds ate them. I hope you have a record muster of Old YVriters this season, and wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.- —Yours truly. LADY MARY (Hakataramea).

[Some of our best intentions come to nought, Lady Mary; but you have written at last, so there is no need to worry any more. You are fortunate to have l>een able to water your garden from thi? tank. Most people had to save all tank water for drinking purposes. I hope you will tell me later about the dog trials you mention. No, I did not see the circus while it was in Dunedin. There is nothing better that a bathe on a hot day, is there?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—At last I make an appearance, after an absence of about 10 years. I suppose my name is off the book long before this, but I am still in existence, although I have been shirking my duty to the page. I was about seven years old last time I wrote, but I am going on for 17 now. I have three sisters and four brothers. Two of my sisters are Old Writers, their noms de plume being Nirvana and Zaroni. I also have a brother who is a Little Folk, his nom de plume being Spring-heeled Jack. It is years since my brother wrote to the page. He will be an Old Writer next year, so perhaps he will write then. We are living in Slope Point at present. Our house is situated upon a high hill, and from our front door we obtain a view of the ocean. We can see all the boats that pass by this way. What kind of weather has there been up your way? It has been very unsettled down here. I am just learning to dance. I was rather shy at first, but as the people here are very sociable, I am beginning to be interested now. Love and best Christmas wishes to all the Little Folk, Old Writers, and yourself.—Yours truly, A VERY LONELY LASS (Southland). [Ten years is such a long time ago, Very Lonely Lass, that your name was not on the roll when I went to look for it. But it is there now, and I hope that you will write several letters as a Little Folk between now and 1935, when you will have to retire. Will you ask your sisters to write for Old Writers’ Week? I want a record reunion this year, and every letter helps. I am interested to hear of your learning to dance, and wish vou good fortune in your efforts.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am making a second attempt to write to you. It is nearly 12 months ago since I last wrote to you. I was never a good hand at writing regularly, but now I shall try to be better. I do not see the Otago Witness often. I have been out working for 12 months now, and I like it, too. I was at the Gore Show the other week, and I liked it. I am also going to the Invercargill Show, and I hope it is a fine day. We are having splendid weather just now. It will not be long until Christmas. I am looking forward to Old Writers’ Week. We have 11 chickens; we had 13, but two died. We have two pet lambs, and one is mine. I will stop now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. COSETTE (Woodlands). [I hope, too, that you will write more often, Cosette, for your letters please me, and I like receiving them. I am glad that you like your work, for it makes a great difference to one’s well-being if one is occupied in pleasant labours. Let us hope it will be fine on Show Day, so that you can enjoy yourself to the full. The chickens and lambs must be darlings. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —-Three cheers. for White Pigeon and Lord Lovat’s Nephew. Their competition letters were splendid, and they deserve a special gathering with rousing cheers from us all and the singing of “They Are Jolly Good Fellows,’’ as we used to have always at primary school when anybody won anything. However, as that is impossible, I hope they will take the “ will for the deed.” A week ago I had the privilege of seeing a beautiful private garden, well planned and well kept. A long drive led up to it, bordered on each side by heuchera, with its dainty coral coloured, bell-like flowers. A few feet back from these borders, standing slim and straight with their leaves shivering and dancing in the breeze, were white birches. The gardens were built up as a rockery near the house. Lovely plants grew in the beds, purple verbena made one bed very pretty. Looking down from the built-up portion of the flower beds, I saw masses of flowers interspersed with winding walks, a summer house, and rustic seats and table, also a long, shady archway covered with creepers of all kinds. Walking through this archway we came, after following winding paths, to a sunken garden, beautifully made. It was paved with crazy pavement, and a sundial, a fountain, and a pond with fishes in adorned it. Beautiful flowers were growing there, too—antirrhinums or snapdragons in beautiful shades, monkey-musk in many different colours, and canuas, also what must be very rare, black pansies. All over the garden were dotted beautiful trees of many kinds. Trees help to make a garden “ a thing of beauty.” as they are more permanent as a rule thau flowers and’ become such a part of the garden in time. That lovely poein entitled “Trees,” and written by a poet who was killed in the war, I think, exactly describes the beauty of trees. It begins, “ I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.” One can obtain so much pleasure from other people’s gardens. I think the song Stella Murray sang when she was here last year describes that pleasure well. It was, “To People Who Have Gardens,” and was the thanksgiving song of a working man for the pleasure, joy, and uplift he received from other people’s gardens in his walk to and from his work each day. I have been wandering in the world of the twelfth century, carried there on the wing-words of a book. “ The White Ladies of Worcester,” by Florence Barclay. A real tale of romance it is, with a noble knight in pursuit of his lady, who was the prioress of a nunnery. It is the unusual setting of the story that makes for much of its attraction. I hope you have a record reunion of Old Writers, and I send the season’s greetings to all. —Yours truly, NECTAR (Havelock North).

[You are a kind Little Folk to be so generous with your congratulations, an-1 I am sure that White Pigeon and Lord

Lovat’s Nephew will both be pleased with what you say. What a beautiful garden that must have been! It sounded ideal, and I know how you must have enjoyed your visit there. The poet who wrote the tree poem you mention was called Joyce Kilmer. The song you describe is unknown to me. I see that you are particularly fond of mediaeval romance. Have you read “The Cloister and the Hearth”?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I guess you will have almost forgotten there is such a person as I on your roll book. Old 'Writers’ Week will be with us once again soon, and I am looking forward to it as usual; and sincerely hope you have a record reunion to celebrate the forty-fifth anniversary. I was at the Timaru Show this year, and had a lovely day. The weather clerk behaved himself for once on People’s Day. As a general rule it rains or blows some time during that day. We have one paddock of hay in, and are very lucky to have it. South Canterbury is experiencing a very dry season, and some of the farmers are in a very bad state. Clandeboye is said to be the best-off district around, so pity help the other poor farmers, for the people here think they are badly off. I have been in for a few swims this year, but the weather has been rather cooler lately. ’lhe Clandeboye Presbyterian Sunday School held its annual picnic beside the Orari River, and as it was a lovely sunny day, we spent a most enjoyable time. I also grew very sunburnt, and my nose started to peel. Tennis is in full swing here now, but with hay-making and Christmas coming on one does not have much time for tennis. The school children are giving their annual concert on Thursday, and my little sister is greatly excited over >t. The prize-giving takes place that night, too. Well, though it is a long time since 1 wrote, there does not seem to be any’ more news from the north, so I will close," wishing all the Little Folk and your own dear self the merriest of Christmases and a bright and happy New Year. —Yours truly, DADDY’S LITTLE FARMYARD GIRL (Clandeboye).

[No, I have not forgotten you. Daddy’s Little Farmyard Girl, but I am glad that you have written again at last. It is a pity that this should be such a dry season for the farmers, many of whom will be almost ruined through the failure of their crops. I am glad that you enjoyed your picnic and had such a jolly time at it. Tell me later about the concert.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will be thinking I have forgotten all about you, but I have not. I thought I would write to you before Old Writers’ Week. I have a i>et lamb, and I named it Mocomis. Its mother and two mates died. It was a triplet. We have two kittens; one is a small kitten with long fur and blue eyes, the other has blue eyes and short fur. They are both very pretty. The mother of them is a big black' cat with yellow eyes. She is 12 years old. The other day I planted some forget-me-nots, and just after they’ were planted it came on to rain. I shall close, wishing you and the Little Folk a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. —Tours truly, OLIVENA (Otago).

[That was an unusual name for the lamb, Olivena. It will depend on you entirely now’ that its mother and mates are dead. What dears the kittens must be, and with what pride their yellow-eyed mother must watch them! Do they have good games together? You were lucky to have forget-me-nots watered by’ the rain as soon as you planted them.—DOT.] V ¥ *

Dear Dot, —I planted some radishes and cress the other day, and luckily’ it rained the same day. We are looking forward to our school picnic, which is to be held in the Oamaru Gardens on Friday. We have finished shearing now, and I was helping after I came home from school. I am not going bird-nesting this year, as the trees are too high for me to climb. I often go rabbiting, but do not catch many. I have caught only 13 altogether, counting the young ones. I had a pet lamb, and it died; but we still have one. I am looking forward to Old Writers’ Week, and to hearing of the Old Writers’ adventures. I shall close now, as I have no more news. I wish you and th-? Little Folk a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.—Yours truly, MARKO (Otago). [Your radishes and cress should grow well after the shower, Marko, and provide you with something good to eat before very long. I hope your picnic is enjoyable. Perhaps you will tell me about it after Old Writers’ Week. I am glad that the trees are too high for you to climb, for I do not want you to rob birds' nests. What a pity about the poor lamb! You will be extra fond of the other one now. —DOT.]

Dear Dot. —Do you think I could become a member of your Little Folk? I enjoy reading all about yon, and find your page very interesting. I am 12 years of age. and am iu Standard VI or Form 11. I had to play for the junior tennis cup and to work hard for nfy proficiency examination. I board at Columba College, and we do have great fun. My real home is in Gore. Christmas will soon be here, with all its joys and holidays.—Yours trulv, RAINBOW AT NIGHT (Gore). [I certainly do think that you could become a member of my Little Folk band, dear, and I am pleased to welcome you. Your name was taken, so I have altered n to Rainbow at Night. That is the best kind of rainbow, it is said, for it is a sign of good weather. Did you do well in the tennis tournament? I should like you to tell me about some of the fun you have at school. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your Little Folk? I enjoy reading the Little Folk’s letters. I am 14, and my birthday is on April 10. This year 1 had to play a tennis match for the junior cup. so I practise hard. I am boarding at Columba College while mother is away for a holiday. The Christmas holidays will be here very soon. We had our pro-

ficiency examination. I shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. —Yours truly, LITTLE BOY BLUE (Dunedin).

[Welcome to Little Boy Blue. By what you tell me of proficiency examinations and tennis tournaments you are not nearly so sleepy as your namesake, dear —which is just as well, for it would never do to be drowsy when you have to play for the junior cup, would it? I am sure you like boarding at school, and have a great many jolly times with your chums. Are you going home for Christmas? —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:—■ Happy Joybell (Invercargill). Rainbow at Night (Gore). Little Boy Blue (Dunedin). MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — New Zealand Rose, who was 12 on November 29. Nipper’s Mistress, who was 17 last Thursday. The Young Woodcutter, who had a birthday yesterday. Happy Joybell, who will be seven tomorrow. Cuticura Girl, who will be IS on Friday. Eyes of Blue, who will have a birthday next Monday. NOTES. Pretty Fantail. —What a sweet card, dear, and how clever of you to draw it and colour it yourself! It is the first card I have received this year, and 1 value it very much. —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 neces- I sary that those whose names are 1 mentioned in the autos should send I the first letter. — DOT. # 3* Nipper’s Mistress (Elizabeth Wilson, Otekaike, via Oamaru) wishes to correspond with Ukulele Slumber Girl, and any other Little Folk willing. ¥ * * A Maid of the Violets (Edith Taylor, c/o Mrs J. Duley, Owaka Valley) wishes her correspondents to write again, and also to note her change of address. ¥ ¥ ¥ English Rose Flower (A. Graeve, Pukeuri Junction) wishes to correspond with Spring's Yellow Daffodil. Golden Star of i Westland, and Lining of Silver. The Young Woodcutter (George Richardson, Georgetown, via Oamaru, North Otago ) wishes to correspond with Mother’s Goldie. Nunny (Violet Nunn. 12 Adelaide road, Newtown. Wellington) wishes to correspond with Norgesjenta, A Tunnit Poplar, and New Zealand Rata. Please will Te Mahana, Golden Star of Westland, and Mary Gold’s Cousin write, as she has lost their addresses. She will answer all letters immediately. ¥ ¥ ¥ Cosette. (Molly Valentine, c/o Mrs Wm Latham, Woodlands) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk about 16 to 18 years of age. ¥ ¥ ¥ A Very Lonely Lass (Myrtle Ilarpur, Slope Point, Southland) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing between 16 and 18 years of age. Little Boy Blue (Miss C. Goodmanson, Columba College, Roslyn, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with some Little Folk in a foreign land. Rainbow at Night (Miss M. Worsfold, 47 Ard wick street, Gore) wishes to correspond with someone in a foreign country who is fond of sport and stamp collecting.