LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4069, 8 March 1932, Page 68

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto.—We write for the benefit of other# not for ourselves. *

CHILDREN IN THE YEAR 1800. Dear Dot,—l thought this letter, written by a New England child about the time Emerson was born at Boston, would prove most interesting to thee and thy large family. Thou, I think, wilt note that children, comparing them with thy family, have not altered much in letter writing since 1800. The only son of the family, and naturally the special pride, was sent to Westfield Academy at the age of 12. It was too far to come home on Sundays, and the poor lad suffered from homesickness, as his letters pathetically show. He says: “Dear and Honoured Father, —I have been to school all the time since you left town, except twice that’l got excused on account of headache. I am very much pleased with my boarding place, also with my instructor. I wish you would bring me down ‘Jenkins Art of Writing.’ I stand greatly in need of a bottle of ink, as you can see by my letter to Sarah. I have been to school all day, and I know not of a day that I have worked so hard with so little compensation. For I have studied all day as hard as I could study, and have indeed got a lesson, but I am sure that if I had been in a room by myself I could almost have doubled it. There is a cyphering school to be set up here, but it will meet only in the evenings, and as I have nothing particular to do in the evenings, there being no library in the academy, I should like to go very well. Will mama approve of it I was disappointed this morning in not finding a letter in the post office, and I shall not take any comfort until I have one. I have nothing more to write now, but that I am greatly in want of employment, and when I have leisure for reflection I am very unhappy.—Your dutiful and affectionate son, J. L.”—Yours truly QUAKER LITERARY SCHOLAR (Dunedin). [What a pathetically human letter, Quaker Literary Scholar! I am sure it will interest my Little Folk, and I thank j'ou for sending it to me.—DOT.]

FROM A BOLT FROM THE BLUE. Dear Dot, —Could you please allow me to steal a small space of your Little Folk page to thank those who kindly forwarded the Otago Witness to me, including Grand Rapid (Old Writer), Harry Farter (Old Writer), and especially ♦some unknown friend from Owaka who was thoughtful enough to send not only the three papers with the Old Writers’ letters in them, but also an Otago Witness Annual with some scenes in it which were very familiar to me. I would appreciate a line from the sender, so that I may thank him or her personally.— Yours truly, A BOLT FROM THE BLUE (R. Goodson, Chiltern, Victoria). [I am delighted to hear from you, A Bolt from the Blue, and to know that you' were treated so well by your Old Writer friends. I hope the Owaka correspondent will write to you as you suggest. Thank you for your private letter, which pleased me very much., I have not yet met your sister. —DOT.] * ¥ +

Dear Dot, —Since last writing to the page, I have been staying at Pine Bush. I went there the following week after 1 came home from the holidays, and stayed a fortnight. It being the first time I had been in that locality, I greatly enjoyed myself. Where I was staying they milked 70 cows morning and night by the machines. The first week shearing was in full swing, so we had a busy time making lunches, etc. They shore about, 400 a day, so it did not take long to finish the lot. One Saturday we motored through to Invercargill, and spent an enjoyable afternoon at the amateur sports, which were held at Rugby Park. On the day preceding my return home, we went to Fortrose Beach. On arriving there we went for a walk to the boat harbour, and after climbing sandhills for an hour or two returned to the car feeling hungry. We refreshed ourselves with lunch before leaving for home. Sweet Cinderella, Apple Bud, and Brown Star are some of my correspondents, all of whom write very interesting letters. The "Wyndham School excursion was held at Riverton on February 10. Mother, father,

and Sea Fairy went and enjoyed themselves immensely. The Wyndham Flower Show was held on February 24 and 25. Recently I have—been reading several books, namely “ At the Mercy of Tiberias,” “ Christie’s Christmas,” “ The Lucas Girls,” and “ Uncle Joshua’s Heiress,” all very interesting. Have you read any of them? Influenza is prevalent round here at present. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and y-Qur own dear self. — Yours truly, CLEMATIS WHITE (Southland). [So , you really had two holidays, Clematis White? You were a lucky Little Folk and I am glad that you enjoyed yourself so ■well. Scrambling over sandhills always good for one’s appetite. No, I have not read any of those books. I hope that you do not catch influenza.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How time flies!- One never seems to be able to find time for so many things! I never forget you, but of late have been busy. Once school starts all the extras start also, and by the time I practise my music and singing and do my lessons I have not much spare time. I am liking school much better this year, and have a very kind teacher. We have a pretty half-Persian cat called Fluffy, and the dog and cat are very jealous of one another. I have been reading a book called “School at the Chalet.” Little Jean and I belong to the juvenile library. Now. dear Dot, I must say good night. With lots of love.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S GOLDIE (Dunedin). [Time always flies unless we clip its wings, Mother’s Goldie. We must make it obey us and not waste itself—then we shall have plenty of it. You seem to. be a very busy little girl, and to have plenty to do after school is over. I should like to sec Fluffy and the dog.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is nearly three months since I last wrote to you. We went camping on New Year’s Day, and did not come home till January 23. We went to Lake Hawea, and stayed , there for 12 days. We bathed, and fished, and

shot at rabbits and deer. We went up the side of the lake, which is the road to Makarora. One can get right up to it, and 13 miles past it if one likes. I suppose you saw in the paper about those two teachers who went up to Makarora, and how one of them fell over the cliff. Well, we passed them on their bicycles about 20 miles past Omarama, just before you climb the Lindis Hill. They were having dinner then. After we went to

Hawea we went to Pembroke ana Queenstown. I went up the lake twice, first on the s.s. Ben Lomond and second on the s.s. Earnslaw. We had lovely weather in Queenstown. I hope you iike the photographs. The smaller one is of Prince and me, while the larger is of Timaru Creek. We camped about 400yds along the beach.' The willow tree is at the mouth of the creek. Dad took the photograph from a launch. I must close

now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, WHITE STONE (Oamaru). [You had a very enjoyable holiday, White Stone. I envy you those 23 days in beautiful surroundings, and hope you had fine weather to add to your pleasure. Yes, I read about the teachers and was very sorry about the accident. Thank you for the photographs, one of which I have printed. The other I am adding to my Little Folk collection.- —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written to you for a long time. Did you go away for your holidays? I did not, but I had a lovely holiday at home. 1 had three little cousins with me, and they had never been up here before, so they enjoyed themselves very much. I like school this year, as I am in Standard 11. Our asters ami sweet peas are coming out now. and look lovely. We have a dear wee black and white calf about a month old. Will you please give me a name for it? We have a wireless set, and my sister and 1 enjoy listening-in during the children’s hour very much. Now I must close, with kind love to yourself and all the Little Folk.- —Yours truly, MOTHER’S MIDDLE DAUGHTER (Cromwell). [I did not go away at Christinas time, but, like you. bad a happy time at home, Mother’s Middle Daughter. Your cousins would love their holiday in the fresh, warm Central Otago air, and would not want to go away. I think that Treasure would be a good name for the calf. I am glad that von like the children's hour. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How very kind of you for writing and giving us suggestions of something to write to you about! I am sure all the Little Folk appreciate your thoughfulness. 1 know I do. I hope you are still sharing good health with me. The other Saturday night our drought broke, and a very heavy downpour, which continued all day Sunday, was the result. On and off all through the week it continued to be drizzly. The races were held here on a Thursday and Saturday, but they were lucky, and were able to finish the' meeting in fine weather. There is hardly a race meeting here when it is not raining. I had my wish fulfilled, and my sister and I went to the flower show. There was a magnificent display, and the exhibits were far above the expectations of the committee, on account of the dry weather. I was greatly interested in a display of various cactus plants. The different shapes and forms of the plants was really marvellous. When the band contest was on, the people who had bands represented were eagerly watching the papers for results. One of our bands did not go, after practising hard; but some of its members went for the solos and gained success. The other band (the Garrison) did not do so badly. They had new uniforms. Does not time continue to fly! Why! only a month and Easter will be with us. My sister and I are going to New Plymouth, and my other sister is going to Wellington. I have never been to New Plymouth, and my sister has not been there since she was about three, and she is now nearly 25. Once again 1 thank you for your kindness. Love and best wishes to you and all.—Yours truly, INFLUENCE’S VICTORY (Wanganui). [I am glad that you liked my hints, Influence’s Victory. The race people were certainly lucky to have fine weather for their meeting. Do you yourself go 'to races? I liked reading about the flower show- and the band with its new uniforms. You must tell me about your Faster trip to New Plymouth.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I suppose you have forgotten me, because it is such a time since 1 last wrote. At the school concert I received “ A Goldfinch Story Book ” for a prize. At Christmas time I went up to Central Otago for a ride in the car. Since I last wrote to you we have had a baby girl called Ngaire. She is a year old, and can walk and say “ Ta-ta.” We caught a little wild pig, and it ran away. As it is time to set the table for dinner J must close. —Yours truly, WILD THYME (Warepa).

[I had not forgotten you, Wild Thyme, but I am glad to hear from you again. I suppose you have read your prize several times by now. I am delighted to hear about Ngaire. and hope that you will give her a kiss for me. The little pig probably wanted to go home to its mother. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you do not think I have deserted the page. I am going to tell about my holidays. We had visitors staying at our place till a week after New Year’s Day. I went away down to Dunedin the same day as they- w-.nt away. I thought I would have to stay in Dunedin a night, but I did not. Five of us pulled a four-wheeler trolley 10 miles up the Cromwell line. The house is on the bank of the Taieri River. Next day was a very hot day, so we all went in for a swim both in the morning and afternoon. There is a lot of manuka around the place, and also a variety- of birds, such as the tui, bellbird, and the fantail. One day- we had a picnic beside the rtver. We had lovely fun in swimming, as there were i 13 of us. Sometimes I went for the cow, | but she ran away- from me. One day- she I did so, and I thought she had gone into the trees, but she had gone home. Ths day after I came home I stayed in Dunedin a night. If I had thought, I would have called in to see you. I will close now, wishing you and all the Little Folk good luck. —Yours truly, MOTHER’S CHATTERBOX (Gleniti).

[What very pleasant holidays you had, Mother’s Chatterbox! You seem to have done a great many- things ■ and to have enjoyed yourself immensely. It must have been delightful to have those swims on those hot day-s. How clever of the cow to go home after she ran away from you! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —You will be thinking I have forgotten you and your page altogether, but I eould never do that. Each week I read with interest the letters of the Little Folk, and I cannot help but notice what interesting letters most of them write. Most people in South Canterburyare rejoicing over the lovely rain we have just had. The grass seems to grow while one looks at it, and everything seems so refreshed. The harvest in these parts is very poor this year, and most of the farmers found difficulty in reaping. We had two tractor-binders cutting. Although

they- were only a few days with us it wai great fun cooking and packing food to go out to the paddock. I did not have the pleasure of going out on the sledge, but many- a* time I wished I could. I suppose most of my- comrades of the page know the song of the little warbler. This summer is the first time 1 have seen it, and I feel in love with it completely. Whatever I am doing must cease when it begins to sing. I love its little hanging nest, too, and if I thought that anyone would steal the dear little eggs I should feel very sad. There is one little corner in our garden that these little birds seem to love. 'There were two little fantails, too, that used to visit this nook. I loved to lie on the lawn and watch them flitting about after insects. Have you read the book called “God in the Slums.” I have just finished it, and, although I knew that it was all perfectly true, it seems hard to believe that there could be people living in such terrible conditions in these, times. We people in New Zealand grumble about things, but I am sure our troubles are few compared with those of a good many folk in other countries. It is to be hoped that the dispute between Japan and China is settled before long. War is such a terrible thing that 1 feel quite sure none of us ever want to have anything to do with it. 1 like to think of people of other lands, not as foreigners, but as friends across the sea, and I hope that some day I shall have the opportunity- of visiting other countlies and of learning something of their ways. I am not satisfied with what I read: 1 like to see for myself what is actually- happening. I was delighted when 1 saw the photograph of Pierre Morez in our page, and I simplycould not rest until I had a letter on its way- to him. 1 am just longing for the weeks to slip by till I hear from. him, as I am sure he will be a most interesting correspondent. Kind regards to all. —Yours truly. THE GIPSY GIRL (Gleniti).

[Your letter pleases me very much. The Gipsy Girl, especially- where you speak of protecting birds, 'of being contented with your lot instead of grumbling, and of your attitude to foreigners. If you continue to feel like this as you grow older you will exert a powerful influence for good wherever you go, and will be one of those people whose thoughts help to lead the world to brighter and better things. I hope Pierre will soon write to you.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is over two years since I wrote to the page, so I think it is time I wrote again. You must have, so big a roll now that y-ou would not miss one if one did not write. I was at work on the Taieri for about a year and a-half, and I liked farming. At the second place 1 was at I lost myself. It was the first Sunday I was there, and in the - middle of winter. The boss called me at 5.30 a.m., so I got up and went outside. It was foggy and dark, so instead of going through the mud, I crossed a paddock. It seemed to take me a long time to get there so I wondered what was wrong until I hit the road. Thinking I was all right, I followed it until 1 thought it was too far. Then I crossed into another paddock, through turnips and stubble and ditches until I found myself on another road. I followed this road until I saw a house, so I went and found a man feeding his fowls. I asked him where I was, and he told me at Woodside, five miles from home. I arrived back at 10.30 a.m. I was at that place six months, and then went to a place near Allanton. They had 58 cows and about 30 head of dry cattle. It was the best place I ever worked at. Once when I went for the cows one of the bulls jumped the fence, so I went to put him back, and he charged me and sent me flying off the hack. He gave me a fright, but neither the hack nor myself was hurt. It was only a young bull, too. Do you think we shall ever get over this awful depression? I have just about given up any- hope. Well, as this is all the news at present, I will close.—Yours truly, OLAF THE OUTLAW (Clyde). j [Although I have a big roll, Olaf the Outlaw, 1 cannot afford to lose any writers, especially when they_ write such interesting letters as yours. Your country experiences made delightful reading, and held my attention from beginning to end. I hope you will write again soon in the same strain, for yours is the sort of letter I like. Yes, I think the depression will soon end. Do not lose heart. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I have so long neglected your page. I think I shall pen you a few lines. Since writing I have left school, and I am working for mother at home. A few weeks ago the farmers were crying out for rain, as the crops were dying and the cattle were starving from want of food, but now they will be satisfied, as we have had about four inches of rain. At present for fancywork I am knitting a bed jacket for my mother, and I have also nearly finished a green cupboard runner too. I have not seen Eyes of Blue’s or The Young Woodcutter’s letters in the Otago Witness for a long time. I am now reading a book called “On Honour,” by E. D. Adams. Have you read it? We have nearly- finished our harvesting now. We have such a dear wee pup, and its name is Mat. I have

been very busy in my Harden plantH" imrigolds and violas, which will soon make it very pretty show if they grow, the other day there was a picnic to Timaru, but we did not go. We went to town instead. We were shown through the Oamaru Woollen Mills, then we went on to the gardens, where we spent an enjoyable day. The hothouse is such a picture, with its flowering begonias and beautiful plants. There is not much fruit on the trees this year, as the wind blew most of it off. Mother has made over 130 bottles of jam this year, and is still going to make more. Is it not terrible that China and Japan cannot keep peace and live happily instead of always being engaged in war? My correspondents have not written to me for ages now. As I have no more news, I shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly,

GOLD SUNSET (North Otago). [Mother will be very glad of your help, Gold Sunset, and I am sure that you and she are good chums. She will like the bed jacket you are making for her. Is the cupboard runner for her, too? I have not read that book, so should like to know what it is about. Do not let Mat find where you have planted your seeds, or there will be neither marigolds nor violas when spring comes.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I wrote to the page that I suppose you have forgotten me. However, I will write, to show you I am still in existence. I am now 17, and in Form VI at high school. I passed matriculation last year, and wag very much pleased with myself. This year I have been appointed to the position of school secretary, and I like the work very much. I have also been elected a prefect, so I am now in a position to “ squash ” my sister should She be inclined to be obstreperous. Although I have been fairly busy since we came here, I enjoy living here greatly. During the Christmas holidays I spent a week in Mangatapu. The mill has closed down, and there are only four families living there at present. It was very quiet, and the empty houses looked so forlorn with the gardens all grown over. There were even buttercups flourishing in someone’s copper. The stream where we used to have such fun is dried up altogether now. While I was there I tried my skill at ■ riding a horse. The experiment was a great success, and after galloping around the place for a while and greatly iui-

pre-sing my beholders, 1 was feeling considerably pulled up. However, pride comes before a fail. When I came to dismount I was so stiff I could hardly walk. My legs felt as if they were all bones and nothing else. After a while the feeling was reversed, and I did not seen; to have any Ixmes at all. Nevertheless, I managed to have a good time. Recently I had all my top teeth out. and I thought it was the worst experience I had ever had. 1 have somewhat recovered now. however. The other night a house was burnt down not more than 300yds from our 'place, and not one of us woke up. We are sound sleepers, are we not? My little brother has lately taken to angling, and has caught several tine trout. Despite the tact that he once caught a good catch in the shape of his toe and had to have chloroform to have the hook taken out, he fishes undauntedly on. I will close now. as I have used up a good deal of space already. Much love to the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. E Pari Ra (Rotorua). [I certainly have not forgotten you, E Pari Ra, ami 1 am pleased to know that you are doing so well at school and are in such a responsible position. It would be sad for you to see the deserted houses at Mangatapu, and make you wonder what had happened to everybody. Your experience with the horse amused me very much. I hope the little brother catches no more toes with his hook.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please excuse me not writing before now, but I am the only girl at home now, and mother is at the hay every day helping dad. The weather is beautiful foi- hay-making. They have one of my brothers and a friend helping them, too, as the weather looks as though it may change, and it would be a shame to see the hay ruined. Dad has a great deal of hay, and times are too hard to lose anything, especially as things are going to be very hard in the winter. Well, Dot, how is your garden? Mum’s is lovely, and it is such a treat to have all our own vegetables, and such a big help. I must tell you that I enjoyed reading the Old Writers’ letters, which were all very interesting. I had a beautiful box of hankerchiefs sent to me from one of my correspondents: it was so good of her to send it to me. I received the Quaker Literary Scholar’s letter, and I will write next mail to him and thank him for it. The time has flown since Christmas. I

ippose it is because I am home by myself ith my two sisters’ babies, and I can ‘ll you that they keep me busy. They •e both boys, and about the same age. heir names are Leonard and Cyril. I

am enclosing five snaps. One of the bush behind our house, one of the river .flowing down past our place, one of my sister, my two brothers, and my friend; one of my sister’s baby and myself, and one of my sister’s wee boys whom I have home with me now —Leonard and Cyril. Golden Star of Westland, what has happened to you?—Yours truly, SILVER STAR OF HEAVEN (Karangarua). [1 hope that your parents got all the hay in safely. Silver Star of Heaven, and that you have a less hard winter than you anticipate. My garden is very pretty, thank you. You are certainly fortunate to have all your own vegetables. Have you enough for the winter? I was delighted with the snapshots, one of which I am printing. The babies, children, and your friend all look charming. See Notes.-— DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l suppose you will be wondering what has happened to me. To tell you the real truth, I had no ink. and even now I had to borrow my sister’s. I have been staying with her only a little while, so you will understand how I could not borow it before. 1 hope you always welcome me back again. Well, 1 hope you enjoyed your Christmas very much, as I did, but now all the excitement is over and the people are settled down to work again. We had a very enjoyable time at Christmas and New Year, with picnics and sports and a dance. I can tell you everyone enjoyed themselves. Christmas Day was wet in the morning, and no one ventured out much at all. We had only nine people to visit us. It was too wet in the morning to go anywhere, so they came in the evenin". On Boxing Day there was a picnic about 10 miles away from where we live, so we went to that. There were about 40 or 50 people gathered together, and they had lots of fun playing games and tricks. After the day was gaily ended, we caught our horses and rode cheerfully away home. We ended that day so pleasantly. While we were at that picnic we found out that there was another picnic to follow on the beach about six or seven miles further on on the following Sunday. We were going to it, but it was raining, so we could not go. Sorrowfully we had to wait till New Year’s Day. when we joyfully completed the holidays. It was a very cheerful event, and everything started and ended well. The sports were hel<l at the same place as the picnic. They had races, jumps, and odd games. My sister Alice won the single ladies'" race, and she and my brother Alex won the three-legged race. Kelly, my brother, won a race. too. and Silver Star of Heaven came second in a race. Alex also won the high jump. Well. I think that is all the news just now. I shall write more next time. 1 shall close now. with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. PRETTY POND LILY (Karangarua). [Of course I welcome you back again. Pretty Pond Lily. I quite understand about the ink. You certainly had an enjoyable time during the Christmas and New Year holidays, and did all you could to make the hours pass pleasantly. It seems to me that your family won most of the prizes at the sports meeting. Write again soon.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is some weeks since 1 last wrote to you. so 1 think it is about time I penned you a few more lines. The weather up here has been very changeable lately—wet and foggy one day and warm and sunny the next. We did not go to our picnic to Black Gully, as the weather was too changeable for so far a drive in the buggy. We have a big lamb, and we call him Bunty. He has two great big horns, and every time we are milking the cows he runs after us. and if we do not feed him he becomes very wild looking. Our vegetable garden is coming on now, and provides us with a lot of things. Christmas was very quiet this year, as there were very few people about. Our hens are doing well. We receive about 19 eggs a day from them. We go to Heriot once a week now with our eggs and butter. I made up 141 b of butter for the store one week, besides about 31b for ourselves out of four cows. Our oats are starting to ripen, so it will not be long before we are harvesting. I really do not know what has become of Norah Hayseed, as she has not written for such a long time. I will have to close now, as news is very scarce. I wish you and all the Little Folk the best of luck. —Yours truly. HEATHERDOM (Park Hill).

[I am sorry that the weather was bad for your picnic, Heatherdom, and hope that you will have fine days at Easter. Bunty sounds more like a ram than a lamb to me. Does he butt you if you refuse to feed him You did very well to make so much butter from the milk of only four cows. Was Norah Hayseed a correspondent of yours?—DOT.]

. Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I left school three years ago, and I like at home better. We have had some very bad weather here. There has been a flood. We had nine inches

of rain, and a little township not far away called Maheno suffered severely. The water was several feet deep, the river having overflowed its banks. A beautiful crop of oats which was cut and stocked was all washed away. A farmer lost 100 sheep, which were washed away down the river, and another man lost nine cows and thirty sheep. People said the river was literally black with the carcasses of sheep and rabbits. Also there were fences washed away, and as we were going into town we saw gangs of men putting up new ones. It started raining again later, after a few days of fine weather, but I hope it will soon stop, as we have had enough just now. This flood is said to have been as bad as the one 40 years ago, water having been 12ft deep in some places. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. — Yours truly, COW SPANKER (Herbert).

[Certainly you mav join. Cow Spanker. Are you as useful in a byre as your name suggests? I read about your awful floods before, and was deeply sorry for the poor farmers who suffered so severely. Let us hope that times will soon change for the better. Did the flood affect you at all? —DOT.] 3$

Dear Dot. —May I join your happy band of Little Folk. I am 11 years of age, and in Standard V. I enjoy reading your page, as it is most interesting. I give the pages of the Little Folk’s letters to a girl friend of mine. I have a little pet black Persian kitten, and wotdd like you please to give me a name for it. The kitten follows me to the house if I am at the cow shed. We have 70 cows milking, and about 22 cans of milk. 1 sometimes milk at night when father is away. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly. DAY’S EYE (Edeudale). [You are welcome, dear, but your nom de plume was taken, so 1 have called you Day's Eye instead. That is the real meaning of “ daisy.” I should like to see the kitten that follows you from the cow shed. Do you think Shah would be a good name for it? You will be a great help to vour father if you can milk for him.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Once again I take the opportunity of penning a few lines to the page. Since 1 last wrote I have returned home from Lake Wakatipu, where I spent a very pleasant three months working. I was very sorry I had to leave, as I liked the place and people very much. I am just longing for the day when I shall get a position round that way again. On February 28 there was an excursion to Queenstown, so my sister and I decided to go. 1 left Waikaia at 8 a.m. to go to Riversdale, where 1 caught the train and met my sister. At 9 o'clock we left Riversdale and arrived at Kingston about 10.45 a.m. We all boarded the boat, and had to wait for the train from Balclutha. We arrived in Queenstown about 1.15 p.m., after a delightful journey over on the boat. When we arrived in Queenstown we went and had dinner, after which we walked through the park. We then went to see some frie.nds, who told t.s that a friend of ours was up from Balclutha. so we went back to the park, where we met her. We had an enjoyable afternoon talking over things of the pact. About 4.15 p.m. we three made our way towards the Earnslaw again, which was due to leave at 4.45 p.m. We had a delightful trip home on the boat, as the lake was quite calm, although there ■was a very strong wind blowing. When we came near Kingston it began to rain, and it rained all the rest of the way home. £ arrived home about 11 p.m., after a most delightful day's outing. Our weather clerk is not treating us very well these days, as we recently had rain every day for a week, also some terrible winds. The farmers are all lamenting, as they cannot get their hay in. All the harvest is ready at once, and it is rather a nuisance. 1 was at a dame in Waikaia one night recently, but I was rather disappointed afterwards. I must close now. as news is scarce. —Yours truly, NETA' LYALL (Glenaray).

[I know how sorry you must have been to leave Lake Wakatipu. Neta Lyall, and 1 hope that your wish to return to that district is soon answered. That must have been a very jolly day's outing to Queenstown. It would be a pleasant surprise for you to meet your friend. 1 hope that the weather soon clears, and allows the farmers to attend to their hay. —DOT.] A*

Dear Dot.—l am going to try to take notice of what A Trim Up said, and write more often, as not one of us has very long to be a happy Little Folk. 1 beamed with joy when 1 read the Old Writers’ letters. 1 do not think there was any better than the others: There is a great deal of gold mining going on in this district. even coal miners being here to dig for gold. There was one at home the other night, and he used to write to you years ago. Do you remember Darkey and s Lady Alma? Lady Alma is our neighbour. She is a West Coast girl. We had a glorious day recently, ami there was a crowd at the beach. There was a dance here one Friday night, and it was very good. I think all present enjoyed themselves. There is to be another one on March 19. so we are all looking forward to it. One of your Old Writers is our morse code instructor. He does not know that I belong to the band, but some of these days I must tell him. Heaps of love to all.—Yours truly, LADY JANE GREY (Round Hill).

[£ am glad that you intend to follow A Trim Up's advice, Lady Jane Grey, and that you liked the _ Old Writers’ letters so much. Gold mining must be flourishing in your district. Yes, I remember Darkey and Lady Ahna. Please give them my best wishes. You must tell me about the dance if you enjoy it as well as you think you will.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As this is my first letter to vour page. I write as a special request to let me join your happy band of Little Folk. I have often read the Little Folk’s letters and enjoyed them very much. I work on a sheep station upon the hillside on a very lonely spot. The house is nestled in a range of fir trees. On either side rise hills. As I lay in the sun on Sunday I could not help thinking what a beautiful picture the surroundings would make if put on caiivas. The hills that were near were green and brown, while the further back the eye viewed the deeper the purple became, meeting a

clear blue sky. I am sending a postal note, and hope to receive my badge. Well, I will close, and perhaps I shall have more news next time. Love to all the Little Folk-and your own dear self. —• Yours truly, MYEERAH (Outram). [Tour request is granted, Myeerah of the musical name, and you are now enrolled as a member of my happy band. You are fortunate to be living among hills so high that you are able to watch them change colour in the distance. Their texture seems to become different, too. does it not? I have posted vour to you.—DOT.] -Y- n- ADear Dot,- —Please may I join your happy baud of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age. and my birthday is on December 21. Just recently we shifted to a new home, our old one being in Southland. I am in Form 111 at school now. as 1 obtained a proficiency certificate last year, and I would have gone to technical college had there been one convenient. There are seven cows milking here, and three calves to feed, but the cow boy does that. I will close, with love to all Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, JEANNE D'ARC (Heriot). [Of course you may join, dear, but, as your nom de plume was taken in its English version, I have put it into French instead for you. I hope you like your new home and enjoy being on a farm. Do you help to milk the cows, or are you busy with your lessons all the time you are at home?—DOT.] V- V-

Dear Dot,- —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am ten and a-half. and 1 am in Standard 111 at school. I have a black and white cat which has long ears, a long tail, green eyes, black whiskers, and soft velvet paws. He lives in a cosy box in the washhouse. For food I give him milk, fish, and porridge. In the daytime he runs about the house, to and fro. He is very jealous, because lie will not let any other cat in the back yard. At night he curls himself up and goes to sleep.—Yours truly, FUCHSIA LANTERN (Dunedin). [IT eleome, my dear. As your name was taken 1 have called you Fuchsia Lantern instead. Fuchsia flowers are like lanterns, are they not? Your cat must be a beauty, and I can imagine how* fond you are of him. Next time you are petting him hold one of his velvet paws against your cheek and give him my love.-—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —-I have been ba-.-k at school five weeks now. I am in Standard IV at school. I had an enjoyable holiday at Taieri Mouth for five weeks ami a-half. One fine day we went to a picnic to the second lot- of rocks. One night an owl came and sat on a manuka stick where he often sits. There were eleven tents and two caravans and several picnic parties. There is to be a regatta at Easter. Near the end of the holidays we went a long walk to an old ruin.' No one has ever lived in it for 20 years. I had my photograph taken sitting in the chimney. It has an iron rod across it and two chains hanging from it. One day we saw two steamers going towards the Bluff. They were very close together. The first one looked like a coal boat. The last one looked like a large passenger

boat. On a starry night we can watch the lights at Anderson’s Bay and Roslyn from our windows at. Taieri Mouth. I have a lovely new swing built there. Love to you and all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, PRETTY FANTAIL (Dunedin). [You had a most enjoyable holiday. Pretty Fantail, and did happy things all the time you were away. I should like to see the ruin, which is. I am sure, very interesting. Did the little birds make au outcry when they saw the owl on the manuka stick? You must have a good view from your house at Taieri Mouth. Thank you for the snapshot, which you will sec printed here. —DOT.] ¥ * ¥ Dear Dot, —I hope you did not think I had forgotten our motto. I could not forget that. Also I hope you did not think I had forgotten the page. That would never do, would it? 1 hope you are well. I have not been well lately, but, never mind, I am recovering now. I was in bed for about a week, but I am up now. Mum says I am run down, but that is nothing unusual, anyway. Just fancy, I shall be 15 on May 16*. Does not time go quickly? Why. it seems only a short time ago since we lived in Winton before, and yet it is about 11 years ago. I can remember well when I—not having started school then—used to run to meet dad as he came home from his ploughing. I always had a ride home

on one of the draught horses. It is nearly nine years since we left to go to Otautau, where we stayed for about eight years and a-half and then came back here. Again, it seems no time since I said my last farewell to'my friends in Otautau. I hope you had a good Christmas holiday. I did. I had a great time on a farm right beside the sea. We were there for about 16 days, and enjoyed it very much. I went with the doctor’s family. I received a letter from A Trim Up not long ago and answered it, but I do not know whether he will write again or not. We held our Sunday school picnic on Saturday. While I was in bed I crocheted a beret for myself. It was navy, trimmed with red, navy, and white —our high school colours. I went to a picnic not long ago, and we had a glorious time. When we arrived at our destination, Colac Bay, we had dinner and then went for a walk along the beach, where we collected many different varieties of shells, and then began to retreat. On our way back we saw a young penguin on a rock, and when I went to pick it up it let out such a scream. I can tell you I left it alone then. We went for a walk up to the bush, where we took photographs and had a great time. I think the bush was not half so nice when we were on the paths. I must say that all too soon for me our joyful day came to an end. 1 love wandering about out in the country or away from the town. I do not like the noise and bustle of the town. The book I am reading at present is called “ A Term on Trial.” It is a good one, too. Well, I am afraid I cannot write as much to-night as last time, because I want to write to Queen of Daunt. Also, I have a sore wrist. Do not think that I believe in that saying, “ Any excuse is better than none,” because I do not. I am sorry, Queen of Daunt, but as my wrist is sore I cannot write to you to-night, but, never mind, I shall write soon—perhaps to-morrow. Jimmy, my youngest brother aged two and a-half, is like a little parrot. He is just beginning to talk plainly, and mimics everything he hears us say. He is very funny. I suppose that some of the Little Folk have younger brothers or sisters like that. We nave such an ugly old dog, but she has always been my favourite, and as I am fond of dogs I am fond of Gyp. I do not think it is nearly as nice at high school this year as it was last year, somehow. Perhaps it will be better when we have all settled down. I hope so anyway. Love to all.—Yours truly, MOONLAND FAIRY (Winton). [I am sorry that you were ill. Moonland Fairy, and hope that you will soon be in better health. It is not good for Little Folk to be run down at 15. It must be interesting for you to be back at Winton, and I hope that you have a very happy time there. As you say, time passes all too quickly. . Colac Bay is a very jolly place for a picnic. I hope that your wrist will recover soon, so that you will be able to send Queen of Daunt her letter. Tell me more about school. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I think it is about time I wrote to you, but I am very lazy when it comes to letter writing. One Sunday we motored to Kuri Bush, and spent an enjoyable day with Queen of Daunt. The scenery at the back of Queen of Daunt’s home is very beautiful. Mother’s Goldie said that the day was too short. She is now in Form I at school, and she likes it much better than Standard IV. I would like to go to school again, but the doctor says I must wait, for a year and see how I am. I have started music and elocution, and am going to sit for the intermediate elocution examination. I would like to be a teacher of elocution some day, but I must wait a long time. My new piece of music is called “ The Glow-worm Idyll,” and it is very pretty. The book I am reading is called “ The Terrible Tomboy,” and it is very good. I will now close, with love to all the Little Folk and your- own dear self. — Yours truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin).

[I am glad to hear from you again, Little Jean, though sorry to learn that you are not yet really strong. A year at home, however, may do you a great deal of good, and make you ready for study a<jain in 1933. I hope that your wish about being a teacher of elocution is realised. I have not read that book.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your hapfly band of Little Folk? I am at present staying at Fairfax with Mammy Lou. We are old friends, and have not seen each other for four years, so you can imagine the good time we are having. I like the country much better than the towns. One is always free to go where one likes. Mammy Lou and I have been for long walks through bush and paddocks. I love walking. I am at present reading a book called “Beau Geste,” and am enjoying it very much. Have you read it? I like reading, and I think it is a very profitable pastime, as one learns so much about other countries and how other people live. Could you recommend any books? I like reading about anything with history in it. Best love to all Little Folk. —-Yours truly, MAMMY LOU’S PAL (Fairfax). [Welcome to Mammy Lou’s Pal. I am glad that you and Mammy Lou are having such a happy reunion, dear, and hope that your friendship continues until you are both old. “ Beau Geste ” is said to be a good book, but I have not read it. I think that “ The Jungle Book ” (Kipling), “The -White Company” (Doyle), “Treasure Island” (Stevenson), “ Hereward the Wake” (Kingsley), and “King Solomon’s Mines” (Haggard) would interest you if you have not already read them. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is more than a month ago since I penned a letter to the dear old page, so I hope you have not forgotten me. Summer has vanished and autumn is now reigning in her stead. I admire autumn’s handiwork of gold, brown, and yellow tinted leaves and grasses, as they quickly turn to all the numerous pretty shades so pleasing to the eye. A few days ago I had all my top teeth extracted with ether, and my gums still ache a little. It is horrid with no “ toofy pegs,” as my little nephew calls them, in the top, but of course it is best to have them out when they begin to ache. We went to “ My Wife’s Family ” a few nights ago, and it was very funny. I laughed nearly all the way through it. The air pageant was held down in Inver-

cargill this year, but I did not go to see it. We Watched the ’planes stunting and racing from here. I have never seen more than four aeroplanes in the air before, so you can imagine how I felt when I witnessed 20 of them gliding gracefully along together like a nock of extra big birds winging their way on the breeze. My sister has just arrived home with ah armful of beautiful sweet-smelling sweet peas and gypsophila and two huge lemon dahlias. Our kind neighbour gave her them out of her garden, which seems to be always blooming with flowers. I have just finished reading a book named “ The Safety Candle,” which was very interesting. Well, I have been -writing this letter lying on my brother’s bed, as it is on the sunny side of the house, and now he is ordering me off, as he wants to go to bed, so I must finish this letter and let the weary one rest himself. Much love to all, especially you, Lady of the Valley, and Bonnie Bessie Bunter.—Yours truly, NIGELLA (Southland). [Autumn is indeed a colourful season, Nigella. do not wonder that you like it so well. You were wise to .have your teeth out if they were not healthy, and will soon grow -used to artificial ones. The flowers you were given sound most attractive. Have you a garden of your own? I can imagine your brother’s feelings when he found you on his bed.— DOT,] OLD WRITERS’ NOTES. Ivanhoe (Mr M. H. Ramsay, 114 Earn street, Invercargill) would be pleased to receive the addresses and noins de plume of any Old Writers, as he is endeavouring to work up a register of Old Writers. He would also like to know the year when members first wrote to Dot. Erica G.—As the information you require will necessitate the searching of several old files I may not be able to give it to you for a few weeks. When I find it, however, I shall inform you through these notes. —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: — Cow Spanker (Herbert). Day’s Eye (Edendale). Myeerah (Outram). Fuchsia Lantern (Dunedin). Jeanne d’Arc (Heriot). Mammy Lous Pal (Fairfax).

MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to— Wee Dorothy, who was 12 yesterday. NOTES. Lady Jane Grey (Jean Mason, Round Hill) wishes some Little Folk to send her the words of “ Honev.” ¥ ¥ ¥ Silver Star of Heaven.—l have posted your badge, dear, but must ask you never again to send coin in an unregistered letter, as the office had to pay a considerable amount of tax on it before it could be delivered to me.—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. * * * Heatherdom (Miss C. Gordon. Park Hill Post Office, via Heriot) wishes to correspond with any’ boy or girl Little Folk 20 to 23 years of age willing. V Olaf the Outlaw (W. Cherry, C/o P. 0., Clyde) wishes to correspond with Pale Rose. Babbling Brook, Laguna Lily, and all old correspondents. ¥ ¥ ¥ r Pretty Pond Lily (Letty Wilson, Karangarua) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk willing over 16. She also wishes all her correspondents to write again, please. ¥ ¥ ¥ Lady- Jane Grey’ (Jean Mason, Round Hill, Southland) wishes to correspond with Happy-go-Lucky (an Old Writer) and Laughing Bill. . ¥ ¥ ¥ Neta Lyall (Lily Moffatt, Glenaray, R.D. Waikaia, Southland) wishes True Blue, A Bunch of Gypsophila’, May, Texas Kid, John for Popcorn and Peanuts, and Tip Toes to write again, please. ¥ ¥ ¥ Moonland Fairy (Sylvia Thompson, “ Kirkside,” Park street, Winton) requests that any Little Folk who wishes to correspond with her will write at once, as she does not see the Otago Witness.