LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4085, 28 June 1932, Page 67

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —Wb write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot,—lt is some weeks since the winter holidays, but I shall tell you how I spent them. I spent a few days with my old school mate, Madam Butterfly, and had a lovely time. Every night we gathered food for her pet rabbits. She has two big, black rabbits and a Avhite one. The white oneTiad wee baby bunnies, but unfortunately they were all grey. Madam Butterfly and I rode to Duntroon one day. It Avas a lovelj- hot day. and we enjoyed our ride- very much. When I came home Madam Butterfly came with me. On the last day of our holidays we walked to Tokarahi. We took our time to walk over, and it was very pleasant. We arrived at our destination just after dinner. We listened to the gramophone for a Avhile, and later we went for a look round the garden. When we came home they gave us a big bunch of chrysanthemums to take with us. Our uncle brought us home, and we went to bed tired, but happy. We have a nerv teacher, and she is very nice. I am in Standard VI this year, and it is not very much harder than Standard V Avas. We are very busy digging our garden at school. We are learning a pretty song called “Fairy’ Glade.” There are only six children going to Maerewhenua School, and three of these are in Standard VI. I do not know Avhat Avill become of this school next year. I have just finished reading a book called “ Chums.” Love to all the Little Folk and yourself. • RED HOT POKER (Maerewhenua). [That was a pleasant Avay of spending the holidays. Red Hot Poker. What fun it must have been feeding the bunnies. They do nibble and Avag their heads go over a green grass tea. Is the song in two parts or just a unison one? Perhaps more children Avill come to school next year.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —The hills are coated with snow, and the Aviuds from that direction are bitterly cold. Some of the Little Folk’s letters are very interesting indeed, and I wish I could Avrite as well. I still have two correspondents, and I receive letters from them occasionally. I was at my aunt’s place one Sunday, and I saAv a photograph of D.O.D. I intended to go to see my cousin, but she Avas away, so I went to Red Flower’s place instead. Red Flower has been in the hospital, and I missed her very much Avhile she Avas away. I asked her to Avrite to you, but she does not think she could manage that yet. Fair Apple Blossoms has some sAveet wee violets out. They must have mistaken these sunny dayi for spring. I am looking forward U

Spring with its violets, primroses, daffodils, and sunny days, I don't suppose you have much time to read? I have read “From Pole to Pole,” “ Pat’s Third Term,” and *'The Camp at Windinong.” I am very fond of reading. We are milking four cows still, but we have to feed them on turnips. We have a very mischievous little pup, who carries away our belongings. One could not help liking him. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. FALLING SNOWFLAKES (Maerewhenua). [I like your mischievous puppy, Falling Snowflakes. Snowy winds have a way of cutting through the warmest clothes. I lead in my spare moments, but have not Xcad those books, which seem interesting ones. Did Pat have many adventures? — DOT.]

Dear Dot, —As I was writing this letter the light went out. so we lit three candles. When dad came in he turned the light ®ff and on, and it went all right. Auntie Mary and Uncle Dave were down at our place, but we did not see them, because they went away before we reached home. I have heard that the Otago Witness is going to be closed. Is it true? If so, are the Little Folk’s letters going to be closed? Would you please tell me if my letter is too late. Our school term holidays are over, but the »Styx’s term holidays are not over yet. There was a "bring and buy’’ sale at the school. We gave our pony in, but it had to have its feet and tail cut. At the football match they wanted to raffle it, but they could not, because they did not have a license, so they had dips. I am doing well at school. I came first in my class the first term. The weather up here just now is frosty in the mornings. Love to all the Little Folk. BINKLE (Ranfurly). [lt was clever of father to make tlie light go on, Binkle. I wonder what was the matter with it. The Otago Witness is closing, but not the Little Folk’s page. It will appear in the Otago Daily Times every Monday, so you will be able to write to me as usual. What happened to your pony? Did you take it back home with von? Congratulations on coming first. — »OT.]

Dear Dot, —What a shame the Otago Witness is to stop being published, as everyone enjoyed reading it so much. _ I am sitting in bed Writing this letter with a hot bottle at my feet. Bottles are a great comfort these nights. I think. Did you hear that mysterious whistle the other night? I did. We all had a good laugh when we read about it the next day. At school one Friday night Mrs Wilson, of the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan Mission gave a very interesting talk on her work there. Well. I will close, with love to you and all Dot’s Little Folk. CAVERSHAM LASS (Dunedin).

[Yes, it is a shame about the Otago Witness, Caversham Lass. But you will still be able to write to me, you know, because the page is to appear in the Otago Daily Times. I did not hear the whistle, but know some people who did, and who. like you, were greatly amused by it. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥• Dear Dot, —What a number of Little Folk are writing to you now that the penny postage has come back again! My birthday was this month, and I received many presents. Mother and father gave me a watch. I had a birthday cake with 10 candles on it, as I was 10 years old. We are having a good many frosty mornings now. It is cold going to school some mornings, but we always have a fire on. The little pup is growing “cheeky,” and he comes inside sometimes. I went home in the school bus one night, and Minnie Mouse and I had good fun, as we both have a long way to go. I must close now, with love to the Little Folk and vourself. OUR JUNE ROSE (Caroline). [lt is a delight to me to have so many letters to answer as now, Our June Rose. What jolly presents you received on your birthday. I used to like running to echool on frosty mornings. Give the pun a pat for me, and tell him to be a good dog.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here I am again. I read in the paper the other night that the Otago Witness is going to be stopped. Is that not sad? I am sure the Little Folk will miss it, as I know I shall. We are having very good weather just now. I was at a dance one Saturday night, and enjoyed myself very much. I am just learning to dance. I was away for a long ride one day. I rode 10 miles altogether, and I was tired when I got back, as I had to carry a heavy pack (On my back. We shall soon notice the /days begin to draw out again. I like the long summer evenings, as we go for many walks. Best wishes to the Little Folk and your own dear self. COW SPANKER (Herbert). [Learning to dance is great fun, Cow Spanker; especially when one can go to dances in order to practice. Y’ou would certainly be tired if you had to ride with a pack on your back. What was the reason for you having to do so? I, too, like the long summer evenings.—DOT.] ¥ * ¥ Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard II at school, and I am seven years of age. We milk three cows now. I have four sisters and four brothers. One of my sisters is married, and I was flower girl for her wedding. Do you like reading? I do.. I go to school every morning with my sister and brother. There are 25 pupils going to our school, and there are six children in my class. So I will close, with love to you and all the Little Folk. FLUFFY BOBTAIL (Waikaka Valley). [I am pleased to welcome you, Fluffy Bobtail. You sound as if you are a nice, cuddlesome Little Folk. Are your sisters » older than you, and do they pet you?— DOT.] ** * * Dear Dot, —I received a letter from England not so very long ago. It was from a boy who had seen my name in the Otago Witness, and so he wrote. Many thanks to you. Before I joined your page I never received news from anywhere, and now I get it from even places as far away, as France, Australia, England, and Italy. I, like many other people, love receiving tetters. My Blossoming Cherry and I have joined the Girl Guides now, and it is great fun. I was 15 last month,

and although I can remember you saying when I was 14 that I was now leaving childhood behind, yet I do not feel very old as yet, and nearly everyone tells me lam only a kid." Our Bible class association is having a camp at Dunedin for 10 days, and I hope to be able to go. It will be good fun. Our school held a pantomime last week. It was “Little Red Riding Hood,” and was a success. We are holding our sixth birthday party at Guides to-night, and are looking forward to a good time. The weather is so cold that the only thing to do these nights is to go to bed and read. To keep the fires at school and yet to save the wood and coal is a great task, so the school boys take motor tyres to school. These are sawn up and used in place of coal. As there are not enough young people going to our church we have formed a girls’ chib, and we go to the houses of the ladies of the committee in the evenings. We have fortnightly meetings, and each time we go io a different house. It is great fun. Love to you all.

MOONLAND FAIRY (Winton). [You are a stranger. Moonland Fairy, so I am especially glad to hear from you, and to learn that you have the interesting correspondents you describe. So you still feel like a child? That is charming. I hope your camp is a success, and that you will find time to tell me about it. What a good idea to burn old tyres.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I think it is about time I penned a few lines to the page, just to show the Little Folk I have not forgotten the autos. I am going to try and write in ink this time. I did not receive a letter from the Little Folk with whom I wished to correspond, but I hope you will give me a correspondent, as I am eager to know more about letter writing. A CUNNING FOSSAL (Bruce Bay). [Thank , you for the snapshot, A Cunning ‘Fossal. Y’ou appear to be so happy over something in it. I have put in another auto for you, and I am sure some Little Folk will write to you.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I must tell the Little Folk I have not really fallen from this beautiful sky yet. Although I have not written for a long time I have been reading and enjoying the Little Folk’s letter and just thinking, “If only I could meet some of. them some day. I am very sorry, but give them a jolly look and a happy smile, it would be lovely.” I hope to meet some of them some day. I am very sory, but I think I have lost my badge. I am going to have a good look for it, and if I cannot find it I shall buy another. I do not like to be without one now. I can remember pinning it on my tie, and I lost it. I think it was rather careless not to take more care of it, but I hope I shall find if. I hope the Little Folk will wish me good luck. We are having some heavy frosts, and they have killed all my nasturtiums. I really did prize them. We have still our own cabbages, parsnips, potatoes, and celery yet. We are milking only one cow', and her name -is Snowdrop. -She has a beautiful big calf, all white, called Snow. What an interesting letter Merely Mary Ann has written! I wish I could interest the Little Folk as they interest me. As the postage has gone back, I sincerely hope to be able to write more letters to the page. I am not much of a -writer or I would write oftener. A Cunning Fossal did give herself a queer name. There are nearly a dozen people working off the beach next to our bouse, including mother and sister. I often wish I were big and strong like my sister Alice, and could work on the beach, as I think it is like going out for an outing. I am very small, and have a broken arm, and I am not able to carry water with it. I was in the Westland Hospital with it, and the doctors could not set it for me. They were going to break it, but I was not strong enough. SILVER STAR OF HEAVEN (Bruce Bay). [The badge will turn up, I hope, Silver Star of Heaven. Take a candle or a torch and it may glint in the light and give you some clue as to its whereabouts. Perhaps you will grow strong enough to work on the beach some day, and your arm will be well again. You seem to have a good garden.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —What a difference the penny postage made to the page. I was sorry to hear of the death of Daisy Primrose. Her letter will be missed on Old Writers’ Week. We went through the Phoenix factory, from where we returned with one or two stray .sweets in our pockets. We were taken around in parties of 20, and were shown the different machines in action. First we saw the box factory, and they were making a score of different varieties of boxes, and printing labels. Then we saw the biscuit department, which was also very interesting, and last, but not least, we vie’tved the lolly factory. The words help yourself.” strange to say, were not disregarded, as bulging pockets and mouths soon testified. I never knew there were so many varieties of sweets on the market. The big vats of chocolate looked very interesting, but what was better still, was the box of cinnamon bars which was held out to us, from which we were told to take a handful. Was I not thankful that 1 was not in the form which had been round the previous day, the teacher ip charge of whom would not allow the girls to touch anything. As we came out we were each handed a blotter and a stick of chocolate. Of course after that we did. not want to return to school and do lessons. We collected donations of sweets from the girls, and presented our form mistress with a bagful. Love to yourself and all. CAVERSHAM LASS (Dunedin). -

[Those who work in a sweet factory seem to have no desire to eat the sweets, Caversham Lass. I hope you did not make yourselves ill eating the lollies. It was a graceful act to present some of the gifts to your teacher. Lessons seem dull for a while after an outing, but we return, with fresh zest to them when we really enter the class room.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope that you are not thinking I have forgotten you, for that is not the case, but whenever I sat down to write to you there seemed to be something else to be done. It is usually the way. We have just had a new wireless installed—an electric one. Jt is very good indeed. It has eight valves, and brings in

the different stations very clearly. We had a five z valve one before, but this one is much better. We have had Los Angeles and Mexico, besides Japanese, Australian, and many other stations. The election in Australia seemed to be creating a good deal of interest, because when I tuned on to any of the stations broadcasting different political meetingsT heard Ceople cheering and clapping. We have eard Mr Lang and quite a few other men speaking. Have the people of Dunedin got the knitting craze too? We in Gisborne have it pretty badly, I think. Wherever I go there are always people knitting. I have made myself a green jumper in cable stitch, and I am now knitting a cardigan on a basque in blue wool with coloured diamond things let in on the sides. We have been having very cold and frosty mornings and evenings here lately, and one does not feel inclined to jump out of bed, but I am afraid I should soon grow tired lying in, so I jump out of bed. dress as quickly as I can. and run outside, where I have a good skip until I am warm. Love to all. PUNCHINELLO (Gisborne).

[I have put an auto in for you, Punchinello. Yes, people have the knitting craze here too. Many warm jumpers are steadily being finished, but they are needed in this cold weather, so knitting is useful as well as a pleasant hobby. If you have a good wireless set you will be yible to hear some good programmes.

Dear Dot, —We had a little snow. It was 4 1 in deep in the school playground, so you can imagine the fun we had snowballing each other and the teachers. He was too good for us, so we left him alone, and went and wiped the snow off our heads. The other day I rode to Mosgiel, and I went to see my friend, and stayed all the afternoon listening to the big football match in town over the wireless. My friend gave me two pigeons, which I took home in a bag. As I was going home I saw some men working a threshing mill, so I went and watched them for a while, and found it very interesting. I had just gone along the road when I saw a pack of hounds and people riding on horseback. It was the Hunt Club out for the afternoon. I watched them till they were out of sight. I have had a good day. and as it _is nearly time for bed I shall close, with love to your own dear self and all the other Little Folk. BURLY BILLY BUNTER (Whare Flat). [Snow is not pleasant when it begins to melt, Burly Billy Bunter. You should have planned to attack the teacher all at once with your snowballs. You would enjoy listening to the account of the match over the wireless. Do the pigeons like their new home?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Thank you very much for allowing me to join your happy band. I hope you are well. I am learning my lessons every night so that I can pass my examination. My eat is growing big. I have a little garden of my own. One day my brother and I went to the plantation and climbed a big hill. I think we walked about three miles. I was tired when we reached home. Love to all. BOY BLUES BROTHER (Whare Flat). [Does puss sniff the flowers in the garden, Boy Blue's Brother? I know of a pussy which likes to smell the scent of flowers. Did you climb any of the plantation trees? It is a prettv walk to Whare Flat.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —I am studying a good deal lately, and have not found time to write. My correspondents will be thinking I have forgotten them, but I could never do that, as they are such dears, and they always answer my letters. What has happened to Fair Star of Hope? I have not heard from her for a long time, and I really do miss her cheerful letters. We are going to hold a fancy dress dance on July 7, and I shall look forward to writing to you and telling you all about it. My brother has a dear wee pigeon, and he has honoured me very much by calling it after me. Y’ou asked me who the author of “Southland” was? His name is Jim Stroud. I was very sorry when I learnt that Corduroy could not correspond with me, as I enjoyed receiving his letters. I have not been for any rambles for a long time, and I do miss them, as I think there is nothing better than a good walk in the open air. I took a snap of Burly Billy Bunter and Boy Blue’s Brother, which I think is one of the best snaps I have taken. I shall send you one in my next letter. I am waiting for a good fall of snow, as a boy friend is bringing a pair of skis out for us. Best love to you all. BONNIE BESSIE BUNTER (Whare Flat). [I shall look forward to your description of the fancy dress dance, Bonnie Bessie Bunter. I wonder what you will wear? The more fun that has been enjoyed over the making of a fancy dress, the more pleasure one has for the night of the dance. I shall be pleased to see the photograph you took.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —One Saturday while I was sawing wood I heard a chirping quite close to me, and when I looked round I saw a little bird sitting on a piece of wood about a yard away from me. Its back arid head were brown, its breast yellowish-white, and its legs and feet were red. Dad saw it also, and he said it was a New Zealand bush robin, so I ran and took some bread crumbs and gave them to it. The robin ate every one while I was watching it. Every time I whistled it came and fluttered round me, until a cat came and frightened it away. I like birds, do you? I have a big fat lamb, which I call Billy. When 1 first had him given to me he was tame, but now I cannot catch him. for he rune fast, and it is unkind to chase him. We had a snowfall here some, weeks ago, and had great fun pelting the teacher, but we were given our share too. I have not gone for any sledge rides this winter, because I lost my sledge, and dad has not had time to make me a new one. Love to all. THE IRON OUTLAW (Mosgiel). [Yes, I do like “flutterers " as we call the birds, The Iron Outlaw. New Zealand robins are dainty birds, and such friendly little beings.. Puss would have ended that robin’s life if he coSld have.

Billy knows that his four legs will carry him faster than your two legs will carrv you.—DOT.] V- if. Dear _ Dot, —We are milking six cows every night and sixty odd in the morning. Our factory i« going every second morning now. We are feeding two pigs, and they are both white. The winter is advancing very quickly. One of our heifers calved the other day, and had twin calves, but dad killed them both. I had a calf for the calf rearing competition, and I had her in the Summer Show, but I did not win a prize. I call her Ladybird, because she is white with black spots like a ladybird. We have a little baby brother, and we call him Alan. He is eight months old. and is a little “fatty.” He has two teeth at the top and two at the bottom. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. LITTLE JACK HORNER (Grove Bush).

[Do you milk with machines. Little Jack Horner? If not there will be some busy people bn the farm at milking times. Perhaps you will win a prize with a calf next year. Wait until Alan begins to talk, and then you will think he is the most interesting baby in the world.—

Dear Dot, —-It must be over a year since I last wrote to you, but nevertheless I have not forgotten the page. We have had a few frosts lately, but they have not been very hard yet. I was at the Invercargill Show, and enjoyed myself very much. My sister won first prize for her chon mollier chart at the show. We are milking only six cows at night now, and just on sixty in the morning. Our garden has lost nearly all its bloom except the chrysanthemums and the polyanthus, and there are still some poppies too. The wireless is very good. We have been listening to the Maoris sing. I love their singing. I am making a oeret for mj’self. I am knitting it with green wool to match my coat. I was at the last euchre match here, but I did not have any luck in winning the prize. Do you like draughts? I do. It’s a very quiet and interesting game. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and vour own dear self. ROSY MORNING (Grove Bush). [Maori songs have a great appeal, Rosy Morning, and Maori singers usually have sweet voices. _ Congratulate your sister for me. This is the time for chrysanthemums, and the gardens are picturesque in spite of the rains and frosts. Draughts is an interesting and quiet game, but I do not play it very often.—DOT.)

Dear Dot. —It is quite a number of years ago since I last wrote to you, but even though I have neglected the page so, I have been every bit as interested in it as I was then. I have intended to write often, but the longer I left it the more difficult it was to make a beginning. A Sunshine Fairy, who lives quite near to us, wrote to you and asked if my name was still on the roll, as I wanted to write to you again. Y’ou said it was, and that you would welcome a letter from me whenever I chose to write. Thank you very much. I do not deserve to be welcomed back after so many years of silence. I am now long past the Little Folk’s age. as I shall be 25 years of age next September, so this will have to be my retiring letter until Old Writers’ Week, when 1 shall again write to you. Surely I shall be able to make an appearance once a year. I have many correspondents, ss we are a fairly large family, and I also write to some relatives in America and Australia. Occasionally I receive a letter from three or four of my old schoolmates, with whom I like to keep in contact; so you sec my pen is kept busy. Many, many things have happened since I last wrote to the page—things which have brought upon us both joy and sorrow, but I shall not go oyer all that. We lived in Colac township then, but now our home is about three miles distant on a bush farm. Although it is lonely and quiet here I like it ever so much better than Colac, and we do not have such cold winds as they do there. Just now- it seems so lonely and sad. as we lost our dear mother a few months ago, am! her going has left such a gap in our family. We ought to be glad though, for her sake, because for the last 10 years she has suffered much pain, and more especially these past two years, when life to her was just misery. It is sad, however, to have to part with one so dear to us. I miss mother terribly, as I have always been with her ever since I left school. I am now keeping house for my father and brother, so I am kept busy; but I am very thankful for the work sometimes, as it keeps my mind occupied and does not give me much time for thought. Night time is the worst, as I very seldom go out. Occasionally I go to A Sunshine Fairy's home and sometimes they come here. I had my sister from Invercargill during the term holidays. She has four little girls and a wee baby boy, but the eldest one was spending her holiday with her grandma in Dunedin. I have had some of them heie several times, but the smaller ones are more inclined to become homesick. I always miss them when they go back home, as they are so amusing and keep the house alive. I missed them more still this time somehow, but A Sunshine Fairy came and stayed with me that night, as she, too, knows what it is to be lonely. Have you any nieces or nephews? I have 18 altogether, and do you know I am a great-auntie, but I have never seen my great-niece yet. There is always a certain amount of beauty and pleasure to be found in everything if we would only look for it, but it is more difficult for some people to find it than it is for others. Those who are in ill-health, and those who have been fighting against poverty for years must soon become disheartened. There must be many disheartened people in the world to-day, but let us hope that things will be righted soon. I have been playing the piano lately more than I used to. For a while I could not touch it somehow, but I must play or I shall forget all I learned. I love all kinds of music, but I like best to listen to others playing, more especially a man, who I think plays more soulfully—with more expression than a woman. Goodbye until Old Writers’ Week then, and love and best wishes to you and all the Little Folk. BONNIE (Colac Bay). [Good-bye from the page until Old Writers’ Week, Bonnie. You write such an interesting letter that I am sorry to have been forced to cut some of it out. I am deeply sorry to hear of the loss

of your mother, for a house is never the same when such a loved one is taken away. I erhaps some Little Folk -will write to you and cheer you up. I am glad that you have so good a friend in A Sunshine J 1 airy. Keep on with your music, and keep on hoping. Times will soon be better if we al] work towards making them so,, and we shall all profit from them. I possess one nephew, of whom I am extremely proud.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l think I told you that we have Girl Guides, Brownies, and Boy Scouts in Waikouaiti now. Sweet Jenny Lpc and I are in the Girl Guides, and we like *it very much. After we do our work we generally have some games and singing. There was a concert for our three companies on Saturday night in the Town Hall. We were hoping there would be a crowd there, as it would help us to raise some money. We were all in it. including the Brownies and Scouts. I suppose there will be quite a number of your Little I'oik in the Guides and Scouts. We went to Karitane a few Sundays ago to see a girl frtend of. ours who lives there. Karitane is a preTty little seaside town about five miles from Waikouaiti. I rode my little pony and my friend mr bicycle, as she has not one of her own yet, but is hoping to have one soon, and then we shall have a great time going for bicycle rides together. My wee kitten is having a great time with a piece of paper with which it is playing. I have been teaching it to jump, and it can jump quite high, although it is very stubborn if it thinks it is too high for it. Y’our page seems to be growing bigger every week, and the letters are all very interesting. Well. I will close, with love to the Little Folk and yourself. SWEET JENNY’ LEE'S PAL (Waikouait i). [^ es . you told me about your Girl Guide movement. Sweet Jenny Lee’s Pal. and made me pleased to know that you had become a member of so splendid a company. Several of my Little Folk are Guides, Scouts, or Brownies. I hope that your concert was a great success and brought you in plenty of money.—-DOT.] ¥ 4 YDear Dot. —Ylay I join vour band of writers? I have a little blue half-Persian kitten, and I am wondering what to call her. She frisks at anything she sees. One day she climbed a tree, and when she wanted to get down she jumped. We are milking two cows just now. The nights have been very frosty lately, and the trees have lost their leaves. ROBIN HOOD THE RECKLESS (Otekaieke).

[\ou may certainly join, dear, but your name was taken, so I have called you Robin Hood the Reckless instead. Y’our kitten sounds so charming that I feel as if the only name for so dainty a scrap is “Pixie.” Do you think she will like it?—DOT.] ¥ * Dear Dot., —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have been thinking about it for a long, long time. I live in the country. We have two farms, but they are seven miles apart from each other. I go to High School. This is my first year, and I like it. We have great fun too. The girls are companionable there. I have eight miles’ journey in the train every day. and we have great fun in the carriage, and sometimes the train is late, and we miss a good many lessons. I have three brothers. Two are younger than I am. and they are very mischievous. I have no sisters, but I often wish I had. Well, I must close now, with love to vou all. ITALIAN PRINCESS (Mataura). [I suppose you go to the Southland Girls' High School. Italian Princess. I am pleased to welcome you, and hope you will often write and tell me of your doings there. It must be very jolly going to school in the train.—DOT.] ❖ « * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am in Standard 111 at school, and 1 am eight years of age. It is very bad weather just now. We have four horses, and one is lame. Our hens are not laying many eggs. Well, I think I will close, with best wishes to you and the Little Folk. BLACK PANSY’ (Taieri Beach). [Welcome to Black Pansy. Are you not young to be in Standard III? I am sorry that the poor horse is lame, and hope it will soon be well again. When the warm weather comes your hens will lav for you.—DOT.] ¥ -Y- -YDear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am seven years old. and in Standard I at school. I have two sisters and one brother. We are milking 18 cows. I think I will close now. MILKY WAY'S FRIEND (Taieri Beach). [Certainly you may join, Milky Way’s Friend. What games do you and Milky Way play? I wonder if you help to milk the 18 cows.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,- —The weather was very cold recently, and great heavy showers of rain fell, so that we had floods all around us. In fact in some places it was so deep that cars could not drive through it. • On cycling home one night at about 4.45 o’clock I noticed that—the water at a certain spot on the road had risen much higher than it had about 1 o'clock. Of course I thought that if I put on speed from a distance off I would be able to whiz through, and at the same time keep my feet up from the pedals. Everything went well until I reached the middle, the water becoming deeper and deeper at every turn of the wheels. The bicycle slowed down, and here was I just aliout forgetting to use the pedals to pedal my waythrough. Luckily I realised in time that this was no joy ride, _ and managed to cycle out after a few tiring exertions on my part. I came off second best with a pair of wet feet, as the water was up above the pedals. Nevertheless it was better than what might have been if I had fallen off in the middle of-the water. I am not imagining that. Miss Esther James was nt Gore recently. She was met at M‘Nab by the Girl Guides, and they marched to the Gore traffic bridge, where she was welcomed by the Mayor and great crowds of people. She left Gore two days later for Mataura. A large crowd assembled at the Post Office to bid Miss James farewell. She was piped as far as the Hyde street railway crossing by three members of the Gore

Pipe Band. I think she is very plucky to attempt such a long walk. Well, as it is bedtime I shall have to stop, With best of love and good wishes to all.

GOLDEN SUNBEAM (Gore). [I am glad to hear that you managed to make safe progress through the puddle. Golden Sunbeam; for I can see that it would have been a bad moment for you if you had fallen off in the middle. Miss James is certainly a plucky girl. Would you like to walk as far as she is walking?—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—We are into the dark, dreary days of winter onee more. We have had a good deal of rain lately, so the yard and even about the door is very muddy, and as a result we cannot go out without gumboots on. The evenings are Very long now. and a good log fire is the best thing to brighten them up. I think. I came first equal in last term examinations. Another boy and I had 475 marks out of 600. I do not mind going to school, and I think it is just the fashion to say one does not like school. I spent last term holidays with my auntie in Balelutha. and enjoyed myself very much. I met a Dot’s Little Folk while staying there, and also some other friends. I did not go to the Winter Show, but my brother did. We are receiving nine or ten eggs a day from our hens, but I am afraid this cold weather will put the hens off laying. On looking out of the window where I am sitting writing this letter I can see a thrush sitting on the topmost bough of a holly tree singing gaily, although it is raining heavily. My father is talking about not taking the Otago Witness any more, but I hope he continues to take it, as I enjoy reading your page very much. Weil, as I have already taken up enough of your valuable space in your page I will close, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself, BOOFLES (Otago), [ The dark, dreary days of winter are a sign that spring will soon be here, Booties, so do not be too sad about them, ion did splendidly in your examination, and I am proud of you. Yes. 1 am sure that it is only a fashion not to like school, reading about the thrush.— Dear Dot. — It was a very wet week over here recently, and the fog was here for two days. When it lifted all the trees had a coating of white on their leaves. What a pretty sight it was when the sun shone on them. Peter. I’atty, and Mr Pip were very funny in last week's Otago Witness. What mischief they get up to! I saw my auntie's letter in the Otago Witness also, and am glad she has started to write to the page again. I am going tn send her a present for her birthday. Mj' sister was not with us at the picnic. We will take her when the summer comes again. She just loves to go out for a ride in her pram, and when she sees mother putting on her hat she laughs, and claps her hands with glee, well I will elose now, hoping you and all the Little Folk are quite well. PRIMROSE POSY (Brunncrton). [lt would be like a fairy waving her wand when the fog lifted and you saw the trees covered in frost-tinsel. Primrose Posy. No wonder you liked the sight. Your auntie will be glad of your birthday present. What a sweet‘that baby sister of yours must be!—DOT.] * * ♦ Dear Dot. —May I join your band of Little Folk? I am seven years old. and I am in P 4 at school. My brothers and I ride so far to school and walk the rest of the way. We did not go to school one day, as it was raining verv hard and we had very bad colds. I have three brothers and two sisters. One of my brothers has written to yon too. The others are not big enough to write yet. One brother had a birthday a few days ago. He had an iced cake, a pair of stockings, a pair of garters, and a mug. My mother milks two cows. There will be another one in next month. Well, I think this is all for this time, so 1 will close. GOLDEN GLEAM (Otago). [You are welcome. Golden Gleam. Are you a sunbeam which makes everybody happy? You must have fun going to school, even when it is raining. What a delightful birthday it must have been. I suppose that you all had some of the cake.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band? I was six years old on June 11. I received a few gifts—a nice iced cake (mum made it), a pair of garters, a pair of stockings, and a mug with a pretty picture on it. I stay with my granny, and go to school. There are 11 children going to the school I go to. 'Well. I think this is all from a little chap like me this time. Love to all. BILLY LOAF (Otago). [You may certainly join, Billy Loaf, who has chosen so delicious a nom de plume that I feel as if I could eat yon up. What a lucky Little Folk vou were to have such a jolly birthdav! You have written a very good letter for “ a little chap.”—DOT.] ¥ * * Dear Dot, —It is over a year since I have written to the page. 1 am still at the woollen mill, which I like very much. They are very busy just now. " I was in Dunedin for the Winter Show, which I think was very good. The fancy sewing was worth seeing this year. I saw Miss’ James when she was here, and she put her name in my autograph book. We are having real winter weather, with all its rough winds and rain. We had Milk Maid Jean staying with us while she had her top teeth out. Best wishes to yourself and all the Little Folk. FENWICK MAGGIE (Milton). [T am pleased to hear from you again after all this time, Fenwick Maggie, and to learn that you are still enjoying your work. Did you compete in the fancy sewing section at the show? I suppose you will treasure Miss James’s autograph. Milk Maid Jean would’be glad that she could stay with .you.—DOT.] * * Dear Dot, —May I join your hapy band of Little Folk? I have three brothers and two sisters. We live in the country, and have two horses, three cows, two calves, one dog, twelve cats, and a pig. My mother and father both write to the page, but only once a year. I have also two uncles and one aunt who write to you, too. My auntie will be retiring

.^ ie , Little Folk page next month, this i« al] this time.

FRAU KARL DRUSCIIKI (Otago). [Y’ou are welcome, Frau Karl Drusehki. Your nom de plume reminds one of a beautiful rose. Yours seems to be a delightful, f armyard. You arc a lucky Little Folk to have so many Old Writer relatives—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l think it is years since I wrote to the page. I have made several attempts, but somehow have been interrupted. The schools are not settled yet. Some classes of one school are in a church and others in some different place. The men are blasting up the new Technical School, because they combined the lechnicaj and the High. Vv hrn they have finished they are going to build a Jun'or High School on the site. All the children after they have passed Standard IV will go to this school and be taught altogether, v school will learn the same. YVe have a new white bridge near here. I hope no more earthquakes will come to knock it down. We had a big one a while ago, w*hich knocked many chimneys down. Dad was in bed am] the rest of Us were sitting by the front room fire. Me ran to his room calling to him. fhe door was shut and when we did get it open the light went out. Wo got bike lambs ami a piece of candle to see with. Jhe light went on in about two minutes. We thought the chimneys would be down for sure, so Tangle Rate went with the torch to see, but they were up. She wanted to see if anything was broken, so she opened one cupboard and found everything all right. She opened another and a shower of sauce and pickle bottles came tumbling out. She stepped back just in time, for they crash'd to the floor. We did not go back to the fire that night I can tell vou, and we did not get any sleep till three the next morning, because fhe earthquakes were going all n ; ght. Wc had a shake a short time ago. I was outsde. but I heard mum and Tangle Pate get up from their chairs, but they did not need to run. as it was not big enough. A while ago there was a big flood here, and we were not able to go along the road until about a month later. The break was about three chains wide and five feet deep. My friend and I went up one day, and iin old punt was there, so we got inside it and measured lhe depth with a long pole. It was over rny head and I am five feet high. One day we went along the road the silt was up' to the top of the fences. Some dead animals were lying against the fences, and in one place the road was blocked, and the traffic had to go through a paddock. The break is being filled in now. and one can walk across. I am still at home, as there is no work about, ft is not so bad for me, as I am only 15, and the times might be better in a few years’ time. We have a few table games for the winter evenings, and the other night rnv father and I were playing table tennis when all of a sudden the ball shot into the fire. and before we had time to get it out it b.«l blazed up and burnt. We did not have another, so we were settled for the evening. I will close now, with love to all. TEA FOR TWO (Napier). [lt seems as if those shakes in your town were destined to become a nuisance, lea for Two. Let us pray they will not develop into anything worse, for you have all had enough trouble without more earthquakes. The flood you described seems to have been a verv bad one What a pity that you lost the ball.—DOT.] *' ¥ Dear Dot, A recent Sunday was a festive one which will remain 'with me for long years to come. It was the Methodist Bible class rally day. On Saturday the combined Bible classes held a social, at which I had the time of my life. On Sunday morning there was a service taken by' the Bible classes. In the afternoon a meeting was attended the speaker being the Rev. Garfield Todd, of the Church of Christ, who pave a interesting adress to an appreciative audience. When that was finished everyone went for a walk to the Gardens, and came back to find tea al! laid readv in an adjoining hall. What a repast for a king! Everyone was so happv and merry and smiling faces greeted one which ever way’ one looked. After the tea dishes had been washed and put away fl being a dryer) a sing-song was called for, and everyone gave the number of his or her favourite hymn, which was sung with great gusto. That space of time went too quickly for all. judging by the ouinions passed afterwards. Then we ail trooped into church into the choir seats, for we were the choir that night, and gave special anthems to the delight of the congregation. That is a day' long to live in mv memory and cherish as’one of the happiest times I have spent yet. Kindest regards to you and all the Little Folk.

TIM'S BROTHER (Oamaru). [A very memorable week-end. Tim’s brother! How jolly’ you all seem to have been, singing and eating and plaving games! I do not wonder that you had so enjoyable a time. It is occasions such as that that live in one's memory for many years after they have actuallv taken place.—DOT.] Dear Dot, —Please may I join rour happy band of Little Folk? I am 14 yearaof age to-day, and am in Standard VI at school. We have a loan of the Otago ” 'tnessi from a friend, and I always read the Little Folk s letters. I know a number ot Little Folk, but they have not written for a long time. YVe have two miles to aIK to school, so we have to get up early on these frosty mornings. At school we are learning to play basket ball, and 1 think it is a splendid game. Did vou ever play basket ball? I have one brother and one sister—both younger than myself. \ve have a little kitten, and he does such funny antics that he makes us laugh. He - is as fat as a roly-poly. My mother used to write to your page, but has not written tv 2 ?, y , eare ' Her name Wenna. I shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk. WENNA’S DAUGHTER (South Otago). [Of course you may join, Wenna’s A, a , ?. r ' , delighted to have an Old Writer s child as a Little Folk. Walking two miles to school must make you warm and cosy on cold mornings. No, I basket ball was not in vogue when I was at school. What a pet that roly-poly ■ kitten must be.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—l am thankful to be able to send a few lines to you. I hope you are still well, and have not become a victim to the influenza germ or any other I am glad I have not. The ? ear J| c ' n t ,riu es to pass quickly away, and Tuesday half of the year had gone. What kind of weather are yon experiencing.' YVe are having proper winter with plenty , T!, j n and extremely cold winds. *J e . had hail one day. Recently at the Majestic Theatre there was a special se'B on on for the children. It was Mickey the Mouses second birthday, and he hail an enormous big eake (iced), and every child who attended received a piece of cake and a toy, and as you may well imagine the trams and streets were filled with cni’dren, I had too many other tilings to do than to attend. I think there were more children than cake. I am very busy now. what with school work an<> music and odd jobs. J have to do two hours’ practice every day, as J am e r >inz tor my senior examination this year. It is T t fft niee getting up these mornings, as the keys are too cold, ami also fhe room, Jet alone my hands. I will close again with Jots of Jove.

INFLUENCE'S V’ICTORY’ (’Wanganui).' jl arn very well, thank you. Influence’s A ictory, and glad to hear that you are nkewiFe, Our weather is cold, but otherw l3e pot unpleasant. What a party Micky the Mouse had! I do not expect that any ofner rnou.-e has ever entertained so many on his birthday. Good hick in your examination and practice.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —After a silence of six months I write to the pave a«ain This is my last as a Little Folk, because on .. unday 1 joined the ranks of Oid Writers. l/-^ o r r,ot If " ?i ar,y oWer than f was at 10. It is always best to be only as old as one feels, not as old as one is. Through the page I have spent some interestin" f ' T Folk, and although I nave been by no means a regular writer my interest has never waned. Jr, February this year 1 had the pleasure of spending a week-end at Captain Jackson Barry's Daughter's and LlacK Watch s quaint little cottage in those quiet hills of theirs. On corning bacrt again to Oamaru i had a severe illness, and these last two months have oeen staying at a back-country sheen station, we are absolutely in the backbiocKS. and receive letters and papers only once a week. The climate in these parts is very brae.ng and healthy. A frost resembles a Jail of snow. Riding horses is our chief form of pleasure. YVhen the moon was lull six of ns ail decided to go riding and muster some cattle, away three rnih-e in th" hills in a back paddock ot tne station. YVe arrived without incident, and were getting on splendidly, when one young bullock turned and chaser! th" pony J was riding. What a hectic chase it proved to be! Honestly I was rnghtened almost to death, and cannot think e.ear.y now I managed to des<" nd t.ie roexy gorge and ford the river. The ofner members of the party were poweriess to help, and just had to hope I should be a,, rignt. YY e called a halt at the huts am] boiled the billy, and hail a moonlio’bt supper. We arrived at the yards at 12 o clock with the cattle safe enough but minus two that had broken tlmir m-cks at a very bad face in the .gorge. Depression still continues, I suppose but ready one forgets the rest of the world nack here. I have not ?*een a different face lor srx weeks. Fortunately we have a wireless to listen to. and billiards or card playing are qnr favourite pastimes for these long evenings. What marvellous mg fires we have, (.'oal is an unknown .actor away back here, and ele-tricity is hvc miles away, l>est wishes and regards to the page, which I leave with regret, hut I promise faithfully to"do mv duty as an Old Writer. Good-bye, Dot and Little Folk, until Christmas. COREOPSIS (Tapanui). [I am sorry to lose you. Coreopsis, but ~lad to know that you intend to write tor Oid Writers’ YY’eek. Y’es, one is as old a« one feels, so if one would remain y°'ing one must feel young. I am delighted to hear of your happv life on the station, ami am sure that you will grow strong ami healthy in such an environment. Yvhat a mercy you were notr-hurt when the oullock charged you.— DOT.] *

. Dear Dot< —The mountains are lovely just now with the glistening snow on tnem. In the early morning and in the evening I love to stand and watch the different colours made by the rising and setting sun. A few weeks ago I went for a short holiday to North Otago, and as I went into the country I had to travel by a slow train. This one wag particularly slow._ and I had plenty of time to take in the ueauty of the country round about. It was evening, and as the train puffed its way round the hills I watched the sun setting. It was a beautiful picture, which I shall never forget, and as the dusk came on all the living creatures of the country seemed hushed to sleep, while the great “ iron horse ” went puff, puffing into the darknese. I arrived home from my holiday o n June 3. just in time for our Bible class rally. It was a beautiful ending to a very happy week. In mv last letter I was telling you that ray amb’tion was to get a Band of Hope inaugurated in our district. By the help of several good friends one has been termed, and so far the meetings have been a great success. I love to'see the children giving their little items, and. although I have to spend a good deal of time writing out pieces of poetry and dialognes for them, I feel that it is really worth while. I am a busy person lately, with one thing and another, but I would rather have too much to do than too little. I had a very interesting letter from Mount Egmont Princess, and I feel sure that we shall become quite good friends. As I am hoping to get a trip to the North Island at the end of the year I might have an opportunity of meeting her. YY’ell. as the clock chimes afternoon-tea time I must draw this to a close, with kind regards. THE GIPSY GIRL (Gleniti). [I should have liked to see the mountains that day. The Gipsy Girl. Mountains are beautiful at any time, but when the sun colours them they are more beautiful than ever. Congratulations on having formed your Band of Hope. Y’es. time spent in that sort of work is well spent.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot, —I have left school for two and a-half years now. Although I would not like to go back to the primary school now I would like to go back to

the Technical College. I went down to their annual exhibition, and there was some wonderful work exhibited. Are you fond of reading? I have just finished a book entitled “The Highway of Fate.” written by R. N. Carey. I think it is about the best one that I have read by that author. Although it is such a long time since I have written I have always read the Little Folk’s letters. I think that A Brown Study writes a very interesting letter. She seems to have had a very enjoyable time while she was on holiday. YVe have been having very rough weather this last day or two. There has been a fairly big flood. One night the water was all around our house, but next morning when we got out of bed it had gone down a considerable amount. Every , Wednesday we have basket ball matches ■ in Winton, and there are some very good games played too. One Wednesday there is to be a match between the two leading teams, so I am looking forward to going to see it. Well, I am afraid I wilF have to close, hoping that you and all the Little Folk are in the best of health. PETALS OF A ROSE (Winton). [Y’ou are a stranger, Petals of a Rose, but I am pleased to hear from you again. It is a pity you had to leave school so early, but one_ cannot be a scholar all one s days. Y es. I like reading very much, but I have not read any books by the author you mention. I am glad that the flood did not do too much harm.— DOT.} * * * ’ Dear Dot, —On Saturday, June 18, we Guides celebrated our first birthday. It was very muddy, but needless to say we had a very enjoyable and happy day. There were three carloads from Dunedin. and a bus was clrartered by the Highcliff Company, amongst which were one or two Macanarew Bay Guides. The commissioner and captains of the Dunedin companies, also one or two of the executive committee, were amongst those who came from Dunedin. These folk left their own work to attend, and Miss Barron • said had she asked all Dunedin captains not one would have refused. The programme consisted of one or two songs and recitations, and the ever popular Maori item, the poi, was followed by afternoon tea and the cutting of the cakes. We had two—one for the Guides and one for the Brownies. Both the cakes were made by our captain—we Guides contributing the necessary materials. The cakes were cut by Miss Barron. This part of the ceremony being completed six of the Guides were presented with service stars. To gain this distinction each one had to have a 75 per cent, average attendance. My patrol, the Kowhai, won the cup for most points in general work. Best of luck to tne page, and heaps of good wishes to the readers of the Little Folk’s letters. TE MAHANA (Otago). [I wish I had been at your party, Te Mahana, for it sounds delightful from

all you tell me, and must have been a most successful one. And how delicious the birthday Cake was! It was kind of you to send me a piece of such an important item at the party. Congratulations to your Kowhai patrol. DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is months sin-e last I penned you a few lines, but I have not forgotten you and the page. I have not seen many of the Lowburn members’ names in Dot’s Little Folk’s page, so I thought I would drop you a line. Jlv birthday is now past (on June 181. and I am 13 years old. We play basket ball at school, but we have not a team yet. However, we hope to have one. I have been knitting a scarf at school for my brother. We have our two little nephews staying with -us. and they are such darlings. The things they come out with at times make us laugh. One is two : and the other is four. I had a lovclv I flower garden, but now the flowers are i al) dead. I go to Bible class on Thurs- | day nights, and enjoy it very mac!). As news is scarce I will close.’ with heaps of, love to you and the Little Folk. JUBE JUBE (Lowburn). [lt was thoughtful of you to write to me because you saw that no members from your district had been sending letters, Jube Tube. I hope you soon have a basket ball team, and then you will be able to play against other teams. I should like to see your jolly little nephews. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —At last I am writing to you. In the holidays my brother and 1 went for many walks up one of our hills. I like walking. Do you? I go to basket ball on Saturday afternoons. I saw in the paper that the Otago Witness is going to be stopped, but 1 hope it will soon be printed again. I always enjoy reading the letters from the Little Folk. We had some beautiful chrysanthemums and stock out this year. We have been having beautiful sunny days lately. Dad has his wheat in now, and will be starting to prepare the ground for oats. At school we play rounders, and I enjoy the games. We have some very pretty marigolds out in flower in the school gardens. They make a bright show at this time of the year when there are not many other flowers out. It is time I was away to bed, so I must close now, with love to you and the Little Folk. OLIVENA (Otago). [I am very fond of walking, Olivena, especially when my destination is to the top of some hill. -While you are playing basket ball I am generally out for a walk. Yes, the Otago Witness is ceasing, but the Little Folk’s page will continue in the Otago Daily Times, so you will be able to write to me there.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —You know I really ought to be ashamed to write you these few lines to-night, but of course it is better late

than never. Our motto docs not concern me you will be saying, but never mind. You have not been getting much news about poor old Lowborn, so I must try to tell you a little. Hockey is all the rage now. We have no team here, and 1 do not think there there will be one cither. There is always a dance after a football match here on Saturday night, so it is not so bad to have a little bit of amusement, for I believe that is all there is here. I generally look forward to a Thursday night when Bible class comes. Pretty Little Dear and I walk down together (two and a-half miles). About 15 to 20 come altogether. I do not think rabbiting will be much of a success this winter, seeing skins are so low in price. They would hardly make a fortune. I have two lovely French skins that I was going to get tanned. Recently the auroral lights could be seen reflecting across the sky.- They were so pretty to watch at night. Well, I must draw this to a close, hoping to write more next time. LINING OF SILVER (Lowburn).

fit is a pity that you cannot make a hockey team. Lining of Silver, and play against some of the other centres. Why do yon not try to do so? The long walk to Bible class will make you warm and give you comfortable feet for the evening’s session. Auroral lights are very beautiful. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—As lam doing nothing just now I think I shall drop you a line. Ena is painting, and I am going in for a painting competit’on. Yellow Kingcup lent me three books, the names of which were “Happy Hours.” “Warne's Happy Book.” atid “Chatterbox.” Have you read any of them? My birthday presents were a string of beads, a pair of gumboots, a pair of slippers, a raincoat, a book, a cup and saucer, and a cake. I wrote to my grandad, and Ena wrote too. Although she is only three she can print every well, and she printed a page. As it is bed time I will close, with love to you and all the Little Folk. GALLIPOLI'S NIECE (Tokanui).

[I hope that you win the painting competition, Gallipoli’s Niece. If you do. what will be the first prize? I have read “ Chatterbox,” but not the other books you mention. What sensible birthday presents you received! Ena must be a clever little girl.—DOT.]

Dear Dot. —.Please ma.v I join your band of Little Folk? 1 have read many letters in your page, and have now decided to write to yon if I may. I was 13 on March 31. We are milking four cows night and morning. I have seven sisters and two brothers. I am in Standard V at school. I go to the same school as Yellow Kingcup and her two brothers. There is a lighthouse about 10 miles away from us. and I went out to sec it one Labour Day. A year ago my sister and 1 rode through to ATaclennan to see our married sister, who lives about 45 miles from our place. Well, as this is my first letter I will elose, with love to all the Little Folk ami yourself. TOM TIT (Tokanui). [You are welcome, Tom Tit. Are you as bright and dainty as your namesake? Your birthday is too late to be mentioned now, but I shall wish you “ many happy returns of the day” next year. It would be interesting at the lighthouse. I expect. "Will you tell me about it?—DOT.] * sfs Dear Dot, —We were returning from a hockey match in the town by a veryslow train, which is usually fairly wearisome, but on this particular occasion the time passed, much too rapidly, for I enjoyed the most beautiful sunset it has been my lot to witness. On our looking out of the carriage window the prospect that lay before us was wide and far reaching—a foreground of homsteads and trees, which in silhouette appeared to resemble tiny ferns; smiling gulleys and hills scattered here and there with sheep. The hills were a bluey-grey. and it was one of those occasions when they’ look so near and distinct. The sun had just set in a splash of splendour.' All the colours of the rainbow fought for supremacy in a brilliant tinted sky that blazed above the hills. Every shade of orange and red must surely have been represented. Further away the sky was a tender blue shading to the softest gold, and some little clouds were floating across the horizon like a flock of pink feathered birds. Away to' the west great billows of majestic white clouds tinged with pink raised themselves in fantastic shapes —wonderful domes and castles sot in a sea ot blue and gold. Soon dusk would slip down and tone the hues to a softer harmony, but until then I leaned back comfortably and absorbed the beauty of it all. reached our destination velvet night had fallen, and everywhere was transformed. Over the distant hills had settled a smoke blue film, which left them vague and indefinite. A friend informed me later that brilliant sunsets somewhat similar to this were noticed for about a week, and were the result of some volcanic eruptions in Chile. Incidentally, I did not know of this piece of information before. Kind regards to the Little- Folk and yourself. GORDON (Herbert). [Thank you for your description. Gordon. I enjoyed it very much, and should have liked to see the scene itself when it was so rich and colourful. If one had nothing but the sky to look at one would have an ever-varying picture to satisfy one’s gaze, for the skv is always beautiful.—DOT.] " .

Dear Dot, —I have been spending a fortnight' in Timaru lately, and enjoved it immensely. I love Timaru as a holiday resort, but do not think 1 should enjoy living there always, as I am really not at all keen on town life. I love the country with its space and freedom. It seems so cramped in town. I went to see the talkie, “Ben Hur.” It was absolutely wonderful, especially the chariot race. It must have been a tremendous task to produce it, and it is surely the most wonderful picture ever screened. Of course it was very sad in parts, and the scenes of Ben Hur in the galleys made me shed tears—it seemed so real. I had seen it as a silent picture, and also have the book “ Ben Hur,” so I am fairly well acquainted with the subject. Have you ever read the book or seen the talkie “Dr Jekyll and Mr ITyde.” by R. L. Stevenson? I rend the book just the other day and found it a most inter-

eating and fascinating story. R. L. Stevenson must have been a wonderful man to have achieved such an outstanding success in the midst of such physical suffering as he endured, and I enjoy all hi.M works. He writes on such a variety of subjects, too. One certainly cannot say of him, as of some authors, that there is a sameness about his books. His books are always fresh and unexpected somehow. Well, yon will not be able to squeeze my letter in if I write too much, so I shall cease. Best of luck.

ROSS GLYNN (South Canterbury). [I do not wonder that you prefer the country to the town. Ross Glynn, for there is no comparison between the two, to my way of thinking. I wish I could live in the country always. 1 saw “ Ben Hur ” as a silent picture, but not as a talkie. Yes, 1 have read “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.” I did not, however, sec the picture about it. 1 agree with you about R. L. Stevenson's writings.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—lt is with great regret that I read in the paper that the Otago Witness is not to be published after the end of this month. It is just on two years since I last wrote to you. and really I am utterly ashamed of myself. I do hope you will forgive me. 1 will rue it forever now for not writing more often. What will we do without the page? I am sure I shall be quite lost, as I have taken a great interest in it, even although 1 have not- written. I am secretly hoping it is a rumour, but 1 suppose there is no such luck. 1 have been to several dances lately, and have enjoyed them all. 1 have a few in view ahead of me, so I hope no obstacle places itself in front of me and stops me from going to them. .Mother and I joined the St. Andrew’s Women s Institute last year, and we find it very interesting. The birthday party of the Women’s Institute was held on June 9, and was a very successful function. The Otipua Institute held their birthday party on June 1. We attended it. and enjoyed it very much. People came from miles around, and the hail was crowded. My youngest sister was live in April. but she is unable to go to school for another year yet. Mother has a very bad leg at present, so I have a friend helping me. as mother has to rest. I am at present trying to crochet an edging round a table centre, and as it is the first time I have done any crocheting I am not getting on too well with it. 1 am also working flowers on a supper cloth. \\ ell, space will be very precious, so I will .close, with the hope that you will be able to squeeze this letter in a little corner. I hope this will not be the last time I will write to the page. Best of luck for the future. DOLLY’S FRIEND (Lyalldale). [Thank you for your kindly concern. Dolly’s Friend. It is, unfortunately, true that the Otago Witness is ceasing publication, but the Little Folk’s page will appear in the Otago Daily Times every week, so you will be able to write to me there. I am glad that you have joined the Womens Institute, which is a good organisation. I hope your mother will be better soon.- DOT.] ¥ g: Dear Dot.—l have been anything but a regular writer, but I enjoyed reading the page very much, some of the noms de plume being very familiar. Whatever has hapened to the Otago Witness that it is stopped being published? I wish now that 1 had written oftener. Is there any chance of its being published again? Mum told us that her father used to get the Otago Witness when she was a little girl at school. What has happened to Crossword Puzzle Craze of late. I have not seen any letter from her for some time now, So she must have grown lazy. We have had some very heavy rain recently. some parts of the roads being impassable. A friend of ours told us that at the place where he was working they were shifting sheep to higher ground, and the water was so high that he had to change from the pony to a higher hack, and in the shallowest places it was running into the men’s waders. It was not so dee]) where we live. The shortest day is passed now. so we shall soon be having long, sunny days to work in the garden and do other things we cannot do in the winter time. I do not like getting out of bed to light the fire on a frosty morning. I would far sooner light the fire when it is raining than when it is frosty. I shall close now, hoping that before long we shall be seeing the blue-covered paper again. Kindest regards to you all. NATI’NA (Southland). [lt was kind of you to write so well of the Otago AA itness, Natuna, and I appreciate your words. But there is no need for you to regret not having written more, for the Little Folk page is to be printed in the Otago Daily Times, and you will be able to write to me there. It must have been difficult for the, men to work the sheep in that flood. Frosty mornings certainly make rising seem difficult. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—AA’e received a notice today to say that they were not publishing the Otago Witness after June 30. and we do not know whatever we shall do without it. It has been coming into this house long before A was born. Have you been having any rain? We have been having our share. A few days ago the rivers and erwks about here were all out, and the water was running over the roads. After our brother had been round everything he told us that it was the biggest flood he had airer seen in the creek that goes through our place, so, of course, we went over to see it. One of my sisters had knee gumboots and the other had small lace gumboots. I had on leather boots. I could not go as close in as they, but I think I had more fun. The one with the knee gumboots could walk through quite easily, but it was great fun to watch the other one. She would stand and look at the water, and then let out a squeal and run through. In one place it was too deep for her, so my other sister said, “ I’ll carry you through.”, I laughed till I cried watching them. When we were going home we saw a lorry coming along the road. It was near a place where the water was rushing across the road, and as it went through the water splashed so high that we could not . see the lorry. I do not suppose we shall see any more of your page, because we shall not be getting the other paper. Well. I had better close, with kind regards to all and yourself.

NATUNA’S MATE (Southland).

[We have had very little rain, Natuna’s Mate, and certainly none such as you had in Southland. Your description of the flood made rue laugh delightedly, and I could well imagine how comical your sisters looked. Could you not arrange to receive the paper with the Little Folk’s page in on Mondays?—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l reached my majority nearly two months ago, and am sad to say this is my last letter to the page. I have, always enjoyed reading the Litfie Folk's letters, although I know I was rather lazy myself as regards writing to the page. We are “enjoying” our winter weather, but now that the shortest day has passed we shall begin to notice a tiny difference each day. Of course, like everyone else, I am stricken with the knitting craze. I began a cushion in tangerine and black some time ago, and ran out of wool, and to make matters worse I cannot get it matched. At present I am knitting a scarf, so perhaps something of the kind will happen to that. Still, I shall not cross my bridges until I come to them. I have just finished reading “The Great Splendour." bv Gertrude I’age. Have you read it? Others I have read lately are “Nemesis,” by “ Once Aboard the Lugger,” ami lhe City of Palms.” The last-named was a delightful book. It was thrilling in parts, and also very sad. I must confess that I turned to the back of the book more than once to see how things were progressing. Well, as I have a number of letters to answer. I think I will draw this to a close. I wish all the Little Folk and yourself the best of luck in all things. MAUREEN (Waimate). [I am sorry to lose you, Maureen, and hope you will enjoy being 21, and will write to nm for Ohl Writers’ Week. I shall look forward to hearing from yo l then. I have not read any of those books, although I have heard of “ Once Aboard the Lugger. ' [ wish you good luck in your knitting.— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —It was with much regret that I learned that the Otago Witness was to be stopped, and that I should not be able to write to you again. I have been in bed with tonsilitis, so I am not able to tell you much news. Alum and dad went to, Dunedin for a day in “ Come to Dunedin Week, and saw the processions ami the shops. Prince saw another dog outside the gate the other day. and he was so eager to get to him that he pulled me down the steps with him, and it was not very nice. I must close now. with best wishes to all the Little Fo'k and your own dear self.

AA HITE STONE (Oamaru). [lt is sad about the Otago Witness. AAhitc Stone, but yon will still be able to write to me, because our page is to appear in the Otago Dailv Times. I am sorry to hear that you' have been ill. and hope you are better now. Prince must be a strong dog.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am in Standard IV at school. It is not very nice getting out of bed these cold mornings, so I linger as long as possible. I am knitting a scarf at school; it is blue and fawn. I have just finished reading a book called “No Mans Island,’’ and now I am reading "Greenwood Tales.” The other night our tabby cat was caught in a rabbit trap, but she was not in long before we heard her and let her out. ' Our violets ire nearly out in flower. One night A Lining of Silver and her sister came down to our place, and we had a game of hide-and-seek in the moonlight. I have chilblains on my feet, and they are sore when I am walking to school in the mornings. About a week ago we had a voting hedgehog here, and when we brought it into the warm kitchen it unrolled itself and started walking round the floor. Our cat followed it. but did not touch it. It did not roll itself into a ball when we picked it up. Aly brother Jumbo Jim is engaged to be married. As it is bedtime I shall close, with kindest regards to all. MISS AMY JOHNSON (Lowburn Ferry). [r think we all enjoy bed on a dark, cold morning. Miss Amy Johnson, and like to be there as long as we are able. What a pity about your puss! Was site badly hurt? Chilblains are very painful. and need to be looked after. The hedgehog must have been a darling one. Congratulate Jumbo Jim for me.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot. —It is a long time since I last wrote to your page. I am in Standard II at school now. We have two ladv teachers, and one is leaving, so we are going to have another lady teacher. It is very cold getting out of bed these mornings. We have three cats, and if my brother hurts one it jumps up and bite’s his ears, so he leaves them alone. I am hemming a tea towel at school ami knitting a pair of slippers* at home. I will close now. with kindest regards to all. FAIRY OF THE FLOWERS (Lowburn Ferry). [Do you like your teachers. Fairy of the Flowers? I hope so. because it makes a great difference to one’s progress at school if one’s teachers are kind and helpful. The puss evidently wants to teach your brother that he must be kind to animals. What colour are the slippers? —DOT.] 1

Dear Dot. —A Lining of Silver and her sister are writing to you. The three of us walk to the Bible class together. It is moonlight and frosty, but one soon becomes warm walking. Aly favourite hobbies are knitting, fancywork, and reading, of which I do a great deal. What a good muster of Old Writers you had this year! I have a brother and a married sister who are Old Writers, but I did not see their letters in the Otago Witness in Old Writers’ Week. One day I went up to Lindis Crossing to see my sister. AA’e left here alxiut 10 o’clock, and arrived there about 11 o'clock. We went in the mail bus. so we had to deliver mail all the way along the road. When we reached there we saw my sister and Mayblossom's mother and sister, but I did not see her, because she was away to school, but I am going to see her in July, when they have their holidays, Aly little brother has chilblains on his feet, and two are broken. Our hens are not laying, and we miss the eggs very much. Our daffodils o’-e out of the ground about an inch. They are in a warm, sunny, damp spot,

and arc generally out first. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. PRE UY LITTLE DEAR (Lowburn Ferry). U always like a brisk walk on a moonlit night, Pretty' Little Dear, especially when it is cold and frostv. Yes. I had a splendid rally of Old Writers this year. I hope you will tell me about Mayblossom when you sec her in holiday time. You are fortunate in having daffodils up .•/> early.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —It i fi a long time since I JT rO «r. to • vo "’ but wh . en 1 heard that tlie \\ itness was not going to appear any more after this month I thought I would like to wee one more of my letters in print. I only hope it reaches you in time, as it is a bit late already. Winter is here, and the shortest day is past. It seems no time since the longest fifty. The trees look so bare and Io rely without any leaves. I do not stippooe however, that they will be long like that. Thev will soon be green and beautiful. I like to see trees on the horizon when the sky is a pretty bright blue. One can see every little twig and branch, which, I think, adds to the’r beauty'. I am sure I . (Jo not know what the Little Folk will do when they have no Dot’s page to read. Some of the letters are very interesting. I shall clos-z now, with love to the Little Folk and to yourself. KATHERINU (Otago).

_ [lt is pleasant to hear from you again, Katherino, even though you do write under false impressions—I mean the Little Folks page is not to cease publication. but will appear in the Otago Daily limes. You are right when you say that trees on a horizon are worth seeing. I hope you will write again soon.—DOT.] OLD WRITERS’ NOTES. Ivanhoe (Air M. 11. Ramsay, 114 Earn street. Invercargill) is endeavouring to compile a register of past and present Old Writers in connection with the jubilee in 1930. He would be pleased to hear from those willing to supply names, addresses, and noms de plume, and, where possible, year of first writing to Dot. Acknowledgments will be made periodically in this column. ¥ ¥ ¥ Lavinia.- —I hank yon very much for your letter. I must go and look at that garden for myself, seeing that it is so charming. How fond of flowers you seem to be! It was good of vou to write like that.—DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ Till AA’e Aleet Again.— Thank you for the words of the song. I have posted them to Brown Star, who will. I arn sure, be delighted with them.—DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ Royal Fern.—The last address I have of Sweet Marie is Conical Hills. Would you like me to insert an auto for you?— DOT. OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following T.ittle Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week:— Robin Hood the Reckless (Otekaieke). Italian Princess (ATataura). Black Pansy (Taieri Beach I. Milky AVuy’s Friend (Taieri Beach). Gohlen Gleam (Otago). Billy Loaf (Otago). Frau Karl Druschki (Otago). Wenna’s Daughter (South Otago). Tom Tit' (Tokanui). Fluffy Bobtail (Waikaka A’alley). MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — Aloonland Fairy, who was 15 last month. Our June Rose. - who was 10 this month. Billy Loaf, who was six on June 11. .lube Jubc, who was 13 on June 18. Buttercup Fay. who is 11 to-day. AA’enna’s Daughter, who is 14 to-day. 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. ¥ ¥ ¥ Fenwick Alaggie (Agnes Cockburn. Union street. Alilton) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk over the age of 18. Sunny Ducrow (Gwenda A’iney. “ Hazelwood.” 123 Cargill street. Dunedin) wishes to know if any Old Writers about 21 would care to write to her. & Little Jack Horner (Jack Warden. Grove Bush) would like any Little Folk from 12 to 14 to correspond with him. ¥ ¥ ¥ lolanthe (Rena L. Kaier, “Hazelwood.” Cargill street. Dunedin) would like a few correspondents over 18 who are interested in opera and educational topics. •A *l* V Booties (Hazel Ramsay, Awamangu, Balclutha) would like to correspond with Queen of the Road, and also wishes Purple Pansy’s Alate to write to her again. ¥ ¥ ¥ Alousie (Olive Kaier. “Hazelwood,” 123 Cargill street. Dunedin) would like some pen-friends Iff to 18 years of age. * ❖ * Tim’s Brother (Edmund Howell, 91 Reed street, Oamaru) wishes to write to True Blue. Rocky. Alountain. Quaker Literary Scholar, and Dot’s Musical Boy. Jube Jube (D. Turner, Lowburn Ferry) wishes to have Alayblossom and ’Possum Up a Gum Tree for correspondents, and will answer all letters promptly. ¥ ¥ ¥ Cow Spanker (Rosa Finlayson, Herbert) would like to correspond with Red Alask. ¥ ¥ ¥ Caversham Lass (AVinnie Lyon, 401 South road. Caversham) wishes to correspond with Red Alask. Alagpie Bird, A Dark-eyed Lass, Rufus Rowan, Sceptre, Flower Child, Golden Sunbeam, and Te Aorangi Girl, also any other Little Folk over 13 years of age. * * * Wellingtonian (H Leon. 280 Oriental parade, Wellington) wishes to have a

list of pen-friends, boys and girl* between the age« of 15 and 18 years.

AVhite Stone (Ernest Reid, 25 Stour street, Oamaru) would like to corre* poml with Dots Alusical Boy, Ginger Mick the Carpenter, and any other Little Folk in New Zealand and overseas between the ages of 12 and 13.