Dot' Little Folk

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22985, 14 September 1936, Page 15

Dot' Little Folk

- JL n" InamOuretted Julii 16,1886,

u by the OTAGO WITNESS

DOT Invites short letters from her young friends throughout the Dominion on matters of Interest to themselves. Letters are to be written under a nora de plu&e, which, once chosen, cannot be changed by the writer. New members must enclose their name and address. These will not be published, and are for registration purposes only. Little Folk should write on one aide of the paper only, and In Ink, and should address their letters, " Dot, care of Editor, Otago Dally Times.” Dot's Little Folk’s Badge, with pin, for use as a brooch, la obtainable on application to Dot. Price 2s 6d. In stamps or postal noise.

THE WEEK’S POEM This poem deals with spring In America, not with knighthood, children, but It Is worth reading, because of the fact that, even in the thirteenth century, people were noticing things like this at spring time. DOT. IDAHO SPRING Sagebrush heavy in the spring With raindrops. Here Long-eared rabbits loping, cling To worn paths. Fear Hastens padded feet. A swift Glides smoothly through wet lava ash. Herons trailing slender feet drift Through the sky. A clash. A scream. A coyote grey And lean: gaunt, skilfully Pounces. He dissects his prey And on he skulks. Wilfully ■Round porous rocks Striped chipmunks peer. A mud hen mocks— Aye, spring Is here! —Mildred Holman Melton.

THROUGH THE CENTURIES We are commencing a new series to-day, my Little Folk, dealing with England in the Middle Ages, when chivalry was the great aim of everyone. Perhaps you could find for your scrap book this week a picture of a Crusader, or a pilgrim going to the Holy Land, which the Crusaders defended against the attacks of the unbelievers. I think these notes about chivalry will Interest you very much. _ __ i DOT. *. * ♦ XI.—THE MEDIEVAL BOY I live In the age of chivalry, and am a page who one day will be a knight. It is all very Interesting, and makes this thirteenth century different from others that have come before it, and others still that will follow it. I have found out about it all from my mistress, who is as sweet and gracious a lady as ever sat In a bower and embroidered bright figures on tapestry. Let me tell you what she has tola me. In the .middle of the twelfth century the word “ knight ” and the French word " chevalier ” began to mean the same thing. The word for horse in French Is cheval,” and a chevalier Is a rider. In England*, a knight—one who lives in a castle and Is rich enough to own horses and ride them—ls the same as a chevalier. So the terms "knighthood’ and “chivalry” ("chivalry" coming from " chevalier ”) began to be the same also. But " knight ” as a word actually means more than a horseman or rider. It comes from the Anglo-Saxon word , cnlht, which means a servant, so a knight very properly considers himself as bound to serve, and service is one of the main aspects of chivalry. There is a military meaning in the word also, of course. Knights serve the king and are his where the army is not a paid force, but the armed nation, the cavalry must necessarily consist of the noble and wealthy. So cavalry and chivalry began to have the same meaning. He who fought on horseback and had been Invested with certain arms In a solemn manner needed nothing further to render him a knight. Knights always are ready to act in the army, and would never dream-of not doing so unless they paid scutage or shield money to the king in order to be freed from their military duties. (To be continued.)

THE FANCIES OF FERN Something to Amuse the Younger Little Folk. CHAPTER XVI.—BAIN When she was six, Fem found rain. Not that she had not known about rain before. Rain was something that you came in out of 1 that you looked at with displeasure through the window; that you had not patience with because It was a nuisance, and that Interrupted your walks and made you grumpy. So Mr Octavius Smith said; so Mrs Octavius Smith said. So, until that eventful day in spring. Fern herself said. . But after that day, things were different. As I say. Fern found rain. Brutus always went with Fern to school, and waited in the porch until she was ready to come home. Mrs Octavius Smith arranged this, Just as she arranged that, in case it should become wet after she left home, Fern should have a pair of gumboots. a waterproof, and a souwester kept at school for her. On the day I am speaking about, the weather did suddenly change, and at 12 o clock, clad by *the teacher In her emergency garments, Fern found herself for the first time In her life going home In a perfect downpour. Nobody else went her way. That was why Brutus always accompanied ht "‘Now go straight home quickly, dear,” Ca Fern talked' 1 with bent head. The rain made pattering sounds on the shiny surface of her waterproof and sou -wester, and her gumboots padded softly on the da,^Horrid d ' rain!" she said. "Nobody likes rain,” and remembered how out of favour rainy weather always was with Mr and Mrs Octavius Smith. “ Bah! ” said Brutus close beside her, Fem looked down with surprise, Brutus was prancing on his paws with little springs and making his eyes go that glinting colour that they always went when ne was pleased with himself. "Is It bah? " Fern asked. When Brutus said a thing there was generally some Ca, V S o 6 f course Its bah! ” Brutus replied with a prance and more springing than eV So Fern ventured to lift her head and look around her. (To be continued.) TO ALL Dear Little Folk.-The competition I arranged for you at the request of the father of one of our Little Folk has not. lam afraid, been a success Only eight Juniors and one Senior entered for it. I cannot help feeling rather ashamed on your account, for I do think that when people take sufficient interest In you to want you to have a competition, vou should be courteous enough to respond better than this. The prize-giver wishes all who entered to have a piize, so seeds will be posted this week to the nine Little Folk who wrote for the competition. You will find their letters In the page.

Several of the Senior letters have had to be held over this week, because there was not room to print them. Let J usi hope lor better luck next week.—Your loving DOT.

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK Motto.—We write for the benefit of others. ,not for ourfcelves. FIRST LETTERS Dear Dot,— May I join your band of Little Folk? X am 12 years old, and go to Mllburn School. The other day our cat had four kittens, but, sad to say, three had to be killed. Would you please give me a name for the remaining one? It is a little black and grey fellow. As this is my first letter, X shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self ‘ SILVER LADDIE (Clarendon), [Certainly you may join. Silver Laddie. Call the kitten Crusoe.—DOT.J # * * Dear Dot,—Please may 1 join your happy band of Little Folk? I am ten years of age and in Standard II at school. The sport that interests me most Is cricket, which the boys and I play with a teacher. As this is my first letter, I shall now close, with love to you and the Little Folk. STAN LAUREL’S DOUBLE (Dunedin). [Welcome to you, Stan Laurel’s Double. As no other Little Folk has yet done so. will you please describe a game of cricket to me?—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—l am ten years .old. and I ■hould like to join your merry band of Little Folk, please? We have had our school holidays. I stayed with my cousins. Apple Blow Fairy and One Yellow Buttercup. and had good fun. We had good weather up to one day, when it began to snow. I was wishing it would snow deeply enough to make a snowman, but it did not. It soon melted away. I shall close now. with love and kisses to all the Little Folk, also your own dear self. INK-POT PIXIE (Green Island), rr am pleased to welcome you, Ink-Pot Pixie. There was enough snow In Dunedin for a snowman.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please may I join your band of Little Folk? Grandma is writing this for me, as I am not old enough to write in Ink. I am telling her what to say. I was six years old on September 9, and am staying with grandma In Houipapa, Gatlins, for my holidays. I have a little opossum for a pet; its name is Kim. I have two dogs, Toby and Chummy. Chummy will sit up and beg. Toby will bring the wood In for the house. Mummle and daddy are coming to take me home on Sunday. I shall close now, with love to yourself and all the other Little Folk. MAIDEN IN WONDERLAND (Ratanui).

[Yes, you may join, Maiden in Wonderland, but I have had to alter your name because you chose one belonging to another Little Folk. What a kind grandma!—DOT.] » * * Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age and in Standard V at Wyllie’s Crossing School, I have two brothers and two sisters. My eldest brother and youngest sister both write to you. One beautiful day in the holidays we went up Saddle Hill for a picnic. When we were near the top a very thick mist began to gather, but it soon cleared. As this Is my first letter, 1 shall close, with kind regards. MEDDLESOME MATILDA (Mosglel). [Certainly you may join, Meddlesome Matilda. How pretty the mist must have looked from that height!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have always been greatly interested in reading the Little Folk s letters, and would be grateful If you would enrol me as one of your members. I am 11 years of age and In Standard V at school. The weather was very bad over the holidays, as we had a heavy snowfall. Also, the creeks flooded parts of the farm on which I live, but the water went down again, and soon the sun was shining brightly. I shall not write any more this time, except to extend to the Little Folks and yourself all good wishes. ANEMONE OP SCARLET (Kalhlku), [You may certainly Join, Anemone of Scarlet, but your name has had to be altered. Tell me more about your farm. —DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot,—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 13 years of age and In Standard VI at school. I am staying in Dunedin at present with my aunt. I have eight brothers and sisters. My baby sister is two years old. I milk five cows whfen I am at home. I like milking cows. BLONDE ONE fDunedin).

[Welcome to you, Blonde One. But you chose another Little Folk's nom de plume. Tell me more next time.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Please may I Join your happy band of Little Folk. I am 12 years of age and In Standard 111 at school. I have been away for my holidays, and I had a good time. I have two nephews and a niece. One nephew’s name is Keith; ha Is 11 months old. I shall close now. with love to you and all the Little Folk. ' QUEEN OF ROMANCE’S SISTER (Dunedin).

[Yes, you may Join, Queen of Romance s Sister, Do you often see your baby nephew?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I become a member of your happy band? I stayed with my auntie for the school holidays. I have a big brother called Bob and a wee sister called Ruth. She Is going to school this term. We attended the community singing one Friday and enjoyed It very much. We were In town another day, and one draper’s shop looked beautiful with little birds In cages and spring flowers. I shall close now, with love to all your Little Folk and your own dear self.

LADY FORGET ME NOT (Warrington). [Certainly you may be a Little Folk, Lady Forget Me Not, but your name has had to be changed a little. Could you describe the community singing to me?— DOT.] # * *

Dear Dot,—May I have the pleasure of becoming one of the members of your happy band? I shall be 11 In November. I go to the Warrington School. I am in Standard IV. I have a wee sister called Ruth who started going to school this term. It Is very cold out here. I am going to tell you about basketball. We went up to Seacllffi one Friday and lost. Then we went down to Waitatl one Saturday and drew. I am very fond of basketball. I spent my school holidays In Roslyn with my sister Agnes. We have about 20 lambs. I shall close now, with love to you and all your Little Folk. BLUE EYED MAIDEN (Warrington).

[You are welcome, Blue Eyed Maiden, but 1 have had to change your name, too, Are you fond of lambs? —DOT.]

¥/ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have for some time been reading your very Interesting page. My hobbies are knitting, swimming, stamp collecting, and saving pictures of film stars. I am 12 years of age and In Standard VI at school. I have a pet cat, and Its coat is grey with stripes of different colours. Would you please give him a name? I collect the cellophane paper that comes from tea and drapery parcels and fold it and make belts for summer dresses. As this is my first letter. I shall close, with love to the Little Folk and your own dear self. CRIMSON BLOSSOM (Balclutha).

[Please tell me how to make the belts. Crimson Blossom. Yes, you Hjay join the band. Call the cat Joseph.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—May I join your band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I go to Milburn School. X am In the basketball team, which I like very much. X shall close now, as It Is my first letter. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ROSy MORN (Clarendon).

[Certainly you may Join, Rosy Morn. Can you aescribe a basketball game? p° T - f * * *

Dear Dot,—May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? Lam nine years of age and in Standard XI at school. I belong to the Cococubs, and am a Brownie and a Busy Bee. We have a cow called Judy. As this Is my 5 first letter, I must close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear selL__ A DANCING HIGHLANDER (Palmerston). [You are welcome, A Dancing Highlander, but your name has had to be altered. I like Judy's name.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 12 years of age and in Standard V at school. I have two brothers, but no sisters. My baby brother is only ten months old. My favourite hobbles are music and stamp collecting. I shall close now. with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. A SCHOOL ROVER (Port Chalmers).

[Certainly you may join, A School Rover. Please tell me about your music hobby.—DOT.]

•Dear Dot.—May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I am 15 years old and in Form 11. I have two pet bantams. Please could you give me names for them? We call one I shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. THE LITTLE COLONEL (Portobello). [Yes, von may join, The Little Colonel. Call the' other Sprig.—DOT.] BEST LETTERS JUNIOR SECTION (under 14 years) Dear Dot,—l am going to tell you about a trip I had to Pomahaka. We left home at 9 15 a.m. and arrived home at 6.15 p.m Going to Pomahaka we went through Beaumont, Rae’s Junction. Herlot, Kelso, and Tapanul. It was very pleasant looking at the lovely green paddocks on the wav After we left Pomahaka to come home we went through Conical Hills. At this place we saw a huge forestry. Then we' passed through Waipahi, Wairuna, and Clvdevale. At the last place we had to cross over by the punt. It was exciting going across in that way. We arrived home after a very pleasant trip. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear Sel£ ' JOLLY*GOLLY (Konlnl).

[No wonder you enjoyed the trip, Jolly Golly, when there were so many green paddocks to see and the punt to make an adventure of! —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is a long time since I last wrote to you. On my way to Dunedin one Thursday we ran into a snowstorm. Bv the time we reached Dunedin it had passed by. On Friday morning when I awoke the ground was a white cover. My auntie and I had a snow fight and built a snowman. The cat came out, and she did look comical when I covered her with snow! She shuffled the snow away with her feet. She was trying to snowball U3 ' MITTENS THE MOUSE (Ranfurly). [What a sweet-tempered cat, Mittens the Mouse I She must have liked you very much if she wanted to snowball you.— DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt Is a long time since I last wrote, but I was so interested watching the moon rise the other night that I thought I would try and tell you about It. First of all, in the gathering twilight a rim of golden fire appeared above the adjacent hilltop. Presently its whole face came Into view, and what a glorious picture it made, swinging high above me! As I watched, its reflection appeared in some water near my side. I shall close now, with love to you and all your Little Folk ‘ GARDENING MAID (Kaltangata). [I am not surprised that you wanted to write a letter about It, Gardening Maid. Two moons—one in the sky, and one in the water!—DOT.] # # * Dear Dot,—l do not agree with Curly Phyl when she says that history is an uninteresting subject, and I am sure that some of the Junior Little Folk will agree that history Is one of the most interesting and enjoyable subjects. There is nothing I like better than reading accounts of the early history of British colonies overseas. The only British colony that failed overseas was America, and It failed because George 111 of England taxed the colonists too heavily, and In 1776 they declared their independence. Kindest regards to all.

LANNY (Brighton)

[So you are a lover of history, Lanny? I wonder if that is because you have a teacher who makes it interesting for you. or because you like it naturally?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Thank you for letting me become a Little Folk. We have a little brown pony called Danny. When we came here first there was no school, so we had to ride five miles to the Hooper s Inlet School. We have a little pet lamb. Would you please give me a name for it? Well, Dot, It is late, so best wishes to you and the Little Folk.

GOLDEN SLIPPERS (Cape Saunders). [I suppose Danny carried you those five miles, Golden Slippers. Call the lamb Curlycoat.—DOT.]

# * * Dear Dot,—l spent the school holidays at Ravensbourne. From my aunt’s house we had a lovely view of the Otago Harbour. One Sunday morning the bush-clad hills and the golden gorse of the Peninsula were reflected In the calm waters. On peaceful evenings hundreds of lights shone in it. Sometimes we saw ships from far-off lands being piloted to and from the wharves/ Behind them skimmed the little tug. One Friday morning the water looked grey beside the snow-covered hills. Its surface was dotted with whitecapped waves. Then we saw (flying almost level with the house) the great silver air mail ’plane. Kind regards to all BLUE-EYED BOOKWORM (Kelso). [A well-painted picture, Blue-eyed Bookworm. What beautiful things foryou to look at all through the holidays!—DOT.]

*/ * * Dear Dot.—l have a pup named Floss. She plays with me. She shakes paws If I give her a little pat on the nose. I am Just about 12 years old. X shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. DADDY’S HANDY HELP (Jack’s Bay). [The pat you give Is a very gentle one, of course, Daddy’s Handy Help? How pleasant to be almost twelve!—DOT.]

J ff ❖ * s Dear Dot,—We have had our cousins staying with us. We made a tent and cooked potatoes In it. We had Preat fun playing in It, The little lambs will soon be frisking round the meadows. The snow is lying on the ground. It makes a white carpet on the stones. It came as a great surprise one afternoon. There are many Public Works’ tents here now. The men are making a tunnel. I made a garden, and the sheep came In and ate the flowers. The cat I was telling you about Is a big cat now. He puts his legs round our neck just like an affectionate child. We listened to Big Brother Bill, for I was expecting a birthday call from him. I was not disappointed, as I received some good presents. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. APPLE BLOW FAIRY (Chatto Creek). [I should like to have seen the tent, Apple Blow Fairy. How greedy of the sheep! The dear cat!—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot,—We had a garden of nice spring flowers, and the sheep got In one night and ate the tops of them. Our little country place Is quite lively just now The Public Works’ camp Is Just behind our place, and altogether there are about 16 children We now have a big attendance at school. My cousins have been staying with us for the holidays, and we have had good fun playing together at all sorts of games. My little baby brother Is now three months old, and is growing more Interesting. I shall close now, with best love and kisses to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. ONE YELLOW BUTTERCUP (Chatto Creek). [You will be glad to have all those new friends at school. One Yellow Buttercup. Please tell me more about the little brother.—DOT.] * * *

Dear Dot,—We have six little pigs, and they are only one week old. and such a lot of different colours! The mother pig Is a white one. I am very fond of swimming, and shall be glad when the season ts In. Much love to all the Little Folk and your dear self. TONKY LASS (Otago). [I wish I could know more about the little pigs, Tonky Lass. I am fond of little pigs.—DOT.]

¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—l must tell you about my black and white cat. I have had It for nearly one year now. The other day my brother and a boy friend we have staying with us went out rabbiting with their dogs, and my dear little cat followed them and has not returned. I used to feed it regularly three times a day, and, my word. It was as fat as a wee pig I Love to all and your own dear self. RIVERSIDE ROSE (Otago). [I am sorry to hear of the little lost cat. Riverside Rose, but perhaps by now It has come home to you again.—DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot,—Holidays are over and everybody Is back at school. It Is lunch hour, and, as I munch a sandwich, 1 think to myself, "How did this come to be called a sandwich?” But ah! Now I remember that John, the First Earl of Sandwich, who lived about the year 1750, was a confirmed gambler and so anxious to gamble that he grudged the time necessary for meals and had slices of bread and meat placed by his side. He then placed a slice of meat between two slices of bread, and was thus able to spend larger hours at the gambling tables, where, eventually, he ruined himself and his family. Thanks to the condensed form of food he introduced, his name Is now familiar all over the world. X Just finish thinking about this amusing story, when someone says, “A penny for your thoughts.” and I am obliged to stop daydreaming for the present. Kind regards DUNA (Otago). [To find the origin of words Is of great Interest, Duna. I am glad your sandwich stimulated your brain so well.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have made up a little poem called “ Her Dream.” Do you think It good enough to publish?

A pretty little fair-hired lassie Slept under a rose last night. The rose was in bloom very soon, But they forgot her quite.

While she was dreaming, the fairy queen Thought that if she had a peep (Having spied her among petals and green) She might awaken her from her sleep. Her blankets were of daisy petals. White, orange, red. and blue. Although she is still sleeping, I’ll say good-bye to you. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear seIf ' ELFIN BUX TERCUP (Merton). [lt is good for an eight-year-old Little Folk, Elfin Buttercup. So, as you see. I have published it. I must give the Little Folk a lesson in rhyme and rhythm again soon.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am going to tell you about school. When we go in in the morning we have mental, then we have spelling. After that we have play. When we come in we have reading, which I like very much, then English, and then silent reading till lunch time. We have two cats, which I would like you to give names to. As It is 8 o’clock, I shall close. EX-WEST-COASTER (Merton).

[Your day at school reminds me of other days when I, too, was at school, Ex-West-Coaster. Call the cats Give and Take.—DOT.] # Dear Dot.—Mv sister and I have a play house. Every Saturday we play in it with our dolls. Mum gave us some of her old frocks to put on. My brothers say we look like old grandmothers. I have a pair of black satin shoes with high heels with a navy blue coat and a brown hat. Sometimes we make a shop, and I sell stones for lollies. Well. Dot. I shall close now. Best wishes to all. PLUCKY PIP (Balclutha).

[Well can I imagine it, Plucky Pip! And I am sure that, in those clothes, you really feel as if you were grown-up ladies —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l have two pet cats. I call them M’Cready and Wade, because they wrestle. I make a hollow in the mat, and they run in and out, catching at each other's tails. They get each other down on the floor and wrestle like real men When the snow came to Balclutha. M’Cready and Wade had a great time running around with the snow up to their bodies. Much love to all. SUNLIGHT SOAP SUDS (Balclutha).

[What a pair they must be, Sunlight Soap Suds! I suppose they are really verv fond of each other, and wrestle for exercise,—DOT.l

Dear Dot,—Bv the time this letter is printed our holidays will be over. A little girl staying in a house near ours comes up to our place every morning. We have lovely times together. We play skipping and marbles in the morning. In the afternoon we play hide-and-seek, then go

for a walk up the hill. If there Is time before tea, we read stories, and the days pass very quickly. We enjoy walking through the orchard, and admire the trees all covered with blossom. The blossom soon falls to the ground and the new green leaves cover the branches. The birds love to play hide-and-seek among the leaves, and soon they will be building their nests. Best wishes to all. FAIR FLORENCE (Roxburgh).

[That is the way to spend holidays, Fair Florence, especially when you have such pleasant orchards to walk through and admire.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have seen that some of the Little Folk have been writing about spring lately. It has arrived in our district, too. The fruit trees around here are covered with blossom, and the buds on the poplar trees look as if they would soon be bursting. I think that the apple, almond, and cherry-plum blossoms are the prettiest. The cherry-plum has a small creamy-white blossom, while the almond has a large white blossom with a pink centre and a very sweet scent. After all the other fruit trees have finished blooming the apple blossom comes out. This is the prettiest of all, as it Is a delicate shell-pink shade. The peach and nectarine blossoms are a bright pink. In the fields there are little spring lambs and calves, and it is delightful to watch them playing. During the spring season I take a fancy for gardening, and I have been hoeing and raking the gardens. The spring flowers seen in the gardens now are violets, wallflowers, crocuses, and daffodils. On ordinary sunny days this season’s beauty may be seen and admired, but as I write it is hidden by snow. The blossom looks quite dull compared with the brilliance of the snow. Best wishes.

PRINCESS SEA-PEARL (Roxburgh). [How pleasant spring must be on a fruit farm, Princess Sea-Pearl I I like your description of the various kinds of blossom you see.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Have you ever watched for the signs of spring? First it seems as though the wind brings spring to us riding on his back. When she has dismounted the nights begin to decrease and the days increase. Also, the sun rejoices in her visit by giving more warmth to the land. Besides that, the sun helps the flowers and grass to put on their spring coats and grow. Spring brings with her the little woolly lambs that rejoice by playing and prancing. Here is a piece of poetry I made up about spring: Little birdie on the wing Can you tell me if it's spring? Spring is here, Spring is here, Says the birdie in the air. Kind regards to you and all the Little Folk. RED CLOVER (Lovell's Flat)

[Yes, I have watched for spring and seen signs like these you describe. Red Clover. I like the swing of your verse.— DOT.]

Dear Dot—l must apologise for not writing regularly to your page. I enjoyed my holidays on a farm, and while 1 was there I learnt to ride a pony called Tessy. I fell off once, but, as it was only a short distance from the ground, I did not hurt myself. I shall be 14 on September 11. As it is bedtime, 1 shall close, with kind regards to all. SHIMMERING BUTTERFLY (Oamhru). [Could you describe your riding lessons a little more fully, Shimmering Butterfly? It should make interesting reading.—DOl.i

V * * Dear Dot,—l am very sorry that I have not written sooner, but, with all the examinations, I have not found a spare minute. My father brought us an opossum, and we have much fun watchihg its funny ways. It is only a baby, but has very sharp claws, and if it is near enough to us it climbs up our arm and perches on our shoulder. It eats bread, butter, and jam, and drinks water and milk. I shall close now, with love to all the Little Folk and your own self. CHERRY BUD (Gore). [Please tell me more about him. Cherry Bud. Such an unusual playmate deserves another letter.—DOT.] * # * Dear Dot,—Charles Dickehs has written on a very interesting but delicate subject this week, but we feel flattered and honoured to think that he has noticed and even admired curled hair. Now that his young lady friend knows of his admiration for curls, she will suffer a burnt nose in silence. He has only touched on a trifling subject of what the fair sex will suffer for their admirers. Think of the thin, flimsy evening dresses and silk hose, worn on a cold winter’s night in order to make their wearers look slim and trim! But what matter a chill if their courtiers have been so kind as to express their admiration. Beauty is only skin deep, but vanity is very deep indeed, and vanity keeps the cold out, so it is said. I wonder if the men are not just a trifle vain? Do they never want to hear some pleasing remark passed about their appearance? I think underneath their strong countenances they would be flattered. too, to hear some favourable comments passed about themselves. Whatever we say in defence of our vanity, Charles Dickens must be amused to see so many of the fair sex of our page rise up in rebellion against his comments Love to all. GOLDEN FERNS (Otago).

[Another Little Folk has written on this subject, Golden Ferns, and given her opinion also. This business of curls is an interesting one.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—From our house, which Is situated on a suburb of Balclutha on the hill of Rosebank. one can obtain a very wide view of the surrounding districts. When one looks round the hills from left to right, first of all there Is the districts of Awamangu and Pukeawa, and beyond Is Hlllend. Opposite Rosebank Is Balclutha North, further round towards and right is Stirling, and further still, on the face of a large range of hills, is the mining township of Kaltangata. One can also see Coal Point, and then a stretch of ocean. The Clutha River flows down past the first-mentioned districts, and on its banks are the profitable dairying farms of Barnego. It then flows on down the side of the township of Balclutha, separating the town from Balclutha North, under the traffic bridge and then the railway bridge. At this point the river divides into two—the Matau branch, which flows on past Stirling, Matau, and Kaltangata and enters the sea near Coal Point The other branch flows on in a circle round Balclutha past the railway station, where there is a landing for the paddle steamer, and thence goes on past Flnegand, where there is another landing for stock for the freezing works, and on past Paretai and Puerua. In between the two forks is the well-known farming district of Inchclutha. The town of Balclutha is on a flat with the river flowing round about half of it. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. PORKY PIE (Balclutha)

[You have described it well, Porky Pie. I am glad you live among hills and are so happy in your surroundings—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Some time ago 1 had the pleasure of going to a ballroom to look on at the many dancers. All the time dancers came pouring into the hall, the men in stately attire of navy blue suits, and the women in a number of different colours and styles. Some frocks had frills, gathers, tucks, or pretty trimmings; some were backless, in floral or plain material: some had pretty ribbon bows. Some girls wore coloured shoes to match their frocks, or sandals in black or tinsel. A few wore fur or velvet evening coats with perhaps evening bags to match. On their heads, many of the girls wore head bands of shiny beads or plaits of hair. Numerous different clips, ornaments, bracelets, and necklaces were worn. The females had their hair done in a host of different ways, some all wavy or curly, some with rolls around their head. Excitement was caused when the music players arrived, as thev were necessary to the ball. The decorations were lamp shades and very colourful paper streamers.- Whenever the M.C. called out the dance and the music started, the men engaged their partners, and everyone started dancing. It is very interesting watching a dance and listening to the music. It is good fun in some of the sets to see the dancers go round and round, and some girls get lifted off their feet and are whirled through the air. Soon it is very warm in the hall, and everyone is gay. Ice creams and soft drinks are much in demand there, too Love to all.

DADDY’S BROWN-EYED CHICK-A-J BIDDY (Balclutha).

[This is a good description, Daddy’s Brown-Eyed Chick-a-Biddy. I like Little Folk to give their personal impressions of things and not use other people’s ideas. —DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Thank you very much for the badge I have a lovely wee canary, and it sings all day long. I have a little pony, and I would like you, please, to name her. I go to school by bus now—a big bus. too. I shall close, with love to yourself and the Little Folk. FLOWER OF THE VALLEY (Omakau).

[I think she should be called Apple. Flower of the Valley. Please tell me more about the canary.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—The bantam I told you about in my last letter is sitting on six eggs just now. While Wee One is out hunting for food, Chip-Chop guards the nest. He is quite lonely now. I was in Dunedin in the term holidays, and had a lovelv time up at the bush with my cousins I went to the tepid baths six times, and made several girl friends I also went through the museum, and there I saw Scott’s sledge which he took to the South Pole. It is very interesting. I also went through a lollie factory and a soap factory in the term holidays. I had better close now. with love to all and your own dear self. JOAN OF HISTORY (Roxburgh). [What a devoted pair of bantams, Joan of History! And what an Interesting holiday you spent in our city!—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l am a Junior Little Folk, who docs not agree with Curly Phyl and Whoopee when they write that history is an uninteresting subject. On the days when we have history I always look forward to a very enjoyable lesson. What could be more Interesting than finding out the various causes that led to civil

wars or revolutions in the, different countries, or hearing about the heroes who have helped to make our Empire what it is to-day? Many delightful hours can be spent over the great men who have discovered, explored, and opened up the different countries for colonisation. To follow the growth of a British colony, from when it is a sparsely settled Crown colony until it becomes a self-governing country with a large population and many industries, is an engaging pursuit. Poets and inventors also have their place in history. Yet, in spite of all these things, some people say that history is uninteresting. Kindest regards. POSSUM’S FRIEND'S DAUGHTER (Dunedin).

[Another opinion. Possum's Friend’s Daughter. This is what I was hoping for. It is good to hear every side to a question. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am going to tell you a piece of poetry called Leaves.” When the leaves come tumbling down, Gold and yellow, green and brown. That’s the time for you to see What happens then to Tim and me. With leaves, they are so soft and light, I bury Tim, a funny sight, Then up he jumps and barks with glee. And really tries to bury me. CHITTER CHATTER BOX (Beaumont). [ls it your own work, Chitter Chatter Box? If so. it is very good. If not—you must write letters in your own words, not in the words of somebody else.—DOT.] * * * Dear Dot,—Thank you very much for enrolling me as a Little Folk. We live about five minutes’ walk from the river. We go swimming every summer, because It is so hot. We often take our luncheon, too. I shall be glad when summer comes. I am just learning to swim. I have a baby sister ten months old. I often take her out in the pram. She has blue eyes and golden hair. I have a scrap book with a number of pictures In it. I am fond of knitting, and I am going to knit the baby a pink bonnet. Kind regards to all the Little Folk and your bwn dear self. GOLDEN TULIP (Palmerston). [1 suppose you are looking forward to the time when you will be able to teach baby to swim, too, Golden Tulip. Kiss her for me.—DOT.]

SENIOR LETTERS SENIOR SECTION (14 years and over). Dear Dot,— Grey hath gone like a wearisome guest. And behold! For repayment * September comes in with the wind of the west And the Spring in her raiment. I, one of many, am glad. Winter can be very attractive and rival spring for beauty. But is is not kind—to human beings—and I believe most of us are not sorry to see the first pale buds of the spring flowers slowly unfold their petals to the sun’s caresses. I said pale. Surely I was thinking of garden flowers, for our first wild flower of the year blossoms forth so suddenly and brightly that it seems very like an exultant shout! No matter where one goes, the golden gleam of wattle can be seen—now peeping shyly from among the darker foliage in a gully; now crowning a grassy hillock; now tumbling its yellow tresses over the brow of a cliff. More gold! Buttercups make vivid splashes of colour in the brilliantly green carpet of grass. Wee ’’ harbingers of spring ’’—tlie children’s Early Nancyperfume the air. Sundews grow rapidly, stretching out hungry cups, whose tempting drops of syrup are meant to lure unwary insects to their death. Once again we can feel the warmth of the sun; the unclouded days of winter seem to have been lighted by such pale, cold sunshine. But, as Henry Kendall writes, this is a “ season of changes, of shadow and shine.” One must be prepared for any kind of weather, for with no warning a mist will cloak the earth, or rain will Degin to fall, only to be chased away by the sun peeping from behind a cloud with a sparkle that clearly says, "There! How did you earthlings like that? ” I am afraid, Dot. I am not succeeding In my attempt to write a "best letter. I feel too dreamy to-night, and my thoughts will not concentrate on anything. These lines of Adam Lindsay Gordon keep returning to my mind:

In the spring, when the wattle-gold trembles

’Twixt shadow and shine; When each dew-laden air draught re-

sembles A long draught of wine; When the skyline’s blue, burnished re-

sistance Makes deeper the dreamiest distance Some song in all hearts hath existence— Such songs have been mine. Best wishes to you and the Little Folk.

DOT FROM AUSTRALIA (Victoria). [Except that it is a trifle long, Dot from Australia, your letter is an excellent “best” one. and contains a literary style which makes me hope you will one day find yourself printed in other pages as well as these. —DOT.] * *

Dear Dot,—lt is a loug time since I have written to you, so I thought I would write a few lines during the holidays. The first week of our holidays was like summer, but the second week was like winter. Two of our calves were born dead. We have three lambs but so far no pets. I found two nests of rabbits the other day. each nest having three rabbits in it. During the holidays I fed the animals, and found much fun in it. We have had a band bazaar in our district, and I won a box of chocolates. I will close now. FATHER’S PET (Otago).

[On the whole, then. Father’s Pet, your holidays were satisfactory. Senior Little Folk write on only one subject now, you know.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,— Althought I did not go away for my holidays, I am afraid I had a holiday from letter writing. However, now to begin. What an amount of football there has been throughout the year I In fact, 1930 should go down in history as "The Year of Football.” Being greatly impressed by the snow, I have written a poem about it. White, soft, beautiful snow. No one has time for a single care. Down—down, ever so low, Softly it floats through the willing air. Drip, drip, hear the raindrops! Pit, pit a pat on the windowpane. Drip, drop, hark how it plops! Different from snow is the noisy rain. No sound! the rain has stopped. There are no clouds in the distant sky. And look, the snow has ceased to fall! Everyone’s heaving a great long sigh. I will now close, with love to you and the Little Folk. GLADIOLI (Dunedin). [You show a naturally good sense of rhythm in your verses. Gladioli, and should write more. Yes, this has been a great football season.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—lt is three or four years since I last penned a line to the page, so I hope you will receive me again. I could not help myself after reading Whoopee s letter on history, so I should like to give my thoughts on the subject. History, what is its meaning? Much more than Whoopee thinks. Just how do we know of the history before Christ? Well, take our Bible. It tells of certain places, battles, and other happenings before the birth of Christ, and these things have been proven by excavations made by our famous men. No! no one knows the exact facts of the 1066 battle, as the tale has been handed down for hundreds of years. But we do know that it was fought between King Harold and William the Conqueror, and that Harold was killed. Now let me give you an example of what I mean. Take a street accident—just how many people know the exact details of it? No one, for no two people see it in the same way—likewise history. I think I can answer Whoopee’s question as to whether history is of use or not. We as British subjects take a keen interest in our King’s past, present, and future, so, as loyal subjects, I claim it our duty to study or know something of our nation s building. Dates have not been considered by Whoopee well enough. It matters a great deal, for they show how times have changed and gone forward. Take 55 B.C. when men came in open boats and were armed with spears and shields. Now look at 1936 A.D. with all manner of modern warfare. Now I have had my say, and I am now waiting for the next move on this subject. Thanking you, Dot, for leaving it open. I shall close, with love and kind regards to you and the page. WILL O’ THE WOODS (Dunedin).

[You are the third Little Folk to express an opinion on the subject. Will o the Woods, and probably are not the last either. What a long time since last you wrote! —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —From where I am sitting X can see an old calendar. It is of a lady crossing a lake. With her she has three pups in her arms. The mother is with her and is looking up as if to say, Where are you taking my babies away to? ” On the left of the lake there is a house, very old-fashioned. There are trees of all kinds and shapes. On the right there are hills and mountains with snow on them. It is a very pretty scene. On the mate of the same calendar the lady is crossing the lake on stepping stones with a basket of flowers on her arm. The sun is shining through the clouds on to the lake to make it sparkle like gems. The wind seems to be blowing, tor the lady is holding on to her hat. It, too, is a pretty scene. The names of the calendars are " The Stepping Stones." My great-grandmother gave them to my grandmother, and she gave them to my mother, so they are very old. I think I shall close, with love to all the Little Folk and yourself. BLUE-EYED GYPSY LASS (Palmerston).

[I thought they were old from your description, Blue-eyed Gipsy Lass. You seem to be verv fond and proud of them. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I wonder if Charles Dickens, with all his wmrldly wisdom of the fair sex, has ever heard the expression, " sarcasm is the wit of fools." However, since he appears to be such an adept in this

direction, I have no doubt that he will entirely disagree with that phrase. Fortunately, in order to possess a few curls I do not have to submit to the painful operation he described last week, but since I belong to the so-called weaker sex, I feel I must try to give him back a little of his own medicine. I have a brother who, like all other brothers, is as conceited as his sisters, if not more so. Before he goes out anywhere he has the whole family dancing attend-nce on him. His trousers must be pressed until a crease like a knife edge appears in them, his coat must be absolutely Immaculate, everyone has to give an opinion whether or not his bow tie is straight, his cuffs and shirt front must be as stiff as boards, and then, to cap all, he spends something like ten minutes oiling his hair and trying to rid himself of those effemlnite curls which Charles Dickens’ friend evidently desires so much. So you see, Charles Dickens, that, although you did not exactly admit otherwise, boys are every bit as vain as girls, for I know that my brother is the rule rather than the exception. Nevertheless, I very much appreciated the humorous manner in which you wrote your last letter, and I should like to suggest your taking a walk along to some store and purchasing a pair of curling tongs for your friend. These will probably be procurable at a very low price, and will insure against further disfigurement of the nose. CURLY PHYL (Otago).

[This seems a reasonable enough retort, Curly Phyl, but if Charles Dickens does not think so, he will probably retaliate without much ado.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l read Muriel May’s letter with much interest, and agree with her in regard to a nice long walk. Until last March I had a girl friend, with whom I had everything in common, including walking, and we used to go off on many a long hike. Now she is in Australia, so, seeing my other friends do not share my enthusiasm, I often go off by myself. Sometimes I take the Alsatian I told you about last time, and he is great company. As a matter of fact, now my friend is away I really prefer him to a human being who will persist in perhaps talking or silly giggling. I love to feel the air on my face and the wind in my hair, see the hills and trees in their beauty, which God was so kind as to give, and I always thank Him for everything when I am away like that. I feel He is very near to me. I heard my grandmother say the other afternoon that "We are nearer to God in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” Isn’t that lovely? X wonder if any other Little Folk feel as I do when out in the midst of Nature’s beautiful surroundings I will try to explain as clearly as possible. It is a feeling of, shall I say, complete surrender to all that is clean and pure and beautiful, and one returns from such a jaunt feeling as if one has been in a different world and come back a new person with higher ideals. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. MISTRESS KAY (Dunedin). [Muriel May will be Interested to read your letter. Mistress Kay. The feeling you describe will probably be well recognised by the Little Folk.—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—Ooh! Stretch! Yawn! 1 awoke to see my sister standing by my bed. “ Has Ronald gone yet? ” X asked. " Yes, he went a while ago. The snow is coming down very thickly.” It continued to snow all day. None of us ventured out except for work, though Jack and June had set their minds on visiting, so they departed. A few minutes later they returned crying. My sister said they got to the hill and then roared. But what of Donald? He had set out on his 12-mlle cycle ride to town and work. How we wished we had told him to send over a “ cheerio ” at the community sing. The Mount Cargill road is blocked, and motorists attempting it should use chains. We knew Ronald’s determination would carry him through, so we wondered how he had got on. Well, lie cycled all the way, a lot of the time through eighteen inches of snow, still keeping his seat on the bicycle. Then at the Sawyers’ Bay branch road he cycled into a drift. Of course, he had to get off then and walk. However, he was soon up again and pedalling through the snow. He reached work soaking, but in time, thanks to the 40-h'our week, and on Saturday came back again. He was the first, if not the only, one to get through. LAUGH YOUR TROUBLES AWAY (Otago).

[And what a proud family greeted him on his return, Laugh Your Troubles Away! He must have been the hero for that hour, at any rate—DOT.] * *

Dear Dot,—Despite inclement weather conditions during the week-end, the various functions in connection with the Clutha Football Club diamond (sixtieth) jubilee were held in the township. On Saturday afternoon the local band, fire brigade, old buffers, women footballers, and a rather disappointing gathering of children in fancy dress assembled at the south end of Clyde street in order to parade to the show grounds in procession. Icy wind and chilly showers prevailed, hence the poor crowd of merry-makers and onlookers. Owing to the fact that the majority of old buffers preferred their “ woollies ” to scant football attire, their match was cancelled, as they proved not so hardy as in previous days. However, the young ladles, eager to display their spectacular knowledge of the game, resolved to play their match. After this the Union team (Dunedin) played against the Clutha seniors, the winners of the South Otago banner for the season 1936. On Saturday evening a gay and frivllous reunion was held in the Band Hall, where old players recalled past occurrences. On Sunday, too, wintry conditions predominated, thus preventing the Intended open-air church service and parade to be held at the show ground. The Band Hall was used as a convenient substitute, the music for the hymns being supplied by the Balclutha Brass Band. Monday night brought the celebrations to a finish, when a victory (as previously mentioned, the first grade team having won the banner) and iubilee ball was held in the Brittania Theatre, a dance band from Milton supplying the music. Undoubtedly, every effort was made by the enthusiastic committee of organisers to make the celebrations a success, and praise is extended to them for their true enthusiasm. However, man has no hand in weather conditions, or I daresay they would not have been as they were. Kindest regards to all. DAPHNE-DE-ORO (Balclutha). [What a pity that the weather was so bad. Daphne-de-Oro! But everybody seems to have had an enjoyable time despite it, so nothing else matters.—DOT.l

Dear Dot, —Thank you very much for enrolling me as one of your Little Folk. Spring has come. What a difference we have seen this last week or two! The buds are bursting and the lovely green leaves are showing signs of coming into a new life. Birds are building their nests, and the beautiful spring flowers are decorating the flower beds once again. What a difference in the days and the nights! The sun is an early riser, peeping over the hill before 7 o clock. At the middle of this month the sun rises at 6 o’clock, while a little over a month ago it was creeping up at 7.45. Well, Dot, I must close, with best wishes to the family and your own dear self. WAGON WHEELS (Palmerston). [You are a lover of spring, I see, Wagon Wheels. Have you seen the sun rise recently?—DOT.] * *

Dear Dot, —Have you ever tried to catch a grasshopper? It is fun, I can tell you. A few months ago I tried when I spied one amongst the grass. Every time I came within reach of the. cheeky fellow he hopped. Sometimes he hit my hand, and once my nose, and when he did my heart seemed to jump right into my mouth, for I was not without my doubts of- him. However, at last I managed to catch--Mr Grasshopper, and made him jump into a big bottle. Covering the end with net, I settled down to examine him. I was very interested in the way he Jumped with those big back legs, and every time he jumped I nearly dropped the bottle with fright, as he did so when I least expected it. When everyone had watched him I let him go amongst the grass, knowing he must be wanting back again. It was fun catching him, as he was the first and, as yet, the last grasshopper I have caught. RED LIPS (Otago).

[No, 1 have not tried to catch a grasshopper. Red Lips. But from what you say, it must be an interesting process. I, too, should want to let him go again.—DOT.] >!: * *

Dear Dot, —This is what I call one of the funniest events of the year. One cold, frosty morning this winter I witnessed the following: A little boy was playing with his pet pig in the pig run. He was mounted on its back and was smacking it on the sides of the head to steer it. All at once the pig espied that the gate was left open, so he made straight for it, no matter now hard the boy tried to make him go the other way. The pig ran out into the open, sniffed, then off he went to where a young man was walking slowly towards the fowl run with a bucket of water in one hand and a bucket of wheat in the other. The pig followed after him, and then made one bound and ran into the youth and sent wheat and water in all directions. The boys were both soaking wet. and made for the house, while the pig went on quietly eating some turnips which were pitted near by. So I proceeded on my errand once more with a grin on my face. THE SHAMROCK OF OTAGO (Otago). [lt must have been very amusing, as you say. The Shamrock of Otago. If you want to write to a North Island Little Folk you will have to put your request in the Letter Box,—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I am going (o tell you about a picnic we had In the holidays. As our small cousin was coming to stay with us. we decided to make out a programme for the week. First, we decided to go for a walk on the Saturday. Next, we were to go to Sunday School on the Sunday afternoon. The next day we were to go for this picnic, but, owing to the Dunedin children’s community sing, we went on Wednesday. The day was perfect, so we set out. We took a little lunch with us and a bottle of lemon drink. There were five us, Rare Gold Nugget and her brother, myself, my brother, and my cousin. We went to the sports ground, for there were swings and beautiful green grass to sit on. As there was a golf tournament on that day, we had to travel on the road Instead of through the golf links. Arriving there, we found that it was hockey

practice, so we had the pleasure of watching the girls. We sat up on the .hill and laughed very much at a little pup called Henry. He belonged to one of the hockey girls. On seeing he was in the road of the girls, we called him up to us and kept him there, feeding him on biscuits and lollies, \yhen he saw his mistress going home he raced away and left us. It was then about 3.30, so we decided to start for home. About 4 o’clock we reached home, only to find the football still going. We listened to it, and when It was finished we went back over everything we had done that day. thinking we were lucky to have struck such a lovely day. Well, Dot, I will draw my letter to a close and go to bed. Love to all. MAGNOLIA BLOSSOM (Roxburgh). [What a pleasant day, Magnolia Blossom! I should think that looking after that puppy was the best part of it, however.—DOT.] COMPETITION “THE BEST GARDEN I HAVE EVER SEEN ” JUNIOR Dear Dot,—One glorious, cool spring evening I, being alone, decided to take a walk up the hill to visit an old lady who lived just over the hill in a little valley. Her house was surrounded by native trees and shrubs. When I arrived there the old lady took me out into the garden to have a look round. When I reached the garden I was amazed, for I had not before seen so beautiful a garden as this. The back of the garden was possessed of sunflowers which looked a pretty golden colour then, as the sun was setting. Next came the chrysanthemums, which were followed by narcissi, daffodils, and other flowers, until right In front were the primroses. Also all round the walls grew creepers of all kinds. Never before had I seen such a beautiful garden, all arranged in order as this one was. The trees and shrubs made It even more beautiful, and the butterflies and bees came to visit the flowers. The old lady said that it was not as good a garden as last spring, but I thought that no other garden could possibly be so beautiful. I stood gazing at It for some time, but soon, as it was (growing late, I decided to return home. For a long time after that, however, I could not keep my mind off the garden, and often wondered how the old lady managed to make such a wonderful garden as this one proved to be. SILVER DUST (Black Water).

Dear Dot, —The prettiest garden I have seen surrounded a beautiful white house with a wide veranda. Honeysuckle was trained up each veranda post, and tall hollyhocks peeped over the wall of the veranda. Between the hollyhocks there were rose bushes of lovely colours, and a border of carnations. So every flower about the house was a scented one. The entrance to this garden had tall trees and a drive which ended In a circle, in the middle of which was a rosebed. When these roses were in bloom it was the loveliest garden of colour. There were the darkest red roses, with petals like velvet, and palest pinks, deep creams, pure whites, and others of variegated colours, all deliciously scented. In front of this rosebed was a lawn with small shrubs and spring flowers, and on the other side a small forest of trees. In which were growing flne-leafed gum trees, silver birches (with their dainty, small leav'-'- an d silver bark), walnuts, and wattles. A tall fence of sweetpeas and climbing roses shut off the back yard, while at the back door were the children’s little gardens of small flowers. In these gardens they had their favourite flowers—pansies, violets, daisies, and all the plants given to them by their friends. Now who could imagine a prettier garden than this?

MOUNTAIN APPLE (Karitane), * * *

Dear Dot,—The best garden I have ever seen is at Riverton. It has two little rosebeds in front of the house, pansies on both sides of the path, and pansies and violas round the house. There is a rockery on one side of the house, and on it grow gazanias, blue bells, and many other rock plants, making a blaze of colour. Behind the rockery is an arch covered with Shot Silk roses, near it a big bush of yellow broom, and next to it a beautiful clump of scarlet delphinium. Then there is a big green lawn, and at the end of that a spreading prunus tree, which makes a shady place in the summer time. On the other side of the house there is a long, winding border of mixed flowers, and behind it, dotted about the lawn, are many flowering shrubs, the names of which X do not know. This is all I have to say. Dot. DANCING BUTTERFLY (Clinton). # * *

Dear Dot,—The most beautiful garden I have ever seen Is the one I am now going to describe. The house is situated about one chain in from the roadway, and from the roadway gate to the door of the house the garden is a blaze of colour. The fence at the front is made of brick, with a small wooden gate. Just along the fence in the Inside grow different plants, such as pansies, primroses, and violas. A long, winding path from the house to the gate is edged with similar plants. On either side of the path there is a large lawn, with a rockery on both sides. On these grow blue bells, alyssum, anemone, auricula, pink daisies, calendula, calliopsls, small campanulas, candytuft, and dimorphotheca. Along the boundary fence there are a collection of small, dainty shrubs. A path goes round either side of the house, and is edged with catmint and pink daisies. A macrocarpa hedge acts as a boundary fence at the back, with a large lawn. In the centre is an oval rosebed, containing Shot Silk and Mrs Sam. M'Gredy roses. The bed is edged with blue violas. LITTLE SKY FAIRY (Clinton). & sk *

Dear Dot, —I am going to try to win your competition. The best-laid-out garden I have ever seen was at my uncle’s place. Around the outside was a row of runner beans. In the next chain of ground were pumpkins, which were very large. Next was a row of Little Gem peas. Next to the peas were cabbages. In the next row were tomatoes, which were very delicious to eat. At the top end were lettuces, which made very good salads. Kindest regards. BLUE GLADIOLI (Cromwell). * ❖ *

Dear Dot, —Tucked away in a auiet corner of a noisy city Is the most beautiful garden I have ever seen. The only sounds heard there are the singing of birds and the murmuring of a small stream. Even one’s footsteps are quietened, for the only gravel paths are those near the house and the vegetable garden. Peace reigns supreme. The front garden is small and of formal style. The path leading to the front door is bordered with box, and divides the garden into two plots. In the centre of the plots are round flower beds, full of old-fashioned, sweet-scented flowers. At one side of this house is a Well-kept fruit and vegetable garden. On the opposite side of the house is the main flower garden. This garden is centred round a bed which contains a large variety of roses, and is bordered with stocks and pansies. The four smaller plots, which are separated by closely-cut grass walks, are arranged in the usual manner, and contain numerous old-fashioned flowers. Carnations, hollyhocks, clarkia, lilies, phlox and lobelias all have their place, and supply a wealth of colour. A wide expanse of lawn practically surrounded by trees stretches from the left side of the garden to a stream which flows on the right. The place where the grass ends may be spoken of thus: There, fringed with grasses slender, Is a stream whose waters wonder Slowly on toward the sea,

Perhaps ’tis that enchanteth me. This stream cuts off a small triangle of land, and is spanned by a simple rustic bridge. The corner is devoted to native

bush and ferns, lancewoods, manukas, veronicas, flax bushes, and a majestic totara take root in the damp soil. This, to me, is the most beautiful part of the garden. j MOTHER’S BONNIE LASS (Oamaru). # ❖ * Dear Dot,—l am going to try to describe to you the most beautiful garden I have ever seen. As we enter the grounds the first thing we notice, straight ahead of us, is a well-kept plot of the most magnificent roses, whose hues create a wide attraction for many admirers. To the left a bed of French and African marigolds, with here and there a sprinkling of blue forget-me-nots, makes a pleasing sight. The borders are of neat lobelia and lavender aubretia. As we wander into the hothouses, I am thrilled by the beautiful collection of cinerarias, begonias, and pelargoniums. Near the centre of the lawns is a small plot of sweet-william. As we ramble through the grounds our gaze is arrested by miniature lily ponds, with their beautiful cup-llke flowers In full bloom. The neatly-mown lawns make a pleasing background against all the bright-coloured flowers. LITTLE NANNY ROONEY (Dunedin). >!« ' Dear Dot, —Situated in a hollow facing the north and sloping down to a river is the best garden I have ever seen. On the grassy slope above the river, trees and shrubs grow, and at present daffodils are flowering there. At the top of tills slope a long border of assorted flowers with an edging of violets. At the bottom of the hollow is a polyanthus bed and two beds of pansies and roses, with, in their correct seasons, rows of gladioli and chrysanthemums at the back. The southern side of the garden is protected by a high hedge, at the western comer of which is the gate. Just Inside the gate and tp the right is a border of assorted flowers, beyond which loganberry plants are growing over a rustic fence. Below the loganberries is a lawn. To the left of the gate and at the side of the house is a bank of marigolds, bordered with aubretia. On the eastern side of the hollow' is the fruit and vegetable garden, where there is a strawberry bed, black currant and gooseberry bushes, and, below these, several young apple trees. Then there are the vegetables. Cabbages, onions, cauliflowers, beetroot, lettuces, carrots, parsnips, white turnips,. leeks, silver beet, peas, and beans of all varieties, each having its own respective place. Rhubarb and marrows also have their own especial beds. I think there is nothing so interesting and beautiful as a garden through all the changing seasons of the year. POSSUM’S FRIEND’S DAUGHTER (Dunedin).

SENIOR Dear Dot,—Although I have seen many beautiful gardens, the one 1 am about to describe is the one which appealed to me most. The winding drive ran through an avenue of rhododendron and floweringcherry trees. Continuing on from the drive was a path of coloured concrete, which ran through three arches, the first of climbing roses, the second of wisteria, and the third of starry clematis, and was bordered with aubretla. At the end of the path and on the sides of the steps were two beautiful rockeries. Growing between the rocks were nasturtiums, pansies, purple aubretla, and daisies. Along the side of the house were beauti-fully-trimmed lawns, and in them were flower beds of all shapes. One was of phlox drummondi, another of cream and blue violas, and a third of pink clarkias and godetias. In the centre of the front lawn a fountain played in the sun, and on the miniature lake formed by it pond lilies grew. From the fountain a path led to a pretty rustic summer house covered with climbing roses. In the other corner were several native shrubs, among them being tire beautiful kowhal, red manuka, and the Tasmanian pink berry, called by the Maoris mingi mingl. Best wishes to all. FERNETTE (Roxburgh). NEW MEMBERS Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk who have written to the page for the first time this week:— Silver Laddie, Stan Laurel’s Double, Ink-Pot Pixie, Maiden in Wonderland, Meddlesome Matilda, Blonde One, Queen of Romance’s Sister, Lady Forget-me-Not, Blue Eyed Maidie, Anemone of Scarlet, Crimson Blossom, Rosy Morn, A Dancing Highlander, A School Rover, The Little Colonel. 4 D.L.F. SOCIAL CLUB The second meeting of the D.L.F. Social Club was held in the library on Thursday, September 10. The president, Charles Dickens, w r as in the chair, and those present were Remembrance. Aurora, Queenie, Kilmeny of the Pool, Muriel May, Red Gauntlet, Creamy’s Daughter, Moonlight Glint. Almond Blossom, and A Young New Zealander. The president made reference to the sad passing of Salomy Jane, one of the most popular and best-known writers to the page. Members stood for a moment in silence as a tribute to her memory. A special welcome was then extended to Aurora, the founder of the club, who had specially come to Dunedin to attend the meeting. The election of officers resulted as follows;—Patron, Miss Service; president, Charles Dickens: vice-president, A Young New Zealander (proposed by Aurora and seconded by Queenie): secretary, Muriel May (proposed by A Young New Zealander and seconded by Aurora). The remainder of the committee are Almond Blossom, Queenie, and Aurora. A letter of congratulation on the forming of a club was received from Ivanhoe and Garnett. A general discussion of affairs then resulted, and, on the suggestion of Kilmeny of the Pool, seconded by A Young New Zealander, it was decided to commence activities with a social evening to be held in the library on Saturday, September 2G. The arrangements for thin social will be dealt with at a special meeting in the library next Thursday, September 17, at 7 p.m., to which meeting all Little Folk are cordially invited. Any Little Folk who cannot attend the meeting and who would like to make suggestions for the social could address them to Muriel May. Secretary D.L.F. Social Club, c/o Dot. Many suggestions were brought forward regarding the activities of the club, Almond Blossom suggesting that a bay at the Winter Show might bo attempted next year, and the incorporation of debates and play-reading at the socials was also suggested. It is proposed that the younger Little Folk will be catered for by picnics later in the year. An account of Thursday’s meeting in connection with the forthcoming social will appear next Monday. MURIEL MAY. Secretary.

LITTLE FOLK’S LETTER BOX As the Little Folk inserting the following requests do not know the addresses of the companions with whom they wish to correspond, it Is necessary that those companions should send the first letter.—DOT. Blonde One (Alma Keen, c/o Mr* Andrews, Balmacewen road, Dunedin, NW2) would like to correspond with some girl Little Folk about 13 or 14 years of age. ig >fs Shimmering Butterfly (Norma Forbes. 46 Wharfe street. Oamaru) wishes to correspond with Little Folk between 14 and 16 years of age interested in stamp collecting. OLD WRITERS’ NOTES

Dunlsa (Mrs W. Barnes, Morrison street, Mosgiel) wishes Fenwick Maggie to send her Dunedin address, and is sorry she could not meet the train on which she was travelling, but will explain when writing. She would also like to hear from A Grecian Goddess (Lyell), A Little Lover’s Lass, and Daphne De Oro.

Sanga and An Old Writer.—l have sent your letters to Morning Star.