LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 71

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. A LITTLE FOLK RETIRES. Dear Dot, —As it is only a fortnight now until I reach the retiring age tor your column, I am taking this opportunity of writing a few farewell lines before I reach the ranks.of the Old Writers. Somewhere in the dim past I have faint recollections of saying that I would try to write to you regularly, but I am very much afraid that my efforts must have been very feeble, because it must be fully eight months since I wrote last. However, as one grows older one has more responsibilities and duties to shoulder, and is apt to forget the little things that go to make others happy and joyful. When I first started writing to your page I was seven, and my nom de plume was taken from a pet lamb, which, because of its bad habits, .was called Bunty. And it was because it was my lamb, and not because I resembled the animal, that I took unto myself the same name. It was great to see the first letter in print, and every Wednesday the only two things that held any interest for me in the Otago Witness were firstly, the Little Folk’s page, and then the pictures. However, as one leaves these days of childhood behind there are many other realms of interest to ponder over, and I am afraid, with the older ones especially, the Little Folk’s page is more or less a secondary consideration. Just of late I have not kept in touch with your page owing to not seeing the Otago Witness, but when opportunity offers I always look up the page and scan the names for any familiar ones. Each year more and more fresh ones arrive, and so the older ones fade away. Before going any further I would just like to mention one thing that the nage has done for me. Not only for me, but for hundreds of others, I suppose, but still being the only one of a family, I have felt it much more than otherwise. I have always been very fond of letterwriting, and so your auto columns have given me a great chance to write to various correspondents all over New Zealand, and many a spare hour has been filled with the reading and writing of these letters. Besides keeping up a constant correspondence, more or less, with eight Little Folk, I have also had the opportunity of meeting most of them, and 1 can assure you I have always made the most of times spent together. And now,

if I may, I will give you a short account of ■ my life and doings in the last few months for the interest of readers who may remember me in days when I was a regular correspondent. When I last wrote I was in Nelson, where I spent last fruit season packing apples for export. It was with regret I left that town in June, as I have a warm spot in my heart for Sleepy Hollow, which, by the way, is not as " sleepy ” as it is made out to be. I came back to the place of my youth, Hawke’s Bay, for six weeks, and then set off for Invercargill, where my mother was then living. Down there I started work in my uncle’s garage. I daresay that many of your most southern writers will know the familiar H. and H. bus service that runs to various places in Southland. About a month after Christmas, with the fruit season coming on and an offer of a job packing in Hawke's Bay, I made my way north, via Nelson, and I was at latter place when this town-here, and Napier as well were devastated by the. terrible ’quake of February 3. I arrived in Hastings a fortnight after the shake, and commenced work packing in the Hawke’s Bay Fruitgrowers’ Ltd. The end of the season is very close now, and by the time this is in print I hope to be back in Invercargill. If this catches the eye of any Little Folk down that way I would be very pleased if they would look me up at the garage in Leven street. It was a real heart-ache to come back to a once prosperous town, now in ruins, such as I found Hastings on my arrival. And my first trip to Napier convinced me that unless. one could see it all, it could not be imagined. Napier is five times as bad as - Hastings, and whereas Hastings is cleaned up and many old sites have temporary buildings, Napier is just beginning to clean up the devastation. But. enough of the ’quake. I guess it has been the main theme for a long while, and I can assure you I have . no wish to dwell on' the subject. But, on looking back, I fear I must have overstepped the word limit, and beg forgiveness, but, maybe, as this is my final letter to the page. I will be excused. And now in closing I wish your page every success in the future, and feel sure that it will be bigger and brighter than ever in years to come.—Yours truly, BUNTY (Hastings). [You have written so outstandingly good a retiring letter, Bunty, that I am grieved to think it must be your last till Old Writers’ Week, when, of course, you will be sure to write to me, will you not? My children come and go. one by one, and before I know where I am they are Old Writers. Time passes so quickly.

And yet I never feel that I really lose you. You are still my Little Folk even though you arc grown up. It gives me great pleasure to know that you have made good friends through the page, and I hope you will always keep them.) You will never forget your experiences in the earthquake area. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is over four months since I last wrote, so I thought I would write to-night. My poisoned fingers are better now, thank you, and I can say I am pleased, as they are not pleasant things to have on one's hands. AVe are having lovely warm weather here now, but that is not the kind of weather we are wanting. We are badly in need of rain. It has not rained here for months. , I have stopped taking music lessons now, as my teacher left Morven, and is now living with her sister in Levin. Sheywas'holidaying in Napier when the terrible earthquake came. She told us in a letter that the whole town shook for five hours, and that was bad enough—but the fires were alarming—to see all the tow.n in flames was a dreadful sight. Her sister's house was on fire three times, but was saved. They had to rescue a few of their valuables and flee to the country. They slept on the road near a big hill, so that if the tidal wave came they could go up to the hills for safety. . All day and all night they had continual shakes. The next day they camped in an orchard, the seven of them in one tent. They all slept with their coats on and sometimes their hats on, as they did not know -what moment they would have to go out into the open. She also told me she hopes no one will ever have to go through such an experience again. She likes living in Levin very much indeed. I always like getting letters from her. as they are so newsy. It was my birthday on May 14. and I was 17. People tell me I do not look like a girl of 17 years of age. They ■all say I look far younger. The Anglican Church of Morven ;is holding a sale of work in the hall, and I am going to help with the dips. Our' minister will be away from here by then, as lie is going to the Chatham Islands. He. told

i us there are 250 white people and 250 j black people over there. There are no cars there, and all the travelling over the island is done on horseback. I am enclosing a snap of myself when I was 15, with my pet sheep Nancie. We still have her. * and she is just quiet enough for us to catch , her. What has happened to you. Daddy’s J Little Farmyard Girl? I have not heard 1 from you for ages. I have one regular J correspondent, and I always look forward 1 to her letter’s. I will close with love. — J Yours truly. i * MOB VEN LILY (Morven). ‘ I am glad to hear that your fingers are | better, Morven Lily. Take good care of your health, and they will not be sore 1 again. Do not cease practising just be- . cause you have no music teacher. You know enough now to teach yourself. I , ■ should advise you to learn new music • ’ whenever you can. Your teacher had a ■ ’ trying experience, and one she will cer- , tainly not want to repeat. I can under- , Stand from looking at your photograph • why people do not think you are old. . ’ Thank you for’ it. You wil see that I j ’ have put it in the page.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ -YDear Dot. —How are you getting on? We have had a fortnight s holiday. My ' eldest brother had three weeks, as he goes to a boarding school. My little kitten . died, so I have none left. We have all colds, and they are not very pleasant. Our ; garden is looking very bare, as the roses are past their 'best.—Yours truly, LITTLE JOHN (Haka). [I am very well, thank you, Little John. When you go to a boarding school you will have three weeks’ holiday, too. I am sorry you have eoids. and hope you will all soon be better. Perhaps the little kitten did not have the right kind of food. ’ What did you used to give him?-—DOT.] •£ ¥ Dear Dot, —We are having very dry weather here just now. I was first in Standard 111 last term. We went back, to school again last Tuesday, as we had been away for two weeks. The cows are not doing so well just now, because there, is not much feed for them. Some of them, ■give only a small amount of milk. We could hardly expect, anything to grow in' the weather we are having. I read nearly • all of the Little Folks letters in one Otago, Witness a while ago, We have ninety-five ’ pullets that have not been laying very 1 long, and we received 43 eggs recently, which was the most eggs we have had kq ; far. The willow trees, which are shedk ding their leaves, are looking very bare. One of the liooks I have read lately is *•' The Little Bead Purse.” Have you read it? If you are having wet weather down there I wish you would send some up here. The twopenny postage is making a difference to the Little Folk’s letters, al- ‘ though there were a good many in last week’s Otago Witness. Have you ever been up in an aeroplane? I have not, and Ido not want to go up either. I will close with heaps of love to all the Little and your own tUar self. —Yours truly, TINY 80-PEEP (Oamaru).,, ‘[Congratulations on being first, Tiny 80-Peep. All cOws give less milk in the winter. Your pullets seem to be making

up for the scarcity of milk by laying well for you. Are their eggs large? If you look at the willow tree now that their leaves arc gone you will see that their branches make a very beautiful pattern. Yes, I have been up in an aeroplane.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written for many months, so I thought I would like to write again. I have just had a very enjoyable holiday in Waimate. There, were two dogs where I was staying, one just a young pup. Their names were Wags and Mick. Mick is a very stately dog, while Wags is just a young mischief. The pup being very young and senseless, tries to copy Mick. Do you like dogs ? . I like them to play with. I am going to rejoin the Public Library, and am looking forward to it. Do you like books? I read a great deal now. While I was away I worked a pinafore with Australian bears on it, and it looks very pretty. I am very much interested in swimming, and am waiting for the summer weather to come, so that I can go swimming again. I have had a< good holiday, and ani ready for school again.—Yours truly, PETER PIXIE (Dunedin).

[I am glad to hear from you, Peter Pixie. I was wondering when you were going to write again. So you have been to Waimate, have you? And -what pleasant companions you had in Mick and Wags! I can imagine how funny Wags would, look in his attempts to be like Mick. Yes, 1 like books very much and read whenever I can. The pinafore you describe must be very pretty. Have you ever been in a swimming race?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I wrote that I suppose you will have forgotten me. How time flies. It seems no time since Christmas, but I suppose when the winter- comes it will pass more slowly. I passed my proficiency at the end of last year. I learn dressmaking now, and find it very interesting work. Our holidays passed too quickly for we -had such fun. We had visitors all the time. The weather has been lovely. Frosty’s Mate is out working, but slie comes home every Sunday. Aly ’ brother has, been duckshooting, and shot one duck. He shot six all the season. We are all fond of ducks. I wjsh I could go out shooting, for it seems a great sport. We milk 14 cows in the morning and II at night. I milk two in the morning, but now I do not milk at night. We have sweet peas two indies out of the ground. Last summer we had a glorious show of roses and sweet peas. Our violets are starting to come out already, and some of the bulbs are up. We have a tennis court at home, but we have stopped playing now. I wish I could play hockey this year, but there is no team near. Last year I played in our school team. The school here was closed for a week owing to whooping cough, but no one in our family took it. as we all have had it. Best wishes to you and your happy band.—-Yours truly. BEE BUSY (South Otago).

[I have not forgotten you, Bee Busy, though it certainly is a long time since you last wrote to me. Dressmaking must be very interesting work. Can you make all your own clothes? I am glad you have had such fine weather for the holidays, and hope it continues while the children are at school. I could not milk two cows if I tried. You are lucky to have a tennis court for use during the warm weather. —DOT.]

t- tDear Dot, —To-day is Sunday, and as I usually answer all my letters on Sunda.v I will write to you while I am about it. It has been a dull dreary day, but just; now, as the sun sets, the day is brighter. An ugly old cow in the paddock across the road looks very beautiful with the golden rays of the sun on its brown coat. Although I am now 17 I do not seem to be any older than when I was 16. Percy, our tabby puss, has a new aunt whom we called Joanie. Joanie is pure black, and an imp of mischief. I do not know whether she has been to the hairdresser’s and had her whiskers permanently waved or not. but wavy they are. I have just finished reading “Quo Vadis.” I enjoyed it too. but all the way through I was hoping that old Nero would come to some horrible end, as he was so wicked. Have you read it? Pukahu advised me to read it, so I did. Other books that I have lately read are two classics. “ Lavengro,” by George Borrow, and “ The Romany Rye,” a sequel to it. Somehow I have always thought that classics were dry and uninteresting, but those two were very interesting. At irfesent all the people here are busy rn their gardens, so I have followed suit. I trimmed our hedge, and dug up a gravel path that was overgrown •with weeds; and planted bulbs till my knee itched with kneeling. • I was always ready for bed those nights. The garden is not nearly finished yet, so I hope that we ■will have more good weather, so that we

can finish it. Our Bible Class members are preparing a concert, which, so far. seems to be going to be very good. After it is over I will tell you about it. At present it is a secret. A number of Little Folk who seemed to have forgotten the, page are turning up now. At first when the increased postage began there were ; very few writers, at least there was not tlie usual number. I cannot think of any more to say just now. so will close with best wishes to all the Little Folk and your , own deal- self.—Yours truly, SUE SUNSHINE (Stirling). [When the sun shines every tiling is transfigured, Sue Sunshine, even, as you say,, an old cow. Where did Percy’s aunt come-from? It seems most mysterious to me. And how do you know she is his 5 aunt? I have, read “Quo Vadis” and, like you, rebelled against Nero’s cruelty. , Those were certainly the “ bad old days ” • for Christian people.’ I am glad you like ” Lavengro ” and “ Romany Rye.” Do not forget to tell me about the mysterious concert. —DOT.] ’ ¥ « « Dear Dot, —It is a while since I wrote to you and the Little Folk, so I thought I would write to you to-day. It has been • very dry up here, but the rain we had ' recently will do a great deal of good ! to the farmers. I have been away for a ■ week's holiday, and I was staying with ‘ my auntie, two miles away from -our place. Our 20 white pullets are laying very well just now. I find it very nice and inf foresting reading the Little Folk's letters. : I am going down to see Tiny 80-Peer ; some day soon. We have been dipping

sheep to-day, and they are feeling cold. I must close, with love to you all and your owu dear self.—Yours truly, „„„„„ TINY CHERRY BLOSSOM (Airedale). ,

[I am glad you decided to write to me, Tiny Cherry Blossom, for I was beginning to wonder when I was to hear from you again. I suppose you had a lovely holiday with your auntie. Is she one of tlie nice aunts that like spoiling their nieces? I feel sorry for tlie dipped sheep now that there is frost in the air. If only they would do some exercises to make themselves warm! —DOT.] '* ¥ * Dear Dot—Aly younger brother, aged six, is fid of miscliiel, and one day as day was sowing oats and drawing tlie chain harrows behind, my brother ran in behind the drill and tumbled down, and the harrows ran over him. He got up covered with dust, but none the worst of it. Later on he told mother that he lost some buttons oft his trousers. The threshing mill is threshing our neighbours stacks now. It has been to our place. My sister had a holiday at my uncle’s place in • Invercargill. We feed our cows on turnips now. We give them three lorry loads a day, and as dad is busy with other work during the holidays, we help mother to cart the turnips. We take turns to drive, and I like when my turn comes. 1 am feeding my ducks on pollard to make them lay. I like ducks’ eggs. I could eat one every morning for my breakfast. As I am writing this letter we are listening to the wireless. The music is coming from Dunedin through Invercargill. Perhaps you are listening to the same music? It is very good. It was dad’s birthday the other day. He forgot till we told him. Mum has pulled our apples, and we have about seven boxes full. I must close now, ■ because I must have a good sleep. So vood niizht all.—Yours truly, good mg it LITTLE JACK HORNER (Grove Bush). [When I read about your little brother my heart was in my mouth, Little Jack Horner. Thank goodness, they were not disc harrows! Do teach him to take care of himself. Your cows seem to have big appetites. But, I suppose there are many of them. It must be great fun driving the lorry. I, too, like duck eggs, and could I eat one a day. Wish your father many happy returns for me—-DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It seems ages since I last wrote to you. but I have been reading the others’ letters. I thought Steele Rudd wrote a very good description of the

whaling. All the crops round about here are stacked, so the farmers are lucky. I enjoyed my holidays very much.- We are receiving seven or eight eggs a day now. There is a prize for the neatest sewing at school, so 1 am making a silk nightdress. I came second in last term examination with 370 marks. I was rather disappointed that I was not top. Nokomis of the Moon is away for a holiday just now. I was at two weddings lately, so I have another aunt and uncle. I had four teeth extracted the other day. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BOOFLES (Otago). [Steele Rudd’s description was certainly good, Booties. He had used his eyes well, and was able to write clearly of all lie had seen. I wonder whether your silk nightdress will wirj the sewing prize. I hope it does. And congratulations on being second in the class. You are lucky to have been at two weddings. Were you a bridesmaid?- —DOT.] -¥ V «

Dear Dot. —It is ages since I last wrote you, and I do hope you will forgive me. I hope you are keeping well. Our hens have, stopped laying now, just when we really need their eggs. Some of the Little Folk write very interesting letters. The native bush is looking very well at present, but all the fruit trees are losing their leaves, and looking so bare. I was at a dance about three weeks ago, and had a great time. Tile music was' very good, and it was very interesting to watch the men playing all the different instruments. I am very fond of music, especially the piano, which I learnt for two years. I am very fond of the gramophone also, and we have 150 records for ours. We have a card party once a fortnight, and always a large crowd turns up. I enjoyed reading Tangle Pate’s letter very much -indeed, and she must have had a very exciting time Suring the earthquake. A great many of the farmers round about this district have an unemployed man working for them. Work is so slack just now, and there is no price for anything. Some of the people say that our dairy factory is not paying anything out this month. As it is getting late I had better close for the meantime. Kind regards to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, MAMMY LOU (Southland). [As soon as your letter arrived you were forgiven, Mammy Lou. But I liope you will write to me again soon. Hens have a. ! habit of laying no eggs at a time when eggs are most dear. What sort of music do you like best? The unemployed men

• will be glad of the work the farmers can . , give them. Let us hope the period of de- ■ pression will soon be over.—DOT J * * ¥ I Bear Dot, It is a long time since I i " rote you. We started our term holidays on May 8, and we went back on , " 5 -. J came first in my examination ‘ out of Standard 111. Me have been hav- ; , mg lovely weather lately until the day ;! when the reunion was held. It was a • : nasty damp afternoon, nothing like the ’ . weather of a few days previously. We i piety uiisKCt Drill n't school now, and. have a : | little team, for there are very few girls in the school. I am captain of the "basket bail team this year. I have never been s captain before. We receive a free ticket 1 every May, and my brothers and I go to r , dtffe , ren t Places. This year I went L to Culverden on May 12, on May 13 to ! 1 araassus, on May 14 to Christchurch, on

May 19 again to Culverden, and on Mav 20 to Christchurch. I can't think of anV more, so I will stop now, wishing you and your Little I oik good luck.—Yours truly STORMY SUNSET (Ashley). ' [Tou did splendidly in the examination, Stormy Sunset, and fully deserved the holidays that followed. But what a pity the weather was so bad on reunion day! It often happens like that, however And you are captain of the basket ball team’ That is an honour indeed. I think you are the most fortunate children I know to have so many free rides to interesting ■ places.—DOT.] , . Dear Dot,—W e have just had our term, holidays. I had a jolly time going out in the car with daddy every day. I was away on a sheep station for a few days, and had a pleasant time. When I walked through the bush I heard numbers of little birds singing sweetly. An old turkey gobbler stood in front of me, and spread out his tail, and said, “Gobble! gobble! at me. He seemed very much annoyed when I said “Gobble! gobble! ” to him. The trees are almost bare now. Evei-y puff of wind'* brings down a shower of golden leaves. Mummy has been busy in the . garden. I have been helping her. I trimmed the hedges, and took the clip- ; pings away in my cart. We are going to have a big bonfire when it is not too windy. Aly pussy cat has been away for a long time. The other morning she was : meowing at tlie door. She brought four i little kittens home, two black ones and i. two grey ones. They were wild, and i scratched me. They ate three wee chicks, : so daddy had to take them away. Golly i and Teddy are having jolly adventures.

I wonder where they will go next week? ' Mumniie took me to the dentist, and I i had two teeth stopped. It is much nicer than having toothache. I am saving up my pennies for Jerry Joy's birthday on I June 25. He never forgets mine. It is I nearing my bedtime, and I ean feel the ! sandman coming, so. I shall close with : kind regards to all.—Yours truly, MEZZO (Cambridge). [Would you like to live on a sheep station always, Mezzo, or would you prefer to go there only at holiday time? I laughed when I read about the turkey. Good for you! Who was he to be the only one to say, “Gobble gobble!” You must have been a great help to your mother in the garden,, and I hope you were rewarded with a beautiful bonfire. The kittens must have been very wild little animals. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ * Dear Dot, —Since I last wroli to you I have had my twelfth birthday, which was on April 29. We have a niano now, but I cannot play it very well. We are milking only one cow just now, but we expect to be milking another very soon. We went, back to school on May 25, as we have had our first term holidays. I like reading about the Chums and Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip. We had a bluey grey cat, which was born on the same day as my little brother. He was one year five months of age on May 11. That cat died not long ago, because he had a very sore foot, which was very swollen. Acorn Elf goes to the same school as I do, but although she is only in Standard 111 she is in the same room as I am. I am in Standard IV. We have been having fine weather. My grandmother was staying in Dunedin, but at present she is at Balclutha. I have not any ’correspondents now, as none of them writes to me. I have noticed what a difference the two penny postage has made to your page. .JYove to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, RING-A-DING (Otautau). [Many happy returns of your birthday, Ring-a-ding. I hope you had a jolly time. I wonder what was wrong with your puss’s foot. Perhaps there was a thorn in it. I hope he was not in great pain. I suppose you and Acorn Elf often smile at each other across the room when no one is looking. Perhaps your correspondents will write if they see this letter..—DOT.] •¥• V Dear Dot.—lt is a long time, since 1 last wrote to you. 1 came second in the

' school examination. We have had our ! i holidays. We have been having some very hard frosts this last week or two. At present I am reading a book called the ’ “ Pilgrim’s Progress,” by John Bunyan. I Have you ever read it? It is a good ' book. Every Wednesday night the Salva- ■ tion Army holds a young people’s meeting. The first Wednesday we play games and the next Wednesday we have singing. Our captain reads a part of the “ Pilgrim’s Progress ” to us, which we enjoy very much. I have just finished reading the Little Folk’s letters, which I find very interesting. We have a little kitten. It is grey with a few black strips on his back. Will you please give me a name for him? We are getting a little black and white pup from one of our neighbours, as our other dog died. Will you please give me a name for him, too? At present I am fancy working a pincushion, which has butterflies round the edge of it. I am working it all in blue, and it looks very pretty. I am still learning music, and have a new piece called “ Dulabel.” I will close now, with kindest regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, LITTLE MISCHIEF (Otago). [I congratulate you on coming second in the class, Little Mischief. Yes, I have read “ Pilgrim’s Progress,” and have enjoyed it, too. Which of its characters do you admire most? I think “Mr Stripes” would be a good name for the kitten and “Mr Check ” a good name for the pup. Are you going to give the pincushion to 1 your mother? It must be a very pretty 1 one.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is such a long time since I have written to you that I feel ashamed of myself. We are having beautiful weather just now, and it is much more like summer than winter. There is harrdly any snow on the mountains, and we have had very few frosts. Lately my father bought a young pig, and it is impossible to keep it in the pigsty. We have all our -apples picked and stored away now, and my sister and I have been employed in raking up the leaves from underneath the walnut trees. I have been planting sweet pea seeds, but 1 do Marner.” Have you read it? I think it is interesting, but very sad. I have been planting sweet pea seeds, but I do not think many of them will grow, as the weather is dry and it is a little too late. It is bedtime now, so I shall have to close, with much love.—Yours truly, LISETTE (Fairlie).

[Do not be ashamed, Lisette. There is nothing to be ashamed about, I assure you. Yes, the weather has been remarkably good lately—much better than it was in the summer time. That pig must be a very lively fellow. How tidy your garden must look if you have raked up all the leaves. Yee, I have read and enjoyed “ Silas Marner.”—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here I am once again. It is ages since I penned a few lines to you, but although I am not a regular writer I always read our Little Folk’s page every week. Some of your band are very faithful writers, and still continue to write frequently despite the rise in postage. We are having really nice sunny weather here for this time of the year. We have had several hard frosts, which have made it rather cold for early rising. The school kiddies’ holidays are at an end once again. My brother and sister were by no means looking forward to school. It certainly is rather hard settling dowm to lessons after two weeks’ play, but it has to be done. I know I used to hate it, but it was really more the thought than anything else, as once I did start I liked it quite well, but, of course, I looked forward eagerly to the next holidays, and I think all children do. We have had our house painted since I last wrote to you, and really it has made a difference. It does not look the same house. Unemployment is terrible in New Zealand just now. I suppose all the other countries are having the same problem. It is rather awful the way the wages have been cut and house rent, etc., raised. I think we are rather fortunate living on a farm, as we have room to grow plenty of vegetables, and we also have cream and milk, which helps quite a great deal. Of course, all wages have been reduced, and it is rather difficult to make ends meet on the smaller wage. Still it has to be done, so we have to economise. My small sister will be seven years old next month, and she has asked me several times what I am going to give her, and if dad and our big brother are going to give her anything. I suppose she will receive a present from us all as per usual, but I do not think they will be such nice presents as usual. I gave her a wee blue pleated skirt the other day, of -which she is very proud. It does not take much to please small children, does it? I know my sister is pleased with even the smallest gift. I had a married cousin and her two children here for the holidays. They enjoyed the country after always living in the town. The boy was rather sorry when he had to so, home. We have the talkies in Balclutha now, and “ Rio Rita ” was

shown recently. I had heard so much about it that 1 went to see it. My flower garden is looking very bare just now. The frost has nipped nearly all the flowers. Well,' I will have to draw this letter to a close, as news has run out. Best love to yourself, the Little Folk, and Old Writers.—Yours truly, CUTICURA GIRL (Balclutha).

[Yes. You are almost a stranger, Cutieura Girl. How pleasant it is to hear from you again and to know that you are one of the faithful ones. I agree with you about children and sehoo l . Holidays always seem better than lessons when one is young. I wonder what you will eventually give your small sister, and if she will like it. But, .of course, she will. Nicely-brought-up children like anything they are given.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Since last writing to you we have been having a beautiful spell of sunny weather. But recently it broke and rained heavily all the afternoon, while the wind which accompanied it was of the kind that has not the courtesy to go round one, but cuts straight through. We had lovely weather for the .invercargill Winter Show, which was held a little over a week ago. Many of the people who attended it thought .it exceptionally good for the bad season and hard times we have experienced lately. My little brother, who entered some choumollier at the show, came first and third in his class. You guessed right in answer to my last letter, when you thought that Pansy Pan would purchase something to wear with the money she received from the euchre tournament, f">r she bought a pair of stockings witli it. We have had the threshing mill in, aad as the day was fine, it was able to thresn three stacks in three hours and a-half. I have just finished reading a book about Indians, and enjoyed it immensely. The name of it was “ The Daughter of the Chieftain.” My sister bought a new evening frock a few days ago, and it is very pretty. It is pale pink satin with a flared skirt, and is ankle length. The long frocks look very nice for evening wear, but I like them much shorter for daytime. The term holidays have come to an end, and both my little brother and sister were glad to be back at school again. My sister spent her vacation with Lovely Blue Eyes (our sister), and enjoyed them very much, as she was able to play with our little nephew most ot the time. Aeroplanes have been flying over here quite frequently lately, and they will soon be as numerous ae motor cars. Have you ever had the pleasure of going for a spin in an aeroplane? The flower garden is very bare now, as most of the flowers have finished blooming, with the exception of the chrysanthemums, which last a little longer than some flowers. The flowers soon depart when the frosts come. Recently the wind, which was blowing at a terrific pace, blew our neighbour’s straw stack over, so he had to build it up again next day. Hard luck, was it not? Especially in this kind of weather. Well, it is near bedtime, so I shall say “ au revoir " for the present.—Yours truly, NIGELLA (Southland).

[I am so glad about your young brother’s success in the show, Nigella. The movement in connection with 1 arming for young people is an excellent one and has already borne good fruit. Congratulate him for me. Your sister’s evening dress sounds very pretty, and should be most becoming when worn. Yes, I went up in an aeroplane .many years ago. It was an indescribable sensation.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am nine years of age, and I am in Standard 111 at school. I had two pigeons, but a sparrowhawk killed one. I have a big baby dob, and I call her Betty. I like to read the Little Folk’s letters. Love to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, ANNIE THE GENTLE (Southland). [You may certainly join, dear, but as your name was taken before, I have had to change it to Annie the Gentle. Do you mind? I am sorry about the pigeon. Sparrow-hawks are great enemies to birds. _ I suppose Betty was present at your birthday party when you were nine. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Holidays are over and I am sorry. For my holidays I went down to Invercargill to my sister’s place. One of my rabbits had four young ones, and it is hard to find feed for them all. We are not having very good weather at present. One of our doge has six wee pups, and could you please give me names for them? I had a ride on the pony recently, but it was too wet to ride him the next day. Our hens are not laying just now, but I hope they will start soon. . We are milking five cows at night and six in the morning. We were at the Invercargill Show this year, and it was fairly good. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly, WHITEBAIT (Southland).

[Your home must be like a nursery with four baby rabbits and six puppies in it, Whitebait. Do not let the rabbits starve, for they depend on you for their food now that they are not free. Cail the pups Rangi, Kopua, Hone, Wi, Kuri, and Kai. Your hens will lay soon, and then you will have plenty of eggs.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. May I have Cockie’e Daughter for my pen-name? Love to you and your Little Folk.—Yours truly, COCKIE’S PRETTY DAUGHTER (Fairlie). [You may certainly join, dear, but as the name you wanted had been chosen by a Little Folk living in Athol, I have altered it to Cocky’s Pretty Daughter. What games do you like best at school? —DOT.] * ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my letter in print. I wrote to you once before, but my letter was not printed. We started school last Monday. We had lovely weather until the last few days of our holidays. It was very windy one day when we went to a football match. It ' was a good game, but our district lost. It was the first game they have lost this

season. We have a basket ball at school now, and I like playing with it. We often see an aeroplane flying over the district. We could see the number on it one day. My birthday was last Friday, and I was nine years old. My sister and I were at a birthday party of a little boy, who is four years old We had lots of nice cake to e«at. I found a penny in my piece of birthday cake. We had a good time. We were at auntie’s place for three days too. I must close now with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

WILD ROSELING (Southland). [I am glad you had good weather for your holidays, Wild Roseling. If the match was a good one it does not matter which team won. Your team may do better next time. The aeroplane must have been very close when you could see its number. What a happy birthday party that must have been! You were lucky to find that penny.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since £ wrote to you, but all the same I never forget you. I have not been well again, but managed to stay at school for the examination. The doctor said I could go, but I had to go home to bed every afternoon. Anyway I came sixth for the girls, so that was not too bad. I am much better again, and quite glad to be back at school. Last Wednesday was grandpa’s birthday, and he was 78 years of age. We had a good time in the holidays, only the last week Mother’s Goldie had to stay in bed for three days with a bad cold. You will see by the address that we have been moving, and now we feel we are really settled. This is a twostoried brick house, and seems so cosy. We have a lovely view all round the Otago Peninsula from the bedroom windows, and can see everyone come up Stuart street past the Technical School. Now I must conclude and post these, nr I will miss this week again.—Yorns truly, LITTLE JEAN (Dunedin). [lt is pleasant to know one is not forgotten, Little Jean. I, too, do not forget you. I am sorry you have been ill again, and hope you will be stronger in the future. You certainly did well to :>e sixth in the class when you were f.eling so unwell. It must be comforting to live in a nice new house. What a splendid view you have!—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How are you? I was in bed three days during the last week ot the holidays with a bad cold, but 1 am better now. The week-end before, we had a girl staying with ns, and we had a good time. We went to St. Clair, the Gardens, and the Museum, and at night we went to the pictures three times. I like rea'Jing books better now, . and have read . a number lately. I like Ethel Turner's books, as there is usually a mischievous child in them. I just love lots of fun. We started at First Church Sunday School on Sunday. We know a number ot girls who go, so we do not feel strange. We have a lovely cat called Paddy, and he sleeps on a cushion on a chair. One morning, however, he was too near the edge and fell off. He just loves a fuss made of him, and I can tell you he gets plenty, as we all like him. I must close now, as Little Jean is waiting to go to the post.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S GOLDIE* (Dunedin).

[Poor Mother’s Goldie to have to be in bed when it was holiday time! Never mind. If you had good books to real you would be able to spend a happy time in spite of having a cold. Did your friends come to visit you? I see that you enjoyed your holidays, and had a great deal of fun in them. Give Paddy a hug for me. I love cats, and he sounds a beauty.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Just a few lines to ask you if it would be worth while my joining your page for 12-months. I have taken a great interest in your page, and greatly enjoy reading the letters, so. please could I join? I ain 20 years of age. I am working for my parents on a fairly large farm out in the country, 18 miles from Ashburton and 10 miles from Methven, but it is only a small place. Ashburton is a rather nice place. Have you been there? We have had a month of such nice weather with a few fairly hard frosts. It is cold when they are about. I suppose the increasing of postage has made a difference to your page. I notice it myself, as I used to write a good many letters, and now that we have to put a twopenny stamp on, I do not write so often. My favourite sports are basket ball and tennis. 1 used to like hockey, but I think it is a rather rough game. We have not a tennis court, but might have one put down this year. I am very fond of riding horses, too. We have a little old pony and a big hack. Do you like reading? I do, and have just finished reading two books by Mabel St. John. They were “The Dark Wood” and “Sweet and Twenty.” One thing I really like doing is fancywork. I have just finished a Dolly Varden apron for myseli. Just at present I am working a big white euppercloth in colours. Is not unemployment bad just now? But work cannot be had, can it? The young girls must find it hard to make a living, as they cannot go “ swagging ” like men. I have been told some girls are walking the streets day and night in Christchurch. Some of the poor farmers are having a hard -fight to keep from losing their farnis. One man here had his two farms come back on him, so now he has to loik after three. Well, I must be going to bed, as it is growing late. If I can join your page, I would like the penname I have mentioned if no one else has picked it. Best love to all the Little Folk and your dear- self.—Yours truly, QUEEN VICTORIA (Ashburton). [Certainly it would be worth your while to join, Queen Victoria, for many letters can be written in 12 months, and there is always Old Writers’ Week afterwards. So, welcome to the page. I have not been to Ashburton, but have heard I how pretty it is. I am glad you like living there. I am very fond of reading, I though I have little time for reading novels. Yes, unemployment is very bid. I hope it will be better soon.—DOT.J

Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in the Otago Witness. In our term examinaitons 1 received 247 marks, and was second in my’ class, missing top by only one mark. We have been haying cold weather here lately. I have a little grey kitten, and her name is Petty. My sister writes to a girl in England, and is pressing some flowers to send over to her. All the flowers in mother’s garden are dying now’. I like flowers, and have a wee garden of my own. I am a Brownie, and my sister is a Girl Guide. One Saturday tl ie Guides w'ent for a hike up to the bush. They cooked sausages and potatoes for their dinner. I would like to be a Girl Guide, but I am not old enough to join. Our teacher has gone away to another school, and we are sorry to lose her. Wc do not know who is coming in lier place. We have a new little black calf, which we call Darkie. —Yours truly, FAIRY FAY (Southland). [You did very well in your class, Fairy Fay, and I congratulate you. Perhaps you will be top next term. I am sure Petty must be a darling kitten. Does she like flowers? Some kittens are very fond of them. It is always good fun when the Girl Guides cook their own meals, and I do not wonder that you would like to be a Guide. But it is also good fun being a Brownie. Give Darkie a stroke for me.— DOT.] * * Dear Dot, —Wild Sheba paid us a visit when she was in Christchurch, and she and The Kitchen Clock went skating and to the pictures together. On the Saturday afternoon The Murderous Villain, Wild Sheba, and myself cycled to Kaiapoi, and while we were out there a heavy fog came up which was quite thick over the Waimakariri River, but it cleared after we left the Waimakariri. For about a week or 10 days we have had heavy mists round the town, but after they have cleared away we have had a fine day. Although it is nearly winter we have had exceptionally fine weather. The 'town is very quiet, and it looks as if Mr Depression has come to stay, but things are beginning to look up. and if everyone looks for the silver lining I believe we will have a bit of excitement before long, and Mr Depression will be run out of town. Well, I will close now and not encroach upon any more space.—Yours truly. THE MYSTERIOUS SPANIARD (Christchurch). [Do you like fog. Mysterious Spaniard? John Galsworthy has a description of a fog in his book “ The Inn of Tranquillity,” and every’ time I read it my flesh creeps. Yet fog is beautiful. I hope that what you say about Mr Depression is correct, and that very soon he will be refused admittance anywhere. And thank you for the bow which I am sure accompanies the end of your letter.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I thought it would be a pleasure to take up pen and ink and write to you. One Saturday when we went to the theatre to see a picture called “ Sunny,” they’ had an extra picture on. which had monkeys in it. Now two of these monkeys were getting married, and about a month after they had a divorce, then they were married again. We'went to the competitions one Saturday, and there were step-dances, songs in character, character story dances, and skipping dances. I knew some of the children who received first prizes in the competitions. I am making a cushion cover for fancywork, and it is very pretty. We have a lovely Lig chrysanthemum coming out in my’ garden. As we are expecting a visitor I had better close. —Yours truly’ , MONEY SPIDER II (Christchurch). [I hope it was a pleasure, Money Spider 11, for it was certainly a pleasure to me to receive your letter. That picture about the monkeys must have - been a very realistic one. Were the monkeys dressed in clothes? I wonder if you ever enter for competitions, and if so, if you ever win anything? I should like see your fancy work. Chrysanthemums are beautiful flowers. —DOT.] ¥ •» ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,- —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I have been reading the Otago Witness, and thought I would like to join. I am 11 years old, and in Standard V. I go to the Mimihau School. It is two and a-half miles for me to go to school. I did not go anywhere for my holidays. I have a white and black kitten. Would you please give me a name for it? I ride a pony to school. His name is Chum. I enjoyed these holidays, and was very’ sorry when we had to go back to school. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, CHUM’S MATE (Southland). [I am pleased to welcome you, Chum’s Mate, and am glad you and Chum are mates, for I like Little Folk to be friendly with their pets. What does Chum do while you are in^ school—have a class with the other pomes perhaps? I think Twinkles would be a good name for the kitten.—DOT.] # Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard IV at school. I am very much interested in reading the Little Folk’s letters. I have two little rabbits. Love to all the Little Folk and your your own dear self.—Yours truly, MACUSHLA (Waitaki). [Certainly you may join, Macushla. I am very’ fond of your pretty Irish name. Have you always liked reading the letters of my’ Little Folk? I hope your rabbits are good little animals, and that you give them plenty to eat these cold days.— DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —It is a while since I last wrote to you. I have left school, and am now at home. We have been having very rough weather here lately. There was a euchre party and dance on Monday,’but I did not go. We have about seven cats now. I went up to my friend’s place one afternoon a short while ago. I have read a number of interesting books lately, as the evenings are so long. We have just hath our- house nainted. Love to yourself and the Little Folk.—Yours truly, ' MAIDEN MARIGOLD (Southland). [Do you like being at home, Maiflen ■Marigold? I suppose you are a great help to your mother, and aid her in feeding the seven cats and keeping them in order. Seven cats sounds a very large number. It reminds me of “ When I was going to St. Ives.” Do you know that jingle? Yon will feel very proud to be

living in a newly-painted house, I expect. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —I spent my holidays at Mataura Island. I had a very enjoy'able time, because there is a large bush where I stayed. We were setting traps to catch opossums, but we did not catch any. I came top at school with 300 marks. Our hens are starting to lay again, and it is pleasing to have an egg for breakfast. As I was reading the Otago Witness to-night I noticed that Lincoln Green wishes to correspond with me. She is the first one who has wanted me to write to her. That is all this time. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, TERRACE MAID (Wyndham).

[One can generally have a good time when there is bush to play in, Terrace Maid. Are opossums destructive animals? If not, why did you want to trap them? Congratulations on being top of your class. You did splendidly. You must write to Lincoln Green, and perhaps the two of you will become fast friends. — DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,—Just a line to let you know I have not forgotten you. The weather is growing colder now. My little brother has four lovely big teeth. He can bite everything. We have a number of hens, and it is my job to feed them. We have 10 lovely little chickens. The old mother is very good to them. She will not eat anything until the little chickens have enough. Have you read the book called “A Make-Believe Brownie”? It is very interesting. I enjoy reading about Peter, Patty’, and Mr Pip. I have many playmates round here. We have eight cows milking now. I will close with love to all. —Yours truly. DOLLY GREY - (North Otago). [Thank you for not forgetting me, Dolly Grey. I did not think you had. Your brother must be at a very interesting age. I suppose he would bite your finger if you put it in his mouth. But. of course, you would not do that. Mother hens are generally very kind, and look after their chickens well. No. I have not read that book. What is it about?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? -We are having sonie hard frosts up here lately. I went down to Dunedin one Friday, and had a very enjoyable time. We went down Middlemarch way, and back through Palmerston. My cousin was up with us for the term holidays. It was the first time I had seen her, as she lives up near Dannevirke, in the North Island. Her sister is coming down to see her at Christchurch, and she is coming down here before she goes away. The first week of the holidays my’ cousin, a friend, and my’ sister and I climbed up the Rock and Pillar Range. We all enjoyed it very much. Patearoa looked very pretty, as it is nearly all trees. When we were coming down my’ sister and I were slipping and slidng nearly all the way. When we arrived at the bottom it was about halfpast 2, and as our friend had to go for some pears we stayed there for about an hour and a-half. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly’, BABY FACE (Otago). [Y r ou may’ join. Baby Face, but I cannot enrol you until you tell me your private name, so please do not forget to send it next time y’ou write. It would be delightful for y’ou to have your cousin with you for the holidays. What fun you had during the holidays too. I should have liked to be with you when you climbed that range. It must have been exciting coming down.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —As it is a while since I penned a few lines to the page, 'I thought I would write to you. I went to a football match one Saturday’, and thought it a very’ good game. The two teams were Alexandra B and Banockburn, Alexandra winning by 24 points to nil. _ I went to the talkies one Saturday’, but did not like them at all. It was the first time I had been since they have been installed in the Town Hall. The name of the picture was “ The Street Girl,” featuring Betty Compson. This week they’ are showing Maurice Chevallier in “ The Love Parade.” I have been to a fewdances lately, and have enjoyed myself, although there has only been a few people there. The Alexandra District High School is sending a hockey team to Dunedin to compete in the hockey tournament and also to play Columba College. Last year they’ were runners-up in the tournament, and the year before they were the winners, so I hope they- are successful this time. I do not play hockey, as I cut my foot a few years ago and it still troubles me if I run too much. A few weeks ago we were having lovely summer weather, but now the hard frosts are starting, and during the day it is stormy. Well, as news is scarce these days, I will draw this letter to a close, with kind regards to the page, and also yourself.—Yours truly, WESTCLIFF-ON-SEA (Alexandra).

[Talkies are not always successful, Westcliff-on-Sea. I suppose if the hall is small they are much less successful than otherwise. Perhaps if you see “The Love Parade ” you will like them better. You must let me know how your team fares in the tournament. I hope it will do very well and win again.—DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot,--—Here I am at last, turning up like a bad penny, and hoping you have not forgotten me, seeing it is such a long time since I penned you a few lines. I must really try to write oftener, as I have only a few months left before I become an Old Writer. How time does fly! It seems only a while since I first wrote to the page and yet it is eight years ago. We have been having some fairly hard frosts these last few days, and I do not like getting up early in the morning. I like listening to the wind blowing, especially if -I am sitting by a nice log fire. The new fire station is nearly finished, and will look up to date when completed. I went to the football match one Saturday, and enjoyed myself, although I was feeling out' of sorts before the game commenced. My sister and I went to the talkies in the evening to see Betty .Compson in “The Street Girl.” It was the first time I had been since the talkies have been installed. and I was verf much disappqinted with them. In the first Mace, the hall is too small for talkies, and the speaking

is quite harsh, more like a wireless than anything else. I have been to a few dances lately, but they have not been too well attended, although I had a fairly good time. I suppose it is rather cold these nights to leave the flre. Well, I ha'd better draw this epistle to a close and leave room for someone else.—Yours truly. LADY BURSTALL (Alexandra). [No, I have not forgotten you, Lady Burstall, though it certainly is a long time since I received your last letter. I think it is always easier to write in the wnter than in the summer, chiefly, I suppose, because of the warm fire of which you speak. What dances do you like best? They dance a good many square dances in the country, do they not? — DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —Once more I take up my pen to make your page a little larger. Y’ou are not as lucky as we school children with our many holidays. I have not spent my holidays away since last May, but hope to go away in September. My sister is writing to you as Baby Face. The mornings are growing colder every day, but will be much colder yet. Baby is old enough for me to bath now, so I do not like going to school. Well, I shall have to close now, as news is scarce. Best love to all the Little Folk and yourself. —Yours truly, MY BEST GIRL (Otago).

My page is grateful to you for helping to make it larger, My Best Girl. You are quite right. 1 am not nearly so lucky as you are regards holidays, for I have only three weeks in the whole year. You must tell me if you go away in September, for I shall be interested to hear of your doings. I know how much more pleasant it is to bath a baby than to go to school. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —Please may I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 11 years of age, and I am in Standard IV. We have started school again after a most enjoyable holiday. I am a Wolf Cub and my brother is a Boy Scout. 1 went down to Wellington to see Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, and I had a good time. We have 20 fowls, but they are not laying just now. My sister has a prettj- kitten called Tabby. I usually go to the football on Saturday, as we have some very good footballers in our district. I must close now, as it is bedtime. Best wishes to all the Little Folk and yourself.—Yours truly. MISCHIEVOUS MICKEY - MOUSE (Wairarapa). [Y’ou are very welcome, dear, but an Ashburton Little Folk had chosen the name you wanted, so I am calling you Mischievous Mickey Mouse instead — which is really just as good. I am glad to hear you are a Wolf Cub. How you must have enjoyed seeing Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. When will you be a Boy Scout? I hope Tabby is as good a kitten as she is pretty.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 14 years of age, and I am in Standard V at school. I intended writing to your page before, but always forgot. You have a large band of Little Folk. Mum, dad, and 1 went to a ball at Weheka, and I enjoyed myself very much. There were many pretty fancy dresses. I once wrote to your page when I was six years of age, but I met with an accident and was taken to the hospital. Are not the Chums. Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip very interesting? I have a little grey and white kitten, and would you please give me a name for it? My sister’s husband died not long ago in the hospital at Hokitika. Mum’s garden ie pretty this year, in different parts only. We live between the sea and the river. The sea is about four chains away and the river eight chains. The Otago Witness is full of interesting stories. Do you like reading the papers? I do very much, and hope you and all the Little Folk do, too. Well, I think I have written enough for mv first letter. Love to the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, SILVER STAR OF HEAvEN (South Westland). [I am pleased to welcome you. Silver Star of Heaven, and hope you will often twinkle in our pages during the coming months. Yes, I have a large band of Little Folk, and I love them all. What was your nom de plume when you were six? I think “ Muffet ” would be a pretty name . for the kitten or, if you prefer it, “Bo Peep.” I like reading some papers, but not all. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I spent my term holidays at my grandmother’s place, and I enjoyed them very much. I was out one day with my cousins and his two mates, ai.d we caught 50 rabbits, with two ferrets and 35 nets. My dog has five pups. Would you please give me names for two nt them. We are having lovely weather down here, and it is just like summer. The train passed my grandmother’s place three times daily.—Yours truly, LITTLE SNOWY LANDS (Balfour). [Holidays spent with grandmother are always delightful. Snowy Lands. I suppose . you were badly spoilt while you were there, and did not want to go home again. What did you do. with your 50 rabbits? Skin them and keep the flesh for the does during the winter? I think Button and Hook yould be good names for the pups. Did you used to wave to the train? —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I am so sorry that I could not write any sooner. But as you see the postage is double the amount it was before, and with my correspondence and other letters, it costs a sum for letters with the odd parcels I send away. We have had no rain to speak of for nearly three weeks, and our tanks are dry, so we have to cart water from the river. We live about four or five chains away from the river and about eight or nine chains away from the beach, so we are right between them. We have a friend staying with us from Arahura. He is a nice man and is ready to oblige anybody. There were some sports on one Saturday. One of my brothers won three chops, two firsts and one second, also the high jump, so he did not do badly at those ©ports. His name is Alex. My other brother, Bert, got one chop, and my sister, Alice, came second in the. single ladies’ race. So they did not have a bad

time at all. They said they’all enjoyed it very much. I sent letters to my Old Writer correspondent, but she did not receive them. They went to the dead letter office. I think she has shifted, so could you give me her address? As 1 have told you all the news, I think I shall have to close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, PRETTY POND LILLY (Southland). [So you are one of the Little Folk who have suffered by reason of the twopenny postage, Pretty Pond Lily. Thank you for writing now. I am pleased to hear from you. You are very fortunate to live so near to both the sea and the river. It sounds a most romantic spot. Do you find it so? Your family did well at the sports and I congratulate them. 1 am sorry that I do not know the address of your correspondent.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written to the page for some time. I go to oral class, and our teacher gave us a red and blue ribbon for our badge. Our hens are just starting to lay, and we are receiving two and three eggs a day. Our dog. Mick, died recently, and we were sorry, because he was a faithful old dog. He used f o fill up the wood box with wood. We milk 10 cows in the morning and 11 at night, and send the milk to the factory. My baby sister is nine months old, and she can say a number of words. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly. ANOTHER'FOUR LEAF CLOVER (Outram). [Do you all wear a badge, Another Four Leaf Clover, or only those who are best in the class? And what do you learn in your oral class? I am very sorry to hear about Mick’s death and know how you must miss him. He must have been a very lovable dog. Have you any other dog© on your farm? I can imagine how sweet your baby sister is and how you must love talking to her. Give her a kiss for me. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I become a member of your happy band of Little Folk? I enjoyed my term holidays very much, as we had a sand beach to play on. We have five cows and a heifer, which my sister, Doreen, calls “Jumbo.” I have two sisters and one brother, and my brother, sister, and I walk two miles and a-half to school. Our school has only one room and holds 21 pupils. I am in Standard HI, and I came top in my examination. For my sewing I am making a pretty coat, which is white and trimmed with lace. I shall be 10 on November 6, and I go to the same school as Pinky Rose. I have a doll called Nita, and 1 like making clothes for her. Now I must dose,, with love.—Y’ours truly, MILK OATIES (Taieri Mouth).

[You may’ certainly- become a member, Milk Oaties. Y’ou sound very good to eat. You were lucky to have a beach on which to spend your holidays, and I expect you had a great deal of fun. Did you have any friends with you for the holidays? I must congratulate you on being top of the class, and hope you will keep your position all through the year. Is Nita a blonde or a brunette?—DOT.]

Dear Dot,—l was pleased to see my first letter in print. I would have written sooner, only I have just had 12 teeth out. My doctor was there and gave me ether, and I did not know they were out until I woke up 20 minutes later. My baby sister stands up beside chairs, sometimes pushing them along and walking after them. She can say several things now, one of them being “ Dot.” I think I can guess why my little dog is like Mary’s little lamb. Please would you tell me how to obtain one of your badges? Kind regards to you and youi Little Folk.—Yours truly, SEA PEARL [lnvercargill). [How glad you would be about the ether that let you know nothing about the losing of your 12 teeth until they were all gone, Sea Pearl! It would have been much worse without it, would it not? Are you going to have artificial teeth now? If your baby sister can say Dot ’ tell her I am delighted with her. To obtain a badge you send 2s 6d in stamps to this office and I, in return, post you a badge.—DOT.]

OUR NEW MEMBERS. Dot extends a special welcome to the following Little Folk, who have written to the page for the first time this week:— Anne the Gentle (Southland). Cockie’s Pretty Daughter (Fairlie). Chum’s Mate (Southland). Macushla (Waitaki). Queen Victoria (Ashburton). Mischievous Micky Mouse (Wairarapa). Silver Star of Heaven (South Westland). Milk Oaties (Taieri Mouth). Baby Face (Otago). MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — Morven Lily, who was seventeen on May 14. Wild Roseling, who was nine on May 29. 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. ¥ ¥ ¥ Ring-a-Ding (Annie Thompson, Ringway Ridges, Otautau) wishes to correspond with Purple Pansy. . Silver Star of Heaven (Lena Wilson. P.O. Box, Bruce Bay, South Westland) wishes to correspond with The Speed Kid and-any Little Folk between 16 and 17 years of age. & ifi Boofles (Hazel Ramsay, Awamangu, Balclutha) wishes to correspond with Purple Pansy's Mate.