LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK. A SUCCESSFUL LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 4033, 30 June 1931, Page 69

LETTERS FROM LITTLE FOLK.

A SUCCESSFUL LITTLE FOLK.

Motto. —We write for the benefit ot others, not for ourselves. A LETTER TO DOT. The following letter is really a private one, children; but, as it expresses so many charming sentiments about the page, 1 am printing portions of it so that you may read it with me. DOT Dear Dot, —You will no -doubt be Krised to get a letter from one you never heard of, .but of late I have been reading your Little Folk’s letters, and I am very much How I first heard of this was from a friend of mine, who has written to your page since he was seven years of age. It is not long ago that he wrote his retiring letter. 1 am Tears of age and I have been P a ,L-* or a S es with him. My favourite hobbies are studying friendship, love, and character, and reading your little letters in the Otago Witness has helped me a great deal, su I am writing this to show my appreciation of all the letters. It does show what a wonderful gift of friendship you have. Have you ever been to sunny Nelson?, We are having beautifully fine weather here. I am very keen on letter writing and music. I won a medal in 1925 for music, but I do not learn still, although I keep up my practice. Also, I am very fond of fancywork. I have just finished a dresser runner for myself. It is mauve worked with i emon ». an d it looks very sweet, too. The mountains are simply beautiful here, some mornings, just like a* big iced cake. It ie very cold first thing in the mornings here. On some perfect days I would love to be up on the hills drinking in the beauty of. Nature with her beautiful green plains and hills and mountains in the background and the sea like a mirror reflecting the rays of the sun. Well, I shall close this letter, hoping vou do not mind my writing like this. The best of luck to yourself and writers.

Dear Dot, —Since last writing I have played two games of football—a victory and a defeat. There have been three hard frosts here lately, and therein lies- my tale. There is a swamp on our place, and this was frozen over with ice an inch thick one morning. I went down to the. “ skating rink ” after the morning ifieai with high hopes. These w’ere not proved false—as is usual—on my arrival. I wore gumboots, for the water is 2 feet or 3 feet deep in places. ' Taking a short run I launched myself on to the ice. There were no ominous cracks, as I feared, sb I turned and took another short run. With the thrills of a speedway king I was shot across to the other side, a distance of 10 yards. As I was now more confident, I thought I might try and go a little faster. Once again 1 went flying over the ice, but instead of gradually slowing down, I ran into the bank and collapsed on the ice. No cracks. “ H’m,’’ I thought. “Must be thick! ” Still more enheartened I took a longer xj-un, shot across the ice, and — with a splash stood up to my knees in water. A small crack, caused by my previous fall, had-eecaped (with disastrous results) my notice. Slightly disheartened, I. sat down to await the arrival of my eight-stone brother. He soon appeared, and tried the ice. “ You don’t know how to skate,” I said. “Watch me.” 1 sped across the ice—straight towards the hole. I pulled up in time, however, and returned, to give another demonstratiou. I was going to show him how to steer, and said so. I went comparatively slowly, and by wagging my rear foot turned completely round when—crash! crack! 1 painfully rose to see my big brother sitting on the ground, laughing. It was easy to see it was myself who had suffered and not he! I truly had suffered. My nose was bleeding and swollen, my forehead was cut, and I had a growing quantity of lip. While I was skating a piece of ice somehow got in the road. I am not sure, but it was not there before, and big brothers are bullies, and. . . . Anyway, my nose hit the ice first, and make a hole. My head was cut a bit, and necessitated a bandage. My lip recovered in an hour or so, but I still go about with a very tender breathing apparatus. Thus ended a very painful adventure, or rather, misadventure. My only hope now is that I shall be quite repaired by the night when J attend the Band of Hope, of which I am secretary. My latest books are “The Silver Blimp,” "A Human Boy’s Diary," Honour Bright," and “ The Marne and «rJ er ’ which will be followed by Gappy Rjcke,” and one other. I obtain these and other books from the school library. . I do not like reading of explorers much, because they are too “ dry." There are no six-guns barking, or knives whistling through the air, or arms coming through the wall in them. A good book, in my opinion, is one with lots, and lots of villains being /murdered in it, or a romantic love yarn in which the hero “ seized Sophnisabela in his strong arms and. carried her to safety.” Books of the “William’’ type are quite good, too. But sa the big hand of the clock is pointing to 9 o’clock, I think,

with love to all the Little Folk and yourself, I must close. —Yours truly, FUNNY FACE (Southland). [You amuse me exceedingly with your adventures, Funny Face. I laugh over all of them, but this time I laughed most heartily, for the description of your doings on the ice was so realistic that I could follow you all the way. I wonder where the ice that tripped you really came from. I was also interested - to read of your favourite books, and wonder how long your choice will be what it is now. Have you read “ David Blaize,” “ Stalky and C 0.,” and the “Jeremy” series by Benson, Kipling, and Walpole respectively?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I have not written to you for a time. I enjoy reading the Little Folk’s letters, and especially those of the Old Writers. We are milking only two cows at night and four in the morning. A few weeks ago dad bought a pony, whose name is Queenie. Sometimes my sister and I feed her. There have been many hard frosts lately. I was 10 on Tuesday, and I had my party on Thursday, and all the Brownies came. The children at school are playing skipping just now. It is near our examination time, and we are having reading this week. I am reading “The Water Babies.” Have you read it? You are quite right about Ring-a-ding. She is sitting a desk away from me, and we often smile. I will close now -with love to all. —Yours truly, ACORN ELF (Otautau). [I am very fond of ponies, Acorn Elf, and am sure I should like Queenie. She likes sugar, I expect, and looks for a lump when you go to feed her. I hope you will tell me more about your birthday party, which must have been a delightful one. Yes, I have read “The Water Babies." Do you not love Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby? ’’—DOT.)

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? My three older sisters are all members, and I thought I should like to be one, too. My eldest sister has left school, and my other two older sisters and I ride two ponies to school every day. I am only seven years of age, and I have a wee sister younger, as well as a broth'r. who is just four. We milk three cows in the morning and only one at night. Dad is busy plough-

mg just now. We have -a large farm with little bush and gorse. The largest part of it has been cultivated. Dad keeps a good many sheep and a few cattle. We have seven ponies, a hack, seven horses, and three foals. I would not like to live in a town. As it is my bedtime, I will close with kind regards to all.—Yours truly, MOTHER’S ROSEBUD (Southland). [You are very welcome, Mother’s Rosebud, and I am glad you have decided to join my band. ’ You must belong to a large family. Is your sister the youngest of you all? To live on a large farm must be very pleasant, and I can imagine what fun you all have together. I am not surprised that you do not want to live in the-town. —DOT.] «* * At* Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in the Otago Witness. We have a football at our school, and we have many enjoyable games with it. My sister was eight years of age last Tuesday. She was sick recently, and she had to miss a day from school. Yes, we had two boys staying with us for the holidays, and they had a very good time. My doll has long, dark, curly hair, and only on wet days I make clothes for her, as I do not have any. other time. We have a big log fire to sit beside, and it keeps us warm at nights. We are having some very hard frosts at Taieri Mouth these nights. It ie very cold going to school in the mornings, and our hands and feet grow cold, too. My brother is putting records on the gramophone just now.—Yours truly, MILK OATIES (Taieri Mouth), [Football is the very game to keep you warm on these cold days, Milk Oatips. Can you kick over the goal posts? And although you are a girl have you ever scored a try for your side? I hope your sister is better now and had a happy birthday. I like dolls with long, dark, curly hair, for they look so pretty when they wear their new clothes.—DOT.] ' * ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I wrote. to you. When it is freezing very hard it makes one snuggle down in the blankets in the morning, when one looks out on the .white ground, does it not? Your page is growing in numbers each week. You must have a large family - now? I am. sitting before a large fire and am feeling warm. We went to a

fancy dress ball on Wednesday for hockey. We have been having rather a lively time here with dances and other things. The hockey girls travelled to Lumsden for. a seven-a-side tournament. They were beaten 2 goals to 1, and the .school girls were beaten by half a point. We are going to start basket ball here this season. On the King's Birthday a Bible class rally was held here. There were about 200 young people present. In the morning at 11 o'clock there was a service in the church. After dinner there were sports from 1 till 5, then tea. in the hall from 5 till 6, and then games and song service till 10.30, so we had a very good day and all enjoyed ourselves. I did if nobody else. Well, 1 think I will close, as news is scarce. Love to all the Little Folk and your own self. Yours truly, SOLOMON SEAL (Southland).

{Yes, it is a long time since I have heard from you, Solomon Seal. 1 agree with you about lying in bed on cold mornings. I have a very large family, but I love them all. Tell me what you wore to the dance and oif you enjoyed yourself. You seem to have had a very happy time on the King’s Birthday.— DOT.] ¥ * V Dear Dot, —We shifted up here two months ago. We live 21 miles from our old home. The valley extends many mile® further on from the house, which is two or three miles from the head of Lake Hawea. The Hunter River separates Timaru Creek Station and this place. Fog makes a place very damp, I think. Dad took A Wild Rose Bush and me up the valley one day. We were driving sheep. It was 7 o’clock before we reached home. It was the longest ride I have ever bad, so I was pretty stiff when 1 reached home. I wonder what has become of Sea Slave, Golden Dawn, Heather Sprig, and Karadi. I have not had letters from them for a long time now. There is a large hbrd of wild Hereford cattle up here. They were in the yards a few weeks back. The majority are all dehorned. When dehorned they do not knock each other about nearly as much. I was 14 years of age on May 25, and I received some charming presents. Nipper’s Mistress sent me a pair of d’oyleys to work and Fair Forget-Me-Not sent me a handsome little handkerchief satchet. We do not receive our mail very regularly up here. Twenty-one miles have to be traversed either by boat or horse, and then 10 miles by car. Very often the 10 miles have to be done by horse, too. I have read the following books since I came up here: —“Black Beauty,” by

Anna Sewell, “ Kazan The Wolf Dog,” by James''Oliver Curwood, “Freckles,” by " Gene’ Stratton Porter. “ A Girl' of the Limberlost,” by the same author, “The Conquest of Claudie,” by E. L., Haverfield, “ Rilla of Ingleside,” by L. M. Montgomery,’’ and “ Martin Rattler," by R. M. Ballantj-ne. The Canadian geese Jive _in hundreds up here, but they are so cunning that one can seldom have a shot at them. Sportsmen came up for a few days, but always shot very few. The geese were eating the turnips, so the men put _up three scarecrows. They are comical fellows, I can tell you, but they have answered the purpose very well, although the deer have- taken to the turnips now in place of the geese. The men are splitting posts just now for a bull paddock. They have cut 150. Well, as news is scarce, ’I will close, hoping you and all the Little Folk and Old Writers are well.—Yours truly, REBECCA (Hunter Valley). [You seem to be living in a very beautiful spot, - Rebecca, and one which I should like to visit. Do you have a good view of the mountains? Scenery like yours is some of the best the South Island can offer. I have read all the books you mention except “ The Conquest of Claudia.” What is it about? Of course, the geese are naughty to eat your turnip®, but I am glad they are hard to shoot. I suppose the bull paddock has to be a specially strong one. —DOT.]

. Dear Dot, —It has been such a long time since I last wrote to you that I had just about forgotten all about the page, but nevertheless here I am sound in mind x- and body. The football season has been opened some time now, and I have been to most of the matches played at Lansdowne Park, the new ground. On l3 our senior representatives went to Nelson for their first big match, and most of us, or in fact all, had hopes of their being the winners, but we were doomed to be disappointed. Nelson pimply “ talked over ” them. The score was 24 point® to 6 in their favour. But after, all it was not so very bad, because our juniors beat Nelson juniors at a match here in Blenheim on the same date. Part of the park is used for .the basket ball courts, and on Saturdays one can

watch both bootball and basket ball. It is cold here, and I do not go out much at night, but sit by the fire and play the gramophone. We have some really good records, and it is a pleasure to sit and listen to them. Sometime® a friend or two come in for the evening, and we play cards or any other game that we have. I like a game of cards, especially if it is five hundred. Once or twice they have held a five-hundred tournament here, but I have never been to one. My girl friend cut her finger badly the other day, and she had to go to the doctor and have three stitches in it. I am going up with her when she is to have them out 1 hope that it will not be painful. 1 am reading a very good book now called “ Strong Blunt’s Scissors,’’ by Gerard Fairlie. It is a detective story, and in some places it nearly makes my blood run cold. I have read a book called “ Little Women,” by L. M. Alcott. The sequel to it is called “ Little Women Wedded.” but I have not been able to get it, and I would very much like to. so that 1 can see how it all ends. Dad is always telling me not to read murder mysteries and detective stories, but I like them all the same. He often tells me that I might dream about them sometimes. Mother has planted a bed of bulbs, and some of them are up already. I shall be glad when they are all out, because I think they are so pretty. Over at my sister’s place (she has been married since I last wrote to you) there is a bed of violets, and several of them are out. They are such sweet, delicate little flowers that there is no wonder they are most people's favourites. They are mine at any rate. They are clearing out all the willows down by our place, and it is beginning to look so bare. As a matter of fact I think it looked bad before, seeing that most of the trees had shed their leave®. For about two or three months the trees looked so nice with their autumn tints that I wished they would last always, but it was not meant to be by the look of them now. I have been to the talkies a good many times, and have seen some good pictures. The picture called “ Africa Speaks ” was announced as the best motion picture ever screened here, but I did not think much of it. and neither did others. Some good talkies that have b en on are: —“Smiling Irish Eyes,” “Sunny Side Up.” “ Loose Ankles.” “ High Society Blues,” “ King of Jazz," and heaps of others. The two best I have seen and liked are “Gold Diggers of Broadway ” and “ Sunny Side Up.” A few’ weeks ago my bicycle tyre blew out, and I have not been able to ride it since. It is handy for running messages

and going to town when one is in a hurry, as we have a good distance to walk. My brother is going to put a - ' new tyre on when he has some, spare time. I have not been able to see the Otago Witness for some time. I am not sure if I saw a letter in an Otago Witness from a person in France. Can you tell me if I did, for I should very much like to correspond with that Little Folk. We were all enjoying ourselves at a party not so long ago, when the firebell rang. Of course, we all went outside to see where it was, and picture our astonishment when we saw flames' coming from the house across the paddock in the next street to us. When we arrived there a_ crowd had gathered, but it was some time before the fire brigade reached there. Of course, when .they did the fire was soon under control. Yours truly,' BABY AUSTIN (Blenheim).

[You are fortunate to be able to watch both basket ball and football on Saturday®, Baby Austin. I hope your friend’s finger is better now, for it must have been very painful. I think I agree with your father about detective stories, but then, I cannot read such stories at all, for they do not appeal to me. Of course, if you like musical comedy you would not like “ Africa Speaks." The name of the French Little Folk is L’Oiseau de France —M. Bertheux, 35 Boulevard Paul--Bert, Bourg-en-Bresse, Ain, France.— ~ DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I quite believe it is time I showed my nom de plume once again to your loyal band of Little Folk. I spent a week’s holjday at Kuri, Bush with Queen of Daunt, and a week in Dunedin with my auntie at Belleknowe®, and I enjoyed myself immensely at both places. I left home on Monday, June 1, and was met at the train by auntie and my cousin. It was lovely to see so many lights at the same time. On Tuesday Auntie and I went down town to have a view of all the buildings and other amusements to a country girl. That night I went with my cousin to basket ball, where she played matches with other schools in the Mornington Sunday School Hall. The Wednesday being the King’s Birthday one of my cousins and I went to St. Clair and walked round to St. Kilda, where we left the beach, and caught the St. Kilda -

car back to the town. We went to the Winter Show, and could hardly move about for people. As it was the-opening day the people came in crowds. I quite enjoyed the show, although I am not fond of them. When night came we went back to the theatre, where we liked the picture very much. The next day brought with it a sleety, cold wind. Auntie and I went to see her srister-in-law. We were pleased when we arrived there out of the cold. When returning we took the bus, as it was much warmer than walking. When we arrived home we had tea and went down to the theatre to see Harold Lloyd. On Friday afternoon I went out to Kuri Bush by the Taieri Mouth bus. I spent ad Saturday at Queen of Daunts. On Sun-' day we went out for a walk. That night we went with her brother two miles, and walked back, as she was motoring back to Mosgiel. On Monday afternoon we went down on the beach, where we took snapshots of each other and gathered a few shells. The following afternoon we walked round to Taieri Mouth, which is three miles away, and back again. -We were out again visiting friend® the next day, and had a party that night, and everybody had an enjoyable time. It was midnight before we crept into our beds and resigned ourselves to quietness. We went visiting again on the Thursday, and on Friday night I found myself back in the city, where my cousin and I went down town, and ended up by going to the theatre, and did not reach home again till 11.20 p.m. to find auntie and my oldest cousin having supper. On Saturday morning I had- my hair cut 'again after letting it reach my shoulders. On Suftday morning we went to church, and we spent the afternoon at home. On Monday morning I started my return journey. On Wednesday we played a friendly hockey match with Wyndham, and were beaten 7 goals to nil, after being half an hour late on account of a car breakdown. This is something which the Little Folk and Old Writers should find very interesting. On June 3, Crimson Tanigar (Old Writer) was married in the Lumsden Church. Her sister, who is also a Little Folk, was bridesmaid. She was married in white silk with.a net over dress and silver flowers on the skirt, and a little cape from the shoulder to the waist, which was high. The bridesmaid was in a pink-flared ankle-length dress with four blue flower wings on the skirt and a posy on the shoulder. The bride and her hueband are to live in

Lumsden. _ I entered a needlework competition in coloured work, and I hope my work will be a success when I finish it. We are busy ploughing at home at present. I have not had a letter from A Lass Frae Auld Ayr for a long time now. It is about six months now since I wrote to her, and I have not had a reply yet. Speed Kid i® my cousin. I must retire, hoping you are all enjoying yourselves. —Yours truly, HEATHER SPRIG (Southland).

[I was thinking that you had not written for a long time, Heather Sprig, so it is pleasant to hear from you again. You seem to have had a most enjoyable holiday in Dunedin and at Kuri Bush. It is good, on vacation, to fill in every moment of one’s time. Thank you for the description of Crimson Tanigar’s wedding, which will be of interest to all. I hope you do well in the competition. A Lass Frae Auld Ayr will write to you soon, 1 hope.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Once again I take up my pen to write to your interesting page. We are having very ha«d frosts in th.e mornings and night, and the shortest day is over now. Once one has left school the years seem to. fly We have not many flowers at present. Our latest records are “Lo Lo,” “ Forget You Never/' “ Dreamy Hula Town, “My Hawaiian Isles,”. “ Springtime in the Rockies/' and “ Song of the Islands.” They are all delightful. I was at a Salvation Army band concert one night, and it was very good. I was also at a dance and ball, and enjoyed myself very much. There is a ball next month, and I hope to be going. I shall be 16 in November. Do you read very much? I do not, as I do not~care for it. I like reading the local papers. Well, as news is scarce, I will close with love to all.—Yours truly, FAIR STAR OF HOPE (Otago).

[The cold weather is seasonable, Fair Star of Hope, and, despite its discomfort, is good and healthy for us. You seem to have a good collection of light records. I read as much as I can, for I am fond of it, but, unlike you, I do not very much like reading the local papers. If you go to the ball, tell me all about it.— DOT.]

* * * Dear Dot. —May I join your merry band of Little Folk? I am 10 years of age.. I like reading the letters of the

page. Queen of Hearts, Daddy’s Early Riser, and Auntie’s Brown-eyed Boy are my cousins. I am in Standard IV at school. We are milking five cows now. We have 16 hen® and a rooster. I had a black pet lamb last year. One day he followed us three miles and a-half to school. I have two sisters and two brothers. My little sister is three years and a-ha]f old. The other day, when mother was sewing, she climbed up on the table and pretended to play the piano. She. made us laugh. I had a bad cold just recently, but it i- going away. I think that is all just now. I will tell you more next time. Love to all the Little Folk.—Yours truly, BUNTY II (Southland).

[Most certainly you may join, Bunty 11. You seem to know a good many Little Folk. I like black lambs, and I am sure yours must have been a great pet. What did the teacher say when it arrived at school? Your little sister must be very- sweet, and I can imagine bow pretty she would look “ playing the piano.” Give her my love. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How are you and all the Little Folk keeping? We have not had any snow here yet, although it did try to snow a week or so ago. The last of the steel towers which the men were busy erecting about here wa® completed the other day. I do not know what they are for exactly, but they have some connection with the Waitaki hydro works. We were up at the hydro works recently, and in some things I noticed a great difference since we were last up there. Most of our chrysanthemunjs are dead now, but they have lasted a fairly long time this year. Our taps outside were frozen here one Friday, but they had thawed before the afternoon. We have not had any' frozen inside yet. Are yon, having v-’-y • cold weather down in Dunedin? When .all the leaves weje on the ground the Oamaru Gardens looked beautiful in some places. There are always lovely flowers in the hothouse, which, although it is not so large as the one in Dunedin Gardens, can, I think, beat the Dunedin one. Th® last two books I have read have been “The Hidden City” and “Colorado.” Have you ever read them? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self. —Yours truly, - LALY'MARY (South Canterbury).

[I think we are all well, thank you, Lady Mary, although several of us are complaining of cold toes and fingers. This has been a bad season for chrysanthemums. But soon the spring flowers will be out «.i d will make up tor the lack of bloom. You will see a picture of the leaves in the Oamaru Gardens in this week's illustrations. I have not read either of those books. Are they interesting ones? —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —How time is flying! Why, it seems only last week since Easter, yet we are halfway through the year, ant past the shortest day, so now the days are lengthening, and we are looking forward to August 1, when the first day of spring commences. Recently we have been having excellent weather with frosty mornings, which are prevalent in these parts. I suppose you are experiencing splendid days in Dunedin? Are you? Books have been my latest attraction, and lately I have read the following: “The Barbarian Lover,” by Margaret Pedler; “The Danger Trail,” by James Oliver Curwool; “ A Texas Ranger,” by William M'Leod Raine; and “The Call of the Canyon/’ by Zane Grey. I suppose you have read the latter, as it is a very popular one. Even though there are one or two moie Little Folk joining your band there are also a few retiring to the ranks of Old Writers. I enjoy reading your weekly chats to the Little Folk about watches, dogs, etc. They are very enjoyable. One Tuesday recently there was a euchre party apd dance here, and most of the local people attended. Both the euchre prizes were won by a man and his wife. The dance was small, but quite enjoyable, though we had to make our own fun. My sister, who is now married and living in Tasmania, has a baby girl whose name is Margaret Dawn (Dawn is the second name) Do you like the name? Last time I wrote to you you instructed me how to write a good letter. I have tried to follow your instructions while writing this epistle, and hope I have succeeded. Have \I? I must close. —Yours truly, TASMANIAN GIRL (Westland). [lt will be a joyful day when spring comes, Tasman Girl. You seem to be looking forward to it very' eagerly. So am I, although our winter •weather is very pleasing on the whole, for I like seeing the spring flowers. I am glad that you are pleased with the page and with the letters “To, All.” Certainly I like -Margaret Dawn’s name. It z is very charming. You

have folowed my instructions very well, ■ and written a greatly improved letter. — j DOT.] I ¥ ¥ * J Dear Dot, —Again I have the pleasure of writing to you. I suppose you have almost forgotten me, as 1 have not written to the page for 12 mouths. During th>6 i time I have noticed how your page has in- I creased. We are haviug lovely weather here just now, but the farmers are wanting rain, as the ground is hard and dry, and will produce very little food for cattle. We have hard frosts each more.- , ing, but later on in the forenoon the sun j comes out and makes everything lojk beautiful. The scenery is lovely, but the trees look very bare, as. they stretch then great long branches out to the warming rays of the great sun. The garden looks ■ very attractive with all the different coloured chrysanthemums in it. We have some large, uncommon red ones out. One or two little violets are already bravely struggling against the cold weather. Last month I went to Dunedin for a short holiday. During my stay I went to see the skating rink. It was delightful, only I was horrified to see so many people failing. I think it was rather dangerous for the people who were inexperienced. 1 also went to the pictures several times, and enjoyed myself immensely. We are having a lovely new house built. I have left school now, and am helping mother, as she has a great deal of -work to do. I came dux of my school last year, and received a book entitled “ The Girl’s Own Annual.” I also won five others. “The Book of the Ship,” for winning the Navy League essay prize; “ Scott's Last Expedition,” for coming first in the Reunion essay competition; first prize for attendance; first' prize for writing, an I first prize for having no errors in spelling during the year. Have -you read any of them? We had a successful concert at the end of last year, and I was dressed up as Mrs Croaker in a senior play. I also acted in some new drill we performed on the stage. There were k six of us in it, and I it looked very smart. I believe, as we wer» all dressed alike in silk jumpers and little | black tights. We had the mill last month. , and I liked watching it working. It is very interesting watching the great heavy belt go round. Sometimes I drive the horse while my father puts out the hay, and I think it is good fun. Two little fantails come every morning and perch few old hard anples which have fallen ■ room window. There they sit and sing i for ever so long, and spread out their tiny

tails, just like a fairy fan. Sometimes a cheeky blackbird comes and picks at the few old hard apples, which have fallen from the trees. We have a little ied calf, which is very quiet. It even allows my little brother to ride on its back, ai d he ties it on to an old trolley, and it pulls him along, just like a little pony pulls a cart. Will you please give me a name for it? I also' have a little kitten, which •s very fluffy, and it runs about and plays with an old piece of string. Will you please give me an uncommon name for it? My eldest sister is learning to play tile mandolin, and she is progressing splendidly. The book I am reading at present is " Condemned to the Galleys.” It is a true book about the French Revolution. I like it very much. Have you read it? Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self, —Yours truly, PALE ROSE (Herbert).

[I am pleased to have a letter from you again, Pale Rose, for it seems a long time since I last heard from you. Spring will soon be here, and then the bare arms of the trees will have a covering. I am glad that you enjoyed yourself in Dunedin, and can sympathise with you in regard to the skating rink. You did very well at your school last year, and I am proud of you for such excellent work. Do you know Eileen Duggan’s poem about the fantail? I must print it next week in the poem column. Call the calf either Twinkle or Tink. —DOT.] ¥ z ¥ ¥ Dear Dot, —I was pleased to see my first letter in print. Thank you so much for letting me join your page. I have four brothers, and the youngest is six years of age. As they all go to school, they do not like to rise in the morning, when it is so frosty. In the summer we always go for a swim every day when it is fine. When the boys have their holidays we go for picnics up the race. The race out here is very pretty. It is six miles to the intake from our house. There are ferns all along the race banks with. - other fern interlaced among them. Is it not lovely to feel the frosty air on one’s face? It is so invigorating. I will have to close now with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, BONNIE BESSIE BUNTER (Whare Flat). [I can imagine what a task you have pulling four sleepy schoolboys out of bed

every morning, Bonnie Bessie Bunter. Do you swim before breakfast in the summer? If so, your brothers must get up more easily than now. You must live in a very pretty place, which I must try to see some day. I am glad you like the feel of frosty air on your cheeks.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Si ne’e last writing to you I have had my ninth birthday, which was on May 28. I received a number of presents, including a football, with which my mates and I have lots of games. Your wish came true, as I did win a prize at the Winter Show with my calf, and a good one, too. It was very interesting work getting my calf ready for the show, and I hope to compete in the same event next year. 1 am enclosing a photograph of my calf and I, which was taken just before I went into the show. I will close with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear eelf.—Yours truly, MASTER PUNCH (Otago).

[To possess a football of your own must make you very happy, Master Punch. The other boys will be glad, too. and 1 am sure you have some splendid games with. it. Congratulations on doing so well at the show. Your calf is so pretty that I do not wonder it became a champion. As you see, I have printed the photograph in the' page.—DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Two years have elapsed since I penned a letter to you.. Often I have made the attempt to begin, but always failed to finish. Nevertheless, I always eagerly scan the Little Folk’s pages for old familiar noms de plum . What a large Otago Witness you would require should‘all the Little Folk write every week! No doubt the twopenny postage will affect a majority of letters to you. I trust there are some of the devoted band who are able to keep the old page going still. The present depression will be a great drawback, too, so I hope all the Little Folk will cheer up and write to the dear old page for the sake of their less fortunate sisters and brothers. Shortly after my sixteenth birthday 1 ventured out into another part of Otago; Central Otago was my destination. This was my first trip away from home. The people I worked for were very good to me, and it was just like my own home. The morning I left for Central Otago, I had to rise early and drive by horse and cart to Portobello. After arriving at the first stage of the journey 1 boarded the ferry boat for Port Chalmers. 1 had to change my mode of travelling again this time to a train for Dunedin. On arriving 1 bought eatables for my use on the rest of the journey. While preparing to board ’’the south-bound express train, I helped a lady and her husband, who was blind, into the carriage. We all happened to be making for the same destination, Miller’s Flat. We alighted from the express at Milton, and boarded a slow train for Miller’s Flat. When nearing the end of .the journey I could feel a bracing dry air, so different the heavy sea air of which I wae accustomed. For several miles the railway line runs alongside the swiftly flowing Clutha or Molyneux, as it'is called nearer the coast. (I do not understand why this river has two names.) The dry weather which was experienced at that time made the river exceptionally low, but that did not make any difference to its rapidity, for it dashed boldly on to join the wide, blue ocean- To continue my- journey further, the river was left behind, and I arrived

at Miller’s Flat, where 1 parted from my fellow-passengers. A motor car took me on the last stage of mjrfjourney to a small country place called iiEttrick, where 1 worked as housemaids' and waitress for the 11 weeks of the apple export season. This orchard was known as “ Treliske,” and over 100 acres were in apple trees alone. I was informed that this orchard was the largest in New Zealand for first grade fruit, which is the highest and best quality exported to England. About a month or so ago a Girl Guide movement was organised here. The commissioner

and three others from various companies in Dunedin came down to enrol us. There are nearly 20 enrolled, though only half the number belong to the Guides, the rest being Brownies. A euchre party and dance are held every Saturday. I have been two or three times, but have not managed to secure the prize. My brother secured the “booby” prize the last time we went. It was a penny packet of chewing gum. I think that 1 have already taken up too much space in the page, for I have overstepped the mark this time, so I shall now close with kindest regards to all the Little Folk -ind yourself.—Yours truly, TE MAH AN A (Otago).

[Welcome back to ..the page, Te Mahana. I hope you will write more regularly in the future, for your letters are very readable. I am glad that you enjoyed being in Central Otago, for the air would do you good and make you fit and well. The Molyneux is composed of both the Clutha and the Kawarau rivers, which join at Cromwell; hence its change of name. It is good to know that the Girl Guide movement has spread your district and that you are all keen about it. That was a very funny “ booby ” prize.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Here I am writing to you once more to ask you how you are' getting on. The weather is very cold and wet just now, and I am not afraid to say tli at the best remedy for cold weather is by a big fire or in bed when night comes round. There was a black frost the other morning, and when the sun shone down on it, it looked like a green paper with black spots all over it. There was a dance in the Eastern Bush Hall on Friday night, but we did not go, because mother was going to Invercargill the next day. My friends who went to it are going to tell me about it, so I shall be able to Jell you about it next time 1 write to the page. I had. my hair cut after letting it grow for about a. year. We have a gramophone and 76 records, and we are going to buy some more soon. My favourite records are “ The Homestead on the Farm ” and “ The Letter Edg<d in Black.” Tlie talkies have started in Tuatapere, but I have not been to hear them yet, though I hope to go to some yet, but the geese will soon be laying, yet, but thegeese will soon be laying,

because if any little children go near them they grow angry. I will close now, as news is scarce, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.— Yours truly, BLACK-EYED SUSAN (Southland). [How interesting about the black frost, Black-eyed Susan. I have never heard one described like that before, and 1 am sure it must have been very unusual to see. Was it very cold? I shall be glad to have your description of the dance, which I am sure was a pleasant one. You will be glad when your geese lay. Big geese can often frighten little children.— DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you will forgive me for not writing to you sooner. Every second Saturday night I go to the socials at the church. One Saturday I went to the euchre, and received 12 points out of 22. Very often I go up to the golf links to look for lost golf balls. The other day I found nine in the grass on the side of the road. When Mr Fraser came down in the parachute I was out at the aerodrome. Nearly every second day an aeroplane flies over the town. During the time the Orari was in the port 1 went on board and found it was an up-to-date ship. At the Technical School I am making a. watch stand and have just finished a letter rack.—Yours truly,

PLOUGHMAN'S MATE (Timaru)

Most certainly I shall forgive you, Ploughman’s Mate. You have probably been unable to write. Do you give back the golf balls you find or sell them to the golfers who want them? I suppose you felt as if you would like to travel when you saw the up-to-date ship. You seem to be making very interesting things at the Technical School. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you have not forgotten me. Since I last wrote to you 1 have been to two birthday parties. One was a girl’s and the other was her brother’s. The girl’s cake had 10 kewpies on it and the boy’s had five candles. They had some lovely presents given to them. I have learnt how to ride a bicycle now. At school there are about 20 unemployed working. They are tidy--ing up around the school, topping the trees*, and also levelling the recreation ground. We are receiving from nine to thirteen eggs a day now. I must close.— Yours truly,

MOTHER’S CHATTERBOX (Timaru).

[Of course, I have not forgotten you, Mother’s Chatterbox. Why should I? So you have been to two birthday parties? Of all the lucky children! I can imagine what fun you had and what happy games you played together. Did you play with some of the new presents?—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —Jack Frost hae been up to his usual mischief these last few days, for there have been 18deg, which is really the coldest weather we have experienced for years. The hills have been fairly covered with frost, and one would think that it had snowed slightly through the night. Sometimes I could not fall asleep for the cold. When it began to rain the roads were all soft and slippery, which made it very dangerous for vehicles and walkers, especially at night when one could not see one’s way clearly. I have been sewing lace on handkerchiefs, and finished six in five days. 1 like it better than doing fancy work. Somehow I always feel tired before I have a quarter of it done, but I could go on for ever sewing lace on handkerchiefs. My sister is just the opposite to me. She simply loves fancywork, but riot the other. My uncle is staying with us just now, as he sprained the sinews of one of his legs and hae to be attended to by a doctor. I hope he will soon be well and able to walk again, ae it must be very painful. My sister was at cooking class the other day, and brought home some lentil soup in a jam bottle, which was very nice, and also some Shrewsbury biscuits, which tasted delicious. My father was down Invercargill for the week-end, and stayed at my uncle’s farm at Otautau for a night before coming home. He said he was glad to be home again, as he was just about frozen down there. Mid-winter is not a very’ good time for travelling. I received two additional presents for my birthday, a pair of chocolate-brown silk and wool stockings, a yellow oilcloth bookcover worked with flowers, and also a night at the pictures to see the talkie “ Feet First,” which was thrilling besides being very daring. The theatre was packed to its utmost, and as we came in late, we had to sit three seats from the front, which was very disappointing, as one cannot see as well . as at the back or the centre. Nevertheless we enjoyed ourselves immensely. The comedies were very funny and kept us well amused. My sister is going to write to Happy Mairi of Scotland. They are both of the same age —12 J years. I thought Dad’s Old Lady wrote a very interesting and sympathetic letter to the page last week. I sympathise with her in the loss of her once beautiful home, which must have been very dear to her by the description she gave. I was going to write to True Blue the other night, but I do not know how to begin, as 1 do not know lier or his first name, the initial being given only in the auto column. Could you tell me, please? I have a girl correspondent in Macandrew Bay, whom I have beep urging to join the page for some time, but without avail. My sister is asking two of her mates to join your band, so as to swell your list and so that others may have the benefit. Well, I think I shall close now, as it is bedtime. Love to all and your own dear self. —Yours truly, GOLDEN SUNBEAM (Gore).

[Jack Frost has, indeed been mischievous, Golden Sunbeam. What very heavy frosts you have been having!. No wonder you were too ‘cold to sleep. I think I agree with you about sewing and fancy - work. « I hope your uncle is better soon, for he must be in great pain at times. You seem to have had a very profitable birthday and one you will not soon forget. Yee, Dad’s Old Lady wrote a'beautiful letter. True Blue is a boy, but I do not know his name. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —What cold weather we are having are we not? We have had only one fall of snow as yet, but the fog is beginning to come down, and it is so damp and'unpleasant. zThe Bannockburn Gin Guides have now been formed. There was a concert here on June 3, in aid of the Girl Guides, and it was very enjoyable. Our baby sister is still in hospital, and the doctor says she will be there until the winter is over. I was not fortunate enough to attend the Winter Show in Dunedin, but judging by the pic tures in the Otago Witness, the butter exhibits must have been beautiful. It has been very cold here lately, and my two young brothers have been devoting their .energies to football. ' They are very enthusiastic over the game. The footballers were playing at Moa Creek on Wednesday, and Curds and Whey was with them. I cannot think of any more news, so I will close with best wishes to the page and yourself.—Yours truly, STAR OF THE EAST (Bannockburn). [I hope the enrolling was a pleasant ceremony, Star of the East. Have you a large company of -Girl Guides at Bannockburn? I should like ‘to know more about them. It is sad news about your baby sister, hue probably it is the best thin" that could happen to her, and will make her well and strong for years to come. Yes, the butter exhibits at the show were very attractive. —DOT.]

Dear Dot, —I hope you do not think 1 have forgotten you or the Little Folk, because I have not, although. I have not written for so long. We have formed a Girl Guides company here. We expect to have our baby siste <- home after the winter. Curds and Whey was away to Moa Creek with the football team on Wednesday. Do not Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip get up to some funny pranks? Are not the designs in butter shown in the Otago Witness of June 9 delightful? It is very unpleasant getting out of bed these cold mornings, is it not? Kindest regards to all Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, PRAIRIE BLOSSOM (Bannockburn). [No, I did not think you had forgotten me, Prairie Blossom. I think I know you too well for that. I am glad to hear about the company, and hope you will win numbers of badges among you. Who w'-n the football match? I suppose Curds and Whey was very glad to be with the team. Yes. Peter, Patty, and Mr Pip are great pickles. I am glad my Little ‘ Folk are better behaved. —DOT.] ¥ ¥ ¥

Dear Dot, —The shortest day of the year is over. The days are very cold now, but at school' we play football to keep ourselves warm. Every winter we play football against Lowburn, and the girls play basket ball against the Lowburn girls. Have you ever had a ride in an aeroplane? I have often seen aeroplanes lately, but I have never ridden in one. Prairie Blossom, and Star of the East have joined the Girl Guide company, and Star of the East is leader of one of the patrols. I have not any more news just now, so I will close •with kindest regards to the page.— Yours truly, KEEP LAUGHING (Bannockburn).

[They say that as the days grow longer the cold grows stronger, Keep Laughing, so we have not had our coldest weather yet by any means. Yes, I have been up in an aeroplane. It was a pleasant sensation, but not an exciting one, because we went so smoothly. Perhaps you will have a flight soon. You write a very neat letter —DOT.] ¥ * Dear Dot, —It is a good while since I last wrote to you, is it not? I have been going to write to you for a good: while, and it was on noticing in the. Otago Wit ness our motto, “We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves,” that I thought it time I should write to yoi again. I wrote to Italian, and hope to receive an answer soon. From the letters from the Little Folk the earthquake seems to have been more disastrous than 1 thought it was. Most of the Little Folk, who have not written to you for a long time seem to have thought it their place to fill the space left by those who have not been able to write to you so often since letters have had to have a twopenny stamp on them. Is this not true? The letters have all been very interesting lately. I know who most of the Little Folk from Otautau are. Three of them are Acorn Elf, Dew Glass, and Sheda. We are having wet weather just now. The new correspondents who I received are Flower Child and Timid Violet. One frosty morning not long ago there was a beautiful frost picture on our bedroom window. The frost does not usually come on our window, as it opens in from the veranda. In answer to my last letter you asked me if I liked being 14, and my answer is yes. One time you asked me what kind of a dog Tiny was, but I cannot tell you, as I do not know, and I have never seen one like her before. She is black and tan in colour. Are you fond of dogs? I am. I like almost any animal. My little sister asks to write to you every time she sees any of us -writing, but as she is only six she is .not allowed to write yet. Ring-a-Ding is writing to you this week also. He is one of my little brothers. Well, as my. little brother, Tom Mix, wants me to help him with his letter I will bring this note to a close, with love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, MOONLAND FAIRY (Otautau). [Ours is a good motto. Moonland Fairy, and one which all the Little Folk try to observe. I am glad you wrote to Italian Your answer should be here soon. Yo.i are quite right about the loyalty of my band, for, as soon as I needed to have more letters the children wrote at once. It was most encouraging. Yes, I am very fond of dogs, though I am inclined to spoil them. Thank you for the pretty frost picture.—DOT.]

Dear Dot, —May I join your happy band of Little Folk? I am 10 years old, and in Standard II at school. We walk about four miles to school. I like to play football at school. Well, as it is my bedtime now I wil close with love to all tlhe Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly, K - . TOM,MIX (Otautau). [I am proud to "welcome such a brave hero as Tom Mix to my band. Can you ride a bucking broncho? And can you throw a lasso as far as you like? You

must write again soon nd tell me more about yourself.—DOT.] ¥ * *

Dear Dot, —It is a long time since I I last wrote to you, but as I have some spare j time I may as well drop a few lines to i you now. I think that Moonland Fairy is I going to write to you this week also. Our I baby is growing big and runs round very ! happily at times. He can say a good many I words now. I like reading the Little ; Folk’s letters very much, and I expect . that you will too. The book I am reading at present is “A Bright Little Pair.’ 1 Have you ever read it? It is a pretty I'good book. It will be my little brother's I birthday on July 1. He will be nine yeais old. I belong to two other pages besides yours. In one we have to do competitions. | The last competition was a black and I white sketch or a painting. I went in for i the black and white sketch, and I did two, I but I do not expect to win a prize. I was I pleased to see my last letter in print. I have not received . a letter from Purple Pansy yet, but I hope to do so soon. We have a cocoa club, at school now, and I sometimes have to bring the milk. We are having our examination in July, and I hope to pass. Love to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

RING-A-DING (Otautau).

[You wrote on both sides of the paper, Ring-a-Ding, .which is against the rules. Try to remember not to do so next time, dear. I should like to see your baby. Give her a hug for me, and tell her I love her. I have not read that book; What is it about? I hope you do well in the competition and win a prize. Thank you for the love and kisses at the end of your letter. —DOT.]

Dear Dot.—Father has gone out and mother is knitting a little pair of socks for the baby, so I thought I would take the opportunity of writing to you. The weather has been very cold lately. Three weeks ago we had a heavy snowstorm. Standards V and VI go to cooking every Friday, and I go, too. Last cooking day we made macaroni cheese, and it was delicious. We have to take an apron, cap, slippers, hand towel, and oven cloth. My baby sister will be one year old on August 18, and she is very interesting.She likes to play ball with me. • :We receive seven eggs a day. As it is growing late, I must close with kind regards to all the Little Folk and your own dear self.—Yours truly,

ANOTHER FOUR LEAF CLOVER (Outram),.

[lt was sweet of you to decide to write to me, Another Four Leaf Clover, and I was delighted to receive your letter with its pretty. little picture of a -girl. You were clever to make macaroni cheese. Did you take some home to mother? You must wish your baby a happy birthday, and give her a kiss from me in August. —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;—: Mother’s Rosebud (Southland). Bunty II (Southland). Tom Mix (Otautau). , MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Dot wishes many happy returns of the day to — /.j -;/.- Rebecca, who was 14 on May 25. ! ’ Master Punch,'Who was 9 on May 28; Bunty 11, who was 10 on June 7;.* Acorn Elf, who was 10 on June. 23. . NOTES. \ Till We Meet Again—The address jloti ask for is 20 Selwyn street, Timaru. 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 sliouh l the first letter.—DOT. ¥ ¥ ¥ Heather Sprig (F. M. Carnie, No. 2 Rural Delivery, Wyndham) wishes to have the pleasure of corresponding with Tim’s Brother. ¥ ¥ ¥ Acorn Elf (B. Ireland, Box 19, Otautau) wishes to correspond with Fairy Fay. ¥ ¥ ¥ Fair Star of Hope (Mary Dunlop, Ngapara, via Oamaru, North Otago) wishes to correspond with Belle of Lynn, Nipper’s Mistress, Wild Blue Violet, Funny Face, and any other Little Folk willing. ¥ ¥ ¥ Rebecca (Marion M'Call, Hunter Valley, Hawea Flat, Central Otago) wishes to correspond with Tall Mountain Laddie, Cross Patch, and Grey Chinchilla. ¥ ¥ ¥ Tasmanian Girl (Doreen Ellis, Waitaha, Westland) wishes to correspond with L’lnconnue. „ ♦ ¥ ¥ ¥ Pale Rose (Betty Finlayson, Herbert) would like to correspond with any overseas Little Folk.