Nathaniel Arnold Mitchell, 1879-7/9/1886.

 DEATHS.

On the 7th September, it his father's residence, Beach House, North Taieri, Nathaniel Arnold, fourth son of William Mitchell and his late wife, Elisabeth Mitchell; aged 16 years Deeply regretted. -Otago Witness, 17/9/1886.

OUR LITTLE FOLKS.

By Dot. 

To our little folks. 

[Dot will be pleased to receive short letters from juvenile correspondents on any matters of interest to themselves — short stories of pet animals, descriptions of their favourite toys, their parties, amusements, &c. the letters to be written by the children themselves and addressed "Dot, care of the Editor." and to be published in the page devoted to "Our Little Folks."] 

Sometimes the children's letters do not reach Dot in time for mention and reply the same week, but in all cases will be acknowledged in due course. 

Dear Dot, — My first letter to you is a very sad one. It is about the death of our dear schoolmate, Nathaniel Arnold Mitchell, who died on Tuesday, 7th September, of brain fever, caused partly through a fall on his head, and partly through being over anxious to pass his standard at school. He had a bad headache on Thursday and Friday, the 2nd and 3rd September — the two days of the examination. Dear Nathaniel was such a good boy, and was so anxious to pass that he would go to school. When he went home on Friday afternoon his head was worse, and on Sunday, the 5th, he was very bad. The doctor could do little for .him, but did everything that was possible to save his life, but it was not to be, and Nathaniel died at half-past 11 on Tuesday. Dear Dot, I cannot tell you how sorry everybody about here is, for he was such a good, kind, gentle friend, and was always ready to help anyone. I think he was the best boy in the school. His fuueral took place on Thursday, the 9th September, and there was such a lot of people there. All the schoolboys went. They took wreaths, crosses, and bunches of flowers, and threw them in the grave. It made such a lot of us cry to see dear Nat put down the deep hole and covered over with dirt. Mr Murray, the schoolmaster, had such a lovely cross made in Dunedin as his last token of respect for dear, dear Nathaniel. He is deeply regretted by all who knew him. Dear Dot, it is a very sad death, and is made more so by the fact that only a year ago his mother died; so you will know how sad all his people are. — I am, dear Dot, yours truly, John (age 13). Taieri, September 15.   -Otago Witness, 1/10/1886.

West Taieri Cmeetery.