WOMAN TO WOMAN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 104, 26 January 1935, Page 17

WOMAN TO WOMAN

For Mutual Help All those readers who require help in any matter of household management, cookery, dress, etiquette, or needlework, are invited to put their problems before us, when every effort will be made to assist them, tree of charge, the only condition being that the full name and address is given. This is not for publication, but for record purposes only. Those requiring a reply by post are asked to send a stamped and addressed envelope. 4 prize of half-a-crown is given each week for the best housewifery hint received for this column by “Woman's World Competition." The prize of 2/6 goes this week to Mrs. F. W., Wanganui, for the following hints :— To Patch by Knitting. When patching heavy garments such as men’s trousers, take a skein of darning wool similar in colour to the trousers, and using fine needles knit a patch in stocking web, large enough to cover well the worn part. Place th-.s on the wrong side of the garment and neatly sew to the material. Turn to the right side again and darn the worn material on to the patch. When pressed such a mend will be almost invisible. —Mrs. F.W.. Wanganui. Silverfish and Cockroaches. Silverfish—This very destructive insect can be destroyed by the following method:—Mix 11b. of powdered starch with 1 tablespoon of paris green. Fill a rubber puffer and blow the mixture down behind the skirting-boards, in cracks or any likely place, and the result will be very satisfactory. If you are troubled with cockroaches try 'this method of getting rid of them: —Into a kerosene tin put about Jib. of dripping, and place it on the fire till it melts. Remove, and with a piece of rag rub some of the grease all over the inside of the tin, leaving the remainder in the bottom of it. Leave this tin where the cockroches are io evidence, and in a few days’ time yon will find the bottom of the tin covered with dead pests. After having fed on the fat they have found it impossible to scales the sides of the tin on account of the grease.—Mrs. HD, Wanganui. Three Hints. To clean a cream woollen garment, mix together 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of salt. Heat in oven until fairly hot, then rub the mixture on the soiled parts. Fold the garment and leave for 24 hours; then shake and it will be quite clean. To renew a silk garment, wash in potato water and it will recover its original colour. If the eggs for cake-making are placed in water for 2 hours before using, the cake.s will be much lighter.— F.M.C., Hinakura. Stain Remover. A small box of brickdust with a cork in it, kept at the side of the sink, will be found most useful for taking stains from knives, cups, and all kinds of china and enamel ware. —“Dusty.” Ashhurst. Shirt Economy. To repair men’s shirts in front, where they are apt to wear thin below the collar, unpick the inside of the double yoke across the shoulders. Qut down the middle and place lengthwise on each side of the front, and stitch neatly in place. It will exactly fit the shape of the neck and front. —Mrs. F. D„ Petone.

The Useful Kettle. When refilling vases and watering pot plants, a drop of water is sometimes spilt on the surrounding woodwork. or on linen covers. To avoid this use a kettle instead of a jug, and besides saving a mess it will be found that one kettleful will be enough to go round without having to refill, as is usually necessary when using a jug.— 8.W., Hataitai. When Serving Beetroot.

To give a nice colour to beetroot, boil the vinegar, to which a little water and sug.'ir should be added. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cool a little before pouring over the cut-up beets.—Mrs. N.8.C., Wanganui.

About Baking Soda. A. piuch of carbonate of soda stirred into new milk will keep it fresh aud sweet indefinitely. A little sprinkled on very tart fruit when cooking brings out the sweetness and saves sugar. Half a teaspoon added to the water when boiling beetroot improves both colour and flavour. Applied to a burn with a little olive oil, baking soda affords great relief.—Mrs. W.A.G-, Miramar.

For Drying Bottles. An excellent idea in a country kitchen for drying bottles, narrow-necked jars, etc., is a wire-netting basket, supported with fencing wire, and hung by the range. It can be made very easily at home. The bottles are just put in upside down and left to dry.—A.W.B.. Murchison.

InformatiON Wanted. A reader asks if anyone could supply her with a formula for making an oilskin dressing to dry quickly. NIGHT JOURNEYS When an all-night journey has to be made in an ordinary railway compartment special attentioa should be given to travelling equipment A loose-fit-ting frock of unc.'ushable material and a long coat should be worn in preference to a coat and skirt. A small hat that can easily be stowed on the rack is-convenient, it should be slipped into a paper bag to protect it from dust. If the rack is full of luggage the bag may be bung just below it, pinned to the netting by a large safetypin. A soft silk handkerchief tied round the head keeps the hair in order and is light and comfortable. Pillows may be hired, but it is advisable to carry a small air-pillow, whieh is easily adjusted and cool. A pair of loose, thin gloves may be worn with advantage to keep the hands clean. Ordinary shoes should be taken off. slipped into a shoe-bag. and put safely away in a suitcase. Bedroom slippers are "much more comfortable for night wear. WOODS’ GKEAT PEPPERMINT CURE —For Influenza Colds. —Advt.