"The Better Way," No 2

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 48, 15 June 1928, Page 6

"The Better Way," No 2

COMPETITION RESULTS _-

rus week we are publishing the result of our "Better Way" competition No. 2, The popularity of these competitions and the many excellent entries received make it no easy matter to select a prize-winner. The prize this month goes to "Vay Eglintine," Christchurch, for her "better way" of home-building, whose point of view is commendable and really covers the whole essence of "home." In the belief that there is a great deal of talent among those who have not the courage to take up literature as a career, we are holding a literary’ competition for our readers this month, which we hope will prove interesting. , The "Better Way" competitions will be resumed at a later date. ,the "Better Way" of Home-making. if AM still what is termed a "spinster" " (odious word!), but with a home ef my own in view I am ever on the alert for any hints I can glean from my married friends on the goodly maintenance of a home and "the better way" of performing household tasks. Not long ago I spent a few days with a friend whose good housekeeping was almost a byeword in the small town in which she lived, and from whom I hoped to learn much. I must confess that before my visit was over I felt very disappointed. Martha was undoubtedly a good housekeeper, yet, in spite of her excellent cooking, her shining silver and brass and her spotless rooms, I felt that there was something lacking in her home. Martha’s cupboards were full of beautiful china and silver, but these rarely saw the light of day, being kept for "company." There was a large drawing-room, a room of beauty and comfort, but this, too, was for other than those of the household.

Martha's young son was in the habit of jokingly referring to this room as "The Museum," and I could not but think that his jesting words carried more than an element of truth. Rarely was a fire lit there, the family generally gathering in a smaller livingroom while all the comfort and beauty of the drawing-room stood idle-wait-ing-for whom? The casual guest, the passing stranger, while the nearest and dearest were without, partaking of "the second-best." Wives and mothers, our homeInakers, appeal to you. Is this just Jet alone reasonable? Tor whom are you building a home? Are your own of such small account that their comfort must ever be a secondary consideration? I, a potential homemaker, stoutly answer, No! Not for mine the "second-best," but all the comfort and beauty I can gather within my home shall be outpoured for them. Is not this "the better way" to build ahome and to make it a place of true beauty, comfort and abiding joy?"Fay Eglintine,’ Christchurch. f 28 fol zing "Better Way's" each . receive the sum of 2s. 6d.:Washing Day Made Easy. TPAKE a clean petrol tin and half-fill ‘ with water, add 4lb. of washing soda, and stir occasionally until dissolved. Then add 4lb, of ordinary unslaked lime, and stir well, let settle; a clear fluid will result, with sediment at bottom. YF ill copper with eold water, add as much soap as desired, and one teacup (no more) of the clear fluid, stir well, then put the dry clothes into the copper and boil well for about half an hour. MTinse well, blue and starch as usual. Does not harm coloured clothes or flannels. Is excellent for blue overalls and men’s greasy clothes, It has proved the greatest laboursaver I have used for six years pastMrs. G. Munday, Christchurch. Fish Batter. Vy HEN frying fish, a batter made . of custard powder, flour and water (about one dessertspoonful of custard powder to two tablespoons of flour) is a cheap substitute for eggs and gives a better flavour than a battery made of flour and water, Add a pinch of salt-‘E.R.H.,’ Epsom, Auckland. Trimming Bacon. WHEN cutting the rind off bacon, ‘ I always use a pair of scissors, The rind can be cut very closely, without wasting the bacon. I also cut the bacon into suitable lengths with the scissors. This plan is much ‘ more satisfactory than using a knife. -‘Wandy,’ Lawrence,

Cleaning Silver. VERY busy housewife dreads the weekly task of cleaning the silyer. How many would rejoice if they only knew that a good handful of common cooking salt put into an aluminium saucepan of water and brought to the boil, and while at boiling point the silver immersed for a few minutes and then. washed in clean, hot soapy water makes the silver look like new.-Mrs. G. White, Porangahau. To Cook Steak. TX STEAD of frying steak "the better way" is to place steak on a slightly greased enamel plate, cover with chopped onion and bread crumbs. Cover with another plate and cook in a moderate oven half to three-quarters of an hour.-Mrs. W. Peterson, Dargaville.

Mending China, ERE is a way to repair broken china and other crockery. Melt some common alum, which may be obtained from any chemist, in @ spoon over the fire and smear it over the broken edges. Press the pieces firmly together, and in a short time it will set and the article is repaired. Wash earefully, and you may now replace it in the china cupboard.-"Handy Housewife,’ Epsom, Auckland, Mincing Bread Crumbs. HEN mincing dried bread crumbs, the better way is to tie a brown. paper bag on to the mincing machine for the crumbs to fall into and then they do not scatter all oyer the table and floor, also they are easy to pour from the bag into a bottle when ready. -Miss Hector, Lower Hutt.° Cleanir: the Hearth. Py nen next you are using whiting oy red ochre for the hearth or fireplace, try mixing it with boiled starch instead of water. It will not rub off and lasts must longer.-Mrs. Jenkin, Masterton,