WOMEN IN THE HOME

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21886, 12 September 1936, Page 2

WOMEN IN THE HOME

METHOD OR MUDDLE

Moat women who .care deeply for the welfare of their families realise the importance of management. After a little practical experience, they are quick to discern the difference which forethought can make to the successful and smooth running of the home. It affects comfort, economy, and also the health of the family. In principle, thrifty management and parsimony are poles apart, and where the former is practised intelligently, the latter is unknown. Method enters into every phase of housekeeping; it provides the mental exercise which everybody needs to keep them interested and alert. Those who think home life mere drudgery, may never have taken the trouble to discover its possibilities for mental and social development. In all average homes, the same daily tasks have to be performed, and the comfortable and well-run houses do not just happen. Very often there is not much more money going into these than into others where disorder is always in evidence. It is a fact that some women seem able to achieve more without apparent effort, and their homes frequently give the impression of ease which comes with means. At the same time, it is not for one woman to dictate to another, or to be too critical of her failures, for every home has its own problem, and sometimes its own skeleton in the cupboard. The force of example and training is strong. When a young married woman has had the background and tradition of a wellmanaged home behind her, she is more likely to pursue the same principles herself. ,If not. she has to rely on her own good sense, and initiative. Successful housekeeping is partly a matter of temperament, personality, sometimes of health and of means, but all things considered, forethought and planning are essential.

Household Equipment The great advances which have been made in recent years in household equipment, more especially in the design of kitchens and in electrical appliances, have relieved many tasks of their monotony. These appliances make housework much more pleasant, and when it is possible to afford them, they should be Installed. Nevertheless, they are mechanical devices; the possession of them will not automatically reduce expenses or keep the house clean. When wisely used, they undoubtedly do save time, labour, and money.

Take for example, the electric cooker, which eliminates the soiling work of the coal range, whilst cooking the food evenly and economically. Unless its nossibilities are thoroughly understood, and menus devised to economise current, part of its advantages may be lost. By careful arrangement, the meals will be well cooked, on time, and attractive. The same principle applies to any method of cooking. It should be remembered that expense does not always indicate the greatest nutritive value of food, but rather the rarity. It is possible to produce enjoyable and nourishing* meals fr'om the less expensive foods, and by preserving as many fruits and vegetables as possible when plentiful, a much wider range of choice is always available. In housekeeping, it is wise to be prepared for the unexpected. No one likes to be caught at a disadvantage; sometimes this is unavoidable and can be easily explained. Often it is due to lack of method in • the daily routine! Unexpected guests should rather be a pleasure than a cause of panic and frantic telephone calls. Sickness and accidents* happen in the best regulated homes. The linen press needs frequent attention, repairs, and replacements, If the good old rule of never putting any clean article away unmended is followed, there should be no embarrassment on these occasions. The wise mother will always keep a supply of old soft linen, and have simple but effective first-aid requisites on hand. From time to time, all cupboards should be examined to refresh the memory. It is then readily knowh just where things are and in what quantity, which often saves duplication.

The result of method in routine is most apparent in the general arrangement of the housework. It is never good to attempt too much at a time. Governed by the need of the family, endeavour to plan the necessary cleaning conveniently. The usual custom of keeping certain days, for certain duties still remains quite the best. This system works out most smoothly and is moat economical of time and effort. It should, however, be readily adjustable to circumstances, without causing undue disorganisation.

Spring Cleaning Spring cleaning affords a very good test of the capabilities of a housewife. There is no real need, or in the present era, any justification for a too uncomfortable upheaval. It is a time when the woman needs the consideration and not the condemnation of her family. She may get in a muddle if she has overtaxed herself, or has had unexpected interruption or mishaps to deal with alone. So it is most important to proceed cautiously. Whatever happehs, the family has to be fed, and therefore endeavour to arrange beforehand an adequate supply of simple fare. Work on a principle and do one room at a time, and be prepared for the chimney-sweep to arrive a couple of hours before he is expected. It is a favourite habit, especially in the early morning. It is advisable for any new curtains or loose covers to be made in readiness to complete the freshness of a finished room, and add to the general Satisfaction of a completed task. The annual springclean helps to maintain a pardonable pride in attractive possessions. Everything in the house has been bought with money, and while well-cared for retains at least a portion of its value. The question of income and expenditure is, of course, a vital one in every home. The sum set aside for housekeeping varies with each family, its social position or ambition. The mother has it in her power to set the standard of the life within the home. She can do this more successfully by due regard to the funds and proportionate expenditure. It is advisable to be methodical in these matters and to follow a simple, straightforward bookkeeping, totalling the accounts either weekly or monthly to suit the individual case. This acts as an effective check and shows how the money goes, and if it is going in the best way. It is true that there is often a degree of happiness in homes in which the family just rubs along . somehow. Nevertheless when efficiency is. combined with a Sympathetic understanding, there should be a more serene happiness and a greater measure of security. PERSONALITY I Have you arranged for your noxt permanent wave? Put yourself ih the hands of experts if you want the best. The Annette Toilet Salon. 277 a High street, has Continental-trained operators, who will make /your permanent wave, both fashionable and original. Only Eugene Sachets Used. From 17/6. —2

CARD PARTIES

A successful bridge and “500” party, organised by Mesdames Hollobon and Young, in aid of the forthcoming sale of work for the Dallington Catholic Church, was held in the Catholic Women’s League rooms. , . Prizes were won by Miss Clougher, Mrs Cameron, Mrs Ryan, Mrs Higham, and Mr Higham. During the evening songs were sung by Mrs G. C. Russell and Mr Graham Young. The accompanist was Mr G. C. Russell. ~ . The following, who were unable to attend, sent donations: Mesdames Cahill 4 , White, Button, Paton, McCormack, Misses Cotton, Nottingham, M. and K. O’Connor, Messrs Berwick, Coxan, Reumens, McCormack, Crooke, and McPherson. Among those present were the Rev. Fathers T, O’Regaii, P. Timoney, and McKeown, Mr and Mrs J. G. Young, Mr and Mrs E. Hollobon, Mr and Mrs Baker, Mr and Mrs Higham, Mr and Mrs G. C. Russell. Mr and Mrs Stephens, Mr and Mrs N. Hooper, Mr and Mrs Wylie, Mr and Mrs J. C. Dobbs, Mr and Mrs Cameron, Mesdames Ryan, Empson, Hindmarsh (Dunedin), Egden, O’Malley, A. D. McCambndge, Gilmour, A. Knutson, Arrow, Hogan, Shamy, Crawford, Corbett, McCormack, Woodham, J. Musson, W. O, Bradley, Misses E. ‘Bridgeman, O’Don* hell, Aileen Fraser, Cronin, Lilian Smith, M. Troy, O’Malley, W. Rose, Arrow, Summers, Newton, Sweeney, Clougher, M. Wall, N. Bradley, Kerrin, K. Wilkinson, Margaret Bradley, Fouby, Crowley. J. Crowley, Royle, and Marie Hollobon.

Members of the Sumner-liedcliffs sub-branch of the Plunket Society held a bridge party at the home of the Mayoress of Sumner (Mrs T. Newburgh), in aid of the branch funds. The prize for the highest score was won by Mrs Colin Cook and that for the lucky number by Mrs C. E. Claydon. Others present were Mesdames Young, Atkinson, A. J. Malley, T. E. Whitfield, K. G, Shrimpton. Lee, Hudson Brown, Wethey, J, F. Menzies, Gorton, Morton, Wilson, A. W. Beaven, Baker, Tait, A. Morten, H. E. Crawshaw, M. Edmonds, Misses B. M. Cook, R. McFarlane, E. Pender, Prosser, and Bell.

Members of the Parents’ Association of the Christchurch Boys’ High School held a successful card party in the Chamber of Commerce hall. The proceeds from this and other card parties arranged by the association will be used for purchasing outdoor seats for the Boys’ High School. Prize winners were Mrs St. G- Atkinson (bridge) and Mrs Pryde ("BOO").

Supper was prepared and served by the social committee (of which Mr Q. F- Myers was convener;. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs L. C. Russell, Mr and Mrs C. Anderson, Mr and Mrs G. F. Myers, Mr arid Mrs F. A. Smith, Mr and Mrs C. D. Wilson, Mr and Mrs St. G. Atkinson, Mr and Mrs E. H. Down, Mr and Mrs W, Crombie. Mr and Mrs J. W. Munt Mr and Mrs A. J. Cade, Mr and Mrs S. Gibson, Mesdames P. Delargey, C. Hunter, C, J. Thornton, A. W. Spence, A. J. Archibald, J. H. Suckling. Harvey, A. Cocks, M. Cocks, W. Coad, R. Kingsford, S. F. Wilson, F. George A. D. Ford, T. G. Dick, W. J. Walker, W. R. Boyd, J. Lorimer, G. H, Wootton. E. F. Hannan, G. Trevor Hill, E. Dalzell, B. Sloane, Misses Wilkinson, M. George, C. Lummis, Messrs F. L. Glasson, G. Grover, F. C. Brew, A. J. Adams. J. Aikman, W. B. Price, and L. J. Hunter.

GIFT PARTIES

Miss V. Wilkins (Linwood) was hostess at a “green and primrose” gift party given at her home in honour of Miss Beulah Pope, wtfose marriage will take place shortly. Winners of competitions were Mrs Grant, Misses Nona Pope and Nora Wilson. _. The guests were Mesdames Pope, H. Wilkins, Grant, Jenkins, Misses Beulah Pope, Nona Pope, Nora Wilson, V. Wilkins. Beatrice Audas, Mercia Weir, Ruth London. Molly Johnston, and Margaret Geary.

Mr and Mrs P. Here (Diamond avenue) were host and hostess at a “pantry” gift party in honour of Miss Eileen Thomas, whose marriage will take place shortly. Many useful gifts wfere received, and musical items, games, and competitions were enjoyed. Mr P. Olds acted as master of ceremonies and Miss Elene Hore was pianist. Among those present were Mr and Mrs F. Thomas, Mr and Mrs P. Hore, Mr and Mrs L. Shaw, Mr and Mrs F. Colechin, Mr and Mrs B. Clements* Mrs Clements, sen., Misses L. Shaw, O. Riordhn, A. Olds, R, and A. Fehsehfeld, E. Hore, D. Shaw, V. Burns, C. Sealey, A. Cottle, R. Carey, Joan and Eileen Thomas, M. Hebden, M. TrevorSmith, Messrs F. Olds, R. Bell, A. Southey, A. Bothwell, C. Parton, and F. Billcliff.

SOCIAL AND DANCE The Riccartott branch pf the New Zealand Labour party held a social and dance in the Riccarton Town Hall to celebrate the inauguration of the 40hour week. Considerable interest was shown by the residents in the procession of branch members and their supporters, headed by members of the pipe band in uniform, as they marched to the hall.

An amusing sketch staged during the evening was the reading of a charge sheet. The finding of the court and the subsequent execution, by beheading. of a dummy representing the 44hour week, and the christening of the 40-hour week followed. Items were given by Mrs Chisholm’s pupils (Highland and national dances). Masters Russell Dowler (dances), Mesdames Pearce and O’Neill (songs). Mr Winter Cole was master of ceremonies.

The guests included Mr E. J. Howard, M.P., and the Hon. J. A. McCullough, M.L.C.