AT HOME AND ABROAD.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 53, 4 March 1925, Page 17

AT HOME AND ABROAD.

BLOCKED SINS-PIPE,

A blocked' eink-pipa is a catastrophe that unfortunately often occurs. It is, therefore, very necessary for everyone to lrnown how to put the matter right. This can be done as follows:—Place as much chloride of lime in the pipe as possible, pressing it well down with a piece of wood. Have ready plenty of boiling water, and dissolve the lime by letting a little of the boiling water trickle slowly through. When it is dissolved, pour more boiling water into the sink, and as soon as it runs off turn on the tap over the sink and let the water run quickly for five or ten minutes. The lime burns away whatever. is blocking the sink. In most cases a handful of washing soda and a handful of ealt.will effect a cure with hot water poured over tfeem.

NOVEL SEAT. I live in a bed-sitting room (states a writer'in an exchange), which means that space is precious. I had an overflow of books, and wanted more seating accommodation, and, to be quite frank, I couldn't afford to 'buy a new bookcase, •and there didn't seem any room for more. cTla'ire': l ' ' -^■-■■-■ ■■ ■ '■ ■'■■"''■'■ - -

Then I had an inspiration. I would combine bookcase and eeat —and that at the?cost of a shilling 0r.. , tw0. This is how I did "it.

I bought an ordinary-sized box from the grocer, and scrubbed it inside and out. When it was dry I laid it on its side and fixed a shelf in half-way up. Then I stained tho whole, of the inside and left it to dry. Next I made a thick pad for the top of the cupboard with a collection of clean old rags,: and ■ a top covering of vegetable I nailed firmly into place".': »■ •»*> Then I covered the top, sides, and back of the cupboard with cretonne to match my curtains, fixed a tiny brass rod across the front, and hung a wee curtain with a narrow beading on this. After that I covered a cushion with the same cretonne, and put a big black bow on .one corner, .which..gave it a jaunty air.

And there I had a little home for my books and a comfy fireside seat all in one —and for the proverbial "mere song."

Oh, by the way—do have your curtain in two parts; it's so much easier to get at your books if you do. * v*> *~- USE BAKED POTATOES. ■Many people who relish freshly baked potatoes, "hot and hot" from the oven, will yet eat them only xinder protest, if at' all, when they are served, at a later meaL creamed, fried, or Lyonnaise. These epicures assert that in the latter forms, even with parsley and onion to disguise the flavour, the strong,even rank, taste.. acquired by standing in ' their ekihs spoils them for a discriminating palate. The flavour, it is asserted,. can be detected even in. hash, unless it is highly seasoned. That these : fastidious ones are not imagining the condition is evident to anyone who will take..a sniff at the napkin in which baked potatoes have been wrapped to keep them hot. If, however, the insides are removed from the skins of those left over before they have a chance to cool entirely, and the soft part is packed in a bowl that can be covered closely, the potatoes can be used without any of the strong odour being perceptible. If mashed while still hot, they can be used for potato . cakes or souffle; and if to the potatoes, either plain or mashed, be added a little butter, while they are still warm enough to melt it, they will not become hard and dry before they can be used.