HEARTH AND HOME

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20302, 30 July 1931, Page 4

HEARTH AND HOME

"Builder" invites contributions from readers 011 any matters 01' interest which they might like to propose. Correspondence on various subjects pertaining to building will also be accepted.

NOTES. Morocco-covered chairs that uro faded and shabby-looking can be revived by rubbing over the leather with a small sponge moistened with Uio white of an egy Tiled floors or hearths that have become stained can bo cleaned by rubring them with a cloth dipped in paraffin and a little lard. Wipe ovor afterwards with a soft, dry clotli.

Tobacco stains on metal, such as brass, nickle, or antimony ashtrays, are easily removed by applying puro alcohol with an old toothbrush. Atterwards wash the metal with a cloth dipped in hot vinegar and salt.

Cliair legs that have boon knocked or scratched can bo freshened and improved by washing the leys with hot soda water, and when dry painting with varnish stain to match the furniture.

Durable and thoroughly, eiheient putty can be made by adding lib or white lend and enough boiled Unseen oil to 101b of whiting'to make a misturo of doughy consistency. Add h<ui a gill of tne best olive oil you can get, and mix it thoroughly.

When the heavy foundation stone ot the building formerly occupied l>v New Zealand Insurance Company, Hereford street. Christchurch. and now being rebuilt into shops, vas lifted recently, tho usual bottle containing coins and tokens of the times placed there when the stone was laid was revealed. The trophies included a fourpenny piece ol 185">, a haltcrown, of 1814, and a sixpence or 1834, and several of tho discs or tokens issued by merchants.

So far this month only seven building permits have been issued by the Christchurch City Council, and all aie for houses averaging about £6oo eac: l. Two permits each have been Grantfor tho St. Albans and fepreydon districts. and three. for the district. In the inner area n ha 9 been issued for alterations costing £730, to the premises of Messrs T Gapes and Co., Victoria street. In July last year 80 permits for won, totalling £56,79-1 were granted.

, Providing a constant inlet of air to ! supplement draughts, through opening cut in the ordinary sheet }en8 tb ?' * system of air circulation for ron roofs has been devised to • keep them af 00l as those of tile. Entrance of rain is prevented by metal covers over the openings, and inserts « by metal gauze.. The ''} lets \ nine inches m diameter bv inches in leneth, are located near the lower part of the roof, above ceilings of rooms, and operate with a ventilating cowl near the ridge, onening in the. ceiling of allows heated air to rise into the ioor and be carried out. HOUSES AT LOW RENTAL. A, GERMAN SCHEME. On the Thuringian railway, in a very picturesque district not far from Halle or tho Saale, lies the little town of Durrenberg, which has the distinction of being called a "Bad," or fipa, and is also famous for its salt works. Hero what appears to be one of the most successful solutions of the housing problem is to be seen—tho work of the Berlin architect, Alexander Klein. Tt is a newly-built which, from the air, seems to consist of many blocks of houses like those of a "Noah's Ark." Inspection from level ground shows the blocks to be arranged three and three, the frontage of each to the west and tho back to the east. Each block contains two to three storeys, with flats for some thirty families, tho entire/ .settlement consisting of 1000 separate »twellings. The living rooms are at the front, tho bedrooms at the back, so that nil have the sun. Everywhere there is an abundance of light nnd air and space. Before each block is a big ln'wn with trees, and in the centre of the settlement is a large planted spaco to serve as private park for the use of the inhabitants. The interior of tho fivnrooin dwellings is admirably arranged with built-in cupboards and all conveniences for labour-saving. The little kitchen is the hausfrau's delight: everything is within easy reach and extra furniture is unnecessary; a hatch enables tho dishes to be passed from the dining-room. Sliding doors between tho rooms are one feature of the flats, and the quiet of the settlement is another, footpaths only connecting ' the blocks, so that' street traffic cannot disturb. And the most attractive point of all is that the monthly rent for one of these comfortable, modern dwellings is less than forty marks.

WINDOWLESS OFFICES. USE OF ELECTRIC LIGHT.A good deal of scientific study has been going on for some years to determine just how valuable office window space actually is in the matter of letting in good light and fresh air. The results go to show that man can devise his- own climate and light on a far more efficient scale than does Nature. The windowless department store in Washington, America, is proving a great success.

Also coming to the fore are windowless offices containing only false windows that let in soft electric light. The ceilings of such offices aro fitted with synthetic skylights that cast a soft always-even electric light through the entire arena.

: In addition there is, of course, an electric ventilating system that makes possible not only perfect ventilation and fresh air at all times, but which makes possible the artificial cooling in the summer time.* In other words, quantities of office space formerly regarded as useless because of facing an ugly, dark, smelly courtyard, may eventually be reclaimed as a building's most valuable space. At any rate, the whole matter has been worked out by illuminating and electrical engineers to a point where you caw buy windowless offices pa the ■ftitt&m glan,

NEW CATHEDRAL.

WORK AT NELSON. CHRISTCHURCH STRUCTURE COPIED. A progress report on the building of Kelson's new Cathedral shows that about £-10,000 lias been spent, with less 'than a quarter of the construction completed. The original total estimate of tho cost was £BO,OOO. The rnto of further progress with the erection will bo governed by the amount ol' money collected. The building, Gothic in design, will seat approximately 1000 people. The spire, which will be in tho centre of the Cathedral, will be about 10ft higher than that of the Christchurch Cathedral, and this, added to tho fact that the site itself—tho Church Hill—has an elevation of about SOft, will make it tho highest Cathedral in New Zealand. The structure is of forro-concrete, faced with Takaka marble. This is an austere-looking stone, of a bluish hue, which keeps its colour and surface. Tho .stone pillars for tho interior are now being erected, so that stonemiusons arc: busy with their chisels and their diamond-studded saws. Mi- Frank I'eck, formerly of London, is the architect. Mr G. F. Dielil, who supervised the erection of the Bridge of Re. membra nee in Christohnrch, is in charge of the work. The interior will resemble the interior of the Christchurch Cathedral in many <>f its features, but the walls will not be left rough, as they are there. Bush-hammered concrete will make an eveii-linishing surface in harmony with the dignity of tho building. At the rear portal the likenesses (f prominent occlesia.stics associated with the Diocese of Nelson are being fashioned. Bishops Sclwyn, liobhoutv, Suier, .Mules, and Sa<ilier are to bo there, while the heads, in eliigy, <>l King Ccorgo ;tnd Archbishop Aver ill will also find a place. That portion of tho building which was already croc-tod when the big earthquake r-f 192!) occurred stood the .shock well, and the contractors tinticipate no trouble from this source. As a safeguard, however, it has been planned to build the steeple in some light ste'el fabric;. At the present rate of progress tho nave should be ready for use in about two years. The present plans are that a temporary roof shall be built over it so that it can bo used when tho remaining portion of the old wooden building is pulled down. It will be cut off and the chancel moved up into position for use in the new building. TIMBER PRODUCTION.

A DECREASE ANTICIPATED. Fur tho year ended March o Ist, 1030, the productiou of timber showed an increase of 4} per cent, over the output for the two previous years, but tho indications are there will bo a decline in the figures for tho year just ended, and although t.he final figures cannot be given,' as tho returns aro incomplete, it is expected that the reduction will be approximately 30 per cent., states tho annual report of tho State Forest Service tabled in tho House. There is a total of 420 mills in the v Dominion, including 46 operating in exotic plantations, but at present the demand for timber has decreased to such an extent that only 78 mills are working full time, 178 are working only part time, and 104 are closed. The falling-off in the demand in both the domestic and the export trade is worldwide, and the current sales of standing timber are, of course, affected in direct ratio.

During tho depressed state of' the timber market tho practice of the service has been, and is, to withhold from sale all timber except what is absolutely necessary to meet the requirements of existing operators and 'to offer no timber for disposal unless it has been definitely applied for. Tho result of this policy is reflected ip. the year's timber sales. The sales for the year were 50, covering a total quantity of 12,118,024 board feet, with a value of £41,883, as compared with 58, totalling 60,053,000 boanl feet, of the value of £73,865 for the previous year. This represents a fall of 17,934,976 board feet, or 30 per cent., in quantity, and £31,982, or 43 per cent, less in selling price. Of this reduction in prico 13 per cent, represents lower values. Commitments made by purchasers of standing timber havo been waived in cases where hardship is evident, and reasonable ' postponements of payments have been allowed free of interest and havo decreased the revenue receipts.

DIVIDED DOORS. PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES. Complaints liavo been inade in (Jlrristcliurch from time to time of pe.ddlars forcing their wares upon housewives and causing them considerable annoyance. An easy means of overcoming the nuisance is the installation of a divided door, which is a feature that catches the fancy and is -practical at the same time. When the upper part of a door can be opened, an unknown caller can be questioned, and if his wares aro not acceptable his entrance can bo denied in the easy manner that is at times something of a feat when a too enterprising salesman has taken advantage of an ordinary door being open., Often one wishes a door to be opened a little for ventilation. The top portion of a divided door can be opened for this purpose without draughts being directed across people's legs. This is a very important consideration when the entrance door opens directly into the living room, as is the ease in so many small houses.

Kerosene is never necessary when you uso our "Cut and Dried" Kindling for lighting the fire. Cut to fit your grate, and dry as a bone —in bags of full measure for 2s 9d. G. McClatchio and Co., Ltd., 160 Hereford street. —6 Hrtve yon anything to sell— Do vou wish to buy? If so, a small advertisement in the classified section of Tn« Pbebs will be all you,need, 12 word« Is, shree ingecrtions 2s 6d —6

! ILLUMINATION.

PLACING OF LIGHTS

SECURING MAXIMUM COMFORT

Good homo illumination means plenty of light so placed and bo shaded tliatone may see comfortably to carry on daylight occupations in the evening. To ninny homemnkers this is simply overcoming darkness; to the discriminating -woman it means the convenient use of light, the care of her children's eyes, and the planning to utilise light so subtly as to obtain a cheerful restful atmosplicro in the homo. Keallv good lighting is accompanied by added comfort, eye and nerve ease, as well as beaut}-, all of which combine to bring happiness and harmony to C verv member of the household, in an address »n the subject of the problem of the partially-sighted child, given some time ago before the Conference of the South African National Council for the Blind, Mr. van Schalkwyk said: "Poor sight constitutes not a physical and educational handicap which retards the pupil's progress, but it may actually develop into total blindness. The aggregate amount of inefficiency and unliappiness caused by seriously poor sight constitutes a great national problem. "In addition to actual physical suffering it interferes with the usual educational procedures and may result in mental retardation and juvenile delinquency, as well as in tctal blindness. The number of children with defective vision or eyes was estimated to be at least J'J per cent, of the school population of South Africa." Caring for Eyesight. H has been established that, barring usual defects due to accident or illness, the great spread of poor eyesight can bo traced to improper lighting in the home. The first aim of a household lighting system should be conservation of vision. A lighting system should be installed that will aid and not impair the eyesight of those who occupy that home.

Any light which is used for reading or sewing should bo considered with regard to its effect upon eyesight. Children especially need this consideration. The baby lying flat on the bed is the one who suffers most from unshaded light. The lighting of the nursery or room in which the baby spends most of his time should receive the most careful consideration; earo should be taken that no direct light reaches those sensitive eves.

Equal care should be exercised in the lighting of the desks or tables at which the children of school age do tlicir homo work. At this season of the year the light during tho afternoon hours is apt to bo very dull, and in tho majority of our homes the rooms to which tho children withdraw to do their home lessons are inadequately provided with . window light. Pew children find much joy in the schoolwork they have to do at home—why add to their diflieulties with insufficient light to work by? A child compelled to work where the light is poor will soon become drowsy. A lesson which is easily learned under a good light is made difficult under glare or shadow. Poor Light Causes Injury. Besides the immediate difficulties for which poor light is responsible, it may cause permanent injury to young eyes. A writer in tho "New York Medical Journal" says: "By far the larger proportion of functional digestive disorders in the young are due to eye-strain." Some authorities go so far as to say that poor eyesight is often to blame for seeming stupidity, rebelliousness and truancy. A desk lamp with a shade should be provided for each child working. These may be had in many different styles and at low prices. They should bo adjustable so that the work being done may be flooded with soft light, while the student's eyes are protected by the shade.

The living room is tho domain of .portablo lamps with wall brackets, ceiling fixtures and lighted ornaments as accessories. The furnishing of a living room really consists of individual groups, so arranged that they combine into a satisfactory whole. A portable lamp near a comfortable <jhair, one or two near a Chesterfield or, settee, one on a table hero and there, one close to the piano—each and all prove that the lighting of any individual group largely determines the usefulness and comfort of that particular group. As one pauses on the threshold of a properly lighted and furnished living room, he should see several tempting vistas. Several persons should be able to find a comfortable place for reading, sewing, or contemplation. Portable lamps make this possible.

LIME SAND STONE. MANY USES IN -GERMANY. Lime si-.ru'l stone and burnt ciaybrick are equally good and of equal value with regard to their ability to withstand pressure, fire, and weather. In consideration of the fact that the claybrick, owing to the tedious drying and burning process, is much more expensive than the lime sand stone, which is - produced in a much simpler manner, the latter lias for many years been preferred i if* Germany out of'purely economical reasons. Ordinary sand, to Iff.- found practically everywhere, mix<kl with about six to eight per cent, of lime, is the composition of which lime sand stone is made. The sand is put through sieves and the quicklime (netzkalk) is ground. Twenty-four hours after the sand has been taken into the factory the stone is finished and ready for building purposes. Its usefulness is unlimited. It is used for building private houses, settlements, churches. Government buildings, and so on. The development of the is surprising. The yearly output of German lime sand sstonG' factories increased from 300-million'in the year 191.0 tu 1550 million in the year" 1911. After the war, lime sand stone factories were established in Holland, as well as large works in Germany, for example in Hamburg and Hanover; also in Switzerland, France, and in the U.S.A.. showing a daily production of 2CO,CCO stones an<l more. More than 2200 million lime sand stones wore supplied to the building market of Greater Berlin up to 1926.

DEMAND FOR SPEED.

DECORATORS KEEP PACE. The modern world's demand for speed in all things is lamentable —or commendable—according to the point of view. But it cannot he ignored. Sigh aa one may in private life, for the spacious days and ways—one must be up and doing with the best and quickest, in public. So every decorator should know the modern .tendencies in method and material, as applied to large-scale painting. It is inevitable that cellulose —which revolutionised motor-finishing practice —should bo applied to decoration. Hence motor cellulose enamel has been developed for decorators' use as architectural pyroxlin Evidences of its efficiency and economy are to be seen on everv band in modern theatre, ciu<jma, hotel, :.nd similar work.

It is important that rooms win en are to be finished by spray application of architectural pyroxlin should be well ventilated at the top and bottom while the operations are in progress, although equally important that a direct draught should be avoided. Architectural pyroxlin gives a smooth film free from orange peel or "blush" patches. The odour has been reduced to a minimum, and the raw materials used in it aro, to the average operator, non-toxic, although it' is advisable that operators slioukL weai; some

iorxa of respirator whilst- spraying in wu r avo . breathing Bpray dust. When there is no forced draught such as that produced by a fan the minute particles of spray dust float about in the air for some time. r ® su *ts are obtained by spraying architectural pyroxhn at a pressure of j>er square inch. ' .definite instructions can be given as to correct spraying pressure, as it varies with the type of gun employed.) Pressure feed equipment and containers of two to three gallons capacity are most satisfactory, t surfaces, whether new or old, should be perfectly clean and free from grease before applying either undercoats or finishing coats of architectural

li ,a f ter should be allowed to y for at least seven days and then be surface brought forward to a persmooth finish by knifing on a stiff mixture of dis+emper. A?low to lt'ifik e e Sl s ollrs ' then scuff over +l.o+ +l,"° ur?v pa R or " is important SS.S- ~ flll 'ng ' process be followed V .®p ~ plasters, no 'matter how vrili, -ii are fn!l of small holes. Giidk° paint or enamel these are K feti V® at ?, ut » ess of the film, but Sim. is much thinner w!*ri ] invperfections in the ground T&i£ re ?. r re, e^ore emphasised. W J It °? e coat of sealer Snw! shade applied n? lJPnof to*i a a^ow to dry for 2 Tjv '° finishing coats ot architectural nyroxlin—either glossy +]; poa j Illatt ~shonld be sprayed over &TSES j '" l, * ll

LINING DBBSaiffli

One generally hues dressers with silk.. Paper linings need iK W while the cretonne or periodical visits to the the basin of cleaning h °The most practical enamel. A buffet drawer, it treated needs only .to be cloth occasronally, lately clean. Simply aPP|;l|g* of fiat paint, allowing, thoroughly, then one Some enamel not vious coat, and while cost a few pence more, to use and should be enamelled will harmonise with the room. *. rv i If one feels like unusual, paint th coats, allowing them Moisten a rubber batn very little parnt, Ajgfißl colour, then.gentK an entire surface. J' * face is patted wk the same colour, tbj> suggest stone or jvgSgM colour blue on' V buff i rose * rose and buff on ocofeidj aW* *» m *>