A DEADLY PEST.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1305, 7 December 1911, Page 9

A DEADLY PEST.

Without the slightest hindrance, .-ays an Australian writer, the house-fly is ullowed to spread diseases, because it is allowed to live, and there are still scores of people who cherish their childhood's fancies that it is harmless. For these kindhearted, sentimental ones, it may be as well to describe a few of the methods of contamination. After a visit to foul matter, it carries away as. much as it can on its feet. At the same time it fills its crop to overflowing, and afterwards sprays, or "vomits" the secretion on our food, face, or wherever it can find a likely deposit for its poison. Such deposits are commonly known . as "fl.yraarks," looked upon by most of us with only <1 littlo annoyance, for the reason that an article so soiled may have to be washed. Eveu that is not done in nine cases out of ten, for, generally, the application of a damp cloth is all that is thought necessary. There is not the slightest doubt that flies can spread consumption, and they can disseminate all the forms of illness most fatal to infants. These are principally' infected through food or milk the fly may alight upon. Unfortunately, flies aro nut easilv got rid of. But a great deal can be done to destroy them. Cleanliness is the first essential. Flies hate darkness, therefore rooms should bo darkened as much as possible. They a<»o dislike a draught, so that proper and constant ventilation is necessary. The kitchen is generally their principal hunt-ing-ground, and for that reason it is important that there should be means of covering up all food. For this it is impossible to have covers, but variouslysized pieces of butter muslin will do just as well, and they should be frequently Wished to keep then) sanitary. Milk and soup are liquids that cannot be too well guarded, and by keeping all food covered, all decayed matter in covered dust-bins, flies aro eventually starved out of the house, and thus the danger is considerably lessened. Such simple means are practically all we e<an do, for the reason that it is very evident that the only way that flies will eventually be got rid of is to destroy their breeding-grounds. So ] far as is known, nothing in this direction is being done, and it only rests with the householder to tight the danger as much as he can in this simple wav. Fly-papers are excellent, but, to a certain extent, unsightly, but that, after all, is better than the flies. The papers are cheap and easily procurable, but can also quite easily be made at home by spreading on paper the following sticky solution:—Bissolved resin ten parts, dissolved gum fivo parts. By aid of gentle heat add to seven parts of linseed oil. Allow this to cool, and it is ready. The paper should bo waxed, and the mixture spread on evenly and thinly. All papers should be burnt as soon as covered with flies. Where flics are a particular pest in any one room, it is a good plan to close it up securely, and disinfect with burning sulphur for au hour or two. All food possible at this time of year before being cooked or eaten should be well washed. This especially applies to meat, and for the purpose some small clean pieces of old linen or .muslin should be at hand. They are best wrung out of hot water, and the meat wined evenly all uver once or twice. They should then bo riascd, dried, and put away in a covered basin for subsequent uses. Great precaution should also be taken to cover children up while asleep. For this purpose a large piece of mosquito netting is the best, and should bo tied securely over the cot.

Thore was a largo attendance at tho Missions to Seamen Institute last evening, when Mrs. Willis provided a capital concert. Mr. T. S. Shell, Missioner occupied tho chair. Tho following cn-lributed items to the programme:—Madame Mueller, Misses Jones, Mueller, Dix, Harris, Messrs. Mason, Bishop, and Harris. Mis. O'Kano played tho accompaniments. An amusing conundrum competition was held, and was won by sailors f oin ships iii port. The performers were accorded a hearty vote of thanks at the conclusion of tho concert..

SEA BATHERS BEWARE. Take care of your hair. Miss Milsom lias special preparations for home treatment, als-i excellent creams and summer lotion for sunburn, tanning, and freckles. Miss Milsom diagnoses all cases, treats and teaches ladies and gentlemen their own homo treatment. Hair, restored to natural colour without injurious dyes. Delightful Faco Massage, Shampooing, Manicuring, Hair-dressing taught. Hairwork of every description. Only best quality English hair used. Switches and Curls, largo variety. Feather-weight Natural Hair Pads, from ss. Electrolysis (permanent and painless, qualified under Madam Barclay, New York). Telephone 811. Miss Milsom (onp. Stewart, Dawson's), Willis Street, Wellington.*

The picturesque village of Molesworth, Huntingdon, possesses an unusual cemetery. It has been established about seven years, and up to data there have been interred about 200 pets, mostly dogs, although thero aro a few birds, about 50 cats, a marmot, and four monkeys. The place is beautifully kept, the graves being planted with flowers, whilo the stones and curbs are principally of white marblu with suitable inscriptions.

Weddings—Shower Bouquets for bride and bridesmaids. Only the Choicest of Flowers used. Specially packed, and sent to » n y part of the Dominion. Miss Murray, 36 Willis Street (Florist to His fecelleacy Lord Islington).

TVoloaves of bread baked 03 years ago in Germany form the relic contained in a glass at the home of Joseph Hummel, a business man in the States. They nro reminders of the famine that swept Germany in 181G and 1817. Wheat then sold for JEI7 a bushel. The loaves were heir-looms in tho Hummel family, and camo into Mr. Hummnl's hands when he was visiting his old homo in Wurtemburg 20 years ago.

THE DELICACY OF THE HAIR. Ladies who neglect their hair lose it. Ladies who try to preserve their hair by experimenting amateurishly with lavish-ly-advertised hair washes and invigorators run great risks of ruining it. The hair is a plant of surpassing delicacy. It is exDOsecf to many perils. It needs care, attention, scientific treatment. Mrs. Rolleston is a specialist of the hair. Her wido experience has given her an exceptional knowledge of the various forms and degrees of hair trouble. If you consult her, she will tell you candidly just what is wrong, and charge you no fee for tho consultation. If your hair is causing you any anxiety at all, you will do well to bear in mind that you need immediate treatment. Delays are especially dangerous whero the hair is concerned. Call or write for an appointment.—Mrs. Rollcston, 256 Lambton Quay. 'Phone 1599.*

As showing tho difl'erenco_ between concert and music-hall salaries, a writer quotes tho caso of a Welsh contralto who appeared at Leeds conceits at 30s. or £1 a week, and who now commands c£2o a week in the halls. The moon is 238,000 miles away from the earth.