CURRENT GOSSIP.

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 179, 23 April 1924, Page 3

CURRENT GOSSIP.

“The Dominion” Office, Wellington, April 23. /HAVE been looking into this matter of “pot-luck” ever since an acute domestic contretemps which 1 heard of last week. It is all very well to ask, on the spur of the moment, an acquaintance to “come along and have pot-luck, old man,” but what of the tense discussion which takes place in the tragic privacy of the kitchen when our immoderate host is suddenly confronted by his wife with the awful fact that there is not enough to go round 1 “A friend, of mine in his journey vs come, unto me, and I have nothing to set before him,” so said, at midnight, the man in our Lord’s parable. Yes the problem -is very, very old, but there should be no such thing as “pot-luck,” if the domestic machinery is running efficiently. You must set to work at once to organise your emergency cupboard. This week I have given you some notes on the subject, and scattered about the page are some emergency recipes. With these in your scrap-book you need never fear the worst. Helpfully, MARGOT.

“I think now that, far more than books or pictures, a child’s toys form the happiest adjunct to a home. And they need to be scattered through every room.”—“Sphere.” V * , “When Roosevelt was aksed how he managed to stand the racket as he did, he answered in f our syllables: ‘I like my job.’ The best recipe for a man who wants to keep going is to fall in love with his job.”—“Evening News.” "S’ T 'B' “We are morally bound to pay our way in life, as it were, by doing some serious work for the race in return for what we directly and indirectly receive.”—“Church of England Newspaper.” “Sometimes I think that the reason why women have not distinguished themselves more in creative art is not because they bear children, but because they keep house. Who ever heard of a male poet who had to keep house for a family? It is almost un-thinkable.”—-“Time and Tide.” “There is no absolute beauty, only a heightening of what we have already experienced. Music is, as Parry said, relationship; and. beauty,. its crowning mercy, is relative.”—“Times Literary Supplement.” 11 Fresh Rowntree Chocolates, new fillings, at “The Wattle,” Willis Street (Windsor Hotel Building). i d Ronnie was to give his first birthday party, and he sat down to write the programme. After half an hour’s pondering he had written but one line: ‘ltem 1. —Interval for refreshment.’ ” —“Daily Mirror.” ® & U . Warm woolly garments for children — petticoats and gaiters, at Mrs. Smith’s, 85 Willis Street, Children’s Outfitting. V . ft" „ “Tire following is an extract from a school inspector’s diary :— ‘Earthquakes are caused by salt mines under the earth. They don’t have them here because it isn’t hot enough. An earthquake is black, and the same shape as a snail.’ ” —“Morning Post.” ir -s“To securo the good word of the Thoroughly Comfortable, the old Ruling Class and its supporters, is no use. It is the approval of the People that must be sougnt. To think otherwise is to linger behind the times.” —“Daily Herald.” 'S' A new bag or pochette never comes amiss, and from personal experience I find that one cannot ever posses sufficient of these useful articles to meet the need. J. R. McKenzie have reduced every bag, jiochette and purse down to bed-rock prices, and especially charming are those new and decorative suede bags trimmed with self material in the shape of roses and cabochon and fringes in bright contrasting shades. They are trom 15s. 9d. “ ‘He has a great faculty for putting the cart before the horse.’ “ ‘Oh, I wouldn’t say that! Say he has a habit of trying to make the wheels run the motor.’ ”■—“Automobile Magazine.'• •5- -§• There-is no doubt that “shingling,” the new form of “bobbing,” has caught on in England- It is. however, impottant that those who are still contemplating the “shingle bob” should know where to go for it, as nothing is so truly ugly as one which is badly done. Boudoir Camille, third floor Mandel’s Buildings, are experts in this new art. Ring and make an appointment. If * . “Cook: ‘What are we having tonight, M’m ’ “Mistress: ‘Why, I’ve just told you —clear soup, fillet of sole, cutlet, cabinet pudding.’ “Coon. ‘1 meant on the wireless, M’m.’ ” —“Punch.” The Russian Fur Company, 168 Willis Street, along Ambassador pas-sage-way entrance, are opening up again to-day, and invite you to come and sec their many beautiful and exclusive coats, wraps, and stoles, also furs, to make up. These lovely garments will only be on view for a few days longer, and this is a golden opportunity to acquire a really handsome fur at a very reasonable price. » * ■ “It takes ven' little time for a dog to become fashionable. This was explained a generation ago with the Pekingese and the West Highland Terrier; it io seen more recently with the Alsatian wolfdog and the Kerry Blue Terrier.”—“Queen.” TV v Fish Scallops.—Treat fish as above; thicken with breadcrumbs; moisten with milk or cold white sauce, season with salt, mace and pepper ; place in buttered saucers. Make a little hole in the middle, and put in a few drops of anchovy sauce. Dust over with fine breadcrumbs (and a little grated chees if you like), springle with tiny bits of butter, bake until lightly browned servo very hot. u 'S Quick lunches daintily served for business people at the Chocolate Bowl, Willis Street (opposite Grand Hotel).

“The West Indies is suitable for women settlers. Those women who have independent means would live a delightful life on, say, £2OO a year, with a few acres for stock, market gardening or poultry as a little hobby.”—“Time and Tide.” T The visit of the fleet finds the big mail order house of Junies Smith, Ltd. making extensive preparations to welcome the many country customers who will be in town. The specialised Mail Order Sendee this firm offer has found a definite place in the shopping arrangements of thousands of rountry folk, whose place of abode ‘Ties far from the madding crowd.” Visitors will find the new showrooms, which I am told are the largest in the city), covering 13,500 square feet. of space, of special interest A showing of the very latest in evening frocks, Sequin over frocks velour coats and costumes, demonstrates the ability of James Smith, Ltd. to supply the highest grade quality goods at an exceptionallv low price. The Country Order Manager will be pleased to see any of the firm’s old or new customers when in town, and personally take them over the premises. 'S' Curried Sardines. —Pour off the oil from a box of sardines into a small frying-pan ; add one dessertspoonful of curry-powder, mixed smooth with a little water; thicken with a little arrowroot, mixed smooth. When tho mixture is about as thick as good white sauce, it is ready; pour it over the sardines, in a shallow dish, and set them in the oven till heater! through. Serve on slices of hot dry toast. V T V The black dinner or dance gown makes an excellent background for the infinite variety which can b« achieved by changing its accessories. Castel Jaloux, Ltd., have a variety of evening gowns both for the straight slim silhouette and for the more matronly figure. Black inorocain with godet sides has a yoke of ganse trimming) and this gown is a copy of a Chanel model. Crepe de chine is used for a frock with narrow bands of embroidery in gold, blue and black, and tassels droop from the shoulder sleeve. An original frock is of black georgette embroidered in ivory in a Point a’ Alencon design. A handsome gown to suit a tall woman is of chiffon velvet draped to the left side forming a train which is lined with gold tissue. Glimpses of gold tissue are here and there, and a large tissue rose marks the draperies. Georgette with Sphinx cabochons is used for a frock whose brilliant cerise valvet sash is cunningly knotted. A heavy crepe mouna frock has a godet front panel and crystal and silver belt. Two frocks for matrons of the stately type were in brocaded satin draped into good lines and a morocain gown with three tiered skirt and jet embroidered sleeves. I also saw a charming debutante frock which has been created to order in their own workroom by the very expert dressmaker lately arrived from Home. The dress was exquisite in material and make, and showed a slim graceful silhouette. V “3 China tea requires a longer brew than Indian and Ceylbnese. As a general rule, five minutes is just about righu. But —and this is vital—unless the tea is made with freshly-boiling water no amount of- brewing will save it. Too many people think that a kettle that is nearly boiling or has boiled, is good enough, because they are unaware of the chemical properties of water freshly boiling. I often regret that the old-fashioned urn, or the table kettle on a spirit lamp, is so seldom seen nowadays. Do not just “wet” the tea with a little water (as is so often done) and fill up the pot subsequently. Pour in all rhe water you want, while it is boiling, and keep a boiling kettle handy in case you wish to replenish the pot. In pouring out, it is advisable to have a little sievespoon to keep leaves out of the cup. But it is infinitely advisable to put the milk tn first; this ensures a better outcome altogether. Tea should be kept in a closed airtight tin, never left in a paper.

‘Tf once Smythe found it as intolerable to see Smith’s family suffering as his own, while at the same time Smith could not bear the thought of relieving his own trouble by bringing tho Smythes to ruin, there would cease to be a social problem.”—“Tho Reconstruction of Life.” -aInformal parties demand simple little frocks, and when one is going out a good deal frequent change of toilet is rather a necessity. George and Doughty meet the demand for simple pretty garments by offering some charming satin de chene frocks at thirty-two and sixpence, in royal blue, genetian blue, saxe, peach pink, apricot, scarlet, nile, green, jade _ green, lemon, gold, amber, mauve, beige, and various shades of pink. They are nicely made and very suitable for house frocks and informal parties. _ Some dainty taffetas frocks I saw also in pale evening shades, sleeveless and fashionably made with corded and gathered waist lines and bouffant skirts. I also saw a lovely jade marocain in a gracefully draped model, and another jade gown in georgette. This house nave always a large stock of ready-to-wear dance and dinner frocks, which aro also suitable for afternoon cabarets. Many evening materials are offering also in exquisite array. Satins, velvets, georgettes, crepe de chene, and metal embossed fabrics, etc., and the prices are always moderate, and something charming can be found to suit every purse. "S’ 'o . Josie: “He said he’d drown himself if I refused to marry him.” James: “So he’s between the devil and tho deep sea.”—“London Opinion.” ft" . 'S' Cheese Pudding.—Mix three ounces of grated cheese, two ounces of breadcrumbs, seasoning of salt and pepper; place in buttered pie-dish. Heat in a saucepan one ounce of butter and one teacupful of milk, pour it over tho mixture, add the yolk of an egg well beaten, blended with one teaspoonful of made mustard. Bake for twenty minutes, then pile whipped white of egg on top, and let it just set. 'S' o' . “I know of no book so comforting to tho hurt and rudely aroused dreamer! no book so gratifying to him ; no book so tonic in its effect as “Towards Democracy.”—Mrs. Eyles, in “T.P.’s Weekly.” "S' A really good afternoon frock cut on the new lines is an indispensable adjunct to the smart woman’s wardrobe. For teas, bridge, lunch, this stylo of frock is correct wear. Miss Samson, Colonial Mutual Buildings, has just received a few' very exclusive models and they are really lovely garments. Fine navy blue garbircord has an original overdress of fine knifepleatad georgette and touches of dove grey folds of crepe de chine at neck and sleeves. Another navy blue garbircord is a straight little frock with fine pique collar and rouleaux of pique on the cuffs of the long sleeves. Sandcoloured wool morocain makes a threepiece garment with bands of wool embroideries in red and black. The frock has many cunning little pockets and a graceful cape to finish it. Cinnamon silk embossed crepolme is used for a gown with two godet flounces, and the waist-line is outlined with narrow French moire ribbon in three colours. A knot of the ribbons with streamers is attached to the left shoulder. These frocks are perfectly charming, and all show the new line. Hats to match are also to be had in hatter’s plush or velvet with fashionable feather mounts. "3 "<F 'B' The Master: “While I’m away you will take your orders from the mistress, Giles.” The Gardener: “Yes, sir—same as if you was at home.” —“Punch.” 3- "S'. -8Curried Eggs.—Boil four eggs for ten minutes; shell them and put them in cold water. Peel and chop finely; a sour apple and a good-sized onion ; put an ounce of butter in a saucepan, and fry them for five minutes; then stir in one dessertspoonful of currypowder, one ounce of flour, a teaspoonful of salt. Add half a pint of milk, simmer gently for fifteen minutes ; then add the eggs, cut in quarters, and, if possible, one tablespoonful of cream. Let. them heat through : then serve with pieces of toast or fried bread ’■mind, unless you have had time to prepare rice.

“More often it is just the insufficiency within oneself that makes marriage and life a failure.” —“Daily Express.” IF .3' “It seems to me that it takes two people to make truth one to speak and one to understand it. If 1 tell you a tiling that is true in a way that makes vou not understand it I am not telling you the truth. I have not allowed for your understanding. —- A Cure of Souls,” by May Sinclair. (Hutchinson.) “Give yourself the chance always. If it is so fated you will win through. Do not put yourself in the position later in life of looking back and sayin<T: ‘Perhaps I might have had a career there had I tried.’ ” —Conan Doylo. -§• “Take, for instance, your mutton chops. How many English cooks serve them with jam, or with ginger as a sauce? Do you ever eat rice mixed with raisins and chopped onion as a vegetable?” —“Daily Express.” “Recent years have shown a marked improvement in the standard of neatness among tho poor children. Hair-ribbons and clean collars have blossomed out in the schools.” ‘‘Time and Tide.” „ “The Problem of Appropriate Dress is discussed with good sense by Miss Edith Johnson in her book, To Women of the Business World” Veils are included as a normal item. Working women, are adv ised against wearing at the office expensive clothing that cotdd not Lave been ■ bought from their salaries. “The clerk or stenographer incites unpleasant comment when she appears in her office wearing a coat of squirrel or minis- She may bo living at home with the minimum of expense, or may have a wealthy and generous relative. But the question is asked none the less, ‘How in the world did she get it?’ The very fact that her clothing is not in accord with her income or her setting directs undesirable attention to her, and it may be the suspicion of the man in whose employ she is.” 3- "T. “T “Miss Barrett’s life was full, too. Perhaps the daily necessity of adjusting the nseus of life to an income barely sufficient to provide them had beedme in itself an occupation as interesting as another. Certainly the lack of means was no Durden to her; her work was done and provision made every day in a spirit of calm diligence.”—“Anthony Dare,” by Archibald Marshall. (Collins.) » Hints on cooking with a gas stove are always useful, and it is wonderful how many ways of economising can be learnt bv attending the cooking demonstrations, and also by becoming the possessor of one of the Gas Company’s Cookery Books, compiled by Miss Una Carter. Everything one can possibly want to know about gas cookery is told by this little book, and hundreds of delicious recipes for everyday people are contained in it. Iso often hear qwople say,, who are not accustomed to gas cooking, that there are certain things that they cannot cook in tie gas oven. Everything that can be in a range can be cooked by gas, and most things a good deal better. There is no time wasted stoking the fire, no uncertain temperature which either burns or fails to cook sufficiently. You can go away and do housewoi/k while your gas stove does the cooking. S' Fish Cakes. —Carefully remove skin and bones from any cold cooked fish, and shred it finely’. Sieve an equal quantity of cold cooked potatoes ; add a little finely-minced parsley to taste, season with pepper and salt ; mix'with the fish,adding a few fine breadcrumbs to make the mixture firm; moisten with any white sauce left over, or with a well-beaten egg. Form the mixture into balls or small round cakes, roll them in breadcrumbs and egg, fry a light brown; garnish with parsley and cut lemon. IF 3“It is no exaggeration io say that our author with the modest circulation of 3000 copies will often bo read and enjoyed by 30,000 people. There are mon in England to-day whose names are household words who earn with their pens less than the "typist they employ.”—“Sphere.” ■S' -8 3Our grandmothers used to tell us that they could always know a lady by her shoes and hex' gloves. But times have changed, and the mode has become so shrill and so elaborate that the.timid-minded often refused to buy until the mode changed. However, one must move with the times, and if bright shoes are the fashion then we must, of necessity, follow the mode. Lindsay’s, Ltd., Lambton Quay, have indulged in red, green, and blue siloes, delightfully bright and gay. and they are the sandal shape with. Louis heels. The shade of red is Rte very bright one that is seen so much in hats and trimming frocks. The green is bright and a popular shade, and the blue is a dark saxe. Lindsay’s, Ltd. have also . a wonderful selection of evening footwear m_d also dainty boudoir slippers to wear on those cold winter evenings which are near approaching.