WOMAN’S WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 18809, 6 December 1924, Page 11

WOMAN’S WORLD

[By DIANA.]

Reports of social functions will be welcomed for this column. “ Diana ” will also answer all roasonfule questions relating to the home, cookery, domestic science, and any topic of interest to her sex. But each letter or report must bear the writer’s name and address as a guarantee of genuineness, and questions that do not permit of a public reply cannot be answered. Questions should bo concisely put, and the writer’s nora da plume clearly written'.

answers to correspondents. ‘‘ Anxious.”—lf you wished to teach cake-making, and take it up professionally in that way, you would need certificates. Otherwise, answering the advertisements would do. “New Chum.’"—(a) As far ns I know the aluminium pan will do quito well, in spite of the slight dicoloration, which can easily bo removed, (h) You do not say what your Japanese flower bowl is made of. If it is wooden you can paint it with any good hat dye, such as strawine (obtainable at all grocers’). (c) Ilarmsworth’s separate paper patterns are a little difficult to buy .out hero. Mr Stark, the bookseller, has a few; also Messrs Veitch and Allan, Wellington. Otherwise, perhaps, it would be better to send direct to the publishers, London. “Tabic.”—Try this remedy for a white mark on your table: Put some good oil on it, and rub well with a soft cloth. Then put a little spirits of wine, Cologne water, or vinegar, and rnb again. “ Mary.”—Drop a little kerosene into each oil-hole of your sewing machine. I’eraove the needle, and work the machine a minute or two, and you will find it soon works well. Very likely the machine is dogged with oil. SOCIAL AND PERSONAL. Colonel and Mrs Colquhonn have gone hack to Christchurch. Mrs E. W. Sutton, from Pongoroa, is staying at “Ballymena.” Dr Iluigh, examiner for the Associated Board, and Mr Harper, of tho War Pensions Board, are slaying at Onslow Mouse. Mr and Mrs Lyon, of Christchurch, arc in town, on their way to Queenstown. Mrs Bold, from Christchurch, is staying with Alisa Sise. Mrs C. White returned to Wellington to-day. Sir Lindo and Lady Ferguson arc duo in Wellington on the Maunganui on December 22. Mias Skinner has left for her homo.

Alisa Bamsdcn is staying at Riverton with Dr and Airs Cordon.

Rumor has it That Air Allan Wilkie, of Shakespearean fame,, may figure in the new list of Commonwealth knighthoods; also that ho has adopted the latest masculine fashion of “mutton chops.” Alas!

Aliss Irene Alartin is not only tho first woman to p:uss the final examination of the Surveyors’ Institute, but she is also the first to start on her own and to open her own office.

Air and Airs H. H. Henderson loft by motor on Tuesday on a trip to Nelson via Christchurch and the West Coast.

The office-bearers elected for 1925 for the Dunedin women’s branch of tho New Zealand Labor Party are: President, Aliss M'Carthy; vice-president, Aliss Egan; secretary and treasurer, Aliss H. Powell; corresponding secretary, Airs Baxter.

A neev woman’s club lias just opened in Wellington, and is to be called “ The Women’s Social Club.” Lady Pomare has been elected its first president, Airs H. D. Crawford and Airs Brandon are vice-presidents, Airs Tripe the secretary, amd Aliss Skevrett tho lion, treasurer. Good luck to our baby sister!

Airs Batchelor gave a very successful bridge party on Wednesday for Airs Falla. The guests included Air and Airs Oldham, Air and Airs W. A. Alooro, Air and Aliss Denniston, Airs Stock, Mrs Ealla, Airs APAlaster, Aliss Siso, and Air APKellar.

Tho many friends of M. and ABne. Saldaigne, who were hero for some years during the war, will be glad to hear that they hope to return to Dunedin ini a week or two. M. Saldaigno has had many successful operatic tours on tho Continent during his five years’ absence, including one long one with tho Antwerp Grand Opera Company.

Madrid holds an annual festival in the “ Latin Quarter.” This year’s competitions wore held for mantles and feet. Senorita Anita Gonzalez won the first prize for elegance of feet and ankles.

On Tuesday Airs Urquhart, who has recently come from Shanghai, gave a very pleasant afternoon to some of her friends. The guests included Airs Brugh, Airs Hutchison, Airs Armstrong, Mrs Logan, Airs Calvert, Airs Primmer, Airs Al'Queen, Airs Ewing, Airs Hill, Airs Spence, and Aliss Brugh.

The three-table bridge parly hast night at Airs Marshall Alacclonald’s was much enjoyed by all the players, who were Airs Schcrck, Airs Stock and her guest (Airs Ealla), Airs W. A. Alooro, Airs Al'Mastcr, Mrs Hilton, Airs Ecmvick, Airs Ed mond, Airs De CUvo Lowe, Airs Cheeseman., and Airs Sise.

The Dixieland dances continue to ho in popular favor, judging from tho good attendances. During the last one Miss W. 'Robinson and Air T. Williams gave exhibition dancing, introducing novel steps.

Five artists of tho Mclba-Williamson Opera Company are favoring New Zealand with a visit. They arc Phyllis Archibald, Granfoite, Nino Piccaluga, Augusta Cnncato, and Schiavizza. Also we hope soon to welcome Aliss Dorothea Vincent, a young English pianist, who has done such good work at Home and in her South African tour.

In spite of the sultriness of Wednesday evening, there was a large attendance at the euchre tournament held at Brown’s Tea Booms, George street, over eighty people being present. ThS first prizes wci'o won by Airs Hart and Air H. Paterson. Other prize-winners were Airs Aloorc, Air Keenan, Airs Trainer, Airs Forrester, Air Forrester, and Air H. APFarlane. The aggregate prizes (half a dinner set and a solid leather dressing case) were won by Mrs APDonald and Mr J. Barnes.

Aline Tussaud, of waxwork fame, is now further immortalised by the National Portrait Gallery buying a painting of her. She looks a dear old lady, ami might have been the original of tho “ Alazawateo Tea ” grandrnotlil'r. Aline Tussaud was tho daughter of a Swiss officer, and learnt from her uncle to model in wax. In 1802 she transferred her waxwork museum from Paris to London, first at the Lyceum, then at Blackheath. and finally to its present home in Baker street in 1884.

The members of the Overseas Club put in a lot of work for their sale on Tuesday, and no doubt many new members will be enrolled as a result of their efforts. The president (Mr' Tapley) opened the function, and at the end, in the evening, Mr J. H. Walker (tho chairman) thanked all who had done bo much to make it a success. The stallholders were: Novelty, Mrs Grubb and Miss Sleraint; sweets, Miss Jerome; work stall, Mrs Ecclcs and Miss Osborne; flowers, Mrs Gaudin; tea room— Mrs Dickinson, Mrs Walker, Mrs Hamer, and Mrs Do Clifford. 'Songs wore given by Miss M. Vickers and Mr B. Tapley, oilier items by pupils of the Otago School of Dancing; while Miss Ford kindly acted as accompanist, as. well as providing music lor dancing.

‘ Flavor in Cooking ’ might ■well be the title of the little cookery hook compiled by Miss Mildred Trent, M.C.A. Miss Trent has had a distinguished career in many domestic subjects, and has to her credit first class diplomas from South Ken- ' sington and Edinburgh. She then had five years’ experience in London, after which Christchurch welcomed her back and put her in charge of Heath’s Tea Rooms. Miss Trent has now put forth tire ‘ Stevens Cookery Book ’ of recipes for cakes, confectionery, ice creams,' and hot and cold puddings. Tho publishers will give tho first 10,000 copies of tho book free, on receipt of 4d for postage. All you have to do is to send for one to H. F. Stevens, Cathedral Essences, Christchurch. RELIABLE RECIPIES. BLACK CURRANT HONEY. Six pounds ripe black currants, and cover with a little more water than for jelly.. Boil fruit till it is a pulp. Crush .through a, colander, then to every pint of liquid add 11b sugar. Boil for five minutes or till it jellies. WAR-TIME GOOSEBERRY JAM. Six pounds gooseberries, six pints water, and boil half an hour. Add 121 b sugar, and again boil for half an hour. If liked, a tin of pineapple may be added, or 11b of crystallised ginger cut up into small pieces. SALAD DRESSING, Tin’s recipe is economical, as it makes such a largo quantity —about a. quart. You will need a cup and a-half of water, one cup vinegar, half a cup sugar, two tcaspoonfuls salt, one teaspoon made mustard, two tablespoons butter, one tablespoon Ilnur, and three eggs. Beat tho eggs, add water, then vinegar and the other ingredients. Stir, over a firo till as thick as custard. It will keep for_.it least a fortnight. Tho addition of chives cut finely just before serving gives an added flavor, also putting an onion in tho dressing during cooking and withdrawing it after. COFFEE CREAM ICE. Quarter of a pint of very strong coffee, quarter of a pint of whipped cream, half a pint of thick cold custard (ma.do with custard powder). Gradually add the cofteo and whipped cream in alternate spoonfuls lo tho custard, stirring them smoothly in; it is best not to use tho last spoonful or (wo of coffee unless it is very clear. Freeze as usual, and servo with very fresh sponge fingers. Always a favorite ‘‘hot weather” sweet. POTATO SALAD. Potato salad may be made of potatoes conked specially or of left-over potatoes. Waxy or now* potatoes make the best salads. They must not bo over-cooked, and should he well drained, leaving them on a clean cloth for a short while until all moisture is absorbed. Cut them into thin slices or into cubes, and arrange these ncativ in a salad howl. If tho flavor of onion he liked, a chopped shallot or spring onion may he sprinkled over the potatoes, or the bowl may ho rubbed over with a cut onion or clovo or garlic. Sprinkle a dessertspoonful of chopped parsley over, and then pour the dressing over and leave it for half an hour. TEA-TABLE TALK. A FRAGRANT HOME. Some time ago I promised a correspondent that she should have information on the uses to which wo can put our sweetsmelling flowers and herbs, arid now is tho hour, when our are full of roses, for roso petals play an important part in the making of pot-pourri and other scented mixtures. Last week I gave an English recipe, somewhat more expensive than these that follow, but, on the other hand, likely to last for some years. Hero is another way of making pot-pourri; First dry in tho sun or in a sunny room ruse leaves, lavender, lemon, verbena, and any other kind of sweet-smelling leaf at hand. Then add half a pound of powdered orris root, quarter of a pound of cloves, two sticks of cinnamon, 2oz of allspice, loz of bergamot. The spice should all bo pounded and mixed in with the rose loaves. Sweetscented roses should be used. Tho best way to dry the leaves is to spread them thinly on large sheets of paper, and place them in a sheltered place, where they will got plenty of sun. As a rule, it is best to do this in a room or no a verandah where the, wind will not blow tho petals about. Turn the petals frequently till they are dry. Do not use the leaves of the scented geranium, as they overpower the scout of the other flowers. Some of my more youthful readers arc no doubt busy with little Christmas and Now Year gifts. What about making perfume sachets? They arc always acceptable, and by this method not too difficult. One does not desire a very strong perfume—merely a subtle fragrance. Mix together lib of powdered starch, loz of powdered orris root, some dried and powdered lavender, or five drops of essence of lavender, three drops essence of lemon, six drops of essence of bergamot. Pass all through a fine sieve, divide into suitable quantities, enclose in tissue paper, and sew up in small silk bags. Then, too, many of ns are packing away clothing, etc., for winter use. How nice it is when we take them out of our cupboards to find that a delicate, Subtle fragrance comes with them. This is easily done, and yon can give a faint perfume of violets to your linen by filling small bags with powdered orris root , and placing them in the drawer or cupboard among your garments. Another way of slightly scenting one’s clothing is the following, and it has tho great merit, too, of keeping at arm’s length the dreaded moth: —Chooso a very firm orange, then get thirty or forty cloves, and push the pointed ends of these all over the fruit. Now put tho whole thing into a warm, dry place, so that the orange can thoroughly dry. (It is important that it should dry slowly.) As the rind of the orange shrinks, it holds the cloves so firmly that they cannot fall out. Y hen the orange is quite dry tho result will lie a ball that imparts a sweet scent to the garments, as well as keeping away the dreaded moth. For room perfumes nothing excels in sweetness lavender incense—quite easily made and inexpensive for those who have lavender in their gardens. Take a quantity of lavender stems, and put them in a, jar of saturated solution of saltpetre. Lot them soak for at least a week, and then drain off slowly. W hen quite dried, they may be, stored away for future use, burning them as one does ordinary joss sticks.

TWO SIMPLE SOFA CUSHIONS. Square-covered .sofa cushions have a distinctive appeal all their own, and have the added advantage of wearing well and holding their shape. Von can have a foundation made in any desired size, or yon can make the foundation yourself of unbleached muslin and cotton waste in any desired sizes as follows -Cut two squares or oblongs (lie size desired. A good, useful size for a large cushion is 18in by 24in, and a smaller ouo might lie 18in square. Cut a strip 4’in wide and long enough to extend around all four sides of the square or oblong, allowing two extra inches for turning the corners. Stitch one edge of the slip around each square or oblong, turning the corners sharply and leaving one end open. Turn inside out, pushing the corners out sharply, and fill. The filling should have a little give, but should bo tight enough to hold its own when you lean against it. To cover outside larger cushions cut two pieces of cretonne 19in by 25in. Cut a strip by 86in or the size of your cushion. Cover a heavy 86in cord with a strip of plain, colored sateen 2in wide;

stitch the pieces of the cushion together, inserting the cord between the scam. Square Cushion.—Cut two 18in squares of sateen or whatever materia! you choose, and a strip of sateen 4j[iu wide and 74in long. Cut a piece of orange sateen 2iin wide and 148 in long. Fold in half lengthwise, so it is l,;iii wide, and have it plaited in lin plaits. Insert end of (his plaited piece in the seam when you sew long strip to top square, allowing I lie plaiting to extend up on the inside. Sow opposite end of slip to second square. Cover joining with orange blanket stitching. Trim the cushion with six colored apples made with 4in circles. Gather each edge and fill with cotton. Flatten them a little, and group on side of the cushion, sowing them on with three black French knots in centre of each. —'Age.

ALUM. Both ammonia alum and potash alum are sold indiscriminately as alum, but as both are used for the same purpose and have similar properties, the distinction i? not important. Alum may be obtained as a powder, in crystals, or in _ blocks. Burnt alum, used to stimulate indolent ulcers and to remove warts, is obtained by melting alum in an earthenware pot and heating until the resulting liquid ceases to boil. ' A strong solution of alum is an efficient astringent, and may he used on wounds when bleeding is difficult to stop, and a block of alum is useful for hardening the chin after shaving. An excellent mouth wash, gargle, or spray for swollen tonsils is obtained by dissolving one gram of alum in two ounces of water and sweetening with honey. Caro should bo taken, however, to rinse the mouth thoroughly afterwards, as alum lias a very deleterious effect on tho teeth. Excessive perspirni tinn of tho hands and feet may ho cheeked j bv making a lotion of two tablespoonfuls i of alum in a quart of water, and an excellent soothing mixture for inflamed eyes is a curd made by heating together a small lump of alum and the whites of two eggs, ■ A solution of alum is used fireprool fabrics, cotton wool for decorations, and' f" on ; and a tca«noonful of alum solution added to ten gallons of water purifies the water. This quantity gives a solution too weak to taste, but strong enough to take advantage of the fart that alum solution, if sufficiently diluted, forms a gelatinous precipitate. This precipitate settles to tlie bottom, and carries down with it any organic impurities. Tl is a simple matter to convert the metric system into ounces if it is remembered that thirty grammes are roughly 1 the equivalent of an ounce.

FASHIONABLE FEATHER EFFECTS. ■Feathers are very fascinating, and, although perhaps a little extravagant, since they Cannot stand hard .wear, they add enviable distinction and charm to an otherwise uninteresting garment. For the bridesmaid, the most charming frock is tho one with feathers round tho hem, and some of the handsome gold and silver tissue evening gowns have girdles of leathers surmounted by a cluster of silken fruit ana flowers.

Another chic notion is to have a large feather rosette on the right hip, and a tiny one, which usually covers a little purse in which my lady hides her wee pull, on the left wrist. It is just the touch you need To make tho gown distinctive, but, alas, how few know how to use these dainty trifles to their best advantage. A feather edging round the collar of an evening cloak will do much towards bringing it up to date, and a very charming notion is to make a tiny bag to match your feather fan. Remnants of trimming are usually to bo obtained, and from these Clio most fascinating bags may be fashioned. Should your remnant he a tiny one, it may bo utilised to make a tassel or a flower for a silk or brocade bag. As long as it is feather-trimmedj you may use it with tho assurance tnat it is quite right.—‘Age.’ STENCILLED FROCKS. It is really not to be wondered at that stencilling never seems to go out _ of fashion, for it has two important points strongly in its favor—it is easy to do, and It is so exceptionally decorative. It is chosen nowadays to adorn all kinds of things; frocks and hats, bags and jumpers, curtains, cushions, table mats — there ie really no end to the list. Formal designs are perhaps the most popular just at the moment, even when it comes to decorating children’s clothes. A little pinafore may be trimmed with stiff Noah’s Ark figures, as effective as (hey are conventional. The pinafore itself is very simply cut, and can easily be rim np. Be careful to choose a smooth-surfaced material for it; fluffy woollen ones takes the paint badly. Velvet takes stencilling rather well, and so do most silks and cottons. Primrose-colored linen carried out the original of this pinafore, and the animals were stencilled on in black —a most effective contrast. If you use a dark material, the design should bo painted first with Chinese white, and the colors must not bo applied until this has dried. VEILS RETURN TO FASHION. When one of the smartest mannequins at a recent dress show made her entry wearing one of tho square-topped hats trimly tied on with a wide-mesned veil, the unveiled assembly gasped with _ surprise (says a Melbourne ‘Age’ writer). Not a veil of this description has been seen in the fashionable world for nearly a decade. Tho. veil of 1924 is made of artificial silk, and its soft, silky surface is very kind to all complexions. It is so pliable that it fits neatly within brims and over crowns without tho clumsy folds and wrinkles common to the old-fashioned variety. The Yashmak veil is one of the most becoming. It is woven with a clear piece to veil the eyes, and a closer pattern immediately above and below. One might have imagined, with shingled apd bobbed heads so much in vogue, that the veil would bo superfluous, since there can ho no unruly strands of' hair to keep in place. But fashion ordains otherwise, and for wear with each little pull-on hat that is sold to a shingled client a becoming bordered veil, exactly matching it in tone, is suggested by Madame Modiste. After all, veils are too flattering an adjunct to be allowed to languish in neglect. THE THOROUGH SPORTSWOMAN. Tho number of women who hunt, fish, and shoot has increased during the past fifty years, but the proportion of sportswomen who possess a really keen passion for these pastimes is small. Many women ride to hounds because hunting is a timehonored recreation of the wealthy and a sociable form of sport. Comparatively few women love hunting for its own sake. They are not interested in the technique of the chase. They hunt to ride (writes January Mortimer, in the ‘Daily Mail’). The somewhat rare women who share the masculine enthusiasm for field sports are as “keen” as their husbands or brothers, and in a few instances they excel men in daring and skill. Those are tho, .sportswomen who really enjoy a. day with salmon or trout rod by themselves, and do not regard fishing as an excuse for a picnic. Many women who accompany their husbands on fly-fishing holidays are not devotees of angling, hut unselfish wives who wish to please"their menfolk by sharing their play. Most women arc surprised _ and rather amused by the serious devotion of their men acquaintances to sport. They forget that the pursuit of pray is tho most ancient of man’s instincts and activities. A man of the true, sportsman typo will spend a night in winter’s rain and sleet, crawling ami crouching in swarnp_ and mud for a chance of a. shot at wildfowl. I have never yet met. a wom.'Mi who would endure the cold and (lie discomfort of duck shooting bv night. The sportswoman to the manner born is more attracted by hunting. Hio linos horses and hounds'and knows all the rules of tho chase. You will sco her at tho covert side, at 6 in the morning dm mg the cubbing season, and often she acHns amatoiir whipper-in to tho pack. The wettest and coldest days will not daunt

her, and she will show a stoical disregard for fatigue and hunger. Among the women wlio have excelled men in. the chase of tho fox' was Margaret Evan, who, hunting on foot in tho \\olsh mountains, ‘killed more foxes in one year than all the confederate hunts do m ten. Another great huntress, Catherine Thomas, of Carnarvonshire, killed 175 foxes during her career, and recorded the “kills with notches on her mantelshelf.

PORTUGUESE COUNCIL OP WOMEN. Dr Adelaide Cabete, president of the National Council of Portuguese Women, has just sent to ‘ Equal Eights ’ a report of the first feminist convention ever ■held in Portugal. She writes that tho resolutions adopted hy the convention were as follow:

“Inasmuch as thus congress recognises the demand for political rights as a just and necessary demand on the part of_ Portuguese women, this congress of feminism and education deems it most opportune that electoral rights and administrative eligibility bo conceded to Portuguese women.

“A woman who marries a foreigner should not lose her nationality except in the case of her choosing that of her husband .at tho time of marriage by formal declaration, “ A woman who has chosciT, the nationality of her husband should, in case of widowhood, divorce, or separation, be able to recover her nationality. “The conference proposes the increase of medical assistance for venereal diseases, and the conference encourages, above all, the development of knowledge of personal and preventive hygiene by means of conferences, etc."

PERILS OP BOBBED HAIR. Bobbed hair, if persisted in for several generations, will evolve a race of bearded women, according to Mr Charles Nestle, of New York. Mr Nestle threw this bombshell at tho fashionable woman in an address to the Wholesale Beauty Trades Association, of which he is vice-president. “ Bobbed hair to-day, bearded women to-morrow,” said Mr Nestle, according to tho Paris * New York Herald.’ “The great-granddaughters of the bobbed beauties of the present will be able to twirl jaunty moustaches and trim their boards a la Van Dyke. Baldness will become as common among them as among men. In every human being there is a chemical laboratory that is constantly manufacturing hair. If the hair is not permitted to grow on the head, it will grow on the face and body. ‘ Savage men, who never cut their hair, have meagre beards. Men of races which have their hair cut regularly at the barber’s are hairy-chested and hairy-limhed.”