Home Science News Letter

Manawatu Times, Volume LVI, Issue 7105, 14 March 1933, Page 2

Home Science News Letter

FOR HOME-MAKERS IN THE PAHIATUA DISTRICT

DEAR PEOPLE— This week saw the commencement of courses in tho Bush district, and on Monday afternoon, a “dressform” making bee was held at Makomako at Mrs ELsing’s home. The living room presented a busy scene—two largo tables covered with strips of gummed paper, basins of water, scissors and other equipment, tho five models standing in their increasingly armourlikr* "'forms,” and 'tho helper*) biasy sticking the strips on to form an even and rigid layer from neck to thighs. By afternoon tea time none of the models was finished, but all were so far advanced as to bo unable to sit, so they took theirs standing and everything had to be handed to them at a good height as they could not even bend. Release came soon when tho finished form was cut up the front and back, and the models emerged like insects from a chrysalis.

A fiat tire and an eccentric timepiece made it rather a rush to reach Pahiatua in time for tho 8 o’clock lecture on “Food and Health.” This was a 'well attended meeting presided over by the Mayoress. Members of tho audience 'were most attentive and asked a number of questions which showed their real interest in the subject under discussion. Thcro was a good demand for meal-planning charts, over two dozen being taken. Unofficial attendance at a farewell party and finally bed at tho homo of Miss Taylor brought tho first day to an end.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Dressmaking groups at Mangamaire met at the homo of Mrs J. Hcwctt, who received the cordial thanks of members and lecturer alike. Her w T ido verandah with ample table space and other facilities was ideal for sewing and fitting, and her hospitality in providing lunch and afternoon tea was as unexpected as welcome. The purpose of these meetings was to alter a commercial pattern to make it fit those who arc not, stock size, and then from the altered pattern to cut a permanent pattern in calico or gingham. The permanent pattern is then used for cutting plain frocks, underwear, etc., and for altering and re-cutting the bodice of bought patterns. Also at the second day’s meeting, which lasted from 10 to 4.30, hints about “Tailoring and Finishes” were given, and thoso interested learnt how to make bound buttonholes, tailor’s buttonholes, Vandyke and other simplt finishes. One member at least made samples of all kinds, and has promised to help anyone else ■who wishes to use them in her dressmaking. On Thursday the Pahiatua "Food and Health” study groups met at 10.15 a.m. at. the home of Mrs K. Tattle, and took part in a demonstration on

“Preservation for Health and Economy.” Before lunch tho lecturer gave a little talk, outlining the principles of bottling, and tho factors preventing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Typed notes were supplied ’as at all study group meetings), reminding members of special features covering the discussion. In this case they outlined the steps taken in preserving generally; gave a timetable for cooking in the water bath or even, explained several praeticese, givving reasons for their use, and described tests which made jolly-making always successful.

After lunch, pears were bottled to show the “Cold Pack” method, plums to show the “Hot Pack” (giving a closer pack and a quicker boil); runner beans, to show the use of salt and acid, (vinegar), in bottling vegetables. Rhubarb was bottled in two ways, one being tho simple cold pack, with syrup poured over, and the other a hot pack using sugar, not syrup, and cooking in tho oven. Tomatoes also were preserved in two ways, both demonstrating the economical uso of jars, tho first being whole tomatoes in tomato juice, and the other being purced tomato or tomato boiled down to one third of its bulk and bottled. Members of the study circle assisted and took home their products, which it is to bo hoped did not break their air-tight seal through so much transportation. After this meeting and a conference with Miss S. Taylor, our tireless secretary, and a word of farewell to Mrs Paterson, I left for Palmerston North where office work demanded attention.

On tho way a stop was made at Woodillc, and arrangements made for the meetings on Monday next. (“What to wear” and “Food and Health.”) On Tuesday at Pahiatua there wil: be a “Dress Form Demonstration” and a lecture on. “What to AVcar” in the evening.

On AVcdne'sday I go to Wanganui to organise there and on Thursday back to°Makoinako to the W.L meeting to go further into the clothing subject.. '.The appointments for tho remaining weeks are filling up, so make your applications soon if you want any time for younselveii. With sincere thanks to all who gave hospitality, lent their rooms, or. helped in other ways, Yours sincerely, VIOLET MACMILLAN