HIS LETTERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17139, 19 April 1919, Page 4 (Supplement)

HIS LETTERS.

Many people have had letters from their relatives on active service which they wish to keep amongst the family records as memories of imperishable bravery. But in a very large number of cases the communications have been written in pencil, and in the ordinary course of things they would soon fade away. To render the writing permanent is not a difficult matter. First steam the sheet thoroughly. When a kettle is boiling briskly on the fire hold the letter in front of the spout, turning it about well 60 that every part is steamed. When the paper feels quite limp pin it up for a few moments. Meanwhile prepare a mixture of milk and water in equal proportions. A very small amount will be sufficient to treat several letters, and for ordinary cases an eggcupful would be quite enough. Put the letter on a flat sur. face and with a small soft brush go over j every part of the writing with the milk I solution. Again hang it up, this time allowing > the paper to become almost dry. Finally , press it between clean blotting-paper, ! using a few books as weights. ' This plan will not only make the writing last for an indefinite time, but will also very much improve pencil-writing that is faint at the start. Often worus that can' hardly be discerned will come up strong ' pai black after this, keenest, j