BEACH WEAK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18887, 9 December 1924, Page 13

BEACH WEAK.

The seashore provides for every child a playground unrivalled for health and interest, but the influence of strong ail, sunshine, and sea-water is, unfortunately, as deleterious to clothes as it is beneficial to the body. It is, therefore, to the advantage both of the child and its mother that its garments should be oi: as unspoilablc a character as possible, comfortable to wear, and easily laundered. Fadeless colouring is obtainable now in many cotton fabrics, but, unless fawn and sandy shades ore preferred, and these always look well against a background of sea and sand, strong full tones should be chosen for beach-wear frocks, since even the fastest dyes are apt to yield a little under the combined attack of sun and sea-air. Laundering is usually a consideration, and little folks' play should not be hampered by thoughts of crumpled frocks: therefore muslin, linen, and silk should be reserved for formal occasions, anci' beach wear limited to garments made of fabrics that lend themselves to easy washing, and, if possible, no ironing at all. There are many pretty crepes to be had which only ask to be dried and shaken out to resume their proper crinkly appearance; with ratine, tricoline, and terry towelling, too, ironing is t quite unnecessary, and it may at a pinch be dispensed with in dealing with cretonne. And all these fabrics, while quite, light in weight, are substantial enough to offer good service. Knickers of the same material should, of course, accompany every frock. A hat brimmed to shade both the back of the neck and the eyes is essential for the child's protection; a cap is always unsuitable wear if there is strong sunshine. Panama or rush (lined throughout) will provide useful and comfortable headgear for all but very windy days, and then a light-weight felt is a good substitute,

Children playing on the beach will be always in and out of the water, so bare legs and sandals make a practical fashion. Very serviceable little shoes of hand-knitted straw are sometimes worn, and they prove almost uuspoiluble. Crepe rubber may bo had in gay and pleasing hues, and also wears very well. If a canvas shoe .is preferred it should lie soled with leather for use on a pebbly shore, for the constant friction soon wears holes in ordinary rubber.