MUSIC AT MEALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18889, 11 December 1924, Page 12

MUSIC AT MEALS.

Does music at mealtimes help digestion or hinder it '.'

That is the latest question on which the, leaders of opposite schools of thought have taken to bandying words; and it docs not appear to have occurred to any of the disputants that different kinds of music may have different effects, or that different* diners may bo differently affected by the same melodies. One of the secrets of the eupeptic life is to eat slowly. Music, therefore, will aid digestion it we are tempted to linger over our food m order to listen to it; but he who bolts his lobster mayonnaise in order to gat away from the <iin of a jazz hand may subsequently wish that ho had not dined at all. To such a one Herbert Spencer's practice of plugging his cars with cotton wads might bo recommended; but his was a rare .sensitiveness. Most of us, in these days, are so accustomed to the restaurant orchestra that we ply our knives and forks without attending to it.

IN HOT WEATHER. Certain people do undoubtedly k«»P much cooler than others in hot weaker, the reason being that they organise their working day satisfactorily. _. , It onlv needs a little strength of mind for tho "woman who has to run the House single-handed, or with one maid, to tw an B hour and a half earlier than usual and to perform some of the hottest ot ner tasks before the sun has gamed fuH strength. A maid will usually fall her mistress' wish to rise earlier UP usual when she. knows she is tfjinffto *»ya a long rest during the heat 0 thei«K There is usually very little hot fopj needed in tropical weather, and all dwjjj . I to be eat,,, cola can he prepared ini a .i* kitchen by the early riser. Any gashing or ironing gardening ana ofh ;: r hot *orK ca „ all bo'done with comparative comWJ I if one will onlv-as thousands of worKcrs ;U v bound to do-rise with the larK. Windows should be opened top and onlv a few inches at the bo«o SSil the sun shines on the vanonjwojj Then the window, should be shut an blinds drawn right down whUe beats on the glass, but once tne *un off them the windows may ■ D again, but even then blmds.should h© m down unless strong li«ht is M^g-ftj There is often quite a strong W|s a hoi day. and if the doors at botfi «««■ of the hall or passage are left open can circulate freely through the house.