THE FEMININE TOUCH

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24970, 12 August 1944, Page 4

THE FEMININE TOUCH

W.W.S.A. AT CARRIE HOSTEL "In the four years since Carrie Hostel opened 120,000 servicemen have passed through our hands, and that means 1 that 120,000 beds have been made by g the members of the Women's War Ser- s vice Auxiliary," said the m charge, Major N. J. Levien, 0.8.P,., F when discussing the valuable assistance given by this very active organisation I in many branches of war service. Everv week some 28 to 30 W.W .S.A. c K iris take their turn at bed-making, J coming in little groups each morning, and the immaculate neatness of the rows and rows of beds, with their "'arm, i gaily-coloured patchwork quilts, bears < witness to the efficient feminine touch i behind the scenes. As the number of j bods to be made even now averages bUU , to 700, and has on occasion "sen to , 800 a week, the magnitude of the tasK ( may be appreciated. 1 Efficient Service Carrie Hostel, which was established on the outbreak of war in a large disused furniture factory owned by Mr ; H. Butcher and handed over by him rent-free to the Metropolitan I a.triotio Association as a hostel for servicemen when on leave, has been very fortunate from the outset in the number and generosity of its friends. . It was furnished and equipped entirely by gifts in money and kind and free labour, and is still largely maintained by free and, in many cases, regular weekly gifts of fruit, jam, vegetables, eggs and many other contributions. The place is kept spotlessly clean by orderlies, the cooking is done by army cooks and the meals at Is per head surpass in quality those served in many city restaurants, while the cooking would do credit to any first-class citv establishment. siRegular Sewing Bees But when fresh ships come into port week-ends especially can be exceedingly busv, and again the W.W.S.A. girls lend a willing hand. For a long time members of the canteen section tised to go on duty at the hostel at 7.15 a.m. to help with the serving of the men s breakfasts before proceeding to their dailv jobs. Two still sometimes take duty in helping with meals over weekends and at holiday times. _ Nor is this all. One squad of W.W.S.A. workers has organised regular sewing bees every month or six weeks to keep in constant renair the enormous stocks of sheets, piHow-shps and towels used by the hostel. An army lorry is sent by Major Levien to transport their sewing machines to the scene of action, and the squad sets to work to ensure that the condition of the hostel's linen shelves is such that the most efficient housewife might be proud of them.

VALUE OF ASHES VEGETABLES TO SOW BY KEPOS Ashes saved from the bonfire and kept in a dry place are excellent in aiding ground to bo raked down for Bowing seeds in the open. A further aid where the soil is adhesive is a wide board or plank to stand on, especially if shallots or onions are being planted out in their permanent quarters. Trenches for peas and runner beans can be got out and the subsoil thoroughly broken up, at the same time thoroughly incorporating some organic manure or compost to improve its food value. Mice can ruin an early r sown row of peas before they have time to germinate once they discover the sowings. Put the seeds in a tin with a small amount of red lead, damp with kerosene and roll the seeds around until covered. They will then be safe from the mice. Ground that was laid up in ridges for the winter should now be forked over and made level. If no lime has been given during the last three years a sprinkling should be given before forking begins. As soon as the ground is workable get in some seed notatocs. Discard seed showing weak and SDindly sprouts, as these are likely to te infect.ed with virus disease.

The red or pickling cabbage requires a long season of growth, so a pinch of seed should be sown now. The warmer portions of the garden should be got ready for sowing and a few rows of white turnip and globe beet can be sown.