ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23081, 6 January 1937, Page 6

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS

’’ Centreboard.”—You are not entitled to write on the same subject over two different signatures. ” Theatre Caretaker.”—There has been no

evidence of a general expression of opinion such as is mentioned by you. “ Listener-in.”—The minister who had the assignment for Monday morning’s service was unable to keep the appoint-

ment. “ Nemo me Impune Tangit,” Waikouaiti. —We are communicating with the secretary of the branch so that he may have the opportunity of an explanation. " Old Eighty-sixer,” Roxburgh.—The address of Mr E. M. Loveli-Smith. author of " Old Coaching Days,” is 15 Middle-

ton road. Upper Riccarton, Christchurch. ’ Sensible.”—We do not publish letters relative to matter published In other papers. Moreover, the correspondence in our columns on, the “ ro-

mance,” as it has been described, has been closed. “ Railway,” Oamaru.—The information de- ■ sired could most easily be procured from the station master or some responsible officer at Oamaru, who would be familiar with the duties associated with the various positions and could give the details gained from practical

experience. J. J., Waimate.—The date of arrival of the ship Christian M’Ausland (sometimes spelt ” M’Causland ”) at Port Chalmers was December 5, 1872. She sailed from Glasgow and arrived at Port Chalmers with 290 statute adults aboard, there being some deaths on the voyage. On arrival the vessel was placed in quarantine on account of some cases of scarlatina among the passengers. A list of passengers ar-

riving by the ship is not obtainable. ” Curious,” Waipiata.—The minimum wage for an agricultural worker, such as a ploughman, etc., depends on whether the farm is one “ on which not less than 10 cows are ordinarily kept, and from which milk or cream is sold or otherwise disposed of in the course of business.” The wages vary according to age, commencing at 17s 6d per week for workers under the age of 17 years and Increasing each year to £2 2s 6d for those of 21 years and upwards. The wages are in addition to board and lodging, and where they are not provided an additional 17s 6d must be paid. A child under the age of 15 years cannot be

employed for hire or reward on a dairy farm. W.E.A., Lawrence.—lt would be quite Impossible to give “ a true definition of the word Communist ” which would satisfy either supporters or opponents of Communism. There is much difference of opinion on the matter among Communists themselves, and interpretations vary in different groups. Communism is a system of society in which common property is the recognised form, and a Communist is consequently one who supports that system. Karl Marx recognised phases of Communism, and Communists frequently disagree on tactics and often on the final structure of Communist society. The original ideal of Communism, “ From each according to his ability; to each according to his needs,” has in actual results in Russia been found Impossible of practical application. The reward of effort is now based on the principle “To each according to his deeds.” “ Fruitgrower,” Herbert.—On account of the fruit shrinking, raspberries and strawberries are treated somewhat differently to other and larger fruits. First, a syrup is made, the density varying according to the taste of the maker. A light syrup is made by adding 21b of sugar to the gallon of water, giving 20 per cent, density. Bring the water to the boil and stir In the required quantity of sugar, and simmer steadily for about seven minutes, stirring occasionally and removing any scum that may arise to the surface. Care must be taken not to scorch or burn. When finished, strain through a piece of muslin into a wooden or earthenware vessel and allow the syrup to cool. Place the fruit in a stewpan and pour the cooled syrup over it. Place it on the fire and bring gradually to a heat of about 178 degrees F. Remove from the fire and stand to cool. Next day fill out into the sterilised bottles, and to preserve heat up to 185 degrees F. The syrup must be used on the same day as it is made. X Y Z, Oamaru. —To preserve peas, for each pint jar allow one teaspoonful of salt and one tablespoonful of vinegar or lemon juice. To make the peas more flexible for packing they may, if wished, be plunged into boiling water for three to eight minutes, depending upon the toughness. To do this place them in a muslin cloth, as this makes it easy to remove them from the water after the required time. Pack the peas after the blanching into hot jars, within one inch of the top. Add the brine of water, the , salt and vinegar. If desired, one teaspoonful of sugar may be added. Adjust the rubber, cover, and clamp the lid of the jar on lightly, or screw up, and unscrew, one half-turn to allow for expansion. Place the Jars in a water container, in cold or lukewarm water, deep enough to cover the jars. Bring the water to the boil. For fresh young peas, keep in the boiling water for two hours and a-half. Three hours is safer if the peas have been bought and are not strictly fresh. An alternative method, known as the intermittent method, is particularly satisfactory. It is not necessary to use lemon or vinegar in this case, and this improves the colour and flavour. Otherwise, cook as above for one hour, let stand overnight, and ~ repeat on two successive days. After the first cooking seal the jars by having the lids screwed on firmly, and do not unscrew before cooking the second and third time. When the processing is finished, again screw lids as tightly as possible, and invert the jars. If there should be a leak a new lid should be tried, and the jars resterilised for a shorter period. A cloudy appearance of the liquid in the jars after a few days does not necessarily mean spoilage, but may mean that the peas were carelessly handled, breaking the capsule which encloses the starch, and allowing this 1o be set free. We have no recipe for preserving broad beans.