Household Hints.

Otago Witness, Issue 2325, 22 September 1898, Page 52

Household Hints.

To purify a cistern, tie charcoal in a bag aa<l drop it in. After washing the face, never scamp the drying process exposure to air and wind while still damp being very damaging to the complexion. Soak cauliflower, cabbage, etc., in salt water an hour before cooking, to destroy minute insects that may cling to tho leaves. For cleaning oilcloth, wash with a flannel and soap and water, then rub dry, and afterwards polish with a flannel dipped into a little milk. To wash a glass which lias held milk plunge it first into cold water before putting it into warm. The same rule holds good for egg cups or spoons from which eggs have been eaten. : The best kind of starch to use for stiffening laces, handkerchiefs, washing silks, or any other thin fabric is made with gum 1 arabic. Put an ounce of the gum into a bottle and pour over it a cupful of cold water and place it over the fire until the gum is disi solved ; then strain it through a fine sieve | into another bottle. When it is cold add half a gill of alcohol, and it will be ready for use. For dainty laces half a teaspoonful of the starch mixed with half a cupful of water I will give ample stiffness. MAXIMS FOB THE KITCHEN 1 . Clear up as you go along. A good manager looks ahead. Salt brings out other flavours. She who rises late must trot all day. The secret of a light omelette is to froth the eggs. To stew well, you must cook long and cook slowly. One egg well beaten is worth two not well beaten. A fir© made of red-hot cinders is the best for broiling. No one can cook a dinner well who cooks in a muddle. When a pudding is boiled in a basin, it? should fill the basin. Roasting meat cannot be basted too much or too often. Pastry, bread, and cake should never be baked in an oven with meat. I The chief secret of making a good salad is to" have the vegetables dry. ; The part which is to be topmost in the j dish should, when boiling, be downmost in I the pan. Saucepans which are filled with water as soon as done with begin to clean themselves. Salted and smoked meat should be put into | cold water, brought slowly to the boil, then simmered. j Fresh meat or poultry which is to be j boiled and eaten must be plunged into boiling water, boiled quickly three or four minutes, then drawn back and simmered till done.

(CJ* DeseripHons of balls, Ac, must be endowed by either the Witness correspondent for the district or by the secretary to ta» ball coDuntttM. The MS. or snr correspondents who do not comply -with this rule will he sent to the 6ecret»ry for endorse ment prior to appearing.- EMMBMNE. To ensure publication in tlic forthcoming issue, lettrra should reach the Witness ofhec if possible on Snturdur nirtit, but on no Kctonnt later tlinn Monday nieht. ODDFELLOWS' BALL AT CAMBRIANS. Dear Emmeline, — The first anniversary ball of the Loyal United Brothers' Lodge, M.U.L0.0.F., Cambrians, which had been talked of and looked forward to for some considerable time, was held in the Victoria Hall on Friday evening, 2nd inst. This may rank as one of tho largest and most sociable gatherings ever held in Central Otago, and it was a success financially besides. The weather, although unsettled in the earlier part of the week, and not very promising on the same morning, nevertheless ■ultimately turned out fine, enabling many visitors from a distance to come in. All places, from Naseby on the one Bide to Matakantii on the other, were well represented, and I should say there must; have been close upon 159 present, as I saw as many as 11 or 12 sets on th.B floor at one time, and each set danced was gone through

tho second time to give everyone a chance. The hall had been very prettily decorated with evergreens and coloured papei chains, while the windows were all draped, witb curtains. At the head of the hall was an appropriate floral design — the words " Friendship, Love, and Truth, M.U.1.0.0J?. United Bro* tners' 1898 Anniversary," artistically arranged in laurel leaves. During tho evening Mr P. Hanrahan and Mr C. Fancy gave a comic song and dance, Mr W. Ballard a comic song, arid Mr C. Fahey a plantation song, while excellent nrasic was provided by Bro. E. Morgan (violin) and Mrs Mills (piano), P. G-. Bro. G-. A. Francis satisfactorily discharging the duties of M. C. Tho floor, which wo pride ourselves as being one of the beat in Central Otago, was all that could be desired. Refreshments were handed round at intervals, and the tea, which is undoubtedly a very important item, proved simply delicious. Dancing was kept up until 6 a.m., v/hen all went home well pleased with tho night's enjoyment. Before the ball commenced, a purple lecture was given by P. G. Bro. S. J. Francis, of Naseby, assisted by P. G.s from Naseby, but this meeting was got over early in the evening, and so caused no delay. Having formed an oddfellows' circle down the middle of the hallseven ocluiellows with their partners standing opposite and linking their fingers — P. G. Bro. G. A. Francis led off the grand march, followed by the officers and members of tho lodge and the Naseby brethren. As the brothers all wore their regalia, it had a very pretty effect. If this portion of tho programme had come a little later, a very large number would have taken part in it, and as it was about 30 couples promenaded. Many handsome dresses were worn by ladies present. Miss Watson wore a white evening blouso covered with black lace and trimmed witb white chiffon, black skirt; Miss Truesdale, fawn silk evening blouse, and dark skirt; her sister, old gold silk evening blouse covered with black net, dark skirt; Mrs W. ii' Donald, white cashmero dress, relieved with white ribbons and chiffon ; Mrs A. Beattie, black evening dresa trimmed with white chiffon, ribbons, and bead ornaments; Miss Harvey, pink evening bodice, trimmed with swansdown, brown velvet skirt; Miss Mcc, heliotrope blouse, with cream lace dark skirt; Miss M. Mee. pink blouse, with cream lace, dark skirt; Mrs A. B. Armour, black evening dress relieved with seagreen chiffon and beaded ornaments; Miss Elliott, sea-green nun's veiling evening dress, white chiffon and flowers ; Miss J. Elliott, pale blue nun's veiling dress, white lace and flowers; Miss Bungey, cream nun's veiling, trimmed with cream ribbons, lace, and pearls ; Miss Harley, shot lustre evening dress, trimmed with white chiffon and brown ribbons; Mias M. Morgan, pale blue nun's veiling, trimmed with cream laco ; Miss Colling, cream nun's veiling evening dress, trininied with, wjiite lace and blue ribbons ; Mrs Cox, black evening dress, trimmed with white chiffon; Mrs M'Guckin, black dress with black lace and ribbons ; Miss M'Guckin, white embroidery dress ; Mrs W. B. Appleby, white honeycomb crepon evening dress, white lace, pink chiffon, ribbons, and flowers; Miss 'Williams, pink nun's veiling evening dress, trimmed with lace, pink ribbons, chiffon, and flowers; Miss M. Williams, white nainsook evening dress, with, white lace, pink chiffon, and ribbons; Miss E. Williams, white embroidery dress, and pink ribbons; 1 Mrs Beattie, black dress, trimmed with, black laco and jet; Miss Bealtie, pink evening dress, relieved with white chiffon and flowers; Miss J. Renwick, pale blue satin evening dre3s, cream lace and flowers; Miss M'Davitt, pink and white striped blouse, black skirt; Miss Thomas, white crepon evening dress, with white lace, and blue ribbons; Mrs J. W. Thurlow, pinkfigured silk blouse, black skirt; Mr 3 Coulson, pink blouse with cream lace, black skirt; Miss I/. Griffiths, cream crepon evening dress, with blue satin sleeves, laco, and black streamers; Miss J. Hughes, cream-figured lustre evening dress, relieved with blue ribbons and flowers, fan to match; Miss S. Haig, grey shot lustre dress, relieved with white; Miss K. Haig, peacock blue plush blouse, ribbons, and black sash, black skirt; Miss M. Haig, white nainsook, with cream lace and pink ribbons; Mra A. Haig, jtin., shot lustre dress with pink chiffon, beaded ornaments; Miss Jones and Miss K. Jones, dressed alike in navy blue serge evening dresses, relieved with white lace and flowers ; Miss A. Jones, blue velvet evening dress, trimmed with white laco and ribbons; Mrs Ballard, pink blouso, with white lace, black skirt; Mrs Mills, navy blue velvet dress, relieved with flowers; Mrs S. Morgan, dark dress; Miss Imrie, white hailstone muslin blouse, trimmed with white lace, dark skirt ; Mrs F. Macgregor, grey dre3s, with red ribbons ; Miss O'liegan, pink evening dress, trimmed with chiffon and ribbons ; Miss N. O'Regan, pink blouse, black skirt ; Miss Bickerstaff, cream blouse, and black skirt ; Mis 3 Fleming, white evening dress, relieved with lace and blue ribbons; Miss M. Hanrahan, white dress, trimmed with white lace and pink ribbons; Miss Touu, white dress; lliss M. Todd, white dre3S, and ribbons; Mrs W. M'Eneany, cream Gorge dress, trimmed with braid; Miss B. M'iSneany, black dress. — Non-dahchs. HAMPDEN QUADRILLE ASSEMBLY'S BAX.LDear Emmeline, — The Hampden Quadrille Assembly brought a very successful season to a close by a ball held in the Athenseum Hall on Friday, September 16. The hall was tastefully decorated with ferns and evergreens. Although the weather was very unfavourable there was a large attendance. The music supplied by Mr Yates's band was excellent, and was thoroughly appreciated by all present. The refreshments supplied by the ladies, for which they were thanked very much, were served by Mr and Mrs Ward in a very creditable manner. The M.C., Mr D. Howe, performed the duties of that office throughout the season, and on the night of the ball was assisted near the close of tho evening by Mr F. Culling. The members of tho assembly, as a recognition of his services, presented Mr Howe with a donation, for which j he thanked them very much. The grand march, punctual to the time appointed, was led by Mr J. E. Mortimer and Miss L. Mortimer. The following are a few of the most noticeable dresses firorn: — Miss Culling, white crepon dress relieved with blue silk and lace; Miss L. Mor- j timer, black velvet skirt, cream silk evening bodice with white lace and ribbon, and cream sash; Miss M. M'Fadden, blue nun's veiling with white lace; Miss M. Ward, cream nun's veiling relieved with cream lace and ribbons and pink roses; Miss Thompson, black skirt and pale blue nun'a veiling evening bodice, with white laco and ribbons; kins Beaton, lovely black velvet dvess, relieved with white lace and silk; Miss Brown, blue skirt and cream nun'a veiling blouse; Miss A. Familton, blue silk, with white swansdown; Miss L. Familton, white, with blue sash; Miss Brett, blue dress, pale blue sash; Miss Little, black velvet dress relieved with white satin; Mrs Howe, dark dress relieved with white lace; Miss Gillies, dark dress with white lace; Misses Nicholson, dark dresses relieved with white laco; Misa Hodgson, dark dress with white laco; Miss Booth, pale blue nun's veiling relieved with white lace; Miss Stewart, blue mm's veiling relieved with lace; Miss llood (Oamaru), blue skirt, blue silk evening bodice ; Mra F. Culling, cream dress with cream ribbons; Miss Lefevre, brown velvet, with brown lace to match ; Misi E. Ward, dark dress relieved with white lace; Miss Johnson, grey lustre dress relieved with, white lace and ribbons; Miss Bowden (Otepopo), pink evening dresß; Misa Campbell, black skirt and cream blouse; Mrs M'Leod, black skirt, pink evening bodice; Misa Rosa (Waianakarua), dark dress relieved witb white lace. Songs were given at intervals, and Mr i

Pamilton danced the sailors' hornpipe. A' special word of praise is due to the secretary, treasurer, and committee, who performed their duties in a most creditable manner. - — OnliOCEEB. miller's vljlt bachelors' ba.il. Deab Eiiiizline,— The bachelors of liilici'a Plat gave their annual WJ in the Athenamm Hall on Friday, 16th inst. To say the afiair was a success would bn to Birr^-Aj use a timeworn phrase, as ihe bachelors^ ball has long beraa looked upon in ihe district »3 the chief event of tho season, and this year it was no exception to the rule. After the bail had been formally opened by Mr Falconer (chairman of committee) with a fetw appropriate remarks', the grand march, in which over 50 couples joined, w»8 led off by Mr M'Sae and Miss Crossan to tho pleasant strains of music supplied by Misses A. and M. Malone, Koxbuiga (piano and violin). Judging by the r-nmuer of pretty girls present it is surprising there is a bachelor at all, and one may fairly bo pardoned for drawing the conclusion thafc tboy must either be very slaw or hard to please. The La.il was tastefully decorated with, ferns, evergreens, and curtains, and set off by two large mirrors-, which were constantly reflecting happy faces, and telling tales that many of our fair maids would prefer to have remained for ever in oblivion. There were guests present from Milton, Heriofc, Beaumont, Coal Creek, and Alexandra. Mrs Crossan provided an excellent! spread, to -which ample justice was done. Lemon ada and lollies were also handed round at intervals during the evening; and songs were rendered by, Messrs Falconer, Matheson, and Pearson. Dancing was kept up with vigouU until daylight peeped in at the windows, when a most enjoyable ball was brought to a, closa by tho chairman again thanking the people for tkeir presence and tie manner in which they had conducted themselves. 3Jhe gathering, then dispersed, thoroughly satisfied, and unanimous in their verdict that the members of the committee were fully aware of the requirements of such an evening. The following is a list of the dresses worn by the ladies : Miss Graham, pretty dress of buttercup surah silk richly trimmed with chiffon, and lilica of tho valley; Miss Crossan, canary silk blouse with skirt of canary nun's veiling, swansdown and ribbons to match; Misa L. Graham, pale green nun's veiling trimmed with swanadown and cream ribbons; Miss Sillers, cream nun's veiling with pale blue silk sleeves; Miss Bowden, cream Liberty silk trimmed with pink silk; Miss Townsend, sky blue dreaa trimmed witb swansdown and pink ribbons; Miss Young, brown dres3 trimmed with floral silk and gimp ; Miss ELerr, pink blouse, dark skirt ; Miss Christie, canary silk blouse, black skirt; Miss M'Lolland, dark green dress trimmea witb shot silk and gimp; Miss J. Sillers, heliotrope blouse, navy skirt; Mias Clements, pale blue silk covered with nsherman'3 net; Misa Honner, light blue blousa covered with, fisherman's net, dark skirt; Miss Neilly, pale blue silk blouso, black skirt; Miss M'Loughlin, cream blouse, green skirt; Miss Smith, blue nun's veiling blouse, navy skirt; Miss Richardson, pretty, blue nun's veiling dress trirrimed with cream lace; Misa S. Sillers, pink nun's veiling; Miss E. Smith, royal blue blouse, dark skirt; Miss MTntyre, croam silk blouse, black skirt; Misa C. M'Loughlin, cream blouse, blue skirt; Miss Graivtun, pink bodice, black skirt ; Miss Wilson, helitropa blousq with black laco, black skirt; Miss Wallace, dark print dress; Misa J. Wallace, delaine blouse, navy skirt; Miss R. M'Loughlin, cream blouse, cream laco, maroon skirt; Misa 22. Honner, grey dress, heliotrope 1 ribbons; Miss Hunt, cream blouse, dork skirt; Miss Phillips, blue nun's veiling; Miss A. Crossan, green dress; Miss K. Honner, cream blouse with pink, dark skirt; Misa Malone, helitrope blouse, grey skirt; Mies M. Malone, cream blouse, black skirt; Miss B. M'lntyro, cream serge, heliotrope ribbons; Misa Stringer, black dress trimmed with red Bilk; Mias Barclay, black dress, light silk vest; Miss Broad, black dress. Among the married women I noticed Mrs Wilson, pink flannelette blouse, black velvet skirt; Mrs Sillers, black velvet; Mrs Eady, bltick silk; Mrs Eady, jun., black dross; Mrs G-rogan, pink bodice, brown, skirt; Mrs Richardson, brown silk; Mrs Crossan, navy dress ; Mrs "Wescombe. black dres3 ; Mrs Baillie, black dress; Mrs "Walker, maroon blouse, black skirt; Mrs O'Connor, winecoloured dress trimmed with brocaded silk, Mrs Hand, navy dress; etc., etc. — Ohtlooker.