LADIES' GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3034, 8 May 1912, Page 65

LADIES' GOSSIP.

The late Duchess of Buccleugh, though she never displayed a very active interest in party politics, was closely related to a great many men of prominence in the political world. A niece herself of Lord John Russell, she was the aunt of two M.P.'s—the Marquis of Hamilton, who is shortly retiring, and Lord Winterton—while she stood in the same relationship to the Duke of Marlborough. Then she was a sister of Lord Claud Hamilton, the member for South Kensington, and Lord George Hamilton, while Lord Lansdowne was her brother-in-law. Her eldest son, Lord Dalkeith, was also a member of Parliament at one time. —ln some parts of England, and particularly in Gloucestershire, the fourth Sunday in Lent is still observed * as "Mothering Sunday," when,, in accordance with ancient custom, children away from home endeavour to visit their parents. Mr John Dorcas, of Philadelphia, fled from Mrs Dorcas, and was, in due course, arrested for what they call in America "non-support." Then he complained that he had to run away from her "because she had a habit of going through his pockets every night and relieving him of all the money she found in them." The judiciary of Philadelphia declared that whether the husband objected or not was a matter of no importance, because the poor man had no right to object. The judge proclaimed that what "belonged to Dorcas also belonged to Mrs Dorcas, and it did not make any difference ho%v she got it." Seems queer doctrine, and one that, if

carried out generally, might lead to serious domestic trouble.

Hints and Suggestions. A little crushed borax, if sprinkled thickly on a flannel cloth that is wetted in hot water, will brighten copperware like magic. . About half a teaspoonful of ordinary moist sugar rubbed into the hands with a soapy lather will clean them and leave them beautiful and smooth. After washing lamp chimneys, try polishing them with dry salt. This gives the glass a brilliant shine, and prevents it from cracking. To fasten oilcloth or linoleum on flagged or tiled floors, use ordinary brewer's bran, smeared under the edges. This will cause it to stick, and prevent it kicking up, thus avoiding the edges getting broken. Castor oil rubbed well into boots or shoes will help to preserve the leather and lengthen the life of the boots. Any oil can bo used, but castor oil is the best. To shine boots quickly, do not blacken, but rub with a piece of orange. Let the juice dry in, and then polish with a soft brush, when they will shine like a mirror. Milk that has to be kept for some hours before being used should be put in a shallow bowl; if placed in a jug it is almost sure to turn sour very quickly. Before placing a sponge cake in the oven to bake, sprinkle a little fine white sugar over the top. This will produce the rich brown colour that makes bought cakes often look so tempting. When black silk begins to get shabby and dull-looking, try sponging it over with

the water in which potatoes have been I boiled. This freshens it up wonderfully, j and makes it quite glossy-looking.

DANCE AT GAB.STON. A very enjoyable dance in aid of the Tennis Club was held at Garston on 2©th April, and although the weather during the clay was net very promising, there was a very fair attendance. The musicians were Messrs Sopar Bros. ;ind Mr J. Boyer (violins), Mt Lindsay, and Master F. Soper (piano), while Mr E. Woods made an efficient M.C. Tho following ladies were present:—Mrs Peters, white silk blouse, brown skirt; Mrs \V. Gordon, striped blouse, black skirt; Miss Porteous, palft blue dress; Miss Olsen, white embroidered dress; Miss Bowley, cream striped dress; Miss Soper, white embroidered dress; Miss Gordon, white blouse, dark skirt; Miss Jesrie Soper. blue silk blouse, blue skirt; Miss M. Olsen, pretty white dress; Miss A. Soper, white silkette drsss; Miss I. Seetor, white figured dress; Miss Phoebe Butaon, white muslin dress. Songs were contributed during the evering by Misses Soper (8), Messrs Woods, Boy-er. Lindsay (2), Ritchie, and Aitchison. At intervals during the evening Mr Lindsay danced a sword dance, sailor's hornpipe, and Irish jig, which were all appreciated. A •cakewalk was also given by Mr Hughes. First-class refreshments were provided by the ladies of the club, and after supper Mr Lea took the opportunity to thank all present there who had contributed items, the musicians, and the M.O. A special vote of thanks was also given to the ladiee who provided refreshments. Dancing waa kept up till the small hours of the morning, when the singing of "Auld long syne" broke up a very pleasant gathering.—An Interested Spectator.