LADIES' GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3314, 19 September 1917, Page 51

LADIES' GOSSIP.

The decoration most extensively bestowed upon women is, of course, that of the Royal Red Cross. Founded originally by Queen Victoria in 1883, "for special service in providing for the nursing or for attending to sick and wounded soldiers and sailors," it was for several years only rarely conferred. The South African war made considerable additions to its roll, and, of course, in the present war it has been bestowed frequently, not only upon those of the Imperial Military and Royal Naval Services and the huge reserves attached to them, but also upon the members of the British Red Cross and St. John of Jerusalem hospital services. The matrons and sisters ol civil hospitals in which soldiers and sailors are received have also been awarded it. Wide, however, as was the original scope of the decoration, the King made it even more comprehensive at the beginning of last year by instituting a second, or associate class, and there are now many hundreds of devoted women upon whom in one or other degree it has been conferred, including a full proportion of the nurses who have come with the overseas contingents from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. The marriage of Miss Olwen Lloyd George to Captain Carey Evans was marked by a simplicity that was in keeping with the times. It was the Prime Minister's wish that the ceremony should be of as quiet a character as possible, and there were no formal invitations. But this did not prevent large crowds of people assembling in the -vicinity of the Welsh Baptist Chapel, Oxford Circus, to greet the bride, whose arrival with her distinguished father was signalised by much hearty cheering. At the entrance to the church a party of wounded soldiers formed a guard of honour, whose salute was smilingly acknowledged by the Prime Minister. The bride and bridegroom, who have been the recipients of many presents, spent the honeymoon in Scotland.

One of the two training centres that are Joeing established for women volunteers for forestry work has just been opened in Nottinghamshire, and the other, which is to be located in Suffolk., will be inaugurated in the near future. Hostels are being provided in each of these centres for about 18 women, who will be under the care of female supervisors. Competent male foresters will train the workers, whose duties will include crosscutting, topping, stacking, clearing undergrowth, and other minor operations connected with the felling and preparation of timber. It is most essential that applicants should be of strong and vigorous constitution, and accustomed to manual exercises. Otherwise they will be unfitted for the arduous labour involved. Where possible, the female lumberers will be paid fiiece rates, while maintenance grants durr.g periods of unemployment, not exceeding three weeks, are to be made to the volunteers. Free outfits are also to be provided and travelling expenses paid. The Linen Cupboard* The linen cupboard should be in a dry position, well ventilated and dust-proof. Instead of solid wooden shelves, it is best to have spars of wood with spaces between them.

A good way of keeping dust from soiling the white linen is to cut some old linen a good bit wider than the cupboard shelves and the same length. Spread these on the shelves, leaving a flap, and when the linen is arranged, cover it all up with the old linen, tucking in the ends. Unfortunately, in some houses, especially in fiats, the "convenient linen cupboard is not found. In this case the housewife must put up with the next best thing. If she has an old-fashioned wardrobe, this can be converted into a linen closet which is fairly convenient, or a large- chest can be used.

A large lavender-bag or some sprigs of dried lavender laid among the linen is a pleasant addition to the cupboard. But do not think that a fashion so old has been kept up only because it is pleasant ? it is useful, too, for the lavender perfume keeps away the moths, a. very good reason, all housewives will agree, for drying the purple blossoms which will soon be making their appearance. When, the table-linen begins to show signs of wear, do not be ashamed to let it appear on the table darned. It is a thriftless housewife who will let the linen wear till it is in large holes and then tear it up. A time does come, however, when linen cannot be any longer used in its original state. Sheets, for instance, are apt to grow thin in the middle; then it is a good plan to divide them into two before they split of themselves. Nice little sheets for the children's bed can be made in this way.

Old linen, really beyond repair, should be used for bandages, etc. It is well to

have a supply ready for "first aid," as new linen should, of' course, not be used. All linen should be distinctly marked. Hints and Suggestions. Wine-stains which have dried on the tablecloth or napkins should be touched with a few drops of whisky before the linen is sent to the laundry. After finishing a costume there are often odd pieces of canvas left. These have a habit of becoming limp. They can be freshened for further use by passing them through cold water and ironing until dry. Medicine stains can be removed from linen with strong ammonia. When cooking turnips add a teaspoonful of white sugar to the water. This greatly improves their flavour. When making a jam roly-poly, instead of boiling in a cloth, or basin, insert in a two-pound jam-jar, cover with a saucer, and put in a pan of boiling water, halfway up the jar. This turns out beautifully, and can be cut in slices, like a jam roll.

If kerosene and water be put into a sprinkling pot, and all outhouses, dustpans, etc., places where flies breed and increase in thousands, be sprinkled carefully with the mixture occasionally during the summer months, the eggs ,will be destroyed, and the household be spared an intolerable nuisance of a real danger. To Clean Varnished Paper.—lf you have varnished paper on your walls and it is getting dirty, try the following recipe for cleaning : —Add two tablespconf uls of ammonia to half a bucketful of water, and wash the walls down with a flannel dipped in this. Take half a bucketful of clean water and add two tablespoon fills of turpentine. Wash the walls a second time with this, and wipe as dry as possible. This will give the paper a nice polish. Stained Furniture.—A hot plate or cup, or water spilt on polished furniture, will leave a white mark, and spoil the spick-and-span appearance of your home. To get rid of these marks, rub in a little linseed oil, leave it for an hour, then polish up the spot, and' pour on a little spirits of wine, rub with a clean duster, and then polish with furniture ei'eam.