LADIES' GOSSIP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3511, 28 June 1921, Page 50

LADIES' GOSSIP.

A LADY'S ACCOUNT OF THE LATE KING OF MONTENEGRO. Miss M. E. Durham, who is well known by her writings on the Balkans, contributes an interesting sketch of the late King Nicholas of Montenegro to the Contemporary Review. King Nicholas was a picturesque figure, ruling his little mountain kingdom like a patriarchal Eastern monarch. He had a family of patriachal numbers too, and many daughters, whom, as he had a great idea of strengthening Montenegro through alliances, he sought to wed into the families of more powerful - rulers. He sent his eldest daughter to Petersburg in hopes that she might marry the Tsarevitch, but she contracted consumption and died there ' a better fate than the marriage designed for her, as events have turned out. His next daughter married the Gigad Duke Peter of ..Russia, and another Grand Duke Niko.aievitch. Another daughter, Z.orka, was married to Peter. Kar.georgevitch of Servia, then the exiled pretender to the throne, who was patronised by Russia, and who, after the murder of King Alexander and his consort, became King of Servia. His daughter Helena made the grandest match, becoming Queen of Italy. In his last days the old king was a pathetic figure, rejected by his country, and dying in exile far from the mountain kingdom he loved so well. WOMEN’S RIGHTS NOT FAVOURED IN JAPAN. In Japan, women are still forbidden by law to attend political meetings, or become members of political associations. A Bill was recently introduced to remove this disability, but was thrown out by the House of Peers. The reason given was toe well worn one “woman’s place is the home.” QUEEN MARY SETS AN EXAMPLE. All women who set humanity above fashion will be pleased to learn that Queen Mary has given orders that heneefortn no plumage of wild birds is to be used in her millinery. TAKE CARE WHAT THINCS YOU WEAR TOGETHER. . To be well dressed the choice of thino-s individually beautiful and in good taste goes but a litt-e way. You may combine them with very bad taste, and ruin the ellec.t of each. For instance with a plain tailor made costume or heavy coat a flimsv 01 elaborate hat is out of place, a neat simple one, such as one of the new straw sailor’s with a contrasting colouied brim, or a compact felt one is the right tiling. Similarly the severe costume deman<is a simple blouse in silk or wool, not aii elaborate open-worked georgette one. Open-work flimsy stockings again are out of keeping with both a, substantial costume and with strong shoes. Even the handoag should accord with the costume, an elaborate, beaded one is out of place with plain attire. And discretion should always be used with regard to the use of jewellery, hair ornaments, and hat pins. To be fittingly dressed is more than half of being well dressed. HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS. Starch will mix much better if a pinch of borax and a piece of soap are added before the water is poured on. Rugs—Woollen or rag rugs that are getting old should have a backing of stout canvas sewn to them. This °will give strength, and prevent the corners from curling up. Such rugs pay tremendously for a daily airing on the "line. When ironing clothes have beside you a small board sprinkled with salt. Immediately the iron becomes rough rub it two or three times over the salt and it will become smooth again. Marks of burnt milk may be removed from pie-dishes by applying salt. If very obstinate, mix a little crushed egg-shell with the salt. Mildew marks can be taken out of linen alter a paste has been applied made from unslaked lime,, salt, and starch moistened with lemon juice. To renovate brown boots and shoes which have become dark-looking, wash them with warm water and soft soap using , a hard nail-brush. This will remove all the old and dirty polish. I aisley should be washed after chopping to restore its colour. This is easily done bv enclosing it in the corner of a clean cloth before dipping and squeezing it in cold water. The. cabbage is useful for drawing and cleansing a gathered finger or poisoned hand. Take a cabbage leaf, roll it out with a- bottle until the juice comes, and tie on the affected part.