WOMEN IN THE HOME

Southland Times, Issue 22997, 17 September 1936, Page 15

WOMEN IN THE HOME

Method An Essential Factor

Most women who care deeply for the welfare of their families realize the importance of management, states The Press. After a little practical experience, they are quick to discern the difference which forethought can make to the successful and smooth running of the home. It affects comfort, economy, and also the health of the family. In principle, thrifty management and parsimony are poles apart, and where the former is practised intelligently, the latter is unknown. Method enters into every phase of housekeeping; it provides the mental exercise which everybody needs to keep them interested and alert. Those who think home life mere drudgery, may never have taken the trouble to discover its possibilities for mental and social development.

In all average homes, the same daily tasks have to be performed, and the comfortable and well-run houses do not just happen. Very often there is not much more money going into these than into others where disorder is always in evidence. It is a fact that some women seem able to achieve more without apparent effort, and their homes frequently give the impression of ease which comes with means. At the same time, it is not for one woman to dictate to another, or to be too critical of her failures, for every home has its own problem, and sometimes its own skeleton in the cupboard. The force of example and training is strong. When a young married woman has had the background and tradition of a wellmanaged home behind her, she is more likely to pursue the same principles herself. If not, she has to rely on her own good sense and initiative. Successful housekeeping is partly a matter of temperament, personality, sometimes of health and of means, but all things considered, forethought and planning are essential. Household Equipment.

The great advances which have been made in recent years in household equipment, more especially in the design of kitchens and in electrical appliances, have relieved many tasks of their monotony. These appliances make housework much more pleasant, and when it is possible to afford them, they should be installed. Nevertheless, they are mechanical devices; the possession of them will not automatically reduce expenses or keep the house clean. When wisely used, they undoubtedly do save time, labour, and money. Take for example, the electric cooker, which eliminates the soiling work of the coal range, whilst cooking the food evenly and economically. Unless its possibilities are thoroughly understood, and menus devised to economize current, part of its advantages may be lost. By careful arrangement, the meals will be well cooked, on time, and attractive. The same principle applies to any method of cooking. It should be remembered that expense does not always indicate the greatest nutritive value of food, but rather the rarity. It is possible to produce enjoyable and nourishing meals from the less expensive foods, and by preserving as many fruits and vegetables as possible when plentiful, a much wider range of choice is always available. In housekeeping, it is wise to oe prepared for the unexpected. No one likes to be caught at a disadvantage; sometimes this is unavoidable and can be easily explained. Often it is due to

lack of method in the daily routine. Unexpected guests should rather be a pleasure than a cause of panic and frantic telephone calls. Sickness and accidents happen in the best regulated homes. The linen press needs frequent attention, repairs, and replacements. If the good old rule of never putting any clean article away unmended is followed, there should be no embarrassment on these occasions. The wise mother will always keep a supply of old soft linen, and have simple but effective first-aid requisites on hand. From time to time, all cupboards should be examined to refresh, the memory. It is then readily known just where things are and in what quantity, which often saves duplication. The result of method in routine is most apparent in the general arrangement of the housework. It is never good to attempt too much at a time. Governed by the need of the family, endeavour to plan the necessary cleaning conveniently. The usual custom of keeping certain days for certain duties still remains quite the best. This system works out most smoothly and is most economical of time and effort. It should, however, be readily adjustable to circumstances, without causing undue disorganization. Spring Cleaning.

Spring cleaning affords a very good test of the capabilities of a housewife. There is no real need, or, in the present era, any justification for a too rmcomfortable upheaval. It is a time when the woman needs the consideration and not the condemnation of her family. She may get in a muddle if she has overtaxed herself, or has had unexpected interruption or mishaps to deal with alone. So it is most important to proceed cautiously. Whatever happens, the family has to be fed, and therefore endeavour - to arrange beforehand an adequate supply of simple fare. Work on a principle and do one room at a time, and be prepared for the chimneysweep to arrive a couple of hours before he is expected. It is a favourite habit, especially in the early morning. It is advisable for any new curtains or loose covers to be made in readiness to complete the freshness of a finished room and add to the general satisfaction of a completed task. The annual springclean helps to maintain a pardonable pride in attractive possessions. Everything in the house has been bought with money, and while well-cared for retains at least a portion of its value. The question of income and expenditure is, of course, a vital one in every home. The sum set aside for housekeeping varies with each family, its social position or ambition. The mother has it in her power to set the standard of the life within the home. She can do this more successfully by due regard to the funds and proportionate expenditure. It is advisable to be .methodical in these matters and to follow a simple, straightforward bookkeeping, totalling the accounts either weekly or monthly to suit the individual case. This acts as an effective check and shows how the money goes, and if it is going in the best way, It is true that there is often a degree of happiness in homes in which the family just rubs along somehow. Nevertheless when efficiency is combined with’a sympathetic understand-' ing, there should be a more serene happiness and a greater measure of security.