TRAINING HOUSEWIVES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6120, 5 March 1898, Page 3

TRAINING HOUSEWIVES.

Belgian authorities , recognise the fact [that one of the best, qualifications for a wife is the ability to manage a well-ovdered home, and hava undertaken tosupplement homo training: in housewifery by the establishment of . classes in both the primary and secondary schools, where the whole system of housekeeping is taught, beginning with the smallest children and continuing until the girls are graduated. One of the largest of these classes is held in the basement of a Brussels house. One room is set apart for lecture purposes, and in it talks are given on domestic economy, nursing, care of children and invalids, and hygiene. Another room is furnished as a , kitchen, and the cooking utensils are precisely such as would be found in a cottage of any respectable working man. On the walls are odd-looking pictures of joints of meat, Avith prices attached, and notes stating whether it would be most economical to roast, boil, stew, or fry in each case. Members of the class take turn in cooking the dinner every day. They , are made to go through the form of purchasing all materials for the meal, which must cost under 2s, and must be sufficient for six persons. Both judgment and economical management are required , to feed six persons at the cost of about Is Bd, but it is stated that the girls turn out very fair meals, each dish being well made in every way. The girls go through a regular course in the laundry as well as in the kitchen, and ordei\everywhere is especially insisted upon. Tsvo hours a week are given to instruction in making dresses,' darzing stockings, and all kinds of needlework. Lessons on how to take care of children are also given. They are taught in other classes how to bind up wounds, dress burns, and treat the simple kinds of ailments. The result of all this is that when a Brussels maiden marries she is more likely to be a success as a wife than any other girl in Europe.