MOTHER AND HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16635, 18 January 1922, Page 9

MOTHER AND HOME.

T I The Care of Sponged.—To keep sponges in proper condition, they should invariably, after being used with soap, be squeezed well in warm water and then in cold, and-left for a few minutes at least in the latter. Wringing is de- j structive both to the fibres of sponges and to the>r elasticity, therefore they j must always be carefully squeezed as j dry as possible after the rinsing and i put where the air can circulate freely j through the pores. This, with an occa- i sional washing in soda and water, or ammonia and water, will keep them in good condition and of good clear colour. Experience proves that where a handful of soda is used in the bath the sponge, with ordinary care, always remains in an excellent state. When through neglect sponges become slimy, steeping for a day in strong soda and water containing also salt in solution, the water to be boiling at first, or strong ammonia and water, will effectively cleanse them. They should be ■ afterwards rinsed two or three times in clear water. Chilblain Care.—A child who is subject to chilblains should receive careful • attention as regards diet, and cod-liver d oil has often been found a good remedy i for restoring the flagging powers. Some medical men advise extract of malt; j whilst new milk, preferably scalded before being taken, should be given, and as much nourishing food as possible. The affected parts should be kept warm, and some mild liniment rubbed on. If the chilblains are broken, the places should be rubbed as little as possible by any clothing, but bathed in warm Water. Afterwards an ointment of oxide of zinc should be applied. - Tender Skin.—Young children will 1 sometimes suffer from chafing where tho ' folds of the skin are in close contact, especially in the groin and root of the neck. This chafing may cause a most irritable and Inflamed condition of the skin, so that the slightest sign of chafing must be attended to. The collection of perspiration and other secretions in the moist folds of the skin are often the cause of the mischief, though sometimes lack of cleanliness is the reason. The treatment is quite simple. The parts must be kept scrupulously clean, being washed twice a day in warm water and thoroughly dried with a soft towel or silk handkerchief, the latter often being advisable. The sore parts should then have a little lanoline ointment rubbed on, whilst a very good plan is t-o insert between the folds of the skin a piece of lint wetted with the white of an egg. When the skin healk, a powder composed of three parts of powdered starch and one part of oxide of zinc should he dusted over. The child must not be allowed to get run down in health or there will probably be a recurrence of the trouble. Questions of Salary.—Anent my recent remarks concerning careers for women. I must add that in the manicure, chiropody and face treatment departments there is only a very small salary given during the. time of training, since the apprentice is of little use except in the minor details of the business. Once proficient she may expect quite a good salary, and may even tuallv be able to start a business for herself. In the hair-dr easing department, til© beginner in her first post will get a smaller wage, but it may be expected that a girl who is tactful’and pleasant to her clients in any of the. subjects mentioned will receive occasional tips. •Some of us do not realise that the need of spiritual nourishment is .just as great and infinitely more important than the need of physical sustenance. Probably this is tv-hv the Oosnel has Keen compared" to bread and bread is the staff of life. Without it we should hunger and' die, and in the same way our souls mufrt receive nourishment if our spiritual welfare is to he maintained. Jesus said. “ \ am the bread of life/’ and the Christian ?ives upon His wozds and abides by His promises, from

which lie derives inexpressible comfort. A Good Vinegar Wash.—A good wash for the hair is made of vinegar and water. E’or removing scur/, glycerine diluted with a little rosewater will be found of service. The yolk of an egg beaten up with a little rosewater is very nutritious and cleansing.