HUNCHBACK LUCK.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17758, 30 January 1926, Page 18

HUNCHBACK LUCK.

Most women, and quite a number of men, are interested in the origin of superstitions. In France, Hunchbacks are considered to be especially lucky. The superstitious Frenchman is grateful to fate for any opportunity to associate a Hunchback in some way with any vital venture, if it be only the contact between documents and his deformity. J t is curious to discover that it was a Scotsman who introduced this superstition in France, by the simultaneous introduction into that country of the policy of inflation which has influenced French finance ever since. The Scotsman’s name was Law—somewhat of a misnomer! —and the Law system introduced during the Regency created a great trafficking in the first French banknotes which were auctioned for cash by privileged people; chiefly, of course, favourites at Court. At this time there lived in the Rue Quincampoix a queer old hunchback who insinuated himself into the company of the young gallants at Court in the capacity of a secret enquiry agent. As he was perpetually at their beck and call, they took advantage of the convenient “ table ” provided by his unfortunate back to sign their banknotes on. And it is said that so many of these people made meteoric fortunes from notes signed on the old fellow’s back that his deformity became a symbol of good luck and fortune. The superstition took a still firmer hold when it was subsequently rumoured that the hunchback himself had made a million and a half livres. SPARE THE POLISH. AND SAVE THE FURNITURE. Floor polish and furniture polish (the same thing nowadays if you go in for the patent kinds) recur far too frequently in many a housewife’s shopping list. She herself, or her maid, is much too extravagant in the use of this item. To. plaster on polish is merely to defeat your ends, for the result is patchy and sticky looking, and, moreover, the deposits left in the wood of polished furniture or on the linoleum or wood surround of a floor, just gather up the dust and retain it. Use a very little of any patent polish, but don’t be sparing of dusters—nice soft ones; and, of course, never use a new duster until it has been washed. A HOME-MADE POLISH. A highly satisfactory and economical home-made polish can be used with advantage on valuable woods. Just mix equal parts of linseed oil and turpentine with half as much methylated spirits and vinegar. Always shake the liquid well before using. Remember that the first principle of economy in this matter of furniture polish is not only to use it sparingly, but at decent intervals. No wood or linoleum surface needs polish every other day or so. What it does need is a generous supply of elbow-grease. Let the duster play a much bigger part in polishing performance than the contents of tin or bottle. BEAUTY'S GREATEST ENEMY. It is surprising how quickly a low state of health produces difficulty in a usually regular person. So if you suddenly find things going awry, look to your general health to see that there is not something really wrong with that. Very often, ansemia or some toxic process is the real trouble that needs treating. When stoning raisins, rub a little butter on the fingers and knife, as this will prevent the hands becoming uncomfortably sticky, and will cause the wank to be done