USEFUL HINTS

Waipa Post, Volume 45, Issue 3215, 11 August 1932, Page 3

USEFUL HINTS

FOR HOME AND WORKSHOP. USES FOR BLOTTING-PAPER. A layer of clean white blottingpaper placed inside one's shoe will absorb all perspiration, keep the sole of the stocning fresh and free from dye in the shoe lining, and will save the shoe from slipping and wearing holes. A piece of blotting-paper placed inside a man's felt hat will keep the hat clean and fresh-looking. In a sickroom it is a good plan to lay a thick sheet of white blotting-paper under the covers of dressing tables, etc. This will absorb any liquid which may be spilled before it can harm the surface of the wood. If blotting-paper is placed around the neck of medicine bottles it will absorb any drops and prevent stains. * • * * * BRIGHTENING FORKS AND SPOONS. To clean and brighten forks and spoons quickly place them in a wooden bowl, add a teaspoonful of soap jelly—some scraps of soap will do—and a dessert-spoonful of powdered borax, and pour upon them boiling water from the qettle. For borax precipitated chalk may be substituted with equally good results. Wipe them dry, and finish with chamois leather. y • » o • * CHEAP SHRUB POTS. Whitelead barrels about 14in. or 15in. deep and 12in. in diameter make attractive palm, fern, or small shrub pots. First wash off as much white as possible with the aid of turpentine and a brush, keeping away from fire. Then with a piece of thick glass held in the hand with an old glove scrape the whole of the outside, with the exception of the metal hoops. When all traces of paint and soiled marks have been removed wash with hot, soapy water, thoroughly dry for several days, and then apply a coat of light oak, cedar, walnut, or any desired stain. Varnish when dry and finally paint the hoops. Small green shrubs grow well in these little barrels and look fresh and attractive at a front porch or verandah or indoors. • ■*••*# REMOVING LICHEN AND MOSS. Many houses with slate roofs are disfigured through lichen or moss growing on the siates. There seems to be only one effectual remedy for them. That is to scrape off the lichen or moss and to paint or wash the parts affected with spirits of salts. The spirits of salts will "deaden" the colour of the slates for a time, but the lichen or moss will not grow again. Care must be taken in using the spirit of salts. ♦ * * * CARE OF POT PLANTS. An excellent way to keep pot plants cool and moist in a bush house, especially on hot days, is to stand them in a bed of sand and tan bark. Upon three-by-one slats, placed an inch apart, nail flat iron or tin underneath the entire bench, and punch holes three inches apart in the tin between the slats for drainage. A four-by-one hard wood board nailed around the edge of the bench makes a container for the soil. Sieve equal parts of sand and tan bark, fill the bench with the mixture, then place the pots in it. Place sphagnum moss here and there in the sand between the pots, and in time it will cover the surface. This induces moistness, which is most beneficial to ferns, palms, and all bush house plants. • • e • REVIVING TORCH BATTERIES. A correspondent has sent the following information concerning his method of reviving torch batteries: — i If the paper cover will not slip off readily, it may be rep.aced by any i paper, whether brown or otherwise. | The strength of the sal-ammoniac so- ' lution in which the battery is to be immersed is best when strong, although if it is not even pure water will do. The battery should be stood upright in the water or solution, and the liquid should reach over the holes which were made in the zinc cover, fcut it should not go over the cap of the battery. * * • • SUGGESTIONS FOR THE HOLIDAYS. Boots or shoes which have become hard and wet with sea water become soft again if they are rubbed with kerosene or castor oil. If a shoe pinches, without removing the shoe place over the "pinch" a linen rag dipped in hot water and wrung out This may have to be done two or three times, but after that the leather will stretch. Beach stains of any sort on black clothes may be quickly removed by rubbing them with a raw potato. If a blue serge suit or frock becomes spotted or soiled it may be made to look new by the following treatment: Add half a pint of the best white vinegar to a pail of tepid water, and then wash the garment in the ordinary way. Rinse in tepid water and a spoonful of vinegar. Press afterwards with a hot iron, covering first with a damp cloth. Majekin-,

toshes may be mended by shredding a little piece of pure rubber in naptha until a thickisr paste is formed. Cut a narrow patch from inside the mackintosh, or get a piece of thin, hard cloth. Rub the paste on to the torn edges and the patch, then place the patch in position on the inside of the mackintosh. It should be left under a weight. The mend will be lasting and invisible. If brown boots become stained apply a little methylated spirit with a soft rag, then polish in the usual way. If they are discoloured, soft soap and warm water will clean them. The number of a return railway ticket should be noted on the lid of your suitcase. Then, if it is lost, you may claim a refund.