ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XX, Issue XIV, 2 April 1898, Page 403

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Notice to Contributors.—Any letters or M»S. received by the Editor of the " New Zealand Graphic” will be immediately acknowledged in this column. A Constant Reader. —Pray do not apologise. It is very difficult to advise fully on the subject you mention, and would take up more space than is available for one correspondent. The best 1 can do for you is to give you Punch’s advice to those about to marry—‘Don’t.’ Helen. —Thank you for your kind remarks about this column. (1) You cannot possibly go to the opera in such deep mourning. (2) The preparation to which you refer is said to be harmless. (3) Never keep your boots on when they are the least bit damp. This causes the trouble you speak of. Miss M.—Keep up the borax and vaseline treatment. Ruby.—l forwarded your letter as you requested. You will probably receive an answer as soon as you see this in print. A Middle-aged Lady.—l could not possibly ‘laugh at your troubles.’ For your son’s sake, look as young as you can. Put mauve or grey silk on that black dress. Bride.—Allow me to congratulate you on your good sense. You are very wise, as you will have no opportunity to wear it in the future, to give up all idea of having a satin wedding dress. The white serge will be just as effective and undoubtedly more becoming. Your bridesmaids may be gowned in some pale-tinted soft material that will be a pretty contrast to your gown, and will serve them for eveningdresses for their quiet little dissipations. They wear hats. Polly. —I am glad to hear your hands are ‘much improved.’ Rub well every other night with lemon juice; the intermediate one use mutton fat; sleep in gloves with the tips cut off. Mr S.—The young lady must, of course, be properly introduced to her new relations, and it is better for you to undertake the pleasant task. Bluebell.—Quite out of the question. Important.—Your letter was posted fifteen days after the date which you place at the head! Why not lay the tiles on the hearthstone? The kerb, if made to measure, would just fit all round them, and hide their edges. 1 have seen many hearths so laid, and the arrangement actually facilitates the removal of dust and ashes. A Girl Reader.- —You could not possibly wear a tea-gown at an evening party. Yes; they are always loose. In a Difficulty.—You must tell your maid when you pay her the weekly wage on the same day of the week as that on which she came to you that after this week you will no longer require her services. If you have actual proof of her unworthiness you can refuse to give her a character. Baby May.—Stew some prunes very well and eat two or three before breakfast each morning. Young Mrs D.—You will find a visiting book almost a necessity. Every young married lady has social duties, and a book, if arranged and kept systematically, will prove invaluable to her as a. record of calls made and returned, as well as of her other social obligations and the duties incidental to her position. Mrs P.—You will find that vinegar and fruit stains upon knives can be taken away by rubbing the blades with raw potato and then polishing on the knife-board in the usual manner. Bonnie Belle.—l think that is your nom de plume, but am not quite certain. Your writing is difti-

cult to read. For the proper care of the nails one needs an ordinary nail brush, then a smaller one that will brush well under the nails, a file, a polishing brush, curved scissors, a pair for each hand—since it is very unhandy to properly cut the nails of the right hand with scissors made for cutting the nails of the left hand. A Visitor. —You should write the day after you return home, and say something of this nature: ‘I must tell you how greatly I enjoyed my little visit to you last week.’ etc. A few lines would be quite sufficient for the occasion, unless you had anything of mutual interest to touch upon. Papa.—Godfathers and godmothers should be chosen from among friends or near relatives of the family, and ought always to be persons who will have a good influence on the child. They should also be persons of a mature age, and members of the same church or sect as the parents of the child. There is no fee exacted in any Protestant church for performing the rite of baptism. If, however, the parents are so inclined, they may present the officiating clergyman with any sum it is their pleasure to offer. It should be inclosed in an envelope and handed to him after the ceremony has been concluded. Peter.—Take more exercise. Why not ride a bicycle? This advice, though not new, is good. A Party Belle. —To keep cut flowers quite fresh for wearing sprinkle with a little water, and place in an airtight vessel (such as a covered saucepan) and keep covered until required. They will in this way keep quite fresh as the absence of water and air will prevent the petals from drooping. Donavan.—Returned with thanks. Tabby.—Your article is too offensive in style, and your attempts at wit are rather heavy. Try some other paper. Mignonette. —Your style is fresh and pleasant, and you appear to possess a certain amount of literary ability. Put all you write away for six months, then re-read your poems, polish them (if you still like them yourself) and send to an editor or publisher.