ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXI, Issue XIII, 24 September 1898, Page 301

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Notice to Contributors. Any letters or MSS. received by the Editor of the “New Zealand Graphic” will be immediately acknowledged in this column. ‘Query.* —The Ixridegroom is not sii|>|n>s<ml to give bis best man a present. but it is customary for him to make each of the bridesmaids a present of some article of jewellery, such as a brooch or bracelet, of a value proportionate* to his means and inclinations. ‘Nancy.’—The lines which I think you must refer to are in ‘Hamlet,' and occur in I’oloniiis* parting address to his son Laertes. They are: ‘To tliinc own self be true; And it must follow as the night the day Thou canst not then be false to any man.' ‘ILE.V.P.'—I think you must be terribly astray in regard to the name*. 1 know of nothing on earth or in sea or sky that bears the* name* you nient ion. ‘Spring (’leaner.' —You will find that a dry scouring of portieres and other hangings will remove the* dirt which has come through ordinary wear and is not the result of accident. A thorough scrubbing with either hot bran or stale bread crumbs is a great refreshener. ‘Tender Conscience.’—lt is a delicate* point; in fact, so delicate a point that Ido net care* to advise you upon it. 1 think the* most suitable person for you to apply to for the advice you seek would be* a priest of your own faith. ‘Ada G.’—Gently smear the edges of your eyelids every night with a little vaseline, and you will find that they will not stick together in the morning. —lt is best for a gentleman when sending a. present of flowers or of books to a lady to indicate by his card, or by some writing on the package, from whom it comes. It removes an unpleasant feeling of uncertainty from the recipient’s mind. ‘Anxious Ethel.’—No, you have not troubled me at all,and 1 shall be pleased to do the same thing for you another time. ‘Jilted.’—So far from condoling with you, I take leave to congratulate you on having made a lucky escape from what would have been a miserable married life. You would certainly prove yourself utterly deficient in spirit and common sense if you made overtures again to one who could behave to you with such contemptible heartlessness.

‘D.L.E.’—I am sorry to say that your MS. is far beneath the requirements of the ‘Graphic.’ Send stamps if you desire its return. ‘lnquirer.’—Shintoism is the primitive religion of Japan, but it is singularly devoid of almost everything that goes to constitute a religion. Its most marked feature is its inculcation of reverence for ancestors. ‘Richard N.*—No; jewellery would be quite out of place as a present at this early stage of your wooing. Susan.’—Of course you can obtain the protection of tin* law and have him punished, but wouhl that Ik* altogether desirable? Seeing that it is his first outbreak of violent conduct, do you not think that much milder measures would be more likely to ensure its being his last? ‘Airs li.' I think you should take the doctor's advice* and try a change of air for your little* boy, in the* first place. ‘An Imitator of Villon.' -I am afraid that I must describe your effusions as very villainous imitations of Villon. Indeed, I can see nothing in the* structure* of the* verses or their themes that suggest any re*seinblance* to that (‘harming old French poet. ‘A Faint Pipe.’—lt. is evident that your voice* requires a complete rest. ‘Paterfamilias.’ Certainly such singular devotion wouhl almost seem to imply your child's |»ossession of a distinct talent in that line, but she* is so very young' that it would not be wise* to assume* that this is really the* ease*.

Wait and watch what another year's development may bring out e»f her. 'Economy.' About the* best way of cleaning tan kid gloves is to wash them with deodorised naphtha. Have* everything in readiness, pour a pint of naphtha into a bowl, put in the* gloves ami wash them in the* same* way as you would a bit of cloth. Another way is to put the*m on the* hands ami with a piece of soft linen cloth dipped in naphtha rub them over, taking care* that all spots and streaks are* removed. Let them remain on the* hands until nearly dry. then lake* them off and pin them to a line* in a current of air. It is well to clean them several days before they are* to be* worn in order that the* odour of the* naphtha may be* dissipated. Of course*, cver\ ix»dy knows, or should know, that naphtha is exceedingly inflammable* and must not be* used vv here* there* is fire* or in a closed room vv here* there* is a light.