THE GOOD NEIGHBOUR

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 71, Issue 1, 16 July 1945, Page 93

THE GOOD NEIGHBOUR

Whew '• Poppies 810w n “Poppies dancing by the wall, Vivid flame against the white; Swaying, bending, bowing low, Tossing high each crimson head, As they flaunt their frocks of red Double-frilled and ragged edged.” ,

THE poppy is the flower of sleep. In ancient mythology Somnus, the god of sleep, is pictured as wearing nightblack robes studded with golden stars, and a crown of poppies. Outside the cavern

“Nodding poppies grow, And all cool simples that sweet rest bestow; Night from the plants their sleepy virtue drains, And passing, sheds it on the silent

plains;” and the shadowy wraiths who guard the portals of sleep each carry great sheaves of poppies. Dream-spirits softly murmur pleasing fancies in the ear of the drowsy monarch, the evil genii who cause nightmares being banished to the furthermost end of the cave. Nevertheless, the latter often accompany their more favoured companions on their journeys to the earth. Should they take the ivory gate leading from the valley of Somnus, they become “meaningless and idle, and can never be fulfilled,” but if they pass through the “doors of polished horn” they foretell coming events, whether good or ill. Hence we have the saying, “Pleasant dreams, and sweet repose.” For when our rest is disturbed by troublesome dreams it is never so beneficial as peaceful slumber. Therefore it behoves us to do all we can to ensure that our sleep be tranquil. This depends largely on our ability to relax. During the last few years we have had a greater need of relaxation and correspondingly less leisure for recreational purposes. The necessity to “make do and mend” hinders many a housewife from demonstrating her skill at embroidery or keeping abreast of the latest literature from the library. However, we must make the most of the free moments that come our way. Even ten minutes given to music or modelling or whatever is our favourite medium of release from our major occupation will have a recuperative effect on our energies and help

us to achieve the ultimate relaxation—sleep. It was Queen Elizabeth of Roumania who said: “Sleep is a generous thief: he gives to vigour what he takes from time.” Even the busiest of us must learn how to relax completely if we are to continue giving of our best to our work. Much of our worrying is due to lack of faith and neglect of the Divine source of all strength. The Canadian poet Virma Sheard has written a lovely little poem which will be specially appreciated by those who have difficulty in sleeping. It is entitled, “At Midnight”: Turn Thou the key upon our thoughts, dear Lord, And let us sleep; Give us our portion of forgetfulness Silent and deep. Lay Thou Thy quiet hand upon our eyes To close their sight, Shut out the shining of the moon and stars And candlelight. Keep back the phantoms and the visions sad The shades of grey— The fancies that so haunt the little hours Before the day. Quiet the time-worn questions that are all Unanswered yet; Take from the spent and troubled souls of us Their vain regret. And lead us far into Thy silent land ' That we may go

Like children out across the field of dreams Where poppies blow. So all Thy saints— all Thy sinners, too . ' x Wilt Thou not keep, Since not alone unto Thy well-beloved Thou givest sleep?” r I wonder if we in New Zealand are sufficiently thankful for the everyday comforts of sweet slumberwarm blankets, clean linen, a comfortable bed. Those of us whose menfolk have returned from fighting overseas or who have offered hospitality to' refugees from war-scarred lands are not likely again to take for granted the items which contribute so much to our nightly comfort. The victory in Europe has brought to millions of people the blessing of quiet nights of sleep. In our rejoicing we must not lose sight of the fact that the building of an enduring peace calls for courage, sacrifice, unity, and unselfish effort those qualities by which we are actuated in time of war. The inestimable boon of sleep will help us to do our part. The period we spend each night “where poppies blow” will restore our vigour, counsel our tangled thoughts, solace our sufferings, and so recreate our vision of a new world .order

that we daily endeavour to translate the ideal into terms of practical reality.

Carpet and Rug Repair

CARPETS and rugs are both scarce and expensive nowadays, and a wise woman will review her floor coverings frequently, mending at the first sign of wear and renovating the most badly worn articles. Rugs and the smaller carpets will gain a new lease of life when the frayed edges and worn fringes have been dealt with, while many a threadbare and weary-looking carpet has given good service when the better parts have been cut out and joined to make bedside, hearth, or hall rugs. By EVA TOPPING, Rural Sociologist, Dept: of Agriculture, .Auckland. [Photographs reproduced from U.S. Dept, of Agriculture Bulletin No. 19€0.]

A STRONG, sharp pair of scissors ASTRONG, sharp pair of scissors 2 Xor a keen knife with a- sharp point will be needed for cutting carpets and trimming worn edges. If a razor blade is used, set one side in a large cork to protect the fingers from cuts. Needles should be of the thick, strong varietyheavy darners or the sewing needles usually called “straws” in size 3 or 4. Strong linen thread’, in drab or black, is the most suitable to use, but if unobtainable, crochet cotton in khaki or black, size 10, makes a good substitute. It will be found helpful to draw the thread over a piece of beeswax occasionally while sewing, and to run the needle through your hair — natural oil from the hair acts like magic on the needle, making it slip through the heavy fabric much more readily; Be sure to use a thimble, or the fingers will become very sore. Clean the rug thoroughly on both sides with a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner before repairing, but avoid shaking or beating, as. this treatment will work out more loose threads and extend the damage. Wash soiled rugs by gently scrubbing with a soft brush and warm soapy water. Use a circular movement and light pressure, rinsing out as much soap as possible by using a second basin of clean, frequently changed water. If the carpet is too large to lift to a table, sit on a low stool or box with a cushion, place your back against

the wall to relieve strain, and work with the rug in your lap. Slip a second small box under a heavy rug to raise it from the floor and to make it easier to get at the damaged place.

Frayed Ends Carpets and rugs with worn hems, frayed: edges,, or worn-out fringes may be repaired , by re-binding or replacing the fringecarpet binding and fringing may be obtainable in some 'districts and makes a better job, but strips of sugar-bag, dyed hessian, or firm woollen material can be used and will be quite satisfactory. Felt of the lighter weight usually sold for embroidery makes very successful binding and is easy to manipulate. Cut strips about 3in. wide if the material is inclined to fray (a little less if the cut edges are firm) and of

the required length. Whichever type of repair you choose, the first step is to trim off the worn or frayed parts. Start where ' the damage is worst. Use large scissors or a knife, and cut from wrong side. Follow one of the crosswise or lengthwise yarns or ridges (Fig. 1). Save all good scraps of carpet— may need them for repairs. If the rug edge frays badly or you want to strengthen it and make it firmer for finishing, overcast the edge before you sew on binding or put on fringe (Fig. 2). To save time you may omit the overcasting if you trim off only a little of the worn edge at a time and sew on the binding or fringe as you go. But whichever you do, handle the trimmed edge as little as possible. ‘ • Binding ,' Lay the right side t of the binding on the right side of the carpet, the edge of the binding even with the trimmed edge , of the . carpet. Allow IJin. of binding to turn under at each end. For sewing on binding use a heavy darning needle and carpet thread. Fasten the thread at the rug selvedge with a few short stitches, one on top of the other. From the wrong side of the carpet stick the needle through to the right side on a slant so that it goes in about f to Jin. from the raw edge and comes out through both the carpet and binding about Jin. from the edge. Guide the binding along the edge of the carpet by holding it between thumb and

first finger (Fig. 3). Make the stitches about jin. apart.

When the binding is sewn on fasten the thread by making two or three stitches backward to form an “X” over the edge. - On the last stitch loop the thread around the needle and draw it up tight to secure the binding so that it will not rip. Fold the IJin. of binding left at the end to the wrong side, on a diagonal, so that the corner will not show when the binding is turned over the edge of the carpet. Then fold the binding over the raw edge of carpet to the under side. Draw binding down smoothly, but be careful not to pull it so tightly , that the binding slips up over the raw edge of carpet. Fasten the end of the binding securely with small stitches through the selvedge of the carpet and the fold of the binding (Fig. 4). Sew the loose edge of bind-

ing to carpet back, catching only a few yarns of the carpet and about sin. of the binding (Fig. 5). Make these stitches about lin. apart. On the right side only a narrow edge of binding will show; on the wrong side there will be an ’inch or more to protect the edge of the carpet (Fig. 6). Fringe To apply the kind of double-edged fringe that serves as a binding first turn in an inch of the fringe at one end and then slip the rug between the two finished ' edges of the fringe. Make sure the cut edge is pushed between the two bands at least Jin. Pin the top edge of the fringe band in place all the way across the cut ( end of the rug (Fig. 7). To finish the end turn in .an inch of the fringe bands on the second end as you did on the first. Pin the underneath band in place. Use a darning needle threaded with carpet thread to sew on the fringe. Take several stitches at one end, one on top of the other, to fasten the thread. Sew the fringe on with a stab stitchthat is, from the right side stick the needle in, catching the edge of the top band of the fringe (Fig. 8). Push it straight through the rug and' through the under fringe band —three thicknesses in all. Stick the needle back through the rug by putting it just outside the loop in the edge of the underneath fringe band. Bring it out on the right side, about Jin. from the first stitch. Finish the ends by slip stitching the folded edges of fringe together. To apply single-band fringe fold under an inch at one end, then pin the band to the right side of the carpet so that it overlaps the rug about jin. (Figs. 9 and 10). ' Be sure to get the fringe on straight. Use as a guide, either a crosswise row of pile or a crosswise yarn on the wrong side. With a coarse darning needle and carpet thread that matches the fringe, sew the fringe to the rug with a stab stitch (Fig. 8). Stick the

heedle back to the right side, as shown in Fig. 11. Home-made Fringe If the ready-made fringe was unprocurable, rugs, especially bedroom or hearth rugs, may be finished with hand-made woollen fringes. Find a harsh wool that matches the ground work of the rug and wind evenly over a card 3in. in width. Cut along one edge, leaving strands 6in. long. With a coarse bone crochet hook part strands of the rug fabric just behind the newly-bound edge. Insert hook on right : side and catch . the doubled end of a bundle : of strands. Pull loop through to right side and catch the loose ends through loop to form a knot. Pull firm and smooth evenly over the bound edge; continue to insert bundles of wool and knot them at even spaces along the edge to be refringed. Worn Selvedges Trim badly-worn selvedges, overcast the raw edge, then finish with carpet binding that matches or tones in with the body of the rug. Lay the binding on the rug, right sides together, so that the edge of the binding is about Jin. from the edge of the rug. Allow about ljin. turn-back at each end. With a large darning-needle and carpet thread, sew the binding to the rug with short stitches. Put in an occasional backstitch. Make this line of stitching about Jin. from the edge of the binding (Fig. 12). Turn under the IJin. of binding at each end, folding it on a diagonal. Then fold the binding over the edge of the rug to the wrong side. Sew it to the back of the carpet, / catching only about Jin. of the binding (Fig. 13). i

Mending a Tear When, a tear in a carpet or rug has not frayed too much darn the edges together. With a large darning needle and carpet thread or matching coarse wool weave in and out from the under side (Fig. 14) Be sure to keep the loose ends of carpet yarn on the wrong side while you are darning, then clip , them to about Jin. in length. Spread the ends evenly so as to prevent a bump; pin a strip of carpet binding or strong material over the darned place, on the wrong side; and sew edges of binding to the back of the carpet (Fig. 15).

IPon 9 t Speak. - When you know nothing about the subject which is on the carpet. When your neighbour’s grief is too heavy even for the gentle rain of words. When the hounds of scandal are in full cry. When your enemies accuse you falsely. The word which will make a man ashamed of himself. When you are asked for advice, and are not sure. When the hand of God is heavy upon you. ■ ’ The word which you cannot seal in the envelope of Love. A word against another man’s faith.

Further Photographic Competition Entries

“If I Had a Magic Carpet” •Jr <cs J£ ’

ENGLAND would still be the Mecca of the majority of “Good Neighbours” if they had the opportunity to travel abroad, but quite a number would also wish to visit other parts of the world — South America, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Persia, Canada, Africa, Russia, Tibet, and U.S.A. Some want to explore New Zealand more thoroughly, and one adventurous soul would like a trip to Mars! “M.E.H.”, Central Otago, was placed first, “Fleurette,” Takanini, A. M. Dowell, Taranaki, and “Tiggetty Boo,” Katikati, tied for second place, and “Susan,” North Auckland, was commended.

First Prize SINCE I was a child I have had a longing to visit South America, land of mystery and romance. When I was eight or nine to me South America meant Brazil, and Brazil Rio de Janeiro, for I had a young and pretty aunt who had married and gone there-to live. • Her husband used to send me brilliantly-coloured postcards of Rio and its surroundings, often with funny little messages on the back. Sometimes he described Rio with its harbour, its sugar-loaf mountains covered with lush tropical vegetation, and the wonderful effect of looking down on the city through palms and bamboos from the summit of Cordocova. It intrigued my imagination. When I was older a neighbour’s son went to Valparaiso in charge of a cargo of sheep bound for Argentina, so I became conscious of another side of South America. I listened entranced while he told us how, when the ship was lying in Valparaiso Harbour waiting for the sheep to be disembarked, he saw high .up in the clouds the snow-clad peak of Anaconga, the highest mountain in the Andes, in fact, the highest peak in either of the Americas. When drinking cocoa on a cold winter’s night I would think of the rich jungle lands of Ecuador, where the finest cocoa in the world is grown. I would picture Quito, the capital of Ecuador, 9,000 ft. above sea level, yet with roses, stocks, and pansies flourishing there in that buoyant air. I would try to visualise that exquisite sight high above Quito where against the background of the Andes one can see humming birds hovering against the snow like shimmering pieces of silk. I want to see the Incas’ temple of the sun on Lake Titicaca, the emerald mines in Colombia, the wild rubber growing at Para where the Amazon empties into the sea, and the thousand and one sights my magic carpet could show — “M.E.IL”, Central Otago. Second Prize (Equal) IF I had a magic carpet, I should like best to visit gallant little Norway,

the birthplace of my father, famous home of Grieg, and romantic land of the indescribably beautiful midnight sun, glorious fiords,' snow-covered mountains, and wild and lovely lakes and dales. In Norway, too, I’d find so much still coloured with mediaeval picturesqueness. I know I’d spend fascinating hours listening to tales told by the' real country folk, of sprites and fairies, and put out for the “little people” at night the food they like to eat and indeed expect as their due! I should learn to make coffee in traditional fashion (first roasting the fragrant beans in a heavy iron vessel over the fire and grinding the coffee in a small iron hand-mill), and spin wool on a quaint, centuriesold spinning-wheel. . ’Twould seem like a very wonderful and beautiful dream. O, magic carpet, . please hurry up and call for me. A. M. Dowell, Taranaki. Second Prize (Equal) MY destination is England, . cradle of our race dear, beautiful England set in a silver sea. How I’d love to close my eyes and hey presto! open them in London, see Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s, go down the Mall to Buckingham Palace, and watch the Changing of the Guard. Perhaps I’d be lucky enough to glimpse the King and Queen and the two Princesses.

I’d grieve, too, over London’s noble scars, the beauty lying in ruins, and I’d honour those valiant British hearts who stood firm and “took it” during the blitz., I’d view London’s bridges and the Thames and Hyde Park, and

I’d like to visit the House of Commons and hear a speech by Mr. Churchill. Then I would go on wandering through the Empire’s capital, steeping myself in its sights and sounds. I would look upon York Minster and the ruins of Coventry Cathedral; Liverpool, where so many of our cargoes go; Plymouth, too. But my magic carpet would not leave me in the cities —it would take me to the countryside. I’d smell the scent of English hedges, walk down lanes and see the birds, and watch the buds break into leaf and clothe the trees with spring’s soft green.

I’d linger in the bluebell woods and gather primroses beneath the trees and hunt for violets. I’d stand beneath spreading oaks and visit the beautiful parklands belonging to noble old homes. I’d stand on the cliffs of England and look out across her rolling seas as my forefathers did before they took the long journey to New . Zealand; I’d watch the storms roll up and lash the coast. Even the mists are a part of England. : ' Such a visit would not be complete without a London crowd and a trip to a famous racecourse or Henley Regatta to see our kinsfolk in holiday mood. All these I’d . wish to see, and many more. Some day, perhaps, good fortune will grant me my desire. —“Tiggetty Boo,” Katikati. Second Prize (Equal IF I had a magic carpet I would travel on it to Mars.. On the magic carpet of my books I have already traversed all of the earth that interests me. With H. V. Morton and Victor Canning I have made leisurely,, amusing tours of the British Isles and Europe; and with Pearl Buck and Louise Jordan Milne I have lived and suffered and found joy and content in China. I have shivered across Siberia with Noel Barber, and sweltered through the Belgian ' and . German Congo with Negley Farson. The jungles of Venezuela and Brazil have been laid wide for me by Peteit Fleming and Julian Duguid; and Freya Stark has opened up the incense routes of Arabia. These journeys may have been one-sided, the viewpoints may be prejudiced, or the geographical details inaccurate, but they are actual places that I can follow on the map and view in pictures.

But Mars! Ah, what a different story. My only guide books are the

fantasies of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, and my only pictures the incredible ones of my own imagination. Oh, to solve the thousand burning questions its very name conjures!. Would I find it in the chaotic condition of the earth two or three million years ago, with unbelievable and abominable creatures just emerging from the slime of the Jurassic Age? Or would it be a world of -perfect beings with all ‘‘’the crooked straight and the rough places plain”? Would there be life at all, or just the stark, airless, waterless mountains of the moon? But my carpet is still on the weaving loom. Some day, however, science will complete it, and our descendants IIIIIIIIII1III1I1II111II1I1I1II1I11IIIIII11III1IIII!

on . a magic carpet—something like Buck Rogers’s space-ship? will solve all these riddles. “ Fleurette,” Takanini. Commended I AM off for a trip to America, a country I have always longed to visit. The magic carpet has transported me thither, and I am hovering over the Statue of Liberty at the entrance to New York Harbour. I cross Brooklyn, fly over New York and the Great Lakes, and admire the Niagara Falls. I now turn south to view the Mississippi, the longest river in the - world. Westward are the prairies. It is autumn and the ripe corn looks like a vast yellow sea, the railway running through like a line drawn by a Titan from horizon to horizon.' ,

I now ' see below me Yellowstone Park with its geysers and hot springs. Before I cross the Rockies I view the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River. Last of all, I visit the Yosemite, another national park, and gaze with wonder on its huge rock gullies and waterfalls and its giant sequoias, many of them over a thousand years old.' I close my eyes and in a twinkling I am carried over the blue Pacific and back to New Zealand! — “Susan,” North Auckland. T DREAM of a fair isle, set in blue A seas, with a fringe of white surf breaking lightly on an outer reef. Tropical flowers and fruits grow to the water’s .edge, and there is a beach where I can lie in the warm sun, or sit and fish with no effort at all. There is no hurry to prepare meals or sweep or tidy —here are wonderful bays to explore, and a drowsy content. “ Polly,” Northland. WE look down on a barren arid country, very sparsely populated. Mountain ranges rise in the north and east. We are in Persia. We travel rapidly northward, the country changing in character as we approach the frontier. The Black Sea can be seen on the left and the Caspian on the right, and the country is now lush and green. Before ,us towers the mighty rampart of snowy peaks forming the Caucasian Mountains, which make our New Zealand Alps dwindle in memory to mere foothills. “ Late Comer,” Feilding. JF I had a magic carpet To carry me far away, I’d go to good old London Where my memories often stray. There are the old grey alleys, The steeples and the towers, The parks alive with friendly birds, The fragrant English flowers, The memories and traditions, The cold grey mist and rain Oh, to go to London, London Town again! The dustmen and the newsboys, The humming of the wheels, The London-in-the-heart-of The N ever-down-at-heels. Back in good old London Laughter in the rain; Robins sing in London Now it’s spring again. Their spirit cannot be destroyed By any German bomb, So off I’ll go to London Back to my old home, The dustmen and the newsboys, ' The humming of the wheels, The London-in-the-heart-of-things, The Never-down-at-heels. “Arethusa,” Cambridge.

IF I had a magic carpet my destination would be Palestine, cradle of the world, and geographically the centre of the earth. Life in Palestine has changed little since early times. How interesting it would' be to see the Bedouin, descendants of Ishmael, living in the “black tents of Kedah;”

to look upon the ranunculus, narcissus, cyclamen, lilies of the field, and marguerites of many kinds. I would like to linger beside the pool of Bethsaida and of Siloam. The brook Cherith, Jericho, the city of palms, Bethany, Nazareth, the road to Emmaus are names which are music to my ears. I would like to see Tel Aviv, that great modern city built by the Jews exiled from Europe; the cedars of Lebanon; and the hill called — “Golden Amber,” Frankton. I WOULD like to see some of the more inaccessible parts of our own lovely countrylonely Stewart Island; the majestic beauty of Milford Sound as one enters it from the sea; the innumerable little bays and inlets of Queen Charlotte Sound, some of them as quiet and peaceful as they were when Captain Cook sailed up the harbour in , his “great white bird.” After flying over the Alps in the radiant light of a Westland sunset, and following the Buller as it twists through the gorge, I would visit the

North Island to see the gannets on Cape Kidnappers; the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu; the Bay of Islands; and Spirits Bay, which the Maoris claim to be the place where souls departed for the spirit . world. “Francisca,” Westland. ONE reads of the beauty of Canada in such books as Ralph Connor’s “Glengarry Days” vast land must be very interesting to visit. I would also like to go to the land of the thistle with its crags and lochs, and visit the Isles before journeying to the homeland of our Jersey herds. Then I would travel to Iceland, ,to satisfy a doubt I have always had as to whether Iceland poppies grow there as commonly as daisies in summer. Feilding. 1 WOULD go to Russia; to Moscow where the ancient towers of the Kremlin stand black against the sky; to Leningrad, that gallant city whose factories during the siege operated on a 24-hour basis; to Stalingrad, where new life is stirring, and amid the devastation people are busy restoring factories, mills and shops. I would go to the Ukraine and sense something of the timelessness of the seasons as I watch the harvesting of the crops. The Revolution did away with the blessing of the land by the priests before planting on a date ordained by them. Now the crops are planted in the spring and ripen with the lengthening days. Superstition is no longer responsible for the failure of the harvest. I would go to Siberia — on these vast, treeless plains the Cheliabink Station of Agricultural Science has carried out such wonderful experiments with wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes. “Marguerite,” Marton.

Competitions AUGUST The competition subject for August is “The Month I Like Best.” Closing date, August 15. SEPTEMBER Recently I received a letter from a bride who has gone to live on a backblocks farm where conditions approximate those of the pioneers. However, she and her husband consider themselves very fortunate, as they have wonderful neighbours. Knowing how important neighbourliness is in country districts, I would like to have your opinions as to what' are the essential qualities a person needs to possess in order to be a good neighbour. There will be a prize of 10/- for the best essay, and a second prize of 5/-. “THE ART OF BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR.”. Entries must reach me by September 15. “MARY,” “Journal of Agriculture,” Box 3004, Wellington. iiiiiiiimiiimniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiHiii

“SOME DAY IT’LL WORK” \ A FRIEND of mine has a great many gifts which have been sent to her from the Middle East. One of them is a magic carpet. I think it is the most beautiful" piece of work 1 have ever seen. It is like an ordinary mat, only much thicker, and it is large J enough to sit on with comfort on the floor. Around the edge is a fringe of scarlet tassels. The , carpet itself is worked in an intricate Eastern design in several colours, but the most wonderful part about it is that whichever way you hold it to the light the colours and pattern appear totally different all over the carpet, until " it becomes just a dazzling piece of colour, and the effect is startling, n I could hardly believe that it was 1 worked, in the same design, with / the same colours all over, and it i needs a very careful inspection 1 before you can be sure that this is so.

My friend is naturally very proud of her magic carpet, and I asked her if she had tried it out to see if the magic works. She laughed and said, “No, I would rather keep the illusion that some day, if I really wanted it to, it would — “I.J.S.”, Otaki.

“Look out for Pneumonia!”

Contributed by The Department of Health

IV JE have reached the period of W the year which brings with of the year which brines with it chills and changes, colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia. As you don’t particularly want to catch pneumonia, there are a few simple things you should know- before winter really arrives. ' The cause of pneumonia is a germ known medically as the pneumococcus germ. He claims victims any time in the year, but his favourite time is late autumn and winter, when our bodies are not so resistant. Aiding the Enemy We help this invader to establish a bridgehead in our lungs by doing things that lessen this resistance. One or other of these things, or a combination of several of them, such as skimping sleep and rest, keeping fresh, cool air out of buildings, not taking exercise outside because of inclement weather, not eating rightly—that balanced diet raises its responsible head once —and doing too much overtime so that you exhaust your reserves of resistance and vigour of these things will undermine your health. Having thus laid yourself open to attack, the next step in helping the pneumococcus invader is to get a thorough chill. Normally a chill is a little matter, but if you’re already run down or have a cold, a chill may be followed by fever, and then you’ll probably be in for a bout of pneumonia. Another way to help the treacherous germ is to pretend ’ you’re tough and neglect a cold. , Whenever you are

suffering from ’flu, a severe cold, or you’re not throwing off a cold easily, that’s the time to remember the pneumonia germ. These infections of nose, throat, or lungs help him to gain a footing. Resist the Invader There you have the prescription for pneumonia you’ve only to reverse this prescription to keep fit this winter. Get your eight hours’ sleep and see that your children have 10 to 12 hours’ sleep, according > to age. Make up for short sleep on party nights by extra sleep the next night. Open the windows and ventilate your office or working place, and get out of doors as often as you can. Don’t be working back night after night through winter; have a spell and some relaxationyou’ll work better in the long run, and you won’t lower your resistance. Lastly, and this is most important, eat a well-balanced diet,

rounded off with a daily dose of cod liver oil or a substitute. Dodge chills this winter. ' Wear thicker top clothes instead of swathing yourself in . winter flannels, and aerate your skin by persisting with cellular type under Wear. Carry a warm overcoat to counter a cold snap. Change rain-wet clothes, and see that your footwear is in watertight condition for the cold, wet months ahead. It is very much better to have warm clothes and a cool room than to work in overheated rooms. Those warmly clad with cool fresh air round their heads are better able to stand the change to cold outside, and resist chills. ( Be careful with coldsavoid people with colds as much as possible. But if you catch one, keep your sneezes and. coughs covered, and go to bed if it is severe or doesn’t clear up as quickly as it should. Coughing, a temperature, pain in the side or chest, rapid or tight breathing, and thick rusty sputumthese things usually mean pneumonia, and you must call your doctorthe earlier the better if the sulphonamide drugs are to win the battle. , Plan now to avoid pneumonia that means keeping fit, dodging chills, and treating colds with respect! i

Hosts and Hospitality

WHAT I really love doing is making our many guests feel at home. We have a tiny house and four kiddies to pack into it, but ever since our marriage 12 years ago our small “Elisha’s room 1 has scarcely ever been empty at week-ends. Our visitors are mainly young people—weary nurses, training college students, or lonely folk, and they all remark on the atmosphere of home. These are a few of the simple rules I have made for their comfort — try to serve meals punctually, so that visitors can arrange their day accordingly. I always serve breakfast in bed for the guest, and send in a simple tray adorned with a fresh flower or two. The kiddies love to help in this little task. I impress on our visitor that she isn’t making any extra work. This is important, for nobody can rest properly if she feels she is a burden to a busy mother. I insist on the children being quiet during the visitor’s rest-hour: it not only helps to restore jaded-nerves in an adult, but it trains the children to be considerate to others. Cups of tea are always available and visitors are free to help themselves to fruit or food any time they wish. The children’s

manners are corrected as little as possible during meals, thus keeping mealtimes cheerful and free from discord. Guests greatly appreciate small acts of thoughtfulness, such as having, a hot water bottle filled, slippers warmed by the fire, flowers and books in the bedroom. At night when we have company we put the children to bed as early as possible, so that a period of relaxation may be enjoyed. My husband combines with me in endeavouring to make our home a place where tired, depressed, or sick folk love to come. To send each one back to the busy world cheered and refreshed in mind and body is our constant aim, and our own home life is all the richer and fuller as a conse—“Anne Margaret.” SLEEP Now blessings light on him that first invented this same sleep: it covers a man all over, thought and all, like a cloak; it is meat for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, heat for the cold, and cold for the hot. It is the balance that sets the king and the shepherd, the fool and the wise man, even. Cervantes.

Arts and Crafts

“Wfjosie toljo lobe tfje arts are all felloto^it^enef.” —Voltaire

IN my previous article on the Wellington Technical College 1 deI -t. Jxrr. x it. xx j ti■ r? x. xx•x- r . A scribed the work of the Modelling Department. This time 1 want to tell you about further branches of arts and crafts sponsored by the school. Many pupils who are busy with other courses cannot give more than an hour a week to this form of self-expression, yet these brief periods of tuition are productive of remarkably good results.

T HAD not realised before how I effective not realised before crosseffective a simple niece of crossstitch can be when embroidered ffi colouredwools on canvas and com verted into a bag or a belt, a kettleholder or a needle-book. Each design was first drafted on swank naner was first dratted on graph paper, which served m the nature of a chart to guide the young needlewoman as to how many stitches to take and what shades to use. Butterflies and bluebirds, flowers and fishes, though very decorative, yet appeared almost to come to life. A group of dancing figures expressed the very essence of rhythmic movement, while the prevailing modernistic trend was evinced by geometric patterns in bold colourings. I also discovered that most attractive openwork sandals could be evolved from cross-over straps of this tapestry attached to leather soles decidedly original idea and one which I know would commend itself to many a housewife who is handy with her . needle. One ambitious lass had even constructed a wedgie heel from a piece . of wallboard, and very smart it looked,

too, with its covering of scarlet suede. Moccasins are another form of footgear which the students enjoy making. The sheepskins for this purpose are usually dyed brilliant hues, and the resultant array of slippers rivals the glories of Joseph’s cloak. 11111111111111111111111111 mi 1111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111 111 II

The needlework samplers undertaken by the first-year pupils . were models of neatness and displayed all kinds of stitchery, including Y-stitch, lace-stitch, and satin-stitch; needleweaving, eyeleting, and applique, the last-named following , the Egyptian method of turning the edge of • the applique material under and then hemming it. Once having mastered these rudiments the students could then turn their knowledge to account in the manufacture of various useful articles: knitting-bags and bookcovers, carry-alls and cushions, and a positive bevy of tea-cosies. Prevailing difficulties in securing suitable , materials had not been allowed to hamper their efforts, and it. was a revelation to see the many ways in which coloured hessians could be used to advantage. Senior students are also required to do samplers. These not only , exhibited considerable technical skill, but. each sample of embroidery, though entirely different from its companion, was so arranged as to blend into a pleasing whole; for instance, a square of Roman cut-work was balanced by a medallion of richelieu; next to an Elizabethan motif in ebony and crimson was a blue and red Jacobean design, while other stitches were grouped to resemble flowers, and shells. Another pleasing item of embroidery consisted of daisy-like circles of blue felt scattered here and there on a round white cushion and buttonholed in violet. Incidentally, I was told that the cushion cover itself had been made out of unbleached calico, which goes to show what clever fingers can accomplish out of even the most ordinary materials. I am sure you all would

have admired the tablecloth bordered with lambs gambolling among spring flowers;'the cosy and wagon set in fillet work; the applique picture of tropical palms and blossoms and wild geese in flight; the firescreen depicting a fairy-tale dragon with gleaming green eyes and gilded scales and fiercesome claws. Most of the students, however, had concentrated on modern Assisi work, a type of embroidery which originated in medieval Florence and has been adapted to suit present-day methods. The design is outlined in back-stitch and the background filled in with cross-stitch. This looks particularly well on tray cloths, runners, place-mats, and other table linen. All manner of familiar objects had been utilised by way of —strutting turkeys and little brown rabbits; squirrels and trees; snails in companionable pairs; eels darting among forests of seaweed; kingfishers poised ' over jade-green water. One cloth had panels of kiwis, a typical New Zealand touch. The joys of handiwork are not confined to the feminine sex only, for in addition to their natural aptitude for woodwork the lads made a splendid showing with their leatherwork. Handbags seemed to be their specialty: the long, envelope kind which are so fashionable at the moment, being ideal repositories for the multitude of articles we find necessary to carry about with us. There were several I liked particularly— a light beige in an interlacing Celtic design; a second, of navy embossed with acorns; a third, upon whose smooth surface were tooled fishes and sea-anemones in an under-water setting, the rose and green and ultramarine tints having been obtained by spirit dyes; and another, featuring a woodland scene, the deer and tree being in the Jacobean manner and beautifully 'coloured. Stool-tops and writing-cases also lend themselves to this ornamental treatment, ■ and I wish you could have seen the glorious sunset which graced a pair of book-ends. Even such mundane things as belts took on a decorative note when adorned by galloping horses. Indeed, most of the beltowners were so proud of their efforts that they had requisitioned them for personal use and were extremely reluctant to part with them for display purposes! There was also a special hobbies room, and pupils not only received instruction but could take their models away and continue working on them at home if they wished to do so. When I visited the room it presented a decidedly masculine appearance, the benches being covered with miniature aeroplanes and tommy guns, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and naval craft of every description. Modelling is another subject in which boys take part as well as girls.

Plaques, candlesticks, ornaments, busts, and pottery designsall were the work of first- and second-year students. The models of stags and the one of a horse, although still in clay form awaiting the final touches, were outstanding examples of masculine skill. Equal competence was shown by the girl sculptor who was responsible for the delightful figure of a child resting after play. In the Art Department a series of colour studies i demonstrated the use of colour in composition. The practical application of design was shown in gay wrappers for toys and Easter eggs, and patterns for wallpapers and fabrics. If a special design is required— Mexican theme, saythe student must first study the topography of the country concerned and learn something of its people and their customs before he starts drawing desert cactus and adobe huts and picturesque matadors, and thus a great deal of interesting information is gained in the process. Similarly, Maori mythology acquires a new significance for those desirous of incorporating Native, symbols in design. Another pleasant way of stimulating interest in geography is by means of travel posters saw a very striking one carried out in monotones of blue and white, depicting South Sea island palms, snow-covered mountain ranges, the thistle emblem of Scotland, and mosques and minarets, and superimposed on these a clever arrangement of nebulous clouds and revolving spheres, indicative of air transport round the world. Nature study is also popular, judging by the number of paintings of fishes and flowers, butterflies, and beetles. Even the . “stick” insect was included, and the zoo was well represented by lions and tigers, polar bears,

and parrakeets. Monkeys . swung by their tails from exotic-looking trees and rosy-plumaged flamingoes waded in . reed-fringed pools. The work which appealed to me most, however, was the series of illustrations for such favourite stories as “Cinderella,” “Bambi,” and “The Magic Wood,” and the book jackets, the titles of which had. been chosen by the youthful artists themselves. Classics like “The Arabian Nights,” “The Swan,” and “Tales From Grimm” rubbed shoulders with “New Zealand Forestry” and the adventurous-sounding “Sea Gold” and “Wild Horses.” The elementary exercises in lettering had been rendered much more interesting by being set out in the form. of . a child’s alphabet: “A is for Apple,” and so on, accompanied by appropriate drawings. In addition to the usual art classes the college also offers a course in preparatory art, and primary school children from 6 to 14 years of age can avail themselves of this opportunity to further their artistic ambitions. This venture was given considerable impetus by the exhibition of paintings by British children held in Wellington last year. The beginners seem to go in for floral arrangements, farmyard and domestic scenes, while the older ones show a preference for landscapes and still life, or try their hand at anatomical studies. My chief impression at the close of my visit was not only of the general excellence and variety of the work, but its quality of joyousness proof of the true pleasure experienced by these young students in their creative achievements.

Thoughts On Beauty The only true physical beauty is that which reflects beauty of spirit. Take away from our hearts , the love of the beautiful and you take away the charm of Rousseau. Beauty, truth, and goodness are not obsolete:. They spring eternal in the breast of man.—Emerson. No beauty’s like the beauty of the Mind.—Cooke. To keep in sight Perfection, and adore The vision is the artist’s best delight. —Sir W. Watson.

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WE have about 85 acres of land *V which we are clearing gradually. We intend to turn it into a “sheep, poultry, and tomato greenhouse” type of farm. There are several groves of kowhais on our land, and in October, when the blossoms appear, numbers of tuis come looking for the honey. Fortunately, the trees are well off the road, and the birds are thus safe from any mischievously-disposed schoolboys with the desire to throw stones. Since Christmas we have had only one fine week with a single fine day now and again. At one side of our house we have a very large lawn and this has been so consistently covered with water that a pair of kingfishers which normally live beside . a forest stream have taken up their abode at the back of the house. They spend hours every day on the power line which passes over the “lake,” and I hope they are not too disappointed at the fishless condition of the same “lake.” — “Francisca.” DON’T you like to come into a room that has books and magazines lying about and big bowls of flowers in odd and unexpected corners instead of the usual “vase” in the accepted place? Even bits of mending on a table give a homely kind of feeling there’s something of character in a room where signs of honest work are not hidden. Who has not felt the difference between such a room and one that is kept only for very special occasions? Let those who wish have their fine drawing rooms, but I prefer a living room where flowers, books, music, and darning vie with one another for — “Jonathan.” TALKING about closing time, I thought this little remark was very apt: “He who watches the clock generally remains one of the hands.” “Roundabout.” AS a nation’s strength or weakness is the outcome of the home life of its people, do you not think the following lines convey a timely challenge to the womanhood of the world? V “As long as there are homes to which men turn at close of day; As long as there are homes where children are, where women stay; If love and. loyalty and faith be found across those sills, A stricken nation can recover from its ills.” “Autumn Tints.”

T TOW I’ve enjoyed your “Good * Neighbour” pages these last few months. What a treasure-house you must have from which to glean all those wee gems of poems you tuck into odd corners. Here is a fragment you may not know: — “In a swirling petticoat Bracken-brown and berry red, Mushroom buckles on her shoes, Misty scarves about her head. Autumn dances o’er the fields, To the will-o’-wispish tune Of a gypsy-hearted wind Piping ’neath a yellow moon. Dances, too, my gypsy heart To' the little madcap tune ' The tiny will-o’-wispish wind Pipes beneath a yellow moon.” —“Tinkle Tinkle.” T LOVED the various choices for the book competition. I gave it up when I had finally got my list down to about 60 or so. How interesting

it must have been for you to read all the . choicespeople’s tastes vary so, don’t they? of course, I would have been compelled to include in my list one of the much-loved volumes by A. A. Milne, either the “Pooh” books or the little poems, or “Ole’ Brer Rabbit” or “'Alice in Wonderland,” which either my husband or I generally try to read to our children each night. If my husband reads about Winnie the Pooh, I find myself not rattling the evening dishes quite so much, so that I can listen in as “L.R.A.” IHAVE been a . most interested reader of your pages for several years. I thoroughly enjoy the essays ’ IT

and the paragraphs, and I have , tried many of the recipes with great success.—“ Golden Amber.” , >. . I AM of a somewhat melancholy disposition, given to fits of depression, but I have my own cure for “blue” days. I recite fragments from “The ' March of Life,” by C. J. Dennis, and one . verse in particular: “And I am blest because my feet have trod A land whose . fields reflect the smiles of God.” From my back door I see a wonderful vista of undulating hills, and green fields. I also have a glimpse of blue water with a range of purple mountains as a back-drop. And as I gaze upon this beauty a deep peace enters my soul and I feel this is indeed “a land whose fields reflect the smile of — “Honeysuckle Rose.” WHAT city children miss, with ■ their bought scooters and kiddycars, compared with the country children’s joy in manufacturing their own toys. From Mother’s long-hoarded petrol case, a pair of pram wheels found on the “tip,'” and a liberal helping from Father’s nail-box, my little girl made a cart that would go. The cow’s cover is minus a few straps, but a dog must have harness, even though he doesn’t show as much enthusiasm for this new game as he might have and has a habit of lying down in the shafts.“Kirsty.”

WHEN we were travelling down VV from Christchurch a few weeks ago I noticed that the grassy hollows in the meadows were full of rain. I have always loved those gathered waters and remember one at Wakefield with drowned buttercups in it, a reflected mountain, and a blackbird paddling! A glimpse of reflected lovelinessreflections have a strange beauty and attraction, don’t they?— mainly because of their unexpectedness, I — “Tinkle Tinkle.” I THINK that one of the lovely things A in life is a garden. Be it large or small, it brings a special joy to its

owner’s heart. Perhaps it may be years before one’s gardening dreams are realised, but there is delight in that time of 1 planning and toil.— “Peggy.”

BOOKS , comfort and uplift one can get from them. To read a good novel helps me to forget my own troubles as I live with the characters. A book like “Pioneer Women” makes one thankful for present conditions of living, after learning of the

hardships women endured in years gone by. A visit to one’s neighbour who lives at a distance is also appreciated. It may be an effort to get the .youngsters ready, but if one is fortunate enough to be able to drive a car, then pay a call and come home feeling that yours, is not the only family in the world after all. Perhaps you have found your friend in a worse plight than yourself and by your sharing of experiences your own difficulties fade into the past and you look to the future with courage and new “Bluebell,” Waitohi.

WHENEVER I feel lonely and unhappy I turn to my piano. When I commence to play and become engrossed in the music time simply flies and I forget that I was feeling blue. After I’ve finished playing my mind is so full of thoughts concern-

ing the, music of the great composers that I find the world is full of sunshine even on the coldest, wettest day. —“Pianist,” Ashburton. THERE is much to be said in favour of starting a home museum while the girls and boys are infants. Beginning in a humble way the exhibits may consist of a few . sea-shells, acorns, pebbles, brightly coloured feathers, and so on. The kiddies themselves will love arranging their simple treasures in a case composed of three cardboard shoe boxes placed one on top ( of another and held together by a strip of paper pasted along the top and down each end. Heavy articles should rest upon the lowest shelf for stability. As the collection grows in volume and importance a more substantial receptacle will be necessary. “ Meg”, New Plymouth. OW well I remember one Christmas long ago when we were children living in a small English village. My sister and I had contracted scarlet fever and were isolated in a small room on the ground floor. We were not very ill and were a source of interest to the village children. They used to bring bottles of hot water and diligently clean all the hoar-frost off the windows so that they could gaze at us within. On Christmas morning they came, and sang carols to us and held up their gifts for us to admire through the glass. On Christmas afternoon the old

doctor drove in his gig from the town. He stood with his back to the fire and told us fairy stories. When he was leaving he gave us each a lucky sixpence with a hole in it. • Those sixpences are still among our treasures! “Susan,” Kamo. HPHE children and I have been gardening and have done over all our plots. Now' we are sending for. a dozen prize gladioli, so we will have

-.nn—till—~•llli—--nil—>llll—llli—llli—-Illi—Illi—1111—•—.1 I—something new and lovely to look at later' on. It wouldn’t be a happy world to me without my garden. We’ve had bunches and bunches of violets this year. I found that they kept most successfully indoors for a week so long as there was no fire .in the room and the flowers were put into a deep vase with water almost up to their heads. — “Tiggetty Boo.”

The Plough Chaste and pale the silver light of frosty grass, And pale the sun’s long fingers as they pass In light caress upon the ploughing team, Turning to gold the aura of their steam. The horses like bronze wraiths are glowing; Sharply upon the plough, the rays are showing That steel which bites into the frozen land, Shattering the sterile beauty of a fairy ' band, < Cutting a furrowed scar into the rich black soil, Writing in long straight lines a script of toil. Then come the hungry birds into the field Searching for food the riven earth will yield That generous earth, so eager for maternity, Waiting the seed to prove her vast fertility. O, grant the mothering joy to arms so wide, O, let her bring sweet harvest to the countryside! Chaste and pale the silver light of frosty grass, But through this static beauty steel must pass. Elsie M. Ryan.

LuUaby . TO BARRY Sleep, lovely boy of the fair downy head; Rest in my arms, little flower. Star-dust '/ on drooping white eyelids is shed As I lay thee in blue-ribboned bower. Fragile white dreams from the starscattered night Flutter across closing eyes, As clutching his cover with fingers curled tight My darling in tiredness lies. Dear trusting face, >' ■ By pillow-lace, Sleep as the day softly dies. . ■ l —M. N. Kelly.

WINTER Winter, sable clad, has broken the song of the lark, ’ Scattered, unheeding, the leaves in the park— The pink-stemmed. leaves of the sycamore trees. He’s silenced the flight of the bumblebees, Withered the grasses, bent the sedges, Revealed the secrets of brakes and hedges, Robbed the oak of its remnant leaves, Stolen the magic the sunlight weaves. He’s slipped the rowan’s crimson locket With chrysanthemum petals into his pocket— Ah! but see, in his wanton flight He’s dropped the ruff of an aconite! —Gweneth Bell, iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitiiiniiiiiiitiniitiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

JACK FROST Creeping through the keyholes On chilly winter nights, Flying down the chimney In silent icy flights, Squeezing ’neath the doorstep Until he slithers through, A tiny man of mischief Comes in to paint for you. With your thoughts for brushes He paints the whole night long Pictures on your windows As pretty as a song. Dainty little fairies; Butterflies in flight; Birds with long, soft feathers, Are all in glistening white. Elves with pointed noses; And busy honey-bees; Tiny dancing rabbits. And lovely shady trees; Lakes and winding rivers Are all among the clouds. With these fairy pictures ' . , ' The pane for you he crowds. And when you wake each morning In wonder you’ll be lost At the shining beauty From the brush of old Jack Frost! —Paulette A. Leaning.

—llli——llli—'lll—llli—*ll'l—-Illi—<.mi -HU—-ill—-1:11 Quiet The earth is still; Even the flock upon the hill Moves not —its lone sentinel Struck by the day’s spell .... Whispers no wind. ’ Life has just dropped behind— The butterfly sleeps on the stem Of a poppy’s ruby gem, ' And in the nests the birds And on the slopes the herds . Dream of those shimmering distances Where Quiet is.

SOUPS AND STEWS

r T' , HESE wintry days soups have a THESE wintry days on the have a prominent place on the menu, for they are not only appetising, but combine the maximum of nourishment with the minimum of expense. It is not necessary always to have meat or fish stock as a —good soup can be made from vegetable water or milk. Soups are divided into four classes : Clear (made by clarifying first stock); broth (from unclarified stock with vegetables and cereals added); thick (containing flour, cornflour, sago, or egg); purees (which are thickened by rubbing the ingredients through a sieve and adding them to the stock). Here are a few hints to remember when you are making soup; Add the. rind of a lemon while simmering fish bones and trimmings for fish stock. A rasher of bacon chopped fine, and then fried brown and crisp, gives a delicious flavour to vegetable soup. Cooking the vegetables lightly in melted butter or dripping for a few minutes prior to adding them to the stock also improves a vegetable soup. Before putting meat or bones on the fire to simmer cover them with cold water and leave them to stand for a 'while in order to extract all the juices and gelatine possible. Always skim off any fat from stock before using. Stewing is one of the best ways of ensuring that the nutritive properties of meats and vegetables are retained. It is also a saving of time and effort for the busy housewife, since everything is cooked in the one utensil. For a brown stew the meat is first dipped in flour and browned in a little hot fat before being stewed with the vegetables. When making a white stew this browning process is omitted, the ingredients being placed direct in a saucepan or casserole and simmered for the required time. JULIENNE SOUP. 1 quart of brown or first stock, 1 carrot, 1 onion, J turnip, 2 sticks celery, salt. Wash and prepare the vegetables, cutting them into thin match-strips. Cook in salted water, and strain when tender. Bring the stock to boiling point, pour it over the vegetables, and serve. SCOTCH BROTH. 2 carrots, 1 leek, 1 onion, J turnip (large), spinach or other greens, 4 flowerets of cauliflower (optional), -Jib. dried peas, meat or vegetable stock, loz. fat, salt. Soak the peas overnight. Wash the vegetables, and slice them, chopping the onion finely. Melt the fat and

brown the onion in it, then add it to the other vegetables and stock. Simmer gently for 2 hours. Serve with cubes of bread. BARLEY CREAM. i cup barley, 1 onion, 1 cup milk, seasoning, 7 cups mutton stock, 1 carrot, and 1 egg (optional). Soak the barley overnight. Strain it and add with seasoning. to the mutton stock and onion (minced), and simmer till the barley is cooked. (If using a carrot mince this with the onion, and add). Heat the milk and add it to the barley, and ' after the liquid has reached boiling point remove from the fire and leave to cool a little. Then add the egg well

beaten and place the soup over a moderate heat, stirring all the while, till the egg is cooked. On no account allow the soup to boil once the egg has been added. If you wish to. omit the egg, thicken the soup with loz. flour made into a smooth paste with a little cold milk. Serve with croutons of toast or fried bread. CREAM OF CELERY. 2 cups celery (chopped), 1 quart milk, 4 tablespoons flour, 1 cup cold water, salt. : Cook the celery in the water until tender, then add the salt. Blend the flour with a little milk and stir into the celery water. Add the remainder of the milk which has been heated, and combine thoroughly with the celery. Serve accompanied by squares of toast.

LENTIL PUREE. 1| cups lentils, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 3 stalks celery, 1 tablespoon fat, . 2 quarts water or stock, seasoning. Wash the lentils thoroughly, prepare the vegetables and dice them, and add all to the stock or water. Mince the onion and fry in dripping, then add to the soup. Bring to the boil and simmer till vegetables are done. Press through a sieve, reheat, and serve. A small quantity of tomato pulp ,or a bacon rind or a sprig of thyme may be used in addition to heighten the . flavour of the soup. POTATO AND PARSNIP PUREE. 1 cup potato, 1 cup parsnip, 1 onion, salt, 2 cups stock or vegetable water, 2 cups milk, parsley. Wash the vegetables, chopping them and placing them in a saucepan with the stock and salt. Simmer till cooked, then press'through a • sieve. Add the milk and re-heat, stirring gently. Serve hot with a sprinkling of finely-chopped parsley on top of each helping. Do not add parsley till soup is off the fire, as cooking destroys the vitamin C content of the parsley. MEAT.AND VEGETABLE STEW. lib. steak, 3 tablespoons fat, seasoning, tomato sauce, 1 pint water, potatoes, carrots, turnips, parsnips, 1 onion. : -• .... Cut the steak into small pieces, dredge thoroughly with flour, and brown in the fat. Wash and dice the vegetables, add them to the steak and water, season to taste, add as much tomato sauce as desired, and cook, slowly for 2 hours. Thirty minutes before ■ serving add dumplings made from 1 cup flour, pinch of salt, 2goz. suet, and mixed with a little cold water to a stiff paste. Drop in spoonfuls on top of the stew. MUTTON AND KIDNEY HARICOT. Jib. kidney, ljlb. neck of mutton (or chops), . onions, carrots, potatoes, loz. fat, loz. flour, salt and pepper, sufficient water to cover meat. Chop the kidney finely, trim the fat from the mutton. Flour the mutton and fry in the fat; fry the onions also. Place the meat and the prepared vegetables in a casserole, together with seasoning and sufficient water to cover the meat, and simmer for 2J hours. RAGOUT OF BEEF. 21b. lean raw beef, salt and pepper, flour, 2 or 3 tablespoons fat, 1 'onion. (chopped), 1 green pepper (chopped), 1 cup chopped celery and leaves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, paprika. Cut the beef in inch cubes and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and flour.

Brown well in 2 or 3 tablespoons of fat, and while browning ■ add the onion, green pepper, celery, and parsley. Sprinkle with paprika, add water to cover, put on a lid, i and cook slowly for 2| to 3 hours or until the meat is tender. If the stew is not thick enough, mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of flour to a smooth paste with an equal quantity of cold water. To the paste add several spoonfuls of the stew, then stir the mixture into the fest of the stew and cook until smooth and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper, adding, if desired, tomato catsup, or chili sauce, or grated horseradish.

BEAN MEDLEY. 2 cups beans (lima, haricot, or any variety available) onions, carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, salt and pepper, bacon rashers or liver or stewing steak. Soak the beans overnight. Drain and cook in salted water, together with the sliced stewing . steak. (If bacon or liver is used, cut into medium-sized pieces and add later with the vegetables). When the beans are half-cooked add the sliced vegetables and continue simmering at a low heat till the stew is cooked.