Summer Sports Wear.

Our summer frocks are divided into four categories —house-wear, sports-wear, afternoon frocks, evening gowns. Let us deal with the less formal, and, at the moment, the more interesting.

For followers of sport, the first consideration must be freedom of movement; so we ensure that our skirts are of a sufficient width (one and three-quarter yards round the hem should be regarded as the minimum), that our arms can swing freely and that no floating draperies interfere with our movements, The second consideration, is, of course, style. Bearing in mind the necessities of sportswear, we yet find style easy to attain. The necessary width is usually pressed out of sight in the form of inverted pleats; free arm movement is ensured in several ways—we may have the sun-tan type of frock with bare back and shoulders, the useful sleeveless mode, the easy short puff-sleeve, or a small sleeve with inverted pleats to give additional fulness; our outfit is business-like, and the only “floating-drapery” touch we permit is a colourful scarf, three-cornered and knotted carelessly, or oblong threaded through tabs at the neck of the frock and tied with a graceful bow in front. The addition of tabs and an up-to-the-minute scarf will lend a new season's air to a last year's tennis frock.

We must not forget the jumper and skirt which are retaining their popularity. Many young friends of mine are knitting jumpers of the lacy type in cream and pastel shades, and very smart they look. The newest jumpers are finished with a soft lacy scarf—also knitted.

For wear with light frocks, nothing is more useful than the swagger-coat. The short jacket has lost none of its popularity; nor have coats of the blazer type.

Sports hats are perky. The new material hats, with low crowns and the correct tilt of the brim downward in front and slightly to one side, are very smart, particularly in silk. Panamas, so becoming, and so long-lasting, are to the fore again. Hats with mesh crowns are not, I think, advisable for mid-summer wear, as the head requires some protection from the sun. Sporty hats are trimmed with bands of self or contrasting ribbon, and neat little bows.

Our comfortable old friend, the “sandshoe” comes in new guise this year. My choice is the mesh type of shoe, both for looks and coolness—the old type of heavy canvas shoe, allied with the rubber sole, made the feet very hot. Rubber bathing shoes are fascinating, in all colours and all designs. Which leads me to swim suits.

We, in New Zealand, do not buy our bathing-suits merely for beach parading. Our thousands of miles of coast-line have made swimmers of us—and so we don our “togs” for the purpose of swimming. The newest suits are cut away at back and sides to allow the fullest possible exposure to the sun. The more unusual the system of straps and ties across the back, the smarter would seem the suit. We all know how shoulder-straps leave an unwanted line of white skin beneath them. This difficulty has been overcome in a type of suit modelled on a last winter's evening style—there are no shoulder-straps, but the front of the suit is high and a band of material passes round the neck. Our shoulder-blades must decide us as to the adoption of this style. Colours for swim-suits must be gay. In strong sunlight, on yellow sands, one must rival the blue of the sea and the green of the grass. So we choose emerald green, scarlet, a vivid orange, royal blue—or black.

Caps are to match. Don't forget that an old-fashioned mob-cap style, worn under your diving helmet, gives extra protection to your waves. Later, when we are really “in the swim,” I shall have to give some hints on complexion and hair care at the sea-side.

Beach-wraps are gaudy and en suite with our costumes. Towelling wraps are most useful—warm and almost uncrushable.

Beach suits appear in a kind of stockingette material—smartly cut shorts, with a wider leg than last year, and a con trasting blouse. For hikers, nothing is more suitable than tailored shirt and shorts.

Novelties for Christmas Presents.

Although Christmas is still more than a month away, all sorts of preparations are in hand throughout November for the season of goodwill.

Now is the time when the Christmas goose or duck is ordered by those who look ahead, and early plum puddings simmer in the boilers.

But feasting, although it holds a high place, is not the more vital part of the Christmas spirit. What counts is the warm friendliness that develops among all classes—the cheerful giving to bring joy to others, and the sudden flowing towards all mankind of those finer feelings of humanity. It is this that makes Christmas unique among festivals, and no effort should be spared by our womenfolk, in the weeks of preparation ahead, to ensure that they do their part to make the coming Christmas as happy as human foresight, goodwill and open-mindedness can make it.

Mary had so many long, lonely evenings to fill in. She was not strong, and could not go out frequently. She was tired of reading, and had done so much sewing and knitting that she could ao longer bear the sight of it. Christmas was not far off, so well-meaning friends suggested that she should make Christmas presents, but what was there to do? Last year she had made so many tray-cloths and powder-puff cases and become so bored that she had vowed never to give any but bought presents. But what could one buy with limited pocket money?

A friend, feeling worried about Mary's mental lassitude, set to work to find something interesting for her to do. About a week later she came to see Mary, accompanied by a strangelooking parcel which, without a word, she handed to her. When opened, it was found to contain four wooden articles—two serviette rings and two page 43 egg-cups, which had been obtained from a wood-turner for 4d. each. These articles were to be decorated.

First, they were sand-papered until any roughness had been smoothed away, and divided into four equal parts. In one portion a design was drawn in pencil, later to be copied into the other three parts. When this was done they set to work and painted them, using fairly thick water colour, and, when dry, applied a coat of clear varnish. Mary was not an artist, but it was surprising how bright and effective the presents looked when completed.

A few days later, her friend arrived with some poster paints, a round wooden powder-bowl, a pair of quaint candlesticks and a fruit bowl. Mary was surprised that these wooden articles should be so inexpensive, none of them costing more than 2/-.

Before long, the powder-bowl had been decorated with a futuristic repeating pattern design, which consisted of straight lines drawn in different directions thus forming triangles, repeated at even intervals round the bowl. When the lid had been painted with a geometrical design, and the whole had been varnished, Mary was very proud of her handiwork, and eager to commence the fruit-bowl.

A border of fruits which, as Mary was no artist, were not easily recognisable, was drawn round the edge. It was surprising how very unusual and artistic the bowl looked when Mary had finished painting the fruits and given the bowl a black background. After varnishing it, she was amazed that she could, with so little expense and such interesting labour, turn out such an article.

Mary's friends were so pleased with their attractive and unusual Christmas presents that they came to her to be taught this new craft, with the result that the following year, hand-painted wooden presents were the rage.

Now that I am on the subject of the making of Christmas presents—and everyone knows it is often difficult to plan pleasing and original gifts at small cost—I feel inclined to enlarge on the various ways in which novelties, with a little ingenuity and labour, can be made, and which will probably give as much pleasure to the recipient as a more costly gift.

If you are a needlewoman nothing gives so much pleasure as hand-worked articles. Luncheon sets, buffet or service waggon covers made in coloured cottons, or linens, with appliques or embroidery are charming. Novelty stocking-bags or rings are attractive gifts for girls, and may be made to match the colour scheme of the room. Coat-hangers may be covered in many different ways. Embroidered handkerchiefs are dainty, and, edged with tatting, are treasured by the older friends.

Dainty touches may be given a girl's room by novel and dainty night-wea bags, a brush tidy, a crinoline lady to cover the powder box, or a sewing bag.

Children love animal designs on their clothing. Little garments become interesting when trimmed with hand-embrcidered bunnies, ducklings, dogs, etc. This work can be done by older sisters and make gay and amusing garments for the little ones.

Painted tins make charming and useful gifts. Tins with well-fitting lids may be utilised by painting in gay colours which can be filled with favourite home-made sweets, biscuits, shortbread, cakes, etc. A set of painted and labelled tins for the pantry shelf would be much appreciated by the housewife.

One would need an assortment of tins in different shapes and sizes, small tins of enamel paint in gay colours, three brushes (one thick and two fine), and turpentine for cleaning the brushes, fingers etc. Clean the tins thoroughly, afterwards applying a coat of the enamel paint evenly and thinly and allow it to dry. Then add a second coat. When this is dry commence the decoration. It may be dashing and gay or in dainty colourings and designs. Do not attempt a too ambitious design at the beginning. A few dashes or lines or a geometrical design would be effective in orange or red with black, green with mauve or yellow, etc.

For a set of tins for the pantry it is well to match the colour scheme of the kitchen. For instance one could paint a set of small tins for holding the different spices etc., the names of the contents to be written or stencilled in black on a paint ground. The tins look neat and give quite an air to the pantry shelves.

Cardboard boxes of different shapes and sizes may be covered and lined with wall-paper to make charming containers for all kinds of articles, both large and small. Hat boxes are much more attractive covered in this way than the dingy brown affairs that are usually sent from the shops.

To cover a box, carefully cut the paper to fit the top and sides, allowing about an inch for a lap-over on the inside of the box. Paste on carefully, taking care not to have any wrinkles in the paper. Now cut the pieces for the lining exactly to size. These when pasted on should cover the lap-over of the outside pieces.

The outside may be covered with a patterned paper with a plain lining, or the whole box may be done with a plain paper and decorated with bright patterns painted on, or designs of birds or flowers cut from the patterned paper and pasted on the plain ground paper.

To make a more lasting job, the boxes should be painted over with clear varnish.

To Make a Clear Varnish.

Dissolve one tablespoon of shellac in half a cup of methylated spirits. Bottle, and cork tightly when not in use. This varnish must not be taken near a fire or light.

Home Notes.
Christmas Pudding.

Ingredients:—1 lb. flour, 1 lb. breadcrumbs, 1 lb. chopped suet, 1 lb. dates,

“When I was a bride”

Said Mrs. Jones to Mrs Browne … “the future seemed a roseate dream of bliss. Now after a year John is always praising that awful Smith's girl. Says how smart she is and such a capable housekeeper. And so interesting to talk to. Why I can never find any time even to read. Neither can I afford to have a new frock every week!”

And Mrs. Browne advised her friend:

“Why not make your own frocks? It saves pounds and pounds and is not at ail difficult with a roliable ‘Woman's Weekly’ pattern. Besides this magazine is especially edited for Women You will find such a wealth of useful hints on housekeeping and baby care in its pages, while the cooking recipes are, most excellent and economical in the bargain. Dorothy Dix, our confidential correspondent will help you in many domestic troubles, while the happy stories are wonderful to fill in a leisured hour.

Then of course the articles and pictures are up-to-date and keep you well informed about the problems of the day, so that you will never be short of conversation when John comes home.

This 3d. weekly is the best investment I have ever made.”

The “N.Z. Woman's Weekly” contains a wealth of interesting reading matter apart from its excellent pattern service. Order your copy now! 3d. weekly from all booksellers,-. or 4d. posted direct from P.O. Box 1409, Auckland.

page 44

1 lb. seeded raisins, 1/2 lb. currants, 1/2 lb. candied peel, 4 ozs. sugar, a grating of nutmeg, 2 tablespoons treacle, 2 saltspoors salt, 2 level teaspoons spice, 7 eggs, 2 or 3 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons baking powder.

Mix all the dry ingredients together, add the eggs beaten and water just enough to moisten. Mix well and divide into three portions. Tie in cloths dipped into boiling water and boil 5 hours. Serve with brandy sauce.

N.B.—Hang pudding in a cool place.

Brandy Sauce (No. 1.)

Half pint water, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cornflour, 2 tablespoons brandy.

Boil sugar and water for ten minutes. Mix cornflour to a smooth paste with water and pour into the boiling syrup. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time. Boil for 5 minutes. Add the brandy. Do not allow to boil after the brandy has been added as the flavour would be spoiled.

Brandy Sauce (No. 2.)

6 ozs. icing sugar, 2 ozs. butter, 2 table spoons brandy.

Roll and sift the icing sugar. Cream the butter and gradually beat in the sugar and brandy. Beat to the consistency of whipped cream.

* * *

Gastric Influenza.

There is at present almost an epidemic of gastric influenza. The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, or severe abdominal pains, and is often accompanied by a high temperature.

The treatment is to put the patient to bed, and keep warm. Stop all food and give only drinks of boiled water. If the condition does not yield to this treatment within a very short time, a doctor should be sent for, as delays are often dangerous.

After vomiting, etc., has ceased and the temperature has become normal, boiled milk may be given. It is well to keep to a milk diet for a few days after all the symptoms have subsided.

Whooping Cough.

Whooping cough is prevalent at the present time. Children are the most liable to infection, especially in the early school years, although all ages are liable. It is especially distressing and dangerous for old people, young children and infants.

Whooping cough is disseminated by close contact. Infection lies in the secretions of the throat, nose and lungs. The disease is most infectious during the catarrhal stage, before the “whoop” begins. The incubation period is usually from ten to fourteen days. The patient must be isolated for not less than five weeks after whoop has appeared, provided that the characteristic coughs have entirely disappeared. In the winter season convalescence may not be established for three or four months. Relapses and second attacks are very rare.

Course and symptoms.—Whooping cough usually begins with a catarrhal stage lasting from one to two weeks, in which case the patient is ill with symptoms of bronchitis. Sometimes, however, the cough is characteristic from the beginning. It consists of a number of convulsive, choking coughs, ending with a long crowing inspiration or whoop. During a paroxysm there is breathlessness, the face becomes red, dusky or swollen, the eyes bulging, the veins distended, and vomiting is common. Bleeding from the nose may also occur. A sticky, ropy mucus exudes from the mouth and nose during an attack of coughing. The number and severity of paroxysms varies greatly.

Complications.—Some of the complications that may occur are ulceration of the under-surface of the tongue, hemorrhage from the nose and throat. Convulsions, bronchitis and bronchopneumonia may also occur, and these are dangerous complications in young children. When there are any of the above complications or if the disease is at all severe, it is necessary to obtain medical aid without delay.

Treatment.—Patients should be isolated from those who are not immune as soon as a catarrhal cold appears. If there is fever, put to bed in a warm well ventilated room, free from draughts, and keep the air at an even temperature. It is not usually necessary to keep them in bed after the fever has subsided, but they should be kept quiet, and guarded against any thing that might provoke coughing, keep comfortably warm and out of dampness and draughts. During fine weather patients should be out of doors as much as possible. Inhalations are often prescribed. A steam kettle is often employed to give inhalants to young children. Cleanse the mouth and teeth regularly. Watch the bowels, and give aperients when necessary. Do not use handkerchiefs—use pieces of soft old rag which may be burnt.

Diet.—Proper feeding is of great importance. The patient should be fed soon after vomiting, as then the food is more likely to be retained. Give plenty of fluids—water, barley water, orange and other fruit drinks, milk, etc. Only easily digested and nutritious foods should be given, such as broths, custards, milk puddings, sieved or well mashed vegetables, cooked fruit, etc.

To avoid infection, keep children in the fresh air as much as possible. Avoid close contact with sufferers.