Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Wednesday 24 January 1917, page 10


WOMEN TO WOMEN.

OUR MILK SUPPLY.

QUESTION FOR WOMEN.

By VESTA.

The article on the milk question which]

appeared in "The Argus" of Saturday last, January 20, on page 7, should be read by every woman in the State. It reveals a condition of affairs in regard to our milk supply which can only be described as astounding, and in view of that condition of affairs, the indifference of our State and municipal politicians is nothing short of criminal. And the full extent of the dangers due to our extraordinary lack of interest in the matter is not revealed even in that article. Some years ago, when the supply of good mills was a vital one to me, because

my children were small, I had an interested long conversation on the subject with a dairy-

man. The question of the single delivery on holidays was my chief concern, and I asked

what happened to the milk from the Wednesday and Sunday morning milkings which was not delivered on that day, is in mixed with the next lot of milk and delivered as fresh? The reply was positively startling, "No; it is put into cold storage in one of the large dairymen's refrigerating establishments, and left there until the following Sunday or Wednesday. A double supply of milk is not required on the morning after a holiday, hut on the morning before Consequently

Sunday's milk is used to stippled mont the following Wednesday's and Wednesday's the following Sunday's."

This matter was taken up by the National Council of Women, and in the conference held with the Dairyman's Association it was' discussed at length. The majority of ellie' dairymen strongly defended the _>ractice,nnd some'of-them even asserted that, the milk woul.drbc',perfcçtly safe to deliver after a fortnight of such storage. They had, of

course, a certain amount of reason for their contention because if the milk were per-, fccllyclcan.and chilled immediately after milking. it would be- all right so long as it was kept at ice temperature. But after being sent into pearls and carried around the city, and being kept in the ordinary" pantry, 'it deteriorates much more rapidly than the fresh spills. And it was significant that the, mon.who'defended the practice refused to answer the question whether, as fathers,' they would be prepared to use this milk for their own babies. One fact, however, was insisted on by many of the dairymen-the' fact that it'was.diiiicnlt,.if,not impossible, to get their men to undertake any delivery of milk, even for, sick babies, on Sunday

afternoons.

I am hopeful that the investigation which has been set on foot by the State Government to ascertain the best way to ensure a supply of milk for the sick babies of the poor will result, in '. some, helpful suggestions as' to our milk supply generally. But if a satisfactory scheme is proposed, it must have behind pt the full weight of the support of the women of the State. This is pre-eminently a Woman's question. The average man knows nothing about it, and therefore' takes very little interest in it. He expects his wife to be endowed with a heaven-sent ability to keep her children alive and healthy.. Women have got to see that the men who, can control these affairs should take the lives of our little children into consideration. This is one of the occasions on which is is advisable to remind our legislators and municipal councillors that women have votes. Women's franchise has not done much for Australia, but if it helped us to get a healthy milk supply, it would have gone a long way to justify itself.

In the meantime the whole onus of saving the babies' lives rests upon the mothers and the doctors. We can find no fault with the doctors: their efforts are splendid and unremitting. But the mothers have a great deal to learn. Scrupulous cleanliness is the first thing. To keep the babies themselves exquisitely clean; to wash and boil before every meal every. vessel and spoon used for the babies' food; labour every day the jugs and'hasinV and cans in which milk is kept; to keen the milUjalways' on ice; or in an any place with special cooling arrange. events: never to let the sun shine on it; to treat flies as if one could see the typhoid, gastritis,-, and colitis germs with which they are laden these are some of the things that mothers must learn to do if they are to make sure of their babies' lives. And their vigilance must never be relaxed, for the most dangerous thing about milk is that we cannot discover, either by taste or smell, whether it is in that condition when it is poisonous to babies. It may seem perfectly sweet and yet he deadly. Ice should be proper ed during the summer whenever possible. The money spent on picture theatres in many homes where there, are, babies would more than pay for the! If ice is un-procurable, the jug of milk may stand, in a small tub of water, with two or three thicknesses of damp, butter cloth over it, but the tub must be placed in a cool, airy place, and it must be well scoured every day. The butler-cloth must be well boiled every day. JCvcn with the freshest of milk these precautions are all required if the milk

is to be kept, safe through the hot days' of summer. If the milk is just the ordinary supply, it should be sterilised by boiling in a closely covered vessel, and should be kept boiling for 20 minutes. Then it should be allowed to cool, and be kept in the manner described. And if sterilised milk, be used the baby should be given as little fresh orange juice daily. A little fresh butter added to the milk or given in a teaspoon occasionally is also, I think, a good thing when sterilised milk or condensed milks are used.

AUTUMN CLOTHES."

THE NEW COATEES..

The first of the autumn and winter goods are being shown in Melbourne already, although, of course, to most women they appear absurd at this time of the year.

Coat frocks of very attractive design- are prominent amongst the dresses, and this fact will be gratifying to those few people

who have already adopted the fashion here.

All the new dresses will hang straighter than they have done for some time, but

otherwise there seem to be no pronounced cl)ai_gt__ Amongst the new ideas there is one which will pIciiKc many people This is the little country., of which one or two designs are produced It is intended as a Substitute for the rigid it cost of the coat and skirt costume and may he made either to match the dark, or of contrasting colour or material 1 or wear with thin dresses it may be made of taffeta ashes or dark blue or nigger brown taffeta i could he worn with a black or biscuit coloured skirt, or with a frock of patterned -voile With a cloth cape de chine, or serge skirt the coffee might be of taffeta or velvet trimmings of fur and of total galon is being used on the winter comes in England, but for our summer wear the little taffeta coatee with a tucked fichu collar of georgette would be more appropriate The short, full basque of these little coats is very becoming to plump as well as to slender people, but it is important to note that the waist of the coatee must be wide, and not close fitting On a plump figure the tight) girdled waist is very ugly, accentuating the size of both bust and hips

RED CROSS AND PATRIOTIC WORK

Soldier's Appreciation.

PITT" (Melbourne) forwards the following extract from a letter from Lieutenant J F PascoeWebbe on active service - 4 The days are short and dark at half-past 2 p.m., and the ni go to are long, wet, and dreary The mud is indescribable. The men in the trenches have to wear rubber boots, which come right up to the thigh, but still the water gets In The feet are rubbed daily with whale oil to prevent trench feet and frost bite, Thanks to the Red Cross, every man changes Ina Jack- each morning- the dirty Socks are then sent to the divisional baths to be washed This changing of socks be frequently is the best preicntUc there is, and it is a god send so far as comfort is concerned to get do, clean socks every

day "

_ mistake is made in attributing these comforts to the Red Cross. The Red Cross cares for the sick and wounded only It is important to remember this, because the Red Cross Society in joys special privileges by reason of its devotion to the sick and disabled, and to use it as an agency for increasing the effectiveness of the actual combatants would be a distinct breach of the International Convention under which it in joys those privileges The Germans have been all too ready to accuse us of using the Red Cross in this was, so we must be careful not to do or say anything which would give colour to such a suggestion The comforts supplied to the men in the trenches are furnished by the War Office and Defence authorities and by the Australian Comforts Fund, of which our own Lady Mayoress a Patriotic league is a branch.

Sock Competition.

In- connection with the comforts fund of the 3rd Divisional Supply Column Motor Transport a sock competition has been arranged, to close on the first Tuesday in April A paste of one guinea will be awarded for the best pair of socks entered Pntrlc. will be received and particulars given at the depot room, Savoy Cafe, on Tuesdays and lb ural ay s .

Wool Wanted. '

"V Higginson" (Ambleside, to Mr (hours road, Toorak) asks if any of my readers would be good enough to send her oddments of wool to be made into crocheted blankets for the soldiers She has just finished her third blanket, and is anxious to

form another

The Parkville and Royal Park branch of the Red Cross Society will ask for donations of scraps of wool suitable for 1 fitting into quilts Parcels should be Rentle the honorary secretary, Miss Coulson, of Royal! parade, Parkville

Women and Munitions

"Volunteer" (Dennnllum) asks if the authorities will in lie inexperienced women to work in the mind lion factories in 1 rightful

>o women are being sent from Australia to do munition work in England Men are being sent both by the authorities and bl munition firms, but plenty of women seems to be available in Eng land Most of the women who i el under for the work there are sent to do a short course of train-ing in some school or workshop /

, Kid Gloves.

"IjWT" Ofaryhorougli) has a few pairs of old kid gloves which she would send to anyone who desires them for making soldiers' vests.

GENERAL HOYTS.

STRAWRniUtT CULTURE.

1 Gibbie (Geelong West) would be very grateful to any of my readers who could give her advice or information about the cultivation of straw berries

VST ron tank irANBKuncinrr

' Lynde" (Caulfield) asks me to suggest an artistic war of utilising a white silk handkerchief, embroidered with pink and yellow roses, which has

been sent as a souvenir from France

I should not dream of putting it to any use, but should keep it in lavender When the war is over some an area of this sort will be doubly precious to all of us and we shall get the greatest. enjoyment out of them by keeping them to. hand on to our children, with the story of how they

came to us <- ~

1 " a, day, DUES^nnSIGNTNO A

*fT#-v* (Port Canrnlwll) asks about- openings for British designers. She bag passed her junior public and done a course in drawing at a technical school and would be prepared to do further tram

*ng.

I am afraid that there are not many openings for dress designers in Victoria. So far as I can- discover, the strong do not employ designers, bat are content to use the fashion journals. If the technical schools are to be effective they should be able to advise students on matters of this sort, and to train directly for special avcnijca_of work.

TO WASH FLANNEL. ' r "Iras" (H. Malvern) rays:-"My'experience in washing woollens is that the cold water and soft soap does not suit when wool is worn next the skin, or by men who perspire freely. Flannels in this case should be washed in hot water if they are to smell fresh after washing."

, Excessive perspiration is very damaging to woollen clothes, but I think it probable that the use of a little ammonia with the soft soap and borax mixture would help to soften and sweeten the flannels. I have used the cold water method for twelve years for all the flannels worn in my house, and everyone wears them next the skin,

USEFUL HINTS.

"M.M." (Apollo Bay) recommends a polish made of equal parts of raw linseed oil, turpentine, vinegar, and methylated spirits for darkening and Improving linoleum and furniture. " The ingredients, should be mixed" well and bottled, and the bottle should be well shaken before using. Linoleums become slippery if the mixture is used too freely, but it is splendid for improving shabby linoleum. "MSM." used it when her linoleums had been spoiled by carpenters and plasterers working in the house, and found that it restored the linoleums, removing the grey tinge and hiding nil crutches. It should be put on sparingly, and

rubbed well in.

Another good hint sent by this correspondent is arouse insectibane on shelves" and, in cupboards to keep ants away. It does not seem to kill, them, but they will not come near it.' It in also a good thing to use for getting rid of cockroaches. "If used freely it will soon rid~a\housc of this post. It knocks them over on their backs, and they can be swept up and burned, '.

TO STAIN FLOORS.

"FAITH." (East St- Kilda) asks what is the most satisfactory way to stain floors. She wants one with a blackwood stain and of one with a Jacobean oak offers.

If special effects of this sort are wanted, it is much better to have the floors done by a competent tradesman. In any case, it will be necessary to get r special stains from a paint shop. The stains must not be "varnish" stains. Before applying the stain, scrub the floor well Apply the stain whilst the floor is, still, damp- The stain penetrates better if this is done. Some tradesmen use a little caustic soda with their stains, as they say this helps the stain to work in well. It would be advisable, however, to consult the paint-dealer about this, as it might not answer with the special stain. When doing a whole floor, the simplest way to apply the "stain is a with a long-handled brush, using a sweeping" sort of movement. When the floor is stained all mer and quite dry, apply boiled oil evenly with a soft cloth, rubbing the oil well in. Let this dry thoroughly, allowing two or three days for the drying, then give a second coat of oil, and let that also dry thoroughly. Then apply beeswax and turpentine, and polish well, flax the beeswax and turpentine thin enough t to leave only a soft film is dropped on the floor Take a soft cotton cloth, and dip one corner of it into the mixture, Roll the cloth up tightly and squeeze it to distribute the wax evenly through it. Put this cloth on the floor, and with a stiff straw broom push the cloth up and down each board, using a good deal of pressure. Then take a clean old flannel cloth, and in the same way rub up every board with this until a nice polish is obtained. The floor will not be in really good condition until it has been polished a good many times.

BUGS.

Completely Cured" (ITawkFbnro) ya that she has been successful in getting rid of the bug pest She burned formalin cones in the room. A cone costs eighteenpence. It is difficult. to get the cane on fire, and it is not burned out until reduced to a white ash. This must be' done pretty frequently until the pest is got rid of. Liquid formalin should also be sprinkled freely everywhere.

COPPER STATES.

"Spoilt Clothes" (Lyndhurst) asks why a copper which has been in use for three" or four years without causing any trouble should now state some of the clothes yellow.

., The trouble is, more than probably, due to the action of the soap on the copper. Probably there is some change in the composition of the mail. The only remedy is thorough scouring of the cop-per before each wash.

CAKE OF HAIR.

"MB." (St. Kilda) asks what is the cause of hair splitting at the ends, and how to prevent it.

The hair will always split at the puts it it is not cared for, and especially if it is dry hair. Once every month or six weeks the hair should be carefully clipped and singed by a competent person. If this in done it will look infinitely better than if this is neglected. It is an easy matter to carry out the process for another person, but almost impossible to do it for oneself. Regular daily breading will also help to keep the hair from splitting.

. ' ltAIIIDILESSINU.

''Leonora" (Melbourne) is about to put up her hair, and asks me to suggest a suitable style.

. There are, for the time being, no fashions in hairdressing so that one may choose urn- style that is becoming. The hair may be parted in the middle or at one ride, and arranged firstly on the forehead, the back portion being arranged either in coils or rolls, and either on the crown of the head or above the nape of the neck. The simplest way is to separate the front portion of the hair from the back, and comb it forward. Then comb up the back hair, and tie it securely either on top or at the nick of the bread. Then arrange the front hair, secur-ing it with hairpins. Then divide and coil up the luck hair. If a stamped and addressed envelope is forwarded and the question repeated, I will send one or two pictures of attractive styles.

"Neat" (Benalla) asks how often oily hair should be washed, and what is a pretty style of hairdress-ing for a girl of sixteen.

Once a fortnight should' he often enough to was the hair. ' Mont girls of sixteen park their base, and

arrange the front portion softly about the forehead, i securing it with one or two neat damp. Then they ' brush the back part neatly, and tie it with a rib Ixra bow at the nape of the neck. Sometimes instead of clasps a velvet band from lin to 2in wide is worn to hold the front hair in place THIS is a plain hand kent tight by joining the two sides that come under the ball with a short length

of elastic

BYrne

"Ionic" (endfield) asks what can be done with a tablecloth which has been dyed at home and has gone lately She also asks for advice as to doing a light coloured carpet.

It is I think, the greatest possible mistake to attempt an home dicing just now, For a good many years before the war we were entirely dependent upon Germany for most of our best dies. Sow those dyes are unobtainable, and although

research work and experimenting in five months are going on vigorously in England, some of the d>c3 at present in use can be guaranteed In this cage, tablecloths and carpets are difficult things to manage owing to their weight, and it is more economical in the long run to send them to a

competent tradesman

MAGNESIA ON WOOD

Youth" (Mathoura) asks how to remove the marks caused by spilling magnesia on the oak frame and glass of a picture

If sponging with clean warm water will not reme of the marks, I should try the effect of add-ing lemon juice to the water

CARE OF COMPLEXION

"Afflicted One" (Melbourne) and "In Despair (Maitland) ask for advice as to the care of the

skin

If stamped and addressed envelopes are forwarded, and the questions repeated, I will send the

information asked for by post,

"W St " (Alphington) asks how to steam the

face

This is usually done by laying very hot wet cloth and the face and leaving them on for a few minutes Cooler cloths are then substituted, and finally cold one..; the finishing touch is given by using a little ice or by leaving the face with very cold water to which a little Gazelle has been added The cold treatment after the steaming is important in order to close the pores again

says RATION RING

"Kubla Khan" (Albury) asks about a new shape in nape in rings which are is told c n be obtained

in Melbourne it

The ring meant so probably that of which a sketch is given. Its advantage lies in the fact that it cannot roll It is made in electroplate, and is

inexpensive Several of the city Jewellers stock it, and if my correspondent desire? to know where to bit) it she should forward a stamped and addressed

envelope.

ADDRESSING ENVELOPES

"Ignorant" (Cressy) UEks if, in acknowledging a letter of sympathy from husband and wife, the note should be addressed to both husband and

wife

She envelope should be addressed to the wife.

CARE OF HANDS?

"M M " (Apollo Bay says that after peeling onions cut raw potato rubbed over the hands, without water will remove the smell of the onions

completely It is important not to wash the hands before using the potato A little bit of sorrel rubbed on the hands will help to remove stains when a lemon is not available A good soapy lather from common FORe, with half a teaspoonful of sur if, rubbed gently over the hands until the sugar is dissolved, will make the hands delightfully smooth Gentle friction is required or the sugar will make the hinds sore for a time. This hint came originally from a worker in a silk factory, who said that it was the only means of keeping the hands smooth enough to handle the silk Sifted oatmeal or powdered starch dusted lightly over the hands gives the final touch "

CARE OF RACQUET

"Tennis" (Melbourne) has a good tennis racquet which has become warped, owing to not having been kept in a press Site asks what can be done to rectify this

If the warping is over slight, it may be rectified by keeping the racquet in a press now it would be; a good plan to take it to the Sports Depot and consult them about it. They have a great deal of experience with all sports materials

MEALING or Runs

"D " (Sale) asks if any reader can tell her the running of "Lathella "

wail srrAMrits .

"In Despair" (Maitland) asks a question about mail steamers for England

The mail steamers Have fairly regularly

stamped and addressed envelope should be for warded for the reply to the other question asked, that the question should be repeated

THE WARDROBE.

EVENING DRESS,

"Iras" (E. Malvern) asks what kind of dress it was worn in the evening at public receptions and the homes. What would be the best material for a

warm evening coat to last two or three seasons

There are few big evening functions now that demand elaborate dressing Full evening dress would be worn on any such occasion Brocades and tulle over silk are tim stamps mostly used for such frocks. Tlie'ncwest skirts are plain and dull, the only trimming being gold or silver lace or --tinsel, and coloured embroideries on the underskirt showing through the tulle Bodices vary very little the tulle frocks lulling transparent sleeves of any length lit salt and the tulle draped over a silk foundation, with the skirt trimming repeated. If "this ' cares to send a stamped and addressed envelope, I can let her have some pictures I have not seen a new evening coat for eighteen months. Everyone who possesses a. fur coat wears that A full coat of velvet

or brocaded material lined with silk, with fur colLar would be up to date, and if made hanging straight and wide from the shoulders, would be capable of alteration

GABARDPTE COSTUME

"Gabardine" (Geelong) asks what would he the best style of coat and skirt costume for winter, wear? How are the pleats, arranged in the new pleated skirts? What is the width round the bottom?

If my correspondent will send me a stamped and addressed envelope and repeat her question, I shall be glad to send her some pictures of suitable costumes. There is much variety in the pleated s arts, and the width ranges from under three yards to over four The simplest and most ceo nom jeal pleated skirt that I have seen has three box pie its in the front and three more at the Hack The side seams are gored The skirt takes only two widths of material for a fairly slender person small pieces is being introduced at the lower end of the side seams to give greater width at the foot. The pleats are stitched down for about two-thirds of the way in front and one-third at the back. Pleats which are loose from the waist require much more material The quantity of material required for a costume depends very largely on the style chosen. from 6 to 74 yards

will be needed

BUSTS CTOTnES

'Castlemaine" asks what it the best kind of material for nightdresses and nightgowns for -young baby in August She does not care fe

nun's veiling ^

Viyella would make nice warm nightgowns but

I do not like it for dresses. Cashmere would be nice for dresses but allowance would have to be made for shrinking One's choice of cream woollen stuffs is very limited nowadays

"Castlemaine" also asks whether small pieces

of old tablecloth or white towels would be useful to

the Red Cross

All pieces of soft white cotton stuff, if properly clean, can be made we of by the Red Cross social ' tica. lions and roams need not be removed

wroow s a i b

b '31st " (Maryborough) as what sort of veil I is suitable for a widow I

fine old traditional widow's veil of crepe

other dense black stuff has gone out of use. I Widows generally wear an ordinary v di of plain black tulle nowadays

BRiDAL vary

'linde" (Queenscliff) asks what would be the best material to get for a bridal veil How much would be required? Should it be a place of oblong,

id would it be more attractive if embroidered? ' Mott bridal veils are made of tulle A good un ourable tulle it sold now by all the shop. It looks better with a silk run them, but unless the embroidering is very well done I prefer it without embroidery The quantity of tulle required depends upon the arrangement decided upon and the height of the wearer A long veil looks much better than a short one. It would be advisable to decide

the style and then to consult the person who will make the veil about the quantity

TO Sl-FtFV MUSLIN

"Correspondent" (Kew) says that she finds that I gelatine it the best thing to use for stiffening fine muslin collars "Break into small pieces about

quarter of a sheet of gelatine put it into a jar, and cover it with water Stand the jar in a saucepan

containing water, and heat over the fire until the gelatine melts Stir the gelatine frequently In this way the scheme dissolves more quickly and evenly than by pouring boiling water over " This quantity will do three or four collars,

wording to size Place a clean cloth over the cot

The dark blue I Pints and cambric?, which

"pt In go streaki if stiffened with starch may the

stiffened with gelatine About a sheet of gold quart of water should be enough to give cambric its original stiffness In this case the print or cambric should he dried and damped

re the ordinary way I

do sur STOCKINGS

"M P * (Geelong) says that for some time past Ore bins used a method suggested in these columns for paving stockings from turning at. the tops, and finds it very special for the method is to sew Uirce loops of tape to the top of each stocking -one at each side and one in front-and to fasten the clips of the Expended In these loops instead of in the stocking Lately she has subsets tilted plastic for tape, and finds It better Three inches make one loop

V Mr R MARK ON ASS M SILK

CSA" (South Yarra) asks how to remove a water mark from Assam silk

I am afraid that the court will only disappear when the whole costume is so allied I should try

bowel or, gently rubbing the spot between the Lands and afterwards ironing the silk must not j 1e drape 1 before ironing

10 WASH I RACE

Doubtful * (Mcome Pond.) Fits how to wash n I fin lace with silk net four dation It is soiled where it touches the hair indi-

I should wash His face if it is very soiled using

warm water and cup Dissolve a little soap in | boiling water and add cold water to make It warm only But the lie. into this an I since, it about

It will not -mind rubbing If very discoloured it I can be soaked in (eucalyptus for a few minutes before washing After we ling rise very tho- roughly in several w here, soil in a clean town!

and iron on the wrong, and when half dry If too j

soft it may be stiffened with we ik gelatine water I have not used 1 up call: at all, but I am told

that it needs no 1 l iron ed by a Japanese hill when I thoroughly dan) It is advisable not to dry I white silk at iIL but to roll it when wet in a towel and to inn it when the towel has absorbed a good deal of the moisture from it If allowed to dry in the air it is apt to go yellow

MJCAIAPTDS FOR STAINS

A successful little experiment which I made last week may be of interest to some of my readers. I was out during the whole of Friday evening's

duststorm, and on removing my blouse of thin white man's found that perspiration and. dust

had combined to leave a line almost brickcoloured along the edge of Uic neck. The material was too thin to stand severe rubbing, so I decided to try the effect of eucalyptus on the stain. J soaked it in the eucalyptus for ten minutes, then washed the blouse with warm water and soup, and

ringed it thoroughly. Every vestige of the stars had disappeared without boiling. The' smell of the eucalyptus evaporates rapidly, and when the blouse was dry not a trace of smell remained.

RASPBERRY STAINS.

"Cherriton" (Coimadai) asks how to remove raspberry stains from white silk. She had a white silk costume sent by rail in a cardboard box. When it arrived the box was much stained with what seem to be raspberry stains, and there are some spots on both coat and skirt.

Fresh fruit stains may often be removed by rubbing a little salt into the sUiIub and pouring boiling water through them. Stretch the stained part over the top of a basin to pour the water through. Salts of sorrel are sometimes recommended for removing fruit stains, but I have not tested them myself.

KITCHEN AND PANTRY.

BAKED FLOUR. !

"iLTxSL** (Kew) asks how to prepare baked flour for infants' and invalids' food.

Put the flour into an earthenware bowl or jar. Cover it with a lid or plate, and put it into a slow oven. From time to time take out, the jar and stir up the flour well from the bottom end sides, breaking up any lumps that may form. Continue the baking for five or six hours, or until the flour is of an even, deep basalt colour throughout. The flour should be used with milk in preparing food, and the food may be sweetened with extract of malt instead of sugar. This makes it more digestible. Dr. Philip Muskett re-commends the use of a whole wheat flour instead of white flour when making this food for infants. His recipe for preparing the food for a baby is as follows: "Rub up one teaspoonful of the baked flour with a tablespoonful of cold milk into a smooth paste. Then add another tablespoonful of milk gradually, making the mixture smooth and creamy. Then add a quarter of a pint of boiling milk, stirring briskly. The food-Js then ready for life, and may be sweetened to taste with extract of malt or sugar." If I were making the food, I should boil it for a few minutes after mixing it lilla will not take from the value of the food in any way, and' will. ensure

sterilisation.

CASSEROLE COOKING.

"C.T.U" (Clifton Hill) asks for hints about casserole cooking. She also asks why the fat sometimes froths when brains are fried.

Ko special recipes are necessary for casserole

cooking. Any kind of stew is improved by being cooked in a casserole. The long, slow cooking is the secret of success. H vegetables are used they should be as young as possible. Baby turnips, onions, and carrots are delicious cooked with meat in a casserole. It is worth while to

grow them oneself in order to be able to use, them in this way. Fat will not froth if it is a quite clean and free from moisture. A good plan, when one wants to use fat in a hurry, is to peel a potato and slice it into the fat. Leave it in until the fat is hot enough to use, then strain the fat into a fresh vesseL This, his a wonderful clearing effect.

GOOD COFFEE MILL

The best type of coffee mill that I have seen for the ordinary house is shown in the accompany-ing sketch. It has a covered glass container for

tablespoonfuls Different degrees of fineness in

grinding" can be secured by regulating the died screw A coffee mill of this type, without the measurement marks on the grading arrangement,

> obtainable in Melbourne.

GLM CAKES

Mary Music" (Melbourne) sends the folkmmg recipe for gems, to be cooked in hot gem irons -' 12 cupfuls plain flour sifted three times, . teaspoonful salt 1 teaspoonful sugar, I cupful cold water, J cupful fresh milk, 1 egg Put all the ingredients in a jug, and beat thoroughly until quite smooth Have the oven hot enough for scones. Put the gem irons into the oven, and make them very hot Butter them well, and pour in the mixture. Bake for half an hour When cooked they should be round like balls "

PLAIN CAKE.

SM C " (Clifton Hill) asks for a recipe for rich

plain cake

One breakfast cupful butter, 2 breakfast cupfuls flour, is breakfast cupfuls soft sugar, 2 eggs. Cream the butter and sugar well together Add the eggs one at a time, and beat each one in thoroughly before adding the next- Add the flour very lightly Pour into a prepared tin, and bake in a moderate oven for about an hour The thorough beating of the butter and sugar until the sugar is dissolved is the secret of success in this cake A little essence of lemon or a very little grated vel low lemon rind or grated candied peel may be used to flavour this cake.

TO BOTTLE FRUIT

A number of inquiries have been received for instructions for bottling fruit according to the method followed by Miss Knight, the Government expert This method was described fully in the "Women b Realm" column of "The Argus of Saturday a few weeks ago, and as I cannot afford space for repetition I shall be glad to forward the directions by port to any readers who care to send stamped and addressed envelope for the purpose.

JAM RECIPES

Anxious to Learn" (N Melbourne) asks for recipes for jams.

As space is very precious it is not possible for me to repeat recipes frequently I shall be glad therefore if those who ask for recipes for jam, or for the repetition of other recipes which have appeared recently, would forward stamped and addressed envelopes with their inquiries in that I may answer by post

BOTTLE CAPPER

The "American housewife is lucky enough to be able to cover her bottles of sauce with one of the close) fitting caps which are used on man)

aerated water bottles nowadays. The caps au. sold by hardware dealers in America, and the little! machine shown in the accompanying picture is used to fit them on the week

RECIPES WANTED

"Thirsty" (Jlaryboroeieh)-Hop beer without yeast "Australian" (li unghnn)-Tomato Jam, flat covered with essence of lemon, green tomato June

THE MILK PROBLEM

TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS .

Sir-The article in "The Argus" of Saturday on the milk supply of Melbourne finishes with the remark. that "the State Ministry should grapple with the milk problem " Our National Council of Women have been urging this trapping of the milk problem on successive Governments for several years We had a deputation as lately as November, 1010, and put the same details as mentioned by you before the Chief Secretary, and he promised us sincerely that he would cause the question of a double daily milk delivery for the coming summer to brought before the C ibinet But here we are in the midst of a summer, and nothing has been done towards ensuring fresh milk for our babies

About five years ago our council got the Milk Suppliers' Association to meet us in conference I think neil li 70 m i iter milk-men met us They admitted 111 it it meant 1 question of expense to hue double bill j (reaches him would have to keep extra men Lhcj also acknowledged that milk not delivered on Sunday afternoon went into the ice houses, and it as delivered some days later (not next day) -In milk would be. allright when it came out of the ice-house, but, after being a few hours in the consumer's house where there are no cool conveniences, what about its keeping qualities

'of our baines tip -inclined to make a man in ill's holiday "

] should like to take our State Ministry and our municipal councils on a holiday jaunt," after one of our hot (days, into some of the closely packed houses in the industrial suburbs and let them taste the milk which has been delivered at 5 a in and has to do for the children until next day's eichler Why do lit women stand tks "hi member of the innocents'' We ought To make an election question of the milk supply if he cannot get it rectified in any

other is in -I ours c

Al"! V McINERNEY,

Vice-president National Council of Women

of Victoria

Lorne, Jan 22 _

Farm and! Dairy See special article by "Hickory" in The Australasian " Saturday,

Poultry Notes, by Chanticleer " A_äU_l_ti__," Seaspray, January 30.