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Model grain stacks built by Mr W. M. Matches at Totara, North Otago. - Otago Witness, 25.12.1912
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Sir, In connection with the deplorable state of our teeth in
this ''age of progress'' too little attention is given to
what appears to me to be the prime cause of the trouble -
viz., that we do not give our teeth enough work to do.
From youth upwards we feed on a lot of soft-cooked stuff
which requires absolutely no effort to masticate. We are
generally in a hurry over our meals; therefore, the softer
the food the quicker it slides down, and the more time is
saved!
Under those conditions, what can we expect but that our teeth
will rot in our heads and our digestive organs lose their
strength? And how can we possibly expect to cure the evil by
scientific treatment while we keep on with the soft pap?
Children are brought up on new bread and scones, instead of
on good crusty loaves three days old. Fond mothers see their
darlings leave anything in the nature of crust on their
plates (or the tablecloth), and instead of remonstrating with
them actually encourage them in it.
They set them a shockingly bad example by carefully cutting
off the crusts when they prepare sandwiches for consumption
by their elders.
To a man with healthy teeth, a healthy appetite, and a
healthy appreciation of the art of living it is positively
painful to see this fashion so widespread in polite society.
An idea must have got abroad that it is ''bon ton'' to serve
sandwiches with the crust trimmed off, and it is another
instance of how prone women are to follow in the wake of
fashion no matter how senseless and harmful it may be. The
fact that this silly fashion entails a wicked waste - and a
waste of the best and sweetest part of the bread - does not
seem to concern the modern ''housewife'', if she deserves
that honoured title.
That it, furthermore, undermines the health of our teeth, and
consequently the health of the whole body, is either not
realised or else ignored.
To the intelligent observer it is very noticeable that the
whole tendency of this generation is towards softness and
indulgence, and if that is not checked it will lead to
degeneracy and decay.
Soft and luxurious living has brought down strong nations in
the past, and the British race will have to keep its muscles
firm and its teeth sharp if it wants to hold the lead.
I am, etc., O. Balk.
• All the mining claims in the Tuapeka district are in full
swing, the water supply having been well maintained. The
Golden Crescent Company, which is operating on the cement at
Wetherstones, is engaged in constructing a dam, which, when
completed, will give an assured supply, and considerably
improve this mining property, which is regarded as one of the
best in the district.
The Gabriel's Gully Sluicing Company, which recently acquired
the Blue Spur Consolidated Company's property, is carrying on
work vigorously on its new property, and also on its original
claim in the gully, and from what can be gathered from the
man in the street is well satisfied with the results of its
operations. The Havelock Sluicing Company (Waitahuna), and
the Sailor's Gully Company, and Thomson and party (Waitahuna
Gully) are all reported as doing well.
- ODT, 21.12.1912
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