Soap From Coconuts
p. 38 · Read in the full issue
A Useful Recipe
NOTICING in a recent issue of the P.I.M. that a reader was complain ing of the high price of soap,” writes a correspondent, “Bobo-ana,” from Eastern Papua, “I am forwarding a simple recipe for making soap from coconuts.
“This recipe was given to me by the Methodist Mission at Salamo, and I have found it exceptionally good. When mak ing the mixture it is essential to prepare it in dry weather, as I have found that during rainy weather the soap will not set properly.
“Obtain about 40 plantation coconuts and grate them in the ordinary way, as if making fowl’s food, etc. Then squeeze the grated coconut very thoroughly and strain through sugar bagging.
“Mix 1lb. of caustic soda with water — about four 1lb. butter tins full is sufficient. Stir this mixture well, then add the coconut milk. For 20 minutes this preparation should be mixed until it is thick like honey.
“Pour the liquid into tins or moulds and leave until the following day, when the soap is ready to be cut into bars.”
Mr. Hakon Mielche, a famous Danish artist, was foot-loose in Tulagi, for a few days, after the Danish scientific expedition was wrecked in the Southern Solomons. The above study in profiles is the interesting result.