THE OPERA HAT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 201, 26 August 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

THE OPERA HAT.

And a Dressing Down New Zealanders earned an enviable reputation—generally —for good behaviour, especially in England. That does not mean that they were never naughty boys. Oh, dear no! All of which is but a prelude to one such action which earned for one Digger and those with him, myself included, a severe and, I must confess, well-deserved "dressing down" for a rude action.

A party of us had been to see one of the popular "shows". that ran for years in a London theatre. We had all dined, perhaps not wisely but too well, before going to the show and, in addition, had interviewed the young lady behind the theatre bar during intervals, when we had her dispense light, but perhaps "heady," refreshments.

After the show, which we all enjoyed immensely, since there was plenty to laugh at in it, wended our way downstairs—home—well, maybe! In front of our rather hilarious party was a corpulent gentleman — a "war profiteer" (?) —with his lady. He wore very correct evening clothes, opera cape and, of course, a very excellently cared for and shiny opera hat.

Catching sight of this well-glazed stove pipe on the head of the war profiteer—he might have been a Cabinet Minister—in front of us, one of my companions could not resist the obvious temptation, so, reaching down he gave the lid a tip and lo a bald pate was left uncovered. The lady turned with an icy glare, the gentleman purpled, his neck muscles, bulged, even through their protecting layers of fat. Holding himself and his rising wrath in check he bowed most politely as someone below him retrieved the errant tile, and in frigid, if angry, tones delivered himself of his thoughts concerning "blasted colonials" and their manners.

It would be quite inappropriate to include them but suffice it to say < that they really had more effect on other hearers than the group for which they were intended. "Why worry?" It was back to France in the morning. The lad who tipped the topper lies there, but be enjoyed his ten days' leave. W.A.C. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ GOLF TOURNEY King Country Diggers On September 3, the King Country Diggers' golf tourney will be held on Te Kuiti links, Hangatiki, and an attractive programme has been arranged that should provide a really enjoyable day's outing, besides offering an opportunity for an enjoyable reunion in pleasant circumstances. The events will be divided into three grades, A, B, and C, morning bogey being 18 holes and afternoon Stableford 18 holes. "Troops will march off in column of fours" (not necessarily plus fours), and there will be "halts" at No. 8 and No. 14 tees. Post entries up to zero hour, 8.30 a.m. (though entries close September 2), with T. M. Hetet, secretary> Golf Club, Te Kuiti. Entry fee is 7/6, with refreshments for competitors. Juncli and tea provided free at the clubhouse, non-players 2/6. Looks a bargain, boys! + ♦ + ♦ GREY LYNN ACTIVITIES Queen Carnival Dance The final carnival dance for the Grey Lynn R.S. Cricket Club queen will be held on Thursday, August 31, at St. Columba Hall, Surrey Crescent. ♦ ♦ * ♦ MAIN BODY ASSOCIATION All Main Body men are asked to note that the secretary of the Main Body Association (Inc.) is J. H. West, 22, Farrar Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland, W. 2.