CUSTOM'S DIFFER.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18100, 16 June 1924, Page 8

CUSTOM'S DIFFER.

A SCOTSMAN'S LAMENT.

(SMSCIAL TO "THE JBBSS.") ATJQKLAND, June. 14. In various spheres of life in New Zealand we are said to' be drifting away from customs existing in tie Motherland , (remarks to-night's "Star"). We don't perhaps notice changes, but people from tho Old Country are quick to observe and comment upon them. It will be recalled that a Scotsman recently, hisld up his hands in holy horror when he discovered that guests at a public banquet given in connexion with the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, held in -Auckland, began their repast without grace. being isaid. He had attended numerous functions ia., Scotland, and previously been at one where there had been this omiwion. This unfortunate man seems fated lo have his susceptibilities hurt, for ho reports another shock which he received at a dinner given last evening by the Auckland Provincial Industrial Association to delegates from the southern Industrial Associations. There was no grace, but this was accepted as a matter of course. .What did astound the Scot was that immediately after the repast was over, and before the.health of the King had been toasted, half a dozen of the most prominent citizens of Auckland ■ were smoking cigarettes. Most people that in Britain this is grave breach of etiquette, and that no one should "lisht Kin?, when the chairman gives permission in these words, "Gentlemen you may smoke." ™ ,ueflwn ' :