Dining Out By Telegram

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30973, 1 February 1966, Page 2

Dining Out By Telegram

From the inventors of the singing telegram comes another novelty telegraphing an open order for meals and charging them to the sender, says the “Christian Science Monitor.” Western Union has announced its new “Be My Guest” Service, by which American Express card holders can take anyone, anywhere in the world, to dinner. But they will not be there to enjoy it with the guest. To buy friends or relatives a dinner, the invitation is telegraphed to them, including the name of the restaurant and any other special services, such as a tip. The recipients take the telegram to the restaurant on a specificed date and the meal is “on the host," who may live thousands of miles away. The donor receives the bill on hte American Express card. The cost of the telegram is extra. Inquiries made yesterday of several hotel managers and restaurateurs indicated that the service has not yet reached Christchurch. But most of them liked the idea.

Mr G. Berens said a party of Americans had told him about it recently, but non-one had presented a "Be My Guest” telegram at his restaurant so far.

“I see no reason why the idea should not be workable in New Zealand,” said Mr Alan Tremain, manager of the Hotel Russley. An open-order telegram, he added, would be quite a good idea to send to a friend for a birthday or anniversary gift.