Tipping

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32199, 19 January 1970, Page 10

Tipping

Sir, —As visitors to Christchurch we would like to add a little to the current discussion on tipping in New Zealand. Recently we went to a leading Christchurch hotel for dinner, which to say the least was unspectacular. We paid $1.75 for a half bottle of wine and tendered a $2 note to the wine waiter who bowed low and thanked us. He later returned to our table and handed us a receipt for $1.75 not even offering the 25c change. Is it not the diner’s prerogative to offer a tip for good service? We wonder how often this happens.— Yours, etc., R. WARD. January 12, 1970.

Sir, —Like myself, the majority of New Zealanders must be alarmed at reading the announcement that tipping is permitted here, and even suggesting the amount. Surely we have stated in no uncertain terms that tipping is abhorrent to the New Zealand way of life. It would be interesting to know who is responsible for this, but it savours of an American flavour. According to public statements by tourists who have visited this country, the emphasis seems always to be to the effect that one of our best assets is our unsophisticated way of life in a jaded and rat-racing world.—Yours, (Mrs) C. A. INGRAM. January 16. 1970.