AS OTHERS SEE US

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 175, 20 April 1929, Page 11

AS OTHERS SEE US

Sir, —In Saturday’s issue of your paper a correspondent, writing under the nom-de-plume “Visitor,” remarks that one of the most repellant-features of this nation’s character is “wowserism.” I fear my experience as a visitor from America compels me to endorse that remark. Like “Visitor” I am also impressed by some pleasing traits in the New Zealand character ; but I would like to point out an equally repulsive feature of your social life. There, is lack of courtesy in business* dealings. Wc Americans are a race that practically ignore conventions, which among other nations are regarded as the kbystone in the structure of polite society; but, from comparisons, our extensive travel has enabled us to make, we believe we can say with pride that we are, in business, the most courteous and civil people in the entire world. We notice that the Government Tourist Bureau says that the yearly increase in American tourist traffic is considerable. Be this as it may, we are American enough to know the American mind, and we are quite sure that'if, this muchcoveted increase in American tourist traffic, which always means increase of revenue to the Government and to private concerns, is to be maintained, the American must get something of the service and courteriy he is used to m his own country. , , ' The independence and brusqueness we have observed in railroad and postal officials would, result in instant dismissal of the same in the United States. Any of your countrymen who have been to the States, may tell you of notices in offices and business places such as this: “Please report anv incivility to the management. By one corporation wc were seriously inconvenienced and overcharged, and when a confidential and civil objection was made to the management, instead of apologising and rectifying the mistake, as good business people would do, we were treated to a storm of abuse somewhat resembling the Maori haka we had seen at Rotorua. In a certain restaurant where a five course dinner was on the menu, we, through the inefficiency (some would say the stupidity) of the waitress, were only given three courses. When paying at the desk we drew attention to the matter, but the proprietress evinced emotional resentment, and this rude retort came forth: “I supose you make mistakes in your business, too, sometimes. Pay what vou owe and get out of here.” Perhaps we do make mistakes in our business, but we must of course suffer the consequence of our own errors. Those of your countrymen who have been to the States may have seen in many American restaurants on the back of the check: “If you are. satisfied tell others, if you are dissatisfied tell us.” The purpose of this obviously is to retain their customers. This uncouthness which we have noticed generally in your public life contrasts strangely with your hospitality and courtesy so obvious in private intercourse. When we return to the States our friends will be anxious to know how we enjoyed our trip to these islands, and we shall have our experiences broadcast in opr papers and magazines. We are sorry we shall not be able to say our trip was an unalloyed pleasure. Is it not to the interests of business concerns in New Zealand as well as in America to see that their employees cultivate courtesy which is so powerful a factor in building up a permanent and satisfied clientele?—l am. etc.,

MARQUETTE LANDRINGHAM. Palmerston North, April 18.