HOMELAND CUSTOMS

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 141, 16 June 1924, Page 6

HOMELAND CUSTOMS

NEW ZEALAND DBIFTING AWAY.

(BY TELEOIUPH.—SPECIAL to THE POST.)

AUCKLAND This Day. The "Star" remarks: In the various spheres of life in New Zealand we are said to be drifting away from the customs existing in t?ie Motherland. We do not perhaps notice the change, but people from the Old Country are quick to observe and comment upon them It will be recalled that a Scotsman recently held up his hands in holy horror when he discovered that the guests at a public banquet given in connection with the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, held in Auckland, began their repast without trrace being asked. He had attended numerous functions ,in Scotland.- • and had never previously been at one where there had been this omission. This unfortunate man seems fated to have his susceptibilities hurt, for be reports another shock which he sustained at » dinner given on Friday evening by the Auckland Provincial Industrial Association to the delegates from the southern Industrial Associations. There was no grace, but tin's was accepted as a matter of coutsc. What did astound thtf Scot was that immediately nfier the repast was over, and before the health of the King hnd been toasted, half-a-dozen of the most prominent citizens of Auck* land were smoking cigarettes. Most people know that in Britain this is considered a grave breach».of etiquette, and that no one 6hould "light.up" until after the toast of "The King." when the chairman Rives permission in these; words, "Gentlemen, yon may smoke." Several member's, of the Parlimiienfavy Labour Party were present jit tho fmiiition, but the Scot says lie specially not^; ci that, none of them began sinokiiw until the loyal toast had be& tkeueuiodT