HOME HOSPITALITY

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 42, 18 August 1925, Page 6

HOME HOSPITALITY

SUGGESTIONS OF CORRESPONDENTS.

Several letters have l>een received by

"The Post" commending the suggestion of "Hospitality First" that Wellington people should invite the visiting American sailors to their homes. It is impossible to print the letters in full, but we give, below, some of tho suggestions that are made.

"1.R.," who has had several sailors at her home, says that they are delightful company, mines of useful information, and that the opportunity of welcoming them is one to lie sei/.ed at once.

"Nomine Quartus" also commends home entertainment, as most appreciated, as our men learned while on war service. He suggests that' even though a great deal is done in a, public way the.private entertainment is welcome because it enables the men to get away lor a time from the atmosphere of the Navy. Even if oiily that the men may give America a good report of Now Zealand it is wise to send them -awtiy with enthusiasm for the country.

Mr. George Toogood, writing as one who has had experience of American hospitality, states that what tlio Americans particularly desire is to become personally acquainted with the people. New Zealand soldiers were warmly welcomed into American homes, and we should reciprocate now.. While it is not always possible for the private householder to entertain visitors overnight, there is little trouble involved in. having them'to tea or dinner, especially as what the Americans wish is to be treated "just like ordinary folk." From the publicity point of view alone, the effort ii well worth while, as many .of the sailers will leave the Navy shortly. after this cruise, and will then be able to spread the news of New Zealand broadcast.

Mr. J. B. Prynne suggests that, on the nitrht following the Navy League, ball to the officers, there should be a similar entertainment for the men. The hall would be in readiness, the Navy League ladies would, doubtless,; be willinar to assist, and the cost could probahlv be met by donations from <he banks and insurance companies subsidised by the City Council antl the Government.'

"New Zealander" writes of tfie chilliness of New Zealand people, and states that this is not reserved for visitors, but is shown even in dealing with tho people of the country. "NiH." has'a word to say on the other side, nnd holds that the Xew Zealand pe,ople are not a dour community. They nre willing to W hospitable to the visitors, but these visitors do not always come halfway. Some would-be hosts have had their offers of entertainment rejected, and are shy of makur.; further advances unless they know, they will be welcome.