LEGISLATORS’ WOES

Greymouth Evening Star, 8 May 1931, Page 9

LEGISLATORS’ WOES

TERROR OF TIPPING SYSTEM. Members of the House of Commons showed a lively interest in questions recently, says a London newspaper, about the coffee supplied to them in the refreshment rooms of the House, and about the tipping of the waiters.

Mi’ Hurd asked to what extent Kenya and other Empire coffee was supplied. Mr Morley asked whether the waiters’ tips could be abolished and the waiters paid a “reasonable salary, say, £260 a year.” Mr J. Compton, chairman of the kitchen committee, replied that the coffee was a blend of Empire produce.

Mr Leif Jones: The coffee is dear and not good. The best should be bought, irrespective of where it is grown.

Conservatives cried, “Shame!” Mr Compton: The House resolved that Empire 'produce must be used.

This reminder was greeted with laughter. ■

Mr Ernest Brown: There is much dissatisfaction at the way the coffee is made. It is disgusting stuff.

Lady Astor: Is then? a single member of the kitchen committee who understands how to make coffee? (Roars of laughter). Mr Compton: The house.staff areas competent as any other. Regarding the tipping of waiters, Mr Compton said that to pay 35 waiters £260 a year would mean £9lOO, and if the tipping system were abolished the extra cost would have to be put. on the prices charged to members.

Mr McShane said the system was outrageous, and some members could not afford to use the refreshmentrooms. 1