NEW SOCIETY PEST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20264, 25 May 1929, Page 3 (Supplement)

NEW SOCIETY PEST.

"GATE-CRASHING" REVISED.

{HOSTESSES AND FLATTERY.

LATEST METHOD IN LONDON. Hostesses, after suffering from "gatefcrashers," are now confronted with pnother peril—" The Social Aspirant's Advocate," says a London newspaper. Apparently realising that a determined stand is to be made against the usual intruders "gate-crashers" have hit on a new and practically rebuff-proof method of gratifying their ambitions for social invitations.

Nearly every well-known "gate-crasher" fcas adopted - a patron. The patron—usually a woman—is selected for her supreme good nature, which makes it difficult for her to realise that all her friends are not filled with an equal spirit of amiabilitv toward the world at large. By guile the "gate-crasher" gains the patron's sympathy, and gradually works tip a friendship. If the "gate-crasher" is really good at the work, the party which he or she wishes to attend is never pientioned. Instead, the victim is asked to dinner on the evening when the desired party takes place. The patron is almost certain to ask if the host or hostess is going to it. Quick as lightning comes the answer: " Lady X —. I don't know her. Is she giving a party? Do tell me what she is like."

Charming," says the* good-natured one, who is in the habit of using the same adjective to almost everyone. And Unwisely continues, by virtue of her friendliness to everyone: "Such a great friend of mine, so.artistic and clever." f ' I suppose I couldn't come with you ? I should so much like to meet her," is the next cue.

The good-natured one's amiability may fcive out at this point, but sho is checkmated by the " gate-crasher's" next remark: "Of course, it doesn't matter in the_least. I shouldn't have dreamed of asking if I hadn't thought she was such an intimate fijend. Anyhow, come +o dinner, and go on afterwards to your party." This retort is almost always a winner, partly because it does seem unkind to accept an invitation and then abandon your host or hostess, and partly because it has been suggested that after all Lady X is not quite such an intimate friend. And so begins the dialogue over the telephone which every party-giver has come to dread. In vain the party-giver pleads the smallness of the house, or even active dislike of the friend.

" You see, I told them I would ask tfou, and I know you would hate to hurt their feelings," comes the unanswerable retort.

Many hostesses may have the courage »nd strength of mind to order "gatecrashers" out of' their house, but some cannot withstand flattery or an appeal to their kindness of heart.