FUN IN THE PANTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20472, 25 January 1930, Page 3 (Supplement)

FUN IN THE PANTRY.

MEMOIRS OF A PARLOURMAID.

NOTABILITIES AND DISHES;

The Countess of Oxford and Asquith, it has been suggested, is the mysterious lady who has signed herself the " Counts 0 f _—" in an introduction to one of the funniest autobiographies of recent year 3.

The autobiography, " Pantry Pages," is that of a parlour-maid moving! below stairs in the high society, who tells intimate stories of suih men as Lord Oxford, Lord Balfour, Winston Churchill, and Mr. Patrick Campbell. It is written as the author might talk—more or less .'-phonetically. The publishers in reply to a query gave the assurance that the book was absolutely genuine. " Then who is the Countess of an interviewer asked.

"We cannot say for certain,'' said a representative of the publishers "Is it the Countess of Oxford and Asquith?" "-We'do not deny it," was tlie reply, "but, on the other hand, cannot confirm it. .You are. however, on the right track."

Lady Oxford herself could not be questioned. She. had gone on a motor trip into, the country and was not to be found. The author had a soft Epot for many of the guests she served. The following is an extract: —■

"Mr. Arthur Balfour: He's been here three times since I came. He's a treat to wait on, -he is. That perlite to the dishes you offers! The vegetables might be- princesses; he refuses tliem that civil."

The parlourmaid, according to the " Countess of is named Rose Meade, and has been' in her service for three years. Th* mysterious countess says she pe-rsuaded the gill to write her "memoirs," in an effort to raise money for her mother, who lay ill.