RUDENESS OF OFFICIALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22140, 20 June 1935, Page 9

RUDENESS OF OFFICIALS

IRISH FREE STATE NEW ZEALANDER'S COMPLAINT [FROM OCE OWN* CORRESPONDENT] By Air Mail LONDON, June 1 | A New Zealander, who signs himself or herself, T. Ward, writes to the Dublin Evening Mail drawing the attention of the authorities to the treatment of tourists by customs officers at the various ports of entry. " Both of my parents were Irish," says the writer, " but I was born in New Zealand I heard so many glowing accounts of Ireland and the Irish people that I decided to visit the 'Old Country' when funds permitted. I arrived in" the Free State with the object of spending three or four months here. However, I am leaving after a stay of one week, and I shall be glad to see the last of Ireland. " The customs officials here apparently think that it is their duty to be as rude as possible. If this is one of the; qualifications for a customs officer they certainly do their duty well. Speaking for myself, I almost thought that I was a fugitive from justice before I left the customs barrier. I have visited many countries, and with the exception of Ireland the tourist was given a hearty welcome. Perhaps tourists are not wanted in the Free State. If this is the case they should be vrarned as to what they may expect. I leave here with very unhappy recollections of the Irish people. Their hospitality is either mythical or has vanished."