OLD CUSTOMS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19199, 16 June 1924, Page 9

OLD CUSTOMS.

NEW ZEALAND DRIFTING. A SCOTSMAN" HORRIFIED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, June 14 The Auckland Star remarks: “In the various spheres of life in New Zealamf we are said to be drifting away from the customs existing in the Motherland. We don't, perhaps, notice the changes, hut the people from the Old Country are quick to observe and comment upon them. It will be recalled that a_ Scotsman recently held up his hands in holy horror when he discovered that the gtfests at a public banquet given in connection with the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, held in Auckland, began their repast without grace, and being Questioned, he stated that he had attended numerous functions in Scotland and had never previously been at one where there had been that omission.’’ This unfortunate man seems fated to have his susceptibilities hurt, for he reports another shock which he sustained at a dinner given last evening by. the Auckland Provincial Industrial Association to the delegates from the southern Industrial Associations. There was no grace, but this was accepted as a matter of course. What did astound the Scot was that immediately after the report wa» over, and before the health of the Kiog had been toasted half a dozen of the most prominent citizens of Auckland were smoking cigarettes. Most people know that in Great iiritain this is considered a grave breach of ettiquette, and that, i l '’ one shoidd “light up’’ until after the toast of “The King,” when the chairman gives permission in these words: “Gentlemen, you may smoke.” Several memqers of the parliamentary Labour Party . wore present at last evenings function,,-bit the Scot soys he specially noted that mono of them began smoking until the ' loyal toast had been .honoured. , J . i ‘