WAR-TIME HOSPITALITY.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 27, 9 April 1918, Page 3

WAR-TIME HOSPITALITY.

Speaking of how to keep up the good English habit of hospitality under war rations an English writer says:— The means of doing this lies well within our reach. It simply consists in bringing one’s own “nose-bag” when going to a friend’s house. The habit was not unknown in pre-war Chelsea, and there were successful supper clubs where each guest brought his or her own sUpper, the better-off ones bringing a case of champagne or a few bottles of wine for the common good. Hospitality was in no sense outraged. The hostess of the evening cleared her studio, provided plates and glasses for the sandwiches, etc., brought by .her friends. A very enjoyable feature of one of these supper clubs used to be the huge sausages brought by a famous pianist, who when the hour of twelve arrived would exchange portions of his supper with his admirers who had brought other dainties.

At the present time many people carry lumps of sugar in their pockets when visiting friends’ houses, and it is, only going a step farther to bring one’s own rations to a lunch or supper party. Even war-workers must relax sometimes, and the strain of doing one's bit could be lessened if meeting one's contemporaries over a meal were not impossible. Home-room light and heating is all that the hostess need provide, and if in turn each guest did the same there would be an actual saving in lighting and firing, . since the same quantity of these valuable commodities would serve for a number as for one. Eation parties need not be numerous, and they would serve to keep up the spirit of hospitality and friendship without any loss of food.