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Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 53, Issue 3822, 16 October 1936, Page 12

Are good manners a lost art ? Judging by the yay in which far too many people act, I am inclined to belief that if not so, then they are fast becoming so. At pictures, entertainments, etc., it is quite common for late-comers, and those who go out at interval, to push rudely past without even so much as a “Pardon me.” Then again the little courtesies that distinguish the well bred and brought up person, are more than justifiably neglected. One of the most charming examples of good manners that I can recall was that exhibited by two Maori ladies in a restaurant. I was dining with my mother and at a very near-by table were the two ladies mentioned. They were conversing in English, but apparently preferred their own language, but before doing so they leaned across and said “You will pardon us for speaking in Maori, but we find it easier.” Though the incident happened years ago. I have never forgotten it.—lan Rosach.