“IN ENGLAND NOW.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18644, 22 December 1928, Page 4

“IN ENGLAND NOW.”

To the Editor. Dear Sir,—Your anonymous spondents “Home and Colonial” and “Imperial” apparently did not read my letter very carefully. In the first place, if they are trying to read into it any disloyalty or dislike of England, they are quite wrong. My visit to the Old Country is the most wonderful memory I shall ever have. I made many friends there, and I hope to go back some day to appreciate “Wonderful and especially London, once more. Notwithstanding this, I think it is permissible for a Colonial to criticise some of the quaint customs which exist. I know many will remain “for ever.” I merely think them amusing. If I say theatre charges are higher in England than they are in New Zealand—and they are—that doesn’t mean that I am disloyal to England, surely? By the same token, what one obtains at Riccarton for 10s sometimes costs £2 in England—that is merely a statement of fact. I did not say charges went up on “Cup Days”; I said “Cup Day”. I was referring to Goodwood. There was one error in my first letter. The word “train,” referring to Doncaster, should be “tram”. In reply to “Home and Colonial,” I can only say that I happened to be in front of King George's' box, because I paid £2 to the Duke of Richmond! I suppose such a reference made in England would be a sacrilege. I am glad “Home and Colonial” liked my sketch. If he calls upon me, I may be able to entertain him with a few others, suggested in England. All the same, I enjoyed every minute of my trip, and still remain a New Zealand booster of England. Still, there, are a few quaint things. Meantime I wash both correspondents a Merry Christmas. —I am, etc., G. T. ROBINSON.