TIPPING SYSTEM IN N.Z. IS CONDEMNED.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 46, 24 February 1931, Page 5

TIPPING SYSTEM IN N.Z. IS CONDEMNED.

Strong disapproval of the habit of giving “tips” in New Zealand was voiced by an Australian visitor to Invercargill this week: “The tipping system is a pernicious one,” he declared, “and, in my opinion, is most inequitable. In the hotels, for instance, one naturally follows the custom and 4 treats ’ the waitress and the porter, but there are many working behind the scenes who are equally deserving of recognition, but who do not share in the common fund. What about the pantrymaid? She never comes into contact with the tourist or the traveller and hence receives not a penny. 1 recognise that tipping can never be abolished, xiotwithstanding the numerous notices to that effect which v/e visitors frequently see adorning many establishments, but why not adopt the Continental system? When I visited France, Germany and other countries abroad, I did not tip individual employees, for the simple reason that an additional 10 per cent for tips to the staff is always added to one’s hotel account. That addition goes to a common fund, which is equally divided among all the workers.