LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2523, 31 July 1915, Page 13

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TIPS TO STEWARDS. Sir,—May I remind travellers by steamer that next week tho stewards will, liko other employees, he paid their entire remuneration by their employers, and will 110 longer accept gifts from tho public. , ' I am very glad ■ that tho men, who miist have felt humiliated at their unique position,, have at length succeeded in raising themselves to an independent position, and in obtaining proper pay for their work. I am only too well, acquainted with., tipping in other countries, but in New Zealand tho stewards are the only men I venture to tip. Soon after my arrival I offered half a. croivn to an,' obliging -railway wharf man, but he politely declined it, saying that he was paid for his' work. I have always had the uncomfortable feeling, when tipping, that I was lowering the self-respect of the men, and was -also playing into the hands of tho shipping companies. I,have always been well served by stewards, although I havo never stooped to the,contemptible way of trying to secure, a selfish advantage over fellow passengers by. means of tipping in advance.' * No doubt the. stewards will continue to realise that an important part of their work is to minister to the comfort of the passengers,' and to assist ihcm their luggage. _ Policemen recognise it as. part'of their duty to be helpful to the publio in many ways. Much the aamo may be 'aid of tramway conductors and others. It is to be hoped that all travellers will now show the truest kindness towards the stewards by refraining from tempting even tho most obliging of them to break down the new agreement with the companies and the understanding with the public. —I am, etc., . , W.H.H.