A Matter For The Authorities

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 292, 8 September 1942, Page 4

A Matter For The Authorities

Sir, —Today I was eye-witness to an incident, which in my opinion ,was tantamount to barefaced robbery. To make matters worse, the victim was one of our honoured guests and protectors, an American Marine. This marine, accompanied by a young lady and three young children, went into a-certain cafe, in the .Hutt Valley, for tea. The meal consisted of one adult serving of bacon and eggs, one adult and one child of spaghetti on toast, and two children of baked beans on toast. The proprietor,had the effront? ery to charge 13/- for this meal. The marine*had no option but to pay. the amount asked/but what his opinion of the matter is I don’t know. Is it fair or reasonable to suppose that because these American Marines are credited with haviif" a Teasonable amount of > pocket money they should be openly swindled, as this one most certainly was. I might add that the excuse of “Overtime to staff” cannot be used in this case, as the meal was served .by the proprietor, who appeared to be the only person employed in 'the oafe at the time. This matter does not affect me personally, but I feel that as an eye-witness I cannot let this disgraceful incident pass without bringing it. to the notice of the public.—l am, etc., DISGUSTED. Wellington, September 7.