TIPS AND TIPPERS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXV, Issue 4654, 28 January 1924, Page 2

TIPS AND TIPPERS.

Shipping companies in New Zealand some years ago decreed that no gratuities were to be accepted by stewards or seamen for work performed in the course of their duties. “An excellent idea,” said Mr John Plainman, and walked on to the ferry bestowing benisons upon the companies. After he had given a shilling to the steward who received his portmanteau at the gangway head, and a shilling to the steward who carried it to his cabin with the air of a major-domo, he realised that times may change, and men may change, but there is never likely to be any change in (or from) the tipping habit. Certainly, the open hand was not .so much in evidence—the 'companies' edicts were respected to that extent —but in its place were the eye pathetic and the eyebrow reproachful. Man is weak, and the eyebrow reproachful is something he seeks tc avoid, and thus he still goes aboard the ferry steamers with a pocketful of shillings. We can find solace in the knowledge that the evil is less pronounced in New Zealand than in the older countries.—Christchurch Sun.