HE-AH HE-AH!

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 436, 15 September 1908, Page 2

HE-AH HE-AH!

“ Tins wretched system of mispronouncing words, which is obtaining fast all over the Dominion, is an absolute abomination in the ears of those who desire to hear the youngsters of the country speak their mother tongue correctly,” said Mr Hornsby in the course of an indignant protest in the House recently, against the “English as she is spoke ” by the children attending our State schools. “Do not the teachers themselves mispronounce the words ?” asked Mr A. Mackenzie. “ Exactly,” said Mr Hornsby. “It is because they are not properly taught that we hear children saying ' piper for paper, kike for cake, gripes for grapes.’ ” He meant to speak of certain “ would-be leaders of fashion” who spoke of everything being “ alrate,” and “going out tonate,” as another deplorable instance of the mispronunciation which was so rampant in the laud. “ He-ah ! he-ah !” ejaculated Mr Wilford, thereby drawing down upon himself the indignation of the member for Wairarapa, who objected to a “serious” subject being interrupted by such a “ rude ” interjection. Such mispronounciation generally obtains among a certain set of silly affected girls. The schools are alright.