The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, September 15, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1297, 15 September 1914, Page 2

The Manawatu Herald. Tuesday, September 15, 1914. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Mr. Malcolm Ross, managed to worm his way on a troopship which took the contingent to Samoa. He was to act as “war correspondent,” etc. Some awkward questions were asked in the House as to why this gentleman should receive prior consideration over the claims of other press representatives who made application to go, but who were turned down. No doubt this matter will receive further publicity later on. However, a writer in yesterday s Times gives the said Mr Malcolm Ross a well-deserved thrust for a piece of snobbishness. The writer says: “I would not trouble you with any comment on his screed, but for the fad that there is a remark in one of his sentences which for downright snobbishness ‘takes the bun.' It is to the effect that he (the ‘guide’) was quite surprised to note that amongst the rank and file of the first contingent there were some men who appeared quite fit to sit at the officers’ mess. What a discovery ! Fancy some of them being able to eat (presumably'' with the people who sat down with the “guide” ! I am afraid, sir, you will not print what I think of an individual who is capable of writing in such terras of the young men who are out on their country’s business. As one of the many thousands who saw them on parade, I feel sure that 95 per cent, of our little array are quite fit to sit at any table, from the Governor’s down.” One can excuse remarks of this nature when they emanate from silly purse-proud women ‘ in little country towns who attempt to ape at social distinctions, but such snobbishness from a man who got a cheap trip by back stairs methods —bah !