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Salient: An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria University, Wellington. Vol. 24, No. 3. 1961

Manners ?

Manners ?

Dear Sir,—I always thought that schoolboys cared little about good manners but I had hoped that two or three years training at University would eventually transform them into young gentlemen. What a disappointment though. The least thing one expects from a young man when he nearly knocks one over is an apology. This, however, was too much to expect from the young gentleman who practically knocked over my girl-friend and me as he rushed through the narrow corridor swinging his bag wildly.

I am quite well aware that the younger generation thinks that to let a girl go first through a door is too old fashioned; I want to tell those particular boys that we do not expect them to open doors for us always. There is however quite a difference when one Is carrying a heavy bag and two heavy volumes in her other hand, and the young man in front of her just leaves the door to swing full in her face.

Another awkward situation is the Cable Car. You enter a compartment where seven young men lounge luxuriously on the seats while two girls are engaged in a lively conversation. Your bag is full, your feet ache, but you have to be careful not to step on any stray feet which are stretched out in all directions.

At last someone pats you on the shoulder and you think that some kind soul has thought of you, but instead you see a smiling face looking up at you, saying:

"Give me your bag, honey, or would you rather sit on my knee?"

Of course you turn down the offer.

Some people might think I am too old-fashioned, or that I expect too much from them. Perhaps I do. But let those who care remember that a gentleman always has advantages over the others.

Yours, etc.,

A Lady.