1936 On the Continent

tip the man serving drinks at the bar, nor a postman delivering a parcel.
    Taxi-drivers are usually tipped 3d. on a minimum fare of 9d., and at the passenger’s absolute discretion on higher fares.
    At teashops it is fairly usual to tip the waitresses, though tips are supposed to be forbidden in some shops.
    At hotels and restaurants the customer may tip as he chooses, and while there is no obligation, 10 per cent. of the bill is considered reasonable here as on the Continent.
“Chaperones”
    Ladies travelling alone may secure the services of an organisation known as
Universal Aunts Ltd.
, of 37 Wilton Place, S.W.1, who provide “chaperones” either for companionship alone, or for the purpose of introducing visiting foreign ladies to a circle of friends.
Hospitals
    In case of bad accident or sudden serious illness, the foreign visitor may go to any hospital in London for immediate medical treatment, but for other ailments he had better consult a doctor. Patients pay what they can,as in most hospitals now there is an almoner who sees people requiring anything more than casual treatment and ascertains what it would be reasonable to expect them to pay. A short list of hospitals which are open day and night will be found elsewhere.
    English chemists’ shops stock a large number of medicines ready-made, and also sell beauty preparations, fancy goods, etc. The dispensing of medical prescriptions is carried out in a separate department.
Public Conveniences
    Public conveniences (American—comfort stations) in London are generally underground and are situated in the streets at short intervals. Facilities for washing and brushing up are provided at a low charge.
Foreign Newspapers
    Can be obtained in London at various shops in Shaftesbury Avenue, Coventry Street, Leicester Square and the adjoining streets, and also in Bloomsbury, in the City, and at
Selfridge’s
(Oxford Street).
Hints on Etiquette
    We use the word etiquette to cover the following miscellaneous information on matters relating to conduct in various circumstances.
    At the conclusion of a theatrical or cinema performance in England it is usual to play the National Anthem, to which the audience listens standing up.
    Where a number of people are waiting to be served, as for instance at the box-office of a cinema or theatre or at a railway booking office, English people voluntarily form a queue, on the principle of first come first served, and it is regarded as very bad form to ask to be served out of one’s turn.
    Men greet each other without raising their hats.
    It is not customary in England for a person to go up to another and introduce himself. Except in unusual circumstances the introduction must be effected by a third party.

    SCOTLAND
By DOROTHY HARTLEY
    S COTLAND is more than a country, it’s a state of mind. All Scotchmen, anywhere in the world, still keep Scotland in their hearts, so no Scotchman needs any notes on Scotland—he just heads straight for home.
    If you, a stranger, are going to Scotland for the first time, you’re out for a great experience.
The Scotch are very Hospitable
    First, get out of your head all the things you’ve ever heard about the Scotchman being close. A man gets out of Scotland exactly what he takes there, the Scotch are the kindest, and most generous, and genuinely hospitable people in the world.
    If you go there, as a stranger, and comport yourself lowly and friendly, as a stranger should, there’s not a thing on earth they won’t do for you—nor a kindness that isn’t yours for the wanting.
    But do not think that money will buy you everything in Scotland, because there’s a lot of things that the Scotchman can give you, which no money can buy. Don’t judge Scotland by the small commercial section you will find clustering round, and over, the beauty spots and the show places. They are no Scotch.
Ostentation Fails
    The jokes about the Aberdeen sixpence, are fair, in that the Scotch are careful. Mean, no (they are generous to a fault). But it’s a hard country and a stern life, and they can’t abide carelessness. If you go there, thinking to impress them, by being lavish, and throwing the silver about—you’ll fail; they’ll just think the less of you for being such a fool. Give fair price and generous, but there’sno call for more. They are a grand people, and have their own sense of values—and they do not value ostentation a bit.
    Every man in Scotland is a lord in his own right. I’d like every