27 JANUARY 1939, Page 6

I see that an Alderman of Nottingham has declined an

invitation to a luncheon given by the Lord Mayor on the ground that he understood no wine was ' to be served. This is an admirable precedent. I am all in favour of guests being allowed to prescribe what they shall be given to eat and drink: " No caviare? Then I shall certainly not come." No oysters? Then I shall certainly stay away."

Nobody could call me a fussy man, he said, But I do like a little spot of something white or red. * *