Shakari

I might have been a bit harsh in using the term 'begging" as I know and appreciate that yourself those in the business you are in are dedicated to the sport and wish to provide the best service you can irrespective of who your client is. It was just that the stereotype, we down under see from movies and hear about from those who have travelled in the States, is of the hotel boy after carrying your bags into your room is standing with his hand out waiting to be tipped for the service, a la the street begger approaching with his hand out asking for what ever he can glean from a passerby. That of course is unfair to your industry as I know that is not how it is done.
I did not wish to cause offence but as you can probably appreciate from the various threads on this forum on the subject, we down under types generally find tipping an abhorrent practice and prefer the up front practice of naming your price and everyone being paid a fair slice of the cake.

I accept what you say about the feudal system and that tipping for services rendered is not compulsory but from the information you and other PHs have given on this forum there does seem to be a "reliance" if I can put it that way, on some form of extra payment to top up what you say in many cases is poor wages paid for the services you as the PH, and your field and camp staff are being paid. Personally I would have no beef if an upfront payment was required to be made direct to the PH as a "disbursement" for him (or her) to distribute to his staff as he sees fit. I know that sounds like a tip but it is not as it is compulsory, upfront, and it is the PH, not the outfitter if they are differant, who gets the money, and being the honest chap he will be, will keep his share and distribute fairly to his staff.

You asked the question why or how did OZ and NZ not get the tip custom. You are probably right in that both our countries early settlers "escaped" or in the case of our aussie friends, some were sent, from their various motherlands to seek a life away from the English and European class systems, and today we still hold very dearly to that. It has no place in our society. To say we do not have tipping is not quite true as in the restaurant and hotel service industry some people do give the "change" or leave a bit of money for the pretty waitress who has served them, but probably just being the big shot in front of the mates if anything. It is certainly not expected and most kiwis and aussies would never think of it and only pay the upfront charge on the menu.

Again sorry if I offended you, it is just that in our societies here down under, tipping is one practice that actually offends most of us. We just expect that the direct up front price is a good and fair reimbursement for the service or goods we are purchasing and everyone is happy.

Cheers