I came out here nearly 2 years ago and in the valleys you still ask for ounce bags of tobacco, and a pound of mince,. If you ask for 200g of anything in the local shops you get a confused look ( mind you the confused look seems to be permanent with some of the shop assistants).
-----Original Message----- From: Steve Holdoway [mailto:st...@greengecko.co.nz] Sent: Thursday, 12 February 2009 9:13 am To: linux-users@it.canterbury.ac.nz Subject: Re: en_nz dictionaries? On Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:52:39 +1300 "Payne, Owen" <owen.pa...@ccc.govt.nz> wrote: > Um, technically it went metric, but they never really had the spine to enforce it, so all the kids are taught in metric, whilst the rest of the country uses imperial. If you ask about this anyone over 40 tells you it's because they find it easier to work out!!!! [snip] Britain actually went metric in 1965, 4 years before New Zealand. Surprising it did at all since it was invented by the French (: I think the only (major?) non-metric country left in the world is the US. The only hangover that's in common usage is the measurement of road distances/speed in miles. For example, the 22m line on a rugby pitch which is really 25 yards. ( in the Netherlands you can still ask for an "ounce" of cooked meat at the deli - although it now means 100g ). And yes, I'm somewhat over 40, and remember being taught basic arithmetic with pounds, shillings and pence as well... Steve -- Steve Holdoway <st...@greengecko.co.nz> ********************************************************************** This electronic email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. The views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Christchurch City Council. If you are not the correct recipient of this email please advise the sender and delete. Christchurch City Council http://www.ccc.govt.nz **********************************************************************
