Following on from NicholasW...

"Haitch" is quite prevalent in Australia and seems to have crossed all socio-economic boundaries.

It is almost a litmus test for Catholicism (and a Catholic education) in this country. Inevitably the Brothers are/were of Irish stock and, if they weren't, they were taught in turn by Irish Catholics. And so the usage spreads.

I've mentioned before that the playing of Rugby League rather than Rugby Union is a similar litmus test. League is dominant in Catholic schools, whilst Union is the domain of the protties. One of the more powerful League teams in Brisbane, Queensland competition is even called Brothers. Guess which foot they lead with!

stales