SECRET OF LONG LIFE.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2347, 13 November 1908, Page 6

SECRET OF LONG LIFE.

SIR THEODORE MARTIN’S BIRTHDAY HOMILY.

NINETY-TWO 1 YEARiS OLD

Sir Theodore Martin, ono of the most noted personalities of the Victorian era, that brilliant actress Miss ' Helen Faucit, closo friend of the late Queen A'ictoria, .and author, among numerous other works, of tho “Info of the Prince Consort,” which he wrote at the Queen’s command, and of an interesting volume of personal recollections ■of her Majesty, *p.uWished during the present year, recently celebrated his ninety-second, birthday. He. spent the greater part of tho day in his study in the company of his books, as it was a clay of wind and rain, such a day, he remarked to a representative of “Tho Daily Mail,” as that on which lie bought liis home, Bryntysilio, forty-two years /ago. Contrasting the Victorian with the present ora, he deplored the multiplication of the unfit' in literature, How much, he asked, of what is written to-day will stand the test of time which Scott and Dickons and Thackeray, all of whom were among his personal friends, have, sustained with success? When asked'what was tho secret of long life and happiness he sulked. “I have,” lie said, “been a hard worker .all my life. In early life sixteen hours .a day was my usual spell, and hard, work is the true elixir ot life. Let the young make their work their hobby, concentrating their whole energies upon performing worthily the duty of everyday (Life, and they will have no time to deal with matters of no account. As to relaxation, hear this in mind : while hard work ennobles, worthy relaxation may also ennoble.” Addressing the Llangollen National Eisteddfod Choir, which serenaded him, lie said : “I would remind you young people that excellence in any .art or profession is only attained by hard ancl persistent work. Never believe that you are perfect. AVlien a man imagines, even after years of striving, that he lias attained perfection, then his decline begins. „ f “God lias given good gifts to all men. Cultivate them wisely. Never weary of working, for work is the delight' of life. The busiest man is the happiest man.”