BLOW TO PESSIMISM

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1932, Page 2

BLOW TO PESSIMISM

A WISE PSYCHOLOGY

ATTITUDE TO DUIL TIMES

AUCKLAND, (March 22

In times when an atmosphere of darkest gloom envelopes the community, a flash of bright, cheery optimism Iron; a qualified exponent comes as an invigorating tonic. -Such was the -highly refreshing note struck by Mr Emcs-t ,l)avis last night when addressing a large gathering ot members, players and supporters of the Auckland 1-ooth.i 11 Association at their annual meeting, an attitude -to present conditions which might be- invaluable if adopted by a.sections of tbc general public. Speaking with deliberation and impressive assertiveness to a gathering which was largely composed of men of a younger generation, "Mr Davis said : “There 's one thing about a game ot football which no one can deny, a team, , t o be successful, must be optimistic. 'Whoever'heard of a -football team winning with their tails down? This is a psychology which many people here today could well apply to their morals. Many people in this community lately seem to be ‘dropping their bundles.’

I am rather appalled in some cases at the weakness shown. I grant i-t is . easy to moralise, and that the outlook . of those out of work is one of utter bleakness, and, in these times, too ter- j rible for words, they huvo my utmost sympathy, but there are many 1 know { of to-day . who have much to be thank- j ful for,'and who, by their pessimism, | ape npt standing up to the -traditions of our forefathers, the pioneers of old, . Who made, this land worth while. (Applause). “-Speaking to you young men, tud ot resolution to win out in your game, I would suggest that you, in vour everyday walk in life, -show that British grit and optimistic spirit are something which will, even in a small way, help ■to restore the confidence of the community in general, and which is so necessary before we can enjoy even a measure of comfortable times. Speaking a-s a business man, although it may appear that we are going to have- a bad winter, I firmly believe that by the end of th s year w : e will see things steadied, and a general improvement all round. I am not speaking without -the book or without thought, but I am convinced that although we may not see those so-called prosperous days, when we were all living on other people’s money, we will Hive learnt the lesson of economy, and have commenced to enjoy a fair measure of comfortable -tinie s once moie. (Ap planse). The tenor of Mr Davis’ remarks was cordially appreciated by tne large gatheiing, and re-echoed on an animated note lor’ the rest of the evening.