Grey-haired But Not Wise

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 6

Grey-haired But Not Wise

CHALLENGE TO LOCAL BODY REPRESENTATIVES

Something in the nature of a challenge to those who serve on local bodies, was issued by Mr. H. I. Christensen, of Palmerston North, when speaking at the weekly meeting of the Citizens’ Lunch Club in Palmerston North yesterday. His subject was “Life Begins at Fifty” and he was particularly severe in his criticism of the man who, in the later years of his life, allowed himself to get mentally old. Old men who have become mentally old could bo found everywhere, he stated. Their hearts continued to beat but they were dead on top and wero really dead men unburied. One did not know whether to pity them or blame them. Their grey hair was a symbol of wisdom to which they wero not entitled. They often possessed both mouey and authority but their rule spelt ruin and depression. They contributed to a nation two of tho most potent factors towards revolution in inefficiency and corruption. These men, when on local bodies, wero supposed tc, be representing the interests of the ratepayers.

Tho speaker averred that at 50 a man came face to face with the milestone of golden opportunities if he kept himself mentally alert. It was stupid, pervieious and impertinent to declare that u man was too old at 40.