To Our Boys.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 920, 23 February 1881, Page 5

To Our Boys.

(By Schneider). “ Make money honestly, but make it ” —This excellent motto may have been uttered by Soloman or some other proverbalist. The man who first wrote it, or spoke it, evidently had an eye to number I; and he was right as far as my knowledge goes. Now boys, Iv’e lived for some months in this world and have picked up a trifle of information, and this information I freely give you. Start life by sticking yourself in the front as far forward as you can—don’t be backward in coming forward. I know a man, who possessing little or no knowledge has worked himself into a position. How was this done ? Well I’ll tell you—by “ front ” and “ being so very ’umble ” to those who exercised a power over him. Don’t think lads, that the outspoken, plain, old .John Bull style will pay in the Colonies. It’s a mistake. You have to preserve a “ front ” and yet cringe, crawl and creep in order to gain headway —anomalous though it may seem. To get on the top rung of a ladder out here, you’ve got to get over other persons’ heads, and in doing so—eventhough they were your brothers —you must strive to send him a few steps backward. Shakespeare savs “ Some men are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” That might have been true in olden times, but it don’t work in this country. You won’t have any greatness thrust upon you here unless you descend to “ lickspittling.” The initiatory practice may not be pleasant, but in the end it’s profitable— try it youngsters and you’ll get on. If you get a smack on the nose, hold up your mouth for a stinger that will probably loosen your eye teeth. That’s the way to make a living in the Colonies. All you’ve got to do is to be “so very ’umble ” a la " Uriah Heap. Some day, should you faithfully persevere in the path I have pointed out, you might rise to the distinguished post of manager of something or other; but even then it would not do to forget your early lessons. You still must follow out “ the same old game,” and make love to people who don’t know B from a bull’s foot or C from a chest of drawers. The man who can do this (and I have never met but one who made it his constant study) will in time secure a position. As I said before its not altogether an easy thing at the start, but practice makes perfect, so if you think my advice may be of use to you call on Mr. Paraone who is well-known for his talent in this direction. Saponaceousness also is a wonderful acquirement, and acts on some people like a dose of opium. It lulls them, soothes them, and renders them willing to swear that the administrator is one of the cleverest and most astute men to be found in the world. Saponeiety, “front,” lickspittling and being “ so very ’umble ” must be cultivated to insure success, and then should you at any time secure the proud pre-eminenee of be-coming-well, say the Editor of a company newspaper—a judicious abuse of the working man having his beer (no matter how much you take yourself) will make you most popular. In' short, always stick to the winning side ; give morality—as Macbeth did physic -it©'the dogs; go in for what pays, and lot d-r—J take’care of the hindmost.