CO-OPERATION AND CONCENTRATION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 555, 6 August 1920, Page 2

CO-OPERATION AND CONCENTRATION

% SEORETS OF SUCCLSS, MESSRS. COOPER AND CURD'S STAFF. A highly interesting lecture, airanged by Messrs. Cooper and Curd (Franklin Motor Garage and Carriage Works, Pukekohe and Waiuku) was delivered to their staff at the CarnivafTearooms on Tuesday night by Mr. Jas. Wylie, of the Sheldon Institute of Business Science.

Mr. Wylie commenced by stating that he wished to give his hearers the recipe for happiness. There were kinds of workers, one who had to be told what to do, watched while he was doing it, his work checked up afterwards, another had to be told what to do, but did not require to be checked up, but the best was he who knew what to do and did it well, and in the right spirit. For the bad relations existing between some employers and employees both were responsible, some employers being Shylocks, and some employees who were dodgers. These comments could not apply to Messrs. Cooper and Curd or their staff, otherwise the business could not have been built up from small beginnings to its present magnitude. The. speaker then drew a picture of the employee who got up too late and arrived at work just on or after time with his boots not laced up; he also knocked off to the second on the blowing of the whistle. This type was lacking in interest in their work. There was the other type who got up early and had his physical culture before breakfast, exercising , the , muscles that were not brought into play at his ordinary work. He started work with a will, and mixed brains with his labours. Such a man worked as well whether the boss was there or not. Being a competent workman, he had no need to be servile. There were only 5 per cent, of men who had succeeded in life at the age of 65; and few men developed either their mental or physical powers to any appreciable extent. The man who wanted to "get there" could well afford to put in a maximum of thought and energy. Every man and woman had his or her choree, but they must, by education and thought and skill, make themselves ready to grasp opportunities when they arose. Loyalty to the business was a cardinal necessity of success, and each employee should endeavour to enlighten and make his fellow more capable. If they made "service" their slogan through life they would never look back-. Speaking on physical fitness, Mr. Wylie said most men would spend more time putting coats on puppy dogs and covers on cows and horses than in proper attention to their own bodies. Without physical fitness full mental powers could not be developed. The speaker drew some interesting and amusing pictures of the "dot and carry one" persons. A proper knowledge of what to eat and drink was of great value. Touching on the very important factor of will-power, the lecturer said it was impossible to develop the will unless both the body and mind were clean and healthy and virile. Mr. Wylie also advised everyone to get into the job for which they had a natural aptitude or liking. Different people had different aptitudes, and therefore it behoved each to help the other and so make up for individual deficiencies. This was co-opera-tion, which, combined with concentration, went a long way to ensure success. Everyone should leave their minds open to suggestions for improvement. The more constructive thought we could get into our minds the less room there was for destructive elements. All the qualities which went to the development of character should be fostered, and the man who acquired ability could not be held back. Strength and aggressiveness were required, but they should be made with a trait of humanity, for we're all more or less indebted t» others for our success. Success means happiness, both of which

states were based on etlieiency. Mr. Curd, on behalf of the firm, thanked Mr. Wylie for his able and interesting address, his remarks being' received with applause. Mr. J. Tonkin supplemented Mr. Wylie's remarks in a very able manner, and proposed a vote of thanks on behalf of the stall' for his lecture. Items were rendered in the following order: Mr. A. Henry (Waiuku), song; pianoforte solo, Mr. T. Tonge (Waiuku). The whole company, of between 30 and 40 persons, sat down to supper provided by the firm, and the evening ended harmoniously.