JUDGE’S “SERMON”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 474, 2 October 1928, Page 13

JUDGE’S “SERMON”

AFTER-LUNCHEON ADDRESS PROFESSORS IN BUSINESS Describing His remarks as “a little sermon,” Mr. Justice Smith replied in reflective vein to various speeches of welcome at a luncheon of the Auckland Advertising Club, held to-day in the Lewis Eadv Hall. “If others had Mr. Justice Smith’s idea of a sermon. I would go to church more often,” was the brief comment of the chairman, Mr. A. H. Lees, after the speaker of the day had concluded his address.

The remark was endorsed wholeheartedly by the small army of advertising, business and professional men who were present. The luncheon was arranged by the club to mark its first meeting in new premises, and Mr. Justice Smith, who was recently appointed to the Supreme Court Bench, and is paying his first official visit to Auckland, was the guest of honour. There were also present Messrs. V. R. Meredith, Crown Prosecutor; E. C Cutten, S.M.. F. K. Hunt, S.M., W. R. McKean, S.M., F. R. G. West, president of the Raw Society, G. Finn, president of the Manufacturers’ Association, and Colonel Dawson, president of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. After the apologies had been disposed of and proceedings had been enlivened by a saxophone solo, Mr. Rees referred to the you tli of Mr. Justice Smith and to the fact that he was one of the youngest judges ever appointed in Xew Zealand. PERSONAL REFLECTIONS “As it must be perfectly clear to all of you that the 'office I hold prevents me from expressing opinions on any subject of current, topical, or national interest, I will give you just one or two of my personal reflections on business and business affairs,” began Mr. Justice Smith. “To-day business is highly specialised. Every man is confined very largely to his own line—he knows a. great deal about it, and not much about other lines. That specialisation has brought about a specialisation of law and, in the 20th century we have a great deal of legislation that interferes with the liberty of the individual in the interests of the community. PROFESSORS IN BUSINESS “Business men are becoming very like professional men. They are professors in their own line and unconsciously the business world is developing into a professional world in which the best service is given by the man with tho best knowledge. A true lawyer would not drive his client into litigation for personal gain, and todav a business man tries to see to it that the buyer is given full value for his money. If he does not, he should. “There is an increasing tendency on the part of business men to adopt the professional attitude —to see that they do not sell shoddy, and do not use misleading advertising. Such an attitude will nut only mean good profit to those who practise it, but will act for the benefit of the community as a whole. “As in British law. it will be the myriad of single instances that will build up the professional spirit in busiTHE HOBBY HABIT The speaker's second reflection dealt with the n£ed for men in specialised | occupations to cultivate a hobby, otherwise they -tended to become warped. There were many hobbies, but one of great value was voluntary service in social and phiiaigsiropic work. Such a hobby broadened a man’s outlook, and was a safeguard gainst the wrping influence of his daily routine. • In the midst of ail this activity, we ought to take time to stand, and stare, ’and think.” continued Mr. Justice Smith. • The impresison one gets from reading much of the literature of the l United States is that the people there don’t take time to stand and stare and ! think.” A little meditation now and then ! was relished by the wisest men, he I added. The enjoyment of the beauties j of nature seemed >o be going because ! t »f this failure to pause and contemplate. Such times for reflection enabled a man to adjust his sense of prospective. In conclusion, the speaker said he had read in a recent report that it was exceedingly difficult for men who had been in gaol to obtain employment. “If a. man is prepared to take a risk, and employ one of these men. he will surely be rewarded by the satisfaction that comes from helping fellow-men.”