SECRET OF SUCCESS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 317, 7 January 1909, Page 4

SECRET OF SUCCESS.

MAXIMS OF SUCCESSFUL MEN, What is the secret of success ? Two of the most successful men of the dayLord Strathconii and Sir John Barker—recently expressed their views on the subject to the representative of a London paper. Giving evidence in the Federal Court at New York in the United States Government's suit for the dissolution of the Standard Oil Company, which organisation has made him the richest man in J the world, Mr John D. Rockfeller, on i being asked the question : " What was I the secret of your success 1" replied : " We always had credit, we kept out of' covenants, and we paid our paper.' "1 think Mr Rockfeller is right," said Lord Strathcona who crossed to i Canada over seventy years ago to become a clerk to a fur trader. "Mr Rockfeller, by credit does not mean only money trusts—he means the readiness to oblige, wJiich is aroused in all men by strong and reliable characters. t tbiuii he is right, decidedly. What your New York correspondent's mess-, age does not mention is Air Kockfeller's ■ perseverence and his ability of seeing what not to undertake. The successful man never undertakes more than he can do. There are many admirable qualities to cultivate, but perseverance is certainly among the lirst. •' Tell your young men and young women readers to keep perseverance before them every moment ol men- lives and to proceed slowly and surely. Opportunity comes to some more frequently than to others. There are very few whom it does not visit at all. You have got to be ready for it. If you arc not prepared it is your fault. Work steadily for improvement, but don't gamble for it. Depend on your own efforts and don't wait for your friends." Sir John Barker, founder of John Barker's stores, Kensington, received his baronetcy on the occasion of the King's birthday. His first work brought him in five shillings a week. "If by credit," he said, "Mr Rockfeller means what Ave usually mean in business money trust. 1 do not agi"?e with him. I have always held to llie maxim ' Pay cash and get the biggest discount vou can.' Pav on the nail

ami not by paper arrangements and bills. If business men accept bills they arc doing you a favor. Don't, as far as yon can prevent it, be under obligation. "Business men don't make arrangements for your benefit. Thev may hav :

half a hundred other reasons for doing

"Look ahead! Don't order more than you ran alford on legitimately and reasonably see adequate return for."