OLD v. YOUNG MEN.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 178, 14 December 1912, Page 6

OLD v. YOUNG MEN.

i To the Editor., Sir—During his visit to' England, Mr. Ahier lias been picking up new ideas. I notice, inter, alia, a statement to tlu effect that in liis opinion 1 men over forty should not hold any billets where push and energy ;rre required.. In that ease, it would he interesting to know what he proposes I doing' with the unfortunate residijuni, „ Are tliev to be pensioned oi". poisoned' oil', or kicked off? Because it is evident that if the younger men refuse to provide for thorn,' there is no other place oh this planet where they can; obtain" sullicient for their : needs. Anyhow, Mr. Ahier is all wrong. When it comes to appraising a man's value for anjr particular purpose age must be reckoned by, ideas, not years. There are very old men of ;>() and youngsters of CO or 70. Who arc the present-day ruling princes of finance.? ■ Why, Rockefeller, Morgan and a dozen others, all much above the age in question. Von Moltlce was near SO when he led the Prussian army to victory. When our own younger generals were being kicked out of South Africa, "Robs," verging on 70, went to the rescue. Kitchener is now over GO, and there are a host of soldiers, statesmen and financiers, past and present, who might be quoted to disprove this modern fallacy that 40 or thereabouts is 'the limit of energy and capability. ; On the contrary, a young-tliink-ingi, up-ljO-date man of mature years, by reason of his experience, can always beat a younger one. These are plain facts (if people choose to consider them) : v;hieh prove this contention up to the hilt. There are situations in which the younger man (all things being equal) will have the advantage, but that does not alter the fact that there are now —and always have been—plenty of old men who can run rings round any young man in the country.—l am. etc., '■OVER TTTE LTMTT.