WOULDN’T RECIPROCATE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1858, 26 February 1889, Page 3

WOULDN’T RECIPROCATE.

The secretary of a mutual improvement society walked into a newspaper office and said, “ Want an item this morning?” and gave the editor the following note: “ The members of the street Association will give a festival at their hall next Friday evening. Literary and musical entertainment will be provided, and a supper will be served to all who desire. The ladies in charge of the affair have much experience in such matters, and are sure to provide a good spread. The admission is only half-a-crown, and it is certain that no one can spend that amount to better advantage. Be sure and come and take your friends.” “An advertisement ? ” said the editor. “ No; we prefer to have it in the local column,” said the secretary. “ It will interest a great many of your readers, and help a good cause; we have spent so much money in getting up our entertainment that we cannot afford to advertise without increasing the price of the tickets. In such a matter as this we ought to be able to help each other.” “ ’Well,” said the editor, “ if it goes into the locals, I suppose you would reciprocate by reading a little notice in your meeting ?” and handed him the following: “ The Weekly Pleaser is the best and cheapest family paper. Its proprietor has had much experience, and has all the staff which a large outlay of money can produce. His paper has a larger circulation than any other published in the country, and is to be furnished at only twopence weekly. It is certain that no one can spend the money to better advantage. Be sure to take the Weekly Pleaser, and influence your friends.” The secretary doubted whether it would be judicious to read such a notice ; if it were printed copies might be distributed at the entertainment. “ Tes,” said the editor, “ hut it would attract more attention in the middle of a speech. It will interest a large number of your congregation and help a good cause; besides so much money is spent upon the Weekly Pleaser that I don’t see how the owner can afford to print handbills to advertise it without increasing the subscription price. In such a matter as this wo ought to be able to help each other.”

Then the secretary saw the situation and withdrew. That is always the way. People think the production of a newspaper costs nothing. Even when they give a 3s advertisement they want a 10s local inserted,—Exchange.