Trials in Tact or What Would You Do?

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 34, 7 March 1930, Page 27

Trials in Tact or What Would You Do?

{Conducted by

Savoir-Faire

UNDER this heading, an every-day problem will be set week ‘by week, and readers are invited to send in their solutions, for which marks will be awarded. Prizes are offered to those obtaining the most marks over a series of ten. First prize, £2/2/-; second prize, £1/1/-; and third prize, 10/6 for each series. Competitors may send in their own problems for publication and solution and a prize of 10/6 will be given for the best one sent in during each series, and 5/- for each contributed problem used. Problem No. 5. lst Series. Mr. A. and Miss B. are at a shop counter, collecting their change. Mr. A. drops several coins, and while he is locking for them Miss C. enters the shop, and seeing a half-crown on the floor at the feet of Miss B., who is standing near the counter, "fiddling" in her bag, picks up the coin, and, thinking Miss B, has dropped it, offers it to her. Miss B., being unscrupulous, takes it. The gitl behind the counter, Miss D.. witnesses everything, and knows that Miss B. is perfectly aware that the half-crown belongs to Mr. A What should Miss D. do or say? Suggested by Miss R. Baker. (Answers must be postmarked not later than March 6, 1930.) Problem No. 6. | Ist Series. Mr. A. and Mr B. are neighbouring farmers. Mr. A. is continually imposing upon Mr. B. and taking advantage of his generosity at every turn. Despite Mrs. B.’s attempts to snub Mr, A., he refuses to take offence. Mr. B.’s nature prevents him from assisting Mrs. B. in her attempts to discourage Mr. A. Suggest any means of effecting Mrs. B.’s purpose. . ; Suggested by Nintz. \. (Answers must be postmarked not later than March 13, 1930.) A nom-de-plume may be used, but names and addresses must be sent. The same nom-de-plume must be retained throughout the series. All replies must beur a postmark dated not later than the Thursday after the date of the journal in which the problem appears, and should be addressed to "Savoir-Faire," "Radio Record and Electric Home Journal," P.O, Box 1032, Wellington. Savoir-Faire’s decision must in every case be accepted as final, Notes Will competitors kindly note that the solution that appeared in last week’s issue was that of Problem No. 8, and not No. 2, as printed. Jean, Te Puke; and Aussie.-Your solutions to Problem No. 3 were received after last week’s issue went to press, but they were correctly postmarked, and you have each been credited with 5 marks. Solution to Problem No. 4. [‘ is, of course, always very hurtful and a great shock to find that a member of one’s own set has "transgressed the code." I think, however, that as Mrs. C. has decided to keep the matter as private as possible, and to give the young man a chance to "turn over a new leaf,’ that Miss A. should not let Mr. CG. know that she has heard of his misdoings. She should, of course, having regard to Mrs. C.’s warning, be on her guard, but’ should endeavour to meet him the next time in as friendly a manner ag possible. Miss R. Baker’s solution seems to me to meet the situation perfectly. It is as follows :- "Miss A. should outwardly be as friendly as usual when she next meets Mr. B., so that he shouldn’t suspect that she has heard anything about his past conduct, as he is then more likely to follow the advice which has been given him. It is fairly obvious that a cold stand-offish-ness on the part of Miss A. would tell him plainly that she has heard everything, and he would be so despairing of making anyone trust him again, that he would be very much inclined to go to the bad altogether. But Miss A. should be very cautious and circumspect till she sees whether he intends to behave better in future or not. She has called him her friend, therefore she must give him a sporting chance to make good." . Many other good answers more or less to the same effect were reThat from "Phillipa" would have been admirable had the problem suggested that the situation arose in any way from idle gossip, but I see nothing in it to indicate that it was not a serious one, to be dealt with seriously. Marks have been awarded as follow :-A Trier, 5; Anon, 3; AppleTPie Mary, 5; Bonza, 2; Miss R. Baker, 5; Clara, 3; Duplex, 3; Hquity, 4: Deerfoot, 3; Fiat Pax, 5; Frances, 0; Grace, 0; Miss R. Green, 3; Haven, 2; Irene, 3; Jean, Te Puke, 5; Miss N. Johnston, 3; Jonquil, 0; Kummel, 3; Lucid, 8; Listener-in, 5; Mrs. Mason, 5; Michael, 5; Myra, 0; Mayfiower, 4; Natural, 3; Nomen, 0; Nintz, 5; Olivia, 2; Priscilla, 5; Pumpkin, 8; Phillipa, 0; Query, 3; Radex, 4; Radio, 0; Rosa, 0; Seylla, 4; Senga, 5; Summit, 8; Thames, 2; Tuner, 4; Topaz, 0; Undine, 4; Viola, 4; Verity, 8; V.L.A., 5; Wynward, 0; Weaver, 3; Xylonite, 3; Xerxes, 4; Yum-yum, 3; Zenobia, 4.