Our Trials in Tact Competition

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 51, 4 July 1930, Page 32

Our Trials in Tact Competition

PROBLEM No. 9.-"A. B. and C. have a motor accident, as a result of which A. dies of injuries, B. suffers loss of memory, and C. minor injuries. The accident is unwiinessed and due entirely to carelessness on the part of B., who was driving: "As A. owned the car, it is generally believed that he twas the driver, and B. remembers nothing of the happening at all. Should C. make public the fact that A. was not the driver, thus incriminating B.; or should he remain silent? . Suggested by ‘‘Natural." {NOTE.-May Belle: I am sorry to say that your solution to Problem No. 6 was received and postmarked too late for marks to be’ awarded. ]

RS. MASON sends by far the most masterly solution to fii this problem. I agree with i] her that all three women con- "| cerned display great want of } tact and savoire faire, Miss ee %] A. in the first place, because, 1 as Mrs. Mason remarks, they are all: intimate friends and moving in the same circle, Mr. X.’s little peculiarities would therefore probably be quite well known in the neighbourhood,. and in no way reflect on Miss A. In the second place, Mrs. B. should not have mentioned to Mrs. xX. that she intended ringing Miss A., and, thirdly, Mrs. X. should have protested against Mrs. B. doing so. Mrs. Mason suggests that as Mrs. B. has arrived at this impasse she should now go to Miss A. and .make the matter such a personal one that the latter will reconsider her decision and post the invitation with apologies for the accidental omission. . This, of course, would be quite the most comfortable way out for all parties concerned. I think, however, that it would require a Mrs. Mason to carry it through successfully, if I may say so. Tolerance

is not usually an attribute of youth, and Miss A. may remain obdurate. Fortunately this solution does not deal with the problem as it stands, which asks "What explanation can Mrs. B. give to Mrs. X.?"’ I am consequently reluctantly obliged to withhold marks for this solution. Most of us would like, as many competitors suggest, to do nothing and let the matter drop. Mrs. X., however, is nearly certain to take an early op-

portunity of asking Mrs, B. the result of her inquiry. In the circumstances I think Mrs. B.’s best course is to tell Mrs. X. that Miss A. said no invitation had seen sent. She can add that Miss A. would have liked to ask Mrs. X. as well as many others, but was unable to do so. I disagree very strongly with those who say that Mrs. X. should be told the real reason. Whatever Mr. X.’s faults may be, Mrs. X.- would probably resent any criticism and be wounded to feel that he had been the object of discussion. Indeed, I think the average woman would prefer to be given any excuse, however transparent. "Pat" says: "It is clearly not Mrs. B.’s business to go making explanations to Mrs. X. and she cannot discuss the matter in its present form with Mrs, X." The situation in its present form is of Mrs. B.’s making, however, and I think she will probably be called upon to discuss the matter. Therefore she must be prepared to do so. I like Fanny’s answer very much. "If I were Mrs. B. I would tell Mrs. X. part of the truth, leaving out the most unpleasant part. I would say ‘that for several reasons Miss A. is not

able to ask all she would like to: to her wedding, so has .been obliged to leave Mrs. X. out, though she woul have liked to have invited her (prob, ably true). If Mrs. X. is aware that her husband’s behaviour is not up to standard she will probably guess this is one of. the reasons and will know there is nothing more to be said. Perhaps this is her particular cross, and she must carry it. "JT think Mrs. B. should apologise, and explain to Mrs. X. that in a moment of indiscretion and thoughtless excite-ment-being anxious to help Miss A.she, Mrs. B., had assumed too much authority. »__"Tenan. " MARKS AWARDED. © Anon, 0. Amaryliis, 2; Anice, 3 y Artful, 0; Apple-Pie-Mary, 5; Babdeb, 0; Ben, 0; Miss Rachel Baker, 55 Bonza, 0; Barbara, 1; Clara, 5; Cleri* cus, 03 fire, 2 : Master Don Chesman, 1; Deerfoot, 3; Duplex, 0. Diabolo, 3; _Devon, 2; Benan, 1; Effie, 33. Hquity, 5; Fanny, Bs Frances, 8; Flirt, 0; Flora, 3; 3; ‘83 Haven, 0; Heather, 0; Hopscotch, 3; Ivy Sen, 5; Irene, 3; Iambic, 0; Jonquil, 8; Jimmy, 5; Mrs. Jones, 0; Kummel, 0; Kate, 3; Kia-Ora, 0; Lucid, ’3; Lambton, 5; Michael, 5; Mrs. Mason, 0; Myra, 3; Mavis, 0; Magpie, 0; Maybelle, 0; Nemo, 8; Natural, 3; Nomen, 8; Norah, 0; Never-Never, 3; Nippy, 0; Mrs, Oldman, 0; Olivia, 3; Octopus, 8; Open-door, 0; Oneeny, 1; Pat, 1; Pumkin, 2; Pansy, 3; Query, 0; Quince, 8; Radio, 3; Rosa, 0; Radex, 5; Sardonyx, 8; Scylla, 38; Summit; .33 Straight-ahead, 0; Thames, 0; Tuner, 8; Topaz, 0; Tommy, 8; Undine, 03 Unomi, 3; Vivat, 0; Viator, 3; Viole, 8; Verity, 2; Wynward, 0; Weaver; 8; Waterway, 2; Watchful, 3; Xerxes, 0; Xylonite, 0; Yum-Yum, 3; Youngster, ‘0; Zenobia, 5.