HONESTY'S BEST POLICY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

HONESTY'S BEST POLICY.

"I have never robbed anyone in my life—except in the way of business."— Passionate declaration by the defendant in an Auckland Police Court action this week.

When I was young and foolish—yes, that's long ago, by Jove ! I used to spend my scanty pence on tales of treasure trove; I revelled in adventures of th& stirring days of old, The plots of which were built upon the lure of easy sold. Was lionest foi! a winner ? Kats I Llghthearted. Tree, and gay, ■ Success attended Fortune In "a strictly business way."

Jfy heroes! Ah 1 What men they were! v Description would be vain; They flew the "Jolly Eoger" on the stormy Spanish Main; ' They galloped on the highways In the glamour of romance, And reaped a golden harvest from the lucky dice of Chance; They levied tribute on the world, and no one said them "Nay";. They robbed, 'tis true, but only in "the good old business way."

'Twas unconventional, alas, this ancient strong-arm stuff; So Law and Order took a hand, and sternly "called the bluff",; The chaihpions who flourished by the bullet and the knife Have bad to modify the code of "Money or your life!" But still the human hunter is allowed to bag his prey 1 Provided that he does it "in a proper business way."

Who was it said "the bookie"? Hush! He's not the only one. A plumber's bill, a lawyer's fee—can cause a lot of fun. Did someone whisper "Uncle!" Ah! The ties of sentiment s,. Are sometimes quite severely strained by talk of "shent per shent"; The hogta of multi-millionaires who flaunt their wealth to-day . , .. ... Have never robbed a single soul—but "In a business way."

So; everyone is honest. Xes, as honest as can be. - ' ' . ' --e . The chronicles of commerce never mention robbery. • The profits of the plutocrats? Tut, tut! That isn't nice; , •'V • Before they entered ■ business they were poor as chapel mice. They found the golden secret that the populace will pay"— The Eighth Commandment? H m! Perhaps.— but " in a business way." ■ , «■— H, A*