PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LII, Issue 226, 24 August 1932, Page 12

PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY.

PALMERSTON NORTH CLUB,

On Friday evening last the Palmerston North Psychology Club lightened the usual proceedings by the addition of ci few musical items and a friendly cup of tea, handed round by the ladies. The customary address was left in the hands of the president, Mr 0. F. Spooner, while Mr J. L. riarwood' carried out the duties of the chair in his usual courteous manner. In addressing the club, Mr Spooner said the aim of all good psychologists was the study and development or mind power which enabled us to get the best out of life. -A successful life had been nicely summed up by an anonymous writer in the _ following words which had furnished inspiration for his address: “He hath achieved success who has lived well, laughed ioften and loved much; who has gained I the respect of intelligent men and. the ]lovo of little children: who has filled ■his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than ho found it, whether by an improved 'poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued 'soul; who lias always looked for the j bgst in others and given the best bo iliad. Whose life was an inspiration; Iwlioso memory a benediction.” Mr Spooner said the study of mind I brought us into touch with universal laws which governed nature. The old idea of chance had passed away and we found life was subject to natural laws which were in reality Divine laws, though they might be hard to follow amidst apparent chaos, confusion and misunderstanding. Tho study of psychology also helped to free the mind* from prejudices and aspire to freedom. Truth was a thing to bo confirmed by judgment not simply learned. “As a man thinketh in his heart so is lie,” and knowledge so attained became incorporated in our bein'>\ It was in our own hands to entertain thoughts that were constructive and thoughts that were good and beautiful and create for ourselves a better environment. A law of ju.v tieo ruled tho world, operating through cause and elfoct. Wo ourselves were elfccts and all that springs into being. Next came the law of giving and getting. We must give ill order to obtain happiness. We wore thus brought face to face with our duty to others and the fact that no man liveth unto himself. These were fragments of higher mental and spiritual truths man was now able to grasp. It was left to each one to express some measure of the divine consciousness and thus contribute to the great unfinished task of accomplishing human destiny. After the address a song with the appropriate title of “My Task” was contributed by Mrs Proctor. Mrs Proctor later responded to the demands of an appreciative audienco with “Lack-a-Day” and “I Passed By Your Window.” Master Allan Northy delighted tho company with a very natural rendering of “Sammy’s Troubles” and “When Mr Brown Gets His Hair Cut.” An excellent supper was provided and a monologue entitled “Bed Bose,” feelingly rendered by Mrs Howley, brought an enjoyable evening to a close.