FIRST OF APRIL

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3598, 2 April 1924, Page 9

FIRST OF APRIL

CELEBRATED AT LUNCH CLUB. Yesterday was April Fool's Day at the Lunch Club, and it was celebrated in fitting style. Mr J. H. Stevens was both chairman and chief speaker, and in his customary racy manner traced the history of All Fool’s Day from its remote beginnings, showing that there were evidences of the celebration of the first of April in almost every civilisation known to man. Mr Stevens found evidences of first of April celebrations In Greek mythology', Rome, the ancient and modern civilisations of the East and even in the dances of the South Sea Islanders. Mr Maurice Cohen provided a witty interlude which the Club-hugely enjoyed, and specific instances of the habit of the race to play practical jokes were provided by Messrs Rod. Ross, R. H. Billens, and J. C. L. Merton.

FOOLS—APRIL AND OTHERWISE. (By “Jim the Penman ”) Pools are my theme, let satire be my weapon.—Byron. Yesterday was “April Pool’s Day,” officially. When Friday dawns, quite a number of people, Palmerstonians and otherwise, may feel inclined to rate the 2nd and 3rd April in the same category. The time is opportune, therefore to consider a few satirical classics on "Fools” and the closely allied topic of “Folly ” Here are some representative Hems appropriate to the season. John Gay, (1688-1733 J) Fools, to talking- ever prone, Are sure to make their follies known. By outward show let's not be cheated; An ass should like an ass b e treated. James RuSsell Lowell (1819-1891.) The right to be a cussed fool, Is safe from all devices human, It's common* (ez a gin’l rule), To every critter born of woman. Philip Massinger (1583-1040.) I have play’d the fool, the gross fool, to believe. The bosom of a friend will hold a secret ’Mine own could not retain. Alexander Pope, (1088-1744.) Leave such to trifle with more grace and ease, Whom Polly pleases, and whose Follies please. William Shakespeare (1504-1610.) O, noble fool! A worthy fool! Motley’s the only wear. Edward Young (1684-1705.) Nothing exceeds in ridicule, no doubt, A fool in fashion, but a fool that’s out; His passion for absurdity’s so strong, He cannot bear a rival in the wrong! At thirty, man suspects himself a fool; Knows it at forty, and reforms his plan; At fifty chides his infamous delay, Pushes his prudent purpose to resolve, Resolves —and re-resolves; then dies the same.