OLD MAN DEPRESSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 6 (Supplement)

OLD MAN DEPRESSION

11Y JENNIE WAIN

HIS 7 UNEXPECTED GIFTS LOST . PLEASURES REVIVED

Old Man Depression seems to have "been with iis so long now that ho i 3 getting to be quite an old and trusted friend, as it were! But before wo begin to harp on all the doleful things in bis bill of fare, it behoves us to peep at the unexpected gifts ho has tucked away in his ample sleeves. Surely there is a twinkle somewhere behind those frowning eyes and that care-lined forehead. Now, in the first place, is it not a blessing in disguise that so many women and men have " found their feet, again " and discovered that legs wero meant to walk with? Is it not saner, sounder a mi . more healthful to stride along 'hi "the ' crisp, fresh air instead of hopping on to a tram at every opportunity? How many, I wonder, after searching desperately in little, thin purses have first shrugged disgusted shoulders at the thought of having to walk everywhere, and then have learnt to enjoy their forced activity So much that they have formed one of the healthiest and most joyful of habits?/ Then, again, one of the main evils of luxurious times has always been that of overeating. But hospitals all over the: country have noticed a remarkable decrease in the number of their patients through this,source. AVhen a depleted income has to be stretched to unimaginable lengths, only the plainest of food is possible, of course, and surely plain living and high thinking have been mankind's ideal ever since the beginning of Time. As to the high-thinking part, what new and glorious worlds have been opened up to thousands through the get-back-to-books movement which seems • to have spread throughout the country during these last, lean years. Free libraries abound, both in town and country, thanks to the earnest and selfless work of citizens with high ideals, who know that shillings simply cannot be spared for cinemas, theatres and dance-halls. Lectures of all descriptions have been put within ridiculously easy reach of the average man and woman, and have been patronised better than ever before. And surely the cultivation of the mind is just as necessary as that of the body. How many, too, have had to resort for amusement to one of the most delightful of all pastimes, that of writing? How many have really learnt to read for the first time, with that clear insight and appreciation of the efforts of others? They have found with all the .writing kin that " easy reading means hard writing," and every little ■verse and every book suddenly reveals new and joyful worlds to the really earnest, seeker after beauty. No experience is ever really wasted, and when this Bogey Depression waves his grey robes for the last time in farewell, shall we have learnt well our lessons of self-restraint and cheerfulness?