Bogus Detectives

NZ Truth, 7 June 1924, Page 1

Bogus Detectives

Is this Imitation Flattery?

If Imitation is the slnosr«st form of flattery, seme member* of the dotective force must feel highly honored an * result of tho recent epidemle of impersonation reported from different parts of tho country.

The practice of Impersonation Is not by any means confined to histrionic circles, and occasionally wo flnd unusual cases cropping up whero persons of outstanding personality or talent are aped by some hero-worship-ping crank whose distorted ego seeks display through the medium of borrowed plumes.

Usually a definite motive Is evident tn caaea of impersonation. i.e.. either an easy acquisition of £ s. d. or some form of self-gratification not normally obtainable. In such cases the kink is not so much a result of mental disturbance as a lazy method of getting something for nothing.

It may l><* that m some cases external likeness suggests impersonation. "Doubles" are frequently met with, and it is not uncommon for the lowlier Individual to Imitate the "quips and cranks and wanton wiles" of his altor ego. with a view to basking m a little borrowed suitfhln*.

The real case of definite impersonation is found m our asylums, where Queen Victorias, Florence Nightingales, and Johns tho Baptist exist galore, while Napoleon, Julius Ceasar, and even Teddy Roosevelt aro often met with.

It would be interesting to know Just what Psycho-analysis haß to say on the great question of impersonation m general and on the recent cases m particular, No doubt n difference exist*, but probably only of decree. Tho desire to be has In each caso preceded the decision to imitate, and wayward fancies and repressed desires, like chickens, have; a habit of coming home to roost, and', when they do return they have usually grown into welldeveloped birds.

Young men who fe«d lazy mlnda on Sherlock Holmes, Craig Kennedy and the Pinkertons, and get stiff necks from watching tho flicker of the silver sheet, should clean out their mental hen-roosts frequently with a liberal dose of fresh air and exercise as well us a stimulant of wholesome literature.