THE SMITH FAMILY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20906, 21 December 1929, Page 14

THE SMITH FAMILY.

FINE SYDNEY MOVEMENT. HIDDEN IDENTITY OF CHARITY WORKERS. (From Oub Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, December 12. One of the most active bodies doing good by stealth in Sydney during the present season of goodwill, especially to the less fortunate, is that known simply as “ The Smith Family.” The. general belief is that this excellent organisation is confined in its membership to men and women. of the plebeian cognomen, Smith. It is known as the Smith family, Simply.so. that the identity of its members shall be masked. The' Smiths, as a matter of fact, who are ' associated with it and its good work among the sick and, the needy are outnumberd in the large family, circle by those with other names, notably with the good old Scottish - prefix “ Mac.” The common patronymic—simply the Smith family—serves to hide the identity of the individual members in the common cause of unobtrusive charity. .Another fine movement in Sydney just now is that for the needy cripples. Behind - this are thc.Rotarians. ’

A revival of interest in the classics "was referred to by the headmaster of' the Auckland Grammar • School Mr H. J. D, Mahon, in his annual report. Mr Mahon quoted, in confirmation of his view, a re? cent article' in the Manchester Guardian, commenting upon 1 the attention given to the classics in, the industrial towns of the North and Midlands: “The motive for a revived interest in the classics is not always plain or similar', but it , is interesting to notice that some of the leading industralists much prefer to take their recruits from those. who have had an arts • education.. Sir David Milne Watson, I. who controls a particularly modern and scientific enterprise in the Gas, Light, and Coke Company/has just stated his faith in the humaner letters as a qualification for a business career, and there is no doubt , that translation to and from other languages is a first class stimulant to reflection upon the meaning of words. To examine the meanings- of words is the first duty of'the citizen, and if a dose of Cicero’can'purge us of the poisons engendered by slogans and catchwords we may' well be grateful to that somewhat wordy ‘ and irritating orator and wish him more platforms in the schools of; England. At any rate, whether we like it or not Cesar 1 seems to be on the march again, 'and is in strong occupation in,thp North,’.’! • .