Life of Johnson

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20648, 24 June 1935, Page 6

Life of Johnson

<4 XTIS conversation was certainly conducted in conformity with a precept of Lord Bacon, but it is not clear. I apprehend, that this conformity was either perceived or intended by Johnson. The precept alluded to is as follows: *ln all kinds of speech, either pleasant, grave, severe, or ordinary, it is convenient to speak leisurely, and rather drawlingly than hastily: because hasty speech confounds the memory, and oftentimes, besides the unseemliness, drives the man either to stammering, a non-plus, or harping on that which should follow; whereas a slow speech confirmeth the memory, addeth a conceit of wisdom to the hearers, besides a seemliness of speech and countenance.’ ” And in another letter, having mentioned Mrs Williams, he says,—“ whose death following that of Levett, has now made my house a solitude. She left her little substance to a charity-school. She is, I hope, where there is neither darkness, nor want, nor sorrow.’’^__ An indication that the institution of a daily weather report service for aviation purposes is receiving the serious consideration of the authorities was given by WingCommander T. M. Wilkes at a meeting of the council of the New Zealand Aero Club. Wing-Commander Wilkes said that Dr Kidson was very keen about the proposed service, and he was anxious to do what he could. There were a number of difficulties in the way at the moment, but it was hoped that they would be soon overcome. The staff of the Meteorological Office was keen to do the job, although it involved extra hours. The scheme under consideration. he said, was a very comprehensive one, covering the whole of New Zealand and the main air routes. He was hopeful that the service would be put into operation within the next few months.