Listers,
This just came across the Triumph list and I just had to pass it on.
Cheers,
Rick Feibusch
Venice, CA
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From: "John Macartney" <jonmac@ndirect.co.uk>
A little true story to titillate - based on some documentary research I
undertook some years ago.
In 1920(ish) William Morris, Later Lord Nuffield, (who was known to be a
bit of a hypochondriac) found imself in a state of exhaustion having made
his first millions out of World War 1. He was denied joining any of the
armed services and a letter that still survives gives the reason:
"Sir, you are more use to His Majesty in the prosecution of war in the role
of an industrialist, rather than that of a serving man."
To alleviate his stress, Morris' doctor suggested he take up a hobby that
denied him access to and divorced him from his business for a few hours
each week. Mrs Morris suggested he took up golf and suggested a nearby club
of prestige was the one to join. He applied in writing. Some days later, he
received a letter from the Club Secretary that
said (along these lines)
Dear Mr Morris
I have passed your application to our Membership Committee for review and I
have to say its response is unanimous. It is of the view that the presence
of a mere motor trader among our members is not in the best interests of
the Club and your application to join has therefore been declined
Yours etc.
Morris was perhaps a little dumfounded and very annoyed. Some weeks later
he visited the club and asked for directions to the Secretary's office.
Having located it, he walked straight in and confronted the Secretary who
protested most strongly that he didn't see anyone without an appointment
and certainly no-one who failed to knock on the door before enteriing.
Morris listened and then allegedly said "you'll have plenty of time to
ensure your standards are maintained elsewhere. In the meantime, this is
now my office and you're out of a job. I've just bought the club. You are
free to leave as of now."
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