208 MODERN PIG-STICKING 



devil. They are the resource of the lazy, the prop 

 of the weak, the servant of the strong man. I have 

 never seen a committee that was worth a rap in any 

 affair of this life. In one Tent Club I knew the 

 rule was that the committee would fix where the 

 meets would be. Now the best Hon. Sec. I ever 

 knew, N, used to get on his camel with a blanket 

 behind him, and ride for trips of three days at a 

 time, reconnoitring his country, and living on such 

 fare as the various villages could provide. Is it 

 likely, I ask you, that such a man will meekly 

 report to a committee, probably at the bar of their 

 club, and accept their decision as to where the 

 meets will be ? 



This is only one point in an argument which I 

 will not carry further. My strong advice to you 

 is, that if you are going to be Hon. Sec. make it 

 clear that you will not work under any one. Have 

 a committee by all means, honoris causa, but leave 

 it at that. 



But instead, every three months or less, hold 

 meetings of your Tent Club. Produce your accounts 

 and the sport you have shown, and invite criticism. 

 Having heard, amend your ways or resign. 

 Remember although you are master you are Hon. 

 Sec. solely and simply to show sport, to carry out 

 the wishes of the club, and to ensure the utmost 

 comfort and smoothness of running to all. If you 

 fail in any of these things you must go. There is 

 a great temptation, when you feel you are firm in 

 the saddle, to regard yourself as the main factor, 

 the members as a bad second. Disguise this view 

 with whatever charm of manner you may, it will 

 never be acceptable ; any inclination to self- 

 assertion or laying down the law is impossible. 



