13 FEBRUARY 1971, Page 27

Good news, bad news

Go-go boss (let's call him Rowland) on the telephone to young side-kick (call him John) running an associate company of his burgeoning conglomerate.

'Hullo, John, how's our joint venture going?'

'Not bad, Rowland. Some good news and some not so good. Firstly, I've got the con- trolling shareholders to agree to a great new takeover. It's a snip, worth £5,000,000, just leave it to me to see it through.'

'That's fine. What's the bad news, John.' 'Well, they want a £500 cash deposit ...'