BEHIND THE ADVERTISEMENT
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—A. few days ago the following advertisement appeared in the Daily Telegraph : " Wanted, Married couple or mother and daughter to manage small business, apply box —." An unemployed man, with no stamps to waste, applied for the job. By return came a reply, too long to quote, type- written on an imposing billhead with a name in red and .green lettering one inch and a half high and the words, " Advertising and Marketing " beneath. The words " Paris and New York," also printed, gave the impression of a large inter- national organization. .
It was a breezy letter, regretting that the writer was unable to engage the applicant on behalf of a client, but it went on to say that he had just been instructed to dispose of a snack- bar, with guaranteed £11 per week profits. The proper price was £300, but his client was prepared to dispose of it for £225. " This," concluded the enterprising writer, " was a far better proposition than seeking employment."
At the head of the letter was printed " Ignoti Nulla Cupido," a sentiment with which the unemployed man entirely agreed.
The authorities who concern themselves with the activities of fortune-tellers might extend their activities to fortune- hunters, who seem to flourish, unmolested, in the " Situations Vacant " columns of the Press. I enclose the letter and remain.—Your obedient servant,
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