1 MARCH 1940, Page 6

It is a mistake to generalise from particular examples, but

I am afraid the recent experience of a large firm of whose affairs I have some knowledge is all too typical. The firm employs a number of messenger-boys, and has had to get rid of several for pilfering. On setting about engaging others it discovered in case after case that the applicants had been dismissed from their previous situations for the same offence. Filching cigarettes and the like may argue no great moral obliquity, but if the habit is widespread, as I am afraid it is. it is a disturbing symptom—on which the concern now finding expression over the state of religious teaching in elementary schools may have some bearing.

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