“Datus,” a New Book on New Zealand.

One of the most interesting New Zealand publications which we have seen is Mr. George Finn's book “Datus,” described as “a chronology of New Zealand from the time of the Moa.” Within a little over 200 pages is condensed the story of New Zealand in chronological sequence from 925 A.D., the approximate date of Kupe's visit, right up to our own time. Interleaved with this concise calendar of events is a compendium of brief articles upon outstanding features of New Zealand history—the things that every New Zealander should know about, but usually has only a vague idea of—all set out in a most readable form. Pelorus Jack and the Macarthy Trust, the Treaty of Waitangi and the Cawthron Institute, the Discovery of Gold, the Mangatapu Murders, and a host of other “head-liners” are described in sufficient detail to make the record historically valuable, and yet with a brevity and clearness that ensures the reader against tedium.

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