Laying of Stone.

On the eastern corner of the partly-erected building was the stone, suspended above its bed in the traditional manner. After preparation of the bed the official touch of the Royal trowel was given, and the stone was lowered to its bed with the customary formula from the Duke, “I declare this stone to be well and truly laid.” During the brief wait, His Highness conversed with the Prime Minister and the contractor.

A shining copper canister was inserted in the recess cut for the purpose in the top of the stone. In this were deposited the following railway documents:—Signatures of the Rt. Hon. Minister of Railways and Chairman and Members of the Government Railways Board; a brief history of Wellington stations; the report of the Government Railways Board, 1934; general scale of charges on the New Zealand Government Railways; the scale of charges for goods on the Government Railways; a list of the persons employed in the Railway Department on April 1st, 1934; “The State Railways of New Zealand”; “The New Zealand Railways Magazine,” December, 1934; the railway time-table, and list of guest houses as at December 2nd, 1934; the schedule of rates of pay on the railways as at December 17th, 1934. In addition to the railway documents there was also deposited in the canister other records likely to be of interest to future generations.

At the conclusion of this interesting ceremony His Royal Highness chatted with Mr. Sterling, showing the greatest interest in the beautiful workmanship of the memento presented to him by the Government. This consisted of a golden railway engine, containing no fewer than 600 parts, mounted on a greenstone slab, set upon a block of polished inlaid woods, the whole forming a highly-ornamental inkstand.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a very interesting and successful ceremony to a close.

Reviews.

“Strolling Through Scotland,” by W. S. Percy (Collins), should have a big public in this country. Percy is kindly remembered here by a host of admirers from his old J. C. Williamson days. He was one of the best comedians we have had out here. In this book we meet him as a literary rambler, telling us of the beauties, the history and the anecdotes of Scotland, and illustrating his journeys in his own colour and line work. He shows himself to be the best of travelling companions, not over-wearying us with descriptions of the country, but artful enough to sandwich in a host of stories and personalities. Incidentally, this book should be a great advertisement for New Zealand, which the author refers to on numerous occasions with many graceful compliments.

“The Swayne Family,” by Vance Palmer (Angus and Robertson, Sydney), is, from a literary viewpoint, one of the most interesting novels ever written by an Australian about Australia. The author leaves aside the well worn path of stock and station life, and gives us the intimate story of a wealthy Victorian family. Digby Swayne, the central figure, is a dignified, if pathetic, city gentleman, whose great ambition is to leave to his country a legacy in the culture and achievement of his family. Two terrible doubts cloud the peace of his declining years, the fear that his failing health will rob him of the joy of witnessing the achievements, and the dawning realisation that his family is afflicted with “the smear of the second rate.” The pathetic fading out of the health and hopes of poor old Digby, around which is wrapped the grappling with life's destiny, the loves, the disappointments of his children, complete a story one may not quickly forget.

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“Shibli” Listens in.

Will Lawson has completed a novel. He may return on a visit to New Zealand shortly.

In future “Spilt Ink” will be published bi-monthly instead of monthly.

Ready almost for publication is the life of Alfred Warbrick, until recently chief Government guide at Rotorua.

Mr. W. S. Percy, whose travel book is reviewed in this issue, has designed some outstanding book-plates. He has presented several valuable plates to the New Zealand Ex Libris Society.

“Robin Hyde” (Miss Iris Wilkinson), whose “Journalese” was reviewed last month, is already busy on another book dealing with an important phase in New Zealand history.