What They Like!

When we put the pointed question, “What do you like?”, to our readers last month—with special reference, of course, to the contents of, and possible improvements in, this Magazine—a good response was anticipated. That response has, however, far exceeded expectations, not only in the number of interested readers in all parts of the Dominion who have taken the trouble to write helpful, cheery, well-considered letters on the question, but also in the warmth of appreciation expressed towards the Magazine and the understanding revealed regarding its scope and objectives.

Even in so simple a matter as pease porridge, the bard of ancient times could find three groups of preference, as indicated in the trenchant line “Some like it hot, some like it cold, some like it in the pot, nine days old.” So it is clear that when we get among the moderns, with their infinite variety of interests, and consider a Magazine which includes both “New Zealand” and “Railways” in its title, the possible combinations of preference for contents are liable to strain, in variety and range, the capacity of Einstein's fourth dimension. In view of this, the consensus of opinion favouring the general trend of the Magazine is remarkably unanimous.

More replies are coming in daily from the ranks of our hundred thousand readers, but a survey of the correspondence to hand, so far, indicates general support of every feature at present appearing in the Magazine, with one or two marked preferences.

Railway features, notes on books and writers, lives of famous New Zealanders, Maori references, special New Zealand articles, and the sections of New Zealand verse and New Zealand life, are all strongly supported. Other features, having naturally a more sectional appeal (such as the pages for women, sport and humour) are ardently advocated by those interested, while the miscellany of short news references meets with the approval of a large proportion of those who have categorically expressed preferences. The illustrations, too, come in for much favourable comment.

There are also some very useful ideas presented, most of which can be tried out from time to time as the publication progresses.

One of the most pleasing remarks comes from a writer who set about the job of assessing values in a workmanlike way by surrounding himself with an array of the Magazines. After a friendly, critical analysis, “What I often wonder,” he writes, “is—who conceived the brilliant idea of a New Zealand Railways Magazine? It has been the greatest factor in developing a Railway-Sense amongst us I know of. Surely this idea is advertising at its zenith.”

The Magazine is fulfilling its purpose if it stimulates greater interest in New Zealand amongst New Zealanders, as no complete appreciation of this country can exclude an acknowledgment of the part the railways have played, and will continue to play, in making the country a better place to live in.

The friendly, cheerful outlook of our correspondents, their lively desire for more information regarding every part and aspect of the country, and their prolific fund of ideas for development, are all gratefully acknowledged. With so many reader supporters, with further evidence of satisfied advertisers, and with the daily increase recorded in the number of new subscribers, the signals are favourably set for the progress of the Magazine as well as for the wonderful country it has set out to feature.