Reviews.

I like anything written by Hector Bolitho because it is Hector Bolitho; never more H-B-ish though than his “Older People,” just to hand from Cobden Sanderson (London). His old world air, worn so well on his youthful shoulders, presents itself so pleasingly in this book. Hector Bolitho is here with his dreams. He is always dreaming—such dreams—and he must be happy, for most of them have been realised. This fortunate youth has met such notabilities as Mussolini, King Feisal, Marie Tempest, G.B.S., Quiller-Couch, Dean Inge. He describes his conversations with, and impressions of, these famous people, and the help and inspiration they have given to him in his career. Ever and anon he harks back to New Zealand in a most interesting manner. He is such a sentimentalist that his pictures are always pulsating with memories of all he has seen and done. I don't think that Hector has ever been so sincere as in this book. Truly a volume filled with most pleasant reading.

“Annals of a New Zealand Family,” by Mrs. Laura Jackson (A.H. & A.W. Reed, Dunedin and Wellington), is an interesting addition to the library of the early days of New Zealand. Mrs. Jackson is the youngest of the family of twelve children of Gilbert Mair, a New Zealand pioneer who settled in the Bay of Islands in 1824. Three years later Gilbert Mair married Elizabeth Puckey. Obviously it was a home of refinement, yet, nearby, were enacted many thrilling happenings. Events of great historical importance are mentioned in every chapter. The author's eldest sister was present at the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and met the Rev. Samuel Marsden. We read of personal contact with Sir George Grey, Governor Hobson, Bishop Selwyn, etc. The Maori War aspect is graphically described. Mrs. Jackson's four brothers took part in the fighting. Her uncle, Gilbert Mair, won the New Zealand Cross for heroism. All through the narratives of the members of the family is an atmosphere of those delightful, yet exciting, old-fashioned days.

Truly one of the most interesting and sincere pictures of pioneer days.

A word for the publishers who have produced a volume of artistic format. The edition is strictly limited, each copy being numbered and signed by Mrs. Jackson. An opportunity for collectors. The moderate price is 6/-per copy.

“Pearls,” by Tempest Keeping (Eldon Press Ltd., London), is a gripping tale of adventure and romance in the South Seas. Pearling adventures in the Southern Seas always exert their irresistible appeal on the reader. The location of a fabulous pearl bed is known only to the captain of the Swallow, and when he is mortally stricken during a tornado, he leaves his secret and the guardianship of his beautiful daughter in the hands of the hero of the story. These are the ingredients of a thrilling yarn that will keep the reader tied to the printed page until the story comes to its smashing climax.

“Green Light,” by Lloyd Douglas (Angus & Robertson, Sydney), is one of the most interesting novels I have read for a long time. The tragic surgical operation performed in chapter two is the foundation of the engrossing plot. The author's description of this operation reminded me forcibly of a story by the late Sir Fredrick Treves. It was the essence of terrific drama. To shield his superior, the junior medico, Newell Paige (the hero of the story), takes blame for the failure of this operation. How his life is curiously interwoven with that of the daughter of the victim of the operating table, provides a thrilling love story. The strongest character in the tale is Dean Harcourt, a lovable old man whose philosophy and rare understanding bring the story to its happy conclusion. An outstanding novel as well as a deep psychological study.

“The Maori Situation,” by Dr. I. L. G. Sutherland (Harry H. Tombs Ltd., Wellington) is a timely, concise and well-written analysis on a matter that should be close to the heart of every true New Zealander. As the author points out, the present is a most critical moment for the Maori people and “that more complete understanding and the active goodwill based upon it, are most urgently needed and fully deserved.” This clear, arresting survey by Dr. Sutherland of the Maori as he was, to the Maori of to-day, should be in every library of New Zealand interest. The publishers have set a model for neat and effective format. Price 2/6.

“A Drover's Odyssey,” by George McIver (Angus & Robertson, Sydney), is one of the most interesting and vital books in the recent prolific output from Australian publishing houses. In plain, simple language the author tells us of the adventures of a droving party in outback Australia. The predominating figure is the droving boss—a living and most interesting portrait. We are taken through the vast desert areas of the interior, have interesting contact with desert tribes, learn much of their mode of life, feel the terrible loneliness and desolation of the drought areas. The author shows great sympathy with the abo and at times paints harrowing pictures of their distress. Altogether, a strangely compelling narrative. Price 6s.