Recently I took a good friend of mine to see some of the treasures of the Turnbull Library. We lingered reverently in front of a torn and tattered copy of “Tom Sawyer” (from the library of the late Sir Joseph Kinsey) in which there is an inscription from Mark Twain. I merely looked at the famous signature and did not read what he had penned above. I felt annoyed that such a precious book had not been carefully repaired—not rebound though, for I am too much of a booklover to wish this. I voiced my regret to the assistant librarian, Mr. C. R. H. Taylor. He gently explained, but I am afraid that I was annoyed and was not listening too closely to what he said.

“But,” I persisted, “I would never neglect a precious volume like that.”

“Hadn't you better read the inscription,” gently interrupted the friend who was with me.

I did and I felt foolish when I read Mark Twain's words:—

“Age is disreputable, and a thing to be condemned—humanly speaking: but when an author observes the signs of it in a book of his own in another person's possession he recognises that in that case age is a most respectable thing.

Truly yours,

S. L. Clemens

(Mark Twain).”

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In continuance of its policy of encouraging New Zealand writers, that admirable quarterly “Art In New Zealand” recently held a one-act play competition, the result of which was announced in its December issue. The award for 1936 went to Una Craig with her neat comedy “Family Furore” which is printed in the issue under notice. The entries it was stated were not as numerous as in the previous year, due to the great interest in the Broadcasting Board's Radio Play Competition. In the same issue of the quarterly are four beautiful colour plates of water colours and oils from the Australian Loan Collection, several plates in black and white, a vivid story by Isobel Andrews, also verse and articles.

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Little New Zealand classics is the term I would apply to the “Raupo” series of booklets produced from time to time by Messrs. A. H. & A. W. Read. These booklets, so tastefully produced, deal with historical and biographical matters of Dominion interest. The latest, “The Last of the Ngati Mamoe,” by H. Fildes, is a tabloid account of the first known tribal inhabitants of the South Island. The story is such an interesting one that its readers will regret only one thing and that is that it is so brief. Several excellent reproductions of sketches and photographs enhance the telling of this interesting chapter of our Island history.

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Not many people are aware of the fact that apart from his busy life as managing director of the Hereford Printing Co., and other publishing enterprises, Mr. Phillip Hereford is something of a poet. That this fact is recognised in other parts of the world is evident in “The Spring Anthology

“Hare Hongi,” otherwise Mr. H. M. Stowell, a well-known authority on Maori lore.

of 1936,” published by the Mitre Press, London. In this collection are included two unusual poems from Mr. Hereford's pen, and one short poem “Middle Age” is honoured by being reproduced on the front cover. Of the three poems I like “Paradox” best particularly that last line

“The grace of silence when the race is run.”

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Although it was published over a year ago it was only the other day that I came across one of the most delightful and interesting books I have read descriptive of the Dominion. The title is “New Zealand, Land of My Choice,” and the authoress is Mrs. Ellen Roberts. Beautifully printed and illustrated from the well-known publishing house of Allen & Unwin, this book should continue to sell well not only in other parts of the world but in this country also. The book is historical, it is human, and it tells in an easy, pleasant style, of the life and sport and industries of this country. Mrs. Roberts was born in England and has had an adventurous life. She has lived so long in New Zealand, however, that she may be regarded as an adopted daughter, certainly she has adopted us. The book has a foreword by Dr. Harrop, and contains over fifty beautiful photographic reproductions and two maps.

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In contents and general arrangement of the 1937 edition of “The Australian Authors' and Artists' Hand-book,” is a distinct improvement on previous issues. It is almost a necessary item for any free lance writer in New Zealand for it is a sad fact that with the exception of the “New Zealand Railways Magazine” there are very few publications in this country prepared to encourage and pay for contributions in story, verse or articles. This Handbook is a valuable directory for story writers, novelists, film writers, dramatists, radio-writers, artists, poets, photographers and song writers. Not only does it give information as to the requirements and rates paid by leading Australian papers, but it contains practical articles by well-known page 40 writers on many matters of interest to free lancers. The joint editors are Richard Geraint and W. E. FitzHenry. Copies are available from Box 965, Wellington, for 3/- plus postage 2d.

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Warwick Lawrence, the energetic young Auckland writer, is busy on a book dealing with the life of Captain Mein Smith, first Surveyor-General to the New Zealand Company 1839.

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Due for publication shortly by Messrs. Angus and Robertson; “Forty Fathoms Deep,” by Ion L. Idriess; “The Street of the Fishing Cat,” by Jolan Foldes, winner of the All Nations Prize Novel Competition; “The Valley of the Sky,” by Tarlton Rayment; “The Far East Comes Nearer,” by Hessell Tiltman; “Backs to the Wall,” by Captain G. D. Mitchell; “Highly Unsafe,” a novel by Max Saltmarsh; “The Emperor of Ants,” by Luigi Bertelli; “The March of the Goldless,’ by David Simpson.

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