Reviews.
Mr. Lindsay Buick's Latest Moa Book.

“The Moa-Hunters of New Zealand,” by T. Lindsay Buick, C.M.G. (Thomas Avery & Sons Ltd., New Plymouth) is the third and possibly most important book our leading historian has written about our mammoth bird. Apart from its great historical value the latest work tells a story full of interest for even the average reader. The main question discussed is whether the Maori knew the moa, and, knowing the moa, did he hunt the bird to extinction? Not as counsel for the prosecution, nor as counsel for the defence, but as a learned judge summing up the evidence, does Mr. Buick appear. And his summing up is decidedly in the affirmative. He quotes from a mass of evidence and then as an unbiassed but remarkably keen and interesting guide he takes us over the moa demesnes of older days and turns the ground there unearthing the moa cooking places, and moa relics and implements of slaughter.

I admire his clean-cut analysis made in sentences so nicely balanced and appropriately worded. He may have critics as to his evolution theories in the opening pages of the book, but all will admit that Mr. Buick's latest work is an extremely valuable contribution to our historical library. The publishers have produced a volume of nice format embellished with many fine illustrations.

* * *

“Out On The Road,” by R. Byers (A. H. & A. W. Reed) is I think the most interesting travel book ever published in this country. The success of the book is largely due to the fact that the author has travelled England and the Continent third class instead of first class. People and places are, therefore, seen from a different angle, the pictures are sharper and more natural. Where the author is not travelling third class he is rattling along in “a paragon of a car” which he purchased for fifteen pounds. In this way he travels with interesting companions through England, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, and France. He also gives us pictures of Jerusalem, Cairo, etc. He is always interesting and with sincerity I can use the well-worn phrase there is not a dull page in the book. On one or two controversial matters he quotes authorities but these the reader may accept or reject as he pleases. The book is illustrated and altogether is a well-produced volume. It should have a good sale.

* * *

“Vh-Uxx” is the unusual title given to Captain P. G. Taylor's “story of an aeroplane,” published by Angus & Robertson, Sydney. Elsewhere in this issue I have referred to Beau Shiel's life of “Smithy.” Taylor's story may be referred to as a companion book. “Smithy's” name often enters the narrative which concerns mainly the flying adventures of Charles Ulm. Vh-Uxx was, of course, the ’plane in which Ulm, “Scotty” Allen, and the author flew from Australia to England and back. The author has a fine, gripping style. It is almost uncanny the way in which his power over words gives one the sensation of reality of being in the air in the historic plane and battling through the elements on many a weird journey. You can hear the roar of the engines, smell the fumes of the petrol and shiver at menacing storms. A book to read and keep. There are many fine illustrations.

* * *