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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 3 (June 1, 1938.)

Among the Books — A Literary Page or Two

page 55

Among the Books
A Literary Page or Two

IHope to review the latest anthology of New Zealand Short Stories (“Tales by New Zealanders”) in the July issue. Meanwhile it is interesting to note that among the lesser known contributors appears the name of Constance Player-Green, who is identical with a young Blenheim lady named Constance Green, now living in Greymouth. She has contributed verse to the “New Zealand Railways Magazine” under the nom de plume of “Prentice Player” and has also had poems and stories published in several other well-known periodicals. Most of the other contributors to the anthology are wellknown in the world of letters. I believe that several other prominent writers would have been represented but for a misunderstanding as to the terms under which stories would be included in it.

* * *

After a long silence word has come through about “Robin Hyde” (Miss Iris Wilkinson), who left Auckland some months ago on a trip to Japan, Russia and elsewhere. According to a letter received by Gloria Rawlinson, “Robin Hyde” is in Shanghai and has placed some stories and articles in Hong Kong and is now being sent by the Far East correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian” (Mr. Timperley) on to Canton to gather material for a book about the war and to write some articles. The editor of “Asia,” who is Pearl Buck's husband, is at present handling some of her work also.

* * *

Due for publication this month is Pat Lawlor's first novel, “The House of Templemore,” the story of an Irish colonial family in Wellington during the early part of the 20th century. The publishers are Messrs. A. H. & A. W. Reed.

* * *

Reviews.

“Japan Reaches Out,” by Willard Price (Angus & Robertson, Sydney) is a powerful, unbiassed and singularly calm analysis of Japan and the Japanese by one who has spent some years there studying the history, geography and mental outlook of its people. Although it is not a book about the war in China it enables us to view the turmoil there in the right perspective. As Willard Price observes, “the present war in China is but an incident in an immutable policy.” The guiding text of this immutable policy was voiced by Emperor Jemma many centuries ago— “we shall build our capital all over the world and make the whole world our dominion.” Giving further voice to this policy the Japanese military text book, known as the Army Reader, states: “This rescript has been given to our race and to our troops as an everlasting categorical imperative.” The history of the last half century bears this out, for in that time the area under Japanese control has increased five times. And so Willard Price makes this grim statement: “Japan is impelled by a vision that is sometimes almost a frenzy. From the Japanese standpoint the Dutch Islands, Australia, New Zealand and the Phillipines are a unit.” I do not think for a moment that this book has been written by a “copy” creating alarmist, but by a sober, well-balanced writer who has made an international reputation as a student of world affairs. One has only to read a few chapters to be impressed with the sincerity of the writer, his keen analytical brain and his powers of observation. It is not heavy reading, for apart from the shadow of its international aspect, it is as interesting as a travel book and gives one an all-embracing view of Japan and its people.

A bookplate designed by Neil Lonsdale for R. G. Shepheard, well-known in advertsiing circles.

A bookplate designed by Neil Lonsdale for R. G. Shepheard, well-known in advertsiing circles.

* * *

“An Ulster Plantation,” by A. J Gray (A. H. & A. W. Reed, Dunedin and Wellington) is an historical review of the Kati Kati settlement, that interesting colony of Ulsterman founded many years ago by George Vesey Stewart. As Alan Mulgan observes in his introduction the story of Kati Kati is well worth telling, and I might add, is well told by Mr. Gray. Thank goodness he avoids any controversial matters and tells a plain interesting story full of valuable historical detail. One must admire the determined spirit and outstanding ability of George Vesey Stewart who might have become a great national figure but for certain defects in his character. This glorious gem of a settlement has been cut and polished with the years, until to-day, as Mr. Mulgan remarks we find “prosperity wedded to loveliness—a little enclosed world where in variety of landscape and colour of sea and land, dreams have come true.” The dreams did not come to reality without long struggle, tragedy at times and the patient persistent toil of the pioneer. The story of it all is well worth reading.

* * *

“Ballade in G Minor,” by Ethel Boileau (Hutchinson, London), is a sequel to “Turnip Tops” which has had page 56 page 57 such a phenomenal run with the reading public. Ethel Boileau is much more than the average big selling novelist. She writes well, with a depth of feeling and with a fine appreciation of the beautiful things in life, proving once more that the average reader, by the big support of her novels, has literary appreciation as well as the urge to “just read.” This novel is told through the words and mind of Alison Mallory, and gives us the home life of an English family during the latter portion of the reign of the late King George. Through it we see and understand the older and younger generation overseas and their love of home and country. Like the Ballade from which the book takes its name, the story plays on the keys of human emotion. Alison Mallory's fight for her son's honour will strike an answering note on the heart-strings of many.

* * *

“Atoms, Men and Stars,” by Professor Rogers D. Rusk (Angus & Robertson, Sydney) is physical science without tears. I am not exaggerating when I state that I found this book, dealing with electrons, atoms, the quantom theory, transmutation and electrodynamics, nearly as interesting as a detective thriller, and hundreds of other readers will find it the same. Most of us are painfully ignorant of the extraordinary progress that has been made and is being made in modern science. What scientists have sorted out and are utilising from the elements in the great universe and what they are now glimpsing is told by Professor Rusk in the most interesting and understanding language. Baffling problems are unveiled before us in a fascinating manner. We stand beside the famous men of science (even our own hero of science, the late Lord Rutherford) in their laboratories, and see and understand the seeming miracles of the earth and the heavens. The titles of the chapters give us just a faint idea of the many subjects touched upon: “Machines of Man's Future,” “When Science Turns Savage,” “Seeing with X-Rays,” “Radioactivity,” “Heavy Water,” “Transmutation,” etc. Finally the author discusses, in a non-committal manner, “God and the Scientists.”

* * *

“Wild Nature in Australia,” by Charles Barrett, C.M.Z.S. (Robertson & Mullens Ltd., Melbourne) tells in story and beautiful illustrations of the wonder animals and birds of the Commonwealth. Nature has been bountiful to Australia, and one sees some of her most remarkable fauna in the book. The platypus, the cocus, green lizards, the wombat, white ant citadels, the ant eater and the giant earth-worm are just a few of the subjects, and there is a story and picture for every one. Re this great earthworm—one is pictured taller than the six-foot Australian who had “captured” it.

* * *

“Riders of the Sea,” by Anne Hepple (Hutchinson, London), is a love story in which love comes to the two central characters only after many vicissitudes. Alternately they hate and despise each other, and to overcome certain obstacles arrange marriage “on a purely business-like basis.” Most of the action takes place during a sea voyage. The plot is unusual, the interest in the story never fails and— thank heavens—it is a wholesome love story.

* * *

“Shibli” Listens In.

Douglas Stewart, formerly of Eltham and whose book of poems, “Green Lion,” received such favourable reviews, is now with the Sydney “Bulletin.”

I hear that “An Ulster Plantation,” reviewed in this issue, is already in its second edition.

Gloria Rawlinson is busy on still another book. Her latest, “Music in the Listening Place,” is selling well.

D'Arcy Cresswell, the Auckland poet and essayist, is going to England shortly.