Over six years ago I referred in these notes to a visit I had from Hugh Smith, “the Bard of Inangahua.” Full of poetry and cheerful vitality, the West Coast poet left with me on that occasion a book of his poems and an ineradicable memory that I had met an endearing and unique personality. He was then over eighty years old and looked like topping the century mark. By all accounts Hugh Smith is set on establishing an age record for New Zealand, for his 88th, birthday was celebrated on 10th June last, and he is still writing verse. A most interesting and appreciative biography of Hugh Smith has recently been written by Mrs. Bertha Sinclair Burns. It is obtainable for the small amount of fifteen pence from the author, c/o Box 189, Te Aro, Wellington, and it is well worth sending for. In it we learn much of a remarkable man and his simple human verse. In his verse is recaptured much of the early history of the Coast and the gold-digging days. Although mostly written in the “braid,” his lines are understandable by all in their sincere homely music.

I am proud of the fact that when I first paragraphed him, Hughie wrote for me a long poem, the final verse of which I reprint here:—

But, ‘Bagarag’ man, here's my han',
For weel I ken—an’ un'erstan',
The forces that compel a pen
Tae sing the praise o'mice or men.
To tell a tale that cheers a he'rt,
An’ plays a noble, glorious pairt.
I would be pleased to shake the han',
That spread the tale ower a the lan';
So till we meet—an’ till I dee,
My dearest hopes will be for thee;
My fondest wishes gang herewith.
Yours—young as ever—

Hughie Smith.

And to you, the “Bard of Inangahua” my wish is that I am here to record your hundredth anniversary.

* * *

I had a long letter from Robin Hyde recently, in which she mentions that she may be returning to New Zealand shortly. The page proofs of her Chinese book “Dragon Rampant,” had been finished and the book was due to be published in the near future. She mentions that she also has prospects in quite another direction in that she was completing the dramatisation of “Wednesday's Children,” for Heron Carvic, and his wife, Phyllis Neilson-Terry (Ellen Terry's daughter), who want to produce it, and act in it.

* * *

“Bohemia” is the title of a new literary weekly published in Melbourne. The paper is well-written and well-printed and boasts of a host of well-known Australian writers as contributors. Linked with the paper is a recently-formed organisation which under the picturesque title of “The Bread and Cheese Club” is out to encourage and popularise Australian literature.

The Club is preparing a list of Australian books for free public circulation, and is at present distributing a “sticker” for use on correspondence, with the legend: “Combine Pleasure and Patriotism. Read Australian Books.”

Amongst the members are Mr. J. K.

Mateship Art Letters
The “Coat of Arms” of the Bread and Cheese Club.
(See letterpress above).

Moir (the promoter of the literary and Australian memorials), who is president; E. J. Brady, Edward Harrington, John Shaw Neilson, Thomas Tierney, Roderick Quinn, Victor Kennedy and other poets; Steve Ford (Lawson Society); J. M. Neild (of the “Record”), who is vice-president; and Ted Turner (hon. secretary). Mr. Gartner (of the “Hawthorn Press”) is also a member, and is co-operating in the publication of literary works. The club is publishing an anthology with contributions from members, as a Christmas effort; and is making prizes available for literary—especially poetical—compositions amongst juveniles.