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The Spike or Victoria College Review October 1928

Books Received

page 35

Books Received

"Down the Ages" is a vivid and enthralling course of lectures in History, for use in primary schools. There appears to have been collaboration in the production of this epoch-marking work. Accents and inflections have been marked by F.P.W.; punctuation and spelling by some one else.

"Modern Hygiene" from the pen of our learned friend W. P. R.—gs is full of zest. The author enlarges enthusiastically upon the joys of Glaxo, Brilliantine and Mother Seigel's Syrup. The manuscript, the publishers have informed us, literally reeks of Palmolive.

"How to Feed a Multitude," from the combined pens of L—n M—h—ll, A—ce M—ow, M—y D—es and D—hy R—ts is rather theoretical and too far fetched. This volume shows little genuine sympathy with the struggling masses who toil for their trifle. Further, we fail to see why it should have been composed behind locked doors.

Pedagogical Preparedness," by G. B. R—d—n. Here we have advanced the claims of fistic activity "in the ring" as light training for the development of classroom presence.

"Dancing Etiquette," by F. I—ne S—th is somewhat Victorian in style. It repeatedly condemns modern fashions and especially the scantiness of modern dress. The writhing motions of the modern dance are severely censured.

"Megaphone Magic," by W. G—w—n, deals with modern methods of mass manipulation at football festivities. It would appear, frim this volume that, for one who aspires to the leadership of men—and women, a strong voice and a good set o fteeth are indispensable.

"The Grand Climax," by F. N—ll A—ms tells, in racy language, of how Poneke were defeated—and after! The atmosphere of this exquisite volume is far from dry. Its pages abound with scenes of shouting, singing and hilarious uproar. All the characters appear to have imbibed the time spirit of the situation.

"Wanderings in Waipawa," by P. M—yn S—th, is an ideal holiday volume. Its pages are illuminated by accounts of train travels, football and fun. We are unable to follow the narrative, however, after the call for cheers, when the scene, for no accountable reason, appears miraculously to change to Wanganui.

"Finish of the Fish," by C—pt. Ph—ps, is a pathetic record. There are revealed the sad facts that Ophelia, the trout, was drained away; that Tullius and Percy, the shrimps, died within a week. Tristram, who was always a weakly fish, appears to have passed away in the middle of October from the result of a ruptured egg sack, whilst, to crown this cataclysmic record, Sherry, through lack of oxygen, immediately afterwards, succumbed.

"Revels at the Ritz," by St—n Ch—s, is full of thrills. There is the procession, the head-on clash as the rival columns engage, the repulse, the rallying of ranks, hakas and exhortations, the final triumphal entry, feasting and song—and, magnificent climax, the capture of the cup!

"Following the Football," by Mi—ed Br—gs. Here we have an account, in characteristic style, of the joys of watching strong men plunge in titanic combat. From her sympathetic and understanding description, we feel that the authoress is "one of the boys."