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Reviews.

Certainly the most interesting event in the publishing world in New Zealand has been the recent appearance of the second edition of Mr. T. Lindsay Buick's “The Treaty of Waitangi.” Although, from a collector's point of view the first edition, which is now keenly sought after at book sales, will continue to bring big prices, the second edition is a necessary addition to all library shelves. Many new and important facts have been added to the original edition. In the words of Mr. Buick: “Much water has run under the bridge since the book was originally written. Additional information has been made available, and older facts now appear in a new perspective. In these circumstances, as the story stands substantially as it was first told, it has been possible to garnish the text with some more recently discovered details; some historical puzzles have been solved, and some re-adjustments have been made which bring the facts more clearly into line with historical facts.”

The appearance of the second edition appropriately follows the generous action of Their Excellencies the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe in purchasing and presenting to the Dominion the historic house, which had formerly been the British Residency, at the Bay of Islands, together with the estate whereon the treaty was signed. The book is dedicated to Their Excellencies.

In his characteristic, clear, graphic style, Mr. Buick tells us the romantic story of the events preceding the signing, the event itself, and subsequent happenings. With his meticulous sense of historical investigation, he gives us the story of this most notable chapter in our Island history. After reading it one cannot but acclaim the richly deserved honour recently conferred on the author by His Majesty the King.

To the book-lover, the volume must have an instant appeal. Splendidly bound and printed, its excellently printed plates, all encased in an artistic and imposing jacket, the book will be placed with pride in every library of account here and abroad. The publishers and printers, Thomas Avery and Sons Ltd., New Plymouth, have made a worthy production of a notable work. The price of the volume is £1 at leading bookshops.

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“Tides of Youth,” by Nelle M. Scanlan (Jarrold's, London) is a splendid sequel to “Pencarrow,” being the further adventures of the Pencarrow family. The story is full of New Zealand life and colour and carries on the history of the family up to the close of the Great War. “Pencarrow” proved to be one of the Dominion's best sellers, and in point of compelling interest, the sequel should promote further big sales. Miss Scanlan has met with such success that it is easy to predict that the history of the Pencarrows will form the basis of a third novel.

“Jacka's Mob,” by E. J. Rule, M.C.M.M. (Angus and Robertson, Sydney), contains the war memoirs of a young Victorian farmer who appears to have sampled most of the big fighting from Gallipoli to the final engagement of his battalion. A vivid story. John Masefield has written the introduction. Price 6/- at leading bookshops.

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“Stories by ‘Kodak’” (Endeavour Press, Sydney), are the collected stories of Ernest O'Ferrall, one of Australia's greatest humorists. “Kodak” is dead these last several years, but his stories will always live in Australian literature. Endeavour Press has done a great work in issuing for the first time the cream of his work. The accompanying illustrations by Low are a delight. The book sells at 5/-.

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“Art in New Zealand.” (Harry H. Tombs Ltd., Wellington). The June number completes the fifth year of publication—a fine record of service to New Zealand art and literature. Two fine colour plates, twelve plates in black and white, and excellent letterpress make the latest issue well up to the standard of its predecessors.