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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 12 (March 1, 1935)

Reviews

Reviews.

“The Wild Planet,” by Professor Walter Murdoch (Angus and Robertson, Sydney) is one of the brightest objects in the constellation of words. The astronomical telescope of the reviewer reveals many uninteresting objects—dull, lifeless spheres, tantalising meteors which flash by with sudden mysterious brilliance, cosmical comicalities, hopeless satellites, and the like. But to land on a wild planet controlled by the expert hand of this Professor Murdoch, is like stealing an extra holiday in the year. He is certainly one of the most brilliant essayists of the day. Every essay in this collection is a sheer delight. I will not single out any one of them. I commend the lot to you, so the only way out is to buy the book and read, and re-read it, at your leisure.

“Adventuring in Maoriland in the Seventies,” by G. L. Meredith (Angus and Robertson, Sydney). The value of this book is that it is a faithful mirror of the times. It is composed of letters written by Mr. Meredith in the Seventies to his mother. The editing of the letters is in the capable hands of Dr. A. J. Harrop, who has written a lengthy introduction. Dr. Harrop is a well known historical authority and a competent journalist. In the year 1872 Mr. Meredith left his home in Tasmania to see what New Zealand had to offer in the way of adventures. That he found many, exciting and amusing, and touching all grades of life, is revealed in this most interesting human document. The book sells at 6/-.

“Adventures in Geyserland,” by Arthur Warbrick (“Patiti”), formerly Government Guide at Rotorua, was recently published by A. H. and A. W. Reed, of Dunedin. Here is a thrilling story of adventure over many years through the weird and wonderful geyser fields of New Zealand. Guide Warbrick has done some incredibly daring things in the forty-five years he spent guiding and exploring in the Dominion's thermal and volcanic regions. As James Cowan states in his introduction: “His long experience in our geyserland holds many an episode of daring and enterprise in the face of danger and terrible death.” Methinks the “Wide World Magazine” would have offered him a fancy price for the serial rights of his story. This, in fact, should be sufficient inducement for you, my readers, to buy the book. There are numerous illustrations splendidly produced. The book is dedicated to His Excellency Lord Bledisloe.

“Anne of the Green Gables,” the authorised film edition of the story by L. M. Montgomery, has just been published by Angus and Robertson, of Sydney. It is a fine wholesome story. The illustrations are actual scenes from the picture. I marvel that this book of over 300 pages could be produced in Australia to retail at 2/9.

“How to Improve Your Tennis,” by A. V. Doyle (Angus and Robertson, Sydney), is an excellent manual for the young tennis player. As the author states in his introduction: “My object in publishing this book at very small cost is to bring it within the purchasing power of the young folk, in the hope that they will learn something that will help them to improve their play.”

“New Zealand's Beautiful Northland,” by A. T. Brainsby, recently published by the Northern Publishing Co., Ltd., Whangarei (1/-), is the appropriate title of an interesting and informative booklet well adapted to serve its purpose as an illustrated guide to the attractions of North Auckland. Information which any intending visitor may wish to have about the beauty spots or towns in North Auckland and the means of reaching these by rail, launch or motor, is here given for his guidance. He is made acquainted with many interesting facts concerning the early settlement of New Zealand and the important part which the Northland has played in our history and literature. He is introduced to the incomparable scenic attractions of the Northland; its curative mineral springs; its magnificent kauri forests; its native bird life; its blue waters and golden beaches; its sub-tropical islands; its world-famous deep-sea fishing grounds; its industrial and agricultural potentialities, and that “something different” which gives it such an irresistible lure.