“Antipodean Journal.”

Although it was published some months ago, I have not seen many New Zealand reviews of Margaret Macpherson's travel book “Antipodean Journal,” a signed copy of which recently reached me from Corsica where Mrs. Macpherson was at the time of its despatch. It is just the manner of book one would expect from this versatile and much travelled woman—full of talk of interesting places and personalities, particularly in the world of art and letters. It is also one of the finest advertisements for the Dominion, not that the writer indulges in fulsome flattery, for here and there are some very pertinent and critical observations. There are several comments with which I disagree. For instance, her contrast between Auckland (“flaunting her jewels on a genteely curved finger”) and Wellington (“not caring a fig for such gewgaws”). But then, Margaret has spent much of her time up Auckland way and “Shibli” is a Wellingtonian to the core. Also I cannot see eye to eye with Margaret when she writes: “Let us put our architectural beauty into schools and colleges, not churches.” The book as a whole gave me great pleasure, as it will to many others. It has been nicely produced by Hutchinson's, London, and is beautifully illustrated. Part 1 deals with New Zealand, Part 2 with Australia, and Part 3 with other parts of the world.—“Shibli Bagarag.”

He'd been having what medical men call “a general overhaul” When the Doctor was through—an hour's work—he said: “Nothing much wrong, but I think you're smoking too much. What's your tobacco?” The patient told him “Ah,” said the Doctor, “I know the brand! used to smoke it myself. Poisonous with nicotine. Tobacco like that's sure to get you sooner or later, so I gave it up, and took to ‘toasted’ and if you're wise you'll follow suit. ‘Toasted's’ not only the purest tobacco but by far the best. I don't know how the toasting is done, but it's wonderfully effective, for the five brands, Cut Plug No. 10 (Bullshead), Cavendish, Navy Cut No. 3 (Bulldog), Riverhead Gold and Desert Gold are comparatively free from nicotine, they all have a really fine flavour and a peculiarly grateful aroma. Throat irritation is common enough with smokers, so is burnt tongue. You don't get either with ‘toasted'.” The patient, much impressed, said he'd certainly take the Doctor's advice. “You won't regret it if you do,” smiled the Doctor. He never did!^*

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