One of the smallest of New Zealand annual publications is one of the most important. It is “New Zealand Best Poems.” The 1936 issue edited by C. A. Marris is, because it is edited by Marris, something to read and re-read, something any true lover of New Zealand literature simply must have on his bookshelves. I truly believe that if in any one year the material were not up to the high standard he demands Mr. Marris simply would refuse to publish his annual. The year of 1936 was full of the right inspiration. Robin Hyde with success beckoning her on has three grand poems. Listen to four lines of “The Corn Child.”

I shall not bear bending willow Nor wild-rose wan as a star—My sons will be wheat-spears, valiant And setting forth for war.

Little Gloria Rawlinson has two poems in the book; the better is “Vires Vitae.” Kevin Maher's beautiful tribute to G.K.C. would be heard in the great chorus of prose and verse that sang forth on that great writer's demise. Dora Hagemeyer in her “Renascence” actually sings of spring in a manner sweetly new. Also there are verses we might be proud of from Arnold Wall, Eve Langley, D'Arcy Cress-well, Douglas Stewart and others. And I did revel in J. R. Hervey's “Mrs. Carmichael.” It was so delightfully different. Certainly the best Marris authology to date.

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I have the greatest sympathy for the poor old prophet and what his country fails to do for him. Sad to say we have such frequent illustrations in New Zealand. A recent example. A book from a Wellington writer was dismissed in a ten line fill-up par by a local daily. In a leading Melbourne paper appeared a signed review of the same book. The review took up more than half a column of high praise and included a photo of the author who, by the way, has never been to Melbourne!

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As an essayist Professor Walter Murdoch has been applauded by the critics of several countries. Certainly as far as this part of the world is concerned he has re-created what was deemed to be a lost art. Of his several books of essays possibly his latest, “Lucid Intervals” (Angus and Robertson, Sydney) will be most popular. In that charming, intimate style of his, he discourses on two dozen or more subjects, from the art of skipping to the art of leg-pulling. Perhaps one of the most delightful essays is his preface in which he gives his own definition of an essay, “a newspaper article, exhumed, reprinted in larger type on thicker paper, and placed, along with other articles between cloth covers.” Alas, I wish it were true! Could I but “exhume” one of my old newspaper articles and make the publishing magic suggested cause it to emerge of the Walter Murdoch standard I would be a happy man.

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The number of books for children is legion, but, how few of them endure. In this country Edith Howes and Mona Tracy have had success with

“The Sea Hawk.” Caricature of New Zealand Writers (No. 3). O. N. Gillespie.

their children's stories. In Australia, Norman Lindsay (of all people) has written a classic “The Magic Pudding.” In the same country Dorothy Wall has a direct idea as to the capturing of the child mind. She does this both in her stories and illustrations. Her latest success is “Stout Fellows” published in Sydney by A. & R. It concerns the adventures of Chum, Angelina, Wallaby, Um-Pig. and Flip.

Chum is a fellow, not very big, Angelina is a Wallaby guide, Um is an animal. Sh! he's a pig, Flip is a nuisance—read inside, And to read inside will delight any kiddies heart.

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