THE BOOKSHELF

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10301, 10 January 1927, Page 2

THE BOOKSHELF

NEW BOOKS IN PROSE AND VERSE.

“TRAVESTY OF MAORI LORE”

Miss Ettie Rout’s book on “Maori Symbolism” was not. handled very gently by the most authoritative reviewers. For example, “The Times’ Literary Supplement” reviewer says: “The general aim of this hook is to demonstrate that the Maoris of New Zealand were devoted to a system of religion or philosophy that may be described as a phallic cult, and that their house decorations, their tattooing, their dances, A apparently most other features of their social life were symbolic of this system. The many extraordinary statements made are said to be based on the evidence of one lTohepa, or Joseph, Te Rake, who was in charge of the Maori house at the Wembley Exhibition, lie is described as an Arawa noble with a special knowledge of an ancient and secret tradition. These claims are certainly not corroborated by the contents of the hook, which is full of misstatements on the simplest matters. “The authoress (the reviewer proceeds) is plainly ignorant of the Maori language, and seems to be hardly aware that much serious work has- been done during the last sixty years in collecting Maori traditions and in investigating the customs and origins of that fine people. The thesis advanced i,s fantastic and is not supported by adequate scientific evidence. ft may be noted that in the accounts of migrations and beliefs included in this secret tradition’ many Biblical names occur in their Maori form—o.g., Hakopa (Jacob) and Iharaia (Israel). The Maoris, of course, first heard these names •from European missionaries, who translated them in accordance with Maori phonetics, and such names could not possibly have been handed down in any genuine native tradition. It is unfortunate that so much labor should have been expended in order to produce such a travesty of Maori lore.”

Described as only part of a story, “The White Peril,” which claims for its author Steven Westlaw, is brimful of incidents which befall one Richard Stride, who becomes immeshetl in the world-wide craze for “something new.” His is a struggle that has been shared by many, although in his anxiety to escape from the bughoar of sameness, he encounters experiences which are “somewhat different.” How “Dick” met his fate is really what the §torv is all about. Let it suffice to say that his path was strewn with many exciting adventures, the principal of which was the exposure of a sensational plot. Its publishers are Hodder and Stongton.

“MY DAILY MESSAGE.” “My Daily Message’’ portrays a philosophy of life and is by Millicent Preston "Stanley, the member for Eastern Suburbs in the N.S.AY. .Parliament. Her independenceof thought has made her a living force and gained for her the respect of political opponents. As the title suggests, ‘’My Daily Message’’ is personal in its appeal. In a foreword W. M. Hughes says: “It helps us to fight life’s battles, gives us cheer when we are cast down and saves us from being arrogant and ridiculous when good fortune has come our way. . Those who buv this book buy a good thing.' The publishers are the Cornstalk Publishing Co. The numerous hand of admirers of Peter B. Kyne, author of “Gappy Ricks” and other bright and interesting novels, will turn to his latest achievement, “The Understanding Heart,” with every confidence. It is a tale of the early mining days in the great West which has provided the hack-ground for countless thrilling stories. “The Understanding Heart” tells of a man who braved persecution and it records a wonderful love story and a deathless friend-' ship. As is customary, the author has chosen most interesting characters and hi.s work is cleverly done Messrs Hodder and Strongton are the publishers. _ ~ “Fancy Dress and other Verses ’ is the title of a book of verse by Dorothea Mackellar, author of “The Closed Door.” “Dream Harbor.” etc. Some of the verses have already appeared in various Australian publications. They iorin a. charming series which will find a iarge hand of appreciative admirers. Our copy comes from Messrs. Angus and Robertson, Ltd.

“IT HAPPENED IN PEKIN.” “It Happened in Pekin” is one or the most entertaining of recent novels published ..by Hodder and Stoughton. Its producer is iliac brilliant word-painter of Eastern scenes, Louise .lordan Miln, who is so widely known for her “Reuben and Ivy Bin,” “In a Shantung Garden,” etc. Hers is a vivid searchlight which falls direct oil Chinese traditions and customs, joys and sorrows, hopes and fears. By her aid Western readers are enabled to penetrate slilh deeper into the mysterious heart of restless China. “Wild West” is the title which Bertrand W. Sinclair has chosen for Ids new story. Like “Big Timber” and other of his novels, the theme is worked out with originality and more than ordinary skill. No other North American author can give a better delineation of the outdoor world of the great Continent and. choosing as he has done on this occasion. to weave a story around cowboy life, he once again proves in his element “A Cowboy’s life is the life for me!” With such a thqmo before liifh, this gifted author has no diffieulty in holding the interest of his readers who soon find themselves in the grip of thrills galore. Its publishers are Hodder and Stoughton. “The Smugglers’ Cave” comes from the versatile and prolific pen of George A. Birmingham, who is so well-known as the author of many mystery stories, including “Spanish Gold,” “The Search Party,” etc. In his latest story the characters are more interesting than numerous. An elderly gentleman in search of local color for a perfectly innocent hook visits a remote village. An energetic lady with a taste for theatricals sees an opportunity for getting up a show. An inn-keeper, cool to everyone and anxious to he obliging to all possible patrons, hopes to make a little money. Yet out of the activities of these people come a most widely-discussed scandal, which went near wrecking' the prospects of a political party and gravely affected a most honored family. Hodder and Stoughton are the publishers.

“THE QUEST FOR FOWLERS.” “The Quest for Bowlers” will have a special interest for all lovers of that popular outdoor summer pastime, cricket. Its author is O. T. B. Turner, “The Terror,” who shared in his day with Spofforth, “The Demon,” world-wide respect as a trundler. His views on the decadence of bowling in those .times—or, perhaps, it should be said the super-excellence of batting—are most opportune, coming, as they do, when Australia requires to prepare in an attempt to regain the famous “Ashes.” Turner is not a pessimist; he' believes that Australia- can again conquer if she will but take heed of the lessons of the past. Thus it comes about that he has revealed jn this volume the secrets of his own great success in the hope that the young champions of to-day may be guided aright. In all its varieties Turner discusses

the howling of to-day as compared with that of the .past and the contrast, as made by him, is far from favorable to modern methods., Ample illustrations are given to help the budding trundler. The publishers are the Cornstalk Publishing Coy. “Ways of Living—Nature and Man” describes in short a series of useful essays edited by Professor J. Arthur Thomson, M.A., LL.IX, in collaboration with Dr. John Rennie, Dr. MacGregor Skene, Dr. A. »S. Watt, Dr. Robert D. Lockhart and Professor Patrick Geddes. The central idea of the book is to enquire whether a study of the diverso ways of living among plants and animals has any suggestion—of initiative or of warning—for man. The essays deal with the three chief ways of life —the individualist or independent, the parasitic, and the co-operative cr social, and 'will be found well vbrfch reading by thoughtful people. Our copy comes from Messrs. Hoddor and Stoughton. “The Bushlaiul Man,’’ by James Pollard, is a romance of the open spaces of Australia and introduces a love story played out in the bush. There Pete Rodon—the nature-loving Forest Ranger—lives as only a na-ture-lover can live—supremely happy in the companionship of the.birds and the beasts, and at peace with the world. His moods vary with the moods of the bush and he ranged the country completely oblivious of the greater happiness that was yet to come in the person of Rene Neil. Such a romance might well set one yearning for the land 'where the plains roll away unbroken for miles to the cloudless horizon and the forest displays a strange secretiveness. Messrs. Hodder and Stoughton are the publishers. “The Children’s Life of Jesus,” as arranged by Arthur Mee, makes an ideal gift for any child. .It is in the Bible’s own words and is magnificently illustrated. Being the story of the most beautiful life ever lived upon the earth it will, as it riglity deserves to be, he treasured and read and re-read. The pubishers are Hoddor and Stoughton.