MISS JESSIE MACKAY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 834, 4 June 1910, Page 9

MISS JESSIE MACKAY.

Although, or perhaps because, ib does not review books of verso so frequently or at such'length as is the case with other leading British journals, the "Spectator's" judgments on poetry aro always regarded as particularly valuable. It lias never praised poor, work. The friends and admirers of Miss Jessie Mackay will therefore be delighted to havo the "Spectator's" confirmation of their high opinion of her lafest volume, "Land of the Morning," which we reviewed here some months ago. In its issue of April 1 it gives what would amount to, a little over a column of Tub Dominion to a general notice of twenty-three new books of verse. Since these include Laurence Binyon's "England" and some of the Japanese translations which are having a vogue, it is obvious that Miss Maekay's little volume could not receive much space. But its merit; had to receive ' special mention. "Hiss Mackay's 'Land of the Morning,' " says the "Spectator," "is .". collection of lyrics ' and ballads, in which New Zealand and'tho Celtic tradition compete as the fount of inspiration. Her ballads have the true ring, and 'For Love of Appin' and 'Strathnaveii No More' have all the. poignancy of exile in them. Excellent, too, are the nieces with a direct Colonial interest, such as 'The Burial of Sir John Mackenzie,' 'Mother'and Child,' and the beautiful 'Morning Glory.' Miss Mackay iu tho dual element of her verse reminds us of Mr. Bliss Carman, and wo aro glad to find another true singer from the otitlands of the Empire."