LIBER'S NOTE BOOK.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1752, 17 May 1913, Page 9

LIBER'S NOTE BOOK.

To Correspondents. J.N. (Port Ahuriri, Napier).—Tho lines beginning "Last, loneliest, loveliest, exquisite, apart—" are from Rudyard Kipling's "Song of the Cities," whicln is contained in "A Song of the English," published in "The Seven Seas." (2.) I am not awaro of any lengthy reference, in any of Kipling's works, to his journey through New Zealand. The article on his trip through from Napier to the Hot Lakes, which he wrote, when on a "visit to the Dominion, for a newspaper syndicate, has not, to my knowledge, been reprinted in any of his books. It appeared in the "New Zealand Herald" and other newspapers. M.E. (Wellington).—Thanks for cutting from "The Katipo." The verse is good, spirited stuff, but I can't reprint verse from New Zealand papers in this column. ■ ' J.11.F. (Eltham).—Cassells publish a clothbound shilling edition of Barrie's "Littlo Minister." Most of his earlier stories can be had in an eighteenpenny edition published by Hodder and Stoughton (New Zealand prices, Is. 3d. and 25.). "Lower Deck" (Welln).—(1) Herman Melville's "Typee," "Oomoo," and "Moby Dick," can be had in Everyman's Libary (Is. 3d.); "White Jacket," by tho same author was published in 1850, and is difficult to procure. I know of no cheap edition. (2) Dana's "Two Tears Before tho Mast" is also issued in Everyman's Library. Let me recommend Conrod's "Nigger of tho Narcissus," one of the most wonderful sea stories over writton. There is a reprint at Is. 3d. •Another New Zealand Historical Work. It is good to know that Dr. Newman and Mr. M'Nab are not the ouly New Zealanders who are busying themselves with rDsearch into the history of our country, and of its interesting Native aboriginal race. Last week I referred at some length to Dr. Newman's thoughtcompelling and notable contribution to the history, of the Maori race. To-day, I am pleased to be able to inform my readers that Mr. T. L. Buick, the well-known journalist, formerly M.H.R. for the Wairau, has just completed a most important work upon which ho4ias been engaged for some months. '. The title is "Thd [Treaty of Waitangi." Mr. Buick's previous works, "Old Marlborough," and "Old jfanawatu," and, more recently, his.excellent book on "To Rauparaha," -will doubtless be remembered by many of my | readers. In each the author displayed evi- ! ! donees ' of most industrious re- j search, and, especially ill that j on 'i'e Raupahar.i tin ability so i weigh and test historical evidence. Mr- j Buick has courteously allowed me to read the manuscript of his new work. Tho j book has been divided into six chapters, j and covers that interesting period in the ! ! Dominion's history which lies between I the years 1833 and 18-tG.' The first chapter, which has been entitled "In the Beginning," treats of'the Alsatian day 3 at the Bay of Islands, before thero was any pretence of law and order, when society was composed largely of traders, Maoris, and escaped convicts, and "when thero was no law or justice, no punishment for crimo but private revenge." The coming of Mr.. Busby, as British Resident, is described, the presentation of tho national flag to the chiefs, the recognition of their independence by. William IV, the foundiug of the confederation of the north, aro all graphically presented, and yet with a wealth of . detail that is both entertaining and informative, whilo the failure of all these measures to afford protection to life and property, and their inadequacy as an aid to tho building up of a stable society are lengthily and comprehensively discuss- ' ed. Tho cry for better government becoming imperative, tho second chapter, "Seeking a Way," narrates the efforts made in ' tho infant community to induce tho Home Government to accept the responsibility of systematically colonising the country. It also treats of tho reluctance of tho Government to take this important step towards extending the limits of the Empire, as well as of the grave constitutional difficulties that liad to be removed before they were free to do so. Important suggestions had been made by both Captain-Hobson and Mr. Busby as to tho most judicious method to pursue . in achieving the desired end, and in "Finding a Way" we are told what the Government of Lord Melbourne did to supply in New Zealand what Lord Palmerston described as "tho check of some contending authority" which it seemed impossible any longer to' evade. Captain Hobson was dispatched in 1839, charged with a diplomatic mission of arranging' a treaty with the Natives, and the story of the picturesque meeting at Waitangi is told in ~ the fifth chapter,. under the heading of "The Maori Magna. Charta." One of the most interesting sections of the book is that which has been styled "In Search of Signatures," which deals with the proceed- . ings of Captain Hobson and his agents after tho meeting at 'Waitangi, and in which is described the efforts made to procure the signatures of those chiefs who were not present at the first conference. The pilgrimage of Liont. Shortland, Captain Symonds, and tho missionaries to various parts of the country makes interesting reading, but the important feature of the chapter is tho narrative of Major Bunbury's visit to the South and Stewart's Islands in 11.M.5. Herald. Sir. Buick seeks to establish that the Queen's sovereignty over the former was effected by the Major's proclamation at the Hora-liora-Kakau Pa at Port Underwood, made by virtue of the signatures obtained to the Treaty of Waitangi, and not "by 1 right of discovery," as lias, been so frequently assorted. In the final chapter, which is partly legal and partly historical, a useful summary is given in their historical setting, of the principles of law on which the Treaty was based, and which are especially interesting as affecting the interpretation which was subsequently put upon the terms of the treaty, both in the colony and in England. Tho hook, which will contain a number_ of illustrations and facsimiles of historical documents, will, Mr. Buick hopes, bo published in London, if possible before the 1 end of the year. From the summary of its contents as given above it is clear that it should form a most interesting and important contribution to New Zealand history. Some Magazines. i Tho April number of "The Bookman." a spccial "Spring Number," costs a shilling instead of the customary sixpence. And an excellent shilling's worth it is. A lino photogravure portrait of G. "F. Watts is given us a supplement. Mr. ■. Spielmau discusses the general tendencies of Watts's art, into which thero ever • entered n distinctly literary element. Mr. C. T. Batoman gives ;:omo interesting pictures of tho artist's daily life. Portraits of Watts and reproductions of sonic of his more famous pictures add to the interest of the articles iust mentioned.

Amongst contributors of special reviews, aro Messrs. Thomas Seccombe, G. S. Layard, Dr. Jloffatt, Dr. William Harry, Edward Thomas, and Ilolbrook Jackson, and a special and beautifully-illustrated supplement is devoted to the most notable looks of the spring publishing season. To bo noted in tlio May "Windsor" (Ward, Lock, and Co.; per S. and W. Mackay), an exceptionally interesting article on Spitzbergen, "No Man's Laud," by Sir Martin Conway. Tho art feature of the number is an excellent articlo on Henry Stacy Marks and his work. Marks was tho oil's great Victorian painter who saw what I may coll i'lio humorous sido of bird lifo. In fiction tho "Windsor" is very strong this month. I know no English magazine that is better printed and more tastefully illustrated. An admirable sixpenuyworth, worth a good half-dozen of the "Pearson" and "Harmsworth" monthlies.

John Galsworthy's new story, "Tho Dark Flower: Tho Love Life of a Man,' makes a good start in tho April number of Scribner (Constable and Co.), wherein Edith Wharton's brilliant study of social New York is continued. When published in volume form, Mrs. Wharton's story. "The Custom of the Country," should not be missed by lovers of really good fiction. "Clarisse's," by Eliot Gregory, is a lively study of Quartier Latin life, with excellent illustrations by Andre Castaigne, and another well-illustrated article is Ernest Peixotto's account of his soinurnings in Chilian and other South West American cities. The letters from Charles Elliott Norton's English friends also make good reading. Indeed, Scribncr's is, as usual, good all through.

To the courtesy of a friend I am indebted for a cony of tho April number of "The Century," a magazine I have not seen for some time, but an English edition of which is now, I notice published by Hodder and Stonghton. Judging by tiie issue before me, this old-established magazine is nowadays bettor than ever. A specially notable article, liberally illustrated. "deals with the Post Impressionist Movement, and another art feature is the reproduction of some exceptionally striking work,' in sculpture, by a young American, Paul Manship. Robert Hichens has an excellent article, "Skirting the Balkan Peninsula," with effective coloured plates by Jules Guerin, and another feature of special interest is a collection of hitherto unpublished sketches by the late Bret Harte. Amongst other contrbutors aTe Andre Tardieu ("A. Bird's Eye View of European Politics"), Alfred Noyes. Vernon Howe Bailey. Mrs. Hodsrson Burnett, and John Trevena. The illustrations, noticeably numerous, are the "last word" in black and white reproduction, and the general excellence of the typography is quite delightful. "The Century" is an old favourite, which is "going very strong" these days. At Fifteenpence or Thereabouts. The bookbuyer with the slenderly garnished purso is being liberally catered for in these days. Here are a few items which strike me as being "good value":— Oscar Wilde's "De Profundis" (Methuen Is. 3d.); Hillaire Belloc's "Hills and tho Sea," a collection of delightful essayssome of ' Belloc's best work is is here—(Methuen Is- 3d-). "Pages by Sir Frederick Wedmoro; essays mainly, but not solely, on artistic subjects, and one or two admirable little contes (Elkin Matthews 25.). Cornish's "Wild England of To-day"—nature studies almost as good as those of Richard Jeffries (Nelson Is. '3d.). "W. E. Henley," by W. Cone Cornford (Constable's Littlo Biographies, Is. ;)d.). Newman's "Apologia Pro Vita Sua," one of tho noblest pieces of prose in the English language (Scotts Library, 2 vols, at Is. 3d. each). "Baudelaire— Poems in Prose," translated by Arthur Symons (Elkin Matthews, Vigo Cabinet series, Is. 3d. and 25.). Note, too, in Jack's "People's Books," 3d. each. '/Nietzsche," by E. M. A. Mugge. Wovdsvrorth," by Hiss Masson; "The Bible and Criticism," by pr. Bennett and Adeney. Yet Another New Review. There has loug been in existence a French periodical, "La Revue J3leue," and now an jaugnsli "Blue lteview" is announced, the iirst number to appear this month,. :it is lo ue a "literary and artistic "monthly," and will be published by Martin tiecKer (price not stated). Amongst I ocuer contriomors are two clever and rising young novelists, Gilbert Caiman, whoso xast novel, "Round tho Comer," • has Been very well reviewed, and llugh j Walpole, of whose really brilliant, if j wiiinisicai novei, "Alarntiick at i''orty," I have very pleasant recollections. Mr. Albert Eothenstein is to be responsible ior artistic criticism. The above names j suggest interesting work, but thero aro i surely enough reviews on the market I without an addition to their number, j Personally,, 1 pm my faith to tho "English Review," now, by tho way, reduced to a shilling. It is worth buying lor its poems aione. It was in the "English Review," it may be remembered, tnat sonio of John Masetieid's best work appeared. I always eschcw the political articles, but the purely literary articles in tho "E.R" are generally admirable. As to the "Bluo Reviow," tho name is, I think, ill-chosen. To the frivolous it will inevitably suggest comparison with that lively but ribald sheet commonly known, as its title page announces, as "The Pink 'Un," or the once-famous ""Yellow Book," in which tho clever, if eccentric, work of Aubrey Beardslcy first found publicity. Paris has long had a "Revue Blanche," as well as a "Revue Bleue." Bat'what's in a natno, or a colour?

Cheap French Books. . Pickwick in French! Nelsons announce a French translation of Dickens's immortal story, in three volumes, in their excellent, series the "La Collection Nelson." I have two 'separate French translations of "Pickwick" on my shelves. Ono was published as far back as 1857, some nineteen years after Box's masterpiece appeared in volume form. To anyone who knows French, it is vastly amusing to compare Sara Welter's comical stories in their French version with the originals. Another Lnglish novel, of much more reccnt date, which now appears in a French dress, in the same series, is .that very rubbishy, but astonishingly popular story, "Tile Scarlet Pimpernel," by the Baroiies D'Orezy, the French title of which is "Le Mouron ltouge." 1 don't think I shall speculate in this volume, but 1 shall certainly try ami find a spare fifteenpence to expend upon the purchaseiof a voiume of Labicho and Martin's Comedies, including that delightfully humorous play "Le. Voyage (le -Monsieur Perrichon." Good lioveis—for "family reading"—in the same series, aro "La Chauoin'esse," by Andro Thuuriot; "De Toute Son Ame/'-by Reno Bazin; and "Le Gentilhonnne Pauvrc," by Henri Conscience." Tolstoi and Turgeneff, Balzac, and Bourget, and other popular writers, Russian and French, are represented in the "Collection Nelson," the volumes of which, in their neat cream cloth binding, make a "mighty pretty Ioolf," as good Sam Pcpys said of some of his favourite tomes, on a bookshelf. Nelsons aro also bringing out a complete Victor Hugo—sl volumes!—in the same handy and 'attractive,iformat. X am tempted by "Les Miserables," and "Notre Dame do Paris," and I should like to' re-read that fine romantic drama "Euy Bias," and some of Hugo's incomparable "Ballades." But a Hugo tout eoinplet! That is rather too large an order! George Moore's Juvenilia. In the April "Bookman," that clever critic, George Somes Layard, has an appreciative notico of a recent reprint of ono of George Moore's earlier books "Impressions and Opinions." In this volume of "Juvenilia" there are, I see, essays oil Balzac, Vcrlaine, Turgeneh', Zola, Degas, liimbaud, and Villon, also Shakespeare and Thackeray, Dickens, and Jane Austen, for Mooro's often absurd worship of Gallic literary heroes does not always elbow out his appreciation of English writers. When Mooro chooses, he can bo frankly ridiculous, as in his "Confessions of a Young Man," but at its best, his literary criticism is quite as.sound as, and vastly more entertaining than that of llenley, and his style, when not overburdened" by Gallicisms, is a sheer delight. All this is "Liber's" opinion, not Mr. Layard's. That gentleman, I notice, ends his,review by a warm commendation of this early book of Moore's, which, says Mr. Layard, "notwithstanding some crudity of expression, makes for refreshment and delight, makes us, too, like Mr. Jloore better than we have liked him before, much as we have always admired his genius."

"Mark Rutherford." ltelerring to the death of tho writer known ns-'Mark Kutherford (the lalo W. Hale White) a leading London paper fell into the really dreadful error of con-

fonuding his identity with that of Percy White, tho author of "Mr. Bailey Martin" anil other popular novels. To those who know "Jlark ltutlierford's" stories, such as "Catherine Furzo" anil "The Revolution in Tanner's Lane," the very idea of confounding him with the author of Mr. Bailey Martin is decidedly amusing.