THE BEST NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1893, 22 October 1918, Page 3

THE BEST NEW ZEALAND ANNUAL.

“NEW ZEALAND ILLUSTRATED.”

We are often asked what is the best Christmas Card to send to Our Boys at the Front and friends at Home, so as to cheer the former, and give the latter a good idea of the, beauties and value of New Zealand. We have no hesitation in replying: “New Zealand Illustrated,” the Christmas Number of “The "Weekly Press,” a copy of which lies before us. Not only does it answer (lie requirements named, lad in our homes it forms a complete educator in New Zealand scenery and life for old and young alike. To give more Ilian a passing glimpse of its contents, pleasurable as (he (ask would he, would ('over considerable space, but among the prominent features we find some fine scenes from the record snow storm, which go to show our friends that New Zealand is not a country of eternal sunshine, hut one tempered with health-giving changes.

The pages of scenery reveal to ns beautiful views almost undreamt of, (lie large centre opening' being one of the finest and most comprehensive pictures yet seen of the Lees Valley. Hero a soldiers' settlement has been established, ami judges of country will look upon the residents as fortunate, for even though the picture was taken just after the great snowstorm, it reveals magnificent country. Then we have scenes from Canterbury, Otago, Central Otago, Marlborough, Nelson, Bay of Plenty, Ruapehu. Wanganui River, Taranaki, Poverty Bay, and Slewart Island, many of which will remind readers of the pleasant holidays past, and cause them to visit* others in future holidays.

Coloured supplements have been a feature of former issues, some of them selling for high sums. This year’s is ni> to the highest standard, ft shows ‘•Mount Eginonl, as seen from the Hermitage," and is by the New Zealand artist, Mr C. H. Howarth.

Not only are the illustrations wholly New Zealand, but the letterpress also. “The White Eel,’-’ by Katherine Mercer, is a cleverly written story of Maori gods and their power, and Mr Edgar R. Williams Ims a graphic description of the Exploration of Tntoko Valley, Milford Sound.

We can hardly imagine anyone who has friends aliroad failing to send a copy of this beautiful annual, which we can recommend as (he most satisfying advertisement of JS'ew Zealand yet seen. We are informed that no second edition can be published, so would recommend readers to place their orders early.