Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 695, 21 June 1929, Page 16

Books Reviewed

“ART IN NEW ZEALAND” \V ITH the June number of “Art in j New Zealand,” the prime movers in this commendable venture may write “End of Volume 1,” and begin preparations for the second year of endeavour. They have reason to be < satisfied with the excellent result of their first year's work. The current number of the quarterly includes four colour blocks —-“Nocturne,” by W. H. Allen, “Tea Cups,” by Mabel Mill, ••Dunedin” by W. A. Bollard and a portrait of the Dunedin artist, Mr. A. H. O’Keeffe, by T. H. Jenkin. Of particular interest are the reproductions of Mr. W. E. J. Cook’s work—a pen drawing of a nude figure and a water-colour of the famous Bridge cf Avignon. Mr. Cook was a brilliant student of the Canterbury School of Art and won a travelling scholarship that carried him to Edinburgh and Europe. The examples of his work show that the rich promise of his earlier days is bearing fruit. An interesting group of portraits by New Zealand artists and a woodcut by R. N. Field, of Dunedin, add to the attractiveness of the issue. In the literary section are poems by Marna Service and Betty Knell, a clever story by Mona Tracy and an article dealing with the repertory movement in Auckland. A new feature, art notes from the four centres, provides information about those who are taking part in the many spheres of creative work. “Art in New Zealand.” Vol 1. No. 4. Our copy from the publishers. Harry M. Tombs. Ltd., 22 Wingfield Street, Wellington. Shamrocks and Shekels Comparatively recent doings in the Land of the Shamrock have brought about a state of affairs in which the term, “Irish gentry,” is often enough synonymous with “genteel poverty.” Now, Irish gentry are proud folk, but even the proudest of human beings must eat and drink. More. There is the natural impulse—especially with the Irish —to be as merry as circumstances permit. This thought has been expanded into a pleasant tale by Lady Troubridge, who made her bow as a novelist with "The Passion Flower.” The attractive little heroine of “The Purse Strings” is a witty and optimistic Irishwoman who solves her family’s finances by marrying a rich but middle-class Englishman, easing her conscience with the argument that she is buying cash with blue blood. Later, however, she feels a little mean about it all and proceeds to solve the problem in a typically Irish way. A light story, but deftly told, and enjoyable. Lady Troubridge knows her settings and builds upon them with charming realism.

“The Purse String’s,” L>y Lady Troubridge. Methuen and Co., London. Our copy from the publishers.