BOOK AGENIS.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1680, 31 December 1887, Page 2

BOOK AGENIS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sib, —When I last wrote to you on the above subject I did so by the wish of several who had been victimised. I did not, and do not, desire to enter into a controversy with anyone on this or any other subject. As, however, I am represented by your correspondent in Thursday's issue as writing for the purpose of condemning a particular book, and some who did not read my former letter might believe it, I shall again trouble you with a few words. I shall not follow the example of the gentleman of Geraldine renown, and try to be smart, nor assert, as some might do, that he seems incapable either of understanding or writing plain English, but simply say that the statements made by me regarding the book, of which your correspondent seems so enamoured, and not resiled from now, were in inverted commas, and qaoted as one way of dealing with troublesome book agents. This book I referred to as coming last under my notice. I sympathise with every effort made to promote temperance — which, according to its derivation, means with me total abstinence—but these men. and women do not as a rule wish to promote temperance, or any other reform, but simply to get as much money as possible out of the pockets of simple-minded people. When, therefore, a traveller demadds a high price for his literary wares, we have a right to criticise their literary merit and the charges he makes as compared to the prices for which we can obtain : them elsewhere. I would say a book which a man needs and desires to have he had bettor send for to the proper quarter. A book which he does not need and does not desire to have he wont read, and is dear at any price. I am not exposed to any temptation in the above direction, for I can obtain books from London 20 per cent, below the published price, after paying the expenses of transit.—Tours, etc., John Dickson. The Manse, Temuka. December 30th, 1887.

The Sydney Evening News of toe 22nd, says it was thought that Hearn, the New Zealand sculler, would go to Qrafton and meet Hanlan there. Mr Cummins, his backer, however, has seat a telegram to Grafton,' sayiog that Hearn will not vieit the plnca unless he is allowed his expenses. Whether this will be arranged or not it is hard to say at present, but even in the event of his not going to Graflon a match will most probably be arranged between Hanlan and the New Zoalaud man.