REVIEW.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1977, 3 December 1889, Page 3

REVIEW.

“The Spirit of the Rangatira and other Ballads”; by Jessie Mackey. Melbourne : George Robertson end Co. We are glad to call attention to a volume of poems written by a young South Canterbury authoress, already favorably known through New Zealand as an occasional spirited contributor of verse to colonial newspaper columns under the name of “Jessica,” who is none other than Mias Jessie Mackay, of Baindiff. Miss Mackay may be complimented on her little hook, the chief fault of which is its too modest proportions. This, however, is a good fault in a young authoress, and we trust that, having tried her wings and found them able to bear her safely and gracefully Miss Mackay may venture on something more ambitious before long. The most interesting of the pieces to New Zealand readers are those relating to Maori

subjects. They are poetical editions of old New Zealand legends and tales. Among them we may mention “To Wanahu Corner,” and the “ Taniwha’s Farewell.” There are also some happy imitations of the old Scotch ballad style, which would lend themselves easily to Scotch melody, among which we note “ Foitfe Riga.” “ Child of the Dark Days ” might be appropriately addressed by a mother to her son in some down-trodden land of bygone, or even modern, days. The glowing language of the “ Song of Aorangi ” should still further draw attention to the inspiring Alpine scenery of Mount Cook, of which all young New Zealanders are justly proud. We must not omit to say that there is mingled

with the serious ballads in this volume several sparkling little pieces, which show that Miss Mackay is not without the keen sense of the humorous and whimsical in life, often existing together with an equally strong bent towards the pathetic. Among the lighter ballads are “The Boundary Dog’s Complaint,” a piece savoring of station life; “The Departure of the Timaru Volunteers for Parihaka,” an amusing local piece, written in mockheroic style; and “The Charge of Parihaka,” a clever parody on Tenny-

son’s “ Charge of the Light Brigade. ” The book is got up with taste by the publishers, George Robertson and Co., and may he obtained from the authoress, through Mrs Foster, Te-

muka, or from Messrs P. W. Hutton and Co., Timaru. We have no hesitation in recommending the work to readers of poetry, as most entertaining. There is a great deal of originality, gracefulness, and cleverness displayed in it, and it is well worth perusal. It is a spirited contribution to New Zealand literature, and it does infinite credit to Miss Mackay. ’