BOOKS REVIEWED

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20492, 7 May 1938, Page 20 (Supplement)

BOOKS REVIEWED

New Zealander Abroad

ENGLISH THEME During a visit to the Mother Country Miss Margaret. G. Johnston, who is well known in Hamilton, wrote a Journal “to give pleasure to friends and relatives and to form a feast of recollections for the writer’s later years.” It proved to be of such interest that publication was urged, and under the title “English Theme” the volume, admirably illustrated, has b/?en Issued by Messrs Reed Brothers. The journal has been written at a leisurely pnee. The author loved to roam about, gathering Impressions of city and country, slum and rural solitude, and In a happy, conversational style she has set down her observations. It is the class of book called by discerning readers a “browser.” One can pick it up at any time, and get a pleasant penpicture of, say, the Epsom Downs, or some place where the Canterbury pilgrims found temporary accommodation. Apparently the journey had been so planned that the greatest amount of interest was assured. That, of course, necessitated a visit to Scotland, taking in Edinburgh and the Burns country. And so to and fro about the Old Country went this obserx r ant, appreciative New Zealander, making shrewd observations, but for the most part a keen admirer of that tight little isle. The book will please those who know Great Britain well, and also those who like to travel in imagination. They will find Miss Johnston a most delightful companion, and when they have read “English Theme’ probably they will feel that they know that wonderful country better and certainly will appreciate it more. Brave Hearts THE KATI KATI SETTLEMENT It was fully time that the history of the Ipish settlement nt Katl Kati was written, and Mr Arthur Gray. M.A., has done the work well. His story of the ambitious venture, led by George Vesey Stewart, is a welcome addition to Dominion records, and will interest a large number of people In this part of the country. The original plan provided for the reservation of a block of 10,000 acres In what Is now called generally Kati Kati, and Vesey Stewart undertook to organise a party of Irish farmers “ having adequate capital and comprising not less than 40 families to occupy and farm the block as a special settlement.” Tn that way there came to New Zealand men who were destined to play an Important part In Its development. Some of their descendants to-day occupy prominent places In many parts of the Dominion. Here Is set down the record of this interesting settlement first established In 1875. Some of the settlers lived In raupo whares for twelve months, “and each morning the menfolk, and often the woman and children as well, were to be seen making their - ay through the high scrub to their farms armed with axes, spades and slashers.” They were a progressive lot of people, and probably the first shipment of honey sent from New Zealand came from the settlement. The five tons unfortunately crystallised on the xvay, the agents in London thought It had been adulterated with flour, and it was all condemned. In 1884 a bacon and cheese factory was started. The cheese was of good quality, but the financial returns were discouraging, resulting In a loss of £29 the first year. Heavier losses followed, and after four years the little factory was closed. The story of the settlement Is told In a most attractive way.

“An Ulster Plantation.” By Arthur J. Gray, (A. 11. and A. W. Reed, Dunedin.) School Review HAMILTON EAST PUBLICATION I Issued In commemoration of the opening of the new block at the Hamilton East School, a handsome booklet has been published reviewing the activities of the school over the 1936-37 period. Contained in an attractive cover, the publication covers a wide field of school affairs. Opening the book is a letter from the Hon. P. Fraser, Minister of Education, stating that he would look forward with confidence to the new school maintaining the best tradition of the past, add yet equipping its pupils to face the future. Tributes are paid to the Mayor, Mr J. R. Fow, and Mr G. A. Barrell, M.P. for Hamilton, who had always given their assistance to the school. Photographs of the school staff and the school committee are also included in the publication. The progress made by the school during .the period under review is dealt with in an editorial article, while another section covers the work of the school committee. The sporting and other fields of the school work are also Included in the magazine.