Sir,-Congratulations on the most refreshingly candid book review in your issue of June 8. The war years with their important restrictions have given many New Zealand writers an unexpected ease of publication; it is still early to estimate whether this has done our literature good or harm. Perhaps it has brought out writers who would otherwise not have keen known; but perhaps that would have been better with some. ‘ A vast amount of "poetry" has been launched on a sea of public indifference, and the quality of it has done little to change that indifference. One recalls with pleasure Denis Glover’s "Arraignment of Paris" in which he dealt trenchantly with the type of verse selected by the too easily pleased Mr, Marris. But since then the bellbirds have sung, and the stalwart native trees stood, in endless profusion, year after year, I am particularly glad to see The Listener questioning so vigorously the value of much of this girly-girly stuff; for The Listener may also take some of the blame for the prostitution of the Muses. Healthy criticism is sadly needed if we are to have anything other than sheltered writers writing to each other. Give it to ’em.
GORDON
INGHAM
(Auckland),
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/NZLIST19450622.2.13.2
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 313, 22 June 1945, Page 5
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202Untitled New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 313, 22 June 1945, Page 5
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Copyright in the work University Entrance by Janet Frame (credited as J.F., 22 March 1946, page 18), is owned by the Janet Frame Literary Trust. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this article and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the New Zealand Listener. You can search, browse, and print this article for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from the Janet Frame Literary Trust for any other use.
Copyright in the Denis Glover serial Hot Water Sailor published in 1959 is owned by Pia Glover. The National Library has been granted permission to digitise this serial and make it available online as part of this digitised version of the Listener. You can search, browse, and print this serial for research and personal study only. Permission must be obtained from Pia Glover for any other use.
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