Untitled

New Zealand Listener, Volume 13, Issue 315, 6 July 1945, Page 14

Sir-In accusing Allen Curnow of taking himself too seriously I think you overlook the real point. The review he complained about was in one sense a good one. But its opening and closing paragraphs had too much the flavour of urbane condescension-of a visit to the ‘nursery by the good-humoured uncle, or something of that sort. In your excellent film reviews there is. just the proper degree of seriousness. By comparison, "J.C.B.’s" review carried the underlying suggestion that poetry is not a very important business, after all. I got the impression that he was writing down to what he conceived to be public taste. God forbid that discussion of poetry should be carried on with any false solemnity. But I do think you should show a little more understanding when a responsible poet of Mr. Curnow’s reputation objects to the attitude implied in your reviewer’s. title. and his opening remarks. For my part, I should (continued on next page)

(continued from previous page) like to make a mild protest against what seemed to me to be an unnecessary concession to philistinism.

A. R. D.

FAIRBURN

(Auckland).

Sir,-Perhaps I may comment on two of the letters in your issue of June 22, prompted by my review entitled "Lots of Poetry." (1) Mr. Curnow. I can understand, though I find myself unable to agree with, most of the charges Mr. Curnow makes against the review. What I really do not understand is his assumption

that I was "guying" poetry. Mr. Curnow may have a _ sacramental theory of poetry; but I have hitherto found it possible to read and discuss King Lear or Samson Agonistes without putting the shoes from off my feet. I have admired some New Zealand verse (including, quite sincerely, and very much Mr, Curnow’s own) in the same secular mood. Am I now to suffer from a sense of sin? Or do I sin only when I express distaste? (2) "Horse-Lover" who likes the writings of Mr. Clyde Carr, accuses me of political bias because I don’t. All I can say to "Horse-Lover" is, Don’t be silly. I have, I trust, rigidly excluded any note of levity or inelegance from these

remarks.

J.C.

B.

(Wellington). |