The Letters of Annalbel Lee

Radio Record, Volume I, Issue 20, 2 December 1927, Page 6

The Letters of Annalbel Lee

My Dear Iflisabeth, Of the making of magazines there is no end, but you really must get a copy of "Tui’s Annual," that original journal that brings with it an atmosphere of, the out-of-doors, and tells a tale of skies that are clear and hearts that are kind. Far indeed from frivol and frivolity are these simple, enthralling chronicles of dwellers of the countryside that lies round and about the noisy towns. Somewhat beyond the ken of thee and me, this daily "doing out the duty" of those who, by their incessant toil, help to bring wealth to our Dominion; and the more interesting on that account. Written and illustrated by themselves, these men and women of the country have cast their illusions, and see life seriously and see it whole, making no bones about it; but are on the spot when the kye come hame and the piggie-wiggies homeward waddle, their story of the day’s work and the day’s play being told with a zest that carries conviction. Some of the episodes are hilariously funny, being aided and abetted by the frolicsome "Potter" drawings, and the "ower true tales’’ carry the stamp-of sincerity-there is nothing greater, in a magazine or out of it-and of sheer, ordinary, unconscious pluck and resourcefulness and "‘acquieseence in the inevitable" that we like to think are especially British characteristics. You will read with interest of girls who renounced town interest and independence for the long trail, the tussock and the rata, thé ti-tree and the eow! And if cooking intrigues your Mar-tha-ish faney-as perforce it must with the prospect of hordes of hungty visitors to the ranch during Mr. Sidey’s long and lovely summer days -there are a hundred perfectly good

recipes for the hot season, tried out by top-notch housekeepers, and unexampled for toothsomeness and economy. How elever are the young! I went one night to an invitation piano recital given by Miss Hazel Hardwicke. The programme was an ambitious one for this maiden of few years, who, nevertheless, tackled it with admirable efficieney and technique. I liked the pianiste best in the shorter and less arduous items. notably the Schumann selections, which made fewer demands on _ that emotional imagination that cannot yet be expected to be allied with the undoubted skill and accomplishment of this young artist. As was to be expected from one so distinguished among our younger musicians, in the Mendelssohn Concerto Mr. Fraser Mackenzie lent efficient help, playing beautifully on the second piano in response ta a last-minute call for help (Mr. Ray Hill having been called te camp). Mrs. Dorothy Evans is to be congratulated on her skilful training of clever youth; and the pleasant party was rounded off by some songs, notably those of Mr. Ray Kemp, his voice and smile immediately putting him en rapport with his audience, who were captivated by a song of the negro spiritual variety entitled "Water Boy," very artistically and charmingly sung. The Commercial Travellers’ Club, in considerable numbers and unfamiliar garb, patrolled the streets last Wednesday, their good intent being to help the old great eause of kindness, collect loot for the sick and the suffering, as is their generous way. They did their darndest, these happy warriors, who have fought many a good fight in the past, and never fail their friends. On this oceasion 2 Mock Trial was held at

the unwary wayfarer was run by a bobby bursting with enthusiasm and embonpoint, and cheerfully released on promising a nice fat little cheque; the judge who presided in full regalia displaying such dignity and discernment that one fain would have raised him to the Judicial Bench "for keeps." So once again this_ elub~ ss scores, proving by its organising powers and individual generosity that it is true to its native land and one with its kind, as Tennyson said once upon a time, or something: like it. For the moment I am soused-'tis: the only word-in a turgid tale of the Napoleonic era. I never tire of the great little Corsican, with his will so superhuman, his personality so magnetic, his achievement that enthrals the dullest imagination. My recent delving on the subject is pure fiction, but rather absorbing, being a good deal eoncerned with languid, lovely, non-moral Josephine, the fascinating creole who captured hs heart. Other amours there were of course-many of them, as all the world knows-but in this more or less veracious novel it is suggested that for Napoleon the subtle and slippery Madame de Beauharnis was the "one and only." His erafty and quarrelsome brothers and sisters and bossy mother are presented in very human fashion as making quite a lot of trouble for the empress, as is the way of relations the world over. ‘The clever lady who, under the pen name of E. Barrington, is the author of "The Thunderer,’ lives in British Colunibia, and has other romances to her credit, one, that particularly enthrals, being the story of Lord Nelson and his Emma. You should add her books to your list.-Your , various street corners, into which . |

ANNABEL

LEE