NEW ZEALAND LITERARY EFFORT

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 81, 5 April 1930, Page 21

NEW ZEALAND LITERARY EFFORT

"Ken- Zealand Short Stories," chosen' and edited by O. N. Gillcspkl, London and Toronto: J. M. Dent and Sons. Tlie importance of this anthology cannot bo exaggerated. New Zealand is' indebted to Mr. Gillespie for his careful selection of short stories relating to life in this country. After a century of British colonisation New Zealand emerges as a distinct nation—and the evolution of New Zealand thought and life may be clearly traced, in this book. New Zealand emerges! Out of the misty legendary period fondly described with lingering backward looks by Sir George' Grey, Johannes C. Andersen, and A. A. Grace in such stories as "The Message of the Mute," tho "Putangitangi and the Macro," and the "Story of Hinemoa," poetical fragments in a collection of stories of modern life in. this country. With "The Voyage" the inimitable pen of Katherino Mansfield, New Zealand's greatest short story-writer, has . given sensitively realistic impressions of the channel crossing in the Picton boat. One may hope that . Sir Charles Fcri gus'sou has read "Driver Bruce's Walpurgis Night," in which C. A. Jefries humorously elaborating a recent railway smash on tlie Main Trunk involves the ex-Governor-General in a delightful story which would rejoice the hearts of the North British nobility. Just before tho accident the Governor, in conversation with the statioiunastev, remarks: "Xo railway train should be without the continuous brake. I'm amazed at your not having it. What sort- of managers arc your commissioners?" "Blanky skinflints," said Jones. "Why, sir, 1 assure you, they only pay me £IS9 per year." The Governor nearly fainted on hearing of the sinallness of Jones's salary." Ellerslic Racecourse is the setting for Pat Lawlor's fantastical tale, "The Nag 1 Nincompoop," a horsey story in which a mechanical steed competes for the Auckland Cup along with "dinkuni thoroughbreds." Odours of ensilage, rape, and pigsties among the manuka, and suggestions of dull evenings in whares among tho tussocks are recalled by G. B. Lancaster's story, "In the Down Country." The invasion of New Zealand country districts by,the movies forms a theme "for Mona Tracy in "The Hopeful Soil." "Maori Mac" has gathered together in a Maori meeting-house a representative collection of present- j day Maoris, "tattocd veterans, weighty wahines, masters of arts who owned racehorses and were celebrated footballers."

The satirical quality of the late Dick Harris's work is seen in "Adam, Pan, and the Lady"; one regrets, however, that there has not also been included some work to show the deep inspiration. Harris drew from New Zealand scenery —all-pervading in his poetry.

The English traditions of Christchurch dominate "Annual Sports Day," by Noel Abbott. Bush clearing in Central Otago provides the setting for "The Last of the Moats"; gold-digging in the Thames for'"Finesse," and an incident in the South African War for "King's Scout," by Claude Jewell. "Cafe an Fait" (by B. 13. Baughan) and "Grandpore" (Esther Glenn) are stories reminiscent of the early French settlers who contributed a Gallic flavour to the life of these islands—with their trim houses, their passionate patriotism, and the acute nostalgia of tho French in exile.

To recapture tlie thrill o£ a first visit to tlio Sounds, one must sail with the travellers in Will Lawson's "White Lady" into the newly-found Arcady, "dreaming waters at the mouth of the bush-dad beautiful bay." This story has an exquisite dreamlike quality. Other stories by Dulcie Deamer, Helena Henderson, M. 11. Holoroft, Mabel Holmes, T. H. Jenkinson, Nora Kelly, Nora M'AulifCe, Eleanor Kent, Ngaio Marsh, 11. C. D. Somerset, Winifred Tennant, Helen Glen Turner, Iris Wilkinson, and Lueio Wiiui reflect tlic literary life and spirit of the people of Now Zealand, their optimisim, fortitude, fantasy, and human tenderness, with a powerful- blend of Celtic imagery and Maori legend.—U.D.C.