NEW BOOKS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 77, 31 March 1892, Page 3

NEW BOOKS.

A REVIEW OF "FRANK MELTON

LUCK."

(From " The New Zealand Graphic") Aβ affording an interesting and accurate glimpse into certain phases of life in this colony, the book before U3 ia one that fhonld \ be read by the many really well-educated people in England, whose ideas of New Zealand aro curiously vague. Mnny a mother has a eon, many a sifter a brother to whom eke IB deeplyatcaclied, wliuae early ex- I

periences of life in Hie Xorth Island of New Zealand correspond with those so vividly depicted in "Frank Melton's Luck." To friends ab Ilome the book will, therefore, prove very interesting , . Nor is it less so to people living in Now Zealand, who, reading some incident, which recalls their own past, feel that the writer has at once established an entente conliale between himself and them, and peruse the book with satisfaction.

The story—a3 is usual with tales of the colonies—introduces tho hero in England, and describes tho friends ho makes on the long voyage out. These play an important part) in his life, and consist of Mr and Mrs Robinson—this lady being called by Frank ' a collection of uncertainties'—her rather loud brunette daughter, Julia, arid a very quiet, lady-like companion, Misa Grave. Frank and his friend, Harry Bake.-, take it in turns lo f>ll in lovo with the two young ladies, until, on arriving in Auckland, they all separate for a time. Frank goes down to Waneranui, and begins his experience of life on a New Zealand run under the auepices of hie Uncle Bovvden—a widower —two charming girl cousins, and their brother Charlie. A pretty widow, Airs Fortescue, tnakes a great impression on Frank's susceptible heart. There is an amusing description of a riding lesson, -when the fair widow completely deceives everyone respecting her horsewomanship. "Tho noble animal appeared to feel her exuberance of spirit, and took the four-rail fence like a bird."

" Why, we all thought you couldn't ride," one of tho girls 6>;claims. Very spirited accounts are (given of Frank's adventures at a cattle muster, a wild boar hunt, etc., the too fascinating cousins tivkinfj; their share of the fun and danger. Naturally. Frank falls in love with one of them. Alice, but is checked in his progress towards gaining her affections by v man named " Groavonor," who has been one of hia acquaintance!) on board shin. Alice becomes engaged to him, driving Frank almoat beside himFo'.f, for he vainly tries to convince her thab her fiance is a worthless scoundrel. Whether ho Bucceeda eventually, the reader must wait and find out; tho climax of tho love-story is, however, very dramatic aud interesting. Two other litfclo affaires de cceitr run their soparate and entwined courcos through Ul3 tflle, but space forbids further description. Tho book must be read to bo appreciated, and is to be had of all booksellers at tho very moderate sum of one shilling;.