"FRANK MELTON'S LUCK.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 141, 15 June 1892, Page 7

"FRANK MELTON'S LUCK.

[B_ Thos. Cottle. Published by H. Brett,

Auckland.]

""■... . . . The author has produced a very readable book. His characters are well drawn and admirably supported. The interest of the reader is sustained throughout. Of scenes typical of station life, the cattle muster, the pig hunt, and the Christmas party are admirably described ; and tho truth, accuracy, and vividness oE the depiction given of the gold fever ' in the good old mining days,' and of the Hauhau war, which are the two principal historical incidents woven into tha story, can be attested by those who took part in them. The author neither apologises for the failings of New Zealanders, nor does he praise in gushing terms what ia admirable in them. He simply describes them as they are. He shows how easily a swindling coxscomb like Grosvenor by merely holding himself out to be somebody, can dupe them ; how gambling in mining scrip, horse-racing, sfce., can demoralise them, bow hospitable they are, how capable of enjoying amusement, and at the same bime, how ready and willing to work, and how self-contained, independent, and happy in their homes. On the whole ib may be said bhe author has fairly accomplished his aim and given a true description of station life in New Zealand-;"-—Extract from review of "Frank Melton's Luck," in " Northern Advocate," December sth, 1891.