"FRANK MELTON'S LUCK."

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 297, 14 December 1892, Page 7

"FRANK MELTON'S LUCK."

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

11 ... . 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 pie hunt, and the Christmas party are admirably described; and tho truth, accuracy, and vividness of the depiction given of the gold fever * in the good old mining days,' and of 'eho Hauhau war, which are the two principal historical incidents woven into Bha story, can be attested by those who took part in them. The author neither apologises for the failings of New Zealanders, nor dees he praise in gushing terms what is admirable in them. He simply describes them as they are. Ho shows how easily a swindling coxscomb like Grosvenor by merely holding himself out to ba somebody, can dupe them; how gambling in mining scrip, horse-racing, etc., can demoralise them, how hospitable they are, how capable of enjoying amusement, and at the same time, how ready and willing to work, and how self-contained, independent, and happy in their homes. On the whole it may be said the author has fairly accomplished his aim and given a true description of station lifo in New >3saland<"—Extract from review of "FranMelton's Luck," in " Northern Advocate," December sth, 1891.