THE POSITION OF DOMINION WRITERS.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19725, 16 September 1929, Page 11

THE POSITION OF DOMINION WRITERS.

TO THS EDIT OS Of THZ ?BMB. Sir,-Your recent literary page article bv "Cyrano." on how to help the poet* in New Zealand, has for me a peculiar interest. i° r was as a candidate for Christchurch South in 1922 that I pleaded for the legal establishment of literature as one of tiie learned professions. But my proposal met deaf ears. And now, while we are being told daily to buy Zea-land-made goods, there is no one to plead for New Zealand-made books, written by New Zealanders, and published by New Zealand firms. And y e *» Sir, in the name of Fortune, why not? Is not a good book just as much a sensible product in its own line as butter, woollen goods, and machinery are in theirs f So far as New Zealand is concerned, the writer is at an almost hopelees disadvantage. And here is a great opportunity for the powers that be to effect a tremendous improvement. It is not so very long ago since the accountant was in just as hopeless a position; bat with legal recognition he has become a power in the land. The same thing can be done for the writer, and would be done, too, if only the imagination of some powerful patron could be stirred to aetion. I believe I am right in saying that in Christchurch alone there are plenty of well-to-do people who could easily lend a hand. I hope on this occasion my suggestions are not received in stony silence. —Yours, etc., K. M. THOMSON. ' Auckland.