South Island writings

Press, 13 December 1986, Page 27

South Island writings

In Other Words. Collected Works, Volume 3. South Island Writers Assn, 1986 (P.O. Box 1270, Chch). 85 pp. $lO.

From the small beginning of eight foundation members 24 years ago the South Island Writers’ Association has grown into a flourishing and enthusiastic society. Volume 1 of collected short stories, poems and articles by members of the association appeared in 1974 and Volume 2 four years later, but it seemed that rapidly rising printing costs meant the publication of a third volume was impossible. The committee should therefore be commended for the determination and initiative that has produced this small, unpretentious volume, “In Other Words.” While appreciating the huge task of setting up the work on a word processor, one must admit that the resultant type is difficult to read, but apart from that drawback, the booklet is more than adequate, with good

paper, faultless proof reading, and an uncluttered cover design. There are a number of worth-while contributions in this volume though the standard of work does vary considerably. Some items are very good, some passable, and there are a few which should perhaps have been, more ruthlessly rejected. The short > stories are better value than the, poems, and the few articles included somehow read rather oddly, M sandwiched as they are between, works of the imagination. One story, “Overseas Relations,” by? Kathleen Crayford, is haunting in its depiction of the woman’s helplessness , to prevent cruelty, and for thosereaders who persevere to the end, there is a reward in the last fourstories — “Long John Sylvia” by, Rosemary Britten, “The Bones in the, River” by Jane Buxton, “The Time inBetween” by Jack Patterson, and? “Corridors” by Sandra Arnold — all of which are excellent. — Margaret. Quigley.