IRISH POETRY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 168, 12 April 1935, Page 4

IRISH POETRY

Writers and Artists “Irish Poetry” was the subject on which Miss Catherine Keddell spoke at the meeting of the New Zealand Women Writers’ and Artists’ Society, held on Tuesday evening at the Lyceum Club. Madame Bligii presided over a good attendance and apologised for the absence of Gloria Rawlinson, the Auckland* girl writer who was unable to be present owing to indisposition. On behalf of the society, the hon. secretary, Miss Nellie Donovan, has sent her a gift as a token of appreciation of her work. Irish poetry, said Miss Keddell, could be divided into three periods. In its early stages were found nature hymns, expressing a love of Nature, unusual in a primitive people, while love poems were another class of poetry not as a rule found in the early literature of a , nation. The second period was notable for its war epics only, and modern Irish poetry was distinguished by its expression of national pride and a deep and tender love of Ireland. Miss Keddell read several poems from each group, and- some very beautiful ones by the Irish exile poets. At the conclusion of her most interesting talk, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Miss Keddell, after which supper was served.-