P.E.N. CLUB

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 74, 24 September 1938, Page 22

P.E.N. CLUB

DEVELOPING LITERATURE

DELIGHTFUL EVENING

The P.E.N. Club is rather an exclusive little institution, therefore the attendance at the reception given in honour of Dr. Nag last night was not largely attended, though there are many people who would have thoroughly enjoyed his talk on literature, which was quite a "gem" of its kind.

The reception was given at the Lyceum Club, which was charmingly decorated.with spring flowers and New Zealand flax, the graceful leaves showing up well, and interesting the visitor who is tull of enthusiasm about the beauties of this country.

The guest of honour was welcomed by the president, Mr. C. A. Marris, who said it was the first time the club had had the pleasure of welcoming a P.E.N. visitor from overseas. He spoke of the many ways in which Dr. Nag had fostered and helped literature in

his. own country. He had been one of those chosen to go to the great international meeting at Buenos Aires, and there he had met Mr. Johannes Andersen, who had succeeded in interesting him in New Zealand, - and specially in the Maori literature. Mr. Marris spoke with regret that there was not a more outstanding literature among the pakeha residents of this country, and said the club was doing its best to foster, the efforts of ;the younger people, especially in the direction of the writing of good poetry. He felt that a great deal more might be done if the people generally took more interest in its novelists and poets.1 He concluded with a cordial message of friendship from the New Zealand club to the P.E.N. in India.

Dr. Nag, who was received very cordially, said he was glad to meet the youngest branch of the P.E.N. and in its own country. He spoke with much enthusiasm of the beautiful air, blue seas and sky, and natural attributes of New Zealand, which had impressed him most favourably. He felt .that there must be much latent poetry in a country with so many advantages. . So much-beauty in nature must surely produce a corresponding beauty of soul, and he had a great confidence in the generosity and kindness of the people. A great understanding came through art and literature, and one country would be brought much nearer to another by these beautiful means instead of by politics or ta,lk of war. Dr. Nag spoke of the great Indian poet Tpgore, and said that the actual feeding! on the part of people who cared for literature that their country was not doing or producing its best was a sure sign that something better. was sure to evolve. In stumbling, we gradually arrived at the beauty of rhythm, and perfect grace was bound to come in time. So long as people missed the best in literature so long would they make steps towards something finer and more worthy.

Dr. Nag very interestingly compared the Maori with the Indian oral literature, and showed what wonderful beauty there is in both. He caused a smile when he said that neither Shakespeare, Shelley, nor any other literary giant ever belonged to a P.E.N. club, nor had they the advantages of help that could be found in so many ways nowadays. It was the same with the Native races, wlio handed on their wonderful \ poetry and stories by word of mouth, and this was still done. "India is waiting still," said Dr. Nag, but added that he hoped that the time would come when their native oral literature would be collected in a way worthy of its qualities. He suggested that the finest way to add to the Centenary celebrations would be to have a proper collection of Maori stories and poetry, with the native words on the one side so that they would not be lost, and the English translation on the other.

The speaker then alluded to the little assemblies of literary people like the one he was addressing at the moment, and said he thought they would be wise to add "nondescripts" —people who were interested, and would be helpful in many ways, and yet who had not the full qualifications of the P.E.N. They might, he said humorously, have a badge with the letter "N" upon it, and maybe in the course of time and with encouragement qualify for full membership. Dr. Nag spoke of the many Indian students who poured out their souls in poetry, and of the fact that Tagore still went on writing beautiful songs which were learned by the people who could not read, yet loved his work. He told a little of the sadness and distress of the Indian people, and concluded a sympathetic speech with an assurance that he would not forget New Zealand and he would carry their message to his people.

. Mr. Johannes Andersen moved a cordial vote of thanks and added his hope that the Maori literature would be a feature of the Centennial. Mr. J. W. Heenan seconded the motion, which was carried. Mr. Heenan said the literary side of the Centennial was under consideration, and everything possible would be done.

Supper concluded a most interesting evening.

A piece of suet in the saucepan in which you boil greens prevents the water from boiling over.