A Toast.

Free Lance, Volume IX, Issue 456, 27 March 1909, Page 17

A Toast.

Old wine to dunk, Old thoughts to think, Old jokes to grin at joyously. Old books to read, Old saws to heed, Old friends to reminisce with me Old clothes to wear For comfort rare,

Old shoes to ease our aching toes. Old heroes — here's To Musketeers, The D'Artagnans and Ivarlioes. Old plays to see, Old songs for glee — The old things ever tried and true. And best of all That I recall, Old girls. Old Girl, if she be you!

We thank the local manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company for a copy of the very handsome little "Pocket-Book" Goude to the Dominion, which the enterprising company have had printed for circulation among tihe passengers by their vessels. They have aimed at producing a book that will be treasured as a keepsake besides being valuable for its up-to-date-ness, and everyone will admit they have succeeded admirably. The (principal letterpress is from the graceful! pen of the Hon. W. P. Reeves (late High Commissioner), and the illustrations embrace sixteen full-page pictures in colours by W. Wright, besides photo reproductions. A _ dainty cover encloses the attractive 'little volume, which is turned out in the best style of Adam and Charles Black, of IDdiinbuTgh. • • • We have received from the author, /Dr. E. Borgheiitij a copy of his recentlypuK]s!ed~bookiet J "A Call to the British Nation," in> which he treats in a novel way of the Asiatic question as affecting New Zealand. The whole book is written in "dialogue form, or, perhaps, better, after the. manner of a catechism. Certainly, Dr. Borghetti, by the method adopted, has served the purpose of cramming a great deal of pertinent and interesting matter into the sixty-five pages of his little "work. The Asiatic question' is always an interesting one to us in the colonies, and, treated as the question is in "A Cadi to the British Nation," it makes capital reading. Dt. Borghettd delves to some purpose into our social conditions, and draws valuable lessons on his several points from the of other nations. Altogether, it is a praiseworthy Ettle publication. • ■ • On the Basin Reserve to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon the Catholic Club and Hibernian Society's sports meeting will be held, and, given anything Eke favourable weather, there is sure to be a great gathering of spectators. The energetic secretary, Mr. H. McKeoweni, has Seen at no end of pains to ensure a successful programme of events. Wrestling bouts, tugs-of-waT, and all other branches of athletics will figure on the biU. Amongst other attractions will be an attempt by J. Wallace (Auckland) to break the New Zealand record at ha-mmer-tfarowing.