"SOMETHING TO READ."

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20086, 25 October 1928, Page 14

"SOMETHING TO READ."

LONELY PEOPLE'S BOOKS. WORK OF AUCKLAND LEAGUE. PREPARING FOR CHRISTMAS. Amoncc those who live far from civilisation in Now Zealand rind the islands of the Pacific, tastes in literature are catholic. Burns and Sir Oliver Lodge share popularity with Dickens, medical and theological works, and booklets on hohhies, amusements and cookery. Some interesting aspects of the craving for all varieties of books shared by those residing in lonely places are provided by the work of the Mayoress* War Memorial Library League. Tucked away in a remoto corner of the Auckland Town Hall, by many remembered, by some forgotten, and by many more unknown, the league continues in a new form ils war-time work of supplying literature to soldiers. Quiet ly and without ostentation, the league busies itself in collecting unwanted books and sending them to odd corners of the Dominion and the Pacific to people "by the world forgot," but whose letters of heartfelt thanks upon receipt of "something to read," are ample reward for the efforts of tho league workers. Testimony from Aitutaki. One instance of many is the case of a lady formerly resident in Nine Island and now living at Aitutaki Island, in the Cook Group. In a letter of warm thanks to the league secretary, Miss Alice Baslen, this voluntary exile mentions that "after tho Waipahi wo will bo cut off from civilisation for five months." She is endeavouring to gain the matter to form the nucleus of a library, especially for the benefit of tho 350 school children in the place. "It is a case of service before self with you, and only those living at outlying posts realise and appreciate your kindness and (he pleasure brought into tho lives of these people by your work," is her grateful testimony. Communication difficulties in the sterner coastal regions and in the fcackbloeks of the Dominion c'auso many a family to be placed far beyond the amenities of civilisation. Letters to the league give almost pitiful illustration of' that. Tho wife of a returned soldier "out back" alludes to tho intellectual starvation of which city folk have no conception. There are many such whose letters of gratitude reveal a great book hunger. "Many thanks to you and to everyone giving money, books, and time, to afford us pleasure in these remote places," writes a resident in a lonely situation at Coromandel, where the only access and egress is by means of infrequent vessels. A description is given of the delighted eagerness with which children representative of 14 families carried home their apportionments of the league's parcel. School Children's Gratitude. The gratitude of the local school"children is expressed in the following letter signed by about 30 of them: —"We wish to thank you all for the lovely 'books and magazines and Christmas presonts you send us. It is just splendid of you to think of us, whom you do not know. ..." Annually a list is sent out by the league namifig classical and medical works and books of a religious, scientific and educational character, available for distribution. Requests in reply inclicato a wide range of literary taste. Requests for works of Dickens placed "Little first in popularity, followed by "The Old Curiosity Shop" and "Oliver Twist in that order. Shakespere gained 26 "votes" in this literary poll. Sir Walter Scott, Victor Hugo, Kipling, Stevenson and Lawson have large followers. There must be many lonely Caledonians, for Burns heads the list of poets the people "out back" want to read, with Ella Wheeler Wilcox and Longfellow next. Under the heading of religious and theological works Sir Oliver Lodge's "Survival of Man" is easily the most sought. Text-books on cookery, art, amusements, gardening, farming, hobbies, and medicine are in keen demand. On Saturday the. league is holding a garden party at the residence of Mrs. Kidd Gillies Avenue, Epsom. It is the final 'big effort before posting out the Christmas mails, and an appeal is made to householders to show their practical sympathy.