AMONG THE IMMORTALS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21640, 4 November 1933, Page 6 (Supplement)

AMONG THE IMMORTALS

STORYTELLERS FOR CHILDREN " ALICE IN WONDERLAND " Can there be any literary achievement greater than that of writing a story which the children of the world agree to crown with the garland of immortality? The tales of Sinbad the Sailor, Cinderella, Puss-in-Boots and Red Hiding Hood are so old that opinions now differ as to what genius first told them. But there are other more modern stories, which have become beloved of children the world over, other writers who have won the lasting affection of the little people of every nationality. A memorial to Hans Andersen was erected not long ago in his own birthplace. Peter Pan, most loved creation of Barrie's genjus, stands poised like an elfin figure enchanting the very air of Kensington gardens. Now, another story, written only 71 years ago, has proved to be no less firmly established in the hearts of children. " Alice in Wonderland " is its name, and the actual Alice who inspired it a little girl who rambled over the sandhills of Llandudno with a learned mathematician, is still living, a ladv of 80.

Mr. Dodgson was the name of that mathematician, and Alice Liddell, the daughter of Dean Liddell, was the name of his little companion. But the mathe-matician-poet became Lewis Carroll, and his prattling playmate is just Alice for all time. Very recently there was unveiled at Llandudno. Wales, a memorial to Lewis Carroll, and Mr. Lloyd George, who performed the ceremony, well remarked that his books bad become a bubbling fountain of perennial delight to y<fting and old. They were a pure joy. There was not a germ in them of that poison that fermented mischief in life and character.

When one thinks of " Alice in Wonderland," together with the highspirited romance of Treasure Island, the nonsense of Edward Lear, and the fun and sparkle of the Savoy Operas, one has cause to wonder whether the Victorian age was really so dreary.