SPELL OF LONDON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22142, 22 June 1935, Page 9 (Supplement)

SPELL OF LONDON

NEW ZEALANDER'S PILGRIMAGE "If a colonial comes to London properly humbled by the immensity of what he finds about him, his visit will be profitable," is the conclusion reached by Mr. Lan Donnelly, Christchurch journalist, who has returned to New Zealand after making a pilgrimage to the heart of the Empire, " Pilgrimage " is his own word, and it is the key to why his own visit to London was so profitable. Just why it is that profit and joy go hand in hand he lias shown in " Tlio Joyous Pilgrimage," which sets forth his impressions of a dream realised.

Mr. Donnelly appears to be more interested in people than things, although one cannot be sure on that point. Certainly his book has more to say about people than institutions, but in that he has shown a keen realisation of the fact that to attempt too much in little more than two hundred pages is to spoil the canvas by overcrowding. It is a commendable wisdom, and the result is that his book gains immeasurably in interest and value. So outstandingly well has he done his task that the New Zealander reading what he has to say will want to pack his traps and catch the next ship for London. The Londoner who reads it will feel homesick.

Equipped with a background of literary knowledge, Mr. Donnelly arrived in London with a very definite purpose in view r . He wanted to see in flesh and blood the people who hitherto had existed for him only as names. He wanted to hear them say what they thought about things. And he was singularly successful in his quest. Poets, statesmen, actors and nonentities were all fish to his net. Some, it is true, escaped him, but his catch was a good one.

Seven months in the midst of " immensities " is apt to be confusing, especially to the critical observer who has a shrewd capacity for seeing beneath the surface and receiving impressions where others might pass by unaffected. The author of " The Joyous Pilgrimage," however, has created order out of confusion by presenting his narrative in the form of " snapshots." It is an impressionistic style well suited to the purpose and is achieved with skill. Mr. Donnelly has exhibited an uncommonly-fine descriptive talent without the laborious wordspinning that deals in superlatives.

" London soon strikes into the heart," he says. " Its amenities and pleasures could become necessities. . .

If one became accustomed to the intellectual facilities and stimulation of London, return to a country such as New Zealand would be difficult. Should London hold you for long it would hold you forever." He suggests that he will be content with his memories—with a dream fulfilled. But London does not slip willingly into the realms of memories. It is too potent for that. It will be interesting to see what the future brings.

" The Joyous Pilgrimage," by lan Don nelly. (Dent.)