NEW ZEALAND BOOK FAIR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22991, 19 March 1938, Page 19

NEW ZEALAND BOOK FAIR

Sir, —While in New Zealand there are most excellent booksellers, it is. natural that they can only display and handle a limited number of books in the several branches of literature. Consequently, a reader in touch with the latest English and American reviews on recent publications, frequently finds that he cannot obtain the book of his choice for several months after publication, because apparently it had not been on the New Zealand wholesaler's list. This is often a disadvantage, especially to a student desiring to be up-to-date on his subject, and unable to order direct from the publisher. For the past five years a National Book Fair has been held in. the Dorland Hall, London, and from all accounts it has become increasingly popular during tho fortnight it is held. The one in November last was easily the most successful. Would it not be possible to hold a New Zealand Book Fair on similar lines, to tho advantage of both publishers and the New Zealand reading public? Since many publishers send a representative once a year to New Zealand, I make the suggestion that a New Zealand Book Fair be held for tho advancement of cultural education and appreciation of the higher standards of literature, to take place at Auckland during the Centenary Year, 1940. Leading publishers from Britain, etc., could be asked to set up stands and notable authors and literary personalities to address meetings. Some trophy could be selected and presented to an author during the fair for the best book written on New Zealand Life published during the year (1939-1940). The fair might be sponsored by some organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce, the universities, literary societies, or a combination of such bodies. The fair might then move to other centres.

A. J. E. MacSwiney.