BOOKS OF THE DAY: REVIEWS IN BRIEF

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25344, 27 October 1945, Page 10

BOOKS OF THE DAY: REVIEWS IN BRIEF

Geographical Studies The second number of "The New Zealand Geographer," the magazine of the New Zealand Geographical Society, well maintains the standard already set. Articles include a survey of modern Tonga, an explanation of methods by •which weather is forecast in New Zealand, a review of objectives in population policy by Professor A. H. Tocker and an account of the effects of burning on tussock grassland by Mr K. B. Cumberland. The weather article should show amateur forecasters that it is vain to compete with the experts.

Australian Novel Light week-end reading is provided in Sydney Denning Railton's novel, "Southern Cross," in which an unsuspecting uncle whose health is failing is persuaded to leave his large Australian sheep station in the charge of his heir while the old man takes a holiday cure. From the moment Bobbie, the niece, turns tip at Southern Cross in place of the expected nephew, events move rapidly with ample surprises, the outwitting of a scheming employee and an inevitable romance. (Australasian, v Publishing Co.)

Opera in English Kneouraged by the success of their efforts to establish opera in Knglish without Iho hoiifl'it of Continental tnlont, the? Governors of Sadlers W'ells have inaugurated a series »| half-crown illustrated booklets on the works performed by the company. The first lolls a really inspiring story of lm\y in (lie HMO blitz a tiny cast of singers and an orchestra numbering four was sent oil' experimentally to tour small provincial towns. Prom that beginning the present fine organisation has grown into something like a "national opera." (John Lane). Vagabonding Through Victoria Mr Alan Marshall's pleasant saga of caravan travel from Melbourne to Milduf'a and back with his wife behind I wo horses and. latterly, a Kurd, has run into ft well-deserved second printing. The author calls his book "These Are My People," but he is interested in much besides human beings—birds, trees and the whole countryside. Any reader who enjoys simple things will find him a grand companion. The decorative drawings by Nutter Buzzacott perfectly reflect the book's mood (l<\ \V. Cheshire I'ty., Ltd., Melbourne). Post-War Australia New Zealand would benefit if it were possible to make here a series of studies similar to those contained in "Australia's I'ost-wnr Ivi.'onomy," a collection ot live piipers read in .January at the annual summer seliool <>l the Australian Institute el I'olitienl Science. The writers, all front-rank authorities, deal with the world economic setting, wool, agriculture, manufactures and industrial relations. (Australasian Publishing Co., Sydney).