MR OSEBA’S LAST DISCOVERY

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1683, 1 June 1904, Page 22

MR OSEBA’S LAST DISCOVERY

(Contributed.) Every lover of good literature must, I think, be impressed and charmed by a perusal of this work. The design is of a most unique character, being at once a romance, a chart of life, a chart of the world, a highly eulogistic review of New Zealand, and a most valuable epitome of reference. I am not writing in the character of a critic, or expert, but as a simple unit in life’s experience; but I wish toi express my admiration of Col. Bell’s beautiful book, for it is a masterpiece of thought, clothed in elegant and fascinating language, and appeals to those who recognise the merits of genius and the healthful influence of imperishable truths. It appears to me to be a book that when you have read it, you want to read it again, and-Jhaving done so, to contemplate on its marvellous range of exalted ideals, interspersed with solid and convincing facts, amid the poetry of conception. The author pays a well-deserv-ed compliment to the “Britain of the Smith,’" with its charm and wealth of attractions the hospitality of its people and the genius of its statesmen, witli their wise provisions of an enduring, enlightened and humane character for the well-being and happiness of its people-

Now, having dwelt thus much on the merits of “Mr Oseba’s Last Discovery,” permit me to offer a suggestion on behalf of the author, whom to know is to esteem, and whose friendship is an enduring and grateful memory. Let it not be said of so profound and kindly a philosopher on the “cold marble” of sentiment “That his conspicuous virtues adorned his life’s dream.” Rather let us say to-day, in the full warmth of our admiration, “Accept out gratitude, our thanks, and best of all our reward, for the merits of your great, unselfish and noble philosophy.” Let our children learn the language of truth, of purity, and of justice through these pages of instruction, and let it go forth to a great world that within the compass of this bright, beautifully illustrated volume exist the elements of grace, wisdom, progress and understanding—worthy the attention of every class of reader, and which might readily form a splendid addition to our enlightened educational system, by being admitted into its curriculum, as part of the advanced philosophy of the present day—endorsing, to a great extent, Lord Ranfurly's ideas on that interesting subject.