MR OSEBA’S LAST DISCOVERY

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5294, 4 June 1904, Page 10

MR OSEBA’S LAST DISCOVERY

(Contributed.) ■ Every lover of good literature must. I think, bo impressed and charmed by u perusal ot this work. Iho design is of r. liiC't; unique character. Doing at once a. romance, a chart of life, a chart of tho world, a highly eulogistic review of Now Zealand, and a valuable epitome of reference. 1 I am not writing in the character of a critic, or expert, but as a simple unit in life’s experience; but 1 wish to 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 tho merits of genius and the healthful influence of imperishable truths.

It appears to mo to ho a book that when you have road it, you want to road it again, and having 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 wcll-doserv-od compliment to the ‘‘’Britain of the South,’' with its charm and wealth of attractions, the hospitality of its people. and the genius of its statesmen, with uicir wise provisions of an enduring, enlightened and humane character for the well-being and happiness of Irs people. Now, baring dwelt thus much on the merits of “Mr Osoba’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 ami 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.” Bather let us say to-day, in the full warmth of our admiration, “Accept out gratitude, cur thanks, and best of all our reward, for uio merits of your great, unsolhsh and noble philosophy,” Lot our chilaron 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 understandmg—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 Ranfurlj's ideas on that interesting subject.