PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16889, 29 December 1916, Page 3

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Chambers's Journal for November bears the usual war trade mark on its pages. Amongst tho most interesting and informative articles is one on " Dover Tunnel and the Scottish Ship Canal," by Sir J. H. A. Macdonald—a strong appeal by the writer in favour of both projects, which, ho holds, would greatly promote commerce. '■'Russian Canals," by F. A. Douglas, tlirowa somo light upon tho difficulties of transit in the land of eternal distances and tho strategic importance that will probably lead to an incroaeo in the construction of theso moans of travel. Other articles bearing upon tho war are: "The Men of Anzao and their Forbears" (which really only deals with Australia), " The Luck of tho Marseillaise" (styled by Carlyle " tho luckiest musical composition ever promulgated "), and " H.M.S. In Confidence." There are- tho usual quantity of general information, short sketches, tales, and chapters of a serial.

The Cdnscrvatorium Magazine is the official organ of the Now South Wales State Conservatorium "of Music, and contains a quantity of valuable -information for students. In addition to articles for more advanced pupils, it furnishes a number of useful hints : one of which is: "It is folly to attempt to teach pieco or studies, or even technical exercises, until at least the active elements of tho question of tone production itself are understood." Tho magazine should do good. The Pakcha is tho title of the journal of tho 17th Reinforcements, aboard H.M.N.Z. transport 65 (s.s. Pakcha). The editorial announces that " our aim is merely to chronicle some of tho interesting events of our voyage, and to give a description of somo of the moro or less amusing details of tho life of Tommy Atkins." These aims have iboon worthily attained, and the Pakcba is likely to be treasured by all who have relatives or friends amongst the 17th Reinforcements.

Elaborate precautions aro being taken to prevent tho spread of venereal diseases among Australian soldiers in the military camps in Australia and abroad. A paper laid on tho table of tho Federal Parliament library shows that early in 1915 pamphlets were- issued to members of the A.I.F. describing tho nature of the disease and simple preventive treatment. In addition, medical officers were instructed to give- lectures regularly on tho subject The result of theso measures, however, was not encouraging, as the number of cases increased in all tho camps. At the beginning of this year it was decided to estaiblish tents, supervised by competent orderlies, whero tho men could receive- early and immediatetreatment. That this precaution proved successful is shown by the fact that at one camp only throe men out of 2000 who used tho tent contracted tho disease. While under treatment men aro placed on halfpay. In England precautionary tents, for treatment in tho primary stages, have been established in London and Salisbury Piain.