BLUE WATER FACTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 4

BLUE WATER FACTS

EVERYTHING IN ONE " Motor Cruising." By K. M. Miller, of the Yachting Monthly, John Irving, yachting editor of the Field, and fifteen others. Illustrated. London: Seeley Service. £1 Is. The ideal pastime is that which suits the mood, and as the mood is a varying quantity the pastime should have a variable quality. Every man who has obeyed the call of the blue water is familiar with the changeableness of the sea, but there is sometimes a lack of harmony between the sailor and the sea. Much as one would like to write about cruising and its charms, one is restricted here to the task of conveying some idea of the worth of this book to the reader. It is volume XIX of the “Lonsdale Library,” the editors of which are the Right Hon. the Earl of Lonsdale, K.G., G.C.V.0., D.L., and Mr Eric Parker, editor-in-chief of the Field. Those who know anything of any of the volumes which have preceded “Motor Cruising" will have some idea of its comprehensiveness. Some time ago a leading English journal gave it as its opinion that “ the Lonsdale is the greatest library of sports in the world,” and there is not much chance of the claim being successfully contested. “ Motor Cruising ” is the product of experts, each a master in the subject on which he has written. The result is that the motor yachtsman will find what he needs —everything in one volume. If he knows all about navigation it is unlikely that he will be in the same happy position regarding engines or boat construction. And if he is in possession of complete knowledge on these he will probably still need some hints on this many-sided pastime. It would be quite safe to say that there is not a man living who could not learn much from the articles in this book. There are 50 chapters in “ Motor Cruising,” each dealing with one or more subjects related to the vessel itself, its design, power, rigging, tackle, navigation, provisioning, and all else—everything in one. All this occupies over 600 pages, and the illustrations number over 500. In most parts of the world the introduction of the power-driven road vehicle has given a fillip to the sport of motor cruising. The congestion of the roads has not extended to the sea, and the call of the open spaces may be obeyed under care-free conditions in a well-equipped modern cruiser. Therefore the importance of the sport has fully warranted the publication of an all-embracing volume covering its many-sidedness. It would be impossible within reasonable limits of space to recite even the chapter headings and the writers. Construction is dealt with by William M'G. Meek and by G. H. Waimnan, with T. C. Letcher (a former King’s Prizeman in naval architecture) to treat separately of the allimportant subject of motor bearers. Norman Hart discourses on designing principles; A. M'A. Fowler on propellers, stern gears, and vital aspects of the sport; H. P. Allen, M.1.N.A., deals with rudders; Captain O. M. Watts yvith steering gears; Arthur Evans discusses the control station of the modern power yacht; J. 11. Harnett writes on light, ventilation and other kindred subjects; G. Rockingham Gill on interior decoration; and W. O. Horsnaill on laying-up and fitting out the engine and the various engine problems which may arise under way, together with their remedies. The legal aspect of motor cruising, the galley and its arts, racing, handicapping, and all else pertaining to the sport are dealt with. And after reading the book and writing about it, there is no reason to modify the sub-headline opinion of it —it is literally everything in one. J. T. P.

Rhodes Scholar in Fiction Messrs A. H. find A. W. Reed announce for publication ,n the New Year “Ponto’s Progress.” by C. R. Allen, a novel dealing with the evolution of a Rhodes Scholar. The motif for this work is suggested by Hilaire Belloc’s lines:— From quiet homes and small beginning, Out to the undiscovered ends, There’s nothing worth the wear of winning, But laughter and the love of friends. The principal sotting for “Ponto’s Progress ” is a city which southern readers will not fail to recognise. A Publisher’s Profit Angus and Robertson. Ltd., the Sydney publishing and bookselling company, reports a net profft of £16,253 for the year ended June 30, compared with £13,637 the previous year and £B3BI lor 1932-33. Dividend on ordinary and employees’ shares is maintained at 10 per cent., requiring £8143. First and second preference shares receive 8 per cent., the distributions requiring £4OOO. A sum of £4OOO is transferred to general reserve, and £3185 is carried forward against £3074 brought forward.