PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23500, 14 May 1938, Page 4

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED

N.Z. Statistical Guide

Dr E. P. Neale, the secretary of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, has performed in writing his “ Guide to New Zealand Official Statistics ” (Whitcombe and Tombs) a task of a most praiseworthy and valuable nature. His thesis, which is not recognised by the public as it should be, although any economist accepts it, is that “ statistics, though a very useful instrument when rightly used, are nevertheless in most cases a far from perfect tool.” They have their limitations, their inevitable faliings and inconsistencies, and Dr Neale, examining the principal statistical compilations of the New Zealand Government, shows just where these weaknesses occur, and where they may, if used comparatively with those of other seasons, eras or countries, be quite delusive. The pitfalls and shortcomings are set down lucidly under each section considered, and may strike dismay into the hearts of tqo-confldenl amateur economists. But in addition to the illuminating perspective in which it places figures that, traditionally. “cannot lie,” the publication will serve as a most informative guide to the layman in the use of statistics, and the places in which to look for them

The Periodicals Aviation, civil and military, which he declares is lacking in development beside that of other Powers, is discussed by Lieutenant-colonel MoorcBrabazon in the April issue of the Empire Review. In another article Sir Patrick Hannan, M.P., president of the National Union of Manufacturers, gives his reasons for contending that the Empire is enjoying real prosperity. Other contributions deal interestingly with various Imperial questions. The contributions in fact and fiction to the current issue of Chambers’s Journal maintain the steady level set in this old-established periodical. They include travel sketches, poems and part of i serial story by Michael Bunt. Otago Boys’ High School

The current issue of the semi-annual Otago Boys’ High School Magazine contains as editorial an interesting brief retrospect suitable to the school’s seventy-fifth anniversary year. The original contributions, notes on school activities, and illustrations are as complete as ever.

New Zealand Novel G. B. Lancaster’s new novel of Now Zealand life, entitled “ Promenade,” lias been completed. It was published this month in America and will subsequently be published by Angus and Robertson for Australia and New Zealand. The story is an historical romance. set before, during and after the Maori wars. The story is appearing m lengthy '"«talments in the Sydney Bulletin