“FURTHER MAORILAND ADVENTURES”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23637, 22 October 1938, Page 4

“FURTHER MAORILAND ADVENTURES”

THE STACK MANUSCRIPTS “ Further Maoriland Adventures of J W. and E. Stack.” Edited by A. H. and A. W. Reed. The discovery of the Stack manuscripts was a notable acquisition to the literature of early New Zealand, and the extent to which our knowledge of the pioneering period is enriched has become apparent as the publication of these memoirs has progressed. “ Further Maoriland Adventures ” is not only a supplement to its two predecessors, it is an essential complement to them, and its interest is enhanced by the inclusion of three lengthy extracts from the memoirs of Mrs Stack. The first section of the book deals chiefly with the days leading up to Canon Stack's ordination and marriage in Auckland, and his return with Ifis bride to Kaiapoi His narrative closes with the de-

scription of a visit with Mrs Stack to the Native villages on Banks Peninsula. The extracts from the journal ot Mrs Stack, in the years before her marriage, are no less important as contributions to our history than the diary of her famous husband. From the material available the editor (Mr A H. Reed) has selected the records of a week’s canoeing in the Hauraki Gulf a visit to the lower Waikato in 1858, and, most interesting of all, a sojourn at the station conducted by Bishop Williams at Poverty Bay. The general reader, as well as the student, will find these records of infinite interest. The adventure, the humour, and the pathos that entered the lives of these pioneers is told in simple and direct language, which furnishes one of our most illuminating studies of day-to-day existence during that period. The announcement that sufficient material still remains for the compilation of a fourth volume is most gratifying, for in this scries the- publisher’s have issued a work that will not onlv be of lasting importance, but one which in every way makes enjoyable reading. E. A. A. Shaws Before Bernard Mr Bernard Shaw has an Australian cousin, Mr Charles M. Shaw, who, having made a study of the history of his own family, has written a book to show how excellent is the stock from which “G. B. S.” has sprung. Mr Charles Shaw’s manuscript has been read and annotated by Bernard Shaw, who remarks in his introductory letter to the author that “my notes will give you some eye-openers as to the family which you have been able to idolise to your heart’s content in Australia.” The book, entitled “ Bernard’s Brethren.” will be included in Constable’s list. The prices marked avainst oooks reviewed in these columns are those at which they are >e.jile< ir New Zealand