A NEW MISCELLANY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26781, 26 May 1948, Page 2

A NEW MISCELLANY

NEW ZEALAND CULTURE Bookie: A New Miscellany. The Nag’s Head Press, Christchurch. ss. Although this new miscellany has qualities which make it unique, it must become the subject of comparison with other literary publications in New Zealand and also in Australia. It challenges—2nay, it defies comparison. Whether opinion be favourable or not, the reader is certain to be stimulated. It is a most provocative collection, and its sponsors are to be congratulated upon the inspiration which gave it birth and upon the manner in which the idea has been carried out. Appropriately to the press from which it is issued, most of its contents have a sporting interest, for this is a ‘‘special horse followers’ number." The most brilliant contribution is “The Ballad of Kaka Thompson,” by an anonymous author. Apparently composed some 40 years ago, it is a striking example of how our early poets strived to reconcile tradition with the new life in which they found themselves. There are strong classical overtones, but already an authentic “New Zealand” note breaks through. For example, how happily the local scene is evoked in this stanza: " up my shearers all!” he cried, “Call up my shearers three!” His rabitters came up as well— And they were fifty-three. And again: Nor did he dream the black bush stream Was deepening by degree^— The waiting hills were up ahead; Beyond, the encircling seas. - The problems implied in this ballad have still to be resolved. It may be considered that James Flaxbush’s “ Specimen Days in New Zealand ” is over-lengthy, yet it is a detailed examination of a not unusual case history—that of a youth of literary promise who cannot adapt himself to his Antipodean situation and who, through the influence of a certain literary cult, is driven to forsake his native land. This is something which should be studied by all who are interested in New Zealand’s problems. Among other contributions, a short story, “ Punter Paradise,” is an effective description of a universal experience, and the theatrical criticism of a repertory production should be studied as a model. The imprimatur is unfamiliar to us. It is given as “ The Nag’s Head Press ” and also as “The Raven Press.” Each has a certain appropriateness. The miscellany should call forth horse laughs from some, while others, like the raven, will utter a solemn, “ Never more.” D. G. B.