PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

Otago Witness, Issue 2631, 17 September 1902, Page 56

PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED.

The New Idea. — A specimen copy of this new venture — which emanates from the Melbourne office of the Review of Reviews — ha 3 reached us from the publishers. With so many and such sumptuously arrauged women's journals as are already in the market, equipped with every claim of beautiful illustration and clever writing, the introduction of one more seems a hazardous venture. The Now Idea, however, has some practical pleas for the support of Australasian women. Fir3t, it is decidedly cheap — 3s per annum, postage free : second, it has the advantage of running in tune with our seasons, instead of five months ahead, a.s must be the case with Home or American journals ; third, it cunningly hits the weakness of the age, and offers its readers "something for nothing, in the form of multitudinous competitions, foremost among which stands a good-taste competition," with a prize of £50. Of course it would be easy enough to point out plenty of defects and absurdities from our point of view ; we prefer, however, to leave these to reveal themselves to whom it may concern. One thing is certain — the confidential and chatty tone adopted by the editor is just the very tiling to attract a Jarge number of women. The Monthly Review for August (John Murray) is full of interesting topics, treated with sterling ability. The editorials ar« good, and the articles follow suit — notably we should select "Russia's Latest Venture in Central Asia,"' "The Navy and the Engineer," and 'The Wedding of the Oceans." Then to a different class of readers is the indisputable charm of another beautifully-illustrated article on "The Painters of Japan," and a very interesting illustrated article on "Khartoum." Tre Triad for September shows some remarkably clear and well-chosen photographic reproductions. In its literary selections the number is particularly bright and amusing, ranging far and wide with great success—in a charmingly irre^onsible quest for telling little paiagraphe. Music, science, and art — all receive their due meed of attention, and all are made the vehicle of the light "persiflage" which is the especial metier of The Triad.