South Canterbury Times. THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1889.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 5014, 23 May 1889, Page 2

South Canterbury Times. THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1889.

We have been asked to say a word or two on the proposal to publish, on July Ist, the first number of Zealandia, “ a monthly magazine of original New Zealand literature, by New Zealand authors, for New Zealand readers; price sixpence.” We are pleased to comply with this request for an advance notice. It may not be so easy to say a good word for it after its appearance, though we heartily hope it will. There is an opening for a really good magazine, and we hope the promoters of this venture will succeed in steering straight into it. The prospectus sets forth that “Zealandia is not being started as a commercial speculation. Its aim will be to provide reading matter which shall be at once most attractive and interesting, and yet wholesome, in its tone; to assist New Zealand authors ; and to foster a national spirit in New Zealand literature. All matter contained in its pages will be absolutely original, written specially for it by New Zealand writers, of the most attractive nature, and best possible tone. There is, therefore, every reason to believe that Zealandia will find its way into every home- in New Zealand in which there is any love for literature at all. And this, both because of the intrinsic value and attractive nature of the matter it will contain, and also because it will appeal to the patriotism of every lover of a country which can boast of the most glorious natural beauties on earth —scenery which cannot but have had its share in developing the genius of writers, who are now winning from the world the recognition of the fact that New Zealand is the home of a rising school of literature.” This is promising, except the first sentence. If it is not to be a commercial speculation, who is to pay the printers P And how is it to “ assist New Zealand authors ” unless “ there is money in it ?” For that is the assistance New Zealand authors want, as a rule. Some few all - soul scribblers may be content with seeing their names or noms de plume over printed matter, but these are commonly such as do not deserve even so much “ assistance.” Among the conditions mentioned in the prospectus there is one that ought to be strictly insisted upon, namely, that contributions must have “ a characteristic raciness of the soil.” “ Our young writers who have hitherto been driven abroad for an outlet,” are several times referred to, and Zealandia is offered as an arena in which they may display their skill. But unless the condition just referred to is made a Medic law, our young writers will kill the new monthly. The average New Zealand story by the young New Zealand writer, is usually a comedy or a tragedy, or a farce, which will fit any set of scenery. Even the editor in his prospectus displays this weakness. He mentions “ the most glorious natural beauties on earth,” meaning of course some of our big landscape shows. These cannot be used as a setting for stories. Are, then, the homelier beauties of our country of no account? It would seem so, from the little account made of them. “ Zealandia will form an unrivalled periodical to send to friends at Home or in other colonies, as it will deal in so attractive and interesta way exclusively with matters relating to New Zealand.” Then it will be an unrivalled periodical for circulation in the colony. But to achieve such a character it must deal in that manner with every day life and everyday scenes ; not with those “ most glorious natural beauties on the earth ” which are of very little interest to people who have not had some close acquaintance with them. If Zealandia gives us New Zealand stories, of New Zealand people, set in New Zealand scenery such as New Zealand people can live and not freeze to death amongst; then will Zealandia flourish. Prominence is given to an announcement that descriptions of the beauties of New Zealand scenery will always form a prominent feature in Zealandia, andthefirst number is to contain the first of a series of articles on the Southern Cold Lakes, “to be followed by articles descriptive of the beauties of New Zealand scenery in other parts,” This is a bad start, a very bad start. Most people are weary of lake and mountain articles, so full of gush and hungry climbers, crushed sandwiches, and flabby jokes about “ pocket-pistols,” and so void of real description, and will cry, “ Bother your eternal lakes and mountains, give us a change. Try your hand at a flat, a stubble field, a bit of swamp, anything for a change.” We ueed not go through the prospectus, but may mention that besides stories and descriptive pieces the contributions will include poetry, chess and draughts, reviews, and notices of new music, art and the drama.