THE FARMER’S WIFE

Southland Times, Issue 23374, 4 December 1937, Page 14

THE FARMER’S WIFE

BARBARA PROSPERS. By Mary Scott. A. H. and A. W. Reed, Dunedin. Price ss. Mrs Scott’s “Barbara” is already widely known to New Zealand readers. An earlier book, “Barbara and the New Zealand Backblocks,” came before the public in the first days of our new prosperity; but it had been written piecemeal during the depression, and in many ways it reflected the authentic tone of country life in the lean years. There were wistful pieces, but whenever Barbara was on the scene the prevailing note was cheerfulness. This note is sounded more consistently in the new book. There is still a vein of sentiment, and an occasional tragic interlude; but Barbara is dependable, and the shadows vanish at the first sound of her confident voice. In some ways she is an enduring type of the New Zealand farmer’s wife. Her good intentions may embarrass her husband, and she makes her mistakes; but you can see that the farm would be a poor place without her. Paddy also reappears, is voluble and entertaining, and does his best to run the family according to his own ideas. There are some good animal stories—mostly about horses; and it is clear that Mrs Scott has a weakness for waifs and strays. The voices of children can be heard around the farmhouse, and a clean air of the country blows through these pages. I