Books Reviewed

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 749, 23 August 1929, Page 14

Books Reviewed

WHO CONTROLS THE WORLD? Has the world become lazy in its political thought? Not lazy, perhaps, but diverted from thoughts of politics by specialisation. These considerations arise when one has glanced through “The History of Government,” a highly instructive volume by the pen of Sir Charles Petrie, Bart., M.A. (Oxon.), F.R.Hist.S., which is a comprehensive treatise upon past and present governments of the world with a thoughtful suggestion upon administrative control in the future. Today the interest in politics is on the wane, Sir Charles suggests, and save on exceptional occasions political topics are rarely discussed by younger people outside the ranks of professional politicians. The author shows that government is not purely an affair of political institutions, but is closely related to the intellectual, social and economic life of the people it controls. Economics, rather than politics or religion, are likely to he the chief preoccupations of the governments of the future, he says, after analysing the progress of governments through the ages, and dealing at length with the decline of democracy and the rise in certain states of the dictatorship. Efficiency, not liberty, is what is demanded of the government of today, he asserts, and if the two are ever found to be incompatible, it is the former that Will be preferred. The author reminds his readers that the Parliamentary system in more than one country has definitely broken down because of its failure to protect the citizen from loss in the war between Capital and Labour. But, he adds, it is faced today by an even greater problem—that of controlling the great industrial organisations which the amalgamations of smaller concerns are daily bringing into existence. These thoughts, chosen from the book, give an indication that Sir Charles Petrie has studied his subject thoroughly, and, couched as they are in straightforward terms, give an intellectual lesson to students upon questions of world governments. The significance of Fascism and Com-

munism is treated critically, and a wide field of governmental experimentation is included in the scope of this useful work. “The History of Government,’’ by Sir Charles Petrie, Bart., M.A. (Oxon.), F.R.Hist.S. Methuen and Co., Ltd., London. Our copy from the publishers. On Platform Speaking The power of eloquent speech is a great social accomplishment and a good commercial asset; it is a potent weapon for evil, but a mighty instrument for good. Used for the purpose of stirring up class hatred and international strife it is a curse; employed for the propagation of truth and on behalf of humanity it is an unqualified blessing. This sound philosophy is given by Mr. John Rigg, of Christchurch, exmember of the Legislative Council, in his latest book upon platform oratory and debate, which is adapted particularly for schools and colleges, but which will prove a useful volume on every business man’s shelf. It is strange how comparatively few men who are striving toward business success are able to express their thoughts I clearly and readily when called upon I to speak. Yet everyone wishes that he j possessed that smoothness of delivery ! and quickness of thought, as well as 1 the clarity of expression, which mark the polished platform speaker. The man who can speak well is the man who will be heard. History leaves no doubt about that. And the man who studies the few simple rules laid down attractively by Mr. Rigg will find how easy it is to acquire that platform presence and comfort in making a really good speech. A good speech, the author tells us, should contain fundamental thought, logical reasoning, apt illustration and constructive criticism destructive criticism when necessary. And he gives a few concise hints upon how to combine these elements in speaking and debating. He devotes a portion of his book, too, to some helpful advice for those who wish to become accomplished orators, and deals with expression, gesture, breathing, deportment and a multiplicity of other subtle points worth remembering. Following as it does several other useful works by Mr. Rigg on the conduct of meetings, chairmanship and elocution, this latest book should find a place on the shelf of every man or woman who is taking part in the present-day revival of debating and good public speaking. “Platform Oratory and Debate for Schools and Colleges,” by John Rigg. Allen and Unwin. Review copy from the author. Louis Bromtield’s Stories. Mr Bromfield’s volume of short stories, “Awake and Rehearse,” is introduced by that very clever study of personalities, “The Cat That Lived at the Ritz,” which found a place in the last annual “Best Short Stories (American).” This alone served to show how strong and subtle a sense of character he has, and with what ironic humour he can exercise it. Other stories in this book reveal the same

power, but not twice used in the same way. There is, for example, that very harsh but effective bit of satire, “Mr Rosie and May,” with which the more genial story called “The Urn” invites comparison, because the central “property” in both is a funeral urn containing a husband’s ashes. In the first they are emptied down the bath pipe, in the other a stewardess tips them overboard in mid-Atlantic. “Justice” is a disturbing little story of a jury which hurries a man into gaol because there are selfish, timid, and stupid men on it, and others who surrender to them. These 12 or 13 stories are very good reading. “Awake and Rehearse.” Louis Bromfleld, Jonathan Cape. Our copy from the publishers.

Stranded! Valda Egerton has a demure man* ner, red hair, and green eyes. On* would think she’l also have character, but it’s just this lack that makes her an episode in the career of Sir Cyril Carey, philanderer. Even with green eyes, she canno; produce sufficient envy of her successor in his affections to make one good-sized hate! She hurries into widowed propriety and Sir Cyril is left philandering with a dame we didn’t meet. "tlauaht by the Tide.” F. Fielding Ould. Eveleigh, Nash and Grayson, Ltd. Our copy through Whitcombe and Tombs. Hell, He Hissed. “He strode across the room, features expressionless but eyes blazing. Gripping her by the shoulder he spoke with the deadly quietude of intense passion . . . Panic seized her, and she shrank, cowering, against the wall; tried to escape his hold, writhed sideways, and felt her dress rip from shoulder to waist . . . His words were taking effect, and he released her; but the sight of her bare shoulder, melting into curved loveliness beneath lace and silk, roused a surge of passion in him which he found it hard to still. Abruptly he turned away, and with an effort controlled his tumultuous feelings. Crudity was abhorrent to him. Replacing his cigar in his mouth, he strolled, hands in coat pockets—a characteristic attitude—across to one of the windows. ‘Go and dress,’ said Bhagwandpur curtly” . . . “Man’s Love,” by Mary Chisenhale. All of which goes to prove that there are sheiks even in India. “Man’s Love.” Mary Chisenhale. Nash and Grayson. Our copy through Whitcombe and Tombs. Ltd. “The Realist.” The second number of “The Realist” is very good. Mr Aldous Huxley completes the article on Pascal begun in No. 1, and Mr Norman Haire his on Rejuvenation. The first article, by Professor G. E. G: Catlin, argues that democracy’s next step must, be “to secure the responsibility to itself, in the political and economic fields, of managers, experts, perhaps more able, and certainly better equipped, than itself.” Among the other contribution* is one in which Mr A. P. Laurie describes new scientific methods of testing the authenticity of pictures—sometimes even to the point of identifying the very studio in which a work was done —and of revealing the artist’s technique. Our copy of the magazine Crom the publishers, Macmillan and Co. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED “Tho Month.”—August number. Includes article on Mexican situation by Captain Francis McCullagh, a description of the celebration of the Centenary of Catholic emancipation ip Ireland, “Daniel O’Conn,ell,” by Denis Gwynn, “Why Catholics Write Good History,” by Hilaire Belloc and “Emancipation and Conspiracy,” by G. K. Chesterton. DICKENS FELLOWSHIP “THE BATTLE OF LIFE” “The Battle of Life” and “The Haunted Man” were the two books dealt with at the fortnightly meeting of the Auckland Dickens Fellowship last evening. Mr. F. S. Townley Little presided and the programme was in charge of Miss Statham who outlined the two stories and read some extracts. The following readings from “The Battle of Life” were given: “In the Apple Orchard,” Mrs. Cable; “Preparing Breakfast” and “Signing the Deed,” Mrs. Free; “With the Lawyers,” Mr. G. G. Grant; “The Proposal,” Mr. Anderson; “Alfred Heathfleld’s Homecoming,” Mr. Preston Chambers: “The Nutmeg Grater—and Thimble,” Miss E. Simpson. The subject for the next meeting, which will be in charge of Mr. Little, will be “Closing Chapters.”