VIVID IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXX, Issue 20153, 6 July 1935, Page 21

VIVID IMPRESSIONS OF ENGLAND

MR DONNELLY’S “JOYOUS PILGRIMAGE” OBSERVANT NEW ZEALANDER ABROAD “It is good for us to be examined by these candid friends from overseas, and Mr Donnelly is by no mean blind to our faults,” writes Howard Marshall in his introduction to lan Donnelly’s charming and lively impression of his trip abroad which he recounts in "The Joyous Pilgrimage” (J. M. Dent and Sons, London). "Mr Donnelly labels the young gentlemen parading in their top-hats at the Eton and Harrow match, “dabbling, indecisive, ineffectual.” He castigates, the mandarins of Fleet Street for their handlingmishandling would be a more appropriate word —of the 1934 test matches. He mocks at the solemnity of the English luncheon party. He is a little shocked to find women smoking in the streets. He discovers that Limehouse is only, sinister and picturesque in fiction. After all, he comes to realise that London is essentially an unfriendly city.”

It is explained that Mr Donnelly does not complain of the feeling of unfriendliness and the account of his pilgrimage shows that he discovered a certain subtlety of approach that opened nearly all doors to him.

Through Eager Eyes “The Joyous Pilgrimage” shows that Mr Donnelly went to England with eager open eyes and he came away satisfied but not surfeited. The author also visited Ireland, France, Switzerland, Germany and Russia, but always his enthusiasm was for England. “The pilgrimage is ended . . .”

writes Mr Donnelly. Some things were not as I expected, but every nut had its kernel, sound and satisfying.” And so it may be said of this clever book. Perhaps its clearest message is that every young New Zealander with ambition and desire for a broadening knowledge should go on a joyous pilgrimage to the British Isles.

Lions of the Pen One of the most entrancing features of a delightful book are those entertaining sketches of the pilgrim’s encounters with the lions of literature. These disclose Mr Donnelly as an astute stalker. Some he bearded in their dens, while others, not given to purring, refused to meet a genial Daniel. Among these were Kipling, Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw, the latter responding with characteristic evasiveness, “I’m just stupid with overwork,” replied H. G. Wells. “Forgive me.” The poets, however, were indulgent and friendly; great men of letters were cordial and communicative: J. B. Priestley was indeed a “good companion;” G. K. Chesterton was charming, but shy of praise. Mr Donnelly spent several hours as the guest of Mr Walter de la Mare, “the greatest poet living in England.” Little Bits of England All through the fascinating book the author reveals the seeing eye of the poet. Go with him to the Derby, for example, and you see the course “matted with buttercups and starred with daisies.” And yet the best view of the race, he was told, is to be had from the saddle of the last horse! His view of the cricket Test match between England and Australia demonstrates the Joy of the game, and incidentally discloses the unsportsmanlike tactics of the competitive critics for the sensational Press.

As to sightseeing, Mr Donnelly observed the squalor as well as the beauty of England. “Thatched cottages and Norman churches. I marvel at the twist of fortune which is enabling me to see these things.” But in Manchester “a cathedral that looks as if It has been sculptured from soot . . .

no glitter or cleanliness anywhere. If this is what the Industrial Revolution has done for mankind, then industry should be cursed heartily.”

In the Presence of the “Mighty” Mr Donnelly paints charming pictures of the unsurpassable English countryside, the beauty of which has been known to make even hard-baked Americans from the Middle-West talk about "this scepter’d isle” as if they owned it . . . Impressions of a requiem Mass for Dr Dollfuss in Westminster Cathedral; whoopee at a film studio party; tea in the House of Commons with Mr James Maxton; turtle soup and loving cup at a City Company’s banquet; a chat with Mr J. H, Thomas in which Mr Donnelly learned that “ ’abits have changed” . . . And a New Zealander's note of anguish on seeing 9/- paid for a dozen oysters. Recounting his experiences of engaging in conversation with celebrated folk, Mr Donnelly gives delightful impressions of Gracie Fields, whom he interviewed in her dressing room at a theatre; Lloyd George, an enchanting debater; Stanley Baldwin, a master of eloquent gesture; J. 11. Thomas, who discursed on the meat problem; Walter Elliot, a Scotsman with his mind made up in the interests of the English farmer; E. V. Knox, editor of “Punch,” who explained how he came by his pen-name, “Evoe," and how difficult it has become to maintain the standard of English humour. Deft Touches With a few deft touches Mr Donnelly paints entrancing scenes of life in England, and with delightful naturalness he makes simple human figures out of the men who colour and enliven contemporary English life. "The Joyous Pilgrimage,” a New Zealander’s impressions of “Home” makes delightful reading; indeed the joyous open-eyed pilgrim generously shares with others the impressions he gained in the fulfilment of the ambition of a life-time—to visit the Homeland to see England as she is and to rub shoulders with celebrities 'in all walks of English life.