A NEW ZEALAND AUTHOR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8002, 4 May 1904, Page 2

A NEW ZEALAND AUTHOR.

In " MAP." is a brief sketch of Mr H. B. Marriott Watson, the novelist, who, it is stated, was born at Caulfield, Melbourne, forty years ago. At nine he was taken to New Zealand, and in 1885 went with his father to London. Mr Watson's first romance was called " Marahuna." He wanted to send it to Longman's, but was advised not to do so, on the ground that, ac Long^ mans were publishing Mr Rider Haggard's romances, they would not car© for a book in similar vein. So the author endured the rejections of two or three other publishers, and then in despair sent it to Longmans, by whom it was immediately accepted. Lbngjrians, however, would not hay© his next novel, so the author sent it to Chapman and Hall. Aiter waiting a long time for a reply, lie called and saw Mr Chapman, who sent for th© reader's report. It was favourable, but ended with the damning words, " I do not think this book would sell." ■ Sick at heart, the author was stumbling out when Mr Chapman called him back. " Stop a moment," he said ; " you needn't b© in such ai hurry. That is high praise from Mr George Meredith." ,