BOOK CORNER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 138, 13 June 1931, Page 14 (Supplement)

BOOK CORNER

REVIEWS "FIRST ATHENIAN MEMORIES, ' by Compton Mackenzie (Cassell) 402 p.p.—Following upon his ‘‘Gallipoli Memories,” which was first published some 18 months ago, Compton Mackenzie now gives us his ‘‘First Athenian Memories.” Everyone who read the lirst book will remember some of the incidents which were related by ‘he author and the amusement which they afforded. “Athenian Memories” is somewhat on the same lines and while the author relates much of his personal experiences, as in the other book he also deals with the historic events which were the dominating factors of the war as it affected him while he was on the staff in Athens. Much of this information was gained by him at that time, while some of it has been gained since the war. To the New Zealander the word> Gal. lipoli and the Dardanelles are perhaps the most familiar with which to remember the war. Greece and the position which it occupied during those years and the part which it played during the war is not, perhaps, so familiar. In the book now published by Mackenzie a certain amount of light will be thrown on this phase. Greece, at the time of which the author writes, was divided into two factions with regard to the war. On the one side were the Royalists who, with King Constantine at the head, were favoured entering the war on the side of the Central Powers while on the other side was the Prime Minister M. Vcnizelos, and his followers who favoured the Allies. Of King Constantine much has been written at one time or another. Some writers have attacked him for the part he played during the war while others have defended him, while again, others have “apologised” for him. Mackenzie regards himself as an unbiased writer and writes of the position as it appeared to him while stating as many of the correct facts as he has been able to obtain. Some ten months before the war, be tells us, King Constantine received from the Kaiser the baton of a German Field-Marshal, the collar of the Black Eagle and the Colonelcy of the 2nd. Nassau Infantry Regiment. The King was very pleased with the honours bestowed upon him and made a speech, which was totally incorrect, in which he attributed the Greek victories over the Turks and Bulgars, achieved in Hie wars some time previously, to the principles of warfare which he and his oflicers had learned from the Prussian staff. This speech offended the French inasmuch as the Greek army had been reorganised by a French military mission which had been summoned to Greece by the Prime Minister, Vcnizelos, and resulted in that gentleman giving the French Charge d’Affaires in Athens a solemn assurance that the royal words lacked political significance. Naturally this would not place the King and his Prime Minister on the best of footing and the hatred that eventually developed between the two men, Mackenzie says, is the key to the political position in Greece during the Great War. In an excellent chapter the author explains the position of the Balkans at the outbreak of the war, and the position of Greece in remaining neutral. Engaged in secret service and Intelligence work Mackenzie was kept in contact with the pulse of Greece during that time. Keeping a look-out for spies, clashing with the palace police anu endeavouring to find out the movements of the Germans in Athens provide several interesting episodes. On one or two occasions the reviewer was inclined to think that a lot of the work that was done was entirely unnecessary and indeed Mackenzie himself appears to be given to this opinion. He says he ‘‘had now reached a firm conclusion, which is never likely to be shaken, that nearly all intelligence work in war is a waste of time, money and energy. ’ ’ As in “Gallipoli Memories” the author appears to have suffered severely at intervals from sciatica and other troubles and as many of these illnesses naturally interfered with his work they have a place in the books. Although every sympathy is to be given to Mackenzie on account of those illnesses, and which certainly appear to prove that he should not have been in the Army at all, yet jt would appear that his story would not be impeded if he were io leave out much matter concerning his varied sicknesses. On one occasion he deliberately ate ice-creams knowing that it would be the cause of his suffering. Incidents of this nature could, obviously, be left out, or, if the author wished to see them recounted in print, he could publish a volume entitled “My Sicknesses and Suffering during the war.” On the other hand several incidents are related with a delicate pen, which paints desirable pictures, while at the same time they reveal in the author the achievements of a scholar. “CANDOUR AND CANT,’’ by Hattie Knight (Robertson and Mullens, Melbourne) p.p. 80.—A book by an author with an individualistic point of view and a vivacious style, and with a strong element of iconoclasm, is certain to be charged with a piquancy both challenging and delightful. These twenty essays from the pen of an Australian, Mrs John Leckie, arc decidedly a case in point. As a writer of articles on art and many other topics, as well as a favourite “on the air” from 3LO. Melbourne, “Hattie Knight” has enjoyed and rejoiced a wide public. As “Old Nancy” of Fun and Fancy in the .Melbourne Argus her pen sketches, stories and grotesqueries have amused children all over the Commonwealth. These collected essays, some of which are published for the first time, mark her debut as a serious writer. They describe, criticise and illuminate many phases of Australian life. Most of them apply with equal force to New Zealand and should prove stimulating reading for those who desire to see our public and private life enriched and elevated. The essays are the outpouri bigs of a cheerful soul with a sympa I thetic outlook on life and a happy way of expressing herself. “Discarding [from Strength” is a powerful ]ay-s<*r i mon on a text from a cable news item: “Camoin. an artist, was so disgusted with one of his paintings that he threw it in a garbage tin. It was found by a dustman, and eventually got into the hands of dealers.’’ The court ordered the dealer to pay £4O damages ami return the picture to Camoin. Hattie Knight’s theme runs: “Dream! Strive to do, and agonise to do. And fail in doing.” That represents the

' torture that must ever be the lot of any j artist—always the striving for the uni attainable. ’' The conclusion is—“ Our artists are too easily satisfied with their qwu work, ami arc apt to think—or try to persuade themselves —that a little success from a selling point of view—is fame and immortality. •‘This low man seeks a little thing to do. Secs it ami does it : This high man. with a great thing Io pursue, | 'Dies ere he knows it!" I In another place the subject is ilie | intriguing question: “Are We Too Sane?" Here is one paragraph- “If we have no ideas of our own wh it ever, and feel no special urge to express I vital conceptions through tin- medium of brush and chisel, better, far better, fo. us to leave art alone for a decode or so. It would probably be the very best thing that could happen to Australian art if it were snubbed ami ig nored for a spell. The academic type of art would wilt ami fade away in such, an atmosphere. But eventually a few enthusiasts, whose ideas meanwhile had been pent up past bearing, would break through the bonds in splendid rebellion.’’ Do not run away with the idea that all the essays are iconoclastic or on art. .Space will cot. permit further quotations or one could give some vital paragraphs from widely different subjects. Further, do not let the slimness of the book cause you to pass it by. Many valuables are done up in small parcels. This book is a case in point. “NEW ZEALAND EXCHANGE AND THE ECONOMIC CRISIS.” y D. B. Copland M.A.,. D.Sc., (Whitcomb and Tombs Ltd.). —Professor Copland's little pamphlet explains why the position is adverse for New Zealand in ii.c* matter of the rates of exchange between New Zealand and England and also the effect on our position by the financial crisis now prevailing in Australia. He meets the charge that Australian banks operating within New Zealand deliberately transfer their deposits from here to Australia. “Anyone familiar with banking practice in New Zealand and Australia, or with the banking statistics,” observed Professor Copland, “knows that Australian banks do not adopt any such practice. Bank deposits as a whole in New Zealand increased from £54.6 millions in June 1925 to £55.8 millions in June 1930. The New Zealand deposits of Australian banks have to be met in New Zealand, and it would not be sound banking practice for the r , Australian banks to borrow money in New Zealand in order to support an unsound credit structure in Australia. The practice of taking foreign deposits was thoroughly discredited in Australia in the 1893 crisis, and there never lias been a suggestion that it should be ic vived.He cites the figures of deficits and advances for the four Australian banks in juxtaposition to those of all banks and comments thus: “There is a striking similarity between the movements in the figures .for the Australian banks and for all banks. It cannot be argued from these figures that deposits have been taken from New Zealand to Australia to support the use of New Zealand funds in London by Australia. The concluding section is entitled “The Exchange Rate and the Economic De pression” and in this regard he observes: The total loss of income at the moment is therefore approximately 20 per cent. The immediate problem of economic re adjustment in New Zealand is the equitable spreading of this loss and in this regard he claims that (a) To allow the exchange rate to rise to its natural level; ( (b) To bring about a reduction ni I Government expenditure in conformity I with the loss of income over the whole people, and immediately relieve the farmers of a considerable part of the burden now concentrated on them.” Professor Copland also maintains that the exchange premium which farmers receive on the sale of their produce is a measure for assisting in the equitable distribution of loss. This is an interesting little pamphlet. | HOW TO BECOME AN EFFECTIVE SPEAKER, by William Bottomlev (Robertson ami Mullens, Ltd.). The spell cast by the orator over his audience fascinates both orator and an dience alike. It is intoxicating, indeed, tor the orator; it is dangerous, for it is likely to go to his head like wine. But such things have an appeal and for every man who is a public speaker there are possibly ten persons who would like to be one. It’s just as well that their wishes are not realised, although why those who <tre called upon to make public speeches don’t contrive i to make a better job of it. passes com prehension. Mr. William Botlomley i- a practical speaker himself and has been :. •ar.l on the air by those who listen-in to M ■< bourne. His modest little book of -H. pages, which is sold for the modest sum of two shillings, gives some sound advice to those who desire to address public. audiences or to speak over th * air. There is one piece of adv.ee w'ueh could be included am* that is, get enthusiastic alioir. al least one subject which is of public interest and then address every available audience that will stand for it. After each effort get a camiiil friend's criticism. The cans tic kind an* the best. * A HANDBOOK ON MODERN CRO QUET, with a foreword by the Viscount Donevailc (Longman’s, Green and Co.). This little booklet published under the auspices of the Croquet Association of England, is a timely publication, for it will provide a textbook on a game which is growing fast in popularity ami particularly so in Australia and in New Zealand and, claims Viscount Donevaile, in Canada and Africa also. Dominion croquet seems to be more healthy than it does in England. The, book comprises five chapters, each written by an expert. Maurice B. Reckitt, tells “ Why Play Croquet,” R. Leetham Jones “What is Croquet,” and even has the courage to give some hints on costume. Mr. Ben C. Apps in “Where to Play” has some hard things to say about garden party croquet, which really doesn't do justice to the game as a game. Dr. J. S. Edkins advises beginners how 1o begin, while the Rev. G. I’- Handel 1.1-vey. vey. M.A., gives some very useful advice in how to improve one's game. Il is a complete little book, modest in [nice and well worth possessing if you contemplate r(*tiring to the croquet lawn oj have retired there already.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION, lull. 11. Holland, M.l'. (Ilic Chute Book shop. Wellington /. In this pamphlet I propose lirst to outline Ihe ifiain features of the policv of the Labour Movement, regarding workers’ compensation. Having done ’that, L will next endeavour to explain how Labour's policy is formulated, aad also the method of preparing our uvvti Bills am] determining our attitude G-overnment measures affecting the in dustrial workers. I will linn review the liSsiory of the la.-t twelve year-, in relation to workers’ .-ompensa’ .mi, and will give some biief idea of th • Lal > ur I'arly'- light for impiovemr. ,- n tin' •Statute ami the measures ok sm-cess which have from time to ti'.ie u•:••• • from the party'- vfimts in i'm- llom-r. • will also Ithe ih. u- ot the National Lu lustrial Conference ot 1925. th' 1 Workers’ Compensation Com mission of 193(1 ami the Industrial Open Conference of 1939 I will then make a brieL. present:• I ion of the main provision- of the New Zealand Govern ment's Bill oi Inst session ami also those of Ihr Ontario Ad ami will conclude with a few personal observations. I The foregoing i> the introductory ptiragraph ot Mr. Holland's latest pamphlet. l-’rom the introduction ‘hree things are obvious. First, Mr. Holland wrote it. The first person .ngiilar is not tabood to-day in the nrannci of the Victorians, but it can be ov ■•ri .'iie amt when it appears in each sentence <’f paragraph it looks like be-com• ••■_; -il< everlasting 1." But this is not so. for the rest of the ;>amphlet Mr. Holland effaces himself. The second ob\ iousism i> that litis pamphlet is Labour Party propagan la. It is good party propaganda 3ml M r . Holland presents it well, which is what one journalist expects of a feilow ot the craft of letters, for be it remembered in becoming a politician he has never ceased to be a joiurnalisl. The Labour Party's policy in regard to workers’ compensation is that ot Oliver Twist “asking for more.” h's a good policy to catch voles with ami it may be legitimately doubted whether had the Labour Party not taken up the cry it would have made much difference. Bismarck was no Socialist, but he appreciated the value of workers’ compensation as a vote catcher. The .Reform Party ami the old Liberal Party were equally appreciative of its popular appeal. Hence Air. Holland may not be on tenable ground in claiming that all the benefits which have been added to the Statute by other parlies are in reality his party's special contribution. • Mr. Holland’s pamphlet makes no reference to the effect upon industry of the burden of industrial accident insurance and so he presents not a full picture. He may, however, be excused for this omission seeing that, the pamphlet doesn't run to fourteen pages. A NEW SERIES THE LIFE AND LETTERS SERIES. Eiicouraged by the success of “The Traveller’s Library,” the publisher. Mr Jonathan Gape, has decided to produce a new series. “The Life and Letters Series” has been instituted to provide for those who, even in this age of rush and confined space, find pleasure in reading at home and in tjie possession of a small private library. In this series will be maiuly books of general literature chosen from among those which already have- been successful al a much higher price, and which are likely to continue to be of interest to the public for many decades to come. Particular care has been taken to produce a satisfactory format. Good non-bulky paper; clear and good founts of type. Simple, attractive ami serviceable binding. Where there are illustrations, and many of the books are illustrated, very Special care has been taken with the blocks and printing. Large Crown Svo. 8 inches by si| in ches. Average thickness rather less than one inch. Green cloth, lettered in gold on side ami spine, with bold, distim ■ five dust jackets.

OBITER SCRIPTA FROM THE PERIODICAL. pi BLisiii:i) by thi; oatord I'NJVI'.RSrn PRESS. The Venerable Robert Henry i liar.' 1 . (Oxl'ord i, rclideacO’i of West minster, who died in January 3b, aged 7;>, waaulhor or editor of the following bool;:-: “The Apocrypha ami Pseudepigrapim of the Ol'l Testament in Knglish, edited in conjunction with many schol ars (2 volumes. l9L'i '; “The Book ol Enoch.’’ translated from the lithopu Text (second edition, 1912); ‘‘The Book of the Secrets of Enoch” (translate.! by W. R. M-orfill, 1596); “Tim Ethiopie \ ersion of t he Book of Enoch (Aneedota (txoniensia); “The lithopic Version of the Hebrew Book <■: Jubilees" • Aneedota Oxonienshi . 1895): A t 'ritical a nd I'.xeget ical Com mentary on the Book of Daniel" [(1929); “The Greek Versions of the Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs" (1908); “Lectures on the Apocalypse’’ (British Academy, Schweich Lectuies, 1919); “The Text of Revelation xx. -Ixxii” i British Academy 1915); “Ini mortality" (The Drew Lecture, 1912); ami he translated • ‘ I’ragments of a Zadokite Work." published in 1912. Mr Edmund Hurl New. Hou. M.A. if Oxford, who died on I'ebruaiw 3, aged 59, was widely known for his ‘New Loggan ’ prints of Oxford colleges, an exhibition of which is now being held at Bumpus’. Two of his pictures are reproduced on previous pages: The Towers of Oxford from the Bell Tower of Magdalen College (from a pen-ami ink drawing; and Christ Church (another pen-and-ink drawing). Il may b<recalled that the Oxonia Illustrata of David Loggan was published in 1675. The Honorable Sir Charles Algernon Parsons. 0.M., I'.R.S., who died on February 11. aged 76, wrote introductions and foreword to two of the “Physics in Industry” volumes. The Reverend Ernest Edward Holmes, D.D., Archdeacon of London, w h< died on February 22, aged 76, was responsible for the appendix of Indian, colonial, ami missionary consecrations in “ Rcgist rum Saei um Anglicanum, of which a second edition was published in Hir Richard Carnac Temple, i he, second baronet, who died on March 3, aged 80. was the author of the British Academy memoir of William ( rooke, ISIS 192.'!. which was issued in .192-1. Canon Thomas Herbert Bindley, who died on March 11, aged 69. edited Ter tullian s “ Apologeticus”; and ll)e ITaescript iono Haerct jeonim ; ad Marttyras; ad Hcapulain. 1 ho .Right ilonouraiile Sir Uharles Morion Edgcumbe Eliot, G.C.M.G., Ho.i. D. Litt, of Oxford, who died at sea on March Hi, after leaving Singapore, aged 68, possessed among many varied .u--complishments an intimato knowledge of Finnish, and wrote the Oxford “Fiunish Grtimmar,” published in 1890. Most of the important works of Frederick Delius. 0.M.. were published ju hermany. These have been acquired by the Oxfo/d University Press, and in iulure thi* compositions of this distinguished English composer will be. pulilished in his native country. Mr Abercrombie's appearance among the Oxford poets has been, naturally, a topic of interest to critics. Thus The limes: ‘lt is high distinction for a man to be received in middle life, into the company of “Oxford Poets” ami see lus works ou the shelf besides those of Donne o r Blake or Marvell” (Marvell, is in fact, not in that companvj. A well-known critic, writing in t| h ‘ Bookman, concludes: ‘The appearance of Dr Bridges in the series (unless we are seriously mistaken' was the beginning of his considerable influence; might not the same thing happen here.' Air Abercrombie’s poetry points the way to a larger sanity than mere rationalism (the critic thinks that ‘dis- • trust in the intuitions ami worship of | rationalism have gone far enough’' iml 1 il will be interesting to watch how v.e respond. ’ Many books have been written about pre-war and wartime Russia, but few can have, been as comprehensive and as

well informed as Sir Bernard Pares’ “My Russian Memoirs’’ (Cape). No one who wishes to understand the inner workings of the social and political | transitions through which Russia has | passed should miss this book. Sir Bernard’s first hand knowledge of Russia was continued without intermission from 1898 to 1920. In his capacity of Professor of Russian at London University he has many opportunities of studying contemporary events in the Russia he has known so well.