By the 'Frisco.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, 1 November 1900, Page 154

By the 'Frisco.

Fkom "At.ikn."

"Tom Gallon."

♦^ that New Zealand readers V\ would be interested in a few «J"L A^ personal notes regarding a novelist who has come so quickly and socurely to public favour, I requested " Tom Gallon's " photograph and a brief outline of his method of work for publication in The Illustrated Magazine. He kindly responded, and feeling that his letter would be spoilt by re- writing, I subjoin it in its original text : — " I find that you have set me a far more difficult task than I anticipated; for I cannot write anything concerning myself, or my work, without a somewhat large flavouring of apparent egotism, which must appear distasteful. However, I beg that you will regard the fact that I am writing at your request. " First, then, let me say that I never write a single line, in the actual sense of pen-and-ink work ; that bad health compels me-to be a very lazy man ; and that I work at high pressure, and at odd times, by strolling about my room, pipe in mouth, dictating to a typist. Perhaps I should add that this part of my work is, in reality, the smallest and the most easy ; for, long before lam able to reach the stage at which I can start to reel off the story, I have to wander about streets or country lanes, with the idea simmering in my head, or even to dream about it in certain wakeful hours lit night. Perhaps your readers will also be interested in knowing that I take every single character — even to dress, and appearance, and gesture— from actual life; although, of course, for fictional purposes, I place them in different situations to those actually occupied by them in the world. Thus, the renowned Mrs. Kotley, who figured so largely as Kiddy's benefactress, stepped almost out of the living frame she occupied as a charwoman who waited upon me in certain dingy chambers in Grays' Inn ; and poor Kiddy herself I had the audacity to follow home one bleak night through the streets of London, what time she told Mr, Deak, I suppose, something of her troubles. The young artist, who gave his heart to the Ella Tarrant, of Tatterley, has carried his blushing, boyish lace into my rooms many a time, and unconsciously sat for his portrait, and Ella

herself never cut me to the heart quite so deeply as when she broke it in marrying him. " For the rest, I know probably as much of the East End of this great and wonderful London, and of that curious language which is a part of it, as any man who walks its streets, and I don't think I ever met the man, woman, or child yet that had not a story to tell me. In all kindness, Believe me to be, Always sincerely yours, Tom Gallon.'" " Kiddy " is the nickname of the heroine of the story, who is placed in the home of a sharp money-lender, one of those characters which the gifted author depicts so well, and which are particularly the product of a large city. Kiddy it is who gets at the tender

Oxford St. W,

J. Caswall Smith,

spot of this hard heart, and with sweetness and love wins what is left there of kindness and trust, One of the reviews of this book

BaYS .__« If Mr. Gallon had been born ninety years ago, and got the start of Dickens his name would have obtained an enduring place in the annals of literature. As he will justly obiectin such circumstances, he would not have been alive to-day to give us Kiddy, which would have been a pity. . • • • Kiddy is much better than any of the Master's female characters." We should not miss A Rogue in Love^ The earliest announcement of the book speaks of it as humorously fanciful, with a certain grim truth and reality wrapped up in the comedy. Mr. Jack Badgery-rogue thief, and outlaw, with marvellous slang and strange philosophy, who finds himself thrust into a respectable household- is a figure to dwell in the memory, and to restore one's faith in the ultimate good of human nature, and black sheep in particular

NEW BOOKS,

The Autumn publishing season has just begun. Books are now being advertised as "out," but the reviewers have yet their work to do, and not much will be heard of the successes for another month or so Adverse criticism does not constitute failure, but the books that are born and die, and are never heard of again. This happens to some every year. There is what is called a "slump in South African literature. The market has been crowded with mediocre stories-few ot them as interesting as the newspaper reports from Africa that has constituted the chiet reading for a year past. Everybody is tired of South Africa-sick at heart of it. China is now the fashion, and the fashion in literature changes as often this side of the world as the fashion in frocks! Anybody who has a tale of the heathen Chinee, now is the time for it ! Among other books that have ]ust appeared are the following :— Landlopers, by J. de Gayßrereton, will be shortly published by Mr. Unwin. It is a tale of Australian tramp life, or travelling in the form of a diary, setting forth experiences of

life in the bush. Most of the story is baaed on the author's personal reminiscences, and it describes the various incidents, humours and hardships of the tramp. This book deserves, and should attract, considerable attention as a special study of this particular subject, apart from its interest as fiction. , , A unique and fascinating book is that by Josiah Flynt, entitled Tramping with Tramps. It is an account of a scientific student who lived the life of a tramp, with all its perils and vicissitudes in various countries, that he might study the question of tramps and their relation to crime on its own ground and in its own peculiar conditions and environment. Russian, Gorman, American and English tramps were among those studied; and there is an interesting chapter and glossary at the end of the book dealing with the tramps' jargon.

Half Sours in Japan,hy the Rev. Herbert Moore, with over 70 illustrations and decorated cover. This is a description <> Japan and its inhabitants, based on personal experience and travel, and gives an excellent idea of the ways of life in the « garden of glitter." The author's experiences aro comprehensive, and ho has much to toll of such diverse things as Japanese schools and games, feminine accomplishments and etiquette, houses and cuisine. The book is, in fact, a complete account of domestic Japan There are also important articles on Christianity in Japan and the Japanese Emperor. The works of Nietzsche, though they may be unorthodox to the utmost degree, compel attention from their very boldness and originality. He attacked everything that his mind indicated as worthy and needful of attack, often those things which the world holds most in reverence, and his work was not methodical, but a string of fancies and thoughts. But with it all there was a distinct charm, and, indeed, one critic described the sensation of perusing Nietzsche's works as "like drinking champagne," which v a simile which all will at ouce appreciate,

Things Theatrical,

There has been surprise and consternation at the announcement of Miss Evelyn Willard's withdrawal from her part in Henry Arthur Jones' new comedy, " The Lackey's Carnival," thus causing the piece to be postponed indefinitely. The lady's objection is to a certain portion of the dialogue which she declines to speak, and the author declines to alter. Miss Willard was married in July last to Mr Coulter. Previous to her marriage she had heard the comedy and accepted her part in it. After having the script for two months, and allowing the production to be postponed to suit her convenience, Miss Willard refused to play. This refusal was made known only eight days before the advertised production of Mr Jones' piece. She stated that owing to her recent marriage she objected to speaking certain lines, and the author and management considered the said lines of vital importance to the interests of the play. The lady wrote to the press explaining that the disputed lines are not, in her opinion, either vital or even necessary, but " objectionable and trying for any actress to speak." She adds, very rightly, that " the position of an actress need not deprive her of all right to consideration as a woman," and no one should compel her to speak lines distasteful to herself, and which she felt must be distasteful to the public. The management is seriously disturbed by what it terms the " captiousness " of Miss Willard, and contemplates sending over an American actress to play the rejected part. Tuesday, the 20fch, is the date of the great Drury Lane Autumn production, which will contain the usual elements of a "big show," such as the public expect from this house. There will be scenes representing tea on The Terrace of the House of Commons, a carnival at Niagara, a fashionable inception in " smai x t " society, and a magnificent wedding in Westminster Abbey. The gowns are gorgeous enough to create envy in the mind of most feminine playgoers. The handsome Mrs. Cecil Raleigh leads off with confections

from Paris — even the simplest, a blue linen morning dress is chic in the extreme by reason of its cut and finish. A wedding dress of crepe de chine showered with silver and scrolls of myrtle leaves, to be worn by Miss Lettice Fairfax, is a marvel of beauty and expense. Obviously Drury Lane is determined to keep up its reputation for dressing the drama. The run of " Floradora " at the Lyric has been resumed, the greatest attraction being the return of Miss Florence St. John, " Colonel Cromwell," produced last week at the Globe, is from the joint pens of Messrs. Arthur Patterson and Charles Cartwright. It is more of a melodrama than an historical play. On the 27th Mr, Arthur Bourchier produces Mr. Barries new play, "The Wedding Guest." It is a Scotch play, and " set " in Scotch scenes. The wedding takes place in a house instead of a church, as is Scotch fashion. Mr. Beerbohm Tree is busy over rehearsals of " Herod." He has engaged a popular Australian actor for one part in the great tragedy. An authentic statement comes from Berlin confirming the rumour of Lady Halle's retirement from the concert platform. More than half a century has elapsed since the English debut of this distinguished violinist. She appeared at the Princess's Theatre in 1849, being then quite a child. She played Ernst's Carnival de Venice as a solo, and also took part in a concerted piece. She married in 1855 Mr. Charles Halle, with whose famous concerts m London and Manchester she had long been associated. Lady Halle has always been a welcome guest in the best musical circles, and long honoured as an intimate friend of the Princess of Wales, whose love for music is well known. It is probable that Lady Halle will settle in Berlin after her retirement. Mr. Edward Lloyd also signifies his retirement. He has been singing at the Hereford Festival. After a provincial tour he will take actual farewell of the public on December 12th at the Albert Hall.