BOOK NOTICES.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XVI, Issue 28, 2 November 1888, Page 31

BOOK NOTICES.

" Philip's Restitution " is another of the reprints from the " Aye Maria," which are such an acquisition to Catholic libraries. It has all the charms of a well written tale with an excellent moral and a high religious tone. At the same time it possesses nothing of the heavy, didactic, prosiness, which so often spoils the re igious novel, and makes it a dreary study. The writers for our excellent contemporary the "Aye Maria," are singularly skilled in avoiding anything of the kind and know how to entertain while they sustain and strengthen the religious spirit, in a manner that is as admirable as it is difficult to acquire. "Philip's Restitution" is one of the most interesting stories published in the seiies. The book, moreover, is handsomely bound, and in every respect most creditably produced. As a prize book for Catholic schools it will prove most valuable.

" By Passion Driven " is another tale by Gilbert Rock, the author of " Colonists." In several respects it shows an improvement on the former publication. Ine author decidedly possesses fair dramatic power, and a good imagination, and with some further attention to style, and an avoidance of hurried writing, he may yet do creditable work.

The Otago University Review fulfils the promise given by its first number, and creditably sustains tue part it was intended for. The issue for Oct., contains several interesting and instructive articles, as well as a clever eet of verses, somewhat after the pattern of Bcarron'e sonnet on the ravages of time, but taking nothing, except perhaps the suggestion of a plan, from the old French model.

A pamphlet on the Theory and Development of the Removal of Statutory and Judicial Officers of the Crown by the Government of New Zealand, contains an account c1! the case of Mr. R. Macahster. late Auditor of Accounts of Local Bodies. The contents are piincipally made up of correspondence in which Mr. Macahster asserts bis right to be regarded as a hfe-tenaut of his office, and discnargeible only by special Act of Parliament. He seems to make out bis case very clearly, and there can be little doubt among those who read the pamphlet without bias or prejudice that he has not been fairly dealt with. The Government have evidently strained their authority in the matter and acted in a way that was ultra vires.

" Southland " is a guide to the district named including Stewart Island, published by Messrs Mills, Dick and Co. Dunedm. The discriptions of the various places are well written and interesting, and the little book contains a clear and comprehensive map as well as several illustrations of the scenery. It should prove extremely useful to tourists, besides serving the purpose ci making the country better known to the general public.