PUBLICATIONS

New Zealand Tablet, 11 August 1910, Page 1281

PUBLICATIONS

■i The latest pamphlets issued by the Australian Catholic Truth Society are Belief- in a Creative Bower in the Light of Science, by the Rev. John Gerard,.S.J., and Grannie's Rosary Beads and Other Stories, by Miriam Agatha. Father Gerard in his introductory remarks regarding this great and vital question says that he is fortunate enough to enjoy the support and countenance of Lord Kelvin, one of the oracles of science, # not only in his own land, but throughout the world. It is a signal advantage to be able to come forward under the shadow of such a name, and have as an ally one who has spoken out so boldly on the great question which must ever lie at the back of all knowledge. Lord Kelvin's declaration, ' Science positively affirms creative Power,' furnishes the text of Father Gerard's observations. The stories or sketches in the second pamphlet are simple and natural, and should prove acceptable reading for young people. It is evident that the publications of the society are highly appreciated by those competent to estimate their worth, for we were informed the other day that the International Catholic Truth Society of New York has just sent an order for 6000 of the Australian Catholic Truth Society's pamphlets. ._ From Messrs. R. and T. Washbourne, London, we have received Meditations for Each Day of the Month of June, translated and adapted from the Italian by Sir Charles Santley; pp. 104, cloth, 2s. This is an excellent book, of practical devotional utility, which is sure to be read with much spiritual profit. Although the month for which' it is intended is now past, still there is- no reason why the meditations should not prove a means of increasing our devotion to the Sacred Heart at any season of the year. Mr. Percy Smith's Eawaiki: The Original Home of the Maori, has now run into a third edition, a fact which shows that the work has met with public appreciation in a practical way. The work was first published in the Journal of the Polynesian Society, and subsequently issued in book form. The second edition was largely rewritten, and arranged in such a manner as to form a sketch of the history of the Polynesian race, down to the separation of the New Zea-

land Maoris from the original stock, when they migrated from Eastern Polynesia to New Zealand. . Some further information has been included in the present edition. The work is treated from the point of view of the traditions, and mainly from those of Rarotonga. These traditions were dictated by one of the last high priests of Rarotonga, and therefore are from the highest authority possible. The author admits that his theory as to the origin of the Polynesian race from India is weak, owing to want of access to works on early India. The chapter leadings, which are as follow, give an idea of the contents of the book: The Polynesian race and its traditions, genealogical connections and chronology; names of the traditional fatherland, the Polynesians originated in India, the log-books of the migration, sketch of the history of the race, Tahitian origin of the Maoris. The work is a valuable contribution to the history of one of the finest and most interesting aboriginal races in the world, and the fact that it has been found necessary to issue a third edition is proof positive of the value set on the historical researches of the author. As usual with all works issued by Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, the book is turned out in a manner which would do credit to any publishing house in the Home countries, printing, paper, and binding being all that could be desired (pp. 301, cloth, price ss). We are too matter-of-fact and prosaic in New Zealand to believe in fairies, but the poet is not bound down by such considerations, and consequently lets his "fancy transport him to the abode of those dwellers of the fairy-dell. We have received from Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, Fairies of New Zealand and Christmas in New Zealand, bound together at 6d, in which the author, A. Perry, gives us a poetic account of his adventures in a fairy dell, and also contrasts Yuletide in these southern lands with the samo festive season in the Home lands, when the home of his youth was clad 'in a mantle of pure white snow.' The same author also gives us a poetic account of the legendary adventures of Hiuemoa r the Maori maiden, who swam across the treacherous lake to meet her lover, Tutanekai. The author has succeeded in dealing in a very pleasing way with the romantic subject, which has already been treated in prose and verse by other writers. The little booklet is published by Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs at the modest price of Is.