NEW ZEALAND Whicombe & Tombs Ltd., $6.50

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 60

NEW ZEALAND Whicombe & Tombs Ltd., $6.50 reviewed by N. P. K. Puriri This publication's main aim is to sell New Zealand. It reinforces the belief as far as New Zealanders are concerned that it is ‘God's Own Country’. My only hope is that it will persuade others to think the same way. This large profusely-illustrated book covers every imaginable aspect of New Zealand life in its 280 pages—you name it—it's got it. It is obvious that much research has gone into it. Frankly, I enjoyed the first 80-odd pages dealing with geology, geography, flora and fauna, Maori myth and early New Zealand history. As for the rest of the book—I must be honest—it didn't appeal. There were too many statistics and too much poorly concealed advertising. I found it boring. Mind you, others may not agree with me. This type of production is a difficult one to handle. The compiler has to ensure that the many sponsors are kept happy and that their products receive due publicity equal to their investment. The book is well written, and this country's products are tastefully advertised. The sketches appeal, and in particular, the Rangi and Papa story is well done. I must add, however, that some of the Maoris portrayed are the most un-Maori Maoris I have seen in recent years. If you are in the export business this book could be helpful, provided of course that your wares have received ‘the treatment’. On the other hand, if you have some spare cash lying around, send a copy to one of your influential friends overseas. The producers are to be congratulated for the work done, but I have my doubts whether it will be in the ‘Best Bet’ category.