5 JANUARY 1929, Page 25

The collection of short articles and speeches put together by

Lord Meath under the title of Brabazon Potpourri (Hutchin- son, 18s.) deals with a great number of philanthropic efforts. Most of them were written or spoken before the War, a few concern reforms already accomplished, and a few uphold ideals from which, for better or worse, the world is deliberately turning away. The greater number, however, still express the ardent desires of those who strive for the physical and mental prosperity of our town populations. A strong militarist, Lord Meath looks to " discipline " for the salvation of a generation whose softness he would seem to exaggerate. He approves of an education calculated to engender " contempt of pain." At the same time he is eager to improve the standard of health by making the life of cities more delightful. He dreams of a drilled population, breathing smokeless air, enjoying sufficient space both outdoors and in, the house accustomed from youth up to submit to authority, the rich considering the needs of the poor, and all men serving the State—in fact, a society in which obedience takes once more its mediaeval place in the hierarchy of the virtues. It is a very noble ideal ; in its pur- suit Lord Meath has done a vast amount of good, but the world seems to be moving towards new reforms along other

lines.