The Empire's Greeting. Edited by the Very Rev. D. Macleod.
(Isbister and Co. 2s. 8d. net.)—We noticed some weeks ago a portion of the verse published in this volume,—i.e., the poems to which the prizes were adjudged, and some others which were thought worthy of special commendation. Here we have those already noticed, and sixty odd more pieces sent in from all parts of the Empire. The distribution is not uninteresting. Of the British Isles, three came from Scotland, one from Ireland, and twenty-two from England; of Britain beyond the Seas, Australasia sends twelve, Asia ten, South Africa two, British America fifteen, the West Indies seven, Mauritius one. The Mother-country certainly keeps the lead in quality as well as quantity. We can- not profess to give an appreciation of all this work; and we have no wish whatever to question the judges' decision. We would mention, however, Mr. J. A. Farrer's name. His Coronation Ode sadly wants polishing; but it has a fine ring and some really good lines. "Heart of a sundered but unsevered race !" is distinctly happy. We should pick out of the Colonial verse the Rev. C. W. Bryden's poem. Here, again, we may quote one line: "The loyal thraldom of the free."
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