More Books of the Week (Continued from page 1012.) The
reminiscences of high colonial officials are apt to be trivial or boring. Not so Life in the Pacific Fifty Years Ago, by Alfred P. Maudsley (Routledge, 10s. 6d.).' The author is now better known as an archaeologist (is it eleven or twelve expeditions he has conducted in America at his own expense ?), and his earlier services to the state, which whetted his archaeo- logical interests, have receded into the background. This volume recalls them from undeserved oblivion, but its real value lies in the admirable picture which it gives of life in the Pacific fifty years ago. Mr. Maudsley was fortunately able to travel widely. His nightmare experience of high official life in Queensland, where _last night's beef-steak was served cold for breakfast because it had to be washed to remove the dirt and the governor's staff had to lay the table for dinner, reads strangely now that Canberra has succeeded Duntroon. This is a book worth reading for its interest, wit and modesty, and space alone prevents us from following Mr. Maudsley through all his adventures. He has something for all tastes. Recent controversies over the destruction of wild animals by natives are recalled, for instance, by the statement that during the lireeding season of ducks the Maori allow no canoes to be taken on the lake, even if this entailed a long walk. But the gem of the book is undoubtedly the prayer of a native teacher in Fiji that he and his flock " might be granted strength to withstand the temptation of clubbing the white man."
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