26 OCTOBER 1895, Page 23

The Southern Light. By S. G. Fielding. (Ward, Lock, and

Co.) —There is plenty of "go" in The Southern Light, though the incidents of the story are mostly the hardships which the two apprentices undergo from a cruel and vicious first-officer. The scene is laid in Australia, and China seas and hurricanes and typhoons make congenial accessories to the troubles and trials of Will Mansfield and Fred Seymour. It might have been more cheerful, for the continued ill-treatment of Will and his ultimate death are rather depressing; but he sets a noble example to all boys, and they will perhaps realise that sea-life, with all its changes and healthiness, is, nevertheless, not "all beer and skittles." The Southern Light is decidedly a good sea-story.