28 APRIL 1939, Page 31

South African Heroine ./k. ROUGH outline of Melina Rorke, R.R.C. (illus-

trated, 10/6 net) might run thus : a mother and widow at t5—knew Rhodes, Barnato, Kruger and other famous South African figures of the '9os—trekked with baby son from Kimberley to Bulawayo by ox-waggon-- started a nursing home — saved son and sister-in-law from warrior's spear during three-day flight in Matabele War — did heroic hospital work in Boer War — was with the force that relieved Mafeking—was decorated with the Order of the Royal Red Cross by Edward VII. This autobiography of the first 25 years of a brave woman's life is well written and continuously exciting.