New Books

A Story of the Philippines

DWELLERS in the South Seas should know far more of the Philippine Islands, because it is clear that many of the South Pacific peoples, ethnographi cally and culturally, have a common origin with certain of the Filipinos. For that reason alone, Pacific Islands people should read “The Half Way Sun,” a new book by Mr. T. Inglis Moore, a well-known Syd ney journalist.

It is the life-story of Kalatong, a man of one of the pagan tribes of Luzon, and it is told with remarkable literary and dramatic skill. It is, for the most part, a true story; and, as Mr. Moore lived in the Philippines for many years, and has obviously taken great pains to be accur ate in both his history and his anthro pology, we should describe “The Half Way Sun” as one of the most valuable contributions made to Pacific literature for many a long day. It is interesting to know that much of the book was written while the author was actually living in Kalatong’s villages. The local colour is right.

Withal, it is a quick-moving story of adventure, eminently readable, and of high literary merit. It deserves a far wider public than is available in Australia.

It should be popular in America, for it pays a fine tribute to American adminis tration in the Philippines.

The Half Way Sun, by T. Inglis Moore. Our copy from the publishers, Angus and Robertson, Ltd., Sydney. Price, 6/-.