Books Worth Reading

“Whalemen Adventurers”, By

W. J. Dakin, B.Sc.. F.Z.S. This is a second edition of a verv remarkable book, which tells the story of whaling in South Pacific waters, from the days of sail up to modern times. It is at once an his torical record, checked and annotated by a trained seeker after the truth, and a fascinating book of adventure, which holds the attention from cover to cover.

Some notable characters appear in its pages: Ben Boyd, for instance—the man who tried to found an Empire in south ern New South Wales, and was murder ed in the Solomons. Coconut planters will read this book with grim interest and, maybe, some pleasure: for it shows very clearly that the whales—which pro vide the world with the chief rival of coconut oil—are due for early extermin ation. (Our copy from Angus & Rob ertson, Sydney. 12/6.)

“Atoms, Men And Stars”, By

Rogers D. Rusk, Ph D. Great advances have been made, in recent years, in knowledge of the physical sciences. It is possible, now, to see a little more clear ly the relationship of our world to the mysteries which surround us in the uni verse, and to recognise how little we know of the fundamental purpose of life.

This writer, in simple, non-scientific language, explains hundreds of scienti fic discoveries and concepts that, until now, have baffled our understanding, and yet which intimately affect our life upon this earth, and our vision of the future.

For instance, he sets out to explain the Einstein theory of relativity, and its ef fect on the scientific world. Every in telligent man and woman will want to read this book. (Our copy from Angus & Robertson, Sydney. 8/6.)

“Two Lugs On A Lugger” And

“JAPAN REACHES OUT” are reviewed elsewhere in this issue.

Mr. Hendy Humble, accountant at the Hotel Bulolo, Wau, New Guinea, is spend ing three months’ leave in Australia.