THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1952.
WHY PEOPLE ARE BUYING MORE BOOKS
THE SENSIBLE READING PUBLIC IS GROWING ALL THE TIME.
By J. B. Priestly.
When they consider the presentį galu is enormous. On every side, state of the public purse neither reading is seen for what it really! publishers nor booksellers have a la, ono of civilised man's natural right to grumble. There seem activities. And all the signs point | to have been more books than ever to this being a fireside Christmas. published this Autumn, and they with plenty of new books on the have been and are being-hand-] nearest table.
somely bought and sold. For good It is customary now to hurl ati or ill the world is now a booky the reader's head certain gigantic place. Even revolutions do not and completely indigestible liste of stop the flood of books, though they books suitable for gifts. If I had may change their nature. During the energy to compile such a list, I the 9 vereat financial crises, it would still refrain from doing so. seemy, books continue to be written, But I have plucked from my shelfj printed and sold. When money a few books that are of the kind is tight the public very sensibly one gives away as presents. I do realises that books provide one of not say they are the only ones- the very cheapest and most sutis-jobviously they are not-nor do I fying forms of entertainment. say they are necessarily the best, I used to think that America had but they all seem to me as people n rent book-buying public and that say-a good buy. Britain had not.
tu
I know now For a scholar or bibliophile, I that is a mistaken view. During recommend the new Nonesuch the period of great prosperity Press "Odyssey," with the Greek the Americans had dollars to spare text down one side and Pope's for booka just as they had dollars translation' down the othur. This spare-millions of them-for is a beautiful book, and when I say ears and radio seta. The result a beautiful book I do not mean an was that best-sellera there reach-exquisitely ornamented but com- ed fantastic figures. Then came pletely unreadable volume, but al the slump. and those figures real book that happens to be plen- vanished. There was a landslide saut to handle and beautiful to look in the book trade over there. Aut. It is a fine thing to posseIS, few years ago a very popular Eng- and incidentally ought to prove a lish novelist expected to sell at good investment.
least twica as many copies in Booke with pictures in always America as in Britain. Now he seam to please people as gifts, 30 would think himself lucky if he will suggest a few illustrated sold the same number over there books. But do not send them to as in Britain.
the wrong people. Your elderly) Genuine Book-Lovers,
maiden aunt in Cheltenham, for The book trade is still sliding. I example, will probably not relish a gather, for I hear nothing but dull copy of Peter Arno's "Earade." means from American publishers, But for the young sophisticated the Whereas in
though bitter mirth of this young New
Britain,
I will admit there has not Yorker will prove the right thing. such 後 dramatic loss I applaud the enterprise and cour-
been
hard times.
THE
CHIN
LOCAL SHARE MARKET.
Quiet Feeling at Opening To-day,
SELLERS IN EVIDENCE.
The official summary issued by the Stock Exchange to-day states:
A quieter feeling prevalled at the opening session this morning with some sellers in evidence.
Sales.
Ewoe, Tls. 16.20. Unions, $410. Cements (combined), $19.35. Shanghai Cottons, Tis. 82. Electrics, $78. Hotels (old), $15. Buyers.
Douglases, $25. Venezuelan Goldfields, $2. H.K. Lands, $81. Realties, $11.66.
Ewo Cattons, Tis, 16.15. Yaumati Ferries, $261 Electrics, $77.
Singapore Tractions, 3/-. Sinceres, $16.
H.K. Government Loan. $3 cent. premium.
Benguets, $114. Providents (new), $2.45. Humpreys (new), $174. Chinese Estates, $95. Shanghai Cottons, Tis. 80. China Lights, $26.60. Telephones (part paid), $27. Canton Ices, $5, Constructions (old), $5.30. Constructions (new), $1.90.
Sellera.
Indo-Chinas (Pref.), $45. Indo-Chinas (Def.), $32. Malabons, $38. Entertainments (old). $16. Kailans, 30/-. Raubs, $39,
Dairy Farms, $30. Enterprises, $10,
AMATE
ROUND HONG KONG'S
CINEMA THEATRES
OFFICIAL SOURCES,
** BAD GIRL".
"Bad Girl," long-awaited Fox Delmar's Film version of Vina celebrated novel, is finally showing at the King's Theatre to-day, and must not be missed.
numerous screen hits, and Russell Gleason. In addition to the featured players are Wade Boteler, Mary Carr Fred Scott, Hedwigs Reicher, E. H. Calwert, and Charles Coleman.
"THE LADY REFUSES.”
One of Hollywood's best-loved film actresses is in all probabi- lity one of the most cordially hated on the screen. Margaret Livings- ton, 1riend of the rich and the "down-and-outer" alike in fimland, is nearly always seen as a cruel, mercenary and scheming "vamp", in her pictures.
As the young husband, James Dunn, recent recruit from the New York stagu, makes what advance ac counts called the season's most impressive screen debut. Edwin Burke's adaptation of the story is said to place quite as much em- phasis on the young husband as on the wife in this drama of adoles- [cent love, marriage, and maternity. The public knows her in such Sally Ellers, remembered for her parts as she plays in Radio Pic-, recant colourful portrayals on tures' powerfully dramatic feature, "quick billions and "The Black "The Lady Refusea," showing to- Camel," is seen as the girl-bride | day at the Queen's. heroine in the title role. Her Her generosity is exceeded by no per characterisation in this tensely hu- one in Hollywood, but at the same Iman and deeply emotional role time, Mise Livingston is unconven- easily eclipses anything she has tional, emotional, full of the joy of done before.
living and nobody's fool,
GRADUATES MEET.
Officers Elected for Year.
CITY HEADQUARTERS:
He
Minna Gombell acts the part of the ever-present friend of the young wife.
The film is the most touching presentation of motherhood ever screened.
. "BEYOND VICTORY.”
Scoring a tremendous hit, Pathe's new dramatic talker, "Beyond Vic- tory," with Bill Boyd, was pre- sented with excellent results at the Central Theatre yesterday.
"ONLY SAPS WORK."
As the comical crook who heads the fun division of "Only Sapa, Work," Leon Errol was going through his antics in one of the big scenes.
In the sea of smiling face Errols spotted the solemn visage of a veteran stage watchman. Tho comedian outdid himself to make the dour face crack into a laugh. He ended with a particularly hílari- ous knee-collapse, and a broad grinj lighted the bleak "pan" of the watchman.
At the same instant there was a muffled scream and а warning shout,
This is an exceptionally pre- tentious dialogue picture of war daya in the United States and in France. Built on novel lines with five distinct stories held together with highly thrilling sequences, "Beyond Victory" is perhaps one of The struggle to stifle his mirth) the most absorbing and effective had been too much for 悲怨 elec- pictures of the current season. trician. Rocking with suppressed Among the 25 listed artistes in laughter, he had lost his balance, the cast all of wher acquit them and only a frantic clutch at selves admirably are Bill Boyd, friendly beam kept him from falling Pathe star, James Gleason actor-80 feet.
RADIO
TO-DAY'S PROGRAMME.
A
It was a triumph for the genius
"Only Saps Work" will be seen and heard at the King's Theatre to-morrow.
SHADOWS BEFORE
COMING EVENTS · ADVERTISED
of fortune on every side, books age of the publishers in giving keep up their
sales admirably, jus this selection of drawings, in| The first annual meeting of the author, who triumphed in "Oh The fact is, I think, that the Eng-which you may find comic genius. University Graduates' Association Yeah," who scored in "The Grand of Errol. Hish reading public is loyal and a What that aunt, if she is u sen- was held in the Great Hall of the Parade" and "Swing High," Lew sticker When it has money in sibic woman, will delight in is University yesterday afternoon, fol- Cody, noted screen leading man, abundance it may not buy as gener-Stevenson's "Travels with a lowing on "At Home" at which the Zasu Pitts, wistful comedienne in ously as it might, but, on the other Donkey." illustrated with point and members were guests of Sir Wil hand, it does not desert the book-charm by Edmund Blampied, the liam Hornell, Vice-Chancellor. shops in a body at the first cry of etcher. If she wants a nower text, After tea the meeting proceeded The English middle then try her with "A Persian under the chairmanship of Mr. H. class--probably the most over-Journey." to which another etcher,, Hong Sling. Vice-Chairman of the taxed and Government-badgered Fred Richards, has added nearly Association for the past year, class the civilised world has ever fifty drawings admirably raproduc-expressed appreciation of the good known is at heart a genuine book-fed in collotype. Or, again, if you work put in on behalf of the As The following programme will; loving class,
want amusing pictures and social sociation by their Hon. Secretary, be broadcast to-day from the Hong I am not saying that it has a fine history for everybody, plump for Mr. Kwong Sik-kwong, and the Kong Broadcasting Station Z.B.W. taste in literature or anything of "Our Fathers," by Alan Bott, who support and co-operation of the Hon. on a wavelengh of 355 metres:- that kind; I am simply saying that has plundered the illustrated Treasurer and members of the Com. it likes books, must have them, and weeklies between 1870 and 1900mittee, particularly Dr., Samy and Boris Godounow (Moussorgsky)— so is prepared to spend money on for drawings to illustrate every Yeo, and Mr. W. Hall, who was the them even when money is anything phase of English life. His intro- first Hon. Secretary. Mr. Hall but plentiful.
ductory remarks to each section was compelled to resign his post on Aloreover, I believe that, in spite are both gay and judicious, and account of poor health, but before 5.18-5.39 p.m.Orchestral. of counter attractions to books and his book deserves all the success his resignation he did yeoman ser-Spanish Dance fa G Minor bookishness-the films( radio, cars, it appears to be having.
vice for the Association. "We (Moszkowski), and such habits as hiking the sen- For any ex-soldier who knows a hope that his recovery will be Bolero In D Major (Moszkowski), sible reading public la growing all good drawing when he sees ons I rapid."
Victor Concert Orchestra (22769) Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of New York directed by Willem Mengelberg (1436-6).
5-5.18 p.m.
Revolutionary Scene,
Chorus & Symphony Orch. conducted by Albert:
Coates (9507-8).
'IN CHINA MAIL:
Social Functions. To-day Tea Dance at Hong Kong Hotel and King's Restaurant; Dinner Dances at King's Restau- ant, and Hong Kong and Peninsula Hotels..
..
To-morrow-Tea Dances at Hong Dinner Dances at King's Restaur Kong Hotel and King's Restaurant;}
ant, and Peninsula Hotel.
EntertainmenR. - Today King's Theatre; "Bad Girl"
To-day — Queon's " Theatre;
5.39-6,09 p.m. Children's ConThe Lady Refuses."
6.09-6.57. p.m.--Variety.
the time. Consider the financial suggest John Rothenstein's "Bri After the reports of the Hon. Alcina Suite (Handel), state of this country during the lasttish Artists and the War," contain- Secretary and Hon. Treasurer had few years, and then consider the ing sixty-four excellent plates of been presented and adopted, the turnover in books during this same representative war pictures and office-bearers for the year were period. That books should have drawings and a long introduction elected as under:-- been produced and sold in such by John Rothenstein that seems to Mr. H. Hong Sling, M.A., Chair-cert from the Studio. quantities is an astonishing fact. me ua sound a piece of general art man; Dr. K. C. Yeo, M.D., B.S.,
What would happen if we had a criticism as I have read for some D.P.HI. (Captab.), D. T. M. and H. Chorus really prosperous time again? time. Then, as odd and unclassif- (Eng.), vice-chairman; Mr. Chung Oh Lucindy, Would there be a sudden tremend-able books, if they are well done, Hok-hang, B.A., honorary Becre- Ol' Man River, ous boom in books? Or would usually make good presents, heretary: Mr. R. C. H. Him, BA, Band people finding their pockets fled are two of this Autumn's best; LL.B., Honorary Treasurer. Those with loose silver, buy no more "Dinner With James," by Rose elected to form the general com- books than they do now but simply Henniker-Heaton, who mixes gas mittee were Mr. Kwong Sik- spend their money in other, more tronomy and easy witty talk inakwong, B.A., Dr. D. K. Samy, M.D., extravagant, and less satisfactory manner that would have delighted E.S., L.M. (Dub), Mr. H. Braga, ways? I do not know. Neither Peacock; and Walter Wilkinson's B.Sc. (Eng.), Dr. Ozorio, M.B., do you.
Nobody, it seems, can "Puppets in Yorkshire," an account B.S., L.M.S.H. Mr. X. V. Gittins, answer these, or any other ques- of that delightful puppet master's B.A., Mr. Li King-hong, B.A., Miss tions about people, any more. travels in the North and a glimpse Pan, B.A. There has been as hig a slump in of the real England that most no
City Headquarters: prophecy ne
in any velists never seem to find. -
A suggestion that the Association other trade, has been And here are some of the chil- should have a central headquarter
Bloful Excitement.
dren's books that will find their was agreed to, and it was decided to One reason why more and more way to the nursery here. First, rent a small place in the central books are being bought and read the new edition of Kenneth Gra district.
is that there has been, in our time, hame's immortal Wind In the
a marked decline in the number Willows," with E. H. Shepard'al
parents, guardians and the like Illustrations. What a pair! What HARMSTON'S CIRCUS. of those persons in authority- & book! Then The Spider's
The Ravellers (21241). Old Glory Triumphal March, Gentry's Triumphal March,
Ringling Brothers & Barnum, & Balley's Band (22871). He's so Unusual, Song-
ra do Anything for You,
Helen Kane (Comedienne) ****)(22080).
Accordion Solo
Over the Waves, Danube Waves
Down Around the Cornery"
Pietro (V-77). Song by the Railroad Track,
Frank Crumit (Comedian) (22423), Organ Solo v
"Just a Night, for Meditation,
Roses of Yesterday,
Jesse Crawford (21713). Song
Called. Love! What Is This Thing The Moon is Low, Alig 6.57-8 pm A Concert,
Frank Luther, Tenor (22330).
Polish Danes (Scharwenka),
«Hans Barth (20203);
who considered reading a fantastic Palace," by Richard, Hughes, who and rather disreputable way of can be both grim and Grimmat Harmston's Circus last night
There was another crowded tent spending time. "Reading, read. And, another immortal volume, the the third night. The performers Plano Solo Ing, reading they used to cry edition of "Griram's Fairy Tales wer scornfully Always got your nose illustrated by Arthur Rackham,
in, great form, and C. Frank; stuck in a book! book so good that very few nur with is Intricate turn. At Partins (Pete
the ontortionist, again delighted This attitude produced in its series can live up to it.. Oura victims, mist admit, a certain can't, but they shall have t
family gained much
Today Central Thestra;| "Beyond Victory,"
To-day Mafestle Theatre:
"The Border Legion."
Today - Star "Splintera,"
Theatro:
To-day-Harmaton's Circus, op posite Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon,
Home Malls. T To-morrowOutward for Europe via Siberia (Naldera), 8.30 am.
Meeting ARA Monday R.A.0.B. Club's amual general meeting, Club Room, 6 p.m.
(Kurues)...John Kurucz (V-12),
Chorus
Sylvia (Speakes-Gaines), Autumn Soa (Baker-Gericke),
Associated Glee Clubs of America (85776)
Violincello Bowl oper
VaMazurka
Musette. (Bach-Pollain),
Pablo
(1849) Casais Bong
hera My Caravan Has Rosted. (Teschamacher Loht),
Lambert: Murphy. (Teno
kan Bolo
meref' (Schumann
Edwin H. Lemare" (25868
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Call and hear them at — The Anderson Music Co., Ltd.
Ice House Street.
Tel. 21322.
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Easily fitted into the of any bottle by means of a tapered cork.
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Where SIMPLEX" Bottle Taps have been installed their initial cost has been saved within a month.
Solo Agenta:
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Telephons 20075.
Ice House Struct.
RED HORSE
Frede
"CIGARET
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Virginia Cigarette-de-luze imported fresh
from London se
LLOYDS'
RED HORSE
CORK TIPPED.
75cts, per tin of 50's.
TABAQUERIA FILIPINA
26, Queen's Road C.
King George V
It Speaks for
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ASOUND PRODUCTION
THE DISTILLERS HORNCY LTD- SCOTCH WHISKY DISTILLERS
VO EDINBURGH, IEE
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