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Home , David Eggleton, Niel Wright

. . . Poetry Notes

Winter 2014 Volume 5, Issue 2

ISSN 1179-7681 Quarterly Newsletter of PANZA

based on his Diary is given in the Inside this Issue Welcome Bouzaid Family History (1993) by Tony Bouzaid (pages 12-18). While the Hello and welcome to issue 18 of summary gives the facts, it of course Welcome Poetry Notes, the newsletter of PANZA, does not reflect the attitudes of the 1 the newly formed Poetry Archive of Diary. Niel Wright on George Aotearoa. The two documents provide much Bouzaid (1856-1933) Poetry Notes will be published quarterly information about the family’s activities and will include information about in Aotearoa. But I want here to discuss Classic New Zealand goings on at the Archive, articles on George Bouzaid’s Diary from one angle poetry by Jim Tocker historical New Zealand poets of interest, only. I draw attention to George 4 occasional poems by invited poets and a Bouzaid’s Diary and these specific Comment on business record of recently received donations to remarks as relevant evidence. poetry in New Zealand the Archive. George Bouzaid came from a society 6 Articles and poems are copyright in the (rural Lebanon) where family and social Manchester United vs names of the individual authors. ties were strong. What he found in 8 Auckland 1967 in verse The newsletter will be available for free Aotearoa he describes as much download from the Poetry Archive’s different. But what he says about it is Bibliography of Ellesmere website: perceptive and perhaps revelatory 9 Guardian verse 1921-22 though brief. I don’t wish to put my http://poetryarchivenz.wordpress.com interpretation on what he observed and New publication: Fallen described, though that would be 12 Grace by MaryJane possible of course. Thomson Niel Wright on George The passage in question appears on Tribute to Hilary Baxter Bouzaid page 46 of the Diary of George (1949-2013) Bouzaid. He is describing conditions 13 around Wellington in the 1880s, when he was peddling goods from village to Further comment on Wellington poet, publisher and literary village: Donald H Lea 14 critic Niel Wright discusses the translated diary of Lebanese immigrant I was on my own in those places with Donate to PANZA through to New Zealand, George Bouzaid, who no one to chat with; neither a relative PayPal also wrote poetry in Arabic. nor one from my home country. The people in this country are European Recently received George Bouzaid was the patriarch of the and like to be left alone; even if one donations Aotearoa family of Bouzaids. He wanted to talk to them they would immigrated to Aotearoa towards the end th converse only with whatever is About the Poetry Archive of the 19 century and over time necessary to say, as everyone is busy brought out many of his kin from his doing his own thing. If he is delayed a PANZA and their homeland Lebanon. Besides little this delay would affect his 1 Woburn Road the Diary of George Bouzaid the family situation, and most people get their Northland has also published a Family History. A money by working hard for it. Those Wellington 6012 summary of the life of George Bouzaid who have property can live on what

...... Winter 2014 the land will give them, but those who shunning public exposure while being a apocalytism, but – the point I wish to do not own land have to work hard for prolific author and publisher on the QT. make – they are in effect identical with a living, and when they finish their I have reread (1997) the Diary of those presented by John Liddell Kelly in work they would go to their dwellings George Bouzaid from page 59 to the his booklets The Last Days (serialised in and read a newspaper or a book, as end, and I have been further impressed a newspaper and published in a booklet they are not interested in talking to how fine a literary work the Diary is in 1913) regarding the same events in anyone. (Translated from the and how revelatory of the ethos of the Middle East in the last 1890s. I have colloquial Arabic of George Bouzaid migration. since reprinted Kelly’s booklet in my by Suzanne Nesbitt.) Also in my review of the Diary of book Heine and the Apocalypse. George Bouzaid I refer to mumbo J L Kelly was a Scotsman, a journalist, That is an honest, accurate and jumbo offered by George Bouzaid’s newspaper proprietor and editor in percipient description of New uncle as advice in a crisis. The passage Aotearoa in the 1870s and thereafter, a Zealanders in the 1890s. So what is is in the Diary as pages 101-104. On poet and literary critic, dying in 1925. going on? I will offer a very wild second reading, I am inclined to view Yet he shares the same general views as speculation. the uncle’s comments with much more El-Hajj Elias. Kelly is correctly R G Collingwood in his History of sympathy. identified as a British Israelite. Roman Britain notes that Celtic culture In effect the Lebanese of the late 19th was submerged under Mediterranean century saw and believed that the culture during the Roman occupation of Ottoman Empire was about to collapse, The Diary Of George Bouzaid Britain, but resurfaced following the and hoped that a European power would (autobiography) withdrawal of the Romans. It has to be take over in Lebanon (as the French did supposed then that Celtic culture went in 1923). My copy was given to me by a underground in Britain for three or four But what I see as particularly significant grandson, Tony Bouzaid. The review on centuries. What is the social mechanism is that George Bouzaid’s uncle (an page 121 by Archimandrite Boutros for this process? Aotearoa resident at the time) saw the Abu Zaid is fair enough. George What I suspect is that we see in current events of the 1890s in the Bouzaid’s writing is distinguished by Aotearoa a similar process, whereby a Middle East in apocalyptic terms. He his trust in providence, and his filial popular culture is submerged beneath an wrote to George Bouzaid (page 103): piety. But the Archimandrite misses the official culture. Indeed I see the popular literary quality of the work, which was culture as what I call Peripheral I say to you that the measure of the written in Arabic and translated in 1991 Civilisation and the official culture as Turks has overflowed, and their in a way that preserves some Arabic as the tail end of what I call the old offences have multiplies, and this is a opposed to English idioms. (A few Western Civilisation. sign of their departure. The Greeks words are misused, such as ‘begot’ for In the case of Aotearoa the mechanism would then take power, as this was ‘befall’. These should be corrected. by which the Peripheral Civilisation previously their land. When power There are very few misprints.) survives underground is what might goes from the hands of the Turks to For an autobiography, the book is look like social atomisation: the the Greeks and they become rulers, surprisingly indifferent to domestic individuals appearing untalkative and and when the truth appears and the concerns. George does make his home-loving and pursuing their interests discord appears with the rest of the relations to his father, his uncle and his in private. That is what in fact I think kingdoms, you must know that this is brother central to his narrative, and he was going on. the beginning of the Day of does refer to many relatives and In my book Eeyore’s Defence Resurrection. I believe that, no matter acquaintances. But the book is really Concerning Certain Matters Volume 2 what, our country shall improve about his experience as a migrant and I discuss at length the contrast in before the return of our Saviour and marginally as a tourist. Aotearoa of pseudo intellectualism (ie will thrive and prosper as it has been The book was written apparently about the tail end of the old Western when He first came. (Translated from 1906, at least the narrative ends at that Civilisation) in public and the colloquial Arabic of George date, and seems to represent the intellectualism (ie the Peripheral Bouzaid by Suzanne Nesbitt.) culmination if not resolution of a Civilisation) in private. midlife crisis (that being his 50th year). The truth of the matter is that this This is a passage from a letter written The book is printed on A4 paper, so dichotomy seems characteristic of much on 17 December 1897 from Reefton on would run to about 250 pages A5. It is intellectual life in Aotearoa. Many of the West Coast of Aotearoa by an therefore quite a substantial work. It is the literary writers present themselves elderly (Maronite Christian) Lebanese however in structure slight and as totally alienated from the official El-Hajj Elias. (In those days Lebanese economical. It is essentially The Four society: and Sylvia Ashton- were known in Aotearoa as Arabs and Voyages of Sinbad. George takes a Warner are prime examples. As I have in the Middle East as Syrians.) tourist’s interest in the Middle East and noted I am also an example, deliberately The views that El-Hajj expresses not Australasia and points between. He also only agree comfortably with my own remarks and records certain practical

2 ...... Poetry Archive issues. There is an awareness that the disjointed and casual. Pressed by his approval, but bad luck still dogs him. In Turkish domination of Syria must father to return to Lebanon with his Sydney and Wellington things are no shortly conclude. The uncle suggests family, he sets out, only to turn back on way so paradisal as in the Australian that the Greeks will take charge of the insufficient grounds. He then feels outback. No longer do effective Levant once more. George believes guilty, and seeks counsel from his uncle benefactors save George’s bacon. European suzerainty would serve the how to overcome depression into which Lebanon can be idealised as the most region best. George is aware that the he descends. His uncle responds with wonderful land, the apple of God’s eye, Levant (Palestine and Syria including mumbo jumbo (in effect), which George but George nevertheless brings more of Lebanon) is holy territory so dear to his cannot bring himself to apply in his kin away with him to the Antipodes. heart. But he contrasts the holy land practice. In the end George has to come I have dwelt on the parts of this book in seen as the world’s middle region with to terms with being an emigrant, though order to bring out the sureness and Australasia seen as the ends of the earth, he never manages to be honest with subtlety of George Bouzaid’s treatment a contrast much to the advantage of himself about this. of his theme. But in fact the parts are Australasia. So in effect George tells three quite integrated into a whole and belong with The essential concern of George different stories that bear on his that whole. The book works overall, the Bouzaid is migration from the Middle problem. parts are better for the framework in East to Australasia. He addresses the George travels in the era before which they repose. This is a brilliant bit reasons for his reluctance to migrate and passports. Port Said is the focal point of of story-telling. It owes something to for his compulsion to do so. The midlife opportunity. He makes his way across Sinbad the Sailor and the Arabic stories crisis which overtakes George is faced the world as a typical Lebanese pedlar generally. It also owes much to The in terms of this migration. The crisis is in effect. He is driven to seek a better Bible, particularly the Book of Genesis. brought to a head by the death of socio-political environment for his A couple of passages that deserve note George’s father of something like a extended family. It is within his reach, are the account of hashish users in broken heart arising from the death of a but can only be grasped at the cost of Alexandria and the characterisation of son and the emigration of other family breaking up the traditional culture of his New Zealanders as untalkative and members. George believes he sinned family. His family is forced to migrate home-loving (page 46). whenever he goes against his father’s maugre the cost in the end. wishes, as he does in travelling abroad The trip to Alexandria is quite Bibliographical Note and in failing to keep promises to return moralistic. Because George has failed to Since I have drawn attention to the to Lebanon. The book is definitely get his parents’ approval, he suffers Diary of George Bouzaid, here is some structured around this problem. It misfortune. The narrative draws a bibliographical information. begins with a rapturous idealisation of grossly negative picture of the Middle Diary of George Bouzaid by George Lebanon. It end’s with George’s final East as a violent, unsalubrious region. It Bouzaid, 1856-1933. Wellington, NZ; departure from Lebanon (taking with couldn’t be painted in harsher tones. In Bouzaid Family Reunion Committee, him further family members). fact, in the year 1875 the actual political c1992, 122p, 3p of plates; illustrations; George writes with considerable flair as conditions are relatively good. They facsimile; genealogical tables; map; a storyteller. He does not give a become much worse thereafter down till 30cm. “Translated into English from a chronicle of his own life and today. George is fortunate in finding a handwritten book of Arabic…by experience. He omits detail that would generous benefactor without whose care Suzanne Nesbitt.” merely be repetitive, and he he would not have survived this trip. Libraries known to hold copies of the concentrates on three key episodes. So George’s first trip to Australia has his published book are: he is a story teller working within a father’s blessing and the trip is  National Library of NZ; clear structure with intent to address a consistently fortunate. The story George  Alexander Turnbull Library; clear problem. tells is at pains to show how law-  Auckland Public Library; The first episode, the finest in the book, abiding and generous to outsiders the  University of Canterbury tells how George in 1875 at the age of Australians are. This deliberately Library; 19 made a trip to Alexandria, deceitfully contrasts with the situation in the  Hocken Library, ; without advising his parents what he Middle East. One can challenge the  Victoria University Library, was up to. He makes a startlingly good moralism, but George has the facts to Wellington. story of it. prove his points. Aussies are as he I (Niel Wright) also have a copy, but I The second episode narrates a series of depicts them, believe it or not. do not currently have authority to adventures in the Australian outback, Emigration to New Zealand (the third republish. and contains some powerful if story) brings heartbreak to George’s The original Arabic manuscript plus the subliminal eroticism. This episode is father and breakdown to George himself translator’s transcript are held in the well managed. in effect. He has a certain amount of Archive Section of the Alexander The third episode tells how George commercial bad luck. The simple Turnbull Library, Wellington. suffered a breakdown in midlife. The moralism of the first two stories will not narrative is complete, but somewhat stand up. He has won his father’s

...... 3 Winter 2014 myself among the names to make the ‘The Lay of the Last Mountain’ in the Classic New Zealand list more complete. I was the regular Canterbury Mountaineer, 1988, No. 54. poetry wicketkeeper for about 20 years until Tocker’s burial in 2008 was cremation the mid ’70s and also a top-order left- aged 87 years. hand batsman. I always enjoyed my Peg Tocker donated copies of Jim’s This issue’s classic New Zealand poetry cricket fully, not only for the game songbook to PANZA and the NZ Cricket is by the late poet James but for the companionship of many Museum via Mark Pirie in 2010. (Jim) McCallum Tocker (30 November fine people. It may encourage Libraries in New Zealand also hold 1920-3 May 2008). younger players to know that I copies from the author. Tocker was a Canterbury chartered reached my batting peak at age 42, accountant with Nicholls, North and when I scored my only two centuries Nicholls and was prominent in business on successive Saturdays. Jim Tocker circles in Christchurch. As a former secretary of the New Zealand Society of During his Old Collegians’ playing days MY HOMELAND Accountants, he lived in Wellington, (1954-83), his President’s team won their 1947-53, before returning to his old firm grade once in 1964. Land of lake and mountain peak, in Christchurch where he started his Some of Tocker’s songs were Bellbirds by the forest creek – career before the Second World War. anthologised in the anthology A Tingling Here I find the peace I seek. From 1969-70, Tocker was President of Catch: A Century of New Zealand New Zealand is my home. the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce Cricket Poems 1864-2009 (2010). They (Building Mainland Business, 2009). In also received some recognition through Brown men found it long ago. 1980 he was made a Life Member of the overseas performance. With names and Canoes they came in, long and low. Chamber and in 1991 he was made a places slightly altered, Sir Frank Here their sons could live and grow, Life Member of the Chamber of Callaway, retired Professor of Music at Here they made their home. Commerce & International Trade the University of Western Australia, (Canterbury). arranged Tocker’s songs for professional Ages later white men came, Tocker’s own father, Professor Albert singers and performed them at a Western Seeking fortune, farm or fame. Hamilton Tocker (CBE 1952), was Australian Taverners dinner. They set out the land to tame, heavily involved with the Chamber of PapersPast searches at the National Here they tilled the loam. Commerce too as a former President. Library of NZ show that Tocker trained Tocker senior edited the Chamber’s as a pilot officer in the RNZAF during Brown and white are one today, Economic Bulletin for more than 25 WWII as well as being a promising Whether working or at play. years and was Professor of Economics at cricketer. Tocker completed his air force That is why I’ll always stay – Canterbury University College from training at Wigram in 1941. As a young I’ll no longer roam. 1924-49. man, he played for the Canterbury Colts Jim Tocker published his verses in the vs Ellesmere in October 1939. He passed Land of sheep and cattle sleek, form of song lyrics. They are in rhyme Accountancy at Auckland University Land for both the strong and weak – and metre using traditional forms. His College in 1942, while in service. He had Here I find the peace I seek. only lyric book Songs of a Cricketer (a commenced his commerce studies at New Zealand is my home. songbook consisting of cricket songs, Canterbury University College in 1937. prose, cricket verses and a few non- His early education was at Elmwood 1973 cricketing verses) ran in to several small School and Christchurch College. run editions in 1983, 1991 and 1999. Tocker’s funeral notice in The Press AFRICA The non-cricketing verses indicate he gives him as ‘RNZAF Flt Lieutenant Reg travelled abroad regularly to places like # 412765’. He served in the Pacific, To Africa we’re going the UK, Nepal and Africa. documented in his Press obituary by To see the rolling plains, The book was mainly for fellow club Mike Crean on 31 May 2008 and in his Where animals are growing members of the Old Collegians’ Club in non-fiction book, Not So Pacific. In the tropic sun and rains. Christchurch and the songs (set to Tocker married Dorothy (Peg) Margaret popular tunes) performed at club Warren in 1945 and lived in the suburbs The wildebeests migrating evenings/functions with the aid of a team of Riccarton and Fendalton after the war. In thousands shall we see. choir, which included three choristers of The couple had four children. Together we’ll be waiting the Christchurch Royal Musical Society. Jim’s other interests included skiing and To watch them running free. Tocker includes a brief note on himself mountaineering, and in his youth, he was during a run-down on his own club team: a boxing champion at Christ’s College. I’d like to be a leopard He was a member of the Canterbury Sitting in a tree, J.M. (Jim) Tocker (mid ’50s to 1980s Mountain Club and published a song While antelopes intrepid – chartered accountant). I include Passed right under me. 4 ...... Poetry Archive I think I am a lion, I must go up to the snow again, for the Ask Deloittes to do it cheaper Stalking in the grass. call of the mountain crest We hear Peats are often steeper Without a sound I’ll spy on In a bold call and a clear call that will not We don’t want to get in deeper – The zebras as they pass. let me rest, Down with auditors. And all I ask is a friendly wave from A lion’s often lazy, gunners flashing by (Sung at the summer conference of the Eating only twice a week. To take the face in a short-swing run that Institute of Chartered Accountants in I’m sure I would be crazy makes the powder fly. England and Wales at Cambridge A life like his to seek. University, July 1981) I must go upward to ski again, for a last Giraffes grow past the ceiling. run down the gut They eat the tallest trees. In the creeping dark and the deadly cold, THE HAT TRICK I wonder how they’re feeling to drop to the forest hut, Way up there in the breeze. And all I ask is a beechwood fire and a Our spinner bowled three Sydenham dish of piping stew, men We may find a tiny dik-dik And a sleeping bag that’s warm and snug With three consecutive balls. Concealed in grass knee-high. to dream of mountains new. He led us to an outright then He’ll flit away so quick-quick And a place in famous halls. As silent as a sigh. 1975 And if he never plays again Or if the sideline calls, There’s a dark shape in the river, He can say “I bowled three Sydenham As big as half a bus. DOWN WITH AUDITORS men It makes the surface quiver – With three consecutive balls”. It’s a hippopotamus! Music: ‘Men of Harlech’ For it’s his forte on a shiny day with An elephant enormous With our balance almost over three consecutive balls – Is pulling down a tree. We should really be in clover – Yes – to hear the crack as the stumps go Perhaps he will inform us Profits up from here to Dover – back with three consecutive balls. How his trunk can get his tea. But there is a snag. 1972 You’ll never see him scurry – Auditors will bring a team up. He just ambles to and fro. They will have a head of steam up. *After English cricket poet Norman He never seems to hurry What new questions will they dream up Gale’s ‘The Church Cricketant Here on But he’s gone before you know. Just to be a nag? Turf’

A camel is so lumpy. They will be ticking – He struts across the sand. On us they’ll be picking His burden makes him grumpy Before they go, for all we know From here to Samarkand. A dagger in our back they will be sticking. And now at home I’m sinking In an armchair after tea. Must we really have an audit Of Africa I’m thinking When we know we can’t afford it? And its animals are free. If you scrap it we’ll applaud it – Down with auditors. 1983 Every year they bring new crazes. They ask questions that amaze us. SKI FEVER They can go to crimson blazes – Down with auditors. I must go upward to ski again, to the open snow and the sky, Watch the men from Coopers And all I ask is a pair of boards and a They’re the super-snoopers. slope of powder dry, A Prices bunch (at least till lunch) And the tow’s hum and the snow’s Will shake our office out like stormy schuss and the keas’ harsh crying, troopers. And the bright sun on the snow’s face Jim Tocker, 1941 and the bright clothes flying.

...... 5 Winter 2014 had a good turn of wit. There was, in the Highlights’ (2001) about Photoshop Comment on business early 1960s, a resident poet at the software come to mind. and poetry Mercantile Gazette called Cyclops, and David Eggleton have appeared on TV his and various other anonymous verses ads and New Zealand poets have read were published, including Cyclops’ for the Saatchi and Saatchi agency BUSINESS POETRY IN NEW series of advice verses from father to recently. Leigh Davis’s Willy’s Gazette ZEALAND by Mark Pirie son on what not to be: ie don’t be a in the 1980s and his poetry-art owe farmer and don’t be a plumber. Cyclops something to commercial practices. We think it proper to chastise was a popular versifier who kept in Small boys who tell Outrageous Lies; touch with the everyman’s thoughts. His But bigger boys earn fame and fees poems include ‘The Well Bred Man’ In Advertising Agencies. and ‘The Stranger and the City’, two - Sisyphus, Mercantile Gazette, satires on New Zealand life published in 27 March 1963 the early 1960s. An example of the Mercantile Gazette’s anonymous verse While researching family history to do is ‘Giving ’Em Beans’, a satire on with my grandfather’s business career, I import licensing in New Zealand. came across various examples of New Other business verse in New Zealand Zealand business poetry. It’s a genre of history might include competitions like New Zealand poetry that you won’t find the Ellesmere Guardian’s 1921 rhyming mentioned in our academic histories yet competition for Bernard Brown’s there seems to be a fair amount of this grocery store, or the short rhyme verse published. competitions (The Guinea Poem) It’s worth recording that the regularly held to find rhymes to Boothmac ad, 1940s, from NZ Farmer Accountants’ Journal in New Zealand advertise various products in early New and the Mercantile Gazette of New Zealand newspapers, e.g. Woods’ Great To conclude, here are some examples of Zealand were publishers of local and Peppermint Cure, Flag Brand Pickles, business verse in New Zealand: overseas verse and prose humour. In a Puritan or Sapon for the tub, or Zolak, previous issue of Poetry Notes, Summer the Great French Skin Food. These 2013, Volume 4, Issue 1, we noted that prize-winning verses were usually four- Anon the New Zealand Engineer in Auckland line poems printed on a Saturday. Then was also a publisher of local verse. It’s there are poets like R D Brown, the “GIVING ’EM BEANS” fair to say that a number of our Hastings accountant-poet, Len du professional trade journals from the Chateau and John Ansell (who wrote (The U.S.S. Co. vessels—Karamu, 1960s and dating back to the turn of the Kowhai, Komata, Karitane, Kaitawa, th advertising copy). Ansell’s poems 20 century may have published verse (using the word ‘Shell’, then New Konini and Karamiro—were tied up in at various times dependant upon the Zealand cricket’s sponsor) were ads for Auckland through the refusal of crews enthusiasm of their individual Radio NZ Sport in 1992 and cast to sail before new coffee percolators columnists and editors, who were presenter Jim Hopkins as the voice. Len were fitted in messrooms.) looking for something to entertain their du Chateau was a partner in an readers and subscribers with. advertising agency that he wrote for. “We must have percolators The December 1962 Christmas issue of My own grandfather’s agricultural For the coffee in our mess.” the Accountants’ Journal for example implement firm Booth, MacDonald & The Spartan Crews in Auckland loudly includes business verse on the subject of Co Ltd used rhymes in their advertising cried. accounting, and another earlier issue in in the 1940s: ‘North. South. East or “We like our coffee hot February 1961 includes a local West a BOOTHMAC WINDMILL is And we like our coffee fresh Canterbury accountant-poet’s song done the BEST’. For stormy seas our ships are wont to to the tune of English entertainer Lonnie These are just a few of the poets ride. Donegan’s ‘My Old Man’s a Dustman’, operating in this mostly unrecognised a popular hit of 1960. (It’s plausible that genre in New Zealand literary history. “We like to see our coffee this was an early song in verse by Jim I’m sure there are plenty more New Well-ground inside the glass Tocker, the Christchurch accountant- Zealand poets dating back to the 1900s And hear the upward gurgle of the poet featured in this issue.) who have written commercial jingles, brown. Elsewhere the Mercantile Gazette had a advertising copy or used commercial We like to sit and watch regular columnist called Sisyphus who signs, computer software products, As the top fills slowly up began his articles with an epigram or technology and sponsors in their verse. And then comes slowly drip, drip, clerihew. Usually these were trite or Robert J Pope’s ‘The Stricken dripping down. scribbled in a hurry but occasionally he Advertiser’ (1940s) or my own ‘The

6 ...... Poetry Archive “Why should we just have tea A machine before me stood, one said: So, as the poet Goethe said, Or cocoa, milk or beer? “Debits are black and credits are red.” “I tell how well a man is bred Instead of rich brown coffee from Brazil I pressed the buttons, the monster By how a well bled man reacts Or beans from Congo soil groaned. To paying Land and Income Tax.” Six thousand miles away Just then my boy friend telephoned. For fluid that protects us from the chill. Two hours thence the mechanic said, (Mercantile Gazette of New Zealand, “Coo, 10 April 1963) “They say an import licence It won’t even put a journal entry Stops flasks from coming in. through.” We’ve waited – and so many weeks Public Accountants’ Social have passed The auditors were here today. Representatives of the B.M.A., the Let’s hold the ships to ransom, They’ve ticked the books in pink and Canterbury District Law Society, the Push the cost of living up gray. Inland Revenue, and the Christchurch —And see that every K ship’s tied up Our simple system they don’t find City Council were among the guests at fast. So simple to the master mind. the annual social of the Canterbury I heard one say, “Chaos infernal! Public Accountants’ Association held “Four Hundred Pounds is little These blinking entries in the journal!” recently. For each ship’s idle day Doubtless inspired by the presence of Tom Shand and Walsh can’t argue now (Accountants’ Journal, December 1962) the English entertainer Lonnie Donegan for toffee. in New Zealand, a local public The K fleet will remain accountant was moved to express in —And never sail again Cyclops verse his views on current problems of Till percolators percolate our coffee!” his profession. The result was the hit of THE WELL BRED MAN the evening, and by poetic licence is Contributed poem reproduced below: A whimsically inclined reader passed “I tell you how well a man is bred me the preceding piece of doggerel, By what he laughs at,” Goethe said, which may entertain readers this week. With which this low-brow would agree “MY OLD MAN” (Aware of what amuses me) (Mercantile Gazette of New Zealand, But in my brief experience Music: “My Old Man’s a Dustman” 4 April 1962) A better yardstick than a sense Of humour is how one reacts Now here’s a little story To paying Land and Income Tax. To tell it is a ‘must’, Betty Budget About an unsung hero Now there’s a test of character Who tried to earn a crust. THE JOURNAL Which, to the poet’s, I prefer Some people make a fortune, Confronted with a tax demand Working till they’re dead; It’s just a year ago today One man will say “well I’ll be darned” My old man don’t earn much, I joined the firm of Knight and Day. And calmly take his cheque book out In fact he’s in the red. The mysteries of loss and gain As though it were his turn to shout. I dared to probe—alas in vain. “Since income is the test,” he’ll say, Oh, my old man’s profession One thing I’ve learned, a book they call “I wish that I had more to pay.” Is one of which he’s proud, “The Journal” is a cure for all. He keeps accounts for clients Another man will curse and swear Who round about him crowd. A client from a flour mill And literally tear his hair: He wants no fixed employer, A bag of mash forgot to bill. “It’s highway robbery,” he’ll exclaim, The thought it makes him cross, To find the one who’d had it free, “The ruddy welfare State’s to blame. But now he’s just discovered We invoiced six—five sent their fee! They won’t let me depreciate That ev’ryone’s his boss! To fix the cash and make stocks true, My assets at a higher rate We put a journal entry through. And yet unless the tax rates fall His balance sheets are pretty, I’ll have no assets left at all.” They’re typed in red and black. The office boy was loud and brash. If typists make an error, He took ten bob from Petty Cash. While yet another man will curse They’re sure to get the sack. His mother with six children more And well aware it could be worse, He spends such time upon them, Wept and pleaded at the boss’s door. “It could be better,” he will say, It is a proper nark His heart was touched, his nose he blew, Which is of course another way That no-one ever reads them “I’ll put a journal entry through.” Of saying, with a nasty leer, But some assessment clerk! “I’ll beat those so and sos next year.”

...... 7 Winter 2014 Yes, my old man’s quite perky, Michael O’Leary A letter’s made him proud: Manchester United vs It’s from the tax collector, Auckland 1967 in MANCHESTER UNITED VS With praises long and loud. AUCKLAND 1967 The seventh of September, verse It was the final day, In 1967 the football club Manchester My old man got ten per cent United played a game Of his returns away! Against an Auckland Eleven they were expected to tame The income tax assessments And although they did in the end win Are simple as can be, eight goals to one My old man can grasp them Seeing ‘The Beatles’ of the football Just like his ABC. world was great fun His clients understand them, When there’s a credit due. For as a teenager I had always preferred But when there is a Debit!! (frantic the round ball code pause) Rather than the rugger that ‘everybody The air it just turns blue! else’ in New Zealand chose And watching the ‘Beautiful Game’ in The company he’s floated that ‘Summer of Love’ Would nearly fill a book, Brought music and sport together as if The trouble that they cause him to finally prove He really does go crook. His companies get started, That a show in front of more than But you will all agree 26,000 at Carlaw Park My old man does all the work – Watching Soccer could be like a rock The lawyer gets the fee! concert where the spark Of enthusiasm is ignited by an ultimate, Yes, my old man’s profession primal, human desire Is one of which he’s proud, PANZA co-founder Dr Michael To belong, as in olden days when He keeps his wits about him, O’Leary recently contributed his people gathered around a fire Yet mingles with the crowd. drawing of Northern Irish footballer He very often grumbles George Best (above) and a poem on the Thus, the world’s most famous and And threatens something rash, 1967 Manchester United visit to New celebrated sport was seen But still he wouldn’t change his job Zealand to a special football issue of In Auckland at a time of love and music For that of Walter Nash. broadsheet: new new zealand poetry. and the world of dream The issue edited by PANZA member (Accountants’ Journal, February 1961) Mark Pirie comprises a selection of Notes football poetry from 1890-2014, DB NZ Soccer Annual 1975: focusing mainly on New Zealand ‘Manchester United came to New Mark Pirie, author of this article, is a football by New Zealand poets. Zealand, hammered both its opponents New Zealand poet, editor, publisher and Others who’ve contributed include Gary [Auckland 8-1 and NZ 11-0] and archivist for PANZA. Langford, Harry Ricketts, James Brown, introduced soccer supremo George Best John Gallas, John Dickson, Bill to the country. That United team had all O’Reilly, Grant Sullivan, Harvey the stars: Best, Charlton, Law, Stiles, Molloy, Tim Jones, Dylan Groom and Stepney, Aston, Foulkes, Crerand, Kidd Pirie himself. Former New Zealand All … the list seemed endless.’ Charlie White Michael Groom has written the Dempsey was the director of tours for foreword. the NZFA and the AFA. The Night Press, Wellington, has published the special issue to coincide with the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It will be available from May online as a free download pdf as well as in a limited print edition. We reproduce Dr O’Leary’s poem here.

8 ...... Poetry Archive In Roberts’ published memoirs of places ASPHALT. By Conrad Aiken. Bibliography of like the Hurunui, he had a habit of Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian verse editing other poets’ work for inclusion in Issue 5187, 6 July 1921, Page 6. his histories. This suggests he or 1921-1922 Heighton was the poetry editor of the HOME, SUITE HOME. By Paul Hand. poetry columns in the two Canterbury Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, papers in question. Issue 5187, 6 July 1921, Page 6. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF ELLESMERE The interest in verse in the Ellesmere GUARDIAN VERSE 1921-22 Guardian seems to have died away by SOUTH SEA FANCIES. By Judd by Mark Pirie February 1922 after Heighton’s ‘An Mortimer Lewis. Evensong’ appears to have been Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, In 2013, I produced an issue of my reprinted following a misprint in January. Issue 5187, 6 July 1921, Page 6. poetry journal broadsheet: new new Was she the editor? Afterwards, Roberts zealand poetry devoted to the Star poets and H H Heatley (1868?-1946) published SUNSET. By T E L Roberts. of Christchurch, 1922-1926. again in August that year before they Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Some of this group of little known and moved on to the Star where Heighton or Issue 5192, 23 July 1921, Page 5. forgotten Canterbury poets began Roberts had perhaps been made the publishing in the Ellesmere Guardian poetry editor. BETRAYED. By Whitelaw Saunders. from 1921-1922. The following is a bibliography of the Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, The Ellesmere Guardian was published Ellesmere Guardian verse 1921-1922. Issue 5192, 23 July 1921, Page 6. in Southbridge. It commenced from 1880. 1921 August The verse publication in 1921 began through a local competition for short March-April MY HERITAGE. By E W Miles. poems advertising Bernard Brown’s Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, grocery store, which printed results on 12 THE BEST RHYMES. Issue 5195, 3 August 1921, Page 5. and 19 March 1921. The winning verse Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXIV, by T F Owens, of Leeston, was printed Issue 425, 12 March 1921, Page 3. IF I FORGET THEE. By Sarah N on 6 April. Thereafter poems by local Cleghorn. and overseas poets were printed, A POPULAR SONG. By J.O. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, presumably under guidance from a Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XXIV, Issue 5195, 3 August 1921, Page 5. poetry editor and possibly drawing from Issue 427, 19 March 1921, Page 3. an overseas magazine, collection or THE FOREST TREES. By F M anthology such as the Windsor RHYMING COMPETITION. Hallward. Magazine, New York World, and the Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLI, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Courier Journal. Issue 5161, 6 April 1921, Page 3. Issue 5197, 10 August 1921, Page 6. Of these poets, a few are local [given in bold in the bibliography] such as Bessie June “SPRING EVER RETURNING.” L Heighton, T E L Roberts, O.G. of [WWI] Fendalton, J.O. and H H Heatley. Some AUTUMN. By O.G., of Fendalton. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, local verses are printed anonymously. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLI, Issue 5197, 10 August 1921, Page 6. The rest are overseas poets from the UK, Issue 5180, 11 June 1921, Page 4. Australia, India, China and America. UNDER AN UMBRELLA. By Richard Predominantly they are modern, KIDNEY BILL. By T E L Roberts. Atwater. Georgian and Romantic with a few well- Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLI, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, known names like , Issue 5182, 18 June 1921, Page 3. Issue 5201, 24 August 1921, Page 3. Walter de la Mare, John Masefield, Robert Louis Stevenson, Charles TO A SNOWDROP. By William THE PRETTIEST THINGS. By Kingsley, Edna St Vincent Millay and Wordsworth. Camilla Doyle. Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Afterwards, some Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLI, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, of these local Canterbury poets continued Issue 5182, 18 June 1921, Page 3. Issue 5201, 24 August 1921, Page 4. to publish their verse in the Star. It’s thought that T E L Roberts (1873- July THE GOLFER’S DEFIANCE. By 1952) or Bessie L Heighton (1884-1959) James J Montague. may be the editors of the group for both WHEN FATHER TOOK A SPELL. By Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, the Ellesmere Guardian and the Emma Upton Vaughan. Issue 5201, 24 August 1921, Page 6. Christchurch Star. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5187, 6 July 1921, Page 5.

...... 9 Winter 2014 TO MY BRAIN. By Adelaide INVOCATION. October Kennerly. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5207, 14 September 1921, Page 6. DOWNPOUR. By Joseph Auslander. Issue 5201, 24 August 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, WHEN DAISY DANCED. By John Issue 5212, 1 October 1921, Page 5. OFT IN THE STILL-Y NIGHT. By Russell McCarthy Will Leighton. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, THE SONG OF THE SEA. By Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5208, 17 September 1921, Page 5. Kathleen M Grant. Issue 5201, 24 August 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, THE CAR WINDOW CITY. Issue 5212, 1 October 1921, Page 6. LITTLE BOY BLUE. By S Gordon Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Gurwit. Issue 5208, 17 September 1921, Page 6. CURIOUS RHYMES. By Anon. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5202, 27 August 1921, Page 5. I AM WAR. By Alter Brody. Issue 5212, 1 October 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, THE CHANSON OF PONCE DE Issue 5208, 17 September 1921, Page 6. ADVERSARY. By William Rose LEON. By Glenn Cook Morrow. Benet. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, THE GRIP. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5202, 27 August 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5212, 1 October 1921, Page 6. Issue 5208, 17 September 1921, Page 6. TO BACCHUS (FROM A CELLAR). “I WHO LOVE BEAUTY.” By Charles By Richard Atwater. THE VICTORY OF SAMOTHRACE. Hanson Towne. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, By William Gilmer Perry. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5202, 27 August 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5213, 5 October 1921, Page 6. Issue 5208, 17 September 1921, Page 6. MY CREED. By Alice Carey. SUMMER. By Maxwell Struthers Burt. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, IN MEMORIAL. By Virgil Geddes. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5203, 31 August 1921, Page 5. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5213, 5 October 1921, Page 6. Issue 5209, 21 September 1921, Page 6. THE RETURN. THE BUTTERFLY AND THE Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, APRIL. By Harold Vinel. FANTAIL. By H H Heatley. Issue 5203, 31 August 1921, Page 5. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5209, 21 September 1921, Page 6. Issue 5215, 12 October 1921, Page 6. THE BUILDERS. By George Sterling. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, KARMA. TO A CLOUD. By Abigail W. Cresson. Issue 5203, 31 August 1921, Page 5. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5209, 21 September 1921, Page 6. Issue 5215, 12 October 1921, Page 6. THE BUCCANEER’S BRIDE. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, WHO? By Walter de la Mare. THE SUBWAY IS LIT. By Oscar Issue 5203, 31 August 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Williams. Issue 5209, 21 September 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, A BYSTANDER’S VIEW. Issue 5215, 12 October 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, SPRING IS COMING.

Issue 5203, 31 August 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, THE HUNGRY HEART. By Edna St Issue 5209, 21 September 1921, Page 6. Vincent Millay. THESE SHALL PREVAIL. By Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Theodosia Garrison. THE “OLD, OLD SONG.” By Issue 5215, 12 October 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, C Kingsley.

Issue 5205, 7 September 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, GREAT DEEDS. By Marguerite Issue 5211, 28 September 1921, Page 3. Wilkinson. THE SAIL. By Cyril G Taylor. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, TIME’S WAY. By Hortense Flexner. Issue 5216, 15 October 1921, Page 3. Issue 5207, 14 September 1921, Page 3. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII,

Issue 5211, 28 September 1921, Page 6. WATER NOISES. By Elizabeth Madox DREAMS. By Charles McMorris Purdy Roberts. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, WEEPING WILLOW. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5207, 14 September 1921, Page 3. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5216, 15 October 1921, Page 6. Issue 5211, 28 September 1921, Page 6.

10 ...... Poetry Archive MONOCLES By Alfred Kreymborg. THE FUTURE. By Michael Strange. THE MIRROR. By Clinton Scollard. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5217, 19 October 1921, Page 3. Issue 5227, 23 November 1921, Page 3. Issue 5233, 17 December 1921, Page 6.

SPIRIT OF THE TIMES. By Bernard THE WALL BETWEEN. By Katherine LEX. By C T Davis. Raymund. Tynan. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5233, 17 December 1921, Page 6. Issue 5217, 19 October 1921, Page 4. Issue 5227, 23 November 1921, Page 6. THE HUNTER. By Glenway Wescott. THE LINNET. By Walter de la Mare IN AN OLD STREET. By David Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Morton. Issue 5234, 21 December 1921, Page 5. Issue 5217, 19 October 1921, Page 4. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5227, 26 November 1921, Page 3. THE LITTLE ROAD. By Ellen Morrill ADIEU TO THE CITY. By R L Mills. Stevenson. LOST FRIENDSHIP. By Good Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Housekeeping. Issue 5234, 21 December 1921, Page 6. Issue 5218, 22 October 1921, Page 2. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5228, 30 November 1921, Page 6. SECRETS. L’OISEAU BLEU. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, December Issue 5235, 24 December 1921, Page 4. Issue 5218, 22 October 1921, Page 5. A CHILD’S LONE GRAVE. THE POET TO THE BIRDS. By Alice SPRING. By Bessie L Heighton. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Meynell. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5230, 7 December 1921, Page 3. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5219, 26 October 1921, Page 3. Issue 5236, 31 December 1921, Page 5. THE UNRETURNING. By Clinton INDIAN POEMS. By Rabindranath Scollard. A LITTLE CRICKET. Tagore. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5230, 7 December 1921, Page 6. Issue 5236, 31 December 1921, Page 6 Issue 5219, 26 October 1921, Page 3. THE LOST. November Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, 1922 Issue 5231, 10 December 1921, Page 2. SUMMER MAGIC. By Leslie Pinceney January-February Hill. THE ENGINE. By Ella Wheeler Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Wilcox. LAST NIGHT. By Mary Gilmore. Issue 5221, 2 November 1921, Page 3. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5231, 10 December 1921, Page 5. Issue 5237, 4 January 1922, Page 5. A STARLING’S MIMICRY. By T E L Roberts. JAPANESE EXILE’S SONG OF SLEEP SONG. By Mary Gilmore. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, HOME. By Bessie L Heighton. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5222, 5 November 1921, Page 5. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5237, 4 January 1922, Page 6. Issue 5231, 10 December 1921, Page 6. SEAFARERS. WORDS FOR AN OLD AIR. By Sara Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, SCENERY. By Charlotte Becker. Teasdale. Issue 5222, 5 November 1921, Page 6. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5231, 10 December 1921, Page 6. Issue 5237, 4 January 1922, Page 6. SPRING. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, THE PASSING STRANGE. By John ROADS. By Henry Bellamann. Issue 5223, 9 November 1921, Page 6. Masefield. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5237, 4 January 1922, Page 6. NATURE’S MOODS. Issue 5232, 14 December 1921, Page 5. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, WILD ROSES. By Constance Green. Issue 5226, 19 November 1921, Page 6. TO A SKYLARK. By William Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Wordsworth. Issue 5238, 7 January 1922, Page 3. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 5233, 17 December 1921, Page 6...... 11 Winter 2014 APPLE AND ELM. By Carolyn C AN EVENSONG. By Bessie L www.maryjanethomson.com Some of Wilson. Heighton. her poems have been published in Black Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Mail Press. Her first book, a memoir Issue 5238, 7 January 1922, Page 4. Issue 5245, 1 February 1922, Page 5. Sarah Vaughan is Not my Mother (Awa Press, 2013), was one of the year’s best LET US REMEMBER. By Joan Walter August books at Radio NZ and was widely Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, reviewed in New Zealand Issue 5238, 7 January 1922, Page 4. IN SUMMERLAND. papers/magazines. Kim Hill interviewed Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Thomson in 2013. VESTIGIA. By Bliss Carman. Issue 2600, 12 August 1922, Page 5. Thomson’s book comprises a sequence Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, of 24 poems selected and arranged by Issue 5239, 11 January 1922, Page 4. THE PRODIGAL. By H H Heatley. HeadworX editor Mark Pirie. These Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, form a selection of her latest poems. HARBOUR TALK. By David Morton. Issue 2602, 19 August 1922, Page 5. The poems, thought provoking and Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, powerful, bristle with energy and Issue 5241, 18 January 1922, Page 6. TULLY AND THE BOAR. By T E L evocative lines, richly layered. Roberts. Thomson works by the process of SEE-SAW. Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, thought construction, often using Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Issue 2603, 23 August 1922, Page 5. opposite images juxtaposed to build her Issue 5241, 18 January 1922, Page 6. poems. She offers an original insight in to society. CHINESE POEMS OF J. WING. New publication: Auckland poet Riemke Ensing has Translated by E Powys Mathers. written on Thomson’s Fallen Grace: Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Fallen Grace by “And then suddenly, something very Issue 5242, 21 January 1922, Page 5. different to what you might have MaryJane Thomson expected, is sent in the mail, and you’re SONG OF GLEE. By Bessie L caught unaware by what you might call Heighton. the music of the street - a voice looking Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, for a lost self, trying to make sense of Issue 5242, 21 January 1922, Page 5. the world – personally and politically. A questioning voice that feels A PICTURE. By Marion Couthouy marginalized and frequently alienated Smith. from much of the material world as we Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, know it, but not necessarily wanting Issue 5242, 21 January 1922, Page 6. company either. It’s a voice looking for direction, wanting freedom from PLEASE. By Dorothy Butts. restraint, yet resorting (at times) to Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, rhyme – wanting to hold on to the Issue 5243, 25 January 1922, Page 6. familiar without being enslaved. It’s an agitated voice, restless, anxious about HIGH MOUNTAINS. By Frank Earnest conformity, about being ‘swallowed’ Hill. into commonality. Sometimes a sense of Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, panic pervades, fear of being self- Issue 5243, 25 January 1922, Page 5. centered, ‘looking out from within … / your brain the flame’ but in the end, the AN EVENSONG. By Bessie L influence that operates is grace – ‘the Heighton. gold in the grey is hopeful’ and ‘the Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, light comes in’.” Issue 5244, 28 January 1922, Page 4. The Night Press (a division of Thomson’s book will be released in July HeadworX Publishers run by PANZA this year in a limited print run and will MY ROOM. By J F Courage. member Mark Pirie) in Wellington, be made available as a viewable pdf and Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, New Zealand, which publishes high free download from The Night Press Issue 5244, 28 January 1922, Page 6. quality limited edition booklets, has website released the debut collection of poems http://broadsheetnz.wordpress.com/ INTERIM. By Leslie Nelson Jennings. by MaryJane Thomson. other-publications/ Ellesmere Guardian, Volume XLIII, Thomson is an artist, writer and or fromMark Pirie’s website under Issue 5244, 28 January 1922, Page 6. photographer living in Wellington, New EBooks: Zealand. Website: http://www.markpirie.com/ebooks

12 ...... Poetry Archive MaryJane Thomson She had several poems published in Fellow poet and PANZA co-founder Dr university magazines in Dunedin in Michael O’Leary sent in the following LEAVE IT TO THE SUMMER the mid-60s. She sees what she has poem-tribute to Hilary. It’s a moving NIGHT written as recalling many stages of elegy and reflects the aroha that the her life to date; moving out from the author and others that knew her felt Once so grand, oh how you stifle, shadow of her literary background towards her. like summer into autumn, you leave a and parentage: – the writer J C non-resurrecting form of matter, Sturm and the late poet-playwright, Michael O’Leary as winter comes (all thanks) it will be James K Baxter – into her own strewn. creativity. SONNET TO HILARY BAXTER Hilary is descended, through her To assassinate one’s character brings mother, from the Taranaki and Death is so much easier to write about the folly to bloom, Whakatohea tribes and, through her after the fact getting through winter on the whiskers father, from the MacMillans of the It is living and breathing that makes life of a left over fleeting, Western Highlands; she has a strong problematic not like a minute, more like a second, affinity with these ancestral ties. when everything you ever thought Complexity and subtle evocations of our stops. Hilary spent time living in Darwin, fragilities How meanings change, some things just Australia, as well travelling around New The indistinguishable blends of our don’t stay the same. Zealand. She was an ‘occasional writer, interactions labourer and traveller’. In with spring, Hilary Baxter’s The Other Side of Dawn Our loves, whether real or imagined, are you marvel at the wonderment of how appeared in 1987. The Spiral women’s still ours – new life can make you forget, collective published it. The poems show So, Jesus, Mary and Joseph existed you let the dark out, the light comes in, the influence of American minimalist alongside your but you didn’t know you were stuck in and free verse forms of poetry such as night, the Beat Movement of the 1950s that Whānau, both real, yet the unreal was until you got bored of the star light, used Asian forms like Zen haiku and the easier to deal something so bright. I Ching/Book of Changes. Her poems are With for your illness was multi-facetted, notable for their unusual subject matter and held Now you can see the light of dusk, detailing the junkies of Auckland’s the thoughts of autumn have water, Grafton in the ’60s and the insider world Sway over your everyday and eternal bringing you to the depth of of ‘bikie’ gangs in New Zealand. longings, which understanding. Editors Juliet Raven and Jane Bowron, in Your poetry evoked and through which the preface to her book, stated that you sang your Summer comes you acquiesce, ‘Hilary [spoke] for voices that are but the waters so high it gives you fear, seldom heard in our community, “the Humble songs of love and frightful fear to say no running back there. people of the invisible dark”.’ nightmares that rode Through the dark forest of your imagination, and the light Tribute to Of your Lord leading you towards and Hilary Baxter away from the abyss It’s difficult to say, but we all loved you in our own way … The New Zealand poet Hilary Baxter (1949-2013) died late last year. She was Haere ra ki te wāhi rangimarie, e hoa, the daughter of James K Baxter and Jacquie Sturm and had lived for a long nō reira, time among the arts community at Paekakariki. haere, haere, haere Hilary had been writing poems since the ’60s and began writing at age 14. On the back cover of her only published poetry Hilary c1987 collection, The Other Side of Dawn, is the following about Hilary:

...... 13 Winter 2014 from the 19th century to the present Current Friends of PANZA: Paul Further comment on day. Thompson, Gerrard O’Leary, Vaughan Donald H Lea The Archive also contains photos and Rapatahana and the New Zealand paintings of NZ poets, publisher’s Poetry Society. catalogues, poetry ephemera, posters, PANZA has been made aware that the reproductions of book covers and other PANZA is a registered charitable trust World War One digital military memorabilia related to NZ poetry and personnel file for Donald H Lea is now poetry performance. available for download from Archives New Zealand. Wanted Donald H Lea, a Kiwi soldier-poet, was NZ poetry books (old & new) profiled by PANZA member Mark Pirie Other NZ poetry items i.e. critical books in Poetry Notes, Spring 2013, Volume on NZ poetry, anthologies of NZ poetry, 4, Issue 3. poetry periodicals and broadsheets, You can download and find Lea’s poetry event programmes, posters record by going to Archways / Archives and/or prints of NZ poets or their poetry New Zealand and typing in his name books. ‘Donald Henry Lea’. DONT THROW OUT OLD NZ POETRY! SEND IT TO PANZA

PANZA will offer: Donate to PANZA • Copies of NZ poetry books for private research and reading purposes. through PayPal • Historical information for poets, writers, journalists, academics, You can now become a friend of researchers and independent scholars of PANZA or donate cash to help us NZ poetry. continue our work by going to • Photocopying for private research http://pukapukabooks.blogspot.com and purposes. accessing the donate button – any • Books on NZ poetry and literary donation will be acknowledged. history, and CD-ROMs of NZ poetry and literature. • CDs of NZ poets reading their work. You can assist the preservation of NZ Recently received poetry by becoming one of the Friends of the Poetry Archive of New donations Zealand Aotearoa (PANZA ). If you’d like to become a friend or Auckland University Press – 22 titles. business sponsor of PANZA, please contact us. Michael O’Leary – three titles. Contact Details PANZA kindly thanks these donators to Poetry Archive of NZ Aotearoa the archive. (PANZA) 1 Woburn Road, Northland, Wellington Dr Niel Wright - Archivist About the Poetry (04) 475 8042 Dr Michael O’Leary - Archivist Archive (04) 905 7978 email: [email protected]

Poetry Archive of New Zealand Visits welcome by appointment Aotearoa (PANZA) Current PANZA Members: PANZA contains Mark Pirie (HeadworX), Roger Steele (Steele Roberts Ltd), Michael O’Leary A unique Archive of NZ published (Earl of Seacliff Art Workshop) and poetry, with around five thousand titles Niel Wright (Original Books).

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