Transcript for Correspondence from Robin Hyde (Iris Wilkinson) to Mr Reed. 19 March, 1936

RA+M Reed 72/Hyd

The Grey Lodge,
Gladstone Road,
Mount Albert, Auckland.

March 19th 1936.

Dear Mr. Reed,

“A Poor Scholar” came to hand yesterday, and I spent nearly half last night reading it. So
far (and midway through the book,) I am delighted with young “Ponto’s” adventures between
the “Cally” and “Hurzel” - Mr. Allen’s combination of humour and sympathetic
imagination has certainly made Dunedin come alive, and it’s a city I’ve always wanted to
know, and never have but for a bun and a glass of milk on the way to Melbourne. I’ve read all
his other books except “Brown Smock,” and honestly considered as a novel, like “A Poor
Scholar” best. Perhaps the New Zealand settings make for a certain partiality with N.Z.
readers, but it’s such a relief that some human and credible novels of New Zealand are
getting themselves written (and printed!) at last, and I trust that Mr. Allen and your own
firm meet with a thorough success over the book. I’ll be reviewing “A Poor Scholar” for the
2/
W.L. Observer very shortly, and will send you a copy of the issue in which the review
appears.
I enclose a postal order for 7/6’ for my copy of the book - and if the credit of a moderately
honest but irregularly financial journalist is really all right with you, will you send another
copy to this address?
Mrs. G. I. Wilkinson,
92 Northland Road,
Northland, Wellington.
The lady is my mother, and I know she’d like the book. I’ll send the payment within 2 or 3
weeks at the outside.
Sincerely yours,
Iris Wilkinson.