This book, from the pen of Mary Gilmore, who, of course, needs no introduction to Australian readers, is one of recollections. "The writing is so personal," she explains, "that at times it seems almost something of an impertinence to thrust it upon others." Yet, impertinent or not, it is quite acceptable, and, what is more, it is justified by the reason she advances that she has ''the hope that before it is too late it may cause some who are near the passing to look back and remember, and others to gather up and keep that remembering."
Mary Gilmore's opening sentence is captivating, for it contains a wealth of meaning and food for thought. After reading the few words, many there will be who'll stop to remember, and with a sigh probably exclaim, "I know. I know."
"When butter was sixpence a pound children ate dry bread, or bread and dripping," the author wrote.
There is a veritable wealth of reminiscence in "Old Days; Old Ways," and the author, studiously, it seems, refrains from unnecessary elaborating. And all through one feels the presence of the better-known Mary Gilmore, the poet.
("Old Days; Old Ways," by Mary Gilmore, from the publishers. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.)
First published in The Sunday Times (Perth), 8 July 1934
[Thanks to the National Library of Australia's newspaper digitisation project for this piece.]
Mary Gilmore's opening sentence is captivating, for it contains a wealth of meaning and food for thought. After reading the few words, many there will be who'll stop to remember, and with a sigh probably exclaim, "I know. I know."
"When butter was sixpence a pound children ate dry bread, or bread and dripping," the author wrote.
There is a veritable wealth of reminiscence in "Old Days; Old Ways," and the author, studiously, it seems, refrains from unnecessary elaborating. And all through one feels the presence of the better-known Mary Gilmore, the poet.
("Old Days; Old Ways," by Mary Gilmore, from the publishers. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.)
First published in The Sunday Times (Perth), 8 July 1934
[Thanks to the National Library of Australia's newspaper digitisation project for this piece.]
