OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.

"SYDNEY ONCE A WEEK."-It is a neat, well-printed little pamphlet, containing twenty-four pages of reading matter, which consists of short original papers, written in a light free style, and of a few extracts from other publicatious. Its purpurpose is to give its readers "a good sixpennyworth of literary pabulum, composed of ingredients at once sparkling, amusing, and original, and so arranged as to avoid a suspicion of dulness." Taken as a whole, the magazine, which is edited by Mr. C. H. Barlee, is a very creditable production, as well to the publisher as to the authors, and if conducted according to the plan indicated in the few words above quoted, it will be an acceptable addition to our colonial literature.-S. M. Herald.

The Echo says:-It is a very readable publication, and while it cannot aspire to rank as the equal of the most popular English magazines, it deserves to find favour on account of the local interest which attaches to its papers. The original papers, of which there are several, are written in a light, easy style, and with considerable ability. We should like to see the magazine prove to be a success, for the desirableness of building up a respectable colonial literature will hardly be denied by any one and the establishment of a good magazine is one of the means towards that end. The publishers Messrs. Gibbs, Shallard, and Co., are entitled to commendation for the admirable way in which they have got up the magazine.-Echo.

"SYDNEY ONCE A WEEK "-We have just received the eighth number of "Sydney Once a Week," and a rather close inspection of its contents reveals the fact that it is, if anything, an improvement upon its predecessors. The conception of the publication of such a periodical was extremely happy in its characacter, as it gave opportunities for manifestatious of local literary talents of various orders that otherwise might be lost to the general public, and also established a magazine in the colony respectable and worthy of acceptation. The original articles in the present number are agreeably and vigorously written, and the few clippings inserted selected with good taste, while all are neatly and carefully printed and revised. -Echo.

SYDNEY ONCE A WEEK.-This periodical has now reached a tenth issue. The present week's number, in point of literary merit or interesting reading, is in every respect equal to its predecessors. The most interesting topics of the week are written upon in a light, agreeable style, and there are several very readable local sketches.S. M. Herald.

THE SYDNEY "ONCE A WEEK."-This publication, having reached its twelfth issue, may now be looked upon as an established addition to our colonial literature. The public, as well as the proprietary, may be congratulated upon this result. The present number of Once a Week is a fairly average one; and although its contents are not of great variety, yet they furnish interesting and agreeable reading. On this ground, and believing that it has a healthy tendency, we have much pleasure in recommending it and wishing it a successful career.-Echo.

SYDNEY "ONCE A WEEK.-The new number of this capital little serial quite sustains the character of its predecessors. Charley Cornstalk's "Sporting Adventures" and the "Mystery of Wiseman's Ferry" are continued. The Rev. A. W. Petre commences a new story, entitled "Aunt Rebecca's Secret," which promises to be good. There is another article on the Public Health," and a variety of useful and amusing contributions make up a very readable and pleasant number.Echo, April 12.

SYDNEY "ONCE A WEEK." This weekly magazine keeps up the reputation it has earned for itself, as a well printed entertaining serial. The local articles and sketches are good, and there is a large variety of interesting reading matter.S. M. Herald, April 13.

We heartily recommend the magazine to our readers.—Grenfell Record.

The contents of the new venture give promise of a deserved success, should it ever be attained. There is an attractive variety about the articles, and the tastes of every class of readers are consulted. Thus we have a trenchant article, short and pithy, on the political status in quo, a couple of spirited domestic sketches, some comic matter, and some chapters especially intended for boys. Among the last is a scholarly commentary on a passage from the "Paradise Lost"-intended for the use of univercity candidates-a clever set of

recurrent verses in Latin and an enigma in French. The palindrome and enigma are an immense improvement on the foolish anagrams and sphinx-like puzzles which usually fill this department of our current literature, and should commend the production to parents. We hope the new organ will enjoy a longer term of existence than some of its predecessors.—Namoi Independent.

THIS serial contains well written papers and sketches, entitled "The Public Health," "Muff Cricketing," "Best Dog in the colony," and a general summary of the Russo-Turkish War. Altogether Once a Week promises well; and without country readers (who will probably support it best), the 170,000 residents of Sydney should keep it going-but we doubt it. The price is 6d., and the publishing office 279 George-street, Sydney.-Molong Ex

press.

ONCE A WEEK.-This is the title of a new pamphlet, edited by Mr. C. H. Barlee, of Sydney. We have received a copy and were highly amused, as well as entertained with the writings; there is such a versatility about them that all must be pleased. It is notified that a summary of the events of the present war will be given for the accommodation of its readers, and so do away with the tedious task of perusing the complications daily appearing in our metropolitan journals. Among numerous, articles, in various strains, there is a very humorous writing, entitled "My Balloon Adventure; " but to our fancy, the most amusing is one called "The best dog in the colony." There is a very good article termed "Et cetera," which gives an abstract of the events of the week, In next issue a story will be commenced, under the impressive heading of "The Mystery of the Wiseman's Ferry Road." It is a useful, handy little book, and well worth patronage. The price is sixpence.-The Australian.

The Tenterfield Star says:--Besides containing a large amount of current news, it possesses the attraction of affording to its readers much useful and scientific information, combined with well written tales and humourous sketches, and other entertaining matter. The price is sixpence, and this moderate charge should command for the magazine the wide circulation which it justly deserves.

The Moruya Examiner says:-We have looked the book carefully through and can confidently recommend it to our readers and predict its success.

THE new candidate for public favour contains a number of smartly written original articles and some well-selected extract matter. It is got up in good style, and well printed, containing twenty-four demy octavo pages.-Albury Banner.

THE new publication is both instructive and entertaining; it is deserving of a good circulation.-Border Post (Albury).

THE new publication is both well got up and very readable.-Western Post (Mudgce).

THE Bathurst Free Press says:-It contains a large quantity of interesting reading matter-grave, gay, ponderous, and light. The editorship is evidently in good hands, and if the editor's hopes are realized the paper will take its place with "The pleasant books that silently among

Our household treasures take familiar places, And are to us as if a living tongue

Spake from the printed leaves or pictured faces.' For he makes his bold assertion: "We shall do our best to force ourselves into notice, and to compel attention." Once a Week is well worth the sixpence that is charged for the single copy.

Another attempt has been made to establish a literary magazine in Sydney. The new venture takes the title of the Sydney "Once a Week." Its type dress is admirable, but then the printers are Messrs. Gibbs, Shallard, and Co. The number before us very fairly sustains the aim stated, and we shall be glad to see the magazine prosper.-Maitland Mercury.

It is very creditably got up and judging from the matter which this number (No. 1) contains, it is a magazine that will no doubt receive a large measure of support among Australian readers.-Western Examiner (Orange).

The Murrurundi Times writes:-"The contents have a varied range, and many of the articles possess a degree of humour and literary merit which will commend them to the majority of our readers. We shall be glad to find enough appreciation to support anything in the shape of smart writing which has about it no unworthy element."