RICHARD BROPHY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 47, 5 December 1929, Page 6

RICHARD BROPHY.

ALLEGATIONS DENIED.

RESIGNATION THROUGH ILLNESS

(Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, This Day. Relative to the cablegram about Richard Brophy, formerly second in command of the Byrd Expedition, .Messrs Tapley and Company (base accents for the Expedition) state that there is no truth in the assertion that in intrigue with a Broadway actress caused his dismissal. Brophy was not dismissed. He suffered a severe breakdown in Dunedin and during his period of incapacity was unfit to handle the Expedition's affairs, so that his resignation was accepted. There was no question of misdemeanour, only unnecessary expenditure arising from Brophv's illness. Commander Byrd ivas and is, much concerned over Brophv's welfare and the future. In the early stages of the Expedition Brophy proved an efficient organiser, rendering inestimable service.

4 New York cablegram published yesterday stated that Richard Brophy former second-in-command of the Byrd Expedition, staged a faked suicide at Coney Island last August, with the object of getting out of sight. He succeeded until an editor at Omaha recognised a man working on his stafi Brophy agreed to return to his sick wife in New York, but dis>appeared overnight. It was alleged that his friendship with a Broadway actress caused complications with Commander Byrd, and "led to his dismissal in Dunedin.