ZANE GREY CLUB.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18721, 18 June 1926, Page 16

ZANE GREY CLUB.

. _—♦—— I*OR BIG GAME FISHING. . (sttClO. TO THE TRUSS.) AUCKLAND, June 17. The development of tho deep-sea fishing resources of the Bay of Islands by the establishment of a sporting, club, in which Zano Grey is said to be interested, is-proceeding apace. Tho proposed club, which is to bo entitled the Zane Grey Sporting Club, Limitbd/ia to.havo its headquarters in Auckland, although hitherto tho activities Of the promoters liavo been, directed from Wellington. Colonel P.- B. -Mabin and Mr P. Bichardaon, who have been in the Bay of Islands-for some time, left this evening fjjr Wellington to complete arrangements in connexion with the establishment of. tho.club. Colonel Mabin stated to-day that portion of Mr C. P. Baker's island, Uru Pufeapuka, where Zane Grey had camped during his recent visit to the.Bay of Islands, had boon purchased,' and arrangements were in train to develop the camp as a centre for biggamo fishing. The area acquired comprised over 20 acres, and'was splendidly adapted for establishing an ideal camp., It; had • been, surveyed ,by Mr Eiehardson, engineer for the proposed company, and laid out with a view to providing all modern requisites for a perfect holiday resort. The scheme included town planning, and the provision of tennis courts, croquet greens, bowling greens, and a golf course equal to any .in New Zealand. The survey, which was now completed, also included provision.for a wharf 364 ft in length, at which launches could bo berthed at extreme low' tide.., The wharf would bo equipped with a weighing-machine capable of weighing up to five tons in one pound weights. Tho exact locality of tho site, said Colonel Mabin, was Otahei Bay, which was considered ideal in all respects for tho establishment of a big-game fishing headquarters. In addition, it was a beauty spot, presenting the most attractive features of a wonderfully-favoured locality. The idea of providing for. land sports aVthe camp had been well conceived. Even in the best of fishing seasons thoro were days when tho weather, although fine overhead, was not suitable for deepsea anglers, and a choice of a land sport was preferable to an exchange of fish stories. Several launches are now being constructed for use.at Uru Pukapuka"base. They aro of a type approvgd by Mr Zane Grey, and will have a speed suitable 'for-tho purnflso for which they are designed..', Colonel Mabiu and Mr Bichardson will return to Auckland shortly to complete arrangements for the establishment of tho camp.