MR ZANE GREY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18968, 5 April 1927, Page 8

MR ZANE GREY.

OFFER OF LAUNCHES FORj ROYAL PARTY. j OVERSIGHT SUGGESTED. j [THE PSEGS Special Service] AUCKLAND, April 4. Since tho visit ot the Duke of Yorl* to the game fishing grounds at Russell, reports have been current in Auckland concerning overture*, which Zane Grey made to the Internal Ail'airs Department for the entertainment of the Duke during his visit to Russell. The rumours, as they have spread, have grown considerably, and they are now generally contrary to what is believed actually transpired 'letwecn Mi Grey and the Government. It is stated that »\lien Air Grey arrived in New Zealand, he approached the Internal Affairs Department and offered his launches and boatmen for the use of the Duke of York's party, fie was prompted to do so because the boatmen he hires are most experienced and the launches are specially designed for the sport. It appears Mr Grey made no endeavour to entertain the Duke, but rather was more anxious to place his facilities at the disposal of some of the officers from the Renown. The Internal Affairs Department is said to have accepted the offer of Mr Grey who meanwhile went north and fished off Whangaroa. While there. Mr Grey imagined from a telegram from the' Publicity Office that his offe,- was still acceptable, arid he proceeded down to the anchorage at Russell and prepared for the Duke's visit. When the Duke arrived, no word was sent to Mr Grey stating when bis launches would be required by the Renown s officers, and after waiting for an hour or two it was soon realised by the Grey' party that their offer had been passed over. While the Renown stayed two days at Russell, Mi Grey had no official explanation about any change in arrangements, and .he hns not had anv communication from the Internal Affairs Department since The matter is being enquired into by Mr Allen Bell, M.P. for the Bay of Islands, who said last, evening that although he had seen Mr Grey he did not want to discuss the subject until he had obtained further information. He had written to the Minister for Internal Affairs. Tf, through a misunderstanding, an injustice had been done or an indignity placed on Mr Grey, he was sure the Government would make 'Mr Grey a satisfactory explanation. Personally. he regretted that any annoyance had been caused a distinguished American citizen like Mr Grey, who by his writings bad done and was doimr much to advertise New Zealand. VTSXT TO TONGAUIKO. iPBF.SS ASSOCIATION TKLEQRAiI.) TAURANGA, April 1. The yacht Fisherman, with Zane Grey aiid party aboard, arrived this afternoon from Auckland, and anchored in the, harbour., Tho Mayor and Mr C. E. Macmillan, M.P., and a party representing the local bodies went down to welcome them, and were cordially received" by Captain Mitchell. Mr Zane Grey came on deck for a few minutes and chatted with the shore party. Mr Grey and his party leave tomorrow or Wednesday for Tongariro, and they expect to be there for some six weeks.