MR GREY'S OFFER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18969, 6 April 1927, Page 13

MR GREY'S OFFER.

j ROYAL PARTY AT RUSSELL. | MINISTER EXPLAINS. I [THE FBEBS Special Service-] "WELLINGTON, April 5. Ihe report Irom Auckland concerning the alleged overtures Mr Zane Grev wade to the Internal Aftaira Department for the. entertainment of the ' Duke of York during _ his visit to Russell takes on a different complexion in Oi a statement made by the Minister in charge of Publicity (the lion. 31r Anderson), l«duyj in .oi interview. _ The Almister said he had had inquiries wade into the statements contained in the report, and hud been ad- ! vised that what actually occurred was that shortly alter his arrival at \\ ellington to undertake his present tisning expedition. Mr Grey verbally advised Mr J. Hislop (Under-Secretary of the Internal Affairs Department) and Mr .A. H. Messenger (Publicity Officer) that his launches and boatmen would be available li required by the Jtoyal partv at Russell. Mr Grey was cordially thanked, for the offer., but was informed .at the same time that compiece arrangements had already been made by the Government, who were using their own launches and men. ''During Mr Messenger's visit to Auckland, making arrangements for the visit of Sir Tom Bridges to Russell, Continued the Minister, "he again met Mr Grey, whose yacht was in port at the time The matter was again brought up by Mr Grey, who was told that the position remained as originally staited, but that if any changes occurred, his kind offer would be taken advantage of, and _ that he "would be advised immediately of any such change. On arrival of the Koyal party at Auckland, Mr Messenger received a telegram from Mr Grey, asking whether his launches were required. In reply he was informed that the original arrangements still held, but that should a hitch occur he would be advised of any change. "This should have rriade the matter perfectly clear, but apparently, from the newspaper account, Mr Gre* misunderstood' the position. As to any injustice having been done to Mr Grey, as. hinted by the _ newspaper report, this seems absurd in the light of what actually occurred regarding the arrangement. [ am sure that Mr Grey himself would be the last one to raise any question of this nature, as the relations between himself and the Government have been of the mdst cordial nature. 1 '