DEEP-SEA FISHING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 72, 18 December 1928, Page 12

DEEP-SEA FISHING

ZANE GREY AND PARTY

CAMP AT MERCURY ISLAND

The arrival of Mr. Zane Grey by the Makura from San Francisco yesterday, began the third visit to these shores of the noted deep-sea angler and his party, who, on this occasion, intend to explore for further fishing areas off' the north-east coast of New Zealand. “We have yet to find better fishing than New Zealand,” said a member of the party, Captain Alitchell, of Nova Scotia, as he stepped ashore from the mail steamer, his remark being endorsed with a “Hear, hear” from Zane Grey, who stood near by.

The party left last evening by the Limited express for the north. They will leave the “Limited” at Frankton Junction to-morrow morning, and from there will proceed by train to Thames, en route for Mercury Bay, where a permanent camp will be established and from which the party will explore the deep-sea fishing areas. On arrival at Thames at about midday to-morrow, the party will be met by Air. Grey’s New Zealand agent, Air. E. C. Arlidge, and from the station three motor-lorries will transport the fishing gear and camping equipment to Alercury Bay. It is hoped to pitch camp on Alercury Island to-morrow evening, the island being about two hours’ launch journey from Alercury Bay, and being ideally situated as a base for the deep-sea sport. Three high-powered launches, the Alma G, Zane Grey, and Avalor. arrived at the bay several days ago in readiness for the arrival of the party. If the fishing is found unsatisfactory in the vicinity of Alercury Island, the party will work northward towards the Great Barrier Island, and even may go as far as the Bay of Islands if their luck is out. Zane Grey left his own launches at Tahiti, where he has been recently fishing, aud engaged three fishing launches in New Zealand for the present visit. The party will remain in New Zealand until the end of Afarch. The present intention of Air, Grey and Captain Alitchell is to then go to Norway for the salmon fishing, and then back to Tahiti.

In addition to Air. Grey and Captain Alitchell, the party includes Miss K. Smith (secretary), six launchmen headed by Alessrs. F. Arlidge, jun., P. Williams; and Air. C. J". Alorton, of Wellington, who has joined the party as klnematographer for the New Zealand visit. Messrs. Romer Grey and R. Carney, who'arrived in New Zealand some weeks ago, and are at present fishing in the southern lakes, will join the party early in January.

The Hon. John Cecil and Airs. Cecil (nee Aliss Cornelia Vanderbilt, of New York), of London, who also arrived by the Alakura, intend to join the party at a later date.