CURIOUS PLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 284, 27 August 1930, Page 3

CURIOUS PLIGHT

New Zealander in Quebec

SCREEN STAR MALTREATED

Although in possession of an American visa entitling him to enter and remain in the United States for a period of six months, Shale Gardiner lias been denied admittance, says the “Gazette,” of Montreal, of July 23. Mr. Gardiner was engaged in the motion picture industry at Hollywood, having been starred in several pictures already released and in several others in course of production, but was forced to leave the country on the expiration of his visitor’s visa, being a British subject. Mr. Gardiner, who stands about six feet two inches, and who took leading parts with Matheson-Lang’s troupe hi Montreal four years ago, returned to England, where another visa was issued for an additional period of residence in the United States. Armed with this and other credentials, he crossed in the Canadian Pacific liner Montrose, which ir- ( rived at Montreal nearly two weeks ago. He was informed by, the American immigration authorities, at Quebec that lie would be denied entry to the United States, and his application was forwarded to Washington for confirmation. The reply stated that he would not be permitted to penetrate the sacred precincts of that country, because he had requested admittance at one time on the '

English quota. The movie star, who is well known and widely connected in the Old Country, admitted that he had requested admission in the English quota, sand was asked the usual questions as to place of birth, age. height, ete. He replied that Auckland, New Zealand, was his birthplace, which rather startled the London officials, who believed he was an Englishman. They pointed out that admission would not be quite as easy, as only 100 citizens of that Dominion were let into the United States as permanent residents each year. As there were already about 1800 on the waiting list. Mr. Gardiner would have to wait IS years before he could go in as a quota guest. Interviewed C. 1). Dawes.

Mr. Gardiner was placed in touch with Charles D. Dawes, Ambassador from the United States to tiie Court of St. James, who discussed the whole situation with him for a full hour, ending with the remark that he would be able to gain admission for a year if armed with a visa. Furthermore, lie could return at subsequent intervals with additional visas, and a brief annual holiday in the Old Country would probably be appreciated, Mr. Dawes added. After paying ten dollars for a visa and a considerable sum as head tax. Mr. Gardiner started out afresh with Hollywood as his destination. He proceeded no further than Montreal, and explained yesterday that he intends returning to England. It was most, aggravating that such treatment had been accorded him, for ho would have been able to obtain employment on the English vaudeville stage if it had been known that entry to the United States would be refused. “What is the use of an American visa if the holder cannot gain entry to the United States?” Mr. Gardiner asked with some warmth. “One pays the price demanded, buys a steamship ticket and severs connections in the Old Country, only to be stopped at the border. Although I did, not have a definite contract at Hollywood, I was assured that there would be little difficulty in finding me a good post on my return. Now, I suppose, my career on_ the screen is ruined.” Mr. Gardiner pointed out that a number of newspapers in Great Britain were highly incensed over the action taken by the United States authorities, and had cabled him for full information on the occurrence. Among other films in which he was starred are “Three Passions” and “Three Live Ghosts.” He also took part in the film production of “Disraeli.”