"SPYING OUT THE LAND"

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 106, 6 May 1936, Page 12

"SPYING OUT THE LAND"

GENERAL 1 FROM INDIA

MAY SETTLE HERE

"I.will.be retiring shortly so we are spying' out the land. If we like New Zealand we may settle here later, but that is by no means definite." These remarks were made by Brigadier-Gen-eral A. L. Molesworth, C.M.G., who arrived at Wellington by the Wanganella today after serving in India for thirtysix years. General Molesworth is accompanied by his daughter, Miss L. Molesworth, and they will be in New Zealand for some time. They are spending a few days at Government House.

"I am very interested in natural history," said General Molesworth, "and have been corresponding with the Wellington Acclimatisation Society regarding the introduction of certain game birds. Major Kirk tells me that you have a serious problem because of destruction by imported deer. I have had a good deal of experience in that matter and will be glad to help in any way I can.

"The main object of our visit is really to sample your trout fishing. Of course we want to see as much of both islands as we can, especially the sheep and cattle stations. We have also heard rumours of fine packs of hounds and we hope to see those also: "As a soldier I am more interested in New Zealand's defence problems than anything else. Defence has been a life-long study with me."

General Molesworlh was commissioned in. the Royal Artillery in 1880 and retired in 1913 only to rejoin at the outbreak of war. Ho has had a considerable amount of frontier servjce.