ZEALOUS SPORTSMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 21067, 29 December 1931, Page 10

ZEALOUS SPORTSMAN.

MR. E. WIFFEN'S RECORD.

APPOINTMENT IN

In selecting Mr. Ernest Wiffen as

secretary, the Wellington Acclimatisation Society lias selected one of the most experienced sportsmen in New Zealand. Mr. Wiffen. born in Wellington, has been a sportsman from the- time he was 10

years of age. when lie used to range the hills at the hack of Karori after hares and

rabbits. Those rambles over Sky Farm, the old Kilmister Estate, were among his happiest days, as game was always fairly plentiful and seldom did he go home empty-handed. Mr. Wiffen recently retired on superannuation from the. Government. Printing Office, after 32 years' service.

The Government looks to Mr. Wiffen when it wants a man to outline a programme for a visiting sportsman. His first commission was on the occasion of the visit to Wellington of the Special Service Squadron, when Mr. Wiffen was called upon to arrange stalking expeditions in the hinterland of Wellington. Not very long after that the American fleet entered New Zealand waters, and once again the Government called upon Mr. Wtffen to organise sport in bush and brake for the entertainment of the visitors.

"It was a rather awkward time of the year," said Mr. Wiffen last week, "as the farmers were busy with their sheep, but I was able to arrange for some parlies to go to the Wairarapa. The one I went with personally was headed by Commodore White, a charming American."

Mr. Wiffen has been with Zane Grey, the novelist, on four of his fishing trips, and has himself killed a 2821b. swordfish. lie was with Mr. Zane Grey on his first visit to Russell, on his troutfiphing visit to Rotorua and Taupo, and then again on his fishing expedition to Mercury Ray. He was also engaged as guide, philosopher and friend to Mr. Roma Grev, and his friend, Mr. R. Garner, when they went fishing in Southland. Mr. Wiffen has been advised by Mr. Grey that he has had to return to the United States, from Tahiti owing to the general financial upset, so he will not be able to visit New Zealand until about this time next vear.

In the course of the 1930 season Mr. Wiffen was engaged to organise a camp for Lord and Lady Latymer, in the Landsboro district, South Westland. It was rough country to get to, but it was a. great trip, and the camp was a firstclass one for all concerned. Though Lord Latymer had hard luck, he succeeded in getting the best head of the season for that district. "Lord Latymer is one of the finest stalkers I have ever met and duo of the. finest sportsmen," said Mr. Wiffen. "He knows the game and makes no mistakes. I would not be surprised if ho conies out for the trout fishing next year. Ho is master of the rod, and 1 know he wants to try his luck in New Zealand."