SEARCH FOR BOOK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26532, 6 August 1947, Page 4

SEARCH FOR BOOK

REASON FOR URGENCY AMERICAN'S EXPLANATION DUNEDIN’S AID APPRECIATED The reason why the identification of a novel became so important to him that he was prepared to pay £lO for a copy is explained by an American Air Force sergeant in Japan in a letter to the Dunedin bookseller through whom he eventually obtained the book —without charge and with the good v/ishes of the people of Otago. The American, it will be remembered, wrote to the Dunedin firm asking it to obtain a copy of a book, the title and author of which he could not recall. He was, however, able to give an outline of the plot. In view of the obvious urgency of his need for the book, his inquiry was given publicity in the Daily Times, and so helpful was the response of readers in both town and country that the book was not only identified but was on its way to Japan by early afternoon. With the help of the Chief Post Office it was in the American's hands only a few days later. The book was “The Seeds of Enchantment,” by Gilbert Frankau. Speedy Service The letter which the American has written to the bookseller is typically American in its expressiveness and begins: “Wow! Talk about Service with a capital ,‘S.’ I got it.” He describes how a courier from the mail section of BCOF arrived unannounced at the broadcasting studio in which the writer was serving, bringing a special letter from the officer in charge of New Zealand mail and a package. “One glimpse of your firm’s name on the wrapper and I knew my search to be ended,’’ the letter continued. “ I am so pleased with the response that I am nigh to speechless with gratitude to all citizens of Dunedin.” The American’s letter was accompanied by a package containing two cigarette lighters—one for the bookseller and one for a member of the Daily Times staff who was responsible for publication of the article describing the sergeant’s quest. The lighters were engraved to express his appreciation.

“ These past months,” his letter states, “ have given me occasion to work with many New Zealanders — your Mapri concert party, : .the New Zealand broadcasting unit, and visitors from your Chofu headquarters. During all these contacts it was easy to confirm the statement that New Zealanders are ‘ tops ’ in his Majesty’s service. My own visit to New Zealand of four very short days in 1942 by Flying 'Fortress was not enough. Like MacArthur. ‘I shall return.’” Film Actor’s Quest

The American goes on to give an explanation of his determination to find the book which Dunedin so promptly discovered for him. He states that on a visit to the Pacific at present is a motion picture actor, Lee Trent, with whom he was formerly associated in commercial radio. Trent, who, incidentally, is the husband of Jean Parker, a well-known actress, met the American sergeant while on a visit to Japan and indicated that he desired to turn to the production of pictures. “To do this,” the sergeant explains, “he must be on the lookout for a good story—and star. Having found a red-headed giant of a bruiser, he was looking for a story to feature his discovery. I thought of this book I had read in New Guinea, mentioned the plot; and thought it the perfect vehicle for his discovery to portray on the screen. For three days we talked pf this book, he trying to prod me into remembering the title and author, but the more he prodded the more I forgot! After he left for Manila it became an obsession. I could not sleep or eat until the title and author were found. I wrote to an Australian war correspondent, but while I was awaiting his answer some Maoris visited us and left a copy of a New Zealand paper with your advertisement. I sent a letter to you, and you know the perfect result.” The sergeant adds that the full information has been cabled to Trent, and results may be expected, though 18 months or two, years may pass before the actual showing of the picture. He concludes with a further expression of thanks to all citizens of Dunedin who helped an American in distress. “My mind,” he states, “is now at ease.”