IN THE NORTH

Southland Times, Issue 22488, 24 January 1935, Page 8

IN THE NORTH

PRINCE HENRY PLANS FOR FISHING EXPEDITION FAVOURABLE PROSPECTS (Per United Press Association.) Russell, January 23. Making a leisurely cruise from Lyttelton to Russell, the cruiser Australia, with his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester aboard reaches herdestination at six o’clock to-morrow morning, an hour ahead of the scheduled time. According to a wireless message received from the captain tonight, the Australia has been travelling at a cruising speed of 12 knots an hour, and the weather throughout has been fine.

On her arrival at the anchorage at Russell the cruiser lands mails for the early morning southern rail connection, and then proceeds to the big game fishing-grounds off Cape Brett. The ship anchors there during the day, while his Royal Highness goes in searcl of swordfish and mako shark. Three deep-sea fishing launches go alongside the Australia at nine o’clock for the use of the Prince and those accompanying him on the expedition. It is expected the cruiser and its Royal guest will not return to the anchorage at Russell until the early evening. Fishing in the game areas is reported to be better this year than last, and parties out last week say swordfish of quality are fairly plentiful, their weight being estimated to average 3501 b. Shark-fishing, too, is stated to be good this year. One marlin landed last week —and it was not a well-conditioned fish—tipped the scales at 6701 b. Sir James Young and the handful of officials, who will remain at Russell durin ; the Duke’s inland visit and until his departure for Fiji on Tuesday, arrived by car from Auckland to-night.