OFFER MADE BY ZANE GREY

Taranaki Daily News, 6 April 1927, Page 9

OFFER MADE BY ZANE GREY

INCIDENT DURING ROYAL TOUR. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. In connection with rumours circulating albout Mr. Zane Grey’s offer of launches and men during the Duke of York’s visit to Russell, the Hon. G. J. Anderson, Minister in charge of the Publicity Department, said to-day, that Mr. Grey was cordially thanked for his offer, but was clearly given to understand that arrangements had already been made. The offer would be gladly availed of, if any hitch occurred in the Government’s plans. None, however, occurred.

WAS HE SLIGHTED? ZANE GREY AND THE DUKE. Auckland, April 4. Since the visit of the Duke of York to the game fishing grounds at Russell, reports have been current in Auckland concerning overtures which Mr. Zane Grey made to the Internal Affairs Department for the entertainment of the Duke during his visit to Russell. The rumours as they have spread have grown considerably, and they are now generally contrary to what is believed actually transpired between Mr. Grey and the Government. It is stated that when Mr. Grey arrived in New Zealand he approached the Internal Affairs Department and offered his launches and boatmen for the use of the Duke of York’s party. He was prompted to do so because the boatmen he hires are the most experienced, and the launches are specially designed for the sport. It appears that Mr. Grey made no endeavour to entertain the Duke, but rather was more anxious to place his facilities at the disposals of some of the officers from the Renown. The Internal Affairs Department is said to have accepted Mr. Grey’s offer, who meanwhile went north and fished off Whangaroa. While there Mr. Grey imagined, from a telegram from the publicity office, that his offer was still acceptable, and he proceeded down to the anchorage at Russell and prepared for the Duke’s visit. When the Duke arrived no word was sent to Mr. Grey stating when his launches would be required by the Renown’s officers, and, after waiting for an hour or two, it was soon realised by the Grey party that their offer had been passed over. When the Renown stayed two days at Russell, Mr. Grey had no official explanation about a change in the arrangements, and he has not had any communication from the Internal Affairs Department since.

The matter is being inquired into by Mr. Allen Bell, M.P. for. Bay of Islands, who said last night that, although he had seen Mr. Grey, he did not want to discuss the subject until he had obtained further information. He had, however, written to the Minister of Internal Affairs. If through a misunderstanding an injustice had been done, er an indignity placed on Mr. Grey, he was sure the Government would make Mr. Grey a satisfactory explanation. Personally, he regretted that any annoyance had been caused a distinguished American citizen like Mr. Grey, who by bis writings had done, and was doing, much to advertise New Zealand.