BYRD'S N.Z. AGENTS DENY ALLEGATION ABOUT R.E. BROPHY

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18936, 5 December 1929, Page 10

BYRD'S N.Z. AGENTS DENY ALLEGATION ABOUT R.E. BROPHY

WAS NOT DISMISSED FROM POSITION WITH POLAR EXPEDITION. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, December 5. Relative to the cable about Richard Brophy, formerly second-in-command of the Byrd Expedition, Tapley and Co, base agents for the expedition, state that there is no truth in the assertion that an intrigue with a Broadway actress caused the dismissal of Brophy. Brophy was not dismissed. He suffered a severe breakdown in Dunedin and during the period of incapacity was unfit to handle the expedition’s affairs, so that his resignation was accepted. There was no question of misdemeanour, but only that of unnecessary expenditure arising from Brophy’s illness. Commander Byrd was, and is, much concerned over Brophy’s welfare and future. In the early stages of the expedition Brophy proved an efficient organiser, rendering inestimable service.

A cable yesterday said that Brophy, who staged a fake suicide some weeks ago, was discovered working on the staff of an Omaha newspaper. He was persuaded to return to his sick wif», but disappeared again overnight. The cable continued that it was believed that an affair with a Broadway actress was the cause of his trouble, and was also the reason for his dismissal by Byrd.