NOTED WRITER.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18891, 5 January 1927, Page 6

NOTED WRITER.

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND.

HISTORICAL NOVELS DISCUSSED.

[THE PRESS Special S«rrle*.]

AUCKLAND, January i.

"I have come to New Zealand to rest and to fish, but I do not intend to catch sharks," said Major Bernard Hamilton, soldier, writer, and sportsman, of England, who arrived in Auckland this morning. For many years Major Hamilton has had a reputation as an historical novelist. Twenty-five years ago he wrote three notable books and then put writing aside and took up residence in Sussex, where he shot, hunted, and fished. He has now taken up the pen again and has published recently an historical novel entitled "The Giant," which is meeting with great success at Home. "Although I publish in the same house as ," said the Major, mentioning the name of a famous writer whose works, based on history, have a tremendous vogue. "I am opposed to his methods. I am opposed to careless historical fiction writers. My belief is that an historical novel should be based on facts, and that a writer should not make the facts fit the story." "The Giant" is based on the French Revolution, and Danton, of course, figures most prominently. The boofc required a tremendous amount of research, but its accuracy, according to the Major, has been recognised at Home by the schools, where it is being used for its educational value. _ Another line followed by Major Hamilton is psychic thought, or psychology in its proper sense, and in his views he favours Sir Oliver Lodge and is against Sir Arthur Con&n D6yle. A book expressing Major Hamilton s theories, called "One World at a Time," will be published in March. "I claim to be an authority on my subject," said the Major. "As a young man I was one of the founders of the Theosophical Society in England, but when Annie Besant came into it I left it " Speaking of New Zealand's fishing attractions Major Hamilton stressed the fact that the monetary side of the sport had t6 be considered. "If people are to be attracted to the Dominion, a special rate should be struck for steamer faro and everything included in the trip. lam told that the prices fdr sportsmen go up as soon as you leave Auckland. I shall cOme here again if it isn't too expensive." Major Hamilton added that he thought the Government had acted unwisely in increasing the tax for inland fishing.