BEAUTIES OF NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 117, 15 February 1928, Page 10

BEAUTIES OF NEW ZEALAND

DISTINGUISHED VISITOR IMPRESSED THRILLS OF DEEP-SEA FISHING IF ENGLISH SPORTSMEN ONLY KNEW Extolling the attractions of New Zealand, Lord Grim, thorpe, in a letter to a num. her of the most inlluential newspapers in Great Britain, states that if more English sportsmen and English people generally were acquainted with the thrills of deep-sea fishing they would gladly forgo Scotland, the Riviera, the Lido, and even a season's fox hunting at Home for a few thrilling days in the Bay of Islands. Dominion Special Service. Auckland, February 14. Greatly impressed by the beauties of New Zealand, and particularly by its sporting attractions, Lord Grimthorpe, who with Lady Grinithorpe lias completed a month’s holiday in the North Island, left by the Aorangi to-day for Vancouver, en route to England. So genuinely impressed was Lord Grinithorpe that before he sailed he sent the following letter to a number of the most influential papers in Great Britain:— “I notice that since Mr. Amery’s mountaineering exploits in New Zealand Mr. Punch is suggesting a campaign to ‘ski Imperially,’ a waggish idea, of course, but one which may serve its purpose as it draws attention to the wonderful resources of the Empire in the realm of sport. New Zealand, in this respect, is far too little known, and I am sure that if more English sportsmen and English people generally were acquainted with the thrills of deep-sea fishing they would gladly forgo Scotland, the Riviera, the Lido, and even a season’s fox hunting at Home for a few thrilling davs here in the Bav of Islands.

“It is, in my opinion, one of the most exciting sports in the world. Experienced fishermen say that no other fishing, not even tarpon fishing in America, can compare with it. The expense of fishing is small. All tackle mav be hired on the spot. A launch for a party costs four guineas a day, and the fact that a novice like myself had the luck to land the world’s record mako shark—a 630-pounder—a few days ago on the first day out, places this amazing sport within the reach of anyone who can afford the time and journey. It is.hard to exaggerate the thrill and the excitement of playing these monsters. Sometimes they run out 300 vards of line with lightning speed, then broach and leap two or three times, turning complete somersaults in the air. Then after a long struggle they may get near the boat only to repeat the process, and it may be three hours or more before they are safely landed. Improved Accommodation. “Accommodation for anglers at Bay of Islands has been greatly improved in the last few rears,‘and the quarters provided at Oteliei Bay are particularly good and comfortable, and the scenery is magnificent. Many ladies now take part in the sport, and no intending visitors should be put off by fearing that their wives may find fishing too hard or the accommodation too primitive.”

Just before leaving, ILord Grimthorpe said he hoped to return to this country shortly to participate in deep-sea fishing in January and deer stalking in Febrtiaiy. That he considered would make the world’s perfect holiday.