NOTED WRITER.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 January 1927, Page 4

NOTED WRITER.

ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, Jan. 4. “I have come to New Zee-and to rest and to fish, but I do net intend to catch sharks.” said Alajor Bernard Hamilton, soldier, writer, and sportsman, of England. who arrived in Auckland this morning. For many years Major Hamilton has had a reputation as :iii historical novelist. Twenty-five years ago he wrote three notable books and then put writing aside and took up residence in Sussex, where he snot, hunted, and fished. He has now taken up tho pen again and lias 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 Alajrtr mentioning the name of a famous writer whose works, based on history, have a tremendous vougc, “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 tho French Revolution, and Danton, of course, figures most prominently. The book required a tremendous amount of research. hut its accuracy, according to the Alajor. has been recognised at Homo by the schools, where it is being used for its educational value. Another lino followed by Alajor Hamilton is psychic thought, or psychology in its proper sense, and in his views he favours Sir Oliver Lodge and is against Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A book expressing Alajor Hamilton’s theories, called “One World at a Time,” will he published in March.

“I claim to be an. authority on my subject.” said the. Alajor. “As a young man I was one of the loundcrs of tho Theosonhical Society in England, hut when Annie Resent came into it I left it.”

Speaking of New Zealand’s fishing attractions Alajor Hamilton stressed the fact that the monetary side of the sport had to he considered. “If people are to be attracted to the Dominion, a special rate should be struck foi steamer fare and everything included in the trip. I am told that the prices for sportsmen go up as soon as you leave Auckland. I shall come here again if it isn’t too expensive.” Alajor Hamilton added that he thought the Government had acted unwisely in increasing the tax for inland fishing.