SPORTING, HOLIDAY IN DOMINION

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1931, Page 8

SPORTING, HOLIDAY IN DOMINION

ENGLISHMAN PLEASED

RETURN VISIT NEXT YEAR

PLANNED

AUCKLAND, May 20. New Zealand’s attractions as a lioli

day ground for the overseas visitor have greatly impressed Major Sir Douglas <Hall, D. 5.0., of the Coldstream Guards, who sailed this week after a visit extending over three months. He is accompanied by Lady Hall, and they will make their homeward journey via the Pacific Islands. “New Zealand iis certainly one of the finest places for a holiday that I know,” said Sir Dongles last evening, and Lady Hall, who accompanied him on most of his less arduous expeditions, lost, no time in confirming his statement by adding that the greatest tribute they could pay lay in the fact that they had already made plans for them return next summer.

Their visit''ha s been a “sporting holiday,” of which, they l state, they have not wasted a day. Sir Douglas has caughtrswordfish in the north, stalked dee Ain Westland, shot chamois ;u. Mount Ooolc, and caught trout' in the Tuugariro River. Such a marvellous variety of sport, lie said, could' not be found in such a small space in any other part, of the world.

WESTLAND DEER STALKING. “The deer-stalking is quite tho best thing I have cMer.done, and if there is one thing more than another that is bringing me back it is that.” said Sir Douglas. He penetrated deep into the mountainous country lietwion the Mueller Pass and the Landsborough River in Westlan.d. Many heads fell to bis rifle, aiul be brought four out. One was a first-class fifteen-pointer. By a special privilege Sir Douglas was able to shoot a chamois at Mount Cook, and fron what lie saw there he is of opinion that chamois and thar shooting in New Zealand is likely to become some of the best in tbe world. Sir Douglas and Lady Hall hope to fascinated with the trout fishing in the Tongariro River, where they met with great sucess. 'flic fighting qualities of the fish and thejr. size provided an unusual experience for them. The best fish they caught weighed 131 b., anti in one morning Sir Douglas returned wrtfi nine in his creel. He lamented the fact, however, that tbe river was being overfished. “One one -evasion,” 1 lie said, “there- ulere foirr-'rods and a sling, fishing one pool. I think the shag did best.” PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR. Sir Douglaes and Lady Hall hope to visit tbe Wanganui River and 0 Franz Josef Glacier when they return next year. ■ Sir Douglas- intends to go immediately to Westland For deer-stalk-ing. “And while you are there.” intervened Lady Hall. “1 shall be back among the marvellous trout at Tongariro.”