GOOD AT FISHING.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5330, 24 September 1928, Page 4

GOOD AT FISHING.

EXTRAORDINARY REQUEST. TOURIST WANTS FREE PASSAGE. The following extraordinary request has been received by the Mayor of Hamilton, Mr J., R. Fow : — ‘Dear Sir, —I have received tlie following cable from my sonj-in-law, Major Balmain: ‘Can yo.u ascertain if the Mayor of Hamilton, New Zealand-, will defray passage of Colonel Hamilton, who. travels by the S.S. Albertic with us and back to England? The Albertic leaves Southhampton on, October 20 for Montreal, and they would prc;bably join the Niagara, on December 3. Mr Mansan, the New Zealand t Melbourne representative, tells me that CClonel Hamilton! has written a book on New Zealand fishing; and that 'he; is very keen on this sport. Would you be good enough to send me a telegram as to whether you can grant Colonel Haimlt'Qn’s request or not, and I will repeat the information Major Balmain by cable. I think it is probable tha.t Major Balmain and' Colonel Hamilton intend to put in some time fishing in New Zealand. — Yours faithfully, “George Fairbum.” The letter is addressed from Melbourne. The; reading of the latter at .the. council meeting drew a broa.d smile, from councillors', which developed into ii loud laugh on the Mayor remarking, “He’s good ,a.t fishing all right?’ It hardly need be remarked that the request was refused.