VANDERBILT, JUNIOR., REPORTER.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 18 February 1920, Page 4

VANDERBILT, JUNIOR., REPORTER.

- V SCOOPED ON HIS OWN ENGAGEMENT.

To the list of notable experiences that have overtaken Mr Cornelius Ynnderbnlt, jun.. during his brief career as a “cub” reporter on the

“New York -Herald” has been added, says the "Tribune.” the doubtful distinction of-being “beaten” on his own engagement announcement. The only son of Air Cornelius Vanderbilt was reading the first page of a rival publication the other morning, when he saw- a two-column headline that caused him to gasp. “Cornelius Vanderbilt, jun., is engaged to wed sister of Martin W. Lir-ricton, ” it read. Details followed o i his engagement to Miss Rachel Littleton. Young Vanderbilt, forgot the interest that the fiance usually finds in- such an announcement in the chagrin of the reporter who finds that he has been “beaten” on news actually in his pos-

session. It may be said in defence of his journalistic ability that ho was the victim of a bit of newspaper enterprise that might have deceived a more experienced reporter. He was about to retire on the fateful evening when the telephone bell rang and a businesslike voice said:

“This is the nighr editorial desk. How are xvc to use that engagement an-

nouncement of yours!” “Why, I left that with the managing editor, you know.” said young Mr Vanderbilt, thinking he was talking to the night news editor of the paper on whose staff he is employed. '‘He was g‘»ing to hold the announcement until later.” The man at the other end of the

wire- laughed? He* could not conceal his triumph at the ruse that had succeeded. “Thanks,” he sdid. “This rs the •'Times’ speaking. I just wanted to make sure that, our tip was straight. You have kindly verified it.” Further, tc. add to the complication ox the situation, Mr Vanderbilt had a score of reporters seeking Mm next fj 3 y in just' the- way that lie seeks subjects for his own interviews.