DUKE OF WINDSOR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 9 November 1938, Page 7

DUKE OF WINDSOR

NOT SELLING CANADIAN RANCH. PREFERENCE FOR HORSES AND SHEEP. . The Duke of Windsor wanted to be a cowboy, according to Professor W. L. Carlyle, 70-year-old agent and manager of the “E.P.” ranch in Turner Valley, Calgary, Alberta, where the Duke’s famous herd of Shorthorn cattle have just been sold by auction. “It was his constant regret that he couldn’t live on the ranch permanently,” said Pro£essor Carlyle. “A romantic idea made him start it. He once told me that as a boy he used to read Buffalo Bill stories. These gave him a yearning to see cowboy life. This wish was granted in 1919, when he made his Canadian tour, as Prince of Wales. He liked the life so much that he made up his mind to become a rancher himself.”

The Duke had no intention of selling the ranch itself, declared the manager. It represented too good an income. Describing the recent sale and how it was opened with cheers for Mr Chamberlain, he said:

“Seven hundred Americans and Canadians who had arrived by aeroplane, railway, motor-car and on horseback, almost rioted when the news of the Anglo-German pact came through from Calgary. Women —wives and daughters of farmers —wept as they heard that the Empire wouldn’t have to fight after all. Gee, it was a grand sight. J haven’t seen such enthusiasm since the Duke’s last visit here.

“The auction was rather a disappointment. We sold 111 head of cattle some of the best in the world, and only realised just over £2,000. We still have about 20 head of cattle and some young bulls left. They will be auctioned next March.

“The Duke has no intention, he tells me, of disposing of the ranch. He is going to increase the number of sheep and horses.

“The wheat crop has been profitable, and we may increase our acreage also. At present only 100 of the 4,800 acres are under wheat.

“I’m more than sorry to see the old bulls go, but the Duke has other plans. He thinks cattle are too expensive to keep up on a small scale. Horses and sheep pay better. The sale won’t make any difference to the men here. We only employ a dozen hands, and they’re staying on. As far as I know the Duke has no intention of coming back here —not for some time, at any rate. But that’s not to say that he never will.”