Messages from readers. . .

Peter Engel 20 August 2024

Hi Louise - I just want to thank you for the beautiful book about Frank, a marvellous record of the times and a tribute to this group of unique men. Have hunted all my life but am a poor excuse compared to these men. A sad book in many ways, but a book I have treasured reading. I am now passing it on to an old culler who I am sure will also love it.

Thanks very much.

John Berry 19 June 2024

I have just finished Finding Frank in 2 days! All I can say, after producing a few short stories about my own hunting experiences and knowing some small part of your work, is that it is epic and beautifully written. A great tribute to this colossus of hunting. I still remember the day I was at university when a friend told me of Frank’s death - he and I were supposed to visit him and hunt later that year. 
In awe of your research and skill.
Regards,
John

Roger Soulsby 26 January 2024

Hi Louise,

I’m presently in Wanaka for a few days participating in the annual Ruby Island swim event tomorrow. I brought Finding Frank down with me from Auckland. This afternoon I paid my respects to Frank at his grave. My very good mate, Ash Harding (ex Deer Hunter who knew Alan Farmer well) came with me. I left a couple of choc fish as they’re my go to fuel on long distance swims.

I know the farming area well where Frank grew up when I was based in Te Kuiti with farming clients around Taumarunui and Retaruke. 

The Erceg family have left a lasting legacy beyond measure. You captured a time and culture, let alone individual legends, that would never be otherwise remembered. What a wonderful & inspirational testimony you’ve written Louise. 

Sincerely 

Roger Soulsby

Simon Best 5 January 2024

Hi Louise,

I am reading your very interesting book, which brings back many memories! I was a NZFS deer culler for almost two years in 1961/62 and spent the last half based in Queenstown. Frank was already a legend then, and I saw him about the place. I hunted in the Mataura and Lochy watersheds, the Hopkins and Dobson, and a short stint up the Godley (Lilybank). 

I took a lot of 35mm slides and also had 18 of Frank’s, which he was selling.

I have a question regarding Frank’s death. I find it highly unlikely that someone as savvy and experienced as Frank, and also presumably John Cumming, would have walked into the blades. I think it more likely the chopper tilted and caught them as they were loading up. You have done more research than anyone on this, and I know what you have written. What is your opinion?

Cheers

Simon

Wally Whitehead 4 January 2024

I spent most of my school holidays from aged 9, 1959, until 1967 with Jock and Al. I met Frank at the Erceg farm; this was just before he was killed. He took Al and me down the Whanganui River in Jock’s jet boat. Two ducks flew out from the willows; he stood knee against the steering wheel, picked up a 222 rifle, and shot the ducks in flight. And at 35mph in a boat, amazing. At night, by the fire, he whittled a stag deer from a bit of native firewood; sadly, I’ve never seen it again. I’ve been to Wanaka Cemetery twice to see Frank. Once in 1966, then again in 2018. I will never forget him. He was a great man.

Lynn Rumble 1 January 2024

Thank you for Finding Frank. Our family’s association with the Erceg’s: Roz and Jock, Mary and Al, goes back 60 years, but so much did not know or forgotten Fantastic read.

Paul Farrow 07 October 2023

Hi Louise,

I bought and read the book today; it brought back memories and some new facts I didn’t know about.

In 1962, at the age of 11, I was put on a bus and sent to Makarora. (via Cromwell) for the Christmas holidays. I shared a room at the back of the shop with Dave Osmers’ father.

I was allowed to serve in the shop and remember selling Frank’s slides along with handbags made from slinky skins (unborn red deer). I think this was the first time I remember Frank as we drove from Makarora to the Gates of Haast one day on a photo shoot. I went shooting with Dave Osmers up the Wilkin Valley and remember sleeping in the bush one night. I also remember Mike Palmer and going up to see his hut. 

I spent Christmas at Makarora and recall going to a farm where all the locals met for a Christmas service. (Could have been Wattie Cameron’s place).

In 1978, I returned to New Zealand after an absence of 5 years. As I was unemployed, Dave Osmers gave me a job for six months (Back working in the store). 

George Erceg: I recall George coming into the shop a few times with his wife. She kept me updated regarding his health in his later years and the apparent effects of working with chemicals associated with treating timber.

Jock Erceg: I remember a family holiday to his farm in the North Island, and what I realise now is the Whanganui River. It’s my first memory of seeing fishing flies. Jock had a tackle box full of Hamills Killer and Woolly buggers. Despite dropping several hints, the mean bugger didn’t give me any. However, I did go down to the river and remember seeing a dead trout.

My fascination with fly fishing has continued to become a complete obsession since I retired.

Dave and Rhonda came to my wedding in 1983, and we have kept in touch. My wife and I called in to see Rhonda and stayed the night just before covid. We were cycling from Cape Reinga to Bluff and obviously went via the West Coast. I didn’t realise how steep the road is at the Gates of Haast. The trip brought back some memories from 60 years ago.

Dave also bought camera gear from me; however, he couldn’t make the transfer from film to digital, and I had to refund him. 

Gordon Roberts: I did a few hunting trips with Gordon in 1965. Like Frank, he was as fit as. I recall climbing Mt St Andrew to photograph Chamois for his book Game Animals of New Zealand. It was a memorable trip as Gordon got me to within 5 meters of the animals. We started climbing in the dark, and I didn’t get back to the hut till evening. I was so exhausted I vomited, and I could not believe Gordon had then walked out of the valley to the main road. (I think to see his new fiancée)

We also helped in a small way with his next book, High Country Four Seasons. Once again, I sold cameras to Gordon. I visited him when he was living near Hokitika. I also saw him shortly before he died and attended his funeral in Rangiora.

Frank Matthews: Obviously, a close family friend. We have kept in touch with Paula (Frank’s daughter). She looked after our children at the Rangi Ruru child centre. Vicky, my sister, gave a eulogy at Frank’s funeral.

Kevin Whitelaw: This was a surprise in the book. Kevin was a long-time customer, and I had completely forgotten about his association with Frank. We had talked about it on occasions.

Arthur Shand:  Many fond memories of hunting at Island Hills as a kid with Frank Matthews. Arthur’s daughter Dianne was a customer, and I last saw her just after the Christchurch earthquakes.

I was vaguely aware of Frank’s parents, but that chapter clarified what was not talked about.

Thanks for writing this book. It means a lot to me and is a permanent record of Dad’s earlier life and friendship with Frank. I’ve bought extra copies to leave for my grandchildren.

Louise, the book is an amazing effort.

Thanks once again

Paul Farrow