ACTION THREATENED

Hokitika Guardian, 13 July 1933, Page 8

ACTION THREATENED

IF APOLOGY NOT FORTHCOMING

ASPERSION OF BOBBY PEARCE

(Per Press Association — Copyright.)

HAMILTON (Ontario), July 11

Air H. B. Clelland lias threatened legal action unless an apology is forthcoming from Mr James Omen, the president of the Canadian Association of. Amateur Oarsmen, for a statement contained in a resolution p.'.fiflecl by the' association executive at Ottawa regarding the amateur status of Bobby Pearce, the Australian sculler, ■ and ..also stating that mere had been a, lack of frankness on the part of Clelland and Walter in their statements to members .of the executive.

Mr Clelland, ia his letter, said:— “The statements in your resolution, insofar as they refer to me, are entirely without foundation,, and exceedingly offensive, and, 1 am advised, libelous. So far ae I am. aware, 1 liave had no communication with, nor made any statement to, any .members of your executive regarding Pearce in any shape or form. Nor have I any authority to make any statements on his behalf. Your unwarranted resolution is injurious to my reputation, inferring that,’ for personal ou 'pel fish reasons, I would be a party to unworthy practices in relation to amateur spoil, ' . .. . ..... .. “I must, accordingly, demand the immediate retraction of this resolution, and an unqualified apology from your executive.' Otherwise, the matter "ill lie placed in the hands of my solicitor. Pearce line been employed by my company, on the recommendation and suggestion of the British fiist that Ik formerly represented in Australia, and for no other reason. I have at no time 'men a party’ to the exploitation of Pearce, and do not know of .any such exploitation. Whether he decides to turn professional "’ill not affect his employment.' «o long ns ]*., continues to perform', his' duties, in the same satisfactory manner as in the past. On the only occasion that’ he asked my advice, J made it pi ear to him, qs. a gestion of the British firm that he c rio”d, not as.nn'omployery to remain in the amateur ranks.’..’