FUNDS FOR ROSE.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4954, 22 March 1926, Page 2

FUNDS FOR ROSE.

CTo the Editor!)

Si r ,—From the North Cape to Stewart Inland the idol of the people and the Press stands Randolph Rose, the Masterton lad who has earned the title ot “New Zealand’s wonderful miler.’’ With his sensational defeats of Lloyd Hajin, “‘the flower of the U.S.A, track,” Rose has emblazoned his name on the standards of New Zealand athletic prowesp’ and proved to the hilt the right of challenge to meet the world's best and the world's champion, Paavo Nurmi, the Finnish wonder. With but three weeks training Rose, by establishing a,n Australasian record of 4m 13 3-ss, for the mile, time that has not been improved on a grass track in tfhe world, has lowered the British Empire record df 4m _ 13 4-581, established at Stamford Bridge in July, 1921, by A. G. Hill. The Council of the N.Z. Amateur Athletic Association has decided to endeavour to raise funds-to send Rose to compete in the English Championships in July, and also to cross swords with the world’s champion, Paavo Nurmi. It is not too much to say that Rose with training will prove superior to Nurmi in the mile, and a race over three miles with Ritola, the Finn, would undoubtedly be a great contest. New Zealand’s name stands high in the world of sport, but its position is for us to keep, Incalculable is the advertisement and the benefit to our “Britain of the South Seas,” from such agencies) as the All Blacks df 1905 and 1925, “Dick” Arnst, A. E. Porritt, G. Aitken, and a host of athletes in every branch of spoilt. This matter is national, and it is - assuredly the duty of every sporting body, every lover of clean athletics, every believer in his country, to help in sending the greatest miler these isfles have ever produced to meet the world’s, best. Paeroa'has its part to play, and even the “widow’s mite” given with the spirit, ‘/Kia Ora Rose,” will materially assist your country and your sport. CARISBROOK.