Heeney's Message

NZ Truth, Issue 1183, 2 August 1928, Page 1

Heeney 's Message

There was a private communication to this effect frcm New York some weeks before the fight, when it was stated that Heeney and his doctor were the only two possessed of this information. If this were so, it is difficult to know why the thing was kept dark, unless, as suggested by the correspondent, Heeney thought it might be prejudicial to his chances m several respects. Conversely, it increases his chances for a return bout. However, his father and mother heard him utter a few cheery words of hope as soon as. the fight was over. He said he knew they would be lis-tening-in away over m New Zealand and wanted them to know that he had done his best — and the better man had won. "Kia Ora," came clearly through the ether. And what can be said of Gisborne's loyalty and enthusiasm over the rapid rise and bid for world honors by a son of their soil, can also be said (making allowance for a degree of provincial prerogative) of New Zealand. Just as the merry-makers m Gisborne rolled their uncertain way horne — probably while Tom was having breakfast, before slipping along to Tex for his cheque— so, too, throughout New Zealand, was the official eye shut to the little alcoholic faux-pas that might be perpetrated. Gisborne pleaded mitigating circumstances. The child of her soil had tussled with gladiators; and she had merely embraced a trier.