AN ERRATIC ATHLETE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9586, 4 September 1909, Page 3

AN ERRATIC ATHLETE.

Otago University came near losing certain of its most respeced professors a few days ago. Five of them attended the inter-faculty sports at the Caledonian Ground, and* gathering in a little knot on the green, they took a very keen interest in the various events. They were, apparently, much attracted by the hammer throwing competition, and together watched the efforts of several muscular young students the hammer sufficient impetus, by swinging it round their heads, to carry it a long distance over the green. The throws of one or two of the competitors were somewhat erratic, and the hammer occasionally travelled in unexpected directions, but nothing really happened until a particularly strong young man took the implement, whirled it round his head, and let it go. Then there was a gasp of horror from" everyone, tor the thing was travelling straight for the little group of spectators on the lawn. The professors saw it coming, and, like a flash, all college dignity disappeared, Each gentleman dodged with a quickness and intentness of purpose that would have been creditable on the part of much younger men. Some side stepped, others ducked, one mentor went down upon hands and knees, and the missle passed harmlessly. Trie young man regained the hammer and prepared to throw again, but a chorus of protest from the anxious professors persuaded him to withdraw from the competition.