ATHLETICS

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 249, 17 October 1908, Page 14

ATHLETICS

Among other Rhodes scholars shortly to proceed to Oxford is tin American athlete, who is said to be able to throw the hammer well over lf>o feet. ('. Hefferon, the South African athlete, who was placed second in the Marathon race at the recent Olympic (James, was entertained at luncheon at. Capetown on his return from Kngland. Members of the Cabinet. ex-Ministcrs. and numerous legislators were present to welcome Hefferon. who, in the course of a speech, eulogised the Knglish sportsmen with wfjom he had come in contact. New York turned out in overwhelming force recently lo welcome the American Olympic heroes on their return from London (says the "London Daily Times"). It. was an ollicial reception, the Mayor, the military, the police, the athletic, and even religious societies joiniug in the celebration. Americans dearly love a big parade. They jump at every opportunity to appeal to the spectacular, ami march —to quote their famous catch-phrase— "to heal, the band." When (he city authorities decided to organise a demonstration in honour of Hayes, Shepherd, Car|>enter and their comrades, it seemed that every club in New York was anxious to send representatives to join in the inevitable parade. Policemen, soldiers, civilians, and college boys, numbering 25,000, marched down Broadway to tlie City Hail Park. Probably, at least, i>oo.ooo spectators lined the famous thoroughfare to see the score of automobiles amidst the procession carrying the Marathon trophy and the Olympic team trying its best to bestow happy smiles on the cheering multitude*. Hayes, the Marathon winner, who has just been made head of the athletic department of a local clothing store at a month, rode in the first car with Mr James Sullivan, president of the American Athletic Union. Hayes bowed carefully to the shouting throngs, till, as his admirers commented, he looked more tired than the snapshots made him appear upon his entry into the Stadium in July. .Mike Murphy, his trainer, rode in an automobile, alone. When the fi3 athletes arrived at the City Hall Park, the acting-mayor, Mr Metiowan. and the city aldermen, tojrether with a group of Tammany notabilities, seated on the enormous grandstand, rose end solemnly welcomed them, The gold medals purchased by public subscription were pinned on their manly bosoms, while Mr McOowan told them that the heart of the great Republic was beating with gratitude at (lie victories they had won. When the Mayor congratulated Hayes, the police lifted him on to a table, whereupon .3000 school children sang the "Star-Spangled Banner" and "My Country, 'tis of Thee." Scores of women made a combined rush for Hayes, and succeeded in kissing him, while cries of "Hobson!" filled the air. In the afternoon the athletes were driven to see the sports at Brooklyn, in the evening attended a banquet, and wound up by occupying special seats at the performance of a musical comedy called "The Three Twins." The American newspapers continue to ignore the official scoring in London, and persist in crediting the American team with 114 points against the British 66.