EAGER TO GO.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18636, 10 March 1926, Page 8

EAGER TO GO.

ROSE'S TRIP, ABROAD. "NOT YET AT MY BEST." (paBSS ASSOCIATIOH TBIiGSAM.) WELLINGTON, March 9. The Council of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association has decided to ask R. A. Rose if, in the event of arrangements being made, he wond be willing to represent New Zealand abroad. Hose, who returned to Wellington is eager to fall in with the proposal, and this morning, states, that he would rathe r go to England than to America in order to avoid the possibility of being called upon to race on boards. His intention was to confine his racing to the open track, for a little time to come, at any rate, and he was fully confident that by so doing ho would be able to improve upon the record time registered* at Masterton last week. Referring" to the race in which the record time was made, Rose remarked: "I was absolutely as fit as a fiddle at the end. The pace over the first half was a cracker, but I did not seem to be extended. Had Hahn made the pace even faster over the third lap, 1 am sure better time woud have been registered." Of his general experience during the past few weeks, lie said: "For many months prior to the races with Hahn I had been 'baching' on the farm in Wairarapa, cooking my own food, and this I felt affected my circulatory system, but with three weeks' training and better food I have been able to improve my condition considerably, and bring down my times. In this short period I succeeded in reducing my time for the mile by about thirteen seconds, and I am not yet at my best. It does not distress me in the least to run out a mile in 4min 18sec. In fact, I was hardly breathing at the end of the mile at Masterton in 4min 13 3-ssec. Physically lam in sound condition, the doctor's examination yesterday showing that I am as good as gold, without any effects of the operations which I had a couple of years ago. The doctors informed me that I could go on stronger than ever on the track." Questioned whether he preferred to make the trip abroad now, or to wait until later on, Rose remarked that he would like to go now to gain expert ence. "You cannot have experience too soon, and it may serve me even better later on," he added. "I am able to go abroad almost, right away, as 1 have a brother on the farm who can manage affairs there during my absence'. _ I would like to have at least a month in England before, taking part in races." With regard to the question of training, the opinion was held by the champion and his father that it would mean a great deal if arrangements could be made to send a trainer. This and all matters, however, rested with those who were arranging the tour.

A COUNCIL'S DECISION. (PBESS ASSOCIATION- TEMOEALI.) WELLINGTON, March 9. "That the Council establish a fund to secure representation of Eose at the English Amateur Championships this year, and, if a sufficient sum is forthcoming, that Rose's tour be extended to the Continent and .to America." This 'resolution, carried unanimously at a special meeting of the New Zealand Athletic Council, was passed after Eose, who was present, said he was prepared to leave immediately after the New Zealand Championship meeting. Members were of opinion that Eose was almost certain to meet Nurmi in England. Committees were set up to raiße funds by public subscription, and to arrange Eose's itinerary. A suggestion that Government aid be sought was strongly opposed by Mr R., W. McVilly, who supported the principle, of self-reliance amongst all bodies. ATTEMPT ON RECORD. (PEESS ASSOCIATION TELEOBAM-) DUNEDIN, March 9. R. A. Rose, the New Zealand champion miler, will arrive in Dunedin on Wednesday, March 17th, to compete at the New Zealand championship sports to be held on the Caledonian Ground on March 19th and 20th. It is Rose's intention to attempt to break the world's! record'for. one mile at the meeting.