OLYMPIC GAMES.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 193, 9 May 1908, Page 7

OLYMPIC GAMES.

REPRESENTATION OF NEW ZEALAND. SEND-OFF TO KERR. Mr.' Harry < Kerr, amateur' champion walker of Australasia, who is being sent to London to compete at the Olympic Games at the instance of local patrons of amateur athletics, was enthusiastically farewelled yesterday afternoon. Dr.. Newman (president of the Wellington' Centre of tho; New Zealand . Amateur Athletic Association), who presided, emphasised, Kerr's qualifications to represent : the Dominion in the walking contests ; ; at- the Games. At the' recent Australasian 'amateur championships Kerr had beaten all comers in-the walks just as ho had liked. When lie first 'Saw.-Kerr perform lie.' had -said: "Kerr is a champion of'.champions." Personally, he was fully convinced) that Kerr's performances amply justified the steps which his admirers had taken. Kerr might not bo successful, but there 'could be no'doubt but that he would worthily represent the Dominion. He had been provided with a letter -of introduction ..to the High Commissioner, and at Homo interest would also be taken in his welfare ,by Mr. S. Gollan aiid other ..ex-New Zealand sportsmen. Dr. Newman'remarked that- 1 .Kerr would probably compete also' at the English amateur, championships 'and various sports gatherings promoted by 'other English amateur athletic institutions. Good'wishes''for'Kerr's. success,had been received'from all parts, of the Dominion.ln conclusion, . tlio ; speaker; referred to tho efforts of--tlio; Committee-(and-particularly 1 tlioso "of Mr.- J. H.' .Pollock), which had canvassed: for subscriptions 1 - towards. Kerr's expenses. 1 (Loud applause.) "The chairman's remarks were endorsed by Messrs. J. H. pollock, C.. H. Izard, M.P., J. B. Speed, J. Dawson, and T. W. Leslie, the latter of whom stated that ho felt siirc that Kerr .would hold liis\;own ; at the Games. .-. • Mr., Kerr, who was greeted with continued applause,' briefly acknowledged tho honour which had been done him.;. - Before; tho gathering dispersed • hearty clieers were given for Kerr, also for Dr. Newman. ■' ■ • -, v

•In conversation, with j a representative ; of The Dominion subsequently, Korr. stated that he'was, in the best of health, : antl-,. felt quite certain that' 'ho would. bo; able-- to/put up good times..at 110m0..V.'.'.V - V . It might be mentioned-that Kerr,,'.who: is 29 years'.of .age, 'has.; participated,: in. 'walking contests.for about eleven yoars. His,;best time over a mile'as a professional was 6min. ll 2-ssec. at Dunedin.in 1902. ■ ' 'Kerr' will;leave; for Londonby ,the ■ s'.s. Tongariro at II o'clock this morning. ! J': KERR'S AMATEUR RECORD.' : December 26;- -1906,,'Wanganui.—First in three mile handicap' from scratch; time, 23min. lOseo;' Second :in milbj handicap from scratch. . '■ , . January % 19Q7, .''Wellington ;Contro:-Chaim-pionshipS:—Eirs't!: _iiv raijo 'frpin'. spratcb • tjiriei, 6nriii..26sec. -. First ;■ in", throb '. mile frojn' sbratch; {time, ,22miri.';38 J 2-ssec. ; . February .9,, 1907, . rprt. Nicholson .and, Ciyil Service. Club's.'Combined.,Meeting.—First in two mile handicap from' scratchV time, 14min.' 12sec.' Third -in.| mile-handicap.'.frorii scratch; Kerr's time, 6n]in.'27',l-sseo.' : - ■' >■ February. 21, 1907,; New' Zealand Amateur Championships, Christchiirch. — Disqualified in tho mile and three riiilo 'championships. ■March' 2, 1907, Wellington Centre's Meeting—First ill the two mile -Handicap from scratch; time, 14min> 4sec.- : February,' 1908, New ' Zealand- Championship's/ Wellington:—First :i iri,'-'th'e' .riiile' from scratch'; time, '.6miri. : >sßgecv : .'. , "Dfsqualificd' , .in the- three milb:'; ''' February'2B-and March 2, 1908, Australian Amateur Championships. —. First in. liiilc';; 'time,. 7min. '23sec., FirstMn tho three 'mile; time, 23niin. 45sec.'v , ' March 11,, 1908, University: Sports,% Syd: ney—First' in the. milo .challenge; ' time, 7min. 14sec.