VISITORS FROM AMERICA.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 328, 15 October 1908, Page 7

VISITORS FROM AMERICA.

A DISTINGUISHED ATHLETE. DR. GUY HASKINS INTERVIEWED. Tho Maheno, from Sydney, included in hor passengers this trip Dr. Guy Haskins and Dr. Kenton, old Christchurcli students, who have qualified for the dental profession in America. "Guy Haskins" is a familiar name in tho athletic world, for the returned traveller has achieved lasting famo as a middle and distance champion on tho track. Dr. Haskins completed his dental course this year; in Juno last ho obtained tho degreo of D.D.S. at tho University of Pennsylvania. _ Dr. Ilenton, too, comes from Pennsylvania, where he has had a successful career at the university in tho dental branch. In the course of an interview, both New Zealanders expressed pleasure at being back onco more among familiar scones, but they agreed also that America holds out bettor prospects for advancement in their profession than can be found in tho Dominion. Dr. Haskins expects to remain in Now Zealand n couple of months; lie comes particularly to see his father, who has been in bad health for somo time.

"VVhen the conversation turned to athletics, as it necessarily did, Dr. Haskins mentioned some of his later performances. Tho day to which ho looks back with the greatest gratification is that on which ho established his mile record (4min. 20 3-ssec.) at tho intercollegiate championships of 1007, and, after an interval of only half an hour, ran 880 yds. in lmin. 57 4-ssec. Dr. Haskins was urged to join tho American team to represent tho States at the Olympic games, but found that his business engagements forbado such a move. His merit is easily gauged when it is stated that he defeated Melville Sheppard (who so ably ran in America's interests at tho international contosts) on five different occasions. Theso runs wore onco at the mile, 1000 yds. twice, and the half-milo twico.

Speaking generally of athletics in America, tho doctor pointed out that sport is taken very seriously, and the men are trained as carefully as racehorses. The trainers go about their business thoroughly, and will allow of no " baulking " on tho part of tho runners. Instancing the lengths to which this business spirit has been carried, Dr. Haskins remarked that the trainer attached to tho University of Pennsylvania drew a salary of 7000 dollars a year, with a free house, etc. It is Dr. Haskins's intention to pnt on tho spikes in New Zealand if opportunities offer, and, if it docs fall out that a team from South Africa visits Australasia, ho is willing to take an active part in the doings, to defend tho laurels of his nativo land. Dr, Haskins will bo a formidable opponent for tho South African.runners to tackle; ho has' won by his magnificent efforts on the running track about 150 silver cups and trophies, and something like £800 worth of medals. That is surely a record to bo proud of.