STILL A CHANCE

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 94, 15 January 1926, Page 9

STILL A CHANCE

OF MATCHING ROSE AND NURMI. In September last a request was made to the Prims Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) bv a deputation from the N.Z.A.A.A., which was introduced by Mr. G. R. Sykes. M.P., that steps be taken l>v the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London io ascertain whether Paavo Nurmi, the worlds greatest distance runner, would accept an invitation to visit Now Zealand, one of the objects sought being to match the Finnish champion with the New Zealander, It. A. Rose. ’l’lio Prime Minister has now /•ommumcated to Mr. Sykes a translation of Nurmi’s reply to the High Commissioner's inquirv. It reads as follows; — “I have received vour letter, and in reply would say that it is not clear front the telegram when the race is to take place. T can hardly undertake a journev in tlm near future, but could perhaps do so m-xt auitnmn. although I cannot definifely promise this.” The rcplv will he considered at the next mcclang of th’- council of the N.Z.A.A.A.