HONOURS ABROAD

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 166, 10 April 1926, Page 10

HONOURS ABROAD

R. A. ROSE FAREWELLED THE CITY’S TRIBUTE A GREAT SEND-OFF Over a thousand citizens assembled at the Town Hall last night to bid farewell to R. A. Rose, of Mastertoil, who, in company with his companionmanager (J. W. McHolm), will leave New Zealand on Tuesday lor America, en route to England, to measure strides with the world’s greatest distance runners, including—if the opportunity offers —Paavo Nurmi, * the Flying Finn.” The proceedings were marked by great enthusiasm, and many glowing tributes were paid to the worth of the champion and his companion. ' The Mayor (Mr. C. J. B Norwood) presided and the Prime ISlinister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates) was in .attendance. Among those associated on the platform with the principal speakers were:—Mrs. C. J. B. Norwood, Sir Joseph Ward, Sir John Luke, M.P., Mr. T. Jordan (Mayor of Masterton)# Mr. G. R. Sykes, M'.P., Mr. and Mrs. Rose, senr., Messrs. R. A. Rose, J. W. McHolm, A. C. Kitto, F. Wilton, C. G Wilson, H. D. Bailey. R. Darroch, 11. Buck, J. Burns, H. D. Bennett, and W. H. Bennett. Apologies for absence were received from Mr. R. W. McVilly (president of the. N.Z.A.A.A.), and Mr. T. Forsyth, M.P. * .. „ A National Representative. Mr. Norwood said that the city and the Dominion had reason to be proud of Randolph Rose. At his special distance the champion had proved that there was no one in Australia or New Zealand, indeed or in America, who could get pear him. Ihe guest of honour was about to proceed to the Old Country to measure strides with the greatest runners m ■ the woria. The tour was not promoted at Rose s own wish, but at the desire of the people of New Zealand who considered it onlv right that lie should have the opportunity of competing with tie world’s best. It coni# said then that Rose was going away as a national representative The champion was a man who was ’J) every respect a gentleman, a good sport, an amateur of the best sort, and one who'would worthily represent New Zealand on afid off the racing field. The same applied to McHolm, who was accompanying the champion as com-panion-manager. (Loud applause.)

"Proud of the Young Fellow." The Prime Minister conveyed to Rose on behalf of the people of New Zealand their congratulations on his selection to represent them abroad. n . nd complimented the Amateur Athletic Association on its enterprise in acting so promptly and so well in the matter. It was wonderful how quickly they had raised sufficient money from the public to carrv out the project. He offered his congratulations to Mr. and Airs. Rose upon bringing np such a son. Rose should be taken care of and brought back to New Zealand just as he left it. Everyone true to the country and its ideals would follow with pride and pleasure what the champion accomplished in international sport. They were proud of the young fellow who' was going away not only because of his great performances, but also tor the reason that he was in every sense a good citizen, due, of course, to the fine upbringing he had received. Ihe Prime Minister said he was perfectly satisfied that Rose would do his best to keep New Zealand’s name unsullied and prove a creditable representative wherever he went. He would take any successes with due modesty, and when he was defeated he would show that New Zealanders possessed the manliness to bear the slings and arrows’of misfortune nobly. The people of the Dominion would watch hip career abroad with interest, despite the long distance Separating them. Mr. Coates said he joined with the Mavor in his praise of the ' suitability of the companion who bad been chosen to accompany Rose, and believed that a wise choice had been made. McHolm was well xind widely known in the athletic world and would prove a real help td the young champion. He congratulated those who had worked, so hard to bring the trip about. Their action was an incentive fo all voting athletes. He wished Rose and McHolm bon voyage, a happy time, and a safe return to New Zealand. (Prolonged applause.) Wairarapa’s Tribute. ' Mr. Jordan (Mavor of Masterton), on behalf of tlie people of Wairarapa, tendered to Rose congratulations on the stirring send-off lie was being given. He had been under the impression that Rose belonged to Masterton, but lie> was satisfied to know that lie was really the property of New Zealand, and was, in fact, a national exhibit. (Laughter.) Rose was a modest, unassuming, sterling fellow —that was the testimony of people amongst whom he lived. He joined tn every' good wish uttered. The Big Test. Mr. F. Wilton, on behalf of the council of the N.Z.A.A.A., thanked the New Zealand public for having made the trip possible. While be believed that Rose was the best man in New Zealand, or Australia, or in America at his distance, there was a little place called Finland where he would find a man worth measuring strides' with, and it was a hard task lie was embarking upon. Rose would run his first mile in England on July 3, and it was hardly likely he would meet Nurmi there. In selecting McHolm to accompany Rose, he believed the association had made tlfc best selection possible. (Applause.) & Champion’s Reply. Replying, Rose felt that from the tifne he left lie would not be his own “boss,” since he would have to knuckle down to hard training directly he got on board, so that if he were beaten it would not be for lack of care and determination. He heartily thanked the New Zealand Athletic Council and the people of New -Zealand for what they had done for him. When he started running he never thought he would have been in the position they bad placed him in, anti he could assure them he was very grateful for the honour. (Loud applause and prolonged cheers.) McHolm also expressed his thanks, and the gathering concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.