“Nerves of Iron”

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 169, 13 April 1932, Page 11

“Nerves of Iron”

Sir, —Mr. Leslie’s article under tbe above heading was rather .interesting in that it showed that spectators with their “let ’em go” are still as impatient to see a race commenced as thev were in tbe days of the Greeks. I refer to a passage in “Die Frogs,” in which Dionysius inquires of Hercules as to the quickest route to journey to Hades. Hercules advises him to climb to the topmost tower of Ihe Ceraineicus, from which he may view tbe torch-races. “Observe the 'torch-race started, and when all the multitude is shouting ‘let them go,’ let yourself go.” An interesting parallel occurred at the Basin Reserve during an evening sports meeting held on the Monday after the New Zealand.championships at Auckland. Competitors in the 75 yards sprint were recalled for breaking. A “bleacher” advised Mr. Leslie to “let ’em go.” Curiously enough, Mr. Leslie retorted, “Let yourself go.” Heracles (Hercules) reincarnated? Then, of course, he is an iron man with iron nerves. —I am. etc.. WINGED SHOE. Wellington, April 9.