NAMES AND DATES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 24 September 1927, Page 13

NAMES AND DATES

REPLY TO “HALP-MILER.” (By “Physical Culturist.”) In previous reminiscences I have stated that I have written largely from memory, and that if in error I am open to correction. ‘ "Half-miler” recently reminded me that I had overlooked 'a number of sterling performers. In relating some incidents he mentioned the name of Donald Ross, the Scottish champion, on the Hawera sports ground in 1889. In the issue of 17th inst. I wrote, in effect, that Duncan C. Ross, champion mixed style wrestler of America, is tlie Boss my critic refers to. My attention lias been drawn to a letter in tlie “Star” of Tuesday last, ill which “Half-miler” states that 1 erred in inferring that D. Ross (the other champion discussed) was an American, as lie hailed from the “noble northern land.” As one fish at a time is good fishing (though foreign to the subject), I will try to clear the air re Ross. I did not infer that the Ross I had in mind was an American. I wrote and' meant “American champion.” As .such lie was proclaimed in the Manawatu and Wanganui- districts by his manager (Captain Churchward) in 1891 (I.'have verified this by my scrap book of press reports). The Donald Ross of 1889 and Duncan Ross of 1891 must have been two different men, which makes

“Half-miler” quite correct and myself quite in error in assuming the two were one. I confess I have no knowledge of Donald. In reference to the lale Donald Dinnie. “Half-miler” gives date of birth at Aboyne, Aberdeen. June 10, 1837. The latter is. of course, authentic, and one cannot, neither do I wish to, get away from facts. If the time of liis visit to this district was 1891 -, I admit I have fallen into a grave error. In my admiration of the grand old athlete T was misled. When Donald appeared at the old Theatre Royal at Wanganui with others 1 was requested to assist at his performance. Before he held his 561 b dumbbell at arm’s length horizontal for 2<) seconds it was publicly announced that he was aged 69 years, and the only man in the world of his age who could do this feat of strength. I am sorry “Halfmiler” assumed I challenged him on a question of fact; I merely wished to do justice to a man whose athletic feats are never likely to he duplicated in their entirety. In justice to myself I rnav also mention that old Donald was at the Caledonian sports at Marton on March 14, 1894 (again taken from my scrap-book). It was a few days later he performed at Wanganui. I was under the impression that this was his only trio around Manawatu, Wanganui, and Taranaki, with ins wife and little Eva Dmnie, which would make his age 57 yearn at the latter d&te. If was At- jVXAHBift i?

1891, then he must have been twice on tour in different years and I am wrong. I have endeavoured, but cannot trace back to the former year. Referring to the. wrestler®, 'there is another name both “Half-miler” and myself have completely overlooked, that is Don Stewart, also of Normanby—the latter vicinity must surely have been the hub of Taranaki in the production of wrestlers in the Cumberland style. While Pau Wharemu was stiff In (hia prime, I have heard it said, that one New Year’® Day. at the Hawera Caledonian .sports, there were eleven competitors in the heavy-weight division, which was won by Donald Stewart. A man from Auckland was second. Pau wa,s not a competitor, but he was standing in the crowd, and the judge, Mr John Heslop, invited him to entente save a bye. But Pau replied, “No. Stewart is too good for me.” If the “Star” report of the sports is looked up, I hoieve it will read! as follows: “The. judge stated that it was the most scientific wrestling he had seen for. years. ’ ’ Shortly after Stewart was laid aside for many months by a serious illness, after which he never wrestled again, but old wrestlers declare that he was one of tlie best. One would never taki3 the present poultry breeder, fancier, and judge, to be the wrestler who could hold his own with the best. Like. many other fine athletes, lie- took a liking to the feathered world. The year following Stewart’s - win, the wrestling was won by Charlie Ngatara, and if I am not in error, Pau was second. Just here I will repeat one’s memory l cannot retain actual nates ot so many happenings. In life so many, red herrings are drawn across tlie scent that one is apt for a space to lose the trail. My effort ha® been to make this old eyes sparkle, and though many of us mav never meet again, in fancy we may once again participate in those strenuous events which tnss*stpVl to mould the physique and character of many, who have proved; leadens! of men in other spheres, .also reminiscences may give the present generation ideals to strive for. Tu this object I am convinced that “Half-miler” joins with! me. From a contribution received this week from another old tinier it will be noted that to a certain extent our effort < have been '.successful.