“I Shall Do My Best.”

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 96, 10 April 1926, Page 3

“I Shall Do My Best.”

R. A. ROSE FAREWELLED. ENTHUSIASTIC GATHERING. Wellington, April 9. There was a most enthusiastic gathering at the civic send-off to R. A. Rose, who, accompanied by McHolm, trainer and mentor, will leave tor Auckland en route to England io meet the world’s champion, Nurmi. Mr. C. B. Norwood (Mayor) spoke of the splendid progress made by Rose on the cross country track and how proud New Zealand was of their champion. The Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) congratulated the champion and the Athletic Association on the success achieved in connection with the proposed tour. As New Zealanders they were proud of Rose and pleased that one of their boys had risen to such eminence on the athletic field that he had become fit to measure strides with the world’s champion. He wished him success. Mr. Coates said the whole of the people of New Zealand would follow his progress with great interest. Mr. T. Jordan (Mayor of Master ton) spoke on behalf of the people of that district. He was pleased at being able to participate in such a stirring send-off. Rose was not now a district man; he now belonged to and represented New Zealand. Mr. F. Wilton, on behalf of rhe N.Z. Amateur Athletic Association, said the matter of sending Rose abroad had been left to the public. A splendid response had been made. Rose would be running at the English championships at Stamford Bridge on July 3. He hoped he would then meet Nurmi.

Bose, who was cheered, said: “I shall do my best.”