ROSE’S TOUR.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19760, 10 April 1926, Page 8

ROSE’S TOUR.

A CIVIC SEND-OFF,

(Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, April 9. There was a most enthusiastic gathering at the civic send-off to Rose, who, accompanied by Mr M‘Holm (his trainer and mentor), will leave Wellington for Auckland, en rout© to England to meet the world’s champion, Nurmi. The Mayor (Mr C. B. Norwood) spoke of the progress made by Rose and how proud New Zealand was of their champion. The Prime Minister (Mr Coates) congratulated the champion and the Athletic Association on the success achieved in connection with he proposed tour. As Now Zealanders they were proud of Rose, and pleased that one of their boys had risen to such eminence on the athletic held. They were proud that he had become fit to measure strides with the world’s champion, and they wished him success. The Prime Minister said the whole of the people of New Zealand would follow Rose’s progress with great interest. Mr T. Jordan (Mayor of Mastorton) spoke on behalf of the people of that district. He was pleased to be able to participate in such a stirring send-off. Rose was not row a district man—he now belonged to and represented New Zealand. Mr F. Wilton, on behalf of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association, said the matter of sending Rose abroad had been left to the public, and all knew the splendid response that had been made. Rose would b© running at the English championships at Stamford Bridge on July 3, and he hoped then to meet Nurmi. Rose, who was heartily cheered, said he would do his best.