INTRODUCTION OF BASKETBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22353, 29 August 1934, Page 11

INTRODUCTION OF BASKETBALL

TO TUE* EDITOR. Sib, —Some time ago a statement appeared in your paper re the introduction of basketball to Dunedin giving the credit to the Rev. J. C. Jameson. I thought at the time of writing to contradict Jt, but let it wait too long. Now it has again appeared and was repented by his Excellency Lord Bledisloc in an address made subsequently. Mr Janmson may have been responsible for the introduction ox basketball under the present rules ol play, but the credit of the introduction ot the game belongs by right to the late John Hanna, who in 1900 or 1901 (I am not quite certain which) ■ returned from a visit to England. He was at that time gymnastic instructor at both Otago High Schools (Girls’ and Boys), and after his return the girls at least played basketball. The game was played > inside the gymnasium, and the “baskets ' were really baskets about the size used by bakers in delivering their wares. There must be many es-pupils of that day who can corroborate what I say ana can remember the fun we had in the game. I am, etc., Ex-Gibi. s High.