MR W. T MACPHERSON.
("Men of Mark," by "The Old 'Un " in the Sydney Referee.)
A resident of the realm of amateurs. Pretty fly for all that.- A native of this colony, born, I believe, at Waverley. May be an alderman there some day; would be a good man in a scrummage at tlfe council table.— Aged 25. Therefore young and healthy. Champion amateur sprinter of Australia. -A big order that. True, nevertheless. Known as " Billy Mac." A descendant of the great Clan Macpherson. Governor Duff's pedigree not in it with "Billy's." Forget the colour of his tartan. Holds world's amateur records at 100 yds and 150 yds. Time, 9min 4-ssec and 14mia 4-ssec. Couldn't do it myself. That's saying a lot. Ran 250 yds in 24 3-53ee. This is not a lie. The fastest time for the distance ever run in the world by amateur or professional. Once beaten in a level hundred yards by Jack Hempton, of New Zealand fame. Reversed the verdict later in the day. Not in his best form when Jack beat him. Has never forgotten that defeat. It is graven on his heart, and burnt in with a flat iron. Went to Maoriland. Did not meet Hempton. Came back disappointed. Will compete in championship meeting in Melbourne at Cup time. That is provided Jack comes over from New Zealand. Thought by good judges to be the fastest middledistance runner in the world. Is a Rugby footballer of repute. Leads the Randwiok Club. Plays amongst the forwards. Ought to be a champion half back. Is a good-looking fellow. Fine open countenance. Clean shaved. A hon comrade. Has a level temper and a head to match. Smiles when he goes down to the posji. Kind of confident expression that galls his i opponents. Never got iv a funk in his life. f Goes to " kirk " occasionally. Always prayfl
that he may live to meet New Zealand Jack again. Never forgets the collection plate. Has a choice "collection plate" of his own. Won it honourably and handsomely. Son of Macpherson of Houldaworth and Macpherson. Dad proud of him. So he ought to be. Solid people. Lobs of "sugar." No need for reconstruction there. Billy's coat of arms, •• the spiked shoe rampant." Motto : " Quick off the mark." ,
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OW18930720.2.159
Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 34
Word Count
379MR W. T MACPHERSON. Otago Witness, Issue 2056, 20 July 1893, Page 34
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