WAIRIO SPORTS MEETING.

Southland Times, Issue 20676, 24 December 1928, Page 3

WAIRIO SPORTS MEETING.

To the Editor. Sir, —In reply to a letter that appears in to-day’s Tinies over the signature the “Superintendent of Sports,” who infers that Jack Skerrett is squeaking and shows poor sporting spirit: this is an untruthful statement, consequently not much credit to the writer. No one will be more surprised than the runner referred to when he sees this matter being discussed through the Press. The decision arrived at by the two runners is quite feasible under the circumstances. Any old sport in authority would not -hesitate one second in deciding who was entitled to the trophy. I have already stated my reasons for commenting on the matter and will leave your many readers to judge as to whether my remarks were justified or not. —I am, etc., A BROTHER ATHLETE.

To the Editor. Sir, —Your correspondent “The Superintendent of Sport” is doing a grave injustice in attacking Skerrett’s character in such an unsportsmanlike manner. As trainer of this runner I can vouch that Skerrett willingly agreed with McDonald to toss for the medal. McDonald won and at no time has Skerrett ever “squeaked” about such a trifling matter. It Is only fair to this runner that “Superintendent of Sports” should obtain full facts of the case before putting them in print. As Skerrett has done much to foster the code, and has always been acknowledged by his fellow runners as a genuine sport it is only right that ‘‘Superintendent, of Sports” should tender an apology to his letter of the 22nd inst. I am, etc., G. RODGER. Rugby Park.