A GOLF CASUALTY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 12

A GOLF CASUALTY.

[iiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiiiiniiiniffliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiii (Special to the “Star.”) LONDON, May 26. The British professional golfers suffered a great disappointment on the eve of their departure to America. Abe Mitchell, the captain of tha team who are to oppose the Americans in an international match by singles and foursomes, had complained of illness for some months, and, after winning the £I2OO tournament a week ago, the trouble became so acute that he consulted a specialist. As the result of an X-ray examination, it was discovered that he was suffering from duodenal ulcer. It is hoped that he may be cured by treatment without an operation, but naturally he was ordered a complete rest, and forbidden to take part in the tour. The circumstances arc singular. More than a year ago, before there was any intention of sending a team, Mitchell told me that he hoped it would never be necessary for him to go to America again. At the time he had just completed a contract to make three visits, and he refused, despite the tempting offer, to enter into a new one. His only objection to America is that the climate does not suit him. On his last trip he lost a stone in weight in two months, and he has never been well whilst staying there. As a matter of fact, lie has been ailing for two years, and it is amazing that he has been able to accomplish such remarkable golf performances. His courage and will power have carried hint through. Racing Touts’ Revenge. Police are investigating the circumstances of the death of Mr William D. Williams, aged sixty-six, a native of Oxford, England, whose dead body has been recovered from Lake Ontario, Canada. The dead man was a famous footballer who had played for Bolton Wanderers, and a noted horse owner, lie was highly popular on all tracks in Canada, the United Ctates and Cuba. Mr Williams suffered from spinal trouble, and walked with the stick. The police believe that he was lured from the track by racing touts and driven in a motor-car to the out-skirts of the city, where he was kicked to death, and that the body was afterwards thrown into the lake. His overcoat. spectacles, cane and his winnings on five races are missing. THE COLOUR BAR. The “Colour lie” is still in existence in the United .States. This year’s National Amateur Athletic Championships were alloted to the New Orleans branch of the Amateur Athletic Union, which notified the union authorities that itwould not accept an entry from a negro. De Hart Hubbard. Olympic long jumper and holder of the worlds iecord for the long jump, who is a negro student at an American University, asked the A.A.U. if the decision debarred him from competing. Ihe A.A.U. thereupon notified the New Orleans authorities that the Union could not permit the disfranchisement of any athlete on account of colour or creed. The New Orleans body would not give way, so the A.A.U. has decided upon a new venue for the championships. What About It? judges of swimming races which arc held at night at the open-air swimming baths experience considerable difficulty in obtaining the names of the successful competitors. No other methods of identification being available, they generally call out to the competitors for their names. At the Fitzroy swimming competitions last season “Billy” Fawcett, honorary secretary of the Victorian Amateur Swimming Association, was officiating as judge. At the finish of a heat in the Junior Handicap about five swimmers finished in a bunch. He sorted out the winner, and called out, ‘Hey! What’s your name?’ A gurgled response sounded something like ‘‘what.’’ “What’s your name?” said Billy. “Watt” came back the reply. The now impatient official said, “If you do not give your name you will not be able to start in the final.” “I’ve been trying to tell you for five minutes,” said the swimmer. “My name is Watt: what more do you want?” The laugh was certainly on “Billy.”

They Were Surprised When Edwin Wide, the famous Swedish runner, went to America on a six months’ “ educational" trip, it was stated that he would only be allowed t.o compete at three or four meetings. Later the schedule was extended, and now it appears that he is combining sport with instruction. Recently he was in Texas, where he broke the world’s record for a mile and a quarter. His next appearance was at a meeting in Los Angeles, when he announced his intention to endeavour to lower Nurmi’s world’s record of 4min lOisec for the mile. Not only did he fail by a big margin, but to the amaze-i ment of the public he was defeated by N. Carter, of the Los Angeles Athletic Club, in 4mm 16 4-osec. The New Zealanders ma.de a truly gallant attempt to win the game by the general attacking spirit which they showed in their out-crickct, well and wisely directed by Lowry who is not afraid to change his bowling or bis fieldsmen for individual batsmen says an English critic. They were handicapped by the retirement of Dacrc, who, as the result of a great number of excellent returns from t fi c deep-held, threw out lus shoulder.