AMERICAN ATHLETE TO TOUR AUSTRALIA.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18960, 6 January 1930, Page 1

AMERICAN ATHLETE TO TOUR AUSTRALIA.

(United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) NEW YORK, January 4. Mr Daniel I. Ferris, secretary of the Amateur Athletic Union, has stated that he has received a cablegram from the Australian athletic authorities inviting H. M. Osborne to come to Australia, and asking whether he was on the Makura, which sailed on December 25. Mr Ferris stated that he believed not, since he had had no word from the Matson Line officials to that effect. He added that his own efforts to get in touch with the athlete were still unsuccessful. The Illinois Athletic Club, Chicago, of which Osborne is a member, stated that he would sail by the Niagara on January 8. However, efforts to reach Osborne have been unsuccessful. It : was stated that he and his wife were out of the city. Mr Ferris has telegraphed to Osborne for definite information of his plans. The day before Osborne was due to sail the Amateur Athletic Union received word that his wife was ill and that he could not go. However, the union cabled to Australia saying that they were still willing to send him, if another invitation was forthcoming. Osborne was expected to compete in track and field events towards the end of this month, in Melbourne, and later to tour Victoria. He is probably the best amateur all-rounder in America. At the last Olympic Games he won the all-round championship, and he holds the American high jump record with a leap of 6ft Blin.