Impressions of Northern Athletes and Athletics

feet 2 inches [13.46m]. Sutherland’s effort in the latter event at Bower was 48 feet 10 inches [14.88m]. In these circumstances, it is most regrettable that Sutherland should have to withdraw his challenge to the redoubtable A. A. Cameron. The circumstances are explained in a letter, which we have received from the Rogart Athlete. With regard to any challenge to A. A. Cameron, I regret to say that I am necessitated to withdraw it owing to the fact that I dislocated the cartilage of my knee whilst vaulting at the Dornoch games on Friday. These games were very badly managed, as the jumping was indulged in before the heavy-weight feats. All my performances contrasted very unfavourably, especially the ‘heavy’ events, with my Bower performances. I could hardly equilibrate the body upon the right leg when shot-putting owing to the intense pain; while the graduating of a great velocity whilst hammer-throwing was an absolute impossibility. I won the county-hammer-throwing contest with only 100 feet [30.48m]; did over 43 feet [13.11m] with light shot; first (tie) in vaulting, about 10 feet [3.05m], second (tie) in high jump, 5 feet 4 inches [1.63m]. In the open contests I was defeated by Mackenzie, Partick, and Ross, Kiltarlity. The margin between us was not great, as I did 110 feet with the hammer, but were I in real form I would easily have cleared the field. The light hammer was only 15 lbs. [6.80kg], yet my distance of 117 feet 1 inch [35.69m] was not reached. Ross putted the 22 lb. [9.98 kg] shot only 36 feet 6 inches [11.12m], which is about equivalent to 42½ or 43 feet [12.95 or 13.11m] with a genuine 16 lb. [7.26 kg] shot. I could not ‘putt’ the heavy ball on account of my leg, which to-day I cannot bend without pain. I leaped fairly well, doing 20 feet 9 inches [6.32m] in the long leap contest, but this made matters infinitely worse. I have written withdrawing my challenge, and I regret to say that I shall not be at any more sports in Caithness this year. As the public would be surprised to see my defeat at Dornoch, you will perhaps allow me to say that I was totally incapacitated to duplicate my performances at Bower. This news will be received with genuine regret by all sportsmen in Caithness. We understand that the Wick Riverside Community had already put the wheels in motion to secure a meeting on the Gala Day between Cameron and Sutherland, and they were not without hope that it might be brought about. As it is, the Committee still entertain the hope that the great “A. A.” will visit the herringopolis. As for Mr Sutherland, we sincerely trust that his injury may be quite temporary, and that ere long he will be fit and well again to battle for the supremacy of the north in athletics.