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- Since my last letter to you Dr.Naismith, the
founder of basketball and a former colleague of yours, has
passed away. I wrote a tribute to him in the "Manchester City
News"as soon as I learned of his death from an obituary
notice in the "Christian Science Monitor." If you could send
me any further biographical details, Dr.Allen, I would be
much obliged. “a

As I stated in my last letter basketball has not
yet been adopted here on a national basis - not in a big way.
We have an Amateur Basketball Association, with headquarters
at Birmingham, and the secretary, Mr.J.A.Clay, is as keen as
I - but not keener ! He still keeps the flag flying in the
Midlands, though I'm sorry to say many gymnasia have been
badly blitzed and I believe he has the use of only one now.
In London the Central Y.M.C.A. received a direct hit, but as
the gymnasium is in the basement it escaped damage. The gym
is used as a dormitory for the Forces, however, and I guess
basketball has been forsaken for the duration.

In Manchester the game flourishes so far as it
can with a depleted membership. It is really a wonder that
basketball is still played at all during the war. Unfortunately,
I myself get no opportunity to play, but I always enjoy a
work-out -often alone - when I go home on leave.

I have ambitious ideas to foster the sport after
the war. Perhaps I shall be able to persuade my employers,
the "Daily Herald," to sponsor a campaign to encourage the
development of basketball. As a journalist I have a ready-made
chance to further the cause of the game. Up to this time the
Press has ignored basketball because it isn't "box-office."

Well, Dr.Allen, I won't impose myself upon you
any longer. I'm afraid I can barely restrain myself when I
dwell on my favourite pastime, and you must excuse my exuber-
ance. Thank you again for your kindness in sending me a copy
of "Better Basketball" (I'll acknowledge it on receipt) and
I hope you will be able to let me have lots of material about
the game as soon as you can. I look forward eagerly to your
next communication.

Please remember me to Mr.Cook and thank him for
his co-operation - and the splendid basketball I received from
him on Christmas Day. With kindest regards and best wishes -
and a toast to Victory for the United Nations, I remain,

Sincerely yours,

 

LAURENCE NELSON.