THE HIGH JUMP RECORD LOWERED AGAIN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1729, 7 December 1887, Page 3

THE HIGH JUMP RECORD LOWERED AGAIN

The testimonial reception given to William Byrd Page, Friday, October 7th, by tho Athletic Astoaiatlun of the University of Pejvnjylvania, at Philadelphia (•ays " Tnrf .'"Field, nnd Farm") waa a complete success. The weather was balmy, and the 3000 spectators viewed tho exhibition m comfort. It was to bo Page's lasc appearance, and it was kncwn that he wculd a.tempt to bretk hla great record. Messrs Bay and Clarke, Englieh champions In pole vaulting and walking, also gave exhibitions of their powers. Olatk, who came on the track with Chamberlain, of the University, to act as pace maker, walked the mile m 7mln Bj^ec. Pege then cane out, amid the greatest spplanee from the students and ladies. The bar waß placed at five feet, which be easily cleared ; then two inches were added at a time until six feet was reached. Page new took a rest, and after & little rubbing paced ten steps backwards, and with a beautiful leap cleared the willow by about two inches. After two more beautiful leapa ilis bar stood 6ft 3£in, and Pago has broken his record by £ln, The enthusiasm was now intense. The bar was next raised to 6ft 4in ( and after more rubbing Page In a wonderful leap went over without a touch. HU friends rose to congratulate him, and it was with difficulty that the police could keep the crowd back. This is the highest record ever made. The events were concluded by a magnificent exhibition of pole jumping by Mr Bay, who cleared lift 4ln, two Inches short of his record, Dr Pepper, provost of the University, delivered an address to Page and the students present, and Dr Frezier presented Page with a beantifnl watch as an appreciation of his woik. Dr White then gave Messrs Ray and Clarke medals as testimonials of the good will entertained for English athletes on this side of the water.