WATER DRINKING AND PEDESTRIANISM.

Akaroa Mail and Banks Peninsula Advertiser, Volume 2, Issue 106, 24 July 1877, Page 3

WATER DRINKING AND PEDESTRIANISM.

Brooklyn (N. T.J Times, March 20,

For some time past John W. Stubbs, of the Eastern District, who enjoys some local fame as a pedestrian has been ambitious to try his endurance and skill as a long distance walker against some of the more experienced athlets. He challenged several and was finally accommodated by William E. Harding of New York. A matchfor £200 a side was arranged, the distance to bo fifty miles, Harding to give Stubbs one mile start, and the contest took place yesterday in Gilmor's Garden. The start took place at 1 30 p. m., and when the word " go " was given Harding started off at a rapid pace, Stubbs followed at a slower gait. Harding is an awkward walker, and when spuring would seem to shake himself to pieces. Stubbs has a long and regular step, but seemed to be void of any greatexerton. Harding.at. times walked very rapidly and made his first six miles in 57 minutes 33 seconds, Stubbs made his first ten miles in 1 hpur 50 minutes and 17 seconds. By extra exertions Harding had gained the mile, start given Stubbs on the twelfth mile, passing him for the ninth time. Just before the completion of the twentyfirst mile, Stubbs took a big drink of water without his trainer's knowlege, and immediately after complained of sickness aud dizziness, and retired from the track. Stubby wss rubbed down and doctored, and in three-quarters of an hour returned to his labour. In the mean time Harding, had been taking things easy, and no Stubbs' renewing the walking he retired for a time The Brooklynite was greatly refreshed, with a quick, steady gait, making the twentysecond mile in nine minutes and thirtyseconds. From this to the thirtieth mile he raried but little in his pace, hut by injudicious handling he was allowed to drink too much, and just when it was Harding was lagging, Stubbs. had to leave the track through dizziness, and was unable to return. Harding walked a mile in good time, when it was announced that Stubbs gave up the contest, and Harding was declared the winner, having made the thirty-three miles in seven hours, thirty-four minutes and eight seconds, including one hour, eleven minutes and fifty seconds for rests Stubbs' time was seven hours, eight minutes and sixteen seconds, including stoppages.