SPORTING.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 178, 8 April 1873, Page 5

SPORTING.

An event which created considerable interest, and drew together quite a numerous attendance, took place in our usually quiet town this week : viz., a foot race of 110 yds., between a well-known mining manager and a better-known portly publican, who, as he himself often asserts, "sells whisky right up to the handle." The course selected was, across the Cromwell bridge ; and the stakes, two bottles of fiz. Punctual to time, both men marched to the scene of action, surrounded by a host of mutual friends and admirers. Arrived at the starting-point, the competitors proceeded to strip, which operation took up a much shorter time than is usual on such momentous occasions, as the " stripping" was completed by each man taking off his boots and giving them to his most ardent admirer to hold until the exciting event should be over.

The "prepare to start" was duly responded to by each man giving his l< breeks" a determined and desperate hitch, setting his teeth, and toeing the scratch. Betting at that time had readied 2 to 1 in iiz on the M. M. A capital start was effected, the M. M. bounding off electrically, and looking an easy winner. But hj komme propose, and never did a pot boil over more completely than in this instance. For before the M. M. had got over half the distance, the P. P., with a game and desperate spurt, collared and passed him, coming in an easy winner, hands down. Weights. P. P., 17st lOlbs 1 M. M., 1] st 81bs distanced. Time, 22§ seconds.