Pedestrianism in Dunedin.

Cromwell Argus, Volume IV, Issue 188, 17 June 1873, Page 7

Pedestrianism in Dunedin.

Austin, tlio longdistance runner, contemplates attempting the difficult feat of walking a thousand miles in a thousand hours. The arrangements are such that should any unfairness on the part of the walker bo detected, he will forfeit the sum of £25 to a committee appointed to conduct the carrying out of the match. Men will be employed by the committee to watch the performer day and night, and a rewaid will be given to anyone reporting unfairness on his part. A tell-tale will be used, to be attended to every hour, as a check on the watchers. Edwards, Austin's trainer, will he his attendant. Austin has to walk one mile every hour, and will thus, at the most, he able to have an hour and a half of continuous sleep. The time of starting will be fixed by the walker beforehand, and advertised every day, and by it he will be bound. The match will probably be commenced during the present week, as soon as the Head Quarters Drill Shed can he obtained for the purpose. Concerts will be given during the evenings, and tire proceeds handed over to Austin. In consequence of tiro drowsy elfect produced by gas on the eyes, Chinese lanterns will, be used. This will lighten the task very much, for the resisting the inclination of sleep is the chief difficulty encountered. Although Austin has never before attempted this feat, he has youth and hardiness in his favour.— Times. Drake and Fox have been matched to run three events, —viz., 100, 150, and 200 yards, —on the North Dunedin Recreation Ground, on the 19th July, for £59 a side, and the] championship of New Zealand. The articles■ have been signed, and the first deposit of £lO j a side duly posted. Mr James Marshall has I been appointed stakeholder ; Mr G. Dowse, j starter ; and Mr W. C. Kirkcaldy, referee. We have had no opportunity yet in Dunedin

of seeing what Drake can do, but judging by his past performances in the Colony, the most notable of which was Ids beating Pat Twohill at Greymonth, about twelve months ago, in a race of lot), 200, and 300 yards, for the championship of the Colony, and £IUO a side, Fox has- his work cut out for him. Drake will shortly proceed to Wellington, but will be back in time to go into training to fultil his engagements.— Minr.