THE LONGEST STAY UNDER WATER.

Feilding Star, Volume III, Issue 2, 21 June 1882, Page 3

THE LONGEST STAY UNDER WATER.

o The London Sporting Life, of April 11, says: — Peter Johnson, champion diver, on Thursday evening last, remained under water 4min 2£ sec, as timed by our representative, Mr R. Watson." The feat was performed at tho Hoyal Mu->ic Hall, * Ho! bom, and witnessed by W. Beckwith and a very laige company. In recent notices we j have recorded come very wonderful feats accomplished -by Johnson in the Provinces, and, 'although 'horoughly believing in his ability, have been unable to acknowledge them as a record. However, we have at last 1 had an Opportunity of testing this remarkable swimmer's powers of endurance, and are pleased to give them every prominence. The feat to whicli we have alluded was performed in the tank, without incurring the slightest unpleasantness; in fact, after risingto the surface, Johnson turned two complete somersaults underwater, and informed us that, but for the nervousness of his children, he could bave remained 4min 30_e_. Oa the completion of his task, Johnson was received with great cheering, but only a few present had an idea of the merit due to such a performance, and the substantial recognition it deserved. As an under- water feat it stands unparalleled, and is equal' in its particular form of notation to swimming the English Channel, or any otber exploit achieved by man in the water element.