PEDESTRIANISM.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 391, 13 September 1875, Page 3

PEDESTRIANISM.

The Daily Times of the Bth says—The long pending match between Edwards and the boy Scott, and which resulted from a challenge from Edwards on Scott beating his (Edwards’s) time in the feat of 100 miles within twenty-four hours, took place at the Drillshed last evening. The competitors have been in training for a good while past, Edwards at Mosgiel under Reece, and Scott in Dunedin under Austin. The contest, it was well known, would be a genuine one ; on either side there was a determination to wicL which left no doubt that the match would not be “ squared.” The stakes were for a large amount, £SO a side. The distance was seven miles. The course had been measured off by Mr G. S. Duncan, C.E., and the judges, so that the full distance of seven miles had to be walked by the competitors. As it was well known to be an affair in which there was a good deal of rivalry, and as each competitor had been in careful training, fast time was expect'd. On account of the small and narrow course the competitors were not started together. Edwards was the first to walk. The time fixed for him was 7.30, but he started at a little past eight. He appeared to be in fine form, and walked well. When he did his - seven miles in 61min llsec the general opinion was that the “ boy ” could not beat that. Edwards expressed himself to the effect that his time could not be beaten, and his manner showed he was confident that he had won. Young Scott, however, was sure of victory, and the fast time of Edwards did not in the least daunt him. Scott started at a few minutes after nine. If anything were needed to gain the general sympathy of the audience with him, it was proved when Edwards stepped into the course and protested against the boy’s style —that he was running, not walking. This action of Edwards’s was at once resented as improper, and caused quite an outburst of groans, and Edwards was ordered by the referees off the course. Scott walked the distance in 60 min 26J sec. He appeared to be far less punished than Edwards while actually walking, though for a few minutes after completing the distance he evidently suffered severely. However, the little fellow had a brave heart and bore the pain well. The following is the time : Scott. Edwards. Min. Sec. Min. Sec. Ist mile ... 8 31 ... 8 43 2nd mile ... 17 32 ... 17 16 3rd mile ... 26 25 ... 25 55 4th mile ... 34 50 ... 34 39 sth mile ... 43 20 ... 43 30 6th mile ... 51 46 ... 52 24 7th mile ... 60 24 ... 61 10 The above is Mr Teller’s time. Mr Mason, the other time keeper, gave the time, Scott, 60min 26£sec ; Edwards, 61min llsec. Taking the highest time injeach case, Scott won by 44f seconds. Mr D. K. Rhodes, who acted on behalf of Edwards, declared himself to be perfectly satisfied with the way in which the boy walked. The judges and referees, Messrs Dowse, Kirkcaldy, and Clayton, were also satisfied. The referees’ announcement of the victory was received with cheering, and Scott was taken home amidst the somewhat shrill strains of the drum-and-fife band. Afterwards, Edwards protested against the referees’ decision, saying Scott’s walking was such as would not be allowed in London, and various objections which could only be called frivolous. The objections were not considered worth replying to, being those of an angry man smarting under defeat. We have not heard what was Edwards’ best time during his trials, but we learn that Scott, when he had the advantage of pure air—and the atmosphere of the Drill Shell last evening was literally choked with tobacco smoke —did the distance in 2£ minutes less than that of last evening.