THE TWENTY-FOUR HOURS’ WALK.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1971, 18 June 1880, Page 2

THE TWENTY-FOUR HOURS’ WALK.

From the “ Otago Witness” we learn that, during his trip to the North Island, Mr Alfred Austin, the trainer of young Scott, made inquiries as to whether there would be any large number of entries for a twenty-four hours’ walking competition to be held in Dunedin, and from the encouragement he received he, on his return, called a meeting of local pedestrians, who expressed themselves favourable to the plan, Mr Austin has since communicated with those North Island men to whom ho had previously spoken, and has now decided to announce a twenty-four hours’ walking competition to be held in the Garrison Hall, Dunedin, during the first week in July. The first idea was to get a representative of each large city in New Zealand to take part in the contest, and it will be seen from the list of entries already received that he is likely to be successful. At the present time great interest is taken in long-distance walking, and big feats have been reported to have been done in all parts of New Zealand. This competition will be the means of finding out the real distance these men can walk on the “ measured” mile, and seeing how it compares with the Home time. The arrangements for carrying outthe contest will be very strict and in the hands of a strong and influential committee, and judging from the large number of entries already received the affair promises to be the biggest of its kind that has taken place this side of the line. The first prize is fixed at £SO, second £lO, and third £5, with a sweep of £1 from each competitor to go to the second and third men. The last day for receiving entries is June 9th, The following are the entries already received, and Mr Austin expects some six or eight more, which will probably be the largest field ever started for a twenty-four hours’ walk:—Bedford, Claxton, Henderson, Drummond, Delaney, Morehouse, Malcolm, Allen, Stenhonse, Deuchrass, Waneford, Sims, MeEwan, McLaren, Freer, Dunedin; Henry, Auckland ; O’Connor, Timaru; Swan, Christchurch ; Neary, Wellington; Wiltshire, Wanganui; Boardman, Waitouaiti.