OLD KUMARA

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1926, Page 1

OLD KUMARA

GREAT FOOT RACE FOB 100 s A-SLDK. VKTIvIiAX V. TRAVELLER. (Contributed.) (From the Kuniara “Times” 187 D) Judging from the immense concourse of people that assembled on Saturday afternoon at the Kuniara racecourse, it might be naturally inferred that an event of more than ordinary importance was about to take place. The grand stand and every inch of available space that could possibly afford a view of the course was occupied, even the very posts of llie approach to the building in which our respected Magistrate holds his weekly levees were made extempore pedestals of eminence on the occasion, to witness the great. 1(10 yards match of the season between Stewart, “the Veteran,” and Howe “the Traveller.” Punctually at live o'clock both men appeared on the

ground, the 'Veteran stripping ill splendid form to the admiration of his numerous barkers, although the honkmakers considered the Traveller dangenerous, and lii.s preliminary spin at onco brought him in favor in the betting, booking at the condition of the two men, it was perfectly evident that their trainers had placed them on the ground in the very pink of perfect ion, and that the event would thoroughly eclipse in interest the great pig-a-bnek rare of the previous week. The preliminaries arranged and I lie men ready, it was suddenly discovered Hint, a most important item in I lie programme laid been overlooked, inasmuch as the pistol for the starter had been forgotten. Numerous wore Ibe suggestions offered, bill strangely "enough amongst the thousands assembled nol oven n Derringer could he procured. An embassy was despatched to the constabulary barracks to obtain the loan of this very necessary fijrearm, hut- without, .success, as the expected arrival of Kelly and Co. by tbe next steamer precluded tbe authorities from obliging at that particular moment. In the meantime a rush had set in for two of the gallant defenders of our country, who were espied returning from the rifle range with shouldered arms. Disapointment, again ensued, as cartridges they had none, although mi interested spectator suggested that the breech-loaders might be made available with the assistance of a little powder and a fire-stick. Of this delay the competitors had taken advantage and while one was doing a quiet spin, the other (owing no doubt to overtraining) was indulging in unlimited aqua puro and an eccentric action, between a starter’s hound and the Highland lling. However,. like many other things, when least expected, they turn up, and such proved the case in this jinstanco in the person of a professor of 'the tonsorial art, who. on hearing the state of affairs, quietly produced from the waistband of his unmentionables, a six-barrelled “navy Colt’s” which was quickly appropriated hv the starter, who, in the excitement of the moment neglected to inquire of the owner if his intentions were of a suicidal or duelling nature. Every preliminary being now arranged, the men toed the scratch, the Traveller conceding twelve yards start to his opponent, and amidst the greatest excitement and the hushed voices of the mighty multitude, the snap of a cap was heard, the men were off. and a “no start” was recorded. Again the men were placed, and again with bated breath the' thousands mf spectators stood quivering, when there was a sharp crack, a spontaneous burst as of many voices long restrained, and the start was effected. The pace, was terrific throughout, the Veteran going off with a bound that astounded the onlookers, but when half the distance had been covered it was evident the Traveller had the race well in hand, and, coming up to his opponent about ten yards from the winning post ho shot ahead, defeating the veteran by about- two lengths amidst the greatest enthusiasm ; the Veteran, however, by a well-timed spurt securing second honors. At the termination of the race the usual stimulants were immediately administered as the men appeared greatly distressed by their liureulean efforts.