WALKING MATCH FOR £100 A SIDE.

Kumara Times, Issue 1143, 28 May 1880, Page 3

WALKING MATCH FOR £IOO A SIDE.

A very large concourse of people—fully 3000—assembled in Tlagley park yesterday to witness the walking match between C. Bowley, of Christchurch; and J. O'Connor, of Timaru. The tance was seven miles, and the following gentlemen were appointed to act as referees: for Bowley— Messrs Digby mid Anson ; and for O'Connor—Messrs Duncan and Parker; while Mr J .C'ampdpll was the deciding referee in case of dispute. Mr J. Ollivier acted as judge, a very good selection. Both men had il.enty of supporters on stripping, and was the opinion of many good judges that, although both hud evidently had a good preparation, O'Connor was, if anything, a bit light. Even betting was the order Of the day, Bowley having slightly to calh -Precisely 'at 3h 58* mins the men started fchepisel res"/Bowley going, .off with a lead. For the first half-mile he maintained a' slight advantage, fylt the Tiiriaru Champion then supplanted him. !The'first mile was completed in Tmin. 51 sec. Soon after the following hip Bowley pitt on a spurt and again headed O'Connor, but on passing the judge ' O'Connor was

again in front. The second mile was accomplished in 7min. 49 sees. On passing the starting at the end of the third mile O'Connor had a long lead, which he thenceforth maintained and was never again caught. The third mile was done in Train-. 53J sec, the fourth in Brnin. 7sec, the fifth in 8 min. 3sec, the sixth in Siuin -20 sec, and the seventh in Smin. 39. sec. The total time occupied in travelling the seven miles was therefore 56inin. 44-isec. This was according to the time taken by our reporter in conjunction with one or two others who are in he habit of timing races, but we are informed that by others the time was made 55min. 41 2-5 sec, which would make it very fast going, as the track was in some places rather heavy.— Lvttelton Times, May 24.