THE CHAMPION SKATERS.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2163, 23 February 1880, Page 2

THE CHAMPION SKATERS.

There was a capital attendance of the “ votaries of the wheel” at the Queen’s Hall on Saturday night. From 7.45 to 9 p.m. the amateurs had it all their own way, gliding, crawling,' rushing, and slipping about in a way that must have been highly enjoyable to those engaged in the sport, but which made the spectators a little nervous. It was, however, most amusing to watch the proceeding of the skaters, more especially the novices, some of whom would be hanging over the benches at one end of the hall, at one moment, and the next, reposing iu all kinds of attitudes on the floor.

At 9 o’clock, there was a pause, the audience giving place to Professor and Madame Taylor, who gave an exhibition of their skill on the wheels, eliciting frequent rounds of applause by their graceful performance. A race by amateurs then took place, which caused a great deal of amusement. A chair was placed at each of the four corners of the hall, the conditions being that each competitor was to skate live times round the rink, without touching either walls or chairs. Twelve skaters entered for this race, for which a greenstone pendant, mounted in gold, was offered. M. • W. Shepherd was declared the winnei’, doing the distance in 46.(secs. very good time. This evening, a hurdle race for amateurs takes place, when another prize will bo offered.