THE LONG-DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Temuka Leader, Volume 2, Issue 146, 17 May 1879, Page 3

THE LONG-DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

(Dunedin < Herald.') The fourth contest for the above title and Sir John Astley's belt was brought to a close at Gilrnore's Gardens New York, on the 15th March, the result being, as, indeed, everyone anticipated since O'Leary's retirement, an easy victory for C. Rowel 1, the Englishman, •whorn the donor of the belt sent out. 'When O'Leary finally retired on "Vw , c!<>'-"ub;T, r;nd left Rev.'ell sufficiently

' ' " .-■'•■■ '"■,'. .■*.""!*" m "T» to ■ ::uvh" ] lE'vo beo-n oxricoiod to cease ; but, si range to say, although the admission fee was increased, the attendance was much larger than it was earlier in the week. Concerning the race there very little to add to the particulars we is gave in our last week's issue, save that Rowell kept gradually increasing his lead, and that Ennis outwalked Harriman during the last three days, and established himself in second place, the final scores being—Kowell 500 miles, Ennis 473 miles, Harriman 450 miles, and O'Leary 215 miles. The following description of the close of the contest is culled from our esteemed contemporary, the 'Times' who, however, inadvertently no doubt, terms the contest a walking match, whereas the competitors were allowed to make the best of their way "An immense crowd thronged Gilmore Gardens, New York, and the neighbouring streets last night awaiting the termination of the walking match. Kowell kept all day about 25 miles ahead of Ennis, while Harriman, worn out, tramped slowely to save, if possible, the gate money, by making 450 miles. As interference with Kowell was feared, the track from the early morning was closely guarded by the police, while a company of troops was in readiness near the building to suppress any disturbance. Some slight attempts at interference were made in the morning, frit were promptly suppressed. Kowell has been frequently hissed by the crowd, though he plods along unmindful of this. His treatment has so shocked the lovers of fair-play that the newspapers strongly demand fair treatment for the 'plucky little Englishman.' Kowell offers, if he proves the winner, to return to Harriman his stake of 500dols. This offer gained him great applause. Ennis has made a similar, offer. Floral gifts in profusion were given to the competitors. Harriman completed 450 miles 2 laps at 8.45 last evening, when he left the track, Rowell completed 500 miles at 5.57. He then put on his overcoat, and, _ carrying an American Aug over his right shoulder and a large bouquet in his left hand, he marched twice round the track, accompanied by the police captain and his trainer. The band played " God Save the Queen " amid intense enthusiasm. ; He then left the track. Ennis now I walked alone, as he desired to make 475 miles, which he did at 10 o'clock. He did this to win a bet of 1500dols. that he would make 475 miles. He ran his last mile in 6min. 55sec, the fastest mile during the contest. This closed the match, which was witnessed throughout by an immense crowd. Rowell gets the stakes, valued at 2000d015., and also half the gate-money, which will be about 15,000d015. Ennis gets 9000d015., Harriman GOOOdols., and O'Leary lOOOdols. This has been the most exciting sporting contest over held in the United States." It is intended at Cambridge to give j Rowell an enthusiastic reception on his arrival from America with thechampionship Belt. A meeting has been held at Chesterton, at which a reception committee has, we understand, been formed, with Alderman Naylor as chairman, and Mr Edward Bell vicechairman. E. P. Weston, the celebrated Yankee ped, whose recent six weeks' tramp must be fresh in the memories of our readers, has since challenged Rowell, so we suppose we shall soon be inflicted with another of these dreary " wobbles," probably at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, as soon as that building is available.