ATHLETICS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 9613, 6 October 1909, Page 7

ATHLETICS.

The contest between Charlie Hefferon (Soiuh Africa) and Norman Conway (Austiaiia) ior the world's mile championship and a purse of £4OO took place at Johannesburg on September 4th, in the presence of 8,000 spectatord. Both men declared themselves fit, and looked it, but while the Australian seemed full of confidence, Hefferon seemed a trifle nervous The Springbuk at once assumed the lead, and cut out the pace. It was slow, disappointingly slow. It was a pretty sight to see graceful strides almost beating time as corner after corner was passed. The bell rung for the final lap, and still there was no sign=? of a fight, even with only half a lap to go. At last the sil ence was broken. A roar of satisfaction rose at the first sight of a challenge—a dash by the Australian. In a few seconds the cardinal red had bridged, the gap and assumed the inside running. The roar swelled with the expectancy that Hefferon heard it and knew its meaning. It was Africa's call to him to accept the challenge and fight, but that last corner found the Australian with his head back and heart strong, and his stride matchless, running beyond : the powers of the Springbok. Conway had put all his reserve heart and force into that geat burst, and from its commencement he drew ahsad steadily. He ■ won by over nine yards, amid deafening cheers. The time of the race was : returned as 4min 37Jsec.