GREAT PEDESTRIAN FEAT IN WAIKATO. MR DANVERS WALKS 112 MILES IN 48 HOURS, CARRYING 56lbs.

Waikato Times, Volume X, Issue 527, 5 October 1875, Page 2

GREAT PEDESTRIAN FEAT IN WAIKATO. MR DANVERS WALKS 112 MILES IN 48 HOURS, CARRYING 56lbs.

Onb of the most prominent features in the Anglo-Saxon character is a strong at. tachment to manly athletic exercises. This characteristic has not been confined to any particular age or cline. - As far back ad the remote mythological ages ere the Roman Empire was in the zenith of her power, it was known that a race of rude, active, hardy men inhabited the British Isles. The Phoenicians in their mercantile visits to the coast of Prydhain, — the Celtic origin of the name Britannia, — found a hardy race of islanders, skilled in the use of warlike weapons, fond of the chase, and devoted to manly exercises. Herodotus, Aristotle, Polybius, and other ancient authors refer to the people of Albion as a formidable race of barbarians. It was these same islanders who earned the respect of the Romans in later years when they met the trained legions of Julius Csesar and disputed their landing while r fightipg waist-deep on the seashore. During the occupation of Britannia by the Romans, the latter were constantly harassed- by a vigorous, and active enemy, who,bore the rigors df a severe cliaiate with a hardihood and courage that won the admiration of the weather-beaten soldiers of the greatest military nation in the world. In feats of endurance they rivalled the most famous of the Roman athletes. In contests of skill, riding, wrestling, and the use of weapons they contested the honors with tfce flower of Rouia. During the Saxon Heptarchy they maintained the same character, and iv later years when they became involved in continental wars the "hardy Englishers/' " the stalwart islanders," " the strong bowmen " were celebrated for their formidable skill. Shakspeare, in King John, makes Chatillion the'Frerich ambassador, describe the English warriors thus :— " Hash, inconsiderate, fiery voluntaries, With ladie* fates, »nd fierce drugous' .-pleens." The Constable of France, is King Henry V is made to ask " DxtU et batailesl Where hare they this mettie? Is uut their climate Ib-'gy. raw ana dull?" ***** Btiinbures : That bland of England breed • very vaHant Greatures; their mastiff* are of unmatchable cotira-ge. Constable : Ju^t ; just ; and the men do sjmpithise With tho mastiff* in robustious and rough Comirfg on, leaving their nita with their wiref ; And th*n give them great mealg of beef, Aa'd iron and steel, they will eat like wolves, - and fight like devils," During the fifteenth and succeeding centuries the English were famous for proficiency in all games and contests in which activity, endurance, strength, and skill were requisite. The popular taste for out-door amusement had reached such a height in 1618 that the celebrated work: the u Book of Sports" was first published. The title was " The First Book of Sports," " the King's Majesties declaration to his subjects concerning lawful *>f >oi ts to be used " ( viz : on' Sundays, after evening prayers.) Though after long controversy the book was subsequently ordered to be burnt by the hangman, and the sports were suppressed by Parliament, athletic exercises flourished thoroughout the country on. holidays and week days. It has been the fashion in some quarters, of late years, to complain that the EngliaK, race has been deteriorating in stamina, but no confirmation of this theory is to be discovered upon actual examination. -The records of campaigns in which British troops have been engaged, have contained instances of feats of endurance rivalling the most celebrated of the ancients: In the Peninsula, ladia, and elsewhere, 1 English soldiers have accomplished marches and berne privations that have amazed the natives. In Africa, very re cently, ourtroops exhibited powers of physical endurance, and indifference to hardship which equalled anything recorded in ancient history. The British still excel every other nation in the world in most athletic games, and exercisss. In cricket, football, skating, rowing, hunting, and pedestrian feats they carry the palm against all competitors. Yet it must bo admitted that some of the feats recorded of the ancients are extraordinary enough. Euchidas, a citizen of Plataea, went from thente to Delphi, to bring the sacred fire. This he obtained, and returned with it she same day before sunset, having travelled 125 English mi,les. Nd sootier had he saluted his tallow citizens, and delivered the fire than he fell dead at their feet. After the battle" 'of Marathon, a soldier was sent from the field to announce the victory at Athens.' Exhausted with fatigue and bleedyjg from his wounds, he had only time to cry out, " Kejoice, we are conquerors," and immediately expired. Foster Powell, the celebrated English pedestrian, performed many astonishing journeys on foot. Amongst these was his expedition in 1788, from London to York, and back again, which he completed in 140 hours. Later still many persons have walked 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours, and we believe it is on record that this feat has been perform «d by a lady. Capt. Barclay was the first to perform it, finishing the thousandth mile on the 10th July, 1809. The task occupied without intermission every hour (less eight) of forty-two days and night*. A young lady at Newmarket won a wager in 1758 by riding 1,000 miles in 1,000 hours, one mile in each consecutive hour. It remained for a Hamilton resident to accomplish a feat, which, so far as we can discover from any work of reference available, is unique in the annals of pedestrianism, viz, that of walking 112 miles in 48 hours, carrying a weight of 56 lbs., 56 miles being accomplished in each 24 hours. Of itself, the actual distance is great enough to tax the endurance of all but a very few. but taken iv connection with the weight carried it in unquestionably one of the greatest feats of the age, and stamps Mr Danvers, the gentlum.au who accomplished it) as one of the foremost

pedestrians of the- day. Before wa proceed to dosoribe the feat itself, we will present the reader with lomo facts connected with

ltfr. Danvors' Life, whjch, as well as being of interest to pedestrians, and others, will guide the reader in his estimate of the difficulties to be overcome in the performance of the feat, and the capabilities and prior training which Mr Danvers' was able to bring to bear upon the task. He is an Englishman, and was born in the year 1844, so that he is about 31 years of age. His father was a magistrate in- the Indian Civil Service, and his sphere of duties was the island and city of Bombay In Ms day he was famous for feats of strength, and accounted one of the strongest Europeans hi India. The gentleman who is the subject of this memoir, was taken to India at the age of two years, remaining there until he had reached his sixth year, making one short visit to England in the meantime. Subsequently he was taken to France where he remained for two years, and at the later period he went to school at Oxford, being placed under the same tutor as was subsequently the Rev F. C. Lloyd, the late respected Church of England pastor at Hamilton. In 1857, Mr Danvers entered -the Royal Navy as midshipman.. He served in HM S Cumberland, Leopard, Odin, Gorgon, and some other vessels for various periods, and first saw active service at Parana in South America, and was also engaged on land service, where he often accompanied the forces on long marches. All this time he exhibited great fondness for athletic sports, and though he did not distinguish himself by the performance of any special feat, he was regarded as a physically strong man. Afterwardo he saw service in China, and in the revolution in Madagascar, and in the latter be was one of a party of blue jackets who marched 90 miles to Anatanarivo, the Qipitnl, which waa undertaken for the protection of British interests, and resulted in the release of missionaries who had been imprisoned. After this Mr Danvers, entered the mercantile marine, in the employ of Messrs Money, Wigan, and Co, but growing tired of the sea, he turned his attention to life in the Colonies. Having made several trips to Melbourne, he there retired from the service of Messrs Money, Wigan, and Co, and came over to New Zealand. He wandered about this colony for sometime, seeking some congenial employment for his talents, but after a couple of years settled down in Dunedin, where ho remained for a period of four years. He left that city upon the breaking up of the firm of Maitland Bros. During this lime he had the reputation of possessing a tolerably tough constitution but the feats he performed were of a minor character, and Dot sufficient to establish his reputation us hii athlete. In 187 1 he entered the Armed Constabulary, at Wellington, with the rank of full private. He served at Taupo, and performed many marches between stations. The only remarkable characteristic he displayed at this time was a peculiar fondness for carrying his *' pikau," or "awag." Whenever drays were employed to carry the baggage of his comrades, Mr Danvers might be seen trudging along in anyweather, rain o: sunshine, with all his belongings upon his back. The "swag" carried by member of the force usially averaged from 401bs to 501bs During his seivice in the Constabulary at Taupo he was cured of a severe attack of rheumatism which he had contracted by arduous service in Africa. It may be mentioned here that he performed

His First Pedestrian Feat under the scorching sun of Africa* Whilst stationed at Capetown, he received an invitation to a naval officers' dinner, where the of Commander H.M.S. Gorgon was also present. The captain was familiary known by the gun room sobriquet of " Long- Jerry," from the fact that he stood exactly G feet 4 inches in his stockings. It happened that there was also present at the banquet another naval commander whose stature presented a striking contrast to that of " Long Jerry." As the wine cup circulated the conversation turned upon the kind of men who. were best able to undergo fatigue. "Long Jerry" was a stickler for tall men, while the other held out in favjr of men of his own stamp. The talk resulted in a match, it being arranged that each should produce a man able to walk f-om Sumner's Bay to Capetown, and back again, a distance of 50 miles, three tiials being allowed. Mr Danvers was selected to represent the Gorgon, and his opponent, a dapper little fell w about 5 ft 4 accomplished the journey in one day. Mr Danvers essayed it the next, but slightly exceeded the time. Nothing daunted, he tried it again the next day, with a similar result. Determined not to be outdone, he attempted it the next, and again walked the 50 miles, but a third time exceeded the period allowed, but he had accomplished the herculean task of walking 150 miles in 3 days, under a hot African sun, 18 miles of the distance being over loose sand.

His Second Pedestrian Peat. After serviug in the A C, in the Taupo distiicfc for some time, Mr Danvers was ordered to Auckland. He prefered to travel overland to Taurunga to going bv steamer, and having received permission, started from Opepe at 6 o'clock on a Friday morning, carrying his "kit" in the form of a " swag." He reached Kotorua, a distance of 60 miles the first day, and there met Inspector Northcroft, who heard his story with incredulity. To the credit of the Inspector, be it uaid, he subsequently apologised at Te Awamutu for having doubted his veracity. During the journey he carried a bag of cocoa, and a small bag of biscuit, aud at certain stages he boiled a pannikin of water and took refreshment. He carried an extra pair ol socks, and at each place, he clwnged those he wore, washing the other pair, and hangthem at the back of his " pikau" to dry dining the next stage. He reported hin - self at Tauranga, a distance of 100 miles from the starting point, 50 hours from setting out, at 8 o'clock on the Sunday morning. From Tauranga he went b> •teamcr to Auckland, where ho took charge

of the Police station for" four months, Finding that town life injured his health, he accepted the appointment of sohoolmaster at Hamilton West, in which Capacity he has since cemained.

A Wheelbarrow Feat. The following facts are not gleaned from Mr Danvers, himself, but from members of the A. C who were stationed with Mr Danvers at the time, and witnessed the feut. Whilst employed on the roads in Taupo, one of the non-commissioned officers superintending the work found fault with him for not filling his wheelbarrow sufficiently full. Constable Danvers replied that the fault lay in the unwieldy build of Jhe barrow. The sergeant replied that he did not understand how to wheel a barrow. Constable Danvers thereupon astonished the sergeant by stating "If a good barrow is found, I will undertake to wheel you in it, without resting, to the redoabt, on the top of the hill." Th sergeant weighed Hat. The matter ended in a bet. Constable Danvers constructed a wheelbarrow more to his liking, and, on the appointed day, started with the sergeant in it irom the Waipipi bridge, finiing his own track over rough ground, tussocks, and pumice stones, over a hill 50 feet in height, descending the opposite slope, and thence ascending another very steep hill 400 feet above the level of the river. During the whole journey he never once relinquished the handles of the barrow, or rested the legs on the ground.

What the Doctor thought of him. When Mr Danvers entered the A C, Dr Grace, who examined him, had a very mean opinion of his physical capabilities. It should be mentioned that his constitution had been severely shaken in South America, by his having on one occasion to climb a dangerously steep cliff in order to save his life.

How The Match was made. This match like most others arose out of a conversation. Mr Danvers was in company with some Hamilton gentlemen, in the neighbourhood of his own residence when the conversation turned on pedes trian feats. Happening to mention his East Coast jouruey the other gentlemen significantly intimated that in their opinion it savoured of Munchausen. Mr Danvers felt annoyed that his veracity should be doubted, and fearing that he would bo branded as a braggart if he did not give some ocular demonstration of his ability to perform the feat, offered to walk 112 miles in 48 hours, carrying 56 lbs weight. The challenge was immediately accepted, and a gentleman undertook to back Mr Danvers for a certain sum to perform the feat. The terms agreed upon were that the journey should be performed within a month from Sept 7th, that three -days notice should be given, Mr Danvers therefore taking his chance of weather. He did not alter his mode of living, carrying on his school as usual, and only changing his diet by eatiug- a little more meat than before. He took little exercise, only having had two " spins " at early morn, when he chanced to awake early.

The Preparations. Thursday night, Sept 30th, was fixed for the commencement of the task. On Wednesday evening he attended the Good Templar entertainment. Intending to procure a sound sleep during Thursday, he read all Wednesday night. On Thursday morning he accompanied his backers and the referee, Mr Silver, to examine the ground. A lap of a quarter of a mile and ten links was marked off, on the Football ground, (Mr Martin's paddock.) The grass here is low, but the ground is by no means even, being intersected with old furrows, while the soil is very slippery in wet weather. None of the usual precautions of throwing sand or sawdust on the ground were taken. 'Jents were pitched at either end, one for the " ped" himself, the other for the referee and backers, and the corners were fenced off, a lantern being placed at each as a gaide during the night. At one o'clock in the day, Mr Danvers went home and to bed, .having previously prepared the weights to be carried, and the dress. He elected to carry a rifle as 10 lbs of the weight, because it can be easily shifted, and carried in various positions, During the match it was observed that ho generally bore it in his left hand, leaving his right hand free to carry a walking stick, which became necessary, in consequence of his having slightly sprained bis left ancle. He told our reporter that a man accustomed to a rifle can carry it at the trail for two hours at a time without changing, and daring the match Mr Danvers carried it once for , five hours thus in his left hand. Besides the rifle he carried 18 lbs of lead in an am munition pouch and three expense pouches attached to a waist belt. The ammunition pouch was so arranged that it could be moved either to the tront or back, and in the latter position it could be utilized as a support to a "pikau," which usually hangg over or on the top of it. The knapsack or swag contained 28 lbs of lead, and it was fitted (with a pocket so that in the event of the weight in the poaches straining severely he <ould move some of the lead from them into the pikau. The waist belt was in no way connected with the pikau, however. The straps were the same as those usually worn by the A.C. He wore no strsip across the chest,, as he considers that it prevents the free pluy of the lungs, and becomes trying to the chest after long wear. The conditions as to resting where that the weight should be weighed after each time it was taken off. He adopted the kiit style of dress, wearing a small skull cap to keep off the sun's rays, a guernsey, and a shawl, worn a la Maori, in the same style as worn by the Colonial forces when out on expeditions in pursuit of natives. He considers a pair of trowsers equivelent to a weight of 10 lbs on a march. He wore rather a heavy pair of lace up boots specially made for the purpose by Mr Missen, of whose skill he spenks with great satisfaction. The boots were fitted with thirk soles, and nailg, very loose in front of the instep, and clobe-tittiug at the heels.

" The Start. He intended to start at S o'clock on Thursday •vening, but seeing that be

*coul4 not sleep on Thnrsday he sent .a message about 7 o'clock that "he would noil be ready until .a Uttle later. All was in readiness by about 8-30 p. m. It was Arranged tbftt at each lap, a numbered ticket should be passed by the gentlemen who watched on behalf of the challenging party to his backers, and this course was pursudL i throughout. Alt 8*33 p.m. he started in thfe presence of a considerable number of persons, many of whom were provided with lanterns. Mr Danvers was accompanied round several laps by a number of friends, including people of various grades. He started at a pace of fully 4 miles an hour, winch he gradually reduced to 3£. His first bait was at 4 o'clock in the morning. He took another rest about two hours and a quarter later. At 7 o'clock in the morning he halted for an hour and a-half for breakfast. At 9.30 he rested for another 20 minutes. By 11*15 a.m on Friday morning ha had ac1 complished 40 diles, and at 5 40 p. m. he had travelled the first 56 miles, time 21 hours 17 minutes. The last threa miles were accomplished in the presence of a large crowd. It rained hard during the first night, which told considerably against him. The only serious effect was to produce a tender heel, and to prevent his keeping his socks dry. The incipient sore heel had to be carfully nursed, and it militated somewhat against speed, but by the treatment adopted the heel was completely restored before the end of the second 56 mileSfc After the first 56 miles he had a «oldbath, was rubbed down with a dry sponge, and a rough towel, and the joints rubbed with arnica. He was then placed in blankets, when a biscuit and a glass of brandy and water were given him. It was originally intended that he should sleep for three hours, but he was awoke after three-quarters of an honr by a crowd of urchins singing Maori songs near his tent. He partook of a hearty breakfast.

The Second 56 miles. Mr Danvers commenced to walk his second 56 miles at ten minutes to eleven ■o'clods on Friday nighty doing at the rate •of 2f miles for three hours, and when he stopped for breakfast on Saturday morning he had accomplished 18 miles. About 1 1 o'clock in the morning he commenced to take a short spell every half mile, which continued up to near the end. About four o'clock in the afternoon his left ancle was slightly sprained in a hole, and from that time he carried a stick in his right, hand to take the weight off, ■carrying the rifie at the trail in the left hand. About four o'clock he had still nearly twelve miles to do before 8.33 o'clock. He commenced doing his laps in very regular .time, evidently saving him•self as the continuance of the strain told more and more upon him. Taking several milea in succession as carefully timed by our reporter, he made the following time : —21, 20, 25, 24, 22, 20, 21fc 19*. 18| miwies. As the end of the task approfrcoed the excitement increased and about the last mile it Was intense. A great crowd, numbering about 300 persons were on the ground, and many followed him round, sometimes inconveniencing him seriously. He was, however, greatly assisted by a drum and fife band, and by songs sung to marching tunes by the crowd. When be had two laps more t» finish he was within 9 minutes of his time. Then he went off at nearly four miles an hour. As he came up to the ropes the crowd, thinking it was the last lap, set * terrific cheer, and flocked in upon him. The A. C. however, speedly cleared the way. His rifle had been seized by the enthusiastic crowd, and he would have been borne away had his friends not interfered. He started on his last lap at a little under four miles an hour at a firm pace. At the lower tent he was uproarionsly cheered, and he started off at five miles an hour, and when 150 yards from home he dashed into 6 miles an hour. Oeining up to the end of his journey he was obliged to ask some one to shew him the way, and he went in at a run, finishing exactly a quarter of a minute under the 4S hours by the referee's watch, and 4£ minutes under time by those who watched for those who had wagered against him. He was immediately surrounded by the crowd amidst deafening cheers which •continued for nearly five minutes. During the last five laps, champagne was given lim. The excitement at the close com pletely baffles all description. The crowd, including men and women, and people of all ranks, from the highest to the humblest, including settlers from every part of -the Waikato, closed in upon him and o\erwhelmed him with congratulations. We have rarely witnessed such an enthusiastic ■demonstration anywhere. In a few minutes lie was remove! to his tent, where he sat down and smoked, chatting freely with his friends, I>ackers;and referees. In reply to our reporter he said he felt very well, and not so fatigued as he had expected. Furthermore, he said he-could have k«pt up sometime longer, if necessary, and he spoke feelingly of the kind attention and encouragement he had received from the crowd, referring in terms of gratitude to the unceasing vigilance and care of his coach ers, and immediate friends. In reply to another question he said cheerfully that he intended to resume his school on Monday, which we ■ may mention, he did yesterday.

Diet, Theories, Sec. The diet during the 48 hours consisted chiefly of cocoa, taken every two or three hours, eaten on the march, witi^reo^ent rinsing of the mouth with water, without drinking it. Brandy w^administered sparingly. At the end of the journey he was not chafed by the sti aps or weights in the slightest. At one time he requested that the A.C. only might accompany him, as the crowd did not keep step. Towards the close he rested 30 sees ►«very half mile in order to ease his "shoulders. The boots were very little Tf orn before the match but acted splendidly He thinks he derived much benefit from the arnica. His theory of endurance is to occupy the miiid with some subject which prevents the todiousness of the journey from becoming oppressive. In walking under weight he does not use the

tread is firm and measured, and he leana^ cdnsiderably forward, on a flat foot. He" d<Jesnot swing bis arms, but walks "well together.

Conclusion. Mr Danvers, is 5 ft 11 inches in height, and weighs 11 st 4 lbs. He was carefully watched by Dr Beale who was called in by Mr Danvers himself on behalf of the Government Insurance Department in which Mr Danvers holds a policy. Has It Been Done Before P We invite our contemporaries to state in their columns any feat which will equal this above.

The Betting. During the first day odds of 5 to 1 were laid against Mr Danvers doing the first 56 miles. On the second day the betting commenced even, but towards the close 2 to 1 was freely offered on him, with few takers. We believe that over .£5OO changed hands on the match, Mr Danvers makes practically nothing by the feat, bub a substantial testimonial has been set afoot by Mr Silver, the referee, and will probably amount when "he list is closed to £50. We understand that Mr Low, photographer, will to-day take photographs of Mr Danvers as he walked the match, for the benefit of the school funds.

Medical Testimony. The following letrer has been forwarded to us for publication by Dr Beale :—: — SIE, -I w»9 pre-ent during Mr Danrer's feat of walking 112 miles in 48 hmrsand carrying 56 lbs, and consider that he has not only aobiered a great undertaking but has done that wbich will excite the curiosity of aoientific men. Although abundant prorision it made in the con•tru tion of the human system for the maintenance of hfe, a man does that with impunity today which shall put his life in jeopardy if he repeats it next week, and Mr Danvers deserye* the thanks of the faculty for the means his achierement offt-r- for the application of the principles of the Phenomena of Physical Endurauce in elucidating Physiological research,— l am, &c, B, 0. Beix*, M.D 08 Eng.