WAIORONGOMAI.

Waikato Times, Volume XXX, Issue 2482, 7 June 1888, Page 2

WAIORONGOMAI.

Foot-race.—A foot-raco of a somewhat novel character took place on Tuesday, in front of the YVernbiko Public Hall, between Mr S. T. Smardon, proprietor of the Waiocongomai Hotel, and Mr Fleming, the company's assayer. The race was for £5 a-side, the conditions being that Mr Smardon was to run 100 yards, while Fleming ran fifty yards, carrying a person on his back. Punctually at tho time appointed, viz., 2 o'clock, both men appeared at their respective stations. Mr J). F. Clerk acted as starter, and Mr Boshom as referee. Both men got away to a capital start, but before half the distance had been accomplished it was plain to sec that Fleming would win, which he did, by about 15 yards. As soon as the raco was over Mr. Smardon informed the stake-holder that he objected to him paying over tho money to Fleming, as the conditions had not been complied with, viz,, that the person being carried should have been naked. There is nothing specified in the agreement that the person being carried should be naked, and the action of the old gentleman in respect to this matter is generally condemned. Perhaps your sporting editor would kindly give us his opinion of the matter. (The protest is not tenable.)—Hi). W. ,J -'-

Business Activitv.— We have no less than three butchering businesses in our township, and moat is cheap, thanks to competition. What with two stores, two bakers, three butchers, the proverbial shoemaker and blacksmith, we ought to be a contented lot. All we require now is a gentleman versed in the tonsorial art, and if such a person exists in your midst whoso business is languishing, you might recommend him to take a look over.

Thk Rakflek.— Our old friend John O'lirien, familiarity known as " Silent John" is on the war path again. He is a perfect wonder at making up raffles, in fact it is reported that he once got off a dead horse; however, this time it is for the beneh't of Mr Hadfield, who met with a severe accident (breaking his thigh) at the New Find mine some mouths ago, and who has not since been able to do a day's work, in consequence of the leg not knitting properly. While commending Mr O'Brien for ins kind action, I think it would look a great deal better if the committee of the " Mining Accident Relief Fund" would make a donation to Mr Hadfield, instead of wringing from the hard hands of miners and others, money they can ill spare, even for such a worthy object at the one mentioned above.