"A RACE TO DEATH."

Waikato Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 3051, 4 February 1892, Page 3

"A RACE TO DEATH."

Uxpkk the above heading the Te Aroha News has the following : — The much talked about long distance match between Kennedy's and Harley's horses eventuated last Thursday, and had a most disastrous termination, as Harley's ninre, Winnie, was unable to reach the end of the journey, giving up the ghost about 11 miles from Taurangn, and was duly buried the following day without beat of drum. It was easy bo to seen from the start that it was to be a lively race, and the horse with best staying powers was bound to win. At the appointed time for starting quite a crowd of sports and others collected to see the weighing out. Mr A. Thompson acted as clerk of the scales, and tho weight carried in each trap was just 4fcwt. live and dead weight. Umpires had been decided upon and the stakes places in the hands of Mr D. Campbell. Mrs Kennedy accompanied her husband, who was all ready somo time before his opponent, and was drawn up in front of tho Hotel at the appointed time. After one false start they at last got off, Harley making the pace a regain- cracker as far across the plains as could bo seen from here. Both conveyances kept within a reasonable distance of one another as far as Capt. Stewart's, but shortly after Harley drew away from his opponent, ani travelling at a erent rate passed through the Uretreaa mile ahead of Kennedy, who was saving his horse for the latter part of the journey. After a further distance of six or seven miles had been gone tho pace began to toll, and Kennedy passed Harley in the vicinity of Earl's farm, but going along the long flat pa -i the Wainui Harley once more took the lead, and by the plentiful use of whipcord mauaged to maintain his position until the long hill approaching Eadaile's was to be negotiated. The pace had been too warm and the condition of the mare not being first class, she could not do what was required of her. and though gamely responding to every call, had at last to como to a standstill, and after one or two abortive attempts fell down. With assistance she was got on foot again, but almost immediately dropped dead in the traces. Kennedy had passed some time before, but was obliged to go at a snails's pace from there into Tauranga reaching the Yorkshire Grey Hotel, at twenty minutes to four o'clock, which cannot bo considered a very rapid journey, after the quick time made from hero to Katikiti, a-it wa< a <?u u'ter oast sevrn when the start was made.—Communicated). ~ ~ ... We understand the police, authorities have issued instructions for enquires to be made into this matter and if the particulars are as given above we hope that such punishment is meted out as the cruelty of the case deserve?.