THE SKATING TOURNAMENT.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XV, Issue 4132, 7 May 1881, Page 2

THE SKATING TOURNAMENT.

Although a Skating Tournament cannot be said to be an absolute novelty in Wanganui, the opening competition for a silver cup last night at the rink in the Drill Hall attracted a very large attendance, more especially of the fair sex. Nine competitors entered the lists for the prize, which is presented by Messrs Stanley and Cummins, the entrepreneures of the rink, and manufactured at Messrs Kohn Bros, establishment, of the reputation of which it is quite worthy. Mr Kohn himself, who had previously handicapped the entries with nn accuracy which last night's events completely proved, officiated as starter and timekeeper. The distance' skated was ten times round the Hall or about 700 yards, and the order of going the course was decided by ballot. There were two men at scratch, and seven started at distance ranging from ]5 to 55 yards.- The winner last night proved to be Moore, who started at scratch and whose prowess, on the rollers has been established in bygone contests. He rushed off at a great speed which he scarcely slackened throughout, and completed the distance in JUnin 46secs, a performance which if not very remarkable is at any rate creditable ; and (unless he is handicapped out of future, competitions) sufficient in all probability to secure the cup. Moore's style is by no means graceful but it is not easy for a very rapid skater to become the ' 'glass of fashion and tho mould of form)." T. Pawson, the other scratch man, retiredbefore he had completed his 7th round, being evidently nearly pumped out. Judging from the pace at which he travelled he could not have won without a terrific spurt which he did not appear physically capable of accomplishing. E. Hackett (15 yards start) went the course iv really good style but was unable to get within 14secs. of Moore. Hackett will probably make faster time on a future occasion. The preformances of the other competitors call for no remaik. Subjoined are the full particulars of last nights events :—: — W. Moore, scratch, lmin. 46sees., 9 points ; E. Hackett, 15yds, 2min., 8 points; G. Hackett, 30yds, 2min. l|secs,, 7 points ; A. Grey, 40yds, 2min. 2Jsecs., 6 points ; J. Coakley, 20yds, 2min. 6secs., 5 points ; H. Grey, 55yds, 2min. 7secs., 4 points ; W. Pawson, 30yds, 2min. Ssccs., 3 points ; L. King, 50yds, 2min. lOsecs., 2 points; T. Pawson, scratch, retired.

There will be five more competitions for the cup, the next being held in all probability directly after the closing of the Exhibition and future competitions in the Tournament will be open to all comers.