RACE FOR DIAMOND CLAIMS.
■ FAMOUS RTWiv'* WINS FIRST PLACE. FOR A PEG-LEG SOLDIER. Extraordinary scenes were witnessed when the diamond diggings at Tomlii:son's Farm, near Bloemhof, in the Transvaal, were officially declared open a few days ago. More than a thousand runners competed for the claims. They were dressed in running shorts, with spiked shoes, and were drawn up in a straggling line ready to set off when the large Union Jack was lowered as a sign that the diggings Were officially open. Old men engaged youthful athletes to run for them, and sent them off with a handful of pegs and many cheers. The race across the veldt was followed by women and children, who immediately squatted down on their husbands' claims while they ran further afield to mor. favoured spots. The international runner, Len Richardson, who offered to sprint for an exsoldier with an artificial leg, led the field, and pegged the best claim. The soldier was overjoyed. Within a .few hours a village had sprung up near the diggings, including butchers' shops, a cinema, dance hall, billiard saloon, swings and roundabouts. = i
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 258, 31 October 1925, Page 11
Word Count
185
RACE FOR DIAMOND CLAIMS.
Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 258, 31 October 1925, Page 11
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