THE SKATING RINKS.

Evening Star, Issue 7624, 29 May 1888, Page 2

THE SKATING RINKS.

A special attraction, in the shape of the first two heats of a five-mile race for the championship of the colony, came off at the Palace Rink last night. Mr Donnolly acted as judge, Mr Gibson referee, Mr Griffiths starter, and Mr Sheenan timekeeper. J. L. Warren, J. Drummond, Walter Guthrie, W. L. Hooper, and T. Muir started in the first heat. Through Guthrie's skate-Btrap breaking he was virtually out of the race, although he worked hard to gain lost ground. Hooper having retired early in the race, the competition was left in the hands of Warren, Muir, and Drummond ; but before the finish Warren had lapped the other skaters. Muir spurted towards the finish, but was unable to make up lost ground. The result was—Warren 1, Muir 2, Drummond 3, Guthrie 4. Time, 19min 2 2-ssec. In the second heat M'Gregor, Jones, Smith, Lees, and Mann were the starters. Smith retired after completing 1 mile 14 laps, and Lees at 2 miles 5 laps. Jones, who showed excellent style, came in an easy winner; M'Gregor was second, and Mann third. Time, 18min 35 4-ssec. The final heat will take place this evening. Mr Emerson won the beginners' race at the Columbia Rink last evening. The benefit of the Highland Rifles takes place tonight. The pipers will play the corps to the hall. There is to be a uniform race at 8.30, and the polo match starts at nine o'clock. The opera company's race will take place to-morrow afternoon at three. The Duke street Oriental Rink was largely attended last evening, when a two-mile race between employees of the Phiunix Confectionery Company (Limited) was run off. Six started, and an exciting race was won by Amdrew Wilson; W. Hatton being second. Particulars of other events appear in advertisement.