FASTEST TIME ON RECORD.

Grey River Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1897, 4 September 1874, Page 3

FASTEST TIME ON RECORD.

[sporting life.] Some 8000 people assembled at the Lillie Bridge enclosure on Ist June, the occasion being the three mile walking match, for the championship and LSO a side, between Joseph Stockwell and William Perkins. There was a general expectation that something extraordinary in the way of time would be done, and that anticipation was amply realised. Stockwell, who is now thirty years of age, haa been long before the pnblic, having come out first of all in 1862, and for some years has been regarded as the fastest, and one of the fairest walkers in England, when once he settles down into his stride, being one that aspirants may well copy. His last match previous to that of Monday was with Hurley, for the championship, in May las'; year, when he won. Perkins is only twenty-one years old, and stands sft 4in— 2in less than Stockwell. He gradually made his way to the front rank, and by his defeat of Hurley last March, established a right to challenge Stockwel l for the championship, which the older man then held. At half-past six Mr E. Smith, having been appointed referee, gave the signal for the men to go, and Stockwell dashed off with one of those tremendous bursts almost peculiar to him, Perkins, however, keeping dose at his heels. After going about 100 yards, Perkins put on the steam, and, going with the utmost fairness, dashed right in front as they turned into the back-stretch, and soon was leading by a dozen yards. At the end of the first lap (three to the mile) Perkins was over 20 yards ahead, going in magnificent' style, and keeping up a cracking pace, he finished the first mile in the unprecedented time of 6min 255. Still gaining, he was between 7.0 yards and 80 yards ahead at the end of the second mile (time, 13min 28^s). Commencing the third, he drew still further ahead, but Stockwell now made a plucky effort, which had the effect of reducing the gap, though he failed to get quite up, and Perkins, getting away again, won by 50 yards, the time for the whole distance being 20min 50 4-5s — the best on record. Betting at the start was 6 to 4 on Stockwell.