WALKING RACE.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2320, 7 January 1893, Page 2

WALKING RACE.

Our Normanby correspondent write* :— The walking matdh between Barrett and Hay ward resulted in a walkover for Hayward, as Barrett deolined to walk aa be was laid np with La Grippe. Great dii* Batisf action wad expresied at ths'nftlt, v a great many turned up to witn#* the match. Fublio opinion is dividacLu to whether Barrett gave in, or was nafy ill. My own is that he was sofierinjflfroai illness. Mr. Green, one of Barrett'i backers, offered to walk the' mateb bo soon as Barrett recovered from bis illness, but tbe other Bide de. dined to give way notwithstanding that Green bad offered to allow, time L wben it was supposed that Htyward was likfiy to be laid up. But when Barrett wttfill, a contingency wbioh was noi'contemplated before the day of the matoh, the backers of Hay ward held that the agreement mi pay or play. A good few turned 1 up to witness the match, and were very disap* pointed that it did not come off. Under tbe circumstances, I think the backers ol Hay ward should have allowed a little latitude. A supper, previously ar* ranged, was indulged in at Mr. Gwynne's hotel, when, after tbe cloth was removed, [ songs and toastß were given, and all I appaared to enjoy themselves. Mr. Green, one of Barrett's baokers, expressed bis regret that the matoh had resulted as it bad, and said no one was more astonished than be was himself when be beard that Barrett was ill. Mr. Gungall, tbe backer of Hay ward, did not agree with Mr. Green, but was open to back Hayward to walk Barrett for any sum not exceeding £50 witbin a month or. tbree months. Mr. C. R. Bayley aoted as starter and Mr. MoNiven as judge, and' tbe race was awarded to Hay ward.— January 6.