THE WALKING MATCH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7627, 3 May 1886, Page 6

THE WALKING MATCH.

SPEIGHT V. McCUNE. Thi six hours' walking contest between W. Speight and D. MaCune, for a stake of £25 a»side, eventuated in the Lome-street Hall on Saturday, and ended in favour of Speight, who accomplished 29 miles 19 laps in the time. McCune retired about half-past eight p.m., when Speight had attained a lead of six lapg. The track was laid off on the floor of the hall, and was measured to give 32 circuits of it to the mile. The judges were : Mr. E. Sandall, for Speight, and Mr. Rawlina, for McCune, while Professor Carrollo acted as referee. Both men were in gplendid condition for the match, but it wae soon apparent that Speight meant to make tho pace at the outset, and on the completion of the first mile had attained a lead of a lap. He went on increasing it at each hour till half past eight p.m., when he was six laps ahead. A protest wag made that he was breaking, and the judges not agreeing, the reeree decided that it was all fair. McCune, who then seemed a good deal distressed, retired from the track, and allowed Speight to walk on till the completion of the time. A. Hendry kept the winner company for the rest of the journey, both spurting frequently for the benefit of the audience, which was not as large as had been expected owing to the retirement of McCune.