Asses' Antics.

NZ Truth, Issue 83, 19 January 1907, Page 3

Asses' Antics.

(By Spearmint.)

On the Basin Reserve last Saturday morning two ancient . asses named Binjanrin Harrison (better known as Balmy Ben) and "Pusher" Worsfold ran a mile race for the muniliceni stake of fifteen shillings.' It may not be generally believed that the stake was so. large, but the matter will be p.iven credence when I explain that" the whole, of the fifteen shillings was subscribed at the G.P.0., where the two contestants work. Both of these individuals are on the wrong side of no., unless pJ } "finances arc very de-rr-livo. ,-nd the idea of their lurslin<r ■(h'>n'>seives for smh a'st->l c seenr ludicrous m the extreme. From uri-

vate information, however, I am led ■ to believe that the stake rather than the desire for supremacy was the chief factor m bringing the event to issue. The match attracted a fair audience of interested postal men and when the pair appeared for the fray it was a sight for the gods themselves.- Harrison "Walks forth without more train Accompanied than with his own complete Perfections." He was clad m a pair of snowy white running pants and spiked shoes and reminded one strangely of the ass m the lion's skin. At first sight there appeared to be a blank between the bottom of his pants and the ground, but closer examination revealed a pair of shins., He must be considered fortunate that there were no policemen about for any of the boys m blue might have been tempted to pinch him for having no lawful visible means of support. He appeared very ill -at ease m his running shoes and was evidently afraid of spiking himself. The "Pusher" presented a very three-cornered physique and might have been run over by a train at some time or otheir. He was too good for Harrison, however, for when Hie start was effected the pair were together for three ' laps where Worsfold drew out and won easily. It is said that Ben. Fuller is negotiating.- with the pair to appear on the lines of the Apollo Belvidere. .