CLUB SWINGING.

NZ Truth, Issue 150, 2 May 1908, Page 6

CLUB SWINGING.

TOM BURROWS STILL GOING.

Great Feat at the Theatre Royal.

Charlie Parnell Pounds the "Piany."

Punctually at 9 a.m. on Thursday, club-swinger Tom Burrows started .= out to break his Adelaide record of Cl hours 46 minutes. Clad m white ducks and a Cambridge blue singlet, the • worldfamous athlete, sound m heart and limb, ' cheerful m spirit, and openly inviting conversation with all comers,' Burrows is an unique individual. On Wednesday afternoon there was a meeting/ of citizens held m the Theatre ttoval, when a committee whs formed and arrangements were made for a continuous watch on the club-swinger. It was also suggested that ths Wellington Boxing Association would extend its natronage to Burrows, and the Association, when approached on the matter, readily consented to take a hand, and Dr. Napier McLean, with true sportsmanlike zeal, came forward to officiate as judge, an act v 'hich is commendable and has since been thoroughly appreciated by ath'ptic i admirers m the city. Moreover, the Boxing Association, with the consent of i Mr Ben Fuller, appointed Mr' A. Hem- ] ming to act as the Association's watch over the club-swinger, which, is a fuHlvr guarantee to the public ..that even-thing connected with the stupendous task undertaken by Burrows, is "fair, square, and above board. It is hereby expressed by "Truth" that the Boxing Association m thus coming forward and lending its 'patronage to Burrows' endurance test is I deserving of the thanks of the Welling- j ton public. I As stated, Burrows started of! at nice o'clock on Thursday morning. To the strains of the "Conquerim* Hero," the small-staturcd but well-knit athlete entered on his task, and is, as we <-o to "'•ess, still coinp; strong. All [lay Thursday he went at it as merrily as church bells. Shortly before the ordinary perrormanct commenced m the evening he retired to art ante-room, where, under the eve of the committee, he pursued his task, his revolutions all the while averaging 120 ncr minute. At the interval, the swinger appeared again before the audience, and retired on the programme being resumed.

It was, however, at tlic conclusion of the programme that the "fun" beiran, and Burrows, "Truth" opines, has .seldom been so heartily entertained as he was on Thursday and last evening. There were gay. blythe spirits m attendance. /he hours passed rapidly as sours were sung and stories told. There were Maori Makas, Maori legends, and not the least interesting was a two hours' endurance club-swinging test by Mr James Doyle, an athlete,' perhaps of the olden days, but still able to hold his own with the younger generation. Tom Burrows, whether be succeeds or not m breaking his Adelaide record, will never have cause to regret his stay m Wellington. Mr Burrows is an interesting nersoniQ>ve. His knowledge of athletes is universal, and any member of any athletic body ought to make a point of conversing with him. The club-swineer yesterday, was iust a bit fagged, hut, as he says. it wears oft, and doubtless this (Saturday) morning will find him' going stronger than ever. It is worth mentioning that the swings er will keep on at it till about eleven o'clock to-night, and the Theatre Royal management propose making a special charge for admission at the conclusion of this evening's programme. Another endurance foat is that of Mr" Chas. Parnell, the pianist who has set out to establish a record m continuous

piano-playing. Charlie pot away punctually at nine o'clock yesterday, and at a very late hour last evening was soine strong. Charlie will play continuously right up to the conclusion of Tom Buerows extraordinary performance.