CURIOUS WAGERS.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 59, 27 July 1906, Page 2

CURIOUS WAGERS.

In the year 1787 a farmer laid a wager that he would eat two dozen penny mutton pies and drink a gallon of ale in half an hour, a feat which he easily performed well within the specified limit; in about half an hour afterwards he devoured a three-penny loaf and a pound of cheese, and then attacked a leg of pork, says the London Standard. 'A few years later when the Prince Regent was enlivining Brighton with his vagaries the notorious Sir John Lade made his celebrated wager that he would carry Lord Chdlmondoley on his back twice round the Steine. As Sir John was short and his opponent tall, much curiosity was aroused, and many spectators, including ladies, came out to see, but were all baulked of the spectacle by the krvght declining to bear the nobleman except in the minimum of clothing, declaring that there was nothing in the conditions calling upon him to carry extra weight. Of quite another kind, says the Queen, was the wagering by a gentleman that he would stand all day upon London bridge with a trayful of new sovereigns, but be unable to sell them at a penny apiece, and, like Sir John Lade, he won his wager.

' Faincy dress balls are still a favorite with people, and many quaint and curious designs are to be seen at such assemblies, but here again there is nothing new, for, to quote but one instance, in 1806 a curious wager was laid between two gentlemen as to whom would assume the most singular character. The winner paraded with his coat and waistcoat decorated with bank notes of different values, a row of five guinea notes and a netted purse of gold adorned his hat, while on his hat appeared a piece paper with the words “John Bull.” The loser would appear to have been more original still, for he appeared dressed like a woman on one side, one half of his face being painted and the other half blackened to resemble that. of a negro. On one leg he wore a silk stocking and a slipper, and on the other half a pain of linen breeches, a boot and while he was also adorned with half a long-tailed linen coat.