CLUB SWINGING RECORD.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8557, 16 October 1907, Page 3

CLUB SWINGING RECORD.

A SPLENDID PERFORMANCE

The record for endurance clul swinging went by the board, las I evening, says the Cape Argus of September 7th, and once again Tom Burrows is the undisputed champion The scene at the Tivoli througboui the evening will never be forgottei by those present. The hall xvm packed to the doors, and hundred; were turned away. The audience was wildly enthusiastic as the hour for eclipsing past performances drew linear, and when the time was passec and new figures were put up a cheer resounded that could be huarc across the Parade. The astonishing vitality of Burrows was manifested after he had swung 61 hours 30 minutes, for then he finished up with a five minutes 1 burst that was bewildering in its speed, execution and grace. When the timekeeper (Mr T. Widdowson) sounded the gong, at the expiration of 61 hours 35 minutes, the audience jumped on the chairs and screamed themselves hoarse. There has been some misapprehension by both Press and public in regard to the world's club-swinging endurance record. The first announcement was that Burrows would endeavour to beat his own record, which he held conjointly with Harry Burton. This was accomplished at Olympia. London, in January last. The men had previously arranged that in the event of their both lasting 61 hours 15 minutes, they would stop simultaneously. This was out ■ of deference to public opinion, for it was considered that if the contest was prolonged until one or the other dropped it would become a spectacle which was calculated to call forth disgust raMier than admiration. Both went the allotted time, and there the matter rested so far as Burrows was cpneerned. Burton, however, had a desire to . hold the endurance laurels, and sub- . sequently had another attempt at the record. This he essayed at the Kegent's Theatre, Hackney Road, -and on May sth ho comuieted a swing of 61 hours 31 minutes—a world's record. It was this recorl that Burrows • determined to beat. A little side- . light on Burrows' exhibition does not show up human nature in its best light. A certain individual was busy, yesterday, making mysterious comments. He stated lie would astonish someone when the 61 hours 30 minutes were completed. Some of Burrows' friends began to wonder what it was all about. Burrows, • however, had previously informed the committee of his desire to go 61 hours 35 minutes. This he accomplished and the individual who car- . ried around newspaper clippings with the intent of springing a big sur- . prise was neatly foiled and the laugh is against him. But to return to Burrows' success at the Tivoli. During yesterday :;morning and afternoon there were ■over 6,000 visitors to the hall—numbers which have never been achieved by any previous indoor entertain- . menf in South Africa. I The numbers at the evening show wsre —as detailed above—only re- . stricted by the limitations of the hall. The first climax camo with the advent of Miss Lily Lena., who adapted .•.her favourite song, "Swing Me Just • a Little Bit Higher" to the' ncca- , sion. The chorus was altered to: Swing them just a little bit longer, Good old Tommy do! This was taken up with terrific '-effect by the audience, and at every subsequent interval they broke out "with the chorus. Burrows responded to the enthusiasm and kept to the tuneful lilt. Later in the evening when Burrows ■was putting in his last .15 minutes, Miss Lena was called on again, and -although in every day attire she - came on to the stage and led the • chorus. The crowd fairly lifted the . roof —or would have done so if the roof, which is a sliding one, had not. been already shifted back in order to provide adequate ventilation. At 10.30 Sir Pieter Bara (referee) and his com "nit tee appeared on the platform. Sir Pieter expressed the admiration which the splendid athletic powers of Burrows had called forth from the community, and said they were proud to have such a notable record put i.p in Cape Town. Mr Hyman also made a neat little appreciative speech. He was too modest, * however, to state that he had provided that Burrows would benefit considerably in excess of the } driginal financial agreement, and the public can take it that Burrows | is more than satisfied. . Many of Burrows' admirers also wished to add a little substantial tri- I bute to his prowess and a voluntary collection netted the popular athlete •over £2O. At the conclusion Burrows was examined by Dr. Dixon, who fo\md him in splendid condition after his remarkable feat. | Burrows received another ovation as he left the hall for the carriage which was to take him home for the much-required rest. |

BURROWS' ACHIEVEMENTS

A few of Burrows' best performances should prove of interest. 1890—Championship of Australia for fancy swinging. - 1894—24 hours' record continuous swinging {4lb clubs). 1895—26 hours 15 minutes' continuous swinging (41b clubs). 1897 —Open club-swinging championship of Egypt. 1898—British record, 30 hours' continuous swinging. 1901 —World's record, 3G hours' continuous swinging. 1902—Six consecutive clays' swingging, 12 hours daily. 1903 —Championship for 42 hours' continuous swinging. Same year South African championship. 1904—43 consecutive hours, and estab.ished American record for 43 hours 10 mins. 1905 —Championship of England, 47 hours, and in August same year world's championship of 51 hours' continuous swinging. 1907—World's record of 61 hours in South America. 1907—World's record of Gl hours 35 minutes in Cape Town.