THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 2, Issue 392, 11 July 1881, Page 2

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Wellington, July 9

The sculling race for Lioo a side and the championship of New Zealand took place this afternoon. The weather this morning was threatening, and it was not till some time after noon that the competitors agreed to start. A considerable amount of interest was taken in the race, but little or no betting was done. Hearn was the favorite at 3 to 2, but in one or two cases 2to i was offered on him. The course was from a point just beyond Ngaraunga to the south end of the Queen’s Wharf, three and a half miles straight, and had the day been picked the men could not have made a better choice. The boats were taken up to the starting post in one of the boats of the Naval Brigade. At the time appointed for the race both wharves were crowded, and the' breastwork was lined with spectators. The Huia was chartered to carry the referee, committee, and press, but three other steamers were allowed to follow the race, and all were well patronised. After a few minutes’ delay at the post Hearn and White came together and got in position, reference being made to the excellent condition in which both men appeared. At exactly ten minutes to four Hearn, after getting a reply from White that he was ready, said “ Go.” A better start could not have been effected, both men gripping the water almost simultaneously. White rowed forty and a half in the first minute, Hearn registering thirty-seven. After this White took a lead of about half a length, and the cry from the steamer was that he would win. However, Hearn was not to be despised, and notwithstanding the advantage gained by White, he rowed a stroke of thirty-five to the minute, White at this time rowing thirty-nine. When 500 yards had been covered Hearn commenced to creep up, eventually passing White and assuming the lead. Both men were rowing within themselves, White’s style being much fancied. Hearn, who accepted the outside position, still kept up a steady stroke, and forged ahead. On passing the slaughter-yard he was leading by a length, and on nearing Kaiwarra, he was fully five lengths ahead. Here White was called upon, but his efforts were unavailing, Hearn rowing in the easiest of winners by ten lengths. The general feeling was that Hearn was never called upon to row.

Hearn was loudly cheered on passing the winning post, and on his appearance at the shed was carried shoulder high. Mr Andrews, M.H.R. for Christchurch, acted as referee, and the manner in which the preliminaries connected with the race had been carried out gave much satisfaction. Mr Kohn officiated as time-keeper, and his time for the race was 27mm. 27sec., which is considered to be good. MrW. White piloted his brother, and Mr C. Batkin officiated in a similar manner for Hearn. The Theatre Royal was literally packed in the evening, and numbers were unable to obtain admission on the occasion of the

twelfth and last performance of the “Pirates of Penzance.” During an interval of the performance, Mr Carey presented Hearn (the winner of the sculling championship) and White (his opponent) with silver cups. Both competitors on appearing on the stage were received with loud cheering. Hearn made no reply to the remarks of Mr Carey, but White admitted that he had been beaten by the best man in New Zealand. r However, he intimated thtit at some later time he would again try conclusion for the championship.