OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 107, 30 January 1935, Page 9

OBITUARY

Mr. William Beach Sydney, January 29. The death has occurred, at the age of 84, of William Beach, former world’s champion sculler. William Beach came into world prominence when lie put the name of Australia on the map in “big sculling.” It is 50 years ago now since he rowed ami beat Ned Hanlan for the championship of the world. Hanlan, a brilliant and graceful Canadian sculler, had beaten all the next bests, including Trickett and Laycock, when he was challenged by the Australian, who had some difficulty in raising the stake of £5OO. Hanlan imagined that it was practically money in the bank, and they often chipped at one another during training operations. When it came to the race, however, be found that he had met his master. Beach was a powerful and finished oarsman, with a. great heart, and he retired unbeaten. The two contests between Hanlan and Beach were rowed in 1884 and 1885. Hanlan had come out to Sydney from Canada to meet Edward Trickett, a contestant for world honours. He defeated Trickett, and in August, 1884, he rowed Beach, when, to the surprise of everyone, Beach won. This was for the sculling championship of the world and £5OO a side. A return match was arranged, and early in 18S5 Beach again beat Hanlan on the Parramatta. Beach then went to England, and was matched against Jacob Gaudaur, a French-Canadian, on the Thames. Beacii won, but it was the closest finish he was ever concerned in. both men being all out at the end. Beach then returned to Australia, and in ISBB announced his retirement, being then in his thirtieth year. Both Beach and Hanlan were world figures in the ’SO’s. Tlie former’s success helped to make Sydney the home of great scullers. After him there . came Peter Kemp, Searle. George Towns, Bobby Pearce, and others. William Beach was in New Zealand in December, 1909, having been brought over to act as judge for the great sculling handicap on the Manawa tn River promoted- by Messrs. Messena nnd Easton. This induced nn invasion of professional scullers from Sydney, and excitement ran high as the news of their training was recorded daily from Foxton. The starters were J. Mitchell, S. Kemp, A. S. Green, W. J. Ogilvie. J. Lawson, W. Webb, R. Green, A. G. Felton, F. G. Green. F. S. Hngney, E. Larsen, Te Rewiti, 'and J. Ellis. Those left in the final were Hngney, R. Green, E. Larsen, S Kemp, A. G. Felton, and n '. Lawson. “Tile Dominion” the day before the final tipped either Felton or Kemp tn win. dwelling particularly on the prowess of young Felton, who actually won the race very easily, with Kemp in second position. .W- Webb did not qualify for the .final. — ~