BALMAIN INTERNATIONAL GIG RACE.

Evening Star, Issue 3150, 25 March 1873, Page 3

BALMAIN INTERNATIONAL GIG RACE.

A letter has been received by Mr Spence, honorary secretary of the Balmain Regatta Committee, from the secretary of the London Rowing Club, in which it is stated that the proposition for an international gig race by the Balmain Committee was brought before a general meeting of the club, on the 6th November. Mr Warren further says “ I was requested on behalf of the meeting to inform yon that the members of the L. R. G. feel highly honored in having been selected by the Balmain Committee to receive your courteous invitation. Previous to the meeting, our captain, Mr F. S. Gulston, had communicated with our principal rowing members, in order to ascertain whether he would he able to get up a crew among our members by whom we might be worthily represented; but owing to the fact that all, or nearly all, our rowing members are engaged in business, and unable to leave England for the length of time that would be required to visit New South Wales, he was not successful. The meeting consequently came to the conclusion that it would be impossible to get a crew of the London Rowing Club to visit New South Wales, as proposed by the Balmain Regatta Committee, and I was requested to communicate the same to you iam also directed to inform you that, although the London Rowing Club will be unable to get up a crew of their own members, our captain ( \1 r F. S. Gulston) is himself ready and willing to visit your regatta, and will (should the Balmain Regatta consent to this proposition) endeavor, hut cannot promise, to get up a representative English crew of bona Julc amateurs, being members of universities or some recognised amateur rowing club, who would arrauge to row a race at the Balmain Regatta. Mr Gulston stipu ales, however, for a straight-away smooth-water course, to be rowed without coxswain, and no restriction as to boats. Should this proposition meet with the approval of the regatta committee, 1 shall be glad of the favor of an early reply, in order that Mr Gulston may have time to find oarsmen willing to accompany him. I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, G. H. Warren, honorary secretary.” The terras have been accepted, and a telegram to that effect will be sent to London to-day. Wo believe the money necessary to meet the expenses has been nearly subscribed.