Aquatics

Feilding Star, Volume XI, Issue 9, 2 January 1890, Page 2

Aquatics

.» _ . . • ■ William O'Connor was- banqueted at Toronto on bis return home^ and a large number of his friends were present. He was presented with a handsome diamond pin and a cheque for £200. In responding to tire toast of his health, O'Connor said that it wa» . with mingled pain and pleasure he Tose to respond to the toast Tbich had . been received In a manner so complimentary to him — pain in remember;anee of the defeat he had so,TeePtttly ; suffered, and pleasure that he was amongst his old friends again- Hehoped his audience would recognise the painful position he was in, for so many of his friends had suffered in his defeat. He was too proud, he I continued, to offer excuses for his defeat, and was willing that the world should believe that car le was a better man than himself in every respect. (Cries of "No," " N<v") There was one fact, however, which he wished to mention. In a trial before the race he showed a speed which madehim, and bis friends with him, confident that he was going to win. But he hud lost the race, and he could not clearly explain how. He was neither ne vi>us nor rattled, hut be knew immediately after the start that if eurle- . was only a second-class oarsman he was going to beat bun. He was rowing his old stroke, but it had lost its power. It was hi« intention to defend the title of übunoion of Ameiiea> on the waters of Toronto Bay only— • (applause) — but he was willing tiywnvf' .. Soarle, the man hH nref ■ r<* I above qFJ others to uio t oy. any waters in* America. (Applause.) -