AQUATICS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1224, 5 February 1878, Page 3

AQUATICS.

PRACTICE FOR THE COLONIAL REGATTA. [Bx Telegraph.] [PBOM THE t'OEEESPONDENT OF THE PHESB.] Wanganui, February 4. The Wellingtonians took the water at 10.30 a.m. today, and started quietly. The stroke continues short, but the boat does not roll so much. They went over the Champion course, which is four miles (both crews think it a long one) up the river, so their row consisted of eight miles. Hearn is not swinging straight, and for the last mile steered the boat far from well. McGrath finishes his stroke with a very round back. Nevertheless the boat is going better than I have seen her before, and, no doubt, will improve day by day. The Canterbury men left the shed at 11 a.m., going at an easy pace. I was rather disappointed with them this morning. Judging from their rowing on Saturday, they were keeping bad time and rowing too cramped, but after going 440 yards, they steadied down nicely. Unluckily the cox then commenced steering badly, and continued through the practice. The general opinion is that the boy is too young. At present to steer and row as well. Nevertheless, they let the cox take his own course for the last mile, and finished much better. I think the latter will lose his seat, as the steering is not good enough for a champion race. " Bow-oar" is very complimentary to Duncan, but not so much to the others. He says, "In the matter of style, stroke could scarcely be surpassed, and catches his water as well as any oarsman I have seen anywhero, but the other three oars were at a different angle to his at the slip, and, added to this, were out of time every half dozen strokes, and lose ground in the steering. Without a doubt they are fine muscular fellows. They go out with another cox this afternoon, when I expect to see something good. Their row this morning also consisted of eight miles."