AQUATICS.

Globe, Volume IX, Issue 1229, 11 February 1878, Page 3

AQUATICS.

PRACTICE FOR THE COLONIAL REGATTA. [By Telegraph.] [from the correspondent of the press.] Wanganui, February 10. No early work was done this morning, tbe Welliugtonians being the first afloat at 10.30 a m., and doing the usual morning work — eight miles over the Champion course. When returning from a row yesterday morning I saw this crew hard at it, but was not favorably impressed with them. The boat still continues to stop at the end of each stroke. They will not use their backs at all, doing too much work with their arms. They also wont two miles up the river last night at about 6.30, and to all appearance were rowing at about their beet. They always catch the water together, which is their best point. Bow and No. 2 were rolling, the former especially. I consider this crew over-estimated. They have been successful lately, but I think there are any amount that can beat them. Duncan’s Canterbury crew took the water at 10.50, rowing the Champion course. They started better than I have seen them. It has since leaked out that Duncan sent them the racing course (four miles down stream) at their best, I saw them finish for the last three miles, having a strong wind and tide against them, the pace being very fast. They rowed splendidly, spurting time after time. This is a long way the best row I have seen, and the strongest wind they had to contend with. This crew was also out at 4.30 p.m. going three miles up, not being able to get further on account of rough water. They also rowed well in this spin. They all, with the exception of stroke, follow after Wellington as regards not using their backs, and hardly swing at all. No. 2 rows very deep sometimes, and No. 3 does not take time from stroke. It jp simply strength that makes the

crow arrived yesterday, and were out in the afternoon in their outrigger, which I consider too heavy for so light a crew. They have the nicest stylo on the river, but do not get much pace on. I don’t see how they can be in the Championship unless it’ is very rough water, Tli© general opinion is that they are too light for such a long course. - I shall see them all on Monday, and will then give you a final opinion. At present I fancy Duncan's crew for the Championship, and the Wellington men for the Champion Four-oared Inrigged Race. I do not consider the Christchurch crew out of the latter, as their boat ought to bring them well to the front. Several people were wanting to back the Heathcote against the Dolly Yarden at even money last night, but none of the latter’s backers came forward.