SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2487, 27 March 1882, Page 3

SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP OF NEW ZEALAND.

[PBEBS ASSOCIATION TBLEOBAM.] WELLINGTON, March 26. The sculling race between Hearn and Messenger for £IOO a side and the championship of New Zealand took place yesterday afternoon. The distance was three miles and a half, over a straight course, from a point beyond Ngahanranga to the Queen’s wharf. The betting was slightly in favor of Hearn. In some instances 2 to 1 and 6 to 4 were laid on him. During the morning the weather was all that could bo desired, but an hour before the time appointed for starting a southerly wind sprung up, and this caused a nasty joggle at the starting point. The competitor# agreed to wait for a time to see if the sea would go down. At 5.30 p.m. they took their seats in their boats, the water at this time being very calm. The start was by mutual consent. Four steamers followed the race, while the road was lined with carriages and horsemen. A capital start was effected, both gripping the water simultaneously. Hearn immediately assumed the lead with a stroke of thirty-eight to the minute, Messenger rowing thirty-seven. At every stroke Hearn increased his lead, and when throe quarters of a mile had been covered was six lengths to the good. Hearn was pulling a pretty stroke, while Messenger at times was splashing. On reaching the two-mile post it was evidently a certainty for Hearn, as Messenger was hopelessly in the rear and showing signs of distress. On passing the baths, a short distance from the finish, Hearn spurted and pulled clean away from Messenger, rowing in the easiest of winners by nearly twenty lengths. The time was 24tnin 29seo. The wharves and shipping were thronged with spectators, and cheer after cheer rang out for Hearn, who, on leaving his boat, was carried shoulder high into the Pier Hotel, where his health was drunk in bumpers of champagne. Hearn’s win is very popular. James Smith, who trained Hearn for this match, and also the one with White, received congratulations from Hearn’s admirers.