THE RACE BETWEEN HEARN AND MESSENGER.

Kumara Times, Issue 919, 10 September 1879, Page 4

THE RACE BETWEEN HEARN AND MESSENGER.

The sculling race between W. Hearn, of New Zealand, and C. A. Messenger, of Melbourne, for LSO and the champion ship of Victoria, was rowed on Saturday afternoon, August 23, over the Lower Yarra course, from the Gasworks to a point at Humbug Reach, the distance being about two miles. From the Argus we take the following account of the race :—A steam-tug was chartered to convey the judge and umpire down the river to witness the race, and as many spectators as could be crowded on to the paddle-boxes, bridge, and fore pact of the tug were taken on board. After a good deal of delay the men came to the starting place. Hearn seemed to be in perfect condition, and his fine physique at once made him a favorite. Messenger looked well, but he is of much slighter build than his antagonist. The betting was a Bbade of odds on Hearn. Both men appeared to be taken by surprise when the word was given. Messenger got away very quickly, and soon had nearly a boat's length of a lead. He was rowing a quick stroke, and steering admirably. Hearn seemed bustled, and splashed a good deal. Opposite the last of the wool sheds he was steering badly. At this point the tug, which had accompanied the boats in a very eccentric manner, made a sudden swerve to the south side of the river, and was with much difficulty prevsnted from running into the bank. After some delay she was set going again, but the passengers saw no more of the race, and had to put up with the gibes of the spectators who lined the banks all the way down the river. Messenger held his place all the way, and won easily by about two boats' lengths.