THE SCULLING MATCH.-HANLAN V. BEACH.

Kumara Times, Issue 2543, 15 August 1884, Page 2

THE SCULLING MATCH.-HAN-LAN V. BEACH.

To morrow the Championship of the World is to be contested for, for the first time in the aquatic history of Australia, on the waters of the Parramatta River, New South Wales, and over the course which is the recognised champion course on this side of the equator'. Edward Hanlan and William Beach are on the river, and have been in active training for the great event for some time past. Both men are well and confident, and one of the greatest aquatic contests ever witnessed may be confidently looked forward to to-mor-row. Commenting on this match the Evening News (Sydney), of a late date, remarks :—“ It is the general idea that in Beach, Australia will be represented by her best man, and if the aquatic championship is to be held by a colonial, he is the man to secure it. The very refusal of Beach’s supporters to arrange for a match on the Nepean River, and their persistence in insisting that the race should be rowed on the Parramatta are viewed by certain people as indicating a measure of confidence which augurs well for the colonist’s chances, which are said to have improved daily. The probabilities are that Beach will really prove, himself the most formidable oarsman Hanlan has yet encountered in Australia; indeed, the Canadian admitted this. Hanlan is the picture of good health and in splendid spirits. His ;iiv.scnt weight is list, 4J), j but Uv prvfers to tow at

Hat. exactly, which he says is his proper weight, and he expects to work off the superfluous 41b. in the next two or three weeks. His chest measurement is between 38in. and 39in., while his muscles are firm and mobile. When asked his opinion of native scullers, Hanlan said that he thought Australia had the finest oarsmen in the world, and that considering their numbers Australians were greater sportsmen than Englishmen even, and were far ahead of the Canadians or Yankees. He thought he had been better treated here than in England, and considered that New South Wales, in the matter of sport, was far ahead of either of the other colonies. He seriously thought of retiring for good from aquatics, and settling down permanently at his home in Toronto if he were successful in the race with Beach, though he might not persevere in that intention if he were defeated.” A cablegram this morning states that both Hanlan and Beach are in fine form for the contest. Tho betting is 2to 1 against Beach.