AQUATIC. WANGANUI ROWING CLUB.

Kumara Times, Issue 3150, 8 December 1886, Page 4

AQUATIC. WANGANUI ROW—ING CLUB.

("From-the Wanganui Chronicle, Novcni- - her 29.] The first three heats for the Wanganui Rowing G'liih trophies were rowed off on Saturday afternoon. A good deal of interest had been taken in the events, ami seme speculation had taken place amo nest rowing men as to the probable tesiilt. A large number of spectators were present during the afternoon, including a fair sprinkling of ladies. At about, half-past three the first two crews rowed up to the starling point. These were J. Hogg (stroke), Burton 3, I! i res 2, a ■ d James, bow; (stroke), Skipwit.li 3, Ondaille 2, and Jones, bow. A good start was effected, but before going far Hogg had assumed a lead, and notwithstanding the repeated efforts of Mathieson, the lead was increased, and Hogg won comfortably by about two lengths. Sim (stioko), Perrin 3, Broad 2, and Tait, bow ; and 0. Greenwood (stroke), Bun her 3, Paul 2, and Stone, bow, next, faced tlie starter. Both caught the water on tins word “Go,” and no material advantage was gained until opposite the Masonic, when No. 3 in Grenwood’s crew managed to catch one of those horrors to all amateur rowers commonly known as a “crab,” and in bis vain efforts to replace his oar got it clear of the rowlocks altogether. By the time things had assumed their natural comae, Sim had obtained a good lead, and the race was virtually over. Notwithstanding the accident, Greenwood rowed on pluckly to the finish, but Sim passed the post throe lengths to the good. The next heat between Hogg’s crew and If, Greenwood (stroke), Fitzgerald 3, Brockman 2, and Eyre, bow, proved very interesting, and completely turned the tables on many of the knowing oms, as the favourite was, through an accident, defeated. The start was a very good one, and a desperate dingdong race ensued, both crews doing their level best. At the Masonic, Greenwood had a slight advantage, which was not reduced until the hospital was reached, where the boats were on level terms. The race now became very interesting, and the'excitement on the batik rose to a very high pitch, the ctews being urged on by tbeiy respective admirers. When within two hundred yards of the winning post, and when Hogg had a slight advantage, No. 2 in the boat suddenly collapsed, and repeated tbo performance of C Greenwood’s No. 3, by catching one of those no'minus crabs. This gave the .tin '- grew a chance, and stroke and iNo 3 put on some tremendous weight, and passed the post about two feet to the good. M ■ ■■■sis Chubb and Powell steered in :h ■ different events, and kept, the boats well together. The strokes rind from 3S tip to 42. The final heat between H. Greenwood and Sim will be rowed this evening, and should be worth witnessing.