Aquatic.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 319, 23 March 1878, Page 21

Aquatic.

COURTNEY Y. TRICKETT. It is really painful to know (says the Sydney Mail of the 2nd inst.) that feilow-creatures are delighting themselves with the anticipation of enjoyments which cannot be realised, and with hopes that must be disappointed. Such seems to be the unfortunate case with those in America who are interested in aquatics. The Sportsman, a New York journal, on the 15th of January last observes: —“Although there have been no new developments in the TrickettConrtney affair during the past week, it can safely be set down that the match is pretty certain to come off. The only hitch that is likely to occur in the arrangements is the selection of the locality. The Australian stipulates that the scene of action shall be neutral water. This is only fair, as it would be rather hard for him to row upon a sheet of water which had been traversed several times by his antagonist, and who had got all the landmarks photographed on his mind. Courtney will in all probability select Owaseo Lake, but this is eminently unfair to the Antipodean, as it is within a dozen miles of the Union Springs sculler’s home, and he has rowed upon it several times. Saratoga Lake is not likely to be selected, as Courtney has every landmark of it indelibly impressed upon his memory. The Hudson, at Twenty-sixth-street, would be neutral water ; but Courtney objects most emphatically to any New York water—for what cause is not generally known. Silver Lake, Boston, is a very desirable place upon which to get the contest decided. The water is thoroughly neutral, and there are excellent accommodations and facilities for witnessing the contest, which will undoubtedly be one of the grandest in the annals of the aquatic world, as both men are gi ants, and are scullers par excellence. We think our Charley a big fellow, with his 6ft. of altitude and 1731b5. of avoirdupois; but lie sinks into insignificance when compared with the gigantic Australian, who reaches 6ft. He must be a rather slim man, though, as he weighs some 31bs. less than his prospective opponent. We are informed that Courtney has already begun work, as he proposes to give himself a most thorough preparation. This is a very wise provision, in the face of the fact that the Australian can sit his boat throughout the whole of the year, and with the exception of the time that will be necessary for his voyage, he will have an uninterrupted course of training. As yet there has been nothing done in regard to the proposed match between Trickett and Hanlan, but there can be but little doubt that such a match will be consummated.” On the 12th of the same month that journal adds: “ There is nothing new in connection with the proposed encounter, nor is there likely to be, until Courtney or his agent hears something definite from the Antipodean. Hanlan is in the field, too, claiming that he should have first show with Trickett. We shall await with impatience some reliable information on this matter. Our London namesake is inclined to doubt the probability of the Australian coming to America to uphold his name, and thinks that someone will have to go to Australia to row him first. That is rather foolish ; because he would only be likely to get one match on; but if he comes here he can have a number of them.”