The Champion Sculling Match.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3910, 11 July 1881, Page 2

The Champion Sculling Match.

The following report of the sculling match, the result of which we gave in our last issue, we have received from Wellington :—The weather this morning was threatening for the sculling match, and it was not until some time after noon that the competitors agreed to start. A considerable amount of interest was taken in the race, but little or no betting was done. Hearn was the favourite at 3to 2, but in one or two cases 2 to 1 was offered on him. The course was 3| miles straight, and had the day been picked the men could not have made a better choice. The boats were taken up to the starting post in one of the boats of the Naval Brigade, White accompanied his boat, but Hearn preferred to drive up at the time appointed tor the race. Both wharves were crowded and the breastwork was lined with anxious spectators. After a few miuutes delay at the post, Hearn and White came together, and got into position, and many remarks made about the excellent condition in which both men appeared. At exactly ten minutes to four, Hearn, after getting a reply from White that he was ready, said " Go." A. better start could not have been effected, both men gripping the water almost simultaneously. White rowed 4Q% in tho tiiNl minute, Hearn registering.37. After this White took a lead of almost half a length, and the cry from the steamers was that he would win. However, Hearn was not to be despised; and, notwithstanding the advantage gained by White, he rowed a stroke of 35 to the minutes^ White at this time rowing 39. When 500 yards had been covered, Hearn commenced to creep up, eventually passing White and assuming the lead. Both men were rowing withiu themselves, White's style being much faaoied. Hearn, who accepted outside position, still kept up a steady stroke, and forged ahead. On passing the slaughteryard he was leading by a length, and on neuring Kaiwarra he w*s fully five lengths ahead. Here White was called upon, but his efforts were unavailing, Hearn rowing in the easiest of winners by ten lengths. The general feeling was that Hearn was never called upon to row. Hearn was loudly cheered on passing the winning post, ana on his appearance at the shed was carried shoulder high. The betting throughout was in favour of Hearn, and immediately before the race started 2 to 1 was offered, but not an acceptor could be fouud. Mr Andrews, M.H.R. for Christchurcb, acted as referee, and the manner in which the preliminaries connected with the race had been carried out has given much satisfaction. Mr Kohn officiated as time keeper, and his time for the race was 27 minutes 27 seconds. The time is con* sidered to be good. W. White piloted his brother, and C. Batkin officiated in a similar manner for Hearn.