Sports and Pastimes.

New Zealand Tablet, Issue 31, 3 December 1897, Page 29

Sports and Pastimes.

SCOTLAND'S CHAMPION ROWEUS. — A FAMOUS IKISH COMBINATION. Rowing ou the Clyde, once a highly popular pastime, bhows d cided s ; gns of revival, and it is gratifying to know that amongst the most popular crews at present practising on the river, few are held in greater esteem than the " Unity,'' a crew composed of young Irishmen and trained by an Irishman. Previous to ]8i)(i the crew had bean well-known on the river as individual oarsmen. Two seasons ago, by the efforts of Mi*. John Crossan. they were brought together and formal a crew under the name of the Unity. Their names are : Bow, F. Kane, 18 years of age ; mid stroke, D. M'Cormick, 24 years of age ; third stroke, G. Banks, 19 years of age ; and fourth stroke, R. D. Brady, li) years of age. It is interesting to note that Banks and M'Cormick are th^> champion pair of Scotland an honour not lightly won, nor easily kept, while Brady and Kane won the pair championship in the Clyde •' Youths' " regatta lately. Mr. Crossan is also trainer to the Clydesdale Amateur Rowing Club, which with characteristic generosity not only gave him permission to train the " Unity," but also gave the crew the use of their handsome clubhouse. These privileges have been duly appreciated by the " Unity " lads, who have before now proved they are made of the proper stuff, and that they are by no means unworthy of the privilege granted them. The crowning effort of the " Unity's " short but brilliant career took place on the first Saturday of August when they beat the famous Dumbarton crew for the championship of Scotland. The race took place over tho two miles and a quarter course on Loch Lomond, and after a terrific contest the" Unity " won by about s'x boat lengths. This was the first defeat of the Dumbarton crew, who held the championship of Scotland for seven years. The success of the crew is in great part due to the system of training carried out by Mr. Crossan, who is ceaseless in his efforts to make his crew pass the winning post first. Mr. Crossan is, needless to say, exceedingly popular with his boys, while he is also held in the highest esteem by the members of the Amateur Rowing Club. The " Unity " crew h.is also received great assistance from Mr. George Geddes, but they could do with a little more support from their own people. The Celtio Football Club might do worse than extend their patronage to the crew, -while the members of the Hibernian Swimming Club might with advantage do the same. As will be seen, the crew are only lads, and have a great future before them. So far they have conquered all comers, and we sincerely trust that in their case at least history will repeat itself in the future. — Edhihunjh Hi mid. TIPS FOR CYCLISTS. An eminent surgeon gives the following excellent rules for bicycle riding : 1. Never ride within half an hour of a meal, which means either before or after. ' 2. AVheel the machine up any hill the mounting of whijh causes any effort. 3. See that the clothing around the neck and chest is loose. 4. Have the handle-bar sufficiently nNed t<> prevent looping. ."). Be as sparing as po^ible of taking fluids during ;i long rule. Rinsing the mouth thoroughly with co.d water will quench the thirst as well as, if not better than, taking fluids into the stomach in large quantities. 6. Unless the winds and roads are favourable, never ride more than ten miles an hour, except tor very bhort distance-*. 7. Never smoke while riding. Attention to these points will tend to relieve the procure on the right side of the heart, breathlebsness will largely bu prevented. and even persons with certain forms of heart disej.be may ride w ith safety.