FINE EIGHT-OAR RACE

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 118, 12 February 1940, Page 6

FINE EIGHT-OAR RACE

Union Just Beat The Australians

WANGANUI RIVER REGATTA Dominion Special Service. WANGANUI, February 10. One of the best races ever rowed in New Zealand was seen by a large crowd which lined the banks of the Wanganui River at Aramoho today, when the Union (Wanganui) eight-oar crew heat Australia by what was ollicially described as half a canvas. It could just as correctly have been described as a quarter of a canvas. There were three crews in the race, and they found the water good for rowing. The heavy wind of the previous day had abated, and though the day was showery, a large crowd watched from motor-cars parked _ along the course on both sides of the river. Hugging the left bank more than the other crews which raced during the day, Union, Australia and Aramoho gave the crowd a thrill worth waiting for. Rounding the bend in sight of home Union had a lead. Down the home stretch this was gradually reduced by Australia, and at one stage, less than a quarter of a mile from the finish, it looked as though the two crews would foul each other. Stroke for stroke they rowed, with Aramoho, in the rear, making a great spurt to ger nearer. As the race neared the judges, Australia gained steadily, and, rowing a beautiful stroke, the visitors showed that there would be very little in it at the finish. 'The two finishing guns were fired with a barely perceptible pause in between-—-Union had won and no more. Both crews deserved the ovation they received. Aramoho was half a length away third, and put up a creditable performa nee to draw so close to the other two after having been more than a length behind 400 yards from home. Results of the regatta are: —

Senior Eights. Union (G. Delves, C. A. Healey, R. Gould, H. Benge, A. Tonks, JI. Halkett, M. Granville, R. Coxon, IV. Stodart) 1 1 New South Wales (L. Robinson, B. Jay, G. Clubbe, T. Gordon-Glass-fortl, L. Murray, M. Foote, P. Montgomery, A. Thornton, W. G. Kerr) 2 Aramoho (P. Stowers, str., C. Campbell, IV, Firmin, ,T. Halligan, J. Brown, C. MeNicol, J. leromson, ,T. Stokes, bow, C. Johnstone, eox) 3 Senior Fours, Union. 1; Clifton (New Plymouth), 2; Aramoho, 3. Won by half n length, with two lengths between second and third. Junior Fours (Welter). Wellington (H. O'Donnell. E. Marchant, S. Watson. A. (Houston), 1; Petone (R. Lowe, E. Linney, M. Wells, K. JonasseiO, 2; Star, 3. Won by halt a length, with half a length between second and third. Junior Fours, Open. Aramoho (J. Jeromson, C. McNlchol, J. Brown, W. Dearsley), 1; Star, 2; Petone (It. East, It. Parsonage, E. Craies, N. Baigent), 3. Won by three lengths, with eight lengths between second and third. Maiden Double Sculls. Aramoho, 1; Wellington, 2; New Plymouth, 3. Won by half a length, with two feet between second and third. junior Single Sculls, Wellington (T. Hegglun), 1; Star (L. L. Hosking), 2; Union (J. Colway), 3. Won by four lengths, with half a length between second and third. Senior Single Sculls. Auckland (R. B. Smith), 1; New South M ales (K. Webb). 2; Wellington (T. Ilegglun), «3. Smith, the Now Zealand champion, won easily by live lengths.