BOAT RACE: AUCKLAND V. THAMES.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXVI, Issue 3890, 9 February 1870, Page 4

BOAT RACE: AUCKLAND Y. THAMES.

The boat race, Auckland Homing Club v Thames Rowing Club, came off yesterday morning, after one or- two unsuccessful sttempts on previous days. There was not so large an atten£ ancQ ag would m doubt hare been had 1* been better known that the Thames ere** had decided to row let the weather ha & s it would. Yesterday morning,, howeye^ there were about 250 persons coYwctea on the Queen-street Wharf at the time •^pointed for the race, and the greatest excitement prevailed. The betting was in' favour of the Thames crew. The following are the names of the crewa :~Auekland RC. : D. Oxley, No. 1, lOat. 51b. ; M. W.' Atkyns, No. 2, lOst. 61b. ; J. H. Stanaway,' ff>' 3>3 > "sfc. 121b, ; H. H. Maning (stroke),' ii?u' 9, ' F - Me *" r »»an (coxswain), 6st.' 101b. Colours, scarlet and white. Thames! team: G. P. Wilhams, No. 1, lOst. 111b.; W. R. Scott, No. 2, list. 01b. : C. S. Totton, No. 3, lOst. 131b. ; J. Lyle, captain (atroke), 12st. lib. ; J. T. E. Rogan (coxswain), lOat. 51b. Colours, light blue and white. The morning broke fine, although the wiad was a little too strong (blowing from the N.N.E.), causing a nasty ripple for *o\ping in. However, at about a quarter to nine, all being ready, the different crewa turned out and came up to the starting post, both crews appearing in excellent condition. The "course was fvom the ' Queen-street Wharf round three boats moored off Shelly Beach, and back to the wharf, the distance being about three miles and a half. The Auckland crew occupied the inshore berth, and at 8.59 the signal was given, and both crews gtf> away well together. The style of stroke or the Thame3 crew was the theme of general admiration ; the Auckland team alvo pulled well, but want of practice to the new style of stroke showed itself plainly. Directly after the start the Auckland.^rs took fclie lead, and before they were off Freeman's Bay were leading by a clear boat's lengih, which they gradually increased, rounding the buoys 51 seconds in advance of the Thames crew. On getting into the straight run home a good fresh breeze, with » choppy sea and flood-tide, was met, and it was now that the powers of the ciews were called forth. It was at this point that the backers of the Thames men expected their favourite to have the advantage, and be able to draw upon the Auckianders, their boat noi holding so much wind as the '.Spitfiie' ; but they were doomed to disappointment, for the Thames anen, instead of gaming, lost gi ound at every stroke. All further mteiest in the race -was now over, as it was plainly to be seen that the race was in the hands of the Auckland team, and after a good pull of 21 minutes 30 seconds the Auckland ciew passed the winning post ; the Thames crew occupying 24 minutes 9 seconds, or 2mmutes 39 seconds behind their opponents. On coming up to the wharf the winning crew were loudly cheered, as wore also the Thames crew. The waning boat (the kpiture ) was instantly shouldered by several of the spectators, a^t carried in triumph to the Club-shed e^e by. Thus euiltd the first match between these two ciuoa, and we trust that all the matches ttttt may be pulled hereafter between the two clubs will pass off as pleasantly aa did the one of yesterday ; the Thames crew acknowledging frankly that they were fairly and honestly beaten, and that they received at the hands of the Auckland .Rowing Club eveiy consideration, it being r>n account of th« lightness of the build of the Thames boat that the match was postponed from day to day. In conclusion we congratulate tlis Auckland Iluuing Club on this their fiist victory, and beaitily M'isli them as good tocccs^ m times to come. We hope the Auckland public will now sco that there 11 a determination on fch.6 pai fc oi a few to establish a boating club on a firm basis, and that they wiilj accordingly, do all in then- tuuvor +n ensure them Has succeas. Great piaise is due to the Thames Club for their pluck m coining up from the Thames to row this match, and we wiah them "better luck next time." We understand that the return match will Oe pulled at the Thames, but the time has not yet been fixed upon. To-night the Thames crew are to be entertained at supper at the JRoyal Hotel. Tickets can be had ot the secretdry, Mr Churton, or Mr. Isaacs, treasurer, Fort-sheet. :