Aquatics.

Evening Post, Volume LIV, Issue 141, 11 December 1897, Page 3 (Supplement)

Aquatics.

[Bt Neptune.] It is proposed to hold an intercolonial j race for half -raters during the time that the Auckland Exhibition is open. Mr. C. C. Dacre is at present in correspondence with yachtsmen in the other colonies on the subject. The first prize will be £50. The Otago Rowing Club is making enquiries with a view to securing, if possible, a best-and-best four-oar boat, the object being to enter a crew for the four-oared championship at the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Aasooiation'a annual regatta in March next. The raoe for the Amateur Sculling Championship of Victoria takes place on the Yarra Yarra river this afternoon, and considerable interest is attached to the event by New Zealanders owing to the fact that Chapman, of Canterbury, the present champion of New Zealand will be among the starters. Regarding his ohances of success • Coxswain ' in the Melbourne Sportsman writes as follows: — For the Sculls, Chapman will be opposed by G. G. Brown (Easendon) and either W. Dawson or C. Donald. Chapman is at present practising on the Parramatta, under the tuition of Chris Neilaon, and it would appear that his chances of securing the Victorian championship are particularly rosy. The Ballarat scullers are the best of the Victorians about at the present time, but it is very doubtful if even the best of them will be able to extend the Maorilander. Brown has been closely studying his style with a view to an increase of pace, and, being excellently boated by Jerram, is hopeful of getting nearer a championship than he has yet done.' At the Ponaonby (Auckland) Regatta on 1 Saturday last the West End Rowing Club, by winning the whole of the eight rowing events on the programme, established what I believe is a record for New Zealand, if not for the Australian colonies. The entries were large and the competition was keen, and under these circumstances the olnb is to be congratulated on the magnificent achievement of its men. The winnings amounted to £46 4s in cash and four trophies. Several ex-Wellingtonian oarsmen were among the numerous competitors at the regatta. H. H. Dacre and J. E. Hume, late of the Star Club, rowed in the North Shore Club's senior crew ; and J. W. Nicholson, an old Wellington Club man, occupied bow seat in the St. George's Club's senior four. West End won tlte big event of the day i —the Senior Giga— after a great raoe with the St. George orew, who started warm favourites.