Mowing, > (By Scull.)

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 09, 11 January 1908, Page 14

Mowing, > (By Scull.)

News of the death of Edward Hanlan, champion sculler of the world from 1880 to 1889, was received with considerable regret. Hanlan's success was a happy contrast to the career of many notable scullers who came before him. In 1882, against R. W. Boyd, he reduced all previous records, covering tho distance in 21min 25sec. These are iome of his performances : — 1880— Defeated E. Tricketfc on Thames, in 26min 12sec. 1881 — Defeated E. Laycock, in 25min 40soc. 1882— Defeated R. W. Boyd, 21inin 25sec. 1885— Defeated E. Trickett, 28min. 1884— Defeated E. Laycock, 22min 45sec. 1884 — W Beach defeated E. Hanlan, on Parramatta, 20min 28isec. The ex-champion was born at Toronto, and from his earliest boyhood showed the greatest taste and aptitude for rowing. He concentrated a lot of energy on the special department of sliding — a department which he especially excelled in. As vtas only to be expected, tho Westport episode was much talked about at the Picton Regatta, and it is still a matter of controverscy amongst local rowers. A race containing a chapter of fouls is unsatisfactory at any time, and in this particular event both crews appeared to be at fault ; first the Blenheim and then the Kawatiri. If the latter had not committed a foul in the last stages of the raco their case \\ould have been clearly tenable, but, having interfered with Blenheim, their claim, in my opinion, becomes untenable. A Westport paper contains the following report of the incidont: — ''The circumstances were unfortunate. Kawatiri and Blenheim were well matched. The positions of the boats at the start woro : Blenheim, town side ; Nelson, 2; Kawatiri, 3; and Kawatiri (Oliver), 4. The distance was about two miles. Tho first foul was, it is said, due to the Blenheim crew unnecessarily steering inside an anchored boat. T,he later fouls were apparently due" to Kawatiri boring over, and the public on the wharf, noticing this, became dissatisfied with their action. Thero wore, two protests — Kawatiri protested for the first, and Blenheim for tho later ones. Mr. Fair's report was — 'In regard to the protest for a foul at the, first buoy, I consider Blenheim disqualified 'nomselves by leaving their own water, and fouling Kawatiri. From that I consider the Blenheim crew out of the race.' After the committee had upheld the umpire's finding, _ Blenheim lodged an appeal to the association, but as tho judge s "decision in rowing races is final there could be no appeal. As to the merits of the matter, the first foul did not influence tho result of tho race, but the later ones certainly destroyed Blenheim's chances of winning." Tresidder is now comfortably installed in his rowing quarters at Wanganui, and is seen out at exercise twice a day. He is deeply in lovo with the river. He prefers it to the Parramatta, and says he is very agreeably surprised to find the conditions so admirable thero for training purposes. Webb is also out twice daily, but very little is seen of him, as his shed is some miles up the river. However, ho intends coming down as ofton as possible, so as to allow those interested in him a Chance of seeing how he is progressing. Bccauso Picton won the senior fours on New Year's Day at Picton, it does not give, any strong indication that they will jio it again in future fixtures. Thero was just a suggestion of luck about their win that could not impress one with their superiority. Star rowed so well in the first half that victory for thorn seemed certain. Blenheim, after going strong for about twenty strokes, had tho misfortuno to be struck by Water which almost swamped thorn. It is true Picton roused themseivos to greater effort -in the second half of the race, and gave a lively display, which them in front. But Stars, owing to the same misfortune tljat befel Blenheim, wero unable to J-ally as they would havo liked. Pictoii undoubtedly had luck with them in securing the more sheltered course, and the best sea-boat, which contributed largely to their win. Owing to A. T. Bendall's withdrawal from the "senior crew, E. (3, Little, late of ths Canterbury- Rowing Club, has been appointed to fill the breach. The last-named his many important races to his credit, and therefore should make an excellent substitute. Bendall is a clever rower, and is the possessor of sbme good performances. It is to be hoped that we shall see more of him at tho sculling game, now that he is relieved of his duties as an oarsman.