THE GREAT BOAT RACE.

Marlborough Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 139, 9 December 1887, Page 3

THE GREAT BOAT RACE.

A GRAND STRUGGLE,

We condense from tho Sydney Morn'ng Herald tho following graph e dusorip l ion of tho great race for the scu'liug chirnpionphip:—

The choice of positions was won by Hanlau’s supporters, and tho Canadian took tho eastern or Penrith side of the Nepean, Beach of couso being on the opposite side. Although the rain was still falling, the w’nd had absolutely died away, the result being that the magnificent championship courso was as smooth as a sheet of glass. A fairer day or a more pel feel stretch of wa ;r upon which to row a great race in wager boats cor'd not bo obf.iued; and although Ilap'an had the choice of positions, it gave him little, if any, advantage over his opponent. Tho stait was effected by mutual consent. Just before the s'lifcof the race the umpire addressed the men as follows : “Now, I don’t want you lo inteifere with each other ; puU your ow a race to you selves.” At 3.37 both men struck the water a 1 most simultancoudy, and the pen -up excitement of those on board the steamer and those stationed on tho bank of the liver, was relieved, as with one cry they shouted “Theyaro off I” Both men went away at the rate of 40 strokes to the minute, Ilanlan appearing to lead at the staii. Opinion was divid'd on 'he boat, however, tho timekeeper, Mr J. G. Debblo, and others ira : itaioing that Beach was ahoad, and the Canadian’s friends assaying that their man led. Both Beach and Hanlan pu”cd m magnificent style, tho Champion’s mig'hty grip, aud long clenn and powei.V sweep bo’ng adm v ed by a”. Hainan’s row'ng was perfi st, and his boat phot through the water with lightening-liko rapidity for the first 200 yards. It was a sta ngglo between giants, and it was just a question of who would cut the other down. The greater strength of Beach, however, began to tell from the first. In tho second minute the men were striking about 37, keeping stroke and stroke together, and giving a magnificent and unequal'cd exhibition of professional rowing. Cries of “Beach is ahead h 50 to 1 on Beach ; “ No ! Han 1 an leads—tho Canadian’s ahead,” were frequently raised on the steamer, which could not keep up with f ho men; but before the first quarter of a mile had been negotiated, Beach was seen loot’ng across at liar'.in and watching him ; and Mr Deeble, who had been watching Me men intently, shouted “He’s got h'n: Beach v.i s from the start !” At the half nv'e Ilenlan’s boat rolled a little and he glanced nervously at his opponent, who was forging ahead slowly but surely. In point of fact Bench rowrrl bar ler than Han 1 ” i •did, although at times the latter was actually sti”'ng Me water faster than the other n an. / lotlicr lia’f n lo it was evident worhl to” who was to win flic race, nnd Iho men quickened up a little. Beach now spuii d up to 38 aud drew away from h's opponent, but the Cnnnduin unsworn! : n fine style, and putting on a tremendous spiel, he lessened the distance utmost immed'alely. flue Ilia warm inn had now fa My settled clow .i to 1 : s work, rid, la)' ig a” h's strength on h's powerful strokes, lie spurted for a few seconds and led Hanlan by more thin a length and a-lia’f, a nidst a scene of considerable excitement on the steamer. Approaching the nrle, Beach took thmgs easier, rov.' lg orly 33 to the mmutc, Hanlan str” ng 34. On and on sped tho oarsmen, until at the nr'le Beach was more than a length ahead of the Canadian, hold'ig I 'm safely, notwithstanding the fact that the Toronto nr i was row'ng bi’’"antly and ; n ferfcct fo. n. Tho m”o was accomohshcd : n on 'n oosec, vory fast time for tie dead waters of the Nepean. Beach now slowed down to 32, Hanlan strikiug 34 and pi ” : ng a game and plucky losing race, time Canaf'an, who was pu”ing from 30 to 34 per in' lute still porsevered 'u his attempt to overha Beach, but whenever he moreased bis i effort ho was instantly responded to by the 1 Now South Welshman. After leaving tho old tweed factory on the southern side of tho Nepean behind them, both rowed 32 per minute, neither seenrng to gain advantage. At the two rc''e mark Beach increased h's lead to ne..rly 3 lengths, and from tb ; s po’nt to tho finish the excitement of those onbrard the steamer abated a littlo, as it was “ 100 to 1 on Beach.” A largo number of ladies nnd gentlemen had assembled on the river bank at the rear of Mr Dibbs’ residence, and the e greetod tl j Champion w Ith vociferous cheers ond waving of handkerchiefs. Cheers were also given for the Cf. mdian. Both men were sti ";ing 32 per mrnuto as they passed the house, ? id they kept at it for the next 200 yard«, when Beach Blackened a little, but st" 1 maintened the lead he had secured. About 1 -,'f-a-ir ''e from the finish tho crowds li r mg the banl i on either side of the river ond rr "way I. Id go began to realise Me true posiPon of r S': 'rs, and cheer after cheer rent the £ 'r as Me Champion swept onward. About this point Hun'nn appe* xd to ro' 1 a I'ttlo, end the cry went up, “IT an's done, the race is over!” But the Co udinn was not done, as ho recover d aim at immei' ately and spurted a b’ttle. Beach answered promptly and main toned the lead he had secured, and then the competitors sett! 1 dev a to steadier work, the Daptn man row'ng 28 to the minute and Kurkin striking 30 lo 31. Botli men continued to pull in good s'yle, but it was ovklcnt that they were greatly ? 'stressed, as 'be contest throughout had been a ilcsp,. -ate one. A qrartor of a mile more and the race was won. Beach quickened a little, rowing at 30 to the minute. Ilar'an also spurted, shilling 32. Tho spurt d'd not. last long, however, as the oarsmen were completely fugged. The next hundred yards was rowed by Beach at 28 per minute : Hanlan 31, but the pace was not fust. The men then made a final effort, hut Beach eventually passed the winning post first, being two dear lengths ahead Of Hanlan. A wene of wild excitement

and enthusi: in prevailed as tho men rowed under the i rtilgi at tho conclusion of the race ai , shook hands with each >ther. Th° ■ idci.il tim- for the contest vas lOuiiu ..' fsec, a,. ■■ ■ ceedrugi\ fu'-t perform-nee. As was to be expcctcu after such a desperate race both men were completely rowed out. Beach, who was very pale, appeared to be more distressed than Hanlan. The former was greeted with loud and prolonged cheenng, ana was taken ashore by his admirers; but tlio lalter lowed across to his quarter.,, where lie experienced a warm reception. Wnen the men shook hands beneath the bridge, Beach said to Hanlan : “ Well Hanlan, you know lrm now ; I hope you are satisfied.” The latter was understood to reply that he was perfectly satisfied w.tli the result of the race. And thus closed one of tho greatest acquatic struggles ever witnessed on colonial or any other waters.