CENTENARY ROWING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 290, 5 November 1934, Page 7

CENTENARY ROWING.

WANGANUI CREW BEATEN

ROYAL VISITOR PRESENT.

MELBOURNE, Nov. 3. Leading easily from start to finish, the London rowing crew beat the AValign liu i crew by three lengths in the final of the race for the challenge cup. Conditions were perfect. London beat Hawthorn by a length and a half in its , heat and AA’anganui defeated University by a length. In the first semi-final AVanganui beat Mercantile by a third of a length. The London crew’s time in the final was 4min 37sec.

Sculling results are:— Yarra Challenge Cup.—First heat: Abbott (Petone), 1; Peppier (Yarra), 2; Power (Melbourne), 3. Won by three lengths Second heat: Smith (TV aitemata), 1; Heidrich (South Australia), 2. Won by six lengths. Third- heat: Turner (New South Wales) holder of the cup, 1; Tippling (New South Wales), 2. Fourth heat: Hansen (Footscray), 1

First semi-final.—Turner, 1; Abbott, 2; Peppier, 3. Second semi-final; Smitli, 1; Hansen, 2. Final.—Turner, 1; Smith, 2. Won by a length and a quarter. Time, 5m in2Ssec.“ Abbott was distressed at the end of his semi-final. The Duke of Gloucester returned to Melbourne in time to attend the regatta. His Royal Highness, who was determined to avoid further disappointment for the people because of his indisposition, said.' “Nothing but a deluge will keep me away.” The day, however, was brilliantly fine, the Henley pageant being brighter than ever before.

With' the Royal Ensign fluttering picturesquely astern, the Duke’s launch followed one race. More than 100,000 people lined the Yarra’s banks. A gay festive crowd sauntered about the lawns and the Centenary spirit held full sway. Decorated canoes, launches, and houseboats adorned the river. Visitors declared the spectacle was the brightest yet seen. Dancing was held on the lawns in the evening amid trees festooned with coloured lights, while fireworks soared into the sky. The Duke of Gloucester had recovered from his indisposition sufficiently to enable him to visit Geelong, where he was welcomed by 50,000 people.