THE KEMP-HANLAN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XXII, Issue 242, 13 October 1888, Page 4

THE KEMP-HANLAN CHAMPIONSHIP RACE.

The skulling race between Peter Kemp, of Hawkesbury, and Edward Hanlan, of Toronto, for £500 a Bide and the championship of the world, was rowed over the championH ship course, Parramatta, on 28th September, when Kemp unmistakeably asserted his claim to the title of champion of the world, handed over to him by the former holder, Beach. The match excited little public interest, owing probably partly to the general feeling 1 of confidence that Kemp would come home in front of the Canadian, as on the occasion of the previous meeting, and partly to the fact that the public had lately had a surfeit of sculling contests. The afternoon was beautifully fine and the water smooth, although a strong south- easter made matters a little awkward for the scullers. While passing across the water Kemp was a decided favourite, but the betting was limited to a few wagers at 2 to 1 on him. Hanlan sca'ed list, and Kemp list 41b. Both men came to the post looking in the pink of oondition. Hanlan won. the toss and took the southern side, which was undoubtedly the best under the circumstances. The men started by mutual consent just before half -past 4, and, striking the water together, shot forward in close company. Hanlan struck about 40 to the minute and Kemp a stroke slower, but rowing a beautifully finished and powerful stroke. The soullera hugged the southern shore very closely and kept pretty level for the first 250 yards, the advantage, if any, being with Hanlan. Before reaching Uhr's Point the Canadian, who had established a lead of about half a length, appeared slightly to alter his course, and the men getting too oloße their sculls collided. Kemp stopped, but Hanlan's boat kept its way on. The Canadian put up hia hand and claimed a foul, but when he subsequently formally put the case before the umpire, Mr Myers said that he could not allow a foul, as Hanlan was himself to blame. Thia foul did not interefere with the race, and the men started off again, Hanlan slightly ahead. Uhr's Point was passed in two minutes. Crossing the Bay Kemp drew up level and passed his oppomut, but did not draw away from him until nearing Biasland's. Both men splashed a good deal in the open water, but Kemp, who rowed a slightly slower stroke, seemed to put in more effective work than Hanlan. On approaching Blaxland's Kemp, who was rowing brilliantly and apparently comfortably, put in a few vigorous Btrokes, and got fully a length and a half in front. The mile post was passed in 6min lOseo. From this point to the finish the race was never in doubt. Kemp, rowing well within bimeelf, kept well ahead of his opponent, meeting all the Canadian's spurts by a few strong, crisp strokes, which neutralised all the efforts of hia opponent. Putney Point was passed in 9min 40sec, very fast time considering the beeze from the south-east. Kemp gradually increased his lead, and passed Tennyson's five lengths ahead ; Hanlan still rowed on, but the chase was a hopeless one. One Man Wharf was passed in 18min 55sees, and the course was finished by the champion in 21min 25secs, Hanlan being lOsec behind. Before reaching the winning post Kemp eased off considerably, and finished quite fresh, while Hanlan was palpably distressed. As the men shook hands, great cheering went up from those on land and water. Hanlan, on being interviewed after the race, stated that if it had not been for the foul he would have won the race, and that, although he chased Kemp along the river, he never attempted to win afterwards, being confident that his claim of the foul would be allowed. He considers himself badly treated, and expressed his intention to protest against the paying over of the stakes, Hanlan, however, did not attend the meeting apn pointed for paying over the stakes, and Kemp received a cheque for £1000 without the slightest question, Kemp had a great reception in the oity, and Beach's Hotel, the great aquatic rendezvous, was densely thronged all the evening.