THE HANLAN AQUATIC FETE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVI, Issue 9369, 20 May 1889, Page 5

THE HANLAN AQUATIC FETE.

The aquatic carnival organised by the Auckland Rowing Association in honour of Mr. Edward Hanlan, the great oarsman, took place at Lake Takapuna on Saturday afternoon. There were about 2500 persons present, but their enjoyment was somewhat marred by the colli showers which fell during the afternoon, and the delay in landing from the ferry steamers, which was caused by an unusually low tide. Through the time lost in the passengers getting ashore it was nearly four o'clock before the first race started. This was for whaleboats, and three crews started—North Shore, City, and Waitemata. They were despatched to an even start by Capt. Nearing, and a good contest ensued. Passing Mr. Brett's boathousethe Waitemata forged ahead, and finally won with ease. The crew was:—A. Bailey, R. Moore. G. Barrett. .J. Collins, E. Moore, and G. Moore (steer-oar). Mr. Hanlan then got into his boat, a beautifully-finished racing shell, just imported from Sydney by Captain W. Farquhar, who kindly lent it to the ex-champion for his exhibition. On his appearance on the Lake Hanlan was greeted with loud applause, which was increased as with a few graceful yet powerful strokes lie dashed away across the water on a preliminary spin. In the Scullers' Handicap Hanlan conceded Walter Bailey, of the Waitemata Club (the only local sculler who came to the post), a start of ten seconds, and gained steadily upon him, but as his skill' was not up to his weight he could not quite catch Bailey, who rowed in excellent style, and won after a close finish. The " Canadian Wonder " then paddled down opposite to the landing, and gave an exhibition of trick rowing. After standing erect for some time in the flimsy shell, he dashed past at top speed, and by a simple manoeuvre stopped instantly. The ease and grace with which he propelled his skid' with one oar and kept a straight course caused hearty applause, while the speed at which lie progressed, paddling with each hand alternately, caused admiring comment. This exhibition concluded with a burlesque of a dude rowing, which was witnessed with much mirth. A gig race between crews representing the various local clubs then took place, six crews competing, the Waitemata boat arriving just too late for the start. A spirited contest ensued, but about halfway the North Shore crew established a good lead and won with a good deal in hand, St. George's being second, and West End third. The winning crew was : —Mat Keefe, A. Sims, Michael Keefe, A. Logan, Alex. Logan (cox). Owing to one of the members of the Ponsonby champion gig crew being indisposed, their race in the four-oared stringtest against Hanlan in an outrigger did not take place. Hanlan's feat of walking on the water was but a. partial success, as the shoes used, though amply buoyant in salt water, proved insufficient to sustain his weight in the dead water of the Lake. He managed to progress some twenty yards, and his upset in the water was hailed with loud laughter. The visitors were got on board the ferry steamers without accident, and reached town at about seven p.m.