AQUATICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 957, 4 July 1890, Page 11

AQUATICS.

By Et.hotrio Telegraph,—Copyright. STANSBURY AN EASY WINNER. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. | Sydney, June 30. The weather was fine for the soulling match between Stansbury and O’Connor today. The betting was 3to 1 against the latter. Stansbury gave his opponent the choice of positions, which was a little advantage to the Canadian. After several attempts a good start was effected, Stansbury rowing 38 and O’Connor 39 strokes to the minute. The latter took the lead after the first minute and obtained the command by half a length, which caused no small excitement. Stansbury, however, was merely playing a waiting game, and was plainly watching his man. The Canadian kept well at it, and half-way across Blaxlands was leading by a length and a half. At this stage he had decreased his paoe to 36 to the iriinute, while Stansbury had dropped to 30. O’Connor then slowed down to 32, and the Australian oarsman came along amid great cheering, •overtook his opponent, and passed the mile post two lengths in front. O’Connor appeared to be distressed, his right hand becoming worse than usual, and his leg work being bad. Crossing over to Putney Stansbury increased the di-tauce between them to four lengths, and took it very easy. The Canadian became worse, and the race was merely a procession. Stansbury passed Putney five lengths ahead, and at Cabarita opened out a little and gave a show of his strength and skill. At Gladesville he was ten lengths ahead, and 7 O’Connor’s case was hopeless. At One Man Wharf the leader eased up, and eventually won by eight lengths as he liked. Time, 22tnin 59seo. Sydney, July 1. O’Connor admits that he has been beaten fairly and squarely by a better man, and has announced his intention of retiring from professional rowing.

London, June 29. A writer in the Referee condemns the treatment which O’Connor has received since his arrival in Australia, and accuses Australians of deliberately delaying matches, in the hope that the worry and anxiety occasioned by the delay would injuriously affect O’Connor’s form.

A social gathering of a very agreeable nature took place at tho Duke of Edinburgh Hotel on Monday night, the occasion being the presentation of a purse of sovereigns by several o! his friends to Mr T. Sullivan, the amateur shampie- zzs&es' of m# Zealand, Who left Wvliisgtoß on Tuesday morning tp

enter the shed of Neil Mstterson- the wellknown souller of Sydney. The presentation was made by first-class torpedo-man J. Kimmins, who, in a few well-oboseu words, referred to the great popularity which Mr Sullivan had gamed for himself during the period he jhad been oonnected with the corps, and on behalf of his fe low employes he wished him every success. Mr SclliVan suitably replied, and thanked those who had made him such a handsome present, which he assured them was'.ery acceptable. The following trophies were then presented to him Mr J. E. Hayes’ medal (for senior inrigged fours), New I Zealand, Amateur Cup, and one ■of the champion four gold medals, won at the la3t Christchurch regatta. The recipient’s health was afterwards drunk in bumpers. Several songs were given during the evening, and a very pleasant gathering was brought to a close shortly before midnight. A general meeting of the Star Boating Club will be held at the clubhouse on Tuesday, the 15th inst, at which, we understand, Mr A: S; Biss will move several alterations in the rulos, with a view to commencing the season earlier than usual. At present the Chili’s books close on the 30th September, and the new season 3tarts on the Ist October. Mr Biss proposes to date the finanoial year from the Ist August, and hold the annual meeting in the same month, thus giving the officers elected at that meeting ample time to draw up the programme for the season, and get crews to work by October. At the some meeting tho prizes will be distributed, and a suggestion to institute an annual ball or dinner will be discussed. PRESENTATION OF PRIZES. The Oriental Boating Club held a very successful concert at the Club’s shed last Friday night to celebrate the presentation of prizes to the Club’s successful competitors during the past season. There was a very large audience, the President (Mr C. Hill) being in the chair. The following programme waß presented:—Pianoforte selections, Misses Dunne and B. Randall: song, “ The boatman’s story*” Mr E. D. Dunne; song, “ Good-bye, sweet rose,” Miss M. Hill; song, “ I fear no foe,” Mr P. J. Dunne; song, ‘‘Oh, bear the wild winds blow,” Mr A. Moßeth ; song, “Dear heart,” Miss A. Dunne; song, “Solomon’s Proverbs,” Mr E. J. Gormley. Mr E. J. Hill sang a selected song. Mr S. Ross gave in capital style a recitation entitled “How we beat the favourite,” All the songs were well sung, and reflected great credit on those who kindly offered their services. After half the concert had been gone through, the chairmau (assisted by Miss Mabel Hill) presented .Messrs R. C. Renner and T. W. Twist with a silver medal each, they having been successful in winning the Junior Double Sculls at the Autumn Rowing Regatta, and it being the first occasion on which the club was represented at a regatta. Medals and trophies were also presented to Messrs R. C. Renner, G. S. and A. Hill, W. Whitehouse, W. Jones, and H. Thomas as the successful winners in the club’s competitions during the season. The shed was nicely decorated with flags and Chinese lanterns, and presented a pretty spectacle. The whole arrangements in connection with the concert were carried out by Mr R. C. Renner (captain) and Mr L. B. Jordan (secretary), who are to be complimented upon the successful issue of their labours. A very pleasant gathering was brought to a clobg shortly before 10 o’clock with the singing of the National Anthem. (PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.) Auckland, July 1. The Auckland Rowiug Association have decided to entertain Sullivan, the sculler, at a smoke concert before his departure for Sydney. A movement is on loot to give him a testimonial.