AQUATICS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1249, 6 February 1896, Page 26

AQUATICS.

Writing on December 20th, our London correspondent says : Charles Stephenson i 3 one of the fancied participants in the annual half-mile open boat handicap now in course of decision on the Tyne. As the handicap attracted over 100 entries, the racing will j last over several days. On Wednesday I Stephenson won his heat in the first round j in hollow fashion, and his chance is much , fancied by the Tynetiders. From the 18sec mark he beat George Gray, of Jarrow (22sec), without being extended. Gray, however, was, according tu one sporting journal, "sadly aifected by the death of his father on the previous evening." One would almost expect in such a ease that his grief would ' have kept him out of a boat. Stephenson's : start, by-the-way, may seem a trifle liberal, j but you must remember the handicap is ( framed from a wonderful performer. I don't know who he is, but ho is considered to be equal to giving Tom Sullivan 13sec over tho courso. Tom, however, did not turn up to contest his heat, probably deeming ssec a trifle too much to give Stephenson over half a mile. The latter will row his second heat this (Saturday) afternoon. With reference to the proposal of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association for the establishment of an annual intercolonial contest for the Four-oared Amateur Championship of Australasia, the hon secretary (Mr A. M. Burns) is in receipt of a letter from the Queensland Rowing Association stating that the proposal has tho sympathy of that body, and if the other colonies agree to bo represented and the race be rowed about the same time as the Intercolonial Eight-oared Race —viz., in May next, in Sydney—the Queensland Association would arrange for their colony to be represented. A letter has also been received from the secretary of the New South Wales Rowing Association regretting that, owing to great pressure of business at the Association's last meeting, the proposal of the New Zealand Association could not be considered, but that

it would be dealt with at the next meeting: early in February. The final best of the Lush Fours, Wellington Rowing Club, was rowed last Friday along the northerly course, the water bein? all that could be desired. The winning crew was composed of C. Graham (bow), W. Cuthb-rtson (No. 2), G. McDonald (No. 3), P. Grahame (stroke) and Dixon (cox), and then defeated W. McKenzie (bow\ W. Fountaiv (No. 2), F. Godber (No. 3), S. Waters (stroke) and Crespin (cox) by about half a length. Waters led for about three parts of the distance, when Grahame made his effort, and won a fine race with very little to spare. The winners receive the handsome gold medals presented by Mr J. Lush, of Willis street. Mr B. J. Finucane acted as starter, and Mr M. F. Marks as judge. Three hearty cheers were given for Mr Lush. The aquatic carnival held on Saturdaj r in aid of the unemployed relief fund was a great success, notwithstanding that the yacht and rowing races had to be postponed, the water being too rough. There were fully 1000 people on the wharf, and about twice as many on the breastwork enjoying in full a free show. The two principil attractions were the jump by Master H. V. Price from the fore-yard of the barque Lutterworth and the dive by the third officer of the vessel from the fore lower-topsail yard, a distance of about 70 feet. Both feats were accomplished very ' neatly, and evoked loud applause from the , speotators. There were two greasy-pole . competitions, won by S. Smith and McGrath respectively. The diving competition was won by Master-O. Price with 7 points ; Wighton, with 6 points, being second ; and Pullen, 5 points, third. The swimming race was won by Pringle, 9sec ; Fleming, 40sec, second; and J. Gamble, 40sec, third. There w r ere! four other competitors. A marine football match concluded tbe day's sport. The collection amounted to £l7 0s lOd, which is to be subsidised by the Government. The thanks of the committee are due to Captain Kelly of the Lutterworth, who allowed his ship to be used, and did everything possible for the success of the proceedings. The Christchurch Regatta has been postpone! till the 20th instant, the 13th having been fixed for the election.