CHAMPION WHALEBOAT RACE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 7541, 19 April 1886, Page 3

CHAMPION WHALEBOAT RACE.

(Per United Pjiess Association.)

Auckland, April 17,

The Champion Whaleboat Race—Waitemata v. Hauraki—for £200 a side, took place this afternoon, and was witnessed by 10,000 people. His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Mr E. Mifcchelson, M.H.R., vice-commodore of the Waitemata Rowing Club, followed the boats in a steam launch. The end oE the wharf and rigging of vessels were black with clusters of spectators. An immense flotilla of boats were out in the harbour; and the Rotomahana, Britannia, Awaroa, and other steamers had thousands of spectators on board. The wind was strong from the northward, with a rather chopping sea running. A considerable amount of wagering was done, the Waitematas being decidedly the favourites, and they were backed to win at odds of 6to 4. Mr J. Waymouth, sen., officiated as judge and starter. The course was the same as that rowed over on January 29 last viz., from the cud of the Railway Wharf round mark boats off the Watchman (each boat getting a separate turning point) and back to the point of starting. The boats used were the same as those rowed in at the regatta. The crews were as follow:—Hauraki: S Lawry (12st 81b), stroke; RobMLawry (12st4Ib),No. f;o^o^?lS^ no (lOst 51b>' No' 3; '-T. Johnston (13st 31b), No 2; C. M. Pike (lOst 121b), No. 1; V. Savage (Bst 101b) steer-oar. Waitemata: x,Befe/ 11 T Tt tl^,1 strok«; R- Moore (list 101b), No. 4; H. Slade (list 81b), No 3- J Pritchard (12st), No.'2; H. Bishop (list 121b), No. 1; J. Moore (lOsfc 51b), steer-oar. The boats started at 3 o'clock, both crews going awaye quickly. The Haurakis, who had the outsid position, had a lead of a length in a short time which they gradually increased. They were pulling an easy, steady stroke of 40 to the minute. The Waitematas settled down to their work, having an unsteady, jerky stroke of 44 to thominuto. Wheu half the distance to thoT.urning hail beentravorscd,the Haurakis had still further increased their lead to about 20 lengths, and increased their stroke to 44. The Waitemata's crew settled dowu to their work, showing better form, though not increasing thuir time. On the turuing-poiut being reached the Hauraki had a load of fcliree lengths, and rounded the boat at 3min 15sec, making a bad turn. The Waitemata followed lOsec late, and gained fully half a length by a bettor turning. After rounding, and on the home stretch, the IJViuraki decreased the stroke to 40 and the Waitemata to 3S. At this time the Waitemata began to improve their position, and when about quarter of the distance home had come on level terms with thullauniki. They gradually continued to improve, managing to obtain a lead of half a length ; and when halfway home they took the Hauraki's water. The Haurakis answered gallantly to the call of their coxswain, inn! whtsu off Sfc Mary's Point put on n spurt, and with it closed up the distance stroke upon stroke. Whilst doing this a foul took place, the Hauraki fouling tho steer oar of the Waitemata. The latter boat turned almost at right angles, and again started in pursuit of the Haurakis, who 1i.u.l oMaifiuil. three more" lengths lead. This the Haurakis held to the finish. At the conclusion of tho race a protest against the Haurakis was lodged by the Waitematati, on the

ground of. deliberate fouling. The umpire (Mr Thomas Henderson), without hesitation, decided against the Waitematas, for the reason that they departed from their course and took the Haurakis water, and accordance with the rules of the Auckland Rowing Association they did so at their own risk. The result whs very disappointing aud unsatisfactory to the public, everything till time of foul being most satisfactory, and promising an exciting finish. Both crews were loudly cheered on passing the wharf. The decision appeared to give every satisfaction. Time,-20min 27sec; course, three miles.