Land and Water.

Otago Witness, Issue 1417, 18 January 1879, Page 8

Land and Water.

The Henley Regatta, which is to take place at the latter end of next month on the Taieri River, and which is being carried out under the matagement of the Otago Rowing Club, is already causing considerable interest amongst rowing men. The Henley Challenge _ Cup, value 50 guineas, with 50 soys, added, is the principal prize, to be pulled in one-mile-and a-half heat r. Crews of the Otago Rowing Club and th*< Union Club, with the Nil Desperandum and Yountf Colonist crews, are expected to compete. Burke'a men in the Nil Desperadum are in full practice, and the Young Colonist will try to provide a couple of crews— one for the Ladies' Cup, and the other for the big events The regatta being to take place on the Taieri River, there will be no sailing races. The presentation to Tyson, the champion wreetler, took place at the Empire Hotel last night There were thirty or forty gentlemen present at the affair, including a number of the Best known wrestler*— Tiffin, Campbell, Allen, Hoare, &c Mr James M'Donald, of Waihola, occupied the chair. The presentation was made by Mr George Watson in a complimentary and suitable speech, at the conclusion of which he handed over to Tyson a very handsome gold watch, chain, and appendages, inscribed as follows :—" Presented to John Tyson on the occasion of his winning the Caledonian Society's Challenge Belt, and also the intercolonial challenge contest with John Thomas, January, 1879." Mr Tyson having suitably acknowledged the gift amid cheering, Mr T. Campbell proposed the health of the guest of the evening and champion wrestler of Australasia, which, it need hardly be said, was drunk with all the honours. Thereafter several toasts were drunk, including the healths of Thomas (responded to by Mr Tiffia in his absence), Tiffin, Campbell, Allen, Hoare, and the other successful competitors ; the Tyson family, coupled with the name of Mr Tyson, sen., and others. " Success to the Caledonian Society, coupled with the name of Mr George Watson," was also heartily received. Songs were sung at intervals to enliven the proceedings, and the affair passed off successfully in «very way. The Californian salmon (Rays the Melbourne Argus) have now reached tb.9 stage when their migration to the sea becomes by some mysterious instinct an imperious necessity. Those in the ponds at Ercildoune^being confined by setting from descending the stream, have recently been makiDg extraordinary efforts to escape. During tho recent visit of Sir William Jervoise and Sir George Bowen to Ercildoune, two of the salmo quinnat, between 9 inches and 10 inches in length, and in splendid condition, were found on the margin of the pond in which they are confined, which position they mu^t have leaped several feet to attain. They were a very welcome addition to the memo at dinner the same day. Their flesh was of a beautiful pink colour, and they were pronounced to be of a most delicious flavour. This is the first recorded instance of salmon hatched in Victoria having appeared at table.