AQUATICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3808, 8 March 1927, Page 31

AQUATICS.

RO WIN G AT AV AN GANG I. WANGANUI, Alareh 5. The Wanganui Rowing Association’s annu..l regatta took place this afternoon. The water was a bit choppy for the opening events, but it calmed down, and the oarsmen could not have raced under more ideal conditions. Most of the leading clubs of the North Island competed, and interest was further increased by the addition of the Wendouree Club in the senior fours over the two-mile and one and a-half mile courses. In the former distance the Union crew proved too hard a proposition, but in the shorter race the Victorians got home first. There were about 5000 spectators. The big race of the day and one that everyone was looking forward to with keen anticipation was the Senior Fours over the two miles course, the Wendouree Club, from Victoria, being entrants as were also Union, Aramoho, and Wanganui Club’s crews. A good start was effected, the Wendouree crew and Union assuming the lead, although when passing under the Aramoho bridge Union had a slight advantage. A strenuous race then took place over the. last mile. Healey, Union stroke, was pulling a long steady stroke. His men were meeting all of the demands. The Australians were rowing about even, and the boat was running well.. It was quite apparent that the crew that could stay the distance best was to win. The Australians quickened their stroke slightly and clapped all- the pace that they could muster on, _ but they could not get even with the Union boat, which was running beautifully, the crew, consisting of C. A. Healey (stroke), Galbraith, A. Aloss, and Kruse (bow), working as one man. There was tremendous excitement as the final spurt was made. Union increasina its lead to about a length and a-half when the boats flashed past the winning post amidst great cheering. Aramoho and Wanganui were third and fourth respectively several lengths back. The Wendouree crew was: Jopling (stroke), W. Todd, G. Hutchins, and R. Merriman (bow). The Australians were seen out again in the next race; the Senior" Fours, over a mile and a-half, a distance that appeared to suit them well.” Oh this occasion the

Union and Australians were close into tR bank, and were taking a good course. The Victorians forged ahead at the Aramoho bridge and were never headed. The Union crew made every effort to get oh even terms but failed. The Victorian crew was not to be denied victory, and with a long swinging stroke succeeded in getting home first, just a few inches separating the two boats. Aramoho and Wanganui crews were completely outclassed. The Australian boys received a great ovation.