Two Good Men.

Southland Times, Issue 9375, 15 November 1886, Page 3

Two Good Men.

The race for the ificullingohampionship proved one of the most exciting ever seen. Not only were records of all aortß beaten, but the circumKtances made Booh a thing seem almost impoesibie. Both Beaoh and bid opponent, Gaudaur, showed marvellous pluck ; the changing prospects of the race were most startling, >nd the uncertainty until tho last moment kept up a feverish excitement tbafe I shall nevef fpiget. Gaudaur was the first to take the lead, but soon fell behind the Australian. For about seven minutes nothing remarkable happened, but from that time onwards ;the pace became terrific. Gaudaur kept epnrting again and again, but without result, until tbe champion's Bcull touched a buttress of Hammer* smith Bridge. Both men were spurred by tUia to a fresh effort, and gradually Beach drew away to the pry "Beach wins." But the American was only nerved by this to put forth all hie strength, and with a grim determination steadily began to reduce the lead. Each man's pilot began to grow frantic, and when Bsacb, seized with a sudden stitch, actually stopped rowing, tbe race seemed over. Palling himself together, however,he began a neck and neck struggle for a quarter of a mile, at the end of which distance he had gained a Blight lead. Each had now exerted his muscles to the utmost. Then came a fresh excitement , suddenly, just as Beach deemed to be rallying, he lay helplessly over his sculls,and for a second time ceaßed rowing. Four seconds Gaudaur woe allowed to forge his way ahead, and for the third time I thought the race was practically done. But Gaudaur was dead beat ; his condition was almost pitiable. Green wildly urged the champion to a last effort Neither men had any streugtb ; yet each recovered himself with amazing pluck. Once again there was a magnificent struggle of endurance, and, admidßt first a breathless excitement and then the wildest enthusiasm, Beach slowly drew away and won. He was utterly exhausted ; but before disembarking he paddled up to his opponent, shook him warmly by the hand, and said, " You are the best man I ever rowed ; in fact, the best man in the world." Banian ie trying to detain the champion in England, on tbe pretext of another race; but the latter will not be entrapped, as he considers k Hanlan only a " gas bag," and puts no belief in the bana fide nature of the challo Dge. — Star's London correspondent.