CHAMPIONSHIP OF PORT JACKSON

Colonist, Volume II, Issue 191, 19 August 1859, Page 2

CHAMPIONSHIP OF PORT JACKSON

Sculler's Match for £100 aside.—The long talked of Champion race in wager boats came off yesterday afternoon, between Eichard Green (a native of Sydney) and Thomas M'Grath. The A.S.N. Co.'s fast steamer Illalong, was chartered for the occasion by Green, and the Washington steamer by M'Grath, both" of which left the Circular Quay at 2 o'clock, crowded with passengers to witness the race. ]306h vessels arrived at Kissing Point shortly after 3 o'clock, and at half-past 3 the pullers came off from shore with their boats in tow, and in coming alongside their respective steamers, a hearty cheer was given them by those on board. The condition of M'Grathwhen he first entered hia boat was generally admired, and reflects great cielit on his trainer, Mr. Day, for bringing him out in srch order. Green also looked m splendid condition, although he had not the benefit of a professional trainer—preferring to train himself—and we never saw him look better for any match he ever pulled. Mr. Alexander Moore, who officiated as starter, having drawn both competitors on each side of him, determined, if possible, to effect a fair and impartial start, and, after a little manoeuvring, succeeded in his object, At. the; word "off," the struggle com--1 menced, and at the first stroke Green had the advantage, although both men dipped their paddles in the' water at the same moment. On pulling abreast of the lUalong steamer from the starting place, a dia-

t»nce of about 1.10 yards, Green was leading by haY a" boat's length, when it was evident that both men were determined to win if possible. On arriving at the first point from the starting. Green was a cleatboat's length in advance of M'Grath.; ho mcreased:hisdistance, and kept it to the finish of the race, comingin two lengths ahead ; M'Grath never heading him from the start. ■ The time occupied in pulling the distance, 'which is somewhere about three miles and ahalf, was 26 -minutes 43 seconds, against a strong flood tide. Mr. Dind and Mr. White were the umpires, the former for Green and the latter for M'Grath ; Mr. George Thornton, referee, but nothing occurred tocall for the interference of either gentlemen. As near as could be calculated .there were about 1000 persons in both steamers, more than ever witnessed a private race on this river on any previous occasion. This was exclusive of persons in a number of small craft, who. pulled up the nver.—Sydney Empire, August 10. The ISineu-, which id intended to trade at some of the ports in New Zealand, returned to port yesterday, in consequence v of being leaky. She succeeded in reaching about 150 miles from the land when it was. discovered that she leaked amidships in consequence of straining in a seaway, bhe was found to be a very o-ood sea boat otherwise.— Sydney Empire, August 8. ,j ° luon Ships.—Destructive Effects of Red Lead Upon Iron.—Mr. Nathan Mercer, F.O;S., after inspec-' ting the iron ship William Fairbairn, the plates of winch were coated with red lead prior to her late voyage to Calcutta, observed that the extent to which the iron had been corroded could not fail to attract the attention of the most superficial observer. On a close inspection he found the red lead coating covered with blisters, from each of which, on being opened, a clear fluid escaped, and left exposed on tha surface of the iron a number of brilliantly shining,, crystals of metallic lead.. Mr. Morcer says each blister is, in fact a galvanic battery in miniature, and that as whereevsr there is.electrical there must also be chemical action, the corrosion is easily accounted for. This action, he says, will continue as long as any red lead remains, and ia necessarily at the expense of the iron. He also points out that the " sweat," so well known to every person interested in iron ships, is not, as is generally supposed, salt water, but a solution of chloride of iron manufactured in the blisters. Mr. Mercer considers this sweating is due, in a great degree, to the usa of red lead paint in immediate contact with iron ; and he recommends, therefore, that it should never be used as a coating for sea-going vessels, unless specialpre. cautions arej,taken to prevent its coming into direct contact with the iron.— Liverpool Albion. _