UNION ROWING CLUB.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4898, 14 January 1884, Page 4

UNION ROWING CLUB.

The second annual swimming race, distance 100 yards, held in connection with the Union Rowing Club, came off on Saturday afternoon in the Avon, the competitors starting from Stanmore bridge and swimming down stream. Of the twelve who entered, only two were absent, G. M. Louisson and H. Shand, these being unable to attend. The race was a handicap, and was very happily arranged, those who finished being close together. There was a fair number of. spectators present, the day being a pleasant one both for onlookera and competitors. Result : —

The following did not finish : — A. Louisson, 12sec ; H. Hinge, 12sec ; F. Tombs, 12sec ; F. Styche, 12sec ; and G. Shand, 12sec. Clarkson lost about a couple of seconds through his slowness in getting away when given the word to go, but when once in the water he went off at a great pace, and had covered about a dozen yards when a simultaneous splash gave notice of the departure of the 12sec division, none of whom it may be here remarked, gained a place. Shand and Wilson went at a great pace from the beginning, the former using the side stroke, and the latter the breast, and when Fuller, the scratch man, took the water, the others were so far ahead that hi3 chance of even gaining a place appeared very remote. Shortly after he started Styche got entangled in the weeds, and Hinge, going to his assistance, two of the competitors were thus out of the race. At fifty yards Clarkson was leading, Shand second, about a Couple of yards in the rear, Fuller about sixth. The last-named then began to come up to the leaders, who were engaged in a splendid tussle for first place, while G. Shand, Louisson, and Tombs, recognising the fruitlessness of keeping on, retired. Wilson passed Shand when about twenty yardß "from home, and keeping to his fine, clean, breast stroke, overhauled Clarkson, who, a few yards further on, gave way to Shand. All this time Fuller was creeping up, and, coming with a fine burst of speed at the finish, passed Clarkson a few yards from the post, but was not quito equal to catching Shand, who finished about a yard in front of him, Wilson leading Shand by some three or four yards. Clarkson was fourth, two yarda behind Fuller, and then came Baker, half a dozen yards away. Wilson, by taking the centre of the river, secured a grand course, while Clarkson and Fuller, near the bank, were con-

siderably hampered by tho weeda, which, although supposed t» have beon cut a few days back, are apparently as thick aa ever. The raco between the lirst four was keenly contested, and nio3t exciting to the spectators. Wilson and Puller swain in fine style, their long sweeping strokes being admirable. Shand also swam nicely, but his overhaud stroke caused a considerable amount of splashing, which Bpoilt ita gracefulness.

E. J. Wilson, osec start ... 1 E. Shand, ssec start 2 F. Fuller, scratch ... ... 3 W. Clarkson, 17sec start ... 4 G. Baker, ssec start 5