The Recent Wellington Regatta.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 5573, 22 March 1886, Page 3

The Recent Wellington Regatta.

« THE FOUR-OARED OUTRIGGER RACE. [Specially Written fob the "StAj»."] An unusual amount of interest waß taken in this rase, which was rowed at "Wellington on Thursday last, March 18. How it resulted ia already known, but so upset were the calculations of the knowing ones, that authentic reports were eagerly asked for. As far as we know, so authentic account of the race reached Christchurcn until it was brought by some members of the Christchurch crews who took part in the contest. Here, in Chriatchurch, in the absence •f any direct information concerning th« Wakatu crew, the Canterbury boys were installed favourites, they being backed for a fair amount to win and to beat the Union.. After the race between the Union and Star crews on the Waimakariri, bo confident were the supporters of the former that the Wellington men could not repeat their performance, that plenty of offers were forthcoming to back Union to beat Star in the four-oared race at Wellington. But few — very few — could be found willing to risk their money, and it ia on record that the greatest winners over 'the match race of March 10 were unwilling to back the Stars a second time. In Wellington the Wakatua were made hot favourites, and they proved by their performance that the confidence of the public was in no way misplaced, for they pulled off a grand rac« After a desperate struggle with the Union crew. All boating men know how difficult a matter it is for anyone engaged in a race to give a good account of it, but the following remarks from one of the Christchurch crews engaged in the race may be regarded as trustworthy and correct. The reports of the race in the Wellington papers are co contradictory that they cannot be relied upon : — The course was from Ngahauranga to the Queen's wharf, about two miles, and was about as straight as it was possible to get it, some coal hulkß lying off the wharves proving an obstruction, and preventing the crews rowing an absolutely straight course. Union appeared to be started in advance of the others ; but this is accounted for by the boats being started from an angle. As the starter (Mr R. B. Smith, captain of the Star Club) is well acquainted with the course, it is safe to Bay that no crew was favoured in the above-mentioned manner. At the start there was a nasty side-roll on, but the water cannot be arid to have been rough, while there was no wind. After a lot of difficulty with the Wellington B.C. crew, who were all anxiety to steal a march on the others at the start, the boats were despatched on their journey. Union were smartest in gotting away, and, rowing a quicker stroke than is usual for them at the commencement of a l'aoe, giudually drew away in advance of the others, Wakatu being second, Star and Canterbury about even, third, and Wellington right away out on the outside position, last. Union never got more than a length and a half away from the Wakatua, who, after about a mile and a quarter had been covered, began to hold the leaders, and then drew up little by little, until just about opposite the Thorndon baths they were on level terms. It may be mentioned that these two were the only crews really in the race, as from the start they went away from the others. The boats raced together for a little distance, but when it came to the pinch, weight and strength were bound to prove superior to finer rowing. About 150 yards from home, Union made a hist attempt to carry off the coveted prize. They managed to draw up about half a length, but fell away again, and Wakatu Bhot past the poßt with half a length of water between the boats. While this struggle for first place was going on, Star and Canterbury were having a brush for third honours, which, it is stated, Star lost by half a length, on account of easing down too soon. According to the judge's verdict, half-a-dozen lengths separated Canterbury from Union. Wellington, who never had a show in the race, rowed on fixed seats. They steered out too far, and Canterbury also took rather a bad course. The Wakatu crew is composed of strong, heavy men. Their beat friends cannot say , they shape well. Their rowing is very rough, not a trace of style showing itself ; , the stroke ia fast and rather short. In fact, they won the race by hard slogging, j Qur informant is of opinion that the only j Canterbury crew to touch them is the old • Kaiapoi four — the two Winterboumes, Wright, and Day. ! The following remarks are taken from a private letter received in Christchurch. They are written by an old Christchurch J boating man :— j | It may interact you to know that Fuller | would probably have won the boat race ; had his cox not got bewildered towards the end. The Wakatu were the best crew, though not so pretty oarsmen as the Union ; but for the first mile and a hatf they steered a wild course. The winning post was hidden by coal hulks, and while Fuller and the Star Club rowed straight as a die, the other three were zig-zagging considerably. At the last half mile the Wakatu, then leading slightly, steered off as though going round i one of the hulks. Fuller's cox followed j them, whereas had he gone straight on, ' his crew would have had the advantage of ' a length or two, which would just about have landed them winners. As it was the Nelson men recovered their lost ground, i and, putting on a tremendous spurt, beat the Union Toy a length and a half. Had they steered ac straight as Fuller at the

beginning they would have come in ahead by Bix lengths. How the Unions got beaten on the Waimakariri, after the way they disposed of the Stars yesterday, no one can make out.