CHRIST’S COLLEGE WINS BOAT RACE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18338, 15 December 1927, Page 9

CHRIST’S COLLEGE WINS BOAT RACE.

DEFEATS WANGANUI BY HALF A LENGTH. The ( list’s College four defeated the Wanganui Collegiate School crew by half a length in the annual rowing race to-day. Wanganui led by over two lengths near the start, and were a length ahead at half-way, where Christ’s College put in a great sprint and forged ahead to the finish. The course was along Kerr's Reach, Burwood, and the race was witnessed by about 300 people. About fifty mo-tor-cars followed the race. Wanganui won the toss and chose the southern bank, the one on the side further from the Burwood Church, whence the event was started. The visiting crew got the better start, and soon were over two lengths ahead. The crews had the wind against them, and this disturbed the water, but both boats were rowed cleanly throughout. Christ’s .College had somewhat the faster stroke, and at half-way they had made up over a length of leeway, and were at that stage about a length behind. Wanganui had the advantage of the bend in the course, but when beyond this Christ’s College put in a desperate sprint. With a much faster stroke, they overtook Wanganui near the end, and went ahead to win by a good half-length.

The race was started at about 12.20 p.m., when the tide was at its full. Christ’s College rowed in the school black and white, and the visitors in light blue and white. The following were the crews:—Christ’s College: D. G. M’Hardy (stroke), P. C. Whyte (No. 3>, I. C. Neale (2) and C. H. Batchelor (bow). Wanganui College: W. R. Tavler (stroke), T. S. Elling: ham (3), N. R. Syme (2), and 11. G. Kemp (bow). The weather, which had brought heavy showers in the morning, was favourable for the race. The rain ceased about an hour before the event and light rain came on again about half an hour after the crowd had left the scene.