NOTES AND REMINESCENCES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12242, 16 June 1909, Page 5

NOTES AND REMINESCENCES

In looking over the championship records for the Parramatta River, I find that W., Webb's time on the occasion ho wrested the title from C. Towns (August 3rd, 1907) was the fourth best over the course. The fastest time for the distance was 19min. 47sec, registered by J. Stanbury in his victory over G. Towns in 1905. When Towns defeated Stanbury in 19Q6 the course was covered in 19iniri;i 53-.cc. The previous best record was William Beach's 20min. 23£ sec. in 1884, when, he succeeded in wresting the championship from the lato E. Hanlon. Dick Arnst's time of 20min. sQmin. in his race witli Harry Pearce on the Parramatta last year was a very good performance. " Times, however, cannot always he taken seriously, as prevailing, winds and tides require consideration. ', In answer to an inquiry about William Beach/the famous oarsman of the early eighties, I may state he was never defeated. Beach first became champion 'of the world in 188-1. He rowed seven I races for the; title, and won each of them. JTlie retired champion is now about 59 years of ago, and still retains n, keen interest in the sculling world. He frequently officiates -as referee in. aquatic events in Australia, and occupied .. that position, in the recent Thoroughgood-Pearce race for the Australian championship. It might interest my readers to.know that championship courses vary. 'The Thames course, for* instance, is 4' miles 400 yards; Panarnatta course, 3 mile* 330 .ynrds; Tyiie cotirse, 3 miles 713 yards; Nepean river course, about.3i miles; Wanganui i viver course, ;3£ miles. '