UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

West Coast Times, Issue 2848, 20 May 1878, Page 3

UNIVERSITY BOAT RACE.

The thirty-fifth race between Oxford and Cambridge crews took place on April 13th on the river Thames over the usual course from Putney to Mortlake, four miles and two furlongs and resulted in an easy victory for the Oxford crew. This makes eighteen victories for Oxford. Cambridge has been successful in 16 races, and the one last year was a dead heat. The morning broke hazy and slightly overcast, but was calm and mild. By half-past nine the sun was shining and the weather was perfect for the race. The water was smooth, and there were immense crowds of spectators along ihe entire course, especially at the two ends. Flitting crafts of all kinds gave the river an animated appearance. The betting at Putney before the start was 4 to 1 on Oxford, which was freely offered but not taken, the result being considered certain. A start was effected at 15 minutes after 10 o'clock. Cambridge had the Middlesex side of the river and Oxford the Surrey side. Cambridge got away first rowing a faster stroke than Oxford. The Cantabs led by about a third of a length when, off Simons' yard, two furlongs from the starting point, and they continued to increase this advantage somewhat in the first reach. When off Bishop's Creek, three furlongs from Putney, the Cambridge boat was almost half a length ahead. Cambridge slightly added to this advantage, and just below the half-mile post led by something like two-thirds of a length. At the lower end of the garden of Craven Cottage, three furlongs from Bishop's Creek, when Cambridge was rowing 38 strokes to the minute, Oxford began to come up fast, and were soon gaining on the leader. At Grass wharf they had got upon even terms with Cambridge, and the two boats rowed oar and oar past Rosebank Villa. Off Crabtree, a mile and two furlongs from Putney, Oxford was showing in front and quickly drew ahead, the Cambridge becoming- unsteady and irregular. Afc the Soap Works, two furlongs from Crabtree, Oxford was clearly ahead, and rowing right away from their opponents, led through Hammersmith Bridge, a mile and six furlongs from Putney, by about two lengths. From this point the race requires no description. Oxford continued to increase their lead, being full a dozen lengths ahead off Chiswick Church, two miles I and five furlongs from Putney, and perhaps ten lengths at Barnes Bridge, about seven furlongs further on. Oxford continued a long way in front to the end and won very easily by about 35sec3. in time, or by many lengths in 23 minutes and 12 sees. Mr Chitty was umpire. Though the crowd was very great, the general opinion is that it was smaller than last year, the interest being greatly diminished by the geueral conviction that Oxford would win easily.

The following are additional particulars of the race :— -A slight wind arose just before the start, but not &o rough as to impede the boats. Both crews had an excellent swing. The Presss boat and Victoria, saloon steamer, in which was the Prince of Wales, were kept astern. The start was effected at 12.14. p.m., on the first signal. Barnes' Bridge was reached by Oxford in 18 minutes.