Champion Sculling Match.

Western Star, Issue 910, 3 January 1885, Page 2

Champion Sculling Match.

After the extensive and complete nature of the arrangements made for the champion sculling match between Hearn and Harrington, wo regret to say that owing to an accident to Harrington’s boat the contest turned out a very hollow affair, and instead of seeing a well-raced match the assembled multitude merely saw Hearn pulling leisurely past the flag boat. The weather was all that could be desired, although the wind was perhaps a little strong. Punctually at the appointed hour the men were at the starting point and three minutes later (1.23 p.m.) a capital start was made. Coming clown the Pourakino Harrington was leading by about a couple of boat lengths, but he shortly afterwards began to steer badly, and getting too near the north shore his boat struck Wood’s fence post, which severely strained it and it made water rapidly. Hearn then came to the front, and shortly afterwards entered the Narrows 50 yards ahead of his opponent. Harrington however kept pulling gamely, until he had nearly cleared the Narrows, when his boat all but sunk under, him and he was forced tb give up the contest and run his boat on shore. Hearn, seeing what had happened, slackened speed and came home the remaining two miles in a comfortable manner. On the bridge and on the banks of the river there could not have been fewer than 4000, all intent upon the contest, and great was the disappointment and loud the murmurs of dissatisfaction at the result. Many ppenely expressed themselves as of opinion that Harrington had been guilty of crooked running, but those who know him best scout such an idea. It would be idle to speculate upon the result of the race had the accident not happened ; on the other hand it would be safe to say that the contest would have been suficiently exciting to have called forth the acclamation of and given satisfaction to the public. It is the best evidence of the opinion entertained of Harrington by a number of his friends that they have offered to back him again against his opponent ; so it is quite possible another match may be arranged. Both men rowed in boats built by the same firm Swaddle and Winship of Newcastle-on-Tyne firm, and as far as the boats went the men were upon pretty equal terms. In weight Harringtot can give Hearn about 10!b, and in appearence he is a much stronger looking man than in's apponent; but the latter is of very muscular build, and has a highly finished stylo of pulling. He also had the advantage of being under excellent training at the hands of Mr Burns, of the Wellington Boating Club. Under the circumstances it is most unfortunate that a fair trial did not take place between the two men. But regrets are useless; “Allah has willed^it.” Mr Black, of the Bank of New South Wales, and Mr J. T. Martin, both of Invcrc irgill, acted as referee and judge respective!y.and although their services in either capacity wei’e not put to the test, there is no doubt they would have proved elficieut men had the occasion required it. The time in which Hearn covered the distance is no criterion as to his ability, but it may be given as 26£ minutes. Considering the disappointment excited by the result of the sculling match, Messrs Hearn and Harrington consented to give an exhibition display at a later hour in the afternoon, when they pulled a friendly distance of about two miles,