The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1869-03-20 00:00:00

THE OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE
BOAT RACE.

On Wednesday the twenty-sixth race came off be-
tween the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, on
the Thames, and such is the interest generally taken
in this race, that it may almost be designated a
national institution. These races were commenced in
1829, but there was not another until 1836. The
third was in 1839, and they were continued in
1840, 1841, and 1842. There were none in 1843
and 1844. In 1845 and 1846 there were races, but
none in 1847 and 1848. In 1849 there were two (March
29 and December 15. There were none in 1850 or 1851.
There was one in 1852, hot none in 1853; one in 1854,
none in 1855. From 1856 to 1868, (both inclusive)
there has been no break. Of the twenty-five races
which have taken place, prior to this year's race, fifteen
have been won by Oxford, ten by Cambridge. Oxford
having been victors in 1829, 1842, 1849 (December),
1852, 1854, 18.57, 1859, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864. 1865,
1866, 1867, and 1868; Cambridge in 1836, 1839, 1840,
1841, 1845, 1846, 1849 (March), 1856, 1858, and 1860,
since which they have not won.
The appearance of the roads leading from London
to Mortlake on Wednesday morning indicated that, in
spite of the unfavourable weather, the race would be
witnessed by as large a number of spectators as any of
its predecessors—probably by many more. Early in
the forenoon carriages of all descriptions were driving
to the most eligible points of observation; and persons
on foot were crowding to every spot whence a view of
the Thames could be obtained. The erection of
barriers on the tow-path, securing the safety of foot
passengers, tended to make the crowds on the bank
larger than ever.
From Putney right away to Mortlake the scene was
one of increasing excitement, which was made the more
apparent by the new regulation of keeping horsemen
off the bank.; of the river. The very desirable ell ect
of this was that of allowing pedestrians to enjoy. the
sport of the day without the dread of being driven
into the water, or trampled under foot by a body of
equestrians, and also of admitting carriaces to take
up positions along the embankment, from which
the occupants could command a good view of the race.
Never was there before so many people congregated
to witness this event. nor was there ever before such a
universal spirit of holiday making. The residents
along the water-side made all the display possible of
their partisanship by lining their balconies with either
light or dark blue, and filling them with elegantly-
attired ladies, each and every ivie lof whom displayed
her partisanship by a gracefully-adjusted rosette of
satin ribbon. By a quarter-past three the moored
craft in the River became thickly tenanted with spec-
tators, and equally thickly decorated with bunting;
flags of all nations were flying in profusion, but the
prevailing colour was the dark blue.
The following are the names and weights of the
respective crews :
at
11 0
.. 11 9
12 8

OXFORD.
1. 8.11. Woodhouse (University) .... • •
2. R. Tahourdin (St. John's) ...... • • • • •
3. T. S. Baker (Queen's) .......• •••• • • •
4. F. Willan :Exeter) .
6. J. C. Tione (University) •• •• •
6. A. C. Yarborough (Lincoln)
7. W. D. Benson (Ba'Rol, ... ....... •
S. 9 D. Darbishire (Rallied)._
D. A. Neilson (St. John's), col
CAMBRIDGE.

et. lb.

711

... . . .
111111
221121
11 3
329201 :
7 Sit

U _5

1. A. Rushton (Emmanuel)
2. J. 11. Ridley iJesus)
3. J. W. Dale (St John's)
4. F J. Young (Christ's)
W. F. M'Michael (Downing)
II W. It Anderson (Trinity)
7. J. Still (Caius
8. J. 11. D Goidie (St. John's)
11. E. Gordon (Trinity), coz .....
THE RACE.
At a quarter to four a report of cannon was heard in
the distance, and the race had fairly begun. Oxford
had the first grip of the water, rowing at 36 strokes to
Cambridge's 37, but the latter in half a dozen pulls had
assumed the lead, of which they were not dispossessed
for the next two miles. Their stroke quickened then
to 39 as they passed the Duke's Head, leading by a
quarter of a length, and at the Point they had increased
it to one-third of a length. Here the Oxonians came up
a little, but the steerer keeping too close in shore as
they approached Dung Wharf, gave the Cantabs an
advantage, and they again resumed a lead of nearly
half a length. The Oxonians came at them again as
they neared Rose Bank, where the Cantab steerer held
a fine course, and as he steered over to get fairly
through the centre arch of Hammersmith Bridge the
Oxonians gave way, so that the old halt a length was
still to the credit of the Light Blue representatives.
Here, however, " a change came o'er the spirit of
the scene," and although the Cambridge crew
rowed with great determination, at Hammersmith
Bridge a few feet was all they had to their credit.
After this Mr. Goldie made almost superhuman efforts
to turn the tide in his favour, but the Oxonians evi-
dently held their own, and though at the bottom of
Chiswick Eyot they were dead level, at the centre the 1
Oxonians came clean away, and at the top led by a
clear length. The race was then over; Oxford getting
further away, and winning by several lengths.
The moment the crews hove in sight under
Barnes Bridge, the speculation and eagerness of the
multitude was almost indescribable, and the air was
filled with shouts and counter shouts, "Oxford is
first,"' Cambridge is first," but as the two boats came
on, these speculations were put an end to by the cloak
; blue stowing in front.
The race, which had been so bravely contested, was
acccomplished in 20 min. 20 sec.

IMPROMPTU ON A TUMBLE.
(By a BacWider front the Liquor Law Platform.)

the appropriate- colour for Lent: In the course of his
evening sermon, Ur. Sedgwick said the matters
originally laid to his charge were reduced to three in
number. These were—first, confessions; second,
I lighted candles at mid-day celebrations ; and third,
coloured decorations. With regard to confessions, he
need hardly say that he promised forthwith that in
future the confessions received in that church should
be in strict accordance, as they always had been, with
the directions given in the Prayer-book and in the
Communion-office, where it was said if a man cannot
quiet his conscience, he is to go to a clergman and
express his grief, so that he may receive absolution,
together with such ghostly advice as may be desirable.
As to lighted candles, they were discontinued mime'
diately after the Bishop spoke against them; and as to
the third point, coloured decorations, it would be
noticed that coloured stoles and other matters had been
discontinued, and would not be resumed.