The Sun.
London, England, 1858-11-11 00:00:00

AQUATICS.

BOAT-RACE FOR £BO BETWEEN J. CLASPER, OF.
NEWCASTLE, & FRANCIS OF TEDDINGTON.
When the match between Henry Clasper and Thomas
White was made it was arranged that a race should come
off next day between the son of the former, a lad of 20, and
Francis, of Teddington, apprentice to Messenger, also 20.
It was thought that the London man would be victorious,
and betting was 2 to 1 on him, although, as a sculler, he
had never distinguished himself; while young Clasper, on
the contrary, had rowed against good men at Newcastle,
Norwich, and Manchester. The sequel, however, showed
that the backers of Francis had made a mistake, and that
he must improve wonderfully before he can beat a good
London man; while young Clasper looks as though he would
show well both in the provinces and on the Thames. The
usual amount of interest created when Newcastle is opposed
to London...occurred on this occasion, and two steamers en-
gaged to convey spectators were quite full. As on the pre-
vious day Mr. Leithead was umpire for Clasper, Jas. Mes-
senger for Francis, and H. Kelly, champion of the Thames,
referee. The toss having been won by Clasper, they took
up their places. At the going off Francis was slightly ahead,
but Clasper was soon level with him, and after they had
rowed a quarter of a mile there was no doubt as to which
would win, for Clasper was then well ahead. Francis once
br twice put on a spurt, but Clasper immediately drew fur-
ther in advance, and ultimately came in an easy winner by
six lengths, performiug the distance in 24t minutes. Tho
course was Putney to Mortlake.

THE MEMBERS FOR SHEFFIELD.—A meeting of
Messrs. Roebuck and Hadfield's committee was hold on
Monday, to consider the propriety of inviting them to
address their constituents. A resolution was proposed to
the effect that it was inexpedient to ask the members to
come down until the basis of a Reform Bill had been agreed
upon. An amendment was moved, proposing that the
members be invited to come down as soon as possible.
Ultimately the motion was carried, that the members are
not to be invited at present. It was moved that a public
meeting be convened of the inhabitants of the town on the
subject of Parliamentary Reform before the borough mem-
bers be invited. This was carried.
COLLISION IN THE CHANNEL.—SOUTILIMPTON,
Wednesday.—The screw steamship Catalina, Captain Ar_-
gent°, came into dock this afternoon considerably damaged,e
having been in collision with the screw freightship _M545
Mel-
bourne, off the Start. The Catalina is a new ship of I
tons burden, and 300-horse power, and trades under
Spanish flag between Hamburgh, Southampton
Spanish ports. On the present occasion she was, and
bound
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frStoanirt th3e.esStperadnai syh
mpoerrlusiumr
ata faullqucaarrtgeor,
baenfderNielatcn
she came in collision with the screw steamer Melbourne,
going down Channel. The two ships ran stem on to each
other, the Catalina carrying away her cutwater and bow-
sprit, and otherwise injuring her stem. The Melbourne
left Portsmouth on the previous evening, from whence she
had embarked a detachment of the 41st Regiment, 100
strong, for conveyance to Calcutta, and was on her way to
Dublin for other detachments. After the collision she pro-
ceeded on her passage, although it appeared to those on
board the Catalina that she was greatly damaged. It is
impossible to obtain the particulars or cause of the acci-
dent, as the captain and crew of the Catalina are unac-
quainted with the English language. There were no lives
lost on board the Spanish vessel, sho Will immediately go
into dry dock for repairs,