The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-09
ROWING IN AUSTRALIA.

The Paramatta River was, Saturday. September
IA. once more reused from its normal condition Of
drowsy solitude by another great rowing contest be-
tween Messenger, Of Melbourne, and Laycock, of
Sydney. There were many thousands of spectators,
more indeed than attends any turf gathering in this
colony; and more than twenty steamers were present
the river vaying from large paddle steamer with
nearly thousand spectators down to the ''ket-
tie" of the private party. The course about
three and a quarter miles, aud the water
was comparatively smooth. In describing the
race the Sydney Evening Nesns remarks:-Ihere
was no humbugging. and the men broke
away at the rst attempt. with clear ahead.
Laycock the Ryde side. and. if anything. tho best
station both regards wind and tide The latter had
Just turned to run up. Half mile from tho start
Laycock was rowing at Al to the minute but not we
thought. using his slide more than few inches.
Messenger was trfe slower in the stroke but row.
ing long and in beautiful form, with fine straight
back. Messenger quickcned his pace suddenly and
by a very brilliant squirt passed his boat half
. length in front, to the astonishment OF most
spectators. Laycook kept steadily at work. but
Messenger continued to keep to the front and max
ing their way to the mile post, leading by three
quarters of length. Heavy wagering had taken
place AZ to which man would pass the POINT first.
There was therefore, intense interest ut this time
Laycock here made an effort and lesscned his oppo-
nens advantage but those who followed in the wake
OF the believed that Messenger first
intersected the mile point at right angles
from the start. The umpire, however afterward
stated that Laycock the FIRST The point shot
in Gm. 3js from the start Laycock got fairly in
front and the pace began to slacken little Tho
hopes Of Melbourne were steadily diminished for
Laycock rowing we'll within himself and visibly
drawing away they proceeded to Breakfast Point,
past which he led by three lengths Here Messengers
steering became very erratc and his boat being rud
derlcss, he greatly embarrassed by the wash of
steamer. Passing the Chicks" Laycock rowing
at IA to the minute and leading by i've lengths.
Gainesville wharf passed in 19m. ass. from the
start with change IN the and six to lengths
between the Here the was interrupted by
the most unscemly conduct of number of steamers
getting in 'front.' crossing and recrossing the men,
aud notably among these the Manly Beach
lar tempest Of sea thrown from the steamers
paddle wheels and made sport of the outriggers,
screwing and yawing them about; now and again
heavy wave would dash them, leaving no boat
visible. Messenger several times ceased rowing
either account Of the sea through steamers
getting in front of him and blocking his course. Tho
race ended in about twenty-five minutes the sydney
scullcr winning by eight lengths The time was
between 25m. 3Os. and 26m. sos. Tho victor IL u
most powerful looking man. having well built
robust frame, and is feet inches in height and
weighed ~ st. IL Id. He born a. sydney. and
il now thrty-two years OF age. 1t is Intended that
lie shall visit England shortly to try his skill against
son Of former champion of England. IL now twenty
four years of age. an is feet 10 inches in height
He has u well built frame, with commanding reach,
and weighed II vt. o Id.
During the absence OF the champion, Tricbott at
the boat race, dasardly fellows went into his
broke open the drawers and stole whatever money
they could lay thor hands upon The exact amount IL
not known. but 10 Is supposed some days receipts
were in the drawers Tho loss Will be considerable