A SCULLING SCANDAL.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 239, 25 December 1888, Page 2

A SCULLING SCANDAL.

HOW THE COLONIALS SHAMEFULLY TRICKED BEACH. THE COLONIES DISGRACED. Brisbane, Dec. 11. The Aquatic Carnival came to an end yesterday. It was not passed over without a scandal. This arose in the third series of heats, in which Beach, Matterson, and Searle, were the contestants. This heat was expected to be a good one, but it turned out a complete fiasco. Matterson took the inside position, Searle the second, and Beach the outside. A good start was effected, Searle pulling thirty-seven to the minute jumping away with the lead, Beach being abreast of him pulling thirty-seven to the minute, and Matterson who was pulling thirty-eight, well up on them. It became apparent from the first there was some collusion between Searle and Matterson to put Beach out of the race, for Searle rowed directly into his water, and began to throw his wash upon his sculls and boat. The consequence was that Beach could not avoid splashing a good deal, and losing way, and he could not close up for fear of a foul. As they went down New Farm shore Searle, who was outside, made an attempt to jam Beach on to the shore, and as Beach dropped back to avoid him, Matterson came in and repeated the same performance, Beach not knowing which way to turn, and getting all the wash from both boats. Past Kenellot Searle was leading by half a length, and Matterson was abreast of Beach, pressing him into the shore. A few yards below this Beach made an attempt to Ret out, but was fouled by Matterson. Beach immediately stopped and held up his hand to claim a foul. When they got 1 ar Searle allowed Matterson to go ahead of him, and when Beach began to come again he dclitagk ately rowed right across his bow, and anolWw foul resulted. This disgraceful conduct on the part of Searle was received with loud shouts of contempt and derision from both the steamers following the race. The whole thing was so clumsily managed that it was apparent to everybody, and it was a matter of great surprise that a sculler of such promise and reputation as Searle should lend himself to such unfair rowing. He certainly gained nothing by it, and is not likely to do himself any good with lovers of true sport. When the men got clear again they rowed on, but the race was devoid of any futher interest. Searle, for some purpose of his own, allowed Matterson to lead all the way, and Beach pulled along steadily in the rear. The first mile was done in six minutes twenty-five seconds. Searle quickened up a little now and again, and caught Matterson, but allowed him to go away again. The second mile wafi done in twelve minutes thirty-nine seconds. After passing the Bulimba ferry Searle stopped rowing altogether, but went on again when Matterson had once more improved his lead. Towards the close of the race Beach quickened up and made a spurt, but Matterson kept ahead. The finish was reached in eighteen minutes fifty-two seconds. Matterson won by three lengths, Searle being half a length ahead of Beach. Searle on finishing was heartily hooted by the occupants of the boats apd steamers, and Matterson was similarly received. Beach was cheered at the conclusion of the race. Beach came alongside and claimed the fouls. The umpire, Mr J. C. Beale, after some consideration, awarded him the race, disqualifying the other men. There was some discussion as to whether Searle and Matterson should not have been disqualified from competing in any of the further events. A meeting of the Committee was held, when it was decided to leave the question to the umpire, the Committee promising to support him in whatever action he took. Mr Beale decided that Searle and Matterson should be allowed to row again in tho third heat that day. The decision was received with cheers by a certain section on deck, and with .disfavor by the greater majority, it being the general opinion that the trick they had played should have disqualified the two men from competing in any of the remaining heats. Some strong remarks have been made con* cerning the circumstances, and it has been hinted that strong pressure was brought to bear by sportsmen who had money on Searle. The final heat was rowed to day. Beach refused to row any more, which robbed the event of its interest. Searle won easily from Kemp by over 100 yards, and Kemp beat Matterson by 150 yards. Searle’s victory was received with mingled cheers and groans. Kemp was received with enthusiasm. Searle thus wins the first prize of £5OO, Kemp the second of £2OO, and Matterson £lOO. The race was not very exciting, as Searle had it in hand from the start. _Kemp had Matterson beaten after the first few strokes, and it was simply a procession. Some dissatisfaction was expressed by |the public, who expected to see two races, but no one blamed Beach for refusing to row.