The Rowing Matches.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume IV, Issue 589, 2 April 1891, Page 2

The Rowing Matches.

POVEBTV BAY V, NAPIEU. Ox Tuesday morning the annual match between Napier and Poverty Bay was rowed on the Taruheru river, and resulted in an easy vietory for the Poverty Bay crew, • ANOTHER INTERESTING RACE. There was another interesting rase on Tuesday morning, when the under 10? t crew ot the Poverty Bay Rowing Club met the Napier Union crew to decide the winner of the second prize in the senior gig race at the regatta. The Poverty Bay Club's senior drew had won the first prize. The course was down lhe Turanganui river. There was a good start, from which Poverty Bay soon forged ahead and got a lead of half a length, and with a little variation down the river, the same position was held when the bridge was reached. Then the Union crew put on a grand spurt, and each got the advantage alternately. Passing tbe wharf the Napier men appeared to be leading by a couple of feet; Poverty Bay men were not sure, and ths visitors treated their opponents. Mr Batcliffs was judge, and on coming aorpee gave bis decirton in favor of Poverty Bay, saying they had wen by a toot. Naturally the visitors were much dissatisfied at the decision, after feeling sure that they had won ; but ths thing Is not hard -nt explanation. Mr Ratcliffe took the proper place to judge from, and those on tbe wharf would naturally not allow tor the angle in tbe river. Besides the local crew knew exactly where the winning post was, and slackened off on reaching it. If one were to judge from the wharf there would be the belief that Napier had won, but if a judging site is selected that is tbe only place from which anyone could fairly decide the race. As to tbe beliefs or disbeliefs of those in lhe gigs, their opinion would count for very little. It would be impossible for the members Ct either crew to tell who bad actually woo in such a close race. Tbe Poverty Bay craw, however, made a vary fair offer to clear up any doubt on the matter, They offered to row the race over again, and if their opponents like to arrange that the Igsera should provide medals for the Wianiog oreW. Thia offer was declined, fhe ylww maintaining tliat they had fairly w <>o race. Tho dispute h an untortun.ta one, but the explanation should surely De deemed satlefactory, only the one man ( R puigt of fact, and that the judge, being able to tel) Who really won the race, MAfISB V. GISFOBSk, Yesterday tho Napier and Gieborne match came off. Shortly after the start Napier got foul of a beacon, and their opponents eased off. Then a splendid race ensued, Gisborne maintaining a slight lead, and winning by a length. F»ios V. POVEBTV BAY. The Napier Union and Poverty Bay Club representatives subsequently met, the visitors having to take what vrae eald to ba an unequal boat, After a goofi M 45 the lowtl crew won by about half * length.|