MANAWATU HANDICAPS.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12385, 4 December 1909, Page 5

MANAWATU HANDICAPS.

FELTON WINS THE FINAL

(Special to " Chnmiole.")

it is pleasing to have to chronicle a much larger attendance on the second rtay than on the previous {lav (when the heats were rowed';. The weather was penect, but the wind had veered ri"lit round, and was dear], against the oarsmen, the tide only being in their favour Speculation was ril'o as to who would prove the- conqueror, but on. Ihursda.y's performance, Felton, Bob Green, and %-d Kemp were nuich fancied. Lawson, the only New Zealand representative left in the final, and at the same tune being limit man, was looked upon by some to have a enow, but old scullers thought otherwise, and .said that if hustled he could not stay tho distance. However, ho tried hi's best, and. but for his unfortunately fouling Green about 3 mile from home, might have squeezed into third place, whereas ho had to be content with fourth. THE RACE. Mr O'Connor got his men off well, Lawson (GOsc-c) making the most of his start, bring followed closely by Felton and Kemp (who both started' on the sa,m 0 mark (24sec). Then came the first bend, which was safely navigated, especially by Hagney, who made up a good four lengths, the order now_ being Felton, Kemp, Lawson, Green, Larsen and Hagnev the last-named at the second bend again navigated skilfully, improving his position. At the half distance Kemp anneared to be overhauling Felton, and Hagncy, who was steering a perfect course and rowing well, came up with a rush, passing; two of his opponents. The position now was: Felton, Kemn. Lawson, Hagney, Green and Larson. Kcm" here put on a spurt, endeavouring to overhaul Felton, but ■fails:!. At abr>«it half a mile from home Lawson, who must have lost his head through excitement, came right across the river and fouled Green, their blades clashing. Efagney, seeing his opportunity, took immediate advantage and rushed up into third place, which position he was unable to improve. Felton and Kemp, having plenty in hand, held their own to the end, Felton finishing calmly with a length to spare, there being halt a length between second and third. Time. 14:23. The order of the final was:— A. G. Felton (24sec; 1 Syd. Kemp (24sec.) 2 S* Hagney (10 vec) : 3 T. Law. on (60sec.) 4 R. Green (18scc.) /> E. Larsen (SOsoc.) .. ... 6 Dr O'Brien, of Palmersron North, acted as judge, and Mr AY. Beach as umpire. Felton has become the possessor of a handsome cup and £150, Kemp receiving £50, and Hagney £25. The stakes will bo paid over to-night (Saturday) at Foxton. The visiting oarsmen who are being well looked after, will remain at i Foxton until Thursday, when they will come on to Wanganui, some of them having been' invited to take part in the Wanganui Handicaps which are to be rowrd on January Cth and Bth.

Mr "Win. Beach leaves this morning by the Main Trunk lino for Auckland, where he sails for Sydney. The veteran is really sorry to leave New Zealand. Ho says ho has 'thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and only regrets that it is impossible for him to remain over for the Wanganui handicaps.** We wish him "bon voyage" and hope er e long to n?cet him again.