Victoria Daily Times
May 4, 1888
SCULLING MATTERS.
Paine and Ball
H. J. Ball, of Vancouver, arrived on Wednesday night and yesterday he and Paine went to Shawnigan Lake for the purpose of giving the former his choice to row the sculling match there or at Esquimalt. Ball was charmed with the lake and said it would just suit him. A visit was made to Esquimalt, but Ball did not care so much for those waters. Last night a committee met Mr. Ball, for the purpose of signing articles of agreement, but up to a late hour last night no settlement had been arrived at. From what could be learned, there is some dispute about the expenses. Ball is only allowed $75 and, if the race is rowed at Shawnigan, his expenses will be much greater than the sum allowed. The gate money was taken into consideration, but it was not known if Paine’s backers will allow Ball any of that to defray the cost of his visit.
May 12, 1888
Ball Training at Shawnigan.
Regarding the Paine-Ball race, Ball is now training at Shawnigan. The course chosen gives him every satisfaction and he is enjoying himself greatly. Paine is making the most of his time and is said to be in splendid condition already. The boat he will use in his race with Ball belongs to Chas. Bush, and if his boat does not arrive from Toronto in time for his race with Peterson, he will use the same boat.
An excursion train will be run to the lake on the 19th, which will give all an opportunity to witness the race.
May 18, 1888
The Paine-Ball Race.
To-morrow the long looked for race between Wm. Paine and Chas. Ball will be rowed at Shawnigan Lake. The competition will be a keen one, and no doubt the race will be witnessed by thousands of spectators. The Island railway run excursions at the round trip rate of $1.50, and besides the attraction of the race a pleasant holiday can be held amid the beauties of Shawnigan lake.
May 19, 1888.
THE PAINE-BALL BOAT RACE
A Long-Talked of Event TakesPlace at Shawnigan LakeThis Afternoon.
The Championship at Stake—TheWeather, Water, and People—Delayed in Starting.
The long-looked-for event, the single scull race between W. Paine and H. A. Ball, for the championship of British Columbia and $250 aside, took place at Shawnigan Lake this afternoon. At 8:30 o’clock this morning, the train for Nanaimo and way stations conveyed a number of friends of the contestants to Shawnigan Lake. They were amply supplied with fishing rods to pass away the time angling in the well-stocked waters of the lake. One elderly gentleman had a bamboo pole which was nearly as long as the car and appeared anxious to show the younger disciples of Isaac Walton that he was an expert with the rod and line. The contestants in the race are well-known in this city. Mr. Paine arrived here on the ship Robert Lowe when quite a child and has made his home in this city ever since. His record as an oarsman was limited to defeating all competitors in the province, and a challenge issued to row any man on the Pacific Coast last year was not accepted until Mr. Ball arrived at Vancouver. The latter showed by his rowing today that he is an adept with the sculls and will make his mark in rowing circles.
At 12:50 p.m., the second train started from the E. & N. depot for Shawnigan Lake, with four cars filled with passengers. The Queen City Band occupied a freight car and played a lively air as the train pulled out of the station. About 250 passengers were on board. During the afternoon, no betting could be had in the city on the result of the race, everyone appearing
willing to put up odds on Paine.
IT IS RAINING IN TORRENTS.
2:15 p.m.—It is now raining heavily, coming down in torrents, but it shows signs of clearing. The lake is still smooth. The race will come off at 3 o’clock. The guests are amusing themselves as best they can indoors.
2:45 p.m.—Weather is now bright and clear.
3:40 p.m.—Both men have their shells in the water now. The start will be made by Mayor Grant in a few minutes.
3:50 p.m.—Just after Ball had started from the landing and when near the starting point, his left rowlock broke off, throwing his oar into the water. He is now on shore fixing a new rowlock in his outrigger. The race will be delayed a little in consequence. The start will not be made for some time yet.
4:15 p.m.—Ball has his rowlock fixed. He is just launching his shell for another try.
4:25 p.m.—Start just made. Both men took the water well. Ball is slightly in advance.
Three minutes later—Ball was leading Paine slightly, pulling a long, easy stroke of about 30 to the minute.
Both men are taking it easy. At about three-quarters of a mile, Ball appears to be leading by over a length.
LATER.—Twelve and a half minutes after the start, Ball turned his stake boat, followed several seconds later by Paine. A few moments before the turn, they were rowing about 27 to the minute.
PAINE WINS THE RACE.
4:40 p.m.—Both men coming home with easy strokes. They are apparently about even.
4:42 p.m.—Paine leading by 2 or 3 lengths.
4:43 p.m.—Both men are going for all they are worth.
4:45 p.m.—Paine nearing finish is apparently playing with his opponent.
4:46 p.m.—The race is ended. Paine just passed the winning stake, followed a short distance by Ball. Great excitement out here now.
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