THE WEBB-TOWHS MATCH

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2151, 6 August 1907, Page 2

THE WEBB-TOWHS MATCH

PAYING OVER THE STAKES.

AN UNPLEASANT INCIDENT.

United Press Association —Copyr &lit SYDNEY, August 6. The stukes were paid over to AVebb to-night. Mr. It. Coombos, handing the money ovor, said the race had been contested in the best possible spirit, and that no unworthy motive had prompted AVobb when the mishap oceurrod. AVebb, an amateur of yesterday, was a world’s champion to-day. Ho had achieved that object in two races. Mr. M. Rush, tho referee, said he was satisfied both men had acted honorably. AVebb might have deviated a, little out of his course, but the speaker was quite sure it was done unintentionally. c J. M. Eiold, an English backer of the Towns brothers, said all knew that Mr. Rush was an honorable man, but he believed a mistake had been i made. Therefore, he would give Webb £IOO out of bis own pocket and £250 exponses if lie would give Towns another race in a month s time. Mr. Tuck, AVebb’s hacker, considered Mr. Field’s remarks an insult to Air. Rush. (Applause.) If, continued Air. Tuck, you have got a man send him to AVangamu. AVobb thanked all for their kind treatment accorded him, and regretted there had been any argument about the decision. Regarding Mr. Fiold’s offer, he had come over to win the championship, and having done so thought he should be allowed to tako it back to New Zealand. (Applause.) If he was challenged Towns would not be kept waiting, provided Towns’ challenge was first in. Towns, in responding to Ins health, said ho would like to explain his position. He did not reckon that he was defeated on his merits, though he did not say AVebb took his water intentionally, but from tho moment he ! claimed the foul he did not persevere further, as he regarded the race Ins own on tho foul. He contended that Air. Rush, in saying the foul made no difference, had no right to speculate on the ultimate result. Ho felt the matter keenly, but now that AA ebb held the championship he wished him all sorts of luck.

“Jason,” the well-known aquatic writer on the “Canterbury Times had the following to say of the new world’s champion in the last issue to hand of that journal:—Webb is extremely popular in New Zealand rowing circles. Ho is modest as to liis achievements and a straight-go-ing sport; as regards his abilities, he is undoubtedly a very fine sculler. Personally, I a groat- fancy for liis chance, and it will not surprise mo to learn that the race was much on the lines of Webb’s contest with Stanbury ; that is to say, I think Towns will lead for the greater part of the course, to finally succumb to his opponent’s marvellous staying powers. Possibly, however, the New South Wales climate may tell its tale upon Webb, and then there is the strange course to be considered. Despite these undoubted handicaps, I look to Webb to row a great race. Should he win, liis natural modesty and reserve will not permit him to say much about his success; should he lose ho will have little to say as excuse. He is a very fine fellow is Webb, whatever way you take him, and he has no-greater admirer than myself. I saw him win liis first race, years ago, in Lyttelton HarborX have seen him win his two championships, and I saw him lost to Whelcli at Wellington. He is undoubtedly the finest single sculler New Zealand lias produced, and lie is fitted to battle for the highest honor m the equatic world. I wish him luck on Saturday, as I am sure do hundreds of others who either know him personally or who have seen him in action sending his boat along with that grace and ease that looks too simple to be effective. But the distance the boat travels between strokes is the true indication of the power that is put into the stroke.