THE CHAMPION SCULLER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2143, 19 March 1908, Page 2

THE CHAMPION SCULLER.

VISIT TO -GISBORNE

Mr William Webb, the champion sculler of the world, arrived in Gisborne from Wanganui 'by tlio AVaikare yesterday morning. In a chat with a “Times” reporter, Mr AVebb said that his visit to Gisborne was entirely connected with- his work (he being employed by the Spiral Steelpipe Company of AA’angjanui which lias the -contract for the pipes for the Gisborne, town water supply) and be will! pro'liibly stay hero a. few weeks, lie did not bring -a boat along with him, but if he could got tllio use of a boat, 'lie would like to keep up his form, and do a little, paddling about. 'He is not anxious to do anything in the way of giving a public display. The only sculling engagement entered into by him, so far, is the challenge for the championship- from the New Zealander, R. Arnst, and the race will probably take place oil the AA’aiiganui river at'the end of the year. Arnst has paid his deposit money, -and AVebb lias, according to the rules governing -the championship, three months .in which to cover it, tlie race to bo rowed six months afterwards. Asked if ho intended to visit any of the older countries in connection with -rowing, AVebb said that he had decided that if -another man wants the champion ship he must come to Wanganui to get it. “AAAinganui lias been very good to ane,” he continued, “and I don’t think I should go to other countries to try and lose what I have won. i am this week shifting into a new house built by a subscription raised in the town, and 1 greatly appreciate all that lias been done for me in the South.” Referring again to rowing matters, AVebb said, that -lie was least of all anxious -to race in America us he had been told that fair play in sculling races was a tiling unknown there. Me would not he surprised to receive a challenge frpw Georgo Towns, whom he considered a <! fine chip,” and probably a better man in the boat that . Charlie Towns. If George Towns did challenge him, -lie would have to wait until after the engagement with Arnst. He did not think Stan-bury would enter a challenge, as he. -thought the Canadian had given up all hopes of ever winning the dli amp ion ship. “By the way,” said the visitor in conclusion, “I would like to thank the -people of Gisborne for tlie subscription raised for me. I have bought a nice desk with the money, and when I look upon it, I will alwaysthink of the kindness of the people hero.” ' • During the -afternoon a number of gentlemen prominent- in sporting circles met the champion -at -the -Masonic Hotel, welcomed him to -Gieborne, and congratulated him on bis victory ip the recent race against Tresjcldey,