SCULLING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2362, 1 December 1908, Page 5

SCULLING.

THE WEBB-ARNST MATCH

[Press Association.]

WANGANUI, Nov. 30. As the date of the Annst-W ebb race approaches interest in the contest is increasing rapidly. The weather recentlv has been very favorable for rowing, and both men have done a lot of good work since being in camp. Arnst rows twice daily, covoriu'r twelve miles altogether, m company with Fogwell. Ho has had several solid spins over the full course, but so far has not attempted any record breaking. He is in splendid ■fettle, and! is vowing in capital style always appearing to have a deal of reserve power, though ho Jacks the finish of the champion. Fogwell invariably leads the challenger in his sinus, but tlio impression prevails that Arnst has not yet shown, what he is capable of, and probably we will have to wait a day or two to see how good he really is. Experts cou-

skier the challenger uses ttiis back to j great advantage, while his blade work is crisp and clean. His boat does not r 01l nearly so much as formerly, while the dip is scarcely noticeable. Arirst is now 13.5, and anticipates mo difficulty in getting down to his best rowing weight, 13.2. HLs party- is confident he will effect a surprise. He and l 1 ’o gw ell wero out twice yesterday the Challenger rowing 22 to the minute over tho full course in the morning and 24 in the afternoon, tLe boat fitting nicely. Webb so far has only had two rows daily. Every other day ho does a morning row, simply a paddle, before breakfast, having a solid spin over the full course with Green •as pacemaker in tho afternoon. Yesterday the champion covered the full course, rowing 24 until a quarter of a mile from homo, when ho quickened up to 30, his rowing being much admired. He is now heavier than ever previously, and will probably weigh 11.4 on the day of the race.

GEORGE TOWNS—A PRESENTATION AT PUTNEY.

United Press Association. Copyright

LONDON, At a meeting of aquatic men at Putney, the editor of the Sportsman presented George Towns with a vellum testimonial and £124.

[Towns i, s to leave England for Sydney to-day.]

NOTES.

The cables received in regard to the Uarry-Towns race gave us little idea of the excitement -and enthusiasm created at Home. The London ‘‘Sportsman'’ of 'October 13 states that “the race is without parallel in the history of professional oarsmanship,” and when we consider that Barry, practically unknown to first-class rowing, wins a face of tin's description in record time, we must give him all praise. Let us,.-in doing so, remember that a mans of Town’s sculling ability led him for miles in record time, and-then we pause to think; for, even if Towns is in the forties, have we anyone here who would be likely to catch him if he led over three-quarters of the distance in fast time?”

The “Sportsman’s ’’account of the race is a lengthy one, but little need be repeated of it, as the cables have fairly well described the contest—the story reads: Towns favorite at start. Towns in the lead for nearly three miles, Towns rowed down by In's younger and stronger opponent' One remark of the “Sportsman’s” it ionlv fair to reprint: “The victor may well be congratulated on his brilliant win, but at the same time. Towns must not be forgotten. He is no stranger to this country, where he has rowed several times. ~ Ycsterday was lus last race, and he retires with a defeat, but at the same time with a reputation as fair and honorable as man can have. Barry starts his career with a brilliant victory, and if we are allowed to offer him advice, would suggest that lie takes George Towns as his pattern of what a professional sculler should he. If hcadopts that he cannot flail to make friends.” Australia, as well as George Towns, maybe proiul of the “Sportsman's”. remarks.