SCULLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 462, 26 June 1909, Page 3

SCULLING.

WHELCH INSPECTS THE LONG REACH. FINEST STRETCH OF RIVER SCULLING WATER INN.Z. MR COOMBES TO ARRANGE A MATCH.

On Thursday night, Whelch, the N.Z. Sculling Champion, came to Foxton, at the request of Mr S. Messena, to inspect the stretch of water known as the Long Reach, which is spanned by the Whirokino Bridge, with a view to expressing an opinion as to its suitability for sculling races. From bend to bend the course is almost straight, with a slight curve at the western end just above what Is known as the “devil’s elbow.” Mr Jupp gives the distance from bend to bend as a little over four miles, and other opinions at from three and a quarter to three and a half miles. There is ample sculling room along the course, the width being about 200 yards. At full 'tide the water is dead, and the run at other times is much less than obtains over the champion course at Wanganui. The distance between the spans of the Whirokino Bridge, the centre one of which is 120 ft, is ample for sculling. There are no snags along the course, and the banks or centre could be hugged

by scullers without offering an; particular advantage. Mr Signal, of Messrs Levin and Co., generously placed a tug a the disposal of the N.Z. Champior and Mr Messena yesterday morn ing, for the purpose of going ovei the course. Whelch took particu lar notice of every feature of tin course, the run of the tide, deptl of water, etc. In reply to a press representative, who accompanied the party, Whelch said he was per fectly satisfied with the course, “It is,” he said, “the finesl river course for sculling purposes I have seen in New Zealand.’ 1 And in his opinion held greater advantages over the Wanganui course, firstly because the latter was a left handed one, with an awkward elbow, whereas the “ Long Reach ” was a straight course the whole way and possessed no unequal advantage. The bridge spans would not, in any way, prove a barrier to scullers and from a spetacular point ot view the race could be seen from start to finish. He said he would be pleased to row any match that Weight be arranged on the river. Mr Messena has authorised Mr Coombes, of Sydney, to arrange a match with any Australian sculler and Whelch for aside, on condition that the race is rowed on the Manawatu. Mr Messena, who is an enthusiastic lover of sculling is finding the whole of Whelch’s backing and is a sportsman of whom we may feel proud. It is well within the bounds of possibility that some great sculling races will be witnessed on the Manawatu.

Echoes of the recent gigantic struggle for the sculling championship of the world between champion and ex-champion, are still heard. It is conceded on all sides that the champion is now in a class by himself, and it is most unfortunate that Webb should have been called upon to meet such a prodigy. Unless Arnst cracks up physically, which is not unlikely, unless he exercises the greatest care in habits, etc., it will be some years before the world will produce his equal. Webb, the ex-champion, can take consolation in the fact, that it required a giant and a world’s record to keep the laurels from his brow. Still, as- a sport, he bears an unsullied name, and he is admired by thousands throughout Australasia.

A dirty mark is left against the recent championship race. Fogwell, Afnst’s trainer, scaled the mast of the follow-on boat, and, with a handkerchief, signalled the the course for the champion. This, it must be admitted by the most unbiased person, was decidedly advantageous to the champion and to what extent, who can tell ? Mr Tuck, Webb’s backer, made a mild protest, but he failed in his duty in not demanding Fogwell’s descent.