SCULLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 469, 19 August 1909, Page 3

SCULLING.

Dick Arnst, the world’s sculling champion, says that from what he saw of the “ Dong Reach ” of the Manawatu River, he considers that it is the finest stretch of sculling water he has seen. There was nothing to equal it in New Zealand. It was as wide as the Wanganui river course, and the three-mile stretch was almost straight all the way. Arnst was very enthusiastic over the proposed handicap on the Dong Reach. They had similar handicaps in Australia, but none had ever been so large as this one, and he predicted it would be one of the finest sculling events ever seen in Australasia. He had received word from Australia that at least five oarsmen would cross the water in pursuit of the prize. They had been looking forward to the Wanganui race, and now this better inducement would lure them to Foxton. Arnst said that he himself would be a starter, as also would Webb, Fogwell, brother Jack, Whelch, and other New Zealanders. The event would be rowed in heats — three or four to the heat —and it would provide far more interesting sport than a match between two men.

The champion said he expected a challenge from the wiun r of the Day-Pearce event. He did not see much pruspect of getting a match with Barry just yet, and there seemed to be no others offering. He considered both Day and Pearce were promising men, both tipping the scale at 1 zst. Mr Messena has received a challenge from Fogwell to row Welch. He has telegraphed to Welch, asking if he will accept the challenge, and if so, Mr Messena will immediately put up a deposit, and the match will be arranged to be rowed on the Manawatu river, early in the New Year.

This morning Fogwell, accompanied by Mr Messena, visited the “Dong Reach.” Fogwell expressed himself as very well pleased with the course. The world’s champion visited Palmerston North to-day, and attended the coursing meeting in company with ex - Champion Webb.