SCULLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 604, 2 December 1909, Page 2

SCULLING.

Mr Alf. Fraser took Messrs W. Webb and Joe Green in his motor launch over the course on which the sculling handicap is to be rowed to-day and to-morrow. Webb expressed his surprise at the magnificient stretch of water. He was of opinion that it was a mistake to start the race so far up the river which necessitates the scullers negotiating two bends at the commencement of the race. He thought the full Eong Reach should have been used with the finish at or near what is known as the“ Devils Elbow.” Compared with Wanganui's championship course Mr Webb said the Eong Reach is much more exposed. The former river flows between stately hills and natural scenery which will always make it a favourite sculling course, and scullers are protected to a great extent from the weather. If the banks of the Manawatu, along the Eong Reachwere planted, Mr Webb thinks it would be greatly improved. Others expert in sculling condemn the two benss at the starting point. We might point out that the bends mentioned could have been obviated, but the object of the promoters was to -prevent anything in the nature of a free show, as the public would have been able to witness the finish on the bridge. ' Thus, about a mile of the Reach is not used, the finish being about half a mile above the bridge. Of course, the public like free shows, but we feel sure if the proper course had been rowed over those on the bridge would have liberally responded to a collection. TO-DAY’S HEATS. The following are the heats for the Sculling Handicap to be rowed to-day. The first and second in each heat to qualify for the final. It will be a disappointment to the general public to know that George Whelch is not competing. The first heat will, be rowed at 1.30 p.m. FIRST HEAT. 1 J Mitchell 14 secs 2 S. Kemp 24 3 A. S. Green 30 4W. T. Ogilive s 5 5 T. Lawson 60 SECOND HEAT. 6 W. Webb scr 7R. Green / 18 secs 8 A. G. Felton 24 9 F. G. Green 35 . THIRD HEAT. 10 G. Whelch 6 11 S. Hagney 10 12 E. Earsen 20 13 Te Rawhiti 30 14 J. Ellis 45