SCULLING.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 605, 4 December 1909, Page 3

SCULLING.

We received the following' press telegram from Wellington too late r for our issue of Thursday s "Very little interest in boat race taken here. The special train (guaranteed by promoters) which left for Foxton this morning, only contained six passengers from Wellington, and of this number two were booked for Levin, leaving four to go and see the boat race.” The two special trains from Wellington run .on Thursday aud Friday for the boat race contained six passengers on each day, two on the former day were booked, for Levin. As each train cost the t promoters it will be seen that a serious loss has been incurred in this direction. The special train from Palmerston brought 118 passengers first day and 100 second day. The San Son tram conveyed 12 the first day and 10 the second day.' Messrs Levin and Cbi, were given 2000 tickets for sale on the boats and disposed of under 50 the first day and a few more the second day. The takings at the gate were very small. One gate realised the magnificent sum of 7s 6d, another nil. The total attendance on the first day was about 500 including those on the - river. Rangers were appointed to scout for "dead heads,'’ but it proved a decidedly unprofitable task. • A large number of drags and .cabs from outside towns were advised to ply for hire between here and the course, but from all accounts they did not reap an abundant harvest. These vehicles were ranged up in a long line at the railway station waiting to convey passengers from the special trains to the course and their disappointment and disgust at the comparative emptiness of the carriages alter the hustling for pride of place at the "stand” can better be imagined than described. The majority of the visiting scullers were provided with free • accommodation and were accorded the very best hospitality by the local hotelkeepers. They speak in the highest terms of praise of the kindess extended to them, and will, we feel sure/carry away very pleasant memories of the Manawatu. Experienced scullers speak very adversely of the inclusion of the H bends at the commencement of the \ course rowed over. Had the start been where: the old boiler stands (near Messrs O’Connor and Lind’s old mill site) some different finishes would have been witnessed. Mer- , cenary motives should not have ( influenced the promoters in spoilwhat otherwise is considered afn ideal sculling course. We feel -"sure that should another important sculling event be rowed over the Long Reach this objectionable feature will be removed "Given dead water and no wind and the elimination of the bends, I consider the Long Reach the finest championship course in New Zealand.” These remarks were uttered by ex-Champion Webb in reply to a query by Mr F. W. Frankland. Much sympathy was expressed for Rewiti, the promising young Maori sculler, who came to grief through a mishap to his boat of which some ugly rumours were afloat. Anyhow, we understand he will take part in the handicap event at Wanganui in January next, and every true sport will wish him success. The boat in which Webb rowed on Thursday was made by him and was greatly admired by scullers. He has already displayed a masterly hand at building these delicate boats and shoqld receive orders for same from all parts ot the Dominion. Webb’s popularity was a marked feature of, the sculling handicap and as the heat in which he rowed became discernible the ' onlookers yelled themselves hoarse with shouts of encouragement. The task set him by the handicapper was, however, Herculean which, under the conditions —a running tide and short distance—was too severe. In fixing the handicaps (which for dead water could hot be cavilled at) the handicapper was not cognisant of the running of the water. Webb had not previously rowed over the 'course. By the way, Webb desires us to publicly thank Mr W. Signall (of Messrs Levin and C 0.,) for his many acts of kindly consideration. We also desire to thank Mr Signall who at personal inconvenience and expense placed a launch at our request at the disposal of Mr Messena, in order to allow Whelch to express an opinion on the Long Reach. Such spoitsy manlike acts are worthy of record. ■ The weather conditions for the handicap were all that could be desired except for a heat shower the first day. It was a perfect day for boating on the river yesterday and those who travelled by water spent a most enjoyable time. One of the most interested spectators was Mr W., Tuck, of Wanganui, Webb’s backer in his races for the championship of the world. Mr M. Perreau who purchased the luncheon booth rights, made preparations for the of several thousands, and laid himself out to put on a first-class luncheon, Owing to the Wretched attendance Mr Perreau is, we regret to, state, a heavy loser.

1 The various heats resulted as 1 follows : FIRST HEAT. S. A. Kemp, Parramatta, N.S.W. (24sec) i T. Lawson, Nelson (6osec) 2 —Won by about a length ahd a half. Also started—J. Clarence river, N.S.W. (rosec), W. T- Ogilvie, Greymouth (55 sec), A. S. Green, Wellington (30 sec). Time, 13mm sxsec. SECOND HEAT. A- D. Felton,' Parramatta, N.S.W. (24sec) x R. Green, Sydney (xßsec) 2 —Won by a length. Also started —W. Webb, Wanganui (scr), F. J. Green, Wellington (35sec). Time, xxmin sssec. THIRD HEAT. E. Larsen, Broadwater N.S.W. (eosec) 1 F. S. Hagney, Parramatta, N.S.W. (xosec) 2 —Won by four lengths. Also started—J. Ellis, North Sydney, (45sec). Time, i3tnin 49sec. THE FINAL. A. D. Felton 1 S. A. Kemp 2 F. S. Hagney 3 —Won easily. The others finished in the following order ; Lawson 4, Green 5, Larsen 6. Time, i4mins 39secs.