SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 144, 20 June 1910, Page 5

SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

BARRY PUTTING IN FAST WORK ON ' • THE-THAMES. 22J LB. RACING; BOAT. (From Our Sjiecial Correspondent.) LONTX>N, May 13. ■ Ernest Barry, who leaves London on June 18 to meet Arnst, of New Zealand, on the Zambesi, in a race for the world's sculling. championship, is now putting in some fast work on the, Thames. "On the ebb tide this week, paced by a very speedy four, he covered the and three-quarters between Putney and Hammersmith in ,Bmin. 13sec.- The fastest time ever recorded between these two points is Bmin. 12sec.-by Wray, the Australian sculler. .But Wray was . rowing on the up-tide, which" runs' faster than the ebb, as is proved by the fact that the flood lasts five hours and the ebb seven hours. Barry's performance, therefore, was relatively faster than Wray's.

.A. member of Webb's committee tells nic that ,in giving up Tom Sullivan as the English sculler's trainer and replacing; him by Phelp3, there, was no reflection whatever o-n Sullivan's pace in a boat or on his ability as a trainer. It, was simply that the Aucklander wanted a perfectly free hand in matters, which the , Committee, as his paymasters, thought should rest with them. The differences, which, led to his resignation were, in short; of a personal character, and had nothing to do with Sullivan's training methods, to, which no exception was taken. ■ "", '' .

Whilst he is on board the ship Barry ■will have splendid opportunities for keeping in condition. In addition to running and walking exercise in the early morning and salt water baths, he will have sculling practice. That will be obtained by the aid of a .specially-made sculling machine, built on scientific lines, with a slide and oars; in fact, everything but water. He will also take with him skipping ropes and a punching; ball. LIGHTEST BOAT EVER BUILT. Nothing is to be left to chance, and •when he leaves the boat it Capetown, Barry should be as fit and well as when he starts from Southampton. His boats, it is hoped, will travel with him. They are so fragile that even when carefully packed the greatest care has to be exercised in handling them. In these circumstances, it is thought best that Barry and Whelps shall have them under their care all the time.

This will necessitate the granting of a special privilege wagon at the Cape, for it is not usual to carry packages on the up-country mail train; but it is thought that in the special circumstances the concession will be granted.

How fragile, his sculling boats are is shown by the fact" that Sims' latest production for Barry, although 26ft. 3in. long, weighs only 22|lbs. complete. This includes the boat, clogs, stretcher, slide and riggers. The cedar wood of which the boat is made is no thicker than a cardboard, and the least hand pressure would break ifc- This is the lightest boat that has ever been built. Barry will in all probability spend his last two weeks in London at Putney. Rooms will be taken for him, and during that time'he will do a couple of fast rows over the full course. BAiRRY'S NEW TRAINER. "Bossy" Phelps, who is now training Barry, is quite satisfied with the man's progress, and is much impressed by h's pace. Phelps stated this week that Barry's rowing style was irreproachable, and that it was impossible to criticise it. Barry, meanwhile, is quite happy with his trainer. The English champion's colours are now out. They are made upon the national colours of red, white and blue. The silk, handkerchief is 3ft. square, and should be in demand, as there has never been a colour of this kind before.

It is sold at £1, and the proceeds -will furnish Barry with some pocket money. Only a few more pounds are now required to complete the £1,100 that is wanted to. pay the expenses of the race.