The Advocate. [Established 1888.] WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16. THE SCULLING RAGE.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXI, Issue 143, 16 December 1908, Page 4

The Advocate. [Established 1888.]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16. THE SCULLING RAGE.

[PUBLISHED DAILY.] OU)KST ESTABLISHED PAPKB OUARANTXED LABOBST OIBOULATION IN THH DISTBIOT.

CIRCULATES INT Dannevirke Mangatoro Tamaki . Ngapaeroru Mangahe Weber TiTreePoint Waioae Wimbledon Herbertville Akitio Horoeka Oringi , Kiritaki Maharabara Woodville Umutaoroa Matamau Piripiri Makotuku Ormondville Norsewood Takapau Whetukura Awariki- Otahga Kumeroa Kangitane Raumati Tamaki No. 3 S. Norsewood Tiratu Tipapakuku Mangapuaka Mangatuna Makaretu

It is a cause of satisfaction in, connection with yesterday's contest for the sculling championship that the coveted honor was won by a New Zealander, although his backers belong to Sydney. The details of the race show that the TVanganui man was outrowed from the start, and good man as the ex-champion, undoubtedly is. ,he was never able at any time during the contest to give his powerful opponent trouble. The history of the event shows how easy it is- for people to allow their judgment to become biassed in a matter of sport. The Wanganui people would not believe it possible that their champion could be defeated, and only a few of the more 1 sober-minded would admit that the challenger hid a chance of winning the' race. By the majority, it was. believed, up to the very hour of the race, that it would simply be a procession in 'which Webb, of course, would lead. The extent of their disappointment is, therefore, all the greater. The contest has also shown that it is not necessary for a man who is to be a successful sculler to be brought up, so to speak, on the water. Given a vigorous physique, a determined will, and good old British pluck, it is open for any man who has the right temperament to take up the sport, and with careful preparation, succeed. Arnst is undoubtedly a phenomenon, and it will take a powerful opponent indeed to wrest the championship from him. As for Webb, he has conducted himself throughout his . aquatic career in a manner that has attracted to himself hosts of friends, wlio will all sympathise with him in his defeat. He had the misfortune to meet a better man. and was the first to acknowledge it. . We , have no doubt but that yesterday's fight will. give a distinct fillip to aquatic sport in New Zealand, and we hope that the country will produce many more sportsmen of the type of Webb and Arnst.