A NEW CHAMPION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 143, 16 December 1908, Page 3

A NEW CHAMPION.

AENST DEFEATS WEBB WINS FROM START TO FINISH * FEARFUL PACE" FOR THE FIRST MILE. THE CONTESTANTS INTERVIEWED. Cbt Tm.BGHA.Fn.— rasas association.! WANGANUI, This Day. The great event is over, and Wangar.ui no longer retains the championship. Webb's supporters are sad to-night. Nothing like the enthusiasm was shown at the finish of the race as on previous occasions ; in fact, many hardly realised that the champion was defeated. WANGANUI IN THE MORNING. The population of Wanganui was early afloat. The oarly -trains poured forth strong contingents into the town. No time was lost by local citizens, with hampers, in setting out for the srene of the great contest. Every conceivable vehicle, from milk-carts upwards, had been pressed into requisition, and all the morning a steady stream of people thronged up each aide of the liver. The steamers and motor launches were also in great demand, the early boats being largely availed of on account of the reduced passages. The majority of local citizens were sanguine that the local champion would still retain his honours, and were quite willing to speculate upon the result. Consequently, upon the previous evening a good deal of foreign capital found ready ir vestment, the odds, of course, not being very extended, except in a few minor incidents. Along the coast, it may safely be said, interest was equally keen as on tho last occasion, but enthusiasts state there was not so largo an influx of distant visitors. This is probably accounted for by. the approaching festive season. Wobb's colours were liberally displayed, punctuated occasionally by the black badge of Arnst's support*, t a AT THE STARTING POINT. The steamers set out for the starting point at 2.15, when light rain commenced to fall. On arrival, Arnst and his trainer ,were found,* located under the shelter of a large willow tree. Nearing the appointed time for starting, Webb pulled up the river, being greeted with cheers. Both men looked in splendid condition, and little did Wanganui aupporters dream that the challonger had such a surprise packet in store. Spectators lined the banks from the finishing point to the mile post, and many followed the race on horses. Webb won the toss., and elected to take the inside running. ■ He wore his usual colours, light blue, and sealed list 51b. Arnst was attired in blacV, and scaled 13st 31b. THE RACE BEGINS. The start was by mutual consent, pud after a short interval the great race ha'J started at 4.5. From tho steamer* it was hard to obtain a good view of the commencement, but when some rf ibe gap had been made up it vras plan*'', evident that the challenger had <t js;ood lead. For the first minute Anift roved 34 and Webb 33, both rowing excellently in business-like fashion, and showing plenty of weight. A clearer view could be obtained at tho bend, about a quarter of a mile from the start, showing Arnst to have a lead by nearly half a length. At the half-mile he had increased the distance to over a length. Nothing eventful happened in the remainder of tWe race to tho mile post, although it was plainly evident that Arnst was jtill increasing the distance. vVebb turned round to locate his position, but, apparently, showed no inclin.itior to reduce the gap. Arnst maintained a powerful stroke, keeping in the centre of the stream while Webb pursued nearly the same course as in the race against Tresidder. TWO MILES : FIVE LENGTHS BETWEEN. At the two mile Arnst had increasoil the distance to five lengths, while Webb was striving gamely, although it was quite apparent that all hope of his retaining the championship had fled. Rounding the bend Arnst still further drew ahead, and at two and a half miles was practically six lengths ahead. THE END. Arnst continued his race fresh an'l strong, and when the gun announced his passing the post ho had about sevon lengths to his credit. Webb, when neariag the finish, almost came in contact with the boats along the right bank. OFFICIAL TIMES. The official time s are :—: — Milo, smin 45sec. Two miles, llmin 33sec. Total distance, lQmin 52sec. When they settled down both men rowed twenty-six strokes to the minute, and at tho finish Arnst was rowing twenty-four and Webb thirty. A GREAT SURPRISE. There was not such enthusiasm shown by the spectators as upon Webb's previous victory, as the result came as a great surprise locally. It wan expected that Webb -vyould just about succeed, and it was quite apparent that the capabilities of the challenger had been underestimated, for had he boon pushed hu must have knocked some seconds off tho full time, proving conclusively that ho i 3 a champion of champions. Webb rowed up to his reputation, especially m tho first two miles, but could make no impression upon tho winner. The, »ac 3 concluded in poxiring rain, and the rfctnrn journey to Wanganai was accompanied with heavy rain. While returning to his camp Arnst had a most enthusiastic reception, »ound after round of cheers greeting him as he pulled up to his staging. After seeing tc> tho housing of his boat, and getting away from his many admirers, Arnst retired to his tent for a rub down aud refreshment.