GOOD LOSERS.

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

GOOD LOSERS.

"ARE WE DOWNHEARTED?"— "NO." (By Telegraph.) (From Our Special .Reporter.) WANGANUI, This Day. Wanganui accepted philosophically the cieteat of its champion It was said that Wangarmi lost its balance to some extent when the champion honours of the perilling world were gained for it by Webb, but it must be conceded that in yesterday's adversity tho little town bore its reverse bravely. Webb was an idol, and his characteristics were so admirablfa that the idolisation of him was not hard to understand. The man who defeated him had raised a certain degree of antagonism between himself and many Wanganui people by a thoughtless utterance of uncomplimentary opinions and unbashful prophecies which oklei men would have -Kept to themselves. This feeling made yesterday's ending to the contest more unpalatable to Wanganui people than it would have boon in any other case, but they were generous in their praise of the victor and free in their expressions of admiration foi his superb performance. Naturally enough there was no great enthusiasm in their adulations. But they unreservodly admitted that Arnst had compelled their admiration by his marvellously gjood display. Loyai in adversity, the citizens last night wore Webb's colours to a. man. while like true sportsmen they cheered Arnst again and again as he passed along the streets of the town. The old query, "Are we downhearted ?" could be truthfully answered "No" by every Wanganuian. They recognised that their champion had put up a brave fight against a man who was lncontrovertibly his superior, and they were content. Arnst has shown such excellent sculling capacity that his position as a world's champion is likely to be held by him for a long time to come. RECEPTION OF THE NEWS IN SYDNEY. j SURPRISE AT THE EASY WIN. Bj Telegraph. —Press Association.— Copyright SYDNEY, lbth December. The news of Arnst's win was received with much gratification. It fulfilled the predictions of many prominent aquatic authorities, who never wavered in their faith tnat Arnst had so improved since Webb's visit to Australia that he was likely to give the champion a shaking. The only surprise was Webb's failure to make the finish harder. AN INVITATION. CONDITIONAL OFFER FROM BARRY. .{Received December 16, $.45 a.m.) LONDON, 15th December. Mr. Blackstaffe informed the news-

paper Sportsman that if Arnsfc cares to visit England Barry can be matched to row him on the Thames for the championship of the world.