The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1908 THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2125, 26 February 1908, Page 2

The Gisborne Times. PUBLISHED EVERY MORNING. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1908 THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

“Hats off to AA r illiam AA r ebb!” expresses fairly well the sentiments of a large section of New Zealand’s population to-day. There is a strong devotion to sport in the Dominion — some pessimists think it is too pronounced—/but just now, at any rate, these dissentients must stay in the background, whilst the majority rejoice over another brilliant victory achieved by the young Wanganui sculler. Until quite .recently, New Zealand, whilst holding many magnificent records in the field of sport. had not for a very lengthy period taken a prominent place in tho aquatic world, and it is entirely due to AVilliam AAVbb that the highest honor in that branch of athletics now stands to the credit of Maoriland. AA’ebb has proved himself every inch a champion, not only whilst winning races, but also in every phase of his athletic career. As an amateur sculler he had a long and honorable record of successes before his friends persuaded him that he was good enough to fly at higher game. His first professional contest was when lie met and defeated James Stanbury on the AVanganui River. Then a month or two later came his memorable contest with Charles Towns on the Parramatta for the AVorld’s Championship. 'That win was a magnificent triumph for New Zealanders, and something of a rebuff for our Australian neighbors, who had refused to take our representative very seriously. Naturally, they did not feel disposed to leave tho honors with us any lougor than could bo helped, and Tresidder’s challenge, was tho result. A\ r ebb promptly accepted, and arrangements were soon made for another contest, with the championship at stake. On this occcasion it is satisfactory to know that there was no hitch to mar a thoroughly conclusive trial. Tresidder received all possihlo consideration during his stay iu AVanganui, -and having every facility for training, attained a physical condition that made his friends confident of success. AYobb’s supporters, on tho other hand, were not by any means disposed to underrate tho chances of the man who had defeated Towns. They would not admit tho possibility of defeat, and the result fully justified their confidence. According to the description of the race, tho New Zealander assumed the lead early in the contest, and was never headed, winning in a manner that left not the slightest doubt as to his superiority, which fully confirmed the views of those who have for some time looked upon him as a genuine world-beater. A significant feature of the present position ill the boating world is that the only athlete who seems at all likely to secure backing in a match against AA 7 ebb is another New Zealander, Richard Arnst, who relinquished a remarkably successful career on tho cycling path a twelve-mouth ago iu

favor of rowing, and iu tho brief period referred to ban made such rumnrkablo progress that lie is already being treated seriously as a Candida to for championship honors. Truly Maoriland has ovory right to bo proud of her athletes.