THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13235, 21 July 1906, Page 6

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP

ARNST ENTERS THE LISTS.

Considerable surprise was experienced in local cycling circles yesterday (says the 3yd J j' ney Morning Herald of July 12) when it was. known that R. Arnst, the burly New Zea»l lander, who won the last Sydney Thousand, had arrived in Sydney. Many cyclists trailing for the coming 50 miles State champion-:! ship received a mild, shock at the news, as the Maorilander placed,tho championship to,, his credit last year. However, ho has not come amongst us to take part in cycling contests. He says he . will not race on the track or road acain. In his own words, he. said: —"I am here now as. a sculler. My' visit will bo one of 12 months at least; ami I will be under the care of George Towns, who will coach me throughout." Asked whyhe had taken up this new lino of sport, the". New Zealander smiled in his characteristic;' manner. "Oh, I'm not here on my own.' account. A syndicate, who fancy my strength and endurance, think that I have in me the makings of a world's champion I sculler. They tried me in Christckurch, and' I evidently opened their eyes, and now I am to have 12 months' tuition before challenging the world's champion." Asked if he thought he would turn out a success, the New Zealander promptly, answered in the affirmative. "Yes," he remarked, thoughtfully, "I meanto gain my sculling championship, just as I won my Sydney Thousand." If pluck, exceptional endurance, and, strength count for anything in sculling, Arnst should make an impression. • ':

The syndicate who arc helping Arnst have shown their wisdom in placing their man where the art of sculling will be properly taught him. Almost every sculler admits that if George Towns is deficient in build and strength when compared with such famous world's champions as Beach, Searle, Renin, and others, he possesses a quality not excelled by those famous aquatio athletes, viz., a perfect, easy, and graceful handling of the oars, which he learnt, from Edward Hanlan. If Arnst can imitate Towns in style, and add to this quality his own strength and endurance, it will not be surprising if the famous cyclist should turn out equally renowned as a sculler as he has done as a cyclist.