SCULLING

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7019, 6 January 1910, Page 8

SCULLING

WANGANUI HANDICAP. SPECIAL TO TUB “TIMES. * WANGANUI, January 5. Tho weather promises to be fine for to-morrow, when the preliminary heats of the Wanganui sculling handicap will bo rowed. Though the event has not created the interest which was expected, the attendance will probably bo fairly good, while the racing should bo most interesting. The general opinion is that all the men have been brought well together by the handicappers. , . , . Arnst was out twice to-day in his own boat, and though he is heavier than when he met Webb in June last he is very well, and is sure to put up a great rae’e in his heat, th© first, in which ho will have to meet Felton, the young 14st man who won at Foxton. Th© champion will have to eoull well to win this heat, as, in addition to Felton, he will have to meet a good man in Syd. Xvomp. It should ]>e a most exciting battle, but Axnst should about win. In the second heat, Webb will have to meet two men, Mitchell and Dick Green, who are rowing right at the top of their form. Mitchell is one of .the most brilliant scullers on the river, but the question is, can he stay ? For some two years past he lias invariably been compelled to ease up in a race after going a mile at top, owing to his breathing organs affecting him, due to the fact that he has never got rid of a cold which settled on his lungs. There is no question as to his pace, and if able to maintain it to the end he should win his heat and the final. As it is, he may have to stop to-morrow after going a mile. Dick Green will row well, but if by any chance they are not able to keep going to the end Webb will catch them. ‘ This heat seems of possibilities, and there is no tolling what may happen. Notwithstanding that he is not at his best, Webb may get home,’ In till© third heat, Haguey has to meet three others, but he should win from Bob Green. Th© latter was rowing very well a fortnight ago, but has gone back a bit. George Sutherland, formerly champion cyclist, now of Nelson, has arrived here to witness the handicap. He says Nelson people would provide good prize-money for a handicap race at Nelson, providing Webb would compete. He says an excellent course is obtainable there, and he has no doubt such a race would be a big success, especially if arranged for February Ist, Anniversary Day.