SCULLING

NZ Truth, Issue 978, 23 August 1924, Page 8

SCULLING

PADDON STILL CHAMPION;

Jim Paddon, the Evan's Head giant, had little trouble m defeating, AlfFelton when they, met on the Brisbane River last week m a race for the world's championship. The performances of the two men pointed to Paddon proving too good for Felton, but it was generally expected that the latter would put up a better fight than he appears to Have done. It has been' ciaimefl for Felton that he could row two miles as fast as any of the old champions, but he did not show any such wonderful pace m his race with Paddon. As a matter of fact, the rer suit was never m doubt once the men settled down, as Paddon took the lead after' going 100 yards, and that was the end of it. It is said on what appears to be most reliable authority that when training on the Wanganul River for his. race with parcy Hadfield, Jim; m a trial, rowed a mile against a slight current m time which would compare more than favorably .with anything ever done by even Harry Searle, who ie generally regarded as having : been the "daddy ,of the lot." Be this as it may, Paddon is unquestionably a brilliant sculler— much too good for any other man m the game to-day. He. is getting on m years, however, and it is reasonable to suppose that shortly he will begin to slip backwards. In the meantime, Paddon will, no doubt, welcome all the matches he can get, and he already has two more m sight. First of all. Major Goodsell, one ol: the best of the younger brigade m Australia, is to have a chance of winning the title from big /Jim. Goodsell is a clever sculler, and is credited with being very fast. It is expected that something definite Will' come to hand about this match m a few days. Goodsell desires to row on the Parramatta, and Paddon may be agreeable to that course, or may name, the Richmond River, as he is entitled to do. Probably the race will take place within five or six weeks, arid the winner will then, it is more than likely, be called upon to defend his title against an American challenger. . It is many years since an American tried to win the world's championship. Eddie Durnan, a Canadian, a nephew of the famous Edward Hanlon, visited Australia some 20 years ago In quest of the title, but had no chance against George Towns. The name of the likely American challenger has not been divulged, but it will' probably be found when the time comes that he is one of the crack amateurs. His admirers have offered to pay Jas. Paddon's expenses if the Australian will consent to go to America to row the match. If Jim still holds the championship after his race with Goodsell he may accept the offer, but the idea of the holder of the world's chnmpionship going outside of his own country to row for the title does not commend itself to rowing enthusiasts m Australia or New Zealand. Jim Stanbury was forcod to go to England to seek matches, for vthe reason that he could find no one In Australia game to tackle him. He beat Wag Harding on the Thames, but then Jake Gaudaur catno on the scene, caught Jim on the hop and took the title back to Canada. George Towns hnd much trouble m getting Gaudaur to risk his title, but eventually- succeeded, and Towns brought the championship back to Australia; How Webb won it for New Zealand and subsequently was beaten by Dick Arnst are matters of history. Arnst took the title away to Africa, where he rowed and defeated Barry on the Zambesi, but m a return match on the Thames the Englishman captured the championship from the' New Zealander. . It is no wonder, therefore, that Australians and New Zealanders do not like to see the championship being hawked about from one country to another by one of their representatives. The winner of the Paddon -Goodseii race may inform the American that he will have to make the trip toAußtralla If he Is really anxious for a race for the championship. This remains to be seen, but It is good to see that there i is every probability of at least two races for the world's supremacy taking place within the next few months.