ROWIMG.

Otago Witness, Issue 2949, 21 September 1910, Page 62

ROWIMG.

ARNST-BARR Y RACE. STATEMENT JSY DR THACKER. HOBART, September 19. Dr Thacker, one of Arnst’s backers, is aboard the Tongariro. He stated that the Zambesi was in some places quite shallow, and then suddenly deep water was found. When it blew it was quite rough at certain bends.

On the day of the rare the waves were Viin high, and the contestants had a big head wind to row against. Both coin-

plained that after the first half-mile they had a burning feeling in the threat, probably due to excessive sweating and excessive glandular secretions. This probably slopped Barry at the end of the race. After 12 stroke*' Arns', was two lengths ahead, and he maintained his lead all the way. When within half a mile of home Barry seemed to hesitate ; then he pulled himself together and made a really surprising and magnificent spurt for about 30 or 40 strokes. Arn.st never

altered his stroke. It was a really good race, but Barry subsequently admitted that he had no idea that the man he was to meet had such skill and power. Dr Thacker added that he has practically completed arrangements for Arnst and Barry to row on the Thames in July next.

SYDNEY, September 19.

Harry Floyd, in a letter to the Sun describing the Arnst-Barry race, speaks rather disparagingly of Barry's rowing. Floyd says he swings back very .little I beyond the perpendicular, knifes his left j scull badly at the catch, rows with j straight arms and with his knees j together, and takes a short, stroke with no drive at the finish. Barry, winning the toss, chose what Arnst's supporters j considered to be the worst position. | Floyd says he never saw a man go so carelessly to the mark as Barry did. His boat was out of line and half a length behind Arnst's. The latter asked "Are you ready?" and to the surprise of all Barry dug his sculls in and away they , went. It was the tamest start of a big race that Floyd ever saw. Dick Arnst only j started at 50, and Barry at much about the same. Arnst rowed 27 the second minute, and was going away fast until at a quarter of a mile he" was three lengths ahead. Then it was simply the same all the way over the course. Barry never seemed to make an effort, while ■ Arnst was rowing pretty well in front jof him, sometimes down as low as 22 to the minute. He was four or five ! lengths ahead when within 25 yards of the finish. Then Barry suddenly stopped rowing and freely threw water over himself. He then continued on to the finish, backed up, and shook hands with Arnst, Thus ended one of the tamest races ever seen. ,