AQUATICS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2955, 2 November 1910, Page 63

AQUATICS.

On hie return to England Ernest Barry was interviewed by the Sporting Life, and hia views <srx the race on the Zambesi and of Arnst's superiority differ from those of eomo of the ohampion's best supporters. He said: "It was just a question as to whether Arnst or myself should give in. I had spurted to the best of my ability, and could just see tho end of Arnst's -boat, when I was unable to pull another stroke. I experienced greet difficulty with ray breathing, and my mouth was as dry as dust. Arnst just managed to paddle home, and he was very queer for three days afterwards. He told me that he was practically giving up, and could I have but continued with my 6purt a few more yards I have no hesitation in saying that I should have won. I should iiko you to publish this report, so that your numerous leaders can get a better and fairer idea of the contest." "Did you go to'the post fit and well?" "I was as fit as tho conditions and food would allow mo to iget, but I was really not myself all the time. I rowed better during the first Week after .my arrival than at any other time. Tho food, of course, was not like what I had been accustomed to, and I think we had vegetables on two occasions only throughout the five weeks. Of course, we had the best food that could be obtained, but it was not good enough for training purposes." "A strong head wind was blowing the full length of tho course—which was only 3i miles, owing to a quarter of a mile being knocked off by mutual consent in order to get a proper angle fox starting. We had no stake boats, and acted as our own Rasters. I merely said, 'Are you ready, Dick?' and upon, (receiving his reply off wo went. The water was rather rough,, and it was like Towing for three miles from Craven Steps to Putney Bridge with the wind against you all the way. It was like rowing against a brick wall." "What made you so confident of success?" "I was confident until I started doinir really hard work, and then I discovered that my breathing was not of the best." "Would you like another race with Arnst?" "Yes, I certainly should : but net on the Zambesi. I am willing to meet him in the Thames, and to put my share of the recent contest (£250) towards providing tho necessary funds." "Do you really think you would stand a better chance on the Thames?" "A much better chance. You see, where I was handicapped on the Zambesi was that I could not, for some reason or other, spurt. When I rowed George Towns from Putney to Mortlako for the English chaupichahip I was able to spurt and fetch anything back that Towns was gaining. Three or four times I did that on the Thames, and had I been able to do tho same thing against Arnst I should have won." "Is there an<v likelihood of Arnst coming to England?" _ "Yes, I think so. Wc discussed the ouestion of a match on the Thames, and Arnst expressed his willingness to come over in the early part of next vear if I am able to secure the necessary financial backing. I should not bo surprised if Arnst came without receiving 'money for expenses, for he is a real good sport, and not the 'money-grabber' which some oeople irnatrine. I think ho might come to have a look at En eland." "What is vour opinion Of Arnst?" "As a sculler he is very powerful, and also clevor. I think ha would bo equally as well at homo on tidal wator as other rivers. He is a very nice follow to know, and I am certain if he ever does come to England he will be most- popular witn everybodv whose pleasure it will be to make his accuaintance. Thero is absolutely no 'side' about him, and whatever happens lie takes as a matter of course-. ' "Bossy" Phelps, Barry's trainer, and Dan Corderry. the assistant, had verv little to pay concerning the race. "Bossy" was most favourably impressed with Arnst. "He is a fair slasher," said the well-known, trainor, "and I repard him as George Bubear the pc-eond, only 2st heavier." Both "Bossy" and Dan Corderry spoke in nattering terms of Arcst, and they, too. commented upon the absence of "side" and described him as one of the most unassum injr fellows thev had ever met. He allowed notihinjr disturb the calmness of his ratur©r Even when the tent blew over and damaged his boat he merely observed, "Well, I don't suppose I shall get out today." Ho did not eet vexed when Sutherland, one of his helpers, who was also executinc a few journalistic commissions, pushed his shoulder through the canvas of th£ boat-

W. WEBB v. H. PEARCE. PALMERSTON N., October 29. A sculling match between W. Webb (Wanganui) and H. Pearce (Sydney) for £2OO a-eide has been arranged by the | Manavvatu Standard. If he loses, Pearce ] will be allowed £SO for expenses. If VVebb j loses, £4O expenses will be allowed him. - The 'winner also takes half the gate. The match will bo rowed on .the Wanganui River, probablv on Boxing Day. Mr George Seifert, of Palnaerston North, is backing Pearce. THE PARAMATTA HUNDRED. SYNEY, October 26. Arrangement are in progress for another Paxramatta Hundred. It is expected that all the leading scullers will participate in the event. . Fogwell won the All-comers' Handicap at Broadwater regatta, defeating G. Mat-te-xeon in the final by two lengths. .