WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 15714, 4 January 1922, Page 4

WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP.

SCULLING RACE ON WANGANUI RIVER, (Per Press Association ) . WANGANUI, this day.' The weather is delightfully fine; and has every prospect of continuing so for to-morrow'ti race for the worlds sculling championship. Arast and Hadfield both say they are very fit, and each man appears confident. Hadfield finished Tip his training, yesterday, with a. steady row over a couple of miles, and is resting to-day. Arast was out twice yesterday and again to-day, when he did a good row over the full course. He will have a short spin tomorrow morning.

Opinion appears to bo well divided as to the probable result. The improvement Hadfield has recently made, and his advantage in age, him many friends. Arnst. is in.great fettle, and should be capable of reproducing his old form so that a big race is expected. The race starts at 3.30 p.m.

AGE AND YOUTH IN CONFLICT.

A sculling authority stated to a representative of the N.Z. 'limes that he fully expected the challenger to win the contest on Thursday. When age and youth came together when Webb met Artist, he said, the verdict was in favor of youth. Arnst, he considers, is under a big handicap to have to undergo weight reducing in order to fit himself for the race; on the 'other hand, Hadfield has the advantage of being a dozen years his unior. Man for man, the authority quoted states that Hacb field is points the better of the two in the actual science of sculling, but lacks the force and physical power of the champion. . , Arnst.'s, supporters do not coincide with this view. That ho will make a break for the lead at the start, and endeavor to hold the strategic command of the. race is. tho burden of their comment. In this" manoeuvre he was strikingly successful in the race with | Pa-trick Hanrian on the Wairau in the writer, although Hannan on that occasion lost, a good deal of river way by faulty direction., An old sculling general thus expressed himself to a sporting writer in Wanganui who has been in close touch with the contestants in their training:

"ft is going to bo the case, of man for man. The man who is fittest and can hold his opponent luitil the last mile and then quicken up, and bring into action, all the reserve power, available for sprinting over the last section of the river to the winning post is the man who is going to cross the <■ line ■first."- The moral pointed out by. this non-committal - prophecy is that it is a case of age and professional experience represented by Dick Anist, against' a younger manhood, full of vitalising power, with good amateur experience, as represented by Darcy Hadfield. Wangaihii is reported to be filling with visitors, and-it. is expected that accommodation will be at a,* premium. The committee controlling the race havo been, given tho ' free r use ,of the paddocks and hill lands bordering the course- A charge is being made of 2s for adults and Is for children. There has already been a big demand for steamer tickets, Up to £2 each, to follow the race.