WHO WILL BE THE CHAMPION?

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 19, Issue 99, 15 December 1908, Page 4

WHO WILL BE THE CHAMPION?

RACE FOB THE SCULLING . 'championship.

It is quite safe to say the race between Webb and Arnst, which is to take place to-day on the Wanganui River, dominates all other topics of conversation-Uiot r even excepting State pr Imperial politics—and many thousands of people will witness the great struggle; a large number of visitors 1 have arrived from Australia, and these are hacking their fancy for Arnst to a considerable extent. Their faith is based on the fact that Arnst is a much more powerful man than Webk-but with the exception of Beach none the champions of the past 80 years were above the average so far as sheer physical strength is concerned. , Stanbnry, whom Webb easily defeated, was an even mote powerful man than Arnst, and Tressidder, who also was beaten by Webb, was Arnst’s equal in strength and rather more skilful as an oarsman.

If one compares the times pat up by Webb and Arnst on the Parramatta there is little to choose between them, but it mbst be remembered that Arnst had been training and racing on the river for months, whilst the water was new to Webb. In his race against Towns Webb covered the first mile in 6min 40sec, the two miles in Ilmin 52sec, and the full distance in 20min 45sec. Arnst’s lime for the first mile was smin 41sec, two miles Ilmin 55sec, and full distance 20min 50sec. Since that time both men have vastly* improved, but while Arnst’s training seems to have resulted in abnormal physical strength, at the expense of skill, that of Webb has moulded him imo one of the most perfect and powerful scullers the World has ever seen. •

The race ought to be a splendid one, but is not easy to believe that Arnst has more than a sporting chance of becoming champion of the world.