Rowing.

Southland Times, Issue 19508, 6 May 1922, Page 9

Rowing.

“The Clubman” writes in the New Zealand Sporting Review (Auckland) .Fames Paddon, the Australian oarsman, is now the acknowledged champion of the world, having easily accounted for Darey Hadfield (who had held the title for a brief period), on the Wanganui r.ver. Paddon’s record is an excellent one, and though the people of New Zealand and Wanganui in particular will be disappointed at the honours having gone from the Dominion, the defeat of Hadfield, who had proved a very popular sculler, was so decisive as to leave no doubt as to the superiority of his rival, who, being a clean good ejxjrtsman, deserves his success on sheer merit, and is likely to hold the title and prove able to defend it for some time. When Barry retired Paddon was regarded as the one man in right more capagarded as the one man in sight more capable than any other to represent Australia in order to try and won back the title for the colonies, but his chance did not. come until Tuesday last, when he proved equal to all demands, and led from start to finish, showing the better speed in a fast rowed race. Hadfield took his defeat as only a good sportsman can. Paddon won in convincing style, and Wanganui people and visitors from different parts of New Zealand acknowledged his prowess as a sculler and his good qualities as a man in no half-hearted manner ; indeed, both acullers met with an enthusiastic reception. So well was Paddon received that he will entertain the mott kindly feelings towards those who afforded him the opportunity of getting a race, but it could not be expected that he would entertain any such challenge as that put forward by P. Hannan to row for the championship in New Zealand waters. By every right he can stipulate that the next race must be in the state to which he belongs, and he has done so, naming the Richmond River, New South Wales. At the same time he has given Hannan a sporting chance of meeting him on the Wanganui River (where he won the championship title) for a good stake, or any other challenger who desires a race within the next few weeks. Hannan was so recently in good form that if his supporters care to accept Paddon’s offer the opportunity is theirs.

Since the foreg ing was penned, the £lOO deposited some time ago by Arnst to bind a match with the winner of the Paddon-Hadfield contest for the championship was covered by Mr Seifert, Paddon’s backer. The ex champion in his race with Hadfield was never in worse form, and it is hard to imagine how so heavy a man can get down to a rowing weight and show the necessary form. It is eight years since Paddon was beaten on the Thames by E. Barry (the long time champion), after a good race. He was then 27 years of age. Now, at 35 years, he has to be regarded as the best waterman afloat, until a rival comes on the scene capable of wresting the honours from him.