SCULLING.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12245, 19 June 1909, Page 4

SCULLING.

THE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP.

BY "NEMO."

The champion was out yesterday morning looking fresh, and appearing w capital nick. Prior to entering his boat Arnst was.weighed, turning the scales at 13.2, or just one pound less than his rowing we:ght in his last race. Arnst is sending as well, in fact, better tlian he was in December, and appears very confident of his chances against Webb. Although a strong current was running over the championship course yesterday morning, the champion and logwoll pulled up to the starting point a_nd then came down stream at a ding dong pare. The pair were "putting them m," and aided by the fast tide got over their work in a very convincing manner. There is no doubt about it Arnst is sculling xrell, and if he repeats this form on Tuesday next, then win ■■or lose, his supporters must feel proud of him.

The ex-champion. was afloat yesterday looking ia perfect-trim. His chest and shoulders are geen to great advantage, since he altered, his style, and unquestionably he is rowing with more dash and vim than he has shown for some time. His catch is remarkably neat and effective, and there appears to be more power behind his strokes than of yore. Green and Wheleh are both very confident of Webb's chances, and feel certain their charge will go to the post as well as ever he was, fit and ready to answer every call made on his powers on the 22nd hist.

I now come, to a: matter which I feel sure in the interest of all concerned requires comment. I refer to the "rumours' 5 in connection with Tue:day's race. Having a duty to perform in the interest of the scullers I have no hesitation in stating that the stories that •have gained currency are totally without foundation. That the race will W one of the cleanest and straightest in the whole annals of championship contests is beyond dispute. Yet, as stated, there are many uncharitable enough > t.> hint that it will not be a race'for \honour and glory but that' baser motives are at stake. One has only to think of the bearing the' result pf Tuesday's struggle will have on the men's future movements to; realise that this race is fraught with' more importance than any contest for the title. AH no previous time was such reward offered for victory. England, Canada, Australia, each have their champions, and each is, after the cpveted honour, and the champion of Tuesday ne-vt will b:> called upon to defend ttie title against the chosen of these countries. The possibilities are "great, greater than any reward other than victory could possibly offer, and the vanquished of the 22nd inst. will be the outcome of one of the greatest an 3 most legitimate sruggles ever eeenjn a championship contest, and all iJiasewho witness ,the> great race on Tuesday will undoubtedly be satisfied that it was "straight? aye y straight t:> the bitter end."