SCULLING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXI, Issue 12188, 8 June 1907, Page 5

SCULLING.

Till". WOKI D'S CHAMPIONSHIP. C. TOWNS \. W. WEBB. B\ "\ ictor. '•■

On Thursday next \\ . Webb will tak« his clepartuie fiom Wanganui on purpose to catch the Mahcno. leaving Wellington on the Iriday, direct tor Syclne} . The 1 New Zealand champion will thu 1 - hare about six weeks on the other side prior to the match with Charlie Towns which takes place on Saturday, the 3rd August. Webb will be accompanied by J. D. Barnett, his trainer, on whom Webb's condition reflects great credit, and who may be depended upon to leave no stone unturned to send Webb to the post as fit as the proverbial fiddle. No doubt Webb will endeavour to arrange with somef of the first-class scullers over there to row with him on the Parramatta or wherever he trains. This is essential if the New Zcalander is to be at his best on the day, as it will be the only way by which Webb can really hope to increase his pace. As to his sta> ing power there is no room to doubt, what he needs is more brilliancy, which will come with practice with other brilliant scullers. I understand that the Union Boat Club intend holding their annual smoke concert and presentation of prizes on Wednesday evening next, and that the function will also take the form of a "sendoff" to Webb. No doubt the gathering: will be a most enthusiastic affair. I hold close upon £20, which sum has been subscribed by enthusiasts towards paying the cost of the new boat for Webb which is now bcinpr built for George Towns, and will be ready for the New Zeajandcr on his arrival. Webb will be in S\dney in time to see the Thoroughgood — Tresidcler match, which takes place on the 22nd, and the winner of which will — we hope — have to row in Wanjranui should he desire, as no doubt he will, to become champion of th© world. Mr "Tom" Ferry has kindly shown me a letter he has received from his son "Jack." who writes from Sydney under date May .10. Mr Ferry, junr., says he saw from a copy o.f the Herald that Webb would be leaving for Sydney shortly, and that in course of a conversation with Mr J. Blackma.n ("Trjdent," of the SydneyMail) the latter had advised him to urge Webb to get over as soon as possible, and.jret" used to the course. Mr Blackman thinks Charlie Towns the best sculler in the world, and reckons that "Webb has no earthly chance against him." "Jack" reminded Mr Blackman that he wah equally confident that Jim Stanbury would beat Webb. To this Mr Blackmail replied— "Yes. If Jim had been any good at the time he would have done so too, but I now know that any kid could have beaten him the day Webb did." The absurdity of this statement is so apparent that it calls for no comment, other than that the great Sydney authority should remember the advice he ftave to readers of his notes when he was commenting on the prospects of the Towns — Durnan match, and appealed to them "not to allow their patriotism to steel their judgment." Needless to say Jack Ferry is anxious" to see Webb beat Towns, and says that his opinion is that the Wanganui man is a much better sculler than the Sydney critics give him credit for being. He thinks that bar accident Webb will win. He adds "they estimate Charlie Towns very highly, but he has yet to prove himself, for he has never won the championship up to now. It was given to him. In any case there will be a big pile of money on the race." Jack sends along- some very sound advice for Webb in the course ot which he strongly urges him to study the course for all he is worth, and make his -steering perfect. This bears out the advice which Jim Stanbury sent to \Vebb in the course of a letter I received some time ago. . By the way. I notice that from the letter head bill, on which is an illustration of his business premises (536, Parramatta Road) that Jack Ferry is now a merchant tailor.