SCULLING.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXII, Issue 12437, 9 April 1908, Page 2

SCULLING.

BY "VICTOR."

In connection with George Whelch's determination to enter the ranks of the professional scullers, the following letter has been published in the Weekly Press from Mr Martin G. Daly, of-Akaroa: — "Some months ago R. Arnst wrote inquiring if he could get a match on with Ofeorge' Whelch, but as Whelch had made up his mind not to enter the professional ranks until after the amateur championship regatta was over, nothing came of it. However, on March 2nd I wrote to Arnst 'care of Tuck, Wanganui,' asking him if he still wished to make a match with Whelch, to take place at Akaroa, say, on or about Easter. So far I have received no reply. I should be glad if you would give publicity to the fact that Whelch is now willing and anxious to make a match with anyone in New Zealand or Australia, the race to be rowed at Akaroa. lam prepared to find the necessary money, and \\ helch will row for any amount, and any diotance. It is Whelch's intention to challenge Webb in due course/ It is quite probable that Arnst (who has been travelling about a lot lately) never received the letter written to him by Mr Daly on, the 2nd Marafc*-otherwise Dick would no doubt have TOplied. There does not appear to have been anything definite arranged in regard to the proposed match between Harry Pearce and Arnst, and maybe the latter will be willing to accept Whelch's challenge. In any case Arnst would probably insist on having about three months to train, as he has done no rowing for some months past. With regard to the statement that Whelch will challenge Webb in dufe course, the latter and Arnst must meet first, unless something unforeseen happens. If Arnst takes on Pearce and Whelch in the meantime, and either of the pair should beat him, it may bo that he will not be able to get a maxch with Webb, but at present he has the first claim for a race with the champion . Something definite should be heard from Arnst very shortly in reference to Whelch's challenge, and if these pair arrange a match the contest will create a lot of interest, and the winner will have a deal of backing against Webb,

U.B.C. "FERRY" HANDICAP^ SCULLS.

The semi-final heat for the trophy presented to the U.B.C. by Mr "Tom" Ferry was rowed last evening, between D. Corby (scratch), and R. H. Allen (12sec). There, was a strong tide with the rowers, and the water was favourable, being like a mill pond. Allen took full advantage of his long start, being between 40 and 50 yards I on his journey before the scratch man got the word "Go." Corby settled down to Ms task determinedly, and gradually began to make up his leeway, reducing the gap to less than three lengths at the half distance. Allen, however, was still going well, and making big efforts to maintain his advantage. Corby continued to gain on the leader, but notwithstanding that ho kept going remarkably well, he was still a length away 50 yards from the post. \V ith a splendid final sprint the scratch man shot up to within half a length as the post was reached, Allen thus winning a well-contested race. The winner rowed well throughout, keeping going right to the finish, whilst Corby's performance in getting so close to his opponent was a sterling one.