THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 937, 20 February 1908, Page 12

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

TRESIDDER V. WEBB. . (By a Wanganui Correspondent.) On Thursday next the great sculling race between Richard Tresidder, ,of Newcast.e, N.S.W., and Wm. Webb, Of Wanganui, for £5OO a-side and the championship of the world, will be rowed on the Wanganui River. It will be the first time that a race for the title mentioned has taken place in New Zealand waters, and hence the event will be an epoch-marking one in the history of sport in the Dominion. How Webb defeated Stanbury, and then, to the great surprise of the Australians, wrested the championship from Charlie Towns on the Parramatta River, are matters of history. Then came the challenge from Dick Tresidder, who on Tuesday will make an effort to regain the title for Australia, and to say that the contest is being looked forward to with tremendous interest, not only in this district, but throughout the Dominion, Is only to state a truth. So far as Wanganui is concerned, the excitement has been simmering for some weeks past, and is now approaching fever heat. Already there are a large number of visitors in town, including several from Australia, and by the end of this week there will, be little or no accommodation left for those who are coming on Monday and Tuesday. It is confidently anticipated that the crowd which will be here for the race will be by far the largest ever seen in the town. So far as the scullers are concerned, it may be stated that they are, at the time of writing, in excellent health and spirits, and their condition reflects the greatest . credit, on their . respective trainers. Tresidder has been doing splendid work on the river during the last week or so, and he and his party , are very confident. They declare that Dick is fitter than he ever previously was, and as to his rowing—well, they think it is better than ever. He is down to somewhere near his proper rowing weight, and looks to be in the. pink of condition, that is, allowing for his age, 37. That he will row a hard, plucky race is certain, but. it will be a big surprise to local critics if he leads Webb home unless some accident happens. The champion is a picture—a perfect ball of muscle—and all going well in the interim should step into his boat fit to race for a kingdom. His rowing has improved, of that there can be no doubt. He has put into practice some hints given him by Jim Stanbury and Chris. Neilsen, and Australian visitors, who saw him out on Sunday, declare that he is a different man altogether to what they saw on the Parramatta. “He knows how to scull now,” said one, “but he had a lot to learn when he met Charlie Towns.” They express amazement at the improvement, and it is evident from their remarks that they regard Dick Tresidder’s chance of becoming champion as very remote. My own opinion is that Webb is capable of hopping off in front on Tuesday and leading Tresidder all the way, though the Australian may 'be depended upon to row a game race and keep the champion moving right to the post. Ido not think, however, that there is much doubt about the result, bar accidents, as I am confident WEBB WILL WIN.

Providing Webb wins, the next race for the title will be between Arnst and the Wanganui man, and this should be one of the most exciting contests which have ever taken place for the championship. The Australians all have a very high opinion of Arnst, and declare that he is the com ing man.