SCULLING

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2536, 24 June 1909, Page 3

SCULLING

PAYING OVER THE STAKES. A PRESENTATION TO WEBB—INSTITUTED BY ARNST. (Per Press Association.) t 7 WANGANUI, June 23. The ceremony of paying over tlio stakes in connection with the scuffing championship took place this evening* when over 200 sporting enthusiasts,'including visitors from various parts oi the Dominion ancl Australia, attended . ■■ ■■■ 1 ■

as guests of the champion. Mr. Coombes, editor of tho Sydney “Referee,” was in the chair The proceedings wore very enthusiastic. During the evening Webb was presented with a purse ol sovereigns, the presentation bein-v instituted by Arnst in appreciation of Webb’s fine performance. Arnst stated that nothing definite had been arranged with Durnan nor Barry. -

THE CHAMPIONSHIP RACE—A “STRAIGHT GO.”

In .some anticipatory remarks concerning the contest, “Nemo” wrote in. the Wanganui “Chronicle” of Saturday as follows: —“I now come to a matter which I feel euro in the interest of all concerned requires comment. I refer to the “rumors” in connection with Tuesday’s race. Having a duty to Ferform in the interest of the scullers have no hesitation in stating that the stories that have gained currency are totally without foundation. That the race will be one of the cleanest and straightest in tho whole annals of the championship contests is beyond dispute. Yet, as stated, there are many uncharitable enough to hint that it will not he a race for honor and glory, but that baser motives are at stake. One has only to think of the. bearing the! result of Tuesday’s struggle will have on tho men’s future movements to realise that this race is fraught with more importance than any contest for tho titlo. At no previous time was such reward offered for victory. England, Canada, Australia, each have their champions, and each is after the coveted honor, and the champion of Tuesday next will be called upon to defend tho title against the chosen of theso countries. Tho possibilities are great, greater than any reward other than victory could possibly offer, and the vanquished of the 22nd inst. will be tho outcome, of one of the greatest and most legitimate struggles ever seen in a championship contest, and all those who witness the great race on Tuesday will undoubtedly bo satisfied that? it was “straight, aye straight to tho bitter end.”