ENTERTAINMENTS

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2622, 2 October 1909, Page 5

ENTERTAINMENTS

WEBB-ARNST PICTURES. The long-expected film of the great race for the championship of the world, between Richard Arrest and William Webb, was shown to a fairly large audience in His Majesty’s Theatre last night. What the audience lacked in numbers it made, up in enthusiasm, spontaneous bursts of applause greeting each phase of the great event as it was projected on the screen. His Worship the Mayor came on the stage after the interval, and Avas accompanied by Air. Arnst, Avhose appearance was the signal for an outburst of cheering, to which the world’s champion smilingly bowed his acknowledgements. Air. Lysnar said he had great pleasure in introducing Mr. Arnst to the audience as the champion sculler of the Avorld, aa'lio had been born and brought up in the Dominion. The champion Avas only a young man, 25 years of age, and with that youth on his side, they all might reasonably hope that for” many years he AA’ould retain the championship for the honor of himself and the Dominion. (Applause.) Air. Arnst. in introducing the film, said that, as most of the audience knew, the race Avas roAved in record time, 18min losec, or Imin 37sec faster than the previous best. As much of the credit of the record was due to Webb as to himself, as Webb pushed him very hard all through and only lost by a second or two. The picture, a beautiful film, was then shown. It depicts some of the training operations of the tAvo competitors. and also the great eroAvds leaving’ for the scone in motor boats and other craft on the day of the race. Webb, accompanied by his backers, is seen leaving home, the home presented to him by his Wanganui admirers, and the preparations of the scullers immediatelv prior to the great e\-ent are to be seen. From the starting point to the finish both scullers are clearly in view, and the interest of the picture is considerably added to bv the fact that the details” are all explained by Air. Arnst, as the race Each position of the men. first Webb and then Arnst leading, was clearly visible, and was watched by the audience with keen interest. A great round of applause greeted the final scene in the film, where the contestants are to be seen shaking hands in their boats just after Arnst has Avon, and Webb lost, the proud distinction of the world’s champion. Later in the evening Air. Arnst. attired in black singlet and long black trousers, came on to the stage again. amUthose of the audience avlio did not see him on the river on Thursday were enabled to obsori'e his magnificent muscular deA-elopment. Air Arnst gave a demonstration of deep exercises, expanding his chest to the extent of 12 inches. He also buckled a stout strap round his chest- contracted, and by gradual expansion he burst the strap.’ At- the conclusion of the performance Air. Arnst was loudly applauded. A number of other films, humorous, scenic, and dramatic, were also slioavii during the evening, and it was announced that, with tlje exception of the boat race film, an entirely new programme will be presented to-night and at the matinee this afternoon.