THE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 9 December 1908, Page 5

THE WORLD'S CHAMPIONSHIP.

WEBB v. ARNST.

News of the doings of the world's champion sculler and his • doughty opponent is as scarce as it is dimcult to get. Columns could be written about the daily life at the respective camps, but it would be largely a repetition. There is no doubt both men are determined to go to 'the.starting point in the best possible form, and, judging by their present appearances, they will be pictures of manhood when they start on their memorable journey. The champion, with whom camp life evidently agrees, is doing splendidly. He looks a bigger man than when he rowed Tresidder. That he is bigger is of course obvious from the fact.that he is heavier; but it is not in that sense we refer to his growth. The muscles of his shoulders, arms, and legs are appreciably larger and firmer, and he presents the appearance of \ a perfect athlete. The same may be said of -Arnst. The famous cyclist is the picture of health, and he bears evidence of the careful training he is receiving. Arnst and his trainer are great believers in massage and oil, and there can be no doubt the big fellow has beneiitted by the treatment. Whatever may be thought of his sculling style there is no denying the fact that he is in fine physical condition. That he is possessed of endurance and determination is a proved fact, and as the champion is also the possessor of these qualities a fight to the bitter end may bo anticipated* In speaking of style it must be remembered that some of the giants in the sculling world —and the great Stanbury may be mentioned among them —did not possess what judges consider to be the proper style; yet their deeds speak for themselves. That being so, there is- no telling what Afnst may do, aided by his strength and pluck. It cannot be denied that Arnst gets his.boat through the water in a very convincing manner, though it is made to dip and roll more than would be the case were the sculler to bring science to play a bigger part. Webb, on the- other hand, in addition to being a powerful man, seems to have brought his style to that point of perfection where every ounce of strength is. utilised. He, his oars, and -his-boat work in unison, and the rhythm is 'delightful.

The heavy rain which fell on Monday morning kept the scullers indoors more than usual. AVebb went over two miles at a good swinging pace, but Arnst did not go out. In tho afternoon the champion covered the full course with Green. Fogwell did not go out with Arnst, who was paced by young Braithwaite. They only went over a mile, which was covered at a good bat. Braithwaite then returned up stream with Webb and Green. ■ Yesterday both men were out in the afternoon. Green . started about, six lengths ahead 6f Webb, and although he maintained a good pace the champion was alongside of him at the end of a mile ? and then both continued on to the 'two miles, after which they returned to camp. Th.c champion's style was more than. satisfying even to his most sanguine- admirers. ' « Arnst,. Fogwell, and .Braithwaite covered the full course, the challenger starting off at and maintaining for some distance an average of 28. He got through his task in great style, and is now in perfect condition.