Dick Arnst was a well-known successful cyclist early this century but it was in his second sporting career, as a single sculler, that he became nationally and internationally known.

Arnst took up rowing at the behest of wealthy backers of the world professional single sculls title and went to Sydney to be coached by George Towns, a former world champion.

After winning handicap races on the Parramatta River, he successfully challenged Billy Webb for the world title on the Whanganui River in 1908.

He defended it on Akaroa Harbour in 1910 and also withstood a challenge from Ernest Barry of England on the Zambesi River (with one of Arnst’s brothers preceding him on the course shooting away crocodiles).

Arnst lost the title to Barry on the Thames in 1912, but reclaimed it nine years later and finally lost it on the Whanganui River in 1922 to Darcy Hadfield.

Arnst then took up competitive shooting and shot with success in New Zealand, England and France.