A NATIONAL HONOUR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3769, 10 August 1907, Page 3

A NATIONAL HONOUR.

Proposed Now Zealand Testimonial to William Webb. We have been asked to publish the following letter by the Mayor of Wanganui:— To the Citizens of Foxton. Ladiks and Gentlemen, — As you are doubtless awa-e, the distinguished honour ot the World’s Championship for Sculling has been won for the first time in history by a New' Zealand oarsman, William Webb, of Wanganui. The citizens of Wanganui feel, as I doubt not you yourselves feel, that this achievement is one of national importance and worthy of recognition by New Zealanders everywhere. At a largely attended public meeting held in Wanganui, it was decided to make an appeal to the whole Colony for subscriptions towards this end. It was decided that the testimonial should take a substantial and useful form, preferably in the shape of a freehold residence, and nearly was immediately subscribed by those attending the meeting. I take the liberty of appealing to you as fellow Colonists of the Champion and participants in whatever Colonial benefit accrues from his notable achievement in the realm of Sport, to join with us in making this movement the success it deserves to be. Subscription lists have been sent to this paper, and the proprietor has kindly consented to receive, acknowledge, and forward subscriptions. In addition to this, I should esteem it a favour extended to the burgesses of Wanganui if the officers of your local Athletic bodies, football clubs, etc., would enter into the movement and organise something in the way of a special canvas amongst their members.

It is desired to make the testimonial of a thoroughly representative character, and in order that no one should be debarred from participating, the amount of the donation is left entirely to the discretion of subscribers ; and the working man’s modest shilling will be acceptable as the larger amounts subscribed by those in more affluent circumstances.

May we hope that a generous response from your town will be the result of what we believe to be a thoroughly justified appeal.

Yours faithfully, C. E. MACKAY, Mayor of Wanganui. P.S. —All lists are to be closed on the 25th August.