THE RETURN OF WEBB.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 8896, 16 August 1907, Page 2

THE RETURN OF WEBB.

Ths Reception. Per Press Association. Wellington, August IS. William Webb was accorded a most enthusiastic reception at the down Hail at sla this afternoon. Parliament had risen half an hour earlier than usual to enable members to be present. A huge crowdaef people attended and the utmost enthusiasm was displayed, dim Mayor (Hon T. W. Hislop) extended to the champion sculler the hearty congratulations of Wellington and New Zealand generally. It was a pleasing feature, ho said, that the champion was tho son ot an old colonist who was highly respected at Lyttelton whore ho bad lived for 40 years. He hoped Webb would retain tho championship for many years and when advancing years caused him to surrender the honour it would bo to a Now Zealander. , , The Premier, Sir Joseph Ward, expressed tho great pleasure they all felt at having the champion scultor of the world in their midst. He congratulated Webb on his win, it was to the credit of tho umpire that one little incident which had occurred was nob allowed to stand in the way of tho result, while his opponent had generously acknowledged in tho snirit of a sportsman that the best man* had won. Sir Joseph agreed with-Webb that the next contest for championship should bo rowed on Wanganui River. He hoped Webb would long continue to hold tho chamNgata, M.H.R., congratulated Webb on behalf of the Maori race. Mr W. H. Field, M.H.E., also spoke. Webb was vociferously cheered when he rose to respond. Ho said that but for his trainer, Barnett, he probably would not have won. He also praised the sportsmanlike way in which Mr luck, ot Wanganui, came forward and provided the money which enabled the match to take place. , „ ~ , , After Messrs Tuck and Barnett had spoken, the audienco broke into renewed cheering, waved their hats, and sang “For bo’s a jolly good follow.’