THE WEBB-PEARCE CONTEST.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 221, 30 December 1910, Page 7

THE WEBB-PEARCE CONTEST.

To the Editor. Sir,—As the work of filling in the Wanganui River will hardly have been commenced as yet, I should like to remark that it would be a' pity to destroy the fine course where not so very long ago Webb defended his title of champion of the world. If instead of kicking a man when he is down, "Moturoa" had discovered some means whereby perpetual youth was ensured, Webb might still be the hero that he once was. A man cannot do better than his best, and I for one think that every time Webb started in a race he was out to win; when he did win lie did not seek praise, but modestly returned to his work, and when lie lost he was the first to admit that he had met a better man. I don't deny that the people of Wanganui suffered most acutely from "swelled head" when Webb was the holder of the blue ribbon of the sculling world, and if any mud has to ; be thrown I should rather see it fly in that direction ■than at Webb. Perhaps a poultice, even of mud, would be beneficial in a case of swelled head, but I hardly think it is needed now, as the swelling went down considerably when Dick Arnst came along, and has most likely vanished altogether since Boxing Day. No, give Webb his due, he was a champion once if he is not one now; he was a sportsman once, which he is now, and always will be. In conclusion, I may say that the only reason I have for writing this is a iikirig for fair play.— I am, etc., AMATEUR.