THE CHAMPION SCULLER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8511, 16 August 1907, Page 5

THE CHAMPION SCULLER.

RECEIVED PUBLICLY IN

WELLINGTON

AN ENTHUSIASTIC FUNCTION.

By Telegraph—Press Association.

WELLINGTON, August 15

William Webb was accorded a most enthusiastic reception at the Town Hall, at 5.15 o'clock, this afternoon. Parliament had risen half-an-hour earlier than usual to enable members to be present. A huge crowd of people attended and the utmost enthusiasm was displayed. The Mayor (the Hon. T. W. Hislop) extended to the champion sculler the hearty congratulations of Wellington and of New Zealand generally. It was a pleasing feature that the champion was the son of an old colonist, who was highly respected at Lyttelton, where he had lived for forty years. He hoped Webb would retain the championship for many years, and when advancing years caused him to surrender the honor, it would be to a New Zealander.

The Premier (Sir Joseph Ward) expressed the great pleasure they all felt at having the champion sculler of the world in their midst He congratulate! Webb on his win. It was to the credit of the umpire that one little incident, which had occurred, was not allowed to stand in the way of the result, while his opponent had generously acknowledged in the spirit of a sportsman that the best man had won. Sir Joseph agreed with Webb that the next contest for the championship should be rowed on the Wanganui River. He hoped Webb would long continue to hold the championship. Mr A. T. Ngata, M.H.R., congratulated Webb on bahalf of the Maori race.

Mr W. H. Field, M.H.R., also spoke. Webb, was vociferously cheered when he rose to respond. He said but for his trainer, Barnett, he probably would not have won. He also praised the sportsmanlike way in which Mr Tuck, of Wanganui, came forward and provided the money which enabled the match to take place. After Messrs Tuck and Barnett had spoken the audience broke into renewed cheering, and waved their hats and s—- "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."