SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 19 April 1922, Page 7

SCENES OF ENTHUSIASM.

There were scenes of enthusiasm in the vicinity of Chavannes Hotel at 5 o'clock, when the scullers returned to town, states the Chronicle. Speaking from the balcony, Sir Joseph Ward addressed a crowd of several thousands in the roadway. He said that Paddon had won a great race in a clean and masterful way. It was a fine tribute to the sporting instincts of the people of Wanganui to show* jßiich enthusiasm | when an Australian 'had wrested the I world's championship from a New Zeai lander. It showed that the race was I won in an honest way on its merits and in fair competition. The spirit that was shown would keep the name of i Wanganui pre-eminently before the^pub. I lie and in all parts of the world. Not I only were New Zealand and Australia ; united with blood ties, but there was also a sentiment between the two'countries. It was such contests that cement, ed the ties of cordiality and friendship of the people of the two countries, and jhe hoped that they would be welded more strongly as the years went on. Sir Joseph congratulated Paddon and the members of his party, and in conclusion paid a fine, tribute to the exchampion. On behalf of the executive of Hadfield's committee, Mr. L. Cohen' congratulated Paddon, and expressed the hope that the championship would be held "in this part of the world" for a long time to come. Paddon had a great welcome on coming forward to speak. He said that he was the proudest man in the world that day, and he returned his best thanks to the people of Wanganui for the way they had treated him. He had found Hadfield a gentleman and a sportsman. Hadfield also got a splendid reception from the big crowd. He congratulated Paddon, and said he was beaten fairly and squarely. He had no excuses to make, although he did not think that he rowed up to form. He thanked the people of Wanganui for the way they had supported him, and trusted that their next representative would have better luck. The -Prime Minister (Mr. W. F. Massey) said he was proud to be present j to congratulate both scullers for the I fine race they put up. He. had only ' come to Wanganui on an unofficial visit, but in view of the large gathering he . I had been persuaded to add a few words. I He heartily congratulated the winner, I > but believed that the time would come when New Zealand would produce an- j other champion. He also congratulated Hadfield on the fine record as a sculler that he had. It was satisfactory to know that if the championship was not held in New Zealand it would be held by a sister country. The Prime Minister had an enthusi- . astic reception and was cheered by the ■ big crowd.