THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 16 August 1907, Page 2

THE SCULLING CHAMPIONSHIP.

THE WELCOME TO WEBB. [United Press Association.' WELLINGTON, Thurs. William Webb was accorded a most enthusiastic reception at the Town Hall at 5.15 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 of Welling! to (Mr T. H'slop) extended to the champion sculler the hearty congratulations of Wellington and New Zealand generally:He said it _ was a pleasing feature that the champion was the son of an old colonists, who was highly respected at Lyttelton, where he had lived for 40 years. He hoped Webb would retain the championship for many years, and when advancing years caused him to surrender the honour, it would be to a New Zealander. The Premier (Sir J. G. Ward) expressed the great pleasure they all felt at having the champion sculler of the world in their midst. He congratulated Webb on his win. It was to the credit of the Empire that the one little incident which had occurred was not allowed to stand in the way of the result, which 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 that Webb would long continue to hold the championship. Mr 0. T. Ngata, M.H.R., congratulated Webb on behalf of the Maori race. Mr W. H. Field, M.H.R., also spoke. Webb, who was vociferously cheeredw when he rose to respond, said but for his trainer, Mr Barnett, he probably would not have won the race. He also praised the sportsmanlike way in which Mr Tuck, of Wanganui, had come 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, waved their hats, and san**! lustily, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow." WELLINGTON, FridayWebb, the Championship sculler, was entertained by the Ministry at Bellamy's last night. Speeches were made by Sir Joseph Ward, Mr Massey, Mr Lauvenson, and Mr Field.