PUBLIC WELCOME TO WEBB. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

Colonist, Volume XLIX, Issue 12015, 16 August 1907, Page 4

PUBLIC WELCOME TO WEBB. ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION.

Wellington, Auguat 15. William Webb was accorded a most enthusiastic reception at the Town Hall at 5.15 this afternoon. The Parliament had risen half an hour earlier than usual to enable the members to be present. A huge orowd of people attended, and the utmost enthusiasm was displayed. The Mayor of Wellington (Hon. T. W. Hislop) extended to the Chmpion sculler the hearty congratulations of Wellington and New Zealand generally. He said it was a pleasing leature 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 Cham* pionship for many years, and when advancing years caused him to surrender the honor, it would be to a New Zealaoder. The Premier (Sir Joseph G. Ward) expressed the great pleasuro they aii 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 nofc 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 foir thft Championship should be rowed on the Wangauui river. He hoped , that Webb would long continue .to hold the Championship. Mr O. T. Ngata, M.H.R., congratulated Webb op behalf of the Maori race. Mr.W." H. Field M.H.R., also spoke. Webb, wbo was vociferously cheered; when he rose to respond, said but iot-his trainer, Mr Barnett, he probably would not have won the race. He also praised tbe 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 Bar= nett had spoken, the audience broke into renewed cheering, waved theii hats, and sang lustily, "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow."