THE WEBB TESTIMONIAL.

Observer, Volume XXVII, Issue 48, 17 August 1907, Page 3

THE WEBB TESTIMONIAL.

An Extraordinary Proposal

IT is right and proper that we should encourage sport, and it is also right that we should view with complacency the fact that this s-mall colony has proved her supremacy in many branches of sport. But it is certainly not desirable that we should allow our feelings of exultation over the fact that the representatives of New Zealand have won a football maich, or a sculling championship, or a tennis tournament, to betray us into extravagance in either words or deeds. In winning the championship of the world in sculling against To • np, Webb, of Wanganui, has certainly done a deed of which both he and the people of this colony may well feel proud. But when it comes to proposing — as the people of Wanganui apparently propose — to raise a national testimonial on his behalf, it is clear that enthusiasm has resolved itself into bathos.

When the victorious " All Blacks " returned from showing the effete denizens of the Old Country how to play football, the most extravagant proposals were put forward from all quarters as to the best way in which to perpetuate the memory of their glorious deeds. One enthusiastic gentleman even went so far as to propose that a statue should be erected in honour of the occasion. Of course it stands to reason that nothing of the sort was done. Public opinion is very easily aroused, and it is equally easily suppressed. But that such proposals were put forward 'in all seriousness proves that enthusiasm over sport is apt to run riot. In Webb's case, the apparent opinion among Wanganui people is that he should be presented with a testimonial in the shape of a house and section of land, which should be paid for by public subscription—subscriptions given not only by the Wanganui people, but by people all over the colony. Subscription lists

have been sent out broadcast by the Mayor of Wanganui, therefore, it is plain that this testimonial is supposed to be a national one.'

Either the people of Wanganui are humorists of the first water, or else they are suffering from the diseaee known as " swelled head " in its most virulent form. We do not think that they are humorous. No respectable person in this colony would dare to be anything but serious on the subject of sport, and there is no reason to believe that the Wanganui people are other than respectable. Therefore, the only other conclusion to be drawn is that their heads are somewhat larger than the average human head has any right to be. If we are to present a national testimonial to Webb, then it is only a matter of justice that all who have contributed to New Zealand's supremacy in the world of sport should be similarly honoured. Let us, for instance, present houses and sections and other trifles of that kind to all the members df the late " All Black " football team. Certainly, it might come expensive, but what of that?

Seriously, however, it seems absurd that a community which has not put itself to any trouble to perpetuate the memory of a man like the late Premier should talk about presenting a national testimonial to Webb simply because he has won a sculling match. This affair has its serious as well as its humorous side. It proves tbat our hopes and aspirations as a nation are being rapidly bound up in considerations of sport. We aspire to call this country the Dominion of New Zealand. Would it not be more consistent to dub it the Dominion of Sport? Webb may be a very estimable gentleman in every way, but there is no reason to suppose that his accession to tbe title of champion sculler of the world will confer any very great benefit on the colony. National testimonials or memorials are all very well in their right place, but to present a national testimonial to Webb would be the height of absurdity.

If tie Government or people of this country have any surplus money to spend, there are hundreds of deserving objects upon which they could lavish it. The Seddon memorials languish for want of funds. The late Premier was a man who "wrought the people lasting pood," but he was not the champion sculler of the world, nor was he a member of the " All Black " football team. Had he been so, probably no memorial would have been magnificent enough for him. It is possible that these extravagant proposals with reference to Webb may not materialise. Anyway, if they are to do so, it would be wi*e for the promoters to lose no time in gathering in the cash. Public memory is a fickle thing. But we believe that when the feelings of the Wanganui people come down again to their normal position, better counsels will prevail, and that no more will be heard of this absurd idea to present Webb with a national testimonial.