A “Hall of Champions.”

A suggestion that a “Hall of Champions” should occupy a prominent place in the Centennial Exhibition is now being discussed by national associations controlling sport in New Zealand. It is felt, and with justification, that New Zealand's place in international sport should be given more publicity than has been done in the past. It is not until a review is made of the past performances of New Zealand sportsmen that the true value of our representatives is realised. From this small land have come such boxers as Billy Murphy and Bob Fitzsimmons, winners of four world boxing titles; Tom Heeney, gallant loser to Gene Tunney in a world heavyweight boxing championship and Ted Morgan, Olympic welterweight boxing champion. Rowing has produced Webb, Arnst and Hadfield—all world champions; track and field sport has produced Lovelock, Batger, Holder and Creamer, holders of world records, and Boot, Matthews, Savidan and Lay, holders of British Empire titles and British Empire records.

Although our Rugby mana has been slightly tarnished, we should not let the younger generation overlook the deeds of the 1905 and 1924 All Blacks—or the prowess of the 1888–89 Maori team, which toured Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand to play 106 games. Seventy-four of these matches were played in the United Kingdom during a period of six months! Included in this team were such players as the Warbrick brothers (five Warbricks in all!), the Wynwards (three of them!), Davy Gage (whose burial plot at Karori is kept in repair by the Poneke Rugby Football Club), Ihimaira (“The Smiler”), Tom Ellison, and the immortal Pat Keogh. Surely these names are worth revering? When the “Hall of Champions” is dismantled, the exhibits, which should include sports trophies won in international competition, could be housed at the National Museum and Art Gallery.