BOXING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 206, 13 June 1931, Page 2

BOXING

CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING. ARRANGEMENTS FOR AUGUST. Arrangements in connection with the New Zealand amateur boxing championships which are to bet held at Ashburton in August were- furthered at a meeting of the executive of the Ashburton Boxing Association. The president, Mr H. I). Johnston (president- ol the New Zealand Boxing Association) presided. Mr G. Aldridge (secretary of the New Zealand Association) wa.-> present and was warmly welcomed to the meeting. Mr H. R. C. McElrea stated that with regard to, securing the support of the Advance Ashburton Association in connection with the championships, and said he was pleased to state that the Association seemed to be seized with the importance of the event, and had promised to assist in every way possible. A civic reception by the .Mayor had been arranged, and the Borough Council Chandlers would be at the disposal of the delegates for the annual conference. Jt was decided to send letters of thanks to the Advance Ashburton Association and the Mayor. With regard to the Association’s endeavour to obtain financial assistance from the Ashburton Rugby Union fot the championships, the secretary (air G. V. Purby) reported that the Union was quite sympathetic, but its constitution did not permit it to assise in the manner desired.

The chairman reported that the theatre could seat SdO patrons. The Accommodation Committee p’esented its report, showing that at the recognised hotels and boarding-houses accommodation could be found for 10-j persons. The question of the Mid-Canterbury championships was discussed, and the meeting was firmly of the opinion that they should he held. “They will serve as a dress rehearsal for the Now Zealand championships,” remarked Mr K. R. C. McElrea.

It was decided that the championships be held, and the date was chosen. Addressing the meeting, Mr Aldridge said it was a pleasure to meet the executive'. Many Associations had aimed at getting the New Zealand championships, but that great honour had been given to Ashburton. He strongly advocated fostering the amateur side of the sport. Some Associations staged professional fights to the detriment of amateur boxing. Mr Aldridge stated that at the end of the season a big effort was going to he made to get a team away to the Olympic Games at Los Angeles. The negotiations with Australia with a view to an interchange of visits had not so far proved successful. In South Africa, amateur boxing was now well established, and it was hoped in the near future to arrange visits. However. they could not send men horn New Zealand to Los Angeles and also to South Africa. The southern sports wished the Ashburton Association success, and it could rest assured of strong support from the south "hen the time came.

Mr Johnston explained that because ol the prevailing conditions the executive had not thought it wise to enter

tain, small shows, preferring 1o concentrate on making the Mid-Canter-bury and New Zealand championships successful fixtures. Mr Aldridge added that there were now 46 Associations affiliated to the New Zealand Association. Outside the four centres he did not think it wise to stage professional fights. He congratulated the Ashburton Association on what it had done to get the sport introduced into the schools. Mr McElrea said that some years ago the Association had conducted two sessions for boys and had held a tournament at the end of each session. The instructors had cost the Association £IOO.

The closing date for the receiving of entries for the New Zealand championships was fixed for July 20.