DISAFFECTED BOXERS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 91, 17 April 1913, Page 7

DISAFFECTED BOXERS.

;'§..•''. _ NOKTHERN ASSOCIATION I i&kS i'-'CKECtCISE'D.".'. i ■-':.';>:%: \ . ■ .•:■■•:-■.■■■'' JJNEW AUGKIAND';BODY FORMED. i It'"haß- been 1 -apparent for some time , Ipast that a feeliug of dissatisfaction cxl isted- among bbxors- and- trainers in Auck- ' land concerning- the manner in, which the j affairs; of the Northern- Boxing Association ; have been conducted; A- meeting was ' called for last night- at the Trades Hall, \ and although- neither much notice nor . publicity Was-given; there was an attend- ' -ahe'e of about forty keen enthusiasts,.comj .prising both amateur and professional* boxers and trainers. A representative of -the "Star" put in an appearance, but he . !was informed quite courteously that in v the' interests of the sport it was felt that ! too much publicity would not be wise. . The' pressman consequently withdrew. I ; From statements obtained after the , meeting it transpired that the proceed- . ings were of a lively nature. Criticisms . of the methods of the association were freely indulged in, and a course which practically amounted to an ultimatum was decided upon. Some of the amateurs claimed that tlieir services had been made use of to buildup a good credit balance . which had been spent in arranging un- , profitable matches with imported men. , They also stated that the finances of the association were not as substantial as . might be wished,- and contended that if 1 matters were allowed to continue as they ■ had been, little or nothing would be done , for' the local boxers. Specific cases were stated in which alleged injustices- had been done to amateurs, and strong claims . were made for association reform. Another sore point with those present ' was the fact that the voting privileges of the association were confined to fifty . standing members, while the many other boxers and followers who paid their J guinea subscription each year were allowed. do voice in tho control of its affairs. A wider franchise was advocated. Again, some allegations were made of laxity on the part of those whose ■ duty it was to see that only fit and proper men were allowed to enter the ring. The fear was expressed that if greater care was not exercised in that respect a falling off in patronage would result. Eventually it was unanimously decided to form a body to be called the Auckland Boxers and Trainers' Association, whose objects would be to watch the welfare of those interested in the sport. A committee of fourteen was . elected, with a sub-committee of five to draw up rules and regulations for submission to a. meeting iater on. Mr. M'Govern was elected secretary. A deputation, consisting of Messrs. M'Govern, Holt, and George Davies, was appointed to wait upon the committee of the Northern Boxing Association, with a view to suggesting the reforms indicated, the hope being expressed that the.latter body would see its way to comply before its annual meeting, ■ Which is to be held towards the end of > the present month. The deputation was . requested to lay special emphasis upon the suggested widening of the voting franchise. It was unanimously agreed that in the event of compliance, the objects of the new body should be ■ directed towards aiding the work of the 1 Association in every way possible.