BOXING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 167, 18 July 1927, Page 14

BOXING.

N.Z. AMATEUR UNION.

MINISTER REFUSES RECOGNITION

PARLIAMENT TO BE PETITIONED

It was announced at the first annual meeting of the New Zealand Amateur Boxing Union, the rival organisation to the New Zealand Boxing Association, held at Timaru, that the Minister of Internal Affairs had refused to grant Ministerial recognition to amateur clubs under their jurisdiction, and it was decided to petition Parliament on the matter.

The following delegates were present at the meeting: Col. Strong, and Messrs. J. F. Wilson, T. A. Brown, H. L. Humphreys, and J. Metcalf (Dunedin), E. J. le Cren, H. A. Innes-Jones and R. Stewart (Timaru), A. R. "Kirk, J. D. Baybutt and W. J. Heslehurst (Christchurch), and Mr. W. G. Atack (hon. sec.)

The annual report made special mention of the fact that the union had been formed as the result of a mail vote taken by the Australian Amateur Union. That vote had been unanimous that the State Unions favoured a body in New Zealand which would promote amateur boxing only. A recent communication had been received from the Australian Union stating that a conference of State Unions would be held in Sydney on September 28, and that at that conference it would be decided whether the Australian Union would support the New Zealand Association, which permitted the promotion of professional fights, or the New Zealand Union, which was purely an amateur body.

In a lengthy discussion the opinion was unanimous that, as the New Zealand Amateur Union had been formed on receipt of information that the Australian Union would recognise only an amateur body, the decision of the Australian Union was difficult to understand.

At the request of the meeting the secretary read correspondence which had passed between the two bodies.

Mr. J. F. Wilson moved: "That this conference of delegates expresses surprise and regret that the Australian Amateur Boxing and Wrestling Union should have delayed its oflicial recognition of the New Zealand Amateur Boxing Union, in view of the fact that the latter body was formed after a definite promise from the Australian Union that official recognition would be granted immediately after the New Zealand amateur body came into existence." In moving his resolution, Mr. Wilson outlined the objects of the New Zealand Union. These were, the control of amateur boxing by an amateur organisation, and the right of amateurs to control their own branch of the sport. The great progress that had been made by those interested in amateurism was shown by the activities of the opposition.

The motion was carried unanimously,

The secretary read a letter from the Minister of Internal Affairs in reply to % letter sent by the executive of the union, asking for Ministerial recognition of amateur boxing clubs. The Minister wrote refusing to grant recognition.

The secretary suggested that further action, if any, should be left in the hands of the incoming executive. Mr. Brown urged that action should be taken in the direction of a petition to Parliament for recognition of amateur clubs. This was supported by Mr. Humphreys, who mentioned the strong feeling that existed in Dunedin with respect to amateurs being allowed to control their own branch of the sport. It was decided that the incoming executive should be authorised to pare a petition and circulate it amongst amateur clubs. °

Officers Elected. The following officers were elected: Patron, Sir Charles Stathani, M.P.; president, Mr. J. Scott (Dunedin); vicepresidents, the Hon. Sir K. Heaton Rhodes (Christchurcli), the Hon. Mr. Rolleston (Timaru), Messrs. T. K. Sidev M.P., H. L. Tapley, M.P., J. P. Wilson, and E. R. Macassey, Dr. Benham and Colonel Strong (Dunedin), Captain D. Hunter (Auckland), Messrs. F. A. De la Mare (Hamilton), T. D. Burnett, M.P (Temuka), E. J. le Cren, G. R, M. and H. A. Innes-Jones (Timaru), J. h! Anderson (Winchester), G. W. Forbes M.P., D. G. Sullivan, M.P., A. E. W. G. Atack, and C. S. McCully (Christchurch).

Mr. J. D. Baybutt said that when the union had been formed it had been decided that the headquarters for the year should be at Christchurcli. Those who had been identified with the work of the Christchurch executive considered it would be to the best interests of the movement if the headquarters were transferred to Dunedin. It was hoped that the Dunedin delegates would agree to the change. He moved that the headquarters of the union be transferred to Dunedin.

The other Christchurch delegates spoke in favour of the transfer, and the motion was carried. It was decided that the executive should consist of the patron, the president, and the Dunedin vice-presidents, and that they should have power to add to their number. Mr. H. L. Humphreys agreed to accept the position of hon. secretary. Members paid a tribute to the work done by the secretary, Mr. W. G. Atack, and, on the motion of Mr. W. J. Heslehurst, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded him. , "plying, Mr. Atack said that when ♦ Was form e<l he had consented to fill the position for the first year. It appeared to him that matters had progressed to the point where, before Ion", SVv wf® WOuld secure the Position to which they were justly entitled. It L* qUestion of staking it out. The public were beginning to realise how unfairly supporters of amateurism were being treated, and before long there was sure to be strong feeling against the existing conditions. The transfer of the headquarters to Dunedin would be of enormous benefit to the movement