SPORTSMEN ALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 130, 4 June 1930, Page 8

SPORTSMEN ALL.

KING'S BIBTHBAY GATHER^.

SUPPER AT TOWN" HALL,

A pleasing function was heldMn £■'' Town Hall at the conclusion of ft night's boxing programme, when *,«? bers of the Boxing Association, wl with police officials, were entertaSß supper by representatives of the An* land City Council. The chair wax t„iby Mr. J. B. Paterson (chairman of T Parks Committee), who spoke of tt cordial relations which existed between the council and the association. He sured members of the association £l the Auckland City Council included a large proportion of good sportsmen and' the council as a. whole was desirous to do all it could for the furtherance of clean, manly sport. He extended heartv wishes for a successful season. ■

Superintendent Wbhlman also spoke in support of the toast of the Northern Boxing Association, stating that, the police found that the rules of the game were, closely adhered to at the association tournaments, the conduct of which was exceptionally good. Boxing was a fine sport, for it provided an outlet for the exuberance and energy of youth and taught lads to keep fit and to control their temper.

Mr. Geo. Bush, president, responding to the toast, said that the association controlled both amateur and professional sport, as one branch could not do without the other. He had recently interviewed the Mayor on the question of providing a new ring in the Town Hall which would provide better opportunities for members to witness tie contests, and he had been delighted with the courteous reception he had received. The cordial manner in which the councillors were meeting the association, and the painstaking efforts of the council' staff to assist the boxing officials had greatly impressed him. It was possible that at some later date the association might have to seek the co-operation of the council in regard to outdoor tournaments. '

The late president, Mr. E. A. Craig, touching on the subject of amateurs and professionals, said that with him amateurism always came first, but they could not do without the professionals. He was glad to add in this connection that the sport of boxing in New Zealand had just survived a critical period, through the conference that had been held in Wellington to consider the question of purses for professionals.

Other toasts were honoured, musical and other entertainment was provided, and speakers generally spoke in appreciation of the happy thought. which had inspired the councillors, to arrange the gathering.