ROWDY BOXING PATRONS

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 59, 4 December 1923, Page 9

ROWDY BOXING PATRONS

« _ . jdVELY DOINGS IN AUCKLAND TOWN HALL BROKEN WINDOWS AND • 220 “EMPTIES” The conduct of the public attending the boxing matches in the Auckland Town Hall on AVednfesday evening, and the consequent damage to the city property were considered by the City Council on Thursday night in committee, and as a result it was decided that in future tho Town Hall should not be available to the Boxing Association or any kindred organisation. In explaining this action (states the ’‘Herald”) the Mayor said it was his desire that an even balance should be maintained, and that all sporting and other interests should have equal use of the city’s facilities. Following on a previous complaint the Northern Boxing Association hiad been warned that in the event of a repetition of the earlier disturbances the council would be compelled to review the position. On Wednesday evening he had been at Bi meeting of the Drainage Board in the Town Hall building, and the disturbance created by a hooligan element at the rear of the hall had been such that any further outbreaks of the kind could not be tolerated. On the following morning liis attention had been called to the state of the hall, and he found that windows had been broken, while the condition of the hall was such that a staff ot eight men was engaged all day putting the place in decent order. In addition to this the walls and decorations had been defaced, and although the work of renovation and decoration had just been completed,' it would be necessary to call the painters in again. As a further instance of the conduct of the , gathering, the cleaners had collected ’ 220 beer bottles left by the boxing natrons. . ... It was a matter for regret, added Mr. Gunson, that such a icene could take place in the city’s chief meeting place, which it was desired should create and maintain a sense of dignity. He moved that the resolution carried in committee be adopted, and tins was carried unanimously. 1 It was further reported by the Herald” that the noisy enthusiasm at the boxing contests was responsibleior disturbing the meeting of the Auckland and Suburban Drainage Board, held in the City Council Chambers. The volume tof sound which penetrated the room made it difficult for members voices to be heard distinctly. The chairman, Mr. J. H. Gunson, who appeared to he annoyed by the shouting, whistling, (clapping, and boo-ing from the main hall, asked members of the City Council present to note the fact'of tho disturbance.' i Mr. F. Ridgway writes from H.M.S. Chatham:—“Will you please allow mo to correct tho impression m local boxing circles which the report of the recent Trcntham contests have caused, 'flie Navy were asked to send three novices to box some Defence men, just for an evening’s ,sport. Seaman Taylor had the gloves on for the. first time in the Navy, and the other, two men stepped into the ring as novices, and novices they w“re. No one in camp, at least so it was said, would meet Pettiffer or myself, so we gave an exhibition bout. Pettiffer was 12st. and I lOst. We do not mind a beating, but in view of the approaching tourney at the Town Hall. I think matters should be explained.” *‘-