BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVI, Issue 44, 20 August 1908, Page 3

BOXING CHAMPIONSHIPS.

[DT TBI.EGBAPH.~- FBXSB ASSOCIATION.) CHRISTCHURCH, 19th August. The New Zealand boxing championship meeting opened in the Theatre Royal to-night. There was a large attendance of spectators. Results :—: — Bantam-weight. — Kerr (Wellington) beat Stewart (Canterbury) ; Shields (Wellington) beat Watson (Canterbury). Feather-weight — Elliott (Canterbury) ,beat Porter (Marlborough). Light-weight.— Finnerty (Southland) beat Olliver (Canterbury) ; Thompson (Canterbury) beat Watchorn (Wellington) ; Metcalf (Auckland) beat Griffith (Canterbury). Welter. — Parry (Wellington) beat Chick (Canterbury) ; Mayze (Canterbury) beat Henry (Canterbury). Middle-weight. Thompson (Marlborough) beat Birch (Canterbury) ; Leckie (Wellington) beat Jones (Canterbury). Heavy-weight. — Hale (Wellington) beat Shaw (Canterbury) ; Ryan (Southland) beat Fitzsimmons (Canterbury). A CONFERENCE. CHRISTCHURCH, 19th August. A conference of delegates from the different associations affiliated with the New Zealand Boxing CounciJ was held this afternoon. The question of sending New Zealand teams to the various Australian States from the Australasian championships was discussed at length. It was pointed out that in view of Victoria and Tasmania coming into the agreement, New Zealand teams would have to visit Australia every year foiv four years, an Australian team coming to New Zealand only once in the five years during which the agreement lasted. It was resolved that each of the Australian States should send teams to the Australasian championships, but owing to its geographical -position New Zealand should not be obliged to send teams to Australia more than twice during the currency of the agreement. In regard to the reinstatement of professionals as amateurs it was resolved that each subscribing body to the Australasian agreement have the right to reinstate within its own territory, such reinstatement to have no effect in other States unless the body imposing the disqualification endorses it, and such reinstated man not to be eligible to compete at the Australasian championships unless the reinstatement is endorsed by all the bodies subscribing to the agreement. The council was instructed to draw up a scheme for carrying out secondary schools ooxing championships and submit it to the local association. It was agreed that in New Zealand championships competitors weigh in between 5 and 8 o'clock ; thau all associations be responsible directly to the council ; and that amateur boxers be registered by the local associations, such registration certificates to be produced before the holders take part in any contest. Mr. Atack mentioned an important matter in connection with the Police Offences Act Amendment Act of 1907. The Upper House, he said, had seen fit to delete from the measure a clause constituting the council the governing body by law. Further than this no regulations had been gazetted and there was nothing to prevent boxing contests of fifty roundb being held. There was nothing to compel the padding of stakes or floor, or to regulate the weight of gloves used. The i fact that the council had uo standing in law was a most serious defect, and lie suggested that, the delegates should bring the matter before the several associations at once with a, view to getting something done. It was ultimately resolved, on the motion of Mr. Coffey : "That this conference is of opinion that legislation should be introduced giving a legal status to the Boxing Council in administering the affairs of the sport; that the Government be urged to give effect to the recommendation ; and that delegates obtain the views of their local associations.''