BOXING AT TOWN HALL

Evening Post, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 125, 28 May 1915, Page 3

BOXING AT TOWN HALL

CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION. A recommendation came before the City Council last night that the Wellington Boxing Association be granted the free use of the Town Hall on condition that no pa-yment is made for services rendered. The clause was not allowed to pass without a lengthy discussion, wherein the merits of professional and amateur boxing were introduced. Councillor Fuller objected strongly to the condition it was proposed to impose, and saw in it. a- sinister move to prevent professional displays in the Town Hall. The Boxing Association was out to make money, and there would be practically no " draw " if amateur contests were put on by themselves. Councillors Fitzgerald and Luckie both said that a professional contest would be needed if the tournament was to pay its way. Councillor Frost, said that there was no ulterior motive, as suggested. The Finance Committee had in vier; the fact that on a recent occasioii When a society was granted free use of the hall for an entertainment for a benevolent . purpose the takings wer© about £120 and- the expenses £112. They did not want a repetition of that. Councillor Barber favoured the adoption of the amendment. No doubt the Boxing Association was anxious to hand over as much as possible for the fund. To secure a- satisfactory sum they would have to put on a professional contest. The Mayor opposed the proposal to strike out the condition, asserting that it would set up a precedent. The voting on tho motion was equal, and the proposal was defeated on the casting vote of the I Mayor. The clause was then adopted, a® brought forward. ' ■