NEW GYMNASIUM

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 49, 26 August 1939, Page 24

NEW GYMNASIUM

AUSPICIOUS START

CATHOLIC SEAMEN'S

INSTITUTE

On the evening of the fourth anniversary of its beginning in Wellington the A.M.I.C. Catholic Seamen's Institute last night made use for the first time of its newly-established boxing and wrestling ring and gymnasium facilities, which are to be available for visiting seamen. The premises of the institute in Vivian Street were crowded with members and visitors, the latter including representatives of the clergy and prominent figures in Wellington boxing.

Mr. C. Mallia, the president, welcomed those present and said that the evening marked the realisation of a great ambition—that of providing a boxing ring and gymnasium where sailors could find recreation and keep themselves fit.

' Mr. A. J. Ridler said that the gather- j ing that night had a special signifi-! cance, as it marked the completion of i four years of existence in Wellington. | The aim of the institute was the advancement of the social welfare of seamen, irrespective of their creed, race, or colour. The institute also paid attention to the spiritual-side of things but only in the case of its co-religion-ists, and no man who visited the place was asked his religion. Mr. Ridler j spoke of the work done in entertaining members of the crews of overseas vessels with dances and concerts, and now by the use of the new gymnasium. Mr. G. P. Aldridge conveyed the congratulations of the New Zealand and the Wellington Boxing Associations to the institute, and praised the facilities provided. From long experience those associated with boxing knew how many sailors were interested in the sport and he prophesied that the gymnasium would become an important part of the institute's activities. Mr. J. Crowley, who refereed the boxing bouts, also praised the gymnasium, and assured the institute of the co-operation of the Boxing Trainers' Association. Mr. John Lewis, who organised the evening's programme, and acted as announcer, also spoke briefly of the work of the institute in providing friendship for "strangers in a strange land." Mr. S. .Chapman, well-known boxing manager, was among those present. Exhibitions of wrestling were given by J. Prestney A. McColl, Leo Nolan, J. Hill, J. McDonald, and two anonymous wrestlers whose burlesque act was one of the "hits" of the programme. The boxers who participated in bouts were Les. Sloan. Tasmanian and Queensland welterweight champion; Sid. Sloan, welterweight champion of New South Wales; H. Foote, bantamweight champion of New Zealand; J. Imlach, A. I. Hansen, D. Lena, S. Foote, and P. Harris. The referee of the wrestling was Mr. J. C. Steele, and the timekeeper was Mr. B. D. Ryan. Visitors were given supper and many of them took the opportunity of inspecting the premises.