FALSTAFF OF THE RING

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXII, Issue 193, 30 July 1932, Page 2 (Supplement)

FALSTAFF OF THE RING

SYDNEY’S FAMOUS REFEREE. To Joe Wallis belongs the record of having adjudicated in more fights than any- other Australian. Just what the number is, no one—not even Joe—knows, but the figures would make Bradman look in the kindergai ten class. Referees have come and gone at Sydney Stadium, and few there have been who have not heard the raucous voice of the discontented fan; but rarely has the genial Joe listened to anything but the pleasant, notes when he lias given a decision Skilled in his knowledge of the game, and excellent in his judgment, the phase of refereeing in which he stands out is his power of discerning when it is time to stop a fight. He will never allow a lad to be unduly punished, yet there is no premature cessation. Until the Mclntosh touch was again imparted to the stadium, Joe preferred to adjudicate in mufti; now, however, he is immaculately garbed, and as Joe is not exactly a slim youth, he bears a resemblance to one of the full-rigged ships of other days coming through Sydney Heads. J.W. is not the staid type of judge, for a witticism from a ringsider or an occupant of the bleachers will cause him to relax Now and again he will officiate at a suburban house.