AMATEUR BOXING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9187, 12 April 1910, Page 6

AMATEUR BOXING.

A CLUB FORMED.. The mooting' called at the Opera House last night by Messrs Fake and Watchorn for the purpose of forming an amateur boxing club was attended by about sixty young' men. Dr. O'Brien. President of the Haniuvatu Boxing Association, presided. In opening the mooting Dr. O'Brien commendccl the idea to those present, saying lie thought every Britisher should be taught to use his hands.. He emphasised the necessity for keeping the sport ciean. which lie had urged ever sin.ee he had been connected with it. He wanted the members of- the Club to show that a man could learn to box and still be a gentleman. _ Mr I. J. Fake promised to give the movement every assistance in his power, an offer that was received with applause, lie said the idea of the Club emanated from Mr Geoff Wafehorn. It had boon found that many of the athletic young men were unable to obtain tuition in boxing owing to the high fees necessary. It was believed that at a, cost of 5s per member per quarter a training room could be provided. and Messrs Watchorn, Shields and Ilavill had offered to give the instruction. Mr Fake referred to the gear required, and to other matters connected with the proposed Club. Mr Watchorn gave an outline of the scheme he had in his mind. He said the Club offered benefits to all. The honorary members would see an exhibition every month, or fortnight, and would have a good evening's sport. The active members would receive the use of all material and instruction free. Tho Boxing Association would bo benefited by the large number of competitors provided for the competitions. Now the expenses of competitors from other places had to be paid, whereas there was plenty of material in Palmerston to provide them. It was proposed to form a Club, at a subscription of 5s a quarter. Absolutely only members would bo admitted. Thcro would bo no limit to members, both activo and honorary, and they had as good material in the district as anywhere. There must bo no class distinction, but the rules would have to bo strictly adhered to. Mr Watchorn said that numbers of youths had at times asked him to form a. Club and class. A great number of enthusiasts could not afford the fees necessary to pay instructors, and he believed their needs could be met by putting a place within reach of all where those who would like to could indulge in training. The movement was not with the idea of forming a class exactly, but a Club where members could practice and train, but as a great number who joined would be practically novices several prominent in boxing, including Messrs Shields, Havlll and himself, had promised to do all they can to give help and tuition to those who needed it. The Club was not in opposition to any local classes, because it was solely a place for those who could not afford the necessary amount, and who wanted a greater variety of opponents. The age was set down as. over 16 years, but there was no reason why any youth under that age could not join, providing his parents were agreeable, and he passed the committee. All members wouid have to be approved by the committee, and tho committee would draw up rules which must be abided by.

J Messrs Shields and Havill each stated j they would do all in their power to give | instruction and help the Club. i Mr G. C. Keeblc, in moving that the meeting- decide to form the Palmerston North Amateur Boxing C'lub. urged that Mr Watchorn should be given a controlling interest, in tile C'lub. Mr Pickett seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr Watchorn was elected secretary, and ho. with Messrs Shields. Havill. C'hilds. Peed. McArtney, and Sloxou, were appointed a committee of management. The Committee was authorised to procure the gear required. Fifty members were obtained in the room, and Mr Watchorn reported that he had a large number of others. Mr Watchorn explained that while the Club was being formed, principally with the idea -of putting tuition in boxing within the roach of all. the training that was incidental thereto would be of great assistance to athletes and teams. Dr. O'Brien, and Messrs W. 11. Hankins and C. Pickering, each offered £1 Is or trophies, and Mr Fake gave a set of ring equipment. Dr. O'Brien's trophy is for novices. He said they wanted plenty of competitors. The championships would be hero soon, and he would not be satisfied unless Palmerston carried off several of the classes. It was decided to engage the Wlipllfy's Hall and make a start next Monday evening, when only members and intending members will be admitted.