BOXING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 137, 11 May 1934, Page 2

BOXING.

. THE MANAWATU ASSOCIATION “The past year has in many respects resem.bled its predecessor as far as the boxing world is concerned, and associations generally have experienced tire greatest difficulty in carrying out an active programme. Despite a dearth of really lngh-class professional exponents, the executive has time and again endeavoured to promote contests, and in every case unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, etc., have caused the contest to be abandoned,” states the annual report to be presented to the Manawatu Boxing Association by tlie president (Mr E. 11. AVimsett). “AVhile I personally regret that matches could not bo arranged, I am of the opinion that had some of them eventuated a financial loss would have resulted and our finances would not have been in the healthy state they are to-day. As usual lam again able to report excellent work by our affiliated clubs, and patrons of' the sport in the surrounding districts have been well catered for. Pahiatua conducted two professional contests and one amateur tourney, llongotea Club again put on a good entertainment and conducted it in their usual efficient style. During the past year we gained another affiliated club, Levin. This club held two amateur tournaments and in both cases excellent sport was provided. Boxing classes were again conducted at the Boys’ High School under the tutelage of Air J. Evans. The ciose-of-season tournament brought forth many excellent exhibitions and reflected great credit upon the instructor and also the organiser, Air J. J. Stevenson. The association conducted four amateur contests, and, although the exhibitions were up to the usual standard, the financial results were nothing to enthuse over. An amateur tourney was held at the AA’iliter Show, followed by one at the Opera House. This resulted in a loss of £ls 3s 3d. The amateur championship showed a profit of £l7 3s lid, and a tourney on October 27, in aid of the Prosperity Campaign, resulted in a loss of £22 os 4d. At the conclusion of the championships the executive selected a team for the New Zealand championships at Blenheim. This team consisting of L. AlcLauglilin (bantam), N. Wheeler (feather), G. Downes (light), AI. Candy (welter), and J. AlacAlahon (middle), was not successful in securing any titles this year. However, Candy was runner-up in his division, while Downes made a very creditable showing against 11. l’urdie, the ultimate winner. H. lleeves, the 1932 light heavyweight champion, was unable to attend on account of a hand injury. Ted Oxley, who first fought under this association, was successful in winning the New Zealand professional lightweight championship. After defending the titles several times he lost it to Franklin. We extend to Oxley our best wishes for his success in future contests. ‘‘The statement of accounts and balance-sheet calls for very little comment and the situation is very well summed up in a covering letter from our lion, auditor, Air K. S. Glendinliing, which states inter alia : ‘I wish to point out that the apparent falling off in the association’s position for the past year as compared with the previous year is partly accounted for by tlie fact that the depreciation has been written off various portions of the equipment. I take this opportunity of congratulating the secretary (Air J. P. Evans) on the able way in which he lias kept the association’s accounts.’ I take this opportunity of thanking Air Glendiniiing for his services in an honorary capacity and also for his report, which shows tlie business side of our affairs is being well attended to. Our thanks are due to the Police Department for issuing permits and generally assisting at our tournaments. Our lion, medical officers, Drs. Hunter AA'ill, Cyril King, AY. S. Bransgrove, and Air D. Mitchell, have again rendered us valuable service and to them we aro indebted in no small degree. Our lion, timekeepers. Alessrs N. D. Stubbs and AY. M. Crystal!, have always been ready when their services have l>eeu requested. Air AlcLeod and tlie Opera House staff have again always rendered us valuable help. AA T c received trophy donations from Oliver’s Shoe Store and Alessrs H. B. Tucker, Ltd., and to both these donors we are deeply grateful. AVo again had great assistance from our official seconds, Alessrs S. Wright, E. L. Downes H. Berriman, J. Smith, 11. Merritt and B. O’Keefe. I personally wish to thank the members of tlie executive who again have attended meetings well and generally displayed great keenness in the interests of the association. • Although tlie outlook cannot be considered particularly promising, I consider that by strict attention to tire sporting and business side of the association’s affairs we can anticipate a more active season’s operations during 1934.”