BOXING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 197, 19 July 1935, Page 13

BOXING.

MANAWATB ASSOCIATION’S REPORT. The report of the president (Mr E. R. Wimsett) to be presented at the annual meeting of the Manawatu Boxing Association reads, inter alia: — “Twelve months ago when I brought forward my report on the affairs of our association I stated that I did not feel optimistic about boxing matters for the forthcoming year. Unfortunately my prediction came true, and taken generally our association, in common with almost every similar body, has experienced a very lean year, both from the point of view of sport provided and financial increment. The recent depression has perhaps fortunately left if nothing else a more discriminatingpublic and, to put it mildly, “we have not had the goods to sell.’ Our one venture of any size during the year — the New Zealand professional lightweight championship—resulted in a loss of £39 13s. This came at a time when we could ill affoid to lose, but we felt that it was our duty to provide at, least one professional bout during the year. However, wo can only hope that this coming season will reveal 'some talent sufficient to recuperate our already much depleted purse. Fortunately the amateur side of the sport has not been neglected, and it is pleasing to be able to record increased activity, especially by our affiliated clubs. During the year the Palmerston North Boxing Club held three successful tournaments and have matters well in hand for a series of similar events this year. Feilding certainly excelled itself with two very well conducted tourneys, and interest in that town is becoming more manifest with each succeeding event. The Dannevirke club staged two succesful ventures during the year. “The association staged a successful tournament in conjunction with the 1934 Winter Show and in tho following September the amateur championships took place, which, although a success from tho fistic point of view, unfortunately showed a loss of almost double figures. At the conclusion the executive decided to send the following to the New Zealand championships:—F. Hopkins (welter), O. Gibbons (light), J. Adams (heavy), and also Mr Barnett as trainer. On this occasion Dame Fortune did not smile so kindly upon us, but tho nominees acquitted themselves very creditably. The class at the Boys’ High School was again conducted by Mr J. Evans, and his good work was again exemplified by the increased prowess of the pupils. From' the foregoing it is quite apparent that the amateur side is being looked after, and the indications are that this season will sec still increased activity. “It is with extreme regret that 1 have to record the passing of one of our vice-presidents, Mr James MeKelvie. In spite of an extremely busy life Mr McKelvie was identified with almost every sporting organisation in the district and his passing leaves a cherished memory of an honourable gentleman wlio occupied many positions which it vy.ill be difficult to fill. On behalf of tho association 1 wish to thank all who have assisted during the past year. My personal thanks arc due to the members of tho executive who, despite a trying year, have attended meetings and worked hard to further tho interests of tho association. With the new season upon us we can at least hope that our efforts will meet with a bigger measure of success than was the case last year.”