BOXING

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 168, 17 June 1936, Page 12

BOXING

MANAAVATU ASSOCIATION. - The annual meeting of the Manawatu Boxing Association was held on Alonday, the president (Air E. R. Wimsett) occupying the chair. Air Wimsett took the opportunity to welcome those present. The favourable attendance augured well for the future, he said. Though the past year had not seen very much activity on the part of the association, he hoped that the coming season would he a much brighter one. Air Wimsett made reference to the passing of three former prominent members of the association—Messrs E. A. Hamilton, W. Candy, and W. llandell. To some new members he said this did not mean very much, but to the older ones the passing of each gentleman was particularly sad. “It is most regrettable,” said the chairman, “that at a time we can ill afford to do so we have lost three most valuable workers.” Members honoured the memory of the deceased gentlemen by standing a moment in silence.

The annual report and balancesheet (previously published) were read adopted. Arising from the annual report, the question of tho inactivity of the association during the year was raised. Air J. Louisson said he could not understand why there had been such a dearth of contests, when Feilding, Pahiatua, and other similar clubs could stage tourneys. If this were so, why could not the Alanawatu Association stage them ? he asked.

Mr Wimsett, in explanation, stated that, as an administrative body, the association was bound to “keep its head above water.” Where would the association be, he asked, if it persisted in staging contests at a loss? Even those' clubs that had staged fights could not show a rosy financial statement from them. It was a good thing that the association could show a clean balance-sheet at the present time, added Air Wimsett. The holding of amateur contests was not all it appeared to be, he said, and as a financial prospect they “were not worth the candle.” Amateur fights could only be happily run on the proceeds from the professional bouts, and if there was no talent to be obtained fights could not be staged. Before conducting the election of officers for the ensuing year, Air Wimsett mentioned that the present acting secretary (Air J. P. Evans) had found it necessary to resign from his position as secretary some six months "ago, though ho had been carrying out that duty in the interval. Air Evans, said the chairman, had done very valuable work during his term .of office, and it was with deep regret that they would lose his services. As a mark of appreciation Air Evans was presented with a fishing rod. The recipient, in acknowledging the gift, stated that he was very sorry indeed to resign his position. Any time that his services were required, however, he would always be ready to help the association. The election of officers resulted: Patron, Air A. E. Mansford ; president, Mr E. R. Wimsett; vice-presidents, Messrs J. Purves, G. AVatchorn, and B. AlcGrath; committee, Alessrs T. Ross, C. N. llabone, E. Arnott, G. Hastings, J. Pollard, H. Colson, r. Colvin, J. Evans, and G. C. Robinson; bon. solicitor, Air A. M. Ongley; lion, auditor, Air Tv. S. Glendinning; hon. secretary, Air D. Armstrong; Australian representative, Mr E. C. Turner; treasurer, Air N. D. stubbs. Air AVatchorn, as president of the Wrestling Association, suggested that the interests of boxing could be greatly furthered in the Alanawatu if the two associations were to combine in an effort to popularise the sport. He was sure that there was plenty of talent to be discovered in the district and that if bright displays were staged the support of the public would be forthcoming. For the consideration, ol the meeting be suggested that a combined wrestling-boxing tournament be held. This he was sure, would appeal to the people and help a great deal to get boxing again established. The proceeds of the tourney could be donated to the local gymnasiums. Air Stubbs spoke in support of the idea. It was a generous offer on the part of the Wrestling Association, he said, and should be taken advantage of. Further support for the proposal was forthcoming from the chairman, and it was finally decided that it be gratefully accepted and that Air AVatchorn convey this opinion to the AVrestling Association. Unofficially, on behalf of the executive of the Wrestling Association, Mr Rabone pointed out that it would be a good thing if the two associations could come to some agreement over the question of considerably improving the stadium in the interests of both sports. Such improvements would be advantageous to both associations and an attempt by the Boxing Association to cooperate would, lie knew, be favourably received bv the AVrestling Association. It was resolved to confer with the latter bodv on the matter. A T otes of thanks were accorded Messrs Ongley, Glendinning, and Turner for honorary services.