Wrestling

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 6810, 17 March 1932, Page 8

Wrestling

PALMERSTON NORTH ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES. Tho annual mooting of the Palmerston North Wrestling Association was held last evening, Mr. G. Watchorn (president) presiding over a largo attendance of members.

The executive presented tho third annual report and balance sheet which recorded the affiliation of tho association to tho Dominion wrestling a-nion early in tho season. Activities during the season were somewhat retarded through tho unsatisfactory display given by tho two professional wrestlers in the opening bout auu tho executive took every precaution to prevent a repetition when arranging subsequent matches. Pour tournaments in all were arranged during tho season, tile rnroe last producing some very strenuous and scientific wrestling. Two amateur wrestling clubs (Apollo and United) had been formed in Palmerston jxorth during tho season and were affiliated to the association. This fact alone went to show that wrestling was becoming a favourito sport and pastime for the youth of the city and surrounding district. Both clubs had some excellent material in their ranks, a fact that had been clearly demonstrated when competing in the preliminary bouts at the various professional muiches. The association nominated four amateurs for the New Zealand championships held in Wellington on Novemoer 2 and 3, out only three members fulfilled their engagements, securing one championship (middleweight class) and runners-up in both welter and lightweight classes — a fact that must be acknowledged as highly satisfactory lor members of those young clubs and it was hoped they would continue to further the interests of the mat game in this district. The executive extended their congratulations to W. Nicholls, winner of the New Zealand middleweight championship; E. do Clecne and A. Stratton, runners-up in the welter and lightweight classes respectively.

Tho amount of work that was now entailed in connection with the advertising of the various matches had necessitated the appointment of a publicity officer, and Mr. 11. E. Bennett was duly appointed to the position. The hon. secretary (ill- C. L. Turnbull) having found that he was not able to give the necessary amount of time that was required for the fulfilment of the secretarial duties, tendered his resignation, which was accepted with regret, and Mr. Turnbull was duly elected an honorary member of the association. The committco considered that the time had arrived when this association should have a permanent headquarters and secretary and Mr. C. W. White was appointed to that position with headquarters in Manson and Barr’s buildings. The balance sheet showed that, like ail other sporting bodies, their revenue had been considerably reduced, a fact that was only to be expected during such times of depression. Tho executive had purchased suitable mats, etc., during the season and tho balance sheet still showed a small profit on the year’s working. Owing to new regulations having been gazetted it would be necessary now for this association to purchase new ring equipment, and this would be a matter which would have to bo dealt with by the incoming committee.

Tho association was deeply indebted to tho many supporters of tho mat game who had rendered valuable assistance during the season. Special thanks were extended to the Manawatu Boxing Association, Doctors Will, King and Durward, the police department and Opera House staff. The president offered his personal thanks to all who so ably assisted him in carrying out the duties pertaining to the position oi president. Tho good feeling and sporting spirit that prevailed amongst members enabled them confidently to look forward to the coming season as being one of the most successful in the annals of tho association.

Tho balance sheet showed a profit on tho year’s working of £23 7s bd. Mr. K. L. C. Aitchison congratulated the association on the excellent position it was in, especially in respect of finance. With such excellent executive ofiicers, tho progress of the association was assured.

Mr. E. V. Mason spoke in similar vein, and asked that the congratulations be minuted. Mr. Mason spoke in appreciation of tho w r ork and tact or the president (Mr. Watchorn) and tho treasurer (Mr. A. W. Macdonnel). Tho latter, in returning thanks, voiced appreciation of the work of the secretary, while Messrs A. Hopwood and J. ill. Pearson added praiso for tho work of Mr. Purves (reception officer).

Hew Officers, Ofiicers for tho ensuing year wero elected as follow:—Patron, Mr. J. A. Nash; president, Mr. G. Watcaorn; vice-presidents, Messrs A. H. Hopwood and J. M. Pearson; secretary, Mr. C. W. White; hon. treasurer, Mr. K. L. 0. Aitchison; executive, Messrs E. Whitford, J. Purves, F. Tucker, T. Simpson, E. V. Mason; hon. solicitor, Mr. T. F. Belling; hon. auditor, Mr. E. G. Sim; hon. medical officers, Drs. Durward, King and Will; reception officer, Mr. J. Purves. The appointment of a publicity officer was left m the hands of the committee.

Tho resignations of Messrs A. W. Macdonell (past hon. treasurer), A. J. Trevena and N. Oxnam, all of whom aro leaving the district, were accepted with regret.

Votes of thanks were passed to the hon. officers of the association for services rendered during the season. In reporting on the annual meeting of the Dominion Wrestling Union, tho president said he had stressed the need of more support being given the smaller associations. Several rules had been altered, one increasing tho union percentage from 2J to 5 per cent. The question of matches w r as brought up and it was explained that wrestlers could not be forced to go to the smaller towns —it was a question of purso all tho time.