WOMEN AS BOXERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18551, 8 November 1923, Page 11

WOMEN AS BOXERS.

CONTEST IN AUSTRALIA. VsIDE SPREAD PROTEST. UNANIMOUS CONDEMNATION [FEOM OtTR own correspondent.] SYDNEY. Nov. 1. It takes a great deal to shock Australians, but the announcement that a public boxing contest between two women was to be staged in Adelaide next week, has proved too much for them, and widespread protests have been made. The parties mentioned in the projected contest, are Eilly Menzies, of Tilly and Doris, vaudeville artistes, of Sydney, and Mrs. F. C. Hunter, of Adelaide. E. Waddy, heavy-weight champion of South Australia, strongly denounced the suggested contest. In his opinion every right-thinking person would scorn the idea and treat the matter with contempt. "Such an exhibition would be repugnant and disgusting," said Mr. M. J. Noonan, a well-known boxing referee. "Boxing is a game entirely for men, and full-blooded men at that. I feel sure that the promoter is making a mistake in bringing these women into the ring. If it were intended as a comedy it might be regarded in a different light, but for two women to engage in a serious encounter is something to be regretted." ; Dr. Marie Brown, of Adelaide, when asked her opinion, said: "In the first place I consider that boxing is an unsuitable occupation for women, and entirely unnecessary. I don't approve of v men engaging in boxing bouts where -the sole object it to pummel one another until one is knocked out, so it is unlikely that I should uphold the pi of women engaging in contest." •■ .\yy-\ : :,-■.• -'.-.; Sister Mann, of the Nurses' Call Depot; Adelaide, was most emphatic! " I think,": she said, /" it is unwomanly. « Such exhibitions, if allowed, are calculated to throw back civilisation a hundred^.years'. They are essentially animal in character, and are certain to destroy man's ideal of womanhood. Then, too, think'...what an; awful example . to the rising generation such a performance would be. i Besides all '. this, incalculable injury might be done as a woman's " frame is not such us to be treated brutally without dreadful ~i consequences." 'VI am absolutely aghast at two women daring to, attempt such -, a ' thing." was | Mrs. Parnley Naylor's scornful; comment. "If there is any good to be said; for such a disgusting exhibition I should like to hear it. , I believe there is ? lot ;■ for women to, do in public life, « but this disgraceful affair must certainly appear nothing short of degrading to anyone. with decent womanly instincts. , It is .too humiliating for ■ words. . Interviewed yesterday Mrs. Hunter said she was not ready for the contest, as she i had had insufficient time. She, however; was willing to go to Sydney and box Miss Menaies for the -ladies' ' championship of Australia in a month's time. She had not challenged Miss Menzies, but had accepted the challenge of an American girl whom she was prepared ; to meet for the championship of tie world. ' „ '