PRIZE-FIGHTING METHODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21132, 15 March 1932, Page 15

PRIZE-FIGHTING METHODS.

METHODIST DISAPPROVAL DEFENCE BY A MINISTER. The customary dignified calm which characterises sittings of Methodist conferences was temporarily disturbed at Perth, Western Australia, on February 29, when a discussion, marked by considerable humour and occasional heat, arose oil a resolution:—"That this conference urges the Government to place a ban upon the legalised brutality of prizefighting becanso of numerous deaths resulting therefrom, and because tho primitive blood lust aroused by such contests is a standing shame to any Christian community." The Rev. Mr. Nye said they might as well pass a resolution condemning cricket because some men were killed bv cricket balls. The Rev. Mr. Finnh: I s Mr. Nyo supporting prize-fighting ? Mr. Nyo said he objected to tho expression "legalised brutality and numerous deaths resulting therefrom." "One -would think boxers were being killed in large numbers," he said. " 1 was taught to box when I was 15 and carried my gloves around with me until I was 30. " My opinion after having known many boxers and seen a good deal of fighting is that there is much more made of the brutality of prize-fighting than can be borne out by facts. Surely wo are not going to condemn a sport which calls forth courage and endurance more than any other, and teaches men to stand up to punishment." In reply, Mr. Lyons, who moved the resolution, said Mr. Nye's eloquence would have been better employed on a worthier subject. Tie himself know something of boxing, but boxing was not prize-fighting. "To see a man staggering around the ring nearly out of his senses-and subject to the battery of his opponent—is that sport ?" he asked. The motion was carried by 27 votes to 16.