DOMINION BOXER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22468, 11 July 1936, Page 10

DOMINION BOXER

LIFEGUARD AT WEMBLEY POSSIBLE VISIT TO AMERICA [from ouk own correspondent] LONDON, June 20 Maurice Strickland, the New Zealand boxer who arrived in England last July, and who has not been over successful in his recent fights, has taken a position as lifeguard at Wembley's gigantio bathing pool for the summer months. At the moment his plans are indefinite and he has no matches in view. It li possible that Strickland may go to America at the end of August if * series of bouts can be arranged there for him. Nothing concrete, however, ha# yet materialised. Strickland is sure of one thing at least, namely, that lie will not put in another winter in England. He declares that he spent a miserable-time here last year, and admits quite frankly that his boxing is not as good as it should be. The New Zealander is not giving up hope of picking up form again, and has taken his present position at Wembley to keep his mind occupied. " I was becoming morbid with nothing to do," he told the Herai-d s correspondent. He is making use of th® Wembley gymnasium to keep fit. H® has for company there Harry Lister, of Greyvnouth, another boxer who came to London to try himself out. They work in the gymnasium together. In the event of Strickland not going to America it is likely that he will return to New Zealand or Australia a* the end of September or early in October. Strickland has a great liking for Sydney, where, he says, life is far more pleasant than in London, and the working class people have more opportunity and far better facilities for enjoying themselves than the Londoners. , The New Zealander is extremely popular at Wembley, where his quiet, unassuming manner has gained him * number of friends. So far he has made one rescue, when a small bov got out of his depth and into difficulties. Strickland rescued him quickly and efficiently. . . The Wembley swimming pool, incidentally, holds no fewer than 700,C00 gal lons'of water, which is changed every four hours by a steady flow. Bathers are able to "take a light meal after their swim, and a dance floor is also P r ®" vided. During the winter months the pool is covered over —at a cost of £3OOO —and a skating rink takes its place. Ice hockey matches are also held there. " It's a great place," said Strickland, who proposes to remain there during the summer months.