BOXING.

NZ Truth, Issue 118, 21 September 1907, Page 3

BOXING.

(By Upper-Cut)

October 8 is the date fixed for the middle-weight championship of the Qommonweal th between Arthur Cripps representing . N.S.W., and Bd. Williams, of Melbourne. Cripps is getting into great buckle and will he at his best. Tom Boyle says 'Bd. Williams is marvellously improved, and this contest being held during the Spring meeting should attract a record house.

We mentioned last week (says Sydney "Sportsman" m its issue of September 4) that they (the Sports' Club cared so little for the welfare of the men who were going, to Maoriland that they wouldn't even shell out the trifling expense of a trainer to go with the team. The men themselves were so disgusted at the niggardliness of the. Spoil Sports that they signed a requisition asking that a local trainer might he provided and sent with them. Smelling salts and snifters were at a premium when such an audacious demand was received. However, they argified that the request was "so "suddint likei," and pointed out that they had engaged at enormous expense a Maoriland gentleman to look after them when they got qn the other side. The lads caved into the arguments, and decided to "chance it" without a proper trainer from this side. No doubt a duly qualified man can be picked up m the land of the amateurs. If the Spoil Sports didn't care a hang about the fighters, however, they reckon they have done the rihuck thing m the shape of the bloke who has had the annual picnic arranged for him, the- manager of the team, Mr V. Horniman. Mr Horniman is said to be a rowing enthusiast. We ace not aware whether he knows a continental about the "pusha de nose" or de "hitta de eye" business, but doubtless he can hold his own m .pingr_pong, kiss m tlie ring, or whatever may be the fashionable sport m Maoriland at present, and wh*t*- are assured that there is one good thing he is good on, he is good on the flute. The "Bun," that must know because it has heen told, says :— "The captain is also a worthy representative to send on hehalf of the state, as; he can fittingly represent it on all conferences, etc., that he will be called upon to attend." We assume that this means the captain is a pretty good hand to skite, though, of course, it may merely refer to his gastronomic capacity. We have not heard that the captain has worn a bun-eating contest, or proved himself champion at"' a bullock-roasting beano, or that he could ©yen beat George Reid at a black pudding feast. However, we must take it that the Spoil Sports know something. If they were running the interstate Eisteddfods they would probably send Bill Squires or Peter Felix across the border with a team of singers, elocutionists and musicians. Anyhow, if our State champions do fall beneath the power of the mighty Maorilanders we do hope, trust, and fervently pray that ths* gallant captain will distinguish himself by scoffing a Moa or two, or whatever may be double the usual helping of the national' bird over m the prohibition country.