GRIFFO.

NZ Truth, 6 January 1917, Page 11

GRIFFO.

Still Alive and Kicking

The following is m our latest files of the New York "Police Gazette":

"Young Giiffo, at one time Australian featherweight star and wonder of the American ring:, has been lifted from the slums by some of his loyal friends m New York city, and placed on a level with real men. A few years ago there appeared to be/ no hope for Griffo* but the few friends who stuck to him worked wonders with the former ring marvel, and to-day he looks like a real business man with grey hair. He has a snap to his step, now, and recently really surprised his friends by boxingwith much of, his old-time cleverness at a Utyh&iic given for a down-and-out spor^ingr man. "GJriffo still has a longing to visit his native land once more, and if he does It/is possible that he will be induced to .•show at some of the vaudeville houses ■"In a short monologue, and at the same time give an exhibition of his old-timo skill. In conversation with Grlffo the other day the once- famous lighter said: 'It has been a wonderful thing for me to live like a man the last year and realise what I -have missed. Why. I never Jived before— 7l merely existed — I and no): until my good' friends here got ! mo away from John Barleycorn did I ! know what was going on In the world.

It was like a dream, or I might say a nightmare. 1 would love to go back to Australia, provided I could return to the States again. You know, it is many years since I left my home over there, and all my friends of those days are either gone or are too old now to offer any comfort. It would be like going to a strange land now. 1 don't mean to infer that the old friends would not welcome me, but my life has so changed that I feel that the States is where!' should end' my days. If such a thing is possible, however, I want to visit Sydney again) if only to touch the old soil.' 'And Griff o was very serious and sensible- m all his taJk."