BOXING FAREWELL

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19900, 30 March 1939, Page 16

BOXING FAREWELL

PRESIDENT’S DEPARTURE TEN YEARS IN OFFICE TRIBUTES TO MR, PARKER PRESENTATIONS MADE In recognition of his efforts over a long period in Gisborne sports circles, particularly in connetcion with boxing and wrestling, Mr. A. S. Parker was met in the Gisborne Physical Fitness Club’s rooms last night by those associated witli him to bid him farewell prior to his departure for Dannevirke. Mr. Parker was president of the Gisborne Boxing Association for the past 10 years, and from members of the association he was presented with a handsome chiming clock, while, on behalf of the Gisborne Wrestling Association he was given an engraved fountain pen, the speakers associated with the presentations extending their congratulations to Mr. Parker on his promotion in business and wishing him and Mrs. Parker and their daughter every happiness in their future life. . The presentation from the Boxing Association was made by the patron, Mr. W. Lissant Clayton, who said that the association had been very fortunate in the selection of its presidentg and other officers, and had it not been for those stalwarts the young men of to-day would not have had the opportunities they were enjoying. Mr. Parker, who had been president over the past 10 years, had worked most energetically, showing organising ability and . indefatigable energy. The good organisation at the New Zealand boxing tournament held in Gisborne last year was a credit to the town and to the Dominion. Universal Popularity When saying farewell to Mr. Parker Mr. Clayton said it was difficult to find words to suit the occasion, and he hardly knew what he should say to be sufficiently expressive in the loss of such an officer and such a friend. Mr. Parker had made a name for himself by his universal popularity, which had been created by kindly actions and indefatigable energy in trying to further sport and in,extending a helping hand to young boxers. The good he had done would leave an incffacable memory in all. The town was losing a first class citizen as well as a first class sport. The members of the association were civing Mr. Parker a present of a chiming clock, by which Mr. Clayton hoped that Mr. and Mrs. Parker would remember their friends in Gisborne whose good wishes always would be with them. Others who paid a tribute to- Mr. Parker’s energy and enthusiasm in sports circles were Messrs. W. Pilmer, J. de V. W. Blathwayt, C. O. Hansen, H. P. Hamilton, D'Arcy Heeney and G. H. Sceats. Organising Ability

Mr. Hamilton said that all connected with the Dominion boxing tournament in Gisborne last year must realise Mr. Parker’s organising ability, which had made the tournament what many visitors considered was the best conducted they had attended. The Boxing Association intended recognising Mr. Parker’s assistance by electing him a life member.

Mr. Parker, in his reply, said he appreciated the work of the patron, Mr. Clayton, to whom the association owed a deep debt of gratitude. During his 10 years as president, Mr. Parker said he had had the full cooperation of the committee and all the officers of the association, and without that no president could have carried on. The success of the Dominion tournament last year was a result of the wholehearted efforts of all concerned, and the credit was not due to one man only. He expressed his thanks to the boxers, mentioning particularly the boys of the Marist Bros.’ School and also Messrs. D’Arcy Heeney and Bill Shaskey, who were carrying on the training of the young men. He was pleased to see T. Baty on the job again, for lie showed a great deal of promise, going down at the last championships only to the champion. Wrestling Association’s Tribute

Mr. C. G. Rigby, on behalf of the Gisborne Wrestling Association, apologised for the absence of the chairman, Dr. W. A. Bowie, and also for the secretary and treasurer, who were absent in Wellington. He expressed the appreciation of the loyal support Mr. Parker had given to wrestling. On behalf of the Wrestling Association he presented Mr. Parker with an engraved fountain pen.

Mr. Parker briefly replied, and at the conclusion all present rose and sang “Auld Lang Syne.”