BOXING TOURNAMENT.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 82, 29 November 1912, Page 5

BOXING TOURNAMENT.

Many prominent citizens graced the ringside at the tournament in the Town Hall last night. Among those present were Mr, J. B. Hino, M.P. for the district, Mr. C. A. Wilkinson, M.P. for Egmont, Rev. G. W .Dent, Elthaxii, Dr. Caroery, Stratford, ana several well-kno.vn public men of Eltham, where the sport lias obtained a firm hold. The judges were Captain Lampen and Mr. Phillip Skogltmd, and “Professor” Stagpoole was referee. Dr. Paget acted as timekeeper. Tnere was not the support from the public that might have ueen expected on a holiday, the hall being less tnan half full. Owing to circumstances over winch tiie promoters (the Eltliam Sports and Pastimes Club) had, no control, the programme was consul.rably shortened, and the proceedings were over before ten o’clock. Following are the results of tlie bouts;— T. Thompson (10.1) met 'ilieobold (lOst) both of Eltliam. Thompson was repeatedly cautioned for hokl.ng with bis arms,' but his opponent made the fighting. The pace improved as the rounds mounted up, and the last round (fourth) was merry. 1 heobold was adjudged the winner—a popular verdict.

H. Bailey (Eltham) at 14 years was a bigger fellow than Arthur Pennyhall, of Cheal Road, Ngaere, at Id, and this somewhat handicapped him, especially when Lis opponent proved to be agile and altogether a slippery customer. The three-round bout was much more interesting than the previous one. The judges disagreed, there being little to choose between the boys, but the referee gave the verdict to Penny-hall. Bailey’s showing was distinctly good for his age. A willing competition was opened when W. Foley (Puniwhakau) and W. Foster (Eltham) both over the list., and within a few pounds of each other, met over three rounds. The best of spirit prevailed, Foley doing the leading for most of the time. After a “very fine bit of fighting,” as the referee stated in announcing the decision, Foley won on points. As evidence of the closeness of the bout, it might be mentioned that public opinion was fairly evenly divided upon the matter.

Walker and Styles were announced as 9 stone champions of Taranaki, the latter being the Territorial “hope.” Before the first round was halfway through, the public took' a hand and started to count the men out, and call for the police. The exhibition was of far too scientific a nature, and not “willing” enough to suit their tastes, and after the first round the referee called the bout off, explaining that Walker’s opponent in the matched event had not been able to fulfil bis engagement owing to an accident to the motor-car.

Olliver (New Plymouth), 9st champion of Taranaki, was challenged by A. Clarry, of Eltham. Clarry, besides having a fine defence, did most of the leading, hut some very nice boxing was witnessed. There wasn’t an idle moment throughout. The first round was Clarry’s right out, and so was the last (fourth), the second and third rounds being very even. ’The verdict for Clarry was greeted with •r.pp’au; e What promised to he the star bout of the evening came suddenly to a dose. Foley (Puniwhakau) and Thomas (Eltham) met at even weights—iKLt. The latter is the champion cf the Territorials, and great was the joy at his success. In the second round Foley went down, taking advantage of the count, and a moment after getting on his feet was sent to the hoards nga n, this time to leave his opponent with the honours. There was a good deal of feinting and dodging between the parties, hut whenever they went at it no “hog pardons” were needlessly ban died about. The evening was robbed of a good deal of interest owing to the turn of events.