WRESTLING CONTROL

Taranaki Daily News, 27 July 1935, Page 7

WRESTLING CONTROL

REPLY FOR THE ASSOCIATION. WALKER’S' CLAIMS REFUTED. 9 By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Asked to comment for the New Zealand Wrestling Union on George Walker’s criticism of the control of wrestling (reported elsewhere) Mr. J. D. Willis, chairman of the management committee, said he felt more pleased than not that the attack had been made because it gave an easy opportunity of clearing up a number of misconceptions which had arisen. Mr. Willis described Walker’s assertions as “silly.” Remarking on Walker’s first point he said it was gross exaggeration to say that in any centre as many as 300 free tickets were issued. The number of free tickets was fixed by the committee andflthe treasurer kept records of them The numbers were far smaller than Walker indicated and actually were being reduced under a policy laid down by tne union. The assertion that one of the imported wrestlers was allowed to do match-mak-ing was incorrect. All matches were made by the union's secretary, or alternatively by the associations, which asked for confirmation by the union.* “It is a funny thing that this is the first time Walker has complained of this," Mr. Willis said concerning the unions and the provincial associations’ receipts out of the gate takings. He said Walker’s figures were correct but the conclusion arrived at was entirely unfounded. All the union’s officers with the exception of the paid secretary, whose duties were continuous and heavy, worked in an honorary capacity. Secretaries of the associations were paid small honoraria. All the money collected was used for the promotion of wrestling.

To give an idea of the expenses to be met Mr. Willis said that last year for the cost of amateur wrestling alone £250 was paid. In addition donations were made to charity. It had been considered advisable to retain the broadcasting fees because broadcasting had popularised the sport very largely.