AMATEUR BOXING UNION MAKES PETITION FOR OFFICIAL RECOGNITION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18544, 18 August 1928, Page 7

AMATEUR BOXING UNION MAKES PETITION FOR OFFICIAL RECOGNITION.

(Special to the " Star.”) WELLINGTON, August 17. Nearly 200 officers aifd members of the New Zealand Amateur Boxing Union have petitioned Parliament, through Mr J. M’C. Dickson, asking for official recognition cf their organisation. They* state that the New Zealand Boxing Association governs both amateur and professional boxing, but has cf late years catered principally for professional boxers and has not been able to give - the right form of encouragement to amateur boxers. As a result of dissatisfaction among supporters of amateur sport the New Zealand Amateur Boxing Union has been formed to develop boxing under control distinct from professional boxing, by the formation of amateur clubs. The Minister of Internal Affairs has so far refused to give official recognition to the rTew union. The petitioners wish this decision reversed, and that the usual right cf police supervision should be waived in connection with amateur boxing contests, as it is contended that the presence of a uniforniecl policeman, especially at competitions in schools and colleges, is no more justified than in a juvenile court. Petitioners also desire to dispense with the necessity for police permits for amateur contests. . . The signatories to the .petition include leading officials of amateur athletic bodies and public schools in Dunedin, Oamaru, Timaru, Ashburton, Christchurch, Waikato and Wellington.