WRESTLING CONTROL

Waipa Post, Volume 44, Issue 3178, 17 May 1932, Page 8

WRESTLING CONTROL

AUTHORITY OF THE UNION. QUESTION OF PERMITS. In more than one quarter negotiations have been, and still are, under way, for the importation of independent professional wrestlers from America. Wrestling, like boxing, is governed in the Dominion by regulations. Though not identical terms, these provide for the control in both cases by the police authorities. In the case of wrestling, the police have discretionary powers regarding the issue of permits.! and the question which has been open to varying interpretations is whether such a permit can be denied an applicant at the sole discretion in all cases of the police authorities. In a recent circular sent out by the New Zealand- Union authorities, it was expressly stated that wrestling would be placed on the same footing as boxing, and that the issue of permits would be confined to the Dominion controlling body. When questioned on the matter the president of the Dominion Union, Mr H. D. Bennett, stated that he was aware of the efforts being made to bring into the country a number of men who were willing to accept matches as free lances. Both at Auckland and Wellington private promoting was contemplated, and he knew that cable- ; games had been sent to America for i free men.

The regulations gazetted last year, he said, gave absolute control regarding the issue of permits to the police authorities. The regulations were prepared and issued at the request of the union, and the Commissioner of Police has given his assurance to the union that, so long as the game was under good control, no permits would be issued outside of it. Acording to the union, private promoters should make sure of their ground before investing their money. There were about 20 wrestling associations throughout the country, and all were affiliated to the parent bodyon an amateur basis. The union has made its arrangements for the season, and it did not wish to see a lot of men landed here onlv to find themselves embairassed.