HAMILTON BOXING ASSN.

Waikato Times, Volume 92, Issue 14348, 27 April 1920, Page 2

HAMILTON BOXING ASSN.

REPORT OF SEASON'S WORK. The full'Kvmg report will be presented at the annual meeting of the Hamilton Boxing Association to-mor-row evening:— In presenting the first annual report the committee has pleasure in congratulating th.- Association on the rapid recovery of the sport in this district after four years of inaction caused by the war. It speaks volumes for the intrinsic value of ttie sport, its popularity and virility, that in the short spa«e of one season the sport lias try covered from the setback due to the world war. The financial position of>ae Association is shown herewith, and it is a matter of congratulation to all concerned on the most successful state of our finances. Considering the Association started in August, 1919, and to finish the season 31st March, 1920, with a credit balance of £167 4s Id and a plant worth £9O speaks for’itself. Our membership consists of 129 members and two life honorary members. While the amai-ur side of the sport has been well catered for. the professional side has received very ]»rtieuiar attention. The presence in the Dominion of several boxers with high Australian and American reputations has undoubtedly had a most stimulating effect on public interest. From that point of view their presence has proved most valuable, but it must not be forgotten that the function of the Association is not mainly the promotion of professional contests, but the encouraging of the youth of the district to take up boxing,"not only as a competitive sport, but also as a physical exercise. Contests between high-grade professionals certainly act as a stimulus in this direction, but too midi stressba iaid-wpon jho Importance ef encouraging Boxing among the routlrtol the district. Boxing thanks to the encouragement it ree- ived from the military authorities, " ho were quick to recognise its great value as a physical exercise,- is no v nerally regarded as a clean sport In be encouraged and advanced in - every possible way, and my committee feels sure that the members of the assoeia. tion on whom rests the responsibility of its welfare in this district, will spare no effort to maintain and better its present high position. .. The New Zealand amateur champonships will bo held this year at Hastings in July next, nd it is hoped that this Association will be represented in all classes. It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mr J. Bruce, a man of sterling worth and one of our most esteemed committeemen and supporters. During the season two carnivals were held, the first being a two-night tourney, which was very successful, ali the bouts being fought in i very clean manner. The second tourney was be tween J. Clalffiy (U.&X.) ’ind T. Tracey Australia), fora purse of £4OO. These men. by their clever boxing in the ring and their gentlemanly behaviour, have raised the noble art of self-defence to that had never been known here previously. During the training operations of these two champions of the fistic arena the sum of over £4O was collected on behalf of the patients of the-Waikato Hospital. The coming season is full of promts’ for a great revival of the amateur side of the sport. It is hoped that satisfactory arrangements will be made in regard to obtaining an Association training room and gymnasium, as these are essential in the making of improvements in the class of exhibition the Association will be able to offer to the pubic. The thanks of the Asociation are due to all those whose energy during the year has contributed to The wellbeing of the sport; to Drs. Garland, Joseph and Waddell (the hon. doctors), to Mr F. A. Swarbrick (hon. solicitor), to Mr G. C. Cork (hon. auditor), and to the Press for the valuable services rendered.

The balance-sheet receipts showed: Members’ subs, and nomination fees £137 4s, Robinson-Venn tourney £209 l“s, Glabby-Tracey tourney £728 9s, donations £45 13s, training collections £4O 4s 4d, hire of ring £2O, programme rights £5 ss, discount £1 Is; total £llB7 Igs lid.. The principal items of expenditure were: Robinson-Venn prize money expenses £lO5, amateurs £97 4s, Clabby Tracey £4OO. Robinson-Keenan Slid’ amateurs £2 2s. advertising and printing £6l Ils 9d, rents £77 10s. hospital patients’ donation £4O 4s id, plant, etc. £34 5s 7d, secretary’s bonus £lO, stagr ing and seating £lB 13s 6d. Cash in hand is shown at £5 14s •nd the balance in bank at £166 10s Id’.