SPORT OF WRESTLING.

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18946, 16 May 1933, Page 9

SPORT OF WRESTLING.

WAIKATO ASSOCIATION

SUCCESSFUL SEASON INDICATED

BIG TEAM FROM OVERSEAS

Indications that the coming season will be considerably more successful than the last were forthcoming at the fourth annual meeting of the Waikato Wrestling Association in Toorak Chambers last night. There was an attendance of about 30, and the president (Mr C. A. Mathieson) struck an optimistic note in referring to the prospects for the ensuing session. Dissatisfaction with the wrestling witnessed In Hamilton last season was expressed .by Mr Mathieson in * his annual report. “It has been most apparent that private Individuals . have interfered with our efforts at promotion, and this resulted In a visit, to Auckland by myself and several other members of the executive to squash interference," he said. "The poorness of one or two bouts was due to men being badly matched or having to substitute at the last moment; in fact, the executive were disgusted, and discussed the advisability of closing the season early as a protest to the professional wrestlers for allowing interferfence and for their poor efforts. The ease with which wrestlers extricated themselves from holds left it open to challenge that they were wrestling honestly. Showmanship was very pronounced, and the association’s supporters have been most caustic in their comment, and many discontinued their patronage early in the season as a protest against the poor displays. It Is apparent to me that If professionals desire a satisfactory purse they must produce the goods first."

Healthy Financial Position. The report mentioned that five bouts were held during the season, the receipts for the Walker-Demetral contest, the inaugural fixture, amounting to the record sum of £2Bl 2s 6d. The Mamos-Demetral bout, a substitute contest, resulted In a direct loss to the association of £3B 6s.

The association was well represented a tthe New Zealand championship tournament, A. Newton, W. Shattock, P. Hill and C. Woolston being .contenders from this district. Neyvton was successful in retaining the welterweight title. The report concluded with thanks to the outgoing officers and others who had assisted the association in the past year. Mr Mathieson said that the annual meeting had been delayed in order to ascertain the prospects for the new season. The association had now ten overseas wrestlers in view for matohes, and he was confident that this year would see sport of a much higher standard than that of last year. The statement of aooounts disclosed a credit balance of £64 17s 6d, as against £SO 12s last year. The gross takings were £l2O less than the previous season. 1

The report and balance sheet were adopted. , , Speaking to the report and balance sheet Mr R. T. Reid congratulated the president and executive on the success of the past season, despite the difficult times. One of the difficulties las! year was the fact that the same wrestlers were frequently matched, but prospects for the coming season were bright, and with new men coming who had not been matched before there should be some Interesting contests. He considered that members of wrestling associations were getting good value for their money. In conclusion, he said the Auckland Association, of which he was a member, would give the Waikato Association every assistance.

Election of Officers.

The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted: —Patron, Mr .R. T. Reid; president, Mr C. A. Mathieson; vice-presidents,. Messrs J. Blackball, J. Wright, F. Baker, F. Findlay, W. 11. Prickett, W. Fenton; secretary and treasurer, Mr V. S. Harris; committee, Messrs A. Mcßae, I. Duncan, D. Matheson, W. Shattock, A. Newton, G. Lowry, E. R. Davey, P. Kelly, W. Christie, E. Brown, B. Hindman, W. Taylor, G. Barker, W. Glover, H. Gough; hon. medical officers, Drs. E. C Brewis, T. A. MUroy, F. A. Lamb; hon. auditors,, Messrs T. G. Reynolds and W. H. Allen. The membership of the association is restricted to 75, and there were 31 nominations for the ten vacancies for the coming season. A ballot was held to decide the new members. At a meeting of the executive foh lowing the annual meeting a letter was read from Mr C. Pollard, of Auckland, notifying his willingness to act as referee during the 1933 season. A bouts committee consisting of Messrs J. Blackhall, W. Fenton, and V. S. Harris, was appointed. Messrs R. T. Reid and F. Baker were elected time-keepers and Mr W. Fenton, announcer. Arrangements for Thursday night’s baut were completed. It was mentioned that a considerable number of overseas wrestlers were en route to New Zealand, while others were to leave shortly.

THURSDAY* NIGHT’S BOUT.

BLAKE V. PATTERSON

The Waikato Wrestling Association will open its season on Thursday night with a bout between Blake and Patterson. Neither man lias appeared before the Hamilton public previously and great interest is being manifested in the approaching lxture. “ whiskers” Blake is a phenomenally tall man and wears a full ginger beard, and his appearance is being keenly looked forward to. The bout should he fast and exciting as Patterson is described by critics as being a very rough wrestler. The amateur bouts should prove very entertaining.

HALL DEFEATS BETH

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH. Monday. In a professional wrestling contest this evening Leu Hal! heat Bill Belli, wire was disqualified for punching' in the last of an eight-round boul. At this stage each had laken one fall. Hall's being given l'or an earlier foul by Belli. It was I lie best wrestling bout seen in CLvUtehureli.