BOXING

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2745, 13 April 1916, Page 7

BOXING

WELLINGTON ASSOCIATION'S EEPOUT. The thirteenth annual report of the_ Wellington Boxing Association states, inter alia, that the struggle in which tho, Empire is involved has dopleted the boxing ranks of the Dominion of of the most capable exponents of the noble: art, consequently boxing associations, have not been able to display .the usual activity in respect to holding Contests. The committee (commenced the year with the inteittion of confining activities mainly Ito the promotion of events in support of the patriotic ' funds which were being organised for various purposes in connection with our soldiers and the war. In pursuance of this intention it was decided to proceed with an arrangement which had practically been completed prior to tho last annual meeting, i.e.. a lightweight contest, Coolc v. Taylor. Owing to insuperable difficulties in respect to date and Cook's other engagements, the proposed match was aTjandoned. Preliminary arrangements Were made for holding the annflal provincial championships, but in view of, the fact that nearly all Wellington boxing exponents had volunteered for active service, and disappointing support accorded to the Taylor v. Tracy contest, and the aban-donment-of the New Zealand and Aus-. tralasian championships, it was decided that in the bost interests of all concerned tho season be closed.

Following the practice of recent years the committee extended its patronage to tho annual contests held among tho Croydon School pupils at Day's Bay. TIIO display of the jboys, almost without exception, was excellent and found much favour with those who were privileged to bo present. As. a further incentive to excel, the committee, oh be-, half of the association, had presented a silver challenge cup for annual competition at the school. The cup carries with it a gold medal to the winner oach year,. ,

When the necessity aroso for volunteers for tho front, boxing exponents were not slow to answer, and, says tho report, nobly have they dono their duty to King and Empire. Jim Hagerty, Fred Kerr,' and many others who in tile past competed in tho roped arena before New Zealand audiences liavo given their lives in the cause' of freedom and liberty. They have left behind thera sterling records as .sportsmen'and soldiers, 'lhe comiiiittee sincerely uiourns.'.their loss and, honours their, memory. _ No soldier could face the enemv with more confidence and courage than the young men who in times of peace have successfully competed in a sport where hard knock? are the 6'rdef and the absence of fear is an'essential to success. ;

The committee desires- to extend its best wishes to Mr. C. E. Bridge, who has recently, joined the Forces, and has since earned a commission. As a member of -the committee for many years and closely associated with, the active 6ide of the sport, Mr. Bridge has earned the respect of all, and our sport is indebted- to him for much valuable work. The outlook for the coming year is not particularly' promising as. regards the promotion of tournaments. The .committee recently considered a suggestion that the sport could bo still further popularised if first-class instruction was given ill connection with,the physical sido of the school boys' education. Preliminary steps arc now being taken witli a view to formulating a scheme based on this suggestion. Tho committee , recorded the fact that during tjie season it gav© ever}' pos-' siblo assistance to various patriotic movements.' The balance of assets over liabilities is set down as £501 lis. Ud. hand and on deposit is »j43q 08, 7d. Outstanding subscriptions total ,£43. . ." .