A WARM WELCOME

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 34, 10 February 1931, Page 14

A WARM WELCOME

' His mission fulfilled, Mr. Earl \Stewart, tho well-known boxing referee, was the guest of the Wellington Boxing Association last nighfcj- together with the two American featherweights. Reference to the progress boxing had made in the Dominion, as a whole, antlj, in Wellington sinee '1903, was made by* Mr. B. W. M'Villy, president of the association, who was iv the chair, Mr. M'Villy said that the sport had a standing which was not thought possible twenty years ago, and it was sufficient to point out that the Wellington Association was in a position to send its representatiye on such a ( /trip., as -that' which- Mr. Stewart had'"- just 'completed. A hearty reception was accorded Mr. Stewart when ho rosie to give a, brief account of his trip) referring to the exhaustive search lie"was compelled to make before he could find boxers who came up to the standard of the leading lightweights in this country. The overseas boxers present, Bobby Blay and Tommy Fairhall of Australia,, in addition to the two Americans, Whitlow and Thomas, wore also given a great hearing, and were assured that wherever they ( fought in New Zealand they could be sure, of a square deal. : The Americans modestly replied that they would endeavour to give of their best, and they hoped their best would prove satisfactory. The following toasts were honoured: —"The King," "Visitors from Overseas." "Parliament," "New Zealand Boxing Council," and "The President of the Wellington-Boxing-. Association."