TOM HEENEY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 September 1928, Page 4

TOM HEENEY

A GREAT WELCOME. (L'y Telegrapn—-Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, So.pt, 17. A stirring “Weleme Home' 1 was accorded ’ Tom Heeney, the New Zealander eon tender for the world’s heavyweight boxing title, by a crowded audience at the Town Hall to-night, where amateur boxing contests were being held. On entering the hall with Mrs Heeney, the New Zealand champion was cheered to the echo and “For He’s a Jolly Fellow” was sung in a manner that showed that the crowd meant it.

High tribute to the fame which Tom Heeney had brought upon New Zealand by the splendid fight ho had put up for the world’s highest boxing lioiiours, were paid by the President of the Wellington Boxing Association (Hon T. M. kVilford), the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. J. G. Ooates), Mr H. E. Holland M.P. (Leader of the Opposition), and Sir Joseph Ward (the Leader of the United Political Party). The Prime Minister declared that Tom Heeney had not only proved himself a great fighter, hut also a splendid loser.

Mr Holland drew attention to the fact that the film of the great fight disclosed that throughout the eleven rounds, the New Zealander did not give way one yard. Such a display of manly fighting spirit against a man of Tunney’s ability prompted the hope that Tom Heeney would yet attain to the heavy-weight championship of the world.

Jn replying, Tom Heonev said that he wished to remove the misapprehension that existed as to the American! not being good sportsmen. “When ) fought Tunney,” he said, “ninety per cent, of the Americans were with me!” Mr and Mrs. Heeney were subsequently entertained at a social gatlier-

ing in tho Concert Chamber of the Town Hall by the Wellington Boxiiig Association, at which the. speeches were repeated, and tho famous boxer wns acclaimed h.v the large number of guests present.